NEW DELHI : The Indian Army on Tuesday released short videos and photographs showing thinning down of troops and dismantling of bunkers, camps and other facilities by the Chinese military in the areas around the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh in line with the agreed disengagement process between the two sides. The visuals also showed the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) using a bulldozer to flatten some structures, and vehicles with troops and equipment preparing to retreat to rear bases as part of the infantry disengagement. The photos and videos largely depicted a fast-paced disengagement process in both the North and South banks of the Pangong lake that included withdrawal of troops, removal of machinery and dismantling of temporary structures like bunkers, posts and tents. Sources in the defence and security establishment said the disengagement process is gathering pace, and the entire exercise is expected to be concluded by the end of the week. In the last few days, both sides removed several bunkers, temporary posts and other structures in the areas while gradually thinning down their troops, they said. The sources said field commanders of both the sides are meeting almost on a daily basis to take forward the disengagement process which was finalised following nine rounds of high-level military talks. The visuals released by the Indian Army also showed the PLA troops marching back while some vehicles waited at the nearest road-heads to take them back to rear bases. The sources said Army Chief Gen MM Naravane is keeping a close eye on the disengagement process. After nine months of border standoff in eastern Ladakh, the two armies have reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to cease forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner. The disengagement began on Wednesday last. On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a detailed statement in Parliament on the disengagement pact. According to the agreement, China has to pull back its troops to east of Finger 8 areas in the northern bank while the Indian personnel will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3 in the region. Similar action will take place on the southern bank of the lake as well, Singh had said in Parliament. Last year, the Chinese military built several bunkers and other structures in the areas between Finger 4 and 8 and had blocked all Indian patrols beyond Finger 4, triggering a strong reaction from the Indian Army. In the nine rounds of military talks, India was specifically insisting on withdrawal of the Chinese troops from Finger 4 to Finger 8 on the North bank of Pangong Lake. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers. The sources said following completion of the disengagement process, the two sides will hold talks on the de-escalation process. Defence minister Singh had also told Parliament that it was agreed to convene the next meeting of senior commanders of both sides within 48 hours of completion of the disengagement in the Pangong lake area so as to resolve all other remaining issues. On Friday, the defence ministry said other outstanding "problems" including in Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra will be taken up at the upcoming talks between military commanders of the two countries. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Ruby Tuesday Matthews is no stranger to partying. And on Monday, the 27-year-old revealed she had bruises on her bottom after attending an event hosted by kaftan designer Camilla Franks. The mother of two enjoyed a feast with fellow influencers at Gold Coast restaurant Maman Bar & Kitchen, which is owned by Tammy Hembrow's boyfriend, Matt Poole. Ouch! Influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews revealed on Monday she had bruises on her bottom after attending an event on the Gold Coast hosted by kaftan designer Camilla Franks When she returned home to Byron Bay, Ruby stripped down to her lingerie and revealed her bruised buttocks in a video shared to Instagram. She explained in her bathroom: 'I'm home from an epic afternoon. The kids are here and awake, and I just need to update everyone because I fell over.' The model then turned around to reveal two bruises on her glutes. Bruised peach: When she returned home to Byron Bay, the mother of two, 27, stripped down to her lingerie and revealed her bruised buttocks in a video shared to Instagram Ruby clearly had a great time celebrating the launch of Camilla's new collection. She shared several clips on Instagram of herself getting down on the dance floor and showing off her moves. The social media star also posted plenty of photos of herself showing off her bright and loud ensemble. Party girl: Ruby clearly had a great time celebrating the launch of Camilla's new collection She fashioned a green scarf into a boob tube, which she teamed with a flowing orange kaftan, patterned wide-leg trousers and Nike sneakers. Ruby completed the look with a black embroidered fanny pack and another printed scarf around her head. Ruby made headlines in October when she was due to fly from Byron Bay to Sydney on a 5pm flight, but a technical issue caused the plane's departure to be delayed. Eclectic: She also posted plenty of photos of herself showing off her bright and loud ensemble Fashionable pals! She shared several clips on Instagram of herself getting down on the dance floor and posing with friends The budget airline asked travellers to stay put while waiting for an engineer, and told passengers the new departure time would likely be about 7.30pm. But Ruby and her travel companion left the airport to eat at a beachside restaurant, leaving passengers waiting on the tarmac for 30 minutes for them to return. Ruby was heckled by passengers when she eventually boarded the plane. Fine dining: Ruby made headlines in October when she delayed a Jetstar flight from Byron Bay to Sydney because she was eating oysters at a beachside restaurant Delayed: The budget airline asked travellers to stay put while waiting for an engineer, but Ruby and her travel companion left the airport to eat at a beachside restaurant, leaving passengers waiting on the tarmac for 30 minutes for the pair to return She slammed the airline upon her arrival in Sydney for allowing her to be 'bullied'. Jetstar released a statement saying they had 'kept customers informed' throughout the delay, and asked them 'not to leave the airport should the flight be able to get away ahead of the revised time'. But Ruby claimed there were a number of other passengers who left the airport and arrived after the rescheduled departure time, saying: 'Jetstar made a complete joke of themselves. They let that harassment happen.' WASHINGTON - Donald Trump unleashed a torrent of insults at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who last week voted to acquit Trump but also said the former president bore responsibility for inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. In a statement, Trump criticized McConnell and said the Kentucky Republican "begged" Trump for his support in his 2020 reelection to the Senate. Trump also threatened to back primary challengers to lawmakers who are not aligned with him. "Where necessary and appropriate, I will back primary rivals who espouse Making America Great Again and our policy of America First. We want brilliant, strong, thoughtful, and compassionate leadership," Trump warned. Trump criticized McConnell's intellect, his appearance and more, saying the leader lacks "political insight, wisdom, skill, and personality" and describing him as a "dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack." The former president said that he "regrets" giving McConnell his endorsement last year and that the veteran politician would have lost had it not been for Trump. McConnell won another term by nearly 20 percentage points over Democrat Amy McGrath. Trump blamed McConnell for Republicans losing two Senate seats from Georgia, where Trump continued to perpetuate the unfounded claims that the presidential election was rigged. He said McConnell did nothing about the elections in that state; there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Georgia. "He doesn't have what it takes, never did, and never will," Trump said in the statement. "This is a big moment for our country, and we cannot let it pass by using third rate 'leaders' to dictate our future!" Trump said. Meanwhile, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani is no longer the former president's personal attorney, a Trump spokesman said Tuesday. "Mayor Giuliani is not currently representing President Trump is any legal matters," Trump spokesman Jason Miller said in a statement. Miller added in a tweet that Giuliani "remains an ally and a friend." News of the move was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Giuliani has been one of Trump's most steadfast defenders, but their relationship has frayed in recent months, according to people with knowledge of the dynamics between the two men. Trump has instructed aides not to pay Giuliani's legal fees, two former Trump officials previously told The Washington Post, and has demanded that he personally approve any reimbursements for the expenses Giuliani incurred while traveling on the former president's behalf to challenge the 2020 election results in key states. The officials said Trump has privately expressed concern with some of Giuliani's moves and did not appreciate a demand from Giuliani for $20,000 a day in fees for his work attempting to overturn the election. The news also comes weeks after YouTube suspended Giuliani from participating in its ad revenue sharing program, cutting off one of the ways Giuliani has been making money from his legions of followers. Dominion Voting Systems is suing Giuliani for $1.3 billion, saying he used his social media posts to make damaging, false claims that the company had engaged in election manipulation. In Trump's statement about McConnell, he criticized the Chinese business interests of McConnell's family, including his wife, former transportation secretary Elaine Chao, who was part of Trump's administration for nearly four years. Trump did not name Chao in the statement, which was issued through his Save America PAC. He said McConnell "has no credibility on China because of his family's substantial Chinese business holdings. He does nothing on this tremendous economic and military threat." The House Oversight and Reform Committee in 2019 investigated what it called "troubling questions" about whether Chao misused her position for personal and family benefit. The panel cited media reports that Chao leveraged her position to help Foremost Group - a New York-based shipping company that carries goods between the United States and China and that is owned by her father and sisters - gain "influence and status" with the Chinese government, which has given the firm millions of dollars in loans. The Transportation Department rejected the allegations as "simply false." Trump chose Chao to be transportation secretary in November 2016. He has previously praised her "expertise," "strong leadership" and personal background as an immigrant. Chao announced her resignation last month, saying she was left "deeply troubled" after the Capitol assault. - - - The Washington Post's Philip Rucker, Hannah Knowles and Gerrit De Vynck contributed to this report. KYODO NEWS - Feb 16, 2021 - 16:30 | World, All A South Korean woman who was forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels made an appeal to her government on Tuesday, urging it to bring the issue to the International Court of Justice so that the two countries could reach a "complete settlement" and improve ties. Lee Yong Soo, one of the 15 surviving "comfort women" acknowledged by the South Korean government, claimed the issue should be judged at the ICJ as Japan is ignoring a South Korean court's recent ruling in favor of the victims. In January, a Seoul court ordered the Japanese government to pay 100 million won ($90,400) each to 12 former comfort women plaintiffs over their treatment in Japanese military brothels during World War II, marking the first such court ruling in South Korea. The Japanese government, however, has taken the position that the lawsuit should be dismissed based on sovereign immunity -- a principle under international law that allows a state to be shielded against the jurisdiction of foreign courts. "Japan is just ignoring the ruling, while not even appealing it," the 92-year-old Lee said during a press conference. "I am not asking for money. We have to receive complete acknowledgement and an apology from Japan." Lee said a "fair judgment" at the ICJ could also help build a future-oriented relationship between Seoul and Tokyo. After the press conference, South Korea's Foreign Ministry issued a statement Tuesday and said the government is doing its best to recover the honor and dignity of the surviving victims. "We are planning to listen more to the victims' stance, and will thoroughly review bringing the issue to the ICJ," the ministry said. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands have delighted royal fans with a playful snap recreating their engagement. Having celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary two weeks ago by sharing throwback pictures of their big day, the couple shared an intimate and playful picture on Instagram, showing the King down on one knee on a frozen pond at Huis Ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. The couple, who are 53 and 49 respectively and share three daughters got engaged in March 2001 and tied the knot in a grandiose ceremony in February 2002. King Willem-Alexander, 53 and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, 49, had fun recreating their engagement at Huis Ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. The Dutch Monarch proposed to the Argentinian economist on March 30 2001 Maxima and Willem-Alexander have been married for 19 years and share three daugthers. Their engagement was met with controversy because Maxima's father, Jorge Zorreguieta, served as Secretary of Agriculture under General Jorge Rafael Videla, during Argentina's military dictatorship 'More than 20 years later, same place. Enjoy on the ice,' the couple wrote, sharing the picture on the official Instagram account of the Dutch royal court. The beaming couple, who've been together for more than two decades, looked relaxed in casual winter clothes as they took to the ice. Willem-Alexander, wearing a navy blue beanie hat, a blue puffer jacket and a pair of jeans got on one knee, as he did when he asked Maxima to marry him nearly 20 years ago. Maxima, wearing a similar outfit to her husband's and donning a similar beanie hat, smiled as he grabbed her glove-clad hand to re-enact the moment. The couple tied the knot on February 2 2002, pictured, and Willem-Alexander became king following his mother Queen Beatrix's abdication in April 2013 At the time, the fact that Maxima, who was a 28-year-old economist, was the daughter of Jorge Zorreguieta, who served as Secretary of Agriculture under General Jorge Rafael Videla, during Argentina's military dictatorship raised eyebrows. Hello Magazine reported in 2016 that Willem-Alexander put his foot down and was so set on marrying Maxima he was ready to renounce the throne to be her husband. Maxima, who was born in Buenos Aires endeared herself to the Dutch people thanks to her warm personality and the nuptials went ahead on February 2 2002 at Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam church. On the day, the bride wore a beautiful gown by Valentino, which bears some similarities to the Givenchy wedding dress Meghan Markle wore on the day she tied the knot with Prince Harry in 2018. The couple have three daughters. From left tor right, Maxima with Princess Alexia, 15, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Ariane, 13 and Willem -Alexander. Pictured in July 2020 at Palace Huis Ten Bosch, in the Hague Made of ivory mikado silk and with a cowl neckline and three-quarter sleeves just like the Duchess of Sussex's, the dress also had a 16.4ft lace train. Maxima topped off the look with a diamond tiara and a beautiful lace veil. Willem wore his navy uniform, decorated with the Accession Medal 1980, ribbon and star of a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands, the Officers Cross and star of a Knight of the House Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau. Willem-Alexander became King of the Netherlands in April 2013 following the abdication of his mother Queen Beatrix. The couple have been married for 19 years and celebrated their Bronze wedding anniversary on February 2. They have three daughters: Princess Catharina-Amalia, 17, Princess Alexia, 15, and Princess Ariane, 13. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Periods of rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. 'Shift' happening in US on abortion, 'scales finally tipping': pro-life leaders CP Reporter | 05 June, 2019 by Brandon Showalter Buoyed by the number of laws being passed at the state level and dozens of federal judges being confirmed, pro-life advocates are hailing a tipping point and "shift" happening across the U.S. on abortion. The "scales [are] finally tipping" in favor of the unborn, said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser as she addressed hundreds of guests gathered Monday for the annual Campaign for Life Gala, held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. "It's about time, don't you say. The time is now," she said. Supermodel and businesswoman Kathy Ireland, who served as mistress of ceremonies, also celebrated the "incredible shift happening in America." "We work and pray as though it is only a matter of time," she said. In recent months, several states in the South and Midwest have passed laws banning virtually all abortions or at the moment when a fetal heartbeat is detected. Dannenfelser attributed the "tidal wave" of pro-life momentum across the U.S. to the radicalism of the other side. She urged those in attendance to travel to and spend tourist dollars in states like Georgia where major companies and Hollywood actors have boycotted due to their recently adopted abortion restrictions. Her group's goals for the coming year include re-electing President Trump, whom she called the most pro-life president in history; electing pro-life legislators to both chambers of Congress; passing legislations that prohibit abortions on the basis of sex and disability; and overturning Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, a 2016 Supreme Court decision that struck down restrictions such as requiring they have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles on abortion providers. Honored for his leadership in the U.S. Senate, particularly his facilitation of two Supreme Court justices and 110 federal district and appellate court judges confirmed to lifetime appointments on the bench, Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, was presented with the Distinguished Leader Award. During his remarks, the Kentucky Republican, who is the Senate Majority Leader, criticized Democrats for their "extremism" on the abortion issue. "The one thing I get to do that the other 99 don't get to do is decide what we're going to do," he said to laughter. "And obviously that was on full display when I decided not to fill the Scalia vacancy," he added, a remark to which the crowd gave him a standing ovation and loud cheers. In 2016, stalwart conservative Justice Antonin Scalia died but because Republicans held the majority in the Senate, McConnell refused to grant a hearing to Merrick Garland, President Obama's pick to replace him. Because Donald Trump was re-elected and the Senate majority held through the 2016 election cycle, the vacancy was filled with Neil Gorsuch and Anthony Kennedy's seat, vacated in the summer of 2018, by Brett Kavanaugh. McConnell's tactical move in 2016 is thus seen as what kept the decades-long dream alive of dismantling Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision legalizing abortion nationwide. McConnell told the crowd Monday that he believes that by prioritizing lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary they will have the longest, most positive impact on the country in the future. His goal, he said, is "no vacancies left behind, none," with those judgeships filled by jurists who are "talented, brilliant, and young." Nationwide, approximately 1 in 5 of the federal court of appeals judges have been appointed, confirmed, and installed in the two and a half years of the Trump presidency, the Senate leader said. Continue reading about abortion on The Christian Post. The IT major announced that TCS BaNCS for Market Infrastructure has been selected by South African Bankers Services Company Proprietary (BankservAfrica) to drive the Rapid Payments Program (RPP), in South Africa. RPP is a significant national initiative to introduce a next-generation, easy to use, real-time retail payments system for the growing payments ecosystem in South Africa. It aims to introduce instant payments, usage of proxy resolution for easier addressability, and the ability to initiate payments using a request-to-pay. BankservAfrica selected the TCS BaNCS for Market Infrastructure solution to create a modern, open central payments infrastructure to realize its vision for real-time payments and unlock innovation across multiple industries in the country. The TCS BaNCS for Market Infrastructure solution will provide Bankserv with an ultra-high performance, low latency and scalable solution to meet the needs of RPP. Additionally, by leveraging TCS' innovative Quartz Smart Ledgers for proxy resolution, built on a decentralized/ distributed architecture, BankservAfrica's customers will benefit from a secure, real-time and scalable solution for account information. The Quartz KYC/ AML solution will provide real-time fraud management capabilities to facilitate transaction screening and monitoring. R Vivekanand, co-head, TCS Financial Solutions, said: "TCS BaNCS has seen wide adoption and success in the South African financial services industry, with the country's top 8 financial institutions and the South African Depository running on our solutions. As BankservAfrica looks to set new standards for realtime payments and financial inclusion in South Africa, TCS BaNCS for Market Infrastructure will help create a modern, high-performance, open central payments infrastructure. We are happy to be a partner in this exciting purpose-led transformation and are committed to delivering innovative solutions leveraging TCS BaNCS and Quartz in the country." TCS BaNCS for market infrastructure supports clearing and settlement for exchanges, CSDs, CCPs and central banks. With its ability to support multiple markets, currencies, and asset classes on the same platform, it has been a key catalyst in driving transformation in many markets worldwide. TCS Financial Solutions is a strategic business unit of TCS. Dedicated to providing business solutions to financial institutions globally, TCS Financial Solutions has compiled a comprehensive product portfolio under the brand name of TCS BaNCS. TCS is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization. The IT major reported 16.4% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 8,701 crore on a 4.7% increase in revenue to Rs 42,015 crore in Q3 December 2020 over Q2 September 2020. The scrip shed 1.01% to currently trade at Rs 3108.30 on the BSE. It traded in the range of 3100.25 and 3166.25 so far during the day. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Credit: Aline Dassel/Pixabay Icebergs are melting faster than current models describe, according to a new study by mathematicians at the University of Sydney. The researchers have proposed a new model to more accurately represent the melt speed of icebergs into oceans. Their results, published in Physical Review Fluids, have implications for oceanographers and climate scientists. Lead author and Ph.D. student Eric Hester said: "While icebergs are only one part of the global climate system, our improved model provides us with a dial that we can tune to better capture the reality of Earth's changing climate." Current models, which are incorporated into the methodology used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, assume that icebergs melt uniformly in ocean currents. However, Mr Hester and colleagues have shown that icebergs do not melt uniformly and melt at different speeds depending on their shape. "About 70 percent of the world's freshwater is in the polar ice sheets and we know climate change is causing these ice sheets to shrink," said Mr Hester, a doctoral student in the School of Mathematics & Statistics. "Some of this ice loss is direct from the ice sheets, but about half of the overall ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica happens when icebergs melt in the ocean, so understanding this process is important. "Our model shows that icebergs are melting at faster rates than current models assume," he said. As well as its importance for modelling how ice sheets are changing, Mr Hester said his research will help us better understand the impact of ice melt on ocean currents. Credit: University of Sydney "Ocean circulation is the reason that Britain isn't as cold as Alberta, Canada, despite being at similar latitudes," Mr Hester said. The Gulf Stream that takes warmer water from the tropics across the Atlantic keeps western Europe milder than it otherwise would be, he said. "That current could shut down if too much freshwater is dumped into the system at once, so it's critical we understand the process of iceberg and ice sheet melt." Where and when the freshwater is released, and how the ocean is affected, in part depends on the speed at which icebergs melt. Co-author Dr. Geoffrey Vasil from the University of Sydney said: "Previous work incorporating icebergs in climate simulations used very simple melting models. We wanted to see how accurate those were and whether we could improve on them." Mr Hester said their modelsconfirmed in experimentand the observations of oceanographers show that the sides of icebergs melt about twice as fast as their base. For icebergs that are moving in the ocean, melting at the front can be three or four times faster than what the old models predicted. "The old models assumed that stationary icebergs didn't melt at all, whereas our experiments show melting of about a millimetre every minute," Mr Hester said. "In icebergs moving in oceans, the melting on the base can be up to 30 percent faster than in old models." The research shows that iceberg shape is important. Given that the sides melt faster, wide icebergs melt more slowly but smaller, narrower icebergs melt faster. "Our paper proposes a very simple model that accounts for iceberg shape, as a prototype for an improved model of iceberg melting," Dr. Vasil said. To test these models, the researchers developed the first realistic small-scale simulations of melting ice in salt water. "We are confident this modelling captures enough of the complexity so that we now have a much better way to explain how icebergs melt," Mr Hester said. Dr. Vasil, who is Mr Hester's Ph.D. supervisor, said: "Before Eric started his Ph.D. the computational tools to model these kinds of systems didn't really exist. "Eric took a very simple prototype and made it work wonderfully on the complex ice-melting problem." Dr. Vasil said that these methods can be applied to many other systems, including glaciers melting or the melting of frozen, saline sea ice. "But it doesn't end there. His methods could also be used by astrobiologists to better understand ice moons like Saturn's Enceladus, a candidate for finding life elsewhere in the Solar System." Explore further Breaking the ice on melting and freezing More information: Eric W. Hester et al. Aspect ratio affects iceberg melting, Physical Review Fluids (2021). Eric W. Hester et al. Aspect ratio affects iceberg melting,(2021). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevFluids.6.023802 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 North Dakota bill that an Apple executive had warned threatens to destroy iPhone as you know it died in a vote on Tuesday. Three-quarters of North Dakotas 48 state senators voted against the bill, which sought to prohibit Apple and Google from forcing North Dakota companies to hand over a share of their app sales. The bill targeted Apples and Googles practices of charging a commission of up to 30 percent on many app sales. The companies brought in a combined $33 billion from those commissions last year, according to estimates from Sensor Tower, an app data firm. Companies like Epic Games, Spotify and Match Group, along with some smaller app developers, have protested the commissions as artificially high, arguing that Apple and Google can only charge them because they are a duopoly and that app makers have little choice but to deal with them to reach customers. The two tech giants make the software that underpin nearly all of the worlds smartphones. The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) during a press dinner on February 11, 2021 said he would not stand for re-election as party chairman in the upcoming convention. Social Democratic Front (SDF) members who would want to run for the post of the party's National Chairman in the convention expected to take place in 2023 can start to brace up knowing that the current National Chairman, John Fru Ndi will not stand for re-election. John Fru Ndi disclosed his decision not to stand for re-election during a press dinner in his residence at Nkolfoulou in the outskirts of Yaounde on February 11, 2021, the Secretary General of the SDF, Senator Jean Tsomelou told Cameroon Tribune. As for Chairman Fru Ndi's reasons, the SDF Secretary General cited his advancing age and health situation. He said Fru Ndi justified that politics was on the field. Fru Ndi, he said, had toured Cameroon 22 times in 30 years and his current age and health situation can no longer permit him to do so. Fru Ndi however, according to the party scribe, remains committed to the SDF and could take up another function. As to the current activities of the SDF, the Secretary General Jean Tsomelou said there were on the field to structure the party starting with the grassroots organs. He said the party has been greatly attacked and weakened. One of the main causes, he said, was the security crisis in the North West and South West Regions, stating that for more than two years, the SDF has not had any meeting with the grassroots structures in the two regions. Concerning the other regions of the country, the SDF was trying to remobilize the grassroots, making efforts to achieve internal reconciliation. With so many different pancake recipes available, it can be difficult to know which to rely on for a decadent stack. But help is at hand, as scientists have used artificial intelligence (AI) to come up with a recipe for the most delectable pancakes this Shrove Tuesday. Monolith, an Imperial College London spin-off, applied its machine learning model to compare the most popular pancake recipes and create the ultimate preparation method. According to the London-based firm, seven ingredients flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, butter and eggs will give the fluffiest pancakes. And while you might be tempted to go for multiple flips, the AI claims that just one toss is necessary to ensure perfect pancakes. Monolith, a British engineering AI software company, has discovered the fluffiest pancake recipe. The experts at the firm applied their AI model to compare the most popular recipes THE ULTIMATE AI-APPROVED PANCAKES From the optimum butter-to-milk ratio, to the cooking time & heat, Monolith identified the ultimate combination of ingredients: - Flour - 210g - Sugar - 48g - Baking powder - 14g - Salt - 6g - Eggs - 2 - Milk - 256g - Butter - 25g - Number of flips - 1 - Pan temp - medium heat (electric) / Low heat (gas) Advertisement The AI software provider usually works with the likes of Airbus and Honda to find the best engine or car prototype. However, it's applied its AI to arguably more important matters helping the British public create the best pancakes for Pancake Day today (Tuesday 16). 'We found over 800 recipes for American style fluffy pancakes,' said the firm in a blog post. 'However, we needed recipes with enough positive and negative reviews to train the model to predict what amount of ingredients would give us the fluffiest pancakes. 'After elimination, we ended up with a dataset of 31 recipes with enough reviews to train a model to predict the right output.' For their AI pancake investigation, Monolith conducted hundreds of thousands of calculations, broken down into three stages ingredients, mixture and frying. Monolith used Random Forest Regression, a type of algorithm often used a type of AI called machine learning. Random Forest is essentially a forest of decision trees, similar to how you decide what to take with you on a rainy day. (For example, 'Is it raining? Yes, take an umbrella. Is it windy? No, then don't take a coat.') 'It's called a Random Forest algorithm because a lot of decision trees work together, instead of just one,' said the firm. The AI's ultimate method will give the fluffiest American-style pancakes, and is not suitable for creating the more traditional English-style version, however. American-style pancakes tend to be smaller in diameter but thicker and fluffier than the English style, which are perfect for rolling up into a cylinder with the filling inside. Monolith's AI interface. The firm said pancake-making is 'an excellent fit for machine learning because experts can gather recipe data and train a model to identify its patterns WHAT IS MACHINE LEARNING? Machine learning (ML) is a branch of AI based on the idea that systems can learn from data, identify patterns and make decisions. ML systems can learn to improve their ability to perform a task without being explicitly programmed to do so. Such systems can find patterns or trends in sets of data to come to conclusions or help humans make better decisions. Machine learning systems get more effective over time as they learn. Advertisement Monolith identified the ultimate combination of ingredients 210 grams of flour, 48 grams of sugar, 14 grams of baking powder, six grams of salt, two eggs, 256 grams of milk and 25 grams of butter. 'The gluten molecules in flour are elastic, and the fat (milk and butter) and sugar positively affect the development of gluten,' the firm said. 'When these molecules combine, they create a tight network of proteins that trap the bubbles. This allows the pancakes to stay fluffy and in shape even after cooking.' Baking powder, meanwhile, causes the formation of carbon dioxide, which in turn also creates bubbles in the batter. Although Monolith didn't train a model for the cooking directions, it said 'general practice' should be followed mixing the dry ingredients separately from the wet ingredients before combining them. It also advised the public not to overmix as this could cause too much gluten development, turning pancakes chewy instead of fluffy. Once the ingredients are combined and mixed, they should be added to the frying pan, which needs to be greased with a moderate amount of oil or a knob of butter (the AI didn't specify). But the pan should a medium heat for electric hobs but a low heat for a gas hob, according to the findings. Pictured, the thinner English-style pancakes. The AI's recipe is specific to American-style pancakes, which are smaller but thicker Once the underside starts to cook but the top is still raw, the pancake should be flipped with the chosen kitchen implement. The chef in charge of pancake-making will know when to commence the flip when little bubbles appear on top and the edges of the pancake start to solidify. If chefs use the single flip as an opportunity to toss the pancake into the air, they should take the pan off the hob, give it a gentle shake and get some leverage in a clear space (making sure no one is within a two-metre radius). The pancake should spin in the air and land so that the uncooked side faces down on the pan, before being given another half a minute cooking time. 'Always make the first pancake as your test cake or "chef's snack", to make sure that you have the heat just right,' the firm added. In previous research from 2017, scientists at the American Chemical Society determined two crucial ingredients to give pancakes the edge lemon juice and melted butter. They recommended adding one tablespoon of lemon juice for every one cup of milk as well as sprinkle of baking soda, which together react and produce bubbles of gas. The bubbles get trapped in the batter and expand as the batter cooks, making it light and fluffy. A little extra baking soda in addition to this will help pancakes brown too, researchers found. In a video posted on YouTube by the American Chemical Society, an expert explained: 'Having just a little bit of baking soda that's not neutralised by acid helps pancakes develop colour and flavour, but not too much or they'll brown too quickly and taste burnt.' This is based on the Maillard reaction a reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food a distinctive flavour. It happens between 140-165C (280-330 F) and creates a range of aromas and flavours. 'If you really want to enhance Maillard, fold some melted butter or oil into the batter', the researchers recommended. While most recipes suggest just a quarter cup of butter for every two cups of milk, the scientists encourage cooks to experiment with this. They also found that the worst thing you can do to your pancake mix is over-beat it, as this makes it lumpy and tough. 'You might be tempted to beat your pancake batter until it's perfectly smooth and there's no lumps of dry ingredients to be seen,' the expert said. 'Over mixing your pancake batter will make it tough...just mix your batter until it is combined.' In a gesture aimed at communal amity, a Muslim businessman from the city has donated Rs 1 lakh towards the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, as voluntary contribution from devotees in Tamil Nadu for the shrine in Uttar Pradesh has been growing. Daily wage earners like cobblers and small traders are among those making contributions to help raise the proposed magnificent structure. With the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (SRJTK), set up by the Centre to construct the temple, coming out with donation coupons of Rs 10, 100 and 1,000, a large number of people came forward to donate, said S V Srinivasan, VHP state organising secretary who is involved in raising funds for the temple. "All those whom we approached have been generous in donating for the noble cause," he added. And when the members of the Hindu Munnani, accompaniedby the volunteers from the SRJTK approached him, W S Habib gifted a cheque for Rs 1,00,008, taking the fund raisers by surprise. "I want to foster communal amity between Muslims and Hindus.We are all children of god.I donated the sum with this belief," Habib, a property developer, told PTI. He said he was pained to see Muslims being painted as anti-Hindus or anti-India by some sections. Pointing out that there was nothing wrong in donating for a good cause, Habib remarked, "I wouldnt have donated to any other temple but the Ram temple is different as decades-old Ayodhya dispute came to an end." The Hindu Munnani, which is also involved in the campaign, said roadshows are being held in various parts of the state to raise funds. "All those whom we approached willingly donated. A gentleman who suddenly emerged from the crowd presented a cheque for Rs 50,000. The response from Ram bhakts is overwhelming," A T Elangovan, Hindu Munnani's Chennai president, said. According to K E Srinivasan, Chennai organizer of Dharma Jagran Manch a wing of RSS not only the affluent in the society but also the poor contributed. "At Perambur, for instance, cobblers and other sections came forward to donate Rs 10," he said. At Kodungaiyur when the members solicited funds for the temple construction, shop keepers contributed their mite. An enthusiastic seller of vermilion (kumkum) near a temple, who happened to be a Muslim, gave Rs 200 for the cause. The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam has already appealed to the devotees to donate liberally. Janakalyan, a spiritual and cultural service organisation, is utilising its office with several prominent personalities to contribute towards the initiative, its city secretary V Subramanian said. The Supreme Court in November 2019 settled the decades-old dispute and paved the way for the construction of a Ram Temple by a Trust at the disputed site at Ayodhya. It had then directed the Centre to allot an alternative 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new mosque at a "prominent" place in the holy town in UP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on August 5, 2020, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a grand temple at Ayodhya. . GREENVILLE The New York man accused of ramming and killing a Greenville County deputy on Interstate 85 must undergo a mental evaluation and hire an attorney, a judge has ruled. Ray L. Kelly questioned the judicial system's authority and referred to himself as "an American national" during an October bond hearing in the days following the death of sheriff's Sgt. Conley Jumper. Now four months later, Kelly still hadn't retained an attorney. In a morning hearing Feb. 16, Circuit Judge Letitia Verdin warned Kelly of the dangers of not having legal representation, according to the 13th Circuit Solicitor's Office. Verdin also ordered a mental evaluation, the prosecutor's office said. On Oct. 20, Jumper and other deputies were conducting a traffic stop on I-85 near White Horse Road when Kelley, a 37-year-old Medford, N.Y., fugitive out of Virginia, used his Nissan Altima to pin Jumper to an 18-wheeler, according to documents released by the State Law Enforcement Division. Three deputies were taken to the hospital that day and only Jumper's injuries proved fatal. Authorities found four bags of crack cocaine inside Kelly's car, according to SLED documents. Sign up for our Greenville weekly update newsletter. Sign up for weekly roundups of our top stories, news and culture from the Upstate. This newsletter is hand-curated by a member of our Greenville news staff. Email Sign Up! Kelly faces a murder charge in Jumpers death along with other charges including drug trafficking, resisting arrest, high and aggravated assault and battery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and resisting arrest, speeding, following too closely, no drivers license and false information. During his October bond hearing, Kelly was found in contempt of court after he talked over a judge asking him if he wanted an attorney. Kelly in that bond hearing referred to himself as an American national and continually asked the judge under what jurisdiction is this court operating? The day of Jumper's death, Sheriff Hobart Lewis described the 28-year veteran of the agency as a well-loved "gentle giant" and posthumously promoted him from the rank of master deputy to sergeant. Law enforcement officers from across South Carolina attended his funeral at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Jumper left behind a wife and young daughter. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston during a press conference at Parliament House on March 24, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Tight Vote in Australian Senate to Raise Cap for Sexual Abuse Redress A close vote in Australias Senate has shown there is interest to increase the cap on redress payments for survivors of child sexual abuse. Existing payments are currently capped at $150,000, but Labor has been pushing for an increase in the limit to $200,000. An amendment to the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill was approved on Monday, allowing more public access to information on institutions that have not joined the scheme. The scheme provides access to counselling, a direct personal response from the institution, and redress payment to victims. However, redress cannot be given if the institution has not joined the scheme. Labor failed to gain support for a number of other amendments to the bill. One of which was for Social Services Minister Anne Ruston to consider actions to increase the redress payment cap to $200,000 as originally recommended by the Royal Commission. The amendment failed by two votes despite the additional support of the Greens, independent Rex Patrick, and Centre Alliances Stirling Griff. The federal government will wait for an independent review of the bill to finish and review its recommendations for the scheme before making further changes. The review, lead by Robyn Kruk, the chief executive officer of the Mental Health Commission, is due to finish by the end of February. Senator Anne Ruston said the report focuses on the aspects raised by the opposition and incorporates extensive consultation with survivors. Ruston previously expressed her disappointment at the Labor Party for what she called playing political games with the redress bill. Labors proposed amendments make no real changes to the Scheme and would simply require the Minister to consider issues and prepare a report, Ruston said in a statement. The very same issues Labor has raised are already being considered under the legislated second year review which is currently being undertaken by Ms Robyn Kruk AO. The program began in 2018 after it was recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. New South Wales residents are now allowed to travel to all Australian cities as the state goes 30 days without a local case of coronavirus. Western Australia changed the health advice for NSW at 12.01am on Tuesday, declaring it to be a 'very low risk' state. NSW travellers looking to visit the west coast must still complete a G2G travel pass and undergo health screening and a temperature check upon arrival. New South Wales residents are now allowed to travel to all Australian cities as the state goes 30 days without a local case of coronavirus. Pictured: A woman wears a face mask at Sydney Airport WA requires anyone who has been in contact with someone from a 'medium-risk' state like Victoria to self-quarantine there for 14 days. While NSW residents are now allowed to travel to all states and territories, the government is urging prospective holidaymakers to exercise caution. NSW Health continues to 'strongly advise against non-essential travel to Victoria'. Victorians subject to the latest Covid restrictions should not be travelling to NSW unless permitted, health authorities have said. The five-day stay-at-home requirements in order - applicable for anyone who arrived in NSW from Victoria since midnight on February 12 - are due to end at 11.59pm on Wednesday. Those subject to the order are permitted to leave their place of residence with a reasonable excuse including shopping for essential items, medical and other care and caregiving, outdoor exercise, emergencies and essential work. Women are seen dining at a restaurant in Sydney on Friday. NSW has now gone 30 days without a local Covid case For NSW residents living in the border region, the stay-at-home requirement does not apply. The border region is defined as the area covered by the border 'bubble' in place since last November. A single case of Covid-19 was diagnosed in a returned traveller to NSW from 12,336 tests in the 24-hours to 8pm on Monday. NSW went 30 days with no local virus cases on Tuesday as frontline workers in Sydney's quarantine hotels and health workers prepare to get the vaccine next week. Premier Gladys Berejiklian is being briefed on Tuesday about the rollout of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine which gets underway on Monday. 'The first doses will go to our quarantine workers,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'We know the greatest risk to NSW of Covid at this stage, given we don't have community transmission, is a leakage from the quarantine system. 'So everything we can do to reduce the risk of the virus getting out to the community is what we should be doing at this stage.' Peruvian demand up 18% YoY in January ICR Newsroom By 16 February 2021 Cement dispatches in Peru increased 18 per cent YoY to 1.059Mt in January 2021 from 0.895Mt in January 2020, reports Peruvian cement association, Asocem. Its members increased their deliveries by 20 per cent YoY from 0.828Mt to 0.995Mt in the same period. Output from Asocem members advanced 23 per cent YoY to 1.024Mt in January 2021 from 0.906Mt in January 2020. Clinker output was up 27 per cent YoY to 0.906Mt from 0.713Mt. To supplement domestic supply, Peru imported 65,000t of cement in January 2021, which represents an increase of 12 per cent YoY. Of this total, 88 per cent was delivered by Vietnamese cement producers. In addition, 285,000t of clinker was imported, more than quintupling imports in January 2020. South Korea supplied 45 per cent of total clinker imports. Exports, all cement, decreased 11 per cent to 15,000t in January 2021 when compared with January 2020. Published under In a nutshell: E-reader company PocketBook has released the InkPad Color in the US and Europe, a 7.8-inch device that features the latest Kaleido panel capable of displaying up to 4,096 colors. PocketBook says the second generation of Kaleido uses a different color filter pattern that offers better contrast and color saturation than its predecessor. The 1404 x 1872 front-lit display boasts 300 DPI for monochrome content and 100 DPI when showing colors, and the screen refresh rate has been improved. The company told The Verge that this is the first device with a new Kaleido panel to be available in the US and Europe. Powering the InkPad Color is a 1GHz dual-core processor paired with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. Theres also an SD card for adding up to an extra 32GB of storage, handy if youve an extensive e-library. Buyers also get a G-sensor, cover sensors for sleep covers, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.1, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm jack, and a 2,900 mAh battery. Weighing in at 225g and measuring 8mm thick, the InkPad Color is undoubtedly more portable than, say, an iPad, though its functions are a lot more limited, obviously. If youre a heavy reader and love comics, magazines, or anything else where a color display would be an advantage over monochrome, the InkPad Color looks like a compelling buy. You can grab it from Amazon for $329. For comparison, the new Kindle Oasis, which lacks a color screen, is $269. On Wednesday, February 17, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Ukrainians' Electoral Sentiments, Attitude to Political Events on Agenda" based on the results of a representative survey conducted by the CATI method from February 12 to February 15, 2021. Participant include sociologist, project coordinator of Kyiv Institute of Sociological and Marketing Research Ivan Chernychko (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Details at: (096) 344 9267, (063) 374 9233. ADVERTISEMENT Nigeria on Monday recorded its lowest daily COVID-19 infections since the beginning of the second wave in December 2020 with 574 new cases. This occurred as the daily figures from Lagos, the countrys coronavirus epicentre, continues to decline. The new figure indicated a decrease from the 690 cases recorded on Sunday which was also one of the lowest since early December. The relative low figures recorded on Sunday and Monday could be attributed to the decline in daily infections from Lagos, the most affected city in the country with more than a third of the nations total infections. Sundays figure was initially 520 but was raised to 690 after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Monday evening provided an update on COVID-19 data which then included 170 new cases from Lagos that was earlier omitted. With 574 new cases on Monday, 146,928 people have now been infected with the virus. According to an update from the NCDC, eight people also died from COVID-19 on Monday, raising Nigerias fatalities to 1,761 in total. With the reduction in new cases, the number of patients receiving treatment for COVID-19 in hospitals is about 24,000 to 22,150. Meanwhile, a total of 123,009 people have recovered after treatment out of the over 146,000 infected. Specifics The breakdown of Mondays new figures is as follows: Kwara (98), Lagos (81), Edo (59), Ondo (44), FCT (41), Kano (34), Ogun (33), Kaduna (29), Osun (28), Enugu (23), Rivers (18), Delta (16), Akwa Ibom (15), Bauchi (12), Imo (10), Borno (8), Niger (8), Kebbi (7), Nasarawa (5) Gombe (3) and Ekiti (2). With the decline in figures from Lagos, Kwara had the highest daily cases on Monday with 98 new infections. Lagos had 81. As Nigerians continue to await COVID-19 vaccines, officials have warned against violations of safety guidelines issued to curtail the spread of the virus. President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26 signed the COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations 2021 policy to enforce the COVID-19 safety protocols. Since the pandemic broke out in February last year, Nigeria has carried out over 1.3 million tests. 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. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerian government has attracted funding from the German state bank, KfW, and European export credit agencies for the construction of the 283km Kano-Maradi rail line, a top government official has said. Speaking on Tuesday, the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tugar, said the investment in rail infrastructure is one of the key achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr Tugar spoke shortly after revalidating his membership of the All Progressive Party APC in his Udobo ward in Gamawa local government area in Bauchi State. He said contrary to the opinions of some Nigerians, the federal government has been able to secure funding support from Europe for the rail project. The Federal Government has attracted funding from the German state bank KfW, European export credit agencies and Africa Finance in a venture that will see Mota-Engil constructing the 283km line connecting Kano with Maradi in Niger Republic, he said. He said the project was meant to stimulate the local economy along the communities connected by the rail line. The rail line will also cover other cities such as Danbatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina and Jibiya. This rail project is expected to boost commerce in the region and aid in establishing Nigeria as an export hub he added. He said the APC administration is investing in vital infrastructure projects that are not only engendering economic development but also improving overall human indices in Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari has recorded milestones in the provision of infrastructure that has been unprecedented in our recent history, the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, Lagos-Ibadan rail line, the second Niger bridge, amongst several others, he noted. The diplomat appealed to old members to revalidate their membership of the party, while he urged new members to register and join the APC. Mr Tuggar represented the Gamawa federal constituency of Bauchi State in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011. He was appointed Nigerias Ambassador to Germany in 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari. Marriott Chief Executive Arne Sorenson, who grew the company into the worlds largest hotel chain and steered it through a global pandemic that has been catastrophic for the travel industry, has died. He was 62. Marriott Chief Executive Arne Sorenson, who grew the company into the worlds largest hotel chain and steered it through a global pandemic that has been catastrophic for the travel industry, has died. He was 62. Sorenson reduced his schedule at Marriott this month to pursue a more aggressive cancer treatment. He was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019; a recent routine scan had confirmed the cancer had returned, the company said. FILE - In this Dec. 19, 2012, file photo, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a Marriott hotel in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Sorenson, who grew the company into the worlds largest hotel chain and later steered it through the coronavirus pandemic, has died, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Sorenson was the third CEO in Marriotts 93-year history, and the first without the Marriott surname. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery, File) J.W. Marriott Jr., the companys executive chairman, said Sorenson loved every aspect of the hotel business and relished travelling and meeting employees around the world. Marriott has 30 hotel brands, including Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin, and more than 7,000 properties worldwide. Arne was an exceptional executive but more than that he was an exceptional human being, said Marriott said in a prepared statement Tuesday. Sorenson was the first Marriott CEO whose name was not Marriott, and only the third to lead the company in its 93-year history. Sorenson joined the Bethesda, Maryland, company in 1996, leaving behind a partnership in a Washington law firm where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions. He rose to president and chief operating officer before he was named CEO in 2012. After becoming Marriott's top executive, he oversaw the $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels in 2016. He pushed the international chain to become more sustainable while also trying to combat human trafficking. He advocated for gay rights and opposed President Donald Trumps 2017 ban on travel from majority Muslim countries Even at the depths of the coronavirus pandemic, when Marriotts revenue plunged more than 70%, Sorenson remained optimistic. The fact of the matter is, people love to travel. They love to travel for themselves personally and they love to travel for work, Sorenson said din November. Its often the most interesting and its the place theyre going to learn the most. Tributes poured in Tuesday from business and civic leaders, including Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin. CNBC host Jim Cramer said in a Twitter post that Sorenson believed business was the greatest source for social change. He was a wonderful leader who led with empathy, integrity and authenticity, General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra tweeted. Airbnb founder and CEO Brian Chesky, who might have been considered a rival in the competitive hospitality industry, said Sorenson had always been helpful to him. Sorenson and Chesky spent time hosting each others' leadership teams, Chesky said, and the two CEOs supported each other during the pandemic. He will be missed, Chesky tweeted. Sorenson served on Microsoft's board of directors as well as the board of directors for the Special Olympics. When Sorenson stepped back from full-time duties this month, Marriott turned to two veteran executives, Stephanie Linnartz and Tony Capuano, to oversee day-to-day operations. They will continue in those roles until Marriotts board names a new CEO, which is expected to happen within two weeks, the company said. Sorenson is survived by his wife, Ruth, and four adult children. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. List of states, UTs that have extended lockdown-like Covid curbs in India: Check here School principal sentenced to death in Bihar for rape of student India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Patna, Feb 16: The principal of a school in Patna has been sentenced to death and a school teacher has been imprisoned for life by a court for the rape of a Class 5 student. Special POCSO judge Awadhesh Kumar, in an order passed on Monday, announced capital punishment for the principal Arvind Kumar besides imposing on him a fine of one lakh. Co-accused Abhishek Kumar, who taught at the school situated in Phulwari Sharif locality of the city, was sentenced for life and slapped with a fine of 50,000. Explainer: How Sexual Harassment is different from Sexual Assault The case was reported in September 2018 when the survivor, all of 11 years, was found to be pregnant after she was taken to a doctor by her parents who got worried over her frequent bouts of illness. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News She narrated her ordeal amid questions from her parents. A case was filed under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) and relevant sections of the IPC (Indian Penal Code). Some viewers of The Project didn't appreciate host Lisa Wilkinson's joke about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's unborn baby on Monday night. The outspoken panellist, 61, said she didn't expect Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to name their second child after Harry's uncle Prince Andrew, who has faced scrutiny over his ill-advised friendship with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Several Twitter users said it was bizarre that Lisa would make light of such a serious subject. Whoops: Some viewers of The Project didn't appreciate host Lisa Wilkinson's joke about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's unborn baby on Monday night Speaking about the California-based royals' pregnancy announcement on Sunday, Lisa joked: 'What do you think the chances are of that kid being called Andrew?' In response, outraged viewers flocked to Facebook to vent their anger. 'Please get her [off] TV sooner rather than later,' one commented, while another wrote: 'Your time is over. Not nice or polite.' A third added: 'What a disgusting comment, Lisa.' Divisive: The outspoken panellist, 61, said she didn't expect Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to name their second child after Harry's uncle Prince Andrew (pictured), who has faced scrutiny over his friendship with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein 'Your time is over. Not nice or polite': Several Twitter users said it was bizarre that Lisa would make light of such a serious subject One viewer said the joke was particularly distasteful given that Lisa had just interviewed alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins for the same program. 'You owe her and all your viewers a public apology,' one critic wrote. Ms Higgins, a former Liberal staffer, has claimed she was raped by a colleague in Parliament House in 2019. Happy news: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry confirmed on Valentine's Day they were expecting their second child. Pictured on October 2, 2019, in Johannesburg, South Africa However, several viewers didn't pay much attention to Lisa's joke about Prince Andrew and instead praised her sensitive handling of the interview with Ms Higgins. 'So well done @Lisa_Wilkinson compassionate and highly professional,' one supporter wrote on Facebook. 'You gave a lot of room for Brittany to have her dignity and show herself for the incredible person she is,' they added. Discussion: One viewer said the joke was particularly distasteful given that Lisa had just interviewed alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins for the same program Allegation: Ms Higgins, a former Liberal staffer, has claimed she was raped by a colleague in Parliament House in 2019. Pictured during her interview on The Project Meghan Markle and Prince Harry confirmed on Valentine's Day they were expecting their second child. The revelation prompted Lisa to say on Monday's episode of The Project: 'That pregnancy has obviously happened very, very quickly. What do you think the chances are of that kid being called Andrew?' Her co-host Jan Fran responded: 'I would say, slim to none!' Defender: However, several viewers didn't pay much attention to Lisa's joke about Prince Andrew and instead praised her sensitive handling of the interview with Ms Higgins The Sussexes, who live in California after stepping down as senior royals last year, will welcome a brother or sister for their one-year-old son, Archie, later this year. A spokesperson for the couple said: 'We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.' Joke: The Sussexes' baby announcement prompted Lisa to say on Monday, 'That pregnancy has obviously happened very, very quickly. What do you think the chances are of that kid being called Andrew?' Her co-host Jan Fran (left) responded: 'I would say, slim to none!' Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Non-vulnerable prison staff and inmates at Northern Ireland's jails are yet to get the Covid-19 vaccine. The chair of the NI Prison Officers' Association has written to the Executive, calling for ministers to act as a matter of urgency. Prisoners, who have been classed as vulnerable, are currently receiving the jab from the South Eastern Trust, which cares for inmates in prisons here. However, Ivor Dunne, the chair of the NI Prison Officers' Association, expressed his "extreme disappointment" that both staff and prisoners have not been given the vaccine as a priority - comparing prisons to care homes. Mr Dunne wrote to First Minister Arlene Foster, Health Minister Robin Swann and Justice Minister Naomi Long earlier this month urging them to vaccinate both staff and inmates as soon as possible. Almost 30 prison officers, medical staff and inmates had to self-isolate following a Covid outbreak at Magilligan Prison in November, while four prison officers tested positive at south Belfast's Hydebank Wood facility a month earlier. Last month, two youths also tested positive for the virus in Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre in Bangor. Meanwhile, it was revealed by Ms Long in January that 7.5% of prisoners released early due to the pandemic have allegedly reoffended. Expand Close Contacted: Naomi Long has been urged to have staff and inmates vaccinated / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Contacted: Naomi Long has been urged to have staff and inmates vaccinated Mr Dunne said it was "disappointing" that both prison staff and inmates have yet to be vaccinated because it is hard to know who has an underlying health condition and who does not. "I am extremely disappointed because prison staff have stepped up to the mark from the start of this pandemic," Mr Dunne said. "Has this question even been posed on the floor of the Assembly that staff should be vaccinated? "Speaking as the head of the union, I am quite disappointed. Prisons are like nursing homes. Everyone should be vaccinated because you don't know whether a prison officer or a prisoner might have underlying medical conditions. "With the seriousness of Covid-19 you just don't know what can happen so everyone should be vaccinated as soon as possible. "Prison staff are key workers and I have written to the Health Minister and the Justice Minister with reference to that." A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that supply is the main issue holding up vaccination. The current phase of the vaccination programme is focusing on protecting the most vulnerable from Covid-19, such as care home residents and carers, those aged over 50 and individuals with underlying health conditions. "It is entirely understandable that people in different public-facing occupations want to receive the vaccine as soon as possible," added the department. "It should be stressed that anyone in these jobs who is clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 will be among those prioritised for vaccination. "There are tens of thousands of people in public facing occupations in NI. If they are all to receive vaccine prioritisation now regardless of their age or health condition, then many people who are clinically vulnerable will have to wait longer for their jabs." remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country by Mathias Hariyadi The story of two religious who survived the virus. "I have been granted my second chance to live by Gode." "I have been informed that online mass and prayer groups have always been attended by dozens of our Catholic confreres with the special intention of praying for the healing of all Covid-19 patients. And it works very well ". Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Two priests from two different religious orders contracted Covid-19 and spent 2-3 weeks in intensive care wards and others in ordinary wards in the St. Carolus hospital in central Jakarta. Their lives were spared this February - as they shared their spiritual experiences with AsiaNews - after experiencing critical days suspended between death and hospital life. "The hospital kept me in intensive care for 19 days and another 23 days in the normal room," says Father Bambang Rudianto SJ, a Jesuit priest (photo 1) who for years was treasurer of the Indonesian Jesuit Order. He has an older brother, Father Bambang Triatmoko, also a Jesuit priest. For Father Augustinus Handoko MSC (photo 2), current deputy head of the Indonesian Province of Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis Iesu, the experience of being between life and death during his 35 days in the hospital was overwhelming. "I spent 14 days in intensive care, experiencing anguish and filled with anxiety," Father Handoko told AsiaNews. The recovery from Covid-19 has reshaped the worldview of priests, based on their spiritual experiences. A sense of despair struck Father Handoko every time the nun called for Communion service told him that more and more patients in the intensive care rooms had died. "I was really shocked and worried to learn this bad news," the priest told AsiaNews in a video-recorded message. "Then I was cornered by the critical question that put me in a very emotional situation: when would it be my turn to die." A different story came to light with the spiritual experience of Fr. Rudianto. "I was granted a second chance to live by God - he says - days after I was hit by this fatal coronavirus". Father Rudianto describes this as a "miracle" for him. During my critical days in the ICU, my breathing saturation was very low, which seriously endangered my life. Then there was the proposal whether or not to use intubation", he explains. In several cases, replacing the human ability to breathe with the "machine" ventilator does not guarantee successful recovery. The result is sometimes death. The priest chose the natural way of breathing: no ventilator, but totally dependent on his lungs. "And I was saved by the bell (by deciding not to use the ventilator)," he says. Moral support from "strangers" Despite all-out efforts by health workers, Father Rudianto said that "moral supports" from unknown "strangers" may have also produced fruitful results in the recovery process. I was informed that online mass and prayer groups have always been attended by dozens of our Catholic confreres with the special intention of praying for the healing of all Covid-19 patients. And it works very well . Now he is better, despite the fact that Covid-19 has left some "scars" in his lungs, "I still have difficulty breathing normally", says the priest. The day he was declared cured of Covid-19, Father Rudianto said, became his special moment to thank God for giving him his second chance to live. After periodic swab tests, the doctor told him "I could go home now". "This - he comments - is the first time in my life that the word" negative "has caused a positive feeling". It's amazing to experience the positive side of the word "negative". What still makes him very sad is the fact that dozens of other patients in the same intensive care unit have died. Before returning home to the Jesuit residence, Father Rudianto came to visit all the nurses and doctors to say goodbye, while expressing his deep gratitude for the hard work done to save his life. Echoing the same spirit, Father Handoko said no one would be happy to contract the coronavirus. "It's really deadly and I hope none of you will experience the severe pain of being positive with covid-19," he says. The concerns of a doctor Speaking with AsiaNews from Yogyak arta, Dr. Jodi Visnu - a doctor specializing in public health at Gadjah Mada University - expressed his deep concern (as a doctor) that Covid-19 has also affected the convent, rectory and cloister. Among the key factors that even religious residences are not immune from the spread of the virus is the lack of discipline in rigorously practicing health protocols. "Many consecrated people have always had the self-centred perspective of thinking that their living environment is safe simply because all the residents are only from their group," said Dr. Visnu says in his pre-recorded video message. But that's not correct. Dozens of strangers sometimes visit or go out shopping and contract the virus while meeting and talking to other people. They never think they are potential carriers of coronavirus for their religious community. "And things can happen without symptoms that indicate that they are already infected," says Visnu. In Indonesia there have been many victims among the religious due to Covid-19. But no exact number of victims has been publicly released by Church leaders. Titan Company rose 1.35% to Rs 1504 after the company said its subsidiary, CaratLane Trading, has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary 'StudioC Inc' in Delaware, USA, for retailing jewelry. StudioC Inc will carry on the business of jewelry retailing. CaratLane will subscribe to the share capital of $150,000, which is 100% of the share capital of StudioC. Titan Company is engaged in making and selling watches, jewellery, eyewear and others. The company's retail chain (including CaratLane) stands at 1,854 stores, as on 31 December 2020 with a retail area crossing 2.4 million square feet for all its brands covering 292 towns. The Tata Group enterprise posted a 10.85% decline in standalone net profit to Rs 419 crore on 17.64% rise in total income to Rs 7,324 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 18:12:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- The appointment is widely seen as a positive sign that the multilateral trading system could be restored in a constructive manner and gain further momentum. -- The urgent need for sweeping reforms, especially those of the WTO's three major functions of dispute settlement, multilateral trade negotiations and trade policy monitoring, is posing a challenge for the new director-general. -- Another major challenge for her is to ensure the free flow of global trade, maintain the stability of the global trading system and promote the sustainable recovery of the global economy. GENEVA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed by consensus to appoint Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the organization's seventh director-general. After taking office on March 1, Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to serve as the chief of the 26-year-old global trade body, which has been leaderless for almost six months after Roberto Azevedo stepped down on Aug. 31, 2020. Undated file photo shows the next director-general of the WTO Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Members of the organization on Feb. 15 agreed by consensus to appoint Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. (WTO/Handout via Xinhua) The appointment came as the world's multilateral trading system is grappling with a myriad of challenges ranging from reform pressures to rising protectionism and a pandemic-induced recession. A POSITIVE SIGN "In recent years, the multilateral trading system has been going through difficult and challenging times. But, in my view, the world now needs, more than ever, a reinvigorated WTO," Okonjo-Iweala underlined in her campaign speech. The appointment of the new WTO chief by consensus has been widely seen as a positive sign that the multilateral trading system could be restored in a constructive manner and gain further momentum. General Council Chair David Walker announces the appointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at a special meeting of the WTO's General Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 15, 2021. (WTO/Handout via Xinhua) Applauding the "timely" appointment, China's Ambassador to the WTO Li Chenggang said, "the collective decision made by the entire membership demonstrates a vote of trust" not only in Dr. Okonjo-Iweala herself, but also "in our vision, our expectation and the multilateral trading system that we all believe and preserve." "Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who over the years set major records of economic reforms in Nigeria as minister of finance, and later minister of foreign affairs, will excel in her new position and validate the global mandate of repositioning and strengthening the multilateral institution for the greater good of all," Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said. In a statement, Buhari voiced confidence that Okonjo-Iweala's track record of "integrity, diligence, and passion for development will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind" as she takes up another "onerous task of service to the world and humanity." WTO spokesperson Keith Rockwell said the next year or two will be a window of opportunity for multilateralism, and that WTO members should seize it in order to achieve some tangible positive results. "I think we need to take advantage of this opportunity, and deliver something for the people of the world, because I think they're counting on us," Rockwell said. REFORMS NEEDED The urgent need for sweeping reforms, especially those of the organization's three major functions of dispute settlement, multilateral trade negotiations and trade policy monitoring, is posing a challenge for Okonjo-Iweala. The reform process may involve painful, comprehensive and large-scale restructuring and reorganization. The WTO's dispute settlement body is currently paralyzed because it does not have enough judges. The Appellate Body, considered as the supreme court for global trade disputes, is supposed to have seven judges and needs a minimum of three to function. The U.S. administration under former President Donald Trump blocked the nomination of new judges, leaving the Appellate Body unable to hear new disputes. File photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala attending a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Li Ye/Xinhua) In an interview with Xinhua in August 2020, Okonjo-Iweala viewed fixing the still paralyzed dispute settlement system as one of her top priorities. "If you have a rules-based organization, you must have a place where rules are arbitrated and that's what happens with the dispute settlement system. So restoring that will be a top priority," she said. "The dispute settlement system is about bringing countries back into compliance. There needs to be some hard thoughts about what can be accomplished there, and not some short-term fix," said Simon Evenett, professor of international trade and economic development at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Last year, the European Union and other WTO members set up a temporary arbitration system that allows them to overcome the current paralysis and solve trade disputes among themselves. "The world has moved on. The question is whether trade diplomats can leave their comfort zone and embrace the realities of 21st century technological and geopolitical rivalry," Evenett said. "The WTO rules need to be updated to 21st century issues," said Okonjo-Iweala, enumerating the areas such as digital economy, green economy, women and trade, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises as some of her priorities as the new director-general. However, Pascal Lamy, president of the Paris Peace Forum and a former WTO director-general, underlined the member-driven nature of the organization. "It depends mostly on the members agreeing to update the WTO rulebook, and only marginally on the director-general. They decide, not her." A SUSTAINABLE RECOVERY Azevedo has previously argued that the WTO is "an anchor of predictability and certainty in a fast-changing global economy." For his successor, another major challenge is to ensure the free flow of global trade, maintain the stability of the global trading system and promote the sustainable recovery of the global economy. File photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala attending a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland. (WTO/Handout via Xinhua) In October 2020, the WTO forecast a 9.2-percent plunge in the volume of world merchandise trade for 2020, followed by a 7.2-percent rise this year. At the same time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that renewed waves and new variants of the novel coronavirus would continue to weigh on the global economy. Meanwhile, some countries have escalated protectionist measures during the pandemic out of concern over the domestic supply of medical material and other necessities. "There are very weak rules in terms of export controls. On the other hand, there is a lot of flexibility in the area of intellectual property, which will be important when the vaccine is developed," Evenett said. Okonjo-Iweala vowed to ensure that the multilateral trading system and the rules of the WTO are "conducive to making medicines and medical supplies accessible to the countries that need it." She also stressed the importance of "bridging the divide," such as the digital gap between developing and developed countries, in achieving a more sustainable and inclusive global recovery. "I think this can be done in concert with other organizations such as the World Bank, regional development banks ... and with the IMF, to see what we can deliver to support in bridging this divide," she said. (Video reporters: Du Yang, Ling Xin; video editor: Zhou Sa'ang) Every last drop must be squeezed out of it for the sake of the country's security, the top diplomat says. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba says the Minsk negotiation process on Donbas settlement is now "rather alive than dead." "The Minsk process is currently rather alive than dead; it hasn't yet exhausted its potential, so now we need to work within the framework of the Minsk process and squeeze every last drop out of it for the sake of Ukraine's security," Kuleba said at a joint press conference with his Slovak counterpart Ivan Korcok in Kyiv on Tuesday, February 16, according to an UNIAN correspondent. Read alsoBorrell: No normalization of EU-Russia relations without fulfillment of Minsk agreementsOn February 11, at a meeting of the UN Security Council, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Ambassador Heidi Grau, said negotiations within the TCG on the Donbas settlement had reached an impasse. Donbas settlement talks on Minsk platform: Background The Trilateral Contact Group for the Peaceful Settlement in Eastern Ukraine is an authorized group of representatives from Ukraine, the OSCE, and Russia, which was formed as a means to facilitate a diplomatic solution to the war in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation is now led by first President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk. Reporting by UNIAN Kellogg said the department is asking for everyone to spread the new information far and wide, and for anyone with any sort of potentially valuable information on the shooting to come forward so that we may bring justice to those involved and assist in bringing peace to Jo Jos family, Kellogg said. Ankara has many questions to answer over the deaths of 13 captives at the hands of Turkish Kurdish militants in a mountainous cave in northern Iraq, but information obtained by Al-Monitor suggests that a potentially momentous Turkish operation might have gone awry at the last minute. On Feb. 12, Turkey woke up to the news that three officers from the Turkish special forces had been killed and several wounded in the Gara region of northern Iraq, some 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Turkish border. For more than three decades, the mountainous area has served as a major logistical and training base for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought Ankara since 1984 and is considered a terrorist group by much of the international community. On Feb. 14, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar announced that the PKK executed 13 unarmed Turkish citizens held captive in a cave in Gara. Officials identified the victims as soldiers, policemen and civilians, whom the PKK had abducted from 2015 through 2017. Two operatives of the National Intelligence Organization were allegedly among the slain captives. All but one were shot in the head as a Turkish military operation was underway in the area, Akar said, adding that 53 PKK militants were killed. The southern outskirts of Gara Mountain were already the scene of armed tensions between the PKK and Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) peshmerga forces. Peshmerga forces have struggled to control the area because of the rough terrain, and Turkeys frequent cross-border incursions in pursuit of the PKK have rarely extended to Gara due to limited means of supply by land. For Turkey, the cleansing and long-term control of the area would require a big military buildup, the support of local peshmerga and strong supply capabilities. Following Akars statement, reports emerged that the PKK executed the captives while Turkish warplanes were heavily bombing the area Feb. 10-11, fueling myriad questions about what Ankaras original plans were. Early last week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said he would give the nation some good news Feb. 10. His expected address to the nation did not happen, leading many to wonder whether Erdogan had hoped to announce the rescue of the captives but instead things went awry on the ground. Indeed, Al-Monitor has learned that Ankara hoped to hit two birds with one stone: rescue the captives, and kill or capture top PKK commanders Murat Karayilan and Duran Kalkan, who were supposed to travel to Gara for a meeting in the same cave, according to human intelligence Ankara had obtained. The PKK, however, appeared to have gotten wind of the plan and the meeting was canceled at the last minute, well-placed sources told Al-Monitor. Still, the PKK in the area had no time to escape as the first stage of the operation began around 3 a.m. Feb. 10 with about 40 Turkish F-16 jets bombing the area, backed by armed and surveillance drones. It was at this point that the local PKK leader is believed to have executed the 13 captives, believing there was no way out. After several hours of bombing raids, S-70 Sikorsky helicopters dropped off three special forces battalions to the area. The soldiers lost three men while storming and securing the cave, where they discovered the slain captives. Helicopters flew the bodies to Turkeys eastern city of Malatya, where forensic examinations took place. According to local reports, all Turkish soldiers left the area as the operation ended Feb. 14 an indication that Turkey is not planning a lasting military presence to control Gara, unlike the military outposts it has set up to contain the PKK in areas along the border. The outcome of the operation has fueled heated debates in Turkey, with opposition parties urging the government to explain why the captives had to meet such a tragic end. The following questions by the opposition are still awaiting official answers: What were the political and military objectives of the operation? Was the raid originally planned as a rescue operation? If so, why did the operation involve air raids that weakened the element of surprise and collaboration with local Kurdish peshmerga that heightened the risk of leakage? Why did some media outlets trumpet a looming operation on Gara days before the raid? Was there any risk assessment concluding that such an operation was the last resort to save the captives? Were there not other options to rescue them? Meanwhile, pro-government media suggest the Gara raid could be the harbinger of a Turkish military campaign in Sinjar, the Yazidi-populated region of Iraq, where the PKK has gained a foothold since coming to the help of the Yazidis against the Islamic State in 2014. The region, which borders Syria, is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the Turkish border. Gara is the bridge between Sinjar to the west and the Qandil Mountains the PKKs most prominent base to the east. In the past two years, Erbil has grown increasingly uneasy with the PKK presence on its soil amid deadly confrontations and the PKKs sabotaging of an oil pipeline that has cost the KRG millions of dollars. Yet Erbil is unwilling to confront the PKK in Sinjar and Baghdad appears even more reluctant. Under the Sinjar deal that Erbil and Baghdad signed in October, only federal forces should operate in Sinjar, with all other armed groups leaving. Media reports suggest that both the PKK and pro-Iranian Iraqi militias are seeking to undermine the deal and stay in the region. Still, Baghdad is unlikely to join or openly support a Turkish military move in Sinjar. Two scenarios are being floated in Ankara regarding a possible operation in Sinjar. The first suggests that Turkey would use land and air forces to drive the PKK out unilaterally, even if it fails to enlist the support of Baghdad and Erbil. Such a move, however, is likely to unleash negative reactions not only from Iraq but also the United States, Iran, Russia and the European Union. Moreover, a land campaign to cleanse and then secure the region would require the deployment of at least 5,000 to 6,000 troops for a rather long period, which is a tall order logistically, given Sinjars distance to the Turkish border. The second scenario rests on a possible understanding between Ankara, Baghdad and Erbil, whereby Turkish warplanes would provide air support to a land operation conducted jointly by Iraqi and KRG forces. Ankara has already made such a proposal to Baghdad and Erbil, but both have yet to accept it, Turkish diplomatic sources told Al-Monitor. In any case, the PKKs movement ability in northern Iraq has been notably curbed as a result of Turkeys military pressure and the toughening stance of the KRG. The struggle for political and military leverage between Ankara and the PKK is likely to intensify in the coming days, affecting Sinjar as well as northern Syria, where affiliates of the PKK hold sway over Kurdish areas. How the Joe Biden administration engages in the issue the most delicate aspect of Turkish-US relations will be a key factor in who makes gains on the ground. Serah was the last Ni-Vanuatu crew member of the whole P&O fleet to make it home. She completed quarantine and was reunited with her family this week. Photo: SSS Republican lawmakers in battleground states are rushing to enact stricter voting laws that Democrats worry could dampen Black and Hispanic turnout, but the moves could end up backfiring because of the changing face of the GOP coalition. The flurry of legislation includes attempts to impose voter ID requirements and roll back pandemic-related expansion to mail-in access, steps that may inadvertently limit the participation of many of the older, rural and blue-collar voters that Republicans now depend on. State legislatures across the country are considering more than a hundred bills that would increase voter ID requirements, tighten no-excuse vote-by-mail, and ban ballot drop boxes, among other changes. That's more than three times the number of bills to restrict voting that had been filed by this time last year, according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice. This flood of legislation comes despite research showing that voter ID laws passed over the last decade not only don't hamper minority turnout, but may even boost it by motivating angry Democrats and spurring stronger get-out-the-vote efforts. Nick Stephanopoulos, a Harvard professor who studies voting laws, said that the suburban, college-educated voters moving toward the Democratic Party are the least likely to be affected by new restrictions, since they have the resources to overcome them and tend to be regular voters already. If Republicans don't match Democratic outreach to their less-engaged supporters, then it's GOP voters who could miss out, he argued. "You could really easily imagine these efforts backfiring," he said. Supporters of the proposed changes say they're necessary to strengthen public confidence in elections. Wisconsin state Rep. David Steffen, a Republican sponsoring multiple bills, said polls showed that about 30% of Democrats lacked confidence in the 2016 election results and about 70% of Republicans lacked confidence in the 2020 election. "Regardless of whether these improprieties are taking place, people are wondering if they are," he said. "Perception is incredibly important to the functioning of government." Bills in Arizona would make it easier to remove voters from the permanent early-voting list or eliminate it entirely, and add voter ID and notarization requirements to mail ballots. Texas lawmakers have filed bills to tighten absentee ballot application rules and require that a state agency verify citizenship on voter registrations, among other things. Republicans control state government -- and therefore have more power to push through changes -- in the key electoral battlegrounds of Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Texas. A bill under discussion in Georgia would require voters to submit a photocopy of their ID with both an application to vote by mail and with the ballot itself. Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who Democrats accused of limiting ballot access in 2018, is supporting tighter voter ID requirements for mail-in ballots, though he hasn't endorsed a specific bill. "You have to present an ID to vote normally," said Kemp spokeswoman Mallory Blount. "Absentee ballots should be held to the same standard." But Democratic-allied groups, such as one run by Kemp's former opponent, Stacey Abrams, argue that the bills are an attempt to suppress minority votes after Republicans lost the presidential race and two Senate runoffs in January. "Republicans wrote Georgia's election laws, but they were humiliated on November 3 and January 5, so they are seeking to silence Georgians, particularly communities of color," said Seth Bringman, a spokesman for Abrams' Fair Fight group. "Their desperation to hold onto power at the expense of Georgians' constitutional right to access the ballot has never been clearer." Voting laws in Georgia have long been a source of contention. A report from the ACLU of Georgia released last fall found that 198,000 voters removed from the voting rolls had not actually moved, with purges higher among younger people and minorities. The ACLU and other groups are suing the state. But Kathleen Unger, president of the nonpartisan voter ID assistance group VoteRiders, said that the new proposals sweep up a different set of voters. She said the photocopied ID requirement would be particularly onerous for people who don't have a valid photo ID or easy access to a copy machine or a printer. That would include many rural, lower-income and older voters -- three groups that are now a big part of the Republican base -- as well as those with disabilities and college students who lean Democratic. According to exit polls from Edison Research, former President Donald Trump won rural voters by 15 percentage points in November but President Joe Biden essentially tied him with suburbanites, a previously Republican group that's trending toward Democrats. Exit polls also showed that 67% of White voters without a college degree backed Trump. David Becker, director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research, said the number of proposed restrictions is a sign Republicans are worried about demographic trends in those states. "When you see a party trying to change the rules with as much intensity as they are, that tells you they have lost confidence in the power of their ideas to persuade voters," he said. And while Biden narrowed the gap among older voters -- which Democratic strategists credit to his campaign outreach and Trump's poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic -- surveys by the Pew Research Center show that baby boomers and members of the slightly older Silent Generation are the most Republican-leaning voters. Meanwhile, there's little evidence that these kinds of laws boost Republican turnout. Since 2000, states have regularly passed stricter voter ID laws, especially after a 2013 Supreme Court decision that threw out part of a federal law that required some counties and states with a history of discrimination -- including Arizona, Georgia and Texas -- to get preapproval from the Justice Department before making changes to voting laws. But research on voter ID has found mixed results. Several studies have found no statistically significant effect on turnout, while others have found only small decreases. And there's some evidence that the laws may even spur greater turnout among Democrats. A 2016 study published in Political Psychology found evidence that the debate over voter ID laws angers Democrats, making them more likely to vote, while a 2019 paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that in states with strict voter ID laws, non-White voters were 5.4 percentage points more likely to be contacted by a campaign than in other states. The recent Senate runoff elections in Georgia seem to bear that out. In a state long known for restrictive voting laws, Abrams and other activists led a decade-long effort to reach out to disengaged young and Black voters, helping them register and vote. The end result was that Biden narrowly won the state in November, the first Democrat to win the state since 1992. And Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff won runoffs in January to flip control of the U.S. Senate to Democrats. The strongest argument against the renewed restrictions may come from the very election that's inspiring them, however. Strategists from both parties have long believed that high turnout boosts Democrats and hurts Republicans, but the 2020 election suggests otherwise. While last year's election saw the highest turnout in modern elections, partly due to increased access through relaxed mail-in ballot requirements and early voting, Democrats didn't see a wave of success in races other than the presidential one. Republicans picked up a net of 12 seats in the House of Representatives and held onto vulnerable Senate seats in Iowa, Maine and North Carolina. Sri Lanka on Monday responded to Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb's remarks that India's ruling party BJP has plans to expand its footprint in the neighbouring island nation and Nepal. Sri Lanka's Election Commission Chairman Nimal Punchihewa shot down reports saying the country's electoral law does not permit such an arrangement. "Any Sri Lankan political party or group is permitted to have external links with any party or group overseas. But, our electoral laws do not permit overseas political parties to work here," Punchihewa told reporters. Interestingly, last year, President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's brother, Basil, had said he envisioned modelling the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna either on the lines of the BJP or the Communist Party of China, PTI reported. According to a report in news portal East Mojo, during a party program in Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Saturday, Deb said that former BJP president Amit Shah during his visit to Tripura, in a tea party with the state leadership, said that he plans to establish the party in neighbouring countries after winning in most of the states in India. READ | Delhi Police alleges 'Disha, Nikita Jacob & Shantanu created toolkit'; reveals R-Day plot READ | Can we not say anything for a while?: Disha Ravi-Greta Thunberg's 'toolkit' WhatsApp chat 'Now Sri Lanka and Nepal is left' We were talking in the state guest house when Ajay Jamwal (North-East Zonal Secretary of BJP) said that BJP has formed its government in several states of India, in reply Shah said, Now Sri Lanka and Nepal is left. We have to expand the party in Sri Lanka, Nepal and win there to form a government, the Chief Minister said quoting the Union Home Minister. According to the report, Deb said it was only under the leadership of Amit Shah that the BJP became the worlds largest party. "The communist had claimed that their party was the largest in the world, which Amit Shah broke by making BJP the largest party in the world. Deendayal Upadhyayas party, Shyama Prasads party, Prishtha Pramukhs party," Deb added. "The BJP will change the trend of change of government between the Left and the Congress every five years in Kerala and emerge as the winner in the southern state as well," he said. It is not immediately clear how serious Deb was about Shah's purported remarks. READ | West Bengal: DYFI, SFI thrash Kolkata Police officials over death of Left activist READ | BJP ministers slam Congress neta's 'liquor help' to farmers protests: 'Can't revive Cong' Before Twitter existed, we could pretend our politicians, who although they clearly always have had their faults, were people who had empathy for their fellow citizens. Twitter proved how wrong we were. Turns out, plenty of politicians are jerks who would much rather glibly hit send on a tweet that would allow their fellow jerks to have a dark laugh than show an ounce of compassion. WHAT'S GOING ON?: Texas is in a power emergency, here's why When California was hit with rolling blackouts in the summer, the office of the California governor, tweeted for Californians to do what they can to conserve energy to try to prevent disastrous state-wide power outages. Sound familiar? Instead of amplifying the tweet or offering thoughts and prayers or even just sitting this one out, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz thought it would be a perfect opportunity to mock United States citizens facing a crisis. California is now unable to perform even basic functions of civilization, like having reliable electricity. Biden/Harris/AOC want to make CAs failed energy policy the standard nationwide. Hope you dont like air conditioning!, Cruz tweeted with condescension. That tweet is doing nothing to keep warm the 4 million Texans currently without power, including 1.4 million in Cruz's hometown of Houston. A couple months after mocking California, Cruz continued piling on, tweeting the Democrats' campaign slogan should be: "If you want to live without air conditioningvote Democrat." When Rescue Me actor Steven Pasquale pointed out to Cruz that the real problem was climate change, Cruz turned it up a notch. Some angry Lefty actor thinks California is the only place that has Summer. Its hot everywhere try Texas every summertime but the rest of the country doesnt have such a dysfunctional state govt that you cant turn the lights on or run A/C. Thats a policy failure of the Dems. To Cruz's credit, he didn't try to defend the tweets this week. On Tuesday night, he responded to criticism by tweeting, "I got no defense. A blizzard strikes Texas and our state shuts down. Not good. Stay safe!" Cruz certainly wasnt alone in having a laugh at Californias misfortune. After Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti urged his constituents to conserve energy during the blackouts, U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Houston found time to send a joke on Twitter: Alexa, show me what happens when you let Democrats control energy policy. In 2019, Texas Sen. John Cornyn tweeted an article from the satirical site The Babylon Bee with the headline "Texas luring jobs away from California with the promises of electricity." Hilarious, fellas. When you're done with your online stand-up comedy set, can you do something about Texas' electrical grid now? Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 02:12:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ANKARA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday criticized the United States for "supporting" the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) after the group killed 13 Turkish people in northern Iraq. The president also denounced a U.S. statement that declined to immediately back Turkey's claim of the PKK members executing 13 Turks in Iraq. "If reports of the death of Turkish civilians at the hands of the PKK, a designated terrorist organization, are confirmed, we condemn this action in the strongest possible terms," the U.S. State Department said over the killings. Meanwhile, the Turkish foreign ministry on Monday summoned the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara David Satterfield and "most strongly expressed" Turkey's reaction against the U.S. statement on the incident. Turkey on Sunday said the PKK members executed 13 of its citizens that the group has been abducted, including Turkish military and police personnel, during the country's cross-border military operation in northern Iraq. The PKK blamed Turkish airstrikes for the deaths of the 13 Turks in a cave in the Gara region of northern Iraq. Enditem COLUMBIA South Carolina's boat and fishing tackle makers and dealers, seeking a hand in shaping the laws and regulations that affect their industry, have formed a professional trade group to advocate with a unified voice. The Palmetto State is home to 27 boat manufacturers and two of the largest tackle brands in the country including Shimano's North Charleston distribution center and Pure Fishing's Columbia headquarters making it the largest unrepresented sector in the state, said Gettys Brannon, CEO of the newly formed South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance. Some priorities include reducing property taxes that boat owners must pay on both boats and motors, something they say will make boat ownership easier. They also want some of the funds from those taxes redirected to benefit boaters. Additionally, they are working to create technical education certificates to increase a potential boat-building workforce coming out of the state's colleges. While the group is still developing its legislative agenda, Brannon said it plans to push for conservation and clean water policies while also advocating for more boat ramps, access to the water and expanding the industry. The organization has more than 30 member companies to date. It also plans to open up membership to the general public in hopes of garnering grassroots support for its initiatives. Few people realize that South Carolina is home to brand names known worldwide in boating and fishing, Brannon said. We have a real opportunity because we're such a large industry in the state." Boating and fishing had a $5.1 billion economic impact in South Carolina during 2019, according to the latest data from the American Sportfishing Association and the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and supported 23,000 jobs. The value of the goods made by boating and fishing manufacturers in South Carolina, according to the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, increased at a faster rate 8.4 percent than that of Florida, considered the top boating state in the country. South Carolina ranks seventh in the U.S. for boat ownership, with one in 10 South Carolinians having one. Fishing hot spots, like Lake Murray in the Midlands and lakes Marion and Moultrie to the south, draw in large national and international fishing tournaments. There are 725,000 fishing licenses held in the state. Sign up for our Columbia business and real estate newsletter. Get all the latest industry happenings from the Midlands, plus exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email Sign Up! South Carolina is nationally known for being a fishing and boating mecca. It is also home to some of the most popular brands in the outdoors world," said Lee Gatts, National Marine Manufacturers Association's Southeast policy and engagement manager. While the coronavirus pandemic sent unemployment rolls soaring and large segments of the economy spiraling, it also increased the popularity of boating as Americans sought to escape quarantine on the water. Boating reached a 13-year higher in 2020, with more than 310,000 new powerboats sold across the country levels not seen since before the Great Recession, according to National Marine Manufacturers Association. "Dealers can't keep boats because so many people are buying them," Brannon said, and the industry wants to do what it can to hold on to its new found customer base. Boat makers in South Carolina are trying to hire some 20 to 150 workers apiece to keep up with demand, Brannon said. "Every one of them have workforce needs," said Lisa Waller of Newberry-based Falcon Boats, which includes her family's own small 30-person shop that could use another five workers. But in the workforce aptitude test taken by high school students in the state and referenced by guidance counselors, there is no mention of boat manufacturing as a possible trade, Waller said. The group wants to change that and tap into the interest young students may already have in boating and fishing. Waller, a former education professor, also is helping develop specialized curriculum that could be taught at the state's technical colleges. On the conservation side, the group said it has already participated alongside Coastal Carolina University and the state Floodwater Commission in placing an artificial reef equipped with sensors to monitor marine life near Little River Inlet. There are plans for another reef in March. They've also joined a dive on the Cooper River looking for the teeth of the prehistoric shark megalodon. When it comes to upping the number of boat landings, the group plans to use its statewide reach to lobby for placement of those ramps where they are most needed, particularly along the coast and around the Charleston area. "Access is one of our top priorities," said Chris Butler, board chairman of the alliance and owner of Butler Marine in Charleston and Beaufort. "Here, boating is a large part of our lifestyle. We want money spent by boaters to go back into access." Comedienne and Media personality Afia Schwarzenegger celebrated her 39th birthday on Sunday, February 14, 2021. Born in 1982, Afia Schwar turned 39 years old and it was a double celebration as her birthday coincides with the celebration of Valentine's Day. She started her birthday by releasing some stunning photos on social media earning praise from her fans. In the afternoon, Schwar paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu at his residence. She recieves several surprises inclusing a customised necklace from Rev. Obofour's wife, a new phone, boxes of pizza, a he-goat, paintings of her, among other things. Schwar had a private birthday party organised for her at the residence of Musican, Nhyiraba Kojo. Watch exclusive video below: Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video New Delhi, Feb 16 : The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found a total of 192 Covid-19 cases of the new variants of mutated SARS-CoV-2 in last two months, including four from the variant emerging in South Africa and one from the Brazilian variant, officials said on Tuesday. The remaining cases are all of the UK variant. ICMR Director General, Prof Balram Bhargava, however, noted that no mortality has been reported so far in the cases who contracted the UK variant as well as those who are infected by the variants from South Africa and Brazil. About the SA variant, better known as B.1.351, Bharagava said that its cases were reported in January in four returnees from African countries. "One case was found in a person who returned from Angola, one from Tanzania and rest from persons who returned from South Africa," he said. Bhargava added that that this variant has spread to 44 countries and the National Institute of Virology, Pune is attempting to isolate and culture the variant. "The efficacy of vaccines on it will be known after the isolation and culture of the variant," he said. Meanwhile, the Brazilian variant or P.1 lineage, has been found in the first week of February in a person who returned from the South American country recently. The strain has spread to 15 countries, however, it has been successfully isolated and cultured at the NIV in India, it added. "The experiments are underway to assess the efficacy of vaccines on the Brazilian variant," Bhargava said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Ex-Muslim who planned to kill Christians and faced death for becoming one tells her story Christian Post Contributor | 18 June, 2019 by Samuel Smith A Pakistani convert to Christianity who nearly blew herself up in the name of Allah says a spiritual journey that began with a dream transformed her from being a jihadi-minded teen into a devout Christian who's making disciples for Christ. Born in 1982 to strict Muslim parents in a 97 percent majority Muslim nation, one of the things Esther (a pseudonym used for security purposes) ever wanted was for her father to accept her. But that acceptance never came. Even though she did well in school, Esther and other women in her community were not allowed to pursue a high school education unless they had approval from their fathers or closest male relatives. But the only way Esther's father would approve of her going to school was if she agreed to join a socially conservative Islamic political organization whose goal is to turn Pakistan into an Islamic state ruled by Sharia law. That organization, which her father had joined about three years earlier, is Jamaat e-Islami. "When I first joined, they taught us to do everything Allah commands you. One day ... they said whoever will give his or her life for Allah, Allah will repay that fully and also their parents will get into Heaven," Esther told The Christian Post in a phone interview. "My intentions were to make my father happy because he didn't accept me. I thought, this way, I could show my father that because of a girl, he will get to Heaven. That is why I raised my hand to be a volunteer to go for Jihad." Although Esther was set on being a suicide bomber, killing herself and murdering a few Jews or Christians all to please Allah, as she recounts in her new book Defying Jihad, a dream completely altered the trajectory of her life. Since the book's release on June 2, it has become the No. 1 new release on Amazon's religious intolerance list. The book comes not long after Pakistan was ranked as the fifth worst persecutor of Christians in the world, according to Open Doors USA's 2019 World Watch List. When Esther joined Jamaat e-Islami in high school, she told CP that she believed at the time the organization was out to do good in the world through its social work and providing education to those who can't afford to go to school. But as she got more involved in the organization, Esther said her eyes were opened to the reality of what Jamaat e-Islami was out to accomplish. "Whenever they were teaching, they always say Christians are the enemy and Jews are our enemy," Esther recalled. "So we have to make this Earth clean by killing them or make them give tax or make sure they accept Islam." While Jamaat e-Islami won't admit that they have an affiliation to terrorist entities, Esther was adamant that the group does have ties to terrorists. "They support them and do all kinds of stuff," she asserted. When Esther went home to tell her parents that she had volunteered to go for "jihad," her parents were happy to hear the news that their teenage daughter was going to kill herself for the glory of Allah. Esther said her parents told her that everyone is going to die someday and the way she would be dying is considered a "privilege." The light man But about two days before Esther was set to go on her suicide mission, she had a dream where she sat in a dark graveyard. The dream came after she fell asleep during her early-morning Muslim prayer. "I was in a graveyard. Everywhere was darkness. I was looking for a way out of the darkness. ... As I was looking to come out from that graveyard, I saw a light appear," she recounted. "And the light has arms, hands and face. I asked, 'Is this a man made of light?' I have never seen a man made of light. If it is an angel, there should be wings behind it. But there are no wings, just a man made of light." Esther said she called out to the light man, who responded with the words: "come and follow me." Read more from, "Ex-Muslim who planned to kill Christians and faced death for becoming one tells her story," on The Christian Post. The Cuban Government has offered to transfer technology on a COVID-19 vaccine currently undergoing trial in that country to Ghana through an agreement with the Ghanaian pharmaceutical industry. Under the agreement, the Cuban Government will supply active pharmaceutical ingredients for the formulation, production and packaging of the vaccine in Ghana. COVID-19 vaccine Known as the Soberana 02, the vaccine is Cubas most advanced candidate against the COVID-19 virus. Countries such as India, Vietnam, Iran, Venezuela and Pakistan have also expressed interest in acquiring the Soberana 02 vaccine. The Cuban Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Pedro Luis Despaigne Gonzalez, who disclosed that, said the vaccine had passed the Phase I trial in Cuba, indicating that the Phase II trial had also been carried out on 910 patients, while Phase III trial was expected to commence before the end of February 2021. Meeting with FDA Mr Gonzalez was briefing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Mrs Delese Darko, on progress made so far on the development of Cubas Covid-19 vaccine. The meeting, at the request of the ambassador, was to brief Ghanas FDA on the status of clinical trials being conducted in Cuba on four Covid-19 candidate vaccines, each at different phases of clinical development. It was a follow-up on an earlier one held on November 24, 2020, during which the FDA and the Centre for State Control of Drugs and Medical Devices (CECMED) of the Ministry of Public Health of the Republic of Cuba (MINSAP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the area of health promotion. In attendance were the Deputy CEO for Health Products and Technologies Division of the FDA, Mr Seth Seneake; the Deputy CEO for Corporate Services of the FDA, Mrs Yvonne Nkrumah, and the pharmaceutical liaison for the Republic of Cuba in Ghana, Mrs Mercy Mintah Gyampoh. Solidarity Mrs Darko expressed gratitude to the people and the Government of Cuba for their continued solidarity with Ghana, and pledged the continued support of the FDA in the sharing of its experience as a Maturity Level Three regulatory agency of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Mrs Darko further expressed the appreciation of the institution for the intended technological transfer support from Cuba to Ghana. She said the meeting presented an opportunity to render support, build capacity, further develop and challenge the local pharmaceutical industry both allopathic and herbal. Mrs Darko mentioned that through that, the local pharmaceutical industry would make progress in the promotion of healthy practices to improve the health standards of the Ghanaian populace. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video [February 16, 2021] RENFE-Operadora awards its e-notification contract to Lleida.net MADRID, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Spanish public railways operator RENFE has awarded Lleida.net (BME: LLN) (EPA: ALLLN) (OTCQX: LLEIF) its e-notification contract, for a period of two years. From now on, the public company will use the Spanish technology company's patented technology to communicate reliably with customers and suppliers. "This new contract with RENFE-Operadora represents, once again, the success of the penetration of our technology among the most important players in the Spanish economy, which are so necessary for the improvement of competitiveness and processes, both internal and external," explained Sisco Sapena, CEO and founder of the company. With 200 patents, it currently has one of the largest intellectual property portfolios in the digital signature industry worldwide. Advertisement Billions of dollars worth of disused aircraft are being stored row after row in the US as Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc on the aviation industry. Stunning aerial images show thousands of planes parked on the ground including passenger jets and military craft. Photographer Jassen Todorov traveled around the country to capture the incredible sight of the grounded planes lined up in airfields. Billions of dollars worth of disused aircraft are being stored row after row in the US as Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc on the aviation industry Stunning aerial images show thousands of planes parked on the ground including passenger jets and military craft Jets with Spirit Airlines livery at the colossal aircraft parking lot in Arizona. Florida-based Spirit has seen business plummet during the pandemic American Airlines' regional branch American Eagle aircraft are seen lined up among the disused aircraft in Arizona Just 1.8billion passengers took flights last year, compared with around 4.5billion the year before as the pandemic forced travelers to stay at home Photographer Jassen Todorov traveled around the country to capture the incredible sight of the grounded planes lined up in airfields Yellow-liveries Spirit Airlines planes on the colossal sandy lot for disused aircraft in Arizona Todorov, who is himself a pilot, shot images of the 309th Maintenance and Regeneration Group in Arizona where 4,000 aircraft are being stored. He also visited the Southern California Logicistics airport and the San Bernadio and Mojave airports in California and Pinal county Airpark, Arizona. The images bring the aviation industry's troubles into sharp focus due to the pandemic. The grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX planes has also led to many craft gathering dust in airfields. Many airlines say they are fighting for survival with the pandemic the worst crisis to ever hit the industry Passenger numbers were the lowest since 2003 last year, while the average distance traveled by passengers had slumped to its lowest number since 1999 According to the Center for Avition, the number of passenger jets in service at the end of 2020 across the world had returned to 2008 levels Many airlines say they are fighting for survival with the pandemic the worst crisis to ever hit the industry. Huge reductions in passenger numbers caused by a slump in demand and international travel restrictions have left many airlines on the brink. According to the Center for Avition, the number of passenger jets in service at the end of 2020 across the world had returned to 2008 levels. Passenger numbers were the lowest since 2003 last year, while the average distance traveled by passengers had slumped to its lowest number since 1999. The US government is considering a rescue package for airlines that could see $14billion offered in payroll support through to September this year Many airlines say they are fighting for survival with the pandemic the worst crisis to ever hit the industry Huge reductions in passenger numbers caused by a slump in demand and international travel restrictions have left many airlines on the brink Just 1.8billion passengers took flights last year, compared with around 4.5billion the year before. The International Civil Aviation Organization said this amounted to a loss for the industry of $370billion. The US government is considering a rescue package for airlines that could see $14billion offered in payroll support through to September this year. Occupied El Aaiun, Feb 16, 2021 (SPS) - Morocco's repressive forces have kidnapped two minor children in the district of Iraq, in the Western Sahara occupied city of El Aaiun, Sahrawi media said Monday. According to the sources, "Moroccan occupation soldiers, in plain clothes, abducted two minor children and took them to an unknown destination." The two children, "Zakaria al-Rijibi and Akram al-Hanafi, were kidnapped by a group led by the executioner Ali Boufri," the Saharawi media said. The occupied Saharawi cities have been the theater of a dangerous escalation of aggressions carried out by Moroccan occupation authorities against Sahrawi civilians, including activists, journalists and even children. On November 13th, the Moroccan army violated the ceasefire agreement signed in 1991 between the Frente POLISARIO and Morocco, under the aegis of the United Nations, by attacking peaceful Saharawi civilian demonstrators in El Guerguerat buffer zone.SPS 125/090/700 Irvines Hero Pay Ordinance Sees Narrower Scope of Applicable Stores Modifications to Irvines recently approved hero pay for grocery workers are being made in an effort to shield small businesses from the measure, say some city councilors. Updates to the proposed ordinance sought to remove some of the smaller stores by increasing the minimum number of store employees from 15 to 20 and increasing the nationwide number of employees from 300 to 500. [We] had those [changes] added just to provide additional buffer for smaller businesses and smaller markets. Vice Mayor Tammy Kim told The Epoch Times on Feb. 15. On Feb. 9, city council approved in a narrow 32 vote a proposed pay for grocery workers. Qualifying employees will receive an extra $4 per hour for the next four months. Stores that have fewer than 15,000 square feet will be allowed as exceptions to the law. During the recent council meeting, councilmembers Larry Agran, Tammy Kim, and Mayor Farrah Khan voted in favor of the ordinance, while councilmembers Mike Carroll and Anthony Kuo voted against it. Kuo told The Epoch Times that Kim added the provisions to provide a loophole for small, minority-owned stores. I think [Kim] believes that somehow, not automatically, but that [the changes] somehow exempts a lot of the minority-serving grocery stores, Kuo said. We have some Asian grocery stores in town that certainly arent as large as the Kroger or Ralphs or Albertsons, so I think that she feels that may be a little bit of a loophole for them. Now, I dont think its a loophole for larger stores like 99 Ranch and H Mart, butI think that that perhaps may have shifted her vote. Kuo said he voted against the measure over concerns it could lead to legal trouble for the city. Some cities that enacted such an ordinance have been sued, he said. He also questioned why grocery workers in particular were being rewarded. Its nice to have this feel-good thing that were going to temporarily mandate that a private business is going to pay their employees more, but why are we weighing in on one industry, and not weighing in on general retailers, or other occupations? Kuo said. But Agrans thinking regarding the large grocery stores differed. I think its fair, I think its appropriate, and because they are working in businesses that are actually doing very well economically in the course of this pandemic, I think its important to have what we call a shared sacrifice, where the firms that employ them are sharing some of their additional profits, Agran said. Agran added that he doesnt believe it will necessarily lead to the direct closing of stores. Internally, these firms have high performing stores and low performing stores, he said. Theyre always in the process of opening and shutting particular stores around the country, and so I dont think thats a concern at all that I have. According to the agenda for Irvines next council meeting, 83 Irvine retail (drug and grocery) workers are confirmed to have COVID-19 as of Feb. 2, and one retail worker has died. The proposed hero pay will have a total of three readings, with the second one occurring on Feb. 23. At the Madison location I have more young Black men than any other location, said Rickette. I have a great relationship with the Safer Foundation, so most of them have come from there and stayed. The foundation supports people with arrest and conviction records, who can have difficulty finding employment. According to a study in 2016, nearly half of young Black men in Chicago were neither working nor in school. They look rough, but theyre broke. Ill work that location the most, because if I have the opportunity, I try to impart something they might remember. A returned traveller blamed for spreading coronavirus through the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel by using a nebuliser is pushing for an independent review of his case because he does not trust the state government to investigate itself. It comes as debate rages among scientists over whether a nebuliser really was the source of the outbreak, as the state government has suggested. Victorias latest outbreak is centred on the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport. Credit:Penny Stephens The man, who has chronic asthma, previously told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald he was twice given permission by Victorian health authorities to use the medical device, which turns liquid medications into a fine mist that can be inhaled, while in quarantine. This is despite nebulisers being banned for use in most Victorian hospitals, except in specially designed negative pressure rooms, after they were suspected to have fuelled serious outbreaks during the states second wave of coronavirus infections. I dont trust the state level of government any more. Theyve really killed my trust in this system, said the father of one, who asked for his name not to be published to protect his familys identity. I was getting misinformation left, right and centre ever since we arrived at the first hotel. The 38-year-old, who has been discharged from hospital and is now back in hotel quarantine with his family, revealed on Wednesday he had contacted the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and requested an independent review. He said his request for an independent investigation was in response to a state government audit of the Holiday Inn incident, which found there was no record of him declaring the device. The man said he was never asked for his account of events prior to the audit being conducted. He said he was told on Tuesday, after being contacted by the Health Department, that there were three different files for his case. The man said he had also contacted the office of federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, who on Tuesday also called for an independent investigation of the matter. Read the full story here. Dry and cloudless weather was mainly responsible for the unusually high solar irradiance in western Europe during the spring of 2020, not the reduction in aerosol emissions due to the first lockdown. This was the result of an international meteorological study, in which scientists from the University of Cologne participated. The results have been published in the current issue of Nature Communications Earth & Environment. A large part of western Europe experienced exceptionally sunny and dry weather from March 23 to the end of May 2020. New sunshine extremes were reported in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, coupled with exceptionally deep blue skies. At the same time, these countries had gone into lockdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The hypothesis was that higher solar irradiance at the Earth's surface was caused by reduced emissions of aerosols from industry and traffic. The research team's analyses show that the reduced aerosols and contrails due to COVID-19 measures were far less influential in the spring of 2020 than the dry and - more importantly - largely cloud-free weather. The study was conducted by an international team that included Professor Dr Stephanie Fiedler of the Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology at the University of Cologne. Also involved were researchers from the Netherlands from Wageningen University & Research and 'Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut' (KNMI), as well as from Switzerland from the 'Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos' of the World Radiation Center (PMOD-WRC). Spring 2020 broke sunshine records across western Europe. The Netherlands recorded the highest solar irradiance since 1928, surpassing the previous extreme value of 2011 by 13 percent. The diffuse component of solar radiation reached a record low value (38 percent). The coincidence of the extreme value of solar irradiance with a reduction in pollution caused by humans due to COVID-19 measures led to the hypothesis that cleaner-than-usual air contributed to the record. Lower transportation and industrial activities led to reductions in nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide emissions of several percent with corresponding changes in atmospheric composition and radiation. The objective of this study was therefore to quantify the respective contributions of weather and aerosols to extreme solar irradiance in Western Europe. Based on analyses of ground- and satellite-based observations and experiments with a radiative transfer model, the researchers estimate a 1.3 percent increase in solar radiation from the 2010-2019 mean due to the lower mean aerosol optical depth, a measure of aerosol burden in the atmosphere, and a 17.6 percent increase due to some exceptionally dry days and very low cloud cover. 'The analyses show that the reduced aerosols and contrails due to COVID-19 measures are less important for the solar irradiation record than the dry and especially cloud-free weather,' explained Professor Stephanie Fiedler. Rather, the main reasons for the increased solar irradiance are weather patterns with persistent northerly to easterly flow over western Europe and weak winds at the centre of high-pressure systems. As a result, there were more days with little and no cloud cover, which allowed for greater solar irradiance. Using an objective weather type classification, a method of describing weather situations based on grid point data, the team showed that 2020 had about ten more spring days with dry weather associated with a high-pressure system compared to the mean for 1980-2019. The amount of precipitation also shows the unusual weather. Thus, spring 2020 is amongst the drier years on record (2004-2020), with the very dry period beginning on March 21, 2020. Aerosol emissions caused by humans are relatively low in Europe compared to other world regions. 'If anthropogenic aerosol emissions continue to be rather small in the future, or if they further decrease, like scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggest, weather will be the most important factor in setting new records for solar irradiance in spring,' said Stephanie Fiedler. 'Currently, however, many regions of the world are more affected by aerosols than western Europe. More significant regional impacts of aerosol reduction on solar irradiance from COVID-19 lockdowns have already been documented in such locations.' Future research will examine the extent to which aerosol changes can affect weather patterns, for example. Climate scientists are currently working on a new international project to compare climate simulations with emission datasets adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic to answer such questions. In this context, Fiedler is compiling datasets for human-caused aerosols that will enable such model simulations. ### Egypts ministries of international cooperation and finance inked on Monday an agreement with the Japanese government, represented by the Japanese Embassy in Cairo and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The deal provides a development finance of $240 million for Egypt. The agreement was signed by Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait, and Chief Representative of JICA Egypt Office Omura Yoshifumi, in the presence of a number of Egyptian and Japanese officials. The accord targets development financing policies in energy and budget support in Egypt, aiming to enhance the green growth and sustainable development as well as alleviating the repercussions of climate change and countering the impact of COVID-19. Al-Mashat said the agreement comes in the aftermath of one-year negotiations despite the coronavirus crisis and the repercussion of lockdown globally. She added that Japans current cooperation portfolio with Egypt amounts to $2.7 billion used in 14 projects in a number of developmental sectors, including electricity, education, higher education, scientific research, tourism and antiquities. Al-Mashat emphasised Egypts appreciation of the development finances that the Japanese government has extended to Egypt to back the countrys efforts in fighting coronavirus. During the first wave of the pandemic, Japan provided Egypt with a grant worth $9.3 million to be used in medical sets and supplies in the health ministrys hospitals, bringing the total amount of the Japanese grants current portfolio to $54.5 million, according to Al-Mashat. Meanwhile, Maait said that the agreement is compatible with Egypts efforts to provide urgent development finances to contribute to mitigating the pandemics socio-economic impact and to back the most hit sectors. The Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Masaki Noke asserted the importance of the new finance in supporting Egypts efforts towards green economy transformation and enhancing clean energy transformation policies. The Ministry of International Cooperation secured $9.8 billion as development finances in 2020, including $3.2 billion for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and $6.7 billion for other development sectors. Short link: Amir Khan's wife Faryal Makhdoom has been criticised and accused of being homophobic after calling a fan a lesbian and seemingly using the word in a negative fashion. Model Faryal, 29, had posted a picture of herself dressed modestly in a lilac satin ensemble which was floor-length and had a matching head scarf. She had captioned the image with the words: 'Thank you God for blessing me much more than I deserve @kiyahabayas #AD.' 'WTF? Are you homophobic?' Amir Khan's wife Faryal Makhdoom is slammed for accusing fan of being a 'lesbian' after she asks for a bikini snap Another woman then wrote in the comments: 'What's next, bikini?' alongside a bikini emoji. Faryal wrote in the comments. 'Lesbian' - she has not deleted the post. One follower was unimpressed and wrote: WTF? Are you homophobic?' Yet others were less keen to be negative towards her, writing: 'All she said was lesbian. A word. A complete exaggeration.' And: 'Post been up 11 mins and already negative comments from people. Not on: Faryal got a mixed response when she called a follower a 'lesbian' using the word negatively after she asked for a bikini picture 'Are you homophobic': Some people didn't like Faryal's comment but others felt it was not a big deal and others criticised her for sometimes dressing conservatively and sometimes not 'How about you just unfollow her if it triggers you that much. Does it pay your rent or feed your soul to be bad mind on her post.' [sic]. Another wrote: 'She can say what she wants. Get over her and get off her page you bunch of toddlers.' Others were simply keen to praise Faryal for her beauty in the comments and wrote: 'Youre beautiful Masha Allah! Dont ever let anyone judge you.' 'Ignore the hate comments you look amazing in this attire.' Divided: Some felt as though Faryal should decide on dressing modestly or having 'her body on show' and stick to it, even though the decision should be hers Some felt as though Faryal should decide on dressing modestly or having 'her body on show' and stick to it, even though the decision should be hers. They wrote: 'I don't agree with all the hate, but do agree that it's kinda conflicting. 'MashAllah u always look beautiful with scarf n Asian clothes more than naked i swear I wanna see u always like this looking beautiful.' [sic]. 'One day body on show, the next day full abayah. I think hijab and this style of religious attire should be a dedication or not at all. But, u look stunning x.' The latest post comes after Faryal labelled the UK government a 'dictatorship' over its new travel restrictions for those travelling to and from Dubai. Angry: Amir Khan's 'furious' wife Faryal called the UK government a 'dictatorship' in January following new rules that were introduced for those travelling in Dubai In January, it was revealed the UAE had been removed from the UK's travel corridor list, and travellers returning to the UK from there will have to quarantine following a 52 per cent surge in the number of COVID -19 cases there. Slamming the decision on Snapchat, Faryal, flew to the city in December despite suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, hit out: 'The British government has failed the UK. 'New rules around every corner with practically no warning. Feel like I'm living in a dictatorship.' Flouting rules: Faryal and her husband flew to the city in December despite the fact she was suffering from COVID-19 symptoms Faryal and Amir went on holiday in Dubai in December, despite her revealing she had lost her sense of taste - one of the main Covid-19 symptoms. Anyone displaying symptoms should not be able to fly. Amir posted on his Snapchat, 'Lovely day in Dubai' with a video as they enjoyed a meal. Faryal also shared Snapchat videos of their hotel pool near the five-star Burj Al Arab hotel. She said: 'This resort is just...' and a sticking tongue out emoji. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) talks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 15, 2021. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images) Pelosi Announces Independent 9/11-Style Commission to Investigate Capitol Breach House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stated that Congress will establish an independent body similar to the 9/11 Commission to look at the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. It is clear from his findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened, she said in a statement on Monday. To protect our security, our security, our security, our next step will be to establish an outside, independent 9/11-type Commission to investigate and report on the facts and causes' of the breach. In a letter to her Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the House will also put forth supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol. Previously, she asked retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore to lead a review of the Capitols security processes. She added, As we prepare for the Commission, it is also clear from General Honores interim reporting that we must put forth a supplemental appropriation to provide for the safety of Members and the security of the Capitol. The statement comes after Trump was acquitted in the Senate after the House impeached him for allegedly inciting violence at the Capitol. Trump, for his part, told supporters on Jan. 6 to protest peacefully and patriotically, while his lawyers argued that his comments to demonstrators were protected under the First Amendment. House impeachment managers led by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) argued that Trump was solely responsible for the breach. Ultimately, seven Republicans joined Democrats in the Senate to convict Trump, drawing intense criticism from their respective state Republican Parties. Theres still more evidence that the American people need and deserve to hear and a 9/11 commission is a way to make sure that we secure the Capitol going forward, said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) on Sunday, reported The Associated Press. The Republicans who joined Cassidy in voting to convict were Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania. In response to his acquittal, Trump stated, Our cherished Constitutional Republic was founded on the impartial rule of law, the indispensable safeguard for our liberties, our rights, and our freedoms. It is a sad commentary on our times that one political party in America is given a free pass to denigrate the rule of law, defame law enforcement, cheer mobs, excuse rioters, and transform justice into a tool of political vengeance, and persecute, blacklist, cancel and suppress all people and viewpoints with whom or which they disagree, he said. I always have, and always will be a champion for the unwavering rule of law, the heroes of law enforcement, and the right of Americans to peacefully and honorably debate the issues of the day without malice and without hate. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Back in the summer, Dr. Michael Mina made a deal with a cold storage company. With many of its restaurant clients closed down, the firm had freezers to spare. And Mina, a public health researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, had a half-million vials of plasma from human blood coming to his lab from across the country, samples dating back to the carefree days of January 2020. The vials, now in three hulking freezers outside Minas lab, are at the center of a pilot project for what he and his collaborators call the Global Immunological Observatory. They envision an immense surveillance system that can check blood from all over the world for the presence of antibodies to hundreds of viruses at once. That way, when the next pandemic washes over us, scientists will have detailed, real-time information on how many people have been infected by the virus and how their bodies responded. It might even offer some early notice, like a tornado warning. Although this monitoring system will not be able to detect new viruses or variants directly, it could show when large numbers of people start acquiring immunity to a particular kind of virus. The human immune system keeps a record of pathogens it has met before, in the form of antibodies that fight against them and then stick around for life. By testing for these antibodies, scientists can get a snapshot of which flu viruses you have had, what that rhinovirus was that breezed through you last fall, even whether you had a respiratory syncytial virus as a child. Even if an infection never made you sick, it would still be picked up by this diagnostic method, called serological testing. Were all like little recorders, keeping track of viruses without realizing it, Mina said. Spotting Patterns This type of readout from the immune system is different from a test that looks for an active viral infection. The immune system starts to produce antibodies one to two weeks after an infection begins, so serology is retrospective, looking back at what you have caught. Also, closely related viruses may produce similar responses, provoking antibodies that bind to the same kinds of viral proteins. That means carefully designed assays are needed to distinguish between different coronaviruses, for example. But serology uncovers things that virus testing does not, said Derek Cummings, a public health researcher at the University of Florida. With a large database of samples and clinical details, scientists can begin to see patterns emerge in how the immune system responds in someone with no symptoms compared to someone struggling to clear the virus. Serology can also reveal before an outbreak starts whether a population has robust immunity to a given virus, or if it is dangerously low. You want to understand what has happened in a population, and how prepared that population is for future attacks of a particular pathogen, Cummings said. The approach could also detect events in the viral ecosystem that otherwise go unnoticed, Cummings said. For example, the 2015 Zika outbreak was detected by doctors in Brazil who noticed a cluster of babies with abnormally small heads, born seven to nine months after their mothers were infected. A serological observatory could conceivably have picked this up before then, he said. Kayana Szymczak/NYT Serological surveys are often small and difficult to set up, since they require drawing blood from volunteers. But for several years Mina and his colleagues have been discussing the idea of a large and automated surveillance system using leftover samples from routine lab tests. Had we had it set up in 2019, then when this virus hit the U.S., we would have had ready access to data that would have allowed us to see it circulating in New York City, for example, without doing anything different, Mina said. Although the observatory would not have been able to identify the new coronavirus, it would have revealed an unusually high number of infections from the coronavirus family, which includes those that cause common colds. It might also have shown that the new coronavirus was interacting with patients immune systems in unexpected ways, resulting in telltale markers in the blood. That would have been a signal to start genetic sequencing of patient samples, to identify the culprit, and might have provided grounds to shut down the city earlier, Mina said. (Similarly, serology would not be able to spot the emergency of a new virus variant, like the contagious coronavirus variants that were discovered in South Africa and England before spreading elsewhere. For that, researchers must rely on standard genomic sequencing of virus test samples.) A Powerful Investment The observatory would require agreements with hospitals, blood banks and other sources of blood, as well as a system for acquiring consent from patients and donors. It also faces the problem of financing, noted Alex Greninger, a virus expert at the University of Washington. Health insurance companies would be unlikely to foot the bill, since serology tests are usually not used by doctors to treat people. Mina estimated that the observatory would cost about $100 million to get off the ground. He pointed out that, according to his calculations, the federal government has allocated more than twice that much to diagnostics company Ellume to produce enough rapid COVID tests to cover the American demand for only a handful of days. A pathogen observatory, he said, is like a weather forecasting system that draws on vast numbers of buoys and sensors around the globe, passively reporting on events where and when they arise. These systems have been funded by government grants and are widely valued. The predictive power of serology is worth the investment, said Jessica Metcalf, an public health researcher at Princeton and one of the observatory team members. A few years ago, she and her collaborators found in a smaller survey that immunity to measles was ominously low in Madagascar. Indeed, in 2018 an outbreak took hold, killing more than 10,000 children. Now, the half-million plasma samples in Minas freezers, collected by plasma donation company Octopharma from sites across the country last year, are starting to undergo serological tests focused on the new coronavirus, funded by a $2 million grant from Open Philanthropy. Testing had to wait for the researchers to set up a new robotic testing facility and process the samples, but now they are working through their first batches. The team hopes to use this data to show how the virus flowed into the United States, week by week, and how immunity to COVID has grown and changed. They also hope it will spark interest in using serology to illuminate the movement of many more viruses. The big idea is to show the world that you dont have to spend huge dollars to do this kind of work, Mina said. We should have this happening all the time. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) Police have announced an arrest in the shooting death of a man working at a Marshalltown convenience store. Marshalltown police say officers arrested 20-year-old Rocky Dean Trujillo, of Marshalltown, Monday afternoon in the deadly shooting hours earlier inside a Caseys convenience store on Third Avenue. Officers called to the store found 48-year-old Michael Ray West, also of Marshalltown, suffering from gunshot wounds. West later died of his injuries. Police used surveillance video from the store, which showed a man in sunglasses and a black hooded jacket brandishing a gun, to secure a search warrant and arrest Trujillo. A California nurse helping to fight COVID-19 says she feels a special link to her mother, who helped battle the 1918 flu pandemic. Sigrid Stokes is a 76-year-old nurse from Salinas, California. She told The Associated Press she has no plans to immediately retire from her job. She says she is too busy working to save lives during a deadly pandemic, just as her mother did more than a century ago. Her mother, Kristine Berg Mueller, helped treat people during the flu pandemic that spread around the world in 1918. Today, Stokes is giving vaccinations to health care workers battling COVID-19. Mueller was a 14-year-old student in her native Norway when the flu pandemic hit. That pandemic killed an estimated 50 million people, including about 675,000 in the United States, records from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention show. Stokes said her mother wanted to do her part to help those suffering during the pandemic. So she and a friend volunteered at the local hospital to help out in whatever way they could -- which I would imagine would be things like feeding people, bathing people, changing beds, whatever they could do, she said. Many years after the 1918 pandemic, Stokes said her mother told her the experience led her to want to become a nurse. But the family had no money to send Mueller to nursing school. Her mother moved to the United States in 1923. Four years later, she was accepted into an American nursing program. Mueller married and settled in Los Angeles, where Stokes father ran a bookstore. One of her mothers nursing jobs was to work on Hollywood movie sets to make sure child actors stayed safe and healthy. One of the many pictures Stokes has of her mother shows Mueller happily talking to famous child star Shirley Temple. Stokes said she enjoys her work and now takes the responsibility of giving COVID-19 vaccine shots very seriously. I give very good shots, I might add, good jabs, she told the AP. It wasnt until Stokes was in her late 20s that she decided she wanted to follow her mother into nursing. I was volunteering in the pediatric ward and so on and I all of a sudden realized, you know, I really like this, she said. Stokes was working part-time when the coronavirus crisis hit he country early last year. She says she was too old to safely treat COVID-19 patients, but knew she could help with vaccinations. As she arrives to work each day, she wears a pair of earrings she made from a Norwegian necklace that her mother wore each day before her death in 1995. I wear them every time I come to work because I feel like its a sort of talisman that shes with me and our family, Stokes said. COVID-19 has killed more than 2.3 million people worldwide, including more than 460,000 in the U.S. Stokes says she will not consider retiring until the virus has been slowed. Weve got to get this done, she said. Weve got to get people vaccinated so we can get this country moving again. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for 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 flu n. a common sickness caused by a virus jab n. to push something quickly and hard into or towards another thing pediatric ward n. the place in a hospital where children patients are treated earring n. a piece of jewelry worn on the ear necklace n. a piece of jewelry worn around the neck talisman n. an object believed to bring good luck or to keep its owner safe from harm Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. One in four people across Wales vaccinated as health minister describes each dose as a small victory against this awful virus This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Feb 16th, 2021 Wales health minister has described every vaccine administered as a small victory against this awful virus. New data released by Public Health Wales shows that 784,809 people in the initial priority groups have been vaccinated since the rollout began in December 2020. On Friday it was announced that the Welsh Government had hit its target of offering an appointment to all in the top four priority groups by mid-February. These groups are made of the over 80s, care home staff and residents, the over 70s, healthcare workers and those who were asked to shield during the pandemic. Speaking at the first Welsh Government press conference of the week, Health Minister Vaughan said that one in four adults in Wales have now received their first dose of a vaccine. Work will now start on the remaining five priority groups and administering the second dose of Pfizer vaccines to those who were vaccinated at the end of 2020. Mr Gething said: Our vaccination teams have done a fantastic job right across Wales inviting people to come forward for their appointments as quickly as possible. The figures speak for themselves. Weve now vaccinated almost 785,000 people, that is the equivalent of one in four people here in Wales. I would like everyone who has been working so hard over the last couple of months to achieve this. Every vaccine really is a small victory against this awful virus. Weve hit our first milestone ahead of time, but we wont rest there. Well keep on checking to make sure that no one is left behind. Take up has been incredibly high amongst the first four priority groups. If anyone wasnt sure about having the vaccine when they were first asked and has now changed their mind, its not too late to get an appointment. There are contact detail on every Health Board website and on our Welsh Government website to. We begin the next big effort to vaccinate people in priority groups five to nine at the same time as we are providing second dose appointments to all those in the first four priority groups. Well start by offering appointments to people in groups five, and six. This includes people aged 65 to 69 people, aged 16 to 64 with an underlying health condition, younger adults in residential care settings and a great many unpaid carers who are looking after people who are vulnerable. This is another massive logistical effort and well be using all of the resources we have available to use in the days and weeks ahead, including local pharmacies, to make sure we can vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible. However there were questions over the priority list, with the health minister challenged on some mild and moderate asthmatics who qualify for a free flu vaccine, are not included within category six which covers those aged 16-65 who have underlying health conditions which puts them at greater risk. Asthmatics who have previously shielded, have been hospitalised previously or regularly take steroid tablets do feature in the priority list. Mr Gething said: I do understand that, as ever, there will be people who will be disappointed if theyre not within that particular priority group. But this is still about understanding risk and how we vaccinate people and in turn to save the maximum number of lives to avoid harm. This Friday will also see the outcome of the current three week review. Although most of the headroom is being used on those aged between three and seven returning to school from next week, the health minister said the Welsh Government is looking at whether any small changes could be made. He said: Weve been working with local education authorities, with teaching and non teaching staff unions to develop a phased and flexible plan to enable foundation phases children to restart from next Monday. Youll also know the first minister has said that we are looking at whether there are any other small changes were able to make to give families a bit more flexibility after such a long lockdown. We are continuing to see positive reductions in cases within our communities. The seven day average rate has fallen and has remained below 100 cases per 100,000 people for the first time in many, many months. The positivity rate is less than 10%. The the R number remains below one and is between 07 and 0.9. All of this is incredibly positive and its all thanks to your hard work and your sacrifices over these winter months. More information on the outcome of the three week review and any changes to the current restrictions will be announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford on Friday afternoon at 12:15pm. The above case rate is a Wales wide figure, at the time of writing Wrexham is 161.1 per 100k. Melbournes love affair with outdoor dining and drinking will continue until the end of May, offering a much-needed salve to the citys hospitality sector. On Tuesday night, Melbourne City Council unanimously voted to extend the citys pop-up outdoor dining and drinking venues until the eve of winter, investing a further $2.2 million to the program. Restaurant tsar Chris Lucas at his Chin Chin parklet. Credit:Justin McManus It brings the citys total spending on outdoor dining infrastructure, maintenance and laneway closures to $7.7 million, bolstered by a $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund in partnership with the state government. The council has issued almost 1500 temporary licences to venues offering footpath trading, and installed more than 200 outdoor dining parklets, converting carparking spaces into pop-up venues. NEW DELHI: Baahubali star Prabhas has announced his new film, a love story titled Radhe Shyam, which would release in theatres on 30 July 2021. The film co-stars Pooja Hedge and is directed by Radha Krishna Kumar. The announcement of the film, which has been shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi to woo pan-Indian audiences especially in the wake of the covid-19 lockdown having wreaked havoc on the cinema business, coincided with the Valentine's Day celebrations to highlight the theme of the movie. Also Read | Inside the five-year battle food companies have fought to resist stricter labelling norms Prabhas gained recognition across the country with the Baahubali franchise, the second instalment of which has made close to Rs2,000 crore worldwide and remains the highest grossing Indian film ever. The actor, who predominantly works in Telugu cinema, was last seen in action thriller Saaho, which also released in Hindi and Tamil, apart from Telugu, and made close to Rs500 crore worldwide. Filmmakers in the south Indian movie industry, which is increasingly eyeing pan-India audiences, have taken the lead in announcing films for theatrical release post the covid-19 lockdown. Last week, Karan Johars Dharma Productions announced Liger, the Hindi debut of Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda, best known for controversial romantic drama Arjun Reddy, slated for release on 9 September. Filmmakers are lining up a slate of exciting films originating in south Indian languages but intended to be dubbed or shot in multiple languages, including Hindi. These feature a mix of Bollywood and south Indian faces and aim to draw on fan bases across states and geographies. Baahubali director S.S. Rajamouli has Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt star alongside Jr NTR and Ram Charan in his upcoming movie RRR, while Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan will be seen with Prabhas in a film bankrolled by Telugu production house Vyjayanthi Movies. Prabhas also has a film titled Adipurush with Saif Ali Khan as the antagonist to be directed by Om Raut of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior fame. The second instalment in the KGF franchise will feature Sanjay Dutt along with Kannada star Yash. Trade experts say bringing multiple language stars together just expands the market for an individual film, making it more viable and adding to revenue sources such as satellite, digital, music and merchandise rights. The credit of transcending geographical barriers with investments in big budgets, high-octane action and graphics to make movies that all of the country can watch together, goes to the Baahubali franchise, film industry analysts believe. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Mumbai, Feb 16 : When Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat early on Tuesday morning met National Award winning Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty at his residence, it naturally ended up triggering intense speculation in political circles. Bhagwat, 70, came-a-calling on Chakraborty at his bungalow in the picturesque Madh area of Malad west suburb, fuelling theories of the star's potential comeback to active politics after a five-year hiatus. The duo spent close to two hours at the Chakraborty residence in the presence of the actor's entire family, though it is not known what may have exactly transpired in the morning 'chai pe charcha'. However, after giving a warm send-off to Bhagwat, the 70-year-old bearded dancing-cum-action star, sporting a dark woollen cap, firmly dismissed all rumours of his possible return to politics in a soft tone. The acclaimed actor gently added that Bhagwat, whom he met in Uttar Pradesh last October, had paid him a return visit. Earlier, the duo had also met in Nagpur, where the RSS headquarters are located. "Do not speculate, I and Bhagwat have a spiritual connect. We had met in Lucknow and I had requested him to visit me whenever he visited Mumbai," Chakraborty said. Engaging in a light friendly banter with mediapersons thronging outside his bungalow, close to the Arabian Sea in a cool green corner of north-west Mumbai, the actor revealed that "Bhagwat-ji is very fond of my family" and had promised to visit him whenever he would come to Mumbai. To persistent queries about ending his 'political sanyas', Chakraborty laughed mischievously and said: "You are linking (this) because of the (West Bengal) elections. If there were no elections, you wouldn't..!" Saying a determined 'nyet' to politics, Mithun Da -- as he is popular among his fans and admirers -- said he would love to work with the poor but prefer to keep off any politicking. Reported to be close to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Chakraborty is a former All India Trinamool Congress Party (AITCP) Rajya Sabha MP, but had quit in 2016 on health grounds. Nevertheless, Mithun Da, a Bengali, remains immensely dear to the masses in his home state with which he maintains strong links, albeit apolitical. An RSS functionary in Mumbai endorsed the actor's stance, stating that "the meeting was purely private in nature and nothing more should be attached to it." Interestingly, the Bhagwat-Chakraborty rendezvous, with tight police security, comes ahead of the Election Commission of India's plans to announce the much-anticipated West Bengal Assembly elections. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gabriel Olonisakin, on Tuesday in Abuja, officially pulled out of the Nigerian Army in a parade at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro. Mr Olonisakin, a general, pulled out following his retirement and appointment of his successor, Lucky Irabor, a major general, by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26. As part of the military tradition in honouring a retiring CDS, the event involved a march past by the officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. It was attended by the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, members of the National Assembly, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Mr Irabor and other services chiefs. Others in attendance were the traditional ruler of Ode-Ekiti, Samuel Aderiye, as well as a representative of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye. In his valedictory remarks, Mr Olonisakin, recently nominated as an ambassador, thanked Mr Buhari for counting him worthy to command the nations armed forces in the last five years. He said his appointment as CDS came at a time Nigeria was confronted with several security challenges like Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east. Mr Olonisakin said confronting those threats was his major pre-occupation as CDS. He said prior to his assumption of command along with the immediate past service chiefs in July 2015, the Boko Haram terrorists held sway in parts of the North-east. Our immediate challenge on the assumption of office was to flush out Boko Haram and restore Nigerias sovereignty over these occupied territories. Gratefully, with the support of political leadership, particularly Mr President, Commander-in-Chief, and indeed all Nigerians, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under my leadership, was able to reclaim territories that were hitherto under the control of the terrorists. While the security threat posed by the Boko Haram is still being contained, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have, in the past five years, continued to develop capacities to contain insurgency and other asymmetric threats to our nation, he said. Mr Olonisakin also disclosed that the military under his leadership had been transformed from being inexperienced in asymmetric warfare to building enormous capacity. He said the military had gained valuable experience in fighting asymmetric threats. He said the current capacity to defend Nigeria has transited from fighting a conventional war on land, sea and air alone, to capacity to contain threats to the country in the cyber-security and information domain. We have, therefore, built a solid foundation on which the current, and indeed future generations of Nigerian military commanders can build on in the performance of their constitutional roles of defending our dear nation from both external and domestic threats to our corporate existence. The five and a half years of my tenure also witnessed a transformation in the organisational structure of the Defence Headquarters, he said. The former CDS also paid tribute to the departed heroes who had laid down their lives in defence of the nations sovereignty and territorial integrity. ADVERTISEMENT He expressed confidence that he handed over the command of the military to a competent successor, who had commanded the MNJTF and Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole, among other strategic positions in the military. (NAN) SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sh1ft, Inc. ( Shift One ), today announced initial seed funding of $5.2 million, led by City Light Capital and JAM Fund . Shift One was founded in 2019 by former Uber executives to address two fundamental challenges of the labor economy: the lack of a robust online marketplace for blue-collar jobs and a technology solution for companies looking to hire those workers. The company currently employs more than 25,000 workers and offers solutions in all 50 states and Latin America. Initially focusing on push-button solutions to quickly deploy entire teams of workers for last-mile logistics and delivery, e-commerce fulfillment and large-scale event management, Shift One is redefining the gig economy to build sustainable, long-term careers for workers and capital-efficient solutions for companies. "The labor market today is broken. The working class is hard pressed to find their next steady job at a fair rate, and supply chains struggle to source the right workers to fulfill demand, especially in the last mile," said Founder and CEO Jason Radisson. "Shift One is a new model that efficiently connects workers with rich employment opportunities, while providing companies with ready-to-work teams without the traditional overhead. Our cutting-edge approach is a competitive advantage for companies and furthers our long-term goal of becoming the largest ethical source of labor and employment in the world." This sector of the labor economy suffers from an information deficit. The lack of robust job profiles means the best workers are significantly undervalued as companies attempt to compensate for a perceived skill gap with sheer hiring volume. Shift One solves this inefficiency by identifying the best available talent and matching it to employers' specific needs. Companies can do more with less, and the best workers are better compensated for their skills. "Shift One turns the labor problem of adverse selection on its head by identifying, assembling and upskilling top talent and putting it to work where it can have the biggest impact," said JAM Fund principal and Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen. "Gig work has been defined by seasonality and availability -- neither are particularly good for workers. I'm excited to watch how this new approach can bring workers along as we tackle last mile and on-demand labor needs." COVID-19 has created a host of new challenges for e-commerce and logistics businesses, as demand for last-mile planning and services has exploded. Companies lack the data and expertise to quickly source high-performing teams. Shift One offers an asset-lite way to flexibly scale local operational needs. Shift One provides a suite of productivity solutions -- time, taxes, attendance, productivity and work-order management -- so that companies can focus on their customers. Early adopters include Amazon , NASCAR , the Consumer Electronics Show , Weee! and Mensajeros Urbanos . Equally important, Shift One's solutions bridge a growing gap for workers otherwise left behind by the evolving workplace. The logistics industry employs nearly 10 million people in the United States alone. Consistent access to work and opportunities for growth are a critical way to erase roadblocks and address inequality in a rapidly changing employment environment. "In the wake of COVID-19, stable jobs are more important than ever, especially in the massive logistics and warehouse sectors," said Jeff Rinehart, partner, City Light Capital. "We are proud to work with Shift One and believe the company's model can be truly transformational for millions of blue collar workers around the world creating a more straightforward path to the employment opportunities that are so critical for supporting overall economic recovery." Shift One's funding will enable additional scaling of its technology solutions and fuel further geographic expansion. Leaders in one soon-to-launch market are excited about the local economic impact potential that accompanies a skilled, ready-to-work labor force. "Blue collar jobs have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19, and we view those workers as critical for Miami to continue to be a sought-after home for employers and a destination for those seeking jobs with a real future," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. "We believe Shift One's approach is a rare win-win-win. Workers receive fairly compensated jobs with the opportunity to grow and develop. Companies get access to a steady, predictable source of high-quality labor. And Miami benefits from the virtuous circle of higher employment and strong local businesses." Other key investors in Shift One's initial funding round include Ventura Investments , K50 Ventures and Human Ventures , as well as individual investor Felipe Villamarin. Shift One is headquartered in San Francisco. MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Roberts [email protected] (872) 215-1672 ABOUT SHIFT ONE: Shift One's mission is to improve millions of jobs by inspiring and developing the blue-collar workforce of tomorrow. Our ultimate purpose is to enable workers everywhere to do their best work throughout their careers by providing the fastest way to get into the workforce, to upskill and to get ahead. Shift One was born out of Uber's West Coast Operations and Logistics Technology leadership in 2019. Our world-class technology and operations yield competitive advantages for our clients and rewarding careers for our employees. Founding clients include Amazon, NASCAR, the Consumer Electronics Show, Weee!, Mensajeros Urbanos, the top annual conventions in the United States and the major sporting venues in Las Vegas. Shift One specializes in middle and last mile fulfillment solutions, including 3PL and delivery, as well as hiring full teams and warehouse associates for a broad array of business needs. Shift One is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Bogota and Bucharest. The company recruits and offers solutions in all 50 U.S. states, as well as in Latin America. To learn more, visit www.shiftone.net . Securities Note: This press release does not constitute an offer to sell any securities. The financing referenced herein has closed and additional investments are not being accepted. SOURCE Shift One Related Links https://shiftone.net Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. CANTON, Mass., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, was recently named a Top Franchise for 2021 by Franchise Business Review . This is the 16th annual ranking of the 200 best franchise opportunities as rated by franchise business owners. "Despite a challenging year, it is incredibly rewarding to know that franchisee satisfaction in the system is high," said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. "We remain steadfast in achieving our shared goal of enriching lives through music and look forward to providing continued support and resources to help our franchisees succeed." School of Rock was among over 300 franchise brands, representing more than 28,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review's research. School of Rock's franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training and support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations and financial opportunity. "There are thousands of successful franchise companies operating in North America, but many of those companies do not offer a solid investment opportunity for the actual franchise owners," said Eric Stites, CEO of Franchise Business Review. "As an independent research firm, we rate the franchise companies in the marketplace today and identify those with the highest levels of satisfaction and performance among their franchisees in order to educate potential buyers and help them choose which franchise to invest in. The companies on this year's list are the top performing brands in the key areas critical to their franchisees' success." Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full description of the 2021 Top Franchises . School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaging learning environment for taking guitar lessons, drum lessons, bass lessons, keyboard lessons, and singing lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Frank Zappa. Thanks to the school's patented performance-based learning approach, students around the world have gained superior instrumental skills and confidence on the big stage, with some moving on to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway. For more information on School of Rock, please visit www.SchoolofRock.com. About School of Rock School of Rock helps aspiring musicians master skills, unleash creativity, and develop tools they need to thrive in life. Founded as a single school in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1998, School of Rock has become a rapidly growing international franchise with over 350 schools open and in development across 15 global markets. Since 2009, School of Rock has grown student count from 4,000 to over 34,000. School of Rock offers a wide variety of music lessons , including guitar lessons , singing lessons and piano lessons . School of Rock was awarded US Patent 10,891,872 in 2021 for its innovative music education method. Follow School of Rock on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SchoolofRockUSA and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SchoolofRockUSA . For more information on School of Rock visit www.SchoolofRock.com or call 866-695-5515. To learn more about School of Rock franchise opportunities head to http://franchising.schoolofrock.com/ About Franchise Business Review: Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures the satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,100 leading franchise companies. FBR publishes free and unbiased franchisee satisfaction research reports throughout the year online at https://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/. SOURCE School of Rock Related Links http://www.schoolofrock.com According to information published by Bahrain News Agency on February 15, 2021, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, a ceremony was held today to inaugurate Bahrains warships, namely the RBNS Al-Zubara, Al-Areen, Mashhoor, Al-Daibal, Askar, Jaw, Al-Hidd and Taghleeb, marking the kingdoms celebrations of the BDFs 53rd anniversary. According to information published by Bahrain News Agency on February 15, 2021, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, a ceremony was held today to inaugurate Bahrains warships, namely the RBNS Al-Zubara, Al-Areen, Mashhoor, Al-Daibal, Askar, Jaw, Al-Hidd and Taghleeb, marking the kingdoms celebrations of the BDFs 53rd anniversary. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Ex-HMS Clyde now re-named RBNS Al-Zubarah and handed over to Bahraini Navy (Picture source: Twitter) Bahrain's most modern warship RBNS Al Zubara (Ex-HMS Clyde River-Class offshore patrol vessel of British Navy) and a number of patrol vessels in the Royal Bahraini Navy of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) were inaugurated yesterday. It was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander. The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Royal Bahraini Navy, was attended by BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of BDF. During the inauguration, the BDF Commande-in-Chief raised the Kingdom of Bahrain's flag onboard Al Zubara and on the other ships. He was briefed about Al Zubara and its capabilites during his tour of the various sections of the ship. He also inspected the other warship's modern facilites. The commissioning ceremony showed RBNS "Al-Zubara patrol warship has now been rearmed with an Aselsan Smash remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS), .50 cal machine guns (MGs), and M134 Miniguns. The HMS Clyde is a decommissioned offshore patrol vessel and is the tenth ship in the British Royal Navy to bear the name. She was launched on 14 June 2006 in Portsmouth Naval Base by VT Group shipbuilders in Portsmouth, England, and is the fourth vessel of the River class, with a displacement of 2,000 tones and a 30 mm Oerlikon KCB gun in place of the 20 mm gun fitted to Tyne River-class ships. The HMS Clyde has length 81.5 m (267 ft 5 in) hull, a top speed of 21 kn (39 km/h), a 30 mm cannon, two miniguns, and mountings for five general-purpose machine guns. Clyde's elongated hull permits a 20-meter strengthened flight deck able to accommodate a Merlin-sized helicopter. The ship has a full load displacement between 1,850 and 2,000 tones. She is powered by two Ruston 12RK 270 engines developing 4,125 kW (5,532 hp) at 1,000 rpm. The most-awaited tell-all interview of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will finally happen soon. On Monday, CBS (per EW) revealed that Meghan and Prince Harry will gear up for a very "intimate conversation" with Oprah Winfrey. The news outlet detailed that the interview will take place on March 7 through a special primetime coverage. "Winfrey will speak with Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, in a wide-ranging interview, covering everything from stepping into life as a royal, marriage, motherhood, philanthropic work to how she is handling life under intense public pressure," CBS said in a statement, as quoted by Belfast Telegraph. After Oprah and Meghan's one-on-one interview, Prince Harry will join them to tackle their move to the United States following the so-called Megxit. The conversation will also reportedly cover the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's hopes and dreams for their growing family. It will mark the first interview the Sussexes give since they decided to step down as senior members of the royal family. The 90-minute "Oprah With Meghan and Harry" will also be their first tell-all interview since relocating to Southern California. The appearance is expected to go smoothly compared to Prince Andrew's humiliating BBC interview, as Winfrey is a personal friend of Meghan. In addition, the rare occurrence will be produced by Oprah's Harpo Productions since they do not want any British media outlet to interfere. Meghan Markle Pregnant With Baby No. 2! It is worth noting that this development came a day after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry confirmed that they are expecting baby no. 2. "We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child," the Sussexes' representative said, per Today. The announcement photo by their close friend and photographer Misan Harriman also showed the growing baby bump of the duchess. The Buckingham Palace also penned a separate statement, expressing the excitement of the royal family to welcome their newest member. "The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and the entire family are delighted and wish them well." The baby will be Meghan and Prince Harry's second child after baby Archie, and the child is considered a "rainbow baby." The term is used to describe the children that are born after a loss. See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles Employees make protective masks at the Wilhelmina Hospital in Assen, Netherlands, on March 20, 2020. (Vincent Jannink/ANP/AFP via Getty Images) Updates on CCP Virus: Rep. Bowmans Mother Dies of COVID-19 The mother of Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) died of COVID-19 on Feb. 14, the lawmaker shared on Twitter. It is with deep sorrow that I share the passing of our mother, Ms. Pauline Bowman. She battled Covid for many weeks before transitioning on Valentines Day, Bowman said. Our mother raised us to live our lives with love and joy with and for each other. I share her legacy with all of you. A number of lawmakers responded with their condolences. Dutch Cases Rise Again, Driven by UK Variant Cases of the CCP virus are rising again in the Netherlands after weeks of decline as cases of the UK variant of the virus have come to predominate among new infections, health authorities said on Tuesday. In its weekly update, the National Institute for Health (RIVM) said there were 25,229 new cases in the week through Feb. 16, slightly more than the week before. But fewer people were tested due to disruptions from a snowstorm and icy weather, and the percentage of suspected cases testing positive increased. Biden Extends Ban on Foreclosures President Joe Biden is extending a ban on housing foreclosures to June 30 to help homeowners struggling during the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, which causes the disease COVID-19. The moratorium on foreclosures of federally guaranteed mortgages had been set to expire on March 31. Census Bureau figures show that almost 12 percent of homeowners with mortgages were late on their payments. Missouri Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Exempt Stimulus Checks From State Tax A Republican lawmaker in Missouri has introduced state-level legislation to exempt federal stimulus checksor economic impact paymentsfrom state income tax. Cody Smith, who chairs the Missouri House Budget Committee, sponsored the bill (pdf), which excludes economic impact payments from Missouri taxpayers adjusted gross income, effectively exempting them from state taxes. French Death Toll Down Week-on-Week France reported 586 new COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday, down from 724 a week ago, while the seven-day moving average of deaths fell to 381, the first time the average was below 400 since late January. The 586 deaths included 351 deaths in hospitals, from 412 on Monday, and 235 deaths in retirement homes over the past four days. The health ministry usually reports retirement home deaths on Tuesdays and Fridays. New Zealand Reports No New Cases New Zealand reported no new virus cases in the community for a second day, raising hopes a lockdown in Auckland will be lifted Wednesday. The three-day lockdown of New Zealands largest city was the nations first in six months. Fauci Wins $1 Million for Defending Science Dr. Anthony Fauci has won the $1 million Dan David Prize for defending science and advocating for vaccines now being administered worldwide to fight the CCP virus pandemic. The Israel-based Dan David Foundation on Monday named the chief medical adviser as the winner of one of three prizes. It said he had earned the recognition over a lifetime of leadership on HIV research and AIDS relief, as well as his advocacy for vaccines against the CCP virus. White Tiger Cubs in Pakistan Likely Died of Virus Two 11-week-old white tiger cubs that died in a Pakistani zoo on Jan. 30 appear to have died of the CCP virus, officials said. The cubs died four days after beginning treatment for what officials thought was feline panleukopenia virusa disease the zoo said is common in Pakistan and targets cats immune systems. A recent autopsy found the cubs lungs were badly damaged and they were suffering from severe infection. Pathologists concluded that they died from the CCP virus. Wuhan Probe Done By Chinese Authorities: WHO Adviser World Health Organization (WHO) adviser Jamie Metzl has said that the international bodys investigation into the origins of the CCP virus was in fact conducted by Chinese authorities. The probe, which also considered whether the CCP virus could have accidentally leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology that had been studying coronavirus spread from bats to humans, was carried out by local authorities and not WHO investigators, Metzl told Fox News The Ingraham Angle on Feb. 10. India Detects South African, Brazilian Variants India has detected both the South African and Brazilian CCP virus variants and people returning from those countries may be tested more aggressively, health officials said on Tuesday. The South African variant was detected in four people last month and the Brazilian variant in one person this month, they said, adding that the strains can more easily infect a persons lungs than the UK mutation. Billionaire Businessmen Offer to Build Quarantine Facilities in Australia Two Australian states with the support of two of the countrys wealthiest men are pushing for purpose-built CCP virus quarantine facilities to be developed outside of Queenslands and Victorias capital cities. The move comes amid a push by the states for the federal government to take over the quarantine system after the Queensland government called for quarantine hubs to be set up away from the major cities. UK Cases Fall Below 10,000 for First Time in Months The number of people in the UK testing positive for COVID-19 has fallen below 10,000 a day for the first time since Oct. 2. Government figures on Monday show that 9,765 people tested positive for the CCP virus, and infections have fallen sharply over the past few weeks from a high of 68,053. In addition to the fall in infections, the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 and dying have also come down. Ivan Pentchoukov, Tom Ozimek, Caden Pearson, Isabel van Brugen, Reuters, and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [February 16, 2021] School of Education and Counseling Psychology Receives Leadership Gift from Sobrato Brisson Family Sheri Sobrato Brisson M.A. '94, and Eric Brisson have funded the largest endowed chair in the history of Santa Clara University. The gift to the School of Education and Counseling Psychology establishes an endowed chair in child and adolescent mental health, and also provides funding to support research and public outreach activities related to child and adolescent mental health. "On behalf of Santa Clara University, I'm very grateful for Sheri and Eric's generosity," said Kevin O'Brien, S.J., president of Santa Clara University. "This gift will allow our graduates to better serve young people and adolescents, and goes to the heart of who we want to be as a Jesuit university committed to the service of others." The gift comes at a crucial time for today's youth, and its impact will reach far beyond the Santa Clara campus community, according to Sabrina Zirkel, dean of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology. "Over 50 percent of young people in the United States will have experienced a diagnosable mental illness by the time they reach the age of 18," said Dean Zirkel. "Sheri and Eric's gift will make an enormous difference for these children and their families. It will enable us to hire a leading scholar and expand our curriculum in this area-enabling us to build a specialization in child and adolescent mental health for our students so that they emerge from our program among the best prepared therapists in the country to work with children and adolescents. Our aim is to be a leading force in support of our young people-both in meeting their immediate needs, and in helping them forge flourishing lives of meaning, purpose, and connection." Sobrato Brisson, who earned a master's degree in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University's School of Education and Counseling Psychology, has dedicated much of her life to serving children and teens with life-threatening or chronic illness. As a young adult, SobratoBrisson was diagnosed with brain cancer, and this personal experience fueled a deep passion for addressing the mental impacts that often accompany physical illness. "The personal process that I went through in healing the emotional impact of my disease, long after the physical side of my illness had been taken care of, changed my identity and my priorities in life," said Sobrato Brisson. As the founder of the youth resilience-building initiative, Digging Deep Project, and the creator of an award-winning mobile game to help young people build emotional health and resilience, Shadow's Edge, Sobrato Brisson has put child and adolescent mental health at the forefront of her work for nearly 25 years. She is also co-author of a youth-journaling book, Digging Deep: A Journal for Young People Facing Health Challenges, which has been distributed in English and Spanish to hundreds of pediatric hospitals nationwide. "I've seen the adverse life circumstances young people face, and their need to make decisions about what they want out of life and how they're going to get there," says Sobrato Brisson. "I just fell in love with this age group of young people who seemed so ready to make positive change in their lives." Now Sobrato Brisson's passion for teen mental health and wellness is being extended through this gift, which will help broadly serve the mental health needs of children and adolescents. "I hope this gift produces more therapists trained in child and adolescent mental health. There is a significant shortage of therapists, particularly for underserved populations," says Sobrato Brisson. "I hope our gift moves the needle in thought leadership in the field, and draws people to Santa Clara for training who can go on to affect the lives of many young people in their own communities." Sobrato Brisson is a founding trustee of Sobrato Family Foundation, which is dedicated to making Silicon Valley a place of opportunity for all of its residents. Together with her husband, Eric, she is co-founder of Resonance Philanthropies which supports their family interests, including the environment, children's health, the arts, and global education. The daughter of Sue and John A. Sobrato, Sobrato Brisson is part of the second generation of Sobrato alumni who have generously supported Santa Clara University. "The most reputable universities are known for their commitment to research, scholarship, and teaching-and often that is measured by investment in faculty," said Santa Clara University Provost Lisa Kloppenberg. "This generous gift makes a very important statement about the value we place on our faculty and the amazing work they do through their teaching and research, impacting the world for the better." Watch the video about the Leadership Gift from Sobrato Brisson Family. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006188/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A young beauty therapist who sparked a police search after failing to comply with a self quarantine order will spend the remainder of her isolation in jail. Ashlee Marie Jackson, 22, arrived in Western Australia from Victoria on February 7 and was required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Ashlee Marie Jackson. Credit:Facebook WA Police allege the 22-year-old was spotted in Victoria Park about 1.25pm on Sunday, February 14, a week into her self-quarantine. A police search was launched for Ms Jackson, with CCTV footage allegedly showing her out and about in public. Co-chairperson of the European Solidarity faction Iryna Gerashchenko left the studio during a live broadcast of the Freedom of Speech (Svoboda Slova) program on ICTV television channel on Monday because of the sexist statements of spokesperson of the Ukrainian delegation in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Oleksiy Arestovych. "I cannot be on the air where sexism is manifested, and unfortunately neither the host nor the colleagues present here stops it. It seems to me that this is the situation that is especially from Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration [Olha Stefanishyna took part in the program] requires a special response. It is difficult to imagine such rhetoric from a representative of the ruling party in any European country," Gerashchenko said. Arestovych accused the European Solidarity party of undermining the national security of Ukraine. "Who demoralizes the Ukrainian military? Not you? Not the EU, when you compose fairy tales that they are forbidden [...] they are not allowed to shoot. You are corrupting them, with all this 'Wagner,' Medvedchuk [...] You openly work against the national security of the state. This is an official statement [...] Yes, I accuse European Solidarity of working in accordance with Russian narratives [...] I have already said more than once how you behave, what you are slipping into. You discuss the president's appearance [...] not like that the bullet-proof vest is sitting, the helmet is not so, you have sunk to the level of a female hostel with such a vocational school in what you are doing," Arestovych said. According to a correspondent of Interfax-Ukraine, after Gerashchenko left the studio, the presenter finished the program ahead of time. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. It takes two to tango! Lisa Vanderpump reflected on her Dancing With the Stars experience, revealing that she fell for her partner Gleb Savchenkos charm. Read article Gleb was gorgeous, Vanderpump, 60, said on an October 2020 episode of The Bellas podcast, which resurfaced this week. I did become very close to Gleb. I loved him. The Vanderpump Rules star, who competed on season 16 of the dance competition in 2013, added, We had a little bit of an emotional affair in terms of having to connect and hold on to each other because its so scary I adored him. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star explained that after being married for so long and not really engaging with any kind of physicality apart from your husband, it made her time on the ABC series more thrilling. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock When youre thrown into Dancing With the Stars and suddenly somebodys right in your face and youre wrapping your legs around them That was the best part, she continued. The SUR owner, who is married to Ken Todd, joked about how the sexiness of the moves on camera made her feel after more than 30 years with her husband. [Gleb] would say, Do these backbends, and as you would do the backbends, he would hold your groin against his, she recalled. And I was thinking, I havent had this much fun since my honeymoon! [Ken] would be like, I see you. I see what youre up to. He doesnt put that much importance on me messing about and flirting. Read article Vanderpumps comments come amid Savchenkos divorce from Elena Samodanova, whom he was married to for 14 years before announcing their split in November 2020. The timing of the breakup caused some to think that Savchenkos season 29 partner, Chrishell Stause, had something to do with the trouble in his marriage. After Samodanova, 36, claimed that her estranged husband, 37, was unfaithful, both stars denied being anything more than friends. I will not stand by and allow false accusations and internet rumors go unaddressed. My relationship with Chrishell was and remains strictly platonic, the Russian dancer told Us Weekly in a statement at the time. Our friendship during our season on DWTS was not the reason for our split. Elena and I have had longstanding issues in our marriage. A source, however, told Us that the dance partners definitely had a flirty relationship. The Selling Sunset star, 39, moved on with DWTS pro Keo Motsepe in December, the same month that Savchenko went public with girlfriend Cassie Scerbo. Samodanova, who shares daughters Olivia, 10, and Zlata, 3, with the dancer, filed for divorce the same month. Cassie has been back and forth to Florida visiting family and Gleb has been spending time with his kids in Los Angeles, a source told Us in January. Hes also trying to make things more cordial with his soon-to-be ex-wife. His family is his focus right now and hes handling things privately. Read article Earlier this month, a source told Us that Savchenko and Scerbo, 30, have been taking a break amid his divorce, noting they havent split but are spending time apart. Samodanova, for her part, is moving forward with the divorce, exclusively telling Us this month that she served her estranged husband with the final paperwork. As Ive been saying all along, my only concern and focus right now is the happiness and safety of my daughters, the choreographer said. I wish Gleb and all his girlfriends well. Barometers further pared gains in early afternoon trade, led by weakness in IT and private banks. Metal, PSU banks and realty stocks were in demand. At 12:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 63.59 points or 0.12% at 52,217.72. The Nifty 50 index was up 31.30 points or 0.20% at 15,346. In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.41% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index gained 0.50%. The market breadth turned negative. On the BSE, 1,364 shares rose and 1,439 shares fell. A total of 154 shares were unchanged. Economy: India's exports grew by 6.16% to $27.45 billion in January 2021, according to data by the commerce ministry. Imports grew by 2% to about $42 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $14.54 billion during the month under review, the data showed. Coronavirus Update: Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 10,91,55,627 with 24,07,869 deaths. India reported 1,36,872 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 1,55,813 deaths while 1,06,33,025 patients have been discharged, according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The media reported that over the weekend, Maharashtra has seen a sharp spike in COVID cases. Maharashtra recorded 3,365 new cases, higher than Kerala's count of 2,884 on Monday. The last time it logged the highest daily case count in the country was on 4 January 2021. Derivatives: The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, rose 1.04% to 21.70. The Nifty 25 February 2021 futures were trading at 15,364, at a premium of 18 points as compared with the spot at 15,346. The Nifty option chain for 25 February 2021 expiry showed maximum Call OI of 21.6 lakh contracts at the 16,000 strike price. Maximum Put OI of 28.7 lakh contracts was seen at 14,000 strike price. Buzzing Index: The Nifty Realty index rose 0.44% to 357.40. The index added 1.95% in the past three sessions. The Phoenix Mills (up 3.23%), Brigade Enterprises (up 1.72%), Sobha (up 1.43%), Indiabulls Real Estate (up 1.05%) and DLF (up 0.47%) rose. Stocks in Spotlight: Titan Company slipped 0.52%. The company said its subsidiary, CaratLane Trading, has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary 'StudioC Inc' in Delaware, USA, for retailing jewelry. StudioC Inc will carry on the business of jewelry retailing. CaratLane will subscribe to the share capital of $150,000, which is 100% of the share capital of StudioC. Biocon gained 1.83% after the company said its subsidiary, Biocon Biologics, partnered International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to promote diabetes care, prevention and effective management worldwide. This partnership with IDF coincides with the start of the centenary celebrations of the discovery of insulin and takes forward Biocon Biologics' mission of enabling affordable access to insulins to people with diabetes worldwide. The partnership further strengthens the shared vision of providing universal access to insulins globally to tackle a broad range of diabetes issues, create awareness, educate and advocate effective management of diabetes. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Passengers arrive at London Heathrows Terminal 5 on the first flight to the airport from one of 33 red list countries to which new mandatory coronavirus rules apply, before heading to a 10 day quarantine in a Government-designated hotel (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Guidelines on the execution of Englands new red list quarantine rules were reportedly only given to Border Force staff a few hours before they came into force. As of Monday, travellers arriving in England must quarantine in a hotel if they have been in one of the Governments 33 red list countries which covers Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, South America and southern Africa in the past 10 days. However Border Force sources reportedly told The Guardian immigration control staff received a lengthy email with five attachments, detailing official guidance for executing the new border checks, at 9.25pm on Sunday. Under the new rules, immigration control staff must check each travellers completed passenger locator form and hotel quarantine booking. They must also verify passengers have received a negative Covid test, along with evidence of two additional test bookings for their 10-day quarantine period. Sources told the paper a significant number of staff would not have seen the email by the time they began their shifts on Monday. One Border Force staff member who was on duty at Heathrow Airport for the first day of the new border checks reportedly described the process as an absolute joke. A spokesman for the PCS union, which represents Border Force staff, told the paper: It is a disgrace our members in Border Force only received new guidelines on hotel quarantine late last night. Its vital that Border Force are equipped to deal with helping the public stay Covid safe. However, many feel underprepared and under valued by a department that is not doing its job. Expand Close Passengers arrive at a Holiday Inn near Heathrow Airport, where they will remain during a 10 day quarantine period after returning to England from one of 33 red list countries (Steve Parsons/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Passengers arrive at a Holiday Inn near Heathrow Airport, where they will remain during a 10 day quarantine period after returning to England from one of 33 red list countries (Steve Parsons/PA) The email, sent by senior Home Office staff, reportedly said the new process will be a lot to absorb and admits there will be bumps along the way. A Government spokesman said: We are in a global pandemic which is why every traveller is subject to enhanced monitoring at UK airports. People should not be travelling unless absolutely necessary. Every check from pre-departure testing, to the passenger locator form is to strengthen our borders and prevent the spread of coronavirus. Border Force operational guidance on the measures has been issued and is regularly updated to ensure staff are supported on how to apply the new guidance. Meanwhile a father and daughter who went into hotel quarantine in Scotland on Monday were allowed to leave after a day due to a loophole with their arrival. All passengers arriving in Scotland on international flights have to enter managed isolation, unless they are coming from within the Common Travel Area, which includes the UK and Ireland. Chun Wong told BBC Scotland he and his daughter flew into the country from the United States via Dublin, and went straight to a hotel at Edinburgh Airport. Expand Close Daily confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Daily confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK (PA Graphics) Mr Wong told the broadcaster: I received a call from reception saying a gentleman from the airport would like to talk to me. He said that since I landed in Dublin first and then got a connecting flight to here, I was not required to quarantine in a hotel. I still have to quarantine and do the self-testing kit on the second and eighth day, but they said it was an error on their part. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed concern about gaps in the current system for international arrivals, telling a coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh on Monday: It would be better if we had that four nations approach, or at least a three nations approach where the border of the island that Scotland, England and Wales share, had the same provisions in place. File photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala attending a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The 164 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. [WTO/Handout via Xinhua] GENEVA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed by consensus to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. The decision was made at a special meeting of the WTO's General Council at which the World Bank veteran was formally selected. "Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to head the WTO. She will take up her duties on March 1 and her term, renewable, will expire on Aug. 31, 2025," WTO said. "I am honored to have been selected by WTO members as WTO director-general," said Okonjo-Iweala to the General Council, underlining that "a strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic." "I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again. Our organization faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today," she said. Okonjo-Iweala, 66, is a global finance expert, an economist and an international development professional with over 30 years of experience working around the world. Twice served as Nigeria's finance minister and briefly acted as foreign minister, she has a 25-year career at the World Bank, including as Managing Director of Operations. Extending the "warmest congratulations" to Okonjo-Iweala, General Council Chair David Walker said that "this is a very significant moment for the WTO." "I am certain that all members will work with you constructively during your tenure as director-general to shape the future of this organization," he added. Applauding the "timely" appointment, China's Ambassador to the WTO Li Chenggang noted that "the collective decision made by the entire membership demonstrates a vote of trust not only in Dr. Ngozi herself, but also in our vision, our expectation and the multilateral trading system that we all believe and preserve." "As a contributor and beneficiary of a stable, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system, China does believe trade, mutually-advantageous trade, will be a key tool that can help us to find a way out of the current situation and realize economic recovery soon," he added. The General Council decision follows months of uncertainty triggered by the initial refusal of the United States to join the consensus around Okonjo-Iweala, throwing its support behind South Korea's Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee instead. On Feb. 5, Yoo decided to withdraw her candidacy and the new U.S. administration of President Joe Biden announced that Washington would extend its "strong support" to the candidacy of Okonjo-Iweala. File photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala attending a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The 164 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. [WTO/Handout via Xinhua] File photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (L) attending a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The 164 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. [WTO/Handout via Xinhua] Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala attends a special meeting of the World Trade Organization's General Council in Geneva, Switzerland via video link, Feb. 15, 2021. Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed by consensus to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. [WTO/Handout via Xinhua] General Council Chair David Walker announces the appointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at a special meeting of the World Trade Organization's General Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 15, 2021. Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed by consensus to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. [WTO/Handout via Xinhua] General Council Chair David Walker speaks at a special meeting of the World Trade Organization's General Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 15, 2021. Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed by consensus to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. [WTO/Handout via Xinhua] (Source: Xinhua) - Capital will accelerate growth of workforce and development of world's first commercial space station - NASA selected Axiom to begin attaching its privately developed space station modules to the International Space Station as early as 2024 - Axiom recently revealed the first-ever private astronaut ISS crew, launching in January 2022 HOUSTON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Axiom Space, Inc., which is developing the world's first commercial space station, has raised $130M in Series B funding. The round was led by C5 Capital and includes TQS Advisors, Declaration Partners (the investment firm backed by David M. Rubenstein), Moelis Dynasty Investments, Washington University in St. Louis, The Venture Collective, Aidenlair Capital, Hemisphere Ventures, and Starbridge Venture Capital. The new financing will accelerate the growth of Axiom's workforce and construction of its privately developed space station. The Axiom Station will serve as the central pillar of a thriving network of commerce in Earth's orbit a linchpin of a space economy that Bank of America and Morgan Stanley both project could be valued at more than $1 trillion in the next few decades. "Axiom Space is a force in the space sector, and it will become a centerpiece of the C5 Capital portfolio and enhance our vision for a secure global future," said C5 operating partner Rob Meyerson, who will join the Axiom Board of Directors. "The Axiom Station will be the infrastructure upon which we will build many new businesses in space, and it will serve as the foundation for future exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond." Recent Milestones In January 2020 , NASA selected Axiom to begin attaching its own space station modules to the International Space Station (ISS) as early as 2024, marking the company as a primary driver of NASA's broad strategy to commercialize LEO. While in its assembly phase, Axiom Station will increase the current usable and habitable volume on ISS and provide expanded research opportunities. By late 2028, Axiom Station will be ready to detach when the ISS is decommissioned and operate independently as its privately owned successor. , NASA selected Axiom to begin attaching its own space station modules to the International Space Station (ISS) as early as 2024, marking the company as a primary driver of NASA's broad strategy to commercialize LEO. While in its assembly phase, Axiom Station will increase the current usable and habitable volume on ISS and provide expanded research opportunities. By late 2028, Axiom Station will be ready to detach when the ISS is decommissioned and operate independently as its privately owned successor. In January 2021 , Axiom also the commercial space industry's full-service ISS mission provider revealed its historic first private astronaut crew. Planned to fly to the ISS no earlier than January 2022 , the crew of Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) intend to promote their philanthropic endeavors and conduct scientific research on behalf of organizations they support. "Axiom Space was founded on the knowledge that commercial infrastructure and innovation in space would offer unique ways to improve life on Earth," said Axiom co-founder and executive chairman Kam Ghaffarian, who provided the company's seed funding through his family office, IBX. "Axiom's sole-selection by NASA to connect to ISS and ability to leverage its key revenue lines are evidence of the company's expertise and a business model that is set up to optimize across a variety of commercial on-orbit opportunities. This highly successful round is a pivotal moment for on-orbit commerce and its implications for our civilization's potential are far-reaching." Ghaffarian founded and led Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, which rose to become NASA's second-largest engineering services contractor before being acquired by KBR in 2018. Axiom President & CEO Michael Suffredini was NASA's ISS Program Manager from 2005 to 2015. "We are proud to partner with Axiom's exceptional management team, who built, led, and visited the International Space Station on behalf of NASA and its partners," Brian Stern, a Partner at Declaration Partners, said. "The next-generation space station we are building today will be a key means of conducting space-based research, manufacturing, communication, and travel for decades to come." About Axiom Space Axiom Space was founded in 2016 with the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. While building and attaching its commercial modules to the International Space Station to one day form the world's first privately funded commercial space station, Axiom provides universal access to the ISS today by conducting crewed missions for national and private astronauts as well as research and manufacturing customers. More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com. SOURCE Axiom Space Related Links http://www.axiomspace.com Sorry! This content is not available in your region By Baek Byung-yeul Hyundai Motor Group and POSCO have signed an agreement to propel their lucrative hydrogen businesses, they said Tuesday. Hyundai Motor Group, the country's largest automotive group, said it has formed business ties with steel giant POSCO, under which the two companies plan to create an ecosystem for the hydrogen-related sector and seek possible business opportunities together. They expect the partnership to widen further as the companies have the common goal of achieving carbon neutrality by making the transition to a hydrogen economy. Under the agreement, they will jointly develop technologies to utilize hydrogen energy, use Hyundai's hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) at POSCO's workplaces and seek business opportunities both here and abroad. "To achieve carbon neutrality and build a sustainable future society, the paradigm shift to a hydrogen economy has become essential to every company," the Hyundai Motor Group chairman said. "In cooperation with POSCO, we will try to achieve meaningful results so that we can contribute to the creation of a robust ecosystem for the hydrogen industry." Hyundai will gradually provide 1,500 hydrogen vehicles to POSCO's steel mills in Gwangyang and Pohang, two of the country's major southern industrial cities. They will also seek opportunities for their participation in overseas hydrogen production projects. Hyundai Motor Group has been at the forefront of boosting the hydrogen economy. It has rolled out its Nexo FCEV and has exported the heavy-duty FCEV truck XCIENT to European countries. To further lead the market, the company also added a bus FCEV. POSCO is also moving toward the hydrogen-oriented business, as the steel giant announced in December that it will establish a 5 million-ton hydrogen production system by 2050. POSCO produces 7,000 tons of hydrogen annually. In 2017, the library board was presented with a list of 10 candidates to consider for the executive director position and eventually two finalists were identified for the job. One candidate withdrew before meeting with the Park Ridge Library Board because she had accepted another position. The second candidate withdrew shortly after he was introduced during a public meeting. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 15, 2021 / IC Capitalight Corp. (CSE:IC) ("Capitalight" or the "Company") announces a shares for debt settlement whereby the Company will settle total indebtedness and accrued liabilities of $299,661 by issuing 3,402,479 common shares ("Shares") and 1,207,692 restricted share units ("RSUs") under the Company's long-term incentive plan (the "LTIP"). The Company has also issued 600,000 RSUs pursuant to the hiring of a new sales consultant for the research division and granted 1,500,000 stock options ("Options") to management and employees under the Company's long-term incentive plan (the "LTIP"). A total of 330,725 Shares will be issued to employees pursuant to employment agreements. The common shares will settle accrued liabilities of $21,497. A total of 3,071,754 Shares will be issued to companies controlled by Directors and Officers of the Company pursuant to consulting agreements and the reimbursement of expenses. The common shares will settle accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $199,664. A total of 1,207,692 RSUs have been granted to employees pursuant to employment agreements. The RSUs will automatically vest on February 28, 2021. Vested RSUs will be exercisable into common shares for no additional consideration and will expire on December 31, 2023. The RSUs settle accrued liabilities of $78,500. A total of 600,000 RSUs have been granted to a sales consultant pursuant to a consulting agreement. The RSUs will vest on December 31, 2021 provided that certain gross sales milestones relating to the subscription research division have been achieved between January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Vested RSUs will be exercisable into common shares for no additional consideration and will expire on December 31, 2023. A total of 900,000 Options have been granted to directors and officers and a total of 600,000 Options have been granted to employees and consultants. All of the Options will vest immediately, have an exercise price of $0.065 per Share and are exercisable for a period of five years unless terminated pursuant to the terms of the LTIP. All common shares issued in connection with the shares for debt settlement will be subject to a minimum four-month hold period as required by Canadian securities laws. The Company has obtained conditional approval from the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") for the listing of all common shares and is subject to receipt of final approval of the CSE. About IC Capitalight Corp. The Company operates as a merchant bank that pursues value-based investment opportunities in accordance with its internal investment policies. The Company currently holds an investment portfolio consisting of debentures, mineral exploration properties in Quebec, and owns 100% of Capitalight Research Inc., which operates a subscription research business. For further information, please contact Brian Bosse CEO and Director P: 866.653.9223 Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the debentures; (ii) the mineral exploration properties; and (iii) the operations of Capitalight Research Inc. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and other risks outside of the Company's control. Additional risk factors are included in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by applicable laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE: IC Capitalight Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629840/IC-Capitalight-Announces-Shares-for-Debt-Settlement-and-Grant-of-Long-Term-Incentives Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 09:22:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- As the pandemic engulfs the planet, never forget that we're still surrounded by countless acts of kindness, and uncountable heartwarming moments which can uplift our spirits. Muhannad Shalabi is the Jordanian owner of an Arabic restaurant "Beyti" in Yiwu, a major small commodity hub in eastern China's Zhejiang Province. He chose to stay in the city where he now calls home, with his family and friends during this Spring Festival. Muhannad loves to prepare traditional Arabic Coffee, a fragrant brew with a mellow and fruity flavor, for his loved ones. 30-year-old Iranian Sina Karami works at the Wakanda Cafe in central China's Wuhan city. He is making coffee for his customers during the Spring Festival holiday. Wakanda decided to provide free coffee for medical workers last year when Wuhan declared a lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus to other parts of China and beyond, Seven baristas race against the clock to brew around 500 cups of coffee daily and send them to three hospitals free of charge. Iranian barista Sina Karami delivers packed coffee to medical workers in February 2020. (Picture provided by Sina Karami) During the COVID-19 lockdown in El Salvador, coffee-consultant and businessman Hugo Hernandez connected Salvadoran producers with Chinese e-commerce companies to scale up trade between the two markets. His idea is to make the most of Salvadoran coffee in China and the country's booming online retail sales. "China is developing this world-renowned technology that is making life easier for countries in the way we do business, in logistics, in the entire issue of payments, in the issue of export, and in, of course, two-way information," Hernandez said. In Costa Rica, the families of Maria Antonieta and Nimga Munoz have also been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last May, they, alongside other local families, received food packages containing basics like toilet paper, rice, beans, coffee, sugar and oil. The Chinese community in Costa Rica has not only donated daily necessities, but also provided medical supplies like masks and disposable clothing. There are so many inspirational stories still waiting to be told. This winter is not easy amidst a coronavirus pandemic. But as we have each other as a source of warmth, this winter is not that dark and hard. Give a little love. Together, we can make a huge difference. [February 16, 2021] DT Equipment (DTE) announces the appointment of Diego Areces as Chief Commercial Officer DT Equipment ehf. (DTE) (www.dtequipment.com), a leader in real-time intelligence from liquid metals and developer of next-generation analytics for metals production and processing, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Diego Areces as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). His hire marks the latest in a series of appointments designed to further strengthen the DTE executive team and ensure that the company has the strategic, commercial and technical capabilities required for the next stage of its growth. Commenting on the new appointment, Karl Matthiasson, CEO of DTE said, "I am very pleased to welcome Diego to our expanding executive team. His vast industry knowledge and extensive commercial experience will be indispensable, and we are delighted to have him on board as we continue the next stage of our journey." Mr. Areces who has 25 years' experience in the industrial automation field, joins DTE to lead its commercial activities after a long tenure at Schneider Electric (News - Alert) , where he held the position of Industrial Automation Networks Leader, Mining, Minerals, and Metals President and Process Automation North Asia Hub Leader, responsible for driving growth, transformation, and innovation. He will focus on bringing DTE's breakthrough innovations in the metals analytics field to market and developing strategic relationships with customers and significant stakeholder. "I am thrilled to join DTE, a great team of talented professionals on its way to transform a whole industry thanks to its breakthrough innovation", added Mr. Areces, "It is clear from my decades of working in the metals processing field that DTE's real-time analytics and intelligence capabilities represent a significant breakthrough which offers a genuine opportunity to transform the way producers operate. I am focused on maximizing growth, value, sustainability, safety, and efficiency for all stakeholders, developing strategic relationships, and deploying business-driven technology and innovation; I look forward to an exciting new phase where there are no limits to what we can accomplish. Mr. Areces is one of the early precursors of Industry 4.0, leading the deployment of internet technologies in industrial devices during the early 2000s. He has been a safety and sustainability champion and a significant contributor to the digital transformation of global industrial customers. Mr. Areces is a founding member of modbus.org, was a marketing chair of the Interface for Distributed Automation ( IDA (News - Alert) ) organization and a member of the Development Partner Institute for Mining. He holds an MS in Electronic Engineering from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a CSS (News - Alert) in Administration and Management from Harvard University, US. Find out more about DTE's real-time liquid metals intelligence solutions at www.dtequipment.com ### About DT Equipment DTE, based in Reykjavik, Iceland, is a leading innovator in the field of real-time intelligence from liquid metals, helping customers to maximize value, efficiency, safety and sustainability. DTE's vision is to transform metals production and processing with next-generation sensors and analytics, driving digital transformation of the metals industry towards Industry 4.0, while contributing to the 1.5-degree challenge. DTE's solution range combines first-in-industry LP-LIBS (Liquid-Phase Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) elemental analysis with a powerful machine learning cloud platform, delivering valuable intelligence and predictive insights from liquid metals across the entire value chain. For more information, please visit www.dtequipment.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210215005203/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Zimbabwe received 200,000 doses Monday of China's Sinopharm vaccine, donated by Beijing to help halt the spread of COVID-19. "This is a timely donation given the recent tragedies and ravages that visited our country through COVID-19 pandemic," said Zimbabwe's Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who doubles as the country's health minister. "We receive this vaccine as a glimmer of hope to the nation that finally we may be on the verge of returning to some semblance of normalcy, that our people turn a new page. "It has not been lost on us that in times of need China's response has been swift, resulting in this donation being the first vaccine to reach our country." However, an official from Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians told VOA over the weekend that the Sinopharm vaccine was not effective against the South African variant of COVID-19, which has spread into Zimbabwe. He hoped Zimbabwe would get vaccines quickly under the COVAX and the African Union facilities so that the country has other "known vaccines that have clear data." On Monday, China's ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun dismissed any doubts about the Sinopharm vaccine. "I am not a scientist, so I do not make unprofessional comments. But I would like to say: the safety, the Chinese vaccine is already proven," Guo told VOA. Dr. Elopy Nimele Sibanda, professor of immunology at the University of Zimbabwe's College of Health Sciences, is optimistic the Sinopharm vaccine will help Zimbabwe following the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in the country. "Any vaccine is better than no vaccine," Sibanda said. "That's the bottom line. In terms of efficacy, we will only know once it has been used. We do not know until it has been tested in our own setting. We did not know about the Oxford vaccine and how effective it will be in South Africa until they started vaccinating people in South Africa. People will always have issues whether the vaccine works or doesn't work." Zimbabwe's government said the Sinopharm vaccine has an efficacy rate of between 76 and 86 percent. On Monday, acting Health Secretary Dr. Robert Mudyirandima said Zimbabwe will conduct trials of Sinopharm this week before starting a nationwide free and voluntary vaccination program. Zimbabwe's government plans to immunize 60 percent of the country's estimated 14 million people, in hopes of achieving herd immunity. Vestas reveals offshore turbine with world's largest sweep This article by Paul Ridden for NewAtlas.com may be of interest to subscribers. Here is a section: Each turbine is expected to deliver around 80 GWh of energy per year, depending on site-specific conditions, which is said to work out as being enough to power 20,000 European homes. Your free daily email from Fuller Treacy Money Comments of the Day 16 February 2021 Big Picture Long-Term video February 12th 2021 Eoin Treacy's view A link to this week's Big Picture Long-Term video is posted in the Subscriber's Area. Cyborg 2.0 Thanks to Bilal Khan for sending through his funds report focusing on Pakistan. Here is a section: Eoin Treacy's view A link to the full report is posted in the Subcsriber's Area. Pakistan is a frontier market. That means it is heavily influenced by investor flows. Any market is priced by the actions of the margin buyer. When international investors are repatriating capital it weighs heavily on the fortunes of frontier markets but the opposite is also true. Prolonged periods of inflows can boost frontier markets to significant positions of outperformance. Valuations can be attractive for prolonged periods but it is when the currency moves in the favour of international investors that activity really starts to pick up. At that point perceptions of whether governance is improving and whether that is sustainable will influence how durable a recovery is. Email of the day on Chinese Banks and geopolitical risk Always enjoy the service, Eoin and look forward to the daily updates. To better my understanding of reading charts, would you please walk me through the consistency pattern you see in the Commercial and Industrial Bank of China's chart that make its purchase, "shooting ducks in a barrel", as a very wise man would say. Thank you. Eoin Treacy's view At The Chart Seminar we begin by trying to imagine ourselves as the judges at an international beauty contest. We are only interested in the most beautiful charts. Those that have either truly consistent trends or the potential to develop them. Now ask yourself what is beautiful above ICBCs chart? The share was listed in Hong Kong in 2006 and since then it has done nothing but range in a very volatile manner. Thats neither beautiful nor consistent, so we need to ask whether there is anything occurring that may change the outlook? Vestas reveals offshore turbine with world's largest sweep This article by Paul Ridden for NewAtlas.com may be of interest to subscribers. Here is a section: Each turbine is expected to deliver around 80 GWh of energy per year, depending on site-specific conditions, which is said to work out as being enough to power 20,000 European homes. The V236-15.0 MW also offers the potential to reduce the number of turbines deployed at offshore windfarm level with Vestas calculating that the "offshore turbine offers 65 percent higher annual energy production than the V173-9.5 MW, and for a 900-MW wind park it boosts production by five percent with 34 fewer turbines." The company expects the first V236-15.0 MW prototype to be built in 2022, with serial production following two years later. It has a design lifetime of 25 years. With the V236-15.0 MW, we raise the bar in terms of technological innovation and industrialization in the wind energy industry, in favor of building scale," says Anders Nielsen, Vestas CTO. "By leveraging Vestas extensive proven technology, the new platform combines innovation with certainty to offer industry-leading performance while reaping the benefits of building on the supply chain of our entire product portfolio. The new offshore platform forms a solid foundation for future products and upgrades. Eoin Treacy's view Boosting production and needing to build fewer towers suggests there should be cost savings in construction. The big change in renewable energy occurred in late 2019 when economies of scale improved enough that the wind and solar sectors could survive without subsidies. That has led to a complete reappraisal of the rationale for investing in the sector. More recently it has allowed the renewable energy sector focus on the subsidies provided to fossil fuel companies across the energy supply chain. Eoin's personal portfolio - stop triggered on hedge position Eoin Treacy's view One of the most commonly asked questions by subscribers is how to find details of my open traders. In an effort to make it easier I will simply repost the latest summary daily until there is a change. This is your daily comment from www.fullertreacymoney.com. Subscribe to Fuller Treacy Money Limited for exclusive content and audio: Click here for details. 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Iran sent a vessel each from the Islamic Republic of Iran navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for the exercise. A Russian flotilla including a small warship and a refueling ship joined them in Iranian waters off the coast of Chabahar in southeast Iran, the state-run Press TV reported. The two countries will next conduct a defense maneuver in a 17,000-square-kilometer (10,500-mile) area of the Indian Ocean. The drill will focus on sailors skills during rescue operations, according to Press TV. Iran regularly conducts military drills alone on and off its coastline, including in the strategic Persian Gulf. Last week, the military held a war games exercise in the southwest Khuzestan province near the Iraqi border. Some of the exercises focus on a hypothetical war with the United States. The Russian government said earlier this month that it would participate in the naval exercise in February with Iran and also China in the northern Indian Ocean. Russia has participated in military training exercises with Iran in the past. In September, the two countries held a combat exercise on the Caspian Sea. Rear Adm. Hossein Khanzadi of the Iranian navy said that India will also join the exercise with Russia, according to Press TV. NEW DELHI : Indian tech majors Wipro and Tech Mahindra have signed agreements with Telefonica Germany/O2 for transforming the telecommunications provider's business support systems and IT systems. Tech Mahindra will drive end-to-end IT transformation at Telefonica Germany/O2 and support the latter in delivering faster product launches and provide a more 'human-centred' experience to its customers in the mass market segment. In August 2020, Telefonica Germany/O2 selected Tech Mahindra to drive its network and services operations, in addition to developing use cases for 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning technologies, Tech Mahindra said in a statement on Monday. This further strengthens Tech Mahindra and Telefonica Germany's two-decade-long partnership and reiterates Tech Mahindra's expertise in delivering large scale digital transformation programmes, it added. In a separate statement, Wipro said it has signed a five-year strategic partnership with Telefonica Germany/O2 to work with the telecom firm and its wider ecosystem to transform its Business Support Systems and associated quality assurance to enable superior customer experience and growth in the B2B market segment. "This Radical IT Transformation (RAITT) programme brings Wipro and Telefonica Germany/O2 together to allow for risk-mitigated self-funded transformation that will benefit both companies," it added. The RAITT programme will ensure that Telefonica Germany/O2 is well-positioned to modernise and launch a range of new offerings including 5G products and services. Wipro said it will also invest in developing a digital business support platform that will fuel Telefonica Germany's growth and provide the company with an outcome-based, committed plan. This is a high value and first-of-its-kind engagement for Wipro in the telecommunications space. "This partnership builds on the bedrock of a 15-year relationship. It directly aligns us with Telefonica Germany's growth, and is a great example of how we are building for long-term success in Europe by embracing a collaborative approach with local industry leaders," Wipro Chief Executive Officer and MD Thierry Delaporte said. Telefonica Germany/O2 is one of the leading integrated telecommunications providers, with 44 million mobile telephone lines and 2.3 million broadband lines. "Our large-scale IT transformation project is a key milestone for us in order to increase the reliability of our systems, improve our customer satisfaction and accelerate innovation and time-to-market as we move towards our 5G goal for consumers and business. We are pleased that Tech Mahindra will support us in this transformation process in the mass market segment with its global experience, modern technology solutions and service quality," Mallik Rao, Chief Technology and Information Officer of Telefonica Germany/O2 said. Tech Mahindra said it will provide a 'digital first' experience by leveraging OOTB (Out of the Box) process libraries and its capabilities across digital technologies like BSS (Business Support Systems), customer experience, cloud, data & analytics and AI. This multi-year engagement involving modernisation of existing stacks based on cloud-native products will accelerate Telefonica Germany's digital journey, it added. PTI SR SHW SHW Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. CHICOPEE Nearly all students will return to in-person classes two days next week under a recently-approved plan, but the reopening in one of the citys oldest schools will be delayed until at least the beginning of April. When the city began testing air quality in all the schools over the summer, officials learned the ventilation system at Patrick E. Bowe School was very poor and had to be replaced before students and teachers could return to the school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bowe School is under construction so second through fifth graders will not start until around the first week in April, Principal David Drugan said. Schools were suddenly closed in mid-March because of the pandemic and over the summer the School Department developed a phased-in plan that had students returning to full-time in-person classes in stages starting with vulnerable learners - those who have learning disabilities, are learning English and are homeless or in foster homes - followed three weeks later with the youngest students in each school who are in kindergarten and grades one, six and nine. The next phase was put on hold when infections in the city started surging and all students went remote in mid-November. Some of the children - kindergarteners, first-graders, vulnerable learners and some career technical education students have returned to the classroom starting last month. In January a task force with educators, parents, teachers and School Committee members was formed after complaints were aired that the phased-in plan meant many students had not had a chance to be in a classroom for nearly a year. The group recommended a switch to a more common hybrid plan that will have all children attending class in-person two days a week and learning remotely the other three days, which has now been adopted by the School Committee and the Chicopee Education Association. Families can still opt to have their children continue to only attend school remotely. Other exceptions call vulnerable learners, those in grades kindergarten through two and students at Chicopee Academy to be in class four days a week. Chicopee Academy teachers will be able to opt for full-time in-person classes in the future. The plan will begin on Feb. 22, with the exception of some of the Bowe School children, Drugan said. The construction project, which includes adding ductwork into the entire school so there will be ventilation in each classroom, began in January and is expected to take six to eight weeks, Drugan said. The cost is estimated at $600,000 and officials are looking at funding it in part with federal CARES Act money awarded to communities across the country for expenses related to pandemic recovery, according to a discussion that occurred in a recent meeting with the City Council Education Subcommittee. In September, vulnerable learners and kindergarten and first-graders from Bowe School were transferred to Gen. John Stefanik School if their families opted for in-person learning. But with the hybrid plan being put into place there would not be enough room, Drugan said. When in-person learning resumed in January, kindergarteners, first-graders and vulnerable learners were moved to the fourth floor of Chicopee High where there is more space, Drugan said. Currently, there are seven classrooms with between 55 and 60 Bowe students and about seven teachers and teaching assistants on the fourth floor of the high school and that is expected to stay about the same until the school can reopen, he said. It took a day or so to get used to it, but it is going really well, Drugan said. We see no concerns with mask-wearing and our teachers and paras (teaching assistants) and nurses have all been fantastic. Maintenance staff had to move desks and other equipment needed for elementary school classes from Bowe School to Chicopee High and stools were added to the restrooms and some changes were made to improve traffic flow and access to the fourth floor. Other small adjustments were made easily, such as adding one portable air filter to a classroom at the request of a teacher who felt it would make the classroom safer, he said. Children and their families also had to get used to taking the bus to school since nearly all the Bowe School children live within walking distance but any glitches were worked out quickly, Drugan said. Related Content: At first, they were open only once a week, but demand necessitated the addition of another, so they now operate on Wednesdays and Fridays. Though the menu changes often, you can usually find the same three breakfast burritos ($2.50 each): huevo con chorizo (egg and chorizo), frijoles con chorizo (beans and chorizo), and frijoles con queso (beans and cheese). Slender and petite, they have little in common with the monster burritos youll find elsewhere, which are filled to the breaking point with dozens of ingredients. Instead, they are all about balancing the intensely flavored fillings with the tender and elastic flour tortillas. ALBANY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday almost apologized for stonewalling the release of full and accurate information on the COVID-19 deaths of New York's nursing home residents. But not quite and his excuse for what he described as a mere "delay" failed the smell test. In an afternoon press conference, Cuomo conceded better information on nursing home deaths should have come sooner and said the failure to provide the data created "a void" that was filled with what he referred to as misinformation and conspiracy theories. "I take responsibility for creating the void," the governor said after days in which his administration has been battered for its nursing-home decisions. "We should have done a better job." Obviously true. So far, so good. Clap, clap, clap. Not so good: The governor also blamed the delay on a Department of Justice request for data that came in late August. The administration simply prioritized that federal request over ones from the media and state lawmakers, he said. Oh, governor. You can do better than that old excuse, which ignores several key facts. First, lawmakers and journalists had already been asking for the full tally of how many nursing home residents died of COVID-19 for months when the DOJ request arrived. By that point, the stonewall was well underway. Second, the DOJ initially sought data for only a small number of public nursing homes, while lawmakers and media outlets wanted a tally for all nursing homes, public and private. Nothing in the relatively minor federal request kept the state from releasing the full tally. (A reminder: Unlike other states, New York excluded residents who died at hospitals from its nursing home death tally, leading to a significant undercount.) Third, the Cuomo administration still hadnt provided the requested information six months later and didnt release the information until called on the carpet by a scathing report from Attorney General Letitia James and a state Supreme Court justice's decision. Thanks to those two factors, we finally know that nearly 15,000 New Yorkers died after contracting COVID-19 in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, which is 63 percent higher than the administrations prior tally. That we only just learned the total cant be blamed on the Justice Department, Donald Trump, the state Legislature or dancing unicorns. We can only presume that the stonewall which was illegal under state Freedom of Information Law, acting state Supreme Court Justice Kimberly OConnor stated happened because Cuomo didnt want the information made public. And you dont have to be a conspiracy theorist to realize that hiding the full number of deaths helped the governor fend off criticism of his controversial March 25 order that said nursing homes couldnt turn away COVID-positive patients. Cuomo defended the order again on Monday. And, yes, it is debatable just how much, if at all, that measure contributed to New Yorks nursing home death total. Cuomo isnt wrong to say theres been misinformation and misconceptions about that. But theres no debating that Cuomo attempted to stonewall the release of information. A top aide, Melissa DeRosa, in a private conversation with lawmakers even admitted the administration was worried the data "was going to be used against us." So, what happens next? Will lawmakers let Cuomos stonewalling slide? Or will they stand up to the governor and take meaningful action? To be sure, many lawmakers from both parties have been saying the right things since James report and the reporting of DeRosas comments. Theyve been expressing appropriate outrage, with some Republicans suggesting Cuomo should be impeached. OK, lets acknowledge its a bit rich for a political party that, in Albany and in Washington, excused Trumps behavior for years to suddenly be calling for, of all things, an impeachment. The irony glares. But Democrats who spent years decrying Trumps abuses of power will be acting just as hypocritically if they turn a blind eye to Cuomos. They need to do something. At the very least, lawmakers should curb some of the unilateral power granted to Cuomo during the pandemic. The governor has shown, after all, that he cant be trusted with the authority. Lawmakers also need to improve conditions in New York nursing homes. (Cuomo, to his credit, on Monday said he will introduce a package of nursing home reforms within 30 days.) Most of all, there needs to be a full investigation, with hearings and subpoenas, into Cuomos nursing home decisions. We need to know why the administration persisted with its undercount of nursing home deaths for so long. We need to know why the governor granted owners of nursing homes immunity from lawsuits and whether that decision led to risky, profit-driven decisions. And yes, we need an honest look at that March 25 order not for retribution or to embarrass the governor, but to guide future decisions. This is a pivotal moment for a Legislature controlled by Democrats. They can be an independent check on a fellow Democrat, or they can cave to a governor who wields his power like a weapon. "Theres nothing to investigate," Cuomo said Monday when asked if James' office should mount an independent probe of the matter. Oh, but there is. There really is. cchurchill@timesunion.com 518-454-5442 @chris_churchill Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. The ASU Morrison Prize Contest awards a $10,000 prize annually to the authors of the most impactful sustainability-related legal academic article published in North America during the previous year. The prize is named after its benefactor, Richard N. Morrison, who is also a co-founder of the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at ASU. As renewable energy technologies have advanced in recent decades, utility laws have failed to keep up. Now, some outmoded utility laws are increasingly slowing the transition to a sustainable, carbon-free energy system. Fortunately, as Macey explains, by shedding these "zombie laws," governments could accelerate the country's progress in combatting climate change. "I was completely thrilled to learn that I had won the Morrison Prize this year and honored to see 'Zombie Energy Laws' join the company of the past winners' brilliant work," Macey said. "Zombie Energy Laws examines how century-old laws designed to protect consumers in the public utility era are now being used to harm consumers and impede decarbonization goals. I hope that, as the federal government takes a more proactive approach to addressing climate change, it will consider how legacy rules from the public utility era could undermine those efforts." Macey's winning paper was originally published in the May 2020 issue of the Vanderbilt Law Review. Macey plans to travel to Phoenix to present his article and formally accept the prize at the Sixth Annual SRP Sustainability Conference of American Legal Educators. The conference is planned for May 14 at ASU Law's Beus Center for Law and Society in downtown Phoenix. Professor Troy Rule, Faculty Director of the Law and Sustainability Program at ASU Law, said Macey, like past Morrison Prize winners, has developed inventive ideas that could facilitate significant progress in the environmental sustainability movement. "Professor Macey's article boldly challenges the status quo, persuasively describing how certain utility laws that presently obstruct the sustainable energy transition could be restructured into powerful decarbonization tools," Rule said. "We look forward to hearing Professor Macey present his article at ASU Law and are deeply grateful to Richard Morrison for his generous support of this prestigious prize." Each year, law professors from throughout the world who have recently published articles in North American legal academic journals are eligible to enter the Morrison Prize Contest. All entries undergo independent review and scoring by a group of professors, not affiliated with ASU, who teach in environmental sustainability-related areas at various North American law schools. The scores from these judges are aggregated to determine the prize winner. Past winners In 2020, Vanderbilt University Law School professors Jim Rossi and Christopher Serkin won the Morrison Prize for their insightful article, "Energy Exactions," which was published in the Spring 2019 issue of the Cornell Law Review. The article described how local governments could better leverage their land use regulatory authority to drive substantial increases in rooftop solar energy installations and energy-efficient real estate development. In 2019, a six-author team won the Morrison Prize for an unprecedented analysis of the structuring of conservation easements in the face of rapid climate change. The article, titled "Climate change challenges for land conservation: Rethinking conservation easements, strategies, and tools," was co-written by Federico Cheever, a professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law; Jessica Owley, director of the environmental law program at University of Buffalo - State University of New York; Adena R. Rissman, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Forestry and Wildlife Ecology; M. Rebecca Shaw, chief scientist at the World Wide Fund for Nature; Barton H. Thompson Jr., a professor of natural resources at Stanford Law School; and W. William Weeks, director of the Conservation Law Clinic at Indiana University's Maurer School of Law. In 2018, Minnesota Law School professor Hari M. Osofsky and Jacqueline Peel, associate dean of the University of Melbourne Law School in Australia, won the prize for their academic article "Energy Partisanship." They outlined the critical importance of circumventing fierce political divisions in order to combat climate change, and provided guidance for doing so. In 2017, Vanderbilt University professors Michael P. Vandenbergh and Jonathan Gilligan's won the prize for "Beyond Gridlock." The article underscored the difficulties of effecting change through government and highlighted the underutilized potential to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions through the private sector. In 2016, Dave Owen, a professor at University of California, Hastings College of Law, and Colin Aspe, a freshwater conservation adviser at the Nature Conservancy, were the inaugural winners of the Morrison Prize. Their article, "Trading Dams," described creative new policy approaches for better balancing hydroelectric energy generation and environmental protection on the nation's river system. About the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is one of the nation's preeminent law schools, focused on offering students a personalized legal education. Ranked No. 1 in Arizona since 2010 and No. 24 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, ASU Law offers students the opportunity to tailor their education, to match externships to their interests and career services resources to help land their ideal jobs. Additionally, ASU Law's LEED Gold certified building in downtown Phoenix is steps away from the legal, political and economic heart of Arizona. For more information, visit law.asu.edu. About Arizona State University Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Julie Tenney, Director of Communications ASU Law Email: [email protected] SOURCE Sandra Day OConnor College of Law at Arizona State University Related Links https://law.asu.edu Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 15:00:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close By Xinhua writers Yao Youming, He Zhanjun and Xue Yanwen XI'AN, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- In just one minute, Wu Ping stirs "Mo" bread cubes and sliced mutton into the soup, tosses the pan with a flourish and pours the contents into a bowl to serve up the mouthwatering "Yang Rou Pao Mo," or mutton soup with Mo bread, a signature dish of Shaanxi Province, northwest China. The same one-minute process has been helping fill the bellies of countless customers for a century at Tongshengxiang restaurant in downtown Xi'an, capital city of Shaanxi. Tables were packed with eaters excitedly chatting about the lunar New Year holiday, and they broke up their Mo bread into small pieces. However, for that one minute, a master chef like Wu must hone his craft for decades. The 58-year-old national-level inheritor started as an apprentice in 1981 learning how to cook this dish, which is an intangible cultural heritage. To his surprise, the first lesson had nothing to do with cooking. "It was a moral lesson. To excel in this industry, one must cultivate their morality. That's the first thing my chef teacher taught me," said Wu. Morals first, and diligence throughout. Preparation of the dish usually begins days earlier. Apprentices must wash, cut and stew mutton and beef for around two days to produce the perfect broth, and slice the meat into thin pieces for the head chefs. Every day, apprentice Wu had to process at least 200 kilograms of mutton and beef. He got up early in the morning and wouldn't rest until midnight. "It's an exhausting job, most young people couldn't stand it," said Wu. Wu would not progress to the essential one-minute part until he had mastered the art of making broth and slicing the meat so it is just right. He would practice in his free time with left-over bread. Today, as head chef of Tongshengxiang, Wu has mastered the art. To make sure the taste is timeless, just like it was 100 years ago, Wu sources lamb from breeders in the neighboring Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and beef locally. A total of 22 ingredients including pepper, aniseed and cinnamon are also added, the adjustment according to the four seasons. The dish is not complete without its signature flat, white mo bread. It is said that the perfect bowl of Yang Rou Pao Mo is a duet between the chef and the customer. The eater must break the Mo bread into cubes as small as soybeans before handing them for the chef to cook. Throughout Wu's 40-year career, he knows how to adjust the heat and cooking duration to meet different customers' demands. "Every detail matters. One wrong step could ruin the whole dish," said Wu. With retirement not far away, Wu's mission of preserving the original Shaanxi taste has been handed down to his own apprentice Sun Qiang. Just as Wu imparted his wisdom, Sun, too is teaching his two students everything he has mastered over the past two decades. "There are fewer and fewer skills now. We must preserve our art," said Sun. "Yang Rou Pao Mo is just like an antique. Traditional things are the most precious," said Wu. Enditem Black Americans remain more religious than other Americans, according to a massive new survey. Yet fewer are attending or seeking out predominantly black churches. Among black worshipers: 4 in 10 now attend a non-black congregationincluding half of millennials and Gen Z. About half say its essential for churches to offer racial affirmation or pride, while only a quarter say sermons on political topics are essential. 6 in 10 say black congregations should diversify. 6 in 10 say when church shopping, finding a congregation where most attendees share their race is unimportant. Two-thirds of black Americans identify as Protestants, but only 1 in 4 of these identify with historic black denominations. Yet retention is strong: 3 in 4 black adults have the same religious affiliation as when they were raised (significantly higher than the rate for Americans at large), while 1 in 4 black Americans who were raised as unaffiliated or as Catholic now identify as Protestant. Note: Pew defined black churches as those where the respondent said that all or most attendees are Black and the senior religious leaders are Black. These are among the findings of Faith Among Black Americans, released today by the Pew Research Center. The study is Pews most comprehensive, in-depth attempt to explore religion among Black Americans ever, comprising both a national survey of 8,660 adults who identify as black or African American as well as guided small-group discussions and interviews with clergy. Many findings in this survey highlight the distinctiveness and vibrancy of Black congregations, demonstrating that the collective entity some observers and participants have called the Black Church is alive and well in America today, stated Pew researchers. But there also are some signs of decline, such as the gap between the shares of young adults and those in older generations who attend predominantly Black houses of worship. The fact that the black church isnt declining as fast as the white church is not cause for celebration, says Mark Croston, national director of black church partnerships for LifeWay Christian Resources. An 81 percent retention rate may be a good number in business, but not for the church, he said. The gospel is relevant and needed in every generation. We have to make sure we are ministering it in ways that will cause it to connect with people we are missing. Most respondents were surveyed between January 21 and February 10, 2020, before COVID-19 disrupted church life and before protests against police brutality became widespread after the death of George Floyd. Pew also surveyed 4,574 adults who do not identify as black or African American, in order to draw comparisons. Overall, Pew found that black Americans are more likely than Americans at large to believe in God, attend religious services, say religion is very important in their lives, and affiliate with a religion. Black Americans are: More likely to say God talks to them (48% vs. 30%) More likely to say they have a duty to convert others (51% vs. 34%) More likely to say opposing racism is essential to their faith (75% vs. 68%) Pew found that 60 percent of black churchgoers attend predominantly black congregations, while 25 percent attend a multiracial congregation and 13 percent attend a predominantly white (or Hispanic or Asian) congregation. Churchgoers who are Protestant were most likely to attend black congregations (67%), vs. those who were Catholic (17%) or of other faiths (29%). Younger worshipers are less likely to attend black churches than older worshipers. Only half of Gen Z and millennial black worshipers (53%) attend black congregations, vs two-thirds of boomer and older black worshipers (66%). And a full 25 percent of Gen Z black worshipers attend a white (or other) congregation, while only 9 percent of boomers and older black worshipers do likewise. One might observe that Black churches have done well with spiritual nurturing the Black community through historic tough times and with fighting social and political injustice but not as well with pursuing an ecclesial vision for racial/ethnic inclusion, said Antipas Harris, the president of Jakes Divinity School. As a result, more white-led, multicultural churches are drawing Black millennials and Gen Zers into movements that do not have a clear or full vision for social and political racial conciliation necessary to transform a continued racist society into greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. Only 1 in 4 black Protestants identify with one of the eight historic denominations that compose the Conference of National Black Churches. Larger shares identify with evangelical or mainline denominations (30%) or offered a vague descriptor such as just Baptist or just Pentecostal (32%). The remainder said they were nondenominational (15%). Among churchgoers, black Republicans are less likely than black Democrats to attend a black congregation (43% vs. 64%) and more likely to attend a white congregation (22% vs. 11%). And while black nones are growingnow comprising almost 1 in 5 black adults (18%)most of the unaffiliated still credit black churches with improving racial equality (66%) and more say that black churches have too little influence in society (35%) than too much influence (19%). However, 6 in 10 of all black adults agree that historically Black congregations should diversify (61%). And those who worship at black (61%), white/other (66%), or multiracial (62%) congregations agree slightly more than those who seldom or never attend (60%). It is important to note that multicultural generally means monoculture with multicolors since most of the churches that fit this description tend to be white-led churches that have attracted blacks and not the other way around, said Jeff Wright, the CEO of Urban Ministries. The dominant cultures expectation of unilateral assimilation, is something that Jacqueline Dyer, an associate professor of social work at Simmons University, has also noticed. I have had conversations with clergy who are noticing that in the wake of COVID-19, George Floyd and political unrest some Black church members in predominantly white churches are leaving to return to the Black Church, she said. The departing Black members are feeling disenfranchised. A continued one-way migration threatnes the gifts the black church offers not only to the black community, but to the Body of Christ as a whole, says Oneya Okuwobi, a researcher who studies the sociology of organizations, race, and religion. If we lose the spiritual heritage of the Black church as people and resources flow to other expressions, we will all be impoverished in the process, said Okuwobi. Meanwhile, 6 in 10 of all black adults agree that when church shopping, finding a new congregation where most attendees share their race would be not too important or not at all important (63%). A majority of those who worship at black congregations agree (58%), though they are less likely to do so than those who attend white/other (75%) or multiracial (69%) congregations or those who seldom or never attend (65%). If most Black Americans say these congregations should diversify and the race of other attendees isnt a top priority to them, what leads so many Black Americans to attend predominantly Black congregations? stated Pew researchers. The survey indicates that Black congregations are distinctive in numerous ways beyond just their racial makeup. Sermons are a prime example: Black Americans who attend Black Protestant churches are more likely to say they hear messages from the pulpit about certain topicssuch as race relations and criminal justice reformthan are Black Protestant churchgoers who attend multiracial, White or other race churches. Despite these sermons, in the wake of the pandemic and last years racial injustice protests, it became clearer that, while the black church still has a role, it is no longer the driving force for social justice, said Harris, who also serves as associate pastor at the Potter's House of Dallas. The onslaught of economic crises and the increase of food deserts challenged mere food pantries and homeless dinners and Saturday lunches. There is a need for a new model of doing church to sustain the essence of the black church spiritual, social and political involvement in social transformation. Although church teachings actively address racial injustice, Protestants who go to Black congregations are somewhat less likely than others to have recently heard a sermon, lecture or group discussion about abortion, stated Pew researchers. The disparity between teaching social justice issues and theological-biblical teachings related to abortion and human sexuality is concerning, said Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, associate professor of religion and dean of Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary. This suggests that predominantly black churches focus less on Christian doctrine and spiritual formation and more on social justice issues. The two should not be mutually exclusive. The Black Church does well in preaching about big issues of race, criminal justice, and economic disparities, said Quonekuia Day, an instructor of Old Testament and biblical Hebrew at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. However, issues that impact the individual and families (which eventually impact the community), such as abortion, mental health, domestic violence against women and men, do not receive adequate attention. Beyond particular sermon topics, many black churches also boast a distinctive atmosphere for worship. A full 9 in 10 black Americans who attend services at least yearly say their congregation includes calling out Amen or approval (89%). Then 6 in 10 say there is dancing, jumping, or shouting; 5 in 10 say there is speaking in tongues; and 4 in 10 say all three take place. Taken as a whole, about half of congregants who attend Black Protestant churches [51%] report that the services they attend feature all three of these practices at least some of the time, compared with roughly a quarter of Black Protestants in White or other race churches [27%] and 18% of Black Catholics, stated researchers. According to Pews small-group discussions, researchers noted, Black Americans suggest that these distinctive characteristics may be more important than the churches racial makeup itself for explaining the continued appeal of these congregations. In addition to these distinctive characteristics, Okuwobi has observed that black congregants in multiethnic churches are more likely to experience racial discrimination, feel as though they have to give up parts of their racial/ ethnic identity to fit in, and struggle to build relationships. Ive seen Black congregants retreating to ethnic affinity spaces where they can express their pain in a supportive community. This retreat has occurred as congregants consider leaving their multiracial churches for Black ones or have created Black spaces either within the multiracial church or on their own, said Okuwobi. ...If younger generations continue to increasingly attend white and multiracial churches, pastors and leaders have a responsibility to make these congregations places of safety for them. Likewise, pastors and leaders of Black churches will have to make room for their leadership to attract and retain them. The stickiness of these particular characteristics will be tested in the coming years. Most of Pews research was conducted prior to the pandemic and the George Floyd protests. Harris believes that the pandemic will hurt long-term local church attendance and that millennials and Gen Zs close relationship with technology will encourage people who do engage, to do so remotely. But Vince Bantu, assistant professor of church history and black church studies at Fuller Seminary, believes that the events of the last year will lead to an opposite outcome. This study demonstrates that the Black Church is one of the most under-utilized resources in the Body of Christ, he said. Since the rise of the COVID pandemic and the heightened attention given to racial injustice, many members of the Black community that previously left the Black Church are beginning to come back. I think this is because the balanced preaching of the Black Church focusing on biblical truth and justice are an encouraging resource for all members of the Body of Christ. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Less than a month after canceling its deal with the project's sole proponent, the provincial government of Cavite is once again inviting firms interested in developing Sangley Airport. This is the second invitation to bid for the airport's upgrade, which the local government unit published on Monday. It comes after local authorities rejected the plan submitted by the consortium of Lucio Tans MacroAsia Corporation and state-owned China Communications Construction Company Ltd. or CCCC. The request for proposals will be available for distribution to interested applicants this entire March. The RFP includes the project feasibility study, instructions to joint venture partners, and the draft joint venture and development agreement. Before getting a copy, parties must hand in a written expression of intent for the project and ink the prescribed non-disclosure agreement. They must also pay a participation fee of 1 million, which is non-refundable. Interested proponents must turn their submissions in by May 4, the invitation read. Previous project registrants still interested must again submit an expression of intent, update their details, and pay a renewal fee of 25,000. The winning bidder will be responsible for providing equity investment, debt financing, and credit enhancements necessary for the project. It will also secure or procure engineering, procurement and construction or EPC services for the project's land and airport developments. "Under the terms of the Project's no objection clearance from the Department of Transportation, no sovereign loan or National Government guarantee will be granted," the invitation further read. Tan's consortium bagged a multi-billion peso contract to improve Sangley Airport in February last year, with the project set as a public-private partnership with the Cavite government. President Rodrigo Duterte previously said he wants the gateway to also handle domestic flights in a bid to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which has been accommodating passengers millions more than its intended capacity. The Liberals bought 24 Google ads for $7650 while the Greens have spent $4800 on 148 ads. Facebook which owns Instagram and Google only started providing information on political ad spending within Australia in the past year. TikTok and Twitter do not allow political ads on their platforms but Snapchat does. There have been no ads purchased on Snapchat for the WA election. Loading While political ads cannot be posted on TikTok, several videos by creators featuring clips of Mr McGowan have gained hundreds of thousands of views. Labor has also benefited from millions of dollars spent by the government on COVID-19 related campaigns through television, radio, and newspapers. The state government spent $6.63 million from April to November last year and plans to spend another $4.4 million on COVID-19 advertising by July this year. Some of the government ads included Mr McGowan himself. Much of the messaging in the government ads revolved around keeping WA safe, and Labor is now running an election campaign on a similar line about making sure the state stays strong. Queensland mining billionaire Clive Palmer has spent several thousand dollars on newspaper ads critical of the McGowan governments recent lockdown and posted the same thing on Twitter. He has not, however, spent any money on political advertising this WA election through his Facebook page. Unions and Labor hone in on Kirkup The Australian Services Union WA announced on Sunday it had re-launched its Use Your Power campaign from the 2017 election. At the last election the union ran ads against former Liberal Premier Colin Barnetts policy of selling off Western Power to bring down state debt. Labor and the unions have labelled Mr Kirkups energy plan to allow private electricity retailers into the power network alongside the government-owned Synergy and turning the system 100 per cent renewable by 2025 as privitisation by stealth which would push up household costs. The union started running billboard, television, cinema, and radio ads on Sunday attacking the opposition. Anti-Liberal ads have been running through the ASUs Use Your Power Facebook page since September with a reach, at times, of up to one million people at a cost of $16,589 in the past three months. Mr Kirkup has stated repeatedly this election he has no plans to sell off Western Power. There are Labor ads which also started running this week targeting Mr Kirkups lack of experience as a minister, his energy policy, and his personal work history. A car learners plate has been superimposed around Mr Kirkups neck in the ad and a strange mouth expression planted on his face. WA Labor Facebook ads have included attacks against former Opposition Leader Liza Harvey and the running of Liberal a candidate who wrote an opinion piece linking COVID-19 spread to 5G technology. Credit:WA Labor Mr McGowan has often refrained from even saying Mr Kirkups name, so as not to provide any free publicity for the opposition leader, but the new ads ironically help raise the opposition leaders lack of profile. Mr Kirkup is not the only Liberal under fire from Labor with former leader Liza Harvey also copping her fair share. Labor has set up a Facebook page to run its attack ads called Why Take The Risk? which takes swipes at Mr Kirkup, Mrs Harvey, and the billions of dollars in promises the Liberals have made during the election. The page only has 11 likes. Mr Kirkups response to the pile on from Labor was a plea at a press conference on Monday for a policy debate rather than petty politics. Weve all gone through so much during COVID-19, I would have expected the Labor Party would have lifted a bit more than that, he said. Well continue to expect to see that kind of ... political attack ad from the Labor Party. I just call on the Premier, lets just work together. Lets rise above that, and lets only put out ... positive campaigns, thats what the people of WA want. The WA Liberals have been critical of the states record ramping hours under Labor coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Credit:WA Liberals Mr Kirkup was reminded at the press conference, however, of his own comments in October describing the Premier as slimy for telling the WA public for months a hard border with all states and territories was the only way to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, before introducing the concept of a controlled border which it had previously blasted others for suggesting. Thats before I was the leader of the Liberal Party, he said. Youll only see positive ads from the Liberal Party about our exciting and bold plan for the future of WA. There has been a few elements of negative advertising from the Liberals which takes the task to Labor for overseeing a dramatic rise in ramping hours at WA hospitals. A television ad also started running on Sunday which has a go at Labor saying it will introduce mining taxes. The Mark McGowan factor has been used as the Premier is front and center in social media advertisements where he is endorsing individual candidates. Credit:WA Labor Mr McGowan defended the scare tactics on Monday while tapping into the same language being used in the Labor campaign to talk down the opposition. The meeting was organised by the Poetic Justice Foundation in which the modalities of the Global Day of Action were worked out and based on the course of action decided in the Zoom meeting, Nikita, Shantanu, Disha and others collaborated together to draft the 'toolkit'. The Delhi police officials are also verifying whether Greta Thunberg attended the Zoom meeting. New Delhi: The Delhi Police have written to Zoom seeking information about the attendees who joined a virtual meeting on January 11. According to sources, nearly 60 to 70 persons from India and abroad attended the meeting. The police said that M.O. Dhaliwal, the founder of Canada-based pro-Khalistan outfit Poetic Justice Foundation, had contacted Nikita through Puneet, a Canadian citizen to create a storm on Twitter ahead of India's Republic Day. Police said that a woman named Puneet, who is based in Canada, connected these people to the PJF and through them, created the Toolkit Google documents titled "Global Farmer Strike" and "Global Day of Action, 26 January". According to sources, the name of another woman Anita Lal has also cropped up as a co-founder of toolkit document. According to the Delhi Police, one portion of this toolkit document mentioned action points named "Prior Action", such as 'Digital Strike through Hashtags on January 26' and earlier and creating 'Tweet Storm' from January 23 onwards. Physical action on January 26 and entering Delhi for 'Kisan Rally' and return back to the border. The Delhi Police further elaborated that the second part of the same document mentions tasks such as disruption of India's cultural heritage such as 'yoga' and 'tea' and targeting Indian embassies abroad in various capitals. A disgraced trainee Army officer who was caught repeatedly hiding in a female cadet's room in order to spy on her as she returned from the shower has been sacked. Hector Orrell, 21, was found to have lurked five times behind the woman's bed at the world famous Sandhurst military academy in Surrey. A court martial heard Orell, whose father and grandfather both served in the Army, also pushed his groin against the legs of his fellow trainee and another female cadet as they queued for lunch in the canteen. Bulford Military Court, Wilts, heard that on two occasions in September 2019, the then Officer Cadet Orrell behaved 'disgracefully' towards the two unnamed women in the lunch queue. In one instance, the court heard that he touched (his victims) lower back and pushed his groin against her leg. That same month, he again acted inappropriately with the same woman as they exited a busy lecture theatre. Hector Orrell, 21, was found to have lurked five times behind the woman's bed at the world famous Sandhurst military academy in Surrey (pictured) The court heard that he harassed the other woman he touched in the canteen by hiding in her room on five separate occasions, waiting for her to return naked from the bathroom. Wing Commander Michael Saunders, prosecuting, said: 'Sat in a position behind her bed, he (Orrell) hid until she returned in a towel and didn't make his presence known which caused her alarm. 'Both victims say they suffered distress as a result... bearing in mind that it was a stressful time in any event to be in training and this conduct added to their distress.' The two women reported the matter at the time to their chain of command, but Mr Orrell was only given a warning. It was not until a year later that it was picked up by a new chain of command and brought to the attention of military police. Speaking to the court via videolink, Mr Orrell claimed that he was a 'naive and immature' 19 year old at the time of the offences. Orrell admitted his behaviour was the 'worst thing he had ever done'. He also expressed dismay that he had sabotaged his lifelong ambition to follow his father and grandfather into the British Army. He said: 'Before joining (Sandhurst) everything in life had come relatively easy to me. I wasn't ready for Sandhurst when I joined. 'I did many actions that I otherwise wouldn't have done. The actions that have been brought up here in court are the most regretful actions I have ever done in my life. 'I held no malicious intent with the way I behaved, it was pure stupidity. Speaking to the court at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire, via videolink, Mr Orrell claimed that he was a 'naive and immature' 19 year old at the time of the offences. 'Since then I have made sure to treat women with the utmost respect that they deserve. 'I'm very sorry for my actions. I always wanted to be a British Army officer and to follow in my father's footsteps.' Mr Logan, mitigating, said: 'As far as Mr Orrell is concerned, he was born in Guildford to a military family and moved to South Africa where he currently lives at the age of two. 'He did well at school, volunteering for his school and his local church, and after final exams came to the UK to fulfil his lifetime ambition of becoming an officer in the British Army and following in his father and grandfather's footsteps. 'He is extremely ashamed and sorry for the effect his behaviour has had on the two Officer Cadets. 'It does seem that immaturity did play a large role in his behaviour at the time. He has grown up a lot since then and in the intervening period. 'He does however realise how distressing and inappropriate that behaviour was and has urged upon me that that sort of behaviour will never be repeated. 'One hopes he won't be defined by the worst thing he has ever done.' Orrell pleaded guilty to four separate charges of disgraceful conduct of an indecent kind. Judge Advocate General Alan Large dismissed him from the army and ordered him to pay 750 in compensation to each of his victims. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is located in Camberley on the Surrey Berkshire border and is where British Army officers are trained. Both Prince William and Harry, Duke of Sussex attended the academy. Disha Ravi arrest: BJP launches counter attack, says opposition stands with 'anti-India' forces India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Feb 16: The BJP has launched an all-out counter-offensive against the opposition for its criticism of the government over the arrest of climate activist Disha Ravi. Sambit Patra, the BJP spokesperson, said that the opposition, especially the Congress, have always stood with "anti-India" forces in their bid to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party spokesperson cited Delhi Police press conference to allege that Ravi's arrest has totally exposed the "nefarious conspiracies of the break India forces" to demean the integrity of India. Coronavirus cases: India records 9,121 new COVID-19 cases, 81 fresh fatalities in 24 hours "Astonishingly for the opposition, Bharat Ratnas like Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar can be investigated but 'break India forces' should receive protection under the garb of freedom of expression. These parties were crying 'arrest the perpetrators' on 26th January, but today when they are arrested, the same Congress cries foul," Patra said. He further said that they not only created a toolkit which perpetrated the January 26 disruption but also collided with a banned organisation Poetic Justice Foundation to promulgate the Khalistani design to belittle India. Union minister Prakash Javadekar, wrote about their work when they were 21, also the age of Ravi, to get back at the critics. He posted a group picture of his ABVP days, and noted that three of them are presently Union ministers, Prahlad Patel and Kishan Reddy besides him. Kapil Mishra inciting Hindus against Muslims: Digvijaya Singh "At 21 we in ABVP and other colleges were debating about how to take the country forward. We were engaged in all kind of constructive, nation-building work," he said. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News "21 year old, environment activist, student. Are these credentials for becoming a part of breaking India forces? How does she get the access for editing toolkit? Why she is part of anti-national WhatsApp groups? Many questions but only one answer: 21 year old," party general secretary BL Santhosh tweeted. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 10:41 [IST] After a long gap, Telugu superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni is all set to make his comeback in Bollywood with an important cameo in Ayan Mukerji's ambitious fantasy adventure Brahmastra, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in leading roles. Recently, Nagarjuna took to his Twitter page to announce that he has finished shooting for his part in the film. The actor was all praise for his co-stars Ranbir and Alia, and expressed his excitement about the film. The Shiva actor shared two pictures from the sets of Brahmastra. In one of the clicks, he is seen sharing a frame with Ranbir, Alia and Ayan. The second snap features them in a candid mood. Nagarjuna captioned these photos as, "And it's a wrap for me on #Brahmastra . Such an amazing experience it has been with our stellar performers #Ranbir and @Aliaa08. Can't wait for you guys to witness the outstanding world #AyanMukerji has created. #TheBigIndianMovie #Brahmastra." See his tweet. And it's a wrap for me on #Brahmastra . Such an amazing experience it has been with our stellar performers #Ranbir and @Aliaa08. Can't wait for you guys to witness the outstanding world #AyanMukerji has created.#TheBigIndianMovie #Brahmastra pic.twitter.com/CvKBAVphnt Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) February 16, 2021 In Brahmastra, Nagarjuna will be seen essaying the role of an archaeologist, who travels to an ancient temple near the Ganges along with his students on an expedition. Ranbir and Alia's characters meet Nagarjuna at a critical point which leads to a series of events with serious consequences. Earlier, producer Karan Johar had said that Nagarjuna has an "extremely special role" in Brahmastra. Speaking about being a part of this Ranbir-Alia starrer, Nagarjuna had earlier told a news agency, "Brahmastra was impressive from the moment it came to me. I said 'yes' immediately and now, here I am on my way to shoot for it. I am looking forward to it." The fantasy trilogy also stars Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in a prominent role. Reportedly, Mouni Roy and WWE wrestler Saurav Gurjar play the antagonists in the film. ALSO READ: Brahmastra: Ranbir Kapoor And Alia Bhatt To Resume Shooting In A Mumbai Studio Next Week? ALSO READ: Alia Bhatt To Have Her Beau Ranbir Kapoor Share His Wardrobe For This Generous Cause Srinagar: The first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday left for Saudi Arabia to perform the Haj pilgrimage. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Haj and Auqaf Minister Farooq Andrabi were at the Srinagar Airport to see off the first batch of pilgrims on a direct flight from here to the holy city of Madina, an official said. The batch comprised 420 pilgrims. He said the second flight carrying an equal number of pilgrims is scheduled to take off later in the day. More than 8100 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected this year to perform the pilgrimage which will culminate with Eid-ul-Azha in the first week of September. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Colleagues of Australian academic Sean Turnell will deliver a petition to the Myanmar embassy on Wednesday calling for him to be released from detention, as Australias former ambassador says the world is effectively powerless to stop the coup in the south-east Asian country. Hundreds of government MPs, election commissioners, students, journalists and academics have been arrested by the Myanmar military in the past fortnight. Turnell, who is Aung San Suu Kyis economic adviser, remains the only foreigner detained by the military junta. Sean Turnell, right, with Aung San Suu Kyi, centre, and Frank Lowy, left, at the Lowy Institute in 2013. Credit:Peter Morris/Lowy Institute More than 350 colleagues and supporters of Dr Turnell, a professor of economics at Macquarie University, have signed the petition in the hope of diplomatic breakthrough. His credibility and ethics are exemplary, the petition states. His detention is unjustified. We call for his immediate release, without charge. The Majority Leader and Minister-designate for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has bemoaned the high rate of attrition of experienced legislators from the House and called for measures to help retain them. Not until the political parties confront the reality, it will be difficult to stop the high attrition rate, he said. Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame in the Ashanti Region, made this known to the Appointments Committee of Parliament during his vetting for the Parliamentary Affairs portfolio. He attributed the loss of experienced Members of Parliament (MPs) to monetisation of politics in the country, which he described as reality, and advised political parties to confront the issue to stem the tide. Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who held the position in the first term of President Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration and has been re-nominated, proposed discussion on what could be done to retain such MPs to maintain the quality of legislators in the House. He admonished his colleagues not to portray themselves as agents of growth and development at the grass roots but learn useful lessons from their conduct and indicated that chief executives of metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies were not hounded for growth and development projects. When MPs go to solicit votes, the constituents ask them if they are aware of their challenges and the MPs Common Fund on which they fall for support and assistance of development projects in their communities is not enough, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu decried. Justifying the existence of the Ministry, he explained that I persuaded colleague MPs to support and assist government policies, programmes and social interventions brought to the House for approval. It is absolutely important to have Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and since 95 per cent of public business in Parliament is government business, you need the leader of government business in order to be able to persuade my colleagues on good policy that must be supported and assisted by Parliament. You need Minister of Parliamentary Affairs to be in Cabinet, where policy evolves to appreciate underpinnings of any policy.When he comes to Parliament to lead business of the House, he will then be able to get buy-in of his colleagues, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted. He proposed that space should be created for heads of constitutional bodies to directly answer to the House and called for holistic approach to review the Constitution Source: The Ghanaian Times Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Vancouver mayor-elect Kennedy Stewart pauses while addressing supporters in Vancouver on October 21, 2018. Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart says he will ask council to implement a handgun ban in the city using powers proposed under newly tabled federal legislation. The proposed legislation would allow municipalities to ban the weapons through bylaws restricting their possession, storage and transportation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday the measures will be backed up with serious penalties to enforce these bylaws, including jail time for people who violate municipal rules. Stewart says in a news release that the proliferation of handguns poses a great threat to public safety in Vancouver, citing a recent uptick in gang-related shootings and weapons recovered by police. The provincial government also introduced a new centralized hub for firearms intelligence Tuesday that it says will help suppress organized crime and gun violence. It says the BC Provincial Forensic Laboratory will increase police capacity to analyze illegal firearms that were used for criminal activity and seized by police. Stewart says his office will monitor the debate over Bill C-21 closely as it moves through the House and Senate for any changes made that could impact a local bylaw. "At the earliest opportunity, I will be bringing forward a motion directing staff to prepare a handgun ban bylaw and bring it forward for a vote once this federal legislation is passed," the mayor says in the statement. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday that she has personally requested the Health and Family Welfare Department to ensure maximum vaccination coverage for all frontline staff of the state government. The chief minister, who also holds the Health and Family Welfare portfolio, thanked everyone at the government of West Bengal who have led the fight against Covid from the front, including medics, paramedics, police, government staff and teachers, in a tweet message. "I would like to thank everyone at GoWB who've led the fight against #COVID from the front medics, paramedics, police, govt staff, teachers & other parasatals. I care for all my colleagues at GoWB & have personally requested @wbdhfw to ensure max vaccination coverage for them," she tweeted. I would like to thank everyone at GoWB who've led the fight against #COVID from the front medics, paramedics, police, govt staff, teachers & other parasatals. I care for all my colleagues at GoWB & have personally requested @wbdhfw to ensure max vaccination coverage for them. Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 16, 2021 Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: Consigment of made-in-India jabs reaches Dominican Republic Co-accused Abhishek Kumar, who taught at the school situated in Phulwari Sharif locality of the city, was sentenced for life and slapped with a fine of Rs 50,000. (Representational image) Patna: The principal and a teacher of a school here have been awarded death sentence and imprisonment for life, respectively, by a court for the rape of a Class 5 student. Special POCSO judge Awadhesh Kumar, in an order passed on Monday, announced capital punishment for the principal Arvind Kumar besides imposing on him a fine of Rs one lakh. Co-accused Abhishek Kumar, who taught at the school situated in Phulwari Sharif locality of the city, was sentenced for life and slapped with a fine of Rs 50,000. The case came to light in September, 2018 when the victim, all of 11 years, was found to be pregnant upon being taken to a doctor by her parents who got worried over her frequent bouts of illness. She narrated her ordeal when the parents pressed her with queries. A case was lodged at the Mahila Thana here under the POCSO Act and relevant sections of the IPC. Oil Spill Clean Up Operation The Gibraltar Port Authority, in conjunction with other agencies, has continued with the clean up operation caused by the oil spill in the early hours of Friday morning. Yesterday, efforts were being focused on the retrieval of oil around the harbour and the Gibraltar Bay with assets from both the private sector and the public sector being deployed accordingly. Clean up of revetments around the harbour began with the Gibraltar Joinery and Building Services (GJBS) having supplied sixteen workers who focused on retrieving oil and debris supervised by the GPA oil spill contractor, Brightside. Two bowsers belonging to Brightside and Wastage Products Gibraltar were deployed in the retrieval of any stagnant fuel patches around the harbour area. Efforts have continued with collecting free floating oil from South mole corner, Small Boats Marina, Western arm, Rosia Bay and other small isolated patches in the inner harbour. Since the incident, the GPA has deployed eight staff members, Brightside Services Limited has deployed its full work force, the Ministry of Environment has deployed seven staff members and GJBS sixteen personnel to exclusively deal with this incident. This will continue until all oil is recovered and the coast line is fully restored. All cost attributed to this incident will be recovered from the vessel and until such time that payment is received the vessel will remain detained in BGTW. The Minister for the Port, Hon Vijay Daryanani MP, said I am very satisfied with the work being done by all those involved and this will not stop until the oil has been cleaned up fully. It is disappointing to see any sort of oil spill in our bay and thankfully they are rare. I will make sure that we carry out a full investigation into how this accident occurred as soon as possible. I would like to thank the general public and in particular our boat owners for being so understanding and supportive of the work being done If any boat owners have experienced any losses as a result of this incident, they should contact the office of the Captain of Port. The Captain of the Port has been in constant contact with relevant port operators and with the Captain of the Port of Algeciras, with whom he has had a very fluid communication, having spoken directly on numerous occasions each day since Friday once the extent of the incident became apparent. There is no credible evidence to substantiate reports in some media of oil from this spill being present on land on the Spanish side of the bay. This is the first spill in Gibraltar in many years, although a number of spills have been occasioned in the Bay, originating from Spanish operators, in that time. The Government says it is considering all options to seek full recovery for the cost occasioned by the spill of oil. Prosecution under the provisions of the Port Rules has not been ruled out. Due to inclement weather, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting scheduled for Feb. 18 and 19 will be rescheduled to a later time. The TFWC will have a special called meeting via zoom on Wednesday at 9 a.m. CST to discuss continuances on the three rules that were scheduled for rulemaking hearings. The live stream of the virtual meetings will be available at https://www.youtube.com/user/tennesseewildcast or through their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tnwildlife. Handout Every morning for two months, hordes of people have misidentified a group of professionals as part of a global pedophile conspiracy. Im not talking about conspiracy theorists falsely accusing Comet Ping Pongs pizza delivery guy. Im discussing the aftermath of The New York Times Nicholas Kristof, religious fire-breathers, famous feminists, and tech reporters painting the porn industry as a sex-trafficking racket. In December, Kristof wrote a horrifying viral story about unverified users uploading child pornography and rape videos onto Pornhub. You probably know what happened next: Pornhub banned unverified users, and Visa and Mastercard suspended payments on Pornhub. Everyone from MAGA senator/insurrectionist Josh Hawley, to liberal, feminist tech journalist Kara Swisher, to edgelord podcasters Dasha and Anna praised big finance for taking on big sex trafficking. I, too, would like to take on big sex trafficking because sex trafficking disgusts me. I would like to abolish the racket, but I have zero ideas on stopping sex trafficking because I dont work as a sex trafficker. Im a consenting adult performer working in the highly regulated, legal porn business. If sex trafficking occurs in legal porn, I have yet to see itand Ive worked in the adult business for a decade. Ive sold my self-made content on every legal clip site you can imagine, and Ive shot for every major porn studio (which, not to brag, but is a pretty big deal). But the Times storys aftermath has harmed legal porn stars and done little to nothing to stop sex trafficking. The world has moved on to other viral stories, but porn stars are still reeling from the consequences of Kristofs sloppy report. She Was Booted From Bumble for Being a Porn Star Let me explain: Pornhub only allowed consumers to buy content created by individuals who could prove their age. Pornhub never allowed someone to buy unverified rape videos. By suspending card payments, Visa and Mastercard harmed porn stars who made legal videos and did little to stop sex traffickers. Many girls I know are now struggling financially, all while dealing with strangers calling them sex-traffickers on Twitter. Story continues These girls and legal porn production companies dont create the despicable, disgusting rape videos that Kristof describes. Say a criminal abducts someone, then sex-trafficks them in Iowa, and the perpetrator films the rape and uploads it online. That has nothing to do with the field I work in every day. When I go to shoot porn, I am following pages and pages of state and federal laws. California determines how and when I use a condom. The Communications Decency Act forces me to make sure I can prove everyone involved on set is of legal age. If I break a rule on set, a co-worker can call OSHA. On top of all this, the porn industry self-regulates, forcing everyone to get an STI test before shooting. I feel much safer filming porn than I did when I worked a minimum-wage job as a teenager. Porn is a highly-regulated profession a world away from sex trafficking, but I understand the publics confusion. Most people consume porn on Pornhub, a distribution platform, so its easy to mistake the distributor for the producer. Its the same thing as when someone sees Netflix created Schitts Creek when the show first premiered on the CBC. Except, in this case, the public is falsely aligning legal consenting workers with sex traffickers. The misconception aggravates us in part because porn performers were at odds with Pornhub until very recently. For most of Pornhubs existence, adult performers viewed the site the same way Metallica viewed Napster: an enterprise that stole our content and let consumers consume it for free. But in the past few years, porn workers have decided to play ball with Pornhub, selling our content and buying ads on the site. Our relationship was improving, but it wasnt perfect. Long before Kristof started typing about us, porn stars were begging Pornhub to ban unverified users. Many unverified users stole and uploaded our content that we need people to pay for, so we could make a living. Now we are being punished because of criminals who dont belong to our industry. This is like saying someone who worked in a Budweiser plant is liable for a grandma cooking moonshine in her bathroom. Bad actors uploaded illegal content onto Pornhub, so now the public believes all pornographers and sex workers are human traffickers. To a degree, I understand why Kristof is confused. Midway through his story, he identifies Traffickinghub founder Laila Mickelwait as a source. I would be confused, too, if I learned everything about porn from Mickelwait. She also works for an Evangelical Christian organization called Exodus Cry. The group emerged out of Kansass radically conservative IHOP Church. As The Daily Beast previously reported, IHOP promoted homophobia in Uganda, where legislators later attempted to pass a law sentencing homosexuals to life in prison. (I never thought I would see the day when landmark lesbian tech reporter Swisher would push propaganda from a group in league with Christian preachers trying to throw gay women and men in prison, but here we are.) When actress Melissa McCarthy donated to Exodus Cry, she sparked a backlash. Inside Exodus Cry: The Shady Evangelical Group With Trump Ties Waging War on Pornhub Now many people are pushing Exodus Crys lies, unaware of Exodus Crys background. If Exodus Cry wanted to end sex trafficking, they would target Facebook, where victims advocates say more sex trafficking occurs. But for the past decade, Mickelwait has tried to abolish porn altogether. Her early attempts centered around morality but failed to take off. Everything changed in 2020 when she created a petition calling to outlaw Pornhub to stop sex trafficking. Over 2 million people signed up, believing they were fighting sex trafficking but unaware that Exodus Crys tax records list their goal as abolishing sex trafficking and the commercial sex industry. Theyre winning in their war on legal porn because theyre smart. Everyone may watch porn, but as I have learned while dating men and women who dont work in porn, most people also look down on porn as shady. Traffickinghub plays on stereotypes of the porn industry, and it ties porn to something everyone opposes: sex trafficking. Seriously, who favors sex trafficking? Not I! Nicholas Kristof of The New York Times Frederick M. Brown/Getty But when you dig past the surface, youll see that the end result of Exodus Crys work is mainly to outlaw legal porn, not fight sex trafficking. Their tactics remind me of when President George W. Bush called his horrible education bill No Child Left Behind. Everyone supported Bushs plan because they didnt want to sound like they hated kids. In the process, they supported a law that gutted public schools. Now, religious fanatics and famous feminists, who supposedly care about women, are attacking porn when its finally become a woman-controlled industry. A decade ago, most girls relied on (mostly male) agents, directors, and company owners to find them roles in videos for (mostly male-owned) big studios that refused to pay residuals. Today, many of these studios are struggling while girls are raking in millions. We create our videos, sell them through our distribution channels, and call all the shots. If I wanted to, I could make my living without ever interacting with a male. Can Jennifer Lawrence or any other A-lister work without dealing with powerful men? I doubt it. This female golden age of porn could face extinction because of conservatives and feminists spreading lies. Feminists and religious conservatives have previously collaborated to assault sex-workers rights. Eighties left-wing feminist Andrea Dworkin advised Reagans Justice Department to ban porn because she believed Pornography is the celebration of rape. Upon the release of Oscar-winner Milos Formans 1996 Larry Flynt biopic The People vs. Larry Flynt, conservatives and feminists protested the film. Gloria Steinem wrote in the Times, A pornographer is not a hero Hustler is depicted as tacky at worst, and maybe even honest for showing full nudity. Whats left out are the magazines images of women being beaten, tortured, and raped, women subject to degradations from bestiality to sexual slavery. The industry fought back against these misrepresentations, and porn flourished. The media should trust porn stars when we correct their lies about our industry. Nicholas Kristof might hang a Pulitzer on his wall, but Ive won more AVN Awards than I can count. Listen to the experts next time you consider posting an expose about porn. Otherwise, you may end up spreading disinformation like your QAnon cousin. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Reporter Heather Bellow, a member of the investigations team, joined The Eagle in 2017. She is based in the South Berkshire County bureau in Great Barrington. Her work has appeared in newspapers across the U.S. Gardai used pepper spray in a bid to restrain a female prisoner after she clamped her teeth into the arm of a colleague and refused to let go, a High Court judge was told yesterday. During a Garda compensation virtual hearing, Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty heard that in November 2014 Garda Sheenagh Carroll had been attacked at Donegal Court after escorting a violent prisoner from Dublin to the wrong courthouse Donegal instead of Letterkenny. Garda Carroll said in an affidavit that the prisoner was removed from Donegal Court to a police van after kicking and shouting and pulling her hair. While in the van, the prisoner had bitten the gardas left arm. While attempting to push away the prisoners head, she then latched her teeth down onto my right arm, Garda Carroll stated. I was unable to free myself as her jaw was clenched so tightly on my arm. Barrister Esther Earley, who appeared for Carroll with Keira OReilly of Keans Solicitors, said other gardai had gone to their colleagues assistance and even used pepper spray on the prisoner, who eventually let go. Garda Carroll had her open and bleeding bite wounds treated at Letterkenny Hospital where a nurse, who knew the prisoner, told her the prisoner was HIV positive. She was given a cocktail of medication to combat HIV. Garda Carroll, of Milltownpass, Co Westmeath, described the attack as savage and said she had suffered both physical and psychological injuries. Four months later she had resumed light duties at Pearse Street station in Dublin. Teeth marks are still visible on her arms and she is self-conscious of them to the point that she is reluctant to wear short-sleeved tops. Judge Gearty, in awarding damages of 18,000, said that while Garda Carrolls injuries and anxieties had been confined to well under six months duration, her personal life had been affected. Judge Gearty also heard a compensation claim yesterday regarding an injury suffered by Garda Carroll in 2009. In that incident, she was attempting to handcuff an aggressive man in Fleet Street, Dublin, when she sustained a wrist injury. The judge awarded her 8,000 compensation. In January last year, Garda Carroll, who is 41, was awarded 22,000 damages for an undisplaced fracture of her left arm, which she sustained when restraining a female prisoner who had kicked out and struck her. The Tennessee Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that the July 2021 bar exam be held as a remote, computer-based test because of continued concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. The February 2021 bar exam is also being held remotely. The July 2020 exam was originally canceled and moved to October, and then was held remotely in October. In the Order, the Court concludes many of the exams traditional test takers, who are typically in their 20s, will likely not be vaccinated by July 2021, and restrictions on holding a large, indoor, two-day event will still be in place. The Courts Order modifies Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7 to allow for a remote, computer-based exam. We recognize the continued hardships that the pandemic has placed upon applicants to the Tennessee bar, the Court said in its Order. The decision to remotely administer the July 2021 Uniform Bar Examination balances the interests of the applicants, the interests and safety of the public, and the administration of justice as they relate to the licensing and admission of attorneys. The National Conference of Bar Examiners is preparing a remotely administered Uniform Bar Examination that will be utilized. Applicants who pass the online bar exam will be eligible for admission in Tennessee and any of the 35 other states that accept a UBE score. Tennessee first adopted the UBE in 2018, with the first UBE exam given in February 2019. The Board of Law Examiners is pleased to be able to provide aspiring attorneys with a remote UBE exam, said Jeff Ward, president of the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners. We wanted to provide test takers with a decision as quickly as possible so they can plan and prepare. Registration for the July 2021 bar exam will open on March 1. Passage rates for the October 2020 remote exam were similar to those of previous July bar exams. The Order is available here. New Delhi, Feb 16 : To strengthen regional connectivity, airline major IndiGo will start operations to and from Durgapur in West Bengal from April onwards. The airline will operate its first direct flight from Delhi, Bengaluru and a southern city to Durgapur from April 22, 2021. Accordingly, IndiGo signed an agreement with the Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Limited (BAPL) to start operations to and from Durgapur "We are pleased to partner with Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Limited to add Durgapur as a new domestic destination in our network," said Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, IndiGo. "Being one of the largest industrial hubs in the state of West Bengal, daily direct connections between key metro cities and Durgapur will augment economic growth in the city as well as the region," Kumar added. As part of the agreement, BAPL will also provide local marketing support to IndiGo through their expertise in the city. In addition, the company said after securing all regulatory approvals and specific flight schedules for Durgapur, IndiGo will soon take the overall number of domestic destinations in the 6E network to 68 by adding Bareilly and Rajkot to its network in the coming months, as part of its plan to expand regional connectivity in the country. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 21:48:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close THE HAGUE, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands' demissionary cabinet lodged an appeal on Tuesday against the District Court of The Hague's ruling to lift the curfew with immediate effect. In addition, the cabinet asked in a so-called urgent appeal to suspend the decision pending the verdict on appeal. The court will consider a possible suspension of the earlier ruling at 4 p.m. (1500 GMT) local time. The appeal against the judgment itself will be heard at a different time as soon as possible, according to the court. The curfew, from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. local time, went into effect on Jan. 23 and was extended last week until March 2. In a case brought in by an anti-corona measures organization, the court ruled earlier on Tuesday that the curfew must be lifted with immediate effect. According to the court, the curfew is a profound violation of the right to freedom of movement and privacy and requires very careful decision-making. For the introduction of the curfew, the Dutch government made use of the Extraordinary Powers of Civil Authority Act, whereby the senate and house of representatives do not have to be involved in the decision-making. However, that would have been necessary, according to the judges, because there was no case of "special urgency." "This is evidenced by the fact that before the introduction of the curfew, the possibility of a curfew had been discussed often," the judges declared. Enditem According to WazirX, the largest crypto exchange in India, it took 11 days to hit the billion-dollar mark in trading value in February, when compared with 25-30 days in January. The company expects to hit about 2.5X the $1.84 billion total trading value hit in January this month. Crypto is a global phenomenon. The moment a Tesla spends $1.5 billion, your wealth in India has increased. Most of your investments are very local, but in crypto, anyone anywhere in the world can affect your wealth. People in India have been joining based on all of this positive news thats been coming," said Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX. Also Read | Inside the five-year battle food companies have fought to resist stricter labelling norms The only time we saw some negativity was on the day the bill was posted on Parliaments website. That was because of panic selling, which happened for a couple of days. The activities and prices returned to normal in the next two days," he added. The cryptocurrency industry has been nervous since a draft law banning crypto was listed on the agenda in Parliament late last month. The bill aims to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies in India" and lay the framework for a digital rupee issued and controlled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). While the definition of private cryptocurrencies in the bill isnt clear, many expect Bitcoin and other such assets to be declared illegal. View Full Image Sarvesh Kumar Sharma/Mint CoinDCX, another Indian crypto exchange, said there was no drop in trading volumes in February. On the contrary, due to recent developments in the international market, we have seen interest continue to rise," said Neeraj Khandelwal, co-founder of CoinDCX. Irrespective of the governments decision, investors funds will be safe as Bitgo is CoinDCXs custodian," he added. On 8 February, electric carmaker Tesla said it invested $1.5 billion in Bitcoin. The company also said it expects to start accepting payments in Bitcoin, which led to a 10% jump in the price of the cryptocurrency. Two days later, global payments firm Mastercard also announced it would start supporting cryptocurrencies on its network from this year. Stakeholders said such developments had a much bigger impact on crypto trading in India than reports of the ban. Crypto exchanges on 8 February launched a campaign to convince the government to rethink the plan. A platform called Indiawantsbitcoin.org was formed that allows anyone to send emails to their respective members of Parliament (MP), showing support for crypto in India. Industry estimates say trading volumes in India grew sixfold in 2020. Mint reported on 12 February that the proposed cryptocurrency bill may allow holders of such assets to exit before its anticipated ban, but may put a heavy penalty on its conversion to a legal asset. The form and manner of declaration and how existing holders of cryptocurrency should dispose it of will be prescribed either in the law or through the rules to be notified later, Mint reported, citing a finance ministry official who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, which may be tabled in the ongoing budget session, is intended to create a facilitative framework for the creation of the official digital currency to be issued by RBI. The bill also seeks to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies. However, it allows for certain exceptions to promote the underlying technology of cryptocurrency and its uses," the Lok Sabha secretariat said in a bulletin. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, on Monday, said his ministry was constantly monitoring diseases of public health concern around the ... The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, on Monday, said his ministry was constantly monitoring diseases of public health concern around the world and was observing the Ebola disease outbreak in Guinea Conakry with concern. Ehanire disclosed this at the weekly press briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja. He said, Nigerias Port Health Services have been put on alert on land, sea and air borders and all major hospitals have also been put on notice to alert health workers to have a keen index of suspicion and to check patient travel history, especially at Outpatient Departments, and report concerns to infectious disease focal persons and the state epidemiologists without hesitation. Stricter infection prevention and control measures, including personal protective measures, must be taken immediately there is reason to suspect. Nigeria is willing to send experienced volunteers from our Centres of Excellence on viral haemorrhagic fever, to support WHO measures to contain Ebola resurgence in our West African subregion. It is important to protect the subregion from the catastrophic burden of dealing with two severe diseases of public health concern. We shall work with the West Africa Health Organisation and WHO on strategies to bring this outbreak under control and shall provide regular updates on preparedness, containment and response measures in due course. The chairman of PTF, Boss Mustapha, also said the Federal Government was enhancing surveillance at the nations borders to respond to recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in neighbouring countries. Mustpaha said, The PTF is also enhancing surveillance at points of entry to respond to the recent outbreak of Ebola in neighbouring countries, especially, Guinea and the Congo DCR. We shall keep a keen eye on it to avoid having to combat with the two deadly diseases at the same time. This is not a task for government alone but for all Nigerians and indeed all members of the public have a role to play. Security challenges in the region, including from the perspective of Germany's contribution to the allied structures on Romania's territory, were on the agenda of today's talks between Defense Minister Nicolae Ciuca and German ambassador Cord Meier-Klodt, the Ministry of National Defense said in a release. The aspects tackled during the meeting included defense-related subjects, and ways to increase the capacity to counter security threats were also explored, including from the perspective of adapting mechanisms to the current pandemic context. "Given the strategic importance of the Black Sea for NATO and EU's stability, the talks focused in particular on security challenges in the region, including from the perspective of Germany's contribution to allied structures in Romania, as well as on the enhanced Air Policing mission for the current year," the cited source states. The two officials emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation under the NATO and the EU aegis, as well as bilateral cooperation, the release informs. Some of Maines largest employers no longer test job applicants to see if they have used cannabis or if they do, a positive test no longer precludes a qualified candidate from getting a job. The Portland Press Herald reports it is becoming more common for employers in a state with a tight job market and legal recreational cannabis to change their policies about drug testing. Rather than cannabis use, many Maine employers are now focusing on making sure employees are not high while on the job, something experts say isnt always easy. The trend has been to take it out of their testing policies because (cannabis) use is so widespread and the testing doesnt even come close to pinpointing whether the person is using on the job or not, said Kristin Collins, an attorney with Portland law firm Preti Flaherty. Maine is among the states with legalized cannabis that do not have legal protections in place for recreational users. But the states recreational cannabis market has more than doubled its monthly sales since the market first opened in October. Bath Iron Works has ambitious hiring goals, planning to bring on board 2,700 people this year, said spokesman David Hench. He said precluding what could be a significant segment of the applicant pool was not prudent. The company does screen potential hires for a panel of substances including opiates, barbiturates, cannabinoids and cocaine, but the companys policy says a positive cannabis test will not be the basis for denial of a position at BIW. And safety-sensitive positions including security officers, fire or medical personnel, crane operators, or those requiring a security clearance, are exempt from that policy as are positions requiring Department of Transportation or U.S. Coast Guard certification. Beyond BIW, employees holding a commercial drivers license, must be tested for drugs and alcohol per federal guidelines. Jobs that require the use of a firearm or other weapons, as well as certain educational programs, also require cannabis testing, Collins said. The states largest private employer, MaineHealth, with about 22,000 employees, conducts pre-employment drug screening, but as of November 2019, the panel no longer includes a test for THC. Spokesman John Porter said the change was made in light of evolving state law. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Kathmandu, February 16 The government has directed all the community schools across the country not to feed junk food to the students as their mid-day meal. The Centre for Education and Human Resource Development, Sanothimi, on Monday released a manual on school mid-day meal management with a provision to restrict the use of junk food at schools. The Centre has published the manual by including 60 types of food items with priority to the locally available food as the mid-day meal for the students. As stated, the government has already released Rs 7.72 billion to the schools to support the mid-day meal programme. Under this programme, 2.94 million students across the country have been provided with a mid-day meal for free at schools. A lot of volatility has been occurring in the commodity markets during the last couple of months. While priced at about $4 per bushel at the beginning of November, todays price in the futures market for corn grain for March 2021 is surpassing $5 per bushel (25% more expensive). Similarly, while priced at about $360 per ton at the beginning of November, todays price in the futures market for soybean meal for March 2021 is about $424 per ton (roughly 18% more expensive). This scenario is becoming challenging for dairy farmers to maintain the economic sustainability of their farm. The question, then, is whether we can do something to put up a fight in this situation. Invest time We are in the middle of the winter, and little can be done right now from a feed production perspective. However, we can look for inefficiencies at the dairy. Are you wasting feed due to poor storage or feeding practices? Are you preparing and delivering accurate and consistent rations? Are your cows sorting feed and performing as expected? Are your cows digesting and absorbing most of the starch from your silage? Is the dry matter intake of your replacements and dry cows on target? Keep in mind that investing time, and not money, is the most economically favorable action right now. Do not hesitate to spend extra time seeking areas of improvement at minimum costs. Harvest earlier As usual, it is very difficult to predict how long these prices will last. Assuming they can last for a few months, there is still something you can consider in the near future with your small grain forage for silage. For a presentation at World Dairy Expo in 2019, I evaluated the effect of harvesting time of small grain forages under different feed price scenarios. The overall conclusion from this presentation was that when commodity prices are low, it is beneficial to harvest small grain forages at the soft dough stage, which results in a cheaper silage and ration than harvesting at the boot stage. However, when commodity prices are high, as they are now, it is more advantageous to harvest small grain forages at the boot stage than at the soft dough stage. That extra energy and protein in the small grain silage will help reduce the need for cereal grains, protein co-products, or both. If you decide to harvest at the boot stage this spring, remember to perform a good forage inventory and budget to anticipate forage needs. Harvesting at the boot stage will yield less forage than harvesting at the soft dough stage. When putting all the pieces together, you might find the need to buy some extra hay to counterbalance a forage shortage. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2021 February 11, 2021 Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., on Jan. 26, 2021. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo) Harris Takes Customary Role of President by Calling Several Heads of State Vice President Kamala Harris has recently called multiple heads of state, a task that is normally done by the president. Harris spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, the White House said. Harris expressed her commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and France and to revitalizing the transatlantic alliance, a readout said. She and Macron agreed on the need for close bilateral and multilateral cooperation to address COVID-19, climate change, and support democracy at home and around the world. They also discussed numerous regional challenges, including those in the Middle East and Africa, and the need to confront them together, according to the readout. There was no mention of President Joe Biden. We discussed COVID-19, climate change, supporting democracy at home and around the world, and regional challenges. @POTUS and I look forward to working with President Macron to build a better future for our two countries, Harris wrote in a tweet. Biden spoke to Macron on Jan. 24. Harris shared a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this month. The White House said it was her first call to a foreign leader as vice president. The Prime Minister congratulated the Vice President on her historic election, and she recalled fondly her years spent in Montreal, a readout from Trudeaus office said, adding that they discussed other matters, including fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. We discussed our commitment to work closely on several issues, including combating COVID-19, addressing climate change, and expanding our economic partnership in ways that advance the recovery and create jobs in both countries, Harris said in a statement after the call. Biden and Trudeau spoke on Jan. 22. It was the first call Biden made after being sworn into office two days prior. Vice presidents rarely call heads of state. The last vice president, Mike Pence, did not share calls with Trudeau or Macron, though he visited in person with heads of state on a number of occasions. The White House didnt respond to requests for comment. Harriss calls drew notice from conservatives, with criticism lobbed by the National Pulse, an upstart outlet started by Raheem Kassam, former adviser to Britains Nigel Farage. It is bizarre for a Vice President to be making contact with key world leaders just weeks into a new administration, the outlet said. The calls could be a sign that Harris will have an elevated position when compared to past vice presidents, particularly in matters of foreign policy. Biden, 78, became the oldest person to enter the White House last month. Speculation was rampant during the 2020 campaign about him potentially only serving one term in office. But Biden has said he is open to vying for a second term. I think its a legitimate question to ask anybody over 70 years old whether or not theyre fit and whether theyre ready, he told ABC last year. But [the] only thing I can say to the American people, its a legitimate question to ask anybody, watch me. ADVERTISEMENT The African Bar Association has threatened to sue Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State before the ECOWAS Court and the African Court of Human Right in Tanzania, if the government refuses to listen to the appeal of people rendered homeless by the state. Hannibal Uwaifo, the associations president, said this at a press conference in Lagos Tuesday. He urged the governor to resettle displaced residents of Oke-Egan Community, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, following demolition of their houses by the state government. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the community, during a protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly, alleged that the states Task Force on Physical Planning had on February 9 demolished about 400 houses without formal notice. Mr Uwaifo said that from the petition it received, as of Tuesday, over 5,000 displaced families were now on the streets, because they dont have anywhere to go. He urged the state government to consider the socioeconomic implications of the displaced families and give them adequate compensations. Our prayer is that we want the state governor, who has been doing well, and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to resettle the people to their land and pay them adequate compensation. Currently, some of them are sleeping in motor parks, and under the bridges, while some are here in our office taking refuge. The state government should be able to address this issue so that the state wont be seen in the international arena in bad light, he said. The associations president said the state government should take an urgent step because businesses and employment had been stiffed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said investigations had shown that the people have been living in the area for over 15 to 20 years, and now are homeless. Where do we go from here? To recover land and destroy property worth billions of naira, for who and in whose interest? That is our concern. The state government should be for the people; if the people are looking for land, and for shelter, government should find land for them. It is the responsibility of government to resettle people who built on wrong places and advised them on the way forward. Not to destroy their properties in their presence; where is the justice to the poor, because that area is the place for low income earners. They dont have money to buy land in highbrow areas and that is why people are moving afar to settle, he said. (NAN) DGAP-News: DEBx Medical B.V. / Key word(s): Scientific publication DEBx Medical publishes first clinical data on novel desiccant gel for chemical debridement of infected, chronic wounds in peer-reviewed journal, Wounds 16.02.2021 / 09:30 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DEBx Medical publishes first clinical data on novel desiccant gel for chemical debridement of infected, chronic wounds in peer-reviewed journal, Wounds - Chemical debridement with newly developed desiccant agent (Debrichem(R)) removes biofilm and pathogens, enabling the natural healing process to start[1] - Case series (n = 10) demonstrated full granulation of wound bed in all patients within 12 weeks after one-time application of desiccant agent[1] - Fast and easy application does not require sterile surroundings of surgery room[1] - Chronic wounds affect approximately 1-2 % of the general population in developed countries[2] with different healing outcomes based on the woundsize and etiology of the wound[3] Rotterdam, The Netherlands, February 16, 2021 - DEBx Medical, the Dutch medical technology company revolutionizing the management of chronic wounds, announced today that clinical data on the efficacy and safety of its novel desiccant debridement gel (Debrichem(R)[*]) was published by three of its founders, Dr. Alberto Cogo, Dr. Bert J. Quint, and Dr. Carlo Alberto Bignozzi in the renowned medical journal, Wounds. In the peer-reviewed article, "Restarting the Healing Process of Chronic Wounds Using a Novel Desiccant: A Prospective Case Series", the authors describe how this newly developed debridement gel with strong desiccating properties facilitates the removal of the biofilm and infection from the chronic wound bed, resulting in full granulation of all wounds treated within 12 weeks. The initial open-label prospective case trial shows the agent's desiccating effect on the wound bed, its effect on progression to granulation, and its side-effect profile. The case series involved ten patients (median age: 72.5 years) with chronic wounds in the lower extremity persisting for 6 to 52 weeks (median: 10 weeks) and covering a wound bed area of 8 to 140 cm (median: 64 cm). Included were the typical etiologies of chronic wounds (2 diabetic foot ulcers, 5 venous insufficiency leg ulcers, 1 revascularized ischemic leg ulcer, 1 vasculitic leg ulcer, 1 posttraumatic ulcer). Patients were treated with the debridement gel once and then followed up weekly for at least six months. All follow-ups included wound rinsing and re-dressing. The visit at which the wounds showed 100 % granulation was defined as the primary endpoint. All wounds proceeded to full granulation after a median time of 20.5 (7-78) days without the need for further intervention, such as surgical debridement or use of further medication. The only side effect of the chemical debridement treatment was transient pain (median time: 5 min; 1-180 min). Healthy skin surrounding the wound bed was degreased by the chemical debridement procedure but did not show redness, nodules or vesicles. In addition to the clinical data, the study presents in vitro data demonstrating the inhibition of bacterial growth induced through the debridement gel. "Independent of the underlying morbidities, most chronic wounds do not heal due to persisting infections and their biofilm. In the case series presented, we demonstrate full granulation in all patients within 12 weeks after a one-time treatment with our novel desiccant gel. Given the low probabilities of chronic wound healing, this demonstrates the high efficacy of our debridement approach. When you reach granulation early in the treatment process you will save time and tissue by avoiding the wound to increase in size, bone involvement and the risk of amputation," said Dr. Bert Quint, co-author and founding CEO of DEBx Medical. "We feel very encouraged by our findings that greatly improve the outcomes for patients and doctors. A follow-up randomized clinical trial to investigate the clinical benefit of this innovative desiccant agent is currently ongoing." Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that have not healed, at least in part, after 4 to 12 weeks.[4] These difficult to treat wounds have different healing outcomes based on the underlying conditions of the patients, the size of the wound and the wound etiology. In a recently analyzed dataset of more than 620.000 chronic wounds, a total of 58.9 % had healed after 12 weeks, thereof 34.8 % diabetic ulcers, 26.5 % venous ulcers, 14.9 % pressure ulcers, and 2.4% arterial ulcers.[3] About DEBx Medical DEBx Medical B.V. is a Dutch medical technology company dedicated to revolutionizing the management of chronic wounds by enabling their healing, thereby improving the outcomes for millions of patients. DEBx Medical aims to support doctors and their patients from diagnosis through treatment, follow-up care and maintenance of a healthy wound bed. The Company focuses its pipeline on targeting pathogens that corrupt wound healing, aiming to deliver affordable and effective treatment approaches that can easily be applied and implemented in daily clinical practice. After certification, DEBx Medical intends to commercialize Debrichem(R) through a worldwide network of distributors, with the first market launches expected in Q1 2021. Contact: DEBx Medical B.V. Anne Marieke Ezendam, Strategic Communications ezendam@debx-medical.com Media Relations: MC Services AG Eva Bauer / Dr. Brigitte Keller phone: +49 89 210 228 80 debx-medical@mc-services.eu [*] The formulation of the agent is described in patent application PTC NR: IB2019/051146. DEBx Medical intends to market the gel under the brand name Debrichem(R) (DEBRix(R) in South Africa). [1] Cogo A et al., Wounds 2021;33:1-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33476282/ [2] Nussbaum SR et al., Value Health 2018;21:27-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2017.07.007 [3] Sang Kyu Cho et al., Advances in Woundcare 2020; 9:516-24. https://doi.org/10.1089/wound.2019.1091 [4] Coleman S et al., J Tissue Viability 2017;26:226-240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2017.09.007 LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Online Blockchain PLC is pleased to announce it will be hosting an investor webinar via its broker, Monecor UK Ltd on Tuesday 23rd February 2021 at 17:00. The UK's leading listed blockchain research and development company, Online Blockchain (LSE: OBC) is focused on innovation in cryptocurrency and decentralised ecosystems including decentralised finance (DeFi). Following the company's recent fundraising, Clem Chambers, CEO of Online Blockchain, will be signposting the next steps for the company, explaining how investors can gain exposure to the crypto, blockchain and DeFi markets (minus the volatility) and will be taking questions. Clem, who is also the co-founder of global stocks, shares and cryptocurrency data website operator ADVFN Plc, has been involved in the technology industry for over 36 years. He is a senior contributor for Forbes and is the author of several books including Amazon best seller Trading Cryptocurrencies: A Beginner's Guide: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin. Investors can register to attend the free event on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM GMT using the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8513506852273464334 For further details, please contact: Francesca De Franco +44 (0)794 125 3135 [email protected] SOURCE Online Blockchain PLC Related Links http://www.onlineblockchain.io/ Minister-designate for Local Government, Daniel Botwe, has advocated for the state funding of political parties. This, he said, could be the panacea to the canker of monetization that has engulfed the political atmosphere from the national to the grassroots level. According to him, state funding of political parties will ensure stronger political parties, and members of Parliament will have a very good relationship with their parties hence a stronger Parliament and a much stronger democracy. Mr. Dan Botwe made the call on Monday during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament. He pointed out that there is monetization in Ghanaian politics because of the state of political parties. He questioned how many of the political parties could submit financial statements at the end of the year that would show their exact source of funding. When you take the two major political parties, they cannot show their books and how people pay dues in every constituency and how much they get. So at the end of the day, where do they get all these funds to do the works that they do. However, if there is funding for political parties, they will be very strong on their own. This will reduce monetization of elections and create greater discipline and greater control from the parties, he stated. According to him, in such instances, offices of political parties will not rely on individuals and party governments in power as the case is elsewhere. The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary cited Tanzania as a perfect example where Ghana could learn the state-funding of parties system. He indicated that in Tanzania, political parties would have huge sums of money at the end of the year to run their programmes, which make stronger and free from individual influence. The Minister-designate argued that in Ghana, elections are conducted every year and yet offices of political parties are not strong and financially sound. He said, That is why they are not able to exercise any leverage, which is why monetization has engulfed the system leading to high attrition in Parliament." Mr. Dan Botwe observed that with state funding, political parties could even be made to specially select a certain number of people into Parliament in addition to the parliamentary primaries and elections. This, he said, will encourage people to work harder and also help Parliament to retain some of its hard-working members in the House. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Access to RIU Fremantle Corporate Presentation Perth, Feb 16, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Altech Chemicals Limited ( ASX:ATC ) ( FRA:A3Y ) is pleased to announce that its managing director, Iggy Tan will be presenting at the RIU Explorers Conference, Fremantle this week.Presentation Time: Wednesday 17 February 2021 at 9.30am WST (12:30pm EST)Location: Fremantle, Western AustraliaShareholders are invited to "virtually attend" the presentation by watching the session through a livestream event.The link to the livestream registration can be found here:Once registered, a confirmatory email with the live stream link will be sent.The morning presentation session commences at 8.30am WST, with Altech presenting at 9.30am.The Company invites all shareholders to attend for an update of its progress.To download the presentation, please visit:About Altech Chemicals Ltd Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is aiming to become one of the world's leading suppliers of 99.99% (4N) high purity alumina (Al2O3) through the construction and operation of a 4,500tpa high purity alumina (HPA) processing plant at Johor, Malaysia. Feedstock for the plant will be sourced from the Company's 100%-owned kaolin deposit at Meckering, Western Australia and shipped to Malaysia. HPA is a high-value, high margin and highly demanded product as it is the critical ingredient required for the production of synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire is used in the manufacture of substrates for LED lights, semiconductor wafers used in the electronics industry, and scratch-resistant sapphire glass used for wristwatch faces, optical windows and smartphone components. Increasingly HPA is used by lithium-ion battery manufacturers as the coating on the battery's separator, which improves performance, longevity and safety of the battery. With global HPA demand approximately 19,000t (2018), it is estimated that this demand will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% (2018-2028); by 2028 HPA market demand will be approximately 272,000t, driven by the increasing adoption of LEDs worldwide as well as the demand for HPA by lithium-ion battery manufacturers to serve the surging electric vehicle market. In this photo taken from a footage provided by the Babuskinsky District Court Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny gestures during a hearing on his charges for defamation in the Babuskinsky District Court in Moscow, Russia. Navalny is accused of defaming a World War II veteran who was featured in a video last year advertising constitutional amendments that allowed an extension of President Vladimir Putin's rule. (Babuskinsky District Court Press Service via AP) (AP) A Dutch gang leader, who was arrested during a garda swoop on a suspected Kinahan cartel property in Dublin, has appealed a High Court decision allowing him to be tried for murder in the Netherlands. Lawyers for the Minister for Justice said the appeal by Naoufal Fassih (40), if successful, would call into question the surrender of people to the Dutch authorities on European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) issued between 2003 and 2019. Fassih, a Dutch citizen of Moroccan origin, was surrendered to the Dutch authorities by the High Court in 2017, to face charges of attempted murder, assault, possession of false documents and money laundering. He was subsequently convicted in the Netherlands of all charges and jailed for 18 years. In 2019 a decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) - in an unrelated case - the court found the Dutch public prosecutor who issued the EAW for Fassih is not a recognised "judicial authority" and therefore cannot issue EAWs. While that did not mean the warrant executed in 2017 could be overturned, the decision came to the fore when, in 2020, the Dutch authorities asked for permission from the Irish High Court to try Fassih on further charges of murder and incitement to murder. Under the EAW system member states can only try a person who has been surrendered for the charges laid out in the warrant. If they wish to try that person for further offences they must ask permission from the surrendering country. On July 27 last year the High Court agreed to allow The Dutch authorities to prosecute Fassih. Remy Farrell SC for Mr Fassih, today told the three-judge Court of Appeal they should overturn the High Court's decision. He said the European Arrest Warrant Act only allows a further prosecution where the person has been surrendered "on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued by a judicial authority." He said it is clear in this case the EAW was not issued by a judicial authority and therefore the High Court could not grant permission for a further prosecution. Ronan Kennedy SC for the Minister for Justice said if Mr Farrell is correct there must be a question over any surrender to the Netherlands from when the Act was passed in 2003 and the decision of the CJEU in 2019. He added: "That has a very far-reaching consequence and if Mr Farrell is right it is surprising there is no authority from any other jurisdiction on this question." He suggested the reason it had not come up elsewhere is that EU law respects that decisions made by courts within member states are final. He said it is a "plain fact" Fassih was surrendered on foot of a EAW and therefore the High Court was correct to allow him to be tried on further charges. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Mr Justice Edwards and Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, said the court had "quite an amount to consider" and reserved judgement. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta on Tuesday said Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code, which allows authorities to detain suspects for up to 36 hours without a charge in court, should be amended. As times have changed, Peralta said it would be difficult to build up a charge against a suspect within only a day and a half. "Because of the development of our laws, ang dami ng crimes ngayon (there are lots of crimes now)...I think that [Article] 125 should already be amended because that has never been amended since 1932," the Chief Justice said during the resumption of oral arguments on the Anti-Terrorism Act. "The experience is that cases are filed hastily before the courts, because of this restrictive period of 36 hours," Peralta added. Petitioners argue the ATA's provision to detain suspects without charges for up to 24 days is too long. The Human Security Act previously allowed only a three-day pre-trial detention. Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, one of the counsels to some of the petitioners challenging the ATA's constitutionality, said Article 125 is "still a good law." "That is consistent with our undertaking, international convention that any person taken into custody must be promptly delivered to the judge or a judicial authority," he said. Lagman pointed out fundamental rights should not have a limited timeframe, adding there should be proper law enforcement instead. "Protection of fundamental rights should not be capsulized in a timeframe," he said. "What should be important is not the prolongation of detention, but the efficiency of police and military operatives...also the intelligence should be professional and accurate," Lagman added. Major Tim Peake has urged British people to apply to become European Space Agency astronauts. (PA Images via Getty Images) British astronaut Major Tim Peake has urged Britons to apply for jobs as astronauts as the European Space Agency (ESA) recruits space explorers for the first time since 2008. The new astronauts will first fly to the International Space Station and are likely to be part of missions to the moon in the latter part of this decade. Successful applicants will be subjected to intensive training, which includes a three-week course in caving and a course in geology (theres more details on how to apply this March here.) This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Major Tim Peake said: Over the next few years and decades, space exploration will become even more exciting as we travel back to the moon and even further to Mars. For space missions to succeed, they require highly motivated people from diverse backgrounds to combine their skills and work as a team." Watch: Rover will visit the red planet, looking for life Read more: There might once have been life on the moon He added: The next generation of UK citizens have so much to offer the world, and so I would encourage anyone who has dreamt of pushing the boundaries of what is possible to take this opportunity to be part of ESAs future cohort of space pioneers. British citizens of any age are invited to apply, and ESA is also issuing a special call for candidates with physical disabilities to apply to its astronaut reserve. The pilot project aims to open the astronaut career path to people who, until now, have been excluded from space flight. Those with a lower limb deficiency or who are considered to be of short stature and meet other recruitment criteria are invited to apply. ESA will invest in the necessary adaptations of space hardware to enable these otherwise qualified professionals to serve as crew members on a safe space mission Candidates will need a masters degree (or higher) and a minimum of three years experience in natural sciences, medicine, engineering, mathematics or computer sciences. Read more: New theory on where space rock which killed dinosaurs came from Story continues In 1989, Helen Sharman became the first British astronaut when she was selected for the joint UK-Soviet Union mission, Juno. In May 1991, she spent eight days in space and became the first female astronaut to visit the Mir Space Station. Peake was the next British astronaut and in 2015 became the first Briton to live on the International Space Station. Read more: What are fast radio bursts, and why do they look like aliens? Earlier this year, ESA chiefs said that a European astronaut could fly to the moon before the end of the decade. ESA director-general Jan Woerner said: "What I heard all the time also during the Trump administration but what we heard from Nasa is that the schedule to go to the moon and land people on the surface of the moon in 2024 is really difficult. "Therefore I believe that now, with all these changes, the pressure is a little bit off, and therefore I believe there will be humans on the surface of the moon soon. "And maybe I dont have a crystal ball but lets say Im sure that in 2025/2026 there will be something. "I hope that we will have some European at the end of this decade over there." NASA last year revealed new details of its plan to put a woman on the moon by 2024, including the cost and planned landing site for the mission. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine described the mission as well within reach, saying it is a first step towards meeting the US's ambition of a manned mission to Mars. NASA estimates the cost of the mission at $28 billion. It would be the first time people have walked on the moon since the last Apollo moon mission in 1972. Just 12 people have walked on the moon - all men. Read more: Astronomers find closest black hole to Earth NASA flew six manned missions to the surface of the moon, beginning with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in July 1969, up to Gene Cernan and Jack Schmitt in December 1972. The mission will use NASAs powerful new rocket, the Space Launch System, and the Orion spacecraft. NASA says the spacecraft is complete while the core stage and its attached four engines are undergoing a final series of tests that will culminate in a critical hot fire test this autumn. Watch: NASA is awarding $500k if you can figure out how to feed astronauts in deep space Roads slickened by ice Monday night and Tuesday morning caused several crashes in the area. McAdoo firefighters were called to Interstate 81 north near mile marker 138 around 6:30 p.m. for a seven-vehicle wreck. Three people were injured when six cars and a tractor trailer crashed, shutting down the highway. The interstate was shut down for about 90 minutes, McAdoo Fire Chief Robert Leshko said. One of the crash victims was stuck in their vehicle. First responders had to shovel snow to get the door open. The injured were transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton. McAdoo firefighters were joined by Delano firefighters, McAdoo ambulance, Lehigh Valley EMS, Greater Hazleton and Valley Regional ambulances. McAdoo firefighters, despite having chains on their tires, still slid on the icy surfaces, he said. Leshko attributed the crash to the icy road conditions. People just need to slow down, he said. Those words may come into play again this week with the National Weather Service calling for snow Thursday. Snow could be heavy at times in the Hazleton area. There is a 90% chance of precipitation. Hazle Twp. Fire and Rescue and state police at Hazleton were sent to a crash on Interstate 81 north at Exit 143 around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday for a crash with reported entrapment. When first responders arrived, they found the driver got out of the vehicle and firefighters were placed back in service, according to information from the fire company. Hazleton firefighters and police were called to West 19th and North Church streets at 6:25 p.m. Monday for a car that crashed into a pole. Deputy Fire Chief Brian Mandak said the passenger of the vehicle reported injuries that were not life threatening. There was an automatic fire alarm sounding in the Heights after water from the roof seeped into a building and a malfunctioning furnace caused a carbon monoxide alarm to sound at 328 Muir Ave., during the storm, sending firefighters to those locations. A slew of calls for wires down kept city firefighters busy from the pre-dawn hours Tuesday through day break. A tree fell at 587 Lyon Court just before 8 a.m. Tuesday, blocking the road. Just before 4 a.m. fallen trees blocking the road were reported in the 800 block of East Broad Street. Mandak said that call was actually birch trees that bent under the weight of the ice into the berm. As a rural liberal who self-identifies as both a scientist and a Christian, I want to thank you so much for printing Becky Bennetts column Across the Divide. I hope that people will take her wise counsel to heart: Coexistence between red and blue means a sincere attempt to understand, not debate, the other sides pain. No political party or other group has all the answers. Misinformation, fear and hate are the enemies, not our fellow human beings. Barbara Corson, Dauphin Pa. New Delhi, Feb 16 : On the Occasion of Delhi Police Raising Day, the department launched 'Jan Sampark Vahan' as a community police initiative to educate and sensitise general public about various issues. "A mini truck will visit main traffic squares, markets, schools, major parks, bus stands, entrances and exits of metro stations, unauthorised and re-settlement colonies to bring awareness in people," said a Senior police officer. The Vehicle will halt for 30-40 minutes at the designated places. The 'Jan Sampark Vahan' aims at skill training, motivational program for unprivileged children's awareness, program about Covid-19 Vaccination Management, training programs for budding criminals to come into main stream, display of anti-auto theft equipments, awareness program about burglary, house theft, CCTV's and their benefits, the schemes running for senior citizens, awareness about good touch and bad touch and bringing awareness about Cyber Fraud. PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs held a fruitful meeting together with the Committee of Civil Servants Union (CCSU) on Thursday, February 11, 2021. The membership included representatives of the Windward Island Civil Servants Union (WICSU/PSU), Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU), and Algemene Bond van Overheid en Overige Personeel (ABVO) union, and was chaired by CCSU Chair Mr. Rafael Boasman assisted by Secretary-General of the CCSU Suenah Martis-Laville. During the meeting, the COVID-19 Temporary National Ordinance regulating the austerity measures related to civil servants passed in Parliament on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, was discussed. A copy of the law was also sent to the CCSU. After Minister Jacobs presented the effects of the law on civil servants, the members were given the floor to state their concerns, ask questions and receive clarity on the way forward. Moving forward, it was established that the CCSU membership will meet with Prime Minister Jacobs on a quarterly basis to discuss relevant topics. It was also established that more information was needed on topics such as the country package among other concerns of the unions that will affect civil servants and by extension the CCSU membership. As such, smaller information sessions will be held within workgroups on a technical level, which would lead to decision making meetings (quarterly, unless otherwise requested) on the CCSU platform. All parties agreed that communication will continue via the CCSU platform and as such both government and the unions are happy to have reached this stage whereby dialogue has reopened, and the communication pathways are clear for future negotiations and collaborations in the interest of the civil servants. Both entities reiterated their goals of effective representation, good working relations, and service to the general public as well as the preservation of the rights of the workers. Sputnik V vaccine / Reuters-Yonhap By Kang Seung-woo Gangwon Province Governor Choi Moon-soon's proposal of manufacturing Russian COVID-19 vaccines in South Korea and providing them to North Korea is a feasible way to help normalize inter-Korean ties, according to Pyongyang watchers, Tuesday. However, they added that Seoul needs to come up with a creative and bold strategy to make such "vaccine diplomacy" happen, as the North is seeking to reduce dependence on its southern neighbor for humanitarian support and economic cooperation, as evidenced by its snubbing of the government's repeated calls for inter-Korean economic and public health cooperation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gangwon Province Governor Choi Moon-soon / Korea Times file BY RONALD KABANZA The body of Capt. Caroline Busingye, who died in plane crash, has been laid to rest at her home in Rwekuraijo cell, Buyanja Sub- county Rukungiri District. A jet ranger Capt. Busingye, 34, who was piloting crashed immediately after take-off in Entebbe last Thursday. Her body was carried to her home on Sunday evening in a UPDF helicopter. She was a granddaughter to Polycarp Nyamuchonco (RIP) who was involved in the 1980 political transition. The deceaseds aunt Ms Beatrice Nyamuchonco said at her burial on Monday that she is survived by two children with the youngest aged five months and the other is two years old. She further described her as a trustworthy lady who was developmental and and supportive to the entire family. We have lost a person who was so supportive and developmental, we shall find it hard to live without her; Im just praying for the wellbeing her children, Ms Nyamuchoncho said. Ms Claire Asiimwe, the deceaseds sister, described her as hardworking person and very supportive to the extent that the entire family depended on her. Col. Fred Kiyingi, the commander Entebbe air force, described the fallen solider as a committed lady who fought for the wellbeing of the air force saying that her departure has created a big vacuum. The country has lost such committed lady who was so important at such an early age. We shall miss her presence, he said. Col. Kiyingi Assured the mourners that the country will take care of the two young children and that her pension will be worked on and given to her family members. Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime, the chief mourner described Capt. Busingye as a disciplined soldier, god-fearing, listener, humble and cooperative. He added that she worked hard for the betterment of her family and her worker mates. We ( the government ) and her family lost an important person in our lives who shall not be easily forgotten but we believe that at one time we shall join her in the new world she has joined. May her soul rest in eternal peace, Maj. Gen. Tumusiime said. A special anti-terrorism tribunal on Tuesday sentenced five members of a banned Islamist militant group, including a fugitive army major, to death and a sixth man to life in prison for the killing of prominent Bangladeshi-American atheist blogger Avijit Roy in 2015. Roy, a 42-year-old Bangladesh-born US citizen, was hacked to death by Islamist militants just after he left a book fair at the Dhaka University on February 26, 2015. His wife Rafida Ahmed was also injured in the attack. Roy was an outspoken critic of religious fundamentalism. Judge Mojibur Rahman of Dhakas Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunal court sentenced five militants, including fugitive army major Sayed Ziaul Haq, to death in the Roy murder case, bdnews24 reported. Another convict, Safiur Rahman Farabi, was jailed for life. Four of the five convicts who received capital punishment are Md Mozzammel Hussain alias Saimon alias Shahriar, Md Abu Siddiq Sohel alias Sakib alias Sajid alias Shahab, Md Arafat Rahman and Akram Hossain alias Abir. Besides sacked Major Haque, Abir is also on the run. The judge also fined these convicts Tk 50,000 each, besides handing capital punishment to them. Tuesday's verdict came nearly a week after Judge Rahman on Wednesday sentenced to death eight Islamic militants, including sacked Major Haque, for killing Roys publisher Faisal Arefin Dipon. Dipon, the owner of Jagrity Publishers, was hacked to death at his office at central Dhaka's Shahbagh area on November 31, 2015 months after the killing of Roy. Six of eight convicts belonged to outlawed Ansar Al Islam terrorist group, also known as Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT). The ABT was banned in May 2015 when one of its leaders was arrested and two members were sentenced to death for the murder of an atheist blogger in February 2013. The prosecution submitted CCTV footage of the killing of Roy, video statements of the accused, their confessional statements and copies of SMS from their mobile phones to the court as evidence. Bangladesh had witnessed an alarming rise of militant activities in 2015 when four "atheist" bloggers were murdered with authorities attributing the attacks to homegrown terrorists while Islamic State at that time had claimed responsibility for three attacks. A 2016 cafe attack was the worst of the militant assaults when 22 people, including 17 foreigners, were killed, sparking a global uproar while a court subsequently sentenced seven of the eight suspects to death. But it prompted the South Asian country with Muslim majority population to virtually declare a total war against Islamists engaging Army, paramilitary and elite police units that saw a series of countrywide raids on militant hideouts and deaths of dozens of extremists. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Stocks to watch today: Here is a list of top stocks that are likely to be in focus in Tuesday's trading session based on latest developments. Investors are also awaiting July- Sept quarter earnings that are scheduled to be released today. Companies set to announce their earnings are Nestle India, Varun Beverages, Schaeffler India, G M Polyplast and R Systems International among others Share Market Live: Sensex rises 250 points, Nifty at 15,300; SBI, M&M, Maruti top gainers Jet Airways: The airline, which has been grounded for nearly two years, reported a standalone loss of Rs 2,841.45 crore as against a loss of Rs 5,535.75 crore in a year ago period and a total income of Rs 354.2 crore for the year ended March 2020. Titan: Subsidiary CataLane incorporated 'StudioC Inc' as a wholly-owned subsidiary. CaratLane acquired 100 percent stake in StudioC Inc worth $150,000. Future Retail: Future Group has alleged that Amazon had asked for $40 million (around Rs 290.41 crore) in compensation for the deal with Reliance Industries, a charge that the e-commerce major termed as "false and misleading claims". Wipro, Tech Mahindra: The Indian tech majors have signed agreements to support end-to-end IT transformation for Germany-based telecommunications provider Telefonica Germany / O2. AstraZeneca Pharma: World Health Organization (WHO) listed two versions of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for these vaccines to be rolled out globally through Covax DFM Foods: CRISIL assigned long-term rating to the company as A-/Stable and short-term rating as A2+. Gujarat State Petronet: Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) increased stake in the company to 5.03% from 4.9998% via open market transaction. Indian Bank: State-owned bank said it has successfully integrated the software system with the erstwhile Allahabad Bank post the amalgamation. TCS: IT services major Tata Consultancy Services said it has launched a Neural Automotive and Industrial Experience Center in Troy, Michigan, to help customers accelerate innovation. SIS: The company approved the proposal of buyback of up to Rs 99.99 crore worth of equity shares, at a price of Rs 550 per share. Poly Medicure: The company opened its QIP for subscription on February 15 and fixed the floor price at Rs 550.79 per share. CDG Petchem: The company appointed Vijay Jain as Chief Financial officer. Geojit Financial Services: The company tied up with Lotusdew to launch small, midcap stock basket using AI as part of its Smartfolios platform. Earnings Today: Nestle India, Varun Beverages, Schaeffler India, G M Polyplast and R Systems International are among the companies that are scheduled to report third quarterly results today. Concrete is a substance meant for the foundation of our modern infrastructure. This concrete comes at a cost and has a number of appealing properties. One of the most environmentally damaging industries in the world is the Concrete Industry, which accounts for 9% of total global CO2 emissions in 2018. Scientists are naturally searching for other ways to substitute this huge carbon footprint. One of the projects from the University of Michigan completely reduces the discharge of CO2 by infusing greenhouse gas into the concrete, thereby converting it into an effective and useful mineral. This concrete is also flexible, resulting in less fragile structures that need fewer materials to reduce emissions. The Cement Industry The formula used for concrete is simple. It's the aggregate mixture of rocks and sand coupled with cement and water. Materials to be used will vary depending on the type of structure. Close to 80% of concrete carbon discharge comes from cement, which sums over 8% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. The cement industry contributes more carbon dioxide than aviation fuel which is 2.5% and close to the global agriculture business which is 12%. If the cement Industry happened to be a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of carbon in the world - close to China and the United States. This shows why cement is the first thing researchers look to hone for reducing emissions. ALSO READ: Pakistan to Link Carbon Emission Trade with China Approach Used To Lower Emission One approach used to lower emission is by using less cement in the concrete, substituting some of it with iron slag and coal ash. Most of the positive results to reduce emissions by at least 20% arise from mixing calcined clay with the aggregates. But the aim of the researchers at the University of Michigan is to separate the built environment carbon footprint in half, in order to boost productivity in 2030. One project that followed suit is a new composite organized to react with carbon dioxide to form minerals so that the greenhouse gas can be deposited in the concrete instead of becoming a by-product. This flexible concrete has a number of attractive properties. Lab experiment showed that carbon dioxide healing has considerably enhanced the concrete's durability and strength, but results can vary depending on the mixes and procedures of the concrete. Concrete Flexibility The most interesting part of the property is that the resulting concrete is flexible, which allows thinner and less fragile structures to be constructed thereby reducing the requirements for reinforced steel and lowering the carbon footprint of a construction project. Flexible concrete is also desirable because it can resist earthquakes. For example, the tallest residential tower in Japan, a 61-story kitahama building, was built using this type of concrete. These improvements are important in the context of disintegrating federally-managed infrastructure. As estimated by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the United States needs to spend over $4.5trillion by 2025 to repair the country's roads, bridges, dams, etc. It's obvious that the United States infrastructure is in need of reconstruction to catch up with the economic fallout due to the pandemic. RELATED ARTCLE: For more news, update about Co2 and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! Nature Health: 6 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Bulgarian authorities say they have confiscated more than 400 kilograms of heroin from a ship traveling from Dubai that was transporting construction materials from Iran. Prosecutor Vladimir Chavdarov said on February 16 that the drugs were divided into 487 packages and hidden among asphalt rollers, which the ship was carrying. Customs officials in the Black Sea port of Varna valued the seized heroin at about $22 million. Prosecutors said the owner of the importing company and a customs official had been detained and charged with drug trafficking. The two men could face up to 20 years in prison, if convicted of the charges. Bulgarian police believe the heroin was not intended for the domestic market but rather destined to be sold in Western Europe. Bulgaria is on the so-called Balkan drug-trafficking route, which is used to supply Western Europe with drugs from Asia and the Middle East. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and dpa Mercedes-Benz has abandoned plans to release its EQC crossover in the US, at least for the time being. "Following a comprehensive review of market developments, the EQC will not be offered in the United States for now," a spokesperson for automaker told Autoblog , which was the first to report on the cancellation. While Mercedes delayed the North American release of the EQC last year, the decision is still a surprising one given that the company had announced US pricing and even detailed three different trim options. Back in 2019, it said the EV would start at $67,900, a number it later revised to $68,895. As Autoblog notes, had the EQC made its way to the US, it would have gone up against models like the Jaguar i-Pace and Tesla Model X . Engineers hold posters with an image of Aung San Suu Kyi as they take part in an anti-coup protest march in Mandalay, Myanmar, yesterday. Photo: AP Myanmars civilian leader was remanded in custody for a further two days yesterday as the military warned anti-coup protesters that they could face up to 20 years in prison for obstructing the armed forces. Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with other leaders from her ruling National League for Democracy party in the coup on February 1, is facing charges of illegally importing and using walkie talkie radios. Her detention has been extended ahead of a court hearing tomorrow, Khin Maung Zaw, her lawyer, said in the capital Naypyitaw. He added he was still trying to meet her. When asked about the fairness of the proceedings, the lawyer said: Whether it is fair or not, you can decide yourself. Read More Demonstrators returned to the streets despite the army deploying troops and armoured vehicles. By late afternoon, local media reported that the security forces in Mandalay had fired rubber bullets on a rally outside a bank. Internet services were restored in the south-east Asian nation after an eight-hour blackout overnight, shortly after armoured vehicles were spotted rolling into Yangon, Myitkyina and Sittwe. Their presence has revived memories of bloody crackdowns on former democratic uprisings during almost half a century of direct army rule, which ended when the military began a process of withdrawing from civilian politics in 2011. Extra troops were stationed in a show of force at key locations across the commercial city of Yangon, with army vehicles patrolling next to the Central Bank, the focus of early morning demonstrations. Maintaining control of the countrys banks is crucial to the military regimes efforts to reassure foreign investors. However, several bank employees have joined the snowballing civil disobedience movement of medics, teachers and other professionals. Alongside the strike, hundreds of thousands have joined protests over the past 10 days despite the increasing threat of a violent response by the security forces and regular arrests of activists, politicians, election officials and public servants in night-time raids. The military yesterday proposed a change that could impose a 20-year prison sentence on anyone deemed to sabotage the armys efforts to preserve stability. It said that people preventing the security forces from carrying out their duties could face seven years in jail, while those found to stir up fear or unrest in public could get three years. Gen Min Aung Hlaing, the coup leader, later threatened to take action against striking medical workers and pledged greater control of the press. In a further sign of a crackdown, dozens of high-school pupils were reportedly detained after protesting in Naypyitaw. Local media outlets said at least five journalists monitoring the protest had been detained and published pictures of some people wounded in the incident. A joint statement from the US, British and EU ambassadors urged security forces not to harm civilians. Tom Andrews, UN special rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar, said on Twitter: Attention generals: You WILL be held accountable. Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. Monday's game between the Nashville Predators and Dallas stars has been postponed at the request of the Mayor of Dallas after a major snowstorm hit the area, causing havoc and power outages across the region. The NHL confirmed in a statement that the postponement was weather-related and at the direction of the mayor. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. A spokesman for Dallas mayor Eric Johnson released a statement which read, in part: "We need those up. I dont know the status of that grid, but frankly, the Stars game is not critical infrastructure. Its just not." The game was supposed to go on as scheduled before the mayor's request, as the Stars' home arena The American Airlines Center is on the same critical infrastructure grid in Dallas as the convention center, hospitals, and other more integral buildings and services, as pointed out by The Athletic Stars reporter Matthew DeFranks. No makeup game has been scheduled as of yet. More from Yahoo Sports PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Solange Ludmila Duncan sent a letter to the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) inquiring about the impact of COVID-19 on the education sector, plans moving forward, and the State of Education Report 2020. Since our initial lockdown last year due to the spread of the Coronavirus, there was a shift from physical to online learning. Currently, there are schools that are using a blended or staggered approach while others are operating normally. What is most important but generally unknown at this time, however, is the impact of the school shut down and the last ten months on our students learning abilities and development, noted MP Duncan. The MP submitted a number of questions to the Minister of ECYS regarding the need for updates, especially concerning vulnerable students. This crisis has been difficult for everyone but even harder on our students with special needs and disabilities who need that physical and in-class attention. We need to ensure that we understand the impact that the lockdown has had on our students and prepare the sector and families for future disruptions, added the MP. MP Duncan also inquired about stakeholder consultation, in particular, whether teachers and staff have been surveyed on their experiences and opinions. I have spoken to teachers who prefer online learning but I am curious about what effect this will have on our students. I would also like to hear from the schools directly on any paradigm shift in learning that may take place and how schools plan to adapt to the new normal. The MP believes that the experiences of teachers, staff, students, and any best practices that schools have developed since 2020 should be shared publicly and used for both policymaking and legislation. I recognize that the Ministry has been working hard on the Education Continuity Plan and policies to keep our students safe. A detailed State of Education Report will allow us to understand how COVID 19 has affected education and our students and provide us with ideas and initiatives that will be necessary for important reforms moving forward. I look forward to receiving a copy from the Ministry of ECYS when published. concluded MP Duncan. After trying to seek asylum in Massachusetts, a family of five was instead left stranded in Matamoros, Mexico, living in dilapidated housing while struggling to make ends meet and feed their children. The family represents five of seven asylum-seekers who challenged the Trump-era Remain in Mexico policy that drove the individuals to Mexico in the first place. Their lawsuit was filed by the ACLU of Massachusetts and the Boston-based law firm Fish & Richardson in March of last year. The other two individuals are mothers whose children were processed out of the Migrant Protection Protocols in recent months. The federal action caused tens of thousands of asylum-seekers to be sent to what the ACLU called dangerous cities along the U.S.-Mexico border, where many still wait in peril to have their cases heard. The program was put in place by former Republican President Donald Trumps administration in 2019 and suspended by Democratic President Joe Biden suspended last month. The Biden administration said last week the federal government would soon start to allow some asylum-seekers who were stranded in Mexico to enter the United States so they can complete their immigration proceedings with family members. Among those individuals are the seven plaintiffs represented in the ACLUs suit, the organization announced over the weekend. According to the ACLU, one of the mothers separated from her child was living at the migrant camp in Matamoros. The other was living in Nuevo Laredo, where she survived numerous close encounters with cartels. Both mothers will now be able to reunite with their children in Massachusetts per a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani on Saturday. Families belong together, and we are delighted that these families will be brought to safety after well over a year in peril, said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. Thousands of families, including young children, have been subjected to violence and suffering as a result of this policy. Unwinding Trumps harmful and unlawful policies is just the start to making our asylum system more efficient, fair, and humane. The judges action came as temperatures in Matamoros were expected to drop to as low as 25 degrees Monday, the coldest since the MPP was expanded to the city in July 2019, the ACLU noted. The civil liberties nonprofit claimed that far from providing protection for migrants and asylum-seekers, the Trump-era policy instead exposed people to severe risk, not just from the natural elements, but from criminal cartels. The courts said migrants faced gun battles, murder, armed robbery, car-jacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion and sexual assault. Many of the families in the U.S. immigration system are fleeing horrific violence and persecution in their home countries and then are forced back into dangerous situations with the unlawful Return to Mexico policy, said Adam Kessel, the principal attorney who led the Fish & Richardson team in the suit. The stakes are high and the need is great, and we will continue to advocate for these brave asylum-seekers. Two months after the suit was filed on behalf of the seven asylum-seekers in March 2020, a federal judge ordered the government to allow the families to safely pursue their applications in the U.S., and in December, the ACLU amended its lawsuit to add three additional families. On Saturday, Talwani issued her injunction, ordering the federal government to allow the seven asylum-seekers to enter the United States. All of the plaintiffs have now been processed out of the MPP and released so that they may be reunited with their families in Massachusetts, according to the ACLU. The plaintiffs endured between 16 and 18 months of danger and abject misery simply for the chance to seek protection in the United States, the ACLU of Massachusetts said in its statement. The judges move to allow the migrants to enter the United States came only days after the ACLU of Massachusetts and Fish & Richardson announced they had filed a separate suit on behalf of seven other asylum-seekers, including four children, challenging another Trump-era policy. The Trump administrations policy was to use the Public Health Service Act in Title 42 of the U.S. Code to expel asylum-seekers from the country. Through the public health act, the federal government is able to help state and local authorities to enforce quarantine regulations to combat spreadable diseases. To use the act to expel asylum-seekers from the U.S. is a loose interpretation of the law, the ACLU and other opponents to the former presidents policy have argued. To date, Biden has not repealed the policy. However, the presidents administration has stated it is not its policy to expel unaccompanied children. On its fight against the MPP, ACLU of Massachusetts said its efforts opposing the federal action had led seven families to be reunited and brought 14 total asylum-seekers to safety in the U.S. The organization previously reached a settlement on behalf of another client living in Massachusetts, whose husband and son were forced into danger for months under the MPP. According to the ACLUs suit in the case, they were nearly kidnapped twice under the Remain in Mexico policy. The family was eventually reunited in February 2020, according to the ACLU. I feel tremendous happiness, said Hanz Morales, the man who was nearly kidnapped. I am very happy to be with my wife and my daughters, and I feel safe because I am in a safe country with all of my family. This is a great blessing that God has made possible. Related Content: Gov. Phil Murphy plans to use a $100 million settlement partly funded by an automaker accused of tampering with emissions equipment to clear the air of diesel bus and truck fumes in some of the states largest cities to ease the burden of respiratory illness that residents now endure. Officials plan to spend $100 million from two pots of environmental money to buy electric buses and trucks to provide relief to some of the states hardest-hit communities, Murphy announced Tuesday in Newark. The program includes funding for NJ Transit electric bus deployment. Roll out of funding to fund zero emissions vehicles in Newark means that Kim Gaddys three asthmatic children will be able to breathe a little easier once they hit the road in Newark. The technology is here, all we have to have is the will to use it, said Gaddy, Clean Water Action, environmental justice coordinator and member of the South Ward Environmental Alliance. Now, even a trip to the playground can mean risk of an asthma attack because of air pollution and particulate from diesel trucks and buses that traverse Newark daily, she said. Parents dont have to worry if their children dont have their nebulizer or their inhaler and wonder, what am I going to do if they have an episode, she said. Murphy made the announcement at the Newark Public Works garage on Frelinghuysen Avenue, with one of the electric public works trucks behind him that Newark purchased with funding from the program. Newark was awarded $1 million to purchase electric garbage trucks, $2 million for charging infrastructure and $7 million toward the purchase of medium duty vehicles. Each truck reduces 70 tons (of emissions) a year and paves the way toward eventually electrifying the entire fleet of city vehicles, including police vehicles, said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The program will use the remaining $44.8 million in funds from $72 million lawsuit settlement by Volkswagen over charges it tampered with emission control devices on its vehicles and a share of $94 million in proceeds expected from the states reentry in to Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Murphy said. RGGI will generate $94 million for us to invest in clean energy, he said. This presents an opportunity to make New Jersey the leader of the green economy. What does the $100 million buy? $9 million in grants for cities and towns to buy electric garbage and delivery trucks to improve air quality in environmental justice communities. $13 million in grants for low-and-moderate-income communities to reduce emissions by deploying electric school buses and shuttle buses. $5 million in equitable mobility project grants to bring electric vehicle ride hailing and charging stations to four New Jersey towns and cities $5 million in grants for deployment of fast electric vehicle charging infrastructure at 27 locations statewide $36 million to electrify port, cargo handling, and other medium- and heavy-duty equipment in port and industrial areas to reduce diesel and black carbon emissions in environmental justice communities. $15 million towards electrifying NJ Transits bus fleet. $15 million of flex funding to deploy additional funding for those initiatives. The program builds on an environmental justice law signed last September that says economically disadvantaged areas will no longer be dumping grounds for pollution, Murphy said. The announcement formalizes the NJZIP program to replace diesel trucks and buses that the Economic Development Corporation approved last month. The zero-emission truck voucher program is the first to be funded through RGGI reinstated by Murphy in 2018, after Gov. Chris Christie pulled the state out in 2011. Murphy also announced the formation of a state Office of Climate Action and Green Economy to oversee broader greenhouse gas reduction initiatives and environmentally friendly economic development projects. In addition to reducing pollution, Murphy said jobs would be created in the community from installing and maintaining electric vehicle charging infrastructure and maintaining the vehicles. Todays announcement is a win for our lungs and our climate and its a true downpayment on speeding up the transition to electrifying our diesel truck fleets across the state, said Hayley Berliner, Clean Energy Associate, Environment New Jersey. The announcement by Governor Murphy today to invest over one hundred million dollars into electrifying dirty diesel buses, trucks, and port equipment in our cities does just that. NJ Advance Media Reporter Michael Sol Warren contributed to this article. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. NSW and Victorias agriculture ministers are warning the federal Nationals Party that agriculture must be able to share in the economic opportunities of climate action, contradicting warnings from Morrison government MPs that the sector would suffer if its greenhouse emissions are capped. NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall lambasted his federal Nationals colleagues who had called for agriculture to be excluded from any emissions reduction deadline, saying it was nothing but political point-scoring. Farm leaders are urging politicians to include agriculture in net zero plans so the sector can cash in on opportunities created by low emissions economies. Credit:Janie Barrett Prime Minister Scott Morrison said earlier this month he hoped Australia could sign up to a 2050 net zero timeline, but stopped short of committing to the timeline. He said regional Australia would not bear the costs of any emissions reduction policies. Federal Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, whose New England electorate overlaps the state seat of Mr Marshall, said in an opinion piece he co-authored with Nationals Senator Matt Canavan last week that the Nationals have always been opposed to net zero targets. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. This article is part of a year-long reporting project focused on redistricting and gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. It is made possible by the support of Spotlight PA members and Votebeat, a project focused on election integrity and voting access. By Marie Albiges of Spotlight PA HARRISBURG The data needed to redraw Pennsylvanias political districts is more than five months behind schedule, raising concerns among advocates for fair maps that state lawmakers could use the delay to fast-track the redistricting process and make it less transparent. The U.S. Census Bureau announced Friday that it cant release the population figures needed for redistricting until Sept. 30, citing setbacks in collecting responses to questionnaires during the coronavirus pandemic. That means state lawmakers cant begin the once-in-a-decade drawing of Pennsylvanias legislative and congressional lines in earnest until September. The shortened timeline could also put the 2022 primary election at risk of being delayed. Carol Kuniholm chairperson of Fair Districts PA, a nonprofit group advocating for redistricting reform said shes concerned lawmakers will use the delay as an excuse to limit transparency and public input, which has been minimal in previous decades. In December 2011, Republican lawmakers revealed and passed a new congressional map in less than two weeks. That map was later overturned by the state Supreme Court, which called it a partisan gerrymander that diluted Democrats votes in order to give the party in power a lasting electoral advantage. Pennsylvania is expected to lose a congressional seat this year raising the stakes even higher and Republicans who control how that map is drawn must get Democratic Gov. Tom Wolfs approval. The legislative political lines, meanwhile, can determine which party controls the General Assembly and dictates policy-making decisions for the next decade. Kuniholms group wants lawmakers to pass a bill requiring more public hearings and citizen involvement in the process. Theres no reason why they cant be collecting public comments even before the data comes out, then hold regional mapping events over Zoom, she said, adding once the data is released, lawmakers should hold regional meetings to allow the public to weigh in on the proposed maps. Thats all completely doable in the time frame they have if they plan ahead and they commit to doing a transparent public process, she said. As a general rule, the maps must be completed before candidates can start filing to run in the 2022 primary, as theyll need to know whether they live within the new districts boundaries and gather ballot petition signatures from people who live in that district. Pennsylvanias primary filing deadline is March 9, 2022, which gives lawmakers only six months compared to the year they had last decade to create and approve the maps. Ben Williams, an elections and redistricting policy specialist at the National Conference of State Legislatures, wrote that states can push candidate filing deadlines back to give lawmakers more time to complete maps, or ask courts to push back any legislative or constitutional deadlines associated with redistricting. Primary election dates could also be changed, Williams wrote. Last year, Wolf delayed Pennsylvanias primary election by 35 days, citing the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic. Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R., Centre) told The Associated Press on Friday that lawmakers may have to consider postponing the May 17, 2022 primary if the data comes in so late. Kuniholm said she thinks lawmakers can get the maps drawn without having to delay primaries or hold elections under the old maps something her organization would argue against. If they have the data by the end of September, good maps can be drawn quickly and be available for public feedback, she said. Drawing a map to capture all the predicted data and really gerrymander it precisely can be more time-consuming. Khalif Ali, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, said he would accept delaying the primary if it meant giving the public more time to provide input. Any changes of the schedule should not come at the expense of opportunities for the public to submit testimony or respond to the proposed maps, he said. Pennsylvania faced a similar dilemma in 2012, when the state Supreme Court invalidated the legislative map drawn by a commission of the General Assemblys top lawmakers. As a result, Republicans asked the court to delay the April 24 primary. Instead, elections that year were held based on the previous decades maps while the commission worked on a new one, which wasnt approved until May 2013. Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D., Allegheny), one of four legislative caucus leaders who make up the Legislative Reapportionment Commission, said the process will likely be compressed in November, December, and January. It will be a tight timeline given the constraints we have right now, he said Friday during a virtual meeting with the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. It makes our work a little harder, but thats OK by me. He said his biggest concern was ensuring the population count was accurate, even if that means the data is delayed. We also have to be cognizant of the fact that we want to give people an opportunity to witness the process that we participate in as reapportionment commission members, an opportunity to have input into what the maps look like, an opportunity to understand what were trying to achieve as we put those maps out there for consideration, and an opportunity for the matters to go to court if necessary, he said. Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) said her caucus would explore all options to ensure we meet our constitutional duties in this process. The House and Senate State Government committees have scheduled a Feb. 24 public hearing on what the data delay means for Pennsylvania. 100% ESSENTIAL: Spotlight PA relies on funding from foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Become a member today at spotlightpa.org/donate. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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: A shootout at Israel's embassy compound in Amman on Sunday left two Jordanians dead and one Israeli injured. Police said that the two Jordanians worked for a furniture firm and went to embassy for repairs, while another wounded Israeli could not be identified by Police. Tension have been mounted between the two countries since Israel installed metal detectors at entry point to Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem after two Israeli policemen were killed at the site by Israeli Arab gunmen. On Friday ,thousand of Jordanians took to the streets of Amman after the weekly prayer to register their protest against Israeli measures at the Haram al-Sharif mosque compound. Israel ans Jordan are bound by a 1994 peace treaty, and now this incident of Amman shoot out came as Israeli Prime minister met with his security cabinet to decide how to respond to the increasing violence. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. UPDATE: Changes have been made to eligibility for the third stimulus payment. See our new calculator. Congress is still working out the details of the third stimulus plan and there could be changes, but individual stimulus payments to Americans have been largely worked out. Each person, if they meet income requirements, will get up to $1,400, plus payments for dependents. The are big changes in how many people can count as a dependent and how much they will get. Unlike past plans, all dependents, regardless of age, are also eligible for the payments based on your familys income level. That will allow families to receive money for college students, for example, and older relatives who are claimed on their tax returns. The plan, though, has a hard cap, meaning that higher income earners wont have the opportunity to collect partial payments for their dependents. Under this proposal, singles who have adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less and married couples who earn up to $150,000 are eligible for the full $1,400 each. They would also receive $1,400 for each dependent, no matter the age. Singles who earn under $100,000 and couples who earn under $200,000 would get partial payments. Payments are cut off completely for those who earn more. This calculator is based on the proposed plan from the House Ways and Means Committee. While its not expected to change, the plan could undergo revisions as the legislation makes its way through Congress. Proposed Third Stimulus Calculator What will your payment be? Your filing status? Single Married (Jointly) Head of Household What was your gross adjusted income in 2019 or 2020? How many dependents (regardless of age) did you claim? Calculate Under the plan your stimulus check amount would be about: Your income is above the cap, under this proposal you wouldn't qualify for a stimulus. Your inputs are private and will not be stored. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. A former Brunswick resident who was arrested a year ago to face a murder charge in the 1975 killing of a Navy dental technician is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 8 in San Diego Superior Court. Dennis Lepage, 63, is being held without bail at the San Diego County jail on a charge of first-degree murder, according to the San Diego sheriffs online inmate records. If convicted under the 1975 statues he would face a sentence of 7 years to life in prison. Lepage was arrested on Jan. 24, 2020, by FBI agents and State Police on a fugitive from justice warrant in Brunswick in the killing of Alvaro Marquez Espeleta, a dental technician assigned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. Lepage was extradited to San Diego on May 29, 2020. He was arraigned June 4, 2020, in San Diego and sent to the county jail without bail. Lepage eluded arrest for 44 years before a minor charge he faced put his fingerprints into a law enforcement database. Authorities were then able to track him to Brunswick where he was living. Lepages fingerprints matched evidence from the San Diego crime scene. Espeleta was found dead in his apartment on Reynard Way in San Diego on Dec. 31, 1975. Two of Espeleta's co-workers went to his home to check on him when he did not show up for work and discovered his body. Lepage was 18 when Espeleta was killed. Investigators and prosecutors have not revealed how Espeleta and Lepage may have known each other. A spokeswoman for the San Diego district attorneys office could not be immediately reached Tuesday. Assistant Public Defender Denis Lainez declined to comment Tuesday on the case pending against Lepage, who is represented by the San Diego public defenders office. Demonstrators march in Port-au-Prince on 14 February 2021, to protest against the government of President Jovenel Moise. (AFP or licensors) Haitians have come out in large numbers in recent weeks to protest against President Jovenel Moise's decision to remain in power until 7 February 2022, which comes as living conditions in the island nation continue to deteriorate. By Vatican News staff writer Thousands of people have been rallying in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, accusing the government of trying to establish a new dictatorship and denouncing international support for President Jovenel Moise. Speaking to Vatican Radio's Xavier Sartre, Jacques Leon-Emile, President of the association 'Haiti Memory and Culture', describes the people of Haiti as being "at the end of their rope". There is nothing left in Haiti, he says. "There is no drinking water. The schools function very badly or do not function at all. The hospitals have no equipment, the people are desperate for help. Families are desperate." He laments that gangs are putting people's lives in danger for just 100 US dollars, for example. He adds that the economy is completely unstable and that "the people can't stand it anymore." Criticisms of the government In recent years, President Jovenel Moise has been strongly criticised by part of the population due to the already very difficult living conditions of the island nation's inhabitants. The latest crisis came at the beginning of February, when the head of state announced that he would remain in power for another year, until 7 February 2022. The opposition, and a large part of the population, claim his term ended on 7 February of this year, estimating that his five-year term began in 2016, after the presidential election. Jovenel Moise, for his part, considers that his term did not begin until the following year, in 2017. This difference is due to the fact that the opposition takes his first election in 2016 as a reference. The election was subsequently annulled for fraud, and a second round was held in 2017, which he also won. Reign of the gangs Added to the disastrous economic and social situation, and the incertain political one, are the gangs. Jacques Leon-Emile notes that "President Moise is suspected of being in collusion with certain gangs," an assumption which only reinforces the population's hostility towards the head of state. One thing is certain, he adds, and that is that "nothing has been done to eradicate the gangs"... "and that a sword of Damocles hangs over Jovenel Moise's head: the Petrocaribe trial that has begun." International community This case arose from the misappropriation of Venezuelan aid to the country for the benefit of a few people, including those close to the president, who is also suspected of having benefited from the funds. Jacques Leon-Emile goes on to lament that the international community does not intervene enough and hides behind the sovereignty of Haiti. A hypocritical attitude insofar as, he says, Haitian presidents all claim support first and foremost from the United States. In the meantime, he points out, impasse and uncertainty preside over the destiny of the country. The Cabinet is to discuss mandatory hotel quarantine for some travellers arriving in Ireland (Brian Lawless/PA) The Cabinet is to discuss mandatory hotel quarantine for some travellers arriving in Ireland. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will set out legislation to allow mandatory quarantine at designated hotels for up to 14 days. Officials are finalising details around the programme, which is set to be introduced in the coming weeks. It will apply to overseas arrivals travelling from countries deemed to be at high risk of Covid-19. Expand Close A Garda checkpoint at Dublin Airport (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Garda checkpoint at Dublin Airport (Brian Lawless/PA) People will be required to cover the costs of the quarantine bill in State-designated hotels. The final costs of the programme have yet to be finalised by officials. The UK Government is charging travellers a 2,000 euro (1,750) fee for its 11-night mandatory quarantine. Legislation is expected to be brought before the Dail and the Seanad next week, before it comes into effect at the beginning of March. However, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said the legislation is full of holes. It's going to be a cherry-picking of countries from which people will have to quarantine, rather than quarantining anybody who is coming into the country. Richard Boyd Barrett Its going to be a cherry-picking of countries from which people will have to quarantine, rather than quarantining anybody who is coming into the country. Unless the quarantine is across the board, that anyone coming into this country is quarantined, it will not have the desired effect. I think that is symptomatic of the Governments failure to deal with the Covid crisis, its unwillingness to take the sort of measures necessary to end this really grim situation we are facing, I thinks worth emphasising just how grim it is. Really the situation, the lockdown, the cases, the fatalities are really taking their toll on peoples mental health and that would not be necessary is the Government was willing to embark on a serious strategy to push down Covid-19 and that would require mandatory quarantine for all incoming travellers. It came as the vaccination programme for the over-85s got under way at a number of GP practices on Tuesday. Some 13,500 people over the age of 85 are due to receive their first dose of either the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine by the end of the week. On Tuesday, the number of patients in hospital with coronavirus fell to 861. Figures also show that the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care has dropped to 159 from a peak of 221 patients on January 24. HSE boss Paul Reid said there is much to fix in the health service. Theres also much weve put in place during Covid-19 that has strengthened it, he tweeted. Working with GPs in an improved way with access to diagnostics, improved primary care and rolling out vaccinations has worked. Another 33 deaths with Covid-19 have been notified, Irelands National Public Health Emergency Team said. A total of 31 occurred in February and two in January. The median age of those who died was 81 and the age range was 42 to 105. Another 744 infections have been confirmed. By February 13, 268,551 doses of vaccine had been administered in Ireland 176,926 people with their first dose and 91,625 with their second. Sue Lynch, former president of the National Federation of Republican Women, said she encourages Chattanoogans to cast their vote for Jean "Lady J" Howard-Hill for mayor of the city of Chattanooga. Mrs. Lynch said, "She is my friend and is a wonderful lady and leader." Ms. Howard-Hill said, "I am honored to have Sue's endorsement. She is a well respected national republican leader, who I am also grateful to call my sister and my friend." Lynch during her tour of Tennessee has spent time together with Jean Howard-Hill in her home. Mrs.Lynch during her tour of Tennessee has spent time together with Jean Howard-Hill in her home. Ms. Howard-Hill said she began her earlier political career as a Democrat in 1970, then as a Republican in 1980. Since 2011 she said she "has neutralized my political affiliation to that of an Independent to accommodate my ability to pastor a membership of parishioners with various political identities." During her tenure as a Republican, Ms. Howard-Hill headed the National Republican African American Caucus (NRAAC), affording her opportunities to increase the inclusion of blacks into the decision making processes of the party. Also in headlining, as a prominent speaker, across the country at the national level. "It is a blessing to have a friendship and sisterly relationship with those on either side of the aisle," she said. She adds, "It's going to take forging these kinds of relationships, where regardless of political affiliation, we are able to work together in the best interest of all Chattanoogans. The non-partisan race affords this opportunity to be a mayor who represents all Chattanoogans. Therefore I am honored to get endorsements from all political perspectives." Also, University of Tennessee Chattanooga graduate student, Linda Fiol said in an endorsement note to Ms. Howard-Hill, "As one of your former students, you have made the most impact on my future than any other professor I have had. Other professors I have had in political science and govt classes only taught me WHAT to think. "You were the first to teach me HOW to think. "Because of that, because of being challenged to form thoughts of my own and not to just regurgitate other people's thoughts as facts, I believe you have helped me become the person I am today. "You made me work harder than any other professor. I didn't really like it at the time (hahaha), but believe me, I praise you for it now. I have and will always contribute my success in life to hard work, dedication and Dr. Hill!!!! Chattanooga needs you!!!!!" Prior to Ms. Howard-Hill's announcement to run for mayor, this same student reconnected with her former political science professor in this message. "Hello. I know you don't remember me, nor do I expect you too. I took a political science class with you at UTC in 2006. I know it has been many years late, but I want to thank you. In just a few short months of taking your class, you taught me how to think for myself, look at facts and form a logical opinion, a skill no one had taught me prior. You never tried to change my view points or condemn me for them, instead you had me look at both sides before I formed an opinion. You changed my life. Because of you, I have had much success that I do not believe I would have had if you had not of opened my eyes. Thank you so very much." Ms. Howard-Hill said, "As an educator, we impart knowledge to students in hopes that this knowledge is absorbed and yields positive results." "We don't do it for recognition, nor accolades. It's just what we do, and we love and are eager to do so. So when one out of many comes back to say thank you, it is extremely emotionally humbling." "Believe me", s he said, " THIS gives me an even greater resolve to enter the race for Mayor of Chattanooga, with not only humility, but with increased vigor and steadfast resolve!" Dr. Jean Howard-Hill was chosen as the 2006 Outstanding Professor of the Year. Her portrait hangs in the University's corridors, among other notable and distinquished UTC professors. PARIS The French National Assembly, after 135 hours of sometimes heated debate, adopted legislation with the anodyne official purpose of reinforcing Republican principles but the tough real objective of shutting down the sources of Islamist terrorism across the country. Attacked by the left as an infringement of liberties and by the right as a weak compromise, the draft law reflects a decision by President Emmanuel Macron to defeat what he calls Islamist separatism and reinforce the unifying principles of French secularism, which affords no place in politics for religion. It will go to the Senate next month for final approval. More than 300 amendments to the draft law were adopted, but it retained its core elements and was approved with 347 votes in favor, 151 against, and 65 abstentions. Mr. Macrons dominant centrist party, La Republique en Marche, backed the bill. With 15 months remaining before the presidential election, the left is in disarray, unable to identify a viable candidate. This has prompted Mr. Macron to embrace center-right territory for now. He hopes to lure voters who might otherwise vote for the right-wing Republicans or even for Marine Le Pen, the perennial rightist candidate whose weaknesses were again revealed in a televised debate last week. A few years ago, an Alaska fishing trip by BlackRock CEO Larry Fink was interrupted by a smoky haze from wildfires in Siberia. In his telling, that experience was a catalyst for his now-infamous letter calling for a halt to development in the 49th state. The irony is that the actions of Fink and other Wall Street megabanks are sending resource production to the dirty oil and gas fields of the Russian tundra. In doing so, they speed the very calamity they are ostensibly hoping to prevent. Whether atmospheric carbon is produced in Alaska, Texas, or Russia has no relevance. Canceling a cutting-edge horizontal-drilling project on the North Slope doesnt stop demand for oil; it shifts production. Rather than pumping that oil from an Alaskan oil field, where stringent environmental regulations prevent flaring, extractors will harvest that oil from a carbon-spewing well in Russia. The environment gets warmer. More polar ice melts. More Alaskans are denied economic opportunity. Revenue that could have been used to fund schools and health clinics is diverted to Russian oligarchs and Saudi sheikhs. Money that Alaska needs to fund renewable-energy projects is instead used by Russia to build more oil and gas infrastructure. Canceling drilling on the North Slope comes with unintended consequences. As ice melts, Russia is staking claims under Arctic seas, where 10% of the worlds petroleum lies. Moscows Arctic operations accelerate exponentially. Weve seen the reopening of 50 Cold War installations near the Arctic Circle. Brand new nuclear icebreakers are rolling off Russian assembly lines. Just last month, three Russian gas tankers made a historic journey, hauling their loads down Alaskas coast. While the mega-rich like Larry Fink put on a show about saving the planet, they are underwriting those who are destroying it. When they fly in to Bristol Bay in their private jets, they lodge just miles from some of the poorest communities in America places desperate for the very economic opportunities these billionaires have decided to take away. Trading a shrinking traditional energy sector for one that will require trillions of dollars of investment, while masquerading as the good guys, makes business sense. But when Finks self-interest threatens to destroy the future of my state, I have no choice but to showcase the hypocrisy of the billionaires and environmental profiteers. They will never tell you that the central Arctic caribou herd has grown from about 6,000 to 30,000 animals since Prudhoe Bay development activity began, or that the threatened Porcupine herd of caribou now numbers 218,000 animals . They wont tell you about Alaskas environmental regulations, that we pump our gas back into the ground instead of flaring it, that we operate the most technologically advanced pipeline on the planet. There are real people suffering at the hands of these profiteers. Every job shipped to Siberia and the Congo represents an Alaskan family denied access to opportunity. So Larry, my message to you is simple: Im truly glad that your wealth allows you to fly up here to enjoy Alaskas resources when the weathers nice, and I dont begrudge you for chasing profits at our expense. But I, too, am selfish. I want the best opportunities for the Alaskans who elected me. I want the same boundless possibilities for my children that I have been blessed with throughout my life. I want to leave behind an Alaska thats stronger, more self-sufficient, and more resilient than the Alaska I fell in love with so many years ago. For that reason, I cannot allow your hypocrisy to go unchallenged. The stakes for Alaska and our planet are just too high. Workers and doctors in nine of Victorias quarantine hotels including the Holiday Inn, from which a coronavirus outbreak leaked into the community have been moving between multiple hotels and offices, in breach of the recommendations of an inquiry into the schemes failings. The Andrews government has repeatedly emphasised that employees in its hotel quarantine program would not work at other workplaces, and that doctors employed in the scheme would not work at more than one hotel. The Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport. Credit:Jason South The Coate inquiry into the states hotel quarantine program recommended in December that every effort must be made to ensure that all personnel working at the facility are not working across multiple quarantine sites. However, employees at Healthcare Australia, which provides medical services in cold hotels, have made formal complaints to WorkSafe Victoria because hotel operations managers and leaders of clinical teams have been attending the companys St Kilda Road office on the same days that they enter quarantine hotels. They say management has refused to allow them to work from home, including during Victorias five-day lockdown, after the head of the company expressed concern about bludgers ... watching Netflix while working remotely. Some Irish eyes are smiling in North Wildwood, where a St. Patricks Day Parade is scheduled for March 13 despite strict limits on outdoor gatherings under the coronavirus state of emergency and concerns that have prompted other communities to cancel their annual green marches this year. Here ye here ye ~ North Wildwood St. Patricks Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, March 13th beginning at 11:30am at 9th & Atlantic Aves, states a post on the Facebook page of North Wildwood Recreation & Tourism, a city agency. More details will follow as we get closer to the event. This is an outdoor celebration and will not be moved indoors if there is inclement weather. Stay tuned! The post was greeted by comments glinting with joy. Yes!!! A glimmer of hope and normalcy, stated one. This is why I love WW!! another exclaimed. Someone else posted an animated leprechaun dancing a jig. Here ye here ye ~ North Wildwood St. Patrick's Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, March 13th beginning at... Posted by North Wildwood Recreation and Tourism on Friday, February 12, 2021 Despite the popularity of the St. Patricks Day holiday, several New Jersey towns have announced the cancellation of their parade this year, including Morristown in Morris County, Belmar in Monmouth, and Hamilton in Mercer. While the parade in North Wildwood was been promoted on the recreation departments Facebook page, it is not sponsored by the city, but rather by a local organization known as the Anglesea Irish Society, according to North Wildwoods mayor, Patrick Rosenello. AIS is a faith based organization and as such this event falls under the outdoor religious observations as per the EOs, Rosenello wrote in an email. By EOs, the mayor was referring to executive orders issued by Gov. Phil Murphy under his declaration of a health state of emergency last March and subsequent extensions keeping the state of emergency in effect. In his latest order addressing the issue, Murphy set a maximum of 25 people for outdoor gatherings, with exemptions for wedding ceremonies, funerals, memorial services, religious activities, or political activities. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage St. Patrick, who was born in Britain, was a 5th Century Christian missionary in Ireland, later revered by Catholics and members of other church denominations. St. Patricks Day is March 17, recognized by the Vatican as the date of his death on the Emerald Isle in 461 AD, according to IrishCentral.com. The Anglesea Irish Society did not respond to a request for comment. On its web site, the society refers to itself as a fraternal, faith-based, non-partisan organization based in southern Cape May County. We, as a society, aim to clear the way when needed, even in the face of adversity, we challenge others to do the same, the groups website adds. Rosenello said he believed the city council would vote on a permit for the parade at its first meeting next month, which is March 2. The councils next meeting is Tuesday night. Rosenello said he was confident the parade would not pose a significant health risk. As an outdoor event with proper social distancing and mask wearing, I dont have concerns about spreading, Rosenello wrote. Regardless, as a religious event it is exempt from the Governors EOs. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com Syracuse, N.Y. -- Mergers are often bad news for workers. About 30% of employees are considered redundant when two companies in the same industry merge, according to the Harvard Business Review. In the retail industry, it also often means store closings, especially when the merged companies have stores that are close to each other and compete for the same customers. But store closings and big job cuts may not be in the offing for Price Chopper and Tops Markets when the two New York-based supermarket chains merge. Schenectady-based Price Chopper and Williamsville-based Tops announced last week they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. The combination, which is subject to approval by the Federal Trade Commission, is expected to occur in the coming months. It will create a powerful alliance between two iconic supermarket companies with nearly 300 Price Choppers (and related Market 32 stores) and Tops stores, many of them across Upstate New York. The merger is being viewed by some as a takeover of Tops by the financially stronger Price Chopper. But the two companies say they have no plans to close any stores. The union that represents 10,000 Tops workers says it is hoping thats true -- but has not received any guarantees from the companies. Price Chopper employees are not represented by a union. Hopefully, this is a smooth transition and things happen for the good and workers are protected, said Frank DeRiso, president of United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local One. But Id be very foolish to say Im not concerned about the security of our workers. In Central New York, Price Chopper has stores in Clay, Cicero, Fulton, Oswego, Cortland, Oneida and Hamilton, and two in Syracuse, while Tops has stores in Clay, North Syracuse, Camillus, Baldwinsville, DeWitt, Fayetteville, Elbridge, Manlius, Chittenango, Skaneateles, Cazenovia, Mexico, Pulaski and Sherrill, and three in Syracuse. Here are 5 reasons why you might not see any store closings because of the merger: 1. Price Chopper and Tops stores will keep their names. While the merger will create a new parent company, it will not result in the merger of the chains store operations. Price Chopper President and CEO Scott Grimmett, who will be CEO of the merged companies, said both brands will remain. Were going to operate as two separate organizations, sharing where we can and where we find value, he said. In other words, Price Chopper stores arent going to be turned into Tops stores, or vice-versa. 2. There isnt a lot of overlap in the chains service territories. Price Choppers 130 stores are concentrated in the eastern half of Upstate New York, while Tops 162 stores are concentrated in Western New York. We believe our two organizations are almost perfectly contiguous, said Tops Chairman and CEO Frank Curci, who will serve on the board of directors of the new parent company and as a consultant to assist in the transition. The two territories meet in the Syracuse area, where there is some overlap. The Price Chopper store on Route 31 in Clay, for example, is a little less than two miles from the Tops on Route 57 in Clay. As you get into that Southern Tier area and Syracuse and up north a little bit, thats where theres a concern with the stores, said DeRiso, the union president. But read on to see why store closing even in those overlap areas are not likely. The Price Chopper store on Route 31 in Clay, left, is a little less than two miles from the Tops Markets store on Route 57 in Clay. Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.com 3. The two chains have very loyal customers bases. People spend a lot of time in grocery stores. More time than in any other type of store. Once they get to know where everything is in a store -- and maybe get to know some of the workers, such as butchers and bakers -- they develop an intense loyalty to that store. That loyalty is especially strong for a particular store within a chain, often the one closest to a customers home. So closing stores in the supermarket business doesnt usually score you points with consumers. It angers them, which is never good for business. Shutting, say, a Tops, doesnt mean the shoppers who frequented that store would switch to a nearby Price Chopper or even another Tops store. Burt P. Flickinger III, managing director of Strategic Resource Group, a consumer industry consulting firm, estimates that only 12% to 20% of shoppers would switch to another Price Chopper or Tops. The rest -- up to nearly 90% of shoppers -- would take their grocery dollars to any of the other 33 grocery chains in the Price Chopper and Tops service territories, he said. In other words, the closing of a Price Chopper or Tops would benefit competitors like Wegmans, Walmart, Aldis, Target, BJs Wholesale Club, Hannaford, Costco, Sams Club, Shaws, Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Price Rite and a bunch of others more than it would Price Chopper or Tops. In the example of the Price Chopper and Tops stores in Clay, there are two Wegmans, a Walmart, an Aldis, a Target and a BJs within a few minutes driving distance of each. Collectively, they would grab a big share of the shoppers if the Price Chopper or Tops closed. Shoppers wait to check out at Wegman's in DeWitt on March 14, 2020. Wegmans would likely benefit if Price Chopper or Tops closes any of their stores. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com 4. Purchasing power is driving the merger, not labor costs. Though they are both household names in Upstate New York, separately, Price Chopper and Tops are medium-sized companies. Together, with nearly 300 stores, they will generate $5.5 billion in sales a year, putting them second only to Wegmans in their service territories and making them one of the biggest food retailers in the Northeast, Flickinger said. It makes them overnight a very formidable, multi-regional powerhouse with tremendous size, he said. The two companies added scale will give them increased purchasing power with suppliers, allowing them to buy products at lower prices. That, in turn, will allow them to lower their prices, which should increase sales, giving them even greater buying power. Closing stores would only take away from that strategy. Driving the need for economies of scale are dropping profit margins in the grocery industry, according to Shelley Kohan, an adjunct professor at Syracuse Universitys Whitman School of Management. While the food store sector experienced a 12% increase in sales in 2020 and accounted for $766 billion in sales for the U.S. market, profit margins have been in decline, down 2.8% between 2015 and 2020, she said. Thin profit margins, intense competition and market saturation with over 65,000 establishments in the U.S. market have all pushed these businesses into major consolidations, said Kohan. In addition to increased purchasing power, merging companies in the grocery store sector can benefit from private label development, supply chain and technological advancements providing smaller grocery store chains the opportunity to compete, she said. The beer section of a Tops supermarket. Provided photo 5. Tops closed 10 unprofitable stores two years ago. The closures occurred during Tops reorganization under Chapter 11 of U.S. Bankruptcy Code. During bankruptcy court proceedings, companies can easily cancel leases without repercussions from their landlords. So presumably, Tops took the opportunity at that time to shut any stores it no longer wanted. Three of the stores that closed were in Central New York, the area where the Price Chopper and Tops service territories overlap. DeRiso is hoping that means the merged company would have no reason to close any of its remaining stores in the area. Im assuming theyre profitable and Im assuming theyre in good locations because theyve been there for a long time, he said. Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. People who are part of standout protest organized by the American Federation of Teachers chant, hold signs, and raise their fists outside of the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Mass., on Aug. 19, 2020. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images) National Teachers Union Head Defends Resisting Return to Schools, Blames Trump and DeVos Randi Weingarten, the head of Americas largest teachers union, on Monday defended the public school teachers push back against calls to return to classrooms, blaming the Trump administration for not providing resources and guidance they need to safely resume in-person work. Every school teacher I know would rather be in person with their kids, said Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), during an interview with the Washington Journal on C-SPAN. We know what kids are missing right now. But everyone has a right to be safe. Weingarten moved on to blame former President Donald Trump and his Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, for refusing to create the guidance we needed, although DeVos, while emphasizing that there isnt an one-size-fits-all reopening plan for every American school, has been consistently demanding public school districts to reopen according to the flexible guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In any public health pandemic, you need guidance, and they refused to do it, Weingarten said. Teachers all across the country need to make sure the ventilator system work in schools. We need to make sure that you can open windows in a respiratory disease. You need to sure that places are cleaned. Ultimately, this is what we are asking for. Weingartens comment comes as the AFT, which represents some 1.7 million teachers, including 1 million in preK-12 grades, commended the CDCs latest school reopening guidelines for relying on facts and evidence. For the first time since the start of this pandemic, we have a rigorous road map, based on science, that our members can use to fight for a safe reopening, Weingarten wrote in a statement on Friday. The new CDC guidance, described by Weingarten ad an informed, tactile plan, recommends a host of measures including staff and older students wearing face coverings when feasible, staggered arrival and drop-off schedules to reduce physical contact, and 6 feet social distancing enforced by physical barriers. It also says middle and high schools in areas of high transmission should continue to rely on remote learning, unless they can strictly implement all mitigation strategies and have few cases. The guidance was issued as President Joe Biden faces pressure to fulfill his campaign promise to reopen Americas schools for in-person learning within the first 100 days of his presidency. Earlier this month, the Biden administration was accused of flip-flopping on that promise after White House press secretary Jen Psaki suddenly claimed that the goal was actually getting a majority, or more than 50 percent of children back into classrooms for a minimum of one day a week. Please note The Sun Chronicle is providing this story and all of our local coronavirus coverage for free so that all readers have access to this important information about the pandemic. Please visit our dedicated coronavirus coverage page for more stories. If you'd like to support our mission, please subscribe. Lehigh Valley International Airport recorded 0.19 of an inch of freezing rain late Monday into Tuesday, but then the temperature began to rise as a low pressure area moved north bringing a warm front across the region, according to the National Weather Service. So the forecast both wont be far off for accrual of ice but treated roads shouldnt be a big headache during rush hour in the Lehigh Valley and northwest New Jersey, meteorologists and airport measurements say. Restrictions put on Lehigh Valley highways before the storm were mostly lifted just after 3 a.m. and New Jerseys were to be taken down as of 7:30 a.m. But drivers on untreated roads or overpasses should be mindful early on, especially at elevation, officials said. And, despite the quick melt, winters most definitely not over, forecasts for later in the week show. As for why the ice storm isnt causing more problems on Tuesday morning, a few degrees can make a lot of difference, WeatherWorks meteorologist Jim Sullivan said. It was 34 degrees just before 5 a.m. at the airport and raining. A shift supervisor at the Northampton County emergency communications center in Upper Nazareth Township said there werent major traffic issues overnight. Right now its pretty peaceful, she said before 5 a.m. Apparently people listened to the cautionary forecasts and stayed home, she said, adding thanks. We were very lucky with this one, she said. State police personnel in Belfast, which is in northern Northampton County, and Hope, near Interstate 80 in Warren County, said roads were wet. On Route 33, the Pennsylvania State Police dispatcher said, cars are going by just fine. The airport showed freezing rain at 11:51 p.m. and 2:51 a.m. The 1 a.m. measurement at the Hanover Township, Lehigh County, facility was in line with the forecast of up to a quarter of an inch of freezing rain. At Pocono Municipal Airport in Mount Pocono, which is at a far higher elevation than the Lehigh Valley, more than half an inch of ice was recorded by 4 a.m., making that a significant ice storm. So be mindful driving north early Tuesday. Interstate 78 seemed to be the transition line early on between rain and freezing rain, Sullivan said, but then the temperature began to rise. Its slowly warming up, he said well before dawn in Hackettstown, where the roads were wet. It should continue throughout the day as the sun could make an appearance by the afternoon, he said. The weather service is forecasting an above average high of 45 degrees. EPAWA Weather Consulting meteorologist Bobby Martrich said the low didnt transfer its energy to a secondary low near the coast so the region was just flooded with warmer air. Once its above freezing at the surface, rain is likely to remain rain, instead of freezing on contact. We did have a warm surge of air come in last night a little bit more than I thought it would be, Martrich said in his morning weather video, noting the cold air damming didnt hold in place as long as expected. We have one more storm coming in this parade of winter storms - the next chance for wintry weather comes Thursday into Friday. Precipitation should start as snow across most, if not all of the area. (thread) #DEWX #MDWX #NJWX #PAWX pic.twitter.com/LgZnDKXUvg NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) February 16, 2021 Weather service meteorologist Sarah Johnson, speaking to lehighvalleylive.com from the office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, said most areas were above freezing at 4:45 a.m. but not to get used to it. It should begin to cool down later in the afternoon, dropping to 18 overnight and not breaking freezing on Wednesday. The changeover to all rain is a good thing, Martrich said, because the area avoided power outages that a heavier dose of freezing rain could bring. He defended his higher ice accrual forecast of 0.25 to 0.35 of an inch -- and the weather services ice storm warning -- saying it keeps people from being complacent in potentially dangerous conditions. And then theres Thursday morning. By midmorning, snow should start to fall, Johnson said. And, although the line between snow and sleet will be nearby, its possible the Lehigh Valley will continue with snow into the evening as the air stays cold, she said. The snowfall could be moderate or even heavy at points during the storm, Martrich said. The weather service sees 5 to 8 inches of snow -- with it being lower or higher depending if it changes over or not. Martrich said it could be 3 to 6 or 4 to 8 inches, starting with a thump. After a bit of a warmup on Friday, the weekend should be mostly clear but chilly with another chance of snow arriving with the new work week, forecasts show. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription. Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. ANN ARBOR, MI University of Michigan officials have not made a decision regarding the fall semester, but they are optimistic that it will be much more normal than now. In a letter to UM parents regarding the fall 2021 semester, UM spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald said the university has gotten questions and concerns about next semester. Decisions about the fall semester will be informed by the then current status of the pandemic, but its likely that some public health and safety precautions will remain in place for the fall, like wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing, Fitzgerald said. Its clear from our many campus conversations that our faculty, staff and campus leaders all are eager to do their part to deliver a fall semester for students that is as close to normal as we can be while continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our community, Fitzgerald said. During a weekly COVID-19 briefing, Vice President for Student Life Martino Harmon said housing teams were considering options for a more normal, residential experience in the fall, but more work needs to be done before a decision can be made. A big unknown for the fall semester is the availability of the vaccine, Fitzgerald said. The university has the capacity to vaccinate as many as 25,000 people per week, but a short supply of vaccine forced Michigan Medicine to delay first-dose appointments last week. Despite criticism, Michigan Medicine is giving COVID-19 vaccine to non-frontline workers UM has experienced outbreaks of COVID-19 in both the fall 2020 and winter 2021 semesters, each of which resulting in two-week stay-in-place orders and recommendations. Since January 1, the university is reporting 1,396 positive cases of COVID-19, including 23 cases of the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant in the UM community. On Feb. 9, UM officials reported that COVID-19 cases related to students represented 48% of the total cases in Washtenaw County and were spread across all age groups of students, according to the COVID-19 dashboard. The increase in cases were attributed to off-campus social gatherings, according to the dashboard. The full message to UM parents can be found here. READ MORE: Off-campus gatherings lead to increase in COVID-19 cases at University of Michigan, officials say 87 infected in new coronavirus outbreaks at 20 schools, says Michigans Feb. 15 school outbreak report Mental health struggles are surging in Michigan families during the pandemic. Here are their stories. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Reports of domestic violence in Chicago have surged by 15 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic as couples and families are quarantining at home. Survivors are also facing income and job loss, making it even more difficult to afford to leave an abusive situation. As part of an ongoing, decades-long partnership, The Allstate Foundation and United Way of Metro Chicago have teamed up to empower survivors of domestic violence. Through this cross-sector partnership, The Allstate Foundation will provide critical resources, including a free financial empowerment curriculum, to United Way's community partners in the Chicago area. "It was already extremely difficult for survivors of domestic violence to seek safety. Now, survivors are facing greater barriers," said Jenny Hansen, United Way of Metro Chicago's Director of Community Impact. "With The Allstate Foundation's Moving Ahead Curriculum, advocates and counselors will be better prepared to help survivors achieve the financial security they need to find a new home, afford a custody lawyer or start counseling." The Moving Ahead Curriculum developed by The Allstate Foundation, with assistance from the National Network to End Domestic Violence, helps victims recover from financial abuse and move from short-term safety to long-term financial security. It includes lessons about budgeting and setting financial goals, managing debt, and reviewing and improving credit reports and scores. United Way of Metro Chicago will train its partners, including crisis centers and shelters, on the Moving Ahead Curriculum. United Way and The Allstate Foundation will also host community discussions for donors and the public to learn about domestic violence and financial stability. "We're grateful to continue our longstanding partnership with United Way to support survivors of domestic violence," said Francie Schnipke Richards, vice president of social responsibility and The Allstate Foundation. "Every person should have the information and tools they need to create a safe, stable and fulfilled life. Now, more than ever, it is critical to get financial resources in the hands of survivors in need." United Way of Metro Chicago brings together businesses, government, nonprofits, and community leaders to deliver funding, resources, and expertise to nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We work alongside our partners at the neighborhood level to tackle systemic issues that have plagued our region, creating communities where children and families can thrive. United, we're building stronger neighborhoods for a stronger Chicago region. To learn more, visit www.liveunitedchicago.org . The Allstate Foundation accelerates positive change by empowering and educating the most vulnerable, inspiring today's visionaries and promoting community leadership. Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation has invested more than $70 million to help empower nearly 2 million domestic violence survivors with education and tools to achieve financial independence and build a life free from abuse. Contact: Marilyn Jackson 312.906.2387 [email protected] SOURCE United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Related Links liveunitedchicago.org 25/01/2021 Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD arrives for a meeting at Government Buildings on Merrion Street, Dublin. Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos Dublin Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has decided to cancel the appointment of the new chair of the Shannon Group over concerns about comments made on Twitter. Businessman Aaron Forde was announced as the Government appointed chair of the group on Tuesday afternoon. However, after questions were put to Mr Ryan about comments made on Mr Fordes Twitter account the Green Party leader has decided not to go ahead with the appointment. Mr Forde deleted his social media account after independent.ie asked him about comments he made about the Green Party, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and social welfare recipients. The agri-food businessman said he did not recall tweets about social welfare recipients. A spokesperson for Mr Ryan said: The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has announced that he will not be proceeding with the appointment of Mr Aaron Forde as chair of Shannon Group. In a phone conversation this evening Mr Ryan indicated that Mr Fordes use of social media was below the standard expected of the chair of a state board. This is an important time for Shannon Group which has to chart a way through the crisis caused by the pandemic and plan for recovery. The Department of Transport will work to appoint a chair as quickly as possible. In a letter to the Minister, Mr Forde apologised unreservedly for remarks I made on Twitter which have become the subject of focus. The language used in a particular Tweet was wrong, insensitive and needless. I am truly sorry. In particular, I wish to apologise to people from the Traveller community. I wish to also apologise to you personally and your government colleagues for the inconvenience and distraction this has caused at what is a crucial time for the country. Throughout my over 30 year career to date, I have always strived to contribute professionally and thoughtfully in everything I do. As those who know me best will attest to, I am a passionate believer in the economic and social advancement of the country and the important contribution we can all make. Alongside my strong belief in the importance of our food and agriculture sector, as someone from the regions I have been an advocate for balanced regional development for decades. I have worked alongside people in national and regional roles to develop and support decisions which serve to better deliver economic and social advancement in favour of the regions. I know that this is a subject we share a common interest in and I will continue to support you and others who are charged with advancing such policies at this time. "I wish everyone associated with Shannon Group Plc every success. It is a crucial organisation with an important regional, national and international remit. I will continue to be a strong supporter of the teams efforts into the future. In conclusion, thank you for giving me the privilege of being selected to serve as a chair of a State authority. I extend once more my regret and apologies. Colleagues of Australian academic Sean Turnell will deliver a petition to the Myanmar embassy on Wednesday calling for him to be released from detention, as Australias former ambassador says the world is effectively powerless to stop the coup in the south-east Asian country. Hundreds of government MPs, election commissioners, students, journalists and academics have been arrested by the Myanmar military in the past fortnight. Turnell, who is Aung San Suu Kyis economic adviser, remains the only foreigner detained by the military junta. Sean Turnell, right, with Aung San Suu Kyi, centre, and Frank Lowy, left, at the Lowy Institute in 2013. Credit:Peter Morris/Lowy Institute More than 350 colleagues and supporters of Dr Turnell, a professor of economics at Macquarie University, have signed the petition in the hope of diplomatic breakthrough. His credibility and ethics are exemplary, the petition states. His detention is unjustified. We call for his immediate release, without charge. New Delhi, Feb 16 : A Delhi Court has taken cognizance of a charge sheet filed by the Delhi Police in 2016 Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) sedition case, in which Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and eight others are the accused. They have now been summoned on March 15. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Pankaj Sharma on Monday took cognisance of the offences -- 124A (sedition), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 465 (forgery), 471 (using forged document), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 149 (member of unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting) and 120B (criminal conspiracy). "After careful perusal of the charge sheet and consideration of the material, all the accused persons mentioned herein above are summoned to face trial for the offence. Accused persons be summoned for 15.03.2021," the judge stated in the order. Cognisance has been taken exactly one year after the Delhi government granted sanction to the Delhi Police to prosecute the accused, on February 27, 2020. Besides Kanhaiya and Umar, others include Anirban Bhattacharya, Kashmiri students Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain Gattoo, Muneeb Hussain Gattoo, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rassol, Khalid Bashir Bhat and Basharat Ali. The 1,200-page charge sheet named these accused and states that the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) retrieved the SMS sent by Umar Khalid to Kanhaiya Kumar to arrive at Sabarmati Dhaba, JNU, as their permission (to hold the protest) had been cancelled by the University administration. The final pages of the charge sheet also confirm the presence of Kashmiri students during the protest and that they were in contact with Umar Khalid. On February 9, 2016, "anti-national" slogans were allegedly raised at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus during a programme called to protest against the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru on his death anniversary. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed The death has occurred of Leo Braddish of The Park Nursing Home, Castletroy. Formerly of St. Mary's Park Beloved husband of the late Margaret. Very deeply regretted by his daughters Margaret, Trisha, Ann, Lorraine and Valerie, sons Leo, Wayne, Brian, Nicky and Lee, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers, sisters, other relatives and friends. May he rest in peace A private requiem Mass, for family only, will take place in St. Mary's Church, Athlunkard Street, on Thursday, February 18 at 12.30pm and funeral afterwards to Mount St Oliver Cemetery. In compliance with the current HSE guidelines, the funeral will be limited to 10 people. Please ensure social distancing and public health advice is adhered to. Cards and letters of sympathy can be sent to Cross' Funeral Directors, Lower Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick. ________________ The death has occurred of Carmel (Carrie) McGuane (nee Ryan) of Oliver Plunkett Street, St. Marys Park. Carrie, died (peacefully) at University Hospital Limerick Beloved wife of the recently deceased Patrick McGuane. Very deeply regretted by her sons Mike, Trevor, Darron and Shane, daughter Caroline, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends. Predeceased by her sisters and brother. May she rest in peace For those would like to pay their respects by means of standing in a guard of honour, Carrie's Funeral cortege will depart her residence on Friday, February 19 at 11.30am, en route to St. Mary's Church, Athlunkard Street, to arrive for a private requiem Mass, for family only at 12noon. Funeral afterwards to Shannon Crematorium. In compliance with the current HSE guidelines, the funeral will be limited to 10 people. Please ensure social distancing and public health advice is adhered. Cards and letters of sympathy can be sent to Cross' Funeral Directors, Lower Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, to Milford Care Centre House strictly private, please. ________________ The death has occurred of Therese (Tracy) Quinn (nee Cowhey) of Baggotstown, Bruff Therese (Tracy) Quinn (nee Cowhey), Baggotstown, Bruff at her residence on February 13, 2021. Formerly of 24 Sandmall, Limerick City. Former secondary teacher at St. Nessan's Secondary School, Moylish, Limerick. Deeply regretted by her loving husband Eamonn, daughter Aine, brothers and sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives and friends. Rest in peace Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 11.30am at Patrickswell Church, Lough Gur. Burial immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Due to current government restrictions regarding Covid 19, Theresa's funeral will be private but may be accessed virtually on the parish website at: churchcamlive.ie/lough-gur-patrickswell May they all rest in peace [February 16, 2021] The IMAS-Bloomberg Investment Conference 2021 will convene top investors across the region to discuss the future of capital The two-day virtual conference will focus on the future of capital and spotlight emerging innovations that will fundamentally change the asset management industry; Influential speakers from GIC, Temasek, UNPRI and Future Fund will be involved in panel discussions; The conference will be followed by the inaugural IMAS Digital Summit the next day. SINGAPORE, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) is returning with the annual IMAS-Bloomberg Investment Conference 2021 and the inaugural Digital Summit (https://imas.org.sg/imasbloomberg2021), which is set to take place on Tuesday, 9 March from 1430hrs and 10 March from 1400hrs, respectively. This year's theme is "The Future of Capital", and will bring together top investors and thought leaders under the virtual conference roof to examine the opportunities to accelerate innovation and harness the power of technology. There will also be a spotlight on emerging innovations that will fundamentally change the asset management industry. The guest-of-honour is Ravi Menon, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Hear from luminaries such as Lim Chow Kiat, CEO of GIC, on how Global investors like GIC re-balance between geopolitical and economic forces, and Sue Brake, CIO of Future Fund on new pockets of opportunities in the post-pandemic environment at the fireside chats. Distinguished speakers such as Hugh Young, Head of Asia Pacific of Aberdeen Standard Investments and Yan Pu, Managing Director, Head of Investment Management Group (China) of Vanguard will discuss how the extraordinary growth of the Chinese capital markets is becoming a bright spot for investors. With climate risk sitting at the forefront of investors' concerns, Fiona Reyolds, CEO of the UNPRI; Lars Erik Mangset, Chief Climate Change Advisor, KLP; and Rowan Douglas, Head of Climate & Resilience Hub, Willis Towers Watson, will share insights on the Asia ESG playbook and the integration of alternative climate data sources in investments. Over the last five years, Singapore's fintech sector has grown rapidly, with a steady growth of 30% of fintech funding from 2015 to 2019[1]. Singapore is also currently Asia-Pacific's top-ranking fintech city, with more than 40 per cent of South-east Asia's fintech firms based in the city-state. As the industry digitalizes at an unprecedented speed, learn how fintechs like Securitize & Matter DKS are revolutionising the asset management landscape in Asia through cutting edge technologies. Rehan Ahmed, Head of FI Products & Digital Assets, Singapore Exchange and Pradyumna Agrawal, Managing Director, Blockchain @ Temasek will lead these discussions. Early-bird registration is now open and closes on Monday, 22 February 2021. This programme is recognised under the Financial Training Scheme (FTS) and is eligible for FTS claims subject to all eligibility criteria* being met. More information on the two-day conference can be found on the IMAS website at: http://www.imas.org.sg/imasbloomberg2021 and https://imas.org.sg/imasdigitalsummit2021. *Please note that this does not represent an endorsement of the quality of the training provider and programme. Participants are advised to assess the suitability of the programme and its relevance to participants' business activities or job roles. The FTS is available to eligible entities based on the prevalent funding eligibility, quantum and caps. FTS claims may only be made for recognised programmes with specified validity period. Please refer to www.ibf.org.sg for more information. This programme is accredited with 6 CPD hours. [1] Oliver Wyman, Singapore Fintech Landscape 2020 And Beyond, https://www.oliverwyman.com/content/dam/oliverwyman/v2/publications/2020/dec/singapore-fintech-landscape-2020-and-beyond.pdf About the Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) Representing over 100 investment managers with assets under management in Singapore of about SG$1.3 trillion, the Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) seeks to set the benchmark for the investment and fund management industry in Singapore by fostering high standards and professionalism while promoting exemplary practices among its members. IMAS is the representative body of investment managers spearheading the development of the industry in Singapore. It serves as a forum for members in discussions as well as a collective voice where representation is needed on behalf of the investment management industry, facilitating training for its members, and contributing towards investor education. For media queries, please contact: Ashley Tan FPR T: 6438-2990 E: IMAS@financialpr.com.sg SOURCE Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Los Angeles: Hollywood star Salma Hayek has detailed about her experience shooting the sex scene in the 1995 film Desperado", directed by Robert Rodriguez and also starring Antonio Banderas. Desperado" is the second installment in Rodriguezs Mexico Trilogy", which also includes the films El Mariachi" (1993) and Once Upon a Time in Mexico" (2003). Mexico-born American Hayek broke out from the action movie in which she played the role of Carolina, a tough book cafe owner who teams up with Banderas El Mariachi seeking revenge on the drug lord who killed his lover. Hayek, who has previously spoken about how she struggled with the very graphic sex scene, on Monday cleared the air that her trauma had nothing to do with Rodriguez or Banderas. On Armchair Expert", the popular weekly podcast hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, the 54-year-old actor said when she landed the role, there was no mention of a sex scene between her character, Carolina and El Mariachi (Banderas) in the script. It was brought to her attention after production began. The Oscar-nominated actor said she agreed to do the scene on a closed set as Rodriguez was her bro" and his then-wife, producer Elizabeth Avellan, was her best friend". There would be just the four of them while shooting the scene. So, when we were going to start shooting, I started to sob," Hayek recalled, adding she kept saying to the trio, I dont know that I can do it. Im afraid." She said one of the things she was afraid of was Banderas, now her close friend and frequent collaborator. He was an absolute gentleman and so nice, and were still super close friends but he was very free. It scared me that for him, it was like nothing. I started crying, and he was like, Oh my God. Youre making me feel terrible. And I was so embarrassed that I was crying." Hayek made clear several times that Rodriguez and Banderas were amazing" and that the director never put pressure on me." Despite everything, the moment was very traumatic, she said. I was not letting go of the towel. They would try to make me laugh. I would take it off for two seconds and start crying again. But we got through it. We did the best with what we could do at the time. When youre not you, then you can do it. But I keep thinking of my father and my brother. And are they going to see it? And are they going to get teased? Guys dont have that. Your father will be, Yeah! Thats my son!'" The actor also recounted taking her father and brother to see the film, but said they left the theatre during the scene in question and returned when it was over. You want your father to be nothing but proud of you," Hayek, who reprised her role in Once Upon a Time in Mexico", added. The Education Minister has defended former DUP MLA Nelson McCausland in a row over a Facebook post in which he appeared to support gay conversion therapy. While Peter Weir stressed he opposes the practice, he argued that the post "does not refer to conversion therapy". Mr McCausland faced calls to resign from his position as a DUP nomination on the board of the Education Authority for sharing an article from a Christian website about a man who claimed to have been gay until he "met Jesus". There was widespread criticism of the post and LGBT campaigners accused him of promoting "conversion therapy practices". Mr McCausland denied this, saying the article was about the "life-transforming power of the Gospel" and the person interviewed "had not undergone any therapy". Mr Weir said he was against gay conversion therapy, but spoke up for his former colleague. "Nelson's posting, and indeed the article referred to, does not refer to conversion therapy," he told Belfast Live. In his Facebook post sharing the article, Mr McCausland wrote: "A powerful testimony of a life changed by God and some important insights into the whole 'gay movement' from someone who has been there." Mr Weir added: "I think that the article that was shared by Nelson was one about the personal testimony of an individual who had found the Lord. "I think, possibly, where people have conflated something is where the conversion of somebody to being a Christian has been equated to conversion therapy, which are two completely different things. "And I noticed a number of representatives have accused Nelson of promoting conversion therapy. "That clearly shows either they haven't read the article before they've commented on it, or they are deliberately misreading or misleading people. "I think we do have to have a situation where people can share testimony, where people can actually share their beliefs in the public sphere. "If we're to say that whether someone agrees or disagrees with them that they're not allowed to do that, I think that's a very dangerous road to go down. "What happens within anybody's life or their own thoughts or feelings is a matter, really, for themselves." One of those critical of Mr McCausland, Alliance councillor Eoin Tennyson, said he was "not angry" but "more despondent and upset that this is happening again". "To anyone out there struggling, you are not the problem," he said. "There is nothing wrong with you. You can be gay and Christian if you want." Children make their way up a closed Whistler Mountain to toboggan in Whistler, B.C. Sunday, March 15, 2020. An Avalanche Canada snow expert says a recent cold snap followed by snowfall in British Columbia's south coastal region has resulted in unusual and tricky conditions in mountain areas frequented by back country enthusiasts. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward (TNS) - Feb. 16Some Kansans suffered through rolling blackouts Monday as extreme cold temperatures resulted in a stressed power grid that couldn't supply the energy needed to meet demand.After warning early in the day that its energy operating reserves were below the minimum required, Southwest Power Pool the transmission company that manages energy supply in Kansas and 16 other central and western U.S. states issued an "Energy Emergency Alert Level 3," putting its member utilities on high alert and indicating blackouts across its multistate region might be inevitable.As expected, Southwest Power Pool announced just after noon Monday that it had exhausted its available reserve energy and directed its member utilities to implement "controlled interruptions of service" to prevent rampant and uncontrolled outages.In a news release later that day, it indicated power supply fell about 641 megawatts short of demand at its peak, resulting in the call for rolling blackouts."In our history as a grid operator, this is an unprecedented event and marks the first time SPP has ever had to call for controlled interruptions of service," said Lanny Nickell, the company's executive vice president and chief operating officer.Such a disruption in service extended to Evergy, the regional utility serving customers in the Topeka area.In a news release Monday, Evergy announced it would begin turning off electricity to blocks of customers starting early Monday afternoon for periods of 30 to 60 minutes at a time. The company expected power to cycle on and off periodically until the service reduction was no longer required by SPP.Evergy's online outage map as of about 1 p.m. Monday indicated more than 30,000 of the utility's roughly 1.7 million customers were without power. An hour later, the number of affected customers had dropped to a little more than 3,000, as those affected by the rolling blackouts continued to fluctuate.In a tweet by the company about 2 p.m., Evergy indicated roughly 60,000 customers lost power Monday afternoon for about 30 minutes.About 45 minutes later, in that same Twitter thread, the utility indicated that all customers affected by the outage had their power restored though it noted "we may be asked to implement additional brief power interruptions in the coming days."SPP indicated in a news release that it cancelled its "Energy Emergency Alert Level 3" around the same time, returning to a level two alert. The company indicated that over the next 48 hours, it may have to direct member utilities to implement additional service interruptions "if available generation is inadequate to meet high demand."In Monday's news release from Evergy, Gina Penzig, the utility's external communications manager, said once a service area had been subject to a controlled outage, power would be restored to that area and such an emergency outage would rotate to another portion of the utility's service area."With these extreme cold temperatures, equipment may not operate as intended, Penzig added. "As a result, outages could last longer than 30 to 60 minutes."Evergy continues to ask customers to conserve energy through at least Wednesday to reduce collective strain on the area's power grid. It suggests turning thermostats a little cooler, avoiding the use of electric space heaters, closing blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows, turning off unnecessary lights and appliances, and delaying nonessential uses of energy." Evergy is also working with its large commercial and industrial customers to reduce energy usage this week," Penzig said.Those affected by an "emergency electricity reduction," also known as a rolling blackout, don't need to report such outages, as they should be reflected on Evergy's online outage map.If such an outage lasts longer than an hour, though, it should be reported at evergy.com or by calling 888-544-4852 or 800-544-4857, according to the release.The city of Topeka indicated in a tweet Monday afternoon that the power disruptions could cause some traffic signals to go out. If a traffic signal is out, city officials say to treat it as a four-way stop.Shawnee County officials were also talking with the American Red Cross on Monday about the possibility of setting up warming shelters, said Errin Mahan, interim director of the county's emergency management department.However, he couldn't say how many shelters might be needed or when they might become available, indicating such communication was a preliminary measure."We are not really planning to set any up right now," Mahan said shortly before 2 p.m. "Right now, we are making sure we have contact information (and) making sure they have the heads up so that they can start putting some preparedness stuff in place."Mahan recommended that people charge their devices but charge no more than two devices at a time. He added that people should have emergency preparedness kits on hand. Such kits could include blankets and nonperishable food and flashlights and should be prepared before the power goes out.The possibility of outages also caused some concern among operators of homeless shelters.Staff members at the Topeka Rescue Mission were preparing Monday for the possibility of outages but hadn't yet experienced any as of mid-afternoon, according to executive director Barry Feaker.Feaker indicated backup gas-powered generators were present at the rescue mission's main building, 600 N. Kansas Ave., and at its Children's Palace building, 601 N.W. Harrison, which houses educational and business-administration operations."As long as the gas keeps coming in, we're OK," Feaker said.He said that in the event of a blackout, women and children housed at TRM's Hope Center, 116 N.W. Curtis which doesn't have a generator would be moved temporarily to the main building.In addition, people working in TRM's distribution center, at 401 N.W. Norris, and its warehouse, 206 N.W. Norris neither of which have generators could either be sent home or go to one of the two buildings that have backup power, Feaker said.He added that the rescue mission was preparing for the possibility of a longer outage by ensuring it had plenty of coats, hats, blankets and gloves available for patrons to use."Hopefully, we'll get through this," he said.Signs that the extreme weather might pose problems for Kansans emerged Sunday night, as Gov. Laura Kelly issued a cold-weather emergency declaration, which allows state resources to be used to assist with any response efforts in parts of the state particularly hard hit.In a 2:30 p.m. news conference Monday, Andrew French, of the Kansas Corporation Commission, said rolling blackouts for the afternoon had concluded. But he said it was possible additional shutoffs could come again late Monday or early Tuesday.While heightened demand for electricity due to the extreme cold has played a role in the energy crisis, French said the weather itself is also causing some problems with energy generation."We're experiencing issues with wind turbines. They're not able to produce as much power as normal due to conditions like freezing fog," he said. "Some of our coal plants are not able to produce as much power as normal because of freezing coal stacks."He added that natural gas plants were also malfunctioning, causing competition among utilities for natural gas.The extreme cold also resulted in a spike in gas prices, which could result in higher bills for customers."They don't think this is going to be a supply issue; there should be enough gas for everyone," French said. "But those price spikes are very high as much as 100, 150, 250 times the normal wholesale price of gas."And it isn't just a Kansas issue. It is a regional one, he emphasized.When it comes to locations where COVID-19 vaccines are being stored as some vaccine doses have to be kept at very specific temperatures facilities should have backup generators, state officials said.As for what went wrong Monday, or how the electric grid could be strengthened, French said that is a discussion for a later time."I have no doubt there will be much time for investigation, litigation in the future to figure out what went wrong here and how we can strengthen our supply of energy and the grid," he said.A few counties have gone into states of emergency, but for now, they don't appear to be pressing, according to adjutant general Maj. Gen. David Weishaar."There are no specific needs from counties right now," he said.Topeka Capital-Journal reporters Andrew Bahl, Blaise Mesa, Tim Hrenchir and Titus Wu contributed to this report.___(c)2021 The Topeka Capital-Journal, Kan.Visit The Topeka Capital-Journal, Kan. at www.cjonline.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The action taken by the Delhi Police on an FIR related to a toolkit shared by climate campaigner Greta Thunberg in support of the ongoing farmer protests has triggered a war of words between the opposition and the ruling BJP. Accusing the government of "murdering democracy" by using force against a 21-year-old, the opposition on Monday said the voice of India cannot be silenced even as the BJP defended the action, saying a crime is a crime no matter at what age. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi led the opposition offensive following the arrest of 21-year-old Disha Ravi in the case and said the country will not be silenced. "Your lips are free to speak. Say that the truth is still alive. They are scared, not the country," he said in a tweet in Hindi. "India will not be silenced," he added. Also read: Delhi Police draw flak over 'illegal' arrest of Disha Ravi Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Arrest of 21 year old Disha Ravi is an unprecedented attack on Democracy. Supporting our farmers is not a crime." RJD leader Manoj Jha said democracy is under threat. "I am worried about democracy, as it is passing through the most difficult times," he said. Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat tweeted: "If age is the criteria then Param Veer Chakra Second Lt Arun Khetarpal, martyred at 21 is who I am proud of. Not some toolkit propagandists." BJP general secretary B L Santosh tweeted: "21 year old...environment activist...student...Are these credentials for becoming a part of breaking India forces? How does she get the access for editing tool kit...? Why she is part of anti-national WhatsApp groups...? Many questions...But only one answer...21 year old." Also read: Toolkit case: Activists, environmentalists demand release of Disha Ravi "Bengaluru, Greta Thunberg, Vegan, sole bread winner, student, 21 year old, passionate activist...so many attempts to white wash a sin...!! Not one anarchist ready to answer the question...How 21 year old student got access to edit Toolkit," he asked. Former Union ministers P Chidambaram and Jairam Ramesh have also come out strongly against the police action in the case, accusing the government of running an authoritarian regime as it was threatened by a student. "I strongly condemn the arrest of Disha Ravi and urge all students and youth to raise their voices to protest against the authoritarian regime," Chidambaram said. "The Indian state must be standing on very shaky foundations if Disha Ravi, a 22 year old student of Mount Carmel college and a climate activist, has become a threat to the nation. Also read: Meet Disha Ravi, the 21-year-old climate activist arrested in Greta's 'toolkit' case "A 'took kit' to support the farmers' protest is more dangerous than the intrusion by Chinese troops into Indian territory. India is becoming the theatre of the absurd and it is sad that the Delhi Police has become a tool of the oppressors," he said in a series of tweets. Ramesh said, "Delhi Police on the rampage. After Disha Ravi, it is now the turn of another young woman, Nikita Jacob. More will no doubt follow...." "This is Tanashaahi in New India called Amit Shahi," he said. "The arrest and the manner of arrest of green activist Disha Ravi shows clearly the intensifying Murder Of Democracy in India. But the young in India cannot be silenced. More power to them," the former environment minister added. In a tweet in Hindi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "The ones with guns are afraid of an unarmed girl. The flames of courage from an unarmed girl have spread." She also used hashtags "ReleaseDishaRavi" and "IndiaBeingSilenced". Everything you need to know about Disha Ravi case Congress leader Rajeev Gowda said an activist who stands up for farmers, fights for the planet is arrested on flimsy grounds. "Has the government lost its balance? Will not such trumped-up charges, seeing conspiracy in regular social media mobilisation, do more damage to democracy?" he asked. Reacting to the Opposition charges, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, "A criminal is a criminal, gender and age are immaterial if not a juvenile. Just for your knowledge, Kasab was 21 when he attacked Mumbai." "Supporting 'farmers' is not a crime but conspiring against India and inciting others surely is," he said. BJP's IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya said, "The Left has been using young impressionable minds as cannon fodder for their deranged politics for a long time. From JNU to Jamia, AMU to Nadwa and now Disha Ravi, are all part of their sinister plot...Unfortunately they are abandoned soon after they have served their purpose." The Delhi Police said non-bailable warrants have been issued against two people for allegedly sharing the "toolkit" related to farmers' protests on social media, two days after it arrested climate activist Ravi in connection with the case. The 21-year-old activist was arrested from Bengaluru on Saturday and sent to five days' police remand by a Delhi court on Sunday. The two suspects against whom the non-bailable warrants have been issued are Nikita Jacob and Shantanu, the police said, adding that the duo was allegedly involved in preparing the document and was in direct touch with pro-Khalistani elements. Private lawsuits are adding to the mounting legal pressure on Big Tech companies. Already, more than 10 suits echoing government antitrust cases have been filed against Google, Facebook or both in recent months. Many of them lean on evidence unearthed by the government investigations, writes David McCabe for The New York Times. If successful, the lawsuits could be costly for Facebook and Google. The companies work with millions of advertisers and publishers every year, and Google hosts apps from scores of developers, meaning there are many potential litigants. After the United States sued Microsoft for antitrust violations a generation ago, the company paid $750 million to settle with AOL, at that point the owner of the browser Netscape, which was at the core of the governments case. Theres a fair amount of scrambling going on and folks trying to figure out what private suits might be successful and how to bring them, said Joshua Davis, a professor at the University of San Franciscos law school. Facebook declined to comment about the lawsuits. Julie Tarallo McAlister, a spokeswoman for Google, said in a statement that the company would defend itself against the claims. The thought of a world beneath the earths surface is one of most cherished conceits of science fiction. Although the hypothesis of a hollow earth was raised in all seriousness by the scientist Edmond Halley (who should have stuck to comets), it found its most vivid expression in the works of writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Jules Verne and Edgar Rice Burroughs. In her novel, Mizora (1890), Mary E. Bradley Lane even set a feminist utopia beneath the surface of the planet. Theres an intrinsic fascination in such a project. Sydney may not be Rome, where every excavation yields a horde of artefacts. There may not be ancient tunnels or catacombs beneath the city streets, but its still a secret world, undreamt-of by thousands of people who walk over these spaces on their way to work and back. Thresholds is the very model of an underground art exhibition. Between 2016 and 2019 Julia Davis and Lisa Jones explored the subterranean spaces near St James Station, taking photographs, shooting video and making unconventional large-scale drawings. The results of their investigations are displayed at the Tin Sheds Gallery, Sydney University. Im sorry to report there doesnt seem to be anything quite so sensational in the underground tunnels near St James. It looks just as dank and desolate as might be expected. The passages are strewn with rubble, the concrete walls are discoloured and grimy, smeared with occasional graffiti. Tree roots dangle from the ceiling, seeking moisture. It is, in brief, a ruin. I can hardly improve on curator Claire Taylors description: Ceilings of cavernous chambers glisten with crystallizing mineralisation from constant seepage. Pooled stormwater is thick with sediment. Walls are caked with heavy layers of grime And so on. Julia Davis and Lisa Jones, Thresholds - A Chorus #07/03/17, 2017. Credit:Richard Glover One can appreciate all this squalor, momentarily, but the novelty soon wears off. Shine a light on anything in a dark, cavernous room and it will look creepy and dramatic, but with repetition those bare, grimy walls become merely picturesque examples of pleasing decay, or perhaps the industrial sublime. Davis and Jones do their best to capture the atmosphere of this underground realm in Thresholds: A Chorus, a massive three-panel video projection that takes up the entire back wall of the gallery. The screens are pitch dark for much of the time but suddenly the darkness will be broken by a puff of dust that swirls ghost-like in the void. These illuminated clouds of dust are caused by the vibrations of trains racing past. The soundtrack captures faint noises from the trains and the nearby station, but there is nothing else to interfere with the emptiness of this tomb-like space. New Delhi [India], February 16 (ANI): Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday held a meeting with Alok Sharma, President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and discussed all important issues for the negotiations to be held in Glasgow, later this year. "I showcased him and told about various initiatives taken by India on renewables, disaster-resilient infrastructure, adaptation, electrical buses, on metro expansion, our reduction of emission intensity and increasing tree cover. It was a very fruitful meeting," said Javadekar. "Glasgow will host COP26, he (Alok Sharma) is meeting various leaders and discussing with them to arrive at landing zones. We discussed all issues, which are contemporary and important issues for negotiations in Glasgow," the minister added. After meeting Javadekar, Alok Sharma tweeted: "Wonderful to meet my friend Prakash Javdekar at the hugely innovative Paryavaran Bhawan, India's pioneering example of NetZero architecture. A great place to discuss all things COP26." Later today, COP26 president also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions on India-UK cooperation on climate change agenda and COP26. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi conveyed best wishes to the UK for the successful organisation of the climate summit. Alok Sharma landed in New Delhi on a two-day visit for climate discussions with Indian leaders on Monday. During his visit, Sharma met senior ministers, as well as leaders from business and civil society to discuss strengthening the UK-India climate partnership and preparing for a successful COP26 summit later this year, according to a statement from the British High Commission in New Delhi. This is Sharma's first visit to Asia as COP President, where he is expected to welcome India's significant progress on climate action and clean energy transition. Sharma's visit follows those of the UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and International Trade Secretary Elizabeth Truss and paves the way for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit later this year, during which climate cooperation will be a focus. As host of COP26, the UK is setting a strong example on climate action, with a legally binding target to cut emissions to net-zero by 2050. (ANI) The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. [February 16, 2021] Respected industry leader Kathleen Abernathy appointed to BAI Communications Board of Directors NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global communications infrastructure provider BAI Communications (BAI) today announced Kathleen Abernathy's appointment as a non-executive director on the BAI Board of Directors, chaired by Joan Gillman. As a leader with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, Abernathy's career highlights include appointment as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission in 2001, after being nominated by President George W. Bush, followed by a board of directors position with Frontier Communications where she subsequently served as chief legal officer and executive vice president regulatory and government affairs. Kathleen also chairs the ISO New England Board of Directors and is a director of DISH Network and Somos in addition to her new appointment to the board of BAI. Abernathy is delighted to accept this position alongside her esteemed colleagues on the board: "I am excited to be part of a team that is investing in the long-term growth opportunities being driven by 5G deployment, which will change how we live, work and play. 5G will impact lives and livelihoods in ways we have yet to fully comprehend. My experience in the wireline and wireless sectors of the telecommuniations industry positions me to provide strategic advice on external advocacy that will support and help ensure the success of BAI's growth and expansion strategies as the company focuses on 5G opportunities." Chair Joan Gillman has welcomed Abernathy to the board saying, "Kathleen has a unique understanding of how to manage and leverage regulatory complexities to further business objectives. I am delighted that she has joined our board at the start of a new growth trajectory for the company. Her extensive experience will be a great benefit to our business." BAI's Group CEO Igor Leprince added, "Kathleen will bring a fresh perspective to our growth strategy and its supporting investment plans with her unique experience and expertise in the public and private sectors. Kathleen is well placed to advise us as we cement our position at the forefront of creating value for transit agencies, municipalities, government, and mobile network operators. The combination of her skill sets will add immediate value to an already distinctive board of directors and is another positive move for BAI." Other achievements include Kathleen's position as senior industry and innovation fellow at the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy, McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University and being a member of the leadership team that saw Frontier grow into a Fortune 250 company. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), BAI's majority shareholder and trusted long-term investor, welcomed this announcement. About BAI Communications BAI Communications designs, builds, and operates cellular, Wi-Fi, broadcast, radio, and IP networks around the world. We are engineering experts and technology innovators with proven experience in delivering the next wave of connectivity solutions through long-term partnerships with broadcasters, transit operators, governments, and MNOs. As a leading communications infrastructure provider, BAI's neutral host solutions connect people, enrich communities, and advance economies. Our global operations span Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Hong Kong SAR and the US, where we have a majority stake in Transit Wireless. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/respected-industry-leader-kathleen-abernathy-appointed-to-bai-communications-board-of-directors-301228616.html SOURCE BAI Communications [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] General Motors Co. agreed to a $5.75 million settlement to resolve allegations it made false statements to Californias largest pension system and other investors over its deadly ignition switch recalls. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the largest U.S. automaker concealed problems from investors related to faulty ignition switches linked to 124 deaths and 275 injuries GM failed to build reserves for losses it knew were coming, Becerra said, which artificially inflated GMs stock price and caused the California Public Employees Retirement System or CalPERS to lose millions of dollars. GM previously paid about $2.6 billion in total penalties and fines tied to the ignition switch issue, including $900 million to settle a U.S. Justice Department criminal investigation and $1 million to resolve a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission accounting case. GM said it was pleased to have cooperated with the state of California to resolve this matter. General Motors cheated California twice first by concealing a fatal flaw in its vehicles, then by concealing the facts about the flaw in its financial disclosures, which affected the retirement investments of public servants across California, Becerra said. GM in 2017 agreed to pay $120 million to resolve claims from 49 U.S. states and the District of Columbia over the ignition switches. The faulty ignition switches that could cause engines to stall and prevent airbags from deploying in crashes prompted a recall that began in February 2014 of 2.6 million vehicles. The states said GM knew as early as 2004 that the ignition switch posed a safety defect because it could cause airbag non-deployment. It was alleged that company officials decided it was not a safety concern and they delayed recalls. Last year GM agreed to a $120 million settlement with owners who said defective ignition switches caused their vehicles to lose value. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington Editing by Chris Reese and Matthew Lewis) Topics California Imphal, Feb 16 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced on Tuesday that the state government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the recent grenade attack on the office of Imphal-based daily 'Poknapham'. Announcing the decision, the Chief Minister told the ongoing Assembly session that the four-member SIT would be led by Superintendent of Police, Imphal West district, K. Meghachandra Singh. "It was a cowardly attack on the media. I strongly condemn the attack. The attackers would be arrested soon," Singh said as he requested the media organisations to resume publication of newspapers and telecasting news in television channels in the interest of the people. The Chief Minister also assured to provide security to the media offices. Various media organisations, including the Indian Journalist Union, have condemned the attack on the newspaper office. No newspaper hit the stands and no local television channels in Manipur aired any news and programmes for the third day on Tuesday as editors and journalists continued to cease work protesting against the attack on a leading Manipuri newspaper office. A Chinese-made grenade was hurled at the office of 'Poknapham' newspaper in the heart of Imphal on Saturday evening, but fortunately it did not detonate. However, the police said that had the grenade exploded, a large number of employees and visitors would have been killed or wounded. The police have not yet made any headway in the ongoing probe, while no extremist outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack. To protest the grenade attack, editors and journalists began cease work on a call given by the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild of Manipur (EGM). Demanding security for the journalists and media offices, a joint delegation of both the groups submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister who assured to take appropriate action in the matter. Protesting the attack, journalists are holding sit-in demonstrations at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai since Sunday. The AMWJU and the EGM have already announced that the offices of newspapers and television channels would be closed and the publications would be suspended till Thursday. There have been bomb attacks on some newspaper offices in Imphal in the past, triggering protracted protests from the media community. In some cases, editors and journalists went on strike for weeks as they could not make use of the contradictory statements of some terrorist outfits. A total of 32 newspapers, mostly vernacular, are published daily from Manipur and there are several cable based television channels. (Newser) The World Health Organization has granted an emergency authorization to AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, a move that should allow the UN agency's partners to ship millions of doses to countries worldwide as part of a UN-backed program to tame the pandemic. In a statement Monday, the WHO said it was clearing the AstraZeneca vaccines made by the Serum Institute of India and South Koreas AstraZeneca-SKBio. The WHO's green light for the AstraZeneca vaccine is only the second one the UN health agency has issued after authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December, the AP reports. Monday's announcement should trigger the delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to countries that have signed up for the UN-backed COVAX effort, which aims to deliver vaccines to the world's most vulnerable people. story continues below "Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk," said Dr Mariangela Simao, the WHO's assistant-director general for access to medicines and health products. The coronavirus pandemic has infected about 109 million people worldwide and killed at least 2.4 million of them. But many of the world's countries have not yet started vaccination programs and even rich nations are facing shortages of vaccine doses as manufacturers struggle to ramp up production. The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been authorized in more than 50 countries, including Britain, India, Argentina, and Mexico. It is cheaper and easier to handle than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which needs deep cold storage that is not widely available in many developing nations. (Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.) Photo: BIV With the glaring exception of Quebec, secessionist movements in Canada have a way of fizzling out, regardless of their intentions and intellectual gravitas. B.C. was briefly part of this trend in 2013. A provincial election resulted in Vancouver Island electing only two of 14 MLAs from the governing party, and a group called The Province of Vancouver Island arose. The groups website (viprovince.ca) provided a road map for Vancouver Island to achieve a different relationship with Ottawa. By 2018, the plan had been completely abandoned, and the web address is now no longer accessible. Before last years provincial election in Saskatchewan, the Facebook page of the Buffalo Party boasted hundreds of thousands of followers. The partys candidates ultimately received 11,298 votes, demonstrating that social media likes do not translate into tangible political representation. The proportion of Albertans who believe that their province should become independent has fluctuated in the past few years. When Research Co. and Glacier Media asked in December 2018, 25% of Albertans thought they would be better off as an independent country. By July 2019, just weeks after the provincial election that brought the United Conservative Party (UCP) to government, the proportion rose to 30%. This month, we asked residents of Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C. about their appetite for sovereignty under various scenarios. For starters, the outright independence of Alberta is backed by 25% of the provinces residents, consistent with what we found in 2018 and lower than the all-time high registered in 2019. A nation encompassing Alberta and Saskatchewan gets the thumbs-up from 26% of Albertans and 21% of Saskatchewanians. This slightly more popular country combining two provinces that voted overwhelmingly for the federal Conservative Party in 2019 would still be landlocked. Enter B.C., with its enviable access to the Pacific Ocean. The notion of all three westernmost provinces seeking sovereign status is attractive to 29% of Albertans and Saskatchewanians, but to only 12% of British Columbians. Separation is also decidedly unpopular in British Columbia under two other forms: alone (12%) and with Alberta (13%). In Alberta, almost half of residents who voted for the UCP (47%) say they would welcome sovereignty nested between Saskatchewan and B.C. When residents of the three provinces were asked to rate the responsiveness of their provincial administration, Saskatchewan and B.C. post stellar marks (62% and 60%, respectively). In Alberta, only 43% of respondents feel the same way. There are always situations in which opposition voters will go against the sitting government. While three in five Albertans who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2019 election (60%) deem the current provincial government unresponsive, they are joined by 41% of those who voted for the UCP. The base is not as solid as once imagined. This does not mean that the original catalyst of western alienation an Ottawa that is oblivious to what happens out here is gone. While 45% of British Columbians consider that the federal government is responsive to their needs, far fewer Albertans (32%) and Saskatchewanians (26%) concur. For Albertans who voted for the UCP in 2019, the dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs is palpable. Almost half would welcome sovereignty alongside Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and two in five suggest that the provincial administration does not care about their struggles. Flirtations with an uncertain future as an independent nation are a reaction to both Ottawa and Edmonton. Finally, a proposal for Alberta to join the United States is supported by only 18% of the provinces residents. This idea is promoted by the Alberta USA Foundation, which last summer paid for a billboard in Edmonton featuring Donald Trump. Its online store of hats, T-shirts and mugs is reminder of how easy it is for anything these days to call itself a foundation or an institute. Mario Canseco is president of Research Co. Results are based on an online study conducted from February 7 to February 9 among 800 adults in British Columbia, 600 adults in Alberta and 600 adults in Saskatchewan. The margin of error, which measures sample variability, is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for British Columbia and plus or minus 4.0 percentage points for Alberta and Saskatchewan 19 times out of 20. Rick Law A desire to keep challenging himself to reach ambitious goals has prompted Rick Law to take over the ownership of Mike Pero Warkworth. Those who have dealt with Rick will know something about that drive: last year he sold 21 properties almost one a fortnight. Despite the obvious flair for the business, real estate is actually Ricks second career. He formerly helped run a family business refurbishing aeroplanes and spent five years in Singapore restoring corporate jets. He got a taste for real estate on his return to New Zealand when he began selling apartments in Wellington selling more than 250 off the plans before moving into commercial real estate sales. A wish to move closer to his wider family saw him move into the Mahurangi area in 2013. Initially, he continued to run his own business refurbishing aeroplanes, but ultimately switched to work full-time for Mike Pero in 2016. Rick says a house is likely the biggest asset a person will ever own and, therefore, buying or selling one can be enormously stressful. Its a huge pleasure to be able to guide vendors and buyers through that process and be that calm, friendly voice giving considered, experienced and reassuring advice thats a real motivator for me. Rick says being part of the Mike Pero franchise is a big advantage, because it is one of the most cost-effective agencies in town. Prospective vendors often include Rick in their appraisal mix because of that cost-effectiveness but he believes it is usually his experience, friendly nature and positive attitude that wins their business. Rick is a Warkworth area local you will find him in his office beside the Neville Street entrance to Countdown. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during a White House press briefing at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on Jan. 21, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) A Freedom-Loving People Needs to Call the Bluff of Those Instilling Fear Commentary On March 4, 1933, in his first inaugural address, Franklin Delano Roosevelt took square aim at the national panic over the Depression as he spoke to his fellow citizens: So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itselfnameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. While it took the combined elements of the New Deal and U.S. mobilization during World War II, the land of the free and the home of the brave eventually reasserted itself and America won through to victoryover straitened economic circumstances and the combined military might of National Socialist Germany and Imperial Japan. What followed was two decades of prosperity, social harmony, and relative peace. Today, that country has nearly vanished into history, defeated by a combination of progressive assaults on the nation as founded, and a concomitant loss of self-confidence and even legitimacy. Worst of all, the fear that FDR warned of has now inculcated itself as the new U.S. default mode: everything terrifies us, and sends us scurrying for the imagined security of safe spaces. Which are, of course, really prisons for a people no longer capable of governing themselves. Exhibit A is COVID-19, Chinas gift to the world, the overreaction to which has elevated civil servants to the status of dictators, abrogated the Constitution, destroyed the economy, and encouraged the citizenry to shun their fellow men as if they were radioactive. It has terrified a country grown ever more effeminate in its mannerisms and speech patterns, and fearful of engagement with everyday life. It has created the absurd spectacle of once-free citizens habitually masked and shuffling along like the captive residents of a communist country, tethered to their iPhones, bombarded daily with government and Google propaganda, and accepting the notion that this is somehow the New Normaland ought to be. Keeping People Captive Even if the CCP virus were as deadly as at least half the population seems to think it is, which it isnt, this would still be a grotesque overreaction. Theres no point in debating the statistics, which are, in any case, increasingly difficult to find and of uncertain accuracy, given the governments rooting interest in keeping the population captive. Want to attend church? Go to the beach? Have a family gathering at Thanksgiving or Christmas? Forget about it. Two weeks to slow the spread has morphedas I predicted a year agointo indefinite house arrest for most of the country. The fact that a virus cant be controlled has long been forgotten. And yet to that end, whole industries have been crushed, millions of jobs lost, a doddering old man named Joe Biden and a woman raised in Canada are somehow now president and vice president of the United States, and our quality of life has perceptibly been degraded and diminished. Once-free Americans have turned into Stasi-like snitches, sniffing out the free-thinkers and lovers of both liberty and the law and screaming at them in the streets. For what? The politicians and bureaucrats who are fighting the coronavirus (i.e., the flu) have neither missed a paycheck nor a meal since this nonsense began, but instead have amassed enormous unconstitutional power, which, appallingly, has gone almost entirely unchecked by the legal system. To think they will obligingly surrender that power at this point is delusional. And all in the name of a spurious safety, as if life were supposed to be a state-supported, pain-free glide path from birth (if you survive your mothers right to choose) to the grave. The insidious language of therapy is everywhere. The new White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, natters constantly about safety. The social media giants, Twitter and Facebook, have whole units devoted to safety, as if words could harm anyone who grew up with the free-speech maxim, sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me. Rejecting Fear That was the old America; in the new America, capon-voiced males bill and coo on National Propaganda Radio (NPR) as they relate, with a palpable frisson, their fears of harm and tales of imaginary trauma. Journalists, who once prided themselves on their jaundiced misanthropy and laughed at the bloodiest crime scenes as they rushed to make their deadlines, now share the effete culture of the social sciences, one in which the cheap and consequence-free emotion of empathy is prized above all else; the precious, fragile staff of The New York Times can bleat to its bosses, with a straight face, that our community is outraged and in pain over things like op-ed pieces with which they disagree, and managements personnel decisions, which are now apparently subject to the approval of the hirelings. Your tax dollars at work: the teachers unions in Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere, have demonstrated their utter lack of concern for anything except their own safety as they adamantly refuse to return to their classrooms, and instead force parents to effectively homeschool their children, thus paying twice for the privilege of raising the next generation in an abnormal atmosphere. The toll such imprisonment is taking on teens and tweens is incalculable, and can and should be laid squarely at the feet of everyone from the self-aggrandizing media gnome, Dr. Anthony Fauci, to the local school boardbut, naturally, it wont be. Not to mention the real death toll from heart disease, cancer, suicide, and other mortal threats that have been concealed by the COVID-19 obsession, but whose true cost will eventually be revealed. So this is the part where we call their bluff. Tell them that Biden has no constitutional right to issue a mask mandate and then tell him what he can do with it. Tell them that Floridas Ron DeSantis is the model of what a governor under our system of federalism ought to be. Tell them that we have no further use for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (who should have lost his seat in 2014 and now will be around to plague us until 2026) nor, indeed, for the GOP of Mitt Romney, Susan Collins, Ben Sasse, and the four other senators who voted to convict Donald Trump during his shampeachment trial. Tell them we demand the immediate cessation of any and all states of emergency, the full restitution of our civil rights, including our right to be left alone by a meddlesome and malicious government, and the reinstatement of the safeguards of our electoral system. That elections should be held on a single day, during defined hours, and not one minute earlier or later. That the resistance begins here and now, with the end of the COVID-19 panic. Most of all, tell them that were perfectly safe, and we are no longer afraid of them, or of the unreasoning, unjustified terror they have imposed upon us. That we will no longer retreat, but advance. That we are free men and women and intend to stay that way. And that, henceforth, the only thing they have to fear is us. Michael Walsh is the editor of The-Pipeline.org and the author of The Devils Pleasure Palace and The Fiery Angel, both published by Encounter Books. His latest book, Last Stands, a cultural study of military history from the Greeks to the Korean War, was recently published. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Better, more streamlined processes are needed in order to facilitate the acceleration of the National Broadband Plan, Deputy Ruairi O Murchu told the Dail last week. The Sinn Fein TD is the partys spokesperson on broadband and used topical debate time in the chamber to highlight a number of specific issues in relation to the roll-out of broadband by National Broadband Ireland (NBI). Deputy O Murchu met with representatives of NBI, including the organisations chief executive, Peter Hendrick, at a private virtual session, earlier last week. The Dundalk deputy told the Dail of the issues that will cause the roll-out to stagnate, including tree trimming, planning related to broadband poles and problems with the issuing of new Safe Passes for broadband crews being recruited from abroad. He said: "Obviously, when NBI is operating in deployment areas tree trimming is an issue. "I know it is an issue for the Irish Farmers Association and others. "This could be a problem for the roll-out. "We need a moratorium, or perhaps under the (Wildlife) Act there is a means for a major infrastructure project like this to be accommodated. "It needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. "Guidelines are being rolled out in respect of poles and planning. "I have been told by National Broadband Ireland that this is good. "Those involved expect this to be rolled out across all local authorities. "Sometimes the problem is the means by which they look for permits. "They will try to deal with everything. "If NBI needs to put in 50 poles, maybe 30 fit the guidelines and then the operators have to deal with the others. "Problems occur during operations. "One of the difficulties is the fact that they have to put in fresh planning. "If that planning is with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, it could take four to eight weeks. "If it is with the local authority, it could be anywhere from two days to eight weeks. That is not good enough and it is holding them up. "There is also a problem with skillsets. "We need to talk with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris. "There is talk of taking in teams from abroad. "There are difficulties around ensuring that safe passes can be sped up. "NBI have these guidelines that is trying to operate across the board to reduce this but we need to put in place a system that will steamline this and will operationalise it. "This is probably not the forum to deal with this but if Minister Eamon Ryan could come back to me on it, we could find a solution to streamline this. "It is just too important, we need delivery and at the end of the day the Minister has responsibility. Deputy O Murchu said NBI will provide him with specific points that they feel could help streamline the processes involved and he will pass it them directly Minister Ryan. ANN ARBOR, MI -- Pippa, a certified support, dog is loose and missing as a winter storm approaches in Ann Arbor, and her owner is seeking help in finding her. Abigail Biddix is frantically looking for any clues as to where her dog may be. Winter Storm Warning issued for Detroit, Ann Arbor, much of southeast Lower Michigan The 3-year-old, black Goldendoodle went missing around midnight or 1 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, near Packard Street and Granger Avenue. The last person to contact Biddix said they thought they had seen the dog around West Hoover Avenue and South Main Street at around 5 p.m. Sunday, she said, adding that Pippa was also spotted running across the Michigan Stadium parking lot. If someone were to see the dog, they should not engage, call, or try to feed Pippa because shes very scared and confused, Biddix said in an email. Biddix said she would prefer that a picture of the dog be taken and sent it to her with information about the direction she is heading in. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Pippa, is asked to call Biddix at 810-623-1827 or email her at abiddix@umich.edu Read more from The Ann Arbor News: Ann Arbor, Detroit: You are in the heaviest snow area tonight and Tuesday Ann Arbor: See how much snow to expect this weekend Timeline for bad travel conditions Monday night, Tuesday as snow increases across Michigan Credit: CC0 Public Domain Kazakhstan will be the first country in the world to locally produce Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, after a pharmaceutical company received government authorisation to make the jab, the company said Tuesday. The company, called the Karaganda Pharmaceutical Complex (KPC), "was granted certification" to produce the vaccine by Kazakhstan's health ministry on Monday, KPC said in a statement on the Telegram messenger service. A spokesman for the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which financed the development of the two-dose jab, told AFP that Kazakhstan is the first country to begin local production of Sputnik V. He said Brazil, India and South Korea are expected to follow. Kazakhstan's vaccination campaign began in early February with Sputnik V shots administered to the country's deputy health ministers. Those jabs were part of Russian delivery of 22,000 doses of the vaccine. KPC in the central Karaganda region has said it expects to deliver 90,000 doses of Sputnik V across the vast ex-Soviet country of 19 million people by the end of the month. The government has said it plans to inoculate six million citizens by the end of the year, with parallel mass vaccinations using a Kazakh-made jab called QazCovid-in expected to begin next month. Kazakhstan has registered 203,259 coronavirus infections and 2,540 fatalities since it declared first cases in March last year. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Antler Gold Inc. (TSXV: ANTL) ("Antler") is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Drysdale as Vice President Operations and Corporate Development, effective immediately. Christopher was previously Antler's Manager of Corporate Development and was directly responsible for Antler having the opportunity to secure the Erongo Project. He has several years' experience managing and working in the mineral exploration industry in Africa generally and Namibia specifically. Dan Whittaker, CEO of Antler, commented, "Chris has made a huge contribution to Antler's success in Namibia and has directed operations there to date. I look forward to working further with him to maximize the value of our Erongo Gold Project". Antler also provides an update on exploration currently underway on the project. Central Erongo Gold Project C1 Target The company is in the process of completing its Induced Polarization ("IP) program over its C1 target. The objective of this IP program is to delineate drill targets at depth along strike of the 9 kilometre portion of the Kranzberg Fault Zone extending westwards from the Onguati, Brown Mountain and Western Workings prospects. Historical sampling in the C1 target shows zones of anomalous gold associated with structural features along this fault zone. Drill targets will be selected along 600 metre regionally spaced lP survey traverses. Targets will be defined based on coincidence of zones of high chargeability (identified during the lP survey), gossanous surface expression of mineralisation (as observed during the geological traverse mapping) and structural complexity defined from current interpretation of the heliborne high-resolution magnetic data and geological traverse mapping (see Figure 1 below for location of the C1 target). The company plans to commence with a 5000 metre Reverse Circulation ("RC") drill program at the end of February and has engaged and contracted RC Drilling Services based in Swakopmund to undertake the drilling. C2 Target and C2 Extension The C2 target extends over a strike length of 16 km and covers the prospective Karibib / Kuiseb contact on the northern limb of the syncline that hosts Osino Resources' Twin Hills deposit. A high resolution heliborne magnetic survey, completed in late 2020, has facilitated the identification of areas with structural complexity which provide favorable settings for gold mineralization. The company has planned to advance these targets to a drill-ready stage through field work programs. The field work is expected to comprise geological mapping, soil sampling and ground lP (see Figure 1 below for location of C2 target). Drill targets will be defined based on the coincidence of zones of high chargeability (identified during the lP survey), gossanous/oxidized surface expression of mineralisation (as observed during the geological traverse mapping) and structural complexity (as defined from interpretation of the heliborne high-resolution magnetic data and geological traverse mapping). An initial 3000 metres of RC drilling has been planned with an additional 2500 metres to be planned contingent on positive results. Figure 1. Location of exploration targets and planned work on Central Project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5124/74609_e81137e6149ccb8e_001full.jpg Western Erongo Gold Project Nine RC drill holes totaling 1,913 metres of the planned Phase 1 program were completed in December 2020 along selected IP survey lines in the vicinity of the Sandamap Shear, identified as target W1 on the Western Project. This scout drilling program was designed to test a range of IP targets occurring over a strike length of approximately 3.5 kilometres (see Antler's news release dated December 2, 2020). Antler has also completed a geochemical survey from a detailed soil sampling grid over the Sandamap East (W1 Target) (see Antler's news release dated November 18, 2020), and from regional soil sample traverses across the W3 Target, both on the Western Project. Qualified Person Peter Hollick, BSc. (Hons), is a Consulting Geologist at Remote Exploration Services (Pty) Ltd. and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mr. Hollick is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Pr. Sci. Nat. No. 400113/93) and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. About Antler Gold Inc. Antler Gold Inc. (TSXV: ANTL) is a Canadian company, focused on the acquisition and exploration of gold projects in Namibia. Antler's Erongo Gold Project covers areas of the Navachab-Damara Belt, which is highly prospective for gold, and shares geologically similarities to the areas containing the known Namibian Gold mines (QKR's Navachab and B2 Golds' Otjikoto) as well as Osino's recent Twin Hills discovery. Antler's total license position now comprises five licenses (EPL 5455, 6162, 7261, 6550 and 6408) under option and a further five (EPL 7854, 7930, 7960, 8010 and 8042) under application, for a total landholding of approximately 85,341ha (853.41km2). Antler is currently focusing its efforts on advancing its Erongo Gold Project, which is located approximately 130 km north-west of Namibia's capital city Windhoek. Namibia is recognized as one of Africa's most politically stable jurisdictions, with an extremely well-established national infrastructure. The Company continues to assess new in country opportunities and expand its Namibian portfolio. Further details are available on the Company's website at www.antlergold.com. Cautionary Statements This press release may contain forward-looking information, such as statements regarding the completion of the work in Namibia by Antler and future plans and objectives of Antler. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions (including assumptions in connection with the continuance of the applicable company as a going concern and general economic and market conditions) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including risks relating to the ability to satisfy the conditions to completion of the transaction. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. Antler assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information in this release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information unless and until required by applicable securities laws. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings made by Antler with Canadian securities regulators, copies of which are available at www.sedar.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, please contact Daniel Whittaker, President and CEO of Antler Gold Inc., at (902) 488-4700. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74609 Calif. issues ban on singing in churches amid ongoing pandemic Christian Post Reporter | 06 July, 2020 by Brandon Showalter New COVID-19 guidelines in California forbid singing during worship services to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Issued Wednesday, the updated policies from the state's department of public health require churches and other houses of worship to "discontinue singing and chanting activities." Whereas official guidelines in late May permitted singing, group recitation, and other practices and performances but advised against them, such things are now formally prohibited. "Activities such as singing and chanting negate the risk reduction achieved through six feet of physical distancing," the state asserted in its updated guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says singing and chanting can spread coronavirus just as easily as sneezing or coughing. The new measure comes amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the West coast state. Indoor restaurant dining, movie theaters, museums and other venues have also been instructed to shut down in 19 counties. The new guidelines come as "California's positivity rate a key indicator of community spread is trending modestly upward in the 14-day average. Hospitalization rates are also trending upwards in the 14-day average. California has 240,195 confirmed cases to date," the California Department of Public Health announced. Read more from, "Calif. issues ban on singing in churches amid ongoing pandemic," on The Christian Post. Jamaica, ILO sign fisheries agreement February 16,2021 | Source: Jamaica Observer Trinidad Jamaica's Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have launched a landmark partnership to help informal operators in the agriculture and fisheries sectors transition to formal standards of labour. Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Audley Shaw, signatory to the ILO grant agreement, attended the virtual event recently. Other high-level participants included Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Floyd Green; Minister of State in the MIIC, Dr Norman Dunn; and Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Valerie Vieira. Chief Technical Director at the MIIC, Michelle Parkins moderated the event. It is estimated that approximately 43 per cent of the Jamaican economy operates informally. The challenge of addressing informality is more severe for workers in the agricultural sector and especially for those in the fisheries subsector, said Minister Shaw. This project will ensure that our farmers and fisherfolk are given the assistance, training and guidance that are required to take them along the path to formality. We want them to understand that agriculture is a business and should be treated as such. The project will see 100 farmers and fisherfolk, who are registered with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority or the National Fisheries Authority, formalise their operations, said Minister Green. We know their reality they operate in this informal space and as such, they are unable to access the keys they need to unlock their true potential to truly modernise and grow our agricultural and fisheries sectors. They are unable to get financing, they are unable to access pension and investment facilities. We want to unlock that potential. According to Vieira, Implementation of the project will be led by the JBDC, an agency within the MIIC. My team is excited and ready to deliver. We have placed this project into a programme that we have labelled 'Beyond Crops and Catch', specifically to say we are about sustainability. We are looking at sustainability in terms of pension, health and investment, because we really want to move that narrative and that mental fix away from saying that farming is not a business, so we are really looking at a fulsome engagement with participants. The grant agreement supports one of several components that have been agreed on with national partners within the multidimensional development cooperation programme approved by the ILO in 2020. The 15-month ILO programme has as its overall aim to improve the efficiency and capacity of workers in three target industries household services, agriculture and fisheries through various interventions. The ultimate goal is to provide tangible support for people in these sectors, which will allow them to transform their livelihoods from subsistence activities to economically sustainable employment. The Jamaica Formalisation Project will receive ILO financial and technical support to strengthen policies for income security, social protection and other incentives for formalisation, said Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean Dennis Zula, during the virtual signing ceremony to initiate the collaboration. It will also feature public awareness and sensitisation campaigns to clarify the understanding of the advantages and procedures for businesses and workers to make the shift to the formal economy. In addition to ILO support for agricultural enterprise development, the other components will include development of a training curriculum for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and certification linked to fishers' occupations and needs. The ILO is already advancing discussions with Jamaica Household Workers' Union/Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions and Jamaica Employers Federation for relevant agreements to provide technical and financial support within the framework of the project. Support will also be provided for interventions of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; and capacity building for social dialogue among national tripartite constituents so that they can effectively review and revise relevant legislation for wages and benefits to workers in the target sectors. Theme(s): Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Landing Centres, Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Others, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Fisheries Resources, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Communities and Organisations. BLINDFOLD A Memoir of Capture, Torture, and Enlightenment By Theo Padnos In the fall of 2012, Theo Padnos was down and out in Antakya. An American freelance reporter in his early 40s, he was bunking at a grotty guesthouse in this town in southern Turkey on the border with Syria. Magazine editors were ignoring his emails. His funds had shrunk to a few hundred dollars. He felt lonely. One evening, Padnos met a pair of young Syrians who, calling themselves citizen journalists, offered to spirit him into their country to report on the war unfolding there. Despite some troubling omens another reporter, Austin Tice, had vanished weeks earlier Padnos leapt at the offer. Less than 24 hours later he was sprinting across the border, into Syria, and headlong into a personal catastrophe. What happens next is the subject of Blindfold, Padnoss searching account of the almost two years he spent in the clutches of Jabhat al-Nusra, the main Qaeda affiliate in Syria. The Syrian guides turn out to be jihadi kidnappers. They abduct Padnos, who is promptly sucked into a subterranean archipelago of pain a series of filthy jails where he is whipped and electrocuted as bombs rain down outside. He is plagued by lice and the screams of fellow prisoners. Hunger is a constant companion. [ Read an excerpt from Blindfold. ] Like many hostage memoirs, Blindfold lays bare the human condition at its extremes. There is depravity and resilience, rage and revelation, and, ultimately, a triumph of the human spirit. Padnos, however, takes the journey a step further, using his fluent Arabic to engage with his captors, probing their motives and prejudices, not to mention the psychology of a wartime community that appears to be in thrall to a fundamentalist ideology. The highest resolution images of a single molecule of DNA ever captured have been taken by a team of scientists, and they show atoms 'dancing' as they twist and writhe. Researchers from Sheffield, Leeds and York universities combined advanced atomic microscopy with supercomputer simulations to create videos of the molecules. The resolution combined with the simulations allow the team to map and observe the movement and position of every single atom within a single strand of DNA. Being able to observe DNA in such detail could help to accelerate the development of new gene therapies, according to the British team behind the study. Researchers from Sheffield, Leeds and York universities combined advanced atomic microscopy with supercomputer simulations to create videos of the molecules DNA MINICIRCLES: CELLS JOINED TOGETHER TO FORM A LOOP Minicircles are circular DNA elements that are easier to program and manipulate by scientists. The molecule of DNA is joined at both ends to form a loop and they are stripped of antibiotic resistance markers or origins of replication. They can be used create sustained expressions in cells and tissues that could be used in future gene therapy. Research from Stanford suggested DNA minicircles are potential indicators of health and ageing and may act as early markers for disease. Close up analysis of a minicircle revealed they can be very active. They wrinkled, bubbled, kinked, denatured, and strangely shaped. Scientists say one day they will be able to control those shapes to create targeted treatments for disease. Advertisement The footage shows in unprecedented detail how the stresses and strains that are placed on DNA when it is crammed inside cells can change its shape. Previously scientists were only able to see DNA by using microscopes that are limited to taking static images, video reveals movement of the atoms. Images are so detailed it is possible to see the iconic double helical structure of DNA, but when combined with the simulations, the researchers were able to see the position of every single atom in the DNA and how it twists and writhes. Every human cell contains two metres of DNA and in order to fit inside our cells it has evolved to twist, turn, and coil itself up. That means that loopy DNA is everywhere in the genome, forming twisted structures which show more dynamic behaviour than their relaxed counterparts. The team looked at DNA minicircles, which are special because the molecule is joined at both ends to form a loop. This loop enabled the researchers to give the DNA minicircles an extra added twist, making the DNA dance more vigorously. When the researchers imaged relaxed DNA, without any twists, they saw that it did very little. However, when they gave the DNA an added twist, it suddenly became far more dynamic and could be seen to adopt some very exotic shapes. These exotic dance-moves were found to be the key to finding binding partners for the DNA, as when they adopt a wider range of shapes, then a greater variety of other molecules find it attractive. Images are so detailed it is possible to see the iconic double helical structure of DNA, but when combined with the simulations, the researchers were able to see the position of every single atom in the DNA and how it twists and writhes These exotic dance-moves were found to be the key to finding binding partners for the DNA, as when they adopt a wider range of shapes, then a greater variety of other molecules find it attractive Previous research from Stanford suggested DNA minicircles are potential indicators of health and ageing and may act as early markers for disease. As the DNA minicircles can twist and bend, they can also become very compact. Being able to study DNA in such detail could accelerate the development of new gene therapies by utilising how twisted and compacted DNA circles can squeeze their way into cells. Dr Alice Pyne, Lecturer in Polymers & Soft Matter at the University of Sheffield, who captured the footage, said: 'Seeing is believing, but with something as small as DNA, seeing the helical structure of the entire DNA molecule was extremely challenging. 'The videos we have developed enable us to observe DNA twisting in a level of detail that has never been seen before.' Previous research from Stanford suggested DNA minicircles are potential indicators of health and ageing and may act as early markers for disease Being able to study DNA in such detail could accelerate the development of new gene therapies by utilising how twisted and compacted DNA circles can squeeze their way into cells Professor Lynn Zechiedrich from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas, USA, who made the DNA minicircles used in the study the work was significant. 'They show, with remarkable detail, how wrinkled, bubbled, kinked, denatured, and strangely shaped they are which we hope to be able to control someday.' Dr Sarah Harris from the University of Leeds, who supervised the research, said the work shows the laws of physics apply as well to the tiny looped DNA as they do to sub-atomic particles and entire galaxies. 'We can use supercomputers to understand the physics of twisted DNA. This should help researchers design bespoke minicircles for future therapies.' The study, Combining high-resolution atomic force microscopy with molecular dynamics simulations shows that DNA supercoiling induces kinks and defects that enhance flexibility and recognition, is published in Nature Communications. we aim to help every doctor and patient to have a seamless consultation thereby making quality healthcare accessible to every Indian Within a month of setting its footprint in the Indian market, Estonia based global e-health innovator company Viveo Health, today announced two major partnerships with the Indian companies Doceree and Credihealth. Trusted by thousands of health professionals in over 40 countries around the world, Viveo Health is committed to provide world-class telemedicine solutions to the Doctors and Healthcare professionals in India.As the global e-health market is all set to thrive at a high pace through the pandemic, India is also witnessing a reforming trend in the adoption of digital healthcare services. With a prime objective of connecting the doctors to patients at a click of a button, Viveo Health has partnered with Doceree to set-up Digital Clinics for over 3 lakh doctors. Digital Clinics will be a virtual office platform for doctors that would be offered free of charge by Viveo Health to doctors and other medical professionals. Doceree, a physician-only platform for programmatic marketing, is working towards building more effective ways for pharma brands to keep the doctors community engaged. The partnership will benefit both the companies in onboarding doctors onto the technology platform in a simple, quick and easiest way possible.To make healthcare more accessible and affordable in India, Viveo Health has partnered with Credihealth. The partnership will enable 35000 doctors to connect with over 10 million patients annually and further boost the confidence of patients and their family members, as they get personalised guidance from a team of medical experts. Credihealth is building a healthcare ecosystem where people from around the world can quickly find credible and reliable answers to their medical problems along with easy access to the best healthcare experts to guide them towards a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.During his current visit to India,Mr Raul Kallo, CEO and Founder of Viveo Health said,As India is establishing itself as a major presence in the digital economy, we are indeed happy to bring the best of technology from one of the worlds most advanced digital economies Estonia. At Viveo, we aim to help every doctor and patient to have a seamless consultation, thereby making quality healthcare accessible to every Indian.Reaffirming Viveos commitment to the Indian market, Mr.Kallo is currently in India to meet established partners and potential investors for expanding operations in India.Speaking on the Occasion, Mr. Harshit Jain MD, Founder & CEO, Doceree, said, In a bid to expand our publisher network, we are delighted to partner with Viveo Health. Our platform will enable Viveo team to engage with over 300,000 Physicians in India and help it on-board healthcare professionals through our programmatic solution. We are excited about working together,Viveo Health is on a mission to ensure that everyone in the world has access to secure Virtual healthcare. The company is rapidly onboarding over 50,000 doctors globally in order to ensure thepatients have the best access to over healthcare providers to keep up with the high demand for healthcare consultation. Majority Leader and Minister-designate for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has made a case for the total overhaul of Ghanas 1992 Constitution, citing what he said were anomalies that have brought about lack of trust among political parties. Citing the appointment of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, for instance, which the Constitution mandates the president to do without recourse to Parliament or the political parties, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said that processes ought to have been made consultative so that all parties would have an input. When President Mahama had to bring in Charlotte Osei in place of Afari Gyan who had retired, my position at the time was that we should have the President submit the names for us [Parliament] to subject it to prior approval. [By so doing] the President would be forced to be more consultative in the appointment than usually is the case. Today, the Chairperson of the Commission and Commissioners who were appointed by President Akufo-Addo are undermined because of lack of trust. The NDC thinks that because the current commissioners were introduced by President Akufo-Addos regime, they believe that they cannot trust them. Just as we thought Charlotte Oseis Commission could not be trusted, he stated at the Appointments Committee of Parliament in Accra on Friday. In his view, there are many gray areas in the constitution that affects general governance and the workings of the legislature. I believe there should be a holistic review of the constitution. We are in Parliament, we have applied the constitution and indeed we apply it on daily basis and we know the weaknesses that confront us in many areas including the process of amending the constitution. The constitution is sometimes a bit confused on what to do when we (legislators) have to abridge the process, the seven term lawmaker for Suame stated. A national discussion that scrutinises some critical issues in the 1992 constitution will be the way forward for Ghana, the longest serving MP in the current House said. Secondly, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, a known advocate for longevity in Parliament bemoaned what he thought was the high attrition rate of experienced hands from the House, urging that measures be put in place to stop the peeling off. This phenomenon, he thinks, is as a result of the monetisation of Ghanas politics, which the political parties must help address. Not until the parties confront this reality, it will be difficult to stop the high attrition rate. Referencing the seventh Parliament where some senior members like Wa West MP, Joseph Yieleh Chireh, Mark Assibey-Yeboah, New Juaben South, Inusah Fuseini, Tamale Central, Ben Abdallah, Offinso South, amongst others could not return, either voluntarily or voted out, the Suame legislator said Parliament at the end of the day was the loser. He also intimated that the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is critical to serve as a link between the Executive and the Legislature for good governance. It is absolutely important to have a Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs because 95 per cent of public business in Parliament is government business. You need the leader of government business in order to persuade his colleagues on a good policy that must be supported by Parliament. You need the Parliamentary Affairs Minister to be in Cabinet, where policy evolves to appreciate the underpinnings of any policy so that when he comes to Parliament to lead the business of the House, he will then be able to get the buy-in of his colleagues. Share Source: The Ghanaian Times Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Washington, Feb 16 : US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said the Congress will establish an "outside, independent" commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by the supporters of former US President Donald Trump. In a letter to lawmakers, she said the commission would be modelled on the inquiry into the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and the Pentagon, the BBC reported on Monday. "We must get to the truth of how this happened," she said. Trump was acquitted by the Senate of inciting the violence. But Democrats and some Republicans have backed an independent probe into the riots, which left five persons dead. Pelosi said that US Army Lieutenant General Russel Honore had, over the past few weeks, been assessing the security needs of the Capitol in light of the attack. "It is clear from his findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened," she said. The commission, she said, "would investigate and report on the facts and causes" of the attack; "the interference with the peaceful transfer of power"; and the "preparedness and response" of both the Capitol police and other branches of law enforcement. She also said that, based on Lt. Gen. Honore's initial findings, Congress needed to allocate additional funding to "provide for the safety of members and the security of the Capitol". Trump survived his second impeachment trial - the only president to face the process twice - on Saturday, after Democrat prosecutors failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed to convict him. The vote split largely along party lines, with the seven Republicans joining the Senate's 48 Democrats and two independents in voting to convict. The senior Republican in Congress, Senator Mitch McConnell, had voted against conviction on constitutional grounds, but after the vote declared Trump "responsible" for the assault on the Capitol. Fighting between pro-government forces and rebel groups in the Central African Republic have forced thousands of families to flee their homes. Living in precarious conditions in a schoolyard on the outskirts of the capital, Bangui, displaced villagers tell FRANCE 24 their situation is dire as aid groups warn of dwindling humanitarian supplies. Under the shade of a tree in a schoolyard on the outskirts of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, around 2,500 displaced villagers gather with a few possessions plastic buckets, a few mats and cooking pots. Three weeks ago, the villagers fled heavy fighting between pro-government forces and rebel groups as the security situation in this impoverished African nation deteriorated. Eric Biro, the chief of the village of Bondokpo, which came under attack, is desperate and does not mince his words. "We live like animals, because we left without our luggage, or even mats to sit on. There are still a lot of deaths there now, he explains pointing in the direction of his abandoned village. Many casualties...corpses are all over the forest," he adds, his voice trailing off in despair. Fighting erupted again last year just as the Central African Republic was gearing up for the December 27 presidential election, when six of the country's most powerful armed groups formed an alliance against the government of President Faustin Archange Touadera. The gold- and diamond-rich country of nearly 5 million people has failed to find stability since a 2013 rebellion ousted former president Francois Bozize. Although Touadera won the first round of elections, the country's political opposition has dismissed the victory as a sham. Meanwhile the rebels have been trying to cut the capital off from the rest of the country, attacking villages along the route. 'What are we going to eat?' For Biro and his fellow villagers from the area, the situation is dire. Over the past three weeks they have relied on meagre aid deliveries from the few humanitarian organisations operating in the country. Story continues But their rations for a month are barely enough to survive. "It's not a lot. I have five children, explains Mbaz Mapoumka. But with just that, what can we do? In a week, that will be over, and what are we going to eat?" Aid groups warn of shortages due to road blockages caused by the conflict. Food prices have already tripled in the country. "Food and humanitarian stocks are dwindling day by day. We have enough to last a few weeks or even a few months, but if the situation does not improve very quickly, it will be extremely critical for the population," explained Tom Peyre-Costa, regional spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Across the Central African Republic, more than 240,000 people have been forced from their homes since rebels launched attacks in mid-December and around 2 million people in the country are believed to have already been food insecure. Political and youth activists, who are being tried for protesting the arrest of prominent unionist Ron Chhun, recanted their statements during a hearing on Tuesday, claiming they were coerced to confess. The trial involves 15 defendants, five of whom are living overseas, including former Australian local politician Hong Lim. The other defendants are from youth groups Khmer Thavrak and the Khmer Student Intelligent League Association, as well as activists from the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party. The five others include former CNRP officials Kong Saphea, Ho Vann, Ou Chanrith, and Seng Mengbunrong, and former Australian politician Hong Lim. Youth activists were protesting on the streets of Phnom Penh following the July arrest of Rong Chhun, who is also being tried for incitement for comments he made about Cambodias border demarcation with Vietnam. Police used heavy-handed tactics to break up these protests and arrested more than a dozen activists for their participation. During the second hearing of the trial on Tuesday, Judge Tithsothy Borachhard and Deputy Prosecutor Sam Rithyveasna questioned former CNRP activists Chhour Pheng, Chum Puthy, and Kong Sam An, and KSILA Vice President Mean Prommony. Both Chhour Pheng and Chum Puthy complained about being made to give coerced confessions shortly after being arrested at Wat Than monastery in Phnom Penh on August 4, 2020. Both said they were arrested while observing the police raids at the pagoda to nab activist monks. Chhour Pheng told the court he was not even sure what documents he was putting his thumbprint on. I was putting my thumbprint just for the sake of stamping it because I knew that I would be sent to jail regardless, Chhour Pheng said. He added the police officers who were questioning him convinced him to confess to the alleged acts with the promise that it would result in a more lenient sentence. After Chhour Pheng, Chum Puthy former CNRP youth activist in Svay Riengs Svay Teab district told the court he was having trouble with his memory due to effects from the radio signal jamming equipment used at Prey Sar Prison in Phnom Penh. Judge Tithsothy Borachhard asked the Chum Puthy whether he remembered giving testimony to the judicial police, the prosecutor, and the investigating judge, to which the defendant, who was struggling to string sentences together, denied making any confessions. I do not recognize those answers as genuine because [the police] took my phone to check and kept asking me questions. I was fearful and exhausted so I answered as they pleased, Chum Puthy said. Deputy Prosecutor Sam Rithyveasna immediately challenged Puthys claims. If you were afraid, why were your answers to me back then and to the investigating judge consistent and complementary to each other? Five judicial police representatives were in the courtroom during the questioning but were not called by the judge for cross-examination. Their presence was earlier challenged by the defense team, but Judge Tithsothy Borachhard said the five could remain in the court because they had a right to defend their investigation. Phnom Penh Municipal Police Spokesperson San Sokseiha defended the polices works in arresting the defendants and for their investigative techniques. Bringing in any suspects for questioning is not anything but how law enforcement works and there was no such coercion, San Sokseiha said. When Kong Sam An, a former CNRP official from Prey Veng, was on the docket, the prosecutor alleged that demonstrating against the arrest of Rong Chhun was tantamount to pressuring the court system. Are you aware that such a demonstration is a form of placing pressure on the courts decision? queried Sam Rithyveasna. Kong Sam An said ones expression of fundamental rights could not be seen as an attempt to coerce the authorities. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. All Irish schools will reopen on a phased basis from March 1, the Minister for Education will announce this Tuesday, February 16. Minister Norma Foley is expected to announce to the Cabinet this morning that her department is planning for the phased full reopening of schools from 1 March. RTE has reported the breaking news revealed to it by Government sources. The minister will also address the Oireachtas sub-committee on Education on the issue of assessment for this year's Leaving Certificate. Sources at the Department of Education say it is hoped that she will be in a position to announce concrete plans for the Leaving Certificate when she goes before the committee, but this is not yet certain. Talks between the department, teacher trade unions and other parties are said to be "really at the nub of the issue", according to Emma O'Kelly's report. Students with additional needs and Leaving Certificate students are the priority. Followed by smaller children for whom remote learning is more difficult. Last week, almost 4,000 children with additional educational needs returned to in-person education. It is over eight weeks since schools closed before Christmas, replaced by remote learning since January due to the continued Level 5 Covid-19 lockdown. A calculated risk in early reports about George Pells sex assault conviction was, prosecutors argue, an attempt by media companies to pressure a judge into revoking a suppression order. Fourteen news outlets, including The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, have pleaded guilty to a combined 21 charges of contempt of court for breaching a suppression order over reports published or broadcast in December 2018, in the days after Cardinal Pell was found guilty. Cardinal George Pell at his residence near the Vatican last year. Credit:AP The cardinal last year had his convictions quashed and was released from prison following a successful appeal to the High Court. In calling for the media to face substantial fines and convictions on Tuesday, prosecutor Roslyn Kaye told the Supreme Court the breaches were aggravated because there was an aim by editors to put pressure on County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd to revoke his suppression order. The South African variant of coronavirus circulating in more than 44 countries has entered India, the Indian Council of Medical Research ( ICMR ) confirmed on Tuesday. Four cases of the mutant strain have been detected, it said. India has also reported one case of the Brazilian strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The strain has multiple mutations, including in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein allowing the virus to easily enter the lung cells of the human body. The majority of the cases in South Africa are due to the variant strain and it has spread to 44 countries. In India, the strain has been detected in four different South Africa returnees in January 2021, one each from Angola and Tanzania and two from South Africa," said Dr Balram Bhargava, director general, ICMR. All travellers and contacts were tested and have been quarantined. The ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune is attempting to isolate and culture the South African variant strain," said the ICMR chief. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Former President Donald Trump is no longer being represented by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the former president's office revealed on a day both men were sued by a House Democratic lawmaker under the Reconstruction-era Ku Klux Klan Act over the Capitol riot. Giuliani led Trump's failed effort to overturn the election results in states Trump lost, and traveled the country to make the case for 'massive fraud' traveling even after contracting COVID-19 following a visit to the White House. He also led his own effort to dig up dirt on Joe Biden and his son Hunter in Ukraine. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is no longer representing former President Donald Trump in any legal matters, according to Trump's office 'Mayor Giuliani is not currently representing President Trump in any legal matters,' Trump spokesman Jason Miller told DailyMail.com. He also disputed the characterization that Giuliani was not involved in Trump's impeachment defense. Miller disputed that the move had any connection to the new lawsuit from Mississippi Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson. 'No connection - hes just not actively representing the President in any legal matters,' he said. He said of Giuliani, who goes back years with Trump, 'The mayor remains an ally and a friend,' and said there was 'no split or divorce or anything of the sort.' Trump has additional lawyers that he is continuing to work with in different capacities, said Miller. Giuliani's work on Trump's behalf stopped on January 6th, when Congress counted the electoral votes certified by the states that made Joe Biden the winner. News that Giuliani was no longer in Trump's employ the former mayor had said he was working pro bono, although the New York Times also reported he had requested $20,000 per day during the post-election fight comes on a day when Thompson sued Trump and Giuliani and accused them of conspiring with extremist groups before the Capitol riot. The suit, filed in federal court in Washington under a Reconstruction-era law known as the Ku Klux Klan Act. Giuliani spoke at an infamous RNC press conference about Trump's claims of election fraud, at an event where a substance that appeared to be hair dye ran down his cheek Giuliani urged 'trial by combat' at the 'Save America' rally, but later condemned rioters Giuliani is pictured with associate Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian American businessman who assisted his Ukraine investigation but has been charged with alleged campaign finance crimes Giuliani played no public role in President Trump's impeachment defense, even after Trump parted ways with a group of South Carolina lawyers. Here are Trump defense lawyers for former President Donald J. Trump Bruce Castor, right, and Michael van der Veen, along with Trump spokesman Jason Miller Rep. Bennie Thompson has sued former President Donald Trump, alleging Trump incited the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The lawsuit in Washington's federal court alleges the Republican former president conspired with members of far-right extremist groups to prevent the Senate from certifying the results of the presidential election he lost to Joe Biden Former President Donald Trump, who now lives in Florida, is no longer represented by Giuliani in 'any legal matters,' his office said Donald Trump, Melania Trump and Rudy Giuliani attend the U.S. Ryder Cup Captain's Picks News Conference on September 2, 2014 in New York City Trump was acquitted 57 to 43 in his Senate impeachment trial of 'incitement of insurrection' after Democratic managers failed to win a two-thirds majority in the chamber. CNN first reported that Giuliani was no longer representing Trump. Giuliani was not present as part of Trump's legal team. Days before trial Trump parted ways with a group of South Carolina lawyers, instead relying on Alabama lawyer David Schoen and a Philadelphia firm including lawyers Bruce Castor and Michael van der Veen. Trump is facing a potential wave of litigation, with an investigation in Fulton County, Georgia over his call for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to 'find 11,780 votes.' He is also being probed by the District Attorney in Manhattan over financial issues including assertions about his net worth to financial institutions during transactions before he was president. Now that he is out of office Trump no longer enjoys protections from lawsuits. Giuliani spoke prior to Trump at the 'Save America' rally that preceded the MAGA riot in the Capitol. A clip from his own speech to the crowd urging 'trial by combat' featured in the impeachment. Giuliani himself said he meant the words purely in a political sense and says those who took part in the riot should be punished. Thompson, a senior lawmaker, told MSNBC Tuesday that it would be 'easy' to prove his case, and spoke of making use of the discovery process. WHAT DOES THE KU KLUX KLAN ACT SAY? 'If two or more persons in any State or Territory conspire to prevent, by force, intimidation, or threat, any person from accepting or holding any office, trust, or place of confidence under the United States, or from discharging any duties thereof; or to induce by like means any officer of the United States to leave any State, district, or place, where his duties as an officer are required to be performed, or to injure him in his person or property on account of his lawful discharge of the duties of his office, or while engaged in the lawful discharge thereof, or to injure his property so as to molest, interrupt, hinder, or impede him in the discharge of his official duties.' Advertisement 'The pattern and practice since November, the Trump administration encouraged people to come to Washington on January 6 saying it will be wild. And so, at that point all of it, e-mails and Twitter accounts that we can find, and those that were produced by the House managers to the Senate will demonstrate just that,' he said. 'In addition to that, its clear that in his speech he directed the people at the Ellipse to go to the Capitol and let your feelings be known, and thats what they did. They had no permit to go. He directed them to go, and they followed him, and the subsequent actions from that, we all saw it play out before our very eyes,' Thompson said. Thompson's suit traces the drawn-out effort by Trump and Giuliani to cast doubt on the election results even though courts across the country, and state election officials, repeatedly rejected their baseless allegations of fraud. Despite evidence to the contrary, the suit says, the men portrayed the election as stolen while Trump 'endorsed rather than discouraged' threats of violence from his angry supporters in the weeks leading up to the assault on the Capitol. 'The carefully orchestrated series of events that unfolded at the Save America rally and the storming of the Capitol was no accident or coincidence,' the suit says. 'It was the intended and foreseeable culmination of a carefully coordinated campaign to interfere with the legal process required to confirm the tally of votes cast in the Electoral College.' Everyone should wear face masks inside their own home if family members have Covid symptoms or test positive, European health chiefs have said. People in the same household as someone who has tested positive or has a fever, cough or loss of taste and smell have been advised to wear masks inside their homes by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Both the person who is sick and everyone else who lives with them should wear a mask or face covering as much as possible, the ECDC said. The EU agency released a technical report looking into how useful face masks are in preventing the spread of coronavirus. Research on how well various types of masks and face coverings protect against the virus has varied but experts and politicians have generally leaned towards the idea that some protection is better than none. The report acknowledged the shortage of evidence surrounding face masks but suggested their use provides a 'small to moderate protective effect' in the community. Everyone should wear face masks inside their own home if family members have Covid symptoms, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, an EU agency, has said. Pictured: European Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis puts his face mask on at the end of a press conference following a EU Finance ministers meeting in Brussels today In the UK, face coverings were first made mandatory in for public transport in June and later for shops and other indoor spaces. Social distancing and face mask rules may have to last until at least the autumn under plans being discussed by Downing Street to ease Britain out of coronavirus lockdowns. It is understood that the PM's plan to end lockdown hinges on the expectation that people will continue to adhere to social distancing rules and wearing face masks for months to come. The ECDC recommended that face mask use should be extended to people in their own homes if they or a family member has a fever, cough or loss of taste and smell. It said: 'In households, the use of medical face masks is recommended for people with symptoms of Covid or confirmed Covid and for the people who share their household.' Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology the University of Reading, said the evidence to support wearing masks in the home is stronger than it is for outside. A study in China last year showed masks were 79 per cent effective at reducing the transmission of the virus between people in the same household before symptoms had appeared. But Professor Clarke noted that the study did not show masks offered protection once symptoms had developed and the ECDC is only recommending their use when someone has symptoms. He told MailOnline: 'The body of evidence to support their mandatory wearing outside the home is, as the ECDC states, scarce and of low certainty. 'It seems likely anyone sharing a household might be less able to socially distance properly and to avoid using facilities like kitchens and bathrooms. 'Touch points like door handles and banisters would continue to be a source of infection, so its questionable how effective masks could ever be.' The ECDC also recommended people wear a face mask in confined public spaces and their use should be considered in crowded outdoor settings. The report could not determine whether medical or non-medical face masks should be recommended. It said more academic studies are needed to assess the relevance of the use of medical face masks in the pandemic. And other academics in the UK have backed the ECDC's report. Director of the University College London Genetics Institute Professor Francois Balloux said: 'The Covid reports by the ECDC have been excellent throughout the pandemic. 'They are evidence-based, cautious, balanced, built on reliable sources, technical and yet approachable. 'This one on masks is no exception to the standards they've set themselves.' It comes after new research released yesterday showed condensation inside a face mask may help limit the amount of damage the coronavirus can do if a person becomes infected. The increased humidity in the air between a person's mouth and their mask is believed to help the wearer's body remove viral particles from the airways. Experts from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) found the mask-induced humidity hydrates the respiratory tract and allows infected mucus to be cleared, preventing it reaching the lungs where it can cause damage and lead to severe cases of Covid. Soon you will need to keep your debit, credit card handy to make payments online RBI issues draft guidelines on credit default swaps India oi-Madhuri Adnal Mumbai, Feb 16: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday came out with the draft guidelines for allowing derivatives trading in the credit default swaps (CDS) in over-the-counter (OTC) markets and on recognised stock exchanges in the country. As per the draft, the debt instruments eligible to be a reference or deliverable obligation in a CDS contract will include commercial papers, certificates of deposit and non-convertible debentures of original maturity up to one year, rated corporate bonds (listed and unlisted) and unrated rupee bonds issued by the special purpose vehicles set up by infrastructure companies. Asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities and structured obligations, such as credit enhanced and guaranteed bonds, convertible bonds, and bonds with call-put options, will not be permitted as reference or deliverable obligations. The CDS refers to credit derivative contract in which protection seller commits to compensate the protection buyer for the loss in the value of an underlying debt instrument resulting from a credit event. In return, the protection buyer makes periodic payments (premium) to the protection seller until the maturity of the contract or the credit event, whichever is earlier. As per the draft guidelines, at least one of the parties to a CDS transaction will be a market-maker or a central counterparty authorised by the RBI. Sitharaman addresses RBI board, explains priorities of govt The market makers for CDS will include scheduled commercial banks, NBFCs and primary dealers with a minimum net worth of Rs 500 crore, Exim Bank, NABARD, National Housing Bank and SIDBI. The user of the credit derivatives contract can be retail as well as non-retail. The non-retail users include insurance companies, pension funds, mutual funds, alternate investment funds, and foreign portfolio investors. The guidelines further said the retail users will be allowed to undertake transactions in permitted credit derivatives for hedging their underlying credit risk, while the non-retail users may undertake transactions for hedging and other purposes. The stakeholders including banks and market participants can send their comments on the draft to the RBI by March 15, 2021. In December last year, the central bank had made announcement regarding the review of CDS guidelines. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 22:29 [IST] The Centre on Tuesday said that four cases of the South African COVID-19 strain have been detected in the country in January while another case of the Brazilian strain was reported in the first week of February. All five people have been quarantined and their contacts isolated and tested, the government further informed. Dr Balram Bhargava, while addressing a COVID-19 media briefing, said, "In India, the South African strain of COVID-19 has been detected in 4 returnees from South Africa. All travellers and their contacts have been tested and quarantined," "ICMR-NIV is attempting to isolate and culture the South African variant of SARS-CoV-2, while the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV-2 has been isolated and cultured at ICMR-NIV-Pune," he added. The government said that India currently has 187 UK variant patients. There have been no mortalities among the people infected with the UK variant. The ICMR chief said experiments are underway to assess the vaccine effectiveness against South African and Brazilian variants as they differ from the UK variant. Bhargava informed that the South African variant has already spread to 44 countries. Meanwhile, the government also said that Kerala and Maharashtra with 61,550 and 37,383 active cases respectively account for 72 per cent of the total active cases in the country. India's total active caseload has dropped to 1.36 lakh (1,36,872) on Tuesday. Also read: Northern Railways launches disposable bedding comfort kit in wake of COVID-19 Also read: More than 100 residents of Bengaluru multi story test positive for COVID-19 after party Jesse Willms discussed his latest business venture, how he turns customers into raving fans, and more. LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Jesse Willms, a prominent entrepreneur and business owner, has been featured in an exclusive interview with UK's leading business magazine Business Matters. In the wide-ranging interview, Jesse Willms discussed the vision behind his latest business venture: a network of vehicle history websites that enable consumers - four million a month and counting - to examine the history of used cars, and identify whether any vehicles of interest have ever been in an accident, have any unresolved safety recalls, or have any liens. Consumers also have the opportunity to access authentic, bias-free reviews from other drivers on all aspects of various vehicles. "Sometimes, the excitement of purchasing a car makes us ignore or overlook potential issues with it," shared Jesse Willms, who also has extensive experience in digital marketing and social media management. "Our free vehicle history reports help individuals understand what they are buying, so they can make confident and well-informed decisions." The free reports that Jesse Willms refers to are populated by multiple data sets from sources like insurance companies, auction houses, police departments, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Rather than trying to pull this information together, consumers get everything in a single, trusted and easy-to-understand package. Further in the interview with Business Matters, Jesse Willms also discussed how his company turns customers into raving fans, what separates his company from the competition, and what he believes is the one major key to his company's success. On cultivating raving fans, Jesse Willms commented: "The most obvious way we do this is by providing users with accurate information to ensure they are happy with their vehicle, and return when they need advice on their second or third purchase." On what separates his company from the competition, Jesse Willms commented: "I think I've done a good job of building a culture based on innovation. As the owner, it's my responsibility to create a working environment that highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration." And on what fundamentally makes his company successful, Jesse Willms commented: "We invest a lot of time and energy into marketing, which is a big part of why we've been so successful." When asked what advice he could give aspiring entrepreneurs, Jesse Willms offered some practical, yet profound guidance: think outside of the box, and avoid the temptation to copy what has already been done. He also encouraged new entrepreneurs to be resilient, and not be afraid of challenges and risks. "If we all gave up at the first sign of failure, there might not be any entrepreneurs out there," reflected Jesse Willms. "The trick is being able to bounce back when something doesn't go your way. I have made many mistakes throughout my career, but I have never let them define me. Instead, I acknowledge that an error was made and try to learn from it." The full text of Jesse Willms' interview with Business Matters, which explores many additional themes and topics from the highly successful entrepreneur's professional and personal life, is available on the official site. About Jesse Willms Jesse Willms is a prominent entrepreneur based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. As the owner of several vehicle history websites, Jesse Willms has amassed a wide range of professional experience. With over four million users worldwide, he remains a trusted industry source. Recognizing the importance of formal education, Jesse Willms recently launched his Academic Scholarship Program to help support students currently struggling to make tuition payments due to the pandemic. For more information on Jesse Willms please visit his official site here. Contact Information: Jesse Willms Website: https://jessewillms.com/ Email: apply@jessewillmsscholarship.com SOURCE: Jesse Willms View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629909/Entrepreneur-Business-Owner-Jesse-Willms-Featured-in-Exclusive-Interview-with-Business-Matters 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. Parler has returned to service people in bringing the "free internet," shortly after the recent announcement of its Founder and CEO who is not with the company to reap the joy and benefit. The free social media was the one critics and officials have blamed for the recent controversy in the US Capitol, causing major backers to boycott. The popular "free internet" where no rules are seemed to be followed and enforced, Parler, has now returned for people to use and re-login their previously made accounts to connect and discuss where they have left off. The shutdown of the social media network gained mixed reactions from the country, which sided to both the negative and positive aspects. Initially, Parler was the key and answer to the boycott of the big tech and social media networks including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the like, for its content moderation and community guidelines. People have aimed for a "free internet" where there are no rules and restrictions for them, which Parler has happily hosted for several months. Read Also: Clapper TikTok-Like App: Can It Replace Parler? Here's How It Works and Other Details Parler Back Online: How to Use it According to Screen Rant, old and new aspiring users can use and access the "free internet" social media, Parler, via its website and direct browser address of parler.com. The social media's website is a guaranteed way to use the social networking domain of Parler, especially to people who have turned their back on massive social media companies. Parler has a live server that is up and running now, and it is independent of its previous attachment to web client servers like the AWS, which kicked the site off. Moreover, users would be able to log back in, continue the discussions, and enjoy the benefits of the social media like before. However, new users would not be able to sign up or create new accounts because the feature is not yet available, as reported by Bree A Dail via Twitter (@breeadail). Does Parler Have Android and iOS Apps Too? On the other hand, Parler is not available on other platforms aside from web browsers and the internet, as the service is not as established as it was before. Parler's Ban from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store is still enforced, which users would not be seeing gone in these times. Parler's future is still uncertain, in terms of smartphone applications, as it has previously got on Apple and Google's bad side. The social media needs to exhibit that it would be a worthy addition to both application stores before it sees a re-return on the mobile platforms. Parler CEO John Matze, Where is He? Recently, the Parler board has cutoff and fired John Matze as the CEO of the social media website. This came in as a shock for Matze as he initially posted a statement in the previous placeholder website of Parler, which gave a message to all haters and fans. Related Article: Parler Fires CEO John Matze, Now Forced to Hide Amid Serious Threats! This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Rent-A-Coop Rent-A-Coop was purchased by Surge Private Equity, a PEG that typically seeks majority investments in growing organizations with EBITDA between $2M & $8M. WebsiteClosers.com, the worlds largest Technology and Internet Focused Business Brokerage, announces the sale of Rent-A-Coop. Rent-A-Coop is an exciting eCommerce Company that has taken the Chicken Rental & Products Vertical by storm. This Internet Company has several offerings, including the rental of complete Chicken Coops and Live Chickens to families, schools and organizations, as well as a large assortment of chicken and other animal products widely sold across the internet, especially on Amazon.com, where it has become a leader in that consumer products category. The company is based in Maryland and has accelerated during COVID-19 as more and more people begin to harness the idea of Backyard Chickens and a self-sustaining existence. All products developed by this company are tested at the companys two farms in New Jersey and Maryland, allowing consumers to get the benefit of an array of backyard animal products that have been fully vetted by the actual animals they are intended for. The result of this R&D is an assortment of products that have done exceedingly well in the online marketplaces they serve, with stellar reviews that prove their quality and customer (and animal) acceptance. Rent-A-Coop was purchased by Surge Private Equity, a Dallas, Texas based PEG that typically seeks majority investments in growing Lower Middle Market organizations with EBITDA between $2M and $8M. Together with its Lending Partners, Surge provides entrepreneurs with an exit opportunity, and its investors with strong yields and accessibility through lower investment minimums. Surge operates through an acquire and partner philosophy whereby an owner-operator will achieve a liquidity event and retain equity alongside Surge as they work together to continue building the company after closing. This helps achieve consistency and continuity throughout closing and transition, as well as decreasing the risk profile of the acquisition. Speaking about the acquisition, Mr. Tom Beauchamp with Surge stated, We want to thank the deal team at Website Closers for facilitating this transaction. We also thank the ownership of Rent-A-Coop for developing a successful brand that has many scale opportunities widely available to it. We are proud to be a part of this amazing brand and look forward to working with the Founders to achieve further scale. Considering selling or purchasing a business? Schedule a consultation today with a broker at Website Closers. A comprehensive database of Estonian soils and a map application has been completed in cooperation with researchers of the University of Tartu and the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The database makes Estonian soil information easily accessible and can be used from local farm-scale to national-level big data statistical analysis and machine-learning models. "Soil data is possibly the most undervalued and yet complicated type of environmental data there is. The diversity of organic, chemical, living and dead materials that make up a handful of dirt is astounding," said Alexander Kmoch, Research Fellow in Geoinformatics at the University of Tartu and the leading author of the study. Estonia has had very detailed soil information available for decades. It is digitally available on the Geoportal of the Estonian Land Board in several formats under a permissive open data license. Its main purposes include land evaluation and assessing potential for agricultural use. Unfortunately, it was not easy to make much use of the data so far. One of the reasons that limited the wider use of the soil map was the way the data was structured in the database. "For each soil unit, a series of complicated text codes and numbers describe very specialized soil type and soil texture, organic layer, rock content, and the potential for agricultural use. Only few experts can interpret that on a field-by-field basis, but it was close to impossible to derive large-scale actionable insights," said Kmoch. Researchers of the University of Tartu and the Estonian University of Life Sciences have undertaken the mammoth project of deciphering that information and providing it in an easily readable table-based form, with all the bits and pieces extracted into numbers and categories that are much easier to analyze and use in a variety of use cases. The new dataset is called EstSoil-EH, the Estonian soil dataset with ecological and hydrological variables all derived from the original soil map of Estonia. In addition, the new dataset is enriched with area and percentage information on six simple land-use types: arable, grassland, forest, wetland, urban/buildup and water. One can also find topographical variables like slope per each distinct soil unit. Furthermore, machine learning was used to complement the new dataset with the soil organic carbon estimates. This way it opens Estonian soil information to many new specialized use cases from digital agriculture support to forest management, environmental assessments, biodiversity restoration, eco-tourism and much more. "Countries like Lithuania and Latvia may have similar historical soil records from the Soviet era that could be turned into value-added datasets by using the same methodology," said Kmoch. ### A scientific peer-reviewed article describing the data processing and validation in detail was published in the journal Earth System Science Data. Explore the soil of Estonia interactively: https:/ / estsoil-eh. web. app/ Like many Donald Trump supporters, conservative donor Fred Eshelman awoke the day after the presidential election with the suspicion that something wasn't right. His candidate's apparent lead in key battleground states had evaporated overnight. The next day, the North Carolina financier and his advisers reached out to a small conservative nonprofit group in Texas that was seeking to expose voter fraud. After a 20-minute talk with the group's president, their first-ever conversation, Eshelman was sold. "I'm in for 2," he told the president of True the Vote, according to court documents and interviews with Eshelman and others. "$200,000?" one of his advisers on the call asked. "$2 million," Eshelman responded. Over the next 12 days, Eshelman came to regret his donation and to doubt conspiracy theories of rampant illegal voting, according to court records and interviews. Now, he wants his money back. The story behind the Eshelman donation - detailed in previously unreported court filings and exclusive interviews with those involved - provides new insights into the frenetic days after the election, when baseless claims led donors to give hundreds of millions of dollars to reverse President Joe Biden's victory. Trump's campaign and the Republican Party collected $255 million in two months, saying the money would support legal challenges to an election marred by fraud. Trump's staunchest allies in Congress also raised money off those false allegations, as did pro-Trump lawyers seeking to overturn the election results - and even some of their witnesses. True the Vote was one of several conservative "election integrity" groups that sought to press the case in court. Though its lawsuits drew less attention than those brought by the Trump campaign, True the Vote nonetheless sought to raise more than $7 million for its investigation of the 2020 election. Documents that have surfaced in Eshelman's litigation, along with interviews, show how True the Vote's private assurances that it was on the cusp of revealing illegal election schemes repeatedly fizzled as the group's focus shifted from one allegation to the next. The nonprofit sought to coordinate its efforts with a coalition of Trump's allies, including Trump attorney Jay Sekulow and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the documents show. Eshelman has alleged in two lawsuits - one in federal court has been withdrawn and the other is ongoing in a Texas state court - that True the Vote did not spend his $2 million gift and a subsequent $500,000 donation as it said it would. Eshelman also alleges that True the Vote directed much of his money to people or businesses connected to the group's president, Catherine Engelbrecht. Asked about the shifting focus from allegation to allegation, Engelbrecht said, "A good thorough investigation takes the course it takes, and we were not going to expose whistleblowers to make a quick headline." She said that the group's investigation "is ongoing even now." In court documents, True the Vote says Eshelman's money was spent properly. True the Vote's lawyer, James Bopp, said that no conditions were attached to Eshelman's donations and he is not entitled to the return of his money just because he didn't like the outcome. The court documents and interviews show how quickly Eshelman and his allies became disillusioned with True the Vote. "We were just not getting any data or proof," said Tom Crawford, who had worked for Eshelman as a lobbyist and served as his representative on the True the Vote effort. "We were looking at this and saying to ourselves, 'This just is not adding up.' " - - - True the Vote was formed in 2010 by Engelbrecht, a Texas-based tea party activist. Engelbrecht, 51, came to prominence during the Obama administration partly for accusing the Internal Revenue Service of improperly targeting True the Vote and other conservative nonprofit groups. True the Vote has spent the past decade aggressively promoting claims of voter fraud and pushing for voter-identification laws. The group has established itself as a hub for training volunteer poll watchers to monitor voters for their eligibility. Democrats have accused it of trying to intimidate minorities and other low-participation voters. As a nonprofit, True The Vote is required to be nonpartisan, and Engelbrecht has said that its mission has nothing to do with party politics. But it has worked with Republicans on other campaigns - for instance, partnering with the Georgia GOP on a "voter integrity" effort for last month's Senate runoffs in that state. Eshelman, 72, was not familiar with True the Vote before Election Day. A drug company founder turned financier whose Wilmington, N.C.-based firm invests in health-care companies, he had previously donated largely to initiatives and groups that championed free-market principles and attacked Democratic candidates. But after Biden jumped ahead - a shift election experts had expected as mail-in ballots were tallied - Eshelman asked Crawford for advice on funding an operation to determine if widespread fraud existed. Crawford agreed to help as an unpaid, informal adviser. "I thought about the range of possibilities around vote fraud," Eshelman said in an interview with The Washington Post. "There was already noise around cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, Atlanta and Philadelphia." He added: "I wanted to determine if this was legit. Can we find a real smoking gun?" Eshelman's Nov. 5 donation was easily the biggest gift True the Vote had ever received, according to a person familiar with its operations, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss matters in litigation. True the Vote had never raised more than $1.8 million in a single year, its tax returns show. The windfall propelled the nonprofit into action. That evening, Engelbrecht sent Crawford a one-page summary of the group's ambitious new "Validate the Vote 2020" campaign. It included a budget of $7.3 million and envisioned plans to set up cash rewards for whistleblowers, analyze voter data to identify "patterns of election subversion" and file lawsuits to "nullify the results" in seven battleground states. In a news release announcing the whistleblower program the next morning, Engelbrecht said: "Unfortunately, there is significant tangible evidence that numerous illegal ballots have been cast and counted in the 2020 general election, potentially enough to sway the legitimate results of the election in some of the currently contested states." But over the following days, in federal lawsuits True the Vote filed in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the group said the evidence for its claims was still being developed. The suits, filed by Bopp, said True the Vote would use "sophisticated and groundbreaking programs" to show that enough illegal votes had been cast - by noncitizens, felons, fake voters and others - to swing the election to Biden. "This evidence will be shortly forthcoming," each complaint said. Bopp, whose firm received a retainer of $500,000 for its work on the lawsuits, told The Post that there was "tons of evidence" of voter fraud but that it was "anecdotal, circumstantial." - - - True the Vote and Eshelman believed that finding people in swing states with vivid tales of voter fraud would be a crucial part of the project's success, according to emails. Crawford gave Eshelman regular updates about True the Vote's progress on that front. "We need [True the Vote] to get whistleblowers vetted and ready and to get their data teams beefed up," Crawford told Eshelman in a Nov. 10 email. Later that day, Crawford reported to the financier that a man in Yuma, Ariz., had come to True the Vote with allegations of large-scale "ballot harvesting" by Democrats in the region. "Please God let his story pan out," Crawford wrote. "Sensational," Eshelman replied, adding that he was "still committed to putting in big money" if progress was made. While it scrutinized the accounts of purported whistleblowers, True the Vote also sought to prove fraud through data analysis. Bopp's lawsuits promised "expert reports" comparing vote tallies with registration databases and other records. True the Vote, he wrote, had "persons with such expertise and data-analysis software already in place." Engelbrecht's Validate the Vote plan, an exhibit in the lawsuit, budgeted $1.75 million for "data and research" work. It was to be led by a company whose name evoked the shadowy world of intelligence operations: OPSEC Group. Records show that OPSEC had been formed less than two months earlier in Alabama by Gregg Phillips, a former True the Vote board member whose 2016 tweet was the source of the false claim that Trump would have won the popular vote that year but for millions of fraudulent votes by illegal immigrants. Phillips, 60, and Engelbrecht are business partners in a health-care company. Eshelman alleges in a legal filing - without providing evidence - that the two are also lovers. In an interview, Phillips denied any such romantic relationship. Engelbrecht declined to comment on the allegation. On Nov. 12, Eshelman and Crawford joined a conference call with Engelbrecht and Bopp to hear an update on the data analysis and other aspects of the legal plan. "I was encouraged," Eshelman wrote in an email to Crawford a couple of hours later, but noted: "You did not really give details on whistleblowers. Where are we on that?" Crawford replied that three whistleblower complaints, including the Yuma allegation, had survived initial screening. The following day, Eshelman wired another $500,000 to True the Vote. - - - On that day, Nov. 13, Engelbrecht received a bill for a $1 million publicity campaign from Old Town Digital Agency, an online advertising firm whose founder, Dikran Yacoubian, has worked in Republican politics on and off since the 1990s. Yacoubian had worked with Eshelman and helped introduce him to True the Vote. Eshelman and Crawford then brought Yacoubian on to help plan a publicity campaign. Most of the money was to cover the upfront costs of online ads to trumpet True the Vote's fraud findings, according to Yacoubian. The rest, he said, was to be spent on retainers for Republican consultants who would push the project's findings through political and media channels. Yacoubian said he had already begun securing the services of these consultants, including Robert Heckman, a longtime strategist for Graham. Yacoubian hoped Heckman would pass the group's findings on to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which Graham then chaired. But Engelbrecht didn't pay the $1 million bill, saying later in an email to Eshelman's handpicked firm that it had no contractual agreement with True the Vote and had not provided "any services." Her refusal to pay contributed to an emerging rift between Engelbrecht and Crawford, who at the same time was growing frustrated by what he described as the group's vague and ever-shifting leads. "There was a guy in Georgia who claimed to be the bagman for Stacey Abrams," Crawford told The Post. "It was, 'We're getting an affidavit,' and then it was, 'He ran away and we can't find him.' " The "ballot harvesting" whistleblower in Yuma turned out to have already contacted law enforcement, according to the person familiar with the group's operations. Two people were later indicted on a charge of submitting votes for other people - but during August's primary, not the general election. Yacoubian, too, was frustrated that True the Vote's whistleblowers were not materializing. "I really didn't get to do, on the promotion side, anything - because there wasn't anything to promote," he said in an interview. At one point, a publicist working for Engelbrecht instead sent Yacoubian an eight-minute video titled "Who Is Catherine Engelbrecht?" that she wanted posted online. Engelbrecht continued to make promises about whistleblowers, claiming in a Nov. 14 email to Eshelman: "We are writing up the briefs on these individuals now to give Senator Graham and Cruz." Heckman, the veteran Graham consultant, said he listened to a pair of conference-call presentations from Engelbrecht and Phillips but came away so unimpressed that he never even mentioned the effort to Graham. "I was asked to determine whether there was any legitimate evidence there," he told The Post. "My conclusion was there wasn't." In an email, Engelbrecht said the group shared promising early leads with Heckman while it continued to gather information. She acknowledged that her publicist sought help in posting the video. She denied that True the Vote gave Yacoubian and Crawford nothing to work with, saying that the group's own publicists were "working non-stop" at the time to issue news releases on its activities. "The fact is that [neither] Dikran nor Tom seemed interested in actually doing anything," she wrote. In any case, Crawford's exasperation was growing. "We cannot get ANY information from her or her team," he wrote in a Nov. 15 email to Eshelman. "It goes on and on like this." - - - As True the Vote struggled to produce solid whistleblower accounts, its lawsuits also failed to gain traction. Bopp, who serves as the group's general counsel, told The Post that he reached out to Trump and his legal team with a proposal: that they join forces. In phone conversations with Sekulow and Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal attorneys, Bopp said he urged the Trump legal team to adopt True the Vote's legal strategy, which hinged on persuading a federal judge to open up access to voter rolls. "It was becoming clear to me that the lawsuits we filed were not getting the attention they needed" from judges, Bopp said in an interview. "And the Trump legal effort was a disaster, both their strategy and the tactics." Bopp said Sekulow and Giuliani supported the proposal and told him they would recommend it to Trump. Bopp said that, at Sekulow's request, he briefed a group of Trump allies in a phone call that included Sekulow, Graham and Fox News host Sean Hannity. Giuliani did not respond to requests for comment. Representatives for Graham and Hannity declined to comment. Sekulow wrote in a text message: "I do not disclose discussions that I may have had on legal matters on behalf of a client." Bopp said that on the morning of Nov. 15 he spoke to Mark Meadows, Trump's chief of staff, and sent him a written proposal about True the Vote's legal approach. A spokesman for Meadows declined to comment. According to Bopp, Meadows said he would speak to Trump and get back to Bopp by 3 p.m. that day. But the call never came. The following day, Bopp decided to abandon all four of True the Vote's lawsuits, concluding that without the campaign's involvement the suits had little chance of advancing before the election was to be certified in December. The lawsuits were just one component of the operation Eshelman was funding, but True the Vote had pitched them as critical to overturning the election results. Bopp told Eshelman about the decision that day, during a tense phone call. Eshelman was furious, according to court documents and interviews. On Nov. 17, he sent Engelbrecht an email demanding the return of his money. True the Vote offered on Nov. 23 to return $1 million to settle the matter. Eshelman filed his first lawsuit two days later, saying the group had failed to provide an accounting of how the remainder of his money had been spent. He withdrew the federal lawsuit on Feb. 1 and filed the suit in Texas state court. None of Eshelman's money has been returned, court documents show. Bopp told The Post his firm ultimately billed True the Vote roughly $300,000 - more than half its retainer - for its work on the four lawsuits. He said he withdrew them because he "could see they were not going to accomplish anything." Overall, the experience left several people who were involved in the effort unconvinced that there ever was evidence of voter fraud to be discovered. Even Phillips, the former True the Vote board member, said he has doubts about the impact of any irregularities. "I don't know if there was enough to make a difference in the presidential election," he said. Crawford said: "I believe very much that Biden won and that anything we saw in terms of irregularities was not widespread enough to have changed the outcome." Eshelman said he still believes there was "some misbehavior" in the election. "But do I believe it might have risen to a degree that would change the electoral outcome?" he said. "I don't know." The "Great Migration" of the early twentieth century had segregation and the racist policies of the South as one of its roots. The largest human migration, Chunyun the Spring Festival Season in China is founded on the idea of visiting one's family. Today, we are witnessing a historic migration in the United States from metropolitan to rural areas that many view as an escape from rising crime rates, urban decay, or maybe something else. Before we dig into the current exodus from American cities, we should have a quick peek inside those other historic population movements Let's start with a second look at the "Great Migration." Historians bookend it somewhere between 1916 and 1970, when more than six million Black Americans moved from the southern states to northern and western cities. Putting this in perspective, in 1940 (roughly the midpoint), the U.S. Census pegged the entire Black population of America at around twelve million folks. That's right: over fifty percent of all Blacks moved out of the South during that 50-year period! Most say it was to escape Jim Crow and racial prejudice. But Blacks, once installed at their new addresses in cities like St. Louis, Chicago, and even Omaha, still faced blatant racism, riots, and even the bastion of the unionized left the AFL advocating the segregation of Blacks and Whites in the workplace. Racism is partly a cover story for why they moved. In reality, they moved for jobs factory jobs, railroad jobs, warehouse jobs that paid better than sharecropped agriculture. The Great Migration was an economic event, not so much a social cause. Every spring, halfway around the world, the Chinese celebrate by traveling home for a week. Boarding trains, planes, and automobiles, they crisscross the country by the billions 3.5 billion at last count. Yes, it is about having a week's vacation, but even as recent as a decade or so ago, this mass migration was nowhere near this size. Its growth isn't about a resurgence in family relations; it's about returning home from jobs taken in urban areas and in specialized economic zones. Because of government limits on relocating, a third of China's entire workforce has escaped rural agriculture for the cities by leaving their families behind to maintain an "official" residence. It's the Great Migration without really moving, and again, it's about economics. So much for the history lesson now let's flip forward to the present time. We'll call this period "Backwards Land." People aren't escaping the poverty of subsistence agriculture to live in cities; they're doing exactly the opposite. The giant concrete jungles of the west, the upper mid-west, and the east are witnessing a new mass migration people are leaving town! Is it because of crime? Is it because of liberal politics? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Not so fast! Guess what's causing it. Shhhh...it's economics. Actually, it's a special kind of economics we'll call "Tech-nomics." During the "Industrial Migration" of the late 1800s, people moved to the cities because technology created jobs. Interchangeable parts, assembly lines, electricity, even communications created millions of opportunities to earn more money than staying on the farm hoeing chard. People moved from rural areas to urban centers because they were paid more. Today the reason for the opposite migration is also simple, only this time it's not about income. It's about costs. It's too expensive to live in cities, and technology now affords the opportunity for millions to work anywhere. The urban areas seeing the greatest exodus are mostly those with the highest costs of living. And perhaps the only upside to the COVID-19 epidemic is the realization by companies that people don't all have to show up daily in the same physical place to be just as productive. Large firms like Nationwide Insurance, Hitachi, and Novartis are all embracing the idea of remote work. These giants, along with scores of other companies big and small, are either moving most or all of their workforce online or encouraging voluntary online moves by their employees. And the employees love it! A recent Gallup poll found that over three fifths of all workers forced to move online because of the pandemic would prefer to stay that way forever. More importantly, once freed from the burden of showing up at the office, these workers and their families are hightailing it out of town migrating to the countryside. Let's take a look at an example. People are fleeing the San Francisco area by the tens of thousands. Once they no longer need to toil away in nondescript cubicle farms, why would they stay in one of the most expensive places on Earth? Housing, transportation, taxes, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera why not move your employment online and your family to, say, Boise, an emerging "Zoomtown"? In 2019, the median household income in San Francisco was about $114,500, and the median home price was around $1.4 million. That's a ratio of almost 11 to 1. That same year in Idaho, the median income was $60,000, and, according to the Boise Regional Realtors, the median home price was about $360,000 a 6 to 1 ratio. And that assumes you retain your same job and same employer but that your salary gets cut by 50%. True, you may have to take a small pay reduction, but not by half, and yet your housing costs will be cut by almost 400%! Yes, a few people are fleeing cities to get a simpler, less crime-filled, less polluted life. Most, however, are leaving because, just like in the 1800s, technology has moved the jobs. A better quality of life? Yes. Lower costs? Definitely yes! It's about economics folks, and full disclosure: I wrote and filed this article from my home while eating nachos in my underwear. Kevin Cochrane teaches economics and business at Colorado Mesa University and is a visiting professor of economics at The University of International Relations in Beijing. SOURCES: "1940 Statistical Abstract of the United States." Part 2, pp. 13: https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/1941/compendia/statab/62ed/1940-02.pdf "Tracing the Largest Seasonal Migration on Earth." School of Public Administration & Law, Dalian University of Technology, pp. 1. https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1411/1411.0983.pdf Statista. "Number of migrant workers in China from 2009 to 2019."pp.2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/234578/share-of-migrant-workers-in-china-by-age/ "U.S. Workers Discovering Affinity for Remote Work." Gallup. Chart 2. https://news.gallup.com/poll/306695/workers-discovering-affinity-remote-work.aspx "American Community Survey Briefs." U.S. Census Bureau. Pp. 2 -5. https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acsbr20-03.pdf "San Francisco Home Value Index." Zillow. Chart 1. https://www.zillow.com/san-francisco-ca/home-values/ "American Community Survey Briefs." U.S. Census Bureau. Pp. 2 -5. https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acsbr20-03.pdf "Boise Home Prices at Record Leve..." Boise Dev. pp 1. https://boisedev.com/news/2020/02/24/boise-home-prices-rentals/ Image via Needpix. While not the legendary naturalist himself, one Sir David Attenborough could be spotted off the north coast on Monday. As part of ongoing sea trials and mariner training, one of the most advanced polar research vessels, which is named in honour of the veteran wildlife broadcaster, was seen sailing in the waters near Castlerock. On board was another vessel that may ring a bell for many - the one and only Boaty McBoatface. Back in 2016 RRS Boaty McBoatface nearly came into being in the form of the 129-metre vessel when BBC Radio Jersey presenter James Hand suggested the humorous moniker as part of a naming initiative for the ship launched by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). While the funny title won the poll, it was instead decided to name the ship RRS Sir David Attenborough. But that was not the end of Boaty McBoatface, as it is the name of one of the vessel's remotely-controlled submarines. Costing 200m, RRS Sir David Attenborough was handed over to the NERC, which commissioned it, and operators the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), by shipbuilder Cammell Laird on November 27 last year. It is expected to start polar operations this year following a period of intensive training, trialling and testing. It represents the UK Government's largest investment in the field of polar science since the 1980s. The ship is designed to operate in extreme environments and is equipped with a range of specialist facilities, laboratories and tools to help scientists study the ocean, seafloor, ice and atmosphere. With a strengthened hull that can break through ice up to one metre thick and the ability to spend up to 60 days at sea, the ship can undertake extensive voyages. RRS Sir David Attenborough will operate year-round, spending part of the year supporting Arctic research cruises and part in the Antarctic carrying out research and bringing people and supplies to BAS stations on the continent. For Coleraine man Matthew Neill, chief officer aboard, the ship's visit to the scenic north coast was something of a homecoming for the sailor, who lives in Magilligan. "We've been out on sea trials. Last week we left Holyhead in Wales and then we went to the west coast of Scotland, testing the systems and basically how to drive the ship," he told the Belfast Telegraph on Monday night. "And then on the way back south - because I'm from Northern Ireland - we had the opportunity to swing past and do some trials off the Northern Irish coast. "We started at Magilligan, then slowly made our way to Portrush, past Portstewart. Then we made our way to the Giant's Causeway, and then towards Rathlin." Expand Close Matthew Neill on the bridge of the ship / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Matthew Neill on the bridge of the ship At Portrush the crew carried out some anchoring trials and man overboard exercises, all in preparation ahead of the vessel going off to "deep sea". He added: "We are looking to go south to Antarctica in November this year, until possibly May 2022." Due to Covid restrictions, neither Matthew nor the 30-strong crew could come ashore, but the vessel still received a warm welcome. "Polar vessels are always red and they are quite an unusual ship, so going close to the coast, people are always amazed by it, because they'll probably never see it again," explained Matthew. "There was a good turnout of people at Portrush as well, waving at us, and pictures on social media as well. "It was also great to see people I've worked with for years and everyone was really positive about the north coast. "They really liked the scenery. Some of the guys who own their own boats are definitely going to come up here when they're allowed to." The ship is now on course to Falmouth, before returning to Holyhead in a few days' time. Reflecting on his brief trip back home, Matthew stressed it had been great to be able to "show it off". "The [Boaty McBoatface] name doesn't bother me because it brought attention to what it's about, and people are becoming more aware of environmental issues," he added. Snow will pick up in intensity early this evening in the Flint area and Genesee County. Once the snow is done Tuesday late morning or early afternoon, the Flint area will be on the northern edge of the heaviest snowfall area of Michigan. Flint and Genesee County have been added to a newly issued Winter Storm Warning, with 6 inches being the criteria. RELATED: Winter Storm Warning issued for Detroit, Ann Arbor, much of southeast Lower Michigan The last few storms have had snowfall that we call efficient. Around southeast Michigan, the flakes have been light and fluffy, and they stacked up easily. So, while the shovel didnt weigh a lot, the amount of snow you measured has been on the upper end of the forecast range. Tonights snow should be the same- fluffy snow that stacks up and doesnt compress. Heres the official forecast from the National Weather Service. Their forecast is a good compromise between the highest model forecast and a group of lower model forecasts. Total snow forecast through Thursday morning. All of the snow will fall today through Tuesday. (Forecast: National Weather Service offices) Now its always good to give you a range of snowfall amounts in the forecast. In this graphic above you can see Flint straddles the 4 to 6-inch range and the six to eight inch range. Remember, this is going to be a fluffy snow that doesnt compress. So the ruler measurement will look impressive, but the weight of the shovel wont be oppressive. In Flint, Id plan on at least 5 inches of snow by noon Tuesday, with maybe as much as 7 inches of snow. Six inches of snow in Flint is probably a good likelihood. As you go into northern Genesee County, around Clio, plan on more like 4 to 5 inches of snow. The Grand Blanc area, Fenton and Holly should expect 6 inches of snow to as much as 8 inches of snow. READ MORE Jackson: You are in the heaviest snow area tonight and Tuesday morning Ann Arbor, Detroit: You are in the heaviest snow area tonight and Tuesday EpiVario Bringing deep expertise in the areas of neuroscience, psychology, and epigenetics, these individuals will help EpiVario with its ongoing research efforts to utilize novel medical and scientific discoveries for the development of therapeutics for memory- and addiction-related diseases. - Dr. Berger EpiVario, Inc., a preclinical stage drug discovery and development company, today announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprised of leading experts in neuroscience, psychology, and epigenetics. The SAB will guide and advise the Company on the translation of core discoveries into the research and development of therapeutic approaches for memory-related psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, drug and alcohol use disorder, and Alzheimers disease. Along with EpiVarios co-founders Shelley Berger, PhD, Daniel S. Och University Professor, University of Pennsylvania, and Philipp Mews, PhD, Instructor, Friedman Brain Institute at Mount Sinai, the SAB includes the following world-renowned neuroscientists, epigeneticists, and health professionals: Tony Kouzarides, PhD, FMedCsi, FRS: Dr. Kouzarides is Professor of Cancer Biology at the University of Cambridge, Director of the Milner Therapeutics Institute and Senior Group Leader at the Gurdon Institute. Dr. Kouzarides is a leading expert in epigenetics, and its role in cancer. His laboratory identified one of the first enzymes that modifies chromatin, the acetyltransferase CBP, in addition to many new epigenetic pathways that are now targeted in drug development. Dr. Kouzarides is a co-founder of Abcam plc, a publicly trading research reagents company, as well as a co-founder of two UK-based cancer drug discovery companies, Chroma Therapeutics and STORM Therapeutics. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, and an International Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. John H. Krystal, MD: Dr. Krystal is Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University. He is a leading expert in the areas of alcoholism, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. His work links psychopharmacology, neuroimaging, molecular genetics, and computational neuroscience to study the neurobiology and treatment of these disorders. Dr. Krystal is best known for leading the discovery of the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Medicine, and serves in a variety of advisory and review capacities for NIAAA, NIMH, the Wellcome Trust, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, the Broad Institute, and the Karolinska Institute. Eric Nestler, MD, PhD: Dr. Nestler is a Nash Family Professor of Neuroscience, Director of the Friedman Brain Institute, and Dean for Academic and Scientific Affairs at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. He is a leading expert in the molecular basis of addiction and depression, utilizing preclinical animal models. His research has established that drug- and stress-induced changes in genetic transcription factors and chromatin remodeling mechanisms in reward pathways mediate long-lived behavioral changes relevant to addiction and depression. Dr. Nestler is the scientific co-founder of PsychoGenics, a Fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as the past President of the Society for Neuroscience. Li-Huei Tsai, PhD: Dr. Tsai is the Director of the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Picower Professor of Neuroscience, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Senior Associate Member of the Broad Institute. Dr. Tsai is a pioneer in the fields of neuroepigenetics and neurodegeneration. Her work established a key role of chromatin modifications in preclinical models of Alzheimers disease and have uncovered related alterations in the human brain. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, and an Academician of the Academia Sinica in Taiwan. She also co-founded the Aging Brain Initiative at MIT, and is co-director of the Alana Down Syndrome Center at MIT. "We are delighted to welcome this group of distinguished experts to our scientific advisory board, said Dr. Berger. Bringing deep expertise in the areas of neuroscience, psychology, and epigenetics, these individuals will help EpiVario with its ongoing research efforts to utilize novel medical and scientific discoveries for the development of therapeutics for memory- and addiction-related diseases. I am excited to work with EpiVario and their novel epigenetic approach to reduce the adverse memory that is linked to post-traumatic stress and drug craving, said Dr. Nestler. I agreed to serve on the SAB with the other distinguished scientists in order to help EpiVario with its scientific understanding and to take the optimal translational approach towards new therapies. I know both Dr. Mews and Dr. Berger well and respect them greatly, and I am very much looking forward to working with them. In addition to establishing its Scientific Advisory Board, EpiVario has also commenced scientific collaborations with leading investigators around the world on the application of therapeutics for memory- and addiction-related diseases. The new research collaborators and projects include: Hagit Cohen, PhD, Professor, Jack Dreyfus Chair in Psychiatry, Head of Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University: Dr. Cohen is studying the impact of one of EpiVarios therapeutic molecules on anxiety and stress responses using a rat predatory scent-stress model. Christopher Cowan, PhD, Chair, Department of Neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina: Dr. Cowan is studying the impact of one of EpiVarios therapeutic molecules in a rat self-administration model for cocaine addiction. Paul Kenny, PhD, Professor and Chair, Drug Discovery Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai: Dr. Kenny is studying the impact of one of EpiVarios therapeutic molecules in a rat self-administration model for nicotine addiction. Marcelo Wood, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at the University of California, Irvine: Dr. Wood is studying one of EpiVarios drug candidates in mouse stress models to determine if treatment can reduce fear response to traumatic memory while retaining prior non-stress memories. I was interested in collaborating with EpiVario and its team because their novel approach could provide a new treatment for substance use disorders that are currently lacking effective therapies, said Dr. Cowan. Harnessing epigenetic regulation of gene expression has tremendous potential, and our preclinical models of substance use disorders can help to validate EpiVarios approach for reducing drug seeking across a number of abused substances. Dr. Berger, Dr. Mews, and Penn are co-founders of the company and hold equity in EpiVario. Both Penn and the inventors of the optioned technology may also be entitled to receive additional financial benefits if the technology is licensed to EpiVario in the future. For more information on EpiVario, please visit: http://www.epivario.com # # # About EpiVario, Inc. EpiVario is a preclinical stage drug discovery and development company that targets a wide range of memory-related psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, drug and alcohol use disorder, and Alzheimers disease. The Companys novel approach targets memory formation at the source of the disease, preventing the creation and reconsolidation of maladaptive memories. Core to EpiVario is administering its drug in conjunction with psychotherapy, where a negative or traumatic memory is intentionally re-lived, with the goal of disassociating the stress linked to the original traumatic memory. EpiVario is a biotechnology company originally founded at the Penn Center for Innovation. For more information visit http://www.epivario.com. [February 16, 2021] LiteLink Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Equity Stake in Canada's Premier Cryptocurrency Exchange, CatalX VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - LiteLink Technologies Inc. ("LiteLink'' or "the Company'') (CSE:LLT) (OTC:LLNKD) (FRA: C0B:FF), a company focused in emerging technologies across growth sectors including: crypto, blockchain, AI and cloud technologies is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive agreement to complete an equity investment in CatalX CTS Ltd., ("CatalX") Canada's premier cryptocurrency exchange with over 40+ Altcoins available for purchase. CatalX is a Canadian-based FINTRAC registered and compliant digital asset exchange platform that specializes in cryptocurrency trading, blockchain and cybersecurity technology. CatalX has developed a scalable and modularized platform with a trading engine that can scale to millions of users in real time and cutting-edge cyber security system CyberSmoat, which is patent pending. The equity investment of C$2,000,000 will result in LiteLink obtaining 24,217 Class A voting shares of CatalX at a valuation of $10,526,315.79. The investment also gives LiteLink ownership and control of 19% of the outstanding share capital of CatalX. The equity investment will be satisfied through the issuance of 15,000,000 common shares of LiteLink to CatalX and a cash payment to CatalX of $500,000. In conjunction with closing of the investment, LiteLink will also pay a finders' fee to an arm's-length party of 750,000 common shares of Litelink. All securities issued in connection with the investment in CatalX will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities law. CatalX has continued to see an increase in both its trading volume and daily deposits in 2021. Some of the key metrics from January and the first nine days of February include: Monthly net deposits grew to approx. C$1.3 million Monthly trading volume reached $4.2 million in January, an increase of 426% MoM in January, an increase of 426% MoM Daily deposit volume in the first nine days of February increased 65% MoM to $566,000 34% increase in trading volume for the first 12 days of February ( $1.3 million ) compared to first 12 days of January ) compared to first 12 days of January 45% increase in deposit for the first 12 days of February ($586,000) compared to first 12 days of January "We are very excited to invest in CatalX and gain a valuable stake in the booming crypto market," said LiteLink Technologies CEO Peter Green . "CatalX, which is Canada's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has had an outstanding year and continues to grow. In January, CatalX experienced significant growth in its trading volume, which increased by 426% month-over-month and saw its net deposits grow by 236% during the same period. In short, this company is growing very quickly." "I'm excited about our partnership with LiteLink Technology, which has strong leadership from Peter Green, a visionary board of directors and an amazing ecosystem of technology from IoT devices, blockchain applications and technology in the fintech space," said CatalX founder and CEO Jae Park. "CatalX gives Canadians and partners access to the best liquidity, tightest spreads, de-risks CAD/USD FX through our backend algorithm and also access to the most alt-coins and trading pairs in the country. All of these features are great on their own, but as CEO and Co-founder I'm most proud of our partnerships with Bittrex Global, a regulated exchange known for its attention to security and compliance connecting the world's exchanges with its network and vision. Finally, as CEO of CatalX, security and compliance is not just very important, I take it personally," Park added. Features of the CatalX platform include: Fully featured exchange order book $0 deposit fees and immediate funding (post-KYC) 0.15% trading fees Tightest buy and sell spreads in Canada under 0.1% Lowest rates to buy BTC in Canada LiteLink is at arm's-length from CatalX. Completion of the investment in CatalX is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, negotiation of a shareholder's agreement in a form acceptable to LiteLink. The proposed investment is not expected to constitute a fundamental change for LiteLink, and it is not expected to result in a change of control of the company, within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. About LiteLink Technologies Inc. LiteLink Technologies Inc. (CSE:LLT) (OTC:LLNKD) (FRA: C0B:FF) is a company focused on emerging technologies across growth sectors including: crypto, blockchain, AI and cloud technologies. Led by senior leaders and industry experts, LiteLink invests in and provides subject matter experts within portfolio companies to accelerate success and maximize value for shareholders. About CatalX Exchange CatalX is a Canadian-based is a digital asset exchange platform that specializes in cryptocurrency trading, blockchain and cybersecurity technology. As a fully regulated Cryptocurrency exchange with FINTRAC, CatalX has the highest standards in security and compliance and is partnered with world-trusted names in Blockchain technologies, risk management and financial solutions including Bittrex, Prime Trust, Trulioo and Stably to provide their users with a trusted, secure platform. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/litelink-signs-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-equity-stake-in-canadas-premier-cryptocurrency-exchange-catalx-301228867.html SOURCE LiteLink Technologies Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Hopes were raised earlier this month that all staff in special schools, who work with some of the most vulnerable children in society, would be among the professions jumped up the queue to receive early vaccinations to allow the pupils to return safely. (Ian West/PA) Concerns have been raised around the safety of staff and pupils attending special schools in Northern Ireland after it emerged teachers will not be moved up the vaccination list. Hopes were raised earlier this month that all staff in special schools, who work with some of the most vulnerable children in society, would be among the professions jumped up the queue to receive early vaccinations to allow the pupils to return safely. Several special schools have already moved to a two-day week to keep the number of those attending to a manageable level. Read More But despite suggestions from the Education Minister that all staff could be in line for early vaccinations, the proposal was rejected by the Department of Health. Peter Weir said the Executive had been "reluctant" to hold a vote on the plan with only specific staff who care for clinically vulnerable children to be prioritised for vaccination. Justin McCamphill, northern official with the NASUWT, said there was a pressing need for protection for those working with the most vulnerable. "Staff in special schools are working in close contact with children on a day-to-day basis with no protection in relation to PPE and they are extremely anxious that they are exposing themselves to risk," he said. He said these staff deserved to be treated in the same way as frontline health workers. [February 16, 2021] Alpha Innovations and Arcanum Capital Announce the Launch of Arcanum Emerging Technologies Fund I Hamilton, Bermuda, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (via Blockchain Wire) Asset management firms Alpha Innovations (AI) and Arcanum Capital (Arcanum) today announced the launch of the Arcanum Emerging Technologies Fund I (the Fund) on the Alpha Innovations Laureates fund platform. The Fund is focused on providing seed and series A financing to blockchain technology companies in emerging markets. We see a tremendous untapped opportunity to invest in early-stage blockchain companies in emerging markets, where the talent pool is incredibly deep and highly skilled. Companies there are able to access the human resources they need far more economically, and are providing fantastic employment opportunities for talented programmers in these regions, stated Arcanum founding member, James McDowall. India is a particular focus of ours given our deep relationships within their blockchain ecosystem. Our on-the-ground presence and strong reputation allow us access to quality deal flow that is challenging for other VCs to attain without the robust local network our team members have built over the last several years, added Karthik Bupathi of Arcanum. Lawrence Newhook, CEO of Alpha Innovations, noted We seek opportunities to partner with asset managers who can offer unique sources of alpha to our investors. While there have been other blockchain-focused VC funds, we chose to partner with Arcanum due to their depth of expertise and the edge they have created through their focused mandateboth of which make them well-positioned to provide institutional investors with a unique source of uncorrelated alpha. This fund is anticipated to be the first of a series of funds launched by Arcanum, with an anticipated initial close in late February 2021. We are excited to be partnering with Alpha Innovations on this launch, noted Luchang Zheng of Arcanum. Leveraging their deep experience in structuring and bringing innovtive funds to market has allowed us to keep our focus on building and carrying out due diligence on our pipeline of deals, she added. Alpha Innovations and Arcanum have partnered with premier service providers including Apex Fund Services, Walkers (Bermuda) and KPMG (Bermuda) for this fund launch. Ross Webber, Managing Director of Apex Bermuda said: Apex is delighted to provide full fund administration to support Alpha Innovations as they grow their platform and continue to innovate in Bermuda. We are excited by their pioneering use of the Bermuda ISAC structure and we look forward to continuing to work together. About Alpha Innovations Ltd. Alpha Innovations is a global asset management firm designed to provide institutional investors and high net worth individuals access to diverse sources of true alpha. The core team consists of talent from blue chip firms including Point72, Balyasny Asset Management, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Bermuda and serves as the Platform Manager of the Laureates fund platform. Alpha Innovations is also the parent company of AI Global Investors (USA) LLC, a US-based asset management platform. For more information, visit alphainnovations.io and aigi.io. About Arcanum Capital LLC Arcanum Capital is a US-based investment advisor with principals and advisors across multiple continents. The firm is focused on accelerating the growth of early-stage technology startups in emerging markets. Arcanums leadership have served as both operators and investors in frontier and emerging markets since 2013 and have incubated and worked extensively with numerous emerging technology companies around the world, from startups to decentralized networks to publicly listed companies. For more information, visit arcanum.capital. Investor Relations and Data Room Access Requests IR@alphainnovations.io Media Contact media@alphainnovations.io 646.854.5900 Coindesk Coverage https://www.coindesk.com/new-emerging-markets-fund-targets-blockchain-defi-startups The fund described herein is open to non-U.S. investors, and to U.S. accredited investors only through an offering made in accordance with Regulation D, Rule 506(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In purchasing securities through a 506(c) offering, we are obligated to verify any participating investors status as an accredited investor in accordance with Rule 501 of Regulation D. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. We do not make any representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this press release and undertake no obligation to update the information. Past performance is not an indicator of any future results. All investments contain risk and may lose value. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of interest to purchase any securities. Any solicitation or offer may only be made via the Platform Prospectus and relevant Fund Supplement and not in any country or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not permitted by law. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- After unprecedented demand, the Cabinet of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has approved the extension of a limited time offer under its Citizenship by Investment Programme. The limited time offer launched last year and was initially anticipated to last only six months. Now, due to popularity, it has been extended. The Programme, introduced in 1984 after St Kitts and Nevis gained independence from the United Kingdom, offers investors a safe and secure route to second citizenship once contributing through the Sustainable Growth Fund. The fund option is the fastest and most straightforward route to St Kitts and Nevis citizenship and is the only path that offers the limited time offer. Under the discount, families of up to four can gain citizenship for $150,000 rather than the previous $195,000. This accounts for a $45,000 price cut. The importance of keeping the family structure together is reflected in St Kitts and Nevis' CBI Programme, making it particularly attractive to Middle Eastern families. "In addition to the parents of the main applicant, the spouse [] and the grandparents can also apply They'll have to be over the age of 55 years," noted Les Khan, CEO of St Kitts and Nevis' CBI Unit on the significance of the limited time offer. "This was an adjustment that we made to accommodate and recognise that in the Middle East specifically, there are a lot of families where the parents take early retirement and now become dependent on the children at a very early age. [This adjustment] reinforces the government's thoughtfulness in considering such a family," he added. With nearly four decades of experience and longevity within the investment migration realm, St Kitts and Nevis' CBI Programme has been hailed as the industry's Platinum Standard brand. Investors who pass the necessary security checks unlock access to visa-free travel to 156 destinations, the right to live, work and study in the nation and build a legacy by passing down citizenship for generations to come. "It's with this unrivalled experienced within the industry that has kept investors attracted to St Kitts and Nevis. In addition, the value of keeping the family together has become a focal point for investors acquiring second citizenship and St Kitts and Nevis is one of the few programmes that takes this into consideration," says Paul Singh, Director of CS Global Partners. Investors who choose St Kitts and Nevis can rest assured that they are selecting a Programme that has stood the test of time and is regarded as one of the best routes to second citizenship within the market. The annual 2020 CBI Index scored the Programme top points regarding its due diligence framework, citizenship timeline, ease of processing and more. Contact: +44 (0)7867 942505 [email protected] www.csglobalpartners.com SOURCE CS Global Partners Related Links https://csglobalpartners.com [February 16, 2021] UST Named a Top Employer 2021 in Eight Countries ~ Top Employers Institute Certification For Three Consecutive Years Highlights UST's People-First Practices & Culture~ BENGALURU, India, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has been certified as a Top Employer in the US, United Kingdom, Malaysia, India, Mexico, Spain, Singapore, and the Philippines for 2021 by the Top Employers Institute (TEI), the global authority on recognizing excellence in people practices in the workplace. The Top Employers Institute assesses HR best practices worldwide. It recognizes the world's leading employers to provide employees with the best working conditions and opportunities for personal and professional development. The program has certified and recognized more than 1,600 Top Employers in 120 countries across five continents since its establishment 30 years ago. Since first embarking on the annual certification program in 2018, UST has continued to improve year-on-year across all measured criteria, including employee offerings around Talent Strategy, Leadership Development, Workforce Planning, Career & Succession Management, On-Boarding, Compensation & Benefits, Learning & Development, Culture, and Performance Management amongst others. Speaking on this, Manu Gopinath, Chief Operating Officer, UST said, "Our talent and people practices have been critical drivers for organizational growth. The goal has always been to ochestrate a talent ecosystem that is responsive, accommodative, and agile. With the onset of the pandemic last year and most of our global workforce operating remotely, their productivity and engagement, well-being, and trust were integral to ensuring customer deliverables with minimal distractions. It was a business imperative to assess, revalidate, and transform our people processes." "Participating in the Top Employers Institute Certification program has always been a fantastic learning opportunity. I am delighted that UST is recognized as a "Top Employer" for the third time in a row, and I thank the Top Employers Institute and all our associates for this remarkable recognition," Gopinath added. In addition to the Top Employers certification, UST was also recognized by Great Place to Work, the world's foremost authority on workplace culture, in India, UK, and the US. The company was also honored with a Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award, for being one of the Top 100 Best Places to Work in 2020. "With a human-centered approach and the power of technology, UST champions curiosity and lifelong learning," added Kavita Kurup, Global Head - Talent and Organizational Transformation, UST, "The Top Employers certification emphasizes our dedication to our people, who continue to break ground and show that with every new challenge, there is an opportunity to excel, an opportunity to create boundless impact and transform lives." About Top Employers Institute Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognizing excellence in People Practices. We help accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Institute Certification Program, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognized as an employer of choice. Established 30 years ago, Top Employers Institute has certified over 1,600 organizations in 120 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 7 million employees globally. About UST For more than 20 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizations-delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries and around the world. Together, with over 26,000 employees in 25 countries, we build for boundless impact-touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at ust.com. Media Contacts, UST: Tinu Cherian Abraham +1 (949) 415-9857 Neha Misri +91-9972631264 media.relations@ust.com Media Contacts, US: Suzanne Dawson, S&C PR +1-646.941.9140 sdawson@scprgroup.com Cecile Fradkin, S&C PR +1-646.941.9139 cfradkin@scprgroup.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 14:19:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 106 people were killed and 1,076 injured in road accidents across Laos in January, according to the latest report from the Lao Ministry of Public Security. According to the report issued by the traffic police department under the Lao Ministry of Public Security, there were 713 road accidents across the country during January, with 106 people were killed, 1,076 others were injured and 1,286 vehicles damaged. The cost of the damage incurred was estimated at over 11 billion Lao kip (about 1.1 million U.S. dollars). The two major causes of road accidents in Laos are drunk driving and reckless driving. Traffic police in the country are concentrating on a road safety campaign, especially in schools, which provides information on traffic regulations and the dangers of careless driving, according to the report. Enditem Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The World Health Organization said Monday that only around one percent of the wider Middle East region's population had received a first coronavirus vaccine shot Cairo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Feb, 2021 ):The World Health Organization said Monday that only around one percent of the wider Middle East region's population had received a first coronavirus vaccine shot. The UN body released its data for what it calls the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) of nearly 600 million people, stretching from Morocco to Pakistan -- but excluding Israel. "So far, more than 6.3 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been given to people in 12 countries," Ahmed al-Mandhari, the Cairo-based WHO's regional chief, told reporters. WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) comprises 21 member states and is home to some 583 million people. But while it includes the Palestinian Territories, it does not include Israel, the country in the region with the biggest mass vaccination campaign. Israel reports that 3.8 million people have received a first dose, while 2.4 million have received a second shot. Mandhari did not name the 12 countries where people have been already vaccinated. But he said that vaccines distributed through the Covax programme are due to reach Tunisia and the Palestinian Territories in coming weeks. Tunisia is expected to receive around 37,000 doses, while 94,000 doses will go to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, he said, without specifying the brands. The remaining countries in WHO's region are due to receive "an estimated 46 million to 56 million doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine... during the first half of this year," Mandhari said. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been more than six million confirmed cases of the virus across the EMRO region, including 140,000 deaths, Mandhari said. Thirteen countries are affected by variants of the coronavirus, he added. Mandhari also warned of the "unequal distribution of the vaccine roll-out" globally, and said it was "difficult to predict" how many vaccines were available. "A number of countries in the region have entered into bilateral agreements with manufacturers," he said, but predicting that "the pace of these agreements will accelerate". Lebanon was the latest country to launch its vaccination drive on Sunday. Bed occupancy in Covid-19 intensive care units in Lebanon, which saw a spike in cases after the December holidays, stood at more than 89 percent on Friday. More Oxford colleges and departments are forcing students and staff to have 'unconscious bias training' to root out hidden racist behaviour even though there's no evidence that it works. The Government insists that the training 'does not achieve its intended aims', could make discrimination issues worse, and should be axed by the public sector. Yet the courses remain popular, including at Somerville, Margaret Thatcher's former Oxford college, where students were ordered to pass a test in which they had to concede that a black lecturer would be more unpopular than white colleagues. Following an outcry, Somerville's principal, Lady Royall, said students would no longer be compelled to take the course, but other colleges are still insisting undergraduates and dons complete the often 'poor quality and ineffective' training. More Oxford colleges (Christ Church pictured) are forcing students and staff to have 'unconscious bias training' to root out hidden racist behaviour Yesterday, a prominent Oxford historian accused universities of 'dismal failure' over free speech, saying they were guilty of 'cynically' backing diversity campaigns at the expense of real debate. Professor Selina Todd, who has been hounded for criticising transgender activists who stifle debate, told Radio 4 that Oxford's commitment to freedom of speech 'completely conflicted' with its diversity policy. She said: 'Things have got a lot worse for academics and students. Many get in touch with me anonymously to say how frightened they are to speak out.' The Cabinet Office says of unconscious bias training: 'A strong body of evidence has emerged that shows that such training has no sustained impact on behaviour and may even be counter-productive. 'Instructions to suppress stereotypes may not only activate and reinforce unhelpful stereotypes, they may provoke negative reactions and actually make people exacerbate their biases.' Following an outcry, Somerville's principal, Lady Royall (pictured), said students would no longer be compelled to take the course However, Christ Church, Oxford's grandest college, said 'key priorities' this year include 'compulsory enhanced training on topics such as cultural competency, unconscious bias, and race equality to all students... as well as for non-academic and academic staff'. Balliol College, alma mater of Boris Johnson, Ted Heath and Harold Macmillan, said last year it was 'expanding the mandatory programme of unconscious bias/tackling race bias training to include all academic staff'. Oxford's Nuffield Department of Medicine also offers 'mandatory' unconscious bias training for all staff, to help them minimise the 'destructive impact' of discriminatory attitudes. The Radcliffe Department of Medicine says staff must complete similar training. The University of Cambridge also offers unconscious bias training, but it is only compulsory for those involved in staff recruitment, a spokesman said. Robert Halfon, Tory chairman of the Commons education committee, said 'there is no evidence' that the training programmes work, adding: 'Universities should be using the money they spend on these courses in helping to get in students from the toughest backgrounds.' The news came as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson revealed details of proposals to protect free speech on campuses in response to issues such as the stigmatisation of those with 'non-woke' views. He wants a 'free speech champion' to investigate infringements, such as the dismissal of academics or no-platforming speakers denying those with non-woke views the chance to debate them. A University of Oxford spokesman said: 'Unconscious bias training is one of a range of resources available to staff. 'There is ongoing public debate about unconscious bias training and Oxford staff are free to challenge and question it under our Freedom of Speech policies.' A Christ Church spokesman said it was one of 'a number of initiatives at Christ Church as part of our broader commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion', adding: 'Unconscious bias training has been compulsory at Christ Church for several years. This year we reviewed and refreshed what is provided.' Balliol College did not respond to a request for comment. Classifying a death as suicide may be easiest for medical examiners and coroners in the western United States, which reports the highest suicide rates officially. Suicide by firearm is the leading method there, and usually clear in terms of evidence. By contrast, suicides by drug overdose, spurred primarily by the opioid epidemic in the remainder of the country, are less obvious to investigators. But a new West Virginia University-led injury mortality study combines most drug overdose deaths with all suicides into an expanded self-injury category. Exposing a mental health crisis that has unraveled across the United States over the past two decades, study data have direct implications for suicide prevention efforts. Ian Rockett, professor emeritus of epidemiology in the WVU School of Public Health, spearheaded the research that examined fatal self-injury in the United States from 1999 to 2018. Measuring self-injury mortality (SIM)-;suicides plus estimated "non-suicide" drug self-intoxication deaths-;circumvents suicide misclassification and more accurately accounts for fatal self-injuries. Broadening the definition of SIM to encompass most drug overdose deaths, even if they don't meet the standards used by medical examiners and coroners to classify them as suicides, shows the whole nation is afflicted by a mental health crisis. On the other hand, if we only represent SIM by registered suicides, this crisis misleadingly appears concentrated in western states." Ian Rockett, Professor Emeritus of Epidemiology, WVU School of Public Health Rockett, also adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, elaborated on differences in suicide classification between regions. "Suicides likely have been easiest to detect in the west because the leading method is shooting and it is highly lethal," he said. "The remainder of the country has been more severely affected by the opioid epidemic through the opening decades of the 21st century. Our previous research indicating substantial overlap with a more hidden suicide epidemic, led me to develop SIM in collaboration with a very talented group of multidisciplinary researchers and practitioners about six or seven years ago. That the suicide epidemic was most pronounced in the west and the opioid epidemic elsewhere in the nation -; West Virginia stands out -; motivated us to look at SIM versus suicide rates across the country as a whole and across time." The findings appear in Lancet's EClinicalMedicine. Other WVU researchers joining Rockett on the study were Brian Hendricks, research assistant professor of epidemiology, and James Berry, chair of the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry. The research team tapped into cause-of-death data for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research. After broadening the SIM definition, they found the national annual average percentage change in the SIM rate was 4.3% versus 1.8% for the suicide rate. By 2017-2018, all states except Nebraska posted a SIM rate of at least 21 deaths per 100,000 population. All located in the west, only five states had a rate that high in 1999-2000. "Despite victims sharing many common risk factors, suicide and drug overdose deaths tend to be treated separately in the scientific literature, media, health care system, and by funding agencies and prevention programs," Rockett said. "Among these risk factors are unemployment, family discord, unmanaged and mismanaged physical pain, and various psychiatric disorders that include alcohol and other substance use disorders. "While most people dying by overdose may not have intended to die, they were engaging in repetitive, intentional, self-injurious behaviors that they understood markedly increased their chances of dying prematurely. Calling these deaths 'accidents' (the forensic classification most often used in the U.S.) or 'unintentional' (the term used by the CDC) mischaracterizes what occurred, even if consistent with the classification criteria used by medical examiners and coroners." Early data indicate the COVID-19 pandemic is making the national mental health crisis worse. "Opioid and other drug-overdose deaths continue to rise in spite of medical efforts to make life-saving medications for opioid use disorder available to patients and communities," said co-author Hilary Connery, from McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. "Many persons suffering drug use disorders become hopeless-;they relapse frequently, continue to experience relationship losses, health consequences, and economic instability, and they frequently suffer other mental disorders, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other anxiety disorders. We know that people with addiction have 10 times the rate of suicide compared to those without addiction." Another of Rockett's co-investigators, Eric Caine, professor of psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, underscored that this work has major implications for future suicide prevention efforts. It is especially important to deploy programs "upstream" when groups and individuals can be helped with fundamentally distressing problems long before they ever become suicidal, he said. Recognizing a patient's full story risk factors, long-term health history, socioeconomic experiences is key to providing lifesaving, comprehensive care. "Ultimately it is less about 'classifying suicide' and more about understanding that suicide and overdose fatalities reflect common social and psychological risk factors that were present long before death," Caine said. "There are large groups of persons in our country who have suffered adverse early life experiences, family and social turmoil, economic hardships and life disappoints, as well chronic ailments; many die prematurely. Our goal must be to eliminate or mitigate those circumstances. Separating these groups using misclassified or misleading postmortem labels does little to enhance prevention. We need to focus on the lives of persons in these groups long before they get close to dying if we aspire to overcome these tragic losses of life." BOSTON (AP) The right-wing friendly social network Parler, which was forced offline following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, says it is re-launching. The Twitter alternative has been struggling to return online since Amazon stripped it of web-hosting service on Jan. 11 over its unwillingness to remove posts inciting violence. Google and Apple removed Parlers app from their online stores for the same reason. Parler said in an emailed statement Monday that it would be led by an interim CEO, Mark Meckler of the Tea Party Patriots movement. It said the service would be brought back online for current users this week with new users being able to sign up next week and would not be reliant on Big Tech. The site's homepage, however, was a single, static page whose lead post reminded viewers of technical difficulties. While it was possible to log in via a different variation of that URL, Parler's iPhone app did not work, yielding a networking error when an Associated Press reporter tried it. Among new posters was Fox News personality Sean Hannity. Guidelines accessible on the site, dated Feb. 14, said Parler would use technology and human review to remove threatening or inciting content." They said a community jury headed by a Parler employee would hear appeals. Parler was being hosted by a Los Angeles cloud services company, SkySilk. Ron Guilmette, a California-based internet researcher and activist, said SkySilk appeared to be a small outfit and that it was not clear to him whether it could provide adequate security for the site. In particular, Guilmette cited the need for robust defense against denial-of-service attacks, which flood a site with data traffic to make it inaccessible. Such attacks are a threat to any major internet site especially if their content is at all controversial. SkySilk did not respond to questions about the level of support the company is providing. Story continues Its CEO, Kevin Matossian, said in a statement that the company does not advocate nor condone hate, rather it advocates the right to private judgment and rejects the role of being the judge, jury and executioner. Unfortunately, too many of our fellow technology providers seem to differ in their position on this subject. Mattossian added that his company applauded Parler's new community guidelines. For a time after Amazon dropped it, Parler received denial-of-service protection from a Russian-based outfit called DDoS-Guard. That ended following revelations that DDoS-Guard had provided services to shady operations, including online forums popular with credit card thieves. In a lawsuit seeking to force Amazon to restore its service, Parler's management claimed that Amazon aimed to deny Trump "a platform on any large social-media service. That followed Twitter's decision to permanently ban the former president from its service and similar indefinite bans by Facebook and Instagram. Parlers previous CEO, John Matze, says he was fired on Jan. 29 by the Parler board, which is controlled by conservative donor Rebekah Mercer. At the time, Matze told The New York Times that he'd told Mercer that Parler needed to consider preventing domestic terrorists, white supremacists and followers of QAnon, a baseless conspiracy theory, from posting on the platform. The 2 1/2-year-old social media site claims 20 million users. Trump never established an account there, although Buzzfeed reported that he considered buying a stake in Parler while he was president. An organization that represents long-term care providers has released preliminary, but hopeful, data on the impact of vaccination in facilities that received top priority for COVID-19 vaccines because their residents have proved so vulnerable to the new virus. A new analysis found that cases dropped more quickly in nursing homes where residents and staff had been vaccinated than they did in facilities in the same county that had not yet hosted vaccination events. The comparison was made just three weeks after first shots were given, too early for recipients to have reached full immunity. Both vaccines currently being administered require two doses given three or four weeks apart. A couple of weeks after the second dose, the vaccines are 95% effective at preventing symptomatic disease, clinical trials found. After just three weeks from the first dose, studies show they are closer to 52% effective. It is still unclear how often vaccinated people might spread disease without having symptoms. The report was released by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, which represents nursing home and assisted living providers. The analysis was produced by the associations research arm, the Center for Health Policy Evaluation. The report did not include information on what percentage of staff or residents agreed to be vaccinated or infection rates in surrounding communities. Previous work has shown that community infection is the best predictor of spread in long-term care facilities. Employees typically are exposed at home and then bring the virus to work. The analysis compared 797 nursing homes that had a first vaccination clinic between Dec. 18 and Dec. 27 with 1,709 that had not begun vaccination yet. The two groups of homes were similar in most ways, but those that had not begun vaccinating were more likely to be in urban areas and had more minority residents. The report found that rates of new cases among residents declined by 48% three weeks after a first vaccine event compared with 21% in homes that had not given vaccines. Staff case rates fell by 33% in vaccinated homes and 18% in unvaccinated facilities. The report did not break down results by state. In Pennsylvania, coronavirus cases and deaths have plummeted in the general population since hitting second-wave peaks in December. Total cases per day peaked at 12,806 on Dec. 10 and fell to 2,277 on Feb. 15, a decline of 82%. Deaths have also fallen by more than 80%. Meanwhile, long-term care cases and deaths, which include both nursing homes and personal care or assisted living, have fallen even more around 90%. Pennsylvania prioritized shots in nursing homes first, so fewer personal care residents have had access to vaccines. Nursing homes were devastated by the first wave of the coronavirus, accounting for close to 70% of deaths in Pennsylvania in May. During the early days, testing was not widely available, asymptomatic spread was underestimated, and protective equipment for staff was in short supply. Over the summer, deaths were low. Currently, 52% of the states 23,126 deaths are tied to long-term care settings. AHCA has called for more study of how well vaccination works in the long-term care population. Vaccines often are less effective in older, sicker people than they are in clinical trial participants. Knowing more about how effective vaccines are is important as facilities wonder how much they can safely relax rules on visitation and social distancing. The organization has also asked the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for national guidance on socialization. Clear communication with stakeholders can help ensure everyone understands the continued need for vigilance until we know more about the vaccines effectiveness, AHCA president Mark Parkinson said in a letter to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. Address by Mr Gent Sejko , Governor of the Bank of Albania, to the closing ceremony of the Twinning Project "Enhancing Bank of Albania's alignment with EU Acquis", 18 January 2021. Your Excellences Ambassador Soreca, Ambassador Bucci and Ambassador Zingraf, Dear Mr. Franco, Dear friends from Banca d'Italia and Bundesbank, Dear colleagues, It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the official closing ceremony of the Twinning Project "Enhancing Bank of Albania's alignment with EU Acquis". This project launched on December 2019, was funded by the EU and followed the successful completion of the previous project on "Needs analysis for the Bank of Albania" designed and led by the ECB, in partnership with 11 central banks of the European System of Central Banks. As we all know, the first half of 2020 was marked by the emergence and rapid global spread of COVID-19. Within a very short time, the world changed dramatically in ways that we could have never imagined. Thus, the project was temporarily suspended. However, with the pandemic likely to last, just like the rest of the world, we embraced remote working, a reality which soon became as effective as the "traditional" way of work. We managed therefore to complete the project successfully and on time. Dear ladies and gentlemen, The twinning program involved eight departments of Bank of Albania and addressed important issues, in the areas of: Banking Supervision and Financial Stability; Monetary Policy and Statistics; Internal Audit; Payment Systems; Other central banking functions such as human resources and European integration Each component was incorporated into a number of tangible results, in the form of regulatory documents, guidelines and specific recommendations related to policies. Therefore, I'm happy to highlight that: New bylaws for implementing Basel III and Capital Requirements Directive were developed; New policy papers and guidelines for approximation with ESRB recommendations were drafted; An improved Monetary Policy Document was released; New bylaws and a new manual aiming to align BoA monetary statistics and financial accounts with ECB requirements were drafted; New bylaws, manuals, policy documents and training plans for harmonization of Audit activity in line with ECB and ESCB standards were developed; New legal act for Payment Accounts Directive implementation was drafted; New manuals for alignment with ECB standards the BoA payment system oversight framework were drafted; A gap analysis followed by a roadmap on ECB TARGET2 system implementation was performed; New guidelines aiming to align to ECB standards regarding the e-recruitment process, recruitment of external applicants and conditions of staff employment were drafted; A roadmap to design the role and challenges of the European Integration Office (EIO) was laid out; Our venture has now officially come to the end. Looking back in retrospective, I'm very pleased and proud to say that we have successfully managed to meet all the objectives of our project. I'm confident that the representatives from the Bank of Italy will further provide more profound insights on the process and results. Dear ladies and gentlemen, I could not conclude without spending a few more thanks to all the institutions and their experts involved in this endeavor. First, I would like to thank the European Commission for its support for funding this project. I am confident that the Commission will continue to support our future initiatives towards the integration in the EU. A special thank goes to EU Delegation here in Albania for their valuable assistance during preparatory period of the project. I hope that soon the EU Council will approve the negotiating framework for the accession of Albania, thus marking a new phase of the EU integration process. I would like to thank Bank of Italy, for their long-term commitment in supporting our institution. The impressive work done from the Italian experts deserves special credits, especially under the current unprecedented circumstances due to pandemic. I take the opportunity to personally thank the Project Leader, Mr. Zeloni and Resident Advisor, Mr. Gola for their efforts and support. Absolutely, we are very grateful to Bundesbank for its active participation in the project, including their leading role in the regional project on "Strengthening the Central Bank Capacities in the Western Balkans with a view to the Integration to the European System of Central Banks". Also, we thank the National Bank of Romania and Banque de France for their specific involvement in this project. We are confident the cooperation with these central banks will strengthen further in the future. Last but not the least, I would like to extend my warm appreciation to the staff of the Bank of Albania, who overcame the difficulties generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and managed to bring this project to success in all of its targeted objectives. Concluding, I iterate that the Bank of Albania remains firmly committed in its road of fast converging with the model of European System of Central Banks. We strongly believe this is the best contribution we can make for our country in the process of the EU integration, a strategic goal we have incorporated in our work plans for 2021 and beyond. I'm confident our cooperation will continue in the future and the European support and mentorship will accompany us on every step towards the European family. Thank You! Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. ATLANTA, Feb. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting One of the largest commercial cleaning franchise brands in the country is continuing to provide cleaning and safety measures to help create a safe environment for tenants, employees, and customers across the United States. In 2020, JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting saw a five hundred percent increase in service requests and a record year in top line revenue as thousands of businesses across the country sought out essential cleaning services. The brand was recently awarded Entrepreneur Magazine's #1 commercial cleaning franchise, the 13th year in a row. As the pandemic is expected to worsen over the next few months, JP Cleaning & Disinfecting small business owners are committed to providing everyone a safer community and continue to be the go-to trusted cleaning professionals. "Employees and customers will want to know how their local businesses and leaders are keeping them safe as America continues to push through the COVID-19 pandemic," said Gary Bauer, president of Jan-Pro Systems International. "It will also be crucial for business owners and their employees to be able to explain how they are creating a safe and clean environment as the reopening process across the country continues. We hope that they will consider utilizing our experts at JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting." Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses of all kinds have turned to Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting as the commercial cleaning experts to provide services to keep their employees, customers and tenants safe. A surge in demand throughout the pandemic has created a new need for our services and new interest from entrepreneurs looking to partner with JP Cleaning & Disinfecting. The brand is looking to expand its presence in a number of areas including: Madison, WI; Des Moines, IA; Sioux Falls, SD; Myrtle Beach, SC; Wichita, KS and many more. "Right now there is an incredible opportunity for expansion for JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting," said Gary Bauer, President of Jan-Pro Systems International. "With the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and the importance we have spotlighted on commercial cleaning, now is the perfect time for JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting to expand its presence." The targeted expansion comes at a time when JP Cleaning & Disinfecting small business owners are on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, as well as cold and flu season. JP Cleaning & Disinfecting small business owners continue to play a crucial role in protecting employees and customers in tens of thousands of businesses across the United States, often times at a moment's notice. In 2020, JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting expanded into new communities including Tallahassee, FL; Valdosta, GA; Dothan, AL; Knoxville TN; Mobile, AL; Salem, OR; and Dover, DE. Commercial cleaners like Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting have the technology available to disinfect businesses and facilities of all kinds. JP Cleaning & Disinfecting's EnviroShield system is the same system used to disinfect hospital operating rooms. The system utilizes an electrostatic sprayer that helps the disinfectant cover more surface area on a microscopic level, and the electric charge helps bind the disinfectant to the surface. JP Cleaning & Disinfecting will then apply a surface treatment that prevents bacteria from living on the surface. "Now more than ever before it is paramount that business owners have a cleaning and disinfecting plan in place to help keep their employees and customers safe from Covid-19, the common cold, and the flu," stated Bauer. "A clean workplace is the right of each and every worker, and brands like JP Cleaning & Disinfecting are proud to protect businesses of all kinds with our industry leading cleaning and disinfecting services." About Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting Founded in 1991, Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting is the largest commercial cleaning franchise in the country with over 8,000 small business owners. The commercial cleaning brand culture is built on trust, reliability and excellence in cleaning. Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting requires its franchise owners to complete extensive training and certification on Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting brand standards, the latest technologies, Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting branded programs, and the latest cleaning techniques and a checklist of services. The combination of proprietary processes like the EnviroShield disinfecting process the same cleaning process used to disinfect hospital operating rooms an extensive cleaning regimen each visit, and ongoing training keep the Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting brand the leader in commercial cleaning. For more information, please visit https://jan-pro.com/ Media Contact: Cody O'Hara, Franchise Elevator PR, [email protected] SOURCE JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Spain plans to approve a new aid package to bolster the finances of companies hit by the coronavirus pandemic in March, Economy Minister Nadia Calvino told reporters in Brussels on Monday. The package will take the form of direct payments to companies considered viable but which are struggling financially because of the pandemic, Calvino said. "What we are doing is trying to identify those companies that were fundamentally viable before the pandemic hit and whose solvency has been weakened as a result of the sharp drop in activity," she said. Nearly one in five companies in Spain may have ended 2020 insolvent as the euro zone's fourth-largest economy was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, according to a recent Bank of Spain report. A government source had previously told Reuters that haircuts on state-backed loans could factor into the package. In November, Madrid extended its 140 billion euro ICO liquidity scheme until June 2021, but that was not enough to offset the impact of the third wave of the pandemic on heavily indebted companies that had been warning for months they would not be able to repay their debts. North Carolina GOP Chairman: Lara Trump Would Be Candidate to Beat If She Ran for US Senate The chairman of the Republican Party in North Carolina believes Lara Trump would be the candidate to beat if she decided to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) in 2022. She would have immediate attention and interest from across the state. She did a fantastic job representing the president when she was down here as a surrogate throughout the last four years, and campaigned very hard for him in 16 and 20. Shes very beloved here down in North Carolina, the states Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley told The Epoch Times. Everybody at this point is just waiting to see what shes going to do. Rumors of Trumps potential run for the Senate in the Tar Heel State percolated as recently as last year. Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) reignited the conversation over the weekend, touting her as a replacement for Burr, who had voted to impeach President Donald Trump, Lara Trumps father-in-law. Graham said Lara Trump is the future of the Republican Party and preemptively threw his support behind a hypothetical run. The biggest winner, I think, of this whole impeachment trial is Lara Trump, Graham told Fox News. My dear friend Richard Burr, who I like and been friends with a long time, just made Lara Trump almost a certain nominee for the Senate seat in North Carolina to replace him if she runs. The Senate acquitted Trump of the charge that he incited an insurrection. Burr was among seven Republicans who voted in favor of conviction, drawing a swift public rebuke from Whatley followed by a vote censuring him by the North Carolina GOP. In a written statement released following the trial, Burr says that although he believes the trial was unconstitutional, he was convinced by the Democrats arguments that Trump was responsible for the Jan. 6 events. President Trump won North Carolina by 1.3 percent in 2020. A run by Lara Trump would nationalize the race, Whatley said, adding that even if Lara Trump decides not to run, any Republican candidate would come out of the primary contest with a North Carolina first, America first agenda. The Democrat, whoever comes out of their primary, is going to be running on the Biden-Pelosi-Schumer agenda. We think in North Carolina that bodes very well for the Republican candidate, Whatley said. Sources close to the Trump family are confident Lara Trump would win if she decided to run. She would immediately galvanize conservative support, and not just because her last name is Trump, a former Trump 2020 adviser with close ties to the Trump family told The Epoch Times. Lara knows North Carolina and North Carolina knows her. If she decides to run, shed bring an unmatched ability to connect with voters, while also being able to raise the money necessary to compete in a close election. Lara Trump is married to Eric Trump. She is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. Quorum Software, a world leader in digital transformation for the energy industry, announced two major transactions that will result in the creation of the world's largest software provider of business workflows focused solely on energy. As a result of the transaction, Quorum Software will strengthen its presence in the Middle East through existing offices in UAE and Kuwait and business in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to play a leading role in accelerating the digital transformation of the oil and gas energy sector in the region. Quorum will merge with Aucerna, a globally trusted provider of integrated planning, execution and reserves software for the energy industry. The deal will combine two Thoma Bravo-owned industry leaders with a shared focus on driving digital transformation and complementary customer offerings. Also announced is that the newly combined company, operating as Quorum Software, has entered into an agreement with TietoEVRY to acquire TietoEVRY's entire Oil and Gas software business, which includes the leading Energy Components hydrocarbon management solutions and DaWinci solution for personnel and materials logistics. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed. The combination of Aucerna, Quorum and the TietoEVRY Oil and Gas software business will bring together highly complementary workflows, mission-critical technologies and unmatched global expertise. It will position Quorum as a global leader for energy software across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the energy value chain. Following the acquisition, Quorum will be the largest software provider with the broadest portfolio of solutions focused entirely on serving energy companies of any size across the globe. Gene Austin will serve as CEO of the combined company, and Wayne Sim, CEO and co-founder of Aucerna, will be appointed to its board of directors. "Over the last 20 years, Quorum has become the leading innovator of software deployed by North American energy companies," said Gene Austin, CEO of Quorum Software. "Today Quorum is expanding the scope of our technology and expertise to all energy-producing regions of the globe. Customers everywhere will have access to a cloud technology ecosystem that connects decision-ready data from operations to the boardroom." "Our three organisations complement each other from the software that our great people design to the energy markets where we operate," said Wayne Sim, CEO and co-founder of Aucerna. "Our new company will be able to deliver value to our stakeholders, while accelerating the growth of our combined business and the energy industry's software transformation." "Quorum and Aucerna are industry leaders that have each spurred significant innovation and digital transformation in the energy industry," said Scott Crabill, a Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo. "By combining these two fast-growing and highly complementary businesses with TietoEVRYs Oil and Gas software business, the new Quorum will have significant global scale and an unparalleled product portfolio that meets nearly every need within the energy value chain. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Gene, Wayne and the Quorum team in this exciting next chapter of the company's growth story." The combined company will serve more than 1,800 energy customers across 55 countries. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Quorum Software will have offices located throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific. Quorum will continue to have a significant presence in Calgary, Alberta, the headquarters of Aucerna, and in Norway, the Energy Components/DaWinci software headquarters. -- Tradearabia News Service The WHO has approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use and greenlighted its supply worldwide as part of the COVAX Facility. Ukraine has submitted documents for the registration of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19. "Yesterday, February 15, 2021, an application for state registration of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 under the obligation for emergency medical use was submitted to the State Expert Center under Ukraine's Health Ministry," as reported by the Health Ministry's Public Health Center. On the same day, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use and greenlighted its supply worldwide as part of the COVAX (the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility) Facility. Read alsoHealth Ministry assures vaccination against COVID-19 to start by weekend MPThe Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has previously been approved for emergency use in the UK, European Union, and India. On January 29, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted Law No. 4613 "On Medicines," which simplifies the procedure for registering and using vaccines against COVID-19 in Ukraine and reduces it to five days. COVID-19 vaccine for Ukraine Ukraine has received information from COVAX on the supply of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines from 2.2 to 3.7 million doses in the first or second quarter of 2021. In addition, the vaccine will be purchased for public funds directly from manufacturers. At least 500,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are expected to arrive in Ukraine in February 2021. Ukraine has signed contacts for the supply of 12 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which were developed by AstraZeneca (UK-Sweden) and Novavax (the United States) and are produced at the Serum Institute facilities (India). The AstraZeneca vaccine is a vector vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and the British-Swedish AstraZeneca company. A complete immunization requires two doses of the vaccine 28 days apart. It can be stored for up to six months at a temperature from +2C to +8C. COVAX is a global initiative aimed at accelerating the development and production of COVID-19 vaccines and providing to low- and middle-income countries. COVAX supplies only those vaccines that have been included by the WHO in the emergency drug registry. Reporting by UNIAN President Joe Biden will recalibrate American relations with Saudi Arabia and will communicate through Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz rather than Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the White House said Tuesday. 'We've made clear from the beginning that we're going to recalibrate our relationship with Saudi Arabia,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at her briefing on Tuesday. She said part of that recalibration would include Biden speaking to the Saudi king, instead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - a marked change in policy from the Trump administration. 'Part of that is going back to engagement counterpart to counterpart, the president's counterpart is King Salman and I expect that, at an appropriate time, he would have a conversation with him,' Psaki said. President Joe Biden will recalibrate American relations with Saudi Arabia and will communicate through Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz rather than Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Biden administration is changing President Trump's policy with Saudi Arabia, Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner frequently met and spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto power behind the throne President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner was close to MBS, as the Saudi crown prince is known. MBS became next in line in June 2017 after a power struggle ousted a rival. He is said to be the power behind the throne. MBS, as he is known, is the heir apparent to aging Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Kushner's close relationship with him - the two were said to text and communicate via apps - raised eyebrows due to its taking place outside of diplomatic channels, Kushner's lack of foreign policy experience and MBS' reputation as a despot. The crown prince has been accused of the torture of human rights activists; the Saudi bombing campaign in Yemen which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and famine; the arrest of members of the Saudi royal family in November 2017 where he imprisoned several of his royal cousins in a Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyad; and the assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Psaki also said President Biden's first call to a leader in the Middle East would be with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although she didn't give a timeline for that conversation. Psaki merely said it would be 'soon.' 'His first call with a leader in the region will be with Prime Minister Netanyahu, it will be soon. I don't have an exact date for you but it is soon,' she said. Biden has called U.S. allies in Europe and Asia, including the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and South Korea, but not Netanyahu, which has spurred questions about why Israel had been left out. Psaki said last week that it did not represent an 'intentional diss' but Israeli officials wonder why Biden hasn't rang. 'Is Biden ghosting Netanyahu?' read a recent headline in a Israeli paper. Meanwhile President Biden's first call to a leader in the Middle East would be with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as Israelis wonder why he hasn't rang; Biden, as vice president, is seen with Netanyahu in March 2016 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Barack Obama did not get along In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump were close with Trump calling Netanyahu two days after he became president Meanwhile, Netanyahu expressed confidence Biden would call. He told Israel's Channel 12 television channel on Monday: 'He'll call ... We have had very strong friendly relations for nearly 40 years, dating from the time I came to Washington as an Israeli diplomatic representative and he was a young senator from Delaware.' Netanyahu and former President Barack Obama, to whom Biden served as vice president, didn't get along - a clash that cumulated with Netanyahu's address Congress in 2015, where he came out against the Iranian nuclear agreement negotiated by Obama's administration, which infuriated Obama. In contrast, Netanyahu and Trump got along well. Trump called Netanyahu within two days of his entering the White House in 2017. President Trump also moved the American Embassy to Jerusalem - a move the Biden administration indicated it will keep - and recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau Israel captured from Syria in 1967 - which the Biden administration may reverse. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Rice is the most popular grain in the world, even more than wheat. It is consumed by most of Asia as the main staple and is used as a side dish in Europe, Africa and America. Thus it is a commodity with tremendous potential in world trade. And Patna Rice can be a huge geographic indicator with tremendous business potential. For the purposes of all the readers, let me explain the term Geographic Indicator or GI for short. GI is used for produce of a particular geographic area. For example Champagne for the sparkling wine from the eponymous district in France or Scotch for the whisky distilled in Scotland. Near home, we have Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice. Over a period of time, the term gets associated with high quality and sells for a much higher price than a similar produce from another area. For example, world renowned sommeliers admit on record that sparkling wine from other areas is equally good, but Champaign continues to demand a premium pricing. These geographic indicators are guarded very zealously and produce of other place cannot use the name. Readers would recall the controversy over Basmati rice that erupted a few years back and the Government of India and Pakistan got together to thwart the attempts of Texan farmers to use the name. Thus now only the rice grown in the foothills of Himalaya can be sold by the name of Basmati rice. While it is commendable that the Govt of India took this step for Basmati, it is really sad Patna rice as a GI continues to languish. Like so many other good things from Bihar, I myself was unaware of it till quite late in my life. Though having been born and brought at Patna, I heard about it for the first time in Germany. For me it was a wonderful experience to be associated with an exotic merchandise rather than the patronising attitude that one faces within India when one utters the word Patna. To tell a little bit about rice, there are some 40,000 varieties of rice under the same botanical species: oryza sativa. The most common classification is by the length of the grain: Long Grain, Medium Grain and Short Grain. Long-grain rice, as the name suggests, is long and slender. The grains stay separate and fluffy after cooking. This is the best suited for rice served as a side dish, or as a bed for sauces. Medium-grain rice is plumper and the grain is shorter. It is considered good for paella and risotto. Short-grain rice is almost round, with moist grains that stick together giving it a gooey appearance when cooked. The terms "Indica" and "Japonica" could be taken to mean "long grain and non-sticky" and "short grain and sticky" respectively and represent the two ends of the spectrum. The westerners, either in America or in Europe including UK, find long grain rice suitable for their style of cooking. Within these broad categories there are innumerable varieties and I would deal with some of them in this article. The western cook books usually mean American long-grain rice when they refer to long-grain rice. Carolina Rice is considered the best among the American Long Grain. Intriguingly, rice is no longer grown in Carolina. The name indicates to a past when the British gentry wanted to savour rice but found it rare and expensive. Some British merchants dealing in Patna Rice took the grain from India to Carolina which was then a British colony and grew it there. They made a rather decent job of it. To this day, the best American rice is called Carolina rice though its cultivation was ceased there at the end of the American Civil War. Most of American long grain in now grown in Arkansas, California, Texas or Argentina and Brazil in South America. When I recently did a search on Google for Patna Rice, I was pleasantly surprised to find a very large number of hits at fairly credible sources. A similar search on Basmati rice had fewer results and there were almost none for Dehradun Rice or Doon Rice. In Bihar, we use terms like Parimal or Rani Kajal and Badshah Bhog for good quality rice. However, a wonderful opportunity awaits us by way of the name Patna Rice which has instant recognition the world over. In popular global perception, Patna rice has a robust, long and narrow, opaque grain that keeps its shape well for curries. It has a mild fragrance and has been grown for millennia. Basmati rice is found referred to as a close relative of Patna Rice, having a nutty taste and a stronger aroma. Botanical.com describes Carolina and Patna rice as the most esteemed in England and the United States. The grain of the first is round and flat, and boils soft for puddings; the latter has a long and narrow grain that keeps its shape well for curries Website : http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/rice--15.html Authentic Patna is considered the king of rice. It is described as The most expensive long-grained Indian rice, aged for two years to enhance its fragrance and texture. Worth the extra money. Source: http://gourmetclub.signonsandiego.com/20030129-9999-rice.html Westerners erroneously do not differentiate between Carolina Rice and Patna Rice and use the term interchangeably. American long-grain (which includes Carolina rice) has a somewhat bland flavour. The popularity could be due to the price and availability since long grain from India is rather rare and expensive. The situation should be considered analogous to Wine. While Wine from say Napa Valley is quite good, it is not quite the same as the wine from France. Patna rice is considered the best for use with curries. (http://funkymunky.co.za/currytips.html craving for genuine long grained rice with decent flavour that a westerner feels can be gauged from the question put up by an expatriate British in Thailand: The http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44562 Observe the surprise of a gourmet when he finds the rice he is served is authentic Patna It's really Patna!" http://www.montrealfood.com/restos/bistroavenue.html There are so many legends that exist around Patna rice that a nice story can be woven around it. The earliest written reference to the rice grown near Patna is in the Buddhist literature at the time of Gautam Buddha himself. Rice gruel is referred to as offerings to Lord Buddha when he went around asking for daily alms. Reference can also be found about varieties of rice being superior and inferior quality. There is reference to the rice from the region in the travelogue of Hiuen Tsang, the seventh century Chinese traveller to India. He spent considerable time at Nalanda. He was served a strain of Patna rice called Mahasali rice. He describes it as grain was as large as a bean, and when cooked, was aromatic, and shining like no other rice Yet another reference to the rice of Patna is in Ain I-Akbari written by Abul Fazal, the court historian of Mughal king Akbar. He collected various strains of rice grown around Patna and reported that even if one grain of each strain was taken, it would fill a large vase. Europeans took to the rice of the region in a big way in the seventeenth century. Fortunes of several merchants were built by dealing in Patna rice. The most celebrated is the case of William Fullarton of Skeldon UK. Having made his fortune by dealing in Patna Rice, he returned to the UK. He started a coal mining business in Scotland. He felt so obligated to Patna that he named the hamlet he built for his miners as Patna. To this day, this town in East Ayrshire, Scotland is called Patna. There was a town in US also which was called Patna but the name has now been changed. I have not been able to authenticate whether that also has a rice connection, but I suspect it would be so. Since at one time, most of the rice sold in Europe came from this region, Patna Rice is also sometimes loosely used to mean any long grain aromatic rice. Let me end with a poser: What can we as a community can do to unlock the value of this goldmine of a Geographic Indicator? Can we attempt to come up with an action plan? T. V. Sinha, Guest Contributor, PatnaDaily.Com Companies in Europe want to share the personal data of consumers with other firms or turn it into business applications without violating privacy rules, but there is no consensus on how to avoid revealing such potentially sensitive information. Privacy restrictions in the European Unions 2018 General Data Protection Regulation initially caused companies to reconsider whether they could cash in on personal data collected on consumers. Now, some companies are finding ways to avoid revealing that data, including consumers identities. Austrian telecoms carrier A1 Telekom Austria, for example, spent two years developing a method to maintain the anonymity of its customers, and last month joined a data marketplace run by vehicle-technology firm HERE Global B.V. The company only shares aggregated location data on groups of 20 people or more with other companies buying through the marketplace, reducing the risk it could identify any individuals. A1 joined the marketplace to test whether it can sell its location data to companies developing vehicle and transportation applications, said Mario Mayerthaler, the carriers head of innovation. To comply with the GDPR, the company needed to make sure it wouldnt expose private data about customers when sharing information with other firms, he said. The GDPR, I wouldnt say its a hurdle, but it really takes a lot of effort," Mr. Mayerthaler said. Many companies are unsure how to properly render data anonymous so it isnt possible to identify an individual. We need more legal certainty and technical standards on how to anonymize data in compliance with the GDPR," said Michael Dose, a manager in digitalization and innovation at the Federation of German Industries, a Berlin-based trade group representing more than 100,000 companies in different sectors. EU regulators have imposed sanctions against several companies that have failed to properly remove any information that could identify a person. In 2019, for instance, Denmarks privacy authority fined taxi company Taxa 4x35 for retaining customer data for longer than necessary. Taxa 4x35 claimed it anonymized customer records, but the regulator found the company deleted customer names while keeping other personal data. Taxa 4x35 didnt respond to a request for comment. Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies frequently remove identifying information from data they collect in clinical trials before sharing it with researchers and other firms. U.S. healthcare firms are adopting similar practices, and major U.S. hospital groups started a company to collect and sell access to their anonymized data for research and drug development purposes, The Wall Street Journal has reported. Techniques such as encryption or replacing identifying information with a hash code arent considered strong enough measures to fully anonymize data and remove all personally identifiable information, according to European rules, said Athena Bourka, an expert in data protection at Enisa, the European cybersecurity agency. Its really difficult. The possibilities for re-identification are huge," Ms. Bourka said. While providing a pseudonym can protect data, EU privacy regulators still consider the information itself to be personal because it could be traced to an individual, meaning the GDPR still applies. Companies can make data anonymous by converting it into aggregated information, Ms. Bourka said. The European Data Protection Board, the umbrella group of European privacy regulators, said last year that anonymization is an alternative to deleting data that companies no longer need. They havent provided guidance on how companies should properly make data anonymous so the GDPR no longer applies. German and French authorities have published recommendations to help companies make personal information in data anonymous. Separately, the GDPR defines pseudonymization as when companies process personal data but protect it so it cant be traced to an individual without additional information. That could be done with an encryption key, for example, which would decode protected data. Pseudonymization techniques such as encryption secure data by hiding personal details, but the data can still be linked to an individual, Ms. Bourka said. To make data anonymous, companies should assess how it could be exposed in a particular situation, said Mark Elliot, professor of data science at the University of Manchester in the U.K. He advised the U.K. Office for National Statistics in 2016 on how to anonymize personal data such as living cost and labor statistics, and conducted simulated attacks on the data to test whether it was properly protected. Dont focus on techniques, focus on risks," he said in an email. To protect the identities of clinical trial participants, biotechnology company Biogen Inc. uses technology to disguise details about individuals and shares the least amount of its data with external researchers and other companies. When they request access to Biogens clinical trials data, Lukasz Kniola, the companys principal analyst for data sharing, said he asks for precise details and only shares what is necessary. If a researcher doesnt need information about participants nationality or age, for example, Mr. Kniola wont include it. In other situations, companies may share personal data that can identify individuals with business partners or other third parties without first aggregating it, but may still apply safeguards such as encryption. A researcher or company accessing Biogens data must also sign a contract agreeing not to attempt to identify trial participants, said Lee Parker, the companys director of data privacy for Europe. Anonymizing data will only get trickier because more powerful computers and the growing amount of personal information available in online databases and on social media are making it easier to identify people, said Pierre-Yves Lastic, a data protection consultant and former deputy head of privacy at pharmaceutical company Sanofi SA. Many companies hire external statistics analysts to test their methods for making data anonymous and make sure a skilled person cant link the data to an individual, he said. The only way of getting the risk all the way down to zero would be not to ever share this data," Mr. Kniola said. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Share your feedback to help improve our site! A former Australian government staffer has said she was raped in a minister's office in parliament and failed by her bosses after coming forward, prompting an apology from the prime minister Tuesday. Brittany Higgins alleged she was sexually assaulted by a male colleague in now-Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office in 2019, after a night out drinking with conservative Liberal Party colleagues. Higgins told news.com.au that, after reporting the incident to a superior, she was asked to attend a formal employment meeting in the same room the alleged rape occurred. Then aged 24 and a few months into her "dream job", she described feeling forced to choose between her career and making a formal report to police. The revelation follows a string of scandals over the mistreatment of women in Australian politics in recent years, including bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. Higgins told Channel 10 that she felt like a "political problem" that needed to be solved, with her bosses appearing "uncomfortable" if she brought up the issue again. The government initially defended its approach, saying Higgins had been encouraged to speak to the police and would be supported in her decisions, though an official conceded the choice of meeting location had been a mistake. But amid growing public outrage on Tuesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison shifted gears and apologised. "That should not have happened. And I do apologise," he told reporters in Canberra. Morrison said that -- after taking advice from his wife overnight -- he realised further action was needed. "Jenny and I spoke last night, and she said to me: 'You have to think about this as a father first. What would you want to happen if it were our girls?'" the father of two said. "Jenny has a way of clarifying things, always has." "It shatters me that still, in this day and age, that a young woman can find herself in the vulnerable situation that she was in. Not her doing," he added. "We have to do more, whether it's in this workplace, or in any other workplace in the country." Story continues To that end Morrison announced an investigation into processes dealing with sexual assault complaints and a review of workplace culture in the parliament. Higgins thanked Morrison for his apology but said she should not have needed to go public for him to take action. "The Prime Minister's announcement of an investigation into the culture in Parliament House is a welcomed first step, though it is long overdue," she told news.com.au. - Backlash - Morrison's comments also drew criticism for his need to consult his wife before realising the seriousness of the allegations. Pundits described Morrison's comments as "misguided" and the hashtags #NotJustADaughter and #ScottyTheMisogynist were trending on Twitter in Australia. "Women are not the wards of men. They should not have to rely upon the paternalistic care and protection of men in power to be safe," wrote Sydney Morning Herald columnist Jacqueline Maley. "It should not take a rape in the centre of power for the institutional problem to be treated with any real seriousness." Australia's parliament has been criticised for a "toxic" workplace culture that has allegedly spawned bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct against women. The ruling conservative coalition has also been accused of having a "woman problem", with a spate of high-profile female politicians quitting parliament ahead of the 2019 election and several citing bullying as a factor. In response, Morrison has boosted the number of women in Cabinet and says other steps have been taken to improve the parliamentary workplace. But critics point to a perceived lack of action when allegations of intimidation and misogyny were levelled against two government ministers late last year, saying sexism persists. Higgins said she reported the alleged rape to Australian Federal Police within days but later chose not to make a formal complaint. She has now reportedly decided to pursue the case again. The unnamed man accused of rape reportedly left his role in the immediate aftermath of the incident. hr-arb/reb "Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk, contributing to the COVAX Facility's goal of equitable vaccine distribution," said Dr Mariangela Simao, WHO Assistant-Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. The World Health Organization will now distribute doses through its COVAX Facility to mid- and low-income countries. The approval also allows countries to speed up domestic regulatory approval to import and administer the vaccines. AstraZeneca-SKBio in South Korea and the Serum Institute of India produce the vaccines, which the WHO says are safe for all persons above 18 years old. It took the global health body less than a month to assess data on the quality, safety and efficacy of the drugs and grant the emergency use approval. The World Health Organization announced Monday that it has approved two versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, a move that will boost global supplies in the coming weeks. Britain Implements 'Red List' Also Monday, Britain launched its quarantine program for travelers arriving from 33 "red list" countries determined to be a high risk for COVID-19, as part of its effort to keep variant strains of the coronavirus out of the country. Under the program, anyone legally entering Britain is required to spend 10 days quarantined in a hotel room. Arrivals from countries not on the red list are required to quarantine at home for 10 days and take two COVID-19 tests. Also Monday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would like to stick to his current plan to reopen schools in the country March 8, but said it will depend "on the data." He noted infection rates were still very high in Britain, as is the death rate. Johnson said he wants to proceed cautiously with easing COVID-19 restrictions, so that once they are lifted, it will be "irreversible." Zimbabwe Receives Chinese Vaccine Meanwhile, Zimbabwe state media reported Monday the nation received its first doses of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, donated from China. The report said Zimbabwe's government has also purchased an additional 600,000 doses that are expected to arrive in the African nation next month. The amount is still far short of what it will need to inoculate the country's population of 14 million. Israel has made great strides in inoculating its population against the coronavirus, but now that progress is being dramatically slowed by what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says is "the fake news and the superstitious and sometimes malicious beliefs that are planted in the public and on the internet." The Associated Press reports Israel has increased its digital task force to counter the misinformation and the says Israel has also deployed DJs and offered free food to lure residents to vaccination venues. New Variants Found in U.S. Researchers have found at least seven new coronavirus variants in the United States. It is not immediately clear, however, if the U.S. variants are as highly contagious as the British and South African variants. The average number of confirmed, daily coronavirus cases in the U.S. has recently dropped below 100,000 for the first time in months. However, the U.S. remains the country with the highest number of cases. There have been more than 108 million coronavirus infections worldwide. The U.S. has more than 27 million, followed by India with 10.9 million and Brazil with 9.8 million, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus. Mental health professionals are warning about a mental health crisis among young people brought on by the pandemic. Mental health experts say young people are experiencing loneliness and despair and some are contemplating suicide with all the upheavals the virus has brought to their young lives. The Aladdin's cave of treasures was discovered at the late Priscilla Kidman's (pictured) home in Quarndon, Derby An incredible collection of antiques amassed over 70 years by a hospital worker before her death could fetch 30,000 at auction after recently being unearthed. The Aladdin's cave of treasures was discovered at the property in Quarndon, Derby, which belonged to the late Priscilla Kidman, who died at the age of 97 on January 4 this year. Antiques experts, appointed to handle the sale of contents of the home, were left 'stunned' by a rich array of 150 items which feature fine ceramics, silver, paintings, centuries-old letters and vintage greetings cards. Some of antiques and ephemera include embroidery dating back to 1680 and a globe from 1810 - made only 40 years after Captain Cook discovered Australia. Other items include a diamond crescent brooch, an Edwardian emerald, a diamond brooch a Meissen teapot from 1770. Now the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary almoner's treasures, which were collected over her lifetime, could make tens of thousands of pounds at auction. They are expected to fetch over 30,000 when they go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers, in Etwall, Derbyshire, on February 24. Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: 'The collection of the late Priscilla Kidman captures the art of collecting over 70 years. Letter from 1852 describing the Australian Gold Rush that was found in Derby hospital worker Priscilla Kidman's home after her death at age 97 earlier this year A chest where a letter from 1852 describing the Australian Gold Rush was found A globe from 1810 - made only 40 years after Captain Cook discovered Australia 'Our valuers have been amazed by the finds during what has been a fascinating cataloguing process. 'For example, uncovered from a cupboard was a stump work embroidery dating back to circa 1680. 'Depicting a lady in a landscape with acorn leaves, it was made during the reign of Charles II. 'There were other unique historical finds, too. In one box, we came across a letter sent from Australia to Wiltshire in 1852 talking about the Australian Gold Rush. A victorian diamond and emerald brooch. One of 150 lots in total, which could fetch in excess of 30,000 in Hansons Auctioneers' Winter Fine Art Auction on February 24 Vintage toys discovered at the property show a pig playing a drum, a clown playing a violin and a clown pulling a donkey's tail A Victorian Etruscan revival love knot brooch. The brooch was made by A.B Savory & Sons London, jewellery makers and silversmiths with roots dating back to mid-1800s 'The writer described finding "that trash called gold". 'In another box we found an 1813 workhouse token from Birmingham with an oval portrait of a young gentleman with a lock of his hair. 'Other items include a beautiful diamond crescent brooch, an Edwardian emerald and diamond brooch, a Meissen teapot from 1770, an important carved Cantonese ivory glove box, which is expected to make over 1,000, and a beautiful table globe, circa 1810. 'The Globe was made only 40 years after Captain Cook discovered Australia.' Priscilla, who was born in Derby in 1923, was the daughter of Dr George Kidman, a general physician at Derby Hospital. A keen sportsman, he played rugby for Guys Hospital in London and for the Barbarians against Wales. Priscilla Kidman in her youth. In 1941 she gained a place at St Anne's College, Oxford and in 1944, during the Second World War, she joined the Wrens and served in Portsmouth until 1946 An 1813 workhouse token from Birmingham with an oval portrait of a young gentleman with a lock of his hair A Meissen porcelain teapot from 1770 - highly regarded by decorative arts collectors Priscilla Kidman in her youth Meanwhile her mother, Marjorie, was known for her many philanthropic activities in Derby and was involved in the music scene. Priscilla was educated in Derby until the age of 13 before transferring to St Mary's School in Calne, Wiltshire, a private boarding school. In 1941 she gained a place at St Anne's College, Oxford and in 1944, during the Second World War, she joined the Wrens and served in Portsmouth until 1946. Afterwards, she qualified as an almoner in Winchester and returned to her home city where she worked for 30 years. She rose to become Senior Almoner and later Social Services lead at Derby Royal Infirmary. After retiring in 1984, Priscilla lived life to the full and pursued many hobbies and interests, travelling the world for more than 25 years visiting friends and family. An 'important' carved Cantonese ivory glove box, which is expected to make over 1,000 A golden goblet found at the home. After retiring in 1984, Priscilla lived life to the full and pursued many hobbies and interests, travelling the world for over 25 years visiting friends She loved Italy and took Italian and Spanish language lessons, tried her hand at painting and embroidery, supported various charities and was involved in church life. Mr Hanson added: 'Priscilla was a talented, vibrant intellectual with a tremendous eye for artistic beauty and an eclectic taste which encompassed fine antiques and items woven into world history. 'She left a lasting legacy of both beautiful and historical objects. It has been a privilege to catalogue her items.' 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. David Renno, Director of Marketing at Panthronics, said: "Panthronics is delighted to have formed a partnership with AdvanIDe, the leading name in the specialist NFC supply chain. Panthronics' innovations in NFC controller architecture create opportunities for OEMs to dramatically improve system performance in challenging applications such as small, mobile payment terminals. The expertise and support which AdvanIDe provides to developers of NFC and RFID-based systems will help them take full advantage of the superior capabilities of Panthronics' products." AdvanIDe will provide a comprehensive engineering support, sales and supply-chain service to OEMs using Panthronics' PTX100R NFC reader IC and PTX100W NFC wireless charging controller. Headquartered in Singapore, AdvanIDe serves customers around the world through its regional sales and engineering offices in China, India, North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa and Russia. Jason Hitipeuw, Segment Head for smart mobility, objects, consumers and secure infrastructure at AdvanIDe, said: "The Panthronics reader portfolio meets the NFC market's need for performance, power savings, and security. By adding Panthronics to AdvanIDe's world-class offering of NFC and RFID technology manufacturers, we can offer exciting new options for NFC communications and charging to our customers worldwide." Panthronics' full-service partnership agreement with AdvanIDe is effective immediately. For more information about Panthronics' products, go to www.advanide.de/company/partners. About Panthronics Founded in 2014, Panthronics AG (PTX) is an established semiconductor product company with over 50 staff headquartered in Graz, Austria. It develops differentiated wireless solutions from the ground up for security and power applications. Panthronics' website is at www.panthronics.com . About AdvanIDe AdvanIDe Advanced ID Electronics is one of the leading semiconductor providers, focused on components for RFID transponders, chip cards and RFID readers and terminals. The company's products are used in the secure access market for applications including access management and control, automated fare collection and object identification, and secure ID and transactions for eGovernment, M2M, secure authentication, IoT and related uses. More information may be found at www.advanide.com. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1439253/Panthronics_AdvanIDe.jpg SOURCE Panthronics Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 00:48:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- China has congratulated Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala after she was appointed new director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Monday. "China has full confidence in Okonjo-Iweala's appointment as the WTO director-general," the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. As the first woman and the first African to head the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala has long been engaged in poverty reduction in developing countries and work related to vaccine and healthcare, and has rich experiences in managing international organizations, said the statement, adding that her appointment meets the expectation of all. Despite COVID-19 and challenges to multilateral trade system, China is fully confident in Okonjo-Iweala serving as the director-general, and hopes the WTO, under her leadership, will resume its normal functions as soon as possible and play a greater role in anti-pandemic cooperation and economic recovery. China also anticipates that Okonjo-Iweala will help the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference achieve positive results, advance necessary reforms to the WTO, and uphold and strengthen the authority and effectiveness of the multilateral trade system, according to the statement. As a responsible major developing country, China will firmly support the multilateral trade system, take an active part in the WTO reforms and support the work of the director-general, to help the WTO make greater contributions to improving global governance and the well-being of peoples all around the world, it added. Enditem Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Researchers from Osaka University are better understanding the chemistry of superheavy elements, which will help explain important discrepancies in the periodic table and may eventually lead to the development of new materials Osaka, Japan - All chemistry students are taught about the periodic table, an organization of the elements that helps you identify and predict trends in their properties. For example, science fiction writers sometimes describe life based on the element silicon because it is in the same column in the periodic table as carbon. However, there are deviations from expected periodic trends. For example, lead and tin are in the same column in the periodic table and thus should have similar properties. However, whilst lead-acid batteries are common in cars, tin-acid batteries don't work. Nowadays we know that this is because most of the energy in lead-acid batteries is attributable to relativistic chemistry but such chemistry was unknown to the researchers who originally proposed the periodic table. Relativistic chemistry is difficult to study in the superheavy elements, because such elements are generally produced one at a time in nuclear fission reactions and deteriorate quickly. Nevertheless, having the ability to study the chemistry of superheavy elements could uncover new applications for superheavy elements and for common lighter elements, such as lead and gold. In a recent study in Nature Chemistry, researchers from Osaka University studied how single atoms of superheavy rutherfordium metal react with two classes of common bases. Such experiments will help researchers use relativistic principles to better utilize the chemistry of many elements. "We prepared single atoms of rutherfordium at RIKEN accelerator research facility, and attempted to react these atoms with either hydroxide bases or amine bases," explains Yoshitaka Kasamatsu, lead author on the study. "Radioactivity measurements indicated the end result." Researchers can better understand relativistic chemistry from such experiments. For example, rutherfordium forms precipitate compounds with hydroxide base at all concentrations of base, yet its homologues zirconium and hafnium in high concentrations. This difference in reactivity may be attributable to relativistic chemistry. "If we had a way to produce a pure rutherfordium precipitate in larger quantities, we could move forward with proposing practical applications," says senior author Atsushi Shinohara. "In the meantime, our studies will help researchers systematically explore the chemistry of superheavy elements." Relativistic chemistry explains why bulk gold metal is not silver-colored, as one would expect based on periodic table predictions. Such chemistry also explains why mercury metal is a liquid at room temperature, despite periodic table predictions. There may be many unforeseen applications that arise from learning about the chemistry of superheavy elements. These discoveries will depend on newly reported protocols and ongoing fundamental studies such as this one by Osaka University researchers. ### The article, "Co-precipitation behaviour of single atoms of rutherfordium in basic solutions," was published in Nature Chemistry at DOI: https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1038/ s41557-020-00634-6 About Osaka University Osaka University was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and is now one of Japan's leading comprehensive universities with a broad disciplinary spectrum. This strength is coupled with a singular drive for innovation that extends throughout the scientific process, from fundamental research to the creation of applied technology with positive economic impacts. Its commitment to innovation has been recognized in Japan and around the world, being named Japan's most innovative university in 2015 (Reuters 2015 Top 100) and one of the most innovative institutions in the world in 2017 (Innovative Universities and the Nature Index Innovation 2017). Now, Osaka University is leveraging its role as a Designated National University Corporation selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to contribute to innovation for human welfare, sustainable development of society, and social transformation. Prof Robert Dussey and Sergey Lavrov talk about space security In St Petersburg (Russia) since Sunday February 14, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will pay an official 48-hour visit with the aim of strengthening the diplomatic ties existing between Togo and Russia since 1961. This Monday, a meeting is scheduled between the Togolese diplomat and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov for exchanges, new bilateral perspectives or even the strengthening of political dialogue. The signing of a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic passport holders, as well as a joint declaration on the UN resolution on space security is expected by the two states at the said meeting. Relations between Togo and Russia are good and the work is still on point, according to Prof Robert Dussey a few days before his diplomatic mission. Severin A Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. NEW DELHI: Russias Sputnik vaccine , developed by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, to combat covid-19 may get emergency use authorisation in April, two people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. News reports on Monday had said that the Russian vaccine can get clearance for use as early as next month. Also Read | Inside the five-year battle food companies have fought to resist stricter labelling norms According to one of the people cited above, the vaccine was in "advanced stage" of phase three trials, expected to be completed by next month. Following which, Dr Reddys Laboratories, which had signed an agreement with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), a co-developer of the vaccine along with Gamaleya Research Institute, will approach the Drugs Controller General of India for emergency use authorisation. The other person cited above added that Indian clearance for Sputnik was likely" to happen in April. Earlier this month, British medical journal The Lancet had reported 91.6% efficacy rate for Sputnik vaccine, higher than that of the Oxford-AstraZeneca developed vaccine known in India as Covishield. Meanwhile, vaccine cooperation could come up in discussions that Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla is scheduled to have with Russian interlocutors during a two-day visit that starts on Wednesday. Shringla is visiting Moscow for the India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations which he will hold with deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov. These are the highest efficacy figures so far for vaccines that could potentially come to India. In India, Dr Reddys will supply around 250 million doses of the Sputnik vaccine, while Hetero Biopharma, which also has an agreement with RDIF, will manufacture about 100 million doses per year. Pune-based Serum Institute is manufacturing the Oxford-Astra Zeneca developed Covishield vaccine that has been cleared for inoculation in the country. An Indian developed vaccine, Bharat Biotechs Covaxin, has also been cleared for use in the country and and is being used for inoculation. India is seen as the largest vaccine maker in the world and its efforts to step up production and make available vaccines has been acknowledged by many world leaders including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. On Monday, health minister Harsh Vardhan had said India has at least 18-19 vaccines in the pipeline and will be available for use in the coming months. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. As Pauingassi First Nation awaits confirmation of seven positive cases of the British COVID-19 variant, the possibility of this new daunting challenge has dealt the community a blow. As Pauingassi First Nation awaits confirmation of seven positive cases of the British COVID-19 variant, the possibility of this new daunting challenge has dealt the community a blow. "There is a little bit of hope, because the community itself has done a tremendous effort to stamp out the initial outbreak of COVID however, I think the announcement of the potential of the variant has knocked the wind out of everybodys sails," Manitoba Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said Monday. "Its a new threat, a variation of a new threat, and I think that causes concern for everybody." Dumas said he hadnt received any updates since the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs released a statement Saturday confirming seven probable cases of the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant first detected in the U.K. had been detected in Pauingassi, a remote fly-in community 280 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. Dumas said the First Nation plans to wait for the National Microbiology Labs review of the results before taking further steps. "I think because of the additional screening and the additional oversight during that time will actually serve us well, and as soon as we actually find out if in fact we are dealing with the variant, well be able to pinpoint how things have transpired fairly quickly," Dumas said Monday. The seven cases are likely connected to each other, Dumas said, but he was unable to offer specifics on how they are connected or how the variant is believed to have arrived in Pauingassi. All seven people are currently self-isolating. Meanwhile, Cross Lake First Nation said in a statement Monday that one suspected case of the U.K. variant of the virus has been found there. The positive result is also pending conformation by the National Microbiology Lab. One person in Winnipeg was diagnosed with the COVID-19 variant after being tested Jan. 21. All 10 provinces in Canada have now identified cases of the variant, which some experts say is as much as 70 per cent more deadly. The Canadian Armed Forces touched down in the fly-in community Feb. 6 to help deal with a spike of COVID-19 cases in the area, and remained in Pauingassi as of Monday, Dumas said. Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said cases will be "treated as positive unless confirmed otherwise" in a tweet late Saturday and said the department will offer assistance however possible. Dumas commended work done by the community and said he hopes that "status quo" continues. He called on the community to avoid COVID-19 information from unverified sources. "We need to make sure that were all getting the best information possible when were sharing information, just so that were not fear-mongering or causing too much concern with people," he said. with files from staff and The Canadian Press malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ AGRIGENTO - The migrant rescue ship Open Arms arrived in Sicily's Porto Empedocle on Tuesday carrying 146 people it had saved in several operations conducted in the Mediterranean Sea. It will have to wait until about 100 other people who have finished their quarantine period onboard the Allegra vessel disembark before those it is carrying will be allowed to. Those disembarking from the Allegra will be transferred to migrant reception facilities in Italy's Tuscany and Emilia Romagna regions via Catania and Milan. Some 130 other people had left the quarantine ship on Monday. The migrants rescued by Open Arms, with the exception of minors, will be hosted in the Casteltermini facilities. On Tuesday evening, another roughly one hundred migrants are expected to arrive on a ferry in Porto Empedocle from the island of Lampedusa. These people will be transferred onto the Allegra as well. In order to ensure that the operations are conducted smoothly, police are present and will be carrying out identification procedures at the same time. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has indicted a senator, Stella Oduah, and the Nigerian subsidiary of Chinese construction giant, CCECC, in alleged fraudulent cash transactions of about N5billion over five months in 2014, PREMIUM TIMES reports. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the EFCC could not arraign the nine defendants in the 25-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja on February 9, because the defendants had not been served the relevant court documents. The judge, Inyang Ekwo, then adjourned the proceedings till February 22. CCECC, FG and Oduah The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Ltd is the Nigerian subsidiary of the parent CCECC established by the Chinese government to execute international contracts and economic cooperation. The firm, which has enjoyed decades of patronage from the Nigerian government, is handling major infrastructural projects, such as the construction of railways and major roads under President Muhammadu Buharis administration. It signed contracts for the construction of airport terminal projects with the Nigerian government during the tenure of Ms Oduah as Minister of Aviation. Ms Oduah, who now represents Anambra North in the Nigerian Senate, was removed as the Minister of Aviation by then President Goodluck Jonathan on February 12, 2014, following a scandal over N255million armoured cars which she made the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), an agency under her supervision as Minister of Aviation, buy for her at inflated prices. The web of transactions, which the EFCC has now characterised as money laundering in the fresh charges, started on February 5, 2014, about a week to Ms Oduahs sack as aviation minister. The transactions continued till five months after. EFCCs charges On December 17, 2020, EFCC filed a total of 25 counts against Ms Oduah (1st defendant), CCECC Nigeria Limited (9th defendant) and seven others comprising persons and firms. One of the other defendants in the case, Gloria Odita (2nd defendant), is said to be an aide to Ms Oduah when she was Minister of Aviation. She is said to be the company secretary of Sea Petroleum & Gas Company (SPGC) Limited, a firm founded by the former minister. The rest of the defendants are an employee of SPCG and aide to Ms Oduah, Nwobu Nnamdi (3rd defendant), Chukwuma Chinyere (4th defendant), Global Offshore and Marine Ltd (5th defendant), Tip Top Global Resources Limited (6th defendant), Crystal Television Limited (7th defendant), and Sobora International Limited (8th defendant). The Charges The EFCC, in the 25 counts, accused them of conspiracy to commit money laundering, transferring, taking control and taking possession of proceeds of fraud, aiding and abetting money laundering and opening anonymous bank accounts. Specifically, the prosecution alleged in two of the 25 counts that Ms Oduah and Ms Odita opened anonymous Private Banking Nominee dollar and naira accounts with First Bank, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 11(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 11(4) (a) of the same Act. PREMIUM TIMES review of the charges showed that CCECC Nigeria Limited allegedly transferred over N2.5billion into the naira account of Private Banking Nominee between March 31 and June 6, 2014. In seven of the counts where CCECC is indicted singly and along with Ms Oduah and Ms Oditah, the company was accused of conspiring with the women to commit money laundering, and directly transferring to Private Banking Nominee account various sums of money totalling N2,583,385,246 which it reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: fraud The prosecution alleged for instance in Count 17, that CCECC Nigeria, on various dates between March 5, 2014, and May 30, 2014 in Abuja directly transferred the sum of N868409,349.00 from your account with Zenith Bank Place to Private Banking Nominee Account 2024414450 domiciled with First Bank Plc, which money you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: fraud It alleged in another count that Ms Oduah and Ms Odita, on various dates between March and May 2014, took control of the sum of N1,225,347,524 transferred from China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Ltd bank account with Zenith Bank Plc to Private Banking Nominee Account No 2024414450 domiciled with First Bank Plc, which money you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: fraud ADVERTISEMENT It also alleged that under similar circumstances, Ms Oduah and Ms Odita, between March 31 and April 1, 2014 in Abuja did take control of N500,000,000 directly transferred from the GTB account number 0033880295 account belonging to CCECC to Private Banking Nominee account number 2024414450 domiciled with First Bank Plc. Many other counts centred on transactions involving over N2.4billion which flowed out from I-See Securitys bank account but with nothing to do with CCECC. In one of the other counts, for instance, Ms Oduah and Ms Odita, the duo who featured most prominently in the charges, were said to have, on February 26, 2014, used their positions to transfer the sum of N838,000,000 from Broadwaters Resources Limited account number 2023201064 with Frist Bank to Sobora International Ltd account number 2022354121 also domiciled with Frist Bank Plc when they reasonably ought to know that the money was part of proceeds of fraud. The prosecution similarly accused the two of using their positions to transfer the sum of N1,629,250 from I-See Security Nig. Ltd account number 2021756955 with First Bank Plc to Global Offshore and Marine Ltd account number 2022977296 also domiciled with First Bank Plc on February 12, 2014. It also alleged that Tip Top Global Resources Ltd on April 17, 2014 took possession of N780,000,000 transferred from account number 0042101097 with Diamond Bank Plc from Global Offshore and Marine Ltd account number 2022977296 domiciled with First Bank under fraudulent circumstances. In the same vein, the EFCC alleged that Nwobu Nnamdi, Chukwuma Chinyere and Crystal Television Limited on April 28, 2014 did take control of the sum of N840,613,092.28 transferred to the account of Crystal Television Ltd number 2022332068 with First Bank Plc from Global Offshore and Marine Ltd No. 202977296 with First Bank Plc. It also accused Ms Odita of aiding and abetting Ms Oduah to transfer N780,000,000 from Global Offshore and Marine Ltd account to Tip Top Global Resources account on April 16, 2014, and to transfer N840,613,092.28 from Global Offshore and Marine Ltd account to Tip Top Global Resources Ltd Account on April 24. Indicting those alleged to be involved in the entire I-See Security transactions, the prosecution alleged that Ms Oduah, whilst being the Minister of Aviation; Gloria Odita, whilst being the Company Secretary to SPGC and an aide to Ms Oduah; Nwobu Nnamdi, whilst being an employee of SPGC and an aide to the ex-minster; Chukwuwumba Chinyere, Global Offshore And Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global resources Ltd, Crustal Television Ltd, and Sobora International Ltd, between January and April 2014 in Abuja did conspire among yourselves to commit an offence to wit: money laundering. The offence of conspiracy to commit money laundering was said to be contrary to section 18(a), and punishable under section 15(3) and (4) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended). The EFCC said transferring of funds which the defendant ought to know to be part of the proceeds of unlawful activities, violated section 15(2)(b) and punishable under 15(3) of the same Act. It added that taking control of such funds is contrary to section 18(a) and punishable under 15(3) of the same Act, and that taking possession of such proceeds of fraud violated section 15(2)(d) and is punishable under section 15(4) of Act. The EFCC added that the alleged offences of aiding and abetting the transfer of proceeds of fraud levelled against Ms Odita violated section 15(2)(b) and is punishable under section 15(3) of the Act. The money flow The review and analysis of the charges by PREMIUM TIMES showed that the suspicious transactions totalling N5,052,415,984, described as proceeds of fraud by the EFCC, started from the accounts of two firms I-See Security Nigeria Limited and CECC Nigeria Limited. The charges indicated that I-See Security Nigeria Limited had a total outflow of N2,469,030,738 from its First Bank account, while the CCECC Nigeria Limited had a total outflow of N2,583,385,246 from its Zenith Bank, UBA, and GTB accounts. I-See Securitys outflow From I-See Securitys account, N839,780,738 was transferred to the First Bank account of Broadwaters Resources Company Limited on February 5, 2014. On February 12, 2014, according to the commission, N1,629,250,000 was transferred to the First Bank Account of Global Offshore and Marine Ltd. While the February 12, 2014 transaction completed the outflows from I-See Securitys account, it did not end the chain of the flow of the funds. The prosecution alleged that out of the N839,780,738 earlier transferred to Broadwaters Resources from I-See Securitys account, N838,000,000 was further transferred to the First Bank account of Sobora International Ltd on February 26, 2014. It added that Global Offshore and Marine Ltd also transferred N780,000,000 from its First Bank account to the Diamond Bank account of Tip Top Global Resources Ltd (Diamond Bank Plc) on April 17, 2014, and N840,613,092.28 to the First Bank account of Crystal Television Ltd on April 28, 2014. The total transfers of 1,620,613,092.28 to the account were from the N1,629,250,000 transferred to Global Offshore and Marine Ltd by I-See Security on February 12, 2014. CCECC outflows In the CCECC Nigeria Ltd transactions, the EFCC alleged that there was a total outflow of N2,583,385,246 alleged to be proceeds of fraud from its Zenith Bank, UBA, and GTB bank accounts between March and June 2014. All the outflows, according to the EFCC, went to Private Banking Nominee account, which Ms Oduah and Ms Odita allegedly opened anonymously with First Bank. The prosecution alleged that between March 31 and April 1, 2014, the Chinese firm transferred N500milion, alleged to be proceeds of fraud from its GTB account to Private Banking Nominee account. It similarly accused the firm of transferring N537,256,601, also alleged to be proceeds of fraud from a Zenith Bank account to Private Banking Nominee account from April 11 to 17, 2014. The EFCC also alleged that on March 19, 2014, CCECC Nigeria Limited transferred N48,700,300 from a Zenith Bank account to Private Banking Nominee account. According to the commission, from March 5 to May 30, 2014, CCECC also transferred N868,409,349 from Zenith Bank account to Private Banking Nominee account. It added that between March 18 and May 30, 2014, the Chinese firm transferred N229,018, 996 from its undisclosed account Private Banking Nominee account. It also stated that on June 6, 2014, the firm also transferred N400million from its UBA account to Private Banking Nominee. Defence Under the Nigerian criminal justice system, the defendants, who may plead not guilty during their arraignment on February 22, will open their defence after the prosecution calls its witnesses, presents its exhibits and then closes its case. But Ms Oduah, who is the central figure and connected to all the 25 charges, has always denied corruption allegations levelled against her. She stated, in response to the N255million bulletproof car scandal that saw to her exit from office in 2014, that she had made a mark in oil and gas and agricultural businesses before joining politics. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. President Joe Bidens administration is increasing coronavirus vaccine supplies sent to states to 13.5 million doses per week. White House press secretary Jen Psaki says that represents a 57% increase from when Biden took office nearly a month ago on Jan. 20. Psaki also says the administration is doubling, to 2 million doses per week, the amount of vaccine being sent to pharmacies across the country as part of a program to extend access into neighborhoods. Jeff Zients, Bidens coronavirus coordinator, made the announcements during a regular White House call with governors on Tuesday. Psaki says the administration is monitoring severe weather across parts of the country that has forced some vaccination centers to close temporarily, and that could jeopardize the viability of the vaccines. Eastons Department of Planning and Codes shuttered a double home on Monday afternoon on the citys South Side after large cracks developed in the facade on one side and a hole was discovered near the foundation. The owners of 226 and 228 W. St. Joseph St. were directed to employ a structural engineer to determine if the building is stable or if the hole extends to the point where the building is compromised and needs to be taken down, Chief Codes Administrator Sharbel Koorie said Tuesday. The hole on the east side of the building is about the size of a wheelbarrow, but it wasnt clear how far it extended into the ground, Korrie said. Residents of both sides had to leave as water and electric service was cut off to both homes and gas service, which just served 228 W. St. Joseph, was turned off as well. In the unlikely event the building fell on its own, the utilities being connected could amplify the damage, Koorie said. The building, which was put up in 1900 or before, according to Northampton County property records, was once a German schoolhouse that was years later bought by two sisters who lived in either side with their husbands, Koorie said he learned as he worked Monday at the scene. Current residents were a relative of the current owner on the left and tenants on the right, Koorie said. A double home at 26-28 W. St. Joseph St. in Easton was shuttered Feb. 15, 2021, by the city's codes department after cracks developed in the facade on the east side of the structure and a hole was found near the foundation.Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com The American Red Cross was requested for the residents of one of the homes, fire Chief Henry Hennings said Tuesday. The fire department responded Monday and made initial checks on the structure. Cracks in the white bricks could be seen near windows on the first and second floors on the front of 226 W. St. Joseph. The front door was askew and there were hairline cracks to 228 W. St. Joseph, Koorie added. There is 40 to 50 feet on each side between the double home and adjacent homes, which is likely enough space to prevent damage if the home were to collapse, Koorie said, adding such a failure did not seem imminent, but hes not an engineer. A double home at 26-28 W. St. Joseph St. in Easton was shuttered Feb. 15, 2021, by the city's codes department after cracks developed in the facade on the east side of the structure and a hole was found near the foundation.Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com A large Victorian home had to be torn down after a huge sinkhole opened next to it in 2004 three blocks south on nearby St. John Street. And an SUV collapsed into a sinkhole in December on James Street, which is several blocks south and east of Mondays incident. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription. Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. What OSHA's New COVID-19 Mandates Mean for Employers OSHAs new guidance is sure to keep employees safe, especially since the organization can enforce more rules at any time. As the COVID-19 pandemic approaches 500,000 deaths in the United States alone, stricter mandates are now necessary. The viruswith new, more contagious variants popping upspreads easily. Without the right precautions in the workplace, any industrial or manufacturing facility can quickly become a dangerous and infectious place. Handling of the pandemic rapidly shifted once President Joe Biden entered office in January. Biden put a stricter emphasis on containing the virus for everyone, and hes paying close attention to industry work. He issued an executive order for OSHA to reevaluate temporary emergency standards and release new mandates by March 15. The changes come at a time when employees are already calling upon the government and OSHA to take stricter action. Though some states have rolled out employer guidelines, new mandates on the federal level will ensure employers keep workers safe. OSHAs New Guidance OSHA announced the new guidance at the end of January, about a week after Bidens executive order. It encourages employers to take stricter action in some areas, like management. However, OSHA is mandating and not merely suggesting changes when it comes to vaccinations. Heres what employers need to know. 1. Management Industry and manufacturing work already entails a significant number of responsibilities. To curb that stress, OSHA suggests employers appoint a coordinator responsible for COVID-19 topics. They must remain in the know and aid the coordinator. However, upper management must be receptive to employee feedback. If workers dont feel safe due to COVID-19 risks, they may not speak up in fear of backlash. The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ/EFJ) demand Belarusian authorities to stop immediately the persecution of journalists and the prosecution of the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ). At least 30 journalists and human rights defenders were targeted in police raids today. Early in the morning of 16 February, BAJ press secretary Barys Haretski was briefly detained by Belarusian security forces. BAJs lawyer Aleh Aheyeu and BAJs president Andrei Bastunets were also detained to witness the search of BAJs offices. Other searches and raids were under way Tuesday morning at the homes and offices of journalists and human rights activists in various cities across the country. These police operations targeted several organisations that position themselves as human rights organisations. These prosecutions are carried out on the basis of Article 342 of the Criminal Code, for organising and preparing actions that seriously violate public order. The investigators are trying to identify the sources of funding for the mass demonstrations organised in the country to contest the outcome of the fraudulent elections of 9 August 2020. Riot police officers visited the home of freelance journalist Larisa Shchyrakova in Homel. Another journalist from Homel, Anatoly Gotovchits, is also wanted. Searches were also conducted at the home of journalist Ales Burakou Jr. in Mahilou and at the home of the press secretary of the Belarusian Human Rights House Barys Zvozkau. The IFJ and EFJ call on the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the European Union to take action in order to restore the rule of law in Belarus. IFJ President, Younes Mjahed, said: "This is another blatant attack on press freedom and we stricly condemn the targeting of our colleagues at BAJ and other journalists and human rights defenders. We demand Lukashenko's government to stop once for all its harassment against the press. We also call on international organisations to take strict measures to support press freedom in Belarus". For weeks we have been denouncing the intensified repression of democratic forces in Belarus. After administrative and criminal proceedings against journalists, the Belarusian dictatorship is now attacking the representative organisation of journalists. It is high time for the international community to finally take action to put an end to the abuses of illegitimate President Lukashenko, said EFJ President Mogens Blicher Bjerregard. IF you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home. Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court. Police with sniffer dogs have launched a drugs raid on a barracks just yards from the Queen's official Windsor residence. Troops from the elite Coldstream Guards were subjected to body searches on Monday morning as they returned to Victoria Barracks after the weekend. The anti-drugs operation comes just three weeks after two of the regiment's senior Non-Commissioned Officers were arrested on suspicion of stealing ammunition. They were released on bail pending further inquiries. Troops from the elite Coldstream Guards (stock image during inspection by Queen) were subjected to body searches on Monday morning as they returned to Victoria Barracks after the weekend Military police and civilian officers from Thames Valley Police were trying to catch any troops who may have been bringing Class A drugs into the base just 400 yards from Windsor Castle. But no drugs were found and no arrests were made. Defence sources confirmed last night that the raid was requested by Coldstream Guards commanders. Recently soldiers from the unit, which protects the Queen and performs ceremonial duties, failed a Compulsory Drugs Test (CDT). They now face being kicked out of the Army. Military police and civilian officers from Thames Valley Police were trying to catch any troops who may have been bringing Class A drugs into the base just 400 yards from Windsor Castle (pictured) The Coldstream Guards is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army. Earlier this month, the Daily Mail also revealed how ten soldiers had been kicked out of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Horse Artillery, after taking cocaine and cannabis at an illegal party. Last night the MoD said: 'We can confirm that there was a military police-led operation involving civilian police at Victoria Barracks on February 15. No arrests were made and no illicit substances were found.' NASSAU New York summer camp operators are confident theyll be able to operate during the coming season and say they are waiting for a green light and guidelines from the state. We feel very confident that we are opening. Its just a question of when and how, said Susi Lupert, executive director of the American Camp Associations New York and New Jersey branch. Her organization, which represents about 400 sleepaway camps in New York and New Jersey, has been talking with state officials as recently as last week. While summer camp may be far from many peoples minds in February, this is the time when operators are preparing for their summer season. Weve been planning since the end of last summer, said Matt Krouner who operates Camp Schodack in Nassau. State Health Department officials on Tuesday said they were focusing on getting all industries opened in a safe way but no final decisions had yet been made regarding sleepaway camps. In June 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Andrew Cuomo forbade traditional summer sleepaway camps from operating due to fears of contagion. Day camps, however, were allowed to run. Krouner said day camps pulled off a successful summer and with schools running at least partially, and vaccines being distributed, sleepaway camps have an idea of how to safely operate. To be sure, he said, summer camps will operate differently this year. Camps will almost surely require some degree of quarantine period for campers as well as a negative COVID test prior to their arrival. And once at camp, he said, youngsters would be kept in pods or groups that eat and sleep separately so as to prevent the possible spread of the virus. Krouner is planning to use large tents to keep groups from dining in one mass gathering. And trips off of the camp grounds and visitors may be limited or banned entirely. Additionally, the counselors or other employees from places like the United Kingdom or Australia will likely be absent due to the suspension of visa programs. Camps are an important economic driver for many parts of the state, especially upstate where regions like the Catskills and Adirondacks are dotted with summer camps that have operated for decades. Camps in New York employ about 60,000 seasonal and 3,500 full-time people. Add in the money that camps spend in local communities on goods and services including food, fuel, supplies, banking services, building maintenance and repair and there is a $1.3 billion impact on the state, according to the Camp Association. Some sleepaway camps last summer were able to pivot by renting out their facilities to private groups or for conferences. But the shutdown was still a hardship, especially for smaller mom-and-pop operations. Krouner and Lupert both stressed that watching day camps, schools and others operating through the pandemic has demonstrated that a safe season is possible. This year is totally different. We know so much more, Krouner said. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518-454-5758 @RickKarlinTU February 16, 2021 U.S. Focus On Narratives Will Let It Collide With Reality The impeachment narrative circus is leaving the town and the real world work can now begin: With the distraction of the impeachment trial of his predecessor now over, President Biden will quickly press for passage of his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan before moving on to an even bigger agenda in Congress that includes infrastructure, immigration, criminal justice reform, climate change and health care. Without the spectacle of a constitutional clash, the new president takes center stage now in a way that the first few weeks didnt allow, said Jennifer Palmieri, who served as communications director for former President Barack Obama. She said the end of the trial means that 2021 can finally start. "Wait!" screams the narrative industry. That does not fit our business model. The 'left' side of the media is set up to beat up Trump every damned minute and the 'right' side is there to constantly condemn the 'left' for beating up Trump. Over the last five years that system produced record ratings for everyone. Wolf Blitzer @wolfblitzer - 16:11 UTC Feb 15, 2021 The Trump trial is over but local, state & federal investigations continue. There might be a 9/11-type commission. News organizations continue to investigate. And @realBobWoodward is working on a book on Trumps final days in office. Bottom line: we are going to learn a lot more. "I hear you," responds Nancy Pelosi. And what better way to hide that Biden will pursue the same policies as Trump (but sprinkled with some LBGTQWERTY quackery) than to extend the narrative circus: Congress will move to establish an independent commission to investigate the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, including facts relating to the interference with the peaceful transfer of power, Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California announced on Monday. ... Calls have grown for a bipartisan, independent investigation into the law enforcement and administrative failures that led to the first breach of the Capitol complex in two centuries, particularly after the Senate acquitted former President Donald J. Trump in his impeachment trial on a charge of inciting the rioters. For some lawmakers, such a commission offers the last major opportunity to hold Mr. Trump accountable. Yes Nancy, lets investigate this and other such question: Why was Capitol police chiefs request for National Guard denied ahead of riot? Republicans ask Nancy Pelosi. Keeping the eyes on Trump is of course the best way to guarantee that Republicans will continue to stick to his narrative and that he will come back: Though the 2024 primary is still far off who knows what will happen with Trump three months from now, let alone in three years? he currently swamps any potential rival. Fifty-three percent of Republicans said they would vote for Trump if the primary were held today. All the other Republican hopefuls are polling in the low single digits, besides Mike Pence, who received 12 percent. Marco Rubio, Tom Cotton, Mitt Romney, Kristi Noem, Larry Hogan, Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, Tim Scott and Rick Scott all polled below 5%. Only Donald Trump Jr. and Nikki Haley punched through at 6%. Further investigating the Mardi Gras invasion of the Capitol will also help to push for new 'domestic terrorism' laws. Where those will be pointed at is already evident: Thomas B. Harvey @tbh4justice 17:56 UTC Feb 15, 2021 FBI arrests BLM protester, claiming his social media posts show he is on a path to radicalization. A judge determined he is dangerous bc of these posts and held him with no bond. This is where were headed if we accept this domestic terrorism frame: The FBI warned about far-right attacks. Agents arrested a leftist ex-soldier. Welcome to the age of surveillance capitalism where every rant you ever posted that does not fit the official narrative can (and will) be used against you: This clearly represents a quite different magnitude of control and when allied with the Wests counter-insurgency techniques of terrorist narrative disruption, honed during the Great War on Terrorism is a formidable tool for curbing dissent domestically, as well as externally. Yet it has a fundamental weakness. Quite simply, that being so invested, so immersed, in one particular reality, others truths then will not cannot be heard. They do not stand out proud above the endless flat plain of consensual discourse. They cannot penetrate the hardened shell of a prevailing narrative bubble, or claim the attention of elites so invested in managing their own version of reality. The Big Weakness? The elites come to believe their own narratives forgetting that the narrative was conceived as an illusion, one among others, created to capture the imagination within their society (not others). ... Examples are legion, but the Biden Administrations perception that time was frozen from the moment of Obamas departure from office and somehow defrosted on 20 January, just in time for Biden to pick up on that earlier era (as if time was uninterrupted), marks one example of a belief in ones own meme. Whilst the EUs unfeigned amazement and anger at being described as an unreliable partner by FM Lavrov in Moscow, is just another example of how elites have become remote from the real world and captive to their own self-perception. America is back to lead, and to set the rules of the road for the rest of the world, may be intended to radiate U.S. strength, but rather, it suggests a tenuous grasp of the realities facing the U.S.: Americas relations with Europe and Asia were growing increasingly distant well before Biden entered the White House and, therefore, from before Trumps (purposefully disruptive) term, too. Why then is the U.S. so consistently in denial about this? The U.S. - or at least its 'elites' - need a wake-up call that pulls them out of their narrative world and brings them back into reality. The alternative is a violent collision with the realities that others -domestic as well as foreign- perceive. Posted by b on February 16, 2021 at 19:08 UTC | Permalink Comments next page Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 22:26:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League on Tuesday condemned a deadly rocket attack in the Iraqi city of Erbil as "a dangerous escalation" that weakens the stability and security of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq. In a statement, the Cairo-based pan-Arab body urged Iraq's Kurdistan Region and the central government to overcome their differences and unify the efforts against the "heinous" attempts to jeopardize the security and stability of Iraq. "The stability of Kurdistan is a significant base for the security of Iraq," the Arab League statement noted. It also expressed full support for Iraq in its anti-terror war as well as all the steps taken by the Iraqi government to restore the security and stability across its territories. Meanwhile, the Egyptian foreign ministry also slammed the attack and confirmed Egypt's confidence in the ability of Iraq to respond decisively to terrorist acts. On Monday, a rocket landed near Erbil International Airport, killing a civilian contractor and injuring five others and a U.S. service member. Enditem NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / AZARGA METALS CORP. ("Azarga Metals" or the "Company") (TSXV:AZR) is pleased to announce that Wardell Armstrong International ("WAI") has been awarded a contract to complete an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Company's 100% owned Unkur Copper-Silver Project in Eastern Russia. Michael Hopley, President and CEO said: "We are enthusiastic about Wardell Armstrong's involvement in the Unkur project because of their wide international experience and their knowledge of and recent experience with these types of copper-silver deposits in this part of Russia." Azarga completed the first phase of exploration at Unkur with a drill program consisting of 16 drill-holes in the 2016/2017 season. Based on these results a Maiden Mineral Resource estimate was published in April 2017 and then updated in March 2018. This was the basis for the first PEA completed in August 2018. A second major phase of work at Unkur was conducted by Azarga in the 2019/2020 season, which consisted of a property-wide magnetic survey as well as a further 15 diamond drill-holes, which both expanded and better defined the copper-silver mineralization. In addition, new and more extensive metallurgical test work was completed on both oxide and sulphide samples from the most recent drilling. WAI recently completed a review of data for the Unkur Project and concluded that it was an appropriate quality and suitable as a basis for an Inferred Mineral Resource. WAI will therefore complete the updated Mineral Resource estimate ("MRE") for incorporation into the updated PEA, working jointly with SRK (Russia), which created detailed 3-D wire-frame models for Unkur. Based on the new MRE as well as the updated metallurgical test work, WAI will lead the completion of the updated PEA. This work is expected to take 4 to 6 weeks. PRIVATE PLACEMENT The Company has arranged a non-brokered private placement of up to 8,333,333 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.06 per Unit to raise proceeds of up to C$0.5 million (the "Offering"). Commitments have been received for most of the Offering. The Company reserves the right to increase the size of the private placements or to modify the type, nature and/or price of the Units for any reason. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one-half of one Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). One Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Share of the Company at a price of C$0.12 per Share for a period of two years from the closing of the Offering. The Shares issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four-month and a day hold period. In addition, the Offering is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Finder's fees will be payable on the Offering. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to fund the cost of the PEA preparation and for general working capital purposes. Qualified Person Azarga Metals' President and CEO Michael Hopley, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, verified the data disclosed and has reviewed and approved the disclosure contained in this Press Release. About Azarga Metals Corp. Azarga Metals is a mineral exploration and development company that owns 100% of the Unkur Copper-Silver Project in the Zabaikalsky administrative region in eastern Russia. On completion of a first phase physical exploration program in 2016-2018, the Company estimated an Inferred Resource of 62 million tonnes at 0.53% copper and 38.6g/t silver for the project in the report entitled "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Unkur Copper-Silver Project, Kodar-Udokan, Russian Federation" dated effective 30, August 2018 authored by Tetra Tech Mining & Minerals. AZARGA METALS CORP. "Michael Hopley" Michael Hopley, President and Chief Executive Officer For further information please contact: Doris Meyer, at +1 604 536-2711 ext. 6, visit www.azargametals.com or follow us on Twitter @AzargaMetals. The address of the head office of Azarga Metals is Unit 1 - 15782 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC V4B 1E6, British Columbia, Canada. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Cautionary Statement: This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Corporation's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current planned exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans to continue to be refined; possible variations in mineralization grade or recovery rates; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. SOURCE: Azarga Metals Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629577/Updated-PEA-to-be-Prepared-for-Unkur-Copper-Silver-Deposit-and-Private-Placement The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced suspicion of committing a crime to blogger, leader of the Shariy Party Anatoliy Shariy, who, according to investigators, carried out illegal activities to the detriment of the country's national security in the information sphere. According to the SBU press center, the department has reason to believe that Shariy acted on the orders of foreign structures. The suspicion was announced under the procedural leadership of Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office in the framework of criminal proceedings under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - Part 1 of Article 111 (high treason) and Part 1 of Article 161 (violation of the equality of citizens depending on their race, nationality, religious beliefs, disability and other criteria). "In particular, with regard to the last article, we are talking about inciting national, racial or religious hatred, humiliation of national honor and dignity, etc. The evidence of the investigation was confirmed by a number of expert studies that established that there are facts of his subversive activities against Ukraine," the press service said. Thus, it has been established that since 2012, via social networks, electronic media and Russian TV channels, Shariy has assisted the state and non-governmental structures of the Russian Federation in carrying out special information operations. In particular, he was engaged in discrediting the state policy of Ukraine, deliberately and purposefully disseminated manipulative, distorted information about government initiatives and events in Donbas to aggravate and destabilize the socio-political and socio-economic situation, incite interethnic and inter-confessional conflicts. The SBU said that these illegal actions of Anatoliy Shariy were actively used by the Russian media: Rossiya 24 (VGTRK), Rossiya 1, Zvezda TV channel run by the Russian Ministry of Defense, and others. "The attention of the investigation was also taken by the repeated statements and appeals of citizens and organizations about the possible anti-Ukrainian activities of the blogger on the basis of materials distributed by him on the Internet and speeches on the Russian media," the SBU said. Investigative actions are now continuing and other persons are being identified who contributed or may be involved in the systemic illegal activities of Shariy. The Australian national flag flies over Parliament House in Canberra in this file image. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP/Getty Images) Australian PM Demands Change After Rape Allegations by Staffer Against Colleague Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins will pursue a complaint of rape that occurred in Parliament House to Australian Federal Police and the Department of Finance. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the alleged rape of a former Liberal Party staffer is a wake-up call that must drive change within Parliament House. He has asked Curtin MP Celia Hammond, a former university vice chancellor, to work with party whips and MPs to improve workplace standards and protect staff. We all have a role to play in that. I do, members of this place do, he told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday. Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet deputy secretary Stephanie Foster will also review processes for workplace allegations. An automatic reporting obligation to department officials will be established. Brittany Higgins alleges she was sexually assaulted by a male colleague in the office of federal Liberal minister Linda Reynolds after a night out in 2019. She decided not to pursue a police complaint at the time because she felt pressure that doing so would affect her employment. Higgins has since resigned from her job in government and plans to reinstate the police complaint. She also plans to initiate a formal complaint with the Department of Finance, which handles work-related ministerial staff complaints. Senator for Western Australia Linda Reynolds in Canberra, Australia on July 7, 2014. (Stefan Postles/Getty Images) Senator Reynolds told Parliament on Monday she never forced Higgins to choose between her job and making a police complaint. The minister also expressed regret for setting up a formal meeting about the incident in the same room the alleged rape occurred. My only priority throughout this matter was the welfare of my then-staff member and ensuring that she received the support that she needed, she said. That included ensuring that she was clear about the support available to her and her right to make a formal complaint to the Australian Federal Police should she choose to do so. Labor deputy leader Richard Marles said the alleged rape was an indictment on political workplace culture. Its not trying to make this a partisan issue, because its not, its across the political culture, he told ABC radio. Women play a critical role and in fact we need to see them playing a bigger role within our political sphere. But this is a major issue and one which is ultimately an enormous disincentive for women to be involved, he said. Labor MP Peta Murphy wants an independent body established within Parliament to deal with complaints, describing workplace cultures in the building as a systemic and cultural problem. Its what weve seen in workplaces around the world and in Australia, that when there are power imbalances and no processes to deal with them, then incidents will happen, she told reporters in Canberra. We need to not only show and behave in a way that Australians expect us to, we need to make sure that Australians are confident that there are processes in this place to hold people to account when they dont. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 By Daniel McCulloch He could not offer a timeline on a Victorian site but said senior officials would travel to Howard Springs, 30 kilometres from Darwin, to inspect the 67-hectare facility built by Japanese oil company Inpex in 2012 to house workers across 875 accommodation units. The Northern Territory government took over the dormant site at a cost of $350,000 a month in 2019 a dead weight Mr Andrews said Victoria would avoid because bespoke quarantine facilities could be used in future for emergency bushfire accommodation or other pandemics and health crises. Avalon CEO Justin Giddings on land proposed for quarantine cabins. Credit:Joe Armao Avalon Airport boss Justin Giddings reiterated his keenness for quarantine units to be built on the airports more than 1000 hectares of available land on Tuesday and said they would be a permanent installation next to the international terminal. He told The Age the construction price would be in the millions, but would vary depending on the number and size of the units. While Melbourne Airport has a large land bank, significant work would need to be undertaken to assess whether a facility to the governments standards could be developed on airport land, what approvals would be required from Commonwealth and state governments, and in what timeframe any of this could be delivered, she said. University of Sydney infectious diseases expert Robert Booy said building a new quarantine facility would take time and would not solve the problems that have plagued hotel quarantine. While he stressed adequate air ventilation was a critical element, Professor Booy argued much of the virus leaks from hotel quarantine could be traced back to human behaviour. Loading Its often human error thats the problem, not the facility, so we need to get better at managing quarantine within the settings, he said. We will still have the same old problem of people who need excellent training and surveillance. Whether youve got a new facility or an old one, you need to get the best quality out of your people. He added that while Victoria had lagged behind other states and seemed to struggle with doing hotel quarantine as well it was improving its system all the time. It seems a somewhat hopeful and simplistic approach to a nuanced problem, he said. Australian Medical Association Victoria president Julian Rait welcomed the news and said ventilation in many inner-city hotels just isnt up to the standards we expect from our hospitals or indeed many other health facilities. Ultimately, though, best practice infection-control is more important than where quarantine might be located, Professor Rait said. Loading The AMAs Northern Territory president, Rob Park, said the staffing at the Howard Springs facility by Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AUSMAT) was more important to its success than its layout. Its the standard of preparation support that the AUSMAT people have, which is why Howard Springs is way ahead and some of the [other quarantine facilities], Professor Park told radio station 3AW on Tuesday afternoon. AUSMAT people have been involved in the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone a couple of years ago, and theres no more dangerous disease than Ebola. So if you can train up for Ebola then really, its reasonably easy to train for the COVID preparation. After 20 years of military engagement and billions of dollars spent, and the United States still grapple with the same, seemingly intractable conundrum how to withdraw troops from without abandoning the country to even more mayhem. An accelerated US drawdown over the past few months, led by the previous US administration, has signaled what may be in store for long-suffering Afghans. Violence is spiking and the culprits are, well, everyone: the Taliban, the Islamic State group, warlords, criminal gangs and corrupt government officials. Currently, 2,500 US and about 10,000 troops are still in defense ministers will meet on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the way forward. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is reviewing his predecessor's 2020 deal with the Taliban, which includes a May 1 deadline for a final US troop withdrawal from the war-ravaged country. In Washington, calls are mounting for the US to delay the final exit or renegotiate the deal to allow the presence of a smaller, intelligence-based American force. All key players needed for a stable post-war come with heavy baggage. The Taliban now hold sway over half the country and both sides in the conflict have continued to wage war, even after peace talks between the Taliban and the Kabul government began last year in Qatar. The Taliban have lately been accused of targeted killings of journalists and civic leaders charges they deny. But they lack credibility, particularly because they refuse to agree to a cease-fire. There is also no proof they have cut ties with al-Qaida militants as required under the Taliban-US deal. A January report by the US Treasury found that they continue to cooperate and that al-Qaida is getting stronger. Some reports from areas under Taliban control speak of heavy-handed enforcement of a strict interpretation of Islamic law: While the Taliban allow girls to go to school, the curriculum for both boys and girls seems mostly focused on religion. There is little evidence of women's progress in the deeply conservative, rural areas. Afghan warlords some accused of war crimes have been co-opted by forces since the 2001 collapse of the Taliban regime, amassing power and wealth. In a vacuum that would follow the withdrawal of foreign troops, activists and Afghans fear the heavily armed warlords would return to another round of fighting, similar to the 1992-1996 bloodletting. At that time, the warlords turned their firepower on each other, killing more than 50,000 people, mostly civilians, and destroying much of the capital, Kabul. Afghan forces have also been accused of heavy-handedness. In January, a new UN report said that nearly a third of all detainees held in detention centers across Afghanistan say they have suffered some form of torture or ill-treatment. Corruption is rampant and government promises to tackle it, according to a US watchdog, rarely go beyond paper. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This story was originally published in 2011. Why does Texas have its own electric grid? Texas' secessionist inclinations have at least one modern outlet: the electric grid. There are three grids in the Lower 48 states: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection and Texas. The Texas grid is called ERCOT, and it is run by an agency of the same name the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. ERCOT does not actually cover all of Texas. El Paso is on another grid, as is the upper Panhandle and a chunk of East Texas. This presumably has to do with the history of various utilities' service territories and the remoteness of the non-ERCOT locations (for example the Panhandle is closer to Kansas than to Dallas, notes Kenneth Starcher of the Alternative Energy Institute in Canyon), but Texplainer is still figuring out the particulars on this. The separation of the Texas grid from the rest of the country has its origins in the evolution of electric utilities early last century. In the decades after Thomas Edison turned on the country's first power plant in Manhattan in 1882, small generating plants sprouted across Texas, bringing electric light to cities. Later, particularly during the first world war, utilities began to link themselves together. These ties, and the accompanying transmission network, grew further during the second world war, when several Texas utilities joined together to form the Texas Interconnected System, which allowed them to link to the big dams along Texas rivers and also send extra electricity to support the ramped-up factories aiding the war effort. The Texas Interconnected System which for a long time was actually operated by two discrete entities, one for northern Texas and one for southern Texas had another priority: staying out of the reach of federal regulators. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal Power Act, which charged the Federal Power Commission with overseeing interstate electricity sales. By not crossing state lines, Texas utilities avoided being subjected to federal rules. "Freedom from federal regulation was a cherished goal more so because Texas had no regulation until the 1970s," writes Richard D. Cudahy in a 1995 article, "The Second Battle of the Alamo: The Midnight Connection." (Self-reliance was also made easier in Texas, especially in the early days, because the state has substantial coal, natural gas and oil resources of its own to fuel power plants.) ERCOT was formed in 1970, in the wake of a major blackout in the Northeast in November 1965, and it was tasked with managing grid reliability in accordance with national standards. The agency assumed additional responsibilities following electric deregulation in Texas a decade ago. The ERCOT grid remains beyond the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which succeeded the Federal Power Commission and regulates interstate electric transmission. Historically, the Texas grid's independence has been violated a few times. Once was during World War II, when special provisions were made to link Texas to other grids, according to Cudahy. Another episode occurred in 1976 after a Texas utility, for reasons relating to its own regulatory needs, deliberately flipped a switch and sent power to Oklahoma for a few hours. This event, known as the "Midnight Connection," set off a major legal battle that could have brought Texas under the jurisdiction of federal regulators, but it was ultimately resolved in favor of continued Texan independence. Even today, ERCOT is also not completely isolated from other grids as was evident when the state imported some power from Mexico during the rolling blackouts of 2011. ERCOT has three ties to Mexico and as an outcome of the "Midnight Connection" battle it also has two ties to the eastern U.S. grid, though they do not trigger federal regulation for ERCOT. All can move power commercially as well as be used in emergencies, according to ERCOT spokeswoman Dottie Roark. A possible sixth interconnection project, in Rusk County, is being studied, and another ambitious proposal, called Tres Amigas, would link the three big U.S. grids together in New Mexico, though Texas' top utility regulator has shown little enthusiasm for participating. Bottom line: Texas has its own grid to avoid dealing with the feds. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. THE Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Michael Collins has contacted the HSE over the controversy surrounding the location of the countys mass-vaccination centre. As it stands, the Newcastle West-based politician is likely to face an almost 100km round-trip to the Radisson Blu Hotel at the Ennis Road when it comes to his turn to get the jab. In a Tweet this morning, he said he contacted the HSE to convey his dismay. Referring to the Radisson Blu Hotel just over the border in Clare he wrote: Its simply the wrong location. He added the health service is considering adding a second location in the county, with sources suggesting Limerick Racecourse could be approached to offer the service. As it stands, many people in county Limerick will be better positioned to travel to mass vaccination centres in other counties. Technically, at this point in time we do not have any vaccination centre in Limerick at the moment, but Ive been assured they are looking at other locations as well, Mayor Collins said, What they should have looked at is a location in Limerick city, and two county locations, one in the south and one in the west. There are five in Cork, so there is no reason we shouldnt have three in Co Limerick. The first citizen did say that a lot of people using the location of the centres for political purposes. I contacted the HSE earlier to convey my dismay at siting Limerick's Vaccanation centre at the Raddisson blue hotel. It's simply the wrong location. They are considering another location in the County and I hope an announcement on this will be positive. pic.twitter.com/eilrfRLn9i Mayor Michael Collins (@cllrmcollins) February 16, 2021 I think there is a lot of misinformation out there. I heard Maurice Quinlivan this morning talking about how could they expect 75 to 80 year olds to go to the Radisson. But all that age group are being vaccinated in their homes or through their GPs. People who are vulnerable and cannot travel will be vaccinated at home. These vaccination centres are for people who are capable of travelling, Mayor Collins said. I can understand why people are annoyed that we dont have a centre in Limerick, but we need to keep the information right at the same time, he concluded. Nancy Pelosi announced Democrats are starting independent probe. The probe comes after the impeachment debacle with doctored evidence and a no-show witness by the DEMS. After the no conviction vote in the unconstitutional impeachment trial, the DEMS are all set to prove ex-President Trump is responsible for the January 6 incident. The House Democrats got scorched for how they tried to establish a non-charge, but they are still at it after the show-trial. Democrat show continues House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced that the House Democrats are taking sham trial failure forward by having a September 11, 2001-style commission. The goal is to prove that their charge of insurrection on January 6 is not mistaken, reported the Epoch Times. She said that the impeachment trial findings based on evidence that never stuck and demolished by the Trump defense are actual. This was her statement after she went on a rant, accusing the Republicans as cowards. She added that it was crucial to protect and secure everything with a 9/11 commission that will further attempt to dig for causes and facts. Despite the no guilt charge on the impeachment and a second failure to get Trump, she and the DEMS believe he still is the culprit. Pelosi pushed the Democrat narrative She sent a letter to fellow DEMS to spend more of the taxpayers' money to increase the Capitol's security. Earlier she asked retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore to conduct a review of all security processes. Many criticized the Capitol's security measures as unnecessary and won't work; Democrats starting an independent probe is proof they are fearful of Trump. Also read: Failed Attempt to Impeach Trump Angers Pelosi, Says Censuring Is Not Enough Pelosi said that with preparation for the commission, the interim reporting from the general shows more security is needed. More specifically for the members of the House and Senate, and also the security of the Capitol. Trump's acquittal is not enough for the DEMS to stop. Instead, despite their failure to convict him that conveys innocence, they are still pinning the ex-president who bested them two times in two impeachments. Trump lawyers pointed out that everyone has a right to the First Amendment, he said "peacefully and patriotically" that was removed from the videos was used to indict him. According to Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), one of the impeachment managers stated that Trump's fault was why the violence happened, but the no-convict vote did not convince him of the sham trial. However, seven Republicans decided to go along with the show trial and voted to convict. Their actions show how the GOP is starting to dislike any allegiances to DEMS. More Democrats are pushing another siege on Trump Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) last Sunday told the Associated Press that the nation wants to hear and the commission whose job is to be impartial is left to be seen. Most American conservatives are critical of what the DEMS say, but the media is biased towards conservatives. Republicans who convicted Trump were Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania. They are now in the crosshairs. Trump slammed the Democrats for their actions that went against the constitution and disregard for the law. But the Democrats starting independent probe shows they are after him. Related article: Senator Graham Says Vice-President Harris Might Be Impeached as 'Pandora's Box' Opens @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The hotel industry is not just facing a health crisis; its facing a confidence crisis. The more that we as technology developers can do to fortify our solutions to meet traveler demands, the faster we can all recover. 2021 is a year of disruption. Not only has the hotel business come to a screeching halt in many markets, but travelers are modifying their list of must-haves if operators want them to return, and touchless experiences such as contactless payments, mobile check-in/out, mobile reservations, mobile keys, and hotel-to-guest text messaging are topping their list of demands. Maestro, the preferred cloud and on-premises property-management system solution provider for independent hotels, luxury resorts, conference centers, vacation rentals, and multi-property groups, is making it easier for hoteliers to evaluate their current system features and the vendor services needed to reopen successfully in the days/week/months ahead. The line between technologies that are nice to have and those that operators must have is vanishing as the Coronavirus lingers on and consumers are getting anxious to travel again, said Warren Dehan, Maestro President. People are tired of being confined. They want to get out of the house or office . . . explore new places, site-see, people watch . . . just be anywhere other than where they have been for the last eight to 12 months. Research shows that consumers are willing to travel in 2021. The deciding factors in which hotel they choose comes down to cleanliness, contactlessness, and the ability to digitally communicate with their chosen hotel via mobile device while still receiving a personalized experience. A 2020 industry study asked travelers: What are the most important factors in selecting a specific hotel? Seventy-six percent of those surveyed cited confirmation of the date and time that a guests room was last cleaned as a top priority, and 72% said the hotel has extended the time period between guest stays in a specific room were most important. Undeniably, there is a direct correlation between what tomorrows travelers want and the functionality that PMSs must offer to meet guest demands. According to the study: 63% of travelers said its important to them that the hotel text them pre-stay information 64% said they are willing to use self-service technology to reduce wait times 59% said they want the ability to make contactless payments 57% want to check-in/out via their personal mobile device 54% expect to make reservations from their mobile device and use those devices as mobile keys 53% want the ability to check-in/out via kiosk 50% expect the hotel to provide personalized service based on their purchase history 49% prefer to use contactless/touchless technology at hotels and restaurants If youve been told migrating to a cloud-based PMS is all you need to weather todays economic storm dont be fooled, Dehan said. The platform your PMS operates on (whether the server is in the cloud, in a private cloud, a managed data center, or in the hotels IT room) is not nearly as important as whether or not the system can meet your specific operational needs. The added support of a flexible and scalable web-browser-based PMS with robust features, contact free, mobile and choice of 100s of third-party technologies through an open API will accompany a successful implementation. More than ever, property groups need a solution provider that gives them the power to choose key aspects of their operational technology needs, rather than having them work within the confines of a providers limitations. Travelers have spoken. As much as they want a contactless experience, operators still need to maintain a high touch environment as they deliver the stay experience that guests are accustomed to and expect. For instance, guests want to know not just when the room was cleaned last, but when was the last time someone occupied the room and slept in their bed. Todays PMSs must have the functionality to convey that information and so much more if the hotel is going to capture market share. Maestro, for example, has programmed its Housekeeping Module to create gaps in room rental spacing to allow time for complete room sanitization, Dehan noted. It also has mobile texting capability and room status updates so details about room cleanliness and sanitization can be shared with guests even before they arrive on premises. Our Maestro Front Office system also offers a wear and tear room rotation option that can be programmed to sell rooms that have been vacant the longest first. This type of functionality is not common in all systems; it is a feature based on user demands and continuous system updates over time. Operators must do a deep evaluation of their current systems to see if they are really ready for reopening. Hotel Technology Experts Speak to PMS Identified by Lodging magazine as one of the top 10 hospitality technology experts changing the travel industry, John Burns, president of Hospitality Technology Consulting, said the pandemic has impacted every aspect of the hotel operation. Guests are now primarily from the Local/Leisure market category, and the interest of these guests extends well beyond just a comfortable, secure bed for the night. Todays guests seek a welcoming room, but they also want a combination of services, activities and experiences to be enjoyed on-property and nearby to the hotel, Burns said. They want plentiful information on these services, and they want to be able to easily reserve them online and enjoy them with an array of pandemic-related safeguards in place. Fulfilling these expectations requires creativity, planning, and a willingness to implement new processes. It also requires technology to support the promotion and delivery of these beyond-the-guestroom services. This technology includes the hotel/brand website and booking engine which must be appealingly present (and enable reservations). It must answer many more questions to describe and promote the property . . . provide an arrival-to-checkout contactless environment . . . offer extensive pre-arrival and on-property hotel/guest communications . . . and structure, enable delivery, and charge for not only the accommodation but also the full array on ancillary service enjoyed by the guest. The heart of this technology suite is the property-management system, he said. Interfacing when necessary with peripheral technology, the PMS enables development, presentation, and delivery of the 2021 guest/property interaction. Not all PMSs have the needed capabilities to support this more complex workflow, resulting in the need by some hotels to either move up to a current generation PMS or relegate their hotel to a less-than-competitive position in the lodging marketplace. Ted Horner, managing director of E Horner & Associates, a hospitality technology consulting practice specializing in hotel systems selection, deployment, and integration, said as the uncertainty of COVID-19 continues and a cure is still some way off, it is imperative that PMS vendors provide hotels with as many modules and touchless tools that reduce or eliminate physical contact. Web check-in, check-out on your mobile phone, and electronic signature capture eliminates several unnecessary points of contact, Horner said. Many properties both large and small are now offering mobile-key guestroom access via an app on their phone that is fully integrated with their PMS. Now that this technology is proven, hotels should actively encourage guests to use it. Diane Estner, president of DANNI Enterprises, a hotel technology group specializing in hotel systems selection/deployment/integration, technology architecture, organization, and strategy, said she is convinced that 2021 is a good time to really scrutinize existing hotel technology in place, however, it may or may not be centered around changing the PMS. There are a number of legacy PMS systems that can accommodate the evolving contactless tools and mobile engagement, as there are a number of solid reliable companies, as well as new innovators, that have brought their solutions to market, Estner said. System integration and partner collaboration is what is needed most. Low occupancy, significantly reduced revenues, and operational pressures can feel catastrophic if a hotelier is dependent upon an older, inflexible PMS platform or PMS partner. The challenges we are experiencing today are best endured and supported thru a strong partner relationship that offers innovation and flexibility and not all PMS companies are created equal, as we know. Hoteliers today must do their due diligence and find the features and flexibility they need to thrive, not just survive, she said. They must negotiate and be open to changing the model for their business, their operations, and where they draw their revenues from. PMS Evaluation Checklist Available from Maestro To help hoteliers with the due-diligence process, Maestro is offering hoteliers a FREE PMS Evaluation Checklist to help them quickly determine how their system compares to others in the market. Operators can quickly compare general benefits and system features and functionality at a glance. A few features for comparison on the PMS Evaluation Checklist include: Flexible installation of either windows or web browser based (or combination) at the property on premise server, cloud hosted or in a private cloud. Touchless and mobile tools for guests and staff, pre-arrival through to check out. Text enabled communication to in-house guests to monetize and up sell services. Soft check-in with automatic communication to housekeeping mobile app, automatic notification to guest once housekeepers change room status to notify them of room ready. Housekeeping service levels by property and room type based on guest type. All modules centralized on a single database to facilitate full property automation for leaner staff teams. Mobile spa provider apps for real-time schedules, mobile spa/activity waiver forms with electronic signature capture. 24/7 Support and live phone and chat by a central single team. All upgrades and new version updates free of charge. To access the Maestro PMS Evaluation Checklist, click here. With more and more functionality being demanded by travelers today to ensure themselves a safe stay, we believe that 2021 should be deemed the Year of PMS, Dehan said. The hotel industry is not just facing a health crisis; its facing a confidence crisis. The more that we as technology developers can do to fortify our solutions to meet traveler demands, the faster we can all recover. Most demands hinge on the flexibility and functionality of the PMS. Those hoteliers who are still operating with an underperforming system need to make some changes if they want to do more than just survive this year. Maestro is here to help. # # # About Maestro Maestro is the preferred cloud hosted and on-premises PMS solution for independent hotels, luxury resorts, conference centers, vacation rentals, and multi-property groups. Maestros PCI certified and EMV ready enterprise system offers 20+ integrated modules on a single database including touchless and mobile apps to increase profitability, drive direct bookings, centralize operations, and enable operators to engage guests with a safe and personalized experience. For over 43 years Maestros Diamond Plus Service has provided unparalleled 24/7 North American based support and education services to keep hospitality groups operational and productive. for more information on Maestro. Click here to get your free PMS Buying guide. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! How desperate is Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister to divert attention away from his own woeful pandemic response? So desperate that he spent a weekend spinning a whopper of a fib in interviews with two national news organizations. Opinion How desperate is Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister to divert attention away from his own woeful pandemic response? So desperate that he spent a weekend spinning a whopper of a fib in interviews with two national news organizations. As he does so often when he wants to pick a fight with Ottawa, Pallister made appearances on CTVs Question Period and The West Block on Global where he claimed the federal Liberal government had forbidden vaccine suppliers from selling direct to provinces. Federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc immediately issued a statement denying that any attempt was made to stop provinces from purchasing vaccine directly. But Pallister would not relent. "Theyve all told us that they are not going to sell to us because thats part of the deal they made with the federal government," Pallister told The West Block on Sunday. "To me, thats blocking." Apparently, Pallister wasnt aware that officials from some of the vaccine manufacturing companies own televisions. CTV received an email directly from AstraZeneca, whose vaccine is still awaiting final approval by Ottawa, confirming that its contract with the federal government for 20 million doses "does not preclude provincial contracts." Why would Pallister make such an outrageous claim in such a public way and not expect to get called to account? CTV claims it was shown emails from several vaccine manufacturers in response to Manitobas request for separate deals. Those emails, CTV reported, "indicated generally that (the vaccine makers) were opting to deal with the federal government to fulfil Canadas requests." And then, it all starts to make sense. Ottawa started pre-ordering vaccines last summer. Why would any vaccine maker ignore those early contracts to take an order from a cranky provincial first minister with no sense of delayed gratification? Ottawa didnt block the provinces from buying vaccine; the vaccine makers told Pallister they couldnt do a deal with him until Canadas contracts are fulfilled. And it should be noted that, notwithstanding recent global shortage of Pfizer vaccines, Canada has pre-ordered 360 million doses of vaccine from an array of manufacturers, the most pre-orders per capita of any country on the planet. The charitable interpretation here would be that Pallister and his people simply misinterpreted the response from the vaccine makers. Of course, the more obvious explanation is that once again the Manitoba premier lied in a desperate bid to get people to forget how badly he has managed the pandemic response. Manitoba is currently, and thankfully, on the downward slope from one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks since the beginning of the pandemic. For much of last fall, our total number of cases and deaths per capita were among the highest anywhere in the world. In fairness, no government or political leader has ever had the power to fully control the novel coronavirus. As well, every jurisdiction on the planet, including Manitoba, was destined to experience a second wave. So, any criticism of the Pallister government is not based on an expectation that somehow he could have prevented the virus from staging a deadly comeback in the fall. However, Pallisters woeful misjudgment of the likelihood of a second wave, and wilful mismanagement of the response, made what was always going to be a bad situation much worse. With criticism peaking both among the general public and inside his own party, Pallister was desperate to find a new object of derision for his citizens. And when Pfizer suspended vaccine shipments to Canada (and many other countries around the world) in January, Pallister seized the opportunity to shift attention and blame to Ottawa. First, he announced a dubious deal with a Calgary pharmaceutical company that is trying to get approval for the first made-in-Canada COVID-19 vaccine. Pallister claimed Manitoba had purchased two million doses of the vaccine even though the company does not have the money to complete clinical trials and has never brought an approved drug of any kind to market. Then, Pallister made the rounds of the weekend national news programs trying to drive home the idea that the provinces could solve the vaccine shortage if only they were allowed by Ottawa to buy direct from the manufacturers. Pallister either doesnt know or doesnt care that this is not a Canadian vaccine shortage, its a global vaccine shortage. Pfizer, Canadas principal vaccine supplier to date, reduced shipments to all countries outside the United States last month to allow it time to renovate a plant in Belgium to expand capacity. Pfizer has promised that, starting this week, it will ramp up supply so that Canada and the other countries that were deprived can still receive all the vaccine they were promised in the first three months of 2021. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made quite a few lofty promises on the vaccine front, including a pledge that every Canadian that wants a shot will get one by September. If his Liberal government fails to deliver on those promises, he will suffer a swift and much-deserved political death. However, none of that justifies Pallisters increasingly bizarre behaviour. All governments will be held accountable for the good, bad and ugly of their pandemic responses. But when the post-pandemic reckoning comes, there will be a special place in political hell for leaders who spent less time trying to find solutions and more time trying to blame others. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca A civilian contractor was killed and eight others were wounded in a rocket attack Monday at a U.S.-led military base in Kurdish northern Iraq that also left a U.S. service member with a concussion, according to U.S. officials. The blast in Irbil was the most deadly attack to hit U.S.-led forces in Iraq for almost a year, and carries echoes of another attack in December 2019 that triggered a dangerous escalation between Iran and the United States. The nationality of the contractor who was killed was not immediately known, but two U.S. defense officials told NBC News that the contractor was not an American. Of the wounded civilian contractors, four are from the U.S. and four are not from the U.S., according to a statement from Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. led military coalition in Iraq. Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics "We are outraged by todays rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Monday night. "We express our condolences to the loved ones of the civilian contractor killed in this attack, and to the innocent Iraqi people and their families who are suffering these ruthless acts of violence," the statement added. "I have reached out to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss the incident and to pledge our support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible." State Department Spokesperson Ned Price on Tuesday condemned the attack and addressed the possibility of Iranian involvement. "We are supporting our Iraqi partners in their efforts to investigate these attacks whether they were conducted by Iran, whether they were conducted by Iranian backed militia forces or elements of such forces we're not going to prejudge that," Price said during a press briefing. "But suffice to say two things: One, we will in coordination with our Iraqi partners reserve the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing. And we will do so in coordination with our Iraqi partners." Story continues The rocket attack raises tension in the region at a time when Washington and Tehran are trying to find a way back to the Iran nuclear deal. The central government in Baghdad said it was forming a committee with the Kurdistan Regional Government to investigate the attack because it believes the rockets were launched from an area thats not under the control of the Kurds, according to a senior security official who spoke to NBC News on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the press. He did not specify whether the area was under the control of government forces or any other Iraqi faction, such as the Popular Mobilization Forces, an official group of Iran-linked militias. The Kurds are among the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world, concentrated in area straddling Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. In Iraq, the Kurds have established a self-rule zone in northern Iraq where they have autonomy from the Iraqi government. Kurdish security sources said at least three rockets landed near Irbil International Airport in the autonomous region late at night. U.S. troops occupy a military base adjacent to the civilian airport. A statement from the Kurdish interior ministry said that around 9.30 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. ET) several missiles hit Irbil International Airport and residential neighborhoods in the city, killing one person and injuring eight others, including five at the airport and three others in the city. Following the attack, a Kia vehicle was found between Irbil and Al Kuwayr loaded with several missiles, according to the statement. Sabreen News, a local outlet linked to Shiite militias, reported overnight that Awliya al-Dam militia had claimed responsibility for the attack. The militia is a little known group that was formed last year but is widely believed in Iraq to have links to the Iranian-backed militia group Kataeb Hezbollah. NBC News could not independently confirm that the group claimed responsibility for the attack or that it has links to Kataeb Hezbollah. Kataeb Hezbollah was blamed by the U.S. for a rocket attack on K1 base near Kirkurk in northern Iraq in December 2019, that killed an American contractor Nawres Hamid, 33, and set off a dangerous escalation between Iran and the United States last year. The rocket attack prompted American military strikes on weapon depots that Washington said were linked to Kataeb Hezbollah. Those strikes in turn triggered protests at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and were later followed on Jan. 3 2020 by a U.S. airstrike that killed a top Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a leader of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq, of which Kataeb Hezbollah is a member. Iran then retaliated days later by firing more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi air bases housing U.S. forces. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. PLANO, Texas, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- aiden, a leading provider of autonomous endpoint security managed services, today unveiled the roster of accomplished professionals, including several IT and Cybersecurity leaders, who will serve on the company's advisory board. These trusted advisors include luminaries from highly esteemed technology, media, manufacturing, and financial companies like Microsoft, Veracode, The New York Times and Daikin, and will be tasked with helping to guide the company's go-to-market strategy. "I've had a lot of opportunities to advise companies, including both established companies and startups and few have ever excited me as much as aiden. The sheer caliber of my fellow board members speaks for itself," said Rob Wesorick of Microsoft. "I think many people recognize endpoint vulnerabilities are proliferating at an unprecedented pace and aiden's technology and service offerings are uniquely poised to make the process of securing those endpoints, whether new or existing, simple and automated." aiden's newly announced board members include: Tom Bradbury is the Founder and CEO of Helix2; he has spent his career focused on the business impact of infrastructure, cyber hygiene, and software deployment practices. is the Founder and CEO of Helix2; he has spent his career focused on the business impact of infrastructure, cyber hygiene, and software deployment practices. Brian Leonard is the CEO & Co-Founder of Grouparoo; he is best known for being the technical co-Founder and CTO of TaskRabbit, a leader in the gig-economy space which sold to IKEA in 2017. is the CEO & Co-Founder of Grouparoo; he is best known for being the technical co-Founder and CTO of TaskRabbit, a leader in the gig-economy space which sold to IKEA in 2017. Susan Lindner is CEO and Founder of Emerging Media, an innovation communication consultancy focused on breakthrough storytelling for startups and F500 companies. is CEO and Founder of Emerging Media, an innovation communication consultancy focused on breakthrough storytelling for startups and F500 companies. Bart Louwagie is a seasoned international IT leader in private equity and healthcare spaces; he currently serves as CISO for Daikin Europe. is a seasoned international IT leader in private equity and healthcare spaces; he currently serves as CISO for Daikin Europe. Erinmichelle Perri is the CISO at The New York Times and former Senior Vice President, O&T Risk and Control at Citi. is the CISO at The and former Senior Vice President, O&T Risk and Control at Citi. Scott Popma is a Partner at IP Spring, with experience advising on IP issues across technologies, including gaming platforms, social networks, and a variety of industries. is a Partner at IP Spring, with experience advising on IP issues across technologies, including gaming platforms, social networks, and a variety of industries. Dave Ruedger is CISO at RMS (Risk Management Solutions), a premier provider of catastrophe risk models for the insurance industry. is CISO at RMS (Risk Management Solutions), a premier provider of catastrophe risk models for the insurance industry. Jeanne Shalvoy is an HR leader with extensive experience leading initiatives in complex global organizations, such as Hellman & Friedman, Charels Schwab , VISA, and The Gap. is an HR leader with extensive experience leading initiatives in complex global organizations, such as Hellman & Friedman, , VISA, and The Gap. Matthew Shatskes is a partner at a Global 100 Law Firm, Shappard Mullen; he advises healthcare and IT leaders, vendors, and investors on regulatory and strategic matters. is a partner at a Global 100 Law Firm, Shappard Mullen; he advises healthcare and IT leaders, vendors, and investors on regulatory and strategic matters. Kurt Steege is an enterprise and government IT veteran who serves as CTO of ThunderCat Technology. is an enterprise and government IT veteran who serves as CTO of ThunderCat Technology. Jennie Woltz is an employment and labor attorney who served some of New York's most prestigious law firms before founding her own. is an employment and labor attorney who served some of most prestigious law firms before founding her own. Rob Wesorick is Microsoft's Principal Support Planner focused on the support strategy for its commercial business while overseeing a budget of $750 million . is Microsoft's Principal Support Planner focused on the support strategy for its commercial business while overseeing a budget of . Chris Wysopal is the founder of Veracode, whose achievements include pioneering automated binary analysis as a means of discovering software vulnerabilities. "I can't imagine a more able panel of industry authorities to support our mission to secure every Windows endpoint, everywhere," said Josh Aaron, CEO of aiden. "With the support of one of the best advisory boards in the industry, our leadership team will continue to focus on servicing and automating the management of software deployment and patch management designed to enhance the security of every endpoint, so that our customers can stay focused on what matters most: their businesses." Meet aiden aiden is an autonomous patch management, software deployment, and endpoint security managed service enabling organizations to keep Windows networks secure at scale. aiden works as an automated tactical layer with any deployment tool to ensure your computers are always up-to-date, and safer from cyber-attacks. Now your IT team can cut down the time and resources needed to maintain every Windows computer (server, desktop, or laptop) by 75% or more. For more information, go to www.meetaiden.com and follow us on social media via @meetaiden. Media Contact: Scott Montminy MindLaunch Media [email protected] (617) 548-9141 SOURCE aiden Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 5:16 am Brush Prairie resident Joseph Stevens (J.G. Stevens) tells his life story a little different than most. Using the fictional character Lonny Berry, Stevens uses his life experiences of serving in the United States Navy. The sequence of books, aside from the demons, follows my career, Stevens explained. Born in southern Utah in the 1930s, Stevens travelled around the Southwestern United States as his dad picked up various jobs once as a sheep shearer, another time as a silver miner in Nevada. Once World War II picked up, Stevens said his family traveled back to southern Utah as his dad didnt want to be stuck in the mines during the war. After graduating from Provo High School, Stevens joined the Navy, where he spent seven years serving in the field of cryptographic communications in various countries around the world. I really enjoyed my time in the Navy, he said. We would receive messages, decode them, (re)code them and send them out again. It was quite the job; I enjoyed it. After serving in the Navy, Stevens worked for a steamship company until he retired in 2000. Since retiring, Stevens has spent much of his time reading his favorite authors and penning his science fiction series Children of the Prophet. Stevens said he has been a reader for his entire life and has always toyed with the idea of writing a novel some day. Growing up, some of his favorite authors included Edgar Rice Burroughs, author of Tarzan, and Arthur C. Clarke, author of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Currently, his favorite author is Taylor Anderson, who writes alternate histories of the Earth with science-fiction inspired characters. The first book in Stevens series is Children of the Prophet: Demon Plot While the general idea of the book followed Stevens career, many other aspects such as demons, gods, and murder were made up by Stevens while he was writing. Of the two types of writers, planners and pantsers, Stevens said he very much so finds himself to be in the pantser category as he tends to write by the seat of his pants. He said he didnt plan for any of the books to come out the way that they did, but thats just how he started writing them. Stevens started writing for the first time around 1994, when he wrote his autobiography as a practice run, he said. After that, writing came pretty naturally to him and writing the Children of the Prophet series was not too difficult. This may sound strange but I didnt find any of (the writing process) hard, Stevens said. It all flowed and I really cant say it was bad at all. Stevens said the ease of the writing process came from the fact that he used his own life as a reference point for the book. I didnt have to research anything because I knew the landscape and the political-scape, he said. I knew the background and geography. The book series takes place in the mid-1800s and follows the story of Lonny Berry, a fresh new convert from England as he fights with possession, and, under the influence of an inner demon, begins teaching his own brand of religion. According to Stevens, the book was edited by his niece who helped him with punctuation as needed. After that, the book was self-published through Xlibris, and is available in both paperback and ebook formats on Amazon and through the Xlibris site. The book is also available at Literary Leftovers in Battle Ground. For Stevens, the entire part of the writing process is fun and his favorite part is just getting words down on the page. For the future, he plans on continuing to write as much as he can. Writing is my favorite thing to do besides read, he said. Europe's top rights court has today ruled that Britain must pay thousands in compensation to two Vietnamese men who were prosecuted for drug crimes despite having been trafficked to the UK as children. The men, now in their 20s, had been forced to work on cannabis farms in the UK before being convicted and detained on drug charges when they were discovered as teenagers in 2009. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Britain would pay 90,000 euros (78,590) to the men for failing to protect potential victims of child trafficking. It found Britain had breached two articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, relating to the prohibition of forced labour and the right to a fair trial. The building of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. The court ruled ruled that Britain would pay 90,000 euros (78,590) to the men The court ordered Britain to pay 25,000 euros (21,760) in damages and 20,000 (17, 409) euros for costs and expenses to each of the applicants. Britain's Home Office said in a statement: 'The government is committed to tackling the heinous crime of modern slavery and ensuring that victims are provided with the support they need to begin rebuilding their lives. 'We are carefully considering this judgment.' The government has three months to decide whether to appeal the ruling at the ECHR's grand chamber. Anti-slavery advocates welcomed the ruling and said it could affect the treatment of victims in other European nations. 'It's actually a game changer on the rights of all victims of trafficking to protection,' said Parosha Chandran, a barrister who represented one of the two applicants in the case. She added: 'This judgment will count for many victims today, tomorrow and in many years to come.' In its ruling, the Strasbourg-based court outlined how the two Vietnamese applicants - referred to as V.C.L. and A.N. - were discovered working on cannabis farms in Britain in 2009, and charged with drugs offences to which they pleaded guilty. Following their conviction, the two teenagers were detained in young offenders' institutions before later being recognised by British authorities as victims of human trafficking. However, prosecutors ultimately concluded that they had not been trafficked and Britain's Court of Appeal ruled that the decision to prosecute them had been justified, the ruling said. But the ECHR said prosecutors did not give clear reasons to challenge the classification of the two Vietnamese as victims of trafficking, and that the Court of Appeal had only addressed whether the decision to prosecute had been an abuse of process. The lack of any assessment of whether the applicants had been trafficked may have prevented them from securing important evidence capable of helping their defence, the ruling said. The United Kingdom thus violated Article 4 - prohibition of forced labour - and Article 6 - right to a fair trial - under the European Convention on Human Rights, according to the ECHR. A record 10,627 suspected modern slaves were identified in Britain in 2019 - up by 52 per cent in a year - while the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the crime further underground with victims less likely to be found or receive help, according to activists. Police, lawyers and campaigners have raised concerns that children are often prosecuted on drug charges despite evidence suggesting they were coerced, and a legal defence protecting such defendants under Britain's 2015 Modern Slavery Act. 'This case overwhelmingly proves identification is key for child victims of trafficking, particularly if they are caught up in criminal exploitation,' said Anna Sereni, coordinator of the Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group, a coalition of charities. She added: 'We're glad that the ECHR acknowledged the importance of protecting children through principles of non-punishment and non-prosecution.' Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN Police said two men are dead after being found unresponsive in a supply closet at a College Street apartment building, police said. Sgt. Shayna Kendall confirmed that one of the two men is dead, while the status of the second remains uncertain, however New Haven police told WTNH-8 two restaurant employees were found dead after overdosing on drugs and a third was found alive. Swarm: Locusts have been cutting a devastating swathe across eastern Africa As dawn breaks in central Kenya, a helicopter lifts off in a race to find roosting locusts before the sun warms their bodies and sends them on a ravenous flight through farmland. Pilot Kieran Allen begins his painstaking survey from zebra-filled plains and lush maize farms, to dramatic forested valleys and the vast arid expanses further north, his eyes scouring the landscape for signs of the massed insects. The chopper suddenly swings around after a call comes in from the locust war room on the ground: a community in the foothills of Mount Kenya has reported a swarm. "I am seeing some pink in the trees," his voice crackles over the headphones, pointing to a roughly 30-hectare (75-acre) swathe of desert locusts. Reddish-pink in their immatureand hungriestphase, the insects smother the tips of a pine forest. Allen determines that nearby farms are at a safe distance and calls in a second aircraft which arrives in minutes to spray the swarm with pesticide. On the ground, having warmed to just the right temperature, the thick cloud of locusts fills the air with a rustling akin to light rainfall. But a few hours from now, many will be dead from the effect of the poison. Last month alone, Allen logged almost 25,000 kilometres (15,500 miles) of flightmore than half the circumference of the worldin his hunt for locusts after a fresh wave of insects invaded Kenya from Somalia and Ethiopia. Hunter: Helicopters are sent out to spot swarms in the early morning as the locusts are roosting in trees and bushes. Pilots then call in pesticide-spraying aircraft to kill the insects Like other pilots involved in the operationwho have switched from their usual business of firefighting, tourism, or rescuing hikers in distresshe has become an expert on locusts and the dangers they pose. "Those wheat fields feed a lot of the country. It would be a disaster if they got in there," he says pointing to a vast farm in a particularly fertile area of Mount Kenya. Second wave Desert locusts are a part of the grasshopper family which form massive swarms when breeding is spurred by good rains. They are notoriously difficult to control, for they move up to 150 kilometres (90 miles) daily. Each locust eats its weight in vegetation daily and multiplies twenty-fold every three months. The locusts first infested the east and Horn of Africa in mid-2019, eventually invading nine countries as the region experienced one of its wettest rainy seasons in decades. Some countries like Kenya had not seen the pest in up to 70 years and the initial response was hampered by poor co-ordination, lack of pesticides and aircraft, according to Cyril Ferrand, a Nairobi-based expert with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). A slick new operation to combat a second wave of the pests has improved control and co-operation in Kenya, Ethiopia and parts of Somalia. Desert locusts cover the tree tops in Meru, Kenya. The insects are pink in this early stage of development - and at their most voracious Locust war room In Kenya, the FAO has teamed up with the company 51 Degrees, which specialises in managing protected areas. It has rejigged software developed for tracking poaching, injured wildlife and illegal logging and other conservation needs to instead trace and tackle locust swarms. A hotline takes calls from village chiefs or some of the 3,000 trained scouts, and aircraft are dispatched. Data on the size of the swarms and direction of travel are shared with the pilots as well as governments and organisations battling the invasion in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. "Our approach has completely been changed by good data, by timely data, and by accurate data," said 51 Degrees director Batian Craig. He said in Kenya the operation had focused on a "first line of defense" in remote and sometimes hostile border areas, which had successfully broken up massive swarms coming in from Ethiopia and Somalia before they reach farmland further south. Harvest peril: A desert locust tucks into maize, or corn, in a field in Meru. The species eats its own weight in food every day In a complex relay, when the wind shifts and the swarms head back into Ethiopia, pilots waiting on the other side of the border take over the operation. Southern and central Somalia is a no-go zone due to the presence of Al-Shabaab Islamists and the teams can only wait for the swarms to cross over. Ferrand told AFP that in 2020 the infestation affected the food supply and livelihoods of some 2.5 million people, and was expected to impact 3.5 million in 2021. He said while a forecast of below average rainfall and the improved control operation could help curb the infestation, it was difficult to say when it will end. But with dizzying climate fluctuations in the region, "we need to start looking ahead to what needs to be in place if we start to see more frequent infestations of desert locusts." While the size of swarms have decreased this year, each one is "affecting someone's livelihood along the way," said Craig. In a Meru village, desperate farmer Jane Gatumwa's 4.8-hectare farm of maize and beans is seething with ravenous locusts. Air support: A plane sprays pesticides over locust-covered trees in Meru. The poison is not exclusive to pests, as bees, butterflies and other friendly insects are also killed. But it is designed to break down quickly and lose toxicity within a day She and her family members run through the crops yelling and banging pieces of metal together in a futile bid to chase them away. "They destroy everything, they have been here for like five days. I feel bad because these crops help us to get school fees and also provide food." "Now that there's nothing left we will have a big problem." Explore further Swarms of locusts threaten food security in Kenya 2021 AFP Asked about the goal of the trip, a White House official said in a statement to The Spin: He wants to use this trip as an opportunity to make the case for the swift passage of his American Rescue Plan, so we can get relief to those Americans who are struggling and so we can accelerate our vaccination initiative getting shots in arms to stop the spread of this pandemic. President Biden wants to speak to all Americans not Democrats, not Republicans and believes that going to the center of the country is the perfect place to do that. Chahid El Hafed, Feb 16, 2021 (SPS) - Hundreds of people from the Sahrawi civil society have marched this Tuesday in a massive demonstration in solidarity with the well-known Sahrawi activist human rights activist Saltana Khaya in Sahrawi Refugee Camps. The participants condemned the serious violations of human rights and the escalation of repressions and attacks on Sahrawi activists in the Occupied Zones of Western Sahara.SPS 125/090/TRA UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Lee Yong-soo, one of 15 registered surviving Korean victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, cries during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap A former wartime sexual slavery victim demanded Tuesday that Seoul bring the issue of forced sexual slavery by Japan to the International Court of Justice, denouncing Japan's continued denials and a Harvard professor's recent controversial claims. Lee Yong-soo, one of 15 registered surviving South Korean victims of sexual slavery by Japan during World War II, said during a press conference in Seoul that the issue warranted a judgment by the international court, as Japan has been unresponsive to a Seoul court's ruling in favor of victims, citing sovereign immunity. "I plead with the government to hold Japan accountable under the international law," Lee said. "I hope the two nations resolve the issue permanently at the international court and live in peace with each other." Last month, the court ordered Japan to make reparations of 100 million won (US$88,944) each to 12 former sex slaves, euphemistically called "comfort women," who filed the suit. A woman from Melbourne used people smugglers to escape an infamous detention camp in northern Syria after she had her Australian citizenship cancelled. Suhayra Adam, who also holds New Zealand citizenship, was living in the Kurdish-run al-Hawl camp with her two children until she was informed her citizenship was being cancelled by the Australian government last year. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dismissed New Zealands accusation that Australia ignored its responsibilities by stripping the citizenship of 25-year-old, saying his government was putting Australias national security interests first. Australian PM Scott Morrison and New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern have clashed over the cancellation of a dual nationals citizenship. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen/Getty Images Turkish authorities on Monday night announced Ms Adam, who is alleged to have links with Islamic State, was recently caught trying to illegally enter Turkey from Syria along with two other New Zealand nationals. Police have vowed to intensify a crackdown on gang conflict over the illegal drug trade after an Auburn home linked to the notorious Hamzy family was targeted in a shooting on Monday night. The western Sydney townhouse complex was sprayed with bullets around 8pm and a stray projectile came within a metre of a nurse inside the nearby Auburn Hospital. The woman suffered minor injuries when the bullet shattered a window. Police have warned the incident highlights the risk that escalating gang violence poses to the public. The home targeted has long been linked to Hamzy family members, including Ibrahim Hamzy, who is subject to a sweeping order curtailing his activities amid an escalating feud with the Alameddines. Another Hamzy relative was seriously wounded in a shooting at the address in 2013. After arriving at the address on Auburn Rd on Monday night, police found a number of bullet holes in the front of the building. Residents were inside but no one in the complex was injured, according to police. The anti-separatist law now set to pass in the French National Assembly effects a drastic, authoritarian shift in Frances political regime. Its 51 articles tear apart democratic rights established for over a century. Coming just weeks after Donald Trumps attempted coup in Washington, the frontal assault on democratic rights in France must be taken as a warning by workers internationally. Confronting growing popular opposition to capitalism and anger among workers and youth over a murderous health policy that has led to two million deaths from COVID-19, the financial aristocracy is moving towards dictatorship. A police officer looks at demonstrators during a protest against a proposed security law in Paris, Saturday, Jan.16, 2021. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) The government of French President Emmanuel Macron presents its law as a weapon to eradicate separatist support for Islamism and terrorism and to compel loyalty to the state and its right-wing bans on Muslim headscarves. Rewritingin fact, tearing apartthe 1905 secularism law that established the separation of church and state, the anti-separatist law grants the state vast control over the organization and funding of religious institutions and arbitrary powers to close houses of worship. Across France, nine mosques have already been closed and 76 are threatened with closure. Using this threat, Macron has already imposed on the French Muslim Council a humiliating new charter, compelling Muslims to obey national cohesion and public order. This effectively establishes Muslims as a separate category of citizens subject to a loyalty oath. It is impossible not to recall that in the 20th century, fascist regimes incited anti-Semitic hatreds to divide the working class and impose murderous policies. It would be wrong, moreover, to view this law as an attack on the rights solely of Muslims or other believers. Article 8 imposes the fascistic principle that associationsthat is, organizations such as charities, community groups and political parties, created under the terms of a 1901 laware collectively responsible for the actions of each of their individual members. This paves the way for arbitrary bans on cultural and political organizations. Police could cite any infraction committed by a member of an association to declare the entire association to be criminal, ban it and potentially prosecute its members. It is an attack on the entire working class. As is the case throughout Europe and internationally, the ruling class is cultivating outright fascist forces. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, 38, who oversaw the drafting of the law, makes no secret of his fascistic sympathies. Asked whether the law could be used to ban parties, Darmanin replied that he would not prosecute the far-right Action francaise (AF) party, even though it seeks to overthrow the Republic and replace it with an absolute monarchy, as before the 1789 French Revolution. AF members later confirmed that Darmanin was active in their party in 2008, later joining The Republicans and then Macrons party. The 1901 and 1905 laws now targeted by Macron were established in a struggle against the Action francaisethe most ruthless intellectual proponents of political anti-Semitism, monarchism and ultimately anti-communism and fascism in France. The Action francaise was founded in 1898 to keep Jewish officer Captain Alfred Dreyfus in jail after his wrongful 1894 conviction on false espionage charges by the Army, backed by the Church. The socialist movement, led by Jean Jaures, played the leading role in the struggle that established Dreyfuss innocence. The Action francaises devastating defeat in the Dreyfus Affair prepared the passage of the 1901 and 1905 laws, guaranteeing freedom of association and freedom of religion. During World War II, the Action francaise was the political base of the Nazi-collaborationist Vichy regime. Action francaise leader Charles Maurras hailed the coming to power of collaborationist dictator Philippe Petain in 1940 as a divine surprise. After the war, when Petain and Maurras were convicted of treason, Maurras bitterly remarked that it was the revenge of Dreyfus. With the anti-separatist law, the Macron administration is fashioning the revenge of Maurras. It has repudiated its pretenses during the 2017 electionsthat Macron was a democratic alternative to neo-fascist candidate Marine Le Pen. In 2018, amid mass yellow vest protests against social inequality, Macron hailed Petain as a great soldier. Now, rejecting mass public sentiment and calls from the medical community for a shelter-at-home order on COVID-19, it pursues a far-right line. Last week, in a prime time TV debate, Darmanin attacked Le Pen from the right as soft on Islam, telling her to take vitamins. The turn toward authoritarianism is bound up with the homicidal policy of the ruling class in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As the WSWS has explained, the COVID-19 pandemic is a trigger event in world history. To implement its homicidal policy, the ruling class internationally is cultivating fascistic forces and turning to authoritarian forms of rule. Across Europe, similar processes are underway. In Spain, the Army reacted to strikes last year that forced the adoption of a lockdown policy by plotting coups and rehabilitating 1936 fascist coup leader and dictator Francisco Franco. In Italy, banker Mario Draghi is forming a herd immunity government, including both the far-right Lega and the ex-Stalinist Democratic Party. And the German bourgeoisie is escalating its calls for rearmament and campaigns to rehabilitate the Nazis. The force that historically was mobilized against fascism, and that today must be mobilized again, is the international working class, fighting on a socialist program. Overcoming fascistic attacks on fundamental democratic rights, driven by the profit interests of the banks, requires building a movement to transfer power to the working class. Such a struggle cannot be left in the hands of the trade union bureaucracies and their reactionary political allies. In France, the pseudo-left parties of the affluent middle class, which tacitly supported Macron in 2017, have backed Macrons herd immunity policy and the anti-separatist law. The Stalinist French Communist Party and Jean-Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France (LFI) party, which initially called the law useless and dangerous and a mess of amalgams against Muslims, are now voting for the laws articles in parliament. Tied to Macron and financed by European Union pandemic bailouts, they are moving sharply to the right. The Macron administrations record has vindicated the assessment made by the Parti de legalite socialiste, the ICFIs French section, in the 2017 elections. Faced with a second round between Macron and Le Pen, it called for an active boycott of the elections, stressing that Macron was no alternative to Le Pen and that a politically independent movement would have to be built in the working class against whichever candidate won. Against herd immunity and fascistic policies, the Parti de legalite socialiste fights to renew in the working class its great traditions of socialist struggle. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced that they are going to do a major TV interview with Oprah Winfrey about Meghans life in the royal family. The interview, Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special, will be broadcast on CBS on Sunday 7 March. According to CBS, the start of the interview will be between only Winfrey and Meghan, with Prince Harry joining later. The channel has said that the Duchess will be interviewed about a range of subjects, including stepping into life as a royal, marriage, motherhood and how she is handling life under intense public pressure. Meanwhile, Harry will later join her to discuss their move to the US and their plans for the future. Ahead of the highly anticipated interview, weve rounded up a few key talking points we suspect might come up. Her relationship with the British media One subject that many suspect Meghan will be asked about is her relationship with the British media. Last week, the Duchess won a High Court privacy claim against the Mail on Sunday over the publication of a personal and private handwritten letter to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in February 2019. Both Meghan and Harry have spoken publicly about their relationship with the press. In 2019, Meghan said that her British friends warned her not to marry Prince Harry as the tabloids in Britain would destroy her life. The Duchess made the comments in the ITV documentary Harry and Meghan: An African Journey, which followed the couple on their royal tour of southern Africa. When I first met my now-husband my friends were really happy because I was so happy, but my British friends said to me: Im sure hes great but you shouldnt do it because the British tabloids will destroy your life, Meghan said. Married life and motherhood According to CBS, Meghan will speak to Oprah in more detail about her marriage and motherhood. In addition to discussing her son Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor, and the fact that she and Harry are now expecting their second child, its likely that Meghan will address her miscarriage last year. Harry and Meghan: A timeline In November, the Duchess revealed she had suffered a miscarriage over the summer. Writing in The New York Times, Meghan recalled a morning in July changing Archies nappy when she felt a sharp cramp. I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right, the Duchess wrote. I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second. Meghan might also be asked about her first marriage to American film producer Trevor Engelson, whom she divorced in 2013 after two years of marriage. Anti-racism One subject that Meghan frequently speaks about publicly is anti-racism. Its likely this will be addressed during her interview with Oprah. In July, the Duchess spoke out over the death of George Floyd in a virtual address to graduating students at her former high school, Immaculate Heart, in Los Angeles. But racism is a subject Meghan has long-addressed even before she became a part of the royal family. In 2017, she wrote an essay for her former lifestyle blog, The Tig, about the racism she and her family have encountered. She recounted her black grandfather telling her about being forced to eat in the car park at a KFC because of the colour of his skin. Recommended How Harry and Meghan paid tribute to Princess Diana with their pregnancy announcement That story still haunts me, she wrote. It reminds me of how young our country is. How far weve come and how far we still have to come. Before that, in 2015, the former Suits star wrote a piece for Elle Magazine in which she described an incident when her mother, Doria Ragland, was verbally abused by another driver in LA, who called her the N word. Prince Harry has also spoken at length about racism and released a strongly worded statement in 2016 shortly after it was revealed that he and Meghan were dating. In the piece, Harry referenced the racial undertones of comment pieces that emerged in the press at the time and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls with regards to comments made about his then-girlfriend. Her childhood and relationship with her father Meghan might also be asked about her upbringing in the interview, something that she has seldom discussed publicly. Prior to becoming an actor, Meghan interned at the American embassy in Buenos Aires and is said to have once considered a political career. While it is unlikely that Meghan will speak at length about her father, Thomas Markle, given the recent court case, she might reference his role in her upbringing. Mr Markle is said to be making a documentary about his life with Meghan, it has been claimed. In January, Markle toldThe Sun: It begins with my life, my family, my love of theatre and television and how I got there. Then my life with Meghan, growing up, her school days until she went off to college, and when her career began. Social media trolling Meghan has spoken at length about being trolled on social media since becoming part of the royal family. Last year, she said that she was the most trolled person in the entire world in 2019 in a podcast recorded for World Mental Health Day. Meghan made the remark on an episode of the podcast Teenager Therapy while discussing online abuse. I can speak personally too because Im told that in 2019 I was the most trolled person in the entire world male or female, she said. Now eight months of that, I wasnt even visible. I was on maternity leave or with a baby. But what was able to just be manufactured and churned out. Its almost unsurvivable. Future plans CBS has said that the couple will discuss their plans for the future in the interview. Last year, the couple signed several high-profile deals indicating what their next projects will be. This included an exclusive podcast deal with Spotify that will see them host and produce podcasts with their newly formed Archewell Audio production company. In September, it was also revealed that the couple signed a deal with Netflix to make documentaries, docu-series, feature films, scripted shows and childrens programming. Royal fans are hopeful that Meghan and Harry will share more details for what these deals will mean for them and the content they plan to produce in the future. Victims of historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland are to receive an official apology. The issue was discussed at a meeting of Executive and church leaders. First Minister Arlene Foster and Junior Minister Declan Kearney met with the Catholic Church's Archbishop Eamon Martin, Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell, and representatives from Barnardos and the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI) to discuss the remaining recommendations from the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry. The Inquiry, chaired by the late judge Sir Anthony Hart, called for compensation, a memorial to the victims and a formal apology. A roundtable meeting will take place with the institutions involved in the running of children's homes in the coming weeks to discuss principles underpinning the financial contributions before individual discussions with each institution. Other issues discussed at the meeting included progress on compensation and support services for victims and survivors and the views of victims towards an official apology. "All agreed that acceptance of responsibility and recognition of the harm done were central to the way forward. Historical institutional abuse should never have happened. Trust was breached and significant trauma caused to innocent victims," an Executive Office spokesperson said. "Those present committed to work together to address the apology, memorial, and contributions to the costs of redress in a way that will put fairness at its core and will meet the needs of victims and survivors. "The Executive Office will also continue to engage with the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse and with the institutions to ensure that a timely and appropriate joint official apology is made to victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse." The state is covering the cost of payments to victims, which have already begun, but is attempting to recoup much of its outlay from those in charge of operating the children's homes. Victims and survivors of abuse were paid 5.7 million between May and December last year. The scheme became operational at the end of March when a redress board was established as part of recommendations made in the HIA inquiry. The HIA inquiry called for payments ranging from 7,500 to 100,000. Thousands of victims are believed to be eligible. A central estimate of the cost of redress is up to 400 million. Max Lucado apologizes for past sermon on homosexuality after critics slam National Cathedral invitation Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Christian author and pastor Max Lucado, who holds biblical Christian views on marriage, issued an apology for disrespecting and hurting the LGBT community in his past sermons after the Washington National Cathedral was criticized for inviting him as a guest speaker. In 2004 I preached a sermon on the topic of same-sex marriage. I now see that, in that sermon, I was disrespectful. I was hurtful, wrote Lucado, pastor of Oak Hills Church, a nondenominational Christian church in San Antonio, Texas, in a letter last week to the Episcopal Churchs Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Paul in the City and the Diocese of Washington, also known as the Washington National Cathedral. I wounded people in ways that were devastating, Lucado, who spoke at the National Cathedral on Feb. 7, continued. I should have done better. It grieves me that my words have hurt or been used to hurt the LGBTQ community. I apologize to you and I ask forgiveness of Christ. Some members of the Episcopal Church, a denomination known for holding liberal views on marriage and sexuality issues, launched a petition asking the cathedrals dean, Randy Hollerith, to rescind Lucados invitation to preach. Lucados teachings and preaching inflicts active harm on LGBTQ people, the petition read. To cite one example, in 2004 he wrote of his fears that homosexuality would lead to legalized incest and likened same-sex marriage to incest and bestiality. Fear-mongering and dehumanizing messages from powerful speakers like Lucado have been used to justify rollbacks of LGBTQ rights and to exclude LGBTQ people from civil protections and sacred rites. To our knowledge, Lucado has not publicly renounced these views. Mentioning that the remains of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student who was murdered in 1998, were entrusted to the cathedral, the petition maintained that inviting a man who preaches the kind of dangerous theology that promotes oppression of and violence toward the LGBTQ community does not honor that trust nor serve his memory. Lucado wrote that faithful people may disagree about what the Bible says about homosexuality, but we agree that Gods holy Word must never be used as a weapon to wound others. To be clear, I believe in the traditional biblical understanding of marriage, but I also believe in a God of unbounded grace and love," he said in his letter. "LGBTQ individuals and LGBTQ families must be respected and treated with love. They are beloved children of God because they are made in the image and likeness of God. Over centuries, the church has harmed LGBTQ people and their families, just as the church has harmed people on issues of race, gender, divorce, addiction, and so many other things. We must do better to serve and love one another. The cathedrals dean also responded to the petition, which had been signed by over 1,600 people, falling short of its goal of 2,500 signatures. Hollerith wrote, When we only engage with those whom we agree on every issue, we find ourselves in a dangerous (and lonely) place. My hope is that all churches and faith communities will find ways to open their doors to perspectives different from their own. In his letter to the cathedral, Lucado clarified that he was invited to preach on the topic of the Holy Spirit. My desire was to highlight the power of the Spirit to bring comfort in these chaotic times. However, instead of that sermon, many only heard my words from many years ago. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. The battle to be mayor of London hotted up today as Sadiq Khan was challenged over violent crime in the capital. Tory Shaun Bailey, the incumbent Mr Kahn's main challenger, unveiled plans for an extra 8,000 police officers and 4,000 youth workers as he blasted his rival's record. At the same time Mr Khan pledged an extra 30million per year to fund 1,000 new officers, ahead of May's election in which he is the favourite to win a second term. He repackaged Tony Blair's slogan as he pledged to be 'tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime', amid a spate of stabbings in London in recent days. They include Sven Badzak, 22, who was stabbed to death in a 'completely unprovoked' attack by six young men as he went to buy a bagel in Kilburn on February 6. Mr Bailey told the Evening Standard today: 'Crime is on the rise in London. Just last weekend, 17 Londoners were stabbed. But instead of doing something about it, Sadiq Khan chose this week to announce his commission to decide which statues to tear down. 'We need a Mayor who understands that safe streets aren't a luxury they're a necessity. As a former youth worker, I know this isn't the city our children deserve to inherit.' He said that the cost of the extra police officers would come from 'additional Home Office funding to the Met and from long term savings at City Hall. But a London labour spokeswoman said: 'The Tory candidate has been caught repeatedly lying to Londoners about everything from council tax to the congestion charge - and these latest ridiculous proposals are just more of the same. 'These are fantasy numbers, plucked out of thin air and with no credible plan for how to pay for them at a time when Tory Ministers are inflicting huge austerity cuts on our city.' Tory Shaun Bailey, the incumbent Mr Kahn's main challenger, unveiled plans for an extra 8,000 police officers and 4,000 youth workers as he blasted his rival's record At the same time Mr Khan pledged an extra 30million per year to fund 1,000 new officers, ahead of May's election in which he is the favourite to win a second term Mr Bailey made the announcement as part of a 10-point plan unveiled today, which also pledged: 32 new youth centres, including a major centre in each borough, and 4,000 new youth workers One hundred thousand new homes that would be sold for 100,000 each to help get young people on the housing ladder. A zero-emission bus fleet by 2025 and interest-free loans to help cabbies get electric vehicles Introducing corporate sponsorship to the Tube to offset free travel for pensioners and children. A London Infrastructure bank to bankroll large-scale projects. Reversing the congestion charge increase and scrapping Ultra Low Emission Zone extension. Reversing planned council tax increases Working closely with ministers Introducing 30-minutes of free parking in outer boroughs. As well as 30million annually to fund officers, Mr Khan said he would use 8million raised through council tax to fund other crime prevention measures, including expanding GPS tagging of violent offenders after prison release and extending the funding for youth work services for young victims of violence. 'Violent crime had been increasing across the country and in London since 2014, while serious youth violence had been going up since 2013,' he said. 'We've worked hard to tackle violence in our city, and it started to fall well before the pandemic hit and has continued to do so. But I am not content or complacent, we still have a long way to go. 'If we are to see the long-term reductions in violence that we all want to see in our city, we must continue to tackle the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty, deprivation and lack of opportunities for young Londoners. 'I'm doing everything I can from City Hall to reduce violence, but it's clear we still have huge financial challenges ahead because the Government has implemented a new era of austerity on public services in London. Ministers must now match my commitment to tackling this issue and fully refund City Hall and the Met for all the lost income and money spent tackling the pandemic.' London mayor Sadiq Khan LAUGHS on Good Morning Britain when asked if he has confidence in Home Secretary Priti Patel and brands her 'a big failure' over the border quarantine system London mayor Sadiq Khan laughed at Priti Patel today as he tore into her record as Home Secretary. The Labour politician was asked on Good Morning Britain whether he had full confidence in Ms Patel after she failed to back the head of the Metropolitan Police in an interview last week. His response was to stop and chuckle before laying into the senior minister. 'I don't like to be discourteous or impolite to colleagues, even from other parties,' he said. 'I think Priti Patel's track record as a Home Sec won't be a great one in relation to what she's not done to address some of the concerns we had around the hostile environment, I think she has not addressed the concerns we have got in relation to our borders, I think the quarantine policies have been a big failure and I don't think she has given the police the resources they need.' Mr Khan and Ms Patel have often clashed over policing in the capital. And last week she refused to back under-pressure Met Police chief Dame Cressica Dick as the UK's top cop faced pressure over a botched probe into a VIP paedophile ring. Last week the Home Secretary refused to back under-pressure Met Police chief Dame Cressica Dick as the UK's top cop faced pressure over a botched probe into a VIP paedophile ring In an LBC radio phone-in the Home Secretary was asked to back the commissioner over the Operation Midland investigation into senior politicians including Leon Brittan. The former home secretary was one of the men falsely accused by now convicted fantasist Carl Beech - then known as 'Nick' - and died in January 2015 without knowing there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him. The Met chief is facing calls to quit after Lady Brittan used a Daily Mail interview to attack a 'culture of cover-up' at the force. But repeatedly questioned on LBC Radio whether she has confidence in the Scotland Yard supremo, Ms Patel responded: 'I work with the commissioner. 'The commissioner does a lot of great work and she oversees the largest police force in the country. Former home secretary Leon Brittan was one of the men falsely accused by now convicted fantasist Carl Beech - then known as 'Nick' - and died in January 2015 without knowing there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him 'There are still questions, rightly so - some questions have been put to me today, actually, very publicly in newspapers, and it's right that I also look at these questions.' It was only after the uncomfortable grilling that a spokesman for the Home Secretary came out and gave the Commissioner her full backing. The spokesman said: 'As the Home Secretary said, she works with Cressida Dick every day. The Home Secretary has full confidence in her to do her job.' Downing Street later said Boris Johnson joined the Home Secretary in having 'absolute confidence' in Dame Cressida. A Number 10 spokesman said of the Met's bungled investigation into false claims of a VIP sex abuse ring in Westminster: 'This was a deeply concerning case and the PM's thoughts are with Lady Brittan, her late husband (Leon Brittan) and others affected. 'The Prime Minister has complete confidence in the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, as does the Home Secretary. 'They are working together to reduce crime and protect the public from the threats posed by serious criminals, terrorism and the coronavirus pandemic. 'Both the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have absolute confidence in her as we work together with the police to make our streets safer.' Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. I have directed my administration to use all resources at our disposal to keep our communities safe amid dangerous and ongoing winter weather, Pritzker said in a statement. I urge all Illinoisans to take this extreme weather seriously, avoid all unnecessary travel and check in on your neighbors. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud have held a telephone conversation to discuss the possibility Saudi Arabia might use Russian vaccines against the novel coronavirus, as well as the implementation of the OPEC+ agreements, the Kremlins press-service said. "The parties discussed the expansion of Russian-Saudi ties in various fields, including in the context of the 95th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which will be marked this February. They expressed mutual interest in building up cooperation in trade, the economy and investment. Countering the spread of the coronavirus infection was another topic considered, including the possibility of using the Russian vaccines in Saudi Arabia," TASS cited the report as saying. "Vladimir Putin and Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud also exchanged views on the implementation of the OPEC+ agreements. They underscored their willingness to continue close coordination between Russia and Saudi Arabia in the interests of maintaining stability in the global energy market," the report reads. Regional issues were also touched upon, in particular, the situation in Syria and the Persian Gulf zone. The parties agreed on further contacts at various levels. BURNABY, British Columbia, Feb. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INTERFOR CORPORATION (Interfor or the Company) (TSX: IFP) announced today that Lawrence Sauder, Chair of Interfors Board of Directors, has advised the Company of his intention to sell, subject to market conditions, a portion of his common shares of Interfor within the next 9 months. This transaction is a result of financial and estate planning. Mr. Sauder currently holds 345,274 common shares and 97,271 deferred share units and he will continue to exceed his minimum share ownership requirement of three times the current annual non-executive director after any sale. Mr. Sauder emphasized he will remain a long-term investor in Interfor and continues to have great confidence in the Companys future. For the same planning reasons, Mr. Sauder has advised Hardwoods Distribution Inc., a publicly listed building products distributor, of which he is Board Chair, that he is also selling a portion of his common shares in that Company. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release contains forward-looking information about the Chairs intention to trade in the Companys common shares. Readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this release, and undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking information. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this release are described in Interfors annual Managements Discussion & Analysis under the heading Risks and Uncertainties, which is available on www.interfor.com and under Interfors profile on www.sedar.com. Material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information in this report include volatility in the Companys share price. Unless otherwise indicated, the forward-looking statements in this release are based on the Companys expectations at the date of this release. Interfor undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking information or statements, except as required by law. ABOUT INTERFOR Interfor is a growth-oriented forest products company with operations in Canada and the United States. The Company has annual production capacity of approximately 3.0 billion board feet and offers a diverse line of lumber products to customers around the world. For more information about Interfor, visit our website at www.interfor.com. Investor contact and further information: Mike Mackay, Vice President of Corporate Development & Strategy (604) 689-6846 Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Jan. 8, 20 21 Adam, ohr to us and -proud of your accomplishments! my what a disappointment you to God! We were once so Instead, you go against pour Christian principal and join the "devil's army "Democrats and the fake Christian when your army" believing in abortion! We thought you were "smart" enough to see how the left is many called good people" including yourself and many members. You have even fallen for their socialism ideals! news media). How you join the "davile ch coll yourself brainwashing no other Hop So, so, sod! on be and use know that Prasident Trump is not perfect, but weither are your any of us for that matter! It is not for us to judge judged! But he is a Christian! (of hod can forgive King David in the Bible, He can do the same with resident Trump.) Franklin Vrakann, Robert Jeffress, to just few of marg Poston, who mentor President Trump, be in a believer! Obviously, you did not hear President Trump's "Christmas Message to the American people (fake news media did not cover his message) where he actually gave the plan of salvation, instructing people how to repent and act the Savior into their heart to be Born Again! (To believe in John 3:16) When was the last time proclained forgot you now belong to the "davile army.) You won't convince us otherwise your horrible, runde accusations of President Trung! To embrace a party that believes in abortion and socialiem is the ultimate sin.) We should list even more grievancen you your faith Adom? CO2, with are not worth more of against you, but decided your time to best them. We have said enough! You should be that you have lost the respect of Low Ookka , Tusher Carlem, ScotlamityKawa Sugrahom, then Kelly, sto and book, Mark Levin and Rush Limbaugh and us! It is now most embarrassing to us that we are related you. You have ambarrassed the Kirigirger family name! most importantly in our Malta Health Minister Chris Fearne, pictured on the left with Prime Minister Robert Abela in January. Malta has given at least one Covid-19 jab to 10 percent of its population The leading EU country for Covid vaccinations, Malta, on Tuesday credited the bloc's joint procurement for its success, but stressed moves need to be made to counter worrying virus variants. Health Minister Chris Fearne, a former surgeon who is also the small Mediterranean country's deputy prime minister, told AFP in an interview the "unprecedented" pooled purchasing by Brussels of vaccine doses had prevented competition that would have left Malta out in the cold. "Imagine the situation had we not done this together: had member states gone their own way... there would have been a race between member states, so the larger member states would have probably had access to the vaccines while the smaller member states would have lagged behind, possibly not even having had access at all," he said. As of Tuesday, Malta had given at least one jab to 10 percent of its population of 515,000 people, with more than three percent of those over 16 now fully vaccinated with two doses from BioNTech/Pfizer or Moderna. As of last week, it also started vaccinating with AstraZeneca doses, though only for those aged between 18 and 55. The inoculation rate puts Malta at the top of the class in the European Union, something Fearne said came down to two main reasons: ordering two million dosesenough to immunise its small population twice overand a dense network of community health centres dispensing doses as quickly as they arrived. Additionally, Malta has orders in for three other candidate vaccinesfrom Johnson & Johnson, CureVac and Novavaxthat are expected soon to be approved in the EU. That surfeit allowed Malta to overcome the supply "fits and starts" that are starving bigger EU states in their roll-out. Possible yearly jabs But Fearne said Malta is also acutely aware that vaccinating against the coronavirus may be a long haul, not least because of variants that have emerged from Britain, Brazil, South Africa and Nigeria, some of which appear to reduce the effectiveness of current doses being deployed. "If the immunity will wane then we will need booster doses, so possibly an annual dose. Hopefully not, but that is a possibility," he said in the telephone interview. In a January 18 letter he sent to the European Commission, Fearne urged EU research into the immunology of the Covid vaccines and more frequent gene sequencing to detect new strains. The virus, he said, "is going to continue to mutate, which means we might need at some point different vaccines or different changes to the vaccines to cope with the variants". The commission has replied that his requests are being acted upon. Talks with Israel Malta's vaccination rate has attracted the attention of Israel, which last week struck agreements with EU members Greece and Cyprus to allow vaccinated citizens to travel unhindered between their territories. "We are in talks with the Israeli government" on that, Fearne said. But he expressed caution at the idea of what many are calling "vaccine passports", at least for now. "What I would call proof of vaccination certificates needs to be enabling or empowering rather than restrictive," he said, explaining that there was still insufficient data on whether a vaccinated individual can transmit the coronavirus. "We still need to sanction the scientific evidence that a vaccine not only decreases the consequences of getting infected... but also decreases transmissibility," he said. 2021 AFP Regulatory News: TechnipFMC plc ("TechnipFMC") (NYSE: FTI) (Paris: FTI) (ISIN: GB00BDSFG982) announces that on 16 February 2021, it filed a Current Report on Form 8-K (the "Form 8-K") under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") disclosing TechnipFMC's entry into certain material agreements relating to TechnipFMC's previously announced separation into two industry-leading, independent, publicly traded companies. On February 15 and 16, 2021, TechnipFMC plc (the "Company") entered into certain agreements related to its separation into two industry-leading, independent, publicly traded companies: the Company, a fully integrated technology and services provider; and Technip Energies N.V., a leading engineering and technology player ("Technip Energies"). The transaction is structured as a spin-off (the "Spin-off") of a majority stake in the Company's Technip Energies segment in the form of a share dividend pursuant to which holders of TechnipFMC shares will receive ordinary shares, 0.01 nominal value per share, of Technip Energies (the "Technip Energies Shares"). The agreements include the following: a Tax Matters Agreement (the "TMA") with Technip Energies; an Employee Matters Agreement (the "EMA") with Technip Energies; a Transition Services Agreement (the "TSA") with Technip Energies; a Patent License Agreement and a Co-Existence and Trademark Matters Agreement, each with Technip Energies (collectively, the "Intellectual Property Agreements"); a Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. or an affiliate, DNB Capital, LLC or an affiliate, Societe Generale, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., collectively, as lead arrangers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Standard Chartered Bank, as documentation agent, and the lenders party thereto (the "Credit Agreement"); and a Supplemental Indenture with the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the "Supplemental Indenture"). The descriptions below of the TMA, EMA, TSA, the Intellectual Property Agreements, the Credit Agreement and the Supplemental Indenture, and the transactions contemplated thereby, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, the complete terms and conditions of the TMA, EMA, TSA, the Intellectual Property Agreements, the Credit Agreement and the Supplemental Indenture, copies of which are attached as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and 4.1 respectively, to the Form 8-K and are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth therein. Tax Matters Agreement The TMA governs the Company's and Technip Energies' respective rights, responsibilities, and obligations with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings, and certain other matters regarding taxes. Generally, the Company is liable for all pre-Spin-off taxes attributable to the business of Technip Energies required to be reported on either combined, consolidated, unitary or similar returns that include one or more of the Company and its subsidiaries (other than Technip Energies and its subsidiaries) and one or more of Technip Energies and its subsidiaries or returns that include only one or more of the Company and its subsidiaries (other than Technip Energies and its subsidiaries). Technip Energies is generally liable for all taxes attributable to the Technip Energies business required to be reported on returns that include only one or more of Technip Energies and its subsidiaries. In addition, the TMA addresses the allocation of liability for taxes that are incurred as a result of the separation undertaken to effectuate the Spin-off. Employee Matters Agreement Allocation of employment liabilitiesSubject to certain exceptions, the general principle for the allocation of employment and service-related liabilities is that (i) Technip Energies assumes all such liabilities relating to Technip Energies' employees and former employees of the Company who worked wholly or substantially in the business of Technip Energies as of the date of the termination of their employment ("former Technip Energies employees") and (ii) the Company retains all such liabilities relating to all other current and former employees of the Company (including employees who are identified as Technip Energies employees, but do not in fact transfer to Technip Energies), in each case, regardless of when such liabilities arise. Terms and conditions of Technip Energies employees As of the completion of the Spin-off, Technip Energies will provide each of its current employees with the same basic salary and contractual benefits that he or she received prior to the date of his or her transfer to Technip Energies. Employee benefit and cash bonus plans. The employees of Technip Energies will generally, as of the date of the Spin-off or as of the date of such employee's applicable employment transfer date, be eligible to participate in Technip Energies employee benefit plans that are substantially similar to those that apply to them prior to the date of the Spin-off. Technip Energies will establish a cash bonus plan for the 2021 performance period. Share-based incentive schemes. Awards granted under share-based incentive schemes will be treated as follows: Generally, the restricted stock units of the Company (the "RSUs") that were scheduled to vest in less than one year from the closing of the Spin-off, to the extent not previously vested, were accelerated, and were settled into the Company shares prior to the Spin-off and are eligible to receive the dividend in kind resulting from the Spin-off if such shares continue to be held on February 17, 2021 (the "Record Date"). This acceleration did not apply to Company executives. The performance restricted stock units of the Company (the "PSUs") that were scheduled to vest in less than one year from the closing of the Spin-off, to the extent not previously accelerated, and were settled into the Company shares prior to the Spin-off based on actual performance as of immediately prior to the acceleration and are eligible to receive the dividend in kind resulting from the Spin-off if such shares continue to be held on the Record Date. This acceleration did not apply to Company executives. Holders of the Company unvested options, RSUs, and PSUs will not receive the dividend in kind resulting from the Spin-off, and such awards will be treated as described in Technip Energies' registration statement on Form F-1 (the "Form F-1") depending upon whether the holder is employed by or is a director of the Company or Technip Energies following the Spin-off. In addition, Technip Energies will establish, and employees may be eligible to participate in, the incentive plan described in the Form F-1 following the Spin-off. Long-term employee benefits As of the date of the Spin-off or as of the date of the applicable employment transfer date of the employees of Technip Energies, Technip Energies will generally assume sponsorship of and responsibility for any stand-alone employee benefit arrangements relating to its employees and former Technip Energies employees. Further, subject to certain exceptions, the accrued (past service) liabilities, as well as any associated assets, relating to Technip Energies employees and former Technip Energies employees under the plans of the Company providing retirement, disability or death, old-age or jubilee benefits, will transfer to Technip Energies. However, any liabilities for Technip Energies' employees under the FMC Technologies Employees' Retirement Program will be specifically retained by the Company. Transition Services Agreement The Company and Technip Energies will, to the extent that shared business functions have not been separated prior to the Spin-off, each provide to the other various services and support on an interim transitional basis until such time as Technip Energies (or the Company in the case of services Technip Energies will provide to the Company) have developed the capability to provide the relevant services and support themselves or have appointed a third-party provider to provide those services and support. The TSA is reciprocal with approximately 33% of services being provided by the Company to Technip Energies, and 67% being reverse services provided by Technip Energies to the Company. Services and support will be provided with the same standard of care, quality, priority, timeliness and skill as during the one-year period prior to the Spin-off. The Company anticipates that the charges for the services will be on a cost-plus basis (with a mark-up to reflect the management and administrative cost of providing the services). The services generally commenced on the date of the Spin-off and are generally intended to terminate between three and twelve months after the date of the Spin-off. The recipient of the services will generally have the ability to: (i) extend the term that a service is provided for by up to six months, subject to a maximum aggregate service term of 24 months; and (ii) terminate any or all services early subject to a 30-day notice period. Each party, as provider, has standard termination rights for unremedied material breach or non-payment of charges by the recipient. Neither Technip Energies nor the Company are liable under the TSA for any claim or cause of action arising thereunder except to the extent that claims arise from a provider's gross negligence or willful misconduct, and consequential damages are excluded to the extent permitted under applicable law. The services and support to be provided by the Company to Technip Energies include: IT, administration, human resources, real estate and facilities, non-strategic corporate services, procurement services, enterprise management services, rental and facility management services, tax, treasury and financial reporting and accounting services. Intellectual Property Agreements Patent License Agreement The Company and Technip Energies have each been granted the right to continue to use patent rights that are owned by the Company or Technip Energies in connection with their respective businesses and which are used or anticipated to be used by both the Company and Technip Energies in our and their respective businesses following the completion of the Spin-off. The licenses are on a perpetual, worldwide, and royalty-free basis, each limited to the field of the respective licensee's business. The licenses contain a termination right for the licensor in the event of assignment by licensee to a competitor of licensor. The Patent License Agreement also contains royalty-free licenses in favor of Technip Energies with respect to certain patents related to flexibles and fixed offshore platform technologies. Coexistence and Trademark Matters Agreement The Company and Technip Energies entered into a perpetual Coexistence and Trademark Matters Agreement regulating each party's use of its own trademarks containing or consisting of the name "Technip," including Technip Energies' use of "Technip Energies" trademarks. Under the agreement, if either of the Company or Technip Energies is acquired by a competitor of the other party, the non-acquired party may require the acquired party to cease all use of any trademarks containing or consisting of the name "Technip" within twelve months of the date of completion of the acquisition. The Coexistence and Trademark Matters Agreement also contains a transitional license in favor of Technip Energies with respect to ongoing use by Technip Energies of certain marks related to the loading systems business unit. Credit Agreement The Company entered into the Credit Agreement on February 16, 2021, which is a $1,000,000,000 three-year senior secured multicurrency revolving credit facility. The Credit Agreement provides for a $450,000,000 letter of credit subfacility. The Company will access funding of $400 million of the revolving credit facility established by the Credit Agreement in conjunction with the Spin-off and plans to use the proceeds of the draw to fund short-term needs associated with the Spin-off. The need for short-term funding is primarily due to: Acceleration of the effective date of the Spin-off relative to the timing of ongoing restructuring of the Company's global portfolio of cash and liquidity in a manner suitable for the needs of the Company following the Spin-off; Timing of the receipt of Bpifrance Participations SA's ("BPI") $200 million investment, for which BPI is awaiting final regulatory approval from one competition authority beyond the European Union; and Maturity of $80 million in fixed but not yet realized foreign exchange gains, associated with hedges of debt borrowings repaid at the time of separation. Pro forma for the events of the Transactions through the effective date of the Spin-off, including the aforementioned draw, we expect our cash and debt profile to consist of the following: Cash and cash equivalents of approximately $600 million; Debt of approximately $2,800 million; and Net debt of approximately $2,200 million, which is modestly above the Company's previous guidance of $1,700 million when excluding the temporary draw on the revolving credit facility due to the items discussed above. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at the following rates, plus an applicable margin, depending on currency: U.S. dollar denominated loans bear interest, at the Borrowers' option, at a base rate or an adjusted rate linked to the London interbank offered rate ("Adjusted LIBOR"); Sterling denominated loans bear interest at Adjusted LIBOR; and Euro-denominated loans bear interest on adjusted rate linked to the Euro interbank offered rate. The applicable margin for borrowings under the revolving credit facility ranges from 2.50% to 3.50% for eurocurrency loans and 1.50% to 2.50% for base rate loans, depending on a total leverage ratio. The Credit Agreement is subject to customary representations and warranties, covenants, events of default, mandatory repayment provisions and financial covenants. Supplemental Indenture As previously announced, on January 29, 2021, the Company closed its offering of $1,000,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 6.500% senior notes due 2026 (the "Notes"). The Notes were issued pursuant to, and are governed by, an indenture, dated as of January 29, 2021 (the "Indenture"), between the Company, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The Notes and related guarantees were issued in a private offering exempt from the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws. In connection with the closing of the Spin-off, the Company and certain of its non-U.S. subsidiaries entered into the Supplemental Indenture, pursuant to which the Company and such subsidiaries became guarantors of the Notes under the Indenture. Pursuant to the Supplemental Indenture, the Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company and substantially all of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries in Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore and the United Kingdom (subject to applicable limitations contained in the Indenture). In addition, in connection with the closing of the Spin-Off, the Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes, together with cash on hand, to repay, discharge, repurchase, retire and/or redeem certain existing indebtedness of the Company, including the $500.0 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2022, the $2.5 billion revolving senior unsecured revolving credit facility agreement dated January 17, 2017 and 500.0 million revolving credit facility dated May 19, 2020. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets On February 16, 2021, the Company completed the Spin-off. Technip Energies' business consists of those activities that previously comprised the Company's Technip Energies business segment, as described in the Form F-1. Technip Energies is now an independent public company and its shares trade on the Euronext Paris stock exchange. The Spin-off occurred by way of a pro rata dividend to the Company's shareholders of 50.1% of Technip Energies Shares. Each of the Company's shareholders received one Technip Energies Share for every five shares of the Company held at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Record Date, and cash in lieu of any fractional Technip Energies Shares. The Form F-1 was filed by Technip Energies with the Securities and Exchange Commission and was declared effective on February 12, 2021. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers In connection with the Spin-off, effective on February 16, 2021, (i) Arnaud Pieton resigned as an officer of the Company and (ii) Arnaud Caudoux, Pascal Colombani, Marie Ange Debon, Didier Houssin, Olivier Piou and Joseph Rinaldi resigned from the board of directors of the Company and any respective committees of the board to which they belonged, which resignations were not the result of any disagreements with the Company relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices. This release is for informational purposes only, and is not an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell any security. TECHNIPFMC PLC UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS On February 16, 2021, TechnipFMC plc ("TechnipFMC" or "we") completed the previously announced separation into two industry-leading, independent, publicly traded companies: Technip FMC, a fully integrated technology and service provider, and Technip Energies N.V., a leading engineering and technology player ("Technip Energies"). The transaction was structured as a spin-off (the "Spin-off"), which occurred by way of a pro rata dividend (the "Distribution") to TechnipFMC's shareholders of 50.1 percent of the outstanding shares of Technip Energies. Each of the TechnipFMC shareholders received one ordinary share of Technip Energies for every five ordinary shares of TechnipFMC held at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the record date, February 17, 2021. Technip Energies is now an independent public company and its shares trade under the ticker symbol "TE" on the Euronext Paris stock exchange. Technip Energies intends to establish a sponsored American Depositary Receipt program in the United States as of February 23, 2021. In connection with the Spin-off, on January 7, 2021, Bpifrance Participations SA ("BPI"), which has been a substantial shareholder of TechnipFMC since 2009, entered into the share purchase agreement with TechnipFMC pursuant to which BPI will purchase from TechnipFMC a portion of TechnipFMC's retained stake in Technip Energies (the "BPI Investment") for $200.0 million (the "Purchase Price"). The Purchase Price is subject to adjustment, and BPI's ownership stake will be determined based upon a thirty day volume-weighted average price of Technip Energies shares (with BPI's ownership collared between an 11.82 percentage floor and a 17.25 percentage cap), less a six percent discount. The BPI Investment is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approval. Following completion of the Distribution, TechnipFMC intends to significantly reduce its shareholding in Technip Energies over the 18 months following the Spin-off, including in connection with the sale of shares to BPI pursuant to the BPI Investment. The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements consist of unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and an unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet assumes that the Spin-off and the Distribution had occurred on September 30, 2020, and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) assume that the Spin-off and the Distribution had occurred on January 1, 2017. The transaction accounting adjustments for the Spin-off consist of those necessary to account for the separation of the Technip Energies business segment. Separately, in connection with the Spin-off, TechnipFMC issued $1.0 billion of its 6.50% Senior Notes due 2026. The adjustments related to the issuance of this debt and repayment of certain existing debts are shown in a separate column as "Financing Adjustments". The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any management's adjustments that include forward-looking information. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared based upon available information and management estimates and are subject to assumptions and adjustments described below and in the accompanying notes to those financial statements. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are not intended to represent or be indicative of the financial condition or results of operations that might have occurred had the Spin-off and Distribution occurred as of the dates stated below, and further should not be taken as representative of future financial condition or results of operations of the reorganized entity. The actual financial position and results of operations may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors. Management believes these assumptions and adjustments are reasonable under the circumstances, given the information available at the filing date. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with: the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in TechnipFMC's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in TechnipFMC's Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The Historical column in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements reflects TechnipFMC's historical financial statements for the periods presented and does not reflect any adjustments related to the Distribution and related events. The Technip Energies Separation column in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements was derived from the audited combined financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 included in Technip Energies' registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2021, and from the unaudited combined financial statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The combined financial statements were adjusted to exclude certain items which are relevant to the continuing operations of TechnipFMC and to reflect certain insignificant IFRS to US GAAP conversion differences. TECHNIPFMC PLC UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (In millions, except per share data) Historical Technip Energies Separation Transaction Accounting Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc after Spin-off Financing Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc Revenue Service revenue 7,101.9 (4,694.8) 2,407.1 2,407.1 Product revenue 2,416.9 2,416.9 2,416.9 Lease revenue 105.7 105.7 105.7 Total revenue 9,624.5 (4,694.8) 4,929.7 4,929.7 Costs and expenses Cost of service revenue 6,158.0 (3,855.4) 2,302.6 2,302.6 Cost of product revenue 1,970.0 1,970.0 1,970.0 Cost of lease revenue 90.3 90.3 90.3 Selling, general and administrative expense 780.8 (252.6) 528.2 528.2 Research and development expense 108.8 (36.8) 72.0 72.0 Impairment, restructuring and other expense 3,440.7 (84.5) 3,356.2 3,356.2 Separation costs 27.1 (27.1) Merger transaction and integration costs Total costs and expenses 12,575.7 (4,256.4) 8,319.3 8,319.3 Other income (expense), net (9.3) 11.4 2.1 2.1 Income from equity affiliates 52.9 (2.8) 50.1 50.1 Income (loss) before net interest expense and income taxes (2,907.6) (429.8) (3,337.4) (3,337.4) Net interest expense (238.5) 136.6 (101.9) (22.9) (h) (124.8) Income (loss) before income taxes (3,146.1) (293.2) (3,439.3) (22.9) (3,462.2) Provision for income taxes 77.9 (100.4) (22.5) (i) (22.5) Net income (loss) (3,224.0) (192.8) (3,416.8) (22.9) (3,439.7) Net profit attributable to noncontrolling interests (24.3) 9.5 (14.8) (14.8) Net income (loss) attributable to TechnipFMC plc (3,248.3) (183.3) (3,431.6) (22.9) (3,454.5) Earnings (loss) per share attributable to TechnipFMC plc Basic (7.24) (7.70) Diluted (7.24) (7.70) Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 448.4 448.4 Diluted 448.4 448.4 TECHNIPFMC PLC UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 (In millions, except per share data) Historical Technip Energies Separation Transaction Accounting Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc after Spin-off Financing Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc Revenue Service revenue 9,789.7 (6,458.9) 3,330.8 3,330.8 Product revenue 3,352.9 3,352.9 3,352.9 Lease revenue 266.5 266.5 266.5 Total revenue 13,409.1 (6,458.9) 6,950.2 6,950.2 Costs and expenses Cost of service revenue 7,767.2 (5,071.4) 2,695.8 2,695.8 Cost of product revenue 3,015.6 3,015.6 3,015.6 Cost of lease revenue 167.9 167.9 167.9 Selling, general and administrative expense 1,228.1 (406.1) 822.0 822.0 Research and development expense 162.9 (47.0) 115.9 115.9 Impairment, restructuring and other expense 2,490.8 (30.0) 2,460.8 2,460.8 Separation costs 72.1 (72.1) Merger transaction and integration costs 31.2 (17.0) 14.2 14.2 Total costs and expenses 14,935.8 (5,643.6) 9,292.2 9,292.2 Other income (expense), net (220.7) 39.0 (181.7) (181.7) Income from equity affiliates 62.9 (3.2) 59.7 59.7 Income (loss) before net interest expense and income taxes (1,684.5) (779.5) (2,464.0) (2,464.0) Net interest expense (451.3) 360.4 (90.9) (6.1) (h) (97.0) Income (loss) before income taxes (2,135.8) (419.1) (2,554.9) (6.1) (2,561.0) Provision for income taxes 276.3 (216.3) 60.0 (i) 60.0 Net income (loss) (2,412.1) (202.8) (2,614.9) (6.1) (2,621.0) Net profit attributable to noncontrolling interests (3.1) 7.7 4.6 4.6 Net income (loss) attributable to TechnipFMC plc (2,415.2) (195.1) (2,610.3) (6.1) (2,616.4) Earnings (loss) per share attributable to TechnipFMC plc Basic (5.39) (5.84) Diluted (5.39) (5.84) Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 448.0 448.0 Diluted 448.0 448.0 TECHNIPFMC PLC UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 (In millions, except per share data) Historical Technip Energies Separation Transaction Accounting Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc after Spin-off Financing Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc Revenue Service revenue 9,057.6 (6,281.2) 2,776.4 2,776.4 Product revenue 3,272.6 3,272.6 3,272.6 Lease revenue 222.7 222.7 222.7 Total revenue 12,552.9 (6,281.2) 6,271.7 6,271.7 Costs and expenses Cost of service revenue 7,452.7 (5,193.0) 2,259.7 2,259.7 Cost of product revenue 2,676.9 2,676.9 2,676.9 Cost of lease revenue 143.4 143.4 143.4 Selling, general and administrative expense 1,140.6 (400.8) 739.8 739.8 Research and development expense 189.2 (31.6) 157.6 157.6 Impairment, restructuring and other expense 1,831.2 (9.6) 1,821.6 1,821.6 Merger transaction and integration costs 36.5 (18.1) 18.4 18.4 Total costs and expenses 13,470.5 (5,653.1) 7,817.4 7,817.4 Other income (expense), net (323.9) 244.4 (79.5) (79.5) Income from equity affiliates 114.3 (34.2) 80.1 80.1 Income (loss) before net interest expense and income taxes (1,127.2) (417.9) (1,545.1) (1,545.1) Net interest expense (360.9) 245.5 (115.4) (115.4) Income (loss) before income taxes (1,488.1) (172.4) (1,660.5) (1,660.5) Provision for income taxes 422.7 (230.8) 191.9 191.9 Net income (loss) (1,910.8) 58.4 (1,852.4) (1,852.4) Net profit attributable to noncontrolling interests (10.8) (0.2) (11.0) (11.0) Net income (loss) attributable to TechnipFMC plc (1,921.6) 58.2 (1,863.4) (1,863.4) Earnings (loss) per share attributable to TechnipFMC plc Basic (4.20) (4.07) Diluted (4.20) (4.07) Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 458.0 458.0 Diluted 458.0 458.0 TECHNIPFMC PLC UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 (In millions, except per share data) Historical Technip Energies Separation Transaction Accounting Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc after Spin-off Financing Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc Revenue Service revenue 11,445.9 (8,078.7) 3,367.2 3,367.2 Product revenue 3,416.4 3,416.4 3,416.4 Lease revenue 194.6 194.6 194.6 Total revenue 15,056.9 (8,078.7) 6,978.2 6,978.2 Costs and expenses Cost of service revenue 9,433.1 (7,012.8) 2,420.3 2,420.3 Cost of product revenue 2,954.3 2,954.3 2,954.3 Cost of lease revenue 137.2 137.2 137.2 Selling, general and administrative expense 1,060.9 (328.3) 732.6 732.6 Research and development expense 212.9 (35.9) 177.0 177.0 Impairment, restructuring and other expense 191.5 (56.4) 135.1 135.1 Merger transaction and integration costs 101.8 (53.4) 48.4 48.4 Total costs and expenses 14,091.7 (7,486.8) 6,604.9 6,604.9 Other income (expense), net (25.9) (47.9) (73.8) (73.8) Income from equity affiliates 55.6 (0.3) 55.3 55.3 Income (loss) before net interest expense and income taxes 994.9 (640.1) 354.8 354.8 Net interest expense (315.2) 231.5 (83.7) (83.7) Income (loss) before income taxes 679.7 (408.6) 271.1 271.1 Provision for income taxes 545.5 (271.4) 274.1 274.1 Net income (loss) 134.2 (137.2) (3.0) (3.0) Net profit attributable to noncontrolling interests (20.9) (0.3) (21.2) (21.2) Net income (loss) attributable to TechnipFMC plc 113.3 (137.5) (24.2) (24.2) Earnings (loss) per share attributable to TechnipFMC plc Basic 0.24 (0.05) Diluted 0.24 (0.05) Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 466.7 466.7 Diluted 468.3 466.7 TECHNIPFMC PLC UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (In millions, except par value data) Historical Technip Energies Separation Transaction Accounting Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc after Spin-off Financing Adjustments Notes Pro Forma TechnipFMC plc Assets Cash and cash equivalents 4,244.0 (3,650.4) 1,042.3 (a) 1,635.9 (1,185.9) (b) 450.0 Trade receivables, net 2,127.8 (995.7) 1,132.1 1,132.1 Contract assets, net 1,470.0 (420.4) 1,049.6 1,049.6 Inventories, net 1,339.1 (12.6) 1,326.5 1,326.5 Derivative financial instruments 310.7 (12.5) (16.3) (a) 281.9 281.9 Income taxes receivable 285.4 (93.3) 192.1 192.1 Advances paid to suppliers 219.2 (119.2) 100.0 100.0 Other current assets 1,037.9 (415.9) 204.1 (c 826.1 826.1 Total current assets 11,034.1 (5,720.0) 1,230.1 6,544.2 (1,185.9) 5,358.3 Investments in equity affiliates 351.2 (56.3) 294.9 294.9 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,806.4 (116.8) 2,689.6 2,689.6 Operating lease right-of-use assets 742.1 (240.3) 501.8 501.8 Goodwill 2,488.7 (2,488.7) Intangible assets, net 1,002.3 (122.9) 879.4 879.4 Deferred income taxes 228.1 (178.2) 49.9 49.9 Derivative financial instruments 22.9 (2.2) 20.7 20.7 Investment in Technip Energies 678.4 (d) 678.4 678.4 Other assets 235.4 (49.5) 185.9 185.9 Total assets 18,911.2 (8,974.9) 1,908.5 11,844.8 (1,185.9) 10,658.9 Liabilities and equity Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt 612.2 (2.7) 609.5 (522.8) (e) 86.7 Operating lease liabilities 206.1 (50.0) 156.1 156.1 Accounts payable, trade 2,498.4 (1,386.3) 1,112.1 1,112.1 Contract liabilities 4,643.4 (3,649.1) 994.3 994.3 Accrued payroll 384.5 (211.3) 173.2 173.2 Derivative financial instruments 280.2 (26.2) 254.0 254.0 Income taxes payable 65.7 (48.6) 17.1 17.1 Other current liabilities 1,326.7 (612.8) 131.9 (c 845.8 845.8 Total current liabilities 10,017.2 (5,987.0) 131.9 4,162.1 (522.8) 3,639.3 Long-term debt, less current portion 3,248.0 (416.8) 2,831.2 (613.1) (e) 2,218.1 Operating lease liabilities, less current portion 626.2 (251.5) 374.7 374.7 Deferred income taxes 78.5 (30.7) 47.8 47.8 Accrued pension and other post-retirement benefits, less current portion 320.4 (164.1) 156.3 156.3 Derivative financial instruments 35.7 (6.1) 29.6 29.6 Other liabilities 309.4 (180.5) 128.9 128.9 Total liabilities 14,635.4 (7,036.7) 131.9 7,730.6 (1,135.9) 6,594.7 Commitments and contingent liabilities Mezzanine equity Redeemable non-controlling interest 42.1 42.1 42.1 Stockholders' equity Ordinary shares, $1.00 par value; 618.3 shares authorized; 449.4 shares issued and outstanding 449.4 449.4 449.4 Capital in excess of par value of ordinary shares 10,227.8 10,227.8 10,227.8 Accumulated deficit/ Parent Company investment in Technip Energies (4,879.0) (2,032.1) 1,776.6 (f) (5,134.5) (50.0) (g) (5,184.5) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,609.1) 108.1 (1,501.0) (1,501.0) Total TechnipFMC plc stockholders' equity 4,189.1 (1,924.0) 1,776.6 4,041.7 (50.0) 3,991.7 Non-controlling interests 44.6 (14.2) 30.4 30.4 Total equity 4,233.7 (1,938.2) 1,776.6 4,072.1 (50.0) 4,022.1 Total liabilities and equity 18,911.2 (8,974.9) 1,908.5 11,844.8 (1,185.9) 10,658.9 TECHNIPFMC PLC UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (a) Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement signed between TechnipFMC and Technip Energies, pro forma adjustment to cash reflects proceeds received from BPI for its proportionate share of the investment in Technip Energies and cash retained by TechnipFMC, including proceeds from settlement of hedging instruments, after the deconsolidation of Technip Energies. The adjustment is comprised of the following (in millions): September 30, 2020 Technip Energies' cash retained 842.3 Cash proceeds from BPI 200.0 Pro forma adjustment to cash 1,042.3 (b) Reflects the adjustment to cash for the retirement of certain of TechnipFMC's debt, issuance of new 6.50% Senior Notes due 2026 and payment of estimated cost of debt issuance and financing. The adjustment is comprised of the following (in millions): September 30, 2020 Repayment of TechnipFMC's debt (2,113.4) Issuance of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2026 1,000.0 Debt issuance costs (22.5) Other financing costs related to the Spin-off (50.0) Pro forma adjustment to cash (1,185.9) (c) Reflects the settlement of the outstanding intercompany accounts receivables (payables) pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement. (d) Reflects the remaining non-controlling equity interest in Technip Energies, calculated by applying the ownership percentage, assuming that the BPI Investment is purchased at the midpoint of the 11.82 percentage floor and 17.25 percentage cap, to the historical carrying value of Technip Energies. It is management's belief that the historical carrying value of Technip Energies approximates its fair value. BPI's $200.0 million investment in Technip Energies is subject to adjustment, and the incremental ownership stake will be determined based upon the first thirty day volume-weighted average price of Technip Energies' shares, less a six percent discount. Following the completion of the Spin-off, TechnipFMC elected to apply a fair value option to account for its equity method investment in the remaining ownership interest in Technip Energies. The pro forma adjustments related to the changes in the fair value of the equity method investment are not reflected in these financial statements, because they are not meaningful. (e) Reflects pro forma adjustment related to repayment of certain debts and issuance of new 6.50% Senior Notes due 2026 as follows (in millions): September 30, 2020 Repayment of commercial paper (1,090.6) Repayment of 3.45% Senior Notes due 2022 (500.0) Repayment of Synthetic bonds due 2021 (classified as short-term debt) (522.8) Issuance of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2026 1,000.0 Debt issuance costs (22.5) Pro forma adjustment to total debt (1,135.9) (f) Represents pro forma adjustment to retained earnings to reflect the net impact of amounts as a result of the pro forma Spin-off adjustments as follows (in millions): September 30, 2020 Technip Energies' cash retained 826.0 Investment in Technip Energies 678.4 Cash proceeds from BPI 200.0 Settlement of intercompany receivables (payables) 72.2 Accumulated deficit 1,776.6 (g) Represents pro forma adjustment to accumulated deficit to reflect the net impact of payments for other financing and transaction costs. (h) Reflects pro forma interest expense adjustments for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as follows (in millions): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Interest expense on new 6.50% Senior Notes due 2026 52.1 Eliminate interest expense associated with retirement of TechnipFMC's debt(i) (29.2) Pro forma adjustment to interest expenses 22.9 Reflects pro forma interest expense adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2019: Year Ended December 31, 2019 Interest expense on new 6.50% Senior Notes due 2026 69.5 Eliminate interest expense associated with retirement of TechnipFMC's debt(i) (63.4) Pro forma adjustment to interest expenses 6.1 Pro forma adjustments for interest expense associated with retirement of TechnipFMC's debt was calculated based on the historical debt balances of the commercial paper, Synthetic bonds and 3.45% Senior Notes outstanding at each applicable balance sheet date. (i) Reflects income tax expense (benefit) related to income (loss) from operations before income taxes generated by the pro forma adjustments based upon an estimate of the effective tax rate. There is no tax benefit related to the pro forma adjustments for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019, due to the overall net deferred tax asset position and corresponding full valuation allowances which were recorded during these periods. A copy of the Form 8-K can be found on the SEC website (www.sec.gov) and on the TechnipFMC website (investors.technipfmc.com). Category: UK regulatory View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006187/en/ Contacts: Investor relations Matt Seinsheimer Vice President Investor Relations Tel: +1 281 260 3665 Email: Matt Seinsheimer Phillip Lindsay Director Investor Relations (Europe) Tel: +44 (0) 20 3429 3929 Email: Phillip Lindsay Media relations Christophe Belorgeot Senior Vice President Corporate Engagement Tel: +33 1 47 78 39 92 Email: Christophe Belorgeot Brooke Robertson Public Relations Director Tel: +1 281 591 4108 Email: Brooke Robertson Starter episode: Myth-Making If asked to name the third largest city (by area) in California, after Los Angeles and San Diego, few people would likely give the correct answer: California City. Thats because most people have likely never heard of this Mojave Desert town, which is both sprawling and eerily empty, with fewer than 7,000 residents. In this podcast, the journalist Emily Guerin traces the citys strange origin story, beginning in the 1950s when a man named Nat Mendelsohn had a vision for a booming desert metropolis. He sold tens of thousands of people on this plan, who bought land in California City believing that it was a golden opportunity. But this isnt merely a history lesson 60 years on, that land was still being sold to unsuspecting people, many of them immigrants with dreams of their own. What starts as a story about a kooky urban development project becomes a haunting saga about fraud, exploitation and the toxic myth of the American dream. Starter episode: Turning Desert Dust Into Gold Pyramid schemes are alive and well in the 21st century, but theyve evolved with the times and now largely operate under euphemistic names like multilevel marketing, or M.L.M. Victims are lured in with the promise of getting rich from the comfort of their own homes by selling things like beauty products, but often end up in crushing debt thanks to the schemes predatory structure. The fascinating and horrifying first season of The Dream dives headfirst into the history and current landscape of M.L.M.s, focusing on the ways these schemes reel in vulnerable people disproportionately female and often low-income by selling them on entrepreneurship and being their own boss. More recently, the shows second season explored a less concise but still compelling premise: Is the wellness industry a scam? Starter episode: Wanna Swim In Cash? If youre not in the mood for a deep-dive series, but want to keep up on all thats scammy, look no further than the comedian Laci Mosleys wildly entertaining weekly show. Mosley, a self-proclaimed scammer in her own right (hence the title), takes palpable glee in breaking down the details of grand deceptions, alongside a rotating guest cast of fellow comedians. A regular Historical Hoodwink segment focuses on well-known cases, but Mosley & Co. also devote plenty of time to small-time scams and amateur frauds, walking a tonal tightrope that often involves both empathy and derision for their subjects. The result is surprising, hilarious and occasionally cathartic. Starter episode: The Hilaria Hoax with Ira Madison III, Oscar Montoya, and Siobhan Thompson Though technically about an art heist rather than a traditional scam, this coproduction between WBUR and The Boston Globe offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a seemingly impossible crime. In 1990, inside the space of two hours, 13 pieces of art were stolen from Bostons Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, including pieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt. The scope of the theft is extraordinary, but whats even more bewildering is that three decades later, the crime has still not been solved. Though inevitably frustrating to listen to at times, Last Seen is also perfect binge material, with the host Kelly Horans hypnotic narration guiding listeners through a juicy, baffling, stranger-than-fiction tale. Starter episode: 81 Minutes The Wondery network has released a number of podcasts about the lives of vicious liars an abusive con artist in Dirty John, a horrifyingly unhinged spinal surgeon in Dr. Death, and a notorious monster in The Mysterious Mr. Epstein. The Shrink Next Door may seem like comparatively light fare, especially now that a screen adaptation starring Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell is in the works, but beneath the wacky premise lurks unsettling truths about the potential for abuse and manipulation in psychotherapy. In the series, Joe Nocera, a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion, unpacks the story of his neighbor in the Hamptons, Isaac Herschkopf, a psychiatrist whose relationship with one of his patients goes off the rails in ways youll never see coming. CEO of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy Andriy Kobolev has announced that negotiations had begun with the minority shareholders of PJSC Ukrnafta on the division of the company's assets. "There is feedback. We have created a working group and started negotiations with the minority shareholders on the next steps on the future of Ukrnafta. We, as a majority shareholder, will offer and have already proposed a division," he said in an exclusive comment to Interfax-Ukraine. As reported, at the end of January 2021, Naftogaz, as the majority shareholder of Ukrnafta, sent a letter to the company's minority shareholders about the desire to hold a meeting of shareholders. In early February, Naftogaz sent a notice to the supervisory board of the oil company about the need to start studying and considering the issue of dividing its assets into business areas with minority shareholders. Wrexham resident to take on 13-mile walking challenge in memory of husband This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Feb 16th, 2021 A Wrexham resident has joined thousands of determined Alzheimers Society Cymru supporters, all conquering their own walking challenges, to raise vital funds in the battle against dementia. Anne Fox, 58, is preparing for a gruelling 13-mile trek in the Lake District this summer to support Alzheimers Society Cymrus vital work after sadly losing her husband, Dave, a retired music teacher, to Alzheimers disease in December 2020. She is walking to stop dementia in its tracks and remember her motorbike-loving husband, whose passion for racing saw him win 130 trophies and took them around Europe on their bikes together. Anne will join thousands of other supporters marching out to raise money in the battle against dementia at five Trek26 locations across the UK this June to September, including Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons, Stonehenge, London and the Lake District. The treks, supported by series partners, Regatta, have all been specially adapted to accommodate social distancing and will take place in accordance with current government guidelines. Anne, who was the primary carer for Dave and both her parents under the same roof, all while working as a nurse, said: Dave motorbiked all his life, ever since he learned how to ride one. Hed always had a motorbike; they were his absolute life and soul. He retired from his job as a music teacher after 36 years, and he loved teaching people how to ride. You would always find him cleaning his bikes and keeping them in top condition. Annes Trek26 commitment comes at a critical time for those affected by dementia. People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus in terms of deaths, both from the virus and knock-on effects of lockdown thousands have seen their health deteriorate and mental health decline as a result of having little social contact and interruptions to essential care and support. Thousands of family carers have also been in complete despair because of care home visitor bans and a lack of respite. Sue Phelps, Alzheimers Society Cymrus country director for Wales said: The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating for families in Wales. People affected by dementia need us now more than ever, but the pandemic has hit us hard financially, despite an unprecedented demand for our services. We want to thank Anne and everyone taking part in a walking event for us across Wales. The money raised will help Alzheimers Society Cymru reach and support more people through our vital services, like our Dementia Connect support line, which has been used almost three million times in the UK since March 2020. We are in awe of the resilience of supporters like Anne, whose dedication to fundraising for Alzheimers Society Cymru ensures that we are able to support those who need it most during this difficult period. If you would like to take part in a trek or Memory Walk for Alzheimers Society Cymru, visit alzheimers.org.uk/events to sign up today. Kylie Gillies' mother has finally been able to visit her in Sydney for the first time in 'over 18 months', after coronavirus restrictions lifted. On Tuesday, The Morning Show presenter, 53, shared an emotional photo cuddled up to her Queensland-based mum as she arrived at her house in the city - where she gushed over just how 'precious' the reunion truly is. In the caption, Kylie wrote: 'Best Airport pick-up ever - FINALLY! Reunion! Kylie Gillies' mother has finally been able to visit her in Sydney for the first time in 'over 18 months', after coronavirus restrictions lifted 'Mums first trip to Sydney to see us in over 18 months. Shed booked tickets in March of 2020... then lockdown.' She then thanked a BMW dealer for allowing her to 'cruise the city in style next week', because we 'know how precious mums (and dads) are'. While the mother-daughter duo have reunited in recent months, it is the first time she has been safe to fly to Sydney from Hervey Bay, where she resides with Kylie's dad. It's believed he is currently still in Queensland. Adorable: 'Mums first trip to Sydney to see us in over 18 months. Shed booked tickets in March of 2020... then lockdown,' Kylie wrote Over Christmas, Kylie endured a nightmare last-minute rush to exit Sydney and dash to spend time with her family, as the New South Wales borders slammed shut. Kylie documented the trip, saying she had 'never packed so fast in her life' as she scrambled for a flight to Queensland to be with her mum, dad and sister, after an eruption of COVID-19 cases in Sydney meant state borders were closing rapidly. Sadly, her husband Tony and their teenage sons, Gus and Archie, couldn't make it in time. Last minute dash: Over Christmas, Kylie endured a nightmare last-minute rush to exit Sydney and dash over to spend time with her family, as the New South Wales borders slammed shut Family: Once she arrived, Kylie's sister picked her up and took her to Hervey Bay where her mum and dad (pictured) reside On Christmas Day, Kylie sweetly shared a throwback snap with her three boys and wrote: 'Ive come to realise that a single day doesnt define a family. 'Of course it hurts when we cant all be together. But love is robust. I hope, and trust, we all come through these shocking times a bit stronger. And forever grateful.' After spending some quality time with her mother and father, Kylie later revealed she and her boys were enjoying a gorgeous trip to Lord Howe Island for a post-Christmas getaway. Kathmandu, February 16 The Ministry of Health and Population has informed that the countrys Covid-19 tally has reached 272,945 as of Tuesday afternoon. The ministry says 105 new cases were confirmed in the country in the past 24 hours. In this period, 3,360 swab samples were tested. So far, 2 million and 123,951 people have been tested in the country. As of today, 1,587 cases are active. Of the total cases so far, 269,303 people have achieved recovery whereas 2,055 died, according to the ministry. In the past 24 hours, 99 people have recovered whereas no death was reported. Over 50 people are quarantined across the country. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. The curious case of activist Disha Ravi's arrest has unleashed a string of questions in connection with Greta Thunberg's toolkit case. Soon after her arrest, another name, Nikita Jacob, has come up in an investigation in the case involving an online document, or a "toolkit", shared by teen climate campaigner Greta Thunberg in support of the farmers' protests. facebook, twitter The Delhi Police has issued a non-bailable warrant against an activist, identified as Nikita Jacob, in connection with its probe in the Greta Thunberg toolkit case. This comes hours after 21-year-old climate activist Disha Ravi was remanded to five-day Delhi Police Special Cell custody. Disha was arrested on Saturday for her alleged involvement in sharing the 'toolkit' related to the farmer's protest on social media. Who Is Nikita Jacob Jacob, 30, is a lawyer by profession who holds experience of seven years. According to reports, she claims to have been into environmental activism through an NGO but has never been associated with any political party. Graduated from ILS Law College in Pune, Nikita handles only civil cases. She has worked under the chamber of senior advocate Girish Godbole. Latest Developments According to the reports, Jacob has filed a plea in which she has sought transit anticipatory bail for a period of four weeks so that she can approach the court concerned in Delhi to apply for pre-arrest bail. Reuters Delhi Police sources said she went underground after a Special Cell team went to search her house on February 11. A report in NDTV suggested that arrested 22-year-old activist Disha Ravi, and the two others (including Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk) held a Zoom meeting before Republic Day to plan a social media buzz on the farmers' tractor rally, the police said on Monday. In her request for protection from arrest, the now allegedly absconding Nikita has asked for a copy of the FIR and has alleged that Delhi Police came to her Mumbai home last Thursday with a search warrant and seized gadgets and documents. Reuters Besides, Muluk too has approached the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court with a request for protection from arrest. Delhi police has issued non-bailable warrants against both of them. Moreover, Jacob also alleged that her personal information is being spread on social media through trolls and bots. The Bombay High Court will today hear Nikita Jacobs request for protection from arrest for four weeks. All three (Disha, Nikita and Shantanu) prepared the Google document and shared it, Delhi Police said, as per the reports. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. - Investment will be used for large-scale pilot line and product launch in Europe, followed by Asia and North America - Redefine Meat is expanding the Alt-Meat market with a variety of high-quality plant-based meat products that appeal to avid meat-lovers REHOVOT, Israel, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alt-Meat innovator Redefine Meat announces today the completion of a $29 million (USD) A-series funding round led by Happiness Capital and Hanaco Ventures. They are joined by CPT Capital, a leading alternative protein investor and early supporter of Redefine Meat, as well as other notable new international investors including Losa Group, Sake Bosch, and K3 Ventures. The investment will be used to expand the company's meat portfolio and support its commercial launch and international growth in 2021, on the back of the slated completion of a large-scale production facility for Redefine Meat's industrial 3D Alt-Meat printers set for later this year. Redefine Meat's patented industrial-scale digital manufacturing technology achieves the unbelievable: delivering high-quality, sustainable plant-based meat products with a taste and mouthfeel indistinguishable from traditional animal meat. "We are thrilled to have concluded this round of funding with such a unique and diverse group of highly experienced, professional investors who share our vision," says Eshchar Ben-Shitrit, CEO and Co-founder of Redefine Meat. "This funding, which was concluded faster and better than we could have imagined a year ago, is a major step towards becoming the world's biggest alternative meat company by 2030." Eric Ng, CEO of Happiness Capital, adds: "We look to find disruptive technology and ambitious leadership teams in industries that can bring real happiness to people and make the world a better place. The fast-growing alternative meat sector is one such industry, but there is currently a gap in its ability to meet the needs of people who still want to eat traditional meat. Redefine Meat offers a unique solution that appeals to meat-eaters with tasty and sustainable food. With technology that is ready for production, and strong strategic partners, Redefine Meat is poised to deliver high-quality meat alternatives that can make a meaningful impact on global meat consumption." Pasha Romanovski, Founding Partner of Hanaco Ventures, comments: "Hanaco Ventures has been an investor in Redefine Meat since its seed round in 2019. The speed at which the company has progressed has been incredible. We have been very fortunate to work closely with Redefine Meat during 2020 and have watched the company rapidly grow from 8 people to more than 40, despite the challenges of COVID-19. Our investment in Redefine Meat gives us first-hand access to amazing state-of-the-art meat dishes that will have a profound impact on meat-eating and the environment." Last month, Redefine Meat announced its first strategic agreement with premium-quality Israeli meat distributor, Best Meister, following the success of the world's largest blind-tasting of alternative meat co-organised by the two companies, which demonstrated 90% acceptance rate amongst meat eaters. Ben-Shitrit concludes: "We want to change the belief that delicious meat can only come from animals, and we have all the building blocks in place to make this a reality: high-quality meat products, strategic partnerships with stakeholders across the world, a large-scale pilot line under construction, and the first-ever industrial 3D Alt-Meat printers set to be deployed within meat distributors later this year." About Redefine Meat Redefine Meat is leading a technological revolution in the food industry by creating "craveable" animal-free meat using proprietary industrial 3D printers. Founded in 2018, Redefine Meat has developed patent-pending technology that replicates the texture, flavor, and eating experience of beef and other high-value meat products. The company uses plant-based ingredients and technology as opposed to animals, allowing for a dramatically more efficient, sustainable, and moral way to produce meat without compromising on the experience. Redefine Meat's alt-meat is 95% more sustainable, significantly healthier and costs less than beef. www.redefinemeat.com About Happiness Capital Happiness Capital, a global venture capital firm based in Hong Kong, empowers entrepreneurs to co-create a happier world as a global community. Currently, its investment portfolio covers seed to growth stage companies in the US, Europe, Israel, and China, with a focus to make the world a happier place by creating global impacts on trust, food, health, climate change, and reduced inequalities. Happiness Capital is a member of LKK Health Products Group (a Lee Kum Kee Group company). https://www.happinesscapital.com/ About Hanaco Ventures Hanaco Ventures is a New York and Tel Aviv based Venture Capital fund that invests in the most promising start ups from the Israeli ecosystem. Hanaco partners with Israeli companies, wherever they are in the world, helping them become category leaders beloved by their customers. Hanaco was founded in 2017 by Alon Lifshitz, Pasha Romanovski and Lior Prosor. Hanaco's 30+ company portfolio includes companies such as Infarm, SeeTree, AmWell, Yotpo, Namogoo, Moovit and Via. www.hanacovc.com/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438416/Redefine_Meat_Alt_Steak.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438415/Redefine_Meat_Globally.jpg Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Together the two firms will become Antares Technology Solutions (ATS), providing a full suite of computer technology managed IT services, including products like Microsoft Office 365 and Teams, as well as computer systems sales and service, structured cabling, varied voice/phone solutions, telephony, cloud VoIP solutions and internet/voice carrier services. Named after one of the brightest stars in the night's sky, Antares will retain all existing staff from both CCR and BCS while working to expand its scope through additional hiring. "Bringing both of these highly successful organizations under one roof is very exciting for our clients who now have a single source for all of their managed IT, voice, structured cabling, internet connectivity and computer network needs," said Curtis R. Hicks II, president and CEO of Center for Computer Resources. "Equally exciting is our core values and culture align almost seamlessly and together we are ready to grow to the next level to support small to medium size businesses throughout Michigan." Financing for the merger was provided by Comerica Bank and Peninsula Capital Partners, a Detroit-based private investment company. ATS is led by President Curtis Hicks and a combined management team of both CCR and BCS leadership. John Bamberger, Jeff Newson and Curtis Hicks continue to serve on the Board of Directors of Antares. John Bamberger, Jeff Newson and Jim Gatt now serve as vice presidents with the new company. Del Ingalls will continue to lead the Northern Michigan location as VoIP Services Director. "The integration of two companies creates a powerful combination of expertise in both IT management and telephony services," said Jim Gatt, vice president of sales, Business Communications Systems. "Combining these vital services allows us to offer both an expert assessment of business communications needs and design customized solutions for our clients, with a focus on security and technology enhancement. We now offer expanded, customizable voice and data solutions." Founded in 1981, CCR has served as a national provider of business technology solutions for small and medium-sized companies, while BCS delivered design and implementation of voice-data-video enterprise and networking solutions nationwide, with certification in servicing IP communications, as well as wired and wireless business telecom and cloud-based systems. BCS is an award-winning NEC authorized distributer and master carrier services agent representing internet and voice technology providers. Together, ATS now offers managed IT services, including products like Microsoft Office 365 and Teams, as well as incorporated carrier service, NEC phone systems and complex cabling to a combined client set of 1,500+ businesses nationwide. "CCR is extremely excited to merge with BCS and form Antares Technology Solutions," said John Bamberger, vice president of sales, Center for Computer Resources. "Together, we will continue to provide our clients with innovative technology solutions, including carrier services, a broader range of telephony solutions and additional capacity in cabling and network implementation." Del Ingalls, VoIP services director, Center for Computer Resources, added, "CCR's goal is to continue to accelerate our business plan and deliver great IT services on behalf of our business clients throughout Michigan. The combination of two thriving companies strengthens our talent pipeline and leadership resources, as we retain all current employees of both companies. Together, we now offer expanded business technology solutions and managed IT services." "We are thrilled to partner with the management teams of CCR and BCS, two great Metro Detroit-based businesses, to provide a robust suite of managed IT and telephony services to existing and new customers." said Dave Hiemstra, partner at Peninsula Capital Partners. "The combined company, Antares Technology Solutions, has a tremendous opportunity to growth both organically and via acquisition." About Center for Computer Resources: Center for Computer Resources (CCR) was founded in 1981 with the purpose of helping small businesses in Southeastern Michigan with their computer technology needs. Since then, CCR has grown nationally to help companies get the most from their business technology. With almost four decades in the business, CCR has extensive experience in transitioning clients from outdated systems to current technologies, as well as maintaining current systems. For 40 years, CCR has grown to become the premier IT Services Company in Michigan dedicated to serving small and medium-sized businesses. For more information, visit www.ccr1.com . About Business Communications Systems: Since 1975, Business Communications Systems (BCS) has designed and implemented Voice-Data-Video Enterprise and Networking to thousands of business clients both locally and nationally. BCS is an award- winning authorized NEC distributor and Master Carrier Agent, representing 30+ internet and voice technology providers, including NEC phone systems (premise and cloud). In addition, BCS sells and manages all sizes of data and voice cabling projects, including fiber. Learn more at https://bcs-nec.com/. About Peninsula Capital Partners: Peninsula Capital Partners (Peninsula) is based in Detroit, Michigan. Peninsula is an investment company, founded in 1995, specializing in providing junior capital, including subordinated debt, preferred stock or common stock, either as a minority or control investor, to superior middle-market companies. The firm has raised seven investment partnerships totaling $2 billion of committed capital, from which it has invested in over 130 platform companies in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, information technology, industrial and professional service, consumer products, retail, food and distribution. Contact: Sue Voyles, Logos Communications 734-667-2005 [email protected] SOURCE Center for Computer Resources The Taliban have been actively obtruding in key provinces of Afghanistan for months and strategically trying to move their troops to certain outposts and military bases. The terror group has been threatening to move the country to its snapping point and impel the Biden US administration into a situation where there are no chances of winning. Despite the fiercely cold weather in the northern city of Kunduz, the Taliban has been keeping on with the terror activities and using small armed drones to threaten the Afghan troops. They have also captured highways in the neighboring city Pul-i-kumari, sending threat signals to lives to the countrys capital-Kabul. They are still working here, we cant replace them, because we dont have enough forces. Our Commanders steal from our fuel, food and our supply stated Saifullah Khan, the police officer in charge of the Afghan troop. During an attack in the fall, the Taliban captured a large territorial area and then held their ground. The attempts by the Afghan military and security forces to remove them eventually failed. As per a US government watchdog report issued on February 1, around 200 check-posts were left stranded by the Afghan army in December. The collapse of some military bases during the fall let the Taliban occupy troves of military ammunition, equipment, and many heavy artillery. In the nearby Arghandab district of Afghan which currently stands as a site of the Talibans northern offensive in the city of Kandahar, police officers and army officials have stated that they are severely less in number and are constantly understaffed. Their pleas for support seem to have gone unheard by the officials in Kabul. Photo: The Canadian Press Rifles are shown locked up in Calgary, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Newly tabled gun legislation would allow municipalities to ban handguns through bylaws restricting their possession, storage and transportation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says today the measures will be backed up with serious penalties to enforce these bylaws, including jail time for people who violate municipal rules. Many gun-control advocates have pressed for a national handgun ban, warning that leaving it up to municipalities would create an ineffective patchwork of regulations. As expected, the long-promised bill also proposes a buyback of a wide array of recently banned firearms the government considers assault-style weapons. The bill would also increase criminal penalties for gun smuggling and trafficking, and enhance the capacity of police and border officers to keep illegal firearms out of the country. It would also create new offences for altering the cartridge magazine of a firearm and introduce tighter restrictions on importing ammunition. Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare addressed a press conference on Tuesday where it revealed that 4 cases of the South African variant of Coronavirus had been detected in the country. ICMR DG Dr. Balram Bhargava stated that all contacts of the 4 returnees had been tested and isolated adding that the ICMR-NIV was attempting to culture the South African COVID-19 variant as well. "ICMR-NIV is attempting to isolate and culture the South African variant of SARS-CoV-2. The South African strain of COVID19 has been detected in 4 returnees from South Africa. All travelers and their contacts tested and quarantined," said Dr. Balram Bhargava, DG ICMR. Read: Over 85 Lakh Vaccinated Against Coronavirus So Far: Health Ministry Read: India's Administers 87,40,595 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses; Active Cases Fall Below 1.4 Lakhs 187 UK variant cases; 1 case of Brazil variant Moreover, the Health Ministry revealed that India at present had 187 patients of the UK variant who had been quarantined and were being treated. "Today we have 187 UK variant patients. All confirmed cases are quarantined and treated. Their contacts have been isolated and tested. Neutralization potential with UK variant of the virus is there with the vaccine that we have," added Dr. Balram Bhargava. A case of the Brazil variant of SAS-CoV-2 had also been detected in the first week of February with the strain being successfully isolated and cultured at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. Meanwhile, all flights from South Africa and Brazil to India have been routed through Gulf countries. We have done disembarkations, mandatory RT-PCR tests for travellers coming from UK. Those who tested positive, their genome sequencing being done. This is a good strategy. I hope- we might follow this similar strategy for flights from South Africa & Brazil: Secy, Health Ministry pic.twitter.com/qC4FQJhLHI ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2021 The Ministry also shared that the number of healthcare and frontline workers vaccinated against the coronavirus in the country had surpassed 87 lakh. A total of 87,40,595 doses have been administered to beneficiaries to date. "The number of vaccine doses administered- 87,40,595. Active cases less than 1.40 lakh. The cumulative positivity rate is 5.27%. Kerala and Maharashtra with 61,550 and 37,383 active cases respectively account for 72% of the total active cases in the country," the ministry said. India on Tuesday reported 9,121 new cases of Coronavirus along with 11,805 recoveries. At present, there are 1,36,872 active cases in India while 1,06,33,025 have successfully recovered from the virus. The nation yesterday reported 91 new deaths. Read: Single Dose Of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Provokes Strong Immune Response: Study Read: Pondy Reports 20 New COVID-19 Cases (With Agency Inputs) A Dutch gang leader, who was arrested during a garda swoop on a suspected Kinahan cartel property in Dublin, has appealed a High Court decision allowing him to be tried for murder in the Netherlands. Lawyers for the Minister for Justice said the appeal by Naoufal Fassih (40), if successful, would call into question the surrender of people to the Dutch authorities on European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) issued between 2003 and 2019. Fassih, a Dutch citizen of Moroccan origin, was surrendered to the Dutch authorities by the High Court in 2017 to face charges of attempted murder, assault, possession of false documents and money laundering. He was subsequently convicted in the Netherlands of all charges and jailed for 18 years. In 2019 a decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), in an unrelated case, found that the Dutch public prosecutor that issued the EAW for Fassih is not a recognised "judicial authority" and therefore cannot issue EAWs. While that did not mean the warrant executed in 2017 could be overturned, the decision came to the fore when, in 2020, the Dutch authorities asked for permission from the Irish High Court to try Fassih on further charges of murder and incitement to murder. Under the EAW system member states can only try a person who has been surrendered for the charges laid out in the warrant. If they wish to try that person for further offences they must ask permission from the surrendering country. On July 27 last year the High Court agreed to allow The Dutch authorities to prosecute Fassih. Read More Remy Farrell SC for Mr Fassih, today told the three-judge Court of Appeal that they should overturn the High Court's decision. He said the European Arrest Warrant Act only allows a further prosecution where the person has been surrendered "on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued by a judicial authority." He said it is clear that in this case the EAW was not issued by a judicial authority and therefore the High Court could not grant permission for a further prosecution. Ronan Kennedy SC for the Minister for Justice said that if Mr Farrell is correct there must be a question over any surrender to the Netherlands from when the Act was passed in 2003 and the decision of the CJEU in 2019. He added: "That has a very far-reaching consequence and if Mr Farrell is right it is surprising there is no authority from any other jurisdiction on this question." He suggested the reason it had not come up elsewhere is that EU law respects that decisions made by courts within member states are final. He said it is a "plain fact" that Fassih was surrendered on foot of aEAW and therefore the High Court was correct to allow him to be tried on further charges. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Mr Justice Edwards and Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, said the court had "quite an amount to consider" and reserved judgement. For drivers that live in or near Yuma, AZ that are looking for a fuel-efficient model that wont break the bank, My Alexander Toyota is the place to go! For drivers that live in or near Yuma, AZ that are looking for a fuel-efficient model that wont break the bank, My Alexander Toyota is the place to go! Theyre offering a wide range of fuel-efficient used models, all of which get over 30 MPG to the gallon! What are some of these excellent models? Continue reading below to see some examples! Starting off our small list is a 2017 Toyota Corolla SE, which has only 55,137 miles on it. This vehicle is priced at $13,987 and comes with a variety of features. This includes a 1.8-liter I-4 engine, front-wheel-drive system, automatic transmission, and more. Altogether, drivers can enjoy a fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway with this model! Another excellent model available for drivers in Yuma, AZ is a 2019 Toyota Camry XSE. This is a newer model, and only has 15,763 miles in total on it. Its priced at $25,987 and features an automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive system, a 2.5-liter I-4 engine, and other benefits. This allows it to get a total fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG while on the highway. Finally, breaking out of the Toyota brand, is a 2019 Ford Fiesta S. This model is priced at a low $9,950 and comes with only 8,231 miles on it! It has a manual transmission system as well as a 1.6-liter TI-VCT I-4 engine, giving it a total fuel economy of 27 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. Overall, these are some excellent models, giving drivers a ton of benefits. Those that are interested in these vehicles are encouraged to contact the dealership today! They can be reached by phone at 928-344-1170, visited in person at 889 E 32nd St, Yuma, AZ, or online at https://www.myalexandertoyota.com/. Manhattan prosecutors have dropped their charges against Amy Cooper, a white woman who earned herself the nickname Central Park Karen after she called 911 on an innocent black birdwatcher and claimed he was threatening her life, claiming she learned her lesson in therapy. Cooper was charged with one count of falsifying an incident report - a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison and a $1,000 fine - in May 2020 after calling the cops on Christian Cooper, a birdwatcher who had told her to put her dog on a leash. She called the cops hysterical, falsely claiming he was threatening her life. He videoed the incident and it went viral on Facebook. Amy was fired from her job at an investment firm in Manhattan and became one of the faces of a series of incidents in which white women across America were seen to be abusing their privileges to report black or minority people for crimes they didn't commit. On Tuesday morning, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi revealed her office had decided to drop the charges because Amy had completed a 'restorative' alternative which included five therapy sessions. The decision outraged many, including Christian Cooper's sister. She tweeted: 'A flock of Karens is a privilege.' Others said it was the very definition of Cooper's white privilege that the only punishment she received was five therapy sessions. Christian Cooper posted on Facebook that he was 'far more outraged' by Congress than by anything 'Amy Cooper did'. Scroll down for video Amy Cooper was facing a maximum of one year in prison for falsely claiming Christian Cooper had threatened her life. Now, she must just complete a restorative justice program 'I am far more outraged by the US Congress, which continues to deny the mostly Black and brown people of the District of Columbia statehood and the representation every American deserves, than by anything Amy Cooper did. 'That gross racial injustice could be fixed by Congress now, today, and thats what people should be focused onnot last years events in Central Park,' he posted on Facebook. ADA Iluzzi outlined that the case could have resulted in the cops tracking Christian down and arresting him had the pair not stayed at the park to speak to the police when they arrived. 'The simple principle is that one cannot use the police to threaten another and in this case, in a racially offensive and charged manner,' Illuzzi said. Cooper with her dog. She was fired from her investment banker job and was deemed racist by public figures including NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio However she said: 'Given the issues at hand and Ms. Coopers lack of criminal background, we offered her, consistent with our position on many misdemeanor cases involving a first arrest, an alternative, restorative justice resolution; designed not just to punish but to educate and promote community healing.' She said Cooper completed a 'comprehensive, respectful program' at the Critical Therapy Center where she focused on 'the ways in which Ms. Cooper could appreciate that racial identities shape our lives but we cannot use them to harm ourselves or others.' 'Having completed 5 sessions, Ms. Coopers therapist reported that it was a moving experience and that Ms. Cooper learned a lot in their sessions together. 'The compliance report is attached, we are filing it with the court. 'Having completed the restorative justice program to our satisfaction, we now move to dismiss,' she said. Christian Cooper has not yet responded but critics are already calling it the 'whitest sentence ever'. While the victim hasn't yet spoken out about the case being dropped, critics slammed the decision on Twitter and called Cooper's therapy punishment the 'whitest sentence ever' Last year, after the incident went viral thanks to a video he took of it and posted on social media, he accepted her apology, saying: 'I do accept her apology. I think its a first step. I think shes gotta do some reflection on what happened because up until the moment when she made that statement. It was just a conflict between a birder and a dog walker, and then she took it to a very dark place. 'I think shes gotta sort of examine why and how that happened. He declined to be part of the legal process against her. Cooper's attorney threatened to sue people who 'rushed to the wrong conclusion' after the case was dropped Christian Cooper hasn't yet responded to the charges being dropped. Last year, he said he accepted her apology Cooper's lawyer said in a statement on Tuesday: 'After a thorough & honest inquiry, the New York DA's office dismissed all charges today against #AmyCooper. 'We thank them for their integrity & concur w/ the outcome.' He also threatened legal action against people who rushed to the wrong conclusion'. Cooper worked at Franklin Templeton and was earning upwards of $170,000-a-year. After the incident went viral last year, the company fired her, saying: 'Following our internal review of the incident in Central Park yesterday, we have made the decision to terminate the employee involved, effective immediately.' Mayor Bill de Blasio was among those who condemned the incident. He called her racist. Second, he said, we need to regain the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate to change the direction of the country. Georgia was already set to be one of the major focal points of the 2022 elections, with a hotly contested race for governor that could feature a rematch between the Republican incumbent, Brian Kemp, and his 2018 Democratic opponent, Stacey Abrams. Ms. Abrams narrowly lost that race, but went on to lead a voting rights organization that was crucial to registering and mobilizing Democrats who helped turn Georgia blue for President Biden and Mr. Warnock and Mr. Ossoff. Ms. Abrams has not announced whether she will run for governor again. Mr. Trump has already strongly indicated that he plans to get involved in the Georgia elections in 2022: He has been sharply critical of Mr. Kemp, as well as of the states secretary of state and lieutenant governor, for not supporting his false claims of election fraud in Georgia, and wants them to lose if they run for re-election. Given Mr. Perdues ties with Mr. Trump, it is possible that the former president may be a presence campaigning for Mr. Perdue and against Mr. Kemp next year. Still, its not entirely clear that a Republican Senate candidate should welcome Mr. Trumps future assistance. Bill Crane, a Georgia political operative and commentator, said on Monday that the former presidents appearances on behalf of the two Republicans appeared to have worked against them in January with Republican turnout depressed in the two congressional districts where Mr. Trump campaigned. Mr. Crane, who has worked for both Republican and Democratic candidates, said he would not be surprised if Mr. Perdue runs against Mr. Warnock given the close results in his January race, adding that, to win, Mr. Perdue would have to change his strategy. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 00:02:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SHENYANG, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ma Huichang spent this year's Spring Festival with other staff and 21 quarantined people at an isolation site for COVID-19 prevention, leaving his wife at home in the same city. But he felt his choice was worth it. Thursday was the eve of the Spring Festival and also the 53rd day of Ma's work at the quarantine venue. Ma, a government official in Tiexi District, Shenyang City in northeast China's Liaoning Province, volunteered to join the epidemic prevention work in the district in December after a local COVID-19 outbreak hit the city. Worried that the isolated people might suffer emotionally on Lunar New Year's eve, when family members gather and have dinner together as part of celebrations, Ma, head of the isolation site, stayed up until 2 a.m. the next morning. "Everyone was very cooperative. My sincere thanks to them!" Ma said. In order to make everyone happy, the staff prepared snacks and a dinner, including dumplings, for the people under quarantine. "We are one family as we spend this Spring Festival," Ma said. Yet he could not reunite with his wife and son this year as before. Ma is a native of Songyuan City in neighboring Jilin Province. "My wife spent the Spring Festival at home in Shenyang, and my son, who studies in Beijing, did not return. My parents back home were accompanied by my brothers and sisters," Ma said. He had a virtual chat with his parents, who supported his work. On Friday, Ma received a notice that more than 20 people who had just entered the country would be transferred to the isolation site. China has encouraged people to stay where they are during the Spring Festival as part of epidemic prevention measures. Many from different walks of life, including students and couriers, stayed put during the festival. Cao Pengjun, a junior from central China's Henan Province, who studies at Northeastern University in Shenyang, echoed the "stay-local" drive and spent the festival on the campus. "Delicious!" Cao said after enjoying a New Year's Eve dinner with hundreds of others who stayed put. The university rearranged dormitories for students who stayed back. Cao had three new roommates and did not feel lonely. "As many people stay put, it is still lively and I feel at home," said Cao, whose parents also stayed in Beijing for the festival. According to a university official, in previous years, dozens of students spent the Spring Festival in the university. But this year, more than 700 students stayed back, and the university prepared a free buffet as usual, with festive decorations in the dining hall. Deliverymen are especially busy this Spring Festival, as people who could not return home purchase festival goods online for parents or make special purchases for themselves. At a station of food delivery platform Meituan in Shenyang, 32 riders are on duty during the festival. Twenty of them are from other places. The station prepared a dinner of takeaway dishes for all staff on duty one day before New Year's eve when many shops close, according to Ren Kang, who was in charge of the delivery station. During the festival, community workers in the city helped the elderly who live alone. Guo Donghui, a 78-year-old man in Shenhe District, Shenyang, spent the festival with neighbors in the community. "My daughter is in Shanghai and did not return in response to the 'stay-local' drive. I miss her a bit, but I also had a good festival," Guo said, expressing his gratitude to community workers who helped him buy commodities, visited him and brought red scrolls ahead of the festival. He invited three old friends in the community to his home for a gathering on Friday. "If it were not for epidemic prevention, I would have invited more." When his daughter greeted him on video during the festival, Guo reassured her that all items she had purchased for him were received and that he lacked nothing for the festival. Enditem NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Khaled Salem, running for the U.S. Senate against Chuck Schumer in 2022, urged Israel to take definitive action against Hezbollah and Hamas. In his view, these two terrorist organizations not only threat Israel, but also the peace of the entire region. Salem, as an Arab who immigrated to the US decades ago, has a distinct and extremely well-informed perspective on Middle Eastern politics and US policy. He also serves as CEO for American Human Rights, a New York-based organization. U.S. Senate Candidate Khaled Salem U.S. Senate Candidate Khaled Salem "Israel should end these two entities," Khaled shared. "It would do them a world of good, while making the entire area more stable." Khaled is disappointed and surprised that these organizations are located in countries that receive financial aid from the international community. He added, "This matter must end immediately, so the world can also cut Iran's wings in the Middle East." Khaled also sent a message to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Egyptian Presidentand all Arab countriesto release all American detainees in Egypt and other countries as soon as possible. He encourages the Biden administration to make it a firm policy that there should be no American detainees in the Middle East. The candidate then reiterated his main policy positions. These include calls for New York City's mayor and police to intensify policing in the streets to mitigate the impact of violence and reckless driving. He would like the Mayor to consider suspending parking tickets so that restaurants can create outdoor dining spaces on street parking spots. Salem again encouraged the new administration to issue an order to American embassies to stop discriminating against dual American citizens. Other key policy positions include: Tourist visas to the US must require travel medical insurance for entry. Laws and procedures to reduce domestic violence nationwide. A reduction in U.S. military activity and presence in the Middle East . . A policy that requires these regions pay for American military services. The establishment of a home loan program for middle class single parents. Free university education for American students. Salem is running in the next general election, scheduled for November 8, 2022. Thirty-four of the Senate's 100 seats are being contested in these elections. Help Khaled build grassroots momentum by joining his fight to protect our citizens abroad. For more information, visit https://www.khaled2022forcongress.com/ Media Contact U.S. Senate Candidate Khaled Salem 518-348-6868 [email protected] SOURCE U.S. Senate Candidate Khaled Salem Queensland has the koala, the Cooktown orchid and the sapphire as emblems now a petition could unearth an official state fossil. The petition, put together by the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum in Winton in outback Queensland, suggested the fossil of Diamantinasaurus matildae be made the official state fossil. A statue of Diamantinasaurus at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum at Winton. Credit:Australian Age of Dinosaurs The petition, now with 775 signatures, was first handed to the government last year during the caretaker period in the lead-up to the state election, but the Premier has now responded and said she was open to the idea. I have asked the Department of the Premier and Cabinet to proceed with a process of identifying a shortlist of potential fossils that could become our state fossil emblem, Annastacia Palaszczuk said. Millions of homes and businesses across the country were without electricity Monday because of the destructive band of snow and ice that was forecast to extend for more than 2,000 miles. With more than one-third of Americans under winter storm warnings, utility companies from Texas to the Northeast were bracing for more widespread power losses as the storm progressed. In Texas alone, nearly 2.8 million customers had lost power, according to PowerOutage.us, which aggregates data from utilities across the United States. Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston said on Twitter that city residents whose lights had gone out may be without electricity all day. He said he had lost power at his own home. Some of the outages were intentionally imposed, and could last throughout the morning, as utilities struggled to alleviate strain on the power grid after the weather forced some generating units offline, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas said. Matthew Lin Johnson, 42, was detained by officials with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office on Thursday afternoon Authorities in California have arrested a high school assistant principal for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl 'multiple times' when she was seven and eight years old. Matthew Lin Johnson, 42, was detained by officials with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office on Thursday afternoon after they made contact with him at a business in Rancho Cucamonga, a spokesperson told the Victorville Daily Press. The Apple Valley man was booked on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. Johnson is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 17. 'The victim and suspect are known to each other,' sheriff's spokesperson Cindy Bachman told the outlet in an email. The Apple Valley man was booked on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 Authorities arrested Johnson three days after the victim's allegations was brought to investigators. The sheriff's department's Crimes Against Children Detail determined that 'the crime occurred multiple times when the victim was seven and eight-years-old.' Johnson is the assistant principal at Oak Hills High School but has been placed on leave, according to Hesperia Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Robert McCollum. Johnson is the assistant principal at Oak Hills High School but has been placed on leave, according to Hesperia Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Robert McCollum The educator has been barred from returning to school grounds pending the outcome of the investigation. McCollum did add that the district was informed that Johnson's arrest was 'on an issue unrelated to school or district operations.' 'At this time, CAC detectives have not found any evidence that Johnson had inappropriate contact with students at the school,' sheriff's officials added. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. PHILIPSBURG:--- For more than sixty years, Resolution 945X has been falsely used as a legal instrument to quantify the decolonization of the former Netherlands Antilles. Since Resolution 945X does not state that "Chapter XI can no longer be applied to the Netherlands Antilles", Pro Soualiga has sent a letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok, State Secretary Knops, and the Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the United Nations requesting them to provide any UN Resolution which clearly states that "Chapter XI no longer applies to the Netherlands Antilles." During the 1950s, Puerto Rico (1953), Greenland (1954), Alaska (1959), and Hawaii (1959) were all decolonized. Puerto Rico's UN Resolution 748 (VIII) states "Chapter XI of the Charter can no longer be applied to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico." Greenland's UN Resolution 849 (IX) states "Chapter XI of the Charter can no longer be applied to Greenland." Alaska and Hawaii's UN Resolution 1469 (XIV) states "Chapter XI of the Charter can no longer be applied to Alaska and Hawaii." Netherlands Antilles' UN Resolution 945X DOES NOT state that "Chapter XI no longer applies to the Netherlands Antilles." As previously mentioned, the Netherlands Antilles' UN Resolution 945X of 1955 DOES NOT contain any verbiage stating "Chapter XI no longer applies to the Netherlands Antilles." With that being the case, Pro Soualiga is kindly requesting the Dutch State to produce ANY United Nations Resolution which states that Chapter XI is no longer applicable to the Netherlands Antilles. Bear in mind, the Netherlands is currently a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council and has pledged to "respect all human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, at home and around the globe...." In February of 2020, Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok declared before the Human Rights Council in Geneva that "my support goes out to those who struggle to secure human rights and uphold them." In January of 2021, Minister Blok asserted "we know that the road to justice, begins with knowing the truth." We sincerely wish that the honorable Minister will live up to his benevolent remarks regarding "knowing the truth" by providing any UN Resolution declaring that "Chapter XI no longer applies to the Netherlands Antilles." Click here to read sent to Minister Stef Blok Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free DHAKA, Bangladesh A court in Bangladesh sentenced to death five members of an Islamist militant group on Tuesday for killing an American blogger critical of religious extremism six years ago. Avijit Roy, a United States citizen of Bangladeshi origin, was hacked to death by machete-wielding assailants in February 2015 while returning home with his wife from a Dhaka book fair. His wife and fellow blogger Rafida Ahmed suffered head injuries and lost a finger. Charges against them were proved beyond any doubt. The court gave them the highest punishment, the public prosecutor Golam Sarwar Khan said after the verdict, amid tight security at the Special Anti-Terrorism Tribunal in the capital, Dhaka. The court also jailed one man for life in the attack, Mr. Khan said. He said the six men convicted on Tuesday belong to the al Qaeda-inspired domestic militant group Ansar Ullah Bangla Team, which the police say was behind the murders of more than a dozen secular activists and bloggers. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Supreme Court says Alabama prison cannot execute inmate unless pastor is present Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An Alabama inmate sentenced to death cannot be executed unless he has, per his request, a pastor present in the execution room, according to an opinion by the United States Supreme Court. In the case of Jefferson S. Dunn v. Willie B. Smith, III, the high court decided last Thursday to deny a request by Alabama to vacate a lower court injunction in favor of the inmates request to have a clergyman present for his execution. At issue in the case was the request of Smith to have a pastor in the chamber when he is executed for murder, despite Alabama law only allowing clergy to be present in the viewing room. Justice Elena Kagan authored a concurring opinion to the decision, being joined by Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Amy Coney Barrett. Alabama has not carried its burden of showing that the exclusion of all clergy members from the execution chamber is necessary to ensure prison security, wrote Kagan. Prison security is, of course, a compelling state interest. But past practice, in Alabama and elsewhere, shows that a prison may ensure security without barring all clergy members from the execution chamber. Justice Brett Kavanaugh authored a dissenting opinion, being joined by Chief Justice John Roberts, arguing that the States policy is non-discriminatory and serves the States compelling interests in ensuring the safety, security, and solemnity of the execution room. Diana Verm, senior counsel at Becket, a law firm that filed an amicus brief in the case in support of Smith, celebrated the ruling from the Supreme Court in a statement Friday. If Willie Smith has to leave this world, he shouldnt have to leave it all alone, stated Verm. Alabama used to know that, which is why it always required a chaplain to be with the condemned man until the end. Prisoners should be allowed to make peace with their Maker in their final moments. For years, the Alabama Department of Corrections allowed for Christian clergy to be present inside of an execution chamber while an inmate was given lethal injection. In 2019, the state garnered much criticism for refusing to allow an imam to accompany Domineque Ray into the chamber when he was executed. Ray had filed litigation over the matter, but the Supreme Court had ruled 5-4 at the time to deny a stay of execution to resolve the imam issue, with the majority arguing that Ray had taken too long to file the appropriate petition. On November 6, 2018, the State scheduled Domineque Rays execution date for February 7, 2019. Because Ray waited until January 28, 2019 to seek relief, we grant the States application to vacate the stay entered by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, concluded the majority. Eventually, in response to a separate 2019 Supreme Court decision, Alabama decided to bar all clergy from the execution chamber, regardless of religious affiliation. "The addition of these new MSN concentrations serves the nursing industry at a critical time, providing options for nursing students to further their careers and provide compassionate patient care to communities across the country." Spring Arbor University (SAU) launches two additional specializations for its Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP) online degree program, offering highly sought-after areas in the advanced nursing profession. The MSN-NP program is ideal for working nurses looking to further their careers through flexible online learning without disrupting their schedules. Both MSN concentrations prepare students for in-demand roles, including the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). Nurses looking to develop the clinical expertise to diagnose and treat psychiatric-mental health conditions will gain competencies from the PMHNP track. The PNP track offers specialized skill development for those interested in delivering primary care to patients ranging from newborns to adolescents. The innovative program works within an educational framework that combines Christian philosophy with a robust academic curriculum. The holistic approach to learning inspires professional, personal, and spiritual growth to prepare the next generation of nurse practitioners to deliver compassionate patient care. The new MSN concentrations will provide options for nurses who hold a BSN degree, as well as those with an ADN or ASN. The university's convenient RN-MSN bridge program also offers a streamlined path to work towards an advanced degree while earning a bachelor's in tandem. Aspiring psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners in the MSN program explore major issues in contemporary nursing through a lens of spirituality and grace. In addition to establishing clinical practice, the PMHNP track equips students to develop psychotherapeutic treatment modalities and communication methods unique to different patient populations. The PMHNP concentration launch takes place during a pivotal time, as the need for healthcare and mental health services grows nationwide. "The addition of these new MSN concentrations serves the nursing industry at a critical time, providing options for nursing students to further their careers and provide compassionate patient care to communities across the country. Dawn Day, Ed.D., Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs, Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. In addition to the PMHNP route, the PNP track provides nurses with the clinical reasoning skills needed to prevent, assess, treat and manage acute and chronic disease for pediatric populations. PNP students will develop the clinical competencies to deliver primary healthcare in the context of normal growth and development, health promotion, and health management for children from birth through adolescence. The PNP concentration equips students to broaden their scope of practice and translate evidence to individually-based care. Both the PMHNP and the PNP track of the MSN program blend convenient online learning with academic rigor to prepare students for advanced nursing in their specialty areas. Uniquely designed for working nurses, the online MSN program allows students to continue their current work schedule by taking just one course at a time. Spring Arbor University's distinctive curricular approach prepares nursing leaders to bridge gaps in mental health care services and primary pediatric careall through the spirit of service. Learn more here about Spring Arbor University's online MSN-NP degree program concentrations in psychiatric-mental health and pediatric primary care. About Spring Arbor University: Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, Michigan, and is a private university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. Our mission mission is to provide liberal arts education focusing on spiritual, intellectual, and whole-person education and transformation. Since 1873, Spring Arbor University has helped students pursue wisdom by offering an education grounded in the Christian faith. What began as a small elementary and secondary school in the late 1800s has evolved into a premier private Christian university that offers engaging online programs designed to meet the unique needs of busy, working adults. While we're not the only university to offer online degree programs, our distinction lies in our total commitment to providing educational excellence within a Christ-honoring and supportive online community. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Latest drill assays included an intersection of 170 metres (m) of 1.5 grams per ton of the yellow metal, starting from just 31m below surface As reported last month, Gatling has made a recent shift in exploration strategy to prioritize the significant amount of near-surface potential at Larder Inc ( ) (OTCQB:GATGF) has reported more good gold grades near-surface at its flagship Larder gold project in Ontario. Latest drill assays included an intersection of 170 metres (m) of 1.5 grams per ton (g/t) of the yellow metal, starting from just 31m below surface. That came from a hole drilled at Zone 2 of the Fernland deposit and followed Gatling's recent success 400m west at Zone 1, where a hole hit 101.3m at 1.1 g/t gold. "This second round of drill results in our ongoing 25,000m program are led by highlight hole GTR-20-089, which matched the highest metal factor ever hit since the inception of Gatling," noted the group's CEO Jason Billan in a statement. "Furthermore, our exploration team has demonstrated impressive, near-surface continuity for the first time at Larder. The Fernland deposit will be the focus for just over half of the current drill program, before we deliver an initial resource estimate at Fernland along with a resource update at Cheminis and Bear (due out in H2)." As reported last month, Gatling has made a recent shift in exploration strategy to prioritize the significant amount of near-surface potential at Larder. Today, Gatling said it will now test Zone 3 at Fernland - one of the three gold deposits (along with Bear and Cheminis) along a 4.5 kilometre (km) trend at the project that hosts high-grade mineralization at depth and widespread mineralization near-surface. The Fernland deposit is home to three distinct zones and the company has now demonstrated a thickness up to 13m at 2g/t gold and a continuity of 170 m at 1.5 g/t gold at Zone 2. Drilling previously at Zone 1 displayed thicknesses up to 35m and over 100m in gold continuity. "These results continue to reveal the excellent grade distribution, size, and vast potential of the near-surface gold mineralization at the Fernland deposit," said Gatling. The Larder property sits on the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break, 35km east of Kirkland Lake. The project is 100% controlled by Gatling and is positioned 7km west of the Kerr Addison mine, which has produced 11 million ounces of gold. Shares in Toronto nudged up 4.4% to C$0.48 each. ---Updates for share price--- Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com Bob Jenkins is one of the most iconic voices of the Indianapolis 500 and for the entire sport of auto racing. On Tuesday, Jenkins revealed that he is going to cut back on his public announcing duties at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as he undergoes treatment for brain cancer. In a video interview with IMS President Doug Boles, Jenkins reflected on his illustrious career at the Speedway. Toward the end, things got serious as Jenkins explained his recent health issues which started on Christmas night and asked the racing community for their prayers as he undergoes chemotherapy and radiation treatment. It happened on Christmas night. I awoke with a severe headache I made it to one hospital. They did a cat scan and then told me that I needed to go some place else for an MRI because the Crawsfordsville hospital didnt do MRIs. The first diagnosis was a stroke. The second diagnosis was We have found two malignant tumors in your right temple and you have brain cancer. But I had colon cancer in 1983 and I survived that. And with Gods help, and my beloved race fans, Im gonna make it. Im not going to completely retire, Im going to say I am cautiously optimistic about working some of the public address this year but you will not see me or hear me as much as you have during the past few years. Jenkins began his career with the Speedway in the 70s on the IMS Radio Network. Even after heading to ESPN in their infancy to cover various forms of auto racing, Jenkins always came back home to Indiana for the Indy 500. At Indianapolis, Jenkins held a variety of positions on the radio broadcast and was The Voice of the 500 as chief announcer throughout the 90s. When Versus (now NBCSN) took over some IndyCar rights in 2009, Jenkins was hired to be their first play-by-play announcer. Jenkins was there for four years until he announced that he would retire in 2012 in order to take care of his wife Pam, who died of brain cancer. Since 2011, Jenkins has been on a part-time schedule working the public address system at IMS. Jenkins is hopeful to continue his PA duties in some form but its smart to have a wait and see approach after chemo and radiation to see how he feels entering the month of May. Like he said, hes already beaten colon cancer so heres hoping Bob can beat this and be a presence at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for years to come. The racing and media community will be thinking of him throughout this battle. [Indianapolis Motor Speedway] Ukraine's Acting Energy Minister Yuriy Vitrenko has proposed that Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal submit for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers the issue of the dismissal of Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev and the termination of contracts with members of the company's supervisory board, according to Vitrenko's letter dated February 12, which was seen by the LB.UA online news site. Vitrenko cited a number of reasons which, in his opinion, are the grounds for the dismissal of Kobolyev and the supervisory board. In particular, Naftogaz allegedly failed to meet the natural gas production target for 2020, which was approved by the strategy for the development of the gas production industry of Ukraine and provided for an increase in domestic natural gas production by 27.6 billion cubic meters by the end of 2020. Vitrenko also wrote in the letter that the company plans to reduce gas production over the next five years. Projected natural gas production in 2025 will allegedly range from 9.9 billion cubic meters to 12.5 billion cubic meters according to different scenarios. In addition, the letter refers to violations that the State Audit Office found in Naftogaz's activities in 2018-2019. "[Those violations] led to the loss of UAH 75.5 billion in financial and material resources," writes Vitrenko. He also said that the Taxpayers' Office found violations in Ukrtransgaz, which led to the value of dividends paid to Naftogaz being reduced by UAH 35.2 billion. "In view of the above facts, as well as taking into account the information provided in the annexes to this letter, the Energy Ministry proposes immediately considering the issue of replacing the management of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, terminating contracts with members of the supervisory board and holding competitions to fill respective positions," the letter reads. On January 28, the Verkhovna Rada for the second time failed to appoint Vitrenko as Ukraine's first deputy prime minister and energy minister. Only 204 lawmakers voted for a respective decision, with the required minimum being 226 votes. Prior to that, on December 17, 2020, the Verkhovna Rada failed to appoint Vitrenko to the post. At that time, only 186 people's deputies voted in favor of the decision. On December 21, the Cabinet of Ministers appointed Vitrenko acting minister of energy. On January 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Servant of the People party deputies to support Vitrenko's appointment to the post of first deputy prime minister and minister of energy. He said the acting minister had limited powers. On January 28, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Dmytro Razumkov said that Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal had submitted to parliament a motion to appoint Vitrenko as deputy prime minister and minister of energy. Vitrenko is a former executive director at Naftogaz. From April 2019 to June 2020, he headed the supervisory board at PJSC Ukrnafta. From October 2019 to January 2020, he served as a member of the supervisory board at Ukroboronprom. op New Delhi, Feb 17 : Hours after updating its website that it has registered a suo moto contempt against senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai for tweeting against the top court, the Supreme Court on late Tuesday evening clarified that it has not initiated any criminal contempt of court against him. The clarification from the top court came after news items were flashed on initiating suo moto criminal contempt proceeding against Sardesai by the top court on a petition by one Aastha Khurana. "This is in context with news item being flashed in some news channels about initiating suo moto criminal contempt proceeding against Rajdeep Sardesai by Supreme court, it is made clear that no such proceeding has been initiated against Rajdeep Sardesai. However, status shown at Supreme Court website vide case no. SMC (Crl) 02/2021 has been placed inadvertently. Appropriate action to rectify the same is under process," said a top court senior official. Speaking to IANS, Khurana's advocate Omprakash Parihar that the status of the case was uploaded on the top court website. He added that this mistake from the top court registry is unexplainable. In September last year, the Attorney General K K Venugopal had declined to give consent to initiate criminal contempt against Sardesai. According to Khurana's lawyer, after the AG's refusal, the petitioner filed a fresh petition in the top court, which was registered as criminal contempt case on February 13, this year, as per the top court website. The petitioner had contended that Sardesai's statement is not only a cheap publicity stunt but a deliberate attempt to spread hatred in form of anti-India campaign on to protest and resist in every way against the top court and judiciary as a machinery. "That the Contemnor tweet is of serious nature putting a big question on sovereign function of Supreme Court and their abiding nature to the Constitution," said the plea. The petitioner cited tweet by Sardesai, published in August 2020, where he had criticized the one-rupee penalty imposed on advocate Prashant Bhushan in the contempt of court; and another tweet citing that the top court cannot debar any lawyer from practice. The plea said later this tweet was deleted by him, but it has got huge media publicity and has again questioned the fairness of the top court, which is again a big threat to the Judiciary. The plea contended that it is evident that Sardesai has disrespected the decision of the top court with impunity. "The Respondent (Sardesai) has wilfully disobeyed the decision of this Hon'ble Court and their conduct is contumacious. Therefore, a serious view of the conduct of the Respondent is required to be taken for ensuring proper administration of justice," said the plea. Students in U.S. high schools can get free digital access to The New York Times until Sept. 1. On Saturday, 57 out of 100 senators cast votes finding former President Donald Trump guilty of inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. That tally included seven Republican senators along with all 50 Democrats in the chamber. However, that majority fell short of the 67 votes needed for a conviction, as the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority to convict a president something that has never happened in history. Did you watch the news of the Senate impeachment trial? What is your reaction to the presidents acquittal? If you were a member of the Senate, how would you have voted? In Trump Acquitted of Inciting Insurrection, Even as Bipartisan Majority Votes Guilty, Nicholas Fandos writes: A Senate still bruised from the most violent attack on the Capitol in two centuries acquitted former President Donald J. Trump on Saturday in his second impeachment trial, as all but a few Republicans locked arms to reject a case that he incited the Jan. 6 rampage in a last-ditch attempt to cling to power. Under the watch of National Guard troops still patrolling the historic building, a bipartisan majority cast votes finding Mr. Trump guilty of the Houses single charge of incitement of insurrection. They included seven Republicans, more members of a presidents party than have ever returned an adverse verdict in an impeachment trial. But with most of Mr. Trumps party coalescing around him, the 57-to-43 tally fell 10 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict, and allow the Senate to move to disqualify him from holding future office. Among the Republicans breaking ranks to find guilty the man who led their party for four tumultuous years, demanding absolute loyalty, were Senators Richard Burr of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Patrick J. Toomey of Pennsylvania. The verdict brought an abrupt end to the fourth presidential impeachment trial in American history, and the only one in which the accused had left office before being tried. But it was unlikely to be the final word for Mr. Trump, his badly divided party or the sprawling criminal and congressional investigations into the assault. It left behind festering wounds in Washington and around the country after a 39-day stretch unlike any in the nations history encompassing a deadly riot at the Capitol, an impeachment of one president, the inauguration of another and a brief but rancorous trial in the Senate. It took only five days to reach a verdict, partly because Democrats and Republicans were united in their desire to avoid a prolonged proceeding and partly because Mr. Trumps allies made clear before it even began that they were not prepared to hold him responsible. Most of the jury of senators had themselves witnessed the events that gave rise to the charge, having fled for their own lives, along with the vice president, as the mob closed in last month while they met to formalize President Bidens victory. Party leaders and even the presidents most loyal supporters in the Senate did not defend his actions a monthslong campaign, seeded with election lies, to overturn his decisive loss to Mr. Biden that culminated when Mr. Trump told thousands of his supporters to fight like hell and they did. Instead, in the face of a meticulous case brought by nine House prosecutors, they found safe harbor in technical arguments that the trial itself was not valid because Mr. Trump was no longer in office. But their overriding political calculation was clear. After party leaders briefly entertained using the process to purge Mr. Trump from their ranks, Republicans doubled down on a bet made five years ago: that it was better not to stoke another open confrontation with a man millions of their voters still singularly embrace. Students, read the entire article and then tell us: Did you watch any of the trial? Did you follow the impeachment news? What was your reaction to the trial itself? Even though seven senators in Mr. Trumps own party voted to convict him, that number was not enough to reach the two-thirds majority required by the Constitution to convict. What is your reaction to the trials outcome? Were you surprised that Mr. Trump was acquitted? Were you angered? Were you satisfied? How would you have voted if you were one of the 100 senators? Mr. Fandos writes: Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, embodied the tortured balancing act, denouncing Mr. Trump on Saturday, minutes after voting to acquit him, for a disgraceful dereliction of duty. In blistering remarks from the Senate floor, Mr. McConnell, who had openly considered voting to convict Mr. Trump, effectively argued that he was guilty as charged, while arguing that there was nothing the Senate could do about it. What do you think of Senator Mitch McConnells tortured balancing act his denunciation of Mr. Trumps actions only minutes after he voted to acquit the former president? What do you think about his logic, that Mr. Trump was effectively guilty as charged, but because he was no longer in office, the Senate couldnt doing anything about it? Do you think the trial and its verdict are likely to settle the issue of the former presidents responsibility for inciting the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6? Do you think the acquittal provides a degree of closure, and the country can now move on? Or, do you think Mr. Trump is likely to face other kinds of consequences? For example, via a bipartisan Congressional investigation, or through the criminal justice system, as in Georgia, where he is being investigated for pressuring election officials to find votes? About Student Opinion Find all of our Student Opinion questions in this column. Have an idea for a Student Opinion question? Tell us about it. Learn more about how to use our free daily writing prompts for remote learning. Students 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public. In the pantheon of Portland area weather events, this weekends snow and ice storm wasnt the biggest, longest or coldest. But by one important yardstick the number of people who lost power, and potentially the duration of those outages this weekends storm appears to be an unprecedented doozy. At their peak, Oregons two largest electric utilities, Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp, had well over 300,000 combined customers without power, a significant driver of Gov. Kate Browns decision to declare a state of emergency on Saturday. For perspective, consider the Columbus Day windstorm of 1962. The big blow, as it is known, knocked out power to 262,000 PGE customers, a number easily surpassed this weekend. Past ice storms, by contrast, have typically involved outages numbered in the tens of thousands. As of Monday afternoon, PGE reported that 32% of its customers -- or about 284,000 -- were without power, including 105,000 in Clackamas County, 89,000 in Multnomah County, 70,000 in Marion County, 10,000 in Washington County, and 9,300 in Polk and Yamhill counties. The company had turned off the feature on its website where customers can look to see an estimate of when power will be restored. Right now, theres just too much, Corson said. Crews are still in process of assessing damage. We cant realistically give an estimate. What were saying at this point is that it could be many days. The utility is prioritizing service restoration on lines affecting the largest number of customers, said Steve Corson, a company spokesman. PGE is re-routing power where possible to get around outages, though that doesnt help customers at the end of rural feeders. Changing weather conditions and damage as trees and branches succumb to thawing ice mean some customers are experiencing multiple outages, Corson said. PacifiCorp, meanwhile, had some 35,000 customers without service Monday afternoon, including 23,000 in Northeast Portland and another 12,000 scattered in communities surrounding Salem. The disparity between the utilities comes down to the geography of their respective service territories and where the storm took place. But its an all-hands-on-deck event and then some for both utilities. PGE has some 130 crews in the field, comprising some 700 employees, contractors and linemen from other out-of-state utilities called in through mutual aid agreements. PacifiCorp has 320 personnel in the field, and should be up to 370 tomorrow as it drafts crews from sister companies in Utah, Nevada and even Iowa, said Drew Hanson, a utility spokesman. So why is this storm affecting so many? PGE says it was particularly hard hit when it comes to its higher voltage transmission lines that feed power to its neighborhood distribution lines. It has 26 transmission lines - 216 miles worth that need to be repaired, on top of 4,900 downed power lines in neighborhoods. Six substations went down. Then theres local infrastructure. In Woodburn, 40 utility poles were down. In North Marion County, another 26. Replacing them typically involves extensive design and engineering. Right now, its triage. A single pole, in some cases, can carry multiple transformers and both transmission and distribution lines. Repairing them involves clearing up downed lines, trees and limbs, getting rid of the old pole and setting a new one, putting on cross arms and installing the new electrical equipment, then reenergizing, when possible. Its a big project, one that can be compounded by environmental issues if a blown transformer leaked oil, for instance. And the weekends storm was a significant ice event. Hanson said a half inch of ice on a span of line can add 500 lbs. In some cases, there was 2.5 inches of ice on lines. They are built to standards to withstand significant icing, he said, but combine that with ice accumulating on trees and branches and those coming down on lines. Hanson said the outages in PacifiCorps service territory started Thursday evening and escalated Friday and Saturday in Marion, Polk, Linn and Benton counties, then began to surge through its Northeast Portland territory as the icing picked up Saturday and Sunday. The company has a map on its website with estimated restoration times and a feature to check particular neighborhoods. Hanson said the company is expecting to restore power to the majority of its customers by Monday night and Tuesday morning, with some pockets out until Wednesday and Thursday. Utilities remind customers to always assume that any downed line is live and extremely dangerous. Never touch a downed wire with your body or any object. Do not attempt to clear brush and debris away from downed lines and report any downed line immediately to PGE by calling 800-544-1795, or PacifiCorp at 877-508-5088. -- Ted Sickinger; tsickinger@oregonian.com; 503-2218505; @tedsickinger A quick look at the Productivity Commissions draft report on national water reform reminds me of the repeated judgment from old Mr Grace, the doddering owner of the department store in Are You Being Served? as he headed for the door: Youve all done very well! Its review of the progress of the National Water Initiative signed by the federal and state governments in 2004 encompassing agreements on the Murray-Darling Basin is terribly polite, understated and relentlessly upbeat. Apparently, governments have made good progress in having largely achieved their reform commitments. All that remains is just the need for a teensy-weensy bit of policy renewal. The Darling River at Louth, in far west NSW, in February last year. Credit:Jenny Evans/Getty Images. This mild-mannered stuff and congratulatory tone bear no resemblance to my memories of meetings of angry farmers railing against stupid greenies and other city slickers; of their insistence that the immediate needs of irrigators and irrigation towns along the river take priority over the river systems ultimate survival; of each state governments insistence on favouring their own irrigators over those in states further down the river; of federal and state National Party ministers happy to slip farmers a quiet favour, avoid enforcing the rules and turn a blind eye to blatant infringements; of federal Labor ministers who, even with no seats to lose in the region, were unwilling to make themselves unpopular by standing up for the rivers future. Statement of Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on the dismissal of the election protest of former senator Ferdinand Marcos against Vice President Leni Robredo I welcome the decision of the Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. I, together with the more than 14 million Filipinos who voted for Vice President Leni Robredo in 2016, are pleased with the favorable decision of the PET. The PET decision should put the issue to rest. I enjoin all parties involved to respect the decision. Let us begin the healing process now and focus on what is before us - Covid-19 pandemic. ALBANY, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced amendments to his previous proposal to legalize recreational use of marijuana in New York. He submitted his initial plan as part of the 2021 State of the State in January. The amendments detail how the state plans to allocate $100 million from the Social Equity Fund to revitalize communities, while establishing delivery services and refining criminal marijuana charges. According to Cuomo, legalization is projected to create more than 60,000 new jobs, and generate an estimated $350 million in tax revenue. One of the amendments would allow marijuana delivery services in order to create those jobs. Cuomo says local governments would be able to opt out from delivery services occurring within their jurisdiction. Through the Social Equity Fund, Cuomo also plans to create funding opportunities in communities most impacted by drugs. "We know that you cannot overcome a problem without first admitting there is one. Our comprehensive approach to legalizing and regulating the adult-use cannabis market provides the opportunity to generate much-needed revenue, but it also enables us to directly support the communities most impacted by the war on drugs by creating equity and jobs at every level, in every community in our great state, said Cuomo. Qualifying nonprofit organizations and local governments would be able to apply for funding to support the following: Job placement and skills services Adult education Mental health treatment Substance use disorder treatment Housing Financial literacy Community banking Nutrition services Services to address adverse childhood experiences Afterschool and child care services, system navigation services Legal services to address barriers to reentry Links to medical care, women's health services and other community-based supportive services New York has already passed legislation to decriminalize some drug crimes and expunge criminal records for certain marijuana convictions. As part of these new amendments, Cuomo also proposes reducing other penalties, including: Criminal sale in the third degree (sale to under 21 year old) will be made a class A misdemeanor instead of an E felony Criminal sale in the second degree (sale of over 16 ounces or 80 grams of concentrate) will be made an E felony instead of a D felony Criminal sale in the first degree (sale of over 64 ounces or 320 grams of concentrate) will be made a D felony instead of a C felony Cuomo will send his amended proposal to lawmakers this week. Why the special Covid-19 grant extension is not enough The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened unemployment and poverty, showing the need for the government to permanently expand income support to working-age adults. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a three month extension of a special R350 (US$24) a month COVID-19 grant for unemployed adults who do not receive any social grant or unemployment insurance. This comes as the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown continue to devastate the economy, entrenching extraordinarily high unemployment and poverty. While the extension, announced in Ramaphosas State of the Nation Address, has been welcomed by trade unions and civil society, it falls short. The country needs a permanent form of income support, not temporary relief, something the president himself clearly appreciates. South Africa has an extensive social grant programme which provides income support to over 18 million of the most vulnerable: the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Despite this, the social grant system has some serious coverage gaps. Most importantly, it excludes unemployed adults aged 18 to 59 who are physically capable of work. The massive loss of jobs and livelihoods because of COVID-19 has not only exacerbated unemployment, which stands at 42%, when counting discouraged work seekers. The pandemic has also shown the necessity of basic income support, in the form of monthly cash payments, to working-age adults with no or little income. The idea of a basic income grant was first presented in 1997 to provide comprehensive social protection. In 2000, the government appointed a committee to investigate ways to extend the social security system inherited from the apartheid era, to provide comprehensive coverage for all. The committee recommended a basic income grant to combat income poverty. Despite widespread support, the idea was turned down, due in large part to ideological concerns about giving handouts to those who should be working. COVID-19 relief grants Because of the COVID-19 crisis, the government implemented a range of short-term relief measures to help alleviate the economic fallout. A caregivers allowance an amount of R500 for each caregiver receiving a child support grant and top-ups for other grants were implemented between May and October 2020. The special COVID-19 grant of R350 was set to lapse at the end of January 2021. Despite significant challenges in implementing the grant, the grant has extended social assistance to over 5.9 million people, providing much needed relief. The COVID-19 grant has been celebrated by activists and civil society groups as laying the ground for a more permanent form of income support for unemployed adults, and moving towards the implementation of a universal basic income grant. But what is a basic income grant and how does it differ from other grants? Are there countries that provide examples that South Africa can emulate? Importantly, can the country afford it? What is basic income? A universal basic income is based on a belief that everyone deserves access to the resources required to meet a basic standard of living. It is designed to establish a baseline below which a persons income should not fall. A universal basic income scheme, in the purest form, must have three basic features: First, it must be received by everyone (not a designated head of a family unit) as a right of citizenship. Second, it must be unconditional, received as a right regardless of whether a person works or meets certain conditions. Third, it must be permanent, paid every month without fail. In the context of South Africas structural unemployment crisis, a basic income grant for 18-59 year olds has received the most traction. It would complement (not replace) existing grants and expand the social assistance provided by the state to include unemployed and working poor adults. Among the proposals for its implementation is a staged approach, with more vulnerable groups targeted first, while gradually expanding the coverage to all adults over time. Which countries provide a model for such a grant? Basic income has been piloted and experimented with across the world. With the exception of Iran, which has a nationwide universal cash transfer programme, and Alaska, which gives an annual dividend to everyone in the state, most basic income programmes give cash to small groups of individuals, not all citizens. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, basic income is now at the forefront of policy discussions all over the world. Many countries implemented or expanded cash transfer schemes. Spain launched a basic income programme to a million of its poorest households. It is yet to be seen if these short-term recovery measures and basic income programmes will be turned into permanent entitlements. Can South Africa afford it? Unlike the COVID-19 grant, the proposed basic income grant will be a permanent measure and will require a substantial commitment of fiscal resources. There are many ways to fund it. These include raising taxes on the rich and on companies. Curbing tax evasion and halting illicit financial flows can also help boost the national coffers to pay the grant. These and other possible measures notwithstanding, the primary source of funding will be taxation. But a key part of understanding the real cost of a basic income scheme is understanding the difference between the gross and net cost. The gross cost includes the cost of a grant paid to people who earn enough not to need it, and would repay it immediately through higher taxes. The net cost is the cost of transfers to those who are net beneficiaries. Basic income is thus a redistributive measure and should be clawed back from those who dont need it. A reduction in inequality is a key objective of a basic income grant. It is also an economic investment: it promotes livelihoods, increases buying power and has multiplier effects on local economies that help aid economic resilience and recovery, according to economist Duma Gqubule. His calculations show the net as opposed to the gross cost after taking into account increased tax revenue and fiscal multipliers, which measure the additional GDP generated by each rand of new spending. He suggests that, at the upper-bound poverty line of R1,268 a month, a basic income grant would not only immediately generate value added tax of R75 billion, but there would be claw-back through income tax of R25 billion. Time to act The pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of the vast majority of South Africans, and the huge gap in the existing social protection system. The structural nature of the countrys unemployment crisis makes providing income support to working-age adults inescapable, not only during the COVID-19 lockdown but in the long term. The need for a basic income grant was established at least two decades ago. Its now time for real commitment from the government and concrete steps on how it will be implemented. Hannah J. Dawson, Post-doctoral fellow at the Society, Work and Politics Institute (SWOP), University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Center for Countering Disinformation will start operating in Ukraine in March, according to Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko. Our first initiative concerns the creation of a center for counteracting disinformation, which will primarily, in cooperation with other Ukrainian organizations, oppose Russian propaganda. Now the selection of the team is underway and the concept is being approved. We hope that this center will start working in March, Tkachenko said at the opening of the international online seminar "Responding to Disinformation: European Practices and Standards", an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to Tkachenko, the ministry is cooperating with Latvian colleagues in the field of strategic communications, as well as with a similar center in the European Union and Finland. The minister noted that the Culture and Information Policy Ministry, together with the Education Ministry and the Digital Transformation Ministry, is working on a media literacy project. "Moving in these two areas in cooperation with the National Security and Defense Council, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, the Foreign Ministry, the Digital Transformation Ministry, we hope to respond in the near future to the challenges posed by Russian propaganda," he said. Tkachenko also added that the Culture and the Information Policy Ministry is planning to work with fact-checking organizations to create a common platform so that it could be possible not only to detect fakes and manipulations, but also to counteract them with the help of positive Ukrainian narratives. iy LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm , a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Sona Nanotech Inc. ("Sona" or "the Company") (OTC: SNANF) for violations of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors who purchased the Company's securities between July 2, 2020 and November 25, 2020, inclusive (the ''Class Period''), are encouraged to contact the firm before February 16, 2021. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at [email protected] . The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Sona unreasonably represented to the market that it could receive field studies of its COVID-19 antigen test within one month. The Company's positive statements about its antigen tests were unfounded. In fact, the FDA would deprioritize emergency use authorization approval of the Company's antigen test stating it did not meet "the public health need." The Company did not have a reasonable basis to believe that data collected in a short time would be acceptable to the FDA or Health Canada. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Sona, investors suffered damages. Join the case to recover your losses. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: The Schall Law Firm Brian Schall, Esq., www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 [email protected] SOURCE The Schall Law Firm Related Links www.schallfirm.com The word tension typically evokes negative thoughts of stress, strain, or conflict. Have you ever had a tension headache? Or perhaps you can recall a time when the tension in a meeting was so strong it was palpable? Ive been thinking a lot about tension recently, and as crazy as it seems, this is what I chose for my word of the year for 2021. Were only two months in to this new year, but Im already being constantly reminded of how tension can work as a positive in our lives. How is tension positive? Take the surface tension of water, for example. Its just exactly right to allow objects to float on top of it without sinking. Water striders can stride across the top of water thanks to surface tension. If you have an office chair, you likely have adjusted the tilt tension knob, which helps you recline, rock back and forth, and generally be more comfortable in your seat. Tension comes from a Latin word meaning to stretch. Think about the tendons in our bodies, which stretch between muscles and bones, allowing just enough tension and stretching for movement. Tension in this case is, The act of stretching or the state or degree of being stretched. An appropriate amount of tension is a good thing, and stretching outside of our comfort zone brings much-needed growth. For the early Christians who lived under the rule of the Roman Empire, following in the way of Jesus undoubtedly caused tension. Believers walked the tightrope of being good citizens of the Empire but also proclaiming Jesus, not Caesar, as Lord. They had to navigate a culture which was obsessed with personal and familial honor and status, all while acting in a new way as part of a new Kingdom. Paul pushed against the status quo when he said anyone could be part of this new family of believerswho were one in Christwithout any distinction or shame. In this new family there were, Neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female (Gal. 3:28). While the tension they experienced within the Greco-Roman culture was intense, it sharpened their focus, drew them together as a community, and strengthened their resolve to give all for the cause of Christ. Jesus himself lived in the tension of this world, as he both taught the Scriptures but called out the self-righteous religious leaders who placed a higher value on the Law instead of on people. He was the King of Kings, yet he chose a different way of ruling than his followers had hoped. He ruled by laying down his power, turning the other cheek, loving his enemies, eating with sinners, and giving time to those who were considered of little value or worth. His followers had to stretch and be challenged in their ideas of worldly power and the ways of the Empire. Jesus was calling them to sit in the tension, to leave behind their old ways and step into the new. He called them to stop vying for power and position and instead, Take up your cross and follow me (Matt. 16:24). Today, as followers of the Way, we still find ourselves living in tension. We live in the in-between time between Christs first and second comings. We rest in the power of his life, death, and resurrection; look ahead to his coming again to restore, renew, and make all things right; and yet seek to live faithfully in the here-and-now. The in-between time is a stretching time to be certain. We live in the world and engage with the culture, but we sometimes feel like aliens from a foreign planet. (See for example 1 Pet. 1:1, 2:11.) There is tension in both living in the world and at the same time, knowing its not our ultimate destination. Some have chosen to focus solely on the one day of heaven, neglecting our call to do justice and love mercy in the here-and-now; while others are so focused on doing good here, they forget our true hope remains in the future coming of our King. We are indeed pulled in two directions, and the question is how will we navigate this space? The answer is: We partner with God now, as his ambassadors, in caring for and loving people, in sharing the good news, in working to bring justice and mercy to situations and systems which desperately need to change. At the same time, we understand that no political party, leader, country, or anything else will be able to fully fix this broken world. Ultimately, our hope is in Christ, in the one day. This is the tension of being a follower of Jesus. May I encourage us today to embrace and lean into this tension, the stretching, the tugging, the pulling, and the sometimes-discomfort of the Christian life? Im not saying to actively seek out suffering or hardships. But weve already been warned this life will not be easy. I think in actively running from tension and seeking a comfortable, easy life, both individual Christians as well as the American Church, have neglected to see the needs around us. We have overlooked ways in which we can point others to the true hope Jesus promised us. What is that true hope? In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Razor wire is shown atop a fence outside the Capitol in Washington during the fifth day of former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial on Feb. 13, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Democrats Blue Dog Coalition Endorses Legislation to Combat Domestic Threats The Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats who focus on issues related to national security, endorsed two bills it says will help combat the threat of domestic terrorism and protect our nations classified information from those who breached the United States Capitol on Jan. 6. The group of 18 fiscally responsible Democrats say they want to prevent those who participated in the breach of the Capitol and members of the QAnon conspiracy movement to be barred from obtaining a federal security clearance and to bolster the ability of federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and report on domestic terror threats. The Blue Dogs officially endorse Rep. Brad Schneiders (D-Ill.) Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act and Rep. Stephanie Murphys (D-Fla.) Security Clearance Improvement Act. Murphys bill aims to ban those who took part in breaching the Capitol and those who support QAnon from obtaining or keeping a national security clearance. A prominent aspect of the QAnon theory alleges that global elites are part of a satanic pedophile ring. Murphy, a former Pentagon official, said she does not want those who breached the Capitol building on Jan. 6 to ever have access to classified information. As a former national security specialist at the Pentagon, I know how dangerous it is for individuals who participated in a violent attempt to overthrow our government to receive a security clearance and access classified information, she said in a statement. U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) speaks at a panel discussion on disinformation and the 2020 campaign co-hosted by PEN America; Ellen L. Weintraub, Chair, U.S. Federal Election Commission; and the Global Digital Policy Incubator at Stanford Universitys Cyber Policy Center at the FEC in Washington on Sept. 17, 2019. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for PEN America) QAnon has spread far beyond the fringes, and we must now take steps to ensure these dangerous conspiracy theories dont infiltrate our government. Holding a security clearance is a privilege, not a right, Murphy added. Schneiders bill would strengthen the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the FBIs ability to investigate and report on domestic terror groups and would require the agencies to provide Congress with a biannual threat assessment report, with a focus in particular on white supremacy, which the Illinois Democrat linked to the Capitol breach. The threat of domestic terrorism has never before been as stark as it is now, in the wake of the January 6th attack on the Capitol, Schneider said in a statement. Since 2017, the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act has been ahead of the curve in recognizing the threat of racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism and offering clear steps in how to prevent its spread. Both Democrat and GOP lawmakers have condemned the the Capitol incident, which occurred during the joint session of Congress, and all are calling on federal agencies to find the answers as to why there was not adequate security that day. Steven M. DAntuono, the assistant FBI director, told reporters at a Jan. 26 briefing that the FBI is combing through digital media to find those responsible for the Jan. 6 incident. Not only are we focused on finding those who breached the Capitol, damaged the building, or stole government property but we are also looking to find those who violently assaulted the law enforcement officers who were trying to protect the Capitol and prevent the disruption of our democratic process, he said. DAntuono said that no matter how long it takes, they are committed to finding out how and why the Capitol was breached. Monday House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced in a letter to House Democrats on Monday plans for the creation of a 9/11-type commission to investigate the incident. To protect our security, our security, our security, our next step will be to establish an outside, independent 9/11-type Commission to investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to January 6, 2021, domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex,' Pelosi wrote. Meanwhile, Republicans including House Administration Committee Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), House Oversight Committee Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), and House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), sent a letter to Pelosi demanding answers about what she knew about security requests prior to Jan. 6. Capitol Police requested National Guard help prior to January 6th. That request was denied by Speaker Pelosi and her Sergeant at Arms. During the attack, Capitol Police made the request again. It took over an hour to get approval from Pelosis team, Rep. Jordan said in a Twitter post Monday. On January 7th, Speaker Pelosi claimed that the Capitol Police Chief hadnt called since the attack, he added. We now know thats not true. Chief [Steven] Sund briefed Pelosis team twice during the attack! Pelosis office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Kinshasa, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Feb, 2021 ) :DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday named Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, head of the state mining giant Gecamines, as prime minister following a prolonged tussle for power with allies of his predecessor. Sama Lukonde, 43, whose appointment was announced in a decree read on nationwide tv, succeeds Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba, who was forced out after a coalition between supporters of Tshisekedi and former president Joseph Kabila broke down. The months-long crisis was seeded in the outcome of elections in December 2018 that led to the first peaceful transition of power in the Democratic Republic of Congo's history. Tshisekedi, the son of a veteran opposition leader, was declared the winner but was forced into a governing coalition with Kabila supporters who at the time wielded a huge majority in parliament. Tensions boiled over last year when Tshisekedi declared that power-sharing was blocking his agenda for reform, vowing to seek a new majority in parliament. In a series of moves, he won over many Kabila legislators, gaining the perceived support of almost 400 out of 500 members of the National Assembly -- a group he has named the Sacred Union of the Nation. The new majority enabled him to force out Ilunga as well as the pro-Kabila speakers of both houses of parliament. Safety at the Woodside-operated North West Shelf Gas Venture near Karratha in the north of Western Australia on Jun. 17, 2008. (Greg Wood/AFP via Getty Images) Pre-Eminence of China Bigger Issue Than Climate Change: Australian Politicians Debate Energy Bill The federal Labor opposition intends to block the Morrison governments proposed changes to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) that will see the green bank open to investing in new gas projects. Meanwhile, one backbench Nationals MP thinks coal is needed to strengthen Australias capacity to be resilient in withstanding problems that may come in the future, naming the pre-eminence of China as the biggest issue the country faces. It comes as a new report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) forecasted a shortfall of gas reserves on the east coast from 2026, and after almost a year of actions by Beijing that have seen tariffs slapped on a range of products that came under the Free Trade Agreement with China. Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said on Monday that while the labor opposition supported the creation of the federal governments Grid Reliability Fundwhich will see government investments in new energy generation, storage and transmission infrastructureit would block attempts by the CEFC to invest in fossil fuels such as gas. We on this side of the House believe that the CEFC should remain a renewables and decarbonisation funding agencynot one that can be directed by the minister of the day to fund fossil fuels, as important as gas is, Bowen said. The opposition doesnt want the green bank to invest in fossil fuels, for there to be a return on investment, and for the CEFC to decide which projects get funds instead of the minister. Additionally, the CEFC, which was set up under the 2012 Labor government, is required to turn a profit for the taxpayer, but an expectation that individual CEFC investments are to achieve a return would be removed under the amendments. Energy Minister Angus Taylor would also have the power to direct the green bank to look at investing in particular technologies. Liberal MP for Wentworth, Dave Sharma, said investing in new gas projects is necessary to support the addition of new renewable energy projects. All of this renewable energy in the grid brings new challenges. While theres no shortage of investment in clean energy, the government has identified a lack of investment in the dispatchable generation needed to support the increase of intermittent generation, Sharma said. By focusing on getting the cost of new technologies down, we wont raise the cost of incumbent technologieslike coal and gasthat continue to play an important role in the energy mix, he said. Expanding the CEFC Portfolio In August 2020, the federal government sought to amend legislation to the $1 billion Grid Reliability Fund by expanding the CEFCs investment portfolio to include gas projects under the definition of low emissions technologies. Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor said that the fund would encourage private investment in the generation, energy storage and transmission projects needed to balance the grid and deliver affordable power. Gas projects, which the CEFC can already invest in, including new gas fired generation, will be included in the fund when a project supports the achievement of low emission energy systems, Taylor added. While Bowen admits that gas will play a role in Australias energy system for the foreseeable future until other options are available to support renewables, the shadow minister criticised the federal governments claim that gas was low-emissions. It has a role to play and its important, but it is not a low-emissions technology, and the government is engaging in sophistry by suggesting that it is. Backbencher Pushes for Coal Amendment Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce tabled an amendment on Tuesday night that would allow for new investment in high efficiency, low emissions coal-fired power. The biggest issue for our nation, I hate to say, is not climate change, the biggest issue is the pre-eminence of China as a growing superpower, and our need to make this nation as strong as it possibly can be, Joyce said. Anything we can do to make this nation stronger, to bring back its manufacturing, to bring back its capacity to be resilient enough to withstand problems that may eventuate in the future, if the course of events in the past is to be any sort of guidewe must have the capacity to have the cheapest and most reliable power we can get. On Jan. 21, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that he signed another two year deal with liquid natural gas (LNG) suppliers from the east coast as part of the governments plan for recovery from the economic downturn caused by the measures put in place to slow the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Energy Minister Angus Taylor added that gas is key to Australias economic recovery from the pandemic. Six renewable energy and five gas developments that are shortlisted under the Underwriting New Generation Investments (UNGI) scheme could be funded by the CEFC if the federal governments amendments passes. Federal Parliament is currently debating the governments amendments, with Labor and independent MPs introducing their own tweaks to the bill. AAP contributed to this report. Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label. National Police officers in Fuengirola have arrested a couple who were selling puppies online, allegedly persuading buyers into making an advance payment that they banked before cutting off communication with the buyers. A man and a woman aged 33 and 34 have been arrested for alleged fraud and another crime of identity theft. Police say that they believe around 20 people around Spain were conned into parting with an advance payment for the animals which could have netted the pair in excess of 9,000 euros. Once buyers were interested in a puppy, the scammers asked them to deposit a specific amount electronically into their account. When they received it, they allegedly cut off all communications and kept the puppy. Officers specialised in technology crimes at the Fuengirola police station took charge of the case and, as a result of the first complaint, found that there were numerous victims in Spain - in fact, it has not been ruled out that there could be even more people who were conned. In one case, it is claimed the couple sold a puppy that was sick and in poor condition due to lack of care Officers also found that they used the identity of a woman, who they did not know, in the scam. The case will now go before the courts. 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 17) President Rodrigo Duterte did not just read the Constitution, he is also a lawyer, Malacanang reminded Senator Panfilo Lacson. "Binasa ng ating Presidente ang Saligang Batas, abugado pa po siya, pumasa po siya ng Bar kung saan isa po sa tinanong o subject of the examination is the constitutional law," Roque said in a PTV news program on Wednesday. "Wala pong kaduda-duda na ang chief executive o ang pangulo ang chief architect ng ating foreign policy." [Translation: Our President read the Constitution, he's a lawyer, he passed the Bar wherein one of the questions or subjects of the examination is the constitutional law. There is no doubt that the chief executive or the President is the chief architect of our foreign policy.] Duterte in his Monday address called out Lacson after the latter criticized his statement that the US will "have to pay" to keep its Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines. The chief executive claimed that foreign relations or policy is vested in the president alone adding that the legislator has nothing to do with this. I may not be a lawyer like the President. But last time I read the Constitution, a senator has something to do with international agreements, Lacson said in a statement. The President should refresh his memory by reading Article VII, Sec. 21 of the 1987 Constitution. It says: No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate, he added. The senator likewise reminded Duterte that the Constitution also provides the right to free speech. Even an ordinary citizen of this country who feels embarrassed by his harsh, undiplomatic remarks concerning an existing bilateral agreement is guaranteed under the same Constitution to express his or her views, Lacson pointed out. Not anyone, even he cannot curtail that basic right. Aside from Lacson, Duterte also singled out Vice President Leni Robredo, who likened his threat against the military pact to outright extortion. The President urged Robredo to stop commenting because the US owed the country. RELATED: Duterte tells Robredo: You do not know your role in government Lacson, for his part, believes that a diplomatic, civil approach is the more effective way to uphold the national interest in the long run. This sentiment was echoed by Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, who told CNN Philippines separately that the Presidents remark about the VFA could have been said in a more diplomatic way. I think we all agree that it could have been said in a more diplomatic way, but I understand the sentiments where the President is coming from, Zubiri said in an interview with The Source. Last year, the Philippines sent the US a notice to terminate the VFA, a move that stemmed from the cancellation of Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's visa due to alleged extrajudicial killings during his term as Philippine National Police chief from 2016 to 2018. The government later decided to suspend the abrogation of the two-decade military deal in light of political and other developments in the region, including the ongoing pandemic. Inked in 1998, the VFA is the first of two agreements between Washington and Manila about the treatment of their troops when they are in the US or the Philippines. It includes provisions on visa and passport policies for American troops, and specifies which country will have jurisdiction over US servicemen who may be accused of crimes in the Philippines. LONDON and SEATTLE and BOSTON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Account-based marketing pioneers offer new competitive viewpoints service, and appoint two specialist executives to lead the offering. Momentum, the growth consultancy and leader in account-based marketing, has launched a new Competitive Intelligence (CI) service for businesses, appointing two top executives from the field to lead it. The service will provide organisations with a robust and objective analysis of their competitive environment, including emerging competitor threats, market developments, and new policies and technologies that could impact success. To coincide with its launch - and support clients in leveraging the intelligence to adapt, develop new products and grow market share - the group has recruited specialists Diane Borska as SVP Consulting and Lenore Scanlon as Principal, Financial Services, US. Borska has over 20 years of experience as a strategy consultant for leading global companies. As Fuld + Company's President and CEO, she led high-performing teams and advised clients on issues including technology, new market entry, mergers and acquisitions, and diversification. Her areas of expertise include the energy, agriculture, industrial goods and IT sectors. Borska was acknowledged as a Global Leader in Consulting by Consulting Magazine and recently cited as a "Trailblazer" in Boston Voyager magazine. Scanlon founded Fuld + Company's financial services practice, which serves clients in banking, cards and payments, asset management, brokerage, insurance, and a wide range of B2B service industries. Her team supported clients with the competitive insights and analysis needed to launch new products and overhaul existing ones; create differentiated value propositions; enter new markets; devise long-term strategy; anticipate industry shifts; and improve internal processes. Over time, CI has become a critical function in nearly all Global 1000 companies. Now, through Momentum, clients can access unique insights and expertise to better navigate and succeed in the market. The expanded service will help clients realise value from market and competitive intelligence by developing resilient strategies, making better decisions and achieving sustained competitive advantage. Alisha Lyndon, Founder and CEO at Momentum, said: "We've always had a strong reputation for sound strategic advice and with Diane and Lenore working with us we can now identify critical competitive issues, deepen our domain expertise and continue to offer exceptional service to our clients. I am tremendously excited about the level of expertise and insight they will bring to our business." For more information visit www.wearemomentum.com Learn more about Diane Borska and Lenore Scanlon Photo(s): https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438419/Diane_SVP.jpg https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438420/Lenore_Principal.jpg Contact Details: Alex Koenig abm@wearemomentum.com +44 (0)203-858-0808 By Sanjeev Miglani and Danish Siddiqui NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Students chanted slogans outside the Delhi police headquarters on Tuesday demanding the release of a 22-year-old environmentalist accused of sedition for an online document in support of farmers' protests. Police say Disha Ravi, a leader of the local arm of climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg's advocacy group, created and shared a "toolkit" or an action plan that was used to foment violence in Delhi last month during the protests. Her supporters have denied she did anything illegal and said the toolkit was an information pack about the protests, which erupted late last year to demand a rollback of three new agricultural laws, and was not designed to incite violence. "The way the police took her away is illegal," said Prasenajit Kumar, a leader of the student group which tried to march to the front gates of the police headquarters. Riot police were on standby and the protesters were pushed back. Her arrest in her hometown of Bengaluru on Sunday has stoked outrage and comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government faces allegations it is suppressing dissent. The government denies the charge and says people are free to protest if it is done peacefully. Police said her detention was part of the investigation into the violence that took place on Jan. 26, Republic Day, when thousands of farmers tore down barricades and reached the historic Red Fort and raised a religious flag there. "As far as Disha's arrest is concerned, it was done as per the procedures. Law doesn't differentiate between a 22-year-old and a 50-year-old," Delhi police commissioner S.N. Srivastava said. A lawyer for Ravi has declined to comment. Thunberg said on Monday that she had no comment on Ravi's arrest. Police also have arrest warrants for two of Ravi's two associates, Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk. Jacob, a Mumbai-based lawyer, has petitioned a court, seeking to block her arrest. The court was due to hear her petition later on Tuesday. Story continues She said in her petition that she was trying to raise awareness about the plight of farmers protesting against deregulation of the produce market. There was no question of inciting violence, she said. Muluk could not be immediately reached for comment. Thousands of farmers remain camped on the outskirts of New Delhi. The government says the new laws open up opportunities to farmers by allowing them to directly sell produce to private buyers such as large retailers. (Additional reporting by Shilpa Jamkandhikar in Mumbai; Editing by Alison Williams) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's parents, their children, and educators can now add another classic to their bookshelves, as the cherished "Legend" series releases a new volume for audiences to create enduring holiday memories. On the heels of the success of the first installment in the series, The Spider Who Saved Christmas, comes The Thief Who Stole Heaven, slated for release on March 9, 2021. Find more details here: https://www.amazon.com/Thief-Stole-Heaven-Raymond-Arroyo/dp/1644132389/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=The+thief+who+stole+heaven&qid=1611765298&sr=8-3 Latest Release in Bestselling Picture Book Series, Out in Time for Easter Best-selling author Raymond Arroyo returns with another legacy-enhancing title to his portfolio of strikingly beautiful and inspiring works. The story unfolds through his transformative approach to the way children learn to read and with an appeal that reaches across generations. The Thief Who Stole Heaven introduces audiences to the largely hidden character of The Good Thief. Bridging the gap between Christmas and Easter, this unique story brings to life a compelling tale of redemption destined to be treasured and revisited year after year. The critically acclaimed "Legend" series debuted in the fall of 2020 with The Spider Who Saved Christmas, which topped the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestseller lists, further evidence of a deeper resonance with consumers across America and a welcome antidote to today's more gimmick-oriented offerings. "Spider" also received coverage from outlets such as NPR, The Dallas Morning News, Fox & Friends and beyond. The Thief Who Stole Heaven is the second installment as part of a larger "Legend Series" of self-contained, episodic stories. About Raymond Arroyo Raymond Arroyo is a New York Times bestselling author, an international broadcaster and Fox News Contributor who has worked for CNN and the Associated Press. He is also host and managing editor of "the World Over Live" on EWTN. Mr. Arroyo has made frequent appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Ingraham Angle, CNN Headline News, Access Hollywood and many more. His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Newsweek, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and elsewhere. A native New Orleanian, Mr. Arroyo is passionate about sharing the unique culture of his beloved Crescent City and the great state of Louisiana. Earning a Telly Award, Arroyo produced, wrote and hosted a musical Christmas special for PBS called Christmastime in New Orleans with eponymous Billboard chart-topping soundtrack (Verve Records/AimHigher). He has produced other Billboard topping musical projects including "The Birth of Christ" with Liam Neeson (Sony Classics). His eight books, including his biography of Mother Angelica and his Best-selling multi-book Will Wilder Middle Grade series (Random House Kids) were all New York Times Bestsellers. Known for his penetrating interviews, Arroyo has interviewed the leading figures of the day. Highlights include: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Mel Gibson, Wendell Pierce, Placido Domingo, DeVon Franklin, Chef Leah Chase, Mary Higgins Clark, Aaron Neville, Tim Conway, Irma Thomas, Mark Burnett, Martin Sheen, Johnny Mathis, Jose Feliciano, Harry Connick Jr., and a groundbreaking interview with comic legend, Jerry Lewis, to name just a few. Contact: Monica Fitzgibbons, FitzPR [email protected] 310.849.1686 DiscoverLegends.com Related Images the-thief-who-stole-heaven.jpg The Thief Who Stole Heaven Latest Release in Bestselling Picture Book Series, Out in Time for Easter SOURCE Raymond Arroyo NORTHAMPTON - The driver of a car involved in a Jan. 30 high-speed collision with a Northampton Police cruiser, injuring both herself and the officer, is due to appear in Northampton District Court next month be arraigned for drunken driving charges, the Northwestern District Attorneys office said. The driver, Maleaha Aquadro, 25, of Florence, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless operation of a motor vehicle causing serious bodily injury, speeding, reckless assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, an automobile, and other charges. According to the DAs office, an arraignment in Northampton District Court has been scheduled for March 24. The 11:30 p.m. on Rocky Hill Road at 11:30 p.m. left Aquadro and officer Matthew Knowlton injured. Her vehicle was traveling an estimated 70 mph at the time of the collision, according to police reports. Knowlton suffered serious leg injuries in the crash. He cut himself from his seatbelt and climbed out of the wreckage with a broken leg to go check on Aquadro, who was also seriously injured, according to reports. Both were taken by ambulance to Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Aquadro would later be transferred to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Her lawyer, Michael McHale of Amherst, said on Tuesday that Aquadro has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. He declined to comment on the charges. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. USD 305 students can now earn an associate degree during high school from K-State Polytechnic Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 Kansas State Polytechnic and Salina USD 305 have signed a partnership to create the PolyCATS Academy for USD 305 high school students. From left are Curtis Stevens, USD 305 director of secondary education; Linn Exline, USD 305 superintendent; Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean of K-State Polytechnic; and Terri Gaeddert, associate dean for academics and student success, K-State Polytechnic. | Download this photo. SALINA Kansas State University's Polytechnic Campus and Salina USD 305 have partnered to create the new Polytechnic Center for Applied Technology Studies. This academy provides an opportunity for eligible high school students to earn industry-recognized credentials, receive college credit for general education requirements and complete dual credits for an associate degree during high school. The PolyCATS Academy will also foster strong community partnerships with businesses, community organizations and educational organizations. K-State Polytechnic currently partners with USD 305 to offer Computing Principles, a blended credit class, at both Central High School and South High School. The course is team-taught with a USD 305 teacher and K-State faculty. Collaboration efforts also include 36 dual-credit elective offerings taught by K-State faculty. "Kansas State University is committed to innovation in education while serving the communities in our state," said Terri Gaeddert, associate dean for academics and student success at K-State Polytechnic. "The PolyCATS Academy is an exciting new initiative that brings important stakeholders together to support the needs of our region in a collaborative manner. Students will benefit. Public schools will benefit. Businesses will benefit. This is a win-win-win approach to ensuring the needs of our workforce are met, both now and in the future." The PolyCATS Academy will allow students to enroll in classes and receive credit from both USD 305 and K-State. Dual-credit electives will also expand from 36 to 102 courses. By the time they graduate from high school, students will have an opportunity to earn an associate degree in aviation, business or engineering technology. Other student advantages include discounted tuition rates, transitional support to college and career, networking with area employers, a collegiate connection while in high school and connections to the workforce. USD 305 educators will benefit from the PolyCATS Academy through opportunities to work in concert with college professors, develop a greater depth of knowledge in their content areas, engage in networking opportunities and grow professionally by teaching college-level courses. "This partnership greatly expands the choices for USD 305 students to have a post-secondary experience while still in high school," said Linn Exline, superintendent of USD 305. "The opportunity to earn college credits and an associate degree are key experiences on their road map that leads to success beyond graduation." To learn more about the PolyCATS Academy at K-State Polytechnic Campus, contact the Office of Admissions at 785-826-2640 or polytechnic@k-state.edu, or the high school counseling departments at Central High School, 785-309-3636, or South High School, 785-309-3715. This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! jet airways_98974128 live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More With the wait to board Jet Airways getting longer, the Jalan-Kalrock consortium may be forced to 'reset' the timeline to revive the airline. While the earlier plan was to get Jet 2.0 in the air by April, the re-launch may get pushed by 90 days, sources close to the development told Moneycontrol. At the same time, the consortium is using the time in hand to fine-tune its strategy to revive the airline, especially amid the new circumstances post-COVID-19. "The emphasis will be to control costs and generate cash flow at the earliest. The priority thus is to first start off with cargo operations, given that demand for freight, especially with India emerging as the vaccine hub, continuing to be robust," said a senior executive from the industry, in the know of things. The consortium had won the bid for Jet Airways in October 2020 and had plans to re-launch the airline by the summer of 2021. For that it was crucial to get the clearance from the National Company Law Tribunal by January, in order to get slots for the summer schedule of airlines that is released by regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA. But that timeline has been disrupted with multiple hearings and petitions. The Mumbai bench of the NCLT will now give its order on February 22 whether or not to share the resolution plan of Jet Airways with its employees. Meanwhile, the State Bank of India - the airline's lead banker - had filed an appeal with National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, asking it to direct the NCLT to expedite the approval process. In January itself, an association of engineers working in Jet Airways had filed an application to fasten the proceedings. Jet Airways was grounded in April 2019. Hopes of many of its employees had soared after the consortium of UAE-based businessman Murari Lal Jalan and London's Kalrock Capital won the bid for the airline. Plans reset and the new timeline While domestic flights resumed in May 2020, post the lockdown in March, passenger traffic had recovered to about 56 percent of pre-COVID-19 levels, by December. Much of the demand has been from tier-2 and 3 cities. Airlines, especially SpiceJet, have also seen high demand for cargo. While the winning consortium had talked about focusing on smaller routes, instead of the metro ones, the strategy has now been reinforced. "Cities like Ahmedabad have just taken off. While this doesn't mean that Jet 2.0 will not fly between metro routes like Delhi-Mumbai, it doesn't want to be in cut-throat competition. Thus the emphasis on non-metro routes," said an airline executive aware of Jalan-Kalrock plans. Executives added that the combine has been in talks with governments, both in India and overseas, exploring options to fly cargo, including vaccines, using Jet Airways's fleet. The airline has 12 aircraft in its fleet, at the moment. "The consortium has held talks with lessors and doesn't see any issues in getting aircraft when needed. The government has also assured it of slots," said the senior industry quoted earlier in the story. The NCLT has asked the DGCA to respond on the availability of the slot. "The aspiration now is to resume operations by the third quarter of the calendar year, or during the festive season," the executive added. By then, the growth in passenger traffic could be nearly the same as pre-COVID-19 levels. The global and domestic shortage of feed ingredients since last autumn is driving price rises A raft of input price increases is set to have a serious impact on farmers cashflows this spring, farm leaders have warned. Fertiliser prices are forecast to rise by 50-100/t on the back of tighter global supplies. Despite farmers efforts to secure more competitive deals, fertiliser importers have warned of major price increases coming down the tracks with CAN up 100/t to a high of 270-280/t, while granular is forecast to top 400/t. Meanwhile, feed price hikes of 30-40/t are already hitting beef and dairy farmers hard. Global and domestic shortages of the main raw ingredients for feed since late 2020 are driving the price rises. Contractor charges and building costs And farmers are also facing higher farm contractor and building costs this year. The Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) last week recommended that its members increase charges to farmers by 4pc. The FCI says the increase is required to cover the rising costs of machinery, insurance and labour for contractors. Farm building material costs are reported to be skyrocketing with prices for steel, timber and fixings for sheds soaring by up to 50pc nationwide. Builders suppliers say these price rises are due to several factors. These include the closure of foundries last year because of Covid-19 restrictions, a surge in on-farm construction during lockdown, and the ongoing forestry crisis. IFA president Tim Cullinan said input price hikes are "another penal charge in situations where farmers are, unfortunately, all too often price takers. And ICMSA president Pat McCormack said the latest wave of what he called creeping input rises were part of a long-established pattern around periods of steady or gradually increasing milk prices. It seems that some input suppliers particularly in relation to feed and fertiliser take the opportunity afforded by stable farmer milk price to increase their own incomes, he said. Thats bad enough but the real problem comes when milk prices fall and farmers are left with the higher input costs that were tagged onto the rising market. If we know one thing, it is that input costs very rarely, if ever, fall. "Once theyre built into the business model, they are only ever going in one direction and thats up. Mr McCormack added that it was at times like this that farmer-owned co-operatives should come into their own by resisting such price increases. We need farmer-owned co-ops to deliver competitive prices to farmers and thats exactly what we need to see in the coming weeks and months, he said. by Francis Khoo Thwe The army claim democracy demonstrators are the real danger. The UN warns the junta about the "severe consequences" of actions against the people and demands that the right of assembly be guaranteed without reprisals. Criticism of Card. Bo from Yangon and his party with a pink cake. Internet taken down for a few hours. Yangon (AsiaNews) - The protests taking place in many cities nationwide undermine the stability of Myanmar and raise fear among the population, according to the Myanmar army. The militarys information office which carried the pretentious name: "Truth Information" has stated: "People are delighted to have the security patrols and the security forces will conduct them day and night". In fact, since yesterday, tanks and armoured vehicles have appeared in the major cities of the country, guarding the main intersections. According to the armed forces, all the demonstrations that have so far gathered hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life and social sectors demanding the release of the leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the end of the dictatorship, are in reality the ones "undermining stability". Since February 12, the junta has decreed that any gathering with more than five people is to be considered illegal and those who participate are punishable by 20 years in prison. Despite the threats, people continue demonstrating and asking state employees to implement civil disobedience. After yesterday's demonstrations in Naypyidaw, Yangon, Mandalay, Sittwe and Myitkyina, even today in Yangon groups of demonstrators gathered in front of the central bank, inviting employees to join the strike. The attempt to pass the demonstrations as the real danger for the country is also an indirect response to the UN warnings delievered through its special envoy Christine Schraner Burgener who warned the army about the "severe consequences" deriving from harsh responses against popular demonstrations. UN spokesman Farhan Haq said yesterday that Schraner Burgener stressed that "the right to peaceful assemblies must be fully respected and that demonstrators must not be subjected to reprisals." In addition to demanding respect for human rights and democracy from the army, Schraner Burgener also criticized internet blackouts, which hamper communications. Tonight the web, which had been interrupted for two days, appears to have been restored. Previously it had worked in fits and starts. Among the focal points of demonstrations are the embassies of Russia and China, the two countries that have held the UN Security Council back from issuing a unanimous condemnation of the coup. Beijing, which on the one hand shields itself by saying it does not want to enter "the internal affairs" of Myanmar, and on the other it seizes its resources and sells weapons to the junta, is mocked on social media (photo 2). Controversy has also broken out on social media against Card. Charles Maung Bo, archbishop of Yangon. On 14 February he celebrated his 6th year as a cardinal, along with the birthday of the auxiliary bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye. The archdiocese's Facebook site reports a series of photos of the celebration, as well as of the party and the pink cake served to the diners (photo 3). A believer says that "it is a shame" to party while the population is crushed by the armed forces, victims of violence and imprisonment. The "overly neutral" attitude of Card. Bo was also criticized by priests, men and women religious. Immediately after the coup, the cardinal had published an open letter in which he urged the junta and the National League of Democracy to dialogue, without expressing any condemnation for the violence against democracy. Priests, nuns, seminarians and some bishops instead showed closeness to popular demonstrations with prayer meetings, city marches, distribution of food and drinks to demonstrators against the dictatorship. BERLIN The European Court of Human Rights ruled on Tuesday in favor of Germany in a dispute with Afghan civilians who challenged the countrys investigation into a 2009 attack on oil tankers in Afghanistan that killed as many as 90 civilians. A panel of 17 judges from across Europe ruled unanimously that the German investigation into the bombing did not violate the European human rights convention. On the night of the attack, Sept. 3, 2009, Taliban fighters hijacked two tankers carrying NATO fuel and then got stuck on a sandbank in the Kunduz River, about four miles from the NATO base in the northern city of Kunduz. Col. Georg Klein, a German who at the time was commander of the NATO base in Kunduz, called in U.S. military planes to bomb the tankers, saying that he believed that only insurgents were in the area and that he feared the Taliban could use the tankers to carry out attacks. But dozens of local Afghans had swarmed the tankers, invited by the Taliban to siphon off fuel. Tehran, Jul 23 (AP): Iran on Saturday demanded that the United States release all detained Iranian citizens, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. The report on Saturday quoted Irans deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi as saying he raised the issue on Friday during a meeting with an American delegation in Vienna, on the sidelines of a meeting on 2015 nuclear deal. We raised the issue of the release of Iranians who are detained under the meaningless accusation of bypassing sanctions, on Iran, Araghchi was quoted as saying. He did not elaborate. Earlier on Friday the White House threatened new and serious consequences for Iran unless it releases all US citizens who are detained there. The White House says President Donald Trump is prepared to act in an attempt to end Irans practice of using detentions and hostage taking as state policy, but it provides no specifics about potential consequences. ALSO READ: US announces sanctions on Iran over ballistic missiles, terrorism Washington is urging the return of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who disappeared in Iran in 2007 and Princeton graduate student Xiyue Wang, who was arrested last year. Xiyues confinement became public this week after Irans judiciary announced his 10-year sentence. Late on Saturday the spokesman for Irans foreign ministry, Bahram Ghasemi, rejected the US demand calling it intervention in Iranian internal affairs, the official IRNA news agency reported. Ghasemi said Irans judiciary and judges are independent and such statements would not deter the judiciary from punishing violators of Iranian law and national security. However he added that Levinson left Iran after visiting Iran and Tehran has no information about him. Ghasemi also reiterated the demand for the quick release of Iranian detainees in the US, and said one of the wanted Iranian by the US has already died abroad. He did not elaborate. Also detained by Iran are Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi and his 81-year-old father, Baquer Namazi. They were taken during the Obama administration and are also serving 10-year sentences. ALSO READ: Iran detains President Rouhanis brother of financial misconduct, sentences Chinese-American to 10 years of imprisonment For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. In addition, "The Wizard of Paws" will find a second home on Nat Geo WILD, with all eleven episodes in season one re-airing on the network in spring 2021, followed by season two. Nat Geo WILD is the only network 100% dedicated to animals and the people who love them; "The Wizard of Paws" is a natural fit for its programming lineup. "We couldn't have dreamed of better partners with which to collaborate than The Dodo and Nat Geo WILD as we put Derrick Campana's important animal-saving work out into the world with 'The Wizard of Paws,'" said Michael Dunn, managing director of BYUtv. "Viewers of all ages and backgrounds are united in the compassion they feel for his struggling patients and the joy that comes from the happy endings he and his team generate at the end of each episode. It's a much-needed positive outlook on humanity from the perspective of our animal friends." "The Wizard of Paws" profiles Derrick Campana as he continues his longstanding mission of charitably dedicating his time to crafting custom prosthetics for animals of all sizes from elephants to rabbits. Season two sees Derrick working with Trigger, a dog overlooked at the shelter due to his deformed leg and rescued just before facing death; Menina, a lamb whose best friend is a rescue cat named Charlie and is given two prosthetics for her front missing limbs; and Frida, a dog that's an Instagram and Facebook star who receives a custom cart for her paralyzed back legs. The series features many more heartwarming tales in its 10-episode second season. In addition to "The Wizard of Paws," BYUtv's original programming slate includes new interwoven scripted shows "The Parker Andersons" and "Amelia Parker" about a blended multicultural, interracial family; "Survivalists," featuring two families on a three-day survival immersion course in the wild to reconnect and repair their relationships; the fifth and final season of "Dwight in Shining Armor," a comedy in which the Middle Ages meets Middle America; and the long-running, viral sketch comedy series "Studio C." BYUtv is available across the country via cable, satellite and multiple digital media platforms. For a complete listing of BYUtv's programming and to view full episodes, visit www.byutv.org or download the app. BYUtv streams for free with no subscriptions, in-app purchases or ads. The network is always streaming live, and past and current seasons are all available to binge. Press access to video, photo and other assets is available at www.byutv.org/pressinfo. About BYUtv BYUtv provides families more than 2,000 hours of entertaining and compelling programming they can enjoy together. The network's content is trusted, contemporary and clean, yet clever and sophisticated enough to inspire children and parents alike. BYUtv's diverse portfolio of original, co-produced and acquired content includes scripted and unscripted dramas and comedies, 700+ hours of live HD collegiate sports, game shows, and holiday special made-for-tv movies, docudramas and concerts. BYUtv is available in more than 50 million homes in every state of the country on DISH Network, DirecTV and 146 other major cable systems. A digital pioneer, BYUtv was the first U.S. television network to stream all of its content live and unencrypted over the internet. Today, BYUtv has more than two million YouTube subscribers and two billion views and is available live and on-demand on multiple digital platforms free of charge, including Apple TV, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast, Xbox One, Windows Media, digital apps for iOS and Android, and BYUtv.org. Based in Provo, Utah, BYUtv is part of BYU Broadcasting, which is owned by Brigham Young University. About The Dodo The Dodo is the #1 media brand for reach on mobile in the U.S. [Nielsen DCR, November 2019], and the most engaged media brand globally across all content genres [Tubular Labs, May 2020]. We tell fun, entertaining, emotional stories about animals that make people laugh, cry happy tears, feel ALL the feels, and fall in love with animals. In December 2016, The Dodo joined forces with NowThis, Thrillist and Seeker to form Group Nine Media the #1 video publisher on mobile in the U.S. [Nielsen DCR, June 2020] SOURCE BYUtv Related Links http://www.byutv.org Troops who were stripped of their medals for being gay are to get them back after a lengthy legal battle - but promised compensation has still not been paid. The Ministry of Defence is to restore the medals of all personnel discharged because of their sexuality before a ban on gay people serving in the military was lifted in 2000. Until then anyone found to be gay or bisexual faced being booted out of the forces. Defence chiefs made the decision after being taken to the High Court by former sailor Joe Ousalice, 70, from Southampton. Prime Minister Boris Johnson today saluted the ruling, declaring: 'Those who serve in our Armed Forces deserve every recognition for their service. It was a very great injustice that this was denied to some members simply because of their sexuality. I hugely welcome the fact we can now address this historic wrong.' Mr Ousalice served as a radio operator in the Royal Navy for 18 years, including the Falklands War and six tours of Northern Ireland, before being dishonourably discharged in 1993 for being bisexual. He lost his Long Service and Good Conduct medals which were cut from his chest with scissors following a court martial. He was discharged after allegedly being caught in bed with another man from the Navy, but insists this was a 'trumped-up charge'. But he said in 2020 Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had promised remuneration when he presented him with the returned honour, and added today: 'Here we are a year later and we are still waiting for it so I really don't believe anything they tell me anymore.' Joe Ousalice, 68, being given his medal for long service and good conduct by Ben Wallace Falklands veteran Joe Ousalice (second from right), who successfully took the MoD to court Defence chiefs made the decision after being taken to the High Court by former sailor Joe Ousalice, 70 (pictured) Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the new decision today in a social media tweet He was stripped of his rank when he left the Navy which he says costs him 100 a month in reduced pension entitlements. Last night he said: 'It is long overdue and the suffering they've caused to people like me continues. 'This is not just about medals, they've ruined lives.' This morning he told Radio 4: 'I was taken for a court martial by the Royal Navy, I was found not guilty of the charge but guilty of a second charge which was 'conduct prejudicial to good order and able discipline' which is a charge they put on all everybody. Joe Ousalice successfully took the MoD to court to have his medal returned Ousalice (right) served as a radio operator in the Royal Navy for 18 years, including the Falklands War and six tours of Northern Ireland, before being dishonourably discharged in 1993 for being bisexual 'Now it seemed to me ridiculous that I could be found not guilty of the main charge but guilty of a second charge which they made against me. 'They discharged me from the armed forces and lowered my pension. It was disgusting. I was led to the captain of HMS Portland naval base and told in no uncertain terms how disgusting people such as I had no place in the armed forces. 'He revolted at thought of me and wanted me out as soon as possible. 'I returned my comment and said 'Okay you've made your mind up, you're getting shot of me but you haven't heard the last of me I will beat you in this case and I'll fight it until my last dying breath'. 'Here I am, almost close to going, and I'm still fighting them. 'I lost my house in Cornwall, I lost my family. I was pinching food from farmer's fields to survive. 'A year ago they agreed they had done wrong by me and agreed to return my medal. 'This was done via a ceremony in Portsmouth by the defence secretary Ben Wallace. 'At that meeting on three occasions I asked him was he going to give proper redress to all those who experienced not so dissimilar cases to my own. 'I asked him three times and each time he skirted around the question, eventually he did say that they were looking at some way they could pay remuneration to all those who had received not too dissimilar cases to my own and said they were at the end of a package when they would be working this out. Here we are a year later and we are still waiting for it so I really don't believe anything they tell me anymore. ' He also wrote in the Guardian in 2019 that it took him ten years to clear his debts after being discharged, and he eventually 'found employment, although it was never as exciting or challenging as my naval career'. Defence Minister Baroness Goldie said: 'I am very pleased to address this wrong and to invite any personnel affected, or the families of those who are deceased, to apply to have their medals returned.' In another case Emma Riley was arrested at dawn by military police in 1993 just hours after confiding to a friend about being gay. She too lost her career but fought back by taking the MOD to the European Court of Human Rights in 1999. This case led to defence chiefs lifting their ban on homosexuals the following year. The MOD has now set up various support groups for LGBT+ personnel and been praised for its progress as an equal opportunities employer. The Army and the Royal Air Force were included in the Stonewall Top 100 list of employers for 2020. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that the new farm reforms will benefit small and marginal farmers, and that farmers themselves have been exposing those spreading false information against agri laws. While laying the foundation stone for a statue of warrior king Suheldev in Uttar Pradeshs Bahraich district via video conferencing, he also said that his government was trying to rectify the "mistakes" of previous regimes that did not honour deserving warriors and leaders. Hitting out at the opposition, he said those who had made laws for bringing foreign companies are now creating fear in the name of national companies. The farmers are themselves exposing those spreading false information regarding the farm laws, he said. The new farm reforms will benefit small and marginal farmers and good experiences have come from Uttar Pradesh after the new laws, he said. The prime ministers remarks come amid the continuing stir by farmers on Delhi borders against the new three agri laws. Modi, who unveiled through video conferencing various projects for beautification of Shravasti, Chittora Lake and Bahraich, said the contribution of Maharaja Suheldev has not been given due importance in history books but he lives in the hearts of the people. Though Maharaja Suheldevs contribution was not given due recognition in history books, he has always been alive as a development-oriented ruler who worked with sensitivity through the 'lok gathas (folklores) of Avadh, Terai and Purvanchal, Modi said. In his 30-minute speech, Modi accused previous governments of not honouring deserving leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and B R Ambedkar. He said the history of Bharat is not just what has been written by those having the mentality of slavery. It is also imbibed in the common people through 'lok gathas'. As the country is entering the 75th year of its Independence, it is the time to remember their contribution, their sacrifice and take inspiration from them, he said. It is unfortunate that those who sacrificed their lives for saving Bharat and 'Bharatiyata were not given their place that they deserved. Todays India is rectifying the injustice done in the name of writing history with those who created history. Ridding the country of the past mistakes, the prime minister said. Giving examples, he asked if Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who was the first prime minister of Azad Hind government or his Azad Hind Faujs contribution, was given due recognition. "Today from the Red Fort to Andaman Nicobar, we have strengthened his identity before the country and the world, he said. He also referred to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, recalling his contribution in uniting smaller states in the country after Independence, and said what was done with him is known to even children of the country. On Ambedkar, the Prime Minister said his contribution was also only looked through the political prism but now from India to England all places connected with Ambedkar are being developed as panch teerth. There are several others who had not been given due respect and recognition because of different reasons, he rued. The projects unveiled by Modi in Bahraich include construction of a 4.20-metre high equestrian statue of the warrior king Suheldev. The projects will also focus on the development of various tourist amenities including a cafeteria, guest house and a childrens park there. Besides the projects, Modi inaugurated a medical college in Bahraich named after Suheldev and lauded the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government in successfully tackling the coronavirus challenge and leading the state rapidly on the path of development. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event. King Suheldev, an icon of the Rajbhar community, had defeated and killed the Ghaznavid general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud in a battle on the banks of the Chittora lake in Bahraich in 1033. After coming to power, the Modi government has taken concerted steps to honour Suheldev. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the prime minister had released a postal stamp in the memory of Suheldev and flagged off a superfast train 'Suheldev Express that runs tri-weekly between Ghazipur in Purvanchal (UP) and Anand Vihar in Delhi. Earlier, in February 2016, then BJP chief Amit Shah had unveiled a statue of Suheldev and also launched a book on him, in Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border, where the medieval king enjoys a legendary status. During his tenure as UP chief minister, Rajnath Singh, the present Defence minister, had unveiled the statue of Suheldev at an important road crossing in Lucknow. Rajbhar community members, who consider Suheldev as their icon, constitute a significant percentage of the Purvanchal electorate and are regarded as the second politically dominant force to reckon with after the Yadavs in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Different parties have been trying to woo the Rajbhar community for electoral support from time to time, say political observers, pointing out that Tuesdays event was taking place when UP assembly polls were less than a year away. Willful Blindness in the Sciences In my research, I have found that willful blindness is quite common among atheists, particularly in the world of science. One of the most prominent astronomers in the last century was Dr. Robert Jastrow. He received his PhD from Columbia University and then worked for a number of years at NASA, until taking a position at Dartmouth, where he taught for 11 years. Jastrow was agnostic, but spoke of willful blindness in his book, God and the Astronomers. He described how scientists react when they encounter evidence they do not like. He says: Their reactions provide an interesting demonstration of the response of the scientific mindsupposedly a very objective mindwhen evidence uncovered by science itself leads to a conflict with the articles of faith in our professions. It turns out that the scientist behaves the way the rest of us do when our beliefs are in conflict with the evidence. We become irritated, we pretend the conflict does not exist, or we paper it over with meaningless phrases. This is what so often happens in our lives when we encounter evidence that contradicts a long-held beliefwe pretend the conflict does not exist. We become willfully blind and, in the process, become irresponsible in what we believe. In his book The Creator and the Cosmos, astrophysicist Hugh Ross shares an interesting event in the life of Albert Einstein. It was 1916 and Albert Einstein didnt like where his calculations were leading him. If his theory of General Relativity was true, it meant that the universe was not eternal but had a beginning. Einsteins calculations indeed were revealing a definite beginning to all time, all matter, and all space. This flew in the face of his belief that the universe was static and eternal. Einstein later called his discovery irritating. He wanted the universe to be self-existentnot reliant on any outside causebut the universe appeared to be one giant effect. In fact, Einstein so disliked the implications of General Relativitya theory that is now proven accurate to five decimal placesthat he introduced a cosmological constant (which some have called a fudge factor) into his equations in order to show that the universe is static and to avoid an absolute beginning. Clearly, Einstein did not like the direction the evidence was taking him. To believe that the universe had a beginning, that it was finite, and therefore there was some type of cause behind it all would disrupt his life as a scientist. For this reason, he came up with a fudge factor. However, according to Ross this fudge factor did not last long. In 1919, British cosmologist Arthur Eddington conducted an experiment during a solar eclipse which confirmed that General Relativity was indeed truethe universe wasnt static but had a beginning. Like Einstein, Eddington wasnt happy with the implications. He later wrote, Philosophically, the notion of a beginning of the present order of nature is repugnant to me I should like to find a genuine loophole. By 1922, Russian mathematician Alexander Friedmann had officially exposed Einsteins fudge factor as an algebraic error. (Incredibly, in his quest to avoid a beginning, the great Einstein had divided by zerosomething even schoolchildren know is a no-no!) Meanwhile, Dutch astronomer Willem de Sitter had found that General Relativity required the universe to be expanding. And in 1927, the expanding of the universe was actually observed by astronomer Edwin Hubble (namesake of the space telescope). Looking through the 100-inch Hooker telescope at Californias Mount Wilson Observatory, Hubble discovered a red shift in the light from every observable galaxy, which meant that those galaxies were moving away from us. In other words, General Relativity was again confirmedthe universe appears to be expanding from a single point in the distant past. In 1929, Einstein made a pilgrimage to Mount Wilson to look through Hubbles telescope for himself. What he saw was irrefutable. The observational evidence showed that the universe was indeed expanding as General Relativity had predicted. With his cosmological constant now completely crushed by the weight of the evidence against it, Einstein could no longer support his wish for an eternal universe. He subsequently described the cosmological constant as the greatest blunder of my life, and he redirected his efforts to find the box top to the puzzle of life. Einstein said that he wanted to know how God created the world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts; the rest are details. Do you see what Einstein had been doing? Initially, he was allowing his beliefs to shape the evidence in his research. Eventually, he realized that he must be honest and allow the evidence to shape his theories. Therefore, he changed his belief about the beginning of the universe and in the process Einstein discovered the theory of relativity. This is why, later in life, Einstein made a very important observation about science. He said, Most people think it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong. It is their character. Einstein recognized that the key to being a great scientist is to follow the evidence and the truth, wherever it leads you. One of the most influential books of science in the last century was Thomas Kuhns The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. It was about the progress of scientific knowledge. Kuhn was a superb historian who focused on the great advances of science through which he called revolutions, which are so often hindered by holding on to old beliefs. I think it is so easy to believe that scientists are immune to the influence of their own beliefs and biases as they do research. We have this presumption that scientists are dispassionate and unbiased individuals who are committed to the truth and always simply report the facts. Kuhns book points out this fallacy, as his research into the history of science reveals that scientists are clearly not objective. He provides dozens of historical cases that prove researchers are far from being neutral and unbiased, particularly in testing and evaluating results. He makes it clear that scientists have a real tendency to hold on tenaciously to their theories, even though they face contradicting data. The late Dr. Herbert Schlossberg, a leading historian and scholar, made this observation: Thomas Kuhn concluded that at a given time any scientific community will always have in its structure an element that is more will than intellect, a product of personal history. Back in August of 2014, David Brooks wrote an article in The New York Times titled The Mental Virtues. He refers to the book Intellectual Virtues by Robert Roberts and Jay Wood. In their book, they speak of the importance of having intellectual couragethe willingness to hold unpopular views. In the article, Brooks then makes reference to Kuhn: Thomas Kuhn pointed out that scientists often simply ignore facts that dont fit with their existing paradigms, but an intellectually courageous person is willing to look at things that are surprisingly hard to look at. To gain some insight into the psychology of belief, consider C.S. Lewis. As a skeptic, he was quite surprised that his very intelligent friend J.R.R. Tolkien believed not only in God but Jesus as the Son of God. As Lewis began his spiritual search, he continued to gain new insights that were clearly in conflict with his current atheistic beliefs. He then became acutely aware of something that was happening to him. His intellect was taking him in a direction that his heart did not want to go. His mind was being drawn to that which he recognized to be true, but his heart was resistant. He later realized he was attracted to atheism because of the moral freedom it provided. He saw Jesus as someone who wanted to interfere with his life. Lewis wrote an essay titled Modern Man and His Categories of Thought. Lewis remarks on how irrational people were becoming in their approach to their beliefs. In the audience where he was lecturing, he began to notice, it is almost impossible to make them understand that I recommend Christianity because I think it is objectively true. But people today are simply not interested whether a religion is true or false Ultimately, he says, they are more interested in how it will impact their lives and their lifestyles. In a recent Christian Post article, Op-ed Contributor Michael Murphy writes that we are living in a time unprecedented in the lives of our forebears and comments that truth (is) being redefined. Do we not care about what is true? Are we afraid to look reality in the eye because it may take us in a direction we dont want to go? I believe this is one of the great flaws in our human character. We stubbornly hold on to our beliefs because they generally reflect how we want life to be rather than how life actually is. For this reason, evidence does not seem to matter. My challenge to you is to follow the truth wherever it leads, always remembering that truth is your friend. It enables you to believe responsibly. It leads to your ultimate well-being. Get your copy of Richards newest book Reflections on the Existence of God on Amazon or at reflectionsontheexistenceofgod.com Richard E. Simmons III is a Christian author, speaker, and the Executive Director of The Center for Executive Leadership, a non-profit, faith-based ministry in Birmingham, Alabama. His best-selling titles include The True Measure of a Man, The Power of a Humble Life, Wisdom: Life's Great Treasure, and his newest book, Reflections on the Existence of God. Follow Richard on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @thecenterbham. Tune in to Richard's Reliable Truth Podcast on your favorite podcast app. I always look to power through any challenges, turning them into opportunities. Events happen, but it is about how you respond to that experience that makes or breaks you. Ace Industrial Supply started in 1983 selling tools from a small at-home office. Within seven years, in 1990, Founder, Tim Stearns, along with one employee, rented an office space in Pacoima, CA, growing his business into an industry leader in selling tools and hardware to businesses, contractors, and consumers. Ace Industrial Supply is now home to over 200 in-house salespersons, 75 administrative employees, 25 warehouse employees, and sales offices nationwide. Stearns reflects overcoming business crushing obstacles as the Dot-com bubble, The Great Recession, and a global pandemic. As a growing business, Stearns dedicated his energy toward building his sales team and key employees, who are carefully selected, dedicated, and unsurpassed, providing the best customer service and product to customers. A driven entrepreneur, Stearns looks back at his resilience throughout his 30-plus years to inspire his staff. Building a business from the ground up and battling through an economic crisis, Stearns instills and encourages his team to embody the same leadership. My best winning ideas to scale and grow my business can come at any time. Regardless of economic downfall or booming business, I would examine the outcome and look for the next step to grow my business, says Stearns. I always look to power through any challenges, turning them into opportunities. Events happen, but it is about how you respond to that experience that makes or breaks you. As a generous entrepreneur, Stearns and Ace Industrial Supply make charitable donations and support throughout the entire community of West Los Angeles. Ace Industrial Supplys success is built on the idea of delivering the best value on top-quality tools. With over 35 years of business, customers receive knowledgeable sales staff, responsive customer services, low shipping costs on fast delivery, and customer satisfaction. Stearns motto is quality tools, great prices, and old-fashioned service as the key to success to growing over three historical hurdles. About Ace Industrial Supply Ace Industrial Supply, Inc. of California distributes wholesale industrial tools to a 275,000-client base. Over 6,000 different items are available to all be shipped to your business or home. We proudly sell top quality brands from Milwaukee Tools, Bosch, and more offering tools, compressor, jump starters, and other related products. To find out more information, visit https://www.acetools.com/. Dangerous attempts to keep warm after losing power have killed at least six people in Texas amid a historic winter storm, with four perishing in a fire and two dying by carbon monoxide poisoning. In Houston, a mother and daughter were killed after running a car inside a closed garage, while a blaze in Sugar Land killed a grandmother and her three young grandkids when they tried to use a fire to stay warm. Houston police were called to the home on the 8300 block of La Roche Lane for a welfare check early on Tuesday, and found a family of four suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. The mother and daughter were dead on the scene, while the father and son were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. In Sugar Land, a city on the southwest outskirts of Houston, a grandmother and her three young grandchildren perished in a house fire on Tuesday Houston police were called to the home on the 8300 block of La Roche Lane for a welfare check early on Tuesday, and found a mother and daughter dead from carbon monoxide 'Initial indications are that car was running in the attached garage to create heat as the power is out,' the department said in a statement. 'Cars, grills and generators should not be used in or near a building.' Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo called the deaths of the mother and daughter 'heartbreaking.' 'Please bundle up and be aware of the extreme danger carbon monoxide poses for us. Praying for this family,' he added. Officials also warn that sitting in a running car outdoors to stay warm can likewise pose a carbon monoxide danger, if the tailpipe is blocked by snow accumulation. Meanwhile, in Sugar Land, a city on the southwest outskirts of Houston, a grandmother and her three young grandchildren perished in a house fire on Tuesday. Authorities believe that they were attempting to burn something indoors to keep warm after losing power, but the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Officials say social media posts indicate that the family was using a fireplace to stay warm and may have also been using candles Sugar Land Fire and EMS spokesman Doug Adolph said that when firefighters arrived after the call at about 2am, the house was fully engulfed and the 41-year-old mother of the children and her female friend were outside of the home and suffering from burns. He said a responder had to restrain the mother from running back inside the house in a desperate attempt to save her children. Both women who survived have been taken to a hospital. Officials say social media posts indicate that the family was using a fireplace to stay warm and may have also been using candles, according to KTRK-TV. It comes as more than three million Texans remained without power on Tuesday evening, according to PowerOutage.Us. Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday demanded an investigation into the state's main power grid operator. 'The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has been anything but reliable over the past 48 hours... Far too many Texans are without power and heat for their homes as our state faces freezing temperatures and severe winter weather. This is unacceptable,' Abbott said. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which oversees the state's main power grid, is still struggling to restore power after failing to keep up with heightened demand. ERCOT provides electricity to about 90 percent of the state. A Home Depot parking lot is covered in snow in the Westbury neighborhood, Monday, in Houston. Millions in Texas remain without power after a historic winter storm The deep freeze that has paralyzed Texas by knocking out its power grid and sparking an energy crisis saw 5 million homes plunged into darkness amid unprecedented rolling blackouts. Pictured above is homes in Houston without power but empty offices still lit up Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said at a midday news conference that 1.3 million people in his city remain without power. The city is looking for businesses that still have power to open their doors as warming centers. 'It's critically, critically important to get the power restored as quickly as possible. It's priority number one!' Turner said. Robyn Harrison, a mother of two in the Houston suburb of Bellaire, told DailyMail.com that her family has been without power since 4am on Tuesday, and is using their home's gas fireplace to keep warm. 'We have no electricity. No water. The water main broke. No cell service,' she said. 'It's been in the low 20s and teens.' When her husband Keith Harrison drove to the family's business to pick up a generator, he discovered a burst pipe at the offices, she said. For now, Robyn Harrison said that residents in her neighborhood were focused on surviving the historic winter storm safely -- but that they would have hard questions for ERCOT officials once the crisis passes. 'Once we get power and water and all the other creature comforts, then people will be pissed,' she said. 'I think people will be irate when they have hundreds if not thousands of plumbing repairs.' By Jonathan Chow and Leif-Eric Easley Jonathan Chow Leif-Eric Easley Funeral cortege of King George VI leaves Hyde Park on February 15, 1952 Credit:The Associated Press Ltd. First published in The Age on February 18, 1952 In the smallest churches of the outback, in the great cathedrals of the cities, Australians met yesterday to pay their last respects to the late King George VI in solemn services of remembrance. In Melbourne, despite steady drenching rain, thousands of citizens attended a dedication service outside Parliament House. Memorial services at St. Pauls and St. Patricks Cathedrals brought more thousands together in prayer. In the Kings Hall of Parliament House, Canberra, the Prime Minister of Australia, Archbishop Mowll, delivered his panegyric of the late King before a widely representative gathering of Australian people. In other capital cities, in the provincial cities, the townships, and the scattered settlements, churches were everywhere packed as devout people farewelled a beloved King. The supplicating lines of the late Kings favorite hymn, Abide With Me, echoed across the Commonwealth. On the occasion its stirring words were clothed in deeper significance. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Orion Minerals Limited ( ) ( ) CEO and managing director Errol Smart presents their investment case for their copper-zinc projects in South Africas Northern Cape. Smart discusses their flagship mine in detail, the Prieska copper-zinc project as well as their Okiep Copper Complex. The company is a globally diversified metals explorer and developer which is on track to become a new generation base metals producer. ADVERTISEMENT The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the agency stopped providing daily updates on testing for the coronavirus so as to ensure accurate reporting. For about two weeks now, the agency has been publishing the numbers of samples tested only on weekly basis. However, in response to PREMIUM TIMESs enquiries, the NCDC boss said the test data is now shared weekly to reduce the pressure on the laboratories. The daily numbers are still sent to NCDC from the over 80 labs across the country. Our Data Team reviews these numbers to avoid duplicates for accurate reporting, his response read. He stated that by changing the frequency of public reporting from daily to weekly, the agency is improving the quality of data while ensuring laboratories can focus primarily on the testing. As of the time of filing this report, Nigeria has conducted over 1,400,000 tests since it recorded its index case in February last year. Of the number tested so far, 146, 354 came back positive, 121, 193 have recovered and had been discharged, while 1753 persons have died of COVID-19 complications. Addressing the issue of delayed reports from states on some days, Mr Ihekweazu said the delays are with harmonising and analysing data at the state level. For instance, Sunday updates from Lagos State, the epicentre of the pandemic in Nigeria, was not reported until noon on Monday. Lagos has a high number of cases and the highest number of laboratories in any single state. Given our commitment to ensuring accurate reporting to Nigerians, we are prioritising quality over speed, Mr Ihekweazu said. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. KYIV -- Ukraines Security Service said its agents have detained a man alleged to be the leader of an intelligence group of Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. In a February 16 statement, the security service, known as the SBU, did not identify the man, saying he was from Luhansk, which is part of the territories in eastern Ukraine controlled by separatist groups. The service also said he had taken part in the seizure of the SBU headquarters in Luhansk in 2014 as conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine, and that he was a commander of the separatists' intelligence and sabotage unit who participated in operations against the Ukrainian armed forces. The man was detained in Odesa, about 900 kilometers southwest of Luhansk, and he traveled to the Black Sea port with an intention to carry out intelligence activities related to Ukraines military objects," the statement said. No further details were given and there was no independent confirmation of the arrest. Since erupting in April 2014, fighting between Ukrainian government forces and the Moscow-backed separatists holding parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions has killed more than 13,200 people. Weeks before fighting broke out, Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula after staging a referendum that was deemed illegitimate by more than 100 countries. A bipartisan group of nine governors including Alabamas Kay Ivey have called on President Joe Bidens administration to improve coordination when it comes to the administration of the COVID vaccine. In a Feb. 15 letter from leadership of the National Governors Association, Ivey and governors from New York, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Michigan said there were two main areas of concern: communication concerning vaccine distribution and the selection of some pharmacies and healthcare centers as distribution sites. On communication, the governors said the CDC reporting method on vaccine numbers has created unnecessary confusion, pointing specifically to the program that provides vaccines through private pharmacies, nursing homes and community health centers. These programs, the governors said are beyond the states control. We believe it is important that the CDC in its reporting distinguish between these separate efforts to avoid confusion and provide a clear understanding to the American people, the letter said. States also need visibility into the federal vaccination efforts at the facility level happening in our borders. The states also asked that the feds work with states to determine which pharmacies and health clinics will take part in the vaccine program. If the federal government distributes independently of the states to these same entities without state coordination and consultation, redundancy and inefficiency may very well follow, the governors said. Ivey is one of the NGAs members-at-large. The group is chaired by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo with vice chairman Asa Hutchinson, governor of Arkansas. You can read the complete letter here. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Relaunched Parlers Free-Speech Vision More Entrenched Than Ever Before: CEO The official relaunch of the social media platform Parler carries forward the companys vision of being a space that protects free speech in a way that is more firm and entrenched than ever before, interim Chief Executive Mark Meckler told The Epoch Times. Parler is back up online, and from our perspective, very healthy and robust. We dont answer anymore to the Big Tech oligarchy. We run robust, sustainable, totally independent technology from Big Tech, Meckler said on Feb. 15the day the platform resumed service, and just over a month after the site was suspended from Amazon Web Services servers. Meckler, an attorney and entrepreneur, hasnt yet disclosed which service provider is hosting Parler, but said in a release hours earlier that the company has now shifted to a new server farm. Parlers relaunch is intended to bring it back online for its current users only in the first week, with new users being able to sign up starting the following week. Meckler became Parlers interim CEO after his predecessor, John Matze, was terminated on Jan. 29 by the companys board, which is controlled by Rebekah Mercer, the daughter of hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer. Describing himself as a warrior for free speech and advocate for the First Amendment, Meckler said that he didnt initially plan to become involved, but contacted Mercer to ask if he could help out behind the scenes. This illustration picture shows social media application logo from Parler displayed on a smartphone with its website in the background in Arlington, Va., on July 2, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) Thats how I got involved initially. I just started helping behind the scenes and ultimately ended up in this position where Im interim CEO. The plan is to bring in a new CEO eventually and just transfer over operations, he told The Epoch Times. Parler is intended to be the platform for free speech and a platform that values privacy and data sovereignty and promotes civil discourse. And I think thats the same as its always been. If anything, that vision is just more firm and entrenched than ever before, he said, explaining the companys vision going forward. It is intended to be a platform for everybody. Nobody is going to be censored here at Parler, and we encourage people of all political stripes to come in and engage in the discussion. What were looking for is civil discourse. The term parlay actually means people who are in conflict coming together and having a conversation and thats what we intend and thats what we hope happens here at Parler. Days after former President Donald Trump was suspended from Twitter and Google, Parler was removed from Googles and Apples app stores. Later, its hosting service agreement with Amazon was terminated. Amazon accused Parler of improperly moderating the platform. Parler has since filed a lawsuit against Amazon, arguing that it violated antitrust laws and colluded with other Big Tech firms to deplatform the website. The overarching case hasnt yet been ruled on. Meckler said the company has now looked ahead and built around a lot of the vulnerabilities that existed previously, in the event of another attack on the platform. What weve done now is were on independent platforms, weve got redundancy. So we hope and pray that even in the event of an attack, were going to stay up and be robust, he said. So weve learned from that. And that was probably the one thing that I think is very different today is those redundancies just didnt exist in the past. Parlers interim CEO said he believes the company was seen by Big Tech as a threat, both to their control of speech and to their business models. Parler, unlike the other platforms, doesnt view our users as a commodity, Meckler said. We dont monetize their data, and we are building a successful business model. Thats a threat to them, so its both about speech they dont like and free-market competition. The platform is stable and secure, and theyre [users] going to see the performance get better every single day. Were just excited to have everybody back. Were going to stand for free speech, even when it seems like the rest of the online universe wont. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions Sorry! This content is not available in your region COLUMBIA Several more tenants are headed into the Village at Sandhill in Northeast Richland as an owner of part of the property continues to fill his portion of the complex's sprawling space. Among the new tenants coming in to the Town Center Place portion of the village are Beyond Words Dance Academy, clothing retailer RBK Styles + Fashion, and a business office for Pine Forest Enterprises. Already moving to expand its space is 494 Event Center, a venue to host receptions and other functions that was announced in November. The leases add to the number of tenants for parts of the Village owned by David Witzling, a California investor who said he believes in the village's chances of successfully filling out its space with new tenants. Witzling owns about 50,000 square feet of retail in the center and said he has worked to find a series of mostly local tenants whose small businesses could thrive in the space. Working with tenants on both the cost of space and what features they need has allowed Witzling to sign nine new leases in the past year, he said. "I have to be very flexible and create what they need," Witzling said. That line of new tenants is bucking the trend of slow leasing activity in shopping centers both in the village and across the Midlands. "I feel that the businesses that will be opening will be forever tenants that will be an asset to the center," Witzling said. Getting more tenants into the village should start to build momentum and attract more businesses and traffic to the open-air retail areas, he said. Changes on Forest Drive Sign up for our Columbia business and real estate newsletter. Get all the latest industry happenings from the Midlands, plus exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email Sign Up! Two changes are coming to East Forest Plaza, the big retail center on Forest Drive anchored by Walmart, Sam's Club and Crazy Cazboys. A former Regions Bank location has been removed and a new Time To Shine Car Wash is under construction. No opening date has been announced. It will be the first Midlands location for Time To Shine, which also operates three car washes in the Charleston market and is adding a fourth in Mount Pleasant. The shopping center also will see a former Fatz Cafe location become the second Juicy Crab restaurant in the Midlands. Juicy Crab already has a restaurant on Bower Parkway in Irmo, one of a space of crab-themed restaurants to open recently. Pampered pets in Irmo Pet Vacations has opened at 10013 Broad River Road in Irmo to offer "a luxury boutique retreat" for dogs and cats rather than the usual trip to the kennel. The business, which is open by appointment until March 1 and then will expand its services, offers several levels of luxury for dogs up to the Celebrity Boutique Suite, which offers a pampered pooch an elevated bed, a turn down service with treats and a television channel just for dogs. All this top-end service can be enjoyed by your pet for just $80 per day. Other plush but less pricey and luxurious boarding options are available too. It's enough to tempt a frazzled pet owner to stow away in the luggage. Make sure to get our weekly Columbia Business newsletter. Sign up here. Have any Midlands business news to share in the column? Reach Mike Fitts at mfitts@postandcourier.com. A recent joint study by Harvard and three universities from England has found that about 8.7 million deaths from 2018, or one in every five deaths, was caused by fossil fuel air pollution, more than double the previous estimate. Korea Times file By Ko Dong-hwan With the help of a tech-savvy 3-D model of atmospheric chemistry with a high spatial resolution that analyzed pollution globally and found clues leading to its impact on human health, a recent joint study by universities discovered that one in five deaths from 2018 that is, 8.7 million was caused by fossil fuel air pollution. The study subverted a previously believed hypothesis that pollution driven by the burning of coal, petrol and diesel might be just as harmful as the effect of indoor secondhand smoke exposure. The study instead proved that fossil fuel combustion's health impact could be worse than that. The findings add weight to a recent study from Asia that said comparing fossil fuel air pollution to secondhand smoke exposure substantially underestimates the risk of high concentrations of outdoor air pollution. "Often, when we discuss the dangers of fossil fuel combustion, it's in the context of carbon dioxide and climate change, and overlooks the potential health impacts of pollutants co-emitted with greenhouse gases," said Joel Schwartz from Harvard University's Environmental Health Department. He is one of the six authors of the article, "Global Mortality from Outdoor Fine Particle Pollution Generated by Fossil Fuel Combustion," that was published in the journal, Environmental Research. "We hope that by quantifying the health consequences of fossil fuel combustion, we can send a clear message to policymakers and stakeholders of the benefits of a transition to alternative energy sources." Water vapor rises from the cooling towers of the lignite-fired Boxberg Power Station of the energy company, LEAG, in Boxberg, Germany, in October 2017. EPA-Yonhap The study used "GEOS-Chem," a global three-dimensional model of atmospheric chemistry, led by researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). The model, which does a detailed simulation of the oxidant-aerosol chemistry of the troposphere, has been used by more than 80 groups worldwide to simulate the health impacts of particulate matter. Its results have been validated against other observations around the world that were surface-, aircraft-, and space-based. GEOS-Chem uses a high spatial resolution to divide the globe into a grid with boxes as small as 50 kilometers-by-60 kilometers and to look at the pollution levels in each box. To model the concentrations of PM2.5 airborne particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less generated by fossil fuel combustion, the researchers plugged into GEOS-Chem estimates of emissions from multiple sectors, such as the power, industry, ships, aircraft and ground transportation sectors, and simulated the detailed oxidant-aerosol chemistry driven by meteorology from the NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office. The researchers from Harvard as well as the University of Birmingham, the University of Leicester and University College London said the model is better than previous studies that had relied on satellite and surface observations, because they can't tell the difference between particles from fossil fuel emissions and those from dust, wildfire smoke or other sources. "With satellite data, you're seeing only pieces of the puzzle," said Loretta Mickley from the SEAS, and co-author of the study. "It is challenging for satellites to distinguish between types of particles, and there can be gaps in the data." Karn Vohra, a graduate student at the University of Birmingham and co-author of the study, also dismissed traditional satellite results. "Rather than relying on averages spread across large regions, we wanted to map where the pollution is and where people live, so we could know more exactly what people are breathing," Vohra said. In this photo from Nov. 28, 2018, Greenpeace Korea calls for Korean banks and state companies to stop investing in building coal power plants in other countries, with a large-scale air balloon in shape of carbon emissions from power plant stacks, in front of Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul To link GEOS-Chem's estimates to assessments about their impact on human health, Schwartz and another co-author, Alina Vodonos, from Harvard's Environmental Health Department, developed a new risk assessment model. With the model, they found that globally, exposure to particulate matter from fossil fuel emissions accounted for 21.5 percent of total deaths in 2012, which fell to 18 percent in 2018, due to tightening air quality measures in China the country with the world's most fossil fuel emissions, alongside India and regions in eastern North America, Europe and Southeast Asia. The joint study came after the previously written "Global Burden of Disease Study," the largest and most comprehensive study on the causes of global mortality, most recently stated that the total deaths from outdoor airborne particulate matter including dust and smoke from wildfires and agricultural fires were 4.2 million, less than half the figure from the latest study. "Our study adds to the mounting evidence that air pollution from ongoing dependence on fossil fuels is detrimental to global health," said Eloise Marais from University College London's Department of Geography and co-author of the study. "We cannot in good conscience continue to rely on fossil fuels, when we know that there are such severe effects on health and viable, cleaner alternatives." Climate Media Hub, a Seoul-based climate action advocacy organization, relates the joint study's significance to Korea, as the country has a high rate of death due to fossil fuel air pollution. An average of 80,962 people die each year due to this pollution, which is 30 percent of the total deaths in the country, according to the organization's head Kim Tae-jong. "Thirty percent is the fourth highest rate in the world, behind Bangladesh, China and India, and that is only natural when South Korea boasts the world's highest concentration rate of coal power plants (on land)," Kim told The Korea Times. "The country must immediately reduce the use of coal-burning plants, which not only worsen particulate matter-bound air pollution, but also speed up the impact of climate change. We must hurry up with the transition to renewable energy, as it is safer". The disruption of supplies from China in the initial months of the pandemic brought home an important realisation for the pharmaceutical industry As the world grapples with a never before seen viral pandemic, the pharmaceutical sector has been at the forefront of a mounting global response. Within a year of the outbreak, around seven vaccines have already received approvals in different parts of the world while another 10 are already undergoing phase 3 trials. At the same time, scientists are also working to find anti-viral drugs that can help treat or reduce mortality from COVID-19. As pharma majors focus on efforts to get rid of coronavirus, the trials and studies for non-COVID-19 diseases has definitely suffered a setback. However, the pandemic has served to galvanise the global pharmaceutical industry like never before. In what are expected to be lasting effects, biopharma is likely to move towards adopting faster drug development cycles, greater collaborative efforts between industry players and academia as well as decentralised R&D efforts. Technological innovation is likely to push the sector towards greater digitisation and agility with remote patient engagement, use of Al and Big Data likely to lower the cost and time of making new drug formulations. Clearly enough, the COVID-19 pandemic has hastened the evolutionary process of the pharmaceutical sector in India as well as across the globe. Here are a few effects that are likely to stay on even after the pandemic subsides: Collaborations within the industry and with academia With the need to speed up vaccine development a top priority, major pharmaceutical companies joined forces this year in an unprecedented way. Under the umbrella of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, major pharma companies committed to share sections of their compound libraries to speed up the drug industrys response. R&D Heads of several biopharma companies were also reported to have met to coordinate a joint response. British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline decided to join hands with Germanys CureVac to find and develop mRNA vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. Similarly, the pandemic also underlined the need for fostering greater symbiotic relationships between private companies and public/academic clinical researchers. The breakthrough achieved on the vaccine front by AstraZenecas joint effort with Oxford University scientists makes a major case for better industry-academia collaborations. Such collaborations are sometimes looked at with doubt by both sides because of commonly encountered difference in approach to research between private and public sectors. The former is often accused of deciding funding based on market dynamics. However, more productive collaborations can definitely be achieved. These collaborations both within the industry and with academia - are likely to become more common in a post COVID world. Greater agility in clinical trials Clinical trials for drug and vaccine development are a long drawn process. In normal circumstances, the process of a new drug or vaccine development may take up to 10 years adhering to clinical trial protocols. However, the urgency for a COVID-19 vaccine forced researchers to adopt multiple deviations in the process. While this has raised questions and doubts over efficacy and integrity of the trial process, it has also opened up ways to hasten the process. Some of these agile processes are bound to flow into the clinical trial processes even after the pandemic. To overcome challenges such as the need for volunteers and researchers to always physically visit trial sites, virtualisation of clinical trials is emerging as a critical alternative. Remote patient engagement and shifting some elements of trials such as nurse visits outside of trial sites to patients homes are being actively considered today. The emergence of a patient-centric approach to clinical trials has been found to improve retention rates of volunteers and helps bring more agility to the entire process. The COVID-19 vaccine development effort has drilled home the realisation that this change in trial procedures can be done to bring down the cost and time of the process. Over time, R&D experts are likely to incorporate such agility- inducing tools and elements increasingly into their portfolios even in a post COVID-19 world. Use of Big Data and AI to reduce time-to-market for drug discovery Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data undeniably hold the future of every industry. Pharmaceutical industry is no different. Pharma manufacturing has already embraced digitisation and automation on multiple levels to ensure quality of production and compliance are uncompromised. The use of Al algorithms and Big Data are the next elemental technologies that will help the sector significantly improve its processes and reduce cost and time of the entire R&D cycle. Towards indigenisation of entire scale of production The disruption of supplies from China in the initial months of the pandemic brought home an important realisation for the pharmaceutical industry. The industry realised that excessive dependence on imports of (active pharmaceutical ingredients) APIs from China could paralyse the entire drug production in case of such supply shocks, and was not sustainable for the Indian industry. Taking cue, the government and the industry have launched efforts to re-develop indigenous manufacturing capacity of key ingredients and bulk drugs. With plans to localise manufacturing of 53 critical APIs and intermediates, the government has launched a Production Linked Incentive scheme for bulk drugs. The scheme has already received a warm response from the industry which now realises the importance of indigenising the entire scale of production. This move towards greater self-reliance will not only cushion India against future supply shocks but will also allow greater diversification of supply centres for the world. Nikkhil K Masurkar, Executive Director, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, Mumbai Nobody wakes up on a Saturday morning thinking: "This is the day I might not survive that I might never see home or family again." In all my years, its a thought that has never crossed my mind: not even a whisper of maybe it could be. We go about our business as if we are immune from the dangers that surround us, never giving survival a second thought until in an instant we find ourselves entirely at the mercy of things totally out of our control. On Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, I found myself in one of those situations. Fortunately, all the stars lined up for me on that day and I can honestly say I am VERY happy to be sitting here relaying my story from the relative comfort of my studio. On that Saturday morning, I stuffed everything Id need for the day in my day pack, grabbed my camera gear, said my goodbyes and headed for the East Fork Lakes Trailhead in the Trinity Alps, which is located in the Canyon Creek Lakes drainage. My aim was to re-visit this pretty and somewhat isolated basin, maybe find some new wildflowers to photograph, and then spend some time documenting a beautiful relict population of quaking aspen found not too far below the lakes. The East Fork Lakes Trail is not for the faint of heart. Most casual hikers avoid it because, after leaving the trailhead, it quickly turns straight uphill and remains steep for a couple of miles until it breaks out into the country around Bucks Ranch and then flattens out a bit in the area below East Fork Lakes. Courtesy of Ken DeCamp At 10:30 a.m. it was already 97 degrees. I was hot and thirsty, so I stopped on the far side of the last creek crossing below East Fork Lakes. I dropped my pack and camera in the shade of some willows, grabbed my water bottle, and then stepped down to the edge of the creek to fill it with cold water. I took a long drink, refilled my bottle, replaced the cap, and stepped back up onto the bank next to my pack. I put the bottle back into the side pocket, hoisted the pack onto my back, and then stooped down to grab my camera. It was at this point that, in an instant, my day came crashing down around me. As I turned to start back up the trail, I found myself face to face with a juvenile black bear. It was a shock to me, and I believe the same for the bear. In the moment it took for the bear to react and take a swipe at me, all I remember is that I ducked. A paw caught me above my left eye: a claw ripping down through my forehead and eyelid. The force of the blow spun me around and threw me down into the creek head first. I vaguely remember the blow as my head hit the rocks. I was knocked unconscious. I am not entirely sure how long I laid there in the creek maybe 10 or 15 minutes. But when I finally came to, I found myself almost entirely in the water where it was actually washing over my eye and part of my mouth. Two inches lower, and I would have drowned. At first, as I struggled to sit up, nothing registered except the pain in my head. Blood was pouring from the wound. I also had a major concussion, which made it hard to come to grips with the seriousness of the situation. When I was finally able to gather myself together, I crawled out of the creek and up the bank on my hands and knees, soaking wet, my left eye bleeding profusely and my head pounding. Survival mode set in, and all I could think about was trying to staunch the bleeding and get on my feet so I could get back to my truck. I pulled a handkerchief out of my camera bag and held it to my eye and started back down the trail. Even with the handkerchief and pressure, I could not stop the flow of blood, which had me very concerned because I am on blood thinners. Once on the downhill side of the creek, I saw signs that the bear had walked right over me and headed down the trail for about 20 yards before moving down into the brush along the creek. It dawned on me that the bear hadnt even messed with me while I was out. To this day, I consider myself very lucky that it wasnt hungry. With my limited vision I struggled to follow the East Fork Lakes Trail back to Bucks Ranch. It was extremely difficult and at about this time my headache grew significantly worse and I began to get very dehydrated. I stopped long enough to drop my pack and dig out my water bottle. I drank maybe 1/4 of the water, slung my pack back up and continued on. Courtesy of Ken DeCamp It was only about ten minutes later that tremendous waves of nausea overtook me and I had to sit down. I remained seated for a few minutes and then it hit me. I threw up until I experienced nothing but dry heaves. I sat there for several minutes trying to stop the blood flow and regain a little composure before I stood up and started walking again. Just past Bucks Ranch, the trail disappeared into the trees and deep shade. It was at this point that I lost the path because I just couldnt see through all the blood and sweat. Everything was swimming before me, even in my good eye. It is fortunate that I know this part of the Trinity Alps so well because, even in the condition I was in, I knew how to get back to my truck, trail or no trail. Since I couldnt see very well and had lost the trail, I knew I had to take the route of least resistance, which meant sliding on my back side down the steepest parts of the ridge through any opening I could find, all the while fighting nausea and a severe concussion headache. It took me almost six hours to get back down to the road. By that time, I was beyond exhausted and very sick. At one point I laid down at the edge of the road and nodded in and out of sleep for about half an hour before I finally got up and started up the road to my truck. Over and over again I could walk only 25 or 50 yards before the headache and nausea overtook me and I would have to rest. I dont know how many times I had to throw up on the way out, but it was at least several dozen. It took me over an hour to walk the quarter-mile to my truck. In my state of mind, all I could think about was getting to a hospital before it became impossible for me to keep moving. I set my sights on Mercy Hospital in Redding and after about two hours finally made it to the emergency room parking lot. I got out of my truck, began walking towards the entrance, and pretty much collapsed. Courtesy of Neal Herbert, NPS/Courtesy of Ken DeCamp Excellent emergency room doctors and nurses took me in immediately and for three days initially and several days afterwards took excellent care of me. They stitched up my wound, settled the pain to manageable levels, and monitored me closely. It is now almost five months later and I am still dealing with slight vision problems in my left eye. Ive been fitted with new scleral contact lenses that have helped immensely, and Im doing recommended eye exercises designed to alleviate my problems with depth perception. All-in-all, things are pretty much back to normal. I count myself very fortunate and I can deal with the vision problems. In the end I survived, and that is what really matters. There is no way to prepare properly for the possibility of something like a bear attack happening to any of us, but what it all boils down to something my dad told me many years ago: You do what you have to do no matter what the situation because you ALWAYS have to come home. An experience like this wont keep me from returning to my backcountry adventures, in the Trinity Alps or anywhere else. Life is too short and there is too much to experience to ever be fearful of something like this happening again. If there is a lesson to be learned it is this: Always be aware of your surroundings and never take your safety for granted. Ken DeCamp had a 38-year career in Fire, Land Management Planning, and Public Affairs with the USDA Forest Service. Hes the author of Wildflowers of the Trinity Alps: Including the Marble Mountain Wilderness, Russian Wilderness & Trinity Divide. A new study reveals the 20 best places to tackle U.S. farm nitrogen pollution. Credit: University of Vermont A pioneering study of U.S nitrogen use in agriculture has identified 20 places across the country where farmers, government, and citizens should target nitrogen reduction efforts. Nitrogen from fertilizer and manure is essential for crop growth, but in high levels can cause a host of problems, including coastal "dead zones", freshwater pollution, poor air quality, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. The 20 nitrogen "hotspots of opportunity" represent a whopping 63% of the total surplus nitrogen balance in U.S. croplands, but only 24% of U.S. cropland area. In total, they comprise 759 counties across more than 30 states, finds the study in Environmental Research Letters. The top-ranked hotspot to target, based on total excess nitrogen, is a 61-county area across Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin. That's followed by a 55-county region in Kansas and Nebraska in second place, and 38 counties in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota in third. (A full list of the 20 regions is below). Several of the 20 hotspotswith high nitrogen balances per acresurprised the researchers, particularly in the Westincluding a 32-county hotspot in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utahand the South (six hotspots across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida). Also on the list are chronic nitrogen problem areas, such as the Mississippi River Basin, Chesapeake Bay, and California's Central Valley. "This study provides new perspective on where to focus efforts to tackle America's nitrogen problems," says lead author Eric Roy of the University of Vermont. "The U.S. has so many nitrogen trouble zones, and making progress will be easier in some locations than others. That's why this research is important. It reveals where programs aiming to increase the efficiency of farm nitrogen use are most likely to be successful." First-of-its-kind study Why these particular 20 hotspots? First, the study shows that nitrogen inputs are so high in many of these areas that farmers can most likely reduce nitrogen use without hurting crop yields. "This is a crucial finding because farmers naturally worry about lower crop yields when reducing nitrogen inputs," says UVM co-author Meredith Niles. "And we don't want to compromise food security goals." Secondand perhaps most importantlythe study is the first to provide a robust, national analysis of underlying social, economic and agronomic factors linked to nitrogen balances on croplands at the county-level. That makes it one of the most comprehensive studies of U.S. nitrogen use to date. Examples of these underlying factors include climate change beliefs, crop mix, precipitation, soil productivity, farm operating expenses, and more. By examining these predictors, researchers were able to identify nitrogen hotspots where reductions in excess nitrogen are most achievable. Surplus nitrogen use was higher than expected in these regions based on the mix of underlying factorssuggesting less barriers to successful nitrogen reduction efforts. "This suggests that nitrogen reduction programsincluding those that offer farmers' financial incentiveshave the highest potential for success in these 20 regions," says co-author Courtney Hammond Wagner of Stanford University, who recently completed a Ph.D. at University of Vermont. Explore further New map of the Netherlands shows where nitrogen reduction will be most effective More information: Eric D Roy et al, Hot spots of opportunity for improved cropland nitrogen management across the United States, Environmental Research Letters (2021). Journal information: Environmental Research Letters Eric D Roy et al, Hot spots of opportunity for improved cropland nitrogen management across the United States,(2021). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/abd662 GARDNER, Mass., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. (OTCQB: PEYE), a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced optical instruments for the medical and defense industries, announced operating results on an unaudited basis for its second quarter fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Second quarter fiscal 2021 highlights: Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 was $2.79 million compared to $2.80 million in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year, essentially flat year over year; and up slightly sequentially compared to $2.76 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2020 . was compared to in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year, essentially flat year over year; and up slightly sequentially compared to in the quarter ended . Gross margins for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 were 31% compared to 33% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year; and compared to 35% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 . were 31% compared to 33% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year; and compared to 35% for the quarter ended . Net loss of $213,000 during the quarter included $157,000 of stock-based compensation. This compared to a loss of $551,000 , including $275,000 of stock-based compensation in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. during the quarter included of stock-based compensation. This compared to a loss of , including of stock-based compensation in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. The Company's cash position remains strong with an ending balance for the second quarter of $816,000 . Precision Optics' CEO, Joseph Forkey, commented, "The positive operating trends we saw in the first quarter continued as we reported another quarter of sequential revenue growth and significant year-over-year improvements in our adjusted EBITDA, all while still working through the ongoing impacts to certain commercial projects from COVID-19 discussed in recent quarters. While our two largest customers continue to adjust the timing of ongoing production due to COVID-19 disruptions, both are optimistic about the long-term prospects for their products and anticipate an uptick in demand as pandemic restrictions start to subside. Much of the reduction in revenue due to these delays has been filled by a significant increase in our Engineering product pipeline activity which has rebounded strongly after a lull at the beginning of the pandemic almost a year ago." Dr. Forkey continued, "Capitalizing on these opportunities, our team has done a great job of expanding our pipeline and advancing key projects to pre-commercialization stage. A strong indicator of this progress is that engineering revenue through the first six months of fiscal 2021 has surpassed that from all of fiscal 2020. This engineering revenue, which is derived from work performed on pipeline projects for our customers, has the potential to be a leading indicator of our future long-term production revenue. I believe the strategy we laid out to make investments in Sales & Marketing, Engineering and overall corporate operational infrastructure in order to identify, capture, and execute on additional pipeline opportunities, is progressing nicely. We have a number of projects in what we believe are the final stage of pre-commercialization, and a pipeline that is larger than at any point in our company's recent history. All told, while there are still challenges to be overcome relating to the impacts from COVID-19, I am pleased with the progress being made in the business to position us well for both the near- and long-term." The following table summarizes the second quarter (unaudited) results for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: Three Months Ended Dec 31, 2020 2019 Revenues $ 2,785,450 $ 2,796,762 Gross Profit 854,440 917,939 Stock Compensation Expenses 145,846 263,473 Other 921,319 1,206,064 Total Operating Expenses 1,067,165 1,469,537 Operating Income (Loss) (212,725) (551,598) Net Income (Loss) (213,454) (550,825) Income (Loss) per Share $ (0.02) $ (0.04) Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic and Diluted 13,191,789 12,873,971 Conference Call Details The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss the second quarter 2021 financial results for Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Call-in Information: Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing (844) 735-3662 or (412) 317-5705. Live Webcast Information: Interested parties can access the conference call via a live Internet webcast, which is available at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2109/39473. Replay: A teleconference replay of the call will be available until February 23, 2021 at (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088, confirmation # 10151225. A webcast replay will be available at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2109/39473. About Precision Optics Corporation Precision Optics Corporation has been a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical instruments since 1982. Using proprietary optical technologies, the Company designs and produces next generation medical instruments, Microprecision micro-optics with characteristic dimensions less than 1 millimeter, and other advanced optical systems for a broad range of customers including some of the largest global medical device companies. The Company's innovative medical instrumentation line includes state-of-the-art endoscopes and endocouplers as well as custom illumination and imaging products for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The Company believes that current advances in its proprietary micro-optics and 3D imaging technologies present significant opportunities for expanding applications to numerous potential medical products and procedures. The Company's website is www.poci.com. Investors can find Real-Time Quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com/stock/PEYE/quote. About Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express the Company's intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements related to the Company's future activities or future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by the Company's management. These statements are not guarantees of future performances and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those risks discussed in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K and in other documents that we file from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Company Contact: PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION 22 East Broadway Gardner, Massachusetts 01440-3338 Telephone: 978-630-1800 Investor Contact: LYTHAM PARTNERS, LLC Robert Blum Phoenix | New York Telephone: 602-889-9700 [email protected] Following are the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, and Statements of Operations, for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) December 31, 2020 June 30, 2020 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 816,263 $ 1,134,697 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $249,883 at December 31, 2020 and $248,450 at June 30, 2020) 1,590,867 1,481,437 Inventories 1,945,066 2,197,244 Prepaid expenses 146,619 133,707 Total current assets 4,498,815 4,947,085 Fixed Assets: Machinery and equipment 2,915,847 2,907,533 Leasehold improvements 759,281 731,801 Furniture and fixtures 178,640 178,640 3,853,768 3,817,974 LessAccumulated depreciation and amortization 3,385,552 3,314,824 Net fixed assets 468,216 503,150 Operating lease right-to-use asset 90,181 118,403 Patents, net 118,468 95,229 Goodwill 687,664 687,664 TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,863,344 $ 6,351,531 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Current portion of capital lease obligation $ 14,293 $ 51,761 Current portion of acquisition earn out liability 166,667 166,667 Note payable to bank 808,962 808,962 Accounts payable 997,125 1,066,005 Customer advances 151,877 417,059 Accrued compensation and other 482,264 581,770 Current portion of operating lease liability 59,127 57,156 Total current liabilities 2,680,315 3,149,380 Capital lease obligation, net of current portion 31,317 35,810 Acquisition earn out liability 333,333 333,333 Operating lease liability, net of current portion 31,054 61,247 Stockholders' Equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value: 50,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 13,191,789 shares at December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 131,918 131,918 Additional paid-in capital 49,931,211 49,702,986 Accumulated deficit (47,275,804) (47,063,143) Total stockholders' equity 2,787,325 2,771,761 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 5,863,344 $ 6,351,531 PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019 (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Revenues $ 2,785,450 $ 2,796,762 $ 5,543,351 $ 5,311,746 Cost of Goods Sold 1,931,010 1,878,823 3,713,733 3,419,690 Gross Profit 854,440 917,939 1,829,618 1,892,056 Research and Development Expenses, net 145,970 228,576 297,546 380,730 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 921,195 1,240,961 1,743,197 2,148,806 Total Operating Expenses 1,067,165 1,469,537 2,040,743 2,529,536 Operating Loss (212,725) (551,598) (211,125) (637,480) Interest (Expense) Income (729) 773 (1,536) 545 Net Loss $ (213,454) $ (550,825) $ (212,661) $ (636,935) Loss Per Share: Basic and Fully Diluted $ (0.02) $ (0.04) $ (0.02) $ (0.05) Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: Basic and Fully Diluted 13,191,789 12,873,971 13,191,789 12,856,218 SOURCE Precision Optics Corporation Related Links http://www.poci.com [February 16, 2021] Calastone implements Opsmatix Artificial Intelligence solution Improving client handling and efficiency within client operations LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Opsmatix, an innovative provider of AI-powered omnichannel operations automation solutions, today announces that Calastone, the world's largest global funds network, has implemented the Opsmatix SaaS platform to process increasing business and email volumes into Calastone's Operations Team. Currently, Calastone supports some 2,500 clients in 44 countries and territories and processes over 200 billion of investment value every month. Opsmatix was selected following a rigorous proof of concept that demonstrated the system's unrivalled automation capabilities in terms of categorising and understanding the intent of incoming client queries. The new system will enable the firm to scale its client handling capability as the firm grows whilst continuing to improve the client experience. This new approach reduces manual interaction on time-consuming tasks allowing them to focus on more productive activities. "We pride ourselves on providing a world-class support service to our clients and look to how we can leverage the best technologies to drive continuous improvement," says Mike Davies, Calastone's Global Head of Operations. Opsmatix allows us to streamline the workflow management within the team enabling greater operational leverage and ultimately enhancing the overall client experience. Crucially we gaina much-improved system to manage workflow, together with an elegant case management user interface which enables us to categorise, escalate and manage any production issues in a more rigorous manner." Justin Forrest, CEO at Opsmatix concluded. "We are delighted to be working and partnering with a customer of the calibre of Calastone. This relationship demonstrates Opsmatix's capabilities and validates the many benefits the solution will deliver to the financial services sector and cross-industry. AI has come of age and is now a business imperative for all corporate operational functions using omnichannel communications involving unstructured data. Our goal is to be at the forefront of technology innovation and corporate advancement, and we are confident that Opsmatix has a pivotal part to play." About Calastone Calastone is the largest global funds network, connecting the world's leading financial organisations. Our mission is to help the funds industry transform by creating innovative new ways to automate and digitalise the global investment funds marketplace, reducing frictional costs and lowering operational risk to the benefit of all. Through this, we generate the opportunity for the industry to deliver greater value back to the end investor. Over 2,500 clients in 44 countries and territories benefit from Calastone's services, processing 200 billion of investment value each month. Calastone is headquartered in London and has offices in Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, New York, Milan and Sydney. About Opsmatix Opsmatix applies Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate business communications and processes. It improves efficiency & quality, reduces repetitive tasks and accelerates operations based on multi-lingual long-chain omnichannel communications involving unstructured data and processes which require significant human intervention. Applications range from front-line customer service staff, contact centres and customer onboarding to manually intensive communications in the back office, including logistics and fulfilment. The Opsmatix SaaS platform significantly reduces the requirement for the wholesale offshoring of operational processing and call centres. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in London. Contact us via our website at https://www.opsmatix.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] From July to December 2020, the Association of Ukrainian Human Rights Monitors (UMDPL) recorded 52 incidents related to pressure on civil activists, human rights defenders and journalists throughout Ukraine, the organization's Deputy Executive Director Hanna Rozhkova said. "In 2020, for the period from July to December, the UMDPL recorded 52 incidents of pressure on activists, human rights defenders and journalists throughout Ukraine," Rozhkova said at a press briefing titled "Presentation of Results of Study of Security of Civil Society Representatives in Ukraine" in Kyiv on Tuesday. The most "popular" type of pressure on civil activists, monitors of the UMDPL named property damage. In addition, they recorded six cases of damage and arson of activists' cars, some 11 cases of physical assault, ten cases of threats and seven cases of verbal discrediting. Most often, incidents occurred in Kyiv, Kyiv region and Odesa, as well as in Kharkiv and Lviv regions. Over the year, the number of cases of obstruction of peaceful assemblies increased significantly, which was influenced by restrictive quarantine measures and the selectivity of their application by the police. A feature in 2020, according to Rozhkova, was the periodic monthly recording of the facts of the establishment of funeral symbols near the premises of activists. A survey conducted among victims of pressure showed that their psycho-emotional state and everyday habits have worsened. Moreover, they are not satisfied with the way the government ensures their safety. At the same time, the victims noted an increase in the level of motivation to fight for public interests and an increase in their professional contacts. Coordinator of monitoring campaigns of the Association UMDPL Serhiy Pernykoza said that in most cases, investigations into attacks on activists are carried out by the National Police of Ukraine, sometimes by the State Bureau of Investigations. However, he said, investigations are still very slow and ineffective. "The speed of investigations depends strongly on how high-profile the cases are. If the head of state, the Verkhovna Rada deputies say that it is necessary to investigate, then the police investigate. If this is not and there is no press attention, the investigation is carried out very slowly and ineffectively," Pernykoza said. He also said that in Ukraine "there is still no established and understandable mechanism on how to ensure preventive security measures for activists, which can negatively affect their existence and lead to repetitions of offenses." The UMDPL coordinator said that the police pay special attention to the development of a crime prevention system and proper performance of official duties. At the same time, in his opinion, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, together with the SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office, should contribute to the introduction of an orderly system for providing security measures. To those of you impacted as a parent, we understand that it is difficult, it is not fun, board President Scott McConnell said at the Jan. 28 meeting where the new plan was approved. Certainly, no administrator and most board members would prefer not to have to do this but its the right thing to do for the district. The use of force bill, authored by Sen. Scott Baldwin, R-Noblesville, was largely amended to state that if an officer uses force as self-defense, as outlined under law, then his or her policing agency cant take adverse employment action, such as firing, demoting or suspending the officer. The bill also prohibits officers from firing warning shots. The federal government has said about $10 billion would be required to bridge the electricity distribution infrastructure deficit gap in the country. Speaking at the weekend during a television interview, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Infrastructure, Mr. Rufai Zakari, stressed however that the government was looking at several sources for funding the power sector. He said although the federal government was not against the current players in the industry making money, but it needed to make sure that investors make their money while their services are felt by Nigerians. Zakari added that having assessed the metering gap through the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in partnership with the ministry of power and NERC, the government was working with the Discos to provide them financing so that they can roll out metres to citizens free. He said thus far, about N18 billion has been disbursed which has been used to purchase about 350,000 meters, in the phase zero, while about one million meters would be distributed over the next few months. The president's aide stated that the government will then move to phase one which will be another 4 million through a similar financing scheme while the balance will be covered through a World Bank facility. "We need rapid accelerated funding in the distribution sector. The distribution sector is the closest to the consumer and we like to say that if the power sector doesn't work for the citizens, then it doesn't have any purpose. "If you look at what we're doing, I think the assessed gap is about $10 billion and we've come up with multiple schemes to rapidly infuse funding into that segment of the value chain. "Through the leadership of CBN, there's an emergency fund that's being used to upgrade critical feeders in line with the service-based tariff rollout to make sure the Discos can meet their band ABC and the loan commitments," he maintained. He added that part of the world bank funding will also be used for infrastructure like transformers in different neighborhoods that are challenged, just so the citizens can feel the impact of improved electricity. In addition, he said the Siemens presidential power initiative will also bring about funding to ensure improvements as well as to make sure that Nigeria's distribution capability matches its generation capability as well as transmission. "But for anybody that says we should only focus on one funding scheme, that is a very wrong way to think because we have a large gap and were are using all of these funds in an accelerated manner to make sure that the citizens feel the impact as quickly as possible," he added. He listed the issue of better coordination as one of the problems in the sector, saying that what was available before now was a distributed leadership and many players in the sector, insisting that part of the challenges was ensuring that all the players are moving in the same direction. Zakari stated that with improved coordination, Nigeria was beginning to see the results, adding that the country needs to make sure the investors can make returns but that the impact on the citizens must be felt. "So the Discos that have also been working with us, we are taking a carrot-and-stick approach. It was reported that we have broken the record in terms of collections in the sector, partly because we have sequestered the funds for the sector into a lock box, so to say, with the CBN and we are ensuring that generation and gas are getting their money and Discos can earn a return, but there's much more transparency in the sector. "On aggregate even with the subsidies and raise in tariff by about 36 per cent on average, but the collection number for Discos over the past few months has jumped by 64 per cent. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Energy By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "This is ensuring that there's more money in the system for investments and also if you have a Disco with a balance sheet and is earning revenue, we will allow for them to be able to have enough revenue to invest in the network," he stated. Zakari pointed out that although enough balance sheet strength was needed to take on the weight of the loans that is the responsibility of the Discos, the government will not hesitate to withdraw the licenses of those who are unwilling to tap into the government's vision "But I will assure you that any Disco that fails to perform with all the measures that have been taken to support them will lose their licence and we'll find investors that are better equipped to manage it . "We see the numbers, it's bearing fruit. The Discos collected N65 billion from the last billing cycle and we're on a path to get the collection number this year up to N100 billion and that'll be more jobs, it'll be more investments and it'll be better power for our citizens," Zakari stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that the new farm reforms will benefit small and marginal farmers, and that farmers themselves have been exposing those spreading false information against agri laws. While laying the foundation stone for a statue of warrior king Suheldev in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district via video conferencing, he also said that his government was trying to rectify the "mistakes" of previous regimes that did not honour deserving warriors and leaders. Hitting out at the opposition, he said those who had made laws for bringing foreign companies are now creating fear in the name of national companies. The farmers are themselves exposing those spreading false information regarding the farm laws, he said. The new farm reforms will benefit small and marginal farmers and good experiences have come from Uttar Pradesh after the new laws, he said. The prime minister's remarks come amid the continuing stir by farmers on Delhi borders against the new three agri laws. Modi, who unveiled through video conferencing various projects for beautification of Shravasti, Chittora Lake and Bahraich, said the contribution of Maharaja Suheldev has not been given due importance in history books but he lives in the hearts of the people. Though Maharaja Suheldev's contribution was not given due recognition in history books, he has always been alive as a development-oriented ruler who worked with sensitivity through the 'lok gathas' (folklores) of Avadh, Terai and Purvanchal, Modi said. In his 30-minute speech, Modi accused previous governments of not honouring deserving leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and B R Ambedkar. He said the history of Bharat is not just what has been written by those having the mentality of slavery. It is also imbibed in the common people through 'lok gathas'. As the country is entering the 75th year of its Independence, it is the time to remember their contribution, their sacrifice and take inspiration from them, he said. It is unfortunate that those who sacrificed their lives for saving Bharat and 'Bharatiyata' were not given their place that they deserved.Today's India is rectifying the injustice done in the name of writing history with those who created history. Ridding the country of the past mistakes, the prime minister said. Giving examples, he asked if Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who was the first prime minister of Azad Hind government or his Azad Hind Fauj's contribution, was given due recognition. Today from the Red Fort to Andaman Nicobar, we have strengthened his identity before the country and the world," he said. He also referred to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, recalling his contribution in uniting smaller states in the country after Independence, and said what was done with him is known to even children of the country. On Ambedkar, the Prime Minister said his contribution was also only looked through the political prism but now from India to England - all places connected with Ambedkar are being developed as panch teerth. There are several others who had not been given due respect and recognition because of different reasons, he rued. The projects unveiled by Modi in Bahraich include construction of a 4.20-metre high equestrian statue of the warrior king Suheldev. The projects will also focus on the development of various tourist amenities including a cafeteria, guest house and a children's park there. Besides the projects, Modi inaugurated a medical college in Bahraich named after Suheldev and lauded the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government in successfully tackling the coronavirus challenge and leading the state rapidly on the path of development. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event. King Suheldev, an icon of the Rajbhar community, had defeated and killed the Ghaznavid general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud in a battle on the banks of the Chittora lake in Bahraich in 1033. After coming to power, the Modi government has taken concerted steps to honour Suheldev. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the prime minister had released a postal stamp in the memory of Suheldev and flagged off a superfast train 'Suheldev Express' that runs tri-weekly between Ghazipur in Purvanchal (UP) and Anand Vihar in Delhi. Earlier, in February 2016, then BJP chief Amit Shah had unveiled a statue of Suheldev and also launched a book on him, in Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border, where the medieval king enjoys a legendary status. During his tenure as UP chief minister, Rajnath Singh, the present Defence minister, had unveiled the statue of Suheldev at an important road crossing in Lucknow. Rajbhar community members, who consider Suheldev as their icon, constitute a significant percentage of the Purvanchal electorate and are regarded as the second politically dominant force to reckon with after the Yadavs in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Different parties have been trying to woo the Rajbhar community for electoral support from time to time, say political observers, pointing out that Tuesday's event was taking place when UP assembly polls were less than a year away. (Image credits: PTI) (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) It was obvious from the very beginning that the Republican senators would not convict and impeach former President Donald Trump. It would not have mattered what the House of Representatives Managers said or did. Further, it would not have mattered how many witnesses they presented, because all except seven of the republicans had already decided to acquit former President Trump. Some television commentators are questioning whether the managers should have had witnesses. Those who raised these questions saw what we all saw and that was that many of the republican senators were not paying attention to what was being presented. Many were involved in doing other things. For example, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri was sitting alone in the upper balcony doing work on other papers and doing other things rather than being seriously involved in the impeachment process. Despite the questions of whether the managers should have had witnesses, they had numerous witnesses with the videos of the riot and mob. Many of the insurrectionist stated they were there doing what former President Trump told them to do and that was to stop the certification of the electoral college count. They were told repeatedly since the November 3rd election that the election had been stolen from him and millions of his supporters. He had repeated this so many times that they had come to believe it and felt that they had to do what the former president told them to do. They said that he told them to march on the Capital building and to fight like hell to stop the count, because former Vice President Pence had refused to declare the votes fraudulent and declare him the winner as he had asked him to do. Of course, former Vice President Pence did not have the authority to do this. His legitimate responsibility was simply to announce the results. In the meantime, Trump had told his supporters repeatedly that the election had been stolen from him and that he had won by a landslide. In fact, he told them that he would march with them at one point in time, but as reported his secret service personnel told him that it would be too dangerous. Therefore, he allowed them to proceed to the Capital and fight like hell to stop the vote certification. As we saw and heard the House managers made a solid case that former President Trump was responsible for the insurrection. This was even confirmed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Although he voted to acquit former President Trump, he gave a damaging speech following the acquittal. In his speech, he confirmed that former President Trump was responsible for the attack upon the Capital and the deaths and injuries of approximately 140 police officers during the insurrection. He also stated that former President Trump could still be held responsible for his actions in a criminal or civil court or both. He and his Republican senators stated that they voted to acquit not because the evidence was not sufficient and compelling, but that the process of impeaching a president who already left office was unconstitutional. This decision could have a detrimental effect upon our country in the future. This could be the case because this could allow a future president to commit varies offenses a few weeks before his term expires and get away with them. Dr. Rance Thomas is a professor emeritus of Sociology/Criminal Justice, who taught Sociology for 30 years at Lewis & Clark Community College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. New Delhi: Actor Akshay Kumar expressed condolence at the death of his Kesari co-star Sandeep Nahar and remembered him as a smiling young man passionate for food. Taking to Twitter on Tuesday (February 16), Akshay Kumar shared a picture of Sandeep from Kesari and wrote, Heartbreaking to know about #SandeepNahars passing away. A smiling young man passionate for food as I remember him from Kesari. Lifes unpredictable. Please seek help if ever feeling low. Peace for his soul. Heartbreaking to know about #SandeepNahars passing away. A smiling young man passionate for food as I remember him from Kesari. Lifes unpredictable. Please seek help if ever feeling low. Peace for his soul pic.twitter.com/sHPTvzLYoQ Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) February 16, 2021 Sandeep Nahar, who also acted in late actor Sushant Singh Rajputs 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story', allegedly died by suicide on Monday. The late actor had posted a video on Facebook, hours before his death, and left behind a suicide note alleging strained relationship. In the 9-minute-long video, he reportedly discussed battling issues in professional life as well as his personal turmoil. As per PTI, Nahar, who was in his 30s, was found unconscious at his flat in suburban Goregaon by his wife Kanchan and friends who took him to SVR Hospital, where the actor was declared dead on arrival. Sandeep hailed from Chandigarh where he completed his graduation and came to Mumbai to act in the movies, an India.com report stated. Bureau of Justice Statistics releases "Federal Prisoner Statistics Collected under the First Step Act, 2020" | Main | Drug Policy Alliance launches "Uprooting the Drug War" to highlight myriad harms of drug criminalization February 16, 2021 "Revocation and Retribution" The title of this post is the title of this notable new paper authored by Jacob Schuman now available via SSRN. Here is its abstract: Revocation of community supervision is a defining feature of American criminal law. Nearly 4.5 million people in the United States are on parole, probation, or supervised release, and one-third will eventually have their supervision revoked, sending 350,000 to prison each year. While scholars have long debated the reasons for punishing criminal conduct, however, no one has considered the justifications for revoking community supervision. This Article is the first to apply punishment theory to revocation of community supervision, focusing on the federal system of supervised release. Federal courts apply a primarily retributive theory of revocation, aiming to punish defendants for their breach of trust. Yet the structure, statute, and purpose of supervised release all reflect purely utilitarian goals of deterrence and incapacitation. Although scholars traditionally view courts as the institution most likely to defend criminal defendants against the state, the federal courts have played a key role in expanding the power to punish through the retributive theory of revocation. February 16, 2021 at 11:27 AM | Permalink Comments Post a comment Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. With the infamous 40-Year-Old Virgin scene forever seared into your brain, you may have a predisposition against paying someone to rip the hair out of your body with hot wax. But waxing is an incredibly effective cosmetic procedure with loads of aesthetic, time-saving and even sexual benefits. And its no longer a grooming option reserved for women, bodybuilders and male models, either: loads of average Joes are opting for a finer, smoother and longer-lasting manscape. Its why we spoke with Alex Dr. Manzilian, who runs the New York City-based body grooming studio AlexSpot24, to get the lowdown on male waxing and what you should know if youre looking to ditch the razor. First, why should you get waxed? Conversations surrounding hair removal are seemingly never-ending. Just last month we speculated about a full bush resurgence among women. Our culture has, thankfully, become a lot more accepting of body hair particularly for women, who have long had to remove every piece of hair from their person due to unrealistic expectations set by cultural norms and porn. Body hair has now moved into the do-whatever-the-fuck-you-want-with-it space, which means if you wanna remove all of your hair, some of it or none at all, regardless of how you identify, go for it. While women are perhaps relaxing a bit on the monthly trips to the salon, in recent years men have begun to take up the cosmetic procedure more and more according to Alex, whose client list continues to grow even faster than it did in pre-COVID times. There are plenty of benefits to waxing as opposed to at-home shaving that make the less-than-pleasant process worth it. With a wax, you wont have to worry about itchy stubble that often occurs three days after shaving and can cause discomfort and irritation. With waxing, we do not have any growth within four days, Alex tells InsideHook. Youre also getting smooth, even and precise hair removal, rather than leaving it up to your own shoddy abilities. Additionally, stripless waxing or wax that doesnt require paper waxing strips provides a bit of exfoliation. We exfoliate dead skin and dead cells, says Alex. Once I apply post-waxing serums and creams, your skin becomes really glowing, smooth and feels amazing. You cannot really replicate that with shaving. Another major draw to waxing for both men and women is that it lasts a pretty long time in comparison to shaving, which for some ungodly reason seems to grow back the next day. Waxing, meanwhile, often lasts three to six weeks. And while, as stressed above, hair removal is entirely a decision up to you, a well-groomed man is a very sexually appealing one for many people. I have a lot of women who call me on behalf of boyfriends or husbands, who want guys to be smoother down there or have a more groomed look, says Alex. Men require a different type of wax While you can pop into any waxing salon and get whatever you want removed, it might be worth looking into male-specific waxing parlors since men have more abundant, coarser hair than women, and thus might require a different type of wax. Many salons are female-oriented and, in turn, typically use only one kind of wax regardless of how resistant the hair is. After years of working in different spas and even waxing himself, Alex discovered that there was a need for wax catered specifically to men, and after testing numerous products and formulas, found four different waxes he uses at his salon. I use four different waxes, and I customize based on hair resistance and how coarse it is. I blend [the waxes] accordingly, or I customize them based on the clients skin and their hair, he explains. Where are men getting waxed? At his studio, Alex notes his top sellers are hair removal on the butt and in between those sweet cheeks, but adds that male Brazilians, also known as manzilians, are very common right now as well: removing all hair from the scrotum, perineum and anal region. But you dont have to go full sphynx down there, or anywhere. Even if you book a full Brazilian, you can always inform your esthetician of how much hair you want removed, so you can keep it kempt while maintaining a little primitive sexiness. We not only wax, we also manscape. So I blend everything to make it a more natural, sexy-looking result, explains Alex. We will wax balls, we will wax bikinis, but then we will create a customized pubic look, or we will blend some bikini lines to make sure guys look more natural. It doesnt look like they went to the salon and just did it themselves. Sugaring is all the rage right now When you think of waxing, your mind most likely heads straight to Steve Carell screaming bloody murder while a strip of wax is ripped from his bear-like chest. But in recent years, a type of hair removal called sugaring has really taken over the industry, with more people (myself included) finding the style of wax more appealing. Thats because sugaring only uses three ingredients: lemon, sugar and water. Unlike traditional waxing, sugaring doesnt use a paper waxing strip. Its literally just a ball of sugar paste that pulls hair in the natural direction of your follicles growth pattern, as opposed to removing it in the opposite direction, like in traditional waxing. The method, which has been around since ancient Egypt, is all natural and gentler on the skin, and many claim it hurts less than regular waxing. Its also applied at body temperature, which reduces the risks of burns (regular wax is heated at a high temperature). At his salon, Alex also uses a stripless wax similar to sugaring called vegan wax, which is a hypoallergenic substance that can be used to remove hair along the hair growth as well as against it, so youre getting the benefits of a natural sugaring paste with a higher level of effectiveness. This way is even more effective for guys, because hair grows in multiple different directions, so I can really lay strips and remove it faster without additional applications, he explains. Your post-wax care If you heed one piece of advice, make it this: right after your wax, apply an antiseptic ointment or Neosporin to waxed areas. A lot of salons, especially female-oriented salons, do not use [antiseptics] for the male clientele. But I think men cause a little more irritation and more resistance. So, thats why I always advise to use antiseptic healing ointment or A&D, anything like that. Those types of creams will heal the skin after wax and prevent bumps, irritations and all bacteria from coming into the pores, Alex explains. For the next 24/48 hours, try to avoid working out, sweating, sun exposure or sexual activities, and be sure to moisturize on a daily basis from there. To avoid those pesky, sometimes painful and unsightly ingrown hairs, exfoliate 2-3 times a week after a shower. Alex also recommends using Stridex pads, which unclogs pores by removing dirt, oil and sweat to cleanse the skin. Its gonna hurt, but youll survive Listen, getting hair forcibly removed from your body is not gonna be a blissful walk in the park, especially if its your first time. But as someone who has been getting their eyebrows waxed since the 7th grade, you can handle it, you big strong beefcake. If anything, the anticipation is the worst part. Still, Alex recommends taking two Advil or Tylenol before your wax, particularly if youre opting for a manzilian. And I know its tempting to down a pre-wax cocktail beforehand, but unfortunately, alcohol and coffee can both cause the skin to be extra sensitive to waxing, so hydrating with lots of water is the best way to go. The post Want to Achieve the Perfect Manscape? Heres Everything You Need to Know About Male Waxing. appeared first on InsideHook. A quick look at the Productivity Commissions draft report on national water reform reminds me of the repeated judgment from old Mr Grace, the doddering owner of the department store in Are You Being Served? as he headed for the door: Youve all done very well! Its review of the progress of the National Water Initiative signed by the federal and state governments in 2004 encompassing agreements on the Murray-Darling Basin is terribly polite, understated and relentlessly upbeat. Apparently, governments have made good progress in having largely achieved their reform commitments. All that remains is just the need for a teensy-weensy bit of policy renewal. The Darling River at Louth, in far west NSW, in February last year. Credit:Jenny Evans/Getty Images. This mild-mannered stuff and congratulatory tone bear no resemblance to my memories of meetings of angry farmers railing against stupid greenies and other city slickers; of their insistence that the immediate needs of irrigators and irrigation towns along the river take priority over the river systems ultimate survival; of each state governments insistence on favouring their own irrigators over those in states further down the river; of federal and state National Party ministers happy to slip farmers a quiet favour, avoid enforcing the rules and turn a blind eye to blatant infringements; of federal Labor ministers who, even with no seats to lose in the region, were unwilling to make themselves unpopular by standing up for the rivers future. Trump sued by Congressman, NAACP over Capitol riot after impeachment acquittal Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A member of Congress and the NAACP filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of inciting the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Democrat Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, filed the lawsuit in federal court in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. He is represented by the NAACP and civil rights law firm Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll. Democrat Reps. Hank Johnson of Georgia and Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey intend to join the lawsuit as plaintiffs in the coming days. The carefully orchestrated series of events that unfolded at the Save America rally and the storming of the Capitol was no accident or coincidence, the lawsuit claims. It was the intended and foreseeable culmination of a carefully coordinated campaign to interfere with the legal process required to confirm the tally of votes cast in the Electoral College. The legal filing also named Trump's lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and far-right groups the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers as defendants. The NAACP claims the Capitol insurrection was the result of a carefully orchestrated plan. The civil rights group argues that the defendants shared the goal of trying to stop the certification of the 2020 election. According to a statement, Thompson and other Congress members were rushed into the Longworth House Office Building after Capitol police barricaded the House chamber doors with furniture. The Democrat accused Trump of engaging in a coup attempt. The lawsuit specifically claims that defendants violated the Klu Klux Klan Act, a Reconstruction-era law that protected African Americans from white supremacist violence. His gleeful support of violent white supremacists led to a breach of the Capitol that put my life, and that of my colleagues, in grave danger, Thompson said. It is by the slimmest of luck that the outcome was not deadlier. The lawsuit cited Trumps comments leading up to the Jan. 6 riots in which he claimed that he won the election but was victimized by targeted voter fraud. It also cites Trumps remarks at the Save America March rally near the White House on Jan. 6, before rioters storming the Capitol. In his speech, Trump encouraged supporters to fight like hell and told them to protest at the Capitol peacefully. The lawsuit contends that Giuliani called lawmakers on Jan. 6 to urge them to slow down the electoral vote count. Thompson said that the legal action is a direct response to Trump's acquittal by the U.S. Senate. While the majority of Republicans in the Senate abdicated their responsibility to hold the President accountable, we must hold him accountable for the insurrection that he so blatantly planned, Thompson stated. Failure to do so will only invite this type of authoritarianism for the anti-democratic forces on the far right that are so intent on destroying our country. In January, while Trump was still president, the House of Representatives voted to impeach him, making him the first president to be impeached twice. The impeachment article accused Trump of having fomented the violent Capitol Hill protests on the day in which the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election were to be counted. During the protests, hundreds of his supporters and others stormed the halls of Congress. The Senate trial did not begin until after Trump left office, leading conservatives to argue that the proceedings were not appropriate given that he was no longer president. Last Saturday, 43 Senators voted to acquit Trump of inciting the insurrection, failing to meet the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority for a conviction. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky argued that while he was voting to acquit Trump, he still found the former president culpable for the riot. The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their President, stated McConnell. And their having that belief was a foreseeable consequence of the growing crescendo of false statements, conspiracy theories, and reckless hyperbole which the defeated President kept shouting into the largest megaphone on planet Earth. McConnell said that while former presidents arent eligible for impeachment convictions, they are still liable to be tried and punished in the ordinary tribunals of justice. We have a criminal justice system in this country, McConnell said. We have civil litigation. And former presidents are not immune from being accountable by either one. Trump blasted his impeachment trial, claiming that it is yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our country. No president has ever gone through anything like it, and it continues because our opponent cannot forget the almost 75 million people, the highest ever for a sitting president, who voted for us just a few short months ago, he stated. Mauritius has launched its vaccination programme and is prioritising health care workers, the elderly and around 25,000 islanders who work in tourism. The government is ready to restart the tourism industry on the island and make it as safe as possible for guests. Mauritius has had one of the worlds best responses to the pandemic and the strict quarantine measures have meant there has been little disruption to social life in Mauritius since June 2020, with practically no known cases of community transmission. Entry restrictions and quarantine requirements are expected to ease gradually as the vaccination programme rolls out. It is expected that tourists who have been vaccinated will soon be allowed to enter the country freely. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn For more than 30 years, James McKiernan Lawyers has served clients on Californias Central Coast, helping those who have been injured due to negligence or wrongful conduct obtain compensation. The practice dedicates itself to providing its clients with the representation they deserve as they cope with the aftermath of their accidents. Now, James McKiernan Lawyers is aiming for a fifth consecutive Top 10 honor from the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys for their excellence in representing workers compensation victims in 2020. Since its inception in 2014, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys chooses 10 attorneys from each state to honor each year. The organization, which is comprised of 13 divisions ranging from immigration and bankruptcy law to personal injury law, publishes its prestigious list of Top 10 attorneys after they meet the following criteria: They are formally nominated by the institute itself, a client, or another attorney They have attained the highest degree of professional achievement their field of law They have attained an impeccable Client Satisfaction rating James McKiernan Attorneys founder, James McKiernan, has been awarded this honor for four consecutive years dating back to 2016. Hes found himself among the highest-rated, most-accomplished attorneys in the state of California, a legacy he hopes to uphold moving forward. His practice has obtained more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements over the course of the 30,000 cases it has taken on. McKiernan himself has more than 30 years of legal experience under his belt. He has even been included in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a prestigious group of just 1% of all US attorneys, based on their ability to obtain million-dollar settlements and verdicts for their clients. In terms of client satisfaction, McKiernans firm has received more than 300 five-star reviews over the past several years, many of them continuing through 2020 and into 2021. Satisfied clients have repeatedly praised the practice for its professionalism, knowledgeable attorneys, and willingness to go the distance for the people it represents. In December for example, one Google reviewer wrote, James McKiernan Lawyers helped me out so much with my situation! They answered all of my questions clearly and were very communicative throughout the process. They made me feel at ease and worry free, especially during the pandemic. I'm very impressed with this firm and I would gladly recommend them to anyone! If feedback is anything to judge by, James McKiernan Lawyers should find itself among the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys top picks again this year. More About James McKiernan Lawyers Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, James McKiernan Lawyers has served those on Californias Central Coast for more than 30 years. Since the firms establishment in 1983, its personal injury attorneys have handled more than 30,000 cases and secured more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements. James McKiernan Lawyers leverages state-of-the-art technology and a team of case managers and personal assistants to help clients obtain the compensation they deserve. Bilingual staff also ensure that James McKiernan Lawyers can take on cases from Californias Spanish-speaking residents. Anyone in need of a personal injury attorney in San Luis Obispo County can call James McKiernan Lawyers at 800-200-HURT or visit their website to schedule a consultation. The firm will use all available knowledge and experience to determine the best path forward for each individual client and case. Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that his government was trying to rectify the mistakes of the previous governments which did not honour deserving warriors and leaders as he laid the foundation stone for a statue of warrior Maharaja Suheldev of Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich. He also unveiled, through video conferencing, programmes for the beautification of Shravasti, Chittora Lake and Bahraich. Speaking on the occasion, he accused previous governments of not honouring deserving leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and B R Ambedkar. "It is unfortunate that deserving leaders were not given the place of pride they deserved," Modi said, adding his government was trying to rectify the mistakes of the past governments. The projects, which include the construction of a 4.20-metre high equestrian statue of the warrior king Suheldev, will also focus on the development of various tourist amenities including a cafeteria, guest house and a children's park. Besides the projects, Modi inaugurated a medical college in Bahraich named after Suheldev. He also lauded the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government in tackling the coronavirus pandemic and leading the state on the path of development. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event. King Suheldev, an icon of the Rajbhar community, had defeated and killed the Ghaznavid general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud in a battle on the banks of the Chittora lake in Bahraich in 1033. Israeli attacks on Syria will not protect Israel and its partners, reports SANA. Syria has affirmed that Israels repeated attacks on its lands wont succeed in protecting partners of the Israeli occupation and its agents of terrorist organizations. In the framework of the Israeli occupation policy, based on practicing state terrorism and providing continuous support to armed terrorist groups, and in violation of UN Security Council Resolution No. 350 of 1974 on the disengagement forces agreement, the Israeli occupation forces, at 1:18 a.m. on Monday, February 15, launched a new aggression on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic through several missiles from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan and Hebron in the occupied Palestinian territory, targeting the vicinity of Damascus city, the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry said in a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the President of Security Council on Monday. The Ministry added that the Israeli aggression was synchronized with protests held by Syrians in the occupied Golan to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the comprehensive national strike of Feb. 14, 1982. Protestors maintained their rejection of the null annexation decision and asserted the fact that the Golan was and still is part of the Syrian Arab Republics territory, and that it will return to its sovereignty sooner or later, as it is an imperceptible right guaranteed by the UN Charter. Earlier, the Syrian Arab Army air defenses repelled an Israeli missile aggression on the surroundings of Damascus. A military source told SANA that, on Monday at 01:18 a.m., the Israeli enemy launched an aggression with waves of missiles from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan and al-Jalil on several targets in the surroundings of Damascus city. Our air defenses intercepted the missiles and downed most of them, the source affirmed. Over the years of the terrorist war waged against Syria, the Syrian air defenses have repelled a series of acts on the Syrian territories and downed most of the hostile missiles. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal hopes that the common aviation area agreement between Ukraine and the European Union will be signed during the working visit of European Council President Charles Michel to Ukraine on March 2-3. Shmyhal said this in an interview with Ukrinform, answering a question about Borrells confirmation of EUs interest in concluding a common aviation area agreement with Ukraine and rejection to comment on Spain's "veto" and the fact that agreement could become hostage to the political controversy between Spain and the UK over Gibraltar. Mr. Borrell is a High Representative of the European Union, not the Foreign Minister of Spain, although he is of Spanish descent. But this does not mean that we can hold him responsible for a certain delay in signing the agreement. According to the PM, the Ukrainian side has fulfilled all the necessary requirements and parameters, all European countries have agreed on it. During a face-to-face meeting, Mr. Borrell confirmed that there were no complaints against Ukraine. That is, the problem arose among the European Union members, in particular, there are reservations from Spain. We cannot comment on whether they are related to the dispute with Britain or something else. But at all the high-level meetings, including with Mr. Charles Michel, we raised the issue of signing the common aviation area agreement as soon as possible and saw a willingness to do so at the earliest moment. And we hope that this will happen during Charles Michel's working visit to Ukraine on March 2-3, Shmyhal said. On February 3, the President's Office stated that signing of the common aviation area agreement between Ukraine and the European Union was postponed due to bureaucratic reasons. The President's Office expressed the opinion that now "it is necessary to look for an opportunity" to sign the agreement in March. Following the results of the 22nd EU-Ukraine Summit in October last year, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the agreement could be signed in 2021. ol Investigations editor Larry Parnass, investigations editor, joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant and CommonWealth Magazine. Archbishop of Kampala Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has said security agencies who are allegedly abducting, torturing and killing people in the country are on the brink of degenerating into the Idi Amin and Milton Obote-type of regimes whose operatives terrorised the population with impunity. However, Archbishop Lwanga said he was happy that President Museveni during his address to the nation at the weekend, ordered the security agencies to end the arbitrary arrests. "This has given us hope because the Security minister said they did not know who was arresting the people. I remember when NRM came to power, the President said they came to resist the politics and leadership of Idi Amin and Milton Obote regimes," the Archbishop said. "If this is still the same National Resistance Movement, I call upon your government to continue resisting the evil abductions, torture and killings of people," he added. Archbishop Lwanga made the remarks during celebrations to mark the Catholic Church 24th anniversary of the Day of the Religious at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Kampala where he unveiled eight Ugandans who were knighted by Pope Francis because of their dedicated service to the Church. They are Ms Tereza Kabahita Mbire, Ms Mary Immaculate Nansubuga, Ms Regina Yiga, Prof Peter Kasenene, Mr Anthony Nnaakirya Mateega, Mr Joseph Yiga, Dr Saturninus Kasozi and Mr Emmanuel Katongole, the executive chairman of Cipla Quality Chemicals Industries. Fr Richard Nnyimba, the Vicar for the Religious in Kampala Archdiocese, said the day has been celebrated every February 2 since 1997. The day brings together consecrated persons serving the church such as nuns, priests and brothers to remind them about the vows they swore to serve the Lord. Archbishop Lwanga also cautioned the ministers to beware of people they recruit into church, saying it has been infiltrated by witchcraft. Deb Keating joins Wavicle Data Solutions as Director of HR Debs experience building programs and processes across diverse practice groups will be instrumental across all aspects of Wavicles HR function. Chicago-based Wavicle Data Solutions, a leading data analytics firm offering cloud migration services and data management consulting, today announced it has hired Deb Keating as its new Director of Human Resources. Keating will work with practice heads, technology directors, and Wavicles executive leadership team to build team-centric HR initiatives that benefit employees and enhance organizational performance. In her role overseeing HR for Wavicle, Keating will support the companys position as a high-growth innovator in the data management and data science space. Her responsibilities include overseeing implementation of equal opportunity programs, policies and procedures; workforce safety; recruiting, retention and team member professional development; and overseeing employee benefits and records. We are thrilled to welcome such a seasoned HR professional to the team and appreciate Debs fresh energy, said Naveen Venkatapathi, president of Wavicle Data Solutions. Debs experience building programs and processes across diverse practice groups will be instrumental across all aspects of Wavicles HR function. In 2020 Wavicle was named to the Chicago Tribunes Top Workplaces in Chicago list. Employees anonymously cited Wavicles dedication to encouraging new ideas and different points of view and reported they felt part of something meaningful and impactful. In her role, Keating will drive initiatives that continue to improve and foster high morale. Im honored to lead the HR team in a company with such a supportive environment, and I look forward to continuing to cultivate a culture where employees feel encouraged to be creative, innovative, and have the opportunity to grow, said Keating. Keating joins Wavicle with more than 15 years of experience as a valued human resources business partner, during which time she has focused on building programs and processes across diverse practice groups. She has a track record of building positive employee relations, driving employee engagement and attracting, developing and retaining talent. Keating has worked at large national and international organizations such as Publicis Groupe, and within growing mid-sized companies such as FlexManage. Most recently, she served as interim HR Director at Allant Group in Chicago. Keating earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from DePaul University and volunteers with 100+ Women Who Care in Chicagoland. Connect with Deb at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debkeating/. For additional information about Wavicles growth and expanded teams and offerings, please visit, https://wavicledata.com/. ABOUT WAVICLE DATA SOLUTIONS Wavicle Data Solutions is a cloud, data, and analytics solution specialist. From data integration services and cloud migration consulting to dashboard development and data analytics consulting, Wavicle employs a team of professionals who enable and empower data-driven enterprises. Wavicle combines its expertise in data engineering and architecture with artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts to help enterprises imagine new ways of managing costs, increasing sales, and becoming more efficient. Wavicle was recognized as an Inc. 500 company on its 2019 and 2020 lists of fastest-growing private companies in America, by Crains Chicago Business to its Fast 50 list of fastest growing companies in Chicago, and won a 2020 Chicago Top Workplaces award from the Chicago Tribune. For more information about Wavicle Data Solutions offerings, please visit https://wavicledata.com. Feb. 15A suspect charged with raping a young teen last June was denied a lower bond in court last week. During the bond hearing for James Sherman Williams, an investigator testified that the victim had to escape her ordeal. Williams, 42, Braddock St., faces two charges each of rape and incest in connection with an alleged incident that occurred on June 19. He was arrested on a sealed indictment recently with bond originally set at $400,000. That bond was reduced to $200,000 and was the subject of a bond hearing filed by defense attorney Randall Boston. Cumberland County Sheriff's Investigator Tom Howard testified that he was assigned to investigate the incident after a young teen was found walking along Hwy. 127 by two persons traveling on the highway. The teen, who is not from Cumberland County, told the two, according to Howard, that she has been raped and had escaped by climbing out a window. Under questioning from Assistant District Attorney Philip Hatch, Howard said the two then took her to a nearby convenience store and notified police. Howard testified it appeared to him the victim had fought back, judging from injuries found on her, and that DNA samples were taken with at least one match with the suspect identified. Boston asked Howard under cross examination if Williams had been read his rights and if he had willingly provided a DNA sample. Howard said Williams was advised of his rights and provided statements and DNA after being advised. Boston argued that his client had been in jail six months, unable to post the $200,000 bond. He described Williams as cooperative with investigators and not a flight risk. He asked for a lower bond so his client could go to work, noting there was a job waiting for Williams. Boston suggested a GPS ankle bracelet be required and no contact between his client and the victim be allowed. Hash countered that prior convictions in Fentress, Morgan and Putnam counties topped more than a dozen. Boston countered that the convictions were old cases and not of a most serious nature. Story continues Hash asked that bond remain at $200,000 while Boston pursued a lower bond. Judge Gary McKenzie said the nature of the case with the person identified as the victim suffering injuries were factors against the defendant. "From what I have heard today, there is a probable chance of conviction if this evidence is presented to a jury," McKenzie said. "I am going to keep bond at $200,000 and set this case as a priority for trial when trials resume." The case was continued to April 15 for additional motions and possibly for a trial date to be set, depending on if the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed by that time. Michael Moser may be reached at mmoser@crossville-chronicle.com Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free A man who broke an ankle on an obstacle course at a pumpkin patch will get his foot inside a courthouse again. A judge wrongly dismissed Tarek Hamades lawsuit against DeBucks Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, the Michigan Court of Appeals said. Hamade fractured an ankle while running across tires that were part of an obstacle course known as Tough Farmer. He said he was injured while stepping on a tire that was very soft at the fall attraction near Belleville. DeBucks argued that the spongy tire was an open and obvious risk, a key legal standard under Michigan liability law. Its an obstacle course. Its meant to be difficult to traverse, attorney Drew Broaddus said at a Feb. 3 hearing. But the appeals court said the tires condition was not obvious. If theyd called it the spongy tire challenge we might have a different case. But thats not what it was presented as, Judge Michael Gadola said. Hamades lawsuit now returns to Wayne County Circuit Court. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Michigan Agribusiness Ghana has within 24 hours recorded nine more deaths increasing the total number of deaths from COVID-19 to 542 as of February 11, 2021, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said has disclosed in an update. The death toll from the illness was 533 on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. However, the country has seen a decline in its active cases which has reduced to 7,850 from 8,216. Out of 837,925 tests conducted in the country, 76,496 persons turned out to be positive representing a test-positivity rate of 9.1 per cent. The number of clinical recoveries/discharge which stood at 67,087 has also increased by 1,013 making the total number 68,100. The update also indicted that 87 persons who have tested positive for the disease are in severe condition with 32 in a critical condition. Regional breakdown Greater Accra Region - 44,580 Ashanti Region - 13,641 Western Region- 4,442 Eastern Region - 3,299 Central Region - 2,664 Volta Region - 1,323 Bono East Region - 951 Northern Region - 827 Bono Region - 767 Upper East Region - 755 Western North Region - 747 Ahafo Region - 624 Oti Region - 258 Upper West Region - 257 Savannah Region - 68 North East Region- 42 Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Press Release 16 February 2021 London, -Future Hotels launches today with a promise to enable independent boutique hotels to thrive again by using the right mix of cutting-edge technology, and global sales and marketing support. The new hotel brand offers low-cost access to high-tech toolkit in order to level playing field for independent hospitality sector. Advertisements The pandemic has changed the entire world but perhaps no sphere of activity has been quite so affected as travel. The ongoing global shutdown has forced the hotel industry into a struggle for survival, but it has also given the sector the time and the space within which to consider the future. A fundamental transformation in the way the industry operated was inevitable even before COVID-19. In some cases, the virus has only accelerated that evolution. In others, it has forced changes upon hoteliers they could not have envisaged 18 months ago. Research shows that guests no longer want to check in at a desk. They want keyless room access through an app. They want to be sure that their stay is supporting local livelihoods, that their hotel is demonstrably sustainable and that their own carbon debt can be offset. They want to be confident of hygiene and certain they're getting the best experience at the best price. And everybody wants to be a VIP. Empathy, empowerment, anticipation and the genuine human touch are key elements of any property that wants to attract and retain discerning travellers in this new green and experiential era - and while corporations have R&D divisions to drive through the necessary digital, operational and social transformations to these new expectations, how on earth do you compete as an independent hotelier? The answer is simple. You join Future Hotels. Created by Sotiris Kopatsaris and his team, using solutions and best practices tried and tested at his family-run luxury hotel, the award-winning Carpe Diem in Santorini, Future Hotels is an impact-driven, invite-only global brand offering not only the essential tech, marketing and sales support but also that no-compromise, demonstrable commitment to sustainability. "The independent hotel sector is facing an existential crisis," says Kopatsaris. "Only a handful of hoteliers have the resources and know-how to make the essential digital and green leap forward. I believe that by offering independent boutique hotels the right technology and marketing mix, we can not only help them to recover faster but enable them to offer an even more attractive alternative to the big brands." So, what's in the box? First, a forest. Future Hotels will plant 1,000 trees annually in certified reforestation projects in Madagascar for every property that joins the brand. Next, the opportunity for independent hoteliers to reduce operational and sales costs, boost direct bookings, maximise auxiliary revenue, improve the guest experience and drive sustainability by accessing the economies of scale and cutting-edge technologies once exclusive to the multinationals. Member hotels get global exposure across thousands of channels; low-cost internationally recognised COVID-19-safe certification; and access to a powerful sales and marketing toolkit enabling a real and measurable improvement to the bottom line, and the chance to go toe-to-toe with the biggest players. By harnessing Industry 4.0 technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things via its global technology partner network, Future Hotels helps small hotels become true global leaders. Finally, Kopatsaris is donating 1% of Future Hotels' hotel affiliation revenues to support local causes. You could think of Future Hotels as a brand. Or you could think of it as a movement that could tip the balance in favour of the independent hotels. Air travellers with 5G phones are being urged to turn them off on planes because the technology can disrupt landing gear, according to the French civil aviation authority. The latest generation of smartphones and networks, currently being rolled out around the world, can interfere with critical aircraft instruments, says the agency. This is due to signal interference from the device that could block data coming from altimeters that tell pilots how high above sea level they are flying. A spokesperson for the agency said: 'The utilisation of 5G devices onboard aircraft could lead to risks of interference that could potentially result in errors in altitude readings.' Travellers with a 5G phone are being urged to turn off their device when on a plane as the technology can disrupt landing gear, says the French civil aviation authority The French Civil Aviation Authority sent a bulletin to airlines recommending that 5G phones should be turned off or put in 'airplane mode' during a flight. The phenomenon is caused by 'signal interference from a close frequency source of a strength that is similar or even superior to that of altimeters,' the agency said. This can cause errors 'in instruments that are extremely critical during landing.' It is already a requirement on many flights that mobile phones are turned off or placed in airplane mode during take off and landing. This is due to previous generations of mobile networks interfering with navigation and communication equipment onboard the aircraft. But a number of flights have started allowing mobile phones to be used and even have onboard masts to allow passengers to make calls. However, the French authority has issued a guidance that in a case of disruption to an aircraft's equipment from a 5G device the air crew should immediately notify air traffic controllers who can alert airport authorities. 5G provides faster connectivity and more bandwidth, meaning higher download speeds for internet users, and more capacity and connectivity for devices. The nature of the technologies means the waves travel shorter distances so more masts are required to carry the signal. The latest generation of smartphones and networks, currently being rolled out around the world, can interfere with critical aircraft instruments including altitude The agency also told mobile networks to ensure 5G base stations are located so that they limit the risk of interference during landing at French airports. The signal strength from these base stations near airports is already restricted by the authority, which has been doing further testing since November. PROFESSOR IDENTIFIES FOUR 'RELEVANT SOURCES OF SCIENTIFIC UNCERTAINTY AND CONCERN' RELATING TO 5G 5G has been hailed by governments as transformative, promising clear economic and lifestyle benefits, through massively boosting wireless and mobile connectivity at home, work, school and in the community. But it has become the subject of fierce controversy, fuelled by four key areas of scientific uncertainty and concern, put forward by Professor John William Frank, a physician and epidemiologist from the University of Edinburgh. They are as follows: 1) The lack of clarity about precisely what technology is included in 5G; and a growing but far from comprehensive body of laboratory research indicating the biologically disruptive potential of RF-EMFs 2) A rapidly accumulating body of laboratory studies documenting disruptive in vitro and in vivo effects of RF-EMFs - but one with many gaps in it 3) An almost total lack (as yet) of high-quality epidemiological studies of adverse human health effects from 5G EMF exposure specifically, but rapidly emerging epidemiological evidence of such effects from past generations of RF-EMF exposure 4) Persistent allegations that some national telecomms regulatory authorities haven't based their RF-EMF safety policies on the latest science, amid potential conflicts of interest Advertisement This was after French operators were given permission to begin rolling out the latest generation of mobile networks. The agency says it will continue to monitor signals from 5G base stations, as well as testing the impact of 5G on flights. 5G has been subject to conspiracy theories and delays since its inception, much like every mobile technology that came before it. It uses much higher frequency (3 to 300GHz) radio waves than in older technology. These higher frequencies allow more devices to connect at the same time and faster than 4G, but they travel shorter distances and require more masts at ground level. Unlike previous wireless transmission systems, 5G ultrahigh-frequency waves are easily interrupted by vegetation foliage and walls, often requiring additional signal boosting within buildings. The greater number of ground level masts coupled with the higher frequency has fuelled many of the conspiracy theories. Fears of an increased risk to health such as cancers from the radiation have been expressed, but the World Health Organisation said there was no adverse health effects from mobile phone use generally. A group of scientists including Dr Frank De Vocht have said there could be a statistical possibility of increased cancer risk for heavy users. The UK government says small increases in exposure are possible from 5G, but overall it is expected to remain low as the frequencies are non-ionising. They are well below any considered harmful. Professor John William Frank, a physician and epidemiologist from the University of Edinburgh, says we should 'err on the side of caution' by delaying any further roll-out of 5G globally, 'pending more conclusive research' on its safety. Professor Frank does, however, stress the ridiculousness of linking 5G exposures to Covid-19, as suggested by some conspiracy theorists. He also condemns the recent attacks on 5G masts in the UK which are providing essential communications technology during the pandemic. Radiation watchdog International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has also already stated that 5G is safe and poses 'no health risks'. While 5G technology is likely to transform the way we communicate, it comes with several risks, including threats to infrastructure, unecrypted data and attack messages The watchdog found no risks of cancer or other illnesses from exposure to the frequencies used in fifth generation networks, after studying seven years of data. NHS GP Gero Baiarda said 5G does not weaken the immune system and that viruses cannot travel by radio wave and only enter the body at specific points. Dr Baiarda dismissed claims that 5G signals act to weaken the human immune system, saying 5G radio waves 'carry too little energy to cause harm' and that 5G occupies the same wavelengths 'as those previously used by analogue TV'. 'The wavelengths emitted from your microwave oven are more powerful than 5G both are perfectly safe,' he said. Not many businesses can say that 2020 was a banner year for growth, but for Dog Training Elite, the 34-unit dog training franchise, last years pandemic-inspired surge in pet adoptions created major growth opportunities that the brand proved well-equipped to take full advantage of, opening 11 new units in markets across the country. Now, as many pet owners prepare to return to offices for the first time in a year, demand for high-quality dog training continues to increase, and Dog Training Elite is positioned to capture an outsized share of that booming market. Already, Dog Training Elite has 20 new territories prepared to open in 2021, and the brand is actively seeking new franchise partners to open additional territories across the U.S. A People-Focused Approach To Dog Training Dog Training Elite was founded three decades ago by nationally ranked hunting-dog trainer John Mestas. Then called Arrow Kennels, the business was originally focused on kenneling and high-level training for hunting dogs, but when Mestas noticed a gap in the market for everyday pet training, he reengineered the brand as a mobile dog training business. Mestas differentiated his business from other dog training brands by focusing on training his clients just as much as their dogs. We always work with the dog first to make sure they are responding to the training, but then we work closely with the owner to make sure they are equipped to effectively and consistently make progress with the dog, said Kelley Rosequist, CEO of Dog Training Elite and Mestass daughter. Rosequist notes that most dog trainers only provide owners with a rigid training model, but we create a customized program that is going to work for the dog and the human, she said. And we dont just work with the owner; well work closely with every member of the household, including children, nannies, housekeepers and grandparents, to make sure that everyone in contact with the dog knows how to support its training. Unlike most dog trainers, who focus primarily on obedience, Dog Training Elite also offers specialized training options, including therapy dog training, advanced service dog training and personal protection training. A Finely Tuned Franchise Operation That model proved a hit among dog owners in Sandy, where the business was founded, and before long, Mestas turned to franchising to bring Dog Training Elite to clients in new markets, starting with Phoenix, Arizona, where Mestas son Neal opened the brands second territory. We wanted to make sure that our model was perfected before we started bringing in franchise partners, so we spent a few years testing the operations and making improvements before we moved towards national expansion, Rosequist said. When Dog Training Elite rolled out its national franchise program in earnest a few years ago, the brand caught on quickly, attracting passionate entrepreneurs who were eager to work with animals, including their own our owners are actually all co-owners, along with their dogs, Rosequist said and grow a business that was designed to scale. A Business Built for Multi-Territory Growth Nearly every one of Dog Training Elites franchise owners has taken advantage of the brands growth-oriented business model. The brands 34 existing territories are owned and operated by just 11 franchisees, many of whom started with just a single territory before expanding. The business was crafted to encourage growth, Rosequist said. Once you establish a territory, all you really need to do is turn on the marketing and hire a couple of trainers, and the growth opportunity comes very quickly. Moreover, the brands finely-tuned unit economics make growth a particularly lucrative prospect for any ambitious business owner. Overhead is very low, and since we are a mobile service, franchise owners dont need to open up a new storefront in order to expand and reach new customers. A small staff can work with a high volume of customers, so all thats really needed to grow is awareness, Rosequist explained. Once an owner starts to expand their territory, thats when the business really becomes far more profitable than traditional brick-and-mortar models. A Mission-Driven Brand More than just a lucrative business opportunity, Dog Training Elite is an explicitly mission-driven brand, offering franchisees ample opportunity to give back to their communities while growing their businesses. Dog Training Elites non-profit charitable organization, the Malinois Foundation, provides and trains service dogs for veterans. Through the Malinois Foundation, Dog Training Elite franchise owners can work with veterans and other people with physical or mental impairments to train service animals to provide critical assistance for a range of needs. An Ideal Opportunity For First-Time Business Owners As evidence of Dog Training Elites appeal among savvy entrepreneurs, Rosequist noted that every single franchise candidate who has attended the brands discovery day an intensive research opportunity that allows candidates to meet the brands leadership and learn the finer points of its operational model have signed on to become owners, suggesting that the more a prospective franchisee learns about the brand, the more likely they are to join. Because Dog Training Elite requires no prior training expertise from owners and offers competitive startup costs, including multi-unit incentives and discounts for veterans, the brand is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after franchise opportunities among first-time franchisees. Our franchise owners come from all different backgrounds, Rosequist said. They dont need to have a background in dog training we provide everything you need to know. Whats essential is that they are strong communicators and passionate about dogs and growing a business. Dog Training Elite is actively seeking new franchise owners in markets across the U.S., including Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas and Portland, Oregon. For more information about franchising with Dog Training Elite, visit https://dogtrainingelite.com/franchise ABOUT DOG TRAINING ELITE With more than four decades of experience in dog training, Dog Training Elite is one of the countrys leading obedience and specialized training franchises. Offering a comprehensive suite of customizable training programs, Dog Training Elite works with dogs and owners to meet any and all training needs, including therapy dog training and advanced service dog training for PTSD support, psychiatric support, mobility support, autism support, diabetic alert training, personal protection training and an array of other services. In addition to the wide breadth of services offered, Dog Training Elite differentiates itself from competitors through a uniquely human-focused approach to dog training, which focuses on helping owners and their families learn to effectively and consistently support their dogs training needs. To learn more about franchising with Dog Training Elite, visit https://dogtrainingelite.com/franchise Colts Neck Township joins the New Jersey Purchasing Group by BidNet Direct Our vendors can now save time and paper. They not only have direct access to our open bids, but those from other agencies throughout the state and can submit bids electronically. Colts Neck Township announced it has joined BidNet Directs New Jersey Purchasing Group and will be publishing and distributing upcoming bid opportunities on the system. BidNets New Jersey Purchasing Group connects participating agencies from across New Jersey to a large vendor pool and streamlines the bid and vendor management process. BidNets New Jersey Purchasing Group provides notifications to registered vendors of new relevant solicitations, as well as any addenda and award information from participating agencies across New Jersey, and can be accessed at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/new-jersey. Colts Neck Township joined the purchasing group in February, and will be utilizing the system to streamline their purchasing process including bid management, bid distribution and vendor relations. The New Jersey Purchasing Group is a single, online location for managing sourcing information and activities and provides local New Jersey government agencies the tools needed to minimize costs and save time throughout the purchasing process. The New Jersey Purchasing Group expands an agencys vendor pool and enhances vendor competition without increasing distribution costs. In addition to the existing vendors on the New Jersey Purchasing Group, all vendors looking to do business with Colts Neck Township can register online: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/new-jersey. The Township invites all interested bidders to register today. Registered vendors can access all open bids, related documents and files, additional addenda and award information. In addition, the New Jersey Purchasing Group offers a value-added service to notify vendors of new bids targeted to their industry, all addenda and advance notification of expiring term contracts. Registered vendors have access to not only Colts Neck Township bid opportunities, but all participating agency bids. Our vendors can now save time and paper. They not only have direct access to our open bids, but those from other agencies throughout the state and can submit bids electronically. We invite all vendors to register on the New Jersey Purchasing Group to start receiving business opportunities, stated Kathleen Capristo, Township Administrator of Colts Neck Township. Vendors may register on the New Jersey Purchasing Group at: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/new-jersey. BidNets vendor support team is available to answer any questions regarding the registration process or the bid system at 800-835-4603 option 2. Other local New Jersey government agencies looking to switch from a manual bid process, please contact the New Jersey Purchasing Group for a demonstration of the no-cost sourcing solution. About Colts Neck Township: Colts Neck Township is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It is located in the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the most recent United States Census, the population is 10,142. What is now Colts Neck Township was established by an act of the New Jersey Legislature as Atlantic Township on February 18, 1847, from portions of Freehold Township, Middletown Township and Shrewsbury Township. The name was changed to "Colts Neck Township" as of November 6, 1962, based on the results of a referendum held that day. About BidNet Direct: BidNet Direct, powered by mdf commerce, is a sourcing solution of regional purchasing groups available at no cost to local government agencies throughout the country. BidNet Direct runs regional purchasing groups, including the New Jersey Purchasing Group, across all 50 states that are used by over 1,500 local governments. To learn more and have your government agency gain better transparency and efficiency in purchasing, please visit https://www.bidnetdirect.com/buyers -Amid Reports of Ebola Resurgence in Guinea President Manneh Weah has mandated the Liberian health authorities and related stakeholders in the sector to heighten the country's epi- surveillance and preventative activities in the wake of reports of the emergence of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease in neighboring Guinea. Guinean Health Minister told some local and international news outlets on Saturday, February 13, 2021 that about four people have died of the virulent disease in the Guinean town of Gouecke which is in proximity of Liberia's northeastern border. However, no case of the disease has so far been detected in the country. The President's instruction is intended to ensure Liberia acts proactively to avoid any epidemic situation, the kind Liberia witnessed in 2014. President Weah also mandates the health authorities to immediately engage communities in towns and villages bordering Guinea and increase anti-Ebola measures. While the health authorities are urged to increase their alert level, the general public is assured that there is no case of Ebola in Liberia and that the government is undertaking all measures to ensure that the public remains safe from the deadly virus. The public is asked to remain calm. The government will issue updates on the situation regularly. remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in Statement Delivered by Ambassador Byrne Nason at the UNSC Briefing on Iraq/UNAMI Statement Thank you very much indeed Madam President, and I want to say a special thank you to Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert for your really excellent briefing this morning. Jeanine, you know Ireland strongly supports the important work you and your team are doing so thank you again. Before I begin my statement, I also wanted to recognise the dedicated service of Ms. Walpole as Deputy Special Representative and congratulate her successor, Ms. Gisladottir. We wish her all the best in her new role at a critical juncture for Iraq. I have to say, that it is very welcome to see the continuation of an all-female leadership at the team at UNAMI. Madam President, I want to begin by strongly condemning the terrorist attack carried out at a Baghdad market on 21 January, as well as the continued ISIL attacks across the country. Our condolences and sympathies are with the families of the victims and all those affected by this senseless violence. Just last week, this Council heard that the threat posed by ISIL has increased during the pandemic, and that Iraq, along with Syria, remain the primary focus of ISIL objectives. Of course, we also condemn in the strongest possible terms the rocket attack carried out overnight in Erbil. This has tragically, as we heard, resulted in loss of life. We encourage cooperation between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government towards a swift investigation into this attack in order to hold perpetrators to account. Ireland firmly rejects any attempt to destabilise Iraq on its pathway to a more peaceful future. This Council is united in its support for Iraqs security and territorial integrity. We are also united in the fight against terrorism, which the international community remains committed to countering in accordance with international law, including international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. And, as Iraqs Yazidi community gathered just last week to bury their loved ones, let me echo Nadia Murads clarion call for this Council to ensure that the perpetrators of horrific crimes against this community are brought to account. While accountability is essential, the manner in which we pursue justice is also important. Ireland remains opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and we regret the recent executions in Iraq. Madam President, Ireland fully supports Iraqs democratic processes. We welcome Prime Minister al-Kadhimis commitment to important political reforms and to holding early elections, and we take note of the decision to postpone these elections to October. Important work clearly remains to be done to ensure that the Iraqi people are empowered to vote freely and safely, and all actors in Iraq have a responsibility to ensure this. The recent finalisation of electoral legislation is very welcome, and the international community too now must play its part. I would like to acknowledge the letter received last week from Foreign Minister Hussein regarding electoral observation. We are carefully considering this important issue and look forward to further discussion on this matter. I want to underline today that the political process must be inclusive, if it is be successful. Women, young people and minority communities should be included at every stage of the electoral process. We are pleased to see that the Government of Iraq has paid particular attention to promoting the inclusivity of elections in this preparatory phase and we urge the Government to continue to prioritise this, as the process continues. Madam President, Civil society and freedom of assembly are crucial for the democratic process. Just like the Special Representative has said to us now, Ireland is concerned by the continued targeting of protestors, activists, human rights defenders, and journalists in Iraq. Those who perpetrate violence against people exercising their rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be held to account. We call upon the Federal and Regional Governments to end impunity and ensure the realisation of these fundamental human rights for all. We encourage the Iraqi authorities to continue engaging with UNAMI on a strategy to create durable solutions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of internally displaced persons. While for many Iraqis the idea of returning home is a cherished prospect, there are also considerable challenges and obstacles to overcome. As the Secretary General has said in his report, a new crisis in the form of secondary displacement should be avoided at all costs. Finally, I want to end by welcoming the positive news of a significant breakthrough in recent weeks with the identification of twenty Kuwaiti missing persons by Kuwaiti authorities following the successful transfer of remains by the Government of Iraq in recent years. This is testament to the commitment of the governments of both Iraq and Kuwait to resolve outstanding issues and address the tragic legacy of the past. We commend the tireless work of the ICRC and UNAMI to support them. We hope that the recent developments will bring some closure to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Thank you Madam President. Previous Item | Next Item The Green Mountain in northeastern Libya was blanketed white this week as snow fell in the area for the first time in 15 years. The rare flurry began on Monday and is expected to continue for at least two more days. Families from the Sidi Mohamed Al-Hamri area put on warm clothes and headed out to pelt each other with snowballs, build snowmen, and enjoy the wintry scenery. Local resident Muhammad Saleh said he hoped the unusual weather heralded a brighter future for the country. "We hope the snowfall will be a good sign for our homeland by unifying our institutions and unifying our homeland," Saleh said. Temperatures near and below zero were recorded on Monday in the cities of Al-Bayda, Yefren, Nalut and Al-Marj, as well as Green Mountain and the Nafusa Mountain, according to the Libyan National Meteorological Center. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Credit: CC0 Public Domain Scientists don't know exactly what percentage of the population will need to get a COVID vaccine to achieve herd immunity. Some diseases, such as whooping cough, need very high rates of vaccination between 90-95%. The rise of new, more infectious coronavirus variants might mean even more people may need to be vaccinated against COVID than we initially thought. One question therefore becomes crucial: how will governments convince enough people to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity? One method might be to use emotional storytelling to sway people who aren't convinced by fact-based logical messaging. Appeals to logic or emotive stories? Many people will say yes to being vaccinated. One international survey, published in October last year, found an average of 71.5% of participants (from 19 countries) would be likely to accept a COVID vaccine. But some people who would normally be pro-vaccination might have concerns about the speed of the approvals of these vaccines. To deal with such fears, the Australian government has crafted public health messages that appeal to logic using facts, figures and explanations about how the process has been done safely. However, other people, particularly those who are unlikely to get vaccinated, may not necessarily respond well to these messages. Evidence suggests vaccine-hesitant groups are less likely to respond to factual information particularly from "pro-vaccine" sources. But they may respond more to personal stories about the effects of the virus. In my area of research, we call these stories "cultural health narratives". Within the anti-vax movement, these narratives are often powerful stories of people negatively affected by vaccinations, or what they believe are vaccine-related side effects. These emotional accounts are very powerful because we're attracted to narratives and we live our lives through them. We tell stories about our lives to ourselves, our friends and families through conversations, photo diaries and social media. We consume other people's stories through novels, news, movies and so on. What's more, some countries have done very well controlling the virus using low-technology health measures, such as hand washing, social distancing, border shutdowns and quarantining. This might sound like a digression, but stay with methe downside for these countries is that most people in the population don't know anyone who has had COVID nor lost anyone to the disease. This might mean they are less likely to see the need to be vaccinated. This also means there's a lack of personal COVID health stories within those countries, including Australia. Anti-vax messages often use emotional stories for their own ends, and their messages can fill these gaps if governments don't report their own real health stories. Unfortunately, Pete Evans is out there again promoting dangerous and unfounded medical advice. The science is in. The evidence is clear vaccination saves lives #VaccinesWork https://t.co/bMAZAPNaJV AMA Media (@ama_media) January 14, 2020 How could governments use storytelling? When we hear a story, we often lower our guard and tend to start responding emotionally to the characters. Parents, educators and religious leaders have long used this as a way of teaching. The federal government has begun its COVID vaccine advertising campaign. So far, it features experts explaining the process in a cool and calm tone. Governments could use storytelling to potentially improve COVID vaccination rates particularly among those who are unlikely to get the jab. Governments could add emotional health stories to their vaccination messages. These narratives could show the negative effects of the virus on people's lives, and/or they can be used to show the positive effects of vaccinations to help avoid disease. These could be targeted towards those that might be more likely to be influenced by stories, using traditional and social media platforms. These true, personal video accounts could include: people who have had the virus, recovered but have long-term health problems people who have lost relatives, and were isolated from them health workers who have worked in places where the virus is out of control. Do health stories work? Emotional and personal health narratives can be a powerful way of communicating health messaging, and the benefits of vaccination. One study, conducted by Professor Julie Leask and colleagues, showed 37 parents both anti-vaxxer health stories and medical pro-vaccination stories. The pro-vaccination stories included footage of children with measles and whooping cough. Every focus group recalled the footage, with some parents labelling it "shocking" and "devastating". The authors noted that parents, when voicing support of vaccination, leaned on stories in the decision processnot just facts. The authors concluded that "stories about people affected by vaccine-preventable diseases need to re-enter the public discourse". Another study highlighted the positive effects of first-person narratives on young people to help them avoid Type 2 diabetes. In this study, personal narratives told by people who had the disease were most effective in persuading the participants to change their lifestyle to avoid Type 2 diabetes. Social media will be challenging People get information about vaccination from health workers, relatives, friends, and social and traditional media. Social media platforms can be problematic because if someone clicks an article with vaccine misinformation, more articles with even more misleading ideas are likely to appear in their news feeds. The opposite also occurs; if someone clicks on pro-vaccination information, more pro-vaccination information is fed to them. This can lead to polarisation within the community. Dealing with misleading health messages about COVID vaccines will be very important for governments, and it'll be vital for them to stay in front of anti-vax COVID messaging. Factual information will be essential, but true, personal health stories are another tool to convince particular groups. It seems the federal government is not yet specifically targeting these groups, but may need to in the race for COVID herd immunity. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Shell in Nigeria: Polluted communities 'can sue in English courts' February 16,2021 | Source: BBC The decision is a victory for the communities after a five-year battle, and overturns a Court of Appeal ruling. The Niger Delta communities of more than 40,000 people say decades of pollution have severely affected their lives, health and local environment. The oil giant had argued it was only a holding company for a firm that should be judged under Nigerian law. Shell described the legal ruling as disappointing. What does the ruling say? The Supreme Court, the UK's final appeal court for civil cases, ruled that the cases brought by the Bille community and the Ogale people of Ogoniland against Royal Dutch Shell were arguable and could proceed in the English courts. Royal Dutch Shell did not dispute that pollution had been caused, but argued it could not be held legally responsible for its Nigerian subsidiary. Shell is responsible for about 50% of the delta's oil production. Last year the Court of Appeal agreed with the company, but the Supreme Court said on Friday that that decision was flawed. The communities, represented by law firm Leigh Day, argued Shell owed a common law duty of care to individuals who had suffered serious harm as a result of the systemic health, safety and environmental failings of one of its overseas subsidiaries. Fresh hope for justice The Niger Delta pollution has continued despite years of promises by successive governments in Nigeria to clean it up. In 2016 President Muhammadu Buhari launched an ambitious clean-up operation in Ogoniland. The work is ongoing but residents say little progress has been made. Continued oil spills from the activities of multinationals have also cast doubt on the impact of the clean-up exercise. "Things are getting worse by the day," Celestine Akpobari, an environmental activist from Ogoni, told the BBC. The region provides most of Nigeria's government revenues but the communities say successive governments have neglected them. Mr Akpobari says people can no longer fish or farm because of the devastation. "People are dying, there are strange diseases and women are having miscarriages" from the pollution, he says. But the communities and campaigners say the recent court victory gives them hope they will see justice. How bad is the pollution? In 2011 the UN concluded it would take 30 years to clear up the vast amounts of pollution in the Niger Delta. The Ogale community of about 40,000 people are mostly fishermen or farmers who rely on Ogoniland's waterways. But pollution has all but destroyed fishing, turning their lush home into a toxic wasteland. There have been at least 40 oil spills from Shell's pipelines since 1989, lawyers say Shell's records reveal. UN scientists have found an 8cm (3 inch) layer of refined oil floating on top of water that supplies the community's drinking wells - vastly higher than is legally permitted. The water is now too dirty for people to drink. Despite promises to provide clean water, people must often either shell out for bottled water or drink from contaminated sources. Thick crusts of ash and tar cover the land where oil spills have caused fires. Planting new vegetation to replace burnt crops or plants is almost impossible. Farmer Damiete Sanipe describes a wasteland where the trees and the mangrove have been destroyed. "The habitat is gone, the river we used to swim in is gone. For a coastal community whose life revolved around the water, it's all gone. "I don't think money can bring back what we have lost. Even if they want to revive the mangrove, it will take more than 30 years which is a long time." On Friday Leigh Day lawyer Daniel Leader said the ruling was a "watershed" for "impoverished communities seeking to hold powerful corporate actors to account". The firm said the amount of compensation sought had yet to be determined. What does Shell say? In a statement Shell said: "The spills at issue happened in communities that are heavily impacted by oil theft, illegal oil refining, and the sabotage of pipelines." It said that, despite the causes of the pollution, its subsidiary had worked hard to both clean up and prevent spills. It's the latest in a run of international and domestic law suits over Shell's oil extraction in Nigeria. In 2015 it accepted responsibility for two spills and agreed to pay 55m ($76M) to the Bodo community and assist in the clean-up. In 2006 a Nigerian court ordered the company and partners to pay $1.5bn to the Ijaw people of Bayelsa state for environmental degradation in the area. In an ongoing civil case, the widows of four environmental activists executed by Nigeria's military regime in 1995 are suing Shell for allegedly providing support to the military. Shell denies the claims. Europe's biggest oil firm sets out carbon neutral plans The decision on Friday is the latest case to test whether multinational companies can be held accountable for the acts of overseas subsidiaries. Amnesty International welcomed the ruling. Mark Dummett, director of Amnesty International's Global Issues Programme, said the fight had not yet been won, but added: "This landmark ruling could spell the end of a long chapter of impunity for Shell and for other multinationals who commit human rights abuses overseas." Leigh Day also represented 2,500 Zambian villagers in their pollution case against UK-based mining giant Vedanta Resources. Last month the Supreme Court ruled in their favour and they won an undisclosed settlement. Theme(s): Others, Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Communities and Organisations, Fisheries Resources, Landing Centres, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Members of the British military who were dismissed because of their sexuality will get back the medals which were stripped from them. Announcing the decision, the Ministry of Defence said that it was correcting a historic injustice in which those who had served their country, often in combat, were thrown out of the forces, with some also serving prison sentences. The move follows a successful battle by Falklands and Northern Ireland veteran Joe Ousalice to have the awards restored after he was forced out of the Royal Navy in 1983, following 18 years of service, for being bisexual. Mr Ousalice was among 200 to 250 men and women who were kicked out, on average, each year from the three services. Gay people were banned from serving in the British military until 2000. Those who had suffered under the rules and LGBT+ rights activists welcomed the governments move, but stressed that other issues such as criminal records and pension rights needed to be addressed urgently. The MoD said that it was taking further steps to examine and understand the wide-ranging impact of pre-2000 practices in the armed forces, which would ensure that beyond the return of medals, the impact of this historical wrong is acknowledged and appropriately addressed. Each application to have medals restored will be reviewed by the defence council, with the MoDs medal office arranging new honours to be awarded to those who are successful. Relatives of former personnel affected by the ban but who have since died will also be able to make applications for a review. Describing his experience in an interview, Mr Ousalice, 70, said: Basically, when they take your medal from you, the medal effectively decrees what you get for your pension. By taking my medal and three good conduct badges that I had, my rank was cut. I had to wait until 60 before drawing a pension, whereas I could have got it immediately. Mr Ousalice had to live a double life. He recalled: I had to be careful about what I said and did, and where I went. Basically, I wasnt living my own life. His medal was cut off his chest with a big pair of scissors when he was dismissed, he said. Craig Jones, the joint chief executive of Fighting with Pride, an LGBT+ support group, described the move on medals as the first step on a journey towards justice. Peoples lives were shattered by the ban. We need to look at giving people their commissions and warrants back, royal pardons of convictions, help with resettlement and, yes, there is an overwhelming case for compensation and the restoration of pensions, he said. BENGALURU, India and ATLANTA, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys McCamish Systems, a US-based subsidiary of Infosys BPM, the Business Process Management arm of Infosys (NYSE: INFY), today announced the strategic purchase of a state-of-the-art New Business and Underwriting platform from STEP Solutions Group LLC to ease the complexity of all types of insurance products such as Life, Annuity, and Health, for individuals and groups across North America. STEP Solutions Group LLC is an affiliate of the Dillon Kane Group LLC based in Chicago, Illinois, with a successful track record in building leading-edge technology solutions in Insurance Underwriting and New Business. The powerful rule-driven New Business and Automated Underwriting platform from STEP will help Infosys McCamish in enhancing its industry-leading VPAS policy administration platform to offer end-to-end business solutions in the North American insurance market. The platform quotes and recommends products based on the customer's lifestyle, financial state, and unique requirements, using digital portals and intuitive workbenches that drive business outcomes through a personalized experience. Integrated intelligent workflow supports full or partial automation of underwriting cases, which reduces cost and time-to-decision, and greatly speeds up policy issuance and assures consistent rating. The platform, which supports cloud-native microservices for flexible deployment options, is also fully integrated with ACORD Industry standards, external origination systems, as well as data and evidence providers such as MIB (Medical Information Bureau), MVR (Motor Vehicle Report), Rx (Prescription) and Credit Agencies in compliance with all the relevant state laws and other regulatory bodies in North America. Once deployed, the platform shortens the time to process a case from days, to a few hours. Richard Magner, CEO and Managing Director, Infosys McCamish Systems, said, "With the purchase of this platform from STEP, we will further enhance our competitive position in straight-through processing of New Business, Enrollment, and Automated Underwriting to our clients. The move reinforces our commitment and investments towards providing seamless and end-to-end delivery of services across the insurance industry in North America and around the world." Don Kane, Sr. Managing Director of Dillon Kane Group and STEP Solutions Group, said, "We are excited that the underwriting platform developed by STEP will gain new opportunities for widespread adoption as a part of the Infosys McCamish platform suite. The platform will help in increasing the success rate for clients, with high efficiency and enhanced underwriting decision-making in the new business arena. With Infosys McCamish's leading position in the global life insurance and annuity marketplace, I am sure they will elevate the platform's global reach, technology edge, and digital capabilities." The platform will be supported from development centres in Atlanta, US, and from Hyderabad and Pune in India. About Infosys McCamish Infosys McCamish (www.infosysbpm.com/mccamish), a U.S. based subsidiary of Infosys BPM, a part of Infosys (NYSE:INFY), is a leader in providing best in class technology platforms and services to the financial services industry. It addresses the full array of needs in the Life insurance, annuity and retirement services marketplace globally. Infosys McCamish delivers these using its best in class VPAS platform Policy Administration, PMACS Producer Management and Compensation, VPAS BPA Retirement Services and NGIN Multi-geo Policy Administration for rapid product rollout. It offers these in Software as a Service (SaaS) or in full service TPA (Third Party Administration) or Hybrid models. About Infosys BPM Infosys BPM Ltd., the business process management (BPM) subsidiary of Infosys Ltd. (NYSE: INFY), was established in April 2002. We offer integrated end-to-end transformative BPM services, and have journeyed through the table-stakes of effectiveness and efficiency with an ever-increasing focus on enhancing stakeholder experience and empathy. We enable clients to navigate their digital journey, operating from 33 delivery centers across 16 countries, with over 43,300 people from more than 120 nationalities. Visit www.infosysbpm.com to learn how Infosys BPM can help your enterprise navigate your next. For more information contact [email protected] About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in 46 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With nearly four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, financial expectations and plans for navigating the COVID-19 impact on our employees, clients and stakeholders are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, risks related to an economic downturn or recession in India, the United States and other countries around the world, changes in political, business, and economic conditions, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry and the outcome of pending litigation and government investigation. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. SOURCE Infosys She announced late last year that her multiple sclerosis is 'in remission'. And Selma Blair opted for a laid back look as she stepped out to a grab a coffee with her boyfriend Ron Carlson in Los Angeles on Monday. The actress, 48, appeared to work on her fitness during the outing as she was seen performing a series of stretches on the pavement. Out and about: Selma Blair opted for a laid back look as she stepped out to a grab a coffee with her boyfriend Ron Carlson in Los Angeles on Monday The Cruel Intentions star donned a blue hoodie and white trousers for the outing along with a matching pair of trainers. Styling her brunette locks into a cropped 'do, Selma completed her look with a pair of sunglasses. The actress was accompanied on the outing by her boyfriend Ron who sported a green hoodie with blue jeans. Selma and filmmaker Ron began dating after her split with her British boyfriend David Lyons. Fitness: The actress, 48, appeared to work on her fitness during the outing as she was seen performing a series of stretches 'People come into our lives. And sometimes they go. Or you go. And you go on. And you try to put the pieces together in your mind to make sense of it,' she wrote on Instagram around the time she began seeing her current flame. She continued: 'And sometimes, when you are ready, you may find that person again. Unexpectedly, loving them in ways you couldn't before. I have had really good people in my life.' 'I am the luckiest woman. This is the person I want to lean on as well as hold up. For good. I love you @ronnniecarlson.' Outfit: The Cruel Intentions star donned a blue hoodie and white trousers for the outing along with a matching pair of trainers In October, the Brown's Requiem star announced that her multiple sclerosis is 'in remission' and she is 'improving' under one of her recent Instagram posts. She first announced her MS diagnosis in 2018, and has documented her battle with the unpredictable disease, which creates difficulties with speaking and moving. The performer shares her nine-year-old son, Arthur Saint Bleick, with her fashion designer ex Jason Bleick, whom she broke up with in 2012. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. ANN ARBOR, MI - The announcement of a snow day is usually met with praise and sighs of relief, but Ann Arbor Public Schools parents had mixed reactions to a day off from virtual learning on Tuesday. Heavy snowfall caused school districts across Washtenaw County to cancel in-person classes Feb. 16. Many students participating in virtual learning also got the day off, including AAPS, which cited the need to address personal wellness due to the stresses of virtual learning. Students have missed many of the simple joys like snow days during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Jeanice Swift said in a message to families. She encouraged students to use the day to take a break from the screen, read a book, and enjoy the snow. As this COVID pandemic continues, stress is high and wellness is more important than ever, Swift said. Snow days are opportunities for children, young people and adults to play in the snow, read books, take a break, and enjoy the winter season. These days are unexpected opportunities to make memories, to have fun and to celebrate community. We dont want to lose them. Several parents praised the move and appreciated the break from overseeing their childs remote learning. Wonderful news, and cant wait to share with my first grader in the morning! parent Andy Frankel said. Parent Brandon Bachler also praised the decision despite being in a household with two parents working full time, noting that Zoom fatigue is real for younger students. Snow days are a part of their normal school lives, so its good to have the same consideration even in a virtual setting, Bachler said. Other parents werent so complimentary, asking why the district opted to cancel virtual classes when it hasnt offered any in-person classes during the academic year. The virtual snow day doesnt help parents who still have to work from home and take care of their children, parent and University of Michigan law professor Nicholas Bagley said. Simple joys? You mean, like seeing friends? Bagley said on social media. Actually learning in a classroom? Heck, like learning at all? Also, we just had a four day weekend! My kids have played in the snow! Theyve read books! THEYVE HAD A BREAK. They dont need those things right now. They need school. We need school. Parent Martha Bagnall also questioned why the district offered a day off from virtual learning after already having Friday and Monday off for winter break. This is awful, Bagnall said. We have all-remote learning today (after a 4 day weekend) and tomorrow is also remote, and frankly I am not sure which is worse -- having to corral kids to sit in front of computer, or having no school at all. End of the rope is right. READ MORE: See school closings for Washtenaw, Livingston, Lenawee counties Tuesday, Feb. 16 Winter weather postpones vaccination appointments in Washtenaw County Snowstorm update: How much fell, how much left to fall Colleagues of Australian academic Sean Turnell will deliver a petition to the Myanmar embassy on Wednesday calling for him to be released from detention, as Australias former ambassador says the world is effectively powerless to stop the coup in the south-east Asian country. Hundreds of government MPs, election commissioners, students, journalists and academics have been arrested by the Myanmar military in the past fortnight. Turnell, who is Aung San Suu Kyis economic adviser, remains the only foreigner detained by the military junta. Sean Turnell, right, with Aung San Suu Kyi, centre, and Frank Lowy, left, at the Lowy Institute in 2013. Credit:Peter Morris/Lowy Institute More than 350 colleagues and supporters of Dr Turnell, a professor of economics at Macquarie University, have signed the petition in the hope of diplomatic breakthrough. His credibility and ethics are exemplary, the petition states. His detention is unjustified. We call for his immediate release, without charge. Residents enjoying the snow in Houston, Texas on Monday Millions were left without power as a winter storm gripped the southern and central United States Tuesday with record-low temperatures in ill-prepared areas, and a tornado claiming three lives. More than 20 storm-related deaths have been registered so far, including in traffic accidents in Texas, Kentucky and Missouri, according to local media. In hardest-hit Texaswhere freezing conditions prompted utility companies to implement rotating blackoutsa woman and girl died from carbon monoxide poisoning after using a car to generate heat, according to NBC News. In Houston on Monday, a homeless man was killed "possibly from exposure," according to the Harris County Sheriff's Department, and the city's police chief said another man had been found dead after potential exposure to low temperatures. A man in Louisiana died when he hit his head after slipping on ice, and a 10-year-old Tennessee boy died after he and his six-year-old sister fell through the ice into a pond Sunday. President Joe Biden on Tuesday vowed to provide additional emergency resources for those affected by the "historic storm." He also thanked "road workers, highway patrol officers, and first responders who are taking swift action in horrific conditions to save lives," according to a White House statement. Residents clear snow from a sidewalk on February 16, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois The winter storm spawned at least four tornadoes, according to Atlanta-based weather.com, including one in coastal North Carolina late Monday that killed at least three people and injured 10 more. "It is estimated that at least 50 homes were affected in the incident and several power lines were damaged, causing power outages," Brunswick County Emergency Services said in a statement. Photos and video broadcast by US media showed downed trees, flattened homes and smashed cars. According to the Poweroutage.us tracking site, more than three million residential, commercial and industrial customers were without electricity in Texas as of Tuesday evening. Plow shortage In the state capital Austin, the temperature dropped to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius)well below February's average low of 45F. By contrast, thermometers in Anchorage, Alaska read 20F. Ducks huddle under a Houston bench Rare wintry scenes played out in Houston, where locals built snowmen and sledded. "It's lovely to see the white but very dangerous at the same time because people here don't know how to drive in it," Houston resident Michael, who only gave his first name, told AFP. "You know they're driving too fast." In Mississippi, residents woke up to discover much of the Deep South state transformed into a snow-and-ice-covered landscape. Authorities were reportedly struggling to clear roads, as they did not have snow plows because the state so rarely needs them. Officials across the US urged residents to exercise caution in navigating the perilous conditions. Weather-related emergencies have been declared in Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Mississippi and Oregonwhere nearly 200,000 customers were without power. The storm is expected to head to the northeastern US and on to Canada The National Weather Service (NWS) said the winter storm will move towards the northeast US before "making a beeline for eastern Canada." "But not before it causes heavy snow and freezing rain in parts of the eastern Great Lakes and New England," the NWS said. New York governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday ordered emergency services to prepare for sleet, ice and freezing rain. "This massive weather system is making its way across the country and ready to deliver a one-two punch of snow, ice and heavy winds across the entire state for the next two days," he said in a statement. Further inland, Chicago was expecting to see up to 14 inches of snow before the end of the cold snap. The weather had caused almost 60 flight cancelations at local airports by Tuesday morning, the local ABC affiliate reported. Explore further At least three dead in North Carolina tornado 2021 AFP Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Countering piracy in the Gulf of Guinea requires not only regional, but global cooperation, as the lion's share of vessels coming under attacks in the region are foreign ones, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey told Sputnik in an interview MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th February, 2021) Countering piracy in the Gulf of Guinea requires not only regional, but global cooperation, as the lion's share of vessels coming under attacks in the region are foreign ones, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey told Sputnik in an interview. The Gulf of Guinea in West Africa has been an epicenter of piracy. In 2020, 95 percent of all maritime kidnapping incidents happened in this region, which is also an important route for transporting oil, gas and other goods. In January, the European Union unveiled its coordinated maritime presence concept in the Gulf of Guinea to enhance coordination between member states' assets operating in the troublesome region. "We believe that not only the EU, but other partners too, like Russia, based on the interests of Russia, could look into how it could help the countries of the Gulf of Guinea to better fight maritime insecurity because this insecurity does not only affect the countries of the Gulf of Guinea. The majority of ships that come under attack of the pirates are foreign ships," Dussey said. In 2016, the minister recalled, the African Union convened the first extraordinary summit on maritime security. Back then, the member states adopted a special charter, which has yet to be ratified by several nations. According to the diplomat, political will and collective efforts of all Gulf of Guinea countries are needed to fight piracy in the region, as no nation could succeed in it on its own. "We need to move toward information sharing between the different zones, different states to assure collective security in the Gulf ... The difficulty that we face is a lack of coordination, of desire to work together against insecurity," Dussey continued, noting that African nations do not necessarily have to create a joint force to succeed in fighting piracy. The problem is that now every country monitors only its own coast, "which is good but not enough," as not all nations have the same capabilities of arresting and fighting pirates, he explained. If they cannot do it properly, Dussey noted, "piracy continues, and that's what is happening now." ON THE weekend of February 6, third-level students returned in their droves to Galway city for the start of the second semester. Dr Eoin Mac Donncha, director of the health centre at NUI Galway, last week referred more than 200 students for a Covid-19 test, with around 45pc coming back positive. Were seeing the virus spread much faster in student accommodation this time around with the new UK strain and its happening in residences both on and off campus, and in houses on both sides of the River Corrib, he told the Irish Independent. Thousands of students are currently living on university campuses across the country, but the majority of lessons are being carried out remotely. Read More So why has a major outbreak occurred in Galway, with 135 students testing positive and dozens more awaiting results? Students congregating is a big issue here, whereas students in the likes of Dublin are far more dispersed, Dr Mac Donncha said. Student accommodation both private and on campus tends to be fairly densely packed into a small area in the city, both on the west and east side of the Corrib. If infection gets into any of those settings, even for students who arent socialising, it can spread much more rapidly. The majority of students are being good and sticking to the guidance, but there is a minority who arent and having house parties and socialising when they shouldnt be. Despite the majority of lessons now being conducted online, NUI Galway students union president Padraic Toomey said dodgy rural broadband and a lack of study space at home was a factor in people returning to their rented accommodation this month. House gatherings, shared accommodation and a handful of students defying the code of conduct have resulted in cases being reported at some Irish colleges. Gardai confirmed they attended a number of properties in Galway city over the last two weeks due to large gatherings, but its understood the majority of these werent student-related. In Limerick, off-campus gatherings have proven to be a problem during the course of the pandemic. The Department of Health announced on Monday that around 120 students from the University of Limerick have tested positive. A spokesperson for UL confirmed to the Irish Independent that a small number of students have also been sanctioned since January after they were officially reported, investigated and found to have broken the UL code of conduct relating to the current Covid-19 environment. There are around 1,500 people living on-campus at the university presently but no cases of Covid-19 have been identified among these students. It is understood the majority of cases linked to UL were recorded in off-campus housing estates. A number of students have received sanctions from the gardai ranging from fines to anti-social behaviour notifications, UL confirmed. UL president professor Kerstin Mey stressed to students: This is a critical time in the pandemic our hospitals and frontline workers are under siege and we all must do everything we can to protect them. In the capital, both Dublin City University and University College Dublin confirmed they have no positive cases among students at this point. There are currently 555 students living on campus at DCUs Glasnevin residence, while it is understood around 1,400 students are living on site at UCD. Both colleges have additional security in place in the evenings and are not allowing any external visitors. Trinity College Dublin confirmed there was an outbreak linked to its Goldsmith Hall residence, one of the colleges off-campus accommodation units. A total of 10 cases were identified and all staff and residents were subsequently tested. There are 1,066 students living on campus at TCD. Dr David McGrath, director of Trinitys college health service, said: Weve got 20,000 students and a small number of cases. Its been extremely difficult as no student in their teens or early 20s wants to be locked down. In general, the behaviour has been excellent. At Maynooth University, two staff members tested positive last week but there have been no cases identified in students. University College Cork also has no known outbreaks and its on-campus accommodation is only 60pc occupied. Read More Paula Grace Peele and Lindsay Fox attend the NGV Gala 2018 at National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 1, 2018. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images for NGV) Billionaire Businessmen Offer to Build Quarantine Facilities in Australia Two Australian states with the support of two of the countrys wealthiest men are pushing for purpose-built CCP virus quarantine facilities to be developed outside of Queenslands and Victorias capital cities. The move comes amid a push by the Labor states for the federal government to take over the quarantine system after the Queensland government called for quarantine hubs to be set up away from the major cities. The Queensland and Victorian governments have confirmed that talks are underway and a proposal has been put to the federal government for the construction of purpose-built facilities. Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles gave a press conference alongside Treasurer Cameron Dick and construction materials billionaire John Wagner from the site of one of the proposed facilities at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport on Tuesday. Miles confirmed the state government has been facilitating between Wagner and the federal government, which is considering the proposal. Deputy Premier Steven Miles speaks at a press conference at an ambulance station on Bribie Island north of Brisbane, Australia on Oct. 12, 2020. (Jono Searle/Getty Images) The ball is largely in the federal governments court now, Miles said. Weve put forward a lot of information. Weve answered a lot of questions. And now its up to the federal government to decide whether they will act to keep communities safe. The proposed Queensland facility will house 1,000 returned Australians and will be built by Wagner who said he had not asked any level of government for funding. Its a user pays facility, so its self-funding. There is no money coming from the state and federal governments, Wagner said. However, he also said the facility would charge the Queensland government per person according to the published flat rate listed on the Queensland Health website. He said Queensland would then on-charge to the federal government, I assume. When asked why the facility was necessary given Queenslands record of containing virus outbreaks, Wagner said, Because I think this quarantine thing is going to go on for quite some time. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks to the media in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 16, 2021. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Meanwhile, in Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said a senior group of officials endorsed by cabinet were looking into a similar purpose-built quarantine centre at several locations, with either Avalon Airport near Geelong or Tullamarine Airport as the most promising. The Victorian facility would be based on the Howard Springs model in the Northern Territory and provide a lower-risk option than hotel quarantine. People would be in the same location but would not be sharing the same spaces, so theyre not under the same roofline, Andrews said on Tuesday. It would be a cabin-style, village-style environment where there would be fresh air where there would be not zero risk, but lower risk. He added: I think there is a compelling argument for this, not just in Melbourne; not just in the Northern Territory. Andrews wants national cabinet to discuss what can be done in light of the UK variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Workers assist people leaving the Holiday Inn in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 16, 2021. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) The hotel quarantine system has failed twice in Victoria, leading to strict lockdowns which lasted for months in 2020, and another 5-day lockdown in February. Avalon Airport provides more space for the facility, and its owner, billionaire Lindsay Fox, owner of the Linfox Group, confirmed with Australias public broadcaster that he has been in talks with the state government about the construction of a facility. The ABC reported that Avalon Airports chief executive Justin Giddings said the Andrews government approached him late on Monday night with the idea. I think this is a really good idea. No-one has said no, everyone has been really receptive. Everyone Ive spoken to has been very positive, Giddings said. We are 10 kilometres from any residential towns. This area would be located well away from other passengers and is a secure environment. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Even the experts were startled by the remarkable success of the two first-of-their-kind messenger RNA vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech against COVID-19. "If you had told me before that there would be 95% effectiveness for these vaccines, I'd have said you were dreaming," says Andrew Pekosz, a professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Their adaptability for infectious threats beyond COVID-19, too, is something vaccine researchers have dreamed of. mRNA vaccines exploit the system our cells use to make proteins. Our cells make proteins based on information in our DNA: Each gene codes for a particular protein. That genetic information is essential, but cells can't do anything with it until mRNA molecules translate it into instructions for making specific proteins. That's what mRNA vaccines deliver: ready-made mRNA instructions for making a specific protein. In the case of these new COVID-19 vaccines, the instructions are for making the "spike," or S, protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Vaccines that deliver the S protein stimulate the same protective antibody response that exposure to the actual virus does. But mRNA vaccines provoke an especially robust immune response, Pekosz notes, because our own bodies make the protein. "When our cells express a foreign protein, that is a trigger for different types of immune cells to be recruited and contribute to the response," he says. This includes both antibody-secreting B cells and the T cells that hunt and kill infected cells. But can that protection stand up to new variants of the virussuch as the now-widespread "UK variant," which is estimated to be 40%70% more transmissible? "So far, it looks like the mutations that are in the spike protein in these different variants are not going to let the virus escape the vaccine," says Gigi Gronvall, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. But this could changeparticularly as SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread throughout the world, with each new host creating opportunities for mutation. If these mutations notably alter the protein's structure, new variants could elude the antibodies elicited by vaccines for other variants. Fortunately, mRNA vaccines are well-suited for keeping up with sudden changes in the viral landscape. The mRNA itself is manufactured via a standardized process in which the core ingredient is a DNA sequence encoding a specific viral protein. This means vaccine makers can update the vaccine to fend off new strains by simply tweaking the "recipe" to encode a new protein. "If this virus becomes endemic, it might be that new vaccine variants will need to be rolled out to match the variants that take root," Gronvall says, pointing to seasonal flu shots as a parallel. For his part, Pekosz sees potential in this approach for fending off the highly variable influenza virus. Efforts are already underway to develop "universal" flu vaccines based on mRNAs that train the immune system to fight diverse strains of seasonal or pandemic flu. The extra immune firepower mRNA vaccines provide could also yield more durable protection. "We could probably generate a flu vaccine that could theoretically protect us for five years instead of just one," Pekosz says. Indeed, he believes the COVID-19 vaccine effort's success heralds a bright future in the fight against other pathogens. "If it's on the outside of a virus, then this technology makes it really easy to swap that sequence in and generate an immune response [against it]," says Pekosz. ADVERTISE Hypebot & MusicThinkTank With the internet and digital technologies driving rapid change within the music industry, articles about new releases and who has been hired and fired are no longer enough. Our up to the minute industry news alongside insightful commentary helps our readers sift through the rumors and developments to find the information they need to keep their businesses moving forward. Hypebot is read daily by more than 30,000 music industry professionals including executives and senior staff of music related tech firms, internet based music sites, every major label group and most indies as well as many managers, artists and members of the live music community: Contact us for the latesst stats, ad rates and sponosorship opportunites. We also offer combined rates with MusicThinkTank. The extraordinary story of a married couple who changed the face of TV news with their live helicopter footage is told in a new documentary. Zoey Tur, then known as Bob, and wife Marika Gerrard captured some of the most memorable aerial footage of Los Angeles in the 1980s and 1990s, including the O.J. Simpson car case and the fatal mob beating of truck driver Reginald Denny during the LA Riots. In 2013 Tur publicly announced she was undergoing hormone therapy as part of a gender transition. She is now known as Zoey. Storyville documentary Whirlybird: Live Above LA, which aired on BBC Four last night, reveals how Tur and Gerrard became a two-man helicopter news team in the 1980s, finding success with live coverage of police raids, fires and car chases. Scroll down for video IN 1998: Zoey Tur, then known as Bob (pictured), and wife Marika Gerrard captured some of the most memorable aerial footage of Los Angeles in the 1980s and 1990s, including the O.J. Simpson car case and the fatal mob beating of truck driver Reginald Denny during the Riots TODAY: In 2013 Tur publicly announced she was undergoing hormone therapy as part of a gender transition. She is now known as Zoey, pictured in footage from the documentary Their success culminated in the coverage of the O.J. Simpson police chase. Tur and Gerrard were the first people on the scene and at one point 80million people were tuned into their coverage of the now notorious white Bronco It also explores how a combination of the stress of their high-pressure job and Tur's abusive behavior and gender dysphoria placed their marriage under immense strain and eventually led to its breakdown. The documentary, which includes footage from Tur and Gerrard's extensive archive, captures how Tur, who is referred to as Bob in portions of the documentary, was prone to explosive outbursts towards Gerrard and the rest of the team. 'Bob had certain expectations,' Gerrard explains. 'We had a lot of fights about how far out of the helicopter I was leaning. I didn't hang out far enough, or was I getting the right shot.' She says later: 'There was a lot of verbal abuse, for the most part. Bob needed to be in control, and he would get very upset if he couldn't control the situation, he would hit you, he would give you the silent treatment, he would scream.' At one point in the documentary Gerrard is heard screaming off camera, while Tur says: 'I don't know how to communicate with you with any other way than through violence'. The documentary, which includes footage from Tur and Gerrard's extensive archive, captures how Bob, as he is referred to in portions of the documentary before the transition, was prone to explosive outbursts towards Gerrard (pictured) and the rest of the team 'Bob had certain expectations,' Gerrard explains. 'We had a lot of fights about how far out of the helicopter I was leaning. I didn't hang out far enough, or was I getting the right shot.' Pictured, Gerrard leaning precariously out of a helicopter flown by Tur The couple, who have two children together including NBC journalist Katy Tur, started off as a breaking news freelance reporters under the company name of Los Angeles News Service. 'We became slaves to breaking news,' Tur explains. 'It was not unusual for me to drive 110, 120mph down a freeway to get to a breaking news scene. You can miss the greatest story in the world by a minute.... That's when I started thinking about helicopters.' Tur became a helicopter pilot while Gerrard acted as camerawoman. They were both hooked to the thrill of breaking news stories and chased the next big scoop together. 'One of the things I liked about breaking news was it diverted my mind from things that were going on,' says Zoey, referring to her battle with her gender identity. But over time the success brought out a more volatile side of Tur. Tur was on the scene to cover the wreckage of Aeromexico Flight 498 after it collided with another aircraft and crashed into the Los Angeles suburb of Cerritos, killing all 67 on both aircraft and 15 on the ground. Pictured, a still image from Tur's footage shown on TV 'Bob had developed this [on camera] persona,' Gerrard explains. 'The more attention he got, the more he felt he had to be perfect, and the more his being perfect meant that everyone around him had to be perfect.' The documentary hears from their children, who describe how the helicopter became an 'identity' and all-consuming for their parents as they chased their next big story. Zoey admits: 'I was so into it and so aggressive and so foolish, I blurred the lines between family and work.' Their success culminated in the coverage of the O.J. Simpson police chase. Tur and Gerrard were the first people on the scene and at one point 80million people were tuned into their coverage of the now notorious white Bronco. At one point in the documentary Gerrard is heard screaming off camera, while Tur says: 'I don't know how to communicate with you with any other way than through violence' Not long after, things began to fall apart. At 35, Tur suffered a heart attack and what she describes as an 'existential crisis'. Around the same time her mother Judy, credited with holding the family and Los Angeles News Service together, died. Gerrard also finally admitted that she could not continue in the abusive relationship. 'I realised I couldn't fix it and I had to get myself out of this moment,' she says. She adds: 'Maybe his toxic masculinity was a mask he put on. Was him trying to be a man. And the only man he knew was his father... And that's not him because he's not a man, she's a she, she's a woman.' At the end of the documentary Tur reveals the two children she shares with Gerrard, including NBC journalist Katy Tur, pictured, no longer speak to her, saying: 'I'm pretty much already dead to my kids' Zoey, who refers to Bob in the third person, admits she made mistakes that she deeply regrets. 'Bob had a lot of devil in him, because Bob was in a lot of pain,' she says. 'I hate talking in the third person, but its true. Bob was a very different person and I can look back and I get so disgusted with myself that I was once this kind of person.' She offers the experience of physical abuse in childhood at the hands of her father and the unhappiness of repressing her true nature as a woman as reasons for her outbursts. She adds: 'I regret, I regret, I regret every day some of the despicable things Ive done.' At the end of the documentary Tur reveals the two children she shares with Gerrard, no longer speak to her, saying: 'I'm pretty much already dead to my kids.' It is unclear whether this is driven by her behaviour, her transition, or both. Zoey adds: 'Rage served a purpose, but it is inconsistent with family life, it is inconsistent with friendship. It is not the way I choose to live my life now.' ALBION, MI -- Albion College has formed a new partnership with the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. The Michigan liberal arts colleges partnership with the medical school will offer students an eight-year educational program to earn a doctorate degree, according to a news release from Albion College. It marks the fifth undergraduate institution to secure a partnership with the Kalamazoo-based medical school. Students will have the opportunity to receive a bachelors degree from Albion and a doctorate in medicine from WMed with acceptance into both degree programs directly from high school, the release said. Since the pandemic began, weve seen significant increases in students looking to enter the medical field and serve their communities, Albion President Matthew Johnson said in the release. Putting that sense of public purpose into action is what an Albion education is all about. The Albion College and WMed joint admissions program will admit exceptionally qualified high school seniors from diverse backgrounds to both institutions at the same time. Albion College embraces not just diversity, inclusion and equity, but true belonging, the release said. This program also supports WMeds mission to build a diverse and inclusive environment that serves the medical needs of our communities specifically those from underrepresented groups in medicine (African American, Hispanic, and Native American). Albion College will become the fifth preferred relationship with WMed, which has already established partnerships with Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Grand Valley State University and Bowie State University in Maryland. The medical school is a collaboration between Western Michigan University and Kalamazoos two teaching hospitals, Ascension Borgess Hospital and Bronson Methodist Hospital. Named for Stryker Corp. founder Dr. Homer Stryker and made possible by a $100 million donation from William Johnston and Ronda Stryker, the school was established in 2012 and started its inaugural class of students in 2014. Students on the medical track at Albion College will develop cultural competence, communication skills, teamwork skills and social skills through meaningful community engagement. The program also promises to provide enrichment opportunities to Albion students to help them meet and maintain program standards for the M.D. program, the release said. Albion Colleges liberal arts education produces thoughtful and inquisitive students with a diverse set of skills who are able to think beyond traditional classroom instruction--all aspects that create successful medical students, said Dr. Hal Jenson, founding dean of WMed. At WMed, we prepare students for the medical profession by elevating learning opportunities, and this program is in alignment with that vision. Also on MLive: Western Michigan University launches pipeline program to diversify healthcare workforce See inside Western Michigans new $60M residence hall Will the pandemic be the final nail in the coffin for Michigans malls? Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Following the deal, Cloud Nine will change its name to Limitless Blockchain Technology Inc and complete a $5 million private placement The acquisition of Victory Squares assets will enable Cloud Nine to deliver unique products and services within the blockchain sector Ltd ( ) (OTCMKTS:CLGUF) has revealed it is getting into the cryptocurrency business. The company announced Tuesday that it had signed a letter of intent with ( ) ( ) to acquire intellectual property assets including Limitless Crypto, a user-based desktop cryptocurrency miner, in-home cryptocurrency mining machine MicroBlock Miner and the X2Crypto Wallet for desktop and mobile banking services. In connection with the C$6 million deal, Cloud Nine will change its name to Limitless Blockchain Technology Inc and complete a $5 million private placement. Vancouver-based Victory Square invests and incubates promising technology startups in the artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality and blockchain spaces. The acquisition of the Victory Squares assets will allow Cloud Nine to be at the forefront of technology and enable the company to deliver unique products and services within the blockchain sector, board member Kant Trivedi told investors. Cloud Nine works at the intersection of technology, data and human ingenuity to deliver consistent and quantifiable performance advantage to key markets undergoing a large scale disruptive change: Trading, Crypto-Finance, Validation, Funding and Payments, Trivedi said in a statement. We have spent the last six years connecting with and investing in some of the brightest, boldest and disruptive minds in the blockchain space, Victory Squares CEO Shafin Diamond Tejani said. VST has been quietly building up a stockpile of applications and IP while waiting for an inflection point in the space to start unleashing these applications to market. Tejani noted that the company found a great partner in Cloud Nine, with a strong team led by Kant Trivedi and Allan Larmour who both bring capital and network opportunities to commercialize the intellectual property assets. Deal terms Under the terms of the deal, Cloud Nine will issue Victory Square 4,411,765 shares priced at C$1.36 per share for a total consideration of C$6 million. The deal is expected to close by February 26, 2021. Cloud Nines C$5 million private placement will consist of up to 3,676,500 units priced at C$1.36 per unit, which is comprised of one share and one-half of one warrant exercisable at $1.75 for a 12-month period. Cloud Nine may accelerate the expiry date of the warrants if its shares are at or above $2.50 for ten consecutive trading days. The offering contains a 100% overallotment option exercisable at Cloud Nines discretion any time prior to closing. In connection with its name change to Limitless Blockchain Technology, the firm will change its ticker symbol to LIMX. Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International has died after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, the hotel chain announced. Mr Sorenson, 62, passed away on Monday just two weeks after the company said that he would temporarily reduce his schedule to facilitate more demanding treatment. His death was described as unexpected. Diagnosed with stage two pancreatic cancer in May 2019, he was undergoing treatment at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He was the third CEO in Marriotts history and the first without the Marriott surname, hired from outside of the founding family. Taking up the role in 2012, Mr Sorenson oversaw a period of strong growth, as well as the $13bn acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. In a statement, the company said that he was known for his leadership on difficult national and global issues, and steered the company to make significant progress on diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and human trafficking awareness. He also advocated for LGBT+ rights, opposing discriminatory legislation in both Indiana and North Carolina. In a November 2016 open letter to Donald Trump, he called on the president-elect to minimise divisiveness in the area of LGBT+ rights. Mr Sorenson also called on the then-incoming president to institute a major infrastructure investment plan and adopt a transparent approach to immigration. He spoke out against the travel ban on seven majority-Muslim countries when it was imposed in early 2017. A video message by Mr Sorenson in March 2020 drew attention for demonstrating leadership in a time of crisis as he addressed company associates at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Arne was an exceptional executive but more than that he was an exceptional human being, said JW Marriott Jr, executive chairman and chairman of the board of Marriott International. He continued: Arne loved every aspect of this business and relished time spent touring our hotels and meeting associates around the world. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate where the hospitality industry was headed and position Marriott for growth. But the roles he relished the most were as husband, father, brother, and friend. On behalf of the Board and Marriotts hundreds of thousands of associates around the world, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Arnes wife and four children. We share your heartbreak, and we will miss Arne deeply. When Mr Sorenson stepped back from full-time management in early February, Stephanie Linnartz, group president of consumer operations, technology, and emerging businesses, and Tony Capuano, group president of global development, design, and operations services, were asked to share responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the company. They will continue in this capacity until the board appoints a new CEO, which is expected to be within the next two weeks. The WHO and FDA are looking to the global flu vaccine system to make decisions around the COVID-19 shots. The makers of COVID-19 vaccines are figuring out how to tweak their recipes against worrisome virus mutations and regulators are looking to flu as a blueprint if and when the shots need an update. "Its not really something you can sort of flip a switch, do overnight," cautioned Richard Webby, who directs a World Health Organization flu center from St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Viruses mutate constantly, and it takes just the right combination of particular mutations to escape vaccination. But studies are raising concern that first-generation COVID-19 vaccines dont work as well against a mutant that first emerged in South Africa as they do against other versions circulating around the world. The good news: Many of the new COVID-19 vaccines are made with new, flexible technology thats easy to upgrade. Whats harder: Deciding if the virus has mutated enough that its time to modify vaccines and what changes to make. When do you pull the trigger? asked Norman Baylor, a former Food and Drug Administration vaccine chief. This is a moving target right now. Flu offers a model The WHO and FDA are looking to the global flu vaccine system in deciding how to handle similar decisions about COVID-19 shots. Influenza mutates much faster than the coronavirus , and flu shots have to be adjusted just about every year. National centers around the globe collect circulating flu viruses and track how theyre evolving. They send samples to WHO-designated labs for more sophisticated antigenic testing to determine vaccine strength. The WHO and regulators then agree on the years vaccine recipe and manufacturers get to work. For COVID-19 vaccines, Webby said a critical step is establishing a similar surveillance and testing network to flag the mutations that matter. Today, theres wide geographic variability in tracking and testing mutated versions. For example, Britain does more testing of the changing viral genome than the U.S. Three variants first discovered in Britain, South Africa and Brazil are worrisome because of combinations of mutations that make them more contagious. On Sunday, U.S. researchers reported a still different mutation found in seven variants that have cropped up in several states. No one yet knows if this mutation makes the virus easier to spread but the report, not yet vetted by other scientists, urges further research to find out. coronavirus variants worsen spread" width="1280" height="720" /> Just because a variant is more contagious doesnt mean it also will be impervious to vaccination. But the variant first identified in South Africa is raising concerns. Columbia Universitys David Ho put blood samples from people given the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines into lab dishes with the mutated virus. Vaccine-produced antibodies still protected, but they were much less potent. Preliminary test results of two other vaccine candidates from Novavax and Johnson & Johnson soon backed up those findings. Both still protected but were weaker when tested in South Africa, where that variant dominates, than when tested elsewhere. A far smaller test of the AstraZeneca vaccine in South Africa has raised questions about its effect. If the virus were able to make an additional mutation or two, it could escape even more, Ho warned. The real red flag If fully immunized people start getting hospitalized with mutated virus, thats when the line gets crossed, said Dr. Paul Offit, a Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia vaccine expert who advises the FDA. That hasnt happened yet, but we should get ready, he added. Moderna is about to explore one option: Could a third dose of the original vaccine boost immunity enough to fend off some variants even if its not an exact match? Columbias Ho said its a good idea to test because people may still have plenty of cushion if their overall antibody levels are very high. Adjusting the recipe Major manufacturers also are developing experimental variant vaccines, just in case. COVID-19 vaccines produce antibodies that recognize the spike protein that coats the coronavirus . When the virus mutates, sometimes the spike protein is changed in key areas so the vaccine-produced antibodies have a harder time recognizing it. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are made with a piece of genetic code called messenger RNA that tells the body how to make some harmless copies of the spike protein that train immune cells. To update the vaccine, they can simply change the payload: swap out the original genetic code with mRNA for the mutated spike protein. The AstraZeneca vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson shot expected to roll out soon are made with cold viruses engineered to sneak a spike protein gene into the body. Adjusting their vaccines requires growing cold viruses with the mutated gene, a little more complex than the mRNA approach but not nearly as laborious as reformulating old-fashioned flu shots. The Novavax vaccine also in final-stage testing is made with a lab-grown copy of the spike protein that also could be tweaked to match mutations. First-generation COVID-19 vaccines were tested in tens of thousands of people to be sure they work and are safe research that took many months. Simply changing the recipe to better target virus mutations wont require repeating those studies in thousands of people, Dr. Peter Marks, the FDAs vaccine chief, recently told the American Medical Association. FDA still is finalizing requirements, but Marks said the agency intends to be pretty nimble. If an updated vaccine is needed, tests in a few hundred people likely would be enough to tell if it triggers a good immune response, he said. But an even bigger question: If only some places face vaccine-resistant virus mutants, would authorities want variant-only shots or vaccines that protect against two kinds in one jab? After all, flu vaccines protect against three or four different types in one shot. Companies would first have to perform some basic research to be sure a variant-only version properly revs up the immune system, said the Immunization Action Coalitions John Grabenstein, a former Merck vaccine executive. Then a combination shot would need more testing to be sure theres an equal response to both types. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 LONDON (AP) British police have fined dozens of people for breaking coronavirus restrictions after officers found 150 guests packed into an illegal nightclub in England over the weekend. Officers who forced their way into a building in the city of Birmingham on Saturday night discovered the makeshift club with a bar, VIP area and a dance room with a DJ, West Midlands Police said. About 150 people occupied two floors of the building, the police force said Monday. A police video taken with drones showed people trying to flee from the rooftop early Sunday. Police said about 50 people managed to get away, but around 70 were issued 200-pound ($278) fines. The DJ could face a 10,000-pound fine ($13,882.) Wet Midlands Police on Saturday also discovered a garage workshop nearby that had been turned into a mini pub, with a sign on the wall dubbing it The Covid Arms. About a dozen drinkers were allowed to leave, but the owner was fined. The department urged people to remember that England remains under a lockdown and that the virus is still a threat despite the U.K.s vaccine program. Britain has been in a third national lockdown since early January to curb the rapid spread of a more transmissible variant of the coronavirus. Restaurants and pubs can only operate takeaway food services. She was famed for her abrasive presenting style when dispatching contestants on The Weakest Link. But Anne Robinson has nothing but nice things to say about her two new Countdown co-stars as she prepares to take the reins from departing host Nick Hewer. She said on Monday, following the announcement that she'd be joining the show: 'I am beyond thrilled to be joining Countdown. The show is almost as old as I am and just as historic. 'I'll make do with this old one!' New Countdown host Anne Robinson quips 'there's no time for a facelift' as she prepares to work with 'younger, prettier' Rachel Riley and Susie Dent 'I am particularly excited to be working alongside the show's two other formidable women.' Referencing maths whiz Rachel Riley, 35, and lexicographer Susie Dent, 56, Anne, 76, added: 'Worryingly, Susie and Rachel are not only very smart but younger, prettier and thinner than me. 'Sadly, there's no time for another facelift so I'll have make do with this old one.' Anne was making a tongue-in-cheek reference to her famed plastic surgery, having spent thousands on facelifts in the past. The former Points Of View presenter also vowed to 'tone down my nastiness', speaking on Steph's Packed Lunch. Trio: Referencing maths whiz Rachel, 35, and lexicographer Susie, 56, Anne, 76, added - 'Worryingly, Susie and Rachel are not only very smart but younger, prettier and thinner than me' Anne added: 'I am particularly excited to be working alongside the show's two other formidable women' Outgoing: Nick was snapped shortly after the announcement was made about his replacement 'I really have been practising to be nice... not always successfully. But I am going to tone down my nastiness... sort of,' she said. Nick was snapped shortly after the announcement was made about his replacement. Wearing a trench coat and carrying a briefcase, Nick seemed in a cheery mood as he left a taping of the show at Media City in Salford. He announced in December that he was quitting the quiz show after ten years in the hot seat and Anne is expected to appear in the new all-woman line-up in a few months time. Dapper: Wearing a trench coat and carrying a briefcase, Nick seemed in a cheery mood as he left a taping of the show at Media City in Salford New appointment: The former Points Of View presenter also vowed to 'tone down my nastiness', speaking on Steph's Packed Lunch Anne added to Steph McGovern on Monday: 'I want to rename [the show] Three Clever Girls Do Countdown.' Asked if shes a fan of conundrums, she added: 'I love anagrams. I do The Times crossword every day. Im not very good at adding up or subtracting 'Ill tell you whats great about this show, its very clever contestants who have to work at speed. I think thats whats most impressive, they do it within 30 seconds.' He's off: Hewer has presented Countdown since 2012, but he has made the decision to step down as host after taking a temporary break in order to shield from the spread of coronavirus at home Well done: Confirmation of her appointment on the Channel 4 staple was made on Monday morning's edition of Steph's Packed Lunch, where her name formed a Countdown inspired conundrum Reaching out: Former Countdown star Carol Vorderman, who worked as the show's resident math's whizz from 1982 to 2008, was among those on hand to congratulate Robinson Congratulations: Show bookworm Susie Dent also reached out to Robinson on Monday afternoon Robinson also told Steph shes slightly scared of Susie and Rachel's brains, adding: 'The three of us will transform things, it will be Countdown goes chic, wont it?!' And she sent a message to viewers, saying: 'Keep watching and please can we have some female contestants?' Steph asked how she feels about returning to TV, with Robinson saying: 'I feel more at home on the telly than I do anywhere else. Im delighted. 'I did slightly hope, with diversity, I might take over from Gary Lineker on Match of the Day but then the Countdown request came and its much better.' Robinson also confirmed shell be on screen later this year, telling viewers: 'Youll start seeing us three clever girls early summer.' Divided: News of Robinson's arrival sparked a mixed response among viewers of the show, with some calling it an inspired appointment, while others claimed Robinson was too old The presenter became a familiar presence on TV screens after fronting BBC show's What The Papers Say, Watchdog and Points Of View during the 1980s, '90s and 2000s. But it was her straight-talking approach and popular catchphrase on The Weakest Link that helped turn her into a household name. Running from 2000 to 2012, the hugely successful show was syndicated across the world and became renowned for Robinson's famous sign-off - 'You are the Weakest Link, goodbye.' Old times: Robinson became a familiar presence on TV screens after fronting BBC show's What The Papers Say, Watchdog and Points Of View (pictured hosting What The Papers Say in 1982) Success: But it was her straight-talking approach and popular catchphrase on The Weakest Link that helped turn her into a household name Former Countdown star Carol Vorderman, who worked as the show's resident math's whizz from 1982 to 2008, was among those on hand to congratulate Robinson. 'Wishing lovely Anne the very best on Countdown,' she tweeted. 'I hope your time on the show is as happy as mine was for so very many years. Only the happiest of memories.' Show bookworm Susie Dent added: 'A big day for Countdown as we welcome a new member into the best TV family in the world (I may be biased).' Can't wait: Speaking live on Steph's Packed Lunch, Robinson told host Steph McGovern shes excited to be joining show regulars Rachel Riley and Susie Dent Fearful: Robinson also told Steph shes slightly scared of Susie and Rachels brains, adding, 'The three of us will transform things, it will be Countdown goes chic, wont it?!' COUNTDOWN - THE PRESENTERS SO FAR Richard Whiteley: 1982-2005 Des Lynam: 2005-2006 Des O'Connor: 2007-2008 Jeff Stelling: 2009-2011 Nick Hewer: 2012-2021 Anne Robinson: 2021- Advertisement However news of Robinson's arrival sparked a mixed response among viewers of the show, with some calling it an inspired appointment, while others claimed Robinson was too old. Taking to Twitter, one wrote: 'So excited!! Anne Robinson is the prefect choice' While another commented: 'Countdown go edgy and leftfield with their next host, the very experience autumn-chicken Anne Robinson.' A third, less enthused viewer, added: 'It must be April Fools Day. She is 76.' Evidently in agreement, a fourth wrote: 'I can see Anne Robinson working well on Countdown. She can do light just as well as stern. 'Probably a bit old however - not to do her down, but I can't see her wanting to do more than a couple of years. She's 76 already.' Outgoing host Hewer confirmed his departure from the show in December following a nine year spell as its regular presenter. Farewell: Outgoing host Hewer confirmed his departure from the show in December following a nine year spell as its regular presenter Hewer, 76, had been temporarily replaced by Colin Murray while he shielded at home following the spread of coronavirus, but later revealed he will not be returning. Sharing a series of tweets, he wrote: 'Delighted to be back in the Countdown studio after another enforced lockdown, BUT this latest lockdown has given me an opportunity to consider my future life. 'Ive decided its a good time to step down at the end of my contract in the New Year.' Main man: Richard Whiteley hosted Countdown from its launch in 1982 until his death in 2005 Difference of opinion: Fans of the show continued to air their thoughts on Twitter following Robison's announcement All change: Des Lynam took over following Whiteley's death, with the presenter asking the questions from 2005 to 2006 Her added: 'As someone in his 77th year, who will be in his 10th year hosting the great British institution that is Countdown, I think its time to smell the flowers and get a dog. 'But let me now take the opportunity to say that its been a privilege and a pleasure to take the helm of Countdown, first broadcast back in 1982 and still a Guinness record holder. 'Although Ill be on your screens well into 2021, let me thank the broadcasters Channel 4, the truly dedicated and unwaveringly professional studio crew and production staff at ITV Studios who make the programmes, all 250 or so a year. 'My wonderfully talented co-hosts Susie Dent and Rachel Riley but above all, the quirky genius of producer Damian Eadie, who never ceases to amuse and who always demands the best of us. 'And a sincere thanks to our loyal viewers and of course the legions of contestants who battle their brains out for the chance of carrying off the Richard Whiteley Trophy or a priceless teapot. 'And so, to whoever takes my seat, I wish you every success and hope that you have as much fun and reward as Ive enjoyed.' My turn: The late Des O'Connor hosted the long-running show from 2007 to 2008 Stepping in: He was followed by Jeff Stelling, who acted as Countdown host from 2009 until 2011, with Nick Hewer taking over the following year Robinson becomes the show's sixth full time presenter, following original hos Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O'Connor, Jeff Stelling and the outgoing Hewer. The show launched with Channel 4 on November 2nd 1982 and has become something of an institution during its 39 year run. It was the first programme to be screened on 4, with 81 series and over 7,000 episodes airing to date. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Otero County Commissioner and Cowboys for Trump founder Couy Griffin is being investigated by the New Mexico Attorney Generals Office on grounds he violated the Campaign Reporting Act and the Governmental Conduct Act, and that he allegedly committed embezzlement, racketeering, money laundering and making or permitting a false voucher for public funds. The office alleged Griffin misused campaign donations associated with Cowboys for Trump to pay child support for his son. Griffin has demonstrably taken official acts for personal financial interest, submitted a false public voucher and, on one known occasion, has used funds from a C4T bank account to pay for personal expenses, including his child support obligations, according to court filings. In each of these cases, Griffin has associated criminality with his organization, Cowboys for Trump. The extent of his criminal activity is the subject of this investigation. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Search warrants filed by the AGs Office earlier this month show the office is searching GoFundMe accounts associated with Cowboys for Trump, Griffin and Casey Conlee established since Jan. 20, 2019. Conlee set up the original Cowboys for Trump GoFundMe page, court records show. The C4T GoFundMe page states that all monies given will be a direct donation to founder Couy Griffin and will be used as Couy sees fit to move the organization forward, according to records. Cowboys for Trump also had a GoFundMe account set up in January 2020 to raise money for legal expenses. The Cowboys for Trump website was not operational Feb. 13. But when it was operational, it offered options to donate to the organization by direct donation or by purchasing merchandise. In July 2020, a check from a bank account for Cowboys for Trump was sent to Griffins ex-wife for child support. A copy of the check was included in the warrant packet. In August 2019, Griffin went to Washington, D.C., for a conference. Griffin chose to drive his own personal diesel-fueled pickup truck with large C4T stickers on the drivers and passenger side doors, court records state. Griffin left Sept. 7, 2019, and stopped off in New York City on Sept. 11, 2019, where he rode horseback while at Times Square, court records state. It should be noted that New York City is over 200 miles north of Washington, D.C., and Griffin had to pass Washington to get there. The extra trip to New York City exceeds the scope of the authorized travel, court records state. Griffin also met with then-President Donald Trump on Sept. 12, 2019. On Sept. 23, 2019, Griffin submitted a travel voucher for $3,237, which included straight per-diem, meaning he did not submit receipts for the trip. The State Auditor was notified of the voucher and launched an investigation. Otero Countys financial director told AG investigators that, following a records request for the vouchers and several complaints from citizens, Griffin voluntarily opted to pay the entire $3,237.48 back to Otero County, court records state. FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WaterFurnace International, Inc., the leading manufacturer of geothermal and water source heat pumps, introduces the PinnaCoilTM, now available standard on 7 Series residential geothermal heat pump models. PinnaCoil is an all-aluminum condenser coil that has anti-corrosive properties, an advanced tubing design that increases performance, and can provide a lower operating cost when compared to alternative coils.. Reliability, cost-savings, and environmental-friendly efficiency are all elements discerning homeowners seek in their HVAC systems, and WaterFurnace is proud to introduce PinnaCoil to further support current consumer demands. The new PinnaCoil, named to represent the peak in condenser coil technology in the company's premier 7 Series model, is made of all aluminum, one of the most environmentally friendly materials. It further enhances the reliability and durability of the 7 Series unit and replaces the previous copper condenser coil. Utilizing the premium PinnaCoil on 7 Series units exemplifies WaterFurnace's commitment to developing industry-leading water source heat pumps with advanced eco-friendly materials. The 7 Series is the preeminent unit within the WaterFurnace residential line. All units can ramp down to 20 percent of normal operation for ultra-efficient conditioning or up to 130 percent, for periods when extra cooling is needed. The capacity range is the industry's widest and can even eliminate the need for auxiliary heat. The 7 Series also utilizes Aurora, WaterFurnace's next-generation of controls, to continuously monitor and optimize operation. Aurora provides two-way communication between components, robust troubleshooting capabilities, and advanced communication protocols. To learn more about the WaterFurnace 7 Series, visit https://www.waterfurnace.com/residential/products/geothermal-heat-pumps/700a11. More Information: As part of NIBE Climate Solutions North America, WaterFurnace International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional geothermal and water source heat pumps. Although it earned a reputation as a leader in geothermal heat pumps, WaterFurnace has worked in recent years to innovate new technologies, integrate key trends and grow the core business to represent a portfolio of clean and sustainable solutions. WaterFurnace was founded in 1983, and the company is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. For the latest news and updates from WaterFurnace, connect with us on your favorite social media sites follow us on Twitter (@WaterFurnace), like us on Facebook, or view the WaterFurnace YouTube Channel. Additional information about the Company and its products is available at www.waterfurnace.com. Editorial Contact: Dez Wiercyski [email protected] SOURCE WaterFurnace International Related Links https://www.waterfurnace.com [February 16, 2021] Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of Two Airbus A320-200 Aircraft with Qanot Sharq Airlines (Uzbekistan) Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced today long-term lease placements for two used Airbus A320-200 aircraft with Qanot Sharq Airlines (Uzbekistan), scheduled to deliver this March. This will be the first two aircraft in the fleet of the Uzbek startup airline. "ALC is pleased to announce this lease placement of two A320-200s with Qanot Sharq Airlines," said AJ Abedin, Vice President, Marketing of Air Lease Corporation. "We have worked closely with the Qanot Sharq executive team and are thrilled to participate in the launch of the first Uzbek startup airline through the placement of their first two aircraft." "We are honored and excited to work with one of the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world to assist with the launch of our airline," said Nosir Abdugafarov, owner of Qanot Sharq Airlines. "These two A320-200s are scheduled to deliver in March and will be the first two aircraft in Qanot Sharq's fleet, ensuring the highest standard of safety and comfort for our passengers." Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based oncurrent expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. ALC routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the "Investors" section of ALC's website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult the ALC website regularly for important information about ALC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALC's website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release. About Qanot Sharq Airlines Established as the first privately owned airline in Uzbekistan, Qanot Sharq is led by a team of highly accomplished airline industry professionals with over 200 years of combined industry experience. The airline will operate from multiple regional airports in Uzbekistan, providing scheduled air service to international destinations such as Istanbul, Ankara (Turkey), Dubai (UAE), Jeddah, Medina (Saudi Arabia), Moscow, St. Petersburg (Russian Federation) and Almaty (Kazakhstan). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006101/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi: Delhi Development Authoritys (DDA) Housing Scheme application window will end on February 16. The DDA plans to hold the draw of lots on March 3. For its 1,354 flats that have been on sale under Housing Scheme 2021, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has received 26,365 applications so far. The applications were mostly in the high-income group (HIG) and middle-income group (MIG) categories. The DDA has received over 6,000 applications for its 1,011 HIG and MIG category flats, payments were given as well. A total of 254 HIG flats are located in Jasola, Vasant Kunj, Rohini and Dwarka and there are 757 two- and three-bedroom MIG flats. Apart from the location of these flats, the quality of construction, facilities at the housing complex, two parking slots per flat (in HIG complexes) are a few of the reasons why people are keen on applying for these flats, DDA officials said. Hindustan Times quoted DDA officials saying, These are spacious flats, located on the Delhi-Noida border and well-connected with the rest of the city via the Metro and other public transport systems. There is a dual piping system as the complex has its own sewage treatment plant. The most important thing is that each flat has two parking slots. The 2.14 crore cost is as per the market rate. Live TV Toolkit case: Arrested activist Disha Ravi gets access to FIR, warm clothes, family time India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Feb 16: A Delhi court on Tuesday allowed climate activist Disha Ravi to access the copy of the FIR and other documents related to her arrest in the farmers' protest Toolkit case. The court also granted her access to warm clothes, masks, books etc, and allowed her to speak to her mother, other family members. According to the court order, Disha, during the police custody, will be allowed to speak with her lawyer for 30 mins and to her family for 15 mins, on a daily basis. The activist was arrested from Bengaluru on Saturday by the Delhi Police for allegedly creating and sharing a protest toolkit backing the farmers'' agitation against the Centre''s new agri laws. What is toolkit, how is that linked to farmers' protest? Ravi along with Mumbai lawyer Nikita Jacob and Pune engineer Shantanu Muluk created the toolkit and shared it with others to tarnish India''s image, the Delhi Police had said on Monday. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News Police claimed that she had sent the toolkit to teen climate activist Greta Thunberg through the Telegram app, and also "coaxed her to act on it". Non-bailable warrants have been issued against Jacob and Muluk, who are absconding. Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen will be on a visit to India from February 16-19 during which he will hold talks with External Affairs Minister on a range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interest. Mekonnen, who is to arrive late Tuesday evening, will hold talks with Jaishankar on Friday and head back the same day. The Ethiopian deputy prime minister, along with Jaishankar, will also inaugurate the new chancery and residence on Thursday, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). They are expected to discuss a range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interest. (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.) Central to Jaguar Land Rovers Reimagine plan is the electrification of both Land Rover and Jaguar brands on separate architectures with two clear, unique personalities. Jaguar and Land Rover will offer pure electric power, nameplate by nameplate, by 2030. By this time, in addition to 100% of Jaguar sales, it is anticipated that around 60% of Land Rovers sold will be equipped with zero tailpipe powertrains. In the next five years, Land Rover will introduce six pure electric variants through its three families of of luxury SUVs: Range Rover, Discovery and Defender. The first all-electric variant will arrive in 2024. By the middle of this decade, Jaguar will have undergone a renaissance to emerge as a pure electric luxury brand with a new portfolio. Although the nameplate may be retained, the planned Jaguar XJ replacement will not form part of the line-up, as the brand looks to realize its unique potential. Key to establishing different personalities for the two brands is the new architecture strategy. Land Rover will use the forthcoming flex Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA). It will deliver electrified internal combustion engines (ICE) and full electric variants as the company evolves its product line-up in the future. In addition, Land Rover will also use pure electric biased Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) which will also support advanced electrified ICE. Future Jaguar models will be built exclusively on a pure electric architecture. Jaguar Land Rovers aim is to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039. As part of this ambition, the company is also preparing for the expected adoption of clean fuel-cell power in line with a maturing of the hydrogen economy. Development is already underway with prototypes arriving on UK roads within the next 12 months as part of the long-term investment program. Annual commitments of around 2.5 billion (US$3.5 billion) will include investments in electrification technologies and the development of connected services, alongside data-centric technologies that will further improve their ownership ecosystem. Reimagine is designed to deliver simplification too. By consolidating the number of platforms and models being produced per plant, the company will be able to establish new benchmark standards in efficient scale and quality for the luxury sector. Such an approach will help rationalize sourcing and accelerate investments in local circular economy supply chains. From a core manufacturing perspective that means Jaguar Land Rover will retain its plant and assembly facilities in the home UK market and around the world. As well as being the manufacturer of the MLA architecture, Solihull, West Midlands will also be the home to the future advanced Jaguar pure electric platform. Jaguar Land Rover has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, in which Tata Sons is the largest shareholder, since 2008. Iram Parveen Bilals newest feature, Ill Meet You There, tells a novel story: A young Pakistani-American woman, Dua (played by Nikita Tewani), wants to pursue a career in dance, a path that would be frowned upon in Pakistan. Instead, her immigrant father, a Chicago police officer named Majeed, encourages her to follow her dream. At the same time, Majeed (Faran Tahir) is ordered to surveil a mosque essentially to spy on his people, including his father, who has incidentally chosen now to visit from Pakistan. The films story lines signal a departure from how Muslims and South Asians have typically been depicted in American cinema: Parents are usually painted as oppressive and rigid. Women are given very little agency. And thats, of course, assuming the exploration of Islam is not immediately linked to terrorism. Bilals film tells a story about being an American Muslim after the Sept. 11 attacks, an experience that can mean a cultural identity clash on multiple fronts. Bilal who was born in the United States but grew up in Nigeria and Pakistan wrote the script 10 years ago. But she began to raise financing in earnest in the early days of the Trump presidency. His administrations travel ban, which affected immigrants from several Muslim-majority countries and has since been rescinded, horrified her and renewed her desire to present Muslims in a different light onscreen. The movie received largely positive reviews when it was selected for South by Southwest last year (before that festival was canceled because of the pandemic). On Friday, the film was released on major streaming platforms. I do think I was just frustrated with the constant oppressed-Muslim-woman situation that is always pushed forward, Bilal, 37, said in a recent phone interview, referring to media portrayals in Western television and film. And all this sort of fresh but nuanced take is exactly why it has been so incredibly hard to get the film financed. Because that is not necessarily, I found, a narrative that was exciting for investors in the system to really support. Colorado House and Senate Democratic leaders Monday gave a brief glimpse at what the remaining 117 days of the 2021 session will look like. Were eager to return to session tomorrow and for all the right reasons, said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. Speaker of the House Alec Garnett, D-Denver, added that theyve continued to hear from communities about the economic and emotional hardships that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislature will be very focused on how to relieve that stress, Garnett said. But COVID-19 relief will not be the only issue at hand. Lawmakers are also concerned about the scandal in the states judicial branch, in which a former judicial employee received a $2.75 million contract to keep her from divulging personal misconduct involving at least 20 district court judges and administrators. Garcia indicated there are a variety of options for dealing with the problem, including interim committee or select committee hearings, or joint hearings with the judiciary committees in the House and Senate. Theres also the possibility of changes to the states open records or open meetings law, which the judicial branch has been exempt from for years. Another option is to change how judges are evaluated, Garcia said, a process that differs between how county judges are reviewed versus Supreme Court justices, for example. We need to put more light of day on that process ... that system obviously isnt functioning at a level we expect and is appropriate, he said. The state auditor is currently conducting an audit tied to the allegations. Its time for the judicial branch to go through cultural change, Garnett told reporters. When it comes to integrity and accountability, we take that seriously. Democratic leaders indicated that the 2021 session is not a do-over of 2020, when hundreds of bills were dismissed because of the priorities of dealing with the pandemic. Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said they will be looking at how to get back to normal. We will not only focus on direct need and assistance, but how to get the state on a better course to withstand these challenges. Among the challenges outside of the pandemic: transportation. Fenberg said the Senate will work on how to build the 21st century transportation system that would provide jobs and inject much-needed dollars into the economy. But the bills that went by the wayside in 2020 may need to go back to the drawing board, Fenberg said. The world has changed 10 different times since then. The goals are the same. The bills might not be, Fenberg explained. One of those bills: the public option. Fenberg said its sponsors have gone back to the drawing board and started over, and that the 2021 bill will look a lot different than the 2020 version. The goal, Fenberg said, is not to have a public option, and not for political purposes. Its to reduce healthcare costs, he said, calling the latest proposal promising. Another issue, and one raised during a town hall hosted by Colorado Politics and 9News last Friday: the census. The federal government announced last week that census data would not be available for redistricting purposes until Sept. 30, and that will create a conflict with Amendments Y and Z in the Colorado Constitution, approved by voters in 2018. Fenberg, who was one of the prime sponsors of the legislation that led to the ballot measures, said they have been talking with their Republican counterparts and outside groups. We never felt wed be in this situation, where the census data would be delayed so much, Fenberg said. The deadlines set forth by Y and Z are locked into the Constitution, and lawmakers are considering sending interrogatories to the Colorado Supreme Court to look for options on those deadlines. Whats important about those amendments, Fenberg explained, is that voters were not approving timelines and deadlines. They were voting for making redistricting and reapportionment independent, and with a process that will result in fair maps. Whatever the solution, we have to keep in mind the goals of the amendments. We cant have politicians or unelected staff drawing maps, he said. This needs public input. Fenberg noted that every state in the country is facing a similar situation. Were in uncharted territory. Democrats also dismissed the idea that the General Assembly would send a resolution to Congress seeking an investigation of the insurrection in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6. Garnett said they are proud of Colorados delegation that worked on the impeachment of President Trump, including Reps. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, Joe Neguse, D-Boulder, and Jason Crow, D-Aurora. We were all deeply disturbed about the events of January 6, but he added he wasnt sure a resolution from Colorado would tip the scales one way or the other," he said. This important partnership with IDF coincides with the start of the centenary celebrations of the discovery of insulin and takes forward Biocon Biologics mission of enabling affordable access to insulins to people with diabetes worldwide Biocon Biologics Ltd, a fully integrated pure play biosimilars company and a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd, is pleased to partner with The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) as the first biosimilar insulin company to promote and support IDFs core mission initiative and activities. This important partnership with IDF coincides with the start of the centenary celebrations of the discovery of insulin and takes forward Biocon Biologics mission of enabling affordable access to insulins to people with diabetes worldwide. Dr Alexander Zach, Global Head of Market Access & Policy, Biocon Biologics, said, We are delighted to partner with the International Diabetes Federation and contribute to a stronger global voice for people living with diabetes. Given our extensive experience in providing affordable insulins globally, we believe we can contribute and support IDF in driving real policy and access actions that will transform lives and diabetes care. Prof Andrew Boulton, President, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), said, It is with great pleasure that IDF welcomes Biocon Biologics as a new partner. This year, we celebrate the centenary of the development of therapeutic insulin in 1921 and next year its first successful use to treat a person with diabetes in 1922. Yet, 100 years after its discovery, this life-saving drug remains beyond the reach of many people with diabetes who need it. For IDF and our partners, the centenary of insulin will provide opportunities to raise awareness of diabetes, promote action to improve access to diabetes care and encourage greater effort to prevent diabetes and its complications. In a BBC News Africa interview in 2018, Obinwanne Okeke, said his mothers struggles and his promise to make her proud motivated his exploits in business. My mum was a teacher, I could see her daily struggles. I had promised myself to make her proud someday, he told the interviewer. In the 43-minutes interview, Mr Okeke described how he started and succeeded in businesses including IT, real estates, oil and gas and renewable energy. He said he started his first business at 16, a year after he lost his dad, a politician. I already had my business at 16 with I.T, creating websites for people. While I was applying for scholarships, I was making money on the other side, he said. A year after the interview, Mr Okeke was arrested over allegations of conspiracy with individuals, some of whom remain at large, to defraud American companies and individuals over a period of at least four years. The 33-year-old, also known as Invictus Obi, is standing trial for wire fraud in a Virginia Court and will be sentenced according to the U.S. guidelines on Tuesday. Long walk to jail At the initial stage of his arraignment, Mr Okeke denied involvement in the crime before a U.S. federal judge. But he later pleaded guilty to the allegation of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and last June agreed to cooperate with the American authorities. The guilty plea helped Mr Okeke, who was initially indicted on two counts of computer and wire fraud, to secure the withdrawal of the second charge that carries a lesser sentence and fines. As part of his deal with the U.S. government, he would enjoy immunity from prosecution on the same matter in the U.S. Eastern District of Virginia. The district will also confirm the validity of the plea agreement in case Mr Okeke is charged over the same offence in another jurisdiction. His sentencing, which was initially scheduled for October 22, 2020, will hold this Tuesday. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported how family members, an employee, a pastor, and others related to Mr Okeke have pleaded with the U.S. court for leniency ahead of his sentencing for wire fraud. However, the prosecution objected to the plea for a lower sentence than the law stipulates, instead, asking the court to impose a sentence that would serve as a deterrent to other criminally inclined persons. The prosecution is asking for a sentence not lower than 120 months in jail. Profile Mr Okeke, the youngest of 17 children, was born on November 9, 1987. His late dad had four wives. According to court documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, he was raised in Ukpo, a small village in Dunukofia LGA of Anambra State. ADVERTISEMENT PREMIUM TIMES learnt that due to his familys size and the environment in which he was raised, Mr Okeke had only basic necessities as a child. He once said the death of his father forced him to become independent at an early age. Despite the challenges, he earned his bachelors degree in International Relations from Monash University in South Africa and a masters degrees in Counter-Terrorism Studies from Monash University in Australia. He said his passion for International relations was borne out of his love for current affairs and his pursuit in post-graduate was inspired by the Boko-Haram insurgency which began in northeast Nigeria in 2009. Mr Okeke said he was part of the inaugural students when the course of study was introduced to the Australian university in 2012. According to court records, Mr Okeke was recognised with the Most Outstanding Student Award in International Studies as an undergraduate student at Monsah University in South Africa. His attorney, John Iweanoge, said Mr Okeke also served on the universitys student representative council as the Social Events Coordinator as a graduate student at Monash University in Australia. Although little is known about his marital life, it recently surfaced in court that Mr Okeke has a daughter who is 19 months old and a United States citizen. Business Until his arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mr Okeke was a global businessman and claimed he had investments in oil and gas, agriculture, private equity, alternative energy, telecom and real estate. He operated his holdings under the Invictus Group, which operated in three African countries including Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. In the BBC interview, he said his mother is a partner in some of his businesses. While his lawyer argued that he is a first-time offender, the U.S. government insisted that Mr Okekes email records showed that he had been into Business Email Compromise and other related fraud since 2008. Awards and recognition In June 2016, he was named on Forbes Africa 30 under 30 for 2016 while still 28 years old and residing in South Africa at that time. In May 2017, The African Brand Congress awarded the Invictus Group of Companies Ltd, Africas Most Innovative Investment Company of the Year 2017 Award. In October 2017, Mr Okeke was nominated for Africas most prestigious award for businessmen, the AABLA Awards, in the category of Young African Business Leader (West Africa). In 2017, he was a featured speaker at the Forbes Under 30 Summit EMEA 2017 in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. MILAN, Italy, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "We have far better things ahead of us on top of what we have already accomplished", said President of LaPresse Marco Durante, adding: "Everyone can see what we have done, the goals we have achieved in just 18 months!" New transformations, new objectives and goals for the LaPresse News and Communication Agency, which is announcing a change and reorganisation of its top management. As of today, Tuesday 16 February, Alessia Lautone will take over as Editor-in-Chief. She will be joined by Nicola Assetta, who will transition from Deputy Editor-in-Chief into the role of Co-Editor-in-Chief, with the aim of enhancing LaPresse's strengths and tradition. Strengthening the leadership of the LaPresse editorial team will be Caterina Parise, in the role of Deputy Editor in charge of coordinating the news agency. The new Editor-in-Chief, a 54-year-old Roman with two grown-up children, joins LaPresse after 18 years at Adnkronos, seven of which as Editor-in-Chief. "I am moving to Milan to undertake a challenge that makes me proud and excites me. After 18 years at a press agency, seven of which at management level, I am now joining LaPresse, a unique reality in the Italian publishing panorama. It is a company with extraordinary potential, with a strong international vocation and a powerful multimedia aptitude, capable of making significant investments despite the current difficult situation. I would like to thank Marco Durante, whose courage is all the more significant at a time when our nation is strengthening its leadership in Europe and the world", said Alessia Lautone. She will be working alongside by Nicola Assetta, who will move from Deputy Editor-in-Chief to Co-Editor-in-Chief. Born in Turin, Assetta worked for many years in France, where he was Editor-in-Chief of Euronews. He then led the Digital Content Department of the RCS MediaGroup. "I would like to thank the President for the renewed confidence and I welcome Editor-in-Chief Lautone. Today, more than ever, our Agency is driven and committed to new goals. We need to innovate while guaranteeing professionalism and reliability. LaPresse is at the forefront with its journalists, videographers, photographers and the entire agency team, which is becoming more solid and efficient every day", said Nicola Assetta. For further information please contact LaPresse SpA Communication and Press Office Director: Barbara Sanicola - barbara.sanicola@lapresse.it T +39 02 26305578 M +39 333 3905243 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2f8f9587-a573-4db9-905e-f9ef91760531 You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Jet Airways shares fell to a lower circuit of 5% in Tuesday's early trade after the cash-strapped domestic carrier reported a standalone loss of Rs 2,841.45 crore for the year ended March 2020. Jet Airways stock price opened with a loss of 5% to an intraday low of Rs 104.50 on BSE as against the last close of Rs 110. The stock has fallen 9.7% in the last 2 days. The share price of Jet Airways has risen 4.5% in one week, and 279% in one year. However, it has fallen 17% in a month. Year-to-date, the stock is down 14%. Market capitalisation of the airline stood at Rs 1,187.09 crore. The stock has touched a 52-week high of Rs 165 and a 52-week low of Rs 13. Jet Airways stock trades higher than 20, 100 and 200-day but lower than 50, 5-day moving averages. The airline had a total income of Rs 354.2 crore during the 2019-20 financial year, the company said in a filing to the BSE. Jet Airways, that suspended operations in April 2019, is undergoing insolvency resolution process. This chemical stock gave 300% returns in 11 months RailTel IPO opens today: Price band, lot size, issue size & other details Stocks in news: Jet Airways, Titan, Future Retail, AstraZeneca Pharma, Indian Bank, TCS Share Market Live: Sensex rises 250 points, Nifty at 15,300; SBI, M&M, Maruti top gainers Only 71 per cent of Australian adults are willing to have a Covid vaccine before October, a government poll has found six days before the first jabs hit arms. The survey of 4,000 Aussies over 16 found that 64 per cent would 'definitely' get the vaccine, 27 per cent are unsure and nine per cent would definitely not have the jab. The main objections were fears that long term side effects are still unknown, concerns the vaccines have been developed too quickly and anxiety about having an allergic reaction. Only 71 per cent of Australian adults are willing to have a Covid vaccine before October, a government poll has found. Pictured: Testing queues in Melbourne A well-placed government source told Daily Mail Australia that health chiefs are happy with the number and believe that ultimately much more than 71 per cent will choose to get the jab. This is because people will be re-assured when they see their friends and family take the vaccine with no negative effects and also because the survey does not take into account any incentives put in place such as a jab requirement for overseas travel. 'Health officials are not concerned with the number. This is just the baseline level,' the source said. Qantas boss Alan Joyce last year said he would make it a requirement for anyone using his airline to prove they have been vaccinated. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has also flagged allowing shops and restaurants to only accept vaccinated customers. On Tuesday Health Minister Greg Hunt sought to allay any safety fears as the AstraZeneca vaccine was approved in Australia, alongside the Pfizer vaccine. 'The team at the TGA that have worked extraordinary hours to tick every box, to assess everything, to make sure that safety, safety, safety, is the number one priority,' he said. The survey of 4,000 Aussies over 16 found that only 64 per cent would 'definitely' get the vaccine and nine per cent would definitely not have the jab. Pictured: Police in Melbourne during lockdown ANU diseases expert Professor Peter Collignon told Daily Mail Australia that having 71 per cent of the population vaccinated would have a 'big impact' on reducing serious illness and deaths. 'In the short term the problem is not going be a not enough people taking it up, but not enough for the people that want it,' he said. 'Take-up won't be an issue until after October because that's when we'll have excess vaccine relative to the demand. 'And that's when people will see the results from Australia and worldwide and we will probably have a higher uptake than that.' The Therapeutic Goods Administration is only the second regulator in the world - after the European Medicines Agency - to give the AstraZeneca jab full approval after dozens of countries such as the UK rolled out the jab early under emergency approval. Aussies will be given two doses of the vaccine, which was produced at Oxford University, three months apart. The Therapeutic Goods Administration announced the approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine shortly after 12pm on Tuesday. Pictured: A vaccination in Belgium What percentage of Aussies need the vaccine for herd immunity? 'Herd immunity', also known as 'population immunity', is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection. The percentage of people who need to be immune in order to achieve herd immunity varies with each disease. For example, herd immunity against measles requires about 95 per cent of a population to be vaccinated. The remaining five per cent will be protected by the fact that measles will not spread among those who are vaccinated. For polio, the threshold is about 80 per cent. The proportion of the population that must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to begin inducing herd immunity is not known. Source: WHO Advertisement The vaccine will stop everyone who gets it from dying of Covid or suffering serious illness. It is not yet clear if the jab will stop asymptomatic transmission, which could be crucial to re-opening the country's border. 'The vaccine has met requirements for standards, for safety, quality, and efficacy, and will be provided free to Australians,' Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. Australia has ordered the vaccine from overseas and it will arrive in early March. The government is also making one million doses per week at the CSL factory in Melbourne, with the first local batch due in late March. Mr Morrison aims to vaccinate four million people by April and everyone by October. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in Australia in adults over the age of 18. Pictured: A vaccination in Peru On Monday 142,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which has also been approved, arrived in Australia on a Singapore Airlines flight. They will be checked and transported around the country, with the first jabs hitting arms on Monday at 240 aged care facilities. Pallets of the Pfizer vaccines - which are stored at -70C and were made in Belgium - arrived at Sydney Airport just after midday. 'The eagle has landed,' jubilant Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters on Monday. 'Today is an important day. It is the next step in a careful plan based on safety, and this is about protecting Australians.' Australia's first 142,000 does of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine have arrived in the country Pallets of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in Sydney just after midday on Monday, with photos showing them being loaded of a plane ready for transport Mr Hunt said the vaccines will undergo 'security and quality assurance, in particular to ensure that temperature maintenance has been preserved throughout the course of the flight, to ensure the integrity of the doses, and to ensure there has been no damage.' Roughly 50,000 doses will be given to the states and territories who want to vaccinate quarantine workers as soon as possible and 30,000 will be used by the federal government for aged care residents and workers. The remaining 62,000 vaccines will be kept aside to administer as second doses, 21 days after the first dose. Mr Hunt said the decision to make the AstraZeneca vaccine in Australia was crucial given the global supply shortage. 'I think the two most important decisions for Australia during the course of this pandemic were closure of the border with China and the decision to invest in onshore manufacturing by CSL of the AstraZeneca vaccine,' he said. The vaccines will be temperature and quality checked before being distributed to vaccine hubs around the country Hospitals were told to prepare to start vaccinations next week after the Therapeutic Goods Administration conducts batch testing on some of the first vials. Australia has secured 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which is enough to vaccinate 10 million people. Logistics firm DHL will help with the transportation of the vaccines using dry-ice filled boxes. The first Australian shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines is seen being transported off the tarmac after landing at Sydney International Airport Earlier on Tuesday Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton warned that hotel quarantine for returning Australians may still be required even with everyone vaccinated. 'We don't know yet. That's a long, long way away. There's not clarity or certainty around the transmission,' he said. 'If we had, for example, 100 per cent coverage with our vaccine, there are still five per cent who won't sero-convert, who won't get really good immunity, so there may be requirements for quarantine and isolation in those circumstances as well.' At the end of the Cretaceous period, about 66 million years ago, a 10-km impactor crashed into Earth near the site of the small town of Chicxulub in what is now Mexico. The impact unleashed an incredible amount of climate-changing gases into the atmosphere, triggering a chain of events that led to the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs and 75% of life on the planet. In a new paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, Harvard University astrophysicists Amir Siraj and Professor Avi Loeb put forth a new theory that could explain the origin and journey of the Chicxulub impactor. A popular theory on the origin of the Chicxulub impactor claims that the object originated from the main belt, which is an asteroid population between the orbit of Jupiter and Mars. Evidence found at the Chicxulub crater suggests the rock was composed of carbonaceous chondrite. However, carbonaceous chondrites are rare amongst main-belt asteroids, but possibly widespread amongst long-period comets, providing additional support to the cometary impact hypothesis. Using statistical analysis and gravitational simulations, Siraj and Professor Loeb calculate that a significant fraction of long-period comets originating from the Oort cloud, an icy sphere of debris at the edge of the Solar System, can be bumped off-course by Jupiters gravitational field during orbit. The Solar System acts as a kind of pinball machine. Jupiter, the most massive planet, kicks incoming long-period comets into orbits that bring them very close to the Sun, Siraj said. During close passage to the Sun, the comets nicknamed sungrazers can experience powerful tidal forces that break apart pieces of the rock and ultimately, produce cometary shrapnel. In a sungrazing event, the portion of the comet closer to the sun feels a stronger gravitational pull than the part that is further, resulting in a tidal force across the object, Siraj said. You can get whats called a tidal disruption event, in which a large comet breaks up into many smaller pieces. And crucially, on the journey back to the Oort cloud, theres an enhanced probability that one of these fragments hit the Earth. The new calculations increase the chances of long-period comets impacting Earth by a factor of about 10, and show that about 20% of long-period comets become sungrazers. This rate is consistent with the age of Chicxulub, providing a satisfactory explanation for its origin and other impactors like it. Our paper provides a basis for explaining the occurrence of this event, Professor Loeb said. We are suggesting that, in fact, if you break up an object as it comes close to the Sun, it could give rise to the appropriate event rate and also the kind of impact that killed the dinosaurs. _____ A. Siraj & A. Loeb. 2021. Breakup of a long-period comet as the origin of the dinosaur extinction. Sci Rep 11, 3803; doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-82320-2 Even before the pandemic, Elsa Rodriguez Killion realized that Casa Corona, her restaurant in Fresno, California, was going to have to change with the times. She spent money on digital marketing. She invested in technology that enabled online orders for dishes like the restaurants signature chile verde. And there was something else she had to keep up with: Californias rising minimum wage. The minimum rose to $14 an hour on Jan. 1, the fifth annual increase under a 2016 law. It is set to reach $15 for most employers by next year. With price increases, Rodriguez Killion was able to absorb some of the added payroll expense. But she also cut more than 20% of the 160 jobs at her restaurants two locations in the last five years, not including those lost because of the pandemic. Every year we have had to make hard decisions to let labor go, said Rodriguez Killion, 47, who opened Casa Corona with her brother and sister more than 20 years ago. She worries that paring more of her workforce is inevitable. On the flip side of her anxiety is the measurable difference felt by some Fresno workers, even if the higher pay is still often not enough to live comfortably. It helps tremendously, said Elisabeth Parra, 25, a Walmart cashier who lives with her mother. Since her pay rose to the $14 minimum last month, she said, Im able to help my mom more with bills. Fresno may be a laboratory for a debate that is heating up on the national level. President Joe Biden wants to gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, from the current $7.25, achieving a long-standing priority of the labor movement and the Democratic Partys progressive wing. For now, at least, such a provision is part of Bidens $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package. House Democrats, who voted in 2019 for a $15 minimum wage, intend to do so again when they send the pandemic legislation to the Senate. But chances there are clouded by parliamentary questions and the objections of two key Democrats, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, along with Republicans. Backers have long said that increasing the minimum wage would raise the living standard of workers and help combat poverty. With more money, workers would be inclined to spend more, strengthening the economy. Opponents contend that minimum-wage increases cost jobs, particularly in struggling cities like Fresno. Whats more, they say, any broad standard, whether statewide or nationwide, does not account for local variations in the cost of living or business conditions. According to a study by the Congressional Budget Office, raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2025 would decrease employment by 1.4 million but it would still raise 900,000 people out of poverty. The reports conclusions were wielded by both proponents and foes of the $15 proposal. The pandemic-induced downturn has raised the stakes. Those favoring a minimum-wage increase say it is more essential than ever, especially since sectors hit hardest by the pandemic, including leisure and hospitality, have a higher proportion of low-wage workers. Critics counter that lifting the wage floor would severely harm small businesses trying to bounce back. Sarahbeth Maney/NYT This is the debate that usually takes place in some academic circles, said Antonio Avalos, chair of the economics department at California State University, Fresno. But the experience of Fresno, an inland city of 500,000 isolated geographically and economically from coastal metropolises like San Francisco and Los Angeles, underscores the core tension between the competing economic arguments. Fresno is the hub of an agriculture-rich area, with produce that includes almonds, pistachios, oranges and grapes. Its economy is tied directly to the agriculture industry, though its location has also made it a draw for warehouses. In recent years, Amazon and the beauty emporium Ulta Beauty both opened sprawling fulfillment centers there. Fresno County, where more than half of the population identifies as Hispanic, has one of the states highest poverty rates, and one of its lowest median wages. The typical local worker in 2019, the last year for which data is available, made under $17 an hour. A quarter of workers made $12.50. Before California enacted gradual increases under its 2016 law, the minimum wage was $10, a level typical for fast-food jobs and other low-wage occupations. Some Fresno business owners saw little effect from the raises. Arthur Moye, who owns Full Circle Brewing Co., a craft brewery, has not had to reduce his staff because the wage increases had been a slow roll, he said. Instead, he has adjusted both the pay and the work. We might increase expectations on the people that are here earning that higher wage, devoting more scrutiny to job candidates and doing more to develop those they hire, he said. But others, especially restaurant owners like Rodriguez Killion, say costs are becoming untenable, especially as they contend with the pandemics effect. A 2019 study by the University of California, Riverside, funded by the California Restaurant Association, a trade group, found evidence that the rising minimum wage was slowing growth in the states restaurant industry. Kris Stuebner, an executive at Jem Restaurant Management Corp., which operates KFC and Wendys franchises in Fresno, said the wage mandate had been particularly tough for restaurant operators like him, who have to allocate a percentage of their profits to things like franchise royalties and advertising fees. He has not reduced his workforce, he said. But to offset the rising labor costs, he said, he has had to raise prices and look for places to save money. He formed an internal maintenance department because he could no longer afford to pay an outside company to fix issues like plumbing. Its this balancing act youve got all these balls in the air to juggle, he said. Several employers questioned the logic of applying a statewide minimum wage in a place like Fresno, where the cost of living is much lower than in coastal cities. In voices tinged with resentment, some describe the rising minimum wage as akin to a payroll tax grab by the government because payroll taxes for employers are tied to employees wages and rise when wages do. Some business owners also noted that they had to raise wages for employees already making more than the minimum to keep the pay scale fair. And some mentioned indirect results: When the minimum wage increases, the price of other things, from gas to cleaning linens to produce, increases as well. Yet hiring has continued. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, restaurant employment in Fresno rose by about 7% from the end of 2016 to the end of 2019, before the pandemic a slightly higher rate than in California as a whole. The minimum-wage law allows the governor to delay a planned increase for a year if the economy weakens. With the pandemic gutting their industry, restaurant owners in Fresno and elsewhere urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to do so. When he didnt, some owners were outraged. Its frustrating as can be, said Chuck Van Fleet, owner of Vino Grille & Spirits and president of the Fresno chapter of the California Restaurant Association. Youve got somebody whos out there saying, Hey, Im trying to do whats right for everybody. And the only thing he wants to do is increase wages. At the same time, the wage increases in California have offered hope to some workers in Fresno, whose incomes have grown. Parra, the Walmart cashier, has lived almost her whole life in Fresno. She recently graduated from California State University, Fresno, with a degree in mass communications and journalism, focusing on advertising, and dreams of becoming an art director. She was making $15 an hour in a part-time job at a public relations firm before she was let go in the spring during the first coronavirus surge. She started working at Walmart in October for $13 an hour, the minimum wage last year. When the wage went up, Parra said, she could more easily help with rent and pay the phone and cable bills at the apartment that she shares with her mother, who makes $18.50 an hour at a heating and air-conditioning company. She noted, however, that her wages were not enough for her to live on her own. I wouldnt say that were poor, but I also wouldnt say that were well off, she said. But because there is both of us who have incomes, were able to do OK. Mayor Jerry Dyer said there were mixed feelings, obviously, about the rising minimum wage. As a mayor of a city, its important that we have people in our community who are making a livable wage, he said. But Dyer, a Republican, said he also understood the pain that businesses might be feeling. Ive heard from businesses that if the minimum wage goes up too much, theyre not able to be competitive, he said. Thats the challenge that we face, he said. One prevailing question is whether $15 is enough. In Fresno, it often isnt. MITs Living Wage Calculator estimates that a living wage in Fresno for a family of four, with both adults working, is $22.52 an hour. In the past year, Fresnos median rent increased by 11%, to $1,260, according to Apartment Lists National Rent Report, among the greatest increases in the country. For 40 hours a week, Jessica Ramirez, 26, makes $15.65 an hour at the Amazon warehouse in Fresno. She is the primary breadwinner for herself, her partner and her five children, but even with food stamps and occasional gig work, she said, her wage is barely enough for them to get by. Ramirez said she was renting a three-bedroom house for $1,350 a month roughly half of what she makes. She wants to go to college, but even more, she wants a better life for her children. Im their provider, she said. I have to give them a home. Thats what they need a home. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor PARLAMENTUL REPUBLICII MOLDOVA 2010 The Moldovan Parliaments website design was supported by the Democracy Support Programme in Moldova" an initiative financed by the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are conducting experiments with an antimicrobial surface coating designed to fight bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus. Developed by Boeing and The University of Queensland, the coating was placed on objects from an aircraft before launching to the ship. To promote microbial growth, astronauts are touching the objects nearly every day to transfer microbes naturally occurring on human skin. The coating was initially designed to keep space stations safe from interplanetary bacteria, but the formula was modified following the coronavirus outbreak. Scroll down for video Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are conducting experiments with an antimicrobial surface coating designed to fight bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus The ISS is the go-to for scientists looking to explore new innovations, as the space station's microgravity environment allows the crew to conduct research not possible on Earth. 'Some microbes change characteristics in microgravity, which could create new risks to crew health and spacecraft systems as well as creating the possibility of contaminating other planetary bodies,' NASA shared in a statement. The tests, called Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings sent several objects found on airplanes half with the coating and half without. The objects include airplane seat buckle, fabric from airplane seats and seat belts, and parts of an armrest and a tray table. Developed by Boeing and The University of Queensland, the coating was placed on objects from an aircraft before launching to the ship. To promote microbial growth, astronauts are touching the objects nearly every day to transfer microbes naturally occurring on human skin Astronauts are touching each object nearly every day to encourage microbial growth none of the samples were contaminated prior to reaching the ISS, Boeing says. Mike Delaney, Boeing's chief aerospace safety officer, said: 'While testing continues on orbit and on Earth, we're encouraged by the preliminary results of the antimicrobial chemical compound.' 'There is the potential for broad-based applicability for a surface coating like this when used in conjunction with other measures to prevent disease transmission.' The coating was initial developed to protect astronauts during space missions, but after the coronavirus pandemic hit, researches modified the formula to target the COVID-19 virus. However, as humans plan to return to the moon, head to mars and travel to other planetary bodies with microorganisms from Earth, the coating could prevent microbial damage of spacecraft systems. But with the modified formula, the experiments could allow us to use the coating in aircraft cabins, health care settings, food preparation environments, public transport and other public facilities. The coating was initial developed to protect astronauts during space missions, but after the coronavirus pandemic hit, researches modified the formula to target the COVID-19 virus Professor Michael Monteiro from UQ's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, said: 'After years of development, it is truly exciting to see our research in space.' 'The primary purpose of our antimicrobial coating was to help protect space missions. After the current pandemic struck, we modified the coating's formula to also target the COVID-19 virus if it is present on a surface on Earth.' 'We look forward to continuing our testing regimen and working to gain regulatory approvals.' The coronavirus pandemic hasnt lessened the demand for fasnachts at two Schuylkill County bakeries. Steven Yurkonis, co-owner of Spring Street Bakery in Frackville with his father, Joe, and brother, Joseph, said his family operation has thus far made hundreds of the doughnuts from scratch and theyll be available for pickup from 7 a.m. to noon Tuesday, which is Fasnacht Day. Yurkonis said hell be in at 4 a.m. Tuesday to make more fasnachts, as well as pretzel doughnuts. We plan to make as many as we can tomorrow, he said Monday, noting the bakerys 500 preorders. Yurkonis said he has seen an increase in orders over last year, which he attributes to more people finding out about the business, which opened in October 2019. He said while he took a slight hit at the start of the pandemic, he was able to remain open and has seen more foot traffic on weekends, which he attributes to people not being as busy with other activities. Fasnachts are a type of German doughnut made with mashed potatoes, yeast, sugar, butter, milk and a little salt. Yurkonis said the potatoes give the doughnut its texture. Fastnacht Day is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. It is a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition where participants eat the best foods before fasting during the Lenten season. Also making the doughnut this year is Plain & Fancy Donut Shop in Schuylkill Haven. Employee Ali McClure said Monday that more than 2,000 fasnachts have been made so far. The store opened at 6 a.m. Monday for customers to pick up preorders and will be open until 6 p.m. Tuesday for pickup. McClure said a couple hundred orders were filled Monday, with more expected Tuesday. Our guys will be working all night to fill orders, she said. In addition to preorders, Plain & Fancy fasnachts will be sold at the store on St. Charles Street and at Brok Sel on East Main Street. The volume of orders hasnt changed from last year, said McClure, and the pandemic hasnt affected business. Both Yurkonis and McClure said the wintry weather predicted for Monday night, however, could effect Tuesdays pickups. Even so, Well still be here, she said. Comvita, Global market leaders in Manuka honey, are delighted to announce that they have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate their digital revenue and capability with London listed business THG plc. THG is a UK-based global technology platform company, specialising in taking brands direct to consumers. It retails its own brands such as Myprotein and Lookfantastic via its end-to-end ecommerce platform THG Ingenuity, which also powers hundreds of third-party brands such as Hotel Chocolat, Antipodes Skincare, BWX Limited, and now Comvita. Commenting, David Banfield, Group CEO Comvita said, As part of our 5-year plan to transform performance at Comvita we shared our goal to grow our digital sales to 50% of the total group by 2025. The partnership with THG Ingenuity enables us to step change our online capability and ensure that our loyal fans and consumers around the world receive market-leading service and functionality that they should expect from a global category leader. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership. John Gallemore, CEO of THG Ingenuity, said, Through our own brands and via THG Ingenuity, we have proven expertise in growing D2C capabilities within the FMCG sector. We are proud to be partnering with Comvita at such a crucial point in its ambitious digital transformation journey. Please see the link below for details: Comvita and THG Ingenuity agree strategic partnership Source: Comvita Limited Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 31st May 2021 Morning Report The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) Media Reporting Regarding Potential Class Action Synlait Milk Limited (NZX: SML) Forecast Milk Price Update General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Continues on Its Strong Growth Path Third Age Health Services Limited (NZX: TAH) Announces Preliminary Full Year Result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) Better Positioned for Future Growth Green Cross Health Limited (NZX: GXH) Full Year Results to 31 March 2021 28th May 2021 Morning Report Radius Residential Care Limited (NZX: RAD) Announces First FY Results as a Listed Company NZ Automotive Investments Limited (NZX: NZA) Delivers Net Profit Above Guidance for FY21 The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have been told the call was made using WhatsApp on a day when Ms Higgins had called in sick. Government officials have gone through phone records and files to check on calls at this and other times, concluding there was no such call. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The government says Mr Finkelstein and the Prime Ministers chief of staff, John Kunkel, treated the incident as a security breach when first told in March 2019 that Ms Higgins and her colleague had returned to the ministerial suite late on a Friday night. The Prime Ministers office knew of the security breach and agreed with Senator Reynolds the man involved should be terminated, a decision made on the subsequent Tuesday. Loading Two days later, on the Thursday, according to the government files, Ms Higgins told Senator Reynolds chief of staff that she had woken to find the man on top of her. Mr Morrison argued on Tuesday that Senator Reynolds had not told him of this key fact. Mr Morrison told Parliament his office only knew of the rape allegation on February 12. This was the date when News.com.au reporter Samantha Maiden contacted the Prime Ministers office about the matter. The Prime Minister said he only knew personally of the rape allegation at 8.30am on Monday of this week, when the news broke. Mr Morrison said he could not explain the different accounts because he could only relay the information put before him. I should stress that in relation to my principal private secretary, there is nothing that has been put in front of me, nothing, including phone records or anything else that suggests that that indeed was the case, he told reporters. When reporters asked why someone from his office would check in with Ms Higgins as claimed, Mr Morrison suggested there was confusion over her account. The point Im making to you is that is not the recollection or the records of my staff on that matter, he said. Its just not, so I cant really speak more to it than that. I understand that over time, particularly in situations like this, that information can become confused over time about who makes contact and things like that. Loading While Mr Morrison defended his office, he made clear his frustration with Senator Reynolds over her decision not to tell him of the rape allegation for almost two years. The period included a series of revelations about the treatment of women in the Liberal Party and the Parliament, including concerns aired by two staffers, Chelsey Potter and Dhanya Mani, in July 2019. Mr Morrison said the Defence Minister had sought to support Ms Higgins and exercised judgement in relation to protecting her privacy. Now, that judgement on that, of course, is being called into question, and that issue, I think, will carry with it some important lessons. Senator Reynolds told Parliament she had made a mistake in not supporting Ms Higgins enough. I unreservedly apologise to Brittany Higgins, she said. The fact that she felt unsupported in her time working here was also very, very clear for all to see. And for that, I apologise. At the time, I truly believed that I and my chief of staff were doing everything we could to support that young woman who I had a responsibility for. At all times, my intent and my aim was to empower Brittany and let her determine the course of her own situation. Senator Reynolds confirmed she terminated the man in question after advice from department officials, but she did not say if he was a favourite employee in her office, as Ms Higgins claimed. When Labor asked the minister if she had written a reference for the man or seen him in the time since he left her office, she said she would have to seek advice on how to answer. These are complex matters, she told the Senate. A statement from the Department of Parliamentary Services late on Tuesday also confirmed the Australian Federal Police had seen the closed-circuit television footage of Ms Higgins and the alleged perpetrator. The department said the President of the Senate, Scott Ryan, was told on March 27, 2019, that an incident had occurred the previous Saturday. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tony Smith, was told on April 8. Loading The matter was treated as a security breach and the two presiding officers, who together oversee Parliament House, met officials from the Department of Parliamentary Services on April 8. The presiding officers were also told a request had been made by the AFP to view the relevant CCTV. DPS was not aware a complaint had been made at this time, the department said. The AFP viewed the footage at Parliament House on 16 April 2019. Only on April 18 did the department become aware there might be a sexual assault allegation because the AFP asked on that day for the footage to be released to help the ACT Policing Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team investigate the events. However, the Parliaments code of practice on CCTV says footage can only be released when there is an active law enforcement investigation something the department said was not in train at that point. Senator Ryan and Mr Smith reached an agreement with the police to store the footage at Parliament so the AFP could access it when required. The POs have not viewed the footage and were not aware of the identity of Ms Higgins until contacted by media on Friday 12 February 2021, the department said. On 12 February, following receipt of the media inquiry, the presiding officers contacted the AFP and were advised that Ms Higgins had since approached the police and indicated she wished to proceed with a complaint and it was now an active investigation. Five people have died of Ebola in Guinea, the health agency has said, as the government and aid groups begin to roll out their response to the outbreak. It is the first resurgence of the disease in the West African country since the world's worst outbreak between 2013 and 2016 that left more than 11,300 dead in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. According to an epidemiological report by the country's health agency dated February 15, five people have now succumbed to the virus, rising from a death toll of four reported earlier on Monday. A member of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) putting on protective gear at the isolation ward of the Donka Hospital in Conakry, Guinea, West Africa, during the outbreak in 2014 Five people have died of Ebola in Guinea, the health agency said. The last major outbreak of Ebola in West Africa started in Guinea. It went on to kill at least 11,300 people with the vast majority of cases in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Only one of the victims was confirmed positive for Ebola, with the remaining four listed as 'probable cases'. Two other people have tested positive, the health agency said, while another 10 are showing symptoms. The first confirmed victim was a 51-year-old nurse, who died in late January. She was from Nzerekore near the town of Gouecke in the forested south of the country. Two of the nurse's brothers who attended her funeral on February 1 in Gouecke have also died, a health official who requested anonymity said. They had fallen ill with diarrhea, vomiting and bleeding after attending the burial. Liberian nurses carry the body of an Ebola victim from a house near Monrovia, Liberia in August 2014 It remains unclear who the other victims are, or whether they attended the nurse's funeral. The UN's Guinea office tweeted that the first flight carrying experts and sanitary equipment arrived in Nzerekore on Monday. Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana said Guinea had 'set up structures to deal with this type of epidemic'. 'No panic, let's respect the sanitary instructions. Ebola will be defeated again,' he tweeted. Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk. An NGO official who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity said he was concerned because health workers had not yet identified who infected the nurse. A girl suspected of being infected with the Ebola virus having her temperature checked at the government hospital in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in August 2014 Liberians wash their hands next to an Ebola information and sanitation station, raising awareness about the virus in Monrovia, September 2014 But Alfred George Ki-Zerbo, the World Health Organization's representative in Guinea, said on Monday that Ebola vaccines could arrive in the poor nation of 13 million 'within 72 hours'. 'Our priority is to complete the risk assessment on the ground and to analyse the cross-border dimension,' he said, referring to the area near the Liberian border where the virus re-emerged. Guinea's health agency is also increasing its capacity in the area. Health Minister Remy Lamah said on Monday that unlike during the deadliest known outbreak which tore through West Africa between 2013 and 2016, Guinea had the means to halt the resurgence of the virus. 'In 2013, it took us months to understand that we were dealing with an Ebola epidemic, while this time, in less than four days, we were able to do analysis and have the results. Our medical teams are trained and seasoned. We have the means to quickly overcome this disease,' he said. Anja Wolz, the Ebola coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, said the NGO was sending an experienced medical team to meet local people and explain the need to follow health rules. 'We know that when such a frightening disease is misunderstood in the community, and individuals suddenly arrive giving instructions, in costumes resembling spacesuits, it can easily generate a hostile reaction,' she said. Saudi Arabia will stop collaborating from 2024 with firms which do not have their headquarters in the Gulf country, Trade Arabia citing Saudi Press Agency (SPA). An unidentified source told the agency that the decision aims to incentivize the localization of businesses by foreign companies that deal with the Kingdoms government or any of its agencies, institutions and funds, in addition to creating more jobs, limit economic leakage, increase spending efficiency, and guarantee that the main goods and services purchased by the different government agencies are made in the Kingdom with appropriate local content. The firms include agencies, institutions and funds owned by the government. The directive is in accordance with Riyadh 2030, the strategic goals of the kingdoms capital, announced during recently held Future Investment Initiative forum. 24 companies during the forum announced their intent to move their regional headquarters to Riyadh, Trade Arabia notes. The kingdom is set to make public regulations related to the decision in the course of this year. Toolkit: Delhi Police in Maharashtra to arrest lawyer Nikita Jacob India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 16: A team of The Delhi Police is in Maharashtra to arrest, Mumbai based lawyer, Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Malik, an engineer from Beed. The Delhi police said that it had sought a warrant against Jacob after she went missing from her residence in Mumbai. Nikita Jacob against whom a non-bailable warrant has been issued for her alleged role in preparing the toolkit, moved the Bombay High Court seeking anticipatory bail. Toolkit: War of words break out between BJP, Opposition after Disha Ravis arrest The application while seeking protection from arrest for four weeks also seeks interim protection from any coercive action and a direction to The Delhi Police to provide her with the copy of the FIR registered against her. Her advocate, Abhishek Yende said that the Delhi Police had completed their search operation at Jacob's house and also drew up a panchnama on February 11. He said that Jacobs had cooperated with the investigation and she is unaware of the allegations against her. The application will come up for hearing on February 16. Disha Ravi in 5-day police custody: Sparks outrage, reactions pour in| Oneindia News Earlier the police told a court that the arrest of Disha Ravi, one of the editors of toolkit used by Greta Thunberg was the first in the case. The police said that Disha have allegedly edited the toolkit on February 3 and many others are involved in the matter. The court has sent Disha to five days police custody. She was arrested on Saturday. The police are looking for two more suspects in the case. While raids are being carried out in Mumbai and other places, the police are hunting for Nikita and Shantanu, two other accused in the case. Toolkit: Nikita Jacob moves HC seeks anticipatory bail The 21-year-old activist was arrested on Saturday from Bengaluru and sent to five days police remand on Sunday by a Delhi court here. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 8:14 [IST] New Delhi: In a major revelation, Delhi Police has claimed that climate activist Disha Ravi had shared the toolkit document related to the farmers` protest to Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg on the Telegram app and also coaxed her to act on it. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Joint Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Prem Nath said, "Disha Ravi who is associated with environmental movement call Friday for Future sent the toolkit to Greta Thunberg on Telegram app and coaxed her to act on it. "Giving details on the investigation on "Twitter storm" related to the farmers` protest and January 26 tractor rally, Nath said, "On February 4, while monitoring social media we came across a Google document titled toolkit on Twitter. Initial investigation of this toolkit document reveals that it was created by pro-Khalistani group name Poetic Justice Foundation and people associated with it." JCP Nath added, "One portion of the toolkit document mentions action points and then prior actions, as you are aware there was a digital strike through a hashtag on January 26 and earlier tweets storm on January 23 onwards and physical action on January 26 and entering Delhi for Kisan rally and return back to the border." The second part of the same document mentions tasks such as disruption of Indias cultural heritage and targeting Indian embassies abroad, he added. The time-bound action points and the programme given in the toolkit when viewed in the context of actual developments in Delhi clearly showed the action plan that was formulated in the toolkit was implemented on the ground or executed in a copy-cat manner, the official added. Keeping in mind all these facts a case was registered and an investigation was taken up by CyPAD (Cyber Prevention Awareness Detection), the cyber unit of Delhi Police, JCP Nath said. During the investigation many screenshots of the toolkit were available on open source and were investigated, he said. When the probe was able to fetch enough information, a search warrant was obtained from Court on February 9, against Nikita Jacob, one of the editors of the toolkit Google document, he added. "A team reached Mumbai and conducted searches at her (Nikita Jacob) residence on February 11. She and her associates Shantanu and Disha had created the document. The email account created by Shantanu is the owner of this document all others are its editors," the police said. A woman named Puneet who is based in Canada connected these people to the Pro-Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation and through them created a toolkit tilted global farmer strike and global day of action on January 26, the police official said. "On January 11, Nikita and Shantanu attended a Zoom meeting organised by Poetic Justice Foundation in which modalities were chalked out, he said. "Based on the information gathered, separate teams were sent to Maharashtra and Bengaluru, however, Shantanu was not found at his house and we are still searching for him," he informed. On the next morning when the investigation team reached Nikita`s residence, she was found absconding and had not yet joined the investigation. For a search for Nikita and Shantanu we have taken NVWs (Non-bailable warrants) from the court, said the official. In Bengaluru, the team examined Disha and was able to extract highly incriminating information from her phone, this information made it clear along with her colleagues Shantanu and Nikita created and sent a toolkit document to others, the official added. The main aim of the toolkit was to create misinformation, disaffection against the lawfully enacted government, Delhi police said. The toolkit sought to artificially amplify the fake news through various tweets which they have created in the form of a "tweet bank" and they also sought public participation in the action on January 26, which is celebrated as Republic Day of India, the officer further said. "Based on this incriminating evidences collected against Disha from her device and view of the fact that Nikita didnt cooperate and she fled from her house we acted against Disha because she has deleted a WhatsApp group which she created to coordinate among the various members for the toolkit," he said. Disha was arrested in the presence of her mother and in presence of the SHO of the area concerned and the due process was adopted for conducting her medical test and producing her in the court, JCP Prem Nath said. The court has granted five days of police custody for Disha, adding that the rest of the investigation is underway, he said. Live TV Before Twitter existed, we could pretend our politicians, who although they clearly always have had their faults, were people who had empathy for their fellow citizens. Twitter proved how wrong we were. Turns out, plenty of politicians are jerks who would much rather glibly hit send on a tweet that would allow their fellow jerks to have a dark laugh than show an ounce of compassion. When California was hit with rolling blackouts in the summer, the office of the California governor, tweeted for Californians to do what they can to conserve energy to try to prevent disastrous state-wide power outages. Sound familiar? WHAT'S GOING ON?: Texas is in a power emergency, here's why Instead of amplifying the tweet or offering thoughts and prayers or even just sitting this one out, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz thought it would be a perfect opportunity to mock United States citizens facing a crisis. California is now unable to perform even basic functions of civilization, like having reliable electricity. Biden/Harris/AOC want to make CAs failed energy policy the standard nationwide. Hope you dont like air conditioning!, Cruz tweeted with condescension. That tweet is doing nothing to keep warm the 4 million Texans currently without power, including 1.4 million in Cruz' hometown of Houston. A couple months after mocking California, Cruz continued piling on, tweeting the Democrats' campaign slogan should be: "If you want to live without air conditioningvote Democrat." When Rescue Me actor Steven Pasquale pointed out to Cruz that the real problem was climate change, Cruz turned it up a notch. Some angry Lefty actor thinks California is the only place that has Summer. Its hot everywhere try Texas every summertime but the rest of the country doesnt have such a dysfunctional state govt that you cant turn the lights on or run A/C. Thats a policy failure of the Dems. Cruz certainly wasnt alone in having a laugh at Californias misfortune. After Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti urged his constituents to conserve energy during the blackouts, U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Houston found time to send a joke on Twitter: Alexa, show me what happens when you let Democrats control energy policy. In 2019, Texas Sen. John Cornyn tweeted an article from the satirical site The Babylon Bee with the headline "Texas luring jobs away from California with the promises of electricity." Hilarious, fellas. When you're done with your online stand-up comedy set, can you do something about Texas' electrical grid now? Washington, D.C., Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Commission on the Future of Mobility (CFM), a project of SAFE and a coalition of business, technology and policy leaders focused on creating opportunities through the sustainable, equitable movement of people and goods around the world, today announced new commissioners and its initial five primary research focus areas. Mary Nichols Joins Fords Jim Farley as Co-chair of CFM, Additional Global Commissioners Appointed Former chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Mary Nichols, has been named co-chair of CFM. She joins Jim Farley, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company, who assumed his co-chair role in late 2020, replacing Jim Hackett. Both Mary Nichols and Jim Farley are proven leaders at striking the balance between transformational growth and environmental sustainability. Under Nichols leadership at CARB, California pioneered a number of innovative programs to spur clean transportation technologies and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The state achieved its 2020 climate target four years ahead of schedule while at the same time significantly outpacing the U.S. national average for economic growth. We have to re-envision the way that we move people and goods across the globe to meet our critical climate and public health needs, said Mary Nichols, co-chair, the Commission on the Future of Mobility. CFM is bringing together a global coalition of business, technology and policy leaders that are uniquely positioned to rethink mobility policy in a systemic, interconnected way. Now is exactly the right time to embark upon this effort. The auto industry is at the edge of a profound transformation, said Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. Bringing together diverse perspectives allows us to unlock new opportunities that improve and equalize transportation in our cities and communities while protecting our personal safety and the planet. I want to personally thank my predecessor Jim Hackett for sparking this flame, and I look forward to working with Mary Nichols who has been both a teacher and a leader on our journey to fight climate change and whose expertise will be invaluable as we work to solve these complex issues. In addition to Mary Nichols and Jim Farleys appointments, CFM has added several additional commissioners to its roster. These leaders in global mobility include: Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman and Group CEO of Ola Cabs; Jacques Aschenbroich, Chairman and CEO of Valeo, Inc.; Jacqueline Hunt, Member of the Allianz SE Board of Management; Craig Jasienski, President and CEO at Wallenius Wilhelmsen; Carl Pope, Principal at Inside Straight Strategies; and Avinash Rugoobur, President of Arrival, LTD. A full list of current CFM commissioners is available here. Additional quotes from CFM commissioners are available here. Five Key Focus Areas to Drive Global Mobility Transformation In its February plenary meeting, CFM commissioners aligned on the following five focus areas to address the global mobility gap: Energy Resources: Sustaining the shift towards alternative energy resources, including electrification and hydrogen, to reduce transportations impact on climate change. Freight: Addressing supply chain fragmentation and the impact of consumer preferences on emissions, technology and access. Data Stewardship: Leveraging data thoughtfully to power connected mobility. Infrastructure: Replacing legacy infrastructure with new approaches designed for emerging trends and models enabled by technology. Passenger Transportation: Evaluating the impact new technologies, business models and approaches to mobility have created for passenger transportation. CFM will lead select public events that complement and inform the Commissions work and allow the Commission to grow the audience for its eventual advocacy. Research and advocacy across America, Europe and Asia will be completed on a quarterly basis, with energy resources as CFMs first focus area. Global transportation policy and infrastructure has not kept pace with societal, economic and technological change and this has created a mobility opportunity gap, said Alisyn Malek, executive director, the Commission on the Future of Mobility. With our new commissioners in place and an aligned focus, we are in a position to streamline, strengthen and modernize policies to address this gap with an urgent systemic policy focus on issues of energy transition, climate change, health, safety, security and economic opportunity. For more information on how to join, contact https://futuremobilitycommission.org/. Follow CFM on Twitter, LinkedIn. About the Commission on the Future of Mobility The Commission on the Future of Mobility (CFM) exists to create opportunities through the sustainable, equitable transportation of people and goods. Using research and advocacy, CFM provides new data and methodologies to drive innovative policy for a cleaner environment, enhanced security, economic opportunity, safety and access. A global coalition of business, industry, technology and policy leaders, CFM encourages and harnesses the benefits created by an interconnected transportation system to shape policies that deliver exponential outcomes for consumer safety, global opportunity and infrastructure resiliency. CFM is a project of SAFE, which works to enhance energy security and support economic resurgence and resiliency, by advancing transformative transportation and mobility technologies. For more information visit, https://futuremobilitycommission.org/ The test-work program will continue alongside a 160,000-metre resource definition drilling program at the project. Test-work is planned for the G6-11 zones which were discovered after the program began. s ( ) ( ) (FRA:C8U) Phase 2 metallurgical test-work at its Julimar Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Element (PGE) Project, in Western Australia, has shown high palladium-nickel-copper recoveries. The test-work has also displayed the ability to produce two commercially attractive concentrates using conventional flotation techniques: Copper-PGE concentrate grading 24.7% copper, 173 g/t palladium, 22 g/t platinum, with metal recoveries of 80.9% copper, 60.2% palladium, 37.6% platinum; and Nickel-PGE concentrate grading 12.2% nickel, 24.1 g/t palladium, 6.9 g/t platinum, with metal recoveries of 70.7% nickel, 26.1% palladium, 36.3% platinum and an iron:magnesium oxide ratio of around 8:1 with cobalt assays pending. The copper concentrate is considered to have sufficient copper and precious metal grades to be attractive to a diverse range of customers and the nickel concentrate is also considered to have sufficient nickel and precious metal grades to be commercially attractive. Commercially attractive concentrates Chalice managing director Alex Dorsch said: Our Julimar discovery hosts a significant amount of critical, clean energy metals such as palladium, platinum, nickel, copper and cobalt. In such a diverse metal deposit, the ability to produce high-value, commercially attractive concentrates using a simple processing flowsheet is critical. The results from our second phase of metallurgical test-work have confirmed our hypothesis that widely used, simple flotation concentration techniques would be applicable for the deposit. The two concentrates produced in the locked-cycle test appear to be high quality, and are therefore expected to be very commercially attractive to a range of customers a very promising result and another important de-risking step for Julimar. Variability test-work continues on the other mineralisation styles found at Julimar, with promising initial results from base metal concentration. Phase 2 program Mineralogical and metallurgical work completed to date in the Phase 2 program includes: Sulphide flotation test-work on seven composite samples compiled from drill samples collected from the Gonneville G1, G2, G3, and G5 sulphide zones (awaiting precious metal assay results); Locked-cycle sulphide flotation test-work (LCT) on a composite metallurgical sample (JSG1) compiled from the Gonneville G1 and G2 sulphide zones; Leach test-work at different grind sizes and temperatures on two composite metallurgical samples compiled from oxide mineralisation overlying the Gonneville Intrusion; and QEMSCAN and laser ablation analysis of concentrates to identify the location and deportment of the platinum group minerals (awaiting results). LCT test-work on composite sample JSG1 produced the two commercially attractive concentrates and optimisation work is now underway to refine the flowsheet and additional variability test-work and optimisation of grind size, temperature, and reagent use. LCT is planned for the G6-11 Zones - which were discovered after the Phase 2 program commenced. Variability sulphide flotation Initial sulphide flotation tests have been completed on a further six composites (JSG3, JSG5, JSG6 and yearly composites, JSMC1-4) indicating that commercially attractive concentrates may be produced even at low copper and nickel head grades. Copper concentrate grades generally ranged between 13% and 27% copper, with copper recoveries ranging from 58% to 87% (dependent on head grade). Except for the low head grade composites (JSG5 and JSG6), nickel concentrate grades ranged between 4.5% and 17.3% nickel, with recoveries ranging from 54% to 79% (dependent on head grade). All other assays (palladium, platinum, and gold, as well as potential deleterious elements) in the variability concentrates are pending. Oxide test results Variability test-work on two oxide samples has indicated that palladium and gold can be extracted using a leach process. Results from the northern area JON1 (head grade 1.37 g/t palladium, 0.06 g/t gold) indicated extraction of 76% palladium and 95% gold at a P80 grind size of 10m. Results from the southern area JOS1 (head grade 2.02 g/t palladium, 0.59 g/t gold) at a coarser grind indicated extraction of 76% palladium and 95% gold at a P80 grind size of 26m. The leach results continue to demonstrate that the oxide mineralisation at Gonneville may impact overall project economics, and while platinum and other metals within the oxide zones are not amenable to the leach process, the company believes they would likely have minimal impact on project economics given the low grades in the oxide zone. Further test-work is underway to determine the effect on PGE recovery over a range of grind sizes and temperatures, as well as the optimal techniques to recover metals from solution. Locked cycle testwork results from cycles 1-5 on JSG1. Forward plan Chalice is fully funded to continue its 6-rig resource drill-out and comprehensive metallurgical test-work program at Julimar with around $132 million in cash (as of January 31, 2021). Ongoing and planned activities include: A 160,000-metre resource definition drilling program is underway with three RC and three diamond rigs; Down-hole EM Geophysics is planned to identify potential high-grade targets for follow-up drilling; The Phase 2 metallurgical test-work program is continuing on additional sulphide composites and optimisation work is continuing on the oxide leach process. Further test-work is planned for the new zones identified after the program began; The company has engaged the Geological Survey of WA (GSWA) and a specialist consultant to conduct initial geochemical analysis and metallogenesis studies with the aim of improving its geological and mineralogical understanding of the discovery and enhancing targeting capability as it searches for similar discoveries; and Initial wide-spaced soil sampling and Moving Loop EM programs have commenced at the Hartog EM Anomaly with results expected to assist in determining whether Julimar has the potential to host multiple nickel-copper-PGE mineralised systems. Dorsch said: There is a lot more work do to in order to fully understand the deposits mineralogical, metallurgical, processing and marketing outcomes, and we continue to build that understanding ahead of the maiden mineral resource estimate, targeted for mid-2021. The newly launched app Sandes can be used by people for sharing all kinds of messages, media and documents, much like WhatsApp. Sandes was launched by NIC for government employees when the Coronavirus pandemic hit India as they needed to ensure secure communication. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad A. Bobde on Monday addressed lawyers appearing for the social media/instant messaging giants. He said that Indians had grave apprehensions about loss of privacy from Facebook and WhatsApp. The National Informatics Centre has also launched an instant messaging platform, being looked at as an alternative to WhatsApp, Sandes. Heading a three-judge Bench, CJI Bobde said on Monday that people had grave apprehensions about the loss of privacy, they might be a two or three trillion company, but people value their privacy more. He added that it was their duty to protect peoples privacy. CJI Bodbde further said that people think that if A sends a WhatsApp message to B and B to C, the circuit of messages is revealed to Facebook. The newly launched app Sandes can be used by people for sharing all kinds of messages, media and documents, much like WhatsApp. Sandes was launched by NIC for government employees when the Coronavirus pandemic hit India as they needed to ensure secure communication. Also read: India protest toolkit: 21-year-old Disha Ravi sent to 5-day police custody under sedition charges Also read: FS Harsh Vardhan Shringla to visit Russia this week; Corridor between Chennai and Vladivostov on agenda As mentioned earlier, the interface of Sandes is much like any other instant-messaging app only. However, the government instant messaging system does not have the option to transfer chat history between two platforms. The chats on Sandes can be backed up to the email of the users. Also read: Politics over Rinku Sharma murder: BJP, VHP hold prayer meet, AAP alleges murder over chanting Jai Shri Ram STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. With other restaurants gradually opening for indoor dining in New York City, where does Macs Public House stand with its future? Attorney Mark Fonte said, Macs is closed pursuant to suspension orders from the Board of Health and the SLA. We are in the process of attacking the constitutionality of the [governors] Executive Orders which underly the entire matter. Right now, Macs awaits a Zoom hearing over civil litigation. The case had been rescheduled from Feb. 2 to March 12. The Grant City eatery was launched into the national spotlight as it refused to follow government COVID-19 restrictions and subsequently became a flashpoint for protests. The bar then came under fire when general manager Danny Presti allegedly ran his car into a sheriffs deputy in the street. A grand jury declined to indict Presti on assault and reckless endangerment. Presti was mentioned in the news earlier this month as his bankruptcy case was reopened to determine whether or not he had an ownership interest in the restaurant and failed to disclose assets. Macs owner, Keith McAlarney, is confident about the restaurants court proceedings going forward and said he feels the business future is headed in the right direction. But he and Presti will keep the business closed while their case moves through the courts. Keith McAlarney and Danny Presti addressed the media outside of the business Monday morning, January 25, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) St. George attorney Fonte said, Ordinarily Macs would defy these orders as they deem them illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional. Macs has agreed to remain closed out of respect for the court proceedings only and not out of recognition of the states authority to order closures. The governor has no statutory authority to order the closure of businesses. Fonte added, The Constitution does not take a holiday during times of crisis. Recent court decisions in other jurisdictions validates Macs position. Additionally, we have filed federal civil rights lawsuits against the city and the sheriff for their enforcement of these illegal orders. Fonte said the defense of both city and the sheriffs office was that they are just following directions from the government has been invalidated throughout history. He offered, Enforcement of illegal orders makes the sheriffs just as culpable. The I was just following orders defense was invalidated at Nuremberg. The city and the Sheriff will be held accountable. Sheriff Joe Fucito responded to Fontes comments. Mr. Fonte is not a trained medical or government official, he is simply a criminal defense attorney, the sheriff said. His goal is to exonerate his client in a criminal proceeding and his comparisons to Nuremburg are absurd. Fonte responded to the sheriffs statement pointing to a personal history as a former prosecutor, former special prosecutor and professor of criminal justice defense attorney for 35 years. Fonte added that hes a little more than just a criminal defense attorney. Fucito concluded, Macs Pub violated a panoply of state laws designed to protect the health of New Yorkers. Mr. Presti was the party indicted by a grand jury for violating the law not the Sheriffs Office. - Officers from the Sherrif's office stand outside Mac's Public House on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 at around 6:46 p.m. (Staten Island Advance/Irene Spezzamonte) Staten Island Advance BURGERS IN THE FORECAST While the court proceedings play out, McAlarney considers the future and a possible expansion. In the meantime he also has been paying very close attention to whats happening in Erie County. A class action lawsuit there on behalf of dozens of restaurants recently yielded a swift relaxing of state restrictions on dining capacities. McAlarney thinks results of that legal tussle are the bell-weather for restaurants in the restaurant recovery. As for Macs future menu when back in business, McAlarney is thinking of the Grant City restaurants original concept of pub grub. He said he and Presti will be revving up the kitchen for Philly cheesesteaks, hamburgers, wings and sandwiches. McAlarney explained, Were sticking with the menu we had in place. Were going to assess that as it comes closer to the reopening date of possibly using the backyard, maybe use the street. The landlord is a great guy and hes working with us. He also said, The goal is to have the backyard open from noon to 8 p.m. Why close so early outside when the time comes? He said, We do have neighbors. We still want to be a part of the community. We want to be sure theyre happy. Were focusing on the positive we have going and not turn it into circus again. Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com. Seafood and the pandemic: moving from shock to stability by Megan Howell February 16,2021 | Source: The Fish Site A newly published Worldfish research paper has analysed the responses of the global seafood sector to the first months of the coronavirus crisis. The research, which focuses on how food systems can build resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges, compares the coronavirus responses of the seafood industry across low- and high-income countries. The paper finds that existing economic structures leave seafood supply chains vulnerable to shock events like Covid-19. They also warn that sustained waves of coronavirus infections could critically weaken the seafood sector, leaving low-income countries at risk of prolonged nutrition crises. However, if policymakers and industry players can adapt and learn from the lessons of the pandemic, the global seafood system could become more resilient and provide critical food security for all. The impacts of lockdown micro to macro levels The researchers mapped the seafood sectors reactions to Covid-19, identifying public health interventions and the subsequent disruptions to seafood supply chains. The most obvious public health interventions came in the form of lockdowns and official stay at home orders. With this as the starting point, the researchers analysed the seafood supply chain based on demand, distribution, labour and production. Demand Data shows that demand for seafood took a significant hit as outbreaks of Covid-19 emerged in China. Early lockdowns in January and February 2020 closed the restaurant and food service sector, negatively impacting high-value marine species. Since China is the worlds largest producer, consumer and exporter of seafood, reduced consumer demand translated was felt in other elements of the supply chain. The most notable impact was lower import volumes in February, which rebounded by May. Similar trends in demand were seen in the EU, only beginning in February and March. Restaurant closures in the EU corresponded with a 30 percent drop in imported-live fish. For low-income and food deficit countries, the lockdowns reduced household incomes, leading to fewer purchases of nutrient-dense foods like fish. Distribution On the distribution front, lockdowns and quarantine measures meant significant disruptions to seafood trade flows. Between January and May 2020, seafood shipments were redirected or halted completely in response to shifts in demand, supply and port closures. Fish and shellfish distribution were also impacted by Chinas decision to ban imports of live animals in January 2020. The restriction of air freight was also a factor. Cancelled seafood shipments left producers and distributors without a market for their goods. The sustained lockdowns also meant that cold storage facilities were running out of space. For wealthier countries, the researchers noted that some distributors were able to shift goods to other markets. Ecuador was able to redirect shrimp exports from China to the US and Europe, and Norway was able to send its salmon to Brazil instead of China. However, middle- and low-income countries experienced secondary impacts from the disruption. When the normal seafood trade flows shifted, many developing markets saw a much as a 50 percent drop in exports. Though local markets picked up some of the slack, many low- and middle-income countries had seafood deficits and were contending with volatile commodity prices as they entered lockdown. Labour Lockdowns caused huge disruptions in employment across the seafood supply chain. Though skyrocketing unemployment numbers have been reported on the individual level, the impact of the restricted labour supply has been keenly felt in the business sector as well. Labour shortages have had secondary impacts on the industry hindering the operations of hatcheries, feed mills and processing plants. For low-income countries, lockdowns had disastrous effects on labourers in the seafood sector. Since seafood workers in low-income countries tend to be either casual or self-employed, movement restrictions often meant they couldnt work, leading to spikes in unemployment statistics. Sustained unemployment also caused a drop in household income, further restricting purchasing power. Production Economic data indicates that seafood production decreased in tandem with Covid-19 cases. Lockdowns decreased aquaculture output, since producers have been struggling to gauge consumer demand for fish. Some producers report raising species with long grow-out periods in hopes of waiting out the economic uncertainty, but this can only work in the short term. The production end of the seafood sector is also experiencing second order effects from the other links in the supply chain. Import restrictions have meant that some fish farmers havent been able to access broodstock, distribution and demand issues have negatively impacted sales and profit margins and lockdowns have translated into labour shortages. Meeting the challenge Multiple systems and stakeholders reacted to the emerging pandemic. For governments, the central aim was to protect public health while staying ahead of a looming economic crisis. In wealthy countries, governments took short-term actions to maintain seafood supplies for consumers and to support people whose jobs, businesses and incomes were affected by pandemic-related disruptions. To maintain seafood supplies during lockdowns, many governments designated food processing and food retail as essential work, ensuring that these businesses remained open despite stay at home orders. Governments and the seafood industry enacted measures to protect worker health as the pandemic continued. This included extra sanitation steps, issuing protective equipment during processing and shifting to remote working where possible. Though portions of the seafood industry have weathered the first stage of the pandemic, many businesses and individual operators havent been able to stay afloat in the current market. While wealthy and industrialised economies can do what it takes to mitigate the worst impacts of Covid-19, lower- and middle-income countries do what they can. In this case, NGOs stepped up and supplemented government relief for the seafood sector. In India and South Africa, the researchers found that the FAO, World Bank and WorldFish provided policy advice and expertise to improve government responses. The main outcomes between January and May were price floors for seafood and building the capacity of foodbanks to distribute fish to food-insecure people. A year into the pandemic, the key question is when the short-term coping measures will be replaced by longer-term strategies that will strengthen the seafood sector. From the other side of the pandemic Optimists within the seafood sector can reframe the shocks of Covid-19 as a window of opportunity and a chance to engage in lessons learned. In this line of thinking, the upheaval and economic restructuring caused by outbreaks allows the industry to become greener and more resilient as it rebuilds. It also forces industry actors to adjust to the new status quo and avoid repeating the mistakes of past responses. Based on initial analysis, the researchers identified an number of key lessons from the early stages of the pandemic. Trade The first relates to trade restrictions. Many of the economic shocks stemming from Covid-19 could be magnified or mitigated through trade policy. Based on the available data, the researchers believe that countries should maintain seafood supply buffers relying less on just in time sourcing and more on just in case reserves of goods. The discrepancy between seafood importing and exporting countries will be another recurring challenge. Covid-19 has illustrated the power imbalances in our food system. For many years, the global industry has concentrated seafood production into a small number of exporters, leaving the system vulnerable to shocks and disruptions. This imbalance jeopardises the food security and stability of low-income countries. International cooperation shouldnt be underestimated either. Maintaining international trade relationships will prevent negative behaviours like food hoarding and export bans. Government The coronavirus crisis changes how governments operate, especially when it comes to ensuring food security for their citizens and residents. Price fluctuations and product shortages accompanied the economic fallout from lockdowns and shuttered sectors. Though these shocks were offset by government aid and alternative food purchases in high-income countries, this strategy isnt easily replicated in lower- and middle-income nations. Seafood sector labour in these countries is often informal or undocumented people wont be applicable for government aid. Lower- and middle-income countries could also face a nutrition crisis if a second wave of infections emerge. The research team suggests introducing price caps on micronutrient rich foods like oily fish to prevent malnutrition. Managing production The researchers also note that government programmes aimed at stabilising the seafood sector shouldnt overstimulate production. Though the official supports have kept fisheries afloat during the pandemic, there is a risk that the programmes encourage overfishing and cause environmental harm. Attempts to restart aquaculture operations should also ensure that sustainability and environmental targets arent watered down to meet production quotas. Governments need to balance industry stability and long-term sustainability when contending with shocks like Covid-19. This balance is key to building resilience in the seafood sector. Looking ahead The researchers also identified a number of medium- and long-term research priorities. "We propose a series of immediate and longer-term research needs to guide strategic research investments, and show examples of new studies that fill proposed research gaps. Covid-19 has also highlighted the vulnerability of certain groups working in- or dependent on the seafood sector. Early coping and adaptive responses, combined with lessons from past shocks, can help inform steps to build resilience in the sector," they wrote. Medium-term priorities - To complement price and production data, use survey tools to document and better understand Covid-19 impacts on people working at all levels in seafood value chains and seafood consumers in order to direct support to vulnerable actors in the seafood system. - Document and share case-experiences of actors in the value chain that have adapted to shifts in supply and demand of seafood so lessons from their strategies can be more widely adopted. - Improve open data and data sharing platforms to facilitate the exchange of information about the societal impacts of Covid-19, to enable more rapid and coordinated responses to future shocks. Longer-term priorities - To design future response strategies in support of the tropical majority of small-scale fish producers and traders, draw on lessons from social safety net programs in other food sectors, and experience with implementing the Human Right to Food. - Improve information systems to track fish prices and trade volumes typically consumed by different types of consumers (particularly in LMICs) to reduce wasted fish and enable value chains to respond to consumers' nutrition needs and demand preferences. This may include full traceability of species and stocks based on molecular/DNA analysis. - Focus resilience research on those parts of the aquaculture and fisheries system that supply populations most nutritionally dependent on seafood and those which, through employment, support food security of low-income value chain actors. - Develop and apply an evaluation framework and resilience indicators for seafood value chains, that include social economic and environmental aspects, to identify and learn from resilience hot-spots. - Study temporal effects of the shock on employment in the sector, on migration, on adoption of technologies for production and processing, to better design future crisis-coping strategies and recovery efforts. - Study immediate and longer-term impacts on natural resource systems to identify means to sustain resources during and after future system shocks. - Understand how the fisheries and aquaculture sectors may or may not be different from other food sectors from a resilience perspective for Covid-19 and other large-scale disturbances. Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Communities and Organisations, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Fisheries Resources, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Landing Centres, Others. Groups of four people ordering one takeout meal every week for three months: Thats the goal of Northamptons newly introduced 413 Takeout pledge, a campaign that organizers say aims to ease the difficult plight of those in the service industry amid the coronavirus pandemic. The restaurant-focused campaign is being led by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerces Economic Development Committee along with the Downtown Northampton Association. The idea for the program stemmed from a survey the EDC conducted last year that found people felt a healthy restaurant community is needed for the rejuvenation of the Pioneer Valley city during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Nearly every respondent listed the plight of restaurants as either the important or the most important issue that needed addressing, said EDC member Bob Fazzi, the former CEO of Fazzi Associates and designer of the survey. City officials have recognized businesses continue to be hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, particularly during the winter as inclement, chilly whether prevents many restaurants from easily opening for outdoor dining. Northampton, where Smith College is located and the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a roughly 20-minute drive away, is also seeing the impact of college openings and closings due to concerns about the virus. Following a spike in coronavirus cases at UMass, the Northampton Health Department urged businesses in the city that employ students from the state university not to allow them to come to work until the schools self-sequestration is over. We recognize that many of our local businesses rely on UMass students for staffing support, and the necessary quarantine of these students has a widespread impact that is felt outside of the university campus, Northampton Health Director Meredith OLeary said. However, it is absolutely imperative at this time that UMass students follow these requirements and self-sequester until testing and contact tracing data indicate that high-alert measures are no longer necessary. Important Message from Northampton Public Health Director to Northampton Business Owners Dear Northampton Business... Posted by Northampton Health Department on Thursday, February 11, 2021 Before the spring, when restaurants can ideally expand outdoors as the weather improves, the 413 takeout program aims to assist one of the communitys most vulnerable industries: food service, noted Alan Wolf, Northampton Mayor David Narkewiczs chief of staff. In the interim, our goal is to do everything we can do to promote eating takeout, he told MassLive, adding that the city hopes the 413 program expands regionally beyond just Northampton. Our efforts will be focused on Northampton, but the hope is others pick up this great idea. Wolfs comments were echoed by Amy Cahillane, director of the DNA, who said she hopes for enough support for small businesses in the winter months to help keep them afloat. Our small business community has always been there for us providing donations to our PTOs and little league teams and now they need us to be there for them, Cahillane said. I cant imagine a Northampton without a vibrant restaurant community, and I hope that with enough community support over these winter months, I wont have to. In a recent interview with the Republican, Cahillan pointed out business owners may be starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel in the midst of the pandemic. News of people being vaccinated for the viral respiratory infection has been met with cautious optimism that the vibrancy will be coming back among business owners in Northampton. The emotional component is just as important as the economic part, said Cahillane. Collectively, people in our business community seem cautiously optimistic. Im hoping we can be a little more on the optimistic side. As part of the takeout program, residents are being encouraged to recruit four friends or family members to take the 413 pledge and buy from the slew of restaurants in Northampton, Florence and Leeds. Pledge forms for the campaign were made available on Northampton.Live on Monday. Thank you Greater Northampton Chamber, Downtown Northampton Association (DNA), and partners for launching #413TAKEOUT to offer much-needed community support to #NorthamptonMA restaurants impacted by #COVID19. Join me in taking the 413 Pledge at https://t.co/hFIzSkEffs! pic.twitter.com/Af5yWY3qZk David Narkewicz (@MayorNarkewicz) February 15, 2021 The three-month program, which is expected to run from Feb. 14 to May 14, is being supported by a generous contribution from the Northampton Cooperative, a division of the Greenfield Cooperative Bank, the DNA noted in its statement. Northampton Cooperative recognizes the need to support local restaurants in these unprecedented times. Restaurants are generally small businesses that are important to our return to some normalcy, hopefully sooner rather than later, Northampton Cooperative CEO Michael Tucker said. It appears the campaign has already been met with positivity among some in the citys business community. According to the DNA, a meeting was held for Northampton restaurant owners, where they shared enthusiastic support for the 413 campaign. Im so pleased with the 413 Takeout campaign as it will provide a much-needed boost to restaurants during some of the most challenging weeks of the pandemic, said Rebecca Robbins, owner of Woodstar Cafe on Masonic Street. More sales will retain jobs, reduce waste and bring a spark of vibrancy to downtown. Thousands of restaurants in Massachusetts have closed in the past several months of the public health crisis, Leslie Laurie, chair of the EDC, pointed out. She felt that something needed be done quickly during the difficult winter months to help such struggling businesses. Over 4,000 Massachusetts restaurants have already closed. Seventeen percent nationally are now permanently closed. We didnt want more of our restaurants added to these disturbing numbers, Laurie said. Related Content: K-State graduates report employment, continuing education success Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 The latest post-graduation report from Kansas State University for graduates in the 2019-2020 school year finds 95% are employed or furthering their education. | Download this photo. MANHATTAN Even a pandemic can't stop a Wildcat from excelling in the job market. The latest post-graduation report from Kansas State University for graduates in the 2019-2020 school year finds 95% are employed or furthering their education. Although down from the 97% reported for the 2018-2019 school year, Kerri Keller, director of the K-State Career Center, says the percentage is impressive considering the economic havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those graduating in 2020. "It's been a time like no other for new college graduates," Keller said. "I am proud of the persistence and resilience of K-State graduates. I am also grateful for the many alumni who advocate recruiting K-State talent for their companies and organizations. It makes a world of difference for the next generations making their way from college to career." The report, based on surveys conducted six months following a student's graduation from K-State, is good news for the state in retaining new college graduates, with 52% of K-State graduates accepting jobs in Kansas. When states surrounding Kansas Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma are added, that amount jumps to 69%. Of the remainder of employed graduates, 29% were employed elsewhere in the U.S. and 2% employed internationally. Starting salaries for the new graduates held steady, with the median salary at $50,000 the same as the previous year. The response rate to the surveys was 81%. Leading employers of new K-State graduates include Cerner Corp., Kiewit, Textron, Geary County USD 475 and Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. More than 1,360 different organizations hired at least one K-State bachelor's graduate from the class of 2019-2020. Of those graduates reporting placement, nearly a quarter of them were furthering their education through almost 190 different graduate or professional programs that range from accounting to veterinary medicine. The K-State Career Center offers recruiting events that connect students with more than 800 employers. The Career Center provides support to current students and is available to new graduates throughout the calendar year as they pursue their next steps. Services are available to students in person at the Berney Family Welcome Center as well as online through the Career Center website and a variety of virtual resources. The message that we need to electrify everything that currently uses fossil fuels to generate energy has become the dominant message of the energy transition. Solar, wind, and energy storageperhaps with the help of hydropower and some nuclearcan handle the energy needs of mankind, the argument goes, and do it with a much lower carbon footprint. Yet, the Arctic cold wave that is sweeping across the United States has seriously undermined this argument. Natural gas prices exploded last week in many parts of the U.S. and are still rising higher, as are electricity prices. In Texas, a state unaccustomed to such weather, wholesale electricity prices hit $9,000 per MWh on the spot market, prompting at least one retail power supplier to urge its clients to switch to another provider to avoid huge utility bills. Blackouts are now a fact, with two million households across Texas without power at the time of writing. Authorities, meanwhile, are urging people to conserve energy by limiting their consumption. ERCOT has said the blackouts will be rolling, lasting for 45 minutes per area. This may not be a lot, but it does indicate the presence of a problem. Texas, the Wind Capital of the U.S. Texas is the biggest producer of wind energy in the United States. Unfortunately, the state saw half of its wind turbines frozen by the icy winds blowing from Canada to parts of the U.S. that were unaccustomed to such temperatures. Of a total 25 GW in wind power capacity, 12 GW were knocked out by the freezing spell. At the same time, there is a shortage of natural gas, likely because of the sudden spike in demand. And it could get worse. The cold spell has hit the oil and gas industry in Texas as well. Oil wells are being shuttered, and refineries are being shut down amid the blackouts caused by the deep freeze and a shortage of gas. Pipeline operations have also been affected by the blackouts, which could compromise gas supply further. Related Video: To Pump Or Not To Pump: Big Oil Diverges On Production Strategy Attempting to electrify everything would concentrate our energy risks on an electricity grid that is already breaking under the surge in demand caused by the crazy cold weather, wrote veteran energy journalist Robert Bryce in an article for Forbes this week. The current weather situation, Bryce said, shows very well why it would be highly risky to put all our eggs, as it were, in the electricity basket. If we electrified everything, he argued, it will only a matter of time before a much more serious blackout hits. Indeed, a blackout of massive proportions almost hit Europe earlier this year. The fact that the catastrophe was avoided was lucky, but the event highlighted two problems: over-reliance on intermittent solar and wind power, and a possibly excessive interconnectedness of the continents national grids. Cost of Electrification Speaking of Europe, its solar power production has dropped to zero these days. No country except Slovenia is producing solar power right now, and Slovenias production is a meager less than 1 percent of its total generation. Wind power is going strong in most of Europe, but solar is out. In Sweden, even wind power production is low because wind activity is low. So Sweden, which has ambitions to become all-renewable by 2040, is seeing a jump in electricity prices to the highest since 2011 and is urging people to conserve energy by reducing their consumption. Incidentally, it is also importing electricity from countries such as Poland and Lithuania, which generate it from coal, compromising Swedens green commitment. This is telling usin no uncertain termsthat the lack of diversification is the opposite of wise. It is as true of electricity supply as it is of economies and businesses. Total electrification and the shutting out of fossil fuels completely will mean blackouts. Its as simple as that. Because while the energy generated by the Sun and the wind comes free, it cannot be summoned when you need it, and even combined with energy storage, it will be insufficient. Thats what fossil fuels are for. Incidentally, a report from last year forecast that the Earth was entering a cooling period because of a phenomenon called a Grand Solar Minimum that could last until 2053 and lead to a noticeable reduction of terrestrial temperature. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - AutoNation Inc. (AN) said it elected Rick Burdick as Chairman of the Board. The change was made as part of the Board's succession plan and previously announced decision to separate the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Burdick has served as one of AutoNation's directors since May 1991 and as Lead Independent Director since December 2018. Effective as of February 15, 2021, Rick Burdick assumed the position of independent Chairman of the Board thereby succeeding Mike Jackson, AutoNation's Chief Executive Officer, as Chairman. Jackson will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer and remain on the Board. AutoNation said that its board authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $1 billion of the company's common stock. With the increased authorization, AutoNation has about $1.1 billion remaining board authorization for share repurchase. As of February 12, 2021, AutoNation had about 82 million shares outstanding. The company plans to build over 100 AutoNation USA pre-owned vehicle stores, with over 50 completed by the end of 2025. The AutoNation USA store expansion will include extending AutoNation's coast to coast footprint into new markets. AutoNation said it plans to open five new AutoNation USA stores in 2021 in Austin, Denver (2 stores), Phoenix, and San Antonio. The company plans to open an additional 10 new stores in 2022. AutoNation has set the long-term goal of retailing over 1 million combined new and used vehicle units per year. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. New Discoveries at Corrego Brandao & Zona Basal Near Existing Plant Infrastructure TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Jaguar Mining Inc. ("Jaguar" or the "Company") (TSX:JAG) is pleased to announce two new discoveries at the Corrego Brandao ("CB") and Zona Basal ("ZB") targets. The Company's expanded exploration program in the Iron Quadrangle ("IQ"), announced September 2020, is reporting early success at the two targets with important oxide intersections and with clear potential to host sulphide mineralization extending to depth. Although both discoveries are greenfields in nature, they have the potential for near term, open pit mineable resource additions. Corrego Brandao is located near the Caete Mill complex ("CCA") while Zona Basal is located near the Turmalina Mine and Mill ("MTL"). Drilling programs at both sites commenced in Q4-2020 (see news release September 9, 2020) and are ongoing with three (3) drill rigs deployed. The Company is targeting a consolidated maiden resource from CB and ZB during 2021. While a number of assay results are still pending, impacted by Covid-19 related issues at ALS, processing times are now expected to return to normal reporting timeframes. In this release Jaguar reports results from 17 (2,000m) of 36 holes (4,916.76m) drilled over the two sites in ongoing reconnaissance Phase I programs. Figure 1 - Location of Exploration Projects Zona Basal and Corrego Brandao relative to MTL and CCA Operations and Processing Facilities Highlights of the drill program reported to date include: Oxide Intersections Corrego Brandao: near surface oxide intercept of 7.91 g/t Au over a drilled width of 20.10m. Zona Basal: near surface oxide intercepts of 2.38 g/t Au over a drilled width 20.45m and 2.00 g/t over a drilled width of 15.40m. Sulphide Intersections Corrego Brandao: sulphide intercept of 3.11 g/t Au over a drilled width of 6.45m. Vern Baker, CEO, Jaguar Mining commented: "The early success of these two exploration programs is extremely encouraging. Both of these properties are showing potential for near surface, low-cost ounces, and as we develop the understanding of the underlying control structures, they also provide the opportunity to find mineralized deposits that can provide long-term sustainable production. We are confident that the organic growth of our resources will allow us to sustain and grow production within our existing infrastructures. Thanks are due to the Jaguar exploration team which has shown the ability to move multiple programs ahead while maintaining excellent geologic discipline." Jon Hill, Vice President, Geology and Exploration, Jaguar Mining commented: "At Jaguar we are highly encouraged by these early drilling results from our priority, near mine and plant infrastructure projects. The team deserves special credit for the immense progress made in a very short timeframe. While very early in the discovery cycle, the near-term value creation potential of the two projects presented today, is an important part of Jaguar's future production profile and mine life. The team will continue to focus on progressing these projects with the requisite care and discipline required while advancing the next targets in Jaguar's quality Iron Quadrangle portfolio." Phase I (Reconnaissance) Drill Campaign Table 1 - Drilling Statistics to date by Target Complex Target Number of holes Number of meters Results reported Results awaited Caete Corrego Brandao 14 1664.36 5 9 MTL Zona Basal 22 3252.40 12 10 Total 36 4916.76 17 19 Corrego Brandao (CB) Target CB target results are reported from 5 holes (548m) of a drilling program which commenced in late November 2020 and where to date, 14 holes (1664.36m) have been completed. Phase 1 was designed to follow up highly encouraging auger drilling results (refer to News Releases June 4, 2019, September 9, 2020) targeting an extensive (>5km strike length) gold, arsenic, and antimony in soil anomaly. The first diamond drill hole reported oxide mineralization grading 7.91 g/t Au over a width of 21m which confirmed and extended the drilled interval defined by the previous high-grade auger hole interval. The highest grades intercepted in the initial diamond (and auger) drilling at CB are related to a highly magnetic - iron rich mafic lithological unit, initially described as a chlorite rich banded iron formation (BIF) contained within a folded mafic to ultramafic greenstone sequence. This host BIF unit is interpreted to have a true width of some 6 to 10m and while it appears to be mineralized across this width, very high grades are associated with both the upper and lower contacts of the host unit. In addition to the first hole FCBR001, a total of 13 step out holes have been drilled to date, aimed primarily at the definition of the extent, geometry, and geological controls of this mineralization. Of these, 8 step out holes focused on defining the shallow - oxide potential of the target and results from the first two such step out holes FCBR002 and FCBR003 are reported below. To the west along strike, 5 wide spaced holes (991m) have been drilled to test extensions in this direction and target the magnetic mineralized BIF horizon and associated strong surface gold, arsenic and antimony in soil anomalism into the unweathered hypogene (fresh rock) zone. The targeted magnetic BIF horizon with associated gold mineralization was intersected at depths of approximately 100m below surface in these holes and results from the first two holes, FBCS001 and FBCS002 are also reported below. Table 2 - Gold Assay Results for Corrego Brandao drilling Summary of Significant Intersections, Drilling Program Jaguar Mining Inc. - Corrego Brandao Target Hole ID From (m) To (m) Down Hole Interval (m) Gold Grade (g/t Au) Redox FCBR001 10.40 30.50 20.10 7.91 Oxide Including 10.40 16.50 6.10 15.81 Oxide 27.00 28.50 1.50 33.60 Oxide FCBR001 35.50 37.75 2.25 1.69 Oxide 41.15 45.00 3.85 0.56 Sulphide FCBR002 8.50 26.50 18.00 2.56 Oxide Including 8.50 10.25 1.75 6.29 Oxide 18.00 25.50 7.50 3.38 Oxide FCBR002 29.50 35.50 6.00 0.85 Oxide FCBR003 14.35 21.70 7.35 2.63 Oxide Including 17.35 20.85 3.50 4.73 Oxide FCBS001 99.65 100.65 1.00 1.68 Sulphide 108.90 110.50 1.60 1.12 Sulphide 119.95 125.75 5.80 2.17 Sulphide Including 119.95 121.35 1.40 5.48 Sulphide FCBS002 79.15 80.10 0.95 1.40 Sulphide 99.40 101.40 2.00 0.82 Sulphide 117.35 123.80 6.45 3.11 Sulphide Including 119.50 123.80 4.30 4.22 Sulphide FCBS002 164.75 165.55 0.80 1.50 Sulphide Figure 2 - Plan of Corrego Brandao Project showing drillhole locations and results received to date. Background is an image of the gold in soil anomaly. Figure 3 - Sections of Corrego Brandao Drilling Results Zona Basal (ZB) Target Zona Basal results are reported from 12 holes (1458m) of a drilling program which commenced in mid-October 2020 and where to date 22 holes (3252.40m) have been completed. Phase 1 reconnaissance drilling at this target initially focused on a program of wide spaced holes following up and targeting near surface oxide and potential deeper, structurally controlled sulphide extensions to the greenstone bedrock gold intersections from surface trenching, both within the footprint, and along the margins of the extensive 100ppb Au in soil anomaly. Results reported to date include both encouraging oxide and sulphide intercepts of 2.39 g/t Au over a drilled width of 20,45m from surface in hole FZB014 and 1.30 g/t Au over a drilled width of 11.60m (including 1.78 g/t Au over 8.2m) in hole FZB026 respectively. Of further interest is the oxide intersection in hole FZB014 which falls within a wider intersection interval that contains anomalous silver grading 7.81 g/t Ag over a drilled width of 27.5m. The presence of anomalous silver values associated with high gold values in the oxide - saprolite zone clearly points to the potential for an extensive supergene deposit within the footprint of the Au soil anomaly. The main - central gold in soil anomaly at ZB as defined by the 100 ppb Au contour interval, covers a strike length of some 1,000m, a width of over 200m and which, is now interpreted to overlay a supergene (oxidised - saprolite) profile which attains a thickness of some 30-50m. Preliminary leach test work completed on samples from the sulphide intersection reported above (Hole FZB026) demonstrate the material is free milling/non - refractory, further justifying follow-up exploration drill programs to define potentially open pit mineable resources from this source. Such exploration would also aim at further defining structural controls of the sulphide mineralization and will aid the delineation of potentially higher-grade plunging mineralization as seen nearby at the Turmalina Mine. Table 3 - Gold Assay Results for Zona Basal Summary of Significant Intersections, Drilling Program Jaguar Mining Inc. - Zona Basal Target Hole ID From (m) To (m) Down Hole Interval (m) Gold Grade (g/t Au) Redox FZB013 4.60 20.00 15.40 2.00 Oxide Including 13.00 17.00 4.00 4.39 Oxide FZB014 0.00 20.45 20.45 2.39 Oxide Including 7.70 16.50 8.80 3.90 Oxide FZB015 No Au Intersection - FZB016 FZB017 FZB018 62.80 64.50 1.70 0.45 Sulphide FZB022 57.50 62.50 5.00 0.37 Sulphide 74.00 82.00 8.00 0.82 Sulphide 110.80 116.00 5.20 1.02 Sulphide FZB024 149.30 155.00 5.70 0.39 Sulphide 176.50 209.10 32.60 0.63 Sulphide Including 202.10 205.05 2.95 1.62 Sulphide FZB025 40.20 45.00 4.80 0.97 Oxide 49.80 55.70 5.90 0.53 Oxide 64.10 65.30 1.20 1.27 Sulphide 114.55 120.05 5.50 1.32 Sulphide FZB026 65.85 77.45 11.60 1.30 Sulphide FZB027 40.30 50.05 9.75 1.21 Oxide 187.95 209.75 21.80 0.59 Sulphide Including 189.95 193.00 3.05 0.91 Sulphide FZB028 86.40 101.8 15.40 1.04 Sulphide Including 88.35 97.30 8.95 1.57 Sulphide Figure 4 - Plan of Zona Basal Project showing drillhole locations and results relative to the Au and Silver in soil anomalies. Figure 5 - Schematic Cross-Section through the central portion of the Zona Basal Target showing the potential distribution of supergene - oxide saprolite mineralization and relative to the deeper structurally controlled mineralization in the sulphide zone. Geology and Exploration observations Corrego Brandao Target From an exploration targeting perspective the mineralized magnetic BIF unit at CB can be mapped over the full strike length of the regional host fold structure and its magnetic response is generally coincident with the gold - arsenic and antimony in soil anomalism as well as having a distinct radiometric signature. Exploration is targeting parasitic fold hinges aided by magnetic inversion modelling, along the limbs of the regional fold structure whereby the host BIF unit is thickened with increased potential for forming the favourable plunge persistent higher-grade mineralization extending to depth, characterized by the major known deposits in the iron quadrangle. Of further interest is the weathering process does not appear to have demagnetized the Mineralized BIF unit in the oxide zone and this observation opens up further exploration opportunities in the greater region. Qualified Person Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, BSc (Hons) (Economic Geology - UCT), FAUSIMM, Vice President Geology and Exploration, who is also an employee of Jaguar Mining Inc., and is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Quality Control Jaguar continues to use a quality-control program that includes insertion of blanks and commercial standards in order to ensure best practice in sampling and analysis. HQ, NQ, and BQ size drill core is sawn in half with a diamond saw. Samples are selected for analysis in standard intervals according to geological characteristics such as lithology and hydrothermal alteration. All diamond drill hole collars are accurately surveyed using a Total Station instrument and down-hole deviations are surveyed using a non-magnetic north seeking Reflex GyroTM Mean grades are calculated using a variable lower grade cut-off (generally 0.5g/t Au). No upper gold grade cut has been applied to the data. However, the requirement for assay top cutting will be assessed during future resource work. Half of the sawed sample is forwarded to the analytical laboratory for analysis while the remaining half of the core is stored in a secure location. The drill core samples from growth exploration drillholes are transported in securely sealed bags and sent for physical preparation to the independent ALS Brazil (subsidiary of ALS Global) laboratory located in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analysis is conducted at ALS Global's respective facilities (fire assay are conducted by ALS Global in Lima, Peru, and multi-elementary analysis are conducted by ALS Global in Vancouver, Canada). ALS has accreditation in a global management system that meets all requirements of international standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015. All major ALS geochemistry analytical laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for specific analytical procedures. The drilling results presented on this news release are from drill holes completed by contractors Major Drilling and Energold. For a complete description of Jaguar's sample preparation, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures, please refer to the "Technical Report on the Roca Grande and Pilar Operations, Minas Gerais State, Brazil", a copy of which is available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. About Jaguar Mining Inc. Jaguar Mining Inc. is a Canadian-listed junior gold mining, development, and exploration company operating in Brazil with two gold mining complexes and a large land package with significant upside exploration potential from mineral claims. The Company's principal operating assets are located in the Iron Quadrangle, a prolific greenstone belt in the state of Minas Gerais and include the Turmalina Gold Mine Complex and Caete Mining Complex (Pilar Mine and Caete Plant). The Company also owns the Paciencia Gold Mine Complex, which has been on care and maintenance since 2012. The Roca Grande Mine has been on care and maintenance since April 2018. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.jaguarmining.com. For further information please contact: Vernon Baker Chief Executive Officer Jaguar Mining Inc. vernon.baker@jaguarmining.com 416-847-1854 Hashim Ahmed Chief Financial Officer Jaguar Mining Inc. hashim.ahmed@jaguarmining.com 416-847-1854 Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking information made in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements below and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators in Canada. Forward-looking information contained in forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "are expected," "is forecast," "is targeted," "approximately," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "believe" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be considered to be or include forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, expected sales, production statistics, ore grades, tonnes milled, recovery rates, cash operating costs, definition/delineation drilling, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of projects and new deposits, success of exploration, development and mining activities, currency fluctuations, capital requirements, project studies, mine life extensions, restarting suspended or disrupted operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and resolution of pending litigation. The Company has made numerous assumptions with respect to forward-looking information contained herein, including, among other things, assumptions about the estimated timeline for the development of its mineral properties; the supply and demand for, and the level and volatility of the price of, gold; the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions on which the reserve and resource estimates are based; the receipt of necessary permits; market competition; ongoing relations with employees and impacted communities; political and legal developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations including, without limitation, the impact of any potential power rationing, tailings facility regulation, exploration and mine operating licenses and permits being obtained and renewed and/or there being adverse amendments to mining or other laws in Brazil and any changes to general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking information involves a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including among others: the risk of Jaguar not meeting the forecast plans regarding its operations and financial performance; uncertainties with respect to the price of gold, labour disruptions, mechanical failures, increase in costs, environmental compliance and change in environmental legislation and regulation, weather delays and increased costs or production delays due to natural disasters, power disruptions, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations; uncertainties inherent to capital markets in general (including the sometimes volatile valuation of securities and an uncertain ability to raise new capital) and other risks inherent to the gold exploration, development and production industry, which, if incorrect, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described herein. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of gold exploration, development, mining and production, including environmental hazards, tailings dam failures, industrial accidents and workplace safety problems, unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding, chemical spills, procurement fraud and gold bullion thefts and losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks). In addition, the Company's principal operations and mineral properties are located in Brazil and there are additional business and financial risks inherent in doing business in Brazil as compared to the United States or Canada. In Brazil, corruption represents a challenge requiring extra attention by those who conduct business there. Corruption does not only occur with the misuse of public, government or regulatory powers, it also can occur in a business's supplies, inputs and procurement functions (such as illicit rebates, kickbacks and dubious vendor relationships) as well as the inventory and product sales functions (such as inventory shrinkage or skimming). Employees as well as external parties (such as suppliers, distributors and contractors) have opportunities to commit theft, procurement fraud and other wrongs against the Company. While corruption, bribery and fraud and theft risks can never be fully eliminated, the Company reviews and implements controls to reduce the likelihood of these events occurring. The Company's present and future business operations face these risks. Accordingly, for all of the reasons above, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking information made in this news release, see the Company's most recent Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis, as well as other public disclosure documents that can be accessed under the issuer profile of "Jaguar Mining Inc." on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's reasonable expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Appendix 1 Drill hole location data for Corrego Brandao Target holes reported in this Press-Release. Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Total Depth (m) Collar Azimuth () Collar Dip () Drilling situation Drilling Company Date Results FCBR001 640028.41 7798106.61 1073.68 78.42 345.77 -88.14 Concluded ENERGOLD 12-Sep-20 Received FCBR002 640028.19 7798106.78 1073.62 58.85 330.40 -59.65 Concluded ENERGOLD 12-Jan-21 Received FCBR003 639988.14 7798100.32 1067.66 58.79 340.00 -85.00 Concluded ENERGOLD 12-Jan-21 Received FCBR004 639988.27 7798100.10 1067.67 82.75 310.00 -50.86 Concluded ENERGOLD 13-Jan-21 Awaiting FCBR005 640052.35 7798076.08 1071.38 87.50 309.90 -50.63 Concluded ENERGOLD 18-Jan-21 Awaiting FCBR006 640070.73 7798050.61 1066.33 68.05 310.10 -49.77 Concluded ENERGOLD 22-Jan-21 Preparing shipment FCBR007 640010.61 7798070.45 1066.37 63.60 310.10 -60.41 Concluded ENERGOLD 26-Jan-21 Preparing shipment FCBR008 640035.55 7798044.77 1069.14 65.00 310.10 -60.46 Concluded ENERGOLD 28-Jan-21 Preparing shipment FCBR009 640052.57 7798004.70 1074.49 110.05 310.10 -59.31 Concluded ENERGOLD 2-Jan-21 Not available yey FCBS001 639908.32 7797739.72 1082.56 168.30 309.43 -61.83 Concluded MAJOR 12-Oct-20 Received FCBS002 639908.79 7797740.15 1082.74 183.45 338.88 -61.23 Concluded MAJOR 12-Jan-21 Received FCBS003 639913.21 7797734.94 1082.29 191.85 279.32 -61.02 Concluded MAJOR 15-Jan-21 Awaiting FCBS004 639875.35 7797517.34 1100.08 195.05 339.10 -63.44 Concluded MAJOR 26-Jan-21 Preparing shipment FCBS005 639875.35 7797516.34 1100.08 252.70 278.73 -62.64 Concluded MAJOR - Not available yey Appendix 2 Drill hole location data for Zona Basal Target holes reported in this Press-Release. Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Total Depth (m) Collar Azimuth () Collar Dip () Drilling situation Drilling Company Date Results FZB013 509653.48 7817488.60 737.70 85.40 210.46 -61.02 Concluded MAJOR 10-Sep-20 Received FZB014 509654.09 7817489.34 737.74 113.20 183.59 -83.67 Concluded MAJOR 14-Sep-20 Partial - Awaiting FZB015 509567.24 7817539.75 734.08 90.15 223.57 -62.35 Concluded MAJOR 16-Sep-20 Received FZB016 509566.80 7817541.23 733.99 110.25 215.87 -85.02 Concluded MAJOR 21-Sep-20 Received FZB017 509566.18 7817541.26 734.05 84.70 271.10 -60.89 Concluded MAJOR 24-Sep-20 Received FZB018 509617.89 7817645.91 715.32 200.20 264.74 -59.78 Concluded MAJOR 30-Sep-20 Partial - Awaiting FZB019 509618.75 7817645.99 715.39 156.55 264.62 -84.78 Concluded MAJOR 6-Oct-20 Awaiting FZB020 509455.26 7817879.76 712.40 230.30 239.23 -60.83 Concluded MAJOR 9-Dec-20 Awaiting FZB021 509387.86 7817660.48 707.74 100.80 218.94 -59.74 Concluded MAJOR 15-Oct-20 Awaiting FZB022 509842.93 7817471.23 714.88 186.65 218.36 -61.49 Concluded MAJOR 21-Oct-20 Received FZB023 509843.45 7817469.21 714.68 161.45 271.24 -61.17 Concluded MAJOR 27-Oct-20 Awaiting FZB024 509908.81 7817678.97 739.19 317.25 257.92 -59.85 Concluded MAJOR 5-Nov-20 Partial - Awaiting FZB025 509821.68 7817583.23 749.50 198.40 266.66 -60.13 Concluded MAJOR 13-Nov-20 Received FZB026 509777.13 7817690.45 747.66 147.35 263.64 -60.53 Concluded MAJOR 20-Nov-20 Received FZB027 509754.65 7817755.48 739.06 209.75 274.65 -60.40 Concluded MAJOR 27-Nov-20 Received FZB028 509778.23 7817690.49 749.24 156.70 261.38 -83.80 Concluded MAJOR 4-Dec-20 Partial - Awaiting FZB029 509734.72 7817872.00 712.18 157.50 250.74 -60.09 Concluded MAJOR 10-Dec-20 Awaiting FZB030 509610.00 7818097.00 674.17 102.20 253.62 -83.13 Concluded MAJOR 16-Dec-20 Awaiting FZB031 509112.00 7818075.00 695.90 100.60 250.00 -60.00 Concluded MAJOR 18-Jan-21 Awaiting FZB032 509869.00 7817149.00 719.14 109.20 225.00 -60.00 Concluded MAJOR 23-Jan-21 Partial - Awaiting FZB033 508928.10 7818268.76 747.85 119.85 270.00 -60.00 Concluded MAJOR 29-Jan-21 Awaiting FZB034 508978.00 7818241.00 739.57 113.95 225.00 -60.00 Concluded MAJOR 4-Feb-21 Awaiting FZB035 509175.00 7818020.00 708.06 - 225.00 -60.00 In Progress MAJOR - - SOURCE: Jaguar Mining Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629807/Jaguar-Mining-Reports-Early-Exploration-Success-from-Iron-Quadrangle-Drilling Other pastry chefs echoed the sentiment, noting that when they worked in restaurants and bakeries they almost never met the customers who enjoyed their desserts. The psychological heaviness of whats going on affects me every day, Ms. Lydon said. One of the ways I could help myself to get out of my head when I was doing nothing, going nowhere and seeing nobody was to bake, and make a connection. As much as they may enjoy ferrying boxes of baked goods, none of the pastry chefs I spoke with want to keep driving around the city forever. They say they have no choice now. The commissions charged by third-party delivery apps would ruin them. So far, no competing delivery service has emerged with fees that tiny businesses can afford. Wrightwood & Sawyer and Joy Cho Pastry plan to set up sit-down pastry shops when the pandemic recedes. Ms. Miao wants to transform Kemi Dessert Bar into a small sweets-focused tasting room. Mr. Davis of Boy Blue and his partner in romance and business, Camila Nevin, 34, still hope to open a small neighborhood restaurant with a bakery and cafe across the street. Ms. Lydon said she is not optimistic about the hiring prospects for pastry chefs in restaurants as the business recovers, but she hopes to keep Seabird Bakery going in some form. Marissa Sanders of Wrightwood & Sawyer likes to think that some of the tiny businesses born in the teeth of the pandemic will survive, though. Jenna Bush Hager has opened up about her worst first date ever, revealing her husband Henry Hager accidentally got into a fender bender with the Secret Service at the start of their relationship. The 39-year-old Today star shared the hilarious story with her co-host Hoda Kotb on Monday morning's show in honor of Single's Appreciation Day, which falls on February 15. 'My worst first date involved the Secret Service, lets just leave it at that,' the former First Daughter said, laughing. 'It was with Henry and his car ran out of gas and went backwards and hit the Secret Service.' He was unforgettable! Jenna Bush Hager has opened up about the disastrous first date she had with her husband Henry Hager (pictured in 2019) Looking back: The former First Daughter explained that she and Henry were in Arlington, Virginia, on their first date when he noticed his car was low on gas Jenna met Henry when he was working on her father George W. Bush's 2004 presidential reelection campaign, and they hit it off. She explained that their disastrous first date took place outside of Washington, D.C. in Arlington, Virginia, where Henry was living at the time. They were in the car when Henry realized he was running out of gas. He attempted to drive to a nearby gas station that was up a slight hill but he didn't make it. 'He started to go up the hill and then booooop, crash,' Jenna said with a laugh. Whoops! Henry attempted to drive to a nearby gas station, but the car ended up rolling downhill and hitting the Secret Service vehicle that was trailing them Meant to be: Despite their terrible first date, they ended up getting married in May 2008 While she was still amused by the situation over a decade later, Hoda gasped when she heard what happened. 'Were you scared or laughing?' she asked. 'I was laughing, but he was horrified,' Jenna recalled. The incident might have been a deal-breaker for some people, but it seems like it brought the two of them closer together. Party of five: Jenna and Henry are now parents to three children: Mila, Poppy, and Hal Look of love: The couple celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary in 2018 Jenna revealed last February that she was so head-over-heels in love with Henry that she asked him to marry her after just three months of dating but he turned her down because she was too young. Henry ended up proposing to Jenna in 2007, and his mother, Maggie, told the Washington Post that he had asked President Bush for permission to marry his daughter. The couple said 'I do' in May 2008 at the Bush family's estate in Crawford, Texas. Jenna and Henry welcomed their daughter Mila, now seven, five years later. They also have a five-year-old daughter, Poppy, and a one-year-old son, Hal. A South African judge says he wants ex-President Jacob Zuma to be given a jail sentence for failing to appear before him to answer corruption allegations. Mr Zuma, 79, ignored a summons to appear before a commission of inquiry being chaired by Justice Ray Zondo. The judge said Mr Zuma's defiance could lead to lawlessness, and he would ask South Africa's highest court to convict the ex-president of contempt. Mr Zuma said he believed that Justice Zondo was biased against him. He previously asked the judge to step down as chair of the inquiry. Justice Zondo rejected the request, and said he was doing his job impartially. At least 40 witnesses have implicated Mr Zuma in corruption. Among the allegations against him is that during his term in office, he allowed the wealthy Gupta family to plunder state resources and to influence policy and cabinet appointments. Both Mr Zuma and the Guptas deny any wrongdoing. The Constitutional Court ruled last month that Mr Zuma was compelled to appear before the commission. Following his non-appearance on Monday, Justice Zondo said everyone was equal before the law and if Mr Zuma was allowed to defy the courts it would have far-reaching implications for democracy. Mr Zuma has not commented since the judge's ruling, but has previously said he is not afraid to go to jail. But some of his supporters, dressed in military fatigue, have marched outside his rural home, vowing to protect him. Mr Zuma was forced to step down as president in 2018 after being dogged by allegations of corruption throughout his nine years in office. His successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, took office on a pledge to tackle the issue. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video PITTSBURGH, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, Pittcon provides a venue where scientists who have made outstanding contributions to analytical chemistry and applied spectroscopy are honored. This year, Pittcon will collaborate virtually March 812, 2021, and will feature 15 such awards presented to 17 distinguished scientists from throughout the world. The Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award will be presented to Dr. Isao Noda of the University of Delaware. Dr. Noda was chosen based on his outstanding contribution in the advanced understanding and applications in the field of spectroscopy, his leadership in the scientific community, and his mentorship of young scientists. His research interest is in the broad area of polymer science and vibrational spectroscopy. The Pittsburgh Analytical Chemistry Award will be presented to Dr. Richard Yost of the University of Florida. Dr. Yost is widely recognized as a world leader in the field of mass spectrometry and analytical chemistry, most notably for his co-invention of the triple quadrapole mass spectrometer, which has revolutionized important measurements impacting human health and well-being in the fields of drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, environmental studies, and biological analyses. The Pittsburgh Conference Achievement Award will be presented to Dr. Robbyn Anand of Iowa State University. Dr. Anand and her research group have developed methods for single-cell analysis, electrokinetic separations in complex media, and voltammetry at bipolar electrodes. She is also the founder of the Midwest Retreat for Diversity in Chemistry. The Pittcon Heritage Award will be presented to Dr. Peter Hupe of Agilent Technologies (retired). Dr. Hupe founded Hupe-Busch, which eventually became the Agilent Technologies High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Business. He is also being recognized for his technical and business contributions in the area of Preparative Gas Chromatography, his role in the founding of the respected HPLC Series of International Meetings, and his academic accomplishments as the Chair of Instrumental Analysis and Professor at the Free University of Amsterdam. Pittcon 2021 will host sessions for three awards from the American Chemical Society (ACS) the ACS Advances in Measurement Science Lectureship Awards, the ACS Analytical Division Satinder Ahuja Award for Young Investigators in Separation Science, and the ACS Award in Analytical Chemistry. Pittcon 2021 will also host two award sessions each from the Society of Electroanalytical Chemistry (SEAC) and scientific publisher LCGC. These awards are, respectively, the SEAC Royce W. Murray Award and SEAC Charles N. Reilley Award, and the LCGC Lifetime Achievement in Chromatography Award and LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award. Additional awards being presented are the Coblentz Society Williams-Wright Award, the Chromatography Forum of the Delaware Valley's Dal Nogare Award, and the Ralph N. Adams Award. Of special note is the Chinese American Chromatography Association (CACA) Award, which is celebrating its inaugural presentation at Pittcon 2021. Information on the aforementioned awards may be found at pittcon.org. Attendance at Pittcon 2021 and its associated award presentations is free to credentialed members of the press, who are invited to register at pittcon.org/press. Pittcon advances and enriches scientific endeavor by connecting scientists worldwide, facilitating the exchange of research and ideas, showcasing the latest in laboratory innovation, and funding science education and outreach. SOURCE Pittcon Related Links pittcon.org Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Scotch Whisky Association's warning as export values plummet in 2020 The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has warned of a 'lost decade' of growth in the industry after reporting that global exports of Scotch whisky fell by more than 1 billion during 2020. The export figures - impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and a 25 per cent tariff imposed on single malt Scotch whisky exports to the United States - are the lowest reported in a decade. In 2020, the export value of Scotch whisky exports fell by 23 per cent to 3.8bn, while the volume of exported whisky fell by 13 per cent to the equivalent of 1.14 billion 70cl bottles, the SWA said. Measures to combat Covid-19 saw the value and volume of exports fall in most of Scotch whisky's top 10 markets in 2020. Hospitality venue closures and travel restrictions impacting airport retail caused a 70 per cent drop in value in the sector's global markets compared with 2019. Exports to the 27 countries in the EU - Scotch whisky's largest regional export market - fell by 15 per cent. But the punative export tariffs in the United States caused the most significant losses, the SWA said, with the market losing almost a third (32 per cent) of its value between 2019 and 2020, dropping from more than 1 billion to 729 million. As a result of the figures, the industry has repeated calls for more support for Scotch whisky distillers in the UK Budget on 3 March - particularly in regard to the impact of US tariffs. Karen Betts, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: "These figures are a grim reminder of the challenges faced by distillers over the past year, as exports stalled in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and US tariffs. In effect, the industry lost 10 years of growth in 2020 and it's going to take some time to build back to a position of strength. "What's so disappointing is the damage being caused by US tariffs. The US has been, for decades, our strongest and most valuable market, but Scotch whisky is now losing considerable ground there. The tariffs were avoidable had the UK, EU and US governments and the European and American aerospace industries been less intransigent. "The Scotch whisky industry has now paid more than half a billion pounds in tariffs on behalf of the UK government, because of the subsidies that the government granted to the aerospace sector in breach of World Trade Organisation rules. So we are calling on the Chancellor to support Scotch whisky distillers by reducing our tax bill in the UK. Rishi Sunak can do that by cutting spirits duty in next month's Budget." 16 February 2021 - Bethany Whymark ADVERTISEMENT The screening of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the newly appointed substantive chairman of Nigeria anti-graft agency, EFCC, will be done in plenary. The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, made this known, after he read President Muhammadu Buharis letter to the Senate at the start of plenary on Tuesday. Distinguished colleagues, the screening of the EFCC chairman, designate, will be done in plenary, as is our tradition here, he said. In the letter, Mr Buhari communicated his decision to appoint the 40 year-old Bawa as the new EFCC boss and sought the Senates confirmation. The appointment, the president said, is in accordance with Paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004. The presidents media aide, Femi Adesina, who made the first announcement on Tuesday, said the nominee is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in the investigation and prosecution of Advance Fee Fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes. He has undergone several specialised training in different parts of the world, and was one of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers in 2005. He holds a B.Sc degree in Economics, and Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy. Although no date was announced for the screening, the nominee is expected to appear before lawmakers in the Red Chamber where they will grill him regarding his capacity to serve. The last EFCC nominee to be screened in plenary is the suspended ex-chairman, Ibrahim Magu, by the eight Senate. Mr Magu was screened twice by the Saraki-led Senate and his nomination was rejected on both occassions on grounds that he lacked the integrity to lead the countrys anti-graft agency. This was due to two contradicting reports submitted by the SSS one supporting his confirmation and another, rejecting it. He however, went on to serve as Acting chairman for five years. Mr Bawa will take over from Mr Magu, who was arrested dramatically in July in front of the EFCC Wuse II office, driven to the Presidential Villa and was also detained for more than four days, on the directive of the panel. His arrest and detention were based on allegations levelled against him by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. Mr Magu was thereafter suspended in July after five years as acting EFCC chairperson. He was accused of purchasing a property in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates through a Nigerian cleric, Emmanuel Omale, among other allegations. A Judicial Commission of Enquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act (Cap T21, LFN, 2004), was set up for the investigation of the activities of the EFCC from May 2015 to May 2020. Although the report has been presented to the president, it is yet to be released to the public. As countries in Europe struggle with shortages of COVID-19 vaccines, China has stepped up its efforts in the Western Balkans, supplying injections and collecting diplomatic wins in the region. Serbia has emerged as the tip of the spear for China's "vaccine diplomacy" in Europe, where Beijing is aiming to build global influence by sending its injections to poorer countries -- filling a vacuum left by Western countries who have bought all of the available doses and are facing production delays for their homegrown vaccines. While Serbia is a Russian ally and has aspirations to join the European Union, the country's ties with China have expanded in recent years and deepened further under President Aleksandar Vucic. During the pandemic, he has not held back in trumpeting his country's strong ties with Beijing -- holding several high-profile press events to praise China's assistance and famously kissing the Chinese flag in March after medical aid from China arrived in Belgrade. Vucic's strategy appears to have worked, as Belgrade has leveraged its relations amid the pandemic to diversify its vaccine sources and inject a greater percentage of its population than any other country in continental Europe. As of February 16, Serbia had given at least the first vaccination to about 11.2 percent of its nearly 7 million people, outpacing the EU, which is led by Denmark, with 6.9 percent of its population having received its first shot. The bulk of those doses -- some 1.5 million -- have come from China's state-backed Sinopharm, though Serbia is also using Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and the U.S.-German Pfizer-BioNTech injection. The latest Sinopharm vaccine shipment arrived on February 11 at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport and was welcomed by Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo. For China, providing vaccines to Serbia serves as an important geopolitical win as it faces stronger headwinds from an increasingly skeptical and disapproving West. Belgrade also becomes an important launching pad for China to gain a foothold in Europe as Beijing seeks greater influence in the region and beyond. "Serbia has long been a testing ground for China," Vuk Vuksanovic, a researcher at the Belgrade Center for Security Policy and a former Serbian diplomat, told RFE/RL. "We've seen it with defense, construction, technology, and now with vaccines. It's where Beijing has tried policies that it hopes to test elsewhere in Europe." From Masks To Vaccines For China, the supply of vaccines follows a similar logic to Beijing's so-called "mask diplomacy." RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region. That strategy saw it provide much needed masks and medical equipment to countries along China's Belt and Road Initiative -- from Africa to Southeast Asia and the Middle East -- in the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic to deflect anger and criticism over Beijing's handling of the outbreak and to enhance its soft power. In Serbia, the Chinese vaccines have helped the country become an inoculation leader. Good access to injections has also provided Vucic with a useful foil to criticize the EU and the inequalities in global access to vaccines. In late January, Vucic compared the global scramble for vaccines with the Titanic disaster. "The world has hit an iceberg, like the Titanic: The rich and the richest only save themselves and their loved ones," Vucic said. "[The EU countries] have prepared expensive lifeboats for them, and those of us who aren't rich, who are small, like the countries of the Western Balkans -- we're drowning together in the Titanic." "For China, it's a golden opportunity to embarrass the EU and the West more broadly," Dimitar Bechev, a fellow at the Institute for Human Science in Vienna, told RFE/RL. "This is a chance for Beijing to burnish its global reputation and further its campaign to replace the West as the backbone of international cooperation." The EU pledged to give the six prospective EU members in the Western Balkans -- including Serbia -- $85 million to buy vaccines, but deliveries have been delayed. The powerful bloc, which buys vaccines on behalf of its 27 member states, has not yet approved the Russian and Chinese injections, even though the manufacturers of the three vaccines being produced in Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom are struggling to deliver their promised doses to countries. Instead of waiting for EU help, Belgrade moved to get doses from China, Russia, and the United States directly -- a strategy that other countries may be looking to follow. Beijing was quick to offer support to Serbia after it declared a state of emergency in March after finding itself cut off from access to medical equipment due to EU export restrictions. In what was the first rendition of his recent criticism of the vaccines, Vucic called European solidarity "a fairy tale" and emphasized that only China was willing to offer Serbia a helping hand. As with the early days of the pandemic when countries were dealing with a shortage of medical equipment, smaller countries on the EU's periphery are looking elsewhere for help in acquiring vaccines. North Macedonia is currently seeking to buy 200,000 Sinopharm doses in the hope of inoculating its population quickly. Bosnia-Herzegovina has received 2,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V, with plans for 200,000 more to arrive in the next month. Montenegro is also expecting 100,000 doses of the Russian vaccines -- a significant number for its tiny 625,000 population. "Those countries outside the EU are left in the cold and have no other choice," Bechev said. At least one EU country, Hungary, is following Serbia's example by procuring Chinese and Russian vaccines. Budapest unilaterally approved the Sinopharm injection for emergency use on January 29 and has ordered 5 million doses, the first of which arrived on February 16. Others may also take the same approach. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has expressed an openness to follow the embrace by Hungary and Serbia of Chinese, Russian, and Western vaccines -- visiting Budapest and Belgrade on February 5 and February 10, respectively, to meet with leaders and discuss their strategies. Pandemic Politics Serbia's growing success in its vaccine strategy is a product of a foreign policy that has looked east and west, which was on full display in the vaccine preferences made by members of the Serbian government. Prime Minister Brnabic received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, while Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin and parliament speaker Ivica Dacic took Sputnik V. Not to leave anyone out, Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar posed for his shot of China's Sinopharm. Vucic has also indicated that he would likely roll up his sleeve for the Chinese injection. But despite the clear overtones, the Serbian government has insisted its vaccine strategy is not driven by world politics but rather is focused on rolling back a public health emergency. "For us, vaccination is not a geopolitical matter. It is a health-care issue," Brnabic told the BBC in a February 10 interview. According to Vuksanovic from the Belgrade Center for Security Policy, Serbia's embrace of China's vaccine diplomacy should be seen in the context of the country's wider foreign policy balancing act. "It is also a way to provoke and leverage the EU to do more," he said. "The China factor is an important way to extract as much as you can from Beijing, but also to potentially motivate the Europeans to do more." Following Vucic's criticism of European solidarity and praise for China in March for its "mask diplomacy," the EU eventually stepped up and delivered medical equipment to Serbia as part of a $112 million aid package. But Beijing's strategy appears to be making gains: Surveys show that China is viewed overwhelmingly positively in the country, showing that its diplomatic efforts during the pandemic have been fruitful. The larger question for China is whether it can build upon its foothold in Serbia and make gains elsewhere in Europe. Beijing hosted a virtual summit for a bloc of Central and Eastern European countries on February 9 amid growing pushback toward China and its entities in the region. Despite being chaired by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the meeting received the lowest level of representation since it was founded in 2012 -- with six European states not sending either a prime minister or a president. Despite that mild show of disinterest in a major Beijing event, many countries in the region are looking to keep their ties with Beijing intact amid the uncertainty and gridlock in the EU over the vaccines. "Even those countries in Eastern Europe who are becoming disillusioned with China still might keep their China card around to play depending on how things shake out," Vuksanovic said. Abortions in Indiana fell by 5% in 2019: gov't report 06 July, 2020 by Michael Gryboski , | A recently released report by the Indiana State Department of Health found that abortions have declined by 5% in the year 2019 compared to the year before. Released last week, the annual report found that a total of 7,637 abortions were performed in Indiana, including 7,019 for residents and 618 for women from out of state. This represents a decline from 2018 in which around 8,000 total abortions were performed and about 7,200 procedures were done on state residents. The report also found that the average age of a woman who had an abortion was 26.8 years, with 85.68% being unmarried and 90.04% having at least a high school diploma or GED. Indiana Right to Life President and CEO Mike Fichter said in a statement last week that he was "encouraged in knowing that 400 fewer children were aborted in Indiana last year." "Yet our hearts are still broken knowing that 7,637 children were denied the right to be born, and an untold number of women now bear the physical, emotional and spiritual burdens of those abortion decisions," he added. "Meanwhile, abortion businesses in Indiana continue to enjoy a multi million-dollar revenue stream at the expense of innocent babies. The lives of all unborn children matter. We will continue to work for the day when not a single abortion is done in our state." Read more from, "Abortions in Indiana fell by 5% in 2019: gov't report," on The Christian Post. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Albany, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo today defended his administrations response to the Covid-19 pandemic in New Yorks nursing homes and blamed cynics for spreading misinformation. Cuomo did say it was a mistake not to respond more quickly to requests for information on nursing home deaths from the press, lawmakers and advocates. The delay created a void that allowed misinformation to spread. It led people to question whether their loved ones died needlessly, Cuomo said during a press conference in Albany. The truth is everybody did everything they could, he said. The truth is Covid attacks senior citizens. The truth is with all we know, people still die in nursing homes today. Older people, vulnerable people get this disease, it is likely to kill them. Thats why people died, not because anyone did anything wrong or because there was a conspiracy. Cuomo has faced criticism for months over his administrations handling of the pandemic in nursing homes. Lawmakers, advocates and others have criticized him for delays in releasing a full count of how many nursing home residents died due to the illness. READ MORE: The real Covid death toll at nursing homes, and the staggering heartache in NY Attacks intensified last week after the New York Post reported that a top aide admitted the governors administration withheld information on nursing home deaths so President Donald Trump couldnt use it against New York. Republicans have called for investigations, subpoenas and even impeachment. Some Democrats have referred to Cuomos conduct as criminal and legislators are discussing removing the governors emergency pandemic powers. At one point during todays press conference, a reporter asked Cuomo directly if he felt he had anything to apologize for. Apologize? Look, I have said repeatedly we made a mistake in creating the void, Cuomo said. We made a mistake in creating the void. When we didnt provide information, it allowed press, people, cynics, politicians to fill the void. When you dont correct disinformation, you allow it to continue. I take responsibility for that. We did create the void and that created pain and I feel very badly about that. Cuomo presented a lengthy defense of his administrations conduct. He said his staff prioritized a Justice Department request for information on nursing home deaths over requests from the Legislature and reporters. He also said his staff told the Legislature the reason for the delay, although numerous lawmakers have said they were not aware it. For months previously, Cuomo and others in his administration had been saying the Health Department planned to release the full count of nursing home resident deaths after scrutinizing the numbers to ensure their accuracy. Cuomo also repeated today that the total number of Covid deaths in the state has not changed, even after the updated numbers were released. Thats true, although advocates and families have said an accurate count of total nursing home resident deaths is important to making future policy decisions. In addition, Cuomo noted New York compares well with other states when it comes to nursing home deaths. New York ranks 34 for share of nursing home deaths by state at 30%, he said. Cuomo also denied today that a state order from March contributed to spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes. The order, later rescinded in May, directed nursing homes to accept Covid-positive patients discharged from hospitals. The order was in line with federal guidance and was issued at a time when running out of hospital beds was a major fear, Cuomo said. He also said that of the 613 nursing homes in the state, 365 received a Covid patient from a hospital while the March order was in effect. Of those 365, 98% already had the virus in their facilities when the Covid hospital patient arrived. Cuomo said nursing home resident deaths as a proportion of total deaths did not change as a result of the March order. Covid entered nursing homes through staff, not discharged hospital patients, he added. The governor gave a major vote of confidence to state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker during todays press conference. Zucker has faced calls to resign over nursing home issues. If we had to pay him what he was worth, we wouldnt be able to afford it, Cuomo said. I would trust Dr. Zucker with my mothers care. Thats why I trust him with your mothers care. Cuomo said he was not interested in any investigations into nursing home matters to help clear the air. I dont think theres anything to clear here, he said. There is nothing to investigate. Cuomo said he plans to introduce reforms for the states for-profit nursing homes in the coming weeks. He did not give details, but said he believes for-profit facilities should be required to reinvest a set amount of money in their homes. He also thinks the state should specify how much profit they can make. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources The grand quest for Covid-19 vaccine relies on internet skills, strangers and luck Onondaga County, state loosen quarantine rules for schools again; a big game changer NY restaurant workers, Uber drivers can get Covid-19 vaccine, even if county hasnt opted in Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 A 'substantial minority' of pubs may fail to prevent coronavirus from spreading when they are finally allowed to reopen, scientists have suggested. A Scottish Government-funded study that investigated licensed premises last summer found less than half had basic Covid safeguards in place. Of the 29 pubs and bars they visited, 11 did not stop their punters singing, shouting or mingling with other households all of which drive up the risk of transmitting the virus. The study, led by the University of Stirling, found a dozen ran a table-only service or had protocols in place to ensure toilets were socially distanced. And staff in 'several' premises the researchers did not say how many were found to not be wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) or keeping distance from other employees. Industry leaders today blasted the study as a 'kick in the teeth' and 'hitting publicans while they're down', as many premises worry whether they'll be able to reopen. Independent scientists also criticised the study's small sample size of 29 pubs the equivalent of 0.1 per cent of pubs in the UK. They claimed it might not reflect the situation nationally. The exact role the hospitality sector plays in Covid transmission is still unclear. Public Health England data shows only 4.3 per cent of recorded outbreaks last summer were linked to pubs, bars and restaurants. But experts say pub owners were far less likely to report outbreaks because there was no incentive, and doing so could risk their premise having to shut and risk losing more money. Mandatory contact tracing measures were also not placed on the sector until August. A 'substantial minority' of the 29 pubs in Scotland researchers visited last summer failed to properly enforce Covid rules to prevent transmission, they said. (Stock) They added less than half were able to control how many people were in the toilet at one time and 'several' had staff members not wearing PPE. (Pictured: Customers in Glasgow on July 6) 'THIS STUDY IS A KICK IN THE TEETH,' SAY INDUSTRY EXPERTS Industry leaders today blasted the study as a 'kick in the teeth' and 'hitting publicans while they're down', as many premises worry whether they'll be able to reopen. They pointed out the study relied on only a small sample size of 29 - which is the equivalent of 0.1 per cent of pubs in the UK - raising questions about its results. Paul Waterson, who runs a 72-room hotel in Stirling and is a key member of the Scottish Licensed Traders Association, said the study was an 'insult' to the trade generally. 'Especially when our sector is in crisis at the moment to get hit with this is really kicking us when we're down,' he told MailOnline. 'It's a real kick in the teeth. 'Any fair person would say 29 premises will not get you an accurate representation in Scotland, and we don't even know where these premises are.' He said the SLTA regularly went round checking places, easily more than 29, and 'didn't see anything like this'. The Association even asked the Scottish Government to enforce the rules by law because they wanted to ensure all premises were abiding by them. 'It's absolutely not representative of the trade as we know it,' he added. 'The survey seems to paint a picture of pubs in the 1960s and it's really not representative in any sense of the vast majority of premises that worked really hard to make sure that premises were safe or comfortable and actually the sector spent about 80million getting ready for Covid restrictions.' Scientists also pointed out the study was qualitative rather than quantitative, meaning it couldn't give an estimate for how many establishments may be struggling to stick to the rules. Professor Paul Hunter, a medicine expert at the University of East Anglia, warned the study was 'qualitative rather than quantitative', meaning it could not reveal how common inadequate control was across pubs and bars in Scotland. 'In many ways the findings within this research are not surprising and most of us would have intuitively guessed what those findings would have been,' he said. 'Nevertheless, the way that Fitzgerald and colleagues documented these findings give a clearer understanding of what those failings are and how these failing often came about. He added: 'There is now quite a lot of evidence that crowded indoor venues like pubs and bars are places where transmission of Covid does occur. Advertisement The University of Stirling researchers visited 29 bars and pubs in Scotland posing as customers between July and August for the study, as restrictions were lifted. At that time pubs were allowed to open so long as they were 'Covid secure' and made sure tables were spaced apart and staff wore PPE. But it wasn't until August when collecting details for test and trace and table-service only was made mandatory. Incidents of 'greater concern' repeated singing, shouting, mixing between groups, standing around bars were seen in 11 of the premises visited, the researchers said. When these were occurring they said staff either did not intervene, or intervened in a light-hearted way by gently or playfully reprimanding customers which was largely ineffective, the researchers said. Incidents where staff managed to stop this behaviour were 'rare'. Nine premises initially failed to collect data for contract tracing in July, the study also found, and one was still not collecting it when this was made mandatory in August. Fewer than half the researchers did not specify how many operated table service at first, and the scientists also pointed out only two were asking all customers to apply hand sanitiser upon entry. Professor Niamh Fitzgerald, a sociologist who led the research, said: 'Upon re-opening, substantial efforts to change the layout of bars were observed and appeared to be working well in many premises. 'But problems were common including staff not wearing personal protective equipment, or with the management of toilets, queues and other 'pinch points'.' She added that: 'Despite the efforts of bar operators and guidance from government, potentially significant risks of Covid transmission persisted in at least a substantial minority of observed bars, especially when customers were intoxicated. 'Closures of premises can eliminate these risks, but also cause significant hardship for business owners and staff.' Blasting the results today, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association Emma McClarkin said: 'This research, funded by the Scottish Government, was carried out by a health research unit seeking only one outcome. 'The research was conducted from May to August, but pubs only reopened from July and during this time PHE data shows just 4 per cent of Covid incidents were linked to hospitality settings, which included restaurants and cafes, not just pubs.' 'In a sector survey conducted in October last year, just one per cent of 22,500 pubs, restaurants and hospitality venues said they had been linked by NHS Test and Trace to an incidence. 'The overwhelming majority of pubs across the UK worked incredibly hard to adapt to the Government guidelines when they first reopened last year. 'In fact, pubs were commended by the UK Government for their diligence and pro-activity in doing so. 'As an industry we take our responsibilities incredibly seriously and however small this study sample is representing less than 0.1 per cent of pubs in the UK our sector will continue to work together to ensure all pubs follow the correct Government guidance and regulations. 'Those pubs who did not follow the rules were rightly subject to enforcement action and closure if necessary, but the actions of a few cannot be allowed to undo the hard work of so many others.' Professor Niamh Fitzgerald, a sociologist who led the research, said 'problems included staff not wearing PPE or with the management of toilets, queues and other 'pinch points'.' (Pictured: Britons enjoy a pint in Glasgow on July 6) Industry leaders have blasted the report as a 'kick in the teeth' and 'hitting the industry while we're down'. (Pictured: A group of students enjoy drinks in Glasgow on July 6) Paul Waterson, who runs a 72-room hotel in Stirling and is a key member of the Scottish Licensed Traders Association, said the study was an 'insult' to the trade generally. 'Especially when our sector is in crisis at the moment to get hit with this is really kicking us when we're down,' he told MailOnline. 'It's a real kick in the teeth. 'Any fair person would say 29 premises will not get you an accurate representation in Scotland, and we don't even know where these premises are.' He said the SLTA regularly went round checking places, easily more than 29, and 'didn't see anything like this'. The Association even asked the Scottish Government to enforce the rules by law because they wanted to ensure all premises were abiding by them. 'It's absolutely not representative of the trade as we know it,' he added. 'The survey seems to paint a picture of pubs in the 1960s and it's really not representative in any sense of the vast majority of premises that worked really hard to make sure that premises were safe or comfortable and actually the sector spent about 80million getting ready for Covid restrictions.' The research was published in the Journal Of Studies On Alcohol And Drugs. Professor Paul Hunter, a medicine expert at the University of East Anglia, warned the study was 'qualitative rather than quantitative', meaning it could not reveal how common inadequate control was across pubs and bars in Scotland. 'In many ways the findings within this research are not surprising and most of us would have intuitively guessed what those findings would have been,' he said. 'Nevertheless, the way that Fitzgerald and colleagues documented these findings give a clearer understanding of what those failings are and how these failing often came about. 'What comes across from the interviews is that managers of the bars are committed to providing Covid-secure environments and many venues had made substantial improvements upon reopening. 'However, in a number of venues these commitments may not stand up to real world exposure. He added: 'There is now quite a lot of evidence that crowded indoor venues like pubs and bars are places where transmission of Covid does occur. 'What this paper highlights are the difficulties that will be faced as we open hospitality venues in coming months.' [February 16, 2021] Iris Automation Launches Canada Pathfinder Program to Advance Commercial Drone Operations Readiness, Approvals SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the challenges organizations face advancing commercial drone services to perform long distance and remotely piloted missions, Iris Automation has launched the Canada Pathfinder Program , an all-in-one solution to streamline the complex steps required to achieve BVLOS approvals and experience. Iris Automation has partnered with two of Canada's leading RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft system) test facilities for support, training and proving BVLOS flight competency - Foremost UAS Test Range in Alberta and UAS Center of Excellence (CED) in Alma, Quebec. The program includes flight training, assistance gaining BVLOS approvals, a BVLOS safety system, engineering and regulatory support, and test center access. The Program is open to any organizations interested in operating BVLOS services inside Canada. The benefits the Canada Pathfinder Program delivers: A baseline of pre-requisites needed for achieving BVLOS advanced operations approvals from Transport Canada (TC). Expedited issuance of TC Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) for BVLOS flights within test centers. Team training and standard procedures on how to perform safe BVLOS operations. The BVLOS flight experience needed to apply for subsequent SFOC approvals. Quote from William De Keiser, Director of the Cluster of Excellence, CED "We see incredible interest in utilizing commercial drone operations but concerns about how to launch a program safely, efficiently and in compliance with current regulations. Teaming with Iris Automation to provide this complete program will help many companies to finally embrace the potential of drone operations. As a Canadian pioneer in the civil and commercial RPAS industry, we are proud to continue to develop the technologies and skills that speed u the advent of safe and well-integrated BVLOS flight in Canadian airspace." Quote from Doug Hanna, General Manager of the Foremost UAS Test Range "Our primary aim is to advance BVLOS operations in Canada. We look forward to working with Iris Automation to help drone companies move from VLOS to safe BVLOS operations." Quote from Gabrielle Wain, vice president of regulatory affairs at Iris Automation "Our work in Canada, specifically with Transport Canada and the RPAS test sites, has demonstrated the incredible opportunities the country offers for advanced commercial drone solutions. We're excited to partner with the CED Alma and Foremost as a way to bring the expertise required to local markets and help jumpstart the efforts for organizations keen to get started." In October, Transport Canada issued the second Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights in uncontrolled airspace utilizing infrastructure masking and Iris Automation's onboard detect-and-avoid (DAA) solution to MVT Geo-solutions . Under this SFOC, MVT, the UAS Center of Excellence (CED Alma), and Iris Automation are partnering to conduct commercial missions over linear power lines in Alma, Quebec. Approval was granted to include the utilization of Iris Automation's DAA system, Casia, which provides commercial drones with automated collision avoidance maneuvers. Iris Automation already participates in the Federal Aviation Administration's BEYOND program to advance more complex UAS operations BVLOS in the US National Airspace System. Iris Automation is committed to developing critical detection technologies and working closely with global policymakers and regulators to develop appropriate BVLOS safety standards. Ultimately for commercial drone use to become widespread, clear standards for incorporating onboard DAA will be necessary to ensure a high degree of air safety. About Iris Automation Iris Automation is a safety avionics technology company pioneering Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) systems and aviation policy services that enable customers to build scalable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for commercial drones; operations unlocking the potential of countless industries. Iris' DAA system runs entirely onboard Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), allowing them to fly safely at long distances and without human intervention. We work closely with civil aviation authorities globally as they implement regulatory frameworks ensuring BVLOS is conducted safely, partnering on multiple FAA BEYOND UAS Integration Programs and Transport Canada's BVLOS Technology Demonstration Program. Iris is recognized by AUVSI as the number one Technology and Innovation Leader for 2020. Visit www.irisonboard.com . Contact: Ann O'Leary 291562@email4pr.com P: +1 650 996 0778 Follow us: Facebook: irisautomation Instagram: @iris.automation LinkedIn: @iris-automation Twitter: @iris_automation https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBpXemgfSiCGm6z05vQAjbA/featured View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iris-automation-launches-canada-pathfinder-program-to-advance-commercial-drone-operations-readiness-approvals-301228761.html SOURCE Iris Automation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A leading international company has reached an agreement with the Saudi government for boosting investment in the port of Jazan City for basic and downstream industries and also take over its operation, reported Arab News Jazan Governor Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdul Aziz signed an agreement in the presence of Saudi Minister of Industries and Mineral Resources Bander Alkhorayef. The port includes a container terminal, general cargo, and dry bulk terminals equipped with the latest handling equipment. The first phase of the ports commercial operations will begin in 2021. Highlighting the importance of the agreement, Prince Mohammed said the port is located on one of the most important maritime transport corridors with proximity to the countries of the Horn of Africa and other emerging markets. The development of this port will bolster the kingdoms role as a global logistics hub, he added. Australias government said Google and Facebook are nearing agreements to pay domestic media companies for news, in a sign a regulatory standoff may be softening. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg held talks with Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg and Google counterpart Sundar Pichai over the weekend. Were very close to some very significant commercial deals, Frydenberg told the Australian Broadcasting yesterday. We have made great progress. Alphabet-owned Google and Facebook oppose planned Australian legislation forcing them to pay media companies for news, and Google has threatened to shut down its search engine if the law is enacted. Parliament will consider the legislation from this week, giving the internet giants an incentive to agree compensation terms for news companies before the law is passed. Facebook declined to comment on any specific talks. Weve been engaging with the Australian government to outline our concerns with the legislation, the company said in a statement. A Google spokesman declined to comment. If Facebook and Google fail to strike the deals, Australias pay-for-news law risks becoming a template for regulators in other jurisdictions including Canada and the European Union. Google proposes compensating publishers through its News Showcase product, under which it pays media outlets for curated content rather than be bound by the legislation. Seven West Media, publisher of The West Australian, said yesterday that it had agreed to provide news for Showcase. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian government is willing to let the technology companies avoid paying for news snippets if the media companies sign up to Google Showcase and Facebook News. Almost 60 years ago, our soldiers stood strong to protect what truly belonged to the nation - Ladakh; a battle we continue to fight even today. This is the story of 125 Indian soldiers who fought against 3000 Chinese in a battle that changed the course of the war. Inspired by true events, Hotstar Specials brings 1962: The War In The Hills - a tale about these soldiers who despite being outnumbered and armed with basic equipment stopped the infiltrating army in its tracks, which became one of the greatest last stands in military history. While this story is inspired from similar stories from Indias past, telling it in todays time when border tensions have fueled again due to Chinese aggression, is a timely reminder of the immense bravery of our armed forces. Known for his unique choice of roles, actor Abhay Deol dons a military uniform as he essays the role of Major Suraj Singh, the charismatic leader of a small battalion called C Company. The series also features an ensemble cast including Akash Thosar, Sumeet Vyas, Rohan Gandotra, Annup Soni, Meiyang Chang, Mahie Gill, Rochelle Rao, Hemal Ingle and many more. Produced in partnership with Arre Studio, this 10-episode war-drama has been written by Charudutt Acharya and directed by one of Bollywoods finest filmmakers Mahesh Manjrekar who has beautifully captured not only the war, but also the personal lives of the soldiers and what they left behind in service of the nation. World-renowned action choreographer Don Lee, best known for directing a host of spectacular franchises such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek Beyond among others, has choreographed all action sequences in the series giving each soldier a unique way of combat. The series has been shot in the high terrains of Ladakh and remote villages across India that gives the show a real, believable look. Music forms a big part of the narrative as it heightens several emotions in the story that of longing, pride, and service to the nation. Hitesh Modak has composed 7 songs sung by some of the best voices in India - Sukhwinder Singh, Vijay Prakash, Salman Ali, Shailey Bidwaikar and Shahjan Mujeeb among others. Hotstar Specials presents 1962: The War in the Hills will release exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar VIP and Disney+ Hotstar Premium on 26th February 2021. Director Mahesh Manjrekar said, 1962: The War In The Hills is the result of a life-long dream of bringing alive a part of history that has been long forgotten. The journey of these 125 soldiers, while inspired by true events, is a story that needed to be told. And it has taken us years of writing to do justice to every character. This project has been monumental in every sense from shooting in real locations, to recreating the 1962 era through setups, costumes and more. But this story is not limited only to the battleground, it takes us beyond into the lives of these soldiers as they grapple with love, longing and loss. Actor Abhay Deol added, There is something to be said about stories of such historic importance. To me, it feels like a personal responsibility to deliver the strength of Major Suraj Singh, to showcase his brave exterior as he leads his troop in a battle to the last stand, while also dealing with life as a father and husband. It's an extraordinary story about courage that is relatable to everyone, no matter which community or culture they belong to." Actor Mahie Gill said, Even though 1962: The War In The Hills is a story of the past, it almost seems like a reflection of todays time. The story is layered and showcases many different aspects of a war not just political and geographical but also personal. There is equal focus on the families of these soldiers and that what makes it much more than just a war-drama In Ronda, Canete la Real, Algatocin, Benaojan, Serrato and Montejaque, where all non-essential activity is closed, there is still a 14-day coronavirus incidence rate of more than 1,000 infections per 100,000 inhabitants. Villanueva del Trabuco (979) has fallen below this limit but businesses will keep the shutters down at least until Thursday when the Junta de Andalucia's containment measures are next reviewed. Archez, on the other hand, registers a rate of more than a thousand today (16 February) although its non-essential activity is still open. If, on Thursday it is still above a thousand, the Junta de Andalucia will order the closure of its businesses considered non-essential as well as maintaining the municipal border closure for anything other than justified reasons. In small towns and villages, just a few infections are enough for the cumulative incidence rate to skyrocket and the regional government orders the perimeter closure (if there are more than 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) and, in addition, the closure of all non-essential activity if the indicator exceeds a thousand. For example in Archez, where there are no restrictions in force because last Friday it was below 500 cases, the rate is now 1,298 after just four infections have been detected in the last seven days, five in the last fourteen, in this small municipality of with a population of 385. At the moment there are no large towns (with more than 15,000 inhabitants) among the municipalities with more than a thousand cases, a situation in which Malaga city, Marbella, and Estepona, among others, have previously found themselves. All of them re-opened their non-essential activity including commerce, hospitality and culture - three of the sectors most affected by the crisis - on Saturday. Many Costa del Sol towns may be able to reopen their municipal borders next weekend if their rates continue to fall as several are hovering just above the 500 mark. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Pleas in Supreme Court seek Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to kin of those who died of COVID-19 Apprehension of death due to COVID-19 not a ground for anticipatory bail: Supreme Court Advocates clerk found guilty of sexual harassment by SC committee India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 16: The Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) of the Supreme Court has found a clerk of an advocate guilty of sexual harassment within the precincts of the top court and debarred from entering the precincts. Pursuant to a complaint, GSICC conducted an inquiry against Ashok Saini under Regulation 11(1)(b) and (c) and 11(2)(a) of the Gender Sensitisation and Sexual Harassment of Women at the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal), Regulations, 2013, a notice uploaded on the apex court's website said. HC acquits man, while observing that demanding cash from wife is not harassment "Ashok Saini has been found guilty and debarred from entering the precincts of the Supreme Court of India for a period of three months from July 1, 2021 till September 30, 2021," the notice. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The GSICC comprises Justices Indira Banerjee, Chairperson, A S Bopanna, Member, along with others. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 9:16 [IST] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Elizabeth Olsen isnt just Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 32-year-old has famous siblings. Shes related to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. And so far in her life, theres only been one time where shes felt different because of it. Elizabeth Olsen is Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsens younger sister Elizabeth Olsen, Ashley Olsen, and Mary-Kate Olsen | Donato Sardella/Getty Images for LACMA Olsen is the younger sibling of the Olsen twins. Born on February 16, 1989, the WandaVision star is one of four children born to David and Jarnette Olsen. She has an older brother named Trent, and of course her older sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley, who were born in 1986. Olsen also has two half-siblings from her dads second marriage. She has a younger half-brother named Jake Olsen and a younger half-sister named Courtney Taylor Olsen. At the time of Olsens birth, her sisters had already been playing Full Houses Michelle Tanner for about a year and a half. As she grew up, she watched her sisters on the hit sitcom. After the show ended in 1995, Mary-Kate and Ashley continued to star in their own straight-to-video movies. Meanwhile, Olsen would grow up to pursue a career in acting. Elizabeth Olsen felt different in college for being sister to the Olsen twins In a November 2011 interview with Marie Claire, around the time of her breakout role in the thriller Martha Marcy May Marlene, Olsen discussed her college experience. Namely, how she felt weird being the Olsen twins younger sister on campus. According to her, its the only time in her life shes ever felt different because of her famous siblings. Ashley Olsen, Elizabeth Olsen, and Mary-Kate Olsen | Clint Spaulding/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Thats the only time in my life I ever felt different for having sisters in the public eye, she said. People would knock on my door and be like, I heard there was a party here, just because they knew that I lived in that room. It was so weird. Olsen attended New York University, the same school where he sisters went to college. She enrolled in the schools Tisch School of the Arts where she attended the Atlantic Theater Company. She also spent a semester in Russia, studying at the Moscow Art Theater School. Rehearsal Nazi was Elizabeth Olsens college nickname Olsen received a nickname to describe her work ethic at NYU. Going to college and doing the conservatory, even then when a teacher said rehearse eight hours for a two-minute scene I would rehearse eight to 10 hours for a two-minute scene, she told Off Camera in 2018. She didnt know none of her other classmates at Tisch were following the advice until her third year in the program. Paired up with someone shed never worked with before, Olsen finally learned her college nickname. It was like Oh my god, youre the rehearsal Nazi, she said. He was like Yeah I heard you just love to rehearse and Im like Well they tell us that thats how many hours we should be rehearsing. She continued saying shed told him thats what shed been doing for three years no one told me. Olsens dedication to rehearsing paid off because shes now part of the MCU. With great pleasure I wish to share with the readers of Bihar and around the world, a brief history of the Khuda Baksh Oriental Public library and its founder, as recorded by my eminent historian father, Syed Ahsan Shere. Upon his return to India in 1934, after studying at the school of Oriental Studies, University of London, my father served as the Curator of Patna Museum and later on became the Secretary Of Khuda Baksh Oriental public library. Even though I am a student of science, I had a keen interest in history. I had the distinct opportunity and privilege in going through my father's memoirs, and in doing so, I got a glimpse of this unique and a remarkable world-renowned Khuda Baksh Oriental public library and its founder. Khuda Baksh was born on 2nd August 1842. He was brought up under the guidance of his father who dedicated his life for the betterment of humanity. When his father was on his death-bed in 1876, he entrusted his son to open a public library. Khuda Bakhsh, thus, inherited from his father love for books and dedication to public service. He made it a mission of life to establish a public library so as to fulfill his father's dream and desire. He made every effort to acquire rare books and manuscripts. The Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library was established in 1891. The library is famous for its rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, rich paintings and numerous volumes of rare books. Jehangir-Nama, Shah-Nama, Al-Quran, Tarikh-i-Khandan-i-Timuriya, Kitab-al-Hashaish and Al-Lumafi al-Tasawwuf are among the rare manuscripts in this collection. The manuscript of Diwan-i-Hafiz from the personal collection of Mughal emperors Humayun and Jehangir is also in the Khuda Baksh library. Kitab-Al-Hashaish is a revised Arabic version by Hunayn bin Ishaq of the Greek original dictionary of medicine listing the properties of medicinal plants. The manuscript of Kitab-Al-Tasrif describes in detail many methods and instruments of surgery with exquisite illustrations and is written in Arabic language with Mahgribi characters. Also some of the rare collections are the oddities such as an inch-wide holy Quran. The Library also has a huge collection of more than 18,000 Arabic and Persian manuscripts and over 2000 rare paintings belonging to the Mughal and Rajput era. The Library is known for its extraordinary collection of more than 21,000 manuscripts, some of them extremely rare and richly illustrated, in Arabic, Pali, Pashtu, Persian, Sanskrit, Turkish and Urdu languages and also for its Mughal, Iranian, Central Asian and Rajput paintings. It has become a centre of research for the scholars of Islamic Studies, Medieval Indian History, West, South and Central Asian Studies, Mughal Architecture, Islamic Sciences and Mughal, Iranian, Central Asian and Rajput paintings. The Library also specializes in Islamic Studies, Tibb (Unani Medicine), Tazkira (Biography), Tasawwuf (Islamic Mysticism), Comparative religions, Medieval History, South East Asian History, West Asian History, Central Asian History, Medieval Science, Literature on Freedom Movement and National Integration as also Urdu, Persian and Arabic Literatures. Undoubtedly Khuda Baksh Oriental library is one of its kind in the world. "The Patna Oriental Public Library is one of the finest collections on Moslem literature in the World," remarked V.C. Scott O'Connor, an Orientalist of Edinburgh, England. Khuda Baksh had struggled hard for years and paid fancy prices for rare manuscripts and books to build his precious collection. The British Museum once made him a magnificent offer for his collection but he declined. He told to O'Connor ... "I am a poor man and the sum they offered me was a princely fortune, but could I ever part for money with that to which my father and I have dedicated our lives...?" And as he said, his clear-cut features betrayed a single emotion; his large luminous eyes welled up with tears. "No" he said: "the collection is for Patna and the gift shall be laid at the feet of the Patna public". Indeed we are fortunate to have this world renowned library with its unique collections located in Patna. --------------------------------------- About the Writer: Waris Shere is a former resident of Patna. He is the author of eight books including "THE STRUGGLE FOR PEACE". Professor Shere is a freelance journalist and was nominated for the "ORDER OF CANADA". OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Police arrested a suspect in a holdup early Tuesday, Feb. 16, at a Wesco station in Grand Haven Township. The robbery was reported at 2:26 a.m. at the Wesco at 14750 Mercury Drive. A robber threatened a clerk with a knife while demanding money from the cash register, Ottawa County sheriffs Sgt. Chris Dill said. The man fled with an undisclosed amount of money. Deputies found the suspect at his home a short distance from the store and arrested him for armed robbery, police said. Grand Haven police also responded. No one was injured. Police withheld the suspects name pending arraignment. Read more: Family cat dies in duplex fire near Grand Rapids Snowstorm update: How much fell, how much left to fall Traditionally tough program returns to Muskegon-area boys basketball power rankings Vietnamese journalist and blogger Phan Bui Bao Thy is shown in an undated photo. Two journalists employed by official media are being held by police in central Vietnams Quang Tri province on charges of abusing press freedoms for posting articles online criticizing provincial leaders, state media and other sources say. Phan Bui Bao Thy, 56 and bureau chief of the online magazine Age and Education, and an associate, Le Anh Dung, 50, were taken into custody on Feb. 10 after articles appeared on Facebook pages the two men operated accusing provincial officials of corruption, police said. One article posted in August on Thys Facebook page accused Le Quang Thandeputy chairman of Quang Tris Huong Hoa district, and a member of the Huong Hoa Communist Party Committeeof falsifying his educational credentials. State media did not report the contents of the pairs other allegedly defamatory online postings. Online access to Age and Education is now blocked. Press freedoms group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) noted on Feb. 16 that on one site, Quang Tri 357, Thy had posted reports of alleged corruption involving the provinces president, Vo Van Hung, and deputy minister of culture, tourism and sports, Nguyen Van Hung. Thy will now be held for questioning for the next two months, RSF said, adding, The police, who carried out searches of his home, claim to have found a great deal of information related to this activities as an online reporter. In a statement, Daniel Bastardhead of RSFs Asia-Pacific deskcalled for Thys immediate release, saying he was just trying to serve the general interest in his work as a journalist. His fate highlights the straitjacket enclosing public media journalists in Vietnam, who are persecuted as soon as they stray from the official line imposed by the ruling Communist Partys propaganda department. In so doing, the Vietnamese authorities violate article 25 of their own constitution, Bastard said. Thys arrest came five weeks after the sentencing by a Ho Chi Minh City court of three independent journalistsPham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy, and Le Huu Minh Tuanon charges of carrying out propaganda against the state. Other journalists jailed 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. to an 11-year prison term for making, storing, and disseminating documents and materials for anti-state purposes under Article 117 of Vietnams Penal Code. Sentenced with Thuy, Pam Chi Dung was given a 15-year prison term, while Le Huu Minh Tuan was jailed for 11 years. Reporters Without Borders ranked Vietnam 175 out of 180 in its 2020 World Press Freedom Index. Around 25 journalists and bloggers are being held in Vietnams jails, where mistreatment is common, the Paris-based watchdog group said. Vietnams already low tolerance of dissent deteriorated sharply last year with a spate of arrests of independent journalists, publishers, and Facebook personalities as authorities continued to stifle critics in the run-up to the ruling Communist Party Congress in January. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by An Nguyen. Written in English by Richard Finney. WASHINGTON - A Maryland judge batted away a volley of motions Tuesday aimed at undermining the case against a former Canadian Forces reservist who allegedly hoped to trigger a race war in the United States. WASHINGTON - A Maryland judge batted away a volley of motions Tuesday aimed at undermining the case against a former Canadian Forces reservist who allegedly hoped to trigger a race war in the United States. Only two of the motions filed on behalf of alleged neo-Nazi Patrik Mathews one to dismiss two of the four charges he faces, the other to suppress his statements survived the day. Patrik Mathews is shown in an undated RCMP handout photo. The lawyer for Mathews is trying to contest some of the evidence against the former Canadian Forces reservist and alleged neo-Nazi. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-RCMP MANDATORY CREDIT His lawyer, Joseph Balter, had hoped the court would agree to suppress a raft of wiretap, email and video evidence on the basis that investigators lacked sufficient probable cause to collect it. Balter also argued that much of the "odious" hate-filled, anti-Semitic rhetoric Mathews can be heard using on various videos, recordings and online chats is protected by his right to free speech. District Court Judge Theodore Chuang, however, disagreed. "The primary argument offered by Mr. Mathews is that these discussions of racist views and ideology are protected by the First Amendment and should have been minimized," Chuang said. "That argument fails ... They provide evidence of intent to engage in hate crime, so those conversations were appropriately captured." Balter had also asked the court to allow his client to stand trial separately from his alleged co-conspirator, Brian Lemley Jr., on the grounds that some of the evidence against Lemley could be prejudicial against Mathews, and that Balter might want to call him as a witness. Chuang rejected that request as well, insisting that the two cases are "properly joined" given that the charges the men face are intertwined and that any risk of prejudice can be dealt with at trial. Mathews, a former combat engineer, vanished from Beausejour, Man., in 2019 following media reports alleging he was a recruiter for a white-supremacist group known as The Base. He was arrested in January 2020 along with Lemley and William Bilbrough, as part of a broader FBI investigation of the group. Prosecutors allege the three were part of an elaborate white-supremacist plot to touch off a U.S. race war. They accuse Mathews of advocating for killing people, poisoning water supplies and derailing trains to incite a civil war in the name of creating a white "ethno-state," and of planning to violently disrupt a pro-gun rally in Virginia. Mathews is facing four charges, including two counts of being an alien in possession of a firearm and two counts of transporting a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony. Balter wants two of those charges dropped on the grounds that they are "multiplicious," meaning Mathews has effectively been charged twice for the same alleged offence, he argued. Chuang opted to reserve judgment on that motion, and said he would address whether to suppress certain statements they violate Mathews's right against self-incrimination, Balter argued during the next evidentiary hearing. During his arguments, Balter also insisted that in their zeal to target members of The Base for a hate crime, investigators overstepped their bounds and violated his client's right to free speech. The "odious" nature of the discussions documented by investigators clearly merited investigation, Balter said but they stopped short of being criminal. "The type of statements that were being made, the beliefs that were being espoused, the advocacy of violence ... would cause many, many people to be very concerned," Balter admitted. "And there certainly was reason for the agent to be concerned and perhaps conduct an investigation as to whether or not there was more to the bluster ... but that's really as far as it went." Lemley's lawyer, Ned Smock, made a similar argument, noting that a surreptitious camera and microphones shouldn't have been necessary, considering how easily the group had been infiltrated by an undercover agent. U.S. law only permits going to such extraordinary lengths to gather evidence when all other avenues have been pursued and no other reasonable options exist. Even a reporter from the Winnipeg Free Press, whose original work exposed Mathews and prompted a Canadian Forces investigation, was able to get inside the group, Smock noted. "A member of the Canadian press, who as far as I know didn't have any meaningful training on undercover work, had been accepted into the organization," he said. "All of this information could have been obtained by continuing down the road that they were going, which is undercover." The central tenet of the defence's argument is that the various district and magistrate judges who granted the search warrants all six of them; four in Maryland and two in Delaware made grievous errors in law, said assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Windom. "So six different federal judicial officers were wrong?" Windom said. "It's not just one judicial officer, two judicial officers it's six. And I think that the structure of this investigation shows the agents' good faith." Bilbrough pleaded guilty in December to two charges, including transporting an alien, and admitted in his plea agreement to being a member of The Base. He was sentenced to five years in prison. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. Richwood, TX (77531) Today Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 73F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 73F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Senior leader has become the new leader of opposition in the following the retirement of Chairman Venkaiah Naidu accorded his approval to president Sonia Gandhi's request for appointing Kharge in place of Azad, who retired from the Upper House on February 15 after being the leader of opposition for over six years. "The Chairman, Rajya Sabha, has accorded recognition to Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Indian Party in the Rajya Sabha, as the leader of the Opposition in the w.e.f February 16, 2021, in terms of Section 2 of the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977 and rules made thereunder," a Parliament bulletin said. "Consequent upon the expiry of his term of office as a member of the Rajya Sabha on February 15, Shri has ceased to be the leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha w.e.f the said date," it said. The Congress leadership chose Kharge to succeed Azad instead of Anand Sharma, who is the deputy leader of the party in the House. Both Azad and Sharma were part of a group of 23 Congress leaders who had written to Gandhi last year seeking organisational elections and overhaul. (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.) We should have done a better job of providing as much information as we could, Cuomo admitted. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo denied Monday that there was a cover-up in the undercounting of deaths of nursing home patients due to coronavirus. However, he did admit that his administrations lack of transparency fueled a news cycle filled with skepticism and cynicism and conspiracy theories, which furthered the confusion. Cuomo did not offer an apology for his mishandling of the numbers but acknowledged there was a delay in providing accurate data. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo did not offer an apology for his mishandling of the numbers of nursing home deaths due to coronavirus but acknowledged there was a delay in providing accurate data. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) We should have done a better job of providing as much information as we could as quickly as we could, the Democratic governor said Monday. No excuses. I accept responsibility for that. The fallout comes in the wake of reports that Cuomo, whose state was once the epicenter of the pandemic, was underreporting the scope of coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes after he directed the facilities to accept more than 9,000 patients recovering from COVID-19 whod been released from hospitals. Read More: Larry Wilmore talks Amend: The Fight for America, importance of Black history According to Associated Press, the new total is 40% higher than what the states health department previously released. Cuomos March 25 order is now being blamed for spreading the virus and death in New York nursing homes. Death tolls in long-term care facilities have also been adjusted; new totals acknowledge that COVID deaths of these residents may be as high as 15,000, increased from 8,500. A top Cuomo aide, Melissa DeRosa, said last week that withholding the information after former President Donald Trumps Justice Department requested it was a deliberate one out of concerns they would launch a civil rights violation investigation. Read More: Kodak Black will fund $100K scholarship in memory of Parkland victim We were in a position where we werent sure if what we were going to give to the Department of Justice, or what we give to you guys, and what we start saying, was going to be used against us and we werent sure if there was going to be an investigation, DeRosa said on a video call with other New York Democrats. Story continues New Yorks Attorney General Letitia James, also a Democrat, released a report at the end of January that confirmed the undercounted totals. The report notes the admissions from hospitals to nursing homes may have contributed to increased risk of nursing home resident infection and subsequent fatalities, while also maintaining that the issue would require further study. Have you subscribed to theGrios Dear Culture podcast? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. Download theGrio.com today! The post Cuomo stops short of apology, denies cover-up in nursing home deaths appeared first on TheGrio. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Lawmakers are calling for an investigation into what authorities earlier called a "rescue" of Lumad students from supposed communist groups at a retreat house inside a university in Cebu City. In a statement late Monday, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said he will seek a House probe into the "Gestapo-like police abduction" of students from the Lumad Bakwit School program who were seeking refuge inside the University of San Carlos Retreat House in Talamban, Cebu. The university, in a joint statement with the Archdiocese of Cebu and Societas Verbi Divini (SVD) Philippines Southern Province, clarified that the Lumad school children were only part of a delegation for their joint modular schooling initiative and were "nurtured, cared for, and treated with their best interest in mind." The children were supposed to return to their communities last year, but the SVD community temporarily sheltered the group due to COVID-19 restrictions. "We will seek a congressional investigation on this Gestapo-like abduction so that we can help in stopping this evil modus against our youth," Zarate said. Gestapo refers to Nazi Germany's secret police that roundup Jews in Europe for deportation to extermination camps. He called the police operation on Monday morning "truly outrageous and condemnable, " adding that the Lumad students were there because the military destroyed their schools in Mindanao but they were being harassed and abducted even after their evacuation. READ: 19 Lumad children rescued from alleged kidnapping by militant group PNP Authorities insist that they rescued some 19 Lumad minors from Davao del Norte who were supposedly recruited to undergo "child warrior training" with communist groups inside the Cebu campus. The Police Regional Office 7 also arrested six other teachers and elders during the operation. However, child rights group Save our Schools Network clarified on Tuesday that of the 25 individuals, there were 21 Lumad students, only 15 of whom were minors and six were adults. There were also two Lumad elders and two volunteer teachers, including Chad Booc, who has been repeatedly red-tagged in the past as a supposed recruiter for communists rebels. The group said the 25 were forcibly taken into custody without consent from school administrators or prior notice and authorities "handcuffed tribal leaders, teachers and few students as if they are criminals." ACT-Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, another progressive lawmaker of the Makabayan bloc, stressed that indigenous peoples and their leaders have long been "harassed and threatened" as victims of state terrorism. "With their narrative of red-tagging universities, public school teachers, Lumad schools and volunteer teachers, the Duterte administration sees critical thinking as a threat to its tyrannical rule and attacks our education institutions. These attacks also show how little it respects the people's right to education," Castro said in a statement. "Nakakabahala na malayo sa tinatawag nilang rescue operations ang pinakita ng mga litrato at video sa mga pangyayari kung saan di makatao at pwersahang kinukuha ang mga estudyante," Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago said. [Translation: It is concerning that what they claim to be a rescue operation is far from what can be seen in photos and videos which showed inhumane and forced arrest of students." CNN Philippines is seeking comment from police officials. This week: Pitkin Countys front line workers are eligible for the COVID19 vaccine, but can your employer require you to get vaccinated? Also a look at the two back-to-back worldwide ski events Aspen is hosting beginning March 10. Host Alycin Bektesh is joined by Madeleine Osberger, Erica By the time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to speak at Syracuse University on July 15, 1965, the city of Syracuse, and the nation as a whole, were deep in the throes of a civil rights revolution that was recasting nearly every aspect of American life. For most Americans, Dr. King, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize the previous year, was the face of this revolution. This non-violent movement, which had taken shape in the south a decade earlier, brought about a significant swing in public opinion that led to the passage of a landmark Civil Rights Act, signed in July 1964 that, among a host of other things, outlawed discrimination in public places and employment. Kings visit came at an important inflection point for the movement. Dr. Kings visit to Syracuse marked a significant moment for the local chapters of civil rights groups like the Congress On Racial Equality (CORE) and the NAACP, who helped facilitate Kings visit. Locally, they had been fighting against urban renewal, school segregation, and discrimination in housing and employment practices, here in the Salt City for years, as a continuation of their work across the county. King had served on COREs national advisory board in the late 1950s, and the organization worked closely with his Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Among the earliest proponents of the sit-in back in the 1940s, CORE supported the Greensboro Four, in 1960. In May, 1961, they sponsored and orchestrated the Freedom Rides to challenge segregation on interstate buses and bus terminals in the southern states. The success of the Freedom Rides led to a proliferation of CORE chapters nationally. In November 1961, Syracuse University chemistry Professor Dr. George Wiley and eleven graduate students formed Syracuses local chapter. As a contextual aside, about week later, on December 6, 1961, S.U. half-back Ernie Davis became the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy. From these humble beginnings, Wiley and his colleagues built a robust and moderately effective movement for social justice on campus and in the city. Beginning in 1963, CORE led non-violent protests in the Syracuses 15th Ward, decrying segregation and housing discrimination, and the enlargement of the so-called ghetto wherein nearly 90% of the Syracuses black population had been forced to live. Residential segregation caused school segregation by default. Wiley and CORE made these interconnected issues their primary targets. They also organized marches and boycotts against several city department stores. In cooperation with the NACCP, CORE also picketed the Hotel Syracuse, the citys grandest hotel and site of many university functions, demanding that the hotel hire black waiters and bellmen. The Hotel capitulated in August. Later that month, Syracuses CORE chapter sent nearly 300 representatives to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. King delivered his I Have A Dream Speech. A series of successful boycotts of Syracuse department stores, citing discriminatory hiring practices, followed in 1964. In the summer of 1964, CORE published Project 101: Toward Social Justice. This impressively researched study laid out in stark detail the hopelessly interrelated problems of discrimination in housing and employment, and school desegregation and public welfare procedures. The study offered 106 specific proposals needed for breaking the treadmill cycle in which the negro in Syracuse is caught so that they can actually attain freedom and full citizenship. These solutions were applicable to nearly any American city. COREs work in Syracuse had raised Dr. Wileys national profile, as well as the plight of African Americans in northern cities. Kings visit was further proof of the success of local activists and the networks theyd built. In March, 1965, just a few months prior to Dr. Kings visit, Syracusans and their fellow countrymen were glued to the events in Alabama. There, thousands of protestors organized by SCLC and the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) gathered to march from Selma to Montgomery to fight for voting rights. These protestors, which included several clergymen from Syracuse, were attacked by local police on Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965, after crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge. King joined them the next day for the historic march to the state capital. A few weeks after the horrific scenes in Selma, in early April, Syracuses CORE chapter bused in nearly three dozen veterans of Bloody Sunday to march in the ongoing protests against what they alleged to be discriminatory hiring practices at Niagara-Mohawk. By the time of these protests, the events in Syracuse and other northern cities had garnered significant national attention to the reality that segregation was not a uniquely southern phenomenon. It was in this context that Dr. King came to Syracuse University. Speaking to a crowd of nearly 1,000 people in Sims Dining Hall, Dr. King announced a new national strategy for his group, SCLC and their collaborators, the first move into the north on a major scale. Recognizing the work already being done by local groups against the intertwined degenerative evils of discriminatory housing and employment, King said his group had no plans in Syracuse in the near future and praised the good work and great support that Syracuse ministers gave us in Selma. He concluded with the timely reminder that change is not self-operative, you cannot depend upon American institutions to function without prodding and pressuring. Agrigento, Sicily -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/16/2021 -- SAESE, European Autonomous School and Ecology Union has achieved a brilliant result in its mission as the European Commission has entered its members in database to obtain a permanent contract under the European Directive 1999/70. SAESE, online European trade union based has been championing the cause of teachers, who run the risk of being pushed into poverty post retirement due to the dwindling VIP pensions. In fact, it would put millions of teachers at risk, which is why SAESE continued with its consistent fight. In November 2019, it filed a complaint with regards to Article 30 (the right to protection against poverty and social exclusion) of the Revised European Social Charter. In the complaint, it alleged that the amendments had reduced VIP pensions drastically thus creating a precarious situation for teachers. In fact, the registered European Trade Union also pointed out that there was a lack of comprehensive and a coordinated approach in Article 30. In a bid to protect school staff's social security rights, SAESE had first filed the complaint with the government. However the Italian government deemed the complaint inadmissible claiming that SAESE wasn't an official representative. Not one to give up on the fight for its members including teaching, educational and ATA staff, SAESE appealed the case with the European Commission. It has now received a favorable result as its members have been included in the database to obtain a permanent contract under the European Directive 1999/70, thus stabilizing their interests. About SAESE Sindacato Autonomo Europeo Scuola ed Ecologia, an online European trade union based out of Italy came into being to offer trade union advice and assistance. It is the only trade union that called for three 24-hour strikes to secure the anti-bullying law to protect all school staff. Media Contact URL: https://www.saese.eu/ Butterfield Business Park, a multi-purpose modern development, has enhanced its security measures with the latest fibre optic network, smart CCTV and deep learning analytics technology, specified, installed and maintained by Amthal Fire and Security. Luton based Butterfield Business Park, managed by leading UK commercial and residential real estate consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton, covers a total site area of 24 acres and is home to a range of high-quality commercial buildings. With extensive expansion plans already in place, the site needed to ensure utmost security. While the existing system was being managed on-site, Amthal, with which Lambert Smith Hampton had an existing relationship, was asked to review the security arrangements with a view to update and accommodate the need for a scalable solution. IP CCTV technology Amthals solution supports 24-hour security across the site that can be remotely monitored Amthal installed a specialist fibre optic network across the entire site to enable high-speed transmission and future expansion of the system. IP CCTV technology was also specified, incorporating state-of-the-art Dahua fully functioning cameras, to support facial recognition and IR distances of up to 500m coverage, together with deep-learning based auto-tracking and perimeter protection. Featuring Starlight+ technology as the gold standard in low light performance, the new system enables smart monitoring across the site with clear and relevant images. Together with automatic number-plate recognition cameras positioned at the entrance and exit, Amthals solution supports 24-hour security across the site that can be remotely monitored. Reviewing security Butterfield Business Park is a busy development, day and night, designed purposely as a multi-purpose business and leisure site. When it comes to reviewing security, we needed to balance a welcoming feel with the need to ensure peace of mind for all our residents and guests, but also ensure any new system was scalable to suit the ambitious expansion plans, says Kelly Cartwright, Regional Facilities Manager at Lambert Smith Hampton. We have an established relationship with Amthal, and were keen to get their views on how best to update the systems across the site. They diligently presented a high specification solution that demonstrated knowledge and offered much more than we considered feasible. The extensive capability of the CCTV solution is particularly effective for providing clear and relevant images, regardless of lighting conditions, time-of-day or object movement. Installation was seamless and ongoing maintenance has been fantastic, with nothing being too much trouble. Partnership Butterfield Business Park is an extensive site that requires remote monitoring on a 24 / 7 / 365 basis Amthal is now working in partnership with the facilities management team on a maintenance contract with Butterfield Business Park. In this, offering reliable servicing to preserve the integrity of the system and ensure continued protection to the highest level, while also responding to changes required to specification and preparing for the extension plans to the site. 24/7 Remote monitoring Paul Rosenthal, Amthal Sales Director added, Butterfield Business Park is an extensive site that requires remote monitoring on a 24 / 7 / 365 basis. And together with its mixed-use development and expansion plans, any security installation has to carefully consider the different scenarios across the site and differentiate what is expected activity by day and night, with an ability to act fast. We worked closely with the team to understand the site logistics and specified using the latest technology from our industry-leading partners to create a solution that achieves requirements, both now and in the future. There are also clear benefits for the security and facilities team who can monitor activity remotely at all times, with clear visibility on activity and alarms triggered by target types (human and vehicle,) reducing false alarms. Combined together, the solution really does offer complete peace of mind for the benefit of all who work and visit this prestigious business park. Vietnam calls on the international community and development partners to further support the transition to democracy in Myanmar, matching the wishes and interests of Myanmar people. The appeal was made by Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, during the 29th special session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) late last week. As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam has kept a close watch on developments in Myanmar, and hoped that the country will soon stabilise the situation for national construction and development, as well as for peace, stability and cooperation in the region, while making more contributions to the building of the ASEAN Community, the ambassador said. Representatives from 30 out of 47 UNHRC member countries, and 37 observer countries delivered speeches at the online meeting. Some said on the basis of respecting Myanmars sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and national unity, the international community needs to help parties in the country conduct dialogue and reconciliation, matching local peoples interests. The UNHRC should focus on supporting the settlement of such issues in Myanmar, they suggested. Ambassador Myint Thu, Myanmar Permanent Representative to the UN, briefed the delegates on the situation in his country, saying Myanmar is facing complex challenges and in the transitional period. Myanmar would like to receive understanding and constructive cooperation of the international community, the diplomat stressed. He affirmed that Myanmar will continue its coordination with the UN and ASEAN to gain long-term peace and stability and sustainable development, for the interests of Myanmar people. At the end of the session, the UNHRC member countries passed a resolution under which they expressed their concern over the coup and human rights violations in Myanmar./.VNA ETHIOPIA, MAY 2017. A research collaboration on the long-term financing of social protection between Ethiopias Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the EU-SPS held its first workshop in Addis Ababa on 31 May. The event was attended by representatives of more than a dozen institutions including government ministries, local NGOs and international development partners, all active in the social protection sector. Professor Tassew Woldehanna from the Ethiopian Development Research Institute, which is supporting the project, presented an initial mapping of social protection spending, including expenditure by Ministries, social security agencies and development partners. Once this mapping is complete and the results validated by different stakeholders, the next stage of the collaboration will be to devise different scenarios for the implementation of Ethiopias national social protection strategy, a landmark document which not only calls for an expansion of social protection but also requires that spending be entirely financed domestically as Ethiopia progresses towards middle-income status. < Back to News Lucknow, Feb 16 : The Uttar Pradesh Police has joined the "pawri ho rahi hai" meme fest on social media. It has asked the public to inform them on the emergency 112 number if any late-night party is disturbing them. "Ye hum hain aur humari car hai. Agar late night pawri aapko disturb kar rahi hai to ye humara number hai - 112, (This is us, this is our car, and if a late-night party disturbs you, this is our number)" the 112-service tweeted in a picture of a police vehicle with a beacon atop it. The Call 112 service is apparently seeking to cash in on the viral 'pawri (party) ho rahi hai' meme. The Uttar Pradesh Police, through its various social media accounts, especially on Twitter, has often taken to putting up humorous posts to reach out to netizens. The meme set the social media on fire after it surfaced online last week with Dananeer Mobeen, a Pakistan-based Instagram influencer, speaking in a heavily-accented tone as she stood partying with some friends with their car parked on a road. "Ye humari car hai, ye hum hain aur ye humari pawri (party) ho rahi hai, (This is our car, this is us and this is our party going on)," she said in the post. According to media reports, ByteDance is exploring the sale of India operations of TikTok to rival short video platform Glance. The discussions have been initiated by Softbank Group. Softbank is a common investor in TikTok parent ByteDance as well as Glance parent InMobi. The deal is between Softbank, ByteDance and Glance and will need the sign off from Indian authorities. Last year, the Indian Government issued a blanket ban on more than 59 apps which included TikTok during escalating border tensions between China and India. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has since made the temporary ban permanent after finding the clarifications from the app companies inadequate. Randhir Kapoor, who lost his youngest brother Rajiv a few days ago, said the get-together was a 'solemn affair' Randhir Kapoor turned 74 this Sunday and several members of the Kapoor clan along with close friends were seen joining him for the birthday dinner. Randhirs daughters Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan were both present with their families. While Karisma was captured leaving the house with daughter Samara, Kareena was spotted arriving at the venue with husband Saif Ali Khan and son Taimur. See the post Saif was seen carrying Taimur in his arms and even shielding his eyes from the flashes of the camera. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) The family members of Randhirs younger brother, late Rishi Kapoor, were also present. Paparazzi captured actor Neetu Kapoor, her daughter Riddhima at the venue together. Also, her son Ranbir was seen leaving the dinner with girlfriend actor Alia Bhatt. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla) Aadar Jain who is the son of Rima Jain, Randhirs sister, was also spotted on Sunday. He had arrived at the dinner with girlfriend actor Tara Sutaria. Also, actor Sanjay Kapoor and his wife Maheep Kapoor were captured chatting with Saif and Kareena while leaving the dinner. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla) Randhir lost his youngest brother Rajiv to a massive cardiac arrest last week. Since then the veteran actor had revealed how lonely he had become. Speaking to Times of India, the actor had said he was lost after losing four of his closest family members in quick succession. I don't know what's happening. I was equally close to Rishi and Rajiv. I have lost four people from my family--my mother Krishna Kapoor, eldest sister Ritu, Rishi and now Rajiv, he told the portal. However, with the pictures of the Kapoor family visiting Randhir on his birthday surfaced online, there was a buzz about the event being a celebration. Randhir debunked the claims himself. Speaking to SpotboyE, the 74-year-old said it was only a small meet-up and not a celebration. He also called it a solemn affair. Chilling surveillance footage has emerged showing Minnesota gunman Gregory Paul Ulrich, 67, calmly catching a bus to the health clinic with his briefcase full of weapons minutes before he allegedly shot one dead and injured four others in a deadly rampage. The footage shows Ulrich boarding public transport outside the Super 8 motel and politely greeting the driver on February 9. Just five minutes later he exited the bus at the Allina Health Clinic in Wright County, Buffalo, where he entered the facility and allegedly shot five victims at random and detonated three improvised explosive devices. Mother-of-two Lindsay Overbay, 37, who worked as a medical assistant at the facility died the same day after being transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center. Four other female Allina staff members were also hospitalized with gunshot wounds. They have now been identified as certified medical assistant Jennifer Gibson, business representative Tammy Schaufler and licensed practical nurses Sherry Curtis and Antonya Fransen-Pruden. The small Buffalo community of 15,000 people rocked by the violence marked one week on from the attack Tuesday with a moment of silence, purple light displays and people dressing in purple. Ulrich, who dialed 911 to surrender to police, was charged with murder, attempted murder and weapons and explosives charges Thursday as it emerged he had threatened to carry out a mass shooting two years before last week's attack. Chilling surveillance footage has emerged showing Minnesota gunman Gregory Paul Ulrich, 67, calmly catching a bus to the health clinic with his briefcase full of weapons minutes before he allegedly shot one dead and injured four others in a deadly rampage. Pictured Ulrich boarding public transport outside the Super 8 motel Ulrich politely greets the driver and sits down on the bus, buckling his seatbelt and saying 'Okie doke' as a signal he is ready for the journey The newly-surfaced surveillance footage, obtained by KARE 11, shows Ulrich's eerily nonchalant demeanor in the moments leading up to the mass shooting. The 67-year-old suspected killer is seen at 10:47am casually strolling out of the Super 8 motel where he was staying in the lead-up to the deadly rampage and walking up to the Trailblazer bus waiting outside. He is wearing glasses, a blue shirt, brown heavy jacket and a face mask. In his left hand he is holding a large briefcase that authorities recovered from the scene and said was used to carry a pistol, two loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm magazines, four homemade bombs, two marijuana cigarettes and a Ziploc style bag containing 29 rounds of ammunition. 'Hello,' the female driver says to the 67-year-old. Ulrich responds greeting the driver with a friendly 'hello.' The driver then asks if Ulrich is heading to the Allina Clinic. 'You going to Crossroad Allina Clinic?' the driver asks. Ulrich calmly replies 'yes' as he boards and walks toward the back of the empty bus. He places the briefcase carefully on a window seat before sitting in the aisle seat next to it. Just five minutes later h e exits the bus saying 'thank you' to the driver He is then captured on footage at 10:52 am strolling toward the clinic with the briefcase He calmly buckles his seatbelt and says 'Okie doke' signalling to the driver that is ready for the five-minute journey to the clinic where he would allegedly murder a 37-year-old mom-of-two minutes later. Ulrich pulls his face mask down around his chin. When the bus pulls up at the clinic five minutes later, Ulrich pulls his face mask back over his nose and mouth, places his glasses in his pocket and picks up the briefcase, reported KARE 11. He exits the bus saying 'thank you' to the driver before he is captured on footage at 10:52 am strolling toward the clinic with the briefcase. According to the criminal complaint, Ulrich then entered the clinic, pulled out a 9 mm handgun and opened fire shooting at least 11 bullets. He shot one staff member in the back and another in the abdomen in the lobby then went into the clinic's interior and continued shooting, striking three other victims, the complaint reads. Ulrich (in mug), who dialed 911 to surrender to police, was charged with murder, attempted murder and weapons and explosives charges Thursday as it emerged he had threatened to carry out a mass shooting two years before last week's attack One victim was shot twice in the upper leg while trying to flee while another was shot six times. He also fired one shot at his fifth victim - Overbay - who later died from her wounds. Ulrich also detonated three of the four pipe bombs he was carrying inside the clinic. Just six minutes after arriving at the clinic and 11 short minutes since he left the motel, Ulrich dialed 911 at 10:58am and surrendered. The release of the disturbing footage comes as the small community continues to recover from the violent attack and rally round the survivors. On Tuesday, Allina Health and the group Buffalo Strong held a moment of silence at 11 am - around the same time as the shooting one week earlier. The organizers also asked people to wear purple and are lighting up landmarks in purple around the town and in the Allianz Field in the Twin Cities. They are raising money in the community for the victims of the attack through selling T-shirts, yard signs and masks and with a blood drive and a food drive in the coming weeks. KILLED: Mother-of-two Lindsay Overbay, 37, who worked as a medical assistant at the facility died the same day after being transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center (left with her son and husband) Allina Health issued a statement announcing Tuesday's events and saying how the town has been left 'heartbroken' by the violent attack. 'The senseless acts that took place at our Allina Health Clinic-Buffalo Crossroads have left us heartbroken and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support,' they said. The fifth and final victim injured in the attack was named at the weekend as Jennifer Gibson, a mom-of-three and certified medical assistant who had worked at Allina since 2015. The other three survivors were also identified. Tammy Schaufler, a clinic business representative who has been with Allina Health for 32 years and mother was the first victim shot in the abdomen. Antonya Fransen-Pruden, a licensed practical nurse who joined Allina Health in 2018 and mom of two children under 10, was shot in the back. SURVIVOR: Antonya Fransen-Pruden (left), a licensed practical nurse who joined Allina Health in 2018 and mom of two children under 10, was shot in the back SURVIVOR: Jennifer Gibson, a mom-of-three and certified medical assistant who had worked at Allina since 2015, was shot in the attack The other surviving victim was named by the clinic Thursday as Sherry Curtis - a nurse who had worked at the center for seven years. Overbay - who leaves behind two young children - did not survive after being shot once in the abdomen, with the bullet passing through her liver and spine and exiting her back. Her family released a statement last week thanking the community for their support and paying tribute to her. 'On behalf of Lindsay Overbay's family, we would like to express a sincere thank you to our community for the outpouring of love and prayers that we have received,' it read. 'Lindsay was a dedicated mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Her laughter, abundant and loud, would echo through hallways. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her children. 'We would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the other four victims and their families. #LindsayStrong.' SURVIVOR: Tammy Schaufler, a clinic business representative who has been with Allina Health for 32 years and mother was the first victim shot in the abdomen SURVIVOR: Sherry Curtis, a Licensed Practical Nurse at Allina Health who has worked at the facility since 2013, was named as another victim The small Buffalo community of 15,000 people rocked by the violence marked one week on from the attack Tuesday with a moment of silence, purple light displays and people dressing in purple Meanwhile, questions continue to be asked around whether law enforcement may have missed many red flags leading up to the devastating attack and whether Ulrich managed to get his hands legally on the gun used in the attack. Ulrich had 43 run-ins with cops over the years and had a specific vendetta against the clinic and its staff after they wouldn't give him more opioids for a back injury. Ulrich had even threatened to carry out a mass shooting at the clinic two years prior to Tuesday's attack and had a restraining order taken out against him by one of the facility's doctors. The suspect's former roommate has claimed Ulrich was legally granted a permit to own a firearm last summer. He claimed he saw the permit in Ulrich's mobile home as well as the gun used just months later to kill one and injure four. This is despite a judge ruling the 67-year-old 'not mentally competent' and court officials warning he should not be allowed to possess a weapon, after he violated the restraining order taken out by a doctor. Ulrich, from Buffalo, had a vendetta against the Allina Health Clinic (above) on Crossroads Campus Drive in Wright County, Buffalo, and its staff because they refused to give him opioids for a back injury, court records show One of the broken windows following the mass shooting at the clinic Tuesday A map of the Allina Health Clinic which is just one mile from the Super 8 Motel Officials are yet to confirm whether or not he legally owned the gun citing Minnesota laws. Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer said 'human error' did mean 'red flags' could sometimes 'slip through the cracks' and authorities would be investigating how Ulrich got a gun. Ulrich appeared in court for the first time Thursday morning where he was charged with one count of second-degree murder with intent-not-premeditated, four counts of first-degree premeditated attempted murder, one count of gross disregard for human life or property by discharging an explosive device and one count of carrying a firearm in a public place without a permit. If convicted he faces 40 years in prison for the murder charge and 20 years for each attempted murder charge. Bail was set at $10 million without conditions or $5 million with conditions including that he must submit to GPS monitoring, make no contact with any Allina Health Clinic, not possess any firearms, not leave the state of Minnesota and remain medically compliant. He will next appear in court on March 22. In the comfort of your own home. These seven little words took on new meaning in the age of COVID-19 in the furniture and home furnishings industry. Consumers have a new appreciation of their homes now that they are spending more time there. They want more comfort when relaxing, while at the same time making their home more functional, especially for families where adults are now working from home alongside their children who are learning from home, says Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of public relations and marketing for the American Home Furnishings Alliance. Upholstery tends to be among the first pieces that get replaced in the home even in the best of times. And the boom in the home office category is not surprising as multiple persons found themselves Zooming around the same table and needing more work space, she adds. The outdoor category also saw an increase in sales after people had been cooped up indoors and temperatures began to warm up in April and May. Many consumers found some relief by being able to go outdoors once again to relax and enjoy a meal with family, Hirschhaut says about the sale of fire pits, tables with umbrellas as the sun really heated up, and other outdoor furniture. Western Massachusetts furniture retailers say business has been brisk during the pandemic and agree with Hirschhaut on her assessment of the industry. 1/18/2021 -West Springfield- Mike Ouimette, owner, sits in the showroom of Pieroway's furniture, 139 Myron Street. (Don Treeger / The Republican) According to Michael Ouimette, owner of Pieroways Furniture in Ludlow and West Springfield, his store has been going gangbusters since reopening on June 8 after the shutdown. There was a lot of pent-up demand after not buying for several months. People are spending more on beautifying the interior of their homes, where they are spending more time. They have more money to spend since they are going out less, Ouimette says, referring to the fact that much fewer people are dining out. We are also seeing more serious buyers, not as many tire kickers, so to speak, who usually are only out to browse, but now are more afraid of getting COVID-19. And they are buying better quality love seats and dining room tables, for example, then ever before, he adds. At Raymour & Flanigan in West Springfield, showroom manager Dianna Wilson concurs, saying they had customers waiting to get in when they reopened their doors after the initial shutdown. We saw a big growth in desk sales and comfortable chairs to accompany them for people now working from home and students for remote learning, Wilson says. People have also been eating out less and cooking more at home and spending more time at the dinner table. So, the sale of kitchen tables has also been big. Weve also seen an influx of mattress sales as customers are honed in on getting a better, more comfortable nights sleep. We work with customers to determine what best fits their need (and) their sleep patterns, do they have a medical condition like sleep apnea, do their sleep on their side, she adds. Wilson also notes that making customers comfortable as they welcomed them back to shop in their store was an important goal. We wanted them to feel safe with everything from adding hand sanitizer stations to plexiglass, to cleaning our bathrooms frequently and screening our employees as they come into work, she says. 1/25/2021 -Northampton- This is some of the staff at Fly By Night furniture, 21 State Street. (Don Treeger / The Republican) After the three-month closure for stores early-on during the pandemic, Richard Zafft, president of Fly By Night in Northampton, says his business, too, experienced a similar rush of customers when it reopened. There were two reasons why we came out stronger and have been super busy since the shutdown, he says. One was pent-up demand. People werent able to buy for several months. The other main thing is that many people were stuck at home, not going on vacation, so that opened up more money for them to spend. Weve found in troubled times and recessions that people live off soft things like couches and mattresses which wear out, as opposed to hard things like dining room tables which dont often break. Our strong suit is our sofas, sectionals and cherry bedroom furniture which we make ourselves, he adds. Zafft notes how doing business has evolved over the years, even before the pandemic: It used to be people going to the Yellow Pages to find your business, but now they go online. So, now instead of your local phone book you are competing online with the entire world and giant internet companies like Wayfair. The shutdown provided time for Fly By Night employees to focus on helping customers navigate online shopping and improve their experience, according to Zafft. We created a professional studio in our warehouse complete with special lighting and a white backdrop where we would go every day to photography our furniture from every angle, ending up with over 17,000 photographs, he explains. But, Zafft notes that the journey only begins on the internet, referring to it as pre-shopping. While the internet is unsurpassed for doing research, it is admittedly second-rate for making a final furniture decision, he says. Looking at pictures and reading reviews is not a substitute for actual real-life experience. 1/18/2021 -West Springfield- This is a view of the showroom at Pieroway's furniture, 139 Myron Street. (Don Treeger / The Republican) While increased demand for home furnishings may have been there for retailers during the pandemic, the supply was in question at times. Its been a mixed bag only because so many retailers have been challenged by the supply chain, Hirschhaut says. Manufacturers were not able to produce at full capacity because of COVID-19, and there were additional challenges along the way in obtaining raw materials such as wood and fabric. Even before the pandemic there was a challenge in the trucking industry to have enough drivers to move merchandise and that made the whole distribution process more difficult. Acknowledging that problem, Ouimette cautions, It is now taking longer to get merchandise, often three to four months. The reason for that is most factories dont have full staffs because of mitigating factors, such as social distancing and the number of workers they can have in their buildings. Mass production doesnt exist right now. ADVERTISEMENT The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has pledged its commitment to peaceful coexistence between its members and their host communities in Nigerias South-east. Clashes between herders and farmers, caused mainly by disputes over access to land, is among the leading security challenges in Nigeria. The leader of the association in the South-east zone, Gidado Siddiki, who disclosed this on Monday to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, said its members have had a good relationship with the indigenous people of the area, in spite of some isolated cases of misunderstanding. Mr Siddiki said their interest in the area was purely economic, adding that no herder was interested in contesting the ownership of land with members of their host communities. He commended state governments in the South-east for securing the area against banditry. He said the government at all levels has made efforts to find solutions to the security challenges in different parts of the country. The Miyetti Allah leader, however, said that much still needed to be done to ensure that law-abiding citizens, including herders, were free to carry out their businesses without hindrances. He said it was time Nigerians unite and seek ways to douse the tension and insecurity in parts of the country. He said that as cattle breeders, We only ask for a secure environment to do our business. We are ready to support the authorities to go after criminals and rid the forests and cities of such bad elements in order to make life better for everyone. He said as a trade group, no member of the association would willingly do anything to jeopardise the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria. As Nigerians, we should focus on those positive ideals that are mutually beneficial to all, Mr Siddiki said. (NAN) A stimulus check issued by the IRS to help combat the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, is seen in San Antonio, Texas, on April 23, 2020. (Eric Gay/AP Photo File) Missouri Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Exempt Stimulus Checks From State Tax A Republican lawmaker in Missouri has introduced state-level legislation to exempt federal stimulus checksor economic impact paymentsfrom state income tax. Cody Smith, who chairs the Missouri House Budget Committee, sponsored the bill (pdf), which excludes economic impact payments from a Missouri taxpayers adjusted gross income, effectively exempting them from state taxes. Smiths bill is similar to legislation adopted in Missouri last year that waived state income taxes on federal stimulus checks that were distributed under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act. This legislation would waive that personal income tax not only on the most recent round of stimulus related to COVID-19, but on anything going forward related to this pandemic specifically, Smith told Missourinet in an interview published on Feb. 15. The most recent batch of stimulus, worth $900 billion, was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Dec. 27. It provided a round of $600 economic stimulus checks. Missourians have already paid their share for these stimulus checks, and by fixing this into law, we can ensure individuals and families affected by the pandemic get the help they need with minimal state interference, Smith told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. So far, the bill has gone through two readings in the House and been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. A companion Senate bill has not yet been introduced. Smith told Missourinet hes very optimistic that his bill, or one similar, will eventually be passed. President Joe Bidens proposed $1.9 trillion relief package includes another round of economic impact payments, this time $1,400. Biden faces resistance from Republicans over the high price tag of the stimulus bill. The president and his allies have argued that going big will help boost the economy and bring the pandemic under control. The $1.9 trillion relief proposal would give nearly $3,600 in direct payments and other benefits to the poorest Americans, according to a new analysis. Households making less than $21,300 would see an average boost of $3,590, the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) said. This comes from a combination of the $1,400 stimulus check and the expansion of two tax credits, one for parents and another for those bringing in little income. Biden is scheduled to travel to Wisconsin on Tuesday to pitch the relief bill to voters, with White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki saying last week Biden would do a CNN town hall while visiting the state. The White House strategy to promote the package and other policy goals involves getting out to voters, with Biden stepping up his travel in coming days, including a trip to Michigan on Thursday. Joshua Sargent / SFGate Subscribers who sign up for Yes PLZ Weekly will receive a bag of coffee every one, two, three, or four weeks for $17 (for the 8.8 ounce bag) or $23 (for the 12 ounce bag) each and thats it. What kind of coffee? They pick it for you. How do you know itll be good? Because the founders, Tony Konecy and Sumi Ali, know their business: Ali is a longtime barista, and Konecny was the founder of Tonx Coffee, a successful coffee subscription that was eventually purchased by Blue Bottle Coffee. A British man, who went through a rough patch, has found love of his life and settled down in Vietnam for more than a decade. Wayne Worrell, 55, has spent 11 years teaching English in Vietnam after taking more paths through a number of countries. He did many campaigns through Covid-19 to bring unity in Vietnam. He won the 1st prize at the National External Information Service Awards 2019 for the campaign Vietnam We Thank You Viet Nam Co Len in the Covid-19 pandemic. Wayne Worrell and his wife "It all started some 35 years ago with seeing magical images of Vietnam I instantly felt attracted to what I saw. This feeling kept on growing inside me over the years which seemed to float by in the breeze so did the endless paths I took always leading back to the same place, alone and afraid. Over the next 15 years I took many adventures including being married and divorced twice, I was always searching for something but never finding it. In 1999, I then embarked on a new journey from tourism to teaching English and over the next 10 years I took many more paths but this time through Egypt, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan this also led to two more failed marriages, I thought I was never going to find true happiness, but now with being in Japan, something deep inside me told me it was time to follow my dream, I was so close to where I was meant to be, the urge was so strong and one day a couple of months before my contract was going to be up I decided to it, it was time to see if my feelings had been true all those years. Wayne Worrell is honored for his contributions to the fight against Covid-19 in Vietnam At the end of December 2009, I came for a two-week holiday to find work, it had changed so much from the images I had stored in my memory, gone were the bicycles and peace replaced by motorbikes and pollution but it didnt matter as from that point on my life changed dramatically as everything slowly became positive. Over the next three years, I just got on with life but this time not looking and one day at lunchtime I met my future wife by chance in Hoan Kiems KFC of all places, a year later we were married and over the coming years we had three wonderful sons who are now 5, 4 and 2 years old. Ten years on, I looked back at my life, the paths I had taken, the mistakes Id made the marriages that had failed and then for the first time I realized, they werent mistakes nor failures, they were all tests to put me on to the right path to happiness. At the end of January 2020, we were just finishing our family holiday in Phu Quoc when the news was released about Covid-19, from that point on I was no longer teaching but a full-time dad with three screaming boys running havoc. At the beginning of March, I came across an article in VNExpress talking about the blood shortage throughout the country as people were too scared to go out and decided to see if there was anything I could do to help my adoptive country, of course I donated blood but also took photos and put a call out for other people to do the same through social media, it went viral within hours and the blood banks were replenished within a short period of time. Wayne Worrell is bestowed the 1st prize for external awards It felt so great that some of the barriers which had come up towards foreigners were removed, so I continued with not only the support of the expat community but also the Vietnamese people and ran another four campaigns and participated in another right up to the end of August 2020 with the most famous one being Vietnam We thank you, Viet Nam Co Len which also went international. None of what I did with the help of countless expats and Vietnamese alike was for stardom or fame in anyway, just to bring unity through a difficult period in our lives and to show and thank the country I love so much my personal gratitude was enough. From the beginning of September, my boys went back to kindergarten, schools re-opened, I started teaching after seven months of being a stay at home dad and some form of normality returned. So here I am now, 10 years on, married to a wonderful and beautiful Vietnamese woman with a perfect family and life. So the moral to this story is always believe and follow your dreams because some day, dont know when, they may become reality. This is why I love Vietnam and I know Vietnam Loves You. Wayne Worrell (Hanoitimes) Foreigner passes on Vietnamese martial arts training Its 5pm rush hour in downtown Hanoi. Swiss national Olivier Barbey and his wife ride two bikes carrying their two sons to Bich Cau Temple for their evening martial arts club. The medical technology company seasoned executive noted that Castrodad brings a wealth of experience in leading organizational development in start-ups and Fortune 500 companies within the life sciences sector ( ) announced Tuesday that it has appointed Brenda Castrodad to lead its Human Resources department. The medical technology company seasoned executive noted that Castrodad brings a wealth of experience in leading organizational development in start-ups and Fortune 500 companies within the life sciences sector. Most recently, she led the HR department at TissueTech, Inc., a Miami, FL-based biotech leader in regenerative amniotic tissue-based products, where she was responsible for transformation and automation of the companys HR practices, talent planning, and team building. Prior to TissueTech, Inc., Castrodad spent six years at HeartWare, Inc., a heart failure medtech company acquired by Medtronic in 2016 for $1.1 billion. By optimizing the internal talent acquisition function and aligning business practices, she helped grow the organization from approximately 80 to 500-plus staff which achieved approx. $250 million in revenues before the acquisition. Earlier in her career, Castrodad spent 16 years at Schering-Plough Corp, a pharmaceutical company acquired in 2009 for $41.1 billion by Merck & Co. "A proven champion of culture, growth, and transformation, Brenda impressed us with her experience in positioning HR as a strategic business partner to create a platform for successful talent acquisition and employee engagement. Brendas expertise in supporting rapid growth, combined with her knowledge of our industry, should be invaluable as we scale up our customer-facing teams while further developing the in-house talent to drive the innovation engine. We look forward to working with Brenda as we prepare the Company for commercial success, commented Kenneth L. Londoner, chairman, and CEO of BioSig in a statement. It is a privilege to join the BioSig team of dedicated and experienced professionals across the organization. Im energized by the companys culture of innovation and commercialization plans. Im thrilled to be a valuable contributor to the incredible growth path ahead of us, added Castrodad. BioSig Technologies is commercializing a proprietary biomedical signal processing platform designed to improve signal fidelity and uncover the full range of ECG and intra-cardiac signals. The companys first product, the PURE EP System is a computerized system intended for acquiring, digitizing, amplifying, filtering, measuring and calculating, displaying, recording and storing of electrocardiographic and intracardiac signals for patients undergoing electrophysiology (EP) procedures in an EP laboratory. Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com New pump station takes shape: The Piper Creek pump station in Kansas City, KS, with a max capacity of 7.2 MGD, serves the new Piper Creek Elementary School and surrounding community. The antimicrobial admixture will continue to provide the needed MIC protection and help reduce future maintenance costs for the treated concrete structures. The upgrade to the Piper Creek pump station in Kansas City, Kansas was completed in December 2020. Penetrons innovative antimicrobial concrete admixture was utilized to provide the concrete structures with the much needed protection against microbially-induced corrosion (MIC). The $3.1 million Piper Creek Regional Improvement Phase 1 mandated by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County in Kansas City, Kansas comprised a new pump station, a force main sewer, and gravity sewers. The improvements were made to service the newly completed Piper Creek Elementary School, which opened in Fall 2020, and the rapidly growing surrounding community. Previously, the Piper Creek area of Kansas City had been served by Pump Stations 67 and 63, which were both near design capacity by 2019 due to an expanding community population. Recognizing the need for a long-term plan for the Piper Creek drainage basin, the city government posted the construction project for a new regional pump station, which allowed the consolidation of the smaller facilities. The new pump station has an initial capacity of 2.4 million gallons/day (MGD), which will increase to 7.2 MGD in a final build-out phase with added pumps and a future parallel force main sewer. Meeting Required Concrete Performance Levels The Engineers of Record were asked to draw up a project plan, and design and manage the subsequent construction of the new pump station, as well as the new sewer mains, including the gravity sewer pipe and force main sewer. Working with the local Penetron expert, Geiger Ready-Mix ran trial batches treated with Penetrons antimicrobial admixture out to the construction site to show the engineers and the city officials that Penetrons solution would fully meet the projects performance requirements where other proposed products had fallen short. Once the engineers saw the consistent performance of the Penetron antimicrobial admixture, the project moved along smoothly, explains Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. Destroying Bacteria Before It Harms Concrete Similar to PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing solution, Penetrons antimicrobial admixture is added to the concrete mix during batching. The specialty admixture uses an electro-physical mechanism to destroy the cell walls of micro-organisms, such as thiobacillus bacteria, which converts hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) into biogenic sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The formation of biogenic sulfuric acid causes concrete to deteriorate, which is known as microbially-induced corrosion (MIC). This protection helps keep the concrete matrix intact. Penetrons antimicrobial admixture is a permanent solution. Once its added to the concrete mix, it is an integral part of the concrete matrix and is leach resistant. The effectiveness of the antimicrobial admixture is not lessened by repeated contact with bacteria. Christopher Chen adds: The antimicrobial admixture will continue to provide the needed MIC protection and help reduce future maintenance costs for the treated concrete structures. The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels. For more information on Penetron crystalline technology solutions, please visit http://www.penetron.com, email: CRDept@penetron.com or contact our Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700. Russell Moore warns Christians face spiritual warfare 'all the time;' identifies 2 ways Satan attacks Christian Post Contributor | 15 October, 2019 by Leah MarieAnn Klett Russell Moore has warned that while Christian life in contemporary Western culture has largely neglected the concepts of demons and demonic powers, spiritual warfare is a reality Christians face "all the time," both overtly and covertly. In a video posted to his website on Oct. 1, Moore, the president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, warned that when tempted, many Christians blame their genetic predisposition or their psychological background instead of acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare. "You are in a place of spiritual warfare," he stressed. "The Bible says all the time, overtly or covertly." The attacks from Satan and other demonic forces don't necessarily manifest themselves in "visible or extraordinary" ways, Moore said, because spiritual warfare against Christians works in two ways: Deception and accusation. Deception tells a Christian there will be no consequences for their behavior; that God does not have their best interest at heart; and that their life is meaningful and "without a plotline," he said, referencing Satan's temptation of Eve in Genesis 3:4. "What this deception wants to do is for the human creature is to manifest the flesh, to manifest my creatureliness apart from the direction of the Spirit, apart from the self-control and the love that comes from the Spirit," he explained. Satan and demonic beings also accuse Christians, Moore said: "The way that Satan and demonic beings work is not just to tempt and deceive, but also to accuse, to give an indictment." "You have humanity created in order to be the pinnacle of God's creation, bearing God's image and the angelic beings are created to minister to serve humanity," he explained. "What's happened in the fall is that human beings have become POW's to those dark spiritual forces, the principalities, and powers as the Bible puts it. So you are being accused by the devil. This is someone who is worthy of death." Moore reiterated that all Christians are in a time of spiritual warfare whether they know it or not. "You may not see it. You may not recognize it, but if you're not dead, then that means that you are in the middle of a fight," he warned. "And if you don't realize that you're in the middle of a fight, that probably is because you're surrendering to the fight." The way to combat these forces of darkness is not with magical incantations or "some mixture of herbs;" it's by "standing in the Gospel," Moore said. "The way that we ultimately overcome these assaults of spiritual warfare on us is to recognize, 'I'm not my own. I've been bought with a price. I have a different future and my future is secure in Jesus Christ.' So I don't have to fall for the temptations that will come promising me a way to secure my own future. I can break the power of deception in the Gospel realizing that what God says about me and what God says about Himself and what God says about the world all of that is true." The power of accusation is broken when we realize that while the devil's criticisms of us are often true, "if I'm in Christ, I'm crucified with Christ, which means I have already undergone the judgment of God. I have already been raised with Christ, which means that my life is seated with Christ at the right hand of God," Moore said. Read more from, "Russell Moore warns Christians face spiritual warfare 'all the time;' identifies 2 ways Satan attacks," on The Christian Post. Preschool students wear masks to prevent the spread of new coronavirus as they line up to begin their first day back to in-person class in Bogota, Colombia, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Bogota is returning students to blended classes at public schools after a year of online education due to the pandemic. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) Colombia received its first shipment of coronavirus vaccines on Monday and will soon begin to vaccinate its population of 50 million people, the third largest in Latin America. The government says it aims to vaccinate 35 million people this year including hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants and refugees who are currently living in the country. A yellow DHL plane carrying Colombia's first 50,000 vaccines arrived at Bogota's international airport and was welcomed personally by President Ivan Duque and his health minister. The shots were supplied by Pfizer, which has a contract to sell 10 million vaccines to Colombia. "Today I want to thank God, I want to thank science" Duque said from a podium set up on the runway. "We will now walk forward with the "v" of vaccines. With the "v" of victory." Colombia will be one of the last countries in Latin America to start vaccinations.Neighboring countries like Ecuador and Panama began vaccinating their populations in January and Chile has already administered 1.9 million shots to its population of about 20 million. President Duque had come under criticism for not obtaining vaccines sooner, but said that he preferred to start rolling out the shots when Colombia could secure a steady supply. Government officials say that more than 1.6 million vaccines from various laboratories will soon arrive. A teacher welcomes preschool students back to school on their first day back to in-person class amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Bogota, Colombia, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Bogota is returning students to blended classes at public schools after a year of online education due to the pandemic. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) A teacher gives anti-bacterial gel to a preschool student on the first day back to in-person class amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Bogota, Colombia, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Bogota is returning students to blended classes at public schools after a year of online education due to the pandemic. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) A preschool student wearing a mask is guided by a teacher as he washes his hands to prevent the spread of new coronavirus upon arrival for the first day back to in-person class in Bogota, Colombia, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Bogota is returning students to blended classes at public schools after a year of online education due to the pandemic. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) Preschool students wear masks and social distance to prevent the spread of new coronavirus as they begin their first day back to in-person class in Bogota, Colombia, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Bogota is returning students to blended classes at public schools after a year of online education due to the pandemic. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) 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. New Edith Cowan University research has found that exercise not only has physical benefits for men with prostate cancer, it also helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety New Edith Cowan University (ECU) research has found that exercise not only has physical benefits for men with prostate cancer, it also helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Up to one in four men experience anxiety either before or after prostate cancer treatment and up to one in five report depression, although few men access the support they need. The study, published in the Nature journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, is the first randomised controlled trial to examine the long-term effects of different exercise on psychological distress in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Researchers randomly selected 135 prostate cancer patients aged 43-90 years on ADT to receive either twice weekly supervised resistance exercise or aerobic exercise for 12 months. Their levels of psychological distress were measured during that time. Key findings: Exercise helps men with prostate cancer to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Men with the highest levels of psychological distress improved the most. Either exercise mode (resistance/aerobic) at moderate to high intensity works. Supervised exercise is better than unsupervised. Director of the ECU Exercise Medicine Research Institute Professor Daniel Galvao said the study's findings have immediate applications for people living with prostate cancer. "We now have the data to support the long-term effect of different exercise modes on psychological distress in men with prostate cancer undertaking ADT," Professor Galvao said. "Whether you do aerobic exercise or resistance exercise it doesn't matter, as long as it's at moderate to high intensity, it's beneficial for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety." "We know that exercise benefits people with cancer. Getting a prescribed exercise program is as simple as a referral from a GP to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist," Professor Galvao said. ### This research is another important outcome from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) in Prostate Cancer Survivorship and a significant addition to the Psychosocial Model of Care for Men with Prostate Cancer developed by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the CRE. The paper 'Psychological distress in men with prostate cancer undertaking androgen deprivation therapy: modifying effects of exercise from a year-long randomized controlled trial' was published in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases in Nature. The study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 534409, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), Cancer Council of Western Australia and Cancer Council of Queensland. Media contact: Tori Pree, Communications Coordinator, 08 6304 2208, t.pree@ecu.edu.au Email us to subscribe to our media release mailing list. For the latest research news delivered to your inbox, register for our fortnightly newsletter. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that world powers should clinch a global treaty on pandemics to ensure proper transparency after the novel coronavirus outbreak which originated in China. Johnson said he would be keen to agree a global treaty on pandemics where countries agreed to share data, amid British and US concern over access given to a World Health Organization (WHO) mission to China. Asked by Reuters about any action he wanted to improve transparency, Johnson said: "I think what the world needs to see is a general agreement on how we track data surrounding zoonotic pandemics... and we want a joint agreement on transparency." "I think one of the attractive ideas that we have seen in the last few months has been a proposal for a global treaty on pandemics, so that signatory countries make sure that they contribute all the data they have and we are able to get to the bottom of what's happened and stop it happening again," he said at a news conference. "That is the sensible thing to do." European Council President, Charles Michel, wrote on Twitter that he welcomed "the support of @BorisJohnson to work together on a pandemic treaty in order to improve global preparedness, resilience and recovery." As part of Britain's presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations, Johnson wants to lead efforts on a global approach to pandemics, including an early warning system. But a weekend statement ahead of a call of G7 leaders on Friday did not go into detail about any treaty on transparency. The COVID-19 outbreak, which was first detected in China in late 2019, has killed 2.4 million people, tipped the global economy into its worst peacetime slump since the Great Depression and upended normal life for billions of people. Britain's foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he shared US concerns about the level of access given to a World Health Organization COVID-19 fact-finding mission to China, while Johnson has said he supports US President Joe Biden in the need for more data from the investigation. Asked by Reuters who he held responsible for any lack of transparency on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson said: "I think it's fairly obvious that most of the evidence seems to point to the disease having originated in Wuhan." "Therefore I think we all need to see as much as we possibly can about how that might have happened, the zoonotic questions that people are asking. I think we need as much data as possible," he said. Also read: Boris Johnson set to host virtual meeting of G7 leaders on February 19 The owner of a health investment firm is suing to try to force the return of a $2.5 million in contributions he made to 'True the Vote' an 'election integrity' group that tried to raise $7 million after the November election with promises to fight faud. The donor, Fred Eshelman of health investment firm Eshelman Ventures. says the group didn't deliver on its promises as it pursued a series of allegations that failed to pan out. The nonprofit group filed post-election lawsuits in four states where President Donald Trump was seeking to overturn the election results then withdrew them. Eshelman pledged an initial $2 million during a phone call just a day after he saw Donald Trump's apparent election night lead evaporate, according to the Washington Post. Fred Eshelman pledged an initial $2 million to 'True the Vote' during a phone call just a day after he saw Donald Trump's apparent election night lead evaporate He made the commitment in a direct call to the group's president, Catherine Engelbrecht, appeared on Fox News the day before two Georgia runoff elections to tout its efforts to get 'citizen challenges' to people who tried to vote. The North Carolina donor has previously given millions to Republican causes. Democrat Stacey Abrams herself sued the group and accused it of trying to suppress the vote of 364,000 Georgians. Eshelman sued in federal and state court. According to his lawsuit, 'Defendants were not accomplishing much beyond spending Eshelmans money. They voluntarily dismissed four cookie-cutter lawsuits mere days after filingat the incredible cost of more than $350,000 in legal fees. The suit was referring to four separate suits True the Vote filed in four states following the elections, only to voluntarily dismiss them days later. The group's lawyer, James Bopp, told the Washington Post Eshelman did not place conditions on his donation, and that he isn't entitled to its return. 'We were just not getting any data or proof,' Eshelman representative Tom Crawford told the paper. 'We were looking at this and saying to ourselves, "This just is not adding up."' The group is a non-profit, although its 'election integrity' effort in Georgia aligned with the state Republican Party during two Senate runoff elections. The group's president, Catherine Engelbrecht, testified at a hearing on alleged IRS targeting of conservative groups during the Obama Administration. She also appeared on Fox News the day before the Jan. 5 Georgia runoff elections, which came the day before the 'Stop the Steal' rally in Washington, DC President Donald Trump and the Republican Party raised more than $250 million after the elections with claims of election fraud, but didn't spend $175 million of it A MAGA mob ransacked the Capitol following a 'Stop the Steal' rally in Washington, DC Eshelman said of is initial suspicions: 'I thought about the range of possibilities around vote fraud. There was already noise around cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, Atlanta and Philadelphia. I wanted to determine if this was legit. Can we find a real smoking gun?' Trump pointed to those cities in his own post-election rhetoric. All are located in states he lost to Joe Biden. The suit over the group's election efforts is just one piece of a huge nationwide fundraising effort that took place after the elections where President Trump claimed 'massive fraud.' Trump and the Republican Party raised more than $250 million through their efforts. Trump and the GOP didn't spend most of it on their own election fight, saving about $175 million, according to the New York Times. At one point, Bobb said he briefed Trump's legal team on the group's own effort to try to use federal suits to open up voter rules, saying Trump's own legal efforts were a 'disaster. He said he briefed Bopp briefed Trump allies including Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Fox News host Sean Hannity. He said Sekulow and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani backed the proposal. When he didn't hear back from Trump, he decided to drop the four suits, Bopp told the paper. The led to Eshelman demanding his money back in an email, then filing suit alleging the group hadn't properly accounted for its election efforts. The group's $7.3 million fundraising proposal, which is an exhibit in Eshelman's lawsuit, claims it will seek to expose a 'flood' of illegal votes being cast. GEORGETOWN, Mass., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Momentum Manufacturing Group, one of the top ten largest specialty metal manufacturers in North America, announced today they have promoted Steven Gore to Chief Operating Officer. The move will help accelerate the company's growth and alignment of its end to end metal manufacturing solution. "Steve has done an exceptional job leading our southern operations, driving growth over 35% in 2020 through a very challenging business climate," said Jim Moroney, CEO of Momentum Manufacturing Group. "He has also been instrumental in aligning the operations and leadership teams from each of our operating companies as we continue to streamline and unify our efforts." 2020 was a challenging year as the COVID 19 pandemic disrupted supply chains across many global industry segments. Aligning its operating companies in February of 2020, Momentum achieved greater efficiency and drove growth during a period of difficult economic conditions. "The ability to offer a full range of end to end metal manufacturing and assembly solutions helped us to get our customers running back at full speed after all of the challenges of last year," said Steve Gore. I am very excited about the road ahead as we continue to invest in technology and streamline our operations to support further success for our customers." Gore joined Momentum Manufacturing Group in 2019 as Senior Vice President running the group's southern operations and spearheading marketing and business development across the organization. He brought more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in operations and business development for companies like Gerber Technology, Misomex International and Rand Whitney Packaging. About Momentum Manufacturing Group Momentum Manufacturing Group, with over 550 employees, is the largest specialty metal manufacturing company of its kind in New England and one of the top 10 largest in North America. Momentum works collaboratively with customers to develop manufacturing solutions, including engineering, prototype development, metal fabrication, precision machining, aluminum extrusion, powder coating, screenprint, and assembly. The company operates out of eight state-of-the-art facilities with 24/7 lights-out operations in St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville, VT, Groveton, Franklin NH, and Ipswich & Georgetown, MA and totaling nearly 550,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space. For more information, visit www.mmg1982.com. Contact: Bill Grindle Tel: +1 614-554-3985 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Momentum Manufacturing Group Related Links https://www.mmg1982.com The US Senates failure to convict Donald Trump for instigating the January 6 riot in the Capitol, for which the House of Representatives had impeached him, leaves the question of whether the US Congress has any effective means of holding a president to account for acts against the Constitution. The nations Founders had sought to prevent a president from enhancing his own powers to the point of becoming, in effect, a king. Under Trump, Americas constitutional system had a dagger pointed to its heart: a president who refused to recognize that he had lost an election and was willing to use a mob to physically attack a supposedly co-equal branch. Americas Founders made conviction by the Senate, which brings removal from office, for an impeachable offense which need not be a statutory crime very difficult by requiring a two-thirds vote. A president, they believed, should not be removed from office as a result of a national mood swing. No president has been removed from office through impeachment by the House followed by conviction by the Senate Richard Nixon resigned because he was told by leading congressional Republicans that he had lost sufficient support in the Senate to stay in office. Essentially, to remove a president from office is to nullify the vote of the people. Moreover, that person is likely to retain a hold on at least a segment of his party. Indeed, until not long ago as US history goes, politicians were loath to even bring up the subject of impeachment. The Nixon near-impeachment and removal from office in 1973-74 was the historical turning point. When there arose the first serious talk of impeaching Nixon after he fired a series of attorneys general in order to remove the special prosecutor, Archibald Cox, it was widely considered an awesome, even terrifying, proposition. No president has been removed from office through impeachment by the House followed by conviction by the Senate Richard Nixon resigned because he was told by leading congressional Republicans that he had lost sufficient support in the Senate to stay in office. This was the first time the subject had seriously come up since President Andrew Johnsons near-removal in 1868. Since Nixon, the idea of employing such a remedy has arisen far more frequently. The fundamental problem with the impeachment process as a method for holding a president accountable is that the relevant clause in the Constitution, written in 1787, was designed for a different political landscape than what the US has had for most of its history. At the time, the nation did not have actual political parties. The Founders, indeed, feared factions, or parties, which developed as the debate over the proper role of the federal government grew. Read More Fergus Finlay: The worst may yet be to come from fascist Trump and his army In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned of the baneful effects of the spirit of party. This spirit, Washington warned, had its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. In addition, Federalist Paper No. 10, written by James Madison, was an indication that the Constitution was written in the spirit of opposition to political parties. One reason to doubt the efficacy of impeachment and conviction as an instrument for removing (at least a Republican) president is that since each state has two senators, small states, whose populations tend to be rural and conservative, have excessive power for their relative size. But the great difference between the impeachment processes pertaining to Nixon, on which there was a bipartisan consensus, and those pertaining to Trump stems mainly from profound changes in the Republican party. The Republicans of Nixons day were far more centrist and less vindictive than todays Trumpist party. In announcing that she would vote to impeach Trump, Representative Liz Cheney, a true conservative (and daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney), said: There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution. While Nixon retained the loyalty of Republican party members, people were not threatened with expulsion for seeking his removal from office. It was fear of some future opposition that led Republican nobs to go to the White House to tell him that he did not have the political support in the House or the Senate to remain in office so that they would not have to cast votes on the matter. In announcing that she would vote to impeach Trump, Representative Liz Cheney, a true conservative (and daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney), said: There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution. Cheney spurned Trumps weeks-long stoking up of the radical-right by claiming, falsely, that the election had been stolen from him, and then urging a mob to go to the Capitol precisely while the Electoral College ballots were being counted, and fight like hell. In response, Cheney was censured by the Wyoming Republican party and her position as third in line of the House Republicans was challenged in the party caucus. Read More Impeachment may not be final word on Capitol riot for Trump Jamie Raskin, the lead House prosecutor, alongside his eight colleagues, did a masterly job in making the case against Trump. Raskin is also a constitutional law professor, so when I spoke to him late Saturday following the close of the Senate proceeding, I asked if, given the very different circumstances between the time of the drafting of the Constitution and now, and given the outsized power of small states in the Senate, he ever expected there to be a two-thirds vote for convicting Trump. Former President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up supporters as he rides by in West Palm Beach, Fla., Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Picture: Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post via AP Raskin replied: I always thought there was a better chance of our getting 100 votes than 67. I thought that when we presented our case, the bottom would fall out from Trumps side. Raskin continued: But apparently there are no depths too low for some of our GOP colleagues to sink. Weve arrived at a point in history where a once-great party can behave like a cult. Facts, logic, and the rule of law have dropped out of the equation. Raskin attributed this to the fact that their leader is exercising psychological, financial, and political control over his followers. He has assembled a war chest that strikes fear among Republicans. Raskin concluded by saying that the political party system has taken over the congressional system. Its not two branches that govern congress now, but two parties, and one of them has surrendered reason and common sense. Trump may have escaped being convicted by Congress for instigating a murderous mob attack on Americas Capitol, yet it seems clear that he will be held accountable for it in history. Read More Speaker Pelosi says independent commission will examine Capitol riot The Biden administration is in talks with Amazon and several other Silicon Valley giants to help roll out COVID-19 vaccines across the country. White House spokesperson Kevin Munoz told Politico that officials are consulting with many companies, including Amazon, to help distribute medical supplies. Munoz added that businesses with logistics and technical expertise could be called upon to help Americans get vaccinated more efficiently, and more equitably. Other companies likely to be involved are Google, which has reportedly offered free ad space to public health bodies, and Airbnb, which could help leverage its network of real estate. Politico suggests that the talks mark something of a turning point in the increasingly-antagonistic relationship between Biden and Silicon Valley. Biden has spoken out against Amazons tax practices, supports the creation of unions and has proposed reforms of Section 230, the foundational law underpinning the internet. Its suggested that the mutually-beneficial rollout of the vaccine would help mark something of a reset in the relationship. This is not the first time that Amazon has offered help to the US, doing so both under the last president and late last year. On December 16th, 2020, Amazons Dave Clark wrote a letter to Dr. Jose R. Romero, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. In it, Clark said that Amazons 800,000 employees should receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the earliest appropriate time. In his letter to the White House on January 20th, Clark reiterated his desire to see Amazon employees vaccinated at the earliest appropriate time. He went on to add that Amazon is ready to administer vaccines at its facilities and are prepared to move quickly once vaccines are available. An NPR story from January 25th said that Amazon was able to administer 2,000 vaccines out of a pop-up clinic it had set up in Seattle in a single day. Local health officials praised the effort, which could be replicated all across the country. Flash Pakistan has started registration of people of 65 years old and above for COVID-19 vaccination, the country's Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said Monday. The people of the age group need to register themselves through a helpline using their national identity card number, and the drive to vaccinate them is expected to start in March, the minister said in a tweet. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the country's vaccination drive to immune frontline healthcare workers on Feb. 2, upon receiving China-gifted Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines. The People's Liberation Army of China also donated a batch of vaccines to the Pakistani military which is also being used for the inoculation of the frontline medical staff. The frontline healthcare workers are the first to receive the vaccine, and Special Assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan said earlier that in the next step, the country will procure vaccine to administer about 9.5 million citizens above the age of 65, free of cost. Meanwhile, the country's private sector is also likely to receive shipments of COVID-19 vaccines in the coming two weeks. Pakistan is currently facing a second wave of COVID-19, and is taking various steps including making citizens follow standard operating procedures to control the spread of the virus. According to the country's National Command and Operation Center, a total of 564,077 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country so far, out of which 525,997 recovered and 12,333 died. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Express Employment Professionals is hosting a virtual skilled trades job fair on Wednesday from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those interested in participating can register online or call (616) 281-0611 the day of the event for an immediate phone interview, according to a news release from Express Employment Professionals. There are openings for a host of skilled trades positions, including electricians, technicians, machinists, die setters, welders and more. Participants will undergo an up to 30-minute phone interview, during which their work history, job goals and potential job matches will be discussed. Candidates would then be walked through next steps in the hiring process. The positions employers are looking to fill consist of all shifts, and have hourly wages ranging from $16 to $32. As we move into 2021, hundreds of companies throughout Grand Rapids are hiring and growing their teams, Janis Petrini, owner of Express Employment Professionals, said in a statement. Skilled trades positions are in more demand than ever before and they provide a great opportunity for someone to have a very successful career. Grand Rapids continues to outpace the state and the nation in our economic recovery, and we are excited to serve as the bridge between talented job seekers and some of the best local employers in the area. Read more: Plans in works to use Flint Bishop Airport as mega COVID-19 vaccination site Ice pancakes surround frozen Lake Michigan lighthouse How to watch Grand Rapids mayors 2021 State of the City speech THE Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit in Shamva has been accused of invading a farm belonging to one Cyril Gunda, in a matter that spilled into the courts yesterday. Gunda is seeking an order to bar the police from disturbing his peace and declare him the lawful owner of Grahamshade Farm. The farmer filed an urgent chamber application with the High Court seeking an order to stop the ZRP at Maienzi Farm, Shamva district, from interfering with his rights. He alleged that the police had already started production at his farm. In his application, Gunda cited Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, the officer-in-charge ZRP Maienzi Farm, and Lands minister Anxious Masuka as respondents. In his founding affidavit, Gunda said he was offered lease for the farm by the Lands ministry on or around November 17 last year. He then mobilised a team of builders to construct fowl runs and other necessary infrastructure at the farm in preparation for commencement of operations. Sometime after my team arrived at the farm, a Sergeant Tangai from ZRP Support Unit at the next property, Maienzi Farm, approached my team armed with a gun and told them to vacate the premises forthwith. He advised my team that he had been ordered by his superiors to tell us to vacate the farm, he said. Gunda said he then called the lands officer for Shamva district and a meeting was arranged with ZRP Support Unit officials at Maienzi Farm. He said the officer who came to the meeting, one Superintendent Tawengwa, showed up late and allegedly appeared drunk. Tawenga was told that Gundas land was not part of Maienzi Farm. The lands officer told the police to use the western side of the farm while the ZRP Support Unit wanted to use the eastern side. A week later, Gunda said he received a call from a Superintendent Madungwe advising him that Superintendent Tawengwa was his subordinate and that his agreement with Tawengwa had not been approved by his superiors. He was ordered to vacate the farm, but the officials at the Lands ministry advised him to stay put as he was the lawful owner. However, he said the police told him that they would continue working on the farm until he vacated. The ZRP has not yet responded to the summons. Newsday Every day, at least once and sometimes more, Khalil el-Halabi logs on to Twitter and posts pictures, videos, and appeals on behalf of his son Mohammad. Tagging people he believes might come to his aidhuman rights lawyers, politicians, and journalistshe calls for justice and mercy. On January 4, he posted, To our Israeli neighbours. My son will be brought to court for the 154th time Tuesday facing a charge he has not committed without any credible evidence. He closed the tweet with a quote from Amos 5:24: Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Khalils son Mohammad el-Halabi is the former Gaza director for World Vision International. He was arrested by Israeli authorities in 2016 on allegations of aiding terrorists by diverting millions of dollars from the evangelical humanitarian aid group to arm militants in Gazacharges Mohammad el-Halabi, still employed at World Vision as a zonal manager, adamantly denies. After more than four years, Halabi is still awaiting justice. He hasnt had the chance to defend himself or even see much of the evidence against him. Human rights experts with the United Nations say Halabi has also been denied access to his lawyer and tortured. His case is causing consternation among politicians and legal experts and has cast a cloud over evangelical organizations doing charitable work in Gaza and the West Bank. World Vision has not seen any credible evidence supporting the charges, said Kevin Jenkins, World Vision Internationals president and CEO, in a statement immediately after the arrest. None of the allegations against Mohammad el-Halabi have been tested in an open court, ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. A national staffing business headquartered in Goose Creek is on a buying spree, snatching up another company that manages temporary workers throughout the country. Publicly traded company HireQuest announced this week that it planned to acquire part of Link Staffing, a Texas-based business with offices in 12 states. The deal, which is valued at $11 million, is the second corporate expansion that HireQuest has announced in the past month, as the company continues to grow its footprint during the pandemic. HireQuest announced in early February that it had struck a deal to acquire Snelling Staffing, which also is based in Texas. Together, the new acquisitions will give HireQuest an additional 80 offices throughout the United States, where the company assists businesses looking for temporary workers to staff jobs in construction, manufacturing, hospitality and event services. Rick Hermanns, HireQuest's CEO, said the takeover of the two businesses will give the company a "compelling national presence." Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! "We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of the economic recovery as the economy begins to normalize and have acquired LINK and Snelling at an opportune moment," he said in statement. HireQuest operates a franchise business model. The office locations within its network are owned by franchisees, but HireQuest assists them in exchange for royalty payments. The company already had substantial holdings prior to the recently announced expansions. According to the company, it currently manages roughly 136 franchisee-owned offices in 30 states and the District of Columbia. Still, HireQuest's stock price jumped by more than a dollar from $13.13 to $14.89 after the latest acquisition was announced. If everything goes according to plan, the Snelling acquisition will be finalized at the end of February. The takeover of Link is expected to completed at the end of March. In a prior letter, Schaap described his mother as invalid and his parents financially unable to go to assisted living. His sister is in poor health and his ex-wife, who divorced him after his conviction, are both unable to care for them, he said in his letter to the court. Actor Sandeep Nahar, who starred in films like Sushant Singh Rajput's MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Akshay Kumar's Kesari and Sonakshi Sinha-starrer Khandaani Shafakhana, allegedly died by suicide on Monday (February 15, 2021). Before taking the drastic step, the actor posted a video on his Facebook page in which he accused his wife of two years, Kanchan, and mother-in-law of relentlessly harassing and blackmailing him. However, he also added that no one should be responsible for his death. He also spoke about politics in Bollywood in his last message. Meanwhile, filmmaker Shilpa Dasgupta who directed Sandeep in Khandaani Shafakhana is baffled that the actor took such an extreme step. She told ETimes that she is taken aback. Shilpa told the leading daily, "Sandeep was very active on Facebook. Whenever there was a good role or function, he would always message. Whenever there was an opportunity to greet, he would do that." She remembered the late actor as a fantastic gentleman and was quoted as saying, "Sandeep was a fantastic gentleman, always very eager to help. He was also a very talented and devoted actor." When asked about how she had cast him in her directorial debut Khandaani Shafakhana, Shilpi added, "Well, that was a process. Actors generally come through a casting director and audition." ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput's Dhoni Co-Star Sandeep Nahar Dies By Suicide, Shares Suicide Note On Social Media ALSO READ: Rhea Chakraborty's Lawyer On Bombay HC Dismissing Sushant's Sister Priyanka's Plea: Satisfied With The Verdict Worried about your mental well-being or of someone you know? Help is just a call away. Reach out to the nearest mental health specialist at COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ)- 0832-2252525, Parivarthan- +91 7676 602 602, Connecting Trust- +91 992 200 1122/+91-992 200 4305 or Sahai- 080-25497777/ SAHAIHELPLINE@GMAIL.COM Glad U Came, a leading PR and influencer marketing agency, has now been associated with Revlon, the first ever international cosmetic brand launched in India for their upcoming #ShedTheGrey campaign. The Mumbai-based agency will be looking after the brands execution of #ShedTheGrey with Revlon Top Speed, a 5-minute do-it-at-home hair color solution. Glad U Came promises to utilize creativity and innovative ideas to build a smooth relationship between the brand and its audience. The agency plans on increasing the reach and quality of content for Revlon through targeted social media influencer activities, digital communication, and more. Revlon is a global beauty leader with a portfolio of iconic brands that transform the lives of men and women around the world. The company has a diverse portfolio of brands with a wide variety of products ranging from colour cosmetics, body care to fragrances and hair colours. They are committed to high-quality product innovation, performance and sophisticated glamour. On the association with Revlon Indias #ShedTheGrey Campaign, Maddie Amrutkar, the CEO and founder of Glad U Came said, We at GUC, are thrilled to take on this adventure with Revlon. We look forward to captivating the audiences attention with our communication strategy and in-turn convert them into loyal customers of Revlon. A man who sexually assaulted a woman in a nightclub has received a fully suspended sentence. John Gossan (40) of Castlegrange Hill, Swords, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexual assault at Wright's Cafe Bar, Malahide Road, Swords, on February 22, 2019. Passing sentencing today, Judge Martin Nolan said Gossan was in a drunken state in a public place when he grabbed the breasts and nether area of a young woman over her clothes. Judge Nolan said this was a short encounter according to all parties. He said the accused had been at a dart's competition, had been drinking throughout the day and claimed he has no memory of the offence. He said it was obviously a shameful act to do this to a young lady. He described the offence as a frightening act which has effected the victim's peace of mind. Judge Nolan said this was near the lower end of the range of offending for offences of this kind because of the nature of the offence. He said there were no particular insidious or aggravating factors. He said this was atrocious behaviour and no person should have to endure it. He said that drunkenness in the case is no excuse because obviously he got himself drunk. Judge Nolan sentenced Gossan to one year imprisonment, but suspended the sentence on strict conditions including that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for one year. He also ordered that Gossan hand over 2,000 which he had in court to the prosecuting garda. He said that if the victim does not wish to receive this money, the garda can give it to an appropriate charity. The court heard Gossan has a previous conviction for drug dealing for which he received a four year sentence in 2010. He had pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess 600,000 worth of cocaine with two other men in north Co Dublin on September 14, 2006. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. An Afghan journalist affiliated with the Pajhwok News Agency has survived an assassination attempt by armed assailants in Faryab province on February 11. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) urge an immediate investigation and measures to ensure the full protection of the journalist. Journalist Outbuddin Kohi was returning home when he was fired upon just after 7pm in the city of Maimana. Three bullets were fired. I rushed and as I got back up and I was about to open the cars door and I saw the gunmen fleeing in a white car, Kohi told Tolo News . The injured journalist was taken to the local hospital in Maimana for treatment. According to the AIJA, the journalist received bullet- injuries, but has since recovered. No group is yet to claim responsibility for the attack. Police launched an investigation into the attack and the murder attempt has been broadly condemned by the media community. On January 1, 2021, Afghan journalist and human rights activist Bismillah Adil Aimaq became the first journalist to be killed in the Asia-Pacific region when he was targeted and killed by unidentified gunmen in Dara-e-Taimoor village in Ghor province. According to the UNs report on Killing of human rights defenders, journalists and media workers in Afghanistan, at least 11 human rights defenders and journalists have been killed in targeted attack in Afghanistan since peace talks started between the Taliban and Afghan government last September. The AIJA said: The AIJA is worried for the increased targeted attack on journalists. We call on the Afghan government to prosecute the perpetrators and ensure safety of journalists. The International Federation of Journalist (IFJ) said: Despite the governments assurances and commitment to protecting journalists, the situation for media in Afghanistan is extremely worrying with an escalation in attacks. The IFJ urges stronger dialogue between the Afghanistan government and the media fraternity to resolve this critical issue. Bailey McCann, Opalesque New York: 2021 opened with another positive month for global equities and some funds were able to take advantage. The Apis Global Discovery Fund, from Apis Capital Advisors, ended the month up 8.4% building on strong 2020 returns of over 70% net. January marks the start of year two for the Apis Global Discovery Fund, which invests in small and mid-cap global equities. The fund has a European tilt and invests across all sectors. The approach struggled during the first quarter of last year on market volatility but rebounded significantly over the remainder of the year led by European equities. The strategy is opening to outside investors this year. The Apis Flagship Fund had a rougher go of it in January. The strategy was down -3.84% after ending 2020 on a high note - up over 34% net. The Flagship Fund uses a long/short small and mid-cap global equities strategy. According to an investor letter obtained by Opalesque, while Apis had no exposure to meme stocks, the strategy was impacted by hedge fund de-grossing in response to retail traders. The fund itself repositioned in response to market dynamics. A research note from Goldman Sachs issued during January noted that hedge fund de-grossing hit 2009 levels at the peak of meme stock hysteria. The letter notes that Apis has reduced its exposure to US names where short interest is high. The strategy will pivot to global shorts where markets are acting more "rationally." Retail traders in the...................... To view our full article Click here UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? 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Trump lashed out at McConnell on Tuesday through his Save America PAC, calling the Republican Partys most senior elected figure a dour, sullen, unsmiling political hack days after he voted to acquit Trump of inciting the Capitol riot but then blasted his conduct in an excoriating speech. In his lengthy, racially-loaded and vitriolic statement issued from Mar-a-Lago, Trump also accused McConnell of destroying the GOP and urged the partys senators to end his leadership. But the statement could have been even more cutting, if not for the intervention of Trumps aides, Politico reported. A source familiar with the matter told the outlet that Trump wanted to mock McConnell for having multiple chins, but advisors managed to talk him down. There was also a lot of repetitive stuff and definitely something about him having too many chins but not enough smarts, the source said. Trump's remarks about the Kentucky Republican were, however, still plenty harsh. The former president blamed McConnell, whose office sits steps from where a large group of rioters were arrested on January 6, for causing the loss of two GOP Senate seats. Many GOP consultants and some elected officials have blamed Trump's own election overturn effort for costing the party control of the Senate. 'The Republican Party can never again be respected or strong with political 'leaders' like Sen. Mitch McConnell at its helm,' Trump began in a letter with his new stationary as the '45th President of the United States. 'McConnell's dedication to business as usual, status quo policies, together with his lack of political insight, wisdom, skill, and personality, has rapidly driven him from Majority Leader to Minority Leader, and it will only get worse,' he wrote. 'The Democrats and Chuck Schumer play McConnell like a fiddlethey've never had it so goodand they want to keep it that way! We know our America First agenda is a winner, not McConnell's Beltway First agenda or Biden's America Last.' Blistering: How Trump released the extraordinary personal statement through his political action committee, which has received tens of millions of dollars since the election End of any relationship: Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump were never personally close - but now the former president has launched a vendetta which threatens to tear apart their party Statement from Florida: Donald Trump - last seen Monday saluting supporters near Mar-a-Lago sent the 622-word denunciation of the top-ranked Republican from his new home. Mitch McConnell voted to acquit Trump on Saturday, then savaged him on the Senate floor - setting off a cycle of vengeance and an open Republican civil war Trump, who campaigned on China 'ripping off' the U.S., said McConnell had 'no credibility' on the issue and even brought up a racially-loaded attack on his 'family's business substantial business holdings.' McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, served as Trump's Transportation secretary but resigned days after the Capitol riot. Her father James Si-Cheng Chao founded the family-held Foremost Group, which is involved in shipping and international trade, after leaving Taiwan in 1958. 'Likewise, McConnell has no credibility on China because of his family's substantial Chinese business holdings,' wrote Trump. He does nothing on this tremendous economic and military threat.' Trump's daughter, Ivanka has her own business relationships in China, and received government approval for patents while her father was in office. Trump leveled personal attacks at McConnell amid a brewing civil war within the party and threatened to support primary challenges to those he considers counter to the MAGA movement. Seven Republicans broke with Trump to join Democrats on impeachment. Of those who did, several including Richard Burr of North Carolina and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania faced immediate blowback from their state parties at home. McConnell, 78, was just re-elected. Despite his own vote to acquit, he pointedly sided with House GOP Conference Chair Liz Cheney, who face an effort to strip away her leadership position after she voted to impeach Trump in the House. 'Mitch is a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack, and if Republican Senators are going to stay with him, they will not win again,' Trump predicted. 'He will never do what needs to be done, or what is right for our Country. Where necessary and appropriate, I will back primary rivals who espouse Making America Great Again and our policy of America First. We want brilliant, strong, thoughtful, and compassionate leadership.' That was a two-edged threat, not directly to McConnell, who will not face a primary contest until 2026, but to any Senate Republicans who get out of line and also a threat to campaign in public for his chosen candidates in open seats. The most high-profile of those is a touted run by Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, for the North Carolina seat held by Richard Burr, who is not seeking re-election in 2022 and where a purple state narrowly won by Trump in 2020 will now be a primary battleground between the former president's family and the Republican establishment. The statement was filled with personal invective - but while in office, Trump was considerably more laudatory as the procedural tactician helped push through tax cuts and a long line of Trump judicial nominations. McConnell was infuriated by the Capitol riot and blasted Trump both before and after his impeachment. But his actions beyond simply his impeachment vote worked to insulate the president. After House Democrats voted to impeach Trump in the riot's aftermath, McConnell did not join with Sen. Charles Schumer to bring the Senate back from recess. His staff said in a statement this weekend that his reasoning was that there would not have been time to complete an impeachment. Regardless, it set the table for Trump's lawyers to argue on process grounds that the effort was unconstitutional with McConnell and several colleagues saying they would not convict a president who was now out of office. Trump's written broadside Tuesday came in lieu of the idea of a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. Such an event also might have subjected Trump to questions from the press, which he has not done since leaving office. In his statement, Trump again pointed to his winning 'the most votes of any sitting President in history, almost 75,000,000,' rounding up from 74 million votes that he got. He did not repeat his previous baseless claims that he won the election, nor did he mention that he trailed Joe Biden's 81 million votes. It's personal: Trump's attack on McConnell included a racially-loaded claim that McConnell was compromised by 'his family's Chinese business holdings' - a reference to Elaine Chao, who as well as being the daughter of a Chinese-American businessman whose shipping company has made his family right, was Trump's transportation secretary until she quit in disgust after the MAGA riot He took credit for the GOP's better-than-expected showing in November, where even some top Democratic prospects in North Carolina and other states failed to pan out. 'I single-handedly saved at least 12 Senate seats,' Trump wrote. He blasted McConnell for failing to go along with an idea both Trump and Democrats backed for $2,000 checks in the final relief package. McConnell's caucus was resistant to that amount, finally coalescing around $600 checks. After the assault, in a sign of how it was closely coordinated withing Trump's remaining orbit, Rudy Giuliani made an appearance on Steve Bannon's War Room show Tuesday night, to echo the insults. It was only hours after Trump's own spokesman Jason Miller revealed that Giuliani had been dumped as his personal attorney, but the one-time New York mayor kept up the barrage of invective against the Republican minority leader. 'The man was treacherous, not only his vote but that whole unnecessary statement, which he knows is not true,' Giuliani said of the top Senate Republican. 'He knows that Donald Trump didn't organize that thing at Congress, come on, he organized it?' Giuliani then ripped McConnell saying he was 'never interested' in the 'evidence' he collected that he claimed showed that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump due to widespread voter fraud. Dozens of courts rejected the claim and McConnell called the claims 'lies.' 'Mitch McConnell never asked to look at it, never cared,' Giuliani said. 'I can't say he refused, he never asked. He never asked to see it. How can you say it's all untrue when you haven't looked at it?' McConnell had been publicly allied with Trump until the week of the Georgia run-offs, which cost the Kentucky Republican the Senate majority, and the riot, which happened the next day - but he had never endorsed his claims of election fraud, and had very publicly broken with Trump on them when the electoral college certified Joe Biden's victory. 'Look, Mitch McConnell represents Mitch McConnell and Washington, D.C. I don't even think he represents Kentucky. And he's part of the establishment, he might as well be Nancy Pelosi,' the former New York City mayor said. 'And I don't know what he's calculating or why he thinks this will keep him in power, but for some reason, I think, getting the Washington Post and The New York Times to write nice things about him is important,' Giuliani added. McConnell is the most powerful member of the Senate, although his effort to navigate impeachment suggested he may have lacked the ability to cross the majority of his conference who were inclined to stick with Trump. One fellow Republican, Sen. Ron Johnson, even denied this week that there was an armed insurrection in the Capitol. McConnell, 78, wrote in the Wall Street Journal on Monday that he bore no ill will to the seven Republican senators who voted to impeach. McConnell spelled out his reasons for voting to acquit - arguing that he felt the Constitution did not allow for impeaching a president who has already left office. But, in a careful threading of the needle, he insisted he respected those who voted differently to him. 'I don't begrudge my colleagues their own conclusions,' he wrote. 'I respect senators who reached the opposite answer.' McConnell also reiterated his stinging criticism of Trump, who he is said to personally despise. McConnell on Saturday, shortly after voting to acquit, accused Trump of 'a disgraceful dereliction of duty'. On Monday he wrote: 'There is no question former President Trump bears moral responsibility. His supporters stormed the Capitol because of the unhinged falsehoods he shouted into the world's largest megaphone. 'His behavior during and after the chaos was also unconscionable, from attacking Vice President Mike Pence during the riot to praising the criminals after it ended.' McConnell on Monday wrote an op-ed insisting his vote did not vindicate Trump Sean Hannity used his Fox News show on Monday night to attack the Senate Minority Leader. The themes were echoed in Trump's statement Tuesday Trump's tirade carries echoes of the attack launched on McConnell on Monday night by Fox News' Sean Hannity, one of the most passionate defenders of the former president. He accused McConnell of failing Trump when he was in office, and of failing to effectively attack Democrats for their own feisty rhetoric. He also singled out John Thune, a Republican South Dakota senator, who like McConnell voted to acquit, then condemned Trump, saying: 'What former president Trump did to undermine faith in our election system and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power is inexcusable.' In response Hannity said: 'Where was John Thune and Mitch McConnell fighting against the biggest abuse of power corruption scandal in our history with Operation Crossfire Hurricane? 'They were missing in action. 'Where's the sanctimonious Mitch McConnell, John Thune, demanding that Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters - when is he going to give a speech on the Senate floor and hold those Democrats accountable for their incitement of insurrection and their insurrection-like language? 'The time is now coming for new leadership in the U.S. Senate.' Three of the seven senators who voted to impeach - Richard Burr of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania - have all been formally censured by their state parties for their vote. Three more - Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah, and Ben Sasse of Nebraska - could also be censured although in Romney's case the state party's leadership issued a statement of support of him and Mike Lee, who voted to acquit. Hannity said the senators' guilty votes represent how 'way out of touch' they were with the Republican base, pointing to the immediate backlash in their home states. (Newser) As a student at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, Aaron Appelhans used to look at the photos of past graduating classes hanging on the wall. "I got to see, for the most part, ain't a whole lot of people that looked like me around here," he recalled of the mainly white faces. A decade later, Appelhans, 39, was appointed Wyoming's first Black sheriff, a post he took months after fury over racist policing roiled US cities. His turf includes one of Wyoming's last Democratic strongholds, but the state is overwhelmingly conservative and white, and he's already faced a racist remark from a lawmaker, the AP reports. It didn't surprise him. Wyoming has made progress but remains "very racist," said Stephen Latham, president of the state NAACP. The lawmaker later apologized. story continues below A deputy's fatal shooting of an unarmed, mentally ill man two years ago played a major role in Appelhans' appointment to Albany County sheriff. The backlash carried over into last summer's national protests over racial injustice and police brutality. The group Albany County for Proper Policing formed and pushed for Appelhans to take over when his predecessor retired. "Let's take this anger and pain and turn it into progress," said a Democratic state lawmaker who leads the group. Appelhans grew up near Denver experiencing racism and had relatives in the criminal justice system. He said he understands both sides of the protest movement. "We're not 'cops,'" Appelhans said. "I'm listed, just like every other deputy here is listed, as a peace officer. We're here to keep the peace. And so that's really kind of one of the big changes I've wanted to have law enforcement focus on." (Read more Wyoming stories.) Giles' Attempted Murder Trial to Begin April 6 By West Kentucky Star Staff MAYFIELD - A man facing attempted murder and arson charges in Graves County will go to trial in April.Forty-four-year-old John Michael Giles' jury trial is set for April 6, and is expected to last three days. A review of the case is set for March 22. On June 5 of last year, Graves County sheriff's deputies arrived to find a mobile home engulfed in flames off Highway 129 near Dukedom. A 911 caller reported that someone set the home on fire. Deputies obtained arrest warrants for Giles on charges of 2nd degree arson and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Graves County Sheriff Jon Hayden said Giles was out of jail on bond on an attempted murder charge from an incident that happened in August 2019 in Graves County. Giles reportedly fled the scene, but was later arrested by the Union City, TN Police Department. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Reserve Bank of Australia will on Tuesday release the minutes from its Feb. 2 monetary policy meeting, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. At the meeting, the RBA decided to maintain the targets of 10 basis points for the cash rate and the yield on the 3-year Australian Government bond, as well as the parameters of the Term Funding Facility. The board also decided to buy an additional A$100 billion of bonds issued by the Australian Government and states and territories when the current bond purchase program is completed in mid-April. These additional purchases will be at the current rate of A$5 billion a week. Japan will see December results for its tertiary industry index; in November, the index was up 0.7 percent on month. Finally, the markets in Taiwan and China remain closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. A returned traveller blamed for spreading coronavirus through the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel by using a nebuliser is pushing for an independent review of his case because he does not trust the state government to investigate itself. It comes as debate rages among scientists over whether a nebuliser really was the source of the outbreak, as the state government has suggested. Victorias latest outbreak is centred on the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport. Credit:Penny Stephens The man, who has chronic asthma, previously told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald he was twice given permission by Victorian health authorities to use the medical device, which turns liquid medications into a fine mist that can be inhaled, while in quarantine. This is despite nebulisers being banned for use in most Victorian hospitals, except in specially designed negative pressure rooms, after they were suspected to have fuelled serious outbreaks during the states second wave of coronavirus infections. I dont trust the state level of government any more. Theyve really killed my trust in this system, said the father of one, who asked for his name not to be published to protect his familys identity. I was getting misinformation left, right and centre ever since we arrived at the first hotel. The 38-year-old, who has been discharged from hospital and is now back in hotel quarantine with his family, revealed on Wednesday he had contacted the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and requested an independent review. He said his request for an independent investigation was in response to a state government audit of the Holiday Inn incident, which found there was no record of him declaring the device. The man said he was never asked for his account of events prior to the audit being conducted. He said he was told on Tuesday, after being contacted by the Health Department, that there were three different files for his case. The man said he had also contacted the office of federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, who on Tuesday also called for an independent investigation of the matter. Read the full story here. Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund (PIF), has awarded contracts worth more than SR8 billion ($2.1 billion) for construction works at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), reported Arab News, citing a top official. Most of the contracts were awarded to local companies, said Aiman Al-Mudaifer, PIFs head of the Local Real Estate Division. A key development, KAFD is coming up over a 1.6 million-sq-m area in the north of Riyadh. It will include offices of several financial institutions such as the Capital Market Authority and the Saudi Stock Exchange. Several banks and companies started operations at KAFD, the official said, adding that some tenants received their units at the residential towers. China today has sent two coast guard vessels into Japans territorial waters amid rising tensions between the two countries over the disputed islands in the East China Sea. The Chinese ships, including one equipped with what appeared to be an cannon, intruded into the waters near the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands on Tuesday morning, reported Japanese media. The uninhabited islets in the East China Sea, controlled by Japan but claimed by China, have been at the centre of a long-standing dispute that has plagued the relations between Beijing and Tokyo for years. China today has sent two coast guard vessels to Japans territorial waters amid rising tensions between the two countries over the disputed islands in the East China Sea (file) The incursion comes after China enacted a new 'Coast Guard Law', also known as the 'open fire' law, which allows the country's sea forces to use weapons against any foreign vessel deemed a threat to its national sovereignty. The Senkaku Islands, also called Diaoyu by China, are considered to have great economic and strategic values because they are close to important shipping lines and offering rich fishing grounds. China and Japan both claim sovereignty over the islets, which are under Japanese administration, preventing wide-scale exploration and development of oil and natural gas in the East China Sea. The Chinese vessels spotted today joined two other Chinese coast guard boats that had entered and remained in the waters since Monday, according to Nikkei Asia and Kyoto News, citing the Japan Coast Guard. The two new ships also harassed a Japanese fishing vessel by pointing their bows towards the boat and making a move to approach it, said the Japanese authorities. They added that one of the Chinese vessels was equipped with what appeared to be a gun. The Senkaku or Diaoyu islands are a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea The Senkaku Islands (pictured) are considered to have great economic and strategic values as they are close to important shipping lines and offering rich fishing grounds Japan's Foreign Ministry said it had lodged a second protest following Chinas incursions, urging the Chinese government to withdraw the vessels immediately. The Chinese vessels arriving in the waters early Tuesday departed the area around 10am, followed by the other two boats which left about two hours later. Tuesdays incursion is said to be the seventh time this year that Chinese vessels have entered Japanese waters. It also came after China imposed a new law explicitly allowing its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships that Beijing sees as illegally entering its territorial waters. Tokyo has repeatedly voiced alarm over increased Chinese incursions after Beijing enacted the controversial legislation. FILE: A Chinese marine surveillance ship Haijian 51 (front) runs along with Japan Coast Guard patrol ship PL62 Ishigaki (back), near Uotsuri island, one of the disputed Senkaku/Daiyou Islands in Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan Earlier this month, four ministers from Japan and Britain voiced serious concern about the situation in the East and South China seas and opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in an apparent reference to China's maritime expansion. In a joint statement, they wrote: The four ministers reaffirmed the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight above the South China Sea and urged all parties to exercise self-restraint and refrain from activities likely to raise tensions.' Japans call has also been backed by the US as President Joe Biden promises to keep his predecessor Donald Trump's tough line on a rising China while also paying closer attention to allies. China previously defended the country's coast guard operations after its vessels were spotted in Japanese waters near the Senkakus islands on February 6 and 7. Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, claimed the Senkakus were China's inherent territory while describing its activities as legitimate and lawful measures to safeguard sovereignty. China is also facing mounting military tensions with the US and Taiwan, a self-ruled, democratic island that Beijing considers as its own. The communist government has stepped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, as she refuses to acknowledge Beijing's stance that the island is part of 'one China'. In January, Chinese military aircraft were spotted entering Taiwanese airspace on a total of 30 different days, reported Taiwanese media. Last year Chinese military jets made a record 380 incursions into Taiwan's defence zone, with some analysts warning that tensions between the two sides were at their highest since the mid-1990s. [February 16, 2021] Basilea reports strong 2020 financial results and significant progress in the clinical pipeline of its oncology assets Double-digit growth in Cresemba and Zevtera non-deferred revenue contributions Operating loss reduced by over 50% to CHF 8.2 million Improved operating cash flow by 15%, CHF 167 million year-end cash and financial investments Established clinical proof of concept for derazantinib as monotherapy in first cancer indication 2021 guidance: expecting 38% - 51% growth in Cresemba and Zevtera non-deferred revenue contributions, stable expenses and 2021 year-end cash position of CHF 110 - 120 million Basel, Switzerland, February 16, 2021 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) announced today its financial results for the financial year ended December 31, 2020. David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer, said: Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we have remained fully operational and have achieved significant milestones throughout 2020, both in the commercialization of our two marketed brands, Cresemba and Zevtera, as well as in the development of our most advanced oncology assets, derazantinib and lisavanbulin, for which we started two new clinical studies. Adesh Kaul, Chief Financial Officer, added: We have once again shown a strong financial performance with improving operating cash flow based on a more than 13% increase in Cresemba and Zevtera non-deferred revenue contributions and diligent management of our operating expenses. We have also successfully completed two strategic financial transactions in 2020, which have further increased our cash position and allowed us to improve our debt maturity profile. Overall, this provides us with sufficient financial flexibility to achieve the value-creating milestones we have set ourselves for the next 24 months. Financial summary Total revenue in 2020 decreased to CHF 127.6 million (2019: CHF 134.4 million), mainly due to the already anticipated decrease in the recognition of deferred revenue to CHF 33.8 million (2019: CHF 45.6 million) related to upfront, development and regulatory milestone payments received in prior years from partners. Non-deferred revenue contribution from the two marketed brands Cresemba and Zevtera increased by more than 13% to CHF 78.2 million (2019: CHF 68.7 million). Other revenue amounted to CHF 15.2 million (2019: CHF 19.7 million). This included CHF 13.2 million BARDA reimbursements (2019: CHF 18.5 million), which are offsetting a substantial portion of the ceftobiprole phase 3 development expenses.1 The BARDA reimbursements year-on-year decreased in line with the reduced development expenses following the successful completion of the ceftobiprole phase 3 skin infection study and due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the bacteremia study. In 2020, investments in the pipeline resulted in research and development expenses of CHF 97.4 million (2019: CHF 102.7 million). Such expenses were mainly driven by costs for the phase 3 program for ceftobiprole, the costs related to the ongoing preclinical and clinical programs for derazantinib and lisavanbulin, as well as to the ongoing pediatric programs for ceftobiprole and isavuconazole. Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to CHF 29.4 million (2019: CHF 30.0 million). As a result of increasing sales of products to partners, cost of products sold increased to CHF 24.1 million (2019: CHF 18.9 million). In 2020, the operating loss was reduced by 52% year-on-year to CHF 8.2 million (2019: CHF 17.2 million) reflecting a CHF 15.0 million (2019: none) positive one-off effect from the sale of the headquarters property. Net loss was also reduced significantly to CHF 14.7 million (2019: CHF 22.4 million), resulting in a basic and diluted loss per share of CHF 1.43 (2019: CHF 2.08). Net cash used in operating activities in 2020 was reduced by 15% to CHF 54.1 million as compared to CHF 63.8 million in 2019. This is a result, on the one hand of the significant increase in cash inflow, based on the growth of Cresemba and Zevtera non-deferred revenue contributions and on the other hand, of the continued focus on managing operating expenses, by continuously optimizing investments into the preclinical and clinical portfolio. Cash and investments amounted to CHF 167.3 million as of December 31, 2020, compared to CHF 161.0 million as of December 31, 2019. The year-on-year increase is due to the proceeds from the headquarters property sale and the convertible bond transactions. Key financial figures (in CHF million, except per share data) 2020 2019 Product revenue 48.7 50.9 Contract revenue 63.3 63.5 Revenue from R&D services 0.4 0.3 Other revenue 15.2 19.7 Total revenue 127.6 134.4 Cost of products sold (24.1) (18.9) Research & development expenses, net (97.4) (102.7) Selling, general & administrative expenses (29.4) (30.0) Total cost and operating expenses (150.9) (151.6) Profit from sale of assets 15.0 - Operating loss (8.2) (17.2) Net loss (14.7) (22.4) Net cash used in operating activities (54.1) (63.8) Basic and diluted loss per share, in CHF (1.43) (2.08) (In CHF million) Dec 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Cash and investments 167.3 161.0 The consolidated financial statements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. for the financial year 2020 can be found on the Companys website at https://www.basilea.com/financial-reports. FY 2021 financial guidance Basilea provides the following financial guidance for full-year 2021: Non-deferred revenue contributions from Cresemba and Zevtera, excluding deferred revenue recognized for payments received in prior years, are expected to grow to CHF 108 - 118 million (+38% to +51% y-o-y), reflecting the continued significant growth of in-market sales by our partners and several potential milestone events. CHF 108 - 118 million (+38% to +51% y-o-y), reflecting the continued significant growth of in-market sales by our partners and several potential milestone events. Total R&D and SG&A expenses are expected to remain approximately stable. Cost of products sold is expected to increase based on higher product deliveries to partners. The anticipated operating loss amounts to CHF 13 - 23 million, which is below the operating loss reported for 2020, excluding the one-off positive impact from the sale of the headquarters property. Cash and investments are expected to be approximately CHF 110 - 120 million at year-end 2021, excluding any potential impact from a reduction of the outstanding convertible bonds. (in CHF million) FY 2021e FY 2020a Cresemba & Zevtera revenue (non-deferred) 108 - 118 78.2 Cresemba & Zevtera revenue (deferred) 2.5 33.8 Total revenue 128 - 138 127.6 Total cost and operating expenses 149 - 154 150.9 Profit from sale of assets 0 15.0 Operating loss 13 - 23 8.2 Cash and investments (year-end) 110 - 120 167.3 Portfolio Significant progress made in the commercialization of Cresemba and Zevtera and the clinical programs of our oncology drug candidates Cresemba launched in important additional markets and in-market sales continue to grow Cresemba has reached USD 244 million in-market sales for the 12 months to the end of September 2020, which is a more than 28% growth year-on-year.2 Based on the additional approvals and launches in territories around the world during 2020, we expect that global in market sales for the full year 2020 will have exceeded USD 250 million. The achievements in 2020 include launches in key markets in Asia Pacific and the approval in Russia. These triggered commercial and regulatory milestone payments of approximately CHF 6 million by Pfizer in 2020. In addition, in January 2021, Pfizers Cresemba sales in their territory passed the threshold that triggered a milestone payment of USD 10 million to Basilea. To date, Cresemba has been launched in about 50 countries and marketing application processes have been initiated in a number of additional countries, including in China, where the Marketing Authorization Applications for invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis have been accepted for regulatory review by the health authority. Adding to this, in early January 2021, our partner Asahi Kasei completed patient enrolment in a phase 3 study required for a marketing authorization application in Japan. We therefore remain confident that our partners will have launched Cresemba in 60 countries by the end of 2021. Preparing for market access of Zevtera (ceftobiprole) in China and advancing phase 3 program for the U.S. In 2020, our partner CR Gosun obtained regulatory approval for Zevtera in China, which triggered a milestone payment of CHF 3 million to Basilea. Zevtera was approved for the treatment of community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia, and we are currently supporting CR Gosun to prepare for launching the brand in this important market. From a commercial perspective, the most important market for Zevtera is the U.S. market. In the ongoing phase 3 study called ERADICATE, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 approved a protocol amendment extending the maximum treatment duration from four to now up to six weeks.3 This is important, because it allows for the inclusion of patients with more difficult-to-treat infections, including those with complications such as osteomyelitis and epidural or cerebral abscess. We expect that patient enrolment into the study will be completed by year-end 2021. If ERADICATE is positive, as was the TARGET phase 3 study in 2019 that evaluated ceftobiprole in the treatment of patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, we plan to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA.4 As ceftobiprole was designated a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) by the FDA for these two indications, if approved, ceftobiprole will be eligible to receive ten years of market exclusivity in the U.S. from the date of approval. Five clinical studies ongoing with oncology drug candidates derazantinib and lisavanbulin with many data readouts ahead We are currently conducting three clinical studies, FIDES-01, -02 and -03, with our most advanced oncology drug candidate, the FGFR inhibitor derazantinib.5, 6, 7, 8 Positive topline results from the first cohort of the phase 2 study FIDES-01 have just been reported. This first cohort explores derazantinib in patients with FGFR2 gene-fusion positive advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), a type of bile duct cancer. The topline results are consistent with the interim results reported in 2019 and provide the proof of concept for derazantinib in iCCA as its first indication. In a second cohort, we are enrolling iCCA patients with other FGFR2 gene aberrations, namely mutations and amplifications. In October 2020, we presented pooled efficacy data from different patient cohorts, at the ESMO MAP Virtual Congress, that demonstrated derazantinib also has antitumor activity in this patient population. If confirmed, these findings may strengthen the clinical evidence on the differentiated profile of derazantinib versus other FGFR inhibitors. We are therefore looking forward to interim results from this second cohort of FIDES-01, which are expected for H1 2021. The other two FIDES studies, FIDES-02 in urothelial (bladder) cancer and FIDES-03 in gastric (stomach) cancer, which were started in 2019 and 2020, respectively, are phase 1/2 studies focused on exploring derazantinib as a single agent, as well as in combination with other anticancer drugs. In FIDES-02, the combination partner is Roches immuno-oncology drug atezolizumab, for which we entered into a clinical supply agreement in 2019. This agreement was extended in 2020 to FIDES-03. In addition, we have entered into a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with Eli Lilly and Company in 2020 for their anti-angiogenic drug ramucirumab to be explored as combination partner in FIDES-03. Interim results from FIDES-02 monotherapy are expected to become available in H1 2021. In 2020, we were able to establish the recommended phase 2 dose for the derazantinib/atezolizumab combination and presented these data in February 2021 at the ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. Interim results for the derazantinib/atezolizumab combination in patients with urothelial cancer are expected to become available in H2 2021. In FIDES-03, interim results for derazantinib monotherapy and the definition of the recommended phase 2 dose for the combination with ramucirumab (plus another anticancer drug, paclitaxel) are anticipated for H2 2021. Dr. Marc Engelhardt, Chief Medical Officer, said: We are excited to have established the clinical proof of concept for derazantinib as monotherapy in its first indication in early 2021. We expect the publication of a number of interim and topline results across the entire FIDES clinical program throughout 2021 and 2022. Based on its unique kinase inhibition profile, derazantinib has potential for enhanced activity in combination therapy. We are therefore particularly interested to see the first efficacy data on the combination of derazantinib with other anti-cancer agents in our urothelial and gastric cancer studies, which may allow us to strengthen the evidence for its differentiation versus other FGFR inhibitors, both from the efficacy and safety perspective. Two studies are currently ongoing with our second oncology drug candidate, lisavanbulin. Both are exploring orally administered lisavanbulin in patients with glioblastoma, the most common type of primary brain cancer and one of the most lethal types of cancer. In 2020, we started a phase 2 study in recurrent glioblastoma, using EB1 (end-binding protein 1) for patient selection.9 This is based on the observation of an exceptional long-lasting responder in the phase 1 part of the study, whose tumor was strongly EB1-positive. If we could validate EB1 as a response-predictive biomarker in patients, this would allow a very targeted development of lisavanbulin. Interim results from this study are expected in H2 2021. In parallel, a phase 1 study is exploring lisavanbulin in combination with radiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. This study is conducted in collaboration with the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium (ABTC) in the U.S. and we expect that the recommended phase 2 dose for lisavanbulin in this patient population can be determined also in H2 2021. Conference call and webcast Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. will host a conference call and webcast today, Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 4 p.m. (CET), to discuss the Companys financial and operating results. Via audio webcast with presentation The live audio webcast of the results presentation can be followed here. Please note that there is no function to ask questions via webcast. For questions, please additionally dial-in via phone (see below). Via phone To listen by phone and ask questions, please use the dial-in details below. To ensure prompt access, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. +41 (0) 58 310 50 00 (Europe and RoW) +1 (1) 866 291 41 66 (USA) +44 (0) 207 107 06 13 (U.K.) Replay The webcast, along with presentation will be available online shortly after the event and accessible for three months. About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the medical needs of patients with cancer and infectious diseases. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of severe bacterial infections. We are conducting clinical studies with two targeted drug candidates for the treatment of a range of cancers and have a number of preclinical assets in both cancer and infectious diseases in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com investor_relations@basilea.com This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References The ceftobiprole phase 3 program is funded in part (up to USD 130 million, which is approximately 70% of the total estimated program costs) with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under Contract No. HHSO100201600002C. IQVIA, September 2020. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in U.S. Dollar corrected for currency fluctuations. ERADICATE study: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03138733 TARGET study: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03137173 Basilea in-licensed derazantinib from ArQule Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. FIDES-01 study: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03230318 FIDES-02 study: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04045613 FIDES-03 study: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04604132 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02490800 Attachment Press release (PDF) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today The Economist, one of the most widely recognised and thought-provoking global brands, announced the launch of "The Economist Executive Education", a new online executive education programme designed to give business executives an edge in their careers. Participants can register interest for the first course now: https://www.economist.com/execeducation Created by Economist journalists and featuring experts around the world, the new offering is designed for senior leaders and executives across a range of industries. The online courses will deliver actionable insights, practical skills and networking opportunities to help participants advance in their careers and shape the future of their organisations. Course content will be relevant to all sectors of business, finance, technology, professional services, public policy, nonprofit and government, and will be delivered through a variety of formats including videos, podcasts and guest talks from global leaders. Participants will receive a vibrant, engaging and innovative learning experience. "The Economist's executive education programme will bring the rigour and intelligence we apply to our journalism to the growing world of online education. The courses, conceived and written by our reporters and editors, will deliver practical insights and stimulating analysis on the most pressing topics and themes" said Bob Cohn, President, The Economist. The first six-week course, "The New Global Order: How Politics, Business and Technology are Changing," launches in May and will equip participants with an advanced and extensive view of today's world order. Participants can register their interest here . A second course, on writing for business, is slated for the autumn. The course has been created in collaboration with GetSmarter , a brand of global education technology leader 2U, Inc. GetSmarter brings learners access to premium online short courses on cutting-edge topics from great universities and thought leaders across the globe. The Economist's philosophy has been rooted in progress and education since it was first published in 1843 to "take part in the severe contest" against ignorance. This mission continues to guide The Economist's editorial coverage and beyond - since 2012 it has been committed to children's education via its charity, The Economist Educational Foundation . This independent charity works with young people from low income backgrounds to build essential knowledge of current affairs, critical thinking, communication skills and confidence to help them succeed in education and beyond. About The Economist With a growing global audience and a reputation for insightful analysis and perspective on every aspect of world events, The Economist is one of the most widely recognised and well-read current affairs brands in the world. In addition to its flagship Economist.com and weekly print and digital editions, The Economist publishes Espresso, a daily news app and Global Business Review, a bilingual English-Chinese product. Economist Radio produces The Intelligence the award-winning daily podcast and several weekly podcasts. Economist Films produces short- and long-form video. The Economist maintains robust social communities on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Medium and other social networks. A recipient of many editorial and marketing awards, The Economist was named the most trusted news source by the 2017 Trusting News Project Report. SOURCE The Economist Related Links www.economist.com Nearly 12 crore doses of Covid vaccine to be available in June: Health Ministry Single dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine provokes strong immune response: Study India pti-Madhuri Adnal Jerusalem, Feb 16: People previously infected with the novel coronavirus respond very strongly to single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of when they were infected and whether or not they had detectable antibodies against the disease prior to receiving the preventive, according to a study. Researchers from Bar-Ilan University and Ziv Medical Center in Israel noted that the real-world evidence with regard to the COVID-19 vaccine remains scarce even though the clinical trial data are encouraging. Specifically, the response to the COVID-19 vaccine among those previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still not completely understood, they said. The latest study, published in the journal Eurosurveillance, was conducted on a cohort of 514 staff members at Ziv Medical Center. Seventeen of the participants were infected with COVID-19 anytime between one and ten months before receiving the first dose of the vaccine. Antibody levels of the entire cohort were measured prior to vaccination and thereafter to determine response to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine developed by US company Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. The response among those previously infected was so effective that it opens the debate as to whether one dose of the vaccine may suffice, the researchers said. SC to hear PIL for including judges, judicial staff in priority category for COVID-19 vaccine "This finding can help countries make informed decisions regarding vaccine policy -- for instance, whether those previously infected should be vaccinated in priority and, if so, with how many doses," said Professor Michael Edelstein, from Bar-Ilan University, who led the study. "It also offers reassurance that not having detectable antibodies after being infected does not necessarily mean that protection following infection is lost," Edelstein said. The study also provides evidence that immune response was similar across multi-ethnic groups as Ziv Medical Center, where the study was conducted, is staffed by a workforce comprised of Jews, Arabs and Druze, among others. The researchers noted that the members of each of these groups responded very similarly to the first dose of the vaccine, a welcome finding considering that the virus itself is known to affect some groups more than others. The strong response to one dose of the vaccine among those previously infected regardless of the duration between infection and vaccination is good news, they said. However, the researchers emphasise that their findings should be confirmed in a larger cohort before reaching definitive conclusions. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The team continues to follow healthcare workers after their second dose to better understand how long the vaccine will protect against COVID-19 in different groups of people. Written by Rod Nimtz, External Relations & Communications Miami University Regionals was saddened to learn of the passing of Harry F. Brooks, the first chair of what is today the Commerce Department, on January 19 at the age of 98. The program he launched, then known as Business Technology, has continued to thrive for almost five decades and now is the largest program on the Regionals with over 700 students, of which almost 90% are pursuing their bachelors degree. Once divided between Hamilton and Middletown, courses are now delivered online and at the departments location at Miamis Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester. Brooks grew up in northeast Ohio in Cortland. Following decorated service in the Navy with an aerial photographic squadron (he later wrote a history of his unit and their work in the Pacific), he attended the Wharton School, earning a degree in economics in 1947. Teaching and insurance industry positions followed, including serving over a decade in the leadership of a national underwriters association. Brooks returned to school to earn his masters at Central Michigan University, followed by several teaching positions before coming to Miami in 1975. Brooks launched the department, hired the first full-time faculty, and designed courses in accounting, banking and finance technology. Within two years, Dean Bill Moeckel tapped Brooks to lead the Center for Management Services educational outreach program in the Farmer School of Business and for a period, he was handling both sets of responsibilities. One of his early additions to the faculty was Pat Hogan of Hamilton, who recalled that Brooks had an unbelievable work ethic and the energy of a person ten or twenty years younger than himself. Brooks rose to the assistant dean level, eventually returning to full-time teaching in management before retiring from Miami in 1988. "Harry was my good friend and mentor, is how Rob Sommer, who was hired by Brooks and followed him as chair of Business Technology, remembers him. I benefited greatly from his boundless energy and ability to apply his wisdom, good judgement and political astuteness to the accomplishment of whatever missions he was assigned. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I Banks to post and collect margin in India, on their own account or on behalf of their customers, for a permitted derivative contract entered into with a person residing outside India. The AD Cat-I Banks can post and collect margin in the form of Indian currency; freely convertible foreign currency; debt securities issued by Indian Central government and State governments; and rupee bonds issued by persons residing in India. AD Cat-I banks may post and collect such margin outside India in the form of freely convertible foreign currency and debt securities issued by foreign sovereigns with a credit rating of AA- and above issued by S&P Global Ratings / Fitch Ratings or Aa3 and above issued by Moody's Investors Service. If different ratings are accorded by two or more credit rating agencies, then the lowest rating shall be reckoned. AD Cat-I banks may receive and pay interest on margin posted and collected on their own account or on behalf of their customers for a permitted derivative contract entered into with a person resident outside India. AD Cat-I banks shall maintain a separate account in the name of persons resident outside India for the purpose of posting and collecting cash margin in India, and transactions incidental thereto. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi, Feb 16 : With China as the elephant in the room, India-Japan strategic ties are moving to the next level. Both countries are leveraging the location of India's North-East region, to secure a trans-border regional corridor where China's interference would be minimised. From their perch in Guwahati, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Japan's ambassador to India, Satoshi Suzuki, went out of their way to nail the convergence of India's Act East Policy and Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) doctrine. The two made it plain that India's North-East was a focal point of the Indo-Pacific, bridging the rest of India with the 10-nation ASEAN. Jaishankar thumbed Assam as the launch pad of India's Act East Policy through which India will link its North-East states to the South-East Asian nations and beyond. He also focussed on improving connectivity within the North-East along with neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Jaishankar said: "The Act East Policy is an approach to create connectivity to and within Assam, beyond to the north-east then to neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh but eventually push all the way by road, sea, air to Vietnam to Japan." Speaking at the Guwahati Water Supply Project site near the Brahmaputra river in Guwahati, Suzuki affirmed that Japan remained fully invested in the rise of the North-East - a necessary condition for India's advance to a $5 trillion economy. "For India to achieve the 5-trillion-dollar economy, the development of the North-East is indispensable. I am sure India is driving and mobilizing all its capacities and resources for this goal... I came here today to say that Japan stands together with you to this end." The Japanese envoy also connected the dots of linking the North-East with the broader Indo-Pacific - a region that is located on either side of the Malacca straits that bridge the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. "Japan always takes a panoramic perspective in its diplomacy. The vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific (FOIP) is at its center; and India's North East, including Assam, occupies an important place in this vision. Connecting India with Southeast Asia and to the Bay of Bengal does make sense both economically and strategically. North-East is situated where India's Act East Policy and Japan's vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific converge. To be 'free and open' is critical here in Assam. That is why Japan is supporting various connectivity projects in this state." The India-Japan relationship is cementing fast on the industrial front as the latter is investing considerably in India. Between JICA and the Japan External Trade Organisation, the Asian giant has built 12 Japanese industrial towns in India, with the 13th one coming up in Nagarbera in Assam, for which the state government has already acquired land. Besides the water project in Assam, Japan has helped in developing numerous other projects in the state including the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge and the Guwahati Sewerage project. India is looking at strengthening its domestic manufacturing with financial and technological help from Japan. The two countries have come together also because of common global interests like China flexing its muscles against both Japan and India. The two nations are also attempting to diversify and fix global supply chains which were majorly disrupted owing to the spread of coronavirus pandemic from Wuhan, China. India had recently conferred the Padma Vibhushan to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had enjoyed a close rapport with Modi. Current Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga too has carried forward the same sentiment in mutual relations. Earlier in January, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, addressing a workshop on the Indo-Pacific had said that India has been building relationships with many countries across the region including USA and Australia. Shringla said: "India and Japan enjoy a relationship that is crucial to the Indo-Pacific architecture. India's SAGAR vision for the Region and Japan's concept of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), both are convergent in principles. Whether it is enhancing maritime security, connectivity for shared economic prosperity, or increasing resilience to meet natural disasters through HADR efforts, India and Japan frequently find themselves working together. In fact Japan has agreed to lead the Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative pillar on connectivity." Just yesterday the Japanese ambassador had attended the inauguration of the Chennai Metro Rail Project along with Modi. Speaking on the occasion, Suzuki had said that the Chennai Metro Rail Project is an important urban development project towards making a sustainable and eco-friendly Chennai, which is India's largest industrial metropolis, housing many Japanese companies. (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country A suspect in a Philadelphia carjacking was shot in the head after authorities say he was trying to rob a second person Monday night. The person-of-interest in the carjacking is in critical condition, NBC 10 is reporting. According to reports, around 6 p.m., two robbers stole a mans wallet, cellphone and car at 10th and Spruce streets. Then around 8:40 p.m., they tried to rob another man at 18th and Callowhill streets, but that man pulled out a gun and opened fire, shooting one of the suspects, reports indicate. About 20 minutes later, police say a man in his mid-20s was found at 7th and Callowhill streets suffering from two gunshot wounds to the head. He was found inside the stolen vehicle and was identified as a possible suspect in the earlier carjacking, Action News 6 ABC is reporting. He was rushed to the hospital and is in critical condition. Were not certain at this time if the shooting victim who was inside the carjacking victims vehicle was the actual perpetrator. However, he was in the vehicle just three hours after this vehicle was stolen, Chief Inspector Scott Small told 6 ABC. He still is going to be held as a suspect at this point due to the fact that he was in a vehicle that was stolen in a carjacking point-of-gun. Police say the second suspect has been taken into custody, according to reports. The investigation is ongoing. This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Opinion Article 16 February 2021 The long, exciting journey of 24/7 effort to introduce real solutions to fix the healthcare crisis is here and holds great potential. Prontocare delivers quality, affordable healthcare to help both consumer and the system remain functional without pushing either party to bankruptcy. There is a strategic and tactical opportunity for the lodging industry to have a role in these health efforts and to enhance revenue generatoration and build positive guest relationships in health and well-being as well. Advertisements It has become abundantly clear that the current fee-for-service model is unsustainable. Spending more money than any country in the world does not guarantee top healthcare quality. The US spends more money on healthcare than any other developed western country, but still ranks number 37th in the world when measured by healthcare metrics. Moving into value-based medicine has become crucial for the American system to become sustainable. Hence, the solution that we have been working on over the past decade is simply a Direct Contracting Model. This will bring a direct relationship between the doctor (healthcare provider) and the patient (healthcare consumer) without any third-party interference. This model also reduces the cost of bureaucracy, which consumes more than one-third of physician time and is a major contributor to physician burnout. On top of this, unpaid medical bills are the number one reason for individual bankruptcy. More than half of patients with insurance are unable to pay their healthcare bills. A proposed solution is the Direct Contracting for Healthcare model that we developed and introduced to help so many. (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/direct-contracting-healthcare-adel-eldin-md-facc-facp/) This comes with an emphasis on disease prevention, physical and mental wellness, nutritional education, and lifestyle modification to prevent chronic diseases, which currently affects more than 130 million Americans. (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cost-chronic-diseases-adel-eldin-md-facc-facp/) The work on this Direct Contracting model started after the World Economic Crisis of 2008, with extensive research on the development of the direct-to-consumer model for healthcare, which had many years of community education about this new-old concept. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2FP880Bd-Y&t=117s) This initial phase was followed by approval of the Direct Contracting program by the City of Tampa as a choice for non-Medicare retirees for three years straight (2014, 2015, and 2016). This is followed by many presentations to HealthCamp Tampa, University of South Florida, and participating in Healthcare Innovation Round 1 and Round 2 during the Obama Administration and again was well received but did not move forward. In the meantime, more data showed significant improvement in measured healthcare metrics along with significant savings up to $10,000 compared with traditional insurance! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA1_DTPdVJM, couple saved more than $90,000 dollars over 5-year enrollment). Enrolled patients had less mental stress from economic burdens, and they were able to pay bills and fulfill their financial obligations through savings which could not have been done if patients continued the traditional insurance policy as there is zero out-of-pocket cost to the patient (no copayments, no deductibles). A recent study showed that senior citizens not enrolled in this program pay an average of $7500 of out-of-pocket expenses. A positive personal experience, along with patient satisfaction, would be important elements to boost patient compliance and improve outcomes in addition to saving financially. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U-3PLzd_xw) Therefore, Prontocare.co was created to include a network of caring physicians who will provide excellent professional services with transparent, discounted pricing. There is no bureaucracy, no burnout to doctors, no hassle to patients, no referral needed, no denial of a pre-existing condition, and no copayments. Simply go to www.prontocare.co and click on your age-specific contract and if you like it, then go to PayPal and enroll online to make their appointment. This is a great convenience for patients, especially during a pandemic and tough economy. Open enrollment is available 24/7/365 to help the hard-working middle class, small and medium-sized businesses, and anyone looking for affordable healthcare coverage. Now, Direct Contracting Model finally comes to Medicare. (https://www.medpagetoday.com/practicemanagement/reimbursement/90003) With added services such as transportation to doctor visits, vouchers for over-the-counter medication, room air conditioning for patients with asthma which reflect the importance of addressing the social determinant of health (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/social-determinants-health-adel-eldin-md-facc-facp-mba-gga/) to improve medication compliance, healthy nutrition, etc. Over the past four decades, we have been a passionate advocate of patients -especially the most vulnerable. Seniors paid more than $22 Billion dollars out-of-pocket in 2019 and, thus, would benefit from the Direct Contracting Model. Most experts agree that hotels and resorts are better than airports to offer testing either with rapid Antigen testing or PCR testing and can be scheduled prior to departure. It would sense, comfort, less stress, anxiety, and hassle to the traveler who is worried whether he or she would be able to get on the flight to their desired destination or not. The Air travel companies had to cancel many clients because of not having negative testing within the required time frame to be cleared to be allowed on the flight. Then, comes the ever-increasing problem of getting the COVID-credit on the canceled flights. On the other hand, the hotel industry is similarly devastated with markedly diminished occupancy. To restore confidence in the travel industry, avoid ticket cancellations and all related complications leading to further losses in the travel business. Thus, it is a fact that testing for COVID-19 is critical to all stockholders of the travel and hospitality industry combined. We offer a proposed solution with having on-site clinics at the hotels as a strategic item during the pandemic and beyond The Strategic Value for Having an Onsite Medical Clinic at Hotels / Adel Eldin, Frederick DeMicco, Shelly Rehav Instead of using a guest room or the lobby to do testing as currently done, it would be more appropriate to have a dedicated onsite clinic at hotels to provide this critical service, give assurance to customers and minimize added stress on the travelers when compared with doing testing at airports for example. A resort spa and could become a MediSpa with in the hotel and offer these services to guests. Advertised on Hotel and resort websites, guest would value this healthy and safety addition to the hotel and resort amenities and offer a competitive value proposition to the property to enhance revenue. Below Presents is a simple step by step Process to set up a Prontocare clinic at Hotels. The lodging property will need an 1100-1200 sq. feet space preferably on the first floor close to the lobby area) and near the well-being, spa area (Medi-Spa). Properly spaced seating for social distancing along with masks, hand sanitizers. One triage area to assess vitals and take Temperature, pulse oximetry then performs COVID-19 testing using either Antigen or PCR testing. Two exam rooms to evaluate patients further and make appropriate triage decisions (doing EKG) as well if any symptoms or those with known risk factors for heart disease or have established heart disease (they had prior heart attacks, stents, bypass surgery). There is almost one-third of COVID patients have cardiac complications https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov articles PMC7165109 Immediate communication between the traveler, hotel, and the Air carriers to inform about the results (after getting the proper consent of the traveler) to avoid confusion by improved communication regarding flight eligibility, coordinate the discharge dates from the hotel and related logistics It is important to keep in mind that the need to have a system in place for testing travelers will continue to be needed even after successful mass vaccinations up till fall 2021. Remember, the vaccine is not a guarantee for not getting infected by Coronavirus especially with the new variants of the virus mutations. The evidence thus far suggests there will be a long -term need for testing, triage, and management of travelers on top of pre-existing medical needs prior to the pandemic with an aging society and chronic diseases that would persist in a post COVID -world Thus adding to the strategic value of having onsite clinics at Hotels. Refer to the diagram below. with step by step to set up Prontocare Clinic in a hotel. This is to serve COVID and non COVID healthcare needs of the Guests staying in the hotels and resorts. Photo: Northern Arizona University Acknowledgment: This Paper is sponsored by the GloMed.Education website https://glomed.education/. If interested in Prontocare for Hotels and Resorts, email [email protected]. References STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. As food handlers return to work as frontline workers in customer service, they have become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Yet with language issues and a lack of internet access, employees have had difficulty navigating the system. The challenges have led to help for both owners and staff, an initiative facilitated by Elm Park restaurant owner Chris Lacey of Laceys Bridge Tavern. Last week Lacey met with the Staten Island Immigrants Council to discuss how restaurants in the borough could partner with the organization. The Immigrants Council turned to El Centro del Inmigrante, Port Richmond. Hundreds of frontline health workers have already been connected to appointments. Now El Centro will work alongside the SI Immigrants Council whose membership includes restaurant workers from points across the globe who speak dozens of languages. Proprietors now can call El Centro Del Inmigrantes Vaccination Line (Linea de Auyuda Para Vacunacion) with a list of food industry worker names 917-830-0079. The help center will record the information and reach back out to employers when a site and appointment become available. Lacey said, Workers dont have union reps. Theyre not part of a city health plan. He said getting that number available is a way to see something accomplished. The Elm Park proprietor recommended to fellow employers: send the crew down piecemeal as opposed to all at once. Give the staff an hour or two to get to a site and time get the vaccine. You can squeeze some time out for people, he encouraged. We are re-opening and we have to keep everybody safe, said Lacey, who received his first shot on Sunday along with a staffer. Yet this was after he spent hours last week attempting to register for appointments. He said he came up against obstacles because testing sites were still reorganizing to include food workers. Lacey added, The reason we were closed was to protect public health, so now we need to be able to get the vaccines. Restaurants and small businesses have suffered. Immigrants have to be vaccinated as soon as possible to pay the rent and feed our families, said Immigrant Council Chair Abou Sy Diakhate. We need to facilitate access and bring more resources to the local community to achieve this. This is what we do. There is a need in the community and we fill that gap, said Michelle Molina, executive director of El Centro, which tested hundreds of people for COVID-19 over several weeks when it served as a city testing site last year and is part of the NYC test and trace program. She added, Getting the vaccine is such a relief to people, but there is a process and, of course, lots of demand for whatever appointments are available, so it can be hard. When there is somewhere and someone known and familiar in the community, it makes it so much easier and we can all protect each other. Lacey said it was good to hear customers back in the restaurant over the weekend laughing, chatting and sitting down to a meal. He also said, It was good to see food served on a plate, not covered up and packed to go. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. WENTWORTHVILLE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Mahinthan Mahathevan, CEO of BJ Accounting And Taxation Services, a firm in New South Wales, Australia, has announced that he is launching a wealth management service. The service is meant to address the needs of clients who need information and guidance regarding the broad range of financial products and tools available. Wealth management services combine financial products and tools to give affluent clients better control of their money. The advisor takes the time to listen to the client, understand their finances, and crafts a custom strategy that will provide the best return for the client with minimal risk. The advisor uses their knowledge of the current financial tools and services available that are best suited to the client's investment approach. This can involve a broad spectrum of expertise such as investment advice, estate planning, tax services, and more. Wealth management consultants aim to provide a holistic appraisal of their client's finances. The advice considers both short term and long term financial goals. While some consultants are generalists who are familiar with all aspects of financial management, some are focused on a particular area such as taxes or investment. Sometimes the financial advisor might also need to glean information about the client's finances from other agents such as those providing legal and accounting services. They might have to deal with areas such as management of trusts, credit options, estate planning, and insurance. Wealth managers can operate as part of a larger company or as free agents. The primary consideration while picking a financial advisor for wealth management is the level of service provided. The client and the advisor need to be in constant communication to set goals, update goals, review portfolios, and decide the strategy going forward. It is therefore important that the financial advisor be amicable and work well with the client. Often financial advisors will serve their clients for their lifetime. Wealth management services are also country-specific and it takes an involved approach to understand the ins and outs of the system. This requires the advisor to be savvy with the local rules and regulations while at the same time having a vision about the future of the financial landscape. Mahinthan Mahathevan's experience of over a decade has provided him with the knowledge required to be accurate on the smallest details while at the same time focussing on the big picture. His adeptness at navigating the financial system is his greatest strength and it qualifies him for the privilege of handling his client's money. Mahinthan started out as an accountant in January 2003 and has been a member of The Tax Institute even since. While working as an accountant he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Western Sydney. Soon after graduating, he established himself as the CEO of BJ Accounting and Taxation services in January 2008. His skills include financial reporting, general ledger, account reconciliation, auditing, internal controls, GAAP, financial statements, journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial analysis. He has been endorsed for his interpersonal skills such as team leadership, negotiation, leadership, and management by his peers on his LinkedIn profile. When asked about his company's service, Mahinthan says, "We strive to help everyone. From large corporations to family businesses, to sole proprietors, we are ready to help you get a complete consolidated picture of your financial health. We don't want to just help you today but also to set up your finances in such a way that you will reap the benefits for years to come. We believe in honesty, loyalty, precision, and productivity. We have an experienced and highly qualified team that has already helped hundreds of clients. We have built a strong business relationship with each of them due to our integrity and quality of service. We have an open conversation with all our clients and they trust us to do the best for them. Contact us today and we will help you find the best solutions for your financial management needs." ### For more information about BJ Accounting, contact the company here: BJ Accounting mahinthan mahathevan (02) 9688 4427 mahi@bjaccounting.com.au 5-7 Station St, Wentworthville NSW 2145 SOURCE: BJ Accounting And Taxation Services View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630039/Mahinthan-Mahathevan-CEO-of-BJ-Accounting-And-Taxation-Services-Has-Launched-A-Wealth-Management-Service Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced today that it structured $21,900,000 in financing for the acquisition and substantial renovation of an existing 42-unit affordable housing property with an additional four new construction units. The property, Ritch Homes Apartments, is located in Washington, D.C., one of the most high-cost markets in the country. All of the property's units were previously subject to a Section 8 HAP contract that was at risk of expiring and threatened this project's affordability. Together, with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the D.C. Housing Finance Agency (DHCFA), and Walker & Dunlop, the sponsor, Standard Communities, was able to extend the HAP contract as well as preserve and rehabilitate 46 units of affordable housing for the long term. Led by Managing Director Chris Rumul, Walker & Dunlop arranged the financing through HUD's 221(d)(4) Substantial Rehabilitation program. In conjunction with the financing, Standard Communities secured a Four Percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) contract through the DCHFA. The rent restrictions associated with the contract will apply to all 46 units. The new LIHTC restrictions will operate under a 15-year initial tax credit compliance period, and is followed by an additional 15-year extended use preservation period, thereby maintaining the property's affordability through 2050. Walker & Dunlop's team guided Standard Communities through the acquisition, helped negotiate multiple tax agreements, and coordinated with several government authorities to ensure compliance with HUD's loan programs. In addition, to avoid potential issues with the expiring HAP contract, Walker & Dunlop expedited the processing of the transaction, effectively rate locking and closing in just 36 days. "At Standard Communities, we pride ourselves on connecting our capital with our values. This public-private partnership will expand and preserve the affordable housing at Ritch Homes Apartments, and more importantly, for the Washington, D.C. community that desperately needs more housing like Ritch Homes," said Scott Alter, Principal and Co-Founder of Standard Communities. "This transaction will provide much needed, high-quality affordable housing for generations," added Mr. Alter. "Access to safe and affordable housing was a priority prior to COVID-19, and the pandemic has only exacerbated the need in D.C. Standard Communities is excited to expand our partnership with Walker & Dunlop and the D.C. Housing Finance Agency, which has worked tirelessly to ensure the creation and preservation of affordable housing in this critical time," said Tommy Attridge, Director of Southeast Production for Standard Communities. "The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) is proud to have joined Walker & Dunlop in financing Ritch Homes Apartments in order to preserve affordable housing in our nation's capital. This creative transaction will allow 46 families in the District to maintain an affordable cost of living in an area of the city where rents have risen beyond the reach of many residents. Special thanks to our internal deal team for their hard work through the holiday season: Rodney Dew, Underwriter and Brittney Jordan, General Counsel," stated Christopher E. Donald, Acting Executive Director/CEO, DCHFA. "This is a critical preservation opportunity where our client is acquiring this property and is completing substantive repairs to maintain this affordable asset. Ritch Homes Apartments is a great example of the varied mission-driven transactions Walker & Dunlop is working on, and we're proud of our involvement in helping to preserve this project's affordability component for the foreseeable future," commented Walker & Dunlop's Chris Rumul. Walker & Dunlop is one of the largest multifamily lenders and ranks within the top five affordable lenders in the United States. For more information about Walker & Dunlop's commitment to corporate responsibility, including our Diversity & Inclusion, affordable housing, and Green Financing initiatives, download our 2020 ESG summary. About Walker & Dunlop Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest commercial real estate finance companies in the United States. The company provides a comprehensive range of capital solutions for all commercial real estate asset classes, as well as investment sales brokerage services to owners of multifamily properties. Walker & Dunlop is included on the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and was ranked as one of FORTUNE Magazine's Fastest Growing Companies in 2014, 2017, and 2018. Walker & Dunlop's 1,000+ professionals in 41 offices across the nation have an unyielding commitment to client satisfaction. SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced new pieces of legislation Tuesday that detail aspects of and add to the states proposal for adult-use recreational marijuana. Three new amendments to the proposed recreational legalization would enable delivery services, adjust criminal charges related to black market sales, and detail how funds generated by new taxes are distributed, according to a media release from the governors office. Our comprehensive approach to legalizing and regulating the adult-use cannabis market provides the opportunity to generate much-needed revenue, Cuomo said. But it also enables us to directly support the communities most impacted by the war on drugs by creating equity and jobs at every level, in every community in our great state. The state expects the new recreational marijuana industry to generate more than $300 million in tax revenue, amounts of which will be set aside for a Social Equity Fund that will be used to support those most harmed by decades of cannabis prohibition. If the legislation passes in April, $100 million will be allocated to the fund over four years starting the following year with $50 million allocated annually after those years. According to Tuesdays media release, localities and community-based nonprofit organizations will be able to apply for some of that funding for things like job placement, substance abuse treatment, and housing. The new industry would create an estimated 60,000 jobs in addition to the new tax revenue. Another Cuomo proposal announced Tuesday would legalize marijuana delivery services that would offer a low-cost entry point into the industry particularly benefiting poorer communities, according to his office. Local governments would have the opportunity to opt out of these services in their jurisdictions, according to the media release. Lastly, the governors proposals would update the states criminal code as it relates to marijuana sales outside the proposed legal market. Sales to those under 21 and large sales will remain crimes but have their penalties reduced. When establishing a new product market as the Governors proposal does, there will inevitably be attempts by bad actors to skirt rules and commit fraud for their own financial gain, the media release reads. This makes it critically important to ensure that penalties are carefully calibrated to ensure that all those who wish to participate in this new market, are operating on the same level playing field. THE ROAD TO LEGALIZATION Cuomo laid out the initial plan for legalizing marijuana in the first week of the new year, and expanded on his plans during his 2021 State of the State Address. Under the governors plan, the sale of marijuana products will be relegated to adults who are at least 21 years old. Safety controls would include strict regulation of the packaging, labeling, advertising and testing of all cannabis products, according to Cuomos office. Laws legalizing adult-use marijuana have been on Cuomos agenda for several years, as neighboring New Jersey has also pursued legalization. In 2018, the Department of Health, under Cuomos direction, conducted a multi-agency study that concluded that the positive impacts of legalizing adult use of the drug outweighed the negatives. It also stated that prohibition of the drug for several decades in the U.S. failed to achieve public health and safety goals, while also leading to unjust arrests and convictions particularly in communities of color. Cuomo then signed legislation in 2019 to decriminalize unlawful possession, while also initiating a process to expunge records for certain marijuana convictions. Adult use of marijuana has been legalized in 16 states, in addition to the District of Columbia. There only are six states in which neither recreational nor medical use are legal. Across the border in New Jersey, an active marijuana industry is still months, if not a year, from becoming a reality. Once officially signed into law, Staten Islanders would be able to cross the border and shop for THC products. The minimum age to partake would be 21. If dispensaries open while the drug remains illegal in New York, residents would be in violation of New York and federal law upon re-entering the Empire State. In March, Staten Islands first medical marijuana dispensary opened its doors to customers. Delivery services already were an option for patients who meet the states requirements for a prescription. >> Reporting from Kyle Lawson was used in this article. << UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- enCore Energy Corp. (TSXV:EU) (enCore Energy Corp. or the Company) is pleased to announce that, due to strong investor demand in connection with its previously announced marketed private placement, the Company and a syndicate of agents co-lead by Clarus Securities Inc. and Haywood Securities Inc. (the Co-Lead Agents), along with PowerOne Capital Markets Limited (together with the Co-Lead Agents, each an Agent), have agreed to increase the size of the previously announced offering to $15,000,000 (the Offering) through an Offering of 15,000,000 units of the Company (the Units) to be priced at $1.00 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (Common Share) and one half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a Warrant). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $1.30 for 36 months following the completion of the Offering. The proceeds raised from the Offering will be used by the Company for the refurbishment of the Rosita Plant to operational status and for general corporate purposes. The Offering is scheduled to close on or about March 2, 2021, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities to be issued under this Offering will be offered by way of private placement exemptions in all the provinces of Canada. The Units to be issued under this Offering may also be offered offshore, including in the United Kingdom pursuant to applicable exemptions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The securities being offered have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities in the United States. ABOUT ENCORE ENERGY About enCore Energy Corp. enCore Energy Corp. is U.S. domestic uranium developer focused on becoming a leading in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium producer. The Company is led by a team of industry experts with extensive knowledge and experience in the development and operations of in situ recovery uranium operations. enCore Energy's opportunities are created from the Company's transformational acquisition of its two South Texas production facilities, the changing global uranium supply/demand outlook and opportunities for industry consolidation. These short-term opportunities are augmented by our strong long term commitment to working with local indigenous communities in New Mexico where the company holds significant uranium resources. This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the future financial or operating performance of the Company and its projects. 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", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company has included in this news release certain non-IFRS performance measures, including, but not limited to, mine operating profit, mining and processing costs and cash costs. Cash costs per ounce reflect actual mine operating costs incurred during the fiscal period divided by the number of ounces produced. These measures are not defined under IFRS and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to or more meaningful than, net income (loss) or cash flow from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of our financial performance or liquidity. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow. For additional information: William M. Sheriff Executive Chairman 972-333-2214 info@encoreenergycorp.com www.encoreenergycorp.com Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underlined that Prime Minister Modi is deeply committed to the development of Assam and JICA aided projects, international policies can contribute towards the overall development of the state. On Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pronounced Assam as Springboard of Indias Act East Policy and its overall development as fundamental to the success of the policy. Addressing a press conference on Act East Policy and India-Japan Cooperation in North East India, he asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply committed to the all-round development of the state and JICA- Japan International Corporation Agency can attest to the fact how international partnerships and policies can make a contribution towards the development of states. Dr S Jaishankar also underlined that though the birth of nation-states after the departure of British, perturbed the process connectivity, the Act East Policy enunciated by PM focused on the potential to restore the connectivity and entail increased people to people contact with the other countries situated to the eastern side of India particularly the ASEAN nations. Satoshi Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to India was also present at the conference to analyse JISA-aided projects in India. Focussing on Indias relationship with Assam, Dr S Jaishankar stated that cooperation of both the countries has made a lot of difference towards the development of India and particularly in Assam. He further said that the warmth and friendship between the two countries have increased over the years and India shares cordial relation with Japan. Also read: India protest toolkit: 21-year-old Disha Ravi sent to 5-day police custody under sedition charges Also read: After WHOs clean chit, China accuses US for lack of transparency in early findings of Covid-19 Speaking about the importance of Assam with respect to the Act East Policy, he said Assam has long been the fulcrum of North East India. This potential can make it a centre of all opportunities that this state will have with its neighbouring nations. Also read: Politics over Rinku Sharma murder: BJP, VHP hold prayer meet, AAP alleges murder over chanting Jai Shri Ram An AMBER Alert has been canceled for a teen girl who was abducted in Western New York on Monday night. Pennsylvania State Police said Stephnie White, 17, was safely located Tuesday morning. Additional details were not immediately announced. The North Tonawanda Police Department previously said White was abducted on Niagara Falls Boulevard in North Tonawanda, N.Y., around 7 p.m. Monday night. Police said she was abducted by Michael D. Mesko, 50, who was released from jail last week on rape charges. The alert said he was seen driving a dark blue 2015 Nissan Rogue with New York license plate HPS 3840. CBS reports White was found with Mesko in Barkeyville, Venango County, around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Mesko was taken into custody after a short chase. Police said they believed Mesko was trying to leave New York state with White and that she may be in imminent danger of serious harm or death. Mesko was released from the Niagara County Jail on Feb. 10 after being charged with two counts of second degree rape and two counts of criminal sexual act. RE:AMBER ALERT: Stephnie White has been safely located. Thank you for the RTs PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) February 16, 2021 A team of scientists from Germany and the USA recently explored the effectiveness of traditional plant medicines in treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Their findings reveal that various extracts of two medicinal plants, namely Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra, can potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro without causing any cytotoxicity. The study is currently available on the bioRxiv* preprint server. Background The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen, has put a large burden on the healthcare systems of many countries globally. Although about 80% of COVID-19 patients develop only mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic, the disease has claimed more than 2.4 million lives worldwide since its emergence in December 2019. In the initial phase of the pandemic, many antiviral medicines already approved for other diseases have been repurposed to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients. Many vaccines with good efficacy and safety levels have also been developed and approved in record time to curb the pandemic's growth. Various synthetic derivatives (artesunate) of artemisinin, which is a bioactive natural compound found in Artemisia annua plants, are typically being used as antimalarial medicines. The antimicrobial properties of these bioactive compounds have been recognized clinically. Different extracts of Artemisia annua containing high amount of artemisinin are currently undergoing phase 2 clinical trials to treat COVID-19 patients. Since April 2020 in Madagascar, Covid-Organics drinks containing mainly Artemisia annua extracts are being used as a miracle intervention to treat and prevent COVID-19. In the current study, the scientists have explored the efficacy of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra extracts and Covid-Organics in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Using various animal cell lines, they specifically examined whether these plant products are able to inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2 and feline coronavirus. Important observations Both water and ethanolic extracts of dried leaves of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra were used in this study. In addition, 500 mg of pure artemisinin and dried form of 50 ml of Covid-Organics were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and tested for activity using various in vitro experimentations. To determine its antiviral activity, the scientists first incubated feline coronavirus with different concentrations of plant extracts and pure artemisinin solution on a monolayer of feline kidney cells. Using plaque formation assay, they observed that all tested extracts significantly inhibited viral replication in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, they observed that at a concentration range of 5 10 mg/ml, all tested extracts significantly inhibited viral replication, whereas no inhibition was observed at less than 2 mg/ml concentration. Based on these findings, they selected the most potent extracts with the highest antiviral activity for further experimentations on SARS-CoV-2. A set of experiments conducted using the monkey kidney cell line revealed that the extracts at a concentration of less than 2 mg/ml had potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The strongest SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory effects were observed for water extracts of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra and an ethanolic extract of Artemisia annua. Since Artemisia afra does not contain artemisinin, the scientists believe that other bioactive compounds present in the plant may be responsible for the observed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Using a separate set of experiments, the scientists estimated that these extracts could induce cytotoxic effects at a concentration range of 10 20 mg/ml, which was significantly higher than the concentrations required for antiviral activities. This observation indicates that these extracts can potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication without affecting cell viability. The preparations made from Covid-Organics drink showed higher antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 compared to Feline coronavirus. However, the selectivity index (the window between cytotoxicity and antiviral activity) of Covid-Organics drink was estimated to be 5.2, making it less promising as an antiviral medicine. (a) Images of the SARS-CoV-2 plaques incubated with different dilutions of Covid- Organics. The dose is expressed by percentage of the raw drink. (b) Concentrationdependent inhibition SARS-CoV-2 replication using different extracts. Values are expressed as mean SD, n=3. Study significance The study reveals that various extracts of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra have potential antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2. However, the scientists mention that further studies are required to check whether appropriate serum levels of Artemisia compounds needed to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 can be achieved in patients. Moreover, further animal and human clinical trials are required to determine whether these in vitro observations can be translated for actual clinical use. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. The Info Sapiens research agency published findings of an all-Ukrainian poll, which showed the level of trust in politicians and the level of their recognition among Ukrainians. Most of all Ukrainians trust President Volodymyr Zelensky (34%), Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov (30%), Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko (26%), showman and member of the Holos (Voice) Party Serhiy Prytula (24%), and Batkivshchyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko (24%). The highest level of mistrust is in Oleh Liashko (78% vs. 16% confidence), Petro Poroshenko (75% vs. 19% confidence), and Viktor Medvedchuk (71% vs. 16% confidence). Read alsoZelensky still tops presidential rating poll The list of politicians proposed in the poll also includes Holos Party leader Kira Rudyk, who has the lowest level of recognition, as 73% of the pollees do not know her. If the presidential elections had been held next Sunday, the relative majority of Ukrainians would have voted for Volodymyr Zelensky (17.1%), followed by Petro Poroshenko (12.2%), and Yuriy Boyko (10.8%) with a minimum gap. If elections to the Verkhovna Rada had been held next Sunday, then three parties would have received the largest number of votes with a minimum margin: the European Solidarity and Servant of the People with the same indicators (13.1% of the total population and 23% of those who decided on the party), as well as the Opposition Platform - For Life Party (12.4% and 21.8%, respectively). Batkivshchyna (7.7% vs 13.7%), Oleh Liashko's Radical Party (2.7% vs 4.7%) and the Strength and Honor Party (2.6% vs 4.6%) would also have a chance to overcome the threshold. The poll was conducted January 21 through February 5, 2021. During the survey, 1,003 respondents who are 18 years and older were interviewed via personal interviews at the respondent's home. The maximum theoretical error does not exceed 3.1%. Reporting by UNIAN COLUMBIA The city of Cayce plans to be among the first cities in the state to designate a day to recognize people who have died and others affected by the COVID-19 virus that has upended daily life. A resolution being considered Feb. 17 by City Council will designate the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Memorial Day. The day will be held "in remembrance of those who have lost their lives and in honor of those who are forever marked by COVID and continue to suffer from the impact of this virus," the resolution reads. "For us it's just an opportunity to highlight really the importance of what we're still going through," Cayce Mayor Elise Partin told The Post and Courier. "It's hard people have done a great job of trying to be safe, and we want them to continue to do so. "We're so close to making some progress and having some hope, but this was just really an opportunity to continue to highlight that our team really does make fact-based decisions when it comes to masks and social distancing requirements to protect our citizens, our businesses and our visitors." The resolution is adapted from a template circulated by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Folly Beach, outside Charleston, issued a proclamation Feb. 9 to designate March 1 as COVID-19 Memorial Day. Municipal Association of South Carolina officials said they weren't aware immediately of other cities in the state participating. A national memorial to COVID-19 victims was held on Jan. 19 ahead of President Joe Biden's inauguration and was recognized throughout the country, including some areas of South Carolina, with ringing church bells and lit-up municipal buildings. More than 425,000 confirmed cases have struck South Carolinians, with more than 7,000 killed by the virus. In Lexington County, where Cayce is the third-largest municipality by population, 412 people have died of COVID-19 as of Feb. 13. Cayce, a town of 13,600 on the opposite side of the Congaree River from Columbia, has had a mask requirement in public places within the city since July. The rule was recently extended until at least March 29. There are no events planned as of now to mark the memorial, Partin said. If approved, Cayce's first COVID-19 Memorial Day would be March 1. "For now it's just an opportunity to further the dialogue to recognize all the lives that have been lost, an opportunity to recognize all of the amazing first responders that are out in the community and are part of our hospital systems and have done such an amazing job," she said. "Because as tired as we are, they're definitely more tired." Cayce has gone through other tragedies in the recent years as the site for a fatal 2018 Amtrak train wreck and the slaying of 6-year-old Faye Swetlik in 2020. Clarification: This story has been updated to reflect that Folly Beach also recognized COVID-19 Memorial Day with a proclamation. 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 TN Polls: Kamal Haasan calls for online applications of candidates, charges Rs 25,000 fee India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Feb 16: Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan has asked aspirants for party tickets to contest the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Assembly elections, likely in April, to get applications on the party's website (www.maiam.com) from February 21 onwards. Haasan's MNM also fixed a price of Rs 25,000 for applicants but made it clear the amount was non-refundable. They also added that non-party members could also apply or be nominated. Haasan, whose party will distribute the applications online also, said even non-members were welcome to apply for a ticket if they believed they had the due qualifications. Bengal BJP leader Firoze Kamal Gazi attacked on way to Kolkata "This sum will be used for party's expenses. Whether or not your application is accepted, the money will not be refunded. It will be your contribution towards honest politics," Haasan said. Application forms will be available both digitally as well as in party offices and ticket aspirants can submit the filled-in ones starting February 21, he said in a release. Haasan invited applications from interested persons for all 234 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu and the 30 in neighbouring Puducherry. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The party will also contest the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha bypoll, slated to be held along with TN polls, he said. The vacancy arose due to the death of Congress MP H Vasantha Kumar last year due to Covid-19. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 9:06 [IST] DUBLIN, Feb. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Child Day Care Services Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides the strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the global child day care services market as it emerges from the COVID-19 shut down. The global child day care services market is expected to grow from $271.67 billion in 2020 to $295.99 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. The growth is mainly due to the companies rearranging their operations and recovering from the COVID-19 impact, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in operational challenges. The market is expected to reach $415.96 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 9%. Reasons to Purchase Gain a truly global perspective with the most comprehensive report available on this market covering 50+ geographies. Understand how the market is being affected by the coronavirus and how it is likely to emerge and grow as the impact of the virus abates. Create regional and country strategies on the basis of local data and analysis. Identify growth segments for investment. Outperform competitors using forecast data and the drivers and trends shaping the market. Understand customers based on the latest market research findings. Benchmark performance against key competitors. Utilize the relationships between key data sets for superior strategizing. Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high quality data and analysis Where is the largest and fastest growing market for the child day care services? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The Child Day Care Services market global report answers all these questions and many more. The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography. It places the market within the context of the wider child day care services market, and compares it with other markets. The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, the impact of the COVID-19 virus and forecasting its recovery. Market segmentations break down market into sub markets. The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the impact and recovery trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets. Competitive landscape gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified. The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers. The child day care services market section of the report gives context. It compares the child day care services market with other segments of the social assistance market by size and growth, historic and forecast. It analyses GDP proportion, expenditure per capita, child day care services indicators comparison. Asia Pacific was the largest region in the global child day care services market, accounting for 33% of the market in 2020. Western Europe was the second largest region accounting for 23% of the global child day care services market. Africa was the smallest region in the global child day care services market. Child day care centers are leveraging technologies to facilitate parents to stay connected with their children. Many daycare centers are using apps to provide video streaming of classroom activities and send pictures of kids to parents. This technology enables parents to monitor their child at the care center by accessing videos and pictures of kids at child day care centers. For instance, in Canada, Trust Child Care Centers partnered with Parent Care Network to provide video over the internet to parents to help them monitor child activities at the daycare center. Bloomz, Eleyo, OnCare, myKidzDay, KidCheck are some of the companies providing child care software, applications and technologies utilized by care service providers. The outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has acted as a restraint on the child day care services market in 2020 as governments globally imposed lockdowns that restricted the gathering of people in public places such as schools, colleges, child care and community centers. COVID 19 is an infectious disease with flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. The virus was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province of the People's Republic of China and spread globally including Western Europe, North America and Asia. Steps by national governments to contain the transmission have resulted in a decline in economic activity with countries entering a state of 'lock down' and the outbreak is expected to continue to have a negative impact on businesses throughout 2020 and into 2021. However, some of the social services markets remained relatively unaffected as the outbreak did not impact their operations. It is expected that the child day care services market will recover from the shock across the forecast period as it is a 'black swan' event and not related to ongoing or fundamental weaknesses in the market or the global economy. An expected increase in the women employment rate in the forecast period is estimated to drive the market for child care. For instance, the share of women in the labour force in the USA is expected to increase to 47.2% in 2024, driving the demand for on-site child care facilities at corporates. The rise of the on-site child care market is also highly supported by government initiatives to encourage women to work, which will directly contribute to the growth of the child care market in the forecast period. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Report Structure 3. Child Day Care Services Market Characteristics 3.1. Market Definition 3.2. Key Segmentations 4. Child Day Care Services Market Product Analysis 4.1. Leading Products/ Services 4.2. Key Features and Differentiators 4.3. Development Products 5. Child Day Care Services Market Supply Chain 5.1. Supply Chain 5.2. Distribution 5.3. End Customers 6. Child Day Care Services Market Customer Information 6.1. Customer Preferences 6.2. End Use Market Size and Growth 7. Child Day Care Services Market Trends And Strategies 8. Impact Of COVID-19 On Child Day Care Services 9. Child Day Care Services Market Size And Growth 9.1. Market Size 9.2. Historic Market Growth, Value ($ Billion) 9.2.1. Drivers Of The Market 9.2.2. Restraints On The Market 9.3. Forecast Market Growth, Value ($ Billion) 9.3.1. Drivers Of The Market 9.3.2. Restraints On The Market 10. Child Day Care Services Market Regional Analysis 10.1. Global Child Day Care Services Market, 2020, By Region, Value ($ Billion) 10.2. Global Child Day Care Services Market, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, Historic And Forecast, By Region 10.3. Global Child Day Care Services Market, Growth And Market Share Comparison, By Region 11. Child Day Care Services Market Segmentation 11.1. Global Child Day Care Services Market, Segmentation By Type 11.2. Global Child Day Care Services Market, Segmentation By Type of Location 11.3. Global Child Day Care Services Market, Segmentation By Type of Expenditure 11.4. Global Child Day Care Services Market, Segmentation By Age Group 12. Child Day Care Services Market Metrics 12.1. Child Day Care Services Market Size, Percentage Of GDP, 2015-2025, Global 12.2. Per Capita Average Child Day Care Services Market Expenditure, 2015-2025, Global 13. Asia-Pacific Durable Goods Wholesalers Market 14. Western Europe Durable Goods Wholesalers Market 15. Eastern Europe Durable Goods Wholesalers Market 16. North America Durable Goods Wholesalers Market 17. South America Durable Goods Wholesalers Market 18. Middle East Durable Goods Wholesalers Market 19. Africa Durable Goods Wholesalers Market 20. Child Day Care Services Market Competitive Landscape 20.1. Competitive Market Overview 20.2. Market Shares 20.3. Company Profiles 20.3.1. Bright Horizons Family Solutions 20.3.1.1. Company Overview 20.3.1.2. Products And Services 20.3.1.3. Strategy 20.3.1.4. Financial Performance 20.3.2. G8 Education 20.3.2.1. Company Overview 20.3.2.2. Products And Services 20.3.2.3. Strategy 20.3.2.4. Financial Performance 20.3.3. Learning Care Group 20.3.3.1. Company Overview 20.3.3.2. Products And Services 20.3.3.3. Strategy 20.3.3.4. Financial Performance 20.3.4. Goodstart Early Learning 20.3.4.1. Company Overview 20.3.4.2. Products And Services 20.3.4.3. Strategy 20.3.4.4. Financial Performance 20.3.5. Primrose Schools 20.3.5.1. Company Overview 20.3.5.2. Products And Services 20.3.5.3. Strategy 20.3.5.4. Financial Performance 21. Key Mergers And Acquisitions In The Child Day Care Services Market 22. Market Background: Social Assistance Market 22.1. Social Assistance Market Characteristics 22.2. Social Assistance Market Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F Growth, By Segment, Value ($ Billion), Global 22.3. Global Social Assistance Market, 2020, By Region, Value ($ Billion) 22.4. Global Social Assistance Market, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, Historic And Forecast, By Region 22.5. Global Social Assistance Market, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, Segmentation By Type, Value ($ Billion) 23. Recommendations 23.1. Global Child Day Care Services Market In 2025- Growth Countries 23.2. Global Child Day Care Services Market In 2025- Growth Segments 23.3. Global Child Day Care Services Market In 2025- Growth Strategies 24. Appendix 24.1. NAICS Definitions Of Industry Covered In This Report 24.2. Abbreviations 24.3. Currencies 24.4. Research Inquiries 24.5. The Publisher 25. Copyright And Disclaimer For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jvwe1s Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Mental health is now considered a major issue among workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and companies must make efforts to address these concerns. Zarah Hernaez, a certified mental health first aider, emphasized this dilemma since employees are experiencing high level of paranoia with safety concerns in workplaces and transportation going to and from their offices. "The anxiety never really dies down. There's that level of survival that we are all feeling because COVID-19 is still around. That's something that really causes a lot of pain, anxiety, and even depression for a lot of people working," Hernaez told CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Tuesday. Hernaez also encouraged corporate leaders to be conscious in speaking to their employees and prioritize their mental health, amid the pressures of work tasks in this time of pandemic. "Empathetic communication within the organization towards their employees, the leaders downward, is so important right now," she said. Public relations practitioner Cathy Salceda-Ileto urged companies to have a holistic approach in tackling mental health issues among their workers, where they will be allowed to freely communicate their emotions and feelings. "We can create a culture of 'malasakit' and reinforce positive messaging. Put people at the heart of your organization. You have to look into the broad aspects or themes of creating positive employee experiences," Ileto said. To further ease employees' anxiety on being immunized with COVID-19 vaccine, Hernaez said employers must communicate with pharmaceutical firms and government officials to educate workers on the benefits of getting vaccinated. Hernaez added employees must be given a choice, not forced, by the company to be inoculated. If you are in need of mental health support, please call the 24/7 National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at (0917) 899-8727 or (02)7-989-8727 or 1553 (Landline-to-landline only). Coronavirus measures affecting PNP applicants in 2021 An overview of special coronavirus measures among Provincial Nominee Programs that affect prospective immigrants. Coronavirus measures affecting PNP applicants in 2021 An overview of special coronavirus measures among Provincial Nominee Programs that affect prospective immigrants. Coronavirus measures affecting PNP applicants in 2021 An overview of special coronavirus measures among Provincial Nominee Programs that affect prospective immigrants. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Canadian provinces and territories have made adjustments to their immigration programs so that new immigrants can still become permanent residents during the pandemic. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have been operating throughout the coronavirus outbreak, and theres no sign of stopping in 2021 either. These programs serve an important purpose to regional economies. They were designed to fill gaps in the labour market with foreign workers who want to move to Canada. Find out if youre eligible for Canadian immigration PNPs still held immigration draws and issued provincial nominations even amid service closures and travel restrictions in 2020. The federal government supported the provincial programs by holding Express Entry draws where only PNP recipients were invited to apply for permanent residence. Furthermore, Canada is planning to bring in more than 80,000 new immigrants per year through the PNPs according to the new Immigration Levels Plan for 2021-2023. In order to operate during the pandemic, provincial immigration departments had to make temporary adjustments to their normal procedures. Here is a comprehensive list of the coronavirus measures in place for each PNP: The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is still holding weekly immigration draws, however, they are now excluding occupations in hard-hit sectors such as tourism, hospitality, retail and personal services. Some of these occupations include chefs, massage therapists, and travel counsellors among others. The full list of these 31 excluded occupations is available on the BC PNPs August 31 news release. The province makes decisions on which occupations to include in draws based on labour market needs. They will reintroduce these excluded occupations, once they determine that there is an economic need for them. More information is available on B.C.s COVID-19 page. Alberta The federal government is not processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA), for all but 27 occupations in Alberta. Some of these occupations that will be processed include computer engineers, physicians, and graphic designers, among others. LMIAs will also be processed if they were approved under the Global Talent Stream. It is still possible to apply for immigration under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) even if the candidates occupation is on the refusal to process list. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who submitted an application to the Alberta Opportunity Stream on or after November 1, are eligible to apply even if they are not working in an exempt occupation. Alberta Express Entry stream candidates can apply for a provincial nomination regardless of their occupation. More information is available on Albertas COVID-19 page. Saskatchewan The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is now allowing nominees to request a six-month extension to apply for permanent residency to the federal government. Those applying for an SINP immigration stream may get a conditional nomination if the terms of the employment offer from their original application changed due to the coronavirus outbreak. This may happen if the applicant no longer meets the minimum criteria of the SINP category through which they received their nomination. The conditions will need to be met in order for the nominee to get permanent residence. More information is available on Saskatchewans COVID-19 page. Manitoba Prospective immigrants applying for a nomination from the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) will be able to use non-consecutive work experience toward eligibility. In other words, candidates who lost their job and started working again do not have to work for six more consecutive months in order to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest. The MPNP will also accept incomplete occupations, as long as they include an explanation letter. Manitoba will still need all documents in order to assess the application. Documents like paystubs, records of employment, and letters from an employer can support an application where the candidate has been laid off, or if their hours have been reduced. More information is available on Manitobas COVID-19 page. Find out if youre eligible for Canadian immigration Ontario Ontario is another province that will allow candidates to send in incomplete applications, as long as they submit a letter explaining why the application is incomplete. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program ( OINP ) will consider all relevant information when reviewing the application, and may allow candidates to have additional time to send in the required documents. Despite the pandemic, in 2020 Ontario nominated 8,050 immigration candidates for permanent residence, surpassing its allocation for the year by more than 400 nominations. Later this year, Ontario is expected to launch an Expression of Interest system for the Employer Job Offer Category. If they follow through with this plan, it will abolish the rushed-seating model that is currently in place. More details on Ontarios COVID-19 response is available on the provinces news and updates page for 2020. Atlantic Canada New Brunswick is temporarily accepting applications from labourers for the Skilled Worker stream. Also, truck drivers are now only being considered through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot program. Nova Scotia focused on attracting health-care professionals during the pandemic, through the Labour Market Priorities Stream, and the Labour Market Priorities for Physicians stream. In July, 2020, Nova Scotias population reached an all-time high of 979,351, thanks in part to immigration. Prince Edward Island focused on ensuring that immigrants who were already in the province remained on their path to permanent residency. Non-residents of the province currently have to apply in advance to travel to the island. Newfoundland and Labrador is offering a new immigration program for skilled workers. It is specially tailored for graduates of Memorial University, and workers with experience in an in-demand occupation. Territories The Yukon Nominee Program does not require foreign nationals to meet the standard of full-time work hours. Those who get laid off or reduced work hours will not be given the standard 90-day notice to find new employment. The Northwest Territories has a new online portal for immigration applications to be submitted online. Find out if youre eligible for Canadian immigration CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. NEW HAVEN Authorities are investigating the possibility of a bad batch of drugs after two men were found dead in a supply room behind Jacks Bar & Steakhouse at College and Crown streets in what police suspect were overdoses. Assistant Police Chief Karl Jacobson said that while the cause of the two mens deaths have yet to be determined by the state medical examiners office, it appears both died of overdoses, not of any sort of foul play. Mayor Justin Elicker said officials are investigating the possibility that there was a bad batch of drugs, but have seen no evidence so far of other people overdosing in other locations. Typically, what happens is, in addition to the police investigating on the scene, we would monitor other activity and places and very quickly get a sense of whether there are other situations that are related or similar, Elicker said. This is not looking like that right now, Elicker said. ... My understanding is, its likely we would know if there was a bigger problem. Jacobson said police were seeking to determine whether there was a particularly concerning batch of drugs or whether people mistakenly were using a more lethal substance, such as fentanyl. (Were) warning people who use drugs to make sure theyre safe, said Jacobson. Police have not identified the two men who were found dead. Jacobson said they were both in their mid to late 50s. Jacks Bar & Steakhouse owner Marco Siguenza said both men who died, as well as a third man on scene, had been affiliated with the restaurant. One of the men who died was a trainee, while the other was an ex-employee, he said. The third man, who was hospitalized, was a cook at the restaurant for two years, he said. Siguenza said the deceased men were in the storage room, which is two doors down from the main restaurant, when employees returned to reopen for business Monday. They had closed about midnight; the men could have entered anytime between then and 11:30 a.m., he said. He said they were still waiting on answers about what happened from police, who he noted had mentioned the possibility of a bad batch of drugs. Were still confused, said Siguenza. I still have no answers. Elicker said, Theres an ongoing investigation its hard for me to say at this point ... with regard to whether there was anything different that could have been done. More than 1,259 people died of drug overdoses in Connecticut in 2020, according to the state. That was an increase from 2019, when 1,200 people died due to overdoses. Michael Lawlor, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven and a member of the New Haven Board of Police Commissioners, said he had not been given information about the deaths in the city. However, speaking in general and not about the case, Lawlor noted there has been uptick in Connecticut of overdose deaths over the last 10 or so years. This is a trend, he said. Its real and it needs to be dealt with. Lawlor, who is a member of the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council, also noted that New Haven has challenges when dealing with addiction because there many treatment and other services in the city and those seeking the services come here. New Haven is kind of a magnet for people dealing with this, Lawlor said. Its a special challenge. Dr. Mehul Dalal, city community services administrator, said he did not have specific information about the overdoses, but that the citys network of about 30 service providers have been told to be on the lookout for additional cases. While most are not fatal, there are many, many more overdoses that are occurring since the pandemic began, he said. We keep track of it on a weekly basis and information is sent out about where overdoses are occurring, he said. Were trying to do very data-driven, targeted outreach to these locations. Its no surprise that the COVID pandemic has presented a set of conditions in which people who have lost economic opportunity and are in despair sometimes turn to this secondary form of coping, Dalal said. He said the number of overdoses is likely less than twice as high as before the pandemic but did not have totals readily available Tuesday. The social service providers the city works with include the APT Foundation, Sex Workers and Allies Network, the Yale Community Health Care Van, Fair Haven Community Health Care and others that may offer methadone treatment for people with substance use problems. Ultimately, its connection to services and to long-term therapy that will alleviate some of these issues, Dalal said. He said the most common drug involved in overdoses in New Haven is heroin. The main issue is fentanyl and fentanyl-like products that are most involved in fatal overdoses, he said. What were waiting for is specific information about this event and what was involved, he said. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com. Google makes it easier for users to access its popular Photos app and download images, thanks to the company's latest innovation with its Chrome OS system. The tech giant company has decided to integrate Google Photos into Chrome OS's file manager. XDA Developers' latest report stated that the innovation will really be helpful since Chrome OS users are forced to manually download their photos off Google Photos. After that, they need to organize their photos into their file manager. This process takes time and extra effort, especially if you have many files to download. Because of this issue, many users are complaining about it previously. And now, Google seems to have realized that it needs to take a different approach so that users will have an easier workaround on Google Photos. Google's Chrome OS innovation Speculations claimed that Google is working on deeply integrating the Google Photos into the navigation pane of the file manager. This innovation will allow users to quickly access their uploaded photos right from within the file manager. On the other hand, Google's new commits suggest that users will be able to view their Google Photos when choosing files in the file picker. Here's the code; Also Read: Google One Membership Benefits Include Pixel-Exclusive Photo and Video Editing Features [filesapp] Only show Photos volume in the file picker Google Photos volume should only be shown when picking files in ChromeOS, and hidden when browsing or picking files in ARC. BUG=1170198 Meanwhile, another Google's commit reveals the company's additional welcome banner for Google Photos; [filesapp] Add a welcome banner for Android Photos Show a welcome banner for the Android Photos DocumentsProvider volume. The banner is shown up to 3 times unless dismissed. BUG=1171651 Analysts confirmed that these codes show that Google will soon let users browse, as well as choose their recently uploaded photos right from the file manager. The shortcut icon of Google Photos shows up on the navigation pane after the user downloads the app on their ChromeOS gadget. Downloading an album in Google Photos Since the new Chrome OS update is not yet released, here's the exact guide you can use to install an album in Google Photos, as explained by ALPHR. Open Safari on your iPhone and go to your Google Dashboard. You will see the list of all the Google Services you use, including Google Photos. Tap on the downward arrow next to Google Photos. The dashboard will show exactly how many photos and albums you have. Tap on the three vertical dots at the bottom of that window and select "Download Data." You will be redirected to Google Takeout. There you can tap on the "All photo albums included" option. Select albums from a specific year or a particular album, and tap OK. Tap on "Next Step" and proceed to choose file type and size. You can select either zip or tgz file. Finally, tap on "Create Export." For more news updates about Google's innovations on its applications and other services, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Google Photos' New Video Editing Tools Will Change Your Experience, But Some May Not be Able to Access It This article is owned by TechTimes. Written by: Giuliano de Leon. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Delhi Court has taken cognisance of a charge sheet filed against former JNU Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others in the 2016 sedition case Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Pankaj Sharma has summoned them on March 15. The cognisance has been taken exactly one year after the Delhi government granted sanction to the Delhi Police to prosecute the accused. Besides Kanhaiya, others include former JNU students Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, Kashmiri students Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rassol, Bashir Bhat and Basharat Ali. On February 9, 2016, "anti-national" slogans were allegedly raised at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus during a programme called to protest against the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru on his death anniversary. The 1,200-page charge sheet states that the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) retrieved the SMS sent by Umar Khalid to Kanhaiya Kumar to arrive at Sabarmati Dhaba, JNU, as their permission (to hold the protest) had been cancelled by the University administration. The final pages of the charge sheet also confirm the presence of Kashmiri students during the protest and that they were in contact with Umar Khalid. The news comes as Bill Gates urged rich nations to only consume alternative meat to help with the climate emergency 3D-printed steaks producer Redefine Meat Ltd. has raised US$29mln in an A-series funding round to expand its menu offering and support this years commercial launch. The Israeli startup, founded in 2018, is planning to expand internationally once it will complete a large-scale production facility later this year. Its patented technology creates what it defines as "craveable" animal-free meat using industrial 3D printers. The company relies on plant-based ingredients and technology instead of animals, so it claims that its alt-meat is 95% more sustainable, significantly healthier and cheaper than beef. The founding round was led by Happiness Capital and Hanaco Ventures joined by CPT Capital, an alternative protein investor and early supporter of Redefine Meat. It comes as Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates urged rich nations to only consume alternative meat to help with the climate emergency. "I don't think the poorest 80 countries will be eating synthetic beef. I do think all rich countries should move to 100% synthetic beef," he told the MIT Technology Review magazine. Cattle and other ruminants are major producers of greenhouse gas methane, which is a driver of global warming in the long term. "We are thrilled to have concluded this round of funding with such a unique and diverse group of highly experienced, professional investors who share our vision," said Eshchar Ben-Shitrit, chief executive and co-founder of Redefine Meat. "This funding, which was concluded faster and better than we could have imagined a year ago, is a major step towards becoming the world's biggest alternative meat company by 2030." Plant-based protein is gaining more and more ground with consumers. According to ING Economics, the plant-based alternatives market in the EU and the UK will be worth 7.5bn (6.6bn) by 2025, compared to 4.4bn (3.9bn) in 2019. --Adds Bill Gates quote-- Mumbai, Feb 16 : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat early on Tuesday morning met National Award winning Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty at his residence, triggering speculation in political circles. Bhagwat, 70, called on Chakraborty at his bungalow in suburban Madh area of Malad west, fuelling theories of the star's comeback to active politics after a five-year hiatus. However, the 70-year actor scotched all rumours of his return to politics but added that Bhagwat, whom he recently met in Uttar Pradesh, had paid him a return visit. Earlier, the duo also met in Nagpur, where the RSS headquarters are located. "Do not speculate, I and Bhagwat have a spiritual connect. We had met in Lucknow and I had requested him to visit me whenever he visited Mumbai," Chakraborty said. The meeting comes ahead of the Election Commission of India's plans to announce the West Bengal Assembly elections. A former All India Trinamool Congress Party Rajya Sabha MP, who quit in 2016, Chakraborty hails from West Bengal and remains popular among the masses in his home state. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text " " Polish fried donuts, or paczki, are seen in a window display at a bakery in Warsaw, Poland. People in Poland eat paczki, fried donuts filled with cream or jam, on Fat Thursday to mark the last Thursday before the start of Lent. Xinhua/Jaap Arriens/Getty Images You might think you've eaten a good pastry or two in your life, but you really haven't truly lived until you've tried a paczek (plural: paczki, pronounced "pawnch-kee" or "poonch-key"). This round Polish donut is a warm, fluffy treat associated closely with the pre-Lent religious holiday Fat Tuesday, or the Tuesday that falls before Ash Wednesday every year. And, let's face it Mardi Gras wouldn't be Mardi Gras without it. Advertisement How Do You Make Paczki? The word paczek roughly means 'bud,' likely referring to its round shape, which is practically bursting at the seams with filling. Rose filling (and sometimes fried rose buds) is a component of a traditional paczek. "It's got sugar, butter, eggs and savory flowers," says Sandy Bakic, whose parents became owners of the New Martha Washington Bakery in greater Detroit in 1973, where she's been working since she was a teenager. The sweet treat is made of yeasty dough and comes covered in an icy glaze or powdered sugar. It also typically contains some type of cheesy cream or fruit-based filling, like cannoli cream or marmalade. Typical flavors include raspberry, strawberry, apricot and rose. "My favorite filling in paczki is apricots," Bakic says. Making the dough is a painstaking labor of love, which Bakic describes as a "lengthy process." "You make the big balls of dough. Then you wait till they rise. Then you make smaller individual paczki, then you let those rise, and then you fry them," Bakic says. Although Bakic says that you could opt for a non-traditional paczki without filling, you'd really be missing out on the true flavors of the dessert. "We sell a lot more filled paczki than non-filled," she says. Advertisement The History of Paczki Paczki originated in Poland in the Middle Ages, but became more commonplace in the U.S. in the 20th century as Polish immigrants populated urban centers and brought their food traditions with them. Paczki evolved from a Polish pastry into a Midwestern regional treat. "I read that every Polish person eats 2.5 paczki on Fat Thursday," said Bart Kolatek, the second-generation owner of Kolatek's Bakery & Deli, in a 2020 interview with Chicago PBS affiliate WTTW. Each year, tens of thousands of people in Polish-heavy communities in the midwestern U.S., such as Chicago and Detroit, flock to local bakeries to purchase the confection on Fat Tuesday, also informally known as "Paczki Day" or "Polish Mardis Gras." Some people also celebrate the event on the previous Thursday, known as "Fat Thursday." As Bob Dombrowski wrote in his book, "Paczki Day," paczki's association with the pre-Lent holiday Fat Tuesday stems from the Ash Wednesday religious ritual, which marks the beginning of Lent. At the approach of Lent, which requires giving up something often a favorite food Polish families would combine any excess sugar, flour and jam, which is how they came up with paczki. Bakic's family is of Serbian origin from the former Yugoslavia, and they immigrated to the U.S. in 1969. But they still use the recipes provided by the original Polish owners. According to Bakic, the Polish man who had opened the bakery passed away, but his wife entrusted his recipes to the Bakic family. "She gave them to me. And they were the same recipes that we have been using all along," says Bakic. "This is a Polish bakery. We've had the pleasure and privilege to work with all the old-time Polish bakers," she adds. Although Bakic is aware of the donut's religious associations, for her, the treat holds a greater cultural significance than a religious one. As a child, Bakic grew up eating sweet treats like paczki in her Serbian household, which she would eat "as soon as they came out of the kettle." "[In] the European countries, whether you come from Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic, our grandmas made these scrumptious little treats, just before Lent," Bakic says. Advertisement Are Paczki Donuts? Bakeries and websites typically describe this sweet treat as a Polish donut. Indeed, donuts and paczki share many similarities, from the familiar round doughy shape to the glaze on top. But, technically, the donut has an entirely separate American history, having been brought to the states by the Dutch or the English, long before the arrival of Polish immigrants. Some bakers feel that it's better to just leave donuts as donuts, and call paczki by their real name. "It is not a donut; it is a European treat," Bakic says. Advertisement Paczki Is Also a Dyngus Day Staple If you missed out on Paczki Day this year, fret not. There are plenty more opportunities to chow down on this delicious pastry, including the Polish religious holiday Dyngus Day, which takes place in Polish communities every year on the Monday following Easter. During Dyngus Day, revelers play music, dress up in the red and white colors of the Polish flag, and, of course, eat paczki. Buffalo, New York even bills itself as the "Dyngus Day capital of the world." And, of course, if you're a talented baker, you can make paczki year-round, provided you're up for the challenge. "You have to be basically a master baker to know the chain from measuring to mixing, because when [you] get them frying, the next batch has to be ready to get fried," Bakic says. "Otherwise, you'll never have enough paczki." Now That's Interesting According to Michal Korkosz's cookbook, "Fresh from Poland," here's the description of the perfect paczki: "A perfect donut should be still warm and very fluffy, well-fried but not burnt, and with a bright stripe around the center. The glaze should glitter and stick to your fingers." AUSTIN, Texas A frigid blast of winter weather across the U.S. plunged Texas into an unusually icy emergency Monday that knocked out power for more than 2 million people, shut down grocery stores and air travel and sent cars skidding on dangerously snowy and slick roads. The worsening conditions halted the delivery of new COVID-19 vaccine shipments. Massive power outages across Houston included a facility storing 8,000 doses of Moderna vaccine, and health officials scrambled to find takers at the same time authorities were pleading for people to stay home. Temperatures nosedived into the single-digits as far south as San Antonio, and homes that had already been without electricity for hours had no certainty about when the lights and heat would come back on, as the states overwhelmed power grid throttled into rotating blackouts that are typically only seen in 100-degree Fahrenheit summers. The storm was part of a massive system that brought snow, sleet and freezing rain to the southern Plains and was spreading across the Ohio Valley and to the Northeast. The Southwest Power Pool, a group of utilities across 14 states, called for rolling outages because the supply of reserve energy had been exhausted. Some utilities said they were starting blackouts, while others urged customers to reduce power usage. Were living through a really historic event going on right now, said Jason Furtado, a professor of meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, pointing to all of Texas under a winter storm warning and the extent of the freezing temperatures. In Houston, where county leaders had warned that the freeze could create problems on the scale of massive hurricanes that slam the Gulf Coast, one electric provider said power may not be restored to some homes until Tuesday. More than 500 people were hunkering down at one shelter, but Mayor Sylvester Turner said other warming centers had to be shut down because those locations, too, lost power. State officials said soaring demand and cold weather knocking some power stations offline had pushed Texas system beyond the limits. This weather event, its really unprecedented. We all living here know that, said Dan Woodfin, senior director of system operations at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. He defended preparations made by grid operators and described the demand on the system as record-setting. This event was well beyond the design parameters for a typical, or even an extreme, Texas winter that you would normally plan for. And so that is really the result that were seeing, Woodfin said. The largest grocery store chain in Texas, H-E-B, closed locations around Austin and San Antonio, cities that are unaccustomed to snow and have little resources to clear roads. The slow thaw and more frigid lows ahead was also taking a toll on Texas distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. State health officials said Texas, which was due to receive more than 400,000 additional vaccine doses this week, now does not expect deliveries to occur until at least Wednesday. The weather also put existing vaccine supply in jeopardy. Rice University on Monday abruptly began offering vaccines on its closed Houston campus after Harris Health System told the school it had about 1,000 vaccines that were going to go to waste, said Doug Miller, a university spokesman. The window was just a couple hours. They have to take care of it quickly, Miller said. A wrecker crew works to remove a car from the median of Interstate55 in McComb, Miss., on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. A winter storm dropping snow and ice also sent temperatures plunging across the southern Plains. (Matt Williamson/The Enterprise-Journal via AP)AP A Harris County Public Health facility storing the vaccines lost power between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Monday and its backup generator also failed, said Rafael Lemaitre, a spokesman for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. Caught without enough groceries on hand, Lauren Schneider, a 24-year-old lab technician, walked to a Dallas grocery store near her home Monday morning dressed in a coat, hat and face mask. Schneider said she didnt feel comfortable driving with the roads covered in snow and ice. She said she hadnt seen a serious snowfall in Dallas since her childhood. I really didnt think its would be this serious, said Schneider. Teresa and Luke Fassetta, trundling through the snow carrying grocery bags, said the store lost power while they were shopping. The couple said they lost power overnight, then got it back around 9 a.m., and they were hoping it would still be on when they arrived home. If not, Teresa said, we just have a bunch of blankets and candles and two cats to keep us warm. Several cities in the U.S. saw record lows as Arctic air remained over the central part of the country. In Minnesota, the Hibbing/Chisholm weather station registered minus 38 degrees Fahrenheit, while Sioux Falls, South Dakota, dropped to minus 26 Fahrenheit. In Kansas, where wind chills dropped to as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 34 degrees Celsius) in some areas, Gov. Laura Kelly declared a state of disaster. Most government offices and schools were closed for Presidents Day, and authorities pleaded with residents to stay home. Louisiana State Police reported that it had investigated nearly 75 weather-related crashes caused by a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain in the past 24 hours. We already have some accidents on our roadways, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said during a morning news conference. It is slick and it is dangerous. Air travel was also affected. By midmorning, 3,000 flights had been canceled across the country, about 1,600 of them at Dallas/Fort Worth International and Bush Intercontinental airports in Texas. At DFW, the temperature was 4 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius) 3 degrees colder than Moscow. In Houston, officials said Bush Intercontinental Airport runways would remain closed until at least 1 p.m. Tuesday, a day longer than previously expected. Vehicles drive on snow and sleet covered roads Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, in Spring, Texas. A winter storm dropping snow and ice sent temperatures plunging across the southern Plains, prompting a power emergency in Texas a day after conditions canceled flights and impacted traffic across large swaths of the U.S. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)AP The storm arrived over a three-day holiday weekend that has seen the most U.S. air travel since the period around New Years. More than 1 million people went through airport security checkpoints on Thursday and Friday. However, that was still less than half the traffic of a year ago, before the pandemic hit with full force. The southern Plains had been gearing up for the winter weather for the better part of the weekend. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for all of the states 254 counties. Abbott, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson each activated National Guard units to assist state agencies with tasks including rescuing stranded drivers. President Joe Biden also declared an emergency in Texas in a statement Sunday night. The declaration is intended to add federal aid to state and local response efforts. ___ Paul J. Weber and Jake Bleiberg of The Associated Press wrote this story. Bleiberg reported from Dallas. Associated Press journalists David Koenig in Dallas, Juan A. Lozano in Houston, Rebecca Reynolds Yonker in Louisville, Ky., Kate Brumback in Atlanta, Margaret Stafford in Liberty, Mo., and Amy Forliti in Minneapolis contributed to this report. MONTREAL - Air Canada's acquisition of Transat AT Inc. is up in the air after Canada's largest airline said it will not allow more time for the deal to go through. Air Transat and Air Canada aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson MONTREAL - Air Canada's acquisition of Transat AT Inc. is up in the air after Canada's largest airline said it will not allow more time for the deal to go through. The acquisition was set to be completed by Feb. 15, but since the deal has not yet received approval from the European Union, both parties now have the right to terminate the agreement at any time, Transat said in a statement Tuesday morning. "Transat and Air Canada are continuing their discussions regarding potential amendments to the arrangement agreement that may be required," Transat said. Despite the discussions, there is no guarantee that any new agreement will be reached, or that the existing one will not be terminated altogether, Transat said. The transaction had previously been approved by the Canadian government on Feb. 11. As of the end of the trading day Tuesday, Transat's stock was down 7.8 per cent to $4.85 on the S&P/TSX composite index, while Air Canada shares were up 4.9 per cent to $23.42. "The agreement remains in place unless and until either party terminates it," Air Canada spokeswoman Pascale Dery said. "There is no update to provide and ... our ability to discuss the transaction is limited by various confidentiality, governance, contractual and other considerations." Air Canada's decision not to extend the date for the transaction comes amid an uncertain and rapidly changing business environment for the airline industry. Canada's airlines recently suspended all flights to Mexico and the Caribbean until April 30 at the request of the federal government, in addition to a mandatory hotel quarantine for air travellers entering Canada, which goes into effect on Feb. 22. The restrictions further hampered travel demand and forced widespread layoffs and route cuts. Transat, for its part, has suspended virtually all of its operations until April 30. Calin Rovinescu, Air Canada's CEO and president until his retirement earlier this week, said during the company's most recent earnings call on Feb. 12 that he was encouraged by signs of progress in talks between the industry and the federal government regarding a bailout for the airline sector. Rovinescu also said that he expected the federal government to roll out a co-ordinated testing program at airports that would replace some aspects of the current quarantine measures. Benoit Poirier, an analyst for Desjardins, said the update about the agreement was negative for Transat, despite the possibility that other interested buyers could approach the company with offers. "At this time, it is difficult to gauge Air Canadas commitment/engagement regarding the proposed transaction as market conditions have deteriorated over the last months," Poirier wrote in a memo Tuesday. In January, Transat disclosed that it had received a separate offer from the investment firm of Quebecor Inc. CEO Pierre Karl Peladeau, although Transat's board preferred the Air Canada offer. This past weekend, Peladeau addressed the deal in a post on Facebook, calling on Transat to reach an agreement with his firm. "I want to take over Transat so that Quebecers can continue to benefit from the choice that competition provides," Peladeau wrote. The president and chief executive of WestJet Airlines Ltd., Ed Sims, has criticized the federal government's approval of the deal between Air Canada and Transat, arguing that it would significantly reduce competition and have a negative impact on consumers. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:AC; TSX: TRZ) [MUSIC PLAYING] ezra klein Im Ezra Klein, and this is The Ezra Klein Show. I dont want to ruin too much of this show by summarizing it at the top. Heather McGhee, who is my guest and the author of the wonderful and really important new book, The Sum of Us, explains all of it better than I can. So Im going to let her do it. But I do want to share a connection this conversation made for me that I wish Id made before I walked into it. And so maybe youll get more out of it having this earlier than I did. A few years ago, I interviewed a psychologist named Lisa Feldman Barrett, and she had written this really great book about how the mind generates emotions. And her argument is that emotions are metaphors that apply to sensory data. Depending on which metaphors our society has given us, we will interpret the same sensory data in different ways. So if you believe yourself to be an anxious person or your society talks about anxiety a lot, youll likely interpret a speedy heart rate, a bit of stomach churning as anxiety, a bad thing. I know Ive done this quite a bit. But another person in another context might feel the same feelings as anticipation or excitement. She tells this funny story about being on a date and thinking it wasnt going well that the conversation was lame, that the guy was lame. But at the same time, she was flushed and her heart rate was sped up and she felt these butterflies in her stomach, and so she thought, I must be wrong. There must be some real primal connection here. But it just turned out she had food poisoning. Her brain had a story, a metaphor. It knew how to apply to those sensory feelings. And so then it got what those feelings met wrong. Our brains are prediction machines, and sometimes they predict incorrectly. Something that I took from this conversation with Heather is that the same thing happens on a societal level. If we grow up in a society cut up by racism, told again and again that our relationships, our policies are zero-sum, that if those people over there are going to progress, its going to come at our expense, that metaphor will lodge in us. Well become used to interpreting the data of this world in a zero-sum way. And so a society that needs to tell that zero-sum story again and again and again to justify racial hierarchy and oppression, to justify ill-gotten gains, will also become used to seeing the world through that lens. And so we will deprive ourselves all of us of so many opportunities to advance together, because we are so used to fearing that any other groups gain will mean our loss. But even outside that specific outcome, its just worth thinking about this whole conversation in terms of the deep stories we tell ourselves and the way that trains our mind to think, the way that trains our mind to interpret. When we are useful looking at things one way, we will look at almost everything that way. Well be quick to impose that story on the world around us. And if thats a bad story, a story of scarcity rather than abundance, of zero-sum rather than positive-sum interactions, then that is a world well get. In many cases, that is a world America has now. As always, my email is ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com. Im always interested to know who youd like to see on the show next or what you think of the show. Just send me your suggestions, your feedback. Heres Heather McGhee. So the metaphor at the center of the book is this idea of the drained public pool. But I want to start in the reality of the drained public pool. Tell me about that. heather mcghee So in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, America went on this building boom across the country of this novel thing which was the grand, resort-style, public pool. It was a tangible symbol of government largesse and commitment to the kind of high, leisure-filled quality of life that would become the American dream. It was a melting pot, almost literally. It was a part of the Americanization project of bringing white ethnic communities together to have shared recreation. There was a sense that the new America of the 20th century, the early 20th century, needed this kind of public investment to cohere a national identity and improve everyones quality of life. And there were over 2,000 in the United States, and many of them were for whites only and segregated, as were most of the public benefits at the time. Then in the 1950s and 60s, civil rights advocates in Black communities started arguing that their tax dollars had funded these grand public pools, and therefore, they should be allowed to swim too. And thats when white towns got really creative. In order to avoid integrating the public pools, they sold them to private entities for $1. They wouldnt provide them in a public way anymore. And then ultimately, in order to avoid integrating them, many of these towns drained their public swimming pools rather than let Black families swim too. So of course, the white families lost a public resource as well. The Black families never knew the glory days of the well-funded public pool. We started seeing backyard pools crop up around the country and these private members-only swimming clubs over 100 of them in the D.C. area alone after pool integration these private clubs that you had to pay. And it was a tangible example, like of course, massive resistance to Brown in Virginia, where they closed dozens of public schools, where once the idea of the public included people of color, not only was the public no longer good, but white people didnt want public goods at all. ezra klein Its such a powerful visual. So you went to one of these pools, and they literally poured concrete in it. heather mcghee Mm-hmm. Yeah. ezra klein I mean, they destroyed something they loved. heather mcghee Yeah. I traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, where Oak Park is still there, but the pool that was the center of the park in the middle of Montgomery was filled in, seeded over with grass by the time the next summer came along, and you see this wide expanse rimmed with oak trees now. I actually collected a handful of the acorns from these oak trees just as a reminder of how recent this phenomenon was, and how it can regenerate if were not careful these seeds of this exclusion and dispossession. They closed in Montgomery the Parks and Recreation Department for a decade, from 1959 to 1969. So they sold off the animals to the zoo. They had no Parks and Recreation Department at all for a decade of the 1960s. And when they reopened the system, they never recreated the pool. They never rebuilt the pool. ezra klein So I want to hold here for a couple of minutes and talk about the psychology. I think it is easy to listen to something like this and say, well, thats in the before days. heather mcghee Yep. ezra klein But 1969 is not 6,000 years ago. My parents were alive. My brother would be born in a couple of years. That is in living memory. So I want to talk about the psychology that would lead white people to brick over their own public goods rather than share them. At that moment in 1959, when you have leaders in Montgomery, Alabama white leaders closing their Park Department, telling their own children, there will be no pool for you to go to how do they see themselves as doing the right thing for their children, for themselves? The book, both in this metaphor and in everything else were going to talk about, is about this idea that this mindset leads to not just Black people getting less, but white people getting less. And it literalizes right here. So how are they the heroes of their own story? heather mcghee The story that allows them to be heroes by cutting off their noses despite their face, for example, is a story in which Black people have a poverty that is contagious that Black people are both physically unclean and dangerous, more prone to violence, and so would therefore be threatening to the little kids and the heaven forbid women in bathing suits. Theres a sexualized stereotype around hypersexual Black masculinity, that we cant have our white women being anywhere near Black men. But there is also the idea, I think, on a deeper level that when generations of white people have been the beneficiaries of these invisible government benefits from the Homestead Act, the G.I. Bill, that have created an actual economic superiority over Black people, that idea reifies the idea that theres something innately superior about white people. And so the way I made sense of it was, if youve been taught for generations to disdain and distrust a group of people and exclude them from the circle of human belonging, from citizenship, from economic inclusion, from schools, from unions the list goes on neighborhoods, mortgage markets, and then suddenly the same government that was the purveyor of all of that, the government that wrote into its housing codes, do not sell to Black people or we will not give you money that same government almost on a dime said, OK, now you have to swim with those people. You have to go to school with those people. It was a level of betrayal to the white consciousness that made white people want to disengage from a collective that was no longer trustworthy. ezra klein You and I grew up in a similar milieu in politics, in this policy analysts world in D.C. And you were at Demos, and I was at The American Prospect, which at a certain point merged together for a time. And something you talk about is a realization as that work continued looking at table after table showing how a tax plan or a student debt plan or a health plan would benefit different groups, that there was this myth at the core of policy analysis that what people are trying to do in politics is pursue their economic self-interest. And when you look at examples like this one but so much that well talk about here, so much in the Trump era, so much in modern politics too, you just endlessly watch that disproven. You just endlessly watch that narrow distributional table way of measuring what is in somebodys self-interest fail. So when you look at these stories, how do you understand political self-interest? heather mcghee Youre right that in many ways, I left the think tank world in order to set out on the three-year journey it took for me to write The Sum of Us, because I felt like the way the progressive economic orthodoxy was understanding economic self-interest and what was driving people and how to make change the idea that we could study the problem, put the numbers in front of decision makers, and of course, everybody would benefit that all seemed very flawed to me, particularly after the election of Donald Trump. What I understand now is that much more than a material self-interest is a status self-interest is a self-interest particularly in a society as hierarchical as ours, as brutally hierarchical as ours. Being in the middle or on the top of that hierarchy is more important than $7 more an hour for you, is more important than $10,000 off of your student loan bill, is more important than things like taking action to address climate change. All of these obvious self-interest issues have been filtered through a racialized zero-sum story the idea that progress for people of color has to come at the expense of white people. That is, more than anything I discovered, the major stumbling block to progress in America. ezra klein So I want to look at some of the policy areas this plays out today, because I think its important to say this really clearly drained pools is by no means the most consequential example of drained pool politics. And so I actually want to begin with Medicaid expansion after the Affordable Care Act. You cite a study in the book which found that as the percent of the Black population increases, the likelihood of Medicaid adoption in a state decreases. Tell me about that. heather mcghee So I look at the racialized history of our unique-among-advanced-economies unwillingness to provide universal health care, and its just overwhelming, the evidence. From the very beginning, Truman tried to have a national health insurance plan. The segregationist Dixiecrats in his party opposed it. And then, of course, to Obamacare and Medicaid expansion. I actually didnt realize until I began researching the book that white Americans are pretty vehemently opposed to Obamacare and have been. Support for it has never reached over 50 percent. Its still an unpopular plan among white Americans, even though if you break down the individual policies, white Americans are supportive of it. But if you think about Medicaid expansion, which is still a fraught battle we still have a dozen states that have refused to expand Medicaid. And as soon as, not incidentally, a states rights theory was used to knock down the Medicaid expansion that should have been universal across 50 states, you had a new Mason-Dixon line of states mostly in the old Confederacy that refused to expand Medicaid. And I looked at a bunch of the research that really showed the racialization of health care opinion, and I go to Texas, which is the state with the highest uninsured in the population. It is the state with the highest number of rural hospital closings. And these are hospitals that are the lifeblood of these mostly rural, conservative, largely white towns, and they are closing. And a significant degree of the closure is because of unpaid bills by people who should be eligible for Medicaid. But the Texas political class the overwhelmingly white, overwhelmingly male political class in Texas is absolutely opposed to expanding Medicaid. And the idea that I heard from the advocates on the ground was that the idea of Medicaid has become a dog whistle for Black people. Even the Latino community in Texas there were many people who said, its not something we want, because after 40 years of being told that public benefits are only for degraded poor people, you dont want any part of that. Admitting that you need Medicaid is admitting that you were on the bottom of this social hierarchy that youre going to work like hell to rise above. ezra klein So I remember covering this. I covered the Affordable Care Act closely. And there are two things about this that always stick in my mind. One is that the Medicaid expansion, even with the Supreme Court decision allowing states to opt out it was built to be such an extraordinarily good deal for the states. The federal government paid 100 percent of the cost for the first three years, and then it was 90-10 after that. Medicaid is usually a much closer match between the federal government and state governments. The federal government was backing up dump trucks of health care money into these red states, and these red states are saying no. But then the consequences are deadly. So a 2019 study by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities found that Medicaid expansion saved 19,000 lives from 2014 to 2017, and state decisions not to expand cost 15,600 premature deaths over the same period. And to state the unbelievably obvious, a lot of those are white people. This isnt just not being able to swim in a pool. This is your mother may die, your friend may die its shocking. heather mcghee Its shocking. Its very upsetting. I did talk to health care advocates who could easily recall people they knew who had died because of a lack of health care coverage. And these are the stakes. This is why I felt the need to write a book making this somewhat controversial argument that racism has a cost for everyone. Because when we continue to allow the zero-sum story, the idea that progress for one group comes at the expense of another, its a lie that we are buying into, and its a costly lie. I talk about health care in the book. I talk about the lives lost for our unwillingness to in a way, it is swimming in the same pool, Ezra. Its the same risk pool. Its the same health insurance pool. Actually, insurers use the word pool. ezra klein The wonk is coming out with that pun. [LAUGHTER] Swimming in the same risk pool. heather mcghee Thats right. But I mean, deep must that zero-sum story be to have white Americans, the majority of whom have voted against the party of the New Deal that largely built the white middle class since that party also expanded to become the party of civil rights too theyre cheering the gutting of public investments that they, in fact, would benefit from. And yet ever since integration, we have had white political majority that has cheered on the cutting of the social safety net, the ratcheting down of welfare to virtual meaninglessness, and the attacks on unions. ezra klein So one of the things Im going to want to push on during this conversation is some questions of causality. And so one here is about whether or not this reflects a often counterproductive human belief in certain forms of zero-sum fairness or racism directly. So there are all kinds of studies and experiments in which if people feel somebody else is getting something that is unfair, they will make it so they and everyone else get less in order to keep it from that person getting more. My colleague, Sarah Kliff were both at The New York Times now, but back then, we were at Vox she did this extraordinary reporting trip to Kentucky early in the Trump era. And she was going and looking at and talking to white people in Kentucky, poor white people who were benefiting from the Affordable Care Act but were supporting Donald Trump and supporting a Republican Party that wanted to repeal it. She got a bunch of explanations, but one thing she kept finding was anger and resentment that the slightly better-off working class white people had towards the slightly poorer white people, because they were paying premiums in the exchanges, and the slightly poorer white people were not paying premiums for Medicaid. They felt the poorer white people were getting too much for nothing. So is this just a racialized phenomenon, or is this a deeper thing in which this idea that somebody else is getting more than we are when were the ones who deserve more than they get just fouls up politics everywhere and always? heather mcghee The zero-sum story I go back in the book to the beginning where did we get the zero-sum story? Its not an obvious thing. Its not an obvious belief system. Its not a natural sense of group competition, and its more widely held among white people than other people. And so I went back to the founding and the pre-founding of this country and showed how it was used to justify the first economic policies of this country, which were stolen people, stolen land, and stolen labor. That zero-sum racial hierarchy created the scaffolding. I do believe that since its so aggressively marketed to white people through the lens of racial hierarchy, its very clear to me that a white person can feel that way about other white people as well, that resentment and that desire to distinguish among the various small gradations on this ladder of human value. But its that ladder of human value that was first mapped onto the American psyche as a racialized project. Though disdain and distrust that particularly white Americans have for people who are poor is a very racialized view its the idea that theres something inherently wrong with people who dont have enough money. Its also of course, the whole thing is very rich. When you say that people are so resentful of people getting things in an unfair way, I mean, thats what the entirety of the white spoils system has been in this country. And those same people are not resentful of white privilege. Those same people are not resentful of the history, which frankly, many of them were taught not to know and worked very hard not to know of all of the litany of free stuff that was given by the government to create the white middle class. And so I do think its related the idea of resentment at some idea that somebody is getting something else and the way that we cling as Americans to whatever our rung is on this brutal hierarchical ladder. ezra klein So I want to try to draw out more this psychological model youre suggesting here. So human beings are born, and were pretty malleable in the way we can understand society working. There have been lots of different ways society has been composed going way, way, way back through the ages, and lots of different ways theyre composed around the world now. So its obvious to me looking at some of these studies that we all have a tendency to be willing to either be altruistic and believe we should be helping each other, or to be pulled towards a selfish, zero-sum, angry, resentful I have a toddler, and I will see this just flipping every couple of hours depending on mood. And so what youre saying is that in a society riven by racism, more of a story that gets people thinking in a zero-sum resentful way is told and told and retold and retold. And if I understand you, it falls within particular power. Thats why people say, look at Black people. But its a way you have structured your thinking so that it also becomes natural for you to think of other white people this way, people of other social classes this way, maybe people of other countries this way. That once this model of this is the right way to understand your competition with others takes hold in your brain, its an easy metaphor to start applying everywhere. And so these things that maybe have a beginning in the need to construct and sustain this racial caste system begin to be applied more broadly over time. Is that true to how you think about it, or am I getting that story wrong? heather mcghee No, I think that is right. When you create this hierarchy of human value, and you feel that there are only so many rungs on that ladder, and if someone gets on your rung, that means you have nowhere to go but down that can apply to immigrants, different kinds of immigrants over different time, that can apply to women coming into the workforce, et cetera. But I will say that for me, it was important to note that the zero-sum racial hierarchy is a story that has been relentlessly packaged and marketed and sold by people who benefit the most from the economic status quo. It is not something that is a predominant white working class idea on its own. Everything we believe comes from a story weve been told. And whether its Rupert Murdoch and the desire for a billionaire to have a propaganda mechanism where the zero-sum story is really the core narrative that finds a new example every hour to the person with the biggest bull horn in the world for four years, to Donald Trump, and everything in between, the conservative orthodoxy around makers and takers and freeloaders and taxpayers and Reagans shifting of the narrative of what was wrong with Black people from white oppression to cultures of Black poverty all of that is a story that political and economic elites have sold for their own profit to a white majority that then continues to vote for their perceived racial interest instead of their class interest with Brown and Black Americans who are often struggling from the same economic challenges. ezra klein I always think of Donald Trump in this model, because Trump is somebody who I think you really see had a temperament oriented towards this kind of zero-sum thinking, and then applied it to everything despite being at the very top of the ladder. I mean, hes somebody who was racist, but also his understanding, as far as I could tell, of all relationships between America and other countries was that we were either winning or losing the transaction. His understanding of all business deals was he was either winning the deal or he was losing the deal. His understanding of all human relations was he was either winning and dominating or losing and being made weak. And it always struck me in him and in its appeal to people that it is actually, sadly, much harder to make people think about the ways in which a world can be positive-sum, the ways in which a deal can benefit both sides simultaneously, than the ways in which it can be zero-sum. And so theres this real danger of people who have either felt this or seen this or oriented towards it, and then that becomes the only way they can think about life. heather mcghee Yeah. I mean, I do my best in the book to try to find examples time and time again that give lie to the idea of the zero-sum not only enumerating the costs of racism to white people, to widen the aperture that has completely unwittingly and not at all with anything but positive intent communicated a story in recent years of white privilege that suggests that racism is good for white people, so maybe they should actually keep it. If Im told all the time that racism is to my benefit, the only thing I have to make me want to join with racial justice advocates to fight against racism is a sense of self-sacrifice. And at a time of widening insecurity, thats not enough. Its also not true. I mean, we hit on the formula in this country for making broadly-shared prosperity for the masses. And we walked away from it because of racism. That is more clear to me now than ever. And you get reports coming out every six months it seems from Citigroup this summer saying that weve lost nearly $20 trillion in economic output because of the racial-economic divides over the past 20 years. Or the Federal Reserve Bank just this past week a report saying we lost $2 trillion in economic output in 2019 because of the economic gaps between white men and everybody else. Its no way to run a country. Were leaving some of our best players on the sidelines. [MUSIC PLAYING] ezra klein So you mentioned earlier that if you look at public opinion about the Affordable Care Act just among white people, it has never been popular. Though the Affordable Care Act is now above 50 percent in polling, it is not above 50 percent among white people. I mean, if you at, say, votes for Donald Trump, Donald Trump would have won if only white people voted. And one way of reading this that I see sometimes, its just like, white people are conservative. But something that you draw out, and that you see, I think, if you look at Europe, is that that is a reaction to Americas particular history with race and its racial divide. So theres obviously nothing genetic about white people that causes them to favor these politics, or else Canada would not have a universal health care system, the UK wouldnt have it, Denmark wouldnt have it, Switzerland wouldnt have it. In other places, white people do not have the politics that white people in America have. heather mcghee Mm-hmm. Thats exactly right. Everything we believe comes from a story weve been told, and the story that has been aggressively marketed to white Americans has been that there is something so wrong with Black and brown people that you dont want to be in collaboration with or in solidarity with them or else that reflects on you. There is a hierarchy of human value. Youd better fight like heck to maintain your position in that hierarchy. I think its really important not to even inadvertently communicate that theres some sort of biological basis for these group-identity-related psychologies. I talk about it in terms of the slogan thats become very popular in some places on the left. Trust Black women. Im a Black woman. I want you to trust me. I want to trust Stacey Abrams. I want you to trust Ayanna Pressley. I agree to a certain degree, but I was always a little bit wary of it, because it suggests theres something biologically amazing and magical about us. And in fact, its not that. Its that there is a social hierarchy, that group identity does shape your experience of the world and how the systems shape your life, and so people who are at the intersectional bottom of that social hierarchy are the ones who have the clearest view of all of it all who is harmed by it, and what you need to do to fix it for everyone. ezra klein I want to move to another example in the book, which is higher education. You connect the transition from publicly financed higher education, which we really did have through much of the 20th century you really could go to college on the governments dime and not come out with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans and you connect the racialization of this and the way that the politics of race deformed white attitudes towards public spending to the student debt crisis today. Can you talk through that story a bit? heather mcghee This was really important to me, because there actually has been a lot of reporting about poor and working class white people who reject welfare and means-tested Medicaid, because theyre so silly. They cut off their noses despite their faces and tsk-tsk about them. But I want to talk about something that was a much more middle class issue, which is college. The somewhat novel idea of well-funded public colleges, at least one in every state, was one of the hallmarks of the American whites-only social contract for the first half of the 20th century. All of that changed with a new post-civil rights movement anti-government ethos among the white voting majority which wanted tax cuts and not public spending, which wanted a sense of pulling up the ladder and divesting from these places that had become really fraught and contested spaces like public education of the K through 12 level. Public college became a place where integration was being threatened. And so its not normally conceived of. First of all, most people dont know that we have so much student loan debt because of government cutbacks of states spending less per capita on public college despite a growing tax base and a federal shift from grants to loans. People dont know that its government cutbacks that created the student debt problem. And they certainly typically dont map the issue of race and racism onto it. But the shift in the expectation of free college for a majority white college-going population to a debt for diploma system for a predominantly students of color population is one of the most dramatic examples of racism draining the pool. And if I can just add, its so frustrating, because its seen as a colorblind issue. Student debt the rules that we changed in order to make student debt the new normal were not explicitly racist like redlining or all of that. But when you say suddenly to a generation, not only do you have to go to college to get a middle class job because of changes weve made in the labor market, but you will now have to fund that college out of your own familys wealth, knowing full well that family wealth is where history shows up in your wallet, where the amount of money you have in savings or CDs or home equity absolutely tracks to what side of the color line you were on when the government was handing out free wealth building opportunities, you get what you have now, which is a widening of the racial wealth gap, which is the fact that a Black family with a college degree has less wealth than a white family headed by a high school dropout. Its colorblind, but its systemically racist, and it impacts not just the targeted community, but also the majority of white students who have to borrow now too. ezra klein This, I think, is such an important point. I want to hold on it for a minute, because something I was thinking about reading the book is a little bit subtle here. So if you think about the way a lot of American public policy has changed over the decades youre tracking, basically, it moves from the government does things that you just get, like public college, to you have to pay out of pocket for it. And so thats really a move from something that builds wealth in the future to takes income in the present. And so then, what looks like a fair race to people I mean, everybodys getting this chance to go to college and get a Pell Grant but in fact, as you say here, is reflecting that if you got in when the getting was good, you have the assets to then pay for the thing you need now and just have it then continue to build wealth. And thats where it seems we get into some of this widening wealth gap stuff. And Id like to talk about the mechanisms of that a little bit, because I think its really important, wherein if you have family who can pay for your higher education, and so then you go to college and you get a really good job, then you just start rebuilding wealth. But if you have family who couldnt pay for your higher education costs, and so you go to college and you get a good job, but youre paying off hundreds of thousands of dollars in student debt, and youre also helping other members of your family who maybe dont have as much as you do, then you dont build wealth. It helps your income some, but it doesnt translate into your wealth, and so the gap just keeps widening. I really feel like the dynamics of wealth creation are understudied and under-emphasized in politics, where we tend to talk about income. But in many ways, they seem to me to be more important. heather mcghee In my time at Demos, we really focused on these issues of wealth and debt, because it is so much more compounding in terms of opportunity and disadvantage than an income. You could get a great job today or tomorrow. You could get a great contract. You could have enough money in a given paycheck to pay your bills. But the question of what happens when that paycheck stops or is paused or you feel sick and cant go in is life determining. And that is where, basically, were all paying compound interest on decisions made long before we were born racially explicit decisions. Theres a section in the book where I lay out the list of free stuff that was given to white Americans to help build wealth. And its so important to recognize that the divides that everyday people observe today whats going on with that Black neighborhood? Why does it feel like it doesnt have as many small businesses? Why does it seem like the schools in Black neighborhoods are underfunded? Well, theyre linked to property values, which are a result of generations of explicit laws forbidding Black people from owning homes and selling them. And so we have this now somewhat colorblind story of economic disparity today that we try with the American mythology of individual effort and bootstraps and just overall individualism to justify by saying, well, Black people just dont try that hard. But in fact, its not that Black people dont try that hard. Its in fact that decisions were made long before many Black people and white people were born, and when we ended the era of explicit racial wealth stripping policies Im going to put a caveat in that around the subprime mortgage crisis, which we may come back to we didnt take that into account. And thats why theres such a vocal call now for reparations, because no amount of education or income that Black families do is going to make up for generations of racism in our wealth building markets. ezra klein So Senator Cory Booker and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley have this idea for baby bonds, which is a wealth generating proposal. And they calculate that it would close about a half to two-thirds of the racial wealth gap, at least if youre measuring that from the median, not the mean. And for a long time in the Democratic Party, there was this idea that because the politics of race are so difficult, because framing things for race creates these drain the pool mentalities. So what you want to do is you want to have racially progressive policies that you sell in a colorblind way. And in recent years, theres been an almost reversal, I think, having to do with the dynamics inside the Democratic Party, where policies that are literally colorblind, like this baby bonds policy, are being sold in a very race-conscious way, as a way of, say, closing the racial wealth gap. Given the research youve done here, and so the grappling youve done with the politics that happen when you frame things around race, where do you come down on that? heather mcghee So what thats reflecting is the hard fact that the majority of white Americans have not voted for Democrats since the civil rights movement. And so when we were growing up and there was this fear of the white center all the time in politics, it was a cold calculation. The new calculation is that what the Democrats are riding to victory is a new, multiracial, anti-racist coalition, the backbone of which is Black people, and then the white people who join are progressives who dont mind sitting in a meeting with and swimming in a pool with Black people. They came for Obama, they stayed to fight against Trump. Now they like it. So that is, I think, what explains that shift. I think the idea is weve got to deal with these racial disparities. I think it is a genuine desire to see this country prosper by making sure that all families have what they need and that we dont keep holding back millions of American families because of bad public policy decisions. But I think the politics of it are, yes, we can actually talk about the race impacts of this, because theres a clamoring for racial justice. And the white Democrats who are with us are basically there because of their racial attitudes. ezra klein But in a world where you have to sell that beyond the Democratic Party, is that a bad strategy? heather mcghee I wrote this book because I think its important to talk about the benefits of moving beyond drained pool politics for all people, including white people. We have reached the economic and moral limits of the zero-sum world view that was handed to us at the founding of this nation. And I do believe that todays inequality insecurity dysfunction has as its unifying core this majority-white belief in a zero-sum racial hierarchy. And so Im trying to make this an invitation to white Americans to join in, to release this really false and illusory idea that theyre so different from people of color and so much better than people of color that they dont want to be in fellowship with people of color, get a sense of patriotism about who we are as Americans, all of us, and move forward together. Joe Biden, in his first speech on race as president, was issuing a bunch of racial equity executive orders. And he actually said, for too long, weve allowed a narrow, cramped view of the promise of this nation to fester. Weve bought the world view that America is a zero-sum game in many cases. If you succeed, I fail. If you get ahead, I fall behind. If you get the job, I lose mine. Maybe worst of all, if I hold you down, I lift myself up. But racism is corrosive, its destructive, and its costly. It costs every American, not just those who have felt the sting of racial injustice. So that, for me, was a big win. The idea that this man who in many ways, Joe Biden is an avatar of the white moderate whos had a huge journey himself on these issues, whos always wanted to have his heart in the right place. God, he even was a lifeguard in a Black pool. It doesnt get any more apt than this. He followed the white moralizing logic into the Crime Bill of the 1990s. He was opposed to busing for school integration. And yet, then he became Barack Obamas best friend, and also, I think, did what good politicians do, which is read the moment and recognize that his constant moral compass now demanded something much bolder in terms of confronting the persistence of racial inequality and systemic racism. And yet, because hes still got his finger on the pulse of the Scranton white American politics, he needed to call out the scapegoating. He needed to say, hey, Im nostalgic for that time too, when a white guy could go into a factory and come out with being set for life. But it wasnt the Black folks and the immigrants who took that factory job away. And in fact, this divided politics is propping up a party and an economic worldview that is stripping opportunity from your family and your neighborhoods and your communities. I was really proud, obviously, as you can imagine, to see that moment happen, and to see him try to speak to white Americans to say that it doesnt have to be a zero-sum game. ezra klein One thing that touches on is that I think in politics for a long time, its been believed there are two ways of approaching this. One is to deal directly with racism and the fact that youre trying to close racial economic divides, and the other is to ignore it, to pretend you dont know anything about racial economic divides, and youve just got this economic policy. But youve been involved with Ian Haney Lopez in some research that has this other idea, which is to say that in fact, the human mind does have a us-versus-them tendency. It is a powerful thing to harness in politics. This is how I read it. I dont think this is how Ian or you would frame it. And that the most powerful messaging is to say that there are powerful economic interests that are using racial division to enrich themselves and keep everyone else down. And so theres actually a different synthesis here that is more effective, but its not one that ignores division. It is one that recasts division. Im curious to hear you talk a little bit about that. heather mcghee Thats exactly right. This idea that racism has a cost for everyone animated a massive public opinion and political messaging project that Ian Haney Lopez, who was my law professor at Berkeley, and Anat Shenker-Osorio, whos a linguist and political message strategist, led to try to square the circle of the divide in progressive messaging. So you have the race left, which is talking about racial disparities and racial injustice, and which definitely galvanizes many people of color, though not all, and many white people whove made it part of their identity to be anti-racist, and then you have the class left that often says, you know what, thats divisive. Lets talk about economic populism, and lets talk about the plutocrats and the 99 percent. Theres no difference among the 99 percent. Its the 1 percent versus everybody else. And what we found was that given how overwhelmingly powerful the megaphone is for the zero-sum scapegoating story, it wasnt effective even with persuadable, slightly progressive voters, to ignore that zero-sum story and just say, hey, no, its about the 1 percent and the 99 percent. Ignore those divides. Ignore the stereotypes that are deeply ingrained in your brain about immigrants and poor Black people. Ignore what Donald Trump is saying and what Fox News is saying and what your neighbor is saying. You have to actually give people a new way to think about that dominant narrative, because its not like they can ignore the dominant narrative. They need to recast the dominant narrative as a tool of the plutocrats, as a tool that stops us from joining together across lines of race to do what we can only do together and what we cant do alone things like adequately fund our infrastructure and our schools, things like tackle climate change, things like rewrite our trade laws to make sure that every American who wants one has a decent job. And its really important to not ignore just how profoundly racialized the story of the American economy and government is and has been for all of our history. So if you try to bring colorblind tools to convince people about their economic self-interest while ignoring just how profoundly racialized the economic story is, you just wont succeed. [MUSIC PLAYING] ezra klein I spent a lot of time grappling while thinking about the book with the way in which policies that begin with racist roots get out of control. They slip their reins, and they become broadly applied, hurting a lot of people of all different races, and also in a funny way, non-racist in their modern intent, but still terrible. So you have a discussion in the book of single-family zoning. And single-family zoning is a policy with extraordinarily racist roots, and particularly so in California, where I live. And in San Francisco, where I live, single-family zoning has made it unbelievably unaffordable for basically anybody to live here Black people, brown people, but also white people. I know tons of white people who have had to leave or have not been able to raise a family here because of single-family zoning. And one of the stories about this that began to take shape in my head is that theres obviously the case of policies that are directly racialized even now, like Medicaid, that the racialization of them ends up draining the pool. A lot of white people benefit from Medicaid, but theyre voting against it on race grounds. But then theres something like single-family vote zoning where I was talking to somebody doing survey research on this, and they were saying that in fact, single-family zoning is popular among everybody when you ask about it, voters of all races, but its making things unaffordable for everybody. You built zoning policy on the zero-sum racial idea, and now you have zero-sum zoning policy which only works to the advantage, if it works to anybodys advantage, of either the rich or the people who already live there, the incumbents. And that as a way of thinking about policy generally, that strikes me as very powerful that if you are engaged in zero-sum policy construction or zero-sum policy framing, that no matter whether or not you think now that youve cut the division well, you have no idea, eventually, which side of that you are going to be caught on that zero-sum logic it grows. heather mcghee Yeah, thats actually a really good way of thinking about it. I totally agree that the crisis of affordable housing is a great example of racism costing everyone. And I also, in my mind, when I think about the zero-sum logic growing out of control and leaping off the rails, as you said I think about the financial crisis. I think about a totally racialized mortgage market where, for generations, the idea that Black and brown people were risky so risky that the government drew lines around Black and brown neighborhoods and said, we will not guarantee a backstop the mortgages, as we were doing for the entire mortgage market, of any mortgages sold in these neighborhoods, because its just too risky. Never substantiated. Never substantiated, this idea, but it was just a common sense that Black people are going to be risky. That then was replaced very quickly by a lightly regulated mortgage market in the 1990s that, at the end of redlining, which happened in the late 1970s, you had about 10 years of fits and starts of Black people emerging into the mainstream mortgage market. And then you have the advent of the subprime mortgage, which was totally justified. It was pretty zero-sum. It was like, these lenders can make double what they were making by increasing the interest rates on these loans. And it will cost handsomely the borrower. But its OK, because whats happening is these lenders are pricing for risk. And so you had the advent of these high-cost loans. The idea was, they were supposed to be marketed and sold to people with lower credit scores. But in fact, the majority of subprime loans before the crash went to people with credit scores that would have allowed them to get prime loans. It was just, the limit was what you could get away with selling people. And this mechanism was first test it out in Black neighborhoods of existing homeowners. I mean, its the thing that I actually get the most emotional about in terms of this book and all of these ideas. Its these communities that had just been excluded out of the American dream for so long that finally got their piece of it, and then there was a knock on the door, and brokers came in and said, you could really consolidate your debt. We could get you a better interest rate. And they just lied and they cheated and they swindled and cascading losses in Black and brown neighborhoods that then once the mortgage market saw how much money was being made and how much the government was not going to stop them and in fact, the federal government took actions only to make it easier for lenders to avoid consumer protections in the early 2000s then the wheels were off. And then it was a open season on the wider and whiter mortgage market. And if I do anything with my book, I want people to jettison this narrative that we actually heard from Mayor Bloomberg that it was the financial crisis, which cost us so much as a country and as a globe, was the fault of the victims of redlining, was the fault of Black and brown people who got in over their heads, who shouldnt have been in those houses in the first place, who were financially illiterate, when in fact, what happened was just a quintessentially American mix of racism and greed that was enabled by structural racism and institutional racism and that then, of course, most direly impacted the finances of Black families who have still not recovered. The home ownership rate is back to what it was before the Fair Housing Act. Its just devastating. And yet it also costs millions of American jobs of white people and foreclosures in white neighborhoods as well. ezra klein One thing this book is doing is providing a different deep story of American politics and policy making a different understanding of whats been going on under the hood in the way we think and then the outcomes that kind of thinking has. And one of your suggestions in the final chapter of the book relates very directly to how we might change that story, which is this idea of a truth, racial healing, and transformation commission. And I think about this a lot. Ive talked to people who are more expert in this area than I am. And I go back and forth on it, because I always wonder, how do you make sure, given what we see, lets just say, with the insurrection on the Capitol given how hard it is to get Americans to agree on any kind of truth now, how could you do something like this that would result in more healing rather than more division? But youve thought about this. So when you imagine something like that, how would it look? What makes you confident that would help? heather mcghee Well, first, it wouldnt be a blue ribbon commission in Washington like the Kerner Commission or the Clinton commission on race. It would be a ground-up effort at the community level, which I think is really important. This is not about experts picking up history books and learning what they should already know. This is about communities coming together, people who really already have a stake in the well-being of their community. I talked to folks in Dallas who have created this truth, racial healing, and transformation hub which invites stakeholders from the cops to racial justice advocates, from librarians and schoolteachers to business leaders, to come together and do a few key things to rewrite the racial history of their community to create whats known as a community history. And the people who did this in Dallas said 90 plus percent the people we talked to just didnt know white, Black, or brown. Theres just so much we dont know. Theres so, so much in so many ways, like the lost cause profoundly won in terms of our historical imagination. I was talking to someone earlier today whos from St. Louis, which is the city where there was the huge fairground pool riot that I talk about in the book, where the largest public pool that we can find record of was closed after a bunch of racial riots and integration. And she had no memory of it. She wasnt able to find lots of people in her community who had memory of it. And this is a Black woman. Weve just erased so much of the knowledge. And so were left to puzzle out why is it we cant I open the book saying, why is it we cant seem to have nice things? Why are we not addressing climate change? Why are we not having universal health care? Why is it so hard for working families to make ends meet? Why does it feel like we keep falling behind and falling apart? And so when you give people the truth sometimes people talk about putting a racial equity lens on an issue. I think its taking blinders off just allow people to know the full story of our communitys history, the beauty and the struggle. Then you get people on the same page, and then you can turn it. I do think it needs to be the federal government to adopt this as a national effort, but it needs to be implemented at the local level. I tried for almost 20 years to give rational, economic, self-interest arguments to decision makers and to white people who are listening to me talk on Meet the Press and whatever, to say, what lets do something about the struggling middle class, which is a diverse middle class now. And it wasnt working. We still have this racialized politics. We still have the majority of white people voting for Donald Trump. And I think I became hopeful at the end of writing this book, because there is a yearning, I think, in all of us for human connection. The bullhorn that is the loudest is the zero-sum, but its also true that the largest social movement in American history is Black Lives Matter in 2020, that you now have millions more white people who want a way out of the moral and economic quandary that is American racism. There are these moments where the brutal ugliness of the American lie causes a groundswell and an opening and a pivot. All of this is our history. Its the struggle and the beauty at all times. And I think the more we can see these kinds of conversations where people really connect on a human level and at the local level I hate to sound like a Federalist here, but I do think its really important for people to experience this with people they have relationships with in communities where they really have real bonds, to see what its like to have a shared story of American struggle and American progress. ezra klein Is Donald Trump himself an apotheosis of drain the pool politics? And I mean this in two ways. One is that he follows Barack Obama, so theres, for the first time, an African-American president. And then white people, largely I mean not exclusively, but overwhelmingly are the ones who make Donald Trump his successor. And Trump is a pretty manifestly unqualified, incompetent, erratic guy. We get a lot of death and destruction as a result with coronavirus. But then at the end, when Trump loses reelection, and you have the storming of the Capitol, its such a perfectly literal if we cant have this country, no one can this political system that did pretty damn well for white people, actually. I mean, you can actually make a somewhat different argument for non-white people until much more recently, but did pretty damn well for white people. America has gotten pretty rich. And its like, enough of it. Enough. Well pave it over. Well fill the pool. Theres a lot of policy in the book, but I actually thought there was this amazing literalization of it into politics it must have been right while you were finishing, or probably after you had finished, actually that you really see the power of this. Because for a political party that has so wrapped itself in the flag and patriotism for so long to so literally give up like to attack cops and storm the Capitol, it becomes very hard to deny that this is the tendency, this is the reaction. heather mcghee Its a book about the economy, but I do include a chapter on democracy, because on the list of nice things that we cant seem to have because of racism, a functioning representative democracy is pretty high up on the list. And so I traced the history of all of the ways that, from our founding, elites attacked the bedrock of what is a pretty bold and beautiful idea, which is self governance and representative democracy, in order to keep room for racism and slavery and racial subjugation. I have an extremely long section of notes in this book that is kind of a joke with my publisher. But one of the longest notes I think actually the longest note is what I put in the notes instead of going into long detail about Colfax, Louisiana, which is a story of one of the many but one of the most deadly anti-democracy racial mob violence stories in American history. I did finish the book long before January 6th, but Colfax, Louisiana, is in the book. And Colfax, Louisiana, is the story of a white mob storming the courthouse where an election result was going to be certified for a Reconstruction era governor who won office with a multiracial voting population. And they attacked the courthouse. Black people tried to defend the courthouse. They slaughtered 100 Black neighbors, and then burned the courthouse. This white, racist mob was willing to burn down the edifice of their own government rather than submit to a multiracial democracy. ezra klein I think that is a good place to come to a close. So the final section of the podcast is around book recommendations. And I want to start here. Whats, in your view, the best novel or movie for understanding race in America? heather mcghee I dont think its been written yet. I dont think its been shot yet, to be honest. Were just now starting to tell stories that include Black people as more than supporting characters or immigrants as villains. But I grew up as a sci-fi and fantasy nerd, and so Parable of the Sower continues to be just profoundly prescient and a beautiful must-read for everyone. ezra klein Whats the one book you would give Joe Biden to read if he asked for a recommendation? heather mcghee I would love for Joe Biden to read a book called The Color of Law Richard Rothstein, which really helps explain the way that government segregated America. Hes got a big commitment to racial equity at the center of his administration, and hes got to see all the different ways that its government policy many of those policies that are still on the books that are segregating us and keeping us apart. ezra klein One of my favorite Heather McGhee facts is that you really wanted to be a television writer. So whats your favorite TV series? heather mcghee I wanted to be a TV writer when I was growing up, because I wanted to be the Black Norman Lear. I felt that television had this amazing power to tell Americans who other Americans were, and therefore cohere a national story of our relative goodness or merit. And so Norman Lear I mean, he did Sanford and Son, he did Good Times, The Jeffersons, All in the Family, Maude all of these real, working, middle-class, totemic reflections of who we were and who we were becoming that really grappled with the issues of the day. I dont know. I dont that weve done much better than that in terms of TV shows that people are actually really watching. ezra klein But so what is one of those youd recommend if people dont know their history? heather mcghee I think Good Times is amazing. ezra klein Thats a good recommendation. And finally, you and I both have two-year-olds. Whats your favorite childrens book or your favorite book to read to your child? heather mcghee So we are really into The Word Collector these days. Do you know this book? ezra klein I have not. No. Ive heard of it, but I have not read. heather mcghee Its about a boy named Jerome its a little Black boy who collects words. Some people collect stamps and coins and rocks. Jerome collects words. And my son collects words. He pauses on words hes never heard. He ruminates on them, and then he loves to throw them back out at us. And its a really beautiful story of a little Black boy who collects words that he hears and comes across. And then at the end hate to give away the ending its only like 10 pages long he spills all of his bag of words off a mountaintop to give them to other children. And he has no words to describe how happy that makes them. ezra klein Oh, I love that. heather mcghee Its so nice. ezra klein Thats wonderful. The reason I now ask that one in every episode, because Ive just decided childrens books are both nicer and more affecting somehow. They tuck a lot of emotion into a contained space. heather mcghee Yeah, theyre all we need, really. Lets write a childrens book, Ezra. Whats your favorite these days? ezra klein Ooh, I have a couple that I love. But Ive become the two that I love most are theres an illustrated book around the song What a Wonderful World the one sung by Louis Armstrong. And it is itll bring tears to your eyes. It is beautiful. I dont remember the illustrator offhand, but I just love it. I sing it to my son every night. And then I really love a book called The Quiet Book. Its a book about how there are many kinds of quiet, but its very true in a strange way about all these different moments and different kinds of quiet. And its a little bit unusual for a kids book in maybe its not that unusual, but it has a lot of somewhat sad and intense forms of quiet, like others telling secrets quiet or last one picked up from school quiet. And also happy ones, like tucking in Teddy quiet. And I just find it very affecting. I really like The Quiet Book. And your book, of course, is The Sum of Us, and everybody, including Joe Biden should read it. Its really fantastic. Congratulations on writing it and publishing it. Thank you very much. heather mcghee Thank you very much, Ezra. [MUSIC PLAYING] ezra klein There used to a tradition that when you hit retirement age, you'd get a gold watch from the company and head off to relax full-time. However, money advisers now say more and more pensioners are happy to keep on working - especially as they can do so from home. Experts say the virus crisis means some older workers can no longer afford to stop, while the working-from-home revolution means others have decided to keep going because they do not have to face the commute. Changing times: There used to a tradition that when you hit retirement age, you'd get a gold watch from the company and head off to relax full-time Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal there was a 70,000 surge in the number of over-65s in employment over three months last summer to hit 1.34 million. Rethinking plans Research from wealth manager Brewin Dolphin found that the pandemic has forced 16 per cent of workers over 55 to change their retirement plans. More than half said they had had to delay retirement by an average of three years because of the impact on savings and investments on the stock market. Yet Brewin Dolphin says it is seeing more and more clients turn their back on the traditional hard stop retirement, and many now plan to work part-time, start their own business, or re-train to try something else. Carla Morris, financial planner at the wealth manager, says: 'Many of our clients in their 50s are no longer planning to retire completely. 'One client who was based in Milton Keynes and commuted to London for work has changed his retirement plans as he is now happily able to work from home in his new dream home in Devon.' I can keep on working thanks to the Zoom boom Katie Owen feared the pandemic was goping to destroy her luxury shoe firm Katie Owen can no longer see herself retiring after the pandemic forced her to throw everything at her luxury shoe firm. When the virus crisis broke out last year, the married mum-of-two, 43, feared she might lose her business, which specialises in formal, wide-fit women's shoes. The challenge forced her to expand the company, Sargasso & Grey, into casual wear. Katie, from West London, put her savings in the firm and now considers it her pension. She says: 'Covid could have been really disastrous for me but what I have realised is it encouraged me to really go for it with the business and take the risk, not worry about retirement and put everything in the business. It's not a problem for me because I don't see myself retiring.' She says: 'I am not paying into a pension any more, everything goes into my business. I don't look at the retirement age any more, I really enjoy what I'm doing. My business is my pension in a way.' She is now expecting turnover to double, and adds: 'Covid has presented a much more level playing field for small businesses online.' Last in Europe to call it a day British workers are also the least likely in Europe to want to stop working immediately when they reach retirement age, according to a global survey by pensions and investment firm Aegon. It says 30 per cent of UK workers will fully stop working at retirement compared with 57 per cent in Spain, 49 per cent in France, and 40 per cent in Germany. Aegon's pensions director Steven Cameron says: 'Increased life expectancy, greater flexibility and a desire to remain active and astute are all factors driving a desire among UK workers to choose both the timing and the way in which they retire.' Enjoying better work-life balance Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown, says working from home made life easier for some. She says: 'One of the more unexpected aspects of the pandemic is that by enabling more people to work from home, it has transformed their work/life balance. 'If workplaces adopt more working from home as standard in the future, it will open up the potential for more people to do so full or part-time as they transition into retirement.' Money advisers now say that more and more pensioners are happy to keep on working especially now they can do so from the comfort of their own home She says nearly 11 per cent of people aged 65 and over were still in work which was more than double what it was 20 years ago. She says: 'Rather than working full-time and running headlong into the brick wall of retirement, we've increasingly seen it as a gradual process, starting with a move into part-time work.' Will pandemic scupper dreams ? Broker Interactive Investor's Great British Retirement Survey found one in five people aged 60 to 65 believe they will need to delay retirement because of the pandemic's impact on their pension pots. Nearly one in four said they feared they would now never be able to retire. It also revealed that 21 per cent were more likely to do some form of paid work in retirement in order to offset investment losses linked to the pandemic. And 44 per cent of people still working in retirement said they did it because they enjoyed it, rather than for financial need up from 37 per cent last year. Becky O'Connor, head of pensions and savings at Interactive Investor, says: 'Going downstairs and putting the kettle on before heading into the study is a far more manageable daily commute than the one many older workers find so grinding. 'Working from home makes continuing past retirement age more appealing for some people, who like the idea of carrying on but were previously put off by the slog of getting to a workplace and home again every day. If you take the physical strain out of working life, as home-working can, the possibility of carrying on with work for longer becomes real. 'The working-from-home revolution could be wonderful for those who want to carry on working, but have had enough of office life.' I can't see old age stopping me Rob Palmer splits his time between Chipstead in Surrey, Thailand, and Australia Rob Palmer can now live like a retiree in Thailand and run his booming online business. The 60-year-old, who teaches people how to run a business online, says age and location no longer matter, as lots of workers are now able to meet via video using services like Zoom. Rob (left) says: 'Online people do not care how old you are as long as you can do the job. You do not get pigeonholed as someone in their 60s.' The father-of-four splits his time between Chipstead in Surrey, Thailand, and Australia where he has family. Currently in Thailand, he says: 'It's a fantastic place to live. I intend to keep working for 20, maybe 30, years. There is a real chance to enjoy a second career.' New trend for part-time roles Improvements in life expectancy mean that those nearing retirement are having to consider working a little longer - even if it is just part-time - to make their pensions last longer. Men aged 60 can now expect to live until 85 and women aged 60 to 87. Brewin Dolphin's Mrs Morris adds: 'For many people, retirement is becoming a process rather than an event. 'A period of part-time work and phased retirement helps to reduce some of the pressure on pensions as people are living so much longer now.' She also says some clients are no longer looking to spend savings on travel, adding: 'The coronavirus saw the world grind to a halt and countries close their borders. 'For some people, plans to travel the world have been shelved, or may simply be less tempting than they were a year ago.' Research from wealth manager Brewin Dolphin found that the pandemic has forced 16 per cent of workers over 55 to change their retirement plans Why it pays for you to delay Yet there are advantages to pushing back your pension. You don't pay any National Insurance contributions on income which you earn once you have passed retirement age. You can take money out of your pension, but also continue to pay some of your work income in, if you want to, if you are under 75. But your tax-free annual allowance on pension contributions shrinks once you have started taking money out of your pot down to 4,000. Continuing to earn also means you have a greater chance of being able to leave money to loved ones, or pay for long-term care. Pension tips in uncertain times And what if your retirement plans have been scuppered? If you have access to other savings, you might want to consider using these before accessing your pension. Alternatively, income drawdown will give you flexibility, enabling you to keep your pension savings invested while you draw an income from your investments as and when you need it. Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal there was a 70,000 surge in the number of over-65s in employment over three months last summer to hit 1.34million Ideally, avoid big withdrawals if the value of your pension fund has fallen, so you give it a chance to recover. Bear in mind that if you are in a workplace pension, these often end up in default funds, which gradually reduce exposure to shares in the five-to-ten years before retirement and invest a larger portion in gilts and bonds. This may soften market slumps, enabling you to retire with little impact on your fund. However, they may also limit potential overall performance. Delaying your retirement could give you the chance to boost your future retirement income by staying in shares, instead of moving into lower risk investments such as bonds and potentially losing out on future gains. If you can meet your outgoings through other income sources, such as savings or, for example, small final salary pensions you may have, it is worth exploiting those first - you could buy some time. Remember, too, that you will most likely need your pension to produce an income for decades in retirement, so you'll ideally want it to continue growing once you retire. Obtain a state pension forecast so you can see how much you will receive and when. You may be able to delay, stop or reduce withdrawals from your pension when the state pension starts, giving your pension the chance to grow in value. Now could be a good time to re-evaluate what you really need to retire. You need to cover your bills and expected general expenditure. But you may need less than you think in your pension pot to retire. b.wilkinson@dailymail.co.uk Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) The Senate Committee on Trade approved a bill protecting employers from getting sued by their employees who contracted COVID-19 at work. The measure, however, stipulates that this is provided that the private establishment has fully complied with the relevant laws and regulations related to the prevention, spread, and management of COVID-19. During the Senate panel hearing on Tuesday, the Department of Labor and Employment expressed support for the measure. Senior Labor Employment Officer Queen Espinas said under the current regulation, employers are not directly liable should there be work-related illnesses such as COVID-19. Wed like however to highlight that this exemption is subject to compliance with SSS and other applicable rules and regulations, Espinas said. Espinas added that as a remedy, employees who contract COVID-19 can file a claim before the Employees Compensation Commission through the Social Security System. The EC (Employees Compensation) claim will be filed through SSS and it is the ECC which will pay for the benefits, Espinas said. Senate Trade Committee Chairman Koko Pimentel said he will recommend the bill to the plenary. In the Explanatory Note of the measure, bill author Senate President Tito Sotto stated that small and medium-sized enterprises will greatly benefit from this measure. He said this will prevent the further depletion of their already exhausted resources in defending themselves against labor lawsuits in relation to the COVID-19 infection of their workers. FCW Insider: Feb. 16 As it stands, future presidents could re-create Schedule F with more exemptions from the civil service, a power that the courts and the Congress have the power to change. The Pentagon's watchdog says the five weapons programs it audited have been updating cybersecurity requirements to defend against identified threats. The Defense Department is still figuring out how to give contractors reciprocity with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program and similar certifications, but the end is close, officials say. Quick Hits *** Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) introduced and withdrew an amendment proposing a $9 billion appropriation for the Technology Modernization Fund in the House Oversight Committee's markup of its portion of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief and recovering legislation last Friday. The administration's original proposal had included $9 billion for TMF, but that additional funding was cut from the package because of the objections from some in the Senate. It would have been a major lift for the revolving fund supporting IT modernization, which has been receiving annual amounts of around $25 million. Connolly's amendment would have exempted $8 billion of the new funding from TMF's payback requirements. "What we have to understand -- and what our colleagues in the Senate need to learn -- is that IT is not tangential to the mission. It is integral to the mission," Connolly said. "If the IT doesn't work, the mission is compromised." *** The roster of the Senate Appropriations Committee has shifted for the 117th Congress. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is now chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, which has jurisdiction over a great deal of governmentwide workforce, acquisition and technology spending. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith is the new ranking member. In the last session of Congress, before party control of the chamber flipped, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) was ranking member of this panel and Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) was chairman. *** Direct hiring by federal agencies spiked in fiscal year 2018, according to published research from the Merit Systems Protection Board. According to the study, IT managers and contracting professionals ranked high among occupations agencies onboarded using direct hiring authorities. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq recorded a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections with 3,332 confirmed in the past 24 hours, its health ministry said on Tuesday, after the country confirmed infections of one of the newer variants of the novel coronavirus. The rising cases, approaching levels of infection recorded last summer after a dip during the winter, have prompted authorities to announce a nightly curfew beginning on Thursday. Health Minister Hassan al-Tamimi said on Monday that the new variant first found in Britain had been detected in Iraq, including among children. He did not say how many people had been infected with it. Baghdad will impose a nationwide curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. on weekdays and for 24 hours a day on Friday to Sunday, beginning on Thursday, authorities announced last week. The health ministry said on Tuesday that seven people had died from the disease in the last 24 hours. Iraq's highest daily recorded figures reached over 5,000 infections last year. The total number of people infected with COVID-19 in Iraq is 649,982, including 13,192 deaths as of Feb. 16. The Iraqi curfew comes ahead of a planned visit by Pope Francis on March 5, a trip that faces challenges of security and rising COVID-19 infections. (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by John Davison, William Maclean) United Nations, Feb 16 : A 34-year-old Canadian woman of Indian descent has announced a challenge to the re-election of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with an agenda of change but without the support of any country. Arora Akanksha, who works for the UN Development Programme, issued a slick video announcing her candidacy last week presenting herself as a candidate to make the UN relevant in the 21st century. As of Monday, she had not filed her nomination. Brenden Varma, the spokesperson for the Assembly president, said the only candidate so far is Guterres. If she follows through and is accepted as a candidate, she will have to run the gauntlet of the Security Council and get the support of the veto-wielding permanent members. In a seeming taunt to Guterres, who had been the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Akanksha said in tweets that she comes from a family of refugees and listed the "growing refugee crisis" as one of the problems the UN has to tackle. "I come from a refugee family. All four of my grandparents lived in Pakistan and were forced to relocate to India after the partition," she tweeted. She was born in India and raised in Saudi Arabia and did her undergraduate studies in Canada. She received her masters last year from Columbia University in New York. According to Pass Blue, a publication monitoring the UN, she is a citizen of Canada and holds Overseas Citizenship of India. Neither country appears to be nominating her. About her agenda, she tweeted, "My vision is to have a UN that works and is relevant in the 21st century. We have to prioritize and address the growing refugee crisis, take humanitarian crises to completion and invest in ensuring all countries have access to the internet." "These ideas aren't impossible and don't need another 75 years to accomplish. They need someone bold, demonstrating leadership, and willing to take charge to put the needs of people above anything else," she added. Akanksha will be running into the thicket of international politics behind the election process, which became somewhat transparent five years ago when Guterres was elected. Till then it used to be a secretive affair sorted out in the Security Council and getting rubber-stamped by the General Assembly. For the first time, nominations were publicly invited and Guterres and the other nominees for the post who were publicly announced participated in open forums in 2016. The election procedures are ambiguous whether a candidate can self-nominate or be named by anyone or any organisation. The 2015 General Assembly resolution that laid the framework for the election requires the presidents of the Council and the Assembly to write to member states soliciting candidates. It does not explicitly require a candidate to be nominated by a member country. But Varma said, "Candidates are traditionally presented by member states. That has been the precedent." If Akanksha's nomination goes through, she will get a chance to appear in a forum with Guterres and other possible candidates. The last - and probably the only - time an Indian was considered a serious candidate for the position was in 2006 when Shashi Tharoor contested with the backing of the Indian government. But he lost to Ban Ki-Moon as could not get the unanimous support of the Council permanent members with reportedly the US opposing him. He was an under-secretary-general of the UN when he contested the election. He went on to become a minister of state in fomer Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government and continues to be a Congress party's member of Parliament. Akanksha, however, is a Canadian citizen with a different set of dynamics were she to be taken seriously. A tradition that has emerged was to have a sort of geographic rotation with an Asian succeeded by a European followed by a Latin American who succeeded by an African with another round starting with an Asian. If that is to hold, Guterres should be followed by a Latin American. When Ban Ki-moon ended his term, it was expected that a woman would succeed him as the job has been a male monopoly. Several women, who were considered strong candidates were nominated. Guterres, however, emerged as the consensus candidate winning the backing of the US, Russia and China -- the three permanent members with distinct likes and dislikes. He was also a former prime minister of Portugal. (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 LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Police has joined the pawri ho rahi hai meme fest on social media to urge the local residents to dial 112 if they are being disturbed by the late-night parties. Participating in the 'Pawri Ho Rahi Hai' trend, the UP Police took to Twitter and tweeted, Late night #PawriHoRahiHai aur aap disturb ho rahe toh call karein 112. Late night #PawriHoRahiHai aur aap disturb ho rahe toh call karein 112 pic.twitter.com/vc74SmtDmF Call 112 (@112UttarPradesh) February 14, 2021 Through its tweet, the UP Police said if the locals are getting disturbed due to late-night parties happening around, then they can report the same to the police by dialling the emergency number 112. The photo shared by the UP Police along with the tweet follows the trending hashtag #PawriHoRahiHai and says, "Ye hum hai aur hamari car hai (This is us and our car), Agar late night Pawri aapko distrub kar rahi hai toh, (If late night party is disturbing you) ye hamara number hai (Here is our number)." The residents of Uttar Pradesh can also tweet their concerns to the UP Police on its Twitter handle and receive assistance by dialling on 112 in case of a fire or any other emergency. They can also get an ambulance in emergency situations by tweeting to Call 112. It may be recalled that a Pakistani girl named Dananeer Mobeen has become an overnight sensation after her 'pawri' video featuring her friends became viral. The 'pawri' video further went viral, especially after musician Yashraj Mukhate made a remix of the video that is slowly becoming a party anthem now. Since these videos became a rage on the internet, nearly everyone on social media is now coming up with their own version of the meme and being as witty as possible and the UP Police has also joined the trend to send a witty message to the locals. Of late, several state police forces around the country have a great social media team making sure that their message has gone across in the best way. Therefore, there are no surprises that this caution went viral on the microblogging site. Till now, it has gotten 1568 retweets and 6150 likes. The UP Polices new initiative to help locals irked by late-night parties in the surrounding has impressed the netizens. Live TV (Reuters) - China's State Councillor Wang Yi called for stronger communication and coodination from all parties to resolve tensions on the Korean peninsula when he spoke to South Korea's new foreign minister on Tuesday, China's foreign ministry said. Wang, who is also China's foreign minister, told Chung Eui-yong in the phone call that Beijing had always appreciated South Korea's "unique role" in Korean peninsula affairs and urged extra efforts to achieve denuclearisation and lasting peace, the ministry statement said. Chung, who took office a week ago, on Friday held his first phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, amid stalled talks between Washington and Pyongyang aimed at making North Korea give up its nuclear weapons. He told Wang that Seoul was willing to continue to play a constructive role in promoting the resumption of peace talks, firmly supported Beijing in hosting the Winter Olympics in 2022 and was willing to deepen regional cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, China's foreign ministry said. South Korea hosted the last Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in 2018. (Reporting by Tom Daly; Editing by Alison Williams) When frigid weather arrives, one of the best known strategies for preventing burst pipes is to leave faucets trickling, allowing water to continue running so it does not freeze in place. Plumbers widely recommend the tactic. Nicks Plumbing, John Moore Services and Abacus Plumbing are among the local plumbers to endorse it on their websites. The American Red Cross does, too. The city, though, is telling Houston residents not to employ that strategy amid this weeks freeze. It says hundreds of thousands of trickling faucets can contribute to stress on the citys water system, dropping the pressure to a point where Public Works potentially could be forced to issue a notice to boil water before using it. That happens when the pressure dips to a level that could result in contamination. Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock said the pressure was lower than normal Tuesday but still above regulatory thresholds that would require a boil notice. Many residents were reporting a loss in water pressure Tuesday, and some reported brownish water coming out of their faucets and in toilets. The conflicting guidance puts residents in a bind between self interest and communal interest: Follow plumbers advice and risk contributing to a wider problem with the citys water system; follow the citys advice and risk a burst pipe and the resulting repair costs. Thats a tough position, said Paul Abrams, spokesman for the national plumbing company Roto-Rooter, which has offices in Houston and several other Texas cities. I get where the city is coming from, but I doubt they're going to step up and pay for peoples damages if their pipes burst. He said trickling faucets is the best strategy to prevent frozen and burst pipes for residents without electricity or heat, as was the case Tuesday for many Houstonians. More than 1.3 million CenterPoint customers in the city remained without power as of noon, according to Mayor Sylvester Turner. Residents, Abrams said, should let the water run just beyond a drip, especially on faucets that sit on exterior-facing walls. Its probably your best defense, he said. Some plumbers only recommend trickling faucets overnight or when residents leave their homes, when water otherwise is not being used. If it were a normal winter I would say overnight should be fine, Abrams said. But you guys (were) in single digits and going on a few days now. I think the best practice would be trickling at all times, especially if you have no heat in the house. It is likely unnecessary for people who have heat and are able to keep their homes above 55 degrees. Still, Abrams said the unusual nature of this weather in Texas makes that statement less reliable. Homes here have less insulation than more northern cities with colder climates. You dont get do-overs once a pipe is going to burst, he said. Turner said the city is not withholding water service from any customer. If water is not being delivered in a home Tuesday it likely is because a pipe has frozen, Haddock said. Houstons water pressure also has been affected by power outages taking out pumps and pipes breaking underground as the ground freezes, according to Public Works. Its going to be awhile before we catch back up to raising the pressures to what we normally see citywide, Haddock said. However, we are in good shape, staying above the regulatory thresholds at this point. It is not the only one. The cities of Baytown and Pearland issued boil water advisories Tuesday for all residents and businesses. The advisories, brought on by low water pressure because of power outages and frozen pipes, recommend customers boil water for two minutes before using it to wash or drink. dylan.mcguinness @chron.com UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country China Most Active in Spreading Disinformation on COVID-19 Origin: Report China was the most active country in propagating disinformation on the origin of the COVID-19, according to a newly-released report by the Associated Press (AP) and the Digital Forensic Research Lab of Washington-based think tank Atlantic Council. The report was the results of a nine-month joint research project, after analyzing millions of social media posts and articles that were published in the first six months of the COVID-19 outbreak. It examined the false narratives that took hold in four countries: China, Iran, Russia, and the United States. China was much to blame for the disinformation on COVID-19 origin, which is caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Particularly in the period immediately following COVID-19s initial spread, factual information about the disease, its origin, and its symptoms was lacking or withheldmost notably by Chinaproviding the ample space for misleading and malicious information to take root, according to the report. The Chinese regime concealed from the public information about the disease and also silenced eight whistleblower doctors, including ophthalmologist Li Wenliang, who were the first to warn about an unknown pneumonia outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan on Chinese social media. The report pointed out that users on Chinese social media Weibo, Chinas equivalent of Twitter, began writing about an unproven conspiracy theory connecting the United States with the outbreak on Dec. 31, 2019. For example, one Weibo user wrote, Watch out for Americans, while another wrote about the United States being one of several countries in the world that houses a P4 bio-safety laboratory. But none of these early speculations on Weibo was coordinated or particularly far-reaching. Meanwhile, the P4 lab at the Wuhan Institute of Virology has long been speculated as the source of the virus in a potential lab leak. A fact sheet released by the U.S. State Department last month stated that it had reason to believe several researchers at the institute fell ill with COVID-19-like symptoms in the autumn of 2019, contradicting a claim by a researcher at the institute who said there was zero infection among lab staff and students. A recent investigation by a team of World Health Organization (WHO) experts in Wuhan did not rule out the possibility that the virus was leaked from the P4 lab, but concluded that the theory was extremely unlikely. Last week, WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus suggested more research was needed to study the different origin theories of the virus. Chinas state-run media soon began driving Chinas narrative of the pandemic after the sporadic chatters on Weibo. China initially preferred to boost international perception in its favor by amplifying stories about its benevolence in assisting other countries to combat the virus, according to the report. In late February last year, Chinas state-run media began to publish articles suggesting that the virus may have originated outside of China, according to the report. Some outlets also provided negative coverage of the U.S. response to the outbreak. As the disease persisted, however, China began to push narratives that painted its geopolitical competitors in a negative light, including pushing conspiracies such as the idea that COVID-19 was a U.S. biological weapon, the report added. Twitter The report analyzed a series of Twitter posts made by Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian in March 2020. In a tweet on March 12, Zhao accused the United States army of bringing the virus to Wuhan. The report found that Zhaos tweets targeting the United States on March 12 and 13 last year had accumulated nearly 47,000 retweets and quote tweets, [was] referenced in at least 54 languages, and favorited more than 82,000 times as of Feb. 13. These tweets were also amplified by at least 30 different Chinese diplomats and state-run accounts. Zhaos tweets also had an enormous impact on Chinas domestic audience. According to the report, popular hashtags referencing his tweets were viewed by Weibo users more than 300 million times as of Feb. 13. The report also analyzed online activities following Zhaos other tweets in March, which reposted a link to an article by Larry Romanoff published on Global Research Canada, a site known for advancing conspiracy theories on topics such as global warming. The article suggested that the virus might have leaked from Fort Detrick, a prominent military biomedical research lab in Maryland. There was a spike in Google searches for Larry Romanoff around mid-March, following Zhaos tweets, according to the report. Recently, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying revisited the conspiracy theory by citing Fort Detrick. She said during a Jan. 18 press briefing that the United States should invite WHO experts to conduct origin tracing in the country. If the United States truly respects facts, it should open the biological lab at Fort Detrick, give more transparency to issues like its 200-plus overseas bio-labs, she said. Moreover, on Twitter, the number of Chinese diplomatic accounts more than tripled on the platform between May 2019 and May 2020, from 40 to 135, and the output doubled and became more aggressive and conspiratorial, the report stated. Due to Chinas firewall, Twitter is not accessible by ordinary Chinese citizens. HUNTINGTON, W.Va., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy Services of America Corporation (the "Company" or "Energy Services") (OTC QB: ESOA) announced fiscal first quarter financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2020. Energy Services earned revenues of $32.0 million with a net loss available to common shareholders of ($725,000) for the first quarter and generated adjusted EBITDA of $331,000 during the period. On December 31, 2020, Energy Services completed the acquisition of West Virginia Pipeline, Inc. The acquisition is reflected in the Company's first quarter financial statements, but it did not have a significant impact on the Company's operating results for the period. The Company's $60.7 million backlog at December 31, 2020 includes $5.5 million as a result of the acquisition. Douglas Reynolds, President, commented on the announcement. "We are excited to welcome West Virginia Pipeline to Energy Services and view the acquisition an important step in our strategy of increasing our exposure in the water and natural gas distribution markets." Reynolds continued, "At the same time, we are investing in the people and equipment needed to expand our existing business and we hope that the benefits of all these investments are clearer during the second half of fiscal year 2021." Below is a comparison of the Company's unaudited operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: Three Months Ended Three Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 (Unaudited) Revenue $ 32,009,796 $ 25,843,307 Cost of revenues 29,166,737 23,486,565 Gross profit 2,843,059 2,356,742 Selling and administrative expenses 3,595,830 2,595,772 Loss income from operations (752,771) (239,030) Other income (expense) Interest income 151,765 53,249 Other nonoperating expense (52,623) (33,938) Interest expense (76,517) (186,845) Gain on sale of equipment 13,042 295,991 35,667 128,457 Loss income before income taxes (717,104) (110,573) Income tax benefit (69,442) (36,459) Net loss (647,662) (74,114) Dividends on preferred stock 77,250 77,250 Net loss available to common shareholders $ (724,912) $ (151,364) Weighted average shares outstanding-basic 13,621,406 13,911,610 Weighted average shares-diluted 13,621,406 13,911,610 Loss earnings per share available to common shareholders $ (0.053) $ (0.011) Loss earnings per share-diluted available to common shareholders $ (0.053) $ (0.011) Below is a comparison of the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Please see the Company's Form 10-Q for December 31, 2020 for a more detailed comparison: December 31, September 30, Assets 2020 2020 (Unaudited) Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,345,745 $ 11,216,820 Accounts receivable-trade 17,096,770 18,246,989 Allowance for doubtful accounts (70,310) (70,310) Retainages receivable 1,658,513 2,483,809 Other receivables 6,677 9,458 Contract assets 4,418,599 6,545,863 Prepaid expenses and other 2,763,189 3,338,943 Total current assets 38,219,183 41,771,572 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 56,679,946 53,324,843 less accumulated depreciation (37,706,313) (36,933,129) Total fixed assets 18,973,633 16,391,714 Acquired intangible assets, net 300,000 - Goodwill 4,220,829 - Total assets $ 61,713,645 $ 58,163,286 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt $ 4,645,254 $ 4,028,900 Lines of credit and short term borrowings 3,500,000 509,843 Accounts payable 5,783,559 5,222,222 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 3,255,740 4,237,172 Contract liabilities 3,721,385 4,851,900 Total current liabilities 20,905,938 18,850,037 Long-term debt, less current maturities 13,496,506 11,233,705 Deferred income taxes payable 2,212,084 2,255,515 Total liabilities 36,614,528 32,339,257 Shareholders' equity Preferred stock, $.0001 par value Authorized 1,000,000 shares, 206 issued at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 - - Common stock, $.0001 par value Authorized 50,000,000 shares 14,839,836 issued and 13,621,406 outstanding at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 1,484 1,484 Treasury stock, 1,218,430 shares at December 31, 2020 and (122) (122) September 30, 2020 Additional paid in capital 60,670,699 60,670,699 Retained deficit (35,572,944) (34,848,032) Total shareholders' equity 25,099,117 25,824,029 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 61,713,645 $ 58,163,286 Please refer to the table below that reconciles adjusted EBITDA with net loss available to common shareholders: Three Months Ended Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Unaudited Unaudited Net loss income available to common shareholders $ (724,912) $ (151,364) Add: Income benefit expense (69,442) (36,459) Add: Dividends on preferred stock 77,250 77,250 Add: Interest expense 76,517 186,845 Less: Non-operating income (112,184) (315,302) Add: Depreciation expense 1,083,853 1,095,282 Adjusted EBITDA $ 331,082 $ 856,252 Certain statements contained in the release, including without limitation statements including the words "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "expects" or words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, general economic and business conditions, changes in business strategy or development plans and other factors referenced in this release. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments. SOURCE Energy Services of America (St. Paul) Senate Republicans today announced a multifaceted plan to return Minnesotas budget surplus to taxpayers. The Senate Republican tax plan emphasizes putting money back in the pockets of families and individuals, particularly middle-income and low-income earners, so they have more security, freedom, and flexibility to chase their dreams. This is the marquee piece of Senate Republicans' Vision 2020 Agenda, which was unveiled in January. The Get Your Billion Back plan is built upon a massive package of tax cuts worth more than $1 billion, which will ease the burden for every single Minnesota taxpayer. The plan calls for reducing the bottom income tax rate, completely eliminating taxes on Social Security income, expanding the K-12 income tax credit, and more. The two-year state budget is fully funded, so its time to give the "billion back" to the hardworking families and taxpayers of Minnesota. This plan will benefit all Minnesotans! An aspect of the plan I most look forward to is fully conforming to the Section 179 equipment investment deductions for our farmers and small businesses. Conforming to this Federal standard will continue to stimulate the economy with more equipment purchases, said Sen. Torrey Westrom (R- Elbow Lake). Reducing the lowest rate will positively impact everyone who pays income taxes in Minnesota, and help low-income and middle-income workers in particular. It will mark the second consecutive year that Senate Republicans have reduced income tax rates an achievement that hadnt been accomplished in almost two decades prior to 2019. Expanding the K-12 Education Tax Credit will specifically help parents of school-age children save money when they file their taxes. More families will qualify for the expanded credit, and those who do will also see larger savings on their tax returns. Eliminating the tax on Social Security Income is long overdue. Minnesota is one of only 13 states that imposes this tax on retirees, many of whom are on a fixed income. Throwing out the Social Security income tax will encourage more seniors to stay in Minnesota after retirement. This is one of the most popular and frequent requests made by constituents at town halls, via social media, and through emails and phone calls. Fully conforming to Section 179 of the federal tax code will help farmers and mom-and-pop businesses grow and invest in their operations by giving them more flexibility to deduct large equipment purchases, and Expanding the Angel Tax Credit will help innovative technologies and groundbreaking ideas reach new heights by giving people a greater incentive to invest in Minnesota companies. Reforming school Equalization Aid will provide more money to school districts that have less property wealth and provide property tax relief to property owners in those districts. Reallocating more mortgage and deed tax revenue to affordable housing programs, as well as property tax classification rate reductions, will help more Minnesotans secure the American Dream of homeownership. Reforms and reductions to Charitable Gaming rules will keep more money raised from gaming by local charities in the communities they support. These are games run exclusively by private nonprofits, like Little League teams. Currently, only a tiny sliver of the proceeds from these games benefits the charities missions. Aside from overhead, most proceeds go to state taxes. If youre stocking your bar for a festive Purim celebration, which begins the evening of Feb. 25, heres a tip: Get a bottle of Righteous Seven liqueur. The award-winning spirit is inspired by the Old Testament and manufactured right here in the St. Louis area. Righteous Seven is a premium blend of alcohol, flavored with seven species of plants found in the book of Deuteronomy, which praises the attributes of Israel as a land with wheat and barley, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey. Grapes represent the seventh flavor in the mix. The formula was developed by David Hermelin, founder of Righteous Road Craft Spirits. After a career in the pharmaceutical industry, Hermelin was searching for a new challenge when he saw the popularity of bourbon, rye and craft beer, so he set his sights on an untapped market: kosher spirits. ADVERTISEMENT The kosher market was not really that creatively serviced, said Hermelin, 54. The market for Righteous Seven in the Jewish world is really a perfect fit. And you dont have you have to be Jewish to enjoy it. There are a lot of Christians this really resonates with. Its that Judeo-Christian background relating to the meaning of the land of Israel and the foods and fruits and the grains. But the low-hanging fruit is the Jewish market and thats what I saw I could get into quickly. The challenge for Hermelin was coming up a marketable product with a unique flavor. Its a painstaking trial-and-error process that took a full year to achieve the perfect blend. I worked with a distiller in Kansas City and we started doing experiments and we made each one of these fruits separately, Hermelin said. Then we tasted it and put it together. There was a period of experimentation and different ratios, different alcohol percentages and different sugar percentages. The nice thing about this is its not an aged product. You have to age a bourbon or rye or a scotch. That takes a long time and its expensive. The reward is great if you can do it, but I wasnt going to invest at that level in the beginning. Righteous Seven is now available in about 80 markets in Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Florida and California. It has quickly developed a loyal following and steady business. That has been a tougher task during the pandemic as many bars have closed and liquor store tastings disappeared. Despite those challenges, Righteous Seven has captured prestigious awards including best fruit liqueur at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits. Hermelin brews and bottles Righteous Seven just across the river in Columbia, Ill. at Stumpys Spirits Distillery. Thats also where Righteous Barrell Reserve liqueur is aged. Both Righteous brands sport a distinctive label with the seven species of flavors that make up its unique taste. The flavor embodies all seven ingredients but isnt overly sweet. It works well as a mixer or straight up. The spirit also represents a new option for mixologists, according to Jonathan Levy, who helms the bar at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis. Righteous Seven is a wonderful cocktail ingredient, said Levy, 30. Its similar in style to an amaro, and it functions very well in any drinks that incorporate those flavors. It has a bittersweet, herbal, and complex character that lends itself very well to drinks that emphasize these qualities. I enjoy it on the rocks, with some sweet vermouth and topped with a splash of club soda. The Righteous Seven label is as striking as the contents. That was a deliberate decision to stand out in a crowded field of spirits on store shelves, Hermelin said. Its not a standard bottleits a flat face, he said. So theres a lot of real estate on this bottle. I wanted a large face so that I could show the placement of these fruits that mimic the sefirot of the tree of life, including kindness, strength and beauty. I wanted that to be presented in a certain way and this bottle gave me that opportunity. Next up for Righteous Road later this month is a brand new liqueur known as The Fifth Cup. It contains no wheat or grains and is kosher for Passover. The decision to expand the product line with The Fifth Cup was to fill a void in the market. This new liqueur will be something great for Passover and year-round, Hermelin said. It will have dates and figs and apricots and almonds and pistachios. So its a new direction. The market for liquor on Passover is limited because you cant have bourbon or anything with wheat. A lot of products are made with grain and are non-starters for people to keep those the rules of Passover. So the craft spirits market is almost nil on Passover. When hes not concocting new liqueurs, Hermelin serves as president of Agudas Israel. Its a role where his business background comes in handy. That is echoed by Agudas leader Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt. David is really a unique individual, Greenblatt said. Hes very bright, very industrious, extremely caring, compassionate and sensitive. He combines a lot of a lot of character traits very much the way that Righteous Seven combines seven different species into a beautiful blend. Greenblatt said Hermelin and his wife Daniela (a SLUCare physician) have helped the congregation navigate the challenges of COVID-19. David is just there every step along the way and really he is a rabbis dream as a president. Ive turned to him so many ways over a good number of years now, Greenblatt said. David and his wife have guided us and theyve been there in a very assuring way but in a very firm way in terms of helping us maintain our safety and our health throughout this whole ordeal. Weve had to convene services off-site in the gymnasium of a public school and that required a lot of logistics. And Im a fan of Davids craft in Righteous Seven because Im a fan of Davids. Its no surprise to me that when he puts his hand to something, hes successful. David Hermelin may have created Righteous Seven but he is a righteous one. Miramar's portfolio of exploration projects has a high potential for new gold discoveries within trucking distance of existing operations. Allan Kelly has created wealth for shareholders before and he is back again with ( ). Allan Kelly is a guy who has done a Miramar before and took the then company from being an explorer to a producer. There have been many other stories that fit this bill but when I met him at a Diggers and Dealers several years ago, I was impressed with the story of Doray. When I notice Miramar Resources, I was immediately fascinated with the projects. I was thinking that the Gidji project was a "postage stamp" (headline reader) project. Why would someone like Allan Kelly bother with this? I also heard that the IPO was oversubscribed and it did well post IPO when it got listed in October 2020. As soon as this Coffee with Samso was confirmed, I was keenly anticipating a great conversation. Well, to say the least, this has turned out to be one of the best conversations about exploration and why exploration can add value to a company faster and greater than most investors would realise. In this episode of Coffee with , Allan shares with us the value of exploration. He tells about how many times he has seen good exploration creating so much value for shareholders. Most importantly, he gives a great conversation of the projects in Miramar and why Gidji is such a great project. This is a great conversation about why people like me love exploration. I think it is the same feeling that any explorers or travellers get when they have that sensation of seeing new things and realising the discovery is upon their sights. PODCAST About Allan Kelly Executive Chairman Mr. Kelly is a geologist and manager with over 25 years experience in mineral exploration, development and production throughout Australia and the Americas. Mr. Kelly graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science (with honours) in Applied Geology from Curtin University. He has been involved in targeting early-stage exploration of gold, nickel and copper deposits in Australia, Alaska and Canada and has previously held senior exploration positions within Western Mining Corporation and . He has also served as an Executive Director of and a non-executive director of Alloy Resources Ltd. In 2009, Mr. Kelly founded Doray Minerals Limited, which listed on the ASX in early 2010. Under Mr. Kellys management, Doray discovered the high-grade Wilber Lode gold deposit within the Andy Well Project in the Murchison Region of Western Australia, which moved from discovery to production within three and a half years, and subsequently funded, constructed and commissioned the Deflector Gold-Copper Project within 14 months of completing the takeover of Mutiny Gold Limited in 2014. In 2014, Mr. Kelly was awarded the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) Prospector Award, along with Dorays co-founder Mr. Heath Hellewell, for the discovery of the Wilber Lode and Andy Well gold deposits. Mr. Kelly is a Fellow and Former Councillor of the Association of Applied Geochemistry (AAG), a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) and a Member of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD). About Miramar Resources Limited ( ) Miramar Resources Limited is a Western Australian focussed mineral exploration company with projects in the Eastern Goldfields, the Murchison and Gascoyne regions. The portfolio of exploration projects has high potential for new gold discoveries within trucking distance of existing operations and for the discovery of nickel-copper-platinum group element (PGE) mineralisation. Miramar aims to create shareholder value through discovery and the Board has a proven track record of successful discovery, development and production. Latest ASX Announcements High grade gold at Gidji upgrades aircore targets Disclaimer The information contained on this website is the writers personal opinion and is provided to you for information only and is not intended to or nor will it create/induce the creation of any binding legal relations. Read full Disclaimer. If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information. I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value. It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au. A Chinese-owned data storage company will house files for the Australian Defence Force, sparking fears the global superpower could easily access Australia's military secrets. The parent company of data firm Global Switch, Aldersgate Investments, sold 49 per cent of its stake to Chinese consortium Elegant Jubilee in 2016. At the time then-treasurer Scott Morrison said all military documents would be phased out of the storage facility in Ultimo, Sydney, by 2020. Instead the contract, which was due to expire in October last year, was quietly renewed until September 2025 in a $53.5million deal, federal parliament revealed on Tuesday. A Chinese-owned data storage company is going to be storing files for the Australian Defence Force (pictured), sparking fears China could access Australia's military secrets A data storage firm which is 49 per cent owned by a Chinese company had its contract renewed until September 2025 by Federal Parliament on Tuesday In 2017 Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who was then treasurer, ordered all sensitive data be removed from a storage facility run by Global Switch in Sydney by 2020, reported the Daily Telegraph. 'They've made a decision to get their data out of that data centre and that's an entirely appropriate decision, and they'll get that done I understand by 2020,' he said at the time. Mr Morrison defended the renewal in parliament this week, saying the facility does not hold the most classified documents and defence was moving 'less sensitive and unclassified data assets to an alternative data centre'. Aldersgate Investments is the parent company of storage firm Global Switch (Sydney office pictured), which sold 49 per cent of its stake to Chinese consortium Elegant Jubilee in 2016 In 2017 Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured), who was then treasurer, ordered all sensitive data be removed from a storage facility run by Global Switch in Sydney by 2020 However, Queensland MP Bob Katter and independent MP Andrew Wilkie moved a motion to end data storage contracts with foreign-owned companies. 'What is the point of having a defence system when a military 100 times larger than ours knows where all your defence assets are?' Mr Katter said in parliament. Elegant Jubilee bought their $4billion stake in the company in cash, a decision by Aldersgate Investments that caused ire among some UK politicians at the time. Defence has said they will control the data at the Sydney warehouse until all the files had migrated somewhere else by 2025. The Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission are progressively moving their files away from the company due to security concerns. 'Across the many international markets in which we operate, Global Switch partners with governments and leading organisations to house their mission critical IT infrastructure,' Group Director of Global Switch in the Asia Pacific Damon Reid said in a statement. 'Global Switch has no access to any customer data, we simply build and operate high quality real estate with the right power, cooling and physical security so that our customers are able to focus on their core IT requirements.' Queensland MP Bob Katter (pictured) and independent MP Andrew Wilkie moved a motion to end data storage contracts with foreign owned companies The security concerns follow escalating tensions between Australia and China after Australia questioned China's role in the outbreak of Covid-19 and blocked Chinese-backed developments. China has also imposed tariffs and bans on Australian goods and discouraged China nationals from buying Australian products and travelling to the country. Cracks in the relationship began forming after Australian intelligence concluded China cyber-attacked Australia's parliament and major politician parties before the 2019 election. Berger said when he read the findings of the first probe, "it was pretty clear to me we needed to do a follow-on... Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Cape Town Rape allegations against - DJ Fresh, real name Thato Sikwane, and Euphonik, real name Themba Nkosi - came to light last month after a woman took to Twitter to make the accusations but prosecutors determined that the claim "lacked merit". The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has said that there was insufficient evidence to pursue a criminal case against DJ Fresh and Euphonik. NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that a decision not to prosecute was taken. "With regards to the DJ Fresh and Euphonik matter, the docket was indeed presented to the prosecutor. Upon perusal of all available evidence in the docket, a decision not to prosecute was taken. There are no prospects of successful prosecution on the available evidence because the evidence is insufficient." After the dismissal was announced DJ Fresh and Euphonik released a joint statement on social media: "We are pleased to state that, after considering all of the evidence collected while investigating the claim made by [the accuser] against us, the chief prosecutor has dismissed the allegations on the basis that the allegations are without merit." "The docket has been marked Nolle prosequI. As we've said before, these are false allegations and we are deeply saddened that GBV, a serious crisis in South Africa, was weaponised in this manner. A huge thank you to all of our family, friends, supporters, and to our legal team." Nolle prosequi is a Latin phrase meaning "will not prosecute". A woman laid a criminal complaint against the duo after accusing them of drugging and raping her in 2011. DJFresh and Euphonik denied the allegations, calling them "hurtful and false". This verdict comes a week after the duo had their contracts at radio station 94.7 terminated. "Primedia Broadcasting can confirm that, after careful consideration of the events of the last few weeks, the company has decided to release DJ Fresh and Euphonik from their contracts. Their last shows on 947 were aired on January 15 and January 10, 2021, respectively," the broadcaster said. An assembly line of Renault Samsung's Busan plant / Korea Times file The chief of Renault Samsung Motors Corp. said Tuesday restructuring will be "inevitable" for the company's survival amid the prolonged coronavirus pandemic and lower demand for its models. In a message to employees, Renault Samsung Chief Executive Dominique Signora made the comments as the company struggles with lower vehicle sales and high labor and manufacturing costs. "There is an urgent need to cut costs (through restructuring) to ride out this crisis as the company's overall vehicle sales fell to the lowest level in 16 years since 2004. In particular, exports plunged by nearly 80 percent last year compared to the previous year due to the halted production of the Nissan Rogue SUV in March," Signora said. Car assembly plants under Renault Group are required to cut manufacturing costs further to secure a new vehicle for production and additional volume for sales for survival amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a paradigm shift in the automobile industry, he said. For the whole of 2020, Renault Samsung, which is 81 percent owned by French carmaker Renault S.A., sold 116,166 vehicles, down 34.5 percent from 177,450 units a year earlier. Domestic sales rose 11 percent to 95,939 units last year from 86,859 the previous year, but exports plummeted 78 percent to 20,227 autos from 90,591 over the cited period. As a result, the Korean unit reported an operating loss worth 70 billion won last year for the first time in eight years. In January, Renault Samsung entered emergency management amid the extended COVID-19 pandemic and announced its plans to cut the number of executives by 40 percent and their pay by 20 percent. It also offered a voluntary retirement program to all employees. Early this month, Jose Vicente de Los Mozos, executive vice president in charge of manufacturing and supply chain at Renault, said Renault Samsung should ramp up production at its sole Busan plant, 450 kilometers south of Seoul, and cut manufacturing costs to stay afloat. Last year, Renault Samsung promised to improve productivity at the Busan plant to win export volume of the XM3 SUV for European markets. So Renault Group decided to allow the plant to manufacture most of the XM3 for global sales in September, Mozos said. "But Renault Samsung didn't keep its word as of the end of 2020 and the XM3's manufacturing costs per unit at the Busan plant are two times higher than the Captur SUV's cost-per-unit at (Renault's) Spain plant," he said. The XM3 and the Captur share the same platform, and the XM3 is sold as the New Arkana in Europe. Mozos said three things should be guaranteed for the survival of the Korean unit: high quality, reasonable manufacturing costs and in-time delivery to global markets. Its current passenger car lineup includes the all-electric SM3 Z.E. sedan, the SM6 sedan, the XM3 SUV and the QM6 SUV. (Yonhap) UPDATE: An AMBER Alert has been canceled for a teen girl who was abducted in North Tonawanda on Monday night. Stephnie White, 17, has been safely located, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Additional details have not been announced. From earlier: An AMBER Alert has been issued for a teen girl who was abducted in Western New York on Monday night. The North Tonawanda Police Department says 17-year-old Stephnie White was abducted on Niagara Falls Boulevard in North Tonawanda, N.Y., around 7 p.m. Shes described as 410, approximately 160 pounds with short brown hair and brown eyes; she was last seen wearing a black Deadpool sweatshirt, red and black pajama pants with Harley Quinn images, and black and white high top sneakers. WGRZ reports police believe she was abducted by Michael D. Mesko, who was released from jail last week on rape charges. Mesko, 50, is approximately 61 and weighs around 220 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes, a surgical scar on the right side of his neck, and a tattoo of a wolf on his right ankle. The alert says he was seen driving a dark blue 2015 Nissan Rogue with New York license plate HPS 3840. The North Tonawanda Police Department has activated the New York State AMBER Alert and is investigating a child abduction that occurred on Niagara Falls Blvd, in North Tonawanda, NY at about 7:00 PM on 2/15/2021. pic.twitter.com/0oRwh626P1 NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) February 16, 2021 Police believe Mesko may be trying to leave New York state with White, and that she may be in imminent danger of serious harm or death. Mesko was released from the Niagara County Jail on Feb. 10 after being charged with two counts of second degree rape and two counts of criminal sexual act. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately or contact the North Tonawanda Police Department at (716) 692-4111 ext. 1. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. By Abdulrahman al-Ansi SANAA (Reuters) - Bakers in the Yemeni capital Sanaa have swapped diesel and gas for firewood due to fuel shortages to keep making bread in a country where hunger is widespread after years of war. Each day workers unload tonnes of wooden logs from trucks that have travelled hundreds of miles from Yemen's remote mountains to Sanaa's biggest wood market. The growing firewood business is a stark reminder of Yemen's environmental problems which have been eclipsed by war and disease. It also puts more pressure on forests already damaged by the cultivation of the chewable stimulant qat. "We used diesel before, then we moved to gas because of the blockade...then gas was cut off, so we moved to firewood," said Ali al-Shebeely, a bakery owner in Houthi-controlled Sanaa. The Iran-aligned Houthis accuse their Saudi-led coalition foe of waging economic warfare on the territories they hold by holding up commercial vessels in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, including fuel tankers. The group took over Sanaa and most major cities in 2014 after ousting the Saudi-backed government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The ensuing war has led to a major humanitarian crisis. "Demand for firewood has increased sharply with fuel and gas shortages and the blockade imposed on Yemen," said Abdulrahman Yahya, a wood trader in Sanaa. Both firewood and bread prices have risen. Baker Tawfiq Abdulmughni said: "We used to buy a truckload for 130,000 riyals ($500). Now it's for 250,000 ($1,000)." Under pressure from authorities, bakers have been reducing the size of bread instead of raising prices. In al-Namri bakery in the UNESCO-listed old neighbourhood of Sanaa, workers prepared famous Yemeni Kodam and Rotti breads, while feeding the wood-fired oven with oak logs. In the market, huge piles of firewood were stacked on the red brown soil, waiting for buyers. "I call on the world to end the blockade on Yemenis, so they can live like everyone else in the world," said Matar Ali Nagy, a Sanaa resident as he bought bread. "We are under siege here in Yemen." (Writing by Aziz El Yaakoubi; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. A recent market study published by FMI on the Electrophysiology market includes the global industry analysis of 2015-2019 & opportunity assessment for 2020-2030, and delivers a comprehensive assessment of the most important market dynamics. Our analysts have conducted thorough research on the historical as well as current growth parameters of the market to obtain growth prospects with maximum precision. Electrophysiology Market: Segmentation Product Type Electrophysiology Laboratory Devices 3D-Mapping Systems Electrophysiology Recording Systems Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation Systems Intracardiac Echoradiography (ICE) Ultrasound Imaging Systems Electrophysiology X-Ray Systems Others Electrophysiology Ablation Catheters Cryoablation Electrophysiology Catheters Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation Catheters Microwave Ablation (MWA) Systems Laser Ablation Systems Electrophysiology Diagnostic Catheters Conventional Electrophysiology Diagnostic Catheters Advanced Electrophysiology Diagnostic Catheters Ultrasound Electrophysiology Diagnostic Catheters Indication Atrial Fibrillation Atrial Flutter Atrioventricular Nodal Re-entry Tachycardia (AVNT) Wolff-Parkinson White Syndrome Bradycardia Others End-user Hospitals Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories Ambulatory Surgery Centers Region North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia Oceania Middle East & Africa Request a Sample of this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-12402 Report Chapters Chapter 01- Executive Summary The report gives a brief with the executive summary of the Electrophysiology market, which includes a summary of the key findings and statistics of the market. It also includes the demand & supply-side trends and the technological roadmap pertaining to the Electrophysiology market. Chapter 02 Market Overview In this chapter, readers can find the definition and a detailed taxonomy of the Electrophysiology market, which will help them understand the basic information about the Electrophysiology market. Along with this, comprehensive information about Electrophysiology is provided in this section. This section also highlights the inclusions and exclusions, which help readers understand the scope of the Electrophysiology market report. Chapter 03 Key Market Trends This section includes key trends impacting the market as well as the major development trends associated with product innovation and development. Chapter 04- Market Background This section includes the prominent dynamics (drivers, restraints & opportunities) which are responsible for shaping the markets growth trajectory during the upcoming decades forecast. The chapter also sheds light on the relevance and impact of the prominent forecast factors along with macro-economic trends such as the global GDP and healthcare outlook. Chapter 05- COVID-19 Crisis Analysis This chapter of the report sheds exclusive light on the present as well as projected future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market. It incorporates the current economic outlook and comparison with the 2008 financial crisis as well as quarter-wise forecast for the remainder of the current year. The chapter concludes by providing a probable recovery scenario across the short-term, medium-term and long-term forecast periods respectively. Chapter 06- Market Context This chapter elucidates on the overall market scenario, taking into account the key products unique selling proposition (USP), disease epidemiology, regulatory scenario, key promotional strategies, product adoption analysis and value chain analysis among other aspects. Chapter 07- Global Electrophysiology Market Volume Analysis 2015-2019 & Forecast 2020-2030 This section explains the global market volume analysis and forecast for the Electrophysiology market for the forecast period of 2020-2030, in value terms. This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the historical projections of the Electrophysiology market, providing historical, current and future projections in 000 units. The projections are given on a year-on-year basis. Chapter 08- Global Electrophysiology Market- Pricing Analysis In this section, the report incorporates a detailed pricing analysis at the regional as well as global levels, along with a detailed break-up demarcating the levels of manufacturing and distributor pricing. Chapter 09- Global Electrophysiology Market Value (US$ Mn) Analysis 2015-2019 and Forecast, 2020-2030 In this chapter, the report includes a year-on-year growth trend and opportunity analysis for the upcoming decade (2020-2030). It provides historical, current and future market value projections in US$ Mn. Chapter 10- Global Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 and Forecast 2020-2030, by Type This chapter provides details about the Electrophysiology market based on type and has been classified into laboratory devices, ablation catheters and diagnostic catheters. Get Full Report Buy Now @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/12402 Chapter 11 Global Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 by Indication This chapter provides details about the Electrophysiology market based on application and has been classified into atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal re-entry tachycardia (AVNT), Wolff-Parkinson White Syndrome, Bradycardia and others. Chapter 12- Global Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 by End-User This chapter provides details about the Electrophysiology market based on end-user and has been classified into hospitals, cardiac catheterization laboratories and ambulatory surgery centers. Chapter 13- Global Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 by Region This chapter provides details about the Electrophysiology market based on region and has been classified into North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), East Asia, South Asia and Oceania. Chapter 14- North America Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter provides details about the growth of the North America Electrophysiology market, along with a country-wide assessment which includes the U.S and Canada. Readers can also find the pricing analysis, regional trends, and market growth based on material and countries in North America. Chapter 15- Latin America Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter provides details about the growth of the Latin America Electrophysiology market, along with a country-wide assessment which includes Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Rest of Latin America. Chapter 16- Europe Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter provides details about the growth of the European Electrophysiology market, along with a country-wide assessment which includes Germany, Italy, France, the U.K, Spain, BENELUX, Russia and Rest of Europe. Chapter 17- South Asia Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter provides details about the growth of the South Asian Electrophysiology market, along with a country-wide assessment which includes India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Rest of South Asia. Chapter 18- East Asia Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter provides details about the growth of the East Asian Electrophysiology market, along with a country-wide assessment which includes China, Japan and South Korea. Chapter 19- Oceania Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter provides details about the growth of the Oceania Electrophysiology market, along with a country-wide assessment which includes Australia and New Zealand. Chapter 20- Middle East & Africa Electrophysiology Market Analysis 2015-2019 & Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030 This chapter provides details about the growth of the Middle East & Africa Electrophysiology market, along with a country-wide assessment which includes GCC countries, Turkey, South Africa and rest of MEA. Request for Report Ask A Question @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-12402 Chapter 21- Key Countries Electrophysiology Market Analysis 20152019 and Forecast 20202030 This chapter provides the growth scenario of the Electrophysiology market of 22 key countries by type, and form. Additionally, COVID-19 impact in the said market in all respective countries has been included. Chapter 22- Market Structure Analysis In this chapter, readers can find detailed information about the tier analysis and market concentration of key players in the physiology equipment market, along with their market presence analysis by region and product portfolio. Chapter 23- Competition Analysis In this chapter, readers can find a comprehensive list of all the prominent stakeholders in the Electrophysiology market, along with detailed information about each company, which includes company overview, revenue shares, strategic overview, and recent company developments. Some of the market players featured in the report are Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic Plc, Koninklijke Philips N.V, Boston Scientific Corporation, Japan Lifeline, Stereotaxis, Microport Scientific Corporation, Biotronik, Acutus Medical, Baylis Medical, EP Solutions SA, APN Health LLC, Teleflex and Merit Medical Systems. Chapter 24- Assumptions & Acronyms Used This chapter includes a list of acronyms and assumptions that provides a base to the information and statistics included in the physiotherapy equipment market report. Chapter 25- Research Methodology This chapter help readers understand the research methodology followed to obtain various conclusions as well as important qualitative and quantitative information about the physiotherapy equipment market The most recent addition to the dining scene on Princes Street has been given the green light by Cork City Council to remain as a permanent eatery on the street. Cork City Council has granted conditional planning permission for the change of use of the ground floor of 24 Princes Street from a commercial unit to a cafe/restaurant. The new venture is the brainchild of the team involved in Clancys bar, also on Princes Street, and opened as a pop-up cafe at Christmas time. The premises was previously Lee Travel, which relocated its operations there to Heffernans Travel on Pembroke Street, taken over by Lee Travel in 2018. "We took over the lease on that premises [24 Princes Street] from Declan OConnell in Lee Travel last year and were delighted now to see that we have a conditional planning got to turn it into a cafe and a restaurant and we hope to open it when the Covid restrictions are lifted and add to the already vibrant Princes Street for the summer and the years ahead," owner of Clancys bar Paul Montgomery told The Echo. "Well have an emphasis on the outdoor dining obviously there a lot. "It will be a lovely independent venue and well obviously be able to give it support from Clancys, but it will operate in its own right. "We temporarily ran a little shop there at Christmas time so it will trade under the name Kings. Kings Bar, pictured in 1997. Picture: Dan Linehan "It was Kings in a previous life as a bar one time," he continued. Speaking about the food offering that will be available in Kings, Mr Montgomery said the focus will be on Mediterranean cuisine. The food offering in Kings will be a contemporary take on Mediterranean street food with Greek souvlaki, gyros, koftas and tornado potatoes, to mention a few. All dishes will be made so that they can be served in a freshly rolled pita or on a salad base giving the option of healthy alternatives, he said. Six routine conditions are attached to Cork City Council's approval of the development. While Cork City Council has granted permission for the change of use of the ground floor, the decision could still be appealed with An Bord Pleanala. If there is no appeal against the decision, a grant of permission in accordance with the decision will be issued after the expiration of the period within which an appeal may be made to An Bord Pleanala. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Silent Arrow today announced the United States Air Force has awarded contract FA864921P0478 entitled "Feasibility of Downsizing and Adapting Commercial Silent Arrow Cargo Delivery UAS to Meet Specific AFSOC Operational Requirements" to the company effective February 5, 2021. The contract will be executed in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) with funding from AFWERX. A 1-ton Silent Arrow Autonomous Cargo Delivery Aircraft with Wings Cocked and Fuselage Loaded is Prepared for Loading Onto a Deployment Aircraft at Silent Arrow's Flight Test Center, Pendleton Oregon. A Silent Arrow GD-2000 Autonomous Cargo Delivery UAS Uses Onboard LiDAR to Initiate the Landing Flare Sequence During an Air Force Demonstration Flight, Pendleton Oregon. Under this Small Business Innovation Research ("SBIR") contract, the commercially successful Silent Arrow GD-2000 (Glider, Disposable, 2000 pounds) platform will be scaled down for CV-22 cargo ramp and smaller fixed-wing side-door deployment activities for unspecified U.S. operations. In accordance with the tenets of the SBIR program, Silent Arrow heavy payload cargo UAS will subsequently be procurable on a sole-source basis by the United States government for special operations and tactical resupply as well as humanitarian aid and disaster relief. "This contract creates a new Silent Arrow product line, custom tailored to one of the specific needs of the special operations community," said Chip Yates, Silent Arrow's founder and CEO. "We are pleased with the Air Force's vision and decisiveness in driving this life-saving asset into the hands of the warfighter." Silent Arrow's tightly integrated packaging with its patented spring-deployed wing system transported inside the fuselage, 1,600-pound payload capacity, 40-mile standoff distance and low unit cost, has received enthusiastic reception from U.S. and foreign customers and is currently being delivered to directly serve heavy-payload, autonomous cargo resupply needs throughout the world. About Silent Arrow: Silent Arrow is a DBA of Yates Electrospace Corporation, founded in 2012 by electric aviation pioneer Chip Yates, to produce the 1-ton Silent Arrow and AVIUS Air Delivery autonomous cargo drone product lines, which were named one of six "Unmanned Cargo Aircraft to Watch" by Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine. Our engineering team has been awarded more than 20 patents, 6 Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) aircraft world records and 2 FAI Louis Bleriot medals for disruptive contributions to the aviation industry. For more information visit www.Silent-Arrow.com. Contact: Greg Fehrenbach +1 949-243-4163 [email protected] SOURCE Silent Arrow ALBANY Budget negotiations for 2022 are underway and within Gov. Andrew Cuomos proposal is additional funding for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative. Its executive director, however, wants more. Police reform, diversity and inclusion training, educational seminars, organizational audits, immersion programs between schools and more are on ADIs docket this year. Nicole Hylton-Patterson has been in her executive director role for just over a year spearheading the initiative through a $250,000 grant from the state Environmental Protection Fund. But with one other full-time staff member and a part-time assistant, the work capacity is a challenge. I cant do this alone, Hylton-Patterson said in a phone interview on Tuesday. I need a robust staff to do work over 6-point-something million acres. It appears Cuomo and state legislators plan to renew $250,000 for 2022, but Hylton-Patterson would like to double that. The state is facing a nearly $15 billion deficit the biggest in its history but the executive director is hoping federal funding comes through and her request will be granted, she said. Last month Cuomo presented two budget proposals, one anticipating more aid from the federal government, and one anticipating less. In the worst-case scenario, Cuomo said, to make up the gap would require everything that you could do. Youd need to raise revenue, cut expenses and borrow funding. It would hurt New York dramatically, the governor had said. State Sen. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, wasnt keen that ADI would get more funding, based on the states multi-billion, multi-year deficit and the funding needed to address the coronavirus pandemic. I think if ADI is in the final budget at their current level of funding, they will be doing better than many others, Stec said in an email. This has nothing to do with merit or value but just financial reality. ADI was created with a mission to make the Adirondack Park more welcoming and inclusive. In May 2019, the state budgeted $250,000 and Hylton-Patterson, who was born in Jamaica and hailed from the Bronx, moved to the North Country to be the organizations first executive director. Work picked up for Hylton-Patterson after people across the nation watched video of George Floyds death in police custody in Minnesota. The image of a Black man struggling under an officers knee before dying precipitated protests across the country and calls for police reform. Hylton-Patterson said she had over 100 requests from businesses, organizations and municipalities across the Adirondacks for her cultural competency training. Her work probably quadrupled, quintupled, in terms of demand on her, part-time staff and media support, said Kate Fish, executive director of the Adirondack North Country Association and a member of ADIs core team of volunteers. But whats been really gratifying to me, to us, to the core team, is how quickly so many people in the region have rallied around the importance of this work. That work will expand this year. ADI is preparing to launch a community policing initiative aimed at strengthening the relationships between law enforcement and local communities. The focus will be on eliminating racial disparities that disproportionately harm Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized residents and visitors, according to a planning document. Hylton-Patterson said the policing initiative ties in with Cuomos executive order on police reform and reinvention. The idea is to pair local law enforcement with policing liaisons to help them address underlying problems in communities. State Police in the Adirondacks have already signed on to the program, Hylton-Patterson said. ADI has contracted with RENZ Consulting, a firm that specializes in police-community relations. The firm was founded by Lorenzo Boyd, a former law enforcement officer, current professor and nationally known consultant on police and community relations and criminal justice. Hylton-Patterson said ADI has fundraised to support the work, and the training will involve reviewing hiring practices, reviewing opportunities for diversifying staff, providing cultural consciousness trainings, cultural sensitivity trainings and real-time advice. This work bounces off of ADIs Driving While Black webinar series in 2020. During some of those sessions, Black residents shared their experiences living in the Adirondacks. One man described a time when a police officer pulled a gun on him while he was working, wearing a company uniform and driving a company truck. Hylton-Patterson has also experienced racism here in the Adirondacks. On her regular running route, teens had vandalized a bridge in Saranac Lake with racial slurs. The subsequent delayed reactions from the community had struck Hylton-Patterson. Eventually, the Village of Saranac Lake posted banners downtown that read, Racism is a public health crisis. Fish has seen the Adirondack Park community shift to realizing not only the moral implications of becoming a more diverse and inclusive place, but also the risks to its economy. I think the economic future of the region is in jeopardy, Fish said, if the Adirondacks doesnt broaden its reach and inclusivity. ADI is also working with state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation, on how they can diversify staff. This year ADI has plans to pilot a new program with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry to create a school pipeline to the states forest ranger academy and other outdoors and environmental careers. Hylton-Patterson said it is part of an overall initiative called the Young Adirondack Stewards Program. Students from the New York City area, from kindergarten up to 12th grade, will be making field trips to the North Country to learn about the Adirondacks and the career opportunities available. ADIs second full-time staff member, David Yisrael Epstein HaLevi, is working with area colleges on creating a social justice minor that will be a requirement for interns of ADI. A version of this story was first published by AdirondackExplorer.org. The mayor, police chief and current and former city clerk of a small Iowa town have been charged with a string of felonies and misdemeanors after a multi-year investigation uncovered embezzlement and other abuses, authorities say. The Emmett County Sheriffs Office announced in a news release that the Iowa Attorney Generals Office filed the charges against Armstrong Mayor Greg Buum, police chief Craig Merrill, city clerk Tracie Lang and former city clerk Connie Thackery. The sheriffs office said state law enforcement and financial officials assisted in the investigation, which uncovered misappropriation of city funds, the presentation of fraudulent public records, deploying a TASER against a civilian in exchange for cash, and falsification of ledgers to conceal embezzlement. Everyone but Merrill, the police chief, was arrested on Feb. 12. Bond is set at $67,000 for Buum, $44,000 for Lang and $33,000 for Thackery. A jail official had no information about whether the three in custody had attorneys who could speak on their behalf. Phone messages left at Merrills home and the city hall in Armstrong werent immediately returned. Armstrong has about 880 residents and is located 135 miles (217.26 kilometers) north of Des Moines, near the states border with Minnesota. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Abuse Molestation Iowa Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 A number of state universities and community colleges across the Capitol Region hope that the Biden administration will make colleges more affordable to lower-income students and minority groups as well as provide relief for those paying off student loans. President Joe Biden campaigned on a plan that included making public universities and colleges free for students with families earning under $125,000 a year, doubling Pell grants for those with financial need and forgiving student debt. On his first day in office, Biden signed an executive order extending the pause on federal student loan repayments due to the ongoing pandemic. Biden has also been pressured by lawmakers to cancel federal student loan debt. According to EducationData.org, New York residents owe an average of $90 billion in student loan debt. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a tweet on Feb. 4 that the president continues to support the cancelling of student debt to bring relief to students and families. On the same day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., Alma Adams, D-N.C., and Mondaire Jones, D-N.Y., called on Biden to use executive action to cancel up to $50,000 in student debt for individuals. As more jobs require post-secondary education and given the economic fallout from the pandemic, we must continue to do all we can to make college affordable to all, said Jim Malatras, chancellor of The State University of New York. We welcome and appreciate any additional support we can get, and we are excited to work with the Biden administration to that end. Nathan Gonyea, officer in charge at SUNY Empire State College, said that he hopes that the administration focuses on providing financial help so low-income students can enter college. Gonyea said first lady Jill Biden, who has a doctorate and teaches at a community college, can be an ally, saying that she gives a voice right in the ear of the president. Other SUNY leaders also emphasized the importance of federal support for ensuring higher education is affordable regardless of income. Jordan Carleo-Evangelist, a spokesman at the University at Albany, said that SUNY already provides one of the most affordable, high-quality college educations in the country. Proper state and federal support are critical to helping keep it that way, he said. Martha Parham, senior vice president of public relations for the American Association of Community Colleges, said the Biden administration also must recognize the need to address other barriers to making community colleges more accessible and more affordable. They include unemployment during the pandemic, child care and lack of access to proper technology, she said. We feel confident that the Biden administration has a clear understanding of what those support services are and what the needs are, Parham said. The SUNY leaders also discussed the impact that student debt cancellation would have on the universities. SUNY Cobleskill President Marion Terenzio said debt cancellation could be beneficial if desired outcomes and are built into the plan, which will provide further direction as to how debt forgiveness moves the agenda of building an educated citizenry. Reforms should should include the equivalent of a 360-degree evaluation, she said. Most reforms address only one feature without taking into account the highly interconnected nature of student readiness for college, societal expectations and higher educations readiness for contemporary trends and disruptions, she said. Rachel Gentry, assistant director of federal relations at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, said that her organization has recommended that Congress explore debt forgiveness options that are targeted to borrowers with the greatest need. But she also emphasized the need to double the maximum Pell grant, which now is $6,345, because the money does not need to be repaid. The Pell Grant program is really the cornerstone of the federal student aid program, Gentry said. Jay Silver is a graduate student in Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Columbus Citizens Foundation's Dr. Anthony Fauci Scholarship now accepting applications. "We are thrilled to be adding this scholarship to our existing program. The qualities of empathy, understanding and perseverance....will all be prerequisites for potential candidates. Applicants can apply from February 16 until April 1," stated CCF Executive Director, Lisa Ackerman. Columbus Citizens Foundation (CCF) will today begin accepting applications for a new scholarship to support Italian Americans with great academic prowess seeking financial aid at the graduate level in medical and public health fields of study. The scholarship will be awarded annually, recipients will be chosen by a qualified standing committee and the scholarship is to be awarded in the name of Dr. Anthony S. Fauci. Columbus Citizens Foundation awards approximately $2 million annually in multi-year elementary, high school and college scholarships to academically qualified Italian American students with demonstrated financial need. Since the program began in 1984, CCF has awarded $30 million in scholarship support to thousands of students. Building on this legacy, CCF has now created the Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Scholarship for students who intend to study medicine with a focus on epidemiology or public health. The scholarship will provide each student $25,000 per year, for four years, at the medical college or university of his or her choice. CCF Executive Director, Lisa Ackerman, noted: We are thrilled to be adding this scholarship to our existing program. The qualities of empathy, understanding and perseverance that Dr. Fauci has exemplified throughout his career, will all be prerequisites for potential candidates. Applicants can apply from February 16 until April 1. A steering committee of medical professionals will help us evaluate all applications and ensure that a deserving student is selected. Columbus Citizens Foundation is best known for organizing the biggest Columbus Day Parade in the world in a massive annual celebration of our shared Italian heritage and culture. Dr. Fauci was previously named as a Columbus Celebration Honoree in 1988, for his ground-breaking work on curbing the AIDS epidemic worldwide. To learn more on the application process for the Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Scholarship, please visit: http://www.columbuscitizensfd.org. MORE ABOUT COLUMBUS CITIZENS FOUNDATION Columbus Citizens Foundation is a non-profit organization in New York City committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement. The Foundation, through a broad range of philanthropic and cultural activities, provides opportunities for advancement to deserving Italian-American students through various scholarship and grant programs. The Foundation organizes New York City's annual Columbus Celebration and Columbus Day Parade. Just the latest in a range of devices that use light therapies to ease common ailments Light devices specifically LED ones are being used to treat a range of medical conditions, including skin complaints, incontinence and depression. And there is now a growing range of light devices you can use at home, which the manufacturers say can be just as effective. But are they really? Claire Coleman asked medical experts to assess some of the latest products on the market. We then rated them. Light devices specifically LED ones are being used to treat a range of medical conditions, including skin complaints, incontinence and depression [File photo] Hair Loss Wontech Hair Boom 995, novusmedicaluk.com Claim: This is a non-invasive low-level laser therapy [LLLT] system for hair regrowth and hair regeneration that is clinically proven to stimulate new hair growth, according to the manufacturer. Wear once a day for 18 minutes for results in a month. Expert verdict: Dr Anastasia Therianou, a consultant dermatologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London, says: Studies of LLLT show some efficacy when it comes to improving hair growth in certain patients, such as those with female-pattern hair loss. According to the theory, the light energy is turned into heat energy, increasing cell energy and blood flow to the cells that are responsible for hair growth. But more studies are needed to prove this. It would be most suitable for male or female-pattern baldness and scalp psoriasis. I dont see this as a first-line treatment as we have effective treatments such as minoxidil and finasteride [in men], but LLLT may be worth trying for people who cant take tablets or who have allergies to topical products. 6/10 Wontech Hair Boom Rosacea ICI Cosmetic The Rosacea LED Mask Phototherapy Face Care 59.95, icicosmetic.co.uk Claim: Thanks to its 150 high-intensity LED lights, this face mask stimulates your skin cells self-healing capacities while reducing inflammation and strongly reducing the population of Demodex mites on your skin, says the maker, which recommends starting with a five-minute treatment three times a week. Rosacea causes skin reddening thought to be linked to abnormalities in facial blood vessels or an immune reaction to Demodex mites, commonly found on the face. Expert verdict: Some studies support the idea that this type of light can reduce the redness of rosacea, says Dr Therianou. Its possible that part of the reason light therapy can be effective is because it disrupts the life cycle of Demodex mites, thought to be partly responsible for it. However, a 2019 review shows low-to- moderate-certainty evidence for light treatment. This may be helpful in addition to a topical regimen, in milder rosacea, or for those who dont respond to other treatments. 4/10 ICI Cosmetic The Rosacea LED Mask Phototherapy Face Care Pain Photizo Pain Relief 299, danetrehealthproducts.com Claim: The manufacturer says this gun is ideal for treating chronic pain and uses red and near infrared LEDs to stimulate cell activity, which accelerates your natural healing process. Expert verdict: Dr Morrison says: I couldnt find specific trials relating to this device, but independent randomised controlled trials using infrared light to treat chronic back pain seem to show the technology can reduce swelling and pain, and improve healing. Infrared light creates thermal energy, which increases the energy and efficiency of cells, meaning improved cell repair, increased blood flow and reduced inflammation. The technology is used by physiotherapists and, while I dont think it will cure a ruptured tendon, it wont do harm and may aid recovery. 6/10 Photizo Pain Relief Psoriasis and eczema Derma UVB Narrowband Phototherapy Lamp 149, carelamps.com Claim: This UVB lamp comes with treatment instructions for psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo, and it is the same specification as lamps used in hospital photo (light) therapy units throughout the world, says the manufacturer. Expert verdict: Theres no doubt that UVB phototherapy has been proven to be helpful for both psoriasis and for eczema, says Dr Therianou. The mechanism by which it works is not 100 per cent understood, but its thought to decrease the inflammation. Although there is a theoretical risk of increasing skin cancer susceptibility [from exposure to UVB], that doesnt seem to be borne out by studies and its a relatively safe treatment. In a clinical setting we always test to find the appropriate dose to ensure the patient doesnt get burnt, which can be a risk. Please consult a doctor before using this lamp for an extended period of time. 8/10 Derma UVB Narrowband Phototherapy Lamp Nasal congestion Infrared Rhinitis Therapy Device 21.99, buysimple.co.uk Infrared Rhinitis Therapy Device Claim: Comprised of two prongs that emit 630nm red light, this battery-powered device is intended for use once a day for four-and-a-half minutes. The maker says that rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever and associated nasal congestion problems are the result of contaminants in the back of the nasal passage that infrared technology can alleviate. Expert verdict: Dr Clare Morrison, a GP with online pharmacy medexpress.co.uk, says: I was sceptical about this but I looked at the research into devices like it and one study that compared infrared light with normal light in a group of people with rhinitis discovered that 72 per cent of the treated group found improvements, compared with just 24 per cent in the placebo group. Im not convinced that this is because the infrared light reduces the contaminants in the back of the nasal passage, as the maker claims. We know that treatments for rhinitis are not very effective so if you have tried others without success it might be worth giving this a go. But shop around because there seem to be less expensive models out there that are based on similar technology. 5/10 Cold sores Virulite 94.50, virudist.com Claim: The Virulite battery-powered anti-cold sore device is clinically proven to work with zero reported side-effects. It uses light to shorten the healing time of a cold sore, the maker says. It should be shone at cold sores three times a day for three minutes over two consecutive days. Expert verdict: Dr Morrison says: Independent studies suggest infrared treatment is effective for cold sores [caused by the herpes simplex virus]. The heat generated thins the liquid in cells, which means the chemical reactions the cells perform speed up, accelerating the immune response. This device is safe for home use but hasnt been through the same clinical tests as antiviral drug acyclovir so should be used in addition to it, rather than as a replacement. 7/10 Virulite Weakened pelvic floor and vaginal dryness vSculpt 395, uk.vsculpt.com Claim: This device claims to restore vaginal tissue and tone your pelvic floor muscles for better bladder control, sensitivity, lubrication, and overall intimate health, by rebuilding collagen [a structural protein] with vibration, heat and infrared light. Use every other day for 45 to 60 days. Expert verdict: Professor Stergios Doumouchtsis, a consultant obstetrician gynaecologist at Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, says: There is no extensive, high-quality research evidence on the efficacy of applications of thermal energy in the lower genital tract, although in principle they seem to be safe. The thermal energy that can be administered via intravaginal applications seems to improve blood circulation and promote the creation of new collagen. The vibration could distract the brain from pain but Im not sure how it could improve muscle tone. vSculpt Low mood Lumie Vitamin L Sad Lamp 75, lumie.com Claim: The size of a small desktop mirror, this lamp delivers 10,000 lux (which research suggests is effective to counter low mood linked to low light levels in winter) and is said to be a convenient way to treat SAD [seasonal affective disorder] or improve mood, energy and focus. The maker advises using it for 30 minutes a day at a distance of 16cm. Expert verdict: There is quite a lot of evidence that light boxes can help treat seasonal low mood, says Dr Morrison. In the winter, a lack of sunlight causes the body to produce more of the hormone melatonin, an excess of which can make you feel depressed. Light boxes help inhibit its production. Studies suggest this sort of treatment is most effective first thing in the morning. It is worth trying, but if low mood persists for two weeks and seems to be getting worse, you should consult your GP. 8/10 On January 26, Navreet Singh, a twenty-five-year-old farmer from Uttar Pradesh, in the north of India, hopped on a blue tractor and accelerated toward a police barricade erected in the middle of the street. It was supposed to be a celebratory day for Indiathe seventy-second anniversary of Indias democratic constitutionbut instead, tens of thousands of farmers like Singh had shown up in the heart of New Delhi to protest Prime Minister Narendra Modis latest farm laws, which they saw as favoring private corporations over their interests. Moments later, Singh was dead. Caravan, a small but daring Indian newsmagazine, tweeted from the scene: the Delhi Police shot Singh with live bullets, according to eyewitnesses. The magazine had dispatched four of its reporters, two of whom filmed Singhs corpse, which had been draped in an Indian flag and was now surrounded by Singhs fellow farmers, who knelt and prayed. Caravans reporters filmed some of the farmers as they described the aftermath. Eyewitnesses said they saw police personnel fleeing from the spot after Navreet was shot, Caravan tweeted. A police official at the spot (name withheld) later said that his colleague ran away out of fear. Then, they added, A response from the Delhi Police is awaited. We will update this thread once it is received. The Delhi Police, who report directly to Modis central government, were outraged. They quickly disputed the narrative, claiming Singhs death was caused by his tractor colliding with a police barricade and flipping upside down, crushing his face. Over the course of the next few days, a heated national conversation took shape around the circumstances of Singhs death. The Times of India, the countrys largest newspaper, reported that Singh died as he tried to charge at Delhi Police. Many other mainstream outlets did the same. The Guardian, on the other hand, reported that a prominent British forensic expert who had examined the postmortem report determined the cause of Singhs death to be a gunshot wound, possibly two. The Wire, an Indian digital newspaper known for its independent coverage, published graphic images of Singhs corpse, noting two laceration wounds, above his chin and ear, consistent with far-ranging bullets. Just as Caravan was preparing its own follow-up, editors received a notice from the Delhi Police: Due to misleading and false information by The Caravan that a farmer protestor has died due to police firing, it read, a case has been registered in IP Estate police station. By the next morning, nine other cases had been filed in five courts across the country: against Caravans executive editor, Vinod K. Jose; its publishers, Paresh and Anant Nath; and a handful of others, including a prominent opposition politician and a famous actor. The group was being charged with sedition, a colonial-era law that could, in its harshest infliction, lead to life imprisonment. Even though the sedition charge was new to Caravans editors, they regularly face harassment and threats from the government for investigating some of the countrys wealthiest and most powerful figures. As I reported last year, Caravan is one of the few remaining media outlets in India that has refused to fall under the sway of the government or its acolytes. (I interned at the magazine in 2014.) It has garnered a reputation as a national disrupter, known for publishing hard-hitting investigations into the Modi government at a time when much of the mainstream Indian media, which depend on government advertisements, has become a loudspeaker for the administration. Unsurprisingly, Caravan has become the target of countless defamation lawsuits, threats, and online bullying, mostly from right-wing Hindu nationalists loyal to Modi. In 2014, after the magazine published an explosive cover story about the RSS, the Hindu nationalist organization seen as the parent organization to Modis party, a mob from the RSS surrounded the Caravan office in New Delhi and angrily set fire to copies of the issue on the street outside. After covering the most recent violence at the farmers protest, one of Caravans regular contributors, Mandeep Punia, was manhandled and arrested by the Delhi Police. He spent three nights in jail. So for Jose, being called into court was not surprising: it was simply a part of the job. What did come as a surprise to the magazines editors, however, was when, without warning, Twitter took down Caravans account. We didnt receive any notice beforehand, Jose told me. It looked like it was part of the design of a targeted attack on Caravan. An hour after the accountwhich boasts some three hundred thousand followersdisappeared, Jose received an email from Twitter India. In the interest of transparency, the letter read, we are writing to inform you that Twitter has received a legal removal demand regarding your Twitter account. The email added that Caravans account violates the law(s) of India. Sign up for CJR 's daily email The ban was part of a larger suppression effort to block accounts that cast the governments handling of the farmers protest in a negative light. In addition to Caravans account, Twitter blocked more than two hundred and fifty others, some of which the government claimed were using the hashtag #ModiPlanningFarmersGenocide to incite violence. (Caravan never used the hashtag.) According to the sedition case registered against Caravan, its tweet from January 26 had broadcast malicious social media propaganda undertaken by vested interests that could lead to creating turmoil and havoc in the minds of the public who are already infected with fear. That Twitter would shut down certain accounts for spreading misinformation or inciting violence might sound familiar to Americans, who saw the same logic invoked when it banned the accounts of thousands, including former president Donald Trump, after the Capitol Hill insurrection on January 6. Some civil liberties activists, including Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, worried that outlawing bad actors from Twitter was not only a violation of First Amendment rights, but that it could be used against legitimate domestic protest in the future. Having to ban an account has real and significant ramifications, Dorsey wrote. Having to take these actions fragment the public conversation. They divide us. They limit the potential for clarification, redemption, and learning. And sets a precedent I feel is dangerous: the power an individual or corporation has over a part of the global public conversation. In the immediate future, though, that precedent is likely to pose a greater threat in a country like India, where a government under the sway of right-wing nationalist leaders could weaponize Twitter to crack down on the free press. Central to this problem is the question of whether Twitter has created a double standard: while in the West Twitter is being used to silence populist, right-wing leaders like Trump, in countries like India its being deployed by an authoritarian government to suppress its critics. Can you imagine Twitter summarily yanking the account of The New Yorker or The Atlantic following a legal letter? Nicholas Dawes, the former head of Human Rights Watch, tweeted. Applying human rights based standards for content moderation at global scale may be hard, but its the job they signed up for. Twitter seems to have realized its mistake. Following a public outcry, the site restored the accounts just twelve hours after taking them down. We strongly believe that the open and free exchange of information has a positive global impact, a Twitter spokesperson told me. But how does Twitter prevent the new standard it set following the Capitol Hill riots from being exploited in countries where it has already opened the door to government influence? And who gets to decide what constitutes misinformation, especially in countries where governments have moved to control most of the media? THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME the Indian government has tried to suppress information. The government regularly imposes internet blackouts during peaceful large-scale protestsa move condemned by internet rights groups, and a violation of international human rights law. In 2018, in an effort to suppress Kashmiri journalists, the Indian government forced Twitter to shut down the account of the Kashmir Narrator, claiming that the magazine had broken Indian law by publishing a cover story on a Kashmiri militant. Twitter complied, while Indian police arrested the journalist, Aasif Sultan, who remains in prison. A year later, in 2019, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ordered that all online news, social media, and video streaming platforms were subject to state regulation. In other cases, censorship has taken the form of online bullying and defamation lawsuits, or has worked directly through publishing houses. In 2014 there was a successful campaign, led by the RSS, to ban a Hindu history book by University of Chicago professor Wendy Doniger. Last year the Indian government shut down Media One, a national television station, for forty-eight hours as punishment for coverage of mob attacks on Muslims in New Delhi that was critical of police and the RSS. When covid-19 first hit India, Modi called in the countrys top news executives and urged them to publish inspiring and positive stories, reminding the media that their duty was to be a link between the government and the people. Still, the governments move to strong-arm Twitter, which has some seventy-five million users in India, is one of the most brazen and public displays of censorship seen under Modi. Nor does it seem like the Indian government will be backing down anytime soon. Just one day after Twitter reinstated the blocked accounts, Indias Minister of Electronics and Information Technology responded by sending a legal notice to Twitter for breaching its agreement; it demanded that Twitter re-block the requested accounts. The letter warned of the consequences of non-compliance and reminded Twitter that, in India, it served as an intermediary bound by the orders of the Central Government. If Twitter refused to comply, the government threatened to take action that, under Indias information technology laws, could range from a fine to up to seven years in jail for Twitter executives. Before Twitter had a chance to respond, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology sent the company a fresh batch of twelve hundred Twitter accounts it wanted blocked. The accounts, the government claimed, were backed by Pakistan. Twitter blocked some of the accounts, but not all, in a standoff that has now received global attention. We do not believe that the actions we have been directed to take are consistent with Indian law, Twitter announced in a public statement on February 10. We have not taken any action on accounts that consist of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians. To do so, we believe, would violate their fundamental right to free expression under Indian law. Soon after, government officials began urging their hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers to boycott the site and join Kooan Indian-bred platform offering Indian languages like Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, and Bengali, which the government will likely have a more powerful hand in controlling. Thousands have already flocked to the sitean exodus bolstered, ironically, when #Koo began trending on Twitter. But the governments battle with Twitter is far from over. After a brief virtual meeting between Twitters top executives and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the matter is going to be settled at the highest level of Indian jurisprudence: the Supreme Court, which will decide, ultimately, what constitutes freedom of expression in India. If the Indian government wins the case, it is pretty clear what kind of speech it will encourage: with critics frozen out, supporters of the government and its allies in the RSS would have even freer rein than they do now. Around the time that Caravans account was blocked, a new hashtag driven primarily by the RSS was trending: #NathuramGodse. Godse is the killer of Indias spiritual founder, Mahatma Gandhi, who peacefully advocated during Indias bloody Partition for the country to become a secular, pluralistic democracy. Here is the murderer of Gandhi being glorified, Jose said to me. And Twitter is doing nothing to stop it. NEW: What the Trump administration meant for FOIA requests Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Maddy Crowell is a freelance journalist based in New York. DENVER, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Unity Rd., the country's first national cannabis dispensary franchise model, is rolling out a new monthly educational webinar series that covers several topics surrounding successful and compliant cannabis dispensary operations. Hosted by industry experts from Unity Rd., the Navigator web series takes a deep dive into the complex cannabis industry featuring the team's wealth of real-world cannabis experience for prospective and current dispensary owners. The first webinar is slated to take place on Tuesday, February 23 at 1 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. MT. Co-hosted with Dispensary Permits, a national cannabis business consulting company, the webinar will cover the value of a franchise system in cannabis, highlighting what a franchise business model offers, the need for it in cannabis and questions to ask franchisors. The webinar is free to attend click here to register. Additional topics include all areas pertaining to dispensary operations, such as navigating the dispensary licensing process, banking in cannabis and managing cash flow, frequent compliance offenders and how to avoid them, developing the right product mix and building vender relations, creating an enticing in-store experience, and more. "Whether you're already operating a dispensary or looking at stepping into the market, the Navigator Web Series is a must attend you won't want to miss," said Unity Rd.'s VP of Franchise Development Justin Livingston. "Our goal at Unity Rd. is to inspire confidence in the benefits of cannabis for all, and this series is another route [outside of the franchise opportunity] where we can help others learn from our experiences and the best practices we've developed over the past decade in the legal cannabis space." The heavily regulated industry boasts attractive opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in breaking into the booming industry that's poised to reach $41 billion by 2025, but the obstacles that await them are undeniably challenging. Unity Rd. is able to mitigate the hurdles by offering franchise partners the knowledge, resources and ongoing support needed to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary. Currently, Unity Rd. has signed multiple agreements with more than 10 entrepreneurial groups across the country. Unity Rd. partners with industry newcomers, existing multi-unit franchisees who are looking to diversify their franchise portfolio as well as existing dispensary owners and operators. The total investment ranges from $1 million to $2.5 million, including a $100,000 franchise fee for a single unit or $250,000 for three units. Those interested in becoming a Unity Rd. franchise partner should have access to a minimum $1 million in liquid capital. Franchise partners may be owner-operators or passive owners with a designated, experienced manager running operations. To learn more about Unity Rd. franchise opportunities, visit unityrd.com or contact the team at [email protected] mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20want%20to%20be%20part%20of%20Unity%20Rd.or 720-923-5262. ABOUT UNITY RD. Unity Rd. is bridging the two previously disconnected worlds of cannabis and franchising. The industry trailblazer is the first to bring the cannabis dispensary franchise model to the United Stateswith duality of prowess in both industries to back it up. Built up from a collective 200 years in the legal cannabis industry and franchising, the company helps eager operators enter the complex industry with ease. The marijuana franchise pioneer offers its partners the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary. Launched in 2018, Unity Rd. has signed multiple agreements with more than 10 entrepreneurial groups across the country. Recently, it was named one of the top cannabis retail leaders in the nation by MJBizDaily magazine and one of the "Best Cannabis Companies to Work For" in both the dispensary and cultivation categories in Cannabis Business Times' elite 2020 list. The company is also the first cannabis business to earn a Franchise Times Dealmakers award. For more information, visit unityrd.com. CONTACT : Liz Robinson, Fishman PR, [email protected], 847-702-8099 SOURCE Unity Rd. Uttarakhand glacier burst: Rescue operation may wind up in 3-4 days, says DGP India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Dehradun, Feb 16: Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar has said that he is expecting the rescue operation in disaster-hit Chamoli to wind up in the next 3-4 days. "I think the rescue operation may wind up in 3-4 days. By that time, we may be able to cover everything. But if the need be, the rescue operation may continue for more days, may be for another one month," said Kumar. Meanwhile, rescuers found as many as five bodies, including three from inside a tunnel of the disaster-hit Tapovan project in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand since Sunday night taking the total number of bodies recovered so far to 55. COVID-19: Night curfew in 4 Gujarat cities extended till Feb 28 During the excavation work, nine bodies have been found so far, officials said. Elsewhere, seven bodies were recovered from Reni area where the Rishiganga project was destroyed in the floods. With the recovery of five more bodies since Sunday night, the total has gone up to 55. This is the first time since the Feb 7 floods that the rescuers have been able to find bodies inside the tunnel. "We are expecting more bodies as hopes for survival are receding," admitted a top official. There is still no contact with the remaining people trapped inside. Toolkit: Delhi Police in Maharashtra to arrest lawyer Nikita Jacob According to reports, the rescuers are working on two places - one inside the tunnel and other at the remains of the Rishiganga project in Reni. After days of digging and excavation works, jawans of army, ITBP, NDRF and SDRF, who are engaged in the rescue works, had managed open a sizeable portion of the tunnel. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News But the presence of heavy silt and sludge inside the tunnel slowed down the excavation and digging work, top government officials admitted. Rescuers also consulted NTPC officials to understand the complicated design of the tunnel. A haunting collection of dolls found nailed and tied to trees on the site of an abandoned village has been discovered by a walker. The hospital worker, 64, was met with the the dolls' unblinking stares peering down at her as she headed out for a walk in forest near Hednesford, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire. She insists the dolls were tied up in 'some sort of order,' after finding them at the former site of a First World War military hospital - which later became a mining village before it was abandoned in the 1950s. The theatre practitioner at Walsall Manor Hospital, who has not given her name, said: said: 'When I was on my walks I looked a bit further and as I dug through the undergrowth I saw these dolls. 'They were in some sort of order. Their dresses were all raggedy and they were all tied and nailed to the trees. The dolls were found tied and nailed to trees in Hednesford, Staffordshire on January 28. The hospital worker who found them said the dolls were assorted in 'some sort of order' Dressed in raggedy green clothes, the creepy collection was spotted near the former site of a hospital and an abandoned mining village 'And as I came out of the woods I saw a sign that said that this was the operating theatre for the old Pensions Hospital. It was just a little bit weird considering what I do for my job. 'I have got a friend who is a spiritual medium and she wants to go and take a look up there to see if she can feel anything.' Cannock Chase was home to Brindley Heath Military Hospital during the First World War, which was able to treat around 1,000 soldiers at a time. Some dolls were stripped of their clothes before being tied to trees in the Staffordshire forest Cannock Chase has been left empty since 1959, following the closure of a school six years after villagers left the site After the war it was used to treat veterans suffering from PTSD, or shell-shock as it was known at the time, as well as people injured in poison gas attacks in the trenches. In 1924 the hospital was closed and the land was instead used to house the families of 75 miners who worked for The West Cannock Colliery. In 1953 residents of Brindley Village, also referred to as 'Happy Valley,' were moved to a purpose-built council estate nearby. The village school remained open until 1959. Cannock Chase was designed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty shortly afterwards. The Ministry of Pensions used Brindley Heath Military Hospital to treat First World War soldiers living with PTSD or poison gas related injuries until 1924. It was converted into a village for miner's families, before that was abandoned in the 1950s Following her discovery last month, the walker later returned to check out the dolls again. She said: 'It wasn't that scary and I stood in amongst the dolls. I was saying my prayers. 'I talked to the dolls and wished the children who used to live in the mining village eternal rest.' On the back of encouraging economic recovery and decline in coronavirus cases, Credit Suisse has upgraded India to 'Overweight' in the Asia Pacific portfolio. The international investment bank has also upgraded Australia to 'Overweight' category; China and Thailand have been downgraded to 'Market Weight' category. India looks much better positioned cyclically and relative to the pandemic, Credit Suisse noted. "India suffered a severe outbreak but has seen a dramatic drop in infections, likely due at least in part to achievement of herd immunity in some locations. Earnings per share (EPS) momentum is among the regions' strongest. Its credit cycle is at an earlier stage than perhaps all other APAC markets. The scope for rate cuts is greater than in perhaps every other market save Indonesia," Dan Fineman, co-head of equity strategy for Asia Pacific at Credit Suisse, mentioned in a note. ALSO READ: Indian economy on track for recovery from upcoming fiscal, says S&P For China, Credit Suisse noted the downgrade is due to the projection that the most exciting part of its recovery is over. "China has limited potential for future GDP gains, negative EPS momentum relative to the region, late-cycle valuations and the region's biggest potential payback from pandemic-related current account windfalls. We also cut Thailand from 'overweight' to 'Market Weight' for the opposite reason - that the most exciting phase of its recovery lies too far in the future in the first half of 2022 (H1'22)," Fineman wrote. ALSO READ: 'GDP to grow at 13.5% in FY22; economic activity on verge of normality': Nomura The funds withdrawn from downgraded markets are likely to flow into India, fuelling the bull run in the country's equity market. The benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty have already touched record highs from the multi-year lows seen in March last year, primarily on the back of revival of economic health, better than expected earnings and better conditions on the COVID-19 front, among other reasons. Within Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan), Credit Suisse is now more inclined towards second-phase COVID recovery markets, namely Korea, India, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and is less favourable towards early recovery markets, like China and Taiwan, and the late-recovery markets in ASEAN. ALSO READ: India's GDP expected to record growth in Q3, Q4 of FY21: PHDCCI I love Zesty Paws' mission of improving the health and wellness of animals. Zesty Paws' products fill an important area in animal wellness Zesty Paws, a leading functional supplement brand for pets, has hired Chris Jaromin as Sr. Vice President of Supply Chain. In this role, Jaromin will be responsible for leading the Supply Chain team by expanding and evolving Zesty Paws' operations to optimize the brands supply chain network. I am very excited to be joining a fast growing, dynamic company and team who has a great promise to achieve more success and innovate even further in the years to come, said Chris Jaromin, a proud owner of a tabby cat and beagle/hound mix rescue. I love Zesty Paws' mission of improving the health and wellness of animals. Zesty Paws' products fill an important area in animal wellness and I am honored to be part of the journey to reach more pet parents with Zesty's functional pet supplements. Prior to joining Zesty Paws, Jaromin held the position of Vice President of Operations for Massachusetts-based startup Biena Snacks. Previous to that, he led Operations at pet food manufacturer Wellpet, as well as other CPGs like The Topps Company, and The Longaberger Company. With more than 24 years of experience working in the supply chain industry, operations, and logistics, Jaromin has a demonstrated history of building and managing high performance teams and delivering excellent customer service. I couldnt be happier to welcome Chris Jaromin to the Zesty Paws family, said Steve Ball, CEO of Zesty Paws. He has outstanding experience and the positive personality that we need to drive the brand forward. As Zesty Paws continues to expand its footprint to bring its pet parents the customer experience and pet products they know and love, Chriss ability to manage and lead the supply chain team will help us meet the aggressive growth goals we have for the brand. Zesty Paws is the go-to brand for top rated pet nutrition supplements for dogs and cats that offers functional benefits with premium branded ingredients. Delivered in a treat-like format, Zesty Paws supplements are a health solution for addressing certain needs of cats and dogs including, Digestion, Immunity, Grooming, and Behavior among others. This year, Zesty Paws also debuted a new line of CBD products called Hemp Elements Plus for dogs. All Zesty Paws pet supplements are made in the United States with the best available globally sourced proven branded ingredients. For more information about Zesty Paws, please visit ZestyPaws.com or follow them on Instagram. ABOUT ZESTY PAWS At Zesty Paws our passion is simple: to enable and inspire a ZEST FORT LIFE in pets and parents. We strive to be the most innovative and trusted brand in functional solutions to guide and empower pets on their journey through wellness. We use unique formulas based on active ingredients you know and trust, and that are proven to provide tangible benefits to your pet. We have received thousands of 5-star reviews on top channels such as Amazon, Chewy and our own site. Pet parents are delighted by our commitment to innovative, high quality products that work, as well as by our unparalleled customer service. As the most trusted brand for pets health and wellness, the United States-based brand has been regularly recognized as a best seller on Amazon, alongside other top pet retailers. For information about Zesty Paws, please visit ZestyPaws.com or catch up with them on Instagram (@zestypaws), Facebook or Twitter (@zestypaws). ### Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reiterated in a phone call on Monday with Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace Process, Egypts unwavering support for the the Palestinian cause. Shoukry affirmed Egypts support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of their independent state on the borders of 4 June , 1967, based on the principles of the two-state solution. During the call, the foreign minister reviewed with Wennesland recent Egyptian efforts to create an appropriate environment to bring the Palestinian and Israeli sides together at the negotiation table, according to a statement issued by Ahmed Hafez, the official spokesperson of the foreign ministry. Wennesland voiced to Shoukry his aspiration to coordinate with Cairo to push forward the peace process, affirming the significance of Egypts role in its support for reaching a sustainable, just, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue and achieving the desired peace in the region. He also praised Egypts endeavours to mend inter-Palestinian tensions and help achieve national reconciliation, the statement added. Cairo has been in talks with several Western and regional parties to restart the frozen Israeli-Palestinian peace process. In February 2020, Egypt, Jordan, France, and Germany formed the quartet committee on the sidelines of the Munich summit to revive the halted negotiations. The quartet has held four meetings so far, the latest of which was hosted by Cairo earlier this month, where the foreign ministers of the four countries forged 11 provisions detailed in a joint statement outlining the endeavours to revive the peace process. A fifth meeting is set to be held in France this year. Egypt also hosted last week an emergency ministerial meeting for the Arab League, in which a resolution was adopted to affirm Arab support for the legitimate rights of Palestinians and the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders. On 8,9 February, Cairo hosted two-day talks dubbed the National Palestinian Dialogue, which brought together various Palestinian factions with the aim of ending inter-Palestinian differences and guaranteeing the success of the long-awaited elections scheduled for later this year. Egypt is set to host another round of the National Palestinian Dialogue in March to further discuss the upcoming steps regarding the election of the National Council in Palestine. Short link: A public hearing to consider the possible parole of Robert Patterson, #283912 A public hearing to consider the possible parole of Robert Patterson, #283912 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Gautz, Public Information Officer 517-335-2316 The Michigan Parole Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. to consider the possible parole of Robert Patterson, #283912. The hearing will be conducted via video through Microsoft Teams and can be accessed by clicking HERE. Those planning to access the hearing must call 517-335-1736 no later than March 5, 2021 to confirm attendance. Robert Patterson is serving two Life sentences for the crimes of Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree (Relationship) and Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree (Person Under 13). He was sentenced on August 30, 2006 out of Kent County. Adrianne Van Langevelde, Member of the Michigan Parole Board, will conduct the hearing under the provisions of the Lifer Law, MCLA 791.234. When logging into the hearing, your video must be turned off and audio muted to eliminate distraction during the hearing. Please be advised that recordings, photography or screenshots of the proceeding are prohibited. Police in Boston arrested a 23-year-old man from Dorchester on Monday in connection to a fatal shooting from February 2020 that killed a 62-year-old man, authorities said. Roberto Martinez-Baez was taken into custody without incident, police said, with an outstanding warrant issued out of Suffolk Superior Court on charges of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a large capacity firearm stemming. He is expected to be arraigned at Suffolk Superior Court on all charges. On Feb. 7, 2020 at around 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a person shot in the area of Columbia Road and Hancock Street in Dorchester, police said. After arriving, officers found Andrew Farley of Dorchester suffering from gunshot wounds, authorities said. Farley was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Police have not released any further information regarding the incident. NSW quarantine and essential border workers will all be vaccinated against the coronavirus within three weeks, with the state set to receive more than 14,000 doses a week of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Australias vaccine rollout begins around the country next Monday after the first delivery of 142,000 Pfizer vaccines landed in Sydney earlier this week. Hotel quarantine workers and border staff will be the first to be vaccinated. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The states and territories will receive 50,000 of those doses, which will be divided on a proportional basis, taking into account the number of hotel quarantine workers, essential healthcare staff and aged care workers and residents in each jurisdiction. NSW has 6500 people working in the quarantine system each week and the state will get weekly deliveries of 14,000 doses, according to a senior government source who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Apart from Zack Snyder's Justice League and Bombay Begums, the trailers of Yes Day, 1962: The War In The Hills and Vadham have also been unveiled. Two of the most highly-anticipated trailers were dropped this week Zack Snyder's Justice League and Netflix's Bombay Begums. The other trailers that also released this week include Jennifer Garner-starrer Yes Day and Biggie: I Got A Story to Tell, among others. Check out the trailers that dropped this week Yes Day Netflix has unveiled the trailer of Yes Day, featuring Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramirez, and Jenna Ortega. Billed as a family comedy, the movie is based on the children's book of the same title, written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. Miguel Arteta, best known for The Good Girl, Duck Butter, has helmed the film from a screenplay by Justin Malen. The film also stars June Diane Raphael, Fortune Feimster, Nat Faxon, Arturo Castro, and Molly Sims. The trailer introduces the Torres family comprising Carlos (Ramirez), Allison (Garner) and their three kids Katie (Ortega), Nando (Julian Lerner), and Ellie (Everly Carganilla). "Always feeling like they have to say no to their kids and co-workers, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a "yes day" where for 24 hours the kids make the rules. Little did they know that they'd be going on a whirlwind adventure around Los Angeles, that would bring the family closer to each other than ever before," the streamer describes the film. Yes Day will debut on Netflix on 12 March. Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell Netflix has also unveiled the trailer of the documentary on the life and career of The Notorious B.I.G, titled Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell. The late legend's mother Voletta Wallace and his friend and collaborator Diddy have executive produced the docu. They have also both contributed candid interviews to the film. "Biggie blew up overnight. You have no origins from what rap planet this guy came from," Diddy says in the trailer, charting his meteoric rise and tragic crash landing, through pictures and archival footage. "Every legend has an origin story. Christopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hops icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This documentary celebrates his life via rare behind-the-scenes footage and the testimonies of his closest friends and family," the trailer description on YouTube says. Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell releases on 1 March. 1962: The War In The Hills The trailer of Mahesh Manjrekar's directorial 1962: The War In The Hills, is also out. The Disney+ Hotstar series, fronted by actor Abhay Deol, is set against the backdrop of the 1962 India-China War. It narrates the untold tale of bravery and valour of Army of 125 Indians who fought with 3,000 Chinese soldiers. During a virtual press conference, Manjrekar said he was fascinated with the show''s setting and connected with it "emotionally". The 10-part series also features Sairat star Aakash Thosar, Sumeet Vyas, Rohan Gandotra, Mahie Gill, Meiyang Chang, Rochelle Rao and Hemal Ingle. Gill, who was last seen in the Bhumi Pednekar-led film Durgamati, features on the show as a wife of a soldier. The actor said 1962: The War In The Hills offers an insight into the emotionally difficult lives of those who are left behind when soldiers are called for duty. "She (the character) is a brave woman who understands that the Army life comes with pleasure and pain. She understands her husband is a soldier first. Army wives sacrifice a lot, we need to salute them because no matter what, they always put up a brave face. The show is set to premiere on 26 February. Vadham Directed by Venkatesh Babu, Vadham is an action thriller that chart's a woman-cop fight for justice against all odds. Starring Sruthi Hariharan, Ashwathy Warrier, Semmalar Annam, Preethisha Premkumaran and Vivek Rajgopal, the show will release in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu on 12 February on MX Player. Vadham revolves around Inspector Sakthi Pandiyan, determined to solve the murder of an influential businessman, with a team of all-women police officers (AWPS). Sakthi comes at the crossroads of justice and morality as she digs deeper into the case. A third round of stimulus checks is expected to go out next month as part of President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief bill, also known as the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The Hill reports the House Ways and Means Committee advanced a key portion of the package Thursday that includes direct payments worth up to $1,400 per person and an expansion of the child tax credit. The House Budget Committee will combine it will other portions of the package from other congressional committees before finalizing the bill. According to CBS, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress currently controlled by Democrats in both the House and Senate is aiming to have the bill on Bidens desk by March 14, when the current round of unemployment assistance and other coronavirus aid expires. That means $1,400 stimulus checks would likely go out in late March. How much will I get? The House Ways and Means Committee approved giving the full $1,400 to individuals with incomes of up to $75,000 (phasing out until $100,000) and $2,800 for married couples earning up to $150,000 (phasing out until $200,000), similar to the first two rounds of stimulus checks. Roughly 85% of U.S. adults would be eligible for the full amount, based on your income from your most recent tax return. Combined with the $600 stimulus checks approved by President Donald Trump in December, the package would mean $2,000 in direct payments to most Americans. Parents would also receive $1,400 per dependent, instead of $600 in the first two rounds, and this third round of checks will include eligible adult dependents for the first time. The previous two rounds were limited to children under age 17, so parents with college-age students can expect even more money. That means that a family of four could receive $5,600 in addition to the new Child Tax Credit. Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Richard Neal (D-Mass.) has proposed a child tax credit of $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 for children under age 6. The credit, based on the taxpayers 2020 income, would normally be a lump sum on an individual or familys income tax return but will instead be delivered as a monthly payment from the IRS for $250 or $300, depending on the childs or childrens age, for a full year to help families affected by the pandemic. The current child tax credit, from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, provides $2,000 per child under 17 for single filers with incomes of $200,000 or less and couples filing jointly with $400,000 of adjusted gross income or less. When will I get my stimulus check? Late March, most likely. After the second round was approved and signed by Trump, payments started going out within days. The first round of checks took weeks to begin arriving, even via direct deposit, but millions will receive the third round quickly if they have already verified their information on the IRS Get My Payment site. Congress has set a March 14 deadline, and delays are unlikely as Democrats can pass it in the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing a possible filibuster from Republicans. We hope to have this all done by the end of February, Pelosi said Thursday. Certainly on the presidents desk in time to offset the March 14 deadline where some unemployment benefits would expire. That means those with direct deposit could get their stimulus checks in late March and those who receive paper checks or debit cards would likely expect to receive their payments later in the spring. What else is in the new coronavirus relief bill? President Biden first proposed the $1.9 trillion relief package last month, including $400 in weekly unemployment benefits; $70 billion towards vaccination centers and Covid-19 testing; $130 billion to help schools reopen safely; $15 billion in small business grants; $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local and territorial governments; raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour (from the current rate of $7.25 an hour); reinstating paid sick leave; and $15 billion to help states subsidize child care for low-income families along with a $25 billion fund to help child care centers in danger of closing. The first round of stimulus checks, which gave qualifying American adults a one-time direct payment of $1,200 plus $500 for each child under the age of 17, was part of Congress $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March 2020. A second round of stimulus checks worth $1,200 was approved in the HEROES Act in May, but legislation stalled for months and the December package cuts those direct payments in half. Stimulus checks: If you missed out, get a 2nd chance via your income taxes (heres how) Stuck in prison? Heres how to claim your coronavirus stimulus check NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell will argue that accountability has become a dirty word in some education circles but reform will never be achieved if some areas are regarded as taboo. Those who criticised new targets for schools did so because educators felt offended and feared principals and bureaucrats would be criticised for underperforming, she will tell The Sydney Morning Herald Schools Summit of educators and policy makers on Wednesday. For too long there has been a view that to be engaged in education is such a noble pursuit that no other questions need to be asked, she will say, according to a draft of the speech. NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell says educators are not too noble to be questioned. Credit:Louise Kennerley Education is indeed the most noble pursuit. We must also demand excellence we must set lofty ambitions and we must, as a system, question ourselves when we fail to live up to our ambitions. Shocking footage shows the moment a gang of youths smash up a car's windscreen by stomping on the glass before ripping off a wing mirror in an unprovoked attack outside a woman's home. Four youths were filmed sprinting across a street in Kirkby, Merseyside, on Sunday, before leaping on to the bonnet of a Ford Fiesta and launching their attack. The car's owner, Tracey Drawwater, has shared the clip online in a bid to find the group, who she described as 'vile little scumbags'. In the footage, the group of four males are shown running directly towards the vehicle from across the street. Two of them immediately jump onto the bonnet of the car and manage to crack the windshield by stomping on the glass. The car's owner, Tracey Drawwater shared a clip of the attack online in a bid to find the group, who she described as 'vile little scumbags' Footage shows the gang of youths leap on to the bonnet of the Ford Fiesta before stomping on the car's windscreen in Kirkby on Sunday While this is happening, the other two can be seen ripping the wing mirrors off. They then quickly make off after managing to ruin the car in just 12 seconds. Subsequent images shared by Tracey show the front window has been completely smashed. Another picture shows one of the wing mirrors hanging loose from the rest of the car. Tracey posted her home CCTV footage of the incident onto her Facebook, saying: 'Anyone recognise these idiots just destroyed my car. Kirkby area.' While two of the yobs run off, the others turn their attention to the car's wing mirrors, attempting to kick and pull them off Footage taken on Ms Drawwater's drive shows one of the yobs kicking at the side of the car, while the other tries to yank off a wing mirror Ms Drawwater contacted police, who are now appealing for witnesses to come forward. A Merseyside Police spokesman said: 'We are appealing for information after a report of criminal damage to a car in the Northwood area of Kirkby yesterday (Sunday 14 February). 'It was reported that on Bigdale Road at around 5.40pm, four male youths had jumped onto a silver Ford Fiesta and smashed the windscreen. 'The youths are then believed to have made off on foot in the direction of Daleside Road. 'One youth was wearing a black jacket, a grey under jacket and black trousers; one was wearing a black jacket and grey jeans; one was wearing a white puffa jacket with black panels and one was wearing a light grey tracksuit with a stripe down the side. 'CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing.' The yobs left huge cracks across the Fiest'a windscreen after repeatedly stomping on it on Sunday afternoon Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward as they investigate the criminal damage to the car Since the victim shared the horrendous footage, Facebook users have been commenting on the clip. Dolores Donnellan said: 'I would love to belt them with a baton then they would not come back.' Philip Nixon commented: 'B*******!' Sharon Manning posted: 'Horrible.' Ms Drawwater later replied to one of the comments saying: 'Vile little scumbags.' Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. There are a number of differences between public and independent schools, the most obvious being the teacher-student ratios, she said. It is true that our teachers know our students inside out and that means they know the most effective way to teach them and prepare them for life following school. WAtoday has looked at the 15 non-government schools that made the top 20 on the ATAR ladder, examining tuition fees and academic ranking. While Presbyterian Ladies College in Peppermint Grove charges the highest year 12 tuition fee at $28,982, and came in at No.11 in the 2020 ATAR rankings, Christ Church Grammar in Claremont costs more in the long run and finished third. PLC will set parents back about $319,136 if their daughter attended from kindergarten to year 12. Principal Cate Begbie said there were six main reasons why parents chose her school: We are an all-girls school, the quality of our teaching, our evidence-based wellbeing program, PLCs academic success, integrated learning technology program and our extensive outdoor education and co-curricular offerings. The school invested heavily in effective teaching, with 95 per cent of the staff having a post-graduate qualification and one in five teachers have a masters degree or PhD. In 2017 we opened the PLC Lighthouse where we use evidence-based programs to teach girls the skills to prevent mental illness, support learning and improve wellbeing, Ms Begbie said. From years 3 to 10 our students are encouraged to develop their social and leadership skills, work in teams and develop self-reliance and resilience through challenges that can be physically and emotionally demanding. They visit locations including the Kimberley, Karijini, Walpole and Ningaloo, to name a few. Hale headmaster Dean DellOro said all schools had value, it didnt matter whether they were public, private or Catholic the issue was families needed to have choice. Independent Jewish school Carmel principal Shula Lazar with senior students. He said Hale was often painted as a place for the elite, but that was not the case. Hales year 12 tuition fees are the 5th highest in the top 20 ATAR ladder at $26,910. The school placed 6th on the academic leaderboard. Mr DellOro said he had noticed a shift with families reassessing their finances and re-prioritising education. Last year we had a 100 per cent increase on inquiries which, even with a recession looming, we put down to people reassessing their priorities for why they should spend money on schooling, he said. Some families, because they cant travel and spend whatever it is to go to Bali three times a year, are reassessing their finances and re-prioritising education, so thats a shift. Mr DellOro said while there were families who would never have the opportunity to come to Hale even if they re-prioritised, the schools alumni foundation funded needs-based scholarships for boys whose families were unable to afford an education at all. We sometimes dont get enough of those people applying, he said. Mr DellOro said the pull to private schools was that families wanted an immersive experience for their sons. Loading At Hale school doesnt stop at 3.30, it carries on into the afternoon and the evening, Hale school carries on on Saturday, he said. Families want this all-inclusive community, theyre really aware of the addictive things happening in society around phones and intensive gaming, whereas if boys are active and continually engaged its better for them. Privilege breeds privilege Mr Savage said the biggest indicator of student achievement was socioeconomic background. That includes a whole range of indicators from where they live, their parents income, their parents education level, and a range of things to do with advantage and disadvantage, he said. It makes perfect sense why youve got public schools in high socioeconomic areas like Shenton [Park] doing really well because theyre reflecting, to a large extent, the socioeconomic profile of the school. Theyre starting from a more privileged position than other schools are. Christ Church tuition includes fees associated with academic, co-curricular and pastoral programs; camps and excursions; textbooks and course materials; study skill support; family access to the gymnasium, swimming pool and library; and software and up-to-date ICT equipment. PLC fees include outdoor education programmes for years 3-9, all compulsory excursions considered as part of the curriculum and all subject and administration charges. More than half the schools in the top 20 ATAR kept their tuition fees fixed at their 2020 rate due to families being financially impacted by COVID-19. Loading Professor Savage said just because parents could afford private school fees, it didnt mean they always chose to send their children to one. Rather than sending their kids to a private school and paying more than $200,000 in fees during the course of an education they choose to put that money into their mortgage and they move into an area like a Shenton College school zone, he said. Theres a large number of parents who morally and ethically feel we should have a strong public education system and they make a decision to send their children to a public school. However, some parents just simply dont have a choice. Association of Independent Schools of WA deputy director Ron Gorman said while he wouldnt get into the sociopolitical debate, parents often made sacrifices for their choice of school. High income doesnt necessarily equate to choosing an independent school, he said. While it is very expensive at some schools not all schools theres quite a few of our independent schools that are low-fees schools and theyre purposely low-fee schools so that aspiring families can make a choice. In some instances, parents make great sacrifices for their kids and I think schools recognise that. Mr Gorman said the choices parents made were basically driven by values and aspirations, and that varied from family to family. Advocate and activist Nikita Jacob, who faces arrest for her alleged role in creating the 'toolkit', has denied sharing any information with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg A Mumbai lawyer and a Beed engineer are accused of having joined climate activist Disha Ravi in preparing a toolkit detailing digital support for the farmers' agitation. Advocate and activist Nikita Jacob, who faces arrest for her alleged role in creating the "toolkit", has denied sharing any information with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. She claimed that the document was simply an "informational pack" and was not intended to incite violence. Jacob and Shantanu Muluk, against whom non-bailable warrants have been issued in Delhi in connection with the Greta Thunberg toolkit case, moved the Bombay High Court for transit anticipatory bail. Her petition seeking an urgent hearing was mentioned before a single bench of Justice PD Naik. The court said it would hear the plea Tuesday. Nikita Jacob In her statement to the Delhi Police, Jacob has accepted that she played a role in mustering support for the farmers' protests on the social media and shared details with activists globally, but emphasised that the document has "no mention of anything remotely violent". "The information contained in the toolkit does not in any manner incite riots or violence and is simply an information pack with information from various sources. No weapons, no violence, no mention of anything remotely violent in the toolkit or any of our communication," the 30-year-old lawyer from Mumbai asserted. A graduate from ILS Law College in Pune, Jacob worked with SK Legal Associates for nearly two years and handled civil and commercial litigation matters, primarily in the Bombay High Court. Her Linkedin account states that she also worked as a legal consultant at a private firm on contractual basis. She is a volunteer of global environmental movement Extinction Rebellion (XR), Hindustan Times reported. According to the report, Jacob told the Delhi Police that the toolkit was being prepared by XR India volunteers for presenting the whole picture with a simple breakdown for an international audience. "The draft toolkit was shared on the XR WhatsApp group for comments and feedback before it was finalised on 22 January, and circulated within XR networks whilst it primarily focused on the farm issues, the right to express dissent and the larger democracy," she told the police. Shantanu Muluk Activist Shantanu Muluk is one of the three accused named by the Delhi Police for collaborating with the pro-Khalistani group Poetic Justice Foundation in connection with the Google toolkit row. He moved the Aurangabad bench of Bombay High Court, seeking transit anticipatory bail. A native of Beed in Maharashtra, Muluk is an engineer by education, the police said, adding that he runs an NGO. His email account is the owner of the toolkit Google doc, the police said. The Delhi Police alleged that a Canada-based woman, Puneet, had got the three in touch with the banned group. They later had a Zoom meeting on 11 January in which they discussed generating social media buzz for the farmers' tractor rally on Republic Day. Muluk, Disha Ravi and Nikita Jacob had created the document and passed it on to others for editing, the police claimed. Satej Jadhav, who represents Muluk, said a non-bailable warrant (NBW) has been issued against Muluk in the first information report (FIR) filed by the Delhi Polices cyber cell. The bench of Justice Vibha Kankanwadi has allowed the circulation of Muluks application and will take up the plea on Tuesday. With inputs from PTI Former 60 Minutes Producer to Discuss Journalism Ethics at WSU February 12, 2021 Journalist Mary Mapes, former producer for CBS 60 Minutes, will speak to the Weber State community on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The public is invited. In 2004, Mapes broke two stories that changed her life. Her reporting on prisoner abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq won her a Peabody Award, the highest honor in broadcast journalism. Her reporting later that year on President George W. Bushs spotty National Guard record during the Vietnam War got her fired and led to the retirement of CBS anchor Dan Rather. Mapes story, based on her book Truth and Duty: The Press, the President and the Privilege of Power, is dramatized in the 2015 movie Truth, starring Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford. It illustrates the battle over facts in a charged political climate and the damage that the Internet can do. Mapes will speak about ethics in journalism. Mary Mapes brings a unique perspective to the topic of journalism ethics, which begin with the Society of Professional Journalists tenet, Seek truth and report it, Signpost advisor Jean Norman said. We think her story will spark a robust conversation. Since her broadcast career ended, Mapes has continued to write for publications such as D Magazine and The Nation and works as a consultant. Mapes talk for the Weber State community is sponsored by The Signpost in conjunction with the Salt Lake Tribune, the Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities, Weber States Women & Gender Studies Program, Ethics in Journalism Fund, the Honors Program, the Communication Department, the George and Beth Lowe Innovative Teaching Grant, Utah Headliners chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, NowPlayingUtah.com, the Ogden Chamber of Commerce and Ascent Credit Union. Register in advance for this webinar: https://weber.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_57q73T7hRBalhCDGpQuYfg After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - BioMark Diagnostics Inc. (CSE: BUX) (FSE: 20B) (OTC Pink: BMKDF) ("BioMark") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary BioMark Diagnostic Solutions Inc. has entered into a collaborative research and development agreement with Phytronix Technologies Inc. ("Phytronix") to advance the development of BioMark's early lung cancer screening applications using Phytronix-proprietary Laser Diode Thermal Desorption (LDTD) technology. While BioMark Diagnostic Solutions is preparing to offer lab services and metabolomics capabilities in Quebec City to accelerate commercialization of its assays, the Quebec-based Phytronix will bring its experience in high-throughput analysis, automated sample preparation and assay development to this collaboration. "BioMark and Phytronix have been working on developing internal standards for BioMark's acetyl-amantadine assay. The group intends to widen the scope of the partnership to include the development of an ultra high-throughput technique, using the LDTD-based Luxon-MS/MS system, for lung cancer screening applications and establish new standards to further increase the sensitivity of the assay," says BioMark CEO Rashid Bux. "Ultimately, the increased sensitivity can help determine better sub-types of lung cancer as well as increasing the robustness and the speed of the assay. As the sole maker of this mass-spectrometry-based instrumentation in Canada, Phytronix will assist with sourcing the Luxon Ion Source-system along with automated sample preparation." Thanks to the expertise it has developed for more than 20 years, Phytronix will support BioMark's team in setting up a state-of-the art clinical lab services in Quebec City and perform technical training on the Luxon-MS/MS system. Phytronix's technical capabilities in instrumentation, support, and service are an important part of the clinical laboratory infrastructure BioMark Diagnostic Solutions is building in Quebec City. Both companies intend to demonstrate the uniqueness of the technology by showcasing it later in 2021, through a sponsored research program. "In addition, Phytronix's installed base within CLIA-certified labs in the U.S. could be an important driver for the adoption of BioMark's early lung cancer screening assay across North America and other global markets. We are delighted to collaborate with Phytronix's excellent team and their leading-edge technology platform," Mr. Bux added. About Phytronix Technologies Inc. Phytronix Technologies Inc. is a privately-owned company based in Quebec City, Canada, and was founded in 2000. Phytronix invented and patented the Laser Diode Thermal Desorption (LDTD) technology for mass spectrometry. The company introduced the Luxon Ion Source, which is the second-generation apparatus based on the patented-LDTD technology and currently the fastest technology for mass spectrometry. This innovative technology enables ultra-high-speed analysis in less than 4 seconds per sample. The company will provide the optimized internal standards that are necessary for use in clinical settings, along with technical expertise required with high-throughput mass spectrometry. About BioMark Diagnostics Inc. BioMark is developing proprietary, non-invasive, and accurate cancer diagnostic solutions which can help detect, monitor, and assess treatment for cancer early and cost-effectively. The technology can also be used for measuring response to treatment and potentially for serial monitoring of cancer survivors. Further information about BioMark is available under its profile on the SEDAR website www.sedar.com and on the CSE website https://thecse.com/. For further information on BioMark, please Contact: Rashid Ahmed Bux President & CEO BioMark Diagnostics Inc. Tel. 604-370-0779 Email: info@biomarkdiagnostics.com Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of BioMark. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of BioMark. Although BioMark believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because BioMark can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. BioMark disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the content of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74497 US Vice President Monday spoke with President Emanual Macron of during which they discussed a wide range of bilateral and global issues including transatlantic alliance, COVID-19, the Middle East, and supporting democracy at home and around the world, the White House said. They agreed on the need for close bilateral and multilateral cooperation to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak, climate change, and support democracy, the White House said in a readout of the call. They also discussed numerous regional challenges, including those in the Middle East and Africa, and the need to confront them together, the White House said. During the call, Harris expressed her commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between the US and and to revitalizing the transatlantic alliance. Harris thanked Macron for his leadership on the issue of gender equality and for France's contribution to NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, the White House said. After becoming the Vice President, this was her second call with a foreign leader. Her first call was with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada on February 1. (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 public have been urged not to use sky lanterns when celebrating Chinese New Year due to the risk of the products to animal health. Recent figures show that lanterns are still causing the deaths of horses and livestock, as well as posing a real fire risk. The NFU and The British Horse Society (BHS) have come together to call for councils to follow the lead of 170 local authorities who have already banned sky lanterns. Despite the dangers, around 200,000 sky lanterns continue to be sold every year with thousands potentially being lit and released to mark Chinese New Year. Sky lanterns are a particular cause of concern for horse owners: with no way of controlling where they land, they have the potential to injure or kill horses. The BHS has received more than 25 reports from horse owners who have experienced alarming sky lantern incidents: tragically, three of these reports were horse fatalities and six involved injuries to the horse. It is estimated only 1 in 10 horse incidents are currently reported to the BHS, with many fearing this may only be the tip of the iceberg. NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts said: "It is deeply frustrating that some councils have still not banned them from being released. Currently there is no national legislation which specifically regulates sky lanterns and although many councils have used their powers to ban sky lanterns on council property, it simply isnt enough. Without a national ban our beautiful countryside continues to face a major domestic threat. You wouldnt leave a flame unattended in your house so why would you send one into the countryside with no idea where it could land?" Alan Hiscox, director of safety at the BHS, said sky lanterns caused considerable trauma or distress to horses and livestock. "We urge anyone planning on setting them off to please consider the effect it may have on local animals and the potential fire risk to stables or outbuildings. "The BHS encourages horse owners and farmers to be vigilant in checking their fields and hedgerows and report any incidents involving sky lanterns. [February 16, 2021] Pritzker Private Capital Launches PPC University Pritzker Private Capital ("PPC"), a leader in family direct investing, today announced the launch of PPC University, a series of customized, graduate-level business education courses developed and presented in partnership with the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University (News - Alert) . PPC University courses will support the professional development of emerging leaders across the PPC family of companies. The program is guided by PPC's longstanding commitment to partner with its companies, invest in its people and culture, and build successful businesses for the long term. PPC University is scheduled to begin instruction in March 2021. "PPC University embodies our commitment to support the growth of our companies and invest in our talented team," said David Gau, Partner and Head of Operations at Pritzker Private Capital. "As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of providing high-quality educational and professional development opportunities as we build a culture that upholds our ore values of honesty, integrity and loyalty. We are pleased to launch PPC University alongside the exceptional educators at the Kelley School of Business." "We're honored to work with Pritzker Private Capital in developing this important initiative," said Idalene Kesner, Dean of the Kelley School and the Frank P. Popoff Chair of Strategic Management. "The business world is always evolving, and we've been an experienced leader in helping businesses and professionals grow along with it for more than 40 years. It's always exciting to see where the extra momentum takes people, and we're looking forward to working with the future leaders in the PPC family." PPC University will offer tailored courses designed and taught by Kelley School faculty. Courses will focus on five specialty areas: modern marketing, finance, operations, data analytics, and leadership and people management. Each course will feature eight virtual lectures over the course of a month, taught by Kelley School professors with select PPC leadership participating as guest lecturers. At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive a certificate for their participation. About Pritzker Private Capital Pritzker Private Capital partners with middle-market companies based in North America with leading positions in the manufactured products, services and healthcare sectors. The firm's differentiated, long-duration capital base allows for efficient decision-making, broad flexibility with transaction structure and investment horizon, and alignment with all stakeholders. Pritzker Private Capital builds businesses for the long term and is an ideal partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Pritzker Private Capital is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). For more information, visit PPCPartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005749/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! As the sun rises over Arbil's historic bazaar, shopkeepers sweep their stoops and eagerly await the "istiftah" -- the first customer of the day, believed to be a good omen. For a country as famously hospitable as Iraq, where lunch tables are often overflowing with platters of meat as big as truck tyres, the custom of "istiftah", which means "opener", is subtle but sweet. The first customer of the day gets to name his or her price for the goods or service being purchased, without the usual process of haggling and compromise that is quintessential to street markets. "The first customer is exceptional," said Hidayet Sheikhani, 39. "He's carrying wealth and well-being straight from God to the businessperson in the early morning." Sheikhani sells traditional black-and-white embroidered scarves and hats in the bazaar in the bustling centre of Arbil, the Kurdistan region's capital. Shopkeepers arrive in the bazaar's brick alleyways around dawn, roll up the metal shutters of their shops and pour an obligatory glass of sweet tea to start their day. It's a tradition as old as time -- not only in Iraq, but all across the Middle East. Sheikhani inherited it from his grandfather, who had a shop in the same marketplace a century ago. At the time, he said, the "istiftah" tradition set the tone for the rest of the day. Shopkeepers who had not yet sold anything would put a chair outside their shop, as a signal to their colleagues. Those who had made their first sale would direct any incoming shoppers to the other shops, until everyone had had their "istiftah". Only then would they accept a second customer. That went for both Muslim and Jewish shopkeepers, said Sheikhani, as Arbil was home to a thriving Jewish community until the mid-20th century. - 'God will make it up to me' - The origin of the "istiftah" tradition remains disputed. Some say it hails from the Hadith, a record of the words and actions attributed to the Prophet Mohammed, in which he pleads to God, "Oh Allah, bless my people in their early mornings". Story continues But Abbas Ali, a lecturer at the College of Islamic Studies in Iraq's Salahaddin University, said the custom's prevalence among other faiths indicates it may not be related to Islam at all. "It's possible it was merely an ancient custom that was practised for a long time -- and good traditions often become religious rituals," Ali told AFP. Either way, it lives on, even among young businessmen. Jamaluddin Abdelhamid, a 24-year-old with a wispy goatee, sells roasted nuts, sweets and spices in the bazaar. "Often, a customer requests honey because they're sick. It usually costs 14,000 Iraqi dinars (less than $10) per jar, but they ask for it at 10,000 and I agree because it's the 'istiftah'," he said. "I know God will make it up to me somewhere else in my day," said Abdelhamid. Rejecting a first customer's request -- no matter how steep the discount is -- leaves him guilt-ridden. "I spend the whole day feeling sad, asking myself how I could have rejected God's blessing," Abdelhamid said. - Tradition under threat? - It goes beyond the old bazaar: even taxi drivers, plumbers and mechanics have adopted it. "Whatever cash I earn first in a day, I kiss it and raise it to my forehead as a sign of gratitude to God," said Maher Salim, a 46-year-old car mechanic in Arbil. But an "istiftah" never goes for free. First customers often offer a very discounted price for their early-morning purchase, but it's frowned upon to request something at no cost at all. "Even if it's my brother, I'll take something symbolic from him -- even just 1,000 Iraqi dinars," Salim told AFP. There's one creeping threat to the beautiful balance of the "istiftah": shopping malls. As Arbil has developed over the last decade, large malls have cropped up across the city, offering convenient and speedy shopping experiences to its residents. Mohammad Khalil still buys his groceries -- bread, yogurt, cheese and vegetables -- every morning from small shops near his home, showering the shopkeepers with prayers for blessings and good health as he walks out. Interactions at malls, he complained, are comparatively cold. "There's no sense of istiftah there -- everything is about the computer system," Khalil told AFP. "Most of the time, the people who work in the mall shops aren't the actual owners, so they don't even care about the tradition." str/mjg/pjm China's state prosecutor has ordered a nationwide crackdown on profiteering and fake vaccines amid a mounting wave of fake COVID-19 vaccine cases, state media reported. "The Supreme Peoples Procuratorate has ordered state prosecutors at all levels of government to "act quickly and resolutely crack down on coronavirus vaccine crimes," state news agency Xinhua reported. So far, the authorities have arrested 70 suspects in 21 cases linked to coronavirus vaccine fakes and racketeering, it said. In some cases, fake vaccines had been made using saline to attract government subsidies for clinics offering emergency vaccinations to members of the public, it said. It said one suspect surnamed Qiao had recruited friends and relatives from his hometown to manufacture the fakes in hotel rooms and rented apartments, to fill vials copied exactly from the design of genuine vaccine vials. Qiao, a suspect surnamed Kong, and others had made and sold around 58,000 of the fake vaccines before their detention in November, it said. Many were sold privately at hugely inflated prices and injected into the arms of customers in their own homes, or even in their cars, the report said. Some of the fakes had made their way overseas, "tarnishing the image of the country," Xinhua said. Plausible deniability A businessman from the northern province of Hebei who gave only a surname, Guo, said the claim that some of the fakes had been taken out of China was worrying. "Surely the likelihood that fake vaccines could get exported overseas is minuscule," Guo said. "There must be very strict testing and verification procedures in place." He said it was more likely that the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was laying the groundwork for plausible deniability of responsibility for any substandard vaccines exported overseas by Chinese pharmaceutical companies. "They are putting a plausible explanation out there for any problems with Chinese vaccines overseas," Guo said. Lu Jun, co-founder of health NGO the Beijing Yirenping Center, said the focus on criminal activity was a distraction from the genuine threat to people's health from shoddy, out-of-date, and incorrectly handled vaccines from legitimate sources. "For example, there have been injuries caused by vaccine scandals, in Shanxi in 2007 and in Shandong in 2016," Lu said. "But they were caused either by shoddy vaccines produced by regular manufacturers, or else by irregularities or illegal operations linked to government procurement and distribution processes," he said. Lu said there were many more cases of harm to people from officially produced vaccines than had emerged in media reports. 'Fake and shoddy products' A Chinese resident surnamed Cai said quality control issues are endemic in Chinese supply chains. "Actually we see this problem occurring in almost every sector," Cai told RFA. "There will be fake and shoddy products being manufactured and sold in almost every sector as long as it is profitable to do this." "It's hardly surprising that we are seeing fake Chinese vaccines appearing, given that vaccines are in short supply right now," he said. Xinhua reported on Feb. 1 that Chinese police detained more than 80 people and confiscated more than 3,000 fake doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and that all fake doses in China had been tracked down. It was unclear whether the arrests were the same as those referred to its Feb. 15 report. The Global Times newspaper, which has close ties to CCP mouthpiece the People's Daily, cited a source close to a major Chinese vaccine producer as saying that some of the fakes may already have made their way overseas. The arrests were part of a nationwide police operation that included Beijing, Shanghai, and the eastern province of Shandong, Xinhua said. Reported by Qiao Long and Gigi Lee for RFA's Mandarin and Cantonese Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Periods of rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Louvre Abu Dhabis first international exhibition of 2021, Abstraction and Calligraphy Towards a Universal Language invites visitors to explore the dawn of modern abstraction through sign and symbol, tracing origins to Asian and Arabic calligraphy and charting sites of mutual inspiration around the world. Curated by Didier Ottinger, assisted by Marie Sarre, the exhibition, which opens on February 17, marks a second major collaboration between the Centre Pompidou and Louvre Abu Dhabi. This international exhibition is sponsored by Montblanc, a Maison whose innovative craftsmanship continues to influence the culture of writing and will run till June 12. Bringing together more than 80 masterworks on loan from 16 partner institutions, with six works from Louvre Abu Dhabis own permanent collection, the exhibition will showcase how 20th century abstract artists including Paul Klee, Andre Masson, Wassily Kandinsky, Cy Twombly, Lee Krasner, and Jackson Pollock felt the need to establish a new universal, visual language that was inspired by calligraphy. The show will also focus on 20th and 21st century Arab artists from Dia Azzawi and Anwar Jalal Shemza, to Ghada Amer, Shirazeh Houshiary, Mona Hatoum and others for whom the letterform was a continuous source of inspiration, freeing writing from its purely linguistic function and investing it with new artistic value. The exhibition will also feature installations from two contemporary artists, eL Seed and Sanki King, demonstrating how artists today are still seeking new visual forms to respond to current societal changes. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, remarked: I feel great pride and excitement in entering Louvre Abu Dhabis galleries for this first international exhibition of the year. Once again, the museum offers its audiences not only the highest quality of artworks but an innovative curatorial vision. The masterworks in Abstraction and Calligraphy, some on display in the region for the very first time, are exceptional for many reasons. Not only because they have been crafted by some of the worlds most celebrated artists, but because they tell stories of discovery and inspiration across time, cultures and geographies. Abu Dhabi is a fitting setting for such an exhibition, as the Emirates success proves that growth and prosperity come from cross-cultural collaboration, understanding, and openness. Art and culture inspire these in each of us, and Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to play a significant role in developing our city into a vibrant, creative global hub, Al Mubarak continued. This exhibition is a continuation of the important work DCT Abu Dhabi has been doing throughout the past year, where in spite of challenges faced due to the global pandemic, we have delivered innovative and ambitious new cultural initiatives alongside diverse, dynamic cultural programming targeting all segments of the Abu Dhabi community. The adaptability and agility we have demonstrated during this time has enabled the emirates cultural offering to constantly evolve to meet the needs of our audiences. Manuel Rabate, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: We are emerging from the very difficult past year of 2020, and it is a pleasure to invite the great curator Didier Ottinger to explore the relationship between abstraction and calligraphy, two visual languages, intimately entwined. Louvre Abu Dhabi will offer audiences an exploration of a universal language through pictograms, signs, symbols, lines, and other traces of the hands of the artists. This second major collaboration with Centre Pompidou brings their abstract masterworks of Cy Twombly, Lee Ufan, Wassily Kandinsky, Henri Michaux, Juan Miro, Christian Dotremont, Jean Dubuffet, Andre Masson, and Nasser Al Salem here to Abu Dhabi for the first time. This exhibition speaks to the strength of our partner network of museums, and the mutual trust we share in the interest of offering access and moments of discovery to our audiences. We are ready and waiting to welcome visitors back safely, offering this rare opportunity to see so many abstract masterpieces displayed side-by-side with the numerous global influences that shaped this visual language. Curator of the exhibition, Didier Ottinger, Deputy Director, Cultural Programming, MNAM-CC, commented: Exchanges and dialogue characterise the project I developed for Louvre Abu Dhabi -- dialogues between spaces and times that are embraced by the Universal Museum; dialogue between images and letters, illustrated by the mutual fascination between calligraphy and image makers, and vice-versa; dialogue in the space between the artists of East and West, dialogues that bring together an ancient Egyptian stele and the pictograms of a New York street artistthe shared dream of a universal language. Dr Souraya Noujaim, Scientific, Curatorial and Collections Management Director at Louvre Abu Dhabi, added: This exhibition opens the third cultural season of Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is devoted to EastWest exchanges and explores the remarkable avenues and voices that have characterised the creativity of both. The sources of abstraction that might be said to have dominated 20th-century art are found in the attention that many artists paid to the varied signs, calligraphies and ideograms of non-Western cultures. Beyond the limits of immediate sensory experience, in an environment where letters are present everywhere in declamation, calligraphy and graffiti, Asia and North Africa were intuitively experienced as an essential model. This almost mystical dimension of gesture and letter finds an echo in the Arab Hurufiyya movement, whose importance in the development of contemporary abstraction should not be underestimated. The exhibition, therefore, aims to bring together works from East and West, and to show what Western art has learned from different forms of calligraphy belonging to cultures and systems of writing and thought very foreign to it. The exhibition is organised in four sections, with the first focussing on pictograms, symbolic figurative images that represented ideas in ancient civilisations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, and the way they inspired abstract artists. The second chapter explores signs, that in the history of writing, took over from pictograms, breaking writings attachment to imagery. The third section will be devoted to lineaments, revealing how Western artists incorporated the energy of Eastern calligraphy in their brushstrokes to produce free and fluid lines. Concluding the exhibition, calligraphy focuses on the ways artists and poets around the world from Brion Gysin and Henri Michaux to Shakir Hassan Al Said and Sliman Mansour incorporated calligraphic signs in their practice. To facilitate onsite engagement with the exhibition, Louvre Abu Dhabis Education team has developed a digital learning resource, which guides young visitors and their families through the exhibition space and its artworks. An animated character named Qalam will help visitors explore the designated trail and engage young visitors with selected artworks and artists. These interactions aim to inspire creative expression and help children learn about the history of pictograms, alphabets, and abstraction. Small groups can book a 45-minute Express Tour to explore the exhibition with a Museum Educator. - TradeArabia News Service Jonathan Schoop was one of the Detroit Tigers top offensive players in the shortened 2020 season. He was a Gold Glove finalist at second base. His reward? Another tour of duty in 2021, albeit with a 25 percent pay cut. TIGERS IN 2021: This is the seventh in a series of profiles on the Detroit Tigers organizational depth heading into the 2021 season. Earlier: Starting pitchers, relievers, corner outfielders, center fielders, third basemen, shortstops. Tomorrow: First basemen. The Tigers like Schoop, although hes probably a one-year placeholder until a more permanent candidate emerges. Schoops double-play partner, Willi Castro, is one such candidate. If Castro hits well enough to stay in the lineup but doesnt field well enough to play a high-value position like shortstop, a move to second base would make sense. Isaac Paredes, currently a third baseman, will also get a chance to experiment at second in spring training. If things click, perhaps he could move there in 2022. Down on the farm, dont forget about Zack Short, who was acquired in the Cameron Maybin trade last summer. If nothing else, he appears to be a useful utility option. Kody Clemens will also be in camp. His development was hurt by the lost 2020 season, but hell get a chance to show this season that he can surpass his bench-player projection. Detroit Tigers infielder Harold Castro (30) throws a ball to first base while taking fielding practice during their summer training camp at Comerica Park in Detroit, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. The Tigers and other MLB teams are working out in effort to start their 2020 season in late July. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com On the 40-man roster: Jonathan Schoop, Harold Castro (utility), Niko Goodrum (utility), Willi Castro (primarily shortstop), Zack Short (primarily shortstop). Non-roster invitees to spring training: Kody Clemens, Daniel Pinero (utility), Greg Garcia. Possible assignments: Detroit: Schoop, W. Castro (shortstop), Goodrum (utility), H. Castro (utility). Triple-A Toledo: Kody Clemens, Short, Pinero, Garcia. Double-A Erie: Cole Peterson (also plays short), Drew Ward. Class A (advanced) West Michigan: Jack Kenley. Class A Lakeland: Jeremiah Burks, Corey Joyce, Jose King (also plays shortstop and third), John Valente (also plays third), Andre Lipcius (also plays third). Former Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler talks with customers while taking a shift as a waiter during the 2017 team's Tigers Winter Caravan visit to Hard Rock Cafe in Detroit. The restaurant closes for good Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019. (Mike Mulholland)Mike Mulholland Most starts at second base for the Tigers through the years 2012: Omar Infante 2013: Omar Infante 2014: Ian Kinsler 2015: Ian Kinsler 2016: Ian Kinsler 2017: Ian Kinsler 2018: Dixon Machado 2019: Gordon Beckham 2020: Jonathan Schoop Connecticut front-line essential workers and those with preexisting medical conditions that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 complications will be the next groups eligible to get vaccinated, Gov. Ned Lamont said Tuesday. Right now, were running through the 65 and above group, Id like to think in 10 days or so ... well be able to make an announcement in terms of the next group, Lamont said. The Lamont administration has indicated that announcement will provide more details on how the vaccine will be rolled out to those populations. Both groups include a broad swath of people. According to the states estimates, there are a total of about 325,000 front-line essential workers, excluding those who would be eligible through another category. Those with preexisting conditions under the age of 65 total about 350,000. Its unclear who or how people in either group will be prioritized. The state has tiered vaccine eligibility by age, first allowing those age 75 and older to get the vaccine before lowering the eligibility age to 65 and above. Lamont said the state will rely on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions definitions of essential workers, as well as preexisting conditions to determine who meets the criteria. The governors team has said in recent weeks doctors will likely be critical for helping determine who is eligible based on a medical condition. In addition to the timeline, Lamont also announced Tuesday that starting March 19, commercial venues can hold events with up to 100 people indoors and 200 outside. Were very appreciative that Gov. Lamont has heard the pleas of our industry, and that Connecticut now has a plan for gradually opening up indoor and outdoor events in the months ahead, said Scott Dolch, executive director of the states restaurant association. He noted the states event industry and related business provided for some 32,000 jobs per month prior to the pandemic. Dolch said its critical to the economy for those people to return to work. This new timetable for reopening will give confidence to our customers and guests who need to plan months in advance for their special events, Dolch said. Lamonts decision to ease restrictions comes as the states COVID hospitalizations dropped Tuesday to 606 the fewest since Nov. 10. The number of infections rose by 580 with a daily positivity rate of 2.83 percent. There were two more deaths recorded, increasing the death toll to 7,449. On Monday, the governor announced Connecticuts first known case of a coronavirus variant from South Africa. The person had no recent travel history, leading health officials to believe the strain was picked up locally. That particular variant, known as B.1.351, is of concern because researchers believe some vaccines may be less effective against it. The state has also recorded 42 known cases of a variant known as B.1.1.7, first identified in the U.K., which is thought to spread more easily between people. Deidre Gifford, acting commissioner of the state Department of Public Health, said the South African variant is not believed to be more deadly. She repeated familiar advice, urging the importance of mask wearing and social distancing to combat the spread, so we can get everybody vaccinated before these variants take off. A total of 691,846 vaccine doses have been administered in the state as of Tuesday. Of those, 473,784 were first doses, while 218,062 people have received their second shot. Around 66 percent of the states 75 and older population have received the vaccine, while 23 percent of those aged 65 to 74 have received the shot. The governors office said the states vaccine supply should rise about 22 percent next week, an increase Lamont said he suspects will be sustained in the future. 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. Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer will lead an Edinburgh University review into buildings and statues linked with the slave trade. The consultation follows controversy over the university's decision to rename the David Hume Tower due to the 19th century philosopher's controversial views on race - including that black people are 'naturally inferior to whites'. Sir Geoff, 80, who became Scotland's first black professor in 1989, said it was an 'honour' to be asked to work with the group. Edinburgh University said the consultation - which is set to last around a year - would examine its 'relationship with its past' with recommendations to help better reflect its diversity. Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer (left) will lead an Edinburgh University review into buildings and statues linked with the slave trade. The consultation follows controversy over the university's decision to rename the David Hume Tower (right) due to the 19th century philosopher's controversial views on race - including that black people are 'naturally inferior to whites' David Hume: Philosopher, historian and economist and father of the Enlightenment who rejected religion and believed passions governed human behaviour rather than reason David Hume (1711-1776) was a UK philosopher (pictured, statue in Edinburgh) David Hume (1711-1776) is one of the most important UK philosophers, best known for his work on scepticism and empiricism and his contribution to the Enlightenment. Hume saw philosophy as experimental science of human nature and tried to describe how the mind works in acquiring what is known as knowledge. He had a profound and lasting impact on academics, his views said to have influenced the likes of economist Adam Smith, known as the Father of Capitalism, German philosopher Immanuel Kant and French sociologist Auguste Comte. Hume also influenced the US following the American Revolution. James Madison defended the form of republican government proposed by the Constitution in the Federalist Papers, greatly influenced by Hume's work and drawing on his History of England. He is also said to have influenced the French Revolution, having been hailed as the eighteenth-century British writer whose works were most widely known and acclaimed on the Continent during the later Enlightenment period before the overthrow of Louis XVI. Hume's work is influential to this day, topping a 2010 survey of most admired philosophers and knocking Aristotle into second. At the age of only 28 he released his groundbreaking philosophical work, A Treatise of Human Nature (1739-40), an attempt to introduce scientific reasoning into moral subjects. In it, Hume argued against the existence of innate ideas, and concluded that no theory of reality is possible. He wrote that there can be no knowledge of anything beyond experience, with his views, particularly on religion, highly controversial at the time, including his rejection of miracles and the argument for God's existence. Hume argued that there was no soul and wrote in the Treatise: 'When I enter most intimately into what I call myself. I always stumble on some particular perception or other, of heat or cold, light or shade, love or hatred, pain or pleasure. I never can catch myself at any time without a perception, and never can observe any thing but the perception.' The Roman Catholic Church, in 1761, put all his writings on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, its list of forbidden books. Hume was one of the leading voices of the Age of Enlightment, which dominated scholarly and academic discourse in the 18th century. The Age of Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that spread through Europe. It advocated ideals such as liberty, progress, tolerance, fraternity, constitutional government, and also emphasised the separation of church and state. Science was a key driver of change, with the movement split into two distinct camps. Firstly was the radical Enlightenment, which pushed for democracy, individual liberty, freedom of expression, and the eradication of religious authority. A second, more moderate variety, sought reform between the traditional systems of power and faith. Hume is one of the most respected voices from the period. He believed that passions rather than reason govern human behaviour, proclaiming that 'reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions'. He studied law initially, following in the footsteps of relatives on both sides of his family, though he found the subject distasteful. Later, because of the intensity of his intellectual discovery, he had a nervous breakdown in 1729, from which it took him a few years to recover. In 1734, after working in a merchant's office in Bristol, he came to the turning point of his life and retired to France for three years, where he wrote his treatise. The Treatise was seen as Hume's attempt to formulate a full-fledged philosophical system. He later attempted to run for the chair of moral philosophy at Edinburgh in 1744, though he faces accusations of heresy and atheism that saw him defeated. In 1748, he rewrote parts of his treatise, including a chapter on miracles where he controversially stated that a miracle can never be proved by evidence. Though Hume's views on slavery were ambiguous, he infamously claimed there were human races and that non-whites were inferior to whites. The passage, from Essays, Moral, Political and Literary, said black people were 'naturally inferior to whites' adding: 'There never was a civilised nation of any other complexion than white nor even any individual eminent either in action or speculation.' 'There never was a civilized nation of any other complexion than white, nor even any individual eminent either in action or speculation. 'No ingenious manufacturer amongst them, no arts, no sciences. 'On the other hand, the most rude and barbarous of the Whites, such as the ancient German, the present Tartars, still have something eminent about them, in their valor, form of government, or some other particular. 'Such a uniform and constant difference could not happen in so many countries and ages, if nature had not made an original distinction betwixt these breeds of men.' Advertisement Sir Geoff - a professor emeritus in the school of life sciences at Heriot-Watt University - said: 'We will look at David Hume Tower and other buildings. 'The university has links to buildings all over Edinburgh and we will be looking at these and the individuals linked to them. I imagine it will include statues too.' It is not clear what buildings and statues will be examined. Human rights activist Sir Geoff revealed in November that he would lead a separate review into controversial statues and street names across Edinburgh. The city-wide review followed protests over the Melville monument, which commemorates 18th century Home Secretary Henry Dundas, in St Andrew Square. In October last year, Edinburgh University said David Hume Tower will now be known as 40 George Square because the leading Enlightenment figure's 'comments on matters of race, though not uncommon at the time, rightly cause distress today'. The decision prompted fury among academics and politicians - who blasted the move as 'spineless' and said principal Peter Mathieson should 'hang his head in absolute shame'. Professor Mathieson said the decision was made because a black student might feel 'deeply uncomfortable being in a building named after someone who considered him a lesser being than other humans'. In a 1753 essay, the philosopher said black people were 'naturally inferior to whites'. He added: 'There never was a civilised nation of any other complexion than white nor even any individual eminent either in action or speculation.' Sir Geoff said: 'That was a prejudice, it was prejudged and not based on evidence. 'The only evidence that Hume had is that someone in Scotland lived in a house and someone in Africa lived in a hut. 'When you back up prejudice with a statement of fact, then it becomes discriminatory. 'That was applied to black people in slavery to justify their enslavement. It was also deployed by the police who killed George Floyd.' The Black Lives Matter movement rapidly spread across the globe this year following the killing of Mr Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in the US. The university said the review would be an evidence-based assessment of the past associations with the slave trade, colonialism and other aspects of race and racism. A spokesman said: 'The process will be highly consultative with students, staff, alumni and wider relevant stakeholders asked to take part. 'It will remain open to the widest possible sources of information and viewpoints.' University principal Professor Mathieson defended the decision to rename the David Hume tower in October last year, telling The Times: 'As a white person myself I find it difficult to dismiss or trivialise the lived experience of one of our black students, or to categorise the discomfort as "woke" or "snowflake" as some have done.' The campaign to rename the tower began in July at the height of Black Lives Matter protests around the world after the killing of George Floyd in the US. The decision followed an online petition that gathered fewer than 2,000 signatures. A statement on Change.org says: 'Nobody is demanding we erase David Hume from history. 'However, we should not be promoting a man who championed white supremacy. That is mutually exclusive with the goal of reducing the harm caused by racism at Edinburgh University to students of colour. 'We can take Hume's writings and learn about them in context, but there is no reason the tallest building on campus should be named after him.' According to internal correspondence seen by The Times, the decision to rename the tower was taken without consulting senior academics. History professor Sir Tom Devine, professor of classics Douglas Cairns, professor of political and historical sociology Jonathan Hearn, professor of policy Lindsay Paterson, Professor Grant Jarvie, Dr Nathan Coombs, Dr Gale Macleod, Dr Michael Rosie and Dr Neil Thin all signed an open letter to the University's principal expressing their objection and arguing that the renaming would damage the universitys reputation. They argue that Hume's opinions were common in his day, adding: 'Those views are not the reason the building is named after him. It is in recognition of his enduring influence in philosophy, history, and political economy.' The letter also calls for the possibility to revert to the building's original name in future. Edinburgh University said in a statement: 'It is important that campuses, curricula and communities reflect both the university's contemporary and historical diversity and engage with its institutional legacy across the world. 'For this reason the university has taken the decision to rename initially temporarily until a full review is completed one of the buildings in the central area campus. From the start of the new academic year the David Hume Tower will be known as 40 George Square. 'The interim decision has been taken because of the sensitivities around asking students to use a building named after the 18th-century philosopher whose comments on matters of race, though not uncommon at the time, rightly cause distress today.' The university said the decision was taken ahead of a 'more detailed review of the university's links to the past' and work is 'considering many other issues beyond the naming of buildings'. Previously Neil O'Brien, the Conservative MP for Harborough, in Leicestershire, slammed the move as 'spineless'. He wrote: 'Edinburgh University has cancelled / deleted the great enlightenment philosopher David Hume. What a cowardly, stupid, craven, pathetic, spineless, dumb thing to do. Shame on them.' And leading historian Sir Tom Devine, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'The current Principal of Edinburgh University should hang his head in absolute shame.' Sir Tom described Hume as the 'greatest philosophical mind Scotland has ever produced' and said that if he was still employed by the university he would have 'fought tooth and nail against this decision'. Sir Geoff is also leading a separate Edinburgh-wide review into statues and street names following protests over the Melville monument, which commemorates 18th century Home Secretary Henry Dundas, in St Andrew Square. The controversial monument was erected in 1821 in memory of Conservative politician Dundas who delayed the abolition of the slave trade. Human rights activist Sir Geoff (pictured) revealed in November that he would lead a separate review into controversial statues and street names across Edinburgh Sir Tom Devine, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'The current Principal of Edinburgh University should hang his head in absolute shame.' But it has become a source of controversy with a years-long debate over how a plaque should be worded. It was finally resolved in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, as Black Lives Matter activists graffitied the monument. The group will consider all options, including the removal of statues, as well as looking at street and building names. Sir Geoff said at the time: 'I regard this appointment as a great honour and duty to work with the group and the community to ensure the council's aim of fairness and justice to all is realised.' New Delhi: Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday sworn-in as the 14th President of India in an impressive ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament. Kovind was administered the oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the constitution and law by Chief Justice of India J S Kehar. "I am thankful to you all for giving me the responsibility to be the President of India," the new President said in his address. "I come from a humble background. The journey has been long. I accept this post with humility." The 71-year-old took oath in Hindi to thunderous applause and thumping of desks by the gathering, including Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee and former president Pratibha Patil. Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Devegowda, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, former deputy prime minister L K Advani as well as Union ministers and foreign dignitaries were also present on the occasion. After he took oath, Kovind was given a 21-gun salute to mark the assumption of office of the highest constitutional post in the country. ALSO READ | President Ram Nath Kovind's address at Parliament: Top 10 quotes Once the oath taking was over, Kovind and Mukherjee exchanged seats on the dais after which the new president delivered his maiden speech as president. Kovind was elected with 65 per cent of votes defeating Meira Kumar to occupy the top post.The 71-year-old leader born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, had also earned the support of the JD(U), which broke ranks with the mahagathbandhan because of his non-confrontational approach as governor of the state. ALSO READ | As it happened: Ram Nath Kovind takes oath as 14th President of India A commerce graduate, Kovind studied law at the Kanpur University, practised in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court. He was also the central governments standing counsel in the apex court from 1980-93. Kovind, who headed Dalit Morcha from 1998 to 2002, also led the All-India Koli Samaj. Elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 1994 from Uttar Pradesh, he served two consecutive terms till March 2006. Outgoing Mukherjee bows out of public life after a five-decade political career. Diversity is key to India's success, says President Ram Nath Kovind Kovind said the key to Indias success is its diversity and asked people to build a country that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar. In his first address as president after taking oath at the Central Hall of Parliament, Kovind said there is need to sculpt an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society. We have achieved a lot as a nation, but the effort to do more, to do better and to do faster is relentless. It is appropriate that the land of Lord Buddha should lead the world in its search for peace, tranquillity and ecological balance, he said. The key to Indias success is its diversity. Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique. We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar. We need to sculpt a robust, high growth economy, an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society, the 71-year-old said. ALSO READ | Ram Nath Kovind new President of India: Who said what on Twitter Indias 14th president made special mention of women and their role in nation building. Nations, he said, are not built by governments alone and requires national pride. Each citizen of India is a nation builder. Those police and paramilitary forces that fight terrorism and crime are nation builders. Women who despite responsibilities at home and work raise children to be ideal citizens are nation builders, he said. The new president went on to say that a farmer toiling in the blazing sun to feed fellow citizens is a nation builder as is a scientist concentrating tirelessly to send an Indian space mission to Mars, or invent a vaccine. (A) nurse or doctor helping the sick to recover and fighting disease in a remote village, is a nation builder. Young person who founds a start-up and becomes a job creator is a nation builder, he added. Soon after taking the oath, Kovind had said he was honoured to be sworn in as the 14th president of India would be carrying out responsibilities with all humility. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. "We are looking forward to joining forces with Premier Mounts," stated Brian Wagner, President and CEO of Gamber-Johnson. "Gamber is a market leader in mounting technology in mobile environments where Premier is a leader in mounting displays in static environments. The combination of these two market leaders will genuinely create results greater than the sum of its parts." Wagner continued, "Gamber's resources and commitment to 'Ruggedness, Reliability, and Responsiveness' will highly complement Premier's years of experience and innovation." Premier Mounts will become a Gamber-Johnson brand with main office functions remaining in Southern California. "It's been a challenging year in the audiovisual industry on many levels and we are ready to jump into new opportunities with Gamber-Johnson's ownership by strengthening and expanding our presence," said Brent Henderson, Premier Mounts General Manager. "The Southern California office will operate as one of Gamber-Johnson's Quick Response Office Cells which is part of Gamber-Johnson's responsive organizational structure promoting quick decision making and responsive customer service," revealed Henderson. Manufacturing, warehousing, and corporate oversight will occur at Gamber-Johnson's newly renovated manufacturing space in Central Wisconsin. About Gamber-Johnson Gamber-Johnson is a leading supplier of rugged mounting systems that safely secure mobile communication systems, computers, and other electronic equipment in the fleet and public safety vehicles, forklifts, and other mobility applications. Their products are used by law enforcement, public safety, military, and warehouse fleets around the globe and are known for being rugged, reliable, and responsive. Founded in 1954 Gamber-Johnson is located in Stevens Point, WI. To learn more about Gamber-Johnson visit gamberjohnson.com. About Premier Mounts Premier Mounts is the leader in superior display mounting solutions serving diverse needs of the audiovisual industry since 1977. Having over 700 legacy mounts, we lead the industry in responsive production at scale, maintaining quality, and minimizing lead times. Our mission extends beyond simply manufacturing products as we aim to develop personal relationships and partnerships with our customers in order to realize their dreams. For more information, visit www.premiermounts.com . SOURCE Premier Mounts Related Links http://www.premiermounts.com Frackville The Frackville Food Bank will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church, 48 S. Nice St. It will be a drive-thru distribution; people are to follow Frack Street to Beech Street and line up on Beech Street. Participants should not exit their vehicles or park in the lot. In case of inclement weather, people should follow the North Schuylkill School District weather announcement. If North Schuylkill is closed, the food bank is closed and will be held the following day. If North Schuylkill is on a delay, the food bank is on a delay. For more information, contact Shannon Mozdy, church secretary, at 570-874-0255 Girardville Rangers Hose Company, 6 E. Ogden St., will have a gift card bingo on March 7. Doors will open at noon as lunch will be available. Bingo will begin at 2 p.m. For tickets, or more information, call 570-276-6922, 570-276-1009 or 570-276-1358. Pottsville Orders are being taken for a homemade Easter candy sale at the St. Patrick Parish Center, 313 Mahantongo St. Orders are due by March 8 and pickups will be from 1 to 5:30 p.m. March 27. To order, or for more information on variety and pricing, call 570-622-1802. Information also is available online at www.stpatrickpottsville.org. Tamaqua The St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Parish, 307 Pine St., distributes free baby food and cereal from 9 to 11 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month by appointment. The distribution now is a curbside pickup outside the church hall due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry is for families with babies living in the Tamaqua Area School District or belonging to the parish. Stages 1 and 2 baby food and cereal are provided each month for babies up to age 1. Registration is required by the Wednesday prior to distribution. To register, call 570-225-8620 or email tamaquasvdp@outlook.com. New Delhi: Indian workers emigration to Gulf countries have declined by 34.6 per cent between 2014 and 2016. This record was informed by the Ministry of External Affairs. Decline in emigration has led to a slight drop in overall remittances or private transfers made by Indians working abroad. The official figures for emigration to six gulf countries - United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain - dropped from 775,845 in 2014 and fell to 507,296 in 2016, said the ministry while responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha. The decline in the number of Indian workers emigrating to the gulf countries has been attributed to economic slowdown in Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC countries by the MEA. "There has been a decline in the number of Indian workers emigrating to the gulf countries for employment due to economic slowdown in GCC countries triggered by the weak oil prices, which has resulted in lack of demand for workers," said the MEA. "However, it has been reported by the Indian Missions that by undertaking different fiscal measures, these countries have been able to cope with the depressed oil and gas prices," it added. "As per information provided by the Reserve Bank of India, the overall remittances/private transfers made by the Indians working abroad, all over the world, including Gulf countries, as recorded in Indias balance of payments statistics has fallen slightly from US$ 69,819 Million in 2014-15 to US$ 65,592 Million in 2015-16," said the ministry. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The private suits follow the government ones for a simple reason: Regulators have distinct advantages when it comes to obtaining evidence. Federal and state investigators can collect internal documents and interview executives before filing a suit. As a result, their complaints are filled with insider knowledge about the companies. Private individuals can seek that kind of evidence only after they file lawsuits. If the government cases succeed against Google or Facebook at trial, the win is likely to bolster the case for private lawsuits, experts said. Lawyers could point to those victories as evidence the company broke the law and move quickly to their primary aim: obtaining monetary damages. The people bringing the cases against the tech giants include publishers, advertisers and users. Sweepstakes Today, the site run by Mr. McDaniel, aggregates prize contests from around the country. Its revenue comes from advertising that is sold partly by Google, according to Mr. McDaniels lawsuit, which is seeking class-action status. For years, the website generated about $150,000 in annual revenue and turned a profit, according to the complaint. But its revenue has dropped since 2012, a fall that the suit blames on Googles dominance in online advertising. Mr. McDaniel, who signs some of his public messages as Mr. Sweepy, said on a GoFundMe page he set up to help cover the costs of running the site that his revenue had dropped like a rock and that he could go out of business. He said Google had also harmed his earnings by classifying his site as a venue for online gambling, causing him to receive lower-quality ads. As Google has literally taken over the internet, it is nearly impossible for companies to operate in this area without utilizing some Google service, thereby subjecting themselves to Googles arbitrary rules and policies, John Herman, Mr. McDaniels lawyer, said in a statement. Other publishers that recently have filed antitrust complaints against Google include the magazines The Nation and The Progressive, as well as the lyrics website Genius which sued Google in 2019 citing its use of Genius lyrics data in search results, only to have its case dismissed. They are among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed by the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner that is seeking class-action status. Another prominent law firm, Berger Montague, has also filed a complaint against Google on behalf of publishers. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Russian news agencies said a court has rejected an appeal by gulag historian Yuri Dmitriyev, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing his daughter. TASS and RIA Novosti reported that the St. Petersburg appeals court on February 16 dismissed the request by Dmitriyev, who has said the charges brought by prosecutors were based on fabricated evidence. Dmitriyev, 65, was arrested on child-pornography charges in 2016 based on photographs of his foster daughter that authorities found on his computer. He said the images were not pornographic and were made at the request of social workers concerned about the childs physical development. Last July, he was found guilty, and he was scheduled to be freed in November due to time served. But a court in the northwestern Karelia region, where Dmitriyev lives, abruptly added a decade to his sentence and ordered him held in a high-security prison. Dmitriyev's historical work has focused on exposing the victims of the 1937-38 Great Terror, in which nearly 700,000 people were executed. After the Soviet collapse, he found a mass grave containing thousands of bodies of people held in the Soviet gulag network of slave labor camps. Memorial, a rights group where Dmitriyev works, has said the accusations against him were groundless. Based on reporting by TASS and RIA Novosti Burma Workers at Myanmars Private Banks Join Nationwide Anti-Coup Work Stoppage Bankers join a CDM protest on Tuesday. / Myanmar Bankers Union / Facebook YANGONEmployees of private banks across Myanmar have joined the growing civil disobedience movement (CDM) against the military regime, which overthrew the democratically elected government on Feb. 1. With a majority of their employees now taking part in the CDM, and endorsing its no recognition, no participation approach, private banks nationwide have since Feb. 8 closed almost all branches due to a shortage of staff, resulting in sluggish banking services and financial transactions. Participating bankers told The Irrawaddy they were continuing the movement for a second week on Monday. Veteran democracy activist U Min Ko Naing, a leader of the 1988 uprising, said on his Facebook page that this is the most important week yet for the civil disobedience movement, and singled out the key role of financial institutions. Banks in particular are in the most important place [to make the CDM successful], he said in a video message. The Yangon Region Administrative Council reportedly planned to provide security for banks and help them maintain their operations, but with staff continuing the CDM on Monday, private banks branches remained closed. An employee of private lender KBZ Bank in Yangon said banks had to close because their employees were out in the streets protesting against the coup. All of our bank branches are closed [on Monday] he said. He added that though banks have been closed, money could be withdrawn through ATMs. We will keep doing this until [the military regime] is over, said a banker in Yangon going by the pseudonym of Ma Snow. She joined the CDM a few days after the movement was launched by medical professionals on Feb. 3, informing her supervisors that she would no longer be coming to work, as she had joined the CDM together with her colleagues. Like everyone else, we totally reject the coup. Thus, we are participating in all ways, like joining in the CDM and holding street protests, to fight against the regime, she added. Another banker who joined the CDM said, We cant just sit idly by. The CDM is something we can and must do. Besides stopping work, banking staff in several cities have also held street protests for several days, declaring their support as bankers for the CDM and urging others to join in. Ma Snow, who has been in the banking sector for 18 years, added that if more staff from state-owned banks and semi-government banks joined the movement, the CDM within the banking sector would be 100-percent successful. Some staff from Myanmars Central Bank and Myanmar Economic Bank have also joined the movement. By last week, over 100 staff of the Central Bank, including employees of both the headquarters in Naypyitaw and other branches, had joined. The military has replaced the Central Banks governors and deputy governors since the Feb. 1 coup. Deputy Governor U Bo Bo Nge, who was appointed by the National League for Democracy administration, remains under detention, though other deputy governors have been released by the military. In an earlier announcement, the Central Bank urged banks to operate normally and systematically. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Military Slaps Suu Kyi With One More Charge Business Groups Voice Deep Concern Over Regimes Proposed Cyber Law Customers Flock to Withdraw Cash From Myanmar Military-Owned Banks Chip and Joanna Gaines are known for their signature modern farmhouse style, but lately, they're exploring different looks in their new show "Fixer Upper: Welcome Home." In the Season 1 episode "Modern Take on Old-World Charm," Chip and Joanna meet Nicole, a young woman who's just returned to Waco, TX, after years of missionary work. She's ready to settle downbut after all her experience traveling, she wants her American abode to have a more worldly design. She's hoping to give her midcentury farmhouse a European cottage makeoverbut this may prove to be a bigger challenge than she realizes. While Chip and Jo have a $100,000 budget to play with, they'll need to use every dollar wisely if they're going to bring some European charm to every room. Read on to see how Chip and Joanna completely change this home's style, and find out which old-world looks are coming backwhich might inspire a few changes around your own abode, too. Use copper gutters for an elevated exterior look Before: This house looked great from the outside, but it needed some updates. Discovery+ When Chip and Joanna first see Nicole's new home, they know the exterior needs some freshening up. The exposed brick is a little too midcentury for Nicole's taste, so Joanna decides to paint the brick a creamy white, add some wood-tone shutters, and refresh the blue door. Still, there's something missing from this old-world look. Joanna decides to add copper gutters to give the house an extra touch of color. "When I think about this cream exterior, with these antique shutters, a Frenchy blue door, copper gutters is, like, perfect, Joanna says. After: These new colors give the home a fresh look. Discovery+ While Chip says that typical vinyl gutters would be less expensive and look great, Joanna knows that this copper upgrade will make a big difference for this home. When the work is done, the house looks perfect. The gutters add a bit more color to the exterior, and give the house a classic, elegant look. These copper gutters are a big upgrade. They also add extra color to the house. Discovery+ Update the flooring with terra cotta Before: This flooring didn't make a good first impression. Discovery+ While the exterior of Nicole's home needs only a few upgrades, the dated interior needs lots of work. Chip and Joanna know right away that the old carpet and tile floors will have to go, which is perfect, because Nicole says she has her heart set on terra-cotta floors. While terra cotta may not be as popular as hardwood, it's a great flooring choice because of its warm color and unique texture. Plus, while these floors would be new, she knows that terra cotta will make the space feel aged, helping to accomplish that old-world vibe. "Great material," Chip says. "Definitely it's going to give her a European feel." The terra-cotta floor makes this living room feel warmer. Discovery+ Chip lays the terra-cotta bricks in a basket-weave pattern, giving the home an extra special, custom look. Then, to finish it, they put down lots of cozy rug accents to bring the design together. Arches are backand defy everything we've been told to do This archway brings some old-world charm to the room. Discovery+ Arches are sometimes seen as a dated style that makes a room feel closed off. Time and again, we've been told to break down walls to make a space feel open. But for this renovation, Joanna eats those words by saying she wants to put an archway in. Chip would say Im, like, the worst in that when theres walls I want to take 'em out. When theres not walls I want to put 'em in," Joanna jokes as she shows Nicole her design ideas. "Its confusing, I get that. But for this space, your style, it needed more character. While adding a wall may seem like a strange idea, Joanna explains that adding this archway will bring some character to the long living and dining space, giving them definition so the area doesn't look like one long box. This feature ends up being an "overarching" success as it gives the house that cottage feel Nicole loves. Use a rounded kitchen island for a more classic look Before: These curved upper cabinets provide some inspiration for Joanna. Discovery+ With plain white cabinets and dated tile floors, Chip and Joanna are wholly unimpressed with Nicole's kitchen. However, they're interested in the curved design of the upper cabinets. In fact, they love the detail so much they decide to re-create that feel in the new design. I loved the curved cabinets that you had, so the island will be a nod back to that, Joanna explains. This curved island has the European look Nicole wants, and the rounded edges work well with the archway in the dining room. Together, these curves give the house a soft, romantic charm. This rounded kitchen island looks amazing! Discovery+ Use wallpaper on the ceiling to bring the eye up This wallpaper gives the bedroom a fun splash of color. Discovery+ When it comes to the bedroom, Joanna wants to give Nicole a cozy space filled with lots of cottage-inspired charm. She uses soft textures and light colors in this space. Then, to add some style, she chooses a floral wallpaper for the ceiling. "It just feels like theres a lot of visual interest kind of everywhere you look, but it is still subtle and simple, Joanna says of the wallpaper accent. The wallpaper design is a great choice, and Joanna does well deciding to put it on the ceiling, rather than the walls. The pattern brings the eye up and gives the room a unique look. This wallpaper is fun and floral, while also looking elegant. Discovery+ The post Chip and Joanna Gaines Reveal a New Design That Undermines Everything You've Been Told appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Rome museum MAXXI reopens with Salgado, Balla, and others 'Laboratory for the future' (ANSAmed) - ROMA, 16 FEB - The Rome museum MAXXI has reopened and will showcased works by such key figures as the 'genius' of world architecture Aldo Rossi, photographer Sebastiao Salgado with his research into the indigenous populations of the Amazon, Thomas Hirschhorn, Cao Fei, Alberto Burri, and Mario Giacomelli. The line-up includes nine new shows, three focus exhibitions from collections, and six special artistic projects. The first show will be "A Story for the Future: Ten Years of MAXXI'', which wil run from February 17 to August 29. It was curated by Hou Hanru and is being held in collaboration with ANSA. The exhibition will include over 1,200 images and is a way to celebrate the birthday of the museum. ''These months have been hard. MAXXI was closed but never snuffed out," MAXXI Foundation chief Giovanna Melandri said, ahead of the reopening as well of Maxxi. She noted that work had continued on the museum during the lockdown and that MAXXI ''is more than a museum: it is a laboratory for the future''. (ANSAmed). Dhaka, Feb 16 : A Dhaka court has sentenced five militants including fugitive sacked army major Syed Ziaul Haq to death in connection with the 2015 writer-blogger Avijit Roy murder case. Another defendant, Safiur Rahman Farabi, has been jailed for life, bdnews 24 reported on Tuesday. Judge Mojibur Rahman of Dhaka's Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunal delivered the verdict on Tuesday. Four of the five convicts who received capital punishment are Md Mozzammel Hussain alias Saimon alias Shahriar, Md Abu Siddiq Sohel alias Sakib alias Sajid alias Shahab, Md Arafat Rahman and Akram Hossain alias Abir. Besides Ziaul, Abir is also on the run. The judge also fined these convicts 50,000 taka each. The Islamist militants hacked to death Avijit, the US-based Bangladeshi science writer and founder of the Muktomona blog, on February 26, 2015 just after he left the Amar Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka. His wife Rafida Ahmed Bonya was injured in the attack. On February 10, the court sentenced to death eight militants, including Ziaul, Saimon, Siddiq and Akram for the murder of Avijit's publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan, who was hacked to death at his office in a similar attack months after the killing of Avijit. The prosecution submitted CCTV footage of the killing of Avijit, video statements of the accused, their confessional statements and copies of SMSes from their mobile phones to the court as evidence. The son of noted physicist Ajay Roy, Avijit had come to Bangladesh to take part in the book fair, where two of his books were published in 2015, despite threats from militants. Ajay Roy filed a case over his son's murder at Shahbagh Police Station soon after the incident. The family expressed their disappointment with the slow progress of the investigation. Prof Roy died in December 2019 while his wife died last year. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 17:24:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LAGOS, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian government planned to vaccinate approximately 109 million Nigerians that will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination in two years, a senior health official has said. Speaking at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Faisal Shuaib, head of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, said the agency remains in anticipation of COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX facility and the African Union. "Working with the states, the federal government plans to vaccinate all eligible populations from 18 years and above, including pregnant women," Shuaib told reporters. However, he said, the decision to vaccinate any pregnant woman will be made in consultation with her healthcare provider. "After excluding those that are under 18 years old, we plan to vaccinate approximately 109 million Nigerians that will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in two years," he said. People who have priority for COVID-19 vaccination include front-line healthcare workers, those that work in high-risk areas such as point of entry workers, rapid response teams, contact tracing teams, and COVID-19 vaccination teams, Shuaib added. He reiterated that Nigerians should rest assured that the federal government through the PTF on COVID-19, was doing everything possible to mitigate the resultant complications of the COVID-19 on the health systems and economy. Nigerian officials were recently quoted by local media as saying the country expected to relieve first doses of coronavirus vaccines by the end of February. Enditem Industry leaders Dr. Sanjay K. Jha and Paul Jacobs invested in the round MONTREAL, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - SPARK Microsystems, a fabless semiconductor company leading the way in ultra-low power, ultra-low latency wireless communications, announces the closing of a CDN$17.5 million equity financing to accelerate commercialization. Led by Cycle Capital, the round included new investors ND Capital (a Silicon Valley and Europe-based venture capital firm dedicated to disruptive technologies) and Export Development Canada, as well as existing investor Real Ventures and private investors. Proceeds will be used to fund high-volume manufacturing, sales ramp and expanded R&D for next generation products. Industry veterans Dr. Sanjay K. Jha and Dr. Paul Jacobs reinvest in SPARK Microsystems Former Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs and former GlobalFoundries CEO Sanjay K. Jha, both reinvested in the company as part of the round. Dr. Sanjay K. Jha is the former CEO of GlobalFoundries Inc., the second largest semiconductor contract manufacturer in the world. Prior to that, he was the Chairman and CEO of Motorola Mobility Inc., a role he held until the acquisition of the company by Google in 2012. Before Motorola, Sanjay worked at Qualcomm for 14 years, finishing his tenure there as the COO of Qualcomm, and President of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT), the CDMA & computing chipset and SW division of Qualcomm. Sanjay holds a PhD (ECS), and D.Sc (Hon) from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, UK. In 2018, he was elected into the US National Academy of Engineering. He is an investor and board member of a number of private technology companies. Dr. Paul E. Jacobs is the former CEO and executive Chairman of Qualcomm. During his tenure as CEO, Qualcomm's revenues quadrupled and its market capitalization doubled. Dr. Jacobs is a prolific inventor with over 80 U.S. patents granted or pending in the field of wireless technology and devices. He is a board member of a number of private technology companies. He founded Berkeley's Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation and was the university's 2017 Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Jacobs is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In conjunction with the financing, Cycle Capital's Senior Partner Amit Srivastava also joins the Board of Directors. Earlier in his career, he led venture capital investments in the electronics sector at JP Morgan Partners and held key marketing and engineering management positions at Texas Instruments. Recently, SPARK launched the SR1000 ultra-wide band (UWB) wireless transceiver ICs enabling a new class of short-range wireless connectivity applications including gaming peripherals and AR/VR headsets, smart home devices, and battery-less internet of things sensors. Within nine months after the launch announcement, SPARK Microsystems: Shipped tens of thousands of pre-production units to multiple customers Prototyped a next-generation wireless gaming hub with headset, mouse and keyboard in conjunction with a Tier 1 ODM partner Sold over 70 evaluation kits to companies designing wireless AR, VR, IoT and positioning products Delivered paid SoWs for advanced wireless products to multiple Fortune 100 companies QUOTES "In just four years since the Ecofuel Acceleration program, SPARK Microsystems was able to deliver a revolutionary low-power wireless solution to customers," said Andree-Lise Methot, Founder and Managing Partner of Cycle Capital and Chair of the Ecofuel Accelerator. "Cycle Capital invests in companies that have a meaningful impact on climate change. We believe that SPARK will not only enable battery-less networks and dramatically cut power consumption across a wide range of emerging wireless applications but also reduce electronic waste going to landfills." "We are excited by the rapid customer adoption of the SPARK solution," said Sanjay Jha, former CEO, GlobalFoundries and active investor. "The company engaged with multiple customers who will deploy millions of wireless devices in the coming years. SPARK's technology significantly extends battery life for various Industrial IoT and consumer electronics including AR/VR, gaming and audio applications enabling for new functionalities as well as improved performance. This financing puts SPARK in a strong position to meet the volume production requirements of those customers." "We are very pleased to have received this strong financial backing from Cycle Capital, as well as new and existing investors," said Fares Mubarak, CEO, SPARK Microsystems. "This funding, coupled with many years of outstanding technical and operational leadership from the new Board members will help accelerate the commercialization of our UWB transceiver products into high-volume production and better position us to execute our growth strategy and expand in key markets." "We are excited to see our dream of creating such a differentiated wireless technology to address many markets and expand the usability of wireless devices taking shape." said Dr. Frederic Nabki, Cofounder and CTO, SPARK Microsystems. About SPARK Microsystems SPARK Microsystems, a fabless semiconductor company, commercializes ultra-low power and ultra-short latency wireless platform for the Internet of Things revolution. The company was founded in 2016, now employs 40 people in Montreal and in the US, and anticipates doubling in size over the next 18 months including adding 15 sales and application engineers. SPARK Microsystems was elected one of the "10 Startups in the Spotlight" on the latest EETimes Silicon 100 list, received the 2019 Defense Innovation Award at TechConnect., and won the 2018 Nokia Open Innovation Challenge. For more info: sparkmicro.com About Cycle Capital Management Cycle Capital Management is an impact investor and Canada's leading cleantech venture capital investment platform with AUM (assets under management) of CDN$0.5 Billion. With offices in Montreal, Toronto and Qingdao in continental China and a presence in New York and Seattle, CCM invests throughout North America and China in growth stage companies that commercialize technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimize resource use and improve process efficiency. Cycle Capital is the Founder of the Ecofuel Accelerator. For info: cyclecapital.com For more information: Fares Mubarak CEO SPARK Microsystems [email protected] +1-925-998-7330 Catherine Berube VP Sustainability, Investor Relations and Public Relations Cycle Capital [email protected] +1-514-629-1022 SOURCE SPARK Microsystems International You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close (Alliance News) - Moody's Investors Service on Monday affirmed GlaxoSmithKline PLC's and its financing subsidiaries' A2 long-term senior unsecured ratings. The outlook remains negative, the ratings agency noted. "Today's affirmation reflects the large size and leading positions that GSK will retain following the separation of its Consumer Healthcare segment in 2022 as well as our view that the group's diversity, albeit reduced, will remain high and supported by low concentration on top products," said Frederic Duranson, a Moody's assistant vice president & lead analyst for GSK. Moody's explained that the future separation of Consumer Healthcare will reduce the FTSE 100-listed pharmaceutical company's size and diversity. What remains will be the more research & development-intensive and more volatile Pharmaceuticals & Vaccines segments which have a higher business risk profile, Moody's noted. However, Moody's said GSK will remain one of the most diversified pharmaceuticals companies globally with leading positions in areas such as HIV and vaccines. The negative outlook primarily reflects Moody's expectation that GSK's credit metrics will remain weak for the rating category prior to the separation of Consumer Healthcare as well as uncertainty around the magnitude of deleveraging that GSK's creditors should expect upon the de-merger. Moody's also said it estimates that the separation of Consumer Healthcare will lead to a loss in annual free cash flow between GBP1.0 billion and GBP1.5 billion. "While we expect that a dividend cut will absorb the lost free cash flow initially, the negative outlook continues to reflect a degree of uncertainty on the extent of deleveraging," added Duranson. GSK shares closed 0.5% lower in London on Tuesday at 1,271.24 pence each. By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Good morning, Bay Area. Its Tuesday, Feb. 16, and Michelin-star dining is still available for takeout youll just need to brush up on your plating skills. Heres what you need to know to start your day. For decades, Chinatowns banquet halls have hosted celebrations, reinforced community and offered jobs to recent immigrants. But a Chinatown banquet is not just a party with a parade of family-style dishes. For a community that has endured segregation, racist immigration exclusion that kept families apart and threats of displacement, banquets are loud, bountiful, collective affirmations of community resilience. Ten years ago there were five banquet halls. Today, only two remain. Both are struggling amid the pandemic, Melissa Hung reports. If they go, what will it mean for Chinatown and San Francisco? You can read this story in simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese . Coronavirus Updates Some Californians are cutting in the vaccine line. Is that ever OK? When and where can I get my coronavirus vaccination in each Bay Area county? Oakland Coliseum vaccination site opens Tuesday as S.F. temporarily halts shots at two locations. San Francisco companies are leaving downtown space in droves, but one is still building an office tower despite the pandemic. Will there be anyone there to lease it when it finishes? California coronavirus case tracker. Around the Bay Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle A lifesaving thing: Hip-hop dance groups find new purpose during the pandemic. From Soleil Ho: Bay Areas fine dining scene is still alive as takeout if you can tweezer your own salad. Rincon Center: A San Francisco fountain trickles to a halt, a victim of changing times. Peoples Park is for the people: UC Berkeley plan for housing stirs old and new tension. State-level concerns: California Republicans who turned against Donald Trump face little GOP fallout at home. In case you missed it Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle In October 2018, Mayor London Breed announced an ambitious goal she said was key to addressing San Franciscos swelling homeless population: Open 1,000 shelter beds throughout the city by 2021. By early last year, the city was on track to exceed that goal, but then the pandemic struck, forcing the city to thin out its existing shelters to allow for social distancing. The past year has forced officials to rethink what temporary shelter should look like for those living on the streets. Read more from Trisha Thadani. S.F.s homeless hotels may be fully paid for under President Biden. But questions remain. Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown, Anna Buchmann and Kellie Hwang and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com and kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com. PHOENIX, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Timothy Jeffries, and his wife, Mary Frances Jeffries, co-owners of ChemResearch Company, Inc., unveiled their 2021 plan designed to significantly improve company culture, better compensate employees, increase talent retention, pro-actively engage customers, expand services, elevate quality assurance, and ensure company safety. Mr. Jeffries, who also serves as Chairman and CEO, stated, "CRC has possessed the privilege and responsibility of serving the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) vertical market critical to Arizona's economy and our country's mobility and defense since 1954. Richard Burge, majority owner of CRC for over 20 years, invited me to serve as his Board Chairman in 2008. Richard and I became the best of friends, and when he passed away from ALS on August 25, 2014, my heart was broken. This major corporate restructuring was executed with this deeply personal commitment in mind: I will not fail my brother. With the strong support of our independent directors of the company board, we have already developed a vigorous 90-day-plan to elevate successes for our hard-working employees, our valued customers in all vertical markets, and our local community." Effective January 2021, CRC has a new company President, Clark Collier, who will also serve as Chief Operating Officer (COO), a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Josh Whitney, who will also serve as Vice President, and the company's first ever Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), Lindsay Kough, who will also serve as Executive Vice President. To further enhance corporate transformation and company culture, Art Cortez and Tony Bouie, two accomplished CRC leaders, were promoted to the vice presidents of their respective company functional areas. Jeffries shared, "The new CRC executive leadership is off to an extraordinary start. I've been blessed to build numerous high performing teams during my career, but in due time, this could prove to be the best I've ever built." Amidst the restructuring, CRC's people and customers continue to be the measure of all successes. Quality Assurance (QA) is currently receiving significant focus with the company commitment that major improvements will be made. Safety is paramount, and a new investment plan will ensure it. Mrs. Jeffries shared, "Despite the challenges and poignancy of some recent changes, Tim and I love our new team. We are certain sustainable success will be achieved. We are passionate about the cultural imperative and transformative blessings of our commitment to 'People First, People Always.' We will do everything possible, including additional and significant financial investments in our company, to maximize the bright future ahead." Founded in 1954, CRC Surface Technologies is an AS9100 and NADCAP certified, ITAR registered single-source metal finishing service provider for the aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, electronics, and heavy equipment industries. The multi-shift 65,000 square foot processing facility is the largest special processing facility in Arizona and offers over 33 plating and chemical processing services. CRC's regional and national customers include BAE Systems, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Bombardier Aerospace, General Electric, Goodrich, Hamilton Sundstrand, Honeywell, Northrop Grumman, Parker Aerospace, Rolls Royce, Spirit AeroSystems, and Space X. SOURCE CRC Surface Technologies Related Links http://www.chemresearchco.com Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Months after the demise of actress VJ Chitra and the arrest of her husband Hemanth Kumar for allegedly abetting suicide, he was granted conditional bail on Monday (February 15, 2021). As per the order by Justice V Bharathidasan, Hemanth will not be able to leave Madurai. Chitra's husband who was under judicial custody, requested bail stating that he has completed the statutory period of 60 days. Also, the Additional Public Prosecutor M Prabhavathi presented to the court that the actress' nail clip analysis report didn't indicate any evidence arising suspicion against Hemanth Kumar. Notably, Hemanth was arrested on December 15, 2020. The police had reportedly slapped Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code against Chitra's husband, who had allegedly pressured and warned her to quit acting. Earlier, the Assistant Commissioner of Police Sudarshan had told NDTV that Hemanth was upset with his actress-wife for enacting a scene in one of her popular show. Upon her death, Chitra's mother and friends raised suspicion and had even alleged foul play by narrating incidents they had witnessed in the past. During police investigation, Hemanth had revealed that the duo got secretly married on October 19 last year. He also stated that they were planning to announce their wedding with a formal ceremony in February 2021. The Pandian Stores actress died by suicide on December 9, 2020, in a star hotel room in Chennai's Nazarathpettai. Chitra was also popular for her hosting skills in several shows on Vijay TV and Zee Tamil. Worried about your mental well-being or of someone you know? Help is just a call away. Reach out to the nearest mental health specialist at COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ)- 0832-2252525, Parivarthan- +91 7676 602 602, Connecting Trust- +91 992 200 1122/+91-992 200 4305 or Sahai- 080-25497777/ SAHAIHELPLINE@GMAIL.COM. Also Read: Hemanth Kumar Had Pressurised VJ Chitra To Take Virg*nity Test Says His Friend Rohit Also Read: VJ Chitra Died By Suicide Due To Hemanth's Suspicious Nature: Police Report About one quarter of Americans say they could not get a coronavirus test when they wanted, a new survey finds. Conducted by STAT News and The Harris Poll, 24 percent of respondents said they were unable to get tested for COVID-19 for various reasons. The most common reason was that the wait was too long, as specified by 10 percent of people surveyed. Other reasons included not having a testing site nearby, not having transportation to get to a testing site and not knowing where to go to get a test. Meanwhile, 31 percent said they were able to get tested when they wanted to and the remaining 55 percent reported never having a desire to get tested for COVID-19. A new poll found 24% of respondents far left) said they were unable to get tested for COVID-19 for various reasons such as the line for testing being too long or not having a testing site nearby Meanwhile, 31% said they were able to get tested when they wanted to and the remaining 55% reported never having a desire to get tested for COVID-19. Pictured: A woman is tested for coronavirus at a site in Winthrop, Massachusetts, October 2020 'This has been a bedeviling problem in the U.S. from the get-go,' Dr Paul Sax, clinical director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, told STAT News. 'But it's amazing that it's still so difficult for some people to get tested. And it's frustrating.' For the survey, a total of 2,043 people were asked questions about coronavirus testing between February 5 and February 7. Overall, 24 percent said they wanted to get tested for COVID-19 but were unable to do so. When asked for specific reasons, 10 percent said they could not get tested because the wait line was too long. Eight percent each said there was no testing site near them or didn't know how to get a test and seven percent said they did not have transportation to get to a testing site. In addition, 31 percent said they were able to get tested when they wanted to and 55 percent said they never wanted to get tested. The inability to get tested is a problem that has plagued the United States since the early days of the pandemic. On February 6, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began distributing 200 of its test kits to 115 labs across the US as well as 191 international labs. But the initial batch of tests turned out to be flawed. One of the reagents meant to react to the virus's genetic material was botched, meaning that some results came back 'inconclusive.' The Food and Drug Administration also was also slow in approving tests to be manufactured by state labs as well as private companies. This was coupled with the different types of tests providing varying reliability and results that took as long a week to return. In total, 49 percent of the respondents said they had been tested for the virus at least once. The most common reason given for getting tested, which was cited by 28 percent of respondents, was coming in contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. About 24 percent said they had possible symptoms of the virus while 21 percent reported being required to get tested by their job or school. Researchers say that one of the most interesting findings was the difference in answers by different ethnic groups in what is required to 'get back to normal.' The poll found that 45 percent of white respondents said mostly vaccinations are needed to return to normal, but only 32 percent of black respondents share this view. Meanwhile, 29 percent of black people said testing is key for a sense of normalcy to return compared to just 17 percent of white people who said the same thing. 'A lot of this has to do with what's called vaccine hesitancy,' Rob Jekielek, managing director at The Harris Poll, told STAT News. 'It has to do with history in that community [of being mistreated by the health care establishment]. And so they have the lowest level of confidence in vaccines and the highest level of confidence in the value of testing.' Campus News Program connects students, community organizations for nonprofit board development The Nonprofit Board Fellows show their UB pride during a meeting on Zoom. By KEVIN MANNE The term the board was floated around in an often mysterious, untouchable way, so this was how boards lived in my mind. Kelly Zaky, MSW/MBA student and participant Nonprofit Board Fellowship program MSW/MBA student Kelly Zakys only experience with a board of directors was when she worked as an entry-level employee at a nonprofit organization. The term the board was floated around in an often mysterious, untouchable way, so this was how boards lived in my mind, she says. So when Zaky was invited to join the School of Managements new Nonprofit Board Fellowship (NBF) program, she wasnt sure what to expect. Once she became part of the NBF program and partnered with Buffalo-based dance school Neglia Ballet Artists for her fellowship, Zaky found a network of people invested in educating and helping the next generation of board members and businesses thrive. Behind the curtain, board members are just like anyone else: passionate individuals pursuing greatness for the things they care about, she says. A collaboration between the School of Managements Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness and the schools Career Resource Center, the NBF introduces MBA students to the intrinsic value of board service. Students participate in a foundational curriculum that lends the concepts of board governance, servant leadership, and diversity and inclusion, combined with an academic year of service as nonvoting board members with local nonprofit organizations. While the first class of fellows has had to adapt to a world gone virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic, they have contributed to organizations across the region through monthly board meetings, committee meetings and projects that make a direct impact. Leading and learning Peter Farruggia, a JD/MBA student, was worried his summer would be wasted with nothing to show for it after COVID-19 brought so much of the world to a halt last year. But through the NBF program, he was able to advance his leadership skills while learning the inner workings of board governance at Horizon Health Services, a nonprofit that assists individuals and families struggling with substance abuse disorders and mental health issues. Farruggia says the program was one of the most enjoyable experiences hes had in graduate school, and what hes gained will be invaluable as he embarks on a Presidential Management Fellowship after graduation. One of the most important things I learned was the vast differences between nonprofits and their for-profit counterparts, says Farruggia. The board fellows program provides an outlet for those of us who want careers in nonprofits or public service and gives us critical training and experience. Other fellows have pitched in and advanced their leadership skills at a number of other Western New York nonprofits. At the Western New York Womens Foundation (WNYWF), PharmD/MBA student Victoria Getman assisted the organization as it advocated for child care for single mothers so they could get back to work during the pandemic. This program makes you more socially aware and takes you out of the college bubble, she says. I had been working with a woman who was struggling to find child care because schools were closed and both she and her husband were working full time. To learn that WNYWF was out there advocating was eye-opening, exciting and rewarding. Steven Gabriel, an MPH/MBA student, served on the board of the Service Collaborative of Western New York, an organization that creates opportunities for people to serve their community through education, economic opportunity, youth development and volunteering. He also served on its committees for outreach and community engagement. He says the fellows learned from each other as much as they learned from the organizations they served and the speakers they connected with. We met with C-suite executives and international experts to discuss the meaning of servant leadership, how to ensure equity and how to create purpose in the nonprofit sector, Gabriel says. Each fellow brought a valuable and unique perspective on how to interpret these issues. This taught me that everyone has an important role to play on nonprofit boards. To quote one of our distinguished speakers, You don't need to be an Olympic swimmer to get in the pool. A new lens First COVID shots by month-end, says Anutin THAILAND: The first COVID-19 vaccine shots in Thailand will begin by the end of this month as the first 200,000 doses of Chinas Sinovac vaccine are scheduled to arrive on Feb 24, the government said yesterday (Feb 15). CoronavirusCOVID-19drugshealthSafety By Bangkok Post Tuesday 16 February 2021, 09:10AM Anutin: Jabs to be shipped Feb 20. Photo: Bangkok Post. At most, three days will be required for the final inspection of the imported vaccines before vaccinations actually begin, it added. Chinas Sinovac Biotech had confirmed that production of 200,000 doses for Thailand with the vaccines ready for shipment on Feb 20, said Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday. The Department of Medical Sciences will then inspect the vaccines one last time to ensure the delivered product meets standards and are as effective as declared to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), he added. The inoculation programme will begin right away after the department confirms the vaccine is good to go, he said. Department of Disease Control general-director Opas Karnkawinpong said the final inspection of the imported vaccine, termed as lot release, will take two to three days at most. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said after the first lot of vaccine arrives and is administered to at-risk groups, the second batch of 800,000 doses and the third batch of one million doses will follow. These batches will be administered as the second shot for people who have already received their first jab and as the first shot for others, he said. Migrant workers will be another group to be given priority in the vaccination programme, other than frontline healthcare workers and the people with underlying health conditions, he said. As there still wont be enough jabs for everyone, social distancing and mask wearing will continue to be important COVID-prevention measures, he said. Twenty-six million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by AstraZeneca will arrive some time between May and June and another 35 million doses will then follow, said the premier. While a similar COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson is still pending FDA registration for emergency use in Thailand, the government is also in talks with Moderna Inc and Pfizer over the registration of their vaccines for use here, said Gen Prayut. FDA secretary-general Paisarn Dunkum confirmed the registration of the Sinovac shot will we done on time. Johnson & Johnson was supplying more documentation to support its request for the registration of its COVID-19 vaccine, while Moderna had enquired about the vaccination registration process, said Dr Paisarn. From this month until around May, the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered to healthcare workers and at-risk groups in areas where the outbreak situation is rated as critical, said Dr Apisamai Srirangson, assistant spokeswoman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). And later from June until December, the vaccination programme will cover more groups of people, especially those living in popular tourist destinations, she said. UK Identifies Another Variant With Vaccine-Hindering Feature UK health officials have identified another CCP virus variant with the protein spike change that is thought to hamper current vaccines. The variantwhich is now under closer investigationwas found in 38 people since December, according to a statement from Public Health England (PHE). The set of mutations includes the E484K spike protein mutation, which is present on a number of other variants of concern and variants under investigation, a PHE statement says. That spike protein mutation is found in the South Africa and Brazil variants of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, also known as the novel coronavirus. Studies show that while vaccines are effective against the South African variant, it is with less potency than with the standard variants or the UK variant. Professor Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at PHE said, PHE is monitoring data about emerging variants very closely and where necessary public health interventions are being undertaken, such as extra testing and enhanced contact tracing. There is currently no evidence that this set of mutations causes more severe illness or increased transmissibility. Of the 38 cases, 36 were found in England and 2 in Wales, going back to December. It has been identified in other countries, including the United States, Denmark, and Nigeria. The UK has been a world leader in genomic sequencing of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, meaning that it may be picking up on changes occurring globally rather than revealing phenomena unique to the UK. Health officials emphasised that there is no evidence that the South African variant is more deadly or harmful. They also note that vaccines are still effective against it. Novavax recently announced that initial trials showed its vaccine was 89 percent effective in the UK, where the more transmissible strain originating in Kent is now predominant. A less extensive trial in South Africawhere the VOC-202012/02 variant is dominantsuggested an effectiveness of around 60 percent. Vaccine manufacturers have previously said that they believe they can tweak the design of their products to combat emerging variants with a turnaround of around six weeks. Lawrence Young, a virologist and professor of molecular oncology at the University of Warwick, said previously, There is also concern that the South African variant might be able to more efficiently re-infect individuals who have previously been infected with the original form of the virus. This is likely to be due, in part, to the E484K mutation which may weaken the immune response and also impact the longevity of the neutralising antibody response. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. First came NOLA Ice. Then came Broad Street Peaux Boys. Now, food truck owner Kelli Caulfield is ready to open a brick and mortar venture. NOLA Ice-Broad St, a joint concept of Caulfields sno-ball and po boy food trucks, is set to debut at the Piztiz Food Hall early this spring. The concept will open in the stall next to Unos Tacos, a spot previously occupied by Spoon & Ladle. Last year, Spoon & Ladle retired its food stall to focus on its wholesale business. We are excited to welcome Nola Ice - Broad St. Peaux Boys to The Pizitz Food Hall family. Kelli Caulfields love of New Orleans culture and food will further elevate the eclectic flavors currently offered at the Food Hall for Birmingham foodies to enjoy, said Mindy Rohr, Marketing Director for Bayer Properties. Caulfield, a native of New Orleans, was raised in Birmingham and is a graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School and Xavier University of Louisiana. In 2007, she returned to Birmingham to finish her law school career, and later started entrepreneurial projects. Tired of not being able to find New Orleans-style shaved ice in Birmingham, Caulfield started NOLA Ice in 2011. Six years later, she decided to bring another taste of New Orleans to the Magic City, opening Broad Street Peaux Boys in 2017. After almost 30 years of calling Birmingham home, I still cant find a local po boy like the ones that are so easy to find in New Orleans, she said in a statement in 2017. Years later, Caulfield says she still cant find a proper po-boy in Birmingham-- unless its from her truck. Its such a simple food concept, that I dont understand why people still cant seem to get it right, she said a Monday press release. The spring debut at the Pizitz will be another chance for fans of the popular food trucks to find the Big Easy concepts in the same location. NOLA Ice and Broad St generally travel together on their routes, so it just made sense to bring the two together as one brand in the heart of the city that I love, and see what we can make happen with it. The overstuffed po-boy menu at NOLA Ice-Broad St. will feature the standard customer favorites including The Parkway (with fried shrimp), The Acme (with fried shrimp, oysters, and a Tabasco-infused mayo), and The Southern ( with golden fried green tomatoes, creole pimento cheese, and remoulade sauce). Also on the menu: The Cassie (stuffed with a choice of golden fried buffalo shrimp or oysters tossed in buffalo sauce, topped blue cheese crumbles), The Biggie (slow roasted roast beef, topped with golden fried BBQ shrimp, and horseradish cream on the side), and The Hollett (slow roasted roast beef soaked in savory brown gravy), as well as crawfish grilled cheese and crawfish pasta. With the NOLA Ice menu, Caulfield is excited about being able to bring patrons a broader selection of the shaved ice. Were limited on the truck, so we are only able to carry a few of our 60+ menu items with us daily. At The Pizitz, we can bring our full menu, in addition to our cream flavors and Specialty Mixes. Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 : At least three persons were killed and 20 others injured when a mini-truck carrying them overturned in Odisha's Gajapati district on Tuesday, police said. The accident occurred near Kankadagada Chhak under R. Udaygiri block. While two persons died on the spot, another one succumbed during treatment at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, said police. They were going to attend a marriage reception in the mini-truck when the driver lost control of the vehicle. They were going from Jamadhia to Ramgiri. Following the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased. He also announced free treatment for the injured people. Loading the player... Revival in job market: January sees 50% rise in vacancies over December Vaccination drive against COVID-19 and improving economic indicators has enthused employers to recruit. This was evident in a survey which showed job openings increased almost 50 per cent in January as compared to December. Vacancies in January rose to 265,000 from 180,000 in December, according to Xpheno's Active Job Outlook survey. COVID-19 vaccine: Russia's Sputnik V may be approved by India in next few weeks India may approve Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for COVID-19 in the next few weeks, says India's Ambassador to Moscow. The vaccine is currently undergoing Phase 3 trials in India. Dr Reddy's Laboratories had collaborated with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) in September 2020 to conduct clinical trials of Sputnik V as well as for its distribution. Fuming netizens bash Modi govt on skyrocketing petrol prices With no relief in sight from incessant rise in petrol and diesel prices, people turned to Twitter to vent their frustrations on the matter. From memes to graphs, and even some old photos of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders protesting fuel price hikes during UPA reign dotted posts under hashtag #ModiFuelScam. Fuel prices have touched new highs over the last week. In Delhi, petrol has inched closer to Rs 90, whereas, in some districts of Rajasthan, Premium Petrol price has crossed Rs 100 per litre. Indian IT industry adds $4 billion in pandemic year, IT services near $100 billion in size The National Association of Software & Services Companies (Nasscom) released its annual summation of the IT industry performance for FY21. According to the report, despite a global pandemic and initial uncertainty the industry registered an overall growth of 2.3 percent with revenues growing from $190bn last year to $194 bn this year. While IT exports now stand at $150bn compared to $147bn last year, domestic demand also grew from $43bn last year to $45 bn this year. Bank of India, three other public sector banks shortlisted for privatisation India's government has shortlisted four mid-sized state-run banks for privatisation, under a new push to sell state assets and shore up government revenues, three government sources said. The four banks on the shortlist are Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and the Central Bank of India. The government is considering mid-sized to small banks for its first round of privatisation to test the waters New labour codes to affect employees' in-hand salary, companies wage bill The central government is set to notify the rules under new labour codes, which will have an impact on employees' cost to company (CTC) as well as employers' wage bills. Employers will have to modify the employee compensations once the extensive labour reforms come into play to accommodate the new definition of wages. Expected changes for employees include higher post-retirement benefits, while decline in take-home salaries. Employers are likely to see increased outgo towards provident fund (PF) and gratuity contributions. Hyderabad, Feb 15: A nurse, who sedated an old couple in Hyderabad with a fake Covid vaccine shot and stole 80 grams of gold jewellery from them, has been arrested, police said on Monday. The incident occurred at Lalitha Nagar under Meerpet police station limits of Rachakonda police commissionerate on Saturday. Accused Anusha was arrested on Sunday, within hours of the couple lodging a police complaint. COVID-19 Vaccination in UK: British Govt Hits Target of Giving at Least One Vaccine Shot to 15 Million People. K. Laxman (80), a retired government employee and his wife Kasturi (70) complained to police on Saturday night that the nurse duped them in the name of Covid vaccine. Anusha, who is undergoing an auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) course at a private college and earlier used to be a tenant near Laxman's house, approached the couple with an offer to arrange Covid vaccine doses for them. When they agreed to take it, she came to their house on Saturday at 3 p.m. and administered one dose each to Laxman and Kasturi. "Before giving the jab, she told us that we will be drowsy for some time. We don't know what happened after that but when we woke up late in the evening, we found that we have been robbed," Kasturi said. Kasturi realized that her mangalsutra, gold ring, ear rings and toe rings, all weighing about eight tolas, were missing. The couple immediately approached Meerpet police station and lodged a complaint. Police took up the investigation and cracked the case with the arrest of Anusha. Police investigations revealed that Anusha and her husband knew the victims as they used to live on rent in their neighbourhood. The young couple later shifted to another area. The accused and her husband were reportedly facing financial problems and she decided to target the old couple as they were living alone. Police have advised people not to believe those who promise to arrange Covid vaccine as the vaccine is not available in open market and only the health authorities are authorised to administer the vaccine. At this stage the vaccine is being given only to healthcare workers and frontline workers of various departments tackling the pandemic. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2021 05:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. In the latest attempt to tighten its grip in Tibet, is forcing the Tibetans to pay less attention to their religion and show more enthusiasm for president Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), according to a report by The Economist. Beijing has also intensified its efforts to eradicate the from the religious lives of Tibetans to crush their identity. The Chinese government occupied in 1950 and has ever since tried to control the region. The Dalai Lama, whom views as overseer of an "evil clique" that seeks to split from China, escaped to India in 1959 and the 10the Panchen Lama (Lobsang Trinley Lhundrup Choekyi Gyaltsen) stayed behind in He spoke against Chinese rule many times and wrote a report chronicling Tibet's famines in the 1960s. As per The Economist, the Tibetan religion like that of Muslim followers in Xinjiang is undergoing what the CCP term as "sinicisation". In Tibetan and Xinjiang, the Chinese authorities have launched attacks on people's religion and cultural traditions. While the Uyghurs have been moved to "re-education camps", the Tibetan farmers have been moved to modern housing in or near towns and cities. Moreover, the Tibetan language has been replaced with Mandarin similar to that in Xinjiang. "Surveillance has been stepped up. Networks of informers relay information to the state; smartphones are tapped. Just as Uyghurs can no longer make pilgrimages to Mecca, it has become almost impossible for Tibetans to travel to India to attend religious teachings given by the Dalai Lama, as many did before Xi took power in 2012," The Economist said. Unlike the Uyghurs, the Tibetans are allowed to use social media apps such as WeChat but with restrictions such as posting images of can be an imprisonable offence. "It seems these policies are aimed at creating future Tibetans who will not know about the as having any role in Tibetan Buddhism except as an enemy," Robbie Barnett, a scholar of Tibetan culture, was quoted as saying by The Economist. (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.) SINGAPORE, ASIA / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Blockpass, the pioneer of On-chain KYC, has announced a partnership with open-source blockchain platform Qtum. Both companies will work together to offer on-chain verification solutions within the Qtum ecosystem. As part of the agreement, Qtum will offer subsidies to specific members seeking to achieve regulatory compliance via Blockpass's On-chain KYC solutions. "We've known and been fans of the Qtum team and network for a long time, and it's great to have the opportunity to work closely with them," said Blockpass CEO Adam Vaziri. "The Qtum network is innovative, and we're excited to be able to bring the benefits and possibilities of On-chain KYC to developers and users alike. Facilitating fast, simple, and efficient regulatory compliance on Qtum creates more opportunities for everyone and spreads the phenomenon of On-chain KYC to an even wider audience." "On-chain KYC will become a critical component for numerous protocols on the decentralized web," added Qtum co-founder Jordan Earls. "Rather than hinder innovators who are seeking to stay compliant while enabling new technologies, the Qtum Foundation would like to support those builders by backing Blockpass' expansion to the Qtum blockchain." "Blockpass' solution has exceeded our expectations when it comes to cost, which is an order of magnitude cheaper than traditional services, and its ability to only allow non-sensitive pieces of information to touch the blockchain." Qtum is an open-sourced public blockchain platform that leverages the security of unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs) in combination with EVM smart contracts. Secured by a Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm, Qtum has its own Decentralized Governance Protocol (DGP) that enables specific blockchain settings to be modified, leading to the possibility of increasing Qtum's block size without the need for a hard fork. Blockpass is a digital identity verification provider that provides a one-click compliance gateway to financial services and other regulated industries. Through Blockpass, users can create, store, and manage a data-secure digital identity that can be used for an entire ecosystem of services, token purchases, and access to regulated industries. The company is currently offering a 90% discount on its services to support customers during the pandemic. About Blockpass Blockpass, the pioneer of On-chain KYC, is a fast, fully comprehensive KYC & AML screening software-as-a-service for blockchains, crypto, defi, and other regulated industries. Blockpass provides unmatched compliance benefits that include pay-as-you-go, no setup cost, no integration necessary, free testing, immediate launch, and at the lowest cost. About Qtum Qtum is an open-sourced public blockchain platform, leveraging the security of UTXOs while enabling multiple virtual machines, including EVM and, soon, Neutron. Qtum is PoS-based and boasts a Decentralized Governance Protocol (DGP), allowing specific blockchain settings to be modified by making use of smart contracts. CONTACT: John Scianna Head of Growth John@qtum.org SOURCE: QTUM View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629967/Qtum-and-Blockpass-Partner-to-Deliver-On-Chain-KYC The European Commission says it expects Moderna to make up a shortfall in deliveries of its COVID-19 vaccine by next month. EU Commission spokeswoman Vivian Loonella told reporters that Moderna told EU authorities about delays in vaccine deliveries for this month, but that it's likely" the US company will be caught up in March. Spanish media reported on Tuesday that Spain will be receiving just under half of the 400,000 Moderna doses it was expecting this week. The Spanish Health Ministry told the AP that a similar reduction has been announced across Europe. World Health Organisation experts recommend that the two doses of the Moderna vaccine be taken 28 days apart, but say that giving the second shot can be extended to 42 days. Delivery delays have considerably slowed down the rollout of vaccines in the 27-nation bloc and sparked criticism against the EU's vaccine strategy in several member states. The EU commission has signed six contracts for more than 2 billion doses of various coronavirus vaccines, but only three of them have been approved for use so far. (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.) Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. THE Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health has said current indications suggest visits to other households in mid-March will not be safe. Dr Ronan Glynn was speaking in response to a question at the Covid-19 press briefing tonight regarding the likelihood of household visits being permitted for St Patricks Day. I know people have really struggled with not seeing their extended family but no, I have to say, unfortunately at this point, I dont see a scenario where anything other than the cautious, phased reopening of schools will be possible in March. Weve got to get that right. Weve got to get our health services back up and running. Its difficult to see beyond that at this point, he said. In relation to household visits in Easter, Dr Glynn said it is too early to talk about Easter at this point. We have visual modelling data from Professor Nolan which suggests if we keep going the way were going, well be in a relatively good position by St Patricks Day, by the middle of March, but even that in itself isnt where we need to end up in an ideal situation. Really for now we need to try to get schools back open whilst continuing to suppress the virus, he continued. Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, added that he would be very cautious of putting the progress Ireland has made in the last 12 weeks at any kind of risk. He will shortly join EastEnders as Sonia Fowler's long-lost father. And it has been claimed that Brian Conley took on his new soap role as his other work dried up due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Famously claiming he didn't want to act in soaps - turning EastEnders down twice in the past - Brian, 59, has seemingly lost out on West End and corporate gigs due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Sun reports that he can take home as much as 25,000 per corporate engagement and has been paid up to 120,000 for stints in high-end pantomimes. Bills to pay: Amid the news that Brian Conley will play Sonia's long-lost father in EastEnders, The Sun has claimed the actor took the role as his other work dried up He was in Cinderella in Plymouth in 2019, for which he earned the hefty fee, writes the publication. He was scheduled to perform in panto in 2020, as well as in Dolly Parton's 9-5: The Musical in 2020 alongside Louise Redknapp - but all of these gigs were cancelled in the wake of the pandemic. He is signed to agency JLA who provide him with speaking engagements. His fees are listed as being between 10,000 and 25,000. MailOnline has approached reps for comment. Postponed: Bonnie Langford as Roz Keith and Brian Conley as Franklin Hart in 9 To 5: The Musical Big bucks! The Sun reports that he can take home as much as 25,000 per corporate engagement and has been paid up to 120,000 for stints in high-end pantomimes 'Brian Conley is one of Britain's most versatile entertainers. With credits stretching from primetime variety and chat shows through to West End musicals, he is firmly established as a household name,' the JLA website writes. 'Brian started out as a Bluecoat at Pontin's. After a stint as a warm up act for Terry Wogan and Kenny Everett, it wasnt long before he was appearing on Live from the Palladium. 'The Brian Conley Show followed, showcasing his skills as an all-round entertainer appealing across the generations.' TBC: He was scheduled to perform in panto in 2020, as well as in Dolly Parton's 9-5: The Musical in 2020 alongside Louise Redknapp - but all of these gigs were cancelled in the wake of the pandemic The likes of Stephen Fry, Holly Willoughby, Vernon Kay and John Barrowman are also on their books. On Tuesday he appeared on This Morning to discuss his new role on EastEnders, revealing he actually dyed his hair grey in lockdown. Talking to Eamonn Holmes, 61, and Ruth Langsford, 60, Brian said he 'looks like Phillip Schofield' and said producers have said he has to keep the look now. Viewers were rather taken with Brian's new look and took to Twitter in their droves to say he is 'ageing like a fine wine.' 'I look like Phillip Schofield': Brian discussed his new role in EastEnders on This Morning on Tuesday as delighted fans said he's 'ageing like a fine wine' with his new grey hair His usual look: Brian said he actually dyed his hair grey in lockdown and EastEnders bosses have said he's got to keep his new look now West End star Brian is set to star as Sonia Fowler's long-lost father in a 'shock' arrival to Albert Square, joining the cast in the role of Terry Cant. And he said: 'Im delighted to be part of the show. I finished watching Netflix in November, me and the wife look out of the window and go "oh, that trees still there". To be part of the show is well and truly amazing.' Talking about his grey hair, he said: 'This was my lockdown look, I decided to dye my hair grey, I think I look like Phillip Schofield. I felt I should dye it back, but they said please do not change your look.' Spot the difference: Brian is convinced he is now a dead ringer for Phillip Schofield (pictured) And viewers were 'into it', writing: ' Brian Conley a heart throb?' 'Brian Conley is a babe. Ageing like a fine wine.' 'Grey hair really suits Brian Conley.' Talking about the show, Brian said he can't give away any spoilers, but said: 'My name is Terry Cant and hes appearing for the next six weeks. What a man: Brian looked as though he had captivated the studio with his new look What a man! He had even grown a salt and pepper beard which was working wonders Here comes trouble: Forget Schofe, Brian likes to poke fun at the fact that fans often struggle to tell him and The Chase host Bradley Walsh (left) apart 'Ive got some scripts and Im really chuffed how its turning out Im happy to be a part of such an iconic show. Ive got a drum kit, so if anything dramatic in my house "oh no, weve run out of toothpaste!" [does doof doof sound], Im ready for it!' Brian said his late father loved the show, adding: 'Its been part of my world, before I got the call before Christmas, I was catching up so I was really getting into it.' The star is best known for playing the lead roles in West End shows Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hairspray and A Christmas Carol. Crush: Fans were rather taken with Brian's new look after seeing him on This Morning And adding soap actor to his CV, his scenes are due to air later this spring - despite previously turning a role on the soap in the past. Brian will begin filming his role as Sonia's absent father next month and says he cannot wait to order his 'first pint at The Queen Vic'. Speaking about his new role, he said: 'As you can imagine, being a Londoner and now being part of EastEnders is such an incredible moment for me. 'I know for sure my dad's looking down from above and saying: 'Good on yer son!' 'It was always his favourite programme. So in so many ways it really is an honour to be part of such an iconic show and to be working with an incredibly talented team on camera and off.' Exciting: Brian will begin filming his role as Sonia's absent father next month and says joining the cast is 'an incredible moment' for him The former host of The Brian Conley show added: 'I cannot wait to order my first pint at The Queen Vic.' Despite this, in 2012 he claimed he turned down a role in EastEnders twice because they were too rigid about him being able to do other work. Speaking to the Daily Record at the time, he said: 'I dont hanker for fame. I just want to work. EastEnders wouldnt allow me to do anything else and I do a lot of corporate gigs. 'Also, unless you are in it for three years, you dont earn anything and Ive got two children who go to private school.' Sonia, who is played by Natalie Cassidy, first searched for her lost father's name online last year when she was feeling lonely but without success. Having given up hope of finding him, his arrival in Walford 'will be a huge shock', the BBC One soap said. Searching: Sonia, who is played by Natalie Cassidy, (pictured) first searched for her lost father's name online last year when she was feeling lonely, but without success Commenting on the new arrival to the cast, EastEnders' executive producer Jon Sen said: 'We are delighted to welcome Brian to Albert Square. 'We had been searching for some time but the moment we met Brian, we knew instantly we had found our man. 'Brian's a talented performer whose charm, wit and charisma are exactly the qualities we want for Terry. 'We've got some wonderful stories in store for him and can't wait for the audience to see Brian bring him to life.' West End star: The actor is known for playing the lead roles in West End musicals Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hairspray as well as A Christmas Carol (Pictured as Scrooge in December 2020) This comes just days after Natalie Cassidy confirmed her return to the BBC soap as she shared a series of snaps from the set. The actress, 37, who plays Sonia Fowler, recently took an extended break from the show, with the character heading to India to visit her daughter Bex. And Natalie took to Instagram to declare that 'Sonia's back', as she documented her first day back in Albert Square. She's back: EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, 37, confirmed her return to the BBC soap last Tuesday following extended break from the show In one photo, Natalie beamed for a selfie as she sat in her car on her way to work, captioning the snap: 'This smile is my 'I AM GOING TO WORK' smile.' While another image sees her pose with a member of the EastEnders crew, with the two clad in face masks as the soap star stated that she 'missed seeing' her pal 'each day'. Later Natalie shared a short video as she got into her alter-ego's clothes, donning a beige cardigan and a floral top. Speaking into the camera, Natalie, who joined the soap in 1993, said: 'She's still got her cardigans, I've missed her.' The TV personality also captioning the clip, saying: 'Soon as I put a cardigan on Sonia's back.' In the soap, nurse Sonia was seen struggling to cope with the pressures of the pandemic, resulting her snapping at both her colleagues and patients. Concerned about his worn-out pal, her colleague Ash Kaur suggested her took a break, with Sonia following his advice. Back together: She shared a series of snaps from the set, seeing her pose with a member of the EastEnders crew, stating she 'missed seeing' her pal 'each day' Speaking of Natalie's break, an EastEnders source previously told The Sun: 'Natalie like other actors on EastEnders was given a break for a few months. 'In real time she is back filming in the next few weeks but on screen she will leave and be off for a few months because the show is filmed so far ahead. Shell be back again early Spring.' The added: 'Giving actors on the show breaks is nothing unusual and when its a quieter period for their character, it makes more sense to rest the characters rather than them not doing much on set.' A New Zealand healthcare worker has slammed 'complacent' Kiwis for not taking the threat of Covid-19 seriously after six months of virtually no restrictions gave way to a new lockdown in Auckland caused by three new infections in the community. Thousands of motorists who fled Auckland before the 72-hour lockdown took effect have also been scolded by politicians, with one person arrested for evading the new checkpoints. The city of 1.7million has been virtually sealed off after three family members tested positive in a rare community outbreak linked to the feared UK strain of the virus. And even in the rest of New Zealand, people are required to wear masks on public transport while gatherings are capped at 100 people after months of virtually no restrictions. Police at one of the checkpoints in Auckland where motorists are being stopped from leaving the city of 1.7million New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern, pictured, ordered a three-day lockdown for Auckland and a return of some Covid restrictions for the rest of New Zealand One New Zealand healthcare worker, Karen French, took aim at people failing to wear masks in supermarkets or petrol stations even after the lockdown took effect. The testing site manager told the NZ Herald she had been forced to reprimand people for failing to wear their masks over their mouths and noses rather than chins. 'There's just a feeling that people are over it, there's definitely a complacency. There were people at the supermarket yesterday without masks on, and even some of the staff working on the floor,' she said. 'People who work in healthcare are the ones that are doing this right, and everybody else is just going, oh yeah, whatever. Are we just rebelling, are we just complacent, or do we just not understand?,' she asked. Epidemiologist David Skegg also pointed to complacency, claiming that few people were using a QR-code system designed to enable contact tracing. 'I think people really do believe we've somehow beaten this virus,' he said. On the outskirts of Auckland, police are manning 11 checkpoints where more than 1,400 cars had been turned away by mid-Tuesday. One motorist sped past the controls but was later detained in Hamilton, according to TVNZ, with more than 14,000 vehicles processed at the checkpoints in total. Auckland's mayor Phil Goff warned that 'police will turn you back' if people try to escape the city to the surrounding North Island countryside. The mayor of Ruapehu, another area on North Island, warned that police would 'quickly notice' any strangers who arrived in remote townships. Cars line up at a testing station in Auckland on Monday on the first day of a 72-hour lockdown which has seen This graph shows daily new cases in New Zealand, but in recent months most of these have been caught in quarantine hotels and have not spread to the community. The new lockdown in Auckland comes after three cases were found outside of the managed facilities Traffic data given to local media said the number of cars heading out of Auckland had surged late on Sunday before the midnight deadline. One interchange in the south of the city had 1,200 more cars than usual for 10pm on a Sunday, according to the traffic data. The lockdown in Auckland means schools and non-essential businesses have been forced to close as authorities try to explain how the virus entered the community. New Zealand's director-general of health, Ashley Bloomfield, said the initial focus was on the workplace of a mother who was one of the three who tested positive - at a company providing laundry services to international flights - 'because of its obvious connections to the border'. But he cautioned it was 'too soon to rule in or out' any source of transmission and the woman had not been at work for eight days before testing positive. The health ministry said genomic sequencing showed two of the cases were caused by the UK strain, while tests from the third case were still pending. But health authorities said testing of the family's close contacts had so far found no further cases, raising hopes the lockdown will end quickly. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered the 72-hour emergency measures after six months without any major restrictions following a two-week shutdown in August. Several cases caused by the South African variant were also detected in the city three weeks ago, before being traced back to a New Zealand quarantine hotel. That outbreak was successfully contained without a lockdown, even though the South African variant is also considered highly infectious. Britain has this week imposed its own quarantine hotels for the first time as it tries to slow the arrival of the Brazilian and South African strains. 'I know we all feel the same way when this happens - not again,' Ardern said as she announced the measures on Sunday. 'But remember, we have been here before, that means we know how to get out of this - together.' The empty restaurant and bar area of Wynyard Quarter on Monday after New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern ordered Auckland into a new three-day shutdown Motorists pass through the Otara testing station in Auckland as health officials try to detect any further cases of the UK variant As tracing and testing ramped up, the streets of central Auckland were largely empty Monday, with torrential rain helping to discourage people from venturing outdoors. Neighbouring Australia also suspended a quarantine-free travel 'bubble' with New Zealand for the duration of the lockdown. Meanwhile, there was a rare increase in New Zealand's death toll - from 25 to 26 - after a patient died at Auckland's North Shore Hospital in recent days. The patient was a returning traveller from abroad who had been moved to the hospital from a quarantine hotel for a different reason, and then tested positive for Covid-19. 'On behalf of New Zealanders, I want to recognise this family's loss,' said Bloomfield, the health director-general. 'This is a time for us all to offer our deep sympathy, while also respecting the family's privacy.' Ardern's office meanwhile announced that the first batch of coronavirus vaccines arrived in New Zealand on Monday. Some 60,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine have reached Auckland and would be given to border and quarantine workers beginning Saturday after quality control checks, she said. A 23andMe study from 2015 revealed that close to 4 percent of the companys customers who identified as white Americans had at least 1 percent African ancestry, consistent with an African ancestor within the last 11 generations or so. About 12 percent of whites from Southern states like South Carolina and Louisiana had 1 percent or more of African ancestry. The Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. has calculated that there are millions of contemporary whites who, according to the old, notorious one- drop rule of the Jim Crow era, would have been considered legally black proof not only of the absurdity of that definition of difference, he writes, but of the power of modern science to blow up false narratives about race and about American history. If modern DNA tests had existed during the heyday of mainstream eugenics in the early 20th century, Dr. Gates and others have suggested, they might have served as direct repudiation of that pseudoscience. So, what happens when Americans learn about the diversity within themselves? The jury is still out on whether direct-to-consumer genetic testing reinforces our sense of immutable racial categories or breaks them down. Research by Wendy Roth, a sociologist at the University of Pennsylvania, has found that customers basic knowledge of genetics going into testing may play a role in whether tests accentuate or reduce their racial essentialism. Besides, we are not our ethnicity estimates: For a variety of reasons, including the ways in which were shaped by community, family and personal experience, DNA and identity are not the same. But whats clear from research and from my conversations with hundreds of consumers is that genetic revelations can inspire journeys of self-discovery, helping people rewrite their understandings not only of their families but of their orientations as Americans. Some people I spoke with recounted how theyre thinking long and hard, for the first time, about what boxes to check on medical forms asking for race. Some have legally changed their names to reflect their forebears. Others are using research to illuminate the lives of ancestors in Africa before the trans-Atlantic slave trade. One man I interviewed discovered through DNA and genealogy that his grandfather was Black, and that his mother claimed fictional Sicilian heritage to protect her family from the discrimination shed experienced growing up. He has spent the years since researching the Vermont community where his mom grew up, meeting his Black relatives, and rethinking his place in America. The truth about the past is so important, he told me without it, We cant evolve. TORONTO - Barrick Gold Corp. says it has struck a deal to sell its idled Lagunas Norte mine in Peru as part of an ongoing drive to off-load non-core assets. Barrick Gold Corporation logo is seen during the company's annual general meeting in Toronto on April 28, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette TORONTO - Barrick Gold Corp. says it has struck a deal to sell its idled Lagunas Norte mine in Peru as part of an ongoing drive to off-load non-core assets. The gold mine, which was placed on care and maintenance in 2019 as it neared its end of life, is being sold to Boroo Pte Ltd. of Singapore for up to US$81 million, plus the assumption of Barricks closure liability of US$226 million. Barrick says the deal will give Boroo the opportunity to extend the mine's life by accessing satellite resources and adapting its infrastructure, adding a Barrick team will remain in Peru to continue to develop its portfolio of other gold and copper exploration prospects there. The Toronto-based miner says the Lagunas Norte buyer is to pay US$20 million initially, US$10 million on the first anniversary of closing and US$20 million on the second anniversary. It is also to pay a two per cent net smelter return royalty on gold and silver produced through the refractory sulphide ore project, which will end once one million ounces of gold has been produced, plus a contingent payment of up to $15 million based on the average gold price per ounce for the two-year period after closing. Boroo is also to assume 100 per cent of Barrick's US$173-million reclamation bond obligations for Lagunas Norte. Barrick CEO Mark Bristow says the sale is in line with Barricks policy of selling non-core interests in order to focus on its best assets, a process which has resulted in US$1.5 billion in asset sales since it was announced in the spring of 2019. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:ABX) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Agriculture Secretary William Dar said Tuesday the government is in talks with Vietnam, United Kingdom, and the United States to secure vaccines against African Swine Fever, which the country has been grappling with since 2019. Mayroon na rin tayong ugnayan sa Vietnam at sa United Kingdom tungkol doon sa bakuna sa ASF. We are also in touch with USDA kasi they are the ones helping Vietnam early on...at positibo po ang usapan, Dar said in a House hearing on the apparent shortage on meat products in the National Capital Region. [Translation: We are communicating with Vietnam and United Kingdom regarding ASF vaccines. We are also in touch with USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) because they were the ones helping Vietnam early on. The talks are positive.] Ito na ang nakikita nating silver lining or light at the end of the tunnel. Pag may bakuna din sa ASF, mas mataas po ang pag-success sa repopulation, he added. [Translation: The vaccines are seen as a silver lining or light at the end of the tunnel. Once we have ASF vaccines, the success of repopulation will be higher.] The DA has launched a 29-billion program that aims to revive the local industry adversely affected by the African Swine Fever. Of the 29 billion, 600-million initial funding will be used to buy piglets that will be given for free to farmers in ASF-free areas in a bid to stabilize the supply and prices of pork. President Rodrigo Duterte, upon the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture, signed on Feb. 1 Executive Order No. 124 that imposed 60-day price ceilings of 270 per kilogram for kasim and pigue, and 300 per kilogram for liempo. Prior to the price limits, the costs of kasim and liempo in leading markets reach P350 to 400, Dar said, citing data from the DA's agribusiness market service. To date, more than 400,000 hogs were already culled to control the spread of the ASF. The ASF does not pose health risks to humans, but people can carry the virus and spread it, according to the Department of Health. It quickly spreads in an affected hog, which could lead to death after three to five days, threatening the meat supply. Sydney, Feb 16 : Australia's Glenn Maxwell has said he would like to go to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) so that he can get to bat with his "idol" AB de Villiers. Maxwell will be in the player pool in the IPL auction, which will be held on February 18, after being released by Kings XI Punjab. "That'll be awesome. AB (is) one of my idols and one of the guys I've always tried to watch the way he goes about (things)," Maxwell was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "It'll be awesome to work with him, and he's always been really helpful to me along the journey. Whenever I've caught up with him, he's been brilliant. So to be able to work with him first hand will be pretty cool." Maxwell said he would also like to work with RCB captain Virat Kohli, with whom he said he gets along well. "I get along with Virat pretty well. It'll be certainly nice to work under Virat and will certainly enjoy batting with him - that's for sure," Maxwell added. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The March sale of oil and gas leases covering 78.2 million acres in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico was halted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. There were 14,594 unleased blocks up for auction in March, which was previously postponed from August due to the coronavirus pandemic and market uncertainty. In late January, the Biden administration issued an executive order for all federal agencies to review drilling on public lands and waters, prompting a ban on new activity. The administration also ordered federal agencies to review and remove fossil fuel subsidies that could instead be invested in research and development efforts to expand the use of renewable energy. These decisions are expected to impact Louisiana's oil and gas sector particularly hard as many wells were already shut in due to low oil prices, which meant service companies saw demand for work plummet in the past year. The Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf spans 160 million acres and is estimated to have 48 billion barrels of undiscovered oil reserves and 141 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, according to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. In November 2020, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management auctioned off 78.8 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico across 14,755 unleased blocks. Nearly two dozen companies bid $120.8 million for 93 tracts spanning 517,733 acres in federal waters, up from $93 million raised for 71 tracts across 397,285 acres during a sale last March. The royalty rate for leases was 12.5% in waters shallower than 650 feet and 18.75% for deeper water. During fiscal 2020, almost $353 million in revenue from oil and gas development tied to royalties in the Gulf of Mexico was distributed among Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and conversation programs. 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 Still, oil and gas industry proponents are optimistic that after an environmental review, the federal government may allow new leases offshore someday. We remain hopeful that the administration will proceed with the lease sale upon completion of its review," Erik Milito, president of the National Ocean Industries Association, said in a news release. There were only 15 active rigs in the Gulf of Mexico as of Feb. 12, down from 22 rigs one year ago, according to the Baker Hughes weekly rig count. +2 Louisiana braces for refinery closure as Shell retains Gulf emphasis amid global production cutback Royal Dutch Shell, with major operations in the Gulf of Mexico, says it will trim its oil output by up to 2% annually as part of a long-term p A reeling Louisiana oil and gas industry anticipates another setback: Loss of federal subsidies Federal subsidies for fossil fuels are expected to be pulled back while more investment goes toward clean energy and water, with a hefty porti Why Louisiana energy experts anticipate job loss, high energy costs amid Biden oil regulations President Joe Biden has put his team to work reviewing dozens of actions taken by former President Donald Trump, aiming to reverse orders that Strengthening its military presence, Russia has established a new unit near Hassakeh, writes Anadolu News Agency. Russia started to establish a military unit consisting of local elements in Syrias northeastern Hassakeh province, according to local sources. Russia has been strengthening its military presence in Hassakeh, a move that caused tension between the Bashar al-Assad regime forces and the YPG group that started on Dec. 28, 2020, and turned into a mutual blockade in January. While the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) continue to occupy parts of the Hassakeh province, areas including the Kawkab mountains, the Security Square, and the 156th Brigade Facility remain under regime control. The Russian army, which has deployed around 1,000 soldiers in the Hassakeh province since Dec. 25, 2020, now started to establish a military unit under its command consisting of local elements under the control of the Assad regime, the sources said. At the first stage, some 200 people were registered to the unit, while the registration process continues. According to the sources, those who join the Defense Officers unit will be given a monthly salary of 300 dollars. In December 2019, Russia attempted to establish a military unit consisting of local elements in the YPG/PKK-occupied areas in Hassakeh to protect its military points in the region, but the Russian attempt was blocked by the US in April 2020. Assad regime arming Shabiha militia Regime forces, whose freedom of movement was restricted in the Hassakeh province by the recent deal, are relying on the Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah to maintain their place in the power equation in the region. Hezbollah dispatched 200 militants to Qamishli Airport in Hassakeh two weeks ago. However, the militants were soon evacuated from the airport by the Russian forces. The regime has been arming local militias popularly known as Shabiha, while the Hezbollah group started to provide military training to them. Russian presence in the region Russian forces have settled in some military bases where US troops withdrew from after Turkey launched its anti-terror offensive Operation Peace Spring on Oct. 9, 2019, against the YPG/PKK terrorist organization in northern Syria. Since then, Russia has strengthened its presence in the areas under the YPG/PKK occupation east of the Euphrates river by increasing the number of its military bases and outposts. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cascade Spirits, a spirits brand house based in the Pacific Northwest, and GEM&BOLT Mezcal, a premium artisanal mezcal uniquely distilled with damiana, are pleased to announce their new dynamic partnership. Cascade Spirits will now lead the company's operations and accounting functions, relocating the company's U.S. operations hub to Portland, Oregon, and will be collaborating with GEM&BOLT on sales, marketing and innovation efforts. "We have been looking forward to this partnership," said Chris Joseph, CEO of Cascade Spirits. "GEM&BOLT is a unique and welcome addition to our portfolio. It is a brand we have admired with an opportunity to transcend the mezcal market with its iconic brand and unique positioning. They have experienced explosive growth to date, and we are excited to accelerate their business with our resources." "Chris and the Cascade Spirits team have created delicious products and meaningful brands, and their proven track record of growing spirits brands, building a strong connection with consumers, and delivering a true sense of community that is so critical to our own GEM&BOLT ethos," said co-founder Elliott Coon. "We couldn't be more excited to partner with them on the next phase of the GEM&BOLT Mezcal journey." "Joining forces with Cascade perfectly positions us to build upon and accelerate the momentum we brought into 2020," said John Karem, GEM&BOLT CEO. "The multiple route-to-market synergies combined with Cascade's superior execution at the account level across channels will lead to a substantial enhancement in getting our brand in front of consumers." GEM&BOLT is a female-founded business launched in 2016 by co-founders Elliott Coon and AdrinAdrina. It is one of the leading mezcal brands in the U.S., using the traditional herb damiana during its distillation process with a 4th generation master distiller in Oaxaca, Mexico. Damiana, a flowering bush native to Mexico, has been long-revered by the Maya and Aztec for its mood-elevating properties and adds a deep complexity to the spirit. The brand is currently available in California. Nevada, Colorado, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Florida and Mexico. Cascade Spirits plans to drive sales in current markets and expand the brand into the Oregon market. The product is available 750ml, 200ml and 50ml SKUs. In addition to the partnership, Chris will join the GEM&BOLT Board of Directors alongside existing investor First Bev, John Esposito (former President and CEO of Bacardi, Stoli USA and High West Distillery), and GEM&BOLT co-founder Elliott Coon. About Cascade Spirits Cascade Spirits is home to Wild Roots Spirits, Broken Top Whiskey, Cascade Street Potato Vodka and Sun Ranch Spirits. With a growing collection of award-winning spirits, Cascade Spirits is known for its operational excellence and commitment to continued innovation. The team is lead by Chris Joseph (Founder and Chief Executive Officer), Ali Joseph (Founder and Chief Marketing Officer), William Bours (Chief Financial Officer) and Keith Neill (Chief Sales Officer). About GEM&BOLT Mezcal + Damiana GEM&BOLT Mezcal is a premium artisanal mezcal brand distilled with damiana, a traditional botanical native to Mexico. GEM&BOLT is made with espadin agave produced and distilled in Oaxaca, Mexico, the spirit's origin and one of eight mezcal-producing states. For more information www.gemandbolt.com | https://www.instagram.com/gemandbolt/ About First Bev First Bev invests in innovative and transformational beverage brands, helping beverage companies grow and stand out in a dynamic and competitive industry. We form true partnerships with our portfolio companies and the entrepreneurs leading them by leveraging both our financial and intellectual capital. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, the First Bev team is made up of entrepreneurial senior beverage executives with decades of collective industry experience. For more information please visit www.firstbev.com. CONTACT: Lindsay Eshelman, [email protected] SOURCE GEM&BOLT Mezcal James Lock has apologised for being 'insensitive at times' by showing off his business trip to Dubai on social media amid the UK's coronavirus lockdown. In a new interview, the TOWIE star, 34, admitted he 'should have been more considerate' to 'people back home who are struggling', but insisted he's 'trying to be respectful as I can' with what he shares online and claimed he's 'working hard'. The media personality previously accused Priti Patel of 'inciting hate' by slamming influencers who had fled to sunnier climes while the government urged the public to 'stay at home and save lives'. Apology: James Lock has apologised for being 'insensitive at times' by showing off his business trip to Dubai on social media amid the UK's coronavirus lockdown On flaunting his time abroad on his widely-followed Instagram account, the TV star said: 'I hold my hands up, I have been insensitive at times. I should have been more considerate to the people back home who are struggling. 'I know people are finding it hard, including my own family and people that I love. Would it be better if we were asking the Government for help? Or if we went bankrupt? 'But I honestly haven't meant to upset anyone and I'm not a bad person. I've tried to be as respectful as I can. Some influencers were out here partying but I've not been here on holiday I've been out here working hard and that's why I stayed.' The reality star added to The Sun that while he understands why people would find his job 'distasteful', he 'can't be an influencer anywhere' as he insisted his occupation is 'determined by traffic on social media.' Candid: In a new interview, the TOWIE star, 34, admitted he 'should have been more considerate' to 'people back home who are struggling' 'Would it be better if we were asking the government for help?' The media personality insisted he's 'trying to be respectful as I can' with what he shares online and claimed he's 'working hard' James - who is working with shopping network OOOOO during his time in the UAE - went on to stress the importance of building a successful business career to protect his future once his stint on the ITVBe programme eventually comes to an end. The TV star also touched on 'providing for his parents so they can retire' after growing up 'in poverty' in London's Tower Hamlets. He confessed losing his career is 'one of my biggest fears' and revealed he and his father 'were like a couple of alcoholics' as they 'struggled with booze' during the nation's first lockdown last year. James - who recently split from his on-off girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou - added that he believes the government isn't 'looking after peoples' mental health' as he said his dad 'puts his life at risk' by working as a builder during the global crisis. Break-up: The reality star, who headed out with his then-girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou (pictured) has insisted the couple, who have since split, are there for work and opportunities The former electrical company supervisor previously revealed he had received death threats from members of the public and faced calls for his arrest since Priti's comments last month. Influencers boasting of sunshine foreign breaks amid the global pandemic faced a furious public backlash after they were criticised by the Home Secretary. Priti hit out at reality TV stars for bragging about their holidays and people 'turning up with their skis at St Pancras Station', adding, 'Going on holiday is not an exemption.' As they shared photos from sun loungers, lockdown had appeared not to apply to so-called influencers and models who 'used loop-holes' to jet off the sunnier climes under the guise of work. Backlash: The former electrical company supervisor previously revealed he had received death threats from members of the public and faced calls for his arrest But foreign travel - apart from some exceptions - has been illegal since the lockdown law was passed on January 5. There was also confusion over what would constitute an acceptable journey abroad and who would police the policy. At the end of January, the UK Government added the United Arab Emirates to the so-called red list of countries from where travel to Britain is prohibited during the coronavirus pandemic. The ban came as the country saw a surge in coronavirus cases after throwing its doors open to sun-seekers in the New Year. Criticism: The media personality previously accused Priti Patel (pictured last week) of 'inciting hate' by slamming influencers who had fled to sunnier climes While many countries shut down travel from Britain after the UK variant was blamed for an exponential growth in cases in Kent and elsewhere, Dubai kept its doors open. But cases have climbed alarmingly for weeks, with deaths also rising to their highest level since the spring, forcing some new restrictions on gyms and bars. The rise in cases caused alarm and the UK first struck the UAE off its travel corridor list and then imposed an outright ban in the last week of January. The ban means anyone arriving home from the UAE will have to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense for 10 days. FREDERIC, MI - Jeff and Kristi Lay purchased The Swamp Bar, a local watering hole with a history that dates back to the late 1800s, knowing the uncertainty of the restaurant business. Along with friend Julie Saunders, they took over ownership of the bar on Oct. 28. After some remodeling, painting and cleaning, they reopened it on Nov. 14. Then, four days later, they had to close for indoor dining like all Michigan restaurants to adhere to health department guidelines because of the Covid-19 pandemic. But it was a fantastic four days, Jeff Lay said. The locals were all pouring back in, and they were happy what we had done with the place, and excited we didnt change the name or get rid of any of the artifacts or history thats in the bar. The Swamp II was our winner for Michigans Best Outdoor Dining in the Northern Lower Peninsula. It had 17 percent of the vote, beating out Dead Bear Brewing in Grayling, and Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, which finished second and third, respectively. Thats amazing, Jeff Lay said after hearing they won the poll. Thats our local support. Everybody has been there for us from the beginning. Snowmobilers love The Swamp II in Frederic, Michigan.Courtesy of The Swamp II The former Au Sable Hotel was founded in 1886 in Crawford County, and its always been a bar, Jeff Lay said. Its a popular destination because it smack dab in the middle of Gaylord and Grayling off I-75, and just down the road from Hartwick Pines State Park. Its a haven for snowmobilers, he said, which is what appealed to him when he heard it was for sale. A snowmobiler himself, the engineer at Ford Motor Company was thinking about getting into the restaurant/bar business after spending the last 10 years at a cottage in West Branch. When his wife Kristi Lay lost her job in manufacturing after 21 years because of Covid, they figured it was the right time to see what was available. After a place in West Branch fell through, they found The Swamp. We knew there was a lot of room for improvement, and we thought we were the ones who could do it, said Jeff Lay, who is still commuting between The Swamp and his place in the Plymouth/Canton area. What they didnt count on was the community support. Almost immediately people wanted to help the new owners. Jeff said he would be outside on a ladder and locals would stop by to lend a hand. We would get offers almost every day, he said. You can say its in the DNA of this tiny village of less than 1,500 residents. The former Au Sable Hotel in Frederic, Michigan, was destroyed by a fire in 1991 and rebuilt by the community, which renamed it The Swamp.Courtesy of The Swamp II Au Sable Hotel As the story goes, when the Au Sable Hotel burned down in 1991, the owner at the time did not have enough insurance to rebuild it. He was ready to pack up and leave, Lay said. The locals would have no part of it. They used their own supplies and rebuilt the bar. Thats the one thing about this bar that fascinated us the most, the history, Lay said. Its not too often you find a bar that the locals built with their own hands. Because locals called it The Swamp, the name was changed from Au Sable Hotel to The Swamp. When Jeff and Kristi Lay and Julie Saunders took over last fall, they called it The Swamp II. This is their bar! Jeff Lay said. When the second shut down closed them down for indoor dining, they immediately started working on their outdoor space. They set up four igloos, two smaller tents and a bigger 20-foot by 30-foot tent to fit more people. Once again, the community was ready to pitch in. All of their igloos are made from old trampolines, something that Jeff refitted using the base and one-inch PVC pipe. He was outside working on an Igloo when a local stopped by to see what he was doing. He was back 15 minutes later with an old trampoline, Jeff Lay said. The Swamp II in Frederic, Michigan, is known for its burgers.Courtesy of The Swamp II During the shutdown from Nov. 18-Feb. 1, the outdoor business kept them busy. Customers especially liked the burgers, which are made from fresh, never frozen beef. The pizza and fish fry were also popular. They Lays credit their partner, Julie Saunders, for knowing the food side of the business after working at The Bench Pub in Livonia for 17 years. Customers appreciated the new menu, and the adjustment to outdoor dining. Reader Kathleen Skeins wrote to MLive: The new owners of The Swamp II jumped into play the minute they were told no more indoor dining. They serve everything in their tent separated into rooms or their self made igloos with hanging lights and individual heaters. Blankets are available for those not dressed in snowmobile gear and need an extra layer. Bon fires are mixed in-between the igloos as well. It is hard to pick the best food to eat here. I have not found anything I did not like. Their burgers are great and they have darn good pizza, too. They have sold out of their Friday Fish Fry every weekend before I have been able to try it but heard it was some of the best! I will say New Years Eve was the best with prime rib and party favors. With indoor dining at 25 percent now, Kristi Lay said: We are still using the outdoor dining on weekends once the inside is full, but most people prefer to be indoors, if possible. Still, they could not have survived the shutdown without the generosity of everybody, she added. We expected the snowmobilers to be ok with the outdoor dining; theyre geared up for it, Jeff Lay said. What we didnt expect was all the regulars and locals who frequented the bar with the outdoor dining. This area is amazing, he said. ...The local people are what make this bar! The outdoor space at The Swamp II in Frederic, Michigan, features four igloos, two small tents and a larger 20-foot by 30-foot tent.Courtesy of The Swamp II IF YOU GO Swamp II Bar & Restaurant 6549 N. Old 27, Frederic, MI 49733 989-348-8816 Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Normal hours will be 11 a.m.-2 a.m. on the weekends, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on weeknights More info: facebook.com/SwampIIBar/ Owners of The Swamp II Bar & Restaurant (l-r): Julie Saunders, Jeff Lay and Kristi Lay.Courtesy of The Swamp II The search for Michigans Best Outdoor Dining is sponsored in part by Warm Fitness. The Grateful Crow in Chelsea has a yurt village on their patio to enjoy cozy outdoor dining.MLive.com More Michigans Best Outdoor Dining Stories YORKs yard offers fire pits, food trucks and DJs outside in Ann Arbor An Up North lodge in the middle of nowhere is the U.P.s Best Outdoor Dining Ann Arbor outdoor dining poll winner has enticing dishes, great ambiance The ultimate date night is at Muskegons Best Outdoor Dining Greenhouses sprouted at Dexter Beer Grotto for outdoor dining crowd 10 great Outdoor Dining spots along the White Pine Trail A Michigan-made yurt village can be found at this spot in Chelsea Operation Shantyville is adventurous twist on outdoor dining, supporting Bay area restaurants Play River Rocks, get farm-to-table cuisine at this SW Michigan outdoor dining spot Traditional Irish food, tacos and great service at this Michigans Best Outdoor Dining spot See all of the nominations for Michigans Best Outdoor Dining Igloos, shanties, huts and more: Where to dine outdoors in Michigan this winter If you have questions about this search or suggestions for future searches, feel free to email us: John Gonzalez: gonzo@mlive.com Amy Sherman: asherma2@mlive.com Follow our Michigans Best adventures on social media: @mlivemibest on Twitter @mlivemibest on Instagram Facebook at MLiveMIBest. Join in by using the hashtags #mibest and #outdoordining. In addition: John Gonzalez is on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram @MichiganGonzo. Amy Sherman is on Twitter @amyonthetrail, as well as Facebook and Instagram @amyonthetrail. Police on Long Island are still seeking the hit-and-run driver who killed Nicki Minaj's father Robert Maraj, as new details emerge about the rapper's rocky relationship with her dad. Maraj, 64, was killed on Friday in Mineola, Long Island after he was struck by a car heading northbound on Roslyn Road at the intersection with Raff Avenue, authorities said. The vehicle sped off too quickly for witnesses to provide a description, and a spokesman for the Nassau County Police Department had no immediate updates on the case when reached by DailyMail.com on Tuesday. Minaj, 38, has not yet spoken out publicly about her father's death, and her publicist did not immediately respond to a phone message from DailyMail.com on Tuesday -- but she has previously spoken out about her difficult childhood and Robert's substance abuse. An undated photo shows Nicki Minaj with her father Robert Maraj, whom she struggled to forgive after her difficult childhood Minaj, 38, has not yet spoken out publicly about her father's death, and her publicist did not immediately respond to a phone message from DailyMail.com on Tuesday Their relationship had its difficulties, with Minaj accusing her father of being an abusive alcoholic and crack addict in her youth, but eight years ago she said that he was trying to clean up his act. 'He's still with my mother. He went to rehab and cleaned himself up. Eventually they started going to church a lot, and he got saved and started changing his life,' she told the Guardian in 2012. 'He's away from drugs now. He doesn't instill fear in people any more.' The family has rarely mentioned Maraj in recent years, and his relationship with Minaj and her mother Carol at the time of his death was not immediately clear. Photos show that Minaj and her father, who also went by the name Omar, attended events together at times, evidently attempting to patch things up. Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad and raised in New York City, has spoken about her relationship with her father on multiple occasions, often posting photos of the pair sharing loving embraces on social media. Her parents both moved to the United States from Trinidad when she was five years old and raised Minaj in Jamaica, Queens. She has detailed the domestic violence in her childhood home - including an incident in which he tried to burn down their house - and how her father would use crack cocaine. Minaj's father Robert and mother Carol are pictured together in 2013 In a 2015 interview with the New York Times, Minaj said that she was never personally physically abused by her father. 'No. He was just abusive,' she said. 'I would always hear him yelling and cursing, always. And it made me feel it was the way to interact, because thats how I saw him interacting.' In 2010 she told Details magazine about how Maraj was allegedly abusive toward her mother, his wife Carol. 'He drank a lot and did drugs, and he would get violent when he did. When he set fire to the house, he was attempting to kill my mother,' she said at the time. 'She got out before it burned all the way down. I've always had this female-empowerment thing in the back of my mind because I wanted my mother to be stronger, and she couldn't be. I thought: "If I'm successful, I can change her life."' Carol Maraj has launched her own music career, as well as a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse. She also has not spoken publicly about Robert's death. Maraj was walking on a road in Mineola at about 6pm Friday when he was struck by a car heading northbound on Roslyn Road at the intersection with Raff Avenue (pictured) Robert Maraj had admitted to having anger issues, but said in a 2012 interview with TMZ that his daughter's account of his behavior was 'exaggerated'. The family had already had a tough year, after Minaj's brother Jelani Maraj was sentenced to life in prison in January 2020 for raping an 11-year-old child. Jelani, 41, was found guilty of 'predatory sexual assault against a child and endangering the welfare of a child' in 2017 and last year, Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Robert McDonald refused to give him a soft sentence. It was despite his lawyer reading a 2016 letter his famous sister wrote in a bid to reduce his time behind bars, calling him the 'most patient, gentle, genuine, giving selfless man I know'. The judge said that his 'view is that you ruined this child'. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is urged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously for a potential cash reward at 1-800-244-TIPS. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country A girl does her schoolwork at home in Bethesda, Md., on July 11, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Epoch Reader Survey: Children Falling Behind; Parents Want Schools Fully Open Parents across the nation overwhelmingly want their children back in school, in person and full time, according to a new survey of more than 4,700 Epoch Times readers with school-aged children. Currently, 35 percent of respondents children are at school five days a week. Almost 24 percent are completely virtual, while some 34 percent are doing a combination of at-school and virtual schooling. Seven percent are either homeschooled or have multiple children on different schedules. The numbers roughly line up with information compiled by MCH Strategic Data, which aggregated school district numbers up to Feb. 1. Almost 86 percent of respondents said they want schools to be open for full-time, in-person instruction. Many added that theyd prefer no masking of children. Falling Behind More than two-thirds of parents who said their child or children have been predominantly subject to virtual schooling at home, also said at least one child has fallen behind where they would have been if classrooms were open. A respondent from California, who has four children ranging from elementary to high school, said her children are experiencing a lack of progress in all areas, including social and emotional. [My] fifth grader who LOVED school now hates it, and is obviously depressed. It is a sin what the politicians are doing to our children, the respondent wrote. Children need to be in school. Shelly Gorczyca from Ohio has one high school student who is currently doing two days per week in person at school. My child used to get As and Bs, now he gets Ds and Fs. He has ADD and struggles to engage in a virtual learning environment, she wrote. People need to open their eyes and realize that our children are much more at risk from social isolation and depression than COVID. What these shutdowns have done to our children is horrible, and any politician that supports them should be removed from office. In Idaho, a respondent with three middle-school children said theyre currently doing a hybrid model of online and in-person instruction. My 8-year-olds are falling way behind. Theyre struggling to do their work online while also having the internet drop in and out. Other children interrupt the teacher or do not have their mics on mute. It is pure chaos even though the teacher is doing the absolute best she can, the respondent wrote. Mary from Maryland is more scathing about the online learning her two elementary school-aged children were subjected to last year. They have lost ground in all areas. Watching YouTube would be a more productive use of their time. It would be wonderful if virtual schooling worked (or virtual anything for that matter), but it doesnt. Its mind-numbing and depressing. The curriculum is also horrible. Common core math is nonsensical and convoluted. It makes children hate and fear math, Mary wrote. She said shes been fortunate to be able to place her kids in a private Catholic school that is doing full-time, in-person instruction. Its a great fiscal burden, but its necessary. The children are delighted to be in school but are struggling. They will probably have to repeat a grade to make up not only for the lost time but for the huge learning gap between private and public schools, she wrote. In North Carolina, a respondent with two high school children said theyre still doing online-only learning and definitely falling behindeveryone knows it. Teachers are lowering standards and giving grades not earned. Children are stressed and depressed, the respondent wrote. Private schools in the same area are fully open, the respondent said. I think we better get used to a lowering of the bar everywhere because there is no accountability. Challenges of Online Learning Jeri Musselman from New Jersey has five school-aged children, three of whom are learning online only and two of whom are going to school full time. Musselman said her high school-aged daughter (who is learning online) told her that she hasnt learned one new thing since March 2020. Our son [whos in junior high] is doing as little as possible. He doesnt respect this way of learning. What amazes me, hes still getting As, Bs, Cs? Those grades arent accurate, Musselman stated. She said her daughter in junior high is doing OK with school work, but not OK with her development. A parent from New York has a high schooler who is still doing online-only education from home. My daughter went from straight As to struggling just to pass, the parent wrote. One respondent from West Virginia with three children said theyve transitioned to homeschooling and will remain that way, due to lack of learning online. Kimberley, a respondent from Texas said her two elementary-aged daughters have been back full time in person since September 2020. However, they had been learning virtually during the spring of 2020 and again in the first three weeks of the current school year. It was horrible! The online website was not effective, the Zoom meetings didnt work half the time, it was a nightmare to navigate to the different platforms for their assignments, Kimberly wrote. The girls were so frustrated, as were we, that we just finally gave up the last week in the fall, knowing that they were going back to in-person. Bidens Goal for Reopening Coe Van Donselaar, a second-grade teacher from Colorado who responded to the survey, said she believes children have lost about half a year of schooling. She said all schools should be open full time and President Joe Bidens plan for at least 50 percent of schools to open at least one day a week by May is a disappointingly low goal. Schools need to open now without Bidens help. My school opened and we didnt need his help. Biden has no business telling schools what to do, Van Donselaar said. More than 81 percent of respondents agree that Bidens goal for school reopenings is disappointingly low, while another 15 percent said its inadequate. The remaining 4 percent said the goal was either adequate or too ambitious. These virtual students are going to Walmart and the mall. No reason not to be in school full time, one respondent wrote. A high school teacher from Washington said her virtual students are in massive downhill struggles. My union and Gov. [Jay] Inslee are all blind to common sense. I have to keep my mouth shut to protect myself, she wrote. A Texas teacher said children have dropped noticeably behind where they should be due to the school closures. They have lost their edge academically. Im not sure how long it will take to recover from the COVID shutdowns. The science shows that students arent at risk for the virus and do not transmit it, the teacher wrote. We are ruining these students academic careers because of false fear. Nokia once upon a time was a brand that people trusted and loved, especially in India. However, all that changed when they made the switch to Windows phones and eventually exiting the market entirely until in 2017, the brand was resurrected again by HMD global. Indiatimes Since then, while theyve been making some really good phones, they havent been able to capture the same love as they did once. But that hasnt stopped them from offering devices with great specs and build quality at affordable prices. And Nokias recent addition to this -- Nokia 5.4 tries to be no exception to this. I got to spend a few days with this mid-range Android device and heres what I liked and disliked about Nokia 5.4. What I Liked One good looker Nokia is known to be great with the aesthetics and build quality of phones and this time is no exception. The 5.4 is made up of a glossy polycarbonate back that has this colour-changing 3D design, which looks really cool in my opinion. Indiatimes They could have gone with a glass back but with this fit and finish, I am not complaining. What I am not a fan of, is the glossy nature of the back, but Im sure some of you would truly admire it. Nokia 5.4: Hardware under the hood With midrange pricing, comes midrange specs, and the Nokia 5.4 is rocking Qualcomms Snapdragon 662 SoC which holds an 11nm octa-core chip. This was paired to Adreno 610 GPU. You get the choice between 4GB and 6GB of RAM and 64GB and 128GB of storage space. Using the device as a daily driver, the experience wasnt as snappy as a flagship, but it didnt hinder my productivity at any moment. Indiatimes The clean, stock UI made sure that the device was clutter and bloatware-free (unlike what some Chinese smartphone makers offer). Multitasking on my 6GB variant was rather seamless. And the phone would also run basic games like Fruit Ninja or Jetpack Joyride with ease. Playing a few demanding titles like COD Mobile made me realise that I was really pushing the phone to its extreme. It ran fine, but with the settings really rolled down. In case youre looking to get a phone on the budget for gaming, Nokia 5.4 shouldnt be on your list. Indiatimes Nokia 5.4 Camera When it comes to the cameras on the Nokia 5.4, the device is loaded with a quad-camera setup at the back -- 48-megapixel primary shooter with an f/1.8 aperture, a 5-megapixel ultrawide shooter, a 2-megapixel macro shooter and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Indiatimes Of these cameras, only the primary shooter and ultrawide shooter deliver decent shots, with nice bright contrasts and sharp detail. Indiatimes In fact, even the 5-megapixel ultrawide shooter doesnt disappoint. What was disappointing was the 2-megapixel macro shooter which was rather depressing to work with. Indiatimes For selfies, you get a cool 16-megapixel shooter that also doesnt disappoint. Surprisingly, despite the resolution, the images felt a little soft to me. Moreover, it lacked a good dynamic range, making it average, for the price. Nokia 5.4: Battery life Nokia 5.4 is equipped with a 4000mAh battery. The box also comes with a 10W fast charger included, which is not as fast but gets the job done. My test usage involved browsing the internet, watching movies on streaming platforms and some photography. On a single charge, it can easily last a whole day, even more, if your usage isnt as rigorous as mine. What I Disliked Nokia 5.4 Display With a budget phone like this, compromises are to be expected and Nokia has made that with the display. The Nokia 5.4 features a 6.39 inches LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio. To put things in perspective, this is an HD-ready or a 720p HD display as opposed to the FHD+ panels that we often see in this price point. Indiatimes While the display is locked at 60Hz, which is alright, whats a little annoying is that it also isnt as bright, at 400 nits, the phone is only somewhat visible under direct sunlight. Even the colours on the panel are fine, and I found the panel to be a little warmer, but thats something I can always tweak in the settings. Should you buy Nokia 5.4 Nokia 5.4 is a phone that Id strongly recommend to people who arent power-users and want a phone that gets the basic right. Decent performance, good battery life, and average camera performance for casual photography. At a price tag of Rs 13,999 for the base 4GB/64GB variant, Nokia 5.4 isnt a phone for a mobile gamer looking to set the highest scores on COD Mobile as the phone barely manages to run that, but its more appropriate for their parents who just want to check family WhatsApp groups or use it for basic tasks. Indiatimes Despite the screen not being its strength, its still fine to look at and offers decent viewing angles. Overall, the clean, bloat-ware free Android One UI among other features definitely makes it a more appealing choice than other offerings at this price point in the market. Royal Enfield 650 twins (Image source: Royal Enfield) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Bike maker Royal Enfield is recalling certain number of Continental GT and Interceptor motorcycles in the US to address a potential brake corrosion that could increase risk of a crash. These bikes which are the biggest in size made by the Eicher Motors-controlled company yet, were made in 2018-2020 in India before they were exported to the US. The two bikes debuted in the US in September 2018, making it their first market for launch. Corroded brake calipers may cause the brakes to drag or decrease braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash, a notification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated. Road salt may cause corrosion on the brake calipers. Royal Enfield will notify owners. The remedy is currently under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification, the note added. "The recall in the US is part of the announcement that was made in May 2020. The recall has been initiated in phases, thus being actioned in US currently", Royal Enfield said in a statement. In May 2020 the niche bike maker had recalled 15,200 units of Continental GT, Interceptor and Himalayan models to rectify a brake caliper corrosion-related issue in the UK, Europe and Korea. An investigation carried out by Royal Enfield revealed that the 2020 corrosion was brought about by sustained, long-term exposure to riding on roads treated with certain salts, or a combination of salts, to prevent formation of ice during winters. Carrying a completely new design the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 were first showcased at the Milan Auto Show in in November 2017. The two bikes are based on a new platform powered by 648cc air-cooled, parallel twin engine. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Parler was bounced from Amazons web hosting services and booted off Apples app store after it was revealed that pro-Trump extremists used it to coordinate their storming of the Capitol last month. Dr Ronan Glynn and Prof Philip Nolan (left) at the Covid-19 update at the Department of Health. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins Two universities have been hit by major Covid-19 outbreaks as students flout lockdown rules, causing clusters of infection involving up to 40 people. The outbreaks were discovered in University College Galway and the University of Limerick with clear evidence of household mixing, the Department of Health Covid-19 briefing was told. It came on a day when no death from Covid-19 was reported, although another 821 people nationally were diagnosed with the virus as the fall in spread is slowing. Read More Dr Lorraine Doherty of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said in the Galway outbreak 135 students have tested positive with another 35 suspected cases and 30 more with symptoms undergoing testing. She said there have been 15 clusters with up to 40 people involved in some, with an average of two to three households linked. There is concern about the outbreaks and in the University of Limerick, where 120 students have tested positive, widespread screening has been triggered. Meanwhile presenteeism, where people are going to work with symptoms, is one of the causes of workplace outbreaks, along with a lack of social distancing and staff meeting up for smoking breaks, she added. It comes amid more signals that there will be no pardon from lockdown as all efforts are made to reopen education and resume non-Covid healthcare next month amid warnings about squandering the hard-fought gains of recent weeks which have driven down cases from 6,500 per day. Asked about the prospect of households meeting on St Patricks Day, Dr Ronan Glynn cautioned against thinking too far ahead. At this point, I dont see anything other than the cautious phased reopening of schools will be possible in March. We have got to get that right and our health services up and running. It is difficult to see beyond that at this point. With regards to people being able to attend Mass on Easter Sunday, he said it was too early to talk about Easter at this point. He said the figures suggest the country will be in a relatively good position by the middle of March. However, he reminded people that it is still not safe enough to meet people from outside your own household. Prof Philip Nolan, who tracks the virus, said we are currently at a level of disease similar to the end of October. He said it took very strict measures to bring case numbers down to around 250 a day but that we know that was not enough. Dr Glynn said the reference in a new report from the European Centre for Disease Control that the UK strain was more lethal than the original form of the virus was based on a preliminary study and there was no evidence of that here. Meanwhile, Prof Nolan said the positivity rate is falling, but it is doing so slowly. It is currently dropping at just under 6pc which is still too high, he said. However, the high incidence among older people is now down to the population average and they will soon have the benefit of being vaccinated against Covid-19. There is an increase in cases in Dublin and in other cities. There were 916 Covid-19 patients in hospital yesterday with 157 seriously ill in intensive care. There are now around 40 admissions to hospital a day. So far there have been 404 Covid-19 related deaths this month. Any vaccine is better than no vaccine, all vaccines should be provided for free even if the government decides to launch a donation campaign to raise funds for a free-for-all project and we should get ready for the third wave even if we expect and hope it would be less aggressive and less fatal than the previous two." These are three main points that Alaa Ghannam - a long time expert on health policies - had shared in an interview with Al-Ahram Online, where he also shared an assessment on the performance of the government along with the medical system in navigating through the pandemic throughout the year. To start with we need to remember that the whole world is learning on the job; we dont know enough about the virus, its behaviour and its patterns or its side effects and consequently we dont know enough on how to best treat it or to avoid its possible complications. So with all [of this] taken into consideration, I think the [Egyptian] doctors have been trying very hard and at times under really unfavourable working conditions, said Ghannam. It has been a very hard year with this novel virus and nobody knows for certain when the nightmare will come to an end. For sure there will be a third wave sometime around September this year. If we judge by the history of pandemics and the pattern on performance of viruses we hope that the third wave would be less aggressive and less fatal than the previous two, he said. So far, Ghannam argued that the most ferocious and lethal was the second wave of COVID-19, which started in Egypt during around September, about eight weeks after the end of the first wave, sometime towards the end of July. With the third wave, he said, we should be prepared to avoid some of the mistakes we made during navigating our way through the first and second waves when we really knew very little - just like the rest of the world - on this pandemic. One thing that Ghannam is determined to underline is the need to act seriously on a serious process of vaccination. Vaccinations are essential to reduce the cases in general and the tough cases and mortality caused by COVID-19 in particular, he said. It is true that there have been some studies that indicated that maybe close to 40 million Egyptians have somehow caught the virus with either no symptoms or very mild symptoms. However, these same studies also propose that the number of Egyptians who were infected with COVID-19 are around seven millions only. So the argument of counting on an assumingly secured herd immunity rather than vaccination is not at all founded, Ghannam argued. The price of herd immunity in terms of lives and also in terms of [the]economy is just too high to tolerate; we need to have a clear and serious vaccination plan and we need to start on with it promptly, he added. Missing out on signing contracts with the pharmaceuticals that produce vaccines sometime before the beginning of the second wave - yes, before the vaccines were actually produced was one of the worst mistakes of managing the pandemic during the past 12 months according to the analysis of Ghannam. We all know that the vaccines for COVID-19 would have been passed for emergency use and we all knew that countries who would pay first would get the vaccine first, Ghannam said. That being said, Ghannam hastens to add that the world has shown its most ferocious economic face in dealing with the vaccines for COVID-19. Around ten countries or so of the richest world states have consumed close to two-thirds of the vaccines that have so far been produced; this is so unfair, Ghannam said. He added that the world should have shown some solidarity in facing up to this pandemic by prioritising vaccines for medical teams, senior citizens and those with chronic illnesses world-wide instead of securing vaccines for segments of populations that are not technically in a rush to get and who are just getting it because they happen to be living in the countries who produce the vaccine or who have the money to buy it first. Now as we see the second wave nearing its final phases we should be working to secure vaccines, especially for those who need it the most before we get into the third wave with hopes that it would be less aggressive and less fatal, he argued. In Ghannam's assessment , the medical teams of Egypt could count for quarter million women and men plus or minus. Citizens above the age of 60 are around 7 per cent of the population and those with chronic medical cases, especially those who suffer from the most dominant cases in Egypt of high blood pressure and diabetes are around 20 million people. All in all I think we are talking about around 30 million people who should be on the priority list of vaccination. This means we are talking about 60 shots. I dont think it is beyond the financial means of the government to secure this amount in due time, he argued. Ghannam is so unequivocal about the need to provide the vaccines for free for all those on the priority list and others. In times of pandemics, in line with the constitution of Egypt and the guidelines of both WHO and the World Bank, vaccines should be provided free of cost. The government might decide to start a campaign to raise funds to help secure the vaccines but this does not mean that anyone should be paying EGP 100, EGP200 or any other amount as they get the vaccine, he stressed. Ghannam is not willing to worry much about which vaccine will be made available. He argues that the debate about the Chinese versus the Russian vaccine or the European versus the American vaccines is just commercial talk. It is typical that each producer will try to secure a bigger share of the market; we should not get obsessed with this debate. We should not lose focus of what we need, he argued. Ghannam is not willing to immediately subscribe to the medical debate about the efficacy of particular vaccines in providing immunity against particular strains of COVID-19. We dont have enough scientific evidence to support this argument; again, the world is still in a learning process, he said. Any vaccine is better than no vaccine and the faster we move with the vaccination plan the better off we will be not just in terms of health but also in terms of economy, he argued. Economy has been a concern right from the beginning and this is why the measures of curfew and partial lockdowns that were adopted in the first wave were not introduced with the second wave, Ghannam said. Again, the world is worried about economy not just Egypt. Obviously rich countries are better off but still, he argued. Then again, if we want to avoid compromising public health to try and save economy and I am not even sure that this would work because when public health declines the economy is adversely affected we need to move more promptly with a serious and efficient vaccination plan, he argued. A drop in the vaccination plan, he added, would be comparable to the drop in PCRs in the first wave and the drop in the quality of medical service in the second wave. When we could not do enough PCRs and that was also in part an issue of availability we failed to keep track of the real figures which might be ten times the announced figures or maybe even more, as officials have said, Ghannam argued. Then he added, when we failed to provide adequate services at public isolation facilities at a time when the private facilities were much more expensive and not significantly better, if at all, we allowed a trend of preferred home isolation in the absence of adequate medical supervision, which meant that in some cases complications occurred unmonitored, this in turn led to more cases of deaths. In short, Ghannam is convinced that the most important lesson learned from the first and second waves of COVID-19 is that we have to be ahead in terms of planning and in terms of acquiring the necessary tools to face up to this aggressive and treacherous virus. For example, we now know that the mortalities among doctors and medical teams in general which are really high in Egypt have [appeared] more in hospitals that do not cater to COVID-19 patients. The reason is that neither the government nor private hospitals were strict enough with the precautionary measures at these hospitals, Ghannam added. The bill of COVID-19 in Egypt - during the past year - goes way beyond the regrettable cases of mortality and those of infection,in view of the fact that nobody knows for sure the nature of possible complications of the infection on the short or long term, and beyond the economic slow-down. There is the very significant cost that the health system has paid when it got so strained. It has been too much pressure, he said. Luckily, Ghannam argued, Egypt has an established history in dealing with pandemics and in preventive medicine. Traditionally, preventive medicine is one of the strongest sides to the Egyptian medical system, he said. Today, he argued that the medical system needs to get an emergency support scheme. He argued that the government has to be very mindful of the fact that many of the smart and young doctors who saw their colleagues die while fighting COVID-19, or who lost patients to the virus, at times due to lack of resources, would be quite inclined to reach out to any of the many openings that the Western world now has as other countries act to expand their medical services in the wake of the crisis the whole world lived with the pandemic. We need to worry about having better-equipped hospitals and more accessible medical services for sure but we also need to worry about the human resources that we could be losing, he said. Meanwhile, Ghannam acknowledged that one direct negative side effect of the pandemic on the health system, in addition to the potential increase in doctors migration, relates to the Comprehensive National Health Insurance System. Himself a leading architect of the original blueprint of the NHIS, Ghannam regrets the inevitable delay that came with the pandemic in incorporating more citizens into the system. According to the original plan, seven out of Egypts 29 governorates should have been covered by the NHIS by the end of this year. Ghannam thinks that this is highly unlikely, we will have to double our work to catch up but still I dont think we can meet the original deadline, he said. In his opinion, if there was only one thing that everyone should learn from this devastating pandemic it should be the big difference in the chances of better surviving unexpected tough medical crisises when the health system is strong and readily accessible to as many people as possible. Investment in public health is always worthwhile, the time is now to act upon this lesson and to act promptly to provide vaccines for free for all who need it urgently, Ghannam said. Short link: NEW DELHI : India will increase the number of its COVID-19 vaccination sites by up to five times after administering nearly 9 million shots in a month, a government official said on Tuesday, amid concerns about the speed of coverage in the country. Having reported the highest number of coronavirus infections after the United States, and with the world's biggest vaccine-making capacity, India says it has been the fastest to reach many inoculation milestones. However it is vaccinating only around 300,000 front-line workers a day, a total that will have to increase sharply to meet the government's target of covering 300 million of its 1.35 billion people by August, experts say. The ongoing vaccination of front-line workers such as nurses and doctors has taught India how to scale up the campaign, Vinod Kumar Paul, who heads a government panel on vaccine strategy, told a news conference. "This learning will be of great use," he said, hours after taking the second dose of a government-backed vaccine. "We are currently running 10,000-11,000 immunisation sessions. We will do four to five times of that when we start the next phase; wait for the pace to pick up." India will begin immunising the public from next month, starting with those over 50 or with medical conditions. The country has covered 60% of its nearly 10 million healthcare workers since starting the drive on Jan. 16, though as many as 11 of its 36 states or federally controlled territories have not even reached the halfway mark. "These are not very unsatisfactory figures," Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said. "We agree that like in any other field, there is a scope for improvement." India is using a home-grown vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech and the state-run Indian Council of Medical Research, and another licensed from AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Other vaccines are in the queue, including Russia's Sputnik V and products from Cadila Healthcare, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson. India, which makes 60% of the world's vaccines, has also exported COVID-19 shots to 24 countries as part of a diplomatic push. Some Indians, however, wonder why the government is not expanding coverage at home when it has shipped 17 million doses - including around 6 million as gifts to partners such as Bangladesh and Nepal. For its own campaign, New Delhi has so far only ordered 31 million doses. "I love my neighbours and friends, but should I love them at my expense (literally) and to my detriment?" Happymon Jacob, who teaches diplomacy at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University, said on Twitter. India's COVID-19 cases rose by 9,121 in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 10.93 million. Deaths rose by 81 to 155,813. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. SPRINGFIELD What started with a project to record the history and contributions of African-Americans in the Springfield community, soon grew into The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum. Due to the Oral History Projects success, the museum was founded in 2012 by Doug King and Barbara Babs Dickerman on Washington Street in Springfield. Since then, the museum has grown and moved to 1440 Monument Ave. And though the physical building is closed right now, due to COVID-19, it is still sponsoring or offering information in celebration of Black History Month in a virtual format, while also collaborating with other entities providing additional online content. You can even take a virtual tour of the museum itself at www.spiaahm.org, and through a series of online videos produced by Krista Burris and the AARP, you will be taken through various exhibits that hopefully, will one day soon be available to see in person again. Exhibits discussed in the series include those on The Middle Passage, one on President Barack Obama, Early African-American Pioneers of Central Illinois, African-American Firsts, African-American Women on Stamps and The Freedom Project. The Middle Passage display features figures designed by Alice Boykin, and narratives on the history of slavery and the middle passage, which was the sea journey undertaken by slave ships from West Africa to the West Indies. Pioneer Families of Central Illinois highlights African-Americans families who have made a positive difference in the community, said Kevia Maloney, coordinator at the museum. For example, regarding the Hubbard family display (information provided by Lee Hubbard and Myra Weir, written by Mary Helen Yokem): Lyman R. and Helen Locke Hubbard had two sons, Lyman L. Hubbard and Donald J. Hubbard. Lyman L. married Eartha Mary Baron. A native of Springfield, he was an outstanding athlete and student at Feitshans High School. He was also a graduate of the Tuskegee Class 45-H, trained to fly B-25 bombers, and became a part of the famous Red Tails squadron during World War II. He died in 2012, at the age of 85. A memorial was established in 2016 at the Springfield Abraham Lincoln Airport in his honor. Other people highlighted in the Pioneer Families exhibit include Patricia Harris, originally from Mattoon, who was co-chair of the National Womens Committee for Human Rights under President John F. Kennedy. Katherine Dunham of Chicago, and later, East St. Louis, was known for dance, teaching and choreography, creating the Dunham Technique of dance, and was involved in social activism. Dr. Percy Lavon Julian lived in Waukegan, Illinois, and was a top organic chemist and research scientist. The museum also recently sponsored a special living history podcast presentation of Driving the Green Book, which is still available on the website. In the summer of 2019, award-winning broadcaster and educator Alvin Hall and activist Janee Woods Weber hit the road for a trip from Detroit to New Orleans. The route they drove was based on information from the historic travel guide, The Negro Motorist Green Book. The stories from this trip turned into the Driving the Green Book podcast. Not physically far away, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum has more than 20 African-American oral histories available, now online. The Springfield African American History Foundation continues to gather oral histories from African-American families who have lived in the Springfield area. They are also interested in any inspiring historical information about local African-Americans. Interview tapes depicting these oral histories are stored currently in the Special Collections Department of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Maloney said the primary objective and mission is to tell authentic stories of African-American life in Central Illinois, past and present, celebrating and sharing our history and culture, while planning our future. The foundation also recorded a local historical landmark in the National Register of Historic Places - the Lincoln Colored Home, the first orphanage for African-American children. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation is also hosting a webinar on Feb. 24 with Thavolia Glymph, PhD, as she discusses her book, The Womens Fight at www.alplm.org/NewsEvents/Events.aspx. Glymph provides a comprehensive new history of womens roles and lives in the Civil War - north and south, white and black, slave and free - focusing on the ideas and ideologies that drove womens actions, allegiances and politics. Other upcoming Black History Month events include: The AAHM Jr. History LIVE! Celebrate Black History Month will be presented virtually on Feb. 18, by registering at the website. The African-American History Bowl preliminary round, sponsored by the AAHM and District #186 will be held Feb. 22; final round of the competition will be held March 27. The AAHM traveling exhibit of Black Women on U.S. Postage Stamps is on display at the downtown Lincoln Public Library. The Oldest Black Church exhibit is opening at the museum in March. We are a nonprofit museum that survives on grants and donations, Maloney said. We rely on our members, supporters and friends to help spread the word about us in order to help raise the profile of this small, yet mighty museum. The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum is located at 1440 Monument Ave., in Springfield, Illinois. Volunteer opportunities always exist for those interested in supporting or assisting with the foundation. For more information visit www.spiaahm.org, or call (217) 391-6323. A fossil representing part of the largest example of an ancient deep-sea fish once thought to be extinct was recently found entirely by mistake. Paleontologists in the UK were given what they were told was a pterodactyl skull but, after a closer inspection, they realized that it was not a single bone. Instead, it was many thin bony plates belonging to a coelacanth, a fish that evolved some 200 million years before the first dinosaurs and is still swimming around today. One of the strangest aspects of the coelacanth is that it has a vestigial lung, possibly from a time when its ancestors crawled on land. The researchers determined that the new fossil was the spindly lung bones of a coelacanth that lived approximately 66 million years ago. Extrapolating from the size of the fossil lung, they concluded that the whole fish would have been at least 16 feet in length, larger than the modern great white shark. Scientists long believed the coelacanth died out eons ago, until a living one was spotted in the waters off South Africa in the 1930s. A fossil of a lung belonging to a 16-foot coelacanth, the largest on record, was identified by paleontologists at the University of Portsmouth. Pictured: Views of the coelacanth lung showing its overlapping bony plates David Martill, a paleontologist at the University of Portsmouth had been asked to identify a large bone bought by a private collector, who suspected it might be part of a pterodactyl skull. Pictured: Professor Martill examines the large coelacanth fossil David Martill, a paleontologist at the University of Portsmouth, had been asked to identify a large bone bought by a private collector, who suspected it might be part of a pterodactyl's skull. Professor Martill quickly determined that the fossil was actually composed of many thin bony plates, which he described as being 'arranged like a barrel, but with the staves going round instead of from top to bottom.' 'Only one animal has such a structure and that is the coelacanth,' he said, adding: 'We'd found a bony lung of this remarkable and bizarre looking fish.' This lung belonged to an 'absolutely massive' coelacanth, Professor Martill said, possibly reaching 16 feet or longer. In comparison, the great white shark is about 15 feet long and modern-day coelacanths only grow to about six-and-a-half feet. 'This particular fish was enormous quite a bit longer than the length of a stand-up paddleboard,' Martill said. It is, he added, 'likely the largest coelacanth ever discovered.' The fossil as it was originally brought to Professor Martill, embedded in phosphate and plaster and coated in lacquer. Because it was next to pterosaur bones, its owner believe it was a pterodactyl skull The fossil (pictured) had been uncovered in phosphate deposits in near Oued Zem, Morocco, the first coelacanth ever found there The collector was disappointed that he did not have a pterodactyl on his hands, but Professor Martill and his colleagues said that they were 'thrilled' by the discovery. The fossil was uncovered from within phosphate deposits near Oued Zem, in Morocco, and is the first coelacanth ever to be found there. It was found next to a pterodactyl, which dates it to the Cretaceous era about 66 million years ago and explained the original misidentification. Professor Martill quickly determined the fossil was actually composed of many thin bony plates 'arranged like a barrel, but with the staves going round instead of from top to bottom,' he explained. Pictured, Professor Martill examines the fossilized specimen Where the bony lung would likely have been located on the fish's body when it was alive Marine biologists only discovered that elusive deep-sea coelacanth had an obsolete lung lurking in its abdomen in 2015. Millions of years ago, the coelacanth's ancestors likely used it to breath. That could explain how it survived the extinction event 66 million years ago that wiped all non-avian dinosaurs and most other life from the Earth, as well as those coelacanths inhabiting shallow waters. The fossil, pictured, was uncovered in phosphate deposits of Morocco, the first coelacanth ever found there. It was found next to a pterodactyl, which dates it to the Cretaceous era about 66 million years ago and explained the collector's misidentification Modern-day coelacanths only grow to about six-and-a-half feet. Pictured: Taxidermists install a coelacanth in a tank at the National Museum of Natural History Paleontologists had believed the fish died out at the end of the Mesozoic era until a living coelacanth was found in South Africa in 1938. Pictured: A complete coelacanth fossil COELACANTH LUNGS In 2015, scientists determined the coelacanth, also called Latimeria chalumnae, had a lung. The lung is no longer functional, but provides clues about how its ancient relatives lived 410 million years ago. Latimeria doesn't have a 'calcified lung' like its ancestors. However, X-rays show that the species has a well-developed, potentially functional lung in early-stage embryos. As it grows, the lung becomes functionless, becoming of no use to the living species, which like all other fish breathes using gills. Advertisement The fossil had been embedded in phosphate and plaster and coated in lacquer, turning it brown. Professor Martill's team had to cut the fossilized remains of the lung off the larger slab and remove the lacquer using dental tools and fine brushes. The bony lung has now been sent back to Morocco to be added to the collections at Casablanca's Hassan II University. The coelacanth first appeared 400 million years ago 200 million years before the first dinosaurs and went on to survive the extinction event that killed off the iconic reptiles. The species had long been thought to have died out toward the end of the Mesozoic era, but in 1938 a living coelacanth was found off of the coast of South Africa. Since then, a few other individual specimens have been found, as well as members of a related species off the coast of Indonesia. But the coelacanth, which is considered endangered, is a truly unique creature in many ways. For example, it has 'lobe-shaped' fins that move in an alternating pattern, similar to a four-limbed land animal. The fossil was uncovered from within phosphate deposits near Oued Zem, in Morocco, and is the first coelacanth ever to be found there This movement has led experts to speculate it may have been a member of a group of fish that first crawled onto land to evolve into animals with legs. The grey-brown fish can weigh as much as 200 pounds and live up to 60 years. It has a hollow, liquid-filled spine, enamel-capped teeth, and a hinged jaw that allows it to open its mouth wide to swallow large prey. Little is known about how the fish lives, what it eats, how it reproduces, or how many of them are left. Until recently the coelacanth was known as the 'living fossil,' believed to have changed little in hundreds of millions of years. Scientists now believe it has undergone a more substantial evolution. The full findings of the study were published in the journal Cretaceous Research. Browse in-depth TOC on "Vein Finders Market" 202 - Pages 126 Tables 37 Figures Global Vein Finders Market Overview The surge in the aging populace affected by chronic ailments and resulting in rising in the cases of hospitalizations will prompt the expansion of the vein finders industry over the estimated timespan. Additionally, the flourishing fashion sector and emerging personal care & cosmetic industries will steer the growth of the Vein Finders Market over the projected timeframe. Nonetheless, the vein finders are user-friendly and help in saving the time of physicians, patients, and medical or hospital staff. Furthermore, high consumer satisfaction achieved by hospitals and clinics using the products will boost the market trends. The major players in the market are Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., AccuVein, Inc., TransLite, LLC, Near Infrared Imaging, Inc., Teleflex Incorporated (VueTek Scientific, LLC), Venoscope, Koninklijke Philips N.V., B. Braun Melsungen AG, VINO Optics, and Becton, Dickinson, and Company. Verified Market Research has segmented the Global Vein Finders Market On the basis of Type, Application, End User, and Geography. Vein Finders Market by Type Active Vein Finders Passive Vein Finders Vein Finders Market by Application Blood draw/Venipuncture IV Access Vein Finders Market by End-User Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centers Specialized Clinics Blood Donation Centers Vein Finders Market by Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa & Latin America Browse Related Reports: Veterinary-Animal Vaccines Market by Vaccine Type (Livestock Vaccines, Companion Animal Vaccines, Aquaculture Vaccines, Other Animal Vaccines), by Technology (Live Attenuated Vaccines, Inactivated Vaccines, Toxoid Vaccines, Recombinant Vaccines, Other), by Geography, Forecast, 2020-2027 Gene Expression Market by Consumables (Reagents, DNA Chips), by Technology (Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), DNA Microarray, Others), by Service (Gene Expression Profiling Services, Bioinformatics Solutions), By Application (Research, Drug Discovery, Diagnostics, Other Applications), by Geography, Forecast, 2020-2027 Veterinary Orthopedics Market by Materials (Instruments, Implants, Plates, Compression Plates, Arthrodesis Plates, Acetabulum Plates, Screws, Others), by Applications (Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement, Total Elbow Replacement, Trauma Fixation, Others), by End User (Hospitals and Clinics), by Geography, Forecast, 2020-2027 Single-Cell Analysis Market by Product Type (Consumables and Instruments), by Cell Type (Human Cells, Animal Cells, and Microbial Cells), by End User (Biotechnology Companies, Hospitals, Cell Banks, and Others), by Geography, Forecast, 2020-2027 Top 7 coalescing agents breathing life into chemistry Visualize Vein Finders Market using Verified Market Intelligence:-: Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling of this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue impacting decisions for a brilliant future VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, and Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market. About Us Verified Market Research is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ customers. Verified Market Research provides advanced analytical research solutions while offering information enriched research studies. We offer insight into strategic and growth analyses, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SME's offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance use industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 15,000 high impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. We study 14+ categories from Semiconductor & Electronics, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Power, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive & Transportation, Information & Communication Technology, Software & Services, Information Security, Mining, Minerals & Metals, Building & construction, Agriculture industry and Medical Devices from over 100 countries. Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Research US: +1 (650)-781-4080 UK: +44 (753)-715-0008 APAC: +61 (488)-85-9400 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Verified Market Research SponsorsOne Signs Warehousing, Retailing and Regulatory Technology Solution Agreements For Internet Sales Direct To Consumers Reaching 32 States In The USA WATERLOO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / SponsorsOne Inc., (CSE:SPO)(Frankfurt:5SO)(OTC Pink:SPONF), a company that utilizes its proprietary platform that combines digital marketing, wholesale and retail distribution, branding, and operational & funding capital, giving it a competitive first-mover advantage in rapidly selling proprietary brands focused in the Alcohol, Functional Beverage and Hemp Sectors, announced today that it has executed warehousing and online retailing agreement ("Direct to Consumer" or "DTC") with Speakeasy Co. to sell Premier Beverage Consortium's, Doc Wylder's Lemonade as our first DTC product. Myles Bartholomew, CEO of SponsorsOne, said: "In a recent press release a little over a month ago, we said that the Company had planned to open our direct to consumer ("DTC") sales channel, and now we are entering the $24 Billion DTC Spirits Market. Prohibition-era regulations stifled liquor e-commerce in the U.S. for decades, and the pandemic lockdowns sparked demand almost overnight. The DTC Spirits market share is now estimated at 5% of the $120 billion market in the USA and expected to grow to 20% by 20261, and we are set up to lead this growth with high-quality products that consumers can buy online". On Feb. 2 upstart, Drizly Inc. agreed to sell itself to Uber Technologies Inc.-the ride-hailing company that's ventured into food delivery- for $1.1 billion, signaling the explosive growth potential of the DTC market. Delivery is one of the value-add components in the DTC supply chain. Still, the bulk of the margin is in producing high-quality distilled alcohol products like Doc Wylder's, Smithville, 4 Corners, and Riverview. Under the agreement with Speakeasy Co., we will maintain the Brand website, and Speakeasy Co. maintains the shopping cart for the online purchase. Speakeasy Co. will maintain the warehouse of inventory, which upon purchase, triggers the shipment direct to the customer. Speakeasy Co. adds efficiency by bringing all the regulatory tiers together, making this a seamless consumer experience. Speakeasy was the infrastructure for Telsa's Tequila2 brand, which launched direct to consumer in November of 2020. The product was priced at $250.00 and sold out within 4.5 hours totaling 10's of thousands of bottles across multiple states. Using social media as the marketing platform, the storefront has millions of hits, driving the sold-out response on this one-time limited offer. Recent results stated by Speakeasy Co. reinforce the momentum now happening in the DTC market: Speakeasy Co. sold more in December 2020 than all of 2019 November and December sales (2020) were up 464% YoY 2020 vs 2019 sales were up 547% YoY Outsold January 2020 in the first five days of 2021 Beverage alcohol brands on platform spiked from 40 as of January 2020 to approximately 190 to-date https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-dtc-solution-for-alcohol-brands-speakeasy-co-generates-record-breaking-holiday-sales-301216157.html Ricardo Camargo, Chief Brand Officer of SponsorsOne Media Inc said: "The biggest change in today's spirits market is that brand awareness is now happening primarily on digital channels like social media and ambassador collaboration. All PBC brands will focus their marketing efforts on digital tactics to connect with consumers benefiting BOTH retail and direct distribution strategies. Consumer data is also increasingly valuable. It allows our brands to know the exact demographic and location, targeting digital advertising accordingly. Traditional brands and spending billions for In-Store marketing. We are going to be more strategic and more effective with our marketing efforts." Currently, we have Doc Wylder's in the warehouse ready and working on launching the DTC infrastructure with Speakeasy in late Q1 2021. For more information, the following link is provided: https://www.premierbeverageconsortium.com/ About Speakeasy Co. Speakeasy Co. is a technology company and e-commerce platform for the Wine & Spirits industry that ships beverage alcohol brands directly to consumers. The platform enables brands to sell directly to consumers from their respective websites without disrupting the three-tier system, allowing these brands to own their own user experience from beginning to end, in addition to owning their data and analytics of their target customer. For more information, the following link is provided: https://www.speakeasyco.com/ About SponsorsOne Inc. SponsorsOne is the leader in the next evolution of brand creation and digital marketing through influencer marketing, storytelling, and digital-commerce with the SponsorCoin platform and its highly scalable - smart contract-based digital-currency. Combined, this allows the brands to build and manage exclusive and highly engaged communities of influencers (from pro to micro-influencers) within the social realm. The SponsorCoin platform provides for data-driven marketing campaigns that will change the way brands connect with their customers. SponsorCoin is a tool for brands to inspire real movements around their products and services. Their most valuable customers become their best salespeople, producing far higher ROI than current social media advertising methods. SponsorsOne, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SponsorsOne Media Inc., provides full creative and Brand building/management services to all our Brands and manages the influencer communities for each Brand. For making the Brand big, our wholly-owned subsidiary S1 Brands Inc. builds wholesale/retail distribution channels for the Brand, acting as a master distributor. S1 Brands provides sales and marketing on behalf of the Brand to its vast network of national wholesalers and retailers and provides purchase order financing to assist the Brand in fulfilling every order. Premier Beverage Consortium LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary and is brand building for the global spirits market with its flagship "Ready to Drink" product called Doc Wylders.. Ownership of the Brand combined with distribution, digital marketing innovation, and capital is the winning formula to build the next billion-dollar Brand. To learn more, please visit www.sponsorsone.com Contact: info@sponsorsone.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Gary Bartholomew, Executive Chairman The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this Press Release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with marketing and sale of securities the need for additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key personnel the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors with certain other projects the volatility of the volume and price of the Common Shares, the failure of the business strategy, the integrity of the Company's patents and proprietary intellectual property and competition. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors, and other uncertainties and potential events, including the risk factors, set out in the Company's Listing Statement. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to above will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE SECURITIES LEGISLATION. (1) Bloomberg, Covid Brought Booze to Your Door-and Made Delivery Worth Billions, February 10, 2021, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-10/booze-delivery-online-liquor-sales-are-booming-amid-the-pandemic (2) https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tesla-unveils-tesla-tequila-250-085412111.html https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tesla-unveils-tesla-tequila-250-085412111.html SOURCE: SponsorsOne Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629902/SponsorsOne--Launches-in-Market-Bloomberg-Says-Is-Set-To-Skyrocket-Direct-To-Consumer-Spirits-Market-Projected-To-Be-24-Billion-By-2026 A farmer who is accused of murdering a jogger, 25, before raping and dumping her body and trying to 'forget about it' has been declared fit to stand trial after undergoing a mental forensic examination. Quake Lewellyn, 28, could face the death penalty if he is convicted of the charges against him, which include capital murder, kidnapping, rape and abuse of corpse. Jogger Sydney Sutherland's body was found dumped in Newport in rural Arkansas in late September last year after she went missing on August 19. Quake Lewellyn, 28, could face the death penalty if he is convicted of the charges against him. Jogger Sydney Sutherland's body was found dumped in Newport in rural Arkansas in late September last year Licensed forensic psychologist Lacey Willett found the 28-year-old is fit to stand trial Lewellyn underwent a mental forensic exam in early January after a court ordered the review. Licensed forensic psychologist Lacey Willett found the 28-year-old is fit to stand trial, Fox 16 reported. Included in the report was testimony from Lewellyn where he said he accidentally struck the woman with his truck, burying her in a nearby field. In the report, Willett added that Lewellyn 'did not lack the capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct,' according to KARK. 'During the current evaluation, he disclosed that he put Sydney's body on the tailgate of his truck "to hide her body so [he] wouldn't be in trouble," reflecting that he knew his conduct could result in legal consequences,' she wrote. In the report, Willett added that Lewellyn 'did not lack the capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct' 'During the current evaluation, he disclosed that he put Sydney's body on the tailgate of his truck "to hide her body so [he] wouldn't be in trouble," reflecting that he knew his conduct could result in legal consequences,' she wrote Willett noted that there was 'no evidence to suggest that Mr. Lewellyn lacked the capacity to act in a purposeful manner at the time of the alleged offense,' adding that the man did a number of directed task including checking wells and going to lunch before he checked more wells and had dinner with his family 'He stated that he buried her body in a rice field and did not tell anyone about the incident that night, further demonstrating that he knew his behavior was against the law.' Willett report added that Lewellyn indicated that he has no history of mental health treatment. 'He also mentioned that he "went to work just like normal" the following day and spoke to a police officer on the phone, which also suggests he was capable of acting in a manner compliant with the law,' Willett added. Willett noted that there was 'no evidence to suggest that Mr. Lewellyn lacked the capacity to act in a purposeful manner at the time of the alleged offense,' adding that the man did a number of directed tasks including checking wells and going to lunch before he checked more wells and had dinner with his family. Sutherland, who worked as a nurse, was last seen alive out jogging on August 19 Lewellyn told police he plowed down Sutherland with his truck while she was out running on the Jackson County Road 41 South on August 19, according to court documents obtained by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in October. He then allegedly admitted to loading Sutherland's body onto his truck and driving her to a deserted field. Police said Lewellyn said he 'tried messing with her a bit,' which they say was rape. He then buried her body. He would return to work and spend several hours checking wells before he returned home, ate dinner and went to bed. He 'just tried to forget about it,' the psychologist wrote. The suspect has since pleaded not guilty to capital murder, kidnapping, rape and abuse of a corpse. Maggy Sutherland, the jogger's 55-year-old mother, told The Sun: 'Everyone is still in shock, it just does not seem real. It's like we are living a nightmare, not just the family but also the community.' She was reported missing after failing to return to the home she shared with her boyfriend of four years, Alex Nicholson (above together) This still shared from Ring footage of a family member is believed to be the last picture of Sutherland and was taken just 90 minutes before she went on a run near her home the day she was murdered She added: 'As a family, we are living day to day and trying to get through this tragedy. We are grieving the best way we know how. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of her and miss her pretty smile.' Nicknamed 'Sassy,' Maggy described her daughter as being a very 'beautiful, caring and loving person.' She added that the pair were 'best friends.' Maggy feels Lewellyn is deserving of the death penalty and hopes he gets that sentence during his trial next year. 'I don't know what he got out of that because he took a beautiful life, a young woman who had a bright future,' the heartbroken mother asserted. 'He was very cruel to do what he did and the way that he did it. Lewellyn was arrested August 21 and is being held without bond at the Randolph County jail. He is facing charges of capital murder, rape, kidnapping and abuse of a corpse 'To me, he deserves the death penalty, he is a monster, an evil monster. She did not deserve any of that.' Maggy shared that she frequents the various areas where her daughter was last seen and where Sydney's body was found, just days after she was reported missing. She said: 'I still go to where it was at, I've walked it, I've done every step she's taken, to try and see what happened. He will never tell the truth.' Sydney's mom, a receptionist at a local dental office, shared that the family had just returned from a trip to Destin, Florida, when the jogger went missing. 'We'd had a great trip, and she loved the beach. Everything was just right that day,' Maggy said. 'She came over, we talked a little bit, and she went and got my mail and she came back. 'She said, 'I'm going to go home, I'm going to bake some brownies or cookies.' 'She was leaving and I said, 'I love you, I'll talk to you later'. She said, 'I love you too'. And that was the last I heard from her.' 'To me, he deserves the death penalty, he is a monster, an evil monster. She did not deserve any of that,' she said At around 5pm, Maggy realized her daughter was missing when she received a call from Sydney's boyfriend. She called other family members and soon they were looking all around the Newport area for Sydney. 'I just threw my hands up like, 'We've been everywhere down that road she ran and there was no sign, nothing'. I said, 'Something's wrong'. And that's when the tragedy began. 'I panicked, I just thought... has someone gone through here, drug-related, and snatched her up?' Maggy contacted the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and had AT&T track Sydney's phone and Apple Watch as more gathered at the couple's home. 'She did not do this run [as a] routine,' Maggy shared. 'She was a nurse. She had different shifts all the time. It was never every day and at no certain time. 'We searched all night long, by the next day we had several different departments, state police, FBI, and I would say nearly 300 people volunteering. 'We did not get sleep for days, we did not get sleep until they found her.' Sydney's parents and two brothers were notified of Sydney's death on the Friday after her body was discovered. 'We were very traumatized by this, she was the light of our lives,' Maggy said. 'But we stuck together as a very close family, and we stayed together in the days afterwards.' Following reports of her disappearance, Lewellyn joined a Facebook page dedicated to searching for Sutherland. Sutherland, who worked as a nurse, was last seen alive out jogging on August 19. She was reported missing after failing to return to the home she shared with her boyfriend of four years, Alex Nicholson. Maggy Sutherland, the jogger's mother, feels that the 'monster' deserves the death penalty when he goes to trial Police found her body two days later following a wide search operation using K-9 units and helicopter crews. They had previously located her iPhone about a quarter-mile from her home. Authorities identified Lewellyn as a suspect after using data from his own cellphone that put him in the vicinity of where Sutherland's phone was found. Lewellyn and Sutherland were known to each other but the nature of their relationship remains unclear. He was arrested August 21, 2020 and is being held without bond at the Randolph County jail. Lewellyn is facing charges of capital murder, rape, kidnapping and abuse of a corpse. During his initial court appearance late last year, Lewellyn wore a bullet-proof vest and an orange prison jumpsuit as he arrived at the courthouse. Courtesy of Teller County From left, Don Angell, Shawna and Air Force Master Sgt. David Brown, and Dan Williams. Master Sgt. Brown was honored for his management of the COVID testing site in Divide. He is moving on to fulfill other assignments for the Colorado Air National Guard. Bahraich, Feb 16 (UNI) On the birth anniversary of 11th century warrior Maharaja Suheldev, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dedicated Maharaja Suheldev State Medical College to the people of Bahraich via video conferencing and laid the foundation stone of the Maharaja Suheldev Memorial and various development projects. Announcing the opening of medical college in Bahraich, PM Modi said, Increasing health facilities in the aspirational district of Bahraich will not only make the lives of its residents easier but its benefits will be available to the surrounding districts as well as help patients coming from Nepal and other parts of the country. In order to boost tourism, Prime Minister unveiled programmes for the beautification of Shravasti, Chittora Lake, and Bahraich on the occasion and said that a 40 ft. high statue of Maharaj Suheldev will be made, and to attract tourists from across the world, he announced the development of roads, Chittora lake and various tourist amenities like a cafeteria, guest house, and a childrens park, etc. Laying the foundation stone of Maharaj Suheldev memorial and development work of Chittaura Lake in UP, PM Modi said, This Basant Panchami has come with new hopes and new enthusiasm for India that is moving forward, leaving behind the despair of the pandemic. Spreading the greatness of the forgotten 11th century king, Maharaja Suheldev, and giving him the respect and popularity he deserves, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the event in Bahraich said that the opening of Maharaja Suheldev Medical College will be a great step towards the health sector. It will provide affordable and up-to-date medical facilities to the people of the state. Paying tribute to Maharaj Suheldev on his birth anniversary, CM Yogi said, The unforgettable contribution made by Maharaja Suheldev to protect the country and religion is exemplary for all. His valor and struggle will always keep inspiring the people of the country. It was the great resistance of Maharaja Suheldev that for over 100 years, no Britisher could muster the courage to attack India. Marking 16th February as an important day for the country, CM Yogi appreciated PM Modi and said that this is for the first time in history that any government has taken concerted steps to popularise Suheldev. The CM also said that earlier, in February 2016, BJP chief Amit Shah had unveiled a statue of Suheldev and launched also a book about him, in the Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border, where the medieval king enjoys legendary status. After a month or two, the Central Government had also released a postal stamp, and run a superfast train The Suhaildev Express. The tri-weekly covers the breadth of Indias most populous state i.e. from Ghazipur in Purvanchal to Anand Vihar in Delhi. Remembering the Chauri Chaura incident, CM Yogi said that as a tribute to unsung heroes of freedom struggle and sensitise the young generation about the valour of little known or unknown freedom fighters, the Yogi-led BJP government has decided for the year-long centenary celebrations of the historic event. Ending his speech, CM Yogi said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the task of reviving the memories and glorious history of Maharaja Suheldev, who was forgotten for nearly a thousand years is being done. Expressing sadness over the previous government for not doing anything to bring back the identity of the leaders who sacrificed their lives for our country, PM Modi said, This is unfortunate that no step was taken by the previous governments to give respect to the leaders they deserve. But, now Naya Bharat is committed and determined to bring back the identity of the legend who has been deliberately ignored by historians, who distorted the rich Indian history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing people in the event said that, before the BJP Government came into power, there were only 14 medical colleges and the health facilities in the state were also poor. But during our regime, the state has 24 medical colleges. He also said that work for AIIMS is going on in Gorakhpur and Bareilly which will be proved to be a milestone in terms of UP's medical education and health facilities. During the event, PM Modi said that sugarcane farmers were provided every possible help from our government so that they do not face any problem. The Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh is continuously working towards the welfare of farmers so that they do not face any panic situation. He also said that the Yogi-led BJP government has set a new record for the highest ever payment to sugarcane farmers, including the dues of the previous government. Along with the payment, the government has placed maximum emphasis on modernisation of old mills and the establishment of new mills. Appreciating the Yogi Government, the Prime Minister said that today, every person of the country is watching that Yogi Government is working day and night to save their property and it only aims to make every person of the country Self-Reliant. To eliminate house ownership disputes, the records of over 2 lakh houses of more than one thousand villages of Uttar Pradesh have been digitised under the ambitious 'Swamitva Yojana'. This scheme was launched to provide ownership to the real owners of the houses built in the rural areas. Under the Swamitva Yojana, the land in rural populated areas will be mapped using modern technologies including the use of drones to demarcate the land. Over 40 drones are already in service in the various districts. Ending his speech with a quote from an epic poem, Ramcharitmanas, PM Modi said that any work started with the name of Shree Ram always gives success. UNI MB SHK1750 THE RAVINE A Family, a Photograph, a Holocaust Massacre Revealed By Wendy Lower What does one do upon discovering a photograph that documents a murder? Wendy Lower asks in her new book, The Ravine. Lower, a historian of the Holocaust who has worked with Nazi hunters, ponders a photograph, taken in October 1941, in the once thriving, now desolate Ukrainian town of Miropol. It shows several men Ukrainians and Germans shooting a woman who, bent over, holds the hand of a small, barefoot boy just before they tumble into a death pit. (The boy would be buried alive, not shot, since Nazi protocol forbade wasting bullets on Jewish children.) Smoke from the gun blasts obscures the face of the woman, who wears a polka-dot housedress; later, on closer inspection, Lower will discover another child nestled in the womans lap. The photograph reveals the Holocaust by bullets in Ukraine, where more than one million Jews were murdered not in terrifying death camps but in prosaic fields, swamps and ravines. The Jews tormentors were, very often, their lifelong Ukrainian neighbors. The scene was not unusual; neither was the photograph. During the war, German soldiers took troves of photographs perhaps hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions some of which memorialized, indeed celebrated, their cruelties, tortures and crimes. Nazi authorities forbade these unofficial images, but to little avail; they circulated widely to friends and families back home. These celebrations of sadism which shake our ideas about an innate human capacity for either shame or guilt are sometimes referred to as trophy photos, though I think atrocity selfies is a better term. (Lower claims that, in showing the actual moment of death, the Miropol photograph is rare, though there is no way that she or anyone else could know this: For obvious reasons, many of these amateur photographs have never surfaced.) Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Guinea's minister of Health and Public Hygiene Remy Lamah delivers the weekly press conference of the interdepartmental committee to fight the Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Conakry on June 28, 2014. (Cellou Binani/AFP via Getty Images) Guinea Declares Ebola Epidemic, Neighboring Countries Act DAKAR, SenegalGuinea has officially declared it has an Ebola epidemic after at least three people have died and four others have been infected in the West African nation. Neighboring Sierra Leone and Liberia have put their citizens on high alert as the three West African nations battled the worlds deadliest Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016, which began in Guinea and in which more than 11,300 people died. Sierra Leones President Julius Maada Bio has flown to consult with Guinean President Alpha Conde. Guineas new Ebola outbreak occurred in NZerekore, in southern Guinea, where health officials detected suspicious cases of Ebola with patients presenting symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and bleeding. The sick had participated in the burial of a nurse on Feb. 1 in Gouake, according to Guineas Minister of Health Remy Lamah, who added that the first investigation counted seven cases, all of the people over the age of 25 years, including the two women and one male who have died. The government reassures the population that all measures are being taken to stem this epidemic as quickly as possible. It invites the populations of the affected areas to respect hygiene and prevention measures and to report to health authorities in the presence of suggestive signs, Lamah said in the ministry statement. The epidemic was declared after a crisis meeting on Feb. 14. All suspected cases have been isolated in NZerekore and Conakry, the capital. Investigations have begun, a treatment center has opened, and supplies have been sent to the region. Traditional funerals in which people wash and touch the body of the deceased facilitate the spread of Ebola. It usually jumps to humans from infected animals, such as bats, and then spreads between humans via direct contact with bodily fluids. Liberias President George Weah has mandated health authorities to heighten the countrys epi-surveillance and preventative activities and also ordered health officials to immediately engage communities in towns and villages bordering Guinea and increase anti-Ebola measures. Sierra Leone has activated emergency response systems and heightened surveillance for Ebola at the already closed border with Guinea, it stated. International humanitarian and medical organizations are also racing to prevent the further spread of the virus. The World Health Organization has stated its working to be sure that vaccines developed during the 2014 to 2016 outbreak will be readily available as quickly as possible. In January, the World Health Organization stated it was creating a global emergency stockpile of about 500,000 doses of the Ebola vaccine to help stamp out future outbreaks, but only 7,000 were available at the time of the statement. The Ebola vaccine being stockpiled is made by Merck. Time is of the essence. The resurgence of the virus in Guinea comes at the worst possible time when the country is already facing the COVID-19 pandemic, said Mohammed Mukhier, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies regional director for Africa, adding there is hope with scientific advances. Unless the response is swift, the health, economic and social impacts are likely to be immense for millions of people in a country with a relatively weak health system, and where more than half of the population lives below the poverty line. The IFRC and Guinea Red Cross say teams that include more than 2,500 volunteers have been activated in Guinea to provide contact tracing, psychosocial support, water, and sanitation. The international medical organization Doctors Without Borders stated its also sending teams to combat the outbreak. We know from the past that the speed of response is important We also know that community engagement is vital, so we will be trying to get the right balance between responding quickly and taking steps to make sure the community is a willing and active participant in both prevention and response, said Frederik van der Schrieck, the organizations head of mission in Guinea. Guineas announcement comes more than a week after eastern Congo confirmed it had four cases of Ebola. The outbreaks in the two countries arent linked. By Carley Petesch Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Fulton County Elections Director Richard Barron addresses the media regarding the ballot count, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 5, 2020. (Tami Chappell/AFP via Getty Images) Fulton County Board Votes to Fire Elections Director Richard Barron A county in Georgia on Tuesday voted to remove its elections director after struggles during the 2020 election. The Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections voted 3-2 to remove Richard Barron, its elections director, a week after the board held a similar vote that was declared invalid because it occurred during a private part of a meeting. The new vote saw Republican members Dr. Kathleen Ruth and Mark Wingate support the removal of Barron. They were joined by Vice Chair Vernetta Keith Nuriddin, a Democrat. The 2020 election cycle did highlight many vulnerabilities in the Fulton election system, errors, sloppy and inefficient processes that really are unacceptable, Ruth said. She pointed to the State Election Board referring the county to the state attorney general for allegedly violating election law and disenfranchising voters in the June 9, 2020 primary elections. Chairperson Mary Carole Cooney and Aaron Johnson, both Democrats, wanted to retain Barron. Johnson said he wanted the next board to decide the matter, noting that it would be getting a new chair soon. He argued that the board did poorly in the June 2020 election but recovered well, and, for the most part, November went well. The vote was the only item on the agenda for the meeting, which took place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the decision, members heard both defense and criticism of Barron. Regina Waller, a spokesperson for the county, told them that Barron was responsible for what she described as a successful 2020 election amid the pandemic. Media crews film while election workers process absentee ballots at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 2, 2020. (Megan Varner/Getty Images) Barron has shown his ability to guide, motivate, steer, and maintain the course of integrity, honesty, and fairness, she said. Bridget Thorne, a former county precinct manager, said that the election handling since Barron was hired has only gotten worse. Your leader Mr. Barron has said publicly he is burned out. A burned out leader isnt going to fire up a new system. I think its time to get a new leader, she said. Thorne was one of two workers fired after raising concerns about the election. Fulton County includes Atlanta. What happened at State Farm Arena became a national news story after ballot counting was disrupted by what was initially reported as a burst pipe, but turned out to be an overflowing urinal. Additionally, all observers left on Election Night after a manager yelled that ballot counting was over for the night, but workers soon resumed counting. Officials with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffenspergers office on multiple occasions criticized the countys handling of the election. Officials were seeing managerial sloppiness and chain of custody issues, Gabriel Sterling with the office said about two weeks after Election Day. The county cut corners during the second recount of ballots, Raffensperger, a Republican, added in a press conference on Dec. 1. County officials had pushed back on the allegations. I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that within Fulton County, Georgia, there was no hanky panky whatsoever with respect to the recent election, zero, County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts told reporters. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. Stacker takes a look at the winner for Golden Globes' best drama from the year you were born. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Egypt has offered condolences to the Democratic Republic of Congo over the victims of a ferryboat that sank in the Congo River on Monday. In an official statement, Egyptian foreign ministry said Egypt extends its sincerest condolences to the families of the boats victims and wishes a speedy recovery for those injured in the incident. The ministry added "Egypt stands by our sisterly country during such a tragedy." The sinking of the boat that was carrying over 700 people resulted in the death of at least 60 people, while some 300 survived, according to DRC's Humanitarian Affairs Minister Steve Mbikayi. Mbikayi said another 240 remain unaccounted for. Short link: Gulfood 2021, a leading global sourcing platform and the first major live, in-person food & beverage (F&B) sector event in almost 12 months, will reunite the global industry for five days of dialogue, live demonstrations and business deals at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from February 21 to 25. The return of Gulfood has grabbed the attention of the global F&B professionals as an unmissable opportunity to reconnect following the lack of face-to-face business opportunities in 2020. With a 34-year history of catalysing trade deals and sparking industry innovation, Gulfood 2021 will run across 20 exhibition halls under DWTCs stringent health and safety protocols. About 2,500 companies from 85 countries will seek new collaborations and partnerships at the event. As the international food sector navigates evolving consumer behaviours in a multitude of global markets, Gulfood participants will discover an event gripped by product innovation and technology across a range of energetic and engaging on-show experiences. Amongst the industry innovations on display, the 26th edition of Gulfood will host the shows first blockchain-based dairy exhibitor courtesy of French technology innovator Ingredia, while Amul, the worlds eighth largest dairy company is in Dubai after recently making sector history by launching 33 products in one quarter. To quench the industrys appetite for industry leading content, the Gulfood Innovation Summit returns from February 22 to 24, uniting the worlds most influential chefs, food scientists, government officials and industry leaders. The three-day Summit will see marquee delegates at the forefront of industry innovation discuss and shape the future of food and gastronomy across topics including Governments role in shaping the future of food; Adapting to healthier, sustainable lifestyles; F&B Marketing, Tourism and Retail; and Leveraging emerging and future food technologies. As the most competitive global sourcing platform and the first live F&B event for almost 12 months, the return of Gulfood marks the only platform for F&B professionals to reconnect with partners, explore big business opportunities and start the year with confidence, said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Events Management, DWTC. The shows popular interactive features have been adapted for the times and are complemented by a series of new experiences and knowledge-exchange platforms which underline Gulfoods capacity to the global agenda for a transformative industry responding to evolving market needs and post-pandemic market realignment. Gulfood 2021 visitors will get the chance to meet and be inspired by culinary stars, as leading chefs, authors and F&B decision-makers reveal their experiences, projects, and creativity at the shows Chef Talks Stage in Hall 8 from February 21-24. Insights and First in Food Workshops Insights into the future of F&B will emerge at Gulfoods First in Food Workshops learning sessions on February 21, 23 and 24 in Hall 2. Hosted by leading experts and success-makers, this years programme features live sessions on topics ranging from food safety and innovation to sustainable dining, food safety and F&B design. Greg Ohannessian, founding partner of Soma Mater, a consultancy firm focusing on building sustainability in the GCCs food, water and energy nexus, will deliver a 60-minute session on sustainable dining alongside Roha Daud, a food and wellness brand consultant and the founder of Cause Kitchn. In the face of a global pandemic, regional leaders have taken swift and decisive actions that allow society, and the food industry in particular, to look toward 2021 with a strong sense of optimism. Gulfood 2021 represents the perfect opportunity for leaders across government and food sectors to gather and discuss how to embrace the challenges we face together and to join hands in embarking on a new path towards sustainable growth, more resilient food systems, and to greater cooperation for our environment, our health, and our happiness, said Ohannessian. The programme will also include workshops devoted to Kosher Certification, taking professionals through the varying levels of certification for the food production and service sectors, and processes and opportunities in the international Kosher industry with Rabbi Joel Weinberger, Head of India, South Asia Operation at the US-based Star-K Kosher certification agency. Masterclasses with celebrities Some 31 renowned culinary creators, including five Michelin Star chefs from Germany, Italy and Portugal will take part in activations including, masterclasses, acrobatic pizza, pastry art, and the secrets of the flour kitchen at Gulfoods popular Tastes of the World, which will take place in Hall 8 across five-days. Gulfood Innovation Awards The 250 global entries received from 44 countries for this years Gulfood Innovation Awards testify to the pace of innovation currently underway in the industry. The annual awards celebrate and reward excellence across brands and products, with judging conducted by a panel of prestigious industry leaders. The winners of this years 10 competing categories will be awarded during the show, and will feature on the shows website once announced. Gulfood 2021 will be held under stringent safety and hygiene protocols. DWTC has proved its capability to curate the safest face-to-face business environment and deliver world-class events with the highest safety protocols, as evidenced by the recent Gitex Technology Week - the only live in-person tech event in 2020. Held in December, the event welcomed tens of thousands of visitors with 96% of local and international attendees recording a safe or very safe experience.-TradeArabia News Service Leaders of six sub-Saharan countries gathered in Chad on Monday for the opening of the two-day G5 Sahel summit. The group comprises Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Mali. Meeting in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, the summit leaders aimed to focus their talks on the war against terrorism. They were also set to discuss ways of combatting the coronavirus pandemic and boosting the region's economy. The summit was opened by President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad, the incoming holder of the group's rotating presidency. He's taking over from Mauritanian head of state Mohamed Cheikh El Gha-Zouani. (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) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with a bipartisan group of governors and mayors on his COVID-19 relief plan, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb.12, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Administration Extends Mortgage and Foreclosure Relief for Homeowners The Biden administration extended the mortgage relief and foreclosure ban programs through the end of June 2021 to help prevent people from losing their homes during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a housing affordability crisis, a Feb. 16 written statement by the White House says, with a recent study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finding that just over 10 million homeowners are behind on mortgage payments. The temporary foreclosure moratorium, initially enacted by the Trump administration in the early months of the pandemic, was set to expire at the end of March. Now, homeowners will receive urgently needed relief as we face this unprecedented national emergency, the White House statement says. Besides prolonging the foreclosure ban, the new moratorium also extended the enrollment window for borrowers who want to request mortgage forbearance, which is a pause or reduction in mortgage payments. The option to request forbearance is open to some 11 million federally-backed mortgages. The Biden administrations move also provides an additional six months of mortgage payment forbearance to the 2.7 million homeowners who entered the program before June 30, 2020. Communities large and small need this assistance, the White House statement says. That is why the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Agriculture worked in concert to deliver across-the-board relief for urban, suburban, rural, and military homeowners, including seniors with reverse mortgages. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved housing counselors that homeowners can contact and seek advice from if theyre considering applying for mortgage forbearance. However, the action leaves in place a March 31 expiration deadline for the federal moratorium on evictions of tenants whove fallen behind on rent payments. The order (pdf) that extended the eviction moratorium for renters from Jan. 31 to March 31 was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the agency determining that evictions during the pandemic could be detrimental to public health control measures to slow the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, around one in five renters is behind on rent. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. tech2 News Staff An unmanned Russian cargo ship launched successfully on Monday with a load of supplies for the International Space Station. The Progress MS-16 cargo ship blasted off as scheduled at 10:15 am IST (0445 GMT) from the Russia-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan and reached a designated orbit en route to the station. According to a Space.com report, it is carrying approximately 2,460 kg of cargo and supplies for the crew currently onboard the station. That includes 1,400 kg of research and crew supplies - like food and clothing - along with a supply of freshwater, nitrogen gas and propellant for the station's Zvezda service module propulsion system. The space outpost is now operated by NASAs Kate Rubins, Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi; and Russian Space Agency Roscosmos Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov. The report also mentions that the Pirs module is going to be removed when the Progress 77 spacecraft ends its mission in July and in its place the Russian space agency will replace it with its long-awaited Nauka laboratory. The Pirs module is a docking port on the Zvezda service module that doubles as an airlock for station crewmembers to use when conducting Russian-led spacewalks. with inputs from The Associated Press URBANA The University of Illinois has reinstated a student who had been dismissed for one year for not submitting to COVID-19 testing during Subscriber content preview ISSAQUAH Calabria at Talus, at 2000 N.W. Talus Drive in Issaquah, sold for just under $9 million, according to King County records. The seller was an LLC associated with Pacifica Cos. of San Diego, which acquired the project out of receivership in 2012 for $3.6 million. . . . Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has registered a bill on amendments to some laws of Ukraine on bringing the status of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) in line with the requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine. According to the parliament's website, bill No. 5070 was registered on Monday, February 15. The initiator of the bill is Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. The text of the bill and accompanying documents have not yet been made public. As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers proposed to the Verkhovna Rada to bring the status of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) in line with the requirements of the Constitution. The relevant bill was approved at an extraordinary meeting of the government on February 15, a source in the government told Interfax-Ukraine. Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska said on Facebook that the government-approved bill on the status of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine states that during the selection of a new director of NABU, the powers of the director will be performed by the first deputy director of NABU. A look at some of the major movers in London on Tuesday ( ) floated 10% higher to 6.85p after it signed a contract with a train leasing company. The contract is to supply hydrogen fuel cell systems for passenger trains. TP Group is acting as the prime contractor for the integrated hydrogen fuel system, building upon the group's preliminary consulting work to define system requirements and specify a suitable system configuration for safe operation in this application. 1.45pm: Argo Blockchain rides the Bitcoin bus (LON:ARGO) saw its share price surge 30% to 243.5p taking its valuation towards 1bn as the price of bitcoin smashed the US$50,000 mark. The cryptocurrency miner put on a statement saying it knew of no fundamental reason why the shares had risen and was not aware of any material developments beyond those previously notified to the market. That being said, the price of Bitcoin is up by more than a thousand dollars today at U$49,230, having earlier in the day moved above US$50,000 for the first time. 12.40pm: Mercantile Ports & Logistics soars as it bags two contracts Mercantile Ports & Logistics Limited ( ) shot up 130% to 0.875p after it announced two new multi-year contract wins. I am very pleased that we have entered into two long term contracts with customers who have carried out significant due diligence over a number of months on various port and logistics facilities in the region and came to the conclusion that the Karanja facility provides modern infrastructure that will aid in the growth of their respective businesses. These contracts highlight the important part that Karanja can play in the growth of Maharashtra and the neighbouring region, said Jeremy Warner Allen, the chairman of Mercantile Ports. While coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to have an impact on the Indian economy, the company has been able to continue work on-site and there have been some cargo movements, albeit at low levels. 11.45am: Braveheart share price boosted by COVIDITY speculation PLC ( ) has put out a statement after a sharp rise in the share price an 11% rise to 88.5p. In attempting to explain the rise, Braveheart noted it provided an update on January 29 concerning progress to develop a COVID-19 test that Paraytec Limited is working on in conjunction with the University of Sheffield. The situation has echoes of yesterdays announcement from Scancell Holdings, which saw its share price soar yesterday after press comment about its COVIDITY programme, in which the company plans to see whether is intellectual property can be applied to combatting COVID-19. 10.50am: Serco surges after US acquisition PLC ( ) advanced 9% to 142.2p after it strengthened its US defence services operations with an acquisition. The company has bought US Air Force and Army-focused Whitney, Bradley & Brown for US$295mln. The acquisition, from US private equity group HIG Capital, will broaden its reach to all major segments of the US defence services market, the FTSE 250 group said, while also being immediately earnings accretive. 9.55am: CloudCoCo flying high as turnaround continues ( ), up 35% at 1.55p, continued on the comeback trail as it said revenue in the first quarter has been strong. The provider of information technology and communications services said underlying earnings (EBITDA) in the first quarter of its financial year the October to December quarter were significantly ahead of earnings in the same period of 2019. The sales pipeline continues to be healthy, the company said. 9.00am: Fox Marble employs Dentons to press its claim against the Kosovo government ( ) fell 9% to 2p after it revealed sales halved in 2020 to 0.7mln from 2019s level. Fox Marble has engaged the services of Dentons Europe to act on the company's behalf in its circa 195 million claim against the Republic of Kosovo. Dentons has agreed a fee arrangement that enables Fox Marble to bring the arbitration through to its conclusion. PLC ( ), down 4.5% at 38.2p, after it said operational performance only partially recovered in the second half of last year. The aviation services provider continued to be adversely affected by ongoing losses at its Hong Kong-based associate, CASL, albeit by less than in the first half of the year, as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic's impact on the commercial airline market. Gama ended the year with cash of US$16.1mln, on top of which it has US$24.7mln left to draw from its revolving credit facility. Proactive news headlines ( ) has described as a welcome source of funding a new government-backed platform that will fast-track the development of potentially ground-breaking COVID-19 treatments. ( OTCQB:WRHLF) said its subsidiary, Love Hemp Limited, has seen a strong increase in demand during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with revenues up nearly 100% on the prior quarter. ( ) said its flagship product, mViva Contextual Campaign Management, has gone fully live at its largest customer in Asia. ( ) has provided details from its annual reserves statement, confirming 117.2mln barrels of proved and probable (2P) reserves across its assets in the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq. ( ) told investors that gas sales have now begun at the West Rustavi field, in the Republic of Georgia, following the connection of Bago LLCs pipeline to the main Georgian Oil & Gas Corporation pipeline. ( ) (OTCQB:WRHLF) said its subsidiary, Love Hemp Limited, has seen a strong increase in demand during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with revenues up nearly 100% on the prior quarter. In a trading update for the period from October 1 to December 31, 2020, the cannabidiol (CBD) specialist reported that Love Hemp has accrued 1.56mln in revenues for the quarter, a 97% rise on the 793,500 figure from the first, while gross sales came in at 764,000. s ( ) attention is switching to Trinidad and Suriname in the near-term with new wells planned before the end of the first quarter. Amur Minerals Corporation ( ), the nickel copper exploration and development company focused on the Kun-Manie project in the Far East of Russia, has reported that the terms and conditions for its Kun-Manie Detailed Exploration and Mine Production Licence have been amended and registered with Rosnedra, the State Licencing Agency. ( )( ) has raised 4mln via a placing of just over 9.5mln new shares at 42p each. The money raised will be used to advance the La India gold project in Nicaragua further towards production. Pan African Resources Ltd ( )( ) boosted gold production by 5.9% to 98,386 ounces in the six months to December 2020. It leaves the company on track to deliver on its full year production guidance of approximately 190,000 ounces of gold. Net cash generated by operating activities increased by 178.2% to US$28.1mln, and the company was able to reduce net debt by 47.3%. Supply@ME Capital PLC said its temporary share suspension has not impacted its commercial progress, adding that the timing of the resumption of trading is out of its hands. It said it had successfully addressed the technical disclosure and transparency (DTR) breach regarding the timing of the publication of its financial statements on January 29. SYME has since been in regular communication with the FCA in support of the regulatory steps and due process required for the lifting of the temporary suspension, the company added. ( ) revealed that it has received a conversion notice in relation to its US$1.5mln unsecured convertible loan agreement with Riverfort Global Opportunities PCC Limited and YA II PN Ltd, which was announced on 15 July 2020. The Riverfort and YA funds have elected to convert a total amount of US$169,384.70 (122,245), made up of a principal amount of US$150,000 and accrued interest of almsot $19,385, into 153,379,428 new ordinary shares of 0.03125p each in the company at a price of 0.079701 pence per ordinary share. ( ) said that on Monday February 15 it granted Toby Smith, who joined the Company as chief operating officer in November, an award of nominal cost options over 1,000,000 ordinary shares of 1p. The options have been granted under the company's long-term incentive plan, are exercisable in 2024 following release of the Company's audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023, are subject to performance conditions relating to the Company's EBITDA profitability (pre-IFRS 16) and have a 10 year term. A further option over 25,000 shares was granted under the company's share option plan, with an exercise price of 1.20, will vest after 3 years and have a 10 year term. ( ASX:THR) advised that an updated investor presentation is available on the company's website, available via the following link: www.thormining.com/sites/thormining/media/pdf/interviews/thr-feb21-pres.pdf (ASX:BSE ) announced that it will host two investor and shareholder webcasts to discuss its half year results, which are scheduled for release on February 22, 2021. The webcasts will be hosted by managing director Tim Carstens, chief financial officer Kevin Balloch and general manager Stephen Hay, who will also be available to answer questions following a presentation of the companys results. Full details are available on the company's website. ( ) said it will hold an online investor presentation for retail investors via the Investor Meet Company platform on Monday, 22 February 2021 at 10am. Chaarat's chief executive Artem Volynets and chief financial officer Chris Eger will provide a live presentation relating to the 2020 operating results, the recently completed financing package and an outlook for 2021. Investors can sign up at https://www.investormeetcompany.com/chaarat-gold-holdings-ltd/register-investor 4d Pharma PLC ( ) announced that its chief executive Duncan Peyton will participate in broker 's virtual panel, titled "Microbiome Players with Guided Readouts in 2021," on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 3pm. A webcast of the panel will be available via the "Events" section of the 4D pharma website. e-Therapeutics plc ( ) notified investors that it will be presenting at the Shares Investor Evening webinar on Wednesday February 17, 2021. The webinar will start at 6pm and both existing and potential investors can register to attend. Ali Mortazavi, chairman and CEO of e-therapeutics, will be presenting an overview of the company and will be available to take questions during the event. ( ) said it has today published the latest edition of its quarterly newsletter summarising key activities and developments within the group and its portfolio companies. More details are available on the company's website "We are extremely proud to receive this award and recognition by Cannabis Business Magazine," said Timothy Shaw, Chief Operating Officer of MariMed. "This is a great honor and a testament to the strong company culture we have built. We applaud our staff for this award recognition. We are most grateful for their efforts and dedication during this challenging time of the Covid pandemic. We look forward to maintaining a positive working environment for our employees, customers and partners in 2021 and beyond." "It is more important than ever to recognize companies that support their teams and are dedicated to best business practices for themselves, their customers, and their employees," said Noelle Skodzinski, editorial director of Cannabis Business Times, which provides legal cannabis cultivators actionable intelligence in all aspects of the industry. "The companies named to this year's lists are creating cultures that encourage collaboration and camaraderie, and we are pleased to bring their stories to light." About the Best Cannabis Companies to Work for Awards Leading industry publication Cannabis Business Times developed the awards program in partnership with the Best Companies Group (BCG), a global research organization that conducts employee survey engagement and satisfaction surveys. Through this work, Cannabis Business Times and BCG identify and recognize the best employers in the cannabis cultivation industry and provide organizations with valuable employee feedback. Profiles of companies that earned the distinction as one of the Best Cannabis Companies to Work For are available in the February issue of Cannabis Business Times magazine, which can be read online at CannabisBusinessTimes.com. The Best Cannabis Companies to Work For awards are based on a comprehensive evaluation of each participating company's workplace policies, practices, and demographics -- accounting for 25% of the evaluation. Company employees were also surveyed (anonymously, responses produced in aggregate) to assess the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to the workplace -- accounting for 75% of each company's total score. Aggregated results comparing Best Cannabis Companies policies and employee satisfaction survey results to those that did not rank will be available for download soon here. BCG managed the overall registration and survey process. For companies to participate, they met several eligibility requirements including operating a cultivation or dispensary business; being a public or privately held business or not-for-profit operation based in the U.S. or Canada; having a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees and operating their business for a minimum of one year, among others. Full eligibility requirements can be found here: https://bestcompaniescannabis.com/eligibility-criteria. After a comprehensive analysis of the data and the combined scores, BCG then used its expertise to determine the final ranking. For more information on the Best Cannabis Companies To Work For program, visit www.bestcompaniescannabis.com. Retainment of MATTIO Communications MariMed also announced the retainment of MATTIO Communications (MATTIO), the leading cannabis strategic marketing agency, to develop a comprehensive investor relations and communications program. Headquartered in New York City, MATTIO is an award-winning, full-service independent marketing and communications firm that services local and national cannabis and lifestyle clients. About MariMed MariMed Inc., a multi-state cannabis operator, is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people through the use of cannabinoids and cannabis products. The Company develops, owns, and manages state-licensed cannabis facilities, which are models of excellence in horticultural principles, cannabis cultivation, cannabis-infused products, and dispensary operations. MariMed has an experienced management team that has produced consistent growth and success for the Company and its managed business units, keeping it at the forefront of cannabis science and innovation. Proprietary formulations created by the Company's technicians are embedded in its industry-leading products and brands, including Betty's Eddies, Nature's Heritage, Bourne Baking Co., and Kalm Fusion. For additional information, visit marimedinc.com. Important Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to MariMed Inc. that is based on the beliefs of MariMed Inc.'s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events, including estimates and projections about its business based on certain assumptions of its management, including those described in this release. These statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including, among other factors, changes in demand for the Company's services and products, changes in the law and its enforcement, and changes in the economic environment. Additional risk factors are included in the Company's public filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as "hoped," "anticipated," "believed," "planned, "estimated," "preparing," "potential," "expected," "looks" or words of a similar nature. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. None of the content of any of the websites referred to herein (even if a link is provided for your convenience) is incorporated into this release and the Company assumes no responsibility for any of such content. All trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE MariMed For further information: Company Contact - MRMD, Jon Levine, CFO, MariMed Inc., [email protected]; Media Contact: Beth Waterfall, MariMed Inc., 781-619-8539, [email protected]; Cannabis Business Times Media Contact: Michelle Simakis, Editor, 216-393-0275, [email protected] Twitter, with its conversational and real-time nature, has given brands a space to nurture some authentic, unfiltered relationships with their audience. This Valentines Day, brands flexed these muscles. As people spread love all over Twitter timelines, brands put forth their most creative and engaging fronts to join V-day conversations. While some sympathised with the singles, others cheered those celebrating by sharing fun ways to spend the day with not only their significant others, but also friends and family. Heres a look at some of the most engaging #ValentinesDay Tweets from brands: Tinder India (@Tinder_India): #StartSomethingEpicAgain Tinder India (@Tinder_India) took it upon itself to inspire those broken-up to #StartSomethingEpicAgain this Valentines Day. Through a Tweet thread, the brand stirred the spirit of its hashtag via products that everyone would be looking for after their breakup. Products we wish existed after every breakup #StartSomethingEpicAgain Tinder India (@Tinder_India) February 13, 2021 To take the engagement game a level up, Tinder India (@Tinder_India) called upon its audience to share pictures with their exes, promising to either remove or replace them with something better - staying true to lifes purpose, eh Tinder? Lays India (@Lays_India): #MyLaysRelationship All hail cross-brand banter, Lays Indias (@Lays_India)! The brand, through a series of Tweets, showcased the relationships people share with other brands through #MyLaysRelationship - presenting the truths of how we rely on these brands for our everyday lives. Busy mein easy karne waala relationchip - my Big Basket relationchip. @bigbasket_com This Valentines Day, let us celebrate all our relationships. #MyLaysRelationchip pic.twitter.com/M3AUosROEG Lay's India (@Lays_India) February 12, 2021 Airtel India (@airtelIndia) didnt leave Lays hanging and took part in the exchange with a cute reply. BMW India (@bmwindia) BMW India (@bmwindia) prompted its audience to celebrate Valentine's Day in their own unique ways. By showcasing a range of BMW cars and their diverse features, the brand encouraged people to find a match that suits them best and makes them happy. OnePlus (@OnePlus) What better a day to start a conversation with your crush than Valentines Day, right? OnePlus (@OnePlus) cued people in to brush-up their flirting game by asking them to complete a half-cooked pick-up line. "Are you a charger?" Finish this bad pick-up line pic.twitter.com/NtCwTieGJY OnePlus (@oneplus) February 13, 2021 Samsung India (@SamsungIndia): Finding the way to love Samsung India (@SamsungIndia) tasked its audience to train themselves in their hunt to search for their partner this Valentines Day. Tweeting with an image of a maze-puzzle, the brand asked its audience to help a cake reach the microwave and unite the two fated for each other. The cake and the microwave are made for each other. This Valentines Day, help them meet. Find the right way to reach the microwave and tell us in the comments section below. #Samsung pic.twitter.com/U7YlzVtWyV Samsung India (@SamsungIndia) February 13, 2021 Realme (@realmemobiles): #RealCompanion Realme (@realmemobiles), too, took the engagement route to connect hearts this Valentines. The brand Tweeted a video with a heart-image mirrored on two realme phones screens. As the half-hearts moved on the screen, by tapping the screen at the right moment you could get the perfect shaped heart. The little game had people excitedly participating in the conversation, sharing screenshots in response to the Tweet and spreading hearts on our timelines. Ready to WIN for love? Pause the video at the right moment Capture a screenshot when the hearts are compatible Reply using #RealCompanion And stand a chance to win a #realmeX7Pro!#HappyValentinesDay #Contest pic.twitter.com/DXvKuzvNgQ realme (@realmemobiles) February 14, 2021 Spotify India (@spotifyindia): #MadeWithLove Spotify India (@spotifyindia) made a case of taking Valentines gifts beyond the boring cliches. With a video featuring Indian music sensation Armaan Malik (@ArmaanMalik22), the brand prompted its audience to go over to the Spotify app and gift their significant others a special playlist #MadeWithLove. This Valentines Day, gift your bae something special that is #MadeWithLove. Create a playlist and share it on your social. Tag your special person and us too #HappyValentinesDay P.S: No feelings were harmed in the making of this video.@ArmaanMalik22 pic.twitter.com/ppLvtBiEyk Spotify India (@spotifyindia) February 11, 2021 Amazon Prime Video India (@PrimeVideoIN): Something for everyone Amazon Prime Video (@PrimeVideoIN) leveraged its elaborate content library to encourage people to spend the day of love with the people they care about the most. In a creatively crafted Tweet, the brand shared content recommendations to watch with everyone - be it your family, friends, partner or even yourself. there's something for everyone this valentine's pic.twitter.com/EqzKVdHS3L amazon prime video IN (@PrimeVideoIN) February 13, 2021 Axis bank (@AxisBank): Share, but just enough The BFSI brand hit two birds with one arrow (cupids or not). With a creative GIF the brand encouraged people to be open about sharing their feelings, but smart enough to not share their banking credentials with anyone. This Valentines Day, be open to sharing your feelings but dont be open to sharing your confidential details! Keep your CVV, PIN, OTP and password always safe with you.#HappyValentinesDay pic.twitter.com/9sSrFNiamp Axis Bank (@AxisBank) February 14, 2021 Morris Garages India (@MGMotorIn) Morris Garages India (@MGMotorIn) played on the various forms of love shared between the brand and its customers to convey Valentines wishes to them. Touching upon the sentiments attached with ones MG vehicle, the brand reinforced the eternal love story inspired by its legacy. Lehigh Valley real estate agents are being warned of a series of concerning contacts over the past few weeks. Several female agents reported receiving harassing calls and messages, according to a memo sent last week to members of the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors. The group represents about 2,500 real estate professionals in the Lehigh Valley and Carbon County. Police have been alerted, but the memo does not say which department or departments. A message left for the realtor group was not immediately returned. The harassing calls come a few weeks after a suspicious person made unsettling comments to agents. The male asked to meet at an agents home, to be shown vacant homes, and said he was willing to buy any home as long as the specific agent showed it to him, according to the memo. The group has a roundup of safety apps realtors and real estate agents can use here. The National Association of Realtors has a list of safety tips, including showing properties before dark, limiting personal information, and letting someone know when you are going to an appointment and when you are due back. The incidents would be unnerving anywhere, but in the Lehigh Valley the concern is heightened as the killing of a real estate agent in 1997 still remains unsolved. On the morning of Sept. 12, 1997, authorities found the body of Charlotte Fimiano in an upscale, vacant house that had been for sale at 2147 Chelsea Lane in Lower Saucon Township. The Bethlehem Township woman was strangled and shot to death. Fimiano, who was 40 at the time, worked as an agent for the Weichert Realtors branch office in Bethlehem. Co-workers had said they saw her alive less than 24 hours earlier at the office and that she had left the office to meet a client at the house. The murder remains unsolved 23 years later. There has been no motive identified and police have not revealed if they believe a client was involved. Lehigh Valley Crime Stoppers has offered a reward of up to $1,000 for information that would lead to an arrest in the cold case. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.co The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that four Covid-19 infections by the South African variants of the SARS-CoV-2 and one infection by the Brazilian variant have been found in India, but there is no evidence of local transmissions by these variants so far. Out of the four people infected by the South African strain, two returned from South Africa, whereas the other two came back from Angola and Tanzania. They returned in January and subsequently the presence of such a strain was confirmed by genetic sequencing, Balram Bhargava, director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research said. The Brazilian strain was seen in an Indian traveller who returned from the South American nation in the first week of February. "All the five persons and their contacts have been tested and quarantined. There is no case of any infection. The location of these individuals are not being disclosed to protect their privacy, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said here. Globally reported first in December 2020, the South African strain has now spread to 44 countries. Similarly the Brazilian strain is seen in 15 nations after it was first reported in January, 2021. Both variants are associated with increased transmission risks. The admission of the presence of the South African strain comes a week after a top government official denied entry of such a variant in India. When asked about the South African strains presence in India at a press conference on February 9, NITI Ayog member Vinod Paul had stated, As of yesterday (Feb 8, 2021), this particular variant is not in the country. We are keeping a watch. This gives rise to the questions like whether Paul the governments key advisor on Covid-19 was not aware of the sequencing status of inbound travellers or why it took so many days to know the sequencing results of people who came back a fortnight ago. Besides the South African and Brazilian variants, there are 187 cases of UK variants in India. Asked whether India would impose any conditions on flights coming from South Africa and Brazil, Bhushan said that the government might initiate 100 per cent RT-PCR tests for the passengers in such flights, as was being done with UK flights. Since there is no direct flight from Brazil or South Africa, unlike the UK, the Health and Civil Aviation Ministry are now working out the modalities on how to carry out such a screening exercise for passengers coming from those two countries.. On the rise of cases in Kerala and Maharashtra, Bhushan said that the number of RT-PCR tests in both states went down and the states were required to reverse the trend. Filipino activists protest at the entrance of a heroes cemetery in Manila to ask the government to exhume the body of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, November 2018. The Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously dismissed a legal challenge by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the countrys late dictator with the same name, to invalidate his 2016 election loss in the vice presidential race. Marcos bitterly contested the results of the 2016 polls, and sought a recount of ballots in the election that he lost to Leni Robredo. Three years later, Robredos lead expanded by about 15,000 votes during a recount. The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, unanimously dismissed the electoral protest filed by former senator Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leni Robredo, Supreme Court spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka announced Tuesday. President Rodrigo Duterte considers the Marcos family as among his top political benefactors, and has publicly acknowledged them for their support when he won office in 2016. Duterte has repeatedly said in public that he considers Marcos Jr. to be the real vice president, and backed his electoral protest. In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately. On Monday night, Duterte stepped up his attack on Robredo by criticizing her for contradicting his statements on security issues related to the Visiting Forces Agreement, a bilateral military pact with the United States. Last week, the president said the U.S. would have to pay to maintain the agreement. You, maam, Im sorry to say, you are not really qualified to run for president. You do not know your role in this government, Duterte said during a publicly televised cabinet meeting. On Tuesday, Robredo spoke to reporters to thank her supporters. Marcos and his family could not immediately be reached for comment. Even if they tried to tarnish the legitimacy of my mandate, the trust remained, Robredo said, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the Duterte administration respected the courts ruling. That is the decision of the Supreme Court. We respect that and we respect also that the camp of Sen. Bongbong Marcos has a further remedy of moving for reconsideration, Roque told reporters. The top court is not known to reverse its rulings and the next presidential and vice presidential election will be held in 2022. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. ruled the Philippines for two decades, mostly under martial law. A people power revolt ended his regime in 1986, sending him into exile in Hawaii where he died three years later. Marcos widow, Imelda, and their children were allowed to return home, where they have regained political clout. The Marcos family allegedly stole about U.S. $10 billion (483 billion pesos) from government coffers during his regime. Of that amount, the government has recovered only about $683 million (33 billion pesos), which had been stashed in Swiss bank accounts. Long overdue Former rights commissioner Etta Rosales, who was raped and tortured by pro-Marcos forces during martial law, welcomed the courts ruling but said it was long overdue. She said Marcos Jr.s political play from the start was to discredit Robredo, a former legislator and lawyer, and the likely opposition candidate in next years presidential election. But the courts have affirmed the will of the people that good, reliable leaders like VP Robredo deserve their positions. Now we can proudly declare that Marcos failed to steal the vice-presidency, Rosales told BenarNews. She said that Marcos and his family not only attempted to steal the vice presidency, but also expressed disdain for the right of every Filipino who voted for Robredo. Such is the same Marcos arrogance that has kept him unrepentant for the same five years for his familys theft of the peoples money, Rosales said. Opposition Sen. Francis Pangilinan said the Marcoses should accept the decision. We welcome the ruling although how we wish this had been resolved much sooner because it affirms what we have been saying from day one, which is that the allegations of cheating in the process were baseless, he said. Dennis Jay Santos contributed to this report from Davao City, Philippines. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Dunmore, PA PennDOT has lifted all tier restrictions that were in place on all Interstates in District 4 (Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wyoming and Wayne counties). All speeds are restored to their usual posted limits. PennDOT is continuing to treat roadways in the area and will continue until roads are clear. Motorists can check conditions and snow-plow locations on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 860 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 There are three companies in Ukraine that can provide proper storage conditions for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said in an interview with Ukrinform. Commenting on the allocation by the European Commission of EUR 40 million to the Eastern Partnership countries, including Ukraine, to prepare for vaccination, Shmyhal said that the topic of vaccination against COVID-19 is the most relevant today for Europe and for Ukraine. "Therefore, it is not surprising that this issue was the first one in our dialogue. Last spring, we agreed with the EU on emergency macro-financial support for Ukraine in the amount of 1.2 billion euros, of which the first half - 600 million euros has already been received at the end of last year, and we expect the second half this year. So, we have quite a serious resource for the purchase of vaccines and for the creation of the appropriate infrastructure for logistics and storage," he said. Shmyhal also recalled that during his visit to Brussels, a loan agreement was signed with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for an additional 50 million euros for the purchase of vaccines and equipment, "in particular for the Pfizer vaccine, which really requires complex infrastructure due to its transportation and storage at an extremely low temperature of -80 degrees." According to Shmyhal, there are three companies in Ukraine "capable of providing such storage conditions, and their capacity is limited to 300,000 doses per week." "According to the Ministry of Health, this should be enough to withstand the cyclical use and import of new batches. But this capacity should, of course, be better developed in the future," he said. "For all other vaccines, the storage conditions of which are less stringent and should range between -8 degrees and 8 degrees Celsius, the infrastructure is quite extensive," he said. "There is a separate state-owned enterprise with appropriate storage facilities, and there are numerous private companies. In addition, we have upgraded this infrastructure, so we generally feel confident in terms of vaccine storage and logistics," Shmyhal said. As part of Shmyhal's visit to Brussels and Luxembourg on February 9-12, the Ukrainian government signed a number of documents on cooperation with the European Investment Bank. In particular, it was agreed with the EIB to allocate EUR 50 million for the purchase of vaccines for the population of Ukraine and modern refrigeration equipment for the network of vaccination centers. Deliveries are expected to take place in the second half of this year. op AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Strangeworks, Inc., a quantum computing software company dedicated to making quantum computing accessible, today announced three key initiatives as part of its mission to foster a global quantum workforce, humanize access to quantum computing and streamline existing quantum production workflows. Combined, these offerings establish Strangeworks as the leading Quantum Service Provider providing scientists, researchers, software developers, and enthusiasts with a complete quantum ecosystem that includes a browser-based development environment, hardware, software, educational resources, and an ever-growing library of quantum code to start from: Strangeworks QS (Quantum Syndicate) - Strangeworks QS is a collaboration of hardware, software, education, and cloud service providers that are working to develop the implementation and testing of new quantum technologies across all industry verticals to help quantum physicists, data scientists, educators and enterprise developers execute, validate, and benchmark current hardware platforms. This includes quantum computers based on super conducting, trapped ions, trapped atoms, annealers, and photonic technologies, among others. Collaborators include: 1Qbit, Algorithmiq, Amazon Braket, Atom Computing, Bleximo, Blueqat, D-Wave, Entropica Labs, Hitachi, Honeywell, Horizon Quantum Computing, IBM, IonQ, Microsoft, PlanQK, Qureca, Rigetti, Riverlane, Stack Overflow, Unitary Fund, and Xanadu. - Strangeworks QS is a collaboration of hardware, software, education, and cloud service providers that are working to develop the implementation and testing of new quantum technologies across all industry verticals to help quantum physicists, data scientists, educators and enterprise developers execute, validate, and benchmark current hardware platforms. Strangeworks QC ( Quantum Computing ) - Strangeworks QC is a free quantum computing ecosystem that enables researchers, developers, and enthusiasts to quickly learn, develop and manipulate real quantum code. With Strangeworks QC, users can easily create, organize, and collaborate on quantum computing projects and access libraries of code, frameworks, and languages, including the following: Amazon Braket SDK, Blueqat, Cirq, D-Wave Ocean, Forest, Jupyter Notebooks, Microsoft QDK (Q#), MyQLM, OpenQASM, ProjectQ, Python, Qiskit, Xanadu PennyLane, and Xanadu Strawberry Fields . Over the past year of beta testing, Strangeworks (in collaboration with members from Strangeworks QS) hosted over 20 educational webinars and 3 hackathons using the Strangeworks QC solution. - Strangeworks QC is a free quantum computing ecosystem that enables researchers, developers, and enthusiasts to quickly learn, develop and manipulate real quantum code. With Strangeworks QC, users can easily create, organize, and collaborate on quantum computing projects and access libraries of code, frameworks, and languages, including the following: . Strangeworks EQ (Enterprise Quantum) - Strangeworks EQ is a future-proof quantum infrastructure solution that brings the power of Strangeworks QC and Strangeworks QS together with enterprise features including granular security, IP protection, quantum machine access, resource aggregation, custom integrations, private deployments, team and project management, dedicated support, online training, and more Strangeworks EQ allows organizations to simplify resource allocation for multiple user personas while facilitating credit, cost, and job management through their network of vendors, contractors, and partners. Available as a managed cloud, private cloud, or on-prem hardware solution for government and enterprise customers, Strangeworks EQ offers both classical and quantum integrations, as well as bespoke custom chip integration. - Strangeworks EQ is a future-proof quantum infrastructure solution that brings the power of Strangeworks QC and Strangeworks QS together with enterprise features including granular security, IP protection, quantum machine access, resource aggregation, custom integrations, private deployments, team and project management, dedicated support, online training, and more To support the development of a global quantum workforce, the platform comprising of these three initiatives lowers the barriers to entry for developers to explore the emerging quantum landscape, which is set to fundamentally change computing as the world knows it. Hyperion Research is projecting that the global quantum computing (QC) market - worth an estimated $320 million in 2020 - will grow at an anticipated 27% CAGR between 2020 and 2024, reaching approximately $830 million by 2024. With today's announcement Strangeworks positions itself as the most inclusive source for quantum computing, bringing access to this emerging technology to everyone. "The quantum industry needs more collaboration, experimentation, and shared discoveries to help build the quantum workforce of tomorrow, today," said William Hurley (aka whurley), founder and CEO of Strangeworks. "By bringing together an unparalleled network of providers with a hardware-agnostic, software-inclusive, collaborative development environment, Strangeworks provides everything needed for governments, universities, and enterprises to start building their quantum solutions today." Strangeworks is based in the US, with a network of collaborators in institutions around the world. To support this global network, Strangeworks will expand its corporate footprint with an office in Munich Germany, the first in a series of new European Union offices. This expansion represents a key step forward in working with its existing and future syndicate members in Europe, and in providing industry leading solutions to its European customers. To join the Strangeworks Quantum Syndicate or to deploy Strangeworks in your enterprise visit: http://strangeworks.com . Strangeworks QC is available worldwide today, for free, at http://quantumcomputing.com ; governments and enterprises can apply for Strangeworks EQ access at http://strangeworks.com . About Strangeworks: Based in Austin, TX, Strangeworks is a group of experienced serial entrepreneurs, enterprise software developers, and quantum physicists who seek to humanize quantum computing and make it accessible to everyone. By guiding companies through the confusion of quantum computing, Strangeworks helps accelerate the integration of this new technology in corporations, universities, and enterprises. To learn more about how Strangeworks can accelerate your quantum journey visit: https://strangeworks.com/ Contact: [email protected] William Hurley [email protected] 512-788-5353 Quotes from Strangeworks' partners: "At the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), we serve as part of the nation's backbone for the advanced research and discovery possible through cutting-edge IT technology. As our quantum computing ecosystem continues to grow in Bavaria, we work closely with experts locally and internationally to provide innovative resources and services for our user community. We look forward to exploring the offerings of Strangeworks EQ and how working with this platform could advance the quantum science of Bavaria." - Laura Schulz head of strategic development and partnerships at Leibniz Supercomputing Centre. "The unified framework provided here is an indispensable platform for anyone working in, or interested in the field of quantum-computing, it is wonderful to see so many quantum-computing "The unified framework provided here is an indispensable platform for anyone working in, or interested in the field of quantum-computing. It is wonderful to see so many quantum-computing technologies, of all kinds, available in one place." - Professor Hidetoshi Nishimori Professor at the Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology. "PlanQK shares Strangeworks vision on Humanizing Quantum by making it more available and accessible for all," - Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Frank Leymann, Scientific Lead PlanQK & Director of Institute of Architecture of Application Systems, University of Stuttgart. "In the excited rush to build more high-quality qubits, the current limitations of quantum computers are often framed as an engineering obstacle. But within this industry, it's well known that the real bottleneck in quantum computing exists with the applications. To truly progress quantum computing, millions of developers will need to understand and practice coding with quantum information. Strangeworks' focus on bringing a beautiful experience to the next generation of quantum coders does a service to our entire industry and might just help find some new answers to the question "what can you do with a quantum computer?" - Andrew Fursman, Founder and CEO of 1Qbit. "Bringing quantum mechanics and quantum computing into the lives of aspiring scientists and engineers is one of the main reasons we started Atom Computing, and we couldn't be happier that Strangeworks is expanding access to these exotic machines." - Benjamin Bloom, Co-Founder & CEO of Atom Computing. "At D-Wave, our mission is to bring quantum computing to the world by helping developers and forward-thinking businesses embrace and benefit from practical applications of quantum computing. To do this, we must always be working to make it easier, whether in our products or by furthering the quantum ecosystem. The Strangeworks Quantum Syndicate is an expansion of this growing, vibrant community, our collective investment and participation in this syndicate demonstrates the importance of expanding access to the full stack of hardware, software and services available today to solve commercial scale business problems with quantum technologies." - Daniel Ley, SVP Sales, D-Wave. "Honeywell Quantum Solutions is proud to be part of the Strangeworks Quantum Syndicate and to bring trapped-ion quantum technology to the community for the development of real-world, enterprise-level solutions. We continue to improve and expand our commercial hardware offerings and are excited to provide developers, data scientists, and others with differentiated tools for algorithm development." - Tony Uttley, President of Honeywell Quantum Solutions. "IBM and Strangeworks share a deep commitment in an open, community-based approach to developing the quantum computing industry and ecosystem. IBM is thrilled to have our quantum software and hardware technologies integrated and ready to make quantum computing more accessible and usable to a broader set of developers in the private and public sectors." - Jay Gambetta, IBM Fellow and VP of IBM Quantum. "While many people still think of quantum computing as an exotic and complex field with a high bar for entry, our goal is to democratize access to quantum as widely as possible because we believe a developer in their garage is just as likely to come up with the killer application for quantum computing as someone at a massive company. We're excited to join the Strangeworks Quantum Syndicate and make our systems available through the Strangeworks EQ to reach an even wider audience." - Peter Chapman, CEO & President, IonQ. "Strangeworks is a great partner to further advance the quantum ecosystem and we are excited about the collaboration between our two organizations." - Andreas Liebing, Consortium Lead PlanQK & CEO StoneOne AG. "Strangeworks has created a bustling independent community for quantum computing enthusiast, developers, and enterprises who want to deploy quantum hardware and software technologies. We're incredibly excited to be a part of their platform launch and to integrate Deltaflow in this amazing infrastructure, giving everyone the option to look deep into the control systems of quantum computers." - Dr Steve Brierley, CEO of Riverlane. "The quantum ecosystem is growing and QURECA is pleased to bring our range of professional services, business development, and training solutions to QuantumComputing.com to address the quantum workforce skills bottleneck. Thanks to our partnership with Strangeworks, we can now ensure that quantum enthusiasts and businesses will have access to all resources to learn quantum computing, and the opportunity to practice on all hardware platforms available in the market." - Araceli Venegas-Gomez, Founder and Director of QURECA. "The Strangeworks platform enables our members to run quantum code quickly and intuitively from the comfort of their browser. We are excited to offer the Strangeworks QC platform as an option" - Raul Berganza, president of PushQuantum. "The Strangeworks platform made access to quantum programming painless for students with a wide range of backgrounds." - Professor Chris Ferrie, University of Technology Sydney. SOURCE Strangeworks [February 16, 2021] DHI Group, Inc. to Participate in Winter Wonderland - Best Ideas from the Buy-Side Conference CENTENNIAL, Colo., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DHI Group, Inc. (NYSE: DHX) today announced that it will be participating in the Winter Wonderland Best Ideas from the Buy-Side Investor Conference. Art Zeile, Chief Executive Officer, and Kevin Bostick, Chief Financial Officer, will host a formal presentation at the MicroCap Rodeo's Winter Wonderland Conference on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 at 2:00 pm PT, and hold one-on-one meetings on February 19th. The Winter Wonderland "Best Ideas from the Buy-Side" conference will be held February 16th - 19th, 2021 with 25-minute virtual presentations on the 16th and 17th, and one-on-ones for qualified institutional investors on the 18th and 19th. The conference is 100% curated by leading micro-cap buy-side fund managers. Please visit the event website at https://microcaprodeo.com to register for the conferece and schedule a one-on-one meeting with DHI Group, Inc. A webcast of the formal presentation will be available on the DHI Group investor relations website at https://dhigroupinc.com/investors/. Investor Contact MKR Investor Relations Inc. Todd Kehrli 310-625-4462 ir@dhigroupinc.com Media Contact Rachel Ceccarelli VP of Engagement 212-448-8288 media@dhigroupinc.com About DHI Group, Inc. DHI Group, Inc (NYSE: DHX) is a provider of software products, online tools and services to deliver career marketplaces to candidates and employers globally. DHI's three brands Dice, ClearanceJobs and eFinancialCareers enable recruiters and hiring managers to efficiently search, match and connect with highly skilled technologists in specialized fields, particularly technology, those with active government security clearances and in financial services. Professionals find ideal employment opportunities, relevant job advice and personalized data to best manage their whole technologist life. For 30 years, we have leveraged the latest technology to foster career connections in multiple markets including North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region. Find out more at www.dhigroupinc.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dhi-group-inc-to-participate-in-winter-wonderland--best-ideas-from-the-buy-side-conference-301229187.html SOURCE DHI Group, Inc. DALLAS, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second consecutive year, Dallas' luxury Lone Star landmark, The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, has been awarded with the prestigious Five-Star designation by Forbes Travel Guide, the only global ranking system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. This coveted 2021 triumph upholds the property's placement among the most iconic and revered hotels and resorts worldwide. "The Forbes Five-Star award is one of the most esteemed achievements that can be bestowed upon a hotel, and we are proud to say we've accomplished this feat two years in a row," said Andrew Davidson, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. "We couldn't have done this without the commitment of our skilled team of Ladies and Gentlemen, who continue to bring memorable service and luxury hospitality travel experiences to the city of Dallas." Forbes Travel Guide is the originator of the prestigious Five Star Rating systems and has provided the travel industry's most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hospitality entities since 1958. The Forbes Travel Guide team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against up to 900 rigorous and objective standards, provide consumers with insight to make better informed travel and leisure decisions. As the first hotel in the state to achieve this award in 2020, this latest accolade reinforces The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas as a leading premium brand in Texas. Apart from outstanding service and luxe accommodations, the hotel is home to world-class dining at Fearing's Restaurant and Rattlesnake Bar, led by the Father of Southwestern Cuisine, Celebrity Chef Dean Fearing, as well as a 12,000 sq. ft. water-centric spa, pool and Pool Bar, and 19,000 sq. ft. of cutting-edge meeting and event space. Located on downtown Dallas' famed McKinney Avenue, The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas is a destination for Texas locals as much as visitors, exemplifying genuine hospitality, elegant design and thoughtful gestures in a sophisticated and bold setting. With 218 lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites each boasting an enviable view of the city skyline accompanied by an impressive repertoire of onsite amenities, The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas beguiles visitors with legendary service, locally inspired amenities and exclusive experiences. For more information on The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, please visit ritzcarlton.com/dallas or call (214) 922-0200. Press contacts: Anna Peterson The Zimmerman Agency (850) 668-2222 [email protected] Jodi Doughty Director of Sales and Marketing (214) 922-4710 [email protected] SOURCE The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas Related Links http://ritzcarlton.com/dallas The Lekki Concession Company (LCC) said the company needs to reopen the Lekki Tollgate to be able to retain its staff and pay pending debts. Yomi Omomuwasan, the LCC manager, said this at a press conference in Lagos on Monday. Mr Omomuwasan said the company was owing debts in local and international banks to the tune of N11.5 billion and $31 million respectively as of 2020. As at 2011, we had a balance of about 24 billion in naira owed to local banks and 49 million dollar owed to an international development bank, said Mr Omomuwasan. Through the operation of the toll progressively, payments are being made. It is on record, the company borrowed money and we keep mentioning areas where people can verify. They are local banks, Nigerian banks, they have names and have records. There is no way a company can lie that we are owing when they are not owing, he said. The manager further said the company was badly affected by COVID-19 pandemic and led to the inability to make payments during the period, which they had to explain to the banks. Mr Omomuwasan said it was not right for the LCC to be shut down forever following the #EndSARS protests and related events. There is nowhere in the world where an event happened at a place and you close it forever, he said. The manager added that about 500 of the companys staff that were asked to stay at home since October 6, are anxious about being back in their jobs. 90 per cent of them are youths and asking if they will be back in their jobs, this is another reason the company needs to return to operations, he said. Forensic audit On why the forensic experts hired by the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry could not access the systems and servers of the company, Mr Omomuwasan said the focus of the forensic audit did not include the systems and servers of the company. Some members of the panel had alleged that the LCC hid some information from the forensic expert and impeded him from giving a forensic report on the incident of October 20, 2020. This is also part of the misinformation that we see in the public space. We were at the panel from October to February 6, that about four months that we spent with them. They asked us several questions about the camera and we took time to explain to them, he said. Speaking on the extent of cooperation with the forensic auditor, Mr Omomuwasa said the company cooperated with the auditor based on the content of the letter addressed to the company by the judicial panel. When we received a letter from the panel, the letter said that the focus of the forensic audit was the place where the incident occurred and not the camera at all. But we were surprised when the man came and said he wanted to go into our systems, by systems, we mean the LCC systems and servers. We took time to explain our understanding of the matter and he left, that is where we left the matter, the manager said. Mr Owomuwasan said if the forensic auditor thought that he still wanted to see the server, the company expected him to go back to the panel and change the focus of the letter. ADVERTISEMENT The letter that we have is limiting his work to the scene, that is why we explained to him that it had nothing to do with our servers or the camera systems, he said. Mr Omomuwasan said the LCC was only invited to assist the panel on the investigation of the shooting that occurred on October 20, 2020, and that the company was not a party. He added that there was never an order shutting down Lekki tollgate, but the company only stopped operations in the interest of peace. We believe there may be some things that will be important to the panel by the way of forensic audit on the scene, and we agreed that pending when this forensic audit will be done, we will not go there to do anything, because going there for us would mean clearing some burnt items, removing some certain things, calling on our insurance company to do some evaluations and calling our engineers to do some things. There was not a time when we were given a preventive order, an order saying LCC cannot resume operation. We just agreed to work together in the interest of peace to allow some certain facts which some people think in their own arguments may be there, Mr Omomuwasan said. The manager said the LCC was not surprised that as soon as the forensic evidence was completed, they were allowed to repossess the toll plaza. RTHK: Myanmar military guarantees new election Myanmar's military on Tuesday guaranteed that it would hold an election and hand power to the winner, denying that its ouster of an elected government was a coup and denouncing protesters for inciting violence and intimidating civil servants. The military's justification of its February 1 seizure of power and arrest of government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others came as protesters again took to the streets and after a UN envoy warned the army of "severe consequences" for any harsh response to the demonstrations. "Our objective is to hold an election and hand power to the winning party," Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the ruling council, told the military's first news conference since it seized power. The military has not given a date for a new election but it has imposed a state of emergency for one year. Zaw Min Tun said the military would not hold power for long. "We guarantee ... that the election will be held," he told the news conference which the military broadcast live over Facebook, a platform the military has banned. Asked about the detention of Nobel prize winner Suu Kyi and the president, he said the military would abide by the constitution. Despite the deployment of armoured vehicles and soldiers in some major cities on the weekend, protesters have kept up their campaign to oppose military rule demand Suu Kyi's release. As well as the demonstrations in towns and cities across the ethnically diverse country, a civil disobedience movement has brought strikes that are crippling many functions of government. Protesters blocked train services between Yangon and the southern city of Mawlamyine, milling on to a sun-baked stretch of railway track waving placards in support of the disobedience movement, live images broadcast by media showed. "Release our leaders immediately," and "People's power, give it back," the crowd chanted. Crowds also gathered in two places in the main city of Yangon - at a traditional protest site near the main university campus and at the central bank, where protesters hoped to press staff to join the civil disobedience movement. About 30 Buddhist monks protested against the coup with prayers in Yangon, while hundreds of protesters marched through the west coast town of Thandwe. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2021-02-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Donald Trump Jr. poses during a signing event for his new book at Barnes & Noble on 5th Avenue in New York on Nov. 5, 2019. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Jr. Says Father Will Keep Pushing America First Agenda After Impeachment Acquittal Former President Donald Trump will continue promoting an America first agenda after he was acquitted by the Senate, his son said Monday. The reality is this: Hes going to keep pushing that America first agenda, fighting for the American worker, Donald Trump Jr. said while on Fox News Hannity. Hes going to be pushing for candidates who will do that, not the random establishment guys that have sat there for years and have done absolutely nothing and get just total support from the establishment base. Were going to do exactly the opposite. Trump faced an incitement of insurrection charge after the House of Representatives impeached him on Jan. 13, but the Senate on Feb. 13 acquitted him. Forty-three Republicans voted not guilty. Seven voted guilty. But some GOP leaders, including Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), denounced the former presidents words and actions and have claimed he is no longer the head of the Republican Party. Trump has vowed to campaign against some of the lawmakers who oppose him, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). Supporters of former President Donald Trump gather along Southern Blvd near Trumps Mar-a-Lago home in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 15, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Trump Jr. asserted that his father brought the conservative movement from the dead back into real life and pointed to a surprise appearance in West Palm Beach that drew chants and cheers from a thousands-strong crowd earlier in the day. This is totally organic, he said, adding, It just shows that the American people are with Donald Trump. It was so heartwarming to see that spirit that we know exists with the American public, for someone that they know represents them, fights for them, for their values, for their jobs, he said, before taking aim at President Joe Biden. And I wrote a little book about liberal privilege. And all of the things that I talked about are exactly the thing that Joe Bidens doing, which is exactly the opposite: crushing American jobs, crushing the blue collar worker, catering only to the teachers union, they dictate science today. The appearance came as speculation builds that another Trump family member, daughter-in-law Lara Trump, may jump into the race to succeed Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.). Burr, who is retiring after his term is up in two years, was one of the Republicans who voted to convict Trump; he was censured for the vote late Monday. A former Trump adviser told The Epoch Times that Lara Trump would immediately galvanize conservative support, and not just because her last name is Trump. If Lara decides to run, she will trample the competition in a Republican primary. It wont be close, a former White House official added. South Africa will give away 1million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine after a study suggested it isn't effective against the country's mutant Covid strain. Anban Pillay, deputy director-general at the Department of Health, said the doses will be 'shared' with other African countries after South Africa abandoned plans to use the jab in its vaccine roll-out. That is despite the UK insisting that the vaccine does work and will prevent serious infections and deaths caused by Covid. South Africa will 'share' 1million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine with other countries in Africa after it abandoned plans to use the jab over fears it might not work (file image) South Africa will instead use Johnson & Johnson's vaccine in its own roll-out, which is due to start with healthcare workers later this month (file image) South Africa now plans to use Johnson & Johnson's one-shot Covid vaccine to power its roll-out, despite it using similar technology to the AstraZeneca jab. Health workers will be among the first to receive the jabs, with distribution due to start later this month. Pillay added that South Africa will seek to recover the money it spent on the vaccines, though did not say how. The African Union has already said that countries with cases of the South African variant - including Botswana, Comoros, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and Zambia - will not receive the AstraZeneca jab. Instead, 100million doses ordered by the continent will be distributed among countries where the variant has not been detected. The move comes after a study published last week by the University of the Witwatersrand suggested AstraZeneca's jab is not effective against the mutant virus. Prof Shabir Madhi, who led the study, said it suggests the vaccine's effectiveness could be as low as 10 per cent - well below the level needed for approval. But the research, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, has proved controversial because it only involved a small sample of relatively young participants. AstraZeneca was dropped by South Africa after a small study suggested it might not protect against mild and moderate cases of Covid, thought the UK insists it does work (file image) In total, 2,000 people with a median age of 31 took part in the study, and most did not have conditions that would make them more susceptible to Covid. While some developed mild or moderate coronavirus infections, none developed severe forms of the disease or ended up in hospital. But it is impossible to know whether this is because they were protected by the vaccine, or because they were from a low-risk group. The study appeared to show that a mutation in the South African variant allowed the virus to dodge neutralising antibodies produced by the AstraZeneca vaccine. But antibodies only serve as a first line of defence against a virus. T-cells provide a powerful second line of defence, and AstraZeneca has insisted that its vaccine will still produce this kind of response against the mutant strain. 'We do believe our vaccine could protect against severe disease,' a company spokesman said, adding that scientist have already begun work on a booster jab to counter the South African variant that should be ready by autumn. In brief: Arm chips are eating the world thanks to the company's unique business model that allows others to license its designs. Some of Arm's biggest customers hate the idea of Nvidia gatekeeping the tech through an acquisition, so they're urging regulators to take a careful look at the potential antitrust implications. When Nvidia announced it was buying Arm for a whopping $40 billion, it understandably shocked a number of tech giants, as it's bound to change the semiconductor landscape as we know it and extend Arm's influence beyond smartphones and the Internet of Things. Even the company's co-founder, Hermann Hauser, believes it to be a bad idea, since Arm will most likely be unable to retain its neutrality as most of its licensees are competitors of Nvidia. Nvidia told regulators in the UK, US, EU, and China that it is committed to maintaining Arm's open-licensing model and customer neutrality, but many of the companies that depend on that model aren't convinced. This includes Qualcomm, Microsoft, and Google, who have expressed their concerns to government authorities overseeing the acquisition. And others like Apple, Samsung, Intel, AMD, Amazon, NXP, MediaTek, and Huawei are also dependent on access to Arm's chip designs and software, which could get more expensive under Nvidia ownership. According to a CNBC report, Qualcomm is the most adamant to see the acquisition blocked by regulators, as it believes it could lead to Nvidia gatekeeping important parts of Arm's intellectual property. For years, Arm has been described as an "enabler of competition" thanks to its business model, which is unique in the hardware industry. The company's customers -- both big and small -- create a feedback loop that leads to continuous improvements of its chip designs and a healthy ecosystem of both standard and custom processors for a variety of applications. Theoretically, Nvidia plans to build on that open-licensing model and add some of its own intellectual property and research and development capabilities into the mix. But more importantly, Nvidia is eyeing the "combined company's target addressable market," which it estimates at $250 billion by 2023. Essentially, it wants to dominate in pretty much every area of computing -- consumer, enterprise, and industrial. The impact to Arm's 530 licensees could be huge, although Nvidia insists it would only help them grow their businesses. In its latest quarterly report, Arm revealed that its designs were materializing into around 842 chips per second by the end of last year, which should offer some perspective on the scale of its success. Regulators will need to go through a lengthy review process to ensure the acquisition won't affect competition, and opposition from several large tech companies spells trouble for Nvidia's ability to close the deal. In the end, tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and AMD are currently developing custom silicon based on Arm designs, and they don't want to see a repeat of the x86 situation where the market is closed to new entrants. This is even more important for startups, which are using free access to 75 percent of Arm's chip portfolio to spearhead hardware innovation. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Pampa Metals Corp. (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIRA) ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the geophysical surveying program at its 14,000-hectare Arrieros project in northern Chile is nearing completion. In addition, the Company informs that, because of the successful conclusion of the business combination between Austral Gold Ltd ("Austral") and Revelo Resources Corp. ("Revelo") on February 4, 2021, Revelo has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Austral, a precious metals producer in Chile. Austral, through its ownership of Revelo, is now the largest shareholder of Pampa Metals with a holding of 19.9% of the issued shares of Pampa Metals. Update on Exploration Activities at the 100% Owned Arrieros and Redondo-Veronica Projects As previously reported in the Company's December 23, 2021 news release, Pampa Metals is acquiring Resistivity and 3D Vector Induced Polarization ("VIP") data, together with Magneto-Telluric ("MT") and ground magnetic measurements over the Arrieros property. VIP and MT surveying is almost complete and magnetics surveying will start very shortly. The only geological rock outcrops on the property occur as a narrow fringe along the northern border of Arrieros, and sporadically along the western border, the rest of the property being covered and obscured by young, post-mineral gravels and other unconsolidated sedimentary sequences. A 1:5,000 scale geological mapping survey of lithology, hydrothermal alteration, structure, and mineralisation of the available outcropping rocks has been completed by an experienced geological consultant, together with limited indicative rock sampling of certain altered outcrops. Assay results are pending. Most of the outcropping rocks in the project area, dominated by basement Paleozoic granitic rocks, are affected by intermediate argillic alteration, often associated with quartz-carbonate veinlets. In the far northeast corner of the project area, quartz-tourmaline veins and veinlets, with or without carbonate, and sometimes accompanied by copper oxides, occur. Additionally, small artisanal workings with copper oxides occur within basement Mesozoic calcareous rocks in the northeast. Some phyllic-altered ledges were identified at the southern border of the outcropping granitic rocks, along a north-northeast Incaic structural corridor. Coarse monzodioritic and quartz-monzodioritic porphyry rocks from the important Middle Eocene magmatic arc, affected by porphyry-type alteration and mineralization, have been described at surface and in drill holes within the neighbouring Montezuma project area, to the immediate west of the Arrieros property. Historical wide-spaced magnetic data coverage over Arrieros reveals a series of geophysical anomalies possibly related to magmatic / porphyry copper systems obscured by the post-mineral gravel sequences. The results of the current ground geophysical surveys in combination with historical data and updated geological information will help define potential targets for drill testing. Once the geophysical survey crew has completed its work at Arrieros, it will be mobilised to Pampa Metals' Redondo-Veronica project located approximately 40 km NNE of the giant La Escondida copper mine and other related copper deposits in the district. Geological mapping at Redondo-Veronica has already been initiated. Once surface works at both Arrieros and Redondo-Veronica have been completed, likely in mid- to end-March, and once all results have been processed and interpreted, Pampa Metals will consider initiating drill testing of the best targets. Austral has Become the Largest Shareholder of Pampa Metals Pampa Metals was created in 2020 via a business combination together with the acquisition of a high-quality project portfolio - eight (8) projects covering 59,000 hectares - from Revelo for a combination of cash and 19.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. On February 4, 2021, Austral and Revelo completed their previously announced business combination, pursuant to which Austral has acquired all the issued and outstanding common shares of Revelo by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). This has resulted in Austral now indirectly holding 7,798,747 common shares of Pampa Metals, representing a 19.9% holding in the Company. Austral (AGLD / AGD) is a growing gold and silver mining, development and exploration company building a portfolio of quality assets in Chile, the United States and Argentina. COVID-19 The global outbreak of COVID-19 has led governments worldwide to enact emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus. Such measures may result in a period of business disruption including reduced operations, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and the market and trading price of the Company's securities. As of the date of this news release, the duration and immediate and eventual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown. It is not possible to reliably estimate the length and severity of these developments and the impact on the financial results and condition of the Company. The outbreak of COVID-19 has not caused disruptions to the Company's business to date, with field activities being conducted by Chile-based specialists and consultants, although international travel to Chile is currently not practical. However, the COVID-19 outbreak may yet cause disruptions to the Company's business and operational plans. Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mario Orrego G., geologist and a registered member of the Chilean Mining Commission and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Orrego is a consultant to the company. ABOUT PAMPA METALS Pampa Metals is a Canadian company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM). Pampa Metals has interests in an outstanding 59,000-hectare portfolio of projects prospective for copper and gold located along proven mineral belts in Chile, one of the world's top mining jurisdictions. See attached map for the locations of the Company's projects. The Company has a vision to create value for shareholders and all other stakeholders by making a major copper discovery along the prime mineral belts of Chile, using the best geological and technological methods. For more information, please visit Pampa Metals' website here www.pampametals.com. This refers to countering Russia's aggressive actions. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Yenin says Ukraine wants to intensify military and security cooperation with Japan. "The scale of the financial assistance provided by the Japanese government since the declaration of independence is impressive. As of today, it is more than US$3 billion. But I would like to note Ukraine would like to consider itself not only a recipient of assistance. We have something to offer our Japanese partners, and, first of all, we would like to be a stable partner in the field of security, in the field of countering new threats that have arisen to mankind today: this is the COVID pandemic, this is global warming, this is also countering the aggressive actions of individual players in the international arena. First of all, I mean the Russian Federation, but I would not like to mention only this country," he said at the forum "Asian Strategy in Action. The role of Ukrainian-Japanese cooperation" organized by the New Europe Center, an UNIAN correspondent reported. Thus, Ukraine wants to "fill military and security cooperation with deeper practical content," the official said. Read alsoUkroboronprom, UAE's companies strike deals worth over US$1 blnYenin said the issue of intensifying consultations between the Defense Ministries of two countries had been discussed at one of the last meetings with Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine Takashi Kurai. "We also talked about the extremely great prospects for cooperation and mutually beneficial exchange of experience on countering cyber threats, and I am very happy that all these things find a sincere response in the hearts of the Japanese government," Yenin said. The diplomat also expressed confidence in the possibility of combining different potentials of Ukraine and Japan, in particular, the scientific, technological and financial potential from the Japanese side, as well as a favorable geographical position (proximity to the European Union) and natural resources from the Ukrainian side. Yenin thanked the Japanese government for the continued support of Ukraine in the international arena, support for the sanctions regimes, as well as assistance in reform issues. More news reports Reporting by UNIAN Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 5:33 am Freshman legislator Peter Abbarno has frustrations over Gov. Jay Inslees handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. When taking questions from constituents during a virtual town hall meeting Feb. 11, the Republican member of the Washington State House of Representatives from Centralia touched on a number of aspects of the pandemic and the states response in his first wide-scale public outreach as an elected member of state government. Most of us would agree that when COVID-19 hit the governor made quick decisions (and) we followed those quick decisions because we wanted to learn more about what was going on and how to best address (the pandemic,) Abbarno said, but as time went on, we learned more and more about maybe there were different ways to address these issues. Abbarno, an attorney and five-year member of Centralia City Council, said Gov. Jay Inslees use of emergency powers had been in discussion since the past Summer, around the time of Inslees first extensions on orders made at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Abbarno said he was in favor of giving the executive branch enough latitude to make quick decisions, but also making sure that checks and balances were in place to keep from long-term policy becoming something unilaterally-decided. He pointed to a bill from his Republican colleague in the 19th Legislative District, Jim Walsh, which recently had its committee hearing. He said the bill would require executive orders to use the least-restrictive means, allowing for greater judicial review and limiting orders to 30 days. Its really not a partisan issue as much as it is about power, and separation of powers between the legislative branch and the executive branch, Abbarno said. Abbarno said that his freshman legislative session was unique, to say the least, both for himself and the rest of the lawmakers in Olympia. The session has been conducted remotely as a precaution for the ongoing pandemic, which he said for passive observers has been beneficial, as virtual proceedings lent themselves to greater access. Abbarno said that active participation, however, has been wonky and slow, noting committee meetings where only a fraction of individuals signed up to testify had been able to deliver their statements. For passive participation, to stay on top of whats going on in the legislature, I think its been great but if youre actively trying to talk about legislation and you want to testify, its really difficult, Abbarno said. Abbarno also touched on schools returning to in-person instruction, noting his wife was a teacher. He remarked that he had hoped teachers would have been higher up in priority for COVID-19 vaccinations for the states rollout of doses. In general, Abbarno was in favor of a greater return to in-person instruction. It seems like based on the science and data and transmission rates regarding children that this would be one of the safest and first things that we would try to address and bring back to normalcy, Abbarno said. Abbarno said that impacts ranged from the learning gap from students working in a remote setting to those on behavioral health due being isolated for a prolonged period of time. The mental health impacts of restrictions in place were something he said would be dealt with beyond the current legislative biennium, not just for youth but across the board in Washington state. You have parents, students, children, business owners, all in some sort of crisis mode, and we need to deal with it, Abbarno said. Abbarno said that for whatever legislation comes through, he would support bills that give local control over how any mental health-oriented aid was distributed. He said greater centralization of healthcare in Washington was a mistake, explaining that if you really want to deal with behavioral health and mental health, it needs to get driven down into the communities, so that the true stakeholders in that community have control (on) how its distributed and coordinated. Its not just about government money. It should be about how do we best treat those folks in crisis with government money, with social services, with faith-based communities, Abbarno said. We have to work together on it. A focus on infrastructure Regarding his own legislation, Abbarno has already had movement on the first bill he has introduced, which deals with funding infrastructure projects. House Bill 1263 was approved by the House Community and Economic Development Committee Feb. 6, and has a hearing scheduled for the House Capital Budget Committee Feb. 17. Chief among the bills impacts is the creation of a grant program for local governments which Abbarno said would not be funded through a new tax that was intended to be more coordinated for larger projects undertaken by the applicants. Abbarno said his bill would help with coordination of different components of infrastructure construction, following a dig once philosophy that the lawmaker has championed. When youre opening up the ground to put in infrastructure, you should be coordinating with all the agencies. It saves money; it creates efficiencies, Abbarno said. The bill focuses on grants for baseline infrastructure such as sewer and water, though he said it added broadband and power transmission as well. Abbarno said that the projects the grant would fund were fundamental in the realization of goals many local governments have in their development. We can talk about housing inventory, we can talk about job creation, we can talk about broadband thats secondary; thats phase two and three, Abbarno said, adding that none of those developments were possible without the appropriate infrastructure in place. Right now, a lot of these (existing) grant programs are small, so I feel like we never get anything done, Abbarno said, explaining his bill intended to see projects completed from start to finish. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Just when the national temper was cooling down, Mr. Aamir Khan has shared his wifes sense of insecurity, which was blissfully short lived, just as his desire to leave the country but a transient impulse. Ironically enough, though Mr. Khan chose to stay back his momentary distress lead to such a dispute between a couple that the wife chose to depart this world and media is again firing on all cylinders, flagging the urgency of celebrity concerns to the exclusion of a hundred issues of greater magnitude in our impoverished, problem-ridden country. The argumentative Indian is back at the job that he likes best, but is the least equipped for: critical debate. Let us face it. The intolerance debate has conscripted us all to politics, the media included. There is no middle ground; either you are with "us" or you are with "them"; to be neutral hints at moral dubiousness, even downright dishonesty. Normally the affliction of the common man, it has infected intellectuals and eminent historians like Irfan Habib, who went overboard with his comparison of RSS with ISIS. We are now witness to this argument without end, where the disputants reiterate their stated positions endlessly? The banality of the debate can be summed up in the simple binary of "why" and "why not". Or the very dismissive "Worse immorality has been seen"; because, given their record, no political party worth the name can clear the minimum standards of a secular morality. It leads to a selective rummaging of sediments of historical past. If Godhra is the real and active component of the secular offensive, and that moment in the past a never-fading frame of reference, it becomes necessary for those under attack to remind their erstwhile partners now in the Mahagathbandhan of continued opportunistic alliance. And of course, the reference to the "puppies" and "dogs" remark is bound to be countered by the eternal verity of that philosophical rumination "When a big tree falls, the earth shakes". Some more in the same vein accrue to the anthology of such remarks. Whether we like it or not, exploitation of fear is now recognised as a legitimate tool of electoral aggrandisement in our bitterly divisive politics. The Intolerance debate itself was initiated in the run up to the assembly elections to Bihar, and the Mahagathbandhan snatched a spectacular victory from the jaws of a certain defeat; thanks to the increased awareness of intolerance. The more terrorised the community is, the better yields it gives in terms of votes. The minorities flocked together like never before for Mahagathbandhan. The "secular" alliance, Mahagathbandhan, returned the favour by the declaration of election in Bihar as a war between the forwards and backwards, which delivered the so called forward caste, bound hand and foot as bonded voters in the camp of alliance led by the so called "communal" party. So would not one love ones enemy for its egregiousness, if it is so productive? To expect a radical new commencement of politics after the results in Bihar is idle, so we would be foolish to see the end of the debate. The intellectuals have contributed all that they had to the situation; their independent minds and their elegant opinions. Some of them have even gone to the extent of returning their awards. Celebrities have graced us enough with their star presences; but the fire rages on. The Dadri incident itself an abject failure of the local administration which was one of the focal points from which fear and intolerance radiated throughout the country, is as good a point as any to look for solutions. As a former police officer, it fills me with a vague sense of unease: how did one isolated incident here and one there in a vast country like ours add up to envelop the nation in a huge blanket of fear and anxiety? How did the tragic and unpardonable lynching of an alleged beef-eater assume an epidemic form of "mad cow disease", which went on to infect a large population with beef-related anxieties across the length and breadth of our vast country? Communal issues are the staple of a policemans work, and those of us who valued our profession took prompt action and nipped the disinformation machinery by absolutely fair and neutral action. To buttress my point, a couple of days back, the Bihar police shot down two from a mob determined to lynch a runaway driver belonging to the minority community. He had crushed two Hindu villagers to death. The police officer in charge of Hajipur Police station was lynched to death by the "intolerant" mob but the situation was saved. Had the police failed, would it have gone to substantiate the evidence of intolerance? Had Dadri been prevented, would we still be self-flagellating ourselves with the evidence of our intolerance? Incidents of communal nature are amenable to prompt professional response, and if they are taking place all over the country under various political dispensations, are they not contributing to the situation? Should not we be looking for better policing also, apart from what we are doing - engaging in debate, counselling the hate mongers - as an option? The law of the land provides every remedy for creators of distrust. The media plays - ought to play - its role of keeping the reporting to balanced proportions, helps in confidence building measures, which are the antidote to mutual distrust, fear and anxieties. With the unruly and anarchic social media, now the mainstream media has not only to report but debunk the bogus and pernicious floated by the alternate media. Fear is not a naturally occurring germ or virus; it is anthropogenically created information (or deliberate disinformation) riding on electromagnetic waves or other means of communication. Once brought into being, it mutates and multiplies of its own to create anxieties and distrust. We may now recall the background of the intolerance debate: the interviews and remarks of the likes of Sakshi Maharaj, Yogi Aditya Nath, Pragya, and a clutch of sadhvis, Giriraj Singh the collocation is both decisive and damning, they are well known for irresponsible remarks started it all. The emblematic example of the intolerance against Mr. Shah Rukh Khan certainly not the most tolerant of Indians, the man who only recently thrashed the security guards in the Wankhede Stadium in an IPL match, was involved in a high voltage star war performance with Salman Khan, and has reportedly dared one of his insulting followers on social networking sites to give him his home address and be prepared to be thrashed needs to be examined at some length. After a union minister was forced to certify Shah Rukh Khans patriotism, and for good measure heaped a whole lot of praise on him for his many qualities and the contribution that he has made to society etc., we could have expected a closure. (Could one of the lessons be that a citizen must be worried and get his patriotism attested by a union minister should any jerk ever question it?) But that was not to be. Giriraj Singh, an expert on who should be excommunicated to Pakistan, was again up to his incendiary tricks on a channel the very next day. Whose interest was served by providing him a platform? If every deed of a particular hue is blown into every eye, if every hot head with a slingshot and every wounded heart on the receiving end of the shot is to be provided a platform, one cannot but feel snowed down under a pall of anxiety. If the Hinduttva brigade is the original arsonists, are others also not fanning the fire? Paul Tillich, the existentialist Christian theologian of culture says, "He who is in anxiety is, insofar as it is mere anxiety, is delivered to it without help [] The only object is the threat itself, but not the source of the threat, because the source of the threat is "nothingness." My worry is that Mr. Khan may not be the last victim of the anxiety to be "delivered without help". This creeping disease may create deep and abiding fissures in our society which would survive the departure of the man from the national scene who is alleged to be the "fountainhead" of it all. We seem to be a little like the Chinese boy in Charles Lambs Dissertation on the Roasting of a Pig who, in order to roast a pig, burns down the house itself. So it is time for common man and woman to take things in their hands. We plead: we are suitably alert to the situation, give us a break now. We cheer up to think that even before the intolerance debate seized us by the throat we were not known to be a very tolerant nation. Leave aside the ire of the high and mighty, common men like you and me, regularly get involved in road rages, parking disputes, and disputes over something as trivial as sharing of berths. Inter caste and community love affairs have led to murders and honour killings. But we take these things on our chins and move on, and life goes on as usual. People still drive cars, use parking lots, travel in trains, and fall in love across communities and caste. Even those unfortunate enough to have been embroiled in violent communal situations pick up the threads of their disrupted lives and move on. Despite a hundred things that divide us, we have survived together this long. Insha Allah! We will survive some more. India Today magazine once referred to Manoje Nath, a 1973-batch IPS officer, as being fiercely independent, honest, and upright. Besides his numerous official reports on various issues exposing corruption in the bureaucracy in Bihar, Nath is also a writer extraordinaire expressing his thoughts on subjects ranging from science fiction to the effects of globalization. His sense of humor was evident through his extremely popular series named "Gulliver in Patiliputra" and "Modest Proposals" that were published in the local newspapers. Inside Tapovan tunnel: Rescue workers keep at it as hopes recede India pti-Madhuri Adnal Tapovan (U'khand), Feb 16: Bright lights illuminate the surreal scene deep inside the tunnel: slush and mud, tread marks of vehicles that have been going in and out for the past week, and a single excavator still at work. Three more bodies of the estimated 30 people initially feared trapped inside the Tapovan hydel project tunnel in Uttarakhands Chamoli district were pulled out Tuesday. But the pace of work during the day has been slow, officials said. Water is seeping out from the yet to be cleared portion of the tunnel, and is being continuously pumped out. But that also means more slush. Fewer rescue workers were at the job during Tuesday evening than the day before. In the evening, a PTI photographer went down the sloping tunnel, from where tonnes of sludge and debris and 11 bodies have excavated since the rescue effort began after a flash flood on February 7. Uttarakhand glacier burst: 36 dead, rescue operations continue for 6th day at Tapovan tunnel At around 150 metres, its easy to see what the rescue workers are up against. A solid wall of mud blocks the rest of the tunnel. Munna Khan and Mithlesh Singh, who worked at the devastated NTPC power project on Dhauliganga, are now deployed in the rescue effort at the same. Singh indicates that he might have been one of the victims had he been on duty that Sunday. The bodies they found were pressed against the walls or the roof of the choked tunnel. On most days, an excavator and a truck are put on the job of removing the sludge and the debris. The excavator dumps its load on to the truck, which then heads back to the mouth of the tunnel. But the water seepage and the slush on Tuesday have made rescue agencies deploy just the lone excavator which makes trips up and down the tunnel. Rescue workers typically work four-hour shift, and are relieved by the next batch of men. Breathing in the tunnel is somewhat harder, as if the oxygen level is depleted. The Indo-Tibetan Force, the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force have been involved in the massive effort. The disaster was possibly triggered by an avalanche in the upper reaches of the Alaknanda river system. A surge in the Dhauliganga devastated the National Thermal Power Corporations Tapovan power project, which has become the focus of the rescue effort. Before ramming into the Tapovan site, the flood waters devastated the much smaller hydel unit at Raini. Several villages too were cut off for a few days. Groups of relatives have gathered at the Tapovan tunnel, hoping that their loved ones will emerge alive from its moth. So far, it has been just the bodies. Has Kendall Jenner photoshopped herself to look like BARBIE in her latest modelling campaign? The model. 25, has been accused of editing her latest SKIMS picture, after fans were convinced her lithe supermodel proportions were exaggerated. The post garnered comments after she wore a thong bikini in the Valentine's Day-themed shoot. One follower wrote: 'These are not her proportions, not are they anyone else's' and noted her bikini line was unnaturally smooth. Has Kendall Jenner photoshopped herself to look like BARBIE? Model has been accused of editing photo as fan claimed 'no one has these proportions and her bikini line is too smooth' 'It may allude to Photoshop': One user went over a number of technical irregularities with the post of Kendall, including how her arms and legs bended in the picture On Monday, a post by @problematicfame, titled THE KENDALL JENNER CONTROVERSY, described her as 'gorgeous' but believed she altered the photos. They wrote: 'All body types are beautiful and should be appreciated. I just think its an important reminder that the internet is usually filtered + posed!' The user went over a number of technical irregularities with the post of Kendall, including how her arms and legs bended. 'Kendall is obviously very gorgeous but these are not her real body proportions nor are they anybodys,' the user wrote. 'Please dont compare yourself to heavily edited images. Even Kendall doesnt look like this [in real life].' In a reference to her lower half, the user wrote, 'The smoothing around the bikini line is ridiculous. Nobody looks like that. Gals have lines, razor bumps, discoloration, etc. Nobody is completely smooth down there.' Opinionated, much? @problematicfame, titled THE KENDALL JENNER CONTROVERSY, went into detail on why they felt Kendall might have altered some of the photos in the shoot Legs for days: The original post from the 25-year-old reality star garnered a slew of responses, with many people stating their envy for the slender star 'This is not an attack on Kendall': The user made clear they support Kendall on a personal level, but that they are not a fan of Photoshop Kind: Kendall eventually responded with a message of body positivity for her social media followers Beautiful: Kendall, pictured in 2017 is incredibly beautiful and long limbed, even when she steps out make-up free Kendall last week reassured her fans that she has her share of 'bad days' after one user suggested that looking like the Keeping Up With the Kardashians would 'solve all' of their problems in life. 'I am an extremely lucky girl,' said Kendall, who is currently linked to Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker. 'Appreciative of all that i have. but i want you to know I have bad days too and that i hear you! you are beautiful just the way you are!!! its not always as perfect as it may seem.' Something to say: In a reference to her lower half, the critic wrote, 'The smoothing around the bikini line is ridiculous' noting that we all have 'razor bumps and discoloration' Maybe she lasers: In a reference to her lower half, the user wrote, 'The smoothing around the bikini line is ridiculous' A military checkpoint is seen in Goseong, Gangwon Province, Jan. 16. Yonhap A North Korean man was caught after crossing into South Korea via the eastern part of the border, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Wednesday, amid a possibility that he could have sought to defect to the South. South Korean troops detected the man at around 4:20 a.m. through a CCTV surveillance camera as he was moving south near a military checkpoint located inside a restricted area north of the Civilian Control Line on the east coast, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). After a three-hour manhunt, the man was taken into custody around 7:20 a.m, it added. "The man is presumed to be a North Korean, and an investigation is under way in cooperation with related authorities into other details, such as how he ended up here and whether he has an intention to defect," JCS said in a statement. "JCS is also checking the overall surveillance posture across the border. The North Korean military has not shown any unusual moves as of now," the statement read. It is not immediately known if he is a soldier or a civilian, and how he was able to cross the heavily fortified border. The last such incident took place in November when a North Korean civilian crossed the border undeterred into the South in the town of Goseong, in a suspected defection attempt. Malfunction of sensors installed at the fences and other loopholes in the military's scientific security system were blamed for the security breach. In the wake of a series of security breaches, the ministry has taken steps to improve the border surveillance system. (Yonhap) Canadas Failed Foreign Policy for Latin America and Venezuela should be Abandoned, not Re-furbished By Radhika Desai, Venezuela Peace Committee, Winnipeg Alison Bodine, Fire This Time Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, Vancouver Maria Victor, Louis Riel Bolivarian Circle, Toronto Alan Freeman, Canadian, Latin American and Caribbean Policy Centre, Winnipeg 9 February 2021 We write in response to the article, Canada and the U.S. must unite to help Latin American refugees by four prominent public figures including former US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright and former Canadian Foreign Minister, Lloyd Axworthy urging U.S.-Canadian cooperation on important hemispheric issues, particularly the crisis in Venezuela and the regions mounting refugee crisis. Unfortunately, their proposals only seek to salvage failed and failing policies. The refugee crisis in the region is caused not by gang warfare and endemic violence but the imposition of neoliberal policies through compliant governments and the actual or attempted overthrow of non-compliant ones. Speaking in the name of the refugee women and children, Albright, Axworthy et al propose a resettlement plan that will, no doubt, convert the people displaced by their policies into a labour reserve sited at a comfortable distance from U.S. and Canadian borders and conveniently on tap for their economies. Their major programme of development assistance to alleviate poverty and promote human security [and] climate adaptation also adds good governance to its agenda. It is a code word for the very neoliberal austerity policies that underlie the regions problems and can only make the already bad situation worse. The U.S.-Canadian policy on Venezuela has been pursued through illegal organizations such as the Lima Group, illegal policies such as sanctions not approved by the United Nations, and illegitimate means such as supporting unconstitutional upstarts such as Juan Guaido to undermine Venezuelas constitutional government. Despite all the effort put into them, these policies have failed. On the one hand, the successful conclusion of the Venezuelan National Assembly elections has demonstrated the political vitality of the Bolivarian government despite the great pressure it is under. On the other, the failure of the U.S.-Canadian policy is clear in Canadas failure to secure a seat on the U.N. Security Council, and the European Unions withdrawal of support from Juan Guaido. The policies proposed by Alright, Axworthy et al are, like U.S. and Canadian policies of long-standing, based on falsehoods. The article claims, like U.S. and Canadian official sources and most media, that Venezuelas National Assembly elections were fraudulent. However, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) has pointed to the facts: over 1500 international election observers witnessed and validated the December 6 election, including the Council of Latin American Electoral Experts and several former heads of state including Evo Morales of Bolivia, Rafael Correa of Ecuador, and Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero of Spain. In all, 107 political parties, of which 98 were opposition parties, and 14,000 candidates contested the election. Albright, Axworthy et al. blame Venezuelas migration crisis on the Bolivarian government when it has, in fact, been caused, as Senator Richard Black of Virginia recognises, by illegal U.S. and allied sanctions against Venezuela since 2015 that have made it impossible for Venezuela to maintain its oil production or trade its oil and is the chief cause of Venezuelas economic crisis. Moreover, thanks to the harsh conditions facing migrants in their new countries, often members of the Lima Group, they have been returning. Working with the U.N., the Maduro government runs a special program to ease their return at no cost, and more than 40,000 Venezuelans have returned. Venezuela has not only not failed to provide basic health services, despite great economic difficulties, the Maduro government has organised a successful effort against Covid 19 with 43 deaths per million (compared to neighbouring Columbias 1088 per million or the U.Ss 1405 or Canadas 551) and have done so despite the U.S. blockade and financial sanctions that hamper the effort, as does the Bank of Englands blocking Venezuelan gold. Indeed, the authors reference to blood gold misses the mark: not only is Venezuelan gold not mined in a war-torn country (unless the authors wish to concede that the U.S. and Canada have been waging an undeclared and illegal hybrid war in Venezuela), the only the only Venezuelan blood gold is that literally stolen by the Bank of England. The authors not only ignore the real US-Colombia narco-capitalist nexus when they accuse Venezuelas top military leaders of narco-trafficking and embezzling public funds, they helping the US, which usually laces its regime change operations with such terms. They also fail to note that it is Canadas protege, Juan Guaido, who has links with drug traffickers in Colombia and has been accused of corruption and misappropriation of funds. Albright and Axworthy propose a humanitarian response to the Venezuelan crisis, but also the creation of a new multistakeholder regional network particularly by mobilizing the Organization of American States (OAS) notwithstanding the fact that Venezuela and its regional allies (Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and a number of small Caribbean states) would frustrate diplomacy. However, what they deign to call diplomacy would in fact be illegal as the OAS charter forbids interference in the affairs of a member state. We encourage news media, including Globe and Mail, to practice fairness and accuracy in reporting and to publish more responsible opinions from more responsible figures: Madeleine Albright, it should be remembered, kicked off the post-Cold War U.S. unilateral aggression, insisting Whats the point of having this superb military that youre always talking about if we cant use it? and believed the death of half a million Iraqi children under US sanctions as a price worth paying. Back to Article Listing In the wake of former President Donald Trumps February 13 acquittal in his second impeachment trial, state Republican parties have reaffirmed their allegiance to the would-be dictator. Emboldened by the Democrats feckless impeachment trial, which shielded Trumps Republican co-conspirators in Congress as well as his abettors in the military, the police and on Wall Street, state Republican parties are advancing motions to punish those few Republican lawmakers who voted for Trumps impeachment or Senate conviction. Virginia Sen. Amanda Chase and Republican gubernatorial candidate, speaks from her desk at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Ryan M. Kelly) Out of the 57 senators who voted to convict, only seven were Republicans, resulting in acquittal since conviction requires a two-thirds margin, or 67 votes. Almost all of the seven Republicans who voted against Trump are facing censure by their state parties. In North Carolina, the state party met Monday night to formally censure Senator Richard Burr. Burr, who has generally backed Trump, was among the 46 Republican senators who voted earlier in the five-day trial to quash the proceedings on the legally specious grounds that it is unconstitutional to impeach and convict a president who is no longer in office. Nevertheless, on Saturday he joined six other Republicans to cast a guilty vote against the ex-president. State party chairman Michael Whatley condemned Burrs vote, calling it shocking and disappointing. Burr has already indicated that he will not seek reelection in 2022, leading to speculation that Trumps daughter-in-law Lara Trump, a native of North Carolina and wife of Eric Trump, will run for Burrs seat. In Utah, the Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday that a draft is circulating among state Republicans seeking to censure Mitt Romney for his guilty vote. Indicative of the far-right forces that control much of the party apparatus, the petition asserts that Romney appears to be an agent for the Establishment Deep State. On Saturday, immediately following the conclusion of the Senate trial, the Louisiana GOP censured Senator Bill Cassidy after he voted to convict Trump. The Louisiana party issued a statement announcing the censure vote and stating: We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the vote today by Sen. Cassidy to convict former President Trump. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse is likewise facing a censure vote. The vote was temporarily put on hold due to the debilitating ice storm that blanketed much of the US over the weekend. The measure from the State Central Committee of the Nebraska Republican Party excoriates Sasse for statements he made after the attempted coup of January 6 in which he accused Trump of inciting the riot at the Capitol and of lying to the American people. The measure also condemns Sasse for defamatory public statements against Republican Senators Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, both of whom promoted Trumps lying claims of election fraud and voted to overturn the results of the election after the insurrection at the Capitol. Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey, who has also announced he will not seek reelection, was censured by multiple county GOP committees for voting to convict Trump. Republican committees in Lawrence, Washington, York, and Centre County all voted to censure Toomey over the past week. In a February 13 statement, state GOP chair Lawrence Tabas said the acquittal of Trump was the constitutionally correct outcome. In line with the constant appeals of the Biden administration and the Democrats for bipartisan unity with the party of the fascistic ex-president, Tabas concluded his statement by declaring, I hope that we can now turn our attention to opening our schools In Maine, the Bangor Daily News reported that Maine GOP Chair Demi Kouzounas intends to censure Senator Susan Collins by the end of the month. In an email to party members this past weekend, Kouzounas wrote that many of you are upset after what happened today as are we. The wave of censure motions is a continuation of the consolidation of state Republican parties behind Trump that has followed the January 6 assault on the Capitol. Within days of the attack, several Republican state and county organizations released statements or posted comments on their social media pages either endorsing the coup or denying the role of Trump and his co-conspirators within the party in organizing the insurrection. In Nevada, Nye County Republican Party Chairman Chris Zimmerman wrote a Facebook post two days after the coup attempt asserting, Trump will be president for another four years, and we will have a new administration made up of a new vice president and cabinet, as the current ones have all made their treason complete. The post warned of mass arrests and disruptions in telecommunications systems, and alleged that we are in a battle for our republic against elites that are attempting the very coup that they are accusing Trump of doing. Zimmerman justified the letter to local media, telling Fox 5 that there was nothing seditious about the letter. After 10 Republican House members voted to impeach Trump last month, Oregon state Republican Party Chairman Bill Currier released a statement on January 19 condemning the betrayal of the Republican representatives who supported impeachment without any investigation, hearing, shred of due process, and in contradiction to the known and emerging facts. John Kraft, chairman of the St. Croix County Republican Party in Wisconsin, took down and then uploaded a newly redesigned version of the county organizations website after it was discovered by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last month that the page advised members to prepare for war. In an archived version of the website dated January 7, Kraft echoed the language of the Boogaloo militia members who plotted to kidnap and assassinate Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer last year, writing: We need to start local by eliminating leftist tyrants from all local and County positions in the upcoming April election. Two days after the coup attempt, the head of the Texas GOP, Allen West, posed with militia members outside the Texas Capitol on the opening day of the legislature. West has consistently defended Trump and appealed to violent fascists. Last July, he changed the motto of the state party to We are the Storman overture to the fascistic QAnon conspiracy theory, which uses the phrase to describe the mass execution of Trumps enemies. In Michigan, state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, who was censured last month by the state party for not upholding conservative values, recanted an earlier apology he had made after a video came to light in which he characterized the January 6 coup attempt as a hoax from day one. In tandem with their consolidation behind Trump, Republican state parties are advancing measures to limit voting in the upcoming 2022 election. Central to Trumps fabricated claims of a rigged election was his attack on the use of mail-in and absentee ballots. The use of these ballots increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mail balloting is being targeted in most of the measures being introduced by Republican-controlled state legislatures. A recent analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice found that state legislatures had introduced four times the number of bills meant to restrict voting as had been introduced by this time last year. As of the first week of February, the Brennan Center found that 33 states had introduced, prefilled, or carried over 165 restrictive bills this year, compared to only 35 last year. Restrictive bills include measures that would limit mail voting access, impose stricter voter ID requirements, slash voter registration opportunities or enable more aggressive purging of registered voters from the rolls. The Republican-controlled legislature in Arizona, a state that went for Trump in 2016 but was won by Biden last November, leads the nation in measures attacking voting rights. It has introduced 19 restrictive bills. It is followed by Pennsylvania with 14, Georgia with 11 and New Hampshire with 10. Examples of legislation under consideration include Missouri Bill SB 282, which would eliminate COVID-19 as a valid reason for obtaining a mail-in ballot. Similar proposals are under consideration in Arizona, Georgia, North Dakota and Oklahoma. The Brennan Center found that so far this year, 18 states have advanced 40 measures seeking to impose new or more stringent voter ID requirements, such as accepting only a state ID from the state where one is voting, or requiring voters to mail a photocopy of government ID along with an absentee ballot. Ten states that previously had no voter ID requirement are currently considering legislation to impose one. In Pennsylvania, where Trumps efforts to throw out the votes of nearly seven million people failed in the courts, the GOP is seeking to remedy the problem of too many people voting by gerrymandering the state Supreme Court, which is currently in the control of the Democratic Party. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) executives of the Ada Constituency have petitioned President Akufo-Addo not to re-nominate Madam Serah Dugbakie Pobi as District Chief Executive(DCE). The executive said she had always exhibited" blatant disrespect for the party structure and constant expression of non-confidence and praticalization of such for the Constituency Executives." The petition which was copied to the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the NPP regional chairman and the regional secretary, stated nine reasons why the President should reject the District Chief Executive Madam Serah Dugbakie Pobi's bid to become a DCE of the area again. The Ada Constituency Chairman, NPP, Mr. Ofotsu Apronti, among some other party executives, penned their signatures to affirm their displeasure on what they termed "abysmal performance' of the DCE." "We, the numbered and undersigned rank and file of the New Patriotic Party in the Ada Constituency, consisting of Constituency Executives, Electoral Area Coordinators, Council of Elders and Patrons, do hereby resolve NOT to support and therefore reject any attempt to nominate, elect and appoint Sarah Dugbakie Pobee as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Ada East District Assembly. We do not support her candidacy for the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the following reasons; "1. Her approximately (4) four year in office as the District Chief Executive saw the marginalization of the Constituency Party from the mainstream governance of the district surprisingly in favour of opposition members in the NDC resulting in huge party apathy leading to the stunt in growth of the Constituency Party. "2. Her blatant disrespect for the party structure and constant expression of non-confidence and praticalization of such for the Constituency Executives, Electoral Area Coordinators and Polling Station Executives as evidenced by her relationship with the above during her entire tenure and more especially during the election period. "3. Her non-compliance with the rules and regulations for the 2020 elections, having doubled as the Parliamentary Candidate/District Chief Executive (DCE) i.e. (a) Non usage and the abandonment of the inaugurated Constituency Campaign Team to run a parallel campaign team. (b) Never cooperated to ensure the successful implementation of the Constituency drawn election/campaign programme. "4. Her bad management and distribution of the Constituency election logistics and funds to the detriment of the Constituency Party. "5. Her inability to convince and mobilize the majority of the work force of the District Assembly as well as her failure to appeal to the electorates to support and vote for her candidacy and the party as evidenced by her abysmal performance during the 2020 elections. "6. Her divisive and insatiable desire for self-wealth making, to the disadvantage of the growth of the Constituency Party as well as her unreliable nature. "7. Her deep involvement in the Ada-Foah Chieftaincy brouhaha that has affected the partys performance immensely. "8. Her poor relationship with the majority of the elders of the party including the Patrons, Council of Elders and members of the Partys Disciplinary Committee. "9. Her general sense of arrogance and total disregard to party faithful as well as ordinary indigenes of the district. We are convinced that any thorough, independent research will collaborate the outlined reasons and thereby vindicate the numbered and signed executive committee members," the statement said. Madam Pobi has declined to comment on the issue. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A subway stabber who has been charged with killing two homeless people during a violent 14-hour spree is being held without bail as the grieving father of one victim speaks out about the loss of his daughter. Rigoberto Lopez, 21, was taken into custody Saturday night at W. 186th St and Audubon Avenue in Washington Heights. Authorities said Lopez, who is mentally ill, was charged on Sunday with murder and attempted murder after confessing to killing two people and slashing two others. One victim has been identified as Claudine Roberts, 44, whose father told the New York Post that he has been left heartbroken over the loss of his daughter. 'It breaks my heart,' Winston Roberts said. 'She came here well-dressed on Wednesday. She was in pink shoes and a green jacket. Now she is in the morgue.' Winston revealed that Claudine was homeless and also suffered from mental illness, which had driven her to the streets. 'She started getting like this when she was in high school,' he told the Post. 'We had to take her to the hospital.' Scroll down for video Rigoberto Lopez, 21, who has been charged with killing two homeless people during a violent 14-hour spree, is being held without bail as the grieving father of one victim speaks out about his daughter He said Claudine, who emigrated to the US from Jamaica, was in Bellevue Hospital since January and was released about a week before she was killed on Saturday. 'I loved my daughter,' he said. 'I tried to do the best for her.' Lopez was reportedly arrested in Upper Manhattan, just blocks from where the bloody rampage began and taken into custody at the 34th Precinct in Washington Heights. The fatal stabbings took place on opposite ends of the A subway line, which connects the Inwood section of Upper Manhattan with Rockaway, Queens. During a news conference on Saturday, police told reporters that the violent stabbing spree started at around 11.20am on Friday. That's when a 67-year-old man was stabbed by an assailant at the 181st Street A-line subway station. The victim, Carlos Martinez, is expected to survive, according to police. Police released an image of the knife, saying: 'The suspect was found with this knife at the time of arrest which he used on the vulnerable' New York City police officers are seen patrolling a subway station in Brooklyn He told cops that his attacker had shouted 'I am going to kill you', before he was stabbed in the right knee and left buttock, New York Post reported. The next attack took place before midnight, when authorities found a man stabbed to death in his seat on the A train at the Mott Avenue station in Far Rockaway, Queens. The victim died of stab wounds to his neck and torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Just two hours later, Claudine was found unconscious after she was stabbed while riding the A train at the 207th Street Station in Upper Manhattan. Claudine was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Just a few minutes later, a 43-year-old man was randomly stabbed at the A subway station on West 181st Street in Manhattan. The man was rushed to hospital where he is listed in stable condition. Police patrol the A line subway train bound to Inwood on Saturday, after NYPD deployed an additional 500 officers into the subway system Police are seen on the A line subway train bound to Inwood on Saturday looking for the subway slasher A man was found stabbed to death before midnight on Friday at the Mott Avenue Beach subway station in the Far Rockaway section of Queens - the southernmost tip of the A subway line The slashing spree sparked a massive manhunt and an outcry for safer subways. Officers were seen patrolling subway stations across the city looking for Lopez before he was arrested. Lopez was ordered held without bail during a virtual arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday. During the arraignment, authorities said Lopez had spent time in at least one hospital psychiatric ward, according to the New York Daily News. At the request of prosecutors, criminal court Judge Barbara Jaffe remanded him and ordered medical attention. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been an uptick in violent incidents inside the largely desolate subway stations as ridership has plummeted due to fears of getting infected. Transit workers have been demanding that the 24-hour subway schedule be resumed after several reported being assaulted during the overnight hours when trains are shut down for COVID-19 cleanings. The union representing Metropolitan Transportation Authority workers who operate the city's public buses and subways are assaulted, harassed, spit upon, and in severe cases nearly killed by assailants in largely empty stations. Community counselling centre, Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT), has had plenty of reasons to celebrate recently. The centre which had its first anniversary on January 20 has been growing from strength to strength despite opening just before the Covid-19 crisis hit. 2020 was a year like none of us have experienced and the global pandemic is greatly affecting peoples general mood and mental health. We have all had to cope with lockdowns and isolation from family and friends, businesses closing, uncertainty around work, illness, grief, anxiety, fear and many more issues. We are very grateful to have been open to give people a safe, confidential space where they could talk about their issues with one of our qualified counsellors, said James OConnor, ACTs founding member. We are delighted to have our first year behind us and are looking forward to growing in 2021. We could not have made it this far without the support of the community. I would personally like to thank each person that organised a fundraiser in aid of ACT and to everyone that sent us a donation or donated to a fundraiser. As ACT receives no government funding we rely totally on the generosity of the community and we have been totally overwhelmed with the kindness we have received since we opened. Mr OConnor was recently voted one of Irelands community heroes for overcoming his personal struggles to open ACT and was presented with a cheque by AXA Insurance for 20,000 for ACT on RTEs Late Late Show. I am far from a hero he says. The real credit goes to the great team we have at ACT. He was also awarded 5,000 personally which he has donated to nine other local charities and which he says is just a token to acknowledge the great work being carried out by some amazing charities that are offering fantastic help and support to people locally. Mr OConnor, who tends to shy away from the limelight, said it was not easy to speak so openly about his struggles with mental health on the Late Late Show. It is not something I like to do, but I make myself do it because if it helps just one person then it is worth it. He is also quick to point out that although he received the award, he could not have set up ACT without the input of a vast number of people. We received a huge amount of help and support in the setting up of the centre - from our unique logo which was designed by local artist Enrica Cullen to Josephine Rigney Suicide Prevention Officer in the HSE who has been a great sounding board from the start and is always at the end of the phone. If I was to name everyone individually, we would be here all day. Although I am the one people associate the most with the centre, I am probably the one that does the least amount of work, he laughed. I credit the success of the centre to my partner Lisa (Guing), who is in the centre every day and who did all the hard work in the original setting up of ACT and to our fantastic co-ordinator, Dympna Summerville, who is the backbone of the organisation and goes above and beyond every day to ensure ACT offers the very best service to each and every client that contacts us. We are so lucky to have her. We also have a great board of trustees who take care of all the governance, fundraising etc and a team of 11 qualified counsellors who so generously give their time to ACT and without whom the centre could not exist. In fact, James O'Connor is not the only one to have won an award as in the last few months two of ACTs counsellors both won awards. Nancy St John was presented with an award by IACP (The Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). Nancy is an accredited counsellor and supervisor and was nominated by the Midlands Regional Committee for her commitment and contribution to the field of counselling and psychotherapy. Carthagena Minnock, who has volunteered in ACT since its opening, was also awarded the very prestigious Martin Kitterick Award from PCI College for her thesis titled 'Mental health and older adults in Ireland: Society in transformation'. This award is given annually to the PCI College final year student who produces the most relevant, thoroughly researched and engaging thesis, of outstanding academic quality. We are so proud of both Nancy and Carthagena and are delighted that their dedication to their vocation is being recognised. We are so fortunate to have them as part of our team, said Mr O'Connor. At the time of writing ACT has just seen its 350th client and is currently seeing an average of 10 new clients a week. There are a lot of people struggling at the moment especially with this current lockdown and we are definitely seeing more new clients now than we were before Christmas, in fact we have extended our opening hours to keep up with demand and we now open until 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Being one of the only community-based centres open face to face is something we are very proud of. We are fortunate that all our rooms allow for social distancing and we already had a one-way system in place, we also stagger appointments to prevent clients meeting and have implemented a strict sanitising regime to keep everyone safe. The ACT team are looking forward to 2021 and plan to keep learning and growing. Currently several of ACTs counsellors are training to deal specifically with adolescents and will be offering counselling and psychotherapy services to 16 and 17-year-olds in the coming months. This is something we are very much looking forward to offering as we currently get an average of 2-3 enquiries from concerned parents each week, said Mr O'Connor. I would once again like to thank the local community for their continued support and generosity and to everyone that helped make our first year so successful. I would especially like to thank all the clients that have used our service. Supporting you on your journey has been an honour and we look forward to continue supporting you in 2021 and beyond. Accessible Counselling Tullamore is currently open and seeing clients face to face for a wide range of issues including: anxiety, stress, bereavement and loss, relationship issues, anger, depression etc. For appointments call 057 9352879 or text appointment to 083 3555951. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Malwarebytes, a leading provider of advanced endpoint protection and remediation solutions, today announced the findings of its annual "State of Malware" report. The latest report explores how the global pandemic forced many employees to quickly become a remote workforce and confined consumers to their homes. In the wake of this change, cybercriminals ditched many of their old tactics, placing a new emphasis on gathering intelligence, and exploiting and preying upon fears with targeted and sophisticated attacks. As a result, the State of Malware Report found a notable shift in the devices targeted and strategies deployed by cybercriminals. 2020 ushered in several high-profile cybersecurity incidents including: Marriott's breach with 5.2 million impacted guests; high-profile account hacks on Twitterwhich included former President Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk: and the far reaching impacts of the nation-state attack on FireEye and SolarWinds executed through the supply chain. These attacks underscore just how vulnerable even the most secure organizations or individuals are when targeted by determined and skilled cybercriminals. The year also saw concerning trends for consumers including a staggering rise in the use of stalkerware, the invasive mobile monitoring and spyware apps that can rob individuals of their expectation of and right to privacy. Malwarebytes' found that the use of applications that monitor user activitywhich include all tracking applications rose from January to December by 565 percent, while spyware app detections rose across the same period by 1,055 percent. "This past year has taught us that cybercriminals are increasingly formidable, planning long-term, strategic, and focused attacks that are sometimes years in the making. 2020 continued to show us that no company is immune, and there is no such thing as 'safe enough,'" said Marcin Kleczynski, CEO of Malwarebytes. "The COVID-19 pandemic compounded this with new challenges in securing remote workforces, making it essential that we quickly become more adaptable and learn how to better protect workers in any environment. While our total detections are down this year, we must remain vigilant. The threats we are seeing are more refined and damaging than ever before." Overall Decrease in Mac and Windows Detections, but Increase in Sophistication Despite an overall drop in detections for Macs and Windows in 2020, it's clear the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the cybercrime world so much that many anticipated campaigns either never arrived, arrived with less impact, or were replaced entirely with attacks more suited against users during a pandemic. In 2020, Malwarebytes observed an overall decline of 24 percent of Windows detections across businesses and an 11 percent decline for consumers. Overall, there was a 12 percent decline in Windows detections across the board, regardless of whether they're business or consumer users. The dramatic drop in business detections between 2019 and 2020 is most likely due to many employees no longer working in offices in 2020. However, Mac detections for businesses surprisingly jumped 31 percent year-over-year. Mac detections in 2020 fell from the all-time high we previously reported for 2019, with overall detections decreasing by more than 37 percent. While the number of business detections was up 31 percent, consumer Mac detections were down 40 percent. PCs weren't the only devices to experience a shift in malicious activity. Climbing the detection charts in 2020 was an Android malware called FakeAdsBlock, which produces an alarming number of non-stop ads, accounting for 80,654 detections. HiddenAds was found to be the most prevalent mobile adware application. This Trojan, which aggressively assaults users with ads, racked up 704,418 detections, an increase of nearly 150 percent year-over-year. Additional key findings from the report include: Harrowing hacktools, surging spyware: Although Windows detections for businesses decreased, detections for hacktools and spyware tools meant to compromise security and/or collect information on the victim increased dramatically by 147 percent and 24 percent , respectively. Although Windows detections for businesses decreased, tools meant to compromise security and/or collect information on the victim , respectively. Mac PUPs can be real dogs: Overall, Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) represented more than 76 percent of threat detections for Macs, while adware represented about 22 percent . Meanwhile malware only accounted for 1.5 percent . Overall, (PUPs) represented more than of threat detections for Macs, while represented about . Meanwhile only accounted for . Size matters for Mac threats: When comparing organizational size and Mac threat detections, medium to large businesses experienced mostly adware, which accounted for almost two-thirds of detections , while small businesses experienced primarily PUPs, clocking in at almost 95 percent of all detections . When comparing organizational size and Mac threat detections, experienced mostly , while experienced primarily . Top threats span businesses and consumers: Among the top five threats for both businesses and consumers were the Microsoft Office software cracker KMS, the banking malware Dridex, and the cryptocurrency mining BitCoinMiner. Among the for both businesses and consumers were the Microsoft Office software cracker the banking malware and the cryptocurrency mining Emotet and Trickbot, 'mostly' dead: Detections for the most notorious business threats Emotet and Trickbot fell by 89 percent and 69 percent, respectively, though the operators behind these threats pulled off several notable attacks in 2020. Detections for the most notorious business threats and fell by and respectively, though the operators behind these threats pulled off several notable attacks in 2020. Android faces dangerous banking trojan: A perilous banking trojan called Bankbot, which steals payment information using fake login screens, saw a huge spike, amassing a 3,841 percent surge in Android detections . A perilous banking trojan called which steals payment information using fake login screens, saw a huge spike, amassing a . RansomwarePay upor else!: Ransomware became more targeted in 2020. Despite not hitting the higher detection numbers, attackers made more money demanding payment for not posting stolen data than they did from victims who paid the ransom just to decrypt their files. This was true for the ransomware family REvil, or Sodinokibi, which claimed to net $100 million , much of which came from extortion threats. Despite not hitting the higher detection numbers, attackers made more money demanding payment for not posting stolen data than they did from victims who paid the ransom just to decrypt their files. This was true for the ransomware family REvil, or Sodinokibi, which claimed to net , much of which came from extortion threats. Government-funded program pushes pre-installed mobile malware: Malwarebytes twice uncovered pre-installed malware on phones provided by Assurance Wireless through the U.S. government-funded Lifeline Assistance program. Pre-installed malware is one of the thorniest challenges for customer support workers and customers themselves, as this type of malware comes pre-installed on new mobile devices and most remain unremovable. Malwarebytes twice uncovered on phones provided by through the U.S. government-funded Lifeline Assistance program. Pre-installed malware is one of the thorniest challenges for customer support workers and customers themselves, as this type of malware comes pre-installed on new mobile devices and most remain unremovable. Taking aim at industry: The agriculture industry suffered through a 607 percent increase in threat detections, while detections for the food and beverage industry increased by 67 percent. More traditional targets all dropped in detections by varying degrees education fell 17 percent, healthcare dropped 22 percent, and automotive declined by 18 percent. For a detailed analysis of the report findings, as well as 2021 predictions, please view the 2021 State of Malware report here: https://resources.malwarebytes.com/resource/2021-state-of-malware-report/ To learn more about Malwarebytes, visit the blog, follow us on Twitter, or check us out on LinkedIn. About Malwarebytes Malwarebytes is trusted to protect people and businesses against the latest dangerous cyberthreats including malware, ransomware and exploits that traditional antivirus solutions fail to catch. Malwarebytes offers comprehensive defense and recovery technologies to safeguard devices whether at home or in the office, enabling users to protect themselves anywhere, anytime. Malwarebytes' team of researchers and security experts protect more than 60,000 businesses and millions of people worldwide, combatting millions of threats daily using artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify behavior and catch new threats rapidly. Driven by a desire to protect everyone's right to a malware free existence, CEO Marcin Kleczynski founded Malwarebytes in 2008 and has grown the company to over 800 employees across the world today. The company is headquartered in California with offices in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit https://www.malwarebytes.com/ . MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT: Lisette Rauwendaal, Sr. Corporate Communications Manager Malwarebytes [email protected] SOURCE Malwarebytes Related Links https://www.malwarebytes.org Virgin Wines is gearing up to join the London Stock Exchange next month amid surging demand from Britons holed up at home during the pandemic. With pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels shut for months, Virgin Wines has seen sales rocket, with the group delivering 1million cases of wine to customers last year. Its subscription service now accounts for over 70 per cent of sales, and around 147,000 of its 169,000 customers have signed up to the service. Pop that cork! Virgin Wines is gearing up to join the London Stock Exchange next month The company is set to join London's junior market, Aim, early next month in a move which gives the firm a valuation of around 100million. It said sales, revenue, operating profit and EBITDA were all on the up and in the year to the end of June 2019, the group reported a pre-tax profit of 1.7million. Boss Jay Wright, said: 'We are delighted to announce our intention to list on AIM signifying an exciting new chapter in the group's long-term development. 'We have enjoyed strong, consistent growth recently resulting in the group delivering more than one million cases of wine to consumers during 2020. 'Underpinned by the strength of our customer proposition as well as the benefit of many positive consumer trends, we have a clear strategy to continue this growth over the coming years.' Other companies due to float on the stock exchange this year include online card group Moonpig, bootmaker Dr Martens and David Beckham-backed cannabis firm Cellular Goods. According to a report on Sky News last month, Virgin Wines' listing comes after the company's private equity owners had considered and rejected a private sale. Virgin Wines licenses the Virgin brand from Richard Branson's Virgin Group. At-home drinking: Virgin Wines has seen sales rocket, with the group delivering 1million bottles of wine to customers last year It was first established in 2000 by Branson's Virgin Group and in 2005 was snapped up by Direct Wines. In November 2013, current boss Wright and his team, supported by Mobeus Equity Partners and Connection Capital, provided a combined debt and equity package to support a 15.9million management buy-out. The group offers customers a range of pre-mixed or pick-your-own cases, and has branched out to extend its offerings in the low or zero alcohol market. Virgin Wines also has craft beer and spirit collections and sells corporate and consumer gifts. Over 90 per cent of the wines sold by Virgin Wines by volume are exclusive to the group, with more than 700 wines on offer for shoppers. For customers not set up to the company's subscription service, delivery is charged at 7.99 per address. Orders over 150 get free delivery. Customers signed up to the group's 'WineBank' subscription service get free delivery. [February 16, 2021] Boku Launches Direct Carrier Billing with Microsoft in South Korea & Saudi Arabia LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boku Inc., (AIM: BOKU), the world's leading provider of mobile payment and identity solutions, has launched new mobile payment methods for Microsoft in both South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Customers of South Koreas SK Telecom (SKT) and Saudi Arabias Saudi Telecom (STC) can now make seamless & secure cardless payments in both Microsoft Xbox and Microsoft PC stores. Microsoft gamers and PC users are now able to speed through checkout by using their phone number as their on-file payment method. To that end, Direct Carrier Billing will further accelerate the access and utilization of Microsoft products via digital payments for millions of SKT and STC subscribers. Jon Prideaux, CEO Boku, commented, Were excited to further extend Microsofts mobile payments acceptance through our global carrier coverage that includes strategic partners like SKT and STC. Our collaboration with Microsoft isa promising achievement that will provide convenience and security to the millions of existing Microsoft platform users as well as attract new ones. Enquiries: CCgroup for Boku, Inc. US: Adam Synder, Adam.Synder@ccgrouppr.com, +1 917 740 5456 UK: Daniel Lowther, Daniel.lowther@ccgrouppr.com, +44 774 763 6687 IFC Advisory Limited (Financial PR & IR) Tim Metcalfe / Graham Herring / Florence Chandler +44 (0)20 3934 6630 About Boku Boku Inc. (AIM: BOKU) is the worlds leading provider of mobile payment and mobile identity solutions. Bokus technology platform, which is linked to more than 200 mobile wallets and network operators worldwide, verifies user identity, executes payments, and provisions new services, simplifying daily mobile interactions between consumers and digital organizations. Bokus technology platform is used in over 59 countries with over 815 million verified transactions in 2019, contributing $5 billion to the digital economy. Businesses that currently employ Bokus platform to simplify sign-up, acquire new paying users and prevent fraud include global leaders such as Apple, Discover, Experian, Facebook, FIS, Fiserv, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Paypal, Sony, Spotify and Western Union. Boku Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in various locations globally including in the US, Mumbai, Munich, Beijing, Paris, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo. To learn more about Boku Inc., please visit: https://www.boku.com EDITORS NOTE: NJ Cannabis Insider is hosting a two-day business and networking conference March 9-10, featuring some of the states most prominent industry leaders. Tickets are limited. Lawmakers worked swiftly Monday on a final effort to compromise with Gov. Phil Murphy and get his signature on a bill to legalize marijuana, hoping to bring the saga to an end later this week as a deadline for action looms. Its far from the first compromise floated on the bill, and New Jerseys political leaders have gotten close to the finish line several times, only to have a new problem stop them in their tracks. Disputes over tax revenue slowed the process in November, and Murphy has declined to sign two bills one legalizing marijuana for those over 21 and another halting arrests for nearly two months. He has called for lawmakers to establish civil penalties for those under 21, but some have opposed the effort for fear police will disproportionately target Black and brown youth when issuing fines. The bill debated Monday in the Senate Judiciary Committee marks the third shot lawmakers have taken on such penalties so far this year. While it levies low fines and written warnings that help to reduce penalties for marijuana use, some said it still goes too far. Law enforcement today is expected to respond to far too broad a range of issues, said Sarah Fajardo, policy director of the ACLU of New Jersey. Its a tough issue before New Jersey today, she said. We understand that we try to achieve a balance between deterring youth marijuana use and protecting them from biased and disproportional law enforcement. Lawmakers expect to make changes to the bill and vote it out of committee Tuesday. That version could eliminate fines for those under 18 and referrals to drug treatment. From there, the bill would go before the full Senate and Assembly Thursday morning. That also marks the deadline for Murphy to sign the two other bills a deadline the Assembly has already moved once and halted all other legislative action in the process. Murphy could conditionally veto the bills to request specific changes, but instead has asked lawmakers to write them into a cleanup bill. That would allow him to then sign all three pieces of legislation into law at once. The current legalization and decriminalization bills do not match one does away with all penalties for possession but the other makes underage use a disorderly persons offense. This new bill, like a previous proposal from Murphy, lands in the middle. It includes fines of $50 for those ages 18 to 20 caught with marijuana and written warnings for those under 18. It currently mandates $50 fines or community service after a juvenile receives three warnings, but that could change. The latest bill also offers youth new protections from police. Officers cannot search someone based only on smelling marijuana or detain people past the point of issuing a fine or warning, and they must have body cameras turned on while interacting with an underage person. It also establishes specific offenses for those of age who provide marijuana to those under 21 that resemble penalties for selling tobacco to minors. Thats a method Jiles Ship, head of the New Jersey chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, said he supports. One of the things Ive learned over my years of experience, the war on drugs that we had, didnt work, he said. As a matter of fact, it was counterproductive. The ACLU, NAACP and others have called for a tobacco-based model, too, saying the burdens should fall on those who sell to underage users rather than the teens. Still, many gave their cautious support to the effort Monday, saying it did more to balance the rights of youth and the need to keep marijuana away from underage users than past efforts. The NAACP applauds the efforts of this bill, but feels it falls a little bit short on certain measures, said Todd Edwards, the political action chairman of the NAACP of New Jersey. He said he hopes an entity other than law enforcement can respond to youth caught with marijuana, because they may flee when they see an officer approach them. That could lead to an escalating situation or other charges. Rev. Charles Boyer, who leads the activism group Salvation and Social Justice, called for an amendment to the bill that would discipline officers if they try to stop young people for the smell of marijuana. We have yet to see law enforcement cease or be held accountable for disproportionate enforcement, he said. The Assembly moved its own cleanup bill through committee last month and scheduled it for a vote Thursday morning. But that bill allows for higher fines and written agreement for teens to enter drug treatment. Lawmakers will need to clear up those differences and pass identical bills. The Assembly intends to pass its cleanup bill Thursday and then send it to the Senate. The Senate would substitute its bill for the Assembly one and pass it before send it back to the lower chamber for concurrence. The compromise will still need approval from Murphy, and a source within the administration who spoke on the condition of anonymity said earlier Monday some pieces of the bill still needed work. If he does not approve, the governor may still issue a conditional veto before the deadline. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Amanda Hoover may be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Bengaluru, Feb 16 : Edtech startup Unacademy on Tuesday said it has inked a deal to acquire TapChief, a professional networking and "future-of-work" platform, at a valuation of Rs 100 crore. As part of the deal, Unacademy will acquire a majority stake in TapChief, and enable the exit of all existing investors. Post the acquisition, TapChief will join the Unacademy Group. TapChief leverages a host of technology solutions to empower professionals to interact and learn from experts, work with businesses from across the world, and aggregate their personal brand online. It claims to have over 1.5 lakh registered professionals, who use the platform to collaborate with a host of experts from their chosen domains and take up short-term professional projects. "Our endeavour at Unacademy has always been to democratise education and make learning accessible and affordable for everyone. TapChief shares a similar ethos in a different space, as evident from the open community of professionals and learners they've created," Gaurav Munjal, Co-Founder and CEO, Unacademy Group, said in a statement. Founded in 2016 by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani alumni, Shashank Murali, Binay Krishna, and Arjun Krishna, TapChief caters to over 150 enterprise customers across sectors such as education, FMCG, e-commerce, enterprise SaaS, upskilling, among others. "Shashank and his team have delivered promising results in a short span of time and I am delighted to welcome the TapChief team to the Unacademy Group," said Munjal. Professionals on TapChief have completed over 50,000 gigs for Fortune 500 companies, unicorns, venture-backed startups and SMBs in India, according to the company. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Republican-controlled state legislators in several states have moved to ban the New York Times1619 Project from public school instruction. The laws would deny funding to schools that teach the curriculum, which frames all of American history as a struggle between races, and argues, among other things, that the American Revolution was a conspiracy waged by the Founding Fathers to defend slavery from the British monarchy. The State Capitol building in Des Moines, Iowa (Library of Congress/Carol M. Highsmith) The first such legislation was introduced in July of last year in Arkansas, with the support of the states fascistic US senator, Tom Cotton, who said in an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The 1619 Project is left-wing propaganda. The Arkansas bill characterized the 1619 Project as a racially divisive and revisionist account of history that threatens the integrity of the Union by denying the true principles on which it was founded. A state legislative panel rejected the latest proposal in Arkansas on February 9. On that same day, Republican lawmakers in Iowa filed legislation that would cut state funding for any schools that utilized history curriculums derived from the 1619 Project. The bill claims that the 1619 Project works to deny or obfuscate the fundamental principles upon which the United States was founded and went on to state that the focus of public education should be on promoting an accurate account of this nations history through public schools and forming young people into knowledgeable and patriotic citizens. The bill would punish schools that teach the 1619 Project by cutting their budget by one one-hundred-eightieth for each day of the previous budget year for which the school district used 1619 Project material. The bill would also slash state aid payments for schools, community colleges, and regent institutionsincluding the states three public universitiesthat violate the rule. Similar legislation has been filed in Mississippi, Missouri and South Dakota. The bills have provoked opposition from educators and historians who denounced the attempts by Republican lawmakers to restrict course curriculum and indoctrinate students in right-wing chauvinism. T. Jameson Brewer, an assistant professor at the University of North Georgia, told the USA Today, Do we want historical facts and details that are researched and published by experts taught? Or do we want nationalism taught? Thats a very scary sort of suggestion, that schools would engage in ideological nationalism for political needs. In Arkansas, a teacher has been fired for opposing the legislation. Josh Depner, a history teacher at the Arkansas Arts Academy, was terminated after sending an angry email to state officials who supported the bill. Though he subsequently apologized, the school fired him for allegedly violating their personal technology agreements and code of ethics. Students at the Arkansas Arts Academy have since rallied in support of Depner and demanded his reinstatement. This latest drive by the Republican legislators exploits the 1619 Projects racialist falsifications for a broader aimto blot out all critical aspects from the teaching of American history and to impose censorship in the schools. Republican lawmakers and governors throughout the US have moved towards establishing a right-wing, nationalistic school curriculum. Last November, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves proposed a $3 million Patriotic Education Fund for the purpose of educating the next generation in the incredible accomplishments of the American Way. Last month, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem proposed a similar initiative to teach students why the U.S. is the most special nation in the history of the world. The state-level efforts are linked to the Trump administrations 1776 Report, the aim of which was, in Trumps words, to restore patriotic education. The Republicans counterpose the false narrative constructed by the New York Times with their own mythologized and chauvinistic narrative that sanctifies the most backward and reactionary tendencies of American culture, including religious fundamentalism, while glorifying the free market, thereby justifying the unbridled greed of the capitalist class. The World Socialist Web Site unequivocally opposes attempts by state legislatures at suppression and censorship of the 1619 Project. Furthermore, we condemn any reprisals taken against educators for speaking out against these anti-democratic measures. However, our opposition to censorship by far-right state legislators does not in any respect lessen our principled opposition to the 1619 Project, a racialist falsification of history which denies the progressive character of the American Revolution and the Civil War, and which aims to divide educators and students along racial lines by insisting that the central dividing line in American society, past and present, is race and not class. The 1619 Project argues that all whites are the perpetrators and beneficiaries of the oppression of African Americans, who have fought back alone to redeem democracy. The racialist hysteria whipped up by the 1619 Project has itself been used to censor all opposition to identity politics. In the latest spectacle, Times science correspondent Donald G. McNeil Jr. was forced to resign after a frenzied campaign over his alleged use of a racial slur in the context of a conversation with students about racism. McNeils refusal to toe the line on white privilege was also cited by the racialist grievance-mongers. Unsurprisingly, the 1619 Projects Nikole Hannah-Jones played a leading role in this shameful dismissal of the reporter who was leading the Times COVID-19 coverage. As always in American politics and culture there is a sinister division of labor between the Democrats and Republicans. The WSWS consistently warned that the 1619 Project was a gift to Donald Trump and the Republican Party. But the attempt by the Republican legislatures to suppress the 1619 Project is also a gift to race-obsessed and essentially reactionary elements in and around the Democratic Party and New York Times . In the final analysis, the racialist 1619 Project and the fascistic narrative of the far right represent two sides of the same coin. In different ways, both serve the interests of finance capital by obscuring the irreconcilable class conflict that lies at the heart of American society. Both tendencies promote a reactionary view of American history aimed at dividing and confusing the working class. For all their talk about justice and righting wrongs, Hannah-Jones and her ilk never raise their voices against the great evil of capitalist society from which all other evils flow: the exploitation of the working class. This is not an accident, but a reflection of the social interests of the narrow, self-centered upper-middle class layer that utilizes identity politics as a weapon to gain access to increased wealth and power. These layers are not opposed to capitalism; rather, they seek to secure a more privileged and secure position for themselves. In rejecting the identity politics of the petty-bourgeoisie, socialists fight for the unity of all workers regardless of race, gender or other characteristics. Our denunciation of racial politics is a denunciation of the political subordination of the working class to the petty bourgeoisie, which is indifferent and hostile to the needs of workers. Genuine left-wing opposition to both the reactionary racialism of the 1619 Project and the mythologizing of the far right has been led by the WSWS. We encourage educators and students to make use of the forthcoming collection of writings and interviews from the WSWS available here from Mehring Books which refutes the errors and outright falsifications contained in the 1619 Project. Property sales that are worth 1.5billion are at risk of collapsing unless the Chancellor can be persuaded to extend the stamp duty holiday. The staggering sum represents two-thirds of buyers nationwide who are in a chain where someone is dependent on completion before the March 31 deadline, according to lender Paragon. Rightmove says about 100,000 buyers face shock tax bills because they will miss the cut off, with some estimates suggesting one in five deals will collapse as a result. It has led to calls for a six-month extension. A petition has gathered more than 100,000 signatures and prompted a parliamentary debate. Deal breaker: Property sales that are worth 1.5billion are at risk of collapsing unless the Chancellor can be persuaded to extend the stamp duty holiday But estimates suggest this could cost the taxpayer an extra 2.5billion on top of the 3.8billion the Treasury costed for the initial break. Sceptics also say talk of a 'cliff edge' is exaggerated and that funds would be better directed elsewhere. Today, Money Mail asks what Chancellor Rishi Sunak should, and could, do. A MUCH-NEEDED BOOST TO BRITAIN'S ECONOMY The stamp duty holiday announced on July 8 increased the threshold at which buyers pay tax on property purchases from 125,000 to 500,000, offering savings of up to 15,000. The threshold was raised to 250,000 in Scotland and Wales. It sparked a period of frenzied activity in the housing market, with average prices hitting record highs of 230,920 at the end of last year. The number of transactions rose by 72 per cent in the three months after the break was announced. But there are already signs that the market is slowing as the deadline approaches. Last month, house prices fell for the first time in six months, according to Nationwide. And a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey found buyer inquiries fell sharply too. One argument for extending the stamp duty holiday is the boost it would give the wider economy. Lucian Cook, of estate agents Savills, says there is a stronger case for this now than when the holiday was announced last summer. He adds: 'At the time the break was introduced, the first green shoots of recovery in the housing market were already in evidence. But the holiday is due to end at the same time unemployment is expected to peak. It is a bad time to create a cliff edge.' This follows a similar logic to extending the furlough scheme that support measures should be maintained until the vaccine rollout has taken effect and lockdown restrictions are lifted, allowing the economy to recover. Rightmove says around 100,000 buyers will have to pay shock tax bills because they will miss the cut off, with some estimates suggesting one in five deals will collapse as a result TAX CUT THAT HELPS THE WEALTHY The stamp duty policy has come under fire for helping those who need it least. It offers the greatest savings to those buying the most expensive properties. Second-home purchases leapt by 59 per cent last year. However, it provides little help for first-time buyers struggling to raise a deposit or get a mortgage. In fact, it has helped push up prices by about 15,000 wiping out the maximum saving and eclipsing the average tax reduction of 2,493, according to property platform Twindig. The average deposit put down by a first-time buyer in 2020 rose by 11,000 to 57,000, Halifax found. Twindig estimates that the break cost the taxman 1.4billion in the second half of last year, the equivalent of homeowners paying 50 each to subsidise homebuyers. Many think the tax cut has done its job and now others are in need of assistance. 'The market doesn't need the stimulus,' says buying agent Henry Pryor. 'I can think of several far more deserving causes, starting with those people living in buildings with cladding.' Decrease: In January, house prices fell for the first time in six months, according to Nationwide CLIFF EDGE OR SOFT LANDING? But TV property expert Phil Spencer, who is backing the Mail's campaign to end the cladding scandal, says the fairness of the stamp duty holiday is irrelevant. What matters now is managing its withdrawal, he adds. The Location, Location, Location presenter advocates a phased approach which could see the Chancellor reduce the savings on offer month-by-month to avoid shock tax bills. He says: 'My hope and expectation is that there will be some kind of tapering.' That may avoid alarming predictions coming true that one in five deals could collapse if the deadline is missed. Spencer also sympathises with those who have faced delays through no fault of their own. Karen Preston made an offer on a one-bedroom buy-to-let flat in Chichester, West Sussex, for 155,000, just eight days after the Chancellor announced the tax break. It was chain-free and Karen was told the seller wanted a quick sale. Her offer was accepted, but six months on, the deal is still not complete. The 44-year-old, who is seven months pregnant, blames the 'sluggish' response of her seller's solicitors, Advantage Property Lawyers (APL). Karen, who lives in Chichester with partner Trevor Adams, 54, is now struggling to get the deal over the line in time to meet the stamp duty holiday deadline as conveyancers battle a backlog of more than 600,000 transactions. Karen adds: 'It has caused a massive amount of stress for me and my family.' APL has declined to comment. Others say the idea of a 'cliff edge' is overblown and the market will remain resilient. Rightmove's report on Monday contradicted the RICS survey by showing the number of new buyers is still growing, with demand outstripping supply and pushing up prices. Rightmove said the number of visits to its website were 45 per cent higher last month than the same time last year. Tim Bannister, Rightmove director of property data, says: 'These are strong signs that new buyer demand is not facing a cliff edge after March 31'. Experts have also poured cold water on the idea that the end of the holiday could spark an abnormally high fall-through rate. Most believe deals will be renegotiated rather than ditched. The most pessimistic forecasters predict a 5 per cent drop in prices by the end of 2021, but Lucian Cook hopes values will start to recover in the summer. 'Sluggish' response: Some buyers face delays on their purchase, through no fault of their own CHANCELLOR IS LEAVING IT LATE If Mr Sunak does announce a stamp duty extension, he will leave it to the last minute. If he caves in too early, the industry will lose motivation to clear the backlog before the end of March. The National Association of Estate Agents has called for a six-month extension, but the Chancellor is thought to be reluctant due to the 'gratuitous' cost to the taxpayer. He is, though, said to be considering a six-week cushion to avoid sales collapsing. Rightmove estimates that a six-week extension could benefit up to 160,000 transactions, saving buyers about 1billion. The Government has already extended the deadline to purchase a home under the current Help to Buy scheme in England until the end of May after Covid-related delays put more than 16,000 sales at risk. Jeremy Leaf, a North London estate agent and former Rics chairman, says Mr Sunak may follow this blueprint. 'Ideally, help would be targeted at those who've lost out through no fault of their own and not allow speculators to jump in and take advantage,' he adds. 'But what is fair is not always feasible.' m.dilworth@dailymail.co.uk Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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, Feb 16 : The national data on the countrywide Covid immunization programme has revealed that women have outnumbered men in availing the vaccine shots. The data extracted from the CoWIN application shows that the number of females inoculated with the vaccines so far is greater than the men in many states and union territories (UT)s. A gender-wise beneficiaries break-up sourced from the CoWIN dashboard showed that the trend of women getting more vaccinated went as high as 78 per cent in 28 out of 36 states and UTs. Besides, in many parts of the country, more than two-third of the vaccine beneficiaries remained female. In Lakshadweep, of the total vaccination accounted, 78.2 per cent was contributed by women alone. Similarly, it was calculated 75 per cent in Himachal pradesh, followed by Chhattisgarh (74.3), Kerala (74), Assam (73.8), Andaman and Nicobar islands (70), Ladakh (70), Sikkim, Mizoram (70), Bihar(69.5), Arunachal pradesh (69.5) and Meghalaya (68.15). As per the data, women seem to be more open to vaccination in these states and UTs since they constitute more than 2/3rd of the vaccine coverage here. Dr. Nand Kumar, professor, department of psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, said that at a first glance, it appears that the dominance of the female gender is driving the high ratio of being them the most beneficiaries of the vaccines. "One immediate conclusion that could be drawn is that we have more female grassroots health workers than male workers. ASHAs, ANMs, Anganwadi workers are all women. Nurses, health professionals and paramedics are also predominantly women. So, if we look at the current priority of the government for vaccination, which is the healthcare workers, the numbers are bound to remain higher at the women's side," he said. However, Kumar added that if looked deeper, one can find the psyche of women which could also be driving their high participation in the immunization drive, i.e, their tendency to remain more secure in their lives. "The women tend to remain more secure in life. All over the world, women prefer safety and security in all walks of life. Psychologically, they don't indulge in or adopt risk-taking behaviours. Being more health-conscious, less intake of alcohol or smoking, are few of the virtues to remain low at risk. This psyche drives them to be more open to the vaccination. Besides, they are quick in taking decisions as well and given a chance to build immunity against the Covid-19, they won't take much time to decide. However, could it be possible that the males are more unwilling to get the vaccination? Responding to it, Dr. Amulya K. Seth, psychologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, said that the gender imbalance in Covid-19 vaccination has more to do with women's psyche than the possibility of willingness and unwillingness for vaccination. He said that by nature, women are more careful about their own health as well as of the family, and this phenomenon could be resulting in better outcomes in women. "Covid-19 as a disease has shown us the importance of being considerate about oneself as well as people around them. By nature, women fit this criteria more since traditionally they are the ones who take care of children and family, and are more careful about their own health for the sake of people they care for," Seth explained. He also said that the message that the Covid-19 vaccines provide protection to oneself as well as those around them has penetrated more among the women than men and should be probed so that a parity is maintained when the vaccines are rolled for the general public. So far, more than 8.5 million (87,20,822) doses of corona vaccine have been administered in India since the drive began on January 16 after approval for 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin'. Tehran: The Iranian and Russian militaries have kicked off a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean aimed at boosting security of maritime trade in the region, Irans state TV reported on Tuesday. The TV said units from Irans Navy and the powerful Revolutionary Guards naval forces would take part in the exercise dubbed Iran-Russia Maritime Security Belt 2021 in the northern part of Indian Ocean, spanning a stretch of about a 17,000 kilometres. A Russian commander stands during a welcoming ceremony for a joint naval exercise with the Iranian navy and Irans Revolutionary Guard navy. Credit:AP According to Iranian Admiral Gholamreza Tahani, the drill spokesman, a Russian destroyer, logistics ship and a helicopter were to participate in the drill. This is the second such joint Russia-Iran exercise since 2019, when the two nations plus China held a four-day exercise. Tehran has been seeking to step up military cooperation with Beijing and Moscow amid regional tensions with the United States. Visits to Iran by Russian and Chinese naval representatives have also increased in recent years. Yemeni forces get into position during clashes with Houthi rebels (AFP or licensors) Heavy fighting in Yemens oil-rich Marib province over the weekend leads to several casualties, sparking doubts over peace efforts to end the war. By Vatican News staff writer Several dozen people were killed in overnight clashes between government troops and Houthi rebels on Sunday, extending a week of violence in Yemens Marib province. Earlier in February, the Houthi rebels had launched an offensive to seize the oil-rich Marib province situated approximately 120 kilometers east from Sanaa, the countrys capital. The offensive however met stiff resistance and resulted in several casualties mostly from the Houthis. The latest attack, experts say, has cast doubts over United Nations-led efforts to restart negotiations between the warring sides towards ending years of violence in the country. Yemens long-running conflict Violence broke out in Yemen in 2014 when the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels seized the capital and a significant portion of the countrys north. Months later, a Saudi-led, US-backed mission intervened to dislodge the rebels and restore the countrys internationally recognized government. Yemens long-running conflict has so far killed approximately 130,000 people, displaced millions, and led to what the UN calls the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Marib The rebels have been marching towards Marib since the beginning of 2020, attacking the city and putting the population at risk. The latest attacks, experts say, are an attempt to wrestle control of Marib, closing off Saudi-Arabias southern border and taking control of oil fields that provide leverage in possible peace negotiations. Reacting to the attacks, the Saudi-led coalition bombed advancing convoys in the desert around Marib. They also sent in ground reinforcements from the government-controlled provinces of Taiz and Shabwa. News sources report that more than 48 fighters were killed and over 120 were wounded in the past two days, with the majority of the casualties from among the Houthi rebels. Effects of the conflict A statement from UN agencies on Friday warned that approximately 400,000 children under-five face the immediate threat of severe or acute malnutrition this year due to the conflict, which has been further exacerbated by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The UN also expressed concern that 1.2 million pregnant or breastfeeding mothers were at risk of extreme malnutrition in 2021. UN envoy Martin Griffiths said last week that he was extremely concerned about the hostilities in the country especially at a time of renewed diplomatic momentum. Karen Harris has just sent her toddler to daycare so she can get back to work and shes found little has changed to make the system easier to access or cheaper since her older son attended more than a decade ago. The process is stressful you have to spend hours on the phone ringing centres, visiting centres, filling in forms, the Blue Mountains mother said. Ive fallen in this boat with both children you dont know how many days youre going to actually get when you finally get a daycare spot after being on waiting lists for many months so then you dont know how to go to your employer and say how many days I need to work or can work. Nicola Forrest, co-chair of the Minderoo Foundation, meets with children at a Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Canberra. She is lobbying politicians to overhaul the childcare system to make it universally accessible and affordable. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Its parents like Ms Harris who are at the front of mind for philanthropist Nicola Forrest as she calls for universal, affordable and high-quality childcare. She co-chairs the Minderoo Foundation with her husband Andrew Twiggy Forrest, and shes in Canberra to meet with more than a dozen federal ministers and MPs to discuss the issue. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Vaccination data released by the city Health Department shows 56,061 or around 15% of adult Staten Islanders have received either one or two doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as of Tuesday. There have been 33,925 adults across the boroughs 12 ZIP codes that have received one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines the two immunizations currently granted emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration and 22,136 have been fully vaccinated out of 373,168 total adults on the Island, according to the data. The data builds on years of infrastructure that we have around our immunization registry, said the city Health Departments First Deputy Commissioner Dr. Torian Easterling at a press conference with Mayor Bill de Blasio announcing the release, adding that the statistics include vaccinations given at all sites currently eligible to administer the inoculations. Staten Islands 10306 ZIP code, which includes the neighborhoods of Midland Beach, New Dorp and Oakwood, narrowly has the highest percentage of its adult population partially vaccinated at 11%, according to the city Health Department data. An additional 6% have been fully vaccinated. That area also has among the highest coronavirus case and death rate on the borough, city Health Department data shows, underscoring the importance of immunization efforts to tamp down fatal outcomes from the disease. Three other ZIP codes 10310, 10308 and 10312 which include sections of Port Richmond, West Brighton, Great Kills, Annadale and Rossville, have 10% of their adult population at least partially vaccinated. The 10310 ZIP code, which includes Port Richmond, Randall Manor and West Brighton, was one of the areas intended to be prioritized by the city for the vaccine rollout. It has had an additional 7% of its adult population fully vaccinated. The totals there are not significantly better than other areas of the borough not included in the aforementioned plan by the de Blasio administration. The other Staten Island ZIP codes included in the Vaccine for All campaign 10304 and 10301 have had 7% and 9% of their adult populations partially vaccinated and an additional 7% and 8% of their populations fully vaccinated, respectively, the data shows. Both of those ZIP codes, which include St. George, Silver Lake, New Dorp and Stapleton, carry some of the worst coronavirus death rates on Staten Island, according to city Health Department data. On the South Shore, where coronavirus positivity rates have been high throughout the pandemic, 9% of the 10309 ZIP codes adult population has received one shot of the immunization with an additional 5% reported to be fully vaccinated. The area includes Charleston, Princes Bay and Woodrow. In Tottenville, the 10307 ZIP code, 8% of all adults have been partially vaccinated and 5% have been fully vaccinated, the city Health Department data shows. In light of news that a mass vaccination site will open at Empire Outlets on the boroughs North Shore, Assemblyman Mike Reilly (R-South Shore) said he, cannot help but stress the utmost importance of establishing a similar mass vaccination site, or even a vaccination hub, on the South Shore of Staten Island, echoing calls he and other officials have made in recent weeks. De Blasio said Tuesday that a location will be identified shortly to serve the Islands South Shore residents. The 10303 and 10302 ZIP codes on the North Shore of Staten Island, which include Graniteville, Mariners Harbor and Elm Park and predominately contain Black and Latino communities, have worryingly-low rates of administered vaccinations. The coronavirus has disproportionately affected Black and Latino people in New York City, data has shown, highlighting racial inequities in health care that contribute to increased underlying conditions in those populations. Within 10303, 1,147 residents or 6% of the population have been partially vaccinated. There have been 743 adults there that have been fully vaccinated, which represents 4% of the neighborhoods population. The percentage of adults partially vaccinated is only slightly better in 10302 at 7%. Identical to the 10303 ZIP code, only 4% of adults in that neighborhood have received both shots of the immunization. Citywide, sections of midtown Manhattan feature higher levels of full vaccinations compared to portions of central Queens and Brooklyn, the data shows, though sections of the Bronx and northern Queens also have recorded high immunization rates. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans and engages with them about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. The official two-day visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the most successful foreign visits of the Ukrainian head of state. The delegation received an unprecedented level of meetings and recognition, said Deputy Head of the Presidents Office Ihor Zhovkva in a comment to Ukrinform. This official visit of the President of Ukraine to the UAE is really a breakthrough and one of the most successful foreign visits of the President of Ukraine. First of all, it concerns the deepening of the economic dimension of bilateral relations, which Volodymyr Zelensky constantly emphasizes the need for, he said. Zhovkva stressed that during the visit to the UAE, Ukrainian public and private companies signed a number of agreements and memoranda for a total sum of about $3 billion In particular, the Emirati state investment company Mubadala signed three memoranda of understanding with Ukrainian government agencies in order to study mutually beneficial investment opportunities. According to Zhovkva, memoranda were signed to study potential investments in the green energy sector of Ukraine. In addition, Zhovkva informed that Mubadala also signed a number of memoranda with Ukrainian private companies, namely - with EastOne, Interpipe; Ufuture, Unit.City; Dragon Capital, Fortior, UMG, TAS Group, BGV, Horizon, OdessaGaz, Epicenter, Oshadbank, Mais and Metinvest. At the same time, Zhovkva noted that Ukraines state concern Ukroboronprom signed agreements with Tawazun Economic Council and EDGE Group to expand military and technical cooperation for a total sum of more than $1 billion. In addition, during a meeting with the CEO DP World, President Zelensky invited the company to expand its presence in Ukraine through the concession of ports and the construction of a hotel. Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that Ukraine, as a developing market, has a huge potential for profitable foreign investments. And the task of economic diplomacy is to tell international business about investment opportunities in Ukraine, Zhovkva said. As reported by Ukrinform, the Ukrainian delegation, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, was on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates on February 14-15. iy Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. All 77 BJP MLAs in Bengal to have central security cover Protest in Kolkata over DYFI member's death: Banerjee offers job, financial aid India oi-Briti Roy Barman Kolkata, Feb 16: Students' Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged protest in Kolkata on Monday over death of a DYFI member. One protestor said the deceased was "badly hurt" from "lathi-charge" during February 11 protest wherein Left-Congress activists clashed with Kolkata Police. "If family wants, we can provide job and monetary help," West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said. "Any death is painful. Family of deceased DYFI member hasn't filed complaint. I have had a conversation with them (family). Truth about death will be known when post mortem report comes. If the family wants, we can provide job andmonetary help," she said. The TMC supremo said the exact cause of Maidul Islam Midda's death can only be ascertained after the post-mortem is done. She had a word with the Left parties and said no police complaint was made in connection with the incident. Midda's family came to know about his death two days later and his family members were not informed where he was admitted. Banerjee said all of this would also be looked into. Midda, a resident of Kotulpur in Bankura district, was injured during a clash between police and Left party members, as they were marching to the state secretariat Nabanna on February 11. Midda was taken to a private hospital in south Kolkata for treatment, but he later succumbed due to excessive blood loss, health officials said. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News Banerjee said it was important to find out whether Midda had any prior health complications such as kidney ailment. She assured that the Kolkata police would check if he died due to the clashes or due to any other incident. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 10:35 [IST] You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Good morning, North State. Here's what you need to know to start your day on Feb. 16. San Francisco, LA prioritize 2nd shots, close some sites California facing a vaccine supply shortage, San Francisco is the latest major city temporarily closing a mass vaccination site. It joins Los Angeles in pausing vaccinations because of a lack of vaccine doses. The move comes as more federal mass vaccine sites are set to open. So far, 14-million people across the country have already had their second dose. The Mayor of Los Angeles said people needing their second dose will have priority as soon as supply comes in. Recall Gavin 2020 gaining traction Those leading the effort trigger a recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom to a vote said they have reached the needed 1.5 million petition signatures. However, efforts push forward as many of those signatures could turn out to be invalid. Once the required signatures are certified the state lieutenant governor is required to call for a recall election within 60 to 80 days. Just yesterday, the California GOP gave $125,000 to the recall campaign. Here's what's in the House Democrats' stimulus relief plan President Joe Biden is now facing a challenge in delivering a key campaign promise of raising the minimum wage to $15. President Biden is working to include that measure in the American relief plan. Getting the proposal passed with that increase included may face hurdles, due to specific budget guidelines set by Senate rules. Chico City Council meeting canceled due to possible COVID-19 exposure The consideration of making "The Greater Chico Homeless Task Force" an official city commission is just one item now on delay. Tonight's scheduled Chico City Council meeting has been postponed until March 2, because of potential COVID-19 exposure. Other items that were up for discussion include, a parking fee at Upper Park and considering a sales tax measure for police and fire. Oroville City Council meeting canceled due to COVID-19 The Oroville City Council meeting originally scheduled for today is also canceled. The city announced Monday the session has been rescheduled for March 2 at 4 p.m. all items on the agenda are moved to the new date, including discussion of the possibility of Cal Fire taking over Orovilles fire service. The Oroville YMCA is teaming up with Vitalant for a blood drive. It will be at the Oroville municipal auditorium, at 1200 Myers St. in Oroville. The event runs from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. An ID and face mask are required in order to donate and appointments are encouraged. An average of three Brisbane City Council bus drivers were assaulted every day in December. That damning statistic was aired in Tuesdays council meeting, which heard the total number of bus driver assaults in 2020 was 654, just three fewer than 2019 despite the patronage hit associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 650 Brisbane bus drivers were either verbally or physically abused in 2020. Credit:Lucy Stone Council bus drivers were spat on 20 times in 2020 and, in 13 instances, drivers were struck or shoved by a member of the public. The figures were seized upon by Labor opposition leader Jared Cassidy. Protesting farmers at Delhi's borders have extended their support to 21-year-old environmental activist Disha Ravi after police arrested her for her alleged involvement in creating the 'toolkit' shared by teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Twitter. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is leading the agitation against new agri laws demanded the release of Disha. The SKM said that the Centre is brazenly misusing power to suppress the farmers' movement. Echoing the SKM's sentiments, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) also condemned Disha Ravi's arrest. In a media statement, SKM said: "We are deeply concerned and anguished about the brazen misuse of police power by the government in its efforts to weaken the ongoing farmers' movement. We condemn the arrest of young environmental activist Disha Ravi without due procedures being followed. SKM demands her immediate unconditional release". KSMC said, "terrified Modi government is killing humanity by arresting a 21-year-old girl". It further called for the withdrawal of sedition cases against several journalists in light of their reportage of the January 26 violence in Delhi. Climate activist Greta Thunberg had shared the "toolkit" to lend her support to the farmers' agitation against the three new agri laws. In the document, various urgent actions, including creating a Twitter storm and protesting outside Indian embassies, were listed to rally support for the farmers' protest. But the "toolkit" has been cited by some critics as "proof" of a conspiracy to fuel protests in India. Disha has been arrested for allegedly sharing Thunberg's "toolkit". Delhi Police claimed that Disha Ravi, who was arrested by a cyber cell team, was an editor of the "toolkit Google doc" and the "key conspirator" in the document's formulation and dissemination. Delhi cops have maintained that "all due procedures were followed" in Disha's arrest. Separately, the SKM also reiterated it has given a call for rail roko action (rail blockade) across India on February 18 for four hours to press for their demands. "There will be a 'rail roko' programme across the country from 12 pm to 4 pm on February 18," the SKM said. The SKM also said it will commemorate on Tuesday the contributions of Sir Chhotu Ram, a prominent politician of Punjab province before independence, for peasant consciousness. "On February 16, SKM calls on all its constituents to organise meetings that explain the contributions of Sir Chhotu Ram and the need to further strengthen the ongoing movement, taking inspiration from exemplary people like him," the statement added. Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at the three Delhi border points --- Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur --- for nearly 80 days, demanding a complete repeal of the three farm laws and a legal guarantee on minimum support price for their crops. Also read: 'GDP to grow at 13.5% in FY22; economic activity on verge of normality': Nomura Also read: Fuel prices increase for eighth straight day; petrol nears Rs 100 in MP's Balaghat, Rajasthan's Ganganagar UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made what looks to be his final addition to the pitching staff before spring training on Monday, signing former New York Mets left-hander Justin Wilson. Wilson joins a loaded bullpen which features a pair of dominant southpaws: closer Aroldis Chapman and setup man Zack Britton. So is threes company among the Yankees left-handed relievers? MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM host Steve Phillips, a former MLB general manager, explained Tuesday why he loves the addition of Wilson. Chapman, Britton and Justin Wilson. Three different looks, really. Three different style left-handers. I always wanted a bullpen with three left-handers. I really wanted that. Particularly if I had a rotation of right-handers. The notion of flipping around the other team. So if I take my starter out, if I can bring in a lefty early and flip the lineup, like start the other manager burning his bench a little bit. It forces that manager at some point with a right-handed hitter to face a right-handed pitcher or to burn another guy on his bench and then I can bring in the lefty. So I think that having three left-handers can be very valuable, especially if one of them is the closer. Its good to have two others. I like this from the Yankees perspective, that hes the third lefty in the bullpen, and they have different looks from all three. But theyre all versatile, veteran guys that have gotten big outs in games, further fortifies what is already going to be a dominant bullpen for the Yanks. Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers Wilson spent the last two seasons pitching for the Mets. He was 2-1 with a 3.66 ERA over 23 games in 2020 after pitching to a 2.54 ERA with four saves the previous season. Wilson has a 3.27 ERA over 480 career relief appearances in nine MLB seasons and was very good pitching for the Yankees in 2015, going 5-0 with a 3.10 ERA over a career-high 74 appearances. After the 2015 season, Wilson was traded by the Yankees to the Detroit Tigers for two minor league pitchers who currently are in their bullpen, Luis Cessa and Chad Green. The Yanks acquired Wilson in November 2014 from the Pittsburgh Pirates for catcher Francisco Cervelli. LHP Justin Wilson LHP Aroldis Chapman LHP Zack Britton @StevePhillipsGM has some bullpen envy. @Yankees | #Yankees pic.twitter.com/gf3GuACDjn MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 16, 2021 (NJ Advance Medias Randy Miller contributed to this report.) 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. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. New Resource Est. of 7.2 M oz. Indicated and 20.4 M oz. Inferred AgEq VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Further to the Company's proposed acquisition of the El Cubo mine and mill complex ("El Cubo") from Endeavour Silver Corp. ("Endeavour") announced December 18, 2020, VanGold Mining Corp. (the "Company" or "VanGold") (TSXV:VGLD) is pleased to announce positive results from its Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA") for the combined El Cubo and El Pinguico project south of the city of Guanajuato, Mexico (together the "Combined Project"). Details of the PEA including the Company's maiden Mineral Resource estimate will be provided in a NI 43-101 technical report with an effective date of January 31, 2021 and an issue date of February 12, 2021(the "PEA Report") to be filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR within 45 days. The PEA Report is being prepared by Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc., independent mineral industry advisors ("Behre" - see "About Behre Dolbear" below) with the assistance of other independent consultants. James Anderson, Chairman and CEO said: "VanGold's management believes that our proposed acquisition of El Cubo will prove to be a remarkable catalyst of growth for the Company. Behre's PEA provides us with a high-level view of VanGold's plans to process material from both El Pinguico and El Cubo at a centrally located mill. This study is an important step in unlocking value for all stakeholders at our dual projects in Guanajuato." Particulars: All dollar ($) figures are presented in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Base Case metal prices used in the PEA are $1,527 per gold ("Au") ounce ("oz") and $19.49 per silver ("Ag") oz. These prices are based on long-term consensus average prices. A silver equivalent ("AgEq") price ratio of 1:80 (Au:Ag) applies throughout this news release to Mineral Resources and production. Highlights: Mineral Resource Estimate Total Indicated Mineral Resources for the Combined Project are 718,655 tonnes grading 160 gpt Ag and 1.90 gpt Au, or 306 gpt AgEq, which equates to 7.2 M oz AgEq using a conversion ratio of 1 oz of Au is equivalent to 80 oz of Ag. Total Inferred Mineral Resources for the Combined Project are 1,453,000 tonnes grading 214 gpt Ag and 2.78 gpt Au, or 435 gpt AgEq, which equates to 20.4 M oz AgEq using a conversion ratio of 1 oz of Au is equivalent to 80 oz of Ag. 7 Year Economics - Behre prepared a discounted cash flow model for the Combined Project to determine the Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Initial Capital and Sustaining Capital, and payback period. Cash flow estimates were prepared on an after-tax basis and in accordance with NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for PEA studies. The PEA considers a plan to ramp up to a 750 tonne-per-day ("tpd") operation, with an initial mine life of 7.0 years. On an after-tax basis, the Combined Project generates a Base Case NPV (5%) of $32.9 M and an IRR of 105%, excluding El Cubo acquisition costs. Using commodity prices of $22.41/oz Ag and $1756/oz Au, which are +15% above the Base Case (yet still lower than current spot prices), the after-tax NPV(5%) is $79.0 M and the IRR is 344%. Behre calculates a Base Case payback period of 1.87 years. Operating Costs - Dividing Behre's Total Operating Costs of $124.4 M by the life of mine (" LOM ") AgEq oz of 13.2 M to be recovered from the Combined Project, gives VanGold an operating cost per AgEq ounce of $9.42 over seven years of production, positioning VanGold's operation to be attractive in nearly all commodity price scenarios. Dividing Behre's Total Operating Costs of $124.4 M by the life of mine (" ") AgEq oz of 13.2 M to be recovered from the Combined Project, gives VanGold an operating cost per AgEq ounce of $9.42 over seven years of production, positioning VanGold's operation to be attractive in nearly all commodity price scenarios. Opportunities to Grow and Optimize - Given that planning for the Combined Project has been advanced through the PEA stage within only a five (5) month period, numerous opportunities remain for growth and optimization. The most significant immediate opportunities are the potential to expand the Company's Mineral Resources - both at El Cubo and El Pinguico through exploration drilling and development, which is now ongoing at El Pinguico. Other noteworthy opportunities include optimization of the surface stockpile metallurgy and recoveries, which the Company remains confident can be improved during the mill's re-commissioning process. Cautionary Statement: The reader is advised that the PEA summarized in this news release is preliminary in nature and is intended to provide an initial, high-level review of the Combined Project's economic potential and design options. The PEA mine plan and economic model includes numerous assumptions and the use of mineral resources. Mineral resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Furthermore, there has been insufficient exploration to allow for the classification of the inferred mineral resources disclosed herein as an indicated or measured mineral resource, however, it is reasonably expected that the majority of the inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated or measured mineral resources with continued exploration. There is no guarantee that any part of the mineral resources disclosed herein will be converted into a mineral reserve in the future or that the PEA will be realized. Mineral Resource Estimate The mineral resource estimate used as the basis for the PEA was derived from Endeavour's previous technical report for El Cubo titled "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report: Updated Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimate for the El Cubo Project, Guanajuato, Mexico" dated March 3, 2017 and amended March 27, 2018 (effective December 31, 2016) by Hardrock Consulting LLC. and computer models developed by Endeavour and VanGold's previous technical report for El Pinguico titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report for El Pinguico Project, Guanajuato Mining District, Mexico", dated effective February 28, 2017 by Carlos Cham Dominguez, C.P.G., copies of which have been filed by Endeavour and VanGold, respectively, under their profiles on SEDAR. Behre has reviewed the information, estimation methods and the estimates in such reports and is of the opinion that the estimates are reasonable and can be utilized for the PEA, subject to certain adjustments including those summarized below. El Cubo Resource Estimate Endeavour's 2016 mineral reserves and resources estimate for El Cubo (the "2016 Estimate") was comprised of 37 individual models. These models were developed for each vein or area using two different estimation methods, either a traditional manual polygonal method referred to in the technical report as a Vertical Longitudinal Projection (VLP) or as a 2-dimensional (2D) polygonal method while the majority of the estimates were made using computerized 3-dimensional (3D) block models. Fifteen areas were estimated using manual techniques and 22 different block models were used for the computerized estimates. Based on long production experience and historic measurements, a density factor of 2.5 t/m3 was used to convert volumes to tonnages. Behre considers this reasonable. After subtracting Endeavour's total mine and mill production at El Cubo since January 1, 2017 of 1,278,038 tonnes from the 2016 Estimate, Behre estimates the remaining resources at El Cubo as follows, assuming Endeavour mined all proven and probable mineral reserves first and then the measured mineral resource followed by the indicated resource: Table 14.5 Estimate of the Present El Cubo Mineral Resources as of 31 December 2020 Classification Tonnes Silver Gold Silver Eq g/t g/t oz g/t oz Measured None Indicated 508,055 194 3,169,000 2.44 39,860 389 Inferred 1,453,000 214 10,004,000 2.78 129,900 435 Notes: 1. Silver Equivalent calculated using 1 ounce of gold is equal to 80 ounces of silver, on the basis of the average 5-year historic silver and gold prices. 2. Numbers have been rounded. El Pinguico Resource Estimate There are two stockpiles at the El Pinguico mine that date back to 1913 when the mine shut down during the Mexican Revolution; a surface and an underground stockpile. Surface Stockpile VanGold's previous sampling of the surface stockpile including the digging of 10 pits by excavator and sampling near the top and near the bottom of the pits has been reviewed by Behre. From the sampling location map, the pits are scattered relatively evenly on the stockpile. Also, previous trenching and sampling by a private group was undertaken. Based upon the topographic survey and all the sampling data, VanGold estimates the surface stockpile contains approximately 175,000 tonnes to 185,000 tonnes with a silver grade of 67 g/t and a gold grade of 0.45 g/t. Behre has reviewed the work and is of the opinion that there has been sufficient work to classify this stockpile as an Indicated Mineral Resource. Underground Stockpile The underground stockpile at El Pinguico fills an old open stope area from Level 4 to Level 7 of the El Pinguico mine ranging from 25 m to 100 m thick and occupying portions of the stoped out El Pinguico vein. At present, only the surface of the stockpile can be sampled. VanGold dug and sampled 20 shallow trenches some 0.5 m to 1 m deep. Part of the dump surface has been contaminated by rock fall from the overlying waste rock adjacent to the Pinguico vein. Based upon three sampling campaigns, VanGold estimated that the underground stockpile contains a silver grade of 167 g/t and a gold grade of 1.66 g/t. The work by VanGold in 2017 confirming the historic grade estimates are reasonable. Since only the upper 5 m of the stockpile has been sampled, Behre has less confidence in the material below the 2017 trenching. It is assumed that this stockpile is comprised of low-grade vein material from development drifts, but Behre cautions that it could also include barren waste rock from development drifts. Behre has reviewed the sampling work in 2017 and is of the opinion that the underground stockpile contains potentially economic material in the upper portion, which has been sampled using modern QA/QC controls. Behre recommends accessing Level 7 and sampling the base of the stockpile via raises and draw points, which may increase the confidence in the entire stockpile grade. However, until that work is completed, Behre is of the opinion that only the top portion can be considered as Resources and would classify the 25,600 tonnes certified in 2012 by Servicio Geological Mexicano (SGM) as an Indicated Mineral Resource. The remaining Mineral Resources in 2021 at El Pinguico are shown in Table 14.2 below. Table 14.2 El Pinguico Mineral Resources as of 31 December 2020 Classification Tonnes Silver Gold Silver Eq g/t g/t oz g/t oz Measured 0 Indicated Surface Stockpile 185,000 67 398,500 0.45 2,680 103 Underground Stockpile 25,600 166 136,600 1.67 1,375 300 Total 210,600 79 535,100 0.60 4,055 127 Notes: 1. Silver Equivalent calculated using 1 ounce of gold is equal to 80 ounces of silver, on the basis of the average 5-year historic silver and gold prices. 2. Numbers have been rounded. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There has been insufficient exploration to allow for the classification of the inferred resources at El Cubo as an indicated or measured mineral resource, however, it is reasonably expected that the majority of the inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated or measured mineral resources with continued exploration. There is no guarantee that any part of the mineral resources discussed herein will be converted into a mineral reserve in the future. At present, there are no Mineral Reserves at El Cubo or El Pinguico. Preliminary Economic Assessment Behre prepared a discounted cash flow model for the Combined Project to determine the NPV, IRR, and payback period. The technical cash flow was prepared on an after-tax basis and was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for PEA studies. Note: The cash flow model includes Indicated Resources for the stockpiled material at El Pinguico and Indicated and Inferred Resources for El Cubo. Readers are cautioned that the PEA is preliminary in nature. It includes Inferred Mineral Resources considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty the PEA will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, and other relevant issues. Key parameters integral to Behre's preparation of the cash flow model and determination of the NPV include: All results are expressed in US Dollars (US$). The analysis is based on a 100% equity basis. Specific business considerations, such as debt or equity financing and detailed tax strategies, have purposely not been included or analyzed in detail. All cash flows are determined on an after-tax basis. Net Present Values (NPV) are determined, assuming end-of-year cash flows. All costs and revenues reflect "real" or constant 2021 dollars without escalation. The measures used in the PEA are metric except where, by convention, gold and silver content, production, and sales are stated in troy ounces. The results of the preliminary economic assessment for the Combined Project are summarized in Table 22.1 below: Table 22.1 Summary of Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Combined El Pinguico and El Cubo Mines Metal Prices1 Silver $US/oz Silver 19.49 Gold $US/oz Gold 1,527.00 Net Present Value (5%) $US million 32.9 Net Present Value (8%) $US million 28.5 Internal Rate of Return % 105 Net Smelter Return $US million 221.0 Total Operating Costs $US million 124.4 Other Costs and Depreciation $US million 54.8 NPI Royalty $US million 0.5 Taxes $US million 12.5 Life of Mine Capital and Development Costs $US million 69.4 Net Cash Flow $US million 42.2 Payback Period Years 1.87 Tonnes Processed Mtonnes 1.78 Life of Mine Recovered Silver Equivalent2 Moz 13.21 Initial Capital and Development3 $US million 28.1 Sustaining Capital and Development $US million 41.3 Total Capital and Development $US million 69.4 Mine Life Years 7 1Source: Consensus Economics, Inc., Energy & Metals Consensus Forecasts, January 19, 2021. 2Silver Equivalents are based on a 1:80 gold:silver ratio as per the average 5-year historic silver price of $17.36/oz and gold price of $1,387/oz. 3Includes 15% contingency. Cash flow model inputs reflected in the preliminary economic assessment include: Life of Mine and Production Forecasts. The cash flow model incorporates a 7-year operating and development period in which the El Pinguico stockpile material and the El Cubo Indicated Resources are scheduled to be recovered in Years 1 to 3. Inferred Resources are projected to be mined in Years 4 to 7. At steady state, the monthly targeted production rate is 22,500 tonnes per month for an annual total of 270,000 tonnes per year mined and processed. Commodity Prices and Net Smelter Return. Behre used silver and gold price projections compiled by Consensus Economics, Inc. in their January 2021 Energy and Metals Consensus Forecasts survey. For the purpose of the PEA only, it is assumed that development will begin in April 2021 and production will be initiated in October 2021. The fiscal year in the cash flow model is modeled to begin on April 1. The Consensus Economics, Inc. price forecasts for Q4 2021 through 2025 have been used for Years 1 through 5, respectively, and the Consensus Economics, Inc. long-term price forecast has been used in Years 6 and 7. The resulting average silver price is US$19.49 and the average gold price is US$1,527. The net smelter return (NSR) has been determined on the basis of refining and freight costs of $3.75 per ounce of silver and $138 per ounce of gold. Operating Costs. Mining, processing, and administration costs are based on the operating cost estimates summarized in Table 22.5 below. Table 22.5 LOM Operating Cost Summary Direct Unit Operating Costs US$ millions Unit Cost US$/tonne Total Mill Feed1 El Pinguico Stockpile Haulage 1.6 0.91 El Cubo Direct Mining and Haulage 73.8 41.55 Processing 25.4 14.29 General and Administrative 23.6 13.31 Total 124.4 70.06 1Combined mill feed from both El Pinguico and El Cubo. Development and Capital Costs. Development and capital costs associated with mine development and equipment and mill refurbishment are shown in Table 22.6 below (see also "Contractor Alternative" below). Table 22.6 Initial and Sustaining Capital and Development Costs (US$ Millions) Cost Initial Years 1-2 Sustaining Years 3-61 Total Direct Mine Equipment Costs 15.1 4.3 19.4 Direct Mill Capital Costs 1.7 - 1.7 Mine Development 4.1 24.0 28.1 Definition Drilling 1.2 2.9 4.1 Exploration - Underground 1.0 2.5 3.5 Exploration - Surface 0.3 1.8 2.1 Tailings Storage and Dam Expansion 0.8 0.4 1.1 Reclamation 0.4 - 0.4 Total 24.4 35.9 60.4 15% Contingency 3.7 5.4 9.1 Total with Contingency 28.1 41.3 69.4 1Assumes no capital or development costs in Year 7. Royalties. VanGold holds an option to purchase three underlying royalties covering its El Pinguico project from Exploraciones Mineras Del Bajio S.A. de C.V. ("EMBSA") as more particularly described in the Company's news release of November 13, 2020. If VanGold exercises such option, EMBSA's sole remaining royalty at El Pinguico will be a 15% net profits interest over the existing surface and underground stockpiles. Other Costs and Taxes. Other costs include: Mining Rights Tax..................................................... 7.5% of EBITDA Government Fee on Precious Metals....................... 0.5% of silver gross revenues Workers Profit Share................................................ 10% of pre-tax profits These costs are based on the requirements of the Mexican government. Depreciation was determined on a straight-line basis for 8 years as per Mexican tax laws. The income tax rate is projected at 30% of operating profit (sales income or revenue less royalties, operating and other costs, and depreciation). Sensitivity Analysis To determine the effect of changes in several key base case assumptions, Behre prepared a sensitivity analysis for each operating scenario/factor (i.e. commodity prices, operating costs, and capital costs) that could have a significant effect on the financial performance of the Combined Project. The following parameters were evaluated in the sensitivity analysis: Discount rates ranging from 0% to 10% were applied to determine the effect on NPV. Commodity prices generally have the greatest effect on mining project economics. The sensitivity to changes in commodity prices was determined on the basis of a constant gold-to-silver price ratio of 1:80, which is consistent with historical data. The cash variable operating costs were varied to determine the effect on NPV. Both the initial and sustaining capital costs were varied. In each case, the particular parameter was changed for each year during the LOM review although, in reality, it is unlikely that each of the varied parameters would experience the same increases or decreases over the entire LOM. As such, the following sensitivity analyses present the best or the worst-case scenarios in the ranges evaluated and provide an indication of the relative effect that a specific operating parameter can have on the overall Combined Project economics. Commodity Price and Cost Sensitivities Tables 22.8 and 22.9 below illustrate the affect on Base Case cash flow resulting from variations in commodity prices and costs. Table 22.8 Commodity Price Sensitivity - Base Case Assuming a Constant Gold-to-Silver Price Ratio of 1:80 Change in Commodity Price (%) Silver Price ($/oz) Gold Price ($/oz) IRR (%) NPV5% (US$ millions) NPV8% (US$ millions) -25 14.62 1,169 N/A -38.8 -35.5 -15 16.56 1,325 -25 -9.4 -9.2 -10 17.54 1,375 22 5.4 3.9 0 19.49 1,527 105 32.9 28.5 10 21.44 1,680 243 64.3 56.5 15 22.41 1,756 344 79.0 69.6 25 24.36 1,909 750 108.5 95.9 Table 22.9 Operating and Capital Cost Sensitivity - Base Case Cost Change in Cost (%) IRR (%) NPV5% (US$ millions) NPV8% (US$ millions) Operating -25 250% 68.6 60.2 0 105% 32.9 28.5 25 -6% -2.8 -3.3 Capital -25 275% 50.1 44.1 0 105% 32.9 28.5 25 40% 15.7 12.8 Of the sensitivity factors reviewed, the Base Case cash flow was significantly affected by variations in the commodity prices. At a 25% increase in commodity prices, the resulting silver and gold prices are comparable to the average spot price in early January 2021 ($25.90/oz silver and $1,867/oz gold). At a 10% decrease in commodity prices, the project demonstrates a positive NPV(5), NPV(8), and an IRR of 22%. The silver and gold prices for this case are comparable to the 3-year historical average prices ($17.55/oz silver and $1,477/oz gold). Based on the results of the sensitivity analysis, the average NPV(5) breakeven price is approximately $17.20/oz of silver and $1,376/oz of gold (assuming a constant gold-to-silver ratio of 80:1). There is minimal difference in the breakeven price at a 5% or 8% discount rate. Contractor Alternative: At VanGold's request, Behre has also prepared a preliminary assessment of an alternative to its Base Case initial capital and development costs for mine equipment in which both El Cubo and El Pinguico would be mined using a contract miner - readily available in Central Mexico. In this scenario, only surface facilities, including sub-stations, compressors, and fans would be constructed and all mine equipment and underground facilities would be furnished by a contractor. This alternative mode of operation would only be relevant to El Cubo as contractor services at El Pinguico are already part of the operating plan. The estimated mine capital cost for this alternative for the first year of operation is estimated at $3.0 million for the Combined Project at El Cubo and El Pinguico and $1.3 million for the increase in tonnage at El Cubo in the second year of operation. A comparative table of costs, cash flows, and values for the owner operated model vs. the contractor model is set out below: Table 22.10 Comparison of Mine Owner Operated and Mining Contractor Alternative Mine Owner Operated Mining Contractor Alternative Silver Prices1 $US/oz Silver 19.49 19.49 Gold Prices1 $US/oz Gold 1,527.00 1,527.00 Net Present Value (5%) $US million 32.9 22.4 Net Present Value (8%) $US million 28.5 20.3 Total Operating Costs $US million 124.4 140.2 Initial Capital and Development2 $US million 28.1 16.3 Sustaining Capital and Development2 $US million 41.3 49.3 Life of Mine Capital and Development Costs2 $US million 69.4 65.6 Net Cash Flow $US million 42.2 27.0 Payback Period Years 1.87 1.06 1Source: Consensus Economics, Inc., Energy & Metals Consensus Forecasts, January 19, 2021 2Including 15% contingency The advantage to the "contractor alternative" is the significant reduction in the initial capital and development costs (nearly $12 million); however, based on the single preliminary contractor quote received by Behre at the time of the PEA, the LOM operating and underground development costs are higher for this scenario than the base case. Additional quotations are needed to confirm operating costs. The resulting NPV(8) is lower than the base case at $20.3 million, but given the significant reduction in initial capital and development costs (~$12 million) use of a contract miner at El Cubo during the first few years of operation may be warranted while additional exploration work and definition drilling is completed at El Cubo and the El Pinguico underground stockpile. Conversion of inferred resources to measured and indicated resources and the identification of additional resources would increase the LOM, further justifying additional capital expenditures to move to an owner-operator scenario in later years. Trading Halt: The Company has submitted a draft of the PEA Report along with additional corporate and project budgeting information to the TSXV in connection with its proposed acquisition of El Cubo and looks forward to having its shares reinstated for trading shortly. El Cubo Transaction: The Company continues to work with Endeavour towards closing the Company's purchase of El Cubo in an expeditious manner. On December 18, 2020 the Company announced it had signed a binding letter agreement with Endeavour to acquire El Cubo. The El Cubo plant and tailings facilities are currently on short term care and maintenance and VanGold intends to re-start the mill at approximately 750 tonnes per day using resource material from its surface and underground stockpiles at El Pinguico as a significant portion of its estimated throughput for the first 36 months of operation. About Behre Dolbear: The PEA was prepared by independent mineral advisors Behre Dolbear & Company (USA) Inc., one of the oldest mineral industry advisory firms in the world, continuously operating since 1911. Behre specializes in performing impartial technical and strategic studies for mining companies, financial institutions, governments and international agencies. Typical studies include resource and reserve reviews, mineral property valuations, due diligence studies for bankability and acquisition purposes, and independent expert reports for capital raisings and valuations. VanGold's El Pinguico Project: El Pinguico is a high-grade gold and silver deposit that was mined from the early 1890s until 1913. Toward the end of that period it was mined exclusively by The Pinguico Mines Company of New York City, whose shares traded on the Boston and New York Stock Exchanges. The mining was done principally from the El Pinguico and El Carmen veins, which are thought to be splays off the Mother Vein, or 'Veta Madre'. The Veta Madre is associated with a mega fault that outcrops for 25 kilometres and is the most important source of precious metal mineralization in the region. Current geologic interpretation, based on regional mapping and projections from the Veta Madre developed at adjacent historic mine operations, suggest that the Veta Madre vein system may cross VanGold's property at depth, underneath the high grade El Pinguico and El Carmen veins. Very limited drilling has been done on the property and no drilling has yet attempted to encounter the Veta Madre at depth. The intersection of these major vein structures are excellent exploration targets and may result in zones of significant size and grades. Hernan Dorado Smith, a director of VanGold and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. About VanGold Mining Corp. VanGold Mining is an exploration and development company engaged in reactivating high-grade past producing silver and gold mines near the city of Guanajuato, Mexico. The Company's El Pinguico project is a significant past producer of both silver and gold located just 7km south of the city. The Company remains focused on the near-term potential for development and monetization of its surface and underground stockpiles of mineralized material at El Pinguico, and in delineating silver and gold resources through underground and surface drilling on projects located in this historic mining camp. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "James Anderson" Chairman and CEO For further information regarding VanGold Mining Corp, please contact: James Anderson, Director, +1 (778) 989-5346 Email: james@vangoldmining.com Continue to watch our progress at: www.vangoldmining.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance including, but not limited to, estimates of mineral resources; the opportunities for exploration, development and expansion of El Cubo and El Pinguico; estimates of capital expenditures and operating costs related to El Cubo and El Pinguico including the potential upfront capital and development cost savings under the Contractor Alternative; future financial or operational performance, including the amount of future production at El Cubo and/or El Pinguico; the ability of the Company to successfully complete the Acquisition of El Cubo and refurbish the El Cubo mill on schedule or on budget, or at all, and the impact of such Combined Project on the Company, including with respect to future development and production; the Company's intention to improve on the base case, including the potential to add mine life by upgrading more of the existing inferred resource within El Cubo and discovering and defining further resources at both El Cubo and El Pinguico; the estimates of NPV and IRR for the Combined Project; life of mine projections for the Combined Project; the intention to prepare and file the PEA Report; the expenditures and success related to any future exploration or development programs, and the potential intersection at depth of the "Veta Madre" with the Company's El Pinguico vein. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to and assumptions made by the Company; which assumptions, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: our mineral resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock conforming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; resource grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to the PEA; success of the Company's projects, including El Pinguico and the successful acquisition of El Cubo; prices for silver and gold remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, currency rate fluctuations, actual results of exploration, development and production activities, unanticipated geological or structural formations and characteristics, environmental risks, future prices of gold, silver and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental or regulatory approvals and permits, inadequate insurance, and other risks in the mining industry. There are no assurances that VanGold will successfully complete the acquisition of El Cubo on the terms contemplated or at all or, if successful, that the Company will be able to re-start the El Cubo mill to process mineralized materials in the amounts and at the costs anticipated. In addition, there is uncertainty about the spread of COVID-19 and the impact it will have on the Company's operations, supply chains, ability to access El Pinguico and/or El Cubo or procure equipment, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all and economic activity in general. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by law. Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates Canadian public disclosure standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") set forth in Industry Guide 7 ("Industry Guide 7"), and information concerning mineralization, deposits, mineral reserve and resource information contained or referred to herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies in accordance with Industry Guide 7. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release uses the terms "measured mineral resources", 'indicated mineral resources' and 'inferred mineral resources'. U.S. investors are advised that, while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian securities laws, Industry Guide 7 does not recognize them. U.S. investors should also understand that "inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of "inferred mineral resources" exist, are economically or legally mineable or will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities laws, estimated "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies except in rare cases. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a mineral resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian securities laws. However, Industry Guide 7 normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by Industry Guide 7 standards as in place tonnage and grade, without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with Industry Guide 7. VANGOLD MINING CORP. PH: +1(778) 989-5346 E: info@vangoldmining.com W: vangoldmining.com CA: Suite 2820 - 200 Granville Street, Vancouver B.C. V6C 1S4 MX: Carretera - Guanajuato - Silao km 5.5, Int 4, Col. Marfil CP36250, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico SOURCE: Vangold Mining Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629954/VanGold-PEA-Outlines-7-Year-Mine-Life Voters fill out and cast their ballots at the Cross Insurance Center polling location where the entire city votes in Bangor, Maine, on Nov. 3, 2020. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images) Survey: Most Biden Voters Claim to Be Christian but Dont Practice Nearly two-thirds of self-identified voters who backed President Joe Biden in the 2020 election claim to be Christians, but they dont take it very seriously, according to noted religion researcher George Barna. Barna, who is director of research for the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, surveyed 1,000 adults immediately following the November 2020 election. Barna found that among Biden voters, 65 percent called themselves Christians, but only 15 percent claimed to be born-again, the description typically associated with Evangelicals. Only three out of 10 (30 percent) believe that the Bible is the actual or inspired word of God and contains no errors, Barna wrote in the survey report made public on Feb. 16. That helps to explain why three-fourths of Biden supporters do not identify the Bible as their most trusted source of moral guidance. Their dominant sources of moral guidance are their feelings, experiences, friends, and family. Consistent with that widespread rejection of the Bible, three-quarters of the Biden followers (75 percent) also believe that there is no absolute moral truth; in their eyes, identifying moral truth is up to each individual, there are no moral absolutes that apply to everyone, all the time. Other findings include the fact that only a third (31 percent) of the Biden voters said they are active in a local church congregation. Protestant voters gave Trump 47 percent, compared to 33 percent for Biden, while Catholics gave Biden 44 percent, compared to 40 percent for Trump. Among people claiming a non-Christian faith, 53 percent voted for Biden. Barna also found that the religious views of Bidens voters directly translate to their policy preferences. For instance, 60 percent of his base, which is largely pro-abortion, argues that the Bible is ambiguous on the matter of abortion; it is possible to make compelling biblical arguments either for or against abortion. Similarly, his base is overwhelmingly in favor of extending LGBTQ rights, which conforms to the finding that six out of 10 (58 percent) of his voters reject the notion that the marriage of one man to one woman is Gods only acceptable plan for humanity, applicable to all cultures on earth. Barna said that the views of Biden supporters expressed in his survey suggest that the presidents backers are more likely to support proposals opposed by many Christians, including the following: Allowing churches and all forms of worship to be restricted due to COVID. Eliminating tax exemptions for churches. Promoting alternative faiths in public school classrooms and curriculum. Broader support for abortion. More favorable treatment of Muslim nations and regimes. Government-determined values, morals, and public behavior. More extensive rights and protections for LGBTQ people. More lenient penalties for those convicted of crimes. Moving away from rule of law and the equal enforcement of laws. Unfortunately, if our government denies the core principles on which it was foundedwhich were originally derived from the Biblein favor of modern philosophical preferences, the end will be chaos, constant disputes, and widespread dissatisfaction, Barna said. New Delhi, Feb 16 : As the ongoing farmers' protest entered the 83rd day on Tuesday against the three contentious farm laws enacted last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarified that these laws will mostly benefit small and marginal farmers. The Prime Minister said that the government's aim is to make each citizen prosper and make India 'Aatmanirbhar' (self-reliant). Hitting out at opposition parties without taking names, the Prime Minister said that some people have been spreading rumours against these laws against which thousands of farmers mainly from Punjab and Haryana have been sitting on indefinite protest on various Delhi borders. Addressing people through video conferencing after laying foundation stone and inaugurating projects at Maharaja Suheldev Memorial in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich, the Prime Minister said that a false narrative is being spread among people against these laws for political benefits. "The new agriculture reforms will benefit small and marginal farmers the most. Some people are propagating rumours against these reforms," the Prime Minister said. In an obvious attack on the Congress, Modi said "those who used to invite foreign firms in India are now protesting against the government which is trying to give opportunity to the Indian private companies". He said that the farmers themselves have unmasked those politicians who have been spreading rumours against these laws since they were enacted in the Monsoon Session of Parliament in September last year. The Prime Minister further mentioned how purchase of paddy by the government has doubled in Uttar Pradesh compared to previous year in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year paddy purchase is registered at 65 lakh metric tonnes so far this season. Similarly, the Prime Minister said, 'Svamitva Scheme' is also being run across the country to protect the lands of farmers. "Drone survey has been conducted in over 12,000 villages and over two lakh families have received property cards so far. The farmers are for the first time witnessing a scheme playing a role like armour to protect their lands." Svamitva scheme, which was launched by the Prime Minister on National Panchayat Day on April 24, 2020, aims to provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India and the demarcation of rural population areas is being done using drone surveying technology. This would provide the 'record of rights' to village household owners possessing houses in inhabited rural areas in villages which, in turn, would enable them to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits from banks. The Prime Minister further said that Maharaja Suheldev Memorial will inspire generations to come and boost tourism in Uttar Pradesh where maximum tourists visit. He also mentioned how Uttar Pradesh is among the top three states in the country where maximum foreign tourists come visiting. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Alternative title: The night the lights went out in Kansas City. Almost. Here's more deets on the ask that's meeting with widespread compliance from mostly empty officer buildings: Indian Railways live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More RailTel Corporation of India, the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure provider, opens its initial public offering of over 8.7 crore equity shares for subscription on February 16. The state-owned Mini Ratna (Category-I) central public sector enterprise aims to raise Rs 819.24 crore through public issue which will close on February 18. The company will not receive funds from IPO as all the money will go to the Government of India. All brokerage houses recommended subscribing to the issue given its debt-free balance sheet, consistent payment of dividend, fair valuations, the likely role in digital transformation of Indian Railways, and better margins & return ratios compared to other telecom players. RailTel Corporation derives 66 percent of its revenues from the telecom segment while the remaining portion is from railways and other projects. "RailTel, if it performs efficiently can benefit from the 5G growth in India from a fiberisation needs' perspective. It could also play a key role in digital transformation of the railways," said Nirali Shah, Head of Equity Research at Samco Securities. RailTel Corporation of India IPO: 10 things to know before subscribing to the issue Besides, "COVID-19 has had a minimal impact on the telecom industry and has in fact triggered growth for certain players due to increased data usage and VPN services for people working from home. Since RailTel is a debt-free company and pays consistent dividends it could witness some traction," she added. But for long-term investors, there are a few red flags, she feels. "Firstly, the company has delivered single digit revenue and PAT CAGR of 7.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively, from FY18 to FY20. There is high dependence on the government entities and concentration risk given that 23.8 percent of its revenues come from top 3 customers. Its presence in a highly regulated industry is another cause for concern," she explained. Overall, "the company is fairly priced at its FY20 P/E of 21.3 times. It has been commanding a good grey market premium indicating the offer will sail through but keeping the risks in mind, we recommend investors to subscribe for listing gains only," Nirali Shah advised. Microfinance institution Arohan Financial Services files IPO papers to raise Rs 1,750-1,800 crore RailTel shares traded at a 48 percent premium to the issue price, as per the IPO Central and IPO Guru. Angel Broking also feels RailTel is going to play a key role in digital transformation of Indian Railways. "The company's margins & return ratios are better compared to other telecom players in India. There are no listed peers for the company. The issue has been priced at 21.4x PE on a FY20 trailing basis, which is quite reasonable by looking at the strong future growth rates of the company," said the brokerage which expects a good listing for the company. "We are positive on the long-term prospects of the industry as well as the company, we recommend subscribing to the RailTel IPO for long term as well as for listing gains," the brokerage said. RailTel is one of the largest neutral telecom infrastructure providers in India with pan-India optic fiber network. It has a diversified portfolio of services and solutions, and is a key partner to the Indian Railways in digital transformation. It is professionally managed with strong corporate governance and senior management team with significant industry experience. In FY20, the company reported the highest net profit margin among key telecom companies and key IT/ICT companies in India, with a net profit margin of 12.50 percent while its net profit margin was 8.48 percent in the six months ended September 2020. The company ranked first in terms of operating profit margin among the key IT/ICT companies in India in FY20. As of January 2021, the company had exclusive rights for way along 67,415 route kilometers connecting 7,321 railway stations for laying optical fibre cable. The company has 59,098 route kilometers of optical fiber cable network and have connected 5,929 railway stations across towns and cities in India. It has city wide access network that stands at over 18,000 kilometers. Hem Securities feels the company's valuation looks fully priced. But the brokerage said looking at the industry dynamics of telecom & telecom data services where broadband market is gaining pace with enterprise data services to register volume-driven growth along with huge potential offer by Indian market as India has lowest fixed broadband subscription per 100 people will give boost to the company's performance going forward. "Also, the edge which company holds over its peers in terms of financial performance makes this issue attractive to deploy the funds in. Hence, we recommend investors to subscribe the issue for short & long term," the brokerage added. Choice Broking also said, "Considering the futuristic service & growth plans of the IR and RailTels ability to monetize its existing assets through subscription plans and co-sharing with private operators, we feel that fundamentals are positive for the company. Thus we assign a subscribe' rating for the issue. RailTel has reported a short but stable financial performance over FY18-20. It reported a 7.5 percent CAGR rise in topline. EBITDA margin expanded from 27 percent in FY18 to 29.6 percent in FY20. Adjusted PAT increased by 8.9 percent CAGR over FY18-20. The company had a positive operating cash flow over FY18-20, which increased by 105.9 percent CAGR in FY20. Average RoIC and RoE stood at 8.6 percent and 10.6 percent, respectively, over FY18-20. RailTel is profitable since FY07 and paid dividend since FY08. Average dividend payout stood at around 40 percent over FY18-20. Net worth is positive and consistently growing since incorporation. The company is net debt free and is funding its operations through internal accruals since FY13. For H1 FY21, the company has reported a topline of Rs 537.4 crore with EBITDA and PAT margin of 24.2 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively. "Based on quick estimate, topline is likely to increase by 4 percent CAGR over FY20-23 to be at Rs 1,269.97 crore in FY23. EBITDA and PAT margin are forecasted to expand by 178bps and 26bps, respectively, during the period to stand at 31.4 percent and 17.1 percent in FY23 as compared to respective margins of 29.6 percent and 16.9 percent in FY20," said Choice Broking. RailTel is in the process of carrying out a project in Haryana for a state agency, where it is required to supply, install and commission IP-MPLS and MPLS routers at various sites under the state WAN and also supply, install and commission switches, servers and firewalls and undertake facility management services for management of the common IT infrastructure. Also read: Subscribe to Railtel corporation of india: Geojit The company has also been awarded a number of projects that it is currently implementing and executing. These include the Kerala Fiber Optic Network project where company is a part of the consortium that involves provision of scalable and resilient optic fiber across Kerala. The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on Moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Flash French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said that Chinese and Russian vaccines are necessary for the world to win the "war" against COVID-19. "We should work with the Chinese and Russians so that the vaccines developed by their scientists be integrated in this great multilateral effort -- immediately when they start the necessary certifications by the WHO (World Health Organisation)," he said in an interview with French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche. "We are now engaged in a fight against variants, which is a real race against time," Macron said, urging "rapid, effective and united" global efforts in the fight against the pandemic. The French president also called for international efforts to ensure equal access to vaccines against COVID-19, especially in Africa. "African countries rightly challenge us on their access to vaccines," he said, noting that without further efforts to achieve that goal, "we will be at risk of not only health but also ethics." Earlier this month, Macron expressed openness of his country to any vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, which has so far only given green light to vaccines of Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The shortage of approved vaccines in Europe has been drawing increasing public criticism and prompted demands for alternative solutions. Burma Despite Pressure, Myanmar Govt Employees Refuse to Work Under Military Rule Myanmar Railways staff in Mandalay join the Civil Disobedience Movement on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy YANGON Operations at many government departments in Myanmar all but halted this week as staff refused to work for the military regime, which early this month seized power from Myanmars democratically elected government. Many hospitals, banks, municipal departments and other government offices have been deserted as their employees have joined the growing Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), staying at home or urging other civil servants to join the movement by taking part in anti-coup protests. In Yangon on Tuesday, township General Administration Department offices and a few government-run banks were found to be open. But the banks had to struggle with a very small number of staff. A director of a township labor department told The Irrawaddy that some labor departments are closed because staff have been on strike against military rule. Many protesters have opted to join the CDM since ousted leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urged people to resist the coup. It was initiated by medical staff at government hospitals, and others followed suit. The impact of the medics CDM was so huge that coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing himself urged them to go back to work. Undermanned government hospitals have been turning away new admissions, and some have closed. Nearly 500 staff including at the director level under the ministries of Commerce, Electricity and Energy, Transport and Communications, and Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, joined the CDM in Naypyitaw last week. Since Monday, public support for the CDM has intensified. People have staged sit-ins in front of government offices, calling on their workers to join them. An official from state-owned Myanmar Economic Bank in Yangons Insein Township told The Irrawaddy that his bank was struggling to maintain operations after 30 staff went on strike against military rule. Hundreds of demonstrators outside called on the staff inside to take part in the CDM. The Government Office complex in Insein Township, which is normally crowded during office hours, was deserted when The Irrawaddy visited it. Another government sector hard hit by the CDM is transportation. Staff from Myanmar Railways (MR) in Yangon and Mandalay have proven to be second only to the medics in their participation, with 99 percent of railway employees on strike, according to an official from MR. U Myo Myint Saw, who is in charge of the mechanical department at the Insein Locomotive Shed, told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that all 245 staff at the shed joined the CDM last week. As result, the circular rail service, one of the transportation lifelines for many Yangon residents, has been halted, he said. Nearly all MR staff are in the CDM, he said. He admitted that there had been some pressure from upstairs, including threats that workers would be kicked out of their staff quarters if they didnt to go back to work. U Myo Myint Saw said staff at the shed were still resistant because they simply didnt want to work under the military regime. We will be paid the same as under the NLD government. But we dont like the military dictatorship. Thats why we are all in the movement to bring back the good system [a democratically elected government], he explained while calling on staff at other ministries to join the movement. However, regime spokesperson Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told the media at the regimes first post-coup press conference on Tuesday that the government mechanism is functioning well, as there were some dutiful civil servants at work, while issuing warnings to those in the movement. We are giving them some time to go back to work. If they fail, there will be unavoidable legal action against them, he said. Contrary to the spokespersons claim, U Tun Htet Naing, a deputy staff officer at the Rural Development Department in Natogyi Township, Mandalay Region, said nearly 200 of the departments more than 300 staff in Mandalay have joined the CDM. He said his township office had not been operating since Feb. 8, as more than half of his 13-strong staff, including himself, had been on strike since then. The official said he simply joined the CDM as he didnt want a dictatorial government and he would stay in the movement till the elected government comes back. Asked whether he feared retribution for his activism, he said: I joined because I am not afraid of being fired. I dont mind if Im sacked, but I cant work for the dictator. You may also like these stories: Myanmars Coup Leaders Name a New Union Election Commission Power Grab Brings Myanmar to Standstill Myanmar Coup Means Huge Losses for Thailands Border Trade Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Here are todays leading news stories: Society -- Vietnams Ministry of Health recorded 42 local COVID-19 infections, including 40 in northern Hai Duong Province and two in Hanoi, on Monday evening and Tuesday morning, raising the countrys tally to 2,271, with 1,541 having recovered and 35 deaths. -- Authorities in Hanoi decided to shut down all sidewalk eateries, cafes, and iced tea stalls from 0:00 on Tuesday in a bid to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. -- Social distancing measures were reinstated in the entire northern province of Hai Duong from 0:00 on Tuesday to March 3 to contain the spread of COVID-19, according to the provincial steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control. -- A new cold spell started affecting northern Vietnam on Monday and is forecast to linger until February 24, resulting in rainfall and a drop in temperature, the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting reported. -- A total of 154 traffic accidents occurred across Vietnam during the Lunar New Year holiday (February 10 to 15), killing 94 and injuring 98 others, according to the national committee for traffic safety. -- Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Monday ordered the healthcare sector to perform additional COVID-19 tests on all foreign experts who had arrived in the country and already completed their quarantine period. -- Police in Thu Duc City confirmed on Monday they had arrested a 33-year-old man for murdering his older brother and another person while allegedly high on crystal meth. -- Officers in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang on Monday apprehended 41 people for gambling and confiscated VND180 million (US$7,820) and 87 motorbikes. Business -- Vietnam's exports increased seven percent last year against 2019 to $282.66 billion, according to statistics from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Just as Covid-19 presents new challenges in the form of more contagious variants around the world, people must meet those challenges with better protection to continue curbing the spread of the global pandemic. The CDC has recently updated its Covid-19 guidelines with a list of ways to improve how your mask protects you. While face masks have become commonplace and required in most businesses, offices and public places, the new recommendations may help you stay better protected than the same reusable cloth mask youve been using since last summer. If you can find reasonably priced N95 masks, they remain the gold standard of coronavirus protection, but the CDCs other recommendations include double masking, masks with adjustable nose wires and mask fitters. Mask fitters, or mask braces, go outside your disposable or cloth face mask and fit snuggly around your nose, cheeks and chin. Its not an extra layer of filtration, but rather an extra piece of wire that will prevent air leaking out of the mask underneath it. This graphic from the CDC shows how to properly wear a mask fitter.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention As an added bonus, these mask braces may help reduce fogging for people who wear glasses, by sealing off the barrier between mask and skin. Several mask fitters are available online via vendors on Etsy or Amazon.com. Heres a look at some of the varieties you can buy right now: Adjustable mask fitter Adjustable mask fitter.screenshot from ButtonedUpWithCharm via Etsy This is an adjustable, comfortable Face Mask Fitter. This face mask fitter is made of a soft and adjustable framework of Rubber Coated Wire and Clear Vinyl Tubing. $10 from ButtonedUpWithCharm on Etsy Badger Seal Mask Fitter Badger Seal mask.screenshot from LetsSaveTogether via Etsy The Badger Seal mask fitter design is a an approved DIY method for making your own, cheap mask fitters. Read more here. But if you cant be bothered to make one yourself, you can buy one premade for you for $13.50 from LetsSaveTogether on Etsy. 3D printed fitter mask for disposable masks 3D-printed fitter.screenshot from Toysbyus on Etsy These 3D-printed fitter frames go over your face and a disposable mask to reduce air gaps. They are universally sized to fit most faces. $15 from Toysbyus on Etsy 3D Scan Mask Fitter 3D scan mask fitter.screenshot from diyphilly via Etsy This personalized mask fitter improves the seal of the surgical or another face mask by using a 3D scan of the wearers face, then custom printing the mask to those specifications. $25 from diyphilly on Etsy Fix The Mask Fix The Masks devices feature nose cushions that apply light pressure across your cheeks instead of placing it all directly on your nose. A two-pack of its Essential Mask Brace is available for $30 and comes in a range of sizes. Others like this: MORE CORONAVIRUS FACE MASKS Double masking recommended for protection from Covid-19 variants: See good mask options 6 face masks that are antimicrobial for added protection Syracuse Orange face masks: Where to buy coronavirus coverings for Syracuse University fans online Upgrade your face masks: Where to buy N95, KN95 respirators approved by CDC, FDA Sports face masks for kids: Bills, Mets, Yankees, more youth sized coronavirus coverings for back-to-school . The UN's humanitarian chief said Tuesday he was "very alarmed" by a Houthi rebel advance on the Yemeni government's last northern stronghold of Marib, saying the assault could endanger millions of civilians The Iran-backed Houthis this month resumed an offensive to seize oil-rich Marib, some 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of the rebel-held capital Sanaa. The city's loss would be a major blow for Yemen's government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition, but would also threaten catastrophe for civilians, including hundreds of thousands of displaced people sheltering in desolate camps in the region. "I'm very alarmed about the military escalation in Marib and its impact on the humanitarian situation," said Mark Lowcock, the UN undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs. "An assault on the city would put two million civilians at risk, with hundreds of thousands potentially forced to flee -- with unimaginable humanitarian consequences. Now is the time to de-escalate, not to add even more to the misery of the Yemeni people." Pro-government military officials told AFP the rebels had advanced towards the city on two fronts overnight, after heavy fighting with government forces. Dozens on both sides have been killed in the past 24 hours alone, they said. The total toll from the battle for Marib is unknown, but there are reports of hundreds dead. On Tuesday, the Houthis held a funeral procession at a mosque in Sanaa, placing the caskets -- each with a picture of the fighter who had been killed -- next to one another on the ground. "The rebels have advanced north and west of the city... and tightened their grip on hills overlooking supply lines for several fronts," one official said. The Saudi-led coalition, which entered Yemen's conflict in 2015, has been pounding rebel positions, and the Houthi-run Al-Masirah television on Tuesday reported 13 airstrikes in several areas in Marib. 'Famine risk' The fighting threatens sprawling camps for internally displaced people, many of whom had fled several times before ending up in Marib. Until early 2020, Marib had been spared the worst of Yemen's six-year-old conflict, and became a sanctuary for many. But that relative stability evaporated as fighting flared last year, and despite a brief lull from October, fears are mounting of another humanitarian catastrophe. "If fighting moves towards populated areas or these displacement sites, we will see people flee again -- and towards locations to the east and south of Marib city with even less resources," International Organization for Migration spokeswoman Olivia Headon told AFP. "Much of this is desert area, so just think about what any displacement in that direction would mean for families' access to water." Headon said some 650 families had already been forced to flee, and warned that another shift in the frontlines would lead to further waves of displacement. Yemen's grinding conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, according to international organisations, sparking what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday announced a pledging conference to raise cash on March 1. The total they are seeking has yet to be finalised but is "likely to be at the level of 2019, which was $4.2 billion because people are facing the same level of famine risk", OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke said. The latest upsurge in violence came shortly after Washington decided to remove the rebels from a blacklist of terrorist groups, a move that comes into effect Tuesday, in order to ensure aid deliveries and push for renewed peace talks. 'Jackpot' Observers say the Houthis want to capture Marib as leverage before entering into any negotiations. "Marib is the big political and economic jackpot that the Houthis have been dreaming about since the start of the war," Maged al-Madhaji, director of the Sanaa Centre for Strategic Studies, told AFP. He said the rebels would have control over "a big portion of resources" were they to seize oil and gas-rich Marib. Houthi political commander Mohamed Ali al-Houthi on Tuesday warned that "a solution won't happen without a genuine dialogue with Sanaa." Madhaji also said the insurgents were benefitting from Saudi Arabia being on the back foot, especially after the US halted support for Riyadh's Yemen operations. "The Houthis will not back down, they are benefitting from the global political momentum against Saudi," he said. "Political conditions could not be better than they are right now for the Houthis." Short link: Prime Minister Florin Citu conveyed today a message encouraging mutual investments and economic exchanges during his meeting with the Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Ivan Korcok, who is on an official visit to Bucharest. "I had a very good meeting today with the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Korcok. We highlighted the excellent level of the bilateral relationship, based on a sustainable foundation. It was a good opportunity to encourage mutual investment and economic exchanges - which approach three billion euros for the first 11 months of 2020, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic," Citu wrote on his Facebook page. During the talks, there was an extensive exchange of views on the conduct of vaccination campaigns against COVID-19, including on the basis of Slovakia's experience with the national mass testing campaign, the prime minister said. "I was pleased to note that we have common views on the importance of continuing to support a strengthened and resilient Union, on unitary and inclusive foundations, based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic," Citu added. At the same time, the head of the Executive conveyed his appreciation for Slovakia's constant support for Romania's two major objectives: accession to the Schengen Area and to the OECD. More than $15,000 has been raised for the family of the owner of a gelato shop in Massachusetts who went missing over the weekend and was later found dead. Samantha Sam Amenta-Stavar, who owned the Dulce D Leche gelato cafe in Framingham, was reported missing around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, according to a Facebook post from the citys police department. The Framingham Police Department later said over social media Amenta-Stavar had been located. The MetroWest Daily News first reported that she was found dead in Natick. Authorities told the newspaper no foul play was suspected in her death. Police said Amenta-Stavar may have gone near the CVS on Central Street in Natick. Her phones location tracked around Natick and Norwood, according to authorities. A GoFundMe page set up in the wake of Amenta-Stavars death had raised around $16,200 as of Tuesday afternoon. Alan MacIntosh, who organized the fundraiser, noted the money raised will go to support the womans husband - identified by his first name, Jules - and his extended family during this devastating time. The community is in shock at the loss. So many people remember their visits with Sam and Jules just within the past few days, the GoFundMe page says. Many have recounted their experiences with Sam on their visits to the shop and how caring and selfless she was. Even during struggling times, Jules and Sam would do anything and everything they could to give back to the community. More than $10,000 has been raised for the family of Samantha Amenta-Stavar, the owner of a gelato shop in Framingham, Massachusetts who went missing over the weekend and was later found dead. Police reportedly said foul play is not suspected in her death. She is pictured here to the left. (Alan MacIntosh/GoFundMe) Amenta-Stavar and her husband founded and built Dulce D Leche into what the GoFundMe page called a pillar of the MetroWest community. The couple had locations in Framingham as well as Ashland, and they were a staple at many farmers markets around the area. As we are still in the midst of this global pandemic, all restaurants have suffered and have struggled to remain open. Jules and Sam invested everything they had into their amazing cafe location in Ashland. Let us come together and help Jules and his family so the last thing he and his son have to worry about is keeping Jules and Sams business dream alive, the GoFundMe page said. According to the GoFundMe page, Amenta-Stavars husband described how she was love of his life and that they were 93% compatible. When they first met it was fairy tale, the organizer of the fundraiser wrote. It was truly love at first sight, MacIntosh said. Related Content: Baghdad, Feb 16 : A civilian contractor was killed and six others including a soldier were wounded in a rocket attack that targeted Erbil airport, which houses a US-led coalition military base, in the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq, the US military said. Col. Wayne Marotto, Spokesman of CJTF-OIR (Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve), said in a brief tweet that initial reports stated "indirect fire landed on coalition forces in Erbil tonight (Monday). There was 1 civilian contractor killed, 5 civilian contractors injured, and 1 US service member injured", Xinhua news agency reported. Marotto did not give further details about the nationality of the civilian contractors but said that more information to follow. Marotto's tweet came hours after unidentified militants fired rockets in the evening at Erbil airport and near it, according to Kurdish security sources. According to the US military statements, indirect fire refers to rocket and mortar shells. The regional Ministry of Interior said in a brief statement that several rockets were fired at 9.30 p.m. (Monday night) on several areas in Erbil, injuring several civilians. Another statement by the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, also Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi forces, said that al-Kadhimi ordered a joint investigation with the Kurdish regional authorities over the rocket attack. Earlier in the night, a brief statement issued by the regional Counter-Terrorism Service said that three rockets were fired on Erbil, Two of them landed in Erbil airport, and the third landed outside. A security source anonymously pointed out the third rocket struck the fence of the residential complex of Naz City near the airport, wounding two people and damaging several nearby shops. The Kurdish region in northern Iraq has been relatively peaceful, but such attacks have frequently targeted Baghdad airport and Iraqi military bases housing US troops, as well as the US embassy in the Green Zone with mortar and rocket attacks. New Orleans police were investigating a shooting in Mid-City on Monday afternoon. Police said the shooting wounded a man in the 500 block of South Norman C. Francis Parkway about 4:20 p.m. The injured victim arrived at the hospital on his own. Investigators didnt name any suspects or discuss a possible motive in the case. On Tuesday, NOPD said in a report that the victim knocked on his mother's door to advise her that he had been shot before being brought to the hospital. -Staff writer Ramon Antonio Vargas +2 Driver in deadly I-10 crash booked with vehicular homicide after failing field sobriety test New Orleans police have jailed a driver in connection with a deadly two-car crash on Interstate 10 last week. A sizeable cargo of Ukraine-origin billet was sold to the Iskenderun area of Turkey earlier this week at $550 per tonne fob Black Sea, several sources reported to Fastmarkets. This price was up by $20 per tonne from sales earlier this month Moreover, several sources reported another sale of CIS-origin billet to... Kooheji Development, one of the largest real estate developers in Bahrain, said its landmark project, Onyx Bahrain Bay, has been crowned winner of the Luxury Lifestyle Award in the category of Best Luxury Freehold Residential Apartments in Bahrain. Bahrain Bay is a global business, leisure and lifestyle destination that uniquely combines relaxation and luxury in the heart of the kingdom's capital Manama. Joining its high-end hospitality neighbours, the Wyndham Grand and Four Seasons hotels, the tower is the epitome of luxury living. The Luxury Lifestyle Awards are internationally recognised awards celebrating the best luxury goods and services in the world. Kooheji Development won the award, which attracts entrants from over 30 countries. To be crowned a winner, the project has to undergo thorough research and assessment process by Luxury Lifestyle Awards jury and also meet their high standards of quality and excellence. The Onyx Bahrain Bay's ethos of creating a high-end space that supports both professional and leisure time has resulted in a breath-taking tower with accommodation arranged over 45 storeys providing a far-reaching view of the Arabian Gulf and the metropolis of Bahrain Bay. On its key achievement, General Manager Engineer Mohamed Abdulghaffar Al Kooheji said: "We are delighted that Onyx Bahrain Bay projects apartment became the winner of Best Luxury Freehold Residential Apartments in Bahrain." "Our core aim when designing Onyx Bahrain Bay was to visualise an architecturally leading residential property that aligned itself perfectly with discerning homeowners looking for a one-of-a-kind luxury, living experience," he stated. According to him, Onyx Bahrain Bay residents can select from one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. "Each unit provides a beautifully styled base where residents can relax in luxury. Each apartment has been carefully curated with the latest in technology and bespoke interior design to provide the ultimate luxury living experience synonymous with its luxurious neighbourhood," he explained. Two international award-winning interior designers have developed bespoke distinctive themes and colour collection for Onyx Bahrain Bay apartments. Both themes have been designed as a definitive statement of style, with floor-to-ceiling, windows, and every apartment has been designed to maximise the view as well as focus on providing generous amounts of living space through effective interior space planning, he noted. Al Kooheji said: "Through the project journey we have set to achieve the highest standards and we believe the Onyx project will top all other projects that we have ever delivered." "We have selected top of the range from our top suppliers each in its field, Schuco in Germany with its latest technology and glass, Marazzi for top of the line full body slabs, and Villeroy and Boch for the apartments bathroom accessories," he added. The de-escalation zone in northwest Syria has seen renewed bombing on Turkish-backed militia, according to North Press. On Monday, Syrian government forces renewed bombing on Turkish-backed armed opposition groups and fortifications in northwest Syria. A field source told North Press that Syrian government forces targeted fortifications of the opposition groups in villages of Benin and Kafr Aweid in the Zawiya mountain region and Deir Sunbul in the southern countryside of Idleb with artillery and missile strikes. The bombing coincided with an intense flight of warplanes and reconnaissance aircraft, with no casualties reported, according to the source. On Sunday, Syrian government forces targeted posts of the armed groups in Kansafra and Bara, south of Idleb, and Marand in the west, with heavy artillery shells and rocket launchers. The military escalation came despite the Russian-Turkish agreement, which provides for the cessation of all military operations in the de-escalation areas in northwestern Syria. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. A Florida sheriff's deputy has been allegedly caught trying to solicit nude photos from a 15-year-old girl - and even asking her to move in with him - as part of a 10-month online sting operation led by Facebook sexual predator hunters. On Monday, the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of Deputy Martin Allen, 41, on a felony count of lewd and lascivious conduct. According to officials, Allen communicated online with someone he believed to be 15 years old and made 'many inappropriate requests,' including asking the bogus teen to take showers and sleep naked together, give massages, and even to move in with him. Many of the online exchanges allegedly took place while Allen was on duty. Charlotte County Sheriff's Deputy Martin Allen, 41, has been charged with lewd and lascivious conduct for allegedly trying to solicit nude photos from a teen, who turned out to be Facebook sex predator hunter Lee Bassett and his girlfriend, Rebecca Freeman (right) Bassett is the founder of Exposing Predators -SWFE, which is a Facebook group dedicated to unmasking adults preying on children 'Deputy Allen has broken his oath and that sacred trust that is expected as a law enforcement officer,' Sheriff Bill Prummell said during a press conference on Sunday. 'Instead, choosing to prey upon those he swore to serve and protect. This cannot and will not be tolerated.' Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell announced Allen's arrest on Sunday, saying that his deputy 'has broken his oath' The arrest comes 10 months after Lee Bassett, the founder of the Facebook group Exposing Predators - Southwest Florida Exposure, and his team of volunteers began exchanging messages with Allen, pretending to be a 15-year-old girl named Mandy, reported NBC2. 'I been waiting for this, been trying to tell everybody but I couldnt. Gotta keep a big secret,' Bassett said in a Facebook Live video on Sunday night. Bassett told The Daily Sun he has been pursuing what he called his 'hobby' of snaring sexual predators for three years now, but Allen's case marks the first time that his group's activities have resulted in an arrest. Bassett said that during his exchanges with his volunteers, Allen hinted that he was a law enforcement officer. When the Facebook sleuths finally worked out that he was a Charlotte County sheriff's deputy, they contacted the office's Internal Affairs unit on February 9. At that point, the sheriff's office took over the investigation and got Allen to agree to meet with the pretend teen in person, leading to his arrest over the weekend. Bassett and his girlfriend, Rebecca Freeman, explained that they hunt for suspected sexual predators online in their spare time and do it on a volunteer basis. Freeman and Lee have been pursuing their 'hobby' of catching sexual predators in their spare time. They have a team of volunteers that help them 'There's just a lot of creeps out there, and we're just trying to expose them and bring awareness to it,' Bassett told the Sun back in April. 'A lot of times when cops do it, they don't get an arrest until the crime's already been committed. Doing it this way exposes them before they're doing the crimes.' North Post Police spokesperson Josh Taylor told the paper he is aware of Bassett's activities and has urged him to shut down his Facebook page. 'We would prefer people leave this to law enforcement,' he said. 'The dangers are endless. Law enforcement has protections to do this type of work. Someone doing it from home behind a keyboard does not. You can imagine a situation where those doing the 'exposing' are exposing themselves to retaliation and possibly legal ramifications.' Bassett says he hopes to team up with law enforcement to unmask more suspected predators in the future. Allen was released from jail on Monday after posting $75,000. He is due back in court for an arraignment on March 29. One of three men wounded in a shooting on Patersons monopoly block succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, authorities said. Charles Hughes, 38, of Paterson, was pronounced dead at 11:05 a.m. at St. Josephs University Medical Center, where he had been since the Feb. 10 shooting, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said in a statement. Hughes had been at the hospital in critical condition since the shooting. Paterson police responded to a call of shots fired at 5:06 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Summer Street and Broadway, authorities previously said. Officers found three city men ages 37, 38 and 52 suffering from gunshot wounds, Valdes and city Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora previously said. The 37-year-old victim was treated and released from the hospital, while the 52-year-old victim remains hospitalized in stable condition. The shootings occurred in an area that the citys public safety director Jerry Speziale said police refer to as monopoly block, an area plagued by gang activity and drug dealing with a heavy flow of customers. As of Tuesday, no arrests had been made, said Assistant Prosecutor Jason Statuto. Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to call the Prosecutors Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or email tips@passaiccountynj.org. Tipsters can also call the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Rodrigo Torrejon may be reached at rtorrejon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rodrigotorrejon. New Delhi: A report titled The Unending War from Proxy War to Info-War, launched by Disinfo Lab an organisation working on disinformation and propaganda warfare, has made a series of striking revelations and exposed the coordinated information warfare jointly launched by West-based Khalistani elements and the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI in the wake of ongoing farmers protests in India. The initial investigation was centered around the real-time developments, but brief research highlighted that whatever the nation is currently going through is an outcome of a coordinated and sustainable campaign launched years ago by Khalistanis and the ISI. Disinfo Lab argues that two fascinating things happened while working on the report and explains First, the target of our investigation started deleting their traces almost live. Second, the name of one of the key players of our story came up in the toolkit dropped accidentally by Greta Thunberg regarding farmers protests. The foreigner source in the toolkit Pieter Fredrich. The report has found that a US-based old-time Khalistani, Bhajan Singh Bhinder alias Iqbal Chowdhary, who was responsible for coordinating terror attacks in India, is now leading an anti-India campaign against India through his lieutenant Pieter Fredrich and a Pakistan sponsored organization, run by both of them Organisation for Minorities in India (OFMI). Commenting on the organisation, the report said, the institution ostensibly set up for the cause of Indian minorities was set up in the US, had no Indian or Indian-origin minorities. It had a practicing US Christian missionary, a designated terrorist, an African-American, and a ghost. It further outlines the genesis of anti-India propagandist Pieter Fredrich and goes on to explain how Khalistani elements sponsored by Pakistan picked up a random individual from rags and given the fondness of the Indian community towards goras, promoted him as an expert on several issues, which kept changing with convenience. In a nutshell, the report has highlighted the three agents/factors that have helped OFMI and Pieter Fredrich to create an ecosystem to intensify the anti-India propaganda. These could be broadly categorised into penetration in the Indian media; support from the network of activists/ scholars from India; and influence amongst Indian social media influencers. Diving deep into the roots of the propaganda launched by OFMI and the popularity of Pieter Fredrich, the report has highlighted that it were the left-leaning media houses that helped the fake activist and his fake organization gain popularity in the Indian society. The report terms the support tendered by these stakeholders to OFMI/ Pieter Fredrich as the initial impetus for credibility. The report reveals that a combination of pro-Khalistani, pro-left, and proxy news websites helped Pieter to gain popularity as well as legitimacy in India. Explaining this, the report quotes Pieters credibility was established in India in a rather coordinated manner. In the beginning, his articles started getting published in some non-descript online news media platforms such as www.countercurrent.org; www.clarionindia.net; www.twocircles.net; www.velivada.com; www.thecitizen.com, www.antiwar.com; www.areomagazine.com; www.shilongtimes.com; www.sabrangindia.in and www.riot.in. These articles were published during 2015-2019. Having established his initial foothold, and creating a base for his further launch he was suddenly getting published in some of the prominent online news media The Wire, The Caravan, and The Quint. Uncovering the coordinated strategy behind the promotion of Pieter Fredrich, the report further comments All these three platforms published Pieter within a span of 30 days - from 2nd July to 1st August 2019. Eventually, Sikh Siyasat also published his articles. Those of us who have tried their articles published on these platforms could only appreciate how remarkable the feat it was. Live TV It is also interesting to note that the promotion of Pieter Fredrich has been a transaction based on the give-and-take arrangement as Twitter handles of The Caravan as well as Pieter Fredrich have been endorsing and promoting each others content. In this regard, a Professor teaching journalism whom we spoke to argued, It is concerning to note that in a time when the Indian media has gradually lost credibility and is facing allegations of aligning with divisive forces, the revelations have certainly deepened the dent on its reputation. Further, it is disappointing to learn from the report that a couple of prominent Indian activists and scholars have been directly contributing to the anti-India propaganda carried out by OFMI and legitimising its existence. Besides joining events of OFMI, these individuals have also contributed to magnify the anti-India propaganda peddled by the organisation. For example, Arundhati Roy and Manisha Banger joined US-based Khalistani extremist Amrik Singh in an event organised by OFMI in Columbia University in 2014. These individuals have joined several similar events of OFMI and get extensively quoted by the organisation to justify its claims made against India. Also, Facebook posts of Bhajan Singh Bhinder reveal the bonhomie he shares with Arundhati Roy and Manisha Banger. The report further highlighted that Pieter has been working with several individuals with sentiments against the Indian state that include John Dayal and serial abuser Ashok Swain. He has also conducted interviews with both of them in 2015. The biggest source of strength for OFMIs propaganda campaigns is the support enjoyed by it amongst left-leaning influencers in India. The report has revealed that the Indian Twitter handles verified by a blue-tick by Twitter who follow and endorse the content of Pieter Fredrich and OFMI. A social media expert has argued that getting followed by the blue-tick handles leads to the propaganda technique of joining the bandwagon, which means that being followed and endorsed by anti-India Twitter handles has helped OFMI and Pieter to buy the following and endorsement of other prominent handles as well. The report has termed the phenomenon as the Modern Version of Chicken & Egg and has asked, Did Pieter got to write articles in prominent and award-winning media because hundreds of credible (blue-tick) people followed him, or people followed him because he wrote those articles? Peiter Fredrich has been aggressively pushing campaigns on Kashmir with an anti-India position. The report highlights that he is working on the K-2 (Kashmir-Khalistan) plan of the ISI, in which Khalistanis and Pakistanis have jointly waged a war against India. It is astonishing to note how quickly left-leaning Indian handles get along with the Pakistani handles to contribute to the information warfare led by OFMI and Pieter Fredrich and bash the Indian government. The prominent Pakistani handles that have been amplifying the propaganda of OFMI/Pieter include Fawad Chowdhary, Ali Haider Zaidi, Shireen Mazari, and Munaza Hassan. Besides, the report has also listed twenty Twitter handles that have been promoting OFMI, which include journalists to YouTubers and Senators to Army Generals. On further analysing the handles, Zee News found that a couple of these handles are those that have been promoted by Pakistan Armys ISPR. The list also includes troll handles, with followers in thousands, whose sole purpose has been to magnify the messages of the ISPR and proxy handles/ bots deployed by the ISI. An investigative journalist whom we spoke to argued that these revelations have strengthened the claims of the recent video by The String Reveals also reiterated common names of individuals and left-leaning media organisations that have been amplifying the messages of Pieter and OFMI. The report exposes the intermingling of the foreign-based Khalistani elements, ISI-sponsored players, and left-leaning influencers based in India all working relentlessly to trouble India through information warfare and create a condition of confusion, chaos, and cynicism. The Indian civil society and community groups have started to demand the Indian government to launch a comprehensive investigation on allegations and hold the trial of all the accused in a time-bound manner. Nevertheless, regardless of all the arguments and claims, the report has definitely become a massive hit as in the first five hours of being tweeted, it got retweeted more than 1.5k times and was liked by 2k handles. It was a Valentine's Day miracle. An officer who stopped to help who he thought was a stranded motorist near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport Sunday morning quickly discovered the vehicle's passenger was actually in labor, the Chicago Police Department said in a statement. The officer immediately called the Chicago Fire Department for assistance. But the woman could not wait for an ambulance as the baby was already crowning, police said. "The officer was at the right place at the right time and was able to deliver a health baby boy," police said. The mother and her baby were transported to a nearby hospital and are both "doing great," the statement added. "While we would like to highlight this 25-year veteran officer and his remarkable work, he would prefer the spotlight be focused on mother and son," police said. "Congratulations to the new mother and Happy Birthday to the newborn baby boy." Police spokesman Michael Carroll told the Chicago Sun-Times the officer is about two weeks from retirement. Photo: Twitter Avijit Roy A special tribunal in Bangladeshs capital on Tuesday sentenced five members of a banned militant outfit to death and a sixth man to life in prison for the 2015 killing of a prominent Bangladeshi-American blogger known for speaking out against religious fundamentalism. Avijit Roy, a Bangladesh-born U.S. citizen, was hacked to death in the streets of Dhaka when he was walking with his wife near an annual book fair. His wife, who is a blogger, was injured and now lives in the United States. Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunal Judge Majibur Rahman pronounced the verdicts in a packed courtroom in the presence of four defendants. Another two, including sacked military official Sayed Ziaul Haque Zia, remain at large. The judge had earlier issued arrest warrants for them. Tuesdays verdict came in the same court that sentenced eight Islamic militants to death last week for the 2015 killing of a publisher of books on secularism and atheism. For Roys case, the prosecution submitted close-circuit camera footage of the killing, video statements of the defendants and their confessional statements, and copies of phone text messages to the court as evidence. In the judgment, Rahman said the prosecution was able to prove the charges against all six defendants without any reasonable doubt. For Bangladesh, 2015 was a volatile year, as suspected members of radical groups in a series of attacks killed several atheists, bloggers and foreigners. A Dhaka bomb attack on Oct. 24, 2015, aimed at minority Shiite Muslims killed a teenager and injured more than 100 people. Authorities say the broke the network of militants in a massive crackdown following a 2016 attack on a cafe in Dhaka in which 22 people, including 17 foreigners, were killed, along with five assailants. Since the 2016 attack, about 100 suspected members of domestic groups such as Ansar al Islam and Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh have been killed in raids across the country. Those suspects include some of the top commanders, authorities say. The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the cafe assault and other attacks, but Bangladeshs government said that domestic groups were behind them and insisted that the IS has no presence in the country. Highlights Realme Race phone could be called the Realme GT. A Realme executive has shared a photo of a Nissan GT-R scale model. Realme Race will be powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor. Realme Race flagship is coming soon. But this is not what it is going to be known as at its launch. The first guess for the name of Realme's 2021 flagship was X60 Pro, logically because last year's flagship was called X50 Pro. But then, there was a tip suggesting this phone may be called Realme GT and now it seems this might be true. Realme's Xu Qi Chase has teased the Race phone with a photo of a Nissan GT-R scale model. This is a strong hint at the Realme GT moniker. In a post on Weibo, Chase confirmed that Realme Race is "coming soon". This is not new because the company has been making such announcements for a while without revealing the launch date. But what is interesting is the photo of a Nissan GT-R racing car that accompanies Chase's post. And this very thing is the hint that GT moniker is indeed coming through. I am not sure how Realme will justify what GT stands for and what it will be doing in its smartphone lineup, but it is a short name that is easy to remember. And this is not the first time we are hearing GT with regards to the Realme Race flagship device. Previously, a tipster spotted a trademark listing for GT that Realme had filed in India. It was said that this trademark is for the next line of phones, the first of which will be Realme Race flagship. Then, a Realme device with the GT branding on the back showed up on China's TENAA certification website. The point is we have enough evidence that does not make us not to believe Realme GT exists. Realme GT specifications For all we know so far, Realme Race aka GT will be a Snapdragon 888-powered phone. This very attribute puts it in the flagship category but some of the other specifications are also in line with the label. There is expected to be a flat 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a 5000mAh battery with the leading 125W UltraDart fast charging technology, Android 11-based Realme UI 2.0, and a triple camera setup comprising a 64MP main sensor, a 13MP telephoto sensor, and a 13MP ultrawide sensor, stacked in a vertical design. Some of the renders that leaked previously showed this design is going to be similar to what Realme X7 phone has. Realme GT is going to be an important phone for the company as it looks to take on Samsung Galaxy S21, Mi 11, and later the OnePlus 9 in the flagship Android phone category with the help of aggressive pricing. But how good this phone will be is something only time will tell. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueStone Advisors , an independent insurance brokerage firm, today announced that Michael Hansen has joined the team as Vice President in the Employee Benefits division and will be responsible for new business development in the privately held middle-market space. Michael is uniquely skilled in optimizing employee benefit plans to guide employers in maximizing the value of their healthcare investment. He is based out of BlueStone's home office in Lombard, IL. As the cost of group health insurance continues to rise, employers are looking at alternative approaches like self-funding and value-based health care to save money on their premiums. Michael's experience with cost containment strategies at managed care organizations provides valuable insight to help employers reduce their healthcare costs. He comes to BlueStone Advisors from Trustmark Health Benefits, an independent benefits administrator and maintains valued industry relationships to serve mid-size employers. Michael earned his Bachelor's degree from Missouri State University and completed his MBA at Ohio University with a concentration in executive management. Michael is a member of the International Foundation and holds a Certified Self-Funding Specialist (CSFS) designation from the Health Care Administrators Association. "I am delighted with the opportunity to apply my industry expertise and provide BlueStone's clients with best-in-class benefit plan solutions, thereby improving their bottom lines. My focus will be on developing custom solutions in the middle market space to reduce spend, minimize risk, and maximize the value of benefit plans." "The demand for new models is especially strong among fully insured mid-size businesses that are lacking the scale and resources of their larger counterparts to drive significant change.", said Andrew Royce, President at BlueStone Advisors. "Michael's ability to thoughtfully structure benefit plans to reach their full potential will provide our clients with a competitive advantage with regards to retaining human capital." About BlueStone Advisors As a rapidly growing independent insurance broker, BlueStone Advisors offers sophisticated commercial insurance, employee benefit, and captive strategies for privately held companies, and personal asset protection for affluent individuals, families and family offices. Additional information can be found at http://www.bluestoneadvisors.com To find out more, visit: www.bluestoneadvisors.com Media Contact Rowanne Roman [email protected] SOURCE BlueStone Advisors Related Links https://www.bluestoneadvisors.com A Ford Motor Co. worker assembles an F-150 truck on the assembly line at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Mich., on Sept. 27, 2018. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images) Massive Chip Shortage Fuels Calls to Bring Production Back to US WASHINGTONThe pandemic has exposed the fragility of global supply chains, with the latest disruption being a global shortage of computer chips that has forced some automakers to cut or halt production. Western governments are learning hard lessons from these disruptions, pushing to create more resilient and diverse supply chains. The Biden administration has pledged to take immediate actions, including potentially providing incentives for domestic production. The demand for consumer electronics has gone through the roof during the pandemic, leading to the shortage of semiconductor chips. Automakers have been hit especially hard from this supply shock; General Motors and Ford have temporarily shuttered some of their plants in response. Building new semiconductor factories is an extremely complex and expensive process, which makes it difficult for chipmakers to scale new capacity rapidly. COVID-19 pandemic dislocations disrupted the supply and demand patterns for many industries, and were starting to see the results of it, according to Stephen Ezell, vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a technology think tank. As vehicle demand rebounded more quickly than anticipated, automakers hadnt placed sufficient orders for chips last summer, and with as much as a 26-week historical lag between order and delivery, automakers now find themselves in a pinch, he told The Epoch Times. The core of the problem is that the automotive sector demands chips built from 200 mm wafers, he said, which is a one-generation older technology than chips built from 300 mm wafers. Automakers prefer mature and slightly lower-cost chips. Many semiconductor companies, however, have focused on the production of chips at the more-profitable leading edge, and that has caused a supply shortage for automakers. The Biden administration announced that it would take immediate actions to address the problem, however, it would first conduct a comprehensive review of critical supplies, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki. The administration is currently identifying potential choke points in the supply chain, Psaki told reporters on Feb. 11. President Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order in the coming weeks requiring the government to review vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains. Following the review, the administration could explore various policy options, including boosting domestic production and working with allies to develop a coordinated response to similar supply shocks in the future, she added. Some media reports have speculated that Trump-era policies have exacerbated the chip shortage. The Trump administration in December 2020 added Chinas top chipmaker, SMIC, to the export blacklist. The sanctions the U.S. has placed on SMIC have very little to do with the problem, Ezell said. If anything, its the rampant Chinese innovation mercantilism in this sector that is upsetting innovation dynamics in the industry and harming its ability to continue to innovate at an exceptionally rapid rate. That U.S. sanctions on SMIC are part of the problem here is a total canard. Instead of rolling back China sanctions, industry executives and experts call for implementing and fully funding the CHIPS Act, which is included in the 2021 defense bill signed into law in January. The law authorizes federal incentives for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The chief executives of big U.S. semiconductor companies on Feb. 11 sent a letter to Biden, urging him to provide substantial incentives for domestic production in the form of grants and/or tax credits, and for basic and applied semiconductor research. We believe bold action is needed to address the challenges we face. The costs of inaction are high, the group warned. The U.S. share in global semiconductor manufacturing has dropped to 12 percent from 37 percent in 1990, according to the letter, mainly because of significant incentives and subsidies provided by other governments that reduced U.S. competitiveness. Taiwan: A Chip Powerhouse The global shortage of auto chips has elevated the strategic importance of Taiwan to Western governments. Taiwans semiconductor sector is the worlds second-largest by revenue after the United States. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the worlds largest contract chipmaker, and other Taiwanese companies have already started to ramp up the production of vital chips to resolve the global crunch. Despite the diplomatic isolation by China, Taiwan has brilliantly built up a concentration of expertise, intellectual property, and importance globally in the semiconductor industry, Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the U.S.Taiwan Business Council, told The Epoch Times. The United States can see the benefits of new economic initiatives and dialogues with Taiwan that started during the final year of the Trump administration, he said. In May 2020, TSMC announced that it would build the worlds most advanced 5-nanometer chip fabrication facility in Arizona, an important step for bringing production and jobs to the United States. Other Taiwanese companies that are small relative to TSMC but still relatively large businesses are also announcing that theyre coming to the United States. So there is a domino effect, Hammond-Chambers said. The shortage of chips has affected many other car brands, including Volkswagen, Toyota, and Nissan. According to experts, the supply shortage couldnt come at a worse time. The industry is struggling to make up for all the losses of production from last year and the consumer demand has been rebounding worldwide. The chip shortage could go on until the end of September, according to Paul Eisenstein, publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, an automotive web magazine. Everybodys frantic right now theres a bidding war between manufacturers across the world and within individual markets, he told NTD Business. Alice Sun contributed to this report. (Photo : Screenshot From John Glasscock YouTube) PS5 Scalpers Defends Themselves: 'We Do a Lot for Charity' For the previous few months, certain PS5 resellers have been making life harder and harder for some would-be console owners. As an underlying result, those that are buying the console in order for them to flip and get a much higher profit have now been receiving quite a lot of hatred coming from PlayStation fans. Some of them have even reported receiving death threats. PS5 scalpers try to save reputation However, these particular resellers actually believe that they are now just being simply misunderstood. In an actual effort to improve their own reputations, a pair of the heated PS5 resellers spoke to Forbes. The pair wanted to reportedly share their side of the story. One of them was named Jordan and tried to attempt to explain why they actually believe that it's perfectly okay to sell the console in order to gain a significant profit. According to the story reported by ComicBook, Jordan then told Forbes that essentially, every single business actually resells their own products. Tesco, as an example, actually buys milk coming from farmers for around 26p ($36) per liter then later on sells them as an upward of 70p ($97) per liter. He then noted that no one ever seems to complain to that extent as they were actually just doing towards themselves. Every business has resellers Of course, the article noted that supermarkets don't use bots in order to get a hold of exclusivity in order to sell milk which is something resellers like Jordan are doing. While a number of resellers try to rationalize their practices by proceeding to draw some comparisons, some of the others have attempted to showcase what other "potential benefits" there are. Another reseller who goes by the name of Regan even noted to Forbes that these particular resell groups can actually help people make a little extra money for themselves. He then noted that "we do a lot for charity" stating that he himself or even collectively as a whole group actually donates to charity almost every month at this point. Read Also: PS5 Stock Tracker: Here's Your Last Chance to Buy From GameStop, Walmart, Amazon, Sony, and MORE Today! PS5 scalpers claim they donate to charity Regan then told Forbes that over the course of the past month, they were actually able to donate a large portion of their said membership fees to a certain foodbank that was located near them. Forbes also noted that Regan still did not give any specifications as to where the charities were. It will also reportedly be interesting to be able to see when the particular situation surrounding the other PS5 consoles would improve. Sony is now still struggling to be able to keep up with the demand and the existence of resellers are also exacerbating that problem. In the end, this would still really hurt the given PlayStation brand by blocking access of the PS5 to those gamers who can't afford to pay just what the groups are reportedly charging. Related Article: PS5 Stock Live Checker: Streetmerchant Bot Scrapes Websites to Count In-Stock and Restock This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian Buenconsejo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This Pa. graveyard thief has taken stolen valor to a new low. Pa. state police are looking for the grave robber who stole WWI and WWII emblems from the final resting places of some honored vets in western Pennsylvania. It happened at Saint Marys Cemetery in New Florence, Westmoreland County, as WJAC-TV in Johnstown reports: Troopers in Westmoreland County say the four World War bronze emblems were stolen from veterans gravestones sometime last week. READ MORE: Three of the emblems were stolen from the graves of WWII vets and one was snatched from the final resting place of a WWI vet. As for what the thief might do with the honored emblems? Well, state police have put area scrap metal dealers and pawn shop owners on notice to be on the lookout for anyone attempting to turn the stolen emblems into a fast but dishonorable buck. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Greensburg. Delhi Police commissioner SN Shrivastava said that the law 'doesn't differentiate between a 22-year-old or 50-year-old' New Delhi: Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava on Tuesday said the arrest of climate activist Disha Ravi was made in accordance with law which "doesn't differentiate between a 22-year-old or 50-year-old". Talking to reporters at an event in Delhi, Shrivastava said it is wrong when people say that there were lapses in the arrest of the 22-year-old activist. Ravi was arrested from Bengaluru on Saturday in connection with a protest toolkit backing the farmers' agitation. Police claimed that she had sent the toolkit to teen climate activist Greta Thunberg through the Telegram app, and also "coaxed her to act on it". "Disha Ravi's arrest has been made in accordance with law which doesn't differentiate between a 22-year-old or a 50-year-old," the Delhi Police chief said. He said Ravi has been sent to five-day police custody and the matter was being probed. "Ravi along with Mumbai lawyer Nikita Jacob and Pune engineer Shantanu created the toolkit and shared it with others to tarnish India's image," the Delhi Police had said on Monday. The data was also deleted, police claimed, adding that Ravi's Telegram account shows many links related to the toolkit had been removed. Non-bailable warrants have been issued against Jacob and Shantanu. ROME, FEB 16 - Italy's new environmental transition minister, Roberto Cingolani, on Tuesday set six priorities of his much-heralded ministry including a new model for cities, an acceleration of moves towards renewable energy, the immediate application of the Paris climate accords, and measures on air quality. Cingolani, whose new ministry was set up by Premier Mario Draghi, is also looking to assess the cost of the side effects of innovation and the value of "global intelligence, which will save us," he told La Repubblica newspaper. The ministry will be among those most closely watched as Italy plans to spend over 200 billion euros in EU COVID recovery funds. (ANSA). Linda Reynolds has apologised to a young Liberal staffer who was allegedly raped by a male colleague in the defence minister's office. Brittany Higgins was 24 years old and in her dream job as a ministerial media adviser to Ms Reynolds when she was allegedly woke up to being assaulted by a senior staffer after a night out in 2019. She decided not to pursue a police complaint at the time because she felt pressure that doing so would affect her employment. Ms Higgins has since resigned from her job in government and plans to pursue the police complaint. Senator Reynolds offered an apology to Ms Higgins on Tuesday afternoon, after the former staffer spoke to The Project on Monday night about her alleged ordeal. 'I unreservedly apologise to Brittany Higgins. Her trauma and her distress was very clear for all to see,' Ms Reynolds said. Linda Reynolds (pictured on Tuesday) has issued an apology to a young Liberal staffer who was allegedly raped Brittany Higgins was 24 years old and in her dream job as a ministerial media adviser to Defence Minister Linda Reynolds when she was allegedly raped by a senior staffer after a night out in 2019 After the incident in 2019 Ms Reynolds organised a formal meeting with the alleged rape victim in her office - the same room where she claims the sexual assault occurred. Ms Reynolds said she 'deeply regrets' holding the meeting at that location and claimed she did not know the full extent of the allegations at the time. Ms Reynolds said the male worker in question was 'terminated'. The minister refused to disclose where she has had further contact with the male worker following his termination. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the alleged rape was a wake-up call that must drive change within Parliament House. Mr Morrison apologised to Ms Higgins, now 26, for the way in which her complaint was initially handled. 'It shatters me that still, in this day and age, a young woman can find herself in the vulnerable situation that she was in, not her doing,' he said. 'We have to do more, whether it's in this workplace or any other workplace in the country, to ensure people can work safely in their place and be at their best and do what they went into that job to do.' Mr Morrison said he had spoken with his wife Jenny about the alleged rape overnight. 'Jenny and I spoke last night and she said to me, ''you have to think about this as a father first. What would you want to happen if it were our girls?'' he said. 'Jenny has a way of clarifying things, always has. And so, as I've reflected on that overnight and listened to Brittany and what she had to say, there are a couple of things here we need to address.' Mr Morrison promised a review of workplace culture at Parliament House and told Liberal MPs they had to do better to keep staff safe. Ms Higgins welcomed the review but said it was too little too late and needed to be wide-ranging and result in real change. 'I note the apology from the Prime Minister in the media this morning and thank him for this,' she told News Corp. 'The Prime Minister's announcement of an investigation into the culture in Parliament House is a welcomed first-step, though it is long overdue.' 'It should not have taken my story, or the story of other victim-survivors to air on national television for the Prime Minister or any Member of Parliament to take action on workplace sexual harassment, assault or bullying.' Ms Higgins pictured in front of Parliament House, excited that her career was blossoming Today host Karl Stefanvoic questioned the government's response to the alleged sexual assault following the prime minister's speech on Tuesday. 'This woman has gone through through an awful ordeal, and for whatever reason, it's taken a long time for anyone in the government level to show any kind of emotion towards her,' he said. 'She is brave and by speaking out, she is speaking for others who have gone through stuff. 'But why it's taken the government so long to respond in the appropriate way... It just doesn't feel right, it doesn't look right and we want to make sure it doesn't happen again.' Ms Higgins alleges she was raped on Ms Reynolds' ministerial couch as she lay, drunk and passed out after a night out with colleagues in the early hours of March 23, 2019. Brittany Higgins, then 24, has alleged she was raped by a colleague inside Parliament House in March 2019 She was found by a security guard and medical assistance was not offered. Following the alleged sexual assault, the Department of Finance hired cleaners to tend to Senator Reynolds' office. Police were then forced to investigate whether attempts had been made to 'interfere with a suspected crime scene.' A whistleblower told News Corp the office was 'steam cleaned' on the day of the alleged rape. 'The AFP has advised Department of Parliamentary Services that it had conducted enquiries into the action of DPS staff in the initial handling of the incident, including whether there was any criminality identified, such as attempts to conceal or interfere with a suspected crime scene,' the DPS spokesperson said. 'The AFP advised that there were no disclosures of sexual assault made by the complainant on the day of the incident and therefore actions taken by them were not in response with a suspected crime. 'At the request of the Department of Finance, DPS cleaners were granted access to the suite to conduct a routine office clean on the late afternoon of 23 March 2019.' Ms Higgins broke down in tears as she shared her story with The Project (pictured) Today host Karl Stefanvoic questioned the government's response to the alleged sexual assault following the prime minister's speech on Tuesday Ms Higgins said she repeatedly ask to view CCTV from the night of the alleged incident but was denied access. Weeks before the 2019 Federal election, internal Parliament House police referred the alleged rape to the Australian Federal Police for investigation. Ms Higgins said the AFP investigators couldn't get the CCTV footage from Parliament House of the night when she and the senior staffer entered the building. The investigation was proceeding until a few weeks before the 2019 Federal election, when Ms Higgins said she felt like she was given a choice between justice and her job. Fiona Brown, a senior adviser to Mr Morrison who had been seconded to Minister Reynolds' office as chief of staff when the male staffer left, gave her a choice, she said. She could either go to Western Australia to be part of Minister Reynolds' team on the other side of the country - or go home and wait out the six weeks remaining on the staffer contract to process what had happened - but she would not be coming back. Ms Higgins said at that moment she realised her alleged rape was now a political issue, and her job was on the line. Questions have now been raised about whether Senator Reynolds (left in right image) should apologise for her handling of Ms Higgins' allegations Ms Higgins said her leg was 'crushed' during the alleged rape and took a photo of the alleged bruise in the bathroom (pictured) She felt forced to choose between justice and her dream job - and felt pressured not to proceed with her case through the AFP, she said. The former Parliamentary staffer broke down in tears as she told The Project's Lisa Wilkinson of her devastating choice. 'I had worked my entire life to get here. I wanted this future. I wanted to be a part of it for my entire working life. So yeah, I went to WA,' she said. In Western Australia Ms Higgins had no support network of friends and family. She was suicidal and alone, working seven days a week and living out of a hotel room, she said. 'I was pretty suicidal to be honest at the time, cause you're just alone, it's really hard,' she said, brushing away tears. Ms Higgins said she felt as though the decision to send her to the other side of the country had been intentional and that Minister Reynolds was avoiding her, despite having initially encouraged her to go to the police and report her alleged rape. She said the culture of being a team player meant she was discouraged from going to the police for fear of letting the side down. Ms Higgins (left) is pictured with Senator Michaelia Cash (right) Ms Higgins told The Project that even though she went down the 'right path' to report the problem, the Liberal party was not there with real support. When she started feeling panicked walking through the entrance of Parliament House, she alleged that Workplace Minister Michaelia Cash made it clear that she would have to suck it up and deal with it, or leave. Ms Higgins had to resign in the end while her alleged rapist went on to get a great job in Sydney, she said. A spokesperson for Ms Cash disputed Ms Higgins' comments. 'The comments attributed to Minister Cash on last night's program are false. During her more than 18 months in the office, she was given every support in her role,' the spokesperson said. 'Ms Higgins commenced employment in the Minister's office in June 2019. 'The Minister and Chief of Staff (COS) were not aware of any alleged staff incident occurring in Ms Higgins' previous employment.' Pictured: Ms Higgins The spokesperson said a journalist made a media inquiry about Ms Higgins and her previous employment in October 2019. 'When the Minister and COS raised this with Ms Higgins she informed them that she did not want to discuss the issue other than it involved her and a former staff member in Minister Reynold's office,' the spokesperson said. 'The Minister and COS said that they would respect Ms Higgins wishes for privacy but if she needed anything she should come to them. The COS and Ms Higgins discussed the Employee Assistance Program and Ms Higgins confirmed she accessed it. 'At the end of January this year, Ms Higgins advised the Minister and COS that the March 2019 matter had become an issue and that she wished to resign and leave Canberra. 'Both the Minister and COS advised that they wished for Ms Higgins to stay on in her role as she was good at it and they would do whatever they could to support her including relocating her job to Queensland, if she wished. Ms Higgins was grateful for the offer but declined.' On Tuesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the alleged rape is a wake-up call that must drive change within Parliament House Ms Higgins said no consequences had come to the senior staffer who she says raped her on Ms Reynolds' ministerial couch as she lay, drunk and passed out after a night out with colleagues in the early hours of March 23, 2019. It was less than three weeks after starting a new job in Minister Reynold's office, and Ms Higgins had organised a Friday night drinks event with her contacts and colleagues. The well-connected senior male staffer had been invited in a professional context. Ms Higgins revealed that she noticed he was buying her drinks, but she had thought he was rewarding her for having done a good job organising her first after-work function in her new role. Soon, she was inebriated. She was so drunk that she fell over in a 'face plant' and decided to leave. The male staffer offered to get a cab with her as he was heading in the same direction - but he said he needed to stop at Parliament House to pick something up, she said. Ms Higgins described going through the back entrance to Parliament House, passing through security and riding the lift up to Defence Minister Reynolds' suite. As the staffer was taking a long time, Ms Reynolds said she fell asleep on the couch. Ms Higgins (pictured with Michaelia Cash) has since resigned from her job in government and plans to reinstate the police complaint The next thing she knew, she woke up being raped, she said, in pain with a sweaty senior staffer on top of her, her leg being crushed beneath his weight. 'I don't know why I knew he was almost finished but I felt like it had been going on for a while or that he was almost done, he was sweaty, I couldn't get him off of me. At this point I started crying,' she told The Project. Ms Higgins said she told the staffer to stop at least six times but he didn't. The male staffer left the room after the alleged rape. Ms Higgins couldn't get off the couch. She said she sustained a large bruise from how she was pinned down. A security guard then came into the room but he did not call for medical help. On Monday, Ms Higgins returned to work as did the senior staffer who allegedly raped her, and nothing happened, she said. On Tuesday, a senior adviser to Mr Morrison, director of operations Fiona Brown, was seconded to the office as chief of staff, she said. Ms Brown called in the senior staffer, Ms Higgins said, and after 45 minutes, he emerged from the meeting and began packing his things. Ms Higgins was called in next for what started out as a disciplinary meeting for being inside Parliament House after hours. She was told to sign the Ministerial Code of Conduct again, she said. After Ms Higgins revealed her alleged rape in the meeting, however, she said the tone changed from disciplinary to 'management' of a political threat. Ms Higgins said Ms Brown gave her the rest of the day off and a brochure with a number for a psychologist in the employee assistance program - for which there was a two month wait. She was interviewed by the special internal Parliament House branch of the AFP. Ms Higgins is pictured with the former deputy leader of the Liberal Party, Julie Bishop (left) After the incident, Senator Reynolds summoned her to a formal employment meeting in the same room where the alleged rape occurred. Ms Higgins said she couldn't remember much that was said at that meeting as her mind blanked out and all she could focus on was the couch where the alleged rape took place, like a loop playing over and over in her mind, reliving the horror. She said she asked for the CCTV footage showing the night she entered Parliament House with the staffer, but says they wouldn't give it to her. Ms Higgins said while Senator Reynolds encouraged her to go to the police, and said she would be supported, it felt insincere, like she was box-ticking for human resources. She said Ms Brown became her only point of contact in the office that she could discuss the alleged assault with, but that the issue was down-played as if it was her issue to deal with alone - and that if she couldn't deal with it then she should leave. Eventually she resigned, losing her cherished career that she had worked all her life for. Ms Higgins also intends to initiate a formal complaint with the Department of Finance, which handles work-related complaints from ministerial staff. The prime minister's office was involved in managing the alleged assault from the beginning. But despite the engagement of at least two of his staff, Mr Morrison said he was not made aware until 24 hours ago. He denied there was a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy in his office. 'I can assure you there there is no such culture and I'm not happy about the fact it was not brought to my attention,' Mr Morrison said. Senator Reynolds told parliament on Monday she never forced Ms Higgins to choose between her job and making a police complaint. The minister also expressed regret for setting up a formal meeting about the incident in the same room the alleged rape occurred. Education Minister Norma Foley is planning for the phased return of all students to school in March. The target date for the wider reopening to begin is Monday March 1, although that is subject to agreement with the education partners. Ms Foley told her Cabinet colleagues today that it is her strong preference that all students get back to school in March. A meeting with public health experts today will help to guide the pace of the return. Read More Meanwhile, an announcement on arrangements for Leaving Cert 2021 is expected this week, the Department of Education has confirmed. Ms Foley is likely to make the announcement tomorrow or Thursday. Earlier it was confirmed that the Government Education Committee was meeting tomorrow and, it is expected that in the first instance, the proposals will be outlined there. Intensive engagement is continuing with the education stakeholders, including teacher unions, to put a shape on the assessment arrangements. Discussions have been going on for more than a week on a twin-track approach to the Leaving Cert, to take account of the ongoing disruption to education being caused by Covid . The plans being explored involves both the provision of Leaving Certificate exams and a non-exam process, likely to be a modified version of calculated grades. Ms Foley provided an update to Cabinet earlier on the ongoing engagement with stakeholders in relation to the Sate exams, as well as the reopening of schools. In terms of school re-opening at second-level, the 63,000 Leaving Cert students are deemed the priority, and it now appears certain that they will be back on March 1. One post-primary teacher union, the TUI, has already said that it would have been prepared to co-operate with their return from next week. At primary level, one education source said they would like to get all pupils back together, but it will depend on public health advice. If it comes to prioritising, there is a lot of sympathy for 6th class pupils who are in their final year of primary and need maximum support to prepare for the transition to post-primary. There is also particular concern for pupils in infant classes who find it hardest to engage with remote learning. There are about 560,000 pupils in mainstream primary schools, of whom 6,822 are due to return next week in the initial phase of the post-Christmas re-opening. As well as that, 8,351 pupils in special schools have returned on a part time basis since last Thursday. There are a further 370,000 pupils in post-primary schools, including 2,800 in special classes who are due to return next Monday. It means protocols are in place for the return of fewer than 20,000 of a total of more than 900,000 pupils across primary and post-primary. But in talks on wider re-opening, further assurances and measures are likely to be sought by the education partners. When the public health advisory body, Nphet, advised against full scale reopening of schools in January, the aim was to ensure that one million pupils and teachers were not on the move and congregating together. The public health landscape has improved considerably since then, but preventing infection in the face of the highly transmissible UK variant of Covid remains a major challenge. Over a busy period of ABS issuance, our 2021-1 transaction received significant oversubscription in each class and we welcomed a number of new investors. The composition of the contracts in the transaction reflect the industry, equipment and geographic diversity from which CCGs portfolio benefits. Commercial Credit Group Inc. (CCG), an independent commercial equipment finance company, today announced the closing of a 144a privately-placed term asset-backed security (ABS) transaction (the 2021-1 transaction). The $327,821,000 financing was placed with a broad group of fixed income investors, representing 23 unique institutions. Wells Fargo Securities served as Structuring Agent and Lead Bookrunner for the placement. The financing contracts supporting the security consist of a diverse pool of CCGs customer contract originations in the construction, fleet transportation, manufacturing and waste equipment industries. The multi-tranche placement carried the following ratings: Notes - Moodys - Fitch - DBRS - Dollar Amount Class A-1 - P-1 (sf) - F1+ (sf) - R-1 (high) (sf) - $74,700,000 Class A-2 - Aaa (sf) - AAA (sf) - AAA (sf) - $221,180,000 Class B - Aa2 (sf) - AA (sf) - AA (sf) - $16,811,000 Class C - A2 (sf) - A (sf) - A (sf) - $15,130,000 CCG is pleased to have completed its thirteenth term ABS transaction since 2011. We are appreciative of the continued support of the institutional ABS investor community. Over a very busy period of ABS issuance, our 2021-1 transaction received significant oversubscription in each class and we also welcomed a number of new investors to our platform stated Paul Bottiglio, Vice President and Treasurer. The composition of the contracts included in this transaction reflect the industry, equipment and geographic diversity from which CCGs portfolio benefits. About Commercial Credit Group Inc.: Commercial Credit Group Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Commercial Credit, Inc. is an independent commercial finance company that provides equipment loans and leases to small and mid-sized businesses in the construction, fleet transportation, machine tool and manufacturing and waste industries. The companys sales force is located throughout North America. Since its inception in 2004, CCG has originated over $5 billion of equipment loans and leases. CCG is headquartered in Charlotte, NC and operates full-service offices in Buffalo, NY and Naperville, IL. CCG Equipment Finance Limited services the Canadian Provinces of Ontario, west to British Columbia, from its Canadian headquarters in Hamilton, Ontario. For more information, please visit http://www.commercialcreditgroup.com. [February 16, 2021] INVESTOR REMINDER: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Announces Deadline in Two Days in Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Restaurant Brands International Inc. The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP reminds Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE: QSR) ("Restaurant Brands") investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of those who purchased or acquired Restaurant Brands common stock between April 29, 2019, and October 28, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Reminder: Investors who purchased or acquired Restaurant Brands common stock during the Class Period may, no later than February 19, 2021, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP: James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453 or Adrienne Bell, Esq. (484) 270-1435; toll free at (844) 887-9500; via e-mail at info@ktmc.com; or click https://www.ktmc.com/restaurant-brands-international-inc-securities-class-action?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=restaurant_brands Restaurant Brands is a Canadian corporation and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is one of the world's largest restaurant chains with over 27,000 Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. On April 24, 2018, Restaurant Brands announced a new strategy designed to improve performance within its Tim Hortons brand. Specifically, the "Winning Together Plan" would focus on three key pillars: restaurant experience; product excellence; and brand communications. Then, on March 20, 2019, Restaurant Brands announce "Tims Rewards" - a new loyalty program for Tim Hortons customers in Canada. Under the Tims Rewards program, customers would be eligible for a free hot brewed coffee, hot tea, or baked good after every seventh paid visit to a participating Tim Hortons restaurant. On April 10, 2019, Restaurant Brands announced that it was expanding the Tims Rewards program to include customers in the United States. The Class Period commences on April 29, 2019, when Restaurant Brands filed its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 with the SEC (News - Alert) . Among other things, Restaurant Brands reported 0.5% system-wide year-over-year sales growth for Tim Hortons on system-wide sales of $1.547 billion. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, the defendants repeatedly touted the implementation and execution of Restaurant Brands' Winning Together Plan and Tims Rewards loyalty program. On the heels of Restaurant Brands touting the benefits of these initiatives, the company completed two stock offerings on or about August 12, 2019, and September 5, 2019, collectively resulting in proceeds of approximately $3 billion to insiders. However, on October 29, 2019, the truth about Restaurant Brands' execution of its Winning Together Plan and Tims Rewards loyalty program was revealed when the company announced disappointing financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019. Among other things, Restaurant Brands reported a 0.1% system-wide year-over-year sales decline for Tim Hortons-representing a 1.4% same-store sales decline-on system-wide sales of $1.774 billion. Following this news, the price of Restaurant Brands common stock declined $2.59 per share, or approximately 4%, from a close of $68.45 per share on October 25, 2019, to close at $64.86 per share on October 28, 2019. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, the defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Restaurant Brands' Winning Together Plan was failing to generate substantial, sustainable improvement within the Tim Hortons brand; (2) the Tims Rewards loyalty program was not generating sustainable revenue growth as increased customer traffic was not offsetting promotional discounting; and (3) as a result, the defendants' statements about Restaurant Brands' business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. Restaurant Brands investors may, no later than February 19, 2021, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006159/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. You are the owner of this article. "We're thrilled to receive this Excellence in Technology Award from McKnights," said Jennifer Knecht, vice president of marketing and sales at Immanuel. "Technology has become an important aspect of life at Immanuel and is just one of the many ways residents have continued to thrive through a global pandemic." This senior living and retirement community organization discovered resident wellbeing and technology go hand-in-hand after adding interactive tools and services to help residents continue to thrive: Resident portals, available at Immanuel's signature suite of communities offer residents the ability to virtually discover community events and activities, access dining menus and announcements, and even schedule maintenance needs with the touch of a button. In partnership with It's Never 2 Late (iN2L), Immanuel added person-centered enrichment to several communities. iN2L tablets and apps are accessible for all levels of technology expertise, and allow residents to tour world-famous museums, take a trip in a flight simulator and even call their grandkids. LifeLoop software systems at select communities have enabled family members to stay in close contact with their loved ones, care plans and community employees. New innovative programs streamlined safety procedures and ordering across all retirement living communities. The operational changes led to Immanuel being named one of Nebraska's safest companies from the Nebraska Safety Council in 2019. safest companies from the Nebraska Safety Council in 2019. And in response to a global pandemic, Immanuel's existing advances in technology have allowed residents to continue thriving through virtually broadcasted wellness activities, social events and worship services. "Technology has been a guiding principle at Immanuel for many years," said Knecht. "These offerings were in place prior to first learning of the COVID-19 virus and allowed us even more opportunities to help residents thrive through social distancing." Since 1887 Immanuel has been providing Christ-Centered Service to Seniors, Each Other and the Community. As a not-for-profit, serving arm of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Immanuel's house of brands includes: Immanuel Classic Courtyards, Lifestyle Villages, Signature and Care Communities, Lakeside Lofts, Immanuel Pathways, Immanuel Community Foundation and The Immanuel Vision Foundation. Immanuel owns and operates 14, 55+ active living, independent living, assisted living and long-term care retirement communities on nine campuses; Immanuel Pathways operates three PACE Centers in Iowa and Neb.; the Immanuel Community Foundation, a Resident Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to independent living residents; and the Immanuel Vision Foundation extends financial support to non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that share purposes in alignment with Immanuel's service centered mission. Learn more at Immanuel.com MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Knecht Vice President Marketing and Sales Immanuel 1044 N 115th Street, Suite 500, Omaha, NE 68154 Telephone: (402) 829-2929 [email protected] SOURCE Immanuel Related Links immanuel.com In the last 15 years, the Indian government has worked assiduously to create opportunities for rural people. India is rising, but this growth is only restricted to urban areas. While the 'Bharat vs India' debate continues, Rural India continues to remain far away from Urban India on every parameter of progress, be it GDP, employment, literacy or health. There are startups that are empowering and facilitating the implementation of business opportunities for a better quality of life across rural India. Technology is the key enabler, paving the way for enhanced productivity and growth prospects in the countryside. ITC Group: ITC Groups large-scale Social Investments Programmes that have now come to be known as SIPs, which form the backbone of MSK (Mission Sunehra Kal). MSK aims at building rural capacity in partnership with local communities to develop water and forest resources, open up new non-farm livelihoods, empower women, expand primary education, and drive future skilling in India. The groups Agri-Business has pioneered the Village Adoption Programme. It covers 250 model villages in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Rajasthan. This initiative funding rural development is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modis SAGY (Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana) for holistic rural development. Shopmatic: As an e-commerce solutions provider, Shopmatic brings several elements of the e-commerce landscape onto a single platform to help SMEs and individual entrepreneurs take their businesses online. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Shopmatic introduced tailored solutions for Indias Kirana stores, enabling them to create an online presence with pre-developed catalogues to help them create web-stores easily without the need for technical know-how or design experience. The platform also offered easy inventory management, secure and instant online payments, contactless delivery, and self-pickup options. With Shopmatics tech-centric solutions, shop owners are able to use their phones to track inventory, sales, orders, customers, and more. Entrepreneurs and businesses can choose from four different e-commerce solutions on the platform - Chat selling, Social selling, Marketplace selling, or selling through Web stores. Customers can choose the solution that best suits their needs. Trell: Indias fastest-growing content social commerce platform currently, available in 8 Indian languages including - Marathi, Bengali, Tamil and Kannada with more than 10 billion monthly views on the platform, Trell is now leveraging the popularity of its 15 Million+ creator base to meet the demands of its growing base of 100 Million+ users. Trell has more than 6 regional languages including - Marathi, Bengali, Tamil and Kannada - on its platform. This is in step with the brands mission to provide real and relevant content to users across urban and rural areas of the country. Since its inception in 2017, Trell has been committed to serving the entertainment needs of vernacular consumers across the country with over 70% of its users hailing from tier-2, tier-3, and tier-4 cities. DotPe: Giving a new lease of life to our rural countrys small businesses and individual business owners in taking their businesses online during the pandemic, Gurgaon-based O2O commerce and fintech platform DotPe has launched Digital Showroom. The new-age digital platform allows them to set up an online store on WhatsApp within 15 seconds and start selling online. Digital Showroom is an initiative by Dotpe which is a technology start-up providing a commerce and payments platform to offline enterprise businesses for driving digital transformation in the way they sell, manage and engage with their customers. The platform has empowered businesses like Mcdonald's, Starbucks, Haldiram's, and thousands more to serve their millions of customers by giving their customers online ordering experience. Boris Johnson today promised Britons will not need to carry a 'vaccine passport' to go to the pub when the country eventually escapes lockdown. The Prime Minister shot down reports the controversial scheme is being looked at as a tactic to keep the economy open when restrictions are finally lifted. But he conceded that some form of proof of vaccination will likely be needed to get international travel back up and running in the future. During a visit to a community vaccination centre in Orpington, South East London, today, the PM said: 'I think inevitably there will be great interest in ideas like can you show that you had a vaccination against Covid in the way that you sometimes have to show you have had a vaccination against Yellow Fever or other diseases in order to travel somewhere. 'I think that is going to be very much in the mix down the road, I think that is going to happen. What I don't think we will have in this country is - as it were - vaccination passports to allow you to go to, say, the pub or something like that.' Matt Hancock echoed the Prime Minister's comments, saying the UK was 'working' with countries looking at banning unvaccinated travellers. The Health Secretary said the Governments 'wants Brits to be able to travel'. The vaccine passport scheme has been mired in confusion since it was first touted in late December. Eight firms have been awarded Government grants to develop the technology but No10 has repeatedly said such documents will not be introduced in the UK. There have also been a series of contradictory statements from ministers about how the scheme would be used, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab yesterday hinting it could be deployed in supermarkets and the hospitality sector. Critics say a passport-style scheme would be 'discriminatory' and make the voluntary jabs mandatory by proxy. Boris Johnson today promised Britons will not need to carry a 'vaccine passport' to go to the pub when the country comes out of lockdown, during a visit to Orpington Health and Wellbeing Centre The Prime Minister posed for a photo with Silvester Biyibi, who had just received his coronavirus vaccine Eight firms have been awarded Government grants to develop vaccine passport technology, many of which use scannable QR codes (file) The Prime Minister also said that he expects there to be an increase in 'rapid testing' as more of the population is vaccinated and the UK comes out of its lockdown. Mr Johnson said: 'Looking at the future, what we hope to have is such a high proportion of the population vaccinated that when you couple that with rapid testing lateral flow testing you really start to get the kind of answers that you're talking about. 'So I think it's in the context of having vaccinated a lot of the population, as we're already doing and we'll do a lot more of in the next few months that the rapid test approach will start, I think, to come into its own.' Echoing his comments, Mr Hancock told Sky News: 'There are some countries around the world that are considering bringing in rules saying you can only travel if you have been vaccinated these arent in place yet but there are countries who are actively floating this idea and proposing it. 'In that case, it will be important for people from the UK to be able to show whether or not they have been vaccinated in order to travel, so we are working with countries around the world on the basis for this and how that vaccine certification can happen in a way that can be assured. 'We want Brits to be able to travel to those countries and therefore enable Brits to be able to demonstrate their vaccine status, so that sort of vaccine certification is something we are talking to our international counterparts about and there are people who are arguing that is the right way to have safe global travel again because obviously thats very restricted at the moment.' Open up pubs FULLY this Easter, says Wetherspoon boss Wetherspoon today called on the Government to open its pubs at the same time as non-essential shops as bars remain shut across Britain during the third lockdown. Ministers are said to be considering plans to allow hospitality firms to serve customers outside by Easter, which falls on the weekend of April 2. But a full reopening is not expected until May at the earliest - and Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin warned that the industry is 'on its knees' and must reopen to save jobs. It comes as Mitchells & Butlers, which owns All Bar One, Toby Carvery and Harvester said it will raise 350million from its largest investors to shore up its finances. M&B, which is Britain's largest listed pub company, operates around 1,700 restaurants and pubs across the UK but cut about 1,300 jobs last year. The developments follow a bust-up between pub groups and the Government which has seen companies pull out of regular business roundtables in frustration. The head of industry body UK Hospitality warned today said there will need to be more support for businesses if restrictions continue. Kate Nicholls said that flexible furlough and grants would need to be extended past its March 31 cut-off without some way of opening to make money. Today, Mr Martin spoke of the huge contribution pubs make to the economy, with Wetherspoon alone paying about 10 of tax for every pound of profit it makes. Advertisement The World Health Organization's special envoy for the global Covid response, has also said he expects 'some sort' of Covid vaccine passport will be introduced in future. Dr David Nabarro said: 'I am absolutely certain in the next few months we will get a lot of movement and what are the conditions around which people are easily able to move from place to place, so some sort of vaccine certificate no doubt will be important.' He added that countries would only be able to form 'bubbles' for travel purposes if they both had the same standards of coronavirus restrictions and similar levels of vaccination uptake. Dr Nabarro told Sky News transparency over Covid measures between countries was key to keeping an eye out for new variants of the virus. He said: 'That's going to be with us for the foreseeable future, because even when much higher proportions of the population are vaccinated, there are still going to be these worrying moments when perhaps a version of the virus appears that can break through the defences provided by the vaccine.' He said the British situation was 'looking really good' but warned there was still a lot of work to be done to work out how lockdown could be lifted safely. Last week it emerged at least eight firms have been awarded Government grants to develop schemes that would allow users to carry digital proof that they have received an approved Covid-19 jab. The projects, given a total of 450,000 between them, aim to provide a way to get people back to work and reopen international travel without the risk of fuelling the pandemic. The grants have been dished out by InnovateUK, a non-departmental public agency which claims it 'operates at arm's length from the Government'. Logifect, a Kent firm handed 62,000 in grants, has designed a phone app linking to a digital passport that includes a photo of them. It is due to launch next month. London-based iProov and Mvine, in Surrey, have been given 75,000 for their joint effort, according to the newspaper. They are developing digital 'certificates' that would provide people with confirmation of their vaccinations. Executives at all three firms have said they plan to pitch their technologies to the Government before the current national lockdown ends. Another of the recipient projects is led by Enduring Net, which is working on a 49,678 decentralised system that can digitally provide 'proofs of individuals' Covid-19 credentials', which will include proof of vaccination. EAS Technologies' project was given 173,876 to develop an accreditation platform that hopes to be used by organisers of the 'world's largest sporting organisations, events, and facilities'. A short description on the funding page suggests the project will be used for proving staff and contractors at events have been vaccinated, but could also provide a 'track and trace' system for those attending the events. It comes amid claims major City firms are expecting to start using digital health passports from next month to help get staff back to offices. Covid-19 testing firm Prenetics has signed deals with around 100 companies including investment banks based at Canary Wharf in London to help get staff back to work safely. Employees using its Digital Health Passport will download an app onto their mobile phone, which will store results of their Covid tests and vaccine certificates when they have had their jabs. Meanwhile, Spain's tourism minister has fuelled hopes Britons could go on holiday this summer with 'vaccine passports'. Fernando Valdes has reportedly raised the prospect that travel could resume within months due to the success of the UK's rollout. He also played down the idea that holidaymakers would have to quarantine when they arrived in Spain, saying there are 'other means' of limiting spread. The optimistic comments emerged as the government steps up work on a system of 'vaccine passports' that could free those who have had jabs from the draconian restrictions on travel. UK ministers have refused to be drawn on when holidays might be back on the agenda, amid mixed messages on whether anyone should be looking to book at this stage. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 19:35:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-four people were hospitalized in western Zambia's Nalolo district after consuming meat suspected to have been poisoned, the police said on Tuesday. Police spokesperson Esther Mwaata-Katongo said 12 of the victims were juveniles while the rest were adults. In a statement, the police spokesperson said the incident happened in a remote area of the district and that the victims were rushed to two hospitals in the district. She however said when police visited one hospital where 14 victims were admitted, they only found four while the conditions of 10 others admitted to another hospital has not yet been established. "Investigations have been instituted in the matter and the carcass will be subjected to laboratory examination," she said. Enditem Advertisement A cheeky Georgian button depicting two people having sex is one of the many fascinating treasures which have emerged from the mud of the Thames. The piece, which is believed to date back to the 18th-Century, was found by a 'mudlarker'. The term is given to the people who comb the 100-mile foreshore of the Thames and pick up objects and artefacts revealed in the mud by the twice daily changing tides. Anna Borzello, 54, found the erotic miniature button, which is small enough it sits on a fingertip, earlier this year as she was walking along the river. 'I like the idea of someone having this really raunchy pin tucked underneath their collar that they would maybe flap up,' she said. A new book on the subject, titled Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London's Lost Treasures, also chronicles some of the fascinating objects found. Among the treasures revealed in the book, by authors Jason Sandy and Nick Stevens, are a Roman coin featuring Emperor Hadrian's face, which dates from the Second Century AD; a brass merchant's ring from between 1450-1550; and a tooth from an extinct shark which is at least 3.5million years old. A cheeky Georgian button depicting two people having sex is one of the many fascinating treasures which have emerged from the mud of the Thames. The piece, which is believed to date back to the 18th century, was found by 'mudlarker' Anna Borzello A new book on the subject, titled Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London's Lost Treasures, also chronicles some of the fascinating objects found. Among the objects found by authors Jason Sandy and Nick Stevens was this Roman coin, which was minted between AD 117 and AD 138 and bears the head of the Emperor Hadrian, whose forces occupied Britain Ms Borzello said: 'I like to imagine the wearer flashing it to his mates down the tavern. 'I just like those funny things that tell a story of ordinary people living ordinary lives'. The practice of mudlarking dates back centuries but modern mudlarkers are still common and can often be seen combing the foreshore on the capital's riverside. Mudlarkers these days require a licence from the Port of London Authority, which manages the tidal Thames. Although mudlarking was banned at the height of the national lockdown between March and June, Ms Borzello did still find another fascinating piece in 2020 - a native American clay pipe that dates back to the 1600s. A brass merchant ring, found by Malcolm Russell in the River Thames, London. Powerful merchants would use personalised rings to seal trade documents. Dated around 1450-1550, this one has letters inscribed into it. The artefact is featured in Mr Sandy and Mr Steven's new book A fossilised megalodon tooth found by Mr Stevens in the River Thames, London. The megalodon shark was thought to be one of the largest and most powerful predators in prehistory. Evidence suggests that this giant shark could grow to 18 metres and lived approximately 23 to 3.6million years ago, when the area that would become Britain has a subtropical climate What is mudlarking? 19th century mudlark from Henry Mayhew's book, London Labour & London Poor, 1861 Mudlarking as a profession started in the late 18th and then into the 19th century, and was the name given to people scavenging for things on the riverbank and selling them. These original mudlarks were often children, mostly boys, who would earn a few pennies selling things like coal, nails, rope and bones that they found in the mud at low tide. They are described as 'pretty much the poorest level of society, scrabbling around on the foreshore trying desperately to make a living' by Meriel Jeater, curator in the Department of Archaeological Collections and Archive at the Museum of London. A mudlark's income was very meagre, and they were renowned for their tattered clothes and terrible stench. A mudlark was a recognised occupation until the early 20th century. Dr Michael Lewis, the Deputy Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum, says that mudlarks' finds can 'alter our picture of the past. The mudlarks have found numerous toys (i.e. miniature plates and urns, knights on horseback and toy soldiers) that have actually changed the way historians view the Medieval period. Over the last 30 years, the Museum of London has acquired over 90,000 objects recovered from the River Thames foreshore which is the longest archaeological site in Britain, but only a few of these artefacts are on display. Although in 1904 a person could still claim 'mudlark' as his occupation, it seems to have been no longer viewed as an acceptable or lawful pursuit. By 1936 the word is used merely to describe swimsuited London schoolchildren earning pocket money during the summer holidays by begging passers-by to throw coins into the Thames mud, which they then chased, to the amusement of the onlookers. More recently, metal-detectorists and other individuals searching the foreshore for historic artefacts have described themselves as 'mudlarks'. In London, a license is required from the Port of London authority for this activity and it is illegal to search for or remove artefacts of any kind from the foreshore without one. Advertisement She believes it originated in the Virginia area of the US. 'I don't think there's another example of this in London, or possibly in the UK,' she said. 'Somebody made it in pre-colonial America and carried it over here where it fell off a ship in London. It's a very delicate clay so normally it would not have survived.' The keen mudlarker, from Hackney in east London, said she always 'gravitated towards the river' during her life, leading her to take up mudlarking. Since taking up the hobby five-years-ago, the former BBC journalist has dug all sorts up from the mud and taken them home. And it is the everyday objects that most people might overlook that fascinate her the most. These include a collection of hundreds of clay pipes and also a 14,000-strong collection of copper and brass pins picked up from the foreshore. 'These are ordinary objects that make you realise what life used to be like for people,' she said. 'I realised when I resarched pins they used to be a high value item - they would be bequeathed in wills. 'There's even been trade wars with the French about pins, and Queen Elizabeth had a dress with 10,000 pins in it. She also had a royal pin maker. 'It's bizzare an object so humble now used to be central to everyones lives.' Among her more unusual finds Ms Borzello found a tiny 9 carat gold swastika hat pin dating from 1911 - at a time when the symbol was one of peace from far Eastern cultures and did not carry the more modern Nazi connotations of WWII. Many of the objects uncovered by mudlarkers have been preserved in the anaerobic mud of the Thames. The sludge has very low levels of oxygen which makes it ideal for preserving organic material that would otherwise rot. Mr Sandy and Mr Stevens's book details how the water level of the River Thames in London fluctuates by 23-33feet (7-10metres) twice a day. One of the more gut-wrenching artefacts found by the pair is a ball and chain, thought to belong to the 17th or 18th centuries. In that time London was busting from its seams. Crime was rife, so floating prison ships were introduced to ease the pressure on crowded jails. Mudlarks Steve Brooker and Rick Jones thought they had found a large cannonball until a chain slid out of the mud still attached to the iron ball. Historians believe it would have been used to shackle prisoners during transport. The prisoner it was attached to may have escaped - but it is also possible that they perished while still wearing it. Mr Stevens also found the Megalodon tooth. The megalodon was thought to be one of the largest and most powerful predators in prehistory. Evidence suggests that this giant shark could grow to 18 metres and lived approximately approximately 23 to 3.6million years ago, when the area that would become Britain had a subtropical climate. Mr Stevens also made a gruesome discovery in 2009 when he found a skull which belonged to a 12-year-old girl. The girl from the 18th century was malnourished and suffered poor health, a common cause of death during that time. But still to this day people continue to discard objects into the River Thames, which mudlarks will find. Mr Sandy found an engagement ring beneath a bridge in West London. His and Mr Stevens's book is out on February 18. Fellow mudlarker Liz Anderson fouond a perfectly preserved 2,000-year-old Roman knit comb made from box wood. The 60-year-old former history teacher from Twickenham said: 'It's one of my favourite finds because it's an ordinary object and the design of it is still the same we use today. 'You dont know who once owned it, but it would have been ordinary Londoners from hundreds of years ago who once used it to comb their hair. 'These objects tell a story. And because of the Thames mud you often find things looking as fresh as the day it was dropped 2,000 years ago.' Mr Sandy and Mr Stevens's book details how the water level of the River Thames in London fluctuates by 23-33feet (7-10metres) twice a day. Pictured: A pottery piece showing a sixteenth century Bellarmine face, found by mudlarks Dean Buddin and Graham duHeaume in the River Thames, London. They were called 'Bellarmines' because of their association with Catholic cardinal Roberto Bellarmino, a strong opponent of Protestantism who tried to ban alcohol. To mock the unpopular bearded Catholic cardinal, Protestants drank ale and wine from the bearded stoneware jugs, often smashing them afterwards. As a result, mudlarks normally only find fragments of these vessels. A gold engagement ring with heart-shaped aquamarine gemstone and small diamonds found by Mr Sandy under a bridge in West London on the River Thames. It is set with a large, heart-shaped aquamarine gemstone, the favourite gemstone of sailors who believed that aquamarine possesses supernatural powers to ensure a safe journey across stormy seas. This ring could have belonged to a sailor's fiance or wife A highly decorated Roman oil lamp, that had been dropped in the River Thames around 1,700 years ago and found by modern mudlark Alan Suttie. Stuart Wyatt, Finds Liaison Officer at the Museum of London, described it as 'one of the best fourth-century lamps to be found in the city, a rare survivor from the last days of Roman London.' Extraordinary not only for its inherent beauty, it is also a rare example of a North African ceramic oil lamp from AD 300-410, depicting a running lion which symbolises Christianity. This is one of the many historically significant artefacts which have been found in the River Thames by mudlarks. The find is featured in Mr Sandy's and Mr Steven's book A French Jetton from the 15th century, found by Mr in the River Thames, London. Coin-like Jettons were medals which were used for accounting, and some were used as gaming counters. They were common throughout Europe from the 13th through the 18th centuries A selection of the many clay pipe bowls founds in the River Thames, London by Mr Stevens. Clay pipes are a very common find because of how widespread their use was in England and elsewhere A piece of Roman pottery, known as Samian ware, which was made in the Roman Empire's North African and Eastern provinces. It will have been used for serving food, this one features the goddess Nike and was found by Nicola White in the River Thames, London This images shows a wide array of finds detailed by Mr Stevens and Mr Sandy ni their new book. Among the objects is the 'Bellarmine' pottery piece, as well as dozens of coins, a ring, jewellery and a letter plate which reads, 'THAMES' An 'alderman' pipe, found by Mr Stevens. Smoking was very fashionable in Georgian London, and approximately 1,000 tobacco pipe makers were working in the city by the beginning of the eighteenth century The remains of an Anglo Saxon fishing basket found by Mr Stevens in the mud on the River Thames in London. Britons have been mudlarking on the Thames since the 18th-Century, but this basket had gone unnoticed until Mr Stevens stumbled across it A Tommy helmet found by Alan Murphy in the River Thames, London. The iconic helmet, which spanned both World Wars, may have been lost during a bombing raid or thrown into the river during or after either World War A Roman hairpin, hand-carved from bone and depicting the bust of a Roman woman from circa AD 69, found in 2013 by Mr Sandy in the River Thames, London A selection of various mudlarking finds from the River Thames, London. Among them is another clay pipe, a thimble, lapel pins, coins and jewellery The finds are detailed in Mr Sandy's and Mr Stevens's book, which is out on February 18 The comb has mud wedged between its fine prongs which Ms Anderson says is likely to still contain preserved knits. Lice were found fossilised in a previous comb aboard the famous Mary Rose ship when it was raised fom the mud of the solent. The mother-of-two also counts a 17th century hunting bell and an 18th century dice made of bone among her favourite finds. Both objects are recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a scheme run by the British museum to record artefacts of historical interest. Clay pipes are often found on the foreshore as they were so popular during the Victorian era. But Ms Borzello previously found an impressively intact 18th century pipe (pictured left). This year she also came across a native American pipe (right) dating back to the 1600s Ms Borzello, from Hackney in East London, said she always 'gravitated towards the river' during her life, leading her to take up mudlarking Her collection of finds includes more than 14,000 pins (pictured left) and a collection of Georgian cufflinks, dating back to the 18th century Mudlarking dates back centuries to when poorer people used to comb the Thames foreshore for anything valuable Left: A dice made from bone and originating in Fleet prison. Right: A hunting bell that would have been attached to a hawk or kestrel Some of the many clay pipes collected by Liz Anderson, arranged in an image for her mudlarking blog The Roman knit comb discovered by Ms Anderson in the Thames mud - still the same design as ones used today Mudlarking must dos: What you need to know while scouring the foreshore Licensed mudlarkers share their tips on how to stay safe when combing the Thames foreshore: Mudlarkers, and anyone else searching, metal detecting, beachcombing, scraping or digging along the foreshore must have a licence from the Port of London Authority. All finds of historical significance need to be reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Any gold and silver objects, and groups of coins from the same spot, which are over 300 years old, are legally required to be reported. Be safe - mudlarking can be dangerous if you do not take the correct precautions. The steps down to the foreshore can be slippery and beware of hurting yourself. The Thames does still contain raw sewage traces and this can cause health problems if it enters the body via cuts and scrapes. Know your tide times to avoid being cut off from shore and always be aware of your exits. Advertisement 'Once I got the mud out from it, I found the pip still rings,' she said of the bell, which would likely have been attached to the leg of a hawk or kestrel. 'It's breathtaking - that's literally the sound of the 17th century.' The dice was also traced by historians to a specific prisoner from the site of what was once Fleet prison. 'He would have made things out of bone ends from their meal scraps, then perhaps sold them for a little money to settle off his debts,' she said. ''That's humbling to think about how people lived and 18th century debt. They unlock a story these finds into a past of ordinary people. 'They can be lovely romantic stories or hideous, sad stories about how difficult life must have been.' Ms Anderson, who obtained her mudlarking licence from the port of London Authority in 2017, presents her collection of artefacts in a Edwardian butterfly collectors cabinet in her Twickenham home. Simon Bourne, 39, a graphic designer from east London, has also made a number of fascinating discoveries along the foreshore. These include a pair of Roman shoes caked in mud, now in the British Museum, and an unexploded grenade dating back to World War II - neither of which could be displayed in his home like Ms Anderson's collection. He also often stumbles across coins, buckles, buttons, clay pipes and old Victorian bottles and this year also found a Roman silver coin known as a dinari. But it was a more sentimental find that sticks with him as one of his favourites. Early in his mudlarking career, which began in 2011, he came across a set of World War dog tags near Limehouse. Once he cleaned the mud from them he saw a service number and a name - they belonged to a Jewish airman named Nathan Posener. He was able to track down the airman's former home on nearby Commercial Road and then even managed to find his family. The pilot's daughter was in her 90s, and along with her children, was thrilled to have the veteran's tags returned to her. 'That was a poignant find,' recalls Mr Bourne, who documents his mudlarking finds on his YouTube channel. 'The pilot's daughter said it made her year'. Six years ago, Simon Bourne, 39, successfully reunited a man with a dog tag belonging to his grandfather that he had found on the banks. The tag bore the name N Posener (left) and was emblazoned with the Royal Flying Corp service number 19385 from the First World War The lives of science fiction writers from around the world were turned upside down by the pandemic. As Chinese New Year approaches, they shared their hopes and wishes for 2021. For Alix E. Harrow, whose "Do Not Look Back, My Lion" earned her a nomination for best short story at the 2020 Hugo Awards, the biggest change was the same one that affected most of the world last year. But if I shove COVID-19 aside, the biggest change in my creative life was reading romance for the first time and taking it seriously as a genre. It's kept me sane, and taught me a lot about writing convincing emotional arcs," she said. Harrow joked that her goal for this year was to meet her deadlines. "But, more seriously, to get my family through a pandemic and a chaotic transition of power with their sanity and safety mostly intact." Caroline M. Yoachim, a two-time Hugo and four-time Nebula Award finalist, said the biggest change for her in 2020 was working from home with the rest of her family there with her. "I also definitely miss traveling most years I manage to go to a few sci-fi conventions." For the new year, she pressed herself: "Writing-wise my focus remains on short fiction, and I'm hoping to ramp up my output in 2021. I was not as productive as I'd hoped in 2020, and I have high hopes that this will be a better year." A.T. Greenblatt, whose "Give the Family My Love" won the Nebula Award for best short story in 2020, said that the biggest changes to her life last year involved working from home as an engineer job and shifting from in-person conferences to virtual ones for writing. Fortunately, I have a good network of friends online through the writing community from before the pandemic started, so some parts of my social life have stayed the same." She continued: "This year, I would love to finish revising a few stories that I have been struggling with for ages. That's my top goal right now. That, and have a better exercise routine." The pandemic has completely upended Alex Shvartsmans work routine: "In addition to the stress induced by these global events which I think all of us are experiencing equally I've had a hard time keeping up with creative endeavors in 2020. It's more difficult to write when my family is always home, and we're all trying to work, study and relax in the confines of a relatively small space." Because of this, the writer tried to focus much more on translation rather than writing his own fiction. Top of Shvartsmans to-do list for 2021 is finishing his third novel. As a writer, anthologist, and translator, he has published over 120 short stories in a variety of magazines and anthologies including Nature, Analog, Strange Horizons, and Galaxy's Edge. He also won the WSFA Small Press Award for Short Fiction in 2014 and was a finalist for the Canopus Award for Excellence in Interstellar Fiction in 2015, and again, in 2017. Shvartsman is one of 13 well-known writers from four continents participating in the sixth Science Fiction New Year Gala writing project for 2021. The Future Affairs Administration, a company that produces and promotes sci-fi works and supports new sci-fi writers in China, is publishing short sci-fi stories related to the Chinese Lunar New Year from Feb. 7, which will be available on its official channels and platforms including Weibo, Bilibili, Douban, Toutiao and Zhihu. The international cohort of writers include Chinese writers Han Song, Fang Zeyu, Luo Lingzuo and Su Xuejun; South Korean writer Kim Ju-young; Australian writer Samantha Murray; Japanese writer Taiyo Fujii; Nigerian writer Innocent Chizaram Ilo; and American Shvartsman. Previous sci-fi writers to participate in the gala writing project include domestic heavyweights Liu Cixin, Han Song, Hao Jingfang and internationally renowned writers like Ken Liu, Shvartsman and Ian Watson. Over the past five years, more than 60 writers from eight different countries and regions have taken part, earning over 100 million reads. This year's Science Fiction New Year Gala will also feature a new podcast. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the humanitarian cooperation, the Azerbaijani side handed over bodies of 106 soldiers killed during the 44-day war under the mediation of the Command staff of the Russian peacekeeping units in Artsakh, ARMNPRESS reports President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan wrote on his Facebook page. Harutyunyan added that the searching works of bodies and survivors of the 44-day war still continue. ''In addition, we have started making joint efforts for discovering the bodies of Armenian and Azerbaijani victims of the war of the 1990s'', he wrote. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. A man is wanted for trying to rob a Walgreens Tuesday afternoon in Huntsville. Huntsville police say the suspect came into the store on Bob Wallace Avenue around 1:47 p.m. and asked for a $100 bill. He was wearing a mask. An employee started to open the cash register to count money. Police say the suspect tried to grab it, but she slammed it shut so he could not get any money. According to police, the suspect started to walk away but turned around and said he had a gun. When the employee said she had a phone and would call 911, he ran away and was driven off by someone in a black minivan. People are still allowed in and out of the store Tuesday afternoon. The European Union is urging Hungary's government to allow a liberal-leaning radio station to continue broadcasting after it went off the air on Monday following a refusal by media authorities to extend its broadcast license. European Commission spokesman Christian Wigand confirmed that the Commission had officially expressed its concern over Klubradio, a commercial broadcaster in the capital of Budapest. The station was forced to stop broadcasting a court upheld a decision by Hungary's Media Council not to extend its license. Wigand said the stations loss of its broadcasting frequency had occurred on the basis of highly questionable legal grounds, and that Hungary should respect the EUs charter of fundamental rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, information and the freedom to conduct a business. The Commission has asked Hungary to take urgent action to ensure that Klubradio can continue using its frequency until final decisions become legally binding, Wigand said. Hungary has not replied, he added.The loss of Klubradio's broadcasting license has reinvigorated a debate over freedom of the press and outsized political influence in Hungarys media market. The station was one of the last radio channels in Hungary that regularly featured opposition politicians and other critical voices during its news and talk programmes, something critics of the government say led to discriminatory decisions by the court and the Media Council. Klubradio CEO and director Andras Arato called last week's court verdict "shameful," and said the company plans to appeal to Hungarys highest court, the Curia. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Police are asking for the publics help to find a 24-year-old man who has been reported missing from Todt Hill. Owen Peng was last seen on Monday at about 8:15 a.m. leaving his residence on Coldsprings Court, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Police described Peng as Asian, standing about 59 tall and weighing about 170 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. He was seen wearing a black jacket, eyeglasses and Nike multi-color sneakers A photo of Peng was supplied to the media by the NYPD. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, or on Twitter @ NYPDTips. Candidates will be able to download the hall ticket only seven days before the commencement of personality test The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) has released the admit cards for the sub inspector (SI) Personality Test/Interview on its official site. Candidates set to appear in the recruitment test are advised to download their hall tickets by visiting wbpolice.gov.in. The interview or the personality test is being conducted by the WB police recruitment board after the declaration of the written exam. The board had announced the results of the SI recruitment examination on 6 February. Candidates who managed to qualify the written examination will now be called for the interview. The interview round is going to begin on 22 February and will continue till 27 February. Follow these steps to download the WBPRB Admit Card for Personality Test/Interview: Step 1: Visit the official website of West Bengal Police at wbpolice.gov.in Step 2: Click on the tab that reads, Recruitment on the homepage Step 3: Now click on the link that says: Recruitment to the Post of Sub-Inspector(UB) and Sub-Inspector(AB) in West Bengal Police , 2019 Step 4: Select the option Download e-Call Letters. Step 5: You will be redirected to a new page Step 6: Enter your login credentials (Application number and date of birth) in the given space Step 7: Once you have successfully logged in, your WBPRB SI Interview admit card 2019 will appear on the screen Step 8: View the hall ticket, download the document and take a print out for future use. Here is the direct link to download the WBPRB SI Interview admit card 2019 As per the rules stated by the recruitment board, candidates will be able to download the hall ticket only seven days before the commencement of personality test. This can also be done after filling up the COVID-19 declaration form. It is a necessary precautionary step taken to prevent the spread of the disease. (JTA) Alena Lee, a meteorologist at Kansas Citys KCTV5, has a tradition: Every Saturday night, she features a pet submitted by a local viewer to be featured in a Caturday shoutout during her weather update. This weekend, Lee pulled up a picture of a white cat with a black patch just below its nose whose resemblance to Adolf Hitler would have been obvious even if its name hadnt been Kitler. But it was, a fact that was spelled out in capital letters below the cats picture. And Lee read it without indicating that she saw anything amiss about the cats name. In fact, she said she saw another famous figure from the 1930s in the cats face. ADVERTISEMENT I think Kitler kind of looks like Charlie Chaplin here, Lee said, referring to the comic star of silent films who was born just four days before Hitler in 1889. Maybe were going to call him Charlie Jr. Viewers reacted negatively to the segment, questioning how the cat picture and name could have made it through the production process. This is disgusting and you need to make a public apology immediately, one local wrote on Twitter, tagging the news station. On Sunday, Lee offered just that. Speaking on air, she explained that the picture had been given to her and said she had not set out to offend. I never intended to hurt or offend anyone by using the picture that was given to me, Lee said, adding that she would not repeat the offensive name. I understand my mistake and am deeply sorry. In the future, I will be more diligent with this content to ensure it doesnt happen again. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Why I Chose EMU Reem Yassine: There were so many opportunities to become involved. Reem Yassine, a 2019 biology graduate who is now a medical student at Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine, says she chose to attend Eastern because of the many opportunities to become involved on campus. The Honors College, Department of Diversity & Community Involvement, and the Biology department are examples of communities I joined, she says. I also really appreciated Easterns small class sizes. Yassine also became engaged in social justice issues through Easterns Alternative Break program. The program centers on a week-long trip to a community thats struggling with an issue like poverty, housing insecurity or homelessness, she says. We learn about the issue in advance and perform community service. The experience has opened my eyes to the social issues that plague my own community and have motivated me to become a more active citizen. Amazing research opportunities Yassine says she also enjoyed the chance to complete and publish a senior thesis. I used C. elegans to study the impact that tumor development in the reproductive system has on surrounding healthy tissues, she says. There arent many universities that offer these kinds of opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research at this level. The chance to work on a project of my own with a faculty mentor for two years was an amazing experience. Yassine notes that everyone at Eastern is committed to student success. I had the opportunity to build strong relationships with my mentors, professor and advisors, she says. Staff and faculty are truly committed to getting to know their students and help them succeed. Pennsylvania movie theaters ditch mask mandate Three chain movie theaters have announced that masks are no longer mandatory for moviegoers who have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Mumbai, Feb 16 : In a major relief for Future Retail CEO Kishore Biyani, the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has stayed the SEBI's order restricting him along with other promoters of the group from the securities market for alleged insider trading in the scrip of Future Retail (FRL). A company statement said the appellate tribunal has stayed the "effect and operation" of SEBI's order accusing the promoters of the Future Group of insider trading in the context of purchases of Future Retail shares made in March 2017. As per the company, the restructuring of the home furnishing businesses in the Future Group -- with the physical store format of Future Retail and online store format of Future Enterprises being demerged into a new company -- had been well known in the public since 2016. Future Group counsel Somasekhar Sundaresan argued that the actual terms of the restructuring were initiated only in April 2017 while the purchases were made in March to avail of the acquisition limits under the takeover regulations. SAT, however, has directed Future Group promoters to deposit a sum of Rs 11 crore as an interim measure. The case will now come up on April 12, 2021. Earlier this month, the capital market regulator SEBI barred Biyani, among others, from the securities market for a period of one year for insider trading in the scrip of Future Retail (FRL). The other entities and individuals barred by SEBI from the securities market were Future Corporate Resources Private Limited (FCRPL), Kishore Biyani's brother Anil Biyani, Rajesh Pathak and Rajkumar Pande. An investigation had found that some of the entities traded in shares of Future Retail on the basis of unpublished price sensitive information (UPSI) violating SEBI norms during the period between March 10 and April 20, 2017, said the SEBI order. Further, the notices were also restrained from buying, selling or dealing in the securities of Future Retail Limited (FRL), directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever, for a period of two years. SEBI in its order had also asked Future Corporate Resources, Kishore Biyani and Anil Biyani to jointly and severally disgorge an amount of over Rs 17.78 crore along with an interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum from April 20, 2020 till the date of actual payment. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Two of the major factors in successfully producing high quality silage are timeliness and cleanliness. Timeliness will deliver a high dry matter crop that does not lose feeding value through excessive fermentation, and cleanliness will reduce bacterial spoilage. In a perfect world the farmer would have full control over both factors, but our Irish climate favours grass growth rather than its preservation. Maintaining control over the process is also complicated by most farmers reliance upon contractors. Given the expense and complexity of silage-making, machinery contractors are critical to many farming operations. Unfortunately, they cannot be everywhere at the same time, so farmers looking to make optimal use of prevailing conditions need to consider performing as many of the operations as possible. A task that is often considered a rather minor inconvenience rather than essential element is rowing up the wilted crop. The aim is to recover as much grass as possible with the minimum of contamination by soil-borne spoilage bacteria. Trying to keep ahead of a modern baler, let alone harvester, with an ancient haybob is a hapless task, so upgrading to a large rotor rake or swather is well worth considering. The range is considerable with specialist contractor models of up to 19m in width available. These are hardly suitable for small acreages in confined fields, so twin or single rotor types will be more amenable to farmer operators. There are plenty of smaller machines to choose from, yet whichever make is chosen there are the same basic features to consider. Swather type The first factor to be considered is the area to be covered and the desired work rate. Rakes are not power-hungry machines, so it is likely that an up to date farm will have a tractor quite capable of pulling a twin rotor model. Single rotor machines are available, and these can be handled by the average yard tractor while the main machine is off mowing. However, they are unlikely to prove an economically efficient choice over two rotor models. Most manufacturers offer a choice between types of twin rotor rake. The cheaper option is the central type that simply delivers the grass from either side to a single large swathe by contra-rotating rotors. They are simple to operate, capable of high work rates and tend to be available in larger widths. The second type is often referred to as a lateral swather. These machines deliver the crop to one side by rotors turning in the same direction. They are more expensive but are a good deal more flexible in use. Working width can be adjusted to a greater extent and they may be set up to leave one or two rows. Expand Close Side delivery rakes such as this model from Pottinger are more expensive but are a good deal more flexible in use. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Side delivery rakes such as this model from Pottinger are more expensive but are a good deal more flexible in use. Leaving two smaller rows will tend to be more advantageous when haymaking, especially with traditional ram-type square balers. Smaller rows will also tend to make tighter bales although the tractor will need to travel further. Field contamination Being able to swathe crops without relying on a contractor to turn up at the appropriate time can obviously help during periods of unsettled weather. Another advantage is that smaller, farmer-orientated rakes will often better suit uneven ground and tight fields. Contamination of the cut grass can be a major factor in bale deterioration. Undesirable bacteria will be incorporated into the forage whenever soil finds its way into the swathe. The result is that the less desirable butyric acid fermentation exceeds that of lactic acid formation. To avoid picking up soil, mowers should be set to cut the sward rather than scalp it. Implements such as tedders and rakes are also more likely to pick up clay when the grass is lying on a very short stubble. All manufacturers will maintain that their rakes are designed to move the grass without disturbing the soil. There are several design features which help with this aim, the primary one being the layout and suspension of the of the rotor chassis. Rotary rakes work by turning the tines down into the crop which then push it round to either the side or centre depending on type. As it lifts out, it flicks the crop into a swathe before continuing round to repeat the process. It is critical that the wheel(s) controlling the height of the tines is as close to the point of engaging with the crop as possible. Responsive and independent suspension of the rotor is also important in preventing soil contamination. Other features to consider when choosing a rake are the headland turning characteristics. How quickly are the rotors lifted out of work, and to what height, can be important in the field? Having steerable transport wheels is also advantageous as is a low transport height and fast road speed. US Speaker on Monday (local time) announced plans to create a "9/11-type commission" to investigate the Capitol riot that took place on January 6. "To protect our security, our security, our security, our next step will be to establish an outside, independent 9/11-type Commission to 'investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021 domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex,'" Pelosi wrote in a letter to House Democrats. According to a report by CNN, the commission will be established by a statute, passed by both chambers and signed into law by the President. The members of the commission will not be elected leaders but those outside the government. On January 6, a group of then US President Donald Trump's loyalists stormed the US Capitol building, clashing with the police, damaging property, seizing the inauguration stage and occupying the rotunda. The unrest took place after Trump urged his supporters to protest what he claims is a stolen presidential election. The outgoing President has since been blocked on all major social networks at least until after he is out of office. Five people -- four protesters and a police officer -- were killed in the riots. The last time the Capitol was stormed was when British troops marched into Washington and set fire to the building in 1814. The deadly attack prompted the House Democrats to move to impeach Trump. The Senate trial that ended this weekend acquitted Trump. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has accused Australia of shirking its responsibilities after cancelling the citizenship of a dual-national ISIS bride caught fleeing Syria this week. Ms Ardern fumed that Australian counterpart Scott Morrison had left her to 'shoulder the responsibility' of dealing with 26-year-old Suhayra Aden and her two children, despite the fact that she has not lived in New Zealand since she was six. 'She has resided in Australia since that time, has her family in Australia and left for Syria from Australia on her Australian passport,' she said. 'Coming to New Zealand, where they have no immediate family, would not be in their best interests.' A 26-year-old ISIS bride, named locally as Suhayra Aden, has been arrested crossing from Syria into Turkey with her two children - sparking a row between Australia and New Zealand But Mr Morrison defended his position, saying: 'We do not want to see terrorists who fought with terrorism organisations enjoying privileges of citizenship, which I think they forfeit the second they engage as an enemy of our country.' Aden was born and grew up in New Zealand but came to Australia and was living in Melbourne when she fled the country in 2014 to join ISIS in Syria. While there she was married to two Swedish ISIS converts and had three children, one of whom previously died of pneumonia, ABC reports. She was arrested on Monday evening while trying to cross the border from Idlib province in Syria, where she had been living, to Turkey. Her two children, aged two and five, were arrested alongside her. 'Three New Zealand nationals trying to enter our country from Syria illegally were caught by border staff in Reyhanli district of Hatay,' Turkey's defence ministry said. 'It was determined that a 26-year-old woman named SA, who was among those arrested, was a terrorist from [ISIS].' Australia revoked Aden's citizenship last year, before she was arrested, despite objections that Ms Ardern had raised with Mr Morrison. 'I never believe that the right response was to simply have a race to revoke people's citizenship We will put our hands up when we need to own the situation, we expected the same of Australia,' she said. 'They did not act in good faith.' Reporters in the press gallery said the normally even-tempered leader was 'visibly furious'. Ms Ardern said it was 'wrong New Zealand should shoulder the responsibility for a situation involving a woman who has not lived in New Zealand since she was six' Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra, Tuesday, February 16 AAP's New Zealand correspondent Ben McKay quoted a NZ press gallery veteran and said it was 'the angriest I've ever seen her'. Ms Ardern said she has 'repeatedly' told Australian authorities that the woman has family in Australia and should return there. 'Any fair minded person would consider this person an Australian and that is my view too.' The leader said she had personally told Prime Minister Scott Morrison that Australia had 'abdicated its responsibilities in relation to this person'. She added that the children had been born into a conflict zone 'through no fault of their own' and that going to New Zealand would not be in their best interests. 'New Zealand, frankly, is tired of having Australia export its problems,' she said. Scott Morrison told reporters on Tuesday that his job is to 'put Australia's national security first'. Australia has a policy to strip anyone with dual-citizenship who has been involved with terrorist activity. 'There is still a lot more unknown about this case and where it sits and where it may go next,' Mr Morrison said, adding that the two leaders would speak about the issue later on Tuesday. Michelle Scherwinski, Chief Nursing Officer says, The physicians on our team at Villa are a vital support and partner in providing individualized and coordinated quality care. We are honored to applaud Dr. Taormina for her recognition of excellence. Villa Healthcare, celebrates recent achievements from Infection Preventionist Mia A. Taormina, DO, FACOI. Dr. Taormina was just named DuPage Medical Groups Physician of the Year out of 750 doctors on staff. Michelle Scherwinski, Chief Nursing Officer says, The physicians on our team at Villa are a vital support and partner in providing individualized and coordinated quality care. We are honored to applaud Dr. Taormina for her recognition of excellence. The people and communities her educational talents serve are BETTER for their partnership with Dr. Taormina. Dr. Taorminas role at Villa includes consultation with the 34 centers about all aspects of infection prevention and control, including COVID-19. Dr. Taormina is a double board certified physician in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease with significant, relevant experience in infection control and antibiotic stewardship. She has been in practice for 13 years and is also a chair of an Infection Control Task Force in DuPage County and co-chair of the Medical Utilization Management Committee at AMITA Health. Dr. Taormina completed her education at Michigan State University and her residency and fellowship at Botsford Hospital where she specialized in infectious disease. Dr. Taormina was recognized as one of Chicagos Top Docs in Infectious Disease and received recognition by Crains Chicago as a Healthcare Hero during this pandemic response. Were Villa, and we make people better. Of course, were focused on quality care and good outcomes. But were here to do so much more. Villas leadership has a vision of rising above the status quoof never settling, and of shattering the old image of this industry. Weve always wanted to be a part of something greater, and were making that a reality. Our commitment to our people, our environment and clinical programs will allow us to fulfill our mission of making people better. For more information, please visit http://www.VillaHC.com. Kolkata, Feb 16 : Ahead of the Assembly polls, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerji launched the Maa canteen to provide subsidised meals to the poor and the destitute at a nominal price of Rs 5 a plate. This has rattled the Opposition as it draws parallels with Indira canteen launched by the earlier Congress government in Karnataka and the Amma canteen in Tamil Nadu by the AIADMK government. Mamata Banerji, while launching the scheme which has a budget of 100 crore, said "Though we give free rations there is still a huge demand for cooked food. Therefore, we are starting these community kitchens. This initiative is for the common people." The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is positioning itself as the main challenger to the TMC has taken critical note of it. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said "The CM had kept people hungry and the poor like beggars, and this highlights the distress of the people of the state." But Trinamool Congress leader Debasish Kumar said that it will benefit the poor and rejected the charge of politics over it. He hit out at the BJP and said "that the Centre's schemes are anti-people, that is why they are criticising the scheme as it will benefit the poor and downtrodden." According to Planning Commission data using the Tendulkar committee's estimates, about 20 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. The urban poverty rate in the state is at 15 percent. The Maa canteen is to benefit these people who are from the deprived section of the population, said a TMC leader not wanting to be named. The kitchens will be run by self-help groups. The canteens will be open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. everyday. People will get a plate of rice, pulses, a vegetable and egg curry. During the launch. Mamata Banerjee interacted with officials and the beneficiaries and asked the authorities to sort out the teething problems. She said she will soon have lunch at one of the canteens. The West Bengal assembly with 294 seats will go to the polls in the next two months. The TMC has 222 seats but the BJP made major inroads in the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections winning 18 seats. Politics in the state have heated up with scores of TMC leaders leaving the party. The latest is Dinesh Trivedi but the TMC has reiterated that it is going to win more than 200 seats in the assembly. The party has launched an app ahead of the polls. TMC MP Derek O Brien tweeted, "Now check out this brand new mobile app all about Bengal! 'Didir Doot' is now available on Play Store. Download now. Thumbs upTells you all about @MamataOfficial's vision for WBThumbs upYou can be a part of Bengal's ever-unfolding success story " -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington: After below-freezing temperatures knocked out power to their Houston apartment, Jael Sanchez and Randy Castillo began to feel like they were living at the end of the world. With no heat and no working stove, the couple and their 11-year-old daughter hunkered down in a makeshift bedroom fort made from nearly a dozen blankets, and did their best to heat cans of soup over an outdoor grill in the snow. One neighbour lit a rubbish fire; another used a car to ram open the electronic gates that typically control who can enter and exit the complex. Eight hours into Houston not having power, and we were already having an apocalypse here, Castillo joked shortly before midnight on Tuesday, local time. Hawk Palmour tends a fire he used for heat and cooking at a homeless camp in Austin, Texas. Credit:AP By then, the outage at the couples home had lasted for close to 24 hours and the temperature outdoors had plummeted to minus-7 degrees. Inside wasnt much warmer, Castillo guessed, since he and his family could see their breath. And it would only get colder before morning came. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. LONDON Beset by declining ratings, upheaval in its on-air ranks and a multibillion-dollar defamation suit related to its election coverage, Fox News is staggering out of the Trump era blamed by many for seeding the poisonous political culture that brought a violent mob into the halls of the United States Capitol. Yet in Britain, where television news is regulated to avoid political bias, Rupert Murdoch and a competing group of investors are seizing this moment to create two upstart news services that will challenge the BBC and other broadcasters by borrowing heavily from Mr. Murdochs Fox playbook. If the timing for a pair of brash, right-wing news outlets seems strange given Foxs recent travails in the United States, it is no less odd in Britain. With the country finally out of the European Union, its bitter political divisions over Brexit have been pushed aside, at least for now, by the grim ordeal of the coronavirus pandemic. Though these ventures are in competition, they share Murdoch DNA. Mr. Murdochs entrant, the less ambitious of the two, hopes to exploit what its executives see as a gap in the British market for edgy commentary and personality-driven programs. The rival venture GB News, which has different backers but is stocked with veterans of the Murdoch empire calculates there is an audience for a channel that rejects what it views as the left-leaning political correctness of the BBC. Iran is seeking to expand its influence over regime-controlled areas, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. Despite Iran insisting that it only plays an advisory role in Syria, a recent report published by a UK-based war monitor confirmed that Tehran is actively consolidating its influence over regime-controlled areas in the war-torn Levantine country. Iran continues to strengthen its presence in the Syrian territory by recruiting pro-regime militiamen and civilians into pro-Iranian militias, said a report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Local sources told the Observatory that Iranian expansion has reached the northeastern cities of Hassakeh and Qamishli, where the Liwa Fatimiyoun militia is drafting national defense members and civilians into its ranks. The pro-Iranian Liwa Fatimiyoun group recruited national defense members and civilians into its militias in regime-controlled areas, in return for monthly salaries of about 350,000 Syrian pounds per member, the report said. Liwa Fatimiyoun boosted recruitment efforts in mid-January after regime-run areas were left besieged by Kurdish forces. The militia has recruited more than 205 national defense members and some 35 civilians so far, the report revealed, confirming that the group is being led by an Iranian national operating under the alias Haj Ali. New recruits were transferred to the Tartab Regiment south of Qamishli to undergo training. They will later be deployed to the western Euphrates region. It is worth noting that national defense members were receiving a monthly salary from the Syrian regime estimated at 50,000 pounds. This means that their new salary under Liwa Fatimiyoun will be about six times higher. Observatory sources added that recruitment operations by the pro-Iran militia were met with resentment from Russia, another major ally of the Syrian regime. Both Moscow and Tehran have been vying for influence in Qamishli and Hassakeh. Senior assistant of Irans Foreign Minister, Ali Asghar Khaji, defended Iranian presence in Syria on Sunday by saying that it took place at the official request of the Syrian government. Asked by the Russian Sputnik News Agency about the withdrawal of Irans forces from Syria, Khaji said that Tehran has received no message about the withdrawal of its forces from Syria, an official from the Islamic Republic News Agency reported. He said that we are there (in Syria) at the request of the Syrian government, and this presence will continue as long as the Syrian people and government want it. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. IDLIB, Syria Ansar al-Tawhid, an insurgent group affiliated with al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for bombing Feb. 7 an operations room of the Russian forces in the city of Kafr Nabl in the south of Syria's Idlib governate, which killed and injured several soldiers on the site, including a high-ranking Russian officer. On Feb. 9, a video circulated on social media showing the groups militants sniping at the Syrian government and Russian forces on Idlibs fronts. This comes amid the recurrent targeting of the regime forces site with missiles recently. Ansar al-Tawhid is one of the founders of the Rouse the Believers operations room, which was announced in mid-October 2018, and includes, in addition to Ansar al-Tahwid, al-Qaeda-affiliate Hurras al-Din; Ansar al-Din Front, which previously defected from Jabhat al-Nusra, currently Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS); and Ansar al-Islam. The Rouse the Believers operations room has mainly focused its activities in the northern countryside of Latakia, all the way to the western countryside of Hama, and the Idlib fronts at that time. These jihadist groups within the operations room rejected the Sochi agreement reached between Turkey and Russia in September 2018, which provided for the establishment of a demilitarized zone between the regime-held and the opposition-held areas in Idlib. On May 3, 2020, Ansar al-Tawhid announced its defection from the Rouse the Believers operations room, which at the time seemed to be a maneuver to avoid confrontation with HTS that was at odds and clashing with Hurras al-Din, one of the most fundamentalist groups in the operations room. On June 26, HTS issued a decision prohibiting the formation of any operations room or the establishment of any armed faction outside Al-Fatah al-Mubin (Great Conquest) operations room that includes HTS and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions. With this decision, HTS was trying to restrict jihadist groups and prevent them from carrying out any military action without its knowledge. HTS, which has been tagged as a terrorist group by the United States and the UN Security Council for its links to al-Qaeda, has over the past year, likely in coordination with Turkey, sought to portray itself as a more moderate, Islamist, Syrian nationalist opposition group. The group's leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, even recently appeared in a snappy blue blazer in an interview with PBS reporter Martin Smith. The question is whether HTS is trying to rein in these newly, even more radical groups, or get control over their operations. In this context, the latest movements by Ansar al-Tawhid raise many questions as to the emergence of this organization and whether or not it is coordinating its actions with HTS. Questions also arise on whether HTS is supporting jihadist groups in a bid to use them when needed. Ansar al-Tawhid now includes members who were previously part of Jund al-Aqsa, which was established at the beginning of 2014 by Muhammad Yused al-Athamneh, aka Abu Abdul Aziz al-Qatari, a former al-Qaeda leader and one of the founders of Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria. His body was found in Deir Sunbul town in the countryside of Idlib in late 2014. The FSAs Syria Revolutionaries Front was blamed. Jund al-Aqsa was one the most prominent Salafist-jihadist organization in the opposition-held areas in Idlib at that time and was close to Jabhat al-Nusra. Jund al-Aqsa, however, abstained from engaging in an all-out war with the Islamic State (IS), announcing in October 2015 its defection from Jaish al-Fatah, an organization founded by Syrian Islamic factions on March 14, 2015, that had united in a joint operations room. Jaish al-Fatahs first major battle was the battle of Idlib in October 2015. Jund al-Aqsas moves fueled the disagreement with Ahrar al-Sham and the conflict between the two sides continued through 2016. The dispute escalated into bloody fighting between the two sides, which ended with a mid-February 2017 agreement that provided for the exit of Jund al-Aqsa from the countryside of Hama and Idlib toward the city of Raqqa, which was under IS control back then. The remnants of Jund al-Aqsa in Idlib announced in early March 2018 the establishment of a new group called Ansar al-Tawhid under the leadership of Abu Diab Sarmin. On Aug. 31, 2019, the Ansar al-Tawhid headquarters in northern Idlib was bombed by the US-led international coalition against IS, causing heavy losses among its ranks. Mohamad Rasheed, a journalist working with the Hama Media Office, told Al-Monitor, The number of Ansar al-Tawhid members is over 700, and they are spread around Idlib countryside, most importantly in the Sarmin area and surrounding villages in the eastern countryside of Idlib. Ansar al-Tawhid in its current form cannot be compared to Jund al-Aqsa, which the former was part of a few years back. Especially since the most fundamentalist and extremist members of Jund al-Aqsa those who were close to IS had left Idlib for Raqqa following the agreement with Ahrar al-Sham, he said. Rasheed added, HTS is satisfied with Ansar al-Tawhid, which obeys the formers order and does not carry out any military operation in Idlib without HTS knowledge. The group also agrees to HTS pragmatic politics and its reformist shifts. Most of the groups members are locals and secretly supported by HTS. Whats more, Ansar al-Tawhid does not declare its allegiance to al-Qaeda and considers itself a local jihadist group. Mahmood Talha, a journalist with the Thiqa news agency in the western countryside of Aleppo, told Al-Monitor, HTS is benefiting greatly from the presence of a jihadist group such as Ansar al-Tawhid and supports it for several reasons. Most importantly, Ansar al-Tawhid serves as the go-to group for fundamentalist members who defect from HTS at every turn. HTS could also use the group as a [combat] tool in the face of the Syrian regime as its members are highly trained. They can also be used in battles against the FSA factions, in case HTS seeks to undermine one of the rival factions in the FSA. HTS appears to be reining in all jihadist groups in Idlib in general, with the exception of Hurras al-Din. But what differentiates Ansar al-Tawhid is the fact that most of its members are Syrians, unlike other groups whose members are mostly foreigners, such as is the case with Jabhat Ansar al-Din, the Turkestan Islamic Party and Ansar al-Islam, among others. Controlling these extremist groups helps HTS present itself as a good leader capable of reining in jihadist groups and controlling security in Idlib. Thus it seems Ansat al-Tawhids Feb. 7 attack against Russian forces was carried out with the approval of HTS, which sought to respond to the recent escalation from the regime forces and their allies on the Idlib fronts. Press Release 16 February 2021 With the passing of Dr Ibrahim Umar Maniku, on 25 November 2020, Maldives has lost one of its favourite sons. Dr, as everyone knew him, was an anesthesiologist by training and an entrepreneur in spirit. His contribution to Maldives is immeasurable. And his passion to serve his country and bring wealth, truth and a better lifestyle to the Maldivian people is without question. To many in the Maldives, Dr was a mentor, a teacher, and a father figure. His loyalty to his team and his leaders could never be doubted. On the night of his passing, I talked to several of his leaders who spoke of losing a father. Dr Maniku was truly loved. Ibrahim Umar Maniku was born in Male on 18 June 1952 to Ameena Hussain Kaleyfan and Umar Maniku. He studied at Trinity College in Kandy, Sri Lanka where he excelled in academics and was known as a star rugby player. In 1972, he received a scholarship to study medicine at the University of Leipzig in what was then East Germany, where he first had to learn the language before completing his medical degree. He then worked at the Universitatsklinikum in Halle where he specialised in anaesthesiology. Dr met and married the mother of his two children, Karin, while at university. Sanjay was born in 1977 and Annika in 1980. The family returned to Maldives in 1982 and Dr became the first Maldivian anaesthesiologist at Male Central Hospital. He was integral to modernising the anaesthesiology department and through his connections in Germany, he enabled modern equipment to be donated to the hospital. While Dr's passion for medicine prevailed throughout his life, he had a natural entrepreneurial spirit. It was not long after his return to Maldives that Dr combined his scientific knowledge with that commercial yearning and founded the Male Aerated Water Company. I recall Dr sharing the story of how he recognised the immense demand from tourists for carbonated beverages and the expense of importing then Indian commercial labels. Again, Dr leveraged his relationships in Germany and found a way to import the requisite machinery to create a small factory to produce carbonated beverages. He spent considerable time researching syrups, and shared the complexities and maintenance pitfalls of creating a factory on Icege in Male Atoll. Dr's perseverance, immense knowledge of chemistry, and extraordinary attention to detail all came to the fore as the company became the franchise bottler for Coca-Cola in 1989. Dr set up his first resort, Palm Tree Resort on Veligandhu Huraa in South Male Atoll in 1987. This island would eventually become the home of Naladhu and the neighbouring islands became Anantara Dhigu and Veli. It was not until the next decade that Dr was fully drawn to the family business and Universal Enterprises and Resorts became central to his future. He was asked to take care of both Baros and Full Moon, and unquestionably Baros became his greatest passion and remained so throughout the remainder of his life. I first met Dr on Baros in about 2004. He and the Universal board had made a shrewd investment in the development of Per AQUUM and its first two resorts; Huvafen Fushi and Dhoni Mighili. Huvafen had arguably changed the course of tourism in Maldives as the first independent island to achieve celebrity status and average room rates that previously were thought only obtainable by global management companies. In inimitable style, Dr saw a similar opportunity for Baros. Until 2004, Baros was known predominantly as a dive resort. But Dr's entrepreneurship, compulsive attention to detail, great sense of style and passionate management realised the new Baros, with its signature Lighthouse restaurant, entirely refurbished rooms and over-water villas. Today, Baros is arguably the most awarded resort in the Maldives and will always be Dr's island. It was at the 40th Anniversary dinner of Baros where Dr's true pride and love for his island came to the fore. Never have I seen him more proud than in front of his Universal family as well as the island's closest business associates and its family of staff. At that dinner, Dr gave a speech: 'Baros is a small island... it has its own character. It is about longevity. 'We gained real courage from Huvafen's success. We realised that we too could create a strong, international brand. We could challenge all of the big brands and their considerable marketing armoury with our own small island resort. 'And we have done that because we have stayed loyal to our brandwe have never wavered or tried to be something that we are not. We have remained absolutely loyal to our Maldivian roots. Maldives after all is our home and it is the market we at Universal know so well.' Dr shied away from publicity throughout his career. He never sought the spotlight and always wanted his trusted 'family' to take the lead. The speech at this 40th Anniversary dinner was pivotal. He spoke from his heart and it is one of the rare occasions where he shared his pride publicly. The success of Baros empowered Dr and gave him the confidence to build more resorts. It was Dr who, after selling his resort in Khao Lak, Thailand to the Minor Group, invited its chairman, Bill Heinecke and his team, to Maldives. Together they created a joint venture enabling the Anantara brand and other Minor concepts to proliferate in Maldives. Dr's belief and love for Per AQUUM and its philosophy encouraged him to develop Niyama in 2011 and with it the world's first underwater club and bar. Along with the development of Niyama, Dr also invested in the domestic airport serving Niyama and later in Manta Air, a privately held seaplane operator that began flying in February 2019 Dr's passion for ultimate luxury was always his driving force. And in 2016, he opened Milaidhoo as a Universal Resort. I have a very personal memory from Milaidhoo. Dr and I shared, among many things, a love for football. And his love (and constant frustration) with Manchester Utd were the topic of weekly conversations. One weekend on Milaidhoo, Tottenham Hotspur (my team) was playing Utd. Dr asked Shuhan, his trusted cluster general manager, to set up a large screen for us to watch. And there on a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Dr, Shuhan and I cheered the game like supporters at Old Trafford. In 2017, Dr and his beloved Sanjay opened Kandima, an island imagined for a younger audience and one that held equal pride in Dr's heart. Dr often confided to me over countless dinners at The Lighthouse that he still believed, in spite of the growth in larger resort projects, that there was room in the market for a quintessential private resort designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. And late in 2016, over long strategy sessions both in Maldives and his favoured Grand Hyatt on Scotts Road in Singapore, The Nautilus was born. A concept envisaged for years by Dr, The Nautilus was a resort with mansion-like villas and extraordinary space. Superbly designed. No detail overlooked. Experiences where time was to stand still for its occupants. Where no request was too much and any guest could ask for anything at any time of day and night. In 2018, The Nautilus launched. And today it has been recognised and awarded globally. Dr confided that Nautilus would be his swansong. It was to be his final resort. We celebrated Dr's 66th birthday on the beach at The Nautilus. His smile and his pride were there for the privileged few to see. Dr Maniku's legacy is that of a pioneer. A visionary who had the confidence and wherewithal to build where most would say is not possible. He never wavered from his vision and he would never settle for anything less than perfection. Dr will always be remembered for the change he both imagined and realised in Maldives. But as I mentioned earlier, there are a few of his closest confidants that feel his loss in a much more personal way. To them, Dr was a father figure. He was their guiding light and he trusted them and they him with a familial love that cannot be replicated. Burundian refugee Velarie Ntahonicaye and her family pose outside their home in Kigoma Refugee Camp, Tanzania, April 2019. UNHCR/Clemence Eliah UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with 33 partners, is appealing for US$222.6 million to provide much needed humanitarian assistance for over 315,000 Burundian refugees during 2021. For nearly seven years, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been generously hosting refugees from Burundi. While last years political transition has brought hope that more refugees may be able to return home, the majority of Burundians will continue to be in need of international protection throughout 2021. This years funding appeal the 2021 Burundi Regional Refugee Response Plan seeks critical support for the provision of food, shelter and education, as well as access to healthcare and water, which are particularly needed to ensure prevention and response measures related to the coronavirus pandemic. Increased international support is crucial to ensure Burundian refugees receive meaningful protection and care in neighbouring countries, said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, UNHCRs Regional Director for the East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region. Committing resources is an important signal that the world has not forgotten Burundian refugees and their host communities. The appeal includes funding requirements to step up voluntary, safe and dignified return for those who choose to repatriate, and is complemented by a Joint Refugee Return and Reintegration Plan, which covers reception and monitoring of returnees, and support to help them reintegrate in Burundi. In 2020, the response to the Burundian refugee situation was among the most underfunded globally with last years US$293 million appeal just 40 per cent funded. The consequences for the lives of refugees and their host communities were acute. They included cuts to food rations, inadequate shelters, shortages of medicines, and insufficient livelihood activities. For more information on this topic, please contact: Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group said on Monday it had struck Saudi Arabia's Abha and Jeddah airports with drones. In a statement on Twitter, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the attacks halted operations at the airports for two hours as a result. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen said early on Monday morning it had intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone fired by the Houthis toward the kingdom. There was no Saudi confirmation of disruption to the airports. The Houthis have said they have launched attacks which have struck an air field or base in southern Saudi Arabia almost every day for nine days. On Wednesday Riyadh said an attack caused a fire in a civilian aircraft at Abha airport. The coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015, backing government forces fighting the Houthis who control the capital and most populous areas. UN officials are trying to revive peace talks to end the war which the UN says has created the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Short link: Toolkit case: Delhi Police writes to Zoom, seeks details of meeting ahead of Republic Day violence India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Feb 16: The Delhi Police has written a letter to video conferencing app, Zoom, seeking details of the participants who attended the meeting on January 11, which also involved pro-Khalistani group members. The Delhi police, probing January 26 violence has claimed that there was a zoom meeting before Republic Day which was attended by Mo Dhaliwal of the Poetic for Justice Foundation, a pro-Khalistan group. The meeting was also attended by Nikita, Disha and Shantanu. The police claimed that Disha Ravi, who was arrested on Saturday from Bengaluru, sent the "toolkit" to teen climate activist Greta Thunberg through the Telegram app, and also "coaxed her to act on it". Toolkit case: Bombay HC to hear activists Nikita Jacob, Shantanu Muluk's anticipatory bail pleas today The data was also deleted, police said, adding that Disha's Telegram account shows that many links related to the "toolkit" were removed. Thunberg had shared the "toolkit" to lend her support to the farmers' agitation against the three farm reform laws. In the document, various urgent actions, including creating a Twitter storm and protesting outside Indian embassies, were listed which were needed to be taken to support the farmers' protest. The "toolkit" has been cited by some critics as "proof" of her conspiracy to fuel protests in India. Earlier this month, the Cyber Cell had lodged an FIR against "pro-Khalistan" creators of the "toolkit" for waging a "social, cultural and economic war against the Government of India". The case has been registered on charges of criminal conspiracy, sedition and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code. "The email account created by Shantanu is the owner of this Google document," Nath said, adding that "pro-Khalistani group Poetic Justice Foundation (PJF) founder Mo Dhaliwal had contacted them through a Canada-based woman named Punit." Before the Republic Day violence, that left 500 police personnel injured and a protestor dead, Nikita and Shantanu had on 11 January attended a Zoom meeting organized by PFJ in which modalities were decided to create the "toolkit" titled "Global Farmer Strike" and "Global Day of Action, 26 January", Nath said. Toolkit tweeted by Thunberg aimed at a digital strike against India on Jan 26 "Nikita, Shantanu, Disha and others collaborated towards the draft of the toolkit. Based on information gathered from Nikita and her device, several teams were sent to Maharashtra's Beed district and to Bengaluru. Shantanu wasn't found at his house in Beed and we are still searching for him," he said. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News Police said Disha, Shantanu and Nikita created and edited the "toolkit". Disha, who is also associated with the environmental movement called 'Fridays for Future', "sent the toolkit to Greta Thunberg through the Telegram app and also coaxed her to act on it." Disha Ravi was arrested in the presence of her mother, area station house officer (SHO) in Bengaluru. LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Opsmatix, an innovative provider of AI-powered omnichannel operations automation solutions, today announces that Calastone, the world's largest global funds network, has implemented the Opsmatix SaaS platform to process increasing business and email volumes into Calastone's Operations Team. Currently, Calastone supports some 2,500 clients in 44 countries and territories and processes over 200 billion of investment value every month. Opsmatix was selected following a rigorous proof of concept that demonstrated the system's unrivalled automation capabilities in terms of categorising and understanding the intent of incoming client queries. The new system will enable the firm to scale its client handling capability as the firm grows whilst continuing to improve the client experience. This new approach reduces manual interaction on time-consuming tasks allowing them to focus on more productive activities. "We pride ourselves on providing a world-class support service to our clients and look to how we can leverage the best technologies to drive continuous improvement," says Mike Davies, Calastone's Global Head of Operations. Opsmatix allows us to streamline the workflow management within the team enabling greater operational leverage and ultimately enhancing the overall client experience. Crucially we gain a much-improved system to manage workflow, together with an elegant case management user interface which enables us to categorise, escalate and manage any production issues in a more rigorous manner." Justin Forrest, CEO at Opsmatix concluded. "We are delighted to be working and partnering with a customer of the calibre of Calastone. This relationship demonstrates Opsmatix's capabilities and validates the many benefits the solution will deliver to the financial services sector and cross-industry. AI has come of age and is now a business imperative for all corporate operational functions using omnichannel communications involving unstructured data. Our goal is to be at the forefront of technology innovation and corporate advancement, and we are confident that Opsmatix has a pivotal part to play." About Calastone Calastone is the largest global funds network, connecting the world's leading financial organisations. Our mission is to help the funds industry transform by creating innovative new ways to automate and digitalise the global investment funds marketplace, reducing frictional costs and lowering operational risk to the benefit of all. Through this, we generate the opportunity for the industry to deliver greater value back to the end investor. Over 2,500 clients in 44 countries and territories benefit from Calastone's services, processing 200 billion of investment value each month. Calastone is headquartered in London and has offices in Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, New York, Milan and Sydney. About Opsmatix Opsmatix applies Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate business communications and processes. It improves efficiency & quality, reduces repetitive tasks and accelerates operations based on multi-lingual long-chain omnichannel communications involving unstructured data and processes which require significant human intervention. Applications range from front-line customer service staff, contact centres and customer onboarding to manually intensive communications in the back office, including logistics and fulfilment. The Opsmatix SaaS platform significantly reduces the requirement for the wholesale offshoring of operational processing and call centres. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in London. Contact us via our website at https://www.opsmatix.com/ Hackers from North Korea have tried to steal information on the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, according to South Korea's intelligence agency. The coronavirus pandemic has seen digital espionage targeting health bodies, vaccine scientists and drugmakers more regularly as state-back hacking groups attempt to steal the latest research. Ha Tae-keung, an opposition member of South Korea's parliamentary intelligence panel, said the pharmaceutical giant was among those hacked in the bid to steal information on vaccines and treatments. Speaking after a briefing by the country's intelligence agency, Ha said: 'There were attempts to steal COVID vaccine and treatment technology during cyber attacks and Pfizer was hacked.' Hackers from North Korea have tried to steal information on the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, according to South Korea's intelligence agency. Pictured: Kim Jong Un attending a meeting of Central Committee of Worker's Party on February 11, 2021 Ha, who had been briefed by South Korea's intelligence service, did not go into detail about when the attack took place or how successful it had been, and although his office confirmed his comments, they also gave no additional details. It comes after attempts last year by suspected North Korean hackers to break into the systems of at least nine healthcare firms, such as Johnson & Johnson, Novavax Inc, and AstraZeneca. South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has said it had foiled attempts by its neighbour to hack into South Korean firms developing coronavirus vaccines. North Korea is often accused of turning to an army of hackers to fill its cash-strapped coffers amid international sanctions that ban most international trade with it. Health experts have said the North's hackers may be more interested in selling the stolen data than using it to develop a homegrown vaccine. Ha Tae-keung, an opposition member of South Korea's parliamentary intelligence panel, said the pharmaceutical giant was among those hacked in the bid to steal information on vaccines and treatments (file image) North Korea is expected to receive nearly 2 million doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine by the first half of this year through the COVAX vaccine-sharing programme. It has not confirmed any infections, but the NIS had said an outbreak could not be ruled out as the North had trade and people-to-people exchanges with China before closing the border in early 2020. Leader Kim Jong Un's wife, Ri Sol Ju, not seen in public for more than a year, is keeping a low profile to avoid infection risks, Ha said, citing the South's intelligence. Last month it was reported that North Korea had begun the process of developing its own coronavirus vaccine - despite claiming not to have any cases of the virus. Despite the claims of supreme leader Kim Jong-un that the isolated kingdom has not recorded a single case of Covid-19, vaccine developers are thought to be testing their product on people with virus-like symptoms. Last month it was reported that North Korea had begun the process of developing its own coronavirus vaccine - despite claiming not to have any cases of the virus (file image of a dose of the Pfizer vaccine) A source told Seoul-based outlet Daily NK that scientists at Kim Il Sung University are using expertise gathered through 'hacking activities' to carry out their work at a biological research institute. Claims of North Korean hacking had surfaced in the West last year before any of the vaccines currently in use in Europe and the US had even been approved, with Microsoft pointing the finger at a shadowy operation called the Lazarus Group. The North Korean source said the ruling party had established a specialist unit called Bureau 325 devoted to hacking intelligence on Covid-19, including on vaccines. Receiving orders directly from the party's central committee, the secretive bureau is said to report to Kim's influential sister Kim Yo-jong. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. A detailed analysis report of the Global Exempt Solvents Market has been covered in the report coupled with a thorough description of each company profile with information on the H.Q, future capabilities, key mergers & acquisitions, financial outline, partnerships and new product launches and developments. 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SEGMENTATIONS IN THE REPORT: By Product: Methyl Chloroform Methyl Chloride Methyl Acetate Acetone Parachlorobenzotrifluoride Others By Geography: North America (NA) US, Canada & Rest of North America Europe (EU) UK, Germany, France & Rest of Europe Asia Pacific (APAC) China, Japan, India & Rest of APAC Latin America (LA) Brazil & Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) Middle East and Africa Download Free Sample Report of Global Exempt Solvents Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-22964 The Global Exempt Solvents Market has been exhibited in detail in the following chapters Chapter 1 Exempt Solvents Market Preface Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Exempt Solvents Industry Analysis Chapter 4 Exempt Solvents Market Value Chain Analysis Chapter 5 Exempt Solvents Market Analysis By Product Chapter 6 Exempt Solvents Market Analysis By Geography Chapter 7 Competitive Landscape Of Exempt Solvents Companies Chapter 8 Company Profiles Of Exempt Solvents Industry Purchase the complete Global Exempt Solvents Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-22964 Other Reports by DecisionDatabases.com: Global Solvents Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2026 Global Aromatic Solvents Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2026 Global Green & Bio-Based Solvents Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2026 About-Us: DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed. For more details: DecisionDatabases.com E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com Phone: +91 9028057900 Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ News Source https://www.industrynewsengine.com/2020/11/18/exempt-solvents-market-2020-covid-19-impact-analysis-report-2027/ Multiple unpatched vulnerabilities have been discovered in SHAREit, a popular app with over one billion downloads, that could be abused to leak a user's sensitive data, execute arbitrary code, and possibly lead to remote code execution. The findings come from cybersecurity firm Trend Micro's analysis of the Android version of the app, which allows users to share or transfer files between devices. But in a worrisome twist, the flaws are yet to be patched by Smart Media4U Technology Pte. Ltd., the Singapore-based developer of the app, despite responsible disclosure three months ago. "We decided to disclose our research three months after reporting this since many users might be affected by this attack because the attacker can steal sensitive data and do anything with the apps' permission," Trend Micro researcher Echo Duan said in a write-up. "It is also not easily detectable." One of the flaws arises from the manner the app facilitates sharing of files (via Android's FileProvider), potentially allowing any third-party to gain temporary read/write access permissions and exploit them to overwrite existing files in the app's data folder. Separately, the use of deep links to launch specific features in the app including downloading split APK (SAPK) files from a URL that has the scheme of HTTP/HTTPS and domain host that matches *.wshareit.com or gshare.cdn.shareitgames.com can be leveraged to install a malicious app, resulting in a possible remote code execution when a user clicks on a URL. "When the user clicks this download URL, Chrome will call SHAREit to download the SAPK from https://gshare.cdn.shareitgames.com," Duan explained. "Since it supports the HTTP protocol, this SAPK can be replaced by simulating a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack." Lastly, the app is also susceptible to what's called a man-in-the-disk (MitD) attack, which arises when careless use of "external storage" permissions opens the door to the installation of fraudulent apps and even causes a denial of service condition. SHAREit has courted a fair of security shortcomings in the past. In February 2019, two vulnerabilities were detected in the app that could allow attackers to bypass authentication, download arbitrary files, and pilfer files from Android devices. A pop-up from the fake Twitter app created to test the vulnerability Then on June 29, 2020, the Indian government banned SHAREit along with 58 other Chinese apps over concerns that these apps were engaging in activities that threatened "national security and defence of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India." UPDATE The developer of SHAREit told The Hacker News in an email over the weekend that it has released a patch to address the "alleged" flaws following the disclosure by Trend Micro researchers. "On February 15, 2021, we became aware of a report by Trend Micro about potential security vulnerabilities in our app," the company said in a statement to The Hacker News via email. "We worked quickly to investigate this report, and on February 19, 2021, we released a patch to address the alleged vulnerabilities." We have reached out to Trend Micro for further comment, and we will update the story if we hear back. By Dan Williams JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel plans to reopen restaurants around March 9 and restart tourism with Cyprus as part of a gradual return to normality thanks to a COVID-19 vaccination campaign, officials said on Sunday. With more than 41% of Israelis having received at least one shot of Pfizer Inc's vaccine, Israel has said it will partially reopen hotels and gyms on Feb. 23 to those fully inoculated or deemed immune after recovering from COVID-19. To gain entry, these beneficiaries would have to present a "Green Pass", displayed on a Health Ministry app linked to their medical files. The app's rollout is due this week. Nachman Ash, the national pandemic-response coordinator, said the reopening of hotel dining rooms, restaurants and cafes would happen "around March 9". "We want to open gradually, carefully so we don't have another breakout of another wave, and another lockdown," he told Ynet TV. Israel began emerging from its third lockdown last Sunday. On Monday, it signed an accord with Greece to ease travel restrictions there on Green Pass-bearing Israelis. Hosting Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades on Sunday, his Israeli counterpart, Reuven Rivlin, said there were similar "understandings" on allowing the renewal of flights to Cyprus, which has reported that some 10% of its tourism was from Israel. No dates have been given for the implementation of the deals with Green and Cyprus. Israel has been closed to nearly all international air traffic as a COVID-19 precaution since Jan 26. The country is on course to fully inoculate 30% of its 9 million population with the two-dose regimen this month, a benchmark for a preliminary easing of curbs. It hopes for 50% coverage and a wider reopening next month. The vaccine campaign is a centrepiece of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bid to win a fifth term in a March 23 election. (Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Pravin Char and Raissa Kasolowsky) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Petitioners again asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to halt the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act due to the "ominous events" that threatened their lives. Lawmaker Edcel Lagman said petitioners and their lawyers are "threatened with prosecution" by a military official who is promoting the controversial law. "For the first time in history, petitioners and their counsels before this honorable court are seriously threatened with prosecution under the challenged statute by no less than a military general who is part of the state," said Lagman, who is one of the counsels to some of the petitioners. Although Lagman did not specifically name anyone, governments anti-communist task force spokesperson Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade has recently made threats against dissenters of the anti-terrorism law. Lagman also cited the police raid on a Cebu school Monday, due to alleged kidnapping of Lumad children. "All of these would underscore the chilling effect of ATA," Lagman said. "Because of these occurrences of ominous events and because ATA is presumed to be unconstitutional.... we respectfully pray and reiterate our plea for the issuance of injunctive relief of this case," he added. Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta has directed petitioners to file a written request for a temporary restraining order. Thirty-seven petitions were filed last year against the highly contested law. "There's a pending motion that you filed before but we did not act on that, that means we denied it because there was no resolution, but you are alleging other matters now...May we just request that you put it in writing," Peralta said. Peralta gave the Office of the Solicitor General 10 days from receipt to comment on the matter. The Supreme Court will resume oral arguments on the anti-terrorism law on Tuesday next week, February 23. Karen Harris has just sent her toddler to daycare so she can get back to work and shes found little has changed to make the system easier to access or cheaper since her older son attended more than a decade ago. The process is stressful you have to spend hours on the phone ringing centres, visiting centres, filling in forms, the Blue Mountains mother said. Ive fallen in this boat with both children you dont know how many days youre going to actually get when you finally get a daycare spot after being on waiting lists for many months so then you dont know how to go to your employer and say how many days I need to work or can work. Nicola Forrest, co-chair of the Minderoo Foundation, meets with children at a Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Canberra. She is lobbying politicians to overhaul the childcare system to make it universally accessible and affordable. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Its parents like Ms Harris who are at the front of mind for philanthropist Nicola Forrest as she calls for universal, affordable and high-quality childcare. She co-chairs the Minderoo Foundation with her husband Andrew Twiggy Forrest, and shes in Canberra to meet with more than a dozen federal ministers and MPs to discuss the issue. It wasnt a huge surprise that Charleston County officials werent willing to explain the secret payment made to former county attorney Joe Dawson just because one of the newest council members asked them to. After all, some if not all council members knew in advance about the $216,000 payment half a years pay for the since-confirmed U.S. District Court judge and if they had wanted the public to know about it, they would have taken steps to make it public, rather than forcing The Post and Couriers David Slade to ferret it out. Which, thank goodness, he did. But surely no one could have predicted the response freshman Councilman Kylon Middleton got when he asked at Thursdays County Council meeting who had drafted the contract. Chairman Teddie Pryor calmly assured Rev. Middleton that he could get an answer, but said, I think thatll be an executive session item that we can discuss on Tuesday. State law allows governing boards to discuss more of the publics business in secret executive sessions than we consider appropriate but not nearly as much as many governing boards insist it does. It allows public bodies to meet in secret to discuss employment, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, but the contract in question deals with future work as an independent contractor, so that wouldnt apply. It allows secret meetings to discuss negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements, but since the contract has already been signed and another part of the law makes it clear that the exemption for proposed contracts expires once a contract is signed that wouldnt apply either. The contract promises Mr. Dawson $216,000 in taxpayer money as "an inducement" for him to provide his institutional and historical knowledge and insight on proceedings related to services performed or required to be performed, or non-legal advice on matters where he possesses pertinent knowledge during 2021. That's pretty steep, and it raises judicial ethics questions, but it's not uncommon for government agencies to keep a top official on the payroll during a transitionary period, in order to benefit from his institutional knowledge. What's uncommon is doing it so secretly. Uncommon too is promising a contingency fee 1.5% on any recovery the county receives from an opioid lawsuit he helped file for work he did as county attorney and that, according to Rev. Middleton, his previous contracts made no provision for. Maybe theres something about the relationship between Mr. Dawson and the county that would allow a discussion about it to be held in a secret executive session if he had threatened to sue the county, perhaps, although that seems far-fetched. But theres nothing in the law that would require or even allow the council to meet in secret to discuss: Who drafted the contract that the county administrator signed without a vote of the County Council. Whose idea it was to enter into the contract. Who if anyone on the council knew about the contract before it was signed. Sign up for our opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! Whether the contract was discussed in an executive session (not what was discussed, simply whether it was discussed) and if so, how that secret discussion was described on the councils agenda. What precisely the services are that are going to be performed in return for the money. (This is a question mainly because Mr. Pryor said the $216,000 was actually a severance payment.) What if any public accounting will be given of the services rendered. Who suggested that a gag clause be included in the contract. Whether gag clauses are routinely included in all contracts the county enters into. Whose idea it was to include the 1.5% contingency fee, and why that was included. Whether Mr. Dawson had threatened to sue the county, which we dont think is likely but which someone ought to answer, since thats often the reason for gag clauses. (And yes, the council is allowed to discuss possible litigation in secret, but a question about whether such a threat exists certainly can be answered in public.) Now, the unfortunate fact is that while the S.C. Freedom of Information Act requires governing bodies to hold most discussions in public and requires them to turn over most documents that people know to request, it doesnt actually require anybody to explain their actions or answer questions from members of the public or even from each other. If elected officials refuse to answer our questions, our primary recourse is to vote them out of office. But when public officials refuse to answer questions about how theyre spending our tax money, its usually because they have something to hide. So we can and should demand to see more of the contracts theyre entering into, and watch more closely for suggestions of illegal closed-door discussions that, if necessary, can be challenged in court. Of course, thats not a good way to have to deal with our elected officials, and we hope that his fellow council members will be inspired by Rev. Middletons declaration that the Charleston County Council discusses too many things in secret session that can (or should) be discussed in public. We hope they'll start looking for reasons to have those discussions in public, rather than looking for cover to have them in private. This evenings discussion about Mr. Dawsons contract would be a good place to start. [February 16, 2021] Tim Wolff and Tom Raponi Join Futuri, Expanding Reach for Its Content, Audience, and Revenue AI for TV Broadcasters and Digital Publishers CLEVELAND, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Futuri , the leading provider of AI-driven audience engagement and sales intelligence technology for media, today announced two new senior leaders on its team who are focused on developing its suite of offerings for local, network, and cable television and digital publishers. Futuri's AI-powered software for media includes TopicPulse, the story discovery and social content system that uses predictive AI to get ahead of topics trending with local audiences, and POST, Futuri's enterprise podcasting system. Tim Wolff joins Futuri as Vice President, TV and Digital Publishing Innovation. In this newly created position, Wolff will guide Futuri's product strategy for TV and digital publishing solutions, translate user feedback into actionable product guidance, and develop R&D studies and content related to technology innovation in this space. Wolff is a digital and broadcasting leader who's led top-performing TV and digital publishing teams. In Wolff's 20+ years of experience, he's held content executive roles at stations including KSDK-TV St Louis, WHAS-TV Louisville, and WHIO-TV Dayton. Wolff joins Futuri from Cox Media Group Ohio, where he oversaw digital for one of the country's only converged newsrooms. His group included three daily newspapers, three radio stations, WHIO-TV, Dayton.com, and several other digital products. Tom Raponi joins the Futuri Board of Advisors. Raponi will advise on strategy for Futuri's content, audience, and revenue AI for TV broadcasters. Raponi is a respected eteran of the broadcast space, having spent the bulk of his 39-year career in VP/General Manager and senior-level sales management roles at major-market stations, including WFXT Boston and KTVU/KICU in the San Francisco Bay area. During his career, Raponi has worked extensively with news, marketing, and sales research. Before starting his media career with Katz Communications in 1979, Raponi was signed to a professional contract with the Detroit Tigers. "TV broadcasters and digital publishers are all struggling to grow their content, audience, and revenue, and Futuri technology has been proven to deliver results on all fronts," said Futuri CEO Daniel Anstandig. "Adding the considerable skill, experience, and insight of Tim Wolff and Tom Raponi to our team is a privilege, as Futuri solutions become even more essential and helpful to the TV broadcasting and digital publishing industries." "Futuri has elegant solutions that cut through the BS to fix real problems in TV broadcasting and digital publishing. They have a spirit and ethos of working with journalists to help them create stronger connections with their community," said Wolff. "Working with Daniel Anstandig and the Futuri team, I can use my experience and knowledge to help not just one newsroom, but newsrooms around the country." "Senior leaders in the TV business are in a challenging time where growing content, audience, and revenue requires the ability to combine the science of predictive AI and research with the art of storytelling to maximize their results and stay relevant," said Raponi. "Driving growth for its partners is core to what Futuri and Daniel Anstandig do every day, and I'm thrilled to join the team and help drive growth for the TV industry." About Futuri Futuri is the leading provider of cloud-based audience engagement and sales intelligence software for the enterprise. Brands rely on Futuri solutions to make their content more relevant, accessible, engaging, and results-driven. Founded in 2009, Futuri holds 11 published or pending patents in 151 countries. Named to the Inc. 5000 List of America's fastest-growing private companies for seven consecutive years, Futuri is the only audience engagement platform that includes solutions for sales, marketing, and content teams. For more information, visit futurimedia.com. For more information: Zena Burns 291645@email4pr.com 216.236.9020 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tim-wolff-and-tom-raponi-join-futuri-expanding-reach-for-its-content-audience-and-revenue-ai-for-tv-broadcasters-and-digital-publishers-301229229.html SOURCE Futuri [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi, Feb 16 : The likelihood of either thing happening remains zero even though the protest venue has seen some high-profile visitors in the recent days, including many Pashtun activists like Afrasiab Khattak, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Manzoor Pashteen, human rights defender Amina Masood Janjua and some more. The Balochs have for long argued that their missing loved ones - most of them vocal critics of the Pakistani deep state - are actually in the illegal custody of Pakistani intelligence agencies and are dying a slow death in the jails of country. The Human Rights Council of Balochistan has reported that more than 32 people were killed and over two dozen disappeared, most of them forcibly, in Balochistan in the first month of 2021. In Karachi, the Sindhi community, itself bearing the brunt of Pakistani establishment, has shown solidarity with the Balochs camping outside the local Press Club for over 12 years. Lawyers from the Sindh Bar Council recently visited the camp to express their solidarity with the families of the Baloch missing persons. The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM), meanwhile, has also accused the Pakistani government of moving outsiders into the province, turning the original inhabitants into minority in their own motherland. "Pakistan is planning to bring Kashmiri refugees in Sindh. The Punjabi establishment has issued a letter to Sindh government to provide details of agricultural and residential land owned by Sindh government to bring more outsiders to Sindh for permanent settlement while the original inhabitants of Sindh are living miserable life below poverty line," says JSFM founder Zafar Sahito. He said that thousand hectares of land and islands of Sindh have already been sold to China for the projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridior (CPEC). "Foreign nationals are not only creating economic burden on locals but Sindh is fast becoming a hub of terrorist groups and various radical Islamist organizations. With the help of Pakistani agencies, these groups are threatening the local Sindhi community which has already suffered a lot," he added. Clearly, the envisioned state of Medina in Pakistan is making no progress. (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Stepanov stressed this is an attempt by the Bureau to disrupt the vaccination campaign. Ukraine's Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has warned of the "aftermath" of a probe launched by the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) into alleged abuse amid COVID-19 vaccine procurements. "Due to smear campaigns, we have already started seeing such a reluctant reaction from vaccine producers as for future cooperation. The goal of those who prepare such statements at NABU has nothing to do with the Ukrainian one, with the patriotic goal. They just resolve their narrow, political things, which they have set for themselves as a goal," he said at a briefing on February 16. Stepanov stressed this is an attempt by the Bureau to disrupt the vaccination campaign. "In turn, this paves the way for one vaccine that we have so persistently been offered. This is the Russian Sputnik V vaccine," the minister said. At the same time, Stepanov stressed he was personally against the registration of the Russian vaccine since the Ukrainians must be vaccinated with safe Western medications. "I am sure this is a game against Ukraine, Ukrainian doctors and citizens in general. And it is going on. You will see this soon, during another attack," he added. Read also Health minister reacts to allegations of abuse in Chinese jab deal Background On February 3, 2021, the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine launched a probe into alleged abuse in the purchase of a Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 manufactured by Sinovac Biotech. The investigation is probing into procurements of a Chinese vaccine from Sinovac Biotech at US$17.85 per dose via a private intermediary firm. The case has received wide media coverage, since a state-owned enterprise, Medical Procurement of Ukraine, had initially entered into negotiations on buying a vaccine with an estimated cost of about US$3, and came to the final stage of the procedure. However, later, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov halted the process and instructed the authorities to start talks on the purchase of a Chinese vaccine from Sinovac Biotech. The announced purchase price of a single vaccine dose has turned out to be one of the world's highest, while the drug's "overall efficacy" during the final stage of trials in Brazil was a mere 50.38%. Preliminary charges brought by NABU are abuse of power or office, resulting in serious consequences (Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Reporting by UNIAN Comcast said 125,000 customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington remained without internet service on Tuesday morning, the vast majority of them because they dont have electricity, either. As the utilities come in and restore power, we are right behind them, restoring our service, Comcast spokeswoman Amy Keiter wrote in an email Tuesday. She said safety protocols require Comcast to get clearance from electrical utilities before making repairs. Our crews are literally working around the clock on 12-hour shifts, Keiter said. Two other internet providers, CenturyLink and Ziply Fiber, said they are both in the process of restoring service in Oregon. Ziply said 1,000 customers were still without service Tuesday morning. An unprecedented 300,000 Oregonians lost power during the ice storm that hit the state last weekend. More than 140,000 remained without power Tuesday morning. Internet equipment requires electricity to function, of course, both in customers homes and at companies networking hubs. So internet service went out when the power did. In some cases, though, cable lines or networking equipment may suffer damage separate from power lines. Some customers have reported losing internet service during the ice storm even though they still have electricity. Many cellular internet connections continued to operate even when the power went out. Cell towers typically have backup batteries that enable them to function for some period during a power outage. Comcast is the largest internet and cable TV provider in the Northwest, with more than 600,000 customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. CenturyLink, a competitor that serves the Portland area and many rural Oregon communities, said Tuesday it is coordinating with electric utilities as it restores internet connections but didnt say how many people lost access. We expect services to restore as debris is cleared and power is restored, said Stephanie Meisse, a spokeswoman for Lumen, CenturyLinks parent company. Ziply, which serves Washington County, east Multnomah County and rural parts of Oregon said it faced two issues as it worked to restore service: power outages and a severed fiber-optic line that belongs to another company. The fiber line was repaired Tuesday morning, the company said, and work continues to bring 1,000 customers who lost service due to power outages back online. -- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | Maharashtras civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has admitted that there has been a sharp rise in virus cases in the state and decided to keep its jumbo Covid-19 care centres open till March 31. Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner in-charge of the BMCs public health department, told India Today that there has indeed been a rise in cases over the last couple of days. Seeing the rise we felt that if there is a further increase in numbers, then admitting people and treating them will be easier in the jumbo centres hence the call has been taken, he said. Maharashtra registered 4,092 fresh Covid-19 cases on Sunday, which took the state's infection count to 20,64,278, while 40 fatalities pushed the death toll to 51,529, the health department stated. A total of 1,355 patients were discharged during the day. With this, the recovery count in the state grew to 19,75,603. Mumbai reported over 600 cases after over a month which, according to the civic body, is a 10-12 per cent rise in cases. Kakani said new lockdown restrictions may not be imposed again in Mumbai if people continued to cooperate with the authorities. If people cooperate with us then there would not be any need for fresh lockdown or restrictions. This is what I would say. But we have said from Day 1 that if the numbers rise with the resumption of local trains we will have to put in strict measures as well," he was quoted as saying. In the wake of the surge, the BMC has started deploying mobile COVID-19 testing vans in some pockets of Dharavi fearing a possible resurgence in infections. G North ward, which comprises Dharavi, Dadar, and Mahim, has recorded a weekly growth rate of 0.12 percent. A TOI report quoted officials as saying that some high-risk contacts were avoiding testing as they feared that the mandatory 14-day quarantine will lead to a loss of income. The state last recorded 4,000-plus cases (4,382) on January 6 and the city recorded (607) daily cases on January 14, exactly a month ago. The report stated that the tate officials attributed the rise to higher testing over the weekend. However, while an average of 54,000 tests were carried out last week, it dropped to 48,000 during the weekend. The state Covid-19 task force as well as the central team that visited recently have recommended more testing in 14 districts with a higher positivity rate. The Maharashtra government recently made RT-PCR test mandatory for travellers from Kerala, which has been reporting a high number of Covid-19 cases, to check the spread of the viral infection in the western state. UPDATE: President Bidens trip has been postponed until Friday, Feb. 19 due to weather. There will be flight restrictions for private flights on Friday afternoon. KALAMAZOO, MI -- President Joseph Biden will land at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport for his Thursday visit to the area, the airport has confirmed. Biden is coming to visit the Pfizer facility in Portage, just two miles south of the airport. Director Craig Williams said he received confirmation of the presidents route Monday evening. We are honored that the president chose the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport for his arrival and departure during his visit to Portage, Williams said. Our team is working hard to make sure that everything is ready for this historic visit. A NOTAM, or notice to airmen, was issued for VIP movement from noon to 4:30 p.m. Thursday. The notice restricts private air travel within a 10-mile radius of the Kalamazoo airport, Williams said. This is standard practice and will likely not disrupt AZOs commercial flights, he said. The White House has not announced the presidents schedule or routes that may be blocked off to the public. The presidents team is working with Portage Public Safety, City Manager Joe La Margo said. Pfizer is one of Portages largest employers with 2,500 employees who live in the city and surrounding areas, La Margo said. Were excited that the president is visiting the Portage Pfizer facility, he said. Its well deserved. [He will] be able to see the employees and basically the forefront of hopefully eliminating this pandemic. The Pfizer plant has been a central hub for producing and distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited the plant on Feb. 3. Bidens last visit to the Kalamazoo area was in 2009 at an honorary groundbreaking for the I-94 and Westnedge Avenue interchange reconstruction project. The project was the 2000th transportation construction project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus package signed by former president Barack Obama. More on MLive: Pfizer workers, past and present, cheer on vaccine maker ahead of President Bidens Portage visit Gov. Whitmer gets first-hand look at COVID-19 vaccine production inside Pfizers Portage plant Portage beaming with pride in anticipation of Bidens Pfizer visit See inside large-scale West Michigan COVID-19 vaccine clinic This piece is adapted from the Tow Center for Digital Journalisms weekly newsletter. Sarah Stonbely, PhD, is the research director of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University. This week, in collaboration with the Tow Center, shes publishing a report on the state of local news provision in New Jersey. From her research, Stonbely argues that studying the local news crisis is best done by looking at local news provision, or the actual coverage areas of a local news organization. By analyzing New Jersey from the municipal level, Stonbely and her research team were able to create a more nuanced map of where news is coming from in the state, and where it may be overlooked. They also integrated municipal-level median household income, tax-spending data, and population demographics to better understand who was receiving or else missing out on local news. Stonbely spoke with the Tow Center about the study and its implications for the future of local news funding, resourcing, and coverage. What inspired this project? Stonbely: My work at the Center for Cooperative Media is focused on whats happening on the ground in local media. But its also happening in this moment of intense change in the local journalism industry. Our research agenda was really to get a handle on what is happening in the local journalism field in New Jersey, but we didnt have data on the number of outlets at the municipal level. And when we looked around, no one had this data. So there was a real need. Penny Abernathy has mapped the county level, and that works for states that are less densely populated. New Jersey has acted as a sort of test kitchen or a Petri dish for a lot of the funding thats gone into local journalism innovation. But even before the Center really became what it is now, there was money going into local journalism trying to innovate the model. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Why is it important to zoom in on the municipal level in a place thats as populous as New Jersey? And could the zoomed in model be applied in a less dense place? Stonbely: Life is really lived at the municipal level in a place as dense as New Jersey and elsewhere. Because of the way that the local government is structured, the decisions around taxes and public services are made at that level. Some decisions are made at the county level, but theres so much variance across counties. For example, were in Essex County, which includes Montclair, which is very affluent, sort of feels very progressive in certain ways. And then theres Newark, which is much less affluent, and has a lot of problems around policing. These are very different types of communities, but theyre both within the same county. So to generalize Essex County just doesnt work. We wanted this to be a pilot that we could apply elsewhere. Im really curious about how its going to map onto a place where the county and the municipality dont mean the same thing. A lot of states dont even use municipality. The report is data-driven, but, you also crafted a logical narrative alongside that data. Was there any reporting or on-the-ground research with these organizations? Stonbely: No. This phase of the project was entirely data-driven. The larger project, which is multi-phased, will include interviews, especially with the news conglomerates that weve identified. There are dozens of local conglomerates in New Jersey, and thats fascinating. Were also going to talk to audience members because you can talk all you want about local news, but who knows whos actually paying attention? The benefits of using the data that we did is that you can look at this wider landscape and do statistical comparison, which is really difficult to do with more qualitative data. The drawback, of course, is that you lose some of the nuance or specificity. But really the goal was to have that birds eye view and then, in subsequent phases, to dive in and dig down with those qualitative methods. How did you conclude that municipal spending and median household income were the most important factors when analyzing local news coverage and reach? Stonbely: I think one of the most intuitive structural correlates for local news provision is the affluence of a community. We looked at 565 different municipalities, and sure enough, the affluence of a community was statistically correlated with the number of outlets. That has a lot of implications, especially when local journalism is looking for new business models, a lot of which are audience-revenue driven. You cant really count on communities that dont have excess wealth to be able to put money into news outlets, right? So the importance of promoting different policieslike giving consumers credits if they want to become subscribers, which will then be reimbursed by the government, local or otherwiseis clear. A lot of these new business models have been premised on the idea that, okay, audiences can just step up. But in some of these communities, thats probably not really realistic. In terms of municipal spending, the idea is that communities [in New Jersey] are spending all of these tax dollars, but no one is reporting on it locally. No ones attending the meetings where theyre discussing how to spend the money. In our research, we found that in 2016, New Jersey municipalities spent over $15 billion. Half of those same municipalities were only covered by zero to two outlets per capita. Corruption is a huge problem, and no ones reporting on it. And certainly there are exceptions of great local reporting being done, but I think the findings jumped out to me because once I sort of did the math [on tax dollars being spent], I was like, Whoa. But an important methodological note: the numbers were weighted by population, which is certainly common among economists because it can make a huge difference. So if you think about just using raw numbers, it would be the equivalent of saying Big Sky, Montana, has 10 local news outlets and Newark has 10 local news outlets, therefore they have the same amount of news coverage. But theres no equivalence there because of population density. Theres also more money being spent in Newark. You concluded that the local news crisis is perhaps not as dire as we think because a lot of research doesnt weigh coverage against population. Stonbely: Im way more optimistic about the local news situation than a lot of other people who write about it because of exactly thatthe weighing of population. I think there were only four municipalities in all of New Jersey out of 565 that had zero outlets. So very few true deserts. Twenty-nine municipalities had zero to one. Now, there are a lot of caveats to all of this because our analysis was complicated. Using coverage area instead of raw number of outlets or geographic location of the outlet was one of the innovations of the method. Now the second methodological note I want to make is about local news originators. The number that I used for all of the statistical analysis, in addition to being weighted, was also only focused on the local news originators, of which there were 565. That is the same number of municipalities, which is horribly confusing and inconvenient. But thats just the way it is. So this does not count most of the radio stations other than the public radio stations, which have their own newsrooms. So the raw total number of local news providers serving New Jersey is 779. But a lot of studies have found that some providers, especially in broadcast television and the radio, are not going to be the originators of the news. With that, its going to be the local newspaper who goes out, sends the reporters to the municipal town meetings, sends the reporters to talk to the school district, all of that local news gathering. And then the TV or the radio station will essentially read the story, and just rewrite it into a much shorter blurb, which theyll then read on the air or on TV. So I chose to focus on news originators because I didnt want to artificially inflate the number of outlets, because not all of them are producing the news. What do you anticipate from the next phase of research [which is a content analysis]? Stonbely: Without looking at any of my data, which is still being gathered and scraped, Im anticipating that its going to be a much less rosy picture, actually. If youre basing things on self-reported coverage areas, an outlet has a lot of incentives to say they cover more towns than they actually do because theyre usually giving that information to advertisers. So I really anticipate its going to be a much more desert-y type of landscape. With your findings in mind, do you think we need to take a different approach to ongoing legislation regarding local journalism? Stonbely: I hope that this research can influence policy around local journalism funding. We were able to give this research directly to the board members of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, which is really exciting. If we could have any impact on directing money toward municipalities, I think it really helps the roadmap toward more equitable local news coverage. If you can say, Okay, in general, affluent communities dont need as much funding or help or additional outlets because theyre having more audience revenue, lets really try to direct money toward underfunded communities, or undercovered communities, or where the Hispanic population is a certain percentage. That very specific roadmap is my ultimate hope. Do you think there are any implications or recommendations from your research that can be directed toward journalists or editors? Stonbely: I think that any outlets that have discontinued looking at municipal spending might think about bringing that back. In general, I think journalists are just doing the best they can. And in many cases, theyre doing a great job. But other research has found that even just the presence of municipal spending coverage acts as a check on malfeasance. So looking around at the community and seeing whats not being covered, paying attention to municipal meetings and things like that. Is there any element or part of this that you would do differently? Stonbely: Oh boy. Well, from the very beginning when we were building our initial lists and database, I probably would have kept track of more variables about the outlets: ownership, whether an outlet is owned by a conglomerate or not, stuff like that. I didnt talk about that in this paper. Theres also a lot of stuff about the makeup of the newsroom in terms of race and gender that I wish we had. I talk a lot about the importance of mapping by coverage area, but I think knowing where the outlet is actually based and comparing that mightve been useful as well. We do have a little bit of data about the languages that news is published in, and were now going back and filling in some of those holes. Im really happy with all of the data we gathered, the structural correlates, and all that sort of stuff. But you always want more. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Sara Sheridan Parts of Mardi Gras floats created by Kern Studios sit stored inside Mardi Gras World in New Orleans (Gerald Herbert/AP) Coronavirus-related limits on access to Bourbon Street, shuttered bars and frigid weather all were expected to prevent what New Orleans usually craves at the end of Mardi Gras season streets and businesses jam-packed with revellers. Parades and parties on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and the days leading up to the annual pre-Lenten bash usually draw more than a million people to the streets. But parades were cancelled and mayor LaToya Cantrell recently ordered bars closed. Even bars that had been allowed to operate as restaurants with conditional food permits were shuttered for five days that began on Friday. Take-out drinks in go-cups also are forbidden no more strolling the French Quarter with a drink in hand. Bourbon Street was to be blocked to car and foot traffic at 7am, with access limited to residents, business managers and employees, hotel guests and restaurant patrons. Various estimates showed hotels were likely to be anywhere from one-third to more than half full, far below the 90%-plus bookings of most years. ICYMI: Starting tomorrow, February 12, and through Mardi Gras Day, there will be additional restrictions in place in #NOLA to prevent the spread of #COVID19 during the final weekend of Carnival. Details at https://t.co/Ba89oJBaMq pic.twitter.com/SxWlCqmf4S Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) February 11, 2021 And city and state officials all but warned tourists away. If people think theyre going to come to Louisiana, anywhere, or New Orleans and engage in the kind of activities they would have pre-pandemic then they are mistaken and quite frankly they are not welcome here to do that, governor John Bel Edwards said at a recent news conference. Expand Close Parts of Mardi Gras floats created by Kern Studios sit stored inside Mardi Gras World in New Orleans (Gerald Herbert/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Parts of Mardi Gras floats created by Kern Studios sit stored inside Mardi Gras World in New Orleans (Gerald Herbert/AP) Freezing or near-freezing temperatures were forecast for Tuesday. If the crowd control measures work, the scene will be in start contrast to Mardi Gras crowds last year that were later blamed for an early Louisiana outbreak of Covid-19. Parades also were cancelled this year in Mobile, Alabama, which boasts the nations oldest Mardi Gras celebrations. There was no plan to close bars there, but some streets were to be shut down to control traffic and allow for more outdoor seating and service at restaurants and bars. ALBANY, Ore. -- Power outages across Oregon continued to take a toll on Monday after powerful windstorms swept through several counties, but power was restored to many in the afternoon. RELATED: WORST-CASE SCENARIO, SOME COULD BE WITHOUT POWER FOR 10 DAYS Thousands of power lines were brought down by ice and tree limbs. KEZI 9 News spoke to multiple residents at Knox Butte RV Park in Albany prior to power returning. Many there shared that power had been out since Friday. Albany resident Kim Crow expressed her concerns as many older residents live near her. A lot of them are on CPAP machines which need electricity to run, Crow said. We have some very old residents. I take care of a gentleman over here that is 76 and has cancer. I went and bought him two batteries this morning for his RV because they both went dead. Crow said shed been using her oven as heat but couldn't leave it on too long because of the fumes. Albany resident John Erhart also weighed in. Without being able to get a generator we would be pretty much freezing, Erhart said. Erhart and his wife just rescued a dog and said the outage took a major toll. Also, food loss is weighing heavy on the minds of residents. If we hadn't been able to get this generator, all of our food would go bad, we would have to throw it all out. And it's been really, you know, tough," Erhart said. Some shared they were keeping their cars running just to be able to charge their cellphones. These are self-contained, so you can run off the battery for your furnace, your lights and everything, Crow said. Once the battery depletes, there's nothing. You have no lights. You have no furnace, and it makes it kind of hard. For a Pacific Power outage map, CLICK HERE. According to Pacific Power, a small number of outages may extend into Tuesday evening. The board of the powerful Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation appointed a new chief executive late last year in the face of strong opposition from the Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt. The revelation follows the exposure by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age of deep dysfunction inside the board of the corporation, one of the countrys most significant Indigenous statutory organisations which manages hundreds of millions of dollars worth of assets including Ayers Rock Resorts. Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt did not support the ILSCs choice of CEO. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Letters seen by the Herald and The Age reveal that four days before the board announced Joseph Morrison as the new CEO on December 4, the minister wrote to corporation chairman Eddie Fry saying he opposed the appointment and the board should reconsider its nomination. I have decided not to support the appointment of the ILSCs preferred candidate Joseph Morrison, Mr Wyatt said, citing a number of issues surrounding [Mr Morrisons] previous employment and departure which remain unresolved. Saudi Arabia intends to cease contracting with companies and commercial institutions with regional headquarters not located in the Kingdom, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing an official source. The cessation will include agencies, institutions and funds owned by the government and will take effect January 1, 2024, it added. The source stated that the decision aims to incentivize the localization of businesses by foreign companies that deal with the Kingdoms government or any of its agencies, institutions and funds, in addition to creating more jobs, limit economic leakage, increase spending efficiency, and guarantee that the main goods and services purchased by the different government agencies are made in the Kingdom with appropriate local content. The source noted that this directive is made in accordance with the announcement of the strategic goals of the Kingdoms capital, Riyadh 2030, during the Future Investment Initiative forum which was held recently, during which 24 international companies announced their intent to move their regional headquarters to Riyadh. The source stressed that such decision will not affect any investors ability to enter the Saudi market, or to continue their business with the private sector, stating that regulations related to this decision shall be issued during 2021. Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 5:35 am A 30-year-old Black Vancouver man has died after a week in the hospital following a police shooting earlier this month. On Feb. 12, investigators received word from the Clark County medical examiner that Jenoah Donald had died. Donald was shot by a Clark County Sheriffs Office deputy, later identified as 21-year sheriffs office veteran Sean Boyle, during a traffic stop Feb. 4 in the area of Northeast 68th Street and Northeast Second Avenue. According to a report from the investigation, Boyle, along with two other sheriffs deputies, identified as six-year sheriffs deputy Greg Agar and one-year deputy Holly Troupe, responded to the area at roughly 7:40 p.m. Feb. 4 for a report of suspicious activity involving two vehicles circling the area. The caller reporting the activity expressed frustration over a drug house in the area. The investigation report noted there had been more than 40 calls for service or responses to the area since June 2020. Upon arrival at the location, Boyle noticed a vehicle, a Mercedes Benz with Oregon plates, was leaving the area, the report stated, and the vehicle had a defective rear light. Boyle conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Donald. While Boyle identified the driver, deputy Troupe arrived at the scene and walked up to the passenger side to provide cover as Boyle returned to his vehicle, the report stated. Troupe noticed several items in the vehicle that caused concern, including a ball-handled object with a three to four-inch sharpened stake near the center console. Donald did not comply with instructions from Troupe to keep his hands visible, instead producing a cellphone and a pair of pliers, the report stated. Noticing the escalation, Boyle returned to Donalds vehicle, instructing Donald to exit his vehicle, though he did not comply. By this time, Agar had arrived at the scene, the report stated. Boyle and Troupe attempted to get Donald out of the vehicle, but he resisted and a struggle ensued. Troupe made an attempt to gain pain compliance from Donald, and Boyle hit Donald with a closed fist to Donalds nose, but neither tactic was effective, the report stated. Boyle felt Donald pull on his ballistic vest to pull him inside the vehicle, and Troupe noticed Donalds right arm was free, potentially able to use the ball-handled object to assault Boyle. Though it was turned off during the initial stop, Donalds vehicle was restarted, the report stated, with deputies noticing the engine revving and the vehicles "wheels spinning." Boyle, who was still in Donalds grip, felt the vehicle moving forward, and fearing he was going to be killed, he drew his firearm ... and gave Mr. Donald a verbal warning to stop or he would be shot. Both Agar and Troupe, who was actively struggling with Donald, also feared that Boyle could be seriously injured or killed, the report stated. Donald did not let go of Boyle, at which time the deputy fired two shots, one striking Donald. Following the shots, Boyle was able to push away from Donald and the vehicle, which traveled northwest until it hit a fence in a neighboring yard, the report stated. All three deputies approached the vehicle, removed Donald and began rendering aid before he was transported to a hospital. Donald would die several days later. The investigation report stated that a search warrant would be served on the vehicle. All three deputies were placed on critical incident leave, according to the investigation report. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. At least 39 people have died and seven have been rescued after a bus fell off a bridge into a canal near Patna village in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district on Tuesday. The bus was going from Sidhi to Satna, carrying around 57 passengers. It fell into the canal after the driver lost control over it. Umesh Joga, Inspector General (Rewa zone) told the media that a total of 18 bodies have been fished out of the Bansagar canal until now. According to news agency PTI, the bus sank completely into the water and was not visible in the morning hours. Later, the district administration stopped the release of water into the canal from the Banganga project, which brought the water level down. After that, the bus was spotted at some distance away. The bus was retrieved out of the canal with the help of two cranes. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed grief and prayed for the safety of the missing passengers. He informed that teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local authorities were conducting rescue operations at the spot. Meanwhile, in view of the accident, the CM has cancelled the 'grih pravesh' or house-warming ceremony to be attended virtually by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah was scheduled to take part in this programme, scheduled to be held at 11 AM Minto Hall in Bhopal, for the beneficiaries of over one lakh houses constructed in Madhya Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath has also expressed grief over the bus tragedy.recovered till now from the site in Sidhi where a bus, carrying around 54 passengers, fell into a canal today. 7 people were rescued. A search operation is underway. New Delhi: #mce_temp_url#Amid escalating dispute in Dokalam sector of Bhutan, Chinese media on Friday termed External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj a liar for saying that all countries are in India's support". Referring to Swarajs speech in Parliament on the Sikkim standoff, the article in Chinese online news site Global Times said, She was lying to the Parliament. First, India's invasion of Chinese territory is a plain fact. New Delhi's impetuous action stuns the international community. No other country will support India's aggression. It added, India's military strength is far behind that of China. If the conflict between China and India escalates to the intensity where their row has to be resolved through military means, India will surely lose. The accusation were made in an editorial titled Military conflicts to escalate if India refuses to withdraw troops published on Friday afternoon. Suggested read: Pak High Commissioner Basit meets Chinese, Bhutanese counterparts in New Delhi to discuss Dokalam The editorial went on to suggest that India should abandon the fantasy of a long-term standoff at Doklam. China will by no means agree to the withdrawal of troops from both sides in order for talks to be held. Doklam is Chinese territory. The withdrawal of Indian troops must be a precondition for talks and China will not compromise on this stance, it said. The editorial warned India of non-diplomatic means that China may adopt to settle the ongoing standoff, If Indian troops continue trespassing into China's territory, what Beijing may do next is to get prepared for a military confrontation against New Delhi and resolve the conflict through non-diplomatic means. If New Delhi remains stubborn, India should get prepared for all possibilities from a potentially grave escalation of tension in the future, the editorial read. Suggested read | India rejects claims of rise in deployment of Chinese troops along Sino-India border For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Feb, 2021 ) :A tornado killed at least three people when it ripped through the state of North Carolina, officials said Tuesday, while elsewhere much of the US remained gripped by a record cold snap. The twister tore into the southern part of the state late Monday, particularly impacting two coastal communities in Brunswick County. "At this time, there are three confirmed fatalities and 10 confirmed injuries," Brunswick County Emergency Services said in a statement. "It is estimated that at least 50 homes were affected in the incident and several power lines were damaged, causing power outages." Photos and video broadcast by US media showed downed trees, flattened homes and smashed cars. Sheriff John Ingram told a press conference there would "be a long recovery process". "This is something unlike I've ever seen," he said, cited by US media. Elsewhere across the United States, much of the country remained gripped by a deadly cold snap fueled by frigid Arctic air that has brought record low temperatures. The National Weather Service (NWS) said a new winter storm was emerging in the Southern Plains area -- which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The NWS on Monday warned of an "unprecedented and expansive area of hazardous winter weather" from coast to coast, with more than 150 million Americans under winter weather advisories. The freezing conditions have killed at least 10 people and have particularly afflicted regions unaccustomed to snow and sleet. The PowerOutage.US tracker reported more than 2.7 million people were without power in Texas, where temperatures in the major metropolis of Houston dipped to 16 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius), well below average February lows of 34. [February 16, 2021] ACORE Capital Raises $1 Billion for North American Hospitality Rescue Capital Investments ACORE Capital, LP ("ACORE"), one of the largest global credit managers focused exclusively on commercial real estate lending, today announced that it has raised $1 billion to launch ACORE Hospitality Partners ("AHP"), an investment strategy backed by a group of institutions, which is focused on providing North American hotel operators with rescue capital to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. AHP's strategy is to originate and acquire structured hotel debt investments including senior and mezzanine loans, B-notes and preferred equity. AHP will invest across the entire spectrum of hotel types, ranging from high-end luxury resorts to smaller limited-service hotels, focusing on assets in high-barrier markets and compelling rebound characteristics. "The pandemic has had a disproportionate and historic impact on the lodging industry leading to unprecedented distress and liquidity issues for hotel owners," said Warren de Haan, Managing Partner at ACORE. "We formed ACORE Hospitality Partners to solve this liquidity crisis by providing hotel owners with the capital they require to continue operations and keep people working." The capital that AHP will provide comes at a time wen many experienced hospitality borrowers are suffering from dwindling cash reserves and significant current operating expense obligations. This has put intense pressure on hotel owners and their lenders to seek viable solutions to this dilemma. By serving as a reliable source of funding, ACORE is positioned to meet this need and support the hospitality industry's recovery. "We have been active hospitality lenders for more than 25 years and enjoy longstanding relationships with an extensive list of hotel owners," said Boyd Fellows, Managing Partner at ACORE. "It's been devastating to witness how the pandemic has impacted their businesses. We are confident it's possible to lend support while still meeting our investment objectives." AHP will benefit from ACORE's extensive experience originating and managing debt investments. Since its inception in 2015, ACORE has originated over $4.2 billion of hospitality investments. The ACORE team includes more than 80 commercial real estate finance professionals that operate out of offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas. About ACORE Capital ACORE Capital, LP is a leading commercial real estate finance company and debt fund manager with approximately $17 billion of assets under management. ACORE is focused on originating, acquiring and managing first mortgages, B-notes, mezzanine debt and preferred equity throughout the United States. ACORE, which is an acronym for Alpha Commercial Real Estate, specializes in providing borrowers with customized financing solutions at competitive rates and flexible terms. For more information, please visit www.acorecapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005341/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] On the same day that Joe Biden obtained the Electoral College majority needed to become president of the United States, a metallic asteroid roughly half the size of New York City made its closest approach to earth. Far from indulging in apocalyptic visions of cosmic destruction, mining company executives like Bob Goldstein of US Nuclear Corp. were seeing dollar signs. Somewhere in the ballpark of $10,000 quadrillion of them in fact. Goldstein and others in the resource extraction industry have been salivating over these otherworldly mineral prizes ever since Barack Obama signed the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act into law, which grants U.S. citizens the right to own resources mined in space. The bill, introduced and co-sponsored exclusively by Republican Congressmen, was passed by a unanimous vote in 2015. Praised as a landmark for American leadership in space exploration by Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL), the Space Act of 2015, as it is also known, has elicited all manner of effusive reactions from private sector space industry giants like Planetary Resources, which had already struck a deal with Bechtel Corporation in 2013 to mine asteroids. Planetary co-founder Eric Anderson declared that the legislation was nothing less than a major step toward humanity becoming a multiplanetary species. Despite the Neil Armstrong-esque displays by both private and public sector players, the recent inclusion of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) into the conversation has many on the international space policy side of the equation worried. NOM4D The Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program announced by DARPA on February 5 seeks to pioneer technologies for adaptive, off-earth manufacturing to produce large space and lunar structures, according to the agencys press release. The language used to describe the program has sparked heated debate over whether or not NOM4D will violate Article IV of the United Nations Outer Space Treaty (OST), which prohibits the establishment of military bases, installations and fortifications anywhere on the lunar surface or cislunar orbit (between the earth and the moon). Chris Johnson, legal counsel of the Secure World Foundation a private foundation that promotes space sustainability clarified some of the ambiguity surrounding the debate in an email to Breaking Defense, stating that If DARPA (or its contractors) are conducting activities on the Moon which are temporarily peaceful in nature, [] this is still a MILITARY activity, and therefore pretty clearly prohibited. NOM4D program director manager Bill Carter dismisses such concerns, claiming to be slightly baffled by the controversy, asserting that the project is a materials science program. Were going to be doing stuff on the ground we actually dont have any plans to launch anything. Carter, a materials scientist, elaborated about the areas of focus and highlighted the programs interest in the capabilities of materials that I extract from regolith as they apply to things [like] reflective surfaces and so forth, which could be important for Earth observation or situation awareness, all those things. The validity of Carters arguments notwithstanding, his mention of regolith in particular buttresses Johnsons concerns. The dust-like material that covers the lunar surface is considered a prime resource for the eventual construction of moon bases. Something of a generic term used to describe the layer of clays, silicates, various minerals, groundwater, and organic molecules that form on the surface of solid rock, lunar regolith, by contrast, has its own unique composition. As Johnson says, while it may be possible for someone to offer a tortured argument as to how this is not explicitly illegal either through de-linking the activity from the US military through intermediaries, or separating activities from the lunar surface and surrounding deep space, or painting the military activity as peaceful in nature, he would not be buying it. The Opposition Carter goes on to differentiate the activity DARPA will be engaging in from other space exploration initiatives which he believes exclude the program from the questions of policy it is being confronted with. According to him, the big difference consists of DARPAs centering its effort around robotic capabilities as opposed to NASAs human exploration and associated capabilities. But, this also runs into problematic territory when taking the DoDs own position into consideration. In his confirmation testimony, Bidens Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, extolled Obamas third offset strategy, which explicitly cites robotics as one of the innovations to be fast-tracked through the public and private sector in order to secure the nations technological edge in response to China and other threats. Austin assured lawmakers that he would maintain a laserlike focus on countering the Chinese military threat and building space-based platforms, while repeatedly stating that his department will consider space a war-fighting domain. DARPAs program is particularly tone deaf, according to Jessica West, a senior researcher at Canadas Project Ploughshares and the Space Security Index project. She worries that the agencys project undermines the efforts of other international space organizations seeking to build a cooperative framework to guide civil activities on the Moon, pointing out that blurring of civil, military, and commercial capabilities and intentions in space is exactly what the U.S. accuses other countries such as China of doing. Other policy experts are warning that a brewing space mining war between the U.S., China, and Russia could lead to an unwinnable conflict that could indeed spell Armageddon for our own relatively tiny planet. As Roscosmos deputy general director for international cooperation, Sergey Saveliev stated on the occasion of Donald Trumps executive order to support mining on the moon, history knows examples of a country starting to seize territories for its own benefit everyone remembers the outcome. Feature photo | This illustration made available by NASA in April 2020 depicts Artemis astronauts on the Moon. NASA via AP Raul Diego is a MintPress News Staff Writer, independent photojournalist, researcher, writer and documentary filmmaker. Qualcomm Technologies , Inc., with its support to telecom operators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and work with the government, is preparing for the rollout of 5G wireless service in India, said Rajen Vagadia, vice president and president, Qualcomm-India and Saarc. In an interview, Vagadia shared his views on the countrys wireless ecosystem, the next spectrum auction in March and Qualcomms partnership with Reliance Jio to develop a 5G solution. Edited excerpts: India is expected to launch 5G wireless service soon. What are the key areas which Qualcomm is exploring/working on to meet the India-specific needs? We have been in India for the last 27 years. We work with all stakeholders heretelecom operators, OEMs, the ecosystem and regulatory authorities. With 5G coming in, the biggest issue will be of power efficiency in portable devices. First, we are working towards making complex and intelligent devices more powerful and efficient. Second, our effort is to bring global technologies to India. For instance, Qualcomm introduced 4G or VoLTE (voice over long-term evolution) technology, a premium service globally, to India. About 18 5G-enabled devices were launched in India in 2020, despite no commercial network here. Almost every alternate phone to be launched this year will be 5G. We are future-proofing Indias market for 5G. By the time trials start, the market will already have several 5G phones, which didnt happen in the past for other generations of wireless service. Third, we are also working on making the devices affordable. Where does Indias wireless technology and infrastructure stand? To launch 4G, the 2,300MHz spectrum band was used, which is a high-frequency band. This implies that higher you go in frequency, its reach is narrower. We have demonstrated that millimeter wave is a fundamental frequency required for 5G, and we are working with the government to push for its auction along with the 3.5GHz band. That is our first step towards 5G, which will give consumers fibre-like speeds in a wireless network. We are also proposing a millimeter-wave backhaul for connectivity in rural areas, where homes can be connected over wireless system instead of fibre as fiberization remains a challenge in India. Qualcomm also helps OEMs to manage the complexity of multiple spectrum bands by providing stitched solutions, enabling them concentrate on building faster and cheaper devices, and focus on developing applications and seamless user interface (UI). Help us understand the 5G solution being developed under the Reliance Jio-Qualcomm partnership. And how is it different from Bharti Airtels 5G technology? Airtel demonstrated 5G under dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), in which the existing 4G spectrum bands can be used, and 5G can be launched on top of it. DSS allows sharing of spectrum between 4G and 5G, but you need to have adequate amount of airwaves to give optimum experience to users. In 5G, the base stations have to be closer to consumers. In partnership with Jio, we will develop higher-power base stations. With Jio, we are not just building small cells, but creating the entire network with high-power solutions. 4G will stay along with 5Gso there are two ways of using iteither use them independently or some parts of 4G for 5G, which Airtel is doing. Eventually, everything will move to standalone technology. Initially, it will be NSA (non-standalone). How important is the upcoming spectrum auction as operators prepare for a 5G rollout? 5G cannot be launched without spectrum. Airtel demonstrated 5G using the 1,800MHz spectrum band. The quantum of spectrum available in the 1,800MHz band will support 5G technology but not to its optimum level. If one buys spectrum early, they can roll out the technology before others, and get an early-mover advantage. It will be essential for operators to participate in the next auction in March. Are you looking at the B2C segment as part of your global strategies? We are not a device company. We do not go to consumers. We support our partners and the ecosystem. For Qualcomm, understanding a consumer is important, and we do it through our partners, via activities such as gaming, where we assess consumers needs. We will never go to the B2C (business to consumer) segment and do not have any such plan. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Hundreds of wounded investors have flocked to take legal action after fallen fund manager Neil Woodford announced a brazen comeback. The disgraced stock-picker announced his return less than two years after the collapse of his investing empire and 3.7 billion flagship fund. As many as 500,000 savers were hit by the crisis, and around 200 million is still stuck in his suspended Equity Income fund. Some investors have lost more than half the money they paid in. Unwelcome return: Hundreds of wounded investors have flocked to take legal action after fallen fund manager Neil Woodford announced a brazen comeback The former Invesco fund manager was criticised for ploughing investors' cash into several illiquid investments, which are notoriously difficult to sell quickly. Yet now he has announced he will launch a new firm for professional investors only. His comeback has sent shockwaves throughout the industry and has infuriated both savers and professionals. The suspended fund is now being wound up by Link Fund Solutions (LFS). With no alternative way to recoup their lost cash, thousands of investors have signed up to group claims organised by law firms to try to win compensation. Legal firm Leigh Day, which is putting together a claim against LFS on behalf of investors, says another 200 people have signed up to its cases since Woodford revealed his return on Sunday. It is pursuing LFS as the 'authorised corporate director' of the fund. Leigh Day claims LFS breached the financial regulator's rules by allowing the fund to hold too many illiquid investments. Jack Starmer (left) invested 5,627 as part of a portfolio to save for his deposit, while Paul McInerney (right) has lost almost 9,000 of his 28,000 investment Retired teacher Anne Woolgar (left) invested a five-figure sum into the doomed Equity Income fund, while Richard Batchelor (right) invested 2,000 in the fund Another firm, Harcus Parker, has heard from around 100 more furious claimants. In all, over 10,000 investors are involved in both lawsuits. Industry insiders are also dismayed over the fund manager's return, and some of his own former colleagues spoke out against him. Richard Wilson, chief executive of Interactive Investor, says: 'The Woodford saga of management failure and huge losses is far from over. 'Retail investors are the big loser again, and confidence in the whole sector has been damaged.' Leigh Day and Harcus Parker are taking on claimants on a no-win, no-fee basis. Yesterday, campaigner Gina Miller and fund manager Alan Miller called on the Treasury Select Committee to launch an investigation into the collapse of the fund. Regulator the Financial Conduct Authority is more than 18 months into an investigation into the events that led to its suspension. Izzy and Andrew Russell, who have lost more than 8,000, have signed up to Leigh Day's group claim And yesterday campaigners called for the City watchdog to publish its findings as soon as possible. Woodford investor Richard Batchelor had not planned to sign up to a class action case, but after hearing of Woodford's comeback plans he is determined to do so. The former printing company owner, 67, and his wife Kitrina, 68, had invested 2,000 in the fund. Richard, from Ferndown, Dorset, says: 'It's like he has just got away with it and I don't think he realises the damage he has caused.' Meanwhile, Andrew Russell, 64, has lost more than 8,000 after ploughing 10 per cent of his life savings into the fund. The father of three, who lives with wife Izzy in Guisborough, North Yorkshire, has signed up to Leigh Day's group claim. He says: 'When I read that Woodford was establishing a new firm, I could have choked on my cornflakes. Saying 'sorry' is not enough, he needs to do the honourable thing and exclude himself from managing investments.' Retired teacher Anne Woolgar also believes Woodford should be banned from returning for now. She and husband David, 71, from Surrey, invested a five-figure sum into the doomed Equity Income fund, but so far they have received only two-thirds of their money back. Anne, 70, joined Leigh Day's claim because she felt determined to hold the investment manager to account. 'Woodford hasn't behaved well and he should be suspended from setting up any new firms,' she says. Meanwhile, Jack Starmer, 27, was forced to delay his first property purchase by six months as a result of the fund's suspension. He had invested 5,627 as part of a portfolio to save for his deposit. But so far he has received only 2,058 back and has now joined Leigh Day's group claim. Jack, who lives in Edgware, North London, says: 'It felt like him saying 'sorry' was more of a publicity stunt to promote his new firm, rather than a genuine apology.' And fellow investor Paul McInerney, 50, has lost almost 9,000 of his 28,000 investment. Paul, from Sevenoaks, Kent, says: 'Woodford seems to see this as just a blip in his flawless career, but he doesn't realise that it cost some investors their life savings. 'He was the architect of his own downfall and he'll never be able to name a fund after himself again.' Spokesmen for Neil Woodford and LFS declined to comment. f.parker@dailymail.co.uk Science/Medicine WHO investigator claims China refused to hand over key Covid information Guardian (resilc). Summary data only. Just like Big Pharma with its vaccine clinical trials. US Florida Is a COVID NightmareEven for Vaccinated People Daily Beast Defiant DeSantis blasts Biden administration amid report of travel limits Politico. I missed this spat. Not resolved: White House looks at domestic travel restrictions as COVID mutation surges in Florida Miami Herald STAT-Harris Poll: 1 in 4 Americans were unable to get a Covid-19 test when they wanted one STAT. For me, would have been a no go for one out of two except I groveled and the urgent care center freed up one of their tests reserved for the next day. Shes 90, and walked 6 miles through the snow for her COVID-19 vaccine Seattle Times (furzy) Grape-Nuts Expected to Be Back on Store Shelves Next Month New York Times (David L) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. GDP Space Systems is excited to provide ground equipment to NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in support of the upcoming Psyche mission. Originally purchased to support previous successful Mars programs, GDPs telemetry receivers have now been repurposed to test the RF transmitter for the Psyche mission; a journey to a unique metal asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. By spring of 2022, the spacecraft will be fully assembled and ready to ship to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where it will launch in August 2022. Psyche will fly by Mars for a gravity assist in May 2023 and in early 2026, it will slip into orbit around the asteroid, where it will spend 21 months gathering data for analysis. The Psyche spacecrafts target is a metal-rich asteroid of the same name, which orbits the Sun in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists think that, unlike rocky or icy asteroids, Psyche is largely iron and nickel and could be the heart of an early planet that lost its outer layers. Exploring the asteroid Psyche (about 140 miles, or 226 kilometers, wide) could lend valuable insight into how Earth and other planets formed. These critical JPL missions presented a unique and difficult task for the Model 4426 Telemetry Receivers; to support extremely low bit rates and poor signal to noise ratio, down to 10 bits per second with convolutional encoding. For testing the Psyche transmitter, the receiver is now processing a QPSK signal at 1.08Mbps and is capable of operation up to 40Mbps. The 3rd generation telemetry receiver design provides comprehensive multi-link support for satellite and flight test ground station applications in a fully integrated package. In addition to the exclusive 4-Input Diversity Combiner Function and our Ethernet Outputs supporting IRIG 218-20, IRIG 106 Chapter 7 / Chapter 10, and IRIG 106-17 Appendix 2G Best Source Selection (DQE), the Model 4426 product line features an internal 70MHz Test Modulator Output function making it ideal for ground telemetry missions. Our receiver product line offers unmatched performance, features, and functionality in a cost-effective solution stated Gary Thom, President of GDP Space Systems. We are very excited to be a part of this historic mission to understand the origins of our planet. GDP Space System's telemetry receivers were also selected for use in the successful mission that landed the Curiosity rover on Mars for remote exploration and for the Perseverance rover, which is scheduled to arrive on Mars in February 2021. About GDP Space Systems For over 50 years, Acroamatics, Inc. and GDP Space Systems have been supporting the telemetry community as industry-leading suppliers of high-quality aerospace telemetry products for Flight Test, Missile Test, Range Safety, Launch Support and Satellite Command and Control applications. Our highly complementary product lines offer innovative end-to-end ground station solutions that address the complete product chain from Data Acquisition through Data Conversion and Distribution to Telemetry Processing and Display. Our world-class products, systems, and software offer unparalleled performance and superior functionality, which has been proven repeatedly in real-life testing by our customers. As the world embarks on the revival road of recovery, businesses are collaborating and collectively working towards a shared goal. Leading the wheels of action are socially aware organizations, which are at the forefront of change, making a tangible impact. In a bid to recognize and applaud their outstanding work Moneycontrol, Indias leading financial news digital platform and CommsCredible, an integrated communications consultancy, have partnered with Grant Thornton Bharat, one of the largest fully integrated Assurance, Tax & Advisory firms in India, to launch Faces of Vibrant Bharat(FoVB). The initiative tells the stories of organizations making an impact on India's social fabric with their work at the grassroot level. In its initial phase, Moneycontrol will invite 52 sociopreneurs who are laying the foundation of India's emergence as a vibrant economy. The phase one will conclude with a grand event that will bring together all the recognized faces under the initiative. The event will present a platform to exchange ideas for collaboration and learn through panel discussions, keynote presentations, networking sessions and much more. Commenting on the initiative, Vishesh Chandiok, CEO of Grant Thornton Bharat, said: "The current pandemic has highlighted the massive disparity in our society. It has also shown the potential of how a nation can progress when it comes together. Our whole objective of starting this initiative is to bring together India's sociopreneurs and give them a platform to connect, engage and inspire. We want to help these sociopreneurs bridge the business challenges so that Bharat (India) rises to achieve its goal of becoming a $10-trillion economy." Adding his views, Binoy Prabhakar, Executive Editor of Moneycontrol, said: We are thrilled to partner Grant Thornton and CommsCredible to launch Faces of Vibrant Bharat (FoVB). As storytelling is at the heart of everything that we do, it is a pleasure to be associated with an initiative that tells the stories of people and organizations driving real change at the grassroots. Social entrepreneurs play a vital role to push through development in rural parts where the traditional entrepreneurial approach and textbook business solutions might not work. It will be interesting to hear the experiences of these sociopreneurs. Sharing his views on the initiative, Aman Dhall, founder of CommsCredible, said: "We are very pleased to partner with Grant Thornton Bharat and Moneycontrol on this very exciting initiative. We believe India is on a cusp of long-term change, and this coming decade will be led by the collective effort of these sociopreneurs. We are very happy that we are a partner in curating and sharing stories of these promising sociopreneurs." Once again Moneycontrol has shown their dedication towards the startups and entrepreneurs by giving them a platform to share their thoughts and ideas, encouraging them to be better for the future. Aerial photo taken on Feb. 15, 2021 shows the construction site of Meizhou Bay cross-sea bridge of the Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed railway in southeast China's Fujian Province. Some 500 laborers still work at the construction site of the bridge during the Chinese Lunar New Year. The 14.7-km-long bridge is part of the province's Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed railway, the first cross-sea high-speed railway in China, which is expected to be put into operation in 2022. (Xinhua/Song Weiwei) Urgent calls for the introduction of new legislation to allow horticultural peat harvesting to resume on 1,700ha of peatlands are expected to be heard at todays Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture meeting. Horticulture leaders and businesses, including IFA Horticulture Committee chairman Paul Brophy the largest broccoli grower in the country will highlight the impact peat shortages are having on the industry which employs an estimated 17,600 people in the midlands and the west. A key issue to be raised is the current legal position on peat harvesting in Ireland. In 2019, a landmark High Court ruling declared that harvesting peat on bogs over 30ha requires planning permission from An Bord Pleanala and a licence from the Environmental Protection Agency. The process can take up to four years to complete. The ruling has significantly affected horticulture peat producers who harvest on their own bogs, plus those who relied on horticulture peat harvested by Bord na Mona (BNM). The supply shortage has been compounded by BNMs sudden exit from peat production last month. It also withdrew an estimated 10 applications that were before An Bord Pleanala for substitute consent to seek permission to continue some horticulture peat harvesting on its bogs. The committee will hear that Irelands horticulture industry is facing enforced shutdown by mid-2021 unless new legislation or a derogation on peat harvesting for food and horticulture production is secured. Earn your Associate of Applied Business in Business IT (BIT) degree online from the University of Cincinnati. This program can be completed fully online, with curriculum customized to fit your schedule, interests and how quickly you want to complete your degree. Application deadline July 1, 2021. Learn More Some cybersecurity experts agree with a report by Cybersecurity Ventures and expect financial damages from cybercrime to reach $6 trillion by the end of this year. Industry studies show that cyberattacks are among the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. Cyberattacks are absolutely on the rise. Based on everything we know and every single analyst we have spoken with, there is no doubt that attacks are increasing, according to Robert McKay, senior vice president, risk solutions at Neustar. "Cybersecurity experts predict that in 2021 there will be a cyberattack incident every 11 seconds. This is nearly twice what it was in 2019 (every 19 seconds), and four times the rate five years ago (every 40 seconds in 2016)," he told TechNewsWorld. The rapidly growing increase in cyberattacks worldwide comes at a hefty cost for businesses in order to better protect their computer networks from intrusions. Cyberattacks not only are increasing in frequency, but they are costing victims larger financial losses. The Growing Price of Cyber Risk Worldwide, cybercrime cost businesses, government agencies, and consumers in general more than $1 trillion in 2020, according to the data analyzed by researchers at Atlas VPN. That is around one percent of the global GDP. While $945 billion was lost to cyber incidents, $145 billion was spent on cybersecurity. Those costs increased by more than 50 percent compared to 2018, when over $600 billion was spent to handle cybercrime. But twenty percent of organizations worldwide have no plans on how to protect against cybercrime events, according to the Atlas VPN report. That leaves a gaping hole in networks for cybercriminals to extend their attack strategies to steal even millions of dollars more. The only sure defense, warn cybersecurity experts, is to step up efforts to pass legislation that bolsters technological defenses. That may be the only way to alter the course of ongoing cyberattacks. Despite all the efforts into protecting systems and data, cloud breaches are likely to increase in both velocity and scale, said John Kinsella, chief architect at Accurics about his company's 2020 summer research report on the State of DevSecOps. "This [analysis] comes as cloud breaches have been rampant over the last two years. More than 30 billion records have been exposed as a result of cloud infrastructure misconfigurations," he told TechNewsWorld. In order to keep pace with an evolving economy that requires more digital transformation, organizations must place cyber resilience and the practice of DevSecOps at the top of their priority list, he added. Not Just in the Clouds Much more results in the growing pace of cyberattacks than rampant migration to cloud storage and misconfigured cloud infrastructure. Still, misconfigurations in cloud infrastructure lead to data exposure and are among the biggest concerns for cyberthreats facing business and government agencies today, noted Kinsella. Nearly 98 percent of all cyberattacks rely on some form of social engineering to deliver a payload such as malware or ransomware. One of the most successful attack formats cybercriminals use regularly to initiate a social engineering attack is through phishing emails. Therefore, threat actors distribute malware via email approximately 92 percent of the time. Cloud use and the continued stampede to cloud services is not going away. That ongoing shift in computing practices must be managed with more vigilance. COVID has accelerated organizations' digital transformation. Therefore, the ability to set up workloads in the cloud and get them through compliance and security challenges is in demand, noted Mohit Tiwari, co-founder and CEO at Symmetry Systems. "Part of the reason is that the workloads that had resisted moving to the cloud were exactly the highly regulated ones, and the forced move out of on-site data centers managed by IT staff is driving up demand for cloud-based compliance and security skills," he told TechNewsWorld. Thus, cloud-based security techniques will be vital in the fight to curtail the worsening cybersecurity landscape. These include learning to work with cloud-native identity and access management (IAM), he noted. "Those looking after cloud-based security need to broadly learn to manage infrastructure through structured programs, instead of shell scripts pieced together. As networks and application tiers become ephemeral, the most important persistent asset for any enterprise will likely be their own and their customers' data. So data-security on the cloud will be a major theme going forward," he cautioned. Providing Cloud Cover The world pandemic has hastened the cyber intrusions. So has complacency and poor training among office workers and inadequate IT surveillance. Organizations need to consider a balanced approach to training their employees and investing in automation tools to minimize the risks of cyberattacks, offered Brendan O'Connor, CEO and co-founder at AppOmni. Extensive training and around-the-clock manual monitoring are not necessary when the right automation tools can complement the IT staff as they build up their skill set. "IT workers specializing in security need to shift their focus to supporting the new model of business many enterprises are adopting. Some enterprises are shifting their business model to focus on virtual workforce, de-emphasizing the need to secure office networks," O'Connor told TechNewsWorld. In other cases, offices are being eliminated altogether. IT workers need to change their focus from traditional network security of a campus/office to application security of the work-anywhere model, he continued. "With the employee location and devices under constant flux, organizations will rely on the consistency and security of cloud service applications. IT workers should look to the management and security of these SaaS (software as service) applications as the new skills and technology to embrace," O'Connor said. Looming Threats Over the next year, ransomware will continue to be the biggest threat and financial risk to enterprises, observed Joseph Carson, chief security scientist and advisory CISO at Thycotic. Most organizations should be very concerned about ransomware as the biggest cybersecurity challenge and threat, he advised. "Organizations should prioritize to invest in security solutions that help reduce the risks and also plan and test an incident response plan to help ensure the business is resilient to high-risk attacks," he told TechNewsWorld. Ransomware continues to evolve into more than just a security incident. Cybercriminals now seek data breaches with organized cybercrime groups to steal the data before they encrypt on corporate servers. Companies are not just worried about getting their data back but also who it gets shared with publicly. Cybercriminals use ransomware to target anyone, any company, and any government including hospitals and transportation industries at a time when they are under extreme pressure, Carson added. Another major cybersecurity attack trend focuses on the protective tools and security vendors within the industry, noted Brandon Hoffman, chief information security officer at Netenrich. The tools that the industry relies on and their providers are becoming more targets for attacks. "It is a big concern because practitioners need tools they can depend on for detection and defense. By crippling or repurposing the very tools meant to thwart these attempts, the adversaries stand to gain a complete upper hand in the ongoing battle to combat cyber threats," Hoffman told TechNewsWorld. "The attacks targeting security organizations and vendors were always high up on the adversary list, but success begets further success." Fighting the Battle The trust factor is an internal battle of sorts between security vendors and the corporations hiring them for cyber protection. That trust must be constantly reassessed, suggested Tim Wade, technical director of the CTO Team at Vectra AI. "Strategically, security practitioners must continue to pivot away from preventative-based security architecture into resilience-based security architecture," Wade told TechNewsWorld. That is where the focus shifts to accepting the reality that things will go wrong, but when they do, the impact is minimized through rapid detection, response, and recovery, he added. Vendors and suppliers have always been lucrative targets for adversaries. Many of the cyberattackers belong to organized criminal gangs that are sanctioned by foreign nations. The best defense such adversaries is acknowledging that you cannot stop them. But then focus on making their lives as difficult as possible, Wade said. Cybersecurity Higher Education One of the often unspoken ways of safeguarding against cybersecurity assaults is through education. This approach goes beyond teaching company workers to be better aware of safe computing ideals. Rather, recruiting the next crop of computer specialists to pursue a degree in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity prospers because so many professionals come from different backgrounds and skill sets, noted Heather Paunet, senior vice president at Untangle. "Groups who are traditionally marginalized in other industries, when pivoting or starting a career in cybersecurity, can benefit from multiple industry-leading organizations offering certification programs," she told TechNewsWorld. The emerging field of cybersecurity is a very viable career path, noted Michael Kaczmarek, vice president of product management at Neustar. Industry reports show that the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs is expected to grow by 35 percent. "Given the increases in attacks and the changes in tactics used by bad actors and organizations, cybersecurity will most certainly be a career choice that will see net employment for the long term," he told TechNewsWorld. The demand for cybersecurity jobs has certainly increased in the past year, agreed Dov Lerner, security research lead at Cybersixgill. A career path in the field is a great choice for someone interested in IT and security. "An increase in the number of tools utilized increases security operations and analytics complexity and requires an increase in personnel. However, according to a recent ESG survey, nearly 70 percent of security teams say it is difficult to recruit and hire additional SOC (security operations center) staff," Lerner told TechNewsWorld. Security analysts have the opportunity to impact more than just their specific industry. Cybersecurity reaches into the world of politics, economics, and other sectors of the world. While breaking into the field can be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding, he concluded. Jack M. Germain has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His main areas of focus are enterprise IT, Linux and open-source technologies. He is an esteemed reviewer of Linux distros and other open-source software. In addition, Jack extensively covers business technology and privacy issues, as well as developments in e-commerce and consumer electronics. Email Jack. After being an advocate of vaccines which is now being administered worldwide in battling the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci has obtained a $1 million Dan David Prize for his efforts in 'defending science.' President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser earned one of the three prizes given by the Israeli-based Dan David Foundation on Monday after he achieved and got recognized over a lifetime of leadership on AIDS relief and HIV research, especially his advocacy for the usage of vaccines against coronavirus. Israel Awards $1 Million to Anthony Fauci The private foundation did not mention any related information about former President Donald Trump, who undermined the follow-the-science approach to the pandemic of the now Biden's chief medical adviser. But it gave its credit to Fauci as the one who courageously defended science in the face of the uninformed opposition during the challenging coronavirus crisis. According to ABC News, the foundation's award committee has praised Fauci for speaking the truth despite being within highly charged political environment. The committee also mentioned that as the pandemic unraveled, Dr. Anthony Fauci leveraged his considerable communication skills to address individuals gripped by fear and anxiety and worked relentlessly in order to inform not only the people of the United States but also elsewhere regarding the essential public health measures for the containment of the spread of the pandemic. The 80-year-old, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has served under seven presidents and has been the director of the NIAID or the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984. In his recent interviews, the NIAID director has admitted that it was difficult at times to work for former President Trump as he repeatedly played down the severity of the pandemic, as had dismissed the need of wearing masks and mentioning unproven scientific remedies, which include injecting disinfectant, the New York Post reported. Read ALSO: Biden Urges Congress to Impose Strict Gun Law Reforms on Parkland Shooting's 3rd Anniversary Moreover, Trump resented the flattering press coverage of Fauci and reveled in calls to 'Fire Fauci' at some of his rallies. But the 80-year-old director of the NIAID outlasted the former president after Trump lost the November 2020 Presidential elections to now-President Joe Biden. During a recent White House briefing, Dr. Anthony Fauci stated that it was very clear that were things being said that were uncomfortable as they were not based on scientific fact, citing the hydroxychloroquine and other things. Fauci also mentioned that he took 'no pleasure' in having to contradict the president. The private foundation, the Dan David Prize, which was established in 2000 has given $1 million awards in three categories annually for contributions addressing the past, present, and the future. The foundation stated that Fauci won the prize for his achievement in the 'present,' in the field of public health. Meanwhile, Professors Alison Bashford, Katharine Park, and Keith Wailoo, who worked in the field of history and health medicine have won the 'Past category' and professor Zelig Eshhar, Dr. Carl June, and Dr. Steven Rosenberg, who are pioneers of anti-cancer immunotherapy have won the 'Future' category, KBTX-TV3 reported. The son of the prize founder and the foundation director Ariel David shared that the laureates this year have not only probed how humanity has dealt with sickness and pandemics throughout history but also have provided relief, guidance, and leadership in dealing with current outbreaks. He also added that they are at the forefront of discovering new treatments that bring us to hope for the future in the ongoing fight against cancer and other diseases. Related Article: Valentine's Day Avalanches Hit Colorado, 2 Dead on Separate Incidents @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. MONTREAL - Quebec will ease some COVID-19 restrictions ahead of March break, Premier Francois Legault said Tuesday, adding that parents will need something to do with their kids when they're off school. Customers line up at a store, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz MONTREAL - Quebec will ease some COVID-19 restrictions ahead of March break, Premier Francois Legault said Tuesday, adding that parents will need something to do with their kids when they're off school. Starting Feb. 26, cinemas can reopen across the province even in "red" zones, Legault said in Quebec City. Indoor sports in arenas and pools will also be permitted, he added, for family bubbles or groups of two. Up to eight people will be able to gather outdoors. Legault said he wanted to give parents and children options for fun ahead of the one-week school break that begins March 1. "I put myself in the place of parents," Legault said about the school break. "The cinema, that's a great activity ... going inside the pool, the arena, these are activities that can occupy children. It's important for the mental health of children and parents." The Outaouais region, which includes Gatineau and borders Ontario, will move to the lower, "orange" pandemic-alert level on Feb. 22, Legault said. Six less-populated regions are already at the orange alert level, under which gyms and in-person restaurant dining can resume and the nighttime curfew is pushed back to 9:30 p.m. Montreal and Quebec City, however, will remain at the red pandemic-alert level, Legault said, adding that residents in those regions will have to continue to obey the 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. nighttime curfew. "We wanted to be more prudent than less prudent," Legault said about easing restrictions. The modest reopenings were announced as the province's daily infection count and the number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations continued to trend downward on Tuesday. Quebec reported 669 new cases of COVID-19 and 20 more deaths, including six in the past 24 hours. The number of new cases was the lowest in months, but the government hadn't yet disclosed how many COVID-19 tests had been conducted to reach that figure. Health officials said hospitalizations dropped by 33, to 771, and 134 people were in intensive care, down two. COVID-19-related hospitalizations have dropped by 198 since Feb. 7. Quebec's public health institute has confirmed 16 cases of variants of the novel coronavirus, including 13 cases of the mutation first detected in the United Kingdom and believed to be more contagious. Health Minister Christian Dube said there are another 86 suspected cases of variants in the province. The spread of variants will have a major influence on when and to what extent the government lifts restrictions, Dube said. "It's very clear that if the variants are limited at the beginning and the right measures of confinement are done, countries have been able to limit the impact of those variants," he said. Vaccinations, Legault added, will also play a big role in the province's eventual reopening. "If we succeed in the next few weeks to have all vulnerable people vaccinated, it will be a completely new ball game and then you would be able to start thinking about meeting other people in houses," he said. "The vaccine is very key. What's happening with the variants also is key." The premier likened the COVID-19 situation in the province to the coming spring: "The days are getting longer and spring is coming ... but winter is not over. There are a few snowstorms left. "It's somewhat the same thing with the pandemic. Things are getting better, but the pandemic is not over. There are still important risks for Quebecers." Earlier Tuesday, Liberal Leader Dominique Anglade urged Legault's government to be more transparent about its decisions on managing the pandemic. She said any easing of restrictions should also be accompanied by more rapid testing and increased screening for COVID-19 variants. The province said it administered 2,732 doses of vaccine on Monday, for a total of 297,694. Quebec has reported a total of 278,187 COVID-19 infections and 10,246 deaths linked to the pandemic. The province has 9,399 active reported infections. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. Syracuse, N.Y. Mayor Ben Walsh said he supports the Working Families Partys goal of ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes, but he stopped short of endorsing the partys detailed plan for how to make that happen. As the party weighs who it will give its coveted ballot line to in November, leaders asked three mayoral candidates if they would support their effort to pass the Invest in Our New York Act, an aggressive tax increase on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations. The act outlines six specific measures that proponents say would raise $50 billion in annual state revenue to prevent cuts to public programs. Those include restoring the corporate tax rate to 35%, establishing a wealth tax that targets billionaires, and taxing inheritances of more than $250,000. The local chapter of the Working Families Party asked Walsh and the two Democrats in the race -- Common Councilors Michael Greene and Khalid Bey -- to sign a letter saying they support the proposal. All three are seeking the partys endorsement this month. Working Families is one of only four parties with a permanent ballot line this year. When reached this week, Bey and Greene both said they supported the act and the partys effort to pass it. Walsh said he supports the goal of ensuring wealthy New Yorkers pay their fair share of taxes, and agrees that taxes on the wealthy need to be reevaluated. But he stopped short of endorsing the particulars of the Invest act. He said he could not commit to supporting something he hadnt been able to fully analyze. Rather than sign a letter from the party indicating his support, Walsh drafted his own letter, he said, which all three candidates signed. Monday, Walsh said he has concerns about some pieces of the proposal, including higher taxes that would put New York at a competitive disadvantage on a national landscape. I know people who spend a majority of their time in Florida because of taxes, he said. We need to make sure were not making decisions that put us at a further disadvantage. He cited the proposed change to the states corporate tax rate as an example. The plan calls for a repeal of the 2017 tax cuts by restoring New Yorks corporate tax rate to 35%. The 2017 tax plan, drafted and passed by Congressional Republicans with support from former President Donald Trump, reduced that rate to 21%. Raising those corporate taxes would generate an estimated $9 billion for the state. But Walsh said hes concerned that rolling back those tax cuts just in one state would make it harder for businesses in New York to compete nationwide. Walsh reiterated that he supports a progressive income tax and that now is the good time to revisit the income thresholds for such a tax, since the state and local governments are hurting for revenue. Ultimately, though, he said he was uncomfortable signing on to the entire act. Its a substantial document requiring analysis and I didnt have time to do that, he said. He added that many of the changes the group is seeking would best be sought at the federal level, so they dont disproportionately impact one state. There is a balance to be had here, and given what were up against we need to make sure were finding that balance, he said. The local chapter of WFP meets this week to pick its candidate, but the choice has to be approved by a regional board and the state party. That wont happen until early March, after the Democrats have chosen their candidate. The Red & Black Code of Ethics The SPJ Code of Ethics is voluntarily embraced by thousands of writers, editors and other news professionals. The present version of the code was adopted by the 1996 SPJ National Convention, after months of study and debate among the Society's members. Fall 2012 Editor-in-chief Polina Marinova and Managing Editor Julia Carpenter expanded upon this code to detail specific instances and circumstances confronted by student editors at The Red & Black. The code is reviewed annually by the student-newsroom leadership. Preamble Members of The Red & Black student editorial staff have a duty to the Athens community to report the news. Student journalists should seek to provide truthful accounts of events and issues and in adhering to the following code of ethics, Red & Blackers will continue to foster a positive newsroom atmosphere and to promote credibility of the institution. 1. Seek the truth and report it accurately. Student journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information. Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible. In case of error: Staff members should hold themselves to the utmost accuracy within their pieces, both with facts and with language. In case of error, a correction shall be appended immediately to the online story and be additionally noted in the online corrections box. Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing. Identify sources whenever feasible. 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Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status. Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant. Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid. Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be clearly labeled and not misrepresent fact or context. Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two. Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection. 3. Minimize harm and maintain compassion. Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect. Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects. 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The names are removed from the crime report prior to publication and not disclosed to the public in any circumstance. Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges. Balance a criminal suspects fair trial rights with the publics right to be informed. In case of complaints about previously published articles. Red & Black policy is to leave all articles, letters to the editor, columns, photos and cartoons on redandblack.com once they are posted. The website is our online archive and we do not erase history. If charges have been dropped or additional details about a case are made available, add a correction and/or update. Readers can submit relevant legal documentation here. 4. Act independently and for the enlightenment of your audience. Student journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know. Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. In case of conflict of interest: All staffers should not also be employed with any direct competitor of The Red & Black. Members of the editorial staff should also not write opinions or columns for the editorial board on topics that he or she has written about objectively for other sections. Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility. Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity. In case of meeting with administrators, sources, etc.: Should an individual offer to pay for lunch, coffee, etc. with a student, the student should respectfully decline unless he or she is meeting in a capacity unassociated with Red & Black activity. Disclose unavoidable conflicts. Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage. Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news. 5. Be accountable. Student journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and to each other. Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct. Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media. Admit mistakes and correct them promptly. In case of libel: The Red & Black is a teaching institution, and not all mistakes are small. When a writer commits libel, desk editors and upper management are also held accountable for the error. Members of the editorial staff should immediately seek counsel with the editorial adviser and the executive director in such cases. Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media. Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others. In case of conduct unbefitting a Red & Blacker: As members of the staff, we are also representatives of The Red & Black inside and outside the newsroom. Staffers should conduct themselves as such at all times if you wouldnt do it in the newsroom, then dont do it in a public space. According to local press reports, Ghanas government is considering establishing a unified licensing regime for operators. The aim of rolling out the unified license regime, a system already in place in a number of countries, will be to bring down the cost of internet provision for operators and consequently consumers. The problem, it seems, has been that more and more Ghanaians are using data and that the current licensing regime is not flexible enough to respond. In fact communications minister designate Ursula Owusu Ekuful has been quoted as saying that the current license regime does not have the technology to grant a single license for a spectrum operation. This means that operators acquire a separate license for each spectrum award that is either 2G, 3G or 4G. Not surprisingly, this is proving costly for operators. The idea of the unified licensing regime is that competing telecommunications operators and service providers can offer a variety of telecommunications services without having to apply for separate licenses. For example, operators will be able to acquire one set of licenses for both voice and data operations. This apparently fits a government drive to make data accessible to consumers at a cheaper rate which, according to the minister designate, has become critical due to the increasing usage of data in the country. SARANAC LAKE A Saratoga County man admitted to painting the mysterious orange blazes on the Cascade Mountain trail in the fall of 2019 so he could find his way back down the mountain. A summit steward had alerted a DEC forest ranger at that time that 20 painted markings were found on trees and rocks. Records show Thomas Prusinowksi of Malta was issued a notice of violation for the illegal markings he painted. Prusinowski is also responsible for similar ones painted on a mountain trail in the Catskills. A spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Conservation said as part of an administrative settlement decided this month, Prusinowski will pay a $500 civil penalty. In a voluntary statement, Prusinowski wrote that as a military vet of 30 years, I mistakenly marked the trail to aid me getting down. I am very sorry for my mistake and will never do it again. Scott van Laer, a forest ranger and union leader with the Police Benevolent Association of New York, said the incidents are an example that more beginner hiker education is needed. Prusinowski was hiking alone, van Laer said, and was worried about getting lost. Though the Cascade Mountain trail is an obvious one for experienced hikers, van Laer said, it might not be for those who have never hiked in the wilderness. Forest rangers were convinced this was the case for Prusinowski, as the paint marks he made on the trail were in strategic locations where a less experienced hiker may get confused. In his mind he was helping the public, van Laer said. That goes to the mindset, the educational level ... of newer hikers and the lack of a collective educational program for beginners. A DEC spokesperson said the agency strongly discourages hikers from marking or maintaining trails on the Forest Preserve, but rather contact the local DEC Office to report areas that require trail maintenance. Van Laer also talked about the investigation process for the case. Forest rangers were able to zero in on a time window of when the blazes were made via the summit stewards report of when they had seen the markings. Forest rangers then contacted a number of people signed in on the trail register to further narrow the timeframe and find out if anyone had seen the painter. Prusinowski, however, did not sign in at the Cascade Mountain trail register. Rangers eventually did get in contact with a hiker who had signed in at the register and had seen a man with a spray can. That hiker provided a description, while another registered hiker told rangers he had met a man on the summit who fit the description. They had taken a photo together, but the hiker did not have a name. Prusinowski was wearing a hat with details about his branch of military service in the photo. Van Laer said he used social media sites, especially Facebook, to narrow the search. Van Laer went on a Facebook page specifically for that military branch and posted the photo. Within 30 seconds, van Laer said, someone from the group had identified Prusinowski. Meanwhile, Catskill forest rangers were also conducting a search for someone who had posted blaze orange marks on a mountain trail. Both Adirondack and Catskill rangers conferred and found the markings were similar, were the same paint, and were made at about the same height from the ground. Rangers contacted Prusinowski, and he admitted to making the markings. Van Laer said he believes the incidents could have been prevented if there were more forest rangers, more stewards at trailheads and more educational programming for new hikers. Washington: Former US president Donald Trump has lashed out at Mitch McConnell, the most senior Republican in the US Congress, in a scathing statement that will exacerbate the rapidly deepening divisions within the Republican Party. In his most extensive public comments since leaving the White House, Trump described McConnell in a statement as a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack. Trump has indicated he will hit out at any Republicans who criticise him. Credit:AP McConnell, the Republican Senate leader, voted to acquit Trump in his impeachment trial but lambasted the former presidents behaviour in the lead-up to the January 6 riot at the Capitol. In a speech on the Senate floor that was widely interpreted as an attempt to drive Trump out of the party, McConnell said Trump was practically and morally responsible for the Capitol attack. ADVERTISEMENT The Lagos State government said it has resolved the fracas between the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) over Obalende Motor Park. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some members of the NURTW and RTEAN on February 11 engaged in a free-for-all over control of the park. The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Oluwatoyin Fayinka, said a truce was reached after a meeting with the leadership of both unions which lasted for over four hours at the Radisson Blue Hotel, Ikeja. He said the meeting had in attendance representatives of NURTW led by its Chairperson, Musiliu Akinsanya, and RTEAN led by the Vice-Chair of RTEAN, Gbenga Elesho, among other government officials. The meeting was called consequent upon the recent clash between both parties at Obalende on Feb.11, a development which has not happened for a long time that both parties had cohabited peacefully, Mr Fayinka said in the statement issued by Bolanle Ogunlola, Head of Public Affairs Unit, Ministry of Transportation. Hence the need for the immediate resolution to forestall a re-occurrence, the special adviser said. Mr Fayinka urged both parties to give room for peace, calling for suggestions on ways to enhance the peaceful resolution of conflicts. He said that at the end of the deliberations, both parties agreed that pending the return of tricycle operations by NURTW at Obalende, RTEAN would continue with the operation of their Minibuses, while paying welfare fees to NURTW. Mr Fayinka said the peace agreement would be signed by both parties at the Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday. Speaking at the meeting, the State Treasurer of NURTW, Mustapha Adekunle, said the disagreement was over the control of park unit of which both parties had agreed on its operation. Mr Adekunle added that the disagreement had to do with the operation of tricycles in one of the units under the control of RTEAN and the denial of RTEAN access by NURTW for their minibuses operation. Confirming the treasurers position on the issue, Mr Akinsanya added that the boundary operations crisis that ensued between the unions could have been averted just as so many others that could have degenerated into crisis had been settled in the past for peace to reign. The NURTW boss, who noted that through stakeholders meetings between his union and RTEAN, several crises had been resolved, called for peaceful coexistence between both parties. Also speaking, the RTEAN State Secretary, Abdulrahman Amusan, explained that the clash was avoidable going by the agreement of both unions to maintain the peace which had existed for long. Mr Amusan said the crisis could have been avoided if union leaders of both parties had taken proactive measures at resolving issues immediately they ensued. Mr Elesho added that some other parks which were initially under the control of RTEAN were taken over by NURTW which, he said, contributed to the clash. (NAN) Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Aaron Johnson was just 17 the first time he was sent to prison. He served the minimum of an 11- to 22-year sentencing for shooting a man during a drug-related robbery in Harrisburg. Just five months after being paroled, Johnson started robbing banks. He hit four of them in central Pennsylvania, terrorizing the tellers with a BB gun that looked like the real thing. Johnson capped that crime spree in the summer of 2019 by leading police on high-speed car chase in Cumberland and Dauphin counties that ended with a crash. So, on Tuesday, despite Johnsons professions of remorse and the tearful pleas for mercy from his family, including his mother, a federal judge sent Johnson back to prison for another 11 years. You earned this, U.S. Middle District Chief Judge John E. Jones III said as he imposed that punishment. Aaron Johnson Two different portraits of the 30-year-old Johnson were painted during the afternoon hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer portrayed Johnson as a hard-core, possibly irredeemable criminal, who placed his victims in mortal and lasting fear. Federal Public Defender Thomas Thornton said Johnson is a good bet for rehabilitation. Thornton said Johnson came out of his first hitch in prison with unreasonably high expectations for finding work and providing for his family, especially his ailing mother. When those hopes didnt pan out, depression and drug use drove Johnson back to crime, the defense attorney said. Johnson thought he had been thrown away when he was sentenced to prison for the first time, Thornton said. Yet, almost inexplicably, he then threw away the opportunity he got from being on parole by committing the bank heists. Hes not a bad guy. Hes not a rotten guy, Thornton said. He just came out (of prison) with expectations that were too highEverything fell apart on him. It all added up to a spectacular failure, Thornton added. I truly, deeply do apologize, Johnson told the judge. He and his mother cited his brutal upbringing that included beatings from his stepfather. Johnson said he doesnt believe he was given a real shot at rehabilitation during his first stint behind bars. I made grave mistakes and hurt a lot of people, he said. He said he opted to use a BB gun during his completely crazy bank robbing spree because I didnt want anyone to get hurt. I didnt even want there to be a chance that anyone would get hurt. As for the terror he inflicted on the tellers, I had no right to put them through this, Johnson said as he began to sob. Ive put my family through even more pain. Baer started his counter argument by playing surveillance camera footage of one of the holdups. It showed Johnson rush into the bank, wave a pistol and then cram money into his hoodie as the female tellers frantically tossed bills at him. A security officer for a Centric Bank branch that was robbed said four of the six tellers who were present during the holdup have since left the banking field out of fear. Nineteen seconds is what it you took to ruin the lives of six innocent women, the officer said. Baer, a former Dauphin County prosecutor, said he has known Johnson since he prosecuted him for the robbery/shooting that first sent him to prison. Hes just built different, Baer said of Johnsons crimes. This is who he is. He is either unwilling or incapable of conforming to societal norms, Baer said. This guy is the real article. He is a threat to the community. Jones said he took Johnsons tumultuous childhood into account. The judge told Johnson he owes his mother an apology for all he put her through. Yet, You cant excuse this conduct, Jones said of the bank robberies. There isnt any excuse. Something is wrong hereYou cant stop committing crimes, the judge told Johnson. The unvarnished truth is right now you look incorrigible. Jones ordered Johnson to serve his new prison sentence consecutively with a jail term he received for violating his parole, a decision that will add years to his incarceration time. The judge imposed a consecutive 5-year probation term and ordered $27,563 in restitution, the amount Johnson netted from the robberies. The powers that be do not know when your power will be restored. More than a million Houstonians are still without heat during this unprecedented cold snap. You're probably one of them, reading from your phone under a blanket. It's so bad that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the legislature to reform the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which is in charge of delivering electricty throughout the state. Because of ERCOT, Texas is lauded for energy independence through a "world-class" power grid. It only took a day of cold for the infrastructure to virtually crumble, leaving millions of Texans in the cold. Officials blame the cold weather for freezing up power generators, according to the Houston Chronicle's Marcy de Luna and Amanda Drane. "It needs to be restored as quickly as possible," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said during a live Q&A with ABC13 on Tuesday morning. "I wish I had the power to do it," Turner said about power restoration in Houston. "We do not. We're asking the same questions our residents are asking." In Houston, 10 people have already died in the frigid weather, according to the Houston Chronicle's Alejandro Serrano. Oncor, which is the power utility company in the North and West Texas, tweeted that ERCOT is "unable to predict" when power will be restored. This is contradictory to a statement from ERCOT Senior Director of System Operations Dan Woodfin. During the ABC13 Q&A, Turner called on the state to address the power problem immediately. Turner, who served on Texas Legislature subcommittees that oversaw electricity, said the ERCOT grid was designed to handle large loads in the heat of summer not the cold of winter. "In 2021, now the state must focus on creating additional load capacity not just for the summer but the winter," Turner said "It was simply not enough generation." If power is restored to your home, ERCOT asks that any large appliances be unplugged so a massive surge doesn't overload the grid and cause even more outages. Texas is missing nearly 45,000 megawatts of power generation. Of the generators that are down, roughly a third come from frozen wind turbines while the rest is from coal and gas power plants that are offline. The council last updated the grid and cold weather operating procedures back in 2011 when a cold snap left the state in a similar condition, ERCOT officials said during a press conference Tuesday. (Natural News) The mergers and acquisitions that are constantly taking place within Big Pharma and the United States healthcare system at large are helping the drug industry to rake in record profits, even as more lives than ever before are being destroyed in the process. Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) published a damning report on Jan. 29 outlining the horrors of this deathcare system, and calling on Congress to enact comprehensive, urgent reform to fix it. Entitled, Killer Profits: How Big Pharma Takeovers Destroy Innovation and Harm Patients, Porters report reveals how in just the past decade alone, the number of large, international pharmaceutical companies (has) decreased six-fold, from 60 to 10. The claim by company executives is that these consolidations are needed to increase operational efficiency, however Porters report explains that digging a level deeper exposes a troubling industry-wide trend of billions of dollars of corporate resources going toward acquiring other pharmaceutical corporations with patent-protected blockbuster drugs instead of putting those resources toward discovery of new drugs. In truth, nearly every pharmaceutical merger and acquisition that takes place is meant to boost stock prices, stop competitors, and / or acquire some new blockbuster drug that has the potential to bring in an enormous revenue stream. It is all about the money, in other words. We know the pharmaceutical industry does not care one iota about helping people get healthy because pharmaceutical drugs cause more harm than good, despite being the only approved form of medicine in America. Instead of spending on innovation, Big Pharma is hoarding its money for salaries and dividends, the report explains, all the while swallowing smaller companies, thus making the marketplace far less competitive. More related news about the pharmaceutical drug cartels can be found at Corruption.news. Trumps tax giveaway to the wealthy allowed 12 of the biggest pharmaceutical companies to buy back stocks In a series of tweets, Porter wrote that Big Pharma loves to gobble up biotechnology firms that would otherwise be its competition. As soon as these smaller companies are acquired, all innovation stops, she says. The culture of creativity is killed, Porter warns. The small firms vision is lost, and the big firms profits become priority. Porters report features exclusive interviews with former Immunex, and later Amgen employees, who help make the case that consolidation never really helps people, and instead just curbs innovation at the expense of patients. Our report is clear: Consolidation destroys scientific cultures that once celebrated creativity and transforms them into places that cater to the whims of shortsighted shareholders, Porter says. Drug companies love to claim that lowering the prices of prescription drugs is what kills innovation. The reality, however, is that prescription drug prices have only continued to skyrocket at the same time that innovation has shrunk to almost nothing. Instead, theyve dedicated more and more of their funds to enrich shareholders or to purchase other companies to eliminate competition. Back in 2018 when Donald Trump awarded a massive tax giveaway to the wealthy, the report further explains, 12 of the biggest pharmaceutical companies spent more money on stock buybacks than on research and development. All of these factors and more have made Big Pharma the largest, wealthiest political and societal force for evil this world has ever seen. Both sides of the political aisle are propagating its success, and We the People are getting dumber, sicker and more disenfranchised with each passing day. Competition is central to capitalism, Porter indicated in a press release about her report. As our report shows, Big Pharma has little incentive to invest in new, critically needed drugs. Instead, pharmaceutical giants are free to devote their resources to acquiring smaller companies that might otherwise force them to compete. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NaturalNews.com Authorities are still attempting to identify all of the victims of a multi-million dollar crypto currency theft involving a young Dublin man, the High Court has heard. Conor Freeman (21) was part of a group known as The Community who were involved in the transnational stealing of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 2018. Last year he was imprisoned for three years at Dublin Circuit Court in relation to the theft and avoided being extradited to the US where he faced a maximum 108-year prison term. The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) are currently taking a proceeds of crime case against him and in December secured orders for the seizure and detention of the $2m (1.69m) worth of cryptocurrency. The funds were initially handed over to gardai after Freeman was arrested at his south Dublin home in 2019. Yesterday, the High Court was told that authorities are still attempting to establish who owns the cryptocurrency seized in Ireland and that there are currently four injured parties. Grainne ONeill BL, for the bureau, said that the CAB is engaging with US authorities to determine the owners. She said that the Bureau is expecting a substantive response from US officials in the near future. Solicitor Michael Staines, for one of the injured parties living in the US, said that his client has suffered a huge loss and was very, very anxious that the matter be dealt with. He asked that this happen sooner rather than later and that it is dealt with in the Irish court rather than in the US. Ms ONeill said that, while this individual suffered a substantial loss, the four injured parties are not the only people who were victims of this crime. Mr Justice Alexander Owens queried if there may be other claimants connected to this case, and the court heard it was not yet possible to say who at this stage. The assets are still in the form of Bitcoin and being held in a wallet controlled by the bureau, the court heard. Justice Owens remarked that there is a risk to keeping the funds in their current form. The matter was adjourned to next month. Conor Freeman, of Glenageary, Dublin, previously pleaded guilty to stealing more than $2m (1.69m) worth of cryptocurrency in May 2018. He was part of a group of hackers known as The Community who carried out the multi-million dollar scam by using a form of scam called Sim hi-jacking. The crime allows the hackers access to their victims calls and SMS, which in turn through two-factor authentication gives access to their email, iCloud storage and ultimately their crypto-currency exchange account. Freeman was one of six people originally charged with the 15 count indictment in the US including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. In May 2019, Freeman was arrested in Dun Laoghaire on foot of a US warrant. The request was withdrawn after he entered his guilty plea at Dublin Circuit Court. A plea agreement filed for one of Freemans co-conspirators last year, Florida man Ricky Handschumacher, stated that the American was involved in the theft of cryptocurrency which at the time was valued at over $7m. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Phuket medical team returns from Samut Sakhon PHUKET: A team of medical staff from Phuket has returned after joining the intensive active surveillance in Samut Sakhon to counter the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19Coronavirushealth By The Phuket News Tuesday 16 February 2021, 12:46PM The first medical team returned to Phuket on Feb 8, and a second team of volunteers are set to leave the island on Feb 28. Photo: Vachira Phuket Hospital The first medical team returned to Phuket on Feb 8, and a second team of volunteers are set to leave the island on Feb 28. Photo: Vachira Phuket Hospital The first medical team returned to Phuket on Feb 8, and a second team of volunteers are set to leave the island on Feb 28. Photo: Vachira Phuket Hospital The first medical team returned to Phuket on Feb 8, and a second team of volunteers are set to leave the island on Feb 28. Photo: Vachira Phuket Hospital The first medical team returned to Phuket on Feb 8, and a second team of volunteers are set to leave the island on Feb 28. Photo: Vachira Phuket Hospital The first medical team returned to Phuket on Feb 8, and a second team of volunteers are set to leave the island on Feb 28. Photo: Vachira Phuket Hospital A total of nine staff from Vachira Phuket Hospital and Thalang Hospital, led by Dr Withita Jaeng-iam, went to work in the highest-control province, and the epicentre of the second wave of COVID-19 infections in the country, from Feb 1-6 The team was dispatched after a request for medical staff to volunteer to join the intensive testing required in Samut Sakhon after the extent of the outbreak was realised, explained the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office in a brief report. The medical team returned to the island on Feb 7, the report noted. The main duty of the team was collecting test samples from workers, mostly migrant workers, at workplaces in the Samut Sakhon. Because medical staff in Phuket did work very effectively in the first outbreak, when we were asked for support, the nine staff presented themselves as volunteers to go there, said the report. They went there with the good intent to help people, even though they had to work under very demanding circumstances, the report added. When they arrived back in Phuket, they all were tested for infection and quarantined themselves at their accommodation for 14 days, as required as a national-disease control measure. They did everything to make sure that they are not infected and were safe to go back to work, the PPHO noted. A second team of medical staff volunteers have already signed up to return to Samut Sakhon. Another team of 12 Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) staff will go to join the work in Samut Sakhon from Feb 28 to March 14, the PPHO confirmed. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Celebrating a year of possibilities, Absa Bank Ghana marked its first anniversary after launching a new brand with a bold strategy, leveraging on an over 100-year banking heritage. Absa Bank Ghana was officially launched in February 2020 with a brand promise of supporting customers to get things done. Anchored on the theme We are One with You, the bank took the opportunity to highlight its achievements over the past year and its plans for the future. In her anniversary message, Mrs. Abena Osei-Poku, Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana said As we look back on how far we have come, we would like to use this occasion to say a big thank you for choosing us and giving us the opportunity to serve you. Today, we have not just turned One, we are One with you; our cherished customers. As part of the anniversary celebration, the bank has lined-up exciting customer engagement programmes including rewards and Force for Good activities in the course of the year. Highlighting some of its major milestones, Mrs. Osei-Poku indicated that the bank has committed $550 million investment in technological solutions to enhance banking experience by driving digital banking innovations for secure and convenient transactions by customers. The Managing Director said the bank, over the years, has supported key sectors of the Ghanaian economy such as education, health, trade, agriculture among others. The bank also invested nearly GHs2 million to support in the fight against COVID 19 and for the provision of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to frontline health workers. Mrs. Osei-Poku thanked customers, stakeholders, employees and the public for their trust and support and indicated an optimistic outlook for Absa in the years ahead. We look forward to walking this journey of trust with you in the coming years as we continue to find ways to help you get things done, she said. Being a market leader, Absa Bank offers an integrated set of products and services including Corporate and Investment Banking, Business Banking with solutions for SMEs as well as Star-ups, and a three-tier Personal Banking proposition - Personal, Prestige & Premier Banking. With 67 service outlets and about 170 ATMs spread across the country, Absa Ghana also provides a wide range of bancassurance products and an array of digital banking solutions including Mobile Banking App, CashSend (ATM money transfer), ATM Cash Deposit and Mobile Money services; as well as Credit Cards and Point of Sale terminal services among others. Source: peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Democratic presidential candidates (L-R) former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) arrive on stage for the Democratic presidential primary debate in Las Vegas, Nev., on Feb. 19, 2020. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Nevada Seeking to Switch Caucus to Primary to Become Early Voting State Nevada Democrats are pushing to shift the state from holding a caucus for presidential elections to a primary system. Nevada Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson introduced a bill this week that would place the primary elections on the calendar in mid-January of presidential election years. Frierson said the bill will lay the groundwork for Nevada to become the first state in the nation in the presidential nominating process. If approved, Nevada would leapfrog both New Hampshire and Iowa in the primary order. The bill would also require Nevadas top election official to move the primary even earlier if another state in the West tried jumping ahead of Nevada. Early primary states can prove consequential in determining which candidate emerges as the pick of each major party, though President Joe Biden found his footing after initially stumbling in the 2020 primary. Nevadas diverse population and first-hand experience in issues relating to climate change, public lands, immigration, and health care provide a unique voice that deserves to be heard first, Frierson added in a statement. Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has backed the effort to shift Nevada to heightened importance in presidential primaries, and Nevada State Democratic Party Chair William McCurdy II said he backs the newly introduced legislation. Last year, Democrats did incredible work to make our caucuses more accessible by including early voting and introducing multilingual trainings and materials, but the only way we can bring more voices into the process is by moving to a primary, McCurdy said, arguing Nevada deserves to be the first in primary season because it is a majority-minority state with a strong union population and the power structure of the country is moving West. A Democratic National Committee spokesperson has told news outlets about possible changes to the primary system, saying, Every four years, the DNC looks back at what worked and what didnt work. New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement: New Hampshire takes seriously every suggestion that we should not retain our first-in-the-nation status, and we believe that we have a strong argument for the Granite State to retain its place. The level of engagement involved in the electorate here is significantly different than anywhere else, and I think that is one of the arguments why New Hampshire should remain first. We will continue to work hard to ensure New Hampshire retains its first-in-the-nation status, and were confident we will succeed. The Nevada GOP and the New Hampshire Republican Party didnt immediately return requests for comment. New Hampshire law requires its primary be held at least seven days ahead of a similar election held in another state. The states top election official can decide what counts as a similar election and set the date of the primary. There have been laws over the years in other states to have a primary the same days as ours. Weve had states move up and then back. Weve had states try to move ahead of us and there have been bills in state legislatures concerning moving their dates, New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner, a Democrat, told WMUR on Monday. But weve been first for over 100 years. Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, said in a statement that he has full confidence that New Hampshire will continue to serve as the gold standard with another first-in-the-nation primary next election cycle. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 After 20 years of military engagement and billions of dollars spent, NATO and the United States still grapple with the same, seemingly intractable conundrum how to withdraw troops from Afghanistan without abandoning the country to even more mayhem. An accelerated U.S. drawdown over the past few months, led by the previous U.S. administration, has signaled what may be in store for long-suffering Afghans. Violence is spiking and the culprits are, well, everyone: the Taliban the Islamic State group, warlords, criminal gangs and corrupt government officials. Currently, 2,500 U.S. and about 10,000 NATO troops are still in Afghanistan. NATO defense ministers will meet on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the way forward. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is reviewing his predecessor's 2020 deal with the Taliban, which includes a May 1 deadline for a final U.S. troop withdrawal from the war-ravaged country. In Washington, calls are mounting for the U.S. to delay the final exit or renegotiate the deal to allow the presence of a smaller, intelligence-based American force. All key players needed for a stable post-war Afghanistan come with heavy baggage. The Taliban now hold sway over half the country and both sides in the conflict have continued to wage war, even after peace talks between the Taliban and the Kabul government began last year in Qatar. The Taliban have lately been accused of targeted killings of journalists and civic leaders charges they deny. But they lack credibility, particularly because they refuse to agree to a cease-fire. There is also no proof they have cut ties with al-Qaida militants as required under the Taliban-U.S. deal. A January report by the U.S Treasury found that they continue to cooperate and that al-Qaida is getting stronger. Some reports from areas under Taliban control speak of heavy-handed enforcement of a strict interpretation of Islamic law: While the Taliban allow girls to go to school, the curriculum for both boys and girls seems mostly focused on religion. There is little evidence of women's progress in the deeply conservative, rural areas. Afghan warlords some accused of war crimes have been co-opted by international forces since the 2001 collapse of the Taliban regime, amassing power and wealth. In a vacuum that would follow the withdrawal of foreign troops, activists and Afghans fear the heavily armed warlords would return to another round of fighting, similar to the 1992-1996 bloodletting. At that time, the warlords turned their firepower on each other, killing more than 50,000 people, mostly civilians, and destroying much of the capital, Kabul. Afghan forces have also been accused of heavy-handedness. In January, a new U.N. report said that nearly a third of all detainees held in detention centers across Afghanistan say they have suffered some form of torture or ill-treatment. Corruption is rampant and government promises to tackle it, according to a U.S. watchdog, rarely go beyond paper. The regional affiliate of the Islamic State group, which in particular targets the country's minority Shiites, has grown more brazen and violent, its attacks increasing in frequency and audacity, testing a weak security apparatus. Despite nearly $1 trillion spent in Afghanistan of which a lion's share went on security lawlessness is rampant. According to the U.S. State Department, crime in Kabul is widespread, with criminals typically working in groups and using deadly force. Local authorities are generally ineffective in deterring crime," the State Department said. "Officers openly solicit bribery at all levels of local law enforcement. In some cases, officers carry out crimes themselves." Economic benchmarks are no better. The World Bank said the poverty rate rose from 55% in 2019 to 72% in 2020. Two-thirds of Afghans live on less than $1.90 a day. Unemployment rose in 2020 to 37.9%, from 23.9%, the World Bank said last week. This is an absolute disgrace given the billions spent on this country over the last two decades," Saad Mohsini, owner of Afghanistans popular TOLO TV, tweeted in response. Who will stand up and take responsibility? Meanwhile, Afghan youth, activists, minorities and women worry that the freedoms they have won since 2001 while still fragile will be lost to a Taliban-shared government, and if not to the Taliban, then to warring warlords. For the U.S. and NATO, the big concern is national security. Both want guarantees that Afghanistan will not again become a safe haven for terrorist groups as it was both during the Taliban era and when warlords ruled. Among them is Abdur Rasoul Sayyaf, now a key player in Kabul, whose group brought al-Qaida's Osama bin Laden to Afghanistan from Sudan in May 1996. Sayyaf was the inspiration behind the Philippine terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, another warlord in Kabul, briefly gave bin Laden a safe haven following the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that ousted the Taliban, who had up to that point sheltered the al-Qaida leader. In 2017, Hekmatyar signed a peace agreement with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and is now a member of the country's wider peace reconciliation council. Back in 2012, Human Rights Watch warned NATO that unless it held government forces as well as the Taliban accountable for abuses, the alliance's legacy would be a country run by abusive warlords including the Taliban and unaccountable security forces, said Patricia Gossman, associate director for Asia at the New York-based group. Analysts agree there is no easy solution to Afghanistan's deteriorating conditions, regardless of whether NATO stays or goes. Lets be very clear: A fragile peace process meant to stabilize the security environment hangs in the balance against the backdrop of a rogues gallery of spoilers, said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the Washington-based Wilson Center. Some say NATO and the U.S. should send a strong message for peace to all sides in Afghanistan's protracted conflict. The U.S. and NATO must be very clear ... that they do not wish more war in Afghanistan, that they want a political settlement between the warring parties and that those leaders who shout for more war, on both sides, are no longer good partners with the international community, said Torek Farhadi, political analyst and former adviser to the Afghan government. Absent a political settlement, Afghanistan is headed for a bitter civil war and potentially the country being fractured in the longer run, he added. ___ Associated Press news director for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Kathy Gannon, has been covering Afghanistan for The Associated Press since 1988. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Agencies that oversee New Mexicos water, land and natural resources are asking the state Legislature to approve budgets that would fill vacancies and shore up climate programs. But the House Appropriations and Finance Committee last week reduced the amount of general fund appropriations sought by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and Environment Department. Instead, the House panel followed the recommendations made by the Legislative Finance Committee. The two departments, which had inherited severely slimmed-down budgets at the start of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams administration in 2019, had received sizable increases since then due to an influx of state revenues. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ This year is a different story, however. State revenues have been hit by pandemic-related state park closures and a downturn in the oil market. The agencies trimmed their requests compared with the current year, and the LFC recommended further reductions. Brittany Fallon, policy director for the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, said the Legislative Finance Committees recommended budgets for environment and public lands agencies dont do enough to address staff vacancies or years of underfunding. Traditionally, budgets are analyzed in one- or two-year time frames, but that doesnt give a full picture of whats been done to these agencies over the past 10 years, Fallon said. We ask that when legislators consider this years budget, they take these calculations into heavy consideration. The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and Environment Department regulate the oil and gas industry, manage state parks and issue water and air quality permits. Now a state and national push for climate action means these agencies are taking on new initiatives. At the hearing last week, both agencies outlined why their FY22 budgets needed a boost to meet those climate goals. The Energy Transition Act and the governors executive orders on climate change task the agencies with helping to reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions. Climate action has also re-entered the national spotlight, with President Joe Bidens executive orders to pause new federal leasing permits and rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement. Energy, natural resources The House panel adopted the Legislative Finance Committee recommended budget of $68.36 million for EMNRD, which was a 9.3% decrease from the FY21 operating budget and was about $2.4 million less than the administrations recommendation. Rep. Nathan Small, a Las Cruces Democrat, said the panel knows there is continued work to do to come closer to meeting EMNRDs needs. The biggest gap would be if the Legislature approved $4.75 million for program support. The executive recommendation outlines $5.7 million for program support. EMNRD Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst said the LFCs proposal would prevent the department from filling eight positions in IT, legal services, administrative support to the Youth Conservation Corps and permit processing. Our agency is diverse, and we are essential to the states economic security and advancement, Propst said. Our energy resources, our forests, our mining and our mining reclamation activities, and our state parks touch every single corner of the state and every single one of your districts. We propose some modest, but strategic, investments to fill key positions across the agency. Environment Department General fund money directed to the Environment Department was cut by 42% from fiscal year 2010 to fiscal year 2019, according to an NMED analysis. Environment Secretary James Kenney said the agency needs to work toward having that funding restored to support water and air quality programs and COVID-19 response efforts. We are on an upswing here, and I really appreciate the Legislature helping us make those gains, Kenney said of increased appropriations in recent years. The agency had asked for a $3.7 million increase in the general fund appropriation, but the LFC recommendation keeps it at the same $13.1 million as in FY21. The LFC recommendations were more generous in other areas. In fact, they recommended an increase for the departments overall budget when it increased revenue from other specific funds such as for petroleum cleanup and fuel disposal fees than what the agency had sought. The House committee adopted the LFC recommendation of a $90.5 million overall NMED operating budget, compared to the agency request of $89.2 million. The LFC recommendation is a 0.4% decrease from last years total operating budget. While you may see us as the organization that regulates ozone from oil and gas headlines that come out of our department are directly related to working with communities to bring money into their communities, Kenney said. We work to make sure we are accountable to their solid and hazardous waste concerns, and making sure their drinking water is safe. The Cabinet secretaries and LFC analysts will present their proposed budgets to the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday. Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal. Professor Niamh Fitzgerald. Credit: University of Stirling A new first-of-its-kind study has questioned whether pub operators can effectively and consistently prevent COVID-19 transmissionafter researchers observed risks arising in licensed premises last summer. Led by the University of Stirling, the research was conducted in May to August last year in a wide range of licensed premises which re-opened after a nationwide lockdown, and were operating under detailed guidance from government intended to reduce transmission risks. While observed venues had made physical and operational modifications on re-opening, researchers found that practices were variable and a number of incidents of greater concern were observedthese included close physical interaction between customers and with staff, which frequently involved alcohol intoxication and were rarely effectively stopped by staff. The new studypublished in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs - is the first in the world to examine the operation of COVID-19 measures in licensed premises and its findings will inform governments, public health experts, and policymakers in the UK and other countries as they consider the impact of the pandemic on hospitality and the risks of lifting restrictions. Professor Niamh Fitzgerald, Director of the University of Stirling's Institute for Social Marketing and Health, led the research, which was funded by the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office. Professor Fitzgerald said: "Our study explored and observed business practices and behaviours of customers and staff in licensed premises in summer 2020 with a view to understanding if and how COVID-19 transmission risks could be managed in settings where alcohol is served. We interviewed business owners and representatives prior to re-opening to understand the challenges being faced. When pubs reopened last July, following the initial UK lockdown, our team visited premises to observe how government measures designed to reduce transmission risks in hospitality settings were working in practice, including any incidents likely to increase those risks. "Businesses expressed an intention to work within the guidance, but there were commercial and practical challenges to making this a reality. Upon re-opening, substantial efforts to change the layout of bars were observed and appeared to be working well in many premises, but problems were common including staff not wearing personal protective equipment, or with the management of toilets, queues and other 'pinch points'. We also observed several incidents of greater concern -including customers shouting, embracing or repeatedly interacting closely with several households and staffwhich were rarely addressed by staff. "We concluded that, despite the efforts of bar operators and guidance from government, potentially significant risks of COVID-19 transmission persisted in at least a substantial minority of observed bars, especially when customers were intoxicated. Closures of premises can eliminate these risks, but also cause significant hardship for business owners and staff." The UK entered national lockdown on March 20 last year. In Scotland, licensed premises were permitted to reopen indoor spaces from July 15, with strict safety rules in place to minimise the riskof transmission. Premises operating to a one-metre physical distancing limit had to install appropriate signage, all customers had to be seated, staff had to wear face coverings, and improved ventilation and noise reduction measures had to be introduced. Following a large outbreak in early August linked to licensed premises in Aberdeen, it was made a legal requirement for customer details to be collected for contact tracing, and guidance was strengthened around queuing, standing and table service. Interviews Prior to the restrictions being lifted, the research team conducted interviews with stakeholdersincluding representatives from major relevant Scottish and UK trade associationsto gauge the sector's thoughts and feelings around implementing COVID-19 measures in licensed premises. While businesses expressed a willingness to work within government guidance to protect customers and staff, support consumer confidence and enable a return to trading, the interviewsconducted in May and Junealso identified commercial challenges of doing so, including financial implications and a risk of compromising the customer experience. Interviewees felt that there were factors that would help moderate transmission risks, including existing legal requirements on premises (for example, prohibition on selling to drunk customers); industry expertise in managing customer behaviour, including drunkenness; new norms such as allowing table service only; and public anxiety around COVID-19 generally leading to more responsible behaviours. They acknowledged that staff would need to be trained and skilled in implementing the new measuresbut also felt that some customers may not appreciate, or respond to, intervention. Licensed premises observations Twenty-nine observations of licensed premises took place in July and August, with the researchers monitoring premises for up to two hours while posing as customers. The study found that: Venues had introduced new layouts, signage, queuing systems, noise and toilet management, and provided hand sanitising stationshowever, stations were infrequently used. Two of the venues routinely administered sanitiser to customers' hands on entry. Most venues required customers to provide contact details to support contact tracing, however, nine businesses observed did notincluding one venue visited after this was made mandatory by the Scottish Government in August. While staff wore personal protective equipment (PPE) in most venues, in several, staff wore no PPE, wore masks inappropriately, or removed them to talk to other staff or customers. Most venues distanced their tables by one metre or more, or had installed partitions between booths, however, several had tables closer together than that without partitions. One-way systems were implemented to help regulate the flow of customersalthough this measure was sometimes ignoredand pinch points were problematic in nearly all venues, with entrances, corridors, doorways or bar counter areas leading to bottlenecks and people congregating, often unchallenged. Fewer than half of venues offered table service onlywhich helps avoid any possibility of queuing for service at the barand, in at least one venue observed in July, a continuous queue formed in the one-metre space between tables. Fewer than half of venues had a basic system (for example, a sign on a door) in place to limit the number of customers entering toiletswhile most had no measures to ensure physical distancing inside those areas, with no cubicles or sinks condemned. Overcrowding and poor physical distancing was observed to be a problem within toilet areas in some premises. Incidents A wide range of incidents with potential to increase transmission risk were observed in all but three venues, with multiple incidents reported in most. Incidents deemed to be of greater concerndue to the repeated or continuous nature of the potential risk, the large number of customers involved, or the involvement of staffwere observed in eleven venues. These included: various combinations of singing, shouting or playing music; mixing between groups; standing and moving around the bar without distancing; customers taking photographs with other customers and staff; shaking hands or embracing others who did not appear to be in their household. Notably, in all but one of the venues visited in August, customers were witnessed singing loudly or shouting, and with just one example of effective staff intervention to suppress customer noise. The research team identified factors which interacted to give rise to the more serious incidents, including: physical set up and operation of premises, a social atmosphere, customer behaviour, alcohol consumption and staff practices. All but one of these incidents were observed in the evening; all but two occurred in premises located in a town or village, rather than a city; all but three allowed bar service (rather than table service only); and customers often appeared to be regulars. In the majority of premises, no staff intervention in incidents or attempts to enforce restrictions were observed. In some cases, staff intervened in a light-hearted wayfor example, by gently or playfully reprimanding customersbut such interventions were largely ineffective. Enforcement by external agenciessuch as environmental health or police officerswas not observed in any of the venues. The research report notes that Scottish Government guidance does not go into detail on exactly how bar or security staff might be expected to effectively and safely intervene in customer breaches of distancing, or in the management of situations which would normally require close contact between customers and staffsuch as the removal of very drunk or belligerent customers from the premises. Evidence Professor Fitzgerald said: "Our study makes a unique contribution by providing the first evidence, including direct observation data, of how premises operated in practice when allowed to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, our findings suggest grounds for uncertainty about the extent to which new rules can be consistently and effectively implemented in a sector where interaction between tables, households and strangers is the norm, and alcohol is routinely consumed. "Despite the efforts of licensed premises, and detailed guidance from Government, potentially significant risks of COVID-19 transmission persisted in a substantial minority of observed barsespecially when customers were intoxicated. Blanket closures, curfews or alcohol sales bans are more likely to be deemed necessary to control virus spread, if such risks cannot be acceptably, quickly and cost-effectively reduced through support and/or sanctions for premises operators. Such blanket actions may also have benefits in terms of protecting staff from occupational exposure and reducing pressure on emergency services from alcohol-related injuries or disorder. However, attention also needs to be paid to the impact of closures on businesses, economic activity, employee hardship, and ownership patterns in the sector, as well as any risks posed by diversion of some drinking to the home." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak New Delhi, Feb 16 : Stressing that author and journalist Sandeep Bamzais recently released book 'Princestan: How Nehru, Patel and Mountbatten Made India manages to unearth multiple facets of the period between 1945 and 1947, Congress MP and writer Jairam Ramesh said that though history tells us that the British transferred power to India and Pakistan, there was also a third party to which the British were toying with the idea of transferring power to. "Most of our historical discussions and discourses tend to neglect Princestan. We focus only on the transfer of power to India and Pakistan. Bamzai has not only brought together all the material on Princestan but also tells his readers a fascinating tale of how three key personalities -- Nehru, Patel and Mountbatten, helped by V.P. Menon played a decisive role in ensuring that India did not get Balkanized, and the partition that took place was only into two dominions -- India and Pakistan." Published by Rupa Publications, the book, which sheds light on a plan devised by some powerful princes to not join either India or Pakistan in run-up to independence, was discussed during a launch event organised by Oxford Bookstores on Monday. Recalling that the idea of writing the book came to him while researching for the first book of the trilogy, 'Deconstructing the Accession: Bonfire of Kashmiriyat', when he came across rare material bequeathed to him by his grandfather, who was the OSD to the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the author said, "It was a treasure trove. I was to later discover that most of it was not even in the available at National Archives or the Nehru Museum. "In my possession are first copies of all documents in the form of letters and correspondences. It made all sense to build it into a bigger book, about all the ambition of 565 princely states. Of course, being a working journalist, snatching time to sit down and write a book is not easy. However, in 2015, during a sabbatical, I got down to work on this book. ORF was kind enough to give me a fellowship for that period." Though a student of economics and not history, the author immersed himself in the documents, and researched at the Nehru Museum and National Archives. Adding that research also involves corroborating the material in hand, Bamzai says that it is important to interpret history in light of new material and findings. "Many of Nehru's biographers didn't use the strand of thought that stood on the alliance between him and Mountbatten to combat the princes. Frankly, Nehru passed the baton to Mountbatten, who in turn passed it to Sardar, and that is how this exercise culminated in all the princes coming together. Adding that Sardar Patel was the enforcer, Mountbatten the charmer, Nehru the ideologue with VP Malik the draftsman, Ramesh said that in our fixation on India and Pakistan, the third player -- Princestan never got the attention it deserved. "And it is interesting to note that Princestan was a perfectly secular enterprise and straddled the Hindu-Muslim divide. "We know that it was Bengal and Punjab that got partitioned and not India. This book brings out the important fact that India might have got partitioned had the princes had their way. An important aspect of political history in the transfer of power did not get the attention it deserves. I am glad this book bridges that gap." Although the author's grandfather would not discuss politics with him , his father would tell him stories from that era. While Nehru lived in 17, York Road, and his grandfather in the outhouse, Bamzai recalls, "Nehru would frequently talk to my father, who was a child then. I have several photographs from that time. I grew up with a lot of stories of that era." Pointing that while Patel and Nehru were clear that princely states had no role to play in independent India, while Mahatma Gandhi believed in the concept of trusteeship, Bamzai said, "He felt that princes represent the trustees and should rule. However, Netaji also supported Nehru that India had to be one without any princes and provinces. "Nehru was influenced by Fabian socialism, Annie Besant and George Bernard Shaw and was completely anti-monarchy. In fact, the princes would tell Patel and Gandhi that it was impossible to talk to him." When Ramesh pointed that much space has been devoted to discussing Ram Chandra Kak (Kashmir's Prime Minister during 1945-1947) and Ramaswami Iyer who served as the Diwan of Travancore, Bamzai said, "Let's not forget that it was Kak who allowed the Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh to think he should vacillate till there comes a time when he can be independent. Of course, it did not come to that. But we must remember that Hari Singh signs the instrument of accession only when the raiders come and there is no other option, on October 26. Travancore wanted to have its own secret pact with the British thanks to the strategic ports and the large Thorium reserves there." When asked by Ramesh about the most surprising bits that he came across during the course of his research, the author said, "At the time when Nehru had rejected the 'Dickie Bird Plan', Edwina Mountbatten calls VP Menon, informing him that both Nehru and Mountbatten were in Shimla. Menon goes to Shimla, takes Mountbatten to Nehru and an alternate plan is put together. Menon then calls Sardar. Here, I would like to stress that a major reason behind writing this book was to emphasize the role of many nameless and faceless individuals." While Princestan took around five years with three years of research and a year to actually write, Bamzai has completed the research for his next book on Kashmir. "This one was supposed to be released earlier but Covid-19 delayed our plans. From the materials in my possession, I have retained a large part on Kashmir, which is not out even in the first part of the trilogy. "In the next book too, I will use the same approach as the one adopted in 'Princestan'. Kashmir will be seen through the prism of five people." Bamzai further stressed on the need for a National Freedom Archive, an idea floated by Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow at ORF during a launch event for 'Princestan'. "There is some priceless historical material in various private collections including mine. Much more needs to be documented about the different facets of the Indian Independence movement which is a vast canvas." Ramesh added that he too has some rare material and there existed several important documents scattered in different state archives. "All that should come under one roof. The archives should also be digitalised so that everyone can access the documents easily." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The governor of the state of Minnesota signed last week a declaration to publicize the Khojaly Genocide of Azerbaijanis in the state on February 26, the day commemorating the victims. Governor Tim Waltz proclaimed the same day as Azerbaijan Day in Minnesota. The majority of todays Azerbaijani Minnesotan community are descendants of survivors of the Khojaly Genocide, the declaration reads, adding Azerbaijani Minnesotans have a long and deeply rooted legacy that reminds Americans of both proud and painful chapters of their history, Caspian News reports. The declaration further reads that the Azerbaijani Americans, who call Minnesota home, have played irreplaceable roles in the states past by bringing rich diversity and enriched the state by preserving and promoting the Azerbaijani culture, history and heritage in Minnesota. Head of the Azerbaijani Association in Minnesota, Gunel Rallis, said the declarations adoption followed an appeal by the community to the state governor in January of this year. The communitys perseverance has finally paid off despite rejections by the governors office, according to Rallis. They did not want to touch on international conflicts. I gave accurate and comprehensive information about the genocide and tragedies committed by Armenians, she said. I did not accept the rejection because this was the first appeal in Azerbaijan's history in Minnesota. Then, we achieved to sign this statement. It is a great success for the people and the state of Azerbaijan. Rallis said information about the Khojaly Genocide of Azerbaijanis will be publicized in Minnesota through the roadside boards installed on the states highways starting on February 20. The mass annihilation of Azerbaijanis in the town of Khojaly in the Nagorno-Karabakh (Daghlig Garabagh) region of Azerbaijan was the deadliest chapter of atrocities committed by Armenia's forces in the early 1990s. Late into the night on February 25, Armenian forces, backed by the Infantry Guard Regiment No. 366 from a collapsed Soviet army, assaulted Khojaly to kill 613 ethnic Azerbaijanis, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people, and take 1,275 as hostages. Another 150 Azerbaijani nationals went missing, whose fates remain unknown to this day. Those suffering major injuries or having been maimed totaled 487, including 76 children. The massacre in Khojaly has been committed as part of broader military aggression launched by Armenia in 1991 to occupy Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region, which was partially populated with ethnic Armenians living alongside indigenous Azerbaijanis. The Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is an internationally recognized part of Azerbaijan, was the primary focus of invasion plan developed by Armenia's authorities since the late 1980s. The full-scale war lasted until a ceasefire deal in 1994. As a result of the bloody war, Armenia occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijans internationally recognized territories the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. Over 30,000 ethnic Azerbaijanis were killed and one million were expelled from those lands in a brutal ethnic cleansing policy conducted by Armenia. Although the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions in 1993 demanding the immediate withdrawal of the occupying forces from the Azerbaijani lands and the return of internally displaced Azerbaijanis to their native lands, Armenia failed to comply with all four legally binding documents. The latest outbreak of war in the region started on September 27 last year after Armenias forces deployed in the occupied Azerbaijani lands shelled military positions and civilian settlements of Azerbaijan. The attacks triggered the Azerbaijani forces to take immediate counter-offensive measures for pushing back the assault. The 44-day war ended in a tripartite ceasefire statement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on November 9. By this time, Azerbaijani forces liberated more than 300 settlements, including five cities from nearly 30-year-long illegal Armenian occupation. 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. Sixteen countries from around the world including the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Panama, Pakistan, Jordan, Indonesia, the Scottish parliament in the UK, the 57-country Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as 24 state governments in the United States, have officially recognized the events in Khojaly as genocide of Azerbaijanis. The House of Representatives of Minnesota has earlier in 2016 adopted a resolution to recognize February 26 as the 24th anniversary of the Khojaly massacre. TV channels in California have broadcasted a film about the Khojaly Genocide Running from the Darkness on the eve of the genocides commemoration last year. KYODO NEWS - Feb 16, 2021 - 19:55 | All, Japan A former executive director of Amnesty International Japan has sued the human rights organization for 5 million yen ($47,500), claiming unfair dismissal after he was diagnosed with depression that stemmed from being forced to give reports in Japanese, sources familiar with the case said Tuesday. According to the complaint filed with the Tokyo District Court, Taro O'Sullivan said the organization hired him with the knowledge that he could speak Japanese at a conversational level but could barely read or write it. The 62-year-old American is also seeking to have his dismissal overturned and has filed for damages against the Tokyo-based organization and Kaori Shoji, a professor at Gakushuin University in Tokyo who was the organization's chair at the time. Amnesty International Japan said the board of directors acted appropriately at the time. "I would like to establish the truth through this trial," Shoji told Kyodo News. O'Sullivan, whose mother is Japanese, joined the organization in March 2017 after completing his tenure as the executive director of a major North American labor federation in Los Angeles. He was to be formally employed after completing a six-month probation, but during that period a requirement was added that reports and presentations were to be given in Japanese. While emails between O'Sullivan and the board of directors were initially translated by Shoji, he was later forced to communicate in Japanese by himself. O'Sullivan's employment contract also stated that his position had wide-ranging authority, which included hiring staff. But as articles of incorporation, written in Japanese, state that the board of directors possessed authority over personnel management, Shoji stopped a new hire that O'Sullivan attempted to make. O'Sullivan became unable to work due to ill health and was diagnosed with depression in September 2017. He was notified by Amnesty International Japan later in the same month that his contract had been terminated, with his working attitude cited among the reasons. Amnesty International, a nongovernmental organization focused on ending abuses of human rights, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977. O'Sullivan was the first non-Japanese citizen to have been appointed as executive director of the Japanese branch, which opened in 1970. RED DEER, Alta. - Olymel has announced it is temporarily closing a pork plant in central Alberta where health officials say hundreds of COVID-19 cases are now connected with an outbreak at the facility. RED DEER, Alta. - Olymel has announced it is temporarily closing a pork plant in central Alberta where health officials say hundreds of COVID-19 cases are now connected with an outbreak at the facility. In a statement Monday, the company said management no longer believes its hog slaughtering, cutting and deboning plant in Red Deer can be operated safely and efficiently. A provincial spokesperson said in an email that there are 326 confirmed cases and 192 active cases connected to the outbreak. The company had earlier said the outbreak began in November, but it wasn't until Jan. 20 that there was a significant rise in infections and one person later died. "Olymel sincerely hopes that all employees at the Red Deer plant who have tested positive for COVID-19 soon regain their health. The company will follow up with all employees to ensure their quarantine period is being respected and will strongly encourage all staff to get tested before returning to work," a statement on Monday said. "Olymel will also continue ongoing investigations to determine what may have caused such a large outbreak of Covid-19 cases since January 20." United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 president Thomas Hesse said the union is relieved after it had been calling for a closure for weeks, but he said there's no word on whether the 1,850 workers will be paid while the plant is shut. He said the union is investigating if the workers qualify for existing government assistance programs. "They've come to their senses and agreed to hit the pause button," Hesse said in a phone interview Monday evening. "The workers are finally feeling relief. They're scared to death. Now we have to figure out the pay issue," he added, noting the union has called for a meeting Thursday with management but hadn't heard back. Alberta Health Services, the province's provincial health delivery agency, said in an email after the closure was announced that its inspectors have visited the site multiple times since the start of the outbreak. It said the inspectors reviewed the companys mitigation measures and safety protocols, and that they continue to be in daily, contact with the site. "We will continue to work closely with Olymel in reviewing their practices and identifying any areas for improvement should they arise," the AHS email stated. The email also said that health workers will be providing support, including testing, to Olymel workers and their families. Olymel said in its statement that over the next few days, plant management will "mobilize the staff necessary to cease operations and complete the facility closure as soon as possible." It said it has also informed hog suppliers about the closure and has suspended deliveries until further notice. It said the closure period is "indefinite." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 15, 2021. Interact with The Modern Office in a 3D! Visit themodernoffice.com. A modern office needs to be smart, said RJ Young COO AJ Baggott. It must integrate technology as a business advantage. Meaning, it must make team members day-to-day processes easier, faster, and more sophisticated. All to improve efficiency and outcomes. RJ Young, the industry-leading provider of technology solutions that power businesses, announced today the launch of its one-stop-shop for business technology solutions The Modern Office. The Modern Office approach is the organizations response to the markets evolving needs amid workplace shifts initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic. A modern office needs to be smart, said RJ Young COO AJ Baggott. It must integrate technology as a business advantage. Meaning, it must make team members day-to-day processes easier, faster, and more sophisticated. All to improve efficiency and outcomes. The launch comes after a pivotal year for RJ Young a company with a 60-plus-year history most often associated with their copier and printer solutions. With offices shifting to a remote workforce at the start of 2020, RJ Young adapted to meet the modern technology needs of businesses. What was a part of their five-year plan of incorporating and providing complete business technology solutions, became their 6-month plan. At the start of COVID-19 when businesses were transitioning to a remote workplace, we realized that our expertise in document management and business workflows was highly coveted by many businesses who were not prepared for this change, said RJ Young CEO, Chip Crunk. The disruption caused by this sudden shift to remote working created a demand for new ways to do business, and we saw the opportunity to leverage our expertise and pivot our offerings to help our customers. We were already getting other technology solutions ready to help our clients and our ourselves but this was the moment we ran toward the challenge to find the opportunity. The Modern Office includes four categories of essential technologies for the modern-day organization office equipment and technology, managed IT solutions, managed services and business process outsourcing, and digital communications. RJ Youngs new offerings are the ultimate way for businesses to modernize their office technology, creating unparalleled efficiencies whether they are working from the office or elsewhere. When business leaders can access the solutions and expertise under one roof, they can ensure their technologies are synchronized, optimized, tested, and approved. RJ Youngs Modern Office offers more than 30 business technology solutions. Thats after internal experts vetted and tested hundreds of solutions. Some of the most popular across the Southeastern footprint include: Security cameras and access control. With hybrid cloud technology, facial recognition and environment sensors, many businesses are opting for smarter security cameras especially as many organizations are out of office. Schools are also using these cameras to monitor and limit crowds to enforce social distancing. Managed IT Services. With a 97 percent customer retention rate and dedicated experts in network security and more, businesses rely on RJ Young to manage or augment IT needs. Secure and proactive managed IT services are more important than ever as the workforce transitions to remote work. Business phone systems. Organizations are eliminating dedicated landlines and integrating voice, messaging, video conferencing, and more with a cloud-based collaboration platform. Document management systems. Going digital is essential since team members need to access documents from anywhere. With these services team members can store, organize, and manage everyday business documents and files in a digital format. After shifting to a technology solution approach in June of 2020, RJ Young has grown this area of their business by 400 percent. While we may be an established company with a presence in more than 30 markets across the Southeast, weve been able to pivot quickly, said Crunk. Im proud of our team for finding a gap, filling it and adapting with the agility of a startup. ABOUT RJ YOUNG RJ Young is an industry leader providing technology solutions that power businesses in the Southeast. RJ Young helps small to enterprise level organizations transition into modern workplaces and increase productivity with comprehensive managed IT solutions, office equipment and technology, business process outsourcing and digital communications. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, RJ Young has been partnering with businesses since 1955 and has more than 600 employees in more than 30 sales and service locations across nine states. To learn more about how RJ Young can help power your organization with technology solutions, visit RJYoung.com or reach out to info@rjyoung.com While sufficient information on Covid-19 seems to have been given in almost all languages, persons with hearing impairments still left behind. In an interview, the Sign Language Interpreter Trust (SLIT) Director, Mbiko Nxumalo said even though enough information was seemingly being distributed through posters and books, persons with hearing impairments were still being disadvantaged as a lot of them could not read and write. "Most deaf people cannot read and write well enough to comprehend this information," he said. "The Deaf and Hard of Hearing are especially disadvantaged most since Sign Language is a 'visual language' which is very different from other spoken languages that are being used by different governments and institutions to disseminate information on Covid-19," said Nxumalo. He said those with hearing impairments were erroneously being clustered together with those with other disabilities. SLIT has prepared some videos on Covid-19 in Zimbabwe Sign Language and has shared them on different platforms for the benefit of the deaf community which uses the language. Nxumalo also said even though his organisation has managed to disseminate information on its Facebook page as well as on You Tube, the content reaches a few of them due to economic limitations. "We have podiums where we distribute information but unfortunately, the deaf cannot access these platforms because of a number of reasons the major one being the high cost of data. "Another problem is that they might not have the necessary gadgets to access the information. "We also have a Sign Language Helpline where the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, stakeholders and others are getting in touch with us with their questions on Covid-19 and any other issues they may have," said Nxumalo. By Tracy Rucinski (Reuters) - JetBlue Airways Corp pilots voted to reject a tentative agreement that would have given the airline contractual relief to implement its planned partnership with American Airlines Group Inc,, their union said in a statement on Tuesday. New York-based budget carrier JetBlue and international major American Airlines announced plans for a strategic tie-up in July to give them more muscle in the U.S. Northeast as the industry plots its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. For any agreement to proceed, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) representing JetBlue pilots said management must provide assurances over job safety. "Job security, especially during turbulent points in our industry, is a main concern of every pilot, Chris Kenney, chairman of the JetBlue unit of ALPA, said. "We are disappointed in the results of the vote," a JetBlue spokesman said, noting the company and ALPA had worked together on the tentative agreement. "We are committed to our alliance with American Airlines and plan to move forward so we can deliver its benefits to both crewmembers and customers," he said. The tentative agreement gave some relief from restrictions in 2018 collective bargaining on the types of tie-ups JetBlue could undertake in exchange for an additional pay raise and some enhancement in job security, the union said. American Airlines' management has told its pilots the deal would comply with their clauses on scope, or the amount of flying that can be done by other carriers, but the union is concerned about the impact it would have on jobs for domestic flights, a union spokesman said. "We've never seen a code share at American that has led to more mainline jobs," said Dennis Tajer, spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association representing American's pilots. American has said the deal, which is currently under U.S. regulatory review, will help boost its international flying operations. (Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Peter Cooney and Cynthia Osterman) Parler is back online after the social media site popular with supporters of former president Donald Trump was knocked offline last month. Parler effectively fell off the Internet in January, when Amazon refused to provide technical cloud computing support to the site after the tech giant determined that Parler was not doing enough to moderate and remove incitements of violence. The site was not fully functional on Monday, and some users reported technical glitches as they tried to log in and refresh feeds. Private messaging was disabled, but the basic outline of the site was live. "We're in for a little bit of a bumpy ride for the next day or two, there's been a ton of backend work we've completed over the last couple of weeks," Parler Chief Technology Officer Alexander Blair posted on the site Monday morning. Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post. Parler, which said it had more than 12 million users when it was knocked offline, became especially popular with Trump supporters last year and emerged as a common place to discuss baseless election fraud claims after Trump lost the November 2020 election. The tipping point for many of its partners to pull technical support came after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, when users on Parler glorified the riot. Apple and Google removed the app from their app stores, making it nearly impossible for new users to download the app. Then Amazon severed its hosting service from Parler, effectively turning off the lights. The companies cited Parler's lax moderation policies against calls for violence. Parler did not immediately respond to a request for comment about its return or its hosting service. Parler appeared to be using a Los Angeles-based cloud hosting company called SkySilk to return online. Hackers on Twitter, including the user who orchestrated a large-scale scrape of Parler's public data as it fell offline, identified SkySilk as the host. John Jackson, founder of hacking group Sakura Samurai, confirmed that the technical footprint points to SkySilk in public records. SkySilk did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation. Parler long prided itself on allowing users "free speech" in pretty much any legal form, and regularly railed against big social media sites including Twitter and Facebook for what it characterized as overmoderating what users posted online. It got an initial boost of high-profile users, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in summer 2020 after Twitter started labeling Trump's posts with fact checks. The social media site was known as a friendly spot for conservative pundits and supporters who were fed up with "censorship" on other social media apps. But after the election, Parler also became a breeding ground for misinformation about the vote and calls for violence in the District of Columbia. It's been a bumpy ride for Parler since the Capitol attack. After it was kicked offline, the site sued Amazon for the decision and launched a static Web page where it posted periodic updates about its efforts to come back online. Then the board of directors, which includes investor and billionaire Republican megadonor Rebekah Mercer, fired CEO and co-founder John Matze. Matze told Axios that he advocated for Parler to adopt more automated moderating, which the big social media sites use together with human moderators to enforce their policies. Parler is now being run by interim CEO Mark Meckler, who co-founded the right-wing Tea Party Patriots political organization. "We are committed to continuing to fulfill our role as the premier platform for free speech, data sovereignty and civil discourse," Meckler posted on Parler Monday. Future Group's creditors are exploring options to recover more than $2.5 billion in loans, amid worries the Indian retailer's planned sale of assets to Reliance Industries could fail, four bankers with knowledge of the matter said. Future may face liquidation if the deal, already mired in legal wrangling, falls through and banks are actively discussing an alternate one-time restructuring option that could include an easier repayment tenure and fresh capital infusion, the people said on condition of anonymity as the talks are private. "Without Reliance, there is no ... CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) -- Major vaccination efforts are underway on both sides of the state line here in the Wabash Valley. One county health department set a goal of administering a thousand COVID-19 doses. The Crawford County Health Department leaders said the faster they vaccinate the public, the sooner they will get new shipments of COVID-19 drugs to vaccinate more people. That's why they came up with a drive-thru model to get a thousand people vaccinated in a single day. The Crawford County Health Department offered this drive-thru clinic to vaccinate as many people as possible in a short period of time. People could just pull up outside the Robinson School District's Transportation Building to get their vaccine. Volunteers guided drivers and shots went into arms as people sat in their cars. The Director of the Crawford County Health Department, Madelyn Taylor, said this clinic is happening because more vaccines need to go out to the public. Taylor said, "The state, I'm sure you've heard, how allocations are going, they're kind of slow. But if they see that you're using it quickly they're going to give it to you quickly. If you're sitting on that vaccine and not using it, then they'll slow down your allocations." Taylor said Crawford County is in the top 10 for Illinois counties that have vaccinated the most people. She said this is an important milestone because at the very beginning of the vaccine rollout the county wasn't even in the top 50 to receive vaccines. Taylor said, "We know what this means, we know what vaccinating this many people means in one day, that means one step forward to a healthier county and a little bit normal of a lifestyle. As normal as it can get right now." Taylor told News 10 this clinic gives hope to people getting vaccinated and it helps the vaccinators feel like they can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. She said she's very thankful for all the support so far and she hopes to offer this clinic again. Taylor said the health department needs your help to get more people vaccinated. If you would like to volunteer, you can go to the Crawford County Health Department website. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Wastewater treatment systems that combine conventional set-ups with a relatively new technology could reap a host of benefits: smaller plant sizes, lower energy costs and more nitrogen pollution removed. Researchers at the University of Michigan have demonstrated how utilizing a "membrane aerated biofilm reactor" (MABR) in a hybrid configuration with traditional technologies can supercharge treatment. Bioreactors are the containers at treatment plants where bacteria break down the organic material in the waste streams produced in homes and businesses. With an MABR as part of the system, it can mean operating at one-third the cost, one-third the size and with a greater ability than traditional technology to remove nitrogen from effluentthe treated water that plants send back to rivers and streams. Reducing the levels of nitrogen in a plant's effluent can decrease contamination of local waterways and drinking water, and help to halt the growth of harmful algae. "We're marrying MABR with conventional treatment technology, taking advantage of each's strong suits," said Glen Daigger, a U-M professor of civil and environmental engineering. "Our modeling work demonstrates the feasibility of a hybrid approach and quantifies the benefits. It will help set the stage for much wider adoption of MABR technology." Daigger's research appears this week in Water Science and Technology. The technology underlying MABRs has been around for more than two decades, but commercialization began in only the last five to six years. This increased performance and efficiency stems mostly from the fact MABRs don't need the same amount of space as traditional wastewater bioreactors. Most of the space in those reactors is used to hold the bacteria that break down human wastes and food scraps. Those bacteria need oxygen to survive, and the key difference between an MABR and a conventional reactor is how that oxygen is supplied in the tank. A traditional bioreactor uses bubble diffusers at the bottom of the tank to release and push oxygen bubbles upward, but it is an inefficient means of delivery. An MABR relies on "bubbleless aeration." Thin, tube-like membranes are coated with bacteria in the form of a biofilm. Oxygen is sent through the membranes, and it passes directly to the bacteria in the biofilm. That direct transfer significantly reduces the amount of energy the process requires and allows the bioreactor to be much smaller. With the hybrid MABR approach, less organic matter is needed for nitrogen removal so that more is available for conversion to biogas that can be used for energy production. "This hybrid approach will direct more of the organic matter that comes into the plant to the digester, where its decomposition can create more biogas, which can be used as an energy source," Daigger said. The hybrid reactor plan devised at U-M will get a real-world test in the coming months with a demonstration-scale version sited in Nanjing, China with partner Nanjing Zhidao Water Technology Co., Ltd. If successful, researchers will bring the system home to the City of Ann Arbor's Wastewater Treatment Plant. "Right now, MABR is at an important inflection point in the technology development process," said Avery Carlson, a graduate student research assistant in U-M's civil and environmental engineering deprtment. "Our goal is to unravel some of the biological interactions in a small treatment unit here in Ann Arbor to facilitate the technology adoption at larger scale and in scenarios with immediate high impact elsewhere, such as the pilot plant in China. "Ultimately, we believe hybrid MABR designs will go a long way in optimizing treatment at existing plants, while laying the groundwork for a resource capturing, energy generating treatment plant of the future." Explore further Researchers develop new multitasking microbe for simpler, cheaper and greener wastewater treatment More information: Avery L. Carlson et al. Comparison of hybrid membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR)/suspended growth and conventional biological nutrient removal processes, Water Science and Technology (2021). Avery L. Carlson et al. Comparison of hybrid membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR)/suspended growth and conventional biological nutrient removal processes,(2021). DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.062 The River Forest stop is one of 25 semifinal locations, and the best of the best dancers from each competition will head to the finals taking place May 3-9 in Tampa, Fla. In total, about 12,000 students are expected to take part in the semifinal portion of the competition, while 300 to 500 are expected to make the finals. Gun safety advocates rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court during oral arguments in the Second Amendment case NY State Rifle & Pistol vs. City of New York, N.Y., in Washington, on Dec. 2, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Pelosi, Top Democrats Renew Call for Gun Control Measures Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said on Feb. 14, the third anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting, that Democrats will seek to enact stricter gun control measures to ensure that all students are safe from gun violence. Pelosi says her party wont rest until shootings like the one that took place in Parkland are permanently curbed. On this solemn remembrance, Democrats join the American people to renew our commitment to our unfinished work to ensure that no family or community is forced to endure the pain of gun violence. We will not rest until all Americans, in schools, in the workplace, in places of worship and throughout our communities are safe, once and for all, Pelosi said in a statement. On Feb. 14, 2018, a former student opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, killing 17 people, including 14 students, and injuring 17 others. The gunman, Nikolas Cruz, had been expelled from Stoneman, reportedly because of a history of violence and mental health issues. Lesley Hollywood, who represents Rally for Our Rights, a gun-rights group out of Colorado that advocates for Second Amendment rights, said she blames the local government for the Parkland shooting because local officials failed to enforce the gun safety laws already on the books. The things, the pieces that should have been put in place already to prevent him from buying a gun were not ever put into place. And the people I blame for that is not gun owners or the NRA, I blame the government, she said at a 2018 demonstration in Colorado. Cruz was well-known to Floridas Broward County law enforcement; officials had been called to his home at least 37 times in the years before the shooting. House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) recently introduced a package of gun-regulation measures to try to prevent mass shootings. The package includes The Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act (pdf), The Gun Show Loophole Closing Act (pdf), The NICS Review Act (pdf), The Firearm Risk Protection Act (pdf), and The Handgun Trigger Safety Act (pdf). This is a crisis that we must act on now. I am hopeful that President Biden and Vice President Harris and with Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, we can and will deliver meaningful change. President Biden has made clear his commitment to getting guns off the streets and fixing the broken background check systems that have allowed weapons of war into the wrong hands for years, Maloney said at a virtual press conference last week. Fred Guttenberg, who became a gun control activist after his 14-year-old daughter, Jaime, was killed in the Parkland mass shooting, praised Maloneys efforts, and the recent set of bills proposed by House Democrats. Guttenberg made clear to those who oppose stricter gun regulation that he rejects the Second Amendment argument. Well, the truth is, the reality of gun violence and gun safety is not a Second Amendment conversation. It is a public health conversation, he said. Now, working with the Democratic Senate and Biden-Harris administration, we will enact these and other life-saving bills and deliver the progress that the Parkland community and the American people deserve and demand, Pelosi said. NEW DELHI : S&P Global Ratings on Tuesday said Indian economy is on track for a recovery in the next fiscal year beginning April 1, as consistent good performance of the farm sector, flattening COVID-19 infection curve, and a pickup in government spending are all supporting the economy. Stating that India needs many things to be right for its recovery to continue, S&P said the country needs to quickly and thoroughly vaccinate most of its 1.4 billion people. "The emergence of yet more contagious COVID-19 variants with the potential to evade vaccine-derived immunity present a major risk to this recovery. As does the possibility of early withdrawal of global fiscal stimulus," S&P said in a report titled 'Cross-sector outlook: India's escape from COVID'. It said the budget for fiscal 2021-22, will also support the recovery, with higher than expected expenditures. India's improving growth prospects are critical to its ability to sustain the higher deficits associated with its more aggressive fiscal stance. The economy still faces important risks as it transitions from stabilisation to recovery. We estimate that India faces a permanent loss of output versus its pre-pandemic path, suggesting a long-term production deficit equivalent to about 10 per cent of GDP, S&P said. "The Indian economy is on track for a recovery in fiscal 2022, bolstering corporate earnings and demand for utilities. The recovery's pace and scale determines the sustainability of the government's higher fiscal deficit and debt stock... Consistently good agriculture performance, a flattening of the COVID-19 infection curve, and a pickup in government spending are all supporting the economy," S&P said. The US-based rating agency said a sustained earnings rebound is key for ratings to stabilise as roughly one quarter of ratings are still on negative outlook. On the banking front in India, it estimates the system's weak loans ratio at 12 per cent of gross loans and credit cost to remain elevated at 2.2-2.7 per cent. "Faster economic recovery and steps taken by the Reserve Bank of India and the Indian government to cushion the effect of the economic crisis have helped ease the stress on bank balance sheets. "In our view, India's banking system's performance is likely to start improving materially in fiscal 2023, trailing an economic recovery of 10 per cent in fiscal 2022. On a positive note, banks are building capital buffers and reserves to deal with the COVID crunch," S&P said. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. 7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account. About 33 weeks into her pregnancy, Lupita Garcia struggled to breathe so much that she slept sitting up. Three days later, she awoke with heart palpitations and chest discomfort. Garcia's doctor suggested she get evaluated at the hospital. She left work early that day in 2018 and her husband, Samuel Higuera, drove her to the hospital in Gilbert, Arizona. "We didn't think it was anything serious," he said. "We were talking about where we going to eat afterward." Garcia's heart rate was dangerously fast, so doctors ordered an IV with medication. Hospital workers moved her to the emergency room in case they needed to do a caesarean section. Nobody mentioned concerns about her heart. Soon, Garcia told Higuera her head hurt and that she suddenly felt hot. He called for help. "The baby needs to come out now," the doctor said. Within minutes, a baby girl was born. She had no pulse but was quickly resuscitated. As Higuera followed the staff whisking his daughter to the neonatal intensive care unit, he heard "code blue" announced three times. His wife was in cardiac arrest. Higuera ran back to the ER in time to see his wife receiving chest compressions. "I felt the blood rush through my body, and I was just shaking," he said. "I just started praying, 'Please God, don't let this happen to her.'" Doctors revived Garcia and stitched her abdomen closed. As she recovered in the ICU, Higuera began contacting family. He was talking to his mom when he heard "code blue" again. "I could see them working on her, and I kept praying, 'Please, don't give up on her.'" Garcia's lungs filled with fluid. Her heart was working at only 10% of its normal function. She needed more care than the hospital could provide. So, the next morning, hospital staff connected Garcia to a machine that pumped and oxygenated her blood outside her body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest. Then, she was transported to a nearby hospital in Phoenix. Higuera spent the next few days shuttling between hospitals. Each morning, he met with his wife's doctors. He spent afternoons in the NICU with his daughter, who was significantly underweight and had a feeding tube. "It was a roller coaster," he said. "With Lupita, it was all bad news, but with the baby, it was more hopeful." After a week, Garciastill on the heart-lung machinetransferred to another Phoenix hospital, where doctors considered putting her on the heart transplant list. First, they tried weaning her off the machine. Eventually, she showed signs of recovering. "They stopped talking about the possibility of a transplant, and I was relieved," Higuera said, "but didn't want to get too hopeful." Although heavily medicated, she would make small movements, such as opening her eyes or nodding, before going back to sleep. Eleven days after his daughter was born, the medical team told Higuera they thought she could go home in about a week. He shared the news with his wife, who'd recovered enough to begin walking. "Maybe it was just a coincidence, but after that, she really started to improve," Higuera said. Garcia was discharged 19 days after her daughter was born. At home, she finally got to hold her babynamed Maia (pronounced "Maya") Higuerabut only while seated. She remained weak for months. Even three months later, when she returned to work, Garcia still experienced severe shortness of breath and fatigue, needing to rest after walking short distances. "It took about nine months after Maia was born for me to feel fully recovered and independent," she said. Garcia, now 31, was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, an uncommon form of heart failure that happens during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth. More recently, her cardiologist said she may have had tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, a reversible cause of heart failure. She continues to do exercise therapy for peripheral artery disease, a narrowing of the arteries in her legs. She takes frequent walks with Maia and their Siberian husky, Lobo. Despite Maia's scary start, she's healthy and activea "firecracker," Garcia calls her. "She is very outspoken and has a bubbly personality." Explore further Mother brought back to life the day she gave birth Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved. ( ) has revealed that the planned Colter appraisal well on the south coast of England has passed an important administrative milestone and remains on-track for drilling in the fourth quarter of this year. The explorer noted that an authorisation for expenditure has now been signed, ascribing a 7.5mln total cost for the well which would equate to just over 1mln of costs to United. Colter was first discovered in 1986 within the same play as Wytch Farm, the UKs largest onshore oil operation producing some 450mln barrels of crude to date, and, whilst the original Colter well was seen to be exposed to only 4mln barrels of resources the whole feature is believed to be larger. It is estimated that Colter may host a possible 15mln barrels of prospective resources (a mid-case estimate). The planned appraisal well is guided by modern 3D seismic data analysis and it aims to confirm the discovery in an up-dip location. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country 7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account. A former Royal Marine Commando who grew a cannabis farm at the home he shared with his girlfriend and their baby has been jailed for a year. Adam Burtoft began using the drug to relieve 'physical and psychological' pain from his six years' service in the military and grew cannabis at his home in Stockport because it was cheaper than paying 200 a week for the drug. But it turned into a commercial operation and the 32-year-old roped in his partner Charlotte Carr, 27, and her mother Susan to help run the farm in their garage. Officers estimated they produced up to 19,200 worth of strong skunk cannabis between June 2018 and March 2019. Adam Burtoft began using the drug to relieve 'physical and psychological' pain from his six years' service in the military and grew cannabis at his home in Stockport Burtoft roped in his partner Charlotte Carr, 27 and her mother Susan (pictured) to help run the farm in their garage The electricity had been bypassed and texts suggesting the pair supplied the drug for onward sale were recovered alongside pictures of the plants and a 'care and grow' schedule. Burtoft, who went on to become a recruitment consultant after his military service, admitted cannabis production and was jailed for a year. Carr admitted the same charge at Minshull Street Crown Court but avoided a prison sentence because she is due to give birth to their second baby in April. She must instead complete 20 rehabilitation days as part of a year's jail term suspended for two years. Susan Carr, 67, was charged with producing cannabis but she died while awaiting trial. Judge John Edwards told the pair they 'should be ashamed of themselves'. He added: 'This was a sophisticated set-up which was modest in scale but a considerable amount of time, effort and resources were invested in this. 'This was a family home and you had a young child in that house. There was a risk of fire from bypassing the electricity never mind the cultivation of drugs around a young child. You should be ashamed of yourselves. 'Mr Burtoft I accept the reason for this growth was to relieve your physical and psychological pain, but you then started a small cottage industry to cover your costs. No doubt much of this ended up on the streets of Stockport.' He told Carr: 'I want you to be a mother to them and never do anything like this again. Out of clemency I have adopted a merciful course in your case.' The electricity had been bypassed and texts suggesting the pair supplied the drug for onward sale were recovered alongside pictures of the plants and a 'care and grow' schedule. Burtoft had a previous conviction from a Croatian court for having drugs at a festival. His lawyer Andrew Scott said: 'When he was 18 to 25 he would cycle from England to Gibraltar for charity, but within six months of leaving the Royal Marines he started using cannabis to help him with his injuries and started spending 200 per week on cannabis. 'When his first child came along he got into financial difficulties but could not stop taking cannabis, and was not earning much money. 'He has been candid that he still takes cannabis for his injuries and is still a young man, but accepts he must pay for his criminality.' Burtoft and Carr will face a Proceeds of Crime hearing in August. Moscow [Russia] : Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's visit is intended to deepen the cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi in all sectors, said DB Venkatesh Varma, India's Ambassador to Russia reaffirming that ties between Moscow and New Delhi are "rock solid." Speaking in a video message, the Indian ambassador said, "Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla is visiting Moscow on a two-day visit on February 17 and 18. It is his first visit abroad this year. (He would) hold discussions with the Russian counterparts in the Russian Foreign Ministry for setting an active and ambitious agenda of bilateral relations." Shringla's visit to Moscow is intended to deepen India-Russia cooperation Affirming the "rock-solid" nature of the ties between Moscow and New Delhi, the Indian envoy said that the foreign secretary's visit is intended to deepen cooperation in all sectors. "India-Russia relations are rock solid. Foreign secretary's visit is intended to deepen cooperation in all sectors. We'll also expand our cooperation including building on PM Modi's visit to Vladivostok in September 2019. There is a lot of excitement in Moscow about how India and Russia can cooperate in terms of the Covid pandemic," he added. Shringla will pay an official visit to Moscow on February 17-18, 2021 at the invitation of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. According to the external affairs ministry's official statement, Shringla will hold the next round of India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations with Deputy Foreign Minister Morgulov, during which the two sides will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including the forthcoming high-level exchanges. "During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will also meet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov for an exchange of views on topical issues of regional and international importance. He will also deliver a speech on 'India-Russia relations' at the prestigious Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the MEA said further. Media reports state that Shringla's visit comes at a time when ties between Moscow and Brussels (the European Union) are 'boiling' following the prison sentence to Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Australias border closure was one of the Morrison governments finest moments in responding to the pandemic. Tight border controls have so far given Australia the best of both worlds: little community transmission and a domestic economy largely unencumbered by COVID. But Victorias latest lockdown, after yet another quarantine breach, is a painful reminder that despite our earlier victories, the war is far from over. And our biggest weakness remains a hotel quarantine system that demonstrably is not fit for purpose. A breach of quarantine occurred in the Holiday Inn in Melbourne. Over summer there were repeated quarantine breaches and lockdowns, in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and now Melbourne. Now, more-infectious COVID variants have emerged, and another winter looms. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has suggested only allowing international arrivals who qualify on compassionate grounds. But that would mean tens of thousands of Australians remaining stranded overseas, many desperate to return home. This month, Hearst Television is celebrating Black history by having courageous conversations. The fight for civil rights and justice goes back generations and has looked different each decade. Were speaking with community leaders, elders those who have lived through victories and troubled times, to talk about their experiences, and compare them with what we still struggle with today. Betty Daniels Rosemond, 87, grew up with Jim Crow laws and segregation being the norm in New Orleans, Louisiana. She saw firsthand how racism held her family back when her mother tried to vote or buy a home and was ultimately denied. She decided she wanted to be a part of a movement that was changing the country, so she joined CORE, or the Congress of Racial Equality, to become a Freedom Rider. "We knew every time we took a ride that if we died, we died," said Rosemond, who now lives in Cincinnati. Rosemond said there was a general fear growing up that she could be stopped by police or harassed at any moment for simply being out. You would be stopped, but you had to, if they tell you to move, for instance, if you got on a metro bus, and a white person wanted your seat, they could insist that you move and go to the back of the bus because that part was for Black people, she said. And if you didn't do what they said, you will be arrested. So there was always you had to do it, or you pay consequences." At 21, she decided to leave school at Louisiana State University to join the Freedom Riders. "I went through some of the training and one of the girls slapped me and almost knocked me down, but that was part of your training to see if you retaliate, and you couldn't retaliate," Rosemond said. Betty and four others went on a Freedom Ride from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, just days after another group's bus was bombed. On the way back, when we got to a little town in Mississippi, now, Freedom Riders were testers. Their job was to test the facilities to see if they were following the law," said Rosemond. Her job was to make a phone call back to their headquarters in New Orleans. "When I got to the phone booth, a truck of men in a pickup truck, white men, pulled up at the little bus station. They literally dragged Frank and three girls out, put them in the back of a truck and drove off. Now, I knew if they found me, it would have been another lynching that night," Rosemond said. We asked Rosemond how she feels now that the nation has seen its first Black president, and its first female, Black and Southeast Asian vice president. Oh, I feel good. I really do, she said. Its good to know that people were still willing to try to see that change will come and there are still people who risked their life to see that this happens." Rosemond said she believes we're close to the dream that Dr. King spoke of, but there's still work to do. "You know, we have work to do it. It's not over until God says it's over. The Bible tells us this, that we must love each other, love our neighbor as ourselves, we are compelled to love one another. And that that's what's missing in the world today," Rosemond said. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu appreciated on Tuesday that the way the visit of the head of the EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell was organised, the way the press conference following the talks in Moscow was organised and the expelling of European diplomats that have taken place, all these show that Russia is rather "engaged in confrontational stance" with the EU rather than one of openness, according to AGERPRES. The clarifications were made during joint press statements held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) headquarters, together with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Koreok, on an official visit to Bucharest. "We could not help talking about the relationship between the EU and Russia. In fact, in just a few days, on February 22, in Brussels, we will discuss at the Foreign Affairs Council about the relations between the EU and Russia. On this occasion, we will talk about the whole context that has recently been created in the relationship between the EU and Russia. As you know, Romania condemned the detention of political opponent Alexei Navalny on his return to Russia, and then his conviction. We could not help but note that the way in which the visit of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr Borrell, was organised, the way the press conference following the Moscow talks was organised, including the expelling of European diplomats that took place during that visit, all these aspects show us that Russia is engaged in confrontational stance with the EU rather than one of openness," Aurescu said in the press statement. He mentioned that all these issues will be addressed during Monday's talks in the Foreign Affairs Council "in order to draw the necessary conclusions and take the necessary measures". For his part, Ivan Korcok said it was important to hold "very in-depth" debates on Russia-EU relationship, saying that it has recently "shown some negative developments". "I think it is very important to have very in-depth debates on the relationship between Russia and the EU, on the visit that was mentioned earlier, but also from the perspective of what the EU wants to do, in order to have a relationship with Russia, which, whether we like it or not - has recently shown some negative developments. I do not believe the EU can be accused of wanting a confrontation with Russia. We, in fact, respond to Russia's actions in the past years and the worsening of the situation. And here I am thinking of the annexation of Crimea and the actions in eastern Ukraine," said Ivan Korcok. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street, which was based on the real-life story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort. Belfort, who essentially started from nothing and quickly rose to become one of the most successful stockbrokers of his day (using various illegal methods) had a rocky road filled with sex, drugs, and money. The film didnt hold back in depicting Belforts lifestyle and it was considered a risky movie that nobody wanted to make. Leonardo DiCaprio on location filming The Wolf of Wall Street in New York City in 2012. | James Devaney/WireImage The Wolf of Wall Street told the story of Jordan Belfort Jordan Belfort got his start working for L.F. Rothschild, an investment banking firm, back in 1987. However, the position didnt last long, as L.F. Rothschild later folded when the stock market crashed that same year. Belfort took a job selling penny stocks on Long Island, where his ability to schmooze and sell helped him make more money than anyone could have thought. From there, Belfort could only go up. He created his own firm, Stratton Oakmont, and was suddenly making millions. Belfort got swept up in the millionaire lifestyle, where he married Naomi Belfort (Margot Robbie), but cheated on her frequently, did tons of drugs, and had no regard for anyone but himself. As quickly as he rose, Belfort eventually falls, landing in jail for his illegal schemes. The real Jordan Belfort released a memoir about his life in 2007, which inspired the film. Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie attend the U.K. premiere of The Wolf of Wall Street | Ian Gavan/Getty Images) RELATED: Leonardo DiCaprio Reveals the 1 Reason Why He Loved Filming The Wolf of Wall Street: [I Had] No Moral High Ground Studios were hesitant to back The Wolf of Wall Street Though DiCaprio was all in on doing the film, it wasnt so easy to get studios to back director Martin Scorseses idea of filming the life of Jordan Belfort. According to The Wall Street Journal, the film was considered by the studios to be too risky, since it involved such inappropriate actions and essentially glamorized stealing money from regular people. The Wall Street Journal also reported that the film had actually been in the works since 2007, the year Belforts memoir came out, though it wasnt completed for nearly six years because Scorsese couldnt find anyone to put up the funds. Eventually, though, a company out of Malaysia offered to invest $100 million in making the film. Still, there was concern that the money from the Malaysian company was part of a larger scam, though it didnt short the success of the film. Jonah Hill (left), Margot Robbie, and Leonardo DiCaprio | Anthony Harvey/Getty Images for Universal Pictures The Wolf of Wall Street led to criticism for Leonardo DiCaprio Once the film was made, DiCaprio was, in many ways, praised for his role of Belfort. But others criticized both DiCaprio and Scorsese for creating a film that made conning people look so fun. DiCaprios character was living the high life yachts, beautiful women, plenty of drugs all at the expense of the average joes retirement savings. DiCaprio defended his role, saying that everyone knows the ramifications that come with losing money in the stock market. To us, it was much more important to explore the attitude of these people, and how you can get so lost, DiCaprio told Morning Edition in 2014. AP | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com US prosecutors have charged the son of a civilian Navy staffer in Bahrain over her stabbing death in the kingdom. Federal court documents accuse Giovonni Z. Pope, 27, of stabbing his mother to death at her off-base apartment on January 31. Contact details for Pope could not be immediately found, and his listed public defender did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Court documents only identify his mother by the initials E.A., describing her as a civilian Defense Department employee at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the home of the US Navys 5th Fleet. She had worked there since September 2017. An affidavit by a special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service says the womans co-workers became worried when she didnt come to work on February 1. Investigators discovered her body under a blanket in her apartment, repeatedly stabbed. Bahraini police later arrested Pope. He told Bahraini investigators at one point that he killed his mother as she was blocking him from achieving his goals by not letting him return to the United States to work on his clothing business, the agents affidavit claims. He had allegedly used his mothers credit card after the killing to purchase airfare back to the US to visit his girlfriend. South Africa: Minister engages stakeholders on Tourism Equity Fund Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has emphasised the importance of the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) as part of governments intervention to build an inclusive tourism economy. The Ministers remarks comes after her meeting on Monday with Solidarity and AfriForum, following a letter from their attorneys in which they threatened legal action against the rollout of the TEF. The organisations questioned the legality, morality and transformative outcome of the qualification criteria for the fund, suggesting that it deviates from the provisions of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE Act). We communicated to Solidarity and AfriForum that the TEF is a necessary intervention for creating an inclusive tourism economy, in which previously disadvantaged individuals, youth and women, are represented and can actively participate in ownership and control. This fund will support our collective efforts towards economic recovery and reconstruction so that we can move firmly towards the eradication of the legacy of colonialism and apartheid, the Minister said in a statement on Tuesday. The fund was established by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), as a new financial support mechanism to stimulate investment and transformation in the tourism sector. It is crucial to re-emphasise that this is not a relief fund, as we are finding this to be a source of confusion. The fund will provide a combination of debt finance and grant funding to facilitate equity acquisition as well as new project development, to broaden participation by all South Africans and not just a few dominant players, the Ministry said. The fund was set up as public/private partnership, in particular with commercial banks, in an effort to crowd-in investments in the tourism sector so as to increase diversification and the broadening of ownership of tourism attractions in South Africa. The government delegation, led by the Minister, utilised the occasion to communicate governments unwavering commitment to the transformation agenda. We have a responsibility to engage with as many stakeholders and role players in the tourism sector as possible, so that we can clarify the thinking behind governments policy decisions. We believe that those who know and understand the history of this country, need little convincing that redress is a necessary mechanism towards building a non-racial society, as mandated by the Constitution. Our ultimate goal as government is to ensure that we successfully implement our vision of building a rapidly and inclusively growing tourism economy that is innovative and leverages on our heritage, Minister Kubayi-Ngubane said. The meeting was also an opportunity to engage and appreciate their concerns and views on the state of tourism in our country, in the context of the fund objectives and goals. The two organisations expressed their strong disagreement with the establishment and implementation of the Tourism Equity Fund. They also expressed their fundamental disagreement with the B-BBEE policy as adopted by our government and indicated that the policy should be scrapped, the Ministry said. The application process is open and accessible to all qualifying entrepreneurs. Enterprises are encouraged to seize the opportunity and seek support from the fund through sefa. There has been an overwhelming response from entrepreneurs since the call for proposals was made during the virtual launch on 26 January 2021 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose support for this project remains inspirational, the Ministry said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-02-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country In the latest development, a BJP cadre has reportedly lodged a complaint against actor Oviyaa for her tweet against PM Modi during his recent visit to Chennai on Sunday. As per reports, a member of the TN BJP's legal team submitted a petition to the cyber cell demanding an inquiry into Oviyaa's tweet on the eve of PM Modi's arrival and to probe the intentions behind the tweet. The petition submitted by the BJP cadre reportedly asked the police to check if disruption of public disorder was the intention of Oviyaa's tweet. As per reports, the BJP cadre alleged Sri Lanka and China's hand in tweets similar to Oviya's, alleging that attempts were being made to target India's sovereignty and disturb public order. The authenticity of those reports remains unverified at the moment. READ | Radikaa Sarathkumar To Join Husband's Samathuva Makkal Katchi Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Polls In the wake of this incident, TN BJP spokesperson SG Suryah rubbished reports of such a complaint being lodged against the actor. Taking to Twitter, the BJP leader clarified that no such complaint had been lodged by the party against 'marketless movie stars' and noted that all the leaders were busy with PM Modi's programme on the said day. However, the spokesperson added that he was not sure if any party office-bearer submitted the petition in his individual capacity, adding that he did not possess information about it. News of #BJP Officially lodging a compliant against some marketless movie stars in TN for their paid tweets is untrue. None of these stories by media outlets could carry single quote from any BJP Office Bearer nor the place of such imaginary complaint. Wonder whats the source. SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) February 15, 2021 All the leaders are busy with PM Modis program yesterday in Chennai & other official programs in Coimbatore today. Not sure if any office bearer gave any complaints/registered an online complaint against any tweet in individual capacity. Theres no information available for now. SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) February 15, 2021 READ | Stalin's God Delusion: DMK Chief Invokes Rajini Dialogue To Target EPS; 'Does What I Say' PM Modi's southern sojourn PM Modi's three-hour visit to the capital of the southern state on Sunday included laying foundation stones and inaugurating various projects at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. PM Modi inaugurated the Discovery Campus of Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), located at Thaiyur near Chennai, to accommodate the growing research infrastructure requirements of students and faculty. Earlier, PM Modi also handed over the Main Battle Tank Arjun Mark 1A to the Indian Army and dedicated it to the nation. Following his visit to Chennai, PM Modi proceeded to Kerala's Kochi. READ | Tamil Nadu CM Assures 24-hour Three-phase Electricity To Farmers In Another Poll Promise Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2021 The two warring factions in AIADMK - of Deputy CM O Pannerselvam (OPS) and CM E Palaniswamy (EPS), reconciled after the party named incumbent E Palaniswamy as its CM candidate and O Panneerselvam as the chief of the 11-member steering committee. With AIADMK announcing it will continue its national alliance with BJP, the saffron party is yet to officially announce its state-level alliance. Meanwhile, ex-CM Karunanidhi's successor - DMK chief MK Stalin eyes his maiden CM term as DMK cannot afford to lose a third straight Assembly election after sweeping the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls with 38 seats. READ | Rahul Gandhi's Posters Torn By Rajasthan Farmers, Convoy Stopped And Black Flags Raised TN BJP cadre lodges plaint against actor Oviyaa over tweet on PM's visit, party refutes Donegal County Museum, the Regional Cultural Centre and the Museum and Heritage Service of Derry City and Strabane District Council have commissioned and produced a series of six short video pieces which highlight the experiences of women during the Revolutionary Period (1919-1923). Women's Voices From The Past will provide snapshots of the period, exploring the stories of local women during the struggle for Irish independence. The first video features Eithne Coyle, an active member of Cumann na mBan, who carried out a one woman campaign holding up trains, seizing goods and burning British newspapers during the War of Independence. In September 1922 she was arrested and remained in jail until the end of the Civil War and was President of Cumann na mBan between 1926 and 1941. The second video features Mary Ballantine who was married to Head Constable Joseph Ballantine of the Royal Irish Constabulary. In May 1922, Joseph, who had just retired from his position, was shot and killed at his home in Raphoe. The third video features Rose Ann Logue, an Instructress with the Congested Districts Board, who was held up by two armed and masked men who threatened her and cut off her hair. The other films feature Lady Lillian Spender on a tour along the newly-established border in June 1923. Lady Spender describes in her diaries events along the border in places such as Clady and Pettigo, highlighting recent troubling activity, she also describes attending a classical music concert in Belfast. From Monday 23rd February, the videos will be released as a weekly series beginning with Eithne Coyle and Lillian Spender. To view the Donegal films, beginning on Monday 23rd February, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/ wwwdonegalcocoie/videos Or https://www.facebook.com/Donegalcomuseum. To view the DCSDC Films, beginning on Monday 23rd February, visit www.facebook.com/towermuseum/ The video pieces were produced by Dark Daughter Productions with videography by Oath Film Studio. Use of the Diaries of Lillian Spender is by courtesy of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. These videos have been supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 initiative. Chinese People's Liberation Army has removed several bunkers, temporary posts and other structures in the northern bank areas, sources claimed New Delhi: The Chinese and Indian armies continued with the disengagement process in the North and South banks of Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh as per plan and the entire pullback exercise is expected to take another six-seven days, sources in the defence and security establishment said on Monday. Sources said the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has already removed several bunkers, temporary posts and other structures in the northern bank areas while gradually thinning down their troops in the region. They said field commanders of both the sides are meeting almost on a daily basis to take forward the disengagement process which was finalised last week following nine rounds of high-level military talks. It will take at least a week for the disengagement process to be completed in the North and South banks of Pangong Tso, they said, adding both sides are carrying out verification of withdrawal of troops and equipment. After nine months of standoff, the two armies reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to cease forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner. The disengagement began on Wednesday last. On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a detailed statement in Parliament on the disengagement pact. According to the agreement, China has to pull back its troops to east of Finger 8 areas in the northern bank while the Indian personnel will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3 in the region. Similar action will take place on the southern bank of the lake as well, Singh had said. Last year, the Chinese military built several bunkers and other structures in the areas between Finger 4 and 8 and had blocked all Indian patrols beyond Finger 4, triggering strong reaction from the Indian Army. In the nine rounds of military talks, India was specifically insisting on withdrawal of Chinese troops from Finger 4 to Finger 8 on the North bank of Pangong Lake. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers. The sources said following completion of the disengagement process, the two sides will hold talks on the de-escalation exercise. Defence minister Singh had told Parliament that it was agreed to convene the next meeting of senior commanders of both sides within 48 hours of completion of the disengagement in the Pangong lake area so as to resolve all other remaining issues. On Friday, the defence ministry said other outstanding "problems" including in Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra will be taken up at the upcoming talks between military commanders of the two countries. Romania has so far received 1,560,509 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, of which 1,151,112 have been administered, the chairman of the National COVID Vaccination Coordination Committee (CNCAV), Valeriu Gheorghita, said on Tuesday. "The total number of doses received in Romania, as of February 16, is 1,560,509, of which 1,151,112 doses were administered. The existing stock today, February 16, is 262,876 doses at the level of regional storage centers," Gheorghita told a news conference at Victoria Palace of Government. According to the head of CNCAV, until Tuesday Romania received 1,308,509 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, of which 1,083,383 were administered and 150,336 are in stock, 78,000 doses of Moderna vaccine - of which 60,917 administered and 630 in stock. "You will notice a difference between the number of doses administered and the stock, respectively the total number of doses received. This difference is represented by the doses found in the vaccination centers, which have already been distributed and are being administered. When we present the stocks we refer strictly to the number of doses found in the regional storage centers," explained the president of CNCAV. He also specified that, so far, Romania has received 174,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, of which 6,812 doses had been administered until Monday at 17:00 hrs, and the existing stock is 111,880 doses. The president of CNCAV informed that the number of vaccination centers for the BioNTech / Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is 516. "For stage 1 there are still 223 centers, in which the administration of the booster shot continues. I remind you: 46 centers out of the initial 269 are already closed. For the second stage there are 212 centers, to which add 81 centers from the National Defense Ministry (MApN)'s and the Ministry of the Interior (MAI)'s network - 60 in MApN network and 21 active centers in the MAI network, respectively," he said. Valeriu Gheorghita reminded that for the AstraZeneca vaccine there are 180 centers available at national level, to which are added 22 vaccination practices in the network of the Ministry of National Defense and 30 in the network of the Ministry of the Interior. Present at the press conference, the vice-president of CNCAV, the secretary of state with the Ministry of Health Andrei Baciu, presented the delivery schedule of the following vaccine doses that Romania will receive: "Related to the delivery schedule for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines until the end of March the estimate of 2.5 million doses still stands (...) So far, 1,300,008 doses have been delivered. For the vaccines produced by the Moderna Company, 79,200 doses will be delivered next week, and for March we have two tranches, in which 268,800 will arrive. For the vaccines produced by AstraZeneca, the day after tomorrow (Thursday - ed.n.) 75,200 doses of vaccine will arrive, on February 26 - 242,000 doses, between February 28 - March 3, 150,000, March 10 - 56,000 doses, March 17 - 155,000 doses, March 24 - 378,000 and March 31 - 414,000 doses," Baciu said. May the odds be ever in your favor | Northeast Notes A brave young girl had to have her right eye removed after doctors discovered she was suffering from a rare form of cancer that they initially shrugged off as a case of pink eye. In December 2018, Kinsley Peacock, now seven, from Sarasota, Florida, was taken to the doctor by her software company owner mom, Kim, 39, and dad Adam, 36, after redness appeared in her right eye. Their doctor diagnosed Kinsley, who was four years old at the time, with pink eye or conjunctivitis and she was sent home with a course of antibiotics. Brave: Kinsley Peacock, now seven, from Florida, had to have her right eye removed when she was just four years old after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer Upset: The youngster (pictured in hospital before her eye was removed) first went to see the doctor in December 2018 - and was initially told that she was suffering from pink eye Scary: Kinsley's parents Adam, 36, and Kim, 39, got a second opinion from a specialist, who thought she might have a detached retina or a tumor, but it was later revealed to be cancer Aggressive: Although Kinsley underwent chemotherapy to treat her retinoblastoma, doctors were concerned that the cancer would spread to her brain, so they decided to remove her eye But after a week Kinsley's eye had not got any better and her parents sought a second opinion from an eye specialist who concluded that Kinsley could have a detached retina or maybe even a tumor behind her eye. Kim and Adam immediately took Kinsley to have an ultrasound and were relieved when the doctor told them he was 99 per cent sure that it was not a tumor, but instead a damaged retina. However, while visiting another eye specialist to determine the damage to her retina, Kim and Adam's world came crashing down. Their four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, an extremely rare and aggressive eye cancer. After two rounds of aggressive chemotherapy that made her incredibly sick, doctors assessed the state of Kinsley's eye. Determining that there was a distinct risk that the little girl's cancer could spread to her brain, the decision was taken to remove Kinsley's right eye to save her life. In January 2019, Kinsley underwent a two-hour surgery in which her right eye was removed. After six weeks of healing at home, Kinsley was fitted with a custom made prosthetic eye, measured and designed specifically to match her left eye. According to Kim, Kinsley has taken having one eye in her stride and fortunately hasn't suffered any bullying as a result. Whilst she does have children asking what happened to her eye, Kinsley has the confidence to tell them that her eye makes her unique and special. Kinsley's younger brother Reid, now four, was only two years old when Kinsley's eye was removed, but thinks that it has given his older sister superpowers. Fortunately, the cancer was all contained to Kinsley's right eye and she was declared cancer free in the spring of 2019. Fighter: Kinsley (pictured with her prosthetic eye) underwent a two-hour surgery to remove her eye in January 2019 Celebration: According to Kinsley's mom Kim, the little girl has taken her cancer diagnosis and eye surgery in her stride, and is proud that the prosthetic eye makes her unique New hobby: While recovering from her surgery at home, Kinsley developed a love of baking - and she began selling her treats to make money for other sick kids Warrior: The youngster has thus far raised $195,000 from her bake sales, and she had a special prosthetic eye designed to celebrate - which features a cookie in place of a retina Kinsley must visit ocular oncologist every four months and has a brain and orbital MRI every year to ensure she remains clear of cancer. During her recovery, Kinsley developed a love of baking to stave off the boredom of being at home and baked cookies most days. Deciding to share her tasty creations with her neighbors and school friends, Kinsley obtained a reputation for her delicious treats. Kinsley had the selfless idea of selling her cookies and donating the proceeds to help other children suffering from cancer. Dad Adam spent countless nights building a cookie cart from which Kinsley could sell her creations and since then Kinsley has dedicated much of her free time to fundraising. In total Kinsley has managed to raise an astonishing $195,000 selling cookies and hosting fundraising events. In 2021 alone, Kinsley aims to raise $100,000 for pediatric cancer centers. Kinsley has even had a customized prosthetic eye created for her which contains a retina that resembles a cookie to commemorate her incredible achievements. 'In December 2018 our world was flipped upside down when we were told our sweet daughter Kinsley had cancer,' said Kim. 'Just three days prior to her diagnosis, the only symptom Kinsley had was redness in her right eye. 'But after the redness didn't clear up, we took her to a second doctor who informed us that Kinsley had no vision in her right eye due to a detached retina that could be the result of trauma or a tumor. Going strong: The youngster is aiming to raise a whopping $100,000 this year alone Popular: Kinsley began selling her sweet treats to neighbors and friends at school, and soon developed a reputation for her baking skills Spoils: The brave cancer survivor uses the bake sale money to buy items that bring comfort to other sick kids, including iPads, blankets, and glasses for others with retinoblastoma 'When we heard the word tumor, we sank to our knees. Less than a year prior we had attended the funeral of a friend whose seven-year-old daughter Avery had died from a brain tumor. 'Needing more answers, we immediately had an ultrasound done which confirmed the detached retina. 'As you can imagine, we felt a huge sense of relief when the doctor told us that he was 99 per cent sure that it wasn't a tumor. 'Kinsley then had a further evaluation under anesthesia to determine whether the retina could be re-attached. 'Instead, the surgeon told us that Kinsley had an advanced stage tumor in her right eye that needed to be treated immediately. 'It was every parent's worst nightmare. It was a moment of pure fear, darkness and uncertainty not knowing if our sweet girl was going to be taken from us. 'We were told that if it wasn't stopped quickly enough her form of cancer, known as retinoblastoma, would spread down Kinsley's optic nerve and into her brain. 'Having a complete lack of control over saving Kinsley's life was incredibly difficult for us. 'Although we were crumbling inside, knowing that we couldn't fix Kinsley's cancer, we decided to focus our energy ensuring that she felt loved and trusted. Support system: Kinsley's parents and her younger brother Reid have all helped her to build up her fundraising 'Our strength came from our strong faith and the incredible support we received from our amazing family, friends and community and Kinsely's amazing medical team. 'For Kinsley, cancer took her eye, but she never lost her positive spirit, her kind heart and her willingness to help others. 'The mission of Kinsley's cookie cart is to raise awareness for pediatric cancer and provide children who are fighting cancer with items that bring them comfort including iPads, blankets, hospital decorations and protective glasses for others with retinoblastoma. 'Having been one of the families struggling in the hospital, we know just how much of an impact these small acts of kindness can have.' With the current options to fight childhood cancer being limited due to the aggressive nature of the treatment, Kim, Adam and Kinsley hope that their fundraising efforts will go towards research into new treatments that are more suitable for children. 'With only four cancer treatments approved for use on children in the USA, many children are not even given the chance to fight cancer,' said Kim. 'We aim to help fund research into new means of treatment that are less toxic for children. 'As parents who almost lost our child to this terrible disease, we have a tremendous amount of compassion that is driving our mission. 'Our hope is that Kinsley and her brother Reid will one day kick us out of the driver's seat and finish any work that needs to be done to cure all childhood cancers. 'We don't plan on slowing down anytime soon.' The gigantic winter storm that swept across the south and central states on Monday paralyzed air, rail and road travel, with severe disruptions continuing into Tuesday as the storm moved north. In Texas, all fights into and out of Austin and San Antonio were grounded on Tuesday, according to airport spokespeople, while 812 flights out of the Dallas airport had been canceled as of Tuesday morning, according to the tracking website FlightAware. That followed a rash of cancellations at all three airports on Monday. In Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport said that the airfield would be closed until at least 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Capital Metro, Austins public transit system, canceled all services on Tuesday, the system said on Twitter, and expected that to extend into Wednesday. And all rail operations operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit were suspended until Thursday. There were disruptions outside of Texas, as well, with Nashville International Airport canceling 281 flights on Monday, according to FlightAware, and 170 as of Tuesday morning, though the airport was still open. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, one of the countrys busiest hubs, had 213 cancellations on Monday and 104 as of Tuesday morning. At least one protester has been killed as demonstrations against President Jovenel Moise in Port-au-Prince on Sunday turned violent. Thousands took to the street in Haiti's capital to demand Moise resign from office. Demonstrators threw rocks at police who in turn fired teargas and rubber bullets into the crowd at different points throughout the city. The protester who was killed, died when he was set on fire by what some witnesses claim were government supporters. A journalist was hit by a rubber bullet in the back. Protesters burned piles of tyres, blocking major thoroughfares in the Haitian capital as they tried to reach the offices of the Organization of American States to deliver a message. Security forces held the crowd back and did not allow them to reach their intended destination. Public protests have increased over the past several weeks as opposition leaders stepped up their demands that President Jovenel Moise resign. The opposition claims that Moise's five-year term ended on February 7, but Moise has reiterated that it ends in February 2022 since he wasn't sworn in until 2017. Prior to that, a provisional president ruled Haiti for one year following chaotic elections marred by allegations of fraud. One week ago, on the date the opposition recognizes as the end of his presidential term, Moise announced that police had arrested nearly two dozen people accused of an alleged coup conspiracy, including a Supreme Court judge who has since been released from jail while others remain in custody. Opposition leaders labeled the arrests as political repression as critics accuse Moise of trying to become more powerful. Moise has been ruling by presidential decree for more than a year after dissolving a majority of Parliament in January 2020, amid a delay in legislative elections given political gridlock and protests that paralyzed the country in 2019. His administration is also facing an increase in violence, kidnappings and escalating poverty. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday highlighted his views on a number of issues including Rohith Vemula, demonetisation, cow vigilantism, RSS and much more. Speaking at the 'Quest for Equity' event, organised by Karnataka Government, to mark the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, Gandhi attacked Modi Government at the range of issues. Let's have a look: On Rohith Vemula: "I don't call it suicide, I call it murder. Rohith (Vemula) was crushed and murdered by the indignities he suffered" Demonetisation "Publicly they called it a stroke of genius, privately they called it insanity" On RSS "What is happening today is the systematic capture of India's democratic institutions. By the PM, bureaucrats and the RSS" On cow vigilantism "Md Akhlaq is butchered because they say he stole a calf. It was a lie. Instead of questioning his (Md Akhlaq) brutal killing they ask whether the meat in the fridge was mutton or beef" On Modi Govt "Hitler once wrote "Keep a very firm grasp on reality so you can strangulate it anytime". Today this is what is happening around us"\ "The emperor is completely naked but nobody around him has the courage to tell him" For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. On Tuesday, Congress announced that it will erect a memorial to commemorate the anti-CAA movement if it wins the Assam Assembly election due in May-April this year. Mentioning that 5 people died during the anti-CAA protests in the state, Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi stressed that the legislation had brought in a lot of pain for Assam. Bordoloi, the campaign committee chairman for the upcoming Assembly election, opined that BJP was trying to rupture the social fabric of the state. Reiterating former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's promise, he asserted that the CAA will not be implemented in Assam and shall be repealed after his party returns to power at the Centre. At present, the CAA is yet to be implemented as its rules are still being framed. In a recent rally in West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that the process of granting citizenship to refugees as per this legislation will commence after the end of the COVID-19 vaccination process. Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi remarked, "Assam went through a lot of pain and turmoil. As a conflict resolution formula, late Rajiv Gandhi signed the Assam accord and brought in lasting peace and an era of growth. But today, with a single stroke of CAA, this BJP government has tried to rupture our social fabric and bringing in an era of turmoil again. The CAA is going to have far-reaching effect on Assamese polity. The Congress party will never ever implement the CAA provisions in Assam when we form the government in 2021." "We will also repeal CAA and go back to the Parliament when we form our government in Delhi. During the anti-CAA agitation that Assamese people carried out, 5 people attained martyrdom. Assamese people went through a lot of pain, a lot of sacrifices, lot of discrimination. We have decided to erect a memorial which will always depict that this CAA has been anti-Assam," he added. Read: Home Minister Amit Shah Proclaims 'No Muslim Will Lose Citizenship Due To CAA', Slams Oppn After winning the election we shall make a memorial for the anti-CAA peoples movement that has been ongoing in Assam over the last few years. The memorial shall remember the peoples struggles and sacrifices, protest songs and paintings. #AxomBasaonAhok #AssamBachao Pradyut Bordoloi (@pradyutbordoloi) February 16, 2021 Read: Anti-CAA Protests Case: SC Denies Bail To Activist Akhil Gogoi 'in Light Of Allegations' What is the CAA? The CAA seeks to provide citizenship to the minority communities namely Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This will be applicable to the members of these communities having arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. Moreover, they shall not be considered as illegal migrants. Additionally, the mandatory residence period for naturalised citizenship for these communities would be reduced to 5 years. Several parties in the North East such as the (AASU) have been vehemently opposed to this legislation. To ameliorate their concerns of organizations such as the All Assam Students Union, the Centre has exempted a major part of the North East from the ambit of the Act. The opposition contended that the Act discriminates on the basis of religion, which might go against Article 14, which guarantees the right to equality. After an hours-long debate in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the legislation was cleared by a majority of the members voting in the favour of the Centre in December 2019. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi paid tribute on Tuesday to workers in the health sector workers who "were martyred on the job" and also to those who "are still persevering and sacrificing in their mission to protect Egyptians against the pandemic." The presidents remarks came during a ceremony to inaugurate a medical complex in Ismailia as well as a number of other hospitals and medical institutions nationwide via videoconference. We pay tribute and appreciation to the workers in the health sector whether those who have been martyred during their mission or those who are still performing their very amazing and great role to protect our people from this pandemic, El-Sisi said. The Ismailia medical complex will include a number of comprehensive medical units of different specialties as well as emergency departments to provide high-quality services, the presidency said. The inauguration of new facilities today is part of the country's ongoing plan to enact a new comprehensive health insurance system nationwide. During the event, El-Sisi launched via videoconference the experimental operation of the new Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS) in three more governorates - which includes Ismailia, Luxor and South Sinai - as part of the first phase in the project. El-Sisi assured that the state will exert its utmost possible efforts to implement the new health insurance system nationwide in 10 years instead of the previous timeline of 15 years. The president said he also mandated the health ministry to proceed in the completion of early detection campaigns for Hepatitis C among students at preparatory and secondary schools for the coming five years in order to completely eradicate the disease in Egypt. El-Sisi also pressed the need for working on spreading health consciousness among citizens as a culture to avoid diseases and handle health problems as early as possible. He hailed the government and the health ministry for their efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus amid the partial lockdown the country adopted last year. Minister Zayed on the UHIS Speaking at the inugural event in Ismailia, Minister of Health Hala Zayed said Egypts new Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS), which targets 100 percent of citizens, will substitute the old system that currently covers only 58 percent of Egyptians. The minister noted that the country had introduced a series of proactive measures to improve the health conditions of Egyptians ahead of enrollment in the scheme, including the 100 Million Healthy Lives initiatives for treating Hepatitis C patients, early detection of non-communicable diseases, and eliminating the waiting lists for surgeries and treatment. The average wait for treatment declined from 3 months to a week or less, Zayed added, thanks to the abovementioned steps. She pointed out that the initiative of eliminating waiting lists cost the country EGP 6 billion, nearly 60% of which was shouldered by the health ministry, with the central bank bearing EGP 1.3 billion, and civil society EGP 700 million. Up to 70 million citizens over the age of 18 have been screened as part of the initiatives of eliminating Hepatitis C and the early detection of non-communicable diseases, Zayed said. She added that Egypt saved EGP 64 billion annually by implementing the Hepatitus C initiative. Other infrastructures and upgrade projects were also implemented to improve facilities to accommodate the targeted numbers of citizens in the new health programme. The new six-phase healthcare scheme started in Port Said in 2019, with five other governorates set to be included soon. The programme was scheduled to cover all of Egypt by 2032, but, based on a new schedule announced in late January per El-Sisi directives, the project will be completed nationwide by 2027. Zayed added that close to 3.5 million medical services have been introduced in Port Said governorate, with beneficiaries contributing 10 percent as the cost of the UHIS' subscription. As many as 617,000 citizens have so far registered in the scheme and the percentage of citizens satisfaction of the service ranges from 90 to 93 percent, she said. Zayed said the UHIS will be implemented in Ismailia, Luxor, South Sinai, Aswan, and Suez at a total cost of EGP 23 billion. Dangers of overpopulation The president highlighted during his remarks the negative impact overpopulation has on thwarting development and the states efforts to improve peoples lives. He highlighted the need for the country to lower the annual population growth rate to 400,000 people per year. It is not the state that spends; it is the Egyptian people who spend. It is not us who are suffering; it is the Egyptian people who are suffering, the president said, highlighting the negative repercussions of overpopulation. Im suffering with you as an official, but eventually, will your son or daughter receive a good level of education or not? Will they receive a good level of treatment or not? Will they receive good nutrition opportunities or not? And will they get a job opportunity or not, El-Sisi added. Commenting on recent demands that the president enacts measures to combat overpopulation, El-Sisi said not all matters should be done toughly. Instead, it should be carried out through a program, and we are working on this program." El-Sisi said the fact that millions of children are suffering from either anemia or obesity means that you are not paying attention to your child. Trust me, [having] more than two children is a big problem, El-Sisi said. It is not only important that you feed them. You should pay attention and follow up on them If there are three or four or more children [per family], you will not be able to do that. Acceptance of opposition Veering into a discussion of politics in general, the president said the state "accepts opposition views that aim to improve peoples lives and not aim to be opposition only for oppositions sake." Yes, people have the right to express their opinion and people have the right to have an opposition, the president said. However, the president added, the goal of expressing opinion and of the political opposition should be to improve peoples living conditions and lives. The goal is not "opposition for the sake of opposition." "On human rights, they are not limited to the realm of the political," the president stressed. El-Sisi added that the state accepts opposition on the condition that the opposition understands what they are talking about. The Egyptian state is very serious about facing its challenges, very honest and faithful about facing its challenges; this [fact] should ease the burden on the opposition, the president noted. Short link: In a move that will receive positively among companies in India, the Ministry of Science & Technology has announced that they will be freeing up restrictions for geospatial mapping in the country. Indian companies will now have access to mapping data and technologies that have greater depth, resolution and precision. Previously, companies were required to go through an extensive process of pre-approvals and permissions to receive a licence. These hurdles would often discourage smaller companies and businesses from investing in various mapping technologies. With the restrictions removed, the Government of India is allowing Indian companies to collect, generate, prepare, disseminate, store, publish, update digital Geospatial Data and Maps within the territory of India. In recent times, mapping technologies such as LIDAR, RADAR, satellite-based mapping, aerial vehicle mapping, etc. have advanced quite a bit, and it can offer a lot of value to eCommerce, delivery, logistics and urban transportation industries. This policy change should positively affect these industries and help promote growth. In their release, the Ministry of Science & Technology stated, Staff file photo The City of San Antonio is providing an update on its winter weather response, ongoing power outages, the establishment of a warming center and more. For complete ongoing coverage, visit out Live Updates file. [February 16, 2021] Saguna, Announce New Product Generation 'vEdge+' - a Groundbreaking Integrated MEC and UPF Product Ready for 5G Networks YOKNEAM, Israel, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Saguna Networks Ltd (Saguna) has already made a name for itself as an innovative leader of multi-access edge computing (MEC) for 4G and 5G mobile networks. The company remarkable reputation was further cemented today with this announcement of the 'vEdge+' release, an advanced version of Saguna's industry awarded technology. It is the first of its kind to offer a UPF and MEC integrated data forwarding plane to meet the Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) requirements of 5G networks. In today's fast paced world most businesses and individuals want to utilize 5G technology. The competitive advantage achieved with the faster access to data and faster applications is powerful enough to upend entire industries. But 5G URLLC requires lightning-speed of one millisecond latency to achieve optimal results. It is not enough to merely have a collection of separated SW elements hosted within a single virtual environment. Using multiple data forwarding components causes additional latency and creates unwanted jitter and packet loss. This innovation from Saguna creates a single tightly integrated software image that includes all the required data forwarding elements. From termination of dataflows arriving from the RAN all theway to direct forwarding to any hosted MEC application, whether it be a virtual machine or a Kubernetes container. Saguna's new offering not only achieves ample speed, just a few microseconds over all internal latency on the forwarding plane, but its tight integration allows for minimal resource consumption. This elevates the already exceptionally efficient technology to unheard of levels of efficiency without sacrificing any of the existing features or the product flexibility, reliability and scalability. Having already caught the attention of many industry heavyweights, Saguna was recently awarded the prestigious Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Leadership Award. The latest product advancement reaffirms the company's position as unparalleled trailblazers in the edge cloud computing industry. Saguna's CEO, Ido Gur commented on the launch, "Once again Saguna is demonstrating its leadership in Edge Computing innovation." He went on to reiterate the company's message, "We are committed to continuing to deliver the most innovative solutions thereby creating new monetization options for our customers." About Saguna Saguna, the Edge Cloud Computing pioneer, helps communication companies monetize, optimize & accelerate their networks. Our any-access Edge-Cloud solutions transform networks into powerful cloud computing infrastructures for game changing applications including augmented and virtual reality, gaming, IoT, edge analytics, 8K video, connected cars, autonomous drones and more. Visit www.saguna.net to learn more about Saguna's latest advancements. For Inquiries marketing@saguna.net View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saguna-announce-new-product-generation-vedge---a-groundbreaking-integrated-mec-and-upf-product-ready-for-5g-networks-301228838.html SOURCE Saguna [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] (Reuters) - The Pakistan navy's seventh biennial multinational "Aman" (peace) exercise in Pakistani waters aimed at fostering international cooperation to fight piracy, terrorism and other crimes threatening maritime security concluded on Tuesday. Around 45 navies, including those of the United States, Britain and China, took part in the Arabian Sea exercise with ships and observers. The purpose of this exercise to bring regional and extra-regional navies on one platform and conduct exercises to enhance intra-operability in addition to counter terrorist threat and the crime which are happening in maritime domain, Commodore Khan Mehmood Asif told media. In the sea phase of the six-day exercise, navies conducted exercises together against terrorist and piracy threat in the maritime domain, he added. (Reporting by Syed Raza Hassan; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) PRAGUE (AP) Slovakia has become the nation with most COVID-19 deaths by size of population in the world amid a surge of cases from a highly contagious coronavirus variant. Despite a tough lockdown, the seven-day rolling average of daily deaths in Slovakia has risen from 1.68 deaths per 100,000 people on Feb. 1 to 1.78 deaths per 100,000 people on Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University figures issued Tuesday. Slovak President Zuzana Caputova called the situation very serious. We need to abide by all the rules," Caputova said Tuesday after meeting with a group of scientists and medical experts. "Its inevitable for us to endure this period of time. Portugal, which had the world's highest rate of COVID-19 deaths among its population for more than three weeks, dropped to second place with 1.48 deaths per 100,000 people. The most significant factor that has prevented coronavirus cases from falling in Slovakia is a high occurrence of the variant that was found in Britain, Marek Majdan, a Slovak epidemiologist and vice rector of Trnava University, told The Associated Press. Earlier this month, the Slovakian government announced the fast-spreading coronavirus variant first found in southern England had become dominant in the Central European country. The pronouncement came after health authorities sequenced all the positive samples nationwide from one day. The British variant was detected in 74% of them, which Health Minister Marek Krajci called an unbelievable high number. The lockdown, which worked effectively against the original virus, isnt as effective against the more infectious variant, Majdan said. Researchers have also found that the variant dominant in the U.K. is also more deadly than the original virus. In Slovakia's lockdown, people in the majority of counties where the virus situation is considered serious need to take a coronavirus test every seven days to be able to go to work. The government also canceled plans to partially reopen schools in the the hardest-hit counties. Story continues Another 111 people died in Slovakia of COVID-19 on Monday for a total of 6,063 in the nation of 5.4 million. Over 3,800 of the country's deaths in the pandemic have occurred this year. Majdan said mathematical models suggest that between 9,000 and 11,000 might die of COVID-19 in Slovakia by June, if the current trend continues. The government was getting ready to tighten its rules for international travelers on Wednesday to try to prevent virus variants from spreading or entering the country. Authorities plan to enforce the new measures by reimposing border checks. Slovakia's hospitals are under pressure, and the Health Ministry has called on volunteers to help medical workers cope with the surge. Majdan said a fast vaccination program was the key to improving the situation. In Britain, they have vaccinated 15% of the population who faced the highest risk, and we can clearly see the death rate falling. I hope we will do the same in Slovakia, he said. The 27-nation European Union, to which Slovakia belongs, has been criticized by many for its slow vaccine rollout. ___ Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Van Wert Health We are excited to adopt MEDI+SIGN in our expansion. With MEDI+SIGN, patients, their families, and hospital staff have access to critical information. This information allows all parties to be involved in care at a more immediate and deeper level, - Jim Pope, CEO of Van Wert Health. Recognized by Solutient as a 100 Top Hospital, Van Wert Health provides exceptional service to patients, families, physicians, communities and fellow employees. Including MEDI+SIGN in the current expansion demonstrates the commitment of Van Wert Health to enhanced communication, service, and collaboration. By focusing on the patient experience and fall prevention with the implementation of MEDI+SIGN, Van Wert Health shows their dedication to excellence in healthcare. Patients are at the center of everything we do, and improving the level of care we provide is fundamental to our mission to be the best community hospital. This is why we are excited to adopt MEDI+SIGN in our expansion. With MEDI+SIGN, patients, their families, and hospital staff have access to critical information. This information allows all parties to be involved in care at a more immediate and deeper level, said Jim Pope, CEO of Van Wert Health. The implementation of MEDI+SIGN at Van Wert Health includes digital patient room whiteboards, digital hallway door displays, and digital nurse station monitoring displays. In collaboration with the Ohio State University, MEDI+SIGN is fully integrated with Van Werts electronic medical record (EMR), and displays real-time data to clinicians, patients, and their families. The three-part MEDI+SIGN solution offers focused communication enhancements while substantially reducing staff workload. With MEDI+SIGN, Van Wert Health supports its core values: Dignity: Hospital staff stay informed at the point of care and can provide a higher level of compassion. The unique patient-facing features of MEDI+SIGN allow patients and family members to be involved in the care plan. Service: With health information readily accessible to hospital staff, Van Wert Health delivers an enhanced level of service. Collaboration: Synced with the hospitals processes and methodologies, and accessible to all immediate hospital staff, MEDI+SIGN bolsters the collaborative workflow at Van Wert Health. Excellence: Displaying information directly from the EMR elevates the practitioner diagnosis and objective patient data, resulting in an improved environment of quality and accountability. Stewardship: MEDI+SIGN responsibly and productively utilizes the power of the EMR, resulting in an improved patient experience. Respect: Family members, supportive friends, and the patient are vital to a healing outcome. With an appreciation of all stakeholders, MEDI+SIGN facilitates an informed collaboration of all those involved in the care process. Van Wert Health believes in the power of service, collaboration, and excellence. With MEDI+SIGN, staff and patients are kept informed and patients are kept safe, which delivers an improved level of care. The statistics we are seeing around patient safety already are extremely impressive by any standard, said David Linetsky, Founder/CEO of MEDI+SIGN. An alliance between the value-added partner, Torrence Sound and MEDI+SIGN made the implementation of MEDI+SIGN at Van Wert Health possible. With nearly 100 years of experience in technology solutions, Torrence Sound brings deep knowledge of the value of communications in the hospital setting. We are thrilled to partner with MEDI+SIGN and Van Wert Health to deliver accurate and timely communication tools that improve the patient experience without requiring additional work from staff, said Paul Taylor, President of Torrence Sound. About Van Wert Health: Van Wert Health is a community hospital serving Van Wert County, Ohio. The mission of Van Wert Health is to be the best community hospital. The vision of Van Wert Health is to be the first choice for healthcare within our region. Our values include dignity, service, collaboration, excellence, stewardship, and respect. The Van Wert Health specialties are Acute Care, Cardio Pulmonary Services, Coumadin Clinic, Emergency Services, Laboratory, Medical Imaging, Obstetrics, Outpatient Injections and Infusions, Pain Management Center, Pediatrics, Pulmonary Clinic, Therapy: Physical, Occupational and Speech, Sleep Center, Specialty Clinic, Surgical Services, Van Wert Health Physician Group, and Van Wert Health North. To learn more about Van Wert Health, visit https://vanwerthealth.org About Torrence Sound: Torrence Sound provides the Greater Northwestern Ohio Regions healthcare centers and hospitals with professionally designed healthcare communications systems, door security, and more. The professionals at Torrence Sound are experts at designing, installing, and supporting healthcare communication systems and integrating them into healthcare information systems. Torrence Sound understands that physicians and staff in the health services business require accurate, timely communications, and information that must be delivered in a simple, intuitive procedure. The Torrence Sound healthcare communication systems do just that. A professionally designed healthcare communications system from Torrence Sound, integrated into a healthcare information system, makes such a positive impact on daily operations that physicians and staff can stay focused on caring for patients. About MEDI+SIGN: MEDI+SIGN is a game-changing communication tool used by hospitals that are pursuing the creation, improvement, and sustainability of their quality and safety goals. Driven and perfected by evidence-based outcomes, MEDI+SIGN deploys strategies tailored to the hospitals specific needs and existing workflows. This unique approach allows hospitals to experience quality and safety transformations without negatively impacting the day to day workflow of staff. MEDI+SIGN is the first and only patient-facing technology in its class that requires zero effort from clinical staff while reinvesting time back to the bedside. With patient experience and complex psychology at the epicenter of this technology, patients are kept informed, satisfied and safe. Beyond patient experience, MEDI+SIGN focuses on improving HCAHPS and increasing patient safety by preventing falls as well as other sentinel events related to HAC among other CMS programs. To experience these results for yourself, visit https://medisigndisplays.com MEDI+SIGN is a registered trademark. 2021 MEDI+SIGN All Rights Reserved Iran's Saeid Mollaei, in white, shown fighting on August 28, 2019 against Belgium's Matthias Casse during the semi-final of the men's under 81kg category of the Judo World Championships in Tokyo Israeli media on Tuesday hailed as "historic" the arrival of Iranian-born former world champion judoka Saeid Mollaei, who now competes for Mongolia and has criticised the Iranian regime. The 2018 world champion Mollaei was embroiled in a political row when he was reportedly ordered by Iranian authorities to throw a match to avoid facing off with the Israeli Sagi Muki. Muki went on to win the 2019 world 81 kg title as Mollaei came third without fighting him. Despite coronavirus restrictions, Israel is hosting an international judoko tournament that begins in Tel Aviv on Thursday, featuring some 600 athletes from 63 countries. Israel's Sport 1 website celebrated Mollaei's arrival for the contest as "historic" in a banner homepage headline. The influential Ynet site said it was "courageous" and "heroic" for an athlete born in arch foe nation Iran to compete on Israeli territory. Muki posted an image on social media Monday of a February 2020 photo of him with Mollaei, captioned "Welcome Brother," and featuring Israeli, Iranian and Mongolian flags. A short video released by the Israel Judo Association showed its president Moshe Ponte hugging Mollaei upon his arrival at Ben Gurion airport on Monday. Mollaei is heard saying he was "pleased to be here". In October 2019, the International Judo Federation said it had banned Iran from international competition over the country's refusal to allow its fighters to face Israeli opponents. Iran said the ban was based on "false claims". The judo tournament during the pandemic has however stirred controversy, with Israel's airport still closed to all but non-emergency travel. Thousands of Israelis remain stranded abroad by the travel restrictions, with some voicing outrage in local media that hundreds of foreign athletes have been allowed into the country. Aryeh Tzimet, a 46-year-old citizen stuck in Zurich where he had been visiting his sick father, told the Yediot Ahronot newspaper: "Athletes are allowed in with no problem and with no quarantine -- while I'm Israeli and I'm stuck here." mib/bs/fz New Delhi/Puducherry, Feb 16 : Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Union territory to kickstart the poll campaign, the Congress received a big jolt with an MLA resigning from the party. The Congress's strength in the assembly has reduced to 10 as the BJP is trying to make inroads with the help of the AIADMK and the NR Congress in the Union Territory. BJP leaders say that the party is getting stronger day by day and it's because of the Congress's policies that its leaders are leaving the party. In the last few weeks, the Congress in Puducherry has seen four among its senior-most leaders and MLAs resig, including senior leader Namasivayam. On Tuesday its Kamarajnagar MLA John Kumar also quit the party. While other Congress MLAs Malladi Krishna Rao quit on February 15, former PWD Minister A. Namassivayamy and E. Theeppainjan resigned on January 25. N. Dhanavelu, a Congress member, was disqualified in July last year for alleged anti-party activities. With back-to-back resignations, Congress's numbers plummetted to way below the halfway mark and triggered a crisis. The Congress and DMK had a combined strength of 16 MLAs in the 30-member Puducherry assembly. The resignations have taken the Congress-led government to below 10 and the Opposition now has 14 MLAs. However, sources close to the Chief Minister said the government in the UT is safe as the strength of the assembly has reduced. Puducherry is likely to go to polls along with other states in April-May this year. The Congress seems to on the desdendent in Puducherry. Most observers say that the exodus is because of dissatisfaction against the politics of the Chief Minister V Narayansamy. Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Puducherry on February 17. The Congress leader will also be visiting Tamil Nadu on February 27, 28 and March 1. He will be touring Tuticorin, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari. An ex-detective has said that White House Farm killer Jeremy Bamber is innocent and that his sister 'Bambi' murdered the family before taking her own life. Mark Williams-Thomas - who helped expose Jimmy Savile's sex crimes - also revealed he still writes to Bamber in jail. He claimed that it was Bamber's sister, Sheila Caffell, who committed the murders at White House Farm in Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex, in August 1985. The former cop turned investigative reporter was speaking about the six-part ITV drama, 'White House Farm', which explored the horrific murders. Bamber was jailed for life in October 1986 after being found guilty of murdering his adoptive parents Nevill and June, both 61, his sister Sheila, 26, and her six-year-old twins Nicholas and Daniel at their family home. He has always protested his innocence and claims Ms Caffell, who suffered from schizophrenia, shot her family before turning the gun on herself. Ex-detective Mark Williams-Thomas (pictured left) has claimed that Jeremy Bamber (right) is innocent and believes his sister 'Bambi' murdered her family before taking her own life Bamber has always protested his innocence and claims Sheila 'Bambi' Caffell (pictured above), who suffered from schizophrenia, shot her family before turning the gun on herself Mr Williams-Thomas said: 'I don't believe Jeremy Bamber murdered his family - I think his sister Sheila Caffell did it and then took her own life. 'I write to Jeremy who is still in jail. I write to a few inmates.' He also said the programme, which is now streaming on Netflix, portrayed Bamber as being 'cocky' and as someone who acted strangely after his family were killed. He added: 'There isn't any one way of behaving in that situation. Sometimes people laugh out of nerves and shock.' Bamber lost his bid to get himself downgraded from maximum security in October last year. He had been pursuing a High Court challenge over the decision taken in March last year by the director of the long-term and high security estate - part of the prisons and probation service - not to downgrade him from a Category A prisoner, or to direct that an oral hearing on the issue take place. Category A prisoners are considered the most dangerous to the public and held in maximum security conditions. At a remote hearing in October, lawyers for Bamber asked Mr Justice Julian Knowles to grant permission for a full hearing of Bamber's challenge, arguing that the decision was 'unreasonable'. White House Farm at Tolleshunt D'Arcy, near Maldon, in Essex, pictured, where Bamber is alleged to have shot dead his mother, father, sister and twin nephews in August 1985 Mark Williams-Thomas: Ex-detective who helped expose Jimmy Savile and believes the Madeline McCann case may never be solved Mark Williams-Thomas is best known for helping to unmask Jimmy Savile as a paedophile in the ITV documentary 'The Other Side of Jimmy Savile'. Speaking about exposing Savile, he said: 'Although Jimmy was dead at this point, his victims still lived in fear of him, especially due to his legacy. So, the hardest part was convincing people to tell me what happened. 'I had to slowly build up people's accounts and when all of their stories added up, despite not knowing each other, this created compelling evidence.' Advertisement In written documents before the court, Bamber's barrister Matthew Stanbury said an independent psychologist's report, commissioned by Bamber's solicitors, concluded he had met the test for downgrading a Category A prisoner and that these conditions were 'no longer necessary' for managing him. He argued the decision not to downgrade Bamber from Category A was 'unreasonable' as it 'substantially misrepresented' the opinion given by the independent psychologist. He also said that 'fairness required an oral hearing' over whether Bamber should be downgraded, for reasons including the fact that he 'has served 35 years without ever having an oral hearing, and the passage of time means that a risk assessment is more difficult without a face-to-face assessment'. He had an appeal against his convictions dismissed by the Court of Appeal in 2002, and also had a High Court challenge to the Criminal Cases Review Commission's (CCRC) refusal to refer his case for another appeal rejected in 2012. Mr Williams-Thomas served with Surrey Police from 1989 to 2000. He was speaking to That's Life's Crime Scene magazine this month where he also claimed Oscar Pistorius did not murder his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. He said: 'I am the only independent observer who has heard Oscar's personal account away from the courts, and I do not believe he is a murderer. 'I found him incredibly polite and caring, and he is deeply religious. 'He thought there was an intruder in his home, and I think that people need to be aware of what home security is like in South Africa. 'Home invasions are extremely common, with intruders often entering when residents are sleeping. 'Think about Oscar's vulnerability. He was incredibly famous and both of his legs were amputated - he would have experienced heightened anxiety if he thought there was an intruder in his home. 'There was no delay in between the shots, therefore he wouldn't have heard Reeva's screams. 'I have seen Oscar two times since he has been in jail and he is deeply remorseful for what happened - he was absolutely in love with Reeva.' The ex-cop also believes Michael Jackson was not a paedophile and has said previously that the Madeline McCann case may never be solved. Bamber in a file photo dated October 2002. He lost a legal bid to have himself downgraded from maximum security status in October last year Speaking about exposing Jimmy Savile as a paedophile, he said: 'Although Jimmy was dead at this point, his victims still lived in fear of him, especially due to his legacy. So, the hardest part was convincing people to tell me what happened. 'I had to slowly build up people's accounts and when all of their stories added up, despite not knowing each other, this created compelling evidence.' The Commissioner General of Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Yankuba Darboe, has assured his staff of his resolve to ensure they have better working condition. However, he informed the staff that they must double their effort to continue living up to expectation in terms of service delivery to the Authority. GRA Boss made this assurance during the Board and top Management of GRA field visit on various outlets of GRA within the Greater Banjul Area (GBA). The delegation which comprised members of the Board was led by their chairperson Madam Lucy Faye Jagne. The purpose of the visits were to meet with the GRA staff at their work places, talk with them to know their constraints and challenges that are hindering their work in a bid to address them at a possible time. According to the Commissioner General, his staff welfare is in his top agenda to ensure effective service delivery. Nonetheless, Darboe commended his staff for their team work, cooperation and love for the job, adding that over the years GRA had been meeting its set revenue target for government and this is due to the commitment and dedication of his staff. He also dilated on the unprecedented performance that GRA registered over the years, including 2020 despite the negative impact of the coronavirus. He said GRA was able to exceed its set revenue target in 2020, collecting over a billion on monthly average. This, he said, is not a 'child's play. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Labour Human Rights By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mr. Darboe also highlighted the need for respect for Authority and their work, in terms of punctuality and code of conduct, while advising the managers to respect and treat junior staff equally, and monitor their working hours at the office. He also assured his staff that since they are performing by meeting their set revenue target for government, the Board and Management of GRA will do all what it can to ensure that his staff will work under a conducive environment. For her part, GRA Board Chairperson Madam Lucy Faye Jagne, commended GRA staff for their steadfast in ensuring that the Authority register unprecedented performance. She therefore called on the need for collective efforts and team spirit to continue their performance. "We need to work together and have high regard to the job. We at the level of the Board are here to interact with you to know what are your challenges and constraints and see how best to address your concern. We expect you to continue to portray good image of the Authority," she reaffirmed. Women all over the world are green-eyed over the lavish Valentine's Day celebration Lori Harvey got from her boyfriend, Michael B. Jordan. Jordan just won this year's best boyfriend award after pulling off an epic surprise to celebrate his first February 14 with the model. The 34-year-old Hollywood hunk was first romantically linked to Lori, the daughter of TV host Steve Harvey, late last year. But it wasn't until this January when they made their relationship official by uploading pictures and videos with one another on their respective Instagram pages. Michael B. Jordan Romantic at Heart Sunday marked their first Valentine's Day together, and to prove that he's the best boyfriend, Jordan decided to pull out all the stops--which may have included renting out an entire aquarium. In a series of Instagram Stories, Lori Harvey shared videos to take fans along during her romantic date with Michael B. Jordan. She's completely blown away by her boyfriend's efforts. One video had a caption, "My baby rented one aquarium so we could do a private tour and see the turtles, and then we walked into this." She then shared a video of a dinner setting surrounded by the entire aquarium. The scene also featured flowers covering the table and even had a personalized menu. "And he had Nobu cook dinner for us," Lori further wrote. But the love didn't end there. More surprises from People's Sexiest Man Alive came coming, as she was later whisked off to a hotel suite, which was decorated and decked out in massive bouquets, candles and flower petals. The hotel suite showed white, red, and pink roses, a beautiful roaring fire, a lovely view of the city, a prepared bubble bath and, of course, a massive bed covered in rose petals. Michael B. Jordan's Best Gift Ever However, the best gift of all, according to Harvey, was the Hermes certificate she received from her boyfriend. Jordan bought his girlfriend stocks in the fashion house as aValentine's Day present. "Baby bought me stocks in Hermes," Lori shared. Needless to say, that this kind of Valentine's Day date belonged in an actual film. Spoiled Lori Harvey For what it's worth, it wasn't the first time Jordan surprised Harvey with a romantic gesture. In January, the "Black Panther" actor made his love feel special on the Instagram influencer's birthday by giving her 15 bouquets of white roses. In one video that showed off the roses, Harvey took to her Instagram to say, "Thank you, baby" along with a heart eyes emoji. Confirmation of their relationship wasn't a shock to fans, who have already been speculating on their romance for months. See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., refused to mince words against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell after he opted against impeaching former President Donald Trump. The vote fell along largely partisan lines, with 43 Republicans voting to acquit the former president. Seven Republicans crossed party lines to vote against Trump. In her statement issued shortly after the impeachment proceedings, she roundly criticized McConnell for shutting down the Senate in January when the House first voted to impeach the president. "It is so pathetic that Senator McConnell kept the Senate shut down so that the Senate could not receive the Article of Impeachment and has used that as his excuse for not voting to convict Donald Trump," Pelosi said in a statement Saturday. She also condemned the 42 other Senate Republicans, saying they chose to "abandon the Constitution, the Country and the American people with this vote." "Other Senate Republicans refusal to hold Trump accountable for igniting a violent insurrection to cling to power will go down as one of the darkest days and most dishonorable acts in our nations history," she said. And yet, despite his vote signaling otherwise, McConnell condemned Trump in the Senate chambers for propagating support for the rioters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, saying that they "were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president" and his "false statements, conspiracy theories and reckless hyperbole," per NBC News. The Senate needed a two-thirds majority in order to impeach the president; in other words, ten more Republicans needed to vote against their party this time around. During the last go-around for impeachment, Pelosi accused McConnell of staging a "coverup" weeks before the Senate voted against hearing witnesses in the Senate trial. That impeachment ended in Trump's acquittal, by a 47-53 vote. Prosecutor seeks to fine Navalny $13K for insulting statements about war veteran RAPSI 11:17 16/02/2021 MOSCOW, February 16 (RAPSI) Prosecution on Tuesday demanded to fine Alexey Navalny 950,000 rubles ($13,000) for his insulting statements about veteran of the Great Patriotic War Ignat Artemenko, RAPSI reported from the Babushkinsky District Court of Moscow. In early June 2020, Russia Today TV channel published a video where the 93-year Artemenko and other respondents were reading the Constitution preamble. Following that, Navalny released a video with comments on his social networks insulting the veteran. Navalny was charged with defamation. He pleads not guilty. In February, Moscows Simonovsky District Court overturned a suspended sentence given to Navalny in the Ives Rocher embezzlement case and ordered him to 3.5 years in jail. Professor Laura Ritchie from the University of Chichester is one of the lead researchers of the new study. Credit: University of Chichester A new study from the University of Chichester has shed light on how people coped psychologically with the sudden and life-changing disruption caused by COVID-19. This new publication, by Chichester's Professor Laura Ritchie and Ph.D. candidate Benjamin Sharpe, in collaboration with Professor Daniel Cervone of the University of Illinois at Chicago, provides a unique snapshot into people's understanding of their goals and self-beliefs amidst a shared, unexpected alteration of the daily landscape during lockdown. Ritchie and colleagues collected their study data during the start of the initial lockdown period in March 2020, a time when people were first told stay home. To study people's attitudes toward their goals as well as their beliefs in their capabilities for accomplishing them (self-efficacy), the research team devised novel methods that combined traditional survey items with open-ended narrative reports that allowed people to describe their pandemic-era experiences in their own words. Their findings reveal, as expected, that the pandemic lowered self-efficacy beliefs. When the lockdown introduced impediments to the pursuit of daily projects, people became less confident in accomplishing them. Yet the findings also revealed an unexpected result. Despite the life disruptions and lowering of confidence, many people still cared deeply about pursuing their goals. Even though over two-thirds of people believed they could no longer accomplish their goal now that current events had unfolded, yet they still cared about it. Those who continued to pursue their goals exhibited a range of creative strategies, demonstrating their tenacity to find a way in the midst of the restrictions and uncertain times. Co-author Prof Cervone said: "A recurrent finding from psychological science in recent years is relevant here. People often display surprising resilience in the face of life disruptions. Our new findings reveal one potential source of resilience during the early COVID-19 lockdown: the tenacious, strategically-creative pursuit of meaning personal projectsa pursuit that, for many people, continuous even while the individual expresses some doubt about their ability fully to reach their original aims." Professor Brian R Little, Director of the Social Ecology Research Group Cambridge University and world-renowned expert in the study of personal projects and well-being, describes this new publication by Ritchie, Cervone, and Sharpe as "a creative and important study of how people pursue their projects under the challenging conditions of COVID-19." He added: "The convergence of quantitative and qualitative results is very encouraging for research on efficacy in project pursuit. The authors have documented a dramatic drop in efficacy on personal projects that had been initiated before the epidemic compared with their current lock-down status." Author Professor Laura Ritchie, a Professor of Learning and Teaching at the University of Chichester, said: "We were very pleased to successfully carry out this cross-continental collaboration within the narrow window for data collection to meet the deadline for this special call, especially considering we too were in lockdown." Benjamin Sharpe, research assistant to Professor Ritchie, added: "This has been an exciting project and I have been keen to follow the trend to increase transparency in research through following open science practices. Our dataset is fully accessible." A potential benefit of the approach of Ritchie, Cervone, and Sharpe is that it yields a 'library' of participant-provided pandemic-related coping strategies. These self-reported strategies involved aspects of emotional and problem-focused coping, involving active planning and engaging with metacognitive strategies. Professor Little concluded: "The study provides an elegant demonstration that in the age of COVID-19, even projects that people have had to put on hold may sustain meaning in their radically upended lives. It deserves to be read widely." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: Laura Ritchie et al, Goals and Self-Efficacy Beliefs During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown: A Mixed Methods Analysis, Frontiers in Psychology (2021). Journal information: Frontiers in Psychology Laura Ritchie et al, Goals and Self-Efficacy Beliefs During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown: A Mixed Methods Analysis,(2021). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.559114 Provided by University of Chichester 2021 Anzisha Prize applications open as need for job creation soars during pandemic EUGENE, Ore. -- Pharmacies across the country are gearing up to vaccinate people as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. There are currently 127 participating locations in Oregon, including Safeway, Albertsons, Costco, and Health Mart. KEZI 9 News spoke to a pharmacist at the Safeway in Eugene who said they have received enough vaccine doses to give out roughly 20 shots every weekday and 10 shots on both Saturday and Sunday. This number is expected to increase over time as the federal government provides more doses. Safeway said anyone who is eligible and interested in receiving their vaccine can visit their website to book an appointment. When KEZI checked the website, there were no appointments available within 50 miles of the 97401 zip code. However, more are expected to open up in the future. Also today, Oregonians between the ages of 75 and 79 became eligible to receive the vaccine. Im very happy, said 75-year-old John Roy. I think its going to be a good thing for me and a good thing for all of us if we get more people vaccinated. Roy is a Lane County resident who filled out the preregistration form on the countys website. When we spoke to him Monday afternoon, he said he was not sure what steps to take next. It's still a little bit unclear because I saw my older brother in Texas, he got it two weeks ago, Roy said. It's still confusing but it's getting better. Lane County has plans to expand its mass vaccination efforts to reach more people and meet the growing demand as the number of eligible residents continues to increase each week. Health officials say that by next weekend, a new mass vaccination facility will be operational. The new site will operate simultaneously alongside the current location. The new site will have the capacity to vaccinate up to 2,000 people during a single day, according to Steve Adams, Lane County Public Healths incident commander. Adams said the current location has the capacity to administer 2,500 doses each day, so when both are operating at the same time, up to 4,500 Lane County residents can be vaccinated in a single day. Its important to note that the countys ability to have both facilities running will depend on the number of doses allocated to Lane County each week. Lane Countys mass vaccination clinics are invite-only events, meaning a public health official will contact eligible people with information one week prior. Doses are limited so they are unable to invite everyone currently eligible at this time. Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday called on the owners of unoccupied buildings in downtown Houston to turn off their lights at night to help conserve electricity, just as has been requested of residents across the region. The downtown skyline remained illuminated Monday night as temperatures dipped to dangerous levels and more than a million Houston residents struggled to stay warm in their powerless homes. Photos of vacant but well-lit office buildings circulated widely across social media, sparking outrage among Houstonians who were asked to conserve power if they were lucky enough to have it. Hours later, it remains unclear why skyscrapers had power and were using it at night when more than 1.3 million Houston-area residents awoke to no electricity Tuesday. For many, it was their second day without power. Turner said he asked the Downtown Houston Management District to have unoccupied buildings turn off their lights. He said the city cannot cut off all power downtown because some people are staying in hotels and sheltering at the George R. Brown Convention Center. On a call Tuesday morning that included elected officials, CenterPoint Energy, the utility company that supplies electricity to the Houston area, said it was working with businesses to shut off power at locations not critically needed downtown and in the Galleria area, Councilman Robert Gallegos said in a tweet. In a statement, CenterPoint spokeswoman Alejandra Diaz said downtown Houston is served by its underground network and many downtown buildings are critical load. The statement did not elaborate. She said CenterPoint is working to identify and isolate buildings on a case-by-case basis to conserve power. We, of course, continue to urge customers who do have power to assist with this situation and limit outages by reducing their electricity use to the lowest level possible, Diaz said. Bob Eury, president of the Houston Downtown Management District, said district officials sent a message to businesses at noon urging them to conserve power. We are seeing proactive steps being taken by many buildings, Eury said. This involves actions in addition to normal energy conservation practices, given the seriousness of the current emergency. Residents were alarmed over similar circumstances in other large Texas cities. Austin officials said their downtown network was excluded from power outages required by the state electric grid operator. This is a complicated, inter-connected network that includes critical buildings like the Dell Seton Medical Center, warming centers, the COVID-19 Alternate Care Site, Capitol Complex and Austin City Hall, as well as other critical infrastructure and government buildings, the city said in a news release. Shutting down the downtown network would also cut off electricity to these critical buildings, which may also house vital communications equipment. The capital citys economic development department requested Tuesday morning that downtown properties scale back electricity use immediately, the Austin American-Statesman reported. Turners office did not respond to questions about whether city buildings remained illuminated in Houston. In San Antonio, officials turned off lights at the Alamodome and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Councilman Roberto Trevino reported. Earlier in the evening, Trevino tweeted that San Antonios skyline needs to join the other Texas skylines that have gone dark in order to do all that we can to preserve our energy and provide it to the households most in need. jasper.scherer@chron.com The Victorian Health Department is offering a $360,000 salary for a new top spin doctor as it battles yet another coronavirus outbreak. Victoria's health department are searching for a new chief communications officer, with a pay package between $250,000 and $360,000 at their Melbourne office. The huge pay offer is hot on the heels of the department dropping thousands on a new 'bold colour palette' for its branding. The prospective applicants must 'actively position the department as an innovative voice in the health sector' by having 'smart strategic advice' to engage with diverse audiences. The Department of Health is searching for a new chief communications officer with a pay package of between $250,000 and $360,000 (pictured: Victoria's Department of Health's secretary Euan Wallace) The five-year-contract will see the recipient manage the state's Covid-19 communications, which were heavily criticised last year. Notably, the star-studded campaign that saw Magda Szubanski and Matt Preston wear masks while urging citizens to abide by the new stage four lockdown rules. The stars were offered a $2,000 fee to appear in the new advertisement campaign and several donated the fee to charity, Premier Daniel Andrews said. The Health Department is led by secretary and former obstetrician and gynaecologist Euan Wallace, who was appointed in November. He replaced Kym Peake who resigned 'to pursue other opportunities', less than two months after facing the state's hotel quarantine inquiry. The health department was previously critised for their Covid-19 advertisements, which saw Stars like Magda Szubanski (pictured) urge citizens to abide by lockdown laws The stars featured in the advertisment, including Matt Preston (pictured) were offeed $2,000 to appear in the advertisement Mr Wallace already has new ideas lined up for the new communications role, according to an internal staff email obtained by the Sydney Morning Herald. The email that circulated last week, confirmed Wallace is switching up the department's marketing material at an unknown cost to tax payers. A power of work has also gone into our new branding,' Mr Wallace notified staff in the email. 'The friendly and bold colour palette pink, orange and navy blue signals the care, warmth and dedication we bring to our work. I hope you like it.' (Newser) Donald Trump has left the White Houseand public view, for the most partbut indications are his base of support is not going anywhere. A poll conducted as his Senate impeachment trial ended in acquittal has found that 54% of Republican voters would back Trump in a 2024 presidential primary. That's the same level of support he had in November, Morning Consult reports, before it slipped just after the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol. Forecasts that Trump's popularity would fall appear to have been premature; instead, the share of Republicans who assign some blame to Trump for the riot fell 14 percentage points, to 27%. The number of GOP voters blame President Biden for the riot rose 4 points, to 46%, and those who said Democrats in Congress are responsible climbed 10 points, to 58%. story continues below A solid majority of Republicans, 59%, want Trump to continue to play a major role in the party, up 18 points since the riot. In hypothetical matchups, the poll found the former president trouncing Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, and other potential opponents, including Donald Trump Jr. Those figures are reflected in state Republicans' moves against senators who voted Saturday to convict Trump, though there's been a 5-point drop since the riot in Republicans who see their party moving in the right direction, to 46%. Overall, 51% of Americans are unhappy with the Senate's decision to acquit Trump. But the Politico Playbook notes that Republicans "just can't quit him," and moved past their qualms about Trump's responsibility in the Capitol attack quickly. (Sen. Mitch McConnell has defended his contradictory positions.) The European Union plans to launch two projects this year to combat disinformation in Ukraine, according to Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Remi Duflot. He said this at an online seminar "Responding to Disinformation: European Practices and Standards," according to an Ukrinform correspondent. The diplomat said that disinformation could be detrimental to any society as it can be used as a form of influence on open societies and their democratic institutions. "The European Union supports Ukraine in its fight against disinformation. We will continue to do so," Duflot said. According to him, it is necessary to strengthen the response to cyberattacks and increase the level of media literacy. In this context, Duflot recalled that the European Union is implementing a EUR 2 million project in Ukraine, aimed at improving the fight against disinformation. "We will have two new projects this year. Within the first one, we will study the image of Ukraine in individual countries. Within the second one, we will explore how views are formed in areas east of the contact line," Duflot said. He added that the European Union also plans to launch a project later this year to support the fight against disinformation at the local level. op A hospital nurse has been injured by a stray bullet as a townhouse was shot at in western Sydney in a suspected crime-gang related attack. NSW Police said the nurse suffered a minor injury to her leg after the bullet went through a window at the rear of Auburn Hospital on Monday night. Police were called to a townhouse complex on Auburn Road shortly before 8pm and found bullet holes in the front of the building. Nurse from Auburn Hospital (pictured) has been injured by a stray bullet as a townhouse was shot at in western Sydney in a suspected gang-related shoot out Police (pictured) said the nurse suffered a minor injury to her leg after the bullet went through a window at the rear of Auburn Hospital on Monday night Residents inside at the time were not injured. Officers were notified by hospital staff that the woman that a stray bullet fired at the town house penetrated through a window at the rear of Auburn Hospital. Police were told at least two men, dressed in black, were seen getting out of a vehicle near the driveway of the townhouse and firing a number of rounds. 'Auburn detectives along with State Crime Commands Criminal Groups Squad are conducting a full investigation into the incident,' police said. Authorities are urging anyone who knows any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. This new release officially opened the door to more developers and app categories, with Apple specifically seeking tools aimed at EVs and supposed to improve the experience behind the wheel.And while not many big releases happened since iOS 14 first came out, more and more developers are joining the CarPlay world slowly but surely.This week, EasyPark officially announced its adding support for CarPlay , essentially allowing users to find parking spots and pay right from their head units. The app also comes with a series of extras, including stations to recharge electric vehicles. Plus, everything is as convenient as possible, with all features displayed on the display in the car thanks to the new update.EasyPark is one very popular app on both Android and iPhone, but right now, its currently focused on European markets almost exclusively with no support for the United States. The countries where EasyPark can be used are Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Lichtenstein, Iceland, Hungary, and Australia.With EasyPark, a leading parking app for smartphones and cars, you can pay for parking in over 2,200 cities in 20 countries. You can also charge your electrical vehicle, find streets with high parking availability and change between private and work related expenses in the app," the company explains in a press release (also embedded below). "Now you can use the app in the car itself, meaning you no longer have to use either cash, credit card or even a smartphone to pay for parking although the phone still needs to be connected to the car.EasyPark hasnt yet announced an Android Auto version of its app, but theres a chance this one is also coming, given how Google too has unlocked its platform to more third-party app categories. Californias contract with Blue Shield to take over the states coronavirus vaccination program calls for enough capacity to administer 4 million doses every week by April 30, and emphasizes equal access to vaccines in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The state released its 55-page contract with the insurance provider Monday, the same day the collaboration officially took effect. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced at the end of January that California would partner with Blue Shield in an effort to speed up the states vaccination rollout and more equitably reach communities hit hardest by the pandemic. The contract states that Blue Shield cannot be paid more than $15 million for its participation, and it cannot profit off of its deal with the state. The state continues to be responsible for approving vaccine allocations to counties and certain large health care providers like Kaiser Permanente, and determining how doses are divvied up. Blue Shield is tasked with developing a system for helping the state make those decisions and for managing distribution details. Blue Shields distribution system must take into account not just how many people are served by counties and providers, but how quickly they are administering vaccines and how well theyre reaching disadvantaged communities. Among the highlights of the contract revealed on Monday: Blue Shield and California aim to have enough capacity to vaccinate 3 million people a week by March 1 and 4 million a week by April 30. The state currently vaccines roughly 1.5 million people a week. California officials noted that their ability to administer that many vaccinations a week depends on supply, which is not controlled by the state. Providers must administer 95% of vaccines within one week of receiving them. For 95% of the population, vaccines must be available within 30 minutes travel time in urban areas and 60 minutes in rural areas. Blue Shield must have a plan to deliver vaccines to people who are unable to leave their home. Starting in March, the state will have a monthly goal for vaccine administration in communities that are economically disadvantaged or have been disproportionately hit by the pandemic. Blue Shield must provide the state with daily reports on gaps in equity, low performing counties and providers, and how much vaccine is needed. Blue Shield also must report daily on hot spots where coronavirus rates are higher than other parts of the state or heath care systems are overwhelmed by patients. The contract also recommends, if appropriate, that Blue Shield develop a five-star rating system for patient experience with vaccination. Blue Shield would aim for a four-star average rating. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday BOSTON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In connection with the proposed acquisition of Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE: EV) by Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) announced on October 8, 2020, shareholders of Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust (NYSE: EFT), Eaton Vance New York Municipal Income Trust (NYSE American: EVY) and Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (NYSE: EFR) (each, a "Fund" and, collectively, the "Funds") were asked to approve new investment advisory agreements for the Funds at a joint special meeting of shareholders held on February 5, 2021 (the "Meeting"). The Meeting for each Fund was adjourned to February 26, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time in order to allow more time for shareholders to vote. The October 29, 2020 record date for shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting remains unchanged. Fund shareholders who have already voted do not need to take further action . If you are entitled to vote but have not yet voted, whether or not you plan to participate in the adjourned Meeting, the Funds urge you to submit your vote on the WHITE proxy card in advance of the adjourned Meeting by one of the methods described in the Funds' proxy materials. The Funds' proxy statement is available online at https://funds.eatonvance.com/closed-end-fund-and-term-trust-documents.php. If, as of October 29, 2020, you were a holder of record of Fund shares (i.e., you held Fund shares in your own name directly with the Fund) and you wish to participate in and vote at the adjourned Meeting, you should email your full name and address to AST Fund Solutions, LLC ("AST") at [email protected] You will then be provided with credentials to participate in the Meeting. You will be able to vote at the Meeting by entering the control number found on the WHITE proxy card you previously received. All requests to participate in and/or vote at the Meeting must be received by AST by no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 25, 2021. If, as of October 29, 2020, you held Fund shares through an intermediary (such as a broker-dealer) and you wish to participate in and vote at the adjourned Meeting, you will need to obtain a legal proxy from your intermediary reflecting the Fund's name, the number of Fund shares held and your name and email address. You may forward an email from your intermediary containing the legal proxy or attach an image of the legal proxy to an email and send it to AST at [email protected] with "Legal Proxy" in the subject line. You will then be provided with credentials to participate in the Meeting, as well as a unique control number to vote your shares at the Meeting. If you would like to participate in but NOT vote at the Meeting, please send an email to AST at [email protected] with proof of ownership of Fund shares. A statement, letter or the Vote Instruction Form from your intermediary will be sufficient proof of ownership. You will then be provided with credentials to participate in the Meeting. All requests to participate in and/or vote at the Meeting must be received by AST by no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 25, 2021. The final vote tabulations, as certified by the independent inspector, First Coast Results, Inc., will be published in each Fund's next report to shareholders. About Eaton Vance Corp. The Funds' investment adviser is Eaton Vance Management, a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. ("Eaton Vance"). Eaton Vance provides advanced investment strategies and wealth management solutions to forward-thinking investors around the world. Through principal investment affiliates Eaton Vance Management, Parametric, Atlanta Capital, Calvert and Hexavest, the Company offers a diversity of investment approaches, encompassing bottom-up and top-down fundamental active management, responsible investing, systematic investing and customized implementation of client-specified portfolio exposures. As of December 31, 2020, Eaton Vance had consolidated assets under management of $583.1 billion. For more information, visit eatonvance.com. Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from their net asset value. The market price of Fund shares may vary from net asset value based on factors affecting the supply and demand for shares, such as Fund distribution rates relative to similar investments, investors' expectations for future distribution changes, the clarity of a Fund's investment strategy and future return expectations, and investors' confidence in the underlying markets in which the Fund invests. Fund shares are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested. Each Fund is not a complete investment program and you may lose money investing therein. An investment in a Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. Before investing, prospective investors should consider carefully a Fund's investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses. This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of a Fund. Additional information about the Funds, including performance and portfolio characteristic information, is available at eatonvance.com. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements as defined by the U.S. securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors that may be beyond a Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. SOURCE Eaton Vance Management Problems with a flagship carbon capture system operated in Western Australia by the countrys sixth-biggest polluter mean it is capturing only one-third of the pollution approvals required, venting up to millions of tonnes a year more, documents reveal. Chevrons Gorgon oil and gas project on Barrow Island off the Pilbara coast was approved on the condition it used carbon capture and storage injecting emissions underground to bury 80 per cent of the carbon extracted from its reservoir gas over a five-year period. Chevron's Gorgon LNG plant in Western Australia hosts one of the world's biggest carbon capture projects. Credit: Reservoir gas is 27 per cent of total emissions from the project, WAs second-highest polluting, estimated to put out almost 10 million tonnes a year at full production. The emerging technology of CCS is one of the federal governments key hopes to curb skyrocketing national emissions while still extracting fossil fuels. The leader of Turkeys main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to blame for the deaths of 13 Turkish hostages that were being held by Kurdish militants in Iraqi Kurdistan. In a scathing address before the Turkish Parliament, Kemal Kilicdaroglu said he had five questions for Erdogan. One was, What have you done for this nations sons who were being held since 2015 by the terrorist organization? Kilicdaroglu went on to lambast the president in his Feb. 16 speech for failing to enlist the help of civil society organizations that had previously mediated to free Turkish citizens being held by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Did it never occur to you to call on them? he asked. Kilicdaroglu reminded Erdogan of his admission the day before that the military operation in Iraqi Kurdistans Gare region launched Feb. 10 was to rescue the hostages but had ended in failure. Normally someone should take responsibility and resign. You go to rescue hostages and they die. The person responsible for our 13 martyrs is Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he said. Kilicdaroglus salvos indicate that the opposition refuses to be intimidated by the governments labeling of those critical of the mission as traitors or by the jailing of more than 700 members of the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) on Feb. 15. The government accuses the HDP of links to the PKK and has prosecuted hundreds of its members on thinly supported evidence that they are members of the militant group. A video prepared Erdogans communications directorate called The Origins of HDP-PKK Relations and posted Feb. 14 by the state-run Anadolu News Agency purports to prove their alleged links. There is widespread speculation that Erdogan may now go along with the increasingly vocal demands of his far-right ally Devlet Bahceli to shut the HDP down in a bid to consolidate nationalist votes that have been shifting to the conservative IYI or Good party. But Erdogans perceived attempts to use the Gare tragedy to shatter the informal electoral alliance between the CHP, the HDP and IYI, which delivered a string of crushing defeats to his own partys candidates in municipal elections in 2019, may well backfire. Turkey says the PKK shot all 13 Turkish citizens in a cave complex in Gare, a mountainous region in Iraqi Kurdistan that borders Turkey. The PKK insists that Turkish forces were responsible for the deaths of seven servicemen, three policemen and three civilians, two of whom were allegedly members of Turkeys national intelligence agency. It said repeated bombing by Turkish fighter jets and ensuing clashes on the ground had led to the deaths of the hostages. The PKK had been holding the hostages for roughly six years and would only negotiate their release with the Turkish government, according to Turkeys Human Rights Association. Briefing the Turkish Parliament Tuesday, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar once again refuted the PKKs claims. He insisted that the operation had been carefully planned and that Turkish forces had been monitoring Gare for the past five months. He said the location of the cave was such that it could not have been struck from the air. Akar also denied the PKKs claims that Turkish forces had used chemical weapons. He said tear gas had been used only at the entrance of the cave and that Turkish forces had exchanged fire with the militants after entering the cave, where the corpses were found. He said a total of 51 militants had died in the operation. There has been no word so far from the PKK on its losses or where their remains are located. The group usually publishes the names and photos of fallen militants. It claimed victory against Turkey in Gare and said that its forces have returned to the scene of the conflict. Erdogan in turn insists that Gare has been liberated. Akar said there were a further 5,000 PKK militants active in the field, though he did not specify where. However, he noted that 70% of PKK attacks originated from Kurdish-controlled Northern Iraq in 2019. The PKK has been waging an armed rebellion against the Turkish state since 1984. Peace talks between the PKKs imprisoned leader and the ruling party collapsed in the summer of 2015 amid mutual recriminations. Turkish attacks against the militants have escalated dramatically. The use of armed drones has tipped the scales in Turkeys favor but 36 years of conflict have shown that a conclusive military victory is unattainable for either side. Erdogan vowed to expand military operations against the PKK in a Feb. 16 speech to members of his Justice and Development Party in the Black Sea port city of Trabzon. We will smash them in their caves, Erdogan said. Hungary's last remaining independent news radio station has been knocked off the air in Budapest. The country's media authorities refused to extend Klubradio's FM license, saying it "repeatedly infringed" on the compulsory registration law by twice submitting documents late. But Klubradio's director believes it is because the station has often been critical of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government, which has been widely accused of suppressing media freedom. The station's director pledged it would continue to operate online. Mumbai, Feb 16 : Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is gearing up to release his upcoming film, D Company, said to be based on the life of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Budding actor Ashwat Kanth plays the gangster while Ashwat's brother Rudr Kanth will essay Dawood's late elder brother Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar. "The film touches upon his life in detail. Where did he start, how did he form D Company. Apart from the story line, what is interesting is my brother and I are playing reel brothers on screen. That is rare! We translated our real-life chemistry on screen and it wasn't so difficult," says Ashwat. Adds Rudr: "The film talks about the formation of D Company. Dawood and Shabir's bond and their journey. Not only that, it is rare to see two real-life brothers play reel-life brothers against an underworld backdrop. Because of the casting, the scenes look real." Ashwat bagged the role by submitting his audition tape, and then suggested his brother Rudr be auditioned. They also sent across a picture of them together. Most workplaces have strict health and safety guidelines in place to prevent their staff from coming to any harm - but these reckless workers appear to have chucked the rule book out the window. You may have cut the odd corner in the past, but these employees from all over the world really have taken their lives into their own hands. A selection of shocking pictures, collated by BoredPanda from health and safety focused Reddit page r/OSHA, reveal the risky things some people do at work which look certain to end in disaster. Among the startling snaps is a man who precariously balanced a ladder in mid-air at the top of a staircase, and a truck driver who failed to secure their load of wood planks, which looked poised to fly through the windscreen. Elsewhere, a careless worker was pictured clambering into a wood chipping machine - surely that can't end well... A selection of pictures, collated by BoredPanda via the Reddit page r/OSHA, show the risky things people do at work, including one man who precariously balanced a ladder in mid-air (above) Among the starling snaps is one of a reckless truck driver who failed to secure his giant load of wood planks, which looked ready to smash through the windscreen or cause an accident An electrician found a rather risky way to reach a tall ceiling - he precariously balanced across wooden planks and wore a pair of stilts to give himself some more height One designer didn't seem to consider the safety of workers in this restaurant when installing a huge screen which dangles precariously above their heads A group of workers came up with an unusual way to reach new heights, as one forklift driver decided to lift another forklift holding two men into the air One man did not seem to have health and safety on his mind when climbed halfway up a thin tree using ladders, which were bizarrely balanced on branches One workplace seemed to be giving its workers mixed messages with its exit sign, which it claimed was an 'exit' and also was 'not an exit' A boss resorted to attaching a large sign to a shelf after workers put their safety goggles on there despite it being 'literally covered in acid' A group of men couldn't figure out how to get high enough to reach a road sign - so they decided to use a digger as a lift to send the workers up One man had no fear of heights when installing an air conditioning unit, as he climbed up an extremely high ladder to balance on a small platform at the top of a building One worker had every faith in the strength of the pole holding up the back of a heavy truck as he recklessly stood directly underneath the suspended load You don't often see people climbing into the back of wood chippers - but one worker decided to abandon health and safety to go headfirst into this machine One supermarket worker stood on a trolley with wheels to stock the shelves with food - and even pulled himself down the aisles using the tall shelves Another worker seemed to be creating their own game of Jenga while stacking produce on top of one another, which looked ready to fall at any moment One electrical nightmare saw plug sockets balancing in mid-air with a dis-organised array of wires and plugs attached to them A warning on 'laser radiation' did not fill anyone with hope as it urged people not to stare into the beam with their 'remaining eye' One worker did not realise that the fryers he was standing on had wheels when he decided to stand on top of them rather than his ladder to fix an extractor One construction team had no fear as a man clung onto a tall structure after being hoisted up there by a single man lifts which balanced on the top of a forklift Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Several public artworks by Romanian sculptor Ioan Bolborea are under scrutiny after a widely mocked Bucharest statue is alleged to have been cast with "inferior-quality materials." The artist says the case is revenge for a legal dispute. This Bucharest statue, depicting Roman Emperor Trajan holding a stiff-legged she-wolf, has been controversial since it was first unveiled in 2012. The monument, which is based on a model by the late sculptor Vasile Gorduz, was widely panned as "grotesque," though one journalist suggested the criticism stemmed from "stubborn conservatism" in Romania. In 2017 the tail of the monument's wolf was broken off. It is unknown whether the tail break was deliberate. While repairs were under way on the appendage, it was reportedly discovered that the wolf was made from brass. Bucharest authorities say Ioan Bolborea, the artist tasked with casting the monument, was contracted to use bronze. On February 12, Romanian police took Bolborea in for questioning over "deception" for public art the 65-year old was paid millions of dollars to complete from 2005-16. The authorities claim several of Bolborea's works were made "from inferior-quality materials." Several other Bucharest monuments (shown below) are now reportedly under investigation for the materials used in their creation. Bolborea has told Romanian media the authorities "are trying to pin all sorts of crap on me" because of a legal dispute over a cancelled monument to Romania's 1918 unification. The artist says that "brass gives a beautiful patina...the costs are the same, sometimes brass is even more expensive" than bronze. A spokesman from a large metals retailer in Britain told RFE/RL that although bronze was generally more expensive than brass, its pricing was "very volatile" and brass can indeed be more expensive depending on the grades of the two "red metals." Ascendas Property Fund Trustee, the trustee-manager of Singapore listed Ascendas India Trust (a-iTrust), on Tuesday said that it is buying an information technology SEZ building in Hitech City of Hyderabad for Rs 500 crore from Phoenix IT Infrastructure. The building, called aVance 6, has an area of 639,495 square feet, of which about 98 per cent has been leased to a multinational corporation, Amazon Development Center (India) Private Limited. The proposed acquisition will be the fifth building acquired by a-iTrust from the Phoenix Group. In February 2012, a-iTrust acquired aVance 1 & 2, totaling 427,700 square feet. In July 2015, a-iTrust acquired aVance 3 (682,900 sq ft and in April 2017, it bought aVance 4 (390,000 square ft). aVance 5 is currently under construction. Sanjeev Dasgupta, Chief Executive Officer of the Trustee-Manager said, The proposed acquisition provides a-iTrust an opportunity to scale up our presence in HITEC City and will add Amazon as a tenant to our IT park portfolio. The improving connectivity and enhancement work being carried out at aVance, HITEC City, Hyderabad would benefit our tenants in the future. We have already started seeing some leasing traction, with a large US based MNC having executed a Letter of Intent to lease aVance 5. A local politician has called for leadership within unionism after posters opposing an 'Irish Sea border' were erected in a number of County Derry towns over the weekend. Posters proclaiming 'Loyalist Castledawson will never accept a border in the Irish Sea' appeared on lamp-posts in the town on Saturday, with similar posters appearing in Moneymore. In Aghadowey, another poster urged people to 'oppose the Irish Sea border', with a three-word call to action at the bottom reading 'play your part'. Photographs of the posters, along with images of people erecting them in Garvagh, were posted to the 'South Londonderry & Randalstown Collective' Facebook page over the weekend. In a message posted on their page, the group have advised those following their efforts to engage in 'peaceful acts of protest'. The entire PUL Community are crying out for leadership to bring a strategy to the table which everyone can get behind and play their part, they said. One thing we would encourage you to do is contact your local MLA/MP, tell them your feelings, disgruntled views and ask them what they are doing to get rid of the Irish Sea Border/NI Protocol. One thing we would discourage is any illegal acts. When and if regulations are lifted peaceful acts of protest are within your human rights. A photograph from Facebook showing posters being erected in Garvagh. Our sole strategy on here at present is to highlight the NI Protocol, engage with those who don't fully understand it and represent the views of the PUL Grassroots Community across social media. East Derry MLA Caoimhe Archibald has condemned the erection of the posters in Aghadowey and Garvagh, and called for unionist representatives to show leadership. The police need to investigate those responsible for the erection of these posters and their motivation. One of the posters that was erected in Garvagh included what appears to be replicas of a historical poster of the 1912 period when thousands of guns were illegally landed in Ireland by the UVF. The addition of the term Time to Decide is seen by many as a call to repeat the use of the gun in modern day Irish politics. A spokesperson for the PSNI said police are aware of reports of posters being erected at Castledawson on Wednesday on February 10 and are also aware that posters have been erected in Moneymore. Police continue to monitor the situation, added the spokesperson. NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi SA were ordered to pay more than $834 million to the state of Hawaii for failing to issue proper warning of health risks to consumers from its blood thinner Plavix. Judge Dean Ochiai in Honolulu pronounced that the drugmakers, which produced Plavix in a partnership, marketed the drug misleadingly to non-white patients. The fine was awarded as a civil penalty for violation of the state's consumer-protection laws. Bristol-Myers and Sanofi are ordered to each pay $417 million in penalties. The companies allegedly marketed the drug without disclosing that it could have a reduced or no effect for some people, mainly of Asian or Pacific-Island ancestry. Studies said that about 14 percent of Chinese patients were unable to metabolize the drug properly, in comparison to 4 percent Black and 2 percent white patients. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had issued a new Plavix warning label to reflect the risks. In the case filed in 2014 by Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors' office, the companies were accused to have engaged in unfair and deceptive business practices over a 12-year period by not changing the drug's label to warn about the risks. The judge noted that the companies didn't properly disclose the drug was ineffective for as many as 30 percent of users in the state. As per the ruling, the companies' deceptive marketing practices knowingly placed Plavix patients at grave risk of serious injury or death in order to substantially increase their profits. Responding to the ruling, Bristol-Myers and Sanofi reportedly called Plavix safe and effective, and said they would appeal as the decision was unsupported by the law and at odds with the evidence at trial. The companies face lawsuit over Plavix illegal marketing claims in the state of New Mexico, while they agreed to pay a combined $3.2 million in West Virginia in 2019 to settle a similar case. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX SANOFI-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Its hard to believe its been nearly a year since the pandemic brought the country to its knees. The fast approval and manufacture of vaccines should have brought light to this dark nightmare. But instead of salvation, the vaccine is the center of confusion, frustration, and chaos. The primary failure centers on the federal governments inability to come up with consistent plans, guidelines and supplies, leaving states and cities to fend for themselves. The result is wildly inconsistent rates of vaccinations across the country. But Philadelphia and its government which has its own vaccine allotment through the CDC has also failed. Its been just a few weeks since the Philly Fighting Covid debacle that put an unvetted group of 20-somethings in charge of mass vaccinations ended. Now, a new skirmish has broken out. Last week, City Council members and elected officials including Allan Domb, Cindy Bass, Democratic chair Bob Brady and others proposed using Lincoln Financial Field to serve as a mass vaccination site. Operation Philly Special is a plan for when the government starts releasing high volumes of the vaccine. The Kenney administration fired back with objections that it would undercut the effort to distribute vaccines equitably, suggesting that the stadium location would be flooded with white privileged suburban residents of other counties and states over the Black and brown taxpayers of Philadelphia. READ MORE: Should city use stadium for mass vaccinations? Now it's a political fight. Thats a curious argument that suggests there would be no protocols for insuring eligibility like proof of residency. The administration also argued that the stadium site would leave behind many residents who dont have cars, even though the Linc proposal incorporates a transit plan. Its hard to give credence to these arguments and their pettiness suggests political posturing is at its heart. The Kenney administration, which is discussing with FEMA a vaccination plan at the Convention Center, may be feeling understandably raw after Philly Fighting Covid , but the lesson in that disaster should have been to bring more people together to create a plan. This is not about which would make a better vaccination site. Both the Linc and Convention Center would presumably be one site among many others throughout the city. What this fight represents is a squandered opportunity to plan well. After all, it hasnt been weeks since the city knew it would have to vaccinate a lot of people its been nearly a year. Sure, its a complicated logistical problem, but further complicating it with politics is utterly confounding. The bickering also adds to a serious trust gap that is already a challenge with vaccinating everyone, especially among Black and brown residents vulnerable to COVID-19. Confronting this gap takes education, but it also requires giving people confidence in their governments commitment to putting aside differences and working together. The Mayor has missed a chance to lead to create an opportunity for all elected officials to work together for the common good, present a picture of unity and cooperation, and give comfort and confidence to citizens panicked over how and when they are going to get the vaccine. Vaccines should have brought hope. Instead, theyve brought squabbling and politics. Thats sickening. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 large number of Twitter users in South Africa have complained that their accounts have been suspended. The volume of people complaining about suspensions was so high on Saturday, 13 February 2021, that the word suspended was trending on Twitter in South Africa. These suspensions drew comparisons to the banning of Donald Trump following the riot at the U.S. Capitol building on 6 January. The suspensions also come in the context of Twitter facing a freedom of speech conundrum in India amidst a protest by farmers over three new laws that were passed by the Indian Parliament. Twitter initially complied with directives from the Indian government to suspend the accounts of over 500 people, including some members of the media. However, the company backtracked on the decision following a social media backlash, resulting in the Indian government criticising Twitter for not showing the same concern over violent protests in India as it did over the attack on the U.S. Capitol building. Violating Twitter terms of service While the large number of account suspensions in South Africa raised questions over whether they are related to the political bannings in the U.S. and India, it appears as though it was mainly influencer accounts who were targeted. People who were banned took to Twitter to announce that they had been suspended and asked people to follow them on their backup accounts, rather than campaign to have their primary accounts reinstated. This wave of Twitter bans was therefore likely as a result of terms of service violations relating to how these influencer accounts conducted themselves. There was some speculation on Twitter that people who publicly offered to promote products or services, such as by using the phrase DM for promo in their bio, were banned. However, Twitter does not prohibit influencers from promoting things on the platform. Twitters policies do strictly prohibit what it terms platform manipulation and spam. Amongst other things, this policy states: You cant artificially amplify or disrupt conversations through the use of multiple accounts or by coordinating with others to violate the Twitter Rules. You cant artificially inflate your own or others followers or engagement. Follow churn following and then unfollowing large numbers of accounts in an effort to inflate ones own follower count./ Indiscriminate following following and/or unfollowing a large number of unrelated accounts in a short time period, particularly by automated means. Duplicating another accounts followers, particularly using automation. MyBroadband contacted Twitter for comment regarding the account suspensions, but the company did not respond by the time of publication. Speculation on Twitter over mass bans of influencer accounts https://twitter.com/AskCharisma/status/1360531767111917569 thus not true pic.twitter.com/GNrkhWGENt Vananda Soapery (@Vananda_Soapery) February 13, 2021 Interview on Newzroom Afrika regarding mass Twitter bans in South Africa Now read: Twitter CEO Dorsey says banning Trump was the right decision The Capitol Police union last week delivered an overwhelming vote of no confidence in their leaders, after the chaos of the January 6 riot that saw one of their number killed during the riot, and another take his own life in the days after. Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman, the first woman and the first African American to preside over the force, was roundly condemned for her leadership. She took over two days after the riots, on January 8, when her predecessor Steven Sund was forced to resign. Nevertheless, 92 per cent of union members voted that they did not have confidence in her. Trump-supporting rioters breached Congress and stormed the building on January 6 The insurrection cost seven people their lives and saw 140 Capitol and Metropolitan Police officers injured Members of the Capitol Police pay their respects to Brian Sicknick, who was killed in the riot Her deputy, Chad Thomas, who joined the force in 1996, fared even worse, with 96 per cent having no confidence in him. Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda D Pittman (pictured) was subject to a no confidence vote Worst rated was Captain Ben Smith, who 97 per cent felt failed. Sean Gallagher, the acting assistant chief for protective and intelligence operations, was also censured, as was Deputy Chief Pickett, Deputy Chief Bowen, and Deputy Chief Waldow. About 650 officers out of about 1,500 who could have took part in the vote, according to internal documents obtained by The Washington Post. In a statement released on Saturday, Pittman said 'the trauma is still incredibly raw and difficult for the many officers who fought heroically on the 6th.' She added: 'Since being sworn in on January 8th, my executive team and I have made the well-being of our officers our top priority. 'While progress has been made, more work remains. And I am committed to ensuring every officer gets what they need and deserve.' The vote comes after the executive board of the Capitol Police union last week called for its members to consider a vote of no confidence. The board said it decided to hold a vote after reviewing the events on and leading up to the events of January 6, which resulted in the deaths of seven people - four rioters, two Capitol Police officers and one member of the Metropolitan Police - and approximately 140 Capitol and Metropolitan Police officers injured. Brian Sicknick, 42, died after he was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher during the riot. Howard Liebengood, 51, died on January 9, while off duty. Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith also died by suicide in the days following the insurrection. Brian Sicknick, 42, from New Jersey, was killed during the January 6 insurrection Sicknick lay in honor inside the Capitol Rotunda on February 2 as tributes were paid to his life 'The past week of the impeachment trial showed members of Congress and the entire country, devastating details of the violence that Capitol Police officers faced during the insurrection,' said Gus Papathanasiou, union chairman, in a statement. 'It was the darkest day in the history of the department.' Papathanasiou said there are leaders within the department that are better suited for leadership. 'We hope Congressional leaders and the entire Capitol Hill community understands that continuing with the current USCP leadership is not an option,' he said. 'The current leadership is just a continuation of the past regimes on this Department and there needs to be accountability. Their failures are inexcusable. 'This vote, which the majority of the officers in the bargaining unit participated in, shows they have lost our trust. The anger in this department is widespread and the trust that has been broken it is not going to be regained.' To kick off the year, Harris will join forces with Stroehmann to champion education and literacy through the King or Queen of the Classroom Contest . This meaningful contest will aim to thank individuals who have been instrumental to the education of students in the past year. "We're honored to continue our partnership with the 76ers and to have Tobias as part of the Stroehmann team," said Dana Trimback, Brand Manager at Bimbo Bakeries USA. "His passion for education and helping the next generation thrive is remarkable. This collaboration with the 76ers over the past few years has been a slam dunk and we're delighted to be giving back to the community through this contest." To enter, students in grades K-12 will have the opportunity to nominate a person who has been influential to their education this past year. By submitting a short essay, nominators can explain why their nominee deserves this special recognition for how they have demonstrated their commitment to the student during the pandemic. "I believe that education is fundamental to the success of our lives. It opens up a whole new world of possibility for young people and allows them to dream big," said Harris. "Reflecting on when I was younger, I can easily think of a handful of people that positively impacted my educational experience. Especially given how the pandemic has affected learning, I strongly encourage Philadelphia-area students to nominate that influential person in their lives who has helped them achieve their academic goals. The ball is in your court now, so let's give credit to the unsung heroes together." Three winners chosen during the contest and those who nominated them will receive a 30-minute virtual meet and greet with Harris, a 76ers gift bag with assorted team merchandise and a No. 12 jersey signed by Harris himself. The winners will also receive tickets to a future 76ers game and a donation of $3,000 to be used for books at a school of their choice. The entry form is open through May 7, 2021. To nominate someone for the King or Queen of the Classroom Contest and for the contest's official rules, click here to visit the 76ers website. About Bimbo Bakeries USA Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000 U.S. associates operates more than 50 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold, Bimbo, Boboli, Brownberry, Entenmann's, Freihofer's, Heiner's, Marinela, Mrs Baird's, Nature's Harvest, Oroweat, Sara Lee, Stroehmann, Thomas', and Tia Rosa. BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 32 countries. SOURCE Bimbo Bakeries USA I am truly honored to be the next director of the Barrington Area Library. I look forward to leading our staff through the difficult times we face at present, as well as the challenges and opportunities in our future. The four years I have spent in this organization have shown me time and again that this is a special library in a special community. I am proud to continue my work here in this new role, Rakowski said in the release. Two-thirds of wild bird species are in the red or amber lists, which indicates there is concern around their numbers. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire A disturbing loss of wildlife is continuing despite a national action plan to halt the decline. The National Biodiversity Forum says there is a lack of urgency and commitment to solving the crisis, and it warns any efforts will be doomed if farmers and fishermen are not adequately rewarded for conservation work. The forum, which comprises academics, NGOs, and public and private sector bodies, has reviewed the four-year National Biodiversity Action Plan which runs out this year. It says: The status of biodiversity in protected areas, seas and the wider countryside is in poor condition and continues to decline. Two-thirds of wild bird species are in the red or amber lists which indicates there is concern around their numbers, one-third of wild bee species are threatened with extinction and 85pc of EU-protected habitats are in an unfavourable condition. The environmental indicators still show a very disturbing picture of losses and declining trends, said Oonagh Duggan who represents forum member BirdWatch Ireland. Political failure to adequately fund the National Parks and Wildlife Service and to ensure that sectoral policies work with nature rather than against it means that the vision of the 2017-2021 plan is far from being reached. Sectoral policies in agriculture, forestry and fisheries are liquidating wildlife populations and ecosystems. Read More Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan said the forums findings were stark. As my team in the National Parks and Wildlife Service works to develop the successor plan for 2022-2026, I pledge to consider the reports findings carefully to ensure that the next National Biodiversity Action Plan is one that delivers real impact, he said. In 2019, the Government declared a climate and biodiversity crisis but the forum, chaired by Trinity professor of zoology, Yvonne Buckley, said there was little evidence it was taken seriously. It has recommended giving the next action plan legal status, similar to the Climate Action Plan. It calls for a commitment to compliance with environmental law, noting that the State itself has 14 cases against it at EU level. A complete end to turf-cutting is urged, and the forum says Bord na Mona and Coillte should be freed of their legal requirement to generate economic dividends. Every local authority should have a biodiversity officer and 250m annual overall funding for biodiversity should be substantially increased. Irish companies must be made responsible for their impact on biodiversity at home and abroad and stop seeing action on nature as merely a move to enhance their corporate reputation. The Forum also wants the Government to create a Covid-style national communications strategy as a call to action for the whole country. Padraig Fogarty, who represents the Environmental Pillar on the forum, said the States failures on biodiversity were shocking. We need to be a whole lot more ambitious in restoring nature to our island, he said. New Delhi, Feb 16 : Fifty-six per cent residents of Delhi approve of the one year performance of AAP Delhi government2.0 but its approval rating has dipped from 68 to 56 per cent in the last 12 months. As per a survey by LocalCircles, 56 per cent of Delhi residents approve of the 1-year performance. Of which, 12 per cent said the performance was "excellent", 12 per cent said "very good", 16 per cent said "good", and another 16 per cent said "average". There were also 14% who said "poor", 26 per cent said "very poor", while 4 per cent couldn't say. However, the approval rating of AAP's Delhi Government dropped in comparison to last year. When compared to last 4 years of survey results, 36 per cent of Delhi residents in 2018 approved of AAP's Delhi Government's performance, which saw a decline by 3 per cent to 35 per cent in 2019. It, however, saw a meteoric rise to 68 per cent of Delhi residents giving a thumbs-up to AAP's Delhi Government's overall performance. Some of it was due to the fact that people appreciated the good governance work in healthcare, school education, and other areas and wanted the Government to be re-elected in the 2020 elections. Although the year 2020 for Delhi AAP Government 2.0 has largely been about managing the COVID-19 situation in the State and the Government has done reasonably well, it has received the 56% approval rating, LocalCircles said. Assuming Delhi doesn't experience another Covid wave, Arvind Kejriwal and his Government must now focus on taking what they have done in school education and health care to all other departments of their Government. Maximizing vaccination, boosting the Delhi economy, and ensuring a livelihood for every Delhi household will be the most immediate to dos, the survey said. As per the LocalCircles survey, 52 per cent residents of Delhi approve of AAP Delhi Government's lockdown and unlock management, COVID-19 testing and reporting, and handling COVID-19 hospital beds respectively, during the pandemic A 47 per cent residents found some improvement in the power supply situation; 37% found some improvement in the water supply situation; and 35% approved Delhi Government's efforts to improve air quality in the last 1 year. A 58 per cent approved Delhi Government's management of schools and education during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 43 per cent residents of Delhi had to pay a bribe to departments under Delhi Government in the last 1 year. Every year on the anniversary of the Delhi Government's coming to power, LocalCircles is the only platform that goes back to the citizens of Delhi asking them to rate the Government's performance. This allows both the broader citizenry and the Government to understand where things stand and what needs to be worked upon. As Arvind Kejriwal's AAP Government got re-elected again in February 2020. February 16, 2021 marks the 1-year completion of his Government. This year's survey "1 year of AAP Delhi Government 2.0" received 54,000 responses from people residing across all 11 districts of Delhi. A 52 per cent residents of Delhi approve of Delhi Government's lockdown and unlock management during the COVID-19 pandemic. To better understand how Delhi residents would rate the AAP Government's management of lockdown and unlocking during the COVID-19 pandemic, 15 per cent said it was "excellent", 13 per cent said "very good", 10 per cent said "good", and 14 per cent said "average". Per aggregate responses indicated that 52 per cent of citizens approve of the Delhi Government's management of lockdown and unlock during the pandemic. However, there were also 17 per cent of citizens in the poll who said the Delhi Government's performance was "poor", 29 per cent said "very poor", while 2 per cent couldn't say. The question in the poll received 6,618 responses from Delhi residents. As much as 52 per cent residents of Delhi approve of Delhi Government's COVID-19 testing and reporting There are currently 94 centres (29 Government-owned, and 65 privately owned) in Delhi that are collecting swab samples for RT-PCR test for COVID-19. The Delhi Government has made Covid-19 testing free of charge at government-owned hospitals, while the same test at private centres cost Rs 2,400. In order to augment the COVID testing drive, it initiated swab testing at all Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics, and also launched awareness campaigns at many levels. To understand citizens' perception of how the Delhi Government handled COVID-19 testing and reporting, 17 per cent said it was "excellent", 8 per cent said "very good", 12 per cent said "good", and 15 per cent said "average". The survey result indicated that 52 per cent of residents of Delhi approve of their State Government's management of COVID-19 testing and reporting. Further breaking down the poll, 14 per cent said "poor", 31 per cent said "very poor", while 3 per cent couldn't say. A 52 per cent residents of Delhi approve of Delhi Government's handling of COVID-19 hospital beds management Delhi was amongst the worst states hit by COVID-19, causing an increasing burden to provide ICU beds to patients whose situation was getting aggravated due to the infection. Though the app to find beds launched by the Delhi Government had its share of issues, it did help to some degree as people could question the hospital they were at and that helped reduce hospital discretion, corruption and favouritism. The Government also got the private hospitals to allocate more beds to Covid-19 as cases increased in Delhi. To understand how Delhi residents would rate AAP Government's management of COVID-19 hospital beds, 15 per cent said it was "excellent", 13 per cent said "very good", 12 per cent said "good", and another 12 per cent said "average". The poll result indicated that 52 per cent residents of Delhi approve of Delhi Government's handling of COVID-19 hospital beds management. There were also 13 per cent who rated the performance as "poor", 33 per cent said "very poor", and 2 per cent couldn't say. A total of 58 per cent residents of Delhi approve of Delhi Government's management of schools and education during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the poll that tried to understand how Delhi residents would rate the AAP Government's management of schools and education during the COVID-19 pandemic, 24 per cent said it has been "excellent", 12 per cent said "very good", 9 per cent said "good", and 13 per cent said "average". The aggregate responses indicated that 58 per cent residents of Delhi approve of Delhi Government's management of schools and education during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there were 13 per cent of residents who rated AAP Government's performance on handling the issue as "poor", and 27 per cent said "very poor", while 2 per cent couldn't say. A total of 43 per cent residents of Delhi had to pay a bribe to departments under Delhi Government in the last 1 year Corruption is often obligatory, demanding suborn in the form of cut-money or illegal commission. Even if one plays by the rules, bribery often becomes a part of the chain to get the work done. Though the year 2020 has mostly been about COVID-19, as the sectors reopened so has corruption, although there have been many developments to unearth irregularities flagged against officials of the State at various levels. It should be noted that Municipal Corporations and Delhi Police doesn't fall under the jurisdiction of AAP Delhi Government. Water, Transport, Labour are some areas that do fall under Delhi Government and instances of corruption have been experienced by people. For example, Delhi Jal Board staff has been reported to turn a blind eye to societies who are using motor pumps to extract groundwater in the southwestern suburb of Dwarka in exchange for a set bribe, LocalCircles said. To the question that asked Delhi residents how corruption to get work done has been under the Delhi Government in the last 1 year, excluding ones in Municipal Corporation and Police officials, 31 per cent said they "had to pay bribes several times" and 12 per cent "had to pay bribes once or twice" despite doing everything by the rules. The majority of 38 per cent of Delhi residents said they "did not pay any bribes and got work done", while 19 per cent couldn't say. Aggregate responses indicated that 43 per cent of Delhi residents had to pay a bribe to departments under Delhi Government in the last 1 year. A total of 47 per cent residents of Delhi found some improvement in the power supply situation in the last 1 year. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party has been providing free power up to 200 units every month for households, a 50 per cent subsidy on the monthly power consumption of up to 400 units, since 2015 - the move which is widely appreciated by Delhi residents. Recently the electricity regulator directed electricity distribution companies to reduce their fixed charges by half for unutilized capacity for April and May 2020 at a reduced rate of Rs 125/kVA per month, as against the existing rate of Rs 250/kVA per month. The move is expected to provide major relief to Delhi's industrial and commercial consumers hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The AAP Delhi Government maintains that 38 lakh households got zero power bills in the last billing cycle. Now that the power demand of Delhi is fast catching up than pre-COVID levels as an increasing number of economic activities have now resumed. The survey tried to understand how citizens rated the improvement in power supply in Delhi in the last 1 year. 31 per cent said that there has been "significant improvement", while 16 per cent said "some improvement". On the other hand, there were 25 per cent of Delhi residents who said there has been "no improvement", while 20 per cent said that it has "gotten worse", while 8 per cent couldn't say. Overall, the results indicate that 47 per cent of residents of Delhi found some improvement in the power supply situation in the last 1 year. Only 37 per cent residents of Delhi found some improvement in the water supply situation in the last 1 year The AAP Delhi Government maintains that 14 lakh domestic consumers received zero bills for water supply in the last billing cycle. During the lockdown, however, lakhs of Delhi residents were reeling under acute water crisis, especially in South Delhi, as the demand-supply gap spiraled. As many projects, including those planned to connect areas with piped networks were stalled, the frequency of water supply by tankers drastically came down. In a bid to provide relief to residents, the Delhi Government in September 2020 offered a one-time waiver of water bill arrears and late payment surcharge till December 31 as part of a scheme it launched in August 2019. Keeping in mind billing accuracy and quality, the question asked citizens, "How do you rate improvement in water supply in Delhi in last the 1 year?", only 37 per cent residents of Delhi found some improvement in the water supply situation. Breaking down the poll, 24 per cent said there was a "significant improvement", 13 per cent said "some improvement. There were also 28 per cent who said there has been "no improvement", while 32 per cent said it has "gotten worse", and 3 per cent couldn't say. Only 35 per cent residents of Delhi approve of the Delhi Government's efforts in the last 1 year to improve air quality. To better understand how Delhi residents rate the efforts of Delhi Government to improve air quality in the State, 7 per cent said it was "excellent", 2 per cent said "very good", 10 per cent said "good", and 16 per cent said "average". The finding indicated that only 35 per cent of Delhi residents approve of AAP Government's efforts to improve air quality in the last 1 year. Breaking down the poll, 17 per cent said the efforts were "poor", while the majority of 47 per cent Delhi residents said "very poor", and 1 per cent couldn't say. (Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at sanjeev.s@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Advanced Infrastructure Technologies (AIT), a leading provider of innovative fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite solutions, today announced, the addition of a new operating division: AIT Manufacturing. This new division adds to AITs two existing divisions: AIT Bridges, a composite bridge supplier that utilizes technology developed at the University of Maines Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC), and AIT Buildings & Structures, a marketing division for all non-bridge related composite solutions. AIT Manufacturing specializes in the fabrication of FRP composite reinforcing solutions for the infrastructure industry. AIT Manufacturing is located in North Randall, Ohio, and is overseen by Charles Robertson (US Army, Engineers, Retired). AIT Manufacturing currently manufactures five products: GBar, GBolt, GMat, GCage, and GWall. GBar is the first, fully threaded, glass FRP (GFRP/BFRP) bar available to the market, and GBolt is a nut and coupler system designed for GBar. GMat and GCage are pre-assembled cages and mats using GBar, and GWall is an earth retaining wall system that is primarily designed as a seawall. AIT Manufacturing products are now available for order, with expected delivery in Q2 2021. AIT Manufacturing is also a distributor of MiniBars and BasBar from ReforceTech. MiniBars are high-performance concrete structural macro-fibers, and BasBar is a basalt FRP composite rebar designed to reinforce concrete structures. AIT Manufacturing sets out to be the leading manufacturer of FRP composite reinforcing solutions for the infrastructure industry. This would not be possible without the FRP expertise that AIT and the ASCC brings, said Charles Robertson, Group President, AIT Manufacturing. Ohio has established itself as a composites industry hub, and we are looking forward to joining the list of successful businesses in the state. We are currently in production building inventory for Q2 deliveries; please reach out if we can supply composite solutions for your next project. For over a decade, AIT has been developing FRP composites for the infrastructure industry. AIT was founded after licensing the "Bridge in a Backpack technology from UMaines ASCC. AIT has worked hand in hand with the ASCC to further develop and test the GArch and GBeam composite bridge systems, and other composite solutions. This partnership has propelled AIT to be a champion of composites knowledge. Learning about all the benefits of composites, AIT set out to deliver more than just composite bridges. AIT then created its first operating division, AIT Bridges, with the idea of introducing more specialized composites divisions in the future. Now with three divisions, AIT can help supply FRP composite solutions from rebar to bridges, while continuing to develop composite innovations with the ASCC. As a member of the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, AIT is committed to creating a more sustainable infrastructure industry by way of structural FRP composites. Introducing a composite manufacturing division with five products initially, creates more composite solutions for more sustainable infrastructure projects. To showcase this commitment, AIT has rebranded itself with a new corporate website and is increasing efforts to promote the benefits of FRP composites in infrastructure. AITs corporate website showcases the business, its operating divisions, and more information on sustainability. We are excited to announce the addition of AIT Manufacturing to AITs operating divisions. AIT has been creating composite solutions in infrastructure for over a decade, and now we are able to provide a more comprehensive range of offerings for the industry, said Brit Svoboda, Chairman, and CEO of AIT. It is imperative that we start using more composites in infrastructure to increase lifespan and decrease costs. We need more sustainable materials that leave a smaller carbon footprint, and composites do just that. We look forward to continuing to lead in driving more sustainable products and solutions to the market. We congratulate AIT on its continued success and will continue to support its growth through new product development, composite materials design, manufacturing and testing, said Dr. Habib J. Dagher, Executive Director, UMaine ASCC. # # # Advanced Infrastructure Technologies, Inc. (AIT) is a parent company that specializes in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for the infrastructure industry. AIT leverages its knowledge of FRP composites across its operating divisions to create superior infrastructure. AIT also assists its operating divisions in marketing, sales, and communications. AIT Bridges, a division of Advanced Infrastructure Technologies, is the leading provider of innovative composite bridge solutions, providing a unique tailored customer experience. It provides cost-effective and high-quality composite bridge solutions to meet todays complex design, durability, and environmental challenges. AIT Bridges systems utilize components from the 'Bridge-in-a-Backpack' technology, developed over an 11+ year period by the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine. The goal was to develop a rapidly deployable bridge technology for the military. AIT Buildings & Structures, a division of Advanced Infrastructure Technologies, is focused on marketing all non-bridge composite products including GBar, our FRP based rebar, GBend, our bent GBar family of products, GBolt, FRP nuts and bolts, and GWall our composite seawall product, and our FRP utility pole offering. AIT Manufacturing, a division of Advanced Infrastructure Technologies, specializes in the manufacturing of composite infrastructure building components like rebar, bolts, nuts, couplers, seawall, and utility poles. CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fifth year in a row, the communication blog produced by The Grossman Group, a Chicago-based leadership and communications consultancy, has recently received the top honor from Feedspot, an RSS feed reader that aggregates favorite blogs in one place. The top communication blogs were selected from thousands in Feedspot's index, with rankings-based criteria such as relevancy, social influence, domain authority, quality and consistency, and Feedspot's own editorial review. The Grossman Group blog has earned the recognition as the #1 communication blog annually since 2017. David Grossman, founder and CEO of The Grossman Group, has been writing the blog since 2010. Based on his research, consulting, and experience, he shares insights on the importance of meaningful leadership and communication in today's business climate, including high-level tips on: Leadership effectiveness, planning, and communications Internal communications Employee engagement Leadership communications during the Covid-19 pandemic Change management, and A variety of other topics on the minds of leaders and communicators. "I write this blog for executives and professionals looking for help in elevating how they lead and communicate. My hope is to help leaders reach beyond what they know so they can be their best for themselves, their teams, their organizations and their communities," says Grossman , ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, CSP. "And we saw leaders and communicators push to do just that, communicating with new levels of heart and empathy, during the many challenges of 2020." Here is a selection of top leadercommunicator blog posts readers found most helpful over the years: Subscribe to the leadercommunicator blog here. About The Grossman Group The Grossman Group is an award-winning Chicago-based communications consultancy focusing on organizational consulting, strategic leadership development and internal communication. A certified diversity supplier, The Grossman Group works closely with Fortune 500 companies and other organizations including Amazon, Astellas, Hillrom, Lockheed Martin, McDonald's, Sage Therapeutics and Tecomet, among others. About David Grossman A leading consultant, speaker and author, David Grossman ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, CSP is one of America's foremost authorities on communication and leadership inside organizations. He is Founder and CEO of The Grossman Group, an award-winning Chicago-based leadership and communications consultancy that focuses on organizational consulting, strategic leadership development and internal communications for Fortune 500 clients. A frequent media source, David provides expert commentary and analysis on employee and leadership issues. He's been featured on "NBC Nightly News," WSJ.com, Today.com, in the Chicago Tribune, the World Economic Forum, LA Times, and CBS MoneyWatch, among others. His latest book "No Cape Needed: The Simplest, Smartest, Fastest Steps To Improve How You Communicate By Leaps and Bounds" won the Pinnacle Book Award for the "Best in Business" category and the Beverly Hills International Book Award's President's award. Contact: Kayla Ellsworth The Grossman Group 312.927.4588, [email protected] SOURCE The Grossman Group Loan officer: John Holmgren, Holmgren & Associates/Finance of America Mortgage. Property type: Single family home in Oakland Purchase price: $857,000 Loan type: 30-year fixed rate loan. Loan amount: $814,150. Rate: 2.875% with no points. This first time home buyer had been looking for an affordable home for several years, hoping to buy in San Francisco since she is a software engineer working in San Francisco, recognizing that at her price range her housing options would be limited to condominiums. The two main obstacles were the high prices in San Francisco combined with her limited down payment. Financing options are very limited for those having less than 20% to put down when the borrowed amount exceeds the Fannie Mae maximum loan amount, which was $765,600 for most Bay Area counties in 2020. This buyers agent, Betty Rajabi of Sothebys International Realty in Berkeley, had urged her to consider the East Bay because of improved affordability. In late November, just as the buyer was becoming receptive to this option because of the desire for more space in this work-from-home environment, Rajabi found a home that was perfect for the buyers needs, but still a bit out of reach from a financing standpoint because a 5% down payment would produce a loan amount above the $765,600 Fannie Mae limit. Rajabi contacted me to review financing options for her buyer and I was happy to inform her that the Fannie Mae loan limit had just increased to $822,375 so that the buyer could proceed with a home offer with her 5% down payment. Our company started making loans at the new limit as soon as it was announced. While rates for Fannie Mae loans are now comparable to rates for jumbo loans, Fannie Mae loans have the advantages of allowing a down payment of as low as 5% (sometimes less) and much lower cash reserve requirements, in addition to allowing higher debt ratios and lower credit scores. In this case the key feature was the ability to put 5% down, enabling this buyer to become a homeowner. John Holmgren, Holmgren & Associates/Finance of America Mortgage, 510-381-1961, john@mortgageholmgren.com. An increase in fines for going on holiday abroad, from 500 to 2,000, as well as a mandatory hotel quarantine for some arrivals into Ireland are on the cards for a cabinet meeting this morning. Legislation that will increase fines to clamp down on unnecessary journeys will be considered while anyone arriving from a list of 20 countries deemed high risk will have to isolate in a State-nominated hotel. It's expected the bill would be around 2,000 per adult for people coming from those countries as they quarantine for two weeks at their own expense. Some of the high-risk list countries include Brazil, South Africa, Austria, the UAE and many sub-Saharan African countries where there are fears about new variants. Hotel quarantine will also apply to people that arrive here without a negative PCR test and refuse to take one. People going on holidays are also being warned that they face prison and a criminal record if they continue to travel abroad. With some people choosing to ignore the restrictions and continue with their holiday plans, Gardai have started formally instructing travellers in breach to comply with the law under powers given to them under Section 31(a) (7) of the Health Act 1947. Expand Close No-fly zone: The departure gates at Dublin Airport as passenger numbers remain low under Covid travel restrictions / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp No-fly zone: The departure gates at Dublin Airport as passenger numbers remain low under Covid travel restrictions Read More Anyone who fails to comply with these directions from Gardai is committing a criminal offence and may be prosecuted, resulting in a criminal record if convicted. The offence carries a prison sentence of up to one month and a 1,000 fine. Gardai are currently issuing the 500 fine to people found in breach of the travel restrictions before directing them not to continue their journey. If they insist on continuing with their travel plans, Gardai will then warn them of the further criminal offence they would be committing and the risk of an additional fine, prison term and criminal record. As of February 12, Gardai have issued almost 5,000 fines for non-essential travel, including 132 fines for non-essential travel to ports and airports. On Friday, Politicos Tim Alberta published a long profile of former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Haley worked for Donald Trump but is also the kind of Republican who appeals to the national press because she can be polite, polished, and not outwardly delusional during television appearances; Alberta is sort of the establishment D.C. medias envoy to the modern right-wing grassroots movementwhile he deplores its full turn toward conspiratorial violence, he retains some sympathy for the people involved and some vestigial affection for the purported values of American conservatism. Advertisement The story can thus be read as an audition, on Haleys part, for the 2024 presidential nominationand in particular, an audition for the kinds of establishment GOP voters and donors who want to support someone who is less disruptive, embarrassing, and poisonous in swing states than Trump, but who are also sufficiently connected to reality to acknowledge the electoral power of the paranoid, racist, and racism-adjacent cultural grudge politics he has specialized in. Its the Alberta primary. Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. What is Haleys strategy for balancing her partys competing interests going to be? Well, dont ask her! Or do, but be prepared to get a different answer every time. As Alberta notes, the prospective candidate took three positions on Trumps effort to overturn the election during a six-week period in which he was following her for the story. First, in December, she called Trump a friend who genuinely believed hed gotten more votes than Biden; shortly after the violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, she said she was angry and disgusted at the president and told Alberta he had disgraced himself to the point of being finished in politics; on Jan. 25, she went on Fox News during prime time and described him as the victim of Democratic obsession who deserved to be given a break for inspiring the insurrection against Congress. Advertisement As Alberta documents in detail, this flip-flop was just a microcosm of the approach that Haley has taken to tensions within the Republican Party during her political careerwhich, he says, followed a childhood and early adulthood that bear little evidence of interest in politics or government. She began her electoral life as an iconoclastic fiscal hard-liner, won the South Carolina governorship by running as a Sarah Palinendorsed underdog, and became a national figure by taking down Confederate flags after the Emanuel AME Church massacre despite having no previous involvement in racial justice issues. She denounced Trump repeatedly in 2016, when she was supporting Marco Rubios smiley American dream Republicanism, but then joined the Trump administration. Once there, Alberta says, she became one of the ex-presidents most enduring (but still nominally respectable) advisers by occasionally criticizing him in public while keeping his trust in private by contacting him frequently to disparage the judgment of others in his circle. Advertisement Alberta, an old-fashioned believer in ideas and ideals, frames this story as one of someone trying to figure out who her authentic political self is. He seems to be rooting for a particular outcome: that Haley, the child of Indian immigrant entrepreneurs, will come to realize her role in American public life is to defend both pluralism and self-reliance, forging a path for a Republican Party that can be tough without being truculent and nationalist without being nativist. That would be nice, wouldnt it? But Albertas story makes a much more thorough case that Haley doesnt have an authentic political self and never will. He depicts someone who likes to win elections and made what was an otherwise circumstantial decision to participate in the dominant local culture of her home state by running as a Republican. Beyond that, her attitude seems to be that the right position is whichever one works. And it does work: Alberta also quotes a lot of people, not all of them friendly to Haley, who have been impressed over the years with her ability to persuade both regular voters and elite gatekeepers that she feels strongly about the same things as they do. (Liberal readers may find themselves involuntarily charmed by a section about Haleys reaction to Ted Cruz, an anecdote that could not have been more perfectly leaked to convey that she isnt one of those Republicans.) A few compare her to Bill Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement The politician who blows this way and that is a figure as old as the hillslook not just at Clinton but at Joe Biden, a onetime deficit hawk who is about to borrow his way to one of the biggest spending bills in history. Albertas Haley refreshes the archetype for an era of high-speed information churn and deteriorating civil norms. Her positions on questions as basic as should the legislature be overrun by a violent mob of white supremacists last as long as the attention span of the average Fox News viewer. Haleys seemingly inevitable campaign for the Republican nomination promises to deliver something with the most sheen, the keenest sense for dramatic timing, and deepest performance of depth of any candidate in the field. What that something is is TBD on a daily basis, and ultimately may never be determined at all. I am honored to be named the next CEO of OmniMax International, said Mr. Wayne. This is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to working with the entire OmniMax team and our valued customers to build upon the strong foundation already in place. OmniMax International, LLC ("OmniMax" or "the Company") announced today that John C. Wayne has been named Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Wayne succeeds Richard C. Brown, who announced last October that he would transition from the company as his successor was named. Mr. Wayne is an experienced senior leader in the building products industry, having spent more than 30 years with Armstrong World Industries and Ply Gem Industries, where his most recent role was as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Earlier in his career at Armstrong World Industries, he held progressively responsible positions including as Vice President of Sales for the North American flooring business. His industry expertise and relationships closely align with our companys long-term strategy to develop and provide innovative, industry leading building products and solutions that meet our customers evolving needs. Matthew Espe, Chairman, OmniMax Board of Directors, said, John is the right person to lead OmniMax into the future, given his deep building products industry expertise and his track record of delivering growth and profitability in highly competitive markets. He has strong relationships with key customers and has successfully delivered industry-leading results by driving aggressive organic growth, customer-focused innovation, and strategic acquisitions. I believe that John is very well-positioned to accelerate OmniMaxs transformation and growth, and I look forward to working closely with him and the entire leadership team to ensure OmniMaxs future success. Finally, I want to thank Rick Brown for his leadership of the company over the last six years, and through the transition period since our acquisition of OmniMax last October. We wish him well in his future endeavors. I am honored to be named the next CEO of OmniMax International, said Mr. Wayne. This is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to working with the entire OmniMax team and our valued customers to build upon the strong foundation already in place. About OmniMax International OmniMax is the leading national manufacturer of residential building products and a top supplier of products for outdoor living, recreational vehicle, and other building end markets with 2020 sales of approximately $700 million. As America's market leader in the residential roof drainage market, OmniMax has unrivaled scale, top brands such as Amerimax and Berger, and longstanding relationships with the nation's largest home center retailers and building product distributors. The Company's high-growth outdoor living business is a manufacturer of outdoor shade and exterior structures through brands such as Equinox, Alumawood, and Knotwood. OmniMax's commercial segment supplies made-to-order metal roofing, wall panels, and architectural products for large, custom jobs under the Fabral and CopperCraft brands. The Company is also a leading supplier to the recreational vehicle industry, which is benefiting from strong outdoor recreation and living trends. Learn more at omnimax.com. About SVPGlobal SVPGlobal is a global investment firm with approximately $10 billion in assets under management. The firm, established by Victor Khosla in 2001, has 121 employees, including 49 investment professionals, across its main offices in Greenwich (CT), London and Tokyo. Learn more at http://www.svpglobal.com. In no other year was 'nepotism' discussed like that in the last year, and owing to the same reason, many star kids like Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Varun Dhawan, etc., received flak on the internet. While some were abused and trolled on social media, others faced backlash in the worst way- their films were boycotted by netizens. However, throughout the nepotism debate, there was one name which received hatred the most. He was none other than filmmaker Karan Johar, who is well-known for launching star kids. On this note, we bring to you an old interview of Karan Johar, wherein he had confessed that he does not want to work with newcomers, and also justified the reason behind it. While speaking to Rediff, the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai director had said, "I've been accused of never launching a newcomer. I say I do even better, I launch new directors. Which is far more important for me. I don't even want to sound cliched and say when the script comes, I'll work with a newcomer. I don't want to work with newcomers, I have no interest in it. I like to work with stars. With people who made their mistakes and have now evolved." In the same interview, Karan had also asserted that he does not want to play Professor Higgins to newcomers, but wants to have an interaction with them. ALSO READ: Karan Johar Quashes Reports Of Takht Being Shelved: It's Just Delayed "I don't have an inherent desire to teach, I feel I have things to learn. So I have absolutely no interest in going down that path. But I love interacting with new directors, because I really believe that they'll teach me a helluva lot. Like I know so much about films from these new kids making movies, and whether they make a good one or a bad one, they teach me a lot," concluded Johar. ALSO READ: My Name Is Khan Turns 11: Karan Johar Thanks Shah Rukh Khan And Kajol In A Heartfelt Note VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Doubleview Gold Corp. ("Doubleview"), ("Company") (TSXV:DBG)(OTC PINK:DBLVF)(FRANKFURT:1D4) is pleased to announce assay results from the Lisle Deposit at the Hat Project located in the Golden Triangle , northwestern British Columbia. Diamond drill hole H035 is one of three deep holes drilled late in the 2020 field season. As detailed in the table below, H035 intersected mineralization from near surface to final depth of 495 metres, including 97.9m with 1.00 g/t Au Eq (0.73% Cu Eq), within a longer 222.2m intersection with 0.57 g/t Au Eq (0.41% Cu Eq). Cobalt, Palladium and Silver are present in small but possibly important amounts. H035 was stopped at 495 m in a zone of weakness that caused the hole to be abandoned. As illustrated in the accompanying drawing, the Lisle zone was extended approximately 125m eastward. Summary H035 intersected 97.9 metres ("m") of 1.00 g/t Au Eq (0.73% Cu Eq) in a broader, 222.2 m, zone of porphyry-style mineralization that averaged 0.57 g/t Au Eq (0.41% Cu Eq). H035 intersected several sections with elevated Cobalt and Palladium values. Highest Cobalt values are 437 ppm over 1.00m; highest Palladium, 0.53 g/t over 3.0 m. Cobalt and Palladium are not included in Au Eq and Cu Eq calculations. Cobalt is present in all Lisle Zone drill holes in small but possibly important amounts. The Company has engaged a consulting metallurgist to advise of the significance of Cobalt and will now evaluate Palladium and Silver. Several sections with elevated Palladium values were found in H035, especially below 363 m depth. H035 is mineralized from near surface to final depth of 495 m and extends the Lisle deposit approximately 125m easterly but does not limit any dimension of the Lisle deposit. Hole H035 was abandoned at 495 m, depth, short of its intended depth of 1000m. Doubleview President and CEO Farshad Shirvani commented, "Drill hole H035 extends the Lisle Zone a further 125 metres easterly and is very important to the company as it supports the size and grade of our conceptual Deposit Model outlined by the 3D IP Chargeability Model. That model is in part based on geophysical survey data that can only be confirmed by drilling. In addition, H035 assay data show the presence of Cobalt and Palladium values that if confirmed by further drilling may add significantly to the Hat Copper-Gold evaluation. We are currently receiving assay data from the remainder of the 2020 drill program and I am very excited to see results as we anticipate a possible significant expansion of the size and grade proof of this important porphyry-type deposit in British Columbia's prolific Golden Triangle district. We will resume drilling when the 2021 field season begins." Detailed Analytical Data: The following table tabulates selected assay results of the drill hole H035. DDH From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) CuEq (%) AuEq (g/t) Ag (g/t)*** Co (g/t)*** Pd (g/t)*** H035 9 495 486.0 0.12 0.16 0.24 0.33 0.4 5.86 0.029 H035 97.3 490.2 392.9 0.14 0.18 0.29 0.40 0.41 6.14 0.033 H035 99.3 102.0 2.7 1.08 0.35 1.13 1.55 2.43 23.25 0.011 H035 101.1 377.0 275.9 0.18 0.22 0.35 0.48 0.50 7.12 0.021 H035 101.1 390.0 288.9 0.17 0.22 0.35 0.47 0.49 6.96 0.022 H035 164.8 387.0 222.2 0.19 0.27 0.41 0.57 0.57 6.86 0.024 H035 164.8 495.0 330.2 0.15 0.21 0.32 0.44 0.44 5.81 0.038 H035 234.2 495.0 260.8 0.13 0.25 0.35 0.48 0.51 5.88 0.044 H035 260.0 377.0 117.0 0.22 0.45 0.61 0.84 0.83 8.21 0.033 H035 292.1 322.0 29.9 0.24 0.44 0.62 0.85 0.88 9.02 0.015 H035 292.1 390.0 97.9 0.26 0.54 0.73 1.00 0.96 8.14 0.040 H035 322.0 354.0 32.0 0.36 0.80 1.06 1.46 1.26 9.58 0.027 * No metallurgical recovery tests have been conducted: Gold (AuEq} and Copper (CuEq) are reported at 100% recovery and were directly calculated from the copper and gold assays. ** AuEq and CuEq are calculated on the basis of long-term metal prices: Au US$1300/oz, Cu US$2.60/lb CuEq (%) = ([(%Cu) x (22.0462) x ($2.6) + (g/t/Au) x (1/31.1035) x ($1300)]) ((22.0462) x ($2.60))). AuEq (g/t) = ([(%Cu) x (22.0462) x ($2.6) + (g/t/Au) x (1/31.1035) x ($1300)])/($1300 x1/31.1035) *** Calculation of AuEq and CuEq does not include Cobalt and Palladium. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Core samples were prepared at the Vancouver facility of Bureau Veritas Mineral using their PUL85, FA350, MA200, and LF200 packages. Each core sample is dried, then crushed to 70% passing a 2mm screen. All material is processed in an automatic Boyd Crusher or Riffle splitter to yield a 500g homogenized, representative sample. This sub-sample is then pulverized to 85% passing a 75-micron screen. All samples are analyzed for Au, Pt, Pd by 30g fire-assay fusion/ICP-ES finish, using FA350 package. A separate 0.25g pulp split is analyzed by Four Acid digestion/ICP-MS finish, reporting 45 elements. Over limit Cu is analyzed by Four Acid digestion/ICPES finish using ICP-240/ICF-6xx assay package. All Doubleview core samples are analyzed or assayed at independent ISO 17025 and ISO 9001- certified laboratories. Qualified Persons: Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist and Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder of the company. Cautionary Note: No mineral resources have been estimated at the Hat Property and there is no assurance that further work will result in the Lisle Zone, or other zones if present, being classified as mineral resources. About Doubleview Gold Corp Doubleview Gold Corp, a mineral resource exploration and development company, is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange [TSX-V:DBG], [OTCBB: DBLVF], [GER: A1W038], [Frankfurt: 1D4]. Doubleview identifies, acquires and finances precious and base metal exploration projects in North America, particularly in British Columbia. Doubleview increases shareholder value through acquisition and exploration of quality gold, copper and silver properties and the application of advanced state-of-the-art exploration methods. Doubleview's portfolio of strategic properties provides diversification and mitigates investment risk. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information please contact: Doubleview Gold Corp Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5 Farshad Shirvani, President & CEO T: (604) 678-9587 E: corporate@doubleview.ca Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Doubleview cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Doubleview's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Doubleview's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Doubleview undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. SOURCE: Doubleview Gold Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629872/Drill-Hole-H035-Extends-Lisle-Deposit-Intersected-100-gt-Gold-EQ-073-Copper-EQ-over-979m IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Top investment sales agents, Gary Chou, Aron Cline, and Calvin Short, join Berkeley Capital Advisors (BCA) as Partners specializing in net lease investment sales across the country. The three CRE veterans are set to lead the firm's national expansion as they establish the first West Coast office, slated to open this March in Orange County, CA. CRE Veterans from Left to Right: Gary Chou, Calvin Short, Aron Cline The team of heavy hitters comes to Berkeley Capital Advisors from Matthews Real Estate Investment Services, where they were involved in the early growth strategy and technology development of the company and played an integral role in the firm's success. With 30 years of industry experience and over 1,300 transactions totaling $3.5 billion closed, Chou, Cline and Short consistently ranked within Matthews' top five producing agents, including earning four consecutive Top Producer designations over a five-year period at the firm. The three have also been featured in Real Estate Forum's Top Retail Brokers, Retail and Net Lease Influencers of the Year, Los Angeles Business Journal's Broker of the Year, and more. Historically known as one of the top brokerage firms in the Southeast, Berkeley is looking forward to the group leading the firm's national expansion and establishing a dominant West Coast footprint. "For years, BCA has looked to expand to the West Coast, but until now has not found the right group to make the leap," said BCA's Founding Partner, Rob Carter. "The addition of Calvin, Gary and Aron provides Berkeley not only direct access to the West Coast capital our clients are seeking but, more importantly, they are great people with a tremendous track record. We are thrilled to bring this team of top STNL brokers on board to make Berkeley a one-of-a-kind, coast-to-coast boutique investment sales firm." As some of CRE's best, Gary Chou, Aron Cline and Calvin Short are looking forward to continuing to deliver industry-leading advisory services to their clients, "We are very excited about this opportunity and partnership with Berkeley Capital Advisors. They have an incredibly strong reputation, best-in-class marketing practices, and a proven track record" said the team. "This is a special opportunity to provide even greater value to our clients by leveraging the combination of our extensive capital markets track record and experience in utilizing technology to push marketing and deal execution with BCA's deep industry experience, truly collaborative culture, and focus on quality over quantity. We look forward to working together to create an innovative and highly efficient national investment sales platform." While focusing on improving and expanding their business lines within the net lease space, including net lease retail, net lease industrial, and net lease medical, the Partners are also looking forward to growing the West Coast footprint and attracting top talent to the new Orange County Office. For more information, contact [email protected]. Related Files Berkley Capital Advisors Logo .jpg Related Images chou-short-cline-headshot.jpg Chou, Short, Cline Headshot CRE Veterans from Left to Right: Gary Chou, Calvin Short, Aron Cline SOURCE Berkeley Capital Advisors Most Midland Public Schools staff members have been vaccinated for coronavirus as the district's COVID-19 numbers continue to display a "very good" trend, said Superintendent Michael Sharrow. Sharrow told the MPS Board of Education Monday night that having completed vaccinations for 850 staff about 75% of full-time, part-time and contract employees means "a little less anxiety." The first dose of the Pfizer vaccine was administered Jan. 21, and the second on Feb. 5. The superintendent said some staff have chosen not to receive the vaccine for various reasons, some for health reasons, including pregnancy. Tuesday's MPS COVID report showed only 13 students and staff currently in quarantine, with none due to contacts at school. By comparison, there were as many as 400 in quarantine at one point last fall. As of Tuesday, no MPS student or staff members was a "current positive-tested individual," according to the Midland County Department of Health. The drop in COVID cases makes Sharrow hopeful that high school graduation can be "more traditional" this year, and he said the district has set June 3 as the graduation date. Although officials hope the event can be held again at Dow Diamond, the Great Lakes Loons have not yet released their schedule and "we were not able to wait any longer as parents were requesting a date for planning purposes." The format, location and time of graduation will be released in the spring "when we hope gathering restrictions set by MDHHS will be eased or lifted," Sharrow said. Also at Monday's meeting, board members approved several purchases using bond funds and other sources. Among these was the $766,350 purchase of 2,600 replacement Chromebooks for students in grades 9-12. The vendor is Inacomp TSG of Southfield, Mich. Other purchases approved were $399,946 from Midwest Transit of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, for two 65-passenger wheelchair lift buses and two 77-passenger buses; $47,860 from XTekPartners, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio for educational technology upgrades at the Juvenile Care Center; and $38,824 from Signature Ford-Lincoln of Owosso for a 2021 Ford Transit 250 High Roof Cargo Van. The van will be used by the food service department to assist in meal delivery to schools and community pick-up locations. Another bond-funded purchase approved Monday night $182,930 from SturdiSteel Company of Waco, Texas for replacement of pool bleachers at H.H. Dow High School followed up on a package of bond-funded projects approved at a brief special meeting on Jan. 21. Sharrow said that meeting was held "as the timing of the bids and review did not meet our regular BOE schedule." A total of $4.2 million was approved for Bid Package No. 21-204 for district-wide renovations including replacement of interior doors and flooring, gym renovations, bathroom renovations, windows, painting, and the bus loop at Jefferson Middle School. Among the bids approved were $1,194,560 to Three Rivers Corp. of Midland for general trades; $662,000 to Pats Gradall Service of Midland for site work; $676,500 to Advantage Mechanical Group of Swartz Creek for mechanical work; and $497,353 to Architectural Glazing Systems of Mt. Morris for aluminum entrances. In other business at Monday's meeting, Sharrow awarded the monthly "Shining Star" awards to Central Park Elementary School paraprofessional Kay Moyers and Plymouth Elementary School kindergarten teacher Amy Rye-Fisher. BJPs take on Rahul Gandhi: A migrant leader who has taken refuge in Kerala India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Thrissur, Feb 16: BJP on Tuesday attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him a "migrant leader" who has taken "shelter" in Kerala after being rejected by people of Amethi, once a stronghold of his family. Targeting Gandhi, who represents Kerala's Wayanad seat in Lok Sabha, on the Sabarimala women entry issue, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi claimed that the national leadership and state leadership of the Congress have taken two different stands on the matter. He urged Gandhi to clear his position on the issue of faith. In a bid to woo Christian votes in the state, Joshi, who is the party's election incharge for Kerala, also cited the "appeasement of Islamist fundamentalists" by the Congress and ruling Left in the state while raking up the issue of conversion of the Hagia Sophia church into a mosque in Turkey. Rahul Gandhi to launch Cong campaign in poll-bound Puducherry on Feb 17 In this context, he cited the statement of a leader of Muslim League, a key Congress ally, reportedly favouring the Turkish President Erdogan's controversial decision. Addressing a press conference here to highlight the preparations for the BJP's ''Vijay Yatra'' from Kasaragod on February 21, Mr Joshi claimed Mr Gandhi was a migrant leader who did nothing for the development of Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh despite being elected thrice from there. "There was no development. In fact, there was no X-Ray machine in the public health facility in his constituency," Joshi alleged. He said after being rejected by the people there, Gandhi has now taken "shelter" in Kerala and claimed people of the state will also understand that by supporting Congress party, they are not going to gain anything. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News On the Sabarimala issue, the BJP leader alleged Gandhi supported the Supreme Court verdict granting entry of women of all age groups into the ancient hill shrine. However, the state leadership of the Congress took a different stand on the matter, he said. NSW quarantine and essential border workers will all be vaccinated against the coronavirus within three weeks, with the state set to receive more than 14,000 doses a week of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Australias vaccine rollout begins around the country next Monday after the first delivery of 142,000 Pfizer vaccines landed in Sydney earlier this week. Hotel quarantine workers and border staff will be the first to be vaccinated. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The states and territories will receive 50,000 of those doses, which will be divided on a proportional basis, taking into account the number of hotel quarantine workers, essential healthcare staff and aged care workers and residents in each jurisdiction. NSW has 6500 people working in the quarantine system each week and the state will get weekly deliveries of 14,000 doses, according to a senior government source who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Kodiak Copper (CVE: KDK) CEO Claudia Tornquist joined Steve Darling from Proactive to bring news the company has released 5 more drill holes from their 2020 program at the MPD Copper-Gold project in southern British Columbia. Tornquist telling Proactive the company has only drilled a small number of holes and they have intersected the newly discovered high-grade zone at Gate. The company is planning a large 30,000 metres program that is expected to begin soon. Right now, only 10% of the drill target has been explored. A now-former deputy is accused of stealing thousands of dollars in benefits through false unemployment claims he filed while working for the Newberry County Sheriffs Office, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. SLED officers arrested Detrick Vandice Bishop, 49, on Tuesday, after the sheriffs office asked the agency to investigate the allegations, a SLED release says. It isnt clear when Bishop lost his job with the sheriffs office. Arrest warrants claim that, from August through October, Bishop received at least $3,508 in unemployment benefits despite working full-time as a deputy and as a part-time employee of the Newberry County School District. He has been charged with nine counts of false statements or representations to obtain benefits, according to SLED. Bishop was booked at the Newberry County Detention Facility and will be prosecuted by the 8th Circuit Solicitors Office. We can attribute the snow in H-Town to one thing-- Houston's favorite Aquarian, Megan Thee Stallion's birthday was yesterday. In celebration of her birthday, the H-Town Hottie changed her name on social media to her most cherished persona, Tina Snow. Megan has mentioned in multiple interviews that she's taken cues in her rap-style Texas rappers like UGK, and you can hear it in her flow. For most fans, including myself, Tina Snow remains the pinnacle of Megan's career. Her hit mixtape is reminiscent of the late Pimp C, also known as Tony Snow. Kanabo, which specialises in vaporisation and inhalation technology, is one of the first cannabis companies to IPO on the London market The London Stock Exchange (LSE) experienced a bumper crop of initial public offerings (IPOs) on Tuesday from a range of sectors, including the first cannabis company to IPO on the market. ( ), an Israeli company that makes vaporisation and inhalation technology for cannabis, said it had raised 6mln through an oversubscribed fundraising of a placing and subscription of 6.5p per share ahead of its float on the exchange, which will give it an initial market cap of around 23.4mln. The company completed its IPO through a reverse takeover of Spinnaker Opportunities Inc, which has since changed its name to and following admission will acquire Kanabo Research Limited for 15mln which will be satisfied by the issue of around 230.8mln new shares in the company. Kanabo shares soared to 20.5p by mid-afternoon on its first day, up 215% from its placing price. "We are proud and happy to be listed on London Stock Exchange. I would like to thank Spinnaker Opportunities and the whole transaction team for helping us to reach this goal and to thank new and existing shareholders who have invested in our pioneering endeavour, Kanabo chief executive Avihu Tamir said in a statement. We share the enthusiasm shown by the investment community in the UK for this important day. The reaction we have seen since we published our prospectus two weeks ago has been overwhelming. With the support of the FCA and London Stock Exchange, the medical cannabis industry is set to take off in the UK and in Europe, similar to what's happened in North America in recent times. This is just the beginning", he added. Cornish Metals arrives on AIM Meanwhile, Cornwall-focused mineral explorer ( ) began its first day of dealings on the AIM market after raising 8mln through an oversubscribed placing with institutional and other professional investors. The firm also said it had raised around 206,000 through an offer to high net worth investors, with a total of 117.2mln shares issued as part of the placing and subscription at a price of 7p each. Cornish said the proceeds of the IPO fundraising will be used to conduct a drill programme at its United Downs copper-tin project to determine the resource potential of a 1,000-metre strike section of the target area, as well as to conduct initial fieldwork on other high priority exploration targets within trucking distance of the South Crofty mine in Cornwall, and for general working capital purposes. The firm added that it expects to begin drilling at the United Downs project in late March or early April. "Listing on the AIM Market represents a significant milestone for the company and offers investors from the United Kingdom the opportunity to be a part of the company's growth as we work towards the goal of becoming a domestic supplier of technology metals fundamental to a green economy", Cornish Metals chief executive Richard Williams said in a statement. Although not quite a stellar debut as its cannabis focused fellow debutant, shares in Cornish Metals were up by an impressive 36% to 9.5p by mid afternoon. Cordiant Digital Infrastructure completes trifecta Completing the trio of IPOs is Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited (LON:CORD), which said it has listed on the specialist fund segment of the LSEs main market. The firm, which mainly focuses on investments in digital operating digital infrastructure assets such as data centres, mobile telecommunications/broadcast towers and fibre optic network assets in Europe and North America, previously completed a 370mln ahead of its listing through the issue of shares at 100p each. The figure was above the companys IPO target of 300mln announced in late January and will be used to help launch the trust. Cordiant's shares dipped to 99.8p on its first day on the market. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close READ: Former President Donald Trumps Full Statement on Mitch McConnell Former President Donald Trump issued a statement on Mitch McConnell on Tuesday. Read the full statement here: Statement by Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America The Republican Party can never again be respected or strong with political leaders like Sen. Mitch McConnell at its helm. McConnells dedication to business as usual, status quo policies, together with his lack of political insight, wisdom, skill, and personality, has rapidly driven him from Majority Leader to Minority Leader, and it will only get worse. The Democrats and Chuck Schumer play McConnell like a fiddletheyve never had it so goodand they want to keep it that way! We know our America First agenda is a winner, not McConnells Beltway First agenda or Bidens America Last. In 2020, I received the most votes of any sitting President in history, almost 75,000,000. Every incumbent House Republican won for the first time in decades, and we flipped 15 seats, almost costing Nancy Pelosi her job. Republicans won majorities in at least 59 of the 98 partisan legislative chambers, and the Democrats failed to flip a single legislative chamber from red to blue. And in Mitchs Senate, over the last two election cycles, I single-handedly saved at least 12 Senate seats, more than eight in the 2020 cycle aloneand then came the Georgia disaster, where we should have won both U.S. Senate seats, but McConnell matched the Democrat offer of $2,000 stimulus checks with $600. How does that work? It became the Democrats principal advertisement, and a big winner for them it was. McConnell then put himself, one of the most unpopular politicians in the United States, into the advertisements. Many Republicans in Georgia voted Democrat, or just didnt vote, because of their anguish at their inept Governor, Brian Kemp, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and the Republican Party, for not doing its job on Election Integrity during the 2020 Presidential race. It was a complete election disaster in Georgia, and certain other swing states. McConnell did nothing, and will never do what needs to be done in order to secure a fair and just electoral system into the future. He doesnt have what it takes, never did, and never will. My only regret is that McConnell begged for my strong support and endorsement before the great people of Kentucky in the 2020 election, and I gave it to him. He went from one point down to 20 points up, and won. How quickly he forgets. Without my endorsement, McConnell would have lost, and lost badly. Now, his numbers are lower than ever before, he is destroying the Republican side of the Senate, and in so doing, seriously hurting our Country. Likewise, McConnell has no credibility on China because of his familys substantial Chinese business holdings. He does nothing on this tremendous economic and military threat. Mitch is a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack, and if Republican Senators are going to stay with him, they will not win again. He will never do what needs to be done, or what is right for our Country. Where necessary and appropriate, I will back primary rivals who espouse Making America Great Again and our policy of America First. We want brilliant, strong, thoughtful, and compassionate leadership. Prior to the pandemic, we produced the greatest economy and jobs numbers in the history of our Country, and likewise, our economic recovery after Covid was the best in the world. We cut taxes and regulations, rebuilt our military, took care of our Vets, became energy independent, built the wall and stopped the massive inflow of illegals into our Country, and so much more. And now, illegals are pouring in, pipelines are being stopped, taxes will be going up, and we will no longer be energy independent. This is a big moment for our country, and we cannot let it pass by using third-rate leaders to dictate our future! Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) didnt respond to a request for comments from The Epoch Times. The number of healthcare and frontline workers vaccinated against the COVID-19 in the country has surpassed 85 lakh, the Union Health Ministry said on February 15. At least 85,16,771 beneficiaries have been vaccinated for COVID-19 through 1,83,664 sessions, the ministry said. The beneficiaries who have completed 28 days after the first jab are now being given the second dose as well. The DCGI accorded a window of four weeks to six weeks for the second dose. Those vaccinated include 61,54,894 healthcare workers (HCWs), out of whom 60,57,162 have been administered the first dose and 98,118 given the second dose. Besides, 23,61,491 frontline workers (FLWs) have been inoculated so far. A total of 2,31,476 beneficiaries were vaccinated till 6 pm on February 15, the 31st day of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination. Out of which, 1,57,919 beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and 73,557 HCWs received 2nd dose of vaccine as per the provisional report," the ministry said. Follow our LIVE blog for latest updates on coronavirus pandemic COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the vaccination drive with healthcare workers getting their first jabs on January 16. Indias drug regulator has approved two vaccinesCovaxin developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech and Covishield from the Oxford-AstraZeneca stable being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) for emergency use in the country. Here is a round-up of the latest development related to the COVID-19 vaccine: > Fourteen states and UTs have vaccinated more than 70 percent of the registered HCWs. These are Bihar, Lakshadweep, Tripura, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Sikkim. > Five states and UTs have reported less than 40 percent coverage of registered HCWs. These are Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Nagaland and Puducherry. > The World Health Organization (WHO) granted an emergency authorization to AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, a move that should allow the U.N. agency's partners to ship millions of doses to countries worldwide as part of a U.N.-backed program to tame the pandemic. > About 18-19 coronavirus vaccine candidates are in different clinical trial stages and may be available in the coming months, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on February 16. Addressing the media, Vardhan said that in the next 2-3 weeks, vaccination against COVID-19 will be started for people above 50 years of age. > Vaccine maker Serum Institute of India (SII) said it will send the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University to Canada in less than a month. SII CEO Adar Poonawalla in a tweet said, "Dear Hon'ble PM @JustinTrudeau, I thank you for your warm words towards India and its vaccine industry. As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you,@SerumInstIndia will fly out #COVISHIELD to Canada in less than a month; I'm on it!". States Total Beneficiaries Andhra Pradesh 3,62,341 Arunachal Pradesh 16,094 Assam 1,29,873 Bihar 4,92,152 Chandigarh 8,803 Chhattisgarh 2,62,987 Delhi 1,91,207 Goa 13,683 Gujarat 6,83,903 Haryana 1,96,352 Himachal Pradesh 81,957 Jharkhand 2,08,391 Karnataka 4,96,234 Kerala 3,58,575 Madhya Pradesh 5,57,105 Maharashtra 6,82,933 Odisha 4,12,046 Punjab 1,03,858 Rajasthan 6,10,088 Tamil Nadu 2,47,574 Telangana 2,82,188 Uttar Pradesh 8,58,602 Uttarakhand 1,10,326 West Bengal 5,16,952 Follow our full coverage on COVID-19 here Mumbai: The government will have to take strict action if the number of covid-19 cases continues to rise in the state, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar warned on Monday. Speaking with reporters in Aurangabad, Pawar said the sharp rise in cases is alarming. "After speaking with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, we will have to take some strict measures if the number of cases continue to rise. People will have to keep wearing masks and take precautions in order to avoid the spread of Covid-19," he said, pointing out that many people have stopped wearing masks. Maharashtra reported 3,365 cases on Monday. Over 4,000 cases were reported a day before. There has been a sharp rise in the number of cases in Mumbai as well. Places like Amravati in Nagpur and Pune have also been reporting a high number of cases. Globally, the rate of infection from COVID-19 and the death rates associated with the infection are slowing from the devastating winter surge that saw new cases exceed 750,000 per day, with deaths during a single 24-hour period peaking at over 16,000. The impact of the pandemic throughout Europe, North America and South America was a direct byproduct of malign neglect that allowed schools and economies to open after the summer lulls. As the capitalist ruling classes clamor to reopen the economy, the rapidly emerging variants pose an existential threat as criminal government policies expose the population to repeated infections. In this Jan. 9, 2021 file photo, transporters Miguel Lopez, right, Noe Meza prepare to move a body of a COVID-19 victim to a morgue at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in the Mission Hills section of Los Angeles. California has edged past New York in the grim statistic of the number of deaths due to COVID-19, according Johns Hopkins University data reported Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) The death toll in the United States has been nothing short of horrifying. This week the number of dead will hit a half million, a number exceeding all American deaths, civilian and military, from World War II. Such a horrific statistic should be appraised soberly and carefully. The criminal policy allowing unrestricted expansion of the pandemic has had a particularly destructive impact on the working class. Particularly remarkable is the acceleration of the death toll beginning with the surges after the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. As recorded by NBC News, the first 100,000 US deaths required 99 days (February 29May 17); the second 100,000 deaths required 115 days, to September 19; the third 100,000 deaths took 86 days, until December 14; the fourth 100,000 deaths took only 36 days until January 19; and the fifth 100,000 deaths will require somewhere between 28 and 31 days, depending on when this week that terrible milestone is reached. More Americans have died of coronavirus since the US presidential election, less than three months ago, than in the eight months that preceded it. By next week, more than 100,000 Americans will have died of coronavirus under the Biden administration. As the British medical journal, The Lancet, explained, The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on the USA, with more than 26 million diagnosed cases and over 450,000 deaths as of early February 2021, about 40 percent of which could have been averted had the US death rate mirrored the weighted average of the other G7 nations. This is not praise for the other G7 nations who have pursued profit interests over the safety of their populations. The United States has just been more egregious in this regard. The Lancet continued, Many of the cases and deaths were avoidable. Instead of galvanizing the US populace to fight the pandemic, President Trump publicly dismissed its threat (despite privately acknowledging it), discouraged action as infection spread, and eschewed international cooperation. Rather than taking a proper accounting of the efforts of the Biden administration to begin a rapid opening of K-12 schools, the bourgeois press has employed the impeachment debacle as a distraction and diversion, while at the same time concealing the real significance of the January 6 fascist coup attempt. The media has gone on to praise Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Teachers Unions betrayal of the rank-and-file and have raised a hue and cry over why schools arent opening immediately. Over the weekend, CDC Director Rochelle Walenskys primary focus, using the Sunday press shows, was to provide the financial oligarchs assurance that neither the new variants nor the high community transmission would deter the Biden administration from carrying out the agenda of big business. When questioned by host Margaret Brennan of Face the Nation on CBS about holding in-person classes while the B.1.1.7 variant was spreading, Dr. Walensky assured her that, the amount of disease in school is very much related to the amount of disease thats in the community. Theres very limited transmission between students, between students and staff. When such infections occurred, she blamed improper mask wearing and lack of personal responsibility. There was no discussion of the looming half-million dead. It is of no consequence to Dr. Walensky that 99 percent of all counties in the US are in the red zone, meaning that transmission rates remain still too high under CDC guidelines for children to return to school without massive protective efforts which virtually no school district has the resources to implement. Walensky also went on to discount the detection of 1,173 cases of the UK variant across 40 states. Now, there are 17 cases of the South African variant across eight states, as well as three cases of the Brazilian variant. And to add another dimension to the crisis, the New York Times reported on Sunday that a team of researchers has found seven growing lineages of the novel coronavirus, spotted across the country. All of them have evolved a mutation in the same genetic letter. The Q677P mutation in the viruss spike protein was first detected in the US on October 23. By January 19, these new lineages now make up 28 and 11 percent of all the SARS-CoV-2 genomes sequenced from Louisiana and New Mexico, respectively. These cases have been predominately found in the south central and southwest of the United States. As of early February, GISAID data has shown there have been close to 500 viral sequences of this variant in the US. Though it remains to be determined if these new variants are more contagious, the scientists studying these new mutations are concerned because they are located in a gene that determines how well the virus can bind to a human cell and enter it. More concerning is that these mutations are following a convergent evolutionary pathway that provides them a survival benefit. In a setting of high community transmission, they are facing evolutionary pressures to adapt. In countries like Brazil, South Africa and the United Kingdom, where such variants became dominant, the outcome was a rapid surge in cases that led to health systems becoming inundated and death tolls soaring. What perplexed politicians and state officials was that the usual measures taken during the spring didnt work with these new variants. A concerted effort and hard lockdown were required. The Netherlands and Norway, which faced their own fight with the UK variant, quickly adopted these strict measures and turned their pandemic curves. In the United States, the Biden administration is counting on the vaccine to avoid such choices. However, according to the Washington Post vaccination tracker, only 38.7 million people have received one or both doses of the vaccines. Though vaccinations have sped up to around 1.66 million per day on a seven-day average, supplies of the vaccines cannot keep up with demand. California has used up more than 72 percent of its doses and is experiencing shortages in some areas. For instance, Dodger Stadium had to shut down vaccinations after exhausting its supply, having only received 16,000 doses last week. Not surprisingly, there is little stomach in the media to discuss any future lockdowns. If 100,000 deaths were shocking, 500,000 deaths and more leave them numb and callous. So ingrained has become the policy of herd immunity within the ruling class that a strategy to eradicate the virus is no longer conceivable as a point of discussion. Yet principled epidemiologists like Dr. Deepti Gurdasani, a senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, have been on the front line warning Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the drive to open schools prematurely will squander the gains over the last several weeks. She is fighting for a COVID strategy she calls zero COVID. Her strategy would require a lockdown of two to three months to reach a target level of under 10 per 100,000 infections per day before easing restrictions. In the interim, investment in fixing the test, trace and isolate programs need urgent attention and to be placed in federal hands. Additionally, vaccine distributions could be enhanced per vaccine protocolstwo-dose regimens for targeted populations, improvement in infrastructure investment and safety in schools. This strategy would also remove any uncertainty around the evolution of new variants and possible impact on vaccine efficacy. The course the ruling class is pursuing will only bring more death and suffering for the working class, who have paid dearly for the incompetence demonstrated by capitalist governments. The ruling class and their political servants have no clear exit strategy. They have no idea what the herd immunity threshold is or if it is achievable. Repeat surges and shutdowns have been the characteristic and unscientific reaction to the pandemic. Because profits will always be a primary objective, there is no hoping that they can come to their senses. Only the working class can turn the tide of social misery and prevent further loss of life. Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. Debra McClendon-Boddie went to a You Cant Fail conference organized by Gwen Webber-McLeod and remembers one of the speakers challenging the audience this way: She asked us to raise our right hand, and she said: Will you pledge to do what you can for who you can when you can? McClendon-Boddie took the pledge. That day in 2011 became a turning point, and by the next year she had started working with young girls. She explains the foundations work on her website: PGR Foundation Inc. prepares young ladies of our community to live in a diverse and global society. Our mentoring program cultivates the mindset of young girls, ages 6-18, to ensure theyre Poised, Gifted, & Ready for the world. She started mentoring five girls in June 2012. Now she has eight mentors helping more than 50 girls. Before Covid-19, the foundation used space at the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection on East Avenue in Syracuse. Like the leader of every organization, McClendon-Boddie has had to pivot to new tactics during the pandemic. McClendon-Boddie, who is retired from a career in employment and training for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged people, says effective leaders collaborate with others, seek their advice, and then act on what they learn. I want to hear your advice about leadership and training young girls, but first tell me about starting PGR. I have a story, and for people interested in what I do, there are no short stories. (Laughter) Funding-wise, I can give you something short and sweet, but thats not what youre asking about. I like hearing stories, so go ahead. OK, in November 2011, I attended an all-womens conference called You Cant Fail. I was shocked when I went because I had never been in a professional environment where there were so many women with different color melanin. I worked most of my life in higher ed in an employment and training division. When I went to conferences, they were Caucasian-led and male dominated, and I was often the only African-American woman, the only Black, in the room. I was not seen or heard and a lot of times felt like I wasnt valued. But thats not what were talking about here either. One of the You Cant Fail workshops was entitled mentoring. I never had a formal mentor. Never. Not in school. Not at work. The woman who ran the mentoring workshop talked about the need to reach back and help younger women. She gave us all these statistics about our education system, the pipeline from school to prison, domestic violence. I mean, she painted a horrific picture. Her last thing, she asked us to raise our right hand, and she said: Will you pledge to do what you can for who you can when you can? I went back, and I was telling some of my colleagues (at OCC) about my experience at this workshop. Two days later, a colleague came to me and said: I know what you can do. I found someplace where you can go mentor. There is this mentoring program called Pretty Girls Rock simply because they have to I was like: Really? I have two boys. I dont know anything about girls. She said: Well, I think youll be good at it. I took her advice. I went over to the Boys & Girls Club on East Fayette Street. I went in there and, Stan, I hadnt been there in years, and there was a large number of African-American girls. And it was run by young women who were putting together programs and activities from the head and heart. They were like: Oh, we can utilize you. I went in a room with little girls and they were cutting out figures and coloring and doing handicrafts all that cute stuff. And I was like, Awww! I volunteered two times, and then that program folded. I went to the co-founder, and I said: Id like to continue Pretty Girls Rock but maybe on a smaller scale. She said: You can, but you have to get your own DBA. My boys were in college at that time, and all kinds of stuff was changing in my personal life. So I got a DBA. I thought we could operate under Pretty Girls Rock, which they referred to as PGR. So I named it PGR Foundation. I contacted the Syracuse University Law Clinic to secure a 501(c)3. I pledged to give $2,500 a year of my own money to make it work. I went to Wayne OConnor at Hillside. I didnt know Wayne at all, but I went in, and he said we could use classrooms at Hillside. For each meeting, I built a curriculum to a topic. We bring in already-established professional programs, and I refer the girls to programs and events within the community. If they cant afford it, we supplement it or we pay for it outright. All the girls 6-year-olds to 18 do community service once a month. I reach out to their academic counselors. If theyre having problems academically, we develop programs for them. I have eight mentors. The name of my mentoring program is Poised, Gifted, Ready. I have a board nine of us on the board. Thats our story. When you think about the girls you are influencing now, what advice would you give them to be effective leaders? Effective leaders collaborate with others. They ask the advice of others. They listen to that advice. They learn from their experiences. I dont call them failures. I call them experiences. Some people say leaders develop relationships. I dont use the word relationship. A leader develops bonds bonds that last. I would tell the girls to do what theyre passionate about. Thats where you make a difference. Whatever youre passionate about, thats where you go. I didnt know I had a passion for what I do now. I raised two boys. I was happy with that. (Laughter) Working with girls keeps me going. Maybe its because of my age now. Sometimes I question myself: Dang, why am I doing this, really? But then the girls will smile. Theyll call and ask me a question. Well be in a conversation, and Ill see that I made a difference. I remember I was with a girl, and she said: You remember, we went to Bristol Myers for their STEM? I said: Yeah. She says: I didnt know what STEM was. The only one I knew was the one in an apple. She shared that with me, and I just appreciated that conversation. What qualities do you see in leaders you admire? I like the leader that does not talk about themselves. They tell a story to give advice for best practices and strategies. Thats a good leader. What I dont like is when somebodys attitude says: I do it this way, and its all about me. Thats not a leader. I have come into contact with political leaders and even some in business that just talk about themselves. Its such a turnoff to me. I dont want to be that way. Thats why, when you asked to interview me, I wanted you to interview mentees, so that they can share their stories and their journey through PGR. Cause this is not about me. Yes, I find resources, people, and opportunities for them, but its not about me. Its about them, because they are our future leaders. Thats why we talk about poise. Its why we teach them patience and understanding. Its why we help them find their natural gifts and build upon them so that theyre ready to be future leaders. A leader has to have that ability to make you feel included. My father used to say: Every child has a voice. Everybody wants to feel valued. Lets talk about your childhood. Were you in leadership roles growing up? My mother worked at General Motors, and I was the oldest of eight kids Thats why Im the best cleaner there is. And babysitter. I have five brothers and two sisters. They said I was strict, but I had to be. So I had my role in my home. In school, I was an introvert. This was the sad part, but its true. I didnt know about applying to college. I went to Nottingham High School, and one of my friends said to me in the 12th grade: Well, what college are you going to? I said: College? She said: You should apply to college. I said: Well, how do you apply? She said: You got to go see your counselor. I went to see my counselor in high school, and my counselor said: Oh, no, youre not college material. We have you down for vocational ed. They just had my path that way, and my curriculum reflected it. My mother (Mary Mike) is a high school graduate. My father (Louis Mike Sr.) graduated from the sixth grade, and he learned to read and write with me. Im proud of him. He was a Centro bus driver for over 40 years. He ended up owning a bar on the Westside and thats how he put me through college. He was a hard worker. My fathers originally from South Carolina, and we came here from Florida. He came up here for work, and I stayed in Florida with my grandparents. I came up here when I was three years old after my parents established themselves. We lived in what they called the 15th Ward before they did away with it. In 1968, we moved to our home on the East Side. Tell me about going to college. Thats a story, too. My friend encouraged me to go to a college fair at Levy School. I asked my mother. She said yes, so I went. I walked into the auditorium, and there were all these colleges. You could apply to four before you had to pay. I met Dr. Henderson from SUNY Brockport. He was so impressive to me, like a kind uncle. I was accepted into SUNY Brockport under EOP (Educational Opportunity Program for low-income students). I went there and did a summer program under HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program). In the fall semester, they asked me to come to the resident office and they told me that they mistakenly admitted me. I wasnt eligible for EOP because I was not financially disadvantaged, which was required. I cried. I asked Dr. Henderson: Do I have to go home? He was a Black man, and that was one of the main reasons why I had gone to Brockport. He said: This is what were going to do. If you get a decent GPA at the end of the year, you can stay, but we cant give you the financial aid because your family makes too much. So long story short, I signed a little contract, and next I went to Dr. Bucholz, who was my academic advisor, and I told him. I wanted to major in business, because I wanted to become a CEO. But I wasnt doing well in those classes. Dr. Bucholz suggested I switch. He asked: Debra, what do you like? I said: I like stories. I like reading about people. He said: Have you ever thought about history? I said: What would I do with a history degree? He said: You be a teacher. You can be a curator. You can do a lot of things. So I majored in history with a minor in African dance. I took courses to better my writing. My father gave me a little money so I could take an extra class each summer before summer employment started. I took a teachers preparation program so that I could be eligible to teach. I graduated in three and a half years. The weekly Conversation on Leadership features Q&A interviews about leadership, success, and innovation. The conversations are condensed and edited. To suggest a leader for a Conversation, contact Stan Linhorst at StanLinhorst@gmail.com. Last week featured Adam Maher, co-founder and CEO of Ursa Space Systems. Maher says leaders provide vision and purpose, making people feel heard and appreciated. As Red Tractor consults on bolstering its standards, some cereal growers have voiced concerns over the requirements they are expected to meet compared with foreign imports. In January, the UKs largest assurance scheme, Red Tractor, announced that it was consulting the industry on significant changes to its standards. The consultation is set to run until 5 March and intends to roll out the proposed changes in November this year. Red Tractor say they are consulting to ensure their standards remain fit for purpose, evolving to keep up with legislation and best practice, as well as to reflect the issues currently on consumers minds. However, the announcement of Red Tractors proposals has prompted strong reactions from some cereal growers. They have highlighted existing concerns about an imbalance between the production standards expected of them, compared with those required of foreign imports. For British growers to sell their grain, merchants require it to meet Red Tractor standards, however, whilst imported grains come with assurances as to their food safety, there is no guarantee that they have been produced to the same standards as Red Tractor hold their members to. Some producers say this puts them at a disadvantage when their grain regularly goes into products where it is mixed together with imported grain. David Walston, an arable farmer near Cambridge, is one of the farmers who feels cornered by the greater production standards expected of him than imported wheat. Buyers insist on farm level assurance from UK produce, but are happy to buy imported grain that is assured only from the merchant onwards, he said. This means that UK farmers must comply with all of the Red Tractor rules and paperwork and the costs that entails whereas imported grain only has quality and safety samples taken. This unfairly burdens UK farmers with the costs of Red Tractor assurance, without paying us a premium for jumping through all those hoops. It is clear there is no premium for Red Tractor on the supermarket shelf - because products which co-mix UK and imported wheat cannot display the Red Tractor logo - and buyers certainly do not pay us a premium if they are not getting any more from the consumer. Mr Walston explained what he believes the solution is: We should be able to produce grain to the legal and environmental standards that the government sets out. "It should meet the food safety standards that imported wheat does, but it should not necessarily have to be farm assured. "I cannot see why we should not be able to produce to the same standards that millers are already using to buy imported wheat. Guy Smith, a mixed farmer on the Essex coast, has been the chairman of the Red Tractor cereals and sugar beet board since January. He made it clear that he does not like the routine co-mixing of grain and said that this is a situation he wants to see improved. We could potentially think about allowing the Red Tractor logo to be used on more items, for example a loaf of bread with 85% British wheat, however this is something that needs to be approached carefully because consumers do like to buy 100% British products." Mr Smith added that he likes how Red Tractor assurance keeps all of the markets open to him: Having an inspector on my farm is not my favourite day of the year, but I am conscious that the system offers a one-stop-shop to access all of the markets I could want to be in. "If I want to sell my wheat to Weetabix, who buy exclusively Red Tractor wheat and put the logo on their packaging, I need to reach that high standard. If we were to have a base level of Red Tractor, that was essentially import equivalent, we might find that a lot of markets are not happy with that standard and we would need to have lots of bolt-on schemes to reach those markets, he said. I understand why farmers are concerned, particularly in regard to co-mixing. Red Tractor is voluntary, but I know for farmers it does not feel voluntary because everyone is demanding it. "However, I do fear that there is a danger we are losing sight of why the scheme was first set up twenty years ago, Mr Smith explained. Joe Brennan, a senior technical advisor for UK Flour Millers, stressed that imported wheat still has to meet the same food safety standards as UK grown wheat, and that using Red Tractor assured wheat has benefits for millers. He said: The performance of Red Tractor assured wheat over the years gives millers confidence in the food safety credentials of domestic wheat. "Combined with the stringent safety testing of imported wheat, you have a strong base to ensure food safety regulations are being met. Mr Brennan also explained the reasons millers mix domestic and imported wheat: Breadmaking flour requires a strong gluten to ensure consistent quality, which is difficult to achieve using only UK wheat, as a result, high protein North American and German wheats are imported to be gristed with UK wheat. Ideally, UK millers would prefer to use only homegrown, Red Tractor assured wheat, however the size of any years wheat crop is not a given. "The 2020 crop was the smallest since 1981, and only 32% of UKFM Group 1 wheat met typical breadmaking specification. Even with the carryover from last season, there is a significant deficit between domestic milling wheat production and demand. Red Tractor themselves were keen to stress that they do continue to offer a low cost, high value assurance scheme for their members. A spokesperson said that farmers should consider three crucial things: Firstly, UK consumers trust Red Tractor: almost 70% of shoppers are positively influenced by the logo Second, not only is Red Tractor endorsed by the UKs biggest food brands, being Red Tractor also means you can supply different retailers without lots of different requirements. And third, the government values Red Tractor. By being a member, you only have to go through a single assessment. All those extra inspections you would get from the Environment Agency and the Rural Payments Agency are reduced and covered in one go if you sign up to the scheme. wundervisuals/Getty Images As of the beginning of this week, New York restaurants licensed to serve alcohol are allowed to be open until 11 p.m. for the first time in three months. In mid-November, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo imposed the 10 p.m. closing time to try to curb the second wave of coronavirus infections. The rationale was that, even with the state mandate in place that food be ordered along with every initial alcohol order, the later places stayed open, the more customers would drink, inhibitions and mindfulness would diminish, and people would be less likely to observe safety measures including social distancing and the wearing of masks. The 10 p.m. rule was widely despised and ridiculed. As a lawyer in one of the lawsuits challenging the order said, "the state had no justification for choosing 10 p.m. as the magic number for when restaurants stop being safe. The social distancing and mask requirements work just as well at 9:59 p.m. as they do at 11 p.m., midnight, or 2 a.m. Customers of this location can find a full line of U-Haul products and services 1.1 miles away at U-Haul Moving & Storage at South Main St. Roswell at 1705 S. Main St. The new store is a renovated and repurposed former Kmart acquired as part of a 13-property purchase from Sears Holdings Corp. in 2019. U-Haul offers truck and trailer sharing, indoor self-storage, U-Box portable storage containers, moving supplies, boxes, towing equipment, professional hitch installation, bike racks and more at the Main Street facility. By July, there will also be 50 drive-up storage units for rent at the new store. "We're providing a higher quality facility for our customers, as well as expanding the products and services our customers have been needing and asking from us," said Bianca Sotelo-Herrera, U-Haul Company of Southern New Mexico president. Acquisition of the new store was driven by U-Haul Corporate Sustainability initiatives: U-Haul supports infill developments to help local communities lower their carbon footprint. The adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the amount of energy and resources required for new-building materials and helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings. Local U-Haul Companies are always exploring opportunities for growth as they pursue means to better serve the needs of customers, but sometimes find it necessary to close or relocate stores. Reasons for closures can include: long-term strategic plans; physical plant limitations; shifts in demographics; trends in migration; expansion of the U-Haul neighborhood dealer network; and proximity to other new or existing U-Haul stores. As a result of the U-Haul Storage of Roswell store closing, seven U-Haul Team Members were let go. As an essential service provider, U-Haul has remained open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak while offering contactless programs and enhanced cleaning protocols, including added steps for sanitizing equipment between customer transactions. U-Haul products are used daily by First Responders; delivery companies bringing needed supplies to people's homes; small businesses trying to remain afloat; college students; and countless other dependent groups, in addition to the household mover. Please visit uhaul.com/announcement for more information on how U-Haul is keeping its Team Members and customers safe. About U-HAUL Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of 22,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 176,000 trucks, 127,000 trailers and 41,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 774,000 rentable storage units and 66.7 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry, and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S. Contact: Jeff Lockridge Sebastien Reyes E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 602-760-4941 Website: uhaul.com SOURCE U-Haul Related Links https://www.uhaul.com The "State Regulation of Oil and Gas Sector in 2021 and Prospects 2021" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The year 2020 was a bitter trial to the whole world economy and especially to the oil and gas industry. Russia was not an exception in this regard. The struggle between camps supporting the OPEC+ deal and a price war ended in spring when Moscow withdrew from the agreement and Saudi Arabia, in response, sharply increased its oil exports. At the same time, the progressing COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced demand for oil, and these two factors led to a real price catastrophe. Russia rushed to join OPEC+ again but in much tougher conditions, which resulted in an 8.6% decrease in the annual oil output. However, the situation concerning exports is much worse, as the Russian oil industry faces strategic risks of losing its essential markets. The Cabinet was not lenient to the industry, thinking that in the past few years oil producers accumulated sufficient reserves and even cheated the state, and has failed to invest the money spared on taxes. The package of fiscal amendments passed in autumn 2020 looked evidently confiscatory. And it was an important element of the concept of new oil that becomes the foundation of the current state policy on the oil industry. It means that old fields are declared unpromising, and the stake is made on greenfields that should create new jobs and demand for products of relative industries. However, the state avoids thinking about the real costs of the production of hydrocarbons at new projects. Before the oil industry, the breakthrough project was the production of LNG in the Arctic. And in 2020 it became evident that Russian liquefied natural gas, practically not contributing to state budget revenues, competed with Russian piped gas supplies on the European market. In the meantime, despite the tough sanctions war, Russia keeps laying new gas pipelines to Europe. All these factors question the expediency of the energy policy of Russia. Meanwhile, voices of lobbyists of the green agenda sound more and more energetically, as they suggest radically restructuring our energy sector. And this is another challenge to the Russian oil and gas industry. The NESF report wrapping up 2020 elaborates on the following questions: Will Russia withdraw from the OPEC+ deal? How did the OPEC+ deal influence the autumn reshuffle in the government? What is the new system of state regulation of the oil and gas sector? How did Russian companies fulfill oil output? Did the government support the oil services business? Will we manage to develop offshore and tight reserves amid sanctions? Will the state continue to subsidize LNG production? Why does Rosneft aggressively promote its Vostok Oil project? How did Rosneft cease being a state company? How did the Cabinet explain autumn changes in taxation of oil companies? What risks does the green policy pose to Russian oil and gas companies and what Putin thinks about the energy transition? Key Topics Covered: INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1. LOOKING FOR NEW OIL. THE STATE RELIES ON TERMINATION OF OLD PROJECTS IN FAVOR OF NEW OIL VENTURES 1.1. COVID-19, collapsing prices and a new OPEC+ deal: the perfect storm for the Russian oil production industry 1.2. Observance of output reduction by companies 1.3. Influence of OPEC+ deal on fiscal changes in the Russian oil industry CHAPTER 2. WHAT SHOULD OIL PRODUCERS ECONOMIZE ON: CAN PRODUCTION COSTS DROP LOWER? CHAPTER 3. RESTRUCTURING THE STATE SYSTEM OF FES REGULATION 3.1. Bureaucratic rollercoaster of A. Novak and new Minister of Energy 3.2. General logic of government update and its influence on the oil and gas sector CHAPTER 4. THE STATE KEEPS SUPPORTING LNG PRODUCTION CHAPTER 5. THE ARCTIC AS AN EXAMPLE OF STATE CHOICE IN FAVOR OF NEW OIL CHAPTER 6. PRODUCTION AND EXPORTS OF RUSSIAN HYDROCARBONS AMID NEW AND OLD SANCTIONS 6.1 In spite of sanctions: revival of the shelf 6.2. Will Bazhenov formations have a second chance? 6.3. Nord Stream 2: the main sanctions story of the year CHAPTER 7. DISPUTES ABOUT ENERGY TRANSITION. THE GREEN AGENDA IN RUSSIA AND ITS PRESSURE ON HYDROCARBONS 7.1. Two camps of the climate agenda, Putin's position 7.2. Actions of climate regulators in 2020 7.3. Fascination with renewables and hydrogen DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/e3tywf View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005869/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Dancing With The Stars pro Sharna Burgess debuted her relationship with Beverly Hills, 90210 actor Brian Austin Green in January. And it appears the two are as smitten as ever, as the 35-year-old took to Instagram over the weekend to dedicate a sweet Valentine's Day post to her new beau. 'Happy Valentines Day everyone,' the Australian dancer captioned two photos from their recent trip to Hawaii. Sweet dedication: Dancing With The Stars pro Sharna Burgess shared a gushing Valentines Day tribute to boyfriend Brian Austin Green over the weekend In one photograph, Sharna is seen leaning on Brian's shoulder as the two look out at a scenic view. In another, Brian beams from ear-to-ear while relaxing in pool. 'If you havent seen it yet, B and I did a lil live for yall to share a little love, gratitude, and tell a few stories. Go check it out on his page xx,' she added. The Instagram live she was referring to was a 12 minute-long video of the couple, who also shared a steamy kiss on camera. The 47-year-old actor called Sharna an 'amazing, considerate, loving, kind person.' 'Sharna's been amazing in my life not only for that reason, but that's been a big thing for me. She's been so invaluable, she really has,' he explained. Couple goals: The pair also did a 12 minute-long Instagram live video, where they also shared a steamy kiss on camera The professional dancer then shared some sweet words about her man, admitting that Brian took her 'completely by surprise' and that she has 'never known a man like him.' It comes after Brian divorced his wife of 10 years Megan Fox, 34, in November. The couple tied the knot in June of 2010, and share sons Noah Shannon, eight, Bodhi Ranson, seven, and Journey River, four. They announced their latest split last May. Family matters: It comes after Brian divorced his wife of 10 years Megan Fox, 34, in November. The couple tied the knot in June of 2010, and share sons Noah Shannon, eight, Bodhi Ranson, seven, and Journey River, four Megan is now dating rapper Machine Gun Kelly, 30. And the famous lovebirds also spread their love on social media during Valentine's Day. Kelly revealed on Sunday that he wears his girlfriend's blood on a necklace as he took to post a passionate Valentine's Day tribute to the Jennifer's Body star. My Bloody Valentine: Megan is now dating rapper Machine Gun Kelly, 30 and over the weekend he revealed he wears a smudge of the actress's blood around his neck on a piece of jewellery The 30-year-old shared a photo of the unique transparent jewelry, featuring a red smudge, captioned: 'i wear your blood around my neck. my bloody valentine.' It appeared to be a nod to his single Bloody Valentine, from his fifth album Tickets to My Downfall, after he and Fox first sparked rumors of their romance when they appeared together in the music video last May. Fox, 34, also gushed over her boyfriend on Instagram, writing: 'there goes my heart. manifest outside of my body. draped in the towering silhouette of a most unusually handsome boy. That's different: The 30-year-old shared a photo of the unique transparent jewelry, featuring a red smudge, captioned: 'i wear your blood around my neck. my bloody valentine' 'Magical and haunted. kinetic and tortured. ethereal and dangerous. cosmic. lawless. eternal. creative genius. the journey will likely be perilous. but there is no destination without him. happy valentines day rehab barbie,' he wrote. Megan and the Hotel Diablo artist met last March, on the set of their upcoming crime thriller Midnight in the Switchgrass. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Northeast Ohio received a sizable dump of snow in its latest snow storm, with Westlake receiving 7.7 inches of snowfall since about 11 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The snow mainly came overnight, and it is trickling off, with scattered showers forecast for the rest of Tuesday. With roads needing to be cleared, the Ohio Department of Transportation has had just over 1,200 plows working the roads since Monday afternoon. Westlake received the highest amount of snowfall among any of the regions cities recorded by the NWS, and both Berea and Lakewood received 5.0 and 6.0 inches in the past 24 hours, respectively. As residents shovel their driveways and sidewalks, theyll have to endure single digit wind chills throughout Tuesday. The high is expected to reach the low 20s in the afternoon. The NWS posts snowfall totals twice a day, once at 11 a.m. and once at 10 p.m. Theyre measured by volunteer spotters, observers at airports, ODOT and social media is occasionally helpful, said NWS meteorologist Brian Mitchell. You can check out cleveland.coms snowfall predictor map as well to see how much snow is forecast for your city. Here are 12-hour and 24-hour snowfall totals in inches for Northeast Ohio cities, according to the Weather Service. 12-hour snowfall totals Ashtabula County Ashtabula -- 3.0, measured Tuesday at 7:16 a.m. Cherry Valley -- 2.5, Tuesday at 5:35 a.m. Conneaut -- 4.0, Tuesday at 10:26 a.m. Harpersfield -- 3.0, Tuesday at 8:44 a.m. Jefferson -- 3.0, Tuesday at 4:11 a.m. Kelloggsville -- 5.0, Tuesday at 7:22 a.m. Monroe Center -- 4.3, Tuesday at 8:04 a.m. Orwell -- 1.9, Tuesday at 8:17 a.m. Pierpont -- 3.0, Tuesday at 8:39 a.m. South Madison -- 2.5, Tuesday at 8:37 a.m. Trumbull -- 3.5, Tuesday at 7:35 a.m. Cuyahoga County Broadview Heights -- 3.0, Tuesday at 8:19 a.m. Brooklyn Heights -- 1.9, Tuesday at 8:08 a.m. Chagrin Falls -- 1.4, Tuesday at 7:43 a.m. Cleveland Heights -- 4.4, Tuesday at 6:16 a.m. Cleveland Hopkins Airport -- 3.2, Tuesday at 6:51 a.m. Euclid -- 2.5, Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Kamms Corners -- 4.0, Monday at 11:54 p.m. Lakewood -- 5.0, Tuesday at 8:48 a.m. Lyndhurst -- 1.8, Tuesday at 9:10 a.m. North Olmsted -- 6.0, Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. North Royalton -- 1.9, Tuesday at 9:47 a.m. Old Brooklyn -- 4.0, Tuesday at 5:01 a.m. Seven Hills -- 3.5, Tuesday at 6:58 a.m. Shaker Heights -- 1.5, Tuesday at 8:21 a.m. South Euclid -- 1.7, Tuesday at 8:03 a.m. Strongsville -- 2.0, Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Westlake -- 5.2, Tuesday at 8:37 a.m. Willowick -- 3.0, Tuesday at 8:34 a.m. Geauga County Burton -- 3.5, Tuesday at 8:37 a.m. Chardon -- 3.8, Tuesday at 8:58 a.m. Montville -- 3.0, Tuesday at 6:28 a.m. South Madison -- 2.0, Tuesday at 7:36 a.m. South Russell -- 5.0, Tuesday at 7:20 a.m. South Thompson -- 3.5, Tuesday at 7:42 a.m. Lake County Concord -- 5.0, Tuesday at 10:01 a.m. Kirtland Hills -- 3.3, Tuesday at 6:33 a.m. Madison -- 3.4, Tuesday at 7:22 a.m. Mentor -- 3.5, Tuesday at 7:56 a.m. Painesville -- 4.0, Tuesday at 7:21 a.m. Waite Hill -- 1.9, Tuesday at 9:03 a.m. Lorain County Elyria -- 3.4, Tuesday at 4:20 a.m. North Ridgeville -- 2.5, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Medina County Brunswick -- 3.0, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Hinckley -- 1.2, Tuesday at 8:39 a.m. Homerville -- 0.5, Tuesday at 7:08 a.m. Lodi -- 2.5, Tuesday at 8:23 a.m. Portage County Brady Lake -- 1.2, Tuesday at 7:28 a.m. Hiram -- 2.0, Tuesday at 9:18 a.m. Streetsboro -- 0.8, Tuesday at 8:48 a.m. Summit County Akron-Canton Airport -- 2.3, Tuesday at 6:51 a.m. Barberton -- 3.5, Tuesday at 8:26 a.m. Bath -- 2.1, Tuesday at 7:12 a.m. Boston Heights -- 3.0, Tuesday at 7:21 a.m. Cuyahoga Falls -- 1.1, Tuesday at 8:14 a.m. Fairlawn -- 1.0, Tuesday at 9:05 a.m. New Franklin -- 0.5, Tuesday at 8:01 a.m. Stow -- 2.5, Tuesday at 7:17 a.m. Tallmadge -- 0.7, Tuesday at 8:13 a.m. 24-hour snowfall totals Ashtabula County Ashtabula -- 6.0, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Cuyahoga County Berea -- 5.0, Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. Brecksville -- 2.9, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Lakewood -- 6.0, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Parma -- 4.5, Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Seven Hills -- 4.2, Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Shaker Heights -- 3.6, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Strongsville -- 4.0, Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Westlake -- 7.7, Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Lake County Madison -- 3.4, Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. Mentor -- 3.1, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Wickliffe -- 7.4, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Willoughby -- 7.5, Tuesday at 6:45 a.m. Lorain County Elyria -- 6.5, Tuesday at 4:20 a.m. North Ridgeville -- 6.2, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Oberlin -- 5.4, Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Sheffield Lake -- 4.5, Tuesday at 9:20 a.m. Medina County Medina -- 4.0, Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Portage County Craig Beach -- 2.5, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Hiram -- 3.5, Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Kent -- 3.0, Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Mantua -- 2.5, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Paris -- 1.2, Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Ravenna -- 2.0, Tuesday at 7:20 a.m. Streetsboro -- 2.5, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Summit County Munroe Falls -- 2.7, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. Tallmadge -- 1.3, Tuesday at 7:50 a.m. They face up to five years in prison. Accused of having organized and taken part in an unauthorized demonstration. The group includes Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee. Seven pleaded not guilty. Lee Cheuk-yan, one of them: We will fight like an "ox". Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - The trial opened this morning against nine democratic personalities accused of organizing and taking part in a large anti-government demonstration on August 18, 2019. That day hundreds of thousands of protesters challenged the bans of the authorities to demand the withdrawal of the extradition law and to denounce the brutal behaviour of the police. If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison. The group includes Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee the "father of democracy", one of the founders of the Democratic Party. Lai is in prison and awaiting trial for threatening national security; Lee was recently nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The others who have also appeared in court are former MPs Margaret Ng, Albert Ho, Cyd Ho, Lee Cheuk-yan and "long hair" Leung Kwok-hung. All pleaded not guilty. Their defence lawyers contested the power of law enforcement agencies to ban a public assembly under the City Public Order Decree, a claim deemed unconstitutional. They also questioned the correctness, impartiality and transparency of the appeal committee called to decide on the lawfulness of public demonstrations and processions. The only ones pleading guilty were trade unionist Leung Yiu-chung, who said he participated in the march but was not among its organizers, and former Democratic Party Member Au Nok-hin. As Apple Daily reports, before entering the West Kowloon courtroom, Lee Cheuk-yan said he was "heartbroken" over the collapse of the rule of law in Hong Kong: " This is the year of the Ox - declared the Democrat - and well be as tough as an ox." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The first shipment of Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine developed in China left Beijing for Budapest on Tuesday.Hungary is the first country in the European Union to approve the Chinese jab. The first shipment, which contains 550,000 doses of the vaccine developed by the Chinese state-owned company is enough to treat 275,000 people with two doses each.After arrival, the first shipment will undergo additional testing by the National Public Health Center before inoculations begins. Hungary earlier broke with the EU's common vaccine procurement program by approving the vaccine on Jan. 29, and has purchased 5 million doses.The country's government has been critical of the European Union's sluggish vaccine rollout, and in recent months has sought vaccines from countries outside the bloc's common procurement program. Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, said he would choose to take the Sinopharm jab himself.The vaccine's developer says it is nearly 80% effective, but has not yet released stage 3 clinical trial data. Around 30 million people worldwide have received the Sinopharm vaccine, including half a million ethnic Hungarians in Serbia, Hungary's non-EU neighbor to the south. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Bay of Plenty Ever thought of joining the civil construction industry? if so then this is your chance to get a foot in the door. We are... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz HARRISON (dpa-AFX) - Payments company Mastercard Inc. (MA) is facing an investigation by Swiss Competition Commission or COMCO, Reuters reported. The investigation is into possible obstruction of SIX's National Cash Scheme or NCS, a set of rules for withdrawals and other transactions at banks' cash machines. According to the agency, the obstruction occurs because Mastercard refuses to co-badge the NCS on the new debit Mastercard. The watchdog reportedly said, 'COMCO is now investigating whether Mastercard has abused its position as a dominant company. Precautionary measures were taken for the duration of the investigation.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Berry, 54, says that finding real love is worth it no matter how long it takes Actress Halle Berry and her musician boyfriend Van Hunt have gone V-Day official on Instagram. The two have been dating for at least a year based on a series of posts between June and September on both of their pages. In one, Berry posed in a Van Hunt T with the caption Now you know. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA MAY 15: Halle Berry attends the special screening of Lionsgates John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 15, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) Read More: Michael B. Jordan rents out an aquarium for Lori Harvey on Valentines Day Last Halloween, the two posed together in Dia de Los Muertos makeup, and by then everyone knew that Berry and the Seconds of Pleasure singer were indeed an item. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Hunt, 50, grew up in Dayton, Ohio (about three and a half hours from Halles hometown of Cleveland) and has released ten albums and EPs since his self-titled debut in 2004. He won a Grammy in 2007 with Joss Stone and John Legend for a remake of the Sly Stone classic Family Affair. Now the two are #GrownFolksGoals and they showed why on Valentines Day. Both Berry and Hunt posted topless photos to their social media pages with the animated version appearing on Berrys page. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. A second set of pics on Berrys page showed the two lounging in bed in matching pajamas. Berry, who has taken her fair share of criticism for three failed marriages and an acrimonious breakup with her daughter Nahlas father, model Gabriel Aubry, captioned the pic with some words about her journey to finally get to good love. To all the Valentines who may be struggling to get it rightI feel you, but never give up and NEVER SETTLE for less than what makes your heart sing! No matter what they say or what they call you. No matter how many times you try, its always worth it. If you desire love, you will find your match, your equal .your personeven if it takes you until youre 54! Happy Valentines Day #vdayphotodump This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Just last week, Berry clapped back at a troll on her social media page who suggested she couldnt keep a man, per theGrio report. Who says I want to keep the wrong man, she said. CuzI dont! Story continues Berry shared shes taken some much needed time to focus on herself and her children, daughter Nahla, 12, and son Maceo, 7, with ex-husband, French actor Olivier Martinez. She told Lena Waithe in an Instagram Live last April that she was truly OK with being single. Read More: Dwyane Wades son reacts to shirtless Valentines Day selfie I think the next relationship I have I think I will have a better chance of attracting and choosing whats right for me because Ive taken this time to think about whats important to me, Berry said. I no longer feel the need for a relationship so I dont feel the need to rush or accept something thats not totally right for me. Not that anythings wrong with the people Ive been with but Im going to wait for my match or I will stay solo and be with my kids and do my life the way Im doing it. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post Halle Berry & Van Hunt celebrate topless V-Day, she says good love worth the wait appeared first on TheGrio. Mumbai, Feb 16 : Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana is currently shooting for Anek in Shillong, Meghalaya, after an outdoor stint in Kaziranga, Assam. He says as an actor he is really fortunate to visit so many new places and make new memories. "Anek is giving me the opportunity to explore India and marvel at its beauty like never before. After Assam, I'm now at Shillong. I have incidentally been here before but I couldn't explore it like the way I wanted to. I'm shooting a film at this picturesque place for the first time in my life and I have to admit that I been blown away with how picture perfect it is," Ayushmann said. "As actors, we are really fortunate to visit so many new places and make so many memories," he added. The actor praised the picturesque locale of the Meghayalan capital city of Shillong. "Shillong's beauty is truly unmatched and it's really a hidden gem of our country that everyone should come and see. I'm lucky that Anek has brought me to a place that I will never forget. I'm looking forward to an amazing shooting schedule that will also allow me to soak in Shillong," he said. What does he plan to do while he is in Shillong, apart from shooting? "I will be exploring the city in great detail and take back unforgettable memories from here," he concluded. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed A former garda who sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl and was found in possession of child pornography, has appealed his conviction and the conditions laid down for his post-release supervision. The 60-year-old, who can't be named to protect the identity of his victim, will be released from custody this Friday having served a three-year sentence. His lawyers argued in the three-judge Court of Appeal that he should not have been tried for possession of child pornography and sexual assault in front of the same jury. They also argued that a period of three years post-release supervision is "disproportionate". Colman Cody SC, for the appellant, said the DVD containing child pornography was not relevant to the accusation of sexual assault. He said the evidence that child pornography was found in his client's home had an "enormously detrimental and prejudicial effect when it came to considering the charge of sexual assault." He pointed out that the evidence suggested that the disc had been created at least eight years before the sexual assault and that his client told gardai he did not know it was in his home. Conor ODoherty BL for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said the DVD was discovered when gardai executed a search warrant of the man's home following a complaint by the young girl. He said both offences were of a sexual nature involving children and therefore the facts justified the two counts being tried together. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgement. Background In 2018 the appellant was convicted after a trial at the Circuit Criminal Court of sexually assaulting the then 11-year-old girl at his apartment on an unknown date between February and September of 2016. He was also convicted of possession of child pornography at his apartment on September 15 of the same year. He was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended for the sexual assault charge. The suspended portion was imposed on the condition that he be subject to three years of post-release supervision by the Probation Service. A sentence of nine months for possession of child pornography ran concurrently. The complainant told gardai that she was sexually assaulted by the man, her neighbour, after she went to his apartment to retrieve a Barbie DVD. He placed his hand on her vagina, she said, and then warned her not to tell anyone. The DPP also said there was evidence of "grooming behaviour" over an extended period. Following the girl's complaint gardai executed a warrant to search the man's apartment and found a child's swimming goggles, assorted children's DVDs, adult pornographic DVDs, a girl's school uniform and a handwritten note in child-like writing. They also discovered a DVD which was found to contain eleven images of child pornography and a further 123 pictures of girls under the age of 17 in "model-like poses" which were not deemed to be illegal under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act. The disc also contained photographs of the appellant. Ashford Castle has again been recognised for its outstanding service and attention to detail. For the second year running, Ashford Castle is the only Irish hotel to receive a Five-Star ranking in Forbes Travel Guides (FTG) annual Star Ratings. A separate company to the global media giant, FTG has been reviewing hotels since 1958, when it first launched as a guidebook for US motorists, and is widely seen as a gold standard in the industry. After a tremendously difficult year for the hospitality industry, the team couldnt have asked for better news at this time," said Ashford Castle's General Manager, Niall Rochford. This is arguably the most coveted accolade for any hotel, he added, congratulating his team. The castle is currently closed, but bookings are available from mid-April on its website. Prices range from 525 per night in a Corrib' room to 2,250 in a suite, on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Package deals bundling overnight stays with meals, spa treatments or estate experiences such as hawk walks or fishing are also available. FTG rates properties in three categories - Five-Star ("outstanding, often iconic, with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities), Four-Star ("exceptional service and the quality of facility to match") and Recommended ("excellent with consistently good services and facilities"). In total, eight Irish hotels were included in the 2021 awards. The K Club in Co Kildare and Dublins Merrion and Marker hotels were rated as Four-Star, with the capitals Shelbourne, Westbury, Fitzwilliam and InterContinental listed as Recommended. Read More Similar to independent reviews by AA Ireland and Georgina Campbell, FTG Inspectors pay their way and stay incognito. They evaluate hotels against a long checklist of "exacting standards", with 75pc of a hotel's score based on service and 25pc on facilities. "They test up to 900 objective, stringent standards, from modern-day luxuries such as whether a room is set up to enhance sleep, and the food-and-beverage choices are health-conscious to more traditional luxuries, like the quality of the interior decor and design of the staffs uniforms, editor Jennifer Kester explains on the Guide's website. Almost 1,900 properties feature on the 2021 list, with Tokyo gaining more Five-Star hotels than any other city, and Scotland landing its first Five-Star The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Edinburgh. Our 2021 award winners are a testament to the resiliency of the hospitality industry, said Filip Boyen, FTG's CEO. During an unprecedented time, Ashford Castle along with other top properties across the world adapted to numerous adversities, all while maintaining high service levels. Maiduguri No fewer than 81 Boko Haram terrorist fighters have been killed while a soldier paid the supreme price in a fresh onslaught against the insurgents by the Nigerian military in Sambisa general area. LEADERSHIP yesterday gathered that the soldier died from a landmine attack while four others sustained various degrees of injuries, even as fleeing terrorists have continued to wreak havoc and razing villages in their escape routes. According to report from military intelligence source, the troops of Sector 1 comprising troops of 21 and 26 Brigades supported by the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) cleared many villages of terrorists in the axis including Garin Bello, Kwoche, Lawanti, Alfa Bula Hassan, and Alfa Cross among others. " Nigerian troops inside Sambisa Forest encountered stiff resistance from the terrorists who laid improvised explosive devices along the troops' axis of advance. "The relentless troops destroyed the terrorists' camps and recovered gun trucks and weapons as NAF aircraft continue to provide close air and interdiction support to the ground forces. "Regrettably a soldier paid the supreme sacrifice with 4 other soldiers wounded in an improvised explosive devices incident," the intelligence officer added in a message to the troops on behalf of the chief of army staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru. The theatre commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Farouk Yahaya who praised the gallantry of the troops urged them to sustain the tempo. In a related development, our correspondent gathered that a large number of fleeing Boko Haram terrorists invaded Zira and Gur villages in the Biu South local government area of Borno State. The terrorists according to the report stormed the communities at about 4:30 pm on Sunday, on motorcycles and gun trucks, and set ablaze many houses, while residents scampered for safety. The NAF aircraft later engaged the fleeing terrorists with air bombardments. Subscriber content preview PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine's Republican senator has joined an effort to expand loan relief for small businesses that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Sen. Susan Collins said her proposal would bring expanded relief measures to the federal Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program for one year. The 7(a) loan program is the SBA's primary program for assisting small businesses. . . . Sorry! This content is not available in your region Kraft Power's 57.5 kW custom rooftop solar system was installed at its distribution center in Pompton Plains, NJ. It will supply Kraft with clean electricity sufficient to offset the equivalent CO2 emissions generated by burning over 447,960 pounds of coal, 1,008,804 miles driven by combustion powered cars or 46 houses per year for the next 25 years. "Kraft Power is elated that, with the completion of this project, we are able to offset up to 100% of our average electricity consumption with electricity generated by American-made solar panels," said Owen Duffy, CEO of Kraft Power. "As a provider of on-site critical power systems to our clients' facilities, we continue to lead by example through the expansion of our solar program. With the solar arrays now in place at our New Jersey location, we have taken another big step to reduce our consumption of utility-generated power while substantially cutting electricity costs." Kraft Power supplies on-site power systems to hospitals, factories, communications, and other facilities that require reliable energy generation. The company also provides highly efficient cogeneration solutions. Many of these systems convert renewable biogas waste into clean energy. "We are delighted to have designed, built and installed this successful project for Kraft Power, one of the leaders in its field," said Genie Solar's Managing Director, Sara Schwandt. "We designed this project to maximize the return on investment to Kraft Power over the project lifetime utilizing solar panels made in America. Since completion, our system's performance has exceeded expectations, further enhancing the project economics." Schwandt added, "We deliver tailor-made strategic energy plans and installations to maximize value for our clients whether their priorities are greater energy efficiency or cleaner and greener solutions. We also help clients finance, lease and buy solar generation systems while maximizing the value of grants and other incentives." About Genie Solar Energy: Genie Solar Energy is a subsidiary of Genie Energy Ltd., (NYSE: GNE). Genie Solar Energy develops, designs and installs solar generation projects for commercial clients nationwide. Every system is designed specifically to maximize the return on investment available at the site, while leveraging all available governmental incentives and credits. About Genie Energy: Genie Energy Ltd. (NYSE: GNE, GNEPRA), is a global provider of energy services. The Genie Retail Energy division supplies electricity, including electricity from renewable resources, and natural gas to residential and small business customers in the United States. The Genie Retail Energy International division supplies customers in Europe and Asia. The Genie Energy Services division includes Diversegy, a commercial and industrial brokerage and consultative services company, and Genie Solar Energy and Prism Solar, which design, supply and install commercial and residential solar solutions. For more information, visit Genie.com . About Kraft Power: Kraft Power was founded in 1965 in Boston, Massachusetts. Initially named "W. A. Kraft Corp", the company distributed and serviced industrial engines, transmissions, and clutches. We designed and manufactured engine-generator systems, and were among the pioneers of "Total Energy" (now known as Combined Heat and Power) power plants, as well as of emergency generator systems and service programs. Early projects included on-site power systems supplied to facilities such as the World Trade Center, Federal Reserve Bank, the Statue of Liberty, and Yankees Stadium in New York, as well as many hospitals, factories, communications, and municipal projects that require reliable energy. Today Kraft Power operates nine sales and service facilities in eight states, with a staff of over 170 professionals dedicated to service excellence. SOURCE Genie Energy Ltd. Related Links http://www.genie.com An 11-year-old boy is in a serious condition in hospital after falling from a five-storey apartment block roof. Emergency services found the child on the ground outside a block of units at about 3.30pm on Tuesday on Botany Road, in Waterloo, in Sydney's east. He suffered a broken leg and internal injuries and was taken to Sydney's Children's Hospital in Randwick. Emergency services were called to the unit block (pictured) on Tuesday afternoon on Botany Road, in Waterloo, in Sydney's east The boy was treated for multiple leg fractures but had no life-threatening injuries. Police are investigating and were seen combing the roof of the block for evidence after the fall. Residents living in nearby units gave statements to police, according to the Daily Telegraph. A NSW Police spokesman said inquiries were continuing. The incident is not being treated as suspicious. View the full report here: https://quotewizard.com/news/posts/disparity-between-healthcare-costs-and-middle-class-income Key findings: Nearly 32 million workers (21% of the U.S. workforce) would benefit from raising the federal minimum wage. Workers in Mississippi , Louisiana and Arkansas contribute, on average, the highest percentage of their income to out-of-pocket health coverage costs. , and contribute, on average, the highest percentage of their income to out-of-pocket health coverage costs. In Hawaii , Washington and Massachusetts , the middle class contributes the least of their income towards health premiums and deductibles. , and , the middle class contributes the least of their income towards health premiums and deductibles. Forty-two states contribute more than 10% of their incomes towards out-of-pocket health costs. Nationally, those with middle income pay $7,388 yearly in deductibles and health premiums combined. Methodology To find out which states have the largest disparities between middle-class income and out-of-pocket health insurance costs (premiums and deductibles), QuoteWizard analyzed The Commonwealth Fund's state-by-state report on "Insurance Costs Taking Larger Share of Middle-Class Incomes as Premium Contributions and Deductibles Grow Faster Than Wages." We compiled 2019 employee contributions to yearly health insurance premiums and average deductible costs and compared them to each state's median income. Median middle-class income data was sourced from the U.S. Census . States with the highest average percentages of income that go to out-of-pocket health insurance costs are ranked closer to 1 (worst) and states that had relatively lower health insurance costs compared to income ranked closer to 50 (best). About QuoteWizard QuoteWizard ( quotewizard.com ) is an insurance comparison marketplace for consumers looking to save on insurance. QuoteWizard provides consumers with direct access to thousands of qualified agents in all 50 states, as well as major carriers, who offer personalized quotes and the opportunity to save up to 40% on auto, home, health, and life insurance. Agents and carriers, in turn, benefit from millions of highly qualified leads, calls, and traffic to their site. Based in Seattle, QuoteWizard was founded in 2006. For more information, go to quotewizard.com, like our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter @quotewizard. Media Contacts: Emily: [email protected] Nathan: [email protected] Elli: [email protected] Related Links https://quotewizard.com https://quotewizard.com/news/posts/disparity-between-healthcare-costs-and-middle-class-income SOURCE QuoteWizard One of the most formative church bodies Ive been part of met in a nearly windowless old post office in central Kentucky. Cristo Reina was a majority-Latino congregation pastored by a team of Mexican and Mexican American seminary students, a warm and passionate trio ministering to a community that, at the time, had been mostly overlooked by other churches. Sermons were in Spanish, of course, occasionally translated for English-speaking guests. Communal meals followed every service. The worship team, for which I often played drums, was young and flew always by the seat of its pants. Despite this, in those moments when musicians and congregants managed to settle into the same key, the singing could give chills. Many in our little church body were undocumented farm workers advancing through their weeks one barn accident or traffic stop away from ruin; when they laid their burdens at the foot of the cross, the earth shook. The church is long gone now. But my brief sojourn thereprobably less than two yearswas the only time in my church life that I, as a white man, experienced in some small way what it is to be in the minority. To be sure, outside those concrete-block walls, I was a privileged member of the cultural majority, with US citizenship to boot. But inside, Cristo Reina didnt feel exactly like home. I spoke its language, but not perfectly. I liked pozole and menudo, but would never crave them. The church was not structured around people like me, around my worship tastes or preaching preferences or busy schedule. And rightly so. Who was I, in that context, to deserve any attention at all? Remarkable to me, however, is that the leadership never saw things that way. Like Christ pausing ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. E-commerce giant has announced its plans to begin manufacturing devices in India. This is the first manufacturing line in India and reiterates the firms commitment to the governments Make in India for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. will commence manufacturing with contract manufacturer Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn, in Chennai, and start production later this year. The programme will churn out hundreds of thousands of Fire TV Stick devices every year. Amazon will evaluate scaling capacity to additional marketplaces and cities, depending on the domestic demand. Amazon is committed to partner the government to advance the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, said Amit Agarwal, global senior vice-president and country leader for Amazon India. We have pledged to invest $1 billion to digitise 10 million small and medium businesses and help Indian businesses sell worldwide, thereby enabling $10 billion in cumulative exports and creating an additional 1 million jobs by 2025. ALSO READ: Tatas to buy 68% in BigBasket for Rs 9,500 cr, deal likely in 4-5 weeks Agarwal on Tuesday briefed Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union minister for communications, electronics & information technology, and law & justice, on the details of the initiative. Prasad said in a series of tweets that India was an attractive investment destination and was poised to become a major player in the global supply chain in the electronics and IT products industry. He said the governments decision to launch a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme had received a tremendous response globally. We welcome Amazons decision to set up a manufacturing line in Chennai, as it will enhance domestic production capacities, and create jobs as well, said Prasad. This will further our mission of creating an Aatmanirbhar Bharat which is digitally empowered. Prasad has asked Amazon to help in taking products made by Indias artisans and ayurvedic products to global markets through e-commerce. In addition, he suggested the e-commerce giant develop a few villages in India and develop them as fully digital ones as part of the IT ministrys digital village programme. Amazon should work with small local shops and make them a stakeholder, he added. In 2020 Amazon announced Local Shops on Amazon, a programme that retailers and local shops be self-dependent, and benefit from selling online. It now has over 22,000 neighbourhood stores registered across the country, gathering additional footfalls through their online presence and furthering their earning potential by acting as pickup points, logistics partners, and experience centres for e-commerce. ALSO READ: Govt set to clear new Chinese investment proposals in coming weeks: Report Amazon and its rival Flipkart have faced court cases related to probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for alleged anti-competitive practices. The deny the allegations. These kinds of courtroom battles have been backed by trade bodies the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh (DVM) and are expected to have a bearing on the upcoming e-commerce policy, according to people familiar with the matter. It has also been reported that India is planning to tighten foreign investment rules, which might affect e-commerce companies, including Amazon and Walmart. It was reported in January that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a probe against e-commerce giant Amazon for alleged violation of the foreign exchange law and rules of the country. It was reported that the ED had registered a case against Amazon for allegedly violating provisions of the foreign exchange law linked to multi-brand retail. Amazon is also locked in a legal battle with Kishore Biyani-headed Future Group for the retail conglomerates $3.4 billion deal with Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries. The 23-year-old activist will, however, have to remain in Karnal jail as her bail plea in yet another case, registered on 12 January, was rejected earlier by a sessions court Sonipat: Labour rights activist Nodeep Kaur was granted bail on Monday in a second case registered against her, said her counsel. The 23-year-old activist will, however, have to remain in Karnal jail as her bail plea in yet another case, registered on 12 January, was rejected earlier by a sessions court. Kaur is facing three cases that include charges of attempt to murder and extortion. She is a member of the Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan and a resident of Giadarh village in Punjab's Muktsar district. She, along with others, was arrested on 12 January for allegedly gheraoing an industrial unit and demanding money from the company in Sonipat district, the Haryana police had earlier said. Kaur has two separate cases of extortion registered against her. She was granted bail in a case registered on 12 January under various sections of IPC and for extortion. The same court had on Thursday granted her bail in another case registered on 28 December also under IPC sections for extortion and other charges, her counsel said. The activist continues to remain in jail in another case which has been registered under various IPC sections, including attempt to murder. On Thursday, Punjab minister Aruna Chaudhary had urged the National Commission for Women to intervene and ensure the release of Nodeep Kaur. The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes had on 8 February asked an additional chief secretary in the state to intervene in the matter and ensure relief to her at the earliest. Assassin's Creed Valhalla Future Patches Will Be Less Frequent But 'More Robust' VISIT Local has leveled the playing field. We are democratizing attribution. Reveal Mobile, the results-driven geofencing marketing company, announced today that it has launched exposure-based attribution reporting for advertising campaigns. This new attribution capability is available in VISIT Local, the geofencing marketing software used by ad agencies, media companies, brands and retailers across North America. With exposure-based foot traffic attribution, all VISIT Local customers can confidently measure actual campaign performance by tying ad views to in-store foot traffic. This new feature, available in VISIT Local, lets Reveal Mobile customers know who visited a retail location as a result of being served a pixeled ad, providing a more accurate view into return on ad spend during and after advertising campaigns. Daily updates to attribution give marketers the opportunity to adjust campaigns mid-flight, further maximizing the advertising investment. VISIT Locals proprietary POI database also enables marketers to see campaign impact among three cohorts: existing customers, competitors customers, and new customers who were not previously in-market. Being able to know if an ad drove foot traffic to a specific location has been the domain of only the largest agencies and brands, and its been a considerable expense for advertisers, said Brian Handly, CEO of Reveal Mobile. VISIT Local has leveled the playing field. We are democratizing attribution. Now smaller agencies, media companies and advertisers of any size can prove return on ad spend with pixel-based attribution built right in to our self-serve geofencing marketing platform. About Reveal Mobile Reveal Mobile provides customizable geofencing marketing solutions to digital agencies, brands, retailers and media companies. Creator of VISIT Local, VISIT Match 360 and VISIT Data, the companys award-winning products allow companies of any size to leverage location data to understand, reach and measure the right audiences. Reveal Mobile is CCPA and GDPR compliant and a member of the Network Advertising Initiative, which conducts an annual privacy certification. The company is based in Raleigh, NC. For more information, visit https://revealmobile.com. For insights on the marketing, advertising and adtech industries, follow us on LinkedIn and visit our blog. For a demo of VISIT Local, contact us. NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has named a national leader in sustainable finance and environmental, social and governance investing to its board of directors to help guide its work in affordable housing, economic development, health, education, safety and jobs across the country. Karen Fang, head of global sustainable finance at Bank of America, oversees the bank's business activities, including financing, advisory and distribution, in social and environmental progress globally. She joins a 27-member LISC board chaired by former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and includes leaders from the fields of finance, community development, academia, health and philanthropy. "Karen has tremendous experience as an innovator. She has a fierce commitment to putting capital to work in ways that help build a more broadly shared prosperity throughout the country," said Maurice A. Jones, LISC president and CEO. "Especially now, as COVID-19 continues to affect people's health and livelihoods, it is vital that we address the nation's racial gaps in wealth, health and opportunity; invest in small businesses; expand affordable housing; and improve access to healthy food and vital medical care," he added. Fang serves on Bank of America's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee, its Sustainable Markets Committee, and its Asian Leadership Council. Before leading the bank's sustainable finance work, she was head of its global fixed income, currencies & commodities (FICC) cross asset trading division as well as head of the Americas FICC sales & solutions division. "LISC has a powerful model blending public, private and nonprofit capital to drive local strategies for inclusive, sustainable growth," noted Fang. "I'm honored to be named to this national board and also to support and contribute to LISC's work. It is critical that we continue to break down barriers and help catalyze opportunities for families and communities that lead to economic stability and empowerment." Among her many accolades, Fang has been named one of Fortune's 40 under 40, a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF), one of Business Insider's 100 People Transforming Business, and one of Investment Dealer Digest's 40 under 40. In addition, she has served as a mentor for the Global Ambassadors program, a Bank of America partnership with Vital Voices; was honored by the Women's Venture Fund for her work with female entrepreneurs; and won the Women's Bond Club of New York's "Rising Star Award." Before joining Bank of America Fang was a managing director at Goldman Sachs. She also previously held senior positions at Merrill Lynch in Tokyo and Deutsche Bank in London. For more on the LISC board of directors, visit https://www.lisc.org/about-us/board-of-directors/. About LISC With residents and partners, LISC forges resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families. Since 1979, LISC has invested $22 billion to build or rehab more than 419,000 affordable homes and apartments and develop 70.3 million square feet of retail, community and educational space. For more, visit www.lisc.org. Media contact: Colleen Mulcahy, for LISC 312-342-8244 [email protected] SOURCE Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Related Links http://www.lisc.org A Democratic congressman accused Donald Trump in a federal lawsuit on Tuesday of inciting the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and of conspiring with his lawyer and extremist groups to try to prevent the Senate from certifying the results of the presidential election he lost to Joe Biden. The lawsuit from Mississippis Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is part of an expected wave of litigation over the Jan. 6 riot and is believed to be the first filed by a member of Congress. It seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages. The case also names as defendants the Republican former presidents personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and groups including the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, extremist organizations that had members charged by the Justice Department with taking part in the siege. Lawyers for Trump have denied that he incited the riot. A Trump adviser didnt immediately comment about the lawsuit on Tuesday, and a lawyer for Giuliani did not immediately return an email seeking comment. The suit, filed in federal court in Washington under a Reconstruction-era law known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, comes three days after Trump was acquitted in a Senate impeachment trial that centered on allegations that he incited the riot, in which five people died. That acquittal is likely to open the door to fresh legal scrutiny over Trumps actions before and during the siege. Even some Republicans who voted to acquit Trump on Saturday acknowledged that the more proper venue to deal with Trump was in the courts, especially now that he has left the White House and lost certain legal protections that shielded him as president. The suit traces the drawn-out effort by Trump and Giuliani to cast doubt on the election results even though courts across the country, and state election officials, repeatedly rejected their baseless allegations of fraud. Despite evidence to the contrary, the suit says, the men portrayed the election as stolen while Trump endorsed rather than discouraged threats of violence from his angry supporters in the weeks leading up to the assault on the Capitol. The carefully orchestrated series of events that unfolded at the Save America rally and the storming of the Capitol was no accident or coincidence, the suit says. It was the intended and foreseeable culmination of a carefully coordinated campaign to interfere with the legal process required to confirm the tally of votes cast in the Electoral College. Presidents are historically afforded broad immunity from lawsuits for actions they take in their role as commander in chief. But the lawsuit filed Tuesday was brought against Trump in his personal, not official, capacity and alleges that none of the behavior at issue had to do with his responsibilities as president. Inciting a riot, or attempting to interfere with the congressional efforts to ratify the results of the election that are commended by the Constitution, could not conceivably be within the scope of ordinary responsibilities of the president, Joseph Sellers, a Washington lawyer who along with the NAACP filed the lawsuit on Thompsons behalf, said in an interview. In this respect, because of his conduct, he is just like any other private citizen, Sellers said. Though the impeachment case focused squarely on accusations of incitement, the lawsuit more broadly accuses Trump of conspiring to disrupt the constitutional activities of Congress namely, the certification of election results establishing Biden as the rightful winner through a monthslong effort to discredit the outcome and to lean on individual states and his own vice president to overturn the contest. The case against Trump was brought under a provision of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, which was passed in response to KKK violence and prohibits violence or intimidation meant to prevent Congress or other federal officials from carrying out their constitutional duties. Fortunately, this hasnt been used very much, Sellers said. But what we see here is so unprecedented that its really reminiscent of what gave rise to the enactment of this legislation right after the Civil War. The suit cites incendiary comments that Trump and Giuliani made in the weeks leading up to the riot and on the day of it that lawyers say were designed to mobilize supporters to work to overturn the election results and to prevent the Senates certification process. That process was temporarily interrupted when Trump loyalists broke into the Capitol. Trump told supporters at a rally preceding the riot to " fight like hell, but lawyers for the former president adamantly denied during the impeachment trial that he had incited the riot. They pointed to a remark during his speech in which he told the crowd to behave peacefully that day. Defense lawyers are likely to revisit those assertions in the lawsuit. They may also argue, as was done during the impeachment case, that Trumps speech was protected by the First Amendment. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Electricity is poised to become the lifeblood of the global economy in the energy transition era, underlining the crucial importance of electricity storage. Electricity could not be transported over long distances, whereas now, and this is a completely new point, hydrogen, produced from electricity, can be stored and exported, said Gerard Mestrallet, honorary chairman of French energy group ENGIE and waste and water management firm SUEZ. Green hydrogen, a climate-friendly energy carrier obtained by splitting water molecules using electrolysis powered by renewables, is emerging as a clean fuel of the future to power transportation and energy-intensive industries such as steel manufacturing. For the Arab Gulf states, which have some of the highest solar exposures in the world, the prospect of exporting large volumes of renewable electricity in the form of hydrogen is a timely opportunity as they attempt to diversify away from oil and gas revenues. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), three state-run entities formed the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance to position the fossil fuel-rich emirate as a major exporter of blue and green hydrogen. The expansion of the hydrogen market is part of a very large, deep, gigantic movement to transform the world's energy systems toward green energy sources, Mestrallet told Al-Monitor. Although estimates vary widely, a European Union report said analysts predict clean hydrogen could meet 24% of world energy demand by 2050. Yet green hydrogen remains a lot more expensive than other fuels, and S&P Global Ratings estimated that the climate-friendly energy carriers production costs would need to fall by over 50% to $2.0-$2.5/kg to become a viable alternative to conventional fuels. Leverage gas reserves Identifying alternative fuels is of the utmost importance for Gulf oil exporters who plan to capitalize on existing billion-dollar infrastructures and substantial expertise in the energy industry to retain their position as global energy suppliers. Mestrallet said the development of hydrogen is an essential part of the transformation of their energy industry. Yet not all hydrogens are environmentally friendly, and 98% of pure hydrogen production involves carbon-intensive methods using natural gas or coal, HSBC reported. Indeed, grey, brown and black hydrogen production requires fossil fuels, while blue hydrogen is a lesser evil as greenhouse gases emitted during the production are captured and stored. The Emirati tripartite alliance will be a vehicle for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to explore green hydrogen opportunities. But the companys chief executive, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, also acknowledged that a special emphasis will be placed on increasing existing blue hydrogen production capacities to leverage the emirates significant gas reserves. The federation of seven emirates is well-positioned to become one of the lowest-cost and largest producers of blue hydrogen in the world, Jaber said. The world's biggest exporter of hydrogen Such economic opportunities also whet the appetite of Saudi Arabia. The kingdom plans to build the worlds largest green hydrogen plant powered by solar and wind energy in its futuristic megacity NEOM, as part of a broader ambition to become the world's biggest exporter of hydrogen. The project is pivotal to establish the city as a global leader in green hydrogen production, its chief executive officer said. But despite market opportunities, transporting hydrogen still presents unique and costly challenges, particularly the need for extremely low temperatures. The worlds first-ever liquid hydrogen tanker, the Suiso Frontier, cooled to -253C, was launched in 2019 in Japan. The plant in NEOM is scheduled to be onstream in 2025 to produce annually about 240,000 tons of green hydrogen and 1.2 million tons of green hydrogen-based ammonia, an energy carrier easier to transport than gaseous hydrogen. Saudi power plant developer and operator ACWA Power, which is part of the $5 billion project, declined to comment. Oil giant Saudi Aramco exported the worlds first shipment of blue ammonia in September 2020 to Japan. The island country plans to slash its dependence on oil, gas and coal imports to become a hydrogen-based society and be carbon neutral by 2050. Desalination plants powered by fossil fuel Gulf states face steep competition in the race for global hydrogen leadership. Australias Minister for Energy said the country has a natural competitive advantage to be a world leader in exporting hydrogen. Globally, more than $150 billion worth of green hydrogen projects have been announced in the nine months preceding December 2020. Mestrallet noted the competitiveness of Gulf countries' green hydrogen productions might also be penalized by the absence of freshwater resources in large quantities. Indeed, the six Gulf Cooperation Council member states are ranked among the world's 10 most water-stressed countries in 2040, and the fresh water needed to produce green hydrogen has to be supplied by energy-intensive desalination plants powered by fossil fuel. However, this may change as NEOM announced in January 2020 a deal to build the first "solar dome" desalination plant to rely on solar energy to produce fresh water. Despite costs associated with seawater desalination, access to very low-cost electricity is the decisive element in hydrogen production, and Gulf states are well-positioned. Abu Dhabi secured in 2020 the world's lowest tariff for solar energy. Globally, the cost of solar energy dropped by 82% in the last decade to become the lowest-cost electricity ever seen. Fossil fuel divestment? Not yet. Environmentalists view Gulf states ambitions in hydrogen with suspicions. Greenpeaces Middle East and North Africa senior campaigner Ahmed El Droubi told Al-Monitor, We dont see these moves as a clear change in approach unless they are implemented simultaneously with a clear strategy of divestment from fossil fuels." Indeed, fossil fuels still dominate the worlds energy market as global demand for crude oil amounted to 100 million barrels per day in 2019. The Gulf states, which have some of the lowest production costs globally, are not walking away from fossil fuel production, rather projecting themselves as the last man standing in a decarbonizing world. Saudi Arabias climate actions are deemed critically insufficient to limit global warming below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) this century, according to the Climate Action Tracker, a scientific analysis that tracks government climate action. In the UAE, massive onshore oil fields were discovered in November 2020, and oil output capacities are expected to increase from 3 million barrels a day in 2016 to 5 million by 2030. We will not leave any opportunity unturned, ADNOCs chief executive told the Financial Times, insisting Emirati oil will still be needed in the energy transition era. El Droubi emphasized Gulf states richnesses extend far beyond having some of the worlds largest oil and gas resources, and include, in particular, an abundance of renewable energy sources. Therefore, the Senior Campaigner said sustainable activities must be at the forefront of government policies. The region, weakened by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and low oil prices, is likely to choose a middle way, however: maintain the flow of hydrocarbon revenues to sustain short-term financial needs while shaping the future by investing in clean energies. In 2015, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi said, Early preparations are on to ensure that our resources remain sustainable until the last drop of oil." President George Manneh Weah says as his administration clocks midway of his six-year tenure this year, he will keep the torch of development and progress accelerated and calls on all his appointed officials to double up on their outputs. Speaking to citizens and residents of Ganta City, Nimba County, Monday, February 15, 2021, on the second leg of his first nationwide tour, the President said fulfilling his promises for national transformation is paramount and a moral duty he will neither delay nor compromise. "Just as I have asked Cabinet Ministers to submit progress reports to my office, I am asking superintendents to do same," the President stressed. "I will review performance reports of my appointed officials and I expect that anyone will do their very best to remain onboard." Responding to horde of requests presented to him, President Weah assured citizens of Nimba County of his support to realize their quests for development, promising to help with the construction of the Gompa City Hall. He however pleaded with the citizens of the county to work with and channel their requests for development through their lawmakers who, he said, have the wherewithal to push development through the national budget. Youth groups, chiefs and elders, marketers, religious community, county legislative caucus, and many others spoke at the town hall meeting with the President on his arrival to the county. The citizens, among many other things, appealed for the construction of the Gompa City Hall, review of the Arcelor Mittal Agreement with the involvement of Community landowners, expansion or elevation of few public schools, scholarship opportunities for students of the county. Throngs of residents lined the Bong-Nimba highway as the President and delegation cruised their way into Gompa City, making intermittent stoppages to personally interact with villagers. The President is expected to visit Gbi-Doru District. He will be the first Liberian president to visit that part of the country which is unique in its demographic features, an intersect of four counties-Nimba, Grand Gedeh, Bong and River Cess. Volta was chosen for this high impact campaign because it builds and operates an EV charging network with stations that also feature large eye-catching digital displays that function as a sophisticated media network. To raise awareness around the 2022 Bolt EUV's launch, Chevrolet has sponsored all ad inventory nationwide on Volta's charging stations on February 15 and 16, with a reach of more than 70 million consumers across 23 states and more than 200 municipalities. "Volta and Chevrolet agree that drivers nationwide are ready to make the leap from gas to electric powered vehicles; partnering to help unveil the new Chevy Bolt EUV is a remarkably natural fit," said Scott Mercer, Founder and CEO of Volta. "To truly transform our country's perception of EV ownership, we need to expand charging infrastructure while simultaneously targeting consumer behavior. Introducing the newest Bolt EUV through a charging network and media platform already situated at all the places consumers like to go will powerfully drive home the accessibility of EV adoption." Volta's digital media network delivers a high value, diversified audience reach of more than 70 million consumers in 14 of the 15 largest designated market areas. Volta media charging stations also offer brands a dynamic content experience, including activation and engagement opportunities. Brands running campaigns on Volta charging stations report experiencing positive results in brand awareness and increased purchase intent; in addition, Volta's business partners who choose to have Volta charging stations installed report an increase in spend, dwell time and engagement on site. This media partnership harnessing Volta's digital media network is the latest in a series of high impact campaigns for the Chevrolet brand. Chevrolet is among a number of the world's top brands that have chosen Volta's carbon-positive, environmentally conscious media network to reach their target consumer. Commonwealth McCann, the creative agency behind the campaign, and Carat, the media agency tasked with its strategic execution, have also been tapped to aid in the new Bolt EUV and redesigned Bolt EV reveal. About Volta For over a decade, Volta has been building a nationwide electric vehicle charging network to drive the world forward. Named after Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery, Volta's award-winning charging stations benefit brands, consumers, and real-estate locations by providing valuable advertising space to businesses and free charging to drivers. Strategically located in places where consumers already spend their time and money, Volta's chargers are currently the most used electric vehicle charging stations in the United States. Headquartered in San Francisco, Volta is bringing to communities the means of building a sustainable fueling network for the 21st century. To learn more, visit www.voltacharging.com. About Chevrolet Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com SOURCE Volta An Australian comedian and podcast host has revealed how to make Cadbury's iconic Caramilk block chocolate at home. In a YouTube video from 2018 that has resurfaced on social media, Christian Hull outlined the simple two-ingredient recipe by Foodiful that only requires white chocolate and coconut oil. At the time Caramilk became unavailable in stores due to high popularity and was a limited-edition product, so Christian decided to try make it himself. 'About 645 billion people have tagged me in this article that basically [says] you can make Caramilk chocolate and it's really simple - it's like six steps!' he said in the video. 'Apparently you have to buy white chocolate, put it in the oven and you melt it that's it.' Scroll down for video In a YouTube video from 2018 that has resurfaced on social media, Christian Hull (pictured) revealed how to make Cadbury Caramilk chocolate at home At the time Caramilk became unavailable in stores due to high popularity and was a limited-edition product, so Christian decided to try make it himself using Nestle Milky Bar chocolate and coconut oil The bizarre find transforms the white chocolate blocks into a caramelised sensation with a golden inner texture (pictured) The popular chocolate bar is a golden blend of caramelised white chocolate, but few know how to recreate it at home. Baffled by the simplicity of the recipe, Christian began by preheating the oven to 100 degrees and lined a tray with baking paper. He then smeared two teaspoons of coconut oil over the baking paper before placing two blocks of Nestle Milky Bar white chocolate on top - though any white chocolate can be used. The tray was then placed in the middle oven rack and baked for two hours and 15 minutes, which Christian thought was excessive. Every 30 minutes the chocolate was swirled briefly using a rubber spatula. Christian began by preheating the oven to 100 degrees and lined a tray with baking paper. He then smeared two teaspoons of coconut oil over the baking paper before placing two blocks of Nestle Milky Bar white chocolate on top The tray was then placed in the middle oven rack and baked for two hours and 15 minutes, which Christian thought was excessive After the first hour Christian observed a noticeable difference in the colour of the chocolate, as it changed from white to a golden brown. 'Look at it! It's turning into caramel it's totally turned into Caramilk!' he said excitedly. 'What does it taste like? Omg it's so delicious! Omg I've made Caramilk!' The bizarre find transforms the white chocolate blocks into a caramelised sensation with a golden inner texture. Every 30 minutes the chocolate should be swirled briefly using a rubber spatula. After the first hour Christian observed a noticeable difference in the colour of the chocolate, as it changed from white to a golden brown 'Look at it! It's turning into caramel it's totally turned into Caramilk!' he said excitedly Christian, who was jumping with excitement after trying the caramelised chocolate, went as far to say that the homemade version tastes 'better' than the popular store-bought original. Others on YouTube were just as surprised at the resemblance to the original, with some eager to make it themselves. 'I'm so genuinely pleased for you!' one person wrote, another added: 'You have actually changed my life, thank you!' Russia-linked state-sponsored threat actor known as Sandworm has been linked to a three-year-long stealthy operation to hack targets by exploiting an IT monitoring tool called Centreon. The intrusion campaign which breached "several French entities" is said to have started in late 2017 and lasted until 2020, with the attacks particularly impacting web-hosting providers, said the French information security agency ANSSI in an advisory. "On compromised systems, ANSSI discovered the presence of a backdoor in the form of a webshell dropped on several Centreon servers exposed to the internet," the agency said on Monday. "This backdoor was identified as being the PAS webshell, version number 3.1.4. On the same servers, ANSSI found another backdoor identical to one described by ESET and named Exaramel." The Russian hacker group (also called APT28, TeleBots, Voodoo Bear, or Iron Viking) is said to be behind some of the most devastating cyberattacks in past years, including that of Ukraine's power grid in 2016, the NotPetya ransomware outbreak of 2017, and the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018. While the initial attack vector seems unknown as yet, the compromise of victim networks was tied to Centreon, an application, and network monitoring software developed by a French company of the same name. Centreon, founded in 2005, counts Airbus, Air Caraibes, ArcelorMittal, BT, Luxottica, Kuehne + Nagel, Ministere de la Justice francais, New Zealand Police, PWC Russia, Salomon, Sanofi, and Sephora among its customers. It's not clear how many or which organizations were breached via the software hack. Compromised servers ran the CENTOS operating system (version 2.5.2), ANSSI said, adding it found on the two different kinds of malware one publicly available webshell called PAS, and another known as Exaramel, which has been used by Sandworm in previous attacks since 2018. The web shell comes equipped with features to handle file operations, search the file system, interact with SQL databases, carry out brute-force password attacks against SSH, FTP, POP3, and MySQL, create a reverse shell, and run arbitrary PHP commands. Exaramel, on the other hand, functions as a remote administration tool capable of shell command execution and copying files to and fro between an attacker-controlled server and the infected system. It also communicates using HTTPS with its command-and-control (C2) server in order to retrieve a list of commands to run. In addition, ANSSI's investigation revealed the use of common VPN services in order to connect to web shells, with overlaps in C2 infrastructure connecting the operation to Sandworm. "The intrusion set Sandworm is known to lead consequent intrusion campaigns before focusing on specific targets that fits its strategic interests within the victims pool," the researchers detailed. "The campaign observed by ANSSI fits this behaviour." In light of the SolarWinds supply-chain attack, it should come as no surprise that monitoring systems such as Centreon have become a lucrative target for bad actors to gain a foothold and laterally move across victim environments. But unlike the former's supply chain compromise, the newly disclosed attacks differ in that they appear to have been carried out by leveraging internet-facing servers running Centreon's software inside the victims' networks. "It is therefore recommended to update applications as soon as vulnerabilities are public and corrective patches are issued," ANSSI warned. "It is recommended either not to expose these tools' web interfaces to [the] Internet or to restrict such access using non-applicative authentication." In October 2020, the U.S. government formally charged six Russian military officers for their participation in destructive malware attacks orchestrated by this group, in addition to linking the Sandworm actor to Unit 74455 of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), a military intelligence agency part of the Russian Army. UPDATE French software company Centreon on Tuesday issued a clarification following the publication of ANSSI's report, stating none of its customers were affected in the hacking campaign that was found to strike business entities running its network monitoring software. "The campaign described by ANSSI exclusively concerns obsolete versions of Centreon's open source software," which it said is no longer being actively supported for five years, adding "only about fifteen entities were the target of this campaign. ANSSI, in its analysis, had said the attacks specifically targeted web-hosting companies. Besides urging users of its outdated software to update to the latest version, Centreon also made it a point to stress that the campaign is not a supply chain type attack and that "no parallel with other attacks of this type can be made in this case." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 shop in Licoln has had its alcohol licence revoked after police seized illicit alcohol found to contain 150,000 times more than the safe permitted level of industrial alcohol. The bottles 'unfit for human consumption' were being sold as 'Krackoff Vodka' and were siezed along with a haul of illegal medicines. Police say the products were likely 'distributed by criminal gangs via the illegal black market.' The Polish Zabka store in Lincoln was one of several shops raided on Portland Street as part of a major operation on December 9. Officers discovered more than 190 illegal medicines, 62 bottles of non-duty paid alcohol and five bottles of illicit Krackoff Vodka. When the vodka was sent off for testing scientists found it contained 150,000 times more Industrial Alcohol than is legally permitted. Lincolnshire Police discovered five bottles of 'Krackoff Vodka' at the Zabka Polish store in Lincoln during a raid. When tested, the bottles were found to contain 150,000 times the safe level of industrial alcohol Fake alcohol can cause blindness, leave drinkers in a coma or even cause death Illegal spirits are typically made from the most basic form of alcohol known as methanol. Drinks and spirits bought legally from reputable brands contain ethanol. The illegal drinks are often produced in homemade distilleries and can be packaged in legitimate-seeming bottles to be sold onto the consumer. Consuming a methanol alcohol can be extremely dangerous with even a small amount holding the potential to blind drinkers by damaging the optic nerve. In serious cases, drinkers can be put in a coma after imbibing the illicit substances, or they can potentially kill you. Fake alcohol can contain the same chemicals used in antifreeze, car screen wash or even nail polish remover. According to the Food Standards Agency: 'Vodka is the most commonly faked spirit. 'We advise that if you see vodka on sale at a really cheap price, it probably isnt vodka.' Advertisement But the store owner tried to claim the vodka was for his own personal use when confronted by Lincolnshire Police. The force are now urging anyone who has bought a bottle of the illict vodka to report it, adding that the alcohol is 'unfit for human consumption'. They also announced that anyone who has bought the fake medicine should be wary of taking it as they could put people's health at risk. Sergeant Kim Enderby from the Alcohol Licensing Department said: 'The fake Vodka was branded as Krackoff Vodka, and tests indicated it contained Industrial Alcohol and was unfit for human consumption. 'If anyone sees or has bought this particular product they should contact the police or trading standards. 'This is the first known seizure of this particular illicit brand on mainland Britain and we are working with the Food Standards Agency to trace its origins. 'Other brands seized were genuine but paying duty on them had been avoided. 'None of these products would have been available from a legitimate wholesaler; they are distributed by criminal gangs via the illegal black market.' Alongside the haul of alcohol for illegal distribution were a lage number of foreign medicines unapproved by British healthcare experts. 'Alongside the alcohol we seized, were a large amount of foreign branded medicines on sale,' Sergeant Enderby added. 'We seized 190 packets, some of which proved to be prescription only products in the UK and should have only been available from a pharmacy. 'The store potentially put the health of its customers at risk, as well as gaining unfair advantage over neighbouring legitimate stores.' The Zabka store in Lincoln has now had its alcohol licence revoked by the council In an attempt to justify the loot, the store owner told police the alcohol was for his 'personal use' and that he had bought them 'off an unknown male who came to his store'. Officers also discovered more than 190 illegal medicines and 62 bottles of non-duty paid alcohol He also claimed he did not know the medicines were illegal. After the raid, Lincolnshire Police's Alcohol Licensing Team from Lincolnshire Police called for a Licence Review Hearing by Lincoln City Council. The committee agreed on February 11 to revoke the shops' licence to sell alcohol after being shows evidence of the police's illicit haul. Sergeant Enderby added: 'The revocation of this Premises Licence sends a strong message from Lincoln City Council, that this sort of activity at licensed stores will not be tolerated. 'We remain committed to the disruption, investigation and prosecution of all criminal behaviour being conducted on our Licensed Premises.' The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on May 27, 2014. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Maine Church Asks Supreme Court to Relax Pandemic Restrictions A Maine church is asking the Supreme Court to put Maine Gov. Janet Millss strict pandemic-related restrictions on places of worship on hold while it appeals an unfavorable ruling from a lower court, arguing the high court has already forced some lower courts to comply with its recent rulings loosening such restrictions. The emergency application in the case, known as Calvary Chapel of Bangor v. Mills, asks the high court to stop the Democratic governors clampdown on churches, which the churchs lawyers describe as the most severe restrictions in the nation on places of worship, and would deal with a Dec. 22, 2020, ruling against the church by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. Calvary Chapel of Bangor and all houses of worship have special protections under the First Amendment and cannot be unequally treated or relegated to second class status, Mat Staver, founder and chairman of public interest law firm Liberty Counsel, said in a statement. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled against these unconstitutional worship bans and Governor Janet Mills has continued to discriminate against churches and places of worship. The Governors unconstitutional actions must end. Calvary Chapel is suffering additional hardship because the operational restrictions on the church have an adverse effect on its Calvary Residential Discipleship program, a biblical-based ministry that helps men and women who are seeking a way of escape from drugs, alcohol, and other life-controlling issues, the law firm states. Maine Gov. Janet Mills in 2019. (Rebecca Hammel/U.S. Senate/Public Domain) The year-long residential program operates two homes with 24 women and 24 men for a total of 48 full-time residents on the church property. C.R.D. is a Christ-centered alternative to secular programs within the drug and alcohol community and includes a work program, daily Bible studies, devotional readings and prayer. Regular attendance at church services is paramount to this program. After the Supreme Court struck down limits on church attendance and found that total bans on worship were unconstitutional in South Bay United Pentecostal Church v. Newsom and Harvest Rock Church v. Newsom, Maine now has the dubious distinction of imposing the most severe restrictions in the nation on places of worship with its 50-person numerical cap notwithstanding the size of the facility, according to First Liberty. The Supreme Court ruled in November 2020 in Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo and Agudath Israel v. Cuomo that New Yorks 10- and 25-person numerical caps discriminated against houses of worship. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote at the time, There is no world in which the Constitution tolerates color-coded executive edicts that open liquor stores and bike shops but shutter churches, synagogues, and mosques. Despite the Supreme Courts clear admonitions and instructions in several previous appeals the Governor continues to impose discriminatory restrictions on religious worship services that are not imposed on similar nonreligious gatherings, the application states. Her discriminatory reign of terror must end. The Supreme Court has issued several orders forcing lower courts to comply with its rulings on pandemic-related worship restrictions. For example, on Feb. 8, the high court granted a California worshippers emergency application asking for the states far-reaching restrictions on in-person religious services to be rolled back. The ruling, in the case known as Gish v. Newsom, came after applicants filed an emergency application for an injunction a month ago. Wendy Gish, one of the four worshippers who brought the application, attends Shield of Faith Family Church in San Bernardino County, The Epoch Times previously reported. The decision overruled the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, instructing that Gishs case be returned to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California for further consideration in light of the Supreme Courts South Bay United Pentecostal Church ruling, which held that California Gov. Gavin Newsoms restrictions violated First Amendment-protected freedom of worship guarantees. Mills couldnt be immediately reached by The Epoch Times for comment. A coat of arms featuring a black sailing ship could be changed if a probe discovers it depicts a slave vessel, a council has revealed. Hammersmith and Fulham council's coat of arms depicts the arrival of Vikings in the borough in 879AD - but some fear it could actually represent a slave ship. And those behind the probe suggested a horseshoe symbol on the coat of arms could have links to a 17th-century slave trader who lived locally, the Sun reported. The Labour-run authority in West London will have all statues, plaques, monuments and street names within its boundary examined by experts for traces of anything seen to celebrate Britain's connections to the slave trade. Hammersmith and Fulham council's coat of arms (pictured) commemorates the arrival of Viking ships in the borough in 879AD - but some fear it could actually represent a slave vessel Engraving of a Viking ship. The black ship is thought to reference the arrival of the Vikings Pictured, a former slave ship sinking in Massachusetts in 1717. If the coat of arms is found to reference the slave trade the council may decide to change it A source said: 'If they find something offensive, which absolutely no one noticed, they'll have to spend public money changing the crest wherever it appears.' Slaves, rape and slaughter: The Vikings' chequered history Even if the black ship in Hammersmith and Fulham council's coat of arms is in reference to the arrival of the Vikings, the nordic group had its own slave trade. The Vikings weren't without a chequered history. The seafarers were known for pillaging, gruesome battles and the rape of both men and women. Historic accounts found the Scandinavian warriors held thousands of men, women and children captive or sold them as slaves, which they called thralls. Advertisement It comes after London Mayor Sadiq Khan unveiled his diversity commission, which will investigate the city's statues and road names. The homepage of the commission notes that London's statues, plaques and street names 'largely reflect a bygone era' and it seeks to improve diversity in public spaces. It prompted a colourful response from patrician Jacob Rees-Mogg, who branded the mayor 'Red Khan'. The Commons Leader said councils should be responsible for naming streets, with the MP for North East Somerset advising Sadiq Khan to not 'interfere in things that aren't his responsibility'. 'Who would have thought that you'd have a more left-wing leader of London than Ken Livingstone? And now we do, and Red Khan is he,' Mr Rees-Mogg told the Commons. 'It is quite wrong that these loony left-wing wheezes should be inflicted upon our great metropolis, and I think the mayor in his zeal is potentially treading on the toes of councils anyway - that councils have the right to name streets, by and large, not the Mayor of London, and I don't think he should interfere in things that aren't his responsibility. The Blacks Head (pictured) in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, was given a new name - despite locals insisting the name comes from a bottle of ginger beer 'As I was saying on the honours list, we should celebrate and glory in our wonderful history and in the great heroes of our nation going back over centuries.' Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the City of London risks damaging its 'rich history' if it goes through with a BLM-inspired bid to topple two statues. Greene King has already renamed four of its pubs over fears the moniker The Black Boy had 'racist' connotations - sparking outrage on social media over the 'woke' move. Three pubs called The Black Boy - in Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury in Suffolk, and Shinfield in Berkshire - and another called The Black's Head in Wirksworth, Derbyshire were renamed following the controversy. Subscriber content preview By JOSH BOAK and KEVIN FREKING The Associated Press WASHINGTON President Joe Biden met with a bipartisan group of governors and mayors at the White House on Friday as part of his push to give financial relief from the coronavirus pandemic to state and local governments a clear source of division with Republican lawmakers who view the spending as wasteful. As part of a $1.9 trillion coronavirus package, Biden wants to send $350 billion to state and local governments and tribal governments. While Republicans in Congress have largely objected to this initiative, Biden's push has some GOP support among governors and mayors. . . . Late Justice PB Sawant Played a Stellar Role in Drafting and Campaigning for the RTI Act in India The tenacious campaign for the passing of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which was steered by Aruna Roys National Campaign for Peoples Right to Information (NCPRI) in the 1990s, received great impetus, thanks to justice PB Sawant, who, as chairman of the Press Council of India, insisted on drafting the law. On Monday, at the age of 90, justice Sawant peacefully passed away due to cardiac arrest at his home in Pune. While the law drafted by him went through a series of updates through several committees later, Nikhil Dey, founder member of NCPRI, says that justice Sawants conviction that media must also fight for access to information, spurred him to volunteer to write the first ever draft of the RTI Act. And for that, Justice Sawant took immense efforts to ensure that it was strong enough for citizens access to information from public authorities. Ms Roy from NCPRI says, Justice Sawant was an extremely important pillar in the campaign for a strong RTI law; by coordinating efforts to create a strong model legislation. As chairperson of the Press Council of India, he was officially a driving force to introduce and pass the bill, both at the state and central levels. He had a brilliant mind and was an expert legal drafts person. The law as it finally took shape stands testimony to his competence and capability. Thanks in no small part to him, as well as many other competent legal minds, who drew on the views of the campaign, RTI is the best drafted law in recent times. The prelude to justice Sawants first draft of the legislation, was a seminar held at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Musoorie, after Ms Roys Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), which was campaigning at the village level for transparency in the self-government bodies, steered a historic agitation in Beawar, Rajasthan. Stalwart journalists Prabhash Joshi and Ajit Bhatacharjea also participated. The then director of the LBS National Academy of Administration, NC Saxena, felt the RTI law also came under administrative reforms and, hence, offered to have a brainstorming workshop in the academys premises. The seminar was well attended by leading activists and academicians of the country. Mr Dey says, while they were at a loss to understand how to minimise rejection clauses, Mr Saxena was the one who empowered the RTI Act by suggesting inclusion of the following sentence in Section 8 (j) Provided that the information, which cannot be denied to the Parliament or a State Legislature shall not be denied to any person. The draft then was taken to Delhi for further discussion. A meeting held by justice Sawant, in his capacity as chairman, Press Council of India, was attended by senior members of Parliament (MPs) from across political parties. Says Mr Dey, Justice Sawant took immense efforts to draft the law. He took inputs from NCPRI, which was the only non-government organisation (NGO) then campaigning for the RTI Act. The draft was then sent to MPs and chief ministers (CMs) of all the states. Justice Sawant particularly followed up with the Goa government and ensured that the law was enacted in that state. So, the RTI Act of the Goa state had incorporated justice Sawants draft, unlike Tamil Nadu, which, though being the first state in the country to enact it, was bureaucratic in its approach as the content of the Act has more exemptions than access to information. Justice Sawants participation did not stop there. He attended the jan sunwai held in 2000 in Beawar, Rajasthan and also actively participated in the Delhi jan sunwai in 2001 organised by Arvind Kejriwal. Mr Dey states, He was the pillar of support for transparency. He was an institution in himself, who played a fundamental role in India to get the RTI. Noted RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar says After the Pune floods, none of the political parties in the city would come forward to investigate into the illegal encroachment that had led to the flash floods and several deaths. We decided to institute a peoples inquiry committee and it was justice Sawant alone who was willing to chair it. Despite his fragile health, he would attend the office, carry out court-like hearings and we submitted a comprehensive report to the Pune Municipal Corporation. That no action has been taken on the report is another matter but his support for us was very crucial and I experienced the vast knowledge and sensitivity to peoples issues that he had within him. Despite being a Supreme Court judge, he was very humble and gave an ear to small time activists like me. Says Ms Roy, Justice Sawants death is a big loss to the nation; he stood firm on constitutional ethics and morality. He was an eminent spokesperson for the constitution, and was a fearless advocate against any violation of constitutional norms. He was humane, compassionate and spoke for the underprivileged, the Dalits and the poor. His absence will be felt by many across the board. His contribution will continue to guide and support many generations to come. Justice Sawant was an important member of the Concerned Citizens Committee on the Gujarat riots, which was headed by Justice Krishna Iyer. His contribution makes the RTI Act one of the best drafted documents with veracity, truth and legal principles of justice and a record of what went wrong with governance in those dark times, Ms Roy from NCPRI adds. After obtaining his law degree (LLB) from Bombay University, Justice Sawant started practicing as an advocate initially at the Bombay High Court and later at Supreme Court. In 1973, he was appointed Judge of the Bombay High Court. Among his notable acts was an inquiry on the Air-India aircraft crash in June 1982. He was appointed justice in the Supreme Court in 1989. Since his retirement in 1995, he was active in public affairs. In 2002, he served with retired justice Hosbet Suresh on an Indian People's Tribunal headed by justice VR Krishna Iyer to investigate the 2002 Gujarat riots. He also chaired the PB Sawant commission constituted on 1 September 2003 to investigate corruption charges against four ministers in the Maharashtra government, including Nawab Malik, Padmasinh Patil, Suresh Jain and Vijaykumar Gavit. Justice Sawant submitted his report on 23 February 2005, which indicted Mr Malik, Mr Patil and Mr Jain but exonerated Mr Gavit. It resulted in the resignation of two state Cabinet ministers, Mr Jain and Mr Malik. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The new Prime Minister pf Libya, Abdelhamid Dbeibah, has affirmed, in an intervention Tuesday before the High Council of State, his willingness to cooperate with all state institutions Advertisement A new survey has revealed that 92 percent of New York City restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and event venues were unable to pay their full rent in December as COVID-19 restrictions continue to decimate the industry in the Big Apple. According to research published by the New York City Hospitality Alliance on Tuesday, the number of businesses unable to pay rent has climbed steadily over the last few months from 80 percent in June. They surveyed 403 restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and event venues in the city throughout January and found that only 40 percent of them have been offered any kind of rent waiver from a landlord since the pandemic started. The survey also found that 86 percent of these businesses have been unable to renegotiate their lease despite the devasting blow to their income the pandemic has caused. The alliance began taking the surveys in June, only a few months into the pandemic, when four out of five hospitality businesses already couldnt afford to pay their full rent. It comes as New York City restaurateurs such as celebrity favorites Carbone, Cote and Brooklyn pizza joint Roberta's are fleeing for Miami - despite the high number of coronavirus cases - to escape the Big Apple's harsh pandemic restrictions that are crippling business. According to research published by the New York City Hospitality Alliance on Tuesday, the number of businesses unable to pay rent has climbed steadily over the last few months from 80 percent in June to 92 percent in December Celebrity hotspot Carbone opened in Miami earlier in February as more restaurateurs leave New York City Time will tell of Carbone Miami will also be a hit after it opened in the Florida city earlier this month. Pictured, Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West (left) and Jay-Z (right) leaving Carbone in 2017. The restaurant is a celebrity favorite Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse Cote is the latest NYC staple to make the move to Miami. It opened last Friday Korean steakhouse Cote, pictured here in Manhattan, is among the wave of restaurants to open in Miami The restaurant industry in NYC has had to reckon with a winter of outdoor seating only, forcing many of the city's biggest names to look elsewhere. In Miami, restaurants have been allowed to open at 100 percent capacity all winter, so long as social distancing is maintained. And with nightclubs restricted in their operations, restaurants have become the star attraction in the city's night life. Chef Marcus Samuelsson was among the first to make the move, extending his business to Florida as he opened an outpost of his Harlem hot spot Red Rooster in Miami in December. He had already lined up the spot pre-pandemic, but Samuelsson appears to have chosen the opportune moment to branch out. A survey from the NYC Hospitality Alliance found that 45.2 percent of the 403 businesses they surveyed paid no rent in December and 46.4 percent paid only some. Only 8.4 percent paid all of their rent, as pictured above Of those who were able to pay some of their rent, almost 50 percent paid for half their rent, as pictured Of the 39.7 percent of businesses who have had their rent waived by landlords during the pandemic, 41.4 percent had to pay half their rent. A further 41.5 percent had a waiver for less than half their rent and only 17.2 percent for more than half the rent In the survey 24.3% revealed that they have not renegotiated their lease with the landlord but are in good faith negotiations Celebrity hotspot Carbone, owned by Major Food Group, also opened up there earlier in February. Major Food Group plans to open three further restaurants there in the near future, according to the New York Post. It will include a sushi place, an Italian trattoria in the Miami Design District, and a steakhouse in Brickell. Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse Cote is the latest NYC staple to make the move to Miami, opening its first outpost there just last Friday. On February 4, Miami also welcomed its fifth Osteria Morini, run by The Altamarea Group. The business is behind New York's Michelin-star-rated Marea and Ai Fiori. Brooklyn's famed pizza place Roberta's is also among those to have signed a lease in Miami. Pictured in Brooklyn Bounce Sporting Club is said to be hunting down its perfect Miami spot. Pictured in New York City Chef Marcus Samuelsson was among the first to make the move, extending his business to Florida as he opened an outpost of his New York City hot spot Red Rooster in Miami in December, as pictured above Carbone in Miami opened earlier this month as New York City restaurateurs flee for warmer climates On February 4, Miami also welcomed its fifth Osteria Morini, run by The Altamarea Group Other restaurants are said to be on the look out, searching for suitable venues or have already signed leases on a new Miami spot. Sushi chain Kissaki is looking at opening two Miami locations, according to the Post. Garry Kanfer of Kissaki said that Miami is already his 'second home' and he had always planned to open another location there but that the pandemic has hurried up his plans. 'People want to go to Miami because if something happens in the future, there is always good weather and you can always sit outside,' he said. Brooklyn's famed pizza place Roberta's is among those to have signed a lease in Miami, as have Sant Ambroeus, Almond and French eatery La Goulue. The Post reports that Bounce, Proper West and Keith McNally's Pastis are also hunting down their perfect Miami spot. An empty Kissaki sushi restaurant in NYC. The restaurant in now looking to open two locations in Miami Customers are seen eating at Pastis' outdoor seating in Chelsea in July. NYC restaurants have had to struggle through the winter months with outdoor seating only. Keith McNally's Pastis is saod to also be hunting down their perfect Miami spot Pastis is looking for a spot in Miami (pictured left Heidi Klum has dinner at Pastis restaurant in 2019) while Sant Ambroeus is reported to have already signed a lease there (pictured right Mariah Carey leaves Sant Ambroeus in 2018) Pictured, actress Natasha Henstridge at Pastis restaurant in the meat packing district in NYC in 2005 Proper West, pictured, is said to be looking for a lease in Miami as NYC restaurants remain restricted Bounce Sporting Club, pictured in 2016, is also looking to move to Miami Swizz Beatz, Forest Whitaker, and Markuann Smith in Red Rooster in Harlem in 2019 'Miami is based on nightlife, and with the clubs closed, restaurants and bars are the only places where people can go,' explained Felix Bendersky of F+B Hospitality Leasing. 'I've had clients who have abandoned projects in Brooklyn and Manhattan because it makes more sense for them to come here and open right away, while in New York they don't know if they will be open from one day to the next'. The exodus of restaurateurs to Miami comes as the area's daily coronavirus case count remains high. 'We still have a high positivity rate, 8 to 9 percent,' said Joe Zubi, spokesman for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, last week. 'But we have more open bars and restaurants than anywhere else in the US.' Korean steakhouse Cote has opened a Miami location. Pictured, an empty Cote restaurant in New York City Pictured, Rihanna leaves Carbone in 2020 (left) and Victoria Beckham leaving the restaurant in 2017 (right) Secret Service and others stand outside the Carbone restaurant while US President Barack Obama has dinner in 2015 Carbone was also a favorite of actress Emma Roberts (left 2018) and Kendall Jenner (right in 2019) Miami-Dade County has had 394,492 coronavirus cases, more than a sixth of Florida's total cases. Neighboring Broward County only has 183,185. On Monday, Florida reported its lowest number of new daily cases since November 31 with 3,615 new infections and 155 deaths. In Miami-Dade there were 521 new cases on Monday and 15 additional deaths. The county's positivity rate has now dropped to 5.88 percent. Yet despite the daunting COVID-19 figures, sources told the Post that the enforcing of social distancing restrictions in bars and restaurants on Miami has been lax, with many led into a 'false sense of security'. 'It's wild. No one seems to care about COVID here. There's COVID fatigue and a false sense of security. It's as if they think it's safer because it's sunny and they spend more time outside,' said Brett Friedman, CEO of Agency21. The restrictions on the city's bars and restaurants were lifted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in September and that, coupled with Miami's great weather which makes it easier to eat aside all year long, have made it a more attractive prospect to those struggling to keep afloat in NYC. The Big Apple only just reopened indoor dining at 25 percent capacity from Friday with bar hours extended to 11pm from Sunday. According the NYC Hospitality Alliance survey, the number of NYC restaurants, bars, nightclubs and event venues in NYC that have not been able to pay their rent has increased since the start of the pandemic, reaching a peak at 92 percent in December. It found that 45.2 percent of the businesses they surveyed paid no rent in December and 46.4 percent paid only some. Only 8.4 percent paid all of their rent. Of those who were able to pay some of their rent, almost 50 percent paid for half their rent. Among the 39.7 percent of businesses who have had their rent waived by landlords during the pandemic, 41.4 percent had to pay half their rent. A further 41.5 percent had a waiver for less than half their rent and only 17.2 percent for more than half the rent. In the survey 24.3 percent revealed that they have not renegotiated their lease with the landlard but are in good faith negotiations. More than 140,000 industry jobs were lost last year in New York City as thousands of businesses closed. The return to indoor dining gives a glimmer of hope in the new year yet business owners and industry leaders insist a path to reopening at 50 percent occupancy is necessary even for them to simply continue treading water. 'Were nearly a year into the public health and economic crisis that has decimated New York Citys restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues,' said Andrew Rigie, executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance 'While the reopening of highly regulated indoor dining is welcome news, we need to safely increase occupancy to 50% as soon as possible, and we urgently need robust and comprehensive financial relief from the federal government. 'We will continue to work with Senator and Majority Leader Schumer to ensure that the $25 billion restaurant industry recovery fund is passed as part of the Biden administrations emergency relief plan, and advocate for the enactment of the RESTAURANTS Act to save as many local eating and drinking spots and jobs as possible.' Nationwide, the industry has lost some 110,000 restaurants and 2.5 million jobs, 372,000 jobs of which were lost in December alone. According to the city's health department, NYC's positivity rate currently has a weekly average of 8.59 percent. It has had 27,131 new cases in the past seven days and 436 deaths. Nationwide, more than 27.6 million Americans have been infected with coronavirus and there have been 486,332 fatalities. Gov. Greg Abbott and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed outrage as the Texas power grid collapsed amid severe winter weather this week, leaving millions without electricity. A state that prides itself on energy production left millions of its citizens to freeze in the dark. Its not just incompetent; its criminal, State Rep. James Talarico, a Round Rock Democrat, said on Twitter. The Texas Legislature must hold hearings, demand answers, and ensure this never happens again. Ive been without power and heat for 30 hours. I just got enough cell signal to send this tweet. This is not a natural disaster its years of underinvestment, deregulation, and neglect. Texas: your government failed you. Abbott announced Tuesday morning that reforming the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the agency that operates the states power grid, will now be an emergency item this legislative session. The declaration allows lawmakers to pick up the issue almost immediately upon their return to Austin. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has been anything but reliable over the past 48 hours, Abbott said. Far too many Texans are without power and heat for their homes as our state faces freezing temperatures and severe winter weather. This is unacceptable. Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, called on the chambers state affairs and energy resources committees to hold a joint hearing on Feb. 25 to review the statewide outages. We must cut through the finger-pointing and hear directly from stakeholders about the factors that contributed to generation staying down at a time when families needed it most, what our state can do to correct these issues, and what steps regulators and grid operators are taking to safeguard our electric grid, Phelan said in a news release. Heres what other elected officials were saying: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: I share the frustration of every Texan regarding the loss of power during this winter storm, Patrick said in a Tuesday afternoon release. Millions of people without power during this arctic blast is life-threatening and unacceptable. We must get to the bottom of this to be sure we are better prepared even if an unprecedented weather event happens again. The Senate Business and Commerce Committee is moving forward with hearings to get answers to our questions. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio: The ongoing power outages across Texas are causing unacceptable hardship and suffering to millions of families, especially among the most vulnerable, Castro said in a Tuesday afternoon release. Im particularly concerned at reports that power outages are not distributed fairly. Texans need answers and expect accountability for exactly how this happened and I will do my utmost in Congress to ensure this never happens again in Texas. State Rep. Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, and chair of the House state affairs committee: The statewide blackouts raise questions about the reliability of our electric grid and its ability to withstand extreme weather events in the future, he said in a news release. State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, and chair of the House Democratic Caucus: First time Im able to rejoin this website in 24 hours due to power outages and zero cell service. Ill echo what many others have said: the widespread power outages in Texas represent a catastrophic failure of leadership, Turner tweeted on Tuesday. The #txlege must pull no punches as it conducts a top to bottom investigation into how this happened. Every aspect of the public and private sector connected to the electric market in Texas needs to be investigated we need answers, accountability & corrective action. Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush: If the last few days have proven anything, its that we need oil & gas, Bush tweeted. Relying solely on renewable energy would be catastrophic. Many of these sources have proven to be unreliable. We must move towards an all encompassing approach to energy. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston: Bettencourt Home at day break in H-town! Hadnt seen this since 1989, but the difference is 15 minutes later we lost power and outages are ongoing in a large swath of Houston, Bettencourt wrote in a lengthy Facebook post. On the public policy front, we must have a base load energy policy in Texas. Because of subsidies, Renewable Energy gets a lot of attention, but the market forces that are subsidized discount the ability for any base load plant, coal, gas, or nuclear to be built economically. State Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg: Never thought I would have to ask myself if California has a better electric grid than TX. In the energy Capital of the US, how the hell have we failed so many people in this state? Canales asked Monday. State Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo: Many of you have reached out to me voicing your frustration with the ongoing power outages during these extreme weather conditions, and I share your frustrations. The planned, limited rolling outages to conserve power turned into hours and even days of power loss for millions of Texans. Customers are displaced and this is unacceptable. ... The power disruptions are due to an overloaded power grid, fuel shortages after generators froze or failed, and inadequate planning during this once-in-a-lifetime weather event. It is overwhelmingly evident that our power grid was unprepared. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg: Like so many San Antonians, Ive been without reliable power since ERCOT, the state entity that manages Texass main power grid, mandated planned blackouts, Nirenberg tweeted. Further complicating this issue, these outages have hardly been rolling as Texas power plants have been unable to generate enough power to meet our needs. Every major Texas city is going without tonight, and I share your frustration with the timing of these outages. ERCOT needs to answer for how millions were forced to weather the cold in this manner. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner: The City does not control the Texas Power Grid, he tweeted Tuesday morning. We do not oversee ERCOT which manages and serves as the traffic cop for the electric grid. That is the Governor and the State of Texas. I know people are angry and frustrated. So am I. Austin Mayor Steve Adler: So many cold and without power, people in danger and everybody frustrated, including me, Adler tweeted. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has to explain how millions of Texans are without power. Rolling outages are not that. There must be systemic changes. This is happening every ten years and theres got to be a better plan. Ransomware has a long history, dating back to the late 1980s. Today, its generating billions of dollars in revenue for the criminal groups behind it. Victims incur recovery costs even if they pay the ransom. Sophos reports that the average cost of a ransomware attack in 2020 was nearly $1.5 million for victim organizations that paid ransoms and about $732,000 for those that didnt. Given the financial benefit to attackers, its no surprise that ransomware gangs and malware have proliferated. The number of ransomware threat actorsthose capable of developing and delivering codeis likely in the hundreds. Thats not including so-called affiliates who buy ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) offerings from some of these threat actors. Below is a list of key ransomware malware and groups, selected for inclusion based on their impact or innovative features. It isn't, and isn't intended to be, an exhaustive list. And while some of these ransomware groups are no longer active, thats no guarantee they wont reappear bigger and badder someday, as is too often the case. Cerber History: Cerber is an RaaS platform that first appeared in 2016, netting attackers $200,000 in July of that year. How it works: Cerber took advantage of a Microsoft vulnerability to infect networks. It functions similarly to other ransomware threats. It encrypts files with AES-256 algorithm and targets dozens of file types, including documents, pictures, audio files, videos, archives and backups. It can also scan for and encrypt available network shares even if they are not mapped to a drive letter in the computer. Cerber then drops three files on the victim's desktop that contain the ransom demand and instructions on how to pay it. Targeted victims: As an RaaS platform, Cerber is a threat to anyone. Attribution: Cerber's creators sell the platform on a private Russian-language forum. Conti History: First appearing in May 2020, the Conti RaaS platform is considered the successor to the Ryuk ransomware. As of January 2021, Conti is believed to have infected over 150 organizations and earned millions of dollars for its criminal developers and their affiliates. At least three new versions have been found since its inception. How it works: The Conti gang uses the double threat of withholding the decryption key and selling or leaking sensitive data of its victims. In fact, it runs a website, Conti News, where it lists its victims and publishes stolen data. Once the malware infects a system, it spends time moving laterally to gain access to more sensitive systems. Conti is known to encrypt files quickly through its use of multithreading. Targeted victims: As a RaaS operation, Conti is a threat to anyone, although the latest round of infections in January 2021 seemed to target government organizations. Attribution: Conti is the work of a single gang whose members remain unidentified. CryptoLocker History: First discovered in 2013 attack, CryptoLocker launched the modern ransomware age and infected up to 500,000 Windows machines at its height. It is also known as TorrentLocker. In July 2014, the US Department of Justice declared it had neutralized CryptoLocker. How it works: CryptoLocker is a Trojan that searches infected computers for files to encrypt, including any internal or network-connected storage devices. It typically is delivered through phishing emails with file attachments that contain malicious links. A downloader is activated once the file is opened, infecting the computer. Targeted victims: CryptoLocker did not seem to target any specific entity. Attribution: CryptoLocker was created by members of the criminal gang that developed Gameover Zeus, a banking Trojan. CryptoWall History: CryptoWall, also known as CryptoBit or CryptoDefense, first appeared in 2014 and became popular after the original CryptoLocker shut down. It has gone through several revisions. How it works: CryptoWall is distributed via spam or exploit kits. Its developers appear to avoid sophisticated in favor of a simple but effective classic ransomware approach. In its first six months of operation, it infected 625,000 computers. Targeted victims: This ransomware has victimized tens of thousands of organizations of all types worldwide but avoids Russian-speaking countries. Attribution: The CryptoWall developer is likely a criminal gang operating from a Russian-speaking country. CryptoWall 3.0 detects if it is running on a computer in Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia or Serbia then uninstalls itself. CTB-Locker History: First reported in 2014, CTB-Locker is another RaaS offering known for its high infection rate. In 2016, a new version of CTB-Locker targeted web servers. How it works: Affiliates pay a monthly fee to the CTB-Locker developers for access to the hosted ransomware code. The ransomware uses elliptic curve cryptography to encrypt data. It is also known for its multi-lingual capabilities, which increases the global pool of potential victims. Targeted victims: Given its RaaS model, CTB-Locker is a threat to any organization, but tier 1 countries in Western Europe, North America and Australia are most commonly targeted, especially if they were known to have paid ransom fees in the past. DoppelPaymer History: DoppelPaymer first appeared in June 2019 and is still active and dangerous. The US FBI's Cyber Division issued a warning about it in December 2020. In September 2020, it was used in the first ransomware that resulted in a death when a a victimized German hospital was forced to send a patient to another facility. How it works: The gang behind DoppelPaymer uses the unusual tactic of calling victims, using spoofed US-based phone numbers, to demand a ransom payment, which is typically around 50 bitcoins, or about $600,000 when it first appeared. They claimed to be from North Korea, and made the double threat of leaking or selling the stolen data. In some cases, they took it a step further by threatening employees at victimized companies with harm. DoppelPaymer appears to be based on the BitPaymer ransomware, although it has some key differences such as using threaded file encryption for a better encryption rate. Also unlike BitPaymer, DoppelPaymer uses a tool called Process Hacker to terminate security, email server, backup and database processes and services to weaken defenses and avoid disrupting the encryption process. Targeted victims: DoppelPaymer targets critical industries in healthcare, emergency services and education. Attribution: Unclear, but some reports suggest that an offshoot of the group behind the Dridex Trojan, known as TA505, is responsible for DoppelPaymer. Egregor History: Egregor appeared in September 2020 and is growing rapidly. Its name comes from the occult world and is defined as the collective energy of a group of people, especially when aligned with a common goal. On February 9, 2021, a joint operation by US, Ukrainian and French authorities arrested a number of Egregor group members and affiliates and took their website offline. How it works: Egregor follows the double extortion trend of both encrypting data and threatening to leak sensitive information if the ransom is not paid. Its codebase is relatively sophisticated and able to avoid detection by using obfuscation and anti-analysis techniques. Targeted victims: As of late November, Egregor victimized at least 71 organizations across 19 industries worldwide. Attribution: Egregors rise coincides with the Maze ransomware gang shutting down its operations. Maze group affiliates appear to have moved on to Egregor. It is a variant of the Sekhmet ransomware family and is associated with the Qakbot malware. FONIX History: FONIX is an RaaS offering that was first discovered in July 2020. It quickly went through a number of code revisions, but abruptly shut down in January 2021. The FONIX gang then released its master decryption key. How it works: The FONIX gang advertised its services on cybercrime forums and the dark web. Purchasers of FONIX would send the gang an email address and password. The gang then sends the customized ransomware payload to the buyer. The FONIX gang takes a 25% cut of any ransom fees paid. Targeted victims: Since FONIX is RAAS, anyone could be a victim. Attribution: An unknown cybercriminal gang GandCrab History: GandCrab might be the most lucrative RaaS ever. Its developers claim more than $2 billion in victim payouts as of July 2019. GandCrab was first identified in January 2018. How it works: GandCrab is an affiliate ransomware program for cybercriminals who pay its developers a portion of the ransom fees they collect. The malware is typically delivered through malicious Microsoft Office documents sent via phishing emails. Variations of GandCrab have exploited vulnerabilities in software such as Atlassians Confluence. In that case, the attackers use the flaw to inject a rogue template that enables remote code execution. Targeted victims: GandCrab has infected systems globally across multiple industries, though it is designed to avoid systems in Russian-speaking regions. Attribution: GandCrab has been tied to Russian national Igor Prokopenko. GoldenEye History: Appearing in 2016, GoldenEye appears to be based on the Petya ransomware. How it works: GoldenEye was initially spread through a campaign targeting human resources departments with fake cover letters and resumes. Once its payload infects a computer, it executes a macro that encrypts files on the computer, adding a random 8-character extension at the end of each file. The ransomware then modifies the computers hard drive master boot record with a custom boot loader. Targeted victims: GoldenEye first targeted German-speaking users in its phishing emails. Attribution: Unknown Jigsaw History: Jigsaw first appeared in 2016, but researchers released a decryption tool shortly after its discovery. How it works: The most notable aspect of Jigsaw is that it encrypts some files, demands a ransom, and then progressively deletes files until the ransom is paid. It deletes a file per hour for 72 hours. At that point, it deletes all remaining files. Targeted victims: Jigsaw appears not to have target any group of victims. Attribution: Unknown KeRanger History: KeRanger, discovered in 2016, is believed to be the first operational ransomware designed to attack Mac OS X applications. How it works: KeRanger was distributed through a legitimate but compromised BitTorrent client that was able to evade detection as it had a valid certificate. Targeted victims: Mac users Attribution: Unknown Leatherlocker History: Leatherlocker was first discovered in 2017 in two Android applications: Booster & Cleaner and Wallpaper Blur HD. Google removed the apps from its store shortly after discovery. How it works: Victims download what appears to be a legitimate app. The app then asks for permissions that grant the malware access needed to execute. Rather than encrypt files, it locks the device home screen to prevent access to data. Targeted victims: Android users who download the infected apps. Attribution: An unknown cybercriminal group. LockerGoga History: LockerGoga appeared in 2019 in an attack targeting industrial companies. Although the attackers asked for a ransom, LockerGoga seemed intentially designed to make paying a ransom difficult. This led some researcher to believe its intent was disruption rather than financial gain. How it works: LockerGoga used a phishing campaign with malicious document attachments to infect systems. The payload were signed with valid certificates, which allowed them to bypass security. Targeted victims: LockerGoga victimized European manufacturing companies, most notably Norsk Hydro where it caused a global IT shut-down. Attribution: Some researchers say LockerGoga was likely the work of a nation-state. Locky History: Locky first began spreading in 2016 and used an attack mode similar to the banking malware Dridex. Locky has inspired a number of variants including Osiris and Diablo6. How it works: Victims are usually sent an email with a Microsoft Word document purporting to be an invoice. That invoice contains malicious macro. Microsoft disables macros by default due to the security dangers. If macros are enabled, the document runs the macro, which downloads Locky. Dridex uses the same technique to steal account credentials. Targeted victims: Early Locky attacks targeted hospitals, but subsequent campaigns were broad and untargeted. Attribution: It's suspected that the cybercriminal group behind Locky is affiliated to one of those behind Dridex due to similarities between the two. Maze History: Maze is a relatively new ransomware group, discovered in May 2019. It is known for releasing stolen data to the public if the victim does not pay to decrypt it. The Maze group announced in September 2020 that it was closing its operations. How it works: Maze attackers typically gain entry to networks remotely using valid credentials that might be guessed, default, or gained through phishing campaigns. The malware then scans the network using open-source tools to discover vulnerabilities and learn about the network. It then moves laterally throughout the network looking for more credentials that can be used for privilege escalation. Once it finds domain admin credentials, it can access and encrypt anything on the network. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-15 03:23:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KHARTOUM, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Sudan condemned on Sunday Ethiopian forces for their new "aggression" on Sudanese lands, without providing the specific time. "Sudan condemns the aggression of Ethiopian forces on the lands legally belonging to Sudan, which was a direct violation of Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said the Sudanese foreign ministry in a statement. The Ethiopian aggression was also "a violation of the values of neighborliness and positive interaction among countries that enhances stability and security," the ministry added. It demanded Ethiopia immediately stop its encroachment on Sudanese territories and ensure completion of the re-demarcation of the borders as agreed upon, while holding Ethiopia fully responsible for the consequences of its "aggression." Since September 2020, the border between Sudan and Ethiopia has been witnessing rising tensions and skirmishes between the two sides. Sudan accuses Ethiopian famers, backed by armed forces, of seizing Sudanese border lands in Sudan's Fashaga area and cultivating them since 1995. The border area of Fashaga between Sudan and Ethiopia, one of the five localities of Sudan's Gadaref State, often witnesses deadly attacks by Ethiopian militias during the preparation for agricultural season. Enditem Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. A recent market study published by FMI on the Global Downhole Tractor Market includes industry analysis for 2016-2020 & opportunity assessment for 2021-2031, and delivers a comprehensive assessment of the most important market dynamics. After conducting thorough research on the historical and current growth parameters of the Global Downhole Tractor Market, the growth prospects of the market are obtained with maximum precision. Several local, regional, and international players are active in the downhole tractors market. Hence, the market is fairly fragmented and the bargaining power of suppliers is low. The degree of competition among market players is high. Rapid technological advancements have led to opportunities in the global downhole tractors market. Market players are gradually focusing on merger and acquisition activities to develop new products and improve their existing product offerings. Global Downhole Tractor Market: Taxonomy The Global Downhole Tractor Market is segmented in detail to cover every aspect of the market and present complete market intelligence to the reader. Configuration Type 2 Drive 3 Drive 4 Drive 4 Drive Tandem 6 Drive Tandem 8 Drive Tandem Force Up to 250 lbf 250 to 500 lbf 500 to 1,000 lbf 1,000 to 2,000 lbf 2,000 to 3,000 lbf Application Well Intervention Production Logging Pipe Inspection and Cleaning Fishing Seismology Water Borewell Region North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania Middle East & Africa Request a Sample of this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-10905 Report Chapters Chapter 01 Executive Summary The report initiates with the executive summary of the Global Downhole Tractor Market, which includes a summary of key findings and statistics of the market. It also includes the demand-side, supply-side trends and an overview of the Downhole Tractor process about the Global Downhole Tractor Market. Chapter 02 Market Overview Readers can find the definition and a detailed taxonomy of the Global Downhole Tractor Market in this chapter, which will help them understand basic information about the market. Along with this, comprehensive information pertaining to Downhole Tractor Market is provided in this section. This section also highlights the inclusions and exclusions, which help readers understand the scope of the Global Downhole Tractor Market report. Chapter 03 Key Market Trends The Global Downhole Tractor report provides the key market trends and developments that are expected to significantly impact the market growth during the forecast period. Chapter 04 Key Success Factors The Global Downhole Tractor Market report provides key market factors that are expected to support the market growth over the forecast period. This section includes the factors that have emerged as key successful factors and strategies adopted by key market participants. Chapter 05- Global Downhole Tractor Demand Analysis 20162020 and Forecast, 20212031 This section explains the market volume analysis or market size and forecast for the Downhole Tractor in the forecast period of 2021-2031. Readers can also find the volume for the current year (2020), and volume projections for the forecast period (20212031). Chapter 06 - Global Downhole Tractor Market - Pricing Analysis This section explains the region pricing analysis and the global average pricing analysis benchmark for the Global Downhole Tractor Market. Chapter 07 Global Downhole Tractor Market Demand (in Value or Size in US$ Mn) Analysis 20162020 and Forecast, 20212031 This section explains the market value analysis or market size and forecast for the Global Downhole Tractor Market in the forecast period of 2021-2031. Readers can also find the absolute $ opportunity for the current year (2021), and an incremental $ opportunity for the forecast period (20212031). Chapter 08 Market Background This chapter explains key macro-economic factors that are expected to influence the growth of the Global Downhole Tractor Market over the forecast period. This section also covers COVID-19 Impact assessment for the global market. Along with the macroeconomic factors, this section also highlights the value chain, parent market analysis and forecast factors for the Global Downhole Tractor Market. Moreover, in-depth information about the market dynamics and their impact analysis on the market have been provided in the successive section. Chapter 09 Global Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031, by Configuration Based on Configuration, the Global Downhole Tractor Market is segmented into 2 Drive, 3 Drive, 4 Drive, 4 Drive tandem, 6 Drive tandem and 8 Drive tandem. Chapter 10 Global Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031, by Force Based on Force, the Global Downhole Tractor Market is segmented into Up to 250 lbf, 250 lbf to 500 lbf, 500 to 1,000 lbf, 1,000 to 2,000 lbf and 2,000 to 3,500 lbf. Chapter 11 Global Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031, by Application Based on Force, the Global Downhole Tractor Market is segmented into Well Intervention, Fishing, Seismology and Water Borewell. Chapter 12 Global Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031, by Region Based on Application type, the Global Downhole Tractor Market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa. Chapter 13 North America Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031 This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the growth of the North America Downhole Tractor Market. Readers can also find the incremental dollar opportunities for countries in the region. Chapter 14 Latin America Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031 This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the growth of the Latin America Downhole Tractor Market. Readers can also find the incremental dollar opportunities for countries in the region. Chapter 15 Europe Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031 This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the growth of the Europe Downhole Tractor Market. Readers can also find the incremental dollar opportunities for countries in the region. Get Full Report Now @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/downhole-tractors-market Chapter 16 South Asia and Pacific Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031 This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the growth of the Eastern Europe Downhole Tractor Market. Readers can also find the incremental dollar opportunities for countries in the region. Chapter 17 East Asia Excluding Japan Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031 This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the growth of the South Asia and Pacific Downhole Tractor Market. Readers can also find the incremental dollar opportunities for countries in the region. Chapter 18 Middle East and Africa Downhole Tractor Market Analysis 20162020 and Forecast 20212031 This chapter includes a detailed analysis of the growth of the Middle East and Africa Downhole Tractor Market. Readers can also find the incremental dollar opportunities for countries in the region. Chapter 19 Key and Emerging Countries Downhole Tractor Market Analysis Important growth prospects of the Downhole Tractor Market for the key and emerging countries are included in this chapter. This chapter helps the reader to under the country wise scenario of the Downhole Tractor Market. Chapter 20 Market Structure Analysis In this chapter, readers can find detailed information about the tier analysis and market concentration of key players in the Global Downhole Tractor Market, along with their market presence analysis by region. Table Of Content Executive Summary 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand Side Trends 1.3. Supply Side Trends 1.4. Analysis and Recommendations Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition Key Market Trends 3.1. Key Trends Impacting the Market 3.2. Product Innovation / Development Trends Key Success Factors 4.1. Product Adoption / Usage Analysis 4.2. Product USPs / Features Global Downhole Tractor Market Demand Analysis 2015-2019 and Forecast, 2020-2030 5.1. Historical Market Volume (Units) Analysis, 2015-2019 5.2. Current and Future Market Volume (Units) Projections, 2020-2030 5.3. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis Global Downhole Tractor Market - Pricing Analysis 6.1. Regional Pricing Analysis By Configuration 6.2. Global Average Pricing Analysis Benchmark Global Downhole Tractor Market Demand (in Value or Size in US$ Mn) Analysis 2015-2019 and Forecast, 2020-2030 7.1. Historical Market Value (US$ Mn) Analysis, 2015-2019 7.2. Current and Future Market Value (US$ Mn) Projections, 2020-2030 7.2.1. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis 7.2.2. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis Request To Browse Full Table of Content, Figure And Tables @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-10905 Chapter 21 Competition Analysis In this chapter, readers can find a comprehensive list of all the prominent stakeholders in the Global Downhole Tractor Market, along with detailed information about each company, which includes company overview, revenue shares, strategic overview, and recent company developments. Some of the market players featured in the report are as Halliburton, Schlumberger, AKER Solutions, WWT International, Expro Group, Baker Hughes GE, Hunting Plc, ALTUS Intervention amongst many others. Chapter 22 Assumptions and Acronyms Used This chapter includes a list of acronyms and assumptions that provides a base to the information and statistics included in the Global Downhole Tractor Market report. Chapter 23 Research Methodology This chapter helps readers understand the research methodology followed to obtain various conclusions as well as important qualitative and quantitative information about the Global Downhole Tractor Market. About FMI Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India. FMIs latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Mr. Abhishek Budholiya Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates MARKET ACCESS DMCC Initiative For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com For Media Enquiries: press@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Sorry! This content is not available in your region Thousands of Victorians with severe mental illness spent more than eight hours waiting in emergency departments before being admitted to a psychiatric care bed. Mental Health Minister James Merlino conceded on Tuesday the wait times were not good enough and Victorians deserve better as new data showed the government had failed to meet its target of admitting 80 per cent of mental health patients within eight hours for the past six years. Not good enough: Mental Health Minister James Merlino, pictured with the Premier, on the latest data. Credit:Luis Ascui Like many parts of our current mental health system, these wait times are completely unacceptable to me and only further illustrate the need for our broken mental health system to be rebuilt from the ground up, Mr Merlino told The Age. Government data shows Victoria fell well short of its own benchmark last financial year, with 46 per cent of patients forced to spend an entire work day waiting for proper care. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. Ahmedabad, Feb 16 : Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd on Tuesday informed that it has completed the acquisition of 100 per cent in Dighi Port Limited (DPL) for Rs 705 crore on February 15. The company had intimated the commencement of this development to stock exchanges on March 6, 2020. With the acquisition, DPL has become the 12th port to join APSEZ's string of economic gateways across the eastern and western coast of India and would establish the company's footprint in Maharashtra. This would enable APSEZ to service customers in the state, including the highly industrialised areas in the Mumbai and Pune regions, the company said in a statement. APSEZ plans to invest over Rs 10,000 crore to develop the port into a multi-cargo port with world class infrastructure as well as investing in the development of rail and road evacuation infrastructure for seamless cargo movement. The company will also use the investment to strengthen and repair existing infrastructure and for development of facilities for dry, container, and liquid cargo. Adani Ports said that DPL will evolve as an alternative gateway to the JNPT and will invite and support the development of port-based industries on port land. It is expected that the development of DPL will lead to further investments across various industries such as consumer appliances, metals, energy, petrochemicals, and chemicals business in Maharashtra and provide a fillip to the industrial development and growth in Maharashtra. These investments will contribute to employment generation and socio-economic development of the port's hinterland, the company statement said. As per the terms and requirements of the Resolution Plan, the transfer of concession rights has also been approved by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and APSEZ has settled the dues of financial creditors, MMB, and other admitted costs and claims. Karan Adani, CEO and Whole Time Director of APSEZ, said: "The successful acquisition of DPL adds another milestone in Adani Port's target of creating a string of ports to increase service coverage to the entire economic hinterland of India. With our growth focus, experience, and expertise in turning around acquisitions, we are confident of making DPL value accretive for all our stakeholders." Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, a part of globally diversified Adani Group, has evolved from a port company to a ports and logistics platform for India. It is the largest port developer and operator in India with 12 strategically located ports and terminals - Mundra, Dahej, Tuna and Hazira in Gujarat, Dhamra in Odisha, Mormugao in Goa, Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Kattupalli and Ennore in Tamil Nadu and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh - and represents 24 per cent of the country's total port capacity. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Zurich, Switzerland -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/16/2021 -- The coronavirus pandemic has had a drastic effect on many aspects of life. In recent months, air cargo has played a vital role for many airlines to keep the industry alive. As a consequence of the implementation of stringent restrictions to daily life across Europe, the online shopping and e-commerce industries have boomed reaching an estimated worth of 717 billion at the end of 2020. This growth has acted as a way of supporting the airlines, air cargo, and shipping sectors during the last year where shipping freight remained essential. More recently, Switzerland's world-leading approach to the logistics and transportation of pharmaceutical and healthcare goods, by services such as Swiss WorldCargo, have acted as a pivotal focus and a great example to the rest of the world, indicating how to manage the intensity of recent logistical challenges. Established in 2008, DSJ Global continue to provide permanent, contract and multi-hire recruiting options to enterprises within the logistics and supply chain industries throughout Europe, Asia and North America. The firm is proud to be part of the Phaidon International Group and therefore the chosen logistics recruiter for a wealth of world-leading companies stretching to every corner of the world. As a leading company, DSJ Global has already established a community of one million mid-to-senior experts who advise candidates and companies on new industry trends and the incurrence of any possible risks. DSJ Global's commitment to its team, clients and candidates is exemplified through their ongoing training which ensures they utilise best-in-class recruiting technologies in order to guarantee optimum results across the board. Through designing and developing personalised recruiting strategies for each of their clients, the firm is devoted to supporting clients and candidates at every stage of the hiring process. As an international base for a plethora of organisations, as well as its reputation as a prominent force within the logistics and supply chain industry, Switzerland is the ideal location to develop your career. Due to the need to offset the risks associated with off-shoring, interdependence and outsourcing, professionals in the supply chain industry are in high demand. From technical operations jobs to procurement careers, DSJ Global offer a wide range of positions. Roles currently available through DSJ Global include: Associate Director Clinical Purchasing, Procurement Manager, Packing Engineer, Quality Manager, Supply Planner, Senior Purchasing Specialist, Senior Logistics Manager, and many more. "Like many sectors, 2020 marked a defining moment for recruitment. Challenged by uncertainty, but unwavering in our commitment to our clients, we enter 2021 with a sense of duty to clients and candidates", commented Luis Rolim, Global Marketing Director at DSJ Global. He went onto say, "as we reflect on the challenges of virtually securing and retaining talent, we're inspired by a team who have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and continue to help all our clients secure top talent on a global scale." To find out more information about the leading logistics and supply chain recruiters in Switzerland, visit https://www.dsjglobal.ch. For any media enquiries please contact Gary Elliott at Iconic Digital 020 7100 0726. For all other enquiries please contact DSJ Global CH: +41 44 542 12 50. For more information about DSJ Global services, please go to https://www.dsjglobal.ch. About DSJ Global CH DSJ Global CH specialises in expert recruitment for procurement and supply chain professionals. Solving the key challenge of talent for this crucial industry has enabled the firm to support both individuals and organisations onto the next stage of development and growth. Subscriber content preview SEATTLE (AP) A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction Friday to stop the sale of the National Archives at Seattle. The Seattle Times reports U.S. District Court Judge John Coughenour asked Brian C. Kipnis, an assistant U.S. attorney in Seattle, if anybody on the five-person Public Buildings Reform Board was from the Pacific Northwest. . . . Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) speaks at the start of a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on the government's response to the CCP virus outbreak in Washington, on March 5, 2020. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images) Sen. Johnson: Capitol Breach Didnt Seem Like an Armed Insurrection to Me Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said on Monday that he doesnt think the Jan. 6 breach of the Capitol was an armed insurrection, while pointing out that the Democrats rhetoric was hypocritical. Johnson made the comments during an appearance on the radio talk show 1130 WISN where he told host Jay Weber that while he thinks the violence at the Capitol was reprehensible, he doesnt believe the narrative pushed by the Democrats and the media was entirely accurate. He underscored that the violence was perpetrated by groups of agitators, not the tens of thousands of supporters of former President Donald Trump. The hundreds of thousands of people that attend those Trump rallies, those are the people that love this country. They never would have done what happened on Jan. 6, Johnson said. That is a group of people that love freedom. That is a group of people we need to unify and keep on our side. Johnson acknowledged that unacceptable behavior played out on Jan. 6. He condemned the conduct of the rioters but also took issue with the Democrats characterization of the event by calling it an armed insurrection. When you hear the word armed, dont you think of firearms? Heres the questions I would have liked to askhow many firearms were confiscated? How many shots were fired? Im only aware of one, and Ill defend that law enforcement officer for taking that shot. It was a tragedy, but I think there was only one, Johnson said. If that was a planned armed insurrection, man, you had really a bunch of idiots, he added. Johnson, who has been frequently targeted by the media for being a vocal supporter of the former president, said that he and his colleagues were aware of the hypocrisy surrounding the Senate impeachment trial and the criticism against former President Donald Trump. He said Trump and other Republicans received attacks and scrutiny for doing things that were previously done by Democrats. To my mind, while the house managers are making their case okay youre accusing Donald Trump of all this stuff, but what about Hillary Clinton telling [President Joe] Biden never to concede the race, you know. How about all the folks that, you know, never condemned the [Black Lives Matter] and Antifa peaceful protest turned to riots that burned down dozens of buildings in Racine, Johnson said, adding that some of these lawmakers were supportive of the defund the police movement. So youre sitting in that trial, youre listening to all this, and you understand, its just dripping with hypocrisy. He also added that the House impeachment managers arguments were easily dismantled by Trump lawyers because they did not address the core questions of the trial and took quotes and footage out of context. He also criticized the impeachment prosecutors for allegedly doctoring evidence and selectively editing footage, accusations that Trump lawyers brought up during the trial. Democrats have denied the allegations. The Wisconsin senator said that while he learned new details about the Jan. 6 incidents from the Houses case, there were still many unanswered questions from the day that Americans would like to know. He added that he has sent letters to the Sergeant at Arms of both the House and the Senate and has not received any responses. Several House Republican leaders on Monday sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) asking for information about what she knew about the breach prior to Jan. 6. Lawmakers have indicated that they would like a 9/11-style commission to probe into the Jan. 6 incident in order to prevent it from happening in the future. Pelosi on Monday expressed commitment to establishing such a commission. A new study suggests that Neanderthals used Nubian tools, previously thought to be exclusive to homo sapiens, disproving theories that the two groups never mingled with each other. The statement comes after scientists examined the tooth found near the remains of a nine-year-old Neanderthal child in Levant, modern-day Palestine. In the study published in Scientific Reports, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History suggest that Neanderthals not only used the tools of modern-day humans but might have interacted with them physically and socially. Read: Course Of River To Be Diverted To Protect 2,500-yr-old Bihar Archaeological Site: Nitish Kumar The tooth was first discovered in 1928 This came up after researchers decided to re-examine the fossil and archaeological record of the Shuqba cave. The tooth examined by the researchers was kept in a private collection at the Natural History Museum in London for all these years since being discovered in 1928. After the examination of the tooth, researchers concluded that it belonged to a nine-year-old Neanderthal child. Read: At Sarnath Archaeological Site, PM Modi, CM Adityanath Watch Light & Sound Show On Buddha "Sites, where hominin fossils are directly associated with stone tool assemblages, remain a raritybut the study of both fossils and tools is critical for understanding hominin occupations of Shukbah Cave and the larger region. Illustrations of the stone tool collections from Shukbah hinted at the presence of Nubian Levallois technology so we revisited the collections to investigate further. In the end, we identified many more artifacts produced using the Nubian Levallois methods than we had anticipated," lead author Dr. Jimbob Blinkhorn was quoted as saying by Phys Org. Read: Seventh Phase Of Excavation Begins At Keeladi Archaeological Site Neanderthals are a group of extinct primates, who lived across Eurasia some 40,000 years ago. It is believed that Neanderthals may have gone extinct because of a great change in climate, unknown disease, or a combination of both these factors. Neanderthals themselves are thought to have used very sophisticated technology and may have also shared some of the stone tools used by modern-day humans. But it was always suggested that Neanderthals never used Nubian technology, which now appears to be wrong. Read: COVID-19: Neanderthal Protein Offers Protection Against Mutant Virus Strain, Says Study Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Ludovic Orban said on Tuesday that the bills repealing special state pensions of lawmakers initiated by the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Save Romania Union - Freedom, Unity and Solidarity Party (USR PLUS) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD) will be sent to the statutory committee for a report, and within one week they will be up for a plenary vote, according to AGERPRES. Orban said the statutory committee has first to be set up at a plenary session on Wednesday. "By a joint decision, the standing bureaus have decided to send to the statutory committee, which is to be set up as the first item on the agenda of Wednesday's plenary session, three bills repealing special pensions. The committee was notified about three bills repealing special state pensions for lawmakers, one of PNL, one of USR PLUS and a bill initiated by PSD. They were sent to the statutory committee for a report," Orban said after a meeting of Parliament's leadership. He said he said that, as far as possible, the statutory committee's report on the three bills would be discusses at the plenary meeting on Wednesday, after the statutory committee is set up. "As far as it is procedurally and legally possible, the report will be discussed on Wednesday, if not possible, then at the first meeting. However, we have set a deadline of a maximum of one week. If possible, we will introduce it on the plenary meeting's agenda on Wednesday," Orban explained. (Newser) Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has apologized to a former adviser who says she was raped in a parliamentary office. In a Monday interview with The Project, Brittany Higgins said she'd been working with Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds for a few weeks when she went out for drinks with colleagues in March 2019. She then got in a taxi, intending to head home, but a male colleague"a rising star" in Morrison's Liberal Partydirected the taxi to Parliament House, saying he needed to "pick something up," per the BBC and CNN. Then 24, Higgins said she fell asleep in the minister's office and "woke up mid-rape." She said she told her colleague to stop but he didn't. Higgins said she later informed Reynolds' office but felt pressured not to pursue a police complaint. She feared she'd lose her job. Police confirmed a case was opened but paused, per the Guardian. story continues below On Tuesday, Morrison apologized to Higgins, including for a meeting with Reynolds which took place in the same room as the alleged rape. He also promised an investigation into the culture of parliament. "I hope Brittany's call is a wake-up call for all of us," he said, per the BBC. He added the male was "swiftly" fired as a result of breaching security at Parliament House on the night in question. Morrison took flak, however, for saying his wife helped him "clarify" his views by asking that he consider the case as the father of two daughters. "It should not take a man having a daughter for him to treat women who've been assaulted with empathy and respect," author Jamila Rizvi tweeted, per the BBC. Higgins added it should not have taken her story airing on national television "for the Prime Ministeror any Member of Parliamentto take action on workplace sexual harassment, assault or bullying," per CNN. (Read more Australia stories.) WASHINGTON As the Republican Party censures, condemns and seeks to purge leaders who arent in lockstep with Donald Trump, Adam Kinzinger, the six-term Illinois congressman, stands as enemy No. 1 unwelcome not just in his party but also in his own family, some of whom recently disowned him. Two days after Kinzinger called for removing Trump from office following the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, 11 members of his family sent him a handwritten two-page letter, saying he was in cahoots with the devils army for making a public break with the president. Oh my, what a disappointment you are to us and to God! they wrote. You have embarrassed the Kinzinger family name! The author of the letter was Karen Otto, Kinzingers cousin, who paid $7 to send it by certified mail to Kinzingers father to make sure the congressman would see it, which he did. She also sent copies to Republicans across Illinois, including other members of the states congressional delegation. I wanted Adam to be shunned, she said in an interview. A 42-year-old Air National Guard pilot who represents a crescent-shaped district along the Chicagos suburbs, Kinzinger is at the forefront of the effort to navigate post-Trump politics. He is betting his political career, professional relationships and kinship with a wing of his sprawling family that his partys future lies in disavowing Trump and the conspiracy theories the former president stoked. Kinzinger was one of just three House Republicans who voted both to impeach Trump and strip Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia from her committee posts. During the House impeachment debate, he asked Democrats if he could speak for seven minutes instead of his allotted one, so that he could make a more authoritative and bipartisan argument against the president; the request was denied. Al Drago/NYT He has taken his case to the national media, becoming a ubiquitous figure on cable television, late-night HBO programming and podcasts. He began a new political action committee with a six-minute video declaring the need to reformat the Republican Party into something resembling an idealized version of George W. Bushs party with an emphasis on lower taxes, hawkish defense and social conservatism without the grievances and conspiracy theories that Trump and his allies have made central to the partys identity. To do so, Kinzinger said in an interview, requires exposing the fear-based tactics he hopes to eradicate from the party and present an optimistic alternative. We just fear, he said. Fear the Democrats. Fear the future. Fear everything. And it works for an election cycle or two. The problem is it does real damage to this democracy. Kinzinger said he was not deterred by the Senates failure Saturday to convict Trump in the impeachment trial. We have a lot of work to do to restore the Republican Party, he said, and to turn the tide on the personality politics. Kinzinger now faces the classic challenge for political mavericks aiming to prove their independence: His stubborn and uncompromising nature rankles the very Republicans he is trying to recruit to his mission of remaking the party. His anti-Trump stance has angered Republican constituents in his district, some of whom liken him to a Democrat, and frustrated Republican officials in Illinois who say he cares more about his own national exposure than his relationship with them. There doesnt seem to be a camera or a microphone he wont run to, said Larry Smith, chairman of the La Salle County GOP, which censured Kinzinger last month. He used to talk to us back in the good old days. Kinzinger is unapologetic about his priorities. Central and northern Illinois deserve an explanation and deserve my full attention, and theyll get it, he said. But to the extent I can, I will also focus on the national message because I can turn every heart in central and northern Illinois, and it wouldnt make a dent on the whole party. And thats what I think the huge battle is. Kinzinger has drawn praise from Democrats, but he is not anyones idea of a progressive. His campaign website trumpets his long-standing opposition to the Affordable Care Act, and he is an opponent of abortion rights and increased taxes. He first won his seat in Congress with Sarah Palins endorsement. Taylor Glascock/NYT Raised in a large central Illinois family his father, who has 32 first cousins, ran food banks and shelters for the homeless in Peoria and Bloomington Kinzinger was interested in politics from an early age. Before hed turned 10 he predicted he would one day be governor or president, Otto said, and he won election to the McLean County Board when he was a 20-year-old sophomore at Illinois State University. He joined the Air Force after the Sept. 11 attacks and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon his discharge he joined the Air National Guard, where he remains a lieutenant colonel. In the 2010 Republican wave Kinzinger, then 32, beat a Democratic incumbent by nearly 15 percentage points and, two years later, with support from Eric Cantor, then the House majority leader, ousted another incumbent, 10-term Republican Don Manzullo, in a primary following redistricting. But Kinzinger soon became dispirited by a Republican Party he believed was centered around opposition to whatever President Barack Obama proposed without offering new ideas of its own. His frustration level has been rising ever since he got to Congress, and I think the Trump era has been difficult for him to make sense of and participate in, said former Rep. Kevin Yoder of Kansas, who was one of Kinzingers closest friends in Congress before losing a 2018 reelection bid. When loyalty to Trump became a litmus test for Republican conservatism, Yoder said, that became a bridge too far for him. While Kinzinger never presented himself as a Trump loyalist, he rarely broke with the former president on policy grounds, but he was critical of him dating back to the 2016 campaign, when he was a surrogate for Jeb Bush. Trump was aware of Kinzingers lack of fealty. At a fundraiser in the Chicago suburbs before the 2016 election, Trump asked Richard Porter, a Republican National Committee member from Illinois, how Kinzinger would do in his reelection bid. He didnt have an opponent, Porter recalled telling the future president. Trump, Porter said, poked his finger in his chest and told him to deliver to Kinzinger a vulgar message about what he should do with himself. When Porter relayed the comment to Kinzinger during a conversation on Election Day, Kinzinger laughed and invited Trump to do the same. In Illinois, Republicans have been struggling to guess what Kinzingers next move may be. In the interview, Kinzinger said hes unlikely to pursue the 2022 nomination for governor or the Senate. Right now, hes leaning toward running for reelection, but with redistricting looming this fall, its unclear how the states Democratic-controlled legislature will rearrange his district. What is clear is that Kinzinger has found himself on the wrong side of rank-and-file Republicans at home. John McGlasson, the committee member for Kinzingers district, said the congressman had been insulting with his comments since Jan. 6. Republican voters interviewed in the district last week lambasted Kinzinger for turning on Trump. If you want to vote as a Democrat, vote as a Democrat, Richard Reinhardt, a 63-year-old retired mechanical engineer, said while eating lunch at a Thai restaurant in Rockford. Otherwise, if youre a Republican, then support our president. Trump was the first president who represented me. The stuff he did helped me. Taylor Glascock/NYT Kinzinger predicted the hangover" of Trumps post-impeachment popularity will kind of wear off. Former Gov. Bruce Rauner, the last Republican to win statewide office in Illinois, in 2014, said Kinzinger could find himself a casualty of the bitter schism dividing the party. The only winners in the war between Trump and Republicans will be Democrats, Rauner said. For some voters, character matters. For most, it doesnt. Kinzinger said he has little desire to reach out to the loudest critics in his districts Republican organizations, whom he hasnt spoken to in years and said hold little sway over voters. The letter-writers in his family, he said, suffer from brainwashing from conservative churches that have led them astray. I hold nothing against them," he said, but I have zero desire or feel the need to reach out and repair that. That is 100% on them to reach out and repair, and quite honestly, I dont care if they do or not. As to his own future in the party, Kinzinger said he will know by the end of the summer whether he can remain a Republican for the long term or whether he will be motivated to change his party affiliation if it becomes clear to him that Trumps allies have become a permanent majority. The partys sick right now, he said. Its one thing if the party was accepting of different views, but its become this massive litmus test on everything. So its a possibility down the road, but its certainly not my intention, and Im going to fight like hell to save it first. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. There are signs the UK's coronavirus vaccine roll-out may be slowing after fewer than 280,000 doses were administered yesterday. Latest figures show 275,956 shots were dished out on Monday, which was only slightly more than the 237,956 done on Sunday the lowest in three weeks. The two-day slump marks a sharp drop-off from last week, when 430,000 jabs were deployed on average every day. Officials have blamed 'patchy' supply for the inconsistent figures, with vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi saying today that doses were 'finite' at the moment. After No10 smashed its February 15 target of giving the first dose to the 15million most vulnerable Brits, there were hopes the remaining 32m at-risk people could be jabbed ahead of schedule. The Government has officially said it wants to get the first shot in the arms of all over-50s, health and social care workers and vulnerable Brits by the end of April. But if the vaccine programme was to go at last week's speed it could have all 32m people in those groups protected by March 31. At its current pace of 275,000 daily doses, however, it would mean just 27m people will have been injected by then. With the Government taking a cautious approach to easing lockdown this time around, it is widely accepted that all of the nine top vulnerable groups will need to have had at least one dose of vaccine before curbs can be significantly eased. There are signs the UK's coronavirus vaccine roll-out may be slowing after fewer than 280,000 doses were administered yesterday It's not clear exactly why the vaccine drive has got off to such a sluggish start of the week, but a trend has emerged in the figures showing a slow in uptake on Sundays. For example, this Sunday there were 56 per cent fewer jabs administered compared to the day before dropping from about 505,000 to 237,000. The fall was just as pronounced last Sunday, when half as many jabs were done compared to the Saturday. On the April vaccine target, Mr Zahawi told LBC Radio today: 'We have strong visibility now all the way through to the end of March and into April and I'm confident we'll hit the target. No jab, no service? Vaccines tsar suggests businesses will be allowed to enforce jab passports Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi today said it is 'up to businesses' to decide if they want to require proof of vaccination before serving customers. Mr Zahawi ruled out the Government introducing a domestic 'vaccine passport' as he said the nation's vaccination programme and mass-testing are the best tools for getting life back to normal. He confirmed the Government is working on a form of vaccine certificate which people will be able to ask for should it be a requirement for travelling to a specific country. But his suggestion that firms could decide for themselves whether to ask for proof of vaccination is likely to cause controversy. Mr Zahawi's comments raise the prospect of shops, pubs and restaurants refusing entry to customers if they cannot prove they have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Zahawi said that 'if other countries will require a vaccine certificate then I think it is right that we facilitate it'. But he added: 'We are not looking at the domestic use of vaccine passports. That is not in our planning. As the Prime Minister described it will be the national vaccination programme combined with rapid testing that I think is the way forward.' Told that some cinemas are reportedly planning to require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry, Mr Zahawi said: 'At the moment you have your health data which is held by the national immunisation and vaccination system which your GP has access to and of course if you are on the NHS app you can look at your own health records. 'We want to make that certificate accessible to people if they need it for international travel, if countries require it. 'We are not planning a domestic passport for our own domestic use.' Mr Zahawi was pushed on the issue and was asked if he would want to see businesses like cinemas asking people for proof of vaccination. He replied: 'Well, I just think, it is obviously up to businesses what they do but I think at the moment we don't yet have the evidence of the effect of the vaccines on transmission. 'It is much better, as the Prime Minister quite rightly focused on, that you look at rapid testing. 'That is the way forward, combined with a national vaccination programme in the United Kingdom.' Asking customers for proof of vaccination before granting them entry could raise issues around discrimination law. Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association (UKCA), said requiring proof of receipt of a Covid-19 jab would present 'a range of practical and legal problems'. Advertisement 'It's a big target - we're doubling the rate almost in the next 10-11 weeks [compared] to what we've done in the previous 10-11 weeks. 'We've got to get to 32million people who will have had at least one dose, and of course within that, those who would be due their second dose would also get their second dose.' Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has previously said the need to give out second doses - which will reach a rate of millions per week from about the end of March - will slow down first doses in the rollout. Mr Zahawi said vaccine supplies at the moment are 'finite' but expressed confidence that the Government will reach its next target of vaccinating another 17 million people, including all over-50s and those in at-risk groups, by the end of April. During a round of interviews today, Mr Zahawi also suggested that accessibility issues and hesitancy over safety are behind lower uptake of coronavirus vaccines among social care workers. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed that around a third of social care staff have not received a jab, despite them being on the priority list. The disclosure prompted concerns over the safety of elderly and vulnerable residents, as well as suggestions that employers could require staff to have vaccines. Mr Zahawi said the lower rates among care staff are 'partly driven by accessibility' but that repeat visits are 'beginning to pay off', as is the national booking system. 'So I think part of it is giving them much greater access to get their appointments at a time that's convenient to them and of course make sure we share the information about how safe vaccines are,' he told LBC radio. But the minister declined to clarify whether employers can legally require staff to disclose whether they have received a coronavirus vaccine. Instead, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The vaccination is not mandatory. 'Employers have been talking to us, they are concerned about their duty of care for the residents, the elderly residents, especially if the virus mutates. At the moment, the dominant virus in the UK, the vaccines work well against the dominant virus.' No official data has been published on how many health and social care staff have received a jab. Downing Street has urged care home staff to come forward and get vaccinated. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'We are asking everybody to come forward and take the vaccine. We've been clear that it is safe and effective and not only provides protection but it also provides protection for those around them. 'So of course we're asking everybody to come forward and take the vaccines, including care home workers.' One large UK care home group, which asked to remain anonymous, told the PA news agency that almost 70 per cent of its staff have received a vaccine as of Monday. The remainder have not taken up a vaccine either because they are ineligible due to medical conditions, work in a home where there is a Covid-19 outbreak so vaccination teams have not been able to visit, or are reluctant, with a small number influenced by misinformation. The group said it could not give breakdowns for how many staff are in each of these groups. It welcomed the news that staff can now book an appointment through the national system as 'another opportunity for them to access above and beyond what they already have'. The group added that it has no plans to penalise current or new staff who have not taken a vaccine. A spokesman said: 'We are completely supportive of the Government's view that this should be a personal decision and our job is to provide all our team with factual, honest information that allows them to make informed choices for themselves. 'Our second obligation is to make sure we provide access and opportunity for our team members to take the vaccine if they so choose.' Barchester Healthcare, which operates more than 200 UK care homes, said 77 per cent of its staff have been vaccinated as of February 15, adding that 6 per cent of staff have not yet decided to have the jab. A spokesman said: 'We are doing all we can to reassure and encourage those staff who are a little more reticent to have the vaccination, and we are also doing all we can to ensure that all new staff will have the vaccination (if they medically can) before starting work and looking after our vulnerable residents and patients who are in our care. 'We have been working hard to ensure that all of our staff are aware of the facts around the vaccination, and as we have previously said, we have done a lot of communication to understand and alleviate any concerns.' More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare staff have received a jab, and 9 per cent have refused one when it was offered. The remaining team members are ineligible due to underlying health conditions or a recent positive Covid-19 test, or have previously struggled with accessing a booked appointment. Of the 9 per cent, these are mainly people who are reluctant, as opposed to being certain they do not want a jab, and it is hoped that continued discussions and improved access will enable them to take it up. Some have fallen prey to misinformation, including that the jab will affect fertility, which England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has called a 'nasty, pernicious scare story'. Anna Selby, head of the groups' Covid-19 taskforce, said: 'It is great that the Government set such an ambitious deadline, but more needs to be done to encourage uptake. 'It is not enough to vaccinate the most vulnerable. In order to truly protect our residents, we need to achieve high level of immunity amongst the wider population, but particularly those they are in contact with.' Independent Care Group chairman Mike Padgham said staff should be encouraged to have the vaccine but not coerced. He said: 'To anyone, particularly care staff, who are hesitating I would say, have the vaccine for your own sake and for the safety of our most vulnerable.' JACKSON, MI -- Nearly $4 million in new funding will help expand mental health and addiction treatment services in Jackson and Hillsdale counties. LifeWays Community Mental Health was awarded $3,886,311 and deemed a certified community behavioral health clinic through a federal law passed in late 2020. LifeWays joins 18 other certified clinics in Michigan. This historic funding increase will allow more Michiganders to get the help they need in their community. It also provides major momentum to fully fund certified behavioral health services across our country, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, said in a statement. Stabenow co-sponsored the bill that became law. Related: New 24/7 crisis services are alternative to hospitals for mental health needs in Jackson, Hillsdale The certified clinic designation requires LifeWays to provide 24/7 crisis services, mental health and substance abuse treatment services, screenings, risk assessments and diagnoses and care coordination between the clinic and other emergency services, according to a news release. LifeWays round-the-clock service center at 1200 N. West Ave. includes several evaluation rooms, a crisis stabilization area where people can spend up to 23 hours, a five-bed crisis residential unit where people can spend up to 14 days, call center space and more. LifeWays also is set to open its expanded 24/7 crisis services this spring. Officials await a license to operate the crisis residential unit. Anyone in Jackson and Hillsdale counties, regardless of age or level of insurance, can seek assistance from LifeWays. By being open 24 hours seven days a week, the center expands available services. Before, anyone in acute crisis -- such as suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or psychosis -- after hours or on weekends would likely visit a hospital for help. We will continue to be the public provider of behavioral health services, but the CCBHC designation will allow us to increase access to anyone in need of care, LifeWays CEO Maribeth Leonard said in a statement. This comprehensive healthcare approach is the fulfillment of our vision for the people of our communities, who we are honored to serve. MORE JACKSON NEWS: Whats closed in Jackson County Tuesday after overnight snow storm When COVID hit, he quit his job and put on a kilt to chase his homestead dreams Person shot multiple times in Jackson; suspect in custody A San Francisco man who went missing over a month ago has been found dead in his apartment building, the man's family said Monday. Christopher Woitel, 50, was last seen on Jan. 8 on surveillance footage from the apartment at 65 Guerrero Street. The footage showed him returning home, but a private investigator hired by the family said it never showed him leaving. A statement released by the family says San Francisco police conducted another search of the apartment building over the weekend and discovered the body. The statement does not specify where the body was found. An autopsy is pending. Woitel, a San Francisco resident since the 1980s, was reported missing by his mother on Jan. 13. She said her last contact with him was on Jan. 9 the day after his last sighting on surveillance footage and his bank account and credit cards have been unused since early January. A statement from the Brisbane private investigator hired by the family raised more questions than answers. Scott Williams says he searched Woitels apartment and found it undisturbed. When Williams reviewed the buildings security footage, he saw the clip of Woitel walking in, but there was no trace of him walking out. Williams said the only other way out of the building was through the back door, but a review of that camera, which is triggered by motion at night, yielded nothing. My gut feeling is something bad happened, Lara Haben, Woitels sister, told Mission Local. The family told the San Francisco Examiner that Woitel was an extremely generous friend and had been known to extend his home to unhoused individuals, at least one of whom is on surveillance video coming and going from Woitels apartment. Google Street View It was always a little concerning, and he didnt really like to talk to me about it too much because I would always say What are you doing, why are you doing that? friend Jennifer Berg told the Examiner. The private investigator says he was able to track down one of the last known individuals to visit Woitel at his apartment. That individual, who is reportedly living in a tent encampment in Emeryville, was allegedly found in possession of Woitels cellphone. The man allegedly said Woitel sold him the phone. Williams statement says the man then claimed to have psychic abilities and believed Woitel had been "shot in the head and wrapped in plastic before his body was dumped in the water at the end of Mariposa Street in San Francisco. It is clear [the man] suffers from mental illness and as such could be delusional, the report says. A friend of Woitel told Mission Local it is unlikely the man hurt Woitel, as he has a leg injury that impedes his mobility. San Francisco Police Department/Handout In addition, Mission Local reports Woitels behavior was becoming increasingly erratic and paranoid in the days before his disappearance. Family members report him sending anxious texts about the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, worrying Trump supporters might also come to San Francisco. Woitels sister says on the day of his last contact, he said he heard a man on a loudspeaker telling people to get out now. Family members say he also asked for money to replace a lost cellphone. Frustrated with the police investigation, Woitel's siblings flew in to San Francisco from the Midwest on Friday. They spent the weekend passing out missing person flyers near his residence. A few days later, police found Woitel's remains in the apartment building. "Please help us by preserving Chris' legacy in your memories," the family said in a statement. "Thank you for your love and caring supporting through these very difficult times." Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Highlights from Tuesdays results include 13.1 g/t gold over 17m and 32 g/t gold over 8.1m The company plans to drill around 400 holes at the zone by the end of 2021 Ltd ( ) (OTCQX:GTBAF) (FRA:0G6A) revealed a new set of results from the LP Fault zone on its Dixie project that included intercepts of up to 32 grams per ton (g/t) gold. The Vancouver-based company has now reported 250 drill holes from the LP Fault zone, Great Bear told shareholders. The company plans to drill around 400 holes at the zone by the end of 2021. Highlights from Tuesdays results include 13.1 g/t gold over 17 metres (m) and 32 g/t gold over 8.1m. Bulk tonnage results include 3.7 g/t gold over 45.5m, which included a high-grade core of 85.5 g/t gold over 0.5m and 2.6 g/t over 32.5m, with a high-grade core of 10.2 g/t gold over 3.9m. The new results were from drill holes completed along 1.1 kilometres (km) of strike length within 75- to 100m-wide gaps of the 4.2-km-long drilling area of the central LP Fault zone, according to Chris Taylor, Great Bears CEO. Once again, we observed the same continuity of gold mineralization on the finer scale that has been previously observed with widely spaced drilling, Taylor told shareholders. Last years drilling program at the LP Fault was more widely spaced, with 100 to 500m compared to 25 to 100m spacing in 2021. The LP Fault is not a vein-type deposit and has multiple parallel gold zones with a wide halo of disseminated gold mineralization, all of which extend to bedrock surface and remain open in all directions, Taylor told shareholders. Great Bear also gave an update to its previously announced C$70 million financing, which will give the company over $100 million in cash to fund drilling throughout 2021. In a statement, the company said its underwriters requested extra time for administrative reasons associated with the flow-through portion of the financing. As a result, the financing is expected to close on February 25, 2021. Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas Over the coming weeks the company will fully close out the Perseverance-1 operation and set the final timetable for operations elsewhere across the portfolio," Simon Potter said. s ( ) attention is switching to Trinidad and Suriname in the near-term with new wells planned before the end of the first quarter. A week on from the initial Perseverance well result which provided proof of a petroleum system but not commercial volumes of hydrocarbons the company added detail to its upcoming work plans. Drilling will start on the Saffron appraisal well in Trinidad, which could potentially unlock a value-rich follow on campaign of up to seven production wells this year. Elsewhere, in Suriname, the company intends to drill an appraisal well and carry-out an extended well test at the Weg Naar Zee block. In The Bahamas, a post well review is underway and the company said it is now considering the most appropriate way forward for monetisation, particularly in regard to a possible renewal of a farm-out process. "The Stena ICEMAX has just left the drilling location and is off hire. However, the pace of operations has not ceased - the post-well review has begun, as the company charts its way forward in The Bahamas with a renewal of the farm-out process, said Simon Potter, Bahamas chief executive. Notwithstanding it is only a week since the completion of the Perseverance 1 well, BPC has already moved to consolidate and strengthen its balance sheet, so as to ensure all value-add options to grow productions and cash generation in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname are maintained. Over the coming weeks the company will fully close out the Perseverance-1 operation and set the final timetable for operations elsewhere across the portfolio." BPC added it has restructured and extended its convertible note facility along with a fresh 2mln drawdown and has reconciled the initial 7.5mln tranche of the December 2020 funding agreement without needing a net cash payment. It has also issued 135mln new shares in lieu of cash settlement of certain financial obligations. Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will take up her post on March 1. Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on February 15, was appointed as the first female and first African head of the beleaguered World Trade Organization. The global trade body called a virtual special general council meeting at which member states officially selected the former Nigerian finance minister and World Bank veteran as its new director-general. The near-paralysed institution desperately needs a reboot -- something Okonjo-Iweala immediately addressed after her coronation. "A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic," the 66-year-old economist said in a statement. "I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again." "Our organisation faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today." Okonjo-Iweala will take up her post on March 1 and her term, which is renewable, will run until August 31, 2025. "She was not chosen because she is female or because she is from Africa, but because... she stood out as the candidate with the best qualifications, experience and qualities for the daunting task," a Western diplomat told AFP. US backing The Geneva-based WTO has been leaderless since Brazilian career diplomat Roberto Azevedo stepped down last August, a year ahead of schedule. The 164-member organisation appoints its leaders through a consensus-seeking process. The eight candidates were meant to have been whittled down to one by November, but former US President Donald Trump's administration stood alone in blocking the consensus around Okonjo-Iweala. South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee, the last rival standing, pulled out on February 5 as it became clear that new US President Joe Biden was swinging behind Okonjo-Iweala. "The United States is eager to work with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to ensure this institution lives up to its full potential as a body that promotes equitable economic growth through trade," US diplomat David Bisbee told Monday's meeting. He underlined that she had promised it would "not be business as usual" at the WTO under her direction. Okonjo-Iweala became the organisation's seventh director-general since its creation in 1995. The Nigerian, who boasted US, EU and African backing, celebrated her appointment with her sister, at her home outside Washington. Multiple crises She will take over an organisation mired in multiple crises. Even before Covid-19 battered the global economy, the WTO was weighed down by stalled trade talks and struggled to curb trade tensions between the United States and China. The WTO had also faced relentless attacks from the Trump administration which, among other things, brought its dispute settlement appeal system to a grinding halt in late 2019. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called it a "historic moment for the entire world", and pledged Europe's full backing for Okonjo-Iweala. "We support the reform of the WTO and will help you protect the rules-based multilateral trading system," she added. EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said the WTO needed to be "recast with up-to-date rules fit for today's world", focusing on digitally transforming the global economy. Trailblazer Twice Nigeria's finance minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and its first female foreign minister in a two-month stint in 2006, Okonjo-Iweala is seen as a trailblazer in her homeland. A development economist by training with degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Okonjo-Iweala has also had a 25-year career as a development economist at the World Bank, eventually becoming its number two. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari "believes her track record of integrity, diligence and passion for development will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind," his office said. Okonjo-Iweala has brushed off claims she lacks experience as a trade minister or negotiator, putting the emphasis on her drive. European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde said: "Her strong will and determination will drive her to tirelessly promote free trade to the benefit of people worldwide." Okonjo-Iweala has portrayed herself as a champion against Nigeria's rampant corruption -- saying her own mother was even kidnapped over her attempts to tackle the scourge. San Franciscos Richmond District has reported a 370% spike in burglaries this year compared to 2020, according to city data. The number of burglaries reported stood at 108 as of Feb. 7 according to a report from the San Francisco Police Departments Richmond Station. Thats up from 23 reported at the same time last year. San Francisco police define burglaries as an unlawful entry into a home or business to commit a felony or a theft. The department defines attempted forcible entry, forcible entry and unlawful entry, where no force is used, as different types of crimes. As of Feb. 7, there were 56 forcible entries reported in the Richmond. Last year that number was at 12, according to San Francisco Police Department data. The number of attempted forcible entries reported as of Feb. 7 was 26. Compared to last years single reported attempted forcible entry a 2,500% jump. In all of San Francisco, burglaries have increased by 57% from 2020, according to the police departments crime statistics dashboard. The department has seen an increase in burglaries across the city, particularly after the COVID-19 shelter in place orders took effect, SFPD spokesperson Michael Andraychak told The Chronicle in an email statement. We are seeing a trend of garage burglaries in which bicycles are being stolen. San Francisco police and residents have seen an uptick in home burglaries since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The Richmond District and the Marina have been among the hardest hit by reported burglaries since late 2020. Police have acknowledged the difficulties in arresting burglary suspects, given that, without physical evidence or eyewitnesses, such cases can be particularly difficult to solve. Reported car break-ins, on the other hand, have dropped after the shelter-in-place orders and travel restrictions cleared the city of tourists frequent targets of break-ins in mid-March. Here are the number of reported burglaries reported as of Feb. 7 compared to last year in the Richmond, according to city data: Attempted forcible entry: 2021: 26 2020: 1 Forcible entry: 2021: 56 2020: 12 Unlawful entry (no force): 2021: 30 2020: 11 Reported burglaries as of Feb. 7 in all of San Francisco: 2021: 930 2020: 593 Jessica Flores is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jessica.flores@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jesssmflores FLINT, MI -- The city is asking residents to not park on the streets Monday evening and Tuesday, Feb. 16 to make room for plowing as the area braces for whats expected to be about a half-foot of snow. Snow is expected to pick up in intensity early Monday night in the Flint area and Genesee County is positioned on the northern edge of the heaviest snowfall area of Michigan. MLive meteorologist Mark Torregrossa says Flint residents should plan on 5-7 inches of snow by noon Tuesday. The citys request for taking cars off streets came in a Monday, Feb. 15 news release. Our crews are out there day and night, working hard to clear the streets and make them safe for the residents of Flint, Transportation Director John Daly said in a statement issued by the city. We have been able to increase plowing in the neighborhoods. Residents can help by not parking in the street so that our plows can better clear the roadway. The city of Flushing and Grand Blanc Township were among other local governments asking residents to keep cars off streets Monday and Tuesday. Grand Blanc Township said in a Facebook post that plows will begin removing snow from residential streets at 5 a.m. Tuesday, but warned the process will likely take all day and into Tuesday evening. Enjoying the snow? Please help our DPW Snow Plow Drivers by not parking vehicles in the street during the winter months. Significant snowfall is forecasted for this week and our plows will be out. Thanks! Posted by Grand Blanc Township, Michigan on Sunday, February 14, 2021 Torregrossa says the overnight snow should be fluffy snow that stacks up and doesnt compress. Read more on MLive: Flint: You are now in the Winter Storm Warning Another Panhandle Hooker snowstorm will skim Lower Michigans highly populated areas Winter Storm Warning issued for Detroit, Ann Arbor, much of southeast Lower Michigan Effective governance and investment decisions need to be informed by reliable data, not only about where groundwater exists, but also the rate at which groundwater is replenished. For the first time using ground measurements, a recent study has quantified groundwater recharge rates across the whole of Africa - averaged over a fifty-year period - which will help to identify the sustainability of water resources for African nations. The study, led by the British Geological Survey and involving an international team from the UK, South Africa, France, Nigeria, and America, developed a dataset of 134 existing recharge studies for Africa for the period from 1970 to 2019 to create a valuable resource providing an overview of the recharge pattern across the continent. Long-term average recharge values were evaluated, and each data source was critically reviewed. The recharge data were then analysed using a linear model, to map across Africa. The resulting dataset provides the first such ground-based approximation of the renewability of groundwater storage in Africa. The results have been published today in the IOP Publishing journal Environmental Research Letters, and the maps and data are freely available online for governments, researchers and NGOs to use. Lead author of the paper, BGS Hydrogeologist Professor Alan MacDonald explains the need for this research: "In many parts of the world, rapid increases in groundwater pumping have led to unsustainable conditions, characterised by falling water tables and problems with water quality. Consequently, quantifying the scale of groundwater recharge is critical to characterise the resilience of groundwater supplies to both increased use and climate change." Estimating groundwater recharge is difficult, as the authors outline: "There is no one method that can directly quantify the volume of rainwater that reaches the water-table, so the focus of the research has been to combine many different methods, each appropriate to the different environments in Africa and then aggregate them using statistical techniques." The results show that at a continental scale, long-term average rainfall predicts groundwater recharge but there are differences at a local scale due to soil and landcover and from year to year, due to the variability in the intensity of rainfall. Approximately 2% of all groundwater storage is replenished in Africa every decade and recharge can occur even in semi-arid areas. This research turns around some widely held perceptions and provides hope for the continent as it rapidly grows in population and infrastructure development. The new groundwater maps show an interesting pattern for Africa. Most African countries with little groundwater storage (such as Liberia, Guinea and Burundi) have high rainfall and therefore regular recharge and, conversely, many north African countries with negligible rainfall, usually considered as water insecure, have considerable groundwater storage. It is hoped that the groundwater recharge maps will help show where there is potential to sustainably develop more groundwater and where it could be wise to invest effort in monitoring groundwater that may be at risk of depletion or susceptible to drought. The research could also help countries locate where new more detailed studies should be focused and how to design these studies, identifying which methods may be the best to use. Professor MacDonald adds: "The maps of groundwater recharge and storage help uncover the hidden water security situation in Africa. For several countries with high groundwater storage, particularly in North Africa, groundwater pumping can increase current water security but, ultimately, at the expense of future generations. Countries with low groundwater storage are common in Africa because of the geology - however for most of these countries this groundwater storage is replenished regularly and is a reliable source of water. Only if people pump out too much (for example for large scale irrigation) will the groundwater be in danger of drying up during droughts." Professor Seifu Kebede from the University of KwaZulu Natal, a co-author of the paper adds: "This effort brought together extensive African knowledge with expertise from other countries to provide information to sustainably develop water resources and overcome some of the most pressing issues countries often face, such as drought, deprivation, and starvation." ### This research was funded by the UPGro research programme, co-funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Economic and Social Research Council. The maps and data will be added to the online groundwater Atlas, a gateway for groundwater information for African countries Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 18:16:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Agriculture Ministry and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Tuesday launched a project to directly support 10,000 of the most vulnerable people affected by the COVID-19 crisis in northwest Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey provinces. The 20-month project aims to restore their livelihoods and improve their resilience to the crisis, a joint press statement said, adding that it will help the most vulnerable groups, including poor and vulnerable households, small-scale farmers, returning migrant workers and unemployed casual workers. "The poor and vulnerable households are facing severe income shocks, as most of them rely on diverse sources including on-farm activities, wage labor, non-agricultural activities, and national and international remittance," the statement said. "The COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted all of these employment opportunities." The Cambodian government has launched the nationwide cash transfer program to help the poor and vulnerable people meet their immediate needs. However, during this most challenging time, economically vulnerable groups strongly require extra support, it added. The statement said the project will focus on rehabilitation of basic community infrastructure, provision of agriculture inputs and assets for production, and improved access to financial service and strengthened technical capacity to enhance production. Speaking at the launching ceremony in Phnom Penh, the Agriculture Ministry's Secretary General Srey Vuthy was confident that the project would respond to critical needs of rural farmers in restoring their livelihoods. "Helping from the project coupled with existing efforts and other collaborations will allow Cambodia to transform COVID-19 crisis into opportunity to increase agriculture productivity, to promote local safe and quality agricultural products for both household consumption and to reduce import," he said. Alexandre Huynh, FAO representative in Cambodia, said the project will focus its interventions on transforming agriculture toward nutrition sensitive, placing its significance on food-based approach to ensure that a diverse nutritional rich food is produced and consumed. "Therefore, the project will also improve value chain system, connecting farmers to private retails outlets and better access to domestic markets, while raising public awareness on the quality and safety of local products," he said. Enditem Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, released a statement on the CDCs recently unveiled guidance for reopening schools. McCarthy was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words: The recently released guidance from the CDC affirms what many of us, including students and parents, have known for months: It is critical for schools to open as safely and as soon as possible. Despite this science that has been publicly available for weeks, the Biden Administration has watered down their reopen school plans to an inadequate goal of 50 percent of classrooms, one day a week. Families and students deserve better. They need iron-clad assurances that their children will be able to get back into the classroom environment that offers the best education model. For the sake of our countrys future, we cannot continue down this path. Our children are Americas most precious and important investment in securing our nations continued success and prosperity. Keeping children out of the classroom is greatly threatening that. Students are failing school at unprecedented levels, and the academic loss will be permanent for some students. They are suffering from depression and isolation and children as young as 5 years old are at risk of mental health issues. Finally, the stress on working parents cannot be overstated. In the past year alone, one million American working mothers have left the workforce. The stress on our educators is equally harsh. We value our teachers and the incredible efforts they have undertaken to transition to a new learning environment. They work mornings, evenings, and weekends to give our children the best learning opportunity. We know they want to be in that classroom as much as the children. Our government must meet the actual goal worthy of Americas families and their children. But the Biden Administrations current plan is not bold and ambitious as they claim, it is an abdication of responsibility. Sixty-four percent of schools in the country have already shown it can be done, yet millions of students havent stepped foot in a classroom in nearly a year. It is time for the federal government to send a message to every public school student in America: you matter and you deserve to be in school. Now lets get it done, and open their classrooms. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Gujarat: BJP announces candidates for bypolls for two Rajya Sabha seats India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Ahmedabad, Feb 16: The BJP on Tuesday announced the names of candidates who will be contesting the by- elections for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat, where polls will be held on March 1. The state BJP's OBC Morcha president Dinesh Anavadiya and Ram Mokariya, the founder-chairman of a courier company, will contest the bypolls. Anavadiya, a senior party leader from Banaskantha district, has served as the director of the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation between 2014-17. Kapil Mishra inciting Hindus against Muslims: Digvijaya Singh While Mokariya said he has remained a dedicated party worker for over four decades. "I have been a party worker for the last 45 years and am happy that the party has nominated me as a candidate for the Rajya Sabha election," he said. The by-elections for two Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat were necessitated following the demise of Congress leader Ahmed Patel and BJP leader Abhay Bhardwaj. The Rajya Sabha terms of Patel and Bhardwaj were to end in August 2023 and June 2026, respectively. However, both Patel and Bharadwaj died of COVID-19- related complications on November 25, 2020 and December 1, respectively. What is toolkit, how is that linked to farmers' protest? Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News According to the Election Commission, polls for the two seats will be held separately on March 1 and counting of votes will take place the same evening. The BJP and Congress have 111 and 65 MLAs in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, respectively. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Bluestone Resources Inc. (TSXV: BSR) (OTCQB: BBSRF) ("Bluestone" or the "Company") is pleased to report additional high-grade drill results received from its 2020 drill program completed in the South Zone of the Cerro Blanco gold project ("Project" or "Cerro Blanco"). Results from four underground holes and ten surface holes are reported in this press release, totalling 3,428 meters. Highlights include the following uncapped intercepts representing true widths of the veins. 7.2 meters grading 7.5 g/t Au and 20 g/t Ag (UGCB20-189) 5.6 meters grading 10.0 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag (CB20-432) 6.2 meters grading 29.0 g/t Au and 30 g/t Ag (CB20-442) 9.1 meters grading 7.6 g/t Au and 56 g/t Ag (CB20-444) 7.7 meters grading 8.0 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag (CB20-444) 101.4 meters grading 2.4 g/t Au and 10 g/t Ag (UGCB20-191) David Cass, Vice President of Exploration, commented, "These latest results are from a variety of holes drilled over the 350-meter vertical profile of the high-grade deposit. Of particular mention are intervals drilled in CB20-432 (5.6 meters grading 10.0 g/t Au) and UGCB20-193 (5.1 meters grading 17.9 g/t Au) that extend the plunge of high-grade mineralization within the main VS_01 vein by approximately 80 meters below the 7.2 meters grading 26.0 g/t Au intercept previously reported in UGCB20-188 (see press release dated December 16, 2020)." Mr. Cass added, "Also worth noting in these recent results are wide intervals of disseminated and veinlet hosted mineralization drilled while testing for extensions to the major veins outside of the resource envelope in underground holes UGCB20-191 and UGCB20-189. Significant intervals comprising 101.4 meters grading 2.4 g/t Au and 60.3 meters grading 2.8 g/t Au were drilled in these holes. While low grade disseminated gold mineralization (typically 0.5-1.5 g/t Au) is a characteristic of the upper Salinas cap, what is unusual about these intervals is that they are also hosted partly within underlying silicified sandstones belonging to the Mita unit forming a broad zone spanning the contact with the upper Salinas succession." In 2020, 15,171 meters of infill drilling was successfully completed in the South Zone of the Project with the goal to improve the definition of key veins in parallel to expanding the mineralization of known veins outside of the current resource envelope. The assays reported in this press release represent approximately one-third of the pending results that were delayed due to issues at the lab caused by the pandemic; results for an additional 17 holes are still to come. Jack Lundin, CEO, commented, "As expected by these latest results, the 2020 campaign continues to yield high grade shallow intercepts from the South Zone of Cerro Blanco. As mentioned in the January 26th release, the nature of the Cerro Blanco deposit has presented us the opportunity to look into alternative development options which we are finalizing internally and will be updating the market within the next few weeks." A full set of assay results, drill hole locations, sections and core photos can be accessed by clicking HERE. Selected Drill Intercepts and Assays (for a complete assay table refer to link above) HOLE ID FROM (m) TO (m) CORE INTERVAL (m) EST. TRUE WIDTH (m) Au g/t Ag g/t Vein ID CB20-429 196.86 197.86 1.00 1 13.1 31.3 VS_07 209.14 212.14 3.00 2.9 9.4 15.7 VS_05 CB20-432 114.61 115.61 1.00 1 11.8 9.3 VS_35 ext 183.20 186.71 3.51 3.23 79.8 71.2 VS_30 199.72 200.72 1.00 1.0 50.9 132.0 N 336.73 337.79 1.06 1.06 52.3 212.0 VS_21 342.38 348.99 6.61 5.55 10.0 23.3 VS_01 CB20-435 264.04 265.04 1.00 1.00 41.1 25.1 VS_06 CB20-437 112.80 117.04 4.24 4.15 6.6 14.5 VS_36 ext 296.02 297.02 1.00 1.0 41.3 24.2 VS_21 303.33 305.38 2.05 1.98 16.8 21.5 VS_01 309.67 311.41 1.74 1.20 35.8 29.0 N CB20-439 99.06 103.50 4.44 3.92 5.4 28.9 VS_08, VS_09 110.53 117.14 6.61 6.38 6.4 28.2 VS_07 121.01 125.66 4.65 4.10 4.0 30.2 VS_04, VS_05 127.71 133.20 5.49 4.42 7.5 53.1 VS_05 184.68 185.81 1.13 1.00 19.7 14.6 VS_01 CB20-441 90.00 92.13 2.13 1.9 5.4 13.4 VS_07 ext 109.18 110.18 1.00 1.0 5.0 11.1 VS_04 CB20-442 123.34 126.58 3.24 3.1 4.6 9.3 VS_29 187.75 190.85 3.10 3.1 11.0 7.0 N 228.25 229.25 1.00 1.0 53.7 59.8 VS_25 282.58 288.88 6.30 6.22 29.0 30.1 VS_01, VS_21 CB20-444 105.13 113.47 8.34 7.71 8.0 37.7 VS_07 126.99 128.32 1.33 1.00 11.8 76.9 VS_33 136.55 143.56 9.45 9.10 7.6 55.6 VS_02 154.23 156.67 2.44 2.44 7.5 24.3 N CB20-446 118.61 120.61 2.00 1.9 11.9 35.5 VS_29 296.00 297.79 1.79 1.73 10.5 6.9 VS_21 Ext 314.69 317.67 2.98 2.75 15.0 27.1 VS_01 UGCB20-189 34.70 95.00 60.30 - 2.8 15.1 N 49.07 50.21 1.14 1.14 22.3 279.0 N 60.66 69.19 8.53 7.22 7.5 19.9 N 88.09 91.14 3.05 3.05 6.6 6.1 N 149.24 150.26 1.02 0.94 4.1 2.0 VS_01 UGCB20-190 168.40 169.95 1.55 1.22 8.4 1.5 VS_01 UGCB20-191 24.80 126.19 101.39 - 2.4 9.7 N 29.17 37.20 8.03 4.55 4.6 25.3 N 52.40 54.43 2.03 1.98 7.4 57.4 N 70.97 73.00 2.03 2.03 12.3 8.9 N 82.10 89.63 7.53 7.53 3.2 8.3 N 94.05 95.05 1.00 1.00 12.5 20.4 N 102.64 107.63 4.99 4.99 6.6 4.0 N 110.45 116.34 5.89 5.89 3.2 3.3 N UGCB20-193 6.10 8.53 2.43 2.43 5.8 27.6 N 19.17 23.00 3.83 3.83 11.2 76.6 N 47.58 48.68 1.10 1.10 10.0 16.0 N 202.39 203.62 1.23 1.23 28.9 44.7 N 234.49 235.76 1.27 1.18 20.7 45.2 VS_21 239.67 241.72 2.05 2.00 13.2 38.9 VS_21 246.43 252.06 5.63 5.10 17.9 24.5 VS_01 N - New or un-modelled vein zones. NSR - No Significant Results. Ext - Extension. Intervals in bold are cited in the text of the news release. Grades are un-cut. A table with hole coordinates and azimuth/dip information accompany the plan view is attached to this release. The focus of the 2020 drill program was to improve the definition of key veins in parallel to expanding the high-grade mineralization of known veins outside of the current resource envelope. The work is expected to build on the infill drill program completed in the North Zone of the deposit in 2019. Drill hole Summary CB20-432, CB20-437, CB20-442, CB20-445 and UGCB20-193 were drilled at various angles from two closely spaced platforms at surface and were designed to test both the principal vein VS_01 and improve definition of a series of sub-vertical veins in the hanging wall of the main vein swarm. All holes reached their objectives, with significant high-grade assays received for all VS_01 intercepts including 6.2 meters grading 29.0 g/t Au and 30 g/t Ag in CB20-442, and 5.1 meters grading 17.9 g/t Au and 24.5 g/t Ag in UGCB20-193. (Refer to Figures 1-4 and cross section A.) CB20-444, CB20-441 and CB20-438 were drilled to test for extensions to various veins with some success e.g., 8.4 meters grading 8.0 g/t Au and 9.4 meters grading 7.6 g/t Au in CB20-444 (VS_07). Hole CB 20-431 was drilled as a step-out hole to the north-east to confirm whether the high-grade veins drilled in UGCB20-179 extended through into the Upper Salinas unit. Veins intercepted were narrow and low grade, confirmation that the veins thin and dissipate across the contact into the Salinas unit as per the current model. (See Figures 5 and 6 for cross section and core photos.) UGCB20-189 and UGCB20-191 were drilled from the same platform in the South Ramp of the underground workings with the principal objective of testing for extension of the main VS_01 vein and new veins in the southern part of the orebody, including extensions of previously modelled steeply dipping veins. In UGCB20-189 an intercept of 60.3 meters grading 2.8 g/t Au and 15 g/t Ag was drilled, composed of narrower high-grade intervals e.g., 8.5 meters grading 7.5 g/t Au (60.7-69.2 meters) within a low-grade envelope of mineralization ranging between 0.4-2.5 g/t Au. Similar grades and style of mineralization were also drilled in UGCB-20-191 (2.4 g/t Au over 101.4 meters) consisting of higher grades (e.g., 5.0 meters at 6.6 g/t Au) within lower grade intervals (0.2-3.0 g/t Au) spanning the contact between the Salinas conglomerates and upper part of the Mita sequence (MSS unit). Mineralization is associated with silicification and narrow, often centimeter scale quartz veinlets. (Refer to Figures 6-8 for cross section and core photos. CB20-429 and CB20-431 were drilled from the same platform. CB20-429 successfully confirmed the extension of VS_07 and drilled 1.0 meter grading 13.1 g/t Au in VS_07 and 2.9 meters grading 9.4 g/t Au in VS_05. CB20-431 targeted the upwards extension of veins to the north-east within Salinas conglomerates; no major veins were drilled with gold values of 2.0 g/t Au associated with silicification and veinlet stockworks. Precious metal mineralization at Cerro Blanco is associated with classic low sulphidation quartz-adularia epithermal veins and vein swarms hosted in altered sequence of volcanoclastic and sedimentary rocks. Higher grades (>20 g/t Au and >60 g/t Ag) are associated with visible gold, electrum, and silver sulphides in ginguro-style colloform-banded veins. Quality Analysis and Quality Control Assay results listed within this release were performed by Inspectorate Laboratories ("Inspectorate"), a division of Bureau Veritas, which are ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. Logging and sampling are undertaken on site at Cerro Blanco by Company personnel under a QA/QC protocol developed by Bluestone. Samples are transported in security-sealed bags to Inspectorate Labs in Managua, Nicaragua for sample preparation. Sample pulps are then shipped to Inspectorate Laboratories in Reno, NV, USA, and assayed using industry-standard assay techniques for gold and silver. Gold and silver were analyzed by a 30-gram charge with atomic absorption and/or gravimetric finish for values exceeding 5 g/t Au and 100 g/t Ag. Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the analysis of reagent blanks, reference material, and replicate samples. Quality control is further assured by Bluestone's QA/QC program, which involves the insertion of blind certified reference materials (standards) and field duplicates into the sample stream to independently assess analytical precision and accuracy of each batch of samples as they are received from the laboratory. A selection of samples is submitted to ALS Chemex Laboratories in Vancouver for check analysis and additional quality control. Qualified Person David Cass, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration, is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and verified that the scientific and technical information set out above in this news release is accurate and therefore approves this written disclosure of the technical information. About Bluestone Resources Bluestone Resources is a mineral exploration and development company that is focused on advancing its 100%-owned high-grade Cerro Blanco Gold and Mita Geothermal projects located in Guatemala. The Company trades under the symbol "BSR" on the TSX Venture Exchange and "BBSRF" on the OTCQB. On Behalf of Bluestone Resources Inc. "Jack Lundin" Jack Lundin | Chief Executive Officer & Director For further information, please contact: Bluestone Resources Inc. Stephen Williams | VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations Phone: +1 604 757-5559 info@bluestoneresources.ca www.bluestoneresources.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events, or developments that Bluestone Resources Inc. ("Bluestone" or the "Company") believes, expects, or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation: the Company's plans for 2021; the anticipated results of the PRU and expected optimizations; the Company's current expectations regarding the mining method and alternative development options; completion of Project financing; anticipated timing and results of exploration, drilling, and assays; increasing the amount of measured mineral and indicated mineral resources; the proposed timeline and benefits of further drilling; the proposed timeline and benefits of the Feasibility Study; statements about the Company's plans for the development of its mineral properties; Bluestone's business strategy, plans, and outlook; the future financial or operating performance of Bluestone; capital expenditures, corporate general and administration expenses, and exploration and development expenses; expected working capital requirements; the future financial estimates of the Cerro Blanco Project economics, including estimates of capital costs of constructing mine facilities, and bringing a mine into production, and of sustaining capital costs, estimates of operating costs and total costs, net present value and economic returns; proposed production timelines and rates; funding availability; resource estimates; and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to Bluestone and often use words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "may", or variations thereof or the negative of any of these terms. All forward-looking statements are made based on Bluestone's current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by Bluestone and information currently available to Bluestone. Generally, these assumptions include, among others: the presence of and continuity of metals at the Cerro Blanco Project at estimated grades; the availability of personnel, machinery, and equipment at estimated prices and within estimated delivery times; currency exchange rates; metals sales prices and exchange rates assumed; appropriate discount rates applied to the cash flows in economic analyses; tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operations; the availability of acceptable financing; the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19); anticipated mining losses and dilution; success in realizing proposed operations; and anticipated timelines for community consultations and the impact of those consultations on the regulatory approval process. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of Bluestone to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Bluestone. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: potential changes to the mining method and the current development strategy; risks and uncertainties related to expected production rates; timing and amount of production and total costs of production; risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain necessary licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with mining development activities; risks and uncertainties related to the accuracy of mineral resource estimates and estimates of future production, future cash flow, total costs of production, and diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources; risks associated with geopolitical uncertainty and political and economic instability in Guatemala; risks related to global epidemics or pandemics and other health crises, including the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19); risks and uncertainties related to interruptions in production; the possibility that future exploration, development, or mining results will not be consistent with Bluestone's expectations; uncertain political and economic environments and relationships with local communities and governmental authorities; risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the mineral identified as mineral resources from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; developments in world metals markets; and risks related to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. For a further discussion of risks relevant to Bluestone, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2019, available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Bluestone disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. Although Bluestone believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures The Company has included certain non-International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") measures in this news release. The Company believes that these measures, in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company and to compare it to information reported by other companies. The non-IFRS measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. All-in sustaining costs The Company believes that all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") more fully defines the total costs associated with producing gold. The Company calculates AISC as the sum of refining costs, third party royalties, site operating costs, sustaining capital costs, and closure capital costs all divided by the gold ounces sold to arrive at a per ounce amount. Other companies may calculate this measure differently as a result of differences in underlying principles and policies applied. Differences may also arise due to a different definition of sustaining versus non-sustaining capital. AISC reconciliation AISC and costs are calculated based on the definitions published by the World Gold Council ("WGC") (a market development organization for the gold industry comprised of and funded by 18 gold mining companies from around the world). The WGC is not a regulatory organization. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74555 A convicted sex offender from Wisconsin who was indicted last year on a homicide charge in the 1986 cold-case strangulation death of a woman has written a letter to a local television station, claiming that his rights have been violated. In the four-page handwritten letter addressed to WBAY Local 5, Lou Archie Griffin accuses police and prosecutors of violating his 'civil rights and constitutional rights,' and ignoring DNA evidence belonging to a 'third party.' Griffin was charged in October 2020 of first-degree intentional homicide in connection with the killing of 22-year-old Lisa Holstead, whose body was found in-August 1986 in a Green Bay-area swamp a few miles from the suspect's home at the time. Murder suspect Lou Archie Griffin, 65 (left), has sent a letter to Wisconsin's WBAY station, raising questions about the charges against him in connection to the 1986 cold-case killing of Lisa Holstead (right) This screenshot show the first page of Griffin's four-page handwritten letter, which accuses police of falsely charging him with homicide and violating his constitutional rights According to a criminal complaint, investigators trailed Griffin in Racine and obtained DNA from his discarded beer cans and a cigarette butt, which came back a match to DNA found on Holstead's body. Writing about himself in the third person, Griffin claims in his missive that police falsely accused him of murder 'and made false statements to [obtain] a false complaint.' He goes on to allege that during an autopsy on Holstead's body, the medical examiner recovered sperm belonging to another man who was not her boyfriend or Griffin, but that 'third party' has not been identified. Griffin then lists a series of questions he would like answered, including about the 'unidentified NDA,' the whereabouts of Holstead's blouse that was purportedly used in her strangulation, and about the timing of his DNA discovery 35 years after the fact. The jailed suspect also raises an issue with his $1million bond, noting that he is a 65-year-old 'who has ties to the community with family ties for more than 40 years or more.' Griffin's arrest in October 2020 came after investigators obtained DNA from his discarded beer cans and a cigarette butt, which came back a match to DNA on Holstead's body In his letter, the convicted sex offender (pictured in court) claims that DNA belonging to another man was found on the victim's body, but that person has not been identified Griffin closes his letter on an optimistic note, telling the news outlet: 'I am very sure that I will interview with you in the near future,' but as a pre-condition he says reporters must pose his questions to Brown County District Attorney David Lasee on camera. DailyMail.com on Tuesday reached out to Lasee's office for comment and was awaiting a reply. Holsteads murder, Green Bays oldest cold case, puzzled investigators for nearly 35 years but a breakthrough was found in September 2020 thanks to forensic genetic genealogy, police said. Griffin had no connection to Holstead, a young mother, but investigators were able to identify him as the suspect by doing a reverse family tree with DNA evidence recovered from the scene. Holstead was a young mother who in August 1986 was possibly sexually assaulted and then murdered. She is pictured with her son, left and right Holstead's body was found by construction workers floating in a Green Bay swamp (pictured) Also known as reverse genealogy, the process involves researching a family tree from the past to the present to find a suspect's relatives, before narrowing down that list to the suspect. Green Bay investigators sent a DNA sample from Holsteads body to a testing company in 2018 and used that sample to create a profile of Holsteads killer. It came up with more genetic info than just what a crime lab could come up with. Then using that, we're able to identify the person's hair, where they're from, and using some of the common websites we identified some relatives, detective David Graf told reporters last fall. Through the familial search, using characteristics from the suspects profile, and after discovering that Griffin had lived in Green Bay within a few miles of where Holstead was killed at the time of her death, police say they narrowed the search down to him. Griffin has a history of violence against women, including strangulation, according to police. He moved to Green Bay only a month prior to Holsteads death after he was released on parole for second-degree child sexual assault. Police said they believe Griffin sexually assaulted and then strangled Holstead to death with her own blouse. A newspaper clipping from the 1986 is seen above , profiling Holstead's murder Griffin initially denied knowing Holstead, police said, but when confronted with the DNA evidence he allegedly acknowledged that he must have slept with her but denied murdering her. He told investigators he was high on cocaine and drank alcohol on the night of her death. He said he went to a bar, stopped at McDonald's and drove home, using a route near Holstead's last known location. Holstead was found dead by construction workers on August 12, 1986 in a swampy marsh near Peat's Lake and Duck Creek. The workers described to police they had spotted what appeared to be a hand sticking up out of the water. When they pulled their truck over to investigate further, they discovered a womans body, laying half-naked by the waters edge. Holstead had been reported missing just hours earlier. She was last seen alive by her boyfriend, John Sot, who said they had been driving home from a family gathering when they had an argument and she opened the door of vehicle and ran away. The couple lived together, and her boyfriend told investigators she never made it home that night. Head of Vietnam's delegation to the United Nations Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy (Photo: VNA) Hanoi Head of Vietnam's delegation to the United Nations Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy shared the countrys development experience via promoting digital technology at the 59th session of the UN Commission for Social Development that is underway virtually from February 8-17. The session took the theme Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all. Quy stressed that tapping the achievements of digital technology and mitigating their negative impacts will help step up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. To such end, he suggested paying attention to education and training in science-technology, investing in digital technology infrastructure and providing services at affordable prices, especially in remote and mountainous areas. In his opinion, development policies should take into account short and long-term goals to ensure balance between economic recovery and sustainable development. He stressed a need to boost international cooperation and called on developed nations to realise the commitment to earmark 0.7 percent of the gross domestic product for official assistance to developing nations. The ambassador highlighted that Vietnam always considers human as the driver for national development, and has issued a number of comprehensive and sustainable policies to reduce poverty and improve peoples lives, which has been welcomed by international community. The Vietnamese Government has set the dual goal of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring socio-economic development and social welfare via the launch of a social assistance package worth 2.6 billion USD, he said, adding that the country also applied technological advances in service of development and performing social policies, contributing to the international communitys common effort to develop a global society. At the session, President of the UN Economic and Social Council Munir Akram said in order to step up digital technology and narrow digital gap, 428 billion USD is needed to invest in global bandwidth. It is time for innovation, creativity and solidarity, he said. Participants at the event also shared experience and initiatives regarding social policies, thus creating conditions for the public to access digital technologies and adopt them in production and the distribution of goods and services. Russia, Iran and the US follow China. Conspiracy theories are amplified on Twitter and Facebook. Hundreds of millions of social media users have shared conspiracy tweets posted by Chinese diplomats. Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran spread same theories. Trump's accusations sparked Chinas reactions. Washington (AsiaNews) China leads the way in spreading false information about the origins of COVID-19, followed by Russia, Iran and the United States. The finding is the result of a nine-month investigation by the Associated Press in collaboration with the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab. Published yesterday, the research is based on the analysis of millions of social media postings and online articles. The evidence suggests that the Chinese government is using social media to spread or amplify conspiracy theories that claim that the coronavirus was created in the United States. The most popular theory in the Chinese blogosphere is that US athletes spread the coronavirus during Wuhan Military Games in October 2019. Since late 2019, Chinese diplomats have doubled Facebook profiles and tripled those on Twitter, both of which are outlawed in their country. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian played a key role in spreading conspiracy theories. On 11 and 12 March 2020, he posted 11 tweets, which were cited 99,000 times over the next six weeks in 54 languages. The accounts that referenced him had nearly 275 million followers on Twitter. The Hashtags used by the Chinese diplomat in his Twitter storm were viewed 314 million times on Weibo, China's popular social media platform. Zhao's message was relayed by the Global Times, a paper associated with the Chinese Communist Party, as well as at least 30 social media profiles of Chinese diplomats. Support also came from Russian media, Venezuela's Foreign Ministry and web users linked to the Saudi royal family. In addition to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, Chinese disinformation is spread on Weibo, WeChat and a number of sites that share videos such as Haokan, Xigua, Baijiahao, Bilibili, IQIYI, Kuaishou and Youku. Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, was also used. According to NATO experts, Beijing is using Russian-developed disinformation strategies. To get its message across, China has used Kremlin proxies in Europe and North America that "clean up" information. Thanks to their technological expertise, the Chinese have made the most of this network of contacts. Iran too boosted the theory that the coronavirus was a US-developed biological weapon. To justify refusing to foreign medical health, some Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, claimed that coronavirus was a biological weapon, part of a plot orchestrated by Washington. However, with deaths rising, Russia and Iran largely dropped conspiracy theory peddling in April 2020. China did not. When former US President Donald Trump began accusing China of manufacturing the virus in a lab in Wuhan, backed by anti-Chinese conspiracy theories posted on QAnon discussion boars, Beijing fired back. According to a Pew Research Center survey, one in three Americans believe the coronavirus was artificially developed. However, the Team of Experts from World Health Organization that recently visited Wuhan said that the idea that the virus was leaked from a Chinese laboratory is very unlikely. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Democrats are now 0-2 when it comes to impeaching and convicting former President Donald Trump. Can we move on now? Sure, the Dems can boast that theyve impeached Trump twice, and that no other president in American history has been impeached twice. Bravo. The Dems know how to count noses. They know that impeachment is an easy lift given the partys hepped-up, anti-Trump majority in the House. Its been the equivalent of the proverbial indicting of the ham sandwich. But all that the Dems have done is cheapen the impeachment remedy. Its meant to address the most serious presidential infractions. Not that its worked out that way in the past. The impeachments of Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were purely political exercises. The second Trump impeachment was even more so, with the House fast-tracking an article of impeachment accusing Trump of inciting an insurrection based on the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. But how do you hold a Senate impeachment trial for a president whos already out of office? Whats the point of putting a former president on trial when the goal, the removal of the president from the White House, has already been achieved? The legal questions dont end there. Can there even be an impeachment trial in the Senate if the proceedings arent overseen by the chief justice of the United States, as laid out in the Constitution? And just look at who did oversee the Trumps trial in the Senate: Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the chambers president pro tempore. Leahy voted to convict Trump during the first impeachment trial. How is it fair to the accused to have him preside over the second trial? Never mind that Leahy this time around served as a Senate juror as well as the presiding judge. How is any of this constitutional? If they want to bring Trump up on charges, the Dems should do it through the courts. That would be a heavier lift, though. And they know it. The truth is, the Trump impeachments have never been about removing Trump from office. Theyve been about ensuring that Trump never gets to run for president again. That would have been the next step if enough senators had voted to convict Trump. Then another vote could have been taken to ban Trump from ever running for office again. So these impeachments have not been about high crimes and misdemeanors. Theyve been a political hit job. And miserable failures at that. But ask yourself why Democrats are so worried about Trump being able to seek another term as president. Democratic President Joe Biden beat Trump handily in the 2020 election, winning 306 Electoral College votes to Trumps 232. And only one president in U.S. history, Grover Cleveland, has served two, non-consecutive terms. Its not an easy feat to accomplish. You would think that the Dems would be plenty confident about beating Trump again in 2024. But the clamor to deny Trump the opportunity to run again shows you that the Dems still want no part of Trump on the campaign trail. They know that for all of Trumps flaws, including his missteps in handling the coronavirus pandemic, 74 million Americans still voted for Trump. They know that next time Trump would have four years of Biden to run against. The same goes for anti-Trump Republicans, including the handful who voted to convict Trump in the Senate. Life would be easier for them with Trump out of the picture as well. They dont want to answer for Trumps antics anymore, even if some of the GOP voters back home are furious at them for turning on the former president. And never mind that prohibiting Trump from running again could lead to charges that tens of millions of American voters are being disenfranchised. None of this is how politics is supposed to work. The opposing sides meet on the field of electoral battle and we take it from there. Let the people in their infinite wisdom decide. Remember? Blackstone Minerals Ltd (ASX:BSX) is actively exploring the high grade Little Gem Cobalt Gold Project in British Columbia, Canada. Blackstone Minerals continues to strike massive sulphide vein mineralisation at King Snake in Vietnam Blackstone Minerals Ltd (ASX:BSX) (OTCMKTS:BLSTF) (FRA:B9S) continues to intersect massive sulphide vein (MSV) mineralisation in all drill holes subsequent to the maiden intersections at King Snake target of the Ta Khoa Nickel-Copper-PGE Project in Vietnam. The company is aggressively drilling at King Snake and sees significant potential for it to be incorporated into ongoing mining and processing studies, given the exploration success to date. "One of best opportunities to date" Blackstone Minerals' managing director Scott Williamson said: "We are pleased by the rate of drilling at King Snake and the success of our exploration strategy in following up EM targets defined by our in-house geophysics team. "King Snake features multiple EM plates and is proving to be one of Blackstone's best massive sulphide nickel opportunities to date. "We look forward to further aggressive drilling, reporting assays as they become available and being able to incorporate King Snake into our massive sulphide strategy." Shares have been as much as 7% higher intra-day to A$0.54 and have risen from A$0.36 at the market close on December 24, 2020, while the company's market cap is approximately $157.7 million. Here's what you need to know: Tuesday, Feb. 16 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Cabral Gold Inc. (TSXV: CBR) (OTC: CBGZF) ("Cabral" or the "Company") is pleased to advise that it has added a third drill rig to the current drill program at the Cuiu Cuiu gold district in northern Brazil, and drilling is in progress. Highlights are as follows; Cabral has added a third drill rig to the current program at the Cuiu Cuiu gold district. Energold Perfuracoes Ltda have been contracted to drill a minimum of 5,000m of diamond drilling as part of the current program, and the rig is on site and drilling has commenced The diamond drill rig will initially focus on drilling off the high-grade zones at both the MG and Central gold deposits where previous drilling has returned over 70 drill intercepts in excess of 10 g/t gold There are strong indications from previous drilling at both the MG and Central gold deposits, and now at the new Machichie zone, that high-grade mineralization is continuous along strike and down-dip in several parts of the deposit. The addition of this drill rig is designed to further define the size and grade of these high-grade zones Alan Carter, Cabral's President and CEO commented, "The arrival of a third rig at Cuiu Cuiu further expands the current drill program and allows us to address the third aspect of the high-grade potential of the project, namely the high-grade potential of the existing MG and Central deposits. Establishing high-grade resources at Cuiu Cuiu is a key objective for our team in the short to medium term. With follow-up drilling already in progress at Machichie, and reconnaissance drilling of several additional high-grade targets expected to recommence in a few days, the next few weeks and months promises to be a very exciting time in terms of drill results for Cabral Gold and its shareholders." Diamond Drill Program The initial 5,000m diamond-drill program is designed to follow-up significant high-grade mineralization identified by previous drill programs at the MG and Central deposits, and now the Machichie target, where infill drilling is required to better define the limits of the high-grade zones. Whilst the MG and Central deposits contain over 70 drill intercepts in excess of 10 g/t gold, the current drill density is insufficient to enable the construction of specific restricted high-grade wireframe domains. As a result, the last NI 43-101 resource estimate was significantly and adversely impacted by the top-cutting of these high-grade intercepts (see news release dated June 7, 2018). The most extreme example involved an isolated very high-grade intercept within the MG deposit, where diamond drill hole CC_104_10 returned 70.2 g/t gold over 2.0m, which was reduced to 2.0 g/t gold when top cutting was applied. It is expected that the additional diamond drilling that is now in progress will allow better definition of these high-grade zones and lead to the construction of specific wireframe domains, which should allow the inclusion of the high-grade zones in a future update of the NI 43-101 resource estimate. Oriented core will be used to help define the orientation, continuity and size of high-grade domains within the broader lower-grade historic resource areas, as well as in the new mineralized zones. Core will also provide the required structural, technical and geological data to develop tighter wireframe models for future resource estimates, as well as providing material for density measurements and metallurgical sampling. Follow-up RC Drill Program The Prospector W750 RC drill rig has now completed the fourth additional step-out hole on the eastern side of the Machichie deposit and is currently drilling 50m west of the most westerly hole drilled at Machichie to date. Reconnaissance RC Drill Program The reconnaissance drilling program, which was testing the Indio target and was temporarily suspended due to an outbreak of COVID-19 in late January, is expected to recommence on or before 19th February. All employees have either returned to site or are expected back on site by 18th February, and drilling will recommence at the Indio target, which is located approximately 1.5km SE of the MG gold deposit. About Cabral Gold Inc. The Company is a junior resource company engaged in the identification, exploration and development of mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold properties located in Brazil. The Company has a 100% interest in the Cuiu Cuiu gold district located in the Tapajos Region, within the state of Para in northern Brazil. Two gold deposits have so far been defined at Cuiu Cuiu and contain 43-101 compliant Indicated resources of 5.9Mt @ 0.90g/t (200,000 oz) and Inferred resources of 19.5Mt @ 1.24g/t (800,000 oz). The Tapajos Gold Province is the site of the largest gold rush in Brazil's history producing an estimated 30 to 50 million ounces of placer gold between 1978 and 1995. Cuiu Cuiu was the largest placer gold camp in the Tapajos and produced an estimate 2Moz of placer gold historically. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: "Alan Carter" President and Chief Executive Officer Cabral Gold Inc. Tel: 604.676.5660 Dr Adrian McArthur, B.Sc. Hons, PhD. FAusIMM., a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of the words "will", "expected" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. This news release contains forward-looking statements and assumptions pertaining to the following: strategic plans and future operations, and results of exploration. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. Notes Gold assays have been determined by SGS method FAA505 (fire assay; 50 charge). Analytical quality is monitored by certified references and blanks. Until dispatch, samples are stored in the Company's supervised exploration office. The samples are couriered to the assay laboratory using a commercial contractor. Pulps and rejects are returned to the Company and archived. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74470 The members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) made history yesterday (February 16) when the General Council agreed by consensus to select Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria as the organizations seventh Director-General. When she takes office on March 1, Dr Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to be chosen as Director-General. Her term, renewable, will expire on August 31, 2025. "This is a very significant moment for the WTO. On behalf of the General Council, I extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment as the WTO's next Director-General and formally welcome her to this General Council meeting," said General Council Chair David Walker of New Zealand who, together with co-facilitators Amb. Dacio Castillo (Honduras) and Amb. Harald Aspelund (Iceland) led the nine-month DG selection process. "Dr Ngozi, on behalf of all members I wish to sincerely thank you for your graciousness in these exceptional months, and for your patience. We look forward to collaborating closely with you, Dr Ngozi, and I am certain that all members will work with you constructively during your tenure as Director-General to shape the future of this organization," he added. Dr Okonjo-Iweala said a key priority for her would be to work with members to quickly address the economic and health consequences brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. "I am honoured to have been selected by WTO members as WTO Director-General," said Dr Okonjo-Iweala. "A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic. I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again. Our organization faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today." The General Council decision follows months of uncertainty which arose when the United States initially refused to join the consensus around Dr Okonjo-Iweala and threw its support behind Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee of the Republic of Korea. But following Yoo's decision on 5 February to withdraw her candidacy, the administration of newly elected US President Joseph R. Biden Jr. dropped the US objection and announced instead that Washington extends its "strong support" to the candidacy of Dr Okonjo-Iweala. TradeArabia News Service Fastnacht Day is the one day you can eat doughnuts without the guilt. Every year on Shrove Tuesday, bakeries, grocery stores and churches sell fastnachts in a variety of flavors, from plain to cinnamon sugar. This year Fastnacht Day falls on Feb. 16. Traditionally, Lent is a period of fasting. So on Fat Tuesday one is supposed to bulk up on fatty, rich foods that you do not eat during the Lenten time. The tradition of eating fastnachts on Fat Tuesday started with the Pennsylvania Dutch, who were looking for recipes to use up fat such as lard in the house before Lent. Fastnacht is a German word meaning night before the fast. Thats one of the reasons pancakes and fastnachts (which contain fat, sugar and eggs) are often eaten on the holiday. The deep-fried treats are historically eaten by the Pennsylvania Dutch on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Not every fastnacht is the same and recipes vary. Some fastnachts are square or diamond-shaped, while others are round. Some have holes. This year on account of the coronavirus pandemic, some mainstay fastnacht fundraisers including St. Cecilias Catholic Church in Lebanon have been postponed. The church has been making the deep-fried, sugary Lenten treats since the 1930s. To ensure you dont miss out on the doughnut tradition, heres a list of places in and around the Harrisburg region selling them in the coming days: Anna Rose Bakery & Coffee Shop The corner bakery in Harrisburg is selling fastnachts in plain, powdered sugar, granulated sugar and cinnamon sugar for $9 a half dozen and $18 a dozen. Pre-order is recommended. 100 N. Second St., Harrisburg, 717-236-3149 Cornerstone Coffeehouse The coffee house is selling glazed, powdered sugar and plain sugar for $1.50 a piece and $16 a dozen. 2133 Market St., Camp Hill, 717-737-5026 Desserts Etc. The bakery in Hershey is carrying glazed, cinnamon sugar, regular sugar, powdered and plain varieties for $2 each, $11 for a half dozen and $22 for a dozen. It is also selling gluten-free cinnamon sugar doughnuts for $2.50 and Keto peanut butter chocolate chip doughnuts for $3.50. 840 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, 717-533-7505 The Filling Station The restaurant is selling granulated sugar, glazed and plain fastnachts for $8.95 a dozen and $5.50 for a half dozen. Pre-order is available through Feb. 13 for larger orders. Customers also can pick up individual fastnachts from the restaurants bakery case starting at 5 a.m. Feb. 16. 320 W. Main St., Palmyra, 717-838-9077 Giant The grocery stores are selling plain, glazed and powdered sugar doughnuts for $3.99 a half dozen and $5.99 a dozen. Multiple locations Karns Foods Karns supermarkets is selling fastnachts in plain, glazed, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar and granulated sugar. Prices are: $4.29 for a six-pack and $30 for a tray of 48 fastnachts. Pre-orders are being accepted and can be picked up starting at 10 a.m. Feb. 15. Multiple locations Maple Donuts Maple Donuts is selling fastnachts at its four bakeries in York County. If you want three dozen or more fastnachts, you must pre-order them. The bakeries are selling powdered, plain, granulated sugar and glazed for $1.09 cents apiece, $6.39 a half dozen and $9.99 a dozen. Locations include: 3455 E. Market St. (East York) 717-757-7826 204 St. Charles Way (South York) 717-747-9147 970 Loucks Road (West York) 717-843-4276 50 Robinhood Drive, Goldsboro (North York) 717-938-5544 Oak Grove Farms The farm market is opening 6 a.m. Feb. 16 for fastnacht sales. Preorders can be picked up starting Feb. 15. They are selling plain, glazed, plain sugar, powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar for $1 per doughnut, $4.99 a half dozen and $8.99 a dozen. Order in the store or via the markets printable order form. 846 Fisher Road, Monroe Township, 717-766-2216. The Pennsylvania Bakery The bakery is selling fastnachts for $13.25 a dozen in plain, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, granulated sugar and glazed. King Cakes are selling in various flavors including cinnamon, cream cheese, cherry, raspberry, blueberry, apricot, apple, lemon, pineapple, or nut for $16.25 each. The cakes serve about six people. Also, pickup fastnacht cupcakes made with buttermilk, cinnamon, and brown sugar cake, topped with a cinnamon sugar buttercream, rolled in sugar and topped with a piece of made-from-scratch fastnacht. They sell for $3.75 apiece. 1713 Market St., Camp Hill, 717-763-7755 Schenks Bakery Schenks is selling plain, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar and glazed for $17 a dozen or $1.75 apiece. Pre-orders are encouraged. 1061 N. Mountain Road, Lower Paxton Township, 717-671-5133 SweeTreats Bakery The stand at the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne is selling plain, glazed, sugared and powdered sugar fastnachts for $10 per dozen. SweeTreats is also selling paczki, a filled Polish pastry, with choice of jelly, apple, lemon, white cream and custard filling. Preorders accepted through Feb. 13. The stand will open at 7 a.m. Feb. 16. 900 Market St., Lemoyne, 717-761-2253 Weis Markets The stores are selling plain, granulated sugar and glazed for $3 for a half dozen and $5 for a dozen. They also carry Paczki in four-packs filled with choice of Bavarian creme or raspberry filling for $4. Multiple locations Wegmans The grocery store is selling cinnamon sugar, glazed and powdered sugar fastnachts for $1 apiece and $10 for a dozen. King cakes are selling for $15, while paczki is selling for $4.50 for a four-pack. 6416 Carlisle Pike, Silver Spring Township, 717-791-4500 Texas Power Crisis Highlights Fragility of Growing Dependency on Unreliable Sources of Energy: Expert The brutal cold snap that crippled Texas power system and spread to other states, leading to blackouts in over four million homes and businesses, highlighted the growing vulnerability of the grid to increased dependency on less reliable sources of energy like wind and solar, an expert told NTD in an interview. Jason Isaac, a former state representative and current director of Life: Powered, a project of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, said that the power crisis spurred by the recent deep freeze exposed the fragility associated with the global push to ditch reliable fossil fuels in favor of unreliable renewables. Reliable is our nuclear, our natural gas, and our coal, Isaac said. Natural gas and coal can ramp up or ramp down on demand, he said. Theyre whats referred to as dispatchable energy.' Our unreliables produce electricity when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. And then they freeze up at really cold temperatures, too, he said. Isaac suggested that the surge in unreliables amounts to a subsidized takeoff of politically correct, but economically incorrect sources of energy. Unfortunately, weve subsidized and depend too much on virtue signaling and really given these unreliables incredibly huge benefits over the last decade, and now those chickens are coming home to roost, he said. Isaac said that the Council of Texas reported Monday that over half of the states windmills were completely shut down due to the recent deep freeze, which has seen temperatures plunge below zero. These windmills are frozen, theyre completely shut down, and the rest of them are barely producing electricity, Isaac said, adding that, at last check, only around 10 percent of their installed capacity was generating electricity. That means if we had that kind of low number for natural gas, or coal or nuclear, we would have almost the entire state without electricity right now, but fortunately, we have reliables, he said. The cold snap has also disrupted oil and gas deliveries, however, with more than a million barrels a day of oil and 10 billion cubic feet of gas production shut while pipelines have declared force majeure and massive refineries have halted gasoline and diesel output, according to Bloomberg. After millions in Texas lost electricity, Southwest Power Pool, the operator of the power grid spanning 14 states ordered utilities to start implementing rotating power outages. In our history as grid operator, this is an unprecedented event and marks the first time SPP has ever had to call for controlled interruptions of service, said SPPs executive vice president and chief operating officer Lanny Nickell, in a statement. Calling it a last resort, Nickell said imposing the Level 3 energy emergency alert, which calls for rolling blackouts, had to be done to protect the power grid. Its a step were consciously taking to prevent circumstances from getting worse, which could result in uncontrolled outages of even greater magnitude, he said. In a follow-up release, SPP said that it had restored full load to its 14-state region as of 2 p.m. Central Time but that, due to high load demand and persistent cold weather, the system would likely fluctuate over the next 48 hours between a Level 2 energy conservation alert and a Level 3 emergency that calls for rolling blackouts. President Joe Biden has declared an emergency in Texas in connection with the power crisis. Under the measure, FEMA has been authorized to mobilize its equipment and resources to help alleviate the impact of the emergency, while protective measures for mass care and sheltering, as well as for direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding. President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with a bipartisan group of governors and mayors on his COVID-19 relief plan, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb.12, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott on Feb. 12 warned Texans to brace for a winter storm unprecedented in Texas history as he declared a disaster for the state. He urged Texans to reduce their energy usage as much as possible in order to conserve power. Every part of the state will face freezing conditions over the coming days, and I urge all Texans to remain vigilant against the extremely harsh weather that is coming, Abbott said in a statement. Stay off the roads, take conscious steps to conserve energy, and avoid dangerous practices like bringing generators indoors or heating homes with ovens or stovetops. Our emergency response to this winter weather requires a collective approach between state agencies, local officials, and Texans throughout our communities to ensure the safety and security of the Lone Star State. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the nonprofit organization that operates the states power grid, suggested that residents set their thermostats to 68 degrees or lower where possible, close shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows, turn off and unplug nonessential lights and appliances, and avoid using large appliances such as ovens and washing machines. Isabel van Brugen contributed to this report. New Delhi: Ram Nath Kovind will be sworn-in as the 14th President of India at the Central Hall of Parliament at 12:15 pm on Tuesday. Here are the full details of his swearing-in ceremony: At 10:30 am, Kovind will leave for Rajghat from his residence to pay homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. At 11:15 am, Kovind will head towards Rashtapati Bhavan to meet outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee. At 11:45 am, Kovind and Mukherjee will leave for the Central Hall of Parliament. ALSO READ: Ram Nath Kovind to take oath as 14th President of India today At 12:12 pm, they will reach the Parliament House. At 12:15 pm, Chief Justice of India JS Khehar will administer Kovinds swearing-in ceremony. After taking the oath, Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan will invite Kovind to deliver a speech. The duration of his speech shall be approximately for 15 minutes. At 1 pm, Kovind and Mukherjee will head towards the Rashtrapati Bhavan wherein the newly elected President will be given the guard of honour. Thereafter, Kovind will take charge as the President of India. ALSO READ: NDA's Ram Nath Kovind is 14th President of India; PM Modi, BJP prez Amit Shah congratulate him on his victory For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Dubai-based Emirates airline has announced temporary suspensions of flights from Dubai to South Africa and from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) to Dubai until March 10, 2021, the airline said in a statement on its website. This follows a recent government directive that restricts the entry of travellers originating from South Africa, into the UAE. Passengers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel. Passengers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days are not allowed entry into the UAE (whether terminating in or connecting through Dubai). Emirates flights from Dubai to Lagos and Abuja will continue to operate as per the normal schedule. (CNN) Japan's main stock index soared to its highest level in more than three decades on Monday as investors cheered signs of a rebound for the world's third largest economy. The Nikkei 225 index jumped 1.9%, crossing the 30,000-point threshold for the first time since August 1990, according to data provider Refinitiv Eikon. Stocks soared after the country posted stronger GDP numbers than projected, with the economy expanding an estimated 3% in the October-December period, compared to the previous quarter. That translates to an annualized rate of 12.7%, and was much higher than analysts were expecting. Overall, Japan's economy shrank 4.8% last year, less than the 5.3% that the International Monetary Fund had forecast. For comparison, the US economy shrank by 3.5% in 2020, while Germany saw its GDP contract by about 5%. "The solid [performance] confirms the economy continued to recover from its pandemic-induced decline," Stefan Angrick, senior economist at Oxford Economics, wrote in a research note. "However, high-frequency data show that momentum started to wane in December amid a pick-up in Covid-19 cases." Japan is currently grappling with another wave of coronavirus infections, which has led the government to impose a state of emergency in parts of the country. Angrick said that he expected the measures "to set back, but not derail, the recovery in 2021, particularly since an early lifting of restrictions seems likely." Japan has also just granted its first approval for a coronavirus vaccine, giving the green light to the Pfizer-BioNTech shot. Sunday's news further spurred hopes that the recovery can pick up pace. "At this stage, Japan's prospects look more favorable and the downside risks are beginning to fade. Not only are local cases from the third wave past their peak, but the approval of the Pfizer vaccine is a significant development which will allow the inoculation drive to begin later this week," said Shahana Mukherjee, an economist at Moody's Analytics. "We maintain a cautiously optimistic view of Japan's recovery in 2021, provided the vaccine drive takes place without much interruption," she told CNN Business. Japan is not the only country reporting better GDP data. On Monday, Thailand and Singapore both posted solid new figures, which helped build investors' confidence, according to Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst of Asia Pacific at OANDA. Other markets around the region also rallied on Monday, with South Korea's Kospi index climbing 1.5%. Markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia also edged up, while exchanges in mainland China and Hong Kong were closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. "The underlying picture is one of a nascent recovery in ... Asia [outside of China]," Halley wrote to clients. "The optimistic tone is likely to continue into Europe unless we get some negative headline surprises." The FTSE 100 gained 1.4% in early trading in London. Germany's DAX increased 0.4%, and France's CAC 40 added 1.1%. CNN's Junko Ogura in Tokyo contributed to this report. This story was first published on CNN.com "Nikkei hits 30-year high as Japan's economy bounces back better than expected" TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Roscan Gold Corporation ("Roscan" or the "Company") (TSX-V:ROS)(FSE:2OJ)(OTC PINK:RCGCF) is pleased to announce that the Company has strategically expanded its land package of the Kandiole Project, by acquiring the permit to the immediate North-West of the Walia and Moussala major discoveries (Figure 1). This new permit, called Segondo West is a crucial additional 42km square kilometers to the Kandiole Project, for a total land package of 346.8 square kilometers, making Roscan one the largest land holders in the area. Nana Sangmuah, President and CEO, stated, "We are delighted to continue to increase our footprint in Mali, as we are getting a better understanding and knowledge of this world class under-explored region. This new acquisition is both strategic and critical, with its proximity to the Walia and Moussala Discoveries. We await the complete 3D interpretation and results of geophysics to complete our prioritization of key targets that will create maximum value in 2021. The 3D target delineation and prioritization exercise would refine our existing targets, define new targets and significantly enhance our already impressive discovery rate. We are looking forward, with optimism, to a promising 2021. Our vision is to become a major player in the area and continue to increase our footprint, while working collaboratively with the surrounding communities and Government in a sustainable manner. This key acquisition and recent discoveries are testaments to the strength of our technical team, and the tremendous exploration upside potential at Roscan." Figure 1: Location of Roscan Permits with New Acquisition The Aeromagnetic Map (Figure 1), clearly highlights the proximity of Walia and Moussala Discoveries and the newly acquired land package. The Company remains funded to support an extended drill campaign that will generate news flow in 2021. We await interpretation of the Geophysics Survey to better define our targets, which will be tested as part of the 2021 exploration drilling campaign. A target generation exercise is now in process incorporating all drilling, surface geochemistry and geology with the new, recently processed, geophysical data. Current drilling on the Kandiole Project targeting the Mankouke South Deposit and Kabaya Target is ongoing to test strike and down dip extensions to confirm the depth and continuity of mineralization in Fresh Rock and we look forward to updating the market on the progress in the near future. Qualified Person (QP) and NI 43-101 Disclosure; Greg Isenor, P. Geo., Executive Vice-Chairman for the Company, is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. About Roscan Roscan Gold Corporation is a well-financed Canadian gold exploration company focused on the exploration and acquisition of gold properties in West Africa. The Company has assembled a significant land position of 100%-owned permits in an area of producing gold mines (including B2 Gold's Fekola Mine which lies in a contiguous property to the west of Kandiole), and major gold deposits, located both north and south of its Kandiole Project in West Mali. For further information, please contact: Andrew J. Ramcharan, P.Eng Executive Vice President - Corporate Development and Investor Relations Tel: (902) 832-5555 Email: aramcharan@Roscan.ca Greg Isenor, P.Geo Executive Vice-Chairman Tel: (902) 832-5555 Email: gpisenor@Roscan.ca Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Roscan Gold Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629522/Roscan-Gold-Acquires-Key-Land-Package-on-Northern-Boundary-of-Its-Kandiole-Project Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and the first African to be chosen as director-general of the WTO. Photo: WTO The World Trade Organzations (WTO) new chief warned that vaccine protectionism, "a phenomenon where rich countries are vaccinating their populations and poor countries have to wait," must be avoided if global recovery from the pandemic is to be achieved. Several countries have tried to stop the export of vaccines. The EU, for instance, had threatened to withhold vaccine exports until it has its share. The UKs health minister Matt Hancock has also in the past said rejecting vaccine nationalism and protectionism was crucial. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to be chosen as director-general of the organisation, also told the BBC: "The nature of the pandemic and the mutation of many variants makes this such that no one country can feel safe until every country has taken precautions to vaccinate its population. She chaired the global vaccine alliance, GAVI, which aims to increase access to immunisation in poor countries. Regarding the debate about easing WTO rules on intellectual property so that more drug manufacturers can make the vaccines, Okonjo-Iweala said some developing countries are asking for waivers, developed countries feel that this might impinge on intellectual property." She suggested a way around this could be to licence manufacturing to countries so that you can have adequate supplies while still making sure that intellectual property issues are taken care of." One example of this is Oxford University/AstraZeneca (AZN.L) vaccine, which has been licensed to the Serum Institute of India. READ MORE: UK 'needs 60bn tax hikes' to plug black hole left by COVID-19 In December the WTO failed to agree on a proposal to exempt COVID-19 vaccines from intellectual property rights, an idea that was opposed by pharma giants. The proposal had aimed to facilitate more knowledge-sharing and the rapid scale-up of production sites for urgent COVID-19 medical goods, including vaccines. Story continues Earlier this week, in a WTO statement about her appointment, Okonjo-Iweala said a key priority for her would be to work with members to quickly address the economic and health consequences brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. She said a strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again. The statement explained that her appointment follows months of uncertainty which arose when the US initially refused to join the consensus around Okonjo-Iweala and instead supported South Koreas trade minister, Yoo Myung-hee. But following Yoo's decision to withdraw her candidacy, the administration of newly elected US President Joe Biden. dropped the objection. READ MORE: 'On its knees' travel sector demands UK government plan for summer holidays On the US-China trade war, Okonjo-Iweala said: "We can be very helpful to both the US and China to help bring them together to solve these problems." The organisation has struggled to make an impact on this issue due to its lack of enforcement mechanisms. Watch: Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala becomes WTO's new leader New Delhi, Feb 16 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Centre on a PIL filed by advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha for regulating content on OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime by an autonomous body. A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde told Additional Solicitor General K.M. Natraj, representing the Centre, that merely saying the government is considering to steps or contemplating steps on the issue would not be sufficient. The Chief Justice asked "What is it you are doing, a legislation or what? File an affidavit on what do you propose to do?" The Centre's counsel submitted the issue is under deliberation, and no steps have been finalised yet. The Chief Justice replied that the court cannot accept mere contemplation, as everybody contemplates. "Notice issued and tag the matter with pending matter," said the Chief Justice. In October last year, the top court had sought a response from the Centre on a PIL seeking establishment of a proper institution for the monitoring and management of content on different OTT/streaming and digital media platforms. None of the OTT/streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Zee5, and Hotstar have signed the self-regulation provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting since February 2020, said the PIL. "No censoring allows exploitation of creative liberty and pushes for more ideas to get incorporated which in turn lets writers, directors, and producers to experiment limitless due to which there has been more violence, sex scenes, obscene language and even characters smoking on screen - that would normally be cut or displayed alongside health warnings," said the PIL. The petitioners had informed the top court that due to no monitoring body, the language of the content has become more colloquial. "Visuals and dialogues are cruel and more barbaric. It is pertinent to note that this artistic liberty with no checks and balances also gets highly misused for commercial benefits of the OTT platforms," added the PIL. "Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun." So said Citizen Trump Saturday on his acquittal by the Senate of the impeachment article of "incitement of insurrection" in the Jan 6 invasion of the Capitol. "I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all our people," said Trump. "We have so much work ahead of us, and soon we will emerge with a vision for a bright, radiant and limitless American future." Translation: Donald Trump is not going anywhere soon. The new Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell, has another view. While he had voted to acquit Trump because he saw the Senate as acting outside the Constitution in prosecuting a former president, now a private citizen, he was unequivocal about the validity of the charge. Trump is guilty, said McConnell: "There's no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of [Jan. 6]." "The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president. And having that belief was a foreseeable consequence of the growing crescendo of false statements, conspiracy theories and reckless hyperbole which the defeated president kept shouting into the largest megaphone on planet Earth." Nor had then-President Trump done his duty to stop the rioting by his followers: "He did not do his job. He did not take steps so federal law could be faithfully executed and order restored." McConnell was saying that Trump not only was guilty of the charge of incitement but also has disqualified himself as leader of the Republican Party, and the party should wash its hands of the former president. If it's Trump's Party now, McConnell was saying, he is seceding. Nikki Haley, whom Trump honored by naming her U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, in an interview published Friday, told Politico that Trump, "let us down. ... We shouldn't have followed him, and we shouldn't have listened to him. And we can't let that ever happen again." Haley, too, has belatedly washed her hands of her benefactor. But Sen. Lindsey Graham called McConnell's remark a burden for the party to bear in 2022 and Trump the still-indispensable leader: "We need to unite the party. Trump-plus is the way back in 2022. ... We can't do that without Donald Trump." Who is the future party leader? Who comes after Trump? The succession struggle in the GOP is now underway. But as for now, Donald Trump is The Man, and he is not going anywhere. As former president and most recent nominee, he is the party's titular leader. He won the largest total of popular votes in party history, 74 million. He intends to raise millions and campaign in 2022 in states where he is wanted -- and in states where he may not be wanted. And he will likely set the issues agenda, as a media obsessed with Trump will elevate everything he says, if only to denounce it. Yet, Trump's immediate future is likely to see a blizzard of subpoenas from litigants and prosecutors that will take a toll of his time and resources. Still, even if Trump cannot unite the Republican Party, he brings, far and away, the largest pile of chips to the table. That House Republicans voted 19-1 against impeachment and Senate Republicans voted 6-1 against conviction testifies to the breadth and depth of his support. As for the Never-Trumpers, John Weaver seems to have done for the Lincoln Project what John Wilkes Booth did for Ford's Theater. What can reunite a party as divided as it hasn't been since the Barry Goldwater-Nelson Rockefeller battle of 1964? The Democrats can; the left can; the establishment can; the media can; the cancel-cultural elite can -- all of whom are disliked or detested by Republicans. Its enemies can reunite the Republican Party. The Biden crowd has already killed the Keystone XL pipeline and put federal lands off-limits to future drilling, imperiling the energy independence the GOP had achieved under Trump. The open-borders crowd, which seeks to swamp Middle America with millions of new migrants, is seeking to emasculate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, end deportations and tear down the Trump wall. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California is in danger of being recalled and fired, and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York may be charged with misleading federal authorities about how many New Yorkers died in nursing homes because he assigned COVID-19 positive patients into rooms alongside them. While the invasion of the Capitol was the most publicized act of mob violence in decades, it was not the most violent, nor is it the norm. When antifa, Black Lives Matter and leftist allies smashed statues, looted and torched inner cities and attacked cops in 2020, that was the norm. And the street criminals who compiled those new records of shootings and killings last year in almost all of our cities, they were not Oath Keepers or Proud Boys. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM A woman revealed how she dropped six dress sizes in a year by using time at home during lockdown to focus on meal prep and exercise. Amber Lewis, 26, from Port Talbot, tipped the scales at 15st 3lbs in January last year, after piling on the pounds in her late teens. She admitted she turned to food for comfort when relationships didn't work out, and would raid her cupboards for sweet midnight treats. Amber, who works for the Welsh Parliament, signed up to Slimming World, and when the UK went into lockdown in March last year she decided to use her extra time at home to overhaul her unhealthy lifestyle. Amber Lewis, 26, from Port Talbot, tipped the scales at 15st 3lbs in January last year, after piling on the pounds in her late teens Amber has dropped six dress sizes in a year after ditching takeaways and her late-night snacking habit (pictured now) Amber said her size began to have a negative impact on her self esteem - and her unhealthy habits didn't just affect her weight (pictured before) 'I made a choice I could sit at home working behind my desk eating myself silly and pretending I hadn't just demolished a pack of custard creams with my tea, or I could use the time and for once in my life do something for me,' Amber said. 'It gave me more time to focus on myself and time to think. I had time to prep my food and think about what I was eating. 'I realised I was never going to get this time back and I was determined to come out of lockdown lighter than I went into it and I did and I've lost nearly 5st.' She now weighs 10st 5lbs and has dropped from a size 22 to a 10 and believes her slimmer frame helped her beat Covid-19 when she contracted the virus in December. 'While I don't know for sure if my symptoms would have been worse if I hadn't lost weight, I feel so much healthier now,' she told FEMAIL. 'I do think I might not have recovered so quickly. I feel super lucky that I was able to recover and bounce back - I know that losing weight and being healthier stood me in good stead; I'd given myself the best chance I could to fight the virus.' Amber now weighs 10st 5lb after dropping nearly 5st, and believes her slimmer frame helped her beat Covid-19 when she contracted the virus in December Amber used to eat a lot of unhealthy food while travelling for work and would often stop at a drive-thru early morning for a coffee and breakfast (pictured before) Amber told how she put on weight when she started university. She explained: 'I was eating out more, eating on the go, eating late at night it - I felt like I was eating in my sleep at times! 'When I moved into the world of work, I noticed that I would eat a lot of unhealthy food while travelling for work and would often stop at a drive-thru early morning for a coffee and breakfast. 'Living on my own, I would get up in the middle of the night and raid the cupboards for mini midnight feasts of bowls of cereal, cookies and lots of bread. 'There was only the dog to see what I was doing, and he wasn't going to say anything! Having gone in and out of relationships I think I turned to food for comfort.' Amber told how she'd joined Slimming World on and off for a few years but not managed to stick it out - however, this time 'something clicked' (pictured left before and right now) Amber said her size began to have a negative impact on her self esteem - and her unhealthy habits didn't just affect her weight. 'My skin was horrendous, I had terrible acne and it affected my confidence so much that I wouldn't even go to the corner shop without heaps of make-up on or being covered in fake tan,' she recalled. 'My BMI was in the obese range and my weight had a big impact on my asthma, which I've had since birth. If I ever tried to go for a long walk, I would have to stop numerous times to get my breath back.' Amber told how she'd joined Slimming World on and off for a few years but not managed to stick it out - however, this time 'something clicked'. 'I needed to do something, and if I'm honest it was because I'd fallen out of love with myself,' she admitted. 'I knew I couldn't love anyone else until I loved me. I was also keen to go travelling and wanted to lose weight ahead of a trip to Australia booked for later this year. 'When I decided to join Slimming World, I walked in and out of the doors to the group at least four times, I was so nervous. 'I sat quietly in the corner, yet once I'd listened to my consultant explain all about the plan, I realised I wasn't on my own. I remember thinking, "all these people here are in the same boat", and I left feeling so inspired.' When lockdown hit, her branch moved to virtual group meetings and Amber kept attending every week. Amber admitted she was surprised by the variety of food she's able to eat on her Food Optimising plan, and gets recipe tips from the rest of her group (pictured now) Having always been interested in fitness, Amber started gradually with walks around her local park. She has since progressed to running and now trains six days a week Amber set up an Instagram account to track her progress, and her experience inspired others to sign up (pictured left before and right now) Amber admitted she was surprised by the variety of food she's able to eat on her Food Optimising plan, and gets recipe tips from the rest of her group. She said she finds she actually eats more now than she did when she was lighter. 'I know that when I follow the plan, I lose weight,' Amber explained. 'I prep and cook meals every day now, instead of ordering a Domino's pizza or takeaway three times a week or eating microwave meals. 'Food tastes so much better now too. Sweet potato curry with rice and a side of broccoli is my favourite recipe. 'I enjoy the "cooking from scratch" aspect - I was such an awful cook before and had a love-hate relationship with food, but now I have so many dishes and kitchen gadgets.' Amber set up an Instagram account to track her progress, and her experience inspired others to sign up, including her mother who's managed to lose 2st. AMBER'S DIET NOW Breakfast: Two bacon medallions (grilled), mushrooms, baked beans and scrambled eggs Early Lunch: Salmon, rice and salad with a homemade yogurt and mint dip Afternoon snack: Tangerines and a Curly Wurly Dinner: Jacket potato with veggie chilli, meringue with blueberries or raspberries and yogurt for dessert. Advertisement AMBER'S DIET BEFORE Breakfast: Nothing at all, or a cereal bar, or a drive-thru meal Lunch: A sandwich meal deal from a supermarket or a microwavable meal Dinner: Takeaway or sausage and mash (full of butter) Side of bread/butter with a dessert. Advertisement 'Losing weight has had a positive impact on all my relationships and I'm now able to feel comfortable in my own skin,' says Amber (pictured left before and right now) Having always been interested in fitness, Amber started gradually with walks around her local park. She has since progressed to running and now trains six days a week. 'I couldn't walk that far before I lost weight and yet this month, I've set myself a fitness challenge to run 155 miles in 50 days to raise money for Heart Wales,' she said. 'Everyone focuses on how you look when you lose weight, but for me the biggest difference is how I feel. I'm not self-conscious anymore and I'm more likely to say yes to things rather than no. 'Losing weight has had a positive impact on all my relationships and I'm now able to feel comfortable in my own skin. Amber says she finally feels happy in her skin and knows she's truly ready for love when it's ready for for (pictured left before and right now) 'I've dropped six dress sizes from a size 22 to a size 10 and love that I can buy clothes online now and they fit. I always wore black before so it's lovely to try out some more colourful options. 'My skin is completely clear now, I haven't worn any make-up for three months and that's not just down to lockdown. 'My hair is growing much faster than it would usually too, I feel like I've had a makeover. My BMI is back in the "green zone" and I am classed as "healthy" for my height and weight. 'Thanks to Slimming World, I am able to embrace who I am and I finally feel happy in my skin. Now I love myself I know I'm truly ready for love when it's ready for me.' Former Olympic swimmer Scott Miller has been charged with directing a $2.2million ice syndicate as police storm his home Stunning footage has emerged of police busting down the door of Olympic swimmer Scott Miller as he is charged with directing a $2.2million ice syndicate and commercial drug supply. Police stormed the one-time athlete's apartment in Sydney's inner west just after 6am on Tuesday, scouring his Rozelle unit for evidence as Miller, 45, sat slumped on a chair, shirtless. During the hours-long raid officers allegedly seized a kilogram of heroin worth up to $250,000, wads of $50 and $100 notes totaling $75,000, mobile phones and a white Toyota Camry. Police allege the one-time swimming golden boy sought to smuggle $2million worth of drug ice to towns in regional New South Wales by concealing it in candles. Miller, a silver medalist in the 100m butterfly at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, was spirited away to Newtown Police Station where he was charged late on Tuesday afternoon. A source familiar with the investigation said Miller refused an interview with police. He did not appear at Newtown Local Court when the case was briefly managed today. His solicitor Hugh Salter didn't apply for bail and it was formally refused. A 47-year-old business associate of Miller's, Wayne Allan Johnson, was likewise charged with participating in a criminal group and a drug charge, and a business premises in Bankstown was raided. He appeared briefly in the dock, did not apply for bail and it was formally refused. Miller sat slumped in a chair, shirtless, as police searched his apartment in Rozelle, in Sydney's inner west, just after dawn on Tuesday morning On the march: Miller (left and right) was allowed to put on a striped polo shirt, handcuffed and taken to Newtown Police Station This image shows the type of candle Miller's syndicate allegedly used to smuggle the $2.2million worth of ice. Police claim the drug was moulded into the candle's glass shell Police will allege that a kilogram of heroin and $75,000 worth of cash were found in Miller's property (in bags on left). On right, an officer carries out a set of scales Bundles of $50 and $100 notes were clearly visible through in police evidence bags About a dozen officers participated in the raid on Miller's home. Above, two officers carry regulation cardboard evidence bags out to waiting police cars More and more evidence: Police carry out the end result of their search of Miller's Rozelle home At Miller's apartment block, more than a dozen officers were seen meticulously sorting through Miller's possessions throughout the morning. Officers were seen lifting Miller's mattress and inspecting a packet of anti-inflammatory medication as his pet pug waddled excitedly around the unit. One policeman was pictured carrying a set of scales out of the property. The investigation into Miller began just weeks ago, after police discovered a shipment of candles where each allegedly contained half a kilogram of high-quality methamphetamine. The substance was moulded into glass containers. In what may well be an understatement given his door was bashed in with a battering ram, Drugs and Firearms Squad commander John Watson said Miller had been 'surprised' by the dawn raid. No stone left unturned: A police officer inspected a packet of anti-inflammatory medication during the raid Police piled up bags of evidence in regulation cardboard carriers outside the luxe Balmain Cove property Documents and evidence bags were heaped in the back of a waiting NSW Police vehicle This is the luxurious apartment complex - Balmain Cove - which Miller had called home Police will allege that Miller was directing a syndicate that allegedly planned to ship the drug ice to Albury on New South Wales - Victorian border Miller has admitted having troubles in his personal life in recent years. During an interview with 60 Minutes in 2014 he admitted he was battling a drug addiction. He worked as a drug awareness and prevention speaker with the Church of Scientology's Narconon program, according to his LinkedIn profile. Miller is also known for his brief marriage to Sydney socialite and TV presenter Charlotte Dawson in 1999 and 2000. Dawson died by suicide in 2014 following a despicable trolling campaign. Miller claimed on LinkedIn to have been a business development manager for a company called reinteractive. However, sources insisted that he only worked very briefly at the business on a trial basis for just three weeks - but has never updated his profile. A source close to Miller said he had been working for a shipping business until recently. Both Miller and Johnson's cases returns to Newtown Local Court on April 13. Further charges are expected to be laid. Miller was a silver and bronze medallist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games (left, with his 100m butterfly silver). He is the ex-husband of the late socialite Charlotte Dawson (right) Miller is Australian swimming royalty. In this 2003 photograph, he is pictured back row with Michael Klim and model Sarah Murdoch. Front row includes legendary Olympians Leisel Jones and Petria Thomas (both on right) The dismissal of the charge against Ms. Cooper who is not related to Mr. Cooper provoked frustration online, where some critics of the district attorneys office questioned why Ms. Cooper had received what they believed was lenient treatment and suggested it was because she is white. Eliza Orlins, a candidate for Manhattan district attorney, said in a tweet that the dismissal isnt surprising. This is how the system was designed to function to protect the privileged from accountability, she said. A report released by the Manhattan district attorneys office in December said that between February and June last year, 328 people were referred to the organization that handled Ms. Coopers case, Manhattan Justice Opportunities, which provides alternatives to incarceration. Forty-six percent were Black and 23 percent were Hispanic, numbers that match the percentage of those groups arrested in Manhattan in 2018, the latest year for which data is available. For his part, Mr. Cooper has been reluctant to speak about Ms. Cooper, for whom he has shown compassion. In an interview with The New York Times shortly after the encounter, Mr. Cooper said that while he was not excusing Ms. Coopers racism, I dont know if her life needed to be torn apart. Asked about the dismissal of the charge, Mr. Cooper said there were more important issues for people fighting for racial justice to worry about, such as the political battle to make Washington, D.C., a state. I am far more outraged by the U.S. Congress, which continues to deny the mostly Black and brown people of the District of Columbia statehood, and the representation every American deserves, than by anything Amy Cooper did, he said. That gross racial injustice could be fixed by Congress now, today, and that is what people should be focused on, not last years events in Central Park. Seven Republican senators who voted with Democrats to convict former President Trump are now facing backlash from their own party. Nancy Cordes has the latest Video Transcript MAJOR GARRETT: President Biden is back at the White House, hoping to focus the nation's attention on his $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan. But there is still some unfinished business from the second Trump impeachment trial. CBS's Nancy Cordes reports tonight from the White House. NANCY CORDES: President Biden returned from Camp David to a city still shaking off the specter of impeachment. - "Is not guilty as charged." NANCY CORDES: The Senate failed to meet a 2/3 threshold this weekend to convict his predecessor. But seven Republicans who voted with Democrats are now facing their own reckoning. - Mr. Cassidy, guilty. NANCY CORDES: Senator Bill Cassidy was censured by Louisiana's Republican Party on Saturday. Tonight, North Carolina's Republican Party is voting on censuring longtime Senator Richard Burr. DAN BISHOP: I think that's an appropriate act. NANCY CORDES: North Carolina Congressman Dan Bishop supports the move. Senator Burr has served North Carolina in Congress for 25 years. Doesn't he have the right to cast a vote as he sees fit? - I like Senator Burr, I'm friendly with Senator Burr. But this was an error, and the Republican Party is correct, in my judgment, to express that view. [HORNS HONKING, CHEERING] NANCY CORDES: Mr. Trump, who waved to supporters in West Palm Beach today, is still facing an election-related investigation in Georgia and a financial investigation in New York. MITCH MCCONNELL: Didn't get away with anything, yet. NANCY CORDES: Republican Leader Mitch McConnell suggested those probes could spell trouble for the former president. MITCH MCCONNELL: President Trump is still liable for everything he did while he was in office. NANCY CORDES: But South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham argued it's the Democrats who deserve retribution for going after a former president. Story continues LINDSEY GRAHAM: If you use this model, I don't know how Kamala Harris doesn't get impeached if the Republicans take over the House because she actually bailed out rioters, and one of the rioters went back to the streets and broke somebody's head open. NANCY CORDES: Supporters of the vice president say she only backed bailing out peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters, not rioters. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she wants to get to the root causes of the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, and so, Major, she is going to be creating an independent, 9/11-style commission to investigate. MAJOR GARRETT: Nancy Cordes at the White House. Thank you. LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/-- After unprecedented demand, the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has announced that it will be extending its limited time offer under its Citizenship by Investment Programme. The limited time offer launched last year and was initially anticipated to last only six months. Now, due to popularity, it has been extended. The Programme, introduced in 1984 after St Kitts and Nevis gained independence from the United Kingdom, offers investors a safe and secure route to second citizenship once contributing through the Sustainable Growth Fund. The fund option is the fastest and most straightforward route to St Kitts and Nevis citizenship and is the only path that offers the limited time offer. Under the discount, families of up to four can gain citizenship for $150,000 rather than the previous $195,000. This accounts for a $45,000 price cut. With nearly four decades of experience and longevity within the investment migration realm, St Kitts and Nevis' CBI Programme has been hailed as the industry's Platinum Standard brand. Investors who pass the necessary security checks unlock access to visa-free travel to 156 destinations including to key business hubs like the United Kingdom also enabling citizens to access higher quality services in education and healthcare. Successful applicants also gain the right to live, work and study in the nation and build a legacy by passing down citizenship for generations to come. Economic citizens also gain access to higher quality services from education to healthcare. St Kitts and Nevis prides itself on its discreet application process with the privacy of applicants treated with the upmost important. Furthermore, those who are accepted to become citizens can rest assured that they are joining a politically stable nation that values the safety of its population. "As a country, St Kitts and Nevis is unparalleled when it comes to an idyllic setting for your family. It has low crime rates, good governance and beautiful landscapes. Providing a place to settle or a second home for holidays, dual citizenship allows that ease of travel not only to St Kitts and Nevis but also to over 150 countries visa-free," says Micha Emmett, CEO of CS Global Partners. Investors who choose St Kitts and Nevis can rest assured that they are selecting a Programme that has stood the test of time and is regarded as one of the best routes to second citizenship within the market. The annual 2020 CBI Index, conducted by experts at the Financial Times' PWM, scored the Programme top points regarding its due diligence framework, citizenship timeline, ease of processing and more. +447867942505, pr@csglobalpartners.com, www.csglobalpartners.com While looking for a new location, company officials were in a competitive site search and were looking at locations throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. To help keep the company in Gurnee, both the state of Illinois and Lake County came together to come up with ideas to make the village the most attractive option, including waiving some of the building permit fees, an ordinance that was unanimously approved by the Village Board. Tuesday, February 16, 2021 Stop The Steal This was the rallying cry of the mob that stormed the capitol building on January 6, 2021. How did Trump manage to create this impression in the mind of his followers? This is the one key omission in the otherwise brilliant presentation of the House managers in the impeachment trial. Rachel Maddow asked whether the trial could have had a secret ballot changing everything, and was answered by two House managers that yes, the Senate could have required a secret ballot. That would have changed the result, removing the bully's ability to primary those that crossed the Trump mobster. Don the mafia Don. Starting The Year Trump expected the strong economy to reelect him and was horrified to find a pandemic ruining that idea. He did not like the optics, so he started to create his own separate reality. So he denied the danger and reality of the pandemic in public while confirming the danger in private to Bob Woodward and refused to wear a mask. His followers gleefully followed while Democrats were horrified. So he exploited Democratic horror by insisting Wisconsin voters vote in person and not by mail April 7th. Too bad he did not "stop the steal" in Wisconsin as the gerrymandered Republican majority in Wisconsin stole lopsided Republican control for a decade. So he began by destroying the postal service as his appointee removed 671 mass mail processing machines reducing deliverance from 90% reliability to 80% reliability and to heck with seniors' vital medicines. 300,000 votes were stuck in the post office on election day. He continued mass rallies spreading the disease to 30,000 of his followers leading to 700 deaths by the Stanford study and possibly doubling those figures again by election day. Red Mirage With 40% of the vote by mail as mostly Democrats voted safely as the president urged his voters to vote in person only, the setup was in place. Loyal Republican legislatures blocked any sensible processing of voter envelopes ready to be counted before election day in key states so the early vote would only show election day vote and not the mail vote for several days in Pennsylvania for example. This allowed Trump to claim he won in a landslide on election night that was stolen from him as ballots arrived "mysteriously" in the night from cities with a huge black vote. Stop the count became a rallying cry. Lawsuits sought to block the counting of urban black votes. Anyone can see that he won in a landslide Trump complained to his followers, so show up January 6th to stop the stolen election from going to Biden. Trump tried to claim massive vote fraud from all these "late" counted ballots, but 61 court cases said otherwise, many decided by Trump appointed judges. Trump Does Not Care When the Michigan governor was threatened with a plot to kidnap and try her for treason, Trump encouraged the plotters and not the governor as he continued a long pattern of endorsing violence by white supremacists. In the September debate he told the Proud Boys (terrorist group according to Canada) to "Stand Back and Stand By" which quickly became a jacket design worn by the Proud Boys. They began to prepare for violence after election day, showing up in force with police, military, veterans, and 57 elected persons for the rally and capital assault January 6th. When Republican House Leader McCarthy complained about the assault to Trump with an angry phone call, he was interrupted by breaking glass while Trump dryly responded, "Perhaps they care more about the election than you do." Ten minutes after hearing from Senator Tuberville that loyal up until that day Vice President Mike Pence had been evacuated from the Senate chamber, probably after hearing the mob chants of "Hang Mike Pence" on television, he tweeted another anti Pence tweet to his rampaging supporters. Looking for Nancy Pelosi and Alexandra Ocasio Cortez rioters asked "where is she" as Pelosi staff hid in a room nearby and AOC hid in a bathroom closet fearing for her life. Trump sees the world as killers (him) and weaklings (others). Like the Roman Caligula, Trump is the crazy one. His niece, Mary Trump, psychologist, sees him as the most dangerous man on earth. Malignant narcissist or sociopath, your choice. America needs a two party system, not one party and one cult. Seventeen Revolutionary 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, February 16), "Stop The Steal Rationale" Madison, WI, Real Economy Institute. Retrieved from: https://www.expertclick.com/NewsRelease/Stop-The-Steal-Rationale,2021252477.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 (102/57) so far, this 129 days. Contact: bobreuschlein@gmail.com Info: www.realeconomy.com A secret trial in Myanmar The closed-door trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars civilian leader who was ousted in a military coup two weeks ago, began in secret Tuesday. The defense lawyer was notified at the last minute about the court hearing. By the time he rushed to the court, it had ended. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi faces obscure charges that could land her in prison for six years: violating import restrictions after walkie-talkies and other foreign equipment were found in her villa compound along with a previously undisclosed charge of interacting with a crowd during the pandemic. U Win Myint, the deposed president who also went on trial over charges of interacting with a crowd on Tuesday, could spend three years in prison if convicted. Context: The first day of the trial followed two dizzying weeks during which the military stripped away civil liberties for the entire population, imprisoned hundreds, and ignored the millions protesting their seizure of power. This is a fight for our future, the future of our country, one youth activist told the South China Morning Post. We want to establish a real federal union where all citizens, all ethnicities are treated equally. [February 16, 2021] NorthShore Adult Diapers Announces Expansion Into Canada Leading U.S. brand for heavy incontinence protection now stocked locally in Canada by two leading direct-to-consumer internet retailers GREEN OAKS, Ill., Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW/ -- NorthShore Care Supply, the company behind NorthShore, the leading brand of high-absorbency adult diapers and incontinence supplies, recently announced its expansion into Canada. NorthShore has served customers in the U.S. for nearly two decades, focused on providing products to people of all ages managing moderate to heavy incontinence with up to 3x the leak protection of leading store brands. "The availability of NorthShore brand supplies means individuals managing incontinence can now buy these products domestically in Canada," says Adam Greenberg, president and founder of NorthShore. Direct-to-home retailers Healthwick Canada and AgeComfort, both based in Canada, have started offering a selection of NorthShore products such as the company's signature MEGAMAX tab-style briefs with maximum absorbency, protective underwear GoSupreme and other "reassuringly strong" products. Healthwick is the first Canadian company to offer MEGAMAX diapers to consumers at the end of 2020. he company's customer reviews of NorthShore products are consistently five stars, according to Chief Executive Officer Sean Neville. "NorthShore has been on our radar for some time, with many shoppers asking if we carried their adult diapers and underwear," says Neville. "Customers told us that NorthShore products were terrific, highly absorbent, affordable and offer superior quality." "As a leading e-commerce retailer of adult diapers in Canada, we offer a wide range of well-known brands," says Hanif Balolia, president and founder, AgeComfort. "However, we were thrilled to bring the NorthShore brand to our customers and the response thus far has been great. We're pleased to offer NorthShore's high quality and great fitting products to the Canadian market with free shipping on all orders over $50." "We partnered with Healthwick and Age Comfort to carry NorthShore products because they are leaders in Canada for the best selection of incontinence supplies," says Greenberg. "They also provide excellent customer service, quality products and discreet delivery, which mirrors our own values." To learn more about NorthShore, visit NorthShore.com or call 1-800-563-0161. About NorthShore Care Supply Founded in 2002, NorthShore Care Supply provides peace of mind to families managing with moderate to severe incontinence through life-changing absorbent products. The company is committed to #EndHealthStigma as we help 80 million Americans managing some form of bladder or bowel incontinence live their life to the fullest. Our featured NorthShore brand is the leading premium adult diaper brand in the U.S. and is available at NorthShore.com or 800-563-0161. Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook @NorthShoreCareSupply, Twitter @NorthShoreCare, and on Instagram @NorthShoreCare. About Healthwick Founded in 2011, Healthwick offers Canada's largest selection of adult incontinence products, with fast, 100 percent discreet direct-to-home shipping. Their caring team offers the knowledge, products and service that Canadians rely on to manage their incontinence, including a Free Sample Program that allows users to try up to 5 free samples per order. Customers can shop online at www.healthwick.ca or call toll free at 1-877-775-6656. About AgeComfort AgeComfort carries one of the largest and most unique selections of home health care products for seniors, baby boomers and caregivers in Canada. With 30 years of mail order experience, AgeComfort is committed to making customers' lives more comfortable. For information, email orderdesk@agecomfort.com, call direct 905-760-7054 or toll-free 800-520-3259 NorthShore Care Supply Media Contact: Vicki Wolpoff 847-777-8265 vwolpoff@northshore.com www.NorthShore.com Related Images healthwick-ceo-sean-neville.jpg Healthwick CEO Sean Neville Photographed: Healthwick CEO Sean Neville SOURCE NorthShore Care Supply [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Egypt condemned a deadly rocket attack that targeted the city of Erbil in Iraq, offering condolences to the government and families of victims a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday. "Egypt expresses its sincere condolences to the government and the brotherly people of the Republic of Iraq, and the families of the victims in the repugnant terrorist attack, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured," the statement said. On Monday, a rocket fire landed near Erbil International Airport, leaving a civilian contractor killed and a US service member injured along with five other contractors, tweeted Col. Wayne Marotto, the spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Egypt also voiced support for Iraqi measures to protect the country's security and maintain stability. The statement also expressed Egypt's confidence in the ability of Iraq to respond decisively to the terrorist practices, "which will not deter Iraq from its tireless efforts to establish security over its territory, in a way that preserves stability and national capabilities." Short link: Dubai and Riyadh-based Nuwa Capital, a venture capital firm, has announced the first close of its flagship fund Nuwa Ventures Fund I (NVFI), having raised three-quarters of its $100 million target in less than a year since its launch. The fund primarily targets rapidly growing markets in MENA and neighbouring geographies, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Nuwa Capital was founded in February 2020 by Khaled Talhouni, Sarah Abu Risheh and Stephanie Nour Prince in response to a lack of impactful operational and strategic support from investors. To this effect, the fund has launched the Nuwa Network, a close-knit network of founders and operational experts, to help startups navigate challenges with scaling and expansion, among others. We launched the fund in a year forever marked with the upending of how our economies and societies have traditionally functioned. At the heart of this shift was the unprecedented adoption of technology, particularly in emerging markets. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to reshape our economies around innovation and entrepreneurship and prime our societies for decades of positive growth, said Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital. The firms uniqueness derives from its closeness to the investment and startup community in the Middle East serving as a platform to build lasting and impactful relationships. Nuwa Capital has built its value proposition around supporting founders and companies it invests in through a structured value creation framework with a network of operating partners and through connecting the funds investors and Limited Partners (LPs), particularly corporate investors, with the startups that are effecting change in their respective industries. "We set out to redefine the relationship between capital and founders. Although we expected a delay given the challenging economic climate and limited travel, we have been able to build the right partnerships and finalise our first close in under a year. With a distinguished community of LPs and the Nuwa Network, we are able to scale value creation and offer both strategic and operational support to our portfolio across the region as we move forward," said Stephanie Nour Prince, Partner, Network and Operations at Nuwa Capital. To date, the fund has signed with a selective pool of large groups and family offices who are leaders in their respective industries, such as Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Real Estate, F&B, Media, and Logistics. For many of Nuwa Capital's LPs, this investment represents their first such position in a MENA fund. Nuwa Capital also counts leading regional institutional investors among its investor base. This is coupled with a strong thesis-driven approach and the Nuwa Capital teams long standing track record of investing in some of the leading companies emerging in MENA over the past decade including, but not limited to: Careem, Mumzworld, Goldenscent, Twiga Foods, Insider, and Nana Direct. "We expect to see companies continue to grow regionally and invest in their businesses. We have been operating in this space for about a decade and continue to see new models emerge and further blur the lines between tech and non tech. As the appetite of corporates to meaningfully work with startups increasingly develops, we will be witnessing more pronounced changes across the regional ecosystem and seeing more startups reaching escape velocity," said Sarah Abu Risheh, Partner at Nuwa Capital. Prior to closing the fund, the team has invested in several regional companies, including Eyewa, Homzmart and Flexxpay and is set to announce further investments in the coming weeks as Nuwa Capital accelerates its investment program following the first close. - TradeArabia News Service The release of a major report last week by the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighting that India will make up the biggest share of energy demand growth from now until 2040 - ahead of China comes at just the right time for the U.S.s new strategy to counter Chinas rapidly increasing influence in the Middle East. The details of the IEAs India Energy Outlook 2021 only add further weight to the credibility of the U.S.s attempt to portray India as a viable economic and energy-consuming alternative end user to China for Middle East oil and gas producers that side with the new U.S.-Israel-Arab state alliances. Specifically, according to the IEA report, Indias energy consumption is expected to nearly double as its gross domestic product expands to an estimated US$8.6 trillion by 2040 under its current national policy scenario (the equivalent of adding another economy the size of Japan to the world economy in less than 20 years). Particularly of note to Middle Eastern hydrocarbons producers will be the projection that Indias oil demand is expected to rise to at least 8.7 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2040 from about 5 million bpd in 2019, while its natural gas needs are projected to more than triple to 201 billion cubic metres. In explicit potential export dollars terms for Middle East oil and gas producers, India is set to see its net dependence on oil imports increase to more than 90 per cent by 2040 from the current 75 per cent, according to the IEA, and its net gas import dependency increase to around 61 per cent by 2025 from just 20 per cent only 10 years ago. This outlook is perfect for the U.S.s new counter-China strategy that politically began most obviously with the signing in August 2020 of the U.S.-brokered Israel-UAE normalisation deal. This deal announcement heralded that a new corridor of co-operation was being developed from the U.S. (and Israel), through the UAE (and Kuwait, Bahrain, and in part Saudi Arabia) as a regional counterbalance to Chinas growing sphere of influence. With Bahrain later following the UAE in making a similar normalisation deal with Israel, Washington has considerable room for optimism that further such deals can be made with the other GCC states, comprising Kuwait (already firmly in the U.S. sphere of influence), Saudi Arabia (Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is believed to be broadly in favour of the UAE-Israel accord), Oman (toying with moving into the China fold), and Qatar (quietly co-operating with Iran over the South Pars/North Dome gas field). The remaining GCC states Jordan and Egypt already have similar pacts with Israel. Related Video: Four Of The Coolest Fictional Power Sources One key element of the U.S.s strategy was to provide a focal counterpoint for Middle Eastern hydrocarbons producers to Chinas huge buying presence in the international oil and gas sectors, and this is where India comes into the equation. Much of Chinas current turbo-drive expansion into the Middle East is predicated in the first instance on the energy sector, given that the oil industry, in particular, involves the movement of huge amounts of money, ships, equipment, technology, and personnel in often disguised ways confidential bank accounts, intelligence and military personnel who can pass as high-level oil technicians or security people, ships that can disappear through the flick of an AIS switch and so on that other industries cannot match for activities that countries wish to conduct quietly. Consequently, the starting point for the build-out of the U.S.-Israel-Arab states alliance needed to be focused on the same demand-led power paradigm and this was why shortly after the announcement on the 13th of August 2020 of the U.S.-Israel-UAE-deal it was also stated that the three countries now agree to co-operate in the fields of oil and gas and related technologies (which, as China and Russia know in Iran, Iraq, and Syria, can mean absolutely anything). For this, the U.S. needed a powerhouse of a country with limited oil and gas resources of its own that was set to see massive economic growth in the coming years with a corollary ballooning in oil and gas buying from abroad: cue India. An extremely fortuitous additional factor for the U.S. plan was an increasing willingness on Indias part to take a more aggressive approach towards it neighbour. In this context, the 15 June 2020 clash between some of its military units and those of China in the disputed territory of the Galwan Valley in the Himalayas reflected a much greater change in the core relationship between the two countries than the relatively small number of casualties might have implied. It marked a new push back strategy from India against Chinas policy of seeking to increase its economic and military alliances from Asia through the Middle East and into Southern Europe, in line with its multi-layered multi-generational One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project. Until China dramatically upped the tempo of this OBOR-related policy at around the same time as the U.S. signalled its lack of interest in continuing its own large-scale activities in the Middle East through its withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and its withdrawal from much of Syria India had stuck to a policy of trying to contain China. Related: Biden Sets The Stage For An Offshore Wind Energy Boom As a signal of the export dollar largesse that might come to a Middle Eastern oil and gas state that takes the U.S. side against increasing Chinese influence in the region, India has already started to offer attractive benefits to selected companies from the countries that have already signed up to this new U.S. Middle Eastern order, most notably so far the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC). This newly U.S.-aligned group appears to be an ideal corporate proxy to advance such broader policy and power projection all the way up to Chinas border through increased co-operation with India. At the moment, ADNOC already the UAEs biggest energy producer and OPEC's third-largest oil producer - is pumping around 4 million bpd of crude oil but is aiming to increase this output by at least another 1 million bpd by 2030, and to increase its gas output as well. With all of this moving forward and, given the U.S. endgame in securing India as a direct counterbalance to China in Asia, ADNOCs chief executive officer, Sultan al-Jaber, has stated that he looks forward to exploring partnerships with even more Indian companies across the energy giants hydrocarbon value chain. ADNOC has already been granted the unique status of currently being the only overseas company so far allowed to hold and store Indias vitally-important strategic petroleum reserves (SPR). In keeping with the developing scope of this relationship, Indias government recently approved a proposal that will allow ADNOC to export oil from the SPR if there is no domestic demand for it, in the first instance from the Mangalore strategic storage facility (the other major SPR pool being at Padur). This decision marked a major shift in the policy of India in the handling of these vital energy reserves, with the country having previously completely banned all oil exports from the SPR storage facilities. A further sign of this relationship between the U.S.-sponsored UAE and India moving up a gear is the likelihood of ADNOC being top of the list of foreign companies that would be considered to buy a substantial stake in the high-profile privatisation of major Indian refiner, Bharat Petroleum. Russian state corporate proxy, Rosneft, had expressed an interest in buying the Indian governments 53.29 per cent in the company as recently as the middle of 2020 following a visit to New Delhi in February by Rosnefts chief executive officer, Igor Sechin but these overtures have now been sidelined by India. As far as the UAE is concerned, it would fit well not just into the broader geopolitical manoeuvring that is going on but also commercially into the swathe of deals being planned with Indian companies in the UAE. This was underlined by al-Jabber at the end of 2020 when he said: Today, Indian companies represent some of Abu Dhabis key concession and exploration partners[and] As we continue to work together, I see significant new opportunities for enhanced partnerships, particularly across our downstream portfolio. He added: We have launched an ambitious plan to expand our chemicals, petrochemicals, derivatives and industrial base in Abu Dhabi and I look forward to exploring partnerships with even more Indian companies across our hydrocarbon value chain. This longer-term view accords with the outlook given at around the same time by Indias minister of petroleum and natural gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, as he stated that Indias demand for refined products is expected to rise dramatically, requiring a 40 per cent increase in the its refining capacity to 350 million tonnes a year or 7 million bpd by 2030. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Farmers are facing a 50-100/t hike in fertiliser prices this spring on the back of tighter international supplies. Fertiliser importers have warned of major price increases coming down the tracks, with CAN up 100/t to a high of 270-280/t, while granular urea is forecast to top 400/t. However, some merchants have already moved to increase prices by as much as 25-30/t, with further hikes forecast for later in the spring. Industry sources blamed tighter fertiliser supplies on increased Chinese buying this year, stronger domestic demand in Russia, and on the refusal of manufacturers to supply product at last summers reduced prices. Rose Mary McDonagh, IFA farm business and inputs chairperson, accepted that fertiliser prices had increased by as much as 30/t in some areas over the last few weeks, but she claimed that deals were still being done for bulk deliveries. She urged farmers to shop around for deals and claimed that CAN was still selling for as low as 225/t, with granular urea available at 320/t. Merchants conceded that deals may be available in isolated cases where old stocks are being cleared; however, they insisted that the cost of product has already increased from most outlets, and that more significant price hikes are in the pipeline. Importers and wholesalers maintained that tighter supplies internationally, and a sharp increase in Chinese buying was putting real pressure on prices. The Chinese are importing at a fierce pace, one fertiliser importer claimed. He admitted to being genuinely nervous regarding the fertiliser supply situation earlier in the year. While those supply worries have eased, he said prices have hardened. The international trading situation has not only been reflected in higher urea and CAN prices. Industry officials pointed to the cost of potash, which they claimed has increased by more than 60/t since Christmas and by 200/t over the last 12 months. Farmers claimed that 10-10-20 was generally selling for between 355-400/t; granular urea is on 335-360/t; CAN is selling for 240-270/t; 0-7-30 is at 360-365/t; while 18-6-12 is making 330-355/t There are still savings to be made from shopping around, Ms McDonagh of IFA said. The keenest quotes are for volume orders and or near cash deals. In many cases, bulk purchase and self-collection can reduce prices by 10-20/t, she explained. Ms McDonagh said some merchants are offering extended credit terms of up to 60 days in order to secure good business. Buyer groups in many instances are securing discounts on the above quotes. More than 50 vehicles lined Pinemont Drive Tuesday morning as powerless Houstonians sought a more old-fashioned solution to heat their homes. Firewood. Those lucky enough to have a fireplace (and working phones) took to Google Tuesday morning and found Williams Firewood. Hayward Nolan arrived at 7:45 a.m. Google said the business would open at 9 a.m., and he was worried about a line. As the cars piled up behind him, Nolan became a director, of sorts, telling people that the business wasnt yet open. Marshall Flowers got in line around 8:45 a.m. He found the business on Monday and had waited about an hour and a half for firewood. By Tuesday morning, Flowers wished he had purchased more. Apparently, you can go through 30 pieces of wood in 12 hours, he said. I didnt know I needed to buy a whole pallet. John Gil was one of the lucky patrons with power. He was in line buying wood for friends and family who didnt have power and were home watching young children. However, Gil didnt know it was a cash-only business. He was about to leave and find an ATM when another patron in line gave him $400. Im going to drive and start delivering firewood to whoever they know who needs firewood, Gil said. Rep. Eric Swalwell says 'God herself' in interview Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Democratic congressman and House impeachment manager for the unsuccessful effort to impeach former President Donald Trump a second time suggested that God is female during an MSNBC interview over the weekend. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., spoke with MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace Saturday, shortly after the Senate acquitted the former president. Swalwell complained that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had decided against voting to convict Trump regardless of the case presented by the impeachment managers, citing his claim that the United States Senate did not have the jurisdiction to try the former president now that he has left office. "We could have called God herself and the Republicans weren't going to be willing to convict," he said. While impeachment failed to secure the support of two-thirds of the senators, which is required for conviction, seven Republicans joined all Senate Democrats in voting to convict Trump as guilty on the charge of inciting an insurrection. Sens. Richard Burr, R-N.C., Bill Cassidy, R-La., Susan Collins, R-Me., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Mitt Romney, R-Utah, Ben Sasse, R-Neb., and Pat Toomey, R-Penn., were the Republicans who voted to convict Trump, who became the first president to be impeached twice and the first president to face impeachment after leaving office. The final vote was 57-43 in favor of conviction. The website GotQuestions.org explains that "Scripture contains approximately 170 references to God as the 'Father.' By necessity, one cannot be a father unless one is male. If God had chosen to be revealed to man in female form, then the word 'mother' would have occurred in these places, not 'father.' "[A]ll the evidence contained in scripture agrees that God revealed Himself to mankind in a male form." This is not the first time a Democrat in the United States House of Representatives has faced criticism for assigning female pronouns to male religious figures or gender-neutral religious phrases. As the 117th Congress was sworn in last month, Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., concluded a prayer by saying "Amen and awoman" instead of simply "amen." The word "amen" simply means "so be it." After experiencing backlash for his "amen and awoman" remark, Cleaver insisted that his use of the nonexistent word "awoman" amounted to nothing more than a "light-hearted pun in recognition of the record number of women who will be representing the American people in Congress during this term." According to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, the 117th Congress consists of a record 143 women serving in the Senate and House of Representatives as voting members and non-voting delegates. Democrats are increasingly embracing the idea that there are more than two genders and have worked to increase the use of gender-neutral terminology. The rules for the 117th Congress eliminated the use of gender-specific terms such as mother and father, son and daughter and aunt and uncle as part of a purported effort to "honor all gender identities." The Rev. Franklin Graham, a prominent evangelist and CEO of Samaritan's Purse, argued that by pushing to eliminate gender-specific terms, the Democratic leadership in the House was "shaking a fist in the Creator's face" and "trying to deny his authority." He warned that "If those claiming the name progressive are allowed to have their way, we won't even recognize this nation in a very short time." Now that former President Donald Trumps impeachment trial is over, Congress can turn its full attention to the third stimulus package. The plan would give individual stimulus payments of $1,400 per person, including dependents, for singles who earn $75,000 or less and for couples who earn up to $150,000. Singles who earn under $100,000 and couples who earn under $200,000 would get partial payments, and for those who earn more, the payments are cut off. The House Ways and Means Committee gave its okay to the $1.9 trillion deal, called the American Rescue Plan (ARP), last week. Even though Congress is on recess this week, everyone wants to see how quickly lawmakers can pass the bill, especially as a March 14 expiration date looms for extended federal unemployment benefits, which is part of the bill. Heres what has to happen next. 1. House Budget Committee gets to work Even though Congress is not in session, the House Budget Committee is pulling together different parts of the bill from language finalized by several other House committees. This means it will have ready one large piece of legislation when Congress comes back into session. 2. The House of Representatives takes up the bill The House could consider the bill as soon as next week. Unlike the passage of the CARES Act, during which Democrats in the House had a wider majority, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi only has a five-vote margin this time. While its possible that some Republicans could vote for the package, Democrats want to be sure it will pass even without bi-partisan support. We hope to have this all done by the end of February, Pelosi said last week. Certainly on the presidents desk in time to offset the March 14 deadline where some unemployment benefits would expire. The full House will vote on the measure as early as the week of Feb. 22. 3. The Senate gets its turn Once the House votes, the bill will go to the Senate, where the partisan split is even more pronounced. There are 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats in the Senate, and the bill could be passed with Vice President Kamala Harris on tap to put Democrats over the top if any tie-breakers are needed. The legislation would go through more quickly as Democrats use a process called reconciliation, which prevents a filibuster and allows the bills passage without Republican support. But that means Democrats cant afford to lose a single vote. In an attempt to give the Senate a bill that all Democrats will support, there have been negotiations behind the scenes between House and Senate staffers to make sure the House bill is acceptable to all Senate Democrats. One issue thats unresolved is whether or not a $15 minimum wage will be part of the final bill. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona) said she will not vote for a bill that includes a $15 minimum wage and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) has said he does not support the minimum wage hike, but he hasnt made clear whether he would vote for the stimulus package either way. Lawmakers have suggested the minimum wage increase could be pulled out of the package and instead be a stand-alone bill, increasing the chances that all Democrats will sign on to the relief bill. The bill would also include $9.4 billion for New Jersey and its municipalities in federal aid, nearly $2 billion for New Jersey Transit, $1.5 billion for Amtrak, and other funding such as $1.25 billion for specific grant programs, including New Starts, which will partially fund construction of the new Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River. The bill could hit the Senate during the week of March 2, giving the body two weeks to pass the bill before extended unemployment benefits expire on March 14. 4. More changes could come When the bill reaches the Senate, lawmakers could make changes to the House plan. If that happens, the bill would have to go back to the House for another vote. This would also have to happen before March 14 to make sure unemployment benefits dont expire. 5. The bill must be signed into law Once the bill is passed by the House and the Senate, it will be delivered to President Joe Biden to sign the bill into law. If the relief bill is passed by March 14, its not completely clear when Americans would see their stimulus money. For unemployment benefits, whenever there has been a change to a program or a new one has been introduced, the New Jersey Department of Labor has needed several weeks, at a minimum, to prepare its computer system to pay out the new benefits. Its unclear how long that could take this time around. On direct stimulus payments, the IRS was much faster to send out the second stimulus payments than it was the first ones from the CARES Act. Its expected to act quickly this time also, but no timeline has been set. The second stimulus payment had a Jan. 15 deadline for the IRS to send out the money. This time, its unknown if there will be a deadline to send out the payments, but if it works like last time, people could start seeing the money less than two weeks after the bill is passed. Those who receive direct deposit would see their payments first, followed by those who are expecting a paper check and those who receive prepaid debit cards. People who did not receive their first or second stimulus checks should submit their 2020 tax returns as soon as possible, even if they dont normally file returns. The faster the IRS has your information on file, the faster you will receive your payment. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. NJ Advance Media Statehouse reporter Jonathan D. Salant contributed to this report. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. ADVERTISEMENT Chelsea have moved up to the fourth spot on the English Premier League (EPL) table following their 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Monday night at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner were adequate to give the Blues maximum points as they continued their good run under their new German manager Thomas Tuchel. 1 Chelsea have conceded just one goal in their five Premier League games under Thomas Tuchel the joint-lowest number of goals conceded across a manager's first five games in the competition (along with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea & Peter Taylor at Leicester). Organised. #CHENEW pic.twitter.com/CUHFjkdXNt OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 15, 2021 Mondays tie did not start well for Chelsea as Tammy Abraham was forced off with an injury after just 13 minutes. Abraham was in on goal bet Newcastle captain, Jamaal Lasceles, made a last ditch tackle that turned the young strikers ankle. He took some time to be treated and tried to soldier on but he had to be replaced by Olivier Giroud in the 20th minute. However, there was to be a slight silver lining for Chelsea in Abrahams injury as his replacement, Giroud, gave Chelsea the lead in the 31st minute after good work down the left by Timo Werner. https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1361414682855100423?s=20 Moments after, the goal drought was finally over Timo Werner as he scored for the first time in the Premier League in 15 attempts. But Werner and indeed Chelsea were made to wait a little longer to have the goal confirmed as VAR checked for a potential offside. But eventually, it was given and Chelsea had doubled their lead before the end of the first half. Having failed to match their first-half performance in the second 45 minutes, there were no more goals neither for Chelsea nor their opponents, Newcastle. In the other Monday Premier League tie, West Ham initially leapfrogged Liverpool into the fourth position after they beat bottom team Sheffield United 3-0. Declan Rice got the opening goal from the penalty spot four minutes before the first half interval then an Issa Diop header and a late Ryan Fredericks strike sealed the 3-0 win at the London Stadium. David Moyes side are fifth on the table currently with defending champions, Liverpool, pushed down to sixth place after their dismal run of late. A man was shot in Londonderry this month after he had been granted High Court bail for drugs offences, a court heard yesterday. The 48-year-old victim was one of two men who appeared in court last month following the discovery of what police said was 80,000 worth of cocaine and bundles of cash in a house in the Bogside area of the city on January 27. The shooting victim and his co-accused were both granted anonymity and remanded in custody following their initial Magistrates Court appearance. The victim, who was critically injured in the shooting, had been granted High Court bail on February 5 and was shot the next day. In court yesterday a barrister for the victim's co-accused applied for his client to be released on bail. Objecting to the application, a detective constable told Deputy District Judge Liam McStay: "The police believe the defendant will be the target of an attack. He has had that explained to him when his co-accused was granted High Court bail last week before being shot. "Also, this defendant has been asked several times by police to provide the PIN number for his mobile phone and he has refused to do so. "Police believe he may commit further offences in order to recover the losses of the drugs and cash. We believe his mobile phone may contain information about outstanding suspects yet to be identified and we also believe if granted bail he may contact them." She said the defendant had two previous drugs convictions. "We have information he may be the target of an attack, as his co-accused was shot once he was granted bail," she added. Applying for bail, barrister Jonathan Browne said the defendant was not in the house where the drugs and cash were found and he said any risk regarding the defendant "could be managed by way of his exclusion from certain areas of Derry". He added: "As regards the PIN number of his mobile phone, which he has not given to the police, the defendant believes there is information of a personal nature on the phone which is not of a criminal nature and he is anxious to maintain the privacy of that personal information." Granting conditional bail, Mr McStay said he was not distinguishing between the defendant and his co-accused, who had been granted High Court bail. The defendant was then released on his own bail of 750, together with a surety of 10,000. The case was adjourned until February 25. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. After power went out about 6 a.m. Monday at the 70-acre sanctuary in North Bexar County that houses over 400 primates including chimpanzees, monkeys and lemurs and tropical birds, Brooke Chavez and her staff tried everything they could to keep the animals protected. They tried using generators. Space heaters. Propane tanks. Loads of blankets. By nightfall, as temperature dipped yet again, Chavez realized their efforts were futile. They began to evacuate some animals. Ive never faced a decision like this, said Chavez, executive director of Primarily Primates, the nonprofit sanctuary in Leon Springs. Having to decide who we can save, depending on the predictability of which animals we can catch. As the 12 staff members and volunteers began shepherding animals into carriers to transport them to the San Antonio Zoo for treatment and shelter, Chavez and her staff began to find dead animals throughout the facility. Among the dead: a chimpanzee, numerous monkeys, some lemurs and countless birds. I never, ever thought my office would turn into a morgue, but it has, Chavez said, her voice cracking. Someone asked me how many animals have died. I dont know yet. I know we lost lots of monkeys, lemurs and tropical birds. We wont truly know how many animals have died until the temperatures rise and the snow starts to melt, she added. As the demand for power continues to exceed energy, causing frequent power outages throughout San Antonio and the state, Chavez and her staff are asking for the publics help to protect the animals in their care, including many that are elderly. While some of the animals have been evacuated and others are at the homes of volunteers many remain at the sanctuary, where temperatures hover around 28 degrees. Chavez said her staff is in desperate need of propane tanks, generators, space heaters and blankets to help care for the animals. Animal Sanctuary Seeks Donations Who: Primarily Primates, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Leon Springs, is seeking donations as severe weather conditions worsen. What: The sanctuary needs blankets and towels (even if they are stained), flashlights, propane tanks, generators, space heaters and dog and cat carriers. When: Donations can be left at the front gate or shed anytime Tuesday. There is no need to call ahead. Where: Primarily Primates, 6099 Dull Knife Trail, San Antonio, Texas 78255. See More Collapse Im trying to look at the positives, Chavez said. Im grateful that we have been able to save as many animals that we already have. And Im grateful for the people who have brought us supplies for our animals. I cannot believe their generosity. This is a developing story. Check ExpressNews.com later in the day for updates. Cami Ann Green is an established academic writer and an award-winning author of human-interest stories. She is in several Scandinavian publications, both in Finland and the US, with such pieces as face-to-face interviews with legendary novelist James Michener, and iconic feminist Betty Friedan. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT According to a first-ever 50-state survey on Holocaust knowledge, 63% of American Millennials and Gen Z did not know six million Jews were murdered (additionally, 41% said the number was 2 million or less) and 11% of survey respondents believed Jews caused the Holocaust. On a positive note, 80% said it is important to continue teaching this part of history, partly so it is not repeated again. Among the nationwide population, the AJC: American Jewish Committee found that 24% of Americans know "not much" or "nothing at all" about the Holocaust, with 90% of those who responded believing it is important for schools to teach the history of the Holocaust. Traditionally, school districts have heavily relied on textbooks on the general history of World War II to fulfill their states mandate to teach Holocaust history, with teachers continually looking for engaging ways to teach a uniquely terrifying period of history. Since the adoption of a new federal law, the Never Again Education Act, signed into law by President Trump in 2020, teachers may apply for grants to assist them with curriculum materials for the history of the Holocaust and its relevance to growing antisemitism today. A Maryland teacher believes that her students relate to the Holocaust period when she talks about the exclusionary laws targeting Jews in Germany in the 1930s because middle schoolers are all about whos in the club and whos not in the club. Meanwhile, a professor of Holocaust and genocide studies does not think the subject should be taught just as history, because then it becomes easy for students to say, It happened then, it happened there, it has no relevance here. He maintains that connecting the topic with everyday people is essential. A recently released historical memoir The Yellow Star That Wasnt: Scandinavia, Miami And Me introduces a geographic area that is not a common part of the Holocaust-related writings: the often-forgotten Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The book combines stories with historical facts into a mesmerizing personal narrative that makes students of the Holocaust relate on a more personal level while letting them see how history and culture continue to affect the way we still view human relations, specifically in the area of tolerance and the fight against antisemitism. Readers get important historical facts (for instance, that Hitler occupied Denmark and Norway on the same day in 1940 while Finland and Sweden were left alone) without being over-whelmed by mind-numbing information, in a way that the previous literature about the years 1940-1945 has not done. Often misunderstood or ignored, the Scandinavian situation has long been the focus of Greens ongoing speaking engagements where much of the material evolved as an expression of the interest of listeners. Among praise for The Yellow Star That Wasnt: "(the book) successfully weaves the writer's personal story into a narrative of acceptance/intolerance/resilience of the Jews in Scandinavia before, during and after the events of WW-II. Ultimately it's an inspirational story on several levels." Another said, "The history of the Scandinavian Jewish experience of the Holocaust was full of information that was new to me. The comments the writer's lectures stimulated reveals the great connection to victims and survivors that lives in the generation that grew up right after WWII. This connection inevitably will fade in the following generations - to their peril." "While it was the title that intrigued me (so contrary to the history I thought I knew), it was the personal story that kept me mesmerized. We are all products of the people who raised us!" One reviewer stated, "I learned history not found in any of my history books in high school." Cami Ann Green is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at cami chofstadter.com. The Yellow Star That Wasnt: Scandinavia, Miami And Me is in paperback or Kindle from Amazon and other quality booksellers. More information is available at the website at http://www.seagreenpress.com. About Cami Ann Green: A European and U.S.-educated lawyer, Cami Green has a PhD in Educational Leadership, and certificates from the University of Geneva (International Organizations) and the Hague Academy of International Law (Diplomatic Law). In spite of a sizeable body of academic writings (most recently, Modern Consuls, Palgrave Macmillan, July 2020), her love for human interest stories has remained a constant through her life. Among Greens unique qualifications for The Yellow Star that Wasnt: Scandinavia, Miami, and Me are her proficiency in all Scandinavian languages, and her ability to make the personal into the universal particularly as it relates to history by her focus on the human experience. Through ongoing lectures and writings, she understands what Americans want to know about her own personal journey to an obsessive interest in the part of Holocaust history that involves the four Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden), all with their own unique experiences. She has also presented at the Holocaust Teacher Institute, University of Miami. Throughout her career, Green was committed to international education and was active in many organizations that shared the goal of preparing coming generations for the new global community. Among them: AALS (Association of American Law Schools) Section on Graduate Programs for Foreign Lawyers (founding president; newsletter editor); Florida Commission on International Education (University of Miami School of Law Representative); Florida State Commission on International Education; and NAFSA: Association of International Educators (national Parliamentarian). She was also a member of the Consular College, Washington, D.C. and a member and secretary of the Consular Corps of Miami. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Covid-19: Biden Suggests All Americans Could Be Offered Vaccines by August New York City data by ZIP code showed major income and racial disparities in the geography of the citys vaccination efforts so far. South Africa will share its unused AstraZeneca doses after the vaccine showed weak results against a variant there. Biden suggests vaccines will be available for every American by the end of July. President Biden during a CNN town hall-style even in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times President Biden said on Tuesday that every American who wanted a Covid-19 vaccination would be able to get one by the end of July, striking a more optimistic tone than he delivered last week when he warned that logistical and distribution hurdles would most likely mean that many people would still not have been vaccinated by the end of the summer. Mr. Biden made the comment in Milwaukee during a town-hall-style meeting hosted by CNN. When the host, Anderson Cooper, asked him when every American who wanted a vaccine was going to be able to get a vaccine Mr. Biden replied without hesitation: By the end of July this year. He then qualified the remark slightly, telling Mr. Cooper that the doses would be available by then. But he also said he did not expect it to take months to get the shots into peoples arms. At a time when Americans are yearning to get back to what life was like before the pandemic, Mr. Biden sought to offer reassurance tempered with reality. While the president said he did not want to overpromise, he said at one point that by next Christmas I think well be in a very different circumstance, God willing, than we are today. At another point he predicted that by the time the next school year starts in September, the nation would be significantly better off than we are today. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued guidelines that urge school districts to reopen as soon as possible if they follow safety precautions. Last week, the Biden administration said it had secured 200 million more doses of coronavirus vaccines, enough to inoculate every American adult. The additional doses amount to a 50 percent increase in supply, and will give the administration enough in total to cover 300 million people by the end of the summer. But Mr. Biden warned at the time that it would still be difficult to get those shots into peoples arms. Its one thing to have the vaccine, Mr. Biden said then. Its another thing to have vaccinators. On Tuesday, Mr. Biden used his bully pulpit to urge Americans to get vaccinated, addressing questions about the efficacy of the vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson, which has not yet been granted emergency authorization by the Food and Drug Administration. That vaccine has been shown to be slightly less efficacious against some of the more contagious variants of the coronavirus than the two vaccines already in use, one by Moderna and other by Pfizer BioNTech. Mr. Biden said Americans needed to take it if it was offered. The clear notion is if youre eligible, if its available, get the vaccine, he said. Get the vaccine. The White House says vaccine supply is going up to 13.5 million doses a week. A Covid-19 vaccination site in the Bronx on Tuesday. The White House announced an increase in the vaccine supply to a total of 13.5 million per week. Credit... James Estrin/The New York Times As winter storms threatened to upend distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, the White House on Tuesday said that states collectively would begin receiving 13.5 million doses each week a jump of more than two million doses due in part to a shift in the way the government is allocating doses of Pfizers vaccine. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said that a new federal pharmacy program would provide two million weekly doses, a doubling of its initial supply. The increases were welcome developments for state officials desperate to inoculate more vulnerable Americans before more contagious variants of virus become dominant. On Tuesday evening, President Biden said that every American who wanted a Covid-19 vaccination would be able to get one by the end of July, offering a more encouraging forecast than he delivered a week earlier when he warned that logistical and distribution hurdles would delay vaccinations beyond the end of the summer. He then qualified the remark slightly, saying that the doses would be available by then. But he also said he did not expect it to take months to get the shots into peoples arms. Mr. Biden made the comment in Milwaukee during a town-hall-style meeting hosted by CNN. The Biden administration has been working with Pfizer, the maker of one federally authorized vaccine, to get the company more manufacturing supplies, including pumps and filtration units, through the Defense Production Act. The administration announced last week that Pfizer and Moderna, the other maker of the vaccine authorized in the United States, would be able to deliver a total of 400 million doses by the end of May, well ahead of schedule. The latest boost in supply came partly because Pfizer, as of this week, is getting credit for six doses instead of five doses per vial, a White House spokesman said. Two-thirds of the boost came from increased output, the spokesman said. Officials now say there is an ample supply of the specialized syringes needed to extract the extra Pfizer dose. The White House warned state officials last week that because of that accounting change, the number of doses that the federal government said it had delivered would shoot up, even if the amount of vaccine in each vial did not. Ms. Psaki told reporters on Tuesday that with the latest increase, vaccine deliveries had jumped 57 percent since Mr. Biden was inaugurated. Administration officials have regularly framed those increases as Mr. Bidens accomplishment, even though, at least to some degree, the supplies were expected to grow as Pfizer and Moderna ramped up manufacturing. The announcement on Tuesday came as winter storms in the South continued to disrupt vaccine distribution. Clinics were closed and shipments were stalled in states where the pace of vaccinations had already lagged behind the national average. Vaccine appointments were rescheduled or canceled from Texas to Kentucky. A spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday that the government was projecting widespread delays in vaccine shipments and deliveries in the coming days, because weather was affecting a FedEx facility in Memphis and a UPS facility in Louisville, both vaccine shipping hubs. C.D.C. and federal partners are working closely with the jurisdictions, as well as manufacturing and shipping partners, to assess weather conditions and help mitigate potential delivery delays and cancellations, the spokeswoman said. Ms. Psaki said that officials were monitoring the storms and in touch with state and local governments. She said there was a contingency plan to ensure people are getting the doses they need at an appropriate timeline. The increase in doses for pharmacies announced on Tuesday came after White House officials had warned that supplies to that program would initially be extremely limited. More than 40,000 pharmacies are expected to receive doses as part of the program. On Tuesday, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert and adviser to Mr. Biden, revised his own estimate from last week, when he predicted the beginning of an open season by April. That timeline will probably be prolonged, maybe into mid-to-late May and early June, he said in an interview with CNN. Campbell Robertson contributed reporting. Noah Weiland and Advertisement Continue reading the main story New ZIP code data reflects disparities in N.Y.C.s vaccination effort, officials say. Senior citizens receive Covid-19 vaccinations at the Castle Hills Houses senior center in the Bronx earlier this month. Credit... James Estrin/The New York Times Officials in New York City released new data by ZIP codes on Tuesday that they said underscored troubling disparities in the citys vaccination effort, with the share of residents who are fully vaccinated in some wealthier Upper West and East Side ZIP codes, which have high proportions of white residents, reaching up to eight times the rate in parts of predominantly Black neighborhoods like East New York. The figures for individual ZIP codes provided one of the most granular pictures of the citys vaccination effort to date. And it added more evidence suggesting that across the country, the vaccine appears to be flowing disproportionately toward areas with wealthy and white residents, even though low-income communities of color remain the hardest hit by the coronavirus. Still, questions remained. The new city data does not break down vaccine recipients by race in each ZIP code, nor does it account for how many people in each ZIP code are eligible to be vaccinated. Asked whether the city knew whether some ZIP codes with high vaccination rates also had high concentrations of residents in the earliest eligible categories, like doctors and nurses, police officers and nursing-home residents, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city did not have the level of data that would be ideal. Gathering the right data has also been a problem nationally, as federal officials have struggled to keep track of the race and ethnicity of people being vaccinated, despite the emphasis President Biden has given to racial equity in his coronavirus response. In New York City, Mr. de Blasio said he wanted to see vaccination rates even out across the city. In one ZIP code in Lenox Hill on the citys Upper East Side, for example, the city found that 16 percent of adults had received both doses of vaccine. The median household income in the Upper East Side and some surrounding neighborhoods is about $120,868, according to recent census data roughly double the citywide figure. By contrast, in two ZIP codes around East New York, only 2 percent of adults have received both vaccine doses. The median household income in and around East New York is about $38,000, according to census data. In Breezy Point, Queens, some 13 percent of adults had received both doses, and 27 percent had received at least one, the figures show, while on City Island in the Bronx, 25 percent had gotten both doses. Broadly, ZIP codes in Manhattan and Staten Island showed higher vaccination rates than those in the South Bronx, central Queens or central Brooklyn, according to Dr. Torian Easterling, deputy commissioner and chief equity officer for the citys health department. The ZIP code data not only provides a map of where New Yorkers are being vaccinated, but also a road map to our Covid response, Dr. Easterling said. Also on Tuesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo released data that showed white people were being vaccinated at a higher rate than expected based on their eligible population in every region statewide. But Black people were being vaccinated at about half the expected rate in most regions. In New York City, for example, 58 percent of those vaccinated were white, while white people made up only 52 percent of the eligible population, according to the state data. About 14.4 percent of those vaccinated were Black, despite Black people comprising more than 30 percent of the eligible population. About 16 percent of those vaccinated in the city were Hispanic or Latino, but Hispanic or Latino people make up about 24 percent of the eligible population, according to the state data. Experts say people across the country who live in underserved neighborhoods face a variety of obstacles to vaccination, including registration systems and websites that can take hours to navigate, a lack of transportation and difficulty getting time off from work to get a shot. Many people in communities of color are more likely to be hesitant about getting vaccinated, in light of the history of unethical medical research in the United States. Mr. de Blasio said on Tuesday that a new vaccine site was opening on Wednesday at the Teachers Preparatory High School in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and would be open six days a week and give priority to home health aides and to people living in Brownsville and East New York. This is about addressing inequality, doing something very tangible about it, he said. Another new vaccine site would open on Thursday at the Empire Outlets in Staten Island, he said. The city vaccinated 317,227 people last week, including 55,339 people on one day, Mr. de Blasio said, adding that more than 10 percent of New Yorkers had now received at least one dose. He said the city could vaccinate far more people each day if it could get more doses from the federal government. South Africa will pass along its AstraZeneca vaccine to others after a disappointing result against its virus variant. The South African government said it would share its doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine with the African Union. Credit... Andrew Testa for The New York Times CAPE TOWN South Africa will share its unused doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine with the African Union, the countrys health minister said on Tuesday. South Africa, which had bought 1.5 million doses of the vaccine, decided to pause plans to distribute it this month after a small trial failed to show that it could prevent mild or moderate cases of Covid-19 caused by the worrisome variant that has overrun the country. The AstraZeneca doses which we purchased have been offered to the African Union platform, which we are part of, and they will be distributed to the countries that have already indicated interest that do not have this particular challenge of this variant, the countrys health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, told the Parliament. There will therefore be no wasteful and fruitless expenditure. South Africas decision not to use the AstraZeneca vaccine, at least for now, highlights the difficult choices countries will face as more variants circulate even as vaccine shortages abound in many places. The vaccine was the only one approved in the country, and the news about the disappointing trial results came just days before its much-anticipated rollout had been set to begin. The scientists involved in the South African study said that they believed the AstraZeneca vaccine might still protect against more severe cases caused by the virus variant, based on the immune responses detected in blood samples from people who were given it. The health minister has asked for further study. A World Health Organization panel of experts recently recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine be used in countries where concerning new variants of the coronavirus are circulating, cautioning that it was difficult to draw firm conclusions from such preliminary data. But the panel also said that each country should take into account the state of the virus and the type of variants spreading there in deciding which vaccines to use. The AstraZeneca vaccine is cheap and easy to store, and is considered especially important for lower- and middle-income countries around the world, which have generally lost out to wealthier countries in a global rush for vaccines. Instead of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, South Africa was planning to inoculate tens of thousands of health workers with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which prevented hospitalizations and deaths in clinical trials in the country. Those shots are expected to be given on a trial basis while the nation works through the formal approval process for that vaccine. The ministry did not say whether the African Union would be buying the doses, accepting them as a donation, or exchanging them for an alternative. The regional body declined to comment. Dr. Mkhize also rejected a report from an Indian newspaper, The Economic Times, that South Africa had asked the manufacturer of its doses, the Serum Institute of India, to take them back. We also want to refute categorically the speculation in the media that we have returned the stock to India. We have not, said the health minister. The storm is hampering coronavirus vaccination efforts. A mass coronavirus vaccination site in Poplar Bluff, Mo., last month. Missouri is halting vaccination distribution for the week because of safety risks from the storm. Credit... Paul Davis/The Daily American Republic, via Associated Press The winter storm stretching across much of the United States disrupted distribution of the coronavirus vaccine this week, as clinics giving shots closed and shipments of the vaccine stalled with snow and ice grounding flights and turning highways dangerously slick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday warned of widespread delays in vaccine shipments over the next few days, particularly for those doses coming through major shipment hubs like the FedEx facility in Memphis and the UPS facility in Louisville. Many of the closures and cancellations were in the South, where the storm was particularly fierce and where the pace of vaccinations in several states has lagged behind the national average. Vaccine appointments have been rescheduled or canceled from Texas to Kentucky. Its just not safe for people to be out. So we need this to thaw, Mayor Steve Adler of Austin said Tuesday on CBS. And then were just going to have to redouble our efforts and make sure that the vaccine that we have gets into peoples arms. But for right now, were on pause. The delays appeared likely to grow in the coming days. In Missouri, Gov. Mike Parson said on Monday that vaccination distribution efforts run by the state would be brought to a halt through the rest of the week, while in Alabama, hospitals and health departments closed vaccination clinics. In New Hampshire, state officials said vaccinations would be canceled on Tuesday. In Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan said the 3,000 vaccination appointments scheduled to be carried out on Tuesday at a downtown convention center downtown would be moved to Saturday. Were going to keep the vaccines going to the maximum extent possible, Mr. Duggan said, but were also not going to ask people to be put at risk coming down in difficult driving conditions. In Houston, officials scrambled to deliver more than 8,400 vaccine doses on Monday after the Harris County Public Health Department building where these vaccines were being stored lost power and the backup generator failed, Judge Lina Hidalgo of Harris County said at a news conference. Officials ended up distributing more than 5,400 of the vaccines to hospitals in the region, to Rice University and to the county jail. After receiving guidance from Moderna, the remaining 3,020 vaccines were re-refrigerated and put back in storage for later administration, Ms. Hidalgo said. Rick Rojas and Advertisement Continue reading the main story Three sailors test positive aboard U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, site of spring outbreak, officials say. The U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt moored at Naval Base Guam last summer. Credit... Conner D. Blake/US Navy, via Getty Images Three sailors aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier that was the center of a contentious outbreak last spring, have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Navy officials. The sailors, who tested positive on Sunday, were not experiencing any symptoms and were placed in isolation on the ship, which remained fully operational, the Navy said in a statement on Monday. The ship is following an aggressive mitigation strategy in accordance with Navy and C.D.C. guidelines to include mandatory mask wearing, social distancing, and proper hygiene and sanitation practices, the statement said. Last March, the Theodore Roosevelt docked at the naval base in Guam, an American territory in the Pacific, as it contended with a fast-spreading outbreak among its crew of 4,800. For weeks the warship battled the virus that infected at least 585 crew members, including one who died of complications stemming from the coronavirus. As the ship struggled with the infections in its close, shared quarters, Capt. Brett E. Crozier, the ships commander at the time, sent a four-page letter to 20 Navy officials pleading for help, criticizing the Navys failures to provide the proper resources to contain the outbreak by moving sailors off the vessel. In the letter, Captain Crozier pushed for moving nearly the entire crew off the vessel, and then quarantining and testing them while the ship was professionally cleaned. We are not at war, Captain Crozier wrote. Sailors do not need to die. If we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset our sailors. After the letter was leaked, Thomas B. Modly, the acting Navy secretary, fired the captain before an investigation was conducted, prompting widespread criticism, including from Navy officials. Videos of the crew cheering and shouting Captain Crozier as he walked off the ship immediately went viral. Under fire, Mr. Modly later resigned. New York sues Amazon, claiming the company failed to adequately protect workers from Covid-19. An employee scans packages at Amazons distribution center in Staten Island, N.Y., November 2020. Conditions at the site is the focus of a lawsuit. Credit... Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters New Yorks attorney general, Letitia James, sued Amazon on Tuesday evening, arguing that the company provided inadequate safety protection for workers in New York City during the pandemic and retaliated against employees who raised concerns over the conditions. The case focuses on two Amazon facilities: a large warehouse on Staten Island and a delivery depot in Queens. Ms. James argues that Amazon failed to properly clean its buildings, conducted inadequate contact tracing for known Covid-19 cases, and took swift retaliatory action to silence complaints from workers. Amazons extreme profits and exponential growth rate came at the expense of the lives, health and safety of its frontline workers, Ms. James argued in the complaint, filed in New York Supreme Court. Kelly Nantel, a spokeswoman for Amazon, said the company cared deeply about the health and safety of its workers. We dont believe the attorney generals filing presents an accurate picture of Amazons industry-leading response to the pandemic, Ms. Nantel said. Last week, Amazon preemptively sued Ms. James in federal court in an attempt to stop her from bringing the charges. The company argued that workplace safety was a matter of federal, not state, law. In its 64-page complaint last week, Amazon said its safety measures far exceed what is required under the law. New York, in its suit, said Amazon received written notification of at least 250 employees at the Staten Island warehouse who had Covid-19. In more than 90 of those cases, the infected employee had been at work in the previous week, yet Amazon did not close portions of the building to provide proper ventilation as the state required, the filing said. Ms. James also argued that Amazon had retaliated against Christian Smalls, a worker the company fired in the spring. Mr. Smalls had been raising safety concerns with managers and led a public protest in the parking lot of the Staten Island facility. Amazon has said Mr. Smalls was fired for going to the work site for the protest even though he was on paid quarantine leave after he had been exposed to a colleague who had tested positive for the coronavirus. Ms. James said that by firing Mr. Smalls and reprimanding another protest leader, Amazon sent a chilling message to others. Advertisement Continue reading the main story In New Hampshire, Democratic lawmakers sue to fight the G.O.P.s insistence on indoor, in-person meetings. The New Hampshire State Legislature met in a drive-in session at the University of New Hampshire in Durham in January. Credit... Tristan Spinski for The New York Times A group of medically vulnerable Democratic state legislators in New Hampshire filed a federal lawsuit late on Monday, seeking the right to attend legislative sessions remotely, arguing that requiring them to gather indoors is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Republicans gained control of the 400-seat state House of Representatives in November, and have resisted Democrats pleas to hold meetings virtually or to allow individual lawmakers to participate remotely, despite the death in December of the newly elected Republican speaker, 71-year-old Richard Hinch, from coronavirus. The pandemic has given rise to some improvisation: In January, the Legislature convened with lawmakers sitting in their vehicles in a parking lot, listening to speeches over a shared radio frequency, while staff members zipped around in golf carts, sticking microphones in the windows of members who wished to speak. But a faction of Republicans pushed to resume meeting indoors and in person, and the House speaker, Sherman A. Packard, announced this month that the bodys February gathering would be held in the NH Sportsplex, a 55,000-square-foot arena, over the Democrats objections. With only nine days until the next House session, and no indication that the speaker will provide remote access, we had no choice but to resort to litigation, said Representative Renny Cushing, the House Democratic leader. The seven Democratic lawmakers involved in the suit have limited physical mobility and a variety of health problems, including cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes and kidney disease. In correspondence refusing Democratic requests for accommodations, Mr. Packard said enabling remote participation in the meeting would be impractical. Deployment of equipment, testing, training of members, technical support protocols, and back-end software development would all be tremendously time-consuming and costly, Mr. Packard wrote. On Tuesday, Mr. Packard said the arena was large enough to let legislators to spread out and social-distance. He said that previous well-attended House sessions had been held indoors without any known coronavirus infections. Twenty-eight states, as well as Guam, the District of Columbia and the United States Virgin Islands, have altered legislative rules since the spring to allow meeting remotely, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. New Hampshires State Senate is also meeting over Zoom. GLOBAL ROUNDUP North Korea has tried to hack its way to a vaccine, a lawmaker in the South says. North Korea, which has a decrepit public health system, claims officially to be free of Covid-19. It sealed its borders early last year. Credit... James Estrin/The New York Times North Korea has tried to steal Covid-19 vaccine and treatment technology by attempting to hack the computer systems of international pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, a South Korean lawmaker said on Tuesday after a briefing by government intelligence officials. The North, which has a decrepit public health system, claims officially to be free of Covid-19. It sealed its borders early last year. The South Korean lawmaker, Ha Tae-keung, who is affiliated with the opposition People Power Party, spoke to reporters after he and other lawmakers were briefed by senior officials from the National Intelligence Service in a closed-door session on Tuesday. Mr. Ha provided no further details, and the service declined to corroborate his remarks, citing a policy of not confirming information from such briefings. Pfizer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Western officials have long accused North Korea of stealing technology and cash from the outside world through hacking. Last week, the Reuters news agency reported that a preliminary United Nations inquiry into the theft of $281 million worth of assets from a cryptocurrency exchange last September strongly suggests links to North Korea. In other developments around the world: Johnson & Johnson has submitted its single-shot Covid-19 vaccine to the European Union s drug regulator for authorization, the agency said Tuesday. The vaccine could be approved by mid-March if it meets criteria for safety, efficacy and quality, the regulator, the European Medicines Agency, said in a statement. It would then be the fourth vaccine cleared for use in the union, raising hopes that member nations would be able to speed up immunization programs that have gotten off to sluggish starts. Colombia , which will start vaccinations on Wednesday, is kicking off its campaign in a rural part of the country to signal that the vaccines will be available for everyone, not just those in major cities, President Ivan Duque said. Colombia has had the second worst coronavirus outbreak in Latin America, and is beginning vaccinations weeks after neighboring countries like Chile and Argentina. A court in the Netherlands ruled that the countrys 9 p.m. curfew to curb the spread of the coronavirus must end immediately, saying there was no special urgency to justify it. The court called the curfew, which the government instituted without input from the Parliament, a far-reaching violation of the right to freedom of movement and privacy. Last month, after the curfew went into effect, violent demonstrations erupted across the country for multiple nights on end, in which people looted stores and threw rocks at the police. Germany plans to provide free, rapid-turnaround tests for coronavirus antigens starting on March 1, Jens Spahn, the countrys health minister, said on Twitter. They will be administered in pharmacies or test centers, he said. Currently, German health insurers pay for tests for those with symptoms or who have had contact with infected people, although rules vary across the country. A five-day lockdown put in place last week in the state of Victoria, Australia, will end at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, after no new cases of the coronavirus were recorded in the previous 24 hours. Residents will no longer be required to remain within three miles of their home, but can only have five visitors at one time and will still be required to wear masks while indoors in public places, authorities said. Choe Sang-Hun, Jennifer Jett , Claire Moses, Christopher F. Schuetze and Advertisement Continue reading the main story A British opera company is helping Covid-19 patients learn to breathe again. A Zoom singing lesson put on by the English National Opera. Credit... ENO Breathe, via English National Opera and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust LONDON The Zoom session that the singing coach Suzi Zumpe ran on a recent afternoon resembled those she usually leads at the Royal Academy of Music in London, or at Garsington Opera near Oxford, where she trains young singers. This time, however, the student she was helping through warm-up exercises wasnt a singer. He was Wayne Cameron, 56, who manages warehouse logistics for an office-supply company. Doctors prescribed the session as part of his recovery plan after a pummeling experience with Covid-19 last March. Called E.N.O. Breathe and developed by the English National Opera in collaboration with a London hospital, the six-week program offers patients customized vocal lessons: clinically proven recovery exercises, reworked by professional singing tutors and delivered online. In a video interview, Jenny Mollica, who runs the English National Operas outreach work, explained that the idea was developed last summer, when long Covid cases started emerging. These were people who had recovered from the acute phase of the disease but were still suffering effects like chest pain, fatigue, brain fog and breathlessness. Opera is rooted in breath, Ms. Mollica said. Thats our expertise. I thought, Maybe E.N.O. has something to offer. The program is now being expanded to post-Covid clinics elsewhere in England, supported by charitable donations and free to anyone who is referred by a doctor. The aim is to assist as many as 1,000 people in the next phase, the opera company said in a statement. Mr. Cameron said that even a few simple breathing exercises had quickly made a huge difference for him. The program really does help, he said. Physically, mentally, in terms of anxiety. A Covid-linked syndrome in children is growing, with more severe cases. A gym class in Boston last month. Doctors across the country have been seeing a striking increase in the number of young people with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C. Credit... Allison Dinner/Reuters Doctors across the United States have been seeing a striking increase in the number of young people with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C. Even more worrisome, they say, is that more patients are now very sick than during the first wave of cases, which alarmed doctors and parents around the world last spring. The reasons are unclear. The surge follows the overall spike in Covid-19 in the United States after the winter holidays, and more cases may simply mean more chances for severe disease to emerge. So far, theres no evidence that recent coronavirus variants are responsible, and experts say it is too early to speculate about any impact of variants on the syndrome. The condition remains rare. The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 2,060 cases in 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, including 30 deaths. The median age was 9, but infants to 20-year-olds have been afflicted. The data, which is complete only through mid-December, shows the rate of cases has been increasing since mid-October. While most young people, even those who became seriously ill, have survived and gone home relatively healthy, doctors are uncertain whether any will experience lingering heart issues or other problems. We really dont know what will happen in the long term, said Dr. Jean Ballweg, the medical director of pediatric heart transplant and advanced heart failure at Childrens Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha, which treated about two hospital cases a month from April through October, about 30 percent of them in the I.C.U. That rose to 10 cases in December and 12 in January, with 60 percent needing I.C.U. care most requiring ventilators. Symptoms of the syndrome can include fever, rash, red eyes or gastrointestinal problems. Those can progress to heart dysfunction, including cardiogenic shock, in which the heart cannot squeeze enough to pump blood sufficiently. Some patients develop cardiomyopathy, which stiffens the heart muscle, or abnormal rhythm. Hospitals say most patients test positive for Covid-19 antibodies that indicate previous infection, but some patients also test positive for active coronavirus infection. Many children were previously healthy and had few or no symptoms from their initial infection. Doctors are uncertain which factors predispose children to the syndrome. Sixty-nine percent of reported cases have affected Latino or Black young people, which experts believe stems from socioeconomic and other factors that have disproportionately exposed those communities to the virus. But Omahas hospital, where early cases were largely among children of Latino parents working in the meatpacking industry, is now seeing a much more broad spectrum and every ethnicity, Dr. Ballweg said. Advertisement Continue reading the main story With Trumps impeachment trial over, 2021 can finally start for Biden. President Biden and the first lady, Jill Biden, arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday. Credit... Al Drago for The New York Times President Biden, liberated from the distraction of his predecessors impeachment trial, is escaping Washington this week embarking on trips to Wisconsin and Michigan to rally support for his $1.9 trillion pandemic relief plan. Without the spectacle of a constitutional clash, the new president takes center stage now in a way that the first few weeks didnt allow, said Jennifer Palmieri, who served as communications director for former President Barack Obama. She said the end of the trial means that 2021 can finally start. The president plans to fly to Milwaukee on Tuesday, his first work trip as president, and will participate in a CNN town hall where he is expected to tout his proposal to send $1,400 checks to individuals struggling during the pandemic. On Thursday, Mr. Biden will travel to Kalamazoo, Mich., to tour a Pfizer manufacturing site and meet workers producing the companys coronavirus vaccine. The travel is intended to represent a clean break from the Trump era. With the reality-TV drama done for now, he is pivoting back to the approach that got him elected: focusing on the coronavirus and the economy in a way that balances safety precautions with his need to sell his agenda to the public. He is off to a fairly fast start. House committees have begun debating parts of the coronavirus relief legislation, and several of his cabinet members have been confirmed. But the presidents bipartisan prospects are complicated by the fact that much of his agenda is aimed at dismantling Mr. Trumps policies or addressing what Democrats have cast as his failures, most significantly the fumbled response to the pandemic. That is why Mr. Bidens first official trips are to the two big Midwestern states he flipped in 2020 from the 2016 Trump column and he hopes to build support in both places for his presidency by pushing his plan, which already enjoys broad backing among Americans of all political stripes. (So far, Mr. Biden has left Washington only to spend a weekend in Wilmington, Del., and for a visit to Camp David last weekend.) Nonetheless, the 43 not guilty votes from Senate Republicans are a stark reminder that Mr. Trump continues to hold sway over most of his party, and that his influence with Republicans will be an obstacle. Even with control of both houses of Congress, Democrats will still need some Republican support on many of Mr. Bidens agenda items to overcome a filibuster in the Senate. To that end, Mr. Biden has been meeting with the handful of Republican lawmakers he views as potential partners. He hosted a group of 10 Republicans some of whom he served with as a senator from Delaware in a recent meeting in the Oval Office that stretched on for two hours. Mr. Biden is banking on those personal connections he made during his 36 years in the Senate to help advance his legislative priorities in a chamber that has been troubled by dysfunction that has only grown worse in the decade since hes been gone. His identity as a deft navigator of its clubby idiosyncrasies has become a defining feature of his governing approach. He loves the Senate, said Senator Susan Collins of Maine, one of the Republicans who met recently with the president. Ms. Collins and another moderate Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, recalled that Mr. Biden did not seem to want their meeting to end. He is also using the power and prestige of his office to woo Democrats who represent more conservative states and are likely to need more persuasion than some of their colleagues. And some of his work appears to be leaving an impression. Senator Jon Tester of Montana, for example, said that in his 14 years in the Senate, no president had invited him to the Oval Office until now. Im going to be honest with you: It was pretty emotional for me, Mr. Tester said. Michael D. Shear, Annie Karni, Glenn Thrush and 11% reduction in recurring operating loss to -3.2 million within a health context impacted by the Covid-19 crisis Gross margin improvement to 58.2%, versus 56% in 2019 Strengthened cash position Regulatory Nws: IMPLANET (Paris:ALIMP) (Euronext Growth: ALIMP, FR0013470168, eligible for PEA-PME equity savings plans), a medical technology company specializing in vertebral and knee-surgery implants, announces its results for the financial year to December 31, 2020, approved by the Board of Directors on February 16, 2021. "Within the very unique public health context that affected 2020, we generated over 6 million euros in revenue and continued to improve the gross margin", commented Implanet CEO Ludovic Lastennet. "These results strengthen our confidence in our resiliency during a period during which surgical programs have been heavily disrupted by postponements or cancellations. Our external growth strategy, notably through the acquisition project announced in January, indicates our intention of creating synergies in order to continue to improve our margin level. We are more than ever focused on our primary objective, which is to achieve a critical mass in terms of revenue and to target break even in terms of operating cash flow1 in 2022 In thousands consolidated accounts, IFRS 2020 2019 Change Revenue 6,012 7,407 -19 Cost of goods sold -2,512 -3,260 -23 Gross margin 3,499 4,147 -16 Gross margin 58.2 % 56.0 % Research Development -621 -434 +43 Regulatory matters, Quality control -757 -686 +10 Sales, distribution, marketing -2,724 -3,645 -25 Operating costs -622 -628 -1 General Administrative costs -1,999 -2,357 -15 Recurring operating result -3,223 -3,604 +11 % Other non-recurring income and expenses -460 171 n/a Operating result -3,683 -3,434 -7 Financial result -293 -211 -38 Net result -3,976 -3,645 -9 % N.B.: audit procedures on consolidated accounts are currently being finalized. 2020 revenue was affected by the health crisis associated with the Covid-19 pandemic In 2020, Implanet generated revenue of 6.01 million, down 19% versus previous year (7.41 million in 2019). Activity, which had resumed in June with a return to 2019 revenue levels, again slowed significantly in France and across Europe in early November with the announcement of the second lockdown. Knee activity in France was more impacted by the situation than in the rest of the world. In the United States, the public health situation forced Implanet and KICo to postpone the first MADISONTM surgical procedures originally scheduled for October until 2021, it not being possible to provide users with training. Regarding JAZZ activity, revenue totaled 3.77 million in 2020, down 17% compared with 2019. Over 2020 as a whole, Implanet sold 7,712 JAZZ units (vs. 9,171 in 2019), a decrease of 16% by volume, notably as a result of the public health crisis associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. The solid upturn in international sales in Q4 2020 (+45% in the United States and +23% in the Rest of the World by volume) compared with Q4 2019, offset the fall in sales in France (-21% by volume). Knee activity recorded a 21% decrease in annual revenue to 2.24 million, primarily impacted by the lockdown periods in France. Confirmation of the improvement in the gross margin and reduction in the recurring operating loss despite the Covid-19 crisis Gross margin improved by 2 percentage points in 2020 compared with 2019, improving throughout the year to reach 58.2 (versus 56.0 in 2019). Over the period, Implanet continued its investments in R&D, quality control and regulatory affairs in order to maintain its technological lead and secure its approvals through 2024. Moreover, the Company's strict and continuous operating expense policy and the swift implementation of partial work measures to cope with the Covid-19 crisis enabled it to reduce its recurring operating expenses by 13%, or -1.03 million, over 2020. 11% improvement in the recurring operating loss to -3.22 million, vs. -3.60 million in 2019 Other non-recurring operating expenses correspond to the costs incurred during the Knee activity divestment project, depreciation of the intangible asset relating to the Madison second-line knee prosthesis and costs relating to the reorganization undertaken during the third quarter of 2020. As a reminder, in 2019 the non-recurring operating income corresponded to the reversal of a provision for the dispute between Implanet and a distributor. Taking into account these exceptional items, the operating result was -3.68 million in 2020 compared with -3.43 million in 2019. When financial expenses are included, the net result was -3.98 million in 2020 versus -3.65 million in 2019. The Company is committed to further cost controls to support improvement in its financial indicators. A strengthened cash position At December 31, 2020, Implanet had cash and financial investments of 1.14 million (vs. 0.7 million at December 31, 2019). Despite the Covid-19 crisis, the consumption of operating cash (free cash-flow2) improved by 3%, from -3.35 million in 2019 to -3.23 million in 2020. On February 7, 2020, the Company renewed its bond financing line with Nice Green for a maximum amount of 4.0 million, split into two tranches of 2.0 million, pursuant to the 6th resolution adopted by the shareholders' General Meeting of March 25, 2019, and an additional 2.0 million, subject to adoption by the shareholders' General Meeting of April 7, 2020. Lastly, the Company has recently set up a 5 million bond financing line, via the issuance of 500 convertible bonds, in addition to the 0.9 million remaining balance on the previous financing program signed in February 2020. Within the framework of the acquisition project announced on January 13, 2021, Implanet has agreed this new financing line with Nice Green SA that will enable it to finance the acquisition and the new entity's operating cash requirements through 2021 and 2022. Given these elements, the Company considers that it has sufficient working capital for the next 12 months and is continuing to review further solutions to fund the accelerated development of its direct sales model and overseas partnership policy. Key 2020 highlights Strengthening of the development of the direst sales model on key European markets such as Germany, symbolized by the appointment of Stephan Collarday as Country Manager Germany; CE marking extended to 2024 by the European authorities for all Implanet ranges; JAZZ Cap intellectual property extended to Japan; FDA clearance for the Mariner Cap System in the United States, which combines SeaSpine Mariner 's pedicle screw system and Implanet's JAZZ Cap technology; 's pedicle screw system and Implanet's JAZZ Cap technology; Extension of the distribution network with the signing of a marketing partnership in Mexico for products based on its JAZZ platform. 2021 strategy and outlook In 2021, Implanet will focus its strategy on: the continued development of the direct sales model on its key markets, in order to immediately benefit from the effects of the post-health-crisis recovery; capitalizing on the recent approvals granted and partnerships signed to develop activity in new countries; documenting clinical evidence of the added value of Implanet's ranges, in order to respond to the strengthening of regulatory requirements in coming years; the digitalization of training tools in order to respond to changes in clinical practices following the health crisis; the integration of a new activity that would allow the Company to reach a critical mass in terms of revenue from 2021. The deployment of this strategy will nevertheless closely depend on the evolution of the public health situation over the first months of 2021. Upcoming financial event: Q1 2021 revenue on Tuesday April 20,2021. About Implanet Founded in 2007, Implanet is a medical technology company that manufactures high-quality implants for orthopedic surgery. Its activity revolves around two product ranges, the latest generation JAZZ implant, designed to improve the treatment of spinal pathologies requiring vertebral fusion surgery, and the MADISON implant designed for first-line prosthetic knee surgery. Implanet's tried-and-tested orthopedic platform is based on product traceability. Protected by four families of international patents, JAZZ and MADISON have obtained 510(k) regulatory clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, the CE mark as well as the ANVISA authorization in Brazil. Implanet employs 33 staff and recorded 2020 sales of 6.0 million. For further information, please visit www.implanet.com. Based near Bordeaux in France, Implanet established a US subsidiary in Boston in 2013. Implanet is listed on Euronext Growth market in Paris. The Company would like to remind that the table for monitoring the equity line (OCA, OCAPI, BSA) and the number of shares outstanding, is available on its website: http://www.implanet-invest.com/suivi-des-actions-80 Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Implanet and its activities. Such forward looking statements are based on assumptions that Implanet considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the anticipated events contained in such forwardlooking statements will occur. Forward- looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties including the risks set forth in the registration document of Implanet registered by the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) on April 16, 2018 under number D.18-0337, as well as in the annual financial report of December 31, 2019 and the half-yearly financial report of June 30, 2020 and available on the Company's website (www.implanet-invest.com), and to the development of economic situation, financial markets, and the markets in which Implanet operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are also subject to risks unknown to Implanet or that Implanet does not consider material at this time. The realization of all or part of these risks could lead to actual results, financial conditions, performances or achievements by Implanet that differ significantly from the results, financial conditions, performances or achievements expressed in such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe for, or a solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe for Implanet shares in any country. 1 Corresponding to cash flow plus or minus the change in working capital requirements 2 Free cash-flow includes cash flow generated by operating activities and cash flow associated with investments (capitalization of development costs and acquisition of capital assets). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005757/en/ Contacts: IMPLANET Ludovic Lastennet, CEO David Dieumegard, CFO Tel.: +33 (0)5 57 99 55 55 investors@Implanet.com NewCap Investor Relations Mathilde Bohin Nicolas Fossiez Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 Implanet@newcap.eu NewCap Media Relations Nicolas Merigeau Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 Implanet@newcap.eu Pennsylvania Republicans are pushing back against Senator Pat Toomey for 'voting his conscience' in siding with Democrats and six other GOP senators to convict Donald Trump for 'incitement of insurrection.' 'We did not send him there to vote his conscience,' Chairman of the Washington County Republican Party Dave Ball said Monday after the Pennsylvania GOP voted to censure Toomey. 'We did not send him there to do the right thing or whatever he said he's doing. We sent him there to represent us,' he told CBS News' Pittsburgh affiliate KDKA, adding that he felt Toomey misled Republicans in the state on his stance on impeachment. 'I don't think he was straight forward with us,' Ball continued. Washington County, Pennsylvania is located in the southwest suburbs of Pittsburgh. Chairman of the Washington County, Pennsylvania Republican Party Dave Ball said of Senator Pat Toomey: 'We did not send him there to vote his conscience. We did not send him there to do the right thing or whatever he said he's doing. We sent him there to represent us' Pennsylvania GOP voted to formally censure Toomey on Monday after he voted along with six other Republican senators to convict Donald Trump for 'incitement of insurrection' on Saturday Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania Republican Party Chair Bill Bertz said they are also considering a censure against Toomey: 'We strongly disapprove of his action both to hear the case and the subsequent vote.' Senators Richard Burr of North Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana were also formally reprimanded by their respective states' Republican party after voting for Trump's conviction. A censure from the party is essentially a public reprimand that lets party activists voice their disapproval of a lawmaker's actions. The seven senators - Toomey, Barr, Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Susan Collins of Maine and Ben Sasse of Nebraska all knew they risked angering some voters by opting to impeach Trump. Three more are likely to be censured, with only Murkowski expected to escape the reprimand from her state party, while it's uncertain if Utah's GOP leaders will bend to a petition to censure Romney. Some Republicans in Romney's state of Utah accused him of having 'embarrassed' them, claiming he is not representing their interests but is instead an 'agent of the deep state' and have started an online petition for a censure motion. The leaders of Utah's Republican party, however, put out a statement saying they're not behind the effort and that they support a 'diversity of thought.' Meanwhile, Burr was formally censured Monday and Cassidy on Saturday. Republican Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina, who is stepping down in 2022, was also censured by his state's party on Monday night Bill Cassidy, Republican senator for Louisiana, was censured immediately after his vote on Saturday evening 'I have no illusions that this is a popular decision,' Cassidy wrote in a column published on Sunday. 'I made this decision because Americans should not be fed lies about 'massive election fraud.' Police should not be left to the mercy of a mob. 'Mobs should not be inflamed to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.' Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said the senator's vote is 'extremely disappointing' and claimed that Cassidy has 'fallen into the trap laid by Democrats to have Republicans attack Republicans'. One of Toomey's districts, Clarion County, called their senator's impeachment vote 'a purely self-serving vindictive and punitive action by those with establishment political objectives,' in a document obtained by The Hill. Burr and Toomey have both already announced that they are stepping down in 2022. Murkowski is not facing an imminent censure from her party. Romney, who was the lone Republican to vote for Trump's impeachment in February 2020, was facing a backlash from some constituents. Mitt Romney of Utah is the only Republican senator who voted to impeach Trump twice he could face a censure from his state's GOP Ben Sasse of Nebraska is among the six senators likely to face censure for his vote Some in Utah accuse him, in a censure motion being circulated online among Republicans, of being 'an agent for the Establishment Deep State.' They argue that Romney failed to 'represent the average conservative Utah Republican voter' and say he is not true to the party, accusing him of having 'misrepresented himself as a Republican,' when he ran for office. The Utah Republican Party's top leaders are not behind this effort, The Salt Lake Tribune reported on Monday. The party issued a statement on Monday pointing out that Romney and Utah's other senator, Mike Lee, voted differently. 'The differences between our own Utah Republicans showcase a diversity of thought, in contrast to the danger of a party fixated on 'unanimity of thought,'' they wrote. 'There is power in our differences as a political party, and we look forward to each senator explaining their votes to the people of Utah.' Yet the draft censure of Romney from rank-and-file Republicans is fierce in its criticism. It says Romney 'embarrassed the State of Utah' when he was the only Republican senator to vote to convict Trump during his first impeachment trial. They concludes Romney used his 'senatorial power and influence to undermine' Trump. Of the seven Republican senators who sided with Democrats on impeachment, only the 48-year-old Sasse is viewed as still aspiring to higher office. Sasse is, in effect, betting there is a political future in trying to fight for the comeback of the establishment Republican party. On Thursday, he issued a pre-emptive Facebook video. 'I'm not going to spend any time trying to talk you out of another censure,' Sasse said, referencing a previous censure in March 2016 for his criticism of Trump. 'I listen to Nebraskans every day, and very few of them are as angry about life as some of the people on this committee not all of you, but a lot. 'Political addicts don't represent most Nebraska conservatives.' He added: 'Politics isn't about the weird worship of one dude.' Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who is up for reelection next year, is not believed to be facing a motion to censure her for her vote Susan Collins of Maine is also facing calls from her own party to be censured for her vote Murkowski, one of two women to vote to convict, is not believed to be facing censure. In a lengthy statement on Sunday, she outlined the case against Trump, adding that if the evidence 'is not worthy of impeachment, conviction, and disqualification from holding office in the United States, I cannot imagine what is'. Collins, however, has angered many Republicans in Maine. Maine Republican Party Executive Director Jason Savage confirmed to News Center Maine that county GOP chairs would meet on Monday to consider punishment, but said any comment will wait until 'after matters are discussed by the county chairs.' Helen Tutwiler, the chair for the Kennebec County Republican Committee, told News Center Maine that she knows 'a lot of people' are 'asking the GOP to do something'. 'What exactly that is, I'm not sure,' she added. Maine GOP Chair Demi Kouzounas told members in a Saturday email obtained by Bangor Daily News that 'many of you are upset after what happened today, as are we' and 'to be prepared for an emergency state committee meeting in the near future' to discuss Collins's vote. Along Southeast Foster Road in Portlands Lents neighborhood, a community of individuals experiencing homelessness camp along the road in their cars and RVs each night. Within their makeshift community, they have agreed to take care of each other and follow a set of understood rules: dont let anyone sleep through cold nights without heat, give neighbors in need your extra handwarmers, dont let women walk alone at night and share your cigarettes. But there are certain challenges that are beyond their scope to handle even as good neighbors, such as mental health episodes or addressing deep-rooted individual trauma. Often those issues are a primary reason a person fell into homelessness in the first place or has struggled to get out of it. Mental health is definitely an issue out here with a lot of people suffering from schizophrenia and depression, said Josh Westside, who has been homeless for about six years. Typically, police officers respond to issues like that, but now-a-days, people see a police officer and they get scared, the 34-year-old added. To address this need, a pilot program called Portland Street Response will launch in Lents on Tuesday. More than a year in the making, it will provide non-police assistance to people experiencing homelessness or a mental health crisis. The program will be run out of Portlands fire and medical emergency agency. The response team will include a paramedic, a mental health clinician and two community health workers. Instead of sending a police unit to calls about a well-being check or mental health crisis, the paramedic and mental health clinician will be dispatched first. If the individual expresses need for additional services such as shelter or housing, the community health workers will then be dispatched as well. Police or an ambulance will not be summoned unless the incident escalates. This program will alter the way we do first response, said Robyn Burek, the programs manager. The motivating factor for me is if we can save a life, if we can humanize this situation and it also is an opportunity to reconcile things where local government has caused disproportionate harm to certain communities in terms of their response in the past, but we can course-correct here. ALARMING DATA PUSHES FOR CHANGE The team was built in response to data uncovered by The Oregonian/OregonLive in 2018 that showed that 52% of police arrests in Portland involved an individual experiencing homelessness even though homeless individuals accounted for just 3% of the citys population. A 2020 newsroom analysis found that has not fundamentally changed in the ensuing years. Burek hopes the new team will be able to lessen the disproportionate criminal justice treatment of the citys homeless population by providing a therapeutic non-police response and by connecting individuals to services to address the root of their homelessness. The Portland Street Response team surveyed police and fire call data to determine where the majority of the citys non-violent, non-emergency calls were clustered. The highest number of these calls were centered in the downtown area, followed by Lents. The Portland City Council voted in 2019 to allocate the money to launch a pilot of the program each in 2020. But the launch was delayed until now. The council subsequently voted to authorize additional two-person teams to serve additional neighborhoods. But that, too, is now projected to happen more than a year behind schedule. The city council initially heard the proposal for the program and approved, spending $500,000 to launch the pilot in November 2019. In June 2020, council increased that to $4.8 million annually. Since the program is starting small, Lents was chosen as the pilot location as it will have a call load that will easier for the initial small team to handle. After six months, a second team will be added, Burek said. And after the first year, Burek is hopeful the program will expand to encompass the whole city. Friends drop off a filled propane tank to help Josh Westside and Ashlee Daley, who are both experiencing homelessness, stay warm as they each camp in their own RV. Lents was designated as the pilot location because it is not supported with many existing (homelessness) resources and services, according to a statement released by Portland Street Response. Additionally, the volume of mental and behavioral health calls in Lents is outpacing the growth of similar calls in other parts of the city. This new team will also impact the day-to-day function of Portland Fire & Rescue, which has seen an 11% increase in overall call volumes in the past five years. In Lents, overall calls increased 22%, according to Caryn Brooks, Portland Street Response communications manager. Portland Street Responses handling of designated calls will free up the fire department to respond more quickly to higher emergency medical situations, Brooks said. The city also estimates Portland Street Response will help Portland Police Bureau reduce the number of calls they respond to in Lents by 15%. The team will respond things like welfare checks for unsheltered individuals, de-escalation calls if someone is yelling or having a psychosis moment and substance-use related calls. A DIRE NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES Within her community of individuals sleeping in their cars and trailers, Ashlee Daley said many of her neighbors have ended up on the streets as a result of past trauma or other mental health issues. Daley, 26, became homeless when she was 17 because she left home after experiencing sexual abuse. Those mental scars made me seek drugs back then, she said. It is not just in the homeless community, all over the country there is an addiction problem, and I believe often those who are addicted to something, whether its chocolate or meth, they are using it as a band-aid to a greater disease. Daley has witnessed too many acquaintances and friends spiral from the cycle of trauma and mental health issues, especially when people use substances to self-treat since mental health resources have historically been hard to access. Raven Drake, an outreach worker for homeless services provider Street Roots, has canvassed the Lents neighborhood to inform people about the launch of Street Response. There is a desperate need for social services and mental health services because it is one of the largest struggles in the Lents community, Drake said. Aside from prior trauma an individual experiencing homelessness may have faced, the experience of living on the streets adds an additional layer. The houseless community lives in one of the most intense trauma environments you can thinks of, Drake said. The trauma they go through day-to-day of lacking resources, worrying about their daily survival, experiencing the loss of friends its very combat oriented it takes a toll on mental health, which is why we see so much mental breakdown. Sabina Urdes, Lents Neighborhood Association president, said she has been steering the association to be more empathetic and helpful to their neighbors experiencing homelessness. She said there are hundreds of individuals living along the Springwater Corridor Trail, along main roads and clustered near highway entrances. If our goal is to eliminate houselessness, I think it is counterintuitive to respond to these calls with law enforcement, which is what has been happening for years even though we know that the more interaction people have with law enforcement, the more barriers to housing they have, Urdes said. Addressing the bigger causes of homelessness like equity, gentrification and lack of mental health care will take time, she added. So we need to meet people where they are and help them when they are in crisis now, and I believe this program will do that. Nicole Hayden reports on homelessness for The Oregonian|OregonLive. She can be reached at nhayden@oregonian.com or (810) 210-1561. Follow her on Twitter @Nicole_A_Hayden. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 leaks from the W.H.O. team that traveled to China to uncover the real origins of COVID-19 raise more suspicion around their Chinese counterparts who denied them access to early data from the outbreak. The journey to uncover the truth behind the origins of COVID-19 is far from over. Last week, the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) announced that they have concluded their few weeks of investigations into whether the coronavirus that claimed the lives of millions throughout 2020 indeed began because of an accident in a Wuhan virology laboratory. Chinese authorities have been known to closely follow the W.H.O. investigations and new reports have emerged that they have in fact withheld crucial COVID information from the W.H.O. investigators. While the W.H.O. did absolve China's Wuhan virology laboratory from causing the pandemic, many are still in doubt, especially when Chinese authorities had apparently carried out their own investigations and handed over reports to their W.H.O. counterparts instead of letting them conduct a more hands-on investigation. According to The Wall Street Journal, Chinese authorities "refused" to provide W.H.O. investigators with "raw, personalized data on early COVID-19 cases" and even "turned down requests to provide such data on 174 cases of COVID-19" gathered from the first Wuhan outbreak in December 2019. Vital information is needed to get a better understanding of a new coronavirus, especially one that at the time, the world did not have a cure for yet. The information gathered from these investigations is key in developing such a vaccine. However, Chinese authorities withheld such information and according to Breitbart, even delayed antibody testing on patients in Central China who were experiencing similar symptoms to COVID-19 way before the Wuhan outbreak occurred. The delays in testing made it difficult to determine if they were indeed infected with the coronavirus or were just experiencing respiratory ailments. As Chinese authorities withheld crucial COVID information, it's difficult to understand the reasons behind their actions, especially when they admitted to destroying early evidence of the virus, as per a Breitbart report. The dismal results of the W.H.O. investigations have dissatisfied not only Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who still stands by his belief that it came from a Wuhan lab, but other scientists as well. Forbes reported that Nicholas Thomas, a professor in global health governance at the City University of Hong Kong, claimed that the troublesome investigation "suffered from fundamental problems imposed by China." Thomas said that these delays have caused the truth to "always be obscured" and that "we will probably never know the full story." Nonetheless, the U.S. is determined to get to the bottom of it all, with or without the help of W.H.O. While the Chinese authorities may have withheld crucial COVID information, the U.S. may be looking into uncovering the truth without the help of W.H.O. The White House, through press secretary Jen Psaki, already announced that they wanted to take a closer look at the data gathered from the W.H.O. investigation and has requested "full transparency and access" from China and W.H.O. It is yet unclear if the U.S. will later launch its own formal independent investigation. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) speaks to reporters near the Senate Subway on Capitol Hill on Jan. 24, 2019. (Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Utah Republican Party Refuses to Censure Sen. Mitt Romney Utahs Republican Party announced on Monday night that Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) will not be censured for his vote to convict former President Donald Trump, after several other Republican lawmakers were censured over their impeachment votes. As a party, we are focused on supporting our elected officials and unifying around those principles that got them elected, GOP chair Derek Brown told FOX13. At this point, we believe it is crucial to focus on unifying our party, working together to retain those new voters who joined the Republican Party this last year, while bringing back any who may have left. The Utah Republican Party elaborated on Browns comments in a statement. The violence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 was horrific and inexcusable. Utahs United States Senators each experienced those events firsthand, and then relived them during the Democratic House Managers relentless video-driven impeachment presentation. In the end, each of our senators voted differently, the statement reads. Disagreement is natural and healthy in a party that is based on principlesnot on persona, the statement continues, referring to Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who voted against convicting Trump. We look neither to the past, nor to be punitive. Over the weekend, some Republicans signed and circulated a petition to call for the censuringor formal criticismof Romney after his vote on Saturday. Romney, they asserted, has prioritized his personal and political vendetta against President Donald J. Trump ahead of the Constitution of the United States, the petition states, adding that the 2012 Republican presidential candidate embarrassed the State of Utah when he was the only U.S. Republican Senator in 2019 to join the Democrats partisan vote to convict during the first impeachment trial of Trump. Meanwhile, North Carolinas Republican Party censured Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), who is retiring in 2022, over his vote to convict Trump. Lousianas GOP did the same in unanimous fashion against Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) over his vote against the former president. The other Republican senators to convict Trump include Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), Pat Toomey (Pa.), and Ben Sasse (Neb.). Toomey stated that he would retire in 2022, while Murkowski is up for reelection in 2022. Collins and Cassidy are up for reelection in 2026. Romney was elected as senator in 2018 and his term ends in 2024. Some analysts have speculated that Sasse could enter the 2024 presidential race. But with Trump being the most popular figure in the GOP, Sasses vote to convict the former president could imperil his chances. The Epoch Times has reached out to Romneys office for comment on the circulating petition. Nifty, Sensex may suffer a mild correction Tuesday closing report To bookmark you need to sign in We had mentioned in Mondays closing report that Nifty, Sensex resumed their upmove. On Tuesday, the major indices opened higher but lost all gains and ended lower. On the NSE, there were 829 advances, 1,056 declines and 89 unchanged. The trends of the major indices in the course of Tuesdays trading are given in the table below: The government has shortlisted four mid-sized state-run banks - Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and Central Bank of India - for privatisation, under a new push to sell state assets and shore up government revenues, according to media sources. The World Health Organization's (WHO) has given emergency use approval to AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines on February 15, allowing distribution to some of the world's poorest countries. Security Intelligence Services (SIS) has announced a share buyback plan of Rs 100 crore. It will buy back 18,18,181 shares at a price of Rs 550 apiece, representing 1.23% of the total number of fully paid-up equity shares. RPP Infra Projects won new orders worth Rs 157.87 crore. Page Industries CEO and executive director Vedji Ticku has submitted his resignation letter owing to personal commitments as he wishes to spend more time with his family. Varun Beverages reported a net loss of Rs 7.2 crore compared to a loss of Rs 54 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue was up 9% to Rs 1,351.3 crore versus Rs 1,239.5 crore YoY. R Systems International reported net profit of Rs 29.4 crore compared to Rs 27.1 crore YoY. Revenue rose 5.5% to Rs 236.6 crore versus Rs 224.3 crore YoY. Shakti Pumps India will close ones of its wholly owned subsidiary Shakti Pumps Pty Ltd, Australia. The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below: The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below: Heightening regional and global security concerns attributed to rising political tensions to augment defense expenditure across countries, providing traction to the market ROCKVILLE, MD / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Fact.MR's extensive report on the global drone battery market forecast a robust expansion rate for FY 2021-22, poised to experience a staggering 8% compounded growth. In spite of the coronavirus pandemic putting brakes on expansion prospects, growth rebounded since Q4 2020, attributed to easing of lockdown restrictions which permitted a resumption of outdoor activities. A noteworthy CAGR is predicted for the 2021-2031 assessment period. Extensive drone deployment in the past few years has expanded the drone battery market scope. According to DroneDeploy, the construction industry witnessed maximum drone adoption in 2018, reaching 239%, followed by mining (198%), agriculture (172%), surveying (171%) and real estate (118%). Manufacturers are thus introducing an array of high-capacity batteries to ensure increased operational uptime across the aforementioned industries. Prolific expansion opportunities lie in store across the aerospace and defense segment. Rising geopolitical and military tensions are prompting countries to augment defense spending, leading to increased drone deployments. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimated global defense spending to have increased to nearly US$ 2 trillion in 2019, an increase of 3.6% from 2018. "As surveillance technologies advance, drone deployment is expected to emerge as the new normal, prompting increasing investments from key industry verticals in the upcoming decade. This is opening up new growth frontiers for key drone battery manufacturers," comments a Fact.MR analyst. Request a report sample with 170 pages to gain comprehensive insights at https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1887 Key Takeaways from Fact.MR's Drone Battery Market Study Commercial/Industrial drone batteries to witness expanding sales through 2021 Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries to account for four out of five sales by 2031, as they possess 4x more energy density By capacity, 3000-5000 mAh batteries to acquire high ground US to emerge as the dominant drone battery market in North America, owing to extensive drone deployment in various segments China to emerge strong amid heightened production of combat drones for defense and public safety UK to experience high sales, attributed to extensive drone deployment to check radiation levels at nuclear power plants Germany and France to experience credible growth in forthcoming years Drone Battery Market- Prominent Drivers Increasing deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance purposes to enhance drone battery sales Manufacturers are concentrating on deploying high efficacy batteries, attributed to the multifunctional nature of existing drones Emphasis is being laid on effective battery management systems atop drones, opening new revenue frontiers Drone Battery Market- Key Restraints Limited drone deployment citing privacy concerns by citizens to hamper drone battery adoption High installation costs coupled with low payload capacity of UAVs to act as a key restraining factor Discover more about the drone battery market with 192 figures and 114 data tables, along with the table of contents. You will also find detailed market segmentation on https://www.factmr.com/report/1887/drone-batteries-market Competitive Landscape Amicell-Amit Industries Limited, Amperex Technology Limited, Autel Robotics, Genspow GmbH, Parrot, Skydio, SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., Uvify Ltd., Venom Power and Yuneec are some prominent drone battery manufacturers profiled in Fact.MR's report. The landscape appears partially fragmented, with a significant number of players concentrated across North America and East Asia. In November 2020, Autel Robotics and DroneSense partnered to enable advanced public safety unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations. The collaboration will enable UAS teams to utilize the full suite of DroneSense capabilities tailor-made for the needs of public safety operators with their Autel EVO Series aircraft. Request customized report as per your requirements https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=1887 Recently, in January 2021, Parrot, Europe's leading drone group, was chosen by the French defense procurement agency DGA to supply its ANAFI USA micro-drones to equip the air, sea and land corps. The drones will enable soldiers to undertake day and night observation capabilities, equipped with a powerful 32x zoom which would enhance reconnaissance capabilities. More Valuable Insights on the Drone Battery Market Fact.MR, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the global drone battery market, presenting historical demand data (2016-2020) and forecast statistics for the period of 2021-2031. The study divulges essential insights on the market on the basis of drone type (mini quad, micro quad, commercial/industrial, and others), battery chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, and LiPo), and battery capacity (below 3,000 mAh, 3,000-5,000 mAh, 5,000-10,000 mAh, and above 10,000 mAh), across six major regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Oceania, and MEA). Key Questions Answered in the Report How will the global drone battery market expand through 2031? What drivers underpin the drone battery market growth? What challenges are likely to exist for the projected growth forecast? Which application area is likely to witness maximum drone batteries adoption? Why is the US expected to remain the dominant drone battery market in North America? Why is China expected to emerge as an attractive drone battery investment hub? Which prominent players are currently operating in the global drone battery market landscape? Request More Information about Report Methodology https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RM&rep_id=1887 Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the ICT Domain Content Moderation Solutions Market: A recent study by Fact.MR on the drone battery market offers a 10-year forecast for 2021 to 2031. The study analyzes crucial trends that are currently determining the growth of the market. This report explicates on vital dynamics, such as the drivers, restraints, and opportunities for key market players along with key stakeholders as well as emerging players. Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market: The report on the global fiber optic gyroscope market is a thorough research study collated by Fact.MR, which reveals key insights of the market. The industry has remained under the influence of several market trends, which are expected to significantly affect the supply-demand scenario of the market during the forecast period of 2021 to 2031. Hyperspectral Imaging Market: A detailed assessment of hyperspectral imaging value chain analysis, business execution, and supply chain analysis across the regional markets has been covered in Fact.MR's exhaustive coverage on the subject. A detailed assessment concerning the prominent growth drivers and opportunities along with extensive segmental and geographical analysis has been embedded within the scope of this report. About Fact.MR Market research and consulting agency with a difference! That's why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range - from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and we'll be an able research partner. Contact: Sudip Saha US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 E: sales@factmr.com Corporate Headquarter: Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates SOURCE: FactMR View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629897/Surging-Drone-Deployment-for-Security-Surveillance-to-Spearhead-Drone-Battery-Market-FactMR An illustrative image of Mastercard credit cards. Photo: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images Mastercard (MA) is being investigated by Swiss authorities for the possible obstruction of Switzerland's National Cash Scheme. COMCO, Switzerland's competition watchdog, said in a statement on Tuesday it had opened an investigation into Mastercard. The probe is linked to Switzerland's National Cash Scheme, which allows people to use their bank cards at any ATM operated by Swiss banks rather than being limited to those run by their issuing bank. The National Cash Scheme is a new initiative from SIX, the company that operates Switzerland's national stock exchange and other financial infrastructure in the country. SIX complained last year that Mastercard was potentially obstructing the rollout of the National Cash Scheme by refusing to link its cards to the new system. READ MORE: Bitcoin hits new record as price nears $50,000 COMCO is investigating whether Mastercard is abusing its dominant position in the market. As a precautionary measure, it has ordered banks that work with Mastercard to prepare for the possibility of bringing Mastercard cards onto the National Cash Scheme. A COMCO spokesperson declined to comment beyond Tuesday's press release. No guidance was given on the timing of the Investigation. Investigation of this nature can take years. "Mastercard is aware of the Swiss Competition Commissions decision to open an investigation into the ATM market in Switzerland," a Mastercard spokesperson said. "The decision is an interim procedural step and does not imply any breach of Swiss Competition law by Mastercard or any other player. "Mastercard operates an open payment system that guarantees fair access to the Swiss ATM market for all market participants which benefits Swiss consumers. Mastercard is of the opinion that the Commissions decision to impose interim measures is not justified and intends to appeal these measures." WATCH: Mastercard to open its network to select cryptocurrencies archived recording (stacey plaskett) Over this past weekend my 11-year-old daughter I overheard her telling one of my sons, mommy doesnt seem really nervous about the impeachment trial. To which that son, sounding like an older brother, said, Talia, youll learn that most of the time, mommy really seems to have it under control. Now, we know as parents, thats not always the case. But Ive learned throughout my life that preparation and truth can carry you far can allow you to speak truth, to power. Ive learned that as a young Black girl growing up in the projects in Brooklyn, housing community on St. Croix, and now as an adult woman representing an island territory, speaking to the US Senate. And because of truth, I am confident today speaking before you, because truth and facts are overwhelming that our President, the President of the United States, incited a mob to storm the capital to attempt to stop the certification of a presidential election. michael barbaro From New York Times, Im Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily. Today: The acquittal of Donald J. Trump, through the eyes of an impeachment manager, who saught his conviction. A conversation with Democratic Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, of the US Virgin Islands. Its Tuesday, February 16. [music] Oh, hello. stacey plaskett Hey. michael barbaro Congresswoman, good morning. stacey plaskett Good morning. michael barbaro Its a terrible slight for the host to arrive after the guest, so I would like to apologize for that. stacey plaskett Well, dont. Im early. michael barbaro Well, that is a wonderful thing. So how are you feeling about the instructions we sent you for the possibility of you recording yourself with a phone? Does that feel burdensome? Do you want to just stacey plaskett No, I can do it. Im about to do it right now. michael barbaro OK, wonderful. stacey plaskett I was about to ask you when you wanted me to hit the button. michael barbaro I think you can start. I think you can pretty much start now. stacey plaskett Got it. Done. michael barbaro OK, perfect. So Congresswoman, I just want to start by thanking you for making time for us. It feels like everyone knew how this trial was going to end. stacey plaskett Yeah. michael barbaro So I want to go back to the beginning and understand how you approach a trial in which you basically know youre not going to win, because there wasnt really a possibility that 17 Senate Republicans were going to vote to convict. That wasnt really in question. So I wonder if you could take me back to those early conversations that you and your fellow impeachment managers had about what your mission was. How did you see your mission in this trial? stacey plaskett Well, interestingly, we came into this with the sense that we could win, that this was such a horrendous betrayal of our country I would hear people saying, so youve got to find 17 senators to come over to your side. Our position was that we were speaking to 100 senators, and that the American people and the world were going to be witnessing us. And so if you listen to our words, we were very, very intentional in our language to address what we believed would be themes that would speak to the Republicans, as well, such as dereliction of duty, to focus on the fact that the president was attempting to have his vice president assassinated because he was fulfilling his constitutional oath. Those were things that we believed would resonate with some of the Republican members. And so trying to show the pattern and practice of the presidents actions, as well as his abdication of his duties as commander in chief after the siege and after recognizing what was going on. michael barbaro But when you say that you thought you could win and that really stands out to me you dont mean that you actually thought you might win over 17 Republican senators, right? I mean, so what would it mean to stacey plaskett Yes, we did. Yes, we did. Yes, we did. You cannot go into a battle thinking youre going to lose. michael barbaro Hm. stacey plaskett You cant. Youre not going to be your best if you go in thinking youre going to lose. And so in our minds, we had to go in there thinking that this could be won. And so the passion that you saw, the surgical precision of how we were doing things was not just to be evocative for the American people, but to actually try and win over two-thirds or more members of the Senate. michael barbaro Right. So youre describing a mindset, that even though you stand excruciatingly little chance of prevailing, you need to prosecute the case as if you could prevail. stacey plaskett Exactly. Exactly. You know, and therefore, when I was speaking with people about, listen, I can understand the angst of so many Americans who were like, you should have brought more witnesses, you should have done the shock and awe, first of all, just in process, there was not going to be any individual who stood before the Senate raised their hand and spoke. These were going to be depositions that we would have to do, and then videos that were brought to the senators. And we had those. We had three Capitol police officers speak on video about their feelings afterwards, what happened to them, had body cams of Capitol police officers during that time. We had insurrectionists say what they believed the president was calling them to right there in real time. And they had Eugene Goodman, my God, sitting in the gallery during the entire trial, the man who had saved them. We laid out in meticulous detail what had happened. And so I can understand peoples angst with wanting more witnesses. That was not going to win these individuals over. They had entrenched themselves in their partisanship, in their desire to maintain their power and their seats more than they had a desire for justice and for right, and for the Constitution and their duties to their oath. michael barbaro Right. Nothing was going to win them over. So I wonder, heading into the trial, what, as managers, your ultimate goal here was, about what you hoped you would accomplish. stacey plaskett We hoped to accomplish to present to the American people and to the 100 senators the truth of Donald Trump, the truth of a betrayer and a traitor, a seditionist to this country, who maintained the highest office in our country during the time of that betrayal. michael barbaro And just to put a very fine point on it, and with your indulgence, why do that? Why was that important to you? stacey plaskett Well, you know, I was a history and diplomacy major, so to me, while it was not necessarily going to be a conviction in the part of the Senate, it was a conviction in American history. It was a conviction to the world, what we showed and what will transpire going forward. That was important to me. And as a student of history, one of the things that was very, very clear to me was that we could not have unity, we could not have a reconciliation until there was a reckoning of what had happened on that day. And not just with that day, but what had been going on in our country that led up to that day, that we could allow the hatred and the frustration and the anger of a base of people be galvanized by an individual who was drunk with power and wanted to maintain power at any cost, even the cost of our republic and our democracy. michael barbaro So you were seeking a conviction for the record books. Essentially, a conviction for history, regardless of whether you got one in that Senate chamber. stacey plaskett Correct. And also, one of the things I wanted to hearken back was, after the Civil War, I believe that our government made a mistake in not making those individuals who had seceded, the leaders of the secession, had brought them to a reckoning and to some kind of justice, as well, for being traitors to the union. They were able to go back home to their plantations, to the South, and continue to wreak havoc on the most vulnerable people that were left behind, that being Black people, African-American people. And my concern is that, if we do not continue to recognize the betrayal of Donald Trump and those individuals who were with him, that we will have a second Jim Crow, or at least that same kind of terror in this country against the individuals that that group were going after, calling police officers who were protecting the Capitol, our seat of democracy, calling them the n-word, dragging them and beating them with the American flag. And you know, listen, I was not living in the South during that time, but the kind of and its been well-documented that having individuals like Woodrow Wilson sitting in the White House, who gave screenings of Birth of a Nation, and having individuals who perpetrated treason against our country being able to go back home and do what they wanted, putting in the amendment, the clause that allowed Black people to be held hostage and prisoners to continue the economic development of the South through creating them as slaves, in fact, through prison and chain gangs, I dont want us to forget that that has happened. And history can repeat itself. Maybe in a more sophisticated and nuanced way in this new age, but that those individuals that directed their frustrations at their own lives on our Capitol and all the things that Donald Trump stood for, being against the Americanism, right? What Donald Trump stood in direct contrast to and hated was the notion of Americanism, that we are, in fact, a melting pot of people that are continually reinventing itself. And if we dont make him and those others pay a price for that, they will be emboldened. michael barbaro So thats what this trial was for you. stacey plaskett For me. For me. michael barbaro Is that what motivated you to approach this as if you had to win? Because youre winning for history, not repeating the mistakes of the post Civil War period in America. stacey plaskett Correct. michael barbaro OK, so with all of that, Congresswoman, as the backdrop, and the sense of purpose that you feel you have in that chamber, you end up playing a very prominent role in the prosecution. archived recording (stacey plaskett) Mr. President, distinguished senators, Im Stacey Plaskett, and I represent the people of the Virgin Islands stacey plaskett Well, you know, I had two parts in the presentation. One was creating the foreseeability of what Donald Trump was doing. And that was showing, leading up to January 6, before the election and thereafter, his recognizing and encouraging violence, his galvanizing that group of individuals, and then utilizing them as kindling, as part of the logs that he was placing to start this fire that was then directed at the Capitol. archived recording (stacey plaskett) Some of you have said there is no way the president could have known how violent the mob would be. That is false, because the violence, it was foreseeable. stacey plaskett Really trying to meticulously connect the dots for everyone. archived recording (stacey plaskett) It was months of cultivating a base of people who were violent. stacey plaskett In terms of his speech regarding the Proud Boys, the caravan. archived recording (stacey plaskett) Trying to run a bus off the highway. stacey plaskett The second Million MAGA March. archived recording (stacey plaskett) And who else was there? The Proud Boys, standing by. stacey plaskett His involvement in the development of the march itself on January 6. His development of the speakers and the music and changing the permit from remaining at the Ellipse throughout the certification process to having them march on the Capitol all show that he knew what he was doing and who these individuals were. archived recording (stacey plaskett) This is what he said. Were going to the Capitol, and we fight. We fight like hell. And if you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore. And thats why this is different. And thats why he must be convicted and disqualified. stacey plaskett And then, of course, my second part was then his direction of that anger and that crowd to stop the certification on January 6, and that by stopping it meaning by any means necessary, whether that is shutting the Capitol down or even assassinating, killing his vice president. archived recording (stacey plaskett) Radio communications from the Metropolitan Police Department highlight how, during and following President Trumps speech, Trump supporters descended on the Capitol and became increasingly violent. What you are about to hear has not been made public before. archived recording Multiple Capitol injuries. Multiple Capitol injuries. 1318. Theyre starting to dismantle the reviewing stand. Theyre throwing metal poles at us. Get me DSO up here now. DSO. Multiple law enforcement injuries. stacey plaskett My thought was, the videos and the evidence speaks for itself in terms of its shock. michael barbaro Right. There was a moment I dont think Ill ever forget where you described what was happening in the Capitol, the efforts to seek out Vice President Pence and Speaker Pelosi. archived recording (WHISPERING) We need Capitol Police, I think. Theyre pounding the doors trying to find her. [pounding, crowd shouting] archived recording (stacey plaskett) You can hear the pounding in the background as that staffer is speaking. michael barbaro And you said that it was President Trump who, quote, put a target on their backs, and his mob broke into the Capitol to hunt them down. archived recording (stacey plaskett) Again, that is a mob that was sent by the president of the United States to stop the certification of an election. The vice president, the Speaker of the House, the first and second in line to the presidency were performing their constitutional duties, presiding over the election certification, and they were put in danger. michael barbaro You were essentially making the case that, having laid the groundwork for this riot and summoned those riders to the Capitol, the president was unleashing them on the leadership of the United States government. stacey plaskett Of course, because it is the vice president and the Speaker of the House who gavel in the joint session and who are the ones who accept the electoral college votes and conduct the certification. Correct? So without that second and third in line to the presidency, right? michael barbaro Mhm. stacey plaskett The actual event itself would be in disarray. And where would we be today? [music] michael barbaro Well be right back. [music] I wonder if you could say more about what was going on in that room as you were presenting this case. How did it feel in there? What were the expressions and responses to this presentation, to these videos that you were showing the senators? stacey plaskett I recall at one point, when I talked about how the videos showing where the mob was on a model of the Capitol archived recording (stacey plaskett) When I first saw this model that was created for this, I thought back to September 11th. I know a lot of you senators were here. Some of you might have been members on the House side. I was also here on September 11th. I was a staffer at that time. My office was on the west front of the Capitol. I worked in the Capitol, and I was on the House side. This year, its 20 years since the attacks of September 11th. And almost every day, I remember that 44 Americans gave their lives to stop the plane that was headed to this Capitol building. I thank them every day for saving my life and the life of so many others. stacey plaskett And when I was talking about that scene, several Republicans hang their head and seem to actually start to tear up. archived recording (stacey plaskett) Those Americans sacrificed their lives for love of country, honor, duty, all the things that America means. The Capitol stands because of people like that. stacey plaskett And none of those that Ive just mentioned to you voted to convict the president. michael barbaro Hm. But they were moved by your reminder of the terror of that day in 2001, when people actually wondered if a plane was going to be flying into the Capitol. stacey plaskett And never mind our terror, but the fact that 44, as we say, average Americans recognized their duty and their loyalty to country, and were willing to give up their lives for this country. michael barbaro And just to be clear, youre speaking of the passengers on United flight 93, who tried to take back control of the plane from stacey plaskett Who took down michael barbaro the hijackers stacey plaskett exactly. michael barbaro and ultimately, did prevent it from reaching the U.S. Capitol. stacey plaskett The Capitol. Correct? Right? michael barbaro Mhm. stacey plaskett 44 individuals on that day, as I reminded those senators, saw duty to country and their loyalty to our America as stronger than their life. michael barbaro Hm. stacey plaskett And gave their life for this Capitol building and for us that are in it, and for democracy. And now they cant vote to convict this man because theyre concerned about their seat as a senator? Its sad. michael barbaro So you were summoning that courage that you saw among the passengers on that plane on September 11th in these senators. And so when they hung their heads in what youre describing as shame, you think there was a moment of recognition when they were realizing that they would not be doing that? stacey plaskett I dont know if they recognized that they werent be doing it, but I think they recognized that those 44 individuals were better than the 43. michael barbaro In that room. The senators. stacey plaskett Exactly. And youll recognize that all of the senator well, with the exception of a handful they all believe that we proved the case, that we were, in fact, correct. I had Republican senators coming up to me during the trial and saying, you guys are outlining this perfectly. You guys are doing an amazing job. These are Republicans. These are not Democrats who were saying this to me. michael barbaro How present was the reality that everyone in that room had lived through what you were presenting when you were reconstructing January 6th, that they were both the jury and, in many ways, they were the targets, they were the witnesses? stacey plaskett Right, they were the witnesses and they were the victims. It was very present. It was exhausting for all of us to relive that. In preparation for it, as we, as managers, were going through the scripts, and we were very careful to be not being wordy. Nobody wanted to be hyperbolic. Everyone wanted to diminish ourselves and let the evidence transcend us. And so stripping out words, stripping out phrases, but going through the scripts, there were times when members broke down. You know, the managers broke down. michael barbaro Your team. stacey plaskett Yes. Remembering what we had gone through. michael barbaro Mhm. stacey plaskett I mean, its still difficult thinking about that. michael barbaro Right. It was true for you, too. I dont think there can be many other examples in which the prosecution lived through the thing they are prosecuting. stacey plaskett Right. michael barbaro And then, of course, the defense team begins their case. And youre just standing a few feet away. stacey plaskett Mhm. michael barbaro And they start out by praising you. stacey plaskett Oh, did they? Did you think thats what that was? michael barbaro What did you think that was, Congresswoman? stacey plaskett I thought it was a bunch of garbage from beginning to end. I thought that they were speaking to their client and his base. Thats what I thought that they were doing. michael barbaro Well, the defense made a lot of arguments. For example, playing a loop of Democrats using the word fight or fight like hell stacey plaskett Sure. michael barbaro out of context to suggest that it would be foolhardy to make the case that words can incite violence. But in terms of what turns out to be the argument that Republican senators latch onto most forcefully to explain their ultimate acquittal vote, it is that the trial itself wasnt constitutional, that a former president cannot stand trial. And whats your response to that argument, knowing that it ends up being pretty much the most important defense argument? stacey plaskett Right. michael barbaro And the most successful. stacey plaskett That there is no overcoming that. No amount of arguing is going to overcome that when over 100 legal scholars on both sides of the aisle say that thats not, in fact, the case. And the Senate itself rejects it so that we can have a trial. And it continues. You know that youre not going to overcome something like that. So I mean, I also had Republican senators say to me, you know, in the hallway, that was fantastic, and Im very undecided, I think what youre saying is correct, but I believe Im going to vote to acquit because I just dont think you can convict a former president. And I look at them, and I just say, Im not even going to argue with you because you know thats BS. michael barbaro Hm. Thats what you would say to them. stacey plaskett This one particular person who Im close to, thats what I said. michael barbaro Mhm. stacey plaskett I said, you know, Im still prepping, and if you are going to follow that, and you know thats not the case, in your heart, you know thats not the case, but you need to do that, then youre going to do what youre going to do. I even said, why dont you vote to convict, but then dont vote to disqualify? Because we only need a majority to disqualify. You can hang your hat on not voting to disqualify. And he said, yeah, well, youre never going to get to Ive been looking, and youre not going to get to the 17, even with mine, for me to be able to get to that second vote. michael barbaro Well, once the acquittal occurs, we arrive at this fascinating moment, which is Senator Mitch McConnells speech. archived recording (mitch mcconnell) January 6 was a disgrace. michael barbaro In which he very clearly says archived recording (mitch mcconnell) President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day. michael barbaro what Trump did was wrong, he is responsible for it, but I could not convict him. archived recording (mitch mcconnell) But in this case, the question is moot because former President Trump is constitutionally not eligible for conviction. michael barbaro He points back to this argument that we have just been discussing. archived recording (mitch mcconnell) We have no power to convict and disqualify a former officeholder who is now a private citizen. michael barbaro Which is its not constitutional, he is a private citizen. archived recording (mitch mcconnell) But this underscores that impeachment was never meant to be the final forum for American justice. michael barbaro He cant be held accountable. And I think that brings us to this essential question of accountability. stacey plaskett Mhm. michael barbaro And with this acquittal and Im sure this has crossed your mind, Congresswoman the only people who will truly be held responsible and accountable for what happened on January 6th are the rioters themselves. Not the president, who, in your own words during your presentation, gave the orders. Not the president, who, in the words of your fellow impeachment managers, was singularly responsible for what happened that day. And how does that sit with you, that they will be charged, sentenced, imprisoned, but he will not? stacey plaskett Well, you know, its not over. michael barbaro What do you mean? stacey plaskett I mean, we lost the impeachment trial, but it appears there are other things that are going on, as well. He may be prosecuted as citizen Donald Trump, correct? michael barbaro You think theres a possibility that former President Trump will be held accountable outside of the impeachment process in a meaningful way? stacey plaskett Sure. You know, lets see what happens in Fulton County, Georgia. Lets see what happens in New York City with the New York attorney general, New York state attorney general. Lets see what happens with in the District of Columbia for their charges, as well. michael barbaro Youre surely aware of this. Many rioters are now making, and will continue to make, a similar argument to the one that you all did in the Senate this past week, which is that they were taking orders from the president when they stormed the Capitol. Theyll, frankly, look to the progression of video evidence that you presented. And by that logic, how responsible are the rioters and should the rioters be? What kind of consequences should they face if the president himself, for now, is facing no consequence? stacey plaskett They should face every consequence for their actions. michael barbaro Hm. stacey plaskett Every consequence for their actions. michael barbaro Explain that. stacey plaskett Everyone who was whats to explain? They committed crimes. They should be held responsible. No one made them do it. They followed a man that utilized their hatred, their already demonstrated hatred, their frustrations and their anger, and just directed it in a manner and channeled it for himself. But theyre the ones who stormed the Capitol, who fought with valiant police officers and individuals who were trying to defend the Capitol. Theyre the ones who broke glass, desecrated the desk of the Speaker of the House of the Senate chambers. Theyre the ones who spread feces on the walls of our seat of government. They should face every consequence available under the law. michael barbaro Mhm. You may remember this, but you were asked during the trial, Congresswoman, what would happen if Donald Trump were acquitted. It was a question submitted by a senator. And you said Im going to quote you some of this back you said, the extremists who attacked the Capitol at the presidents provocation will be emboldened. All our intelligence agencies have confirmed this. This is not a House manager saying this. They are quite literally standing by and standing ready youre reinvoking something Donald Trump said during the campaign about the Proud Boys and you went on to say, Donald Trump told them this is only the beginning. They are waiting and watching to see if Donald Trump is right, that everyone said this was totally appropriate. stacey plaskett Right. michael barbaro Do you fear thats what happened, that that message was sent? stacey plaskett Of course it was. Theyve heard that, and theyre hearing from him now. But I think its for us to continue to fight to maintain our republic. And I am encouraged by the fact that more than a majority of senators agreed that what he did is not the right thing and that we are going to fight against it, as well as our administration is going to be vigilant in attempting to ensure that those individuals, while they may be emboldened, are not successful in their attempts to destroy our democracy. michael barbaro This is my final question for you, because you are a student of history. When the history of this era and of January 6th and of this trial is written, what do you think it will say? And will it say what you hoped it would say when you set out to prosecute this trial? stacey plaskett When the history is written, I cannot know what the history will say. Lets hope that there are many herstorians who are going to be putting this together who are able to show the total truth of what happened, the good and the bad. And you know, I just pray that they will look kindly upon nine individuals, along with our leadership and the tremendous staff that we had, that we fought a good fight. michael barbaro Are you proud of the role you played in this? stacey plaskett Im humbled by the role that I played in it. Im grateful to be given the opportunity to play a role in this, and I know I fought my damnedest. [music] michael barbaro Congresswoman Plaskett, thank you very much. We appreciate your time. stacey plaskett Thank you. Thank you for listening and for hearing the story. michael barbaro Our pleasure. [music] Lincoln Project co-founder George Conway has sought to distance himself from the anti-Trump PAC as he demands that its leaders give a full explanation into allegations of sexual and financial misconduct. Conway, a conservative lawyer and the husband of former White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, addressed the controversy plaguing the Lincoln Project in an interview with Yahoo News podcast Skullduggery on Monday. Since January, nearly two dozen young men, including two minors, came forward to accuse Lincoln Project co-founder John Weaver of sexually harassing them online for years. The scandal deepened as a number of current and former staffers came forward with claims that the group fostered a toxic work environment and financial disclosures revealed that it funneled $50million of donations toward consulting firms controlled by its leaders. Conway, who joined the group at its inception in December 2019 and left last August, said the revelations came as a surprise to him because he wasn't deeply involved in the group at any point. Several of Weaver's accusers have claimed that they told top brass at the Lincoln Project about his alleged misconduct, while the organization maintains that it wasn't made aware of it until last month. Conway said he didn't know who was telling the truth but called the Lincoln Project's denials 'a little bit squishy around the edges'. Lincoln Project co-founder George Conway (pictured in 2017) has sought to distance himself from the anti-Trump PAC as he demands that its leaders give a full explanation into allegations of sexual and financial misconduct The Lincoln Project has had a tumultuous few weeks after being rocked by sexual harassment allegations involving co-founder John Weaver, questions about the organization's finances and staffers' claims about a 'toxic' work environment (file photo) Conway asserted that his involvement in the Lincoln Project was minimal from the start, saying: 'I had kind of an odd role because I was the oddball, I was the non-political consultant. 'My attraction to them was I could get them some attention, in part because my wife worked at the White House and I was out there as a major critic of Trump. 'So when they asked me to join them back in 2019 and I was all too happy to because I was looking for ways to try to make a difference. 'It was hard for me to sort of be involved functionally with them because they knew what they were doing, these were the political consultants.' Conway said he didn't know the other founders 'all that well' and 'didn't know Weaver at all'. 'I had no idea about Weaver,' he said in reference to the misconduct claims. 'The first time I ever heard anything weird about Weaver was way after the election, after I was out of the Lincoln Project. 'I heard he had some kind of thing where he would hit on people, on men, even though he was a heterosexually married male, and I heard it was pretty weird. 'I didn't hear that he was hitting on people within the Lincoln Project at that time, I certainly didn't hear that he was hitting on anybody who was underage. Then late in January more stuff started coming out.' Since January, nearly two dozen young men, including two minors, came forward to accuse Lincoln Project co-founder John Weaver (pictured) of sexually harassing them online Asked if the allegations against Weaver had been brought to the attention of other leaders at the Lincoln Project earlier, Conway said he'd heard different things. 'Some people say that they did do that, we see that in the press reports, I've heard that over the past couple of weeks privately. And then I hear the opposite,' he said. 'I have to say, the denials... they were, a little bit squishy around the edges and made me wonder. 'Maybe there's a dispute about what exactly people were told and when, I can't resolve it, and God help me you couldn't pay me money to be the one to try to resolve it.' Conway said that he thinks the accusers should be allowed to share their allegations publicly, regardless of non-disclosure agreements. He then explained that one of the reasons he left the Lincoln Project is because he 'wasn't really doing that much useful' in his role there. 'There was all this stuff going on without me, because I mean look, I'm just a lawyer, I'm not a political consultant. I might email somebody: "Hey, this is a great idea," but they probably already thought about it. 'It wasn't satisfying to just be a name on the masthead, so it was a perfect opportunity to just step back.' Conway then lamented how the allegations in recent weeks have 'blemished' the work by Lincoln Project staff members who had nothing to do with them. 'One of the things that's most upsetting about the implosion of the Lincoln Project is that [the staff's] efforts are being undermined. The justness, the rightness, the good intentions and the hard work are being blemished by all of this,' he said. 'I think all these people are owed and I think all the people who gave money to the Lincoln Project are owed a full explanation of what happened. So we know what happened with Weaver, and if there are issues with where the money went, that too.' Conway said the Lincoln Project founders brought him on board mainly because his wife Kellyanne Conway (pictured together in 2017) was a senior advisor to President Donald Trump Conway's podcast was released as nearly two dozen current and former staffers at the Lincoln Project described its 'toxic' inner workings in interviews with the 19th, a nonprofit journalism group. Those who were interviewed claimed that dissatisfaction has long been growing among more junior staff due, in part, to sexist and derogatory language used among those within the organization. Some said that young male staffers were referred to as 'wizards', while female staffers were called 'girls'. They also allege that political rivals were commonly called 'p****es', 'c***suckers' or 'f****ts'. Others complained that they believed language used in advertisements, including those targeting Ivanka Trump, was 'sexist'. Multiple people who were interviewed by the 19th said that the few women who were high up in the organization were treated differently to the men. They said that the only female co-founder, Jennifer Horn - who is a former GOP chair in New Hampshire, was often left out of meetings and wasn't consulted on decisions or public statements put out by the organization. Horn is among the co-founders to have stepped down in recent weeks. She says she left following revelations of Weaver's 'grotesque' behavior and divergent views with existing leadership about how to move forward. The organization at the time claimed Horn left following a compensation dispute after they said she had asked for a $250,000 signing bonus when her contract negotiations were underway. Following her departure, the Lincoln Project's social media accounts posted a private message exchange Horn had with a reporter. Republican strategist Steve Schmidt, also a Lincoln Project co-founder, resigned on Friday from the board following the tumultuous week. In his statement, Schmidt apologized to Horn and acknowledged playing a role in the public release of the series of private messages between her and the reporter. Jennifer Horn (left) is among the co-founders to have stepped down in recent weeks. Steve Schmidt (right), also a Lincoln Project co-founder, resigned on Friday. In his statement, Schmidt apologized to Horn and acknowledged playing a role in the public release of a series of private messages between her and the reporter a day earlier 'I am resigning my seat on the Lincoln Project board to make room for the appointment of a female board member as the first step to reform and professionalize the Lincoln Project,' Schmidt wrote. 'I am not the daily manager of the Lincoln Project, but I am the senior leader. As the senior leader, it is my responsibility to set an example and to assume accountability,' he wrote. 'I would like to apologize to Jennifer Horn,' he continued. 'She deserved better from me. She deserved a leader who could restrain his anger.' His statement came less than an hour after Horn's attorney sent a note to the Lincoln Project counsel informing them that they should preserve documents and communications in anticipation of litigation. While he stepped down from the board, Schmidt is expected to maintain a role at the Lincoln Project. His statement did not address what he or other leaders may have known about co-founder Weaver's misconduct before it became public late last month. Schmidt had previously insisted that he and the rest of the group's leadership were not aware of any internal allegations of wrongdoing involving Weaver. Only three of the board's eight co-founders now remain at the organization. Weaver left last month after it was publicly alleged he sexually harassed dozens of men, including some he offered professional support to in exchange for sex. The Lincoln Project announced plans late on Thursday to launch an external investigation to probe claims they knew about sexual misconduct allegations against Weaver (above in 2016) before he left the anti-Trump organization The organization released a statement on Thursday night announcing that its board has decided to retain 'a best-in-class outside professional' to review Weaver's tenure 'to establish both accountability and best practices going forward for The Lincoln Project' The organization announced last Thursday its board had decided to 'retain a best-in-class outside professional' to review Weaver's tenure 'to establish both accountability and best practices going forward for The Lincoln Project'. It followed claims that the organization's leadership were informed in writing and in subsequent phone calls of at least 10 specific allegations of harassment against Weaver, including two involving Lincoln Project employees. The email and phone calls raised questions about the Lincoln Project's statement last month that it was 'shocked' when accusations only surfaced publicly this year. Weaver - who has been married to his wife since 2007 - admitted last month that he was gay and apologized to the men he made 'uncomfortable' with his messages. 'The truth is that I'm gay and that I have a wife and two kids who I love. My inability to reconcile those two truths has led to this agonizing place,' he said in an interview with Axios. 'To the men I made uncomfortable through my messages that I viewed as consensual mutual conversations at the time: I am truly sorry. 'They were inappropriate and it was because of my failings that this discomfort was brought on you.' The Weaver allegations, as well as claims of infighting and a 'toxic' workplace at the organization, which has long claimed the moral high ground in its fight against Trump, has raised existential questions about the organization's future. The Lincoln Project launched in November 2019 as a super PAC that allowed its leaders to raise and spend unlimited sums of money. Since its creation, the Lincoln Project has raised $90million - more than $50million of which has gone to firms controlled by the group's leaders. Its founders represent a who's who of prominent Republican strategists on cable television, including Schmidt and Reed Galen, both former advisers to John McCain; Florida-based veteran political ad maker Rick Wilson; Horn; Conway; and Weaver, who has long advised former Ohio Gov John Kasich. Backed by its founders' commanding social media presence, the organization quickly attracted a massive following of Trump critics in both parties that exceeded even its own founders' expectations. From its inception, WiCyS has provided financial assistance so members can expand their knowledge and skills and network with others. Its really the heart of the community and something we are very proud to continue. Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is offering several scholarships, grants and fellowship awards for members to attend its eighth annual conference Sept. 8-10, 2021, in Aurora, Colorado. WiCyS brings together women in cybersecurity from academia, research, government and industry with the goal of recruiting, retaining and advancing talented females in the field. The conference is its premier event of networking, learning, sharing and enhancing skills. From its inception, WiCyS has provided financial assistance so members can expand their knowledge and skills and network with others. Its really the heart of the community and something we are very proud to continue, said Dr. Janell Straach, chair of the board and conference. All students must be current WiCyS student members and must apply for WiCyS scholarships in order to attend the conference, as there is no open student registration. Faculty must be a WiCyS Student Chapter Advisor or WiCyS faculty member that has not previously attended the conference. For WiCyS members who identify as part of the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community, there is an associated fellowship award. U.S. veterans can apply for the Veteran Fellowship Award. All these opportunities will allow participants to embrace the conference that will include panels, hands-on workshops, lightning talks, a student poster competition and more from experts in the cybersecurity field. Each year, half of conference attendees receive these awards. The WiCyS conference is not only the flagship conference for women in cybersecurity but also, regardless of gender, is the largest cybersecurity conference in the U.S. that ensures comparable representation of students and professionals, and of academia and industry (public and private sector). The deadline to apply for awards is March 1. For more information, visit http://www.wicys.org/scholarships-grants-and-fellowship-awards. About WiCyS: Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with international reach dedicated to bringing together women in cybersecurity. WiCyS offers opportunities and resources for its members and collaboration benefits for its sponsors and partners. Strategic partners include Amazon Web Services, Bloomberg, Cisco, Facebook, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Flatiron, Fortinet, Google, HERE Technologies, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Nike, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Optum, Palo Alto Networks, SANS Institute, SAP, SentinelOne, SpearTip, Starbucks, Target, University of California San Diego, Verizon, and Workday. To partner, visit https://www.wicys.org/support/strategic-partnerships/. Do you have a news tip? Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you. More here Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) and UK Prime Minister Borris Johnson (right). With the UK keen on signing a bilateral trade pact soon, India has pushed hard for the removal of tough visa regulations restricting hiring by Indian firms in Britain, asked the UK to instill measures to boost more outward Foreign Direct Investment flows and dismantle practices limiting drug manufacturing by Indian firms based in Britain, as the first steps to close a proposed bilateral trade pact, according to sources. Earlier in February, both governments laid stress on creating an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) as the first step to achieve a full Free Trade Agreement between both nations after a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his British counterpart Secretary of State for International Trade, Elizabeth Truss. Set to be launched during the visit of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sometime later in 2021, the partnership will lay out specific steps to remove non-tariff barriers to trade, rather than focus exclusively on how to reduce import duties for high value traded goods between the two countries, a senior official in the know, said. Also Read: UK PM Boris Johnson faces pressure to reopen schools despite pandemic "The UK-India Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting held in July 2020 continues to be seen as a road map to such an agreement. Narrowing down the list of sectors, the three priority areas currently agreed by both governments to be in focus within the ETP are pharma, food & beverage, and IT & fintech. In return, the government is assessing ways to reduce the lengthy process of securing a large list of permits and certifications necessary to do business in India, which remain the main gripe of British companies," he added. With information technology and related professional services outpacing all other exports from India to the UK, the government wants to secure concessions in services trade. Easier movement of Indian services professionals along with a more open visa regime has been strongly pursued by India. New Delhi has also put its weight behind the pharma and healthcare industry which operate in the UK, hoping to leverage the growing demand for Indian pharma exports to Britain and the European Union. "While the cost of securing patents in the UK is prohibitively high, the registration process for new companies is lengthy and includes a series of repeat inspections of manufacturing facilities which have held up new investments," a senior functionary of industry body Confederation of Indian Industry said. Meanwhile, the UK has flagged issues faced by British companies in India, in dealing with state-specific regulations related to alcohol. Apart from higher taxation for foreign entities, which it has called discriminatory, restrictions on pricing and labeling have also been pointed out, sources said. The UK has also focused on market access issues, insisting on greater access for high value British goods like wine and automobiles, and more ease of doing business through easier approvals for British investments in India. While officials did not put a fixed date on Johnson's arrival to India, the British prime Minister has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 Summit, now expected to take place between June 11-14 in the United Kingdom. Both leaders are expected to meet on the sidelines for talks, with bilateral trade being on the top of the agenda apart from the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, a senior diplomat said. Vodafone Idea Ltd (Vi) on Monday said it is prepared for the rollout of 5G wireless service, after rival Bharti Airtel Ltd recently announced that its network is ready for a commercial launch of the technology as soon as the government permits and spectrum is available. We are deploying equipment which is 5G-ready, both on radio and core The countrys 5G ecosystem is still nascent but we are well prepared for 5G rollout whenever the ecosystem develops," Ravinder Takkar, managing director (MD) and chief executive (CEO), Vi, said at a post-earnings investor call. The spectrum bands 3,300MHz to 3,600MHz earmarked for 5G are expensive, Takkar told analysts. Besides, lack of clarity on use cases and technology and an underdeveloped ecosystem could impact the launch. Vi is in active discussions with potential investors for proposed fundraising of up to 25,000 crore in debt and equity, Takkar said. The talks with investors are progressing well and we expect to conclude this (fundraising) soon", he said. The telco is very well engaged" with various potential investors, who have shown interest in the process, he said. The cash-strapped telco had announced its fundraising plans in September 2020. On 19 November, Mint had reported that a consortium led by US-based Oaktree Capital, including a few other private equity firms such as Varde Partners, has proposed investing up to $2.5 billion in Vi through hybrid debt papers. The consortium is said to have offered $2-2.5 billion of capital to the Birla group company that faces tens of billions of rupees in government dues. The company will not depend on other telecom operators to raise tariffs, Takkar said. Analysts said Vi could be the first mover in the industry to hike prices of data and voice services, as it was in December 2019. This is contrary to the stance of Airtels management of not taking the lead in increasing prices of various services. Takkar said the telco will participate in the upcoming spectrum auction and has deposited earnest money to the department of telecommunications. However, Takkar did not share the telcos auction strategy and acquisition plans given the sensitivity" of the subject. Vi continues to re-farm its 3G spectrum to 4G, and aims to close 3G service by the end of financial year 2022, said Akshaya Moondra, chief financial officer, Vi. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Both humans and alligators have four-chamber hearts, but alligator hearts are uniquely resilient to temperature extremes. Credit: Z. Owerkowicz Mammals and cold-blooded alligators share a common four-chamber heart structureunique among reptilesbut that's where the similarities end. Unlike humans and other mammals, whose hearts can fibrillate under stress, alligators have built-in antiarrhythmic protection. The findings from new research were reported Jan. 27 in the journal Integrative Organismal Biology. "Alligator hearts don't fibrillateno matter what we do. They're very resilient," said Flavio Fenton, a professor in the School of Physics at the Georgia Institute of Technology, researcher in the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, and the report's corresponding author. Fibrillation is one of the most dangerous arrhythmias, leading to blood clots and stroke when occurring in the atria and to death within minutes when it happens in the ventricles. The study looked at the action potential wavelengths of rabbit and young alligator hearts. Both species have four-chambered hearts of similar size (about 3 cm); however, while rabbits maintain a constant heart temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, the body temperature of active, wild alligators ranges from 10 to 37 degrees Celsius. Heart pumping is controlled by an electrical wave that tells the muscle cells to contract. An electrical signal drives this wave, which must occur in the same pattern to keep blood pumping normally. In a deadly arrhythmia, this electrical signal is no longer coherent. "An arrhythmia can happen for many reasons, including temperature dropping. For example, if someone falls into cold water and gets hypothermia, very often this person will develop an arrythmia and then drown," Fenton said. During the study, the researchers recorded changes in the heart wave patterns at 38 C and 23 C. "The excitation wave in the rabbit heart reduced by more than half during temperature extremes while the alligator heart showed changes of only about 10% at most," said Conner Herndon, a co-author and a graduate research assistant in the School of Physics. "We found that when the spatial wavelength reaches the size of the heart, the rabbit can undergo spontaneous fibrillation, but the alligator would always maintain this wavelength within a safe regime," he added. While alligators can function over a large temperature range without risk of heart trauma, their built-in safeguard has a drawback: it limits their maximum heart rate, making them unable to expend extra energy in an emergency. Rabbits and other warm-blooded mammals, on the other hand, can accommodate higher heart rates necessary to sustain an active, endothermic metabolism but they face increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia and critical vulnerability to temperature changes. The physicists from Georgia Tech collaborated with two biologists on the study, including former Georgia Tech postdoctoral fellow Henry Astley, now assistant professor in the Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center at the University of Akron's Department of Biology. Studying alligator hearts can lead to better understanding of heart electrophysiology and how to help minimize fibrillation risk in humans. Credit: Z. Owerkowicz "I was a little surprised by how massive the difference wasthe sheer resilience of the crocodilian heart and the fragility of the rabbit heart. I had not expected the rabbit heart to come apart at the seams as easily as it did," noted Astley. Lower temperatures are one cause of cardiac electrophysiological arrhythmias, where fast-rotating electrical waves can cause the heart to beat faster and faster, leading to compromised cardiac function and potentially sudden cardiac death. Lowering the temperature of the bodyfrequently done for patients before certain surgeriesalso can induce an arrhythmia. The researchers agree that this study could help better understand how the heart works and what can cause a deadly arrhythmiawhich fundamentally happens when the heart doesn't pump blood correctly any longer. The authors also consider the research a promising step toward better understanding of heart electrophysiology and how to help minimize fibrillation risk. Until December 2020, when Covid-19 took the top spot, heart disease was the leading cause of death in the United States and in most industrialized countries, with more people dying of heart disease than the next two causes of death combined. Astley said the research provides a deeper understanding of the natural world and insight into the different coping mechanisms of cold- and warm-blooded animals. Co-author Tomasz Owerkowicz, associate professor in the Department of Biology at California State University, San Bernardino, considers the findings "another piece of the puzzle that helps us realize how really cool non-human animals are and how many different tricks they have up their sleeves." He expressed hope that more researchers will follow their example and use a non-traditional animal model in future research. "Everyone studies mammals, fruit flies, and zebrafish. There's such a huge wealth of resources among the wild animals that have not been brought to the laboratory setting that have such neat physiologies, that are waiting to be uncovered. All we have to do is look," he said. Explore further Study shows hydroxychloroquine's harmful effects on heart rhythm More information: C Herndon et al, Defibrillate you later, alligator; Q10 scaling and refractoriness keeps alligators from fibrillation, Integrative Organismal Biology (2021). C Herndon et al, Defibrillate you later, alligator; Q10 scaling and refractoriness keeps alligators from fibrillation,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/iob/obaa047 First grade students prepare for class at St. Joseph Catholic School in La Puente, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2020. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) LA County Elementary Schools Will Be Permitted To Reopen LOS ANGELESLos Angeles County elementary schools will able to resume in-person instruction as early as this week thanks to dropping coronavirus rates, with a formal announcement expected Feb. 16, but Los Angeles Unified campuses will likely remain closed as the teachers union demands vaccinations before returning. In-person instruction has been unavailable to the vast majority of the roughly 1.5 million students in public and private schools countywide since March 2020, but the state permits elementary schools to reopen as soon as counties reach an adjusted average new daily case rate of 25 per 100,000 residents. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the county will reach that milestone Feb. 16 when the state releases its weekly update of case rates for counties statewide. The news means that schools could be permitted to offer in-class instruction for students in grades TK-6. All schools wishing to reopen must submit plans to the county Department of Public Health and the California Department of Public Health certifying that they have implemented a full range of safety measures to permit a safe reopening. Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer was expected to release additional information about Los Angeles Countys school reopening threshold and safety requirements at a news briefing scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 16. The department on Feb. 15 issued a statement saying, This is an encouraging milestone and we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure safety for students, teachers and staff returning to schools. County Supervisor Janice Hahn celebrated the announcement, writing in a Twitter post: L.A. County has officially reached the states threshold for reopening elementary schools. Starting tomorrow [Feb. 16], schools can reopen for grades K-6 if they have a waiver or submitted their COVID Safety Plans in advance This is what we have been working towards, she said. Thank you to everyone who has worn your masks and kept your distance. Case rates in L.A. County are dropping. Now we can continue the work getting our kids and teachers safely back in classrooms where they belong. But for Los Angeles Unified, the nations second-largest school system, classrooms are not expected to open immediately, with the United Teachers Los Angeles union insisting that teachers and staff be vaccinated prior to returning to in-person instruction. In a statement issued last week, the union insisted that no in-person instruction should resume until the average new case rate drops to seven per 100,000 residentsa level that would allow the county to emerge from the most restrictive purple tier of the states economic reopening roadmap. While L.A. educators want nothing more than to be back in classrooms, the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County is still too high, according to the union. UTLA remains committed to the health and safety of our students and our communities. The union stressed that any plan for reopening schools must include vaccines for all educators and school staff. The county is expected to make vaccinations available to teachers in about two to three weeks. But even when it does, the limited supply of vaccines means it will take weeks or even months to fully vaccinate all teachers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued school-reopening guidelines last week, stressing that vaccinations for teachers should not be a pre-requisite for in-person learning to resume. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has proposed a $6.6 billion plan for reopening campuses and providing funding for safety protocols on campuses, has also said schools can reopen before students return to in-person classes. LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner has supported the union in its call for vaccinations. He said Feb. 15 that beyond that issue, the district has done its part in comprehensively ensuring that every campus is safe and ready to welcome back students. It has retrofitted 80 million square feet of school buildings to make sure air is properly filtered, cleaned and sanitized every room in every school, and reconfigured classrooms and facilities to maintain social distance, he said. The district is also providing masks and personal protective equipment, and creating a school-based COVID-19 testing and contact tracing program. Beutner and other officials and union leaders from several of the states largest school districts have previously balked at the governors reopening plan for schools, claiming it falls short on funding for urban school districts. Ferrer is expected to speak at the LAUSD Board of Education meeting about the school-reopening issue Feb. 16. Beutner announced Feb. 15 that the LAUSDs first school-based COVID-19 vaccination center would open Feb. 16 at Roybal Learning Center at 1200 Colton St. near downtown Los Angeles. Moderna vaccines will be administered by LAUSD school nurses and other licensed health care professionals. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, issued a statement Feb. 16 saying, in part, I welcome the encouraging news that Los Angeles County has reached the threshold in COVID-19 case rates to allow our elementary schools to reopen for in-person instruction. The Los Angeles County Office of Education remains committed to guiding and supporting our 80 districts in addressing the impact of COVID-19 in the second half of the school year and beyond. This includes identifying interventions to address learning loss and working with districts to develop protocols to safely celebrate the class of 2021, including options for commencement ceremonies this spring. Ben Drati, superintendent of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, issued a statement Monday saying the district had reached a tentative agreement with its teachers union regarding a return to in-person classes, but it is also dependent on vaccinesmeaning campuses will likely remain closed until at least mid- to late-March. According to the tentative agreement, which still needs to be ratified by the union, vaccines must be available to teachers and campus staff for a period of 15 days prior to students returning. California health officials recently released an interactive map that allows Angelenos and others across the state to track the status of campus reopenings. The Safe Schools Reopening Map provides data on the status of reopening and safety planning for school districts, charter and private schools in Los Angeles and across California. Officials said they hope it will help communities and school staff evaluate their own reopening plans. Schools will update their information every two weeks on the map, and the California Department of Public Health will add data on reported outbreaks in each school district and information about COVID-19 testing. The map was created through a partnership between the state, county office of education and the California Collaborative in Education Excellence. It can be accessed online. Single jabs of Covid-19 vaccinations are providing 67% protection against infection, according to data (PA) Single jabs of Covid-19 vaccinations are providing 67% protection against infection, according to data from the Zoe Covid Symptom Study App. Epidemiologist Professor Tim Spector, of Kings College London, told Sky News Sophy Ridge on Sunday that the Governments policy of delaying second jabs appeared to be working and restrictions should be able to begin to be reduced within weeks. He said that Covid-19 cases had dropped by 80% since the start of January, with hospital admissions reducing by 60%, along with a 50% decrease of people in hospital with the virus. Prof Spector said this showed the R rate had been persistently below one during this period. People are dying of Covid but people die of other things. I would like to see less fear-mongering Professor Tim Spector He explained that a single vaccine was providing 46% protection after two weeks and 67% after three weeks. He said: Its still preliminary, we are still analysing the results. Its looking very promising and the Governments approach of delaying the second shot in order to get more people vaccinated looks like its paying off. He continued: It currently means we are in a similar state as we were in October and if we look at the trajectory at where we are going, in a couple of weeks we are going to be where we were in May or June. There will be a prevalence of symptomatic cases of less then one in 500 which in my view, we should be able to reduce some of the restrictions, and I am particularly concerned we get kids back to school for as long as possible because of the known long-term negative effects of that. Prof Spector said that he would be happy for schools in some regions, particularly rural areas, to return earlier than the proposed March 8 date and especially for younger children who pose very little risk to themselves or others. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) He said that he could see face masks and other social distancing restrictions being required in some situations for the longer term. He added: It may not be compulsory but I am also an optimist that we are going to drive the levels of this virus very low. Prof Spector said he believed the number of officially recognised symptoms should be increased as the testing programme could now handle the extra demand. He said that other common symptoms were headache, fatigue, sore throat and muscle pain. Prof Spector said that he no longer watched the Governments daily briefings as he felt the statistics were not presented in context, particularly the death rates. He said: Its very sad people die of anything. Yesterday around 600 people died of Covid but on a normal day in February 1,500 people die of heart disease, strokes, cancer etc or the flu. This has got a lot of people extremely anxious and are petrified to leave their homes and may have problems coming out if we do not put those statistics into context. People are dying of Covid but people die of other things. I would like to see less fear-mongering. Former President Donald Trump is the overwhelming favorite in a poll of Republicans nearly four years out from the next primary election, following an electoral defeat, a failed overturn effort, a Capitol riot by his supporters, an impeachment and an acquittal. Trump, who told his supporters following his acquittal in the Senate impeachment trial that 'our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun,' continues to hold majority support nearly a month after leaving office. He is backed by 53 per cent of respondents in a Politico / Morning Consult survey. A distant second in the poll is Vice President Mike Pence, who became a chief focus of the impeachment trial, as Democratic managers highlighted Trump's tweet that Pence lacked 'courage' after he began counting votes for Joe Biden in his ceremonial role at a joint session of Congress to count the electoral votes. President Donald Trump gets 53 per cent in a new Politico / Morning Consult survey of Republican support in a 2024 presidential primary Pence had issued a lengthy statement on why he was refusing Trump's demands that he send back votes that had been certified by states for Joe Biden, and video played at trial showed MAGA rioters cheering 'hang Mike Pence.' Pence gets 12 per cent support in the poll. Trump's strong showing comes after he got a hero's welcome while driving by cheering supporters in Florida, where he moved Jan. 20th. There is a steep drop-off after the former president and Pence: Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., 43, gets 6 per cent support. He helped run the Trump Organization while Trump was in office and helped rev up Trump crowds during the campaign while serving as a fierce Trump defender online. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, the subject of a lengthy Politico profile where she distances herself from Trump, is at 6 per cent. SECOND THAT: Former Vice President Mike Pence came in second, with 12 per cent support Donald Trump Jr. gets 6 per cent backing in the poll Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is backed by 4 per cent in the survey Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri gets 1 per cent report Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, the subject of a lengthy Politico profile where she distances herself from Trump, is at 6 per cent Trump continues to dominate the Republican field even after losing the election and being impeached and acquitted on 'incitement of insurrection' of the Capitol riot Prominent Republican senators, most of whom have loyally backed Trump, trailed far behind him in the poll. They include Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (2 per cent), Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton (1 per cent) and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (1 per cent). Two GOP senators who have taken heat for their role in advancing challenges to state-certified electoral votes, Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri, came in at 4 percent and 1 per cent, respectively. Cruz was the last GOP challenger standing against Trump in 2016. Mitt Romney, the only GOP senator to register support in the poll who voted to convict Trump, gets 4 per cent support. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who made a remark about a 'transition to a second Trump Administration' after Election Day, registered 2 per cent support. Kristi Noem, the South Dakota governor who hosted Trump at a Mt. Rushmore speech this summer amid the pandemic, got 1 per cent support. President Joe Biden gets 62 per cent approval in the survey. The poll was taken immediately after impeachment vote and far out from the 2022 elections, no less the 2024 primary. It showed 59 per cent of GOP voters want Trump to play a major role int he party. after House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy traveled to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump, and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina plans his own pilgrimage. Trump's overall favorability is at 34 per cent, down from where it hovered throughout his presidency but gets 81 per cent approval among Republicans. Ahead of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry elections scheduled to be held in May, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) will begin accepting online applications from party members as it selects candidates for the elections. In an official announcement made on Monday, the party officials said that applications will open from Sunday, February 21, and potential candidates must pay Rs 25,000 to be considered. They also added that non-party members could also apply or be nominated. The party's permanent president Kamal Haasan is set to decide on electoral strategies for the forthcoming elections which include electoral alliance and selection of candidates. Last month, Kamal Haasan said his party had been allotted the 'battery torch' symbol, the same symbol the party had used when it contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the actor's electoral debut and picked up a vote share of 3.77 percent. "We have been allotted torchlight symbol for all the 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu," Kamal Haasan said in a video message posted on his Twitter handle. Also read: Kamal Haasan to Be the 'Permanent' President of Makkal Needhi Maiam, Resolves Party Before the actor was struck with a leg bone infection, he had been actively campaigning for the elections. Early last month he drew large crowds to a rally in Vellore, where he promised to fight against corruption and spoke good governance, employment, and a clean environment. The actor-politician is working towards developing Tamil Nadu into a state where people might not need to visit government offices at all. The Kamal Haasan-led Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) on Thursday authorised its chief to decide on the party's electoral strategy for the coming Assembly polls and announced he will be its "permanent president." A number of other resolutions were also adopted in the meeting, including opposing any efforts by the central BJP government to "impose Hindi and Sanskrit" on Tamil people. The MNM said it will resist any such move. Cambodias UN office in Geneva made a thinly-veiled equivalence between its legal targeting of opposition leader Sam Rainsy and former CNRP members to the impeachment of former U.S. President Donald Trump for inciting an insurrection in January. Cambodias Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva released a document titled Cambodia Human Rights Situation II to provide factual and legal clarifications for its actions to shield law-abiding citizens against dissidents. The document does not mention any countries specifically, instead makes oblique and thinly-veiled accusations of double standards from Western nations, while justifying its own actions domestically. Cambodias UN mission said the condemnation of Donald Trump for allegedly egging on rioters to storm the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. was no different from legal actions taken by the government against Sam Rainsy and more than 100 former Cambodia National Rescue Party members for supporting the formers unsuccessful return to Cambodia in 2019. Paradoxically, the same measures, when employed in the above-said countries, are considered necessary and lawful to maintain public order and social stability as well as to uphold their sovereignty, read the document, without naming a specific country. Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives for inciting his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol in early January but was acquitted by the Senate last weekend. Members of Congress were certifying the election of President Joe Biden during the insurrection. Whereas, Sam Rainsy had planned to return to Cambodia in 2019 and the government has alleged that efforts to fund, assemble supporters and welcome him were an attempt to overthrow the government. The Phnom Penh court is trying at least 130 defendants for charges linked to the 2019 failed return. The document also defended actions taken against Cambodian journalists who have been sentenced for alleged incitement on three separate occasions. They include TVFBs Sovann Rithy, Kampong Chhnang journalist Sok Oudom and newspaper publisher Ros Sokhet. Charges against a handful of reporters have nothing to do with the exercise of press freedom or mere quoting of public officials statement, but a crime related to incitement of hatred and violence with malicious intention, which is prescribed in articles 494 and 495 of Cambodias penal code, crafted with the help of Western legal experts, the document added. Sok Eysan, a spokesperson for the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, said the rights groups and countries criticizing Cambodias use of incitement charges were themselves biased and supportive of the banned opposition group. He too pointed to Donald Trumps incitement of rioters last month. The second impeachment in the U.S. parliament against Donald Trump clearly shows that he incited his activists to use violence on the U.S. capitol causing deaths, he said. Chad Roedemeier, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson in Phnom Penh, said the United States government was in compliance with its own constitution and did not curtail the freedoms of speech or the press, or the right to assemble peaceably. As a friend of the Cambodian people, the United States has called on Cambodia to protect freedom of expression, as enshrined by the countrys constitution. The peaceful expression of criticism and dissent is important for the democratic process, he said in an email on Tuesday. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said Prime Minister Hun Sen himself had given speeches in the past threatening his detractors and inciting violence against political opponents. Such ludicrous comparisons really show that either Cambodias political propaganda is off the charts, or they are not getting their moneys worth from whatever public relations firm they hired to write this report, he added. Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, was not convinced with the governments arguments and attempt to extrapolate the Donald Trump incident to the local political situation in the country. MADRID, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Spanish public railways operator RENFE has awarded Lleida.net (BME: LLN) (EPA: ALLLN) (OTCQX: LLEIF) its e-notification contract, for a period of two years. From now on, the public company will use the Spanish technology company's patented technology to communicate reliably with customers and suppliers. "This new contract with RENFE-Operadora represents, once again, the success of the penetration of our technology among the most important players in the Spanish economy, which are so necessary for the improvement of competitiveness and processes, both internal and external," explained Sisco Sapena, CEO and founder of the company. With 200 patents, it currently has one of the largest intellectual property portfolios in the digital signature industry worldwide. Investment in intellectual property has given the company decades of rights to exploit its technology in more than 50 countries on five continents. Today, its patented methods are recognised as valid for certifying legal notices in procurement processes by authorities in more than 75 countries. The company recorded sales of 16.42 million in 2020 or 20 per cent more than in 2019. This significant advance in the company's turnover was mainly a consequence of the boom in its Software as a Service (SaaS) line, which recorded an increase of 2.11 million, or 59 per cent, to 5.69 million. The company is listed on the OTCQX index in New York, BME Growth in Madrid and Euronext Growth in Paris. Media Contact: The Paloma Project Media [email protected] +356 7946 7486 https://Lleida.net SOURCE Lleida.net Cars drive past the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in this 2018 file photo. Reuters-Yonhap Saudi Arabia on Monday heaped pressure on foreign companies to move their Middle East headquarters to the kingdom, saying it will stop signing contracts with firms with hubs in other countries from 2024. The bold ultimatum could intensify competition for business and foreign capital between the kingdom and other Gulf states, especially its principal ally the United Arab Emirates, as they reel from an economic slump. "Saudi Arabia intends to cease contracting with companies and commercial institutions with regional headquarters not located in the kingdom," the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing an unnamed official source. "The cessation will include agencies, institutions and funds owned by the government and will take effect January 1, 2024." The decision seeks to "create more jobs, limit economic leakage, increase spending efficiency and guarantee that the main goods and services purchased by the different government agencies are made in the kingdom", it added. Saudi Arabia, the biggest Arab economy, has been struggling to attract foreign investment, a key pillar of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "Vision 2030" economic diversification plan to boost non-oil revenue. Many multinationals doing business in the conservative kingdom prefer to have their regional headquarters in the neighbouring UAE and other glitzy Gulf capitals that offer a relatively more liberal lifestyle and permit alcohol. Under a previous government initiative known as "Programme HQ", Saudi Arabia which has sought to shake-off its austere image by allowing cinemas, concerts and sporting extravaganzas offered multi-national companies tax breaks and incentives to relocate their Middle East headquarters to the kingdom. Twenty-four international companies declared their intent to relocate their headquarters to Riyadh at last month's Davos-style Future Investment Initiative forum in the capital, SPA said. 'Commercial challenge to UAE' Monday's announcement "will not affect any investor's ability to enter the Saudi market or to continue their business with the private sector", SPA said. But the decision will pile pressure on private sector companies heavily dependent on lucrative Saudi government contracts. "Pressing multinationals to establish headquarters in Saudi Arabia centres upon the belief that foreign companies benefitting from the Saudi market should bolster their physical presence in the country," Robert Mogielnicki, a resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP. "This is ultimately a reevaluation of the sustainability of Saudi Arabia's economic development model and not an intentional commercial challenge to the UAE. If done successfully though, it is likely to have a commercial impact on the UAE." The announcement comes as the petro-state battles high unemployment and a coronavirus-triggered downturn. Joblessness in Saudi Arabia touched 14.9 percent in the third quarter of 2020, dipping slightly from an all-time high of 15.4 percent in the previous quarter, official data showed last month. The crown prince said in January that Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund will invest $40 billion annually in the domestic economy over the next five years, as the kingdom seeks to boost job creation and revive businesses decimated by the pandemic. Last year, the twin shocks of the pandemic and a drop in oil prices prompted the top crude exporter to triple its value-added tax and suspend a monthly allowance to civil servants to rein in a ballooning budget deficit. The highly unpopular austerity measures were implemented even as the kingdom continues to boost spending on a slew of megaprojects, including the planned $500 billion NEOM megacity on the kingdom's Red Sea coast. (AFP) Astrazeneca boss Pascal Soriot scooped 15.4million in pay last year taking his earnings to almost 90million since he took the reins at the British drug maker nine years ago. The chief executive's 2020 package, his biggest yet, is up from 15.3million the previous year. It comes after his decision to join forces with Oxford University to produce a Covid-19 vaccine made Astra a household name during the pandemic. Payday: Astrazeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot's 2020 package, his biggest yet, is up from 15.3million the previous year Soriot agreed that the jab should be sold for no profit, and is set to be handed a pay rise worth millions this year after complaining he received less than other pharma executives. The Frenchman, 61, is credited with leading a turnaround that has transformed Astra's image from laggard to pioneer, with a formidable portfolio of blockbuster drugs. He saw off a 69billion raid in 2014 by US rival Pfizer, which wanted to buy Astra and use the UK as its headquarters for tax purposes. Today, Astra is valued at almost 100billion, after a near-150 per cent rise in its share price since Soriot took over in October 2012. In that time, the father-of-two, whose family home is in Australia, has been paid 86.9million. His package in 2020 included a 1.29million salary, 13.78million in bonuses, benefits worth 121,000 and 258,000 in pension contributions. The total was 197 times the amount received by a typical Astra employee. And this year, Astra is proposing to increase Soriot's salary by 3 per cent to 1.33million, and cut his annual pension contribution from 258,000 to 146,000, bringing it in line with the 11 per cent of pay other company staff can receive. Hargreaves co-founder to pocket 300million Hagreaves Lansdown co-founder Peter Hargreaves is set to sell a 300m stake Hagreaves Lansdown (HL) co-founder Peter Hargreaves is set to sell a 300m stake. The 74-year-old is planning to offload around 18m shares, taking his holding in the investment platform to around 20 per cent. The sale, overseen by Barclays, Numis Securities and Evercore Partners, is expected to complete today. Hargreaves, who founded the firm in 1981, will still be its largest shareholder ahead of investment firm Lindsell Train, with 14 per cent. He had never sold any his shares before last year, when he offloaded a chunk worth 550m, but has started slimming down his stake to diversify his investments. The trading boom prompted by Covid-19 volatility and Britains savings stockpile lifted HL profits 10 per cent over the final six months of 2020 to 188.4million. It now has 1.5m active clients who have invested 120.6billion through it. The average age of new customers slipped from 45 in 2012 to just 37 at the end of last year. But its shares, down 1 per cent to 1653p, are some way off their all-time high of 2410.9p in 2019. And it is still facing questions over its role in the Woodford savings scandal. It was one of Neil Woodfords most influential cheerleaders, recommending his doomed Equity Income fund to its customers right up until its implosion in 2019. HL has denied being part of the FCAs probe into the Woodford collapse. But fund management campaigners Gina and Alan Miller wrote to the Treasury Select Committee yesterday expressing their disappointment that the FCA was not examining HLs role in the crisis, which has cost savers more than 1billion. He could still make extra millions however, after Astra's pay committee recommended increasing the amount he can receive in long-term bonuses from 550 per cent of his salary to 650 per cent. That will take the maximum possible size of his performance-related awards from 7.1million to 8.6million in 2021. And the amount he can receive in annual bonuses will also rise from 200 per cent of his salary to 250 per cent, taking the maximum payout from 2.6million to 3.3million. Soriot's pay has been controversial, with shareholders revolting against his packages at the 2014, 2017 and 2018 annual general meetings. He has argued he is underpaid compared to rivals. The bosses of US giant Johnson & Johnson and French rival Sanofi have been paid 18.2million and 6million respectively in recent years, while the bosses of biotech firms such as United Therapeutics have earned as much as 33million a year. Emma Walmsley, boss of Astra's arch-rival Glaxosmithkline, received 8.4million in 2019. 'The truth is I'm the lowest-paid chief executive in the whole industry,' Soriot has said. 'It is annoying to some extent. But at the end of the day, it is what it is. 'I'm not going to complain, but me and Emma are the lowest-paid in Europe and the US.' Astra was temporarily rocked by rumours that Soriot could be on the way out in 2017, for Israel's Teva Pharmaceuticals. John Rountree, managing partner at pharma consultancy firm Novasecta, yesterday said the chief executive could still be in the crosshairs of rivals hoping to poach his talents. He said: 'Clearly, the company has thousands of employees and this is not all just down to one man, but if you look at the transformation over the past nine years, there are not many other chief executives who can say they have done that. 'So he has done a good job and I suspect he must be in demand. I am sure there are other pharma firms that would like to transform and grow as Astra has done.' In its annual report, pay committee chairman Michel Demare hinted Soriot's pay package had been increased with an eye on competitors. He said: 'Global competition for talent in the industry has increased as the world focuses on healthcare.' Dunelm son scoops 192m The son of the founders of Dunelm has sold 192million of shares after the furniture seller became a lockdown winner. Deputy chairman Will Adderley, 48, offloaded a 7.4 per cent stake, or 15m shares, for 1280p each. But he and his wife Nadine still hold a 37.8 per cent stake which was worth just over 1billion. The homeware and furniture giant said Adderley remains fully committed, with insiders adding the family was diversifying its personal assets. The family pledged not to offload any more shares for 90 days, but their price fell 6.8 per cent, or 96p, to 1312p. Adderleys parents Bill and Jean, who founded the business in 1979 as a market stall opened their first store in 1984 and handed over the reins to their son in 1996. Dunelms market capitalisation has almost doubled to 2.85billion since last March. It turned over 719million in the six months to Decemebr 31, increasing sales 23 per cent despite the impact of store closures. New Delhi: National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday arrested seven people including son-in-law of hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Altaf Ahmed Shah, in connection with its probe into the funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley, officials said. Jammu and Kashmir Police had put Shah, popularly known as Altaf Fantoosh, in preventive detention immediately after the festival of Eid earlier this month. The agency also arrested Geelanis close aides Tehreek-e-Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar and Peer Saifullah from the Valley, along with Shahid-ul-Islam, spokesman of the moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, officials engaged in the operation said. The others arrested are Mehrajuddin Kalwal and Nayeem Khan (of the Hurriyats Geelani faction) and Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate, they said. The houses of those arrested had been raided by NIA sleuths last month. Suggested read | Pak terror funding: NIA registers FIR against Geelani, Hafiz Saeed after raids at Delhi, Haryana and Kashmir locations Shah is perceived as an influential force in the Tehrek-e-Hurriyat. Hafeez Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of the Jamaat-ul Dawah, the front of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), has been named in the FIR as an accused besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference (factions led by Geelani and Mirwaiz Farooq), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Dukhtaran-e-Milat. The raids were part of the NIAs efforts at clamping down on separatist groups allegedly receiving funds for subversive activities in the Valley. The NIA had recovered account books, Rs 2 crore in cash and letterheads of banned terror groups, including of the LeT and HM, from the raids. The NIA investigation also seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terrorist activities, including those who masterminded the throwing of stones at security forces, burnt down schools and damaged government establishments. For the first time since the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the early 1990s, a central probe agency had carried out raids in connection with the funding of separatists. In 2002, the Income Tax department had raided the establishments of some separatist leaders, including Geelani, and seized cash and documents. (With Inputs from PTI) Suggested read | After clothes, California almonds trade emerges new mode of terror funding across LoC: NIA For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on stage after speaking to supporters at Joint Base Andrews before boarding Air Force One for his last time as President in Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Jan. 20, 2021. (Pete Marovich/Pool/Getty Images) Trump Relieved by Acquittal in Impeachment Trial: Adviser Former Trump campaign strategist Jason Miller told Newsmax on Monday that former President Donald Trump is glad that his impeachment trial is over and relieved that he has been acquitted. Of course, the president was relieved, Miller told the Spicer & Co. program. He was glad to be getting past this second impeachment witch hunt. On Feb. 13, the Senate acquitted Trump with a 5743 vote, 10 votes shy of the 67 needed for a guilty verdict. The vote cleared Trump of the charge of incitement of insurrection, an allegation that his lawyers panned as a monstrous lie that didnt reflect the reality of what happened on Jan. 6, when the U.S. Capitol was breached and overrun. An insurrectionunlike a riotis an organized movement acting for the express purpose to overthrow and take possession of a governments powers, Trumps lawyers wrote in filings, arguing that the former presidents speech was not an act encouraging an organized movement to overthrow the United States government. In a statement following his acquittal, Trump thanked his supporters and denounced the impeachment effort as a witch hunt. This has been yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our Country, Trump said. Trump also teased a political comeback, saying that, our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun. In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people. While Trump has remained out of sight since leaving office on Jan. 20, releasing few statements and mostly communicating through intermediaries, Miller said Trump will be back. He said last month that Trump will become active in politics again to make sure Republicans win the House in 2022. Hes got a ton of money. Hes the biggest name. Hes going to get that done, he said on Steve Bannons War Room. Meanwhile, three-quarters of Republicans told Quinnipiac University pollsters that they want Trump to play a prominent role in the Republican Party. The national poll, released two days after Trumps acquittal, found that 75 percent of Republican respondents said Trump should play a major role in the GOP going forward, with that number dropping to 34 percent if all categories of respondents are considered. At the same time, 87 percent of Republicans said they think Trump should not be barred from holding future office, with that number dropping to 43 percent if Democrats and Independents are included in the polling mix. He is certainly not out of favor with the GOP. Twice impeached, vilified by Democrats in the trial, and virtually silenced by social media despite it all, Donald Trump keeps a solid foothold in the Republican Party, Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy said in a Feb. 15 release. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Entheon Biomedical Corp. (CSE: ENBI) (OTC Pink: ENTBF) (FSE: 1XU1) ("Entheon" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company focused on developing psychedelic medicines to treat addiction, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brian Jahns to the role of Chief Business Officer. Dr. Jahns brings more than 20 years of business leadership and biopharmaceutical expertise to his role in overseeing the overall business development of Entheon, including the development and maintenance of strategic relationships with third parties, including regulatory authorities. Importantly, Dr. Jahns will also work to develop a commercialization and post-market strategy for Entheon's therapeutic protocols, while developing and advancing other related products, services, and initiatives of the company. Dr. Jahns has held senior leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical industry, including ZYUS, Trillium Therapeutics and Roche Canada, and has been deeply involved in the successful launch and growth of several successful compounds including antiviral agents, transplant drugs and anticancer biologics and developing targeted therapies for previously untreated diseases. Dr. Jahns has led preparations for commercialization, led efforts to procure commercial scale manufacturing, and led business partnering activities for several compounds. "An executive of Dr. Jahns' acumen brings invaluable expertise to Entheon as we work to develop, commercialize and launch our therapeutic protocols into a highly regulated and competitive marketplace,' said Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Ko. "With proven success taking multiple compounds to market, through clinical stage development to full commercialization, we look forward to Dr. Jahns' leadership and guidance, and the direct impact this will have on our strategic growth plan." "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Entheon Biomedical team to unlock the potential to treat substance use disorder with next-generation psychoactive drugs," said Chief Business Officer, Dr. Brian Jahns. About Entheon Biomedical Corp. Entheon is a biotechnology research and development company committed to developing and commercializing a portfolio of safe and effective N,N-dimethyltryptamine based psychedelic therapeutic products ("DMT Products") for the purposes of treating addiction and substance use disorders. Subject to obtaining all requisite regulatory approvals and permits, Entheon intends to generate revenue through the sale of its DMT Products to physicians, clinics and licensed psychiatrists in the United States, certain countries in the European Union and throughout Canada. About Dr. Brian Jahns Dr. Jahns has over twenty years of direct, senior experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, and is a licenced pharmacist, Doctor of Pharmacy and clinical toxicologist. Most recently, Dr. Jahns served as Vice-President of Global Marketing at ZYUS Life Sciences. Before that, he was Senior Vice-President of Commercial and Business Development at Trillium Therapeutics, and Vice-President of Oncology, Marketing and Sales, and Vice President of Product Strategy at Roche Canada. Dr. Jahns also advises the University of Toronto MaRS Discovery District, mentoring start-up biopharma and diagnostic companies and has been published in numerous scientific journals. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, "Timothy Ko" Timothy Ko, CEO For more information, please contact the Company at: Entheon Biomedical Corp. Joseph Cullen, Investor Relations Telephone: +1 (778) 919-8615 Joe@entheonbiomedical.com https://entheonbiomedical.com/ For media inquiries, please contact Crystal Quast at: Bullseye Corporate Crystal Quast Telephone: +1 (647) 529-6364 Quast@BullseyeCorporate.com Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the engagement of Dr. Brian Jahns as "Chief Business Officer", and other matters. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise further capital and the Company's ability to obtain regulatory and exchange approvals. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74492 The Bombay High Court will on Tuesday hear the transit bail petitions of Mumbai-based lawyer Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk, who have been accused of preparing a toolkit that allegedly had details of digital support for farmers protesting against Centre agricultural laws on January 26. Jacobs plea will be heard before the bench of Justice PD Naik and Muluk's plea will be heard by Justice Vibha Kankanvadi of the Aurangabad bench, India Today reported. Providing details of its investigation into the circulation of the toolkit, shared by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Twitter, Delhi Police on Monday said the intention behind the January 26 violence by protesting farmers in New Delhi was to do a "digital strike" and propagate a "toolkit" to malign the image of India. Police said Disha Ravi, a 21-year-old Bengaluru-based who was arrested on Sunday, Nikita Jacob, a Bombay High Court lawyer against whom the police has issued a warrant, Mo Dhaliwal, a Canadian-born Sikh associated with the pro-Khalistan organisation 'Poetic Justice Foundation' (PJF) and Shantanu, an engineer who runs an NGO, attended a Zoom meeting organised by the PJF in which the course of action for January 26 was decided. Also Read: Toolkit Designed for Digital Strike Ahead of Jan 26 Violence: Delhi Police on Disha Ravi, Nikita Jacob Police further stated that the motive was to spread misinformation. During the meeting, the instance of a farmer's death during the Republic Day chaos was also discussed, and it was stated that he died due to bullet injuries. Police had earlier clarified that the farmer had died after his tractor crashed. Police said, "On February 4, we came across a toolkit on social media. Initial investigation has revealed that it was formed by the PJF and the people associated with it. Whatever happened on January 26 was a copycat execution of the toolkit." Jacob's house in Mumbai was searched, and several incriminating documents were recovered from it. "Her electronic gadgets were also scanned...The email account provided in the toolkit document belongs to Shantanu. On January 11, Nikita and Shantanu attended a Zoom meeting organised by the PJF in which the course of action for January 26 was decided," the police said. Robert Russell Crans Jr. is storing a bounty of items once owned and touched by President Abraham Lincoln and his family that represent a time in U.S. history and politics most can only read about in history books. Through hundreds of years, the Lincoln personal items have been passed down through generations of family members. Crans is adopted, but his mothers stepfather, Robert Lincoln Beckwith, was the last known blood relative of the Lincoln family. He said he was ready to part with the collection, mostly because of the financial strain of his medical bills and his need to refinance his home. So, hes taken some of these items to market, including a fan owned by the first lady, Mary Todd Lincoln, when she was in the White House; a sterling silver ladle from the wife of Robert Todd Lincoln, a son of the president and Mary Todd Lincoln; and a portrait of the first ladys half sister. Theyre among hundreds of presidential artifacts being sold in an online bidding that started last week in celebration of Presidents Day at RR Auction, an auction house in Boston. The auction house is offering the presidential items, including letters, photographs and personal items, for bidding until Thursday. Auctions like this one open up a market to people who want to sell the historical items that theyve owned for decades and for presidential collectors who are eager to own a piece of U.S. history. The auction house said the items up for bid included a lottery ticket from 1768 signed by Washington that is projected to sell for at least $20,000. The lottery was conceived by Washington as a way to raise funds to build a road through the Allegheny Mountains. Bidders can also buy locks of presidential hair from Washington and the first lady, Martha Washington, estimated to sell for about $75,000, or from Lincoln for about $20,000. In that era, the locks were keepsakes often given to loved ones. Theres also a photograph, only one of three that exist, of Lincoln and his son, Tad Lincoln, who died at age 18, signed by the president that is estimated to fetch about $75,000. Items from more modern presidents are also available, such as a personal letter from President Ronald Reagan to his eldest daughter, Patti Davis; President John F. Kennedys crimson red Harvard cardigan; and even a check signed by President Donald Trump. Many people dont realize that they could own something significant, like a letter from one of the countrys Founding Fathers, said Bobby Livingston, a spokesman for the auction house. It tells the story of the United States, Livingston said. History repeats itself in America. Its all right here in this auction. Bidders buy into these presidential items as a hobby, and it doesnt have to be expensive, said Winston Blair, a board member for the American Political Items Collectors, a nonprofit organization founded in 1945 to collect and preserve presidential memorabilia. And anytime theres an intense election, similar to those in 2016 and 2020, interest in collecting presidential items increases. Its just so neat to know that this person was president and they wore it, they signed it, said Blair, who has a collection of 3,000 presidential items. We can once own what they held in their hands. It brings a connection. Blair said he tended to favor items going to private collectors over museums because sometimes curators remove items from public display and because some donated items were auctioned off to help with fundraising or to pay off debts. They have more invested into it and they prize it more, and theyll do whatever they can to make sure it stays in great condition, Blair said about personal collectors, adding that it also means that rare pieces can be recirculated in the market. It gives us hope that one day, we can own it again. A majority of the countrys cultural and historical artifacts are owned by private collectors, said Margaret Holben Ellis, president of the American Institute for Conservation and New York University professor of paper conservation. But the issue with private collections, she said, is that many collectors may not know how to properly preserve sensitive historical items or may have a desire to display them. When something enters a private collection, the custodian is only a temporary custodian, she said about private collectors. The same expectation of preservation should be extended to these items. The institute offers resources to help private collectors maintain historical pieces and recommends against displaying them to keep natural light from damaging them, which is why museums will cycle collections, Holben Ellis said. Crans said he could not properly protect his collection in his home in Naples, Florida, because it could be in the path of hurricanes. He said that he would prefer that all of his items from the Lincoln family go to a museum but that he had been cornered into raising money to get his family out of serious financial constraints. Its all I have left this is it, he said. Im sort of forced to part with some family heirlooms. Mama used to say: Dont ever lie. It will eventually come back to bite you Andrea Widburg, writing at The American Thinker documents Joe Bidens lies: Trump was a boaster, a puffer, and an exaggerator, but he was always straight about the essentials. Biden, on the other hand, is a stone-cold liar. For years he lied about his first wife's death, and, beginning in 2019, he lied consistently about Trump's stance on white supremacists. Biden has now added a new lie to his rhetoric: he claims that Trump is responsible for the death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who died of unknown causes after the events on January 6. On December 18, 1972, a true tragedy struck Joe Biden: his wife, Neilia, along with his daughter, Naomi, died in a car crash when her car collided with a truck. His two sons Beau and Hunter were both critically injured. (Hunter's extensive head trauma due to that crash may explain a lot about his addiction problems and moral failings now.) One would think Biden would have treated this horrific event with the dignity of being honest about it, but that's not Biden's style. Beginning in 2001, Biden began to tell people that the reason for the crash was that the truck driver was drunk. For example, in 2007, he stated" A tractor-trailer, a guy who allegedly and I never pursued it drank his lunch instead of eating his lunch, broadsided my family and killed my wife instantly and killed my daughter instantly and hospitalized my two sons. The problem with that statement, which he repeated on other occasions, was that it was a bald-faced lie. In fact, the responding officers explicitly stated that the truck driver, Curtis C. Dunn, was not drunk. Indeed, he tried hard and unsuccessfully to avoid the accident and was deeply traumatized by it. Another big Biden lie was his passionate embrace of the "fine people hoax." The details of the hoax are here. Briefly, Trump explicitly disavowed white supremacists and neo-Nazis back in 2017, saying they should be "condemned totally." Nevertheless, the media blatantly lied, accusing him of calling those same reprobates "fine people." Throughout his campaign, Biden relentlessly repeated this blatant lie. When he announced he was running, he stated the lie, claiming that it had motivated him to run. He repeated the lie again in June. And then he repeated it again in August when he accepted the nomination. Biden now has a new lie and again, this lie originated with a dishonest media. The lie is that Trump-supporters beat Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick to death with a fire extinguisher on January 6. The Revolver completely debunked this story, showing (a) that the media's loudly repeated claims were fake, (b) that Sicknick said he was in fine shape after the events of that day, and (c) that there's a cover-up about Sicknick's actual cause of death. The debunking was so comprehensive that, on Sunday, the New York Times was forced to admit that the other, fact-free narrative was wrong. Law enforcement officials initially said Mr. Sicknick was struck with a fire extinguisher, but weeks later, police sources and investigators were at odds over whether he was hit. Medical experts have said he did not die of blunt force trauma, according to one law enforcement official. It's noteworthy that, while the Times and other leftist outlets trumpeted the fake fire extinguisher story, the above paragraph is buried deep within a larger story about the violence that affected police officers. This solicitude for law enforcement is a sea change from the Times' cavalier attitude towards BLM's and Antifa's brutal and deadly assaults on police officers for large parts of 2020. The fact that the Officer Sicknick narrative has been soundly debunked doesn't matter to Biden, a man comfortable with lies. Despite promising that his administration would be all about "unity," Biden opened his statement about Trump's acquittal by repeating the Officer Sicknick lie (emphasis mine): It was nearly two weeks ago that Jill and I paid our respects to Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who laid [sic] in honor in the Rotunda after losing his life protecting the Capitol from a riotous, violent mob on January 6, 2021. The remaining language from the "unity-bringer" is equally divisive and inflammatory. Biden is now what he has always been: a dishonest, nasty, morally corrupt man. Obama was Dorian Gray the pretty face of the left. Biden is the actual picture of Dorian Gray, dragged out of the attic and on display so all the world can see the rot that infects the Democrat party. Source: Joe Biden has a long history of falsehoods. They continue | Beaufort County Now Bless us and save us. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. President Volodymyr Zelensky assures that the visit to the United Arab Emirates resulted in specific and important agreements with representatives of the Emirati state and business. Ukraine is looking forward to the arrival of UAEs investors, the Head of State told Ukrinform on February 15. "I am concluding my official visit to the United Arab Emirates. We return to Kyiv with specific and important agreements reached during the meetings with representatives of the Emirati state and business, the President said. The Head of State, in particular, said that he called on the UAE to invest in the Ukrainian economy. "Ukraine has a huge potential: geopolitical location, natural resources, educated people," he said. Zelensky noted that the Ukrainian delegation signed a number of memoranda and contracts worth a total of $3 billion. According to him, among other things, the agreements on UAEs food security ensured by Ukraine "because our black soils are known around the world for their harvests", as well as a memorandum with the Mubadala Investment Company, which "should pave the way for large-scale investments in our economy from Western Asia" were reached. In addition, the President stressed that the Ukrainian delegation was interested in the United Arab Emirates experience in implementing innovative projects. The President noted that during the visit he met with Chief Executive Officer of one of the world's largest port operators, DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and invited DP World to participate in the development of seaports in Ukraine. Zelensky assured that the problem of the COVID-19 pandemic was not neglected during the visit and reminded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine together with the Ministry of Health should establish a joint working group for cooperation and exchange of experience with UAEs side in matters related to COVID-19 vaccination. "Relations between Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates have great potential. We are looking forward to the arrival of Emirati investors who will offer new ideas and solutions on the Ukrainian market," Zelensky summed up. As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska made a state visit to the United Arab Emirates on February 14-15. ol The United Kingdom has achieved a "significant milestone" by inoculating 15 million people against COVID-19, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday (local time). Johnson hailed the "extraordinary feat" attained within two months after the first jab was given on 8 December, 2020. Also Read | Why Mumbais mojo lies beyond its locals "We have vaccinated over 15 million people. This is an incredible UK-wide achievement. Thank you to the scientists, factory workers, delivery drivers, NHS staff, volunteers and many more who made this astounding feat possible," he tweeted. In a video message on Twitter, the UK Prime Minister said: "Today we have reached a significant milestone in the United Kingdom's national vaccination programme. This country has achieved an extraordinary feat - administering a total of 15 million jabs into the arms of some of the most vulnerable people in the country." The UK had begun its campaign to administer vaccines against the coronavirus on December 8 last year. Margaret Keenan, a 90-year-old woman, became the first Briton/person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shot outside of a clinical trial. Public health officials in the UK are currently using the Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccines to inoculate residents, Sputnik said. According to the latest update by the Johns Hopkins University, the UK has reported 4,049,905 cases of COVID-19 and 117,386 deaths so far. (ANI) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The Rajasthan High Court on Monday ordered police to take no coercive action against Bollywood film director Prakash Jha over an FIR lodged against him allegedly for hurting Dalit sentiments by objectionable depiction of the community in his web series Ashram'. A Jodhpur bench of the high court gave the relief to the noted film director till the next hearing of his plea for quashing of FIR lodged against him at the Luni police station in Jodhpur. A bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Garg also issued notices to the complainant and the state government seeking their replies to Jha's plea within six weeks. The FIR against Jha was lodged on the complaint objecting to a scene in the first episode of the web series that shows some upper caste people insulting and humiliating a Dalit community bridegroom proceeding in his wedding procession on a horse. Taking exception to the scene, the complainant had said that such a scene has not only insulted and humiliated the Dalit community but has also sought to encourage such abusive behaviour of the upper caste people. In the FIR against Jha, stringent charges under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 too have been invoked. Seeking the court's order for quashing of the FIR, Jha's counsel Nishant Bora argued that the police did not have to invoke the stringent charges under the SC/ST Act as it was not a real case of anyone insulting anyone but only the portrayal of a fictional situation. Over the Ashram' web series, in which actor Bobby Deol has been cast in the central character of a self-styled godman, convicted to life imprisonment for raping a minor in his Ashram in a Jodhpur district village, Jha is also facing another plea pending before a Jodhpur court. In the second plea, filed before the Jodhpur's additional district and sessions judge, Jha has been accused of hurting Hindu sentiments for allegedly depicting its religious saints in a bad light. The saint's portrayal as a rapist, corrupt and drug dealer has diminished the place, saints hold for Hindus, the complainant argued. The court, however, has refused to direct police to file an FIR and issued notices to Jha and Deol, seeking their replies to the allegations. . Gujarat-based crop protection chemicals manufacturer Heranba Industries will hit the capital market on February 23 to raise up to Rs 625 crore and the price band for the initial public offer has been fixed at Rs 626-627 per share. The company will raise the money through an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 90,15,000 equity shares, according to a statement issued on Tuesday. The funds raised through the IPO will be utilised to finance the company's working capital requirements and general corporate purposes. The IPO will be open from February 23 to 25 and the portion for anchor investors will be open on February 22. Shares of the company will be listed on NSE and BSE. The Book Running Lead Managers to the IPO are Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd and Batlivala and Karani Securities India. Heranba Industries recorded revenues of Rs 967.90 crore and a profit after tax of Rs 97.75 crore in FY20. The company has three manufacturing plants and has over 9,400 dealers. It also exports to more than 60 countries. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close We are facing a special challenge in the pandemic era: How do we mourn death at the scale we are witnessing it? In a new exhibition, the Canadian artist Divya Mehra offers a surprising and timely suggestion: big fat emojis. The funny things You do at Night Gallery in Los Angeles (through March 13), includes just one work, but its a whopper: Nearly 20-foot-tall inflatable versions of the wave and urn emojis, expressive of a tsunami of grief; when the exhibition opened in mid-January, two million had died from the coronavirus. The mind balks at that number but the shows evocation of devastation deals partly with Mehras mourning of one: her father, Kamal, who died in 2015. He founded Winnipegs first North Indian restaurant in the 1970s; it remains a fixture there. The artist, 39, was reticent to talk about him in an otherwise wide-ranging two-hour Zoom conversation from her home there. But she did say, Those two emojis have taken up so much space for me over the past few years. At least one has reportedly been taken hostage. In the Central African Republic, local rebels said they had killed several mercenaries with the Russian Private Military Company Wagner, which is known to operate in multiple hotspots around the globe. The initial report about the incident came from a local outlet Corbeau News on Monday, February 15. Read alsoRussia uses hybrid influence in Africa to put pressure on France mediaThe deadly clash occurred in one of the villages in the country's south-western part back February 10, although it was only reported Monday. The news outlet also says one of the Russian mercenaries has been taken hostage. "We took a Russian mercenary hostage and killed several more. We also destroyed their truck," said a rebel spokesman for the anti-government group, the Patriots for Change Coalition. Wagner has long retained its presence in Central African Republic. Back in 2019, a CNN reporter said she was targeted by a Russian propaganda campaign following her exclusive report on the country's activity in Africa and a secretive mercenary group called Wagner. Reporting by UNIAN All these steep costs compound and pile up, creating multiple barriers to a fresh start and a second chance. First, when private debt collectors get criminal debts converted into civil judgments it can lead to lower credit scores. This makes it harder to find housing, buy a car, and get a job. Second, the vast majority of states suspend licenses for failure to pay court debt even though being able to drive is often essential for getting a job, getting to work on time and yes, paying back criminal justice debt. Forty-one states suspend or keep people from renewing their drivers license for owing court debt, according to Free to Drive. There are from seven million to 11 million Americans with suspended licenses as a result of traffic and court debt. A Rutgers University study found that 42 percent of New Jersey residents who had their licenses suspended lost their job. Forty-five percent of those who became unemployed couldnt find another job, and 88 percent of those who found another job reported earning less than in their previous job. Third, criminal justice debt can deny those leaving prison from attaining the occupational licenses that one in four jobs require for a new occupation and career. Take Jackie, a mother of three, and a trained nursing assistant. Her $800 in debt stood in the way of clearing her criminal history and being able to get the certified nursing assistant license she needed to do the job that she trained for. But she had neither the income nor the savings to pay what she owed and struggled to make $5 monthly payments. Some states go even further, charging exorbitant rates for expungements. Louisiana charges $550. Its a cruel Catch 22: where criminal justice debt prevents people from finding jobs, it both denies those Americans a second chance and a fresh start and blocks their capacity to pay back such debts. Actual Prison for Debt: The new debt prisons are not just metaphorical. Criminal justice debt also lands many in actual jail or prison. In 1983, the Supreme Court ruled that jailing indigent debtors violated the 14th Amendment. Yet judges rarely consider defendants ability to pay before imposing fines and fees, and studies across different regions found that one in five people in jail were there for unpaid court debt. Across the country, from Missouri to New York to Texas, people are serving jail time for missing fines and fees payments. Texas jailed over half a million people in 2017 for failing to pay fines and fees and over 450,000 in 2018. As of 2016, 44 states allowed courts to send people back to jail or prison for failing to pay court debt. In a stark example that seems drawn from a century ago, in Mississippi, judges can give indefinite sentences for people to work off their restitution and court debt at one of the states four restitution centers. Debtors work for private employers with sentences that can last as long as it takes to pay off their debt. Three quarters of the money people earn in these centers goes to the courts and corrections department, and half of the people in the centers were working off less than $3,515 in debt. This has to stop. The evidence is now overwhelming that the explosion of criminal justice debt deepens the systems racial inequities and blocks millions of Americans from the capacity to earn a living and care for their families. We need to call for state and local governments to fund the police and criminal justice system through general revenues or widespread forms of financing instead of such fines and fees. This would both increase second chances and administrative efficiency. The Brennan Center reports that it costs states and local government a whopping 121 times more to collect funds through fines and fees than it costs the IRS to collect the same amount of revenue. And while we undergo a national re-examination of cash bail and other forms of criminalization of poverty, we should make a flat determination to stop jailing anyone for failure to pay criminal justice fines and fees due to poverty or lack of income or savings. We also must expand legislative efforts to curtail the suspension of drivers licenses due to unpaid fines and fees as weve seen recently in states and cities, including New York, West Virginia, California Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The bipartisan Driving for Opportunity Act, co-sponsored by Senators Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, and Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi, and supported by Patrick Yoes, the national president of the Fraternal Order of Police, would incentivize more states to stop suspending licenses for unpaid debt. The recent legislation to repeal the ban on Pell grants for those in prison seeking a higher education is welcome news but only a first step. To increase job opportunities and economic independence for those leaving incarceration, far more funding is needed to expand innovative pre-apprenticeship programs for those incarcerated, to support clean slate efforts to expunge records for those with arrests or convictions and to provide comprehensive transitional housing and employment help to those leaving prison. A belief in the economic logic and economic dignity of giving all Americans second and third chances led our nation to end debt prisons once before. Its time to put an end to them one more time. Gene Sperling was the director of the National Economic Council under President Barack Obama and President Bill Clinton, and is the author of Economic Dignity. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Kat Dennings during a talk show appearance Monday revealed how Marvel Studios helps her from leaking information about WandaVision. The 34-year-old actress discussed the Disney+ series on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Ellen, 63, said her show's DJ, Stephen Boss, was a big fan of the series. 'I love it,' the 38-year-old DJ told Dennings. Marvel series: Kat Dennings during a talk show appearance Monday revealed how Marvel Studios helps her from leaking information about WandaVision 'It's taking everything in me not to just ask you 1,000 questions about everything that's going on. I know you can't release anything, but I love it,' Boss added. 'You know, they [Marvel] send us a thing of what we can't say, instead of what we can say,' Dennings laughingly told Boss. Dennings portrays astrophysicist Darcy Lewis on WandaVision that stars Elizabeth Olsen, 31, as Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany, 49, as Vision. She explained how her character Darcy was in the first Thor film in 2011 and its sequel Thor: The Dark World in 2013 and how it's been about eight years since her character has been 'in any Marvel excitement'. Popular show: The 34-year-old actress discussed the Disney+ series on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Ellen, 63, said her show's DJ, Stephen Boss, was a big fan of the series Dennings also promised that all questions are 'going to be answered' in the series. The Pennsylvania native is known for starring as Max Black in the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls from 2011 to 2017. Her film credits include: The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), Big Momma's House 2 (2006), Charlie Bartlett (2007), The House Bunny (2008), Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008), Defendor (2009), and Suburban Gothic (2014). Astrophysicist role: Dennings portrays astrophysicist Darcy Lewis on WandaVision that stars Elizabeth Olsen, 31, as Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany, 49, as Vision Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe were pleasantly surprised when former intern Darcy showed up on episode four of WandaVision hardly changed, yet older and more confident after obtaining her doctorate in astrophysics. Darcy was sucked into the anomaly that she coined the 'Hex' at the end of the last episode. WandaVision premiered on January 15 on Disney+ and its nine-episode season will conclude on March 5. Korea's e-commerce giant heads for US with fewer regulations Coupang has submitted an application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to have its stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The e-commerce giant is the first Korean company directly seeking to go public on the NYSE. The Wall Street Journal estimated Coupang's corporate value at $50 billion (55.4 trillion won), saying it is "the biggest initial public offering by a foreign company since China's Alibaba Group went public in 2014." If realized, this move will reduce Korean investors' opportunities in the domestic IPO market. Coupang seems to have opted for New York to get a higher valuation of its corporate worth. The market capitalization of Emart, Korea's largest distribution company, falls short of 5 trillion won, but Coupang is likely to be valued 10 times higher on the NYSE. This fact shows how undervalued the domestic stock market is, although the composite stock price index has broken the 3,000 mark. The Korea Stock Exchange's price-earnings ratio remains at a multiple of 15, far lower than the 24 of the U.S. and Japanese stock markets. Experts cite various reasons for such a low evaluation, including weak funding power, unfavorable taxation, low dividends and excessive regulation. Another important reason is the dual-class rights system. Coupang plans to give 29 times greater voting rights per share to Executive Board Chairman Kim Bom-seok when it goes public on the NYSE, in a system that has yet to be introduced to Korea but has long been available in America. By utilizing this, Kim will be able to protect his management control and hold off hostile acquisition attempts. Last December, the government submitted a venture business bill to the National Assembly to give dual-class rights of up to 10 times per share to the founders of unlisted venture enterprises. There is considerable opposition to the bill as family-run conglomerates, or chaebol, could abuse it for the illicit transfer of management control to their owners' children. However, it is time to speed up the introduction of the dual-class rights system, allowed by more than half of OECD member nations, to help businesses protect management control and not miss out on IPO chances. Olivia Newton-John appeared on The One Show on Tuesday - where she assured fans one again how healthy she is feeling, despite her stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Appearing alongside her daughter Chloe Lattanzi - with whom she has recorded a duet - Olivia, 72, said: 'I'm fine. I've been dealing with metastatic cancer for seven years - and every day is a gift. I feel great. I use plant medicine and medicinal cannabis my husband grows for me and I feel wonderful!' Olivia Newton-John appeared on The One Show on Tuesday - where she assured fans one again how healthy she is feeling, despite her stage 4 metastatic breast cancer [appearing alongside her daughter Chloe Lattanzi] Chloe, 35, said: 'We've been going through so much this past year. And we want to connect with people. Music is the way to do that.' This follows Olivia's update earlier this month on her condition. The Grease star has had metastatic breast cancer three times, having battled the disease previously in 1992 and 2013. 'Feeling great!' the Grammy winner told People recently: 'I don't think I imagined living this long! I feel very blessed.' She said: 'I feel great. I use plant medicine and medicinal cannabis my husband grows for me and I feel wonderful!' 'Feeling great!' The Grease star has had metastatic breast cancer three times, having battled the disease previously in 1992 and 2013 On December 8, Olivia and her second husband John Easterling launched the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund to support research into plant medicine for cancer. 'I'm very lucky to be married to a wonderful man who is a plant medicine man, and he has great knowledge,' Newton-John gushed. 'Now he's growing medicinal cannabis for me, and it just has been wonderful. It helps me in every area.' The British-born, Australia-raised blonde is excited to attend her daughter Chloe Lattanzi's 'small wedding' to her fiance of 10 years, James Driskill, later this year. The Grammy winner told People on Wednesday: 'I don't think I imagined living this long! I feel very blessed' 'He has great knowledge': On December 8, Olivia and her second husband John Easterling launched the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund to support research into plant medicine for cancer (pictured in 2019) Newton-John gushed: 'I'm very lucky to be married to a wonderful man who is a plant medicine man...Now he's growing medicinal cannabis for me, and it just has been wonderful. It helps me in every area' 'She picked a good one,' Olivia said. 'I'm so lucky to still be doing all these things.' The LA-born 35-year-old and Driskill run their cannabis Laughing Dog Farm in Canby, Oregon; which they opened in 2016. Chloe is Newton-John's only child from her 11-year marriage to Xanadu castmate Matt Lattanzi, which ended in 1995. Betrothed: The British-born, Australia-raised blonde is excited to attend her daughter Chloe Lattanzi's 'small wedding' to her fiance of 10 years, James Driskill, later this year (pictured Monday) Olivia said: 'She picked a good one...I'm so lucky to still be doing all these things' (pictured Tuesday) Laughing Dog Farm: The LA-born 35-year-old and Driskill run their cannabis farm in Canby, Oregon; which they opened in 2016 (pictured June 26) On January 21, the mother-daughter duo dropped a duet called Window in the Wall, which which will be featured on Olivia's upcoming duets album. 'I was flattered and honored,' Lattanzi said. 'She could have asked anyone, and she asked me. That meant the world to me. It's my dream job - I get to spend time with my favorite person.' The DWTS Australia contestant used to raid her famous mother's closet to wear her old movie costumes like her thigh-high Xanadu boots for Halloween. 'I was flattered and honored!' On January 21, the mother-daughter duo dropped a duet called Window in the Wall, which which will be featured on Olivia's upcoming duets album 'She could have asked anyone, and she asked me': Chloe is Newton-John's only child from her 11-year marriage to Xanadu castmate Matt Lattanzi, which ended in 1995 (pictured last Thursday) 'I know what you had!' Newton-John groaned. 'You [also] wore the Xanadu the tank top, and you didn't realize it was special. She put it in the washing machine.' The white Manuel cowboy boots were reportedly sold in 2019 during her Julien's Auction event in Beverly Hills. 'I know what you had!' Lattanzi used to raid her famous mother's closet to wear her old movie costumes like her thigh-high Xanadu boots for Halloween 'She didn't realize it was special': The white Manuel cowboy boots were reportedly sold in 2019 during her Julien's Auction event in Beverly Hills The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee actress last made headlines on Sunday when she told The Herald Sun that she would not be taking the coronavirus vaccine. Chloe has been very outspoken about 'not being in favor of lockdowns, masks, and vaccines' because they have 'toxins' like 'mercury and pesticides.' However, Lattanzi - who's battled anorexia as well as cocaine/alcohol addictions - has reportedly no problem with plastic surgery and lip fillers. 'Not at this point, no': The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee actress last made headlines on Sunday when she told The Herald Sun that she would not be taking the coronavirus vaccine The sources said the five-year deal is for use of news articles on a variety of different products such as Google News Showcase and Subscribe with Google, a product that helps news outlets engage with subscribers, but a revenue sharing deal for use of content on YouTube is not part of Nines arrangement. Nine chief publishing and digital officer Chris Janz said at a Senate Hearing the deals on the table were not material. Google has since been able to put enough money on the table for an agreement. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Industry sources familiar with the talks, who spoke anonymously because of non-disclosure agreements, said Nine had signed a letter of intent with Google overnight for a deal worth more than $30 million in cash annually for five years. A final commercial agreement could be struck in the next fortnight. Multiple industry sources who were unable to speak publicly due to confidentiality agreements said the deal is the largest agreement for news Google has signed in Australia to date. Google has agreed to pay Nine Entertainment Co more than $30 million in cash annually for the use of its news content, in a major breakthrough for the search giant and media company ahead of the introduction of new bargaining laws. The agreement is significant because it covers content from Nines major newspapers, television, radio and digital assets, and will provide enough funding to support the newsrooms for the company. It will also mean Google will not be forced into a risky arbitration process with Nine under the governments new media bargaining code, which will be debated in Parliament today. Google had previously threatened to turn off its search engine in Australia if the government did not revise aspects of the code. Nine is the largest domestic media company to date to sign a letter of intent with the $1.8 trillion search engine giant. Kerry Stokes Seven West Media announced at its financial results it has signed a letter of understanding with the tech giant for use of its content, a deal which Seven sources say is valued at more than $30 million. The terms of the arrangement were not disclosed, but industry sources have indicated a proportion of the money is in advertising credits and a revenue sharing agreement for use of content on YouTube. The deals that Google will strike with companies such as Nine and Seven are not for use of content in search. However, organisations have been willing to accept them in principle because the amount of money on the table is worth the same, or a similar amount, to what a company would have received for appearance of content in Google search. Industry sources said on Monday that letters of intent between Guardian Australia, Nine and the ABC were imminent. Guardian Australia and the ABC could both sign deals for their content as early as today. Talks with other outlets such as Daily Mail Australia and News Corp Australia are ongoing. News Corp, which owns a string of papers in Australia as well as The Wall Street Journal and The Times of London, is expected to sign a global deal for its content. Puducherry, Feb 17 : Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanaswamy on Tuesday said that Kiran Bedi's removal as Lieutenant Governor is not just a victory for the party but also for the people of the Union Territory. "The rights of the people of Puducherry weren't being protected as she was interfering with the powers of the government. It is a big lesson that the people of Puducherry people have taught her, (Bedi)," he told reporters while reacting to her removal. When asked how he would react if the BJP made Bedi their chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections, Narayanasamy said he would welcome it. While the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Goa, Dinesh Gundu Rao welcomed Kiran Bedi's removal. In a tweet, Rao said, "A Victory for the people of #Puducherry. @thekiranbedi has been the worst LG in the history of India." "She behaved in an autocratic manner and didn't allow the @INCPuducherry government to function properly. Her office was a BJP/RSS office," Rao charged. Kiran Bedi has not responded as of now. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text A high-tech camera that clips onto the loo could speed up the detection of bowel cancer. Resembling a toilet freshener, the device uses cutting-edge imaging techniques to scan stools in the bowl for traces of blood a sign of the disease. Findings are transmitted to an app on the users smartphone, which uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to provide results within minutes that can automatically be shared with a doctor. Resembling a toilet freshener, the device uses cutting-edge imaging techniques to scan stools in the bowl for traces of blood a sign of the disease. A stock image is used above [File photo] If warning signs are identified, more detailed investigations may be recommended such as a colonoscopy, where a thin, flexible probe with a camera on the end is used to look for signs of cancer in the bowel. Initial results suggest the gadget is up to 90 per cent accurate at spotting bleeding. Bowel cancer kills around 16,000 people a year in the UK; one in 20 will develop the disease in their lifetime and it is more common in the over-50s. Blood in stools is one of the most common symptoms, caused by a growing tumour damaging tiny blood vessels in the bowel. The earlier bowel cancer is caught, the greater the chances of survival. More than 90 per cent of patients diagnosed at the earliest stage (stage one) are alive after five years, compared to just 10 per cent of those diagnosed at stage four (when the cancer has spread), according to Cancer Research UK. For this reason, everyone aged 60 to 74 is invited to carry out a bowel cancer screening test at home every two years. This involves sending a stool sample a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for analysis. Results take around two weeks and if blood is found, patients undergo further investigations. But some people find the testing process unpleasant and research suggests the kits only identify 70 per cent of tumours. Although the idea of the technology may fill some people with horror, the new clip-on camera could be a more acceptable and accurate way to identify warning signs and allow for daily monitoring that could pick up problems much sooner. Bowel cancer kills around 16,000 people a year in the UK; one in 20 will develop the disease in their lifetime and it is more common in the over-50s To use the device, patients must first switch on the app on their smartphones before going to the loo. This automatically connects with the clip-on camera, which scans the stools in the bowl using a process called multispectral optical imaging. This generates many more wavelengths of light than can be seen with the human eye, producing a 3D image rather than just a picture of the surface. The idea is this detects hidden spots of blood in faecal matter that are too small to be seen with the naked eye or that are not on the surface. The user can then share this information with their doctor. The maker of the device, called OutSense, says it detects nine out of ten cases where blood is present in a stool sample, although these results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. It hopes to seek approval for the device in the UK in the next two years. David Crosby, head of prevention and early detection research at Cancer Research UK, says: This device is an interesting piece of technology, which could allow people to spot early changes to their bowel health, prior to the onset of symptoms. But it is at an early stage of development and we need peer-reviewed evidence to show that it works. Try this Foodologie 5 a day Plant Pot meals provide your five-a-day in one go, and are free from all 14 main allergens. (400g, 2.40, tesco.com) Warts to be removed with vitamin D jab Vitamin D injections could offer a new way to eradicate warts, with around 60 patients at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S. taking part in a new trial of the treatment. Warts and verrucas are caused by strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Although they usually disappear spontaneously, this process can take several months, or sometimes even years, and many patients seek treatment because of their appearance. Its thought that vitamin D, which will be injected directly into the wart, will boost the immune system response in the area to kill off the wart. Ultrasound used for risky clots Ultrasound micro drills are being tested as a way to tackle older, dense blood clots. Blood-thinning medications dont work as well for these clots as they are less porous, so the drugs cant get inside them. Scientists from North Carolina State University in the U.S. have developed a technique where tiny particles containing a special liquid are inserted via a catheter into the clot. Then a tiny ultrasound drill (thats also inserted via the catheter) turns the liquid into gas the gas bubbles vibrate and destroy the clot from the inside. The technology has been tested in laboratory studies, and the scientists hope to start animal trials soon, reports the journal Microsystems and Nanoengineering. Hot baths can improve low mood Hot baths work faster than exercise in treating depression, according to research from Freiburg University, Germany. In an eight-week trial, 45 patients had twice weekly hot baths or exercise sessions, which are known to help with depression by releasing mood-boosting hormones. The study, published in BMC Psychiatry, found that depression symptoms dropped by 30 per cent after two weeks for those taking baths; it took six to eight weeks for exercise to have the same effect. The thinking is that raising body temperature causes changes in the body clock (known to be altered in people with depression). The researchers believe hot baths may help those with mild depression, but more research is needed. Holidaymakers who have been vaccinated against coronavirus can expect to be provided with a government-backed certificate, the vaccines minister has said. Nadhim Zahawi had previously ruled out a vaccine passport, conferring advantages on travellers who had received both jabs. He had said instead prospective that travellers should contact their GPs for suitable evidence of vaccinations. But speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Zahawi said: If other countries will require a vaccine certificate then I think its right that we facilitate it. People already when they travel they have to have, for certain countries, a yellow fever certificate. I think its right that we do that. Thats what were working on. So if there is a requirement, any viewer can then ask for their vaccine certificate, in the way that we do pre-departure test certificates now. The last remark appears baffling, since the government does not issue pre-departure test certificates. Instead, the NHS stresses that its testing service cannot be used for the purposes of travel. All travellers seeking proof required by their destination country must organise a private test, typically costing around 150. Countries including Estonia, Georgia and Romania have already relaxed travel restrictions for visitors who can prove they have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Greece and Israel have established a restriction-free travel corridor, and have raised the prospect similar arrangements other nations where a large proportion of the adult population have been vaccinated. Brushing teeth too hard may be behind an epidemic of gum problems, experts are warning. It is feared that the quest to look after our teeth and have the perfect smile is leading many adults to brush too vigorously. This can lead to the wearing away of gums, causing painfully sensitive teeth and even the need for grafts. Evidence suggests women, who think more about oral hygiene, are more likely to have shrinking gums as are those who brush horizontally, back and forth, instead of up and down or using circular motions. Among adults aged 18 to 35 more than 80 per cent have unhealthily receding gums, a study found. It is feared that the quest to look after our teeth and have the perfect smile is leading many adults to brush too vigorously. This can lead to the wearing away of gums, causing painfully sensitive teeth and even the need for grafts [Stock image] However, dentists point out that disease is still the number one cause of the problem. This is usually caused by not brushing teeth enough, rather than brushing them too hard. Ian Dunn, of the Council of the British Society of Periodontology, said: 'Due to celebrities and marketing, people are much more aware of oral health and the desire for a nice smile. This can lead to people brushing too hard to get whiter teeth.' Anyone aware their gums are receding should get them checked to prevent further damage, he added. Shrinking gums in people without gum disease most often appear on the front of teeth - the side closest to the lips. That may reflect brushing habits, as people tend to spend an average of 55 seconds brushing their teeth, and spend 90 per cent of that time on the outer surface. In the worst cases, a minority of people with receding gums lose teeth, or need a gum graft, which can involve removing tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaching it surgically. Shrinking gums are also unsightly and can lead to sensitive teeth. A 2018 study led by Bristol Dental School looked at 349 young adults aged 18 to 35, attending routine dental appointments. It found 83 per cent had gums receding beyond the level expected in that age group, having lost more than two millimetres (0.08 inches). Researchers gave 'traumatic tooth brushing' one of the likely reasons, although evidence on this is mixed. Dentists have stressed that disease - which is usually caused by not brushing enough - is still the number one cause of the shrinking gums [Stock image] Experts suggest harm caused by over-brushing is most likely to cause gum shrinkage affecting the six upper teeth at the front of the mouth, and the six lower teeth beneath them. Those at risk of suffering shrinking gums from over-brushing tend to have thin gum tissue and are missing the bony structure around their teeth which support the gum. This can be missing naturally or have been pushed away in people with crowded teeth, or following some orthodontic procedures. Professor Damien Walmsley, from the British Dental Association, said: 'There are many studies that have looked at power and manual toothbrushes, and included the wear of the brush, but none have provided clinical definitive answers to the problems of gingival recession. 'The risk factors identified with tooth brushing include the duration of brushing, the force applied, how often the toothbrush is changed, ie checking on the splaying of the bristles, the bristle hardness and the tooth brushing technique.' The world's mining sectors' performanc usually tracks the ups and downs of global GDP. However, this historic correlation has never really been tested against the backdrop of a truly global health and economic crisis - until 2020, that is. Nivaash Singh, co-head of mining and resources finances, Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking The China factor African mining wins Apart from its obvious and tragic health impacts, the arrival and rapid spread of Covid-19 created economic challenges unlike any that the world has ever witnessed before. Global markets found themselves battling to contain the damages inflicted by the virus, as negative quarter-on-quarter global GDP growth became the norm.The mining sector has largely bucked trend of decline that other industries are facing. In fact, mining and resources currently find themselves in what can only be termed a bull market, seemingly immune to the widespread carnage being wreaked in most other sectors by a Covid-19-fuelled global markets bear.While this bull within a bear scenario has most people, including those involved in the mining sector, somewhat perplexed, the primary reason for it is fairly obvious and it has a lot to do with timing. When Covid-19 first became known in China, the country went into immediate lockdown, well ahead of the rest of the world.As a result, when most other countries, and entire continents, eventually caught up with the need for strict lockdown responses, China found itself at the tail end of the first wave of the pandemic, and was already working intensively to restart its economy with a particular focus on manufacturing.This is clearly evidenced by air quality readings taken in China in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis. While lockdowns in the rest of the world were resulting in clear blue skies, emissions in China in May 2020 were actually higher than those of the same period in 2019 which points to a very busy manufacturing industry in that country during that time.So, while most sectors and industries across the world found themselves suffering from a significant decline in demand, commodities were, and continue to be, highly sought after. That continued high demand has served to drive up the prices of most resources in 2020, thereby creating this apparent commodities bull market anomaly.While the impact on this unique scenario of second and third Covid-19 waves across the world is still to be seen, the demand for commodities was still very evident at the end of 2020. This points to the likelihood that Chinese industry is still working tirelessly to make up for lost production earlier in the last year, and is in all likelihood building significant stockpiles of finished goods to act as a cushion against the economic impact on any possible future Covid-19 lockdowns.Of course, the benefits of this manufacturing drive are flowing through to mining sectors across the world. And given that it is a leading supplier of many of the currently in-demand commodities, Africa is one of the main beneficiaries. This has a number of positive knock-on effects that Africas mining sector would do very well to capitalise on.The first is that there has clearly never been a better time than now to invest in mining stocks. And African mining stocks, in particular, offer a compelling investment proposition.Secondly, the outperformance of the mining sector on the continent creates a real opportunity for it to realign itself with the role it can, and should, be playing in terms of driving the sustainable wellbeing of Africa and her people. Covid-19 is obviously a massive crisis for what is undeniably a poor continent. While governments across Africa are doing their utmost to fight the pandemic and protect the health of their people, funding is in short supply.Mines currently have that funding but they need to be willing to apply it beyond merely making the required tax and royalty contributions. If they are also willing to leverage their good financial positions to make strong corporate social investments into Covid-19 relief and support initiatives, these African mines may well emerge from the pandemic with much more than just strong balance sheets; they will also enjoy the immense benefit of positive local and international perceptions that will help to attract the investment needed to grow their operations and profitability into the future.There is no African mine that can afford to squander this unique opportunity to position themselves for such future growth by leveraging their healthy balance sheets to restore their reputation, enhance their appeal as a good corporate citizen, and return their licence to operate to good standing. And, hopefully, the resulting transformation of mining in Africa will allow the sector finally to realise its vast potential fully to be the engine of sustainable social development and economic growth that it can, and must, be for the continent. New Delhi, Feb 16 : Every year, around 50,000 individuals graduate to become certified doctors. In order to maintain the minimum doctor patient ratio, as suggested by World Health Organization (WHO), India will need 2.3 million doctors by 2030. If there was ever a requirement to push healthcare in India into the future, it is now, says an Indian medical expert. "Today is the time when we can see a significant disruption in the Indian healthcare industry. Much of this is credited to the level of involvement of big data, cloud, machine learning and deep learning, and wearables or fitness trackers which are connecting the organizations with the individuals. To start with, Artificial Intelligence or AI as we call it has a potential to transform the diagnosis and cure of a multiple diseases which were considered incurable a decade ago. Artificial intelligence in Indian medical industry rely on a paradigm shift in the way the machines read electronic data of patients, including their age, medical history, tests, medical images, DNA sequences, and other factors to fuel treatment," Amit Sharma, Founder and CEO at eExpedise Healthcare told IANSlife. AI does the hard work of compiling the complex identification trigger points and creating a pattern out of this data on an intensity level and speed beyond any human being's capability. AI has a capacity to take charge of rural areas with a mobile device, without having the doctors to travel from village to village. Eric Topol in his book, 'Deep Medicine', has sited organisations and their role in developing tools to analyze health conditions. One such tool that Google has developed can precisely detect diabetes relatively accurate. The software has a sensitivity score of 87-90 per cent and accuracy of 98 per cent while detecting diabetic retinopathy, says Sharma. His company eExpedise is a healthcare company providing medical treatment services to patients travelling to India, says Sharma. "A team of advanced doctors in London have come up with a treatment approach for more than 50 eye diseases having 94 per cent accuracy. To understand the level of precision, their results were compared to that of international eye specialists. As per the reports of this experiment, the doctors missed a dew reference points but the machine didn't, any. In China, on the other hand, the Artificial Intelligence is being used diagnose the presence polyps on the colon during a colonoscopy. When the diagnosis of a gastroenterologist was compared to that of a machine, the latter had 9 per cent more chances of early detection. The beauty of this experiment was that the machine didn't miss the tiny polyps, even the ones with a size less than 5mm which were otherwise easier for the doctors to miss." Our mobile phones are not only performing functions they were designed for, but also collecting our digital footprints and analyzing our behavior on screen. Even our eye-tracking data collected while we freely watch TV can determine neurodegenerative eye diseases, as cited in an article by Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (2018) Journal. In India, young startups are coming together to help doctors diagnose chronic diseases at an early stage. With the help of predictive analytics and machine learning, these startups are creating diagnostic tools that could help specialists diagnose faster and more accurately. A medical wearable startup, ten3T, has developed medical grade wearable devices attached with a Cicer (device embedded with multiple sensors) to help monitor patient's health, even at home. mFine, Bengaluru based healthcare startup has close to 1200 diseases in the system to give 85 per cent of accurate diagnosis. Evidently, artificial intelligence and deep learning are the hope of new age technology, which if correctly harnessed, can help doctors and scientists take better decisions, believes the medical expert. (Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in) Administratorii portalului nu poarta raspundere pentru continutul postarilor si materialelor plasate de utilizatorii site-ului. Utilizati informatia din acest articol pe propriul risc. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Defense and security officials shun the media in an event at the Philippine Army headquarters on Tuesday, several hours after President Duterte cited military "reports" to make a controversial claim that the United States government is "converting Subic (Bay) into an American base." Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana turned down requests for comments from journalists covering the assumption of the new Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino, Jr. Lorenzana presided over the event, while Sobejana was the outgoing Army chief. Both officials, known to be accommodating to 'ambush interviews', especially after defense-related events, ignored media questions and insisted they were on their way to a command conference. In his late-night address on Monday, Duterte made claims that seem to have caught military officials by surprise and placed them in a predicament. "And do you know that they are slowly converting Subic into an American base?" Duterte said, referring to the US government, while calling out Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Panfilo Lacson. Robredo and Lacson earlier crticized Duterte on his statement that Washington will "have to pay" to keep its Visiting Forces Agreement with Manila. Duterte further claimed the US is maintaining "depots" to store firearms in the Philippines. The President cited reports and assessments given to him by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The US Embassy in Manila has yet to issue a comment. The Defense chief merely shrugged when asked by an Army official, if he is willing to face the media waiting outside the event venue, to get his comments on the President's pronouncements. In a brief huddle after the ceremony, top-ranking AFP leaders apparently were pinpointing, in jest, on who should address media questions on their Commander-in-Chief's statements, a source told CNN Philippines. Aside from senior Army officers, also present in the ceremony were Navy Flag-Officer-In-Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes. New Army chief Faustino is the commander of the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command, prior to his appointment as the new commanding general to the lead the 100,000-strong Philippine Army. "Your leadership is crucial in ensuring that the organization is responsive, not only to the multifaceted challenges it is currently facing, but also proactive to addressing emerging threats as well," Lorenzana told Faustino in his speech. A member of PMA "Maringal" Class of 1988, Faustino will only serve on an "acting capacity" since he only has about ten months in his post. 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 Toolkit case: Bombay HC to hear activists Nikita Jacob, Shantanu Muluk's anticipatory bail pleas today India oi-Deepika S Bombay, Feb 16: The Bombay High Court will on Tuesday hear the bail petitions filed by Mumbai-based lawyer Nikita Jacob and engineer Shantanu Mulud, seeking protection from arrest after a non-bailable warrant was issued against them by a Delhi court in connection with Greta Thunberg 'toolkit' case. According to the Delhi police, the duo was allegedly involved in preparing the document and was in direct touch with "pro-Khalistani elements". While Jacobs plea was filed in the principal HC seat in Mumbai, Muluk, a resident of Beed district in central Maharashtra, submitted his application in the Aurangabad bench of the High Court. Jacob''s plea seeking urgent hearing was mentioned before the Bombay HC''s single bench of Justice P D Naik on Monday. The HC said it would hear her plea on Tuesday. Muluk''s plea was mentioned before Justice Vibha Kankanvadi of the Aurangabad bench and his application would also be heard on Tuesday. Toolkit tweeted by Thunberg aimed at a digital strike against India on Jan 26 Both the pleas sought transit anticipatory bail for a period of four weeks so that the applicants (Jacob and Muluk) can approach the court concerned in Delhi to apply for pre- arrest bail. Jacob and Muluk, in their pleas, have claimed they are targets of political vendetta. Jacob, in her plea, said she is unaware whether she has been named as an accused or a witness in the case. "However, the applicant (Jacob) fears that she may be arrested due to political vendetta and media trial," her application said. Muluk, in his plea filed through advocate Satej Jadhav, said he and others are not actual dissenters but have only come out in support of farmers agitating on Delhi borders for more than two months now against the Centre''s new agri- marketing laws. Vendetta has tricked down from politics to the house of a common man making a mockery of the rights and principles enshrined in the Constitution of India, the application said. Jacob, in her plea, said the FIR registered in the case was "false and baseless" and that she has already cooperated with the cyber cell of the Delhi police and recorded her statement. "Some entity named Legal Rights Observatory appears to have filed a false and baseless complaint with the Delhi police and seeks to pin the blame for violence on January 26, 2021 (during tractor rally in Delhi) upon the applicant as well," the plea said. As per the application, on February 11, a team of Delhi police came to Jacob''s house in Goregaon area of Mumbai with a search warrant and seized documents and electronic gadgets. "The applicant has no religious, political or financial motive or agenda for researching, discussing, editing and circulating communication packs/toolkits for raising awareness, let alone to incite violence, riots and/or cause any other physical harm," the application said. It said Jacob was a practising advocate in the Bombay High Court who volunteers for environmental causes. "The applicant was deeply concerned about the recent farm laws and villainising of farmers," the application said. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News It said Jacob''s personal information and details are being circulated on social media. The application further said "absolute lies" are being spread to incite hate and violence against Jacob by claiming she has ties with political parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Muluk, in his application, said he and his colleagues are innocent and at the most have been kept in the dark by one notorious stake holder, but that cannot take away the bonafide intentions of the applicant. The Delhi police on Saturday arrested 21-year-old environmental activist Disha Ravi from Bengaluru in connection with the case. She was on Sunday produced before a Delhi court which remanded her in police custody for five days. The Delhi case stems from the "toolkit" shared by Thunberg, the Swedish teenage climate activist, to lend her support to the protesting farmers. Thousands of farmers protesting the new agri laws clashed with the police during their tractor parade on January 26. Earlier, the Delhi police had asked Google and some social media giants to provide information about e-mail ID, URLs and certain social media accounts related to creators of the "toolkit" shared by Thunberg and others on Twitter in connection with the farmers'' protest. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 10:36 [IST] The Mix and Match collection lets you be your own stylist, with a variety of styles, patterns and colors for a look that's uniquely you. You'll also find fun updates on classic silhouettes like the string bikini, glamorous one-pieces, and must-have fashion styles showcasing shine straps and gold 'V' hardware details. Styles include high-waist bikinis, Brazilian-cut legs and asymmetric shapes, plus classics like side-tie bikini and hipster cut. Halter, bandeau, scoop neck, cap sleeve and more will be featured throughout the collections. The modern bra technology that Victoria's Secret is known for throughout iconic bra collections can also now be found across the swim assortment for a seamless go-to fit. Suits starting at $49. Sizes range from 32A-38DDD, 40D; XS-XL In addition to Victoria's Secret Swim, a select assortment of the world's best swimwear brands, including female founded Ayra, Baobab, For Love & Lemons (exclusive to VS), MonicaHansen Beachwear, Roxy, Skinnydippers, Vitamin A and more will be available at VictoriasSecret.com. Inspired by favorite seaside destinations, the Swim campaign features Paloma Elsesser, Jill Kortleve, Imaan Hammam, and Taylor Hill and highlights each model's individuality and personal style. Look out for the 2021 Swim magalog hitting mailboxes March 1. #VSswim @VictoriasSecret Stay Connected: Victoria's Secret: https://www.victoriassecret.com/swimwear Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriassecret Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriasSecret Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriassecret Tik Tok: https://[email protected] For the latest Victoria's Secret Swim press information & images visit: https://vspressroom.com About Victoria's Secret : Victoria's Secret is the leading specialty retailer of bras , panties , lingerie , pajamas and beauty products with prestige fragrances and body care. A business of L Brands, Inc. (NYSE: LB ), Victoria's Secret serves customers at nearly 1,400 Victoria's Secret Lingerie and Beauty stores around the globe and online at www.VictoriasSecret.com , enabling them to shop the brand anywhere and anytime. SOURCE Victoria's Secret Related Links http://www.VictoriasSecret.com The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. The Nigerian government has disclosed plans to vaccinate approximately 109 million people against COVID-19 over a period of two years. The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, while speaking at Mondays weekly briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, said only those eligible will be vaccinated. He said the federal government plans to vaccinate all eligible population from 18 years and above, including pregnant women. He, however, said the decision to vaccinate any pregnant woman will be made in consultation with her healthcare provider. He said there will be considerations of whether she is at high risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus or not, based on guidance from the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). She is likely to be at high risk for example, if she is a frontline health worker, a support staff or a first responder in the different spheres of the security architecture of our country, Mr Shuaib said. After excluding those that are under 18 years old, we plan to vaccinate approximately 109 million Nigerians that will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination over the course of two years. The Nigerian government is expected to begin the roll-out of approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of February. The country is expecting an initial 16 million doses of the Oxford- AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines through the Vaccines Global Assess Facility (COVAX) by the end of February. An additional 500,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines donated by telecom giant, MTN, will also be delivered to the country by the end of February, the minister of health, Osagie Ehanire, said at the briefing. Mr Ehanire said efforts are ongoing to ensure the effective roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines when they finally arrive. He said the Vaccine Coordination Committee has been inaugurated to address diverse issues peculiar to COVID-19 vaccine acquisition by Nigeria. Their function is to advise on coordinating access to acquisition and distribution of vaccines when available, and on our immunization strategy. Eligible population Mr Shuaib explained that those eligible to receive the vaccines have been identified using the World Health Organization(WHO) vaccine allocation framework and prioritization roadmap, as well as data from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC). They are the frontline healthcare workers, support staff; including those that work in high-risk areas such as point of entry workers, rapid response teams, contact tracing teams, COVID-19 vaccination teams and strategic leadership, Mr Shuaib said. People aged 50 years and above, People aged 18 49 years with significant co-morbidities and additional at-risk groups. Mr Shuaib said the Technical Working Group has developed a strategy of pre-registration and scheduling the target population to avoid over-crowding at vaccination posts. He said the strategy called the TEACH approach will harness all the benefits of traditional, electronic, assisted and concomitant house-to-house registration to optimize the use of innovative technology. ADVERTISEMENT The TEACH approach entails: T: Traditional method of vaccinating target populations using desk review of available data sources, identifying the vaccination sites and rolling out. E: Electronic self-registration for health workers and the public; a link which provides an online form will be provided. A: Assisted electronic registration C: Concomitant e-registration during walk in to fixed sites/health facilities. H: House-to-House registration using volunteers for additional push to rapidly increase the e-registration, he said. He noted that a URL link will be rolled out this week for healthcare workers, to register and schedule them for the COVID-19 vaccination. He said plans are ongoing to train and empower health care workers on administering these vaccines. He explained that his agency will engage additional personnel in a bid to achieve the coverage level desired and also to ensure best practices in vaccine handling and management. The plan is to train healthcare workers, supervisors and monitors at all levels in the next one to two weeks, Mr Shuaib said. There is zero room, not only in society, but more so in professions of public trust and service, for people to have extremist views, regardless of ideology, said Art Acevedo, the Houston police chief and president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which includes senior police officials from almost 90 American and Canadian cities. President Bidens goal of addressing domestic extremism will partly hinge on the ability to curb its spread in police departments and the military, experts noted. Concerns about extremism in police ranks have long existed, but after Sept. 11 chasing jihadists took priority over chasing domestic threats, senior police officials and law enforcement experts said. In recent years, police or other agencies in Virginia, Florida, Nebraska, Louisiana, Michigan and Texas have all fired officers belonging to the Ku Klux Klan. In Philadelphia in 2019, the Police Department announced that 13 officers would be dismissed among the 72 who were placed on administrative leave because of racist Facebook posts. For decades, Los Angeles County has downplayed accusations that sheriffs deputies repeatedly organized secret white-supremacist groups with their own tattoos and hand signs. But a recent study by the office of the Los Angeles County Counsel concluded that the county has paid out some $55 million to settle lawsuits accusing such groups of malign influence. Sometimes groups opposed to the government emerge within law enforcement itself. Hundreds have joined the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, for example, which claims that sheriffs have the last word on whether any U.S. or local law is constitutional and should be enforced or not. During his presidency, Mr. Trump often declared himself a friend of the police, and many police unions endorsed him. Police officers enjoy the same rights as all citizens in supporting political candidates, but the problem comes when they take it a step further into anti-government activism, senior police officials and law enforcement experts said. Recently, during protests prompted by the death of George Floyd in police custody, far-right organizers, eager to recruit police or military veterans, portrayed themselves as allies to law enforcement, said Brian Levin, a former policeman and the director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. Graves Home Invasion Suspects Go to Trial in April By West Kentucky Star Staff Starks and Owens were shot by Dominique Crittendon on Nov. 19, 2019, when authorities say they tried to rob him at his home. The two men allegedly forced their way into Crittendon's home after Santasia Donald knocked on his door and asked to use his phone. Starks, of Clarksville, TN, and Owens, of Paducah, were both arrested after being released from the hospital. Starks is charged with burglary, kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, assault and robbery. Owens faces charges of burglary, attempted robbery, kidnapping, assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. MAYFIELD - Two men involved in a 2019 home invasion and shooting in Graves County will go to trial in April.The trial for Valdarius Starks and Kendrick Owens begins April 27, and is expected to last three days. A review of the case is set for April 12.Donald pleaded guilty last year to amended charges of facilitation to burglary and facilitation to attempted robbery. She was sentenced to eight years in prison for her crimes.. As part of the plea deal, Donald will have to testify against Starks and Owens. Loading States will receive 50,000 doses of the initial vaccine shipment and the federal government will distribute a further 30,000 for aged care staff and residents, while setting aside 62,000 doses for second vaccinations as phase 1a of the vaccination program begins. On Tuesday, consent forms will be distributed to aged care facilities and those residents and aged care workers included in the first week of the rollout are being contacted so they can also prepare for their vaccination. The aged care doses will cover more than 250 facilities across the country, including regional and metropolitan homes. As well as aged care residents and workers, phase 1a includes hotel quarantine workers, border staff and essential health care workers. Mr Hunt said it was up to states to decide which groups from that phase would take priority. They have indicated and we generally support it that the greatest immediate risk is the border quarantine process, he said. President of the Australian Medical Association NSW Dr Danielle McMullen said doctors were supportive of NSW Healths management of the quarantine system and backed Ms Berejiklians decision to target quarantine workers with the first round of vaccines. Obviously if we see a big explosion of cases in the community we may change our advice, but the rates are so low in the community that our baseline risk of catching COVID is low so we have a bit of time to prioritise quarantine workers, Dr McMullen said. University of Sydney public health expert Professor Robert Booy said it made sense to focus on hotel quarantine workers first. Quite honestly its practical and sensible, theyre the ones who are most exposed in Australia to COVID, he said. Mr Hunt expects the first phase of the rollout to take six weeks. Professor Booy said essential healthcare workers would not miss out by more than a week or so. Now that weve got enough for 10 million people we can cover all of those risk groups very well, he said. Dr McMullen expected doctors and nurses at RPA and Westmead hospital would be the first healthcare workers in the community to get the vaccine once quarantine personnel were covered, as they are likely to come into contact with cases that cannot be cared for in hotel quarantine. Loading Frontline healthcare workers outside the quarantine system would receive either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine, she said, which is expected to be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration within days. NSW on Monday recorded another day of zero community transmission and zero cases in hotel quarantine. More than 15,690 tests were recorded in the latest reporting period. Ms Berejiklian on Monday said NSW had returned to accepting up to 3000 returning travellers every week, a level with which the quarantine system could cope. Well just have to make sure that we dont fall behind the rest of the world when it comes to opening up our borders and leading as close to a normal life as possible, she said. Images from the first Kenektid Book Fair held in 2019 / Courtesy of Kenektid X Bookstore By Jon Dunbar Literature has had an interesting ride over the last year. More people seem to be turning to books amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but these new reading habits have yet to make a significant economic impact on the publishing industry. , a small shop located on the outdoor third-floor terrace of the Sewoon Shopping Center complex, is going ahead with its annual book fair later this month. The shop specializes in independent publishing, art books and zines of all kinds, as well as other related merchandise like book clips, bags, hoodies and notebooks. The publications available dive deep into various subjects, from art and travel to street art and even cats, which are the theme of several publications. Many of the books are photo zines and art zines, easy for anybody to understand despite language differences. This year, 80 independent publishers will gather to promote their offerings, with various events including book talks and seminars. Kenektid is also running a fundraising campaign through Tumblbug, and looking for more small publishers to work with. The event will be from Feb. 23 to 28, with a small number of offline events scheduled for Feb. 26 to 28 to be held at . This will be the second Kenektid Book Fair, after the first one was held in 2019 inside Sewoon Shopping Center and the second was canceled last year due to COVID-19. Kenektid traces its origins back to 2008, when Kim spent a year living in New York. His roommates started Kenektid as a creative agency there, working with galleries, studios and various other creative communities. Kenektid X Bookstore in Sewoon Shopping Center / Courtesy of Kenektid X Bookstore After he returned to Korea, Kim worked in marketing for a print shop where he produced exhibition prints for Kenektid X Gallery in New York. While working there, he fostered an interest in independent publishing which led him to the idea of opening a bookstore affiliated with Kenektid New York. In the course of actively seeking out independent bookstores for market research, he ended up at Sewoon Shopping Center. "I came to Sewoon Shopping Center for the first time to find a bookstore," he said. "It was around sunset, and I loved seeing the sun setting over Namsan. So I thought it would be nice to read books and have an outdoor event, so I settled down in the area." The complex, built in the late 1960s as an urban megaproject, has been undergoing many changes lately due to a city regeneration program targeting the old concrete structure. After extensive renovation and rebuilding of the outdoor terrace connecting the buildings above traffic, various businesses run by and catering to young people have moved into the iconic building. "It is located in Euljiro and Jongno, one of the most complex places in Seoul, and yet it is isolated and calm," Kim said. "It is a good place for us to introduce books, and I hope more people will come here, relax and buy a lot of books." His shop is located in a small space on the east side of the northernmost building, overlooking the underdeveloped neighborhood sprawled out around the complex. Kenektid X Bookstore / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar "I think it's good to have Sewoon Shopping Center renovated and changed to a place where people can find it again, but it seems to be becoming a place where the old and new forms cannot be harmonized," he said. As the building fills with trendy cafes and eateries, he worries about its direction and the future of the area. "Restaurants and artists come in, but their work does not have much to do with the lives of existing merchants. It is a pity that there is no software that can harmonize the existing merchants with the current changing social system. Simply the maintenance of space and the increase in the floating population do not fit the urban regeneration project. I think half the success will take a little more time." Sewoon Shopping Center is an ideal place for an independent bookstore because of its proximity to printers. The rustic setting has also inspired some creative activities, as seen in some of the photo books as well as the imaginative cartoon "Coffee on the Roof" by engisstuff, about a cafe run by cats on the roofs of an urban area resembling Sewoon's surroundings. A previous event held at Kenektid X Bookstore / Courtesy of Kenektid X Bookstore But just like the delicate industrial economy of the region, the future of the independent publishing industry is also up in the air. "I don't know the future of the publishing industry," Kim said. "I think this is a transition period. Because of digital technology that has threatened the medium of books, we are in an era when anyone could make books, so it is not the time for writers to publish books through publishers. Everyone wants to tell their story, and they want to share it in the form of a book. I think that if the question of how to share such books with many people is solved, it will brighten the future of the publishing industry." Visit or for more information. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help We remain optimistic that supplies will grow or even a one-dose vaccine will eventually become available, Terry said. But until one or both of those factors become reality, vaccinating all Oak Parkers who need and want it will take some time. Everyone just has to remain patient, wear their masks and continue to practice safe social distancing. Public engagement with Development Plans will be transformative in developing sustainable communities in every Local Authority in Ireland, according to Dr Conor Norton, President of the Irish Planning Institute (IPI). While much of the recent media debate has focussed on the delay and cost of legal actions following the development management process, which are essentially outside of the control of the planners and planning system, the IPI is now calling on individuals, residents associations and business organisations to engage proactively with planning through the much more important and inclusive plan-making process. The Development Plan at city, county and local level is the main instrument used by Local Authorities to set out a sustainable vision and strategy for places and it is the basis for decisions on planning applications. Development Plans must be reviewed by Planning Authorities every 6 years. Each Planning Authority is required to publish notice of its intention to review its plan, not later than four years after the making of their current plan. A new plan must be made within two years of this notice. Critically, many local larger authorities across the country are now in the process of reviewing their plans, as a result of a new alignment of timelines across the Country. These Development Plans are now open for public consultation. According to Dr Conor Norton, President of the Irish Planning Institute: While planners are responsible for preparing Development Plans, the process of shaping them should never be the preserve of professionals or sectoral groups. Consultation and engagement are built into the process of preparing Development Plans. This is a process that must be fully exploited, so that plans can be enriched and validated by ordinary citizens and communities. Citizens and communities have a keen understanding of the issues and opportunities in their localities. When communities are genuinely engaged from an early stage in the making of Plans, they are a real part of the process and can have a greater role in shaping Plans. Allied to the expertise of planners, this engagement can provide a very powerful formula for robust and sustainable Development Plans at City, County and Local level. As new Development Plans will support new national strategies and guidelines for climate action and sustainable development, they will also provide a more robust basis for decision-making at the later planning application stage. Elaborating on what citizens need to do to make a submission on their County Plan, Dr Norton points to the many new and improved planning resources available on the websites and social media platforms of Local Authorities and other public agencies. Prior to and since the onset of Covid-19, many Local Authorities have really innovated in terms of how they are engaging with the public and communities in preparing their Development Plans. The pandemic has shone a light on the vulnerabilities and potential of places across Ireland. With restrictions on personal travel, we have become more aware of the importance of our neighbourhoods and their role in our individual and community health and wellbeing. We have become aware of the absolute necessity to protect the viability and vitality of our town centres. And as a society we now have a stronger appreciation of our urgent need to transition to a more sustainable way of life. The Development Plan is central in providing the framework for communities to meet these challenges, while harnessing new opportunities. Dr Norton also raised concern about the recent, sharp increase in judicial reviews of planning decisions, particularly those relating to Strategic Housing Developments, which have added both delay and cost to the planning process. While judicial review is essentially outside of the core planning process and indeed the control of planners, there is a need to curtail and reverse this current trajectory, much of which has been associated with Strategic Housing Developments. To do this we will need to move as planned, and without delay, to restore decision-making on Strategic Housing Developments to the Local Authorities. This will result in the welcome reinstatement of the established and accessible planning appeal to An Bord Pleanala. This will have the benefit of improving public confidence in the planning process and reducing the demand for judicial review. Alongside the restoration of the planning appeal for Strategic Housing Developments, it is also important that we review the necessary legal standing and limits in seeking a judicial reviews of a planning decisions, while retaining appropriate access to law. Bahrain's Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) has taken measures against a number of licensees for non-compliance with the requirements to combat money laundering, reported BNA. Rera clarified that in implementation of Resolution (3) of 2019 on the Obligations related to Procedures of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Prevention in Licensed Real Estate activities, violations have been detected by a number of licensees. These include some real estate developers who have not complied with Reras guidelines regarding the National Risk Assessment Report and failing to complete the electronic off-site inspection questionnaire related to anti-money laundering, said the report. Rera also stated that it will not hesitate to take any legal action towards all that affects the national anti-money laundering framework against its licensees, in accordance with law and resolution (3) of 2019 related to anti-money laundering and terrorist financing and in line with the strong national efforts of the government of Bahrain in this matter, it added. SYDNEY, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Australia's leading Media House and Investor Relation Group, Kalkine Media is all set to launch Kalkine TV - an online financial and stock market news network with live streams coming along. The streaming platform will cover breaking stories and trending news across diverse aspects including but not limited to equity,commodity,currency,economic & political space. There will be exclusive in-depth interviews, market analysis by market experts and in-house sector specialists. Kalkine TV aims to make financial information accessible to all through its in-depth and real-time coverage. Given the requirement around viewer-friendly market-related analytical content at large, Kalkine TV will focus entirely on filling the gap by providing live updates on breakthrough trends defining the market charter and volatility. Besides, dedicated experts will provide the fundamental and technical developments and trending strategies from an investment standpoint. The live streaming videos will update viewers with hot trends driving the market scenario, with a blend of factual and analytical flavours. Be it global vaccine developments or China's trade relations; be it political turmoil or economic revival prospects, the streaming network aims to cover all the live updates. Sector driven announcements will serve as a strong pillar for the streaming portal. From gold vs bitcoin debate, to sustenance of iron ore boom and oil rally; from emerging green shoots in cyclical space to fizzling steam in defensive pandemic-winners, Kalkine TV will cover it all! Mr. Kunal Sawhney - Founder & CEO of Kalkine is of the view that markets are subject to swings and fluctuations on an ongoing basis. Investors should be well-informed about the trends and the ongoing economic, sectoral and political developments to take advantage of emerging themes from an investment perspective. Mr. Sawhney believes that the launch of an online live streaming market news network is the need of the hour. About Kalkine Kalkine is an Investor Relation Group and Media House that operates across different geographies. It was founded by Equity Market expert, Mr. Kunal Sawhney with the aim of channelizing energy and enthusiasm towards the stock market into a leading Media Research Firm. Kalkine Media serves to be a high-end content-driven platform, covering industry news, company announcements, financial results, stock price movements and corporate actions while also touching upon market catalysts at a global level related to political scenario and key economic indicators. Contact for media queries- Honey Bhargava honey.bhargava@kalkine.com.au Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1341740/Kalkine_Logo.jpg Former Georgia Sen. David Perdue filed campaign paperwork Monday, opening up the potential for the recently defeated Republican to run against Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock in 2022. Perdue, 71, filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, an early step toward a possible bid to return to Washington. Perdue lost his reelection bid during a closely watched runoff last month against Democrat Jon Ossoff by 1%. Ossoffs win, along with Warnocks victory over Sen. Kelly Loeffler, resulted in Democrats taking control of the Senate for the first time since 2011. Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., arrives to speak before Vice President Mike Pence during a 'Save the Majority' rally on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Unlike Ossoff, who will not be up for reelection until 2026, Warnock's term expires in two years. Thats because Warnock is filling the remainder of retired Republican Sen. Johnny Isaksons term. Warnock, who served as pastor for the same Atlanta church where civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. preached, is Georgia's first African American senator. Perdue is a former business executive who was elected in 2014. He was one of President Donald Trumps chief defenders in the Senate and fell just short of the 50% threshold he needed to defeat Ossoff outright on Nov. 3. A top Perdue adviser told Politico the paperwork wasn't an announcement of a campaign, but a 'legal step that had to be taken.' 'He is close to making a decision, leaning heavily towards it, but will decide in [the] next few weeks,' the adviser said. Georgia Republican Rep. Doug Collins is also said to be considering running against Warnock, according to reports. Five discovery-stage gold projects in Northwestern Ontario and fully funded to complete current exploration plans Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - GoldON Resources Ltd. (TSXV: GLD) ("GoldON" or the "Company") is a Canadian gold explorer focused on discovery through the exploration of overlooked and underexplored properties, and is pleased to provide an overview of the Company. Capital Structure: GoldON has no debt other than current trade payables and has raised approximately $2,856,000 over the last five months at an average price of $0.73 per share, with the latest financing closed with Mr. Eric Sprott. Share capitalization includes 22,318,292 common shares issued, 4,882,633 common share purchase warrants exercisable at an average price of $0.77, 2,616,000 incentive stock options exercisable at an average price of $0.41, and 29,816,925 common shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis assuming all warrants and options are exercised. Insider ownership is approximately fifteen percent of shares issued and GoldON's President Michael Romanik is the largest individual shareholder. The current market cap based on shares issued is ~$11,000,000. A Geographic Focus: The Company is focused on exploring discovery-stage properties in the pro-mining jurisdictions of northwestern Ontario, a region that contains some of the most prolific gold producing belts in the world. Our current projects include the West Madsen, Pipestone Bay, McDonough and Bruce Lake properties all located in the Red Lake Mining District and the Slate Falls property in the Patricia Mining District (see regional map with property locations). All our properties are in good standing and a summary of each project follows: West Madsen Property A fully funded Phase II exploration drilling program is in progress at the West Madsen property that is contiguous with the Pure Gold Red Lake Mine property, where they poured first gold on December 29, 2020 and anticipate being in commercial production by the end of Q1 2021 (see Pure Gold's news release of December 30, 2020). Pure Gold's reserves and resources are hosted in a seven-kilometre-long gold system that follows the major crustal break or contact between the Balmer and Confederation assemblages. GoldON's drilling recently intersected this same Balmer-Confederation contact on its property 1.6 kilometres (km) west of the Pure Gold property boundary (see news release of February 9, 2020). This prospective contact is interpreted to continue for ~8 km across Block A of GoldON's property (see area map with drilling plan). To date, 4,150 metres of the proposed 7,000 metre Phase II program have been drilled over nine holes to test the strike extension of both the known gold mineralization to the east and follow-up on the gold mineralization discovered during GoldON's Phase I drilling in 2020. The prospective Balmer Assemblage volcanic rocks have been identified in six of nine holes and drill core sample assays are pending from four holes. The West Madsen property covers 5,862 hectares in the heart of the Red Lake Gold Camp and is comprised of the original Block A and B claim groups, where GoldON has the right to earn a 100% interest through an option agreement with Great Bear Resources (see news release of May 28, 2019); the Flat Lake and Madsen-Medicine Stone claim groups that GoldON purchased from Bounty Gold (see news release of January 7, 2021); and claims GoldON acquired via staking in December (see Red Lake regional map). Pipestone Bay Property The Pipestone Bay property is a drill-ready project hosted along the Pipestone Bay Deformation Zone and has many key geological signatures that make the Red Lake Greenstone Belt such a prolific gold camp including silicification, sericite, biotite and chlorite alteration, visible gold in quartz veins, D2 folding and crustal-scale structures. The property is located approximately 32 km west of the town of Red Lake in an active area with multiple drill programs in progress by other junior explorers (see area map). In 2020, GoldON hired Prospectair Geosurveys to complete a heliborne high-resolution magnetometer (MAG) survey to cover the property; and then had Orix Geoscience complete a data compilation and reinterpretation study incorporating the MAG survey data with all known lithological and mineralogical information, and structural measurements. The Orix study provided a greater understanding of the geological and structural framework of the property and recommended diamond drilling to target the 991 Zone mineralization that may be controlled by an early E-W structure that is likely a second-order structure to the Pipestone Bay - St Paul Bay Deformation Zone (see news release of August 27, 2020). Drill permits are in place. GoldON has an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the 914-hectares property. McDonough Property Located ~15 km north of the town of Red Lake, the McDonough property straddles a regional unconformity that is a key structural signature of many deposits within the Red Lake Greenstone Belt. The property is contiguous with Battle North Gold's Slate Bay and DMC gold properties in an area that should see increased activity this year with Battle North announcing a $10 million regional exploration budget for their Red Lake properties last fall and applying for winter drill permits (see Battle North news releases of September 29, 2020 and November 16, 2020). In 2020, GoldON hired Orix Geoscience to complete a data compilation and reinterpretation study incorporating data from a 2020 MAG survey with all known historical information on the property. Results from the Orix study included the identification of a primary target area within the property where elevated soil samples overly the contact between an iron-formation clast dominated conglomerate (Huston Assemblage) and intermediate to felsic volcanics at northeast and northwest intersecting structures (see geology map and news release of September 29, 2019). GoldON is now in the process of planning an induced polarization (IP) survey to further define the target(s). Drill permits are in place. GoldON has an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the 1,062-hectare property. Bruce Lake Property Located ~36 km southeast of the town of Red Lake, the Bruce Lake property is in a structurally active area spatially associated with east-west trending deformation zones and northeast-trending faults. Historical gold-in-soil and gold-in-sediment anomalies suggest the property could be the source of the gold and targets remain undrilled. Additionally, drilling by BTU Metals on the adjoining Dixie Halo property has discovered a potential Cu-Au-Ag VMS-style system called the TNT Target that borders the western claim boundary. Further drill testing in the area by BTU is anticipated this year and GoldON has drill permits in place (see plan view map) GoldON has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the 3,103-hectare property. Slate Falls Property The 5,657-hectare Slate Falls property is located within the southwestern extension of the Meen-Dempster Greenstone Belt between the Red Lake and Pickle Lake gold camps. Key regional-scale structures correlate with numerous high-grade gold and silver showings that have been identified including the Carpenter, Fly, FTM, J. Loon, L1, L15, Path, Sanderson and Trail Zones These showings are part of the Slate Falls Deformation Zone and extend for over 10 km in strike and 1.5 km in width within the land package. In 2020, GoldON hired Orix Geoscience to take a broader look at the property and complete a structural study incorporating data from a 2020 MAG survey with all known lithological and mineralogical information and structural measurements. Results from the study include a vastly improved geological understanding of the property and recommendations for exploration in five new areas where deformation, folding, shearing and faulting have been mapped (see geology map with target areas and National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report). Despite the compelling exploration potential Slate Falls has demonstrated, GoldON's current focus is on its Red Lake area projects. The property is 100% owned, subject to a 2% net smelter returns (NSR) royalty, and GoldON may consider bringing in a joint-venture partner or a spinout of Slate Falls in the near future. Mike Kilbourne, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company. Strategic Advisor Referred to as a one-man project generator, Perry English joined GoldON as strategic advisor in early 2019. Perry is an experienced prospector specializing in northwestern Ontario and has been instrumental in helping the Company source quality projects in the Red Lake area. The camp remains extremely active and we are always reviewing new opportunities to bring into the project portfolio that offer intriguing risk/reward metrics. "While our current focus is squarely on the drilling campaign in progress at our West Madsen Project, we are also continuing to advance our other projects to the drill-ready stage," said Mike Romanik president of GoldON. "The goal is to create value for our shareholders through discovery." About GoldON Resources Ltd. GoldON is an exploration company focused on discovery-stage properties located in the prolific gold mining belts of northwestern Ontario, Canada. Our current project portfolio includes four properties in the Red Lake Mining Division (West Madsen, Pipestone Bay, McDonough and Bruce Lake) and a fifth property in the Patricia Mining Division (Slate Falls). GoldON is fully funded to complete the Phase II drilling program in progress at West Madsen. For additional information: please visit our website at goldonresources.com, you can download our latest investor presentation by clicking here and you can follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GoldONResources. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Signed "Michael Romanik" Michael Romanik, President GoldON Resources Ltd. Direct line: (204) 724-0613 Email: info@goldonresources.com Suite 108 - 800 Kelly Road, Suite 416 Victoria, BC, V9B 6J9 Forward-Looking Statements: This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74496 Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan received today Chairman of the State Cadastre Committee of Armenia Suren Tovmasyan and his deputy Aram Petrosyan, the Presidents Office told Armenpress. The cooperation between the respective structures of Armenia and Artsakh was discussed during the meeting. The President of Artsakh informed that after the recent war large-scale urban development projects are being implemented in the Republic, in this respect highlighting the importance of harmonious work with the government of Armenia. The meeting was also attended by Chairman of Artsakhs Cadastre and State Property Management Committee Karen Shahramanyan. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Native American women and girls know their heritage puts them at risk. They tell each other to take care. They all know it is easy for someone to take them and kill them and get away with it. Preyed upon by attackers, rapists and killers familiar with the empty reaches of reservations, the patchwork of jurisdictions, the disregard of some and the silence of others, they are in danger just for being a Native woman or girl. The statistics are grim. A report from the National Institute of Justice found that more than four out of five Native American women have experienced violence in their lives. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control reported that homicide is the third leading cause of death among Native American women between the ages of 10 and 24. The Department of Justice has reported Native American women are 10 times more likely to be murdered than other Americans. On the 1.3-million-acre Yakama Reservation, women have passed down stories from as far back as the mid-1800s of rape and murder by miners, by soldiers, by other outsiders. The passage of time does not diminish the terror of these assaults, which continue today. No one knows exactly how many Native girls and women have gone missing on or near the Yakama reservation. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Findit, Inc. (OTC PINK:FDIT) owner of Findit.com, a full-service social networking platform that provides online marketing campaigns and tools for members to increase brand awareness through content creation and sharing, resulting in indexing in search engines is highlighting: Titan Roofing, Carolina Pool Consultants, and Freedom Loan Resolution. In today's release, Findit will be highlighting three featured members that utilize Findit marketing campaigns. Each of these members on Findit has a recurring monthly marketing campaign with Findit that helps improve their overall web presence through search and social media. Findit offers a full suite of marketing services to each of these clients, from content creation to social sharing to video production and more to heighten their overall online presence, aiding them in reaching the audience that is looking for them throughout the web. Our first featured member is Titan Roofing. Titan Roofing has had an on-going monthly marketing campaign with Findit for several years now. They have claimed a total of 14 names on Findit to target the services that they offer in the areas that they provide those services in. Titan Roofing is a locally owned and operated roofing company in Charleston SC that serves the Greater Charleston Area including: Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek, Summerville, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and more. Recently, Titan Roofing acquired a sheet metal fabrication machine, the Cidan K25-30 Combi, and they now offer professional sheet metal fabrication services for metal roofing for other roofing companies, businesses and individuals. Findit's campaign has shifted focus to this new service across Charleston SC to help improve exposure for keywords surrounding metal roofing fabrication services and sheet metal fabrication. Get in touch with Titan Roofing today by calling 843-647-3183. Findit also produced new videos to target this search term and their fabrication services. Follow Titan Roofing on Findit findit.com/metal-roofing-fabrication-services-charleston Our second featured Findit member is Carolina Pool Consultants. Carolina Pool Consultants is a year-round pool builder in Denver, NC, that specializes in concrete pool design and installation services. With years of experience in the industry, homeowners in the Greater Denver NC, rely on CPC Pools for custom concrete pool installation. CPC Pools offers personal, one on one consultations with homeowners to come up with the best design for their space. During your consultation, CPC Pools will help go over with you the benefits of concrete pools and what makes them the preferred choice over vinyl liner or fiberglass pools. Visit Carolina Pool Consultants online at mycpcpools.com and call them at 704-799-5236 to schedule your free pool estimate. Throughout their campaign, Findit has focused its marketing efforts on towns across Greater Denver, NC, including Lake Norman, Charlotte, Cornelius, Terrell, and more. Currently, Findit is focusing its efforts on improving indexing for CPC Pools in Denver, NC under the various keywords that describe the services they offer. Findit has produced several videos for Carolina Pool Consultants targeting concrete pool building services in Denver NC. Follow Carolina Pool Consultants on Findit findit.com/inground-concrete-pools-installed-denver-nc Our final featured member, Freedom Loan Resolution offers professional student debt relief counseling services to students with student loans. Some of the services they provide are student debt relief solutions, student loan debt consolidation, and student debt relief counseling to assist students with their debt relief applications. Freedom Loan Resolution will review each student's financial situation that they work with to best determine the course of action to take to get their client student debt relief. While there are no guarantees, Freedom Loan Resolution will assist students in taking control of their student loan debt. As part of their marketing campaign, Findit set up three Findit URLs targeting the keywords that describe the services Freedom Loan Resolution offers. Findit has also produced videos for Freedom Loan Resolution to include in the content that we create for them and share throughout social media. By claiming these names on Findit, and creating content in each URL that is related to that URL, Findit assists Freedom Loan Resolution in increasing tangible search results in search engines and reaching the audiences that are looking for the services that they provide. Follow Freedom Loan Resolution on Findit findit.com/freedom-loan-resolution-services Claim your Name on Findit today with a Findit URL. Findit URLs are $9.95 per month, and each name only exists once on Findit. There is no limit to the number of URLs that you can have, and URLs that are not renewed on a monthly basis do have the ability to be claimed by other people or businesses. The videos embedded in this release were produced by Findit as part of the marketing campaigns provided to these companies. Findit also welcomes individuals who are looking to post the content that they want seen and shared without censorship. Findit does not have algorithms in place that controls which posts show up and which posts do not and does not censor content unless it is of pornographic or terroristic nature or inciting violence. Want to be a featured member on Findit? Get in touch with us at 404-443-3224 or email clark@findit.com. Download the Findit App today and let the world see what you have to say and share with them. Google Apple About Findit, Inc. Findit.com which is a Social Media Content Management Platform that provides an interactive search engine for all content posted in Findit to appear in Findit search. The site is an open platform that provides access to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines access to its content posted to Findit so it can be indexed in these search engines as well. Findit provides Members the ability to post, share and manage their content. Once they have posted in Findit, we ensure the content gets indexed in Findit Search results. Findit provides an option for anyone to submit URLs that they want indexed in Findit search result, along with posting status updates through Findit Right Now. Status Updates posted in Findit can be crawled by outside search engines which can result in additional organic indexing. All posts on Findit can be shared to other social and bookmarking sites by members and non-members. Findit provides Real Estate Agents the ability to create their own Findit Site where they can pull in their listing and others through their IDX account. Findit, Inc., is focused on the development of monetized Internet-based web products that can provide an increase in brand awareness of our members. Findit, Inc., trades under the stock symbol FDIT on the OTC Pinksheets. Safe Harbor: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding potential sales, the success of the company's business, as well as statements that include the word believe or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Findit, Inc. to differ materially from those implied or expressed. CONTACT: Clark St. Amant 404-443-3224 SOURCE: Findit, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629912/Findit-Features-Titan-Roofing-Carolina-Pool-Consultants-and-Freedom-Loan-Resolution-Who-Have-Recurring-Monthly-Marketing-Campaigns-on-Findit In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Gevorg Petrosian complained about BHK leaders lack of determination to make clear and timely political evaluations of illegal persecutions and other abuses committed in the country. When I filled that gap and called things by their real name I caused inexplicable concerns among some of my colleagues, he wrote vaguely. Petrosian did not specify BHK positions or actions with which he disagrees. He said only that he will serve as an independent parliamentarian from now on. Petrosian did not return phone calls later in the day. Senior BHK figures also declined to comment on his exit, which reduced to 23 the number of seats in Armenias 132-member parliament controlled by Tsarukians party. Petrosian, 48, has strongly criticized the Armenian government and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian in particular for the last two years. But unlike Tsarukian and other prominent BHK figures, he did not deliver speeches at recent anti-government rallies held by an alliance of 17 opposition parties seeking to oust Pashinian. The alliance called the Homeland Salvation Movement has scheduled its next rally for February 20. Tsarukian is expected to attend it. Petrosian has already had a turbulent relationship with the BHK leadership in the past. He left the party in 2010 but rejoined it five years later. He was expelled from the party ranks in 2016 only to be elected to the parliament on BHK ticket the following year. Tamil Nadu: 15,000 tonnes of dry fish worth Rs.500 cr. lying in warehouses by L Srikrishna February 16,2021 | Source: The Hindu Fishermen have appealed to the Central government to immediately hold talks with the Sri Lankan authorities and help lift the ban imposed on dry fish exports from India to the island nation as nearly 15,000 metric tons of dry fish valued at Rs.500 crore was lying in warehouses since November 2020. AITUC fishermen association state president S. Muruganandam told The Hindu on Monday that the Sri Lankan government had banned import of dry fish from India since November 2020. The fishermen in coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, who ventured into the sea, procured superior quality fish, meant exclusively for exports. Almost 20 to 25 % of the produce was bought by the exporters, who processed and exported them as dry fish to Sri Lanka and other countries. Among the dry fish, maasi, katta and nethili were the most sought after varieties in Sri Lanka. However, the island nation's ban had crippled exports since November last year and the goods were lying in Thoothukudi warehouses, he said. Though no reasons were assigned by officials for the ban, Mr. Muruganandam claimed that dry fish was being exported by Pakistan and Maldives to Sri Lanka. Before November 2020, the Sri Lankan government had imposed additional taxes on imports of dry fish from India and subsequently they banned it. It is almost 100 days now and our goods are lying in the warehouses in Thoothukudi, he added. As a result, many fishermen were yet to get their wages and some of the exporters too have been unable to keep up their financial commitments with the banks, he said and hoped that the Centre would intervene with the Sri Lankan authorities and get the ban lifted. Moreover, the fishermen also expected the State government to give them adequate space in the warehouses to stock the dry fish without imposing charges until the goods were exported. 2021, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Despite recent efforts to upgrade New Mexicos connectivity, the states broadband coverage continues to lag behind that of other states. A bill aimed at shoring up the broadband shortcomings which have been exposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic passed its first Senate committee 8-3 Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The measure, Senate Bill 93, would establish an office in state government to oversee a statewide broadband plan and negotiate broadband rights of way with local governments. What we need is coordination; what we need is a plan, bill sponsor Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, said during Tuesdays meeting of the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee. The bill is one of several broadband-related proposals that have been introduced during the 60-day legislative session. It calls for a $950,000 appropriation to staff the new broadband office and hire a director, who would be appointed by the governor. Although the state already has a Department of Information Technology, that agency oversees a broad range of technology issues, and several legislative reports have recommended creation of an office to focus specifically on broadband challenges. Representatives of several business groups testified in favor of the legislation Tuesday, but skeptics expressed concern about the idea of creating a new state office amid recent growth in the number of Cabinet-level state government agencies. Our government has exploded since the Gary Johnson administration, said Senate Minority Whip Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rancho, referring to the former GOP governor who held office from 1995 through 2002. Nationwide, New Mexico is the 49th-best connected state in the country, according to BroadbandNow, a broadband availability website. While average download speeds are fast in parts of the state such as Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Clovis, access to high-speed internet connections is lacking in many parts of New Mexico. And the issue of broadband connectivity has been laid bare by the pandemic, which has forced many New Mexicans to work and attend school remotely. Twenty-one percent of students in public schools about 66,200 live in households without internet subscriptions, according a Legislative Finance Committee report released last year. And about 1,100 students live outside the reach of cellphone or broadband service, even if their parents could afford it, the report said. Padilla, who has also pushed for broadband bills in past legislative sessions, said the state would ultimately need to invest between $500 million and $800 million to fully bring its network up to speed. The measure now advances to the Senate Finance Committee. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The sauerkraut mellows beautifully when simmered with the meat. However, you can skip the sauerkraut and instead, make the stew with all fresh cabbage; use 1 small whole head of cabbage. Adjust seasonings with a couple of teaspoons apple cider vinegar, if you like. Smoked turkey or chicken can sub for the ham, if you prefer, but add those along with the sausage near the end of the cooking. A consignment of made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines have been received in Dominican Republic as India's 'Vaccine Maitri' programme reached the Carribean. "Delivered to Dominican Republic. 'Vaccine Maitri' reaches our Caribbean friends," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted on Tuesday, along with pictures of the consignment being received in Dominican Republic. Jaishankar also retweeted Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader's tweet stating that AstraZeneca vaccines from India had been received and his country will start vaccinating front-line personnel. Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez tweeted, "At a crucial moment, the Indian govt assists by accelerating the delivery of 20,000 doses of AZ to the dom people. Thank you." Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs had said India provided over 229 lakh doses of coronavirus vaccines to various countries out of which 64 lakh doses have been supplied as grant assistance and 165 lakh on commercial basis. In the coming weeks, vaccines will be supplied to more countries in Africa, Latin America, CARICOM and the Pacific Island states, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said. In a major announcement, India on January 19 said it will send COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance to several countries. India is one of the world's biggest drugmakers, and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring anti-coronavirus vaccines. Also read: Tata Motors-owned JLR aims to go 100% electric by 2039 WASHINGTON - An Arctic blast continued to wreak havoc across a large swath of the United States on Tuesday after a snowstorm left more than a dozen dead and millions without power, with officials in some places saying residents might be in the dark for days. And it's not over. A second storm had begun taking shape Tuesday night, aimed at the nation's southern tier and some of the same hard-hit areas, according to The Washington Post. Among those killed were a 10-year-old boy who fell through ice near Millington, Tenn., and a woman and a girl who died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Houston after a car was left running in a garage to keep them warm, according to police. A tornado associated with the storm system also struck North Carolina, killing at least three and injuring 10. Wind-chill watches and warnings stretched from the Dakotas to the Gulf Coast as the coldest of this Arctic outbreak hit Tuesday morning, with Dallas, Houston, and Oklahoma City posting their lowest temperatures since at least 1989. With nearly three-quarters of the contiguous United States blanketed by snow, at midafternoon Tuesday, there were 3.8 million still without power in Texas, and thousands more in 16 states, including Oregon, Kentucky, Louisiana and West Virginia, according to the website PowerOutage.us. In many places, temperatures were colder than in Alaska, the National Weather Service in the Kansas City area noted in a tweet; Anchorage saw a comparatively balmy low of 20 degrees. In Kansas City, the temperature was minus-10 Tuesday morning, and St. Joseph, Mo., was minus-21, compared with 5 degrees above zero in Fairbanks. Texas was hit especially hard. In Corpus Christi, a coastal community in the southern part of the state, preparations are typically underway to host an influx of students for spring break at this time of year. But on Tuesday morning, the temperature had plunged to 19 degrees, causing pipes to burst and straining the city's ability to care for its residents. 5 1 of 5 Photo for The Washington Post by Nick Oxford Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Photo for The Washington Post by Rory Doyle Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Photo for The Washington Post by Sergio Flores Show More Show Less 5 of 5 "This cold has been extremely difficult on us because we are a coastal community of 300-plus days of warm weather a year," said Mayor Paulette Guajardo, who has been on the job for a month. "We are just completely unaccustomed to it - we are a bathing-suit-and-shorts community, but we are going to get through it, and we are going to be stronger because of it." Like the rest of Texas, Corpus Christi has been hit by sustained power outages, with Guajardo estimating that at least a third of her city's 325,000 residents have lost power. She and numerous officials around the state said the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) "failed" Texans by not doing enough to prepare for the cold snap. ERCOT operates the state's electric grid. "There was a lack of communication," said Guajardo, a Democrat. "On one hand, we were told there was going to be 'rolling blackouts.' But there was never rolling blackouts. There were just blackouts, and so you had residents who just were not prepared." The storm also threw the nation's coronavirus vaccination plans into disarray as inoculation sites across the country were shut down because of power outages and hazardous weather, while shipments are delayed because of poor road conditions. The Texas Department of State Health Services said shipments would start arriving Wednesday. "No one wants to put vaccine at risk by attempting to deliver it in dangerous conditions," it said. The delays also affected states that were not heavily hit by the storm because they rely on vaccine doses shipped from those that were. The grocery chain Publix stopped taking appointments for vaccinations in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, citing the shipping delays. A spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said federal officials are "projecting widespread delays in COVID-19 vaccine shipments and deliveries over the next few days" tied to poor weather in distribution hubs out of Louisville, Ky., and Memphis, Tenn. Officials in Harris County, which includes Houston, rushed to deploy more than 5,000 doses after a storage facility lost power and the backup generator failed early Monday. They distributed the vaccine doses to Rice University, a local health system and the county jail. In Oklahoma, people 65 and older who canceled their vaccine appointments opened up slots for teachers and adults with comorbidities, who were not due to begin receiving shots until Feb. 22, according to the state's rollout plan. Walmart temporarily closed more than 500 stores in Texas and elsewhere in the South. Immigration courts and other civic business in the United States ground to a halt. In Texas, officials pointed fingers about who was responsible for the large-scale failure of the state's power grid, as offline gas-fired and nuclear power plants and frozen wind turbines left more than 4 million without power in the storm's immediate aftermath, including some who had been in the dark for more than 24 hours. Utility officials are warning Houston residents that the power outages could last "several more days." Residents in other states, including Kansas and Nebraska, experienced rolling power outages as utilities struggled to cope with the strain on their systems. "I just got out of the hospital a few weeks ago with acute respiratory failure. I was sleeping with my oxygen on and woke up to the power being out," said Allison Campos, who lives in Fallbrook in northwestern Houston. "I am terrified. I stop breathing, and my heart stops when I'm sleeping. I have one tank for short trips. I'm supposed to be on three liters, but I have it set to two to conserve." Stephen Streiker and his wife, Jacqueline, spent Monday night huddled inside their frigid apartment in the Las Colinas section of Irving, Texas, trying to keep warm. The two of them were "down to one battery pack and candles and a 7-pound miniature dachshund for warmth here," Streiker said in an email Monday night. Reached early Tuesday morning, he said that the outage was going on 28 hours, and that they were planning to leave their apartment to seek heat elsewhere. "Whatever stored up warmth we had in the apartment is gone. I'm guessing inside temp is around 50, and dropping. It is 1-degree outside," Streiker said. "We are going to have to decamp. 28 hours-plus with no electricity." He said many of his neighbors had slept in running vehicles in their parking structure in a dangerous attempt to keep warm overnight. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said he would suggest a re-formation of the state's grid operator an emergency item for this legislative session, and the speaker of the Texas House called for hearings on what went wrong. ERCOT, the operator, blamed the icy weather for affecting thermal power plants, which include gas, coal and nuclear sources. "Far too many Texans are without power and heat for their homes as our state faces freezing temperatures and severe winter weather," Abbott said in a statement. "This is unacceptable." In Oklahoma, homeless shelters opened up extra beds, and Tulsa residents had raised $1.5 million since Friday to put up hundreds more people in hotels and motels. Outreach organizations planned to begin sending housing assistance coordinators to hotels and motels to try to secure long-term placements for as many homeless people as possible. Paramedics were called to a homeless encampment in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Tuesday to treat a man who was suffering from frostbite on his feet. They took the man to a hospital, but others at the camp stayed behind after declining rides to a city heating center. One resident had built a fire to thaw bottles of water as the temperature in the city fell to minus-14 on Tuesday morning, the coldest since 1899. Cyrus Whittaker, who has lived in the camp for 3 1/2 months, said the past couple of nights outside have been "miserably cold." Residents have done whatever they can to keep warm, he said, including "huddling up in a single tent to make sure we were not going to freeze for the night." He was working with representatives of the city's Homeless Alliance for things the camp needs - propane, firewood and food. Living outdoors is rough, he said. "It's not at all what you would think as your ancestors went through here settling here as pioneers," Whittaker said. "It sucks, and that's putting it the polite way." In Kentucky, Boyd County Judge Executive Eric Chaney asked the state's governor to send in the National Guard as hundreds of residents were living in precarious conditions without power after an ice storm last week downed hundreds of trees and knocked out 44% of the county's electricity. Many were able to make it through the first few days without power with generators, but they were running low on fuel when a second ice storm hit Monday. National Guard members rescued more than 30 residents and transported them to the county's warming center. Now, Chaney said, the county is bracing for another storm - with three to five inches of snow expected. In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, declared a state of emergency Sunday before snow covered the roadways, creating hazardous driving conditions Monday. While the sun came out Tuesday afternoon, the Mississippi Department of Transportation took to social media to encourage Southern drivers unused to the conditions to "stay home" and to not "be fooled" by the sunnier skies. In New Orleans, where the city had scaled back its Mardi Gras festivities because of the coronavirus pandemic, some residents and visitors still tried to celebrate the town's famous holiday. On Esplanade Avenue, Jeanne Nathan, 79, and Bob Tannen, 83, sat outside early Tuesday dressed in big winter coats, to catch people passing their "house float," featuring a fiberglass cast made by Tannen, of "Marlina," the largest blue marlin caught in the Gulf of Mexico by a woman. It was 27 degrees, a cold made worse by the tropical city's humidity. "Even though I once lived in New Hampshire, this is colder," Tannen said. - - - The Washington Post's Knowles Adkisson in Little Rock, Ark., Andrea Eger in Tulsa, Okla., Nick Oxford in Oklahoma City, Okla., Katy Reckdahl in New Orleans, Jef Rouner in Houston, Sarah Fowler in Jackson, Miss., Silvia Foster-Frau and Arelis R. Hernandez in San Antonio, and Brittany Shammas, Matthew Cappucci, Paulina Firozi and Dino Grandoni in Washington contributed to this report. Vaughan, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Spyder Cannabis Inc. (TSXV: SPDR) ("Spyder" or the "Company"), an established Canadian cannabis and vape retailer, is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Spyder Cannabis Subco Inc. ("Spyder Subco"), has received notice from the City of Pickering regarding an initial inspection of the Company's proposed cannabis dispensary located at 776 Liverpool Rd., Unit 4, Pickering, Ontario, L1W 1S2. Spyder Subco has a Retail Operator License issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (the "AGCO") and currently operates a cannabis dispensary in Niagara Falls, Ontario. In anticipation of the city's approval of the sale of cannabis in Pickering, the Company secured a retail premises and began to build out the location in 2019. The inspection is scheduled to take place during the week of February 16, 2021. Subject to passing the inspection, and making any necessary modifications, Spyder Subco will be placed in the queue of applications and will await receipt of a Retail Store Authorization from the AGCO for the new premises, permitting the Company to begin operating a licensed cannabis dispensary in Pickering and its second dispensary in Ontario. Dan Pelchovitz, President & CEO of Spyder, commented, "Pickering is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet, and boasts a growing population of approximately 100,000 residents. Spyder's team is excited to bring its brand name and best-in-class customer service to one of the fastest growing cities in Ontario." About Spyder Cannabis Inc. Spyder is a cannabis and vape retailer that operates in jurisdictions where the products are federally legal in Canada. The Company, through its subsidiaries, is a retailer involved in the development of two retail business units. The first is the sale of cannabis products and the second is the sale of smoking cessation products. Cautionary Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance of the Company. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "may", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the parties. The material factors and assumptions include regulatory and other third-party approvals, licensing and other risks. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the parties are not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. For further information, please contact: Spyder Cannabis Inc. Dan Pelchovitz President & CEO T: 1.888.504.7737 E: corporate@spydercannabis.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74503 Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, say goodbye to law and order Joe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Puducherry, Feb 17 : Finally, Malladi Krishna Rao who resigned from Congress party to join the BJP seems to have fulfilled his by ensuring removal of Kiran Bedi as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Rao had been in constant war with Bedi for the last three and half years, over several key issues that were handled by ministries' under him. A senior Congress leader from Puducherry told IANS that Rao's foremost demand was to ensure that Bedi was removed, for that he had fought on a number of occasions. "He had taken it personally, when Bedi had obliquely referred to him as mentally challenged person. This happened in the beginning of their long drawn battle," the source added. The source added that Rao being minister had even staged a walk-out over her delivering her customary address to the legislature session annually. "On one occasion he even wore black shirt in protest of her presence in Legislature and he declared openly that was wearing black shirt in protest of she being lieutenant governor," the source explained. The source added that among all ministers, Bedi used to unusually delay in clearing files related to Rao's departments. "According to him, she had targeted him by unsettling his favourite officers. Never cleared files without delaying it by months. Many pro-people schemes planned by him were held for nearly six to eight months. This used to invariably lead to friction among both. He used to sit in protests in front of Raj Nivas. This is the one reason why he left us. Only to teach her a lesson of her lifetime," the source claimed. The source added based on this one can safely conclude that he must have placed demand with BJP high command to remove her from her coveted post. "He cannot stand by her. He had vowed in front of Congress leaders that he would do anything to get rid of her from Puducherry and he must have fulfilled it," a leader said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text KICKING OFF his first national county tour since assuming the Liberian presidency, President George Manneh Weah, in Gbarnga, Bong County last Friday to launch the National Agriculture Trade Fair, issued a clarion call to farmers' organizations to adopt the business approach to agriculture in a bid to bolster sustainably toward commercialization. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST time, President Weah - or any Liberian leader for that matter has made agriculture a centerpiece agenda item. IN THE WANING days of his presidency, late president William R. Tolbert touted agriculture, instilled in the minds of Liberians the disadvantages of heavy reliance on a single commodity. SIMILARLY TO NOW, recovery was relatively slow under Tolbert amid rather sluggish shipments of iron ore and the declined of increased production after a Japanese group postponed a $500million ironmining venture at the time. FOR YEARS, PRIOR TO civil war, Liberia's highgrade iron deposits served as chief source of income. FOR TOLBERT, there were simply too many holes to fill and utilizing the land for food production was really the only alternative. IN THIS LIGHT, President Tolbert kicked off largescale projects to increase production of rice, palm oil and other crops. The program was carried out by Agrimeco, an Israelimanaged Government entity and modeled after a similar successful program in. the Ivory Coast. TOLBERT, WHO succeeded the late William V, S. Tubman in 1971, was a strong advocate of basic development to raise living standards for the masses of the people--in his words "from the mats on the floor to a mattress on every bed." UNDER HIS PLAN at the time, Agrimeco has started landclearing operations and is planning food and cash crops to be planted by villages and. farmer cooperatives. In addition, the Vanply Company, a subsidiary of the Skelly Oil Company of Tulsa, Okla., moved ahead toward develop. ing a large lumbering concession in, the central part of the country. TOLBERT SUCCESSFULLY ENSURED that forestry products joined ironore and natural rubber as major exports for Liberia. MR. TOLBERT'S SUCCESSOR, Samuel Doe's government sought to increase public sector resource allocation to the sector. A Green Revolution Action Plan prepared by the government, which elaborated the nature and scope of the new policy changes, especially longer term planning, was awaiting validation when the civil war broke out at the end of 1989. NOW COMES PRESIDENT WEAH, who is hoping to continue the trend, but with his own twist. FOR PRESIDENT WEAH, the emphasis is on funding. With the support of the World Bank which has made available sixty million United States dollars in funding the private sector farming in Liberia, large skills and smallholders farming are likely to get a boost. THE PRESIDENT HAS ALSO set up a technical committee comprising of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Justice and other agencies to work along with banks to insure qualifications, allocations and disbursement of funds to agriculture institutions. THE PRESIDENT SAID last Friday that his government is making all efforts to enable the country to graduate from primary industry. "Success of these depends on the performance of all stakeholders in the agriculture sector," said President Weah. SAID THE PRESIDENT: "Government is fully aware to improving the agriculture sector's performance for increased food and income security with a few of achieving overall economic growth and reducing poverty in the country". PRESIDENT WEAH went on to say that he expects improvement every year due to the quality of products exhibited at the fair. BEYOND WORDS, President Weahs' biggest challenge would lie on how his administration emphasizes action and implementation over mere words. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER is that agriculture is the primary livelihood for more than 60 percent of Liberia's population and provides sustenance for many households engaging in cassava, rubber, rice, oil palm, cocoa, or sugarcane production. Additionally, more households engage in cassava production than any other crop. However, overall agricultural productivity is low, resulting in Liberia importing more than 80 percent of its rice, making the country vulnerable to global food price volatility. TO IMPROVE THESE STATISTICS, the Weah administration must ensure that the poorly integrated sector lacking basic infrastructure such as machines, farming equipment/tools, farm-to-market roads, fertilizers and pesticides, and food storage capacity get a major boost in the short term. GOVERNMENT MUST BEGIN to lay emphasis on main cash crops and foreign exchange earners are rubber, cocoa, and timber. WHAT LIBERIA HAS GOING for it is a favorable climate and fertile soil for cocoa and rice production. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Agribusiness By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. INVESTMENT IN LOWLAND cultivation and low-cost irrigation would give smallholders an opportunity to increase productivity and expand market share of these valuable crops. ADDITIONALLY, THE COUNTRY'S Atlantic coastline spanning about 580 kilometers endowed with abundant marine fish stocks. The coastline and abundant freshwater resources provide breeding grounds varieties of marine species including crab, lobster, shrimp, tilapia, tuna, shark, croaker, and barracuda. SIMPLY PUT, Africa's oldest republic is sitting on a haven of resources. Thus, there should be no reason for anyone to whine and cry about poverty when the answers to much of its problems lie in a poorly-funded sector that has been underused and dormant for years. AS PRESIDENT WEAH continues his tour of the counties, it is our hope that he will continue to project a message of hope, reconciliation and make a strong case to all Liberians about the importance of investing in agriculture. HIS MESSAGE must resonate beyond the words, beyond the rhetoric and must be backed by action and a well-plan program to implement his desired objectives. A truck driver has put a man in hospital after crushing him into the side of his car in a shocking road rage incident. Bader Lebde, 30, was squashed into his car in Greenacre, Sydney's south-west, at around 5.30pm on Monday. Mr Lebde was taken to Westmead Hospital with serious injuries after being treated by paramedics at the scene. Bader Lebde, 30, was squashed into his car in the Sydney inner-west suburb of Greenacre on Monday afternoon Mr Lebde was taken to Westmead Hospital with serious injuries after being treated by paramedics at the scene Mr Lebde suffered a broken rib and tears in the muscles of his right leg and groin, reported Nine News. Dashcam footage from Amanda Lum shows the truck running into Mr Lebe, who is standing next to his parked car on a suburban street, before driving off. The motorist stumbles while gripping onto his car as the truck driver speeds off, and his black car has dents on its side. The motorist stumbles while gripping onto his car as the truck driver drives off, and his black car has dents on its side Tony Hurst said he witnessed the incident after hearing an argument from inside his house. 'He hopped around the side of his car, swearing and carrying on about the truck driver and then he virtually collapsed around the front of the car,' Mr Hurst said. 'He was in pain writhing around near the front wheel.' Police have urged members of the public with information of footage of the truck driver to come forward. For watch collectors and horologists alike, shopping trips to dealerships for the last six months would have been futile. That's because the company, famed for its waterproof watches that never depreciate, clamped down on factory production for three months starting March 2020. The result: Shelves in stores were almost empty with limited products on sale not just in India but across the world. Dealers across the country have less than two or three dozen watches as compared to the 200 to 250 they would normally stock. Did that curb sales enthusiasm or impact the company's brand cache? On the contrary, demand has never been stronger, say authorised dealers in Delhi who requested not to be named. Part of this has to do with Rolex's unique market tactics of supply and demand that tightly control the numbers of select models that the Geneva headquartered luxury watchmaker gives out to dealers to sell. For example, its steel and gold watches in certain sports models end up being cheaper than an all-steel version because there are fewer of the steel ones supplied. The Cosmograph Daytona, which is a chronograph, always has a waiting period of a year or even more it's gone up further during the pandemic and a premium that can be as much as the retail price of the watch. For most of its watches, the company raises prices like clockwork annually. So, an Oyster Perpetual model, which cost around Rs 3.85 lakh last year, is now priced at Rs 4.25 lakh a 10 per cent increase. Collectors and buyers alike know that the watch they are buying today will be at least 50 per cent more expensive in a few years. And that naturally rubs off to the resale price, forming a virtuous cycle, keeping prices and value constantly on the climb, says Edward Lee, a Kolkata-based collector of vintage and modern watches. Rolex watches are consistently sought after and keep appreciating, adds Rishad Cooper, a Pune-based watch collector and Rolex expert. "Rolex watches are perfectly designed for comfort on the wrist. They are robustly constructed and cased, from excellent raw materials to keep accurate time, with consistent reliability," says the aficionado. "The design language of famous sub-brands such as Datejust, Day-Date, Submariner, GMT-Master and Explorer, while keeping pace with technology to embrace subtle upgrades, are kept largely and carefully unchanged to feed generations of familiarity. This grows demand and keeps values headed North," Cooper adds. Then, of course, there's the legacy spanning decades of success. Is there more to the formula? For starters, Rolex has been masterful at playing the demand-supply game, limiting its issue of coveted and in-demand watches to only one or two pieces per dealership. That specifically includes stainless steel models like the Daytona, the Submariner, GMT, Explorer I and Explorer II, and of late the newly launched Oyster Perpetual with coloured lacquered dials. "For Rolex, there is very little supply in the second-hand market because new supplies are constricted and people are also aware of the fact that these are starting to appreciate," says Imran Khan, partner, Well Known Watch House, a Mumbai retailer of both new and vintage multi-brand watches. While other brands, such as Panerai for example, too are seeing sales rebound but there isn't a premium, wait time or shortage. That applies to brands such as Omega, IWC, and Cartier as well. Is there a premium on all Rolex watches? Khan says, officially no, but the market reality is that "there is a premium that dealerships from London and New York City to Dubai slap on and it can range from 50 per cent to 100 per cent on select models". These include the Milgauss, the Cosmograph, Oyster Perpetual, GMT and the Explorers II. Khan says that around six Rolex watches come up for resale every month at his store. Last year, however, saw less than one in a month on an average, he says. Pratik Dalmia, founder Mumbai-based Regalia Luxury Retail, which sells high-end watch brands such as Bovet, says that the other dynamic is that " the luxury timepiece category has seen demand staying relatively insulated from Covid, largely due to reallocation of budgets from other discretionary categories such as foreign holidays and extravagant celebrations, amongst others. This, he adds, has led to major watch brands such as Rolex seeing an over-demand from collectors and consumers alike. Police are continuing to search for Messiah Young, 20, who is missing in remote country on the border of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The body of another 20-year-old man Mr Young was travelling with was found on Tuesday, with police confirming his identity on Wednesday. The mans family has requested his name or image not be published for cultural reasons. The men went missing near the Docker River Aboriginal Community (Kaltukatjara) in the NT after leaving to drive south to the Wingellina Aboriginal Community in WA on February 8. Their white Toyota Landcruiser Prado broke down and was found on Thursday, February 11. Christians in an Iranian city were prohibited to hold gatherings, both virtually and in person, a report reveals. Authorities in Fardis of Iran's Alborz Province have ordered 11 Christian couples to sign agreements, stopping them from having meetings in any form in recent weeks, Article 18 News reported. When they refused, the agents of the nation's Ministry of Intelligence threatened the Christians with imprisonment and told them to leave the country. The incident follows coordinated raids to a dozen Christian families in November last year. No arrests were made at the time, but many of their personal property were confiscated, such as laptops, Bibles, phones, Christian literature and other Christian materials. They are reportedly expecting to be summoned too. Signing agreements like this are routinely demanded from Iranian Christians during interrogations. But this is the first occurrence wherein they were ordered to stop social engagements in all forms. Though Christians are allowed to hold gatherings, they are required to secure permits to do so, whether gatherings are online or in person. This privilege is not extended to Christian converts, however, whom the government does not recognize as Christians but are regarded as "Zionist" cult members instead. In addition, converts are not allowed to attend the recognized churches of the Armenian and Assyrian ethnic minorities. With this, they can only attend house-churches which are operating illegally. They are usually arrested and charged with "actions against national security." Currently, 15 Christians are facing such charges while two others are punished with internal exile. The Iranian government even labels the house churches as "enemy groups," in its response last month to the United Nations' investigation over the country's treatment of Christians. The Parliament of Iran has been trying to pass a bill which would penalize "illegal" group members for online activities. But the Guardian Council has been requesting for its amendments and has sent it back twice. The bill proposes additions to Islamic Penal Code's articles 499 and 500, relative to support and membership for groups that are considered "hostile" to the government. It would add extra wording to the articles, such as "propaganda contrary to Islam," whether in the "real or virtual sphere" and "deviant psychological manipulation" by "sects." The punishment would include flogging, imprisonment, fines and death penalty. Hossein Ahmadiniaz, a human rights lawyer, shared his opinion about the proposal. He said that if it becomes a law, it would "facilitate the repression and punishment of Christian converts and others belonging to unrecognised religious groups." "The law should protect citizens, including Christian converts and Baha'is, against the government. But in Iran the law has become a tool to justify the government's violent treatment of converts and other unrecognised minorities," the lawyer further stated. According to Open Doors UK, Iran only has about 800,000 Christians, less than one percent of its 83.5 million population. It ranks as the eighth country in the world most dangerous for believers. Though Christians from Armenian and Assyrian communities are recognized by the government, they are forbidden to share the gospel, as well as speaking in Persian during worship services. The United States government has asked the federal trial court in Virginia to impose a stiff sentence on Obiwanne Okeke, to serve as a deterrent to other Individuals with criminal tendencies. In its deposition, exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the U.S. authorities opposed the defendants plea for a lenient sentence. The public must have confidence that the activities of the defendant and his co-conspirators are treated with the utmost seriousness. The public must look at the actions of the defendant, being a participant in the online fraud schemes that have become so very prevalent, and know that such conduct cannot be tolerated. Individuals inclined to consider committing crimes like those of the defendant must be made to pause in thinking about the consequences that follow, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Raj Parekh, said. Mr Okeke, 33, also known as Invictus Obi, is due for sentencing on Tuesday, having pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge in June 2019. Okekes plea Mr Okekes attorney, John Iweanoge, had raised objections to some paragraphs in the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR), a document prepared by a probation officer to help the judge decide on a sentence. The PSR contains background information on the offender and can persuade the judge to reduce or impose the maximum jail term, according to the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Mr. Okeke objects to paragraphs 13, 21, and 76 dealing with restitution because Unatrac recovered approximately $2.5 million ($302,000.00 and $2.2000,000.00), which should reduce the actual loss amount to less than the intended fraud amount of $10,979.28, Mr Iweanoge stated in the objection. The defence lawyer also objected to the prosecution referring to Mr Okeke as the leader of the conspiracy for the fraud. In paragraph 12, in an attempt to justify the conclusion that Mr. Okeke was the leader and organiser, the PSR based this on the references in the emails to him as Chief and Boss. The reference to Mr. Okeke as Chief or Boss does not support the assertion that he was the leader and organiser of the conspiracy. Notwithstanding, the word Chief does not mean leader but a traditional title conferred by a village or community in Nigeria. Similarly, the use of the word Boss in the emails were used as slangs, he argued. Mr Iweanoge also cited the Urban dictionary definition of boss as A person who knows what he or she wants, knows how to get what he wants, and gets it when he wants. He prayed the judge not to impose the 97 to 121 months or 151-188 months stipulated for the crime. Mr Iweanoge urged the court to, instead, consider the history and characteristics of the defendant. According to him, Mr Okeke has strong ties with his family and plays an indispensable role in the lives of his 19-month-old daughter, his elderly sick mother, friends and beneficiaries of his philanthropies. Accordingly, any sentence within the Guidelines range would be far greater than necessary to achieve the 3553 sentencing goals, and time lower than the guideline sentence is warranted. Mr Iweanoge urged the court to grant Mr Okeke a considerate sentence because he is already punished by collateral consequences enumerated above. He also objected to the request by the prosecution that restitution and/or forfeiture should give credit for approximately $2.5 million recovered. ADVERTISEMENT U.S Govt stance The prosecution disagreed that the collateral effects of jail term on the defendant should mitigate his sentence. The guidelines do not consider many other collateral effects of sentencing the hardship placed on family, the stigma of a felony conviction and so on, because these are not effects that are germane to the sentencing calculus that the guidelines afford, the government posited. On the plea that he is a deportable alien, the U.S. governments lawyers stressed that Mr Okeke chose to engage in conduct that impacted victims in the United States and also travelled to the United States, where he was arrested. They insisted his non-citizen status should not be a reason to sentence him to less than 10 years in prison. The United States submits that a consideration of the Section 3553(a) factors warrants a guideline sentence as the guidelines substantially do reflect the nature and circumstances of the offence and the defendants background. Again, should the Court grant the objections of the parties, the appropriate sentence should not be less than 120 months. The lawyers urged the court to consider the need to protect the society, the need for a just punishment, deterrence and Mr Okekes criminal records. The defendant has no criminal history and the guidelines certainly credit this. But this factor cuts both ways, as the defendant committed this deliberate crime as a mature, educated adult. Clearly, the defendant could have used his technical skills for productive work, rather than using it to defraud other individuals and entities. Back story The chairperson of Abuja-based Invictus Group was arrested in 2019 on allegations of conspiracy with individuals, some of whom remain at large, to defraud American companies and individuals over a period of at least four years. Although he denied the charge before a federal judge in the U.S. for months, he later pleaded guilty to the allegation of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to cooperate with the American authorities last June. The guilty plea helped Mr Okeke, who was initially indicted on two counts of computer and wire fraud, to secure the withdrawal of the second charge that carries a lesser sentence and fines. As part of his deal with the U.S. government, he would enjoy immunity from prosecution on the same matter in the U.S. Eastern District of Virginia. The district will also confirm the validity of the plea agreement in case Mr Okeke is charged over the same offence in another jurisdiction. Although his sentencing was initially scheduled for October 22, 2020, it was postponed to Tuesday. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported how family members, an employee, a pastor, and others related to Mr Okeke have made appeals to the court for leniency, ahead of his sentencing. In a series of letters of attestation to character sent to Rebecca Smith, the judge handling the case at a Virginia court, they expressed shock about the involvement of Mr Okeke in the unlawful activities and pleaded he be given a second chance. They also pledged he would not take part in any unlawful act again. THE TYLER-NIC DEAL BY THE NUMBERS Tyler Technologies likely had more than $1 billion in revenue in 2020, while NIC had $461 million . in revenue in 2020, while NIC had . Tyler has more than 11,000 customers , while NIC has about 7,100 customers . , while NIC has about . Tyler has 5,600 employees , while NIC has about 1,000 employees . , while NIC has about . Tyler and NIC have about 30 offices each in the U.S. THE GOV TECH MARKET VIEW In whats most likely the largest gov tech deal ever one which would bring together a giant of local government software with a giant of state government software Tyler Technologies is moving to acquire NIC The deal, for which Tyler plans on spending $2.3 billion, still needs approval from regulators and NIC stockholders. But the price per share of both of the companies rose Tuesday following the news, and the acquisition is one Tyler has been working on for a very long time.We actually internally have had conversations at the highest level about NIC for probably 15-plus years just kind of off and on periodically, said Lynn Moore, Tylers CEO. Weve watched them in the market, theyre obviously a leader in the state public-sector space. A really quality company, quality leadership, a company of integrity. So weve looked at them from time to time, and really I would say going back to the summer is when we started getting really serious.I can tell you one of the hardest things for me over the last six, eight months has been trying to keep my mouth shut, he added.Moore said many of the details about exactly how the two companies will come together are either hush-hush because of the pending regulatory approval process or have yet to be worked out. Questions like what the structure will be and how they will work together will have to wait, and the CEO said it will be business as usual through the end of 2021.Our first mission is dont break any part of whats been their success. And were going to sit down with their team, were going to sit down with Harry Herington and were going to map out what is the best approach and really the timetable for that approach.As large as the two companies are NIC brought in $461 million in revenue last year, while Tyler likely pulled in more than $1 billion theres remarkably little overlap. Tylers focus has been on local government needs ranging from courts to open data to finance, while NIC has long been a force in digital services and payments for states.We really dont compete head-to-head with NIC, primarily because our presence in the state market is really pretty small, he said.One thing is for sure: Tyler will be looking to use the merger as a way to expand its footprint in the state market, as well as push further into the federal government These statewide enterprise contracts that they have, which are currently with 31 states those contracts are pretty open-ended, and for lack of a better term, allow for kind of a hunting license where they can go in and sell to different state agencies, Moore said. They have a few vertical solutions, we obviously have a number of vertical solutions. Its an opportunity where we can get more solutions to government customers.One of those customers is the state of Utah, which has worked with NIC going all the way back to 1998. Dave Fletcher, the states chief technology officer, said Utah runs its payment portal as well as several hundred digital services such as professional licensing and vehicle registration renewal.I interact with them once a week well, every day usually, on different issues, with as many different services as we have with them, he said. Its generally been a positive relationship.The state has also used the data platform Socrata for more than five years, since before Tyler Technologies bought that company out . So Utah has been through a Tyler acquisition before, and Fletcher said he had no complaints.Obviously Socrata was an important transition for us that we didnt want to lose the capabilities that we already had with Socrata because wed invested so much in what we had, he said. So were cautiously optimistic, I would say, because we want to make sure that we can continue on a progressive path where I think were anxious to speed up the progress of digital government and just want to ensure this doesnt impact that negatively in any way.He said he will be watching to see if NIC continues down a path of creating a standard-based platform for digital services, which allows the state to create services more easily and avoid starting from scratch.The deal is Tylers largest, but is surely the largest in gov tech history as well. Jeff Cook, a managing director at the mergers and acquisitions advisory firm Shea & Co., was involved in another of the largest gov tech deals when CentralSquare came together in 2018. This deal is larger than that one.It could also be a good thing for the gov tech ecosystem as a whole.Whenever we have seen large acquisitions really in any market in software, I think it awakes a lot of companies and investors to the underlying opportunity. So I would say over the long term its going to make a lot more people take notice, and it will likely trigger a cycle of investment, growth and even company formation in this market, Cook said. I look at it as very much a positive.It also speaks to the importance of digital services, especially during the pandemic . With offices shut down and government facing an imperative to keep serving citizens while minimizing risk, Cook said digital services were the fastest-growing segment of gov tech last year.(The NIC acquisition is) a statement to the market that citizen digital services is the future, he said. Were still in the early innings of investments in technology to provide better digital services to constituents, which the pandemic has only accelerated.Moore said its also spiked demand for cloud services, which have been useful during the pandemic because of the relative speed with which they can be deployed.If you look back five years ago, maybe 25 percent of our new sales were SaaS, or in the cloud, Moore said. This past year it was more like 55 percent.Such a large merger is not without pitfalls. Aside from the challenge of aligning company cultures and getting people to work together, theres also the matter of continuing to serve customers well. Moore said hes confident that the deal wont handcuff Tylers balance sheet or its ability to invest in research and development.Still, Cook said, big deals like this can create opportunities for competitors.With any acquisition, I think the integration process can create distraction, he said. With that distraction, where there is an imperative to modernize as these large incumbents are set back a little bit in terms of being able to really lean forward on product development, it does open a window for folks like PayIt to really accelerate their growth into that market while some of the large folks are distracted.With so much demand for the very services Tyler and NIC are providing, Moore sees a bright future ahead.When I look out at the future of the public sector, whether its local, state and even federal, the future is really all about the cloud, he said. Its the provision of subscription-based essential functionality. Its about delivering digital services to citizens. Its about more and more transaction-based revenue. Its about data and insights.Government TechnologyGoverning New Delhi, Feb 16 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be visiting poll-bound West Bengal again this week to energise party cadres to fulfil the BJP's goal of winning over 200 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections. Shah's two day trip slated for February 18-19 is part of the regular visits he has planned to keep up the momentum for the strategy chalked up by the party in the state. On his previous visit on February 11, he had visited Cooch Behar to flag off the fourth phase of the party's 'Parivartan Yatra'. According to party sources, Shah will, at 10 a.m. on February 18, visit the Sevashram Sangh on Ras Behari Avenue, and at 12 noon, visit Kapil Muni's Ashram at Gangasagar. After this, he will flag off the Parivartan Yatra from Indira Maidan at Naamkhana in South 24 Pargana district. He is slated to have lunch at the house of a refugee family in Narayanpur at 2 p.m. This assumes significance as the Minister has announced that the process to give citizenship to refugees under the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act will begin after the ongoing Covid vaccination. Following the lunch, Shah will hold a road show at the Kali Temple in Naamkhana. He will later visit the Aurobindo Bhavan. On the next day, he will pay tributes to martyrs from West Bengal at the National Library, according to the sources. 18:01 | Inapari (Madre de Dios region), Feb. 16. To address this serious problem, the regional authority has urgently requested the National Government to declare a state of emergency in Madre de Dios , which is also affected by floods from rising rivers and torrential rains. The governor emphasized that humanitarian action must prevail to avoid putting national public health at risk a situation that is aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reported that Haitian migrants broke the security cordon made up of a few members of the National Police, the Army, and the Navy, adding that the foreigners are being controlled to the extent possible. Hidalgo explained that the situation is complicated since Haitians have already crossed the international bridge, thus reaching Inapari district, where Mayor Abraham Cardozo and law enforcement officers are trying to handle the crisis carefully. The regional governor is in Lima as part of the 13th GORE-Executive meeting, in which he presented a report on the evolution of the health situation in Madre de Dios, and another on the commitments of the Intergovernmental Health Commission, economic reactivation, and the beginning of the school year. (END) NDP/TMC/MAO/RMB/MVB Last week, she sent temperatures soaring after posting a series of snaps while rocking a tiny navy bikini. And on Tuesday, Bella Hadid was spotted in a stylish look while on her way out of New York City. The 24-year-old model donned a graphic T-shirt with a motorcycle jacket, adding sweats while toting a large Louis Vuitton leather carry-on bag. Trendsetter: Bella Hadid was spotted in a stylish look while on her way out of New York City on Tuesday Bella donned a blue, red, and white tank featuring a star graphic, adding black and baby blue hued sweats. She hit the pavement in black sneakers with a gray and white studded motorcycle jacket. She made it even more edgy by sporting several silver rings with Australian brand Vehla Eyewear in the Olsen pair, which retails for $135. Bella wore a black face mask with her hair pulled up into a bun with a large white scrunchie. On the go: The 24-year-old model donned a graphic T-shirt with a motorcycle jacket, adding sweats while toting a large Louis Vuitton leather carry on bag Heading out of town: Bella donned a blue, red, and white tank featuring a star graphic, adding black and baby blue hued sweats Bella carried a large Louis Vuitton bag, complete with a yellow stuffed key chain accent; the star had someone helping her carry a rolling Louis Vuitton suitcase to the car as well. Two days prior, the younger sister of Gigi Hadid was seen heading to lunch in a black knee-length Prada coat with an eye-catching hot pink knitted scarf. She stepped out in the Big Apple on Saturday afternoon with jeans and sneakers, pulling her hair back into a ponytail. Looking great: She made it even more edgy by sporting several silver rings with Australian brand Vehla Eyewear in the Olsen pair, which retails for $135 Bold: Two days prior, the younger sister of Gigi Hadid was seen heading to lunch in a black knee-length Prada coat with an eye-catching hot pink knitted scarf Last week, Bella sent temperatures soaring in a tiny navy bikini with shell accents; showcasing her flat midsection. The low-cut top showed off her cleavage as well as her tan lines while her bikini bottoms sat high on her hips. She posed in front of an elaborate bathtub as she snapped her selfie in an oval black framed mirror. (Newser) The North Korean regime tried to hack US drugmaker Pfizer in an effort to steal information on the company's coronavirus vaccine, according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service. Lawmakers were briefed on the findings during a closed-door session of the National Assembly's intelligence committee on Tuesday, per Yonhap News Agency. "The cyberattacks included an attempt to steal COVID-19 vaccine and treatment technology, to which Pfizer was subject," committee member Ha Tae-keung told reporters, per the Washington Post. He said South Korea had detected a 32% year-on-year increase in the number of attempted cyberattacks from the North. Its unclear when the hack on Pfizer occurred or if it was successful. story continues below In November, the NIS reported an unsuccessful North Korean attempt to hack at least one pharmaceutical company working on a vaccine. That same month, Microsoft said hackers working on behalf of North Korea and Russia had targeted at least nine health organizations, including Pfizer, per the BBC. "Health experts have said the North's hackers may be more interested in selling the stolen data than using it to develop a homegrown vaccine," per Reuters. North Korean leaders reportedly received vaccine doses from China in November. The regime is now set to receive 2 million doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine as part of the UN-backed COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative, which aims to deliver vaccines to the world's most vulnerable people. (Read more North Korea stories.) An online meeting of the Ukrainian-Finnish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation took place today, at which important issues, including obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine, were discussed. Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine Oleksandr Tkachenko wrote about this on his Facebook page, Ukrinform reports. The participants of the meeting exchanged experience in supporting the country during the quarantine and discussed a number of initiatives for economic partnership between the states, including the issue of assistance from Finland in obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine for Ukraine, the minister said. According to him, the talks focused on the development of trade cooperation; new opportunities within the framework of the Ukraine-EU summit agreements to improve the Association Agreement; and cooperation in the fields of energy, forestry, ecology, education, digitalization, and media literacy. The participants of the event also paid attention to the promotion of trade and investment interests of Ukraine, in particular through the establishment of business contacts and attracting Finnish investment; and protection of the rights of Ukrainians working in Finland. "In order to create a direct dialogue between the agencies, I proposed to hold an online meeting with the participation of representatives of regional and local authorities, business associations and state-owned companies of Ukraine," Tkachenko said. He believes that such platform is important for a healthy discussion and search for mutual understanding between the parties. ish President Sergio Mattarella swore in Italys new Prime Minister Mario Draghi and his cabinet on Saturday. In the record time of one-and-a-half weeks, the former head of the European Central Bank has put together a government that includes all parties of national importance, in addition to eight so-called experts or technocrats, making a total of 15 ministers. Handover of government from Giuseppe Conte to Mario Draghi (Image: governo.it/CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0 IT) Beppe Grillos Five-Star-Movement (M5S), Matteo Salvinis far-right Lega, former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconis Forza Italia, the social democratic Democrats (PD) and their offshoots Liberi e Uguali and Italia Viva, which had been bitterly at loggerheads in recent years, are now united at the cabinet table. The only exception is Giorgia Melonis Fratelli dItalia. The party, which stands in the tradition of Benito Mussolinis fascist movement, now becomes the leading Italian opposition party. It had won only 4.4 percent of the vote in the last general election in 2018 but was already at 17 percent in the polls before the recent government crisis. What brings the quarrelling parties together is their hostility to the working class. Italy is in a deep economic crisis and on the verge of a social explosion. The countrys economic output has slumped by 9 percent in the past year, public debt has reached a new record of 160 percent of GDP, unemployment and poverty are on the rise and the coronavirus pandemic has killed over 93,000 people. Under these conditions, all parties are uniting behind a head of government who embodies the interests of finance capital like no other. As head of the European Central Bank (20112019), Draghi was responsible for policies that flooded the financial markets with trillions of euros while decimating the living standards of the working class in Greece, Spain, Italy and other countries through austerity dictates. Draghis main task as head of government is now to modernise the Italian economy and administrationi.e., to grind down all the social rights, achievements and securities that his predecessors have not yet destroyed. The devastating consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and the 209 billion that the European Union has promised Italy as Coronavirus Aid serve as leverage. The previous government of Giuseppe Conte had broken down over the dispute about these funds. Draghi now has 60 days to present an investment programme to the EU so that they can be disbursed. He has largely given himself a free hand to do so. He negotiated with the parties individually behind closed doors without informing the public of the outcome, appointing the ministers, including those from the parties, himself. According to media reports, party headquarters remained in the dark about Draghis list of ministers until the very end. He filled key portfolios with non-party confidants from the business community. For example, Daniele Franco, the director-general of the Italian Central Bank, will be the new finance minister. As chief accountant at the Ministry of Finance, Franco had ensured budgetary discipline from 2013 to 2018. At the head of a new super-ministry for ecological change, which Draghi created at the request of the M5S, is the physicist Roberto Cingolani, who was previously head of the technological innovation department at the Italian aerospace group Leonardo. And the Ministry of Innovation went to former Vodafone boss Vittorio Colao. Draghi filled the Justice Ministry with the former president of the Constitutional Court, Marta Cartabia, who is supposed to speed up the Italian justice system. The non-party Luciana Lamorgese, a former top official and prefect of several Italian provinces who already held this post in the last government, remains interior minister. Several other former ministers also remain in office. Roberto Speranza (Liberi e Uguali), for example, under whose responsibility 2.7 million Italians were infected with coronavirus, continues to lead the Health Ministry. Lorenzo Guerini (PD) remains defence minister and Luigi Di Maio (M5S) foreign minister. Di Maios retention in office is seen as a concession to M5S, which accounts for almost a third of MPs. The party had won the 2018 parliamentary election with a campaign against the political elites embodied by Draghi. In the meantime, however, it is only running at 15 percent in the polls. It only agreed to participate in government last Thursday in a membership referendum after internal disputes. Forza Italia, which sat in opposition for 10 years, fills three ministerial posts in the new cabinet. An important role falls to Renato Brunetta, who is responsible for public administration and is to thoroughly restructure it by cutting jobs. He already held this post under Silvio Berlusconi. Draghis arrival in government has been welcomed by European governments. German Chancellor Angela Merkel wrote, Italy and Germany are working together for a strong, united Europe and for multilateralism that offers a better future for our youth. Frances leader Emmanuel Macron said on Twitter that France and Italy were now working together to build a stronger and more united Europe. In Italy, it was mainly the supposedly left-wing parties that cheered. PD leader Nicola Zingaretti wrote on Facebook that his party supported the government with loyalty and conviction. That the PD is forming a joint government with the far-right and hysterically xenophobic Lega and the gangster Silvio Berlusconis Forza Italia marks a new stage in the decline of this party, which emerged from the Stalinist Communist Party 30 years ago. It shows that there is no political line on the right that it will not cross. The anti-working class policies of the Draghi government will inevitably lead to a further sharpening of social antagonisms. Given the right-wing policies of the PD and its pseudo-left satellites, there is a danger that right-wing demagogues and fascists will profit from the growing despair. Lega and Fratelli dItalia are already at 40 percent in the polls. This danger can only be countered by building a new party that mobilises the working class for a socialist programme and unites it internationallya section of the International Committee of the Fourth International. 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 Saudi Arabia Two Wheeler Market, By Vehicle Type (Scooter / Moped, Motorcycle), By Engine Capacity (<125cc, 126-250cc, 251-500cc,> 500cc), By Type of Sales (Individual vs Institutional), Competition, By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026 " under Automotive category. The Saudi Arabia Two Wheeler Market is projected to exhibit highest growth rate over report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence and industry reports. Saudi Arabia Two Wheeler Market was valued USD 72.29 Million in 2020 and is forecast to grow at CAGR of 10.51% to reach USD 143.25 Million by 2026. Saudi Arabia two wheeler market is driven by increasing demand for recreational activities since Saudi Arabia has a very limited scope for two-wheelers due to extreme weather conditions. Additionally, increasing working population and surge in number of women drivers are further expected to propel the market growth. Two wheelers are affordable, require low maintenance, emit lower emission and are easy to maneuver, which are contributing to the growing share of two wheeler. The Saudi Arabia two wheeler market is segmented based on vehicle type, engine capacity, company and region. Based on vehicle type, the market can be split into scooter/moped and motorcycle. The motorcycle segment led the market in 2020 and the trend is expected to continue until 2026 owing to the high fuel efficiency offered by them. Additionally, new product launches with better features and mileage further drives the segmental growth. Request a free sample copy of Saudi Arabia Two Wheeler Market Report @ http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/sample/reports/2340204 The major players operating in the Saudi Arabia two wheeler market are Honda Saudi Arabia, Kawasaki Saudi Arabia, BMW Motorrad, Suzuki Barayan, Harley Davidson KSA, Yamaha- Saudi Arabia, Vespa-Wheels of Arabia (KSA), KTM KSA Motorcycle, Moto Guzzi KSA and others. Major companies are developing advanced technologies and launching new products to stay competitive in the market. Other competitive strategies include mergers & acquisitions and new product developments. Years considered for this report: Historical Years: 2016-2019 Base Year: 2020 Estimated Year: 2021 Forecast Period: 20222026 Objective of the Study: To analyze and estimate the market size of Saudi Arabia two wheeler market from 2016 to 2019. To estimate and forecast the market size of Saudi Arabia two wheeler market from 2020 to 2026 and growth rate until 2026. To classify and forecast Saudi Arabia two wheeler market based on vehicle type, engine capacity, company and regional distribution. To identify dominant region or segment in the Saudi Arabia two wheeler market. To identify drivers and challenges for Saudi Arabia two wheeler market. To examine competitive developments such as expansions, new product launches, mergers & acquisitions, etc., in Saudi Arabia two wheeler market. To conduct pricing analysis in the Saudi Arabia two wheeler market. To identify and analyze the profile of leading players operating in Saudi Arabia two wheeler market. To identify key sustainable strategies adopted by market players in Saudi Arabia two wheeler market. Our Research performed both primary as well as exhaustive secondary research for this study. Initially, Our Research sourced a list of manufacturers across the globe. Subsequently, Our Research conducted primary research surveys with the identified companies. While interviewing, the respondents were also enquired about their competitors. Through this technique, Our Research could include the manufacturers which could not be identified due to the limitations of secondary research. Our Research analyzed the manufacturers, distribution channels and presence of all major players across the globe. Our Research calculated the market size of Saudi Arabia two wheeler market using a bottom-up approach, wherein data for various end-user segments was recorded and forecast for the future years. Our Research sourced these values from the industry experts and company representatives and externally validated through analyzing historical data of these product types and applications for getting an appropriate, overall market size. Various secondary sources such as company websites, news articles, press releases, company annual reports, investor presentations and financial reports were also studied by Our Research. Key Target Audience: Two wheeler manufacturers / suppliers / distributors Market research and consulting firms Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers Organizations, forums and alliances related to two wheeler The study is useful in providing answers to several critical questions that are important for the industry stakeholders such as manufacturers, suppliers and partners, end users, etc., besides allowing them in strategizing investments and capitalizing on market opportunities. Report Scope: In this report, Saudi Arabia two wheeler market has been segmented into following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below: Saudi Arabia Two Wheeler Market, By Vehicle Type: o Motorcycle o Scooter / Moped Saudi Arabia Two Wheeler Market, By Engine Capacity: o Up to 125cc o 126-250cc o 250-500cc o Above 500cc Saudi Arabia Two Wheeler Market, By Type of Sales: o Individual o Institutional Saudi Arabia Two Wheeler Market, By Region: o Western o Northern & Central o Eastern o Southern Competitive Landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in Saudi Arabia two wheeler market. Available Customizations: With the given market data, Our Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report: Company Information Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five). Browse our full report with Table of Contents: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/saudi-arabia-two-wheeler-market-by-vehicle-type-scootermoped-motorcycle-by-engine-capacity-125cc-126250cc -251500cc-500cc / 2340204 About Us Market Reports on Saudi Arabia provides you with an in-depth industry reports focusing on various economic, political and operational risk environment, complemented by detailed sector analysis. We have an exhaustive coverage on variety of industries - ranging from energy and chemicals to transportation, communications, constructions and mining to Food and Beverage and education. Our collection includes over 2000 up-to-date reports all researched, analyzed and published by top-notch international research firms. Contact us at: Market Reports On Saudi Arabia Tel: +91 22 27810772/27810773 Email: info@marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com Website: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com Follow us on: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Indian film and TV actor Sandeep Nahar died by suicide on Monday, that is February 15, hours after he wrote on Facebook about his intention of taking the step, along with a video. However, the video has been deleted now. In his brief suicide note, Sandeep Nahar purportedly blamed his wife and also mentioned "politics" he faced in Bollywood, police said. Sandeep Nahar's suicide Sandeep Nahar was found unconscious at his flat in suburban Goregaon in the evening by his wife Kanchan and friends who took him to SVR Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival, a police official said. The actor had posted a "suicide note" on Facebook, along with a nine-minute video. In the now-deleted video in Hindi, the actor can be heard saying that he was "frustrated" with constant fights with his wife and was being harassed and blackmailed by her and also by his mother-in-law. Sandeep Nahar's Facebook post about suicide In the ten-minute-long video, the MS Dhoni actor further asserted, "I would''ve died by suicide a long time ago but I chose to give myself the time and hope that things would get better, but they didn't. I now have nowhere to go. I don't know what awaits me after I take this step, but I've been through hell in this life.'' He explained that he and his wife were in an unhealthy relationship, which was riddled with constant fights and arguments. READ | 'M.S. Dhoni' Movie Cast: A Look At Sushant As Maahi, Kiara As Sakshi And Other Characters Sandeep Nahar's death The police official said Nahar probably made this video around three hours before his death. The official said they are awaiting the postmortem report to understand the cause of Nahar's death. In the suicide note, purportedly written by Nahar, he mentioned "politics" he faced in Bollywood, "unprofessional functioning and the lack of emotions in people working in the industry". Further investigation is underway, the official added. READ | 'Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain' Season 3 Cast: Actors And Characters That They Play On Show Sandeep Nahar's movies Sandeep Nahar, who was in his 30s, featured in a handful of Bollywood films, including Akshay Kumars Kesari, Sonakshi Sinha's Khandani Shafakhana and the MS Dhoni biopic. He was also seen in ALT Balajis Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai. He also played a pivotal character in Divyenndu starrer Shukranu. READ | Vikas Khoker Says Vikas Gupta Asked For Sexual Favours Amid Latter's Legal Action Threat READ | Somadas Chathannoor Passes Away At 42; Fellow 'Bigg Boss' Participants Express Grief (With Inputs from PTI) Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. In partnership with the United States Secret Service the decision was made to remove the barriers around Trump Tower, Sergeant Jessica McRorie, a spokeswoman for the New York City Police Department, said in an email. The N.Y.P.D. does not discuss security measures. For years, the tower, which was home to Mr. Trumps triplex penthouse, drew little notice. It was thought to be tall for the area when it opened in 1983, and maybe a bit slick, but its six-story marbled atrium drew some warm reviews. While Mr. Trump was merely a real estate mogul who had become a reality television star, passers-by dawdled to snap photos of the building and tourists wandered through its luxury shops. But almost as soon as Mr. Trump was elected, Fifth Avenue became a proving ground for protests, and the lobby, which remained open to the public, a destination for Mr. Trumps supporters. Though Mr. Trump rarely visited the city during his four years in office, security near the tower in the early days of his presidency approached lockdown conditions when the family was at home, with restrictions slightly slackened when they were out of town. Security would ramp back up when protests coalesced around the buildings front doors. And they did so with regularity, including in demonstrations against his inauguration in 2017 and marches for George Floyd last summer. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Geneva (Switzerland), Feb 16, 2021 (SPS) - The International Association of Democratic Lawyers has expressed its deepest concern at the resuming of the armed conflict in the Non Self-Governing Territory of Western Sahara that followed the breaking of the cease-fire by the Kingdom of Morocco in an open letter to UNSG, Antonio Gueterres. The International Association of Democratic Lawyers also expresses its deepest concern at the increasing repression of Sahrawi civilians, notably human rights defenders and journalists, by the Moroccan authorities both in the Kingdom of Morocco and in the occupied Western Sahara. IadL says in its letter It added that Harassment, brutality, arbitrary use of force, arbitrary arrests, torture, false accusations, inequitable trials and arbitrary detentions have become part of the common everyday life of the Saharawi civilians who are waiting since 1966 (UNGA res. 2229 XXI) the organisation of a free referendum of self-determination and independence. The International Association of Democratic Lawyers has also underlined that the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara is the only UN Mission whose main mandate is the implementation of a fundamental peoples right, the systematic obstruction to all efforts deployed by precedent UNSG Personal Envoys has impeded the Mission to accomplish its very mandate in conformity with international law, the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and resolution 1514 (XV). This situation requires the United Nations to assume a primarily responsibility over the people of Western Sahara, which the General Assembly recognizes in adopting its resolution entitled Question of Western Sahara. It is the International Association of Democratic Lawyers conviction that nothing justifies the persistent delay of the implementation of the right to self-determination and independence of the Saharawi people. Considering your personal experience when Portugal played a major role, with you as Prime Minister, in the process of self-determination of the Timorese people and considering that the last Personal Envoy for Western Sahara left his position in August 2019, we call upon you to assume your personal responsibility in resuming the negotiations between the Frente POLISARIO and the Kingdom of Morocco, in order to implement the MINURSOs core mandate. IADL concludes its letter SPS 125/090/ Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Advertisement UK vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said today that there are 'really encouraging' early signs that the Oxford vaccine will reduce transmission of the coronavirus but that it was too soon to be sure the jabs are working The UK's vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi said today there are 'really encouraging' signs that the Covid vaccines used in Britain will cut transmission of the virus. And he claimed 'big studies' being done by Public Health England and Oxford University will be key to getting the nation out of lockdown when results emerge in the coming weeks. Jabs are already reducing Covid hospital admissions in elderly people, according to data seen by ministers. More detailed data showing the effects of the vaccines in the real world are expected soon and they should show a drop in hospital admissions and deaths that is steeper than at any other time in the pandemic. Mr Zahawi was cagey about jumping the gun on the good news, telling Times Radio: 'Were beginning to see more and more data but at the moment its far too early to begin to speculate on the quality of the data.' But official sources told The Times they are already seeing dips in the numbers of people admitted to hospital or dying with coronavirus in early studies comparing those who have and haven't been immunised. No actual figures were given to the newspaper, however. Public Health England is running large-scale studies to check the vaccines are having the desired effect in care homes and hospitals, and Oxford is studying how well its vaccine prevents people from catching and spreading the virus without symptoms, something that is still unknown because trials were only intended to work out if they prevented illness. One Cambridge professor, Sheila Bird, said there should already be enough data on Pfizer's vaccine, at least one dose of which had been given to around a quarter of over-80s by January 3 some 655,000 people. And Professor David Spiegelhalter, also at Cambridge, said death rates in over-80s appear to already be falling faster than those in younger age groups, which may be down to the success of the jab. Israel is so far the only country to be able to prove an effect of its vaccination programme, with ongoing studies suggesting two doses of Pfizer's jab could cut the risk of illness by 94 per cent for over-55s. In trials the vaccine was 95 per cent effective and it is expected to be at least that good at stopping Covid deaths. A SAGE adviser in the UK, Edinburgh University's Professor Mark Woolhouse, said the Government may be 'actively considering' easing lockdown faster because of the success of the vaccine roll-out. But other experts have warned that the current crop of vaccines may be slightly less effective against variants spotted in the UK. Mr Zahawi also claimed rapid testing would be critical to the nation's effort to return to normal, especially at large gatherings such as music venues, theatres and sports events. He told Radio 4's Today show: 'Its a combination of rapid testing as well as the mass vaccination programme that will get our economy back on its feet and venues open again.' On vaccines, Mr Zahawi said today that Public Health England was doing 'two big studies' to examine the effects the jabs were having in the population up until now all the data on their effectiveness came from clinical trials. One is called Vivaldi, and will look at the impacts on staff and residents in care homes, and the other is ongoing research in a study called Siren, which studies how Covid and now vaccines affects NHS staff. Although scientists are all but certain that immunisation will cut hospitalisations and deaths, it is still unclear what effect they will have on people spreading the virus. Getting case numbers down is vital for easing lockdown, the Government has said an uncontrolled outbreak will lead to huge numbers of cases among unvaccinated people and will inevitably also put strain on the NHS. Mr Zahawi told Times Radio: 'Weve got to make sure that you bring down the infection rates, hence why were waiting to see the data on transmission. 'The Oxford team had some early data which is really encouraging on transmission, which has to be peer-reviewed.' But he stressed it is currently uncertain how much of the reduction in infections being seen is down to lockdown restrictions or the vaccine roll-out, and suggested the full research may not be available for a number of weeks. 'We have a couple of very large-scale studies related to giving us better data on the vaccines,' Mr Zahawi added on BBC Radio 4s Today programme. 'We should be able to see really good data in the next few weeks from those studies.' SIGNAL VACCINES ARE WORKING IN NHS DATA, HEALTH CHIEF SAYS NHS bosses hope to publish data proving that Covid vaccines are working to thwart the outbreak within the next fortnight. Health bosses are collating data on the impact of the jabs but say they 'want to let the clock run' before publishing the figures. Early signs already suggest the vaccines are working at stopping Britons from both developing symptoms. And promising data published over the weekend suggested the number of Covid deaths in the over-85s is falling twice as fast as it is in younger adults. Professor Whitty tonight said it was possible to calculate the effect of vaccines in the UK already but cautioned that the calculations were 'quite complex'. He added: 'What we really want to get to is the point where we can see, in a sense with the naked eye, the big effect of the vaccines.' Professor Whitty said Israel which is leading the way in the global vaccine roll-out was already seeing the effect of jabs. Data has shown cases and hospitalisations are falling quickest among over-60s, who were prioritised in the nation's inoculation drive. Sir Simon: 'What we are seeing I think in some of the early data from the NHS is what looks like a signal in terms of the impact on vaccination. 'But we really want to let the clock run for another week [or] fortnight to be able to properly validate that.' Professor Whitty added: 'The impact on transmission will take longer to determine than impact than mortality and severe disease.' It can take several weeks for immunity from vaccines to kick in. And it can take up to three weeks for patients to die. Therefore, experts say it will take at least a month for any noticeable effect of the vaccine drive to crop up in data. Department of Health data shows fewer than 400,000 Brits had received their first dose of a Covid jab by January 3 roughly six weeks ago. The mammoth operation only began to pick up pace in the first full week of January, after regulators approved Oxford University/AstraZeneca's vaccine. The Prime Minister tonight said there were 'grounds for confidence' that vaccines were helping to curb the spread of coronavirus, not just in protecting those who received the jab. He said: 'Although the vaccination programme is going well, we still don't have enough data about the exact effectiveness of the vaccinations in reducing the spread of infection. 'We have some interesting straws in the wind, we have some grounds for confidence but the vaccinations have only been running for a matter of weeks. 'While we are learning the whole time, we don't, as I talk to you today, have all the hard facts that we need. And the level of infection remains very high.' Advertisement The Prime Minister last night warned the public to be 'optimistic but patient' as he cautioned against cutting any corners when it comes to lifting the lockdown. Boris Johnson struck a blunt tone as he warned that he wanted the current shutdown to be the last - while admitting he could not 'guarantee' that it would be. Mr Johnson is planning to reveal the guts of his 'roadmap' out of lockdown in a week's time but is facing heavy pressure from politicians and industry leaders to raise restrictions as soon as possible. They see the announcement that the 15million vaccinations' target being hit on time as a sign that lockdown can be totally lifted by May, with key sectors of the economy back on their feet much sooner. Coupled with that, Britain on Monday recorded just 9,765 coronavirus cases in the smallest daily rise since October, with 230 lab-confirmed deaths. Both daily tolls were down by 30 per cent on last Monday's 14,104 infections and 333 fatalities. Professor Mark Woolhouse, who sits on SAGE sub-group SPI-M, said that he expects hospital numbers to fall in the coming weeks and was hopeful that data on the vaccines' effectiveness would be 'better than expected'. He told Times Radio: 'I would argue that in terms of vaccine rollout coverage and the performance of these vaccines in preventing disease at least, that all the data are very positive. 'So I hope that that will mean that the government is actively considering bringing some of the relaxations forward. 'And it's not the same as last lockdown or the lockdown one that we had in March, for the very simple reason that we have the vaccines.' Mr Johnson last night said he wanted rapid testing for coronavirus to play a bigger role in reopening society, a plan which was reiterated by Mr Zahawi today. Describing crowded hospitality venues as the 'toughest nuts to crack', the PM flagged up the quick turnaround Covid checks as a way to allow people to return. He highlighted that those places together with other venues had not been able to reopen last year under coronavirus restrictions. It came amid claims last night that ministers are considering rapid coronavirus testing for the entire entertainment industry to allow mass gatherings to resume later this year. Ministers are considering plans for 'test with a ticket', with customers offered a quick turnround test as part of attending a concert or performance. 'Those kind of things can really help us open up things with bigger numbers, where social distancing affects their ability to operate in an economic way,' a source told the FT. At yesterday's Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson said: 'I think we'll look at everything. But what we're thinking at the moment is more of a route that relies on mass vaccination. 'And as you know, we intend to vaccinate all the adults in the country by the autumn. 'Plus, lateral flow testing, rapid testing, for those bits which are the toughest nuts to crack, such as nightclubs, theatres, or those parts of the economy that we couldn't get open last year. I think that will be the route that we go down.' Experts have repeatedly warned against relying too heavily on the lateral flow tests, claiming some of them particularly one bought en masse by UK officials miss a significant proportion of positive cases due to low sensitivity levels. But officials say having the 15-minute tests is better than not testing people and they have a good success rate when used on people most likely to infect others. Ministers have been shown data that reveals Britain's inoculation programme is cutting illness by roughly two thirds, and now preliminary figures comparing elderly people who have been vaccinated with those who have not show that deaths and hospital admissions are being cut, The Times reports. A separate study that tests healthcare workers for signs of asymptomatic infection also points towards lower rates for those who have had the jab, suggesting that the transmission rate is being lowered by the vaccine. Government sources stress that the data is preliminary, but the chief of the NHS, Sir Simon Stevens, suggested last night that the health service was seeing an effect among older patients. He said health bosses are collating data on the impact of the jabs but say they 'want to let the clock run' before publishing the figures. Early signs already suggest the vaccines are working at stopping Britons from both developing symptoms. And promising data published over the weekend suggested the number of Covid deaths in the over-85s is falling twice as fast as it is in younger adults. Professor Whitty said it was possible to calculate the effect of vaccines in the UK already but cautioned that the calculations were 'quite complex'. He added: 'What we really want to get to is the point where we can see, in a sense with the naked eye, the big effect of the vaccines.' Professor Whitty said Israel which is leading the way in the global vaccine roll-out was already seeing the effect of jabs. Data has shown cases and hospitalisations are falling quickest among over-60s, who were prioritised in the nation's inoculation drive. Sir Simon: 'What we are seeing I think in some of the early data from the NHS is what looks like a signal in terms of the impact on vaccination. 'But we really want to let the clock run for another week [or] fortnight to be able to properly validate that.' Professor Whitty added: 'The impact on transmission will take longer to determine than impact than mortality and severe disease.' It can take several weeks for immunity from vaccines to kick in. And it can take up to three weeks for patients to die. Therefore, experts say it will take at least a month for any noticeable effect of the vaccine drive to crop up in data. Department of Health data shows fewer than 400,000 Brits had received their first dose of a Covid jab by January 3 roughly six weeks ago. The mammoth operation only began to pick up pace in the first full week of January, after regulators approved Oxford University/AstraZeneca's vaccine. PFIZER JAB 'PREVENTS COVID-19 IN 94% OF OVER-55s' A two-dose regime of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine is 94 per cent effective at stopping over-55s from getting Covid-19, according to a major study in Israel. The data of more than half a million people who received two shots of the jab found patients who did get ill were still 92 per cent less likely to develop severe illness. The study, which suggests Pfizer's vaccine works almost as well in the real world as it did in clinical trials, compared 600,000 patients given two doses of the jab against a similar-sized group who had matching medical histories but were not inoculated. The findings will be a boost to lockdown-easing plans in the UK, where ministers are waiting for concrete evidence the jabs work before lifting restrictions. The vaccines do not need to prevent symptomatic infection entirely to end the lockdown, though it would be an added bonus. Their main purpose is to drive down hospital rates and ease pressure on the NHS. Researchers from Israel's largest healthcare provider, Clalit, who led the project, said Pfizer/BioNTech's coronavirus jab was 'even more effective two weeks or more after the second shot' and worked in all age groups. So far more than 15million people in the UK have been given a single dose of either the Pfizer or Oxford University jabs since the programme started at the beginning of December. Israel is only using the Pfizer vaccine and insists people must get the jab three weeks apart. Britain has said people will get their second shot 12 weeks after the first. Advertisement The Prime Minister tonight said there were 'grounds for confidence' that vaccines were helping to curb the spread of coronavirus, not just in protecting those who received the jab. He said: 'Although the vaccination programme is going well, we still don't have enough data about the exact effectiveness of the vaccinations in reducing the spread of infection. 'We have some interesting straws in the wind, we have some grounds for confidence but the vaccinations have only been running for a matter of weeks. 'While we are learning the whole time, we don't, as I talk to you today, have all the hard facts that we need. And the level of infection remains very high.' And across Britain, deaths seem to be falling, following a peak in cases roughly around the end of 2020. Those over age 80 make up half of hospital deaths, compared to roughly 56 per cent earlier in the year, analysis by the Covid Actuaries Response Group shows. The PM has urged people to take reports on the dates and order of the easing of lockdown restrictions 'with a pinch of salt'. Fronting a Downing Street press conference last night, he said: 'This moment is a huge step forward but it's only a first step. And while it shows what the country can do we must be both optimistic but also patient. 'And next week I will be setting out a roadmap saying as much as we possibly can about the route to normality even though some things are very uncertain. 'Because we want this lockdown to be the last. And we want progress to be cautious but also irreversible.' Sir Simon said the end of April has been set as the target to vaccinate the top nine priority groups due to 'likely vaccine supply' but added that 'if supply increases then we think we can go faster'. He added: 'As well as opening up the invitations to more than 14million new people in England - in the groups that we're now talking about - we've also got the second doses to administer for those who have had their first dose. 'And when we look at the likely vaccine supply that we will have available to us between now and the end of April, that appears to be what we can do. 'If supply increases then we think we can go faster. But that at the moment represents still a doubling of the number of vaccines delivered over the next 10 or 11 weeks compared to those that have been delivered over the last 10 weeks. 'So it is a pretty substantial ramp-up in this second sprint that we're about to embark on.' France's parliament has approved a law aimed at fighting 'Islamist separatism' by banned hate preachers and giving police the power to close religious schools. France's lower house voted on Tuesday in favour of the law billed by the government as a riposte to religious groups attempting to undermine the secular state. The draft legislation, which has been criticised for stigmatising Muslims and giving the state new powers to limit speech and religious groups, was backed by a clear majority of MPs in the National Assembly. President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party rallied around the law, with 347 National Assembly lawmakers voting in favour, 151 against and 65 abstaining. Draft legislation to battle 'Islamist separatism', which has been criticised for stigmatising Muslims and giving the state new powers to limit speech and religious groups, was backed by a clear majority of MPs in the National Assembly (pictured on February 9) The text will now be submitted to the upper house Senate, where Macron's party does not hold a majority. 'It's an extremely strong secular offensive,' Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told RTL radio ahead of the vote Tuesday. 'It's a tough text... but necessary for the republic.' Among the more than 70 separate articles, the law expands the ability of the state to close places of worship and religious schools, as well as to ban extremist preachers. Amid concerns about the funding of mosques by Turkey, Qatar or Saudi Arabia, it requires religious groups to declare large foreign donations and have their accounts certified. It comes with presidential elections looming next year and with decades-long divisions about the integration of France's large Muslim population and the threat of Islamists causing fresh tensions. Macron and Darmanin in particular have been accused of pandering to far-right voters by exaggerating the danger of Islamist groups in the often-marginalised immigrant communities found in French suburbs. President Emmanuel Macron's (pictured on February 16) centrist party rallied around the law, with 347 National Assembly lawmakers voting in favour, 151 against and 65 abstaining The government counters that the threat is real, pointing to repeated terror attacks and what Macron called the development of a 'counter-society' that rejects secularism, equality and other French values and laws. Over the past week, a school teacher in a tough suburb southwest of Paris has come to national prominence over claims he needed police protection after receiving death threats for denouncing local Islamists. Right-wing parties see him as a whistleblower warning about the danger of extremist groups, while those on the left have pointed to his provocative statements about Islam and accuse him of overstating the threat. His case was picked up in the national media because of its echoes of the beheading of a school teacher, Samuel Paty, by a teenage Islamist last October that profoundly shocked the country. Paty was the subject of an online hate campaign started by a parent of a child at his school who objected to his showing of controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed during a civics class about free speech. Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of a new crime in the draft law of disclosing personal information about someone while knowing it will put the person in danger. Pictured: A woman holds a placard reading 'enough of islamophobia' as protesters demonstrate against a bill dubbed as 'anti-separatism', in Paris on February 14. The draft legislation has been criticised for stigmatising Muslims Critics say Macron is seeking to harden his record on Islamism and security ahead of a likely re-match with far-right leader Marine Le Pen in next year's election. Pictured: Palestinians burn a picture of French President Emmanuel Macron during a demonstration against him last year Another crime of 'separatism' - defined as threatening a public servant in order to gain 'a total or partial exemption or different application of the rules' - would be punishable by up to five years in prison. With campaigning ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections already heating up, the right-wing opposition Republicans (LR) party and the far-right National Rally have both said the bill does not go far enough. They have called for restrictions on the wearing of the Islamic veil, which they both view as a manifestation of Islamism, rather than an expression of cultural identity or religious piety. The government has rejected calls for a wider headscarf ban, but the law will expand the demand for 'religious neutrality' in clothing to people working for private companies carrying out public services. Critics say Macron is seeking to harden his record on Islamism and security ahead of a likely re-match with far-right leader Marine Le Pen in next year's election. He pushed an initiative recently to ask eight federations representing Muslims in France to sign a 10-point 'charter of principles,' which three refused. Samuel Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of a new crime in the draft law of disclosing personal information about someone while knowing it will put the person in danger The 43-year-old head of state is also accused of doing too little to counter discrimination and racism, though a new law and funding has been promised to help marginalised communities. Nearly 200 people demonstrated in Paris on Sunday against the bill, accusing it of 'reinforcing discrimination against Muslims.' In January, a group of academics and campaigners wrote in the newspaper Liberation that the law was 'an unprecedented blow' to religious freedom and the freedom to form associations. In the wake of Paty's killing, the government used its existing powers to close several mosques and two leading Muslim organisations, the charity Baraka City and the Collective Against Islamophobia in France. President Moon Jae-in emphasized the urgency Tuesday of significantly increasing the supply of new houses in an "innovative" way to stabilize the market. He was receiving a briefing from the land ministry on its 2021 policy at Cheong Wa Dae. "I cannot but stress that real estate policy is the most urgent task in this period, in which the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport should succeed at all costs," Moon said. He called on the ministry to "leave its fate" to promptly stabilizing home prices and rents with a focus on a set of fresh measures unveiled earlier this month. On Feb. 4, the government announced a plan to provide a total of 830,000 additional housing units, including 323,000 in Seoul, by 2025 through development projects led by the public sector. It promised deregulation as an incentive. The move represented the latest in a string of policies aimed at curbing soaring apartment prices mainly in the greater Seoul area and other major cities. It has underlined a shift in the liberal Moon administration's real estate policy that was once focused on loan restrictions and property tax hikes. "We're in a situation that the innovative expansion of housing supply is necessary in addition to the current real estate policy," Moon said. He called for the speedy implementation of the new policy plans made under the initiative of the new land minister, Byeon Chang-heum. The president also urged more efforts to promote balanced regional development for "sustainable" stability of the housing market, with Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, where around half of the nation's 52-million population reside, stricken by sharp hikes in home prices. (Yonhap) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Midland County will gain two new staff members and thousands of dollars to fund clean-up efforts, following this week's county board meeting. During a regular meeting on Tuesday, the Midland County Board of Commissioners approved hiring requests for two staff positions an environmental health director and a senior IT engineer at above the starting salary rate. "The candidates have plenty of years of experience for both of these (positions), therefore they are a fit for the grade that we're trying to bring them in at," said Commissioner Eric Dorrien, addressing concerns he had heard in the past in regard to bringing in new employees above the standard starting rate. "Neither is at the top of the (pay rate) scale, so no budget adjustment needs to be done." Per county policy, the candidates for both positions were not named at the meeting. Commissioners also voted unanimously to accept a grant award in the amount of $7,500 from DuPont Specialty Products. The purpose of the grant is to assist with debris removal throughout the county park system resulting from the mid-Michigan dam failures of May 2020. During the meeting, commissioner Gaye Terwillegar thanked DuPont for making a contribution back to the Midland County community. Commissioners approved an agreement with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for a community development block grant, under the MEDC agreed to reimburse Midland County up to $284,627 to help recover from unexpected costs related to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. [February 16, 2021] Sunlight Announces NVIDIA GPU Support, Giving Edge AI a Boost Sunlight, a developer of virtualization technology for data-intensive applications, today announced NVIDIA (News - Alert) GPU support for Sunlight NexVisor, its lightweight hypervisor providing near bare-metal performance with a compact footprint. Organizations can now unlock the full potential of hyperconverged infrastructure at the edge, maximizing the performance of demanding, GPU-accelerated workloads such as artificial intelligence (AI) running in edge environments. Modern GPUs require massive amounts of throughput to feed the data pipeline. However, legacy virtualization and cloud infrastructures cannot deliver the storage IO necessary, resulting in low GPU utilization. They also have a very large footprint, wasting valuable system resources and leading to high costs and poor efficiency, particularly in constrained computing environments at the far edge. Sunlight's (News - Alert) NexVisor drives millions of input-output operations per second (IOPS) per virtualized instance with ease, allowing 100 percent utilization of GPUs and enablng high-density, high-performance cloud at a fraction of the cost and energy consumption offered by legacy virtualization technologies. This is critical for supporting workloads that demand top performance with the smallest possible footprint, including AI at the edge. Managed services provider Yonder Cloud is currently using Sunlight to deliver high-efficiency GPU-accelerated services. CEO Kevin Smith said, "We run some of the most demanding workloads for customers on our infrastructure - from AI, deep learning, visualization and simulation, to VFX, animation and rendering. Sunlight enables us to achieve full utilization of our NVIDIA GPUs, which delivers huge cost benefits and efficiency gains." "With high-performance AI becoming central to so many business processes, edge AI has emerged as a very real and rapidly growing phenomenon. Moving AI to the edge can create massive efficiencies, but it requires a new breed of edge infrastructure that can process huge volumes of data in the low-power, resource-constrained and ruggedized compute environments common to far edge locations," said Julian Chesterfield, Sunlight Founder and CEO. "Now with support for super-fast NVIDIA GPUs, Sunlight is uniquely positioned to support the most demanding workloads out there, with the highest throughput and lowest latency possible." About Sunlight Sunlight makes performance possible anywhere - from the cloud to the edge. Sunlight's HCI stack makes applications like AI, Big Data, Analytics and Rendering run 3x faster compared to legacy virtualization, and because Sunlight has a tiny footprint - it's perfect for the edge. Enterprises and MSPs use Sunlight to cut the costs of delivering high performance IT by 70%. Find out more at https://sunlight.io View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005196/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 20,000 have gotten shots, 18,000 on wait list Almost 20,000 Henderson County residents have received a Covid-19 vaccination, including 6,154 who have received a second dose. Pardee UNC Health reported Monday that it had reached a milestone of 10,000 shots on Saturday, making it the largest provider of vaccines in the county. Also giving shots are the Henderson County Health Department, Blue Ridge Health and AdventHealth. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services tracks the number of Henderson County residents vaccinated overall regardless of where they got the shot. As of Monday, 19,961 county residents had received shots. To date, 17,790 people have registered on the Health Departments vaccine waitlist, a number that dwarfs the trickle of shots the county is getting. The health department received 300 doses last week. "While there are Group 1 individuals on the waitlist, the overwhelming majority are adults 65 and older in Group 2," Public Health spokesman Andrew Mundhenk said. "By the end of this week, we anticipate we will reach those who have ID numbers up to 2,000 on our list. This includes individuals that will be called this week, already have been vaccinated by the Health Department in weeks prior or have indicated to us they were able to receive a vaccination elsewhere." popular top story Tuesday's coronavirus updates: In-person classes 'no longer feasible' at Villa Grove, which will switch to remote learning through next week; Douglas Co. 7-day rate rises to state-high 11.2% The Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain (FCJE) has called on the hate crimes public prosecutor to investigate antisemitic accusations made during a demonstration in honor of the Division Azul, or Blue Division, held in Madrid on Saturday. The military unit, which was made up of volunteers, was sent by former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco to support Adolf Hitlers invasion of the Soviet Union during the Second World War. In a video that has been shared online by the digital magazine La Marea, a young woman is seen at a lectern with a microphone surrounded by dozens of people carrying neo-fascist and Nazi symbols and paraphernalia. The woman in the video is heard saying that the enemy is always going to be the same albeit wearing different masks: the Jew. She adds: Because there is nothing that is more true than this statement: the Jew is to blame, the Jew is to blame, and the Blue Division fought for this. She later states that communism is a Jewish invention to pit the workers against one another. A tweet from online publication La Marea with videos from the demonstration. The FCJE, which represents Jewish communities in Spain, said that it considers it to be unconscionable in a country with rule of law and full democracy for these serious accusations to go unpunished, pointing out that in July 2020 Spain joined the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which considers accusations against the Jews of being blameworthy for any event to be antisemitic. The FCJE and the Platform against Antisemitism and the Movement against Intolerance said that they will use all the legal means at their disposal to bring these events to the justice system. The Israeli ambassador in Spain, Rodica Radian-Gordon, wrote on Twitter that the antisemitic proclamations made in the homage to the Blue Division in Madrid are disgusting and cannot have a place in a democratic society. Education and learning the truth about history is the way to avoid the past repeating itself, she added. English version by Simon Hunter. Several people have come forward to say they believe they are related to a Derry woman murdered in London 67 years ago. It follows an article in the Derry News last week outlining the tragic story of Ellen Carlin. Ellen left Derry in 1946 when she was 20-years-old for a new life in England. However, within a few years, she was dead. She was found strangled by a stocking at a flat in the Pimlico area of London on September 6, 1954. No one has ever been charged with Ellen's murder. When she died, Ellen had a two-year-old son called Daniel. Daniel was adopted by a family who changed his name to Martin Matthews. Martin only found out he had been adopted when he was told by his adoptive mother shortly before her death. After this, he did some research into his biological mother's tragic death but he died from an illness in 2005 without ever having tracked down any surviving members of Ellen's family. Now, Martin's daughter, Emma, is hoping that she will be able to find any of Ellen's family or their descendants who are still living in Derry. The article in the Derry News last week appealed for anyone who may be related to Ellen, or who had information about her family, to come forward. After the article was published, a number of people of people contacted the Derry News to say they believe they were related to Ellen. Local amateur genealogist Joe Carton also took a keen interest in Ellen's story as he believed that there may have been links between the murdered woman's family and his own. However, after researching what is known about Ellen's family, Mr Carton established that, in fact, he was not related to her. His research, however, has uncovered new information about Ellen's family which could help Emma find some of her relatives. According to Mr Carton's research, Ellen's parents were James and Margaret Carlin (nee Breslin) who had lived at Rossville Street in the Bogside area of Derry. They married on April 4, 1915 in St. Eugene's Cathedral. Mr Carlin was originally from Nailor's Row and his parents were Manasses (Manus) Carlin and his mother was Sophia O'Neill. Mrs Carlin was originally from Wellington Street. Her father was Patrick Breslin and her mother was Ellen (nee Kelly). Mr Carton's research shows that Margaret Carlin died in 1937 when her daughter Ellen would have been around 10 or 11 years-old. After leaving school, it is believed that Ellen worked in a shirt factory in Derry before leaving the city for London. Although no one has ever been charged in connection with the Derry woman's murder, serial killer Peter Manuel is alleged to have confessed to killing her before he was executed in 1958. Manuel was convicted of seven murders in Scotland and England but the police officers who caught him believe he had killed more people. At the time of the Derry woman's death, another line of enquiry for investigating officers had been that she was killed by an American serviceman. Police found two packets of American cigarettes and American whisky bottles in her room and it was said that she had been seen with a US serviceman on the night she died. It was reported shortly after the murder that police had plans to question all American servicemen based in and around London. On September 11, 1954, the Londonderry Sentinel carried a report of a short inquest hearing which had been held at Westminster Coroner's Court in connection with Ellen's murder. The report said that the victim had been identified as Ellen Carlin, the 28-year-old daughter of James Carlin and the late Mrs Carlin from Rossville Street in Derry. The newspaper report said that Ellen's sister, Sylvia McGill, who was described as a canteen assistant from North Kensington in London, told the inquest that her sister had also used the name Helen Kelly and had no occupation. Mrs McGill, the report said, spoke in a 'trembling voice' and broke down when a pathologist told the inquest that the cause of death had been strangulation. Anyone who has information they believe would be helpful to Emma in her search for Ellen's relatives is asked to email ciaran.oneill@derrynews.net Putting police officers in schools when they fully reopen could help prevent a surge in violent crime in the capital, the Mayor of London has claimed. Sadiq Khan said the Met will use safety officers and targeted policing in areas of high violent crime in a bid to avoid a spike when the Covid-19 lockdown lifts. He was speaking on Tuesday after going on patrol in Bethnal Green, east London, with Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick and violence suppression unit officers. He said: 'One of the things that we've been looking at, in those parts of the world where they've come out of lockdown sooner than us, is there has been, I'm afraid, a surge in violent crime. 'Actually, in some cities around the world - Chicago, New York have been two examples - even during lockdown there have been big increases in violent crime.' Sadiq Khan said the Met will use safety officers and targeted policing in areas of high violent crime in a bid to avoid a spike when the Covid-19 lockdown lifts He continued: 'We in London, because of the hard work of the police and others, have not had that. 'The key challenge now is to make sure that, working together, we avoid a surge in violent crime when the lockdown is lifted. 'So for example, making sure when schools fully reopen, school safety officers are there, making sure that police are properly targeted in those areas in London where there's a concern. 'We have the violent crime taskforce going to those boroughs of high violent crime, but also working with the violence suppression unit as well. 'We need to make sure we do what we can in relation to both prevention - tough on the causes of crime - and enforcement - tough on crime as well.' Mr Khan announced a plan to invest another 38million in policing raised from London council taxpayers. He was speaking on Tuesday after going on patrol in Bethnal Green, east London, with Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick and violence suppression unit officers There will be 30million to pay for more than 1,000 City Hall-funded police officers over the next four years and 8million towards violence prevention measures, such as electronic tagging of violent offenders and funding for youth workers in A&E and trauma centres. Mr Khan's challenger to be the next Mayor of London Shaun Bailey blasted the idea this evening. The Tory told MailOnline: 'Over the last four years, crime in London has spiralled out of control. 'Even still, it's shocking to see a 20 per cent rise in the number of police officers working full time in schools. 'As we recover from the pandemic, we can't afford a city where our children aren't safe.' He added: 'We need a Mayor who understands that public safety isn't a luxury it's a necessity. 'So as Mayor, I'll recruit 4,000 youth workers and open a youth centre in every borough. 'That way, we can deal with the causes of crime and give young people the support they need, no matter where they live.' Mr Khan said: 'Violent crime had been increasing across the country and in London since 2014, while serious youth violence had been going up since 2013. 'We've worked hard to tackle violence in our city, and it started to fall well before the pandemic hit and has continued to do so. But I am not content or complacent, we still have a long way to go. 'If we are to see the long-term reductions in violence that we all want to see in our city, we must continue to tackle the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty, deprivation and lack of opportunities for young Londoners. 'I'm doing everything I can from City Hall to reduce violence, but it's clear we still have huge financial challenges ahead because the Government has implemented a new era of austerity on public services in London. 'Ministers must now match my commitment to tackling this issue and fully refund City Hall and the Met for all the lost income and money spent tackling the pandemic.' Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Coillte has revealed visitor numbers to some of its most popular recreational forests have doubled to tripled since lockdown began last year, depending on location. Some forests like the Dublin Mountains, Rossmore in Monaghan and Donadea in Kildare experienced doubling or tripling of visitor numbers. The Dublin Mountains (of which Ticknock Forest accounts for the majority) is the most visited, followed by Rossmore Forest Park in Co. Monaghan and Donadea Forest Park in Co Kildare. Overall, visitor numbers to the countrys top 50 forests were 2.2 million from the beginning of March to the end of December 2020. As Coillte has c.6,000 forest properties, the number of visitors across the nations forests is a multiple of this. Top forest locations include: Dublin, Monaghan, Kildare, Wexford, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo, Sligo and Cavan. This represents an overall increase of 38% from 1.6 million for the same period in 2019. Were delighted so many people are using their local forests more during this difficult and prolonged Covid lockdown, said Imelda Hurley, Coilltes CEO. Healthy forests are not only beautiful to look at but provide a much needed physical and mental wellness boost. Its widely agreed fresh air and green outside spaces enhance peoples mood, happiness and overall health. This is particularly important right now, said Hurley. Were glad peoples local forests are a healthy and positive outlet for them. We simply ask that Covid-19 restrictions be adhered to when visiting. Top ten things you didnt know about Irelands local forests: There are approximately 6,000 Coillte forest properties nationwide, all of which are open to the public. There are 260 Coillte managed recreational forests. Forests clean the air we breathe and convert CO2 into O2. Our forests are the biggest carbon sink in the country, cleaning the equivalent of 70% of car emissions every year. They provide homes for a myriad of natural wildlife including deer, red squirrels, badgers, owls and insects to name but a few. Almost 80% of Coilltes forests are working forests. They produce the most commonly used wood in modern Irish homes. The wood in the roofs, walls and floors is made from a coniferous tree called Sitka Spruce, a species especially suited to growing in Irelands wet and temperate climate. Many trees can grow twice as fast in Ireland compared with Europe, due to our soil and climate. Commercial forestry supports around 12,000 jobs in mostly rural areas. When carbon dioxide (CO2) is converted into Oxygen (O2) the remaining carbon element is stored in the tree. That is why wood/trees are described as a great store for carbon. Wood is a renewable resource and it is widely agreed that forests are one of the fastest and most eco-friendly ways to help tackle climate change. All of Coilltes forests are managed sustainably to the exacting standard set by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC is an internationally recognised benchmark for certifying high quality sustainable forest management. The Northern Ireland writer of one of ITV's biggest crime dramas - The Bay - has thanked supporters here for making the second series such a big hit. Daragh Carville, who is originally from Armagh, has revealed filming for the third series of The Bay will start next month. Yesterday ITV announced the departure of Scottish actress Morven Christie, who played the lead protagonist, family liaison officer DC Lisa Armstrong. Replacing her will be White Collar actress Marsha Thomason, who will play Morecambe CID's new family liaison officer (FLO) DS Jenn Townsend. She will be thrown in the deep end when a body is found in the bay on her first day in the job and must get under the skin of a grieving and complicated family if she has any chance of solving the premature death of an aspiring young boxer. Thomason's Townsend must juggle the pressure of giving the family answers while also proving herself as the team's newest recruit and managing her new blended family's struggle to settle in Morecambe. "I'm absolutely thrilled that we're coming back," Daragh told the Belfast Telegraph. "Series two is still going out on ITV and the response has been overwhelming, so the chance to go again is fantastic. "I'm really excited about it and we have new stories to tell. There's a new case to investigate and there's a new FLO in town." He continued: "We're welcoming Marsha Thomason to the cast as well. "Morven has been absolutely incredible and has been a huge part in making the show a success and I'm sad to see her go. "I wish her all the best and she's one of the best actors in the country and she's going to go on and do fantastic things, But I'm looking forward to writing for Marsha." This time round Daragh has co-written the scripts with Furquan Akhtar, whose credits include Hollyoaks and CBBC shows The Dumping Ground and Wolfblood. "For the third series we wanted to bring in someone who could bring a different perspective on the family story," he revealed. "And so we cast around and we were very lucky that Furquan, who is a very in demand young writer from Manchester, was keen to come on board and is a fan of the show." He stresses, however, that the heart of the series will remain the same; focusing on a police officer who is balancing work life with the demands of family. "It's both a crime drama, with a strong narrative of twists and turns, but it's also a family drama that is grounded in reality and truth," added Daragh. "That's built into the DNA of it. It will still be the show that people responded to in series one and two." The writer stressed from the "lots and lots of lovely feedback from home" it appears The Bay has struck a particular chord with crime and drama fans in Northern Ireland. "I'm very grateful for the reaction... Maybe there's something of a northern sensibility [in the series]," he explained. "When I talk of Morecambe and the humour and the kind of sensibility of place it doesn't feel that far from home. "And that world of the seaside town - there's plenty of seaside towns in Northern Ireland, so maybe it's that." A 'devoted' Sussex Police officer has died suddenly at home, just days after being told he would be investigated for breaching coronavirus rules. Police constable Doug Franks, 43, who served as a member of the Bognor Response team, died at his home in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, on February 10. He leaves behind a son. Friends of the officer told the Sun that he had been fined for breaking the no-gathering Covid rule after colleagues reported him for meeting a female officer in a car park to complete paperwork outside of work hours. Mr Franks was told he was being investigated for misconduct by Sussex Police just days before his death, the publication reports. Police constable Doug Franks, 43, who served as a member of the Bognor Response team, died at his home in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, on February 10. He leaves behind a son A source told the Sun: 'He was the loveliest bloke, a top officer who was extremely good at his job and who loved his career serving the public and was the best, most devoted father to his beautiful son.' Sussex Police Force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for an investigation into the death of Mr Franks. A Sussex Police spokesman said: 'The force is deeply saddened by the death of PC Franks at his home in Hampshire last Wednesday. 'A referral has been made to the IOPC and Sussex Police is supporting Hampshire in their investigation on behalf of HM Coroner. Sussex Police Force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for an investigation into the death of Mr Franks. Pictured: Sussex Police Force HQ 'As such, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further and we ask for the privacy of the family to be respected at this difficult time.' Tragically two days after Mr Frank's death Sussex Police lost another member of the force, Sergeant Sean Preston, 50, who died on February 12, weeks after catching Covid. The grandfather worked as a custody sergeant in Worthing, West Sussex, having previously been a policeman at Gatwick airport. A force spokesman said Mr Preston had been working from home for several months and was admitted to hospital in January after contracting Covid-19. He leaves his partner, children and grandchildren. Sergeant Sean Preston, 50, died on February 12, weeks after catching Covid The chief constable of Sussex Police has paid tribute to two officers who died within two days of each other. Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: 'It has been a very sad week for Sussex Police with the untimely passing of two of our police family. My thoughts are with Doug and Sean's families, friends and colleagues. 'Doug was a much-liked and well-respected colleague, who fulfilled his ambition to be a police officer when he joined Sussex Police in July 2019. He was proud to achieve independent patrol status a year ago and served to keep people in Sussex safe. 'A popular colleague, he was devoted to his son and his career. He joined the force after working as a financial investigator with the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, where he built strong friendships and was known for his infectious enthusiasm. 'Sean was a highly respected and experienced officer working in a number of roles within the service including Neighbourhood Sergeant at Gatwick Airport and Custody Officer at Worthing and Brighton. Sean was a huge character with a great sense of humour he was loved by everyone he worked with and devoted to his family. 'They will both be missed by all who knew them and I am proud that they were able to serve the local community with passion, pride and commitment.' You are here: Business German auto brand BMW is recalling 71 vehicles in the Chinese market due to flaws in seat side airbags, China's market regulator said. The recall, which will start Thursday, will involve imported 425i and 430i models produced between June 16 and Dec. 2, 2020, said a statement by the State Administration for Market Regulation. As the software parameters of the front seat side airbags are flawed, the timing of the front seat side airbag function may be delayed when the vehicles encounter a side impact. BMW China Automotive Trading Ltd. will reprogram the software on recalled vehicles free of charge, the statement said. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. (CNN) -- Frigid temperatures and widespread power outages are plaguing swaths of Texas for the third straight day Tuesday, sending numerous residents to vehicles, fireplaces and shelters in desperate search of warmth. In the town of Nevada outside Dallas, Clint Cash said he's resorted to living in his car parked in an open area outside his home, which had largely been without power since Sunday evening when temperatures dipped into the teens. "I'm wearing several layers of clothes to keep my body warm" and using heat from his vehicle, Cash, 44, told CNN affiliate KTVT on Monday. More than 4.4 million households and businesses were without power in Texas on Tuesday morning as a result of freezing temperatures and a deadly winter storm that swept into the state early this week. The entire state saw temperatures below freezing during at least parts of Monday and Tuesday, and utilities have been knocked out or frozen over by the bitter cold -- leaving many without primary means of heating their homes. The cold is believed to have contributed to at least three deaths in the Houston area alone, police said. That includes a woman and a girl who died of carbon monoxide poisoning after a car was running in the garage at their home to create heat because the power was out, Houston police said Tuesday morning. The treacherous conditions have led to more than 550 car crashes in the area since Sunday, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said. "Our roadways are still very icy. Please avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary," Acevedo said Tuesday on Twitter. Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott has said some utilities' ability to generate the power has been frozen -- including the natural gas and coal generators. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, a grid operator that controls about 90% of the state's electric load, said intentional, rolling power blackouts will happen in parts of the state to balance huge demand with struggling supply. Cell towers in Fort Bend County southwest of Houston had generators freezing, running out of fuel or both, interrupting service in parts of the county, County Judge K.P. George wrote on Twitter. "Conditions are deteriorating on all roadways. Roads are impassable. Do not travel. Stay at your location," George tweeted early Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to be below freezing throughout Tuesday in roughly the state's northern half, and they may just reach above it in Houston and San Antonio, according to a National Weather Service forecast. While snow has fallen across much of Texas, more snow and ice are expected for much of the state Tuesday afternoon or evening through Wednesday as part of a larger storm system. Up to 6 more inches of snow could fall in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, while freezing rain is forecast for Austin, San Antonio and Houston. The frigid weather has led to widespread power outages in more than a dozen other states. More outages may be ahead, including in Nebraska, where a utility in Hastings asked residents Tuesday to prepare for rolling blackouts to handle "unprecedented energy demand." Southwest Power Pool, which manages electrical grid operations in North Texas and 16 other states, said Monday it had asked member utilities to implement rolling blackouts. Relying on fireplaces and generators Barbara Martinez has a mission Tuesday that she wouldn't normally undertake: Find more wood for the fireplace that is her home's sole source of heat in freezing weather. Her home in the Houston suburb of Jersey Village has been largely without power since Sunday at 3 a.m., she told CNN on Tuesday morning. She, her elderly parents, and her two dogs have been huddled together in one room with a fireplace. "We have several layers of clothing and it's cold," Martinez said. "We've been using our cars to charge up phones, and (the) signal here is nearly impossible to use." "We hope the power comes back soon because we are running out of firewood," she said. "My goal today is to find more firewood." In the Fort Worth suburb of Watauga, Elijah Dorminy's family has depended on their generator to make it through the deadly cold -- and he fears soon even that won't be an option. Dorminy, his wife and their four children were worried what will happen when they need to refill their generator with gas again. Only one gas station still had fuel in Watauga, Dorminy told CNN on Monday evening. "Pray for us, this is going to be rough," he told CNN. Water shut off in Abilene The Texas city of Abilene said it was forced to shut off water service Monday evening because of a power outage at three water treatment plants. The city of about 120,000 people is located about a 150-mile drive west of Fort Worth. "It is not known exactly when power and subsequent water service will be returned to Abilene water customers," a statement from city officials reads. When service is restored, a boil water notice will be in effect, and customers should bring water to a vigorous boil for at least two minutes before consumption, according to the statement. Texans with electricity are asked to conserve as much as possible in an effort to relieve the demand on the state's power grid and help restore service," according to the city's statement. Fort Worth has extended a boil water notice for residents in the north half of the city. Rolling power outages affected the its ability to treat and move water to customers, according to the city. State's largest school district closes Several of the state's school districts announced that classes -- both in-person and virtual -- will be canceled due to the weather. The Houston Independent School District, the largest in the state, will be closed Tuesday due to freezing weather, according to a message on the district's website. To the north, the Dallas Independent School District, as well as the neighboring Arlington and Fort Worth Independent School Districts also will be closed Tuesday, according to statements on the district's websites. Fort Worth's closures run through Wednesday while Dallas schools are closed through Thursday. Covid-19 vaccines and appointments at risk The storm has complicated Covid-19 vaccinations, causing appointments to be postponed and threatening supplies. No first-dose vaccines are being shipped to Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District Monday and Tuesday due to winter weather, according to a news release from the city. San Antonio postponed vaccine appointments scheduled for Tuesday at the Alamodome stadium until Saturday, according to a news release from the city. "With the current icy conditions expected to remain until at least tomorrow, we want to ensure the safety of the public. We also want to remind the public who may be concerned about the small delay for their second dose, that we are still within CDC guidelines to ensure the vaccine will still work with no issues," the release stated. After power was lost at the Harris County Public Health Department Building and backup generators failed, officials had to race to allocate and save 8,400 vaccines before they spoiled, Harris County Judge Lena Hidalgo said Monday. Harris County officials settled on Houston's Ben Taub, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Methodist Hospitals, as well as Rice University and the Harris County Jail as the locations to receive the vaccine overnight, Hidalgo said. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan will not be proceeding with the appointment of Aaron Forde as chairperson of Shannon Group (Julien Behal/PA) Transport Minister Eamon Ryan will not be proceeding with the appointment of Aaron Forde as chairperson of Shannon Group. Mr Ryan had announced his appointment earlier on Tuesday. His Department said: In a phone conversation this evening Mr Ryan indicated that Mr Fordes use of social media was below the standard expected of the chairperson of a state board. This is an important time for Shannon Group which has to chart a way through the crisis caused by the pandemic and plan for recovery. The Department of Transport will work to appoint a new chairperson as quickly as possible. Mr Forde had been expected to formally take up the five-year appointment following his appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications Networks. He was chief executive of Aurivo, a globally focused agri-business, for 16 years until he left the company at the end of 2019. He has a track record at a senior level with international leadership experience gained across Ireland and the UK. Eskom will increase electricity tariffs by 15.63% on 1 April 2021, the power utility has confirmed to MyBroadband. This follows the power utility and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) reaching an agreement on Eskoms allowable revenue for the 2021/2022 financial year. The settlement was confirmed in a court order handed down by Justice Joseph Raulinga on 15 February. Raulinga had in January 2021 heard Eskoms application to have an earlier High Court order allowing the increases executed, pending Nersas appeal of the matter in the Supreme Court of Appeal. The High Court in 2020 found that the power utility should recover R69 billion in a phased manner over a three-year period. Nersa had reportedly negotiated with Eskom and reached a settlement of R10-billion to mitigate the risk of the court ordering a R23-billion addition, the amount the High Court had originally found Eskom was entitled to for the next financial year. This would have resulted in an increase of 21%. The new court order stated that an amount of 5.44c/kWh will be added to the average standard tariff for Eskom customers in the 2021/22 tariff year making the aggregate standard tariff for Eskom customers in the 2021/22 tariff year 134.30c/kWh. Phased tariff increases News of the increase comes a day after Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter said the utility was working with Nersa to ensure its planned tariff increases dont come as shock to customers. These comments came during a recent episode of FMFs The Free Marketeers web series, during which De Ruyter elaborated more on Eskoms plans to reduce load-shedding, increase its operational reliability, and improve finances. He maintained cost-reflective tariffs were required to address Eskoms revenue shortfall, as the quantum of electricity Eskom sold had for a fairly long time remained flat, which Eskom attributed to a lack of growth in the economy. According to benchmarking that the utility had done internationally on a number of fronts, it was absolutely convinced that Eskoms electricity price was below the norm. De Ruyter said Eskom was making good progress in negotiations with Nersa for price increases. We will be able, I believe, to address the electricity tariff increase issue in a way that does not cause a price shock to the economy, De Ruyter said. We are at idem [in agreement] with Nersa that what we want to avoid is a sudden large increase in the cost of electricity that causes distress to households and businesses. What we are going to try and do within the confines of the regulatory system is to have a phased approach to this, he added. De Ruyter emphasised that the amounts on the bill that a business or homeowner would get differed from Eskoms actual electricity selling price. These bills would include the additional charges that municipalities or other distribution authorities charged. He submitted that those charges would in instances vary from justifiable, to very high, and above the norm. AAP should go back to basics in Rajasthan, says Kumar Vishwas Raj govt amends prison norms to omit caste-based labour assignment India oi-Briti Roy Barman Jaipur, Feb 16: Rajasthan government made three amendments to Prison Rules to omit caste-based labour assignment in jails. This comes after High Court took suo motu cognizance of media report on caste practices in prisons. In Rule 67 on "Cooking of Food" that had eligibility criterion of "Brahmin/high-caste Hindu" inmate, new line on no selection based on caste/religion has been inducted. Similarly, part of a section dealing with 'Restriction on the employment of convicts as tradesman' had earlier read that "the barber shall be a non-habitual prisoner. Sweepers shall be chosen from among those who, by the custom of the district in which they reside or on account of their having adopted the profession, perform sweeper's work, when free. Any-one else may also volunteer to do this work, in no case, however shall a person, who is not a profession sweeper, be compelled to do the work". This paragraph has now been replaced to state: "No tradesman shall be chosen on the basis of his caste or religion." Clause (d) of Rule 27 of Section 1, Part 15, which included the definition of a habitual offender as "any member of a criminal tribe subject to the discretion of the Government", has also been deleted. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The high court had taken cognizance of a report by The Wire on caste practices prevalent in prisons across different states in India. UW Libraries, Wyoming State Library Launch New Digital Historic Newspaper Collection University of Wyoming Libraries and the Wyoming State Library have partnered to launch the Wyoming Digital Newspaper Collection online. This collection of historic newspapers combines the digital holdings of both institutions with a new interface that is more robust, providing easier, customizable searches and better results. More than 800,000 pages are now available, with new content added monthly. To search the Wyoming Digital Newspaper Collection, go to www.wyomingnewspapers.org. This collaboration is yet another example of libraries working together to bring additional information resources to the people of Wyoming and bringing the world to Wyoming, says Thomas Ivie, Wyoming State Library research and statistics librarian. The Wyoming State Library has long been home to the Wyoming Newspapers database, which includes more than 340 historic newspapers with over 800,000 pages consisting mostly of newspapers from 1849-1922. Along with this existing content, the Wyoming Digital Newspaper Collection includes content digitized by UW. In 2019, UW received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant to digitize 100,000 pages of Wyoming newspapers -- dating from 1863-1963 -- as part of the states participation in the National Digital Newspaper Program. Combining the newspaper holdings of both the Wyoming State Library and University of Wyoming Libraries gives users an opportunity for increased access through a single point of contact, says Bryan Ricupero, UW Libraries metadata librarian and interim department head of Digital Collections. This should make for a much improved research experience. UW Libraries and the Wyoming State Library also teamed up with the Colorado State Library to launch the Plains to Peaks Historic Newspapers database, a one-stop collection that combines the Wyoming and Colorado historic newspaper collections. The combined regional collection can be found at www.ppc-historicnewspapers.org. For more information about the Wyoming digital newspaper project, call Ricupero at (307) 766-5615 or email bricuper@uwyo.edu. The Karnataka govt on Tuesday decided to reopen schools for classes 6o 8 from February 22. This will be applicable across the state except for Bengaluru city and towns and villages neighboring the Kerala border. In Bengaluru and those towns on the Karnataka-Kerala border, physical classes for class 8 can commence however for classes 6 & 7 the district deputy commissioner will take a call depending on the covid situation at that time. "Due to lack of regular schooling, students have suffered, so we raised this issue with the technical advisory committee, but because of the sudden spike in cases of infection in Bengaluru and the rise in infections in bordering Kerala state, they have advised us to start regular classes only for classes of 6 to 10," said S Suresh Kumar, Primary and secondary education minister, Karnataka All students and teachers who come from Kerala will have to get a negative RT-PCR test. A decision was also taken to extend the Vidhyagama Program for students of classes 1 to 5. A new SOP for schools to follow will also be issued within a day or two. The technical advisory committee will meet again next week to take a decision on the commencement of school for primary classes. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Some of the most quietly pernicious manifestations of American racism can be found in the discriminatory actions of financial and real estate institutions, particularly in the urban segregation policies that came to be labeled redlining. In this excerpt from Rebecca K. Marchiels After Redlining: The Urban Reinvestment Movement in the Era of Deregulation, we get an inside look at pioneering efforts to recognize these unjust actions and fight them on their own turf. In 1970, in the midst of the ongoing battle with panic peddlers, Shel Trapp led members of the West Side Coalition against Panic Peddling into the offices of Chicagos second-largest savings and loan association, Bell Federal. The group had a meeting scheduled with the bank president to ask why his institution wasnt lending in their neighborhood, leaving new homebuyers at the mercy of panic peddlers and contract sales. Several West Siders came to Trapp complaining that the bank had rejected their applications for loans with no explanation. Trapp reasoned the best way to get answers was to confront the president face to face. That afternoon, when the West Siders huddled into the bankers office, they saw something that changed their understanding of what was going on in their neighborhood. Covering most of one wall hung a map of Chicago in which several of the citys streets had been traced with a red marker, creating borders around old, integrated, or majority-minority neighborhoods. One of the outlined areas was the West Town neighborhood, where some members of the WSC lived. When asked about the map, the bank president explained that his institution only made long-term, fixed-rate conventional loans outside the delineated areas. Inside those red lines were FHA areas, where the bank only granted mortgages guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administrations new urban homeownership initiatives. In organizer lore, this episode marked the birth of the term redlining to denote geographic discrimination by financial institutions on the basis of a neighborhoods age or racial composition. Though the term had been used in policy circles before 1970, the meeting introduced the concept to activists working to uncover what caused panic and property devaluation in their racially changing neighborhoods. What the Chicagoans began to call being FHAed was the street-level manifestation of a larger shift in urban home financing that they had yet to fully understand. The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968, which expanded FHA insurance to urban mortgages, reconfigured the relationship between urban homeowners and the institutions that capitalized their mortgages. It began to dismantle the thrift-centric New Deal financial regime that many white Americans took for granted by the late 1960s, but it did so primarily in older urban neighborhoods and inner-ring suburbs, rather than evenly throughout the metropolis. Created to stabilize a mortgage market rocked by the Great Depression in 1934, the Federal Housing Administration provided lenders with insurance on mortgages so that lenders would be protected from loss if a homeowner defaulted. Many historians have documented the extent to which the FHAs bias toward new housing in homogeneously white areas played a crucial role in building the white suburbs in the decades following World War II. What most scholars have yet to consider, but Trapp and other urbanites soon discovered, is that the FHA had become a different institution by 1970. In the wake of the 1960s urban rebellions, policymakers created new FHA initiatives to expand homeownership to urbanites in hopes of bringing stability to cities. Those programs created a separate and unequal urban home financing system in older and racially changing areas, on the premise that such neighborhoods constituted risky investments, while white neighborhoods and suburbs maintained their relationships with their local thrifts. Through the FHA, the federal government insured urban mortgages, protecting investors capital regardless of whether a homeowner could repay the loan. In a strange reversal of traditional mortgage lending, in which thrifts wanted buyers to pay back their loans, the FHA inadvertently created incentives for mortgage lenders to issue loans to people who could not afford them. Real estate agents flipped the same houses again and again, making fees on the commissions, while mortgage houses collected fees for closing costs and servicing the loans, and investors received the insurance payouts for defaults. In the FHAs aggressive efforts to bolster urban homeownership, its new programs stimulated the supply side of the mortgage market with little consideration for how the programs would unfold at the street level. By 1973, five years after the passage of the HUD Act, a low estimate put the number of affected homes nationwide at 250,000 and the payments to FHA speculators at $3.6 billion. In addition to creating the conditions for this abuse, the FHA programs also severed the local relationship between urban neighborhoods and the thrifts that had been their primary source of mortgage capital. Mortgage-backed securities changed the role of thrifts like Bell Federal in urban mortgage markets, replacing neighborhood savings and loans with a system in which thrifts joined mortgage houses in selling loans to investors through a secondary market that had no stake in the fate of the particular neighborhood where the loan was originated. In transitional urban neighborhoods, the New Deal financial regime disappeared. Trapp and his fellow organizers took the logic of the New Deal financial regime for granted by the 1960s. At first, they didnt cite the reforms of the Depression era as the reason they expected long-term, fixed-rate mortgages from local savings and loans like Bell Federal. What they did talk about was what had changed in what seemed to them the natural order of things, and why that change was bad for their neighborhoods. In their struggle against the FHA insurance programs, they questioned why local thrifts had stopped lending. In so doing, they began to articulate their assumptions about what lenders should do. Their convictions about the proper role of lenders, combined with their organizing worldview, animated the urban reinvestment movement in the early 1970s. The new FHA programs changed more than the relationship between urban borrowers and their lenders. They also prompted Trapp and other West Siders to break with their training as neighborhood-based community organizers in the Alinsky tradition and go national with their campaigns. Discovering that federal, not local, policies like the FHAs had worsened recent real estate abuse raised awareness in Trapp and fellow organizer Gale Cincotta that the same federal programs were likely enabling speculators in other transitional neighborhoods nationwide. In 1972, they called a conference of community groups from around the country to discuss their shared experiences with real estate abuse. The gathering marked the beginning of the national urban reinvestment struggle, a multiracial social movement of urban survivors who sought fair access to credit for previously redlined neighborhoods. But that would come later. At the time Trapp and the urbanites met with Bell Federal, they were just beginning to learn about the home financing mechanisms that enabled panic peddling in transitional urban neighborhoods like theirs. Rebecca K. Marchiel is assistant professor of history at the University of Mississippi. After Redlining is available now from our website or your favorite bookseller. The issue of joining NATO will arise as soon as Ukraine is ready to confirm the full transition of its troops to Alliance standards, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said. "We have been given a very important political signal that NATO's door remains open to Ukraine. This is a literal quote from Mr. Stoltenberg at our joint press conference following the meeting. And it actually sets out the whole essence and meaning of our negotiations," the PM said in an interview with Ukrinform. The only and key issue is the transition of the Ukrainian army to NATO standards, Shmyhal noted. According to him, "as soon as Ukraine is ready to confirm the full transition, the issue of joining NATO will immediately arise. As for the Membership Action Plan (MAP), we insist on a parallel course with Georgia, where the relevant work is also actively carried out." "Today, there are three Eastern Partnership countries that are best prepared in terms of the MAP - Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine. Georgia is slightly ahead in this trio, and it is very important that we overcome this gap and obtain the Membership Action Plan with it. This year we will have a series of joint exercises with NATO, which will provide an opportunity to demonstrate our level," the prime minister said. As Ukrinform reported, during a press conference following talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Brussels on February 9, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO Allies recognize Ukraine as a potential candidate for NATO membership and support Ukrainian efforts to join the Alliance. ish Writer Ramachandra Guha along with volunteers with placards and the image of environment activist Disha Ravi protesting for her release, in Bengaluru on Feb. 15. The niece of Indian American U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Meena Harris, criticized the government on Twitter for silencing activists. (ANI photo) The RTE continuity announcers words that night were like a sneaky little gut punch, delivered when youre least expecting it: And that was the last ever episode of Brimstone. Next week at the same time... Wait. What? Not the last in the current series we hadnt yet started calling them seasons but the last one ever. How could this be? Back in 1998, when Brimstone made its debut in the US, arriving on RTE a few months later, television hadnt yet become the major cultural force it is today and didnt receive anything like the saturation media coverage it now commands. The big American networks had the playing field more or less to themselves. If they decided to abruptly cancel a series, it stayed cancelled. No amount of lobbying by fans and at the time they didnt have social media platforms to make their voices heard would make a difference. There was no Netflix or Amazon to ride to the rescue and revive a series that had been undeservedly axed. But things had started to change. US television had evolved beyond the old-style episodic series, where everything was wrapped up neatly in an hour, including commercial breaks. Long-form storytelling had begun to take hold. Chris Carters The X-Files, a hybrid of detective show, horror and science fiction that blended self-contained monster of the week episodes with an overarching alien conspiracy storyline, had become a sensation. This was the landscape into which Brimstone dropped. It appeared to be exactly the right series at exactly the right time. It was high-concept television, and the concept was a terrific one. Peter Horton, best known at the time for being the long-haired one in smug, drippy 1980s series Thirtysomething, played Ezekiel Zeke Stone, New York Citys most decorated detective. When the man who raped his wife walks free, Zeke tracks him down and kills him. Two months later he himself is shot dead in an unrelated incident and winds up in hell. Its eventually revealed he wasnt sent to hell just because he murdered a man, but because he enjoyed doing it. Fifteen years later, the devil, played by the marvellous John Glover, offers Zeke a deal: 113 of the most evil souls have escaped from hell and are wandering the Earth. If Zeke can bring of all them back, hell be given a second chance at life. The only way to achieve this is by destroying their eyes (the windows to the soul), either by shooting them or using some even grislier method. Whenever Zeke dispatches a soul back to hell, the next day is a reset. He always wakes up wearing the same clothes and with the same items that were in his possession at the moment of his death: his detectives shield, fully loaded gun and $36.27 (a biblical reference to Ezekiel 36:27). If Zeke fails in his mission or is killed by his quarry, hell face eternal damnation. Glovers devil is a playful trickster; sometimes he works to assist Zeke, other times he seems to be deliberately hampering him. Brimstone, created by Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris, who went on to write the Kung Fu Panda movies of all things, had everything going for it and should have been an enormous hit. But Fox, for reasons which remain obscure, treated it badly from the start. They scheduled it as the lead-in to Chris Carters other series, Millennium, which was already leaking viewers and destined for cancellation, and then inexplicably showed the episodes in the wrong order, which confused viewers. Brimstone was cancelled after 13 episodes, denying it a chance to build the audience it richly deserved. Were it to be made today, when series about the supernatural have never been more popular, then I suspect it would be a runaway success. As it is, it remains a lost cult gem thats never been released on DVD. West Australian Premier Mark McGowan is adamant the government will not foot the bill for rough sleepers staying at an inner-city hotel, saying the anarchists and activists who booked the rooms should pay. The comments come after the owners of Perth City Apartments said they would kick out about 30 homeless people staying at the hotel on Wednesday morning, after the bill for room costs reached more than $20,000. WA Premier Mark McGowan. Credit:Peter de Kruijff The hotel owners said the rough sleepers arrived in droves in late January after authorities moved to dismantle a homeless camp in Fremantle and promised hotel stays to those sleeping at the site. They included pregnant women, families with young children and people with disabilities, who have been staying in 11 hotel rooms for at least three weeks. New Delhi, Feb 16 : A high-level meeting of the party leaders was called by BJP chief J.P. Nadda on Tuesday at the national headquarters here to discuss the ongoing farmers' agitation and chalk out the future course of action to be adopted by the saffron party. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Sanjeev Balyan, were present in the meeting, which was also attended by the party's national general secretaries Bhupendra Yadav and Arun Singh. BJP MPs and MLAs from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan attended the meeting, including its Rajasthan and Haryana unit chiefs Satish Poonia and Subhash Barala, respectively. It has been learnt that it was decided in the meeting to draw a plan of action in the next few days with focus on states from where farmers are participating in the protest on the borders of the national capital. It is also learnt that the BJP should reach out to the farmers to convey the message that the4 government stood with the farmers. "It has been discussed that the BJP must explain to the farmers that the government is with them and is ready to make changes," said a source in the BJP. "It is also learnt that the leaders have been asked to explain to the farmers that the protest is politically motivated," it added. The meeting lasted for around two hours, but the Home Minister was at party headquarters for around four hours. Former Hong Kong democracy lawmaker Au Nok-hin speaks after the primary election aimed at selecting democracy candidates for the September election, in Hong Kong, China on July 12, 2020. (Lam Yik/Reuters) Two Plead Guilty in Trial of Nine Hong Kong Democracy Activists Charged With Illegal Assembly HONG KONGTwo Hong Kong pro-democracy activists pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges related to an illegal assembly during mass protests in August 2019, while seven others, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai, pleaded not guilty. The 2019 protests, fuelled by fear among locals that communist Beijing was curbing the wide-ranging freedoms promised to the former British colony upon its return to mainland rule in 1997, plunged the city into its biggest crisis since the handover. The rally in August 2019 was estimated to have drawn more than 1 million people, despite heavy rain, and provided a respite from the clashes between protesters and police seen often at demonstrations in the months before and after. Unsatisfied with the governments suspension of the controversial extradition bill, an estimated 2 million Hong Kongers took the streets on June 16, 2019, to demand the bills full retraction and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lams resignation. (Gang Yu/The Epoch Times) Former pro-democracy politician and activist Au Nok-hin pleaded guilty to organizing and knowingly taking part in an unauthorized assembly, while Leung Yiu-chung, another activist, pleaded guilty to participating in an illegal assembly. Leung and Au will hear the verdict on March 22. The other seven activists on trial, including prominent Beijing critic Lai, Democratic Party founder Martin Lee, and veteran activists Lee Cheuk-yan, and Leung Kwok-hung, known as Long Hair, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The latter two shouted Object to political prosecution! when making the plea. Beijing has responded to the 2019 protests by imposing a sweeping national security law in June last year, punishing anything the ruling Chinese Communist Party deems as secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Since the introduction of the law, the pro-Beijing government has disqualified opposition politicians and jailed activists, while authorities have banned slogans, songs, and pro-democracy political activity in schools. Lai has been in custody since December and is scheduled for another court appearance on Thursday for his appeal against an earlier decision to deny him bail in relation to charges of colluding with foreign forces. By Jessie Pang. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. A prominent resident of Louisiana township, Montserrado County has embarked on providing quality education to scores of Liberians in the township and adjacent communities. Speaking in an interview with this writer recently, Boima Wright said the initiative is aimed at helping government and the people of Liberia heal what has been described as the greatest societal ill. Through his Yatta Foundation Elementary, Junior and Senior High School, Wright, a high school dropout, is impacting lives of children in the sparsely populated township of Louisiana and parts adjacent at very minimum cost. With many parents unemployed and heavily reliant on daily hustle such as bricks making, building construction and trade, the Yatta Foundation High School comes as a safe home for their kids. Boima explained that the establishment of the Yatta Foundation is in fulfillment of the dream of his late father, who instructed him to build a school, a mosque and a health facility prior to his demise in 2009. "My father called me one Saturday and instructed me to do certain thing after his death and that thing was the construction of a school, a hospital and a mosque. Listening to his message, I first built a mosque that has a capacity of 2,000 worshippers. Afterwards, I decided to build a school and this is what you are seeing here today. As I speak to you, the hospital project is ongoing," said the Yatta Foundation proprietor. The 32-classroom Yatta Foundation High School, according to Boima, currently has an enrollment of 319 students, having started as a study center for students in the immediate community prior to the eruption of the coronavirus disease. Boima's vision is not only limited to secondary education - his greatest aim is to make further extension to the project to include technical and vocational training as well as a junior college. "I am not yet satisfied with just this high school. My greatest vision is to have a technical and vocational education component and if possible a junior college. I have already purchased the land; a three-acre, for the construction of these learning centers," he disclosed. "It is not my aim to make profit, but to help our people. Many people in this community for instance, used to go all the way to Caldwell for prayer on Fridays and other Muslim holidays, but this is no longer happening. Many people have died here because of common sicknesses due to the lack of health facility and that will not happen again in the soonest possible period when the health center is completed. Prior to the construction of this school here, only few parents who could afford school fees and transportation were able to send their children to school. For those who could not afford, their children sat home. But with the presence of this school here, many of our people far and near are now able to join the fight against illiteracy," Wright, who ended his education at ninth grade level narrated. "I did not go far in education and so I don't want my children and other children in society suffer the same. I was only able to stop at ninth grade level at the Calvary Chapel in the night session. However, this does not stop me from providing opportunity for other children," he added. Mr. Richard S. Zarwolo, Principal of the Yatta Foundation High School said quality education is the best way out in helping the children of Liberia to become responsible citizens for tomorrow. Giving a historical oversight of the institution, Zarwolo explained that the school was founded as a study center otherwise known as a "study class" in early 2019 with an enrollment of just 63 students. "Following our first closing exercise, the following school year, which was the beginning of our main school calendar, we grew up to 150 students because many parents were impressed with our activities," Principal Zarwolo furthered. Like any other institution of learning, normal academic activities were aborted due to the coronavirus disease (covid-19), which has since ravaged the world since November of 2019 and Liberia in March 2020. With the virus ceased to a considerable level and with normal school activities again back on course, the Yatta Foundation chief administrator vowed the school's unflinching commitment to continuously provide quality education to its many students. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. While the technical and vocational segment is away from being constructed, Principal Zarwolo disclosed plan for the introduction of some extra curricula activities including pastry, tailoring, computer, among others. The growth and development of the Yatta Foundation High School does not only lie in the hands of the administration - it has been backed by students as well, through personal or class initiatives. As the administration quests to build a strong learning foundation that will propel Liberian youth for the future, students of the ninth grade class through a class initiative have provided some sanitary materials and wall clock to the school. Such move, according to the President of the class, Student S. Johnson Tokpa, is intended to keep the school campus tidy at all times. "We brought these sanitary materials to help keep our campus clean at all times because the administration cannot do all for us. While they are focused on other administrative duties, we, as students, must help in the maintenance of this campus, because cleanliness is next to godliness," Student Tokpa told the gathering. WASHINGTON: U.S. President Joe Biden plans to recalibrate U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia and will communicate through Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz rather than Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Tuesday. Psaki told reporters Biden plans a call soon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Her comments represented an abrupt change in policy from Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, whose son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner was close to the Saudi crown prince. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. CanAm Enterprises I am confident that there would be a successful bi-partisan effort to undue any harm to existing investor families, said Tom Rosenfeld, President and CEO of CanAm. The EB-5 regional center program (the EB-5 Program) has infused tens of billions of dollars into the U.S. economy, generated hundreds of thousands of new jobs for U.S. workers, and facilitated the lawful immigration of enterprising foreign nationals and their families. All at little or no cost to U.S. taxpayers. Historically reauthorized through its inclusion in annual Federal appropriations bills, the EB-5 Program is currently set to lapse on June 30, 2021. Senators Grassley and Leahy are expected to introduce bipartisan legislation to extend the EB-5 Program for 5 years and implement various oversight and integrity enhancing measures. CanAm Enterprises strongly supports the anticipated Grassley/Leahy legislation. There have been numerous lapses in the EB-5 Program in recent years; however, each such lapse was short-term and ended with a further reauthorization. Importantly, no recent temporary lapses led the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to deny, terminate or revoke immigration benefits. Rather, USCIS has typically held investor petitions in abeyance (i.e., put on hold) until the next reauthorization, and in some instances even allowed certain EB-5 filings to continue notwithstanding the lapse. It would be a substantial departure from decades of precedent to indefinitely cancel the EB-5 Program, and we simply do not believe that the current pro-immigration administration, Congress or USCIS would retroactively sabotage or otherwise endanger thousands of qualifying EB-5 investor families with pending immigration applications, said Tom Rosenfeld, President and CEO of CanAm. CanAm sees a real opportunity to end the streak of consecutive short-term reauthorizations and temporary lapses by securing long-term extension of the EB-5 Program with the passage of the bipartisan integrity provisions long sought by Senators Grassley and Leahy. CanAm, along with a number of industry stakeholders, believes that the passage of these integrity provisions will address important concerns of key legislators and create an opportunity to engage in good faith discussions regarding the EB-5 industrys long-sought increase in annual EB-5 visa availability. At the very worst, in the unlikely event that the Program is not reauthorized, commented Mr. Rosenfeld, I am confident that there would be a successful bipartisan effort to undo any harm to existing investor families. Needless to say, CanAm would be at the forefront of a proactive industry effort both legislatively and through the U.S. federal courts, which generally disfavor the application of regulations retroactively to ensure that the interests of our investor families are protected. For these reasons, CanAm is confident that the EB-5 Program will continue to thrive past June 30, 2021 and we strongly support the passage of the bipartisan EB-5 legislation to be proposed by Senators Grassley and Leahy. ### About CanAm CanAm is an integrated, multinational investment management firm that specializes in immigration-linked investment funds, private equity, and wealth management. With over three decades of experience, CanAms strategic approach to utilizing investor capital and managing risk has raised over $3 billion in private placement funds. Headquartered in New York City with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Ho Chi Minh City, New Delhi, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong, CanAm is proud to serve an international community of investors with a broad spectrum of investment needs and provide long-term value to the firms international and domestic clientele. Australian Winter Crop Expected to Enter Record Books Australias winter crop production has increased by 89 percent to 55.2 million tonnes and is expected to be the second biggest harvest on record. Wheat production is estimated to have increased by 120 percent to 33.3million tonnes, while barely is up 45 percent to 13.1 million tonnes and canola production rose by 74 per cent to 4.1 million tonnes. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) executive director Jared Greenville estimates the 2020/21 harvest is 7.4 percent higher than the forecasted in December. Summer crop production is expected to increase to 3.3 million tonnes, performing better than last year but still staying below the average. Area planted to summer crops are estimated to hit 1.04 million hectares, nearly three times larger than the drought-hit season of 2019/20. Greenville said the increase is mainly due to better conditions in NSW and WA, but adds that This is around 13 per cent below the 10-year average to 2019/20 because planted area remains below average due to limited planting in NSW on the back of large winter crop plantings and a poor start to the summer crop season in some areas of Queensland. Area planted to sorghum is also estimated to have increased by 258 percent to 511,000 hectares while production is estimated to have reached 1.5 million tonnes. Cotton production is likewise expected to have risen by 395 percent to 295,000 hectares, driven by improved soil moisture and greater supply of irrigation water. Despite the below-average spring rainfall in summer cropping regions that prevented the intended summer crop numbers, Greenville expects yield prospects to benefit from favourable rainfall outlook and mild temperatures forecast for Autumn. The news of the bumper agricultural harvest comes after a generally buoyant year for Australian grain farmers after issues in the Americas, the Black Sea and Argentina led to struggling corn, soybean and wheat crops internationally. Nick Crundall, head of strategy at Market Check told Farm Online that 2020 was a profitable year for growers across the board. Weve had a relatively rare season where weve seen our crop continue to grow throughout the year and international crops get smaller, which in some part reflects the La Nina weather event that is in place, which also influences weather in North and South America, seeing it usually drier. Crundall said this had coincided with shortages in supply globally in key commodities such as corn and soybeans which had spilt over to drag up prices for important Australian crops such as wheat and canola. Hong Kong protests are related to China religious freedom struggles, says international ministry 15 August, 2019 by Victor Wilson , | Persecution watchdog ministry Release International says the Hong Kong protests are related to religious freedom struggles in mainland China. "The scenes unfolding on the streets of Hong Kong reflect the desperate cry for freedom in mainland China," Release CEO Paul Robinson said in a statement yesterday. Hong Kong protests, in the last week alone, have brought the international airport to a halt, and parts of the city have been shutdown with masses rallying against a controversial extradition bill that some fear would undermine Hong Kong's current political system with China by placing Hong Kong under China's jurisdiction instead of under the current, "one country, two systems," structure. In 2018 the Chinese government introduced a policy, The Regulations for Religious Affairs, which was supposedly meant to help protect religious freedom, but in reality has been used to crackdown even further on both house and state churches, according to Christian Today. "Freedom of faith is guaranteed under Article 36 of the Chinese constitution," said Robinson. "But in practice, the authorities bulldoze churches, tear down crosses and imprison pastors. Lawyers who speak up for them in the courts simply disappear. And it's getting worse." Christian Solidarity Worldwide leader Benedict Rogers said he fears a military style crackdown in Hong Kong like the deadly one in Tiananmen Square in 1989. Rogers said, "to resolve the impasse in Hong Kong right now... God forbid, a Tiananmen-style crackdown, which we are already beginning to see in embryo with the police's widespread use of teargas, batons, beatings, shotgun triggers pulled, and Triad gangsters mobilized." "Let us hope that neither [President] Xi Jinping nor [Hong Kong Chief Executive] Carrie Lam allows for the deployment of the trigger-happy [People's Liberation Army] PLA, which would result in a massacre that would not only slaughter the individuals concerned hundreds of them but kill off the hopes of Hong Kong remaining an international financial center and an open city in the region. "Such a massacre would be the slaughter of Hong Kong itself, it's very raison d'etre, its meaning, soul and being." In October 1898 a woman was found dead in a lagoon on the outskirts of the town of Forbes in NSW. She was identified as Ada Foster, 35, a mother of four. What few people in the town knew was that the dead woman was actually Kate Kelly, the sister of notorious bushranger Ned Kelly. What was Kate doing in Forbes 370 kilometres west of Sydney and 470 kilometres from her Kelly clan in north-east Victoria? Was her death murder, suicide or an accident? She deserved better: Rebecca Wilson, author of a new book about Ned Kellys sister Kate, with one of her paintings of Kate. Credit:Wolter Peeters A new biography, Kate Kelly: The True Story of Ned Kellys Little Sister, explores these and other mysteries of an epic, but forgotten life. As a teenager in the late 1870s, Kate was famous either reviled or admired for being a decoy and messenger for the Kelly Gang, including her brothers Ned and Dan, as they hid from police in north-east Victoria. Pandoras Box: Sen. Graham Says VP Harris Could Be Impeached If Republicans Take Back House The second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump set a bad precedent and could open Pandoras box for the impeachment of Vice President Kamala Harris if Republicans gain a majority in the House, according to a top Republican senator. I dont know how Kamala Harris doesnt get impeached if the Republicans take over the House, because she actually bailed out rioters, and one of the rioters went back to the streets and broke somebodys head open, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), referring to Harriss tweeted support of the Minnesota Freedom Fund to bail out rioters and protesters who were arrested during the George Floyd demonstrations last year. It was not clear who allegedly broke somebodys head open. He told Fox News: So weve opened Pandoras box here, and Im sad for the country. Harris, in June, wrote on Twitter, If youre able to, chip in now to the @MNFreedomFund to help post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota. Reports have suggested that the fund was used to secure the bail for several convicted violent criminals as well as protesters last summer. According to a report from CBS Minnesota, the Minnesota Freedom Fund posted bail for 29-year-old Thomas Moseley, who has been charged three times and was bailed out twice since last fall. The group posted bail for Moseley twice, officials said. Documents showed that the bail fund helped release an accused child abuser last year, reported Fox News. The Freedom Fund defended the move, saying that we do not make determinations of bail support based on the crimes that individuals are alleged to have committed. Ultimately, the Senate acquitted Trump 57-43 on Feb. 13. Trump was impeached in the House for allegedly inciting violence during the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, with House Democrats claiming that he incited an insurrection. Trump and his lawyers denied the claims. The president is a handful and what happened [at the Capitol] on 6 January was terrible for the country, Graham said. But hes not singularly to blame. Democrats have sat on the sidelines and watched the country being burned down for a year and a half and not said a damn word, and most Republicans are tired of the hypocrisy. The Epoch Times has reached out to the White House for comment. The US Department of State has approved the sale of new military equipment to Egypt for $197 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Tuesday. According to the DSCA statement, the deal involves the sale of rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 Tactical Missiles and related equipment. The proposed sale will support the Egyptian Navys Fast Missile Craft ships and provide significantly enhanced area defense capabilities over Egypts coastal areas and approaches to the Suez Canal," the statement said, adding that the deal will not alter the basic military balance in the region." "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally country that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East," the statement said. Egypt has been upgrading its naval forces in the past few years with new frigates from France and Italy as well as submarines from Germany. In December, Egypt received the FREMM Bergamini frigate as a new addition to its navy, "which has recently witnessed a technological boom in armament systems and combat efficiency to cope with the latest global defence systems," according to the Egyptian army spokesman. The US has been providing Egypt with foreign aid, including military assistance, since Cairo's 1979 peace deal with Israel. Each year, Egypt receives approximately $1.3 billion in US military aid, as well as an annual economic assistance package, which amounted to $150 million in 2016, according to the Egyptian foreign ministrys website. Short link: Page Content The Braamfontein student precinct will be a much safer place henceforth thanks to the Citys rejuvenated Crime Prevention Plan, which promises tougher action against the scourge. Launched on the Nelson Mandela Bridge on Monday, 15 February, the crime-fighting strategy is part of the municipalitys extensive Ward Based Policing programme, seeking to tackle all forms of crime across all communities of Johannesburg. It was unveiled by the Executive Mayor, Cllr Geoff Makhubo, alongside the MMC for Public Safety, Cllr Mally Mokoena, the MMC for Housing, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, and the Speaker of Council, Cllr Nonceba Molwele. They were joined by senior municipal managers, senior members of the JMPD, Wits University SRC representatives and the Inner Jozi Safety forum. Mayor Makhubo says as part of the crime prevention strategy, the JMPD will be responsible to promote awareness and enforcement of by-laws across the Braamfontein precinct. The JMPD will also undertake other policing functions, including traffic policing, enforcement of municipal regulations and the prevention of crime. The strategy is a partnership between Wits University and the City. It paves way for the municipality to fulfil one of its key strategic priorities of creating liveable, safer public spaces by 2040, a commitment made in the Growth and Development Strategy (GDS). The Citys GDS provides for the JMPD to deal with crime, violence and safety and security issues effectively through visible, preventative policing and patrolling of high-risk areas, using CCTVs in public places, street lighting in high-risk areas, and building partnerships with private security businesses and community policing forums in high crime areas. The Mayor says the Citys newly launched crime prevention plan will be taken to all hotspots across the municipality. Visible policing is an important crime prevention strategy. All residents must be able to work in a clean and safe environment, he says. The latest Crime Prevention Plan is the key programme on safety and security for the City and will be the basis from which the JMPD and other crime-fighting agencies within the City operate. The Mayor encourages the JMPD to clamp down on the scourge of violent crime, which has a devastating effect on the City. It is vital for Braamfontein and surrounding communities to have trust in our JMPD officers to keep them safe, says Cllr Makhubo. The Wits SRC says all students in the Braamfontein precinct are genuinely affected by crime. It was proud to see local government ensuring this matter is actively tackled. Cllr Makhubo says it was apt to launch the strategy on the Nelson Mandela Bridge, because it provides more than just a link between the Joburg CBD and Braamfontein, hence the safety of its users is paramount. It links the hopes and dreams of many workers, young people and students, especially those who come from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, he says. ELK CITY, Idaho, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Therapeutic Solutions International, Inc., (OTC Markets: TSOI), announced today appointment of Dr. Boris Minev to the Scientific Advisory Board of the Company. Dr. Minev joins other internationally renowned tumor immunologists including Dr. Francesco Marincola, Dr. Santosh Kesari, and Dr. Feng Lin. Dr. Boris Minev is currently the President of Medical and Scientific Affairs at Calidi Biotherapeutics, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Dr. Minev has a stellar track record of successes in the area of cancer immunotherapy, being a developer of Melacine the first tumor vaccine to obtain regulatory approval. He held a position as the Director of Immunotherapy and Translational Oncology at Genelux Corporation, where he was directing several preclinical and translational projects on oncolytic virotherapy, immunotherapy, and nanotechnology. Dr. Minev is also an adjunct professor at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center. There, he served previously as Principal Investigator and Director, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, for more than 15 years. Prior to that, Dr. Minev worked in Dr. Steven Rosenberg's Tumor Immunology Section at the Surgery Branch of the National Cancer Institute. "I am proud to be invited by my long-term collaborator and friend Dr. Thomas Ichim to join the advisory board of Therapeutic Solutions International," said Dr. Minev. "Dr. Ichim and I previously accelerated translation of a novel cellular therapy from bench to bedside, which resulted in a stellar return for the investors of Medistem as a result of being acquired by Intrexon1. It is a great feeling to have the team together, including Dr. Feng Lin and Dr. Amit Patel who worked together with myself and Dr. Ichim at Medistem." Last week the Company acquired the rights to Dr. Amit Patel's JadiCellsa for treatment of lung injuries2. These cells have previously been demonstrated to be safe and possess efficacy signals in a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial in lung disease patients3. "I look forward to working with Dr. Minev who is a pillar of the San Diego medical community when it comes to immuno-oncology research and practice," said Dr. James Veltmeyer, Chief Medical Officer of Therapeutic Solutions International. "Many of my colleagues have read Dr. Minev's book, Cancer Management in Man: Chemotherapy, Biological Therapy, Hyperthermia and Supporting Measuresinterestingly, our Vice President of Business Development, Famela Ramos, actually has a chapter written in that textbook." "Dr. Minev is not only a brilliant tumor immunologist, but also his mind is completely obsessed with finding practical solutions to cancer treatment," said Timothy Dixon, President and CEO of the Company and co-inventor of StemVacs. "Working with someone who has both practical experiences as an MD, as well as deep theoretical knowledge obtained from training with Dr. Steven Rosenberg, strongly positions the Company to advanced StemVacs through the FDA regulatory process. We are very blessed to have Dr. Minev join us," added Mr. Dixon. About Therapeutic Solutions International, Inc. Therapeutic Solutions International is focused on immune modulation for the treatment of several specific diseases. The Company's corporate website is www.therapeuticsolutionsint.com, and our public forum is https://board.therapeuticsolutionsint.com/ 1 Intrexon Completes Acquisition of Medistem (prnewswire.com) 2 Therapeutic Solutions International Acquires Stem Cell Therapy That Successfully Completed FDA Double Blind Placebo Controlled Efficacy Study for Lung Disease (prnewswire.com) 3 Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for COVID19 acute respiratory distress syndrome: A doubleblind, phase 1/2a, randomized controlled trial - Lanzoni - - STEM CELLS Translational Medicine - Wiley Online Library [email protected] SOURCE Therapeutic Solutions International Related Links therapeuticsolutionsint.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R) meets Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (L) for their bilateral talks during the G7 Summit on Aug. 24, 2019 in Biarritz, France. (Neil Hall- Pool/Getty Images) Australia Stands to Lose Under Protectionist UK Carbon Tariffs Australian exports may soon suffer from protectionist levies as the United Kingdom plans to use the G7 summit to push for climate tariffs, amid a renewed push for environmentalism after U.S. President Joe Bidens election. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who invited Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to attend as a guest, has indicated that the issue would be a key priority at the meeting of the worlds biggest economies. Prime Minister Johnson is preparing to use the G7 summit to lead the discussion to establish carbon border levies, putting penalties on goods produced in countries with less stringent environmental laws, such as Australia. This would significantly impact Australia, where the trade industry creates one in five jobs in the economy. It may also undermine current negotiations for the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which the UK government aims to use to champion free trade, fight protectionism and remove barriers at every opportunity. Trade and Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said the government was committing to fighting back against unnecessary climate tariffs that the government saw as a protectionist ploy. When we have free trade agreements thats about liberalising trade and creating jobs, Tehan told 2GB radio. Its so important to keep pursuing trade liberalisation because thats how we generate jobs in this country. The last thing we want is a key ally and friend such as the UK, looking to put barriers in that in the form of tariffs, he said. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks with Minister for Education Dan Tehan during Question Time in the House of Representatives on February 03, 2021 in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Energy minister Angus Taylor also disagreed with the UK governments approach of lowering emissions through putting up trade barriers. [This government] is dead against tariffs, he told Sky News. We believe in the role of trade driving prosperity. In December 2020, Johnson announced the governments commitment to cut emissions by 68% by 2030 from 1990, the biggest cut in the G20 nations. Meanwhile, Australia has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, which has remained unchanged since 2015. The unchanging target has been met with criticism. The EU ambassador told The Guardian he hoped EU trading partners would become a bit more ambitious and emboldened when it comes to climate change objectives. The Biden administration has the same stance, stating they would engage with leaders of major carbon-emitting nations to persuade them into making more ambitious national pledges, above and beyond the commitments they have already made. Associate Professor Salvatore Babones from the University of Sydney believes Australia would be at the top of the list of countries for Biden to push for more significant greenhouse emission targets. Having the U.S. president pushing an energy transition away from coal can only hurt the worlds largest coal exporter Australia has more to lose than just about any other developed country. Babones wrote. Bidens potential climate policies do not represent a diplomatic threat to Australia, but they do represent an economic one, he said. Large coal stocks await loading for export at Port Waratah Coal Services in Newcastle, Australia, on April 12, 2007. (Corey Davis/Getty Images) However, trade expert Alan Oxley, told Sydney Morning Herald, he did not believe carbon tariffs would become a mainstream part of international trade and development. It just shows you [Johnson] does not have a proper grasp of what the proper frameworks are in trade policy, he said. Trade agreements are underpinned by legally bound principles and measures and for a new country to succeed in an arrangement theyve still got to be within the legal structure. Australias latest emissions projections show that despite a recent government (pdf) finding that emissions had reached their lowest level since 1998, the country is currently on track to exceed its 2030 emissions reduction target. Our goal is to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible, and preferably by 2050, Morrison said. The Morrison government has not committed to a target. Feb. 16Things are almost back to normal in Charisse Kapapa's fifth grade classroom at Kaiulani Elementary School, where her students report every day for "face-to-face " teachingalbeit wearing masks. The Kalihi school brought back its kindergartners and first graders full time in November. This month the second and fifth graders began coming daily, while other kids attend on alternate days. Since some families still prefer remote learning, students can socially distance on campus. "The kids have been a joy, " said Kapapa, whose students returned earlier this month, about the same time that she got her second dose of the coronavirus vaccine. "They're excited to be back in school, and we're excited to be teaching them." "I can see way more assignments coming in now that they're in school, " she added. Public schools are bringing more students back to school this semester, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling for a. The federal agency says evidence shows K-12 schools can be opened safely with proper precautions, and vaccination of staff is not a prerequisite. Slightly more than half of all public school teachers in Hawaii have received a coronavirus vaccination so far, according to a survey last week by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Of the 11, 088 members who responded, 52 % said they had received either one or two doses of the vaccine. Another 16 % have appointments for their first doses. Only 1.6 % said they did not want to ever get the vaccination, while 8 % opted not to disclose their situation and the remainder were awaiting appointments or considering getting inoculated later. Roosevelt High School has forged ahead, phasing in the return of all its students this semester. The school has an enrollment of 1, 460, with 160 students doing full distance learning this academic year, according to Principal Sean Wong. The remaining students are split into two teams. The red team attends school on campus on Monday and Wednesday, and gold on Tuesday and Thursday, so roughly 550 students are on campus each day, Wong said. Teachers give their full attention to the kids in their classrooms, while students work independently on the rotating two days that they are home. Story continues "On Friday the teachers wanted to have a day where they can meet synchronously with all their students, " Wong said. "It's a virtual day. The students don't come on campus, but they connect with the whole class." The new schedule seems to be working. Last weekwith all grade levels back on campusattendance hit 95 %, Wong said. Students risk an unexcused absence if they don't attend on their assigned days. "Our students have just been really awesome in coming back, " Wong said. "And our teachers have been real troupers. It's been a total team effort on everyone's part." "We've stressed the three main mitigation strategies : wearing masks, social distance and frequent hand-sanitizing and hand-washing, " he added. "We've also tried to have the best ventilation possible. We secured some air purifiers for the classrooms." In Hawaii Kai, Kaiser High also had hoped to break its student body into just two groups, but ultimately realized it needed to have four groups for adequate spacing in the blended learning rotation it launched Jan. 19, according to Principal Justin Mew. In addition, about 50 students with greater needsacademic or socialcan attend daily. "Our counselors have identified a bunch of students who are still making good grades but that we need to bring back now because they are isolated or they're having social-emotional issues or their home situation is such that it's best to bring them back, " Mew said. "Even my teachers feel isolated, " he added. "And many are under tremendous stress because they can sense if a student is getting it or not. They are very engrossed with their students and answering emails from parents." Students in blended learning take four different classes, on alternating days. But the rotation puts them on campus just one of every nine school days. Wednesdays are set aside for appointments with teachers for individualized help. Among the students in blended learning, however, just 38 %, or 397 students, are actually coming to school on their designated days. The remaining 62 %, or 643 students, decided to participate in the same classes remotely. That's in addition to the 136 Kaiser students who had already chosen a separate, 100 % remote learning program for the entire year. "The parents are torn because of the concern about COVID spread, " Mew said. "Those opting out (of in-person class ) include students we identified with social-emotional learning (needs ). The parents don't feel comfortable with them coming in. It breaks our heart. At the same time, we understand." English teacher Sarah Shiroma said she typically can seat 30 students in her classroom, but this year the maximum is 10 due to distancing requirements. So far, just a handful of students have decided to come in person. Since students are grouped by alphabet, they might not see their friends on the infrequent in-person days. "The best thing about school is the interaction you get with your peers and your teacher, and that's missing right now, " Shiroma said. "The initial reason why I think a lot of students opted out was for health and safety reasons, but now I think students are opting out because it doesn't feel like school." "I teach juniors and seniors, " she said. "It's really sad for my seniors. We've had two years of kids now that have missed incredibly important milestones in their high school careers. I totally get why they would want to come back to school and be normal, but there are so many factors at play that can't allow that right now." Statewide, 26 % of students have opted for full-time remote learning. The remaining 74 % are either back to school full time or have opted for "blended learning." But even those who chose blended learning may still be studying from home because their schools have not yet opened up except for vulnerable kids. Some of the big high schools on Oahu remain in distance learning. Kauai, by contrast, had elementary students in blended learning last quarter, and its secondary schools followed suit this quarter. Kaiulani Elementary found that demand for in-person instruction grew as more families got a chance to see it in action. While 120 students were on full distance learning last semester, the number dropped to 70 this semester, out of a student body of 325 students. "There's more lessons learned in a classroom with other students and teachers than just academics, " Principal Jill Texeira said. "Students learn social skills ; they learn how to collaborate." The school had originally planned for three sections of in-person kindergarten, but opened up a fourth to meet demand in January, she said. And so many first graders chose to return that they now have to rotate days on campus for lack of space. Her second and fifth grade teachers had small enough class sizes that they asked whether they could bring back all their students this semesterand have done so. "My teachers are so dedicated and want to do the best for our students, " Texeira said. "It was possible because of our teachers and their kindness and working together, and putting kids first." Although the Kalihi school has had kids on campus since special-needs preschoolers came back in October, no cases of COVID-19 have been reported so far. "I thank God that it hasn't come on to our campus, and may it continue to be that way, " Texeira said. "We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe." By Xinhua Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed by consensus to appoint Nigerias Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the organizations seventh director-general. After taking office on March 1, Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to serve as the chief of the 26-year-old global trade body, which has been leaderless for almost six months after Roberto Azevedo stepped down on Aug. 31, 2020.The appointment came as the worlds multilateral trading system is grappling with a myriad of challenges ranging from reform pressures to rising protectionism and a pandemic-induced recession. In recent years, the multilateral trading system has been going through difficult and challenging times. But, in my view, the world now needs, more than ever, a reinvigorated WTO, Okonjo-Iweala underlined in her campaign speech. The appointment of the new WTO chief by consensus has been widely seen as a positive sign that the multilateral trading system could be restored in a constructive manner and gain further momentum. Applauding the timely appointment, Chinas Ambassador to the WTO Li Chenggang said, the collective decision made by the entire membership demonstrates a vote of trust not only in Dr. Okonjo-Iweala herself, but also in our vision, our expectation and the multilateral trading system that we all believe and preserve. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who over the years set major records of economic reforms in Nigeria as minister of finance, and later minister of foreign affairs, will excel in her new position and validate the global mandate of repositioning and strengthening the multilateral institution for the greater good of all, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said. In a statement, Buhari voiced confidence that Okonjo-Iwealas track record of integrity, diligence, and passion for development will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind as she takes up another onerous task of service to the world and humanity. WTO spokesperson Keith Rockwell said the next year or two will be a window of opportunity for multilateralism, and that WTO members should seize it in order to achieve some tangible positive results. I think we need to take advantage of this opportunity, and deliver something for the people of the world, because I think theyre counting on us, Rockwell said. The urgent need for sweeping reforms, especially those of the organizations three major functions of dispute settlement, multilateral trade negotiations and trade policy monitoring, is posing a challenge for Okonjo-Iweala. The reform process may involve painful, comprehensive and large-scale restructuring and reorganization. The WTOs dispute settlement body is currently paralyzed because it does not have enough judges. The Appellate Body, considered as the supreme court for global trade disputes, is supposed to have seven judges and needs a minimum of three to function. The U.S. administration under former President Donald Trump blocked the nomination of new judges, leaving the Appellate Body unable to hear new disputes. Travellers flying into Adelaide airport are being handed 'Admit One' tickets by police to prove they are allowed into South Australia, with many comparing it to theme park entry. The tickets come in several colours with a five digit number and are distributed by police at Adelaide Airport after travellers answer border questions. Currently, the only state which has restrictions upon entering South Australia is Victoria after its recent Holiday Inn outbreak grew to 18 cases. Images of the paper tickets went viral online with many insisting this is 'not a joke', as travellers revealed it's been happening for at least four months. The fun-fair tickets come in several colours with a five digit number and are distributed by police at Adelaide Airport after travellers answer border questions Travellers took to Twitter to share images of their 'Admit One' tickets upon arrival at Adelaide Airport 'Surprised they don't stamp their wrists too,' someone wrote. 'Felt like we were about to go to the carnival,' another commented. 'This is actually quite accurate! Got my ''ticket'' at Adelaide Airport on Sunday night. I asked what the prize was. The entry official replied ''a trip to Adelaide. Congratulations'',' another revealed. 'South Australia is literally issuing tickets for admission to the state. (Not a joke, you get a ticket for answering the border questions correctly),' someone else wrote. Another person compared it to movie tickets back in the days. SA Police confirmed the ticketing system is in place for travellers who may be questioned about their reasoning for being in the state. 'The purpose of those tickets is to show that the traveller has been through the processing system at the airport and they have been assessed as being allowed to travel in the state,' police said in a statement. 'Travellers hold on to the ticket while transiting through the airport so if they are challenged by anyone, they have proof that they have officially been processed and just need to produce that ticket.' All travellers coming to South Australia must complete the Cross Border Travel Registration at least seven days prior to arrival. Any person who has been in Greater Melbourne on or after February 4 is banned from the state, and the same goes from anyone who has been in Victoria on or after February 13. ATLANTA, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- McGuireWoods is expanding its insurance recovery capabilities with the arrival of partners Anthony (Tony) P. Tatum, Shelby S. Guilbert Jr. and Joseph M. Englert, who advise leading public and private companies, including financial institutions, energy-based clients and healthcare providers, in insurance coverage and related complex commercial disputes. Tatum, Guilbert and Englert have assisted clients in recovering over $2 billion in insurance coverage over the past three years alone. They represent clients in state and federal courts throughout the country and in domestic and international arbitration tribunals, including complex cross-border matters involving the London, Bermuda and Asian insurance markets. They have extensive experience litigating and advising clients regarding claims arising under all major lines of commercial insurance, including commercial general liability; cyber liability; property damage and business interruption; directors and officers (D&O) liability; errors and omissions (E&O); professional liability; crime/fidelity bond; political risk and trade credit; representation and warranty; and other lines of insurance coverage. They join McGuireWoods' Atlanta office from King & Spalding, where Tatum was co-leader of the insurance coverage and recovery practice. "These respected lawyers' collective experience in high-stakes insurance recovery matters will have immense benefits for our clients, particularly as they deal with legal issues and losses related to the continuing pandemic," said Dion Hayes, McGuireWoods' deputy managing partner for litigation. Tatum litigates insurance and related complex commercial disputes on behalf of financial institutions and global companies, including clients in the healthcare, food and beverage, mining, energy and infrastructure industries. In addition to stateside litigation and arbitration, his insurance recovery practice includes cross-border disputes and international arbitrations administered through the ICDR, LCIA and ICC. Tatum has advised and litigated for clients on coverage disputes related to multi-hundred-million-dollar business and property losses from catastrophic incidents, long-tail environmental liabilities, losses from foreign government confiscation / expropriation of assets, and bet-the-company D&O and E&O claims. He has obtained some of the largest insurance recoveries for financial institution clients for losses sustained as a result of the 2008 credit crisis. In addition to his disputes practice, he frequently counsels companies and their boards of directors on a range of issues, including those related to D&O insurance and indemnification issues. Guilbert represents businesses, financial institutions, manufacturers, energy companies and healthcare providers in insurance recovery litigation, contract disputes, and cross-border litigation and international arbitration. He was appointed co-lead counsel in the COVID-19 business interruption insurance multidistrict litigation pending in the Northern District of Illinois, and he has helped numerous Fortune 500 companies recover hundreds of millions of dollars in insurance coverage for catastrophic losses arising from data privacy incidents. He also works with companies and their boards to address risk management issues related to insurance policy renewals, mergers and acquisitions, and IPO transactions. Englert represents insurance policyholders in complex insurance recovery and indemnification litigation and arbitration matters and counsels them before disputes arise to help them obtain best-in-class terms and conditions for multiple lines of coverage. His clients include financial institutions, healthcare companies, energy and infrastructure companies, technology companies, restaurants, and hospitality and manufacturing companies. He defends insurance brokers against professional negligence claims involving complicated coverage issues. Englert also advises companies on complex risk management and insurance continuity issues arising out of mergers and acquisitions. "Tony, Shelby and Joe are proven leaders in their practice area and well known as innovators in helping clients across industries navigate complex litigation matters and manage risk," said Robert Muckenfuss, chair of the firm's Complex Commercial Litigation Department. "This is an outstanding group that will make important contributions to our clients' success." McGuireWoods was recognized as a leading law firm in six practice categories in BTI Consulting Group's 2021 litigation survey, based on feedback from corporate counsel. The firm earned standout ratings for routine commercial litigation and complex commercial litigation in the annual BTI report. "We are fortunate to have a team of this stature join McGuireWoods," said Christopher Greene, managing partner of the firm's Atlanta office. "This strengthens our bench in Atlanta and enhances our client service capabilities nationally and abroad." McGuireWoods LLP is a leading international law firm with 1,100 lawyers in 21 offices worldwide. It continuously ranks among the top firms in Financial Times' prestigious North America Innovative Lawyers report. The firm has been recognized 14 times on BTI Consulting's Client Service A-Team elite firms singled out for client service excellence based on unprompted feedback from clients in major companies. Its full-service public affairs arm, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC, offers infrastructure and economic development, strategic communications and grassroots advocacy, and government relations solutions. For more information, visit www.mcguirewoods.com. SOURCE McGuireWoods LLP The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have been told the call was made using WhatsApp on a day when Ms Higgins had called in sick. Government officials have gone through phone records and files to check on calls at this and other times, concluding there was no such call. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The government says Mr Finkelstein and the Prime Ministers chief of staff, John Kunkel, treated the incident as a security breach when first told in March 2019 that Ms Higgins and her colleague had returned to the ministerial suite late on a Friday night. The Prime Ministers office knew of the security breach and agreed with Senator Reynolds the man involved should be terminated, a decision made on the subsequent Tuesday. Loading Two days later, on the Thursday, according to the government files, Ms Higgins told Senator Reynolds chief of staff that she had woken to find the man on top of her. Mr Morrison argued on Tuesday that Senator Reynolds had not told him of this key fact. Mr Morrison told Parliament his office only knew of the rape allegation on February 12. This was the date when News.com.au reporter Samantha Maiden contacted the Prime Ministers office about the matter. The Prime Minister said he only knew personally of the rape allegation at 8.30am on Monday of this week, when the news broke. Mr Morrison said he could not explain the different accounts because he could only relay the information put before him. I should stress that in relation to my principal private secretary, there is nothing that has been put in front of me, nothing, including phone records or anything else that suggests that that indeed was the case, he told reporters. When reporters asked why someone from his office would check in with Ms Higgins as claimed, Mr Morrison suggested there was confusion over her account. The point Im making to you is that is not the recollection or the records of my staff on that matter, he said. Its just not, so I cant really speak more to it than that. I understand that over time, particularly in situations like this, that information can become confused over time about who makes contact and things like that. Loading While Mr Morrison defended his office, he made clear his frustration with Senator Reynolds over her decision not to tell him of the rape allegation for almost two years. The period included a series of revelations about the treatment of women in the Liberal Party and the Parliament, including concerns aired by two staffers, Chelsey Potter and Dhanya Mani, in July 2019. Mr Morrison said the Defence Minister had sought to support Ms Higgins and exercised judgement in relation to protecting her privacy. Now, that judgement on that, of course, is being called into question, and that issue, I think, will carry with it some important lessons. Senator Reynolds told Parliament she had made a mistake in not supporting Ms Higgins enough. I unreservedly apologise to Brittany Higgins, she said. The fact that she felt unsupported in her time working here was also very, very clear for all to see. And for that, I apologise. At the time, I truly believed that I and my chief of staff were doing everything we could to support that young woman who I had a responsibility for. At all times, my intent and my aim was to empower Brittany and let her determine the course of her own situation. Senator Reynolds confirmed she terminated the man in question after advice from department officials, but she did not say if he was a favourite employee in her office, as Ms Higgins claimed. When Labor asked the minister if she had written a reference for the man or seen him in the time since he left her office, she said she would have to seek advice on how to answer. These are complex matters, she told the Senate. A statement from the Department of Parliamentary Services late on Tuesday also confirmed the Australian Federal Police had seen the closed-circuit television footage of Ms Higgins and the alleged perpetrator. The department said the President of the Senate, Scott Ryan, was told on March 27, 2019, that an incident had occurred the previous Saturday. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tony Smith, was told on April 8. Loading The matter was treated as a security breach and the two presiding officers, who together oversee Parliament House, met officials from the Department of Parliamentary Services on April 8. The presiding officers were also told a request had been made by the AFP to view the relevant CCTV. DPS was not aware a complaint had been made at this time, the department said. The AFP viewed the footage at Parliament House on 16 April 2019. Only on April 18 did the department become aware there might be a sexual assault allegation because the AFP asked on that day for the footage to be released to help the ACT Policing Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team investigate the events. However, the Parliaments code of practice on CCTV says footage can only be released when there is an active law enforcement investigation something the department said was not in train at that point. Senator Ryan and Mr Smith reached an agreement with the police to store the footage at Parliament so the AFP could access it when required. The POs have not viewed the footage and were not aware of the identity of Ms Higgins until contacted by media on Friday 12 February 2021, the department said. On 12 February, following receipt of the media inquiry, the presiding officers contacted the AFP and were advised that Ms Higgins had since approached the police and indicated she wished to proceed with a complaint and it was now an active investigation. A video still of Amy Cooper with her dog talking to Christian Cooper at Central Park in New York on May 25, 2020. (Christian Cooper via AP) Charge Against Central Park Dog-Walker Amy Cooper Dropped After Racial Equality Therapy Amy Cooper, the New York woman from a viral video who called police on a black man after he asked her to leash her dog in Central Park, has been freed from criminal charge after completing psychoeducation sessions about racial equality. Cooper was arrested and charged last summer on one account of falsely reporting an incident in the third degree, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Her case was dismissed Tuesday morning at a Manhattan prosecutors request because she has no previous criminal history and had attended Critical Therapy Classes that are designed to address her alleged racial bias. Given the issues at hand and Ms. Coopers lack of criminal background, we offered her, consistent with our position on many misdemeanor cases involving a first arrest, an alternative, restorative justice resolution; designed not just to punish but to educate and promote community healing, Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi said in a court statement. The education sessions Cooper attended, according to Illuzzi, were focused on the ways in which Ms. Cooper could appreciate that racial identities shape our lives but we cannot use them to harm ourselves or others. Coopers lawyer, Robert Barns, thanked the Manhattan District Attorneys Office on Twitter for what he described as a thorough & honest inquiry. Others rushed to the wrong conclusion based on inadequate investigation & they may yet face legal consequences, Barnes added. In May 2020, Cooper was filmed telling the police that an African American man was threatening her life after Christian Cooper, a birdwatcher who has no relation to her, asked her to put a leash on her dog as required by the park rules. The encounter quickly went viral on social media and gained extensive media coverage amid the widespread protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, prompting Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. to file charges against Amy Cooper in October, accusing her of engaging in racist criminal conduct. Following a storm of outrage over her actions, Cooper lost her job at an investment firm and surrendered her dog to a Flushing-based animal shelter. The shelter later sent the dog back to her after its veterinarians determined the dog was in good health. I sincerely and humbly apologize to everyone, especially to that man, his family, Amy said during an interview with NBC 4 New York. It was unacceptable and I humbly and fully apologize to everyone whos seen that video, everyone thats been offended, everyone who thinks of me in a lower light and I understand why they do. Editors note: This story was updated to correct a remark made by HACCs president about the schools pay for adjunct faculty. The day the faculty at HACC took the first step towards unionization, the community college responded, saying its not a good idea. On Monday, HACC president and CEO John J. Ski Sygielski held a news conference to discuss the schools position. You can watch it here. It started after the Pennsylvania State Education Association filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board to seek a bargaining unit for the faculty at HACC Central Pennsylvanias Community College. In response, HACC posted its position on unionization on its website, expressing a desire to maintain a union-free college community with an emphasis on the schools shared governance model. But its that model that faculty members say left them out of recent critical decisions affecting their work and their ability to help students. While faculty members cite salary and benefits as a couple of their concerns, Sygielski countered in the video that HACC follows market trends to ensure competitive salaries. We take great pride in paying highly competitive wages to our employees and providing them the benefits and resources to help not only themselves, but help our students succeed, he said, adding the faculty has received what amounted to 17.5 percent salary increase from 2011 to 2018 and in January received a 3 percent salary increase. He noted the school pays a higher wage to adjunct faculty than any other community college in the state that is represented by the Pennsylvania State Education Association. HACC desires to remain union-free. We firmly believe, as has been evidenced over the years, our shared governance model has and will continue to add to the success HACC has enjoyed for 57 years, and we hope will enjoy for many years to come, Sygielski said. HACC is the only union-free community college in the state, he said, adding he believes that is part of the reason it has grown and evolved through the input of and collaboration with all members of the college community students, faculty, administrators and more without the need for outside intervention. No major decisions have been made without the input of everyone, including the faculty, he said. But at a rally on Saturday, faculty members said the shared governance model has eroded over the years, turning into a strained relationship between the faculty and administration, culminating in a reorganization that eliminated the positions of 20 faculty members who also were involved in counseling students. But Sygielski said before developing the one-college reorganization the school received over 1,000 responses from surveys, which were weighed in making a decision. Administrators had conversations with employee groups and held meetings to gather input before making the change. They did communicate some positions would be lost in the reorganization, he said. We communicated directly and empathetically with individuals whose positions would be impacted and offered all employees access to mental health and career development resources, he said. A union would help return stability, faculty members say. But Sygielski countered that collective bargaining would likely replace the collaboration thats in place now, allowing for multiple voices and perspectives. The union would become the sole voice on many issues, he said. Whether or not a union is formed, Sygielski said, HACC will continue to make decisions that are best for all our employees, and especially our students, upholding our values of excellence, inclusivity, innovation and integrity. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Monday alleged that the houses of those who are contributing to the funds for the construction of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya are being marked, like the Nazis of Germany who had a similar system to identify the Jews for execution. Kumaraswamy was speaking at a press conference in Shivamogga when he told reporters about this system that is being practiced after collection of funds for the Ram Mandir. He reiterated the same in a series of tweets. I dont know where these developments will take us to. You all know what happened in Germany under the Nazi rule. Lakhs of people lost their lives in that country, he said at the presser. "It was understood that the fundraisers were marking the homes of the donors. Don't know why. During Hitler's time, Nazi-Jews were upset and millions of people died. Why thy trend is taking place in the country is not known, he wrote in his tweet. "Historians say that the RSS were born in Germany at the same time as the Nazis. There are fears that the RSS will follow suit if the same policies are enforced. Fundamental rights are being violated in the country, he added. "It is a situation where no one can claim their feelings. Who knows what will happen if the media upholds the sentiments of the government in the next few days. Looking at the climate, it is clear that anything can happen in the country," he said. Further, the former CM questioned the BSY-led Karnataka government for not delivering on the promise of Rs 5 lakh for those who lost their houses in the floods. Many have not got more than Rs 1 lakh. However, now the government has said that there were no applicants to take the money, he said. Meanwhile, funds worth over Rs 600 crore have been collected for construction of the Ram temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. This donation has been collected in 20 days, said trustees of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body responsible for building the temple. The fundraising campaign will reportedly continue till February. So far, contributions from Madhya Pradesh have been more than Rs 100 crore -- over 10 people in the state have donated Rs 1 crore, while more than 20 people have contributed Rs 50 lakh. The donation drive began on January 15 with President Ramnath Kovind contributing Rs 5,00,100 for the construction of the temple. Several other eminent citizens have donated for the temple. The construction of the grand temple is estimated to cost around Rs 1,100 crore, of which around Rs 300-400 crore will be required to build the main temple structure. On August 5, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had performed the 'Bhoomi Pujan' for the temple in Ayodhya. The Ram temple will be built in about three years. Emily Maitlis has now deleted the retweet from her timeline. (Getty Images) Emily Maitlis is to escape further investigation by the BBC over accusations she showed political bias by retweeting a comment by Piers Morgan. The BBC newsreader retweeted a post by the Good Morning Britain host criticising the government response to the coronavirus pandemic to her personal Twitter account, but has now deleted it from her timeline. Maitlis, 50, had retweeted Morgan's comment: "If failing to quarantine properly is punishable by 10yrs in prison, what is the punishment for failing to properly protect the country from a pandemic?" Watch: Disastrous interview laid bare prince's 'awful' personality traits This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. As a BBC journalist, the Newsnight presenter is expected to demonstrate impartiality. The BBCs guidelines on social media state: Sharing or retweeting material from other people is part of what social media is all about - but consider that it can give the appearance of endorsement by you or the BBC, so context might well be needed. Emily Maitlis retweeted a comment by ITV presenter Piers Morgan. (Getty Images) A retweets arent endorsements or equivalent disclaimer in your bio wont be enough on its own. But a BBC spokesperson responding to Maitliss retweet told Yahoo UK: Were not about to start commenting on one retweet which was swiftly deleted. Last year the BBC ruled that Maitlis had breached BBC impartiality regulations with comments she made on Newsnight about Dominic Cummingss breach of lockdown rules. In an opening monologue on the current affairs programme back in May, the newsreader accused Boris Johnson of blind loyalty as she addressed the deep national disquiet caused by the then-government advisers actions. Read more: BBC says Emily Maitlis's 'Newsnight' comments 'overstepped the mark' The BBCs Editorial Complaints Unit ruled in September that the monologue did breach the corporations strict rules on impartiality and accuracy. However, it said no further action would be taken. Emily Maitlis breached BBC impartiality rules last year with her comments about Dominic Cummings. (PA) Maitlis's speech is now under investigation by Ofcom following further complaints from viewers. Story continues Read more: Gary Lineker provokes outrage with TV licence fee joke Director-general of the BBC, Tim Davie, said when he took on the role last September that he would take strong action against staff who breached BBC impartiality guidelines. He said: Enforcement actions will be very clear, we will be able to take disciplinary action, well be able to take people off Twitter. I know people want to see hard action on this. Watch: Who are you? Hilarious moment interviewee asks Piers Morgan to identify himself Studio N, a Dubai-based company offering lighting design and supply service, has appointed Lama Arouri as its new managing director replacing Alex Holler, who steps down next month. With her experience spanning both industrial and architectural lighting, Arouri will bring both strategic planning and local market knowledge to her new role, said the statement from Studio N. She joined Nulty in 2020 as business development director and has over 10 years of experience working in the lighting industry. With her experience spanning both industrial and architectural lighting, Arouri will bring both strategic planning and local market knowledge to her new role. On her new role, Arouri said: "I am thrilled to be joining Studio N at an exciting time in the companys development. My focus will be on driving continued growth for the business, as well as positioning Studio N as the first choice in delivering lighting consultation." Studio N has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2018. Despite the pandemic, 2020 was a busy year for the practice, with a range of lighting schemes delivered across multiple sectors, said the Dubai lighting firm. From the Salero Restaurant in Bahrain to the Moda retail store in Jeddah, there has been considerable and exciting growth, remarked Arouri. More recently, Studio N was signed up by UAE-based Azizi Developments to incorporate facade lighting into the architecture of Creek View I, an exciting mix-use landmark currently in development, she added. ATHENS Less than a month after allegations of sexual assault by a Greek Olympic sailing champion spurred a national reckoning on a topic long considered taboo, the Greek arts world has been swept up in a torrent of accusations and denials. A number of famous actors and directors have been accused of harassment or assault and removed from high-profile productions. The artistic director of the countrys prestigious National Theater resigned amid a barrage of reports accusing him of sexual abuse and harassment, which he has furiously denied. The bulk of the accusations from men as well as women have surfaced in media reports. Prosecutors in Athens are handling the most serious cases and have vowed to investigate all credible allegations. A judicial official, who would speak only on the condition of anonymity, said he expected there to be more cases, although it was unclear how many would go to trial, given the passage of time since the alleged incidents and a lack of evidence. A 'depraved' man who strangled and raped a grandmother before dumping her body in a bush grave has been sentenced to 23 years behind bars. Mathew Mark Hemsley, 34, murdered Julie Anne Cooper, 55, after meeting her at Saint George Hotel in Innaloo, Perth, in August 2018. Hemsley claimed Ms Cooper had choked herself with a dog collar as part of an erotic sexual act, but a jury last year rejected his version of events. Supreme Court Justice Bruno Fiannaca said Hemsley 'subjected her to further indignity by disposing of her body in a bush grave' in shrubland in Ashendon. Mathew Mark Hemsley, 34, murdered Julie Anne Cooper, 55, after meeting her at Saint George Hotel in Innaloo, Perth in August 2018 Justice Fiannaca said Hemsley killed Ms Cooper in remote bushland where her 'screams would have gone unheeded' Hemsley then drove to a service station and bought enough petrol to burn his Ford F100 at the crime scene. He travelled to Ms Cooper's apartment where he told neighbours he was looking after her house. While staying there, he ate her food, sold her furniture and drove her car around. To further cover his tracks, Hemsley texted Ms Cooper's friend saying she had left town on a holiday. A week later when Ms Cooper's son visited her ransacked unit, the family reported her missing to police. Justice Fiannaca said Hemsley killed Ms Cooper in remote bushland where her 'screams would have gone unheeded,' The West Australian reports. 'You regard women in a misogynistic way, you regard them as a lesser person,' Justice Fiannaca said. 'You have not shown any remorse in your interviews with police or during the course of this trial or with the author of the pre-sentence report or the psychological report.' Hemsley was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum parole period of 23 years. Outside court Ms Cooper's son Jake Day said the family were 'pretty happy' with the length of the sentence. [February 16, 2021] Welcome to WaterlooIT WATERLOO, ON, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW/ - WaterlooIT Inc. announces the general availability of managed IT support services for business. Modern IT allows organizations to stay focused on their day-to-day operations while reducing expenses and improving user security and support. Today there is an ever-evolving demand to utilize technology with customers, vendors, and partners. The increasing necessity for digital seurity, identity management and industry compliance are often barriers for small, medium and enterprise businesses. We offer solutions, options, and the experience to fulfill the business goals effectively. Larissa Dufresne, Operations Manager of WaterlooIT Inc. said "We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to bring end-to-end solutions to clients for productivity and security. We safeguard their systems, improve workflow and gain productivity in both the office and work from home setting." WaterlooIT Inc. supports a variety of sectors including financial, health, insurance, legal, manufacturing, retail, and transportation. Clients benefit from our partnerships with Acronis, Adobe, BitDefender, Cisco, Dell, SentinelOne, Lenovo, Microsoft. Dufresne said, "Supporting the users, devices and business systems provides our clients with a single source and responsible party for their technical landscape." About WaterlooIT We are different. Our leadership team supports gender equality and parity in the workplace. Our strength comes from diversity, inclusion, and forward thinking. We proudly highlight our female lead technical support service with an intentional focus on the customer experience, open communication and inclusion in the workplace. Our unique approach has resulted in customer satisfaction that is unmatched by our competitors. SOURCE WaterlooIT Photograph: Greg Lovett/AP If the 2024 Republican presidential primary were held today, Donald Trump would be the clear favorite to win big. That was the message from a Politico-Morning Consult poll released on Tuesday, three days after Trumps acquittal in his second impeachment trial, on a charge of inciting the insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January. Related: Wall Street Journal warns Republicans: Trump wont win another election Among Republican voters, 59% said they wanted Trump to play a prominent role in their party, up a whopping 18 points from the last such poll, taken in the aftermath of the Capitol riot. A slightly lower number, 54%, said they would back Trump in the primary. Tens of thousands of Republicans left the party after the Capitol insurrection, and a majority of Americans have told other pollsters they would like to see Trump banished from politics. Though the 45th president will be 78 by election day 2024, he will be able to run again if he chooses, having escaped being barred from office after a 57-43 Senate vote to convict with seven Republican defections but 10 votes short of the majority needed. Mike Pences life was threatened by Trump supporters at the Capitol, as the vice-president presided over the ratification of electoral college results confirming Trumps defeat by Joe Biden. He placed second in the Politico-Morning Consult poll, with 12%. Name recognition is a powerful force so far out from the contest concerned. Donald Trump Jr shared third place, with 6%, with Nikki Haley. The former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador has tried to distance herself from Trump since the Capitol riot. We need to acknowledge he let us down, Haley told Politico shortly after the attack. He went down a path he shouldnt have, and we shouldnt have followed him, and we shouldnt have listened to him. And we cant let that ever happen again. She also said Trump was not going to run for federal office again. Trump has not committed either way. After his acquittal, he told supporters: Soon we will emerge with a vision for a bright, radiant and limitless American future. Story continues In a message seen by the Guardian on Tuesday, one former Trump White House insider said a run was gonna happen or he will be drafted. Mitt Romney, a figure from the Republican past as the 2012 nominee but now a Utah senator who has twice voted to convict Trump on impeachment charges, scored 4% in the new poll. Ted Cruz of Texas, one of the senators who backed Trumps attempt to overturn his election defeat, scored 3%. Josh Hawley of Missouri, the other prominent Republican in objections to election results, was in a pack of names lower even than that. The battle for the soul of the party is on. On Monday, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell followed an editorial in the Wall Street Journal which said Trump would not win another national election with a column of his own. McConnell restated his argument, made in a Senate speech in which he otherwise excoriated Trump, that Trumps acquittal was a matter of constitutional law. Scholars, and the Senate twice, have rejected the argument that Trump could not be tried because he had left office. McConnell has also made clear that he will oppose pro-Trump candidates seeking Republican nominations in the 2022 midterms, if he thinks they would damage chances of beating a Democrat. A senior civil servant has accused the Government of seeking to avoid 'reputational damage' by paying a black female colleague 52,000 more than him. Matthew Parr is suing the Home Office for sex and race discrimination after discovering he was earning less than his counterpart for doing the same job. He claims that being a white man meant he was paid a 133,983 salary, plus 7,904 living allowance, while Wendy Williams took home 185,000. Both are one of five HM Inspectors of Constabulary (HMIs) who act as watchdogs for the UK's police forces. Mr Parr, a former rear admiral, was appointed in 2016 during Theresa May's tenure as Home Secretary when Whitehall was driving down the salaries of top officials. An employment tribunal heard that at the time of Ms Williams' appointment 15 months earlier, the Treasury was also trying to reduce pay packets. But it heard that mandarins agreed she would be paid the top 185,000 salary as awarding her less than existing HMIs could open the Government up to a discrimination challenge. Mr Parr said in a witness statement: 'Documents disclosed by the Respondent make clear that Wendy Williams was paid the top of the band then in force, because of concern that to pay her less than her fellow HMIs presented the Government with a risk of legal challenge on the grounds of discrimination and of reputational damage.' He claims his 'race and sex had a clear influence' on the decision to pay him the substantially less 133,983 when he came into post. The Government denies sex and race discrimination and maintains that plans to lower salaries were always going to come into force regardless of the person who took the position. Matthew Parr is suing the Home Office for sex and race discrimination after discovering he was earning less than his counterpart Wendy Williams (right) for doing the same job. Mr Parr, is responsible for police forces in London, Bedfordshire, Northern Ireland, the National Crime Agency, the Counter Terrorism Policing Network, national forces such as British Transport Police and forces in Overseas Territories. He also looks after the London Fire Brigade and five other services, while Ms Williams oversees forces in Wales and the west of England. Mr Parr said it was 'a question of fairness' that he should be paid the same as Ms Williams. He told the Central London Employment Tribunal said: 'The Respondent, upon my appointment, and after an appeal, has refused to extend to me the same favourable treatment. 'I am a white man. I recognise that I am not the typical claimant to the Employment Tribunal in cases of equal pay and discrimination. 'I also recognise that I am paid a relatively high salary. Indeed, were all HMIs to be paid the salary currently paid to me I would be entirely satisfied. 'This is, for me, principally a question of fairness. 'I have been a public servant for more than 35 years and have, until now, worked in organisations determined to treat people equitably. 'But the Respondent has a different approach: it is fundamentally unfair to pay people wildly different amounts for doing what is, by any measure, identical work. 'I understand that the Respondent has a responsibility for prudent stewardship of public money. Mr Parr in his Royal Navy rear admiral uniform. He joined HM Inspector of Constabulary in 2016 and oversees the inspection of Met Police and the National Crime Agency, among other organisations 'The consistent and long-term aim of the Respondent, in concert with HM Treasury, has been to reduce the pay of HMIs; I do not assert that this is an unreasonable or illegitimate aim. 'But the means by which the Respondent has attempted to drive down pay have been ham-fisted and badly thought through; they have involved treating people unfairly and, I assert in this claim, unlawfully. 'They have involved defending some indefensible positions, and, on occasion, behaviour which reflects badly on some senior people.' The tribunal was told that in January 2016 Ms May wrote to Sir Thomas Winsor HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary to introduce a scale of 134,000-191,000 with 'an explicit presumption that any increase beyond the bottom has a considered justification'. A few weeks later Mark Sedwill, the permanent secretary at the Home Office, now Sir Mark, wrote to Sir Nicholas Macpherson, his counterpart at the Treasury, who now sits in the house of Lords as Baron Macpherson of Earl's Court, proposing the 134,000-191,000 scale. The tribunal was told that the letter acknowledged that during Wendy Williams' appointment the Home Office was under pressure from the Treasury to apply downward pressure on salaries. The Treasury had advised that appointments should be made on a scale of 165,000-186,000 and that a salary at the lower end of the scale should be negotiated. Ms Williams was appointed at the top of the range because, according to the letter: 'The Home Office was concerned that to pay her less than her fellow HMIs presented the government with a risk of a legal challenge on the grounds of discrimination.' At the request of Ms Williams and the Home Office, the tribunal had asked to keep details of her pay negotiations secret - but the tribunal refused, saying the salaries were a matter of public record and the machinations behind them should also be public. Current Home Secretary Priti Patel took the case to an Employment Appeal Tribunal to try to get the decision overturned. But her case was rejected by Mr Justice Griffiths on the grounds of open justice. Current Home Secretary Priti Patel (pictured last month) tried to appeal a judge's decision to make Ms Williams' pay public - but lost The full tribunal hearing heard that Mr Parr only accepted the pay in June 2016 because he was concerned the Brexit referendum would cause government upheaval and disruption to the hiring process. It was only when he entered the position that he became aware of discrimination, he alleges, and that the pay of a Deputy Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police was 1,447 higher than his salary including allowances despite his role being responsible for inspecting many forces. Mr Parr claims that, from May 2014, the Treasury advised Ms May to lower salaries for pay packets of HMIs. Appointment terms are between three to five years and can be re-appointed. As Ms Williams' previous pay as a high-ranking official in the Crown Prosecution Service was 107,000, it was first considered that her pay as an HMI would be 165,000 - which she appeared to be happy with according to tribunal evidence. Sir Thomas Winsor, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said at the tribunal that this pay was 'unjustifiable' considering a white man had been appointed at 185,791 in a similar position only six months earlier. He said he raised it with the Home Office, citing discrimination law, saying 'there was no good reason why she should be paid differently'. Mr Parr said evidence showed civil servant David Lamberti, at the Home Office, felt unable to defend why Ms Williams should be paid lower and recommended a benchmarking exercise to undertake a legal defence of providing lower salaries. He said: 'He recommended appointing Wendy Williams at the same salary and making her appointment the 'last of the series'. 'This makes it clear that the benchmarking exercise was only conducted because the Home Office had been left with no option but to pay Wendy Williams the top of the scale.' He added: 'The only difference between her treatment and mine is that she was placed at the top of the band, rather than at the bottom. 'I do not believe the [new] policy is a material difference between Wendy Williams' treatment and mine. 'That 'policy' was a revised version of the one in existence for Wendy Williams' appointment. The policy was not the reason for my treatment. 'I am a white male - my race and sex had a clear influence in the first and later decisions on my pay. 'It is also, clearly, a policy that was influenced by race and sex: it was only revised as a consequence of Wendy Williams' favourable treatment.' High-ranking civil servant Mr Lamberti, on behalf of the Home Secretary, said: 'Wendy's pay offer was increased because we decided that, no formal benchmarking or evidential exercise having taken place evidencing how the new pay range had been arrived at, it was not sound. 'There was therefore no sound basis to justify paying Wendy less than the existing HMIs. 'HMI pay would be benchmarked to determine an evidence-based new pay scale for future appointments. 'The reason why [Mr Parr] was offered the appointment with a base pay of 133,983 was because this was in accordance with the new pay scales and policy for HMI of Constabulary appointments. 'The government's policy was, as the record shows, that the new pay scales and policy introduced in 2016 were to apply to all candidates, regardless of sex and/or race.' Ben Collins QC, a barrister defending Ms Patel, said at the remote hearing tribunal: 'At the time of Ms Williams' appointment there wasn't an established or reasonable policy on how to set HMI pay. 'It might be said that a general desire to push pay downwards isn't a self-contained policy - it's an aspiration. There wasn't an established policy. 'There is now an evidence-based rationale pinning the policy and the policy was in place when he was offered the appointment. 'He was the first person after the policy was put in place. The second person had the same approach taken with his salary. 'If Mr Parr had been a black woman, he would have received the same response.' He added: 'The question is whether the difference in treatment is sex, it's not whether the [pay] gap is too large or otherwise.' The tribunal heard Ms Patel wrote to all HMIs and said pay would be fixed as the same as chief policy officers, meaning Mr Parr is now on 175,000 - backdated to December 2018. Mr Parr claims this was only because doing this would 'make things easier for officials in preparing' for the tribunal. Sally Robertson, a barrister representing Mr Parr, said: 'It's more than being unfair. 'It's plainly not fair to have a gap of 52,000 of people doing the same job. It's not the same as an incremental scale.' The judge is expected to announce his verdict in a few weeks. Professor Alice Gast, who enjoys a 554,000 pay package for helming Imperial College London was found to have bullied a colleague in a secret QC-led investigation exposed by the Mail Britain's highest paid university boss will stand down when her contract expires, in a move announced just days after the watchdog opened a probe into her scandal-hit tenure. Professor Alice Gast, who enjoys a 554,000 pay package for helming Imperial College London was found to have bullied a colleague in a secret QC-led investigation exposed by the Mail. Under pressure from students, Prof Gast and her lieutenant, Chief Financial Officer Muir Sanderson, apologised for their behaviour but refused to quit. But staff have continued to criticise the 'cover-up', since the university refuses to provide details of the Texan academic's behaviour or the results of a disciplinary hearing she faced. Members of lecturers' union the UCU also passed a motion of no confidence in her. Observers were puzzled as to why Prof Gast was continuing in her role despite Imperial claiming to have a 'zero-tolerance' approach to bullying and harassment. As rumours bubbled under the surface, college documents were even altered to remove a line that stated bullying counted as 'gross misconduct', in what Imperial later claimed was a 'clerical error'. However in an emotional message to all staff yesterday, Prof Gast told them she would not be seeking to continue her term of office beyond the 18 months left on her existing contract. 'I have been fortunate to talk to many of you as I have visited departments in recent weeks. My goal for these visits has been to share with you, in all humility, the lessons I have learned from the events of the past months and to hear your views and hopes for the future', she wrote, 'As you prepare to search for my successor, I am focusing on how I can best use the final eighteen months of my term as President of Imperial to continue my work with governments, partners, friends and donors to ensure a positive trajectory and a firm foundation for my successor.' Staff have continued to criticise the 'cover-up', since Imperial College London, pictured, refuses to provide details of the Texan academic's behaviour or the results of a disciplinary hearing she faced She also assured colleagues that she welcomed the OfS investigation into 'management and governance arrangements in relation to the independent investigation' regarding bullying at Imperial. Founded in 1907, Imperial College London is currently the home of Professor Neil Ferguson, whose controversial virus modelling was crucial in establishing the first lockdown. But the university, which has also been granted millions in government funds to work on a vaccine, was rocked by claims of 'brutal' mistreatment of staff and a 'viper's nest' environment under Prof Gast. Experienced lawyer Jane McNeill QC was brought into investigate the whistleblowing claims against the 62-year-old in June, as Imperial led the battle against coronavirus. One source told the Mail last year: 'You are either in with her crowd, one of her favourites, or you are not, and if you are not you can be dealt with pretty brutally.' However, the lawyer's report, which examined bullying 'arising since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic' as well as over the last two years, has not been published on privacy grounds. Prof Gast did however issue a public apology in December which said in awkward prose: 'I am sorry that, at times, I made some senior staff feel unappreciated and left out. I am very sorry that I bullied someone.' The Office for Students has confirmed it is 'looking into regulatory matters relating to Imperial College. While this work continues, it would be inappropriate to comment further'. Imperial College said Prof Gast had only ever planned to serve as President for eight years. Lighter than a Mazda MX-5 Miata and more powerful than an Audi RS3, Cyan Racing's take on the Volvo P1800 is one of the most stunning resto-mods we've seen in years. It's quick in a straight line, sharp around bends, and a recent round of cold-weather testing confirms it's fast and fun when it's going sideways. Cyan Racing wrapped studded snow tires around the P1800's 18-inch wheels and trucked it to Are, a small town about 630 miles north of Volvo headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, near the border with Norway. There, its team got the chance to find out how the coupe behaves when the thermometer drops below zero and road conditions are unfavorable at best. Things could have quickly gone sideways, metaphorically: the P1800 is a 420-horsepower car that weighs under 2,200 pounds, that's equipped with a manual transmission, and that proudly eschews all driving aids. Instead, things literally went sideways. Footage published by the company make us envious of its road testers. "The basic concept of the car seems to work really well. It does not matter that much if you are on a bone-dry racing circuit, a wet and twisty country road, or on the crisp ice here in northern Sweden. You still feel confident and in control. I would say this concept has somewhat been lost along the way for the performance cars of today. For us, this is returning back to the basics," reported Cyan Racing chief engineer Mattias Evensson. Sending the P1800 into a controlled drift looks relatively easy, and the turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder sounds eager to explore the upper echelons of its rev range. Cyan notes it tuned the engine to deliver increasing power until it reaches its red line. It spins the rear wheels via a five-speed manual and a limited-slip differential. Cyan started taking orders for the P1800 in 2020, and it told us that pricing starts at approximately $500,000. Production isn't limited, but the company predicts its hot-rodded vintage Volvo will be a low-volume model. You Might Also Like You could be forgiven for thinking that the Bergin report that damned Crown casinos last week was only about greed and crime. It was not. Its bad enough that Crown casinos effectively had become bankers to some of the worlds worst crime syndicates. International gangsters have been using Australias respectability to turn criminal billions into clean money, processed through the gambling tables, that they can then spend and invest with impunity. Illustration: Dionne Gain Credit:SMH Worse, this Australian funpark for felons could be open to exploitation by hostile foreign powers. ASIO suspects their agents gamble cash in Australian casinos to disguise its origin. They could then give it to politicians and political parties as donations or favours, seeking to buy influence. Their aim isnt just business favours. Their aim is to turn Australian policy in favour of a foreign government. In short, to subvert Australian sovereignty. As the former ASIO chief Duncan Lewis put it, the way that foreign interference works is that you wake up one day and find decisions made in our country that are not in the interests of our country. Foreign influence takes over, basically, pulling the strings from offshore. The threat to Australia was, he told me, existential. Vote Percentage of Parties in Puducherry2021: How did the parties fare Ahead of assembly elections, Congress government in Puducherry slips into minority India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Puducherry, Feb 16: It looks like trouble has nowhere to go apart from Congress as a party MLA tendered his resignation ahead of the Assembly elections in the Union territory. On Tuesday, Congress MLA A John Kumar resigned from the party, citing "dissatisfaction with the Congress government" in the Union territory. Kumar, who was the MLA of Kamaraj Nagar constituency, is the fourth Congress lawmaker to quit the party ahead of Gandhi's scheduled visit to Puducherry where the Assembly election is due in the next few months. TN Assembly polls: AIADMK asks aspirants to file applications from Feb 24 With his resignation, the strength of the ruling Congress in the Union territory has come down to 10 in the House of 30 MLAs. On Monday, Puducherry Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao, who had earlier quit the state cabinet, resigned as a member of the territorial Assembly. Last month, state's PWD minister A Namassivayam resigned from the state cabinet and also from the Assembly after the ruling Congress suspended him from primary membership for "anti-party activities". World's largest, iconic all-women-run market 'Ima Keithal' reopens after 11 months Meanwhile, Congress leader and Wayanad MP Ragul Gandhi is scheduled to kick-start Congress' poll campaign in the poll-bound Union territory of Puducherry on February 17. During his visit, Gandhi will address fishermen in neighbouring Solai Nagar in Muthialpet Assembly constituency and later interact with students of the Bharathidasan Government College for women. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The Union Territory, along with neighbouring Tamil Nadu, will go to the Assembly polls in April-May later this year. The Congress party will fight the polls with the parties constituting the secular democratic alliance including the DMK, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said. Belgium's health authorities are urging residents to refrain from buying COVID-19 vaccines online, in shops or on the street from unknown sellers. Sabine Stordeur, who co-chairs Belgium's vaccination task force, told reporters Tuesday that those doses are very often fake vaccines, allegedly originating from Russia. She said their efficiency and security had not been approved. "The only safe and efficient vaccines are free and given in vaccination centers, hospitals and care or rest homes," Stordeur said. Belgium is using the three coronavirus vaccines approved so far in the European Union: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca. More than 370,000 people in Belgium have received a COVID-19 shot. Its population is 11.5 million. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Madhya Pradesh: 37 dead as bus falls into canal; rescue operations underway India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Sidhi, Feb 16: As many as 37 bodies found in the canal and several feared drowned after a bus fell off a bridge into a canal near Patna village in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district on Tuesday morning, police and eye witnesses said. District superintendent of police Pankaj Kumawat said rescue operation was underway. Sources said that at least 50 passengers were travelling in the bus at the time of the incident which occurred around 8:30 AM. Kapil Mishra inciting Hindus against Muslims: Digvijaya Singh According to eye witnesses, the bus has sank in the canal and not visible now. It is feared that the bus was swept away in the water current. At least seven persons swam to the banks of the canal while others are missing, they said. Further details are awaited. "It's an unfortunate incident. CM has been taking a minute to minute detail of the accident since morning. Two of us are going to Sidhi as per his instructions. I spoke to concerned officers, as per their information around 30 bodies have been recovered," MP Minister Tulsi Silawat said. Kapil Mishra inciting Hindus against Muslims: Digvijaya Singh Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News "The bus was enroute to Rewa from Sidhi. Suddenly, the driver lost control over the vehicle and it fell into the Sharda canal under the Rampur police station area. There is water in the canal and the bus has been submerged in it. Search is on for passengers," the police said. Gulf Capital, a leading growth markets alternative investment firm, said that it has formally joined The Prince of Wales Terra Carta, which provides a roadmap for businesses to move towards a sustainable future by 2030. Gulf Capital has become the first firm from the Middle East and Africa to join the charter and to commit to its 10-point action plan for sustainability, inclusive of nature, people, equality, and prosperity. It covers ESG and diversity, such as corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, the role of consumers, sustainable energy, scalability, market incentives, and manufacturing processes. Dr Karim El Solh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Capital, joins some of the worlds leading CEOs in supporting the charters vision to help build an inspiring, inclusive, equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future. Terra Carta is a pledge to put sustainability at the heart of the private sector. As a signatory to the charter, Gulf Capital voluntarily commits to support international agreements and best practices on sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness for a prosperous future for people and the planet, Dr Karim El Solh said. Gulf Capital has been working towards more tangible ESG goals, implementing systems and processes across our operations and our large portfolio of investments, and we have recently moved to formalising our ESG commitments by becoming a signatory to both the Terra Carta and the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing (UNPRI) initiatives. Collaboration amongst peers on a global scale will propel a drive towards collective concrete actions and a more sustainable future for businesses, people and the planet, he added. Terra Carta was launched on January 11 at the One Planet Summit in France and forms part of Prince Charles Sustainable Market Initiative (SMI). The initiative connects the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to lead and accelerate the global transition to a sustainable future. In addition to Gulf Capital, the charter has already attracted 183 supporters including the CEOs of Lombard Odier, BlackRock, Unilever, AstraZeneca, Heathrow Airport, the Bank of America, Coutts, Unilever and HSBC. Terra Carta puts Nature, People and Planet at the heart of global value creation one that will harness the precious, irreplaceable power of Nature combined with the transformative innovation and resources of the private sector, said The Prince of Wales in his announcement. In November last year, the firm became a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) as it incorporates Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into all its investment and ownership decisions. TradeArabia News Service The dysfunction in Indian democracy is no longer hidden. Many, including me, believe that the Indian agricultural system needs reform and agree with the core idea of Indias farm bills, but have criticized the government for not following a transparent legislative process. While it followed the basic checklist to pass those reforms quickly, it subverted constitutional principles and the parliamentary spirit. Consider the lack of attendance, and the absence of debate, deliberation or expert committees in Parliament. The legislature has become a stage for laws to be passed in minutes. And it only takes a few days from tabling bills to receiving the Presidents signature. This is not unique to the 17th Lok Sabha. It was just less visible earlier. It started in the mid-80s, with the 52nd constitutional amendment that created rules to expel legislators who defect from political parties and de- stabilize governments in exchange for money. The amendment defined defection not just as switching parties, but also disobeying a party directive on a vote. So, legislators can lose membership of the House if they abstain or vote against their partys whip. This amendment has three consequences. First, it damages the legislative process because it restricts legislators from voting their conscience and representing the interests of their constituents. Second, the forum where legislators express their views has changed. All deliberations and deal-making are done behind closed doors in party offices. Third, all power is concentrated in the party leadership; individual legislators are rendered powerless. In the case of a ruling party, the prime minister or chief minister and party president hold power, worsening the already centralized nature of Indian governance. If a party has a majority, even checks by coalition partners are absent. Over the decades, this has corrupted the processes of deliberation. When decisions are made in a partys office, legislators stop attending Parliament or legislative assembly sessions. When each party confers with its preferred experts, legislators stop demanding parliamentary or standing committees. And if bills are introduced wholesale and voted into law in mere hours, the opposition stops preparing debates. Legislative action is predetermined and staged in Parliament or an assembly. According to PRS Legislatives Functioning of 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2019) Report, only a quarter of the bills introduced in that period were referred to committees, much lower than 71% during the 15th and 60% during the 14th Lok Sabha. However, the 16th Lok Sabha discussed 32% of the bills for more than three hours. This is an improvement over 22% in the 15th Lok Sabha and 14% in the 14th. In the 15th Lok Sabha, a quarter of the bills were passed in under 30 minutes, which went down to 6% in the 16th. PRS Legislative reports on legislative assemblies are even more startling. During the 12th term of Haryanas Assembly (2009-2014), it was in session for only 11 days per year on average, with the budget session occupying 70% of the total session time. In the remaining time, the states assembly passed 129 bills, all of which were passed on the same day that they were introduced. In Goas Assembly, on average, each bill was discussed for four minutes. In 2012, in Delhis Assembly, only one of the 11 bills passed was discussed for more than 10 minutes. During the 12th Gujarat Assembly (2008-12), in session for half the days as Parliament, over 90% of all bills were passed on the very day they were introduced. One consequence of such a dysfunctional democratic process is that there is no forum left for consensus building. Constituents are left with no choice but to protest, which are an extremely important part of the democratic process and a direct line of feedback from people between elections. But protests are only good for some kinds of action, like starting an inquiry or reopening a case, or demanding a repeal or ban. They have no mechanism for consensus formation or discussions on policy options. By their nature, protests foster binariesone is either for or against protesters. Protests do not make space for the mediation of nuanced criticism or agreement. A few months ago, in this space, I argued that farmers protesting the agricultural reforms are seeking to keep their rents and entitlements at the cost of others, and that the policy is stuck in a transitional gains trap. Agriculture needs to be reformed, but that trap cannot be wished away or solved through protests. It needs deliberation, perhaps even reforms in other areas like land policy. We cannot build a consensus through protests any better than we can through a dysfunctional parliament and assemblies. This is the reason B.R. Ambedkar warned us against devolving into anarchic methods in his famous speech to the Constituent Assembly, and urged us to instead use constitutional methods. But Ambedkar would also be the first to recognize that the constitutional methods of deliberation that the Constituent Assembly so carefully crafted are no longer effective. To continue with reforms and heal as a society that aims for consensus, India must reform its legislative processes. Shruti Rajagopalan is a senior research fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, US Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Unable to clear the snow from its runways, San Antonio International Airport canceled all departing and arriving flights Monday and Tuesday, stranding thousands of passengers. Snow is a rare occurrence in San Antonio, and we do not have the plows or equipment to remove snow, airport spokeswoman Tonya Hope said. Snow removal at an airport is very challenging and requires manpower and experience. A total of about 200 arrivals and departures had been scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Airport management and the airlines made the decision to cancel flights for (Tuesday) based on the severity of the weather conditions, Hope said. On ExpressNews.com: Massive remake in the works for San Antonio International Airport, including new Terminal A For David and Rachel Nichols of Phoenix, Arizona, a weekend vacation in San Antonio during which they strolled along the River Walk and visited the Alamo turned into an extended-stay nightmare. The couple boarded their American Airlines flight to Phoenix on Sunday only to be told after a three-hour delay on the tarmac that conditions were too icy for takeoff. The flight was canceled. The airline gave the couple a voucher to stay at the San Antonio Airport Hilton, but they couldnt find a taxi or rideshare vehicle for the short trip. So the couple slept at the airport. An airport employee drove them to the hotel Monday morning after they found out that their flight was canceled once again. But the hotel was experiencing a power outage, so they couldnt check in. They returned to the airport to get a voucher from American Airlines for another hotel. The operator of the Hilton said hourly blackouts since the early Monday had prevented the hotel from checking in guests. We were only around 60 percent full and would have welcomed new guests, said Charles Leddy, CEO of Presidian Hotels & Resorts, which operates the Hilton. The Nichols had not eaten in a day, except for two sandwiches that hotel workers gave them. All restaurants at the airport were closed Monday. Its a very frustrating situation, David Nichols said. The couple was among about 100 stranded passengers at the airport early Monday afternoon. Another traveler, Michael Smith, was trying to get back to Seattle. He had just returned his car rental after a weekend in New Braunfels attending a friends wedding. Hed arrived early for his Alaska Airlines flight. The flight was still on schedule when he left his hotel Monday morning. Smith, a truck driver, said he didnt mind spending an extra day or two in San Antonio, but no attendants were available at the car rental center to set him up with a vehicle. It snows four feet in Washington, and we still function, he said. It snows four inches in San Antonio, and the world comes to an end. Other travelers were in similar situations. When they had checked online Monday morning, their flights were still scheduled. Only after dropping off their rental cars did they find out that the soonest they could leave San Antonio was Wednesday. We would have driven back to Colorado if we had known our flight was canceled, said a passenger whod planned to fly home to Denver on Monday. Gary Dipasquale, Southwest Airlines customer service manager at San Antonio International, said the airline had three or four flights slated for Monday afternoon, including the Denver flight. Then Southwest officials learned early Monday that the airport was effectively snowbound. We had no choice but to cancel, Dipasquale said. The airline, he added, had 16 departures originally scheduled for Monday. On ExpressNews.com: Wary Traveler: Boeing's Max flies again, like it or not Its too early to tell whether flights will resume Wednesday. We told our partners we would continue to monitor the conditions and the weather and make final decisions daily, Hope said. She said airlines gave passengers vouchers to nearby hotels, and that airport employees worked to provide transportation for passengers because hotels were not offering shuttle service during these weather conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has cut passenger traffic at San Antonio International Airport to around one-third of passenger levels in 2019. Yet, Dipasquale said Southwest had expected to operate full flights Monday. We would have loved to fly, he said. randy.diamond@express news. net Washington: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will establish an independent, September 11-style commission to look into the deadly insurrection that took place at the US Capitol. Pelosi said the commission will investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021, domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex and relating to the interference with the peaceful transfer of power. In a letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the House would also put forth supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced a commission to look into the January 6 riot unleashed on the Capitol. Credit:AP After former president Donald Trumps acquittal at his second Senate impeachment trial at the weekend, bipartisan support appeared to be growing for an independent commission to examine the deadly insurrection. Zapata County has recorded its deadliest day of deaths reported in its latest weekly report. County Judge Joe Rathmell said the county confirmed four additional deaths related to COVID-19 occurred on Feb. 11. This has been verified by the patients medical provider and/or local authority. On behalf of myself, my family and all of Zapata County, we want to extend our most sincere condolences to the families, Rathmell said in a statement. The cases were as followed: Case No. 25: Man in his 70s. Case No. 26: Man in his 30s. Case No. 27: Man in his 60s. Case No. 28: Woman in her 60s. County officials also announced an additional 74 positive cases of the novel coronavirus over the last six days. As of Feb. 13, the county has 15,859 tests conducted, 14,276 negative cases, 1,475 positive cases, 1,445 recovered, 108 tests pending and 28 deaths. To lower the risk of COVID-19, the community is asked to practice social distance, wear a mask, be cautious about social gatherings, wash hands and disinfect often-touched surfaces. Photos courtesy Carmen Salazar Elias Quezada is a 7-year-old boy who says that while playing at his grandmother's house last week, he wondered what the inside of a trash can looked like. It turns out, he got to see the inside of a trash truck, too, and nearly didnt live to describe it. Sanitation worker Waldo Fidele in Tampa Bay, Fla., is being praised for his quick action and attentiveness after he unwittingly scooped the boy up into his garbage truck, where Elias was within seconds of being crushed to death. Elias had climbed inside the familys trash can. He even shut the lid. But his timing was terrible, because at that moment, Fideles truck was making the rounds on his grandmothers street. In a minute he went out, and the next thing I hear is the sound of the truck and a guy screaming, Elias' grandmother Carmen Salazar said. I got picked up and thrown, to where I was going to be a mashed potato! Elias said. I was thinking this might be the end for me." Luckily, Fidele was watching the truck compartment's surveillance camera, which he said he has been trained to do with every can. He saw the boy tumble in. Looking on camera, I see something drop, Fidele said. He quickly stopped the blade that chops and crushes the refuse, and called 911. I come outside, I see him, he seemed happy, Fidele said. I said OK, youre OK now. Fidele, of course, was shook up. "It was a bad day for me. I was scared," the driver said. also there's a big rumor that they're re-releasing the album with some new remixes including a Taylor feature on Gasoline. they tweeted out this pic a few hours ago, and the '13' is quite prominent one gasoline pump pic.twitter.com/LBZZIQy2GB HAIM (@HAIMtheband) February 15, 2021 Edited at 2021-02-16 03:22 am (UTC) WIMPIII was one of my albums of the year. i know they released it almost a year before they released the album, but Summer Girl just feels so breezy and beautiful.also there's a big rumor that they're re-releasing the album with some new remixes including a Taylor feature on Gasoline. they tweeted out this pic a few hours ago, and the '13' is quite prominent Reply Thread Link I didnt know about the Taylor rumor! Gasoline shouldve def been a single its one my fave songs on the album Reply Parent Thread Link god i hate this easter egg culture Reply Parent Thread Link How did i not notice the 13 when i first saw this?? I wasn't sure about the rumor but yeah the 13 kind of confirms it. I love this song but idk about Taylor on it. We'll see. Reply Parent Thread Link favorite song on the album for me. would not want her on it! cram her into hallelujah Reply Parent Thread Link Queens of walking Still playing WIMPIII, such a good album Reply Thread Link I want them to do the soundtrack for the Daisy Jones and the Six adaptation Reply Thread Link YES Their style would be so perfect for it Reply Parent Thread Link from your lips to God's ears. hopefully we get St Vincent involved too Reply Parent Thread Link "My hope is that this film, by celebrating queerness and 'otherness...'" Say no more, I'll be tuning in! Reply Thread Link That was a lot of ugly outfits Reply Thread Link ontd got me into WIMPIII! I love it now. What are your fav songs off it? And pls give me recs on fav songs from prior albums bc I haven't explored their prior discography yet I love Don't Wanna, Now I'm In It, The Steps, I Know Alone Edited at 2021-02-16 05:12 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link my favorites on this one are 3 am, hallelujah, now i'm in it, and gasoline! i prefer their sparser, almost rnb inspired tracks from other albums: go slow, right now, want you back, my song 5 they also have a song with calvin harris i'm obsessed with Reply Parent Thread Link From their first album, seconding My Song 5! Also: Ugh this is reminding what a great album this was. Reply Parent Thread Link Absolute yes to all of these. Reply Parent Thread Link days are gone: falling, if i could change your mind, days are gone, forever, the wire, my song 5 something to tell you: want you back, walking away, night so long (wasn't a big fan of this album tbh) Reply Parent Thread Link fasdsr2 Days Are Gone are below and include the rest of the singles - they really made the right single choices on that one: Their second album I liked as a whole, but the individual tracks don't really stand out to me. I think "Want You Back" and "Little of Your Love" are probably the two I listen to the most there. And I like some of their collabs with other artists, which maybe aren't as much as a HAIM feel, but are solid songs in their own rights: Your faves are some of my faves off WIMPIII as well, and I wholeheartedly agree with every suggestiongave. My other favourites off ofare below and include the rest of the singles - they really made the right single choices on that one:Their second album I liked as a whole, but the individual tracks don't really stand out to me. I think "Want You Back" and "Little of Your Love" are probably the two I listen to the most there.And I like some of their collabs with other artists, which maybe aren't as much as a HAIM feel, but are solid songs in their own rights: Reply Parent Thread Link Okay, the Witch-boy thing sounds completely up my alley. Reply Thread Link i wanted to love their album, but i just replay 3am and summer girl tbf Reply Thread Link i love WIMPIII. it's my most listened to throughout the pandemic. something about it melts my stress away also i love everything they wear Reply Thread Link These girls so much. They are so funny in interviews too. Reply Thread Link Truly cannot wait to be able to go to a Haim concert post-pandemic. I've seen them live a couple of times before, but it was circa their first album, so I'd love to see the newer stuff performed and I can imagine the crowd will be a lot of fun. WIMPIII is a perfect album, so I'm not sure why we need to add Taylor Swift to "Gasoline", but if it sucks I guess I can always pretend it doesn't exist!! Reply Thread Link SAME. I saw them in 2017 and 2018 and both times were amazing. The crowd they draw is so diverse and fun and uplifting. Reply Parent Thread Link Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 05:14:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Feb. 14, 2021 shows a boy carrying the food donated by a charity group in Hajjah Province, north Yemen. The United Nations said last Friday that since the escalation of conflict in 2015, severe acute malnutrition is among its highest levels in Yemen, threatening the lives of half of the country's children under the age of five. (Photo by Al-Wafi Mohammed/Xinhua) SANAA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ahmed Fakin spent days traveling, with his acutely malnourished son Amir, from Yemen's northern Hajjah province to the capital of Sanaa to find medical treatment for Amir. "It used to take about three hours. But the war changed everything," said Fakin. The mountainous Hajjah province is a frontline between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi militia, which is now controlling Sanaa. When Amir's situation quickly deteriorated and doctors in Hajjah couldn't help him, his father decided to embark on a perilous journey to Sanaa, where a shimmering ray of hope awaited. So, with the help of a charity group, Fakin went through checkpoints, battlefields, and even landmine fields to reach here with his ailing son, who is six-year-old but still looks like a toddler. "Most of the malnutrition cases from remote areas couldn't survive because of the transportation difficulties. They often have to take alternative ways that are longer, harder, and more dangerous as their usual ways were cut by the conflicts," said Abdul Malik Al-Wahidi, a doctor at the malnutrition ward in Sanaa's Al Sabeen Hospital, where Amir received the treatment. The hospital is the main health center for malnutrition treatment and receives hundreds of starved children every month. The wards are full of heartbreaking crying of the malnourished children. The United Nations said last Friday that severe acute malnutrition is among its highest levels in Yemen, threatening the lives of half of the country's children under the age of five. Nearly 2.3 million children under five are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, 400,000 of whom could die if they do not receive urgent treatment, according to new figures of UN agencies. Malnutrition damages physical and cognitive development, especially during the first two years of a child's life, the agencies warned. Dunya Abdu Ghalib, a four-year-old girl that only weighs 6 kg, is one of the children with severe symptoms. She is in constant pain, and her skin is covered by large squamous, black-purple bruises. "For years, my daughter has been suffering and we had tried to find a cure for her as much as we could, but nothing was in our hands. We are poor and no one did assistance to us," Dunya's father Abdu said. Abdu said he felt lucky that the hospital could take his daughter in. But the hospital itself faces serious problems such as lack of funds and medical supplies. Doctors at the hospital said humanitarian aids to the hospital are dwindling day by day. Only about half of the country's health facilities are still barely functioning and they heavily rely on humanitarian aids. "International organizations cut their supports to health centers, including the ones that are combating malnutrition. Meanwhile, the intensifying conflict led to the soaring of malnourished cases and they rushed to our hospital. We are overrun now," said a doctor at the hospital. Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in the Yemen conflict in March 2015 to support Hadi's government. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million, and pushed the country to the brink of famine. Enditem * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! A solution to the deepening horticulture industry crisis may be possible before this seasons peat harvest, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has indicated. Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Department official Brian Lucas confirmed that, after a prolonged period, a chairman has been appointed to a working group that will examine a recent review on the use of peat moss in the horticulture industry. Dr Munoo Prasad - described as an independent consultant and researcher who has worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Bord na Mona - will head up the grouping of representatives from relevant Government departments, state agencies, environmental non-Government organisations and horticulture industry stakeholders. Speaking after urgent economic concern was heard from mushroom, vegetable, nursery and horticulture peat representatives who fear enforced shutdown by September this year due to peat shortages and soaring costs Mr Lucas said a short-term solution may be possible. A lot of the issues raised by the stakeholders were identified in the review report. What we have to do now is to get everyone around the table in the working group and to see what solutions we can come up with and what can be done for this seasonand for the long term. We envisage having the first meeting very quickly. The chair will produce a report on deliberations of the working group and present a report to Minister Malcom Noonan. We would envisage that it would take a maximum of six months. However, I dont see any reason why there couldnt be an interim report on the supply of peat for the horticulture industry for this year. If, for example, there was a solution on that with the month that could be moved forward and the rest of the working groups work on looking at alternatives could go ahead. We are trying to facilitate solutions, the review is clear that there are positives and negatives, there is no easy answer and there are complexities so that is why we want to get everyone into a room to come up with a solution. Law is impossible At the meeting, representatives of the IFA, Growing Media Ireland, Kildare Growers and the Commercial Mushroom Producer Co-Op Society called on committee members to push for the introduction of urgent legislation that would allow for the resumption of peat harvesting on some bogs. They said the industry which employs 17,600 people is completely hamstrung by the current legal position on peat production in Ireland and Bord na Monas recent exit from peat. With boatloads of peat imports now arriving in Ireland the first shipment from Scotland arrived this week representatives said they will be forced to rely on peat alternatives from the Baltic States, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the UK over the coming months as there is no viable peat alternative in Ireland. Committee members described the situation as total hypocrisy in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and impact on rural areas. The committee also urged the Department to find immediate solutions before this years peat harvesting season commences in April. John Neenan of Growing Media Ireland: The law is impossible. The horticulture industry is facing enforced closure by September this year, it will be wiped out. Transport costs gone up 300pc and the cost of peat is 50pc higher. Our legal advisors say that it is possible to exempt peat from planning and that such new legislation could be beefed up with other environmental obligations that would allow us to harvest peat responsibly on the limited area of peatlands that we use 1,700ha or approximately 0.12pc of total Irish peatlands. (Newser) It's not easy to trace the amazing story of Nance Legins-Costley. It doesn't fill history books, and even her gravesite is unmarked. But her role in history is significant, USA Today reports. In 1841, she won her freedom in a case before the Illinois Supreme Court. Her attorney was Abraham Lincoln, a state legislator at the time. "It is a presumption of law, in the State of Illinois, that every person is free, without regard to color," the ruling said. Two decades before he issued the Emancipation Proclamation as president, Lincoln had helped set free an enslaved Black person for the first time. The case had a profound effect on the future president, as well, historians saypushing him toward a firmer opposition to slavery. "This was the first time Abraham Lincoln first gave serious thought to these conditions of slavery," one says. story continues below Legins-Costley was a respected figure in the Illinois city of Pekin. When outbreaks of cholera, malaria, and scarlet fever hit town, she stepped in to care for the sick after the local doctor died, though she had no training. "Her reputation in Pekin was only one of praise," a local writer said, per USA Today. The 1870 city directory noted that she once was a slave: "But she has outlived the age of barbarism, and now, in her still vigorous old age, she sees her race disenthralled; the chains that bound them forever broken." Research indicates Legins-Costley's burial sitealong with those of 48 Union soldiersis paved over, somewhere among a muffler shop, auto garage, and other buildings in Peoria. A sign with the soldiers' names has been hung from a fence at the site of Moffatt Cemetery, and there's an effort to recognize Legins-Costley there. (Read more Abraham Lincoln stories.) Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 23:04:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MUSCAT, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Omani health ministry on Tuesday announced 337 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number in the sultanate to 137,929, official Oman News Agency reported. Meanwhile, 252 people recovered during the past 24 hours, taking the overall recoveries to 129,543, while one died from the virus, pushing the tally up to 1,544, according to a ministry statement quoted by ONA. The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee mandated to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Oman is continuing land border closure to curb the spread of the pandemic. Enditem NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell will argue that accountability has become a dirty word in some education circles but reform will never be achieved if some areas are regarded as taboo. Those who criticised new targets for schools did so because educators felt offended and feared principals and bureaucrats would be criticised for underperforming, she will tell The Sydney Morning Herald Schools Summit of educators and policy makers on Wednesday. For too long there has been a view that to be engaged in education is such a noble pursuit that no other questions need to be asked, she will say, according to a draft of the speech. NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell says educators are not too noble to be questioned. Credit:Louise Kennerley Education is indeed the most noble pursuit. We must also demand excellence we must set lofty ambitions and we must, as a system, question ourselves when we fail to live up to our ambitions. Two men have been arrested following a fatal stabbing at some flats in north London. Police were called to Highgate Road in Camden just before 7.40pm on Monday following reports of a stabbing. Officers attended alongside London Ambulance Service and found a man, believed to be 30, with stab wounds. Paramedics treated the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police were called to Highgate Road in Camden just before 7.40pm on Monday following reports of a stabbing. Pictured: Police on the scene Officers attended alongside London Ambulance Service and found a man with stab wounds Paramedics treated the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene The Metropolitan Police said the man's next of kin have been informed. Two men were arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody. Met officers remain in the area as inquiries continue. New Delhi: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will be travelling to Beijing to attend a BRICS meeting on July 27 and 28, the External Affairs Ministry said on Monday. The visit comes amid deterioration in bilateral ties between the two neighbours due to the Dokalam standoff with Beijing ratcheting up its rhetoric against New Delhi on the dispute. As far as visit of the National Security Adviser to China for the meeting of BRICS NSAs is concerned, I can confirm that he will be visiting. The visit will take place on Jul 27 and 28, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said. Suggested read | China to India: 'Immediately withdraw frontier defence personnel along LAC to reduce tension' Asked whether Doval will have any bilateral meeting with any Chinese leader or the Special Representative for boundary talks on the sidelines of the meeting of NSAs from BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Baglay did not give a direct reply. We will keep you informed as and when there are developments, he said. Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face-off in Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the disputed area. Suggested read | Pak High Commissioner Basit meets Chinese, Bhutanese counterparts in New Delhi to discuss Dokalam For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A notorious ex-gangster has been dropped by a knife crime charity following a public bust-up with a podcast host. Darren Gee - who was jailed for 12 years in 2004 for his role in a Liverpool gangland murder - was let go from The Ben Kinsella Trust after he threatened to 'batter' and 'destroy' Glaswegian podcaster James English. Mr Gee, who is a prolific anti-knife campaigner and has spoken of his regret over the years of his life he 'wasted' on gangland violence, posted to Instagram yesterday that he would no longer be working with the Ben Kinsella Trust. He posted screenshots of a private Instagram message from what appears to be the trust's official page. The message read: 'We have taken the decision to close your supporter page on JustGiving. We are sorry for the obvious disappointment that this will cause.' Darren Gee - who was jailed for 12 years in 2004 for his role in a Liverpool gangland murder - was let go from The Ben Kinsella Trust for making a series of threats against a podcaster The message explained the charity had been alerted to 'inappropriate language' used in a public forum that is 'contrary to our values and ethics.' It referenced several articles published which reported Mr Gee threatening James English, who hosts Anything Goes. At the time, the ex-gang member blasted Mr English over a public disagreement which saw the pair claiming each had used each other to gain publicity after he appeared on Anything Goes three times. It has also been reported that Mr Gee was uncomfortable with the appearance of a 'one-eyed gangster' Marvin Herbert on the podcast, who allegedly has links to Irish 'mob boss' Daniel Kinahan. Mr Gee also reportedly said himself that he declined to appear on Anything Goes alongside a prison guard. At the time of the bust up last month, the Liverpudlian posted a series of foul mouthed rants to Instagram, saying: 'He's a rat. I classed him as a friend for a very long time. Mr Gee slammed James English (pictured) after they both claimed each had used each other to gain publicity after he appeared on podcast Anything Goes three times. The Liverpudlian then posted a series of foul mouthed rants to Instagram, saying: 'I'll come to yours James English and batter you with your medicine ball. I'll destroy you with your medicine ball' 'James knows quite well I will drive to Glasgow at the weekend, meet him and tell him to his face he's a d******d. 'You've tried to stab me in the back. This isn't a game you f****** ballbag. 'I'll come to yours James English and batter you with your medicine ball. I'll destroy you with your medicine ball.' He also tweeted he 'elevated Jamie's podcast to a whole new level. Helped him secure 100,000 subscribers in a few months.' Mr English responded by removing all three podcast episodes he had conducted with the ex-gangster from his platforms and calling for an apology. He said: 'So this year has already started off with drama - handbags. Darren Gee -his mouth is vile. He talks a lot of p***. It has also been reported that Mr Gee (pictured) was uncomfortable with the appearance of a 'one-eyed gangster' Marvin Herbert on the podcast, who allegedly has links to Irish 'mob boss' Daniel Kinahan 'I was always wary of you because if I'm honest I knew this day would come. You bring big numbers but now you're doing videos saying I've 'used you'. I don't owe you a f*****g thing. 'I'm not a saint. Your podcasts have been taken down because you're talking s**t about me.' Referencing 'negative publicity,' the statement from the Ben Kinsella Trust explains: 'We are concerned our reputation may be damaged as a result of our association.' The message said all donations to the anti-knife crime fundraiser would be returned and hoped the decision would cause no 'ill-feeling'. The Ben Kinsella Trust was set up following the death of then 16-year-old Ben Kinsella who was stabbed on his way home from a London pub in 2008. The trust's website describes itself as 'one of the leading anti-knife crime charities in the UK. 'Our vision is of a society where no family or community suffers the loss of a life to knife crime. 'We are a young person's charity and we believe in prevention through education. 'We adopt a universal and early intervention approach aimed at preventing young people from making the wrong choices and helping them to stay safe.' A spokesperson for the Ben Kinsella Trust declined to comment. Mr Gee has been contacted for comment. A Tamil family fighting deportation will be able to stay in Australia while their legal proceedings continue after a government appeal was rejected. Priya and Nades Murugappan and their two young daughters are being detained in a demountable building on Christmas Island at a cost of $4,000 a day. In April 2020 a court ruled their youngest girl's application for a protection visa was not assessed properly. The government appealed but on Tuesday lost that case, meaning the family will temporarily remain on Christmas Island while their claim is assessed. In a statement sent through their lawyers the family said: 'Thank you to everyone in Australia for the support and love that they have shown us. We are very grateful. It helps us stay strong. We just want to go back to Biloela. We need our little girls to be safe. Every day, they ask when can we go home?' Recent pictures sent to Daily Mail Australia show Kopika, five, and Tharunicaa, three, trying to enjoy life on the island where they cannot visit friends, must get permission to go the playground and are accompanied by guards to school. Priya and Nades Murugappan and their two young daughters (pictured) are being detained in a demountable building on Christmas Island at a cost of $4,000 a day Kopika (left) gets taken to school by guards while Priya stays inside to look after three-year-old Tharunicaa (right) Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton does not believe the family are legitimate refugees but the courts have ruled they cannot be deported until their legal proceedings are over. Minster Dutton on Tuesday told radio 2GB that Australia 'is still under threat from boat arrivals' and believes allowing the family to stay will send the wrong signal to people smugglers. Lawyer Carina Ford says the family should be allowed to live in Biloela, Queensland - where they settled after arriving by boat seven years ago - until their case is closed. 'The government says Christmas Island is the most appropriate place for them to be housed even though there's no justification as to why that's the case,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'There is just no need for children to be in detention and they should be released into the community so they can be where children should be.' The family lives in a temporary block with a bedroom and a living room and can cook food brought to them in a separate kitchen. During the week five-year-old Kopika gets taken to school by guards while Priya stays inside to look after three-year-old Tharunicaa, who was just a few months old when her family was arrested. 'All of her life she's been locked up. She's spent three Christmases in detention which is ludicrous,' said Ms Ford. 'Their lives are lonely and monotonous and the children are getting older so they're aware of their circumstances.' Tharunicaa (pictured) was just a few months old when her family was arrested and has spent the vast majority of her life locked up by the Australian Government Figures released last year showed the government has spent more than $6million detaining the family. Pictured: Priya and Nades The Biloela community wants them to be allowed back and supporters have kept in touch and sent presents over Christmas. 'They were inundated with box loads of cards and gifts from right across Australia, which was lovely,' Ms Ford explained. 'The pandemic has gathered more support for them to be released because people have an idea of what it's like for them to be in lockdown. 'People are looking on and wondering why this family are in the circumstances that they are, people are finding it more difficult to comprehend why they're in detention.' The family used to be the only detainees on Christmas Island until 225 people, mostly criminals whose vivas were cancelled, were moved into a separate facility near to theirs. Sisters: Kopika, five, and Tharunicaa, three Earlier this month detainees started fires in a violent protest as they demanded better medical care and improved internet access. 'We have concerns about the recent riots at the other facility on Christmas Island,' Ms Ford said. 'We have written to the department to make sure there is no crossover of guards because the last thing you want is people who are working in a volatile situation coming into a situation where a family is located.' Figures released last year showed the government has spent more than $6million detaining the family and fighting for their deportation in the courts. Last year the cost of detention was $1.4million, which equates to $4,000 a day. 'The money spent on this case is massive, at a time when overspending on situations like these is unnecessary, Ms Ford said. 'There's no reason for it when they could be contributing in the community as they were prior to being detained, working and not costing the taxpayer a cent. But that just doesn't seem to be the government's position.' In an ABC radio report last month, Priya said the family feel like animals kept on their own. 'We pray to God that no-one has to go through the same situation as us,' she said. The Department of Home Affairs said in a statement: 'Australian Border Force has deemed the current placement suitable for the family.' In a previous interview with Daily Mail Australia, Ms Ford criticised Mr Dutton for claiming the family was wasting taxpayer money by refusing to return to Sri Lanka. 'The same argument applies that he's being unfair by detaining them, it's as simple as that,' she said. 'I feel that trying to flip it around and blame the parents like that hasn't worked for Minister Dutton. 'I think people can see that it doesn't make sense for the person detaining the children to blame the parents.' Three years ago: While on bridging visas, the family rented a small house, paid for with money Nades earned by working at an abattoir The family are not allowed to visit friends on the island and must get approval to go to a playground where they are accompanied by guards The family (pictured on Christmas Island) lives in a temporary block with a bedroom and a living room and can cook food brought to them in a separate kitchen Ms Ford said if the government really wanted to reduce the cost to taxpayers then it would make more sense to release the family from detention on the island which is 1,500km north-west of Australia. 'We are using taxpayer dollars to detain them but they could be in the community while their case is pending, actually contributing, because Nades used to work in the local meatworks, and costing the taxpayer no money,' she said. 'Can you justify spending this amount of money on keeping a detention centre open that no-one else is using? I don't think you can. Maybe that's something the government can re-consider.' Priya and Nades came to Australia by boat separately in 2012 and 2013, alleging they were escaping the Sri Lankan civil war. They met in Sydney before getting married and settling in Biloela, Queensland where they had two children. The family rented a small house, paid for with money Nades earned by working at an abattoir. While her husband put food on the table, Priya looked after the children and attended Biloela Baptist Church craft group where she made dozens of friends. But they were kicked out in March 2018 when their home was raided by police at 5am, the day after Priya's bridging visa expired. In October 2019, the United Nations Human Rights Committee requested the family be let off Christmas Island but the government ignored it. A Federal Court judge in April ruled their deportation must remain on hold after determining the youngest daughter, Tharunicaa, had been denied procedural fairness in her bid to apply for a protection visa. Priya and Nades met in Sydney before getting married and settling in Biloela, Queensland where they had two children The family are stuck on Christmas Island. Pictured: A detention centre on the island The government was also ordered to pay the family more than $200,000 in legal fees. Speaking on Sydney radio 2GB last year, Mr Dutton said the family should stop fighting deportation. 'This case has gone on since 2012 I think, and it must have cost now probably over $10 million,' he said. 'That's money that should be going into... communities and helping Australian citizens. 'They are not refugees and they have used every trick in the book to make sure they can stay. 'This is a situation of their own making, it is ridiculous, it's unfair on their children, and it sends a very bad message to other people who think that they can rort the system as well.' Priya and Nades (pictured) came to Australia by boat separately in 2012 and 2013, alleging they were escaping the Sri Lankan civil war Ms Ford urged Mr Dutton to grant a protection visa and allow the family to stay in Australia. 'That's always been our position in this case. It's open to the minister to not have this go on and spend more money on it. The choice is his.' Ms Ford said she believes there is a 'good prospect' of her winning the case, which centres on two-year-old Tharunicaa, whose visa claim was never assessed. Nades claimed he will be persecuted in Sri Lanka because he was forced to join the militant group Tamil Tigers in 2001 and was harassed by the Sri Lankan military. The Immigration Assessment Authority rejected the claims on the basis he frequently travelled between Sri Lanka, Kuwait and Qatar for work between 2004 and 2010 during the civil war, something that a Tamil Tigers member would not be allowed to do. Priya has claimed she watched her former fiance get burned alive and was raped during the Sri Lankan civil war which lasted from 1983 to 2009. Labor leader Anthony Albanese has described the family's detention as 'publicly funded torture' and said they should be allowed to stay. Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has also said the family's Biloela community, who want them to stay, should be listened to. The Delhi Police has written to video conferencing platform Zoom seeking details of those who participated in the January 11 meeting organised allegedly by a pro-Khalistani group to prepare a protest "toolkit" backing the farmers' agitation, officials said on Tuesday. Police alleged that Mumbai lawyer Nikita Jacob and Pune engineer Shantanu were among the around 70 people who had attended the meeting through Zoom app, days before the Republic Day violence in the national capital that left over 500 police personnel injured and one protester dead. "The Delhi Police has written to video conferencing app Zoom seeking details of participants who attended the meeting on January 11," the official said. On Monday, Joint Commissioner of Police (cyber) Prem Nath had alleged that the e-mail account created by Shantanu is the owner of this Google document. "Pro-Khalistani group Poetic Justice Foundation (PJF) founder Mo Dhaliwal had contacted them (Jacob and Shantanu) through a Canada-based woman named Punit," Nath had said. "Nikita and Shantanu had on January 11 attended a Zoom meeting organized by PFJ in which modalities were decided to create the 'toolkit' titled 'Global Farmer Strike' and 'Global Day of Action, 26 January'," Nath said. Also read: Farmers say govt brazenly misusing police power; demand unconditional release of Disha Ravi New York, Feb 16 : The United Nations said on Tuesday that lack of proper infrastructure planning is hurting Covid-19 recovery, climate action and sustainable development goals (SDGs). In a new publication, it is calling on countries to vastly overhaul the way governments build and maintain infrastructure, everything from water and sanitation systems to energy grids to transportation facilities, in order to reduce waste and costs, improve delivery of essential public services and ensure a sustainable future for all. The publication, 'Managing Infrastructure Assets for Sustainable Development', issued by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the UN Capital Development Fund with support from UNOPS, said that sound infrastructure, and the systems that support it, are needed to achieve 92 per cent of the SDGs. According to the publication, while roads and electricity grids to water and sanitation systems are fundamental for sustainable development, infrastructure investments often go to waste, as governments regularly fail to budget the resources -- financial, human and material -- needed to manage assets over their entire lifespans. The publication contends that with a trendy focus on projects that are 'new and shiny', old assets are often neglected. Underinvestment in infrastructure maintenance costs some developing countries up to 2 per cent growth in GDP. The publication, a handbook for governments at the national and local levels, says the actual construction or acquisition cost of an infrastructure asset only accounts for 15-30 per cent of overall expenditures, compared to the 70-85 per cent of the costs of an asset that is incurred after it is bought or built. Taking concrete steps to enhance the resilience of these key public goods can reap substantial social and economic benefits. Shirking responsibility of ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure assets puts the communities they serve at risk. "Effective asset management has become as critical as ever in the face of mounting pressures, such as growing urban population, climate-related disruptions and health emergencies," said Navid Hanif, Director of UN DESA's Financing for Sustainable Development Office. "Well-managed assets can increase fiscal space, they can provide leverage for further investments and they can repay the initial investments, many times over. A key feature of the citizen-state relationship at the local level, infrastructure asset management is also a fundamental prerequisite for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals," said David Jackson, Director of Local Development Finance at UNCDF. Finalised during the Covid-19 crisis, the new handbook brings global visibility to infrastructure asset management as a critical, high impact area for investing in local capacities to mobilise and manage financing for sustainable development, including in emergencies. It extends both practical knowledge and key messages to those seeking to lay the groundwork for more equitable, inclusive and sustainable development through improved infrastructure asset management. The publication draws on the diverse experiences of local governments in the implementation of UN asset management toolkits and is the result of numerous consultations with top experts in the field, within the UN system, including the UNOPS, multilateral and regional development banks, local government associations, universities and think tanks. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The blasts brought central London to a standstill. Anti-terrorist police sealed off the concourses within minutes of each explosion and British Rail closed all mainline stations, throwing the rail system into chaos and trapping thousands of passengers in trains forced to a halt. At least one person was killed and more than 35 others were hurt in a bomb blast at Victorian Station during the morning rush hour today. Another bomb had earlier exploded at Paddington Station but no one was injured. An injured traveller is stretchered into an ambulance at Londons Victoria Station following the blast. Credit:AP The head of Scotland Yards anti-terrorist branch, Command Churchill-Coleman, told a press conference that a man with an Irish accent telephoned London Transport at 7 am, said he was from the IRA and warned that bombs would go off at all the citys 11 main-line stations in 45 minutes. Police chose not to order a mass evacuation after the call, saying the warning was too late and too vague. Loading If these explosions are indeed the work of the IRA, they will be the first against obvious civilian targets in London since the Harrods blast of 1983, which killed six people and injured many others. Earlier this month, an IRA hit-team fired three mortar bombs at the Prime Ministers residence in the heart of London, slightly wounding four people and shattering the windows of the room where Mr Major was chairing his war Cabinet. Todays wounded were taken to Westminster and St Thomass hospitals, where spokesmen said at least eight were seriously wounded. A man in his 30s, the father of a 16-month-old child, was dead on arrival at Westminster. ARISS contact is scheduled with students at Bishop Guertin High School, Nashua, New Hampshire, USA Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact with astronauts. ARISS is the group that puts together special amateur radio contacts between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses on the International Space Station (ISS). This will be a Multipoint Telebridge Contact via Amateur Radio between the ISS and students from Bishop Guertin High School. Students will take turns asking their questions of ISS astronaut Shannon Walker, amateur radio call sign KD5DXB, during the ARISS radio contact. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz. ARISS team member Fred Kemmerer, using his call sign AB1OC in New Hampshire, will serve as the relay amateur radio station. Each student asking a question on the ARISS radio will be conferenced in from home. English is the language expected to be used during the contact. The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for February 19, 2021 at 12:56 pm EST (Nashua, NH) (17:56 UTC, 11:56 am CST, 10:56 am MST, 9:56 am PST). View the live stream of the upcoming ARISS radio contact at: https://youtu.be/0-Dsel4_7gM Bishop Guertin High School (about 800 students) is a private college preparatory Catholic high school that educates students from over 40 communities in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The schools core curriculum includes a variety of STEM topics for all grades (9-12). The school also supports STEM-related extracurricular activities as student-organized clubs (Astronomy, STEM, Robotics, 3-D Printing). In preparation for the ARISS contact, their science core classes (and the STEM clubs) also included topics/activities that helped students learn about space exploration, life in space, and the importance of the ISS-related research and radio communications. Over the past four years, Bishop Guertin students collaborated with members of Nashua Area Radio Society (NARS, holding club call N1FD) and participated in a variety of the student STEM activities. These activities included: learning about radio communication, building Morse-code kits for Morse code practice and message sending, and launching/tracking two high-altitude balloons. Students later formally presented the collected balloon data to NARS. These activities, along with mentoring from NARS members, inspired a number of the students to eventually earn their ham radio licenses. NARS will also assist the school with the ARISS contact. As time allows, students will ask these questions: 1. What landmark on Earth looks the most amazing from space? 2. What day to day task is most challenging in space? 3. What inspired you to become an astronaut? 4. What experiments are you currently working on? 5. Can you share with us what you like best about being in space? 6. What does a typical day look like for you? 7. What is something new you learned in space? 8. What did you bring from Earth to remind you of home? 9. What part of space travel is most exciting for you?10. Does being in zero gravity feel like floating in water? 11. What are some recent discoveries the ISS has made from the experiments conducted in space? 12. Upon returning to Earth, how do you plan to re-adjust to gravity? 13. What are your thoughts as you prepare for lift off? 14. As an experienced astronaut, what advice would you give to a new astronaut heading to the ISS? 15. How do you treat injuries or illnesses in space? 16. Do you have a favorite space food? 17. What is the most unusual thing you have seen in space? 18. What part of your training was most challenging? 19. What happens to your tears in space? 20. How do the sun and stars look different in space than on Earth? ARISS Celebrating 20 Years of Amateur Radio Continuous Operations on the ISS Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab-Space Station Explorers , and NASAs Space Communications and Navigation program. The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 study reveals biodiversity important at regional scales Biodiversity: Biodiversity, like that shown in this mixed seagrass meadow, increases ecosystem resilience. Underwater photo from the tidal freshwater flats of the upper Chesapeake Bay near the Susquehanna River mouth. Photo by C. Gurbisz/St. Marys College Photo - of - Hide Caption New research shows that biodiversity is important not just at the traditional scale of short-term plot experimentsin which ecologists monitor the health of a single meadow, forest grove, or pond after manipulating its species countsbut when measured over decades and across regional landscapes as well. The findings can help guide conservation planning and enhance efforts to make human communities more sustainable. Published in a recent issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, the multi-institutional study was led by Dr. Christopher Patrick of William & Marys Virginia Institute of Marine Science, along with Kevin McCluney of Bowling Green State University, Albert Ruhi of University of CaliforniaBerkeley, Andrew Gregory of the University of North Texas, John Sabo of Arizona State University, and James Thorp of the University of Kansas. Having low biodiversity is like putting all your eggs in one basket and puts us at greater risk of something catastrophic happening, says Patrick. Weve known this for a long time, but never before have we shown this to be true for entire regions and landscapes. The team reached their findings by compiling, analyzing, and modeling data collected over decades and across both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The analysis focused on abundance and diversity trends within 50 families of terrestrial beetles from the Sonoran Desert, 25 species of submerged aquatic vegetation or SAV within the Chesapeake Bay, and 56 species of fish from small streams in Maryland. The threats posed by low biodiversity are exemplified by a recent drop in coverage of SAV within the Chesapeake, as recorded by VIMS long-term monitoring program. For the past few years, our gains in seagrass coverage were mostly due to the expansion of one species, widgeon grass, says Patrick. That made us vulnerable. When widgeon grass had a bad year in 2019, we saw the single biggest drop in Chesapeake Bay SAV in the history of the VIMS monitoring program. Program scientists began recording SAV acreage in the bay in 1978. Patrick says The lesson here is that promoting biodiversity will increase ecosystem resilience. This is particularly important given increased variability in temperature and precipitation, population sizes, and ecosystem functionsoften the result of human influencewhich can increase the risk for local extinctions, promote outbreaks of pests or disease vectors, and curtail yields from human fisheries and agriculture. Patrick notes that he and others at VIMS are already starting to put the findings from the recent study into practice. Researchers from Patricks lab are collaborating with colleagues at the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on a multi-species restoration of SAV in Broad Bay near the Chesapeake Bay mouth in Virginia Beach. In the past weve only planted one species, eelgrass, he says, so trying to plant both eelgrass and widgeon grass together is a big change and one that will hopefully enhance the long-term success of the restoration of SAV to Broad Bay. The team anticipates their findings will benefit conservation efforts within other ecosystems as well. Understanding the interplay between regional and local controls of ecosystem variability may aid in the design of more effective conservation actions, management practices, and monitoring networks worldwide, says Patrick. Our results, he adds, bolster the argument for conserving biodiversity by showing that it is needed at both local and regional scales to maintain stable delivery of ecosystem services across entire landscapes. We should not only avoid putting all our eggs in one basket, but ensure that we have lots of different kinds of eggs in lots of different kinds of baskets. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. A $1.3 million state grant is helping Longmont, Colo., expand broadband service to K-12 students enrolled in the National School Lunch Program.The project involves a partnership between NextLight, Longmonts fiber-optic broadband system, and the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD). NextLight Executive Director Valerie Dodd said the money will be used to do three things: stand up a Wi-Fi network in areas with low Internet penetration and income challenges; revive a decommissioned wireless network in and around the city; and expand NextLights fiber footprint into areas on the periphery of the city.We are trying to eradicate the digital divide, one household at a time, Dodd said.The project will result in a better long-term connectivity fix for SVVSD students in need. After the pandemic started, SVVSD recognized that broadband access was an issue for a significant number of students, SVVSD Chief Technology Officer Michelle Bourgeois said. Last year, the district worked with Cisco to create Wi-Fi access points in the parking lots of 10 of its buildings and partnered with T-Mobile to deliver hot spots to families who needed a different solution.It gave us that first layer of availability until we could find a better plan, Bourgeois said.The funding for the SVVSD project comes from the Connecting Colorado Students Grant Program, which was established in November. DeLilah Collins, assistant director for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Act Programs, said the program started with a bucket of $2 million that would be given out to local areas based on a competitive application process, but Colorado Gov. Jared Polis felt that number wasnt high enough and dedicated another $20 million to the program.Collins said the criteria for awarding funds was based on a districts number of students receiving free and reduced lunch, as well as Census data about broadband availability within geographic areas. Fortunately, the requests from applicants didnt exceed the amount of available money, so everyone who applied received an award. Collins pointed out, however, that applicants may have asked for less based on their perception of the programs total level of funding a lesson learned for any state looking to implement a similar program.Some of our applicants were a little conservative with their requests, Collins said. Theres still need out here in Colorado.For SVVSD, the grant money is critical in that it allows the district to respond more quickly and to better prepare for the future.Without this much-needed boost, Bourgeois wrote in an email, our goal high quality Internet for every student would remain the same, but the timeline to fully meet the needs would have been much longer. Without grants and partnerships like this, the ongoing costs of monthly fees for cellular hot spots or for subsidized subscriptions to ISPs make scaling and sustaining a long-term effort a challenge for many school districts.One of the keys to the project is that NextLight and SVVSD had an existing working relationship. According to City Manager Harold Dominguez, Longmonts system had already served as the backbone component for SVVSDs system, saving the district $140,000 and increasing its overall technological capacity. Provider-school relationships are essential for improving broadband access for students.Thats probably the biggest challenge for us right now, Collins said. Unless theres a good relationship in the community, some of those communities are left underserved. That community partnership is extremely key to ensuring any type of broadband infrastructure buildout includes your anchor institutions.In addition to connecting students, the SVVSD project will have benefits for the larger community. Right now, NextLight covers roughly 90 percent of the city, Dodd said. With the expanded coverage that will come from the project, NextLight, which offers some of the fastest speeds in the country , can allow households to fulfill their business aspirations.Weve seen that, Dominguez said, and thats when we talk about the entrepreneurial network. You cant overvalue what the ability to have an affordable high-speed connection is to the family.Dodd added that the infrastructure for the SVVSD project can potentially be leveraged for future builds that would bring Internet access to even more residents. Additionally, the increased coverage can put Longmont in a better position to achieve its goal of becoming a smart city, whether that means helping the municipality rely more on renewable energy or enabling city staff to connect to the Internet without a problem while theyre working in the field, Dominguez said.While Longmont is looking forward to such prospects, the focus now is on making sure that any student who needs broadband can get it, said Dodd. Whether through the fruits of the SVVSD project or the ever-growing Sharing the NextLight program, the city aims to make life easier for thousands of students.Our students shouldnt be denied the opportunity to learn at home, to learn at school, to learn at their own pace because of a lack of reliable Internet access, Bourgeois said. For us, this is an equity issue. Noemie showcases a classic wedding band. People want a personalized luxury experience when shopping for their wedding bands, and to feel a part of the creative process. Mass-produced off-the-shelf items arent as exciting anymore. Newlyweds are increasingly looking to the motifs, materials, and aesthetic sensibilities of the past when designing their wedding bands. Many historical styles have an undeniable simplicity so often sought by men and women in both clothing and jewelry. Vintage designs continue to resurface in todays engagement rings, but the striking elements and simplicity of certain historical styles are influencing wedding band design as well. In a recent blog post entitled, Vintage Inspired Wedding Bands Back in Style, experts from handcrafted jewelry design house, Noemie, discuss vintage wedding band styles trending in popularity. Wedding bands have an extensive and storied history dating back thousands of years. While material and design invariably changes over time, the commitment and passion a wedding band symbolizes is unchanging. Accordingly, a great deal of thought and care goes into the design of this jewelry. For couples seeking a design that evokes the timeless elegance of a past era, the unique styles that defined particular historical periods are an excellent source of inspiration. In the blog post, Noemies experts describe trending historical styles from the early 19th century all the way up to more recent vintage styles such as art-deco, retro, Edwardian, and art-nouveau. The oldest and perhaps most foundational wedding band style described in the blog post is the eternity band. With roots extending as far back as the ancient Egyptian and Grecian cultures, this ancient style, which initially featured a snake swallowing its own tail, is now frequently adorned with gemstones encompassing the entire wedding band. Wedding bands were handcrafted for thousands of years, but in the late Victorian era, in conjunction with the increasing accessibility and popularity of diamonds, production of wedding bands in bulk quantities began. Today, mass-produced wedding bands are the norm, but large retailers simply cannot match the quality and craftsmanship of jewelers like Noemie, who handcraft every piece of jewelry they produce. The predominance of mass-produced jewelry is a foundational aspect of why companies like Noemie are so popular among couples looking for something bespoke as an expression of their love. Speaking about this dynamic Noemie CEO Yuvi Alpert says: People want a personalized luxury experience when shopping for their wedding bands, and to feel a part of the creative process. Mass-produced off-the-shelf items arent as exciting anymore. As the unique and varied styles of the past surge in popularity, couples and jewelers alike seek to pay homage to the design elements that defined different periods of history. As a continuation of the eternity bands ancient origins and in reference to the well-loved art-deco styles of the early 20th century, Noemie is retailing a vintage style eternity ring featuring 14 white diamonds in an 18-karat gold bezel setting. Interested readers can browse Noemies selection of handcrafted jewelry, learn more about the art-deco inspired eternity ring, or consult with a Noemie designer about creating a custom piece at hellonoemie.com. Founded on the belief that the journey is as dear as the destination, Noemie makes fine jewelry for lifes every moment. We create handcrafted jewelry that endures. Tired of the markups and middlemen typical of traditional retailers, we pioneered our own model to design, source, create, and sell directly to you. Our hands shape every step of the process to promise timeless pieces for life. Additional information is available at https://www.hellonoemie.com/, on Instagram at @Hello_Noemie, and on Pinterest. Burmese journalist Swe Win has survived an assassination attempt and detention by his own government. Now he leads his Yangon-based news outlet, Myanmar Now, from exile, and his newsroom is in hiding. On this weeks Kicker, reporter and essayist E. Tammy Kim, and Kyle Pope, editor and publisher of CJR, speak with Swe Win about journalism under threat in Myanmar, and why he so desperately wants to return despite the threat. SHOW NOTES Swe Win on journalism in Myanmar, the coup, and what comes next, E. Tammy Kim, CJR Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Amanda Darrach is a contributor to CJR and a visiting scholar at the University of St Andrews School of International Relations. Follow her on Twitter @thedarrach. TOKYO (AP) Residents in northeastern Japan on Sunday cleaned up clutter and debris in stores and homes after a strong earthquake set off a landslide on a highway, damaged buildings and parts of bullet train lines and caused power blackouts for thousands of people. The 7.3 magnitude temblor late Saturday shook the quake-prone areas of Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures that 10 years ago had been hit by a powerful earthquake that triggered a tsunami and a meltdown at a nuclear power plant. More than 140 people suffered mostly minor injures, many of them by falling objects and cuts while stepping on broken glass. Three people were confirmed with serious injures but there were no reports of deaths, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said. Tokyo Electric Power Co., the utility that runs the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant that was hit by the March 2011 disaster, said the water used to cool spent fuel rods near the reactors had spilled because of the shaking. But there were no radiation leaks or other irregularities, TEPCO said. The quake did not cause a tsunami because the epicenter was deep at 55 kilometers (34 miles) beneath the ocean. Noriko Kamaya, a Japan Meteorological Agency spokesperson, said in a news conference that the quake is considered to be an aftershock of the 9.1 magnitude quake in 2011. Power had been restored by early Sunday, although some bullet train services were still halted. East Japan Railway Co. said the bullet train on the northern coast will be suspended through Monday due to damage to its facility. TV footage and video shared on social media showed boxes, books and other items scattered on floors. In the northern Fukushima city of Soma, a roof at a Buddhist temple collapsed. Workers were clearing up a major coastal highway connecting Tokyo and northern cities where a major landslide occurred. Several other roads were also blocked by rocks. Saturdays powerful rattling less than a month before the 10th anniversary of the 2011 triple disaster was a frightening reminder of the earlier tragedy for the residents in the region. It started with minor shaking, then suddenly became violent, said Yuki Watanabe, a convenience store employee in the Fukushima town of Minamisoma, told the Asahi newspaper. I was so frightened, she said, adding it reminder her of the 2011 quake. As she ran outside, she heard banging noise coming from behind the store as glass bottles from the shelves smashed against the floor. Experts warned of more aftershocks. Many residents spent the night at evacuation centers, where tents were set up as part of coronavirus protection measures. Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy, expressed sympathy for those who had suffered damage and injuries. The government will continue to do our utmost to respond, he said. Defense troops also were mobilized to provide water in some areas. About the photo: A large boulder sits on a road after an earthquake hit the city, in Soma, Fukushima prefecture, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. A strong earthquake hit off the coast of northeastern Japan late Saturday, shaking Fukushima, Miyagi and other areas, but there was no threat of a tsunami, officials said.(Hironori Asakawa/Kyodo News via AP) Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday that Congress will establish an independent, Sept. 11-style commission to look into the deadly insurrection that took place at the U.S. Capitol. Pelosi said the commission will investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021, domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex and relating to the interference with the peaceful transfer of power." In a letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the House will also put forth supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol, Business Standard reported. After former President Donald Trump's acquittal at his second Senate impeachment trial, bipartisan support appeared to be growing for an independent commission to examine the deadly insurrection. Investigations into the riot were already planned, with Senate hearings scheduled later this month in the Senate Rules Committee. Pelosi, D-Calif., asked retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honor to lead an immediate review of the Capitol's security process. In her letter Monday, Pelosi said, It is clear from his findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened. She added, As we prepare for the Commission, it is also clear from General Honor's interim reporting that we must put forth a supplemental appropriation to provide for the safety of Members and the security of the Capitol. 1) Great British Railway Journeys: From Uxbridge To Hillingdon (2021) Having exhausted every other train journey in the world, Michael Portillo travels from the first stop on the Metropolitan Line of London's famous underground system for several hundred yards to the second. Along the way, Michael meets rail maintenance worker Ted Boreham, who informs him that platforms can sometimes get a little crowded at peak times. Michael expresses astonishment when regular rail-user Daphne Dullard shows him how she and her fellow commuters get through the barriers using their credit cards. Finally, a local historian tells Michael how Uxbridge can trace its name back to an ancient bridge. 'Fascinating,' enthuses Michael, who wears his familiar pastel-coloured slacks and blazer for what he excitedly describes as 'the trip of a lifetime!' Having exhausted every other train journey in the world, Michael Portillo travels from the first stop on the Metropolitan Line of London's famous underground system for several hundred yards to the second [File photo] 2) T.S. Eliot And The Sole Of Man (1964) In this six-part series T.S. Eliot teams up with Liverpool lass Cilla Black for a 'lorra laffs' as the two of them go fishing on the Isle of Man. Along the way, Tom learns to play tambourine with Gerry Marsden, and Cilla teaches top poet Ezra Pound how to speak Scouse! 3) Sandi Toskvig's America (2017) National treasure Sandi Toksvig travels around America on a penny-farthing. 'What I never realised about the US of A is just how big it is particularly when you're a little lady on a penny-farthing!' Join Sandi as she discovers that the little-known city of Las Vegas is full of casinos, that New York is sometimes called 'the Big Apple' and that Mount Rushmore is home to the heads of several American presidents sculpted in rock. 'Expect the unexpected!' she enthuses, as she dresses up as a cowboy to visit the site of the gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. 4) When Basil Met The Chairman (1973) Visiting China in 1971 Basil Brush, the world-renowned glove puppet, clinched a world exclusive by securing a wide-ranging interview with Chairman Mao Tse-tung. It came at an important time for both the interviewer and the interviewee. Mao was starting to look outward, and wanting to present a friendlier face to the West. At the same time, Brush's career had reached a turning point: feeling increasingly restricted by his reputation as a lightweight family entertainer, he craved acceptance as an international reporter. 'There was always a much more serious side to Basil,' recalls his contemporary Sooty, one half of the distinguished glove-based comedy duo Sooty and Sweep. 'He was well-loved as a fox with an infectious laugh, but he was so much more than that. One would regularly catch him backstage reading Jung and Freud, and he was a serious collector of the works of Frida Kahlo and Jackson Pollock.' Visiting China in 1971 Basil Brush (pictured), the world-renowned glove puppet, clinched a world exclusive by securing a wide-ranging interview with Chairman Mao Tse-tung When Basil Met The Chairman was broadcast on ITV at peak time on a Saturday. The communist leader and the glove puppet were filmed shaking hands on the Great Wall. 'Very pleased to meet you,' said Chairman Mao through an interpreter, to which Brush retorted, 'How now, Chairman Mao! Boom! Boom!' This set the right tone for an easy-going, wide-ranging chat. 'We have great respect for the fox in my land,' continued the Chairman. 'I beg your pudding?' replied Brush, with one of his infectious throaty laughs. The two of them were filmed fishing together and sharing a laugh in a bicycle factory. In another sequence, Mao taught Brush how to use chopsticks. When Basil Met The Chairman was shortlisted for a TV Times Documentary Award, though it was eventually pipped at the post by Des O'Connor's ground-breaking interview with Fidel Castro, in which the Cuban dictator confessed to being an ardent fan of Dr Finlay's Casebook and The New Seekers. 5) Jackie Weaver's Great Big Adventure (2021) Members of the Handforth Parish Council attempt to row around the world in a bronze-age coracle, with break-out star Jackie Weaver as their captain. Just ten nautical yards out of Falmouth, the team fall into a heated disagreement over whether to circle the world clockwise or anti-clockwise. Bitter words are exchanged, but they finally settle on a compromise: they will split the boat down the middle, with Jackie Weaver swimming between the two halves. Halfway round the world, in accordance with official TV guidelines, they are joined by national treasure Mary Berry. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [February 16, 2021] Luma Financial Technologies Signs Credicorp Capital Luma Financial Technologies ("Luma"), an independent, multi-issuer structured products and annuities platform, announced today that Credicorp Capital, a leading financial firm located throughout Latin America with a strong presence in Peru, Chile, Colombia, and The United States through its subsidiary Credicorp Capital LLC, has chosen the Luma platform to strengthen their structured product offerings through its Asset Management business. The award-winning Luma platform simplifies structured products and annuities to help wealth and asset managers compare, select, customize, price, and track a broad range of solutions for their clients. "As we continue to expand our footprint in Latin America, we're excited to partner with Credicorp Capital to offer their structured products team unmatched analytics and enhanced auctioning tools to better serve their clients in their allocation to structured products," said Fernando Concha Bambach, Key Account Manager for Latin America at Luma Financial Technologies. "Asset managers are continuously seeking to differentiate themselves through the value they offer to clients, which has proven to be a persistent growth catalyst for our platform across Latin America." Backed by three of the world's largest banks, Luma's technology platform provides objective tools and educational resources for broker/dealers, RIAs, and banks. As a buyside-centric application, the Luma platform is easily customized to match the specific needs and business processes of any firm. "Featuring a combination of state-of-the-art resources and functionalities, the Luma platfor is an attractive choice to manage our structured products," says Rafael Castellanos Lopez-Torres, Executive Director of Credicorp Capital Asset Management. "We are excited to begin integrating the platform and continue to provide our clients with solutions and recommendations that match their investment objectives." Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Luma entered the Latin American market with the signing of StoneX in September 2020. Luma has also continued their global expansion with the recent opening of an office in Zurich, Switzerland. For more information on Luma Financial Technologies and the specific features the platform provides, please visit www.lumafintech.com About Luma Financial Technologies Luma Financial Technologies is the creator of Luma, a fully customizable, independent, buy-side platform that helps financial teams more efficiently learn, create, order and manage market-linked investments such as structured products, structured annuities and more. Launched in 2011, Luma is one of the largest and longest-tenured structured product platforms in the U.S. market and is used by broker/dealer firms, RIA offices and private banks to automate and optimize the full process cycle for offering and transacting in market-linked investments. This includes education and certification; creation and pricing of custom structures; order entry; and post-trade actions. Luma is multi-issuer, multi-wholesaler and multi-product, thus providing teams with an extensive breadth of market-linked investments to best meet clients' specific portfolio needs. Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, Luma also has offices in New York, NY, and Zurich, Switzerland. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005299/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] ROCHESTER, Minn. - You don't need us to tell you it's been crazy cold for a long time. Austin Utilities has issued a natural gas peak alert through Wednesday morning. Austin Utilities is asking its customers to conserve energy during the extremely cold temperatures. General Manager Mark Nibaur says even just turning your thermostat down one degree will help. The utility company is asking customers to turn thermostats down to 68 degrees during the day. At night, customers are being asked to turn the thermostat down even more. Nibaur says a natural gas peak alert is unusual, but the widespread cold snap reaching from Texas to the East Coast and our lingering frigid temperatures has increased demand. "A lot of gas is being used by our customers across the country. So the price has gone up and so we are buying more expensive gas than we usually would this time of year," says Nibaur. Austin Utilities says for every degree you turn your thermostat down, you will save 1 to 3% on your heating bill. Austin Utilities also asks customers to reduce the use of gas appliances, such as stoves and clothes dryers. 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. Some were seen wearing garbage bags over their heads to protect their privacy as they were escorted onto a bus before being taken to the Pullman Hotel in Albert Park. Victoria recorded two more locally acquired cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, both linked to the Melbourne Airport Holiday Inn cluster, which has grown to 19 people. The new infections are close household contacts of a previously known case. COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria Commissioner Emma Cassar said on Tuesday that an incident review was being undertaken into how a returned traveller used a nebuliser in his room at the Holiday Inn, which is suspected to be the source of that cluster. There are now more than 40 public and private exposure sites linked with the Holiday Inn cluster. At the Queen Victoria Market, the Health Department has identified more than 100 primary close contacts, including 34 stall holders and about 70 people from a primary school in Ballarat who were at the market on an excursion. They are being tested. All of Victorias three recent outbreaks have stemmed from three cold non-health hotels the Grand Hyatt, the Park Royal and the airport Holiday Inn. Professor Grayson said it was unacceptable that lesser standards had been applied to those facilities compared with the two health hotels. The whole purpose of a quarantine program is that you treat everyone as though theyre positive until theyre proven to be negative, so the concept of cold and hot hotels is irrelevant he said. Victorian health staff are required to wear a N95 respirator and face shield when working with confirmed and suspected coronavirus patients. But before the outbreak at the Holiday Inn, government officials said the vast majority of hotel quarantine workers not dealing with confirmed positive cases were instead wearing surgical masks with their face shields. Meanwhile, ventilation audits were only conducted at the hot health hotels, despite the Australian Medical Association in Victoria claiming that the state governments healthcare worker infection prevention taskforce recommended in October that assessments be done at all facilities. Questioned on the two different standards applied to the health hotels and other quarantine hotels, Ms Cassar said there were only a small number of people returning to Melbourne with coronavirus and it wasnt deemed necessary at the time. Mr Andrews said protocols at Melbournes quarantine hotels had been strengthened since the recent outbreak. We may have to move to N95 masks across the board and in fact were making that change, he said. Loading Weve met all the standards, weve played a part in a national program but it may not be fast enough for a virus thats actually changing and that means you always have to open to doing more. However, he suggested it would be too much of a strain on The Alfred hospital, which oversees the health hotels, to expand their work to the other hotel quarantine facilities. Victorias hotel quarantine inquiry was called by the state government to examine failings in the first iteration of the scheme, after people working in the system became infected and spread the virus into the community. The infections sparked a second wave of coronavirus that killed hundreds of people and led to months of lockdowns that saw businesses shuttered and residents confined to their homes. Australian Medical Association president Omar Khorshid backed calls for a national standard for quarantine, but said it was unreasonable to immediately shut Victorias hotel quarantine system and expect other states to take on more returned travellers. We have to recognise that theres Australians overseas that need to come back, he said. We need a solution to allow some small numbers of people to come back to Australia and its not reasonable to expect NSW to take on the majority of the burden. Dr Khorshid said it was extremely disappointing to see the Victorian government fail again on hotel quarantine. It does make you wonder whether they have the capacity to get this right. If the government cant do this job then they need to find somebody who can, because its not rocket science. It really shouldnt be that hard to apply all the lessons we have learnt around the world on how to protect people from this virus. Adrian Esterman, chair of biostatistics and epidemiology at the University of South Australia, said it was unrealistic to cease Victorias hotel quarantine system without another immediate solution for returned travellers. Loading Seyola - Egypts first cash investment fund - has managed to attract EGP 1.7 million, exceeding the targeted investments that was initially set at EGP 500 up to EGP 100 million, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said announced. The subscription in the fund, which rolled out on 10 January as an EGP fund with daily proceeds, was closed on Tuesday even before the scheduled close date that was initially set on 10 March, due to the heavy subscribers demand to invest in the fund, according to El-Said. Seyola was launched on 8 January by NI Capital company, the state-owned National Investment Bank (NIB)s investment arm, in line with the companys strategy that aims at boosting its role in achieving financial inclusion and developing capital market. El-Said is also the Chairman of the NIB. It also targets meeting the market needs and requirements of its individual and institutional clients alike. El-Said noted that this kind of investment product contributes in attracting more investments to the treasury bills and the governments bonds, which both catalyse the economic development process. The CEO of NI Capital company, Mahmoud Montaser, stated that the fund managed to attract 21 times the targeted investments, adding that the company will expand its activities and services to fulfil its clients expectations. The fund aims at generating daily accumulative proceeds that are compatible with the decreased risks, associated to the investment instruments the fund extends, while keeping a high liquidity level that allows investors to purchase the instruments and regain proceeds daily . NI Capital established the National Investment Charity Education Fund in 2020, in order to provide sustainable financing for educational projects while managing charitable work. The size of the fund has so far reached EGP 150 million, according to the planning ministry. NI Capital was established in 2015 as an independent financial services company, acting as an independent catalyst for promoting public-private cooperation and attracting both domestic and foreign expertise to add value through promoting sustainable economic and social development across Egypt. It also provides an integrated set of investment banking services, investment management services and financial advice in the Egyptian market, in addition to managing the government IPO program to attract local and foreign investments to the Egyptian exchange as well as diversifing sources of income for the government. Short link: CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hifi Engineering Inc. (Hifi), a developer and supplier of next generation fiber optic sensing technology used to monitor assets including pipelines and oil and gas wells, today announced the company has released the HDS Pipeline Pig Management Application (PMA) for pipelines as part of their patented high fidelity distributed sensing (HDS) platform. HDS is a specialized data interrogation and analysis platform which uses advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence software algorithms to support Hifis high fidelity fiber optic sensors. The new PMA allows pipeline operators to use the HDS 2.0 platform and web-based HDS Monitor pipeline monitoring interface to manage pipeline pig detection and tracking for their pipeline networks. Pigs are sensed and tracked automatically. The pipeline operator can optionally pre-enter pig identifying information such as a unique ID and final destination into the system. Alerts can be enabled to track the pig by time or by location, including the speed and relative strain of the pig as it travels through the pipe. The web-based HDS Monitor pipeline monitoring interface software will provide notifications to the pipeline control room if a pig stops unexpectedly and when the pig run has been completed (see attached image example). "The PMA is a great addition to the HDS system, said Ehsan Jalilian, Vice President Systems Engineering for Hifi. This application will greatly simplify and streamline our operational processes, and will save our customers time and money through pinpointing the location of issues encountered during pigging operations. Hifi also announced two new patents: US16/805,277: HDS Event Detection Algorithm This patent covers Hifi's pipeline event detection algorithms, including its preventative leak detection algorithm. Hifi applies its leading-edge signal processing algorithms to the distributed high-fidelity data acquired from its fiber optic sensors. This patent recognizes Hifi's innovative approach to pipeline event detection, with a strong emphasis on the accurate detection of events without false positives. US15/773,965: Versatile Pipeline Field Leak Simulation System This patent recognizes Hifi's innovative approach to designing and conducting field leak simulations to test the effectiveness and readiness of its HDS pipeline monitoring system. The patent covers the design of an easy to deploy leak simulation system which is capable of simulating gas and liquid leaks on or near a pipeline, with maximum control provided to the operators in order to simulate leaks with various pressures, flow rates, and nozzle sizes. This innovation enables the operators to remotely trigger leaks (on a scheduled basis or on demand) and provides a feedback mechanism to notify the operator of the successful execution of the leak simulation. We are very pleased with both the launch of Hifis Pipeline Pig Management Application and these additional patents supporting the HDS 2.0 platform, said Steven Koles, Hifis President and CEO. These internally developed innovations help support preventative pipeline leak detection, as well as our other operational applications which help support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scorecard objectives of our pipeline partners. Hifi will be providing a webinar for the Fiber Optic Sensing Association (FOSA) on February 18th titled Retrofitting Existing Pipelines for Fiber Optic Monitoring. Registration for the webinar can be made at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3908214488456354062 About Hifi Engineering Hifi is a privately held Canadian company, with minority ownership from Enbridge, Cenovus and BDC, specializing in the development, supply and commercial operation of next generation fiber optic sensing technologies primarily used for preventative leak detection for pipelines and monitoring of critical assets. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Hifi currently has a number of commercialized products based on its high fidelity distributed sensing (HDS) technology platform, over 60 patents, and was named the winner of the 2019 Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) Foundation Innovation Award, as well as the Digital Innovator of the year for the 2019 Global Petroleum Show (GPS) awards. For more information, visit hifieng.com Contact: Steven Koles (403) 264 - 8930 skoles@hifieng.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/68d06be0-fa68-452b-b3a0-4ee573a03298 Page Content Cllr Lawrence Khoza, the MMC for Economic Development has renewed the Citys pledge to make Johannesburg business-friendly, following extensive consultations with the sector. Cllr Khoza has been undertaking various engagements with small and established enterprises in Johannesburg to ensure the City responds to their needs. He says the Government of Local Unity is working to ensure businesses receive adequate municipal support during the lockdown. The MMC led a high-level task team from the Department of Economic Development to Lenasia recently to access opportunities and challenges faced by businesses in the area. He says some of the challenges highlighted by entrepreneurs in Lenasia include intermittent power supply, high rental payments, lack of security as well as the lack of transformation across the value chain. We are going to consolidate all the issues that have been raised and come up with the requisite interventions. Business for us as the City of Johannesburg is a critical partner in our recovery effort, he says. Cllr Khoza adds that the creation and sustainability of businesses across the City of Johannesburg is of strategic importance to the municipality. The City understands the devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy. We will do everything in our power to ensure businesses receive support. Cllr Khozas oversight visit assessed agro-processing businesses, the Lenasia Manufacturing Hub, energy and mechanical enterprises. The MMC also stopped by Dhorat Foods, Nonnas Italian Kitchen, Polar Ice Cream Factory and FR Panel Beating. An east Alabama mayor has been indicted on state ethics violations charges. ll announced the arrest of Lanett Mayor Jonathon Kyle McCoy. The 56-year-old mayor surrendered to the Chambers County Jail on Tuesday morning on $30,000 bond. McCoy denies any wrongdoing. The AGs Special Prosecution Division presented evidence to a Chambers County grand jury on Feb. 11, Marshall said. The grand jury issued three indictments against McCoy on Feb. 12 felony charges of using his official position or office for person gain. Specifically, the indictment charges McCoy with the following three counts: using his official position or office to allow a dependent and/or family member to access and use a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe owned by the City of Lanett without a lawful purpose, using his official position or office to obtain extensions and/or waivers of City of Lanett utility charges involving an amount equal to or a portion of $43,302.32. using his official position or office to obtain personal purchases made on a City of Lanett account valued at an amount equal to or a portion of $643.84 in U.S. currency and/or labor of a personal nature by City of Lanett employees, which was paid for with overtime wages. McCoy has been mayor since 2015. He was elected to his second term in August 2020. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine for each of the three counts, which are class B felonies. Additionally, if convicted, McCoy would have to leave office. McCoy released this statement Tuesday afternoon: I have proudly served as the Mayor of the City of Lanett since October, 2015. As Mayor I have always held myself to the highest standard to serve the citizens of Lanett. Today the Attorney Generals Office and others, have made an attempt to destroy my character, embarrass the City, my family and the Citizens of Lanett, by bringing criminal charges against me. I emphatically deny any wrongdoing, and I will vigorously defend these charges. I will not be deterred by this, and I will continue to serve the citizens of this great city with integrity and let justice prevail. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. COVID-19 testing information for west-central Illinois counties: Morgan County Jacksonville Days and times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Drive-through testing site located at the intersection of Dunlap Court and Morgan Streets. Details: No appointment necessary. Photo ID and insurance card requested but not required. Brown County Mount Sterling Days and times: By appointment. Location: Brown County Health Department, 120 E. Main St. 217-773-2714 Details: Testing eligibility determined by telephone screening. Cass County Beardstown Days and times: Monday-Friday 9-11:20 a.m. Location: Cass County Health Department, 8590 St. Lukes Drive. 217-323-2182 Virginia Days and times: Monday-Friday 1-3 p.m. Location: Cass County Health Department, 331 S. Main St. 217-452-3057 Details: Testing by appointment only and is limited to those who live or work in Cass County. Schedules subject to change. Greene County Carrollton Days and times: By appointment. Open seven days a week. Location: Boyd Rural Health Clinic, 800 School St. 217-942-3600 Details: Testing performed if medically indicated, pre-op with doctors order, or return to work. Must call and leave message with name and callback number. Jersey County Jerseyville Days and times: By appointment. Location: Jerseyville Community Hospital Walk-in Clinic, 903 S. State St. 618-498-2273 Details: Testing performed if medically indicated. Macoupin County Gillespie Days and times: By appointment. Location: Maple Street Clinic, 109 E. Maple St. 217-313-5078 Details: Drive-through free testing. Register by phone or online at mcphd.net. Pike County Pittsfield Days and times: By appointment. Location: Quincy Medical Group, 320 N. Madison St. 217-277-4001 Details: Testing performed if medically indicated. . Days and times: Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Location: Illini Express Clinic, 101 E. Washington St. 217-277-3504 Details: Testing performed if medically indicated. Register upon arrival. Scott County Winchester: Days and times: Mondays and Fridays 9-11 a.m. Location: Scott County Health Department, 335 W. Cherry St. Details: Schedule subject to change. See Facebook page for updates. Neil Woodford has some nerve. In a tearful interview at the weekend, the disgraced fund manager responsible for torpedoing thousands of savers' retirement plans revealed he is plotting a comeback. It has not even been two years since the fallen star stock-picker's empire imploded, leaving his followers roughly half a billion pounds out of pocket. The City watchdog has not finished investigating the scandal, there are impending court cases and ordinary savers are still waiting to get their hands on around 200 million yet to be freed from the frozen equity income fund. Fallen star: It has not even been two years since Neil Woodford's empire imploded, leaving his followers roughly half a billion pounds out of pocket Yet here is Woodford, bold as brass, announcing that after a brief spell of soul-searching, it's time for him to get back to work. After all, it wasn't only retail investors who suffered financially he had to sell his 30 million home and stables, too, you know. Perhaps anticipating the howls of unbridled fury from devastated savers, he is sticking to raising cash from professional investors this time. But as the Mail's City Editor Alex Brummer pointed out on Monday, that could still mean getting his mitts on our pension money - although I suspect firms with strict governance checks may have more than a few questions. And, regardless, what sort of message is this sending to the investment industry? The Woodford scandal caused untold reputational damage to the likes of Hargreaves Lansdown and St James's Place, which heavily promoted the doomed fund. And there is still an enormous amount of work to be done around improving transparency. It is far too difficult to find out exactly where our money is invested - and how much we are paying in fees. If recent events have taught us anything, it's that we should be encouraged to look under the bonnet of our investments, not deterred from doing so. The Financial Conduct Authority was slow to act when Woodford was unravelling, but now it needs to bare its teeth. I'm sure the thought of a 30plusyear career ending on such a sour note is bitterly disappointing for Woodford. But allowing him simply to start over as if nothing has happened would be an insult to the thousands of savers still reeling from his mistakes. For the investment industry to have a hope of rebuilding trust, he must be forced to stay away. Take 'em to task Insurers have really tested our patience over the past 12 months. Struggling small business owners felt betrayed after paying thousands of pounds for business interruption cover, only to have claims denied due to vague small print. Even after the High Court ruled in favour of policyholders, insurers prolonged their suffering by dragging the case to the Supreme Court where they lost again. Many travel and wedding insurers have also ducked valid claims, while denying refunds to those who have been unable to use their policies due to the lockdowns. But this behaviour has cost the industry dear. A report by the City watchdog revealed last week that more than a fifth of adults trust insurers less because of Covid, while one in three don't think firms did enough to help customers. The only upside is that one in three also said they are now more likely to shop around for a better deal. With the loyalty penalty costing households 1 billion a year, voting with your feet is the best way to make insurers pay. Heartless slip-up Thank you for all your emails in response to my column last week, about the difficulties faced by the bereaved when wrapping up their loved ones' financial affairs. One reader, Agnes, shared an astonishing example of ineptitude. After informing Scottish Power of her aunt's death, she received a letter addressed to the executors which read: 'Congratulations on your recent move. We're delighted to be supplying your electricity and hope you're settling in well.' Agnes said: 'I couldn't see my aunt when she was in hospital due to the pandemic, so having to explain why I found the letter so disrespectful has been distressing.' It beggars belief that such insensitive admin errors are still slipping through the net so regularly. v.bischoff@dailymail.co.uk Enterprise data scientists are frustrated by the Sisyphean struggle to get the technology assets they require to build data models. But thats hardly the only hurdle: Because these projects slow-cook in siloes, data science teams often duplicate efforts. Its a maddening combination of requisitioning hell and redundancies. No stranger to such challenges, defense contractor Lockheed Martin installed a software platform to make the development of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) models more efficient. The platform centralizes assets required to build data models, reducing the costs of the companys ML and AI projects by $20 million a year, says Matt Seaman, Lockheed Martins chief data and analytics officer of enterprise operations. The self-service capabilities are critical for the companys approach to democratizing access to data, Seaman says. Were reducing the barriers to start and run new projects that will help us make better and faster decisions with data. Adoption of self-service technology is soaring, representing the next phase of a consumerization phenomenon that put mobile computers and applications into the hands of millions of workers more than a decade ago. But perhaps nowhere is the interest greater than in data science, in which the potential of advanced analytics that helps discover business insights has been constrained by the same clunky processes that have long held back companies from reaching their potential. Clearing the provisioning hurdle Be Sure to Count Your Change in Puerto Vallarta Stores Mistakes can be made anywhere and instead of abruptly assuming dishonesty, we believe a much better approach is to make a constant habit of counting one's change before one leaves the check-out counter. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Recently we were informed of a disgruntled tourist in Puerto Vallarta who was very unhappy after being short-changed at a convenience store. Seems the wife sent the husband for avocados, beer and water with a $500 peso note and he came back with $50. Sometimes things just don't add up and this was one of those times. Apparently he did something North Americans are accustomed to, considering he was being helpful to the cashier. He gave her an extra two pesos to round up the amount, supposedly making it easier for her to count back. Problem is... this is not an exercise that's been adapted for the peso. Until the Oil Crisis in the late 70s, the peso was one of the most secure currencies in all of Latin America. Capital flight destabilized the peso for many years to come when Mexico defaulted on its external debt in 1982. President Carlos Salinas adopted a strategy called the "Stability and Economic Growth Pact" and on January 1, 1993, a new currency was introduced. The new peso Nuevo Peso in noted on each bill with MXN, whereas the old peso, which became immediately obsolete, was MXP. One new peso was equal to 1000 of the old peso and it took Mexicans awhile to make that adjustment. Tourists remained baffled for a much longer period of time; in fact, many people still have a difficult time making sense of the exchange rate. Perhaps due to devaluation and constant fluctuations, cashiers have never bothered to learn how to count money back and therefore, visitors are less inclined to expect it. However, we have a word of advice. When you hand over your money, regardless of the denomination or amount of change you offer, consider where you are standing. At the COUNTER, right? As defined in the dictionary it is a long flat-topped fixture in a store or bank across which business is conducted with customers. Do your counting there, before you walk away. Mistakes can be made anywhere and instead of abruptly assuming dishonesty, we believe a much better approach is to make a constant habit of counting one's change before one leaves the counter. An understanding of the exchange is also very useful. Before you go on your holiday to any foreign country, study the local currency and do your best to know how it compares to your own, so that you aren't creating constant quandaries whenever you need to make a purchase. Don't change your money in the airport or your home bank. Wait until you are in Puerto Vallarta or your chosen destination; we recommend using the ATM machines, as you are assured of getting the most recent daily rate. ATMs at banks are the safest. Que es cAmo es. The number one selling and listing agency in the greater Bay of Banderas region since 2011, Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the city's Romantic Zone. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate and, with 5 sales offices around the bay, we know our communities well. If you are looking to sell or purchase a property in the Banderas Bay area, download their Click HERE to learn more about Timothy Real Estate Group - Recently we were informed of a disgruntled tourist in Puerto Vallarta who was very unhappy after being short-changed at a convenience store. Seems the wife sent the husband for avocados, beer and water with a $500 peso note and he came back with $50. Sometimes things just don't add up and this was one of those times.Apparently he did something North Americans are accustomed to, considering he was being helpful to the cashier. He gave her an extra two pesos to round up the amount, supposedly making it easier for her to count back. Problem is... this is not an exercise that's been adapted for the peso.Until the Oil Crisis in the late 70s, the peso was one of the most secure currencies in all of Latin America. Capital flight destabilized the peso for many years to come when Mexico defaulted on its external debt in 1982. President Carlos Salinas adopted a strategy called the "Stability and Economic Growth Pact" and on January 1, 1993, a new currency was introduced. The new peso Nuevo Peso in noted on each bill with MXN, whereas the old peso, which became immediately obsolete, was MXP.One new peso was equal to 1000 of the old peso and it took Mexicans awhile to make that adjustment. Tourists remained baffled for a much longer period of time; in fact, many people still have a difficult time making sense of the exchange rate.Perhaps due to devaluation and constant fluctuations, cashiers have never bothered to learn how to count money back and therefore, visitors are less inclined to expect it.However, we have a word of advice. When you hand over your money, regardless of the denomination or amount of change you offer, consider where you are standing. At the COUNTER, right? As defined in the dictionary it is a long flat-topped fixture in a store or bank across which business is conducted with customers. Do your counting there, before you walk away.Mistakes can be made anywhere and instead of abruptly assuming dishonesty, we believe a much better approach is to make a constant habit of counting one's change before one leaves the counter. An understanding of the exchange is also very useful. Before you go on your holiday to any foreign country, study the local currency and do your best to know how it compares to your own, so that you aren't creating constant quandaries whenever you need to make a purchase.Don't change your money in the airport or your home bank. Wait until you are in Puerto Vallarta or your chosen destination; we recommend using the ATM machines, as you are assured of getting the most recent daily rate. ATMs at banks are the safest.The number one selling and listing agency in the greater Bay of Banderas region since 2011, Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the city's Romantic Zone. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate and, with 5 sales offices around the bay, we know our communities well. If you are looking to sell or purchase a property in the Banderas Bay area, download their Free Real Estate Buyer and Seller's Guides to learn more, then contact one of the Timothy Real Estate Group agents for the best experience in Puerto Vallarta real estate. For more information, visit TimothyRealEstateGroup.com. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Zonetail Inc. (TSXV: ZONE) (OTCQB: ZTLLF) ("Zonetail" or the "Company") is pleased to welcome James Jenkins as Executive Vice-President, U.S. Markets. As a member of the Company's executive team, James's responsibilities will initially include the launch of Zonetail's high rise residential platform in the United States, as well as leading our U.S. national sales efforts. Jenkins joins Zonetail from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association ("AAHOA"), the largest association of hotels in the world and our largest hotel partner, where he served as Executive Vice President of Sales for 15 years. During his tenure, Jenkins increased AAHOA's sales by 640%, with consistent year over year growth. He brings with him, a deep level of experience in both sales and strategic partnerships, a wealth of knowledge, and a vast network of top fortune 500 clients. While at AAHOA, James, along with Chip Rogers the former CEO of AAHOA and current board member of Zonetail was instrumental in securing the AAHOA/Zonetail partnership. "I've been in contact with Mark regarding the potential of joining Zonetail for the past few months," said James Jenkins. "When the Company signed the Yardi agreement in December (see press release https://www.zonetail.com/2020/12/10/zonetail-signs-an-integration-agreement-with-yardi-the-worlds-leading-property-management-software-provider/), it provided the last piece that brought it all together. I am very excited to take on the responsibilities associated with the launch and growth of the Company's residential platform in the U.S." "James has become a great friend and colleague over the years, as he and I worked closely together during his time at AAHOA," said Mark Holmes, CEO of Zonetail. "I am thrilled that he accepted the position as Executive Vice-President, U.S. Markets. The relationships James has developed with many of the leading corporations in the United States will prove to be a huge asset to the Company and all of our stakeholders." Holmes went on to say, "James is already very familiar with Zonetail, so it will be a short learning curve for him to quickly roll up his sleeves and get to work." It is worthy to note that filling this vital role is critical, as Zonetail is rapidly preparing for the launch of the residential platform in the U.S., upon the upcoming completion of the Yardi integration. In addition, once the hotel industry begins its rebound from COVID-19, James' extensive knowledge and connections in the U.S. hotel market will prove to be invaluable with the planned relaunch of Zonetail's upcoming new hotel platform. About Zonetail Zonetail Inc. (TSXV: ZONE) (OTCQB: ZTLLF) provides mobile platforms for condominiums, apartments and hotels, providing residents and guests access and interaction with building amenities and services as well as essential neighbouring services, restaurants, stores, and other businesses. Zonetail is partnered with Shiftsuite, one of the largest property management software companies servicing the condo industry in Canada and is 'live' in approximately 85,000 condominium households. Zonetail also has an integration agreement in place with Yardi Systems, the largest property management software company in the North America. Zonetail is partnered with AAHOA, the largest association of hoteliers in the world, representing over 25,000 hotels and 50% of the US market. Zonetail has offices in Toronto, Ontario and San Dimas, California. For more information, please visit https://www.zonetail.com. Mark Holmes, President and CEO Zonetail Inc. Telephone (Direct): (416) 994-5399 mark@zonetail.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74490 Seoul, Feb 16 : North Korea has attempted to hack into South Korean drug manufacturers' computer systems to obtain information related to coronavirus vaccines and treatment, South Korea's intelligence agency told lawmakers on Tuesday. At a closed-door parliamentary session, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported the average daily number of cyberattacks in South Korea has increased 32 per cent year-on-year to about 1.58 million cases, most of which were unsuccessful, Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party told reporters after the session, Yonhap news agency reported. Ha claimed that Pfizer is believed to have been attacked by the North, citing documents provided by the NIS and other sources that he declined to specify. The NIS also said that North Korea has enhanced its crackdown on anti-socialist acts, upping the punishment for distributing video material from South Korea to the death penalty, according to lawmakers. Anyone caught watching South Korean videos is punishable by a jail term of up to 15 years, the NIS said. "To put it simply, it's punishment for the 'Korean Wave,'" Ha said. On the public absence of leader Kim Jong-un's wife, Ri Sol-ju, the NIS said that no unusual signs or intelligence have been collected. The lawmakers also quoted the NIS as saying that North Korea has changed leader Kim's official title in English to "president" from "chairman." Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 21:50:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A medical worker displays swab samples collected to test for COVID-19 in Gaza City, Feb. 16, 2021. Palestine on Tuesday called for an urgent international intervention to pressure Israel to allow the shipment of the coronavirus vaccines into the besieged Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Tuesday called for an urgent international intervention to pressure Israel to allow the shipment of the coronavirus vaccines into the besieged Gaza Strip. Palestinian government spokesman Ibrahim Milhem told a news briefing in the West Bank city of Ramallah that the Israeli move to prevent the entry of coronavirus vaccines into Gaza "violates both international and humanitarian laws." He called on the World Health Organization "to condemn the Israeli measure and exert immediate pressure on Israel to allow the shipment of the vaccines into the Gaza Strip." On Monday, Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila accused Israel of banning the shipment of the first batch of 2,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik vaccine into the Gaza Strip. "The doses were intended for medical staff working in intensive care units designated for COVID-19 patients and the staff working in emergency health departments," al-Kaila said. Enditem Announcement of Periodic Review: Moody's announces completion of a periodic review of ratings of Banco BBVA Peru S.A.Global Credit Research - 15 Feb 2021New York, February 15, 2021 -- Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") has completed a periodic review of the ratings of Banco BBVA Peru S.A. and other ratings that are associated with the same analytical unit. The review was conducted through a portfolio review discussion held on 10 February 2021 in which Moody's reassessed the appropriateness of the ratings in the context of the relevant principal methodology(ies), recent developments, and a comparison of the financial and operating profile to similarly rated peers. The review did not involve a rating committee. Since 1 January 2019, Moody's practice has been to issue a press release following each periodic review to announce its completion.This publication does not announce a credit rating action and is not an indication of whether or not a credit rating action is likely in the near future. Credit ratings and outlook/review status cannot be changed in a portfolio review and hence are not impacted by this announcement. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history.Key rating considerations are summarized below.Banco BBVA Peru S.A.'s (BBVA) Baa1 long-term global local currency deposit ratings capture the bank's baa2 baseline credit assessment (BCA) and incorporate Moody's assessment of modest probability of government support for the bank from the Government of Peru (A3), in case of need, given BBVA Peru's importance to the Peruvian banking system as the country's second largest deposit taker.BBVA Peru's baa2 BCA reflects its good asset quality, high profitability and good capitalization, which is driven by its conservative credit risk management and a well-balanced loan mix. In addition, BBVA Peru's reserve coverage will be an important mitigant for potential asset quality deterioration resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. The bank's funding sources are highly diversified and benefit from its access to a large and growing base of granular, low-cost deposits, reflecting positively in solid net interest margins. BBVA Peru's capitalization ratio has been relatively stable despite loan growth and much lower profitability than in prior years because of lower dividend payouts.This document summarizes Moody's view as of the publication date and will not be updated until the next periodic review announcement, which will incorporate material changes in credit circumstances (if any) during the intervening period.The principal methodology used for this review was Banks Methodology published in November 2019. Please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of this methodology.This announcement applies only to EU rated, UK rated, EU endorsed and UK endorsed ratings. Non EU rated, non UK rated, non EU endorsed and non UK endorsed ratings may be referenced above to the extent necessary, if they are part of the same analytical unit.This publication does not announce a credit rating action. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history. Felipe Carvallo VP - Senior Credit Officer Financial Institutions Group Moody's de Mexico S.A. de C.V Ave. Paseo de las Palmas No. 405 - 502 Col. Lomas de Chapultepec Mexico, DF 11000 Mexico JOURNALISTS: 1 888 779 5833 Client Service: 1 212 553 1653 M. Celina Vansetti-Hutchins MD - Banking Financial Institutions Group JOURNALISTS: 1 212 553 0376 Client Service: 1 212 553 1653 Releasing Office: Moody's Investors Service, Inc. 250 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10007 U.S.A. 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The government wants to know if the US may have trouble making F-35 fighter jets if China imposes an export ban, the Financial Times reported, quoting a Chinese government adviser. The specter of export curbs arose in 2019 amid a deepening trade war, when Beijing prepared a plan to restrict shipments as a way to target Washington. While those restrictions never eventuated, it pushed the American government to seek out ways to cut their reliance on a single source of supply. The writing has been on the wall for decades, and now we are seeing first-hand why weve been raising the alarm that Chinas dominance over the rare earth and critical minerals industry is a highly volatile geopolitical concern, said Pini Althaus, CEO of USA Rare Earth. This move, if enacted, would go beyond the Chinese Communist Partys Made in China by 2025 and Belt and Road initiatives both of which are tools for Chinas continued dominance as a global manufacturer and exporter of finished goods, and be more about weaponizing rare earth exports, as China has done previously, Donald Trump last year signed an executive order aimed at expanding domestic output of rare-earth minerals, a year after the Department of Defense was ordered to spur the production of magnets. The US also awarded Lynas Rare Earths, the biggest producer outside China, a contract to boost processing capabilities. Related: Has This Record-Breaking Oil Rally Gone Too Far? The facility, expected to produce about 5,000 tonnes of rare earths a year, would help Washingtons push to secure domestic supply of essential minerals used in magnets and motors that power phones, wind turbines, electric vehicles and military devices. President Joe Biden, in his first conversation as president with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, spoke of his concern about Beijings coercive and unfair economic practices as well as human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region. Despite their name, the 17 minerals grouped under the rare earths label are not rare. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), they are roughly as common as copper. But, because rare earth ores oxidize quickly, extracting them is both difficult and extremely polluting. By Mining.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Those who need transportation to their COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Western Massachusetts can find which routes to take using the PVTA website. The website lists 20 locations, including Springfields Eastfield Mall, CVS locations and locations at Big Y. All these locations list which routes to take and a bit of additional information. PVTA is providing this information to assist riders in our service area in identifying all available vaccine opportunities, PVTA said in a statement. Riders will need to assess which sites are most appropriate to them. All the information comes from the Mass.gov website but is easily seen through the PVTA format. Some of the locations listed, however, ask people to wait in their cars until their appointment time something PVTA riders would be unable to do. The Northampton Senior Center asks those with appointments to show up as close to their clinic time as possible. We do not allow people inside prior to their appointment time due to our infection control measures that are in place, said Merridith OLeary, Northamptons public health director. Last week, the Baker administration told people to wait in their cars after long lines gathered at Eastfield Mall. Additional options for people ages 75 and up who take a bus and arrive early were not discussed. Each site establishes its own testing guidelines and while those that require people to wait in their vehicles may not be the most appropriate option for PVTA riders, it is important to provide the public with the most accurate information so each person can choose which site is best for them, PVTA told MassLive. Related Content: Donor milk can make the difference between life and death for preterm infants, says Mary Michael Kelley, who in 2011 had a baby daughter die after 12 harrowing days in neonatal intensive care. A bereavement nurse called her shortly after, asking what she wanted to do with the 80 ounces of pumped milk shed been collecting in the hospital freezer. She soon found out that Alabama, where she lives, didnt have a milk bank. Four years later, she opened the Mothers Milk Bank of Alabama inside the food bank in Birmingham, where she was executive director. We made a commitment to feed the community, she says. That means everybody, including babies. To donate milk, you obviously need to be lactating. Never give away nourishment your own child needs. Milk banks are looking for frozen, excess milk. The amount of milk that people produce varies widely. Unsurprisingly, banks covet those whom Kelley calls superproducers. One woman brought in well over a thousand ounces of milk a month, she says. Generally, banks will want you to donate at least 100 ounces, although there are exceptions. A bereaved mother can bring in one bottle of milk if she wants, Kelley says. You have choices about how to get your milk out to babies other than your own, including selling it or giving it away online. But if your aim is to help the babies most in need, Kelley suggests donating to a nonprofit milk bank like the one she founded, which will pool, pasteurize and distribute the milk mostly to hospitals. Human milk lowers the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, an intestinal disease that is a leading cause of death in N.I.C.U.s. Find your nearest nonprofit bank on the website of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. Once youve connected with a bank, a donor coordinator will ask about your health history. Some medications, and recent smoking, will disqualify you. Youll need to take a blood test to check for diseases that could potentially be transmitted through milk, including H.I.V., hepatitis B and C and syphilis. When your frozen milk is ready, ship it overnight or drop it off at a banks depot. What are you getting out of it? Kelley asks. The knowledge that youre potentially saving a life. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The states of Texas and Florida have taken the lead in what will soon become a mighty march of opposition to censorship on social media. The two states have deep concerns that the liberals who control Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the other media resources have and will choke away any political voices they dislike. As monopolies, this is a direct assault on the Sherman Antitrust Act and cannot be allowed in a nation where freedom is our cornerstone. I am a vociferous voice for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to bear firearms and all else that is included in our nations Constitution. But the big tech giants are protected by what is called Section 230 in the Communications Decency Act of 1996. This shields internet companies from liability for any action voluntarily taken in good faith to restrict access to, or availability of, material that the provider or user considers to be obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable. Sounds like a good law, right? I agree with it, especially after having been there. But the loophole the liberals are using is that conservative views are objectionable which is neither why the Section was added in the Decency Act nor as an override that blots away freedom of speech. Its a long reach indeed from obscene and filthy to politically objectionable. When my family owned the Chattanooga News-Free Press the day came when the Chattanooga Times could no longer function. We took over the printing and the business operations for the Times but there was an ironclad agreement we would have absolutely no voice in the Times more-liberal content, just as the Times would respect our turf. As a matter of fact, when the deal was struck, that was unanimous within the first 30 minutes we passed the peace pipe. The Times gave up printing their Sunday paper and, while the Times asked if some of their writers could appear on our Sunday pages, there was a quite clear no returned. The Times had a deal of long-standing with the Parade Magazine, the Sunday supplement that back in the day was pretty good, and Parade desperately need our circulation and market-share they sold advertising too! Everything went swimmingly until after about a year or two, the nitwits in New York made a big hurrah with Parades Sex Survey. It included some kinky stuff and when my grandfather saw it, he said, Nope, we will not include such filth we are a family newspaper. There was a big uproar. We made national news, some liberal types cried censorship and others threatened to cancel their subscriptions. A couple of the local TV stations called, asking me to pirate some copies out of the plant, and I told them I would be happy to help if they would promise to put the offensive graph on the 6 oclock news for two days. I showed them the offensive reason that we werent going to deliver it and asked what day they would air it. The news directors of each station called, telling me We cant put that on TV .. But the best was this Wall Street Journal editorial board crowd that called by appointment, all haughty like youd suspect, and the interviewer began, Mr. McDonald, we would like to talk about censorship! His reply: Thatll be fine but, first, lets talk about ownership. Needless to add, it was a short conversation. With the liberal bias in Congress and the Senate, conservatives cant look for a solution to come out of Washington so what the states can do is use state legislatures to create laws that will force Big Tech to reveal its content policing standards and, in both Texas and Florida, levy heavy state fines of those companies that veer away from the de-platforming of users. The fines would be $100,000 per day and, when you see how many states will soon become involved, just eight more Republican-led states will drive the penalties to $1 million per day. Will Chamberlain, a lawyer who is editor-in-chief of the news website Human Events, proposed in 2019 that states must take the lead in aiming at Big Tech. His point? It will be a very serious challenge to get a federal law passed protecting this civil right, given the current composition of Congress. But states with heavily Republican legislatures can pass laws that protect their states citizens from de-platforming, he recently penned. If they do so, Facebook, Twitter, and Google will have to comply if they want to keep doing business in that state. Naysayers have said regulating content policing opens the door to government censorship, but Chamberlain counters, The Supreme Court already ruled in 2017 that social media are the modern public square to which the government cannot prevent peoples access. * * * By the way, the liberal media is under scathing fire, as you will see OVER 3 MILLION HAVE WATCHED VIDEO AND IT IS NOW VIRAL President Trumps lead attorney Michael van der Veen appeared on CBS News after the Senate acquitted President Trump and proceeded to keep calling out the Dems for faking evidence and completely bypassing the rule of law during the impeachment sham. TV reporter Lana Zak seemed to do everything in her power to defend the Dems and try and attack President Trump, but she wasnt ready for van der Veen, who literally obliterated her and the entire DNC propaganda media with pinpoint precision. Over 3 million have watched this tape since Saturday. CLICK HERE. royexum@aol.com Are you sick and tired of your basic vacation destinations? Have you wished you could enjoy a good night's sleep, complete with dreams of screaming lambs? Do you really really really like moisturizing? Well, folks, you're in luck. The home where Buffalo Bill kept his victims in Silence of The Lambs will soon become a functional B&B. Although garnering fame in the 1991 horror classic, which premiered exactly 30 years ago on Sunday, the Perryopolis, Pennsylvania home was first built in 1910, and comes decked out with several features including a wraparound porch, several fireplaces, an on-property vintage railroad caboose, and an in-ground pool. Who knew Buffalo Bill had such sweet digs? Continue Reading Below Advertisement "It was just really something to witness, doing the walk-through with the Realtor," property owner Chris Rowan told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review of his not-so diabolical plan to transform the fictitious torture chamber into a quaint Northeastern retreat. Although the eerie basement scenes, including the one featured in the movie's dramatic climax, were filmed at a different location, Rowan, a prop stylist and art director, says he's considering using his creative chops to refurbish the basement to look a bit more like Buffalo Bill's lair. "With my background as an art director and prop stylist, I plan to recreate the well, have it fabricated and installed," he explained to the Pennsylvania publication "I'm not going to dig into the earth, but I want to install something along the lines of the film and give fans a pretty unique photo opportunity." Continue Reading Below Advertisement Rowan is currently running a contest for which fan will be the first to spend a night in the famous pad, where the winners will be announced in March, but it seems most Silence of the Lambs enthusiasts may have to wait to be able to vacation Buffalo Bill's home, as regular bookings will only begin "in a few months." Availability aside, Rowan purchased the infamous antique home from an FBI agent, who it should be noted is not Clarice Starling. Despite the home's cinematic history, seller David Villareal says the house's scenic surroundings, rather than its murderous "former tenant" are what drew him to the property. "From the porch, you can watch kayakers and canoers (on the Youghiogheny River)," Villareal noted when he first put the home up for sale last fall. "It's paradise on earth." I guess paradise is one way to categorize that. Victoria has been given the green light to end its snap five-day lockdown at 11:59pm on Wednesday unless any positive cases emerge that morning, reports claim. Senior government ministers met on Tuesday evening to finalise plans to end the harsh lockdown, discounting any positive cases developing overnight, the Herald Sun reported. Another meeting will be called early on Wednesday morning when Victoria's leaders are expected to authorise the plan to release the state from major movement restrictions. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has said the government is 'well placed to make changes' It is understood Victorians will still be required to wear masks indoors and follow rules regarding household limits, in a return to similar pre-lockdown restrictions. Schools are expected to re-open, with crowds to return to Melbourne Park to watch the final matches of the Australian Open, but with further restrictions on numbers. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday the government was 'well placed to make changes' and there was some 'very promising, early signs'. Victorians will still be required to wear masks indoors and follow rules regarding household limits, in a return to similar pre-lockdown restrictions However Mr Andrews said he was in no position to definitively commit to that, due to the unpredictability of the next 24 hours. The Premier said it was safer to always assume there is a handful of Covid-19 cases unknown to authorities. 'You'd always prefer no new cases, but it is fair to say this strategy is working. 'We will get these rules off as quickly and safely as we possibly can.' The entire state of Victoria was plunged into a snap five-day lockdown on February 12 in response to an outbreak at Melbourne Airport's Holiday Inn which has since grown to 19 cases. The entire state of Victoria was plunged into a snap five day lockdown on February 12 in response to an outbreak at Melbourne Airport's Holiday Inn which has since grown to 19 cases (crowds at the Australian Open were banned following the announcement) Crowds are also expected to return to Melbourne Park in time for the final matches of the Australian Open, but with further restrictions on capacity The starting point of the Holiday Inn cluster can be traced back to a family of three who had returned from overseas and tested positive for Covid-19. A returned traveller in the family was allegedly using a nebuliser to treat his chronic asthma and said he was given permission by health authorities to use the medical device. It is believed the nebuliser allowed coronavirus-carrying particles to become airborne and infect a food and beverage worker, a security officer and a resident who has since left hotel quarantine. Last Wednesday dozens of guests at the Holiday Inn were moved to another quarantine hotel, while 130 staff were told to isolate at home. Victoria, which has recorded 20,640 cases and 820 deaths since the start of the pandemic, closed schools and banned private gatherings four days ago (outdoor eateries and cafes were forced to close) A food and beverage worker from the Holiday Inn who tested negative on February 7, but tested positive three days later, is believed to be the source of another cluster close-by. The worker's partner and a family member also tested positive and all attended a function at Sydney Road in Coburg on February 6, which has resulted in more cases. Victoria, which has recorded 20,640 cases and 820 deaths since the start of the pandemic, closed schools and banned private gatherings four days ago while making masks mandatory everywhere in response to the outbreak. The Melbourne Airport Holiday Inn (pictured) Covid-19 cluster has grown to 19 cases The state endured one of the world's longest lockdowns last year after an outbreak that killed more than 800 people, the vast majority of the national death toll. Brisbane and Perth recently underwent similar snap lockdowns in response to cases of the UK strain leaking from hotel quarantine. In both instances the outbreak was quickly contained, which is likely what Daniel Andrews is hoping to have achieved on Wednesday morning. SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study shows that the less-invasive saliva test for COVID-19 gives just as accurate results as those of the nasopharyngeal specimen. A research team at the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Kangwon National University School of Medicine, led by Professor In-bum Suh, carried out the PCR test for COVID-19 on 90 hospitalized individuals with suspected COVID-19, both with saliva and nasopharyngeal methods. In order to collect sufficient specimen, samples were collected from study participants, who were required to refrain from any activities including eating, drinking, and smoking, for 30 minutes after they got up in the morning. For the study, the research team had used Seegene's flagship COVID-19 tests, 'Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Assay' and 'Allplex SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB/RSV Assay, both of which had been CE-IVD marked. While 'Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Assay' targets 4 different genes of COVID-19, 'Allplex SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB/RSV Assay' is known to detect and differentiate 8 target genes including COVID-19, influenza and RSV common cold. As a result, both 'Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Assay' and 'Allplex SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB/RSV Assay' proved the saliva and nasopharyngeal test's percentage agreement for detecting COVID-19 was over 98.8%. That means Seegene's COVID-19 diagnostic test gives equally accurate and effective test results for COVID-19 when testing saliva and nasopharyngeal specimen. Professor Suh, the lead researcher of the study said, "The demand for saliva-based COVID-19 tests is on the rise, as the world still battles with short supply of specimen collecting swab for nasopharyngeal tests." He added that the study has "clearly proven that saliva tests are just as accurate and effective as nasopharyngeal tests in precisely diagnosing COVID-19." The research team also conducted a separate study on extraction-free application, one without the nucleic acid extraction step, and found the percentage agreement between Seegene's extraction-free saliva test and extraction-free nasopharyngeal swab test to be over 96%. In other words, the extraction-free method using the saliva sampling would be just as applicable for the PCR test in detecting SARS-CoV-2. Generally in COVID-19 PCR tests, the nucleic acid extraction process is considered as a prerequisite in order to isolate and purify nucleic acid from specimens. Depending on the circumstances, however, some countries may not be fully equipped to carry out the extraction process. Some even face reagent shortages, despite a surge in testing capacity, eventually leading many laboratories to resort to extraction-free method. The implication of the study will be introduced during the 28th International Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference. The three-day conference will be held online due to COVID-19 pandemic starting February 16th. The Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference is one of the leading international meeting places for the precision medicine community, where leaders are invited to discuss the latest research and technologies in COVID-19 diagnostics and bio therapeutics. SOURCE Seegene Inc. Four passengers who landed at Birmingham Airport have been fined 10,000 for failing to say they came from a red list country. (Getty) Four passengers have been fined 10,000 after failing to state they had come from a coronavirus "red list" country within the previous 10 days. Travellers arriving in England from one of 33 countries on the list must now quarantine in a hotel for 10 days. These include places such as Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, and South American countries. The passengers were stopped at Birmingham Airport after attempting "to hide their routes". Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd told a meeting held by the West Midlands Police's strategic policing and crime board: By midday yesterday (Monday), on the first day of implementation, we have received six passengers who had declared travelling from a red list country, who were taken to the quarantine hotel. We also had four passengers who were identified as having travelled from a red list country, that hadnt declared it. So there are some people who have who have attempted to hide their routes but thats not worked out. They were identified and received 10,000 fines as a result. Watch: How the UK hit its 15 million vaccination milestone The government is using nearly 5,000 rooms across 16 hotels with another 58,000 on standby to carry out the quarantine. Those who travel from red list countries must quarantine in the hotel room but can leave for urgent medical help, exercise or a funeral of a close family member provided they have "been given prior permission by a person authorised by the secretary of state for this purpose. Failing to quarantine can result in the 10,000 fine, while those who lie on their passenger locator forms face up to 10 years in prison. Those who have not travelled to England from a red list country must still provide a negative COVID-19 test from within 72 hours before they departed, quarantine for 10 days at home and complete two tests after arriving. Scotland's stricter regime which requires all visitors from abroad to quarantine in a hotel has led to accusations of a loophole that could allow people from non-red list countries to arrive in England then travel up over the border. Story continues First minister Nicola Sturgeon declined to rule out shutting the border, if deemed necessary, on Monday. Watch: What you can and can't do in lockdown UPDATE: Christopher Woitel's family announced Monday his body has been found. For an updated story, click here. --- At 8:38 p.m. on January 8, surveillance footage from the apartment building at 65 Guerrero Street shows Christopher Woitel returning to his residence. He hasnt been seen since but surveillance video never shows him leaving his home. The month-long disappearance of Woitel, 50, has only gotten stranger with time. Woitel, a San Francisco resident since the 1980s, was reported missing by his mother on Jan. 13. She says her last contact with him was on Jan. 9 the day after his last sighting on surveillance footage and his bank account and credit cards have been unused since early January. A statement from the Brisbane private investigator hired by the family raises more questions than answers. Scott Williams says he searched Woitels apartment and found it undisturbed. When Williams reviewed the buildings security footage, he saw the clip of Woitel walking in, but there was no trace of him walking out. Williams said the only other way out of the building was through the back door, but a review of that camera, which is triggered by motion at night, yielded nothing. My gut feeling is something bad happened, Lara Haben, Woitels sister, told Mission Local. The family told the San Francisco Examiner that Woitel is an extremely generous friend and has been known to extend his home to unhoused individuals, at least one of whom is on surveillance video coming and going from Woitels apartment. It was always a little concerning, and he didnt really like to talk to me about it too much because I would always say What are you doing, why are you doing that? friend Jennifer Berg told the Examiner. Google Street View The private investigator says he was able to track down one of the last known individuals to visit Woitel at his apartment. That individual, who is reportedly living in a tent encampment in Emeryville, was allegedly found in possession of Woitels cell phone. The man allegedly said Woitel sold him the phone. Williams statement says the man then claimed to have psychic abilities and believed Woitel had been "shot in the head and wrapped in plastic before his body was dumped in the water at the end of Mariposa Street in San Francisco. It is clear [the man] suffers from mental illness and as such could be delusional, the report says. A friend of Woitel told Mission Local it is unlikely the man hurt Woitel, as he suffers from a leg injury which impedes his mobility. In addition, Mission Local reports Woitels behavior was becoming increasingly erratic and paranoid in the days before his disappearance. Family members report him sending anxious texts about the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, worrying Trump supporters might also come to San Francisco. Woitels sister says on the day of his last contact, he said he heard a man on a loudspeaker telling people to get out now. Family members say he also asked for money to replace a lost cell phone. Frustrated with the police investigation, Woitel's siblings flew in to San Francisco from the Midwest on Friday. They spent the weekend passing out missing person flyers near his residence. "There isnt a day goes by at this point without wondering, 'What happened? Where is he?,'" brother Frank Woitel told KPIX. Woitel is a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He is 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, and is known to also frequent Emeryville and Sonora in Tuolumne County. Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department's 24-hour tip line at 415-575-4444 or send a text to TIP411 and start the text message with SFPD. Barr. Agbor Balla CIN Screen Capture International human rights lawyer Nkongho Felix Agbor alias Agbor Balla has been appointed Cameroon country director of Good Leadership Advocacy for Africa, GLAFA. Agbor Ballas appointed letter is dated February 12, 2021, and is signed by Dr. OODIAKPO Obire, President, Good Leadership Advocacy for Africa, and the pan-African organisations executive secretary, Barrister Ezenwa Anumnu. We are pleased to formally appoint you as Good Leadership Advocacy for Africa (GLAFA) Country Director, Cameroon for the first term of 2 years, read the appointment letter addressed to Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla. Being a director, they said, is a position of high responsibility. The board is confident that in you, we have the balance of skills, experience, and leadership qualities necessary to advance opportunities in GLAFA, the letter said. According to Dr. OODIAKPO, Agbor Balla was appointed owing to his good character, a strong commitment to the cause, the gift of time and a willingness to use your professional resources to advance the organisations mission. The GLAFA Board of Governors hopes that the passion that Barrister Agbor Balla has for the organization will sustainably grow and reflect in his performance. Good Leadership Advocacy for Africa (GLAFA) is a pan-Africa body peopled by intellectuals, professionals, academics, etc who are passionate about good governance and sustainable development of the African continent. The non-profit organisation is determined to contribute and make positive participation in ensuring purposeful leadership across Africa. We are engaging leadership in the 54 countries that make up Africa and the African Union etc. Our mission is to ensure that youths are positively empowered, prepared, and positioned to take over the mantle of leadership across the continent and to make Africa great and self-sustaining, said Dr. OODIAKPO. Agbor Balla is not new to rendering selfless service to humanity in his quest to salvage the African continent. He is the founding president of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, CHRDA. He is also Vice President of the African Bar Association in charge of Central Africa. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Tuesday welcomed news that two versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine had been given WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Its important that women pay attention to the timing of their COVID-19 vaccination shots and breast exams, new guidelines advise. According to a report by Good Morning America, the nonprofit organization, Society of Breast Imaging, released guidelines on Thursday, advising women to consider scheduling their mammogram either before taking a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or four to six weeks following the vaccines second dose. GMA said there were reports of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines causing swollen lymph nodes in the armpit area where the shot was administered, which precipitated the new guidelines. GMA cited Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News chief medical correspondent who explained that that area of the body is also where enlarged lymph nodes can be a sign of breast cancer. Ashton, a board-certified OBGYN, said of the SBIs new guidelines: What theyre seeing in real time is enlarged lymph nodes in women who have had the COVID-19 vaccine and they dont want that to produce confusion with results of their mammogram. Ashton, added, But the most important thing is to realize that just seeing an enlarged lymph node in an armpit without a breast finding is not necessarily a sign of breast cancer. GMA noted that, according to Ashton, swollen lymph nodes after the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is not a cause for concern. This is just your immune system doing its thing, she said. This is your body doing its job. GMA passed along Ashtons advice, encouraging people to talk to their doctor and radiologist, and to be sure they know in which arm they were vaccinated. Advice about mammograms from the American Cancer Society. According to the American Cancer Society, women age 45 to 54 should get yearly mammograms, GMA reported. GMA further explained that according to the ACS, if women ages 40 to 44 wish to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms, they should have the choice. The ACS also said that women 55 and older may switch to mammograms every two years or continue yearly screening, GMA noted. READ MORE: The Recorder of Belfast issued a warning yesterday that domestic violence on children will not be tolerated by the courts as he jailed a man for attacking his son. Judge Stephen Fowler QC imposed a 14-month sentence on the father-of-three for strangling and slapping his teenage son in a drunken incident last February. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Belfast Crown Court via a video-link with his solicitors office. The 44-year-old Co Antrim man was ordered by Judge Fowler to surrender himself to custody at Laganside Courts to begin a seven-month prison sentence, which will be followed by the same period on licence. He admitted assaulting his son, occasioning him actual bodily harm in their Newtownabbey home on February 11, 2019 and to a previous common assault on the teenager the year before, on February 1, 2018. During the February 2019 incident, the teenager was out with friends on Sunday, February 10 then came home and went to bed. When he woke the following morning, he slept in and was late for school. At around 10am his father, who had been drinking, told him he could stay off school. He then told his son he wanted more drink, ordered a litre bottle of vodka which was delivered by taxi, then drank half the contents in 10 minutes. The pair sat in the living room, then around noon the son said he was going out. They argued about a mobile phone and a picture of the teenager with an Ecstasy tablet in his mouth and a bottle of vodka, then the father told his son he couldnt go out as he was off school and called him a waste of space. He got up, placed his hands around his sons neck and started squeezing. He knelt on his sons leg to prevent him getting up, and when the teen used his legs to try and push his father off, his father squeezed harder. The teenager tried to tell his father he couldnt breathe but was unable to do so, then after letting go of his sons neck, the father slapped him with an open palm several times. At this point the teenager was able to get up and told his father he was going out to take drugs. His father grabbed him again by the throat and pushed him against the living room wall. He let go to issue more slaps which the son described as being a four out of 10 pain and told him he was going to kill him. The teenager was able to slip out from under his fathers arms and out of the living room. He went to his bedroom, got changed, went back into the living room where he drank a really strong vodka then left the house and met a friend. When he told police what happened, the teenager also recalled an incident the year before when he and his father had an argument about the teenagers drug-taking. He said as he walked away from his father during the argument, his father used both hands to push him on to his back. On that occasion he ran into his bedroom, locked the door, climbed out a window and went to his aunts house. Defence barrister Alan Kane QC said his client had accepted full responsibility for his actions, and that the relationship between father and son had been badly soured by his clients drink problem. Judge Fowler noted that the teenager sustained bruising to his neck, and was left with a loss of self-esteem and feelings of anxiety as a result of the violent incident. Saying that the attack occurred at home and in a place where the teenager should have felt safe, the judge noted there were previous incidents of domestic abuse against the teenagers mother and that he has no contact with his other two children. Despite being urged by the defence not to impose a prison sentence, Judge Fowler said: In the circumstances, I consider that a period in custody is required to meet the gravity of the offending and as a warning to others that domestic violence on children within the family will not be tolerated by the courts. Rick Guest/Interscope RecordsThe Who had been tentatively scheduled to return to the road next month with a tour of Ireland and the U.K., but the dates, which had been postponed from last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, now have been canceled due to the ongoing health crisis. The trek included 10 dates, panning from a March 5 concert in Dublin, Ireland, through a March 29 performance in Manchester, U.K. Who co-founders Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have issued a statement regarding the concerts that reads, "We are very sorry that we have to cancel our planned March 2021 UK and Ireland shows. Please excuse the delay but we wanted to wait as long as possible to see if we could indeed play them. However, as you can see the current situation makes this impossible. Thanks for all your wonderful support and we hope to see you in the future when conditions allow." Fans who have bought tickets for the shows should contact their point of purchase for details about refunds. Unfortunately, the 2021 edition of the Teenage Cancer Trust's annual series of benefit concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall next month also has been canceled, including a Who show that had been scheduled for March 20 and a performance the next day by Nile Rodgers & CHIC. Fans still are encouraged to visit TeenageCancerTrust.org to donate to the charity, which funds the creation of designated social areas in U.K. hospitals geared toward adolescents and young adults with the disease. Daltrey helps organize the concert series and is a longtime patron of the charity. Last year, The Who also postponed a planned North American tour leg because of the pandemic. That trek has yet to be rescheduled. Here are all of the band's canceled 2021 dates: 3/5 -- Dublin, Irleand, 3 Arena 3/8 -- Liverpool, U.K., M&S Bank 3/10 -- Glasgow, U.K., SSE Hydro, 3/12 -- Newcastle, U.K., Utilita Arena 3/15 -- Leeds, U.K., First Direct Arena 3/17 -- Birmingham, U.K., Resorts World Arena 3/20 -- London, U.K., Royal Albert Hall* 3/22 -- Wembley, U.K., SSE Arena 3/24 -- Nottingham, U.K., Motorpoint Arena 3/27 -- Cardiff, U.K., Motorpoint Arena 3/29 -- Manchester, U.K., Manchester Arena * = part of 2021 Teenage Cancer Trust concert series By Matt Friedlander Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Seoul, Feb 16 : The chief of Renault Samsung Motors said on Tuesday that restructuring will be inevitable for the survival amid the prolonged coronavirus pandemic and lower demand for its models. In a message to employees, Renault Samsung Chief Executive Dominique Signora made the comments as the company struggles with lower vehicle sales and high labor and manufacturing costs. "There is an urgent need to cut costs (through restructuring) to ride out this crisis as the company's overall vehicle sales fell to the lowest level in 16 years since 2004. In particular, exports plunged by nearly 80 percent last year compared to the previous year due to the halted production of the Nissan Rogue SUV in March," Signora said. Car assembly plants under Renault Group are required to cut manufacturing costs further to secure a new vehicle for production and additional volume for sales for survival amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a paradigm shift in the automobile industry, he said. For the whole of 2020, Renault Samsung, which is 81 per cent owned by French carmaker Renault SA, sold 116,166 vehicles, down 34.5 per cent from 177,450 units a year earlier, reports Yonhap news agency. Domestic sales rose 11 percent to 95,939 units last year from 86,859 the previous year, but exports plummeted 78 percent to 20,227 autos from 90,591 over the cited period. As a result, the Korean unit reported an operating loss worth 70 billion won last year for the first time in eight years. In January, Renault Samsung entered emergency management amid the extended COVID-19 pandemic and announced its plans to cut the number of executives by 40 percent and their pay by 20 percent. It also offered a voluntary retirement program to all employees. Last year, Renault Samsung promised to improve productivity at the Busan plant to win export volume of the XM3 SUV for European markets. So Renault Group decided to allow the plant to manufacture most of the XM3 for global sales in September, Mozos said. "But Renault Samsung didn't keep its word as of the end of 2020 and the XM3's manufacturing costs per unit at the Busan plant are two times higher than the Captur SUV's cost-per-unit at (Renault's) Spain plant," he said. -- Syndicated from IANS The 26-year-old woman had held both Australian and New Zealand citizenship until Canberra revoked it last year. She is facing deportation to New Zealand after being caught entering Turkey from Syria with two children, the BBC reported on Tuesday. Wellington, Feb 16 (IANS) New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has accused Australia of "abdicating its responsibilities" amid a row over a woman accused of having links to the Islamic State terror group. Ardern, however, said the woman should be sent to Australia. She said the woman - who the Turkish Ministry of National Defence has identified as a member of IS - had not lived in New Zealand since she was a child. "They left New Zealand at the age of six, were resident in Australia from that time, became an Australian citizen, left from Australia to Syria, and travelled on an Australian passport," she said. She summed up by saying: "New Zealand frankly, is tired of having Australia exporting its problems." Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison responded by saying his job was to protect "Australia's interests". He added that the legislation passed in parliament automatically cancels the citizenship of a dual citizen accused of being engaged in terrorist activities. Morrison said he was scheduled to speak with Ardern on Tuesday. --IANS int/pgh Envoys from Europe and Africa will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday to assess the development work and the security situation in the union territory, especially after the successful completion of the District Development Council elections, officials said on Tuesday. They said during their two-day visit, the envoys would receive first-hand information on the development work undertaken by the union territory administration after abrogation of the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. Showcasing the efforts of the Centre for ensuring democracy at grass-roots level, the newly-elected members of the DDC would be meeting besides holding a meeting with a few prominent citizens and administrative secretaries.Strengthening of democratic institutions at the grass-roots level would be significantly highlighted, the officials said, adding that during a presentation the envoys would be shown how panchayats have been empowered by giving them financial powers. On the second day, the ambassadors would visit Jammu where they would be meeting Lt Gov Manoj Sinha besides some of the DDC members and epresentatives of some social organisations, they said.This is an another diplomatic exercise being undertaken by the government to counter the propaganda that is being orchestrated by Pakistan at international foras, the officials said. The envoys would be briefed about the security situation by senior officers involved with the law-and-order situation in the Kashmir valley, especially attempts of Pakistan to push terrorists into India through the Line of Control and also about the frequent ceasefire violations, they said.Last year, envoys from 17 nations including the US had visited Jammu and Kashmir. The team also comprised ambassadors from Vietnam, South Korea, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Niger, Nigeria, Morocco, Guyana, Argentina, Philippines, Norway, Maldives, Fiji, Togo, Bangladesh and Peru. Three months after the Centre withdrew the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by revoking Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated it into two union territories, a delegation of 23 EU MPs was taken on a two-day visit to assess the situation in the Union Territory by the International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies, a Delhi-based think tank. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Earlier this month, the company released data from clinical trials of its nasally-delivered monoclonal antibody in people affected by the coronavirus (LON:TILS, ) said it is presenting at the BIO CEO & Investor Digital Conference. The conference starts today and runs until Thursday. Chief executive Dr Kunwar Shailubhai said: I look forward to sharing our exciting story with conference attendees. With the release of our topline data from our COVID-19 trial, multiple Phase 2 trial launches expected in 2021, and the potential application of Foralumab in a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in the longer-term, we are well positioned to achieve a series of important milestones in the months and quarters ahead. At the start of the month, the company released data from clinical trials of its nasally-delivered monoclonal antibody in people affected by coronavirus. There was a significant improvement in lung function in the groups of patients receiving the drug, as well as major reductions in Interleukin-6 and c-reactive protein, which are both indicative of inflammation. Tizianas Foralumab was administered on its own and with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, and the results were compared with a control group. The fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAB) proved to be safe in the group of 39 patients that were assessed by a team that included researchers from the prestigious Harvard Medical School. With parts of the country seeing record-setting chilly temperatures including in places where coats and gloves are rarely needed power operators and the National Weather Service have been offering tips for how people can conserve energy and stay warm at home, with or without power. Tim Burke, president and chief executive officer of the Omaha Public Power District, asked his 300,000 residential customers to conserve energy by lowering their thermostat a few degrees, turning off any unused lights, postponing laundry and dishwashing, and unplugging devices that are not currently being used. In a video announcing planned power outages, he showed that his office thermostat was set to 55 degrees and that there were no lights on in our offices. A woman from Melbourne used people smugglers to escape an infamous detention camp in northern Syria after she had her Australian citizenship cancelled. Suhayra Adam, who also holds New Zealand citizenship, was living in the Kurdish-run al-Hawl camp with her two children until she was informed her citizenship was being cancelled by the Australian government last year. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dismissed New Zealands accusation that Australia ignored its responsibilities by stripping the citizenship of 25-year-old, saying his government was putting Australias national security interests first. Australian PM Scott Morrison and New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern have clashed over the cancellation of a dual nationals citizenship. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen/Getty Images Turkish authorities on Monday night announced Ms Adam, who is alleged to have links with Islamic State, was recently caught trying to illegally enter Turkey from Syria along with two other New Zealand nationals. [February 16, 2021] OneNet Global Joins Evolve IP's White Label Partner Program WAYNE, Pa., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Evolve IP, a leading international service provider of Work Anywhere solutions, today announced that OneNet Global, a provider of managed IT services, business communications, and security, has joined its white label program. Based out of Edina, Minnesota, OneNet Global has been delivering award-winning solutions to midmarket and enterprise customers across the United States for nearly two decades. As part of the program, OneNet Global is delivering and supporting the following Evolve IP enterprise-grade solutions: Microsoft Teams Direct Routing integrated with Cisco VoIP Evolve IP's native integration of the world's #1 collaboration and communications services enables employees to work anywhere, on every connected device without 3 rd party bots, browser extensions, or additional software. Additionally, it delivers market-leading features like business SMS, call recording with AI speech recognition and sentiment, access via digital workspaces and enterprise features like contact center, receptionist clients, multi-level hunt groups and more. Evolve IP's native integration of the world's #1 collaboration and communications services enables employees to work anywhere, on every connected device without 3 party bots, browser extensions, or additional software. Additionally, it delivers market-leading features like business SMS, call recording with AI speech recognition and sentiment, access via digital workspaces and enterprise features like contact center, receptionist clients, multi-level hunt groups and more. Omnichannel Contact Center Evolve IP's contact center software ensures agents can deliver a great customer experience and build lasting relationships. The solution includes all of the features needed to build a world-class contact center and costs 30-40% less than alternative solutions. Noted in the last four Gartner CCaaS magic quadrants, Evolve IP's solution can be integrated with Microsoft Teams and digital workspaces ensuring agents are not only connected to customers, they reman engaged with the rest of the business. Evolve IP's contact center software ensures agents can deliver a great customer experience and build lasting relationships. The solution includes all of the features needed to build a world-class contact center and costs 30-40% less than alternative solutions. Noted in the last four Gartner CCaaS magic quadrants, Evolve IP's solution can be integrated with Microsoft Teams and digital workspaces ensuring agents are not only connected to customers, they reman engaged with the rest of the business. Unified Communications Evolve IP's UCaaS service from Cisco delivers award-winning collaboration (video, chat, conferencing and more), and crystal-clear voice services that integrate with the applications businesses are already deploying, on any connected device. With a proven history of 99.999% uptime, the solution provides enterprises with business continuity no matter where employees are working or what is happening inside or outside their offices. Hank Stringer , Senior Vice President of White Label Services for Evolve IP. "The market for Microsoft Teams direct routing is growing incredibly fast and our integration with Cisco VoIP, coupled with enterprise features no other provider can deliver, positions OneNet Global to win significant business. We're looking forward to growing our relationship and driving revenue for both of our firms." "With its native Cisco integration, unmatched features, and unified delivery of contact center inside of Teams, Evolve IP is clearly the market leader for Microsoft Teams direct routing," said Bob Brunmeier, President and CEO of OneNet Global. "We just completed our first sale working with Evolve IP and two things became quite clear. One, customers are going to be impressed with the solution we are bringing to market, and two, Evolve IP is going to be great partner to work with. We're looking forward to working closely with our clients on solutions like the ones from Evolve IP that enable their employees to work remotely while staying productive and secure." Why Clients Choose Evolve IP Evolve IP enables employees to Work Anywhere productively and securely. Our enterprise solutions seamlessly integrate collaboration & communications, digital workspaces and contact center all delivered from a browser on any connected device. Evolve IP's technologies free IT to focus on business innovation, not systems and infrastructure, and enable their employees to contribute even more to the enterprise -- no matter where or when they are working. Businesses that choose Evolve IP have selected a true technology partner. A company that becomes an expert extension of their IT team, an organization that listens to their needs to tailor solutions just for their business, and is responsive and engaged in every interaction. Follow Evolve IP on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12858370 Press release distributed by PRLog View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/onenet-global-joins-evolve-ips-white-label-partner-program-301229162.html SOURCE Evolve IP [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A Chinese man has been getting a lot of attention on Asian social media, because of his unique training regimen walking with 150 kg of steel plates attached to his feet. Zhang Enshun, a 42-year-old man from Yulin City, in Chinas Guangxi province, has been training in the art of iron shoes for the last five months, and has already made significant progress. After seeing news reports of people working out by walking with heavy weights attached to their feet, and hearing them talk about the benefits of this training, Zhang decided to try it for himself. He began by attaching one steel plate, weighing around 18.75 kilograms, to each of his feet and trying to take a few steps with it. Today, he can walk around with four of these heavy plates attached to each foot, for a total weight of 150 kilograms. The weight of these shoes is more than twice my body weight, but I can walk more than 50 meters in them in around 20 minutes, Zhang Enshun said, adding that he walks between 200 and 300 meters in his iron shoes every day. Before starting his iron shoe training, Zhang fastens the iron blocks to his feet using thick belts. When he walks he also does tai chi, for a more complete workout. He recently told local reporters that he has made great progress in the last five months. Despite quadrupling the weight on each foot, he is still able to lift his feet 2 centimeters off the ground, and advance up to 20 centimeters with each step. The 42-year-old claims that apart from strengthening his muscles and leg bones, the iron shoe workout improves his blood circulation and keeps his joints healthy. However, experts warn that this sort of exercise, which has been practiced in China for some time, has its risks. Deputy Chief Physician Liang Zhou of the Yulin Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Orthopedic Hospital told HK01 News that everyones bones are different, and that the pressure a persons bones and joints can withstand is limited, so increasing the weight of the iron shoes too much can cause serious injuries. Dr. Liang advised anyone wanting to take up this workout to exercise great caution. Zhang Enshun is just one of several Chinese people to gain internet fame for training in the art of iron shoes. Back in 2012, a man named Wu Kong set a national record for walking in a pair of custom iron shoes weighing an estimated 400 kilograms, and just last year, a self-proclaimed Iron Shoe King made headlines for walking with 140 kilograms of weight attached to his feet. Ice and freezing rain from a winter storm moving through the mid-Atlantic region knocked down trees and power lines and left tens of thousands of people without power Saturday. Dominion Energy reported some 130,000 customers in Virginia without power Saturday afternoon. The Rappahannock Electric Cooperative reported more than 8,200 customer outages, while officials in Petersburg said several roads were closed because of downed trees and power lines. In Maryland, a COVID-19 vaccination event at Six Flags America in Prince Georges County closed early because of the weather. Vehicle travel was treacherous in many areas throughout the region, and authorities advised residents to avoid travel if possible. The National Weather Service said an ice storm warning for portions of central and southern Maryland and central and northern Virginia and the District of Columbia would remain in effect until 7 a.m. Sunday. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Windstorm President Akufo-Addo has directed Charles Adu Boahen, the former deputy finance minister to act as his representative at the Ministry of Finance. This follows the absence of Ken Ofori-Atta, the presidents representative at the Ministry and the Minister-designate for Finance. Ken Ofori-Atta left Ghana this week for the United States to seek medical attention and is expected to be away for about two weeks. A letter signed by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare said, Pending the absence of the presidents representative at the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta. I am directed by H. E the President to request that you act as his representative in the Ministry. This directive is in accordance with section 14 (5) of the Presidential (Transition) Act, Act 845, (2021). The letter dated 15 February 2021 added, You are to take note of the provision of section 14 (5) which states that you; shall not take a decision involving a policy issue. Also, you are to act in accordance with letter no. SCR/DA555/01 dated 21 December, 2020 which gives directives on financial commitments, recruitments among others. Source: asaaseradio Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video DALLAS, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For most people, a visit to the eye doctor is pretty straightforward. Patients likely don't think about those in their community who can't afford vision care or how their eye doctor may be helping people in need. Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) believes good vision starts with good doctors and, thanks to charitable eye doctors, millions of people in need are able to get essential vision exams and glasses. The importance of clear vision Essilor Vision Foundation Good vision is important for everyone. However, in the U.S., more than 40 million people - including 12 million children - don't have vision correction they need. Uncorrected poor vision can have long-term negative effects on children and adults such as: Compared to other students, kids with vision problems show academic deficits such as lower attendance rates, weaker literacy and math skills, lower grades, and a much higher incidence of repeating grades. Adults with a vision impairment who don't have access to vision care will likely experience far greater limitations in everyday functioning than adults with clear vision or with vision correction such as glasses. Good vision starts with good doctors Eighty percent of all vision impairment can be prevented or cured with a pair of glasses. Fortunately, thousands of eye doctors around the country are providing vision care to those in need in their communities. Serving others is a commitment eye doctors make when they take the Optometric Oath: "I will do my utmost to serve my community, my country and humankind as a citizen as well as an optometrist." EVF is committed to helping eye doctors honor their pledge. To that end, the foundation offers programs to help them educate families on the importance eye health and to provide vision services for those who otherwise would not be able to get it. "My partnership with Essilor Vision Foundation provides me a more comprehensive way to serve my community through our practice," says Amanda Barker Assell, OD. "It allows our entire team to feel a part of something that is bigger than what any of us could do individually. Our team is proud of their ability to participate through our practice in our community and beyond." Be an advocate for clear vision For consumers, the first step in supporting the cause of vision is to schedule an eye exam for themselves and their family. Consumers can also share their eye doctor's philanthropic efforts with friends and neighbors. If an doctor is participating in programs such as EVF's See Kids Soar or Changing Life through Lenses that provide vision care to people in need, thank that doctor for helping the community. In addition, showing support through social media means the world to an eye doctor. Visit evfusa.org to learn more about how EVF and eye doctors around the country are helping people in need achieve a better life through better sight. About Essilor Vision Foundation We strive to give children a brighter future by helping them see the world more clearly. Since 2007, Essilor Vision Foundation has provided more than 1.5 million pairs of eyeglasses to individuals in need. Essilor Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public, non-profit organization committed to eliminating poor vision and its lifelong consequences. To learn more visit www.evfusa.org. Contact: Meredith Marmurek [email protected] 214-850-3642 Related Images essilor-vision-foundation-logo.jpg Essilor Vision Foundation logo SOURCE Essilor Vision Foundation A 22-year-old woman will face court after allegedly fleeing at-home quarantine and sparking a police hunt. Ashlee Marie Jackson landed in Perth from Victoria on February 7 and was forced to undergo mandatory self-isolation due to Melbourne's Covid outbreak. Police allege Ms Jackson made it one week into her quarantine before fleeing from the Victoria Park area at about 1.25pm on Sunday February 14. A panicked police search was sparked, before officers found her on Sunday afternoon. Ashlee Marie Jackson landed in Perth from Victoria on February 7 and was forced to undergo mandatory self-isolation due to Melbourne's Covid outbreak Ms Jackson was charged with three counts of failing to comply with a direction. Premier Mark McGowan says WA will extend its hard border with Victoria until at least midnight on Wednesday. It comes as the state continues its snap five-day lockdown to combat a Covid-19 outbreak stemming from a cluster of cases in hotel quarantine. 'The chief health officer's advice is that it's the correct approach to, at least at this point in time, mirror that lockdown,' Mr McGowan told reporters. 'We'll make a further decision on Wednesday as to whether to extend it.' Under the hard border, no one is allowed to enter WA unless they can secure an exemption. Meanwhile Melbourne's Holiday Inn hotel outbreak has grown to 19 cases after two more people in isolation tested positive. Both are household contacts of confirmed cases linked to a family function at a Coburg venue on February 6. The event was attended by an infected hotel quarantine worker at the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport. President Uhuru Kenyatta intensified campaign for BBI last week during his working tour of the Nairobi metropolis to launch several healthcare, roads, and water projects. The projects launched by the Head of State included Uthiru-Muthua Health Centre in Kabete and Kiamaiko Dispensary in Mathare constituencies respectively. The two hospitals are part of 24 such facilities being developed by the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS). Alongside the health centres, the President launched Muthua, Kabiria and Huruma community water supply projects in Uthiru, Dagoretti and Mathare respectively. He also inspected the ongoing construction of Kagondu link road in Dagoretti South. Addressing residents after commissioning the level 3 Uthiru-Muthua Health Centre and Muthua Community Water Supply project, President Kenyatta emphasized that his focus is the delivery of projects that will uplift the lives of Kenyans across the country. My major concern is to ensure that the lives of Kenyans are lifted through delivery of impactful projects like the health facility and water project that we have just commissioned. We promised and we have delivered, President Kenyatta said. The President at the same time censured politicians who are using doublespeak to divide Kenyans for political wins, saying the country requires unity and development not petty divisive politics. He said it was wrong for leaders to incite Kenyans against one another on the basis of class and ethnicity, pointing out that the country will not realize its development goals in the absence of peace and harmonious co-existence. We will be able to attract investors who will put up factories and create jobs for our youth only when there is peace, when there is elaborate infrastructure and when there is unity among Kenyans. That way, we will lift Kenyans out of poverty, President Kenyatta said. The Head of State, who was accompanied by Water CS Sicily Kariuki and NMS Director General Mohammed Badi among other senior Government officials, inspected the ongoing construction of Kagondu Road in Dagoretti South before making a stopover at Dagoreti Market to acknowledge greetings from jubilant residents. In Mathare, the President who was received by area MP Anthony Oluoch, opened Kiamaiko Dispensary, a level 2 health facility and Huruma Community Water Supply Project. Speaking to residents who turned up to receive him, the President commended NMS and the Ministries of Health and Water for working together to take the essential services closer to wananchi. On water supply in the informal settlements around Nairobi and its satellite towns, President Kenyatta assured residents that phase two of the water supply initiative implemented by NMS will connect water from central points to individual households. We want every Nairobi resident to get the services they deserve. That is why NMS is providing this water free of charge, the President said. At all the stops he made, President Kenyatta rallied residents to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), saying the document contains crucial reforms that will transform the lives of Kenyans. He said one of the key benefits of the reforms proposed in the BBI is the equitable allocation of resources that will ensure Kenyans receive equal share of the national cake irrespective of where they reside in the country. BBI will ensure that a child living in Huruma, Uthiru or any other informal settlement receive an equal share of bursary as their counterparts in any other part of our Republic, President Kenyatta said. The Head of State regretted that some insincere politicians were peddling lies against BBI while they are well aware that the proposals contained in the constitutional amendment would help uplift the lives of Kenyans. The photos The fact is that, despite his political errors, Jakandes place in this history remains solid. His errors will be noted and can still be chastised, but above all else, his contributions will continue to be honoured and celebrated. It was as if Providence kept him alive longer than all of his contemporaries to give us all enough time not only to forgive his political transgressions but also to reflect on his administrative genius Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the first executive governor of Lagos State (1979-1983) who died on Thursday, February 11 at 91, was a rare combination of administrative genius in public governance and humility, even self-effacement, in personal life. He was a remarkable giant in public life, who never made anyone feel small in his presence. Without doubt, Jakande was one of the ablest public administrators that the country has ever produced. An encounter with the man popularly called LKJ by one of the top aides of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu illustrates the profound modesty of the spartan politician. Jakande, as the aide told me a few years ago, was in the governors office to see Tinubu. He had obviously announced his presence to one of the assistants in the governors outer office. Incidentally, he conceived and started the construction of that building. But he never occupied the office before the military seized power in December 1983. Perhaps the governors assistants were either too ignorant about who Jakande was or, because of his humble mien, they didnt think he was important or relevant enough for his presence to be immediately brought to the attention of Tinubu. He was made to wait. The top aide to Tinubu came into the outer office and found Jakande waiting among many others. He was embarrassed. It was apparent to him that the former governor had been waiting for a while. Fortunately, Jakande didnt notice the top aide, who he knew well. The latter quickly dashed in to ask Tinubu if he knew his predecessor was in the waiting room. Tinubu expressed surprise. No one had informed him that Jakande was there. He asked the top aide to usher the former governor in immediately. What other Nigerian politician of Jakandes stature and special connection to that office and the building would suffer such blatant disregard with comparable equanimity? LKJ, whose other popular appellation was Baba Kekere, a salute to his rank within the Chief Obafemi Awolowo political family, was such a man: An accomplished and conscientious administrator and manager of (wo)men and resources whose deep inner peace and ascetic simplicity were never disturbed by either the exuberance of office and public ranking or the difficulties and scorns that the vagaries of public life attracted. He was an incorruptible man who was never incorrigible. For several decades in and out of corporate and public offices, he lived in his Bishop Street, Ilupeju private residence in Lagos. In this, he had learnt a crucial lesson from his leader, Awolowo, who resisted the temptations that the transition from home to official residence and vice versa constituted among many other challenges of the passage of power in Africa. As Governor Tinubu said in his tribute, Whatever we have been able to accomplish in Lagos State is because of the groundwork Jakande set out before us. In so many ways, he is the inspirational father of modern Lagos State. In housing, education, health care, and road construction, he left an indelible imprint. Tinubu should know. He inherited this tradition of efficient and effective governance championed by the likes of Jakande, which was based on a progressive ideology that was identified with the Western Region of Nigeria and its succeeding states. However, this is threatening to become the exclusive heritage of Lagos State. Three of the most notable manifestations of LKJs administrative genius are worth remembering, especially for the younger generation of Nigerians who are unfamiliar with what constitutes a proper political party and what it means to methodically and consistently execute the programmes and policies upon which a political party canvassed for votes. First was in the area of education. The Jakande administration was quick in executing the free primary and secondary education programme of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Putting all the children of school age in Lagos into school, while ending fee-based schooling in all schools within a short period, was a massive endeavour. It involved the government take-over of all existing schools, including mission schools, and also the establishment of many more schools to accommodate the explosion in school enrolment. The urgent and massive need for the construction of new classrooms forced Jakande to take a pragmatic approach. His administration built a particular kind of new schools or added new classrooms to existing ones. Critics, particularly opposition elements and members of the upper middle class in Lagos, derided the Jakande schools as some glorified concrete chicken pens or coops because they were built to lintel level with added metal poles that held the roof in place. But, as these classrooms sprang up all over Lagos, those who recognised the transformation that was afoot acknowledged the egalitarian pragmatism that necessitated the choice that was made by the government. Jakande was more concerned with the effectiveness of the free education policy than the aesthetic value of the buildings. He recognised that, in the first iteration of the policy by the predecessor political party in the 1950s, the Action Group (AG), some beneficiaries were even happy to gather under trees before buildings were ready to accommodate the explosion in enrolment for primary education. As every child in Lagos headed for school with no concern about the cost to their parents and with even school uniforms supplied free along with free meals, it became apparent that the old ethos of leapfrogging the Lugardian contraption to modernity, which was started in 1955 in the Western Region and aborted by military intervention in 1966, had returned with a new vigour. While many spoke to national unity and pretended that they cared more about this, Jakande operationalised it. No other State in Nigeria had a greater representation of the multiple ethnic and religious identities in Nigeria than Lagos. Jakande cared for every child of school age, no matter where they came from. Undoubtedly, there were several problems with the implementation of this policy. Yet, these were understandable challenges of massive social transformation. Though the process of our instruction was affected in part by the some of these challenges, those of us described then as omo Jakande (Jakandes children) later appreciated the massive transformation in the lives of several thousands of kids and their families wrought by the policies and actions of this most able of public administrators. Beyond infrastructures, LKJs style of leadership remains part of his legacy. His sartorial simplicity, including the signature horsetail fly whisk, amiable bearing and easy smile will be missed. I still recall vividly the first time I saw him as a student in one of the new schools he created. We lined the street of our school as his convoy drove by. The second was in the area of housing. Low-cost housing was one of the central programmes of Jakandes administration. Affordable housing was and remains a major challenge in Lagos. In response to this, LKJ started massive low-cost housing projects all over the state. In this too, there were many administrative impediments to the successful implementation of a laudable project. Yet, his administration completed many housing projects from Oke-Afa and Amuwo-Odofin to Surulere and Ikorodu. Again, what this scheme reflected was Jakandes recognition of the critical role of the state in intervening in the social process which, at that moment in Nigerias evolution, constituted an important reflection of the kind of social democracy that he and his political party espoused. The third was the metroline project. Apart from the free education programme, this potential high-impact project was one of the greatest demonstrations of the modernist and transformative agenda of the Jakande administration. It was designed not only to address the perennial problem of traffic congestion in Lagos, but also as part of the instruments for economic renaissance in the city-state. It was therefore the most critical, most imaginative response to the problem of urban transportation. It was designed to ensure that Lagos joined other global cities in providing true mass transit. If it had been implemented, the metroline would have transformed Lagos forever. Thus, we cannot overemphasise the importance of this project. Though it was not implemented, the project revealed three things about Jakande and the political camp that produced him. One, it showed the massive transformative vision, principles, policies that were the signal assets of the Unity Party of Nigeria, which made the party, among all others in the Second Republic, a superior instrument for gaining and deploying state power in the service of the common good. While some parties on the right, such as the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) were only invested in power and domination, and others on the left cared more about ideological purity and discourses than the challenging and messy work of genuine social transformation, the UPN under Awolowos leadership was an ideologically pragmatic instrument of rule that had an unparalleled clarity about the means, modes and capacities for social transformation in the Nigeria of that age as reflected in its Four Cardinal Programmes. Two, it showed that Jakande, perhaps more than any of his contemporaries, not only understood how the social transformation so conceived was to be achieved in a conurbation such as Lagos, but that he also had the vision to organise the most effective and efficient ways to accomplish the set goals in the context of the specific realities of that era. Three, starting the project confirmed Jakandes place as, administratively speaking, one of the most remarkable strategic thinkers that Nigeria has ever produced. However, the abortion of this project (which eventually cost the state and the country as much money in arbitration as would perhaps have been needed to finish the project) was not only a sign of the myopia and heedlessness of the Major General Mohammadu Buhari regime, it was also a stark reflection of the nature of Nigerias federalism and military rule. That a class of retrograde soldiers who had neither a rudimentary understanding of the progressive principles nor of the developmental values behind this vision could hijack the instruments of federal power and, with fiat, terminate one of the most important means of urban transformation again reminds of the problems of the Nigerian state and Nigerian federalism. We are still living with the consequences of this terrible decision. Almost four decades after the Buhari regime aborted this project, Lagos is still trying to build a similar project with an incalculably higher ratio in cost. Yet, the state has not succeeded. Two quick lessons here. One is the real and multiplier effects of efficient governance that is the tradition of progressive politics in western Nigeria, and two is the devastating and long lasting impact of the atavism called military rule, particularly the most invidious type that was experienced in Nigeria, and its concomitant subversion of federal principles. Beyond infrastructures, LKJs style of leadership remains part of his legacy. His sartorial simplicity, including the signature horsetail fly whisk, amiable bearing and easy smile will be missed. I still recall vividly the first time I saw him as a student in one of the new schools he created. We lined the street of our school as his convoy drove by. He smiled and waved his fly whisk from inside his personal car (which was also his official car) as we waved back to him. At the Nigerian Tribune, where I later worked, we heard stories about the era of John West, (his pen name), as editor-in-chief and managing director. Apart from his monumental contribution to the profession of journalism and the institution of the Fourth Estate, his old line-editors and reporters at Tribune often recalled his extraordinary work ethic, unflappability as well as his editorial and personal integrity. Although he later had a particularly unpleasant conflict with his leader, former employer, and co-shareholder in the African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the Tribune, which, it can be argued, exposed a part of the shrewdness of the otherwise unassuming man, this could not erase his monumental contributions to the longest surviving newspaper in Nigeria. Though Jakande was a social democrat and a man of great conviction, he was no rash ideologue. As the governor of the capital city-state, it was said that he met with President Shehu Shagari weekly and also met his leader, Awolowo, weekly, as well. While some members of the party were somewhat dubious about the value of regular meetings with the leader of the ruling party, which they believed stole their leaders mandate, Awolowo understood Jakandes outreach. Perhaps the gravest error of Jakandes political life was his decision to join the Abacha regime as Works and Housing Minister. It was an original error that he had to live with until the end of his days. Partly a result of personal ambition and partly an attempt to leverage the political confusion of that period into a workable political transition Like most politicians, Jakande was a man of ambition. He really wanted to be president of Nigeria. He knew he had the capacity, despite his limitations regarding formal education, as his adversaries were often eager to point out. LKJ recognised, correctly, that, apart from his leader, there were few in the country who could claim to have the administrative competences which he possessed in abundance. What LKJ lacked in intellectual finesse, he more than made up for in practical and effective planning and administrative genius; what he lacked in political oratory, he made up for in personal decency. Until he gambled away his pre-eminence in Lagos politics in the course of the June 12 crisis, the politics of Lagos was largely dictated by Jakande. Long before Tinubu, Jakande was the paterfamilias of the Lagos progressive political camp. Babagana Kingibe will not quickly forget the lesson that Jakande taught him in the Third Republic about Lagos politics. Kingibe, in his initially subtle but increasingly brazen attempt as National Chairman to hijack the entire machinery of the Social Democratic Party from his patron, Major General Shehu Musa YarAdua, and the other established figures in progressive politics through the imposition of his favoured candidates in the partys governorship races, forced the old political warhorse to show him as they say in LKJs culture that, if an adolescent has as much clothes as the elderly, s/he cannot have as much threadbare clothes. Jakande instructed his supporters to vote for the SDP candidates down the ballot all over Lagos but to reject Kingibes imposed governorship candidate by voting for the candidate of the rival party, Michael Otedola. It was the one and only time that a non-progressive politician would win election as governor of Lagos State. Perhaps the gravest error of Jakandes political life was his decision to join the Abacha regime as Works and Housing Minister. It was an original error that he had to live with until the end of his days. Partly a result of personal ambition and partly an attempt to leverage the political confusion of that period into a workable political transition that could lead to democratic rule, particularly given the initial lack of clarity by the symbol of that struggle, Moshood Abiola (whether more of the later than the former is still in dispute), LKJ joined the regime of the man who turned out to be the most vicious ruler in Nigerias history. Even as it became apparent that Abacha was a power monger who saw Nigeria as a lootable resource, LKJ refused to relinquish the illusion that the ignoble regime was a path to national political reconstitution. Some of his old comrades saw this as yet another manifestation of the same ambition to upstage his leader and run for the presidency in the Second Republic, which led him to stand trial at the UPN NEC meeting in Yola in 1982 and which almost led to his expulsion from the party, as explained in my book on the political movement, Yoruba Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo and Corporate Agency. By the time he was removed from office by Abacha, Baba Kekere could no longer claim his place among the progressive political clan to which he properly belonged one which he was also qualified to lead. He was ostracised by his old comrades. In his inimitable way, Jakande accepted his fate and stayed out of the fratricidal battle among the Awoists in the lead up to the Fourth Republic. Yet, his ostracisation was a damning verdict on a moment of political indiscretion and a lesson in how the mess of politics can turn an able administrator and excellent political leader into a disabled spectator in the gallery of power politics. Though he seemed to have reconciled himself to this harsh judgement by not even attempting to be reconciled with his old allies, Jakande bore no grudges. You could never find him giving interviews steeped in rancour and accusations against his erstwhile fellow political travellers. He was a forgiving man, though one who was hardly ever forgiven. As Nigeria produced one incompetent president after another and as the fratricidal battle induced by the Nigerian tragedy consumed the progressive political camp to which he legitimately belonged, and of which he remained a great advertisement in public governance, LKJ could only watch from the side lines, humbled by age and the apparent loss of political traction. ADVERTISEMENT Indeed, such was the fatal nature of this error that a revisionist history began to bubble about LKJs place in the history of progressive politics, public governance and the modernist project in Nigeria. The fact is that, despite his political errors, Jakandes place in this history remains solid. His errors will be noted and can still be chastised, but above all else, his contributions will continue to be honoured and celebrated. It was as if Providence kept him alive longer than all of his contemporaries to give us all enough time not only to forgive his political transgressions but also to reflect on his administrative genius, especially as that genius even bore more fruits in the Lagos of the Fourth Republic which has, arguably, been a consistently better governed State than all the others in the current Republic. As undoubtedly his latter successors, particularly Governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola would readily admit, it was Jakande who laid the foundations for the building of modern Lagos. Thus, contemporary Lagos is a testament to LKJs vision, administrative brilliance and personal austerity. Jakande was a devout Muslim who was at peace with other forms of devotion. Like his leader, he was a faithful husband and noble father. Apart from his commitment to egalitarian politics, nothing delighted him more than his union with his devoted wife, Sikirat Abimbola Jakande, who also mirrored Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowos own devotion to her husband. Jakandes personal and political life could not have been the success that it was without the self-effacing but steadfastly warm Abimbola. If you ever visited their home and witnessed the way Abimbola treated Jakande, you would know that she was partly the reason why he enjoyed life for as long as he did. As we bid Jakande farewell, it is important to note that there goes one of the ablest administrators in our national history. Good night, LKJ. Wale Adebanwi is Rhodes Professor of Race Relations, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. In a wholesome incident, a Malaysian resident from Singapore named Chan Jit Yen, who loves the Lunar New Year, hosted stranded students to celebrate the start of the Year of the Ox. Usually, Chan takes a week off work and visits her family in Kuala Lumpur and then travels to her hometown in Ipoh. However, this year due to the pandemic, she gave her rented apartment to four Malaysian students. Lunar new year celebrations Similar to Chans situation, several students are celebrating the Lunar New Year away from home for the first time. Chan also took notice of a call by the Malaysian Association in Singapore as it asked Malaysians to treat students to a meal over the festive period. It somehow managed to match 25 students to 10 hosts. "Especially (for) Malaysian students, Chinese New Year has been something that theyre really looking forward to," said Chan. She added, "I hope they ... feel like home and not feeling left out in Singapore." Read: Malaysians In Singapore Host Students For New Year (Chan Jit Yen smiles as she hosts Malaysian students, foreground, during a Lunar New Year hot pot lunch at her rented apartment in Singapore Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. Image Credits: AP) (Chan Jit Yen prepares ingredients for a Lunar New Year hot pot lunch she is hosting for Malaysian students at her rented apartment in Singapore Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. Image Credits: AP) (Malaysian students, from left, Felix Mong, Jason Ong, Ter Leong Kern and Siew Ee Sung eat bak kwa, a Chinese meat product similar to jerky, during a Lunar New Year hot pot lunch hosted by a Malaysian couple at their rented apartment in Singapore. Image Credits: AP) (With Malaysian workers and students stranded in the city state over the Lunar New Year due to coronavirus travel restrictions, the Malaysian Association in Singapore has called on Malaysians to treat students to a meal. Image Credits: AP) Management committee member Lee Ji En spoke about the initiative as she said, "This initiative is all about the food and the people. Food is what brings people together, especially for Malaysians". Chan had a wholesome day after visiting the supermarket and preparing the menu just like she wanted to. Read: Malaysian Airlines' MH370 'could Have Been Shot Down By Missile', Claims New Book Ter Leong Kern was one of the four students who visited Chan for the event. According to the reports by AP, Ter dreamed that he was celebrating with his family at their home in Klang. Speaking about her experience, Ten said, Hope is hope, but reality is still a thing, you know, so we cannot go back. I hope that the pandemic will go away as soon as possible because it has been very detrimental to all of our daily lives. Read: President Widodo Welcomes Malaysian PM To Jakarta Also Read: Sports Toto 4D Jackpot Latest Live Result Today For February 14 , 2021 (Image Credits: AP) Monday morning broke with a stillness and beauty rarely seen and felt in San Antonio. Pristine snow, 3 to 6 inches, blanketed our city on a frigid winter day. With a blue sky and the untouched snow, it was a day like few others here. One that will be remembered for a lifetime, but not just for its beauty. As we all know, that beautiful snowy day turned into a hellish, dangerous night as millions of Texans, including hundreds of thousands of San Antonians, were stranded without power for hours in freezing temperatures or endured rolling blackouts to preserve the grid blackouts at the local level that were incredibly perplexing and frustrating for customers. There is a lot to unpack here, but as we thaw, a fundamental question is how Texas could be so vulnerable to a historic storm that everyone saw coming. We know that around 1:30 a.m. Monday the state began implementing rolling blackouts to preserve the electrical system. And we know some power plants, many of them natural gas, froze and were taken offline. We also know there was not enough natural gas supply for both power and heating, which raises fundamental questions about our states tolerance for flaring and venting, which is so wasteful and harmful. What could have been done to avoid this dangerous situation? Gov. Greg Abbott has called for immediate reform of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and we second this and share his urgency. We need to understand how and why it failed to meet the moment. But already experts are raising questions about ERCOTs structure. As Ed Hirs, an energy fellow with the University of Houstons Department of Economics, told the Houston Chronicle, the states highly competitive deregulated system hasnt allowed power generators to invest and improve. The ERCOT grid has collapsed in exactly the same manner as the old Soviet Union, Hirs said. It limped along on underinvestment and neglect until it finally broke under predictable circumstances. And as Bloomberg has reported, the state doesnt maintain capacity markets to ensure supply during extreme weather. Its a competitive race to the bottom. Weve also seen some chatter about the failure of wind turbines during this arctic blast. Yes, some wind turbines did freeze, but as Daniel Cohan, an associate professor of environmental engineering at Rice University told Bloomberg: The performance of wind and solar is way down the list among the smaller factors in the disaster that were facing. He said blaming renewable energy sources for the outages is really a red herring. And we agree. As Dan Woodfin, senior director of system operations at ERCOT, told the Texas Tribune, most of the plants that went offline were fueled by gas, coal and nuclear energy. In a statement, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who experienced the same outages as the rest of us, said, ERCOT needs to answer how millions were forced to weather this cold in this manner. Obviously, we agree and then some. But at the local level, the same accountability should be applied to CPS Energy and its response to the storm. Poor communication from CPS Energy has undercut its credibility. Throughout Monday we were told of rolling outages that should have been about 15 minutes every hour, but instead this became inverted, as President and CEO Paula Gold-Williams told reporters. On Twitter, District 3 City Councilman Rebecca Viagran pointedly noted what many people experienced werent rolling blackouts but outages. In many homes the power came on for a minute, or maybe five minutes at most, only to be shut off. It was just enough time to accomplish nothing. And these outages, or microbursts of electricity, warrant examination. CPS Energy officials have said power was maintained in some areas to serve critical infrastructure such as hospitals and emergency services and we get that. But that also doesnt explain how power might be maintained on one side of a residential street but not the other. Were mindful this was an epic weather event, and grateful to the CPS workers performing in frigid and stressful conditions to restore power. But the public deserves answers to these types of questions to better understand such a stunning failure and ensure it does not happen again. Reform ERCOT, but also review the local response. The war in Syria did not spare any sector in the country. The livestock market was directly affected with losses exceeding 50% since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011. This is due to the lack of fodder given the scarcity of agricultural lands and their increasing prices, lack of fuel and power outages. Meanwhile, agricultural facilities have been struggling to provide the heat needed for raising animals. This has been compounded by the lack of government support for animal farms, and a drop in imports from neighboring countries due to high prices and customs fees. In addition, a large number of cattle died either of starvation or after being abandoned by their owners who had been displaced or forced out of their homes. Some animals have perished in the recurrent bombings. This has led to a sharp decline in Syrias livestock; animal owners were unable to sell them or smuggle them into neighboring countries. Consequently, the price of meat soared reaching up to 22,000 Syrian pounds ($6.80 on the black market) per kilo (2.2 pounds) of lamb, which is far beyond the populations purchasing power. Admon Qutaish, head of the pro-Syrian government Butchers Association, said during a Feb. 5 talk show on Melody FM TV channel, The livestock in Syria is endangered, with the ever-decreasing number of cattle and animals, which is mainly due to the rising prices of fodder, most of which is imported. These prices have increased in the country of origin, the exporter. Syrian Agricultural Minister Mohammad Hassan Qatana told Russias Sputnik Jan. 29 that a disaster is looming for the livestock market, and that agricultural facilities have lost between 40% and 50% of poultry, and 50% of cattle, which have either been smuggled across the border or perished. Ahmad al-Omar, an animal breeder, told Al-Monitor, It has been two years since the animal husbandry sector began deteriorating, which started with the depreciation of the local currency and the rise in fodder prices by 40%. Omar said that 1 ton of soybeans stands today at 1.6 million Syrian pounds ($493) and is expected to increase even more, while 1 ton of yellow corn costs some 800,000 pounds ($247), causing livestock keepers and breeders to abandon this profession altogether. He noted, [In addition] there is no electricity or any oil derivatives for heating farms, or their prices are extremely high, with 1 liter of diesel fuel costing about 1,000 pounds [$0.31] on the black market in the regime-controlled areas. The price of 1 kilo of charcoal is more than 550 pounds [$0.17]. The price of yellow corn jumped to 450 pounds [$0.14] [per kilo] and cotton seeds up to 400 pounds [$0.125] if they were available at all. This is mainly due to the lack of government support and reduction of subsidies to the poultry industry and livestock farms, Omar added. Agricultural engineer Zakaria Nofal told Al-Monitor, Most animal breeders and cattle keepers in Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa and Hasakah abandoned this profession, and breeders in Idlib and Aleppo stopped working. This left only a few governmental and private facilities operating, which meets no more than 20% of the market needs, while 80% of farms and other facilities stopped production. He said, The poultry sector alone used to employ more than 1.2 million Syrians, but today it has come to a halt and Syria has been importing its products." Nofal noted, One of the most important reasons that strained the livestock sector is the shrinking of pasture lands as a result of the expansion of battles over large areas. This is in addition to the increasing prices of diesel and the perishing of cattle whose owners were unable to provide fodder for, while other animals died of smallpox and mouth infections in the absence of the necessary vaccines." He added, Importing from neighboring countries has also negatively affected Syrias livestock and caused an increase in the price of meat. Imported lamb costs about $3.50 per kilo. The regime cronies have been also given leeway to impose additional fees on the meat prices to make more gains, without any censorship. The pro-regime Snack Syrian website published the figures of the Central Bureau of Statistics, comparing livestock numbers prior to 2011 and in 2017, showing that Syria had about 2.2 million sheep prior to 2011, compared to 186,000 in 2017; 222,481 goats in 2011 compared to 76,000 in 2017; and 108,000 cows in 2011 compared to 71,000 by the end of 2017. The number of poultry farms prior to 2011 was about 12,000 establishments, while today it stands at 1,200 and continues to decrease. A tornado tore through a coastal town in southeastern North Carolina just after midnight Tuesday, knocking down homes, killing at least three people and injuring 10 others, officials said. We had very minimal warning, said Edward Conrow, the director of emergency services in Brunswick County, adding that forecasters were very surprised how rapidly the storm intensified. It is something they normally dont see. He said the tornado hit at a time when most people are home and in bed, it creates a very dangerous situation. Most of the damage and all of the fatalities were in the Ocean Ridge Plantation, a community located near Sunset Beach in Wilmington, Mr. Conrow said. There were no reports of anyone missing, he said. [February 16, 2021] Florida's Most Populous City Selects Tyler Technologies' Civic Services Solution Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) announced today it has signed a software-as-a-service ( SaaS (News - Alert) ) agreement with the city of Jacksonville, Florida, for Tyler's EnerGov civic services suite. The city will use Tyler's software to manage business and community development, complete electronic plan reviews, and more easily connect with its constituents through a citizen self-service ( CSS (News - Alert) ) portal. Jacksonville was looking to replace its current application with one that could meet the needs of a growing city and its staff. The city ultimately selected Tyler because of its proven civic services solution which offers flexibility, easy-of-use, and a more contemporary user interface. "The city of Jacksonville's vision is to have a city government with streamlined processes, increased transparency for our residents, and solutions that are intuitive and easy-to-use," said Joshua Gideon, chief of the Building Inspection Division, city of Jacksonville. "We're cnfident that Tyler can help us achieve this vision. We are eager to see the benefits that the solution will bring, not only to our staff, but to our larger community." Tyler will enable the following new capabilities for Jacksonville with the pending implementation of its EnerGov solution, including Automation of operations in land use planning, permitting, enforcement case management, and inspections Ability to review, approve, issue, and renew business licenses in one platform versus several disparate platforms Providing residents with open online access to information through the CSS portal Ability for staff to view and analyze development trends in the area, as well as offer the public a geospatial view for trend analysis "We are pleased to support Jacksonville's vision to have a government that is more transparent and efficient," said Greg Savard, general manager of Tyler's EnerGov solution. "Tyler's civic services solution will help automate business management and community development processes so staff can focus on other critical tasks. This solution will improve access for the city's residents, helping them feel more connected to their local government." Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida and is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It has a population of more than 900,000, making it the 12th most populous city in the United States. About Tyler Technologies (News - Alert) , Inc. Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) provides integrated software and technology services to the public sector. Tyler's end-to-end solutions empower local, state, and federal government entities to operate more efficiently and connect more transparently with their constituents and with each other. By connecting data and processes across disparate systems, Tyler's solutions are transforming how clients gain actionable insights that solve problems in their communities. Tyler has more than 27,000 successful installations across more than 11,000 sites, with clients in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. Tyler has been named to Government Technology's GovTech 100 list five times and has been recognized three times on Forbes' "Most Innovative Growth Companies" list. More information about Tyler Technologies, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at tylertech.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005190/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] For the past two nights, Kyaw Soe has felt a knot in his stomach as he imagines family members, friends and colleagues swept up in night-time raids, increasingly common since Myanmars military coup of February 1. His calls on local networks will not go through, and he cannot find out if they are safe until restrictions are lifted in the morning. I cant sleep well, or eat either, said Kyaw Soe, a local journalist who is in hiding and using a pseudonym for fear of being arrested himself. I just have to give up and wait. The junta that seized power has plunged the country into two consecutive overnight internet blackouts, as it attempts to extinguish popular resistance to its rule. With communications restricted some are unable to access mobile data or home Wi-Fi, while others say they have been completely disconnected arrest raids and troublemaking by thugs has reportedly escalated, terrorising neighbourhoods. Even before the blackouts, residents began patrolling their streets in shifts after sunset, defying the juntas 8 p.m. curfew to fend off violence or detentions. They take advantage of the internet blackout, said Khin Su, a teacher who has joined an impromptu neighbourhood watch on the outskirts of Mandalay, Myanmars second-largest city, and is also using a pseudonym. She said she had seen people in military lorries and ambulances stalking the streets near her home. Four nights in a row, she has stood guard and said that action intensified during the 1 am to 9 a.m. outages. In the morning, we shared information between our neighbourhoods, she told AFP. The first night of the cut-off, arrest raids increased. Residents were able to intercede, however, preventing anyone from being hauled away. But not everyone has been so lucky. More than 420 people have been arrested since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group. That includes civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and deposed president Win Myint. Both have not been seen in public since they were detained in pre-dawn raids on February 1. The militarys ouster of the democratically elected government has galvanised a tremendous backlash with nationwide protests, a nightly campaign of banging pots and pans and strikes of factory workers, bankers, civil servants and even police officers. In response, security forces have reverted to draconian methods of quelling dissent. Armoured vehicles now roll through the streets in daylight, while many claim recently freed prisoners are being sent into communities to sow havoc. We are scared of what they will do at night after shutting down the internet, says Win Tun, 44. For some, the renewed isolation recalls the dark days of the previous junta, which kept the country diplomatically and economically siloed for nearly half a century until 2011. Others, like Kyaw Soe, have taken to buying foreign sim cards to circumvent the communications blockade. While he can get online, he still cannot always connect with loved ones. ADVERTISEMENT For everyone in the country, it is a fearful time ahead, he said. One of the constants with leftism is anti-Semitism. Before Israel's existence, the anti-Semites associated Jews with using capitalism to secretly control the world. After Israel came into being, the socialists added a new sin: Israel was a colonial occupying power. It should therefore come as no surprise that activist groups associated with the increasingly socialist Democrat party are anti-Semitic Israel-haters. A few years ago, the Women's March become openly anti-Semitic now, a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement is doing the same. Hatred for the Jews is nothing new. In pagan times, they were hated for refusing to bow down to the pagan gods. During pre-Enlightenment Christianity, they were hated for their role in convicting Christ, for refusing to recognize His divinity, and for the fact that a handful of them were moneylenders. This last was because Catholic Church officials selectively criminalized the sin of usury among Christians while tolerating it among Jews, leading to jealousy among the Christian faithful when Jews accumulated wealth in ways forbidden to Christians. With socialism, a new hatred for Jews developed. Christianity had gone by the wayside. However, the Marxist obsession with capital meant that the Jews' age-old association with capital made them a target for leftist hatred. Additionally, Karl Marx, a self-loathing Jew (his father converted to Christianity for business reasons when Marx was a child), spouted anti-Semitic venom that would have made Hitler proud. Speaking of Hitler, it's important to remember that his hatred for Jews was also a byproduct of his socialism. After all, he was the leader of the National Socialist Party. It was leftist hatred for Jews that justified slaughtering six million Jews, most of them desperately poor, merely poor, working-class, or middle-class. With Israel's emergence, the left got a new reason to hate Jews: now they're accused of being colonial occupiers, stealing land from the indigenous Arabs. This version of events is a historic lie. Jews are the region's indigenous people with the Arabs coming in as recent interlopers. Truth, however, has never stopped leftists. When Trump entered the White House, the same cadre of feminists and suburban women who worshiped Bill Clinton despite his shady reputation with women had a collective meltdown. They couldn't cope with Trump having said, quite rightly, that when you're a billionaire, there are a lot of women who will let you get away with sexual liberties. These fragile flowers, therefore, started a "Women's March" movement that saw them put pink hats on their heads to symbolize vaginas (although now it's verboten to say that vaginas define women because so-called transgender women lack them), make obscene signs, and march to protest their coming subjugation in the age of Trump. Ironically enough, women's return to being housebound happened in the last twelve months thanks to Democrat policies locking schools, forcing women to return to their traditional mothering roles. But I digress. Within a very short time, anti-Semites seized the Women's March. Even when the group tried to "fix" the problem, the Women's March just couldn't quit its anti-Semitism. Considering the level of anti-Semitism already existing in America's Black community (thanks to the leftist takeover of the Black community), it should come as no surprise that BLM is the latest Democrat/leftist organization to have its leadership state openly that it wants to destroy the tiny corner of the Middle East that is Jewish: Marc Lamont Hill, an academic and Black Lives Matter activist, says that one of the goals of the BLM movement is to destroy Israel. "One of the new possibilities that [activists] imagined is a world that is anti-imperialist. They don't want to just nation-build but they want to world-make," Hill said. "So Black Lives Matter very explicitly is talking about the dismantling of the Zionist project. Dismantling of a settler-colonial project," he continued. Despite Jews being culturally indigenous to the land of Israel, BLM activists have long associated Israel with colonialism. Hill also said that the BLM movement is "very explicitly embracing BDS," referring to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction movement to boycott Jewish products made in Israel. It happens every time: scratch a serious leftist, and find an even more serious anti-Semite. Leftism is a toxic religion of hatred. We can only hope that the fact that the left's mask of caring and unity is gone now that the Democrats own Washington, D.C., will disgust ordinary Americans of all colors and creeds who believe in a functioning pluralist society, traditional values, and judging people by the content of their character. Image: Black Lives Matter and anti-Zionism. YouTube screen grab. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country New Delhi: The Officials on Tuesday (February 16, 2021) said that the Delhi Police is still awaiting a response from Google on the 'toolkit' Doc related to the farmers' protests. "Officials said that police have so far not received a reply from Google on the document being investigated," said a PTI report. The Delhi Police had sent a communication to Google seeking registration details and activity log of the account through which the toolkit was created and uploaded on the social media platform. As per reports, two e-mail IDs, one Instagram account, and one Uniform Resource Locator (URL) were mentioned in the toolkit and police has also asked for details from the respective platforms. Earlier in the day, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell) Anyesh Roy said that the toolkit is not a static document. "It's a dynamic document which has a large number of hyperlinks, which are links to various Google drives, Google docs and websites. One of the important website present here is askindiawhy.Com. This website has a lot of Pro-Khalistani content. So this document in itself has an action plan," Roy said. The DCP said that in the first instance, the document was not to be shared in the public and was private, but was accidentally shared. "So this was a document to be shared to a limited number of people, who would then influence public opinion. Having global icons to follow this, this toolkit was made to propagate pro-Khalistan propaganda" he added. This is to be noted that the Delhi Police on Monday had said that 22-year old Disha Ravi along with Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk created the toolkit document. They added that Disha Ravi then sent it to Greta Thunberg, following which, the teen Swedish climate and environmental activist shared the toolkit on the social media platform to lend support to the ongoing farmers' agitation against Centre's three new farm laws. Disha, who was remanded to 5-day police custody on Sunday, sent the toolkit to Greta Thunberg through Telegram app, according to PTI news agency, During a press conference, Joint Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Prem Nath said that Disha Ravi deleted a WhatsApp group that she created to spread the following toolkit. He also stated that Nikita and Shantanu attended a Zoom meeting organised by 'pro-Khalistani' group Poetic Justice Foundation (PJF). Prem Nath added that Nikita Jacob was also one of the editors of toolkit document. Prem Nath had also said that the e-mail account created by Muluk is the owner of the Google document. Live TV Australia a Strong Advocate for Human Rights, Joins Declaration by 55 Nations Against Arbitrary Detention Australia and 55 other countries, including the United States and the UK, have launched a declaration against the use of arbitrary detention of foreign citizens to obtain political leverage in state-to-state relations. We are a strong advocate for promoting and protecting human rights, Australias Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a video message at 1 a.m. on Feb. 16. The right not to be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention is guaranteed in international law and states must comply with their international human rights law obligations. The Canada-led declaration comes in response to arbitrary detention being used by countries as bargaining chips in foreign relations. It calls on participating nations to take firm steps to prevent and put an end to harsh conditions in detention, denial of access to legal counsel, torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Payne noted that part of the declaration includes not using the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, as a reason to deny consular access to detained foreign citizens. Today Australia stands with more than 55 of our international partners in our strong support for universal human rights and reiterates our resolute opposition to the use of arbitrary detention, arrest and sentencing to influence state-to-state relations, Payne said. The practice of arbitrary detention is against international law. States must uphold all of their international human rights obligations, and that includes those owed to foreign and dual nationals within their jurisdictions. The declaration aims to bind the partnering countries to commit to core principles of human rights, consular relations, the rule of law, and the judiciarys independence to protect citizens who live, work, and travel abroad. Payne said Australia would hold countries to account for the international commitments and obligation to comply with international laws and practices. Cheng Lei, a Chinese-born Australian journalist for CGTN, the English-language channel of China Central Television, attends a public event in Beijing on Aug. 12, 2020. (Ng Han Guan/AP Photo) Last year, Australia updated its official travel advice for China, telling its citizens not to travel there or they may face arbitrary detention. Chinas strict national security laws can be interpreted broadly. This means that a traveller could break the law without realising it, the government warned. A Chinese-born Australian journalist, Cheng Lei, was formally arrested on Feb. 7, after being detained in China for six months without charge on suspicion of illegally supplying state secrets overseas. Cheng, 49, was a news anchor for CGTN, the international arm of the Chinese regimes state broadcaster, CCTV, before being detained in Beijing in August 2020 amid testy relations between Canberra and Beijing. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the practice of arbitrarily detaining individuals as leverage over another government is indefensible and wont be tolerated. The UK is proud to stand in solidarity with over 55 other countries to bring this unacceptable practice to an end, he said in a statement. Newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken removes his face mask as he arrives to hold his first press briefing at the State Department in Washington, U.S. on Jan. 27, 2021. (Carlos Barria/Reuters/Pool/File Photo) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was also honoured to participate in the declarations launch and stand with the international community on the matter. He said when arbitrary detentions are used by countries to obtain leverage in state-to-state relations they are a heinous act against the human rights of the individuals in question, and are an affront to international diplomatic norms. The broad coalition of governments endorsing this declaration sends a clear message that history remains on the side of human rights and the rule of lawnot the cynical use of law as a political tool. Human beings are not bargaining chips, Blinken said in a statement on Feb. 16. The United States wholeheartedly endorses this declaration and calls on all like-minded countries to work together to pressure the nations that engage in such detentions to put an end to this practice, to release those detained under such conditions, and to respect the rule of law and human rights, he said. A Canadian government website says the practice is contrary to international law and undermines friendly relations between states, global cooperation, travel and trade. Canadas Minister for Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau said all cases of arbitrary detention are unacceptable. We will continue the fight against arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations, now and for the future, he said. Jammu, Feb 16 : The police in Jammu and Kashmir have accorded permission in 46 cases for seizure/attachment of various moveable and immovable assets of individuals or associations to restrict terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. Jammu and Kashmir police, along with other security forces and investigating agencies, are fighting the challenges of terrorism at various fronts, the police said. "While a number of terrorists belonging to different terror outfits have been neutralised in the sustained anti-terror operations, the handlers are using motor vehicles and the proceeds of terrorists for furthering their evil designs," the police said. The police said that following the due procedures of the law, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have in the last couple of years accorded sanction for seizure/attachment of four wheelers, motorcycles, cash, land houses and shops through different orders to ensure that terror activities are under check. "Under this Act, 61 vehicles have been seized/attached, including two trucks/trailer trucks, one tipper, four Alto 800 cars, two Hyundai Cretas, one Maruti Echo, one Baleno, four Santros, one Asta, two Wagon Rs, one Mahindra Quanta, one Auto (Tata Zip), two Maruti Swifts, 18 motorcycles, five Scooties, two Auto load carriers, three Alto K10s, one Maruti 800, one Load Carrier (207), two Taveras, one ambulance, one Tata Tiago, one Ford Figo, two Echo ambulances, one I20, and one Dutson," police said. "These include the Creta car belonging to Sofi Fahmeeda, an associate of Assiya Andrabi. Cash amounting to Rs 3,70,000, and cheque worth Rs 50,000 have also been seized. Besides, immovable properties seized so far include five houses including the house of Mehmooda Begum, mother-in-law of Assiya Andrabi of banned outfit Dukhtran Milat, and six shops belonging to Nazir Ahmad Wani of Pulwama," the police said. They added that in 2021 so far, the PHQ has accorded sanction for seizure of 11 vehicles, which include six four-wheelers and five two-wheelers. The permission for seizure has been granted under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. "Section 25 provides for the more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations, and for dealing with terrorist activities, and for matters connected therewith," the police said. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... PHOENIX The Arizona Senate on Monday narrowly approved a major expansion of the states school voucher program, with all 16 Republicans backing the proposal over protests from minority Democrats who called the wide-ranging proposal a slap in the face of voters who rejected a slightly larger expansion just over two years ago. The proposal from Glendale Republican Sen. Paul Boyer, SB1452, would make all children attending schools with a high percentage of low-income families or who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches eligible for the states voucher program. The program allows parents to take state funding and pay for religious or other private education and education costs. If the Republican-controlled House also approves the measure and it is signed by GOP Gov. Doug Ducey, a school choice supporter, about 800,000 of Arizonas 1.1 million K-12 students would quality to use state money to attend private schools, up from about 256,000 currently. Despite the current eligibility, only about 9,700 children currently use state vouchers to pay for private or home schooling costs. Boyer said his proposal is designed to help the parents of low-income students stuck in failing schools. The voucher program, which began in 2011 as a program for disabled students, has been greatly expanded over the years to cover many others, including children in low-performing schools or those living on Indian reservations. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Democrats said the proposal goes against the will of voters, who overwhelming rejected a universal voucher program in 2018, and against their repeated votes in recent years to boost public school funding by backing tax increases to fund higher teacher pay and overall school funding. Theyre telling us over and over and over again what they want us to do with their money, theyre telling us over and over again what they want us to do with public education, said Sen. Martin Quezada, a Glendale Democrat. And this is not it. Quezada and other Democrats also said Boyers proposal has several other flaws, including allowing parents to enroll their children in a qualifying school for just 30 days just to get a vouche and adding a new provision that lets parents whose children get vouchers to also take money from programs funded by donations that get a 100% tax credit. They also said an expanded voucher programs could further segregate schools. Boyer rejected that argument. I am indeed fighting for those students who are stuck in failing schools, those low-income, high poverty, primarily minority students, he said. To say that this bill somehow promotes segregation is preposterous. Sen. Tyler Pace, a Republican who voted for the proposal, said he had concerns that high-income parents could take advantage of a program sold as benefiting the poor. He said he expected changes to address his concerns when the measure goes to the House. Democrats also argued that the state has consistently allowed schools to be underfunded, especially low-income schools, and letting students leave rather than fixing the problem is the wrong way to go. Perhaps we could make a case for vouchers, if there were enough for everyone, said Sen. Christine Marsh, a Democrat. Theres not. Theres not enough funding for everyone. The 9,700 students currently getting Empowerment Scholarship Account vouchers cost the state about $145 million a year. More than half are disabled. Parents get 90% of the state funds that normally go to their local public school to use for private school tuition and other education costs. Disabled students can receive up to $40,000 for specialized therapy.. Republican Sen. Warren Peterson noted that the voucher recipients actually save the state some money and do not get any federal or local funding, which makes up about half the funding for public schools. What if I said to you we could give our kids a fantastic education at about half the price of public well this is your chance, Peterson said. Theres many options for your kids we support all those options. Public schools, private schools, ESAs. Parents need to decide. The 2017 law repealed by voters in 2018 would have allowed all 1.1 million Arizona K-12 students to use the voucher program. Save Our Schools Arizona, a grassroots group of teachers, parents and other public school backers that organized the 2018 repeal, was collecting signatures for a voter initiative early last year that would have limited program enrollment to 1% of the states 1.1 million schoolchildren and give disabled and existing enrollees priority. The pandemic forced backers to stop collecting signatures to qualify for the Novembers ballot. If new expansions pass, spokeswoman Dawn Penich-Thacker said early this month, her group may try again to get an initiative on the ballot. Our heart is still in running an initiative to stop all of this for good, and write it in such a way that it cancels out this bill and any others that they attempt, she said. Russia-occupation forces violated the ceasefire regime in the area of the Joint Forces Operation four times since the beginning of the current day and as of 17:00. "OSCE representatives have been notified of the facts of ceasefire violations through the Ukrainian side of the JCCC. There are no casualties among our soldiers," the Joint Forces Operation wrote on Facebook. As noted in the report, Russia-occupation forces fired towards the Ukrainian positions from 82 mm mortars, heavy anti-tank and under barrel grenade launchers, and sniper weapons. Ukrainian defenders opened fire on enemy's targeted attacks. In addition, during the same period, the sappers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine cleared more than 5 hectares of land in the area of the Joint Forces Operation and transferred 489 explosives for destruction. From 2015 to 2019, public school districts in the United States invested nearly $5 billion to upgrade their Wi-Fi networks, according to EducationSuperHighway. However, in the age of COVID-19-mandated virtual learning, millions of K-12 students still lack the minimal connectivity at home for digital learning. In a new study from the University of Notre Dame, researchers quantify how school district connectivity increases test scores, but underscore the dark side of technology -- increased behavior problems. A $600,000 increase in annual internet access spending produces a financial gain of approximately $820,000 to $1.8 million, alongside losses from disciplinary problems totaling $25,800 to $53,440, according to new research from Yixing Chen, an assistant professor of marketing at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business. His paper "Investigating the Academic Performance and Disciplinary Consequences of School District Internet Access Spending," which appeared in the February issue of the Journal of Marketing Research, also shows the academic gain is larger for schools in counties with better home access to high-speed internet. Internet access improves students' academic performance, which is associated with higher future income potential. Meanwhile, disciplinary problems leading to students' removal from the classroom incur administrative costs per expulsion, funding losses due to lower average daily attendance rates and operations costs for alternative education programs. The team compiled data from more than 9,000 public schools in Texas from 2000 to 2014, including internet access spending, 11 academic performance indicators and 47 types of school disciplinary problems. They also supplemented the public data with surveys of 3,924 parents. Empirical evidence about the downside of school internet is lacking, although there is an ongoing debate on the regulation of school internet access. On the one hand, the concerns by schools and policy advocates about children's access to obscene or harmful content over the internet led to implementation of the Children's Internet Protection Act. On the other hand, there is a serious concern that zealously limiting internet access can undermine learning outcomes. Chen, who specializes in the social impact of marketing, advises districts not to blindly spend big money on tech, but to think strategically and consider how they will manage the fallout. "Our research shows high-speed internet serves as an information superhighway to learning opportunities and to negative behaviors such as cyber-bullying," he said. "Therefore, we should reimagine the boundaries of open school internet access and strengthen internet safety training in our curricula." Despite goals to close the classroom connectivity gap, parents, school districts and policymakers struggle to quantify the impact of internet access spending, and Chen says his team's study -- one of the first marketing studies on education -- provides a roadmap for schools to evaluate the payoffs of their institutional spending and underscores why bridging the digital divide needs to be done carefully. "School district administrators can use our findings to effectively communicate to parents the tangible value of their internet access spending," Chen said. "The positive synergy between this and household internet access suggests districts' efforts to incentivize and help parents obtain access can be a good way to help their students, but must be coupled with better strategies for mitigating any negative unintended consequences." This study was part of Chen's doctoral dissertation, which was selected as the winner of the 2021 John A. Howard/AMA Doctoral Dissertation Award. Co-authors include Vikas Mittal from Rice University and Shrihari Sridhar from Texas A&M University. Extending this study, Chen is building a benchmark database of U.S. public schools' performance metrics, finance, school characteristics and neighborhood characteristics. He has also established a research collaboration between Notre Dame and GreatSchools, a K-12 nonprofit, to help public schools with strategic planning. ### Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close GRAND RAPIDS, MI - School superintendents from across West Michigan are calling on state and federal legislators to help them address the multiple issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. School leaders across Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties recently released their pandemic legislative priorities, which are designed to mitigate the academic, social, emotional and physical challenges they are grappling with to support their students. The superintendents say they need adequate funding and relief from burdensome state and federal laws, including pausing the federally mandated state standardized tests. The West Michigan Talent Triangle, which comprises school leaders serving over 180,000 students in West Michigan, released the priorities Feb. 10. We know the pandemic will require schools to provide additional services to meet the needs of students, staff and families, said Kyle Mayer, superintendent of Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, in a statement. We require continued financial support from our federal and state governments in the coming years. Gov. Gretchen Whitmers proposed 2020-21 budget, released on Feb. 11, includes a 2% funding increase for K-12 per-pupil funding, which would increase spending by $82 to $164 per pupil, for a total spending increase of $203 million. The governor also proposed an additional $250 million to help K-12 students recover from challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, $60 million for out-of-school learning opportunities like summer camps and an additional $127.5 million to both public and private schools for COVID relief efforts. RELATED: Whitmer budget to include K-12 increase of up to $164 per pupil, more funding for higher education West Michigan school leaders want state standardized tests like the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP waived, arguing this spring would be better spent focusing on teaching and learning rather than preparing for the tests. In January, State Superintendent Michael Rice requested that the federal government waive standardized testing in 2021 due to the pandemic, arguing the exams cannot be administered fairly and safely while thousands of students are still at home learning remotely. RELATED: Michigan asking feds to cancel standardized tests after year of inconsistent education School leaders across the state are split standardized testing this spring, with some of them advocating for the standardized tests to be conducted in order to collect data on how much learning loss students have suffered during the pandemic. But West Michigan superintendents argue the data collected in the spring would not be considered valid or reliable, according to the news release. Data from the M-STEP, which is conducted in April and May, is not shared with schools until the summer, after the school year has concluded. School districts are already assessing students on an ongoing basis, said Bob Szymoniak, superintendent of Fruitport Community Schools. We need to focus our energy on meeting childrens academic and social-emotional needs, not spending the better part of the spring on redundant standardized testing. School leaders also want to adjust how the state evaluates teachers amid the ongoing pandemic. Michigan teacher evaluation laws require 40% of evaluations to be based on standardized test scores, according to the release. West Michigan school leaders said that would send the wrong signal to educators after their around-the-clock work this year. The laws governing teacher evaluations were not passed with a pandemic in mind, said John Severson, superintendent of Muskegon Area Intermedia School District. Its unfair to our educators to have a significant portion of their evaluation be based on old standardized test scores that arent reflective of their current job performance. Another priority for school leaders this year is expediting COVID-19 vaccinations for educators and staff. We are beginning to make progress on the vaccination front, but there are far too many educators still waiting, said Andy Ingall, superintendent of Grand Haven Area Public Schools. Expanding vaccine access will ensure safe learning environments for our staff and students. More on MLive: Whitmer budget to include K-12 increase of up to $164 per pupil, more funding for higher education Michigan students, struggling with online classes, saw more Fs on their report cards this year 87 infected in new coronavirus outbreaks at 20 schools, says Michigans Feb. 15 school outbreak report Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Amazon has quietly purchased the Australian-based e-commerce platform Selz, which enables businesses to build their own online stores. The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, was made last month and confirmed by Selz in a blog post. US media reported the acquisition on Tuesday. Selz's operations could help Amazon to fend off challenges from the fast-growing Canadian-based firm Shopify, which offers a similar service to retailers. Martin Rushe, founder and chief executive of Selz, said in the blog that the company had "signed an agreement to be acquired by Amazon and are looking forward to working with them as we continue to build easy-to-use tools for entrepreneurs." Contacted by AFP, Amazon confirmed the acquisition but declined to comment on any future plans for the platform. The deal comes with Amazon under heightened scrutiny from antitrust enforcers around the world for its growing role in online shopping. The company has argued that it does not play a dominant role in overall retail sales despite its large share of online sales in the US and other markets. 2021 AFP Jo Whiley has spoken of her distress after being offered the coronavirus vaccine before her sister, who has learning difficulties and underlying health conditions, including diabetes. The presenter appeared on BBC Radio 4s Today programme to discuss her campaigning to prioritise her younger sister, Frances, for the jab. Frances, who has the rare Cri du Chat syndrome, lives in a care home that recently suffered an outbreak of Covid-19. Whiley said the effect of the pandemic on her sisters mental health had been extreme and she had, for the first time, refused to take calls from family members. Oh my God, I can't tell you how frustrating it is and how horrendous it is, she said. It is the stuff of nightmares at the moment. I feel like I am living through a nightmare. All weekend it has been awful really, really difficult. It has been hard for my parents, it has been hard for everyone in the care home, and it continues. Read more: Rapid Covid tests could be used to reopen theatres and nightclubs, Boris Johnson says Whiley, 55, said she failed to understand why she had being offered a vaccine spot before her sister. The Radio 2 DJ suggested it could be because she is classed as a carer for Frances. In two months more than 15 million in the UK have received their first dose of the Covid vaccine. Myself, my parents and the home have done everything we can to try and facilitate the vaccine coming in to the people who need it the most. She is in tier six but she also has quite bad diabetes, which in my understanding puts her in tier four because she has an underlying health condition, so I would have thought that she would have been vaccinated, but that hasn't happened. A woman receives the Oxford vaccine in Chester (AFP/Getty) The NHS initially targeted four priority groups including those over-70, plus health and care staff in its vaccination programme. Whiley said she wanted to speak up for the people she believed are being overlooked. People with learning difficulties are neglected, she said. They haven't got a voice, they haven't got anybody there. Just badgering everybody saying What about me? Help me out here. She said she would give up her vaccine for her sister in a heartbeat. Earlier this week health secretary Matt Hancock revealed that a third of social care staff have yet to be vaccinated. In England, the rollout has been expanded to the over-65s and clinically vulnerable. However, over the weekend a leading epidemiologist warned the UK was still at risk of another wave, despite the vaccination success so far. Additional reporting by Press Association Panaji, Feb 16 : Eager to carve out a semblance of significance in Goa's political area, especially with the chaos reigning in the main opposition party, the Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party appears content to play the waiting game ahead of the 2022 state assembly polls. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP currently has one legislator in the 40-member Goa legislative assembly, but the party has virtually little in the name of infrastructure and membership in the coastal state; a lacuna, which the party leadership plans to correct in the days leading up to elections. In order to beef up its line-up of assembly poll candidates, the NCP appears to be eyeing several Catholic MLAs in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, many of whom were elected on a Congress ticket in the 2017 polls and from seats where the Catholics vote has more often than not determined the winner. NCP's eyes appear to be set on the lot of 10 MLAs, who quit the Congress en-masse to join the Bharatiya Janata Party soon after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assumed charge after the death of former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar in 2019. Eight of the 10 MLAs who quit the Congress are Catholic in religious orientation. Some of them have been elected to the assembly from constituencies which are Catholic strongholds, where the BJP has never won an assembly election in the past. Last week, one of the 10 MLAs, Wilfred D'Sa, an MLA from Nuvem assembly constituency in South Goa, and now a BJP MLA, said that he would not be contesting the 2022 state assembly polls on a BJP ticket. "I will not contest on a BJP ticket again in the forthcoming assembly elections... I have already said that I will not contest on the BJP symbol. The party knows. I know. The people know. I have told the people," D'Sa told reporters on February 7. Nuvem is one of the seven rural constituencies in the Catholic bastion of Salcete, which has been a traditional Congress bastion, with the Nationalist Congress Party also managing to eke out a rare victory over the last decade and more. D'Sa is not the only sitting BJP from the Salcete region, who are insecure about going into the 2022 polls on a BJP ticket. "There is no question of winning on a BJP ticket, because of the history of my constituency, which has never elected a BJP candidate in the past. There is also a lot of pressure from the Catholic voters for my having joined the BJP in 2019," a sitting BJP MLA said. This anxiety according to a senior NCP leader augurs well for the Pawar-led party. "The minority voters are already upset that they joined the BJP and the Congress is reluctant to take them back. Realistically they may stand a chance with a new political party like the NCP backing them. And as far as our party is concerned, in these MLAs, we will be able to tap candidates who are election-ready," a senior Nationalist Congress Party official said. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar during a recent visit to Goa has already spelled out a need to cobble together a Congress-NCP alliance to take on the BJP in the upcoming polls. The strategy to prop-up a list of possible BJP rebels, may help the NCP to create the necessary pressure on the Congress to get a better deal when negotiations between the two parties eventually begin. Speaking to IANS general secretary of the Goa NCP Sanjay Barde said that the party high command would be taking a call on the possibility of taking in Congress rebels who joined the BJP in 2019 into the party. "That is up to the high command to decide," Barde said. New Delhi: The Competition Commission on Monday approved the merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, said lawyers who worked on the deal, which will create the countrys largest telecom operator. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co said the regulator has unconditionally approved merger of the telecommunications businesses of Vodafone India and its wholly-owned subsidiary Vodafone Mobile Services, with Idea Cellular. The USD 23 billion transaction is the largest transaction by value in the history of Indian M&A, it said in a statement. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co advised Vodafone India and Vodafone Mobile Services on the deal. According to the statement, the regulator carried out a comprehensive review of the transaction and concluded that there was no appreciable adverse effect on competition from the proposed merger. The CCI approval, within Phase 1, is a very welcome development for both the Indian M&A landscape and the telecom sector, and will serve to fuel more investment in capacity and coverage across a battling telecom sector in India, Shweta Shroff Chopra, Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, said. Phase 1 refers to the deal being approved within 30 working days as provided by the Competition Act. Law firm Trilegal, which advised Idea Cellular on the competition law aspects, said the deal with Vodafone India has received CCI approval. The proposed merger involved a merger of two of the biggest telecom companies in India and will create the largest telecom player in India, creating significant efficiencies and synergies, Trilegal said in a separate statement. Getting approval within Phase I implies that the deal would not be subject to detailed scrutiny. Transactions, where there are prima facie concerns that they would adversely impact competition, are taken into Phase II for an in-depth scrutiny. Mergers and acquisitions beyond a certain threshold require approval of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which keeps a tab on unfair business practices across sectors. The deal, announced in March this year, will create the countrys largest mobile phone operator worth more than USD 23 billion with a 35 per cent market share. Post the transaction, Vodafone will own 45.1 per cent stake in the merged entity while the Aditya Birla group, Ideas parent, will have 26 per cent shareholding after paying Rs 3,874 crore cash for a 4.9 per cent stake. The remaining 28.9 per cent will be held by other shareholders. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Illinois residents and businesses within Commonwealth Edisons service territory can now access affordable clean energy from four new community solar farms. Located in Whiteside County, these solar farms offer ComEd customers the opportunity to support clean energy and save substantially on their annual electricity costs. ComEd customers who enroll may save up to an estimated 20% on the supply portion of their monthly electric bill and receive a $100 enrollment bonus. The total capacity for these solar farms is 11.2 megawatts, enough electricity annually to power about 1,600 homes and small businesses. Residents who enroll in community solar are allocated a portion of a solar farm based on their annual electricity usage. They receive credits for the electricity their solar panels produce on their utility bills, potentially offering helpful financial relief. Through a subscription-based model, community solar makes clean energy accessible to renters, apartment-dwellers and those who are unable to put solar panels on their roofs. ENGIE North America, a global leader accelerating the transition toward a carbon neutral economy, is responsible for the development and construction of these solar farms. Solstice, a Boston-based community solar provider, supports ENGIE on these projects through customer acquisition, enrollment and management. We are pleased to develop community solar projects that empower Illinois residents to take part in the clean energy transition, says Luis Felipe Birolini, Head of Distributed Renewables for ENGIE North America. The projects demonstrate ENGIE North Americas belief that good business must also be good for the environment and communities. In conjunction with Solstice, our solar projects enable more Americans to save money while supporting the installation of clean, local energy produced right here in Northern Illinois. We are thrilled to be working with ENGIE North America to get Illinois residents access to affordable clean energy, says Solstice Co-Founder and CEO Steph Speirs. Most American households think of solar as outside their means, so our goal is to make solar so simple that anyone can do it. Many Americans could use financial relief right now, and we hope to help alleviate some of that economic burden by offering guaranteed energy savings for all ComEd customers. Located in Whiteside County, IL, these projects are built on land that has been supplemented with native prairie pollinator habitats. In addition to helping bees and local agriculture, these solar projects help create jobs with approximately 80 full-time workers involved in the development and construction of the solar farms. The projects also provide long-term economic support through operations and local taxes over their operating life. ENGIE is an Approved Vendor and Solstice is an Approved Designee of the Illinois Shines Program, also known as the Adjustable Block Program or ABP. Illinois Shines is a state-administered program implemented by the Illinois Power Agency to promote new solar development and solar PV systems. These community solar farms produce local solar power, and Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs, which are sold to the Illinois Shines program to help Illinois reach its renewable energy goals. About Solstice Solstice is a mission-driven organization dedicated to bringing affordable solar power to the 80% of Americans who cannot install a rooftop system. Solstice conducts comprehensive marketing campaigns to educate communities about community solar projects in their area, partnering with trusted local organizations to distribute community solar to their membership, conducting outreach efforts and managing the customer experience. For more information on Solstice, please visit http://www.solstice.us. About ENGIE North America ENGIE North America Inc. offers a range of capabilities in the United States and Canada to help customers decarbonize, decentralize and digitalize their operations. These include comprehensive services to help customers run their facilities more efficiently and optimize energy and other resource use and expense; clean power generation; energy storage; and retail energy supply that includes renewable, demand response, and on-bill financing options. Nearly 100% of the companys power generation portfolio is low carbon or renewable. Globally, ENGIE S.A. relies on their key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to customers. With 170,000 employees, customers, partners and stakeholders, we are a community of Imaginative Builders, committed every day to more harmonious progress. For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit http://www.engie-na.com and http://www.engie.com. Tiffany Studios, Group of lamps (birds-eye detail). Photograph by John Faier. 2013 The Richard H. Driehaus Museum. The Henry Ford is pleased to announce Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection, a lavish overview of Tiffanys mastery of color and form in a wide range of materials and decorative styles, on view inside the General Motors Gallery at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation from March 6, 2021 through April 25, 2021. As the home to a number of Tiffany works, The Henry Ford is pleased to host this magnificent exhibition of the world-renowned artist and innovator. Members receive a special preview on March 5. A celebration of beauty, Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection features more than 60 objects, spanning over 30 years of Tiffanys prolific career. One of Americas most renowned artists, Louis Comfort Tiffany worked in nearly all the media available to artists and designers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuriesglass, ceramic, metalwork, jewelry, and painting. Tiffanys technical brilliance in a wide variety of media enabled him to convey his awe of the natural world through a range of objects, from common household items to one-of-a-kind masterpieces. He earned international acclaim for his artistic output, receiving prestigious awards in exhibitions across Europe and the United States. His work was enthusiastically collected by art museums and private collectors throughout his lifetime and continues to be highly sought after today. This exhibition, focusing on Tiffanys magnificent stained-glass windows, floral vases, lamps, and accessories, revels in the artistry and craftsmanship of the Tiffany artworks from Chicagos distinguished Richard H. Driehaus Collection, highlighting masterworks never before presented in a comprehensive exhibition. Louis Comfort Tiffany was born in New York City on February 18, 1848, and began his career as a painter, studying at the National Academy of Design in New York City. He expanded his repertoire through his work as an interior designer, and began working at a glassworks in Brooklyn, where he developed some of his signature methods of making glass and experimented with new glass forms and techniques. In 1894, he patented the poetic term Favrile, from the Latin word fabrilis, meaning handmade, to describe the iridescent blown art glass he began producing. In late 1897, Tiffany built his own glass furnace in Corona, Queens, New York, which produced Favrile and other unique varieties of glass for use in ecclesiastical and secular stained glass windows, lamps, vases, mosaics, and accessories. While the magnificence and exceptional quality of Tiffany glass made this medium the most significant of his career, he continued to innovate, expanding his operations into enamels, pottery, and jewelry. Despite the enormous success he experienced in his many interrelated businesses over his long career, Tiffanys work went out of vogue with the advent of modernism. Tiffanys work received renewed appreciation in the mid-twentieth century, and continues to be associated with unparalleled quality and beauty to this day. When Tiffany died in 1933, the New York Times obituary counted him among the best known of American artists. Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection is free with membership or admission to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. For more information regarding the exhibit visit http://www.thehenryford.org or follow @thehenryford on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. About the Curator A native of St. Louis, Missouri, David A. Hanks served as Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Art Institute of Chicago (196974) and Curator, Department of American Arts, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (197477). Among the many exhibitions he organized during his museum tenure was The Decorative Arts of Frank Lloyd Wright (197779) for the Smithsonian Institution. The catalogue of this exhibition continues to serve as a basic text for the decorative arts field. Until 2000, he was director of Exhibitions International in New York, a non-profit exhibition service. Since 2000, he has been Curator of the Stewart Program for Modern Design, Montreal, and is the consulting curator for the George R. Kravis II Collection. He has served on curatorial teams for numerous exhibitions, including High Styles: Twentieth Century American Design for the Whitney Museum, 1986, and In Pursuit of Beauty: Americans and the Aesthetic Movement for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1987. His other books include Innovative Furniture in America, 1981; Donald Deskey: Decorative Designs and Interiors, 1987; and The Century of Modern Design, 2010, for the Stewart Program. A catalogue, Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection by David A. Hanks with essay by Richard H. Driehaus and photographs by John Faier, is available for purchase as a softcover or hardcover. Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection was organized by the Richard H. Driehaus Museum and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. About the Collection The Richard H. Driehaus Collection is one of the countrys most important private collections of works by American decorative designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Widely recognized as the gold standard for American decorative objects of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, works by Tiffany and his associated firms are a core collecting area for Richard H. Driehaus. Since acquiring his first Tiffany Studios stained glass window in 1978, the businessman and philanthropist has expanded his collection to over 1,500 Tiffany works, including ecclesiastical and secular windows, Favrile glass, vases, lamps, candlesticks, accessories, and furniture, to preserve for future generations as well as to enjoy personally. In 2003, The Richard H. Driehaus Museum was founded in Chicago to preserve and publicly exhibit American and European fine and decorative arts of the Gilded Age (18701900). Today, the Museum, which opened to the public in 2008 after an extensive five-year restoration, is a stunning showcase for late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century art and design, displayed against the magnificent interiors of the historic Samuel M. Nickerson Mansion (18791883). International Arts & Artists in Washington, DC, is a non-profit arts service organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural understanding and exposure to the arts internationally, through exhibitions, programs and services to artists, arts institutions and the public. Visit http://www.artsandartists.org About The Henry Ford Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford, a globally recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence at thf.org, its national television series The Henry Fords Innovation Nation and Invention Convention Worldwide, the growing affiliation of organizations fostering innovation, invention and entrepreneurship in K-12 students, The Henry Ford inspires individuals to unlock their potential and help shape a better future. Voddie Baucham asks for prayers as he battles 'full-blown' heart failure Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Christian author and preacher Voddie Baucham is soliciting prayers, sharing that his family is walking through the darkest valley we have ever faced as he battles a full-blown heart failure. Brethren, if you have ever considered supporting us in prayer, please do so now, the U.S.-based preacher who is the dean of theology at African Christian University in Zambia, wrote in a post on Facebook Friday. We are walking through the darkest valley we have ever faced. Not only have we experienced a great deal of loss in recent weeks, but we are also facing a family health crisis. Baucham, who serves as a board member of Founders Ministries and founding faculty member of the Institute of Public Theology, is on his way to the U.S. for tests and treatment. The founder of Voddie Baucham Ministries said he felt unwell at the end of a preaching tour this winter in Zambia. I thought I had just worked too hard (17 preaching dates in 18 days, 7 sessions the last 3 days, etc.). However, as it turns out, I was experiencing heart failure! he shared. I had first noticed the symptoms at the end of December when Bridget and I returned to Dallas to bury her mother. I experienced fatigue, and shortness of breath, among other things. However, I chalked it up to traveling with heavy bags and restrictive masks (not the trifecta of a hereditary heart defect, last Februarys mysterious pneumonia, and untreated sleep apnea). One day, Baucham said, he felt what I could only describe as being waterboarded every two or three minutes. The next morning I was at a medical center doing a series of labs and tests that revealed the worst, he shared. I was experiencing full-blown heart failure. Baucham shared seven points to pray for, one of which reads, in part: Please pray for our children. They are terrified. May the Lord use this to teach them to trust in the Father who never gets weak or sick. Another point reads, Please pray for our witness as we endure this trial. We often think our faith shines brightest when we are on mountain tops when in fact, it is the dark valley that offers the sharpest relief and clearest contours, Baucham explained. Tom Ascol, the senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida and the president of Founders Ministries, launched an online fundraiser for Baucham. Over $555,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe page to support the Baucham family in just over a day. Voddie Baucham is a faithful servant of Christ. He has been a dear friend for nearly twenty years he is facing a serious medical trial, Ascol stressed on the fundraising page. Christians around the world are praying for him and his family. Many would also like to help out financially, realizing that as he, Bridget, and their family walk this path, they will face significant expenses. Baucham responded to the fundraiser with gratitude. We have no idea how much all of this will cost and every bit helps, he wrote on Facebook Saturday. A renowned Holocaust scholar ordered by a Polish court to apologize for suggesting a man helped the Nazis kill Jews said on Tuesday the ruling was a direct blow to sensitive academic research. A renowned Holocaust scholar ordered by a Polish court to apologize for suggesting a man helped the Nazis kill Jews said on Tuesday the ruling was a direct blow to sensitive academic research. The ruling, said Prof. Jan Grabowski, with the University of Ottawa, had to be seen in the context of efforts by Poland's nationalist government to scrub Polish complicity in the murder of millions of Jews doing the Second World War. "This is a fairly unprecedented verdict which strikes at the heart of what I as a historian do," Grabowski said. "This verdict, if upheld on our appeal, which will follow, means an end to independent research of the history of the Holocaust and, I would argue, of many other parts of Polish history which run contrary to the official myths and legends espoused by the Polish state today." Nine researchers, including Grabowski, spent six years writing a 1,700-page book called "Night Without End: The Fate of Jews in Selected Counties of Occupied Poland,'' released in Polish in mid-2018. The tome contradicts the official line that Poles were exclusively victims of wartime atrocities. "The results of this research have been greeted warmly by academia, and they were greeted with absolute fury by the nationalists governing in Poland right now and of course their electorate," said Grabowski, who was born and raised in the East European country. The backlash prompted one nationalist group to back a lawsuit by a woman against the professor and his co-editor, Barbara Engelking. The woman claimed that the book had defamed her uncle by citing a Jewish survivor as saying the man had helped the Nazis find and kill 22 Jews in eastern Poland in 1943. "I became sort of a face to hate," Grabowski said. "There are bad people out there, with vast support from different states, who want to write themselves a new history." Last week, the judge ordered the editors to make a written apology for "providing inaccurate information'" and "violating his honour." The judge stopped short of ordering monetary compensation. Defence lawyers were awaiting the judge's written reasons before launching an appeal, a process Grabowski likened to diving into a swimming pool without knowing how much water was in it. At the same time, he suggested the deck was stacked, pointing to the avalanche of media criticism of his work, and the minister of justice's expression of joy at the verdict. "The damage probably has already been done," said Grabowski, whose father was a Holocaust survivor. "The authorities in Poland have already won. Their goal was not actually to talk about history, it was to frighten people." Given that Jews in occupied Poland had about a 1.5 per cent chance of survival, the scant witness testimony of those who did survive is crucial to Holocaust research. The court, the professor said, had now pronounced negatively on the validity of such testimony. An atmosphere of "freezing cold" now permeates through the entire Polish education and academic systems, he said. The only positive outcome, Grabowski said, has been the immense backing from researchers around the world. "I've never in my life seen such an incredible amount of solidarity and support," he said. Grabowski made his comments on a virtual forum co-organized by the New York-based YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. The National Centre for Arts and Culture together with the Department of Cultural Heritage of Senegal is currently training sixteen Gambians and five Senegalese on tour guiding for the Stone Circles of Senegambia UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The six-day training workshop on tour guiding for the Stone Circles of Senegambia UNESCO World Heritage Sites is funded by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, as part of a project dubbed: "The strengthening Devulcanization of Senegambia." The training ceremony will take place at the WASSU Stone Circle Site in Central River Region (CRR). The project is meant to support the conservation, interpretation of the Stone Circles as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and also to optimize the participation of communities around the stone circle sites in the management, development and conservation of the site. Hassoum Cessay, Director General of National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), said the trainees will go through several modules or courses such as the importance of the stone circles, dating, conservation, community participation, basic tour guiding to enable trainees to become future tour guides of the stone circles as well as give comprehensive and reliable interpretation of the site to researchers, school children, and tourists. According to the renowned historian, the Stone Circles of Senegambia were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2006, adding that it is a trans-boundary inscription by the Gambia and Senegal respectively. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Travel By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He remarked: "Since that time, the two countries have worked together with the support of UNESCO to strengthen the conservation, preservation and the interpretation of the Stone Circles of Senegambia. There are over one thousand stone circles sites in The Gambia and Senegal." Ceesay said in The Gambia, WASSU and Kerr Batch have been selected as the major sites. He said this has been developed with site museums, saying currently, a new site museum is completed at Kerr Batch; to add value to the stone circles. "In Senegal, you have two sites identified by UNESCO, the Wanarr and Sine Ngayene," he said. Seydou Kane, Head of Senegalese Delegation, expressed satisfaction that the Gambia is hosting the training. He hoped that participants from both The Gambia and Senegal would benefit a lot from the training, so that when they go back to their respective communities, they will be able to add value to the stone circles. Lucknow, Feb 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of a statue of warrior king, Suheldev, in Bahraich on Tuesday to commemorate his birth anniversary. Suheldev is an icon of the Rajbhar community. The Prime Minister, who will be addressing the people virtually, will also unveil programmes for the beautification of Shravasti, Chittora Lake and Bahraich on the occasion. According to a government spokesman, the Prime Minister will also announce the development of various tourist amenities like a cafeteria, guest house, and a children's park. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel will be attending the event in Bahraich. The programmes will also include poetry recitation by renowned poets followed by lighting of 1.25 lakh 'diyas' and other cultural events. The Modi government has taken a number of steps to honour Suheldev in order to consolidate its position in the Rajbhar community. In February 2016, BJP leader Amit Shah had unveiled a statue of Suheldev and also launched a book on him in Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border, where the medieval king enjoys a legendary status, the spokesman said. The central government had also released a postal stamp, and run a superfast train -- 'The Suheldev Express'. The tri-weekly train covers the breadth of India's most populous state and runs from Ghazipur in Purvanchal to Anand Vihar in Delhi. With the exit of Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) from the alliance with the BJP last year, the Yogi Adityanath government has now chalked out an elaborate plan to commemorate the contribution of Maharaja Suheldev in national integration and reach out to the Rajbhar community. This is the first time that the government is celebrating Suheldev's anniversary. The chief minister has issued directives to hold events to mark Suheldev's birth anniversary at the memorials of martyrs in all districts. The move is apparently designed to appease the Rajbhar community, which constitutes around 17-18 per cent of the population in the Purvanchal region. Suheldev was a legendary king of Shravasti (in present day north-eastern Uttar Pradesh) who is known to have defeated and killed the Ghaznavi general, Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud, in Bahraich in the early 11th century. Raja Suheldev finds mention in 'Mirat-i-Masudi', a 17th century Persian-language historical account. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Communist China is now the worst threat, and the CCP is throwing its weight around to gets its way. A former adviser to Mike Pompeo stressed the CCP must be deterred. The CCP is now one of the top countries that is the West's concern, especially its activities. It has been the policy of the recent U.S. administration to oppose it, unlike past administration. The Biden administration is accused of lessening pressure on Beijing. China is a big bully According to Miles Yu, one of the Chinese advisers helped determine how the Trump administration deals with China. He said the Chinese red line is the moves that show China will never work with the West, but against it, reported the Epoch Times. He said that Beijing's bold statement to the United States to say out of Hong Kong's Affairs, even Xinjiang and Tibet, threatened repercussions. Yu called this the communist's red lines that concern personal freedoms and democracy, no regard for international law. He is connected to the American Thought Leaders" program. One of China's top diplomats told Biden not to even think of crossing the CCP because they can harm U.S. interests. This means China is discounting the U.S. after Trump was not re-elected. Yu stressed that Xinjiang is a red line, which is translated as Beijing will violate the rights of Uyghurs placing them in concentration camps while performing inhuman torture and also violating their freedom too. Communist China wants the right to abuse freedom, and the international community cannot say anything against it. Even if the rights of people are violated, and the communists should be respected. Also read: Former Trump Adviser Says Don't Be Fooled by Chinese Misleading Negotiation Traps He said that the CCP is using coercion and force to get its way. Such things should be rejected by people as well. China openly violates human rights and should pay for these abuses, and calls the freedom to do it as domestic sovereignty. There is no excuse that allows genocide, killing, and suspending human liberties because no one can dictate what can be done. Trump administration made it hard for the CCP Before the Trump administration rolled out its policy that made the communists balk, realizing the U.S. will not be easily fooled again. The last administration reckoned that the Chinese communist had misled the United States and the world. One of the most malign countries that cannot be trusted will be shared by many countries later. Big Break from Beijing Before Trump, Yu said that everyone, including Obama, wanted to be friendly with China. But that did not work, and the Communists used that relationship to get ahead. The CCP wanted to make America think it can change and be democratic, but it failed. According to the former adviser, everything was overhauled, and China is not regarded as a friendly nation. China was unmasked by the Trump administration and exposed for what it is. He added that China was severely underestimated and communism is in their blood. Everything they do is there and how they've connected everything to achieve their goals. Many significant changes in dealing with Communist China were enacted during Trump's presidency, but will it change. Related article: Chinese Communist Party to be Held Accountable for Activities to Knee Cap the West @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Minister Kanwar Pal on Tuesday said that special schools will be opened for physically challenged children in the state. "Separate special schools will be opened for specially-abled children in Besides, studies in these schools will also provide suitable employment opportunities to these children," he was quoted as saying in an official statement here. The statement said that Pal is currently on a visit to Kerala. "During his visit to Kerala, the minister came to know about the efforts being made for the specially-abled children in special schools being run for these children there," the government statement said. Pal said that the Haryana government is considering opening special schools for these children in the state now. For this, help of NGOs will also be taken by the state government, he said. He said that efforts will also be made to make them efficient in various tasks, along with studies, which will also provide employment opportunities to them. (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.) (@ChaudhryMAli88) European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic said Tuesday that "mistakes were made" by the EU during a recent COVID-19 vaccine supply row with the United Kingdom that saw the bloc temporarily trigger an article of the Northern Ireland Protocol that, in effect, established a hard border on the island of Ireland MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th February, 2021) European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic said Tuesday that "mistakes were made" by the EU during a recent COVID-19 vaccine supply row with the United Kingdom that saw the bloc temporarily trigger an article of the Northern Ireland Protocol that, in effect, established a hard border on the island of Ireland. The European Union has been fiercely critical of EU-based COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers who have exported doses to the United Kingdom. On January 29, the bloc triggered Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which allows one party to unilaterally suspend certain provisions of the protocol that was established to govern the border between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, to prevent supplies reaching Northern Ireland. The bloc's decision was slammed in both Dublin and London, and Sefcovic admitted to the Irish parliament that Brussels had made a mistake in triggering Article 16. "When we speak about Article 16 and especially as regards January 29, I really would like to be very clear. The bottom line is that the mistakes were made in the process leading up to the decision and we deeply regret that, but in the end, in a matter of three hours, we got it right," Sefcovic said. The European Commission vice-president said that Article 16 was not implemented, as the bloc acted quickly enough to reverse the decision to trigger the clause. "Article 16 was never activated, and I can reassure you that the [European] Commission has learned the lessons and the Commission will do its utmost to protect the peace in Northern Ireland as it has done throughout the entire Brexit process," Sefcovic said. Despite admitting to triggering Article 16 erroneously, Sefcovic accused UK officials of not giving their EU counterparts the required access to the IT systems of the newly-created trusted trader scheme on the border of Northern Ireland. The European Commission vice-president also said that the situation on the island of Ireland requires "day-to-day care," and said that he would hold further talks with UK Cabinet Office Michael Gove in the near future. The Northern Ireland Protocol forms part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, which permitted the UK to leave the European Union on January 31, 2020. After 11 months of negotiations, London and Brussels agreed on a future partnership deal on December 24, which came into effect one week later. TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This morning, Doug Fords Conservative Government refused to support the NDPs call for all-party consent to pass Bill 239, Peggy Sattlers Stay Home If You Are Sick Act. Bill 239 would provide 7 permanent paid sick days, plus 14 additional days during a pandemic like the COVID-19 crisis. The Ontario Federation of Labour is outraged by the Ford Governments refusal to immediately pass this critical legislation. Legislating paid sick days is a common sense action that public health officials, mayors, and workers advocates all agree is essential to curbing the spread of COVID-19, said Patty Coates, Ontario Federation of Labour President, PC MPPs decision to continue to ignore expert advice will result in preventable illnesses and deaths. This governments refusal to protect Ontarians is infuriating and heartbreaking. Workplace outbreaks continue to be a preventable hazard contributing to the spread of COVID-19. Guaranteed employer-provided paid sick days would guarantee critical protections for workers, ensuring they do not have to choose between putting food on the table and going to work sick. Despite claims by Premier Ford and Minister McNaughton that they do not want to duplicate the Federal sickness benefit, the fact is that the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit is simply not a replacement for paid sick days. Paid sick days ensure no income disruption and are available to every worker who needs them, said Coates, the Federal sickness benefit is temporary, restricted, and requires an application. Guaranteed paid sick days are the only way to ensure that workers can stay home to keep their communities safe. Workers in Ontario are disappointed in the Ford Governments refusal to pass Bill 239 today. However, there is still time to legislate the Stay Home If You Are Sick Act. The Ontario Federation of Labour will continue to call on the Ontario legislature to pass this critical measure to keep Ontarians healthy and safe. The Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information, visit www.OFL.ca and follow @OFLabour on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please contact: Melissa Palermo Director of Communications Ontario Federation of Labour mpalermo@ofl.ca l 416-894-3456 COPE343 Gurugram, Feb 16 : A more than two kilometre long traffic jam was witnessed at the Kherki Daula toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH-48) during peak hours on the first day on Tuesday after the dedicated FASTag lanes order was rolled out. The FASTag lanes order came into effect from Monday midnight. The toll management authority had deployed a number of Traffic Marshals to clear the traffic snarls. As expected, long traffic jams were witnessed at the toll plaza with all 25 lanes reserved for vehicles fitted with FASTags. The situation worsened during the rush hours with vehicles queued up for more than two kilometres, specially from Jaipur towards Delhi. However, a traffic police personnel said the movement of traffic was slow due to a tractor-trolley overturning just ahead of the toll plaza. Officials of the Millennium City Expressway Private Limited (MCEPL), the concessionaire, said traffic jams were caused as 20 per cent of the vehicles do not have FASTags. It is causing a lot of harassment to the commuters. "We have installed a New Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag readers to read FASTags quickly and multiple stalls for the sale of FASTags have been set up at the toll plaza to ensure vehicle owners can buy these," an official said. To avoid inconvenience to motorists, we have stated scanning FASTags manually so that the traffic snarls can be avoided, the official added. "Cash users entering the dedicated lanes and the FASTag users not having sufficient balance are the primary reasons for the long waiting time in dedicated FASTag lanes. Due to poor quality tags, handheld machines are used to read them which consumed time," he said. A Traffic Marshal, in-charge of three lanes, said he used the machine to read the tags of several vehicles on Tuesday. "Nearly 80,000 vehicles passed through the toll plaza in a day, in which nearly 20 per cent motorists do not have FASTags on their vehicles," the officials claimed. "More than 50 Marshals each were deployed in the two shifts during the day to guide the vehicles to the lanes as per their mode of payment. Also, the number of marshals with handheld machines have also been increased." Traffic Inspector Anil said 50 police personnel each were deployed during the three shifts against the 20 earlier to handle the traffic situation. He described the situation as "not so bad as expected" and hoped that it would normalise soon. Aman Tuteja, a commuter with FASTag, said,"It took me 40 minutes in the morning to cross over to Gurugram on the way to Delhi." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Gardai are hoping the public might be able to help them find a teenage girl who is missing from Blackrock in Cork. Maggie Reilly (15) has been missing since last Saturday, February 13. She is described as approximately 5 foot in height, with brown hair and blonde highlights, of slim build with blue eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts are asked to contact gardai in Anglesea Street on 021 452 2000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Children wait in a physical distancing circle at Portage Trail Community School, which is part of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. In-person classes will resume today at schools in three Ontario COVID-19 hotspots. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 When it comes to Kangana Ranaut, people now have a fair idea that the Manikarnika actor has no calm and can be nosy in matters that might not even require her attention. In her recent tweet, Kangana Ranaut took a dig at the American president Joe Biden by addressing him as, 'Communists puppy Gajni'. Her tweet came after the Biden administration withdrew from Trump's policy on tracking Chinese influence in US schools and universities. Communists puppy Gajni ... https://t.co/hwElS5eroe Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 16, 2021 After the tweet started to get traction, people started bashing Kangana for poking into the matters of American politics and asked her to focus on what's happening in our country. People are angry with her as they are not okay with her spoiling the country's image. Stay out of US affairs and focus on your circus land Pam S (@pam210au) February 16, 2021 R.K. MEENA (@RKMEENA29477002) February 16, 2021 It's their internal matter. Let's focus on India's matters. Brownie (@browniesks) February 16, 2021 Kangana ji, why did you jump in the foreign affairs in the morning. You are an Indian. What is there in your mind? Why the devotee was standing in the middle of the blind. Spoiling the name of the country. Syed Zaim Haider (@zaimhaider24) February 16, 2021 If it concerns u that big then pls know it led to alot of racism there too, and secondly after advising Rihanna to stay off of our matters it's really astonishing that you'd do the same Ananaya Kumar (@ananaya_kumar) February 16, 2021 Log Has Rahe hai ap ab bhi Twitter par ho pls leave it didi... JHON DO (@JHONDO88118179) February 16, 2021 Kangana is also in the news after she joined Koo, the Indian micro-blogging platform that is being touted as an alternative to Twitter. Kangana wrote in her profile description that she is a 'desh bhakt (nationalist)' and a 'hot-blooded Kshatriya (warrior) woman'. Sharing the information on Twitter, she wrote: "This is my Koo account follow me here...I want to find all my friends here DM me as and when you join. Listen to interesting thoughts by kanganarofficial on Koo App." This is my Koo account follow me here ....I want to find all my friends here DM me as and when you join Listen to interesting thoughts by kanganarofficial on Koo App - https://t.co/ioJ4gaSOP6 Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 15, 2021 Kangana has also been in the headlines after Twitter had deleted two of her tweets over violation of the platform's guidelines. Kangana's relationship with Twitter is known to all and her tweets never fail to create a stir. In October last year, Ranaut and her sister were booked for allegedly promoting enmity between communities through their remarks. The Bandra Police had booked them under Indian Penal Code's (IPC's) sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race), 295-A (deliberate acts hurting religious sentiments) and 124-A (sedition), and 34 (common intention). Ranaut's counsel Rizwan Siddique told a bench of Justices SS Shinde and Manish Pitale that the actor had not crossed her limits or committed any wrong through her tweets. "None of my tweets have invoked any reactions from the public. They will not attract punishment as they were not followed by violence. What happened after the tweet? Was there any criminal act after my tweets?" Siddique said on behalf of Ranaut. Los Angeles, USA, Feb. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acute Myeloid Leukemia Pipeline Assessment 2021 report covers Unmet Needs, Key Opportunities, and Major Players DelveInsight highlights recent progress and expected entry of Acute Myeloid Leukemia emerging therapies, including all phases of drug developments DelveInsights Acute Myeloid Leukemia Pipeline Insight'' report provides comprehensive insights about 100+ companies and 100+ pipeline drugs in the Acute Myeloid Leukemia pipeline landscape. It comprises Acute Myeloid Leukemia pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products. It also includes the Acute Myeloid Leukemia therapeutics assessment by product type, stage, route of administration, and molecule type and further highlights the inactive Acute Myeloid Leukemia pipeline products. Some of the significant Acute Myeloid Leukemia Pipeline Report Highlights Key players that are developing the drugs for the treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma include- Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Moleculin Biotech, BioSight, Abbvie, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Menarini Group, Polaris Group, Innovent Biologics, Helsinn Healthcare, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Arog Pharmaceuticals, BerGenBio, and many others. many others. In December 2020, Rafael Pharmaceuticals announced that the USFDA has granted Fast Track designation for the Companys lead compound, CPI-613 (devimistat), for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given Rafael approval to initiate pivotal clinical trials in pancreatic cancer and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and has designated CPI-613 as an orphan drug for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, AML, Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), peripheral T-cell lymphoma and Burkitts lymphoma. The EMA has granted orphan drug designation to CPI-613 for pancreatic cancer and AML. approval to initiate pivotal clinical trials in pancreatic cancer and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and has designated as an orphan drug for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, AML, Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), peripheral T-cell lymphoma and Burkitts lymphoma. The EMA has granted orphan drug designation to CPI-613 for pancreatic cancer and AML. Results from an ongoing Phase 2b study, demonstrate that aspacytarabine treatment of AML patients is safe and well-tolerated, enabling delivery of high doses of cytarabine to older and unfit patients, leading to durable responses and prolonged survival. In December 2020, Biosight announced the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Medicinal Product Designation to aspacytarabine (BST-236) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Aspacytarabine was granted FDA Fast Track Designation for first-line treatment of AML patients unfit for standard chemotherapy, and Orphan Drug Designation. treatment of AML patients is safe and well-tolerated, enabling delivery of high doses of cytarabine to older and unfit patients, leading to durable responses and prolonged survival. In December 2020, Biosight announced the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Medicinal Product Designation to aspacytarabine (BST-236) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Aspacytarabine was granted FDA Fast Track Designation for first-line treatment of AML patients unfit for standard chemotherapy, and Orphan Drug Designation. In July 2020, Amgen initiated Phase-I clinical trials of AMG 330 in Acute myeloid leukemia (Combination therapy, Second-line therapy, or greater) in the USA (IV) (NCT04478695) Request for sample pages @ Acute Myeloid Leukemia Pipeline Overview Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer. Acute Myeloid Leukemia causes include a DNA mutation in the stem cells in the bone marrow. The mutation causes the stem cells to produce many more white blood cells than needed. It is the most common in older people. Acute Myeloid Leukemia treatment comprises chemotherapy, sometimes along with a targeted therapy drug. A stem cell transplant might follow this. Other drugs (besides standard chemotherapy drugs) may treat people with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The most common remission induction regimens for AML include a drug called cytarabine, most often given continuously for seven days through an intravenous (IV) line. Acute Myeloid Leukemia Pipeline Therapeutics CPI-613 (Devimistat) : Rafael Pharmaceuticals Rafaels first-in-class clinical lead compound, CPI-613 (devimistat), targets enzymes that are involved in cancer cell energy metabolism and are located in the mitochondria of cancer cells. CPI-613 is being evaluated in multiple Phase I, I/II, II, and III clinical studies as a single agent, as well as in combination with standard drug therapies, in patients diagnosed with advanced solid tumors or blood cancers. The drug is in phase 3 of clinical trials for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and has received Fast Track designation for Acute myeloid leukemia [IV, Infusion] (Combination therapy, Recurrent, Refractory metastatic disease, Second-line therapy or greater) in the USA. Bemcentinib: BerGenBio Bemcentinib (BGB324) is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable AXL inhibitor and the most-advanced selective AXL inhibitor in clinical trials. The BGBC003 trial is a Phase Ib/II multi-center open-label study of bemcentinib in combination with cytarabine (part B2) and decitabine (part B3) in patients with AML who are unsuitable for intensive chemotherapy as a result of advanced age or existing-comorbidities. Aspacytarabine : BioSight Aspacytarabine (BST-236 ) is a novel proprietary anti-metabolite. It is composed of cytarabine covalently bound to asparagine, acting as a pro-drug of cytarabine, enabling delivery of high cytarabine doses to leukemia patients with lower systemic exposure to the free drug. Results from an ongoing Phase 2b study, demonstrate that aspacytarabine treatment of AML patients is safe and well-tolerated, enabling delivery of high doses of cytarabine to older and unfit patients, leading to durable responses and prolonged survival. Annamycin liposomal : Moleculin Biotech Annamycin is an anthracycline being developed for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia or AML. Annamycin is a unique next-generation liposome formulated anthracycline (also referred to in the literature as L-Annamycin) that has been designed to eliminate cardiotoxicity and avoid the multidrug resistance mechanisms that often defeat currently approved anthracyclines. The drug is currently in phase I/II of clinical trials for the treatment of relapsed or refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia. For further product profiles, request @ Acute Myeloid Leukemia Pipeline Landscape Scope of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Pipeline Drug Insight Coverage: Global Global Major Players : 100+ Key Players Prominent Players: Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Moleculin Biotech, BioSight, Abbvie, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Astex Pharmaceuticals, Menarini Group, Polaris Group, Innovent Biologics, Helsinn Healthcare, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Arog Pharmaceuticals, BerGenBio, and many others. Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Moleculin Biotech, BioSight, Abbvie, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Astex Pharmaceuticals, Menarini Group, Polaris Group, Innovent Biologics, Helsinn Healthcare, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Arog Pharmaceuticals, BerGenBio, and many others. Key Drugs Profiles: 100+ Pro ducts Phases: Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapies Late-stage (Phase III) Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapies (Phase II) Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapies (Phase I) Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapies Pre-clinical stage and Discovery candidates Discontinued and Inactive candidates Molecule Types: Small molecule Gene therapy Stem cell therapy Mechanism of Action: Protease inhibitors Immunomodulatory Multiple kinase inhibitor Route of Administration: Oral Inhalation Subcutaneous Intravenous Product Types: Monotherapy Combination Key Questions regarding Current Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Landscape and Emerging Therapies Answered in the Pipeline Report What are the current options for Acute Myeloid Leukemia treatment? How many companies are developing therapies for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia? How many Acute Myeloid Leukemia emerging therapies are in the early-stage, mid-stage, and late stages of development for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia? What are the key collaborations (Industry-Industry, Industry-Academia), Mergers and acquisitions, and major licensing activities that will impact the Acute Myeloid Leukemia market? Which are the dormant and discontinued products and the reasons for the same? What is the unmet need for current therapies for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia? What are the recent novel therapies, targets, mechanisms of action, and technologies developed to overcome the limitation of existing Acute Myeloid Leukemia therapies? What are the key designations that have been granted for the emerging therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia? How many patents are granted and pending for the emerging therapies for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia? Table of Contents 1 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Introduction 2 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Executive Summary 3 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Overview 4 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Analytical Perspective In-depth Commercial Assessment 5 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Pipeline Therapeutics 5.1 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Late Stage Products (Phase III) 5.1.1 CPI-613: Rafael Pharmaceuticals 5.1.2 Uproleselan: GlycoMimetics Incorporated 5.2 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Mid Stage Products (Phase II) 5.2.1 BST 236: BioSight Ltd. 5.3 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Early Stage Products (Phase I/II) 5.3.1 Annamycin liposomal: Moleculin Biotech 5.4 Early Stage Products (Phase I) 5.4.1 ABBV-744: Abbvie 6 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapeutic Assessment 7 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Inactive Products 8 Company-University Collaborations (Licensing/Partnering) Acute Myeloid Leukemia Analysis 9 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Key Companies 10 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Key Products 11 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Unmet Needs 12 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Market Drivers and Barriers 13 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Future Perspectives and Conclusion 14 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Analyst Views 15 Appendix 16 About DelveInsight Get customized pipeline report @ Acute Myeloid Leukemia Drug Treatment Related Reports DelveInsight's Acute Myeloid Leukemia Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast 2030 report provides a detailed overview of the disease and a depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology. DelveInsight's Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) - Epidemiology Forecast 2030 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical, and forecasted epidemiology of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in the United States, EU5 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), and Japan. DelveInsight's Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides a detailed overview of the disease and an in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology. DelveInsight's ATCL Market report 2030 delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market trends in 7MM. DelveInsight's Indolent Lymphoma - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides a detailed overview of the disease and an in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology. DelveInsight's Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides a detailed understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology. DelveInsight's Basal Cell Carcinoma (Basal Cell Epithelioma) - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides a detailed overview of the disease and an in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology. DelveInsight's Kaposi's Sarcoma Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast 2030 report provides an overview of the disease & an understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology. DelveInsight's Oligodendroglioma - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides a detailed overview of the disease and an in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology. DelveInsight's Chronic Inducible Urticaria Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides an in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology. DelveInsight's Corneal Ulcer - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2030 report provides an in-depth understanding of historical and forecasted epidemiology. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports Pharma companies by providing end to end comprehensive solutions to improve their performance. Bioethics panel: Why ignoring ethics yields horrors, abuses; media deceives about human costs Christian Post Reporter | 17 October, 2019 by Brandon Showalter A group of prominent bioethicists are warning about the grave human harms that result when sound ethics in the practice of science are either ignored or manipulated in pursuit of innovation. In a panel discussion last week at the Heritage Foundation about why bioethics matters, particularly as it relates to what it means to be human, speakers Tara Sander Lee, Jennifer Lahl and Melissa Moschella opined on the dangers of an ends justifying the means approach to science. The women all professionals with backgrounds in bioethics, medical science and philosophy spoke of the harms inherent in such things as three-parent embryos, surrogacy, reproductive technology, gene editing, and embryonic stem cell research, and highlighted the deception that routinely frames these issues in major news outlets. Lee, senior fellow and director of Life Sciences at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, said during Q&A in response to a question from The Christian Post about why the harms are not more visible to the average American that a significant issue is transparency within the scientific community. "A lot of times people see how cool the science is but they're failing to educate the public and explain to them what was actually done in the process to get to that [scientific discovery], what materials were used in that process. That's a key part of information that's missing, not only to the public but to the scientists themselves." During her presentation Lee highlighted the world's first ever human-monkey hybrid that was grown in a laboratory in China, CRISPR gene editing technology, and the research done on "humanized mice," which utilizes tissue obtained from aborted human fetuses. "There are a lot of scientists, especially in training that are often pressured to use materials or because there is a lack of transparency, they don't even really know what they're using," Lee said. Media coverage of new-fangled reproductive technologies often hides the harmful impact on actual people, noted Lahl, a documentary filmmaker and founder of the Center for Bioethics and Culture Network. To counter their celebratory narrative, Lahl makes films to tell the stories of women who have been damaged by the fertility industry. "We can't get the media, overwhelmingly, especially the mainstream media, to present the negative, the downsides," she said. "You see Kim Kardashian on the cover of People magazine because they just had their next baby through commercial surrogacy. You don't ever see a picture of the surrogate mother and hear how she was treated. Most of these surrogates who serve for these very high-profile, wealthy couples don't even know who they're carrying a baby for. They're bound to anonymity, they're carrying a baby for someone who doesn't want you to know who they are." Read more from, "Bioethics panel: Why ignoring ethics yields horrors, abuses; media deceives about human costs," on The Christian Post. South Africa: 80 000 healthcare workers to be vaccinated in next two weeks Health Minister, Dr Zwelini Mkhize, says 20 vaccination centres have been identified across nine provinces where 80 000 health care workers will be vaccinated over the next two weeks. He said this when he participated in a debate on the State of the Nation Address on Tuesday. Mkhize said on 3 February 2021, government launched the registration portal for the vaccinations campaign. I am pleased to inform you that as we speak nearly 380 000 healthcare workers have registered in just under 2 weeks. We salute the health care workers who have chosen vaccination for their own protection and the protection of their colleagues, families and community members. We continue to call on all frontline health workers to register on the EVDS portal. We are ready to implement an efficient service for the rollout of the first batch. We have identified 20 vaccination centres in all nine provinces to inoculate 80 000 health care workers over the next two weeks, he said. The debate comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address during a hybrid joint-sitting of Parliament last Thursday. Mkhize said 164 vaccinators will vaccinate approximately 48 clients a day- that is about six to seven clients an hour. He said as more doses arrive in the country, the service will be ramped up accordingly to ensure that we maintain a good rate of daily vaccines. To help us overcome the vaccine hesitancy and increase confidence, we are calling on all leaders in all sectors of our society - government, business, labour, political, traditional, faith-based, civil society, arts, sports, music, transport, traditional healers, and all sectors in our society - to stand ready to lead from the front by availing themselves to be vaccinated early as and when they are requested. Government engaging vaccine manufacturers through different channels Mkhize said, meanwhile, that government is actively engaging manufacturers and suppliers of the COVID-19 vaccines through different but interrelated channels. He said this includes the COVAX facility, bilateral arrangements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and other mechanisms such as the African Unions Vaccines Financing Strategy and the Vaccine Acquisition Task Team. These initiatives have, to-date allowed us to engage with the manufacturers of multiple vaccines, namely AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac, and the Sputnik V. SA in talks with Cuba on development of vaccine Mkhize said, meanwhile, that government was in talks with Cuba to engage them on the development of their candidate vaccine. We have heard the clarion call made by the people of South Africa to accelerate our capacity to develop and manufacture our own COVID-19 tools, including vaccines. It is for this reason that we have been engaging our BRICS partners and the government of Cuba to collaborate in a technology sharing exercise that will see us advancing towards independence and self-reliance in a future where there will be more public health threats. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-02-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Bob Daemmrich As millions of Texans remained without power Tuesday morning, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan called on two key committees to meet next week to review the factors that led to the situation. Im asking these two vital committees to convene a joint hearing on February 25th for the express purpose of helping Texans understand what went wrong and how we can prevent these conditions from happening again, Phelan said. We must cut through the finger-pointing and hear directly from stakeholders about the factors that contributed to generation staying down at a time when families needed it most, what our state can do to correct these issues, and what steps regulators and grid operators are taking to safeguard our electric grid. Boyd Sentenced to 12 Years for Drug, Other Charges By West Kentucky Star Staff Detectives pulled into the Boaz area off of Highway 849 after reportedly noticing Boyd driving a vehicle. Deputies say Boyd immediately attempted to get away from them by speeding through a yard, which resulted in Boyd hitting a mobile home. A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a handgun, cash, marijuana, scales, baggies, and other items. Twenty-two-year-old Keon Boyd pleaded guilty to fleeing and evading police, unlawful imprisonment, wanton endangerment and two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance. He was sentenced to 12 years behind bars.Boyd was wanted on five outstanding warrants when he was arrested in July of last year after crashing a vehicle into a mobile home. Deputies were conducting a surveillance operation while attempting to locate Boyd. The year 2020 witnessed a meteoric rise in special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) activity in the US, with $83 billion being raised from 247 SPACs, representing almost 50% of the 494 initial public offerings (IPOs) that raised capital worth about $174 billion. While SPACs, commonly referred to as blank cheque entities, have been in global capital markets for some time, they have recently exhibited explosive growth on Wall Street, thanks to technology, headless commerce and similar next-gen companies. The resurgence of SPAC activity is also attributable to the pandemic-induced slowdown. SPACs are popular because they cut through the rigours of the traditional IPO process, thus offering quick access to capital. In a way, the process flips, as investors invest money first without having any idea about the operating company it would go to, although they do know the target sector. The SPAC then goes public, enlists itself on a bourse as a shell company, and eventually acquires an operating company through a reverse merger or otherwise (commonly referred to as de-SPACing) in 1224 months. The operating company acquired by a listed SPAC gets indirectly listed (and valued). The promoters of the operating entity may plan a partial or total exit. From the perspective of investors, SPACs are listed entities with no operating history. Their sole purpose is to raise money for acquiring another company (in an identified industry or segment). Therefore, a SPACs reliability is dependent on the credibility of its sponsors. Both risk and uncertainty arise, and if an acquisition is not consummated within a desired time frame, the SPAC must return the funds with interest. India has the worlds third largest startup ecosystem, being home to over 40,000 startups, with 38 unicorns. These businesses are expected to grow significantly as they widen their avenues of entrepreneurship by accessing the three Gs of global capital, global listing and global recognition. Indian laws permit cross-border mergers. However, there are complexities in terms of tax and regulatory implications for the parties involved. If the operating company were an Indian company, there could be broadly two feasible options for de-SPACing: One, a merger of an Indian operating company with the SPAC, resulting in existing shareholders of that company receiving shares of the SPAC; and two, a swap of shares between the domestic operating company and the SPAC, so that existing shareholders of the operating company are issued shares of the SPAC. Under both the options, the Indian operating company becomes a subsidiary of the overseas SPAC. Any such merger or swap of shares must comply with Indian corporate law, foreign direct investment regulations and overseas direct investment regulations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, including the Liberalised Remittance Scheme Regulations applicable to individual resident shareholders. Broadly, such restructuring would require the prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India and the relevant ministry. The grant of an approval depends on the specific sector in which the Indian company is operating, and a sanction by the National Company Law Tribunal in case of an overseas merger is a plausible method. From the perspective of direct taxation, one may need to consider that an outbound merger and/or swap of shares of an Indian operating company is a taxable transaction under Indian income tax laws, with no specific relief or exemption available. This means that tax incidence and liability arises immediately before the actual liquidity event, i.e. before shareholders of the operating company cash in. The absence of any interim tax relief or a regime designed for SPACs could be a deterrent in propelling the growth of next-generation businesses in India. According to Indias taxation framework for real estate investment trusts and infrastructure investment trusts (or REITs and InvITs), a tax is levied on unitholders upon their exit at the time they sell listed REIT or InvIT units, while tax is deferred on the earlier transaction involving a swap of operating entitys shares with that of REIT or InvIT units. With this as a model, India could consider a tax-deferral regime to facilitate SPAC transactions. We observed significant growth in capital-raising activity after a relaxation of the tax regime for REITs and InvITs, with more than 70,000 crore raised in the past four years. A similar tax regime with single-window regulatory tax framework would be a welcome move for de-SPACing transactions. From the perspective of capital markets, while SPACs are trending on Wall Street, there is no reason why Dalal Street cannot join the action. The Securities and Exchange Board of India, as the countrys regulator of capital markets, ought to consider a SPAC regime for India. Multiple aspects of Indias economy need to be worked on before it can achieve a size of $5 trillion. Startups have an important role to play, and SPACs offer a major opportunity for the country to lift Indian entrepreneurial spirits by opening these new floodgates of capital. To conclude, a SPAC regime could provide a fresh impetus to the countrys confident and hardworking startup ecosystem. Nikhil Poddar and Sushma Hemnani contributed to this article. Bhavin Shah and Hemal Uchat are, respectively, leader and partner, mergers & acquisitions tax at PwC India. These are the authors personal views. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. A man accused of drugs offences has been granted bail with a 10,000 surety despite police objecting on grounds of a paramilitary threat. The defendant is charged with possession of and being concerned in the supply of Class A drug cocaine. He also faces charges of possessing, acquiring and converting criminal property, namely cash. And is further charged with assisting an offence to be committed, namely obtaining cutting agents for controlled drugs. The charges are in connection with the seizure of drugs at a house in the Bogside area of Derry last month. Police said the drugs had an estimated street value of 80,000. The accused was granted anonymity when he first appeared in court in connection with the charges due to the threat posed by paramilitaries. A defence barrister applied for bail at Derry Magistrates Court on the basis that his clients circumstances had changed after his co-defendant was granted High Court bail. Police objections centre around what they say is a live threat against the accused. His co-defendant, who was released on bail, was the subject of a shooting attack in Creggan on February 6. Two men were shot in the legs during the gun attack at Rinmore Drive. Speaking during the court hearing, a PSNI officer said: Police at present believe the defendant is the target of an attack. He had that explained to him by police. She added that the defendant has refused to provide a PIN so that police can access his mobile phone. The PSNI officer also said she believes he will commit further offences to recoup money lost. Other suspects have to be identified, she said, adding that the man has previous convictions for drug offences dating back to 2012 and 2014. Those include an offer to supply Class A drugs, the court heard. A defence barrister said it is very important to put on record that the arrest of his client took place at commercial premises. He described the defendant as owning a very successful business in Derry which earned a net profit five-figure sum. Those premises were searched but nothing was found, he said, but a small amount of personal use drugs were recovered in the co-accuseds vehicle. It was in a follow-up search of a residential property that drugs were found. The defendant and his co-accused have connections to that address. The defendants brother, who lives in Scotland, owns the property, defence counsel said, and the defendant had been opening and closing the house to allow workers in who were refurbishing it. A number of people had access to the property to carry out work and a bag was discovered upstairs containing drugs and money, the defence barrister said. The accused is adamant he wasnt in the property at any stage the items were found and says there will be no forensic link to him. Defence counsel added that police have no information to suggest he was there when drugs were present. The barrister said he doesnt understand why police have excluded other individuals as having access or delivering drugs to that property, he continued, its not a strong case, very much circumstantial evidence. The court was told that the defendant lives in the Waterside area and has no cause to cross the River Foyle. He has no intention of putting himself in a position that might put him in danger, defence counsel said. Deputy District Judge Liam McStay raised the matter of the defendant refusing to provide a PIN. He was told that is correct because he has material of a personal nature and is anxious to maintain that. He added that the defendant cooperated during police interview and dismissed the police suggestion that he would have to recoup financial losses. Judge McStay granted the defendant bail with a number of conditions attached. As part of those conditions his business partner has to provide a 10,000 surety, he has a curfew of 10pm-6am, will be electronically tagged and must report once a week to Waterside Police Station. In addition, he must only possess one mobile telephone and provide police with details when asked. His own bail was 750 and he will appear in court again on February 25 together with his co-accused. ALEPPO, Syria The Russian forces operating in Syria honored Feb. 9 two commanders of the National Defense Forces, affiliated with the Syrian regime forces, in the cities of Mahrada and Suqaylabiyah in Hama countryside, and awarded them the Medal of Fidelity to Russia. The honoring statement, which was published on Facebook by the National Defense Forces in Suqaylabiyah, stated that due to the successful implementation of special missions and a personal contribution to strengthening combat cooperation, the commander of the Russian ground forces, Gen. Dimitri Glushenkov, awarded the Second Class Loyalty Medal to Russia to the commander of the National Defense Forces in Suqaylabiyah, Nabel al-Abdulla. Also, the Russian general paid tribute to the commander of the National Defense Forces in Mahrada, Simon al-Wakil, the Syrian army's Brig. Gen. Saleh al-Abdallah and the member of parliament of the Syrian regime leading the National Defense Forces in the city of Salamiyah in Hama countryside, Fadel Warda. The ceremony came after the priest of the Russian Khmeimim military base in Latakia visited Suqaylabiyah Feb. 5 and inspected the construction works at the Hagia Sophia Church, whose foundation stone was laid on Sept. 5, 2020. The priest was received by Abdulla. On Jan. 28, Wakil and Abdulla participated in the inauguration of a monument commemorating Prince Alexander Nevsky during their visit to the Khmeimim base. Russian army leaders have repeatedly visited the cities of Mahrada and Suqaylabiyah to hold meetings with the commanders of the National Defense Forces in the two cities and take part in official events. On Oct. 19, 2019, Abdulla visited Moscow to participate in the Fifth World Christian Conference in Russia. Wakil, who is close to Russia, is from the predominantly Christian city of Mahrada. He established National Defense Forces groups there in 2013 to fight alongside the regime forces against the Free Syrian Army (FSA). He also received the Russian Peace Medal on Jan. 17 and the Kremlin Medal on Oct. 21, 2020, as his fighters participated in the battles of the northern and western countryside of Hama and Idlib. Abdulla also enjoys strong ties with the Russian forces, as he leads an entire militia of Christian fighters. He also participated in the fighting alongside the regime against the FSA, and he enjoys wide popularity in Suqaylabiyah. On July 26, 2020, Abdullah suggested the idea to build a replica of the Hagia Sophia in Syria during a meeting with a delegation from the Reconciliation Center at the Russian Khmeimim base. According to RIA Novosti news agency, Vitaly Milonov, deputy of the Russian State Duma, said on July 17, 2020, Orthodox Christians in Russia can help Syria build a replica of the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Suqaylabiyah. Abdullahs decision to build the church came in response to Turkey, which had converted back then the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul into a mosque, 86 years after it was converted into a museum. The Russian interest in the two Christian areas in the countryside of Hama and the armed militias raises several questions on whether Russia seeks to build ideological alliances in Syria as it did in Iran. Besides the Russian active role in the Syrian economic and military sectors, it seems the ideological factor supports the Russian efforts to expand and stay for a longer time in Syria. Ahmed Muhammad Hamadeh, a researcher and military analyst, told Al-Monitor, Russia is trying to garner further support for its policy in Syria, and is supporting military organizations from an ideological standpoint. This explains the religious card and the efforts to build the Hagia Sophia Church with the support and blessing of the Russians. The Russians are insinuating that their battle alongside the Assad regime is sacred. Military analyst and expert Abdulslam Abdulrzak told Al-Monitor, Russia is trying to portray itself as the protector of Christians in Syria, as it seeks to win the allegiance of these [Christian] militias to have a strong position in the heart of Syria. Mohamad Bukaie, a political science lecturer at opposition universities in the countryside of Aleppo, told Al-Monitor, Russia is showing a remarkable interest in the Christian regions of Mahrada and Suqaylabiyah, and this is a continuation of the Western tradition in general, and the Russian tradition in particular, with regard to minorities in general and Christians in particular. This takes us back to the Kuchuk Kainarji Treaty of 1774, which Russia signed with the Ottoman Caliphate to have the right to sponsor the Orthodox Christian population living in the Ottoman countries. Bukaie said, Russia is aware that its ambition for a long-term presence in Syria requires the presence of favorable social environments. It also knows full well that Russia and Iran are competing over the Alawite component, but the Christian component is almost incontrovertible, as it is much closer to Russia. This is why it is important for Russia to portray itself as the protector of Christians be it in Syria or Russia or before the West. Political science researcher Bilal Sattouf, who lives in Azaz in the countryside of Aleppo, told Al-Monitor, The ideological factor is part of the Russian strategy and is exemplified by the support of the Orthodox Church and the armed Orthodox militias, as evidenced by the intensive visits and the building of a miniature version of the Hagia Sophia Church in Suqaylabiyah. This Russian trend can be explained based on two factors, the first one being related to the competition with the Iranian Shiite ideology in Syria, the religious factor being a top factor used to extend influence, and the second is related to breathing new life into the Russian role as a protector of the Eastern Orthodox Christians Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. [February 16, 2021] Personetics secures a $75 million investment from Warburg Pincus to accelerate the global expansion of its AI-driven personalization and engagement solutions for financial institutions LONDON and NEW YORK and TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW/ -- Personetics, the leading global provider of data-driven personalization and customer engagement solutions for banks and financial services providers, today announced it has raised $75m in growth funding from Warburg Pincus LLC, a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing. Personetics is backed by Viola Ventures, Lightspeed Ventures, Sequoia Capital and Nyca Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Personetics offers a proprietary AI software platform to leading banks around the world. Its software touches more than 95 million personal banking customers and analyzes billions of transactions daily. Personetics analyses customer financial data and behavior in real-time, with the data staying safely inside the bank's ecosystem so that confidentiality is guaranteed. Banks use Personetics' agile tools and its low-code Engagement Builder, a Creation & Management Console, to quickly modify hundreds of pre-programmed insights and build customized user journeys. This empowers banks to share real-time personalized insights and advice, as well as automated, self-adjustable financial wellness programs across its customer base comprising both individual banking customers and small businesses. Financial institutions increasingly recognize the importance of value-driven and proactive digital engagement with their customers and must offer exceptional customer service to retain customer loyalty, whilst exploring ways to monetize these relationships. Operating in a global market worth circa $13 billion, Personetics' business solutions have become the global market standard and are successfully delivering the vision of 'self-driving finance'. The benefits and ROI of providing data-driven, hyper-personalized, engagement to every customer interaction are immediate and substantial. Banks using the Personetics AI software are seeing an up to 35% increase in digital customer engagement, a 20% increase in an account and balance growth and a 15% increase in the adoption of personalized product recommendations and advice. Flagship clients include many of the worlds leading banks, such as U.S. Bank (US), RBC (Canada), Intesa Sanpaolo (Italy), Santander (Spain), KBC (Belgium), Metro Bank (UK), UOB (Singapore), Hyundai Card (Korea) and MUFG (Japan). David Sosna, CEO and Co-Founder of Personetics, said: "The financial services industry is reaching a tippingpoint in mobile adoption and setting a new standard in Smart Personalized Engagement. Personetics has set out down this path and has launched its vision of Self-Driving Finance. We are looking to quickly expand our global footprint with new partners and clients, and support our existing customers with innovative business solutions. We are very excited to be partnering with Warburg Pincus on this journey." span >Peter Deming, Managing Director at Warburg Pincus and Head of Financial Services across EMEA, said: "Personetics leverages an unrivaled AI technology which is badly needed by established banks as they seek to differentiate themselves in a crowded market and match the customer experience of the Neobanks and FinTech apps. David and his team have built the perfect solution for the post-COVID banking distribution model and already secured a world-class client base. Through the combination of our financial backing and Warburg Pincus' extensive global network across financial services, Personetics can distribute its unique technology into banks all over the world." Adarsh Sarma, Co-Head of Europe at Warburg Pincus, said: "Israel continues to offer innovative, high growth investment opportunities across technology, financial technology and financial services, all sectors of particular interest to Warburg Pincus. We have committed almost $700 million of equity to businesses in Israel since our founding which is a testament to the talent and innovation that the country has fostered. In spite of the global pandemic, Israel is very much open for business and we look forward to a fruitful and successful partnership with Personetics." Avi Zeevi, Co-founder of Viola Ventures and Personetics' Chairman, said: "We are happy to join forces with Warburg Pincus, a renowned international investor with an extensive global network and track record of success in the financial services and FinTech sectors. This is further proof of Israel's ability to generate leading global FinTech companies and for Personetics' immense potential for disruption across the global banking ecosystem." Enquiries: Warburg Pincus: Julie Foster +44 7471 992907 Personetics: Dorel Blitz +972 50 3837377, dorel.blitz@personetics.com About Personetics: Focused on enabling proactive engagement for banks, Personetics' AI analyzes financial data in real-time to understand customer financial behavior, anticipate customer needs and deliver a hyper-personalized experience. With solutions designed for the mass market, wealth management, and small business customers, the technology enables banks to offer day-to-day insights, financial advice, and automated wellness programs to customers. Banks use Personetics' agile tools to rapidly create their own personalization IP to serve the unique needs of their customers and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. With these advances, banks have transformed their digital banking into the center of the customers' financial lives while also delivering significant business impact. Led by a team of seasoned financial and technology entrepreneurs, Personetics strives to actualize a world of "Self-Driving Finance" where banks proactively act on behalf of their customers a win-win for customers and banks alike. Founded in 2011, Personetics operates through offices in New York, London, Paris, Singapore and Tel Aviv. To learn more, visit www.personetics.com. About Warburg Pincus: Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing. The firm has more than $58 billion in private equity assets under management. The firm's active portfolio of more than 195 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector, and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Since the firm was founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has invested $21 billion in Fintech and Financial Services companies such as Metavante/FIS, Avaloq, Clearwater Analytics, WEX, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, and $20 billion in Technology businesses including Crowdstrike, Avalara and BEA Systems. To date, Warburg Pincus has invested almost $700 million in Israel. Warburg Pincus has raised 19 private equity funds, which have invested more than $89 billion in over 920 companies in more than 40 countries. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information please visit www.warburgpincus.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/personetics-secures-a-75-million-investment-from-warburg-pincus-to-accelerate-the-global-expansion-of-its-ai-driven-personalization-and-engagement-solutions-for-financial-institutions-301228476.html SOURCE Warburg Pincus [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Fredericton, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV:TRU) (OTCQB:TRUIF) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to undertake a non-brokered private placement for minimum gross proceeds of C$1,000,000 (the "Offering"), subject to TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") approval, with a lead order from Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. The Offering shall consist of not less than 4,545,455 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.22 per Subscription Receipt. Each Subscription Receipt will, upon completion of the Company's Change of Business (as defined below) and certain other customary conditions for a transaction of this nature, be automatically exercised into one unit of the Company (each, a "Unit"). Each Unit will be comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") and one (1) Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Share at a price of $0.35 for a period of 36 months following the date of closing of the Offering (the "Closing Date"), currently anticipated to occur on March 4, 2021. As previously announced by TRU on February 2, 2021, the Company has entered into a binding term sheet with a subsidiary of TSX-listed Altius Minerals Corporation ("Altius") for the option to purchase the Golden Rose Project located in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt, which transaction will constitute a Change of Business (the "Change of Business") under the policies of the Exchange. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company to fund its comprehensive exploration program on the Golden Rose Project; a limited phase one drilling program at the Company's 100%-owned Twilite Gold Project, also in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt; for general corporate and public company purposes, including hiring additional technical personnel and conducting various marketing initiatives; and to add to working capital for the operations of the Company. The maximum gross proceeds under the Offering is C$2,000,000. The Subscription Receipts issued in the Offering, and the underlying Units, Shares, and Warrants, will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the Closing Date. Upon completion of the Change of Business, eligible finders will receive (a) a cash commission equal to 7% of the gross proceeds raised from subscribers to the Offering who were introduced by such finder, and (b) such number of non-transferrable finder warrants ("Finder Warrants") as is equivalent to 7% of the number of Subscription Receipts issued to such subscribers. Each Finder Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Share at a price of $0.22 for a period of 36 months following the Closing Date. About TRU Precious Metals Corp. TRU has assembled a portfolio of 5 gold exploration properties in the highly prospective Central Newfoundland Gold Belt. The Company has entered into a binding term sheet with a subsidiary of TSX-listed Altius Minerals Corporation for the option to purchase 100% of the Golden Rose Project, located along the deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone. TRU also owns 100% of the Twilite Gold Project, located along the same Shear Zone, and 3 under-explored properties including its Rolling Pond Property (under option) bordering New Found Gold Corp.'s high-grade Queensway Project. TRU's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "TRU" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "TRUIF". TRU is a portfolio company of Resurgent Capital Corp. ("Resurgent"), a merchant bank providing venture capital markets advisory services and proprietary financing. Resurgent works with promising public and pre-public micro-capitalization Canadian companies. For more information on Resurgent and its portfolio companies, please visit Resurgent's LinkedIn profile at https://ca.linkedin.com/company/resurgent-capital-corp. About Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. Palisades Goldcorp is Canada's resource focused merchant bank. Palisades' management team has a demonstrated track record of making money and is backed by many of the industry's most notable financiers. With junior resource equities valued at generational lows, management believes the sector is on the cusp of a major bull market move. Palisades is positioning itself with significant stakes in undervalued companies and assets with the goal of generating superior returns. For further information about TRU, please contact: Joel Freudman Co-Founder, President & CEO TRU Precious Metals Corp. Phone: (647) 880-6414 Website: www.trupreciousmetals.com To connect with TRU via social media, below are links: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Cautionary Statements Completion of the transactions contemplated herein is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to Exchange acceptance and, if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transactions cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transactions will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Change of Business may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The links included in this press release are included as inactive textual reference for reference purposes only and the information on or connected to those websites are not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this press release. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those relating to the Offering and the anticipated closing date and use of proceeds thereof, the Change of Business, the Company's transaction with Altius for the Golden Rose Project, and the Company's plans regarding acquiring, exploring, and monetizing the Golden Rose Project and the Company's other mineral exploration properties. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Offering, the Golden Rose Project, the transaction with Altius, and the Change of Business that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: risks related to the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions of the Offering and the Change of Business, and to close the Offering and subsequently the Change of Business; the ability of the Company to accomplish its plans and objectives with respect to its exploration projects, within the expected timing or at all; challenges in identifying, structuring, and executing transactions on favourable terms or at all; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; volatility in financial markets, economic conditions, and precious metals prices; and those other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74600 [February 16, 2021] LeddarTech Partners With Seoul Robotics to Deliver Robust Solid-State LiDAR-Based Perception Solutions QUEBEC CITY and SEOUL, Korea, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LeddarTech, an industry leader in environmental sensing solutions for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems from Level 1 to Level 5, is proud to announce that Seoul Robotics, the leading 3D computer vision company using AI and machine learning to power the future of mobility, has joined the Leddar Ecosystem. The Leddar Ecosystem comprises leading technology companies that have partnered with LeddarTech through the contribution of their expertise in various technologies that enhance ADAS and AD solutions. Seoul Robotics, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, has demonstrated expertise in LiDAR perception technology utilizing its proprietary SENSR 3D software. This platform analyzes and processes LiDAR data with high accuracy, enabling more industries, including retail, logistics, and smart cities, to apply 3D insights. Seoul Robotics has garnered much attention in recent years, with the company earning the No. 1 Tech Startup spot for South Korea by DB-Stars in 2019. LeddarTech and Seoul Robotics are collaborating to develop real-time advanced perception solutions to complement LeddarTechs Leddar Pixell, designed for shuttles, robotaxis, ADVs, buses, and heavy commercial vehicles. The Leddar Pixell, a 3D flash solid-state 180-degree sensor, is considered the most robust LiDAR available. The product recently received the Outstanding & Innovative Product Award by the Shenzhen Automotive Electronics Industry Association and Best of Innovation Award Honoree recognition at CES 2020. The partnership of LeddarTech and Seoul Robotics harnesses the technical expertise of both to provide customers with an enhanced LiDAR-based solution that will increase performance and robustness while shortening time-to-market and reducing costs. Robust LiDAR sensors like the Leddar Pixell require the most advanced 3D perception software to process and interpret data in real time, shared Mr. HanBin Lee, co-founder and CEO of Seoul Robotics. Our industry-leading perception platform, SENSR, enables stronger understanding and interpretation of 3D data, better serving the market with highly detailed, LiDAR-based perception. Through our collaboration in the Leddar Ecosystem, we will provide object detection and classification, as well as speed measurement, direction, and location information without a need for map data, all while reducing cost and increasing efficiency. By partnering with Seoul Robotics, a respected leader in 3D perception software for LiDAR sensors, LeddarTech and our customers benefit from Seoul Robotics advanced and innovative LiDAR-based perception technology, said Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech. The collaboration yields a solution to greatly ease and accelerate the integration of the Leddar Pixell in a wide range of applications in mobility and industrial markets, concluded Mr. Boulanger. About Seoul Robotics Seoul Robotics is a 3D computer vision company building a perception platform that uses AI and machine learning to power the future of mobility. Founded in 2017, Seoul Robotics has partnered with OEMs, system integrators, and government agencies around the world to diversify the use of 3D data. The company has developed its own proprietary software, which is compatible with nearly all LiDAR and 3D data sensors, to increase accuracy and efficiency and to ensure safety across a range of industries and applications. Seoul Robotics has offices in Seoul, Silicon Valley, Munich, and Detroit and is backed by leading global financial institutions. For more information, visit www.seoulrobotics.org. Contact: LaunchSquad for Seoul Robotics at seoulrobotics@launchsquad.com. About LeddarTech LeddarTech is a leader in environmental sensing platforms for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. Founded in 2007, LeddarTech has evolved to become a comprehensive end-to-end environmental sensing company by enabling customers to solve critical sensing and perception challenges across the entire value chain of the automotive and mobility market segments. With its LeddarVision sensor-fusion and perception platform and its cost-effective, scalable, and versatile LiDAR development solution for automotive-grade solid-state LiDARs based on the LeddarEngine, LeddarTech enables Tier 1-2 automotive system integrators to develop full-stack sensing solutions for autonomy level 1 to 5. These solutions are actively deployed in autonomous shuttles, trucks, buses, delivery vehicles, smart cities/factories, and robotaxi applications. The company is responsible for several innovations in cutting-edge automotive and mobility remote-sensing applications, with over 95 patented technologies (granted or pending) enhancing ADAS and autonomous driving capabilities. Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Contact: Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications, and Product Management, LeddarTech Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@leddartech.com Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarEngine, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, LeddarCore, VAYADrive, VayaVision, and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Deep Labs Board of Directors has appointed Reginald Van Lee as Chairman to guide Deep Labs continued development as an AI market leader. Mr. Van Lee brings considerable expertise in deep analytics. His appointment comes at a critical time in our companys trajectory as we rapidly scale our business and expand in both the public and private sectors, said Scott Edington, CEO of Deep Labs. Van Lee, currently the Chief Transformation Officer at the Carlyle Group, has over 35 years of experience solving pressing challenges for some of the worlds largest multinational corporations. Prior to his current role, Van Lee was the Head of Commercial Business and Executive Vice President of the global management and technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked for 32 years. In addition to his role on the commercial side of the business, Van Lee managed Booz Allens Health practice and oversaw pivotal public-private partnerships, experience that will inform the continued expansion of Deep Labs patented persona-based intelligence AI platform. We are thrilled to have Reggies unparalleled knowledge at our disposal as we work to deploy our platform to solve some of the industrys most complex problems, said Scott Edington, CEO of Deep Labs. Over the course of his career Van Lee received the Black Engineer of the Year Award (2008), was named one of the top 25 consultants in the world by Consulting Magazine (2008), and was identified as one of Washington DCs Minority Business Leaders by The Washington Business Journal (2009). I am honored to be asked to serve as Deep Labs new Chairman and be a part of helping drive this amazing organizations growth and continued success in the market, said Van Lee, incoming Chairman of the Board of Directors, Deep Labs. It is clear that Deep Labs provides proven mission-critical solutions in a space that faces increased complexity brought about by the global pandemic. I am excited for Deep Labs growth in 2021 and beyond. About Deep Labs Deep Labs, a leader in Artificial Intelligence, provides advanced decisioning solutions for anti-fraud, risk, marketing, customer analytics and propensity. The companys cutting-edge, persona-based intelligence platform is used by global payment networks, banks, and consumer packaged good companies. Public sector agencies use Deep Labs solutions to address fraud, waste, abuse, and improper payments. Deep Labs was named Company of the Year in 2019 in the Golden Bridge Awards Artificial Intelligence Category. Media Contact media@deep-labs.com (877) 504-4544 Egyptian security forces have raided the homes of Egyptian-American activist Mohamed Soltans relatives and arrested two of his cousins in what his US-based advocacy group Freedom Initiative described as a campaign of retaliatory aggression. In June, Soltan filed a federal lawsuit against a former Egyptian prime minister, Hazem el-Beblawi, accusing Beblawi of orchestrating Soltan's torture during the nearly two years Soltan was held as a political prisoner in Cairo. Days after the lawsuit was filed, Egypt arrested five of Sultan's cousins in what he said was an attempt at pressuring him into dropping the suit. In November, they were temporarily released in what was seen as a possible goodwill gesture to the incoming Biden administration. Two of Soltan's apolitical cousins, Moustafa Soltan and Khairi Soltan, are now being held in a state security prison, the Freedom Initiative said in a statement, noting that the pattern of intimidation and harassment isnt limited to Soltans relatives. Most recently, Egypt arrested several relatives of Aly Madhy, an activist granted asylum in the United States, after he called for celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of Egypt's January 25 Revolution of 2011. Eric Lewis, Soltans lawyer, said in a statement that the latest arrests suggest Egypt is trying to intimidate his client into silence. Such tactics have no place in the international community. Egypt cannot seek the benefits of membership in that community while denigrating human rights and behaving with impunity and lawlessness, Lewis said. President Joe Biden has pledged to rethink the US relationship with Egypt, a country that is the recipient of roughly $1.3 billion in US military assistance per year. In a July tweet, he warned Cairo it was unacceptable to threaten Soltans family and those of other exiled activists. State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters that the administration was looking into reports that Soltans family members had been detained. We have and we continue to engage the Egyptian government on human rights concerns, and we take seriously all allegations of arbitrary arrest, Price said. We will bring our values with us into every relationship that we have across the globe, that includes with our close security partners. That includes with Egypt. Soltans father, Salah Soltan, also remains in detention. He is serving a life sentence for his role in Egypts Muslim Brotherhood. He was moved from his prison cell to an unknown location in June and hasnt been heard from since. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-15 23:45:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MAPUTO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- About 150 prisoners have been removed from a prison in southern Mozambique to another prison unit about 80 kilometers away due to the risk of flooding in the region, local authorities announced Monday. According to the provincial director of Justice in Gaza, Manuel Machanguane, the transfer from the Guija penitentiary district to Macia took place after the rising flow of the Limpopo river. "The Mozambican state always seeks to pay the necessary attention to guarantee deserved dignity of prisoners, despite being serving sentences," said Machanguane, quoted by Radio Mocambique. Due to the rising flow of the Limpopo River, more than 24,000 hectares of agricultural production and residential areas have already been flooded, and the floods caused by the rains also destroyed a number of infrastructure in several districts of the Gaza province. The Guija district has been at risk of flooding for days. It is for this reason that the authorities have decided to evacuate inmates from the penitentiary district to safety, the district administrator, Jaime Guambe, was also quoted as saying. Guambe added that the transfer of inmates will make it possible to give more humane treatment to prisoners, guaranteeing them safe accommodation, food and other assistance under human rights. Since the beginning of the year 2021, thousands of people have been affected by bad weather, which has caused the deaths of around 40 people across the country. Enditem A NEW 650,000 social innovation fund has been launched by Rethink Ireland for innovative projects in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary that empower communities, tackle poverty, and promote social inclusion. The Ignite Midwest Fund, the first of its kind specifically for the Midwest, has been created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with several private donors from the region including the well known Parkes Family in Limerick, the Community Foundation for Ireland. The Fund is being matched by the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund and there will be a minimum of five awardees with applications remaining open until March 29, 2021. The Ignite Midwest Fund is the latest social innovation fund created by Rethink Ireland (formerly Social Innovation Fund Ireland), which has launched over 30 funds in the past five years totalling over 65 million. Commenting on the the launch of the Ignite Midwest Fund, Minister of State for Community Development and Charities Joe OBrien TD said: "The objective of the Ignite Fund is to spark meaningful social impact in the Midwest of Ireland by providing support to some of the regions most innovative not-for-profit organisations including charities, community groups and social enterprises. I am delighted to launch the Fund, which is supported by my Department and several private donors. We are all united in the belief and potential of community development and social inclusion initiatives in tackling poverty and social exclusion. The Fund is open to supporting projects based in Limerick, Clare or Tipperary as well as national organisations with a Midwest branch or focus. Projects must focus on tackling inequality, poverty and/or social exclusion, or on empowering their communities. There will be up to seven awards in total, two of which will be specifically for projects using music as a means of enhancing wellbeing and promoting social inclusion in the region. Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland, said: In 2019, we ran a nationwide 550,000 Ignite Fund which awarded six innovative projects spread all over the country. This year, with the support of our donors, we are able to focus our efforts with a fund of 650,000 specifically in counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary counties that are feeling the challenge of the rural-urban divide and where inequalities have only been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Social innovation is vital to change this and to create a more inclusive society." Ms Mortell has specifically thanked the Department of Rural and Community Development and the local philanthropists for their belief and support. "I encourage those fitting the criteria to apply and we look forward to working with the awardees and supporting their life-changing projects, she said. Awardees will receive a package of supports worth between 55,000 and 75,000 each. The blended support package includes a cash grant, business and capacity building supports, and access to the Rethink Ireland Accelerator Programme. Ralph Parkes, whose family is making a philanthropic donation to the Fund said: "The Ignite Midwest Fund presents an opportunity to tackle poverty and empower communities through the exceptional and innovative community groups that exist across counties Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary. The Parkes Family are delighted to support this financially as we believe in the power of philanthropy, the power of community, and we are dedicated to giving in more meaningful ways. We hope to see local projects emerge that are working with those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or isolation, and apply to be part of this 2021 funding initiative." Awardees of the 2019-2020 Ignite Fund included Northside Family Resource Centre in Ballynanty whose Community and Family Services project addresses the impact of trauma as a result of living in deprivation and poverty for children and their parents; and The Shona Projects Online Community, an interactive platform designed to educate, empower and inspire young Irish girls. For further details on the Ignite Midwest Fund and to apply click here. As panicked Americans cleared supermarkets of toilet paper and food last spring, grocery employees gained recognition as among the most indispensable of the pandemic's front-line workers. Bronx bodega owner Francisco Marte winces as he sips a homemade concoction containing garlic, carrots, beets, onion and ginger and other ingredients that he hopes will improve his immune system while he waits for the opportunity to get a COVID-19 vaccination, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at his store in the Bronx borough of New York. Marte, who heads up the Bodega and Small Business Group, which represents bodegas in New York, lobbied local officials to set aside vaccine appointments for bodega workers, many of whom are unaware they are eligible. He hopes the recent opening of a large vaccination site at Yankee stadium will make access easier for people like him. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) As panicked Americans cleared supermarkets of toilet paper and food last spring, grocery employees gained recognition as among the most indispensable of the pandemic's front-line workers. A year later, most of those workers are waiting their turn to receive COVID-19 vaccines, with little clarity about when that might happen. A decentralized vaccine campaign has resulted in a patchwork of policies that differ from state to state, and even county to county in some areas, resulting in an inconsistent rollout to low-paid essential workers who are exposed to hundreds of customers each day. Apparently we are not front-line workers when it comes to getting the vaccine. That was kind of a shock, said Dawn Hand, who works at a Kroger supermarket in Houston, where she said three of her co-workers were out with the virus last week. She watches others getting vaccinated at the in-store pharmacy without knowing when she'll get her turn. Texas is among several states that have decided to leave grocery and other essential workers out of the second phase of its vaccination effort, instead prioritizing adults over 65 and people with chronic medical conditions. Focusing on older adults is an approach many epidemiologists support as the most ethical and efficient because it will help reduce deaths and hospitalizations faster. People over 65 account for 80% of deaths in the country, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention. Our main goals with vaccines should be reducing deaths and hospitalizations, said William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. In order to do that, we need to begin vaccinating those at the highest risks. But many grocery workers have been surprised and disheartened to find that they've been left out of such policies, in part because a CDC panel had raised their expectations by recommending the second phase of the vaccine rollout 1B include grocery and other essential employees. Even when grocery workers are prioritized, they still face long waits. New York opened up vaccines to grocery workers in early January, along with other essential employees and anyone 65 and over. But limited supply makes booking an appointment difficult, even more so for the workers who dont have large companies or unions to advocate for them. Edward Lara had to close his small grocery store known as a bodega in the Bronx for 40 days when he and his employees contracted the virus last spring. He has tried for weeks to get a vaccine appointment and finally figured out he could register through the website of a network of health care providers, which will notify him when a slot opens. Laras father-in-law died of the virus in March. His mother-in-law died in November. Last week, a friend who manages his bodegas insurance policy also died. And a cousin in New Jersey got the virus for a second time, leaving him terrified it could happen to him. Nothing to be done. Cross my fingers and hope that God protects me, Lara said after registering for the waitlist. Only 13 states are currently allowing grocery workers to sign up for vaccines, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents 1.3 million U.S. grocery, meatpacking and other front-line workers. Some states are still working through an initial phase that prioritizes health workers and nursing home residents. Many states have divided the second phase into tiers that put grocery workers lower than others, including people 65 and over, teachers and first responders. Eleven states have no clear plan for prioritizing grocery workers at all, according to research from United 4 Respect, a labour group that advocates for workers at Walmart, Amazon and other major retailers. At MOMs Organic Market, a 21-store grocery chain in the Mid-Atlantic region, chief culture officer Jon Croft initially thought the companys 1,500 workers would be vaccinated by the end of January. He now thinks it will be more like March or April. The company has only been able to pre-register workers from two stores in Maryland and two in Virginia. Folks feel they deserve to have an opportunity to be vaccinated having been on the front line, Croft said. "The politicians and the health departments have been singing the praises of grocery workers but now they have been silent. Major food retailers say they are doing their part to get their workers vaccinated. Kroger, the nations largest grocery chain, said it has been vaccinating employees in Illinois ever since they became eligible, but grocery workers arent yet eligible in most of the jurisdictions in which the company operates. Target and Walmart also said they would offer their workers vaccines at their own pharmacies as soon as they are eligible. Kroger, Trader Joe's, Target and online delivery service Instacart have offered bonuses or extra paid time off for workers who get the vaccine. When grocery chain Lidl got word from Suffolk County on Long Island that it would be given appointments for its local workers, it immediately contacted those who it knew to be at highest risk. So far, more than 100 employees in Suffolk County have now gotten shots. Joseph Lupo, a Lidl supervisor who fell ill with the virus in March, is one of them. I never ever want to get COVID again, or see anybody else get it, said Lupo, 59. But for many grocery workers, the realization that they wont be eligible any time soon adds to the sense of being expendable. They have fought a mostly losing battle for hazard pay, which a handful of companies offered in the spring but ended despite multiple resurgences of the virus. A year into the pandemic, some shoppers still refuse to wear masks and managers often dont force them to follow the rules. There are the people who come in wearing a mask halfway down or take it off as soon as they get in the door, said Drew Board, who makes $13.50 an hour handling grocery pick-up orders at a Walmart in Albemarle, North Carolina. I ask them politely to pull it back up and they do and then take it back down when they walk away. Francisco Marte, president of the Bodega and Small Business Association of New York, said he tells his own workers not to risk their lives confronting shoppers who won't wear masks. In August, an angry customer slashed thousands of dollars worth of goods at a Bronx bodega after being asked to wear a mask. It should be the job of the police, said Marte, whose organization handed out 150,000 free masks in the spring when they were scarce. I tell the employees, keep your distance and wear your mask but dont put yourself in danger because we are the ones who lose. Marte said he has been lobbying local officials to set aside vaccine appointments for bodega workers, many of whom are unaware they are eligible. He hopes that the recent opening of a large vaccination site at Yankee Stadium will make access easier. The virus, meanwhile, continues its march through grocery stores. Over the past two months, there have been 137 COVID-19 outbreaks in Southern California grocery stores, and 500 Houston grocery workers have been infected, according to the UFCW. The union knows of 124 grocery workers who have died since the start of the pandemic. Debbie Whipple, a scan manager at a Kroger in Fayetteville, Georgia, said her union, UFWC Local 1996, doesn't expect Georgia to open vaccines to grocery workers until April at the earliest. We have to be here, just like a fireman and a policeman, because people need food, said Whipple, who described the frustration of watching customers routinely walk around barefaced and decline offers of free masks. We should be getting the vaccine. Associated Press Writer Anita Snow in Phoenix contributed to this report. Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Childrens Emergency Fund (Unicef) to support its Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative. Under the MoU, Etihad Cargo will aid the worldwide distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, essential medicines, medical devices, and other critical supplies to respond to the pandemic, managing all requirements through its dedicated Covid-19 Workforce. The UAEs national carriers initial commitment will centre on helping maintain Unicefs regular immunisation programmes for the worlds most vulnerable children. Etihad Cargo had no hesitation in supporting Unicefs far-reaching humanitarian initiative to aid children most at risk worldwide, explained Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group. This partnership is in line with Etihad Aviation Groups commitment to improve the wellbeing of people everywhere and underpins Abu Dhabis international role in providing humanitarian aid to build a safer world. With extensive experience and expertise in safe and efficient pharmaceutical logistics, Etihad Cargo will leverage its IATA CEIV-certified PharmaLife specialised pharmaceutical and healthcare product for the transportation of pharmaceuticals under temperature control which, under the membership of Abu Dhabis The HOPE Consortium, is already offering a complete supply chain solution to aid global Covid-19 vaccine distribution. Under the MoU, Etihad Cargo will collaborate with Unicefs global freight forwarder network, including with regard to services for countries with no commercial access. Services offered include high loading priority for vaccines and essential humanitarian supplies, shipment security and controlled cool chain monitoring and adjusting Etihad Cargos cold chain capacity to meet Unicefs forecast requirements. Delivery of these life-saving vaccines is a monumental and complex undertaking, considering the sheer volumes that need to be transported, the cold chain requirements, the number of expected deliveries and the diversity of routes, said Etleva Kadilli, Director of Unicef Supply Division. We are grateful to these airlines for joining forces with the Unicef Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative to support the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines. The Unicef Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative brings together global airlines that cover routes to more than 100 countries, in support of the Covax Facility a global effort aimed at equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines. The initiative will also act as a global logistics preparedness mechanism for other humanitarian and health crises over the longer term. During the past 12 months, Etihad Cargo has increased its pharmaceutical shipments by 50 per cent through PharmaLife. In addition to supporting global customers, the IATA CEIV-certified product has facilitated Etihad Cargos support of The HOPE Consortiums efforts to serve the anticipated global demand for Covid-19 vaccines. -- Tradearabia News Service Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). New India in making, infrastructure to be no less than US, Europe in 5 years: Nitin Gadkari PDP demanding restoration of pre-August 2019 status for J&K: Mehbooba Mufti India oi-Madhuri Adnal Srinagar, Feb 16: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said her party was not merely demanding statehood but the restoration of pre-August 2019 status for Jammu and Kashmir. She also called for resumption of dialogue for the resolution of the Kashmir issue and alleged that there was "jungle raj" in the country. "We are not demanding (the return of) statehood. We are demanding the pre-August 5, 2019 position of J&K and we also want the Kashmir issue -- for which thousands of youth have rendered sacrifices, lakhs of homes have been destroyed and losses in millions of rupees have been suffered -- to be resolved by talking to Pakistan and the people of J&K," Mufti said. The PDP chief was speaking to reporters after the party''s convention in north Kashmir''s Kupwara district. Mufti said and people were being arrested first and then their crime was being proven. "There is a saying that show me a person, I will show you the crime, which means that first they arrest a person, then they prove the crime. Many of our leaders are in custody and they have been shown no orders and there is nothing against them. "There is jungle raj here right now, the jungle raj is happening across the country also now, but it is more so in J&K," she said. On the arrest of National Conference (NC) leader Hilal Lone, the former chief minister of the erstwhile state said the BJP government was "inflicting cruelty" on the people of Kashmir as well as the people in other parts of the country. "Wherever they think there is some resistance, someone is raising his voice against their cruelty and tyranny, see they have arrested a 21-year-old girl, what they have done with the farmers... Some of the cruelty and tyranny that they have done in Kashmir is being witnessed in other parts of the country. "Our farmer brothers and young girls are also now seeing what cruelty the BJP government is inflicting upon the people of Kashmir," she said. Asked about the future of the People''s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an alliance of several mainstream parties seeking the return of the special status of the erstwhile state, Mufti said the people want the alliance to continue. "The Gupkar alliance talks about the aspirations of the people of J&K. The people of J&K want the alliance to continue and this alliance will be there till the people of J&K want it to be," she said. Mufti also demanded immediate release of all political prisoners and youths, including former MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid who is under detention since August 5, 2019 when the Centre abrogated Article 370. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 19:58 [IST] Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami released the state's Industrial Policy 2021, with an objective to attract investments worth Rs 10 lakh crore and employment opportunities for 20 lakh people by 2025. It also talks about achieving an annual growth rate of 15% in the manufacturing sector and increasing the contribution of the sector to 30% of the state's economy by the end of the decade. 28 MoUs were signed with a cumulative investment of Rs 28,053 crores, with an employment potential for 68,775 persons. The investments span across domains such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, electric vehicles, auto components, FMCG, industrial parks among others. Over 10 of the 28 firms who signed the MoUs are from abroad, some of the notable names include BASF Germany, Reckitt Benckiser UK, Flyjac Logistics Hitachi Transport systems group Japan, Pegatron corporation Taiwan among others. Big-ticket Indian investors included theTVS group, TATA group and Tube investment. On a day that marked four years of Edappadi K Palaniswami having been in office as the Chief Minister of the southern state, he inaugurated eight completed projects at an investment of Rs 3,377 crores and employment potential for 7,139 persons. Foundation stone was also laid for the four SIPCOT industrial parks, that would cater to the needs of automobile and auto components, food processing, engineering and textile sector. N Chandrasekaran, Tata Group who addressed the event virtually, lauded the Tamil Nadu Government machinery for enabling the conducive environment for business. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman TVS Motors, said at the event that with the new industrial policy, Tamil Nadu will become a leader in emerging sectors like electronics. He expressed his happiness over the Tata group leading the effort. Live TV Dozens of parents on Tuesday threatened to move out of the state and at least one suggested legal action if the General Assembly makes them vaccinate their kids to attend public and private school. The hearing that was set to last 24 hours, until Wednesday morning, was over lawmakers attempt to severely limit exemptions to the mandatory vaccination of school children for measles, mumps, rubella and other diseases, ending religious objections. In a heated, sometimes confrontational hearing, a four-hour string of opposition testimony was finally broken by two health professionals who stressed that medical science underscores the need to increase school vaccination rates. Minority Republicans on the Public Health Committee forced a test vote on the measure, which was easily won by Democrats who favor the legislation. Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media The three minutes of testimony from each of the veteran health workers stretched to two-and-a-half hours of back-and-forth with lawmakers, creating a stark difference between emotional parents and at least half a dozen children who testified earlier, and the medical warnings of declining statewide vaccination rates. The backdrop for the hearing was a morning event in a Bloomfield church, when Gov. Ned Lamont joined Black leaders including Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Robinson, for high-profile, televised COVID inoculations aimed at attracting vaccine-hesitant urban residents. The bill, however, was not about the COVID vaccine. Amid dozens of grievances and declarations of constitutional rights in the legislative hearing, a Greenwich man suggested that the bill would not withstand a legal challenge, even though there are similar requirements in New York, California and other states. Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media What a sham this is, Lindy Urso, a criminal lawyer and father of three who is a member of two anti-vaccination groups, Informed Choice Connecticut and Health Choice Connecticut, said of the legislative process and the hearing which was online due to the pandemic. He charged that lawmakers are ignoring a petition filed by 15,000 residents asking that the legislation be delayed until the General Assembly can hold an in-person hearing. A 22-hour event at the state Capitol last year on similar legislation was approved by the committee but died when the session was abandoned on March 12. Were in the middle of this COVID pandemic with its countless public-health challenges, and you people are making this committees number-one priority what is by far the most-controversial issue probably ever before this committee, Urso said, claiming that the states school vaccination rate is among the highest in the nation, while in recent years, use of both religious and medical exemptions have fallen. / He said Democrats were allied with Big Pharma and against religious freedom in forcing parents to inoculate their children from childhood diseases. So, in short youre proposing this draconian solution to a problem that doesnt exist, Urso said, before launching into a criticism against Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, a proponent of the bill. Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, co-chairman of the committee, warned Urso that personal attacks were unacceptable. So why are we here attempting to desecrate one of the first freedoms that our forefathers came to this world seeking to exercise? Urso replied. When did the Democrat Party become the party against the free exercise of religion and medical freedom? Urso said that he is preparing for a potential legal challenge. Actually, we like our chances very much, he said. Connecticut, the Constitution State, needs to defend the Constitution, said state Rep. John Hennessy, D-Bridgeport, a longtime defender of the religious exemption, who in past years had been on the committee, but this year was not assigned to serve on it. Government has no business interfering with a parents right to make medical decisions when there is a possibility of harm. If this bill passes, people will be leaving the state of Connecticut. This is a philosophical and personal rights issue, said state Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, a member of the committee. Its taken away our rights in a free country to do what we think is right for our children, said Erin McWilliam, an East Haven mother. In the scheduled 24-hour-long hearing of the General Assemblys Public Health Committee, with 1,931 people registered to speak for up to three minutes each, minority Republicans delayed the start by pushing for a vote to extend it further into Wednesday or beyond. Democrats easily won, 21-11, in what could be a similar vote for the legislation when it comes up for debate in the full committee, possibly before the end of the month. The hearing itself began a half hour late, at about 9:30 a.m. One after another, parents charged that the bill would violate their rights. Several school-age kids also asked lawmakers not to kick them out of class over their religious freedom. Other claimed that state officials are trying to force the COVID vaccines on their families. Were not forcing anybody to have that, said Rep. Michelle Cook, D-Torrington, a committee member. We have made it very clear that we are going to follow CDC guidelines. At 1:30 p.m., Donna Kosiorowski, representing the Association of School Nurses, which has about 363 members among the approximately 1,200 school nurses in the state, became the first to voice support of the legislation end religious exemptions. Under questioning from committee members, her three minutes extended to an hour. Im not sure why the term religious exemption was used, but it started in the 60s when we did have an epidemic of polio, said Kosiorowski, a retired West Haven school nurse who said many parents are not honest when they claim the exemption. I think people are resorting to the religious exemption because they have no other option. Its really a personal objection for many of the parents in my experience anyway. Its not a religious exemption. She said that parents against the legislation, both last year and this, are tenacious. Im not sure if any amount of data or scientific evidence is going to change their minds, Kosiorowski said. Dr. Jack Ross, a retired infectious disease physician representing the Connecticut State Medical Society and the Connecticut Infectious Disease Society, stressed the need for the legislation, because vaccination rates over the last 20 years have declined sharply. Part of it is complacency, he said. We as a society have become complacent. The amount of information goes up astronomically each year on the internet that the people have access to. We are a very polarized society. Some of it comes from, perhaps, the politicalization of vaccination, which is actually the wrong thing to do. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter:@KenDixonCT ADVERTISEMENT The Federal Government needs to take pro-active steps to compel the drummers of hate to drop their sticks. The way they are beating those drums, they may soon tear them apart, and the drunken dancers may graduate from their bibulousness to psychosis. What balm can government apply? Government needs to change the narrative. On Sunday, February 14, the Nigerian Presidency, in a statement signed by spokesman Garba Shehu, reportedly affirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to ensure the protection of all religious and ethnic groups in the country, whether majority or minority, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. The statement added that the government will not allow any ethnic or religious group to stoke up hatred and violence against other groups. As if to give effect to this, the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) announced that the NSA, Major General Mohammed Monguno (rtd.), was scheduled to meet with seven governors of the North-Western part of the country on Monday, February 15, as part of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to address the recent spike in cases of insecurity across the country. The NSA and other security chiefs agreed on a series of town hall meetings, to assess the national security situation, generate feedback, and build a synchronisation framework with various stakeholders in order to find a pathway to sustainable peace and stability in the country. It all sounds so good, except that it is also so eerily familiar and formulaic. The Presidency needs not issue a statement to remind us that the Buhari administration will protect all of us, whether we are from the majority or minority stock, or adherents of whatever faith. This is the primary responsibility of government in the first place. It is the job that President Buhari signed up to as spelled out in Section 14 (2)(b) of the same 1999 Constitution. The president swore to uphold this Constitution, and in Section 5 thereof and elsewhere, he is given enormous powers to so act and to recruit persons and deploy resources in pursuit of the directive principles in Chapter Two. The fact that the Presidency needs to restate its commitment to its own primary assignment, five years after the fact, is an indication of how there has been a gross omission in this regard. In 2015, ahead of the first presidential election that brought this government to power, the Buhari campaigners argued that he was the best man for the job, if not for any other reason, he, being a former military chief, will know what to do, to address the crisis of terrorism, especially in the North-East, and ensure stability across the country. At the time, Boko Haram and the al Qaeda forces seeking to destabilise Nigeria, were at the peak of their offensive. Many Nigerians embraced the Buhari option as the most attractive proposition: The war-tested General and military tactician whose very presence in power was expected to instill fear in the enemies of the state. But things have not turned out that way, as expected. If the dominant security challenge in 2015 was Boko Haram, the security situation in Nigeria since then has worsened. Despite the governments assurance that Boko Haram had been decimated or technically defeated, we have all seen the terrorists gaining more in audacity and ferocity, with soldiers fleeing from the battle-front out of frustration, mocking their commanders, and protesting about their poor conditions of deployment. Nigerians thought the president should change his service chiefs, to inject fresh blood into the fight, but public opinion in that regard was ignored until the president finally decided to let them go on January 26. While the team of service chiefs led by General Abayomi Olonisakin remained in charge, the country had to face other challenges on other fronts in the shape of banditry, kidnapping, wanton criminality, ethnic conflicts, farmers-herders conflicts, and attacks on places of religious worship. Ordinarily, it was the duty of the Nigeria Police Force to protect lives and properties within the country, but the police were so disorganised so poorly equipped, they couldnt handle the situation. Nigeria ended up deploying soldiers to do police work. They didnt do much better. The Nigerian military was over-stretched, from fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North-East to police check point assignments in the South-South and South-East. Somehow, everything got muddled up. The same security problems that the Buhari administration set out to resolve merely increased. In a cancerous manner, they metastasised. Pro-government campaigners would argue that insecurity in Nigeria is being fueled by fifth columnists and the political opposition, even when they have no concrete evidence to support their claims. Anti-government analysts would rather argue that Nigeria has become insecure because the government failed to do what is right, which is to simply deliver on its constitutional mandate the same mandate that the Presidential Villa has now suddenly re-discovered! When the people cried out that the Boko Haram was getting stronger and bolder, they were told the terrorists had been technically defeated. The Federal Government even brandished a seized Boko Haram flag. The terrorists have since made another one! When governors in the North-West later pointed out that the madness had spread from the East to the West, they were told that they were the chief security officers of their states and should stop whining, even when they were not so empowered. The poor governors of the North-West decided to negotiate with the terrorists and gave them money but it turned out the criminals were not willing to sell their struggle. The curse of violence, crime and banditry soon spread from the North to the Middle Belt. One or two governors wept openly. They were told to wipe their tears and expect a miracle. No miracle came. The Buhari administration needs to convene forthwith, a Conference of the Nigerian People If President Buhari really wants to make a difference, he must provide an opportunity for a re-tabling and re-negotiation of the key issues at the heart of the Nigerian question: Restructuring, federalism, constitutional review, state police, derivation, governance By the time the crisis settled down in the Middle and Central parts of Nigeria, it had now taken on a primordial dimension: Muslim vs Christian; farmers vs herders. Religion and ethnicity are the two most divisive factors in Nigeria. Both have helped to expand the countrys fault lines in the last five years negatively and dangerously. In the Middle Belt and Southern Kaduna, there were complaints about churches that were set ablaze. Communities were attacked and the security agencies were accused of looking the other way, in a striking demonstration of complicity, criminal negligence and indifference. Religious leaders, including priests, were abducted and killed. The major blame for the mayhem was heaped on the head of one major ethnic group: the Fulani. It is the seeming failure of the state to check banditry and other acts of impunity that has promoted the politics of ethnic profiling, and the consequential demonisation of the Fulani. The crisis soon crossed the River Niger and found another location in the South-East. With a group known as the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader Nnamdi Kanu, young Igbos found a rallying point for their grievances against the Nigerian state and the place of the Igbo in its geo-politics. Young Igbos asked Northerners to stay in their zone. They did not want any cattle to be grazed on Igbo soil. But rather than treat the delicate situation with the caution that was required, the Federal Government deployed soldiers to the South-East. Operation Egwu Eke (Python Dance) I and II. Operation Atilowgu Udo. The confrontation that followed between state agents and IPOB was like setting the roof of the house on fire. On the question of cattle grazing, government added further petrol to the raging fire when it decided to set up a National Livestock Transformation Plan, with a livestock settlement programme called RUGA as its main offer. This merely ignited further division in the country, and widened the gap between North and South. It did not take long before the crisis crossed the Niger again, this time to the Western part of Nigeria. The drummers of hate had taken over the beat and the main tune that they offered was the rhythm of hate. The drummers have been in frenzy, the dancers are drunk and yet no one can talk to the other because the music is in peoples heads, throwing them into different patterns of spatial paroxysm. In the South-East, the governors and the people have objected loudly to cattle grazing in their region. They have a group called the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to enforce this, very much like the Amotekun in the South-West. In the North, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) accuses President Buhari of setting the country on fire. They are asking him to ensure that all Nigerians, wherever they may be, are protected. The Northern Youths Council of Nigeria has called on the Northern governors to evacuate Northerners from the South. They want Sunday Igboho, one of the by-products of the latest crisis, declared a terrorist. But will his people agree? Among the Yoruba, Sunday Igboho, the de facto Generalissimo of the Yoruba, is considered a very courageous man. Nobody knows exactly what he does for a living, but he is a respected able-bodied man, who stepped forward when it mattered most for his people. This is the way Nigeria is at the moment. Every group nurtures and grows its own Igboho: Men who can lead them to battle. The problem is that this does not advance the cause of unity. Last Saturday at Shasha market in Ibadan, there was wanton destruction just because a Fulani trader and a pregnant Yoruba woman had a minor disagreement. In Ogun State, in the Yewa Division, Yoruba villages have been attacked. In some other Yoruba towns, traditional rulers have been abducted and killed. Can you imagine a Southerner killing a Northern Emir? Virtually every major town has a Sabongari where other ethnic groups live. The Fulani have interacted with the people of the South for more than a century. There are Southerners whose ancestors have also lived in the North almost forever. The people of Nigeria have thus shared history and culture across generations Nigerians have lived together for centuries. Virtually every major town has a Sabongari where other ethnic groups live. The Fulani have interacted with the people of the South for more than a century. There are Southerners whose ancestors have also lived in the North almost forever. The people of Nigeria have thus shared history and culture across generations, but when government fails to promote the values that bind us together, language, ethnicity, and geography become tools of conflict. It must be noted that no ethnic group targeted the Hausa-Fulani when Southerners were presidents of Nigeria between 1999-2015. Nobody did so either during the YarAdua administration. Certainly not in the kind of manner we now see. So what happened? Why is it that all of a sudden, the friendly Northerner who has always been a partner of the Southerner, has suddenly become a person to be suspected? Why should any group feel superior to the other or become a problem to the other just because their kinsman is in power? I have seen some videos in circulation showing the scope of the division among the people. What we are facing is frightening. It is shocking. It is disturbing. Yorubaland is divided. The traditional rulers are even fighting among themselves. The countrys only Nobel Laureate is threatening to become a mai suya should any herd of cattle trespass across his compound again. In Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and elsewhere, a thousand Igbohos are springing up, determined to defend their region. Igbos have served notice that they are no cowards on the battlefield. The North is not afraid either. How did we get here? It wasnt nearly as bad in 1966? Can we have a nation if every group is mouthing the rhetoric of violence and threatening the worst possible? No, and that is why it is not enough for the president to issue a statement telling us what we already know: That it is his job to make Nigeria safe. Is the appropriate response the town hall meetings being organised by the National Security Adviser? I have nothing against dialogue. The office of the NSA can gather a lot of useful intelligence through its whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach but this may not go far enough. The Federal Government needs to take pro-active steps to compel the drummers of hate to drop their sticks. The way they are beating those drums, they may soon tear them apart, and the drunken dancers may graduate from their bibulousness to psychosis. What balm can government apply? Government needs to change the narrative. This is the right time to give the people something to occupy them, an assignment that will offer them hope, an opportunity to draw them back into the fold. Nothing keeps Nigerians more engaged than the opportunity to talk about Nigeria and its future. This will require a more structured platform than town hall meetings. I therefore recommend that whereas the Buhari government may not like the idea of a National Conference, whereas it set aside the findings of the 2014 National Political Conference, and whereas this same government has shown much disregard for public opinion, the way forward lies in precisely that same direction. The attempt to suppress the peoples opinion or disregard it is in part the catalyst for the state of anomie in which the country has found itself. The Buhari administration needs to convene forthwith, a Conference of the Nigerian People. It can be given any other label: Conference of National Reconciliation, Conference of National Unity and Reconciliation, Conference of National Peace and Unity Such a Conference will take the debate off the streets. It will rescue the Nigerian debate from the hands of Sunday Igboho, Nnamdi Kanu and their followers. Is it not disturbing enough that even senior lawyers and professors now quote Kanu and Igboho as national philosophers? The people should be tired of living a lie. If President Buhari really wants to make a difference, he must provide an opportunity for a re-tabling and re-negotiation of the key issues at the heart of the Nigerian question: Restructuring, federalism, constitutional review, state police, derivation, governance Reuben Abati, a former presidential spokesperson, writes from Lagos. On February 15, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba took part in a ministerial conference initiated by Canada to adopt a Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. The main goal of this Canadas initiative is to unite like-minded countries of the world committed to international law and human rights to build a collective global response to coercive diplomacy, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. In his speech, Kuleba drew attention to an acute problem of arbitrary arrests in Crimea and certain areas of Donbas, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation. Currently, about 100 Ukrainians are illegally detained in Russia and in Crimea. Politically motivated persecution of the citizens of Ukraine on fabricated charges has become a routine practice of the occupying power. We view this Declaration as an important additional tool to make the Russian Federation fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, release all Ukrainian citizens arbitrarily arrested and illegally imprisoned by Russia, protect victims, and prevent further human rights violations, he said. The minister drew attention to Ukraines Crimean Platform initiative aimed at consolidating international efforts to de-occupy Crimea, and invited the conference participants to take part in its inaugural summit this year. International solidarity played a significant role in our effort to achieve the release of dozens of political prisoners from Russian captivity. We should remain united and speak vocally. Consolidated action and joint pressure remain key factors in the further release of our political prisoners, Kuleba said. As a reminder, in October 2020, Canada initiated the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, the purpose of which was to "create a global collective response to coercive diplomacy". Up until now, the initiative has been supported by 52 countries. ish Kokoya, Bong County-President George M. Weah has rejected an appeal from the citizens of Bong County seeking executive clemency for their children who are being detained in both Bong and Nimba prisons for vandalizing public facilities in the county. Several youths of Bong Count took part in a violent demonstration during the latter end of 2018 at the MNG Gold mines where lot of properties were destroyed including public and private facilities. Most of them are still languishing behind bars in the Gbarnga and Sanniquellie prisons. Mr. Weah told the locals who had gathered in the David Dean's Town in Kokoya District, Bong County, where the incident was said to have occurred during a Town Hall meeting on Saturday February 13, as part of his nationwide county tour that only the courts can acquit them. "When people break the law, they have to face the full weight of the law. And nobody should think that they can pressure my government to release them from jail," President Weah accentuated. "Your children should learn how to dialogue." He added saying "... If the law acquits them because they are not wrong, so help me God. But if they are wrong, they will be punished by law." His comments followed an appeal contained in the citizens' petition read out at the Town Hall meeting by their local Representative Albert Hill of District #1 asking that their childrenwho violated the law be set free. But President Weah reminded them that it is wrong for angry youths to be going around burning police stations-no matter who they are whether motorcyclists or whatever group they are."You cannot burn down a police station." Said Mr. Weah. "It is the same police station that try to protect you." The president said an attack on a police station is an attack on the state and government. "If you burn a police station, you are burning the state. It means you have no respect for your government." "I want you to put me on record," the President told the Bong citizens, "I am a non-violent person. Anything that is wrong, I don't support it." He opined that there is a need for people to understand that civil liberty is important and that peaceful dialogue for resolution is important. Mr. Weah whose comments went beyond the borders of Bong County said parents should warn their children who are into motorcycle transport to desist from engaging in violent acts when there is an accident. "Your children should learn how to dialogue. If you have a child who is riding a motorbike to make money, that child should be discipline. They are driving thru cars and when there is an accident, they try to burn the bus. The people on the bus were they all driving?" the President quipped. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. President Weah noted that going forward these violent behaviors will not be encouraged. He gave an example of his son Champ, who was recently arrested in Paris, France for violating a curfew, saying he could not support him in his act of disobedient. "Look, the other day, my son, and I hope he takes note-the other day there was curfew 3: AM, he was outside. The police arrested him. He says, he George Weah son, the people said no, you are not George Weah son. They called me. I asked him, he said I was outside. I said no Champ, you cannot be outside, and there is a curfew. So they (police) will do their work. If you are not guilty, they will let you go. Not because I am your father and I am the president of another country... -no that will not happen-even in this country that will not happen. Meanwhile, following the Town Hall meeting in Kokoyah District #1, President Weah and delegation proceeded to District #2 in Jourquelleh to assess the condition of a child who broke her legs out of excitement to see then candidate during the 2017 Presidential campaign when the kitchen felt on her and another, a boy, injured. The president asked the children's guardian to bring them to town to stay with him if possible but he wants to ensure that they are cater to. [February 16, 2021] iSIGN Media Announces Closure of the Final Tranche of its Previously Announced Private Placement of up to $236,700 TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. (iSIGN or Company) (TSX-V: ISD) (OTC: ISDSF), a leading provider of interactive mobile proximity marketing and public security alert solutions announced that it has closed the third and final tranche (the Final Tranche) of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (Placement) of up to $236,700. The Company completed the Final Tranche of the Placement for total gross proceeds of $130,010 by issuing 2,600,200 Units (Units) at a price of $0.05 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one Common Share of the Company (each a Common Share, collectively, the Common Shares) and one common share purchase warrant (each warrant referred to herein as a Warrant and collectively, the Warrants). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.075 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing. All securities are subject to a four month hold period. With this Final Tranche, the Company has received funds totaling $236,710 and has issued a total of 4,734,200 Units (Units) at a price of $0.05 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one Common Share of the Company (each a Common Share, collectively, the Common Shares) and one common share purchase warrant (each warrant referred to herein as a Warrant and collectively, the Warrants). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.075 for a perid of 24 months from the date of closing each tranche. All securities are subject to a four month hold period from date of their issuance. The proceeds of the Placement are for operational purposes. About iSIGN Media iSIGN, a Canadian company based in Toronto (Richmond Hill), Ontario is a data-focused, software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that is a pioneering leader in the areas of location-based security alert messaging and proximity marketing utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity in complete privacy. Creators of the Smart suite of products, a patented interactive proximity marketing technology, iSIGN enables the delivery of messages to mobile devices in proximity, with real-time reporting and analytics on a variety of metrics. 2019 winner of Richmond Hills Innovator of the Year award. Partners include IBM, Keyser Retail Solutions, Baylor University, Verizon Wireless, TELUS and Mtrex Network Solutions. www.isignmedia.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release may include certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations, which involve risks and uncertainties associated with iSIGN Medias business and the environment in which the business operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, intend and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect iSIGN Medias current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. iSIGN Media assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. 2021 iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Company contacts: Bruce Reilly iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. bruce@isignmedia.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor Its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the accuracy of this release. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Malaysia is preparing to deport 1,200 Burmese migrants to their home country despite the ongoing political instability caused by the recent military coup. The United Nations refugee agency has voiced concern regarding the Malaysian government's decision to repatriate migrants. However, the Malaysian government has assured that it is not deporting people at risk of persecution such as Muslim Rohingya refugees, including those who hold UNHCR cardholders. Read: Singapore Minister Warns Against Imposing 'widespread Sanctions' On Myanmar Amid Coup The UNHCR on Tuesday said there may be vulnerable women and children in the group of people being deported to Myanmar. Malaysia''s immigration chief, Khairul Dzaimee Daud has said that those who don't have proper documentation or have overstayed in the country are the only ones being sent back. The migrants will be deported on a Myanmar Navy ship on February 23. Read: Myanmar Coup: Aung San Suu Kyi, Win Myint's House Arrest Extended For Two More Days "We are concerned that there remains in detention in Malaysia a number of people, including vulnerable women and children, who may be in need of international protection but whose claims have not been verified and thus do not have the requisite UNHCR documentation," the UNHCR said in a statement on Tuesday. Read: Myanmar Coup: Internet Blackout For Second Consecutive Day; Services Now Restored Myanmar's political instability Myanmar is currently witnessing political turmoil with widespread protests taking place against the recent military coup. Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 and detained several political leaders. The military junta cited "rigged elections" as the reason for the coup, however, experts suggest the November elections were fair and legitimate. The coup has garnered condemnation from all over the world, with the international community demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners and restoration of democracy. Read: Myanmar Security Forces Intensify Crackdown On Protesters (With inputs from AP) New Delhi, Feb 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the demise of retired judge and former Governor of Bihar and Jharkhand M. Rama Jois who succumbed to his age related ailments in Bengaluru earlier in the day. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Justice (Retd.) M. Rama Jois was a towering intellectual and jurist. He was admired for his rich intellect and contributions towards making India's democratic fabric stronger. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti." The 88-year-old legal luminary, Jois, who had also served as the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, died in Bengaluru on Tuesday after prolonged illness. He was suffering from age related ailments. He passed away around 7.30 a.m. Born on July 27, 1932 at Shivamogga, Jois had served as Governor of Bihar and Jharkhand and was a former Rajya Sabha MP. He was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh from the beginning. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The news was welcomed by IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shannahan Takeda Ireland is to create 100 jobs over the next three years in Dublin following a 36m investment. The company, a subsidiary of Japanese giant Takeda Pharmaceutical, said the investment will support the expansion of the companys cell therapy production facility at Grange Castle. The commercial scale cell therapy production facility is the first of its kind in Ireland, according to the company. Following the expansion, the team at Grange Castle will help in supplying European, United States and Canadian markets with a cell therapy treatment option for patients. Thomas Wozniewski, Takeda global manufacturing & supply officer, said: The investment to expand this state-of-the-art cell therapy production facility highlights the importance of cell therapy for Takeda. The expansion of the cell therapy manufacturing line in Grange Castle will help us to serve more patients worldwide, and it underlines our commitment to Ireland as a key country. The expansion is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland. Commenting on the news, CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan said the investment is an important endorsement of Irelands reputation as a global location of excellence for next generation biopharmaceutical products. In December Takeda launched the expansion of its facility in Bray, county Wicklow. In the past two years Takeda has invested 20m in the site, where it employs over 340 people. According to the company, this expansion in Wicklow enables the addition of production, packaging and shipping of two oncology products into the sites manufacturing portfolio. In 2019 Takeda completed the acquisition of multinational pharmaceutical company Shire. The pharmaceutical industry is hugely important for Irelands economy. On Monday figures from the Central Statistics Office showed that Irish exports were valued at 160bn last year, the highest level ever recorded. The performance was driven by the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, with these goods accounting for almost 40pc of all Irish exports. Exports from the medical and pharmaceutical sectors increased 25pc or by 12.5bn in 2020 to 62bn. Along with Takeda, the likes of Pfizer, Novartis, Sanofi, and GSK are all big employers here. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. ADVERTISEMENT A former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, on Tuesday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), and officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC). He is expected to be welcomed by five governors elected on the platform of the party. Mr Daniel, in a statement he sent to his supporters, said the move is in the best interest of our people. Our cause is just, well-considered, not for any personal gain or aggrandisement but in the overall interest our people. What we all need to do is to be active and proactive with our responses as there will be no time for briefing, read the note seen by PREMIUM TIMES. We all know what has happened to the intractable problem in the Ogun State PDP over the last decade or more with no end in sight. We can see the unfolding crisis in the SW (South-west) and the national situation does not look any better. The situation in the country also calls for serious engagement across board. Not that there wont be challenges in the other parties but all considered and the benefit of what I know, this is the best thing to do now. If the dynamics change at any time we will take it as it comes. Regards to all. Mr Daniel was the chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 elections in which former vice president Atiku Abubakar was the candidate. Mr Abubakar lost to the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari. Meanwhile, Mr Daniel said the governors who would welcome him to the party will be at his Asoludero Court, Sagamu, Ogun State home. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the governors, to be led by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, are the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and Governor of Jigawa State, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar. Mr Daniels defection came a day after another PDP stalwart in the South-west, Iyiola Omisore, also dumped the party for the APC. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are feeling very generous again as they just made another large donation for those in need. On Monday it was shared that the power couple donated $1 million to the food banks Feeding America and Food Banks Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes three months after they gave away $500,000 to the same organizations. 'We are honored and privileged to be able to continue our support of Feeding America and Food Banks Canada,' said a statement from Ryan and Blake. Giving hearts: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are feeling very generous again as they just made another large donation for those in need. On Monday it was shared that the power couple donated $1 million to the food banks Feeding America and Food Banks Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Seen in 2018 'We know the struggles of so many of our neighbors faced last year are not over and we are grateful for the opportunity to help facilitate the important work of food banks across the US and Canada to be able to provide nourishing meals to the people in need,' the duo added. Blake and Ryan - who wed in 2012 and have three children, Inez, Betty and James - each donated $500,000 this month to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada, it was shared on social media. 'When #COVID19 first hit in early 2020, @VanCityReynolds and @BlakeLively generously donated $500K (USD) to US sister organization @FeedingAmerica and to Food Banks Canada helping kickstart our COVID-19 Response Funds,' it was written by the organization on social media. 'It was an act that inspired so many Canadians to donate to their local food banks and show their support to their neighbours during these critical times. For the people: Blake and Ryan each donated $500,000 this month to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada, it was shared on social media Good people: 'When #COVID19 first hit in early 2020, @VanCityReynolds and @BlakeLively generously donated $500K (USD) to US sister organization @FeedingAmerica and to Food Banks Canada helping kickstart our COVID-19 Response Funds,' it was written by the organization on social media More to say: 'It was an act that inspired so many Canadians to donate to their local food banks and show their support to their neighbours during these critical times,' it was added 'Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude ONCE AGAIN to Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively for pledging another $500K in support of our COVID-19 Response Funds,' it was also shared. Then Ryan's feud with pal Hugh Jackman was brought up. 'You continue to be not only our favourite Canadian, but also our favourite superhero (sorry, Hugh Jackman),' it was added. In November Reynolds, 44, and Lively, 33, donated $250,000 to Covenant House Vancouver, in Reynolds' hometown, and another $250,000 to Covenant House Toronto. Their donation, 'an incredible act of kindness and philanthropy,' will go to support, 'homeless, at-risk, and trafficked youth across the nation,' according to the Covenant House Vancouver blog. Generous couple: This comes three months after they gave away $500,000 to the same organizations. Seen in 2014 Reynolds and Lively's donation is a 'special matching gift,' which he hopes to encourage others to donate. 'Ryan and Blake truly understand that young people who are facing homelessness deserve unconditional love and absolute respect,' said Krista Thompson, CEO of Covenant House Vancouver. 'Their generous donation and compassionate support mean so much to Covenant House and we are truly grateful for their continued friendship,' Thmpson added. So much dazzle! The stars at the Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art in May 2017 in New York City 'Just like Ryan and Blake, we hope this gift highlights the value of each and every youth; and inspires others to open their hearts to those struggling with the crisis of homelessness,' she concluded. Reynolds himself added, 'Covenant House provides love, hope and stability for at-risk youth whove fled physical, emotional and sexual abuse.' 'They do the work of heroes. For us, helping Covenant House this way isnt a donation, but an investment in compassion and empathy; something the world needs more of,' he added. Family first: The actors with two of their three kids in 2016 in Hollywood 'The young people who pass through the doors of Covenant House more often than not have a story marked by extraordinary trauma. They are so much more than that trauma,' he continued. 'They have so much to offer the world. Matching this gift is saying you believe in them. You believe in the power of compassion to transform the trajectory of a human being,' Reynolds concluded. For those who wish to donate and help this worthy cause themselves, Reynolds and Lively will be matching those donations as well. Fans can make donations themselves to Covenant House Vancouver and Covenant House Toronto through the corresponding links. Well here we are again, looking at another tender photo of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. What now? This type of photo can only mean happy news. And indeed, Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39, are expecting a baby. A statement from a spokesperson was released alongside the image: We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child. Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have announced theyre expecting another baby. Credit:Misan Harriman/The Duke and Duchess of Sussex via Getty Images Cute. And they announced this on Valentines Day? Thats right. Theyre in California and they chose to reveal the pregnancy on Valentines Day local time. By the looks of Meghans bump, they probably couldnt put off announcing this too much longer. But its likely this specific date is no coincidence. Prince Harrys mother, Princess Diana, announced she was expecting her second child on this day in 1984, exactly 37 years ago. And as we know by now with royals, theyre all about the subtle details. Tell me more about the photo. A barefoot Harry. Adoring grins. Meghans head nestled in her husbands lap, her hands cradling her bump. Then theres the slouchy Sunday-vibes clothing and the idyllic garden (honestly, look at that tree). It could be the movie poster for a reboot of The Notebook. And according to Professor Daniel Palmer, who researches photography at RMIT University, theres a sense of relatability and casualness to the photo that is unlikely to be an accident. Remember, this is a couple who has been determined to set themselves apart from the royal family, having stepped down as senior royals in 2020. And this only widens the gap between them and the firm. Its kind of like theyre in the park doing what ordinary couples do and we know they see themselves as more ordinary than most royals, Palmer says. CARROLLTON, Texas, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FASTSIGNS International, Inc. , franchisor of FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, announced today it has been ranked as one of the Top 100 Franchises of 2021 by Franchise Gator. Developed to assist prospective franchisees in their search for a franchise opportunity to invest in, the Top 100 Franchises ranked FASTSIGNS as #3 for its strong growth, financial stability, experience, and several other criteria. "Being identified by Franchise Gator as one of the top franchise opportunities in the country once again is an accomplishment we are extremely proud of. This recognition is a testament to the strength of the brand, our franchisees, support team and the FASTSIGNS proven business model. Last year showed us that in turbulent times our franchisees can and will persevere to come out of the other side stronger than ever. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate the success of an unprecedented year through this esteemed ranking, and we look forward to our growth throughout 2021," said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer. FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results in 2020, including the signing of over 31 franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of more than 30 locations, including its first center in the Dominican Republic. Much of FASTSIGNS' success in 2020 can be credited to centers being deemed essential businesses, allowing franchisees to pivot their services to focus on serving their customers. This year, FASTSIGNS is aiming to sign at least 35 franchise agreements across the U.S. in markets such as Southern California, the Midwest, New England, and along the Northeast Corridor. FASTSIGNS is particularly focusing on its co-brand and conversion programs, which help existing business owners add a FASTSIGNS to their store or fully convert their business to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more, diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for signs, graphics, and visual communications. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee. FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In addition to the brand's online FASTSIGNS University, FASTSIGNS partners with 1HUDDLE, a workforce-training platform that converts unique training content into science-backed, quick-burst training games that are proven to accelerate workforce productivity. FASTSIGNS also offers a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee a savings of $24,875. FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. Entrepreneur magazine recently recognized FASTSIGNS as the #1 franchise opportunity in its category on its 2021 Franchise 500 list for the fifth consecutive year and #44 overall the only sign, graphics, and visual communications company to be recognized in the top 100. In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS a Top Growth Franchise and one of the Top Franchises for Veterans . Additionally, Franchise Direct named FASTSIGNS one of the Top 100 Global Franchises in 2021, and last year , FASTSIGNS was ranked on Franchise Times' annual Top 200+ list and Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS one of its Top Franchises for Second Careers and Top Franchises for Veterans . In 2019, the brand was named to America's Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. Franchise Business Review has also recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the "Best of the Best" for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years, as well as inclusion on its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019. FASTSIGNS has also received the Canadian Franchise Association Franchisees' Choice for eight consecutive years. For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson ([email protected] or 214-346-5679). About FASTSIGNS FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 740 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers in 8 countries including the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, the United Arab Emirates, Malta and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE). FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, promote their products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touchpoints. In 2020, Fastsigns Holdings Inc. acquired GTN CAPITAL GROUP, LLC the parent company of NerdsToGo, an emerging IT services franchise brand. Learn more about sign and graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com . Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns , Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS . For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson ( [email protected] or call 214.346.5679). About Franchise Gator Franchise Gator, a unit of Dominion Enterprises' Franchise Ventures division, the leading demand generation platform for franchise growth. Launched in 2002, Franchise Gator has offered information on thousands of business and franchise opportunities available in more than 100 categories. Franchise Gator provides franchises with a performance-based model for franchise marketing. For more information, please visit www.GrowWithGator.com . Contact: Nate Rubinstein Fish Consulting 203-241-5134 [email protected] SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Related Links http://www.fastsigns.com UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country New Delhi, Feb 16 : After deploying five union ministers in poll-bound West Bengal, the BJP is all set to send more senior leaders to manage and oversee the party's preparations. Each leader will be assigned to manage the party's poll affairs in five assembly constituencies. The leaders who have experience of contesting or managing polls will be assigned work in West Bengal. Elections for 294 seats West Bengal assembly polls will be held in April-May. BJP's co-incharge for West Bengal unit, Amit Malviya said that each senior leader will be given responsibility of about five assembly constituencies. "Earlier, union ministers and ministers from BJP-ruled states have been given responsibility for five or six Lok Sabha constituencies," he said. Malviya said, "The BJP has large numbers of senior leaders having experience of contesting polls or who successfully guided workers in polls. Experience of senior leaders will be used in the upcoming West Bengal assembly polls." Malviya pointed out that there is nothing wrong in roping in seniors and experienced leaders to oversee poll preparations. "BJP has leaders with experience at national and state level of contesting or managing polls and there is nothing wrong in using their experience," he said. Malviya said that people have already made up their mind and started saying "Mamata Jaschis, BJP aaschis" (Mamata is going and BJP is coming) "When people start using these lines against a government, it shows that the incumbent government has lost the people's support," said Malviya. Earlier, Union Minister Prahlad Patel and Mansukh Mandaviya were given the responsibility of looking after the party's poll preparedness in six Lok Sabha constituencies each. Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arjun Munda and Sanjeev Balyan have been assigned five Lok Sabha constituencies each to oversee party's preparedness. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra are also given responsibility of a few Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal. (Shashi Bhushan can be contacted at shashi.b@ians.in) [February 16, 2021] SolarWinds Head Geek Team Adds Microsoft Data Platform Expert Kevin Kline SolarWinds (NYSE:SWI), a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT management software, today introduced Kevin Kline as the newest member of the company's Head Geek team, deepening its bench of database and Microsoft (News - Alert) data platform expertise. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005275/en/ Kevin Kline, SolarWinds (News - Alert) Head Geek. (Photo: Business Wire) "The SolarWinds Head Geeks have a deep connection with the IT community, providing sound advice and perspectives from real-world experience they've gained as IT professionals throughout their careers," said Darren Beck, CMO, SolarWinds. "We're very fortunate to add Kevin to our Head Geek team. As a respected software industry veteran and renowned database expert, he will be a tremendous asset to our customers and the greater SolarWinds community." Kline joins SolarWinds through the company's acquisition of SentryOne in October 2020. He brings extensive experience to the Head Geek team, including: 30+ years of database and software industry experience. Kline is a 13-time recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) honor, a global community of over 4,000 technical experts driven by passion, community spirit, and a quest for knowledge. At previous companies, his software product designs won multiple "Best of" and "Readers' Choice" awards. Kline is a 13-time recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) honor, a global community of over 4,000 technical experts driven by passion, community spirit, and a quest for knowledge. At previous companies, his software product designs won multiple "Best of" and "Readers' Choice" awards. Industry thought leadership and public speaking. As a noted leader in the SQL Server community, Kline writes a monthly column for Database Trends & Applications and blogs about Microsoft Data Platform features and best practices, SQL Server trends, and professional development for IT and data pros. He's a frequent webinar host and speaker at various industry conferences and user groups and has traveled the world as part of his multi-continent roadshows. As a noted leader in the SQL Server community, Kline writes a monthly column for Database Trends & Applications and blogs about Microsoft Data Platform features and best practices, SQL Server trends, and professional development for IT and data pros. He's a frequent webinar host and speaker at various industry conferences and user groups and has traveled the world as part of his multi-continent roadshows. A passion for supporting and educating Microsoft data professionals. Kline is a founder and former president of the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS). He's the author of the best-selling book, SQL in a Nutshell, and co-author of SQL Server 2012 Management and Administration, Professional SQL Server 2008 Database Design and Optimization, and Database Benchmarking: Practical Methods for Oracle (News - Alert) & SQL Server. Who Are the Head Geeks? The SolarWinds Head Geeks bring over 150 collective years of real-world expertise and renowned industry creentials to provide the tech pro community with perspectives, advice, and discussion on the latest trends and challenges in technology. The Head Geeks are experts in all areas of IT, including IT operations management, hybrid IT, networking, application management, databases, security, enterprise, cloud, DevOps, virtualization, ITSM, and more. The SolarWinds Head Geeks engage with technology pros on THWACK, the SolarWinds community forum; on the Orange Matter and Geek Speak blogs; in-person at events, including conferences, trade shows, SolarWinds User Groups, and THWACKcamp, the annual SolarWinds virtual IT conference; in TechPod podcasts; and in SolarWinds Lab sessions, where they provide advanced technical training. Connect with the Head Geeks on THWACK: Leon Adato: Adatole Liz Beavers: lbeavs Sascha Giese: saschg Patrick Hubbard: Patrick.Hubbard Kevin Kline: kekline Thomas LaRock: SQLRockstar Chrystal Taylor: ChrystalT Connect with SolarWinds THWACK Twitter Facebook LinkedIn #SWIcorporate About SolarWinds SolarWinds (NYSE:SWI) is a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT management software. Our products give organizations worldwide-regardless of type, size, or complexity-the power to monitor and manage their IT services, infrastructures, and applications; whether on-premises, in the cloud, or via hybrid models. We continuously engage with technology professionals-IT service and operations professionals, DevOps professionals, and managed services providers (MSPs)-to understand the challenges they face in maintaining high-performing and highly available IT infrastructures and applications. The insights we gain from them, in places like our THWACK community, allow us to solve well-understood IT management challenges in the ways technology professionals want them solved. Our focus on the user and commitment to excellence in end-to-end hybrid IT management has established SolarWinds as a worldwide leader in solutions for network and IT service management, application performance, and managed services. Learn more today at www.solarwinds.com. The SolarWinds, SolarWinds & Design, Orion, and THWACK trademarks are the exclusive property of SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC or its affiliates, are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and may be registered or pending registration in other countries. All other SolarWinds trademarks, service marks, and logos may be common law marks or are registered or pending registration. All other trademarks mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and are trademarks of (and may be registered trademarks of) their respective companies. 2021 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005275/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] House Bill 133 aims to extend Medicaid coverage to eligible new mothers. The House version of the bill calls for a one-year extension, whereas the Senate version calls for a six-month extension. Advocates say the bill could reduce the states maternal mortality rate. Currently, the state offers Medicaid for two months after giving birth. Should Texas extend Medicaid for eligible new mothers for six months or one year? You voted: * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! On Jan. 14, in a low-key ceremony at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Gen. Jonathan Vance officially stepped down as Canadas chief of defence staff and handed the reins to Admiral Art McDonald. Editorial On Jan. 14, in a low-key ceremony at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Gen. Jonathan Vance officially stepped down as Canadas chief of defence staff and handed the reins to Admiral Art McDonald. In his first address as Canadas top soldier, Mr. McDonald delivered a long-awaited formal apology to victims of racism and sexual misconduct. "I am deeply sorry," he said. "I want you to know I will do all that I can to support you; to stop these unacceptable acts from happening; and to put in practice our guiding principle: respect and dignity for all persons." Less than a month later, news broke that his predecessor, Mr. Vance, the architect of the militarys campaign to stamp out rampant sexual misconduct in the ranks, was himself facing allegations of inappropriate relations with lower-ranked female military staff. Mr. Vance is alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with a female subordinate while he was defence chief, and to have sent an inappropriate email to a second woman of junior rank in 2012 before he took over the militarys top post. During his five years on the job, Mr. Vance Canadas longest-serving defence chief in modern times championed the fight against sexual misconduct. His first order as top commander was to launch an all-out effort to eliminate it from Canadas military. Mr. Vance has denied any misconduct, saying his relationship with the female subordinate was never sexual. He said he has no recollection of the 2012 email which reportedly included the suggestion he and another subordinate go on a clothing-optional vacation but that if he did send it, the email was meant as a joke and he would be willing to apologize. Within hours of the story breaking, it was announced that military police were opening an investigation into Mr. Vances actions, and Mr. McDonald promised the Forces would initiate a separate independent investigation. In a unanimous vote last week, the House of Commons defence committee agreed to study the allegations, and will call Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and any other witnesses deemed necessary. A key focus will be what Liberal government officials knew, and when they knew it. The second claim was brought to the attention of the Canadian Forces ombudsman who, in turn, notified the defence minister in 2018. Mr. Sajjan passed those concerns to the Privy Council Office, but has refused to say whether he informed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau or his cabinet. Military police reportedly launched an investigation in 2015 into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Mr. Vance unrelated to the issues being probed by the Commons committee. No charges were laid in that instance. Manitoba MP James Bezan, the Conservative defence critic, said Canadians need to know more: "The news reports we have heard over the last number of weeks are disturbing to say the least These allegations are serious and they need to be looked at." Mr. Bezan is on point. There is much about these allegations that is disturbing. It is deeply troubling to think political and military leaders were aware of them for at least three years, but nothing became public until Mr. Vance stepped out of uniform. It is also terrible news for anyone who has been, or continues to be, a victim of sexual misconduct in the military ranks. And it does not bode well for what Canadas Armed Forces insists is a zero-tolerance stand on such conduct going forward. No one should pre-judge the outcome of these probes, but the fact Canadians were kept in the dark for so long is unacceptable. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close New York: People with dementia had significantly greater risk of contracting the coronavirus, and they were much more likely to be hospitalised and die from it, than people without dementia, a new study of millions of medical records in the United States has found. Their risk could not be entirely explained by characteristics common to people with dementia that are known risk factors for COVID-19: old age, living in a nursing home and having conditions like obesity, asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. After researchers adjusted for those factors, Americans with dementia were still twice as likely to have gotten COVID-19 as of late last northern summer. Lynda Hartman, 75, visits her 77-year-old husband, Len Hartman who suffers from dementia and coronavirus. Credit:AP The study found that black people with dementia were nearly three times as likely as white people with dementia to become infected with the virus, a finding that experts said most likely reflected the fact that people of colour generally have been disproportionately harmed during the pandemic. This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech. When a police officer recently asked the Cleveland Plain Dealer to remove his name from articles about a crime he committed years ago on the job, editor Chris Quinn wasnt sure what to do. Ever since the Ohio newspaper began its right to be forgotten program in 2018, one of the first in the country, Quinn and a committee of editors have considered hundreds of petitions like this one. Eighty percent of the time, Quinn said, they grant the requests, deciding that forever preserving the story online does more harm to the subject than it provides value to the community. Advertisement But when it came to the police officers case, Quinn and his team felt conflicted. The officer had pleaded guilty to the crime, served a sentence, and then successfully petitioned the court to seal his case file. But he was still a public official, the committee concluded, and those he might arrest someday deserve to know of his past misconduct. The newspaper denied the requestand Quinn still isnt sure it was the right decision, as he detailed in a letter from the editor published Jan. 30. Because we were on the forefront, there was no playbook, Quinn told me. He and his colleagues look forward to a time when enough newsrooms are doing it where we can do what journalism has always done, which is to develop a consensus on best practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 22, the media industry got one step closer to Quinns ideal when the Boston Globe announced it would start its own right to forgotten program, called Fresh Start. While newspapers across the country, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Bangor Daily News, have launched similar efforts, the Globe is the biggest newspaper to publicly announce a program with such a wide scope. The Journal-Constitutions, for instance, is mainly for people whose records have been expunged. The Globes new, broader effort suggests the practice may soon become mainstream. The industry was dead set against this in the beginning, Quinn said. Other newsrooms had similar efforts when the Plain Dealer began its program three years ago, but they werent talking about it because they didnt want to be vilified by their colleagues in the industry, he said. Boston doing it, I think that just is going to take away all the fence-sitting. This will become the practice. Advertisement Like the Plain Dealer, the Globe will accept petitions from people who fill out an online form asking for a story about them to be updated or anonymized. A committee of 10 journalists from the Globe and its sister site Boston.com will convene monthly to discuss, holding a particularly high standard for serious crimes and those committed by public figures. In some cases, the editors may decide to remove someones name; in others, to deindex the article from search engines. This isnt about rewriting history, said Jason Tuohey, the Globes managing editor for digital, who noted that in the week following the programs announcement, the paper received about 18 requests. Its an acknowledgement that people can move on with their lives and that we dont want our journalism to become a barrier to that. Advertisement Advertisement The Globe had been considering this effort for a while, according to Tuohey, but it was the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests that prompted the newspaper to take action. The Globes coverage of its own initiative framed the protests as a reminder of the inequalities of the criminal justice system reflected in coverage of crimes: It was never our intent to have a short and relatively inconsequential Globe story affect the futures of the ordinary people who might be the subjects, said editor Brian McGrory. Our sense, given the criminal justice system, is that this has had a disproportionate impact on people of color. For years, Tuohey and other editors had received, and sometimes granted, petitions from people looking to clean their digital slates. Now was really the time to come up with a plan and an initiative that was more than a one-off, Tuohey said. Part of what Fresh Start is to formalize this process so someones chance of being heard doesnt rest on their ability to find my email address. Advertisement Though lately considered through a social justice lens, the idea of the right to be forgotten isnt new. In 2014, the European Union implemented a law stating that anyone in the EU can petition Google to delete links from its index that contain old or irrelevant personal information. Used by many who want unwanted news coverage about them removed, the policy has elicited intense controversy, given that it can suppress information that many believe should be public knowledge. Advertisement Viktor Mayer-Schonberger, professor of internet governance and regulation at the University of Oxford, made the case in his 2009 book, Delete: The Virtue of Forgetting in the Digital Age, that the way technology reminds us of our past harms our ability to forgive and make decisions in the present. If we have a digital tool that continually reminds us of the past, then we have undone a key feature of human cognition and that is the ability to let go of memories, Mayer-Schonberger told me. Eighty-five percent of Americans, according to a Pew Research Center survey in 2019, believe they should have the right to remove embarrassing photos and videos from search results; less than half of that say the same right should apply to criminal records and mug shots. But even when it comes to criminal history, newspapers, once deemed the first rough draft of history, were never meant to preserve everything with just a few keystrokes; you used to have to labor through microfiche to access old articles, the same way you might have rummaged through attic boxes for old photos rather than scrolling to the bottom of an Instagram profile. Its these kind of speed bumps that we need in order to be reminded of the importance of forgetting, Mayer-Schonberger said. I dont want newspapers to forget completely, but I do want them to make it just a little harder. Advertisement Advertisement The success of efforts like the Globes and the Plain Dealers depends on making sure the process of anonymizing, updating, or deindexing coveragethe speed bumpsdoesnt introduce other issues. No matter how prepared for debate and equipped with diversity and inclusion training, a committee of journalists deciding peoples digital fates on a case-by-case basis is tricky. Would you remove the mug shot of a former drug addict who turned her life around and now counsels other drug users? What about the name of a teacher who was accused of having sex with a 12-year-old girl only to be found not guilty? Or the story of a now divorced couple whose feature spread about their great love now feels mortifying? These are all requests that the Plain Dealer has granted. But what about when youre considering the application of a Black man once charged with burglary who accepted a plea offer? The fact that he accepted the offer might make you think that the content shouldnt be removedbut such plea bargains have a history of racial bias. If you just go with what theyre ultimately convicted with, youre importing the prosecution and the justice systems bias, said Quinn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accessibility to the program in the first place may import another bias. The Globe positioned Fresh Start as a social justice effortpart of a broader effort to rethink the Globes criminal justice coverage and how it affects communities of color, as its coverage readbut getting the word out to those communities will take additional effort. Tuohey said theyve reached out to community leaders to spread the word and hope to host events to alert more potential applicants at some point. The Plain Dealer, meanwhile, is trying to create a system in which people wont even have to applyin December, Google gave the newsroom a grant to develop an app that would bubble up categories of stories for editors to consider anonymizing, such as a spell of four years when the newspaper amplified its coverage of minor crimes, assigning a reporter to the police and court blotter. The app will also flag and delete mug shots, which tend to perpetuate racial stereotypes. Quinn hopes other newsrooms could someday use the program, which is set to be completed at the end of this year, in order to expand the scope of right to be forgotten efforts and preserve newsrooms already strapped resources. Advertisement Advertisement The careful approach of these efforts makes sense, given the dangers that right to be forgotten legislation in Europe has highlighted. Most right to be forgotten requests come from relatively affluent clients that can pay lawyers or special service providers to go to Google and request that certain content is no longer indexed, said Mayer-Schonberger. The rich and affluent can almost always can get their privacy, but I wanted privacy and I wanted forgetting for you and me, and not just for the rich. And the right to be forgotten arguably has not succeeded, or has not completely succeeded, on that benchmark. Like other U.S. newsrooms, the Globe and the Plain Dealer draw the line at petitions from lawyers, corporations, or government agencies. But the experimental nature of the programs emphasizes that much of the policy is still being shaped. Quinn has wondered whether newspapers with such programs should team up with Google, given that removing one newspapers article wont erase other coverage of the crime. (And in addition to newspaper coverage, there are dozens of websites that compile mug shots and rank them high on search results, in some cases removing them only for hundreds of dollars.) He imagines one possible system in which newsrooms and journalism organizations agree on generally accepted practices, Google sets up the form for people to apply for anonymization, and then Google sends out the applications to all the different newsrooms, who would then run them through their filters and respond to them in the same way. Advertisement Advertisement But Mayer-Schonberger worries about getting Google too involved. Facebook but also Google have shown over and over again that they dont take their responsibility particularly seriously, he said of the tech giants habit for scapegoating their algorithms rather than making substantive choices when it comes to context. Newspapers have the DNA to do [this work]. They understand what content does, what text does, what consequences reporting has. I would trust newspapers more than I would trust Google. As clarifying as right to be forgotten standards would be, Mayer-Schonberger believes that subjectivity is actually key to the programs success. Even if there were a best practice type of standard, it would be interpreted differently in different newspapers, much like different judges interpret the law differently, said Mayer-Schonberger. I think part of the pluralistic society in which we live is that theres also a different opinion about what shall and shall not be expunged. While newspapers can swap advice and opinions, establishing a strict standard for right to be forgotten petitions would inhibit not only the free speech that defines media, but also newspapers core strengththe ability to define relevance for themselves. In the old days of media, and to a lesser extent today, journalists jockeyed for space in print. This fight for space was a fight for relevance, and this arguably, I would suggest, made newspapers better, said Mayer-Schonberger. And this attention to relevance, he believes, distinguishes newspapers from algorithmically moderated platforms like Facebook. My advice is to see this as the beginning of a competitive advantage, he said. Because curating content based on relevance, importance, [and] the standard of care that went into the article is, I strongly believe, the only avenue forward for newspapers to survive in the digital age. Advertisement Advertisement In the best-case scenario, right to be forgotten programs could propel newsrooms not only to survive but to become better. Allowing someone else to forget and grow from their mistake is a practice that newspapers ought to apply to themselves, especially as they continue to publish stories daily that affect peoples digital fates. As Tuohey said, the Globes right to be forgotten initiative will newly force the paper to grapple with its criminal justice coverage. If we see a story where we think maybe sometime in the future we might be deindexing it because of Fresh Start, thats going to be a real question, he said. Do we even cover that story these days? Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. A drill rapper 'did not stand a chance,' when he was stabbed nine times in the head, back and chest during a 'savage and merciless' attack by four armed youths, a court has heard. Crosslon Davis, 20, was set upon in a passageway in Deptford, south-east London and later bled to death, a trial at the Old Bailey heard today. Most of the attack was caught on camera, with footage showing two attackers getting out of a minicab. Prosecutors allege the two males caught on camera were Elijah Morgan, 20, and Jedaiah Param, 21, who are on trial each accused of murder and having a knife. 'Highly regarded' drill artist Crosslon Davis, 20, was stabbed nine times during a brutal attack in Deptford in December 2019, a court has heard. Two men are currently on trial for his murder Jurors were told the other two males involved in the killing have not yet been 'satisfactorily' identified. Crosslon Davis, 20, known as Bis, suffered at least nine wounds to his head, back and chest when he was set upon on December 6 2019, the Old Bailey was told. Prosecutor Brian O'Neill QC told jurors: 'It was a savage and merciless attack. Mr Davis, also known as Bis, 'did not stand a chance,' after he was set upon by four people in a passageway in 2019, a trial at the Old Bailey has heard On the day before he died, Mr Davis had arranged to film a music video for his latest drill track 'Crosslon Davis did not stand a chance. The forensic pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination of his body concluded that he had bled to death as a result of multiple wounds.' Param and Morgan were allegedly recorded on a minicab's dashcam minutes before the attack. Mr O'Neill said Mr Davis was a 'highly regarded' drill artist who was a member of the Harlem Spartans, a well-known music collective primarily based in Kennington, south London. On the day before he died, Mr Davis had arranged to film a music video for his latest drill track. In the course of filming in and around an estate in Kennington, the victim was joined by friends, including one who was with him at the time of the stabbing at 3am the following day, the court heard In the course of filming in and around an estate in Kennington, the victim was joined by friends, including one who was with him at the time of the stabbing at 3am the following day, the court heard. Param, of Norwood, South London, and Morgan, of no fixed address, deny the charges against them. Judge Angela Rafferty QC pointed out to the jury that only one of the defendants, Param, was in the dock. She said Morgan is in prison and knew about the trial starting but 'has chosen not to come'. The trial continues. Punjab MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu hoists black flag at his residence in support of protesting farmers India oi-Madhuri Adnal Chandigarh, Feb 17: The Congress party has bagged massive wins in the Punjab local body elections. The party bagged all the municipal corporations-- Moga, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Pathankot, Abohar, Batala and Bathinda. The Congress' win in Bathinda is the most unusual as it has been a bastion of the Akalis for a very long time. Overall, 71.39 per cent turnout was recorded in the polls for the civic bodies for which Congress, AAP, BJP and Akali Dal are taking on each other. However, the result of the SAS Nagar municipal corporation is likely to be announced later. Punjab Municipal Election Results 2021 Highlights Newest First Oldest First The State Election Commission had ordered repolling at two booths for the Mohali municipal corporation. Therefore, the counting for the entire civic body will take place on Thursday. Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar said people have rejected the negative politics of parties like the BJP, SAD and AAP. The Shiromani Akali Dal, the Aam Aadmi party and the Bharatiya Janata Party failed to make a mark in the elections for the municipal corporations. The outcome of the elections held against the backdrop of the farmers agitation against the BJP-led government at the Centre has come as a boost for the Congress, which is also eyeing to win the assembly elections due early next year. The ruling Congress won six of the seven municipal corporations in the civic polls in Punjab for which results were declared Wednesday, officials said. The Congress won in Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Abohar, Batala and Pathankot. The result for the seventh corporation was expected later in the day. The counting of votes for yet another corporation will take place on Thursday. Hearty congratulations to all @Akali_Dal_ candidates, irrespective of votes, you are all winners! The results show that despite harrassment, violence & booth capturing, SAD will form the govt in 2022 & those officials who indulged in malpractices should start counting their days. pic.twitter.com/9pG4t8W1F9 Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) February 17, 2021 'You are all winners', tweets SAD's Harsimrat Kaur Badal "This is a tight slap on the face of BJP, SAD and AAP by people of Punjab for playing with the feelings of our Anndaatas," tweets Punjab Congress after registering victory in the majority of the municipal polls. Results a testament to Captain Amarinder Singh's able leadership, says Congress The Congress won in all seven municipal corporations in the Punjab local body polls, reported NDTV. Kharar: Congress wins 10 seats, SAD 8, and Independents 8 Rajpura municipal corporation: Congress wins 27 seats, SAD 1 and BJP 2. BJP leads in ward number 21 of Khanna SAD has won the Nayagaon Municipal Corporation in Mohali, bagging 16/21 wards. Congress wins Faridkot municipal council in the Punjab civic body polls, reported Hindustan Times. Pathankot municipal corporation, a BJP bastion saw Congress come out victorious as the party recorded wins in 23 out of 50 wards. Dera Bassi municipal corporation: The Congress wins 13 of the total 19 wards. SAD 3; BJP 1. The counting of votes for the Municipal Corporation in Mohali would take place on Thursday. Congress wins 5 of the 7 municipal corporations in Punjab. Congress wins Abohar municipal corporation. Moga: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is ahead after winning in 15 wards. Congress in second spot after winning in 13 wards. The Congress won Ward Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 in the Zirakpur MC elections. Congress wins 11 wards in Nawanshahr Kurali, Congress wins 9 seats, Independent five, and SAD 2 Sultanpur Lodhi: Congress wins 10 seats, BJP three Congress set to have it's Mayor for the first time in Bathinda MC The wife of former BJP cabinet minister Tikshan Sood has lost in Hoshiarpur. Harjot Kamal, wife of Moga Congress MLA, has lost in Moga municipal corporation from ward number 1 by 151 votes Jandiala: Congress wins 10 seats, Akali dal wins 3 and Independent 2 Ferozepur: Congress wins Ward No 1 to 13 Zirakpur MC elections: Congress wins Ward No. 1, 2,4,5,6 : SAD 3 Abohar: Congress ahead in 17 wards. Congress leads in nine out of 15 seats in Doraha and ten out of fifteen wards in Samrala Congress wins 8, SAD 2, Independent 1 Patiala: Congress: 27 seats, BJP: 2, SAD:1 and AAP: 1. Zirakpur MC elections: Congress wins Ward No. 1, 2,4,5,6 : SAD 3 Ferozepur: Congress wins Ward No 1 to 13 Jandiala: Congress wins 10 seats, Akali dal wins 3 and Independent 2 Harjot Kamal, wife of Moga Congress MLA, has lost in Moga municipal corporation from ward number 1 by 151 votes The wife of former BJP cabinet minister Tikshan Sood has lost in Hoshiarpur. Congress set to have it's Mayor for the first time in Bathinda MC Sultanpur Lodhi: Congress wins 10 seats, BJP three Kurali, Congress wins 9 seats, Independent five, and SAD 2 Congress wins 11 wards in Nawanshahr The Congress won Ward Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 in the Zirakpur MC elections. Moga: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is ahead after winning in 15 wards. Congress in second spot after winning in 13 wards. Congress wins Abohar municipal corporation. Congress wins 5 of the 7 municipal corporations in Punjab. The counting of votes for the Municipal Corporation in Mohali would take place on Thursday. Dera Bassi municipal corporation: The Congress wins 13 of the total 19 wards. SAD 3; BJP 1. Pathankot municipal corporation, a BJP bastion saw Congress come out victorious as the party recorded wins in 23 out of 50 wards. Congress wins Faridkot municipal council in the Punjab civic body polls, reported Hindustan Times. SAD has won the Nayagaon Municipal Corporation in Mohali, bagging 16/21 wards. BJP leads in ward number 21 of Khanna Rajpura municipal corporation: Congress wins 27 seats, SAD 1 and BJP 2. Kharar: Congress wins 10 seats, SAD 8, and Independents 8 The Congress won in all seven municipal corporations in the Punjab local body polls, reported NDTV. Results a testament to Captain Amarinder Singh's able leadership, says Congress "This is a tight slap on the face of BJP, SAD and AAP by people of Punjab for playing with the feelings of our Anndaatas," tweets Punjab Congress after registering victory in the majority of the municipal polls. Hearty congratulations to all @Akali_Dal_ candidates, irrespective of votes, you are all winners! The results show that despite harrassment, violence & booth capturing, SAD will form the govt in 2022 & those officials who indulged in malpractices should start counting their days. pic.twitter.com/9pG4t8W1F9 Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) February 17, 2021 'You are all winners', tweets SAD's Harsimrat Kaur Badal The ruling Congress won six of the seven municipal corporations in the civic polls in Punjab for which results were declared Wednesday, officials said. The Congress won in Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Abohar, Batala and Pathankot. The result for the seventh corporation was expected later in the day. The counting of votes for yet another corporation will take place on Thursday. The outcome of the elections held against the backdrop of the farmers agitation against the BJP-led government at the Centre has come as a boost for the Congress, which is also eyeing to win the assembly elections due early next year. A total of 9,222 candidates are in the fray for the elections to 2,302 wards of eight municipal corporations of Abohar, Bathinda Batala, Kapurthala, Mohali, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot and Moga, 109 municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Of the total candidates, 2,832 are independents, 2,037 from the ruling Congress while 1,569 are SAD nominees. The BJP, AAP and BSP fielded 1,003, 1,606 and 160 candidates, respectively. Meanwhile, the Punjab State Election Commission ordered repolling at three booths of the Municipal Councils of Patran and Samana in Patiala. Andhra Pradesh Phase 3 gram panchayat poll: Over 55 lakh voters to exercise franchise today The repolling will be held on February 16 from 8 am to 4 pm, and counting will take place on February 17. An official spokesperson of the State Election Commission said reports were received from the Returning Officer (RO) of Patran that some miscreants damaged the electronic voting machine (EVM) at polling booth number 11 of ward number 8. Reports were received from the RO of Samana about damaging of EVMs by miscreants at polling booth number 22 and 23 of ward number 11. Taking serious note of these incidents, the commission announced that the polling conducted at these booths would be nullified and repoll held under section 59(2)(A) of the Punjab State Election Commission Act, 1994, the official said. The Opposition parties have accused the ruling Congress of "capturing booths" and "indulging in violence". UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 11:19:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Matthew Rusling WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Roger, a high school teacher in the area around Washington DC, has already been vaccinated, but his school has yet to reopen. Roger, who declined to give his full name, said he believes schools need to reopen, as children are missing out on critical education in the most crucial years. LONGING FOR SCHOOL REOPENING U.S. President Joe Biden faces a major challenge in reopening schools, amid a pandemic that has millions of children staying home and grinds education to a halt. He pledged in December last year to reopen the majority of the country's schools in his first 100 days after taking office. For nearly a year, millions of children have been studying online following school closures. Parents are pushing hard to reopen schools, as children fall further behind. The closures have a particularly negative impact on minority and lower-income families, as children are missing the free meals provided at all U.S. public schools, as well as mentoring and guidance that children from broken homes may not receive from parents. "Reopening schools is crucial because so many activities take place there. These institutions are responsible for educating young people, feeding low-income students, and providing day care and after-school enrichment for local communities," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua. "Without them, parents have problems at every level and have difficulty handling all the things that pupils need," West said. Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the center for international and security studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua that seeing schools reopen "in a big way" would be "proof-of-concept for the (Biden) administration's overall project." But to do that, the government must pass Biden's COVID-19 relief package, Ramsay noted, which has well over 100 billion U.S. dollars in it for school systems to deal with the pandemic, and get that aid out and functioning. The vaccine roll-out also has to keep accelerating continuously, Ramsay added. Biden's goal is to vaccinate 100 million Americans in his first 100 days. Over 70 million vaccine doses have been distributed and a total of more than 52.8 million doses have been administered as of Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MOST CHILDREN IN "RED ZONE" The CDC on Friday unveiled new guidance on safely reopening schools, requiring masks, physical distancing, handwashing, maintaining clean facilities and contact tracing. The guidance advises schools to phase in their reopening plans in accordance with the severity of the outbreak in their areas. It offers a color-coded chart that divides schools' reopening options into four zones: blue, yellow, orange and red. Districts with low community spread, which are blue with 0 to 9 new cases per 100,000 in past 7 days, or moderate transmission, which are yellow with 10 to 49 new cases, are encouraged to consider reopening for full, in-person learning. Schools in areas with substantial transmission, which are orange with 50 to 99 new cases per 100,000, may still consider a limited reopening, as long as they can layer multiple safety strategies in the classroom. In hard-hit communities, which are red zones with more than 100 new cases per 100,000, elementary schools may consider limited reopening, with physical distancing required, but middle and high schools are recommended to be virtual-only unless mitigation strategies can be met. "I think it can be done. I mean, obviously it's not a perfect situation, but it's really important to get the children back to school in a safest way as possible. Safe for the children, but also safe for the teachers and the other educators," Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday. About 89 percent of children in the U.S. live in a county considered a red zone with high levels of COVID-19 transmission under new CDC school opening guidelines, according to a CNN analysis of federal data. The country has recorded over 27.6 million cases with more than 486,000 related deaths as of Monday afternoon, according to the real-time count kept by Johns Hopkins University. Enditem (Xinhua correspondents in Washington Yang Shilong, Tan Jingjing contributed to the story) The Anti-Corruption Policy Council today held a session chaired by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan reported on the course of implementation of the actions to be carried out in 2020 under the Anti-Corruption Strategy and the 2019-2020 Action Plan and the results of monitoring and evaluation. Based on the results, almost half of the actions planned for 2020 have been completely implemented, while some actions were partially implemented due to the pandemic and the situation created after the war. The Prime Minister attached importance to the addressability of the anti-corruption measures and asked about the effectiveness of those measures in practice and to the consistent efforts for prevention of manifestations of political corruption. In this context, Chairperson of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption Haikuhi Harutunyan stated that the Commission conducts ongoing studies on persons holding state positions and doing business at the same time and has sent the results of inspections to law-enforcement authorities. Harutyunyan added that criminal cases have been launched and are in the stage of preliminary investigation. Touching upon the current report on the activities of the Commission, Harutyunyan stated that, in the reporting period, the Commission has conducted integrity checks of candidates for prosecutor, judges, judge of the Constitutional Court and members of the Supreme Judicial Council. The Commission has also continued to improve the system of declaration of assets, incomes and interests. The justice minister presented the steps being taken to ensure legislation on the creation of the Anti-Corruption Committee and Anti-Corruption Courts and their operation. According to the legislation, five judges of specialized and appellate anti-corruption courts will investigate the civil cases launched on the basis of the Law on Civil Forfeiture of Illegal Assets. Anaheim Considers Rental Forgiveness Program for Tenants and Landlords The City of Anaheim is proposing a local rental assistance program for landlords to receive 80 percent of unpaid rent for up to a year if they agree to waive the remaining 20 percent and not pursue evictions. The rental assistance will provide coverage from April 2020 through March. The rent subsidy program was created for landlords who are having a hard time paying their mortgages and their debt obligations, Anaheim spokesperson Mike Lyster told The Epoch Times on Feb. 15. Program funds came from a national emergency rental assistance (ERA) program. California received $2.6 billion in funding last Dec. 27 as part of a $25 billion federal rescue package to help those whove suffered setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Orange County began distributing nearly $66 million in ERA funds on Feb. 1, but some citiesincluding Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvinewere exempt from the program to launch their own initiatives. Anaheim will discuss its proposed program through its local housing authority during its Feb. 16 council meeting. If the program is approved, the city will administer $30 million in federal funding locally through the Anaheim Housing Authority. The city would likely begin accepting applications on March 1, Lyster said. We want to help the landlord, and by doing so we in turn help the tenant by paying their back rent from that period, he said. If the landlord decides not to participate, rental assistance will be provided directly to the tenant, limited to 25 percent of the total debt owed. Landlords who opt out of the program can evict their tenants after the moratorium is lifted, however, the eviction moratorium could again be extended. Starting Aug. 1, landlords can go to small claims court to pursue unpaid rent from April 1, 2020, through March 31. While renters can be held responsible for their debts, they cannot be evicted for missing payments for that period. For landlords, litigation can be a gamble, Lyster said. If they went to court and won a judgment, they still may not be able to collect the money simply because the tenant doesnt have the money to pay, Lyster said. As with any debt, collecting it is another issue. A tenant could declare bankruptcy or various other things could happen where theyre just unable to collect the debt. For many landlords, it probably will be in their best interest to go with this 80 percent program. Anaheim previously provided $5 million in emergency rental assistance to landlords. The citys moratorium on residential and commercial evictions ended last Sept. 30, with state and federal protections still in place. However, Californias eviction moratorium has been extended through June 30. Renters need to provide landlords with a declaration of financial distress due to the pandemic, and pay 25 percent of their total rent from September through June 2021. If renters fail these, they could face eviction starting July 1. Unfortunately, there are some cases where folks may be taking advantage of the situation. They may be able to pay part of their rent and just arent doing so under the cover of the pandemic, Lyster said. That is causing an issue for landlords. So, what the state did was said that at a minimum, you have to pay 25 percent of your rent from last September through June. The city of Irvine will be discussing its rollout of the rental assistance funds at its city council meeting on Feb. 23. N'DJAMENA, Chad, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 16th Feb, 2021) Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State, has met with Bah Ndaw, Mali's interim president, on the sidelines of the seventh regular session of Heads of State of the G5 Sahel summit. The summit began on Monday in the Chadian capital NDjamena. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and ways to further develop them in various fields. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. People, life and landscapes of many regions in Vietnam have been captured by female photographers from Ho Chi Minh City. Naive by a female photographer in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNP/VNA) Conquering Son Doong Cave' by a female photographer in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNP/VNA) Burden by a female photographer in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNP/VNA) Hoang Su Phi flee market by a female photographer in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNP/VNA) Peaceful Cao Street by a female photographer in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNP/VNA) Children dancing on stilts by a female photographer in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNP/VNA) VNA Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. BBC star Charlene McKenna has married her Ripper Street co-star Adam Rothenberg at an intimate, lockdown wedding in Castle Leslie in her home county of Monaghan. The TV star (36) looked stunning for her big day as she marked her nuptials to her actor husband (45) in their own unique way. Alongside a picture of them gazing into each others eyes, she wrote: Thats Mrs Rothenberg to you! Thank you to everyone who made our small day feel so big. The celebrity couple also opted to buck tradition with their wedding registry. Instead of asking for gifts, they went down the practical route of asking for contributions towards their dream house in New York, calling it their bricks and mortar fund and accompanied their request with a picture of an elegant three-storey building. Charlene, who will take centre stage this Sunday in BBCs new Belfast-based thriller Bloodlands, has been dating the American star since first meeting him in 2015 in the period drama that was partly filmed in Dublin. Expand Close Charlene McKenna and husband Adam Rothenberg on their big day. Photo: Briona Rolfe/Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charlene McKenna and husband Adam Rothenberg on their big day. Photo: Briona Rolfe/Instagram She thanked the owners of Castle Leslie for allowing us to wed in such opulent privacy and also her wedding gown designer and Monaghan native Natalie B Coleman for the dress of detailed dreams. Charlene opted for a beautifully simple white, three-quarter length fitted dress with a sweetheart neckline and a net overlay while she carried a bouquet of red roses. To all our family and friends who couldnt be there, dont you worry when this is over, theres going to be one HELL of a party! she said. The menu for their big day was provided by the Moorings bar and restaurant while her shoes were Simone Ming Ming. Given that lockdown restrictions for weddings state only six guests are allowed, their happy day was attended by a handful of her inner circle. This included her best friend and maid of honour Briona Rolfe, while her nieces did her hair and make-up. The couple got engaged in their adopted home of New York in March 2019 and had scheduled their big day for July 2020 before the pandemic scuppered all their plans. Charlene previously joked that their romance was a "total cliche" as it blossomed on-set as they were both smitten from the start. She played the part of Mary Erskine while Adam played Captain Homer Jackson. "We fell in love working together. Adam is just one of the smartest and most talented people I have ever met, and he's an amazing anchor for this acting world we're in, she told Independent.ie. "He's older than me so that's very grounding because he has no interest in the hype, as he has kind of been there and done that. I often think he would make a wonderful psychologist, as we have really good in-depth chats and he's a very good person." Her career is also going from strength to strength and she will star alongside James Nesbitt in BBCs new series Bloodlands, which follows the hunt for a legendary assassin plaguing Northern Ireland. The cold-case crime series is written by Chris Brandon and produced by Jed Mercurio, the brains behind Line of Duty and Bodyguard. Prakash Chhabria, Finolex (Photo Credit: Prakash Javadekar/Twitter) A case has been registered against Prakash Chhabria of Finolex Industries by the Maharashtra Home department, three months after it began probing a complaint by Chhabrias cousin Deepak Chhabria. The department, which had begun the investigation to find out if an FIR was registered after Deepaks complaint, has now also recommended a departmental probe against the Pimpri-Chinchwad police commissioner for the FIR not being registered last year, The Indian Express reported. A family spokesperson for Prakash Chhabria said the Pune Police has registered the FIR based on Deepaks complaint in connection with a family dispute ongoing since 2016, adding: This FIR has been registered with malicious intent and the objective of harassment. Being a responsible citizen of this country, they have complete faith in the legal system. We are in the process of defending his rights and taking appropriate steps to deal with this false, baseless and unjust prosecution. Pimpri Chinchwad police commissioner Krishna Prakash, who took over September 2020, told the paper the initial complaint happened before he took charge and he only signed to close the case based on decision of the Investigating Officer which was also approved by the ACP, DCP and additional CP. An official for the Maharashtra Home Department confirmed the inquiry but refused to answer queries, the report said. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. Case background Deepak alleged that the transfer of shares in Finolex Group belonging to late founder Pralhad Chhabria to Prakash Chhabria in 2016 was conducted using forged gift deed and related documents. The inquiry report showed that Pralhad held 82.07 percent shares in Orbit Electricals, which is the holding company of Finolex Cables and Finolex Industries. These shares were to be transferred as per his will dated October 15, 2014 20 percent to daughter Aruna, 34 percent to son Prakash, and the rest to Kishandas sons Deepak (29 percent) and Vijay (17 percent). Pralhad Chhabria died in May 2016. However, a gift deed was prepared on March 28, 2016 transferring 70.4 percent shares to Prakash which was also resolved in a board meeting three days later. Deepak alleges the forged documents led to disproportionate allocation of shares to Prakash and deprived him control of Finolex Cables. He finally approached the Pimpri-Chinchwad police on March 3, 2020 complaining of cheating and forgery after unsuccessfully doing the rounds of the Pune, Mumbai and Delhi civil courts. The polices Economic Offences Wing (EOW) however closed the case on October 10 citing insufficient grounds for an FIR. Post this, in October 2020, the Maharashtra Home Department sent a letter directing the Home Guards to conduct inquiry into the matter this is pending litigation in the Bombay High Court after Finolex Industries challenged involvement of the Home Guards. As US President Joe Biden works to revive the landmark Iranian nuclear agreement, Israels envoy to the United States suggested Tuesday that Israel may not consult with the new administration on its steps to reenter. Biden has pledged to engage with allies and partners, including Israel, before making any moves to join the deal. But Reuters reports that some Israeli officials believe consulting with the Biden administration could backfire for Israel by falsely signaling its consent for any new deal that it still opposes. We will not be able to be part of such a process if the new administration returns to that deal, Israels ambassador to the United States, Gilad Erdan, told Army Radio. Biden has pledged to join the multilateral pact, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as a starting point for follow-on negotiations that would tighten and lengthen Irans nuclear constraints and address the countrys ballistic missile program. Israels leaders are skeptical of Bidens efforts to rejoin the agreement, which they believe undermines their national security. Since President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear agreement in 2018 and reimposed harsh economic sanctions, Iran has repeatedly breached its nuclear obligations under the JCPOA. The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said last week that Iran had begun producing uranium metal, a material that can be used to form nuclear weapons. "It would appear that only crippling sanctions keeping the current sanctions and even adding new sanctions combined with a credible military threat that Iran fears might bring Iran to real negotiations with Western countries that might ultimately produce a deal truly capable of preventing it breaking ahead [to nuclear arms], Gilad said. Tensions between bitter foes Iran and Israel have run high since the suspected assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a top Iranian nuclear scientist, in November. In retaliation, Irans parliament passed legislation mandating increased nuclear activity and limiting UN inspector access if sanctions are not lifted by Feb. 21. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is up for reelection in March, has yet to receive a phone call from Biden. In an interview with Israels Channel 12 on Monday, Netanyahu downplayed the lack of communication with the new president. He'll call, Netanayahu said. We have had very strong friendly relations for nearly 40 years, dating from the time I came to Washington as an Israeli diplomatic representative and he was a young senator from Delaware." Israel's national security adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat is reportedly now tasked with relaying Netanyahus positions on Iran to the new administration. On Saturday, he and his American counterpart, Jake Sullivan, held their second call since Bidens inauguration last month. The military detained Suu Kyi on charges of illegally possessing imported walkie-talkie radios two weeks ago as it seized power. She is being held under house arrest at her official residence in Naypyitaw. Her original detention order was due to expire Monday. Overnight Sunday into Monday, authorities cut off internet access, only to turn it back on Monday morning. The media reported that in Yangon, the country's most populous city, fewer protesters gathered Monday partly due to a larger presence of military vehicles on the streets. Police in the capital, Naypyitaw, detained about 20 student protesters. Reuters news agency reported they were later released. Troops and military vehicles were out in force Monday in an increased security presence in major cities. In Mandalay, troops used rubber bullets and catapults to break up demonstrations in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank. Local media reported that a few people were injured. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said such restrictions, and the arrests of political and civil society leaders, "are deeply concerning." "The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar, including the increasing use of force and the reported deployment of additional armored vehicles to major cities," a Guterres spokesman said in a statement Sunday. "He calls on Myanmar's military and police to ensure the right of peaceful assembly is fully respected and demonstrators are not subjected to reprisals. Reports of continued violence, intimidation and harassment by security personnel are unacceptable." The United Nations said Special Envoy to Myanmar, Schraner Burgener, spoke Monday morning with Myanmar Deputy Commander in Chief Soe Win to again press for a visit to the country under agreeable conditions. In a joint statement, ambassadors to Myanmar from the United States, Canada and 12 European Union nations also denounced the military's interruption of communications and expressed their support for the people of Myanmar, saying "the world is watching." "We call on security forces to refrain from violence against demonstrators and civilian, who are protesting the overthrow of their legitimate government," the ambassadors said late Sunday. "We unequivocally condemn the detention and ongoing arrests of political leaders, civil society activists and civil servants, as well as the harassment of journalists." Protesters Sunday at a power plant in the northern state of Kachin were met with gunfire by security forces. Videos from the protest show members of the military firing into crowds to disperse them, but it was not clear whether the bullets were rubber or live ammunition. In addition to protests, government employees and civil servants are on strike, resulting in disruption of train services throughout the country. The military has ordered civil servants back to work and threatened action against them. The military has arrested protesters en masse nightly since demonstrations began. On Saturday, leaders gave the military sweeping powers to search private property. The military used claims of election fraud, which were rejected by the country's election commission, as justification for the Feb. 1 coup, its declaration of a one-year state of emergency and subsequent detention of Suu Kyi and senior members of the civilian government. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the coup, promised last week in a nationally televised speech that new elections would be held to bring a "true and disciplined democracy," but he did not specify when they would take place. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have filled the streets of Myanmar's biggest cities in defiance of a strict curfew and a ban on gatherings of more than four people, holding signs with pro-democracy slogans, many of them with pictures of Suu Kyi. The alarm is growing in West Africa for the reappearance of the Ebola virus, capable of triggering a highly lethal hemorrhagic fever. A new outbreak has developed in Guinea and the confirmed victims are at least five. According to reports, only one of the victims was confirmed positive for Ebola, but the remaining four are listed as "probable cases". Two people tested positive, the Guinean health agency said, while another ten are showing symptoms of the disease. The first confirmed death is that of a 51-year-old nurse, who died in late January and originally from Nzerekore, near the city of Gouecke, in the south of the country. Two brothers of the nurse who attended her funeral last February 1 also died, as said a health official who asked for anonymity. It is not clear who the other victims are or if they participated in the funeral of the health worker. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization is also moving. Alfred George Ki-Zerbo, WHO representative in Guinea said Ebola vaccines could arrive "within 72 hours". "Our priority is to complete the risk assessment on the ground and analyze the cross-border dimension," he added, referring to the area near the Liberian border where the virus has re-emerged. Maximum alert also in all the countries of the area - such as Liberia and Sierra Leone - where between 2013 and 2016 Ebola caused almost 12 thousand deaths. (Unioneonline / lf) Press Release 16 February 2021 AUSTRALIA - TFE Hotels has officially launched their premium A by Adina hotel brand today, and with it the concept of 'hotel living', both of which are set to elevate TFE Hotels' beloved Adina Hotels brand into a class of its own. Advertisements As TFE Hotels CEO Antony Ritch explains, the flagship brand's groundbreaking new story - unveiled on the cusp of Adina Hotel's 40th birthday with the launch of its first premium address, A by Adina Canberra - purposely side-steps any hotel category currently on the market. Instead, promising stunning form and function across the private, upscale apartment-style rooms in tandem with everything expected of a premium, full-service hotel and hotel featured design. According to Antony, A by Adina's brand promise and 'sophisticated coming of age' evolved as TFE Senior Executives saw an opportunity in the market and moved to fill it. "Traditionally apartment hotels have been built with a residential feel, but that's changing," Antony said. "What was missing was the "underlying experience" for those chasing a premium stay - that feeling you get when you stay in a place where people know you and, most importantly, know how you like to stay." And thus, the concept of 'hotel living' was born. "A by Adina hotels will appeal to those confident travellers who appreciate incredible design and quality of finishes as well as impeccable, personalised hospitality when they receive it," he said. "And, when you step inside an A by Adina, you'll find that perfectly suited balance between a hotel and a private apartment," he said. "We want the entire experience to be understated, but impactful." A by Adina's bold brand promises are underpinned by three brand pillars - Contemporary Australian, Detailed Simplicity and Quiet Confidence - so it comes as no surprise that emotional intelligence is at the cornerstone of the brand's intuitive service. According to Antony, the notion of "EQ" is applied during the A by Adina recruitment and onboarding process, so that hotel teams understand their guests, what motivates them and what they need to have to ensure the best stay possible. "We do things well, in a subtle but sophisticated way," says Antony. "You'll see touches of finer detail at every turn and touch point. And, for guests, everything will feel intuitively right." Excitingly, the A by Adina brand is set to embrace the contemporary Australian feel - from naturally feelgood skin and hair care products by Melbourne's sought-after Hunter Lab to the Australian sophistication behind the architecture and interior design. Guests at A by Adina Sydney, the brand's second hotel scheduled to open near Australia Square in Sydney's CBD in April, will sample contemporary Australian cuisine, with Executive Chef Jane Strode at the helm of the hotel's food and beverage experience. In an exciting move, A by Adina Sydney has also partnered with some of the city's most exciting food talents - including legendary restaurateur Maurice Terzini, of Bondi Icebergs, and global award winning Maybe Sammy's team: Vince Lombardo, Stefano Cantino and Andrea Gualdi. Each A by Adina hotel will embrace its location and its own identity, but all will have the same service traits and the same warm welcome on arrival. The evolution of a brand For TFE Hotels, the evolution of the A by Adina dream - anchored to contemporary Australian quality and quiet confidence - started in 1982, when Australia's first 'Medina' serviced apartment opened its doors in Randwick. Over the next four decades, the Adina brand launched and expanded to more than 36 locations in five countries and counting, with a further 12 properties in development and two new countries. "TFE Hotels is historically a global leader in the apartment hotel space and we understand the needs of guests who want to stay a little or stay a while," says TFE Chairman, Allan Vidor. "So, it's incredibly meaningful and exciting to evolve and elevate the Adina brand to a timeless offering that's just the right fit and feel for guests who want to 'arrive expected' and enjoy the best of both worlds." "Quality is something Australia is respected for on the world stage. Natural, products; sophisticated and local cuisine; wide open spaces; and innovative design," Allan said. Like the feel of a high-end private apartment, where you are greeted on arrival. Only better. "Not forgetting the fact that, as a nation, we're generally laidback and don't take ourselves too seriously. And that's the feeling we want to flow through A by Adina." What's more, hotel guests have the option to seek 'a little bit more' at A by Adina through the brand's curated experiences. All rooms (studios, one or two-bedroom apartments) can be elevated to 'Destination A' encounters, providing the highest level of 'curated guest experience' and surprise perks. Everything from complimentary 'pillow menus' to movies and classic cocktails served each evening from a vintage drinks trolley in the lobby, delightfully dubbed 'The Daily Pause'. Importantly, 'Destination A' experiences deliberately formed part of A by Adina's focus on placemaking and belonging, allowing individual guests to choose the level of interaction, while ensuring all generations, personalities, group size and travel style (business or leisure) are catered to. "Our dream is for A by Adina to be a space that feels right to each guest, where you can stay as little or as long as you like. Your way," Allan said. "If you want to grab the key and treat it like a private apartment, that's absolutely fine, because you'll have the space and every facility and amenity in your room. But what we're also offering is seamless hotel living. Anytime, day or night." More about Hotel Living With the launch of the new A by Adina brand in 2021, TFE Hotels has also carved out an entirely new category within the premium hotel category, known simply as; Hotel Living. Different to the existing concepts of Apartment Hotels, Hotel Residences or All Suites, the premium A by Adina guest experience offers high design, and a curated approach that allows corporate and lifestyle travellers to enjoy the best of the city - on their terms. Think the luxe factor of included designer amenities and hotel services, combined with a laidback approach that gives guests all the freedom and flexibility to enjoy (what feels like) their own stylish city pad for as little, or as long as they like. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Oswego, N.Y. A Central New York nursing home did not call police after a registered sex offender living in the facility repeatedly sexually abused a female resident suffering from dementia, according to the state. Pontiac Nursing Home in Oswego failed to consistently monitor the sex offender or take other steps to protect the woman and other residents from the man, a state Health Department inspection shows. The nursing home management didnt tell Pontiacs doctor and some other employees who cared for the man that he is a sex offender, the inspection report says. Pontiac admitted the man in 2019, even though management knew he was a registered sex offender for an offense committed in another state, according to the inspection. The report does not identify the man or specify what he did to land on the registry, but says he is a convicted known sexual predator. Another unidentified nursing home the man previously lived in told Pontiac the man was at high risk for heterosexual behavior and exposed his penis to others. The Health Department investigated the matter after receiving a complaint in October. After investigating, the department cited the nursing home for failing to protect residents from abuse, not reporting the incidents to police and the state health department, and not properly investigating the incidents. The nursing home may be fined. Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard uncovered the inspection report during a review of nursing home records. If a nursing home admits a sex offender, it has a legal obligation to make sure it properly cares for the individual and simultaneously protects other residents, according to Lindsay Heckler, a supervising attorney at the Center for Elder Law and Justice in Buffalo. It is ridiculous, disgusting and unconscionable that nursing home staff and administration did not do more to protect residents, Heckler said after reading the inspection report. Federal and state laws do not require nursing homes to admit sex offenders or prohibit them from refusing them, according to LeadingAge New York, a nursing home trade group. Because registered sex offender status is not a protected class under federal or state law, refusing to admit a sex offender is not a form of discrimination, the group says. If the risk of admitting someone is too significant, then a facility should deny admission, says a legal memo on that groups website. Pontiac officials referred questions to its attorney, Patrick Pullano. He refused to answer questions from Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard about the sexual abuse cases. The facility is in substantial compliance with all its requirements, he said. Pontiac submitted a plan of correction to the state, outlining how it will change the way it deals with sexual abuse cases. The nursing home did not dispute any of the states findings in its plan of correction. The health department approved that plan Nov. 23. The 80-bed for-profit nursing home at 303 East River Road has a checkered history. It is rated much below average by Medicare. It has generated 142 complaints per 100 beds over the past three years. Thats nearly three times more than the average state nursing home, according to the state health department. It was fined $14,000 in October after an inspection found staffers not wearing face masks properly and other infection control problems. It was fined $21,393 in 2019 for not getting emergency care fast enough for two residents who died. The City of Oswego threatened to shut Pontiac down in 2019 because the nursing homes roof was leaking water into many residents rooms. In 2016, two former Pontiac nurse aides were charged with felonies and misdemeanors after being accused of using cell phones to take inappropriate, demeaning photos of a resident. Medicare identified Pontiac eight months ago as a potential candidate for its list of special focus facilities, the nations worst-performing nursing homes with extensive histories of health and safety problems. Pontiac does not say in its correction plan if it will inform residents and their families a sex offender is living there. New York does not require nursing homes to tell residents and employees of a residents sex offender status, according to Heckler. It leaves that to the discretion of nursing homes, said Jill Montag, a state health department spokeswoman. Many other states passed laws requiring these notifications after the federal Government Accountability Office issued a report in 2006 on sex offenders living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Heckler believes New York should follow suit. The sex offender at Pontiac had no short- or long-term memory impairment and was independent with decision making, according to a 2019 assessment. But some nurses told the health department inspector the predator is cognitively impaired. The sex offender sexually abused three Pontiac residents, according to the report. Video footage showed him wheeling a female resident in a wheelchair into his room. He was seen standing in front of the woman sexually aroused as he held her hands. In another incident, he was seen on video exposing himself to another woman as he walked by the day room. But the most egregious case involved a female resident with advanced dementia who the sex offender abused three times. The inspection report said the repeated abuse resulted in actual harm to the woman. Anyone with severe dementia is not considered capable of consenting to sexual contact. According to the inspection report: The sexual abuse of that woman began March 14, 2020. She was found in the sex offenders room. He had his head on her breast. His penis was exposed. Nursing home staff separated the two and began checking on them every 15 minutes. A social worker told the offender not to allow other residents in his room. The 15-minute checks were discontinued three days later. Twelve days after the incident a nurse aide found the sex offender in the womans room. She was lying naked on her bed. He had his hand inside her vagina. The two were separated, the offender was moved to a different unit, monitored every 30 minutes and a motion sensor was put on his room door. But four months later Pontiac moved the predator back to the same unit where the woman lived. On Aug. 22, the two were found in the sex offenders room. He was found straddling her on his bed. A nurse aide said he was half-naked, she had her pants down and it looked like he had forced penetration. The predator was moved off that unit again. A registered nurse who investigated the incident said she did not perform a physical examination of the woman because she was told nothing happened. The director of nursing said she was not aware the man was a convicted sexual predator until she began investigating the Aug. 22 incident. She did not think abuse occurred. The administrator said the nursing homes doctor did not instruct staff to call the police after the Aug. 22 incident or have the female resident sent to the hospital for a rape assessment. The doctor, however, told the inspector he was unaware the male resident was a sexual predator and that sexual penetration occurred. If penetration occurred, he said the woman should have been examined and the police notified. The administrator told the inspector the nursing homes policy said there had to be willful intent on the part of a resident engaging in sexual activity for it to be considered sexual abuse. If the resident was cognitively impaired, there could be no willful intent, she said. Heckler said if that was the nursing homes policy, it was outdated. She said willful intent is not a precondition of sexual abuse. In its plan of correction, Pontiac said its administrator, director of nursing and other staff have been re-educated about how to identify sexual abuse. The nursing home also said it has revised its policy to include requirements that cases of sexual abuse be reported to police and the state health department as required under federal law. Pontiac Nursing Home did not report the sexual abuse incidents to Oswego police until Oct. 23, after the Health Department conducted its investigation. Lt. Aldo Bonacchi said the department has not determined if criminal charges will be filed until it receives more information about the case from the health department and the state Attorney Generals Office. Nursing homes are required by state and federal laws to report sexual abuse cases to the state health department and police. Heckler said she suspects sexual abuse is underreported in nursing homes, especially now during the pandemic when visitors are not allowed. She said theres no excuse for what happened at Pontiac. People go into a nursing home because they trust they are going to be provided safe care, Heckler said. What happened is disgusting. If you or a loved one reside at the Pontiac Nursing Home, we would like to hear about your experience. Please contact James T. Mulder at jmulder@syracuse.com or 315-470-2245. James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Due to the temporary occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, Ukraine has lost the opportunity to exploit the Scythian section of the Black Sea shelf, where gas production was to begin in 2017. "Shortly before the occupation, agreements were signed in the United States on the distribution of products, on the exploitation of the Scythian section of the Black Sea shelf, which is located near the Crimean Peninsula, outside the city of Sevastopol. This project could have started in 2017 and would be very successful and very correct from the perspective that Ukraine would increase its own natural gas production," Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Anton Korynevych said at the All-Ukrainian Forum "Ukraine 30. Public Utility Bill" on February 15, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. Korynevych stressed that, according to various data, out of all natural gas available in Ukraine, about half of its deposits are on the continental shelf of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Due to the occupation, Ukraine cannot exploit these resources, which has a negative impact on the energy security of both our country and Europe as a whole, the official stated. The President's representative reminded that after the occupation Russia stole Chornomornaftogaz from Ukraine, a state-owned company owned by Naftogaz of Ukraine, which includes a coastal production base for offshore works, a technological fleet, 10 offshore gas production platforms, 4 self-elevating drilling rigs, gas transmission system of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Hlibovka underground gas storage, and much more. In addition to oil and gas equipment, Russia seized solar and wind power plants, which were among the most powerful in Europe and the world and provided up to 30% of Crimea's electricity generation, he added. Currently, the official reminded, Ukraine is filing lawsuits at various international courts. "In particular, we filed a lawsuit against Russia under the investment protection agreement at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, a lawsuit of Naftogaz against Gazprom at the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, and others. We know that certain judgments have already been delivered, and Gazprom must pay Naftogaz $2.5 billion. Other trials are underway," Korynevych said. As reported, the Prosecutor Generals Office estimated the damages from Russia's temporary occupation of Crimea at UAH 1 trillion. Russia started the armed aggression against Ukraine on February 20, 2014 by seizing part of Ukraine's territory - the Crimean Peninsula. On March 16, 2014, so-called "referendum on the status of Crimea" was held on the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol. In two days, on March 18, 2014, the so-called agreement on the accession of the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation was signed at the Kremlin. Most UN member states and other international organizations declared the Crimean referendum falsified by the occupiers illegitimate. ol live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Rs 100-crore IPO of Nureca, a B2C company engaged in the business of home, healthcare and wellness products, has received good subscription of 14.77 times on the second day of bidding, February 16. But for the issue to sail through, the reserved portion of qualified institutional buyers has to get at least 90 percent subscription. So far, they have not put in bids for the issue yet. The public issue has received bids for 2.07 crore equity shares against offer size of over 14.01 lakh shares, the subscription data available on the exchanges showed. The retail investors continued to support the issue as their portion set aside has been subscribed 80.33 times and that of employees is at 2.49 times, while the reserved portion of non-institutional investors saw subscription of 1.49 times. Nureca IPO: Top 10 things to know before subscribing the issue Nureca, which enables their customers with tools to help them monitor chronic ailments and other diseases, to improve their lifestyle, opened its public offer on February 15 with a price band of Rs 396-400 per share. The company has reserved Rs 1 crore worth of shares in the IPO for its employees who will get those shares at a discount of Rs 20 per share. The company has already raised Rs 44.55 crore from anchor investors on last Friday, at higher price band. The issue proceeds will be utilised towards funding incremental working capital requirements. Nureca is a digital first company wherein they sell their products through online channel partners such as e-commerce players, distributors and retailer. Further, they also sell their products through their own website drtrust.in. Also read: RailTel Corporation of India IPO day 1: Issue subscribed 65%, retail portion fully booked Nureca classifies their products portfolio under the 5 categories such as chronic device products, orthopedic products, mother and child products, nutrition supplements and lifestyle products. During COVID-19, company's products such as oximeter, gluco meter, nebulizer and BP monitor were categorised under the essential goods and their operations were not shut down during this pandemic. "On valuation front, the company is coming up with IPO at price of Rs 400 crore with PE levels of 43.7 on FY20 basis, even company has done very well in first half of FY2021 also due to COVID-19. We have a positive outlook for the IPO," said Yash Gupta, Equity Research Associate at Angel Broking. WASHINGTON East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell has become a household name known for his criticism of Donald Trump on cable television, via Twitter and during the former presidents two impeachments. But after the second trials end, he says hes ready to reach across the aisle. Its a new chapter personally for me, and I think the end of an accountability chapter for Donald Trump and Congress, Swalwell said in an interview. The Dublin Democrat was one of House Democrats nine impeachment managers for Trumps trial in the Senate last week, which concluded on Saturday with a historically bipartisan vote but ultimate acquittal. Swalwell said he has no regrets about the trial and noted the seven Republicans who joined all Democrats in voting to convict Trump for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6 as the presidential election results were certified. Swalwell believes the impeachment accomplished two important steps: preventing Trump from inciting another riot and providing accountability for his behavior. I feel very good about the case that we put forward, and while we did not technically disqualify him from office, I think he has functionally been disqualified, Swalwell said. But on a personal level, he said, the trial provided a break from partisan bickering. The trial was a way for me to go back to the 31-year-old prosecutor who ran for Congress and whose career before going to Congress was presenting just the facts to the jury, Swalwell said. In a way it was a little bit liberating, in that I think were now at the end of Donald Trumps accountability before the Congress, and I look forward to going back to why I ran for Congress in the first place, which was to get things done with anyone who wants to work with me. Swalwell is not known for biting his tongue when it came to criticizing Trump and Republicans. His penchant for stinging tweets even came up during the impeachment trial. As Swalwell laid out the grave threat to senators lives on Jan. 6 during the insurrection, Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins spokesperson called it ironic to hear after Swalwell in 2018 mocked Collins on Twitter over a report of her receiving threats over voting to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Collins nevertheless voted to convict Trump, and Swalwell noted he apologized in 2018, within, like, hours, recognizing it was insensitive. But during the trial, House Democrats made a concerted effort to dispassionately prosecute Trump, separating his actions from other Republicans who made up half of the jury. Swalwell and the other managers, including additional vocal Trump critics like Rep. Ted Lieu of Torrance (Los Angeles County), also stayed quiet in the media during the trial. With the Trump era behind him, Swalwell said he hopes to get away from a role as a chief critic, arguing his public persona the last four years was more about Trump than partisanship. If you look at when I ran for Congress ... I ran against a pretty liberal member of Congress and I promised to work in the great big center, Swalwell said. Before Trump, two-thirds of the legislation I sponsored was bipartisan, and it was when he came into office for me it wasnt about partisanship, it was that what I had learned as the son of a cop and a prosecutor was tested, just doing the right thing. Thats why I was so vocal about it. Whether he succeeds at turning the page, however, remains to be seen. Swalwell has become a lightning rod on the right after gaining a national profile during Trumps first impeachment over obstruction of justice and abuse of power and during the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Republicans have latched on to unfounded accusations against him to draw false equivalences, and when Swalwell quipped on MSNBC over the weekend that Democrats abandoned efforts to call witnesses because even calling God herself wouldnt change Republicans mind, right-wing media and even Russias state-owned news agency quickly portrayed it as a controversy. He acknowledges relationships between Democrats and Republicans have frayed since his first term in Congress in 2013, when he formed a bipartisan caucus of new lawmakers to seek common ground. He also isnt sure if he can work with Republicans who voted to object to electoral college results in the hours after the deadly insurrection that interrupted proceedings. I think for the people that voted to overturn the election, its going to be harder and Im still trying to reconcile how to work with people like that, because they were a part of propagating the big lie, Swalwell said. But, he hopes those who voted to certify the results would be open to working together. We may fail, but we owe it to ourselves as a country to try, he said. Swalwell, who pledged to give up his seat in Congress before his ill-fated run for president but then decided to seek re-election after all, laughed when asked if his new chapter would mean less use of Twitter or fewer appearances on cable TV news. Ill call em like I see em, but again, I saw a lot of my job was to just hold a corrupt president and his enablers accountable, he said. That chapter is behind us. He said his immediate future includes focusing on his work on the Intelligence Committee and working to combat domestic extremism including white supremacy through the Homeland Security Committee. And it doesnt include any new campaigns for president. Absolutely not, he said. Lesson learned. I swung at the windmill, the windmill won. Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan It's not over yet, Houston. We're still going to see some potentially icy weather. Space City Weather's Eric Berger reports that precipitation is headed to Houston Tuesday evening and overnight as temperatures dip below freezing again. COLD SNAP: Texas power council is 'anything but reliable,' Abbott says With freezing temperatures and more precipitation overnight, roads that were clear and dry today might be icy once again. A new Winter Storm Warning will go into effect at 6 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Thursday, accounting for the possibility of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow across the area, ABC13 reports. The temperature will reach above freezing Wednesday afternoon but dip again overnight into Thursday. The cold weather has been wreaking havoc on Houston's infrastructure. Pipes have already frozen and burst across the city, and plumbers haven't seen the worst of it yet, the Houston Chronicle's Hannah Dellinger reports. Houston officials are cautioning against dripping faucets to prevent frozen pipes, as it can stress on the citys water system and possibly trigger a boil notice, the Houston Chronicle's Dylan McGuinness and Mike Morris report. Paul Abrams, a spokesman for the national plumbing company Roto-Rooter, told McGuinness and Morris he still recommends dripping faucets, especially faucets on exterior walls. Residents can also turn off their home's water at the water meter to help prevent frozen and burst pipes. OPINION: Making fun of Texas while people are dying isn't the own you think it is Millions of Texans are still without power as the state dipped into extreme lows Monday night. Because Texas operates on an independent power grid unlike the rest of the country, the state is in a power emergency as the grid became overwhelmed and failed. On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the legislature to reform the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which is in charge of delivering electricity throughout the state. It is unclear when power will be restored to those who are still waiting. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Month Let the church say 'amen', let the church say 'amen again'. It is still Black HistoryYear and ONTD's Head Negro in Charge is continuing her Black History Originals and today the culture shines a spotlight on director Julie Dash, most known for her critically acclaimed film. In this post, I've included some words from the visionary herself including some of her other works the short filmthat first got her noticed. Spliced in with some of her works and creativity are some bits of trivia. Hope you enjoy!The short film depicts the life of an African American woman passing as a white woman working in the film industry during the 1940s. It calls attention to the lack of African Americans in the film industry during that era. In 2020, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."In this romantic suspense thriller, a young wealthy corporate executive, Erin Cortland (Allison Dean) witnesses a horrible crime and then becomes the target of the same psychopathic killer (Phil Morris). Her sniveling fiance it (Roger G. Smith) is no help, so her father (Ron Glass) hires a bodyguard (Richard T. Jones) to protect her.A privileged, black college student with a fiance falls in love with a white musician she meets on her 21st birthday. Starring Monica, essence Atkins, Rachel True.A woman returns to her home town to sort out her troubled marriage and finds new happiness in the rekindling of a broken friendship with her cousin.Sources 1 Utahs governor on Feb. 12 signed a measure into law that allows people in the state to carry a concealed gun without a permit. With the passage of this bill, Utah joins 17 other states with some form of permitless concealed carry, Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican in his first term, said in a statement to news outlets. This bill protects Second Amendment rights, reduces permitless open carry (which is already legal), and includes significant funding for suicide prevention. House Bill 60, which was sponsored by Republican state Rep. Walt Brooks, a National Rifle Association member, states that an individual who is 21 or older and may lawfully possess a firearm, may carry a concealed firearm in a public area without a permit. Former Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican, had vetoed similar legislation several years ago. According to state data, Utah officials issued over 26,000 concealed carry permits in the 4th quarter of 2020 and renewed another 18,095. As of Dec. 31, 2020, there were 718,218 valid concealed carry permits in the state, including some 290,000 for Utah residents and 427,639 for nonresidents. Gun rights groups had called for Cox to sign the bill, including the National Association for Gun Rights. Were thankful Rep. Brooks has introduced this legislation and the National Association for Gun Rights field team are working diligently to make sure the legislature promptly passes this bill and puts it on the desk of Governor Cox for him to sign into law. Dudley Brown, the groups president, said in an earlier statement. After the signing, Jason Ouimet, executive director of the National Rifle Associations lobbying arm, said: There is no reason a law-abiding person should have to ask for permission to carry a firearm for self-defense, The passage of this bill demonstrates Utahs commitment to protecting the Second Amendment rights of its citizens. We thank Gov. Cox, Rep. Brooks, and all who supported this important bill. Other organizations opposed the bill, including Moms Demand Action. Permitless carry legislation strips states of essential permitting and training standards for carrying concealed guns in public. Training is one of the cornerstones of responsible gun ownership, and removing that element is risky, the group said in a statement after the Utah Senate passed the bill earlier this month. Republicans hold a so-called trifecta in Utah, enjoying majorities in both state chambers along with having Cox in the governors mansion. The Utah Gun Violence Center said Arizona saw a 44 percent increase in aggravated assaults after the state enacted permitless carry in 2010. More loaded and concealed guns mean that every police officer will need to assume a person is carrying a loaded firearm. How do you think that will work out for our black and brown Utah residents? the group said in a veto message. Source: Utah Governor Signs Bill Allowing Concealed Carry of Firearm Without Permit (theepochtimes.com) A man who had rented a room from a Maine couple has been arrested and charged with ambushing them inside their home and stabbing the husband and wife to death in an apparently unprovoked attack. Patrick Maher, 24, of Turner, was charged with two counts of murder and was held at the Androscoggin County Jail in connection with the homicidal attack that took place on Friday. According to Maine State Police, officers responded to a home on Knight Farm Road just after 1.30am for reports of a home invasion and found Troy Varney, 52, unresponsive on the floor and his wife, Dulsie Varney, 48, suffering from injuries. Patrick Maher, 24 (left), of Maine, has been charged with two counts of murder in the stabbing deaths of Troy Varney, 52, and Dulsie Varney, 48 (right) Police were called to the Varney family's home in Turner, Maine, early Friday and found Troy unresponsive and his wife injured Both spouses later died at a hospital in Lewiston. The Lewiston Sun Journal reported that Maher, who was the Varney couple's tenant, allegedly had ambushed and stabbed them multiple times. No motive has been offered. The mortally wounded husband reportedly put up a fight and held onto Maher until the first officers arrived and took him into custody. A relative of the victims said that in the days leading up to the tragedy, Dulsie had talked about feeling afraid of her tenant, Maher, for unspecified reasons. Maher worked at a grocery store and attended a community college last year. Prior to renting a room at the Varney family's home, he had lived with his mother. He has no prior criminal history in Maine. A family member of Maher's told the paper he had been acting odd in recent weeks and had been struggling with depression triggered by the COVID-19 lockdown. Both husband and wife, pictured above with their two daughters. died at a hospital Troy was a farmer and ran an excavation business. Dulsie was a nursing instructor Maher's unusual behavior had been reported to the police, but it is unclear who made that report and how it was addressed. He is being held in the Androscoggin County Jail without bail. Dulsie Varney was a nursing instructor who worked at Lewiston Regional Technical Center and 'was the sort of educator that every student should be blessed with at least once in their school careers,' the schools director, Rob Callahan, wrote in a letter to the school community. Her husband, Troy, was a farmer and also owned and operated an excavation company. The couple met as children, were high school sweethearts and married in 1997 Loved ones described Troy and Dulsie as a devoted couple who loved their daughters Dulsie and Troy met as children, were high school sweethearts who got married in 1997. They are survived by their two daughters, Audrey and Shelby. 'Troy and Dulsie's lives were their children,' a relative wrote in the description of a GoFundMe campaign. 'They were very proud parents who loved their daughters and family very much. They would do anything to help others in need.' Barbara Varney Beedy, a cousin of the victims, described them to WGME as a hard-working couple who loved one another and doted on their daughters. 'They were devoted to their community and would always be there to help whenever someone needed a hand,' the Varenys' joint obituary reads. 'Troy was a loving family man and Dulsie will be remembered as a selfless caregiver, always putting others before her own needs.' Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 4:15 pm Midway Cinema is officially back open for weekend showtimes, with lower prices and COVID-19 protocols in place to encourage community members to safely make their way back to the movies. The Chehalis cinema reopened Friday, Feb. 5, after being temporarily shut down due to COVID-19 regulations. It was allowed to reopen after the West Region moved into Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslees Healthy Washington reopening plan. It was a good turnout. I think people want to come back, said Mark Murin, director of operations for Coming Attractions Theaters. Midway is part of Coming Attractions 16-theater circuit on the West Coast, and it is the first of the circuits two Washington locations to reopen. The other theater, Riverside Cinema, is located in Grays Harbor County and needs to rehire staff before it can reopen, said Murin. Midway Cinema is operating at about half of its staffing capacity, with 10 employees on the payroll working between part time and full time. Were just doing our best to not spend a lot of money, save on payroll, Murin said. Midway first shut down due to COVID-19 regulations back in March and reopened on weekends for roughly six weeks in July before another change in regulations shut the cinema down again in November. The cinema briefly tried curbside concession sales in June, but found that it wasnt financially feasible to continue. Restaurants can do curbside takeout and delivery; unfortunately we cant, said Murin. Midway is limiting showtimes to Friday through Monday. Were just not capable of going back up to seven days a week fully scheduled, Murin said. With most major blockbuster movie releases either released directly onto streaming platforms or delayed until March at the earliest, Midway is offering a mix of new movies that people may not have heard of and old favorites. Last weekends offerings included new releases Judas and the Black Messiah and The World to Come, some titles that have been out for a couple weeks, such as The Little Things, The Marksman, The Reckoning and Weekenders, and some titles that have been out a month or longer, namely Monster Hunter, News of the World, The Croods: A New Age, Wonder Woman 1984 and in honor of Valentines Day a daily showing of The Notebook. Many of last weekends showtimes were canceled due to severe winter weather and unsafe driving conditions, but the reduced slate of showtimes will resume as soon as the weather allows. Ticket prices are currently $7 for adults and $5 for kids for a recently-released movie, and $5 for all audience members seeing a classic movie. In addition to the standard showtimes, Midway is also renting out a theater for private screenings for parties of up to 20 people. Email aprivaterental@catheatres.com for more info. Normally we wouldnt be able to have an empty theater, said Murin, adding that every little bit helps. Current Washington state regulations have venues operating at 25 percent capacity, and Midway is following a program of safety protocols put out by the National Association of Theater called CinemaSafe, which is intended to support a safe return to movie theaters. The CinemaSafe guidelines were developed from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local regulations, and the program includes roughly 3,200 theaters nationwide. Auditoriums are fully disinfected between movie screenings, social distancing is enforced and all theater staff and guests are required to wear masks while up and about. A full list of guidelines is available online at www.cinemasafe.org. Were just trying to protect our guests and our staff, Murin said. More information on Midway Cinema Location: 181 NE. Hampe Way, Chehalis Phone: 360-740-9600 Website: www.catheatres.com BEIJING, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jianpu Technology Inc. ("Jianpu" or the "Company") (NYSE: JT), a leading independent open platform for discovery and recommendation of financial products in China, today announced the results of the previously disclosed independent review conducted by the independent audit committee of its board of directors (the "Audit Committee") regarding certain matters relating to transactions between the Company and third-party business entities, and provided an update on its financial statements review and NYSE compliance. The Independent Review As previously disclosed by the Company in its Notification of Late Filing (Form 12b-25) on June 15, 2020, the Audit Committee, with the assistance of advisers, had been conducting an internal review of certain matters relating to transactions between the Company and third-party business entities. Specifically, the Audit Committee retained Paul Hastings LLP as independent legal counsel to assist in conducting a review of certain matters relating to transactions carried out by the Credit Card Recommendation Business Unit of the Company (the "Credit Card BU") with third-party business entities (the "Review"). The Audit Committee was also assisted by forensic accounting experts from a Big-Four accounting firm that is not the Company's auditor which worked under Paul Hasting's direction. The Review is now substantially complete. The Review entailed procedures that the Audit Committee and the above-mentioned professional advisers, in their professional judgment, considered necessary and sufficient to investigate the issues, including, but not limited to, review of documents and data from multiple Company employees (such as review of emails and other electronic files and communications); interviews of Company employees and relevant third parties; and analysis and testing of the Company's relevant transactions, and books and records. The Company cooperated with the Review. Summary of Findings The following is a summary of the principal findings of the Review as of the date hereof. Unless otherwise indicated, the Review findings generally cover the fiscal years 2017 through 2019. The Review found that certain transactions involved third-party agents (including both upstream agents and downstream suppliers) with undisclosed relationships, and some transactions lacked business substance ("questionable transactions"). As a result, certain revenue and associated expenses were inflated or inaccurately recorded in the financial statements. Evidence suggested that certain employees from the Credit Card BU may have known about or been involved in certain of the questionable transactions that resulted in inflated sales commissions to such employees. In relation to the questionable transactions, the Review found that certain employees improperly altered supporting documents that were provided to the Company's external auditor. Other than a business unit head-level employee who has since been terminated, the Review did not find any evidence that other members of senior management who supervised the Credit Card BU knew about or participated in any of the questionable transactions. Follow-up Financial Impact Assessment The Company is assessing the overall financial impact of the questionable transactions on its financial statements, including the adjustment of the revenue recognized for the fiscal years 2018 and 2019 to net-based recognition and the reversal of certain revenue and the related costs and expenses. The Company anticipates the total amount of overstated revenue for the fiscal years 2018 and 2019 to be approximately, RMB 90 million and RMB 164 million, respectively, representing approximately 4.5% and 10.1% of the total revenue previously reported by the Company for such years, and the adjustment to overstated cost and expenses together with the reserve for potential credit loss to be approximately RMB 90 million and RMB 130 million for the fiscal years of 2018 and 2019, respectively, resulting in a minimal net profit impact for the fiscal year 2018 and RMB 34 million of net loss impact for the fiscal year 2019. The Company's consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2018 will be restated accordingly; the previously issued audited financial statements for the fiscal year 2018 and the auditor's report can no longer be relied upon. Moreover, investors must exercise caution when using the Company's previously announced unaudited financial information for the fiscal year 2019. Remedial Measures in Response to Review The Company, with input from the Audit Committee and the above-described professional advisers, has prepared a remediation plan in response to the Review, including but not limited to (i) disciplinary actions against employees found to have engaged in misconduct, (ii) termination of cooperation with high-risk third-party agencies, (iii) adjustment of the Company's internal structure and reporting lines where appropriate, (iv) enhancement of the Company's internal policies and controls (including the identification and remediation of potential material weaknesses and control deficiencies), as well as financial reporting function, and (v) conducting follow-on reviews of additional business units that may share similar internal controls vulnerabilities as those identified in the Credit Card BU and taking further remedial actions as necessary and appropriate; (vi) conducting additional training for Company employees regarding the issues implicated in the Review findings. The Company is in the process of implementing the remediation plan. Financial Statement Review and NYSE Compliance In light of the Review's findings thus far, the Company's previously published audited financial report for fiscal year 2018 will be restated. The Company cannot at this time provide an estimate of the timing of completing the financial statements for fiscal year 2019. As previously disclosed, on July 2, 2020, the Company received a notice from NYSE Regulation indicating that the Company was not in compliance with Section 802.01E of the NYSE Listed Company Manual as a result of not filing in a timely manner its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the "2019 Form 20-F") with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is making all efforts to complete the aforementioned financial statement review, and intends to file the 2019 Form 20-F as soon as possible and no later than July 1, 2021 to regain compliance with Section 802.01E of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. About Jianpu Technology Inc. Jianpu Technology Inc. is a leading independent open platform for discovery and recommendation of financial products in China. By leveraging its deep data insights and proprietary technology, Jianpu provides users with personalized search results and recommendations that are tailored to each user's particular financial needs and credit profile. The Company also enables financial service providers with sales and marketing solutions to reach and serve their target customers more effectively through online and mobile channels and enhance their competitiveness by providing them with tailored data, risk management and end-to-end solutions. The Company is committed to maintaining an independent open platform, which allows it to serve the needs of users and financial service providers impartially. For more information, please visit http://ir.jianpu.ai. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's goal and strategies; the Company's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the Company's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its solutions and services; the Company's expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with users, financial service providers and other parties it collaborate with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Jianpu Technology Inc. Oscar Chen Tel: +86 (10) 6242-7068 E-mail: [email protected] The Piacente Group, Inc. Jenny Cai Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States: The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Jianpu Technology Inc. Related Links www.x9.cn EAST HAVEN Two men were arrested after a crowd at a large bonfire allegedly threw snow and ice at responding police and firefighters Monday, prompting the use of pepper spray. Officers were dispatched Monday to a Bradford Avenue residence to assist East Haven firefighters, who were attempting to extinguish a large bonfire attended by a large crowd, according to Capt. Joseph Murgo. Dispatch advised responding officers that the crowd was throwing snow and ice balls at Fire Department personnel who were on scene to extinguish the large illegal bonfire. With tensions escalating, the crowd began to throw other items at the Fire Department as well as more items into the large fire, Murgo said. As officers arrived and began to speak with a man, later allegedly identified as Glen Degray, the crowd, who was gathered in the backyard of the residence, began to throw snow, ice, and yell at officers, Murgo said. A large piece of ice, which was thrown from the crowd, struck a police cruiser with several people standing near it. While speaking with officers, Degray threatened to start a riot if the police didnt leave, Murgo said in an email. With the crowd growing increasingly hostile, additional units from surrounding agencies were requested. The Branford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and New Haven Police Departments responded to assist. Another man, allegedly identified as Michael Ciarleglio, lunged at an officer, pushing him out of the way, in an attempt to lunge at another officer who had just arrived on scene, Murgo said. As officers were taking Ciarleglio into custody, the crowd began hopping the fence to advance towards the officers while continuing to throw objects. An East Haven officer was struck in the head with a heavy backpack filled with various items, Murgo said. The officer was not injured. Officers were forced to deploy OC spray in an effort to keep the crowd back while attempting to make an arrest. No one was significantly injured during the incident, Murgo said. The officer struck with the backpack was shaken up, he said, but did not seek medical treatment. Degray, 56, of Stevens Street, is charged with inciting a riot and second-degree breach of peace. Ciarleglio, 33, of Beth Ann Court, Wallingford, is charged with second-degree breach of peace and interfering with an officer. Each was released on a $2,500 bond and scheduled to appear in the Elm Street courthouse in New Haven April 12, Murgo said. Mark Zaretsky / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo / Ciarleglio on Tuesday alleged officers threw him to the ground and arrested him without appropriate cause. Ciarlegio said he had been arrested before, and took his punishment. This was different, he said. I am unbelievably p off and Im incredibly embarrassed to come from East Haven, said Ciarlegio. Im just very disappointed in the town I grew up in and was raised in. Murgo declined to comment on Ciarlegios claims. Murgo Tuesday released two 911 calls that prompted the police response. A request was made for body camera footage as well; Murgo said the departments records division would compile what was available. In the initial call, a woman tells police that people have built a seven-foot fire in the backyard of a home and were throwing liquor bottles into it. In the second call, another woman reports the existence of the fire. A dispatcher tells her that police and firefighters are en route. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com [February 16, 2021] Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. : NOTICE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF A s155 PROPOSAL STEINHOFF INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS PROPRIETARY LIMITED ("THE COMPANY") NOTICE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF A s155 PROPOSAL Notice is hereby given to inter alia certain creditors ("Scheme Creditors") of Steinhoff International Holdings Proprietary Limited ("the Company"), of a proposed scheme of arrangement and compromise (the "Scheme"), and of the availability of the proposal / Scheme document (the "Proposal"). 1 ACCESSING THE PROPOSAL AND ITS ANNEXURES The Proposal and its annexures are available at www.SteinhoffSettlement.com, and by completing a request form from the Registrar of the High Court of South Africa, Western Cape Division, Cape Town. 2 FURTHER COMMUNICATIONS If the Company communicates further with Scheme Creditors, it shall do so: 2.1 on Steinhoff International Holdings N.V.'s website ( www.steinhoffinternational.com); 2.2 at www.SteinhoffSettlement.com; 2.3 on the Stock Exchange News Service and the equivalent service of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange; 2.4 by email to the legal representatives of the active claimant groups, alternatively by email directly to the active claimant groups; 2.5 by email to the known legal representatives of Scheme Creditors, alternatively by email directly to the known e-mail addresses of known Scheme Creditors; and 2.6 otherwise in accordance with any publication requirements as may be directed by the Western Cape High Court. 3 ACTION REQUIRED 3.1 A Scheme Meeting will in due course be convened by notice to Scheme Creditors eligible to attend and vote at the Scheme Meeting. 3.2 If eligible Scheme Creditors wish to attend and vote at the Scheme Meeting, they should take note of the Important Dates and Times posted on www.SteinhoffSettlement.com, provide the Claims Administrator with the necessary supporting documentation evidencing their status as a Scheme Creditor and, subject to the dispute resolution process contained in the Proposal, provide substantiation of the value of the claim they assert, and follow the process set out in the Proposal. 4 SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL The Proposal contemplates a compromise between the Company and Scheme Creditors, defined in the Proposal, and who are envisaged to be settled in accordance with the terms of the Proposal. 4.1 The Proposal shall become effective if (i) it is adopted by the statutory required majorities of the Scheme Creditors; (ii) it is thereafter approved and sanctioned on a final and non-appealable basis by the High Court and (iii) all of the Suspensive Conditions are satisfied. Following the Proposal becoming effective, compromises will become effective and distributions will be made to the Scheme Creditors who are entitled thereto. 4.2 Scheme Creditors comprise what are defined in Annexure A to the Proposal as - 4.2.1 the Contractual Claimants; 4.2.2 the Financial Creditors; and 4.2.3 the SIHPL Market Purchase Claimants, who are envisaged to be settled in accordance with the terms of the Proposal. 4.3 The Proposal shall become effective if (i) it is adopted by the statutory required majorities of the Scheme Creditors of the Company that participate in the filing and voting procedures; (ii) it is thereafter approved and sanctioned on a final and non-appealable basis by the High Court of South Africa as contemplated in section 155(7) of the Companies Act; and (iii) all of the Suspensive Conditions (as defined in Annexure A to the Proposal) applicable to the Proposal are satisfied. Following the Proposal becoming effective, compromises will become effective and distributions will be made to the Scheme Creditors who are entitled thereto in accordance with the provisions of the Proposal. If the Proposal does not become effective, it shall be of no legal force or effect, shall not constitute a compromise of any claims of Scheme Creditors, and shall not constitute an offer of any kind on the part of the Company capable of acceptance by Scheme Creditors. 4.4 If you are a Scheme Creditor of SIHPL, you are invited, in accordance with the terms of the Proposal, to file a claim and participate in the voting procedures set out therein, as you may be eligible to receive a payment based on the Proposal. 4.5 The Proposal shall be put to a vote at a virtual meeting or meetings, convened for such purpose. 4.6 The Proposal does not constitute, on any basis whatsoever, an admission of any liability on the part of SIHPL towards any party that has instituted legal proceedings against SIHPL, or intends to institute such legal proceedings or has threatened to institute such legal proceedings or who may assert a claim of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising, in legal proceedings. 4.7 The Scheme Creditors are encouraged to contact their respective advisers regarding the filing and voting procedures set out in the Proposal and, in addition, to consult www.SteinhoffSettlement.com for further information. 4.8 As a number of the matters set out in the Proposal are complex and technical in nature, all interested persons are encouraged to consult with an independent legal advisor, accountant, financial advisor or any other professional advisor who may be of assistance to interested persons in respect to the contents of the Proposal. 5 TRANSLATIONS OF THIS NOTICE Translated versions of this notice in Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Simplified Chinese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovakian, Slovenian, Swahili, Swedish, Spanish and Turkish will be made available upon request (e-mail: info@SteinhoffSettlement.com). Further notice is hereby given to inter alia certain creditors of Steinhoff International Holdings Proprietary Limited, of an addendum to and amendment of the Proposal (the "Addendum"), and of the availability of (i) the Addendum and (ii) the Proposal as amended by the Addendum, together with the annexures thereto (the "Amended Proposal"). 1 ACCESSING THE ADDENDUM AND THE AMENDED PROPOSAL The Proposal and its annexures, as well as the Addendum and the Amended Proposal and its annexures, are available at www.SteinhoffSettlement.com, and by completing a request form from the Registrar of the High Court of South Africa, Western Cape Division, Cape Town. 2 TRANSLATIONS OF THIS NOTICE Translated versions of this notice in Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Simplified Chinese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovakian, Slovenian, Swahili, Swedish, Spanish and Turkish will be made available upon request (e-mail: info@SteinhoffSettlement.com). Language: English Company: Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. cnr Adam Tas and Devon Valley Road 7600 Stellenbosch South Africa Phone (News - Alert) : +27218080700 Fax: +27218080800 E-mail: investors@steinhoffinternational.com Internet: www.steinhoffinternational.com ISIN: NL0011375019 WKN: A14XB9 Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005792/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Mandy Moore is 'insulted' after an unnamed publication backed out an interview with her over her refusal to discuss a touchy subject. Though she omits the identity of the individual she refused to talk about, the topic of discussion was more than likely her ex-husband, Ryan Adams. Taking to her Instagram stories on Tuesday, Mandy, 36, said her blood was 'still boiling' a day after the publication revealed their plans to cancel the interview. 'My blood is still boiling': Mandy Moore is 'insulted' after an unnamed publication backed out an interview with her over her refusal to discuss a touchy subject 'I hesitated sharing this when I received it yesterday for plenty of reasons but woke up thinking about it my blood is still boiling,' she wrote on her account. 'This is from a publication who reached out eager to do a comprehensive piece on my life and career. 'When they were told that I had spoken plenty about a certain subject in my life and would have no further comment (truly there are countless interviews they could pull from, that story is over and there's nothing more to say.) this was the response we got back. 'Any comment I make about said experience instantly becomes clickbait and give them the energy and time they seek and have already stolen from too many for too long. I have been in this business for over 2 decades with plenty to chat about and sure, this publication can do as they please but the message this sends is insulting and so out touch with the cultural discussion around abusive relationships, directly linking someone's value back to their abuser. 'The refusal to interview someone unless they agree to relive that trauma publicly? No thank you. I am about to give birth any second and I'm not afraid to draw healthy boundaries. Bye.' Insulted: Moore said she was 'not afraid to draw healthy boundaries' with this publication amid her pregnancy Mandy included the original message sent by the publication, revealing their plans to withdraw from the interview after she refused to discuss the subject matter. 'From our perspective it would be difficult not to address it in the interview of subsequent piece,' the publication wrote of the subject, whose identity was withheld by Mandy in the post. 'We're keen to do a supportive interview which profiles Mandy's entire life and career, and part of that would inevitably involve discussing her time with... given the impact he has had on her life and career. Difficult past: Though she omits the identity of the individual she refused to talk about, the topic of discussion was more than likely her ex-husband, Ryan Adams (pictured in 2012) 'If Mandy doesn't want to talk about it this though we have to respect that and it would be wrong for us to proceed with the interview.' Mandy has indeed already addressed her relationship with Ryan, who has been accused of inflicting emotional and psychological abuse on women, including Moore. Mandy was married to the rocker from 2009 to 2016, but allegations came to light in a February 2019 expose published by the New York Times. Seven women - including his former fiancee Megan Butterworth and former flame Phoebe Bridgers - accused him of abuse. Painful revelation: Mandy was married to the rocker from 2009 to 2016, but allegations came to light in a February 2019 expose published by the New York Times (pictured 2010) There were allegations that Adams would 'dangle career opportunities in exchange for sex' and retaliate against the women who spurned his advances by sabotaging their careers and harassing them via text message and social media. Adams was also accused of sending sexually explicit messages to an underage fan, which he denied. He was subsequently cleared of 'sexting' the underage female fan following an FBI investigation, according to Page Six. Over the summer, Adams apologized for his 'harmful behavior' in an open letter published exclusively by DailyMail.com. Moving on: Moore is now married and expecting a child with Dawes rocker Taylor Goldsmith Addressing the public apology, Mandy told Hoda Kotb on TODAY at the time, 'You know, it's challenging because I feel like in many ways, I've said all I want to say about him and that situation.' She continued, 'but I find it curious someone would make a public apology but not do it privately. 'I am speaking for myself, but I have not heard from him and I'm not looking for an apology necessarily, but I do find it curious that someone would do an interview about it without actually making amends privately.' Mandy is now married and expecting a child with Dawes rocker Taylor Goldsmith. The partnership will empower Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in digitizing their operations (Twitter@Razorpay) New Delhi: Global payments solution major Mastercard on Tuesday said it has partnered with fintech player Razorpay to drive digital payments acceptance by small businesses and start-ups in the country. The partnership will empower Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in digitizing their operations, maintaining business continuity in the challenging environment and preparing for the future beyond cash, Mastercard said in a release. Mastercard said before the outbreak of COVID-19, around 90 per cent of India's retail payments were conducted in cash. In recent months, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and rapidly shifted how consumers prefer to shop and pay. This presents a great opportunity to unite merchants, consumers, acquirers and fintech companies in expanding the adoption of digital payments in India, it said. "We're going through one of the biggest transformations in Indian financial history the Fintech Revolution that will significantly alter the payment and banking experience of consumers and businesses now and in the years to come. New businesses are evolving every day with different payment and banking needs and catering to a different set of consumers and markets," said Amitabh Tewary, Chief Innovation Officer, Razorpay. This partnership will help digital adoption and equip millions of businesses, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, with industry-leading technologies that will help ensure business resilience, said Tewary. "One of the initiatives that we will be working on jointly is to make recurring payments more accessible to businesses and consumers by creating seamless onboarding solutions for bill payments, digital content platforms and other subscription services," he further said. Mastercard said it has been actively working towards driving acceptance of digital payments in India. It will continue to enable ease of payments for merchants and payment aggregators to help them efficiently grow their businesses. "Mastercard aims to make merchants across India digitally equipped and welcomes the fresh thoughts and technology that Razorpay will bring to help achieve this goal. "Mastercard is committed to developing safe, secure and more convenient ways to make payments with its technology and expertise and is confident this partnership will deliver that and more," said Rajeev Kumar K, Senior Vice President, Market Development, South Asia, Mastercard. We are thrilled that Acqualina is awarded and recognized as a Five-Star hotel and spa for nine consecutive years," says Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO and Partner. Acqualina Resort & Residences cements itself as the quintessential luxury travel destination in Florida by garnering several coveted back-to-back travel awards. Today, Forbes Travel Guide officially announced that Acqualina has been recognized as a Five Star Hotel, making it the ninth year in a row the property receives this prestigious, ultra-exclusive industry accolade. Properties who receive this extraordinary achievement are determined by those who demonstrate impeccable and flawless service, exceptional amenities and an overall superior guest experience. Today, Forbes Travel Guide also awarded Acqualina Spa by ESPA with a Five Star Spa rating. Forbes Travel Guide is the gold standard for luxury hospitality ratings worldwide, and announces its Global Star Ratings yearly, listing the worlds finest hotels, restaurants and spas. Only properties that meet Forbes hospitality standards the most stringent in the industry achieve a Five Star, Four Star or Recommended rating. Professional inspectors check into and check out every property they rate regularly, evaluating more than 500 rigorous criteria to determine a Star Rating that takes the guess work out of travel planning and establishes a global benchmark for luxury travel. We are thrilled that Acqualina is awarded and recognized as a Five-Star hotel and spa for nine consecutive years; which highlights our most important mission as a property, which is striving to deliver the most outstanding personalized service to guests ensuring they feel safe, relaxed and create wonderful memories together. We are constantly improving our programs, guestroom product, spa offerings and user technology to deliver a seamlessly luxurious experience for our guests, whether they are multigenerational families or couples visiting our hotel or spa, states Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO and Partner. In addition to the Forbes Travel Guide announcement, Acqualina was recently named by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Best Resort the Continental U.S. in their annual Best Hotel Awards. To celebrate the latest accolades, Acqualina invites guests to book the Five Star Experience Package. Guests receive the fifth night free when booking a five-night getaway in a Deluxe Intracoastal Room. They can indulge in such offerings as a special welcome amenity, daily buffet breakfast for two, complimentary Internet access and access to the award-winning AcquaMarine childrens program. Acqualina Resort is also among the worlds first hotels to become Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED with Forbes Travel Guide. The comprehensive facility verification helps ensure that guests and travel planners can book with confidence at Acqualina based on the resorts compliance with expert-validated best practices that minimize the risk and impact of COVID-19 and potential future public health events. The ultra-luxury resorts extensive safety measures include using innovative sanitation technology in all interior and exterior areas, including electrostatic disinfectant tools that combine EPA-approved chemicals with electrostatic molecules to sanitize all spaces ensuring that every area of the property has been effectively and regularly cleaned to the highest standard. This is in addition to the resorts superior level of cleaning and hygienic protocols in place already, and frequent hand washing, use of gloves and face masks. With its world-class restaurants, curated amenities and luxurious rooms and suites, Acqualina Resort provides an exclusive experience and ultra-luxurious beach lifestyle like no other. The gorgeous beachfront location features outdoor living room settings, three oceanfront swimming pools and cabanas where guests can make online reservations. Guests of the luxury Miami Beach resort can bask in the South Florida sun or spend the afternoon shaded by palm trees. The attentive Acqualina team will make sure every need is met. That includes everything from serving a delicious Mediterranean lunch on the beach to providing a delectable coconut or a cocktail where guests never need to leave the beach. For more information or reservations, please visit http://www.acqualinaresort.com or call 888.713.0456. About Acqualina Resort & Residences Acqualina Resort & Residences is where the charm of a Mediterranean villa meets elegance on the beach. The lush grounds feature red couches set on Seashore Paspalum grass and are dotted with signature red umbrellas. A seaside luxury haven located on 4.5 beachfront acres in pristine Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina Resort features 98 impeccably appointed guest rooms and suites and 188 residences with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class dining including Il Mulino New York, the alfresco Costa Grill and the new Ke-uH Japanese restaurant, three oceanfront swimming pools, spacious meeting rooms and an innovative marine biology-based childrens program. A variety of lavish interior and exterior venues provide an ideal background for opulent weddings and memorable events. Acqualina Spa by ESPA, the first ESPA-branded spa in the United States, provides guests with an exquisite 20,000-square-foot, two-story tranquil sanctuary of excellence and relaxation. A family-owned and operated property, Acqualina is a recipient of the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Awards for both the hotel and spa and the AAA Five Diamond Award. Ambassador of Belarus P.Utyupin meets the Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan On February 15, 2021 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Kazakhstan Pavel Utyupin met with Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Saparkhan Omarov. During the meeting the parties discussed the implementation of the agreements reached by the heads of governments of Belarus and Kazakhstan following a working conversation on February 5, 2021 in Almaty. They also discussed the preparations for the visit to Belarus of the Kazakh delegation headed by S.Omarov, during which it is planned to discuss certain areas of cooperation between the two countries, including the exchange of experience in the field of crop production, meat and dairy farming. Following the meeting, an agreement to hold in the near future the second meeting of the joint Kazakh-Belarusian Working Group to develop promising areas of bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture was reached. print version Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz Floats Challenge to Sen. Romney Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz on Monday said he would consider challenging Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) from the right, in the wake of Romneys guilty vote against former President Donald Trump. Yes, I would, Chaffetz, a Republican, told Sean Hannity on the Fox News host show when asked about a potential run. Id think about it. Chaffetz, now a Fox contributor, said hes still dedicated to the outlet. I love Fox, dont get me wrong. I love it here at Fox but yes, Ive thought about it, he said. Chaffetz, 53, represented Utahs 3rd Congressional District in the House of Representatives from 2009 to 2017. Chaffetz decided not to seek re-election from voters in 2018. For those that would speculate otherwise, let me be clear that I have no ulterior motives. I am healthy. I am confident I would continue to be re-elected by large margins. I have the full support of Speaker Ryan to continue as Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. That said, I have made a personal decision to return to the private sector, he said in a statement. Chaffetz later resigned before his term was over. Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah), who now holds the seat, won a special election to fill the vacancy. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) walks in the U.S. Capitol after the fourth day of the impeachment trial of forme President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 12, 2021. (Tom Brenner/Reuters) Romney won election to the Senate in 2018 with Trumps backing. But he has emerged as one of the former presidents harshest GOP critics, and on Saturday became the only lawmaker to vote twice to convict him. The other senator representing the state, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), voted to acquit Trump. The former president was acquitted because the vote was 43-57, short of the 67 votes required for conviction. The Utah Republican Party decided not to censure Romney, saying we look forward to each senator explaining their votes to the people of Utah. But some Republicans in the state are pushing a draft censure motion, arguing Romney betrayed the party and the Constitution with his vote. Senator Willard Mitt Romney used and uses his senatorial power and influence to undermine Republican President Donald J. Trump, the motion states, adding that Romney has condoned false and misleading statements that have led the 117th Congress of the United States to further conduct an illegal and unconstitutional 2nd Impeachment proceeding against President Donald J. Trump. Romney in a statement after the vote explained he thought Trump was guilty of inciting an insurrection by calling on supporters to attend a rally in Washington on Jan. 6 and urging them to march to the Capitol, which was later breached by a mob. Trump also emphasized that supporters should march there peacefully and patriotically and, after the breach, condemned the violence that took place. FORMER Anglo Irish Bank chief David Drumm was released yesterday from Loughan House Open Prison under a community return scheme three years after he was handed a six-year term. The former senior banker was convicted of conspiracy to defraud in 2018 and had been serving his time in the Co Cavan open prison since January, 2019, after originally being sent to the tougher regime of Mountjoy Prison in June, 2018. When contacted by Independent.ie, a spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said the service do not comment on individual prisoners. Drumm (54), from Skerries in north Co Dublin, became the fourth person to be found guilty of an offence related to the conspiracy to make it appear Anglo Irish Bank's deposits were 7.2bn larger than they were in 2008. Three others were convicted and jailed in 2016, following what at the time was the longest criminal trial in Irish legal history. They have all since been released from jail. At his sentencing hearing, Judge Karen O Connor said Drumm was in a position of trust in the bank and that people were entitled to trust their banks and this was grossly reprehensible behaviour. He was convicted of dishonestly authorising a 7.2bn conspiracy to defraud and of false accounting. Judge OConnor sentenced him to six years and ordered that he would get credit for the five months he had spent in a prison in the US before being extradited to Ireland in March 2016. The same year he was given a suspended sentence of 15 months for giving illegal loans to 10 developers to prop up Anglo's share price in 2008. Standard remission in the Irish prison system means that Drumm was entitled to get a quarter of his six year sentence reduced which amounts to 18 months but he was freed earlier than that under the community return scheme. This is an early release scheme where prisoners who meet certain criteria are assessed by the Irish Prison Service and offered early temporary release in return for doing unpaid community service work. It is understood Drumm will now be supervised by the Probation Service for the next 14 months as part of his release arrangement. It is available for those who have been assessed as posing no threat to the community; are serving more than one year and fewer than eight years, and who have served at least 50pc of their sentence, according to the Probation Services website. Drumm is one of the most notorious white collar criminals in the history of the Irish State. At his sentencing hearing, Judge Karen OConnor said his offending was premeditated and planned, and in fact the evidence was that significant planning went into this fraud. Drumm led Anglo Irish Bank between 2005 and December, 2008 and he resigned a month before the bank was nationalised. He earned 12.15m during that time, making him Ireland's best-paid banker. Last July, he consented to a judgment against him for 7.5m in favour of his former employers. The debt relates to loans Drumm received from Anglo to buy shares in the bank prior to its collapse in 2009. Justice Minister Park Beom-kye speaks with experts during a video conference of the ministry's policy committee at his office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Yonhap By Bahk Eun-ji Korea will seek to allow undocumented foreign nationals to register their children's births here in specific situations, to prevent them from being deprived of child-related rights and benefits. Justice Minister Park Beom-kye discussed the issue in an online meeting with experts, Monday, to establish a special law to give such children legal status regardless of their parents' status. Under the current law, foreign parents cannot register their children if they are not legally staying in Korea. Some situations in which children cannot be registered here include: when a child is born after the parents have overstayed their visas or lost their legal status here; when a foreign woman came to Korea after marrying a Korean, then divorced, and gave birth to a child while staying here as an undocumented foreigner; and if a foreign woman gives birth to a child out of wedlock. The number of children in Korea who could not be registered for such reasons is estimated to be as many as 20,000. If the children are not registered, they are not able eligible to receive public social benefits including medical insurance and education. In some cases, the lack of legal status puts the children at risk of abuse and human trafficking. In order to address the issue, the ministry has been discussing the matter with a special advisory group since 2018, and decided to establish a special law. "These children have been put in a human rights blind spot," Park said during the meeting. "We hope the new system will help protect the children from crimes such as abuse, illegal adoption and human trafficking, and help the government accumulate data for policy implementation, such as mandatory vaccinations and compulsory education." New Delhi: Amrapali builder's CEO Ritik Kumar Sinha, along with Director Nishant Mukul were arrested by Noida police on Monday over fraud charges. Amrapali builder is one of the biggest building contractors of India with having big residential and commercial projects in Noida, Delhi and other cities of India. The arrests came a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hinted strict actions against builders for doing fraud. Adityanath has said his govt is serious for on the issues of builders doing fraud with their consumers and they will no longer be able to flee after selling illegally constructed colonies. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The total capacity of renewable energy sources in Vietnam accounts for 25 per cent of all sources, Photo: Shutterstock The year 2019 might be the last time that Power Generation Corporation 1 (GENCO 1) had a high power output. In 2020, its entire electricity production decreased by around 0.6 per cent compared to the previous year. GENCO 1 has an installed capacity of over 7,120MW, which stems from several sources such as coal, hydroelectricity, and solar power. Nguyen Manh Huan, deputy general director of GENCO 1, said that his company is now facing risks of not being able to recover investment costs under the electricity price plan. This development left a huge impact on GENCO 1s finances as the company added many new sources of renewable energy in a short time, causing its thermal power plants to not reach its designated 6,000 hours per year. Becoming a leading corporation in the energy sector has become a more challenging target for GENCO 1 in the context of the complicated developments during the COVID-19 pandemic and decreasing water flows towards hydroelectric reservoirs due to climate change. Risk of overdoing The scale of Vietnams electricity system ranks second in Southeast Asia and 23rd in the world, with total installed capacity by the end of 2020 reaching 69,300MW, an increase of nearly 14,000MW compared to 2019, according to the calculation of state-run Electricity of Vietnam (EVN). The total capacity of renewable energy sources amounts to 17,430MW, a stunning increase of 11,780MW compared to 2019, which accounts now for a quarter of all national power sources. However, the asynchronous development between renewable energy and the national power grid throughout the last few years has caused Vietnams lines to be overloaded, affecting the mobilisation of traditional power sources, peak hour changes, and transmission rates. Specifically, La Hong Ky, an expert from the National Steering Committee for Electricity Development told VIR that the biggest disadvantage of solar power is its instability, due to its heavy dependence on weather. Meanwhile, the cost of this power source is still high, energy storage is difficult, and the necessary land area is often large, as one megawatt peak of solar power needs roughly 1.2 hectares, Ky said. He explained that many solar investors have asked for additional planning and quickened project implementation, leading to an asynchronous development of solar power within the overall structure of renewable energy. For instance, up to now no document or guidance is regulating the percentage between solar and rooftop solar power sources, Ky added. The Ministry of Industry and Trades (MoIT) data from reviewing the implementation of the previous four years of power development shows that thermal power sources only grew by 57.6 per cent while renewable energy sources rose by up to 205 per cent. The completion rate of 500kV transformer stations came out at 73 per cent, while 88 per cent of 500kV transmission lines were established, 77 per cent of 220kV stations, and 84 per cent of 220kV transmission lines. Renewable energy has grown too hot, claimed Bui Huy Phung, a senior expert from the Vietnam Institute of Energy Science under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. During Vietnams electricity development up to 2020, the country has formulated two national energy development strategies; seven national electricity development plans; five coal industry development plans; three oil and gas development plans, and one renewable energy plan. According to Phung, these strategies and plans have guided and provided important contents for the development of the energy sector in Vietnam. However, they also show the inadequacies of applied methodology, a lack of systematisation and computational data, and their appliance to the construction, appraisal, and implementation of power projects, which then usually lasted only a few years before they needed adjustment. Although the aforementioned electricity plans were calculated meticulously, they still present inadequacies. The current energy intensity to GDP (kWh per US dollar) of many countries is currently at 0.3-0.6kWh per US dollar, while Vietnams is approximately as high as 1. During the past few years, the country was required to decrease this ratio from 1.5-1.6 to 1, with previous forecasts and actual results showing that the ratio cannot be further reduced without adjustments. Additionally, the power grid had to be built in a rush, which was difficult to implement and led to many projects not meeting their desired progression. The plans of power plants for 2020 were behind schedule by 1-2 years, with the biggest slowdown happening in the projects of the countrys state-run oil and gas group PetroVietnam. Nevertheless, reports from the MoIT and EVN still stated that the entire national electricity supply in 2020 was basically guaranteed. Meanwhile, the demand for coal as a resource for electricity is huge, with an estimated 78 million tonnes by 2020 and 190 million tonnes by 2030. Yet, it remains unknown where the supply is supposed to come from. The total investment in the electricity sector in the 2011-2020 period amounted to $48.8 billion, of which 33 per cent was reserved for the national grid. In the 2021-2030 period, the total investment will be around $75 billion, of which 34 per cent is planned to be used for the national grid. Thus, within 20 years with the total investment of $123.8 billion, only a third have and will flow into the grid, which, in turn, explains the transmission gaps in recent years. Solving the imbalance Considering the data from the previous four years, the MoITs Institute of Energy is now making preparations for a new national power plan. Considering the previous plan, most power and grid projects have not met the set goals, with only renewable energy mainly solar and wind exceeding the plan by over 200 per cent, Phung commented. The impact of this imbalance, according to Phung, can lead to disturbances in regional and national planning, making it difficult for the transmission and control of the system, as some areas are overloaded during the day while at night it could be difficult to ensure electricity supply. Meanwhile, in principle, ensuring energy security often needs to be based on several factors, such as forecasts of the power demand in relation to the countrys socioeconomic development plans, the domestic availability of energy sources, including renewable energy and import capacities, and a pricing scheme suitable for the development level of the country. The issue of sustainable power source development has been recognised in all countries, especially as the consequences of climate change and depletion of many traditional energy sources become ever so visible. As a result, most countries are transforming their energy use structures towards a sustainable direction while increasing social equality in access. To regain the balance in its power source structure, Phung said, It is important to calculate Vietnams power grid planning and compliance with socioeconomic development. Vietnam can only achieve sustainable development when the contents of such plans are carefully calculated and define the demand and structure for optimal and rational use of electricity sources. Specifically, the MoIT is directing the creation of the Power Development Plan VIII the master plan that will concretise the Politburos Resolution No.55-NQ/TW on the orientation of Vietnams national energy development strategy to 2030, with a vision towards 2045. The Institute of Energy announced its initial results from the first workshop last July, which include methods, documents, and 11 electricity development scenarios for the country. However, Phung, who has more than 40 years of expertise on energy, remarked that it is necessary to clarify the MoITs concept of soft planning in the next plan, while also considering specific solutions for the imbalance in national power development. House Bill 133 aims to extend Medicaid coverage to eligible new mothers. The House version of the bill calls for a one-year extension, whereas the Senate version calls for a six-month extension. Advocates say the bill could reduce the states maternal mortality rate. Currently, the state offers Medicaid for two months after giving birth. Should Texas extend Medicaid for eligible new mothers for six months or one year? You voted: Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Dottie's is donating a bowl of oatmeal to the Christian Center for every bowl it sells. Dottie's Starts Oatmeal Donation Program for Christian Center Officer Darren Derby donates $300 to Jess Rufo's oatmeal program. The money was given directly to the Christian Center. PITTSFIELD, Mass. One of Pittsfield's favorite coffeehouses is showing some love to local unsheltered folks through the warm embrace of oatmeal. Dottie's Coffee Lounge has begun a program in partnership with the Christian Center that donates one bowl of oatmeal to the organization for every bowl sold. "I honestly think it's the job of the local coffee shop to bring the community together and to serve the community," owner Jess Rufo said. "Serving the community doesn't mean just serving coffees to the people who walk through our doors it means being in service to the community outside of our doors." This came in harmonious time with the opening of a daytime warming shelter at the Christian Center and has increased oatmeal sales at the coffee shop by about 300 percent, surpassing the original goal for oatmeal donations. "It was definitely meant to be," Rufo said. Oatmeal has been on Dottie's winter menu for a long time. Rufo was recently brainstorming ways to make positive change in the community and realized the inexpensive, nutritious, and easy to prepare in bulk item would be perfect for the job. Being at the heart of downtown Pittsfield and next to the St. Joseph's homeless shelter, the coffee shop sees a lot of interaction with unsheltered individuals. "There have been just so many heartbreaking repercussions within our community and beyond obviously, since the pandemic," Rufo said, adding that one consequence Pittsfield faces is the increase in homelessness. Rufo said her interactions with these folks influenced her drive to help, especially after seeing people wandering the streets and assuming they hadn't had a hot meal. She felt uneasy when the coffee shop had to require a key for the bathrooms because of problematic events and wanted to find a way that she could productively benefit the unsheltered. In the shadow of that, Rufo also wants to promote challenging any subconscious fears the public may have about homeless individuals and instead promote compassion and in general "doing better." She wasn't sure how to approach this idea so she posted on social media and was directed to the Christian Center, which contacted her quickly and laid out for a program that would work. Initially, they planned on doing 25 oatmeals twice a month, but the public interest in oatmeal has produced "far more than that." In addition, Dottie's received $280 in cash donations and a $300 donation from Police Officer Darren Derby's community outreach nonprofit. Rufo instructed Derby to donate the $300 to the Christian Center, overwhelmed with appreciation. Rufo said anyone interested in donating funds should do so directly to the center and, of course, they can stop and buy and oatmeal. "The community response has been positive, sales have increased dramatically, and I think people are excited at the opportunity to contribute in some way," she said. "And I think that says a lot, people want to help out, people want to contribute, they're not really sure how to, and if you make it easy enough then they'll do it." Over the summer, Dottie's also contributed to efforts in line with the Black Lives Matter movement, reopening for a day to sell coffees that 100 percent benefited the Berkshire Bridges non-profit organization and selling Black Lives Matter face masks to benefit the NAACP. "I think we were all feeling really helpless and unsure of how we could contribute and help if not nationally definitely in our community," Rufo said about the fundraisers. Rufo said every time a charitable opportunity arises it is not premeditated, but seems like the right thing to do at the moment. She feels fortunate to own an establishment whose food has always translated well to a box and feels for eateries who are just staying above water in COVID-19 times. "I am a very modest person when it comes to my business," Rufo said. "I don't think of it as this diamond in Pittsfield that everyone is looking at so intently, it's just the place that I go to work every day and I try really hard to do a good job." Dottie's should give back, she said, because it is in the position to do so. Smoke rises over Erbil, Iraq, after reports of mortar shells landing near Erbil airport. Photo: Reuters/Thaier al-Sudani. A rocket attack at a US-led military base in Kurdish northern Iraq on Monday killed a civilian contractor and wounded five other people including a US service member, according to initial reports, the US coalition in Iraq said. It was the most deadly attack to hit US-led forces for almost a year in Iraq, where tensions have escalated between US forces, their Iraqi and Kurdish allies on one side and Iran-aligned militias on the other. A coalition spokesman said on Twitter the attack hit coalition forces in the Kurdish regional capital of Erbil, and that more details would follow. Kurdish security sources said at least three rockets landed near Erbil International Airport in the autonomous region late at night. Reuters reporters heard several loud explosions and saw a fire break out near the airport. US troops occupy a military base adjacent to the civilian airport. A statement from the Kurdish interior ministry said a number of rockets were fired towards Erbil and its outskirts around 9:30pm. local time and some people were wounded, but it offered no further details. A group calling itself Saraya Awliya al-Dam claimed responsibility for the attack on the US-led base, saying it targeted the "American occupation" in Iraq. It provided no evidence for its claim. Groups that some Iraqi officials say have links with Iran have claimed a series of rocket and roadside attacks against coalition forces, contractors working for the coalition and US installations including the embassy in Baghdad in recent months. The last deadly attack to target the coalition killed one British and two American personnel in March last year. Tension between the United States and Iran sent the Middle East to the edge of a full-scale confrontation in January 2020 after a US drone strike killed Iranian military mastermind Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Donostia (Gipuzkoa), Feb16, 2021 (SPS) -The political organization Eh-Bildu has denounced the violence and harassment against human rights defenders in the occupied areas of Western Sahara by the occupied Moroccan regime. EH-Buldu denounces that "members of the Moroccan occupation army have brutally attacked the Sahrawi activists Sultana Khaya and her sister Elwaara Khaya at thier home in the occupied city of Bojador." The international Front Line Defender Organization has warned that Sultana Khaya, a human rights defender, has been under house arrest for 12 weeks in Bojador. On November 19, 2020, several Moroccan police units imposed a siege around her house, during which she suffered physical and verbal attacks. " The political organization warns that "this is one of the hundreds of cases of human rights violations suffered by the Saharawi population in the occupied territories, having intensified since the beginning of the war." "EH Bildu will carefully follow the situation in the occupied territories, to continue with the public denunciation and defense of the Frente POLISARIO, the Saharawi people and their legitimate right to self-determination." SPS 125/090/TRA Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 South Jersey school district has announced plans to offer a hybrid remote and in-person instruction curriculum to about 100 top-achieving high school students in the fall. The plan is to offer the combination of remote classes and in-school instruction even if state emergency orders that allowed remote instruction during the coronavirus pandemic response are repealed, officials said. The Kingsway Regional School District said its Blended and Virtual program would mean students could start their in-person classes later in the day, or remote classes could be taken at home or in the computer lab. Were taking a little bit of what weve learned throughout this pandemic, said Jim Lavender, the district superintendent. We have students who are really thriving in this environment. This virtual instruction is not going to go away and it will certainly have an impact on teaching and learning in the future and were positioning our district to capitalize on it. Lavender said about 100 seniors and juniors in the 800-student Kingsway Regional High School in Woolwich, Gloucester County will have a chance to participate in the program this fall. He said the students will be among top achievers and will have to maintain grades while participating or risk returning to all in-person instruction. One potential obstacle to starting the program is the uncertainty over whether schools will still be allowed to offer remote learning or a hybrid approach this fall. As of this week, 491 schools are hybrid and 190 of them are fully remote some of which havent returned to the classroom since schools were shut down in March when the pandemic began. The states regulations were amended last year to allow remote learning for more than three consecutive days only in the event of a state of emergency or public health emergency, which New Jersey has been under since the pandemic began and Murphy has renewed every 30 days. Mike Yaple, a spokesman for the Department of Education, said this week that some online learning had been taking place before the public health emergency and could continue afterward. Although some online learning is permitted outside of a public health emergency, required in-person learning cannot be supplanted by online learning, Yaple said. Districts have had the option to award course credit for students to meet high school graduation requirements through the completion of approved individualized learning experiences that meet or exceed the states student learning standards. Lavender said Kingsway has planned for an online-remote learning component in its strategic planning since 2015 but didnt have the resources to do it until the pandemic. We were a school that did not have the technology and resources to pull this off, Lavender said. It was equivalent to us trying to get to the moon. The pandemic has expedited this process. Lavender said seven of his 130 teachers on staff will participate in the Blended and Virtual program and all of them are currently involved in some level of virtual instruction. Steve Baker, a spokesman for the New Jersey Education Association, the statewide union and trade organization affiliated with Kingsway teachers said he was just learning about the new proposal. It appears that it was developed without collaborative input from the local education association, which is troubling, Baker said this week. As we see plans like this emerge, we will look at them through a student-centered equity lens. We will ask whether they prioritize students social, emotional and educational needs and whether they lead to greater equity in student opportunity and outcomes. We want our students to have the best possible education under the best possible conditions to lead to the best possible outcomes. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Tuesday that some manufacturers not accepting COVID-19 vaccine orders anymore has no implication to the countrys supply and program rollout. Ang epekto po noon wala po (It has no effect), he said in a briefing in Davao City when asked about the implication of vaccine producers not accepting vaccine orders anymore. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said in a separate briefing that vaccine developers, like AstraZeneca, are no longer accepting more vaccine orders. Galvez assured that the 17 million AstraZeneca doses earlier procured by the local government units and the private sector are surely secured. He added that both parties are having ongoing talks for the procurement of 10 million vials from Novavax. The bill being discussed in Congress that will expedite purchase of vaccines with the participation of LGUs through tripartite agreements will also help in securing more supply from Novavax, he added. READ: Duterte to certify as urgent bill relaxing procurement rules on LGUs purchasing COVID-19 vaccines FDA: Vaccines from COVAX facility are safe The Food and Drug Administration assured that the vaccines coming from COVAX facility are safe to use. In an interview Tuesday, FDA Director General Eric Domigo said the World Health Organization will only send vaccines included in the Emergency Use Listing (EUL). A vaccine will be carefully scrutinized for its safety and efficacy before it can receive an EUL. He explained that the WHO issues a set of criteria for the issuance of emergency use authorization that is being followed by the Philippines. If there are any serious safety concerns, they will not give an emergency use listing," Domingo said. He added that efficacy rate comes next. A vaccine should be able to prove that it will help stop the spread of the virus and stop people from getting sick and dying, he noted. A team from WHO also inspects manufacturing sites to check the quality of the vaccines, Domingo said. So pag na-approve sya ng WHO kampante ka talaga. Nakita naman natin ang proseso na pinagdaanan nya in meeting global standards, he added. [Translation: If they are approved by the WHO, you are comfortable. We saw the process they went through in meeting global standards.] So far, Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-Astrazenecas vaccines produced by SKBio in Korea and Serum Institute of India are in the emergency use listing. The Philippines targets to procure 148 million doses of vaccines to inoculate up to 70 million priority population this year. CNN Philippines correspondent Carolyn Bonquin contributed to this report. Aviva Plc, the British insurer, is in advanced talks on a sale of its Italian operations as it pushes ahead with about 6 billion euros ($7.3 billion) of divestments, people with knowledge said. The U.K. company is in negotiations to sell its Italian life insurance business to Paris-based CNP Assurances, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. Allianz SE is in talks to acquire Avivas general insurance unit in the country, the people said. A deal could be reached within a few weeks, the people said. The two disposals in Italy could fetch more than 1 billion euros combined, the people said. Shares of Aviva rose as much as 3.1% in Monday morning trading. They were up 2.8% at 9:49 a.m. in London, on track for the highest close in almost a year, while the benchmark FTSE 100 Index gained 1.4%. No final agreements have been reached, and discussions could still fall apart, they said. The sale is part of Aviva Chief Executive Officer Amanda Blancs plan to improve the London-listed insurers struggling share price by offloading non-core assets. Blanc has wasted little time since taking the helm in July, agreeing to sell a majority stake in its Singapore business for about $2 billion and pushing ahead with the disposal of its units in Poland and Italy. Shes also exploring options for Avivas joint venture in Turkey. French Sale Meanwhile, French mutual insurer Macif has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Avivas insurance operations in the country, the people said. Macif is seen as the most suitable buyer for the unit, which could fetch more than 3 billion euros, because its a local player, the people said. Macif is competing against French private equity firm Eurazeo SE, said the people. Eurazeo was a latecomer to the auction and there could be some hesitation to sell to private equity, they said. For Macif, a purchase of Aviva France would be its biggest-ever deal. Eurazeo has been holding talks with Italys Assicurazioni Generali SpA about potentially teaming up, the people said. Eurazeo, one of Europes few listed buyout firms, sees Aviva France as a strategic investment that would elevate its 18.8 billion euros in assets under management, according to one person. Eurazeo, led by Virginie Sarah Morgon, has a market value of 4.9 billion euros. Private Equity Ties A consortium of Allianz and Athora has been sidelined due to resistance to the latter firms links to American private equity, the people said. Private equity firms buy life insurers to attract permanent capital in a bid to diversify from buyout strategies. They invest the cash flows from policies into illiquid assets to boost returns and cut costs by boosting scale. Aviva, which hasnt yet decided on a winner, could reach an agreement as early as this month, the people said. The French business generated 13.4 billion pounds ($18.5 billion) of revenue in 2019, about 20% of the groups total, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Allianz, Generali and Dutch insurer NN Group NV are among parties that expressed interest in Avivas Polish business, which could fetch about 1.5 billion euros to 2 billion euros, the people said. Representatives for Allianz, Athora, Aviva, CNP, Eurazeo, Generali and Macif declined to comment. A spokesperson for NN couldnt immediately be reached. Mergers and acquisitions in the European insurance industry are being driven by companies looking to bulk up their property and casualty businesses while selling interest-rate dependent life units. Insurance deals worth $64 billion have been struck in the region during the last 12 months, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Thats up 62% year-on-year, the data show. With assistance from Myriam Balezou and Benjamin Robertson. Top Photo: An office worker walks inside St Helens, the commercial skyscraper housing the headquarters of Aviva Plc, in London, U.K., on Friday, March 13, 2020. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Mergers France With the help of the RFID reader, the dog squads can easily identify the dog, its location and go through the medical history. (Pixabay Hyderabad: Good news for pet owners! The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) plans to inject radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based chips in dogs and other animals to enable owners locate them in case they are found missing. The chips would have a reader in which the vaccination and other details of dogs/animals would also be included. The corporation would provide the chips at a nominal cost of Rs 100. The corporation has also decided to launch the GHMC ABC application which is currently under final stages of testing. According to GHMC officials, the corporation is receiving numerous dog-missing complaints. Therefore, before issuing the pet licence, the corporation plans to get the service provider inject the chips into dog's body. The agency will also provide the dog owner with equipment to read the data. The chip will be provided with a unique ID number. Information including the names of the pet and the owner, his/her residential address, history of the dogs vaccination, the next vaccination date, and the latitude and longitude information will be stored in the chip. The corporation will intimate the next vaccination date through a text message to the owner. Officials would check the database at regular intervals. If the vaccination data is not updated for a period of a year, the pet owner will be prosecuted. In case of any dog missing complaint, the GHMC would press its teams into action. With the help of the RFID reader, the dog squads can easily identify the dog, its location and go through the medical history. "Once we place the RFID reader near the chip, the history of the pet will be displayed with a beep sound on the monitor. If we detect a fake ownership, the guilty will be prosecuted. The pet owner should immediately report to the GHMC in case a pet dog is found missing," a GHMC official said. QUALITY CHIPS: He said a Noida-based company has given the representation on the chips functioning. The firm has promised to provide quality chips with a nominal price of Rs 100. The price might even come down. "The RFID tags would likely be used in a month's time. It is yet to receive the final nod from the higher authorities." The IT wing has done multiple testing, he said. ABC APPLICATION: The Corporation has developed an ABC application to minimize the stray dog menace. Dog catchers should take live photos using the app, in which the locational longitude and latitude will be marked. After performing animal birth control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) programmes, the dogs have to be left in the same location, through live photos, for approval from the appl. The official said that this data will not only help the corporation squads track the location of stray dogs but also control the menace in the GHMC limits. GHMC would spend Rs 1,500 on each dog in the city limits for vaccination and birth control operations. After implementing a pilot project pertaining to the ABC and ARV programmes, the civic body would, in conformity with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules 2001, invite tenders and shortlist five animal welfare organisations (AWOs) to sterilize about 10,000 stray dogs for a period of one year, officials said. Hours after a U.S. military drone killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, one of the most powerful men in Iran, the head of field operations for the border in Washington state gathered her senior staff on an emergency conference call. It was the first Friday in 2020 still a holiday for many and director Adele Fasano spoke from home about the email shed just received from U.S. Customs and Border Protection headquarters advising heightened vigilance following the airstrike. She instructed assistant directors of field operations and area port directors to institute heightened security measures. When the call ended, the Seattle CBP office circulated a high threat alert memo among management outlining new criteria for enhanced vetting of cross-border travelers. The message to rank-and-file agents was clear: Target travelers with ties to Iran, Lebanon and Palestine. During the next 48 hours, 277 people dozens of them American citizens or legal permanent residents would be stopped and held for secondary screenings as they tried to cross into the U.S. from Canada. Many said they were held for more than six hours. Some were denied access to medicine or questioned about their relatives. Most had no idea why they were stopped, though they had their suspicions. One Iranian American, held for six hours overnight at the Pacific Highway crossing, likened the scene to a modern-day version of Japanese internment camps. More than a year after the incident now the subject of widespread scorn from advocates for the immigrant community a CBP internal affairs report obtained by POLITICO offers the first detailed account of the chaos that ensued after the Seattle Field Office sent that memo to staff. The report, which focuses on the Blaine, Wash., ports of Peace Arch and Pacific Highway where a majority of the screenings took place, confirms that federal officials initially misled the public about what took place. It raises new questions about whether any corrective actions were taken after a top agency leader in Washington had to step in to halt the detentions. Story continues The 87-page document, released in response to a U.S. Freedom of Information Act request, describes an office where senior leaders did not trust frontline border officers to make real-time decisions on who to admit to the United States. Internal investigators were told those same officers feared Fasano. Officers and managers followed the directive to detain anyone with ties to Iran then waited for direction from superiors on what to do next. Fasano, who was on vacation at the time, stopped answering emails as the resulting chaos unfolded. The two days of disarray at the Peace Arch and nearby Pacific Highway port of entry spurred accusations of civil rights violations by members of Congress and advocacy groups, despite CBPs initial denials that any directive was issued. Two organizations sued CBP to get the enhanced vetting directive, which was ultimately released in December. And some travelers subjected to those screenings now plan to take the U.S. government to court. Two members of Congress who had pushed for answers said the internal report, which the agency has not provided them, confirms their suspicions. From the very beginning, I knew CBP was not telling the truth about what had occurred, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) said in an interview. The Seattle congresswoman is among several lawmakers who have pushed for answers from agency leadership. Despite the outrage over the incident, the report makes no recommendations on how the agency can avoid a repeat scenario. The U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Washington declined to prosecute any CBP employees for criminal civil rights violations. Whats more, the internal affairs report based on emails from that weekend and interviews with CBP officers and the managers who were working, including Fasano reaches no conclusions about whether the criteria used to flag travelers for secondary inspections were legal or appropriate, nor does it specify if any of the officials implicated in the events were disciplined. The DHS' Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties launched an inquiry into the incident, but its status is unclear. Whats shocking is there [are] really no recommendations, said Len Saunders, an immigration attorney in Blaine who disclosed what he saw at the Peace Arch that weekend to the media and to investigators. Theres no sort of accountability. Peace Arch Park, which straddles the international boundary between the United States and Canada. CBP spokesperson Jason Givens declined to make any of the senior Seattle field office leaders named in the report available for comment. POLITICOs emails and direct messages on LinkedIn to Fasano went unanswered. CBPs Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigation into this matter has been completed and has closed with no actionable findings, Givens said in an email. CBP has nothing further to add to the OPR report that has been provided to you via your FOIA request. The January 2020 memo issued by one CBP field office illustrates the broad discretion border officials are given to decide who may enter the United States, no matter which political party controls Washington. What follows is a day-by-day account from inside the Blaine border facility, based on agency investigators interviews with employees, supervisors and travelers there and supporting emails and documentation provided to POLITICO under FOIA. Jan. 3: Increase your security awareness Fasano, whose career took her from San Diego to New Jersey before landing in Blaine, was on vacation when she received that first email from Executive Assistant Commissioner Todd Owen in the hours after the drone strike. The email was marked as a high-importance message and mentioned that acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan would hold a call with senior leadership on the matter that day. Still, Owen noted at the beginning of the message that the directions were precautionary. There is no specific intelligence at this time indicating any such threat here, but none the less [sic], please increase your security awareness at our facilities to better safeguard our employees, Owen wrote. When Fasano assembled her area port directors by phone to discuss heightened security measures, she noted it was her first security threat since arriving at the Seattle field office in 2019. Owens email had mentioned certain travelers, she said, so the officials talked about the killing of Soleimani, who had led the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the military arm charged with defending Irans political system. The attack at the direction of President Donald Trump had prompted the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to vow a forceful revenge. "We talked about making sure that no one gets through who would present a threat, Fasano later told investigators. There was no discussion about who should be referred to secondary inspection. Fasano decided during a second call with senior field office management that, given the threat, approval for releasing individuals from additional screening would rest solely with her and Michael Freeman, assistant director of field operations for Seattle. Fasano acknowledged it was an unusual requirement, but later explained to investigators that when she first arrived at the Seattle office, which is headquartered in Blaine, she believed port personnel were waving through travelers who should have been turned away. But, she added, she still expected her managers to oversee the operation at the ports and ensure the expedited processing of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. "I should have been much more explicit, Fasano later acknowledged to investigators. What would quickly be made clear was who CBP officers in the area were expected to target. The Seattle offices Tactical Analytical Unit soon circulated the high threat alert memo outlining the criteria for enhanced vetting: men and women born after 1961 and born before 2001 with links, such as birthplace, travel or citizenship, to Iran, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. POLITICO and other media outlets first reported on the memo in January 2020 after a whistleblower brought it to Saunders attention. The memo listed sample questions for officers to ask related to travelers jobs, education and military service, and the language did not explicitly exempt U.S. citizens and green card holders from the enhanced vetting. The directive clearly makes a link between people of Iranian descent and a security threat, Jayapal told POLITICO. One man who arrived in Blaine that Saturday with his wife and daughter after a shopping trip to Canada told investigators he was asked many questions about his occupation, where he was born, his military experience, his time spent outside the U.S. to include travel to Iran, and multiple inquiries about his family and their background. The man said half the CBP officers he encountered that night were rude, while the other half tried to help travelers as best they could. His biggest complaint, he said, was that they were never told why they had to wait so long. His daughter told investigators that she watched as white, Asian and Indian travelers were helped within minutes of entering the Peace Arch building. An unidentified CBP supervisor who developed the specialized vetting criteria that weekend said she believed Customs and Border Protection was operating as if "we had crossed the line with Iran and we were about to get attacked." The officer tried without luck to enlist help from other offices within DHS to help with the impending workload. They didnt seem concerned about the Iranian threat, she said, making her question how significant it really was. Jan. 4: It is out of our hands In the hours after the screening measures went into effect, no one called Fasano to report anything amiss. But she wasnt answering emails, either. Even though Fasano had dictated only she or Freeman could approve the release of travelers from secondary, her deputy would turn out to be the only one signing off requests. Fasano received an email for each traveler sent to secondary, but she acknowledged none. Freeman said he waited about 30 minutes after the arrival of the first requests because he thought Fasano wanted to give the OK. When she did not respond, he started green-lighting. He would approve all releases, except during the midnight shift when he delegated responsibility to another unit. It was fairly common for Fasano to not pick up her phone or respond to emails or texts, Freeman told investigators. The emails didnt indicate how long it was taking to process the travelers, Fasano later said, and Freeman was quickly responding to the requests. "I just assumed people were in and out, she said. Tired and hungry travelers filled the vestibule from Saturday night into Sunday morning. Several sat on the floor because there were not enough seats. Officers eventually ordered Dominos pizza for those stuck at the Peace Arch building, paying for it out of their own pockets. While travelers were able to keep their phones and pace the lobby, they were unable to leave until their secondary screenings were completed because officers confiscated their identification documents. One woman who was stopped at Blaines Pacific Highway port with her husband and children all American citizens said they watched as CBP officers constantly checked their computer screens to see if travelers could be allowed to leave. She recalled one officer telling travelers, We dont know anything, when asked about the holdup. It is out of our hands we are not happy." She and her family finally left the port around 5 a.m. on Jan. 5, almost six hours after theyd arrived. Delays were compounded by paperwork issues misspellings, incomplete information and inconsistent communication between units. But the root cause, investigators found, was the broad scope of the vetting criteria that had been poorly communicated to the field. Making things worse was the fact frontline officers were not granted discretion to implement the enhanced screening. Fasano initially insisted that officers had not followed guidance an assertion she partially backed away from during the internal investigation. On the Saturday night, Fasano and Freeman were in touch though they dont agree what transpired. Freeman says he told his boss they needed to rethink how the port was screening travelers. Fasano told investigators that she was the one who wanted to change course, but that Freeman convinced her not to make any changes that night. There's no way, Freeman told investigators in a follow-up interview. Jan. 5: Stop it immediately By early Sunday, reporters were inquiring why so many people of Iranian descent had been held for extra screening. Thats when Randy Howe, then-executive director for field operations at CBP headquarters, stepped in. Unable to contact Fasano, he reached out to Freeman. After Freeman explained the vetting procedures, Howe told him to stop it immediately. Freeman emailed port directors on Jan. 5 with new procedures. "For this operation, CBP will not target by nationality," he wrote. Freeman couldnt recall any conversations before that Sunday among field office management about whether the vetting procedures they implemented could spur officers to violate agency policy or travelers civil rights. January 2020: Fallout and aftermath During the investigation, Freeman described a field office where personnel feared that to challenge Fasano would be to risk their jobs. Their sense of the situation might help explain CBPs reputation as one of the least desirable federal agencies to work for it ranked 380th out of 420 agency subcomponents in the Partnership for Public Services 2019 listing of the best places to work in the federal government. Of the major agencies, DHS ranked last. "For us in the field office, and the area port directors we're afraid of [Fasano], Freeman said, and the decision making that she makes. In the immediate aftermath, Fasano wanted to fire the two watch commanders whod been on duty that weekend who, in her mind, didnt speak up. They "were the ones that would should have reported it, Fasano said. They are the ones who have the authority and expectation to take action when something is happening at the ports. She directed an employee to report the watch commanders for dereliction of duty to the Joint Intake Center, the DHS office that investigates complaints against CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees. Fasano would later acknowledge to investigators that it was reasonable that officers interpreted the guidance to include shuttling U.S. citizens into secondary inspections. "I didn't articulate it clearly, she said. And I fully admit, I screwed up. Most travelers said theyd been treated respectfully during a precarious situation in which frontline officers were just doing their jobs. Many agreed that the time they were held was excessive, and a couple of individuals described rude interactions when they asked why they were being held for so long. Fasano had not anticipated the procedures she signed off on would net such a large number of people, even though the region from Vancouver south to Seattle is home to a sizable Iranian expat community. Between the lack of guidance from headquarters when they issue security threat information what exactly [did] they expect from us? Fasano said. We weren't withholding any information or trying to conceal anything we were doing. In the months after the incident, members of Congress tried to get answers from CBP. Democratic Rep. Suzan DelBene, whose district includes Blaine, said the report contains more information on the events than whats been shared with us over this period. They havent provided a clear path to protect civil rights going forward, and thats what needs to happen, she told POLITICO. Headquarters grossly mishandled the messaging amid the public relations fallout, Fasano said. An agency spokesperson initially denied the agency was holding Iranian American travelers due to their country of origin based on directives from CBP or DHS. Weeks later, Morgan, the acting commissioner, said there was no national directive to target Iranians for questioning. It was the first public acknowledgment that the Seattle offices action was an outlier. Fasano said she believed she was set up to take the fall and noted that the first time she was asked about the operation was at a meeting with congressional aides and DHS civil rights office not by headquarters. They knew what went on in Blaine, she said. The episode illustrates a longstanding lack of accountability at DHS agencies, Jayapal said. We just need to overhaul these agencies from top to bottom to ensure the dignity, respect and civil liberties of people, regardless of their nationality, she said. While the Biden administration can make administrative changes, Jayapal said, restructuring the department would require legislation. DHS, even under the best leadership, is an unaccountable agency, she said. It is so huge and sprawling. Fasano has since moved to a different role at CBP headquarters in Washington executive director for the Office of Field Operations, Planning, Program Analysis and Evaluation. People routinely move throughout the organization both at headquarters and in the field for a variety of personal and professional reasons, CBP spokesperson Givens said. Matt Adams, legal director at the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, one of the groups that sued CBP to release the directive, blasted the absence of recommendations in the report. It is masked as an internal affairs report, but it doesnt take any steps toward requiring accountability, he said. Now that a federal judge has required CBP to disclose what he called the underlying unlawful activity, Adams said travelers who were affected by the directive that weekend including American citizens and permanent residents want to sue the federal government for damages. When Howe, the former head of field operations at CBP headquarters, spoke to Fasano a few days after the incident, he said, she criticized her employees for not telling her about the delays. "I'm still puzzled by that statement, because if she was giving approval, then she would have been aware, Howe said. One traveler told investigators that the six-hour wait at the Peace Arch crossing should never have happened to U.S. citizens. His seven-year-old son was very traumatized by the situation, and his son was now fearful whenever crossing the border to go to Canada, investigators wrote. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Jim Allister has said that unionists must focus on opposition to the protocol and not be distracted by "fancy talk" about a tunnel to Britain. The TUV leader was speaking amidst widespread cynicism to Boris Johnson's proposal to build a fixed link from Northern Ireland to Scotland. A 25-mile undersea tunnel has replaced his previous idea of a bridge connecting the two regions. Read More Mr Allister said: "No one who understands the ruinous constitutional consequences of the protocol will be distracted by fancy talk about a tunnel to Great Britain. Nor, should any be deceived again by the promises of Boris Johnson. Welcome as such infrastructure would be - if ever delivered - it would do nothing to dissipate the iniquitous protocol. "Its border posts would merely have a new entry point, but we would still be in a foreign single market for goods, under a foreign customs code and VAT regime, all governed by foreign laws we did not make and cannot change, the undemocratic oppression of which would be overseen by a foreign court." Mr Allister added: "Such insidious transfer of sovereignty and constitutional change can not be undone either by a tunnel or mere mitigations and easements. Read More "The protocol must go in all its parts. "It cannot be made acceptable, nor should it be implemented by anyone who professes belief in the Union." Under the terms of the protocol, Northern Ireland remains in the EU single market for goods. Northern Ireland also applies EU customs rules at its ports, even though the region is still part of the UK customs territory. The creation of a de facto sea border with Great Britain has angered unionists. Yesterday the European Commission vice-president said efforts to address problems with the Northern Ireland Protocol should be a two-way street. Maros Sefcovic said the EU is "always ready to deliver" on its commitments surrounding the post-Brexit arrangements to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell reiterated the need for the Government to take direct and meaningful action to "restore" Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market following disruption of supplies. Mr Sefcovic said the EU is "always ready to deliver" on its commitments but the UK must realise the effort is a "two-way street". "I believe if the UK used all the flexibilities which we already agreed upon in December, then also the implementation of the protocol would be much easier." Mr Sefcovic apologised for the EU's recent attempt to trigger Article 16 of the protocol to prevent the flow of vaccines into Northern Ireland. The move led to Unionist calls for Westminster to now invoke the so-called handbrake clause. Azamgarh : Feb 16 (IANS) A BSP leader was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Azamgarh district. The killing took place on Monday night and the police has claimed that the murder is connected to a decades-old rivalry in Kundanpur village between the victim's and another family. The police said that the BSP leader, Kalamuddin, had a criminal background, and there were murder cases against him. Azamgarh SP Sudhir Kumar Singh said: "Kalamuddin had a criminal record, and had also been booked under the Gangsters Act. He had gone to jail twice in two murder cases. He had not been convicted in any of the cases. The murder is the result of a conflict between Kamran and Kalamuddin's families since 1984." The SP aid that Kalamuddin was shot near the village when he returning home in his car. The BSP leader suffered three bullet injuries, and succumbed during treatment, said the police officer. "We are lodging the case into the incident and are yet to receive a complaint from the family of the deceased," the SP said. The BSP leader in charge of the party's Azamgarh sector, Sunil Kumar, said Kalamuddin had been an assembly candidate for the party from the Nizamabad seat. "Though he did not hold a post at present, he was in the party and was a party leader," he added. New Delhi, Feb 16 : Nothing Technologies, the newly-launched venture of OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has acquired smartphone brand Essential that shut shop last year, the media reported on Tuesday. According to a report in 9to5Google, the Essential brand which was launched by Android co-founder Andy Rubin but did not succeed and the company was closed last year, is now officially owned by Pei's Nothing Technologies. Recent filings at the UK Intellectual Property Office show that Rubin has signed over ownership of his one-time smartphone brand Essential to Pei's Nothing Technologies Limited. "This process was completed as of January 6, 2021, with the application actually being made as early as November 11, 2020," the report said. It means that all existing trademarks, logo, and the entire Essential brand are now the intellectual property of Pei's Alphabet-invested startup. Nothing aims to expand its operations in Europe with headquarters in London and release its first smart device, likely to be a hearable one, in the first half of this year. Last week, the consumer technology company announced it has raised $15 million in a Series A round led by GV (formerly Google Ventures), a venture capital investment arm of Alphabet which is the parent company of Google. London-based Nothing has so far raised over $22 million. In December, the company raised $7 million in seed financing in December that included tech leaders and investors such as Tony Fadell, Casey Neistat, Kevin Lin, Steve Huffman and Josh Buckley. Joe Giudice recently made it Instagram official with his new flame Daniela Fittipaldi. And the Italian-born reality TV personality appears to be head over heels for his lawyer girlfriend. He gushed over Fittipaldi in a sweet Valentine's Day post Sunday, as he shared a gorgeous photo on Instagram of her against a desert sunset, accompanied by a lovely message. Happy Valentine's Day! Joe Giudice gushed over girlfriend Daniela Fittipaldi in a sweet Valentine's Day post Sunday, as he shared a gorgeous photo on Instagram of her against a desert sunset, accompanied by a lovely message Sweet note: The 48-year-old wrote: 'Thank you for accepting me and not trying to change me. Thank you for seeing the best in me. I love the way your eyes light up when We together' The 48-year-old wrote: 'Thank you for accepting me and not trying to change me. Thank you for seeing the best in me. I love the way your eyes light up when We together. 'I love hearing about what matters to you. I am thankful for you and your family. And most of All I love the way YOU [heart emoji] MY KIDS. My life is so much better because you are here with me.' He also paid tribute to his daughters Gia, 20, Gabriella, 17, Milania, 16, and Audriana, 12, whom he shares with ex-wife Teresa Giudice, 48. Joe posted some adorable throwbacks with his girls, writing: 'No matter where i go or what i do in life you will always be my first Valentine #love you #daughters #happyvalentinesday' New flame: He previously teased his new relationship in October, telling Wendy Williams: 'I'm actually seeing a lawyer. She's helping out a lot out here, it's good because I have a lot of things going on out here and she's putting together a lot of deals for me' Not official: Joe added: 'We've been seeing each other, you know what I mean? I wouldn't say that we're boyfriend, girlfriend, but we're kind of like hanging out a lot' He previously teased his new relationship in October, telling Wendy Williams: 'I'm actually seeing a lawyer. She's helping out a lot out here, it's good because I have a lot of things going on out here and she's putting together a lot of deals for me.' The restaurant owner has reportedly been in talks for a reality series of his own, which would follow his life in Italy. He added: 'We've been seeing each other, you know what I mean? I wouldn't say that we're boyfriend, girlfriend, but we're kind of like hanging out a lot.' Joe and Daniela have reportedly been dating since the summer, and she's since made a few appearances on his Instagram and YouTube. She also met his daughters Gia and Milania, when she spent Thanksgiving with his family, as a source told Us Weekly: 'They all bonded really well.' Daddy's girls: He also paid tribute to his daughters Gia, 20, Gabriella, 17, Milania, 16, and Audriana, 12, whom he shares with ex-wife Teresa Giudice, 48 First Valentine: Joe posted some adorable throwbacks with his girls, writing: 'No matter where i go or what i do in life you will always be my first Valentine #love you #daughters #happyvalentinesday' Future stepdad? Teresa celebrated her first Valentine's Day with boyfriend Luis Ruelas, 46, after making their relationship Instagram official in December Teresa also celebrated her first Valentine's Day with boyfriend Luis Ruelas, 46, after making their relationship Instagram official in December. She wrote on Instagram: 'On the this day we celebrate love, I feel so fortunate to have found love in the most unexpected way, at the most unexpected time. You show me a whole New World, your kindness, creativity & love shows in everything that you do. I am so happy & I thank my mom and dad in heaven above for sending you. Thank you for loving me and showing me that it can be Valentines Day every day when I'm with you.' The Real Housewives of New Jersey star recently told E! News: 'And Joe's happy for me, I'm happy for Joe. Right now he's living in the Bahamas so everything's good. We're all a happy family, which I'm glad.' Teresa and Joe were married for 20 years from 2009 to 2019, before he was deported to his native Italy in October of 2019, after he served a 41-month federal sentence for mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud. The proposal to define strategic sectors was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package. (Image: PTI) Ever since Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced her plan in the Union Budget 2021 to cut government stake in two more public sector banks (PSBs), the market is abuzz with speculations on the likely names that could end up on the list. Logically, the market chatter intensified after a Reuters report on February 15 said that four banks have been shortlisted for privatisation. These banks are Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of India, Central Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank, said the report quoting unnamed government officials. Moneycontrol could not independently confirm this report. But, according to a CNBC TV18 report, media reports saying 'govt shortlists four mid-sized state-run banks for privatisation' are not correct. Meanwhile, the speculations have fuelled a rally in the stocks of these likely target banks with each stock jumping by over 10 percent on February 16 as investors lapped up the shares. While there is no clarity yet on the governments plan, here is an analysis that examines the background and financials of the banks that are mentioned in the Reuters report. Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) BOM has been in the news for potential acquisition rumors for long. Started on September 16, 1935, during the wave of Swadeshi movement, BoM has its stronghold in Maharashtras industrial belt. It is a profitable bank with a market capitalisation of Rs 10,443 crore as of December 2020. The government holds 93.33 percent shares in the bank. But, the Gross NPA levels of the bank is high at 7.69 percent in the third quarter while net NPAs stood at 2.59 percent. It has a provision coverage ratio of 90 percent. BoM has about 13000 employees and 1,874 branches as of February 2021. Will it be a good bet for a potential acquirer? Well, the significant presence and loyal clientele in Maharashtras industrial belt and profitable balance sheet makes the bank attractive for potential acquires, say a big NBFC which wants to transform into a bank or an existing private bank that wants to expand its business. But, the high NPAs will be a big drag. Bank of India (BoI) Compared to BoM, BoI is a much larger bank with a market cap of Rs 19,268 crore and total branches close to 5,300 and workforce of about 50,000. Its net profit jumped over fivefold to Rs 541 crore in the third quarter ended December 2020 on lower provisions. But, what is worrying about BoI for a potential acquirer is the asset quality. At the end of the third quarter, BoI has total gross NPAs of 13.25 percent as against 16.3 percent in the year-ago period. In value terms, gross NPAs were Rs 54,997.03 crore, lower than Rs 61,730.54 crore. Should a buyer look at BoI despite the heavy stock of existing bad loans? Well, if the proposed bad bank becomes a reality, the PSB may get a deal to shift the existing NPAs off its book, making it an attractive buy. Central Bank of India Among the four, Central Bank of India is probably the oldest. It started operations way back in 1911 and has strong links with the Swadeshi movement. The bank has close to 4,659 branches and about 33,000 employees. It has a market cap of Rs 8,190 crore. The bank posted a nearly flat rise in net profit at Rs166 crore in Q3, FY21. But, like other banks, Central Bank of India too faces huge asset quality pressure. In fact, among the four, Central Bank has the highest Gross NPA percentageat 16.3 percent as of December 2020. Is it a good buy for a potential investor? Well, if the NPA stock is addressed by the bad bank, yes. Else, the buyer will inherit big chunk of toxic assets for which there is no easy solution. They will have to throw good money after the bad, lot of it. Indian Overseas Bank (IoB) Started in 1937, IOB was one of the 14 major banks that were nationalised in 1969. It operates in 4 countries -- Singapore, Hongkong, Thailand and Srilanka. IoB has the lowest Tier I capital adequacy ratio among all four (8.82 per cent) and has gross NPAs of 12.19 per cent. Is it a good bet? IoB, with its strong customer base in south, will be a right fit for a buyer, provided the bad loan problem is addressed. It has 35,00 branches and 26,000 employees. Opposition from trade unions It is not the financials alone. Unlike the mega-merger exercise among PSBs carried out last year, the privatisation of PSBs is a politically sensitive move. Bank employee trade unions have already raised objections against the proposed privatisation move. Trade unions continue to have a say in the running of these institutions, which will force the government to convince the trade unions about the merit of the privatisation agenda. All these banks are running profitably and have strong business, cultural connect with their respective regions. What is the logic of selling these banks to private owners? asked CH Venkatachalam, secretary of All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), a prominent trade union. The speculations with respect to privatisation has impacted the morale of the employees and caused concern among the customers of these banks, Venkatachalam said. What is the way ahead? The bottomline is this: If the government exhibits strong political will (convincing the influential trade unions) to proceed with the privatisation agenda, it will have to first implement the bad bank plan to address the problem of NPAs in PSBs and clean up their balance sheets. If the books are healthy, there could be potential takers for these banks among NBFCs and business houses for these banks. The government, along with the RBI, will have to then work out reasonable terms for the privatisation of these banks. Buyers will be more interested in taking over healthier, well-run banks rather than taking up the burden of weak, poorly governed banks. PSB privatisation has been a long-pending promise. Though the PJ Nayak panel had recommended this way back in 2014, there has been no progress yet. This time, FM Sitharaman has presented a bold roadmap to kick off the privatisation programme. But the challenge lies in the implementation. The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court has declined an application to vacate an interim order used by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to seize properties belonging to billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, for an alleged N69.4 billion debt. Rilwan Aikawa, the judge, held that the order, which he granted in November last year, subsists. Mr Ibrahim, a lawyer, and his companies, NICON Investment Ltd and Global Fleet Oil and Gas Ltd, had urged the court to set aside the order for non-disclosure and misrepresentation of material facts. They further urged the court to order AMCON to pay N50 billion indemnity for its alleged failure to conduct due diligence before obtaining the said order and for misrepresentation and concealment of fact. Ruling But Mr Aikawa upheld the argument of AMCONs lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, that the asset recovery agency made full and substantial disclosure of all material facts at the time of obtaining the orders on November 4, 2020. He further argued that AMCONs exhibits established that the properties attached belong to Mr Ibrahim and therefore he cannot claim innocence of them. Mr Pinheiro also said that AMCON made full and substantial disclosure of all material facts in relation to the subject matter of this suit, at the time of obtaining the orders on November 4, 2020. In a ruling that lasted nearly two hours, the judge upheld Mr Pinheiros argument. I have carefully studied the respective applications and arguments for or against of parties, he began. I agree totally with the counsel for the claimant Kemi Pinheiro SAN that this suit is sui generis as Section 49(1)(2) of the AMCON Act says that the order made on the 4th of November, 2020 can be made ex-parte on mere suspicion that the res is about to be dissipated. He also agreed with the claimant that the order could not be discharged on the ground that it was made in contravention of the order of FHC judge, Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, made on October 2, 2019, which has no bearing with this case. In my opinion, we have a unique situation here, Mr Aikawa continued. The application that led to the ex-parte order made on the 4th of November 2020 was brought pursuant to the provisions of AMCON Act which defines this as a Federal High Court. I do not think that based on the above reasons, that this application has made a case out for the order of this court to be vacated. The appropriate order to be made in these circumstances is to dismiss the same and, accordingly, this application is hereby dismissed. The judge then adjourned further proceedings till March 9. The judge had granted the interim order on November 4. On November 18, AMCON announced that it had taken over 12 properties belonging to the businessman and his firms. ADVERTISEMENT The properties include the NICON Investment Ltd building Plot 242, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja; NICON Hotels Ltd building at Plot 557, Port-Harcourt Crescent, off Gimbiya Street, Abuja and the building hosting NICON Lekki Ltd at No. 5, Customs Street, Lagos. STOCKHOLM and NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Antibodies AB has signed an agreement to acquire UK company HistoCyte Laboratories Ltd. HistoCyte Laboratories' portfolio of innovative cell line materials provides control of immunohistochemical assays used in the diagnosis of cancers. These materials have uniquely tissue-like properties that enhance the quality of tissue-based assays. Formed in 2014, HistoCyte Laboratories has established a significant presence in important markets such as the UK and USA. The company has a strong growth trajectory that is expected to accelerate as acceptance of cell line controls increases rapidly. "We at Atlas Antibodies are delighted to develop this close partnership with the HistoCyte Laboratories team. Atlas Antibodies' unique proteome-wide portfolio of antibody reagents will, in synergy with HistoCyte Laboratories' novel cell line controls, provide a powerful set of tools to researchers and clinicians working to understand and diagnose some of the most challenging health issues of our time", comments Atlas Antibodies AB CEO John Daicic. "We are excited to join Atlas Antibodies to enable us to take HistoCyte Laboratories' offering into its next phase of growth. Listening to the market's needs, we have expanded our product range rapidly. Working with Atlas Antibodies, who recognized our experience and share this ethos, is a natural fit. We can readily capitalize on the product synergies, so this is a very exciting opportunity that we are looking forward to driving", says Colin Tristram, CEO of HistoCyte Laboratories Ltd. Closing is expected during early March 2021. About Atlas Antibodies Atlas Antibodies develops, produces, and globally markets and sells advanced reagents for biomedical research. The company originates from the Human Protein Atlas project and was founded in 2006 by researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Uppsala University. Atlas Antibodies is based in Stockholm, and is majority owned by Patricia Industries, a part of Investor AB. About Patricia Industries Patricia Industries is a long-term owner that invests in companies and works to develop each company to its full potential. Patricia Industries is a part of the industrial holding company Investor AB, whose main owner is the Wallenberg Foundations. For further information: John Daicic, CEO, Atlas Antibodies AB Phone +46 706 321106 john.daicic@atlasantibodies.com Colin Tristram, CEO, HistoCyte Laboratories Ltd Phone +44 7834 652978 colin.tristram@histocyte.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/atlas-antibodies-ab/r/atlas-antibodies-acquires-histocyte-laboratories--a-global-leader-in-cell-line-controls-for-histopat,c3288122 The following files are available for download: Queen Letizia of Spain looked elegant in a bright ensemble as she attended an exhibit at the National Library in Madrid today. The royal mother-of-two, 48, showcased her chic sense of style in a flattering red dress and black cape coat for the visit. She teamed her dress and coat with smart plum and black heels to look round the exhibition showcasing the work of the Spanish poet and essayist Concepcion Arenal Ponte. Queen Letizia of Spain looked elegant in a bright ensemble as she attended an exhibit at the National Library in Madrid today The royal mother-of-two, 48, showcased her chic sense of style in a red chiffon dress with a thigh split and black cape coat for the visit She teamed her dress and coat with smart plum and black heels to look round the exhibition The exhibit - called 'Concepcion Arenal. The humanist passion 1820-1839' - was being held to mark 200 years since the academic was born. The monarch made sure to put safety first by donning a white face mask as she met officials including the Deputy Prime Minister of Spain Carmen Calvo. She wore her hair in a stylish ponytail and waved to fans gathered outside the venue in the centre of the Spanish capital. The monarch made sure to put safety first by donning a white face mask for the visit alongside other officials She wore her hair in a stylish ponytail and looked in high spirits as she made her way back to her waiting car after the visit Queen Letizia of Spain waved to royal fans who had gathered outside the venue in the Spanish capital The end of last year was a busy period for Queen Letizia, who visited Honduras at the start of December to deliver humanitarian aid to a shelter in the Sula Valley, which was devastated by hurricanes. She visited the country as part of a two-day trip to express Spain's solidarity with the Honduran people. Letizia married King Felipe 16 years ago at Cathedral Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena in Madrid. It marks the second public event for the Spanish Queen in 2021 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic She wore a buttoned black cape coat over her shoulders to keep warm as she headed into the venue Queen Letizia wore natural makeup for the event and accessorised with some simple gold hoop earrings Queen Letizia (left) and First Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo (right) attend the opening day of the exhibition The relationship began in November 2002 and in 2003, just months after she had been promoted to the position of anchor on the national news channel. She then quit her job and days later the royal engagement was announced. The former newsreader is the granddaughter of a taxi driver and the eldest daughter of Jesus Jose Ortiz Alvarez, a journalist, and first wife Maria de la Paloma Rocasolano Rodriguez, a nurse and hospital union representative. Her dress featured a high-neck design which perfectly complimented her scoop neck black coat The Queen spoke to a group of women inside the National Library where the exhibition was taking place The end of last year was a busy period for Queen Letizia (pictured today), who visited Honduras at the start of December The exhibition was showcasing the work of the Spanish poet and essayist Concepcion Arenal Ponte Letizia (pictured today on a solo outing) married King Felipe 16 years ago at Cathedral Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena in Madrid Queen Letizia of Spain looked effortlessly elegant in the red dress which she paired with the buttoned black coat The royal, 48, wore her dark hair in a sleek high pony tail and chose to forgo any accessories for the outing The former newsreader (pictured) is the granddaughter of a taxi driver and the eldest daughter of Jesus Jose Ortiz Alvarez, a journalist The mother-of-two donned a pair of sky high black and red shiny high heels for the occasion She attended public high school and did a degree at the Complutense University of Madrid. She later gained an MA in Audiovisual Journalism at the Institute for Studies in Audiovisual Journalism. King Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 in favour of his son, now King Felipe VI The flattering dress was pulled in at the waist and featured a thigh split on one leg Photograph: Getty Images I have lost tons of sleep thinking he may get away with what he did, the South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham said. Impeachment is not about punishment. Impeachment is about cleansing the office. Impeachment is about restoring honor and integrity to the office. Related: Mitch McConnell's impeachment speech was just a hostage video | Lloyd Green The he who vexed Senator Grahams sleep was not Donald Trump. It was Bill Clinton. And Graham worked to make sure Clinton would not get away with lying under oath about his little affair, voting, in 1999, to convict the president and remove him from office. On Saturday, Graham reached a different conclusion. In joining 42 of his Republican colleagues in voting to acquit Donald Trump of inciting a violent insurrection, Graham commented: I think most Republicans found the presentation by the House managers offensive and absurd. Whatever else we might think about the Republicans vote of acquittal, it answers a question that millions of Americans have been pondering since Donald Trump took office four years ago. At what point would congressional Republicans say enough? Having first indulged and then endorsed Trumps trampling of constitutional norms and abuse of the presidency, when would Republican lawmakers say, No more? McConnells argument brings to mind Robert Jacksons observation that 'the US constitution is not a suicide pact' Now we have our answer. Never. If Trumps act of inciting a mob to attack the Capitol in an attempt to subvert the certification of a fair and democratic election does not constitute impeachable conduct, then its hard to imagine what does. Still, history will record that the vast majority of Republican senators voted to acquit, a group that included eleven lawmakers who, two decades ago, agitated for Clintons removal. True, seven Republicans voted to convict Trump, led by the stalwart and principled Mitt Romney, who, a scant eight years ago, was the partys standard bearer. And among those voting to acquit, there appeared to be a handful who agonized over their vote, most notably Mitch McConnell, until recently the Senate majority leader. Story continues In a remarkable speech delivered on the heels of the trials conclusion, McConnell sounded like a late addition to Jamie Raskins formidable team of House managers. Indignantly demolishing the absurd claim by Trumps lawyers that the president was simply the victim of a constitutional cancel culture, McConnell accused Trump of a disgraceful dereliction of duty in provoking the violence of 6 January. All the same, McConnell voted to acquit on jurisdictional grounds, insisting that the constitutions impeachment clause does not authorize the conviction of a former president, now a private person. The argument is not silly: the text is ambiguous and past practice does not offer a particularly clear guide. Such precedents as there are most notably the impeachment trial of William Belknap, Ulysses S Grants former secretary of war, after Belknap had resigned his post never resulted in a conviction. But McConnells argument does bring to mind US supreme court Justice Robert Jacksons observation that the US constitution is not a suicide pact. For that is how McConnell would have us read the impeachment clause. According to McConnell, the constitution empowers the US Senate to remove a sitting president and to disqualify them from holding future office, but it does not permit the disqualification of a disgraced former president from seeking a return to power. By McConnells peculiar logic, only if Trump should run again in 2024 and win, could he be convicted for his actions of 6 January 2021. McConnell would leave the constitution powerless to check a sitting president, who, like Trump, is prepared to attack the peaceful transfer of power. Either the would-be authoritarian is successful, in which case they need not worry about impeachment, having effectively smashed democracy, or they will fail in their putsch and be spared any form of constitutional reckoning. McConnells insistence the Senate lacks the power to convict a private person also misleadingly characterizes Trumps present status. Were Trump now merely a private person, Republican senators would not be bending over backwards to appease him. It is precisely because Trump continues to control the base of the party with millions viewing him as the rightful president in exile that Republican lawmakers remain unwilling to cross him. Finally, while McConnell was surely right to hold Trump responsible for the violence of 6 January, his insistence that Trump bore sole responsibility rings almost facetious. Aiding and abetting the president were the likes of Missouri senator Josh Hawley, pumping his fist in solidarity with the insurrectionists; Texas senator Ted Cruz, smoothly insisting that the Senate shouldnt certify Bidens victory so long as millions of Americans bought into the myth of stolen election that the senator had helped spread; and even McConnell himself, who spent years feeding the beast. Republican senators didnt just acquit Trump yesterday; they also voted to let themselves Trumps co-conspirators off the hook. COVID-19 vaccines have been touted as a means to the end of the more than 11-month global pandemic, but getting vaccinated doesnt mean youre completely immune to the virus. While the two vaccines available in the U.S. have proven to be very effective, especially at preventing serious cases of COVID-19, they, like other vaccines, arent bulletproof. In Oregon, four people recently tested positive for the coronavirus at least 14 days after receiving both doses of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Oregon Health Authority. All the individuals known as breakthrough cases were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. Further investigation is underway to try to determine when and where the Oregon residents were infected, and by which variant of the coronavirus. Michigan has not had any reports of breakthrough cases of its own as of Monday, Feb. 15, according to Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the states Department of Health and Human Services. However, both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are considered 94% and 95% effective, respectively, after both doses, which means that there is still the possibility of being infected with the virus after receiving both doses of the vaccine, Sutfin said. In addition, initial reports of vaccine effectiveness against the South Africa variant indicate the vaccine may be less effective against that variant. Breakthrough infections are always possible because vaccines arent typically 100% effective. The MMR vaccine, for example, is 97% effective against measles and 88% effective against mumps after two doses. A good flu shot is 60% effective. When breakthrough infections do occur, though, individuals often have milder symptoms and for a shorter duration. Related: For those now fully immunized against COVID-19, the rules havent changed - yet As for the cases in Oregon, Linda Vail, health officer for Ingham County, said there could be several explanations. The individuals could have been infected with coronavirus without knowing it before getting their first or second shot, or even shortly after they were vaccinated. Both Moderna and Pfizers vaccines suggest it could take 2-3 weeks after a second dose for the bodys immune system to learn how to detect and fight off the virus that causes COVID-19. Even if an individual wasnt exposed to the virus until more than 14 days after receiving their second dose, they could still be infected. The vaccines have proven to greatly reduce the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and death, but its not yet clear whether they protect against asymptomatic cases. We know the vaccine prevents illness, but were unsure that you might not be able to have COVID in your body and be able to transmit it, Vail said. Thats the reason all the precautions are still in place until we get enough people vaccinated to reach herd immunity. Health officials say mass vaccination remains key to reducing the spread of coronavirus, reaching herd immunity and moving past the pandemic. In the meantime, vaccine recipients are still urged to wear masks, practice social distancing, avoid crowds and wash their hands often. We know the vaccine is our way forward out of the pandemic and a chance to return to normalcy, Sutfin said. As of Monday, Michigan had administered 1,634,609 doses of vaccine. There have been 1,120,404 residents who have received a first dose, and 514,205 of them have received their second of two recommended doses. Read more on MLive: Mortuary workers now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan; agricultural workers next in line COVID-19 herd immunity may be elusive, but theres still light at end of tunnel, experts say Beaumont Health cancels 1,884 second dose appointments due to unexpected vaccine shortage 87 infected in new coronavirus outbreaks at 20 schools, says Michigans Feb. 15 school outbreak report New Delhi, Feb 16 : Kiran Bedi has been removed as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said on Tuesday. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan will hold additional charge of the Union Territory, it said. However Bedi's removal came in the wake of the Union Territory witnessing political turmoil with a number of Congress legislators leaving the party in quick succession. "The President has directed that Dr. Kiran Bedi shall cease to hold the office of the Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry and has appointed Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of Telangana, to discharge the functions of the Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry, in addition to her own duties, with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office, until regular arrangements for the office of Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry are made," the communique said. Bedi's removal comes in the wake of political turmoil in the state over the last few weeks. The Congress in Puducherry has seen four among its senior-most leaders and MLAs resign, including senior leader and former PWD minister A Namasivayam. On Tuesday its Kamarajnagar MLA A. John Kumar also quit the party. While Congress MLA Malladi Krishna Rao quit on February 15, former PWD Minister A. Namassivayamy and E.Theeppainjan resigned on January 25. N. Dhanavelu, a Congress member, was disqualified in July last year for alleged anti-party activities. With back-to-back resignations, Congress's numbers dropped to way below the halfway mark and triggered a crisis. The Congress and DMK had a combined strength of 16 MLAs in the 30-member Puducherry assembly. The resignations have taken the Congress-led government to below 10 and the Opposition now has 14 MLAs. However, sources close to the Chief Minister said the government in the UT is safe as the strength of the assembly has reduced. Puducherry is likely to go to polls along with other states in April-May this year. Bedi joined the India Against Corruption movement under Anna Hazare but parted ways from Arvind Kejriwal during the 2014 general election. She went on to publicly support Narendra Modi, the Prime Ministerial candidate of Bharatiya Janata Party. After Modi won and became the Prime Minister of India, Bedi joined the BJP and became the BJP's CM candidate in Delhi in the 2015 assembly elections. But she lost the elections from the Krishna Nagar constituency to the Aam Aadmi Party candidate. KYODO NEWS - Feb 16, 2021 - 15:45 | All, Japan, Coronavirus Hay fever season has arrived in Japan, presenting sufferers with an added challenge amid the coronavirus pandemic as rubbing itchy eyes and wiping runny noses may increase the risk of viral infection, while opening doors and windows to improve ventilation could add to the amount of pollen coming indoors. As of Sunday, the cedar pollen season had started in 34 of Japan's 47 prefectures stretching from the Kyushu region in the southwest to the Tokyo metropolitan area, triggered by a rise in temperatures, according to Weathernews Inc. The allergy-causing pollen is expected to begin dispersing in the Tohoku region in the northeast as well as the Hokuriku area in central Japan later this month, it said. Pollen from Japanese cypress will start tormenting hay-fever sufferers in late March, while people allergic to birch-tree pollen will feel the effects in Hokkaido, the country's northernmost main island, in late April. The amount of pollen to be released this year is predicted to be lower than the 10-year average between 2011 and 2020 but higher than last year, when it was significantly lower nationwide, according to the private weather information service based in Chiba, east of Tokyo. Among Japan's 47 prefectures, all but Hokkaido, Aomori and Okinawa are expected to see higher cedar pollen counts compared with the previous year, Weathernews said. In the southern island prefecture, cedar and cypress trees are rare. In Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Gifu, Aichi, Hiroshima and Oita, in particular, where last year's pollen emissions amounted to only a third of the level in an average year, the amount of cedar pollen is forecast to be more than double that for 2020. According to major drugstore chain Welcia, sales of oral medicine to ease hay fever symptoms have been picking up faster than in an average year, with the purchasing peak moving up from March. Daily necessities provider S.T. Corp. has published tips on its website for hay-fever sufferers amid the pandemic. It encourages people to look down when they cough or sneeze and to disinfect their hands as quickly as possible to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. The company also recommends wearing glasses, which it says is an effective measure against both hay fever and viral infection. Father-in-law-son-in-law combo to new opposition leader; first session of 15th Kerala Assembly on May 24 Kerala to issue Covid vaccination certificates with passport number for people who plan to go abroad Monsoon onset delayed, likely to hit Kerala by June 3 Kerala: Left workers booked for attacking cops India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Kozhikode, Feb 16: A case has been registered against some Left workers and others for allegedly attacking four police officials of Kuttiadi police station near here on Sunday night, police said. Police said they were booked under various sections of the Indian PenalCode including for obstructing a police officer and attacking an officer on duty. A police jeep also suffered minor damage, police said. PM Modi launches projects in Kerala, focusses on tourism A Station House Officer and three police officials of Kuttiadi police station were injured in an attack allegedly by a group of CPI(M) workers at nearby Nittoor late on Sunday night. Police said the team had gone tothe spot to arrest a local Left leader against whom there was an arrest warrant pending since 2016 in a BJP worker's murder case. Kozhikode Rural SP A Sreenivas, under whose jurisdiction the crime occurred, however, declined to comment on the incident. Three of the injured were treated at a local hospital and one has been admitted to the Kozhikode medical College hospital. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The police are yet to make any arrests. Today is Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, a day traditionally before the start of Lent, when people made basic pancakes to use up eggs and fat before starting the Lenten fast. Although time and many generations of cooks have refined and improved the basic recipe, pancakes and crepes are derived from one of the oldest methods of making bread. To make them doesn't need a lot of skill or experience, unlike other doughs, and they are therefore perfect for introducing children to cooking as they love the soft texture and neutral flavour. Flat breads dating back thousands of years Thanks to archaeologist Amaia Arranz-Otaegui, there is evidence that flat breads are so ancient that their origin predates the development of agriculture and therefore the cultivation of wheat. The charred crumbs that her dig found in one of the oldest kitchens in the world in north Jordan are around 14,000 years old. Around this fire pit were flat stones that suggest that the crumbs, whose ingredients included wild wheat (Triticum nonococcum), water and some dried, ground root vegetable, were from flat breads cooked on these stones. After the arrival of agriculture, the selection and diversification of wheat varieties began but it took another seven to ten thousand years for bread flour to appear. In other words, humans were eating porridge and flat breads of different compositions long before 'bread' as we know it, was made. As flat as a pancake Ancient-style flatbreads are still found in most cultures. When the main ingredient consists of flour from cereals, beans or seeds that lack the gluten needed to keep them spongy once baked, they are sometimes used like bread, to soak up gravy and to wrap other foods. This is the case with Mexican maiz tortillas, the huge African injeras (Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan), dosas from the south of India and south east Asia (made from rice and bean flour), and the Breton crepes in France, made from buckwheat flour. Russian blinis are now made from wheat flour as well as other ingredients including yeast, but their humble original formula consisted of cooking fermented oat paste in a frying pan. Chocolate version. Enriched batters In other cases, such as the French crepe or its many equivalents across Europe, wheat flour is used and the batter is enriched with various ingredients such as milk, brandy or beer, sugar and butter and in Galicia, pigs blood. The humble, but in its own way sophisticated crepe is the result of enriching a very basic dough for special occasions. In fact, Asturian frixuelos and Galician filloas are related to carnival festivities, just as American pancakes were originally. French crepes are traditionally associated with the Feast of Candlemas; Chandeleur, which commemorates the Child Jesus being presented in the temple, and blinis, with Maslenitsa, which celebrates the return of the sun in spring. Small but thick Small pancakes or tortitas, in all their different forms, are usually made with some type of raising agent which can be obtained by using beer or water from fermented cereals, using stiffly beaten egg whites, a chemical agent or yeast. The batter is left thicker and left to rest longer. Piled high. To make crepes all that is needed is to mix water with nearly any type of flour and cook it in a greased frying pan. For best results, the mixture must be beaten well to get rid of any lumps and left to rest so that the flour can soak up some of the liquid. If you want to enjoy more intense flavours, try grinding whole grains or seeds in a coffee grinder. This is especially worth doing for buckwheat as it is high in fat and the flour goes rancid quickly. Not only will you achieve a better taste but also the mucilage contained in the grain which binds the flour will develop better. Traditional recipes for Breton pancakes only used flour and water but the addition of egg (unless you're vegan) creates a better batter. If you want to avoid using eggs, make smaller pancakes or tortitas as they are less likely to break up on cooking. Alternatively, add a little mashed banana to the batter or add a teaspoon of cornflour. Always use a non-stick pan or griddle, grease it well and make sure the surface of the pancake is dry before turning it over. You can also add sugar and spices to the batter or even grated fruit. Pancakes and crepes offer the chance to be creative so get prepared to start experimenting this Tuesday. WASHINGTON (AP) A Democratic congressman accused Donald Trump in a federal lawsuit on Tuesday of inciting the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and of conspiring with his lawyer and extremist groups to try to prevent the Senate from certifying the results of the presidential election he lost to Joe Biden. The lawsuit from Mississippis Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is part of an expected wave of litigation over the Jan. 6 riot and is believed to be the first filed by a member of Congress. It seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages. The case also names as defendants the Republican former presidents personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and groups including the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, extremist organizations that had members charged by the Justice Department with taking part in the siege. Lawyers for Trump have denied that he incited the riot. A Trump adviser didnt immediately comment about the lawsuit on Tuesday, and a lawyer for Giuliani did not immediately return an email seeking comment. The suit, filed in federal court in Washington under a Reconstruction-era law known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, comes three days after Trump was acquitted in a Senate impeachment trial that centered on allegations that he incited the riot, in which five people died. That acquittal is likely to open the door to fresh legal scrutiny over Trumps actions before and during the siege. President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd as he arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Williams Arena in Greenville, N.C., Wednesday, July 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)AP Even some Republicans who voted to acquit Trump on Saturday acknowledged that the more proper venue to deal with Trump was in the courts, especially now that he has left the White House and lost certain legal protections that shielded him as president. The suit traces the drawn-out effort by Trump and Giuliani to cast doubt on the election results even though courts across the country, and state election officials, repeatedly rejected their baseless allegations of fraud. Despite evidence to the contrary, the suit says, the men portrayed the election as stolen while Trump endorsed rather than discouraged threats of violence from his angry supporters in the weeks leading up to the assault on the Capitol. The carefully orchestrated series of events that unfolded at the Save America rally and the storming of the Capitol was no accident or coincidence, the suit says. It was the intended and foreseeable culmination of a carefully coordinated campaign to interfere with the legal process required to confirm the tally of votes cast in the Electoral College. Presidents are historically afforded broad immunity from lawsuits for actions they take in their role as commander in chief. But the lawsuit filed Tuesday was brought against Trump in his personal, not official, capacity and alleges that none of the behavior at issue had to do with his responsibilities as president. Inciting a riot, or attempting to interfere with the congressional efforts to ratify the results of the election that are commended by the Constitution, could not conceivably be within the scope of ordinary responsibilities of the president, Joseph Sellers, a Washington lawyer who along with the NAACP filed the lawsuit on Thompsons behalf, said in an interview. In this respect, because of his conduct, he is just like any other private citizen, Sellers said. Though the impeachment case focused squarely on accusations of incitement, the lawsuit more broadly accuses Trump of conspiring to disrupt the constitutional activities of Congress namely, the certification of election results establishing Biden as the rightful winner through a monthslong effort to discredit the outcome and to lean on individual states and his own vice president to overturn the contest. The case against Trump was brought under a provision of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, which was passed in response to KKK violence and prohibits violence or intimidation meant to prevent Congress or other federal officials from carrying out their constitutional duties. Fortunately, this hasnt been used very much, Sellers said. But what we see here is so unprecedented that its really reminiscent of what gave rise to the enactment of this legislation right after the Civil War. The suit cites incendiary comments that Trump and Giuliani made in the weeks leading up to the riot and on the day of it that lawyers say were designed to mobilize supporters to work to overturn the election results and to prevent the Senates certification process. That process was temporarily interrupted when Trump loyalists broke into the Capitol. Trump told supporters at a rally preceding the riot to " fight like hell, but lawyers for the former president adamantly denied during the impeachment trial that he had incited the riot. They pointed to a remark during his speech in which he told the crowd to behave peacefully that day. Defense lawyers are likely to revisit those assertions in the lawsuit. They may also argue, as was done during the impeachment case, that Trumps speech was protected by the First Amendment. Alhumdulilah group, a group of close friends since childhood recently donated cash to their late friends' widows to help them and their families. The handing over ceremony was held in Kololi. Five thousand dalasis (D5, 000) was given to each widow. An additional forty thousand dalasi (D40, 000) was raised for Quranic recitation of their late friends. Kebba Badjie, Public Relations Officer of the group said the gesture was the first of its kind but they hope to make it continuous. He said they are also into borehole and other projects as well as have other plans in the pipeline. He stated that if things went on as planned they would support women during Koriteh and Tobaski feasts. Kaddy Bah, a widow and beneficiary hailed the group for their laudable initiative. She added that the donated cash will be used for her family's up keep. Anta Bahoum, a mother of 4 children described the donation as timely. She assured donors that the money will be used for its right purpose. New Delhi, Feb 16 : Nothing Technologies, the newly launched venture of OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei on Tuesday announced that it will open up for its community to invest in the company through a community equity funding round. Nothing will allow its community to invest a total of $1.5 million at the same valuation as their Series A funding with GV (formerly Google Ventures). "We want our community to be part of our journey from the very start and play an active role in it. As part of this process, we'll also be electing a community member to our board of directors, so that we're always kept in check, and reminded of what users want," Pei said in a statement. Following this community funding round, investors will have access to Nothing's private community through which they will get exclusive benefits and insights into the company. According to the company, it is also planning to elect a community board member to represent and to be the voice of the community in board meetings. Pre-registrations to the financing will open on February 16 and the campaign will go live on March 2. Earlier, the firm acquired smartphone brand Essential that shut shop last year. According to a report in 9to5Google, the Essential brand which was launched by Android co-founder Andy Rubin but did not succeed and the company was closed last year, is now officially owned by Pei's Nothing Technologies. London-based Nothing has so far raised over $22 million. In December, the company raised $7 million in seed financing December that included tech leaders and investors such as Tony Fadell, Casey Neistat, Kevin Lin, Steve Huffman and Josh Buckley. By Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden plans to shift U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia and will conduct diplomacy through Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz rather than his powerful son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the White House said on Tuesday. The announcement by White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki was an abrupt reversal in U.S. policy from Biden's Republican predecessor, President Donald Trump, whose son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner maintained steady contact with the crown prince. "We've made clear from the beginning that we are going to recalibrate our relationship with Saudi Arabia," Psaki told reporters. While her comments about the crown prince were likely to be seen as a snub, Psaki moved to clear the air on another controversy in the region, saying Biden would soon have his first phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The crown prince, widely referred to as MbS, is considered by many to be the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia and next in line to the throne held by the 85-year-old King Salman. His prestige suffered a blow after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 at the hands of Saudi security personnel seen as close to the crown prince. The Biden White House has been pressuring Saudi Arabia to improve its record on human rights, including the release of political prisoners such as womens rights advocates from jails. The Trump White House had found MbS the leader to deal with in Saudi Arabia and worked with him on a variety of areas, such as resolving a rift between Qatar and other Gulf nations. As for questions about whether Biden would speak to the crown prince, Psaki said Biden is returning to "counterpart to counterpart" engagement. "The president's counterpart is King Salman and I expect at an appropriate time he will have a conversation with him. I dont have a prediction on the timeline for that," she said. Story continues Psaki said Saudi Arabia has critical self-defense needs and the United States will work with the Saudis on this "even as we make clear areas where we have disagreements and where we have concerns. And that certainly is a shift from the prior administration." Trump was a close ally of Netanyahu and moved U.S. relations to a strong pro-Israel position with little to no contact with the Palestinians. Psaki said Biden's first call with a leader in the region will be with Netanyahu and it will be soon. Critics had accused Biden, a Democrat, of snubbing Netanyahu by not having spoken to the leader of the top U.S. ally in the Middle East. "Israel is of course an ally. Israel is a country where we have an important strategic security relationship, and our team is fully engaged, not at the head of state level quite yet but very soon," she said. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Steve Holland and Alexandra Alper; Editing by Dan Grebler and Leslie Adler) SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global preparative and process chromatography market size is expected to reach USD 17.26 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.65% from 2021 to 2028. High demand for monoclonal antibodies, coupled with the growing adoption of preparative chromatographic techniques in the bioprocessing industry, is anticipated to boost the revenue growth in the market over the forecast period. Key suggestions from the report: By product, process chromatography accounted for the largest revenue share in 2020 owing to the growing research activities and adoption of automated systems in the field of biopharmaceuticals On the basis of type, the liquid chromatographic segment dominated the market in 2020 owing to the high demand for preparative HPLC in the therapeutic development process Based on end use, the pharmaceutical segment held the largest share in 2020 owing to increasing application in drug safety assessment as an analytical tool for qualitative and quantitative analysis North America dominated the market in 2020 owing to increasing investments in the development of new resin for the isolation and purification of vaccines. Extensive COVID-19 vaccine development efforts in the region have spurred the market growth as the process significantly relies on the use of chromatography for the characterization Asia Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. The growing biopharmaceutical sector in the region has increased the demand for antibodies and resins. Extensive R&D activities in the Asian pharmaceutical market result in the growing demand for chromatography products Read 184 page research report with ToC on "Preparative And Process Chromatography Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Process Chromatography, Preparative Chromatography), By Type, By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/preparative-process-chromatography-market Moreover, an increase in the number of R&D activities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries is driving the adoption of liquid chromatographic techniques in downstream assays, resulting in the anticipated market growth. In addition, technological developments to advance the final product recovery in terms of yield accelerate and augment the uptake of these techniques across various applications. Furthermore, expanding application of these techniques has propelled the key players to make strategic investments to increase their revenue share in the space. Companies are actively engaged in the development of new products to meet the changing consumer demands. For instance, in November 2020, Shimadzu Corporation launched "Advanced i-Series" HPLC. This is an improved flagship liquid chromatography model to support remote work. Chromatography columns are gaining increasing attention in the global space. Companies involved in prepacked chromatography columns consistently innovate new products to gain a reputed market share. Moreover, the integration of preparative chromatography in COVID-19 vaccine development has created lucrative opportunities for the key players to capture the untapped avenues of the market. Preparative chromatographic techniques are anticipated to register the fastest CAGR throughout the forecast period due to the increasing application in medical research and the drug approval process. The food end-use segment is estimated to exhibit the fastest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the high use of analytical techniques for food safety and food authentication assessment. Grand View Research has segmented the global preparative and process chromatography market on the basis of product, type, end use, and region: Preparative And Process Chromatography Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028) Process Chromatography System Multi-use Batch Chromatography Systems Single-use Batch Chromatography Systems Continuous Chromatography Systems Consumables Reagents Resins Affinity Resins Ion-exchange Resins Size-exclusion Resins Hydrophobic Interaction Resins Reversed Phase Resins Mixed-mode/Multi-mode Resins Columns Prepacked Columns Automated Columns Manual Columns Services Preparative Chromatography System Semi-preparative Chromatography Systems Other Chromatography Systems Consumables Reagents Resins Affinity Resins Ion-exchange Resins Size-exclusion Resins Hydrophobic Interaction Resins Reversed Phase Resins Mixed-mode/Multi-mode Resins Columns Prepacked Columns Empty Columns Services Preparative And Process Chromatography Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028) Liquid Chromatography HPLC Flash/Column Chromatography Ion-exchange chromatography Size-exclusion chromatography Affinity chromatography Gas Chromatography Thin Layer Chromatography Paper Chromatography Gel-permeation (Molecular Sieve) Chromatography Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography Preparative And Process Chromatography End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028) Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Food Nutraceutical Others Preparative And Process Chromatography Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Asia Pacific Japan China India Latin America Brazil Mexico MEA South Africa Saudi Arabia List of Key Players of Preparative And Process Chromatography Market GE Healthcare Agilent Technologies Danaher Corporation Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. Merck KGaA Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Shimadzu Corporation Novasep Holding S.A.S Waters Corporation Find more research reports on Biotechnology Industry, by Grand View Research: Protein Purification And Isolation Market The global protein purification and isolation market size was valued at USD 5.9 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 8.3% from 2020 to 2027. in 2019 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 8.3% from 2020 to 2027. Chromatography Resins Market The global chromatography resins market size was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2020 to 2027. in 2019 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2020 to 2027. Mixed Mode Chromatography Resin Market The global mixed-mode chromatography resin market size was valued at USD 75.4 million in 2017 and is anticipated to expand at a revenue-based CAGR of 7.1% from 2018 to 2025. Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay says she did not know she was signing a letter to help a child sex offender, which has prompted outrage from one of her MPs who has been supporting the victims family. Ms McKay was forced to address the revelations in a caucus meeting on Tuesday, after it emerged she signed a letter of support for a Tamil man who was attempting to obtain an Australian visa. NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay insists she did not know a letter she signed was for a convicted sex offender. Credit:Kate Geragthy The man had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of indecently assaulting a child, who he met at a western Sydney train station when the girl was on her way to school. Ms McKay said the letter was a standard form letter simply addressed to whom it may concern and was not sent to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, which was hearing the mans visa appeal. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Makor Group (www.makor-capital.com [http://www.makor-capital.com/]), an international agency brokerage group trading cash equities, fixed income, FX and derivative products, is pleased to announce today its hire of Lionel Botbol, who will be joining as Global Head of the investment bank of Makor Group, based in London. Mr. Botbol will oversee the ongoing growth of Makor. "I am thrilled to be joining the Makor Group, one of the most promising and fast-growing securities and digital currency brokerage groups," said Mr. Botbol. "They already have all the ingredients for success, led by a group of like-minded skilled financial entrepreneurs, commercially driven, innovative, only geared towards providing their clients with out-of-the-box ideas and best-in-class services." "Building up the investment banking arm in such platform, after a career with bulge bracket banks or running my own venture, is an exciting new challenge. We will be leveraging our global presence to source new deals and capital, catching the Alpha of new economy businesses for our clients through M&A and Capital market transactions." Mr. Botbol joins Makor's team, bringing with him twenty years of experience as investment banker. Mr Botbol started his career as a Consultant in the corporate finance team of Arthur Andersen in Paris, before moving to the investment banking division of JPMorgan in London in 1998, where he focused on Real Estate and Lodging investment banking activities. He then spent 6 years at UBS in London as Managing Direction and Co-Head of European Real Estate, Lodging Leisure and Gaming investment banking. After leaving UBS in 2011, Lionel has held senior Advisor or Director positions in a number of investment banks and corporates. He founded his own boutique merchant bank Lionsfield Capital in 2012. Throughout his career, Lionel has closed more than 120bn USD of transactions throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and in Emerging Markets, leading private or public M&A transactions, IPOs, private fund raising, secondary block placement, bonds or convertible debt issuance, securitization, risk management, direct financing, and restructuring, as advisor or principal investor. "I am very pleased to welcome Lionel Botbol to the Makor family. His extensive expertise in the investment bank field and his deep understanding of the increasingly popular SPAC process will make an invaluable contribution to our clients," said Makor Group founder Michael Halimi. "He will make a fantastic addition to our team." Notes to editors: About Makor (www.makor-capital.com [http://www.makor-capital.com/]) Makor Group is an FCA-regulated international brokerage firm established in March 2011 by Michael Halimi and Avi Bouhadana, former Co-Heads of Global Equities at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe. Makor provides securities research and execution services to institutional investors across all asset classes. With offices in New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Geneva, Gibraltar, Tel Aviv and Singapore, and over 150 group employees, Makor provides its clients with an around-the-clock single point of contact. Makor's reputation for original and innovative trading ideas in risk arbitrage, special situations, relative value, and event-driven opportunities is unparalleled. The firm has been widely recognized for its achievements, and for the past 4 years has been ranked 1(st) in risk-arb research surveys. Makor acts as agent-only and is therefore not susceptible to common industry conflicts of interest. The firm takes no proprietary positions and as such acts exclusively in the interest of its clients. Makor's understanding of local markets, and extensive global relationships, generate unique sources of liquidity for a diverse client base across all asset classes. In addition to strong client relationships, Makor is a trusted partner for global custodians and prime brokers, understanding that both are integral to the smooth and effective execution of all client transactions. A focus on supporting prime brokerage services, including custody and trade settlement, has been essential to the growth and success of the Makor franchise. Related Linkshttp://www.makor-capital.com [http://www.makor-capital.com/] Contact DetailsJoseph Edwards +44 (0)207 290 5797 marketing@makor-capital.com[mailto:marketing@makor-capital.com] Web site: https://makor-capital.com/ Explosive CCTV from the night a young Liberal staffer was allegedly sexually assaulted by a male colleague has revealed security unlocked the defence minister's office for the alleged rapist. Brittany Higgins was 24 years old and in her dream job as a ministerial media adviser to Linda Reynolds when she was allegedly raped by a senior staffer after a night out in 2019. She decided not to pursue a police complaint at the time because she felt pressure that doing so would affect her employment. Ms Higgins has since resigned from her job in government and plans to reinstate the police complaint. Security guards who worked at Parliament House have reportedly voiced their concerns over the handling of the alleged sexual assault to a secret parliamentary inquiry. Brittany Higgins (left and right with Linda Reynolds) was 24 years old and in her dream job as a ministerial media adviser to Linda Reynolds when she was allegedly raped by a senior staffer after a night out in 2019 Ms Higgins pictured in front of Parliament House, excited that her career was blossoming The incident even led the former director of security operations at Parliament House to resign after flagging concerns about how the incident was managed, news.com.au reported. On the night the alleged assault occurred, the male staffer did not have a key to enter Ms Reynolds office. A whistleblower alleged Ms Higgins and the man were signed into the building by guards from Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) - despite not having their security passes - and an officer then opened Ms Reynolds' office for the man. Officers had a duty of care to ensure the two government workers left Parliament House after they were granted access into the building. But CCTV footage, monitored 24/7, revealed the man left on his own. 'Two went in, but only one came out,' a former guard said. Security then went to check on Ms Higgins and found her half-naked and in a disorientated state. When earlier entering Parliament House she was 'falling down drunk'. Linda Reynolds (pictured on Tuesday) has issued an apology to a young Liberal staffer who was allegedly raped Ms Higgins alleges she was raped on Ms Reynolds' ministerial couch as she lay, drunk and passed out after a night out with colleagues in the early hours of March 23, 2019. Following the alleged sexual assault, the Department of Finance hired cleaners to tend to Ms Reynolds' office. Police were then forced to investigate whether attempts had been made to 'interfere with a suspected crime scene.' The office was 'steam cleaned' on the day of the alleged rape, News Corp reported. 'The AFP has advised Department of Parliamentary Services that it had conducted enquiries into the action of DPS staff in the initial handling of the incident, including whether there was any criminality identified, such as attempts to conceal or interfere with a suspected crime scene,' the DPS spokesperson said. 'The AFP advised that there were no disclosures of sexual assault made by the complainant on the day of the incident and therefore actions taken by them were not in response with a suspected crime. 'At the request of the Department of Finance, DPS cleaners were granted access to the suite to conduct a routine office clean on the late afternoon of 23 March 2019.' Brittany Higgins, then 24, has alleged she was raped by a colleague inside Parliament House in March 2019 Ms Higgins is pictured with the former deputy leader of the Liberal Party, Julie Bishop (left) Ms Higgins said she repeatedly ask to view CCTV from the night of the alleged incident but was denied access. 'The relevant security camera footage relating to this incident was viewed by the Australian Federal Police in April 2019 and has been stored on an ongoing basis at the direction of the Presiding Officers and with the agreement of the AFP for their access as required for any investigation,' a DPS spokesperson said. Senator Reynolds offered an apology to Ms Higgins on Tuesday afternoon, after the former staffer spoke to The Project on Monday night about her alleged ordeal. 'I unreservedly apologise to Brittany Higgins. Her trauma and her distress was very clear for all to see,' Ms Reynolds said. After the incident in 2019 Ms Reynolds organised a formal meeting with the alleged rape victim in her office - the same room where she claims the sexual assault occurred. Ms Reynolds said she 'deeply regrets' holding the meeting at that location and claimed she did not know the full extent of the allegations at the time. Ms Higgins decided not to pursue a police complaint at the time because she felt pressure that doing so would affect her employment. She has since resigned from her job in government and plans to reinstate the police complaint Ms Higgins (left) is pictured with Senator Michaelia Cash (right) Ms Reynolds said the male worker in question was 'terminated'. The minister refused to disclose whether she has had further contact with the male worker following his termination. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the alleged rape was a wake-up call that must drive change within Parliament House. Mr Morrison apologised to Ms Higgins, now 26, for the way in which her complaint was initially handled. 'It shatters me that still, in this day and age, a young woman can find herself in the vulnerable situation that she was in, not her doing,' he said. 'We have to do more, whether it's in this workplace or any other workplace in the country, to ensure people can work safely in their place and be at their best and do what they went into that job to do.' Mr Morrison said he had spoken with his wife Jenny about the alleged rape on Monday night. Ms Higgins broke down in tears as she shared her story with The Project (pictured) 'Jenny and I spoke last night and she said to me, ''you have to think about this as a father first. What would you want to happen if it were our girls?'' he said on Tuesday. Pictured: Ms Higgins 'Jenny has a way of clarifying things, always has. And so, as I've reflected on that overnight and listened to Brittany and what she had to say, there are a couple of things here we need to address.' Mr Morrison promised a review of workplace culture at Parliament House and told Liberal MPs they had to do better to keep staff safe. Ms Higgins welcomed the review but said it was too little too late and needed to be wide-ranging and result in real change. 'I note the apology from the Prime Minister in the media this morning and thank him for this,' she told News Corp. 'The Prime Minister's announcement of an investigation into the culture in Parliament House is a welcomed first-step, though it is long overdue.' 'It should not have taken my story, or the story of other victim-survivors to air on national television for the Prime Minister or any Member of Parliament to take action on workplace sexual harassment, assault or bullying.' On Tuesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the alleged rape is a wake-up call that must drive change within Parliament House A container of COVID-19 vaccine is seen on a table at a vaccination centre at Winnipeg's Convention Centre, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has updated its guidance on vaccination priorities to include adults from racialized communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 pandemic and all essential workers in the second stage of the vaccination campaign. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain New mask advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionconnected with a new studyfocuses on making sure masks fit correctly to better prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC studied whether wearing two masks provided more protection than one and found that it did. The researchers found that wearing one masksurgical or clothblocked about 40% of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked. Here is a look at the CDC's advice and some tips on how to mask properly. Double mask What to do: Layer a cloth mask on top of a surgical or medical procedure mask. This helps the entire setup fit more snugly and eliminates gaps around the sides of the face or nose. Make sure the fit is comfortable and doesn't have gaps. What not to do: Do not combine two disposable masks, which are not designed to fit tightly. Wearing more than one disposable mask at a time will not improve fit. Also, do not wear a KN95 mask, a type of filtering face-piece respirator that is commonly made in China, with any other mask. Cloth-mask dos: Choose a cloth mask made of multiple layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric that also includes a nose wire, which can help improve the mask's fit. Does the mask block light when you hold it up to a bright light source? Then it's a good construction. Cloth mask don'ts: Stay away from any cloth mask that includes an exhalation valve or vent, which can allow respiratory droplets to leak into or out of a mask. Knotted ear-loops What to do: The CDC recommends knotting, folding then tucking the ear loops of 3-ply masks for a better fitmaking the edges of the mask fit more tightly to your face. First, fold the mask in half lengthwise, lining up the corners and edges. Second, tie a knot with the elastic loops, as close as you can to the mask, according to an instructional video from the University of North Carolina's UNC Health. Next, bend the metal nose mold so it fits the shape of your nose. Next, the knot will make the sides of the mask near the tied ear-loops puff out. Fold those puffed-out edges in a pleat so it lays flat on your cheek. When putting on the mask make sure it fits snugly. What not to do: Don't wear more than one disposable mask at one time, it will not improve fit. Handle the mask only by its ear loops, cords or head strapsnot the surface of the mask itself. What about KN95: A KN95 shouldn't need any modifying of the straps. Ideally, this type of mask can filter up to 95% of particles in the air, however, counterfeit KN95 masks make it hard to distinguish real KN95s from fake ones just by looking at them. Do not wear a KN95 mask with an exhalation valve, which can allow respiratory droplets to leak in or out of the mask. If you have facial hair, then this type of mask might not make a good fit. Do not combine a KN95 mask with another KN95 mask or any other type of mask. Nylon cover What to do: Other studies have found that placing a sleeve made of sheer nylon hosiery material around the neck and pulling it up over either a cloth or surgical mask significantly improved the wearer's protection by fitting the mask more tightly to the face and reducing edge gaps. Mask brace What to do: Air leaks around the edges of a cloth or surgical mask can be reduced by layering one of these devices on top of a cloth mask for a better fit. A recent study showed that when either a solid or elastic fitter is worn over a surgical mask, then it can potentially increase the wearer's protection by 90% for aerosols. A mask brace can be purchased online or made out of rubber bands. Former Apple product design engineer Sabrina Paseman, behind fixthemask.com, posted a tutorial that lays out the steps: First, chain three rubber bands together. Second, place the center rubber band in front of the mask around the chin and nose. Adjust fit and do a CDC seal check. Other mask advice to keep in mind: When to wear one Wear a mask any time you are in a public setting. Children under the age of 2 and people who cannot wear a mask safely due to a disability or an underlying medical condition should not wear a mask. Masks are required on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation when traveling into, within or out of the United States, as of Feb. 2. If you will be near people who do not live with you, wear a mask. If someone you live with is sick with symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19, then wear a mask inside your home. How to wear one Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on your mask and don't touch the mask while you are wearing it. If you wear glasses, then find a mask that fits closely over your nose or has a nose wire to help reduce fogging. You might also try to use an antifogging spray made for eyeglasses. Don't use a mask that is made out of fabric that makes it hard to breathe. Pass on any mask that includes an exhalation vale or vent, which could allow virus particles to escape. And, leave the N95 respirators for health care workers, the CDC says. What to do in cold weather Wear a mask underneath your scarf, ski mask or balaclavathese items are not replacements for a mask. Change your mask when it becomes wet. A wet mask is harder to breathe through, is less efficient at filtering and vents more around the edges of the mask. Keep a spare mask to replace one that becomes wet from moisture in your breath due to snow or rain. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 the Chicago Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Bethlehem woman facing trial for allegedly beating a man accused of assaulting her daughters saw her criminal charges withdrawn last week. Both the man and the woman in the January 2020 incidents had criminal cases in Northampton County Court. Police were initially called Jan. 2 for the alleged assault, and found Eldis Manuel Rivera-Rodriguez, of Atlantic Street in Bethlehem, bleeding. Rivera-Rodriguez was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, and the mother was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment in Northampton County Court. The womans two daughters, ages 7 and 9, reported Rivera-Rodriguez kissed and groped them, according to police. When Rivera-Rodriguez left the house, one of the girls went to their mother and told her what happened, police said. The mother then attacked Rivera-Rodriguez, hitting him in the face and head, police said. Rivera-Rodriguez fled to his home, with the mother following behind, police said. The woman was free on $25,000 unsecured bail in her case. Following a separate investigation, Rivera-Rodriguez was later charged with two counts of indecent assault of a child under the age of 13. Rivera-Rodriguez did not testify at the mothers preliminary hearing, but the case was sent to Northampton County Court for possible trial, according to the mothers attorney, Eric Dowdle. There are very few cases I would rather try than this one, Dowdle said. It was just a horrible situation from the beginning. Im happy that it ultimately came to an end. At a hearing last week, the 40-year-old Rivera-Rodriguez chose not to testify in the assault case, on advice from his attorney, Assistant District Attorney Aaron Gallogly said. Defense attorney Phil Lauer said he didnt think it was appropriate for Rivera-Rodriguez to testify with his own criminal case still open. We could only proceed as long as we had a victim who is willing to testify, Gallogly said. At the hearing, Gallogly made a motion to withdraw the charges against the mother, and Judge Paula Roscioli dismissed them without prejudice, the attorneys said. That meant prosecutors could potentially refile the charges, but Gallogly said after speaking with District Attorney Terry Houck, the office would not re-file charges against the mother. Rivera-Rodriguez has a pre-trial conference scheduled in April, with a trial date of June 1, according to court records. He is free after posting 10 percent of $7,500 bail. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. 2021-02-16 Maeci Italy condemns the rocket attacks against a base of the International Coalition to Combat Daesh in Erbil (Iraqi Kurdistan), which caused the death of an employee of the base and the wounding of numerous soldiers and civilians. We express our solidarity with the victim's family and wish those involved in the attack a prompt recovery. Italy confirms its commitment, alongside the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Authorities, to fight against terrorism and violent extremism and restore security and stability to Iraq and the entire region. Steve Bannon believed President Donald Trump had early-stage dementia in 2017 and started a covert campaign to get him removed via the 25th Amendment, a veteran '60 Minutes' producer revealed in a new book. Producer Ira Rosen wrote in his memoir, 'Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes,' that Bannon began reaching out to Trump allies during the summer of 2017 and had conversations with them about the then-president's mental state. 'He believed Trump was suffering from early-stage dementia and that there was a real possibility he would be removed from office by the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, where the cabinet could vote that the president was no longer mentally capable of carrying out his duties,' Rosen wrote. 'Bannon began to push that story hard.' A new book from a former '60 Minutes' producer says that Steve Bannon (pictured) believed President Donald Trump was showing signs of early-stage dementia during the summer of 2017, while he still worked at the White House Steve Bannon, according to author Ira Rosen, started a covert campaign to get then President Donald Trump (pictured) removed from office via the 25th Amendment because the president 'had no attention span, didn't read and now doesn't listen' Former '60 Minutes' producer Ira Rosen's new book says that Steve Bannon, while still working at the White House, was pushing for President Donald Trump to be removed from office via the 25th Amendment. Rosen also said Bannon had White House ambitions of his own Former '60 Minutes' producer Ira Rosen's book was released Tuesday. It includes anecdotes about Steve Bannon and Donald Trump Rosen's book was released Tuesday. Bannon denied the journalist's account on his War Room livestreamed show Tuesday evening. 'This is another reporter trying to be a grifter and - complete, total fantasy,' Bannon said. Bannon did suggest there had been 25th Amendment chatter among those in Trump's orbit. 'If you want to find out whoever said about the 25th Amendment go and talk to "anonymous" and talk about John Kelly and talk to Jim Mattis and talk to the cabinet members, who Stephen K. Bannon never talked to a cabinet member or a member of the White House staff, ever, or this guy, ever, after the three-hour interview,' he said of Rosen, referring to the sit-down with '60 Minutes' he did in September 2017 after leaving the administration. Bannon also referred to himself in the third-person when speaking of his strong support for Trump. 'There is no one in this country that has supported President Trump better, tougher, longer than Stephen K. Bannon,' he said. Rosen wrote that Bannon told him the president 'had no attention span, didn't read and now doesn't listen. He said Trump repeats himself a lot, telling the same story minutes after he told it before.' In the text of the book, Rosen included a text message Bannon sent to him. 'You need to do the 25th amendment piece ... BTW brother I never steer u wrong,' it said. And revealed details about Bannon's planning. 'He mentioned a Sunday prayer service some cabinet officials attended, along with Vice President Pence, as a place where the conspiracy to remove Trump could begin,' Rosen recalled. The vice president and a majority of the cabinet are needed to declare that the president is unfit for office, according to the 25th Amendment. Bannon also traveled to Republican superdonor Robert Mercer's home and tried to get him engaged in the effort, Rosen reported. Instead, it was Bannon the Mercers cut off. In an episode of the Skullduggery podcast, Rosen goes into greater details about what was motivating Bannon. He explained to hosts Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman that Trump 'kind of turned on Bannon' after Bannon appeared on the cover of Time magazine in February 2017, just weeks into the new administration. 'And Bannon realized that Trump was repeating the same stories over and over again,' Rosen said. 'And Bannon kept saying this and he wanted to do something about it.' 'Now the secret was that Bannon crazily thought that he could be president,' Rosen continued. 'He would have been very happy to see Trump disappear from the scenes, either through the 25th Amendment, resigning for whatever and he would step in and fill the gulf. And carry the mantle of the Trump followers.' 'But he was delusional about it,' Rosen added. Bannon left the White House in August 2017 and did a sit-down with '60 Minutes,' the fruit of Rosen's years-long relationship with the political strategist, in September 2017. Bannon stayed publicly supportive of Trump in the interview. 'But the fact that Bannon tried to build support to have Trump removed, after having served as his most senior adviser in the White House, was astonishing,' Rosen commented in his book. A Vanity Fair story from October 2017 that describes Trump as being 'increasingly unfocused and consumed by dark moods' lines up with what Rosen said Bannon was pushing as a narrative. The story featured Bannon warning Trump that he should be more fearful of being removed via the 25th Amendment than by impeachment. Sources told Vanity Fair's Gabriel Sherman that when Bannon brought this up with the then-president Trump said, 'What's that?' 'A source' also told Sherman that Bannon believed Trump only had a 30 per cent change of making it through his first-term. Sherman also used a blind quote in the story from a Trump adviser who expressed relief that the president decided not to do a sit-down with '60 Minutes' that fall. 'He's lost a step. They don't want him doing adversarial TV interviews,' the adviser is quoted as saying. In recent months, Bannon has stepped back into an adviser's role for Trump - and was given a last-minute pardon after being charged with defrauding Trump supporters over a scheme to build part of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. A spokesperson for Bannon did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. Police have launched a new Jimmy Savile probe after a Scottish woman claims she was trafficked to England in the 1980s to be abused by the paedophile TV star. The woman, from Midlothian, told the Daily Record how she was transported to a Leeds hotel, where Savile subjected her to a vile sex attack. She has been interviewed by Police Scotland and West Yorkshire Police over the historic child abuse claims. The victim has bravely told her story now after decades of silence in order to encourage other Scottish Savile victims to come forward. Police have launched a new Jimmy Savile probe after a Scottish woman claims she was trafficked to England in the 1980s to be abused by the paedophile TV star The woman, who wants to remain anonymous, told how she was taken to Leeds to visit family members - and her own mother introduced her to Savile via a middleman. She said: 'As a child, I was ferried from Scotland to Leeds, where I was abused by him. Police in Leeds and up here have taken my statements about this and their investigations are ongoing but Covid-19 has slowed things down a bit. 'I buried it for years inside but I think people have to speak about things like this. I have kids and grandkids and I don't want them or anyone else to have to live with these awful things. 'My family had relatives in Leeds, so I would be down there a fair amount in my childhood. On one trip, my mum took me to a posh hotel in Leeds and I was amazed at how fancy it was. 'I would have been about eight at the time. We sat in the main reception area and a man came down, who I learned later was Savile's associate. He took me up to a room, a suite, and there was Jimmy Savile in shorts and T-shirt. 'I had always loved Jim'll Fix It and wanted to be on it. My mum was away by this time. I was in awe. I was just sitting with him and he gave me a drink of lemonade but after a while I felt funny. 'He took me off to one of the many rooms at the side of the main living room. We sat down and then he sexually abused me. 'I always felt ashamed about it. I tried to shut it out for years and thought I was being stupid dwelling on things that happened so long ago. It happened more than once with Savile. In total, I would say he abused me half a dozen times.' Savile, who was one of the BBC's biggest stars, spent decades grooming, molesting and raping children. It's feared the predator, who died in 2011, had abused up to 1,000 children, with some as young as two years old. Savile, pictured left and right, who was one of the BBC's biggest stars, spent decades grooming, molesting and raping children. It's feared the predator, who died in 2011, had abused up to 1,000 children, with some as young as two years old. Police Scotland confirmed they were probing the victim's reports of 'non recent' abuse she suffered in Scotland at the hands of others. Savile's abuse in Leeds comes under the remit of West Yorkshire Police. The Scottish victim added: 'The police have been involved since last year. This all happened in 1980 and 1981. My mum was paid when I was dropped off. 'On another occasion, I met Savile at a fun run for a charity in Leeds. I got a huge a fright when I realised he was there. 'I thought it was just a wee day out. He came up from behind and put his hand on my back, just above my bum, and I froze. 'How could he do these things? I just want answers about how he was allowed to get away with this stuff for so long. 'The police have been good with me but things should be easier for people to come forward. 'Things needs to change. Silence is not an option.' A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'We are investigating reports of historical sexual abuse. Inquiries are ongoing.' A West Yorkshire police spokesman confirmed they were aware but declined to comment further. He said: 'We have a strict policy on not identifying victims of crimes or suspects or potentially confirming the ID of either.' Tamil Nadu: Fishing ban: Vembar fishers accuse officials of partiality by S Godson Wisely Dass February 16,2021 | Source: The New Indian Express It has been more than a month now since the Fisheries department had restricted Vembar mechanised fishing vessels from venturing into the sea, owing to a complaint from a few Tharuvaikulam country boat fishers that their fishnets were damaged by Vembar vessels. At this juncture, the Vembar fishermen are accusing the officials of favouring Tharuvaikulam fishers. The prohibition has affected a daily business of Rs 1.5 crore at Vembar Fishing Harbour, say Vembar Mechanised Fishermen Welfare Association functionaries. Vembar Fishing Harbour has 56 mechanised fishing trawlers that generate a cumulative business of over Rs 1.5 crore. The vessels provide bread and butter to more than 800 families, a fishermen association member says. It was on January 13 the officials restricted Vembar fishers from entering the sea. The complaint from Tharuvaikulam fishers was then taken to police and also to a court. Though the fishers were allowed to operate the vessels the next day, the officials prohibited them yet again, citing another similar complaint from Keezhavaipar fishermen. Vembar fishers said the Assistant Director of Fisheries, who held talks between the parties concerned, had stopped the supply of subsidised diesel to Vembar fishers since January 14. According to a complaint given by Keezhavaipar fishermen to the Assistant Director of Fisheries, a Vembar mechanised vessel had damaged the fishnets of a few Tharuvaikulam fishers. We demand `11 lakh compensation, the complaint read. Speaking to TNIE, Association President Antony Raj said the association was ready to pay `1.10 lakh as compensation to Keezhavaippar fishermen, since "the complaint was vague". "However, they demand `3 lakh as compensation without having any evidence. The complaint does not mention the mechanised vessel that allegedly damaged the nets," he said, adding that most of the complaints were fabricated. The association's former president, who was a part of the talks, said the fishers had gone nine times foe talks to the fisheries department office so far since the ban. The country boat fishermen from adjacent hamlets often give baseless complaints against our fishers, but we still give them 10 percent of their claim on behalf of the association, Selvaraj said, adding that it was the first time the fisheries department had prohibited an entire fleet from entering the sea. The association said officials should ban the vessels that damage the fishnets but not the entire fleet. We suspect that the officials are favouring the country boat fishers as both parties are of the same community, the association members alleged. Meanwhile Vembar fishermen alleged that officials were remaining as spectators on country boat fishermen using banned purse seine nets. When asked, Assistant Director of Fisheries told TNIE that the mechanised vessels would be allowed for fishing once both parties arrive at a conclusion on compensation. The officials refused to comment on why the entire fleet is being banned. newindianexpress.com 2021 Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - The international financial rating agency Fitch has upgraded Benin's rating outlook from "stable" to "positive", a press release from the Ministry of Finance and Economy announced on Tuesday As to his own future in the party, Kinzinger said he will know by the end of the summer whether he can remain a Republican for the long term or whether he will be motivated to change his party affiliation if it becomes clear to him that Trumps allies have become a permanent majority. Last week, HBOs Max chief content officer Casey Bloys told TVLine that the Sex and the City reboot And Just Like That will provide a realistic portrayal of woman in their 50s. To that end, he explained, Just as people come into your life, people leave. Personally, the memories of working onSex and the City will never leave my mind. I was the stand-in for Kristin Davis, who played Charlotte, for four seasons. A stand-in is someone posed like a mannequin so the cinematographer can set the lights and check for shadows before the actors arrive. With my big, round eyes and long, brown hair, I resembled Kristin Davis enough for the job and over the years, I also stood in for Amanda Peet, Marlee Matlin, and Rosemarie DeWitt. We were all the same height and similar weight. One scene stands out for me: Season 4, Episode 2. Charlotte goes to her gynecologist with a yeast-like infection complaint and instead is prescribed an antidepressant and told to keep a vagina journal. Shes horrified. As Charlottes stand-in, I had to reenact that scene over and over and it led to one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. But to understand that, first I have to tell you a little about how I got into standing in in the first place. In 1999, when I was 26 years old, single, and living in a rent-controlled studio apartment on the Upper West Side, I had never heard of such odd jobs. I didnt own a TV, obviously didnt have cable, and I didnt own a computer either. Instead, I jotted down my observations, smoked, and walked in Central Park and around my neighborhood. One night, at a bar with big windows, a group of 30-somethings wore sparkly dresses and drank out of martini glasses. On the overhead TV, Sarah Jessica Parker smoked on her bed like me. Transfixed, I entered and watched. In the scene, SJP was on the cover of New York Magazine with a headline that read: Single and Fabulous? She was smart, witty, enterprising and curious. Having grown up in Hells Kitchen and been homeschooled by a single mom on welfare, I too had some of those qualities. As a kid, I played my violin in front of Steuben Glass across from Trump Tower to earn money for my family and dreamed of performing at Lincoln Center. (Heather Kristin) But I was on my own, and making ends meet as a waitress. Like a lot of young woman in the service industry, my manager would often slide his hand over my butt as I loaded the bread baskets at brunch. I wanted to quit, but I needed a job. You look like Charlotte on Sex and the City! my fellow waiter said to me; he worked as an actor too. Maybe youll get your big break if you become her stand-in. I jumped at the suggestion and began showing up at the casting directors office week after week, begging for him to give me a chance. He finally did. At Silvercup Studios in Queens, as the crew set up the lights, I read the sides (about five pages of script) and did as told by the assistant director. I laid down on the gynecologists table, spread my legs into the stirrups, and did my best to relax. The star, director, writers, and producers left for a meeting. An hour later or so, I was still lying there, wanting to be dismissed and let Kristin Davis film her part. I had worked about 60 hours that week. My eyes began to close. I fell into a deep sleep. When I awoke, I found my feet had been duct-taped to the stirrups. Crew members laughed. I felt sick. They took Polaroids of me like it was a big joke. I wanted to flee. But I needed the paycheck. I needed the Screen Actors Guild healthcare. I stayed and remained silent on the set. I began avoiding the catered lunch upstairs at Silvercup Studios. Instead I brought my violin, practiced on an empty lot, and lost 15 pounds. For years, I stood in for the stars. I never stood up for myself. (Heather Kristin) Until the day arrived. An alpha male actor pointed to my fellow co-worker the stand-in for Miranda and declared for all to hear, I wantthat one tied up, gagged, and brought to my trailer. I was disgusted. I dont think he even had a trailer. The next time that male actor got too close to me, I said, This is my space. Its my job to stand here. Back up. It wasnt the most powerful speech Id ever made, but after that he stopped bothering us. One day, the casting director asked me, Can you play your violin and assemble a string quartet? Its one of the last scenes with Mikhail Baryshnikov and Sarah Jessica Parker. Abso-fucking-lutely, I responded like Mr Big. It was a night shoot across from the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. Sarah Jessica Parker wore a dark pink Oscar de la Renta dress and Baryshnikov a tux. In the scene, SJP and Baryshnikov dashed past me as my quartet and I played Aleksandr Borodins String Quartet Number Two in D: II, Scherzo. (Heather Kristin) Hours later, we wrapped before sunrise. I walked back home to 72nd Street. I passed the bar where I had seen my first episode, and marveled that my childhood dream of performing at Lincoln Center had finally come true. Years later, I became a professional writer like Carrie Bradshaw and have mommy friends who cant wait to party when this pandemic is over. Not like Carrie, Im a wife, mother, and mentor at Girls Write Now, a non-profit that matches women writers with teen girls. Im the person today I so needed in my past. I learned a lot working, watching, and acting out scenes on Sex and the City. Like sometimes you want a pair of Manolos more than a man, the best nights are with girlfriends drinking cosmos in the city, and Carries Marlboros were the only thing that mirrored reality. Most of all, I learnt how messy the industry could be. And even though it came a lot later, my experiences on the show taught me how to stand up for sisterhood, my co-worker, and most importantly for myself. For an entire week, Germanys right-wing Springer media empire has been waging a filthy witch-hunt against the Berlin-based student Bengt R. The 21-year-old, who studies law at Humboldt University and is politically active in the Social Democrats and its youth movement, the Jusos, came under vicious attack from right-wing media outlets, his own party, and Humboldt University management following a few ill-considered posts on Twitter. He initially responded to a sexist post by a member of the Young Liberals, who described a picture of a shelf with cleaning products in a pharmacy as a bar for women. In the course of a discussion that developed in response to the post, Bengt wrote in an obviously unserious manner, Shooting Young Liberal when? Caption: Left, Sabine Kunst (Wikipedia Commons). Right, a screenshot of a video of Jorg Baberowski tearing down IYSSE election posters at Humboldt University. The discussion was publicised by the right-wing extremist columnists Don Alphonso and Benedikt Brechtken and served up for the right-wing mob to feast on. Then on Saturday, February 6, the right-wing daily Bild headlined a piece posted prominently on its website, The crazed murder fantasies of a Berlin Juso official. It didnt take long for Berlins tabloids to embrace the non-story. The B.Z. wrote of violent fantasies, while the Berlin Kurier even asserted that he had given free rein to his violent fantasies on social media and glorified attacks on political opponents. None of this corresponded to reality. The claim that he glorified attacks was based on a tweet from the Juso member in which he wrote that he would be unable to suppress clandestine joy if Amazon founder Jeff Bezos fell victim to an attack. This was a satirical reference to a text published in 1977 by the student council in Gottingen in response to the assassination of the old Nazi and top state prosecutor Siegfried Buback. The student council condemned terrorist attacks while expressing its clandestine joy at Bubacks death. R.s tweets are tasteless and politically wrong-headed, but they are certainly not crazed violent fantasies. The day after the posts on Twitter, R. apologised for his comments in a post on Facebook, categorically distanced himself from violence against political opponents, and stood down from his posts in the Social Democratic Party (SPD). He had realised that his statements could be understood as a call to commit acts of violence. I firmly reject violence against people as a means of political conflict, he wrote. But this did not prevent the Bild newspaper or the SPD from launching further attacks. On the afternoon of Sunday, February 7, the SPDs Berlin state leader, Franziska Giffey, thundered, This behaviour is intolerable. We are horrified. Consequences must follow. She added that this had been communicated to the Jusos executive. Tom Schreiber, who sits in the Berlin House of Deputies, said, Someone like this does not belong in the SPD or the Jusos. The investigation itself cannot be neglected. The resignation from his posts is to be welcomed, but this is only a first step. The highpoint of the witch-hunt to date then came on Monday, February 8. Not only did almost every newspaper kiosk in Berlin carry headlines about crazed murderous fantasies, but an unauthorised picture of the Jusos member was also published. One feels compelled to recall the witch-hunting of Rudi Dutschke, which was whipped up by the Springer newspapers over the course of a year. Their demand from February 1968, Stop the terror of the young reds now! and their call not to leave all the dirty work to the police and their water cannons, was answered several weeks later by the right-wing extremist Josef Bachmann, who drew a pistol and fired at Dutschke three times. He survived with serious injuries but died several years later as a result of the attack. A particularly filthy role in the personal attacks on R. is being played by Humboldt University. Simultaneously with the publication of the article by Bild, the case was taken up by the right-wing extremist historian Jorg Baberowski on his Facebook page. Previous statements made by him there against left-wing students resulted on several occasions in direct attacks on left-wing students, organisations or events, such as the witch-hunting of two student representatives, or the physical attacks on an IYSSE meeting at Humboldt University in December 2018. Responding to a comment by a right-wing reader that it is necessary to exclude Bengt from the universitys bodies, Baberowski stated that Bengt is only one of four left-wing extremist agitators who sit on HU representative bodies. So its not easy to remove these fascists from their posts. Baberowski is referring here to the five student representatives on the HUs academic senate. This body considered two years ago Baberowskis application to establish a centre for comparative research on dictatorships and ultimately rejected it. Two students publicly criticised the initiative and were aggressively insulted by Baberowski. He now describes all student representatives as left-wing agitators and fascists. University management also immediately joined in the right-wing witch-hunt. It released a statement on Sunday, February 7, declaring that it condemned in the strongest terms verbal insults, statements of defamation, and comments or tweets that call for violence. Hate speech has no place at HU and is unacceptable to us under any circumstances. Such a statement from HU management can at best be described as disgracefully hypocritical. In 2018, HU management sued the student council on behalf of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) after the council refused to publish the names of its active students. Then, in January last year, Baberowski physically attacked the author of these lines, knocked the phone out of his hand, and threatened, Should I smack you in the face? I was in the process of filming the professor as he tore down student parliament election placards for the IYSSE from the noticeboards. None of these incidents prompted HU management to defend their students against the professors attacks. On the contrary, in the case of the physical attack, the management, led by Sabine Kunst, refused to issue any public statement and declared in the academic senate that Baberowskis attack was humanly understandable. Official complaints filed over a year ago have gone without any response. R. has received broad support on social media and among students. On Monday, February 8, the hashtag #SolidaritaetmitBengt (solidarity with Bengt) was trending on Twitter. The student representative bodies at the HU and Berlins Technical University immediately published statements of solidarity. The agitation against R., which has involved the entire right-wing media and leading politicians, is not merely targeted at a single student. It is aimed at silencing all criticism of the right-wing extremist cliques at HU and the right-wing policies of the grand coalition. The agitation coincided with the formation of the Network for Academic Freedom, in which Baberowski and other right-wing extremist professors have come together to spread their right-wing positions and suppress their critics. To impose the current policies of mass infection and unprecedented social inequality, a return to the methods of dictatorship and fascism is unavoidable. In this, HU in particular is playing a crucial role. The rejection of Baberowskis centre for dictatorship and the constant criticism of the HUs rightward lurch by student representative bodies and the IYSSE delivered powerful blows to this agenda. This is why they are resorting to the methods of witch-hunt and seeking to destroy the life of a young student. Pope Francis meets with Korean Ambassador to the Vatican Lee Baek-man in this October 2020 photo. Korea Times file By Do Je-hae Former Korean Ambassador to the Vatican Lee Baek-man has claimed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un wanted a papal visit to his country following President Moon Jae-in's meeting with Pope Francis in October 2018. In a recent contribution to a web magazine here, Lee recounted some incidents involving North Korean officials that indicated Pyongyang's intention to increase exchanges with the Roman Catholic Church. In December 2018, a few weeks after Moon's meeting with the Pope during which an invitation to North Korea was mentioned, Kim Yong-nam, then the nominal head of state of North Korea, met with representatives of the Rome-based Community of Sant'Egidio, a Catholic organization which has provided humanitarian aid to North Korea, during their visit to Pyongyang. During the visit, the delegation met officials at North Korea's foreign ministry, according to Lee. The former envoy also said that he met with North Korean diplomats during a reception at a church in Rome in February 2019, underlining that it was extremely rare for officials from the North Korean Embassy to publicly appear at a religious event. Cheong Wa Dae said at the time that Pope Francis responded favorably to the possibility of visiting the North during his audience with Moon at the Apostolic Palace. The Pope said, "If North Korea invites me, I will certainly respond to it, and I can possibly go," according to the presidential office. A handout picture provided by Vatican Media shows Pope Francis waving from the window overlooking Saint Peter's Square during the Angelus Prayer at the Vatican, Sunday. EPA-Yonhap Kim Brent Jefferson County officials are asking residents to stay off the road as dangerous conditions persist and multiple accidents have been reported. Jefferson County is urging residents to stay off the roads unless completely necessary, Jefferson County Tax Assessor Alison Getz said in a statement. There are two 18-wheeler accidents in Chambers and Orange counties. People should stay home if possible. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. A 31-year-old millionaire businessman who claimed his doctor wife had refused to have sex with him today dropped his legal bid to get their marriage nullified after she said she had a text proving it had been consummated. Oxford-educated Husayn Kassai, co-founder of London-based technology firm Onfido, had wanted a judge to declare his marriage to Niloofar Tabarra, also 31, void by claiming the pair had never had sex. However, Dr Tabarra denied that their marriage had not been consummated and said she had a text message showing they had sex in a hotel in Prague while on holiday. Instead, the doctor wanted a divorce on the grounds that the relationship had allegedly been characterised by 'domestic abuse and coercive control'. She added that her estranged husband had a company worth millions of pounds and lawyers said if the marriage was nullified it would reduce the amount of money she could claim. Today, Mr Kassai agreed to a divorce on the grounds that he had behaved unreasonably, during the latest round of the litigation. Oxford-educated Husayn Kassai, co-founder of technology firm Onfido, had wanted a judge to declare his marriage to Niloofar Tabarra void by claiming the pair had never had sex A judge who oversaw a virtual public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London said the dispute was a 'tragedy' for the pair. Mr Justice Moor, who made no findings about Dr Tabarra's allegations relating to domestic abuse, heard that the pair married in June 2018, and the marriage had effectively lasted six months. He said the marriage needed to be dissolved as quickly as possible and arguments over money resolved. The judge said nullity petitions on the grounds of non-consummation were very rare and caused 'great angst and upset'. Barrister Charlotte Proudman, who represented Dr Tabarra, told Mr Justice Moor that Mr Kassai had originally petitioned for nullity on the grounds of non-consummation due to Dr Tabarra's 'wilful refusal'. 'Dr Tabarra opposes the nullity application and makes plain that the marriage was consummated once... whilst on holiday in Prague,' she said in a written case outline. A judge who oversaw a virtual public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London said the dispute was a 'tragedy' for the pair 'There is a text message from (Mr Kassai) to (Dr Tabarra)... where he states, 'let's head back to the hotel so we can have even better sex than last night'.' Dr Proudman said Mr Kassai and Dr Tabarra are Muslims. She said Dr Tabarra had been a virgin before marriage and Mr Kassai had wanted his estranged wife to undergo hymen examination to 'apparently confirm that she is still a virgin'. Dr Proudman said such an examination would have been 'highly abusive'. Barrister Sarah Phipps, who represented Mr Kassai, told the judge her client was 'clear that this marriage was not consummated'. 'Before the court is a case which has become an expensive litigation quagmire,' she said, in a written case outline. 'This would be regrettable in any case; it is particularly unfortunate in one which involves two young, well-educated people who have no children and were married for only six months. 'Almost every point is contested, almost every fact disputed. 'That said, the parties do agree on one thing: that their marriage was an unhappy disaster. Neither of them has a positive word to say about it. 'None of the wife's allegations against the husband, or anyone else, have been proven and thus cannot be taken as being true.' Abdulrasheed Bawa, a Deputy Chief Detective Superintendent with Nigerias flagship anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is set to break records if confirmed by the Nigerian Senate to lead the organisation. A statement by a presidential spokesperson on Tuesday announced that President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr Bawa, who currently heads the Lagos zonal office of the EFCC, as the substantive chairman of the commission. Mr Bawa was in October 2015 appointed to head the commissions investigations of Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, and her associates. He continues to play the role to date. If his nomination to be substantive chairman of the EFCC sails through, Mr Bawa, born 40 years ago, will be the youngest person to ever lead the organisation which has been without a substantive head since November 2015. Other previous substantive chairpersons of the EFCC as well as Ibrahim Magu, who chaired the agency in acting capacity for almost five years, stepped into the highly coveted office at well over 40 years of age. The pioneer chairman of EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, assumed office at about 43 in 2003 and left in 2007. His successor, Farida Waziri, assumed office in May 2008 at 59 years old and left on November 23, 2011. The last substantive chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, stepped into office at 49 years old on November 23, 2011, and left on November 9, 2015. The immediate-past acting chairman of the organisation, Ibrahim Magu, who spent five years in office without Senate confirmation stepped into office at 53 on November 9, 2015 and was removed under controversial circumstances on July 7, 2020. Aside from his record age, Mr Bawa, if confirmed by the Senate will be the first substantive chairman without a background in the Nigerian Police Force, a feature which appears to be in line with one of the reported recommendations of the Ayo Salami panel which investigated the commission and Mr Magu last year. Mr Magu was suspended on July 7, 2020, to face the Salami panel after he was accused of corruption and insubordination by the Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami. The panels report and recommendations are yet to be made public. Mr Bawa who hails from Jega, in Kebbi State, is set to join a list of previous acting and substantive chairpersons of the organisation as well as the current acting chairman Mr Mohammed Abba. Background The nominee graduated from the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics (Second Class Upper) in 2001. Mr Bawa, who joined the EFCC as an Assistant Detective Superintendent (ADS) in 2004, also holds a Masters degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy which he obtained from the same university in 2012. From his CV seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Bawa has spent all his work life at the EFCC, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of London. He was part of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers, course one, 2005. He rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Chief Detective Superindent (DCDS), a position he has been holding since 2016 up till the time of his nomination as the anti-graft agencys substantive chairman. ADVERTISEMENT With about 17 years working with the EFCC as a detective, Mr Bawa has vast investigation experience and has been part of prosecution of advance fee fraud, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering and other economic and financial crimes related offences. His milestones Mr Bawa was deployed to head the commissions operations zonal office in Lagos in August 2020 and remains in the position till date. Prior to that time, he had headed the Capacity Development Division, EFCC Academy, Abuja from December 2019 to August 2020. READ ALSO: Senate to screen new EFCC boss in plenary He was also the zonal head, Port Harcourt Zonal Office overseeing Rivers, Bayelsa and Abia states operations from January 2019 to December 2019. He had also headed the commissions Ibadan Zonal Office covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo and Kwara states from June June 2018 to January,2019. He headed the Counter-Terrorism and General Investigation/Pension Unit, of the Lagos Zonal Office from March to 2017 to May 2018. He currently heads the Lagos zonal office, which without doubt, is the biggest operations zonal office of the EFCC with 604 officers working under him. He has successfully investigated and testified in prosecution of many cases leading to convictions and recovery of looted monetary and assets across the world. As the head of the EFCCs investigations of Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke from 2015 till date, his team has recovered millions of dollars worth of property in Nigeria, U.K., U.S.A, and U.A.E including 92 of such assets in Nigeria. He also supervised the investigations of Atlantic Energy Group-from 2014 to 2015 leading to the recovery of assets in Nigeria, UK, USA, Switzerland, UAE and Canada. He also headed the investigations of Crude Oil Swaps and OPA case from 2014 to2015, also leading to recovery of assets. Mr Bawa was also involved in the Petroluem Subsidy Fraud investigations from 2012 to 2015 during which fraud of about N70 billion was identified, funds recovered and many companies were prosecuted. Another notable investigation, Mr Bawa has been involved in is one involving a former Governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who is currently facing trial. He has also participated in several other periodic raids on notorious (419) Cyber-cafes, the sort of operations from which the EFCC records the lion share of its convictions. New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday ended his five-year tenure in the highest Constitutional office of India with a farewell speech addressed to the nation. In his last speech as President, Pranab Mukherjee thanked the people for love he recieved during his term and hoped for an inclusive and non-violent society in future. Here are the five main highlights of President Pranab Mukherjee's last address to the nation: #Parliament is my temple: For the past fifty years of my public life my sacred text has been the Constitution of India. My temple has been the Parliament of India and my passion has been the service of the people of India. #On pluralism and tolerance: The soul of India resides in pluralism and tolerance. Plurality of our society has come about through assimilation of ideas over centuries. The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. We derive our strength from tolerance; it has been part of our collective consciousness for centuries. There are divergent strands in public discourse; we may argue, we may agree or we may not agree. But we cannot deny the essential prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. Otherwise, a fundamental character of our thought process will wither away. #On non-violence: The capacity for compassion and empathy is the true foundation of our civilization. We must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal. Only a non-violent society can ensure the participation of all sections of the people in the democratic process. Power of non-violence has to be resurrected to build a compassionate and caring society. #On education: As I had said on assuming Office of the President, education is the alchemy that can take India to its next golden age. A reordering of society is possible through the transformative power of education. Our universities should not be a place for rote-memorizing but an assembly of inquisitive minds. Creative thinking, innovation and scientific temper have to be promoted in our institutions of higher learning. #On inclusive society: For us, creation of an inclusive society has to be an article of faith. We must empower the poorest of the poor and ensure that the fruits of our policies reach the last person in the line. Eradication of poverty would provide a strong boost to happiness. Social inclusion would ensure access to the fruits of progress to all. Read full speech of President Mukherjee here Earlier President Mukherjee addresses a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. During his speech, he expressed sorrow on the fact that he will no longer be associated with Parliament and thanked PM Modi for 'advice and co-operation'. Here are the highlights: On Parliamentary proceedings It is unfortunate that the parliamentary time devoted to legislation has been declining. With the heightened complexity of administration, legislation must be preceded by scrutiny and adequate discussion. Scrutiny in committees is no substitute to open discussion on the floor of the House. When Parliament fails to discharge its law-making role it breaches the trust reposed in it by the people. On association with PM Modi In this task, I greatly benefitted from the advice and co-operation extended by Prime Minister Modi at every step. I will carry with me fond memories of my association with Prime Minister Modi and his warm & courteous behaviour. On retiring from Parliament of India As I retire from the Office of the President of the Republic, my association with the Parliament also comes to an end. I will no longer be a part of the Parliament of India. It will be with a tinge of sadness and a rainbow of memories that I will be leaving this magnificent building today. I leave with a sense of fulfilment & happiness of having served the people of this country - as their humble servant. Next President of India Ram Nath Kovind will take oath to office on Tuesday. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. 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Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Jailed pastor's son 'bludgeoned' with baton, detained by Vietnamese police amid US ambassador's visit Christian Post Contributor | 07 July, 2020 by Samuel Smith The wife of an imprisoned pastor and democracy activist in Vietnam says she and her family members were beaten and detained by police the day U.S. Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink visited their district. "On June 26, officers from the Quang Yen commune police department came to my house, ordering all the family members not to go out of the home for the next few days," Nguyen Thi Lanh, the wife of Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton, told Radio Free Asia's Vietnamese service, which noted the "intensifying crackdown on human rights activists and dissidents [is occurring] six months before the Communist Party of Vietnam's next five-yearly party congress." On the following Monday night, the day before Kritenbrink's visit, Communist authorities locked the gate surrounding the family's home, according to the nonprofit broadcast service funded by the U.S. government. Thi Lanh explained in her interview that on Tuesday morning, she used a pair of pliers to break the locks of the gate so that she could go to the market to sell goods. However, she was caught by police and arrested. She was transported to the Quang Yen police station. Later that day, around 4 p.m. local time, Nguyen Trung Trong Nghia, her son, left the house to go to the police station to help his mother. Thi Lanh said that two people, who were believed to be plainclothes officers, "ambushed" her son on the way to the police station. "They blindfolded and bludgeoned my son's head with an electric baton, causing him injury," Thi Lanh told Radio Free Asia. "A police officer took my son to a health clinic for treatment then brought him back to the Quang Yen police office for booking." According to Thi Lanh, her son returned to the health clinic again for more treatment since some of his teeth were broken and his face was swollen. Thi Lanh said that a police official told the family that they were under house arrest because of the ambassador's visit. Radio Free Asia reports that Kritenbrink departed from Quang Xuong at 5 p.m. that Tuesday. After his departure, the police left their position at the family's house. Kritenbrink visited the northern Thanh Hoa province last week. Last Monday, Kritenbrink visited the Ham Rong Bridge to meet with Vietnam war veterans in celebration of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic bilateral relations between the countries. Radio Free Asia notes that Thanh Hoa Radio and Television reported that the ambassador led a U.S. delegation in attending an opening ceremony for a local project supported by the Fund for Cultural Preservation. The Christian Post reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi for comment on Thi Lanh's account in her interview with Radio Free Asia and whether the embassy had been made aware of the Communist government detaining any other activists ahead of the ambassador's visit. A response is pending. Vietnam ranks as the 21st-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA's 2020 World Watch List. According to the persecution watchdog, Christians in Vietnam are targeted by both government and tribal leaders. Although the Vietnamese government has "some level of tolerance" for Christian groups like Catholics, believers can be imprisoned if they are deemed to be politically active, the group warns. Read more from, "Jailed pastor's son 'bludgeoned' with baton, detained by Vietnamese police amid US ambassador's visit," on The Christian Post. A Laois councillor says that better community policing is needed in his town after a playground suffered extensive damage by vandals. An estimated 4,000 worth of damage has been done by burning, breaking and stealing play equipment in the People's park Portarlington. Among it was special needs sensory equipment that had been especially imported from the USA. The damage happened on Thursday or Friday night, February 11 or 12, says Cllr Aidan Mullins. He first posted this photo below on his social media page, asking for people to come forward with information. "The damage is worse than first notified. Laois County Council have had a contractor in to inspect the full extent. The photo I took showed a tunnel burnt, but there is also extensive damage done to a climbing frame. "We had sensory equipment, large drums and mallets fixed in place, they have stolen some of that, it is just gone. That cost 2,500 from the USA. "They broke a fence, they tried to burn rope on the pyramid climbing frame. they broke little seats in the toddler sandpit. The total damage is estimated at 4,000," Cllr Mullins told the Leinster Express. He suspects it may have been carried out by a large group of young people. "There is CCTV at the Leisure Centre but it is not trained on the playground. But we can determine a group of eight or nine young people at the time of the damage. I am not suggesting that every group is causing damage, but this group did. And the presence of teens on equipment dominates the area, young children are afraid to challenge them. A small number give a bad name to the rest," he said. Cllr Mullins says more Gardai are needed to keep an eye on the People's Park. "The lack of community policing is the big issue here. The back of the Garda Station faces onto the park. How are groups that size able to gather at this time, and so close to the station?" he questioned. Cllr Mullins is a member of the committee for the People's Park, which has achieved Green Flags in recent years. He said the vandalism will prevent further investments in it. "There are smart seats now for public parks where you can charge your device by solar panel. We could have one but there is no way we can invest with this behaviour. Nor could we install outdoor drinking fountains. "The consistent vandalism by a few small number of morons is preventing further development," he said. He said that other Laois playgrounds have also been vandalised recently. "There were trees pulled out in Stradbally, and damage in Rathdowney. That is thousands of euros of damage in Laois since January. It is despicable, that money would be better used investing in playgrounds," Cllr Mullins said. He is asking for anyone with knowledge of the vandalism to come forward. "Some of their peers know more than likely who did this. I ask them to talk to anybody in authority, and they can talk to me in confidence," he said. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi paid tribute on Tuesday to workers in the health sector workers who "were martyred on the job" and also to those who "are still persevering and sacrificing in their mission to protect Egyptians against the pandemic." The presidents remarks came during a ceremony to inaugurate a medical complex in Ismailia as well as a number of other hospitals and medical institutions nationwide via videoconference. We pay tribute and appreciation to the workers in the health sector whether those who have been martyred during their mission or those who are still performing their very amazing and great role to protect our people from this pandemic, El-Sisi said. The Ismailia medical complex will include a number of comprehensive medical units of different specialties as well as emergency departments to provide high-quality services, the presidency said. The inauguration of new facilities today is part of the country's ongoing plan to enact a new comprehensive health insurance system nationwide. During the event, El-Sisi launched via videoconference the experimental operation of the new Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS) in three more governorates - which includes Ismailia, Luxor and South Sinai - as part of the first phase in the project. El-Sisi assured that the state will exert its utmost possible efforts to implement the new health insurance system nationwide in 10 years instead of the previous timeline of 15 years. The president said he also mandated the health ministry to proceed in the completion of early detection campaigns for Hepatitis C among students at preparatory and secondary schools for the coming five years in order to completely eradicate the disease in Egypt. El-Sisi also pressed the need for working on spreading health consciousness among citizens as a culture to avoid diseases and handle health problems as early as possible. He hailed the government and the health ministry for their efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus amid the partial lockdown the country adopted last year. Minister Zayed on the UHIS Speaking at the inugural event in Ismailia, Minister of Health Hala Zayed said Egypts new Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS), which targets 100 percent of citizens, will substitute the old system that currently covers only 58 percent of Egyptians. The minister noted that the country had introduced a series of proactive measures to improve the health conditions of Egyptians ahead of enrollment in the scheme, including the 100 Million Healthy Lives initiatives for treating Hepatitis C patients, early detection of non-communicable diseases, and eliminating the waiting lists for surgeries and treatment. The average wait for treatment declined from 3 months to a week or less, Zayed added, thanks to the abovementioned steps. She pointed out that the initiative of eliminating waiting lists cost the country EGP 6 billion, nearly 60% of which was shouldered by the health ministry, with the central bank bearing EGP 1.3 billion, and civil society EGP 700 million. Up to 70 million citizens over the age of 18 have been screened as part of the initiatives of eliminating Hepatitis C and the early detection of non-communicable diseases, Zayed said. She added that Egypt saved EGP 64 billion annually by implementing the Hepatitus C initiative. Other infrastructures and upgrade projects were also implemented to improve facilities to accommodate the targeted numbers of citizens in the new health programme. The new six-phase healthcare scheme started in Port Said in 2019, with five other governorates set to be included soon. The programme was scheduled to cover all of Egypt by 2032, but, based on a new schedule announced in late January per El-Sisi directives, the project will be completed nationwide by 2027. Zayed added that close to 3.5 million medical services have been introduced in Port Said governorate, with beneficiaries contributing 10 percent as the cost of the UHIS' subscription. As many as 617,000 citizens have so far registered in the scheme and the percentage of citizens satisfaction of the service ranges from 90 to 93 percent, she said. Zayed said the UHIS will be implemented in Ismailia, Luxor, South Sinai, Aswan, and Suez at a total cost of EGP 23 billion. Dangers of overpopulation The president highlighted during his remarks the negative impact overpopulation has on thwarting development and the states efforts to improve peoples lives. He highlighted the need for the country to lower the annual population growth rate to 400,000 people per year. It is not the state that spends; it is the Egyptian people who spend. It is not us who are suffering; it is the Egyptian people who are suffering, the president said, highlighting the negative repercussions of overpopulation. Im suffering with you as an official, but eventually, will your son or daughter receive a good level of education or not? Will they receive a good level of treatment or not? Will they receive good nutrition opportunities or not? And will they get a job opportunity or not, El-Sisi added. Commenting on recent demands that the president enacts measures to combat overpopulation, El-Sisi said not all matters should be done toughly. Instead, it should be carried out through a program, and we are working on this program." El-Sisi said the fact that millions of children are suffering from either anemia or obesity means that you are not paying attention to your child. Trust me, [having] more than two children is a big problem, El-Sisi said. It is not only important that you feed them. You should pay attention and follow up on them If there are three or four or more children [per family], you will not be able to do that. Acceptance of opposition Veering into a discussion of politics in general, the president said the state "accepts opposition views that aim to improve peoples lives and not aim to be opposition only for oppositions sake." Yes, people have the right to express their opinion and people have the right to have an opposition, the president said. However, the president added, the goal of expressing opinion and of the political opposition should be to improve peoples living conditions and lives. The goal is not "opposition for the sake of opposition." "On human rights, they are not limited to the realm of the political," the president stressed. El-Sisi added that the state accepts opposition on the condition that the opposition understands what they are talking about. The Egyptian state is very serious about facing its challenges, very honest and faithful about facing its challenges; this [fact] should ease the burden on the opposition, the president noted. Short link: (TNS) With the impeachment trial complete, the focus of Congress is squarely on a new coronavirus relief package, including a new round of checks to most Americans.House Democrats moved ahead last week with crafting the details of President Joe Biden's coronavirus relief plan, readying to pass a massive $1.9 trillion package that could send $1,400 checks to individuals and other aid to the nation as the prospects of a bipartisan deal fade.The House Ways and Means Committee which has jurisdiction over taxes as well as unemployment insurance and other benefits passed its $940 billion part of the package on a party-line vote Thursday, with all of the panel's Republicans opposed.In addition to the $1,400 direct payments and billions in other spending, the sprawling plan would extend jobless benefits set to expire in March, boost funding for vaccination efforts and send most American parents monthly payments of $250 to $300 per child. Republicans have panned the Democratic proposal as too costly and coming too soon after Congress passed a roughly $900 billion relief package Dec. 21 and called for a bipartisan approach.But with a trillion-dollar gulf between what the two parties appear willing to spend, Democrats are forging ahead through budget reconciliation, a process that lets them bypass the 60-vote supermajority needed to pass most legislation in the evenly divided Senate."I am deeply disappointed that the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats decided to ram through a partisan COVID relief package without any input from their Republican colleagues," Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R- Spokane, said in a statement. "It is our responsibility as representatives to provide oversight and carefully evaluate the gaps in funding from previous relief packages to ensure we are sending additional money to the places that need it most. That work has yet to be done."Democrats counter that the December relief package, which extended $300-a-week unemployment benefits until March 14, was intended only as a stopgap measure."We knew we were going to have to pass another bill, that's why we allowed the other one to go through," said Rep. Kim Schrier, a Democrat whose district stretches from Wenatchee to the Seattle suburbs."This is a package that meets the need. We have parts of our population who've been particularly hard hit. They are the people who were already struggling ... and they need a big hand up."Democrats also see Biden's "American Rescue Plan" as a chance to address longstanding inequities the pandemic has only worsened. Rep. Suzan DelBene, a northwest Washington Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, has spearheaded an overhaul of the Child Tax Credit to send monthly payments of $250 per child and $300 for children under age 6 to millions of families."This is a smart way to deliver relief during the pandemic to families struggling to make ends meet but also a good long-term policy that can lift millions out of poverty," DelBene said in a statement.In its current form, the Child Tax Credit gives families a tax refund of up to $2,000 per year for each child under 17, but the nation's poorest families don't earn enough and thus don't owe enough taxes to qualify for that benefit. A 2018 study by the Urban Institute found roughly 27 million American children live in households without enough earnings to qualify for the full credit.Elaine Maag, a principal research associate at the nonpartisan Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and one of the study's authors, said boosting support to parents could provide a strong return on investment for the whole country."When we invest in young children, particularly, we see this lifetime of good benefits," Maag said. "They tend to do better in school, they tend to get more education, they tend to have better jobs later on. All of these things are good for everyone, not just for that particular child."The Democrats' plan would transform the credit into monthly payments for all couples earning up to $150,000 and single parents who earn up to $112,500 in yearly adjusted gross income. If the proposal becomes law, the Internal Revenue Service would begin sending the payments in July.While no GOP lawmakers backed the plan on the House panel, Sen. Mitt Romney has introduced a similar plan of his own with even higher payments $350 a month for children under 6. The Utah Republican has pitched his proposal as a means of "promoting marriage" and "providing equal treatment for both working and stay-at-home parents."Maag said while targeted relief like jobless benefits and the Child Tax Credit are generally more efficient ways of getting help to those who need it, they inevitably miss others in need. That's where direct payments come in, like the one-time payment in the Democrats' proposal of $1,400 for individuals earning up to $75,000 a year and $2,800 for couples who make up to $150,000 annually and file their taxes jointly."The reason for a direct cash payment rather than expanding other programs is because those programs always miss people," Maag said, giving the examples of workers whose hours have been cut or those who lost one of multiple jobs."Those types of people are feeling real consequences from the pandemic related to employment losses, but they are also all going to slip through that unemployment insurance safety net," she said. "A cash payment, because it's a broader tool, is less likely to miss someone who's in need."The Democrats' plan also includes one-time, $1,400 payments for each child in addition to the Child Tax Credit payments. Adults making up to $100,000 per year would receive smaller payments, with those who earn more ineligible.Republicans have called for the White House and congressional Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan package instead of passing the sweeping proposal with only Democratic votes, pointing to Biden's stated goal of working across the aisle."Right now, the American people including those in Eastern Washington need targeted relief that reopens our economy, gets employees back to work, gets students back in the classroom, and helps restore their way of life," McMorris Rodgers said in a statement. "Ignoring our recent bipartisan success to deliver results is no way to achieve this shared goal."After Biden met with a group of 10 moderate GOP senators Feb. 1 to discuss their $600 billion counteroffer, the White House has sought to redefine what constitutes bipartisan support for the Democrats' proposal. The president met Friday with several Republican and Democratic governors and mayors who have called for more aid to state, local and tribal governments, another major component of Biden's plan.Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Republican who represents southwest Washington, has pushed for a bipartisan deal along with other members of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of moderate Republicans and Democrats."There is bipartisan support for targeted aid that focuses on vaccines, school reopenings, financial relief for struggling families and programs that will prevent mass small business closures," Herrera Beutler said in a statement. "From a purely economic standpoint, the cost of failing to help families and Main Street survive will be much higher not to mention the devastation that would cause to our psyche."Most Republicans oppose more spending until most of the money Congress has already authorized runs out. McMorris Rodgers led a group of GOP lawmakers in a Feb. 4 letter to the Office of Management and Budget seeking details on how much of that money remains unspent. Her spokesman Kyle VonEnde said Friday the Spokane Republican had not yet received a response.Spokeswomen for Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch said the two Idaho Republicans favor a "targeted" relief package, perhaps even smaller than the moderate GOP senators' $600 billion proposal."Senator Risch supports many aspects of the $600 billion COVID relief proposal, including funds to ramp up vaccine development and distribution, bolster the Paycheck Protection Program for Idaho's small businesses, and help get kids back in the classroom," spokeswoman Marty Cozza said in an email. "But he has significant concerns with spending additional money when a majority of the funds from the last relief bill have yet to be allocated and spent.""Senator Crapo will carefully review the final text of any COVID-relief proposals before he makes a judgement on how he will vote," spokeswoman Melanie Lawhorn wrote. "He remains committed to supporting relief packages that take targeted approaches to assisting those most in need of relief from the COVID-19 pandemic."Democrats are poised to pass the package in the House by the end of February, but some of its bolder components could hit a snag in the more moderate Senate, where the party holds a 51-to-50 majority with Vice President Kamala Harris's tiebreaking vote.The package advanced by House Democrats last week includes sweeping changes critics say are beyond the scope of pandemic relief, including a measure to increase the national minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a moderate Arizona Democrat, has said she will oppose that change.Other provisions are more likely to attract the unanimous support from Senate Democrats needed to pass. Schrier has used her seats on the Agriculture and Energy and Commerce committees to include aid for farmers and increase funding for rapid COVID-19 testing and a national vaccination plan.Democrats are aiming to pass the full, $1.9 trillion package in early March, before supplemental unemployment insurance and other protections expire. Any bipartisan alternative would need to come together by that time, a possibility that seems increasingly remote. [February 16, 2021] CloudMD Announces $45 Million Bought Deal Public Offering /THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES./ VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW/ - CloudMD Software & Services Inc. (TSXV: DOC) (OTCQB: DOCRF) (Frankfurt: 6PH) (the "Company" or "CloudMD"), a telemedicine company revolutionizing the delivery of healthcare to patients, is excited to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Canaccord Genuity Corp., Beacon Securities Limited and Echelon Wealth Partners Inc, on behalf of a syndicate of Underwriters (the "Underwriters"). The Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis pursuant to the filing of a short form prospectus, an aggregate of 16,667,000 common shares (the "Shares") at a price of $2.70 per Share (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $45 million (the "Offering"). The Company has granted the Underwriter an option (the "Over-Allotment Option") to purchase up to an additional 2,500,050 Shares at a price of $2.70 per Share, exercisable at any time, for a period of 30 days after and including the Closing Date, which would result in additional proceeds of $6.8 million. The Shares will be offered by way of a short form pospectus to be filed in all provinces of Canada except Quebec. The Offering is expected to close on March 9, 2021 and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. The Company will use best efforts to obtain the necessary approvals to list the Shares on the TSXV. CloudMD intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for strategic M&A activities, working capital and general corporate purposes. About CloudMD Software & Services CloudMD is digitizing the delivery of healthcare by providing a patient centric approach, with an emphasis on continuity of care. The Company offers SAAS based health technology solutions to healthcare providers across North America and has developed proprietary technology that delivers quality healthcare through a holistic offering including hybrid primary care clinics, specialist care, telemedicine, mental health support, educational resources and artificial intelligence (AI). CloudMD currently services a combined ecosystem of over 500 clinics, almost 4000 licensed practitioners and 8 million patient charts across North America. For more information visit: investors.cloudmd.ca ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Dr. Essam Hamza, MD" Chief Executive Officer Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on CloudMD's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to its business plans. Although CloudMD believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and CloudMD undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances, unless otherwise required to do so by law. The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE CloudMD Software & Services Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Chu Ngoc Anh, chairman of the Hanoi Peoples Committee, proposes that local universities and colleges switch to remote learning till the end of February to prevent COVID-19 transmission. The proposal was put forward on Monday in a government meeting with the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. During the meeting, Anh reported on the death of patient No. 2,229, a Japanese national whose body was found with the COVID-19 pathogen on Saturday. The case is considered a community transmission, which prompted the isolation and sampling of at least 290 people involved, according to the chairman. Local authorities pointed out two scenarios that led to the transmission. One hypothesis suggested that he was infected by another person in his building, which has not been detected with COVID-19 since testing results of all people involved turned out negative. Meanwhile, it is also speculated that another Japanese expert in the patients bubble might be the transmission source. Considering the possibilities, Hanoi is staying on high alert to contain infection risks, tracing direct contacts of the patient, as well as reinforcing regulations against the epidemic at hospitals, clinics, and lodging facilities. Foreign experts in the locale are also under surveillance, while high-risk individuals and large crowds in community spots are randomly tested. The Hanoi leader also called on the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control to come up with a comprehensive solution to encourage medical declaration from high-risk demographics. He urged the Ministry of Health to detect the transmission source of the case. Hanoi is preparing to welcome millions of people returning from surrounding provinces after the Lunar New Year holiday ends, which can harbor immense risks of COVID-19 spread, Anh stated. The capital decided to extend the closure of all K-12 schools until the end of February. Regarding the control of the returnees from other provinces, Anh requested support from central-level agencies in collecting medical declarations. As of Tuesday morning, Vietnam had documented 2,271 COVID-19 cases, with 1,541 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. A total of 679 local infections have been detected in 13 provinces and cities since January 27. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Former Married At First Sight groom Mike Gunner recently debuted his new relationship with Sonja Marcelline. And on Tuesday, the electrician-turned-cosmetic tattooist, 45, opened up about their romance - saying he was happy to finally 'have a girl who gets me'. Alongside a photo he posted of himself and the American beauty cuddling at the beach, Mike told his Instagram followers Sonja had a 'gentle and kind' nature, and 'warm' hugs. Former Married At First Sight groom Mike Gunner recently debuted his new relationship with Sonja Marcelline, and on Tuesday, the electrician-turned-cosmetic tattooist, 45, opened up about their romance - saying he was happy to finally 'have a girl who gets me' 'Nice to have a girl who gets me,' Mike captioned the post. 'I'm pretty direct and often my filter gets clogged but she likes that about me. 'Her hugs are warm and she's gentle and kind.' Mike added that his girlfriend was also not shy about putting him in his place when it was necessary. 'She puts me in my place when I need it but also sees my soft side,' he said. 'I need that.' 'She puts me in my place when I need it but also sees my soft side,' Mike said of Sonja. 'I need that' Mike, who starred on the sixth season of MAFS and was paired with ex-'wife' Heidi Latcham, debuted the couple's romance on February 10. Alongside a picture of the couple spending a night out with friends, Mike wrote: 'My girl.' Sonja has a Master of Science from the University of West Florida, and divides her time between Queensland's Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 'My girl': Mike, who starred on the sixth season of MAFS and was paired with ex-'wife' Heidi Latcham, debuted the couple's romance on February 10 She debuted their relationship on Instagram on Sunday - uploading her very first picture of them together in celebration of Valentine's Day. While the post was only captioned with a single red heart emoji, it spoke a thousand words as the couple appeared to be overjoyed in each other's company. They were spotted smiling ear-to-ear in the picture, while they closely laid next to one another on a beach. New Delhi: A mob on Sunday set ablaze a truck after it overturned on the National Highway near Golanthara in Odisha, alleging that it was carrying beef, police said. After the mob attack took place, the driver and his helper of the truck fled from the spot, a police officer said. The truck which was heading towards Mumbai from Bihar overturned after losing balance. A packet fell from the truck after it overturned. The locals alleged that it contained beef, the official further added. ALSO READ | Nagaland: NPF organises beef fest at Central office We will examine the contents of the packets to ascertain wheather it was beef or not, said sub divisional police officer, Berhampur Sadar, Ashok Kumar Mohanty. The locals blocked the national highway demanding immediate arrest of the driver and his helper. Senior police officers rushed to the spot to control the situation. They also seized some packets from the truck. The National Highway has been cleared, Mohanty added. With PTI inputs. ALSO READ | Nagpur: Police arrest BJP worker after lab report says he was carrying beef For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. India is poised to clear some new investment proposals from China in the coming weeks as frosty relations between the two neighbouring countries thawed amid an easing in border tensions, said three government officials with knowledge of the matter. Last week, India and China began disengagement from the Pangong Tso area, in the Ladakh region of the western Himalayas, following a nearly nine-month-long standoff after the worst clash between the neighbouring countries since 1962. At the height of the tensions, India framed various policies targeting China, including blocking the ... Marko, Ricciardo approve of 2021 'sprint race' trial F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's Saturday sprint race idea is gaining approval up and down the Formula 1 pit-lane. The FIA confirmed last week that the proposed shakeup of the race weekend format, which is set to be tested at three circuits in 2021, has received "broad support". "I like this idea more than reverse grids," McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo said on Monday. "The best guys from the best teams will still be ahead, so it's nothing really artificial. I like the idea of more races and less practice," he added. However, the Australian said F1 needs to be careful not to tinker with its basic "DNA". "I don't want winning in Formula 1 to become easier so that the value of a win is diminished," said the new McLaren driver. "If that is taken into account, then I'm open to this idea." Red Bull official Dr Helmut Marko also likes the idea of F1 sprint racing. "I think it's a good decision - we've had too many boring races," said the Austrian. "It's also good that these races will involve points. "We have found three suitable tracks on which it is possible to overtake to try it," Marko, referring to Montreal, Monza and Interlagos, added. Finally, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl said on Monday: "We don't want to artificially change the order of the drivers, as would be the case with reverse grids. "The working group will try to study everything as quickly as possible because the devil is always in the detail. But we look forward to trying something new and seeing how it works." The founder and CEO of CFSI Loan Management (CFSI), Brian Mingham, was recently interviewed by a popular podcast, Industry Elites. In his interview, he discusses home renovations and overcoming challenges as a result of COVID-19 GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Brian Mingham is pleased to announce his recent interview with Industry Elites - a prominent business podcast that features qualified experts from a myriad of professional backgrounds in hopes of sharing new ideas and providing readers with exclusive business insight. Since Brian Mingham founded CFSI in 2012, he has transformed his company into one of the nation's leading construction risk mitigation firms, as evidenced by an ever-growing roster of satisfied clientele. CFSI's main objective is to help lenders minimize construction loan risk on residential, commercial, and multi-family properties. Their customer-focused approach means clients can concentrate on loan origination while CFSI manages the construction project from start to finish, including project feasibility, qualifying contractors, and budget planning. As the CEO of CFSI, Brian Mingham is responsible for the firm's overall strategy, reporting, and general management. However, this past year has thrown significantly more challenges Mingham's way. In his Industry Elites interview, Mingham discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected CFSI's operations, from construction stoppages, to his employees working from home and discovering new ways to generate revenue. While digital transformation has played a critical role in allowing his firm to remain operational, Brian Mingham explains how an open mindset and quick thinking has helped the company respond to changes better than he thought possible. Although CFSI's strategic response has been the product of necessity, Mingham believes some of these changes have potential beyond the pandemic. For instance, Mingham notes that nearly 50 of his employees would like to continue working remotely post-COVID-19. The global crisis also has people spending more time inside their homes than ever before. Consequently, Mingham discusses how a growing number of homeowners are looking to revamp their residences, from bigger kitchens to new office spaces, larger backyards, and more. Fortunately, CFSI also helps consumers manage construction risk by identifying the best contractors and ensuring the bid is reasonable and incorporates everything the client wants. If you want to learn more about CFSI Loan Management's services, please visit their website here. Are you interested in more expert tips from Brian Mingham? You can listen to his full interview with Industry Elites here. About In 2009, Brian Mingham worked at JP Morgan Chase, a multinational investment bank and financial services holding company, in their bulk servicing acquisitions group. Unfortunately, due to the on-going recession, the department Mingham worked in was shut down. Although he never gave entrepreneurship much thought, Mingham and one other partner decided to start a property preservation company to help banks manage their default real estate portfolios. After experiencing success, Mingham formed several other firms, including a construction company and asset management firm. Today, Brian Mingham is the CEO and founder of CFSI Loan Management. His company helps lenders reduce their construction loan risk by protecting clients' interests and managing construction projects. Over the years, Mingham has consistently proven his ability to capitalize on market opportunities and drive profits, which is demonstrated by the success of CFSI. Contact Information: Brian Mingham Website: https://brianmingham.com/ Email: info@brianmingham.com SOURCE: Brian Mingham View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630061/Esteemed-Entrepreneur-Brian-Mingham-Featured-on-Industry-Elites-Podcast MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th February, 2021) Russia welcomes the US' readiness to resume full participation in the work of the middle East Quartet, both sides have stated their intention to cooperate constructively to move towards peace in the region, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The statement followed a phone call between the Russian foreign minister's special envoy for Middle East settlement Vladimir Safronkov and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs at the State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Hady Amr. "During the conversation, prospects for cooperation between Moscow and Washington on the Palestinian-Israeli settlement track were discussed, including in the format of the Middle East Quartet of international mediators. The Russian side welcomed the US' readiness to resume its full participation in the Quartet," it said. "On the whole, a mutual disposition was stated for constructive cooperation in order to advance the peace process in the Middle East," the ministry said. The Middle East Quartet is a group created with the participation of the EU, Russia, the US and the UN to consolidate efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict. EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Southwest Power Blackout Disaster: What Can Save the U.S. Economy? Feb. 15 , 2021 (EIRNS)By Monday night Americans in parts of numerous Southwest and Western states were enduring rolling blackouts, some lasting hours in the deep sub-freezing cold of a polar vortex. Many lives were in danger for lack of power and/or electric heat. This shocking event must be a wake-up call to all those, from trade union members to high school and college students, who have been either accepting, celebrating or applying for work to the so-called Green New Deal. Green technologythrowback technologycan kill you. As in the electric grid emergency in Japans snowstorms in December, windmills are freezing up in Texas. That states 23% of rated electric power capacity which is wind, has largely stopped working, and more than 3 million Texans were without power Monday afternoon in near-zero temperatures. The Austin Statesman had reported Feb. 14 (Frozen Wind Turbines Hamper Texas Power Output) that wind power, usually rated at 25,100 MW in the state, was rated at just 12,000 MW on Sunday, and actually generating considerably less than that. The states regulator, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), was conducting load-shedding operations and warning of potential blackouts, which became actual with 10,500 MW of customer load cut-off on Monday. Late Monday, rolling blackouts were beginning to affect the Southwest Power Pool, involving parts of 15 other states. The states of the Midwest, gripped by the same polar vortex cold, were saved from blackouts by coal. An energy attorney on the board of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the Missouri Public Service Commission, Terry Jarrett, wrote a Sunday, Feb. 14 column on the Upper Midwest situation for the Montgomery News, in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, called Coal Rescues U.S. Power Grid During Polar Vortex. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which distributes power north from North Dakota south to Louisiana, in 15 U.S. states and Manitoba, Canada, said that on Feb. 10 coal was generating more than half of all power there in the polar vortex, some 41,000 out of 78,000 MW. Natural gas was generating 22,000 and nuclear 10,000 MW. Wind turbine output, predictably, fluctuated wildly, reaching 3,200 MW at most. Solar? 231 MW. That means these much-vaunted renewable systems produced only about 4% of the electricity needed across 15 states, Jarrett concluded. In Texas, some natural gas wellheads also froze, along with refining facilities in some locations. The great demand came both from the extraordinary cold, and from the freeze-up and failure of wind and solar power, the ready back-up power for which is almost always natural gas turbine electric plants. The Green New Deal has been coming at us for 20 years and more from an instigating centerwhere? In the British royal family, particularly Prince Charles, who is known along with his father Prince Philip for wishing, very publicly, that there were far fewer human beings on this planet than there are. Wind power is just one of the dangerous technological leaps backward it promotes. Just two weeks ago, a big Jan. 25-29 conference of the World Economic Forum, Europes center for the Green Deal, targeted the cement, steel, aluminum and chemical industries, as well as the ships, planes, and trucks that move them. It claimed these sectors exceeded the total amount of carbon the world can emit. And dont get them started about foodthe Chatham House/Royal Institute of International Affairs reported to that conference that you should eat no meat, only plant food, and less of that than you do now. Do you need any of these to live? Food? Electric power? Do you farm with animals? Work with chemicals or steel or cement? Stop kidding yourself that the Green New Deal is infrastructure and jobs. Put yourself in a car in Austin or Houston looking for heat in below-zero weather and to charge your phone. The Green New Deal is physical economic collapse, and deadly. What will save us? Cooperating with the other major countries that dont accept this green nonsenseespecially China and Russia. Build real infrastructure, especially nuclear and fusion power and space travel technology. Listen to the late Lyndon LaRouche, in a speech eight years ago, No to the Green Policy; Revive the Credit System: [February 16, 2021] OTC Markets Group Welcomes BBTV Holdings Inc. to OTCQX NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 11,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced BBTV Holdings Inc. (TSX: BBTV; OTCQX: BBTVF), a media and technology company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. BBTV Holdings Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "BBTVF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com . Trading on the OTCQX Market offers companies efficient, cost-effective access to the U.S. capital markets. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. The United States is the largest and most important capital market in the world. The US retail investor is driving substantial value creation in many companies in BBTV's sector. We've received feedback from potential US investors in our network that they would love to have a robust opportunity to engage with and acquire our stock," said Shahrzad Rafati , Chairperson and CEO of BBTV. "While BBTV is a truly global company generating revenue in many countries, we generate more revenues in the US than any other market and continue to see substantial growth opportunities in the US making this a very important milestone for the company." B. Riley Securities, Inc. acted as the company's OTCQX sponsor. About BBTV BBTV is a media and technology company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The company's mission is to democratize content by leveraging its proprietary technologies to drive viewership and monetization for content creators of all sizes. From individual content creators to global media companies, BBTV monetizes the media of content creators through end-to-end management, distribution and monetization solutions, powered by its innovative VISO Platform, including related proprietary technology, while allowing content creators to focus on their core competency content creation. In August 2020, BBTV had the second most unique monthly viewers among digital platforms with more than 600 million globally, who consumed more than 50 billion minutes of video content, the most among media companies*. www.bbtv.com *Calculations and classifications made by BBTV based on August 2020 data from Comscore's reports from its top 12 countries. Each report is titled, "Comscore Video Metrix Media Trend Multi-Platform Top 100 Video Properties Report." About OTC Markets Group Inc. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 11,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com . OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are SEC regulated ATSs, operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed Media Contact: OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/otc-markets-group-welcomes-bbtv-holdings-inc-to-otcqx-301228758.html SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Could long-distance interactions between individual molecules forge a new way to compute? Could long-distance interactions between individual molecules forge a new way to compute? Interactions between individual molecules on a metal surface extend for surprisingly large distances - up to several nanometers. A new study, just published, of the changing shape of electronic states induced by these interactions, has potential future application in the use of molecules as individually addressable units. For example, in a future computer based on this technology, the state of each individual molecule could be controlled, mirroring binary operation of transistors in current computing. MEASURING SOCIALLY-DISTANT MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS ON A METAL SURFACE The Monash-University of Melbourne collaboration studied the electronic properties of magnesium phthalocyanine (MgPc) sprinkled on a metal surface. MgPc is similar to the chlorophyll responsible for photosynthesis. By careful, atomically-precise scanning probe microscopy measurements, the investigators demonstrated that the quantum mechanical properties of electrons within the molecules - namely their energy and spatial distribution - are significantly affected by the presence of neighbouring molecules. This effect - in which the underlying metal surface plays a key role - is observed for intermolecular separation distances of several nanometres, significantly larger than expected for this kind of intermolecular interaction. These insights are expected to inform and drive progress in the development of electronic and optoelectronic solid-state technologies built from molecules, 2D materials and hybrid interfaces. DIRECTLY OBSERVING CHANGES IN MOLECULAR ORBITAL SYMMETRY AND ENERGY The phthalocyanine (Pc) 'four leaf clover' ligand, when decorated with a magnesium (Mg) atom at its centre, is part of the chlorophyll pigment responsible for photosynthesis in bio organisms. Metal-phthalocyanines are exemplary for the tunability of their electronic properties by swapping the central metal atom and peripheral functional groups, and their ability to self-assemble in highly ordered single layers and nanostructures. Cutting- edge scanning probe microscopy measurements revealed a surprisingly long-range interaction between MgPc molecules adsorbed on a metal surface. Quantitative analysis of the experimental results and theoretical modelling showed that this interaction was due to mixing between the quantum mechanical orbitals - which determine the spatial distribution of electrons within the molecule - of neighbouring molecules. This molecular orbital mixing leads to significant changes in electron energies and electron distribution symmetries. The long range of the intermolecular interaction is the result of the adsorption of the molecule on the metal surface, which "spreads" the distribution of the electrons of the molecule. "We had to push our scanning probe microscope to new limits in terms of spatial resolution and complexity of data acquisition and analysis", says lead author and FLEET member Dr Marina Castelli. "It was a big shift in thinking to quantify the intermolecular interaction from the point of view of symmetries of spatial distribution of electrons, instead of typical spectroscopic shifts in energy, which can be more subtle and misleading. This was the key insight that got us to the finish line, and also why we think that this effect was not observed previously." "Importantly, the excellent quantitative agreement between experiment and atomistic DFT theory confirmed the presence of long-range interactions, giving us great confidence in our conclusions", says collaborator Dr Muhammad Usman from the University of Melbourne. The outcomes of this study can have great implications in the development of future solid-state electronic and optoelectronic technologies based on organic molecules, 2D materials and hybrid interfaces. ### THE STUDY "Long-Range Surface-Assisted Molecule-Molecule Hybridization" was published in Small in February 2021. (DOI: 10.1002/smll.202005974) Researchers at Monash University's School of Physics and Astronomy worked closely with collaborators in the Centre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology based at the University of Melbourne's School of Physics. All experiments were performed at Monash University, supported through the Australian Research Council, FLEET Centre of Excellence (CE170100039), and Monash Centre of Atomically Thin Materials (MCATM). Additional support was provided by Dr Schiffrin's ARC Future Fellowship (FT150100426). Numerical simulations were performed at the University of Melbourne, supported by resources provided by the National Computing Infrastructure (NCI) and Pawsey Supercomputing Centre through NCMAS. SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY (SPM) AND FLEET Dr Schiffrin's group at FLEET uses SPM to investigate the atomic-scale properties - structural and electronic - of new nanomaterials with potential use in future low-energy electronic technologies. FLEET is an Australian Research Council-funded research centre bringing together over a hundred Australian and international experts to develop a new generation of ultra-low energy electronics. [February 16, 2021] Colling Media Helps Solve the Advertising Attribution Riddle with Google's New Attribution Beta Program PHOENIX, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix-based advertising and marketing firm Colling Media uses Google's recently released Attribution Beta program to help clients assign credit for digital advertising conversions when consumers interact with multiple marketing tactics and channels. Attribution is an attempt to assign credit for various advertising and marketing tactics. Solving this problem can be challenging. For example, a consumer sees an ad on a website, fills out a form on Facebook, hears a radio commercial, views a digital billboard, and then purchases a product or service. Which ad should receive the most credit for driving the consumer to action? There are several ways to assign and determine attribution, and Google's new Attribution Beta is another attempt to help decide which tactic or tactics are most responsible for consumer conversion. "Every brand marketer wants to know which advertising tactics and channels are working best," says Brian Colling, CEO of Colling Media. "That's why attribution is so important. Understanding which ads are performing best and why helps fine-tune advertising campaigns and allocate resources effectively." Daniel Chen, Colling Media's Marketing and Analytics Manager says, "Assessing and proving attribution can be messy and technical. A combination of ads on different platforms causes a consumer to act and tracking consumer behavio accurately through the buying journey is challenging. Google's Attribution Beta is a welcome addition to the tools and methods we use for optimal attribution, whether it's rule-based or data-driven. Even with Google's new Attribution tool, getting a complete picture of consumer behavior requires additional tactics, including the entire purchase path, and organic/paid impressions to online/offline sales." Based in Phoenix, AZ , Colling Media is a full-service national digital advertising and marketing agency specializing in advertising branding and strategy, digital and traditional advertising, media buying, paid search, lead generation, content marketing, and SEO. For more information, visit collingmedia.com and follow the company on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/colling-media/), Facebook, (https://www.facebook.com/collingmedia/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/collingmedia). This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/colling-media-helps-solve-the-advertising-attribution-riddle-with-googles-new-attribution-beta-program-301228596.html SOURCE Colling Media [ Back To SIP Trunking Home's Homepage ] Israels former US ambassador Michael Oren calls for united front against new Iran deal Jan 31, 2021 License Agreement IMPORTANT INFORMATION: PLEASE READ THIS PERMISSIONS AND POLICIES CAREFULLY BEFORE DOWNLOADING OR CITING CONTENT FROM CHRISTIAN EXAMINER WEBSITE. WITH THE LIMITED EXCEPTIONS DESCRIBED ON THIS PAGE FOR CHURCH AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION USERS, ALL USE OF CHRISTIAN EXAMINER CONTENT (TEXT, PHOTOGRAPHS, GRAPHICS, ETC.) REQUIRES THE PERMISSION OF CHRISTIAN EXAMINER. Please be advised that when articles or photos are credited to a source other than Christian Examiner (such as Reuters or Associated Press), it is most likely that the credited source holds the right to the articles or photos. Please contact that source directly. 1. 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She shared video and photos of her tasting sessions, while opening up about her four-year journey developing the spirit - 818 Tequila. Cheers: Kendall Jenner revealed she have been developing her own tequila brand called 818 over the past four years Kendall sat and sipped in the first clip, comparing two blends as she wrote: 'For almost 4 years I've been on a journey to create the best tasting tequila. ' The good stuff: 'After dozens of blind taste tests, trips to our distillery, entering into world tasting competitions anonymously and WINNING..3.5 years later i think we've done it!' 'After dozens of blind taste tests, trips to our distillery, entering into world tasting competitions anonymously and WINNING..3.5 years later i think we've done it! 'This is all we've been drinking for the last year and i can't wait for everyone else to get their hands on this to enjoy it as much as we do!' Kendall's friends seemed to love the drink, as she shared another video of a group cheering as she brought in a fresh bottle. Proving it was a hit, the next snap showed a table covered with empty cups. Even famously drink-free sister Kim Kardashian raved about 818 in the comments, telling Kendall: 'So proud of you! I wasn't a drinker until I tried 818. Tequila shots all day!!!' Mom Kris Jenner said she was 'so so proud' of her girl, and 'the years of work and love' she's put into the project. Fans began speculating that the stars were getting involved in the spirit world when a bottle of 818 was spotted in the background of a photo from the Jenner sister's recent trip to Mexico with bestie Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou. And Kylie seemed to hint at the possibility of a private label on Instagram Live in April 2020, holding up a glass and telling watchers: 'By the way, we're on some new sh**.' Parental pride: Mom Kris Jenner said she was 'so so proud' of her girl, and 'the years of work and love' she's put into the project Top self: Even famously drink-free sister Kim Kardashian raved about 818 in the comments, telling Kendall 'So proud of you! I wasn't a drinker until I tried 818. Tequila shots all day!!!' Kylie was also a fan Bottle service: Fans began speculating that Jenner, 25, was getting involved in the spirit world when a bottle of 818 was spotted in the background of a photo from the her recent trip to Mexico with bestie Anastasia 'Stassie' Karanikolaou New sector: Journalist Yashir Ali vouched for the rumors on Twitter last week, writing: 'There's been speculation on TikTok that a Tequila called "818" was founded by @KendallJenner ...I'm told that's true. That would take her family into a new sector' 'This is what we've really been drinking, but we're not allowed to tell anybody. So just stay tuned.' Journalist Yashir Ali vouched for the rumors on Twitter last week, writing: 'There's been speculation on TikTok that a Tequila called "818" was founded by @KendallJenner ...I'm told that's true. That would take her family into a new sector. 'A search shows "818" has been quietly entering and winning contests while keeping its founder's name off entries.' He then included a clip from one of the top contests, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, which read: 'Before we dive into the list, we should mention that this rundown doesn't include the highest-scoring Anejo, 818.' 'Winner of the USC's highest honor, the Chairman's Trophy, 818 isn't available to purchase in the states and has absolutely no online presence. But now Kendall's post confirms tasty news. 818's name is inspired by the area code of the Kardashian/Jenner family's hometown of Calabasas. While Kendall is a California girl through and through, 818 boasts authentic roots, hand-crafted in Jalisco, Mexico - the birthplace of tequila. Yum: 'This is all we've been drinking for the last year and i can't wait for everyone else to get their hands on this to enjoy it as much as we do!' the model wrote in the caption A hit: Empty glasses made it clear that the spirit was a hit The drink has also been vetted by some of the most revered organizations in liquor, earning awards from the World Tequila Awards, the SIP Awards and the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, among others. 818 appears to come in a Blanco, Anejo and Reposado varieties. According to drink site Spirited Zine, the award-winning Reposado is described as having: 'An earthy nose which hints at pecan pie, sweet potato and caramel. A sweet and smoky body with some oaky influence, vanilla, and more sweetness on the finish as cinnamon ice cream comes through.' But not everyone was thrilled about Miss Jenner's new venture. Many called out Kendall for co-opting the work of Mexican artisans with one Twitter user writing: 'I wish white celebs would stop going into Mexico, taking the work of local artisans and Mexican tradition, and making themselves even more hopelessly rich off of our traditions. But whatever.' Problematic: There was a surge of criticism online Cha-ching! Still, others were begging for pre-orders while one fan tweeted a picture of the Spongebob character Squidward showering in money and wrote: 'Kendall Jenner taking a bath in her tequila' Another user echoed the sentiment, tweeting: 'Tired of the celebrity tequila craze! WTF does @KendallJenner know about tequila my familys been doing back breaking work in the fields for their entire lives in Jalisco just for ppl to come dip their toes Face with rolling eyes stay in your lane.' 'Kendall Jenner releasing a tequila is the last thing this pandemic needed,' shared another. 'Am I the only one that finds it an eye roll that Kendall Jenner is coming out with her own tequila.. from jalisco, Mex.,' one more remarked. Referring to the Kardashian/Jenner family's history of cultural appropriation, someone wrote: 'Kendall Jenner coming out with her own tequila brand... whats next on the Kardashian/Jenner colonization list?' Still, others were begging for pre-orders while one fan tweeted a picture of the Spongebob character Squidward showering in money and wrote: 'Kendall Jenner taking a bath in her tequila.' Classic trio: 818 appears to come in a Blanco, Anejo and Reposado varieties Authentic: While Kendall is a California girl through and through, 818 boasts authentic roots, hand-crafted in Jalisco, Mexico - the birthplace of tequila Kendall is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow celebrity alcohol moguls like George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds and Diddy. Last summer Diageo, the world's largest spirits maker, snapped up Aviation American Gin, co-owned by Reynolds, in a deal worth up to $610million. Diageo picked up George Clooney's Casamigos tequila, which he owns with restaurateur Rande Gerber and business partner Mike Meldman for $700million in 2017. Sweetening that pot, the trio was promised an extra $300million based on subsequent sales numbers. Diddy's popular premium vodka Ciroc is a club favorite, earning him a reported eight-figures a month salary. [February 16, 2021] Noble Awarded One of Six Special Operations Logistics Contracts with $33B Combined Ceiling BOSTON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) awarded Noble Supply & Logistics one of six spots on the maximum $33,000,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) 10-Year contract for its Special Operations Equipment (SOE) Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Program. The contract supports DoD and Federal customers worldwide with specialized products that must meet stringent product requirements, challenging schedules, and compliant manufacturing specifications. Boston -based Noble Supply & Logistics wins a spot on $33 billion Special Operations Equipment contract awarded by DLA. "Noble is proud of the trust the Defense Logistics Agency has in our team's ability to deliver mission-critical SOE products and services for the TLS Program," said Tom Noble, CEO of Noble Supply & Logistics. "Noble leverages our expertise in supply chain management, expeditionary logistics, and technology development to ensure that our warfighters have all the supplies, gear, and equipment they need to complete their missions." DLA SOE TLS PROGRAM The SOE TLS Program provides total logistics support for DLA customers' SOE requirements by offering responsive, high-quality products at fair and reasonable prices to military installations, federal agencies, and other Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard customers worldwide. Noble's systems, tailor-made to meet DLA's requirements on TLS contracts, include a cloud-based ordering platform, automated vendor RFQs for products and logistics, dynamic inventory management, total asset visibility, 24-hour customer service, and order tracking from placement to delivery. Noble will compete with the other SOE vendors to provide the highest quality products at the best possible prices. Items sold under the contract include survival gear and equipment kits, tactical equipment, protective eyewear, vision-enhancing equipment, escalation of force equipment, and visit board search and seizure supplies and equipment. ABOUT NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS Noble is a provider of supply chain management, logistics, mission support, and technology solutions for the U.S. military, federal, state, and local governments, operating under multiple DLA TLS prime vendor contracts in the U.S., Europe, and Africa. Noble's global footprint includes operation centers, distribution centers, and consolidation points positioned to expedite delivery and enhance product availability. A distributor of 11,000 manufacturers, Noble stocks over one million items in warehouses throughout the continental United States and abroad. Noble reduces the cost of readiness while responding rapidly to customers' challenges. For more information, visit www.noble.com. Contact: Cela Libeskind clibeskind@noble.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noble-awarded-one-of-six-special-operations-logistics-contracts-with-33b-combined-ceiling-301229059.html SOURCE Noble Supply & Logistics [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] With the end of Donald Trumps impeachment trial, all Americans must embrace President Bidens efforts to rebuild our great nation. As he prepares to address a CNN town-hall gathering in Milwaukee, we can expect our president to renew his focus on passing the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package to help millions of American families and strengthen our middle class. As the nation continues to navigate the economic uncertainty of the pandemic, I believe that the administrations Build Back Better program has the immediate potential to revive local economies and keep good-paying manufacturing jobs right where they belong at home in the United States. At the same time, we must also address racial inequity as we restore the soul of America. Middle-class jobs are tough to come by, especially for minorities in my home state of South Carolina and across the nation. As a former legislator, we had many great manufacturing facilities in my district. Century Aluminum Americas largest aluminum producer pumped over $500 million in indirect revenue and 300 good-paying jobs into our state economy, and a vast majority of the employees are Black. While some might overlook this racial dynamic, it is exceedingly common in manufacturing communities throughout the South and Midwest. The plant in Mount Holly also recently announced that it will be increasing total production by 25%, adding 70 more jobs to its economic footprint. The U.S. aluminum industry has been decimated lately by a surge of foreign aluminum imports from Russia, India, and the Middle East. The Obama administration filed a case at the World Trade Organization to prevent aluminum workers from losing their jobs due to the massive amount of subsidized foreign capacity distorting global aluminum prices. The Trump administration launched the Section 232 tariff program acknowledging the threat to national security posed by Americas declining aluminum industry and attempted to offset the effects of depressed pricing. In the final hours of his administration, Trump exempted the United Arab Emirates from 10% tariffs on their aluminum imports. The UAE is home to the Jebel Ali high-purity aluminum smelter, which produces an essential component for U.S. military equipment. But high-purity aluminum is made right here in the USA! Trumps action hurts minority workers and families across the South as heavily subsidized state-owned entities in the Middle East that rely on cheap migrant workers game the system. Thankfully, in recent days our new president stepped in and revoked Trumps sell-out of minority communities working in Americas aluminum industry. President Biden made clear that he considers it necessary and appropriate in light of our national security interests to maintain, at this time, the tariff treatment applied to aluminum article imports from the United Arab Emirates. This action indicates that his administration will fight to create and protect American jobs for minority communities. It is imperative that the Biden-Harris administration continues to protect American manufacturing jobs. Moreover, we must prioritize the industries at home rather than allow subsidized foreign aluminum imports to flood U.S. markets and shatter local economies. Whether aluminum, steel or other essential U.S. industries, these good-paying manufacturing jobs are vital pathways to the middle class for Blacks in South Carolina and across the country. Black voters in my state were critical in helping Biden clinch the Democratic nomination and become the next president, so it is only right for Black communities that have suffered considerably to be at the center of the economic recovery efforts. As we get ready to hear President Biden address the American people at his first town-hall Tuesday evening, I am hopeful that he will work to unite and redeem the soul of our nation. But redemption must start with protecting and preserving good-paying middle-class manufacturing jobs. It starts by protecting Black workers through equitable Building Back Better policies and promoting an inclusive economy where we all can contribute and thrive. Villa del Palmar Luxury Beach Resort & Spa TAFER is one of the first in Mexico to offer up to 14 nights complimentary room only accommodation through March 31, 2021. As of January 7, 2021, the Canadian Government requires all air travelers flying to Canada (aged 5 & up) to present a negative COVID-19 test and as of January 26th, 2021 the CDC requires all air travelers (aged 2 & up) entering the United States to present a negative COVID-19 test. The tests must be administered no earlier than three days (72 hours) prior to departure. Considering these new testing requirements imposed by Canada, the US, and other countries, TAFER Hotels & Resorts (TAFER) is committed to ensuring that our guests continue to enjoy worry-free vacations and we are facilitating on-site testing from an authorized laboratory. Guests staying at any of the TAFER brands resorts can obtain a COVID-19 test directly at the resort during their stay. For travelers flying into the US, they must show proof of a viral test. NAAT or antigen tests both qualify. For travelers bound for Canada, a molecular test must be performed such as LAMP or PCR tests. Both the antigen and PCR tests will be administered at TAFERs resorts by a certified laboratory. We are offering complimentary antigen testing. For guests who require PCR test, it will be available for the discounted rate of $150 USD. We guarantee that the laboratory results will be ready prior to check-out. For guests who test positive, TAFER is one of the first in Mexico to offer up to 14 nights complimentary room only accommodation through March 31, 2021. Guests will be required to follow a set of guidelines for their safe quarantine and will be responsible for covering the cost of their food, beverages and incidentals while quarantined in their luxury suite. They will also have access to an on-site doctor if any further medical attention is needed. In addition to providing on-site COVID testing and medical care, TAFER has enhanced its cleaning and sanitization protocols complying with international standards to ensure guest safety. All public spaces and high touch areas are regularly sanitized with hospital grade disinfectant. All rooms are thoroughly sanitized and inspected by the Housekeeping Manager. Social distancing is encouraged and the use of face masks is mandatory for all staff and recommended for guests. Antibacterial gel dispensers have been placed at key areas around the resort and access to the gym and spa is available by appointment only with controlled capacity. Leading the way for guest comfort and safety while traveling during this unprecedented time, we are making every effort to ensure that our guests will have everything they need for an extraordinary vacation and a seamless departure. For more information, please contact us at 1- 877-205-1410. About TAFER Hotels & Resorts TAFER Hotels & Resorts is on the leading edge of luxury vacation experiences specializing in vacation ownership, real estate, marketing, and concept design. TAFERs collection of high-end contemporary resorts includes: Villa del Palmar Cancun Beach Resort & Spa, Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun, Hotel Mousai in Puerto Vallarta, Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos, Sierra Lago Resort & Spa in Mascota, Sian Ka'an Village in the Sian Kaan Biosphere. TAFERs overall mission is to merge excellence, quality and creativity to provide the finest luxury escapes in Mexico. Located within the grounds of five-star hotels and exclusive nature preserves, guests have the option of staying in junior suites, master suites, luxury lofts, and chic penthouses for an exceptional rendezvous with elegance. Expansive balconies, bubbling Jacuzzis, and luxury privileges await each distinguished guest in paradise. Social Media: TW:/TaferResorts FB:/TAFERHotelsResorts/ IG:/taferresorts/ Linkedin:/company/tafer-hotels-resorts BOSTON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickerson, a full-service branding, marketing, and PR and communications agency, announced today its receipt of a Stevie Award, Bronze for "Communications or PR Campaign of the Year Covid-19 Related Information". The award is in recognition of Nickerson's creative public relations campaign, "Open for Business", for Stillwater Restaurant and Food Network's Chopped Gold Medal Games Champion Chef Sarah Wade. Located close to South Station in Boston's Financial District, Stillwater serves comfort food with a twist along with fancified classics and fresh cocktails. Stillwater ranked number 7 on Boston Magazine's top 15 new restaurants list in 2019. Nickerson's "Open for Business" campaign was designed to position Stillwater as THE place to go for takeout in Boston, establishing Chef Wade as a resource for "comfort food" that people could count on while also providing an expert voice for local restaurants. Nickerson also positioned Wade as a shining example of a restaurant owner doing whatever she could to remain successful by serving those around her amid the shutdown. "When the pandemic started, we doubled down to meet the needs of our client/partners, always working to meet their goals, as a true extension of their team," stated Lisa Nickerson, CEO and Founder at Nickerson. "While other restaurants were trying to figure out how to stay afloat, Chef Wade inspired our team with her determination and hustle. It was our privilege to support Chef Wade with such a successful PR campaign and we're thrilled that the Stevie Awards judges recognized our team's efforts. Just prior to the Covid-19 crisis, Stillwater was enjoying its first year in business. Nickerson had orchestrated the successful launch having secured numerous key press hits in addition to their being named Top New Restaurant in Boston. When word of a lockdown began, Stillwater changed their business model and Nickerson pivoted their communications strategy. from March to December of 2020, Nickerson secured more than 40 top-tier press hits in local and national media for Stillwater and Chef Wade, including numerous television appearances, a full page cover picture and feature in the Boston Business Journal, along with stories in Eater, Boston Globe, Thrillist, Boston Magazine, and Forbes. The full list of secured hits for the Stillwater "Open for Business" campaign can be found on the Nickerson website via an ongoing blog post, Stillwater Runs Deep. "What stood out about Nickerson's submission for this campaign was its total reach and multiple different angles that were deployed to garner great media exposure for Stillwater and Chef Wade", said the Stevie Awards Judges Panel. "It is clear the agency was thoughtful, put passion into the project, and was committed to building a long-term relationship with Chef Wade." Nickerson's "Open for Business" strategic PR campaign for Stillwater was the brainchild of Nickerson founder and CEO, Lisa Nickerson. Execution of the campaign was led by veteran media maven, Rina Peselman. With a 15-year background in hospitality and restaurant PR, Rina is recognized and respected for her expertise and extensive network of media and industry contacts. For the Stillwater campaign, Rina leveraged her longstanding relationships with TV, print, and online media, as well as influencers and bloggers, to make the campaign a success. The Stevie Award, Bronze for 2020 "Communications or PR Campaign of the Year Covid-19 Related Information" continues Nickerson's reputation for providing client/partners with outstanding, award-winning work in PR, communications, marketing and branding. About Nickerson Nickerson is a full-service branding, marketing, PR and communications agency with team members in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and Miami. Utilizing our unique blend of communications, marketing & strategic planning, creative services, and risk & reputation management, we elevate the experiential journey, serving as a trusted, global partner to elite, forward-thinking brands. Nickerson was named PRDaily's 2019 Digital Marketing & Social Media Award winner for Crisis Communications/Reputation Management and was a finalist for PRWeek's 2020 Best in Crisis award. For more info visit nickersoncos.com. SOURCE NickersonPR Related Links www.nickersoncos.com This file photo shows an ad for LG's Velvet smartphone model. Yonhap By Kim Bo-eun A Russian sovereign fund is approaching LG Electronics with the aim of possibly acquiring its mobile business after LG earlier clarified that it was "leaving all possibilities open" for its money-losing mobile phone plants amid continued disastrous sales. Reports said Tuesday the sovereign wealth fund officials from Russia are set to meet LG Electronics managements on the sidelines of their visit to Seoul as early as next week. The planned visit by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) would primarily touch on the latest updates of South Korea manufacturing its somewhat controversial COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. LG Electronics' shares closed at 172,500 won, Tuesday, up 4.55 percent from the previous day as the reports fueled optimism that a sale would be in the offing. Regarding the specifics of the meeting, LG has reiterated its earlier position, saying, "We do not know of the meeting. Nothing has changed since the CEO's statement." Industry sources said RDIF appears to be interested in making an investment, and raised the possibility of LG's mobile business being acquired via a third party, possibly another Korean firm. The chances are quite low for RDIF to take over all of LG Electronics mobile phone facilities as Vietnam's Vingroup has been taking bold steps to acquire LG's plants in that country. LG Electronics hasn't outlined any options under consideration or a detailed timeline for a decision; but analysts say it has dropped a plan to downsize the mobile business because top management has agreed to sell off the unit. However, this doesn't include a plan to sell LG's mobile patents. "RDIF's approach to LG Electronics is good for LG in terms of helping it raise the selling price. But it appears there is still a high likelihood that Vingroup will acquire all of LG's mobile business," a senior industry official said. "LG's production base in Vietnam and Brazil will be appealing for Vingroup which is seeking to increase its market share in mid- to low-price phones." Vingroup is Vietnam's largest listed firm focusing on real estate development and retail. It has a subsidiary in the smartphone business, VinSmart. Both VinSmart and LG have a smartphone production base in Vietnam's industrial city of Haiphong. The firm's issuing of $300 million in bonds to drive its automotive and smartphone units according to the company has also raised speculation that this could be a step toward taking over LG's mobile business. The industry officials said even if the meeting between RDIF and LG were to take place, this would be for the former to check on LG's intellectual property including tech- and design-oriented patents. Facebook is cited as a possible candidate to acquire LG Electronics' mobile intellectual property. Facebook earlier joined with Taiwan's HTC to release the Facebook Phone, though the mobile device failed to impress. An additional view is that German car manufacturer Volkswagen may be interested in LG's mobile plants as a means to strengthen its connected car business. The two formerly engaged in joint R&D in connected car service platforms. LG's mobile business has posted 23 consecutive quarters of operating losses since the second quarter of 2015, totaling 5 trillion won as of the end of last year. LG sold just 24.7 million smartphones globally last year, taking up 2 percent of sales as the ninth-largest player in the market, according to market tracker Counterpoint Research. LG's mobile division employs over 3,000 full-time and part-time workers. Christina Agnew, Stellar Solutions Senior Systems Engineer By bringing her insights and experience as a successful systems engineer and Air Force Reservist to the community, Christina Agnew serves as a leader and role model for careers in military and scientific realms. -- Stellar Solutions CEO Michael Lencioni Christina Agnew, Senior Systems Engineer at Stellar Solutions, a global aerospace and systems engineering leader, has been awarded the National Medal of Merit by the Air Force Association (AFA). Agnew received the honor based upon her exceptional volunteer services in building a community-wide initiative to support members of the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and their families in the Los Angeles region. With many veterans in our leadership ranks, we at Stellar Solutions are enormously proud of Christina Agnews passionate dedication to the professional advancement and recognition of Air Force and Space Force personnel and their families. By bringing her insights and experience as a successful systems engineer and Air Force Reservist to the community, she also serves as a leader and role model for careers in military and scientific realms, said Stellar Solutions CEO Michael Lencioni. A Major in the Air Force Reserves, Agnew joined the AFA Schriever Chapter 147 Los Angeles in 2014 following nine years of active duty. She spearheaded the Schriever Wall of Honor to recognize the foundational pioneers of military space and organized an event celebrating the inaugural wall unveiling on the 60th SMC anniversary. This drew people from across the country and dignitaries such as then Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti. Agnew regularly tutors high school students, speaks at STEM events and mentors aspiring Air Force candidates. She joined Stellar Solutions in 2016, where she serves as a senior systems engineer guiding the U.S. Space Force launch, satellite, and ground systems through development and into operations. In 2018, she was named Chair of the Schriever Chapters Airman and Family Support Committee. There she forged partnerships with base organizations reaching senior and rising officers and enlisted service people and civilians, with the goal of advancing AFA member mentorship, leadership recognition, family support and team morale events. Immediate Past President of the General Bernard A. Schriever Chapter Arnie Streland said, in nominating her, that Agnew advanced a model program, supporting the entire breadth, officer, airman and civilian, of the 6000 person Space and Missile Systems Center family. Along with a successful career at Stellar Solutions, Agnew has advocated for Air Force service people in Congress, writing a point paper for Congress on how to solve budgetary inequities facing Air Force Active Duty members seeking to join the Reserves. Agnew is currently serving as the Deputy Chief, Integration Division, Space Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition where she was awarded the 2020 Reserve Field Grade Officer of the Year. She received her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy (Distinguished Graduate), and a Masters of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (Top Graduate) at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, and an MS in Military Operational Art and Science (Highest Academic Distinction). The mission of the AFA is to "promote dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support our Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect our enduring Heritage." About Stellar Solutions, Inc. Stellar Solutions is a global aerospace and systems engineering services provider to commercial, defense, intelligence, civil and international sectors. Stellar Solutions provides rapid-response capabilities related to global surveillance and cyber-security, space exploration, risk management, and technology optimization. These solutions to clients critical needs involve satellites in space, sensors on Earth, and intricate technology connections across multiple frontiers. With physical operations in California, Colorado, the greater Washington DC area, London and France as well as employees throughout the U.S. and the globe, Stellar Solutions has become a recognized leader in delivering end-to-end critical expertise and problem-solving skills to dozens of significant programs. QuakeFinder, Stellar Solutions humanitarian R&D division, pursues earthquake prediction models. http://www.stellarsolutions.com The North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) announced today that it is hosting a building ventilation symposium titled Lets Clear The Air: Ventilation, High Performance, and Passive House, to be held online, Wednesday, March 10, at 2 - 5:30 PM EST. The symposium will gather experts in building ventilation and the application of Passive House high-performance targets. In designing and building high-performance buildings, ventilation is often an underappreciated component. The pandemic has made the health implications of good ventilation more obvious but the energy impact remains largely obscured. Yet when we target radical whole-building energy efficiency, ventilation energy impacts become significant and obvious. The Passive House Institute has helped lead the effort to advance ventilation testing, protocols and certification of components to ensure that high-quality ventilation is a core solution of high-performance building outcomes. Why does the Passive House methodology demand certain testing and how did we get here? Whats next? What are the implications for whole building systems design and long-term performance? This symposium tackles these questions, providing a common frame of reference, greater clarity and shared understanding, in the pursuit of growing high-performance building and Passive House markets. We are excited to host this important symposium event, said NAPHN Executive Director, Ken Levenson. As we push toward more robust health, efficiency and climate outcomes in our built environment, more questions arise - from professional practitioners and industry players. This event is meant to answer many of those questions and provide a baseline to help move the American building industry forward toward our zero-carbon emissions future . As carbon emissions goals tighten, efficiency demands grow, and Passive House performance levels are normalized, this focus on ventilation performance is an opportunity for the ventilation industry around the world and in the US. If component testing outputs can provide Passive House modeling data inputs, and products can meet Passive House targets, there is an emerging high-performance global market that can be served to the benefit of everyone. Find out more information and register for the event at https://naphnetwork.org/events/ventilation-symposium/ # # # About NAPHN: The North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) is an independent national non-profit educational organization affiliated with the International Passive House Association (iPHA) and the Passive House Institute (PHI), located in Darmstadt, Germany. NAPHN has chapters based in New Jersey (http://www.njpassivehouse.com), Washington DC (http://www.naphnetwork.org), the Rocky Mountain Region (http://www.phrockymountains.com), Minnesota (http://www.passivehouseminnesota.org) and Pennsylvania (http://www.passivehousewpa.com). NAPHN supports the widespread adoption of the international Passive House design and construction standards, building science principles and protocols, as a critical response to our climate crisis - providing unparalleled effectiveness in mitigating climate disruptions and adapting to rapidly changing environmental conditions. NAPHN is focused on the inflection point between policy and implementation. We partner with leading stakeholders across all building sectors, including governments, professional associations, manufacturers, owners, builders, labor organizations, and educational institutions to make the transformation complete. http://www.naphnetwork.org About Passive House: Passive House is an international building standard and methodology, applicable to buildings of all kinds from office buildings to hospitals, new-build and renovations, that results in a dramatic drop in operational energy use, and more comfortable and healthy occupants - meant to aggressively mitigate our climate crisis while providing resilient adaptation. The Passive House Standard was developed by the Passive House Institute (PHI), an independent scientific research organization, located in Darmstadt, Germany, and includes specific requirements for energy use and comfort of occupants. The Passive House Standard is being successfully applied to thousands of buildings and millions of square feet around the world, from Boston to Beijing. The Passive House methodology starts with reducing cooling, dehumidification and heating loads by focusing, not on gadgets and active technology, but instead on fully integrated durable passive building components, such as proper continuous thermal-bridge-free insulation, continuous airtightness, high-performance windows and doors, and ventilation that includes a high-efficiency heat/energy recovery core, carefully calculated, and all integrated with the entire architectural process of design and construction. http://www.passivehouse.com http://www.passipedia.org View an Introduction to Passive house video: https://youtu.be/G1u5q8IbCak Not sure what Passive House means? Watch this video: https://youtu.be/fy9nnso306o Today, much like last year, Guam wont be collectively gathering to thank and honor the troops who never came home. But that doesnt mean this Read more Eastern Uttar Pradesh, which has remained neglected for decades, has got a fresh boost in the form of an agriculture-based Centre of Excellence that aims to provide employment to over 25,000 people every year from 2023 as part of Prime Minister Naren Image Source: IANS News Eastern Uttar Pradesh, which has remained neglected for decades, has got a fresh boost in the form of an agriculture-based Centre of Excellence that aims to provide employment to over 25,000 people every year from 2023 as part of Prime Minister Naren Image Source: IANS News Eastern Uttar Pradesh, which has remained neglected for decades, has got a fresh boost in the form of an agriculture-based Centre of Excellence that aims to provide employment to over 25,000 people every year from 2023 as part of Prime Minister Naren Image Source: IANS News Ghazipur, Feb 16 : Eastern Uttar Pradesh, which has remained neglected for decades, has got a fresh boost in the form of an agriculture-based Centre of Excellence that aims to provide employment to over 25,000 people every year from 2023 as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) campaign. On Tuesday afternoon, the foundation stone for the Centre of Excellence was laid by Sanjay Rai, in the presence of seer Shankracharya, Uttar Pradesh ministers Surya Pratap Shahi, Upender Tiwari and BJP Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwari in Ghazipur's Sahedi area. In a candid interview to IANS on the sidelines of the event, Rai said, "Mahatma Gandhi, Madan Mohan Malviya and Swami Vivekananad always emphasised on Gram Swaraj. They always talked about improving the employment opportunity in rural areas so that the economy of the villages improves." He said, "It is the reason why I decided to come up with the idea of Centre of Excellence that will provide skill training to youths and ensure employment to them in their hometowns." Rai, who is former Managing Director of Kandla Energy and Chemical Limited and Rai Corporation, choose his ancestral district to kick off one of Prime Minister Modi's ambitious 'Skill India' campaigns. Rai has earlier also built agriculture incubator centre at Delhi Riding Club. Stressing that Ghazipur has around 4.26 lakh unemployed youth, and the district lacks proper training to youth and farmers which results in less opportunities for the farmers. He said that the Centre of Excellence focuses on providing quality training to people in the district. "We have formed four verticals for agriculture -- integrated agriculture, diversified agriculture, animal husbandry and the schemes of the centre for street vendors. He said that about 93 per cent of youth vouch for a government job, which is quite tough to achieve. "In the last few years the dynamics of the industry has changed. We have seen the emergence of the e-commerce players. Agriculture products which were earlier sold on streets have now reached malls. So there are plenty of jobs like for inventory management, store management, delivery boys and many others. So we have come here to provide opportunities to the youth," he said. Rai stressed that he aims to provide employment to the youth after identifying their skills. He said that if one opts for agriculture, then the Centre will provide him training, seeds, irrigation system, crop protection. He said "we talk of providing solutions from field to fork, which means that we will provide harvesting technology, segregate the produce, we will provide packing and delivery to the customers. And this will help in providing more opportunities to youths." When asked how many youths will be given employment opportunities, Rai said that it will work in a "bell" curve. "It will work slow in first year, this year we aim to provide opportunity to 200 youth which will convert to 2,000 next year and to 20,000 in third year. And our Centre of Excellence has capacity to provide employment to 25,000 people every year," Rai said. To a question, if he plans to bring similar Centres of Excellence in other parts of the country, he said, "We have decided to run the centre here in Ghazipur for 1,000 days. After the success of this centre we will take it to other parts of the country." "We are saying 1,000 days so that we can work on the challenges and after it is successful, I will hand it over to the Prime Minister," he said. To a question, if there will be any fees charged from the youth, he said that there is no fee involved in this. Sharing the model, he said, "Those who are coming for training will not be paid any kind of salary. And while learning at the Centre of Excellence they will be working here and the products made by them will be sold in the market for the earning." Talking about introducing the new street carts for the vendors, Rai said, "We have come up with modern street carts, which are not only well equipped but also ensure proper hygiene. In the next six months we plan to introduce such street carts in Ghazipur." He said that the work for building the centre will be completed by September this year. (Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in) Latest Funding Led by Lightspeed Venture Partners Accelerates Global Adoption of Leading Platform, Empowering Modern Data Teams to Deliver Analytics-Ready Data DENVER and MANCHESTER, England, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Matillion , the leading cloud data integration platform, today announced $100M in Series D funding, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with participation from Battery Ventures, Sapphire Ventures, Scale Venture Partners with financing from Silicon Valley Bank UK Branch*. The funding will fuel the company's growth, as it meets exploding demand for cloud data integration for global enterprise organizations such as Amazon, Siemens, Subway, Novartis, Slack, and Accenture. Matillion solves a key challenge for the enterprise, helping them overcome the struggle to capture and innovate with data to quickly unlock the insights they need. A recent MarketPulse survey by IDG and Matillion found data teams spend nearly half their time preparing data for analytics. Matillion's cloud-native platform enables enterprise organizations to transform raw data into the refined, analytics-ready data required to support business intelligence, visualization, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The company's data integration platform accelerates time to value with cloud data platforms, such as Snowflake, Amazon Redshift, and Databricks, by delivering powerful and easy-to-use low-code/no-code solutions for a wide range of data professionals. "Modern data teams are facing an influx of data from across the enterprise, while under immense pressure to rapidly deliver the actionable insights required to compete in today's digital economy," said Matthew Scullion, CEO of Matillion. "Simply put, Matillion makes data useful. Matillion accelerates the value of today's cloud data platforms, ensuring that data teams can work smarter and faster. We look forward to our next phase of growth, as we empower more enterprise customers with efficient, affordable and flexible solutions that turn data into their most strategic asset." Matillion's low-code and no-code platforms allow for the democratization of data innovation inside hundreds of mid-to large-size enterprises across the globe. Matillion has increased productivity and improved time-to-insights for its customers: Cisco Cloud Security saw an 84% reduction in ETL application spend Slack reduced the time needed to create critical revenue metrics from up to 6 hours to just 30 minutes, using Matillion ETL and Snowflake DocuSign reduced the time required for long-running jobs from over 22 hours to just 6 hours Uberflip reduced data prep from five weeks to one day, achieving near real-time product data analysis with Matillion ETL for Snowflake "The public cloud market provides enterprises with an enormous opportunity to make data-driven decisions through near-instant access to insights. Snowflake's Data Cloud and Matillion's platform are trusted to support enterprises in cloud modernization projects that enable data innovation and unlock data access," said Colleen Kapase, VP of Worldwide Partners and Alliance at Snowflake. "Matillion is a key component of the modern cloud data tech stack, helping businesses to quickly load and transform their data using the full power of elastic cloud compute." "Matillion has emerged as a preferred choice for enterprise cloud ETL and ELT solutions. While legacy providers are failing in a cloud-first world, Matillion has accelerated the broader enterprise cloud migration trend and redefined the standard for modern data integration and transformation," said Rytis Vitkauskas, Partner at Lightspeed. "Today, for every five dollars spent on cloud warehousing, companies also spend on average a dollar on cloud-first ETL, creating what effectively is a new $10B+ market. We're proud to lead Matillion's Series D and partner with Matthew and his team as they continue to scale and deliver rapid returns on cloud investments for global enterprises." Matillion was recognized in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools and named a Top Rated Data Integration Tool in 2020 for the second year in a row by TrustRadius, based on unbiased customers' user satisfaction scores. In 2020, it increased the investment in enterprise product and engineering, extended support for the Snowflake user community with Matillion ETL and Matillion Data Loader on Partner Connect , and launched Matillion ETL for Azure Synapse , and Matillion ETL for Databricks . In recent months, the company has continued to expand its executive team with the addition of key customer-focused roles including Chief Customer Officer Shannah Van Winkle , and Chief Product Officer Ciaran Dynes as well as Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Paqvalen and Chief Revenue Officer Barrett Foster . For further data transformation industry updates and perspectives, follow Matillion on Twitter @Matillion and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/matillion-limited/ . Learn more about the success Matillion customers have achieved at https://www.matillion.com/resources/case-studies/ . About Matillion Matillion makes the world's data useful with an easy-to-use, cloud-native data integration and transformation platform. Optimized for modern enterprise data teams, only Matillion is built on native integrations to cloud data platforms such as Snowflake, Delta Lake on Databricks, Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, and Microsoft Azure Synapse to enable new levels of efficiency and productivity across any organization. Learn how Matillion delivers rapid returns on cloud investments for global enterprise customers at www.matillion.com . About Lightspeed Venture Partners Lightspeed Venture Partners is a multi-stage venture capital firm focused on accelerating disruptive innovations and trends in the Enterprise, Consumer, and Health sectors. Over the past two decades, the Lightspeed team has backed hundreds of entrepreneurs and helped build more than 400 companies globally, including Mulesoft, Informatica, Datorama, AppDynamics, Nutanix, Grafana, Snap, Affirm, GrubHub, Personio, and Vinted. Lightspeed and its affiliates currently manage $10.5B across the global Lightspeed platform, with investment professionals and advisors in Silicon Valley, Israel, India, China, Southeast Asia and Europe. www.lsvp.com *Lightspeed Venture Partners and with financing from Silicon Valley Bank UK Branch, join Battery Ventures, Sapphire Ventures, Scale Venture Partners and YFM Equity Partners as investors in Matillion. Contact: matillion@inkhouse.com, 508-423-8843 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/775068/Matillion_Logo.jpg ABL is preparing for an initial flight of its RS1 launch vehicle, capable of lofting 1,350 kg to Low Earth Orbit, in the first half of 2021. "L2 Solutions is proud to partner with ABL Space on their inaugural launch of the RS1. The RS1 launch system offers robust and resilient capabilities, which complements L2's fully integrated and end-to-end mission assurance services," said Jim Royston, CEO of L2. "This is a significant milestone, as the RS1 will send two of L2 Solutions' internally developed communications payloads into orbit, demonstrating a unique communications and network architecture, test cyber security applications, and validate the first instantiation of L2's commercial Orbital Test Range." The integration and deployment of these spacecraft will demonstrate new technology on orbit and on the ground. L2's satellites will provide infrastructure to rapidly test new technology and support new concepts for training scenarios. On the ground, ABL's GS0 mobile launch system, a fully containerized, deployable system will demonstrate the rapid capabilities and minimal infrastructure needed to launch RS1. About ABL Space Systems ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 to develop low-cost launch vehicles and launch systems for the small satellite industry. ABL is headquartered in El Segundo, California, U.S. To learn more, visit www.ablspacesystems.com. About L2 Solutions L2 Solutions provides end-to-end, vertically integrated mission assurance capabilities to meet their customers' most challenging problems. L2 has the ability to build, launch, deploy, and operate satellites, offering internally developed intelligent data suite of payloads for communications and earth observation architectures. Their services team delivers tailored capabilities, providing insight and knowledge for any mission set. SOURCE ABL Space Systems Company Related Links https://www.ablspacesystems.com Starbucks Rolls Out Sakura Collection, Opens Store Again In Angola Japan's cherry blossom season is just right around the corner, and worldwide coffee store Starbucks is ensuring it is joining the festivities. It is releasing its newest Sakura drinkware collection tomorrow, February 17th, featuring cherry blossoms on the merchandise. However, it will only be available in Japan. There are 20 items in Starbucks Japan's cherry blossom collection, with 13 various mugs, cups, and tumblers, alongside sakura-inspired ceramic cases, drawstring bags, "furoshiki" wrapping cloth, notebook, and so much more. They range from 600 to 5,000, or from US$6 to US$47. Advertisement Starbucks Japan's collection includes the vertical gradation mug, organic cotton gift bag, stackable ceramic case, pink breath tumbler, gross flowers stainless bottle, and the blue breath tumbler. It also has the white breath stainless bottle, pleats stainless tumbler, shiny flowers bottle with silicone lid, pink breath-to-go stainless cup, aerial handy stainless bottle, and pink heat resistant glass. Furthermore, it also features the white breath mug, pink breath stainless mug, furoshiki, Starbucks mini cup gift, Starbucks scan pass ring notebook in pink or white, white breath beverage card, and the aerial beverage card. There will also be limited edition sakura beverages, the Sakura Fuwari Berry Frappuccino and the Sakura Fuwari Berry Milk Latte. They are infused with sweet strawberries, also to bring in the pink color. Sakura-themed cards are also in the catalog for gifting. In other news, Angola is welcoming back its Starbucks store after over a decade. The store opened on February 15th at 2991 Meijer Drive in the African nation. It is the first standalone Starbucks in Steuben County and one of the few in Northeast Indiana, near Auburn. Angolan customers are eager to try their offerings with Starbucks Angola's drive-thru busy at various times in the morning and afternoon during the opening day. Residents flocked to visit the new store. Advertisement Advertisement Like us and Follow us Follow @Koreaportal and 2021 Korea Portal, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Thank you for tuning in to episode 104 of The CUInsight Experience podcast, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nations premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. My guest today is Sundie Seefried, the President & CEO of Partner Colorado Credit Union. We discuss leadership and her process to innovation and taking risks, and she talks about getting buy-in for big ideas from her board that I think we can all learn from. We also speak about cannabis banking as more and more credit unions explore that space, and as always, we wrap up the show with some rapid-fire questions that will leave you wanting more. Sundie talks about the culture of hiring, promoting, and grooming from within Partner Colorado Credit Union and their program that helps young professionals think strategically. Sundie speaks about starting Safe Harbor Private Banking and the compliance regulations and resolutions they address with cannabis baking. Sundie shares how she started in credit unions, even though she always wanted to be an ice cream lady. She also talks about her inspiration for taking the position as CEO and how that inspiration has changed over time. If Sundie needs to recharge, she loves to draw, oil paint, listen to audiobooks or just sit in a quiet place. We learn Sundie liked to skip classes in high school while still maintaining straight As. Her favorite album of all time is Pink Floyds Dark Side of the moon, and when she hears the word success, the first person who comes to mind is her father. She believes her father knew he had a strong, performed it well, and fulfilled his lifes mission. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Sundie: Sundie Seefried, President & CEO of Partner Colorado Credit Union Sundie@partnercoloradocu.org Partner Colorado Credit Union LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Show notes from this episode: A big shout-out to our friends at PSCU, an amazing sponsor of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Thank you! Take a look at the great things Sundie and her team are doing over at Safe Harbor Private Banking. Shout out: To Sundies husband Shout out: Sundies father Shout out: Jill Nowacki Book mentioned: A Promised Land by Barack Obama Book mentioned: The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout Album mentioned: Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Jill Nowacki (episodes 4, 18, 37, 64, 82 & 101) In This Episode: [02:05] Welcome to the show, Sundie! [03:30] Sundie says she thinks credit unions need to quit thinking about going back to what was and move forward with technology. [05:41] What are you doing to create the bandwidth for creative thinking? [07:32] Sundie speaks about hiring, promoting, and grooming from within and training the younger generation to think strategically. [09:21] Sundie discusses how long it took to implement the training. [10:21] Sundie shares who she surrounds herself with and the fact that she is an extreme introvert. [12:17] Sundie speaks about safe harbor private banking and what it is about. [14:17] Listen as Sundie discusses the compliance issues of dealing with cannabis banking. [16:50] What do you think credit unions need to change to stay relevant in financial services? [19:36] Sundie talks about her board and if they are a risk-taking board and whether she had to educate them before they would take the risk. [22:07] Sundie always wanted to be an ice cream lady, but she settled into a credit unions IT department in Germany. [23:32] Sundie shares the inspiration for taking the CEO position and how that inspiration has changed over the years on the job. [26:03] She discusses how she handles each day with purpose and tries always to do the right thing. [28:54] Good guys finish last is something that Sundie hates to hear. [30:12] When she has a day off to recharge, Sundie oil paints, draws, and listens to audiobooks. [31:11] Sundie shares something she said no to that she is happy she did. [32:24] What were you like in high school and did you get into any memorable trouble? [33:15] Is there a book you think everyone should read? [35:08] Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon is the best album of all time. [35:37] Sundies father is the first person who comes to mind when she hears the word success. [36:39] Sundie shares some final thoughts for the listeners. [37:28] Thank you for listening to the show! Mrs Eunice Jacqueline Buah has been elected as the Council of State Member for the Western Regional. After an unsuccessful Council election last Friday, February 12, which resulted in a tie the election was rescheduled for Monday, February 15. The election supervised by the Electoral Commission, saw Mrs Eunice Jacqueline Buah, a 56-year-old businesswoman who represented the Region in the last Council polled, 24 votes out of the 28 valid votes cast to beat Nana - Bonkyi Akomea who had only four votes. In the Friday election, only three of the five candidates who were on the bill to contest in the election were present. The five, had one female, Mrs Eunice Jacqueline Buah, Mr Ntori-Bonkyi Akomea, 53, self-employed; Mr Daniel Quayson, 65, Finance and Accounting professional, Nana Kwesi, 72, Records and Archival Administrator; and Mr Stephen Herbert Ocran, 68 a Jurist. Mrs Eunice Jacqueline Buah, Nana Ntori-Bonkyi Akomea, 53, had 14 each of the 28 total votes cast while Mr Stephen Herbert Ocran, had zero votes. The Council of State in Ghana is a body of prominent citizens, analogous to the Council of Elders in the traditional political system, which advises the President on national issues. The Council of State was established by Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Children as young as six are being given the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine as part of a new trial to assess the jab's efficacy. Researchers will use 300 child volunteers aged between six and 17 to examine whether the jab - known as the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 - will produce a strong immune response within this age bracket. The trials, which began at Oxford University and its partner sites in London, Southampton and Bristol yesterday, will see 240 get the vaccine and others receive a control meningitis jab. It comes as Clive Dix, who leads the UK Vaccine Taskforce, last night said all adults could be given two doses of the coronavirus vaccine by August or 'maybe sooner' as the Government tries to expand its rollout of the jabs. Yesterday, Sylvia Hobson, 12, who was among the volunteers being recruited for the trials, said she decided to take part in a bid to 'help a little bit'. Sylvia Hobson, 12, was among the volunteers who received the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine yesterday Researchers will test 300 child volunteers aged between six and 17 to examine whether the jab will produce a strong immune response. Pictured: Tilda, 16, receives the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine She told ITV News: 'I really wanted to do it as this virus has been destroying everyone's lives and everyone's just having a really rough time and so if I could help a little bit it would just make it a bit easier.' Sylvia's father James Hobson added that while he had his reservations, the vaccines had already been proven to be safe among thousands of recipients. He said: 'I think as a parent you always have reservations about anything that could potentially be risky but I've been through the clinical trials myself and also the vaccines been given to thousands of people already so it's proven to be safe.' Meanwhile 16-year-old Tilda said receiving the jab was 'better than she thought it would be'. She said: 'It was all fine, better than I thought it would be. We live relatively nearby so when I saw that it was going on here I thought if I can do my bit to help then why not? 'It's relatively quick and easy to get to and if it's an hour or two of the day then I'm happy to do it.' Hannah Robinson, lead clinical delivery nurse of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said assessing the volunteers will enable scientists to examine if the vaccine has a similar immune response in children. She said: 'We want to know that there's a similar immune response so that the children are protected and we want to get more information about the effect of the vaccine.' Last week Andrew Pollard, professor of paediatric infection and immunity, and chief investigator on the Oxford vaccine trial, said: 'While most children are relatively unaffected by coronavirus and are unlikely to become unwell with the infection, it is important to establish the safety and immune response to the vaccine in children and young people as some children may benefit from vaccination. Sylvia's father James Hobson (pictured together) said while he had his reservations, the vaccines had already been proven to be safe Hannah Robinson, lead clinical delivery nurse of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said the trials would allow researchers to see if the vaccine has a similar immune response in children The trials, which began yesterday, will see 240 get the vaccine and others receive a control meningitis jab Adults in the UK could be given two doses of the coronavirus vaccine by August as the Government continues to expand the rollout of jabs. Pictured: A man walks next to a Covid-19 vaccination centre in London 'These new trials will extend our understanding of control of SARS-CoV2 to younger age groups.' Last night Clive Dix, who leads the UK Vaccine Taskforce, said manufacturers were doing a 'brilliant job' and all adults could be offered two Covid jabs by August because supplies are surging. He added: 'We're confident the supply we're going to get will take us to the position where we can vaccinate as many people as the UK wants to vaccinate.' Asked when every adult can expect to have had both doses, he replied: 'We're probably talking August/September time maybe sooner if we need to. We've got to deliver just over 100million doses of vaccine and I believe we should be able to do that.' It emerged yesterday that all over-50s can expect to be offered a jab by the middle of March more than a month ahead of target. Boris Johnson said on Monday that the roll-out would 'accelerate' so everyone in the age group would be offered a shot by the end of April. But sources say that delivery schedules presented to health chiefs show the target could be met 'much sooner'. Pfizer and AstraZeneca are expected to deliver over 21million doses of their vaccines over the next six weeks. Clive Dix, who leads the UK Vaccine Taskforce, said he was confident supplies would not dry up This is enough to protect all 17million in priority groups five to nine, while giving second doses to groups one to four within 12 weeks of the first. Clive Dix told Sky News he was confident supplies would not dry up, adding: 'The ones being rolled off the line at the moment are doing very well. 'Now of course they could have manufacturing problems, like you do with the manufacturing of anything. 'But we've taken the portfolio approach we've got other vaccines that are going to be approved in the very near future. Once they're approved, we've got those as backups. So I'm pretty confident that it's very low risk that we wouldn't have vaccines.' The second stage of the drive includes all over-50s and those with clinical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Deliveries are expected to peak at around 5.7million in the week commencing March 21, when healthcare workers could inoculate over 800,000 people a day. All 32million in the top nine priority groups will have received a first dose by March 24 if the daily average of 435,000 daily jabs is maintained. Only half a million people are due a second shot before then, which will not have a significant impact on slowing the pace. Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, told the Downing Street press conference on Monday there would be a 'pretty substantial ramp-up' of the vaccine programme. He said it would double in pace and could go 'faster', telling the Prime Minister: 'Give us the tools, the vaccines, and we will finish the job.' Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said there would be a 'pretty substantial ramp-up' of the vaccine programme Glasgow resident John Loch, 69, is given the coronavirus jab at the NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital There are signs the UK's coronavirus vaccine roll-out may be slowing after fewer than 280,000 doses were administered yesterday The NHS has offered a jab to all 15million people in the top four priority groups, including all over-70s and health workers, two days ahead of the schedule. A source said: 'Ministers were delighted to have completed the top four priority groups ahead of schedule and don't want to fall at the next hurdle. They have built in plenty of leeway in their new target in case things go wrong but we have confidence in the delivery schedule. 'The idea is to 'under promise and over deliver'. A target of the end of April is a little lacking in ambition and everyone is hopeful it will be achieved much sooner.' Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi yesterday said the UK would take delivery of 'tens of millions' of coronavirus vaccines in March and April. He told BBC Breakfast: 'Supplies are coming online, we have to reserve second doses so that is an additional requirement at the moment where supply is finite. But I see much greater volume in March and April, tens of millions of doses coming through.' Britain has adopted a strategy of delaying second doses in order to vaccinate as many vulnerable people as possible at speed. Last week the World Health Organisation endorsed the policy for the AstraZeneca jab. On January 4, GPs were told to cancel appointments for second doses, which are now to be given 12 weeks after the first. Those vaccinated after December 14 will therefore begin to need second doses from March 8. However, only 1.1million people had been given a first dose by January 4 and just over half a million have already been given a second dose. The pace accelerated from about 44,000 a day at the beginning of January to more than 200,000 on January 12. It comes as No10 was today urged to expand the rollout of Covid vaccines to include all over-50s as soon as there were enough supplies as the country moves through the priority list. Critics suggested that opening up the scheme so anyone in a priority group can get a vaccine as soon as they want one could avoid low uptake in certain groups holding back others. The Adam Smith Institute think-tank urged areas of the country already ahead of the curve to open up the programme to over-50s now. A spokesperson said: 'Each person jabbed represents a life that won't be lost to this terrible disease. We should be trying to ensure jabs reach as many people as possible as quickly as possible. 'If some areas have steamed ahead they should to continue apace, opening up to the over-50s and other cohorts. 'Areas that fall behind should be looking at best practice at home and abroad to increase the vaccination rate, including ringing down lists, using online bookings and social media to reach out if spare doses are available towards the end of the day, targeted outreach to hard to reach demographics. 'Slowing down some parts in the hope others speed up is a false economy and it's one with a high cost in terms of lives potentially saved and taxpayers borrowing to keep the companies going while the economy is closed.' Delegat Group is announcing today the resignation of Managing Director John Freeman. John will remain with Delegat until late March and intends to relocate to Australia with his family. Executive Chairman, Jim Delegat, said: "John has made a significant contribution to the success of Delegat Group as Managing Director over the last three years and prior to that in sales leadership roles since 2005. As Managing Director, John has led Delegat Group to achieve strong growth, with highlights including successful navigation of Covid-19 disruptions and delivering record performance over the past three years. I would like to thank John for the contribution he has made to the long-term success of Delegat Group and wish him and his family all the best for their future endeavours. Delegat Group has a strong and experienced Senior Management team who are well placed to lead the business whilst we undertake a Managing Director recruitment process. Please see the link below for details: DGL - Resignation of Managing Director Source: Delegat Group Limited Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. 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Related News: 31st May 2021 Morning Report The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) Media Reporting Regarding Potential Class Action Synlait Milk Limited (NZX: SML) Forecast Milk Price Update General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Continues on Its Strong Growth Path Third Age Health Services Limited (NZX: TAH) Announces Preliminary Full Year Result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) Better Positioned for Future Growth Green Cross Health Limited (NZX: GXH) Full Year Results to 31 March 2021 28th May 2021 Morning Report Radius Residential Care Limited (NZX: RAD) Announces First FY Results as a Listed Company NZ Automotive Investments Limited (NZX: NZA) Delivers Net Profit Above Guidance for FY21 A midshipman facing expulsion over tweets characterized as inappropriate may not be able to graduate in May from the Naval Academy. Midshipman First Class Chase Standage is currently facing separation from Naval Academy because of a series of approximately 40 tweets from June that the academy leadership criticized as inappropriate and, in some cases, racist. Standage, through attorney and Naval Academy alumnus Jeffrey McFadden, filed a request for a preliminary injunction, which would keep the midshipman at the academy until the federal judge determined if the Naval Academy superintendent and former secretary of the Navy violated Standage's First or Fifth Amendment rights. McFadden argued that Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck and former Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite violated Standage's free speech rights because they are separating him because of opinions they do not like. The government, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Marzullo argued that the military has the right to separate Standage because free speech is limited in the military, based on if it negatively affects good order and discipline in the military. Standage's tweets, which called for use of military force against antifa and classified Breonna Taylor's death as justice, negatively affected his standing and the military's, Marzullo argued in her opposition to the preliminary injunction motion. Federal Judge Ellen Hollander did not rule on the preliminary injunction after a Friday afternoon hearing, and it is unclear how long it might take her to rule on it. She has previously characterized the case as one that keeps judges awake at night, a sentiment she repeated. "I don't know when this case is going to be over, and that's what concerns me," she said Friday. Even if she grants Standage the injunction before the end of May, it would not necessarily allow the midshipman to graduate because it holds the status quo, which would not include his graduation. Standage started graduate school at the University of Maryland in the spring, and his coursework at the academy is finished. However, he still needs to complete some of his military requirements. He may not also be able to graduate if he has unresolved conduct charges. McFadden is not arguing for his client to be allowed to graduate while the case for declarative relief is being hashed out in court, he said during the hearing. Instead, his client would be one of the midshipmen who have a delayed graduation. Standage is also likely to be removed from the academy, as a temporary restraining order preventing the academy leadership from following through with the separation expires Feb. 19. Hollander did not extend the restraining order, Marcia Murphy, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, wrote in an email. If Hollander grants the preliminary injunction, Standage would be able to return to the academy. Braithwaite officially separated Standage in January, one of his last acts as secretary. In expelling the midshipman, he overturned the decision of the assistant secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, who Braithwaite delegated separation power. McFadden, in his preliminary injunction motion and supporting documents, claims this was an unusual practice and one done to advance Braithwaite's political career. Marzullo argued Friday that the former secretary had the right to rescind his delegation. Hollander spent most of the hearing Friday questioning the two sides, as she did during an Oct. 30 hearing in the case. Some of the arguments surrounding the First and Fifth Amendment complaints were rehashed Friday. The focus was on the First Amendment violations because McFadden needed to show Standage faces irreparable harm if he is definitively separated, as well as his client's ability to succeed on his complaints. The irreparable harm, McFadden argued, is Buck and Braithwaite's action chilled Standage's speech and that of any other midshipmen with similar views. Hollander does not condone Standage's speech, she said repeatedly, but she raised concerns that separation was too harsh of a punishment. She questioned Marzullo about why Buck chose not to send Standage to remediation. "But he's 21," Hollander said. "And people who are 21 do dumb things. Are these people you don't try to salvage?" In his decision to separate Standage, Buck wrote that if Standage did not know he should not have tweeted what he did after three years at the academy, then remediation would not be successful. McFadden argued that Standage could not know the standard for social media conduct because it is enforced arbitrarily at the academy. He pointed to tweets from other unpunished midshipmen that compared former President Donald Trump to dictators or Klu Klux Klan members and one that called for Louisville, Kentucky, to be burned down after a grand jury failed to indict officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor. Marzullo argued that Standage received social media training and is taught the Navy core values, which Buck cited in his decision. Under the "Commitment" section of the core values is one that read, "Show respect toward all people without regard to race, religion or gender," which Marzullo pointed out as one Standage may have violated. Marzullo's office declined to comment after the hearing. McFadden did not respond to a call for comment. Hollander did not indicate which way she was leaning by the end of Friday's hearing, telling the attorneys she did not know what her decision would be on what she described as "difficult issues." It is clear that the military does not want Standage, she said, and she is not sure why she should force him into the military. However, she did question the possibility of having the midshipman graduate from the academy without serving. Standage would likely have to repay the academy for his college degree, an amount of at least $175,000, because he would not be able to complete his service requirement if Hollander decides to rule in that way. This article is written by Heather Mongilio from The Capital, Annapolis, Md. and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com. Melvin Banks Sr., founder of largest black-owned Christian publishing company, dies at 86 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Melvin E. Banks Sr., the founder of Urban Ministries, Inc., the largest independent, African American-owned and operated Christian media and publishing company, passed away Saturday. He was 86. Dr. Banks was a revolutionary publisher and giant for the African American church and community, UMI CEO C. Jeffrey Wright said in a statement to The Christian Post. He was the first to create contextualized content that portrayed positive images of African Americans in the Bible. Because of his innovation, UMI has reached millions of Black churches and individuals with the Gospel. Banks was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1934. He became involved with the publishing industry after completing his masters degree at Wheaton College in 1960. After graduation, he took a job at Scripture Press Publishers. During his tenure there, Banks struggled to sell euro-centric Sunday school content to African American churches. In light of that experience, Banks was inspired to create contextual resources for African Americans with imagery and stories unique to their culture, UMI explained in a statement. After a few years at Scripture Press Publishers, Banks left the company to start his own. He launched UMI in 1970 from his Chicago basement. The company grew to serve thousands of churches as it provided Sunday School and Bible study materials for black churches. Some viewed Banks' work as controversial as the company produced Bible study materials that depicted Biblical figures as both black and white to reflect that the Bible is set in the Middle East and North Africa, according to Legacy.com, He included images of young African Americans in the publications. Banks argued that he helped black Christians find more that they could relate to in the Bible. For the first time, they were gaining a sense of esteem by seeing themselves portrayed in the publication, Banks said in a 2017 video. According to Wright, Banks work came when many people were discouraged in the African American community because of the failure of the white evangelical community to come alongside the Civil Rights Movement. The faith that we cling to needed to speak to the problems that people were facing, Banks said in the video. Are you going to be accurate when you talk about what happened in the Bible or keep on perpetuating the idea that everything is euro-centric? Banks also wrote several books and devotionals. He also hosted a two-minute daily podcast called Daily Direction. His pioneering work has been recognized by some evangelical organizations, including the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Banks was presented with the ECPAs inaugural Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Banks also studied at Moody Bible Institute and was named the institutions alumnus of the year in 2008. I would load up my [car] trunk and go from city to city, Banks recalled of his journey in a video feature for the ECPA award. And in that way, we were able to get the word out that we had a new product that we believe could help churches because it was speaking to the issues. The ECPA realized they werent speaking to black Americans as a result of Banks work. He liberated many pastors, churches and young people who were ready to give up on the Christian faith, Rev. Otis Moss III of Chicagos Trinity United Church of Christ explained in the video feature. UMI developed Christian education resources, including Bible studies, Sunday school and vacation Bible school curriculum, websites, magazines, books and videos for its more than 40,000 customers. So many people have been introduced to the life-changing message of Jesus because of Dr. Banks ground-breaking initiatives, UMI Vice President Terri Hannett said. For 50 years, UMI has produced discipleship content that was intellectually rigorous and uniquely relevant for the black experience. Banks planted the Westlawn Gospel Chapel church in Chicago and co-founded the Urban Outreach Foundation to reach pastors, lay leaders and Christian educators through conferences and other resources. According to UMI, he also co-founded Circle Y Ranch, a Christian camp and conference center for urban youth in Chicago. According to a statement from UMI, Banks died from a month-long illness and is survived by his wife, Olive, and their three children. Stanley Long, chairman of the UMI board who describes Banks as one of his closest friends for 50 years, said in a statement that he will miss Banks beyond what words can describe. He and I have shared the same vision and burden for as many years as we have been friends, Long detailed. As board chair, I will invest as much energy as he did to continue the work of UMI in the same direction it has journeyed from its inception, to impact the lives of as many men, women, and children as possible. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 16 : Making its position clear, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday categorically said 'if elected to power in the upcoming Assembly polls, the Congress-led UDF will wind up the operations of the Kerala Bank'. The bank was formally launched by the Chief Minister in a function held in the state capital in 2019. The Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government had made it very clear right from the time they assumed office in 2016 that the Kerala Bank would be formed by merging 14 district cooperative banks with the Kerala State Cooperative Bank (KSCB) and it would be named as Kerala Bank. Earlier, the Cooperative banks in the state had a three-tier structure with the primary banks at the grassroots level which were attached to the respective district banks and the apex body was the KSCB. This changed after Vijayan launched the Kerala Bank. Speaking to the media at his hometown in Alappuzha as part of his statewide yatra, Chennithala said the present Kerala Bank was an illegal entity and even the Reserve Bank of India had made its position clear on it. "The once fledgling Cooperative banking sector in the state has been destroyed in the name of the Kerala Bank. If we return to power, the Kerala Bank will be wound up," said Chennithala. Chennithala's statement comes a day after the Kerala High Court acting on a petition from a Kottayam resident stating that the Kerala government was on the sly trying to regularise the appointment of 1,850 temporary employees working in various posts in Kerala Bank, stayed this move of the Pinarayi Vijayan government. Right from the inception and during the formation of the Kerala Bank, the Congress-led UDF has been opposing the move. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Clip was taken by Chris Fitzmorris, owner of Fitz's Plumbing and Repair Services Terrifying video shows electricity surging across a frozen power line in Louisiana amid a historic winter storm raging across the state. The region has experienced power outages due to the extreme weather, with over 10,000 people reported to be without power in Jefferson Parish. The winter storm took down multiple power lines near the intersection of West Esplanade and Power Boulevard, according to Jefferson Parish officials. The footage taken on Monday morning looks almost other-worldly as the bolt of power can be seen moving back and forth along electrical lines in Kenner, the largest city in Jefferson Parish. The incredible clip was taken by Chris Fitzmorris, owner of Fitz's Plumbing and Repair Services. Terrifying video shows electricity surging across a frozen power line in Louisiana amid a historic winter storm raging across the state The phenomenon occurred after a transformer went down, causing the electric surge to occur near the power outage. Traffic was shut down around the intersection while Entergy works to repair a transformer. Across Louisiana, an estimated 58,000 people are without power as the state is ravaged by icy winter storms. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Those without power are advised to keep heat in their homes by closing any blinds or curtains or putting blankets or towels up to cover windows and provide insulation. The footage taken on Monday morning looks almost other-worldly as the bolt of power can be seen moving back and forth along electrical lines in Kenner, the largest city in Jefferson Parish Arctic weather that already killed 10 people and left millions without power across the country is set to continue into Tuesday, after dumping deep snow and bringing perilous conditions across swathes of the country. The NWS warned of an 'unprecedented and expansive area of hazardous winter weather' from coast to coast, with more than 150 million Americans under winter weather advisories. 'Hundreds of daily low maximum and minimum temperatures have been broken during this prolonged 'polar plunge,' with some February and even all-time low temperature records in jeopardy,' it said. The grim conditions particularly afflicted regions unaccustomed to snow and sleet. PowerOutage.US reported more than 2.7 million people were without power in Texas, where temperatures in the major metropolis of Houston dipped to 16 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius), well below average February lows of 34. A number of deaths were linked to the bad weather, and authorities urged residents to exercise caution in navigating the perilous conditions. 'We did not make it through almost a year of a pandemic to lose people to a snow or ice storm,' said Governor Andrew Beshear of Kentucky, where CBS reported a man had died after icy weather caused him to lose control of his vehicle and crash. A map from poweroutage.us showed that nearly 5 million people were without power in Texas, and several hundred thousand in Louisiana and Oregon The storm has caused havoc in parts of Texas, including a 100-car pile-up on Interstate 35 near Fort Worth that killed at least six people last week. Authorities in Louisiana confirmed that a 50-year-old man died in Lafayette on Monday - the deep southern state's first death linked to the bad weather. And a young boy died on Sunday after falling into an icy pond in Tennessee, local media quoted police as saying. People try to free their cars from the snow in Waco on Monday after record snowfall blanketed the state and caused rolling blackouts Vehicles drive on snow and sleet covered roads Monday, February 15, in Spring, Texas A separate storm front was due to hit the northeastern Great Lakes region, with New York governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday ordering emergency services to prepare for sleet, ice and freezing rain. 'This massive weather system is making its way across the country and ready to deliver a one-two punch of snow, ice and heavy winds across the entire state for the next two days,' he said in a statement. Extreme weather is also set to hit even further south, with the NWS warning 'severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and warm temperatures are expected for southern Georgia and Florida'. President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Texas on Sunday, providing federal assistance to supplement state relief efforts. Weather-related emergencies have also been declared in Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Mississippi and Oregon - where more than 300,000 people were without power. CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), a market operator and global trading solutions provider, today announced plans to enable its electronic auction mechanism to further serve market participants trading S&P 500 Index options (SPX) and S&P 500 Index WeeklysSM options (SPXW) on Cboe Options Exchange, beginning Monday, February 22. Striving to meet the growing demand from sophisticated retail investors seeking to trade smaller-sized orders, Cboe plans to activate its electronic crossing auction functionality, AIM (Automated Improvement Mechanism), for SPX and SPXW options during regular trading hours for trades up to a maximum size of 10 contracts. Cboe's AIM auctions are currently enabled for trading in various other options classes and can be particularly valuable in providing participants with access to negotiated liquidity that is generally available in open-outcry trading. The auctions are expected to offer additional opportunities for price improvement throughout the trading day, leading to an opportunity for enhanced execution quality. Arianne Criqui, Senior Vice President and Head of Derivatives and Global Client Services at Cboe Global Markets, said: "The momentum of the retail investor is real, and we are pleased to further expand our SPX functionality to help meet this growing demand. On average, order sizes in the options industry are trending smaller, and enabling AIM for small orders in our SPX products, much like offering a mini SPX options (XSP) contract at 1/10th the size, will afford institutions and sophisticated retail investors with enhanced functionality and flexibility to execute their SPX trades. We expect that AIM will add another powerful electronic solution that is complementary to our open-outcry trading and help contribute to an even deeper and more liquid SPX options market." Cboe Options Exchange, a hybrid trading model that incorporates open-outcry and electronic trading features, currently offers AIM as an electronic crossing auction for market participants to execute orders, in addition to crossing executions that occur on the trading floor. AIM auctions are designed to allow participants to broadcast their orders on the Exchange for price improvement opportunities over the current market price, and to trade their orders against specified contra parties or other participants responding to the auction thereby potentially enhancing execution rates and quality. The AIM functionality is also currently available for SPX options trading in Cboe's global trading hours session. The S&P 500 Index is recognized worldwide as one of the premier benchmarks for the U.S. stock market's performance. Cboe offers a diverse range of SPX options products that provide investors with the tools to gain efficient exposure to the U.S. equity market and execute risk management, hedging, asset allocation and income generation strategies. Listed exclusively on Cboe Options Exchange, SPX options are among the most actively traded cash-settled equity index options listed in the U.S. For 2020, total volume for all SPX options was more than 312.9 million contracts, with average daily volume of approximately 1.2 million contracts. For more information on Cboe's suite SPX options products, visit the website. About Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE) provides cutting-edge trading and investment solutions to market participants around the world. The company is committed to defining markets through product innovation, leading edge technology and seamless trading solutions. The company offers trading across a diverse range of products in multiple asset classes and geographies, including options, futures, U.S., Canadian and European equities, exchange-traded products (ETPs), global foreign exchange (FX) and volatility products based on the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX Index), recognized as the world's premier gauge of U.S. equity market volatility. Cboe's subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In addition, the company operates one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe, and owns EuroCCP, a leading pan-European equities clearing house. Cboe also is a leading market globally for ETP listings and trading. The company is headquartered in Chicago with a network of domestic and global offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia, including main hubs in New York, London, Kansas City and Amsterdam. For more information, visit www.cboe.com. CBOE-OE CBOE-O Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks and WeeklysSM is a service mark of Cboe Exchange, Inc. Standard & Poor's, S&P, S&P 500, and SPX are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC, and have been licensed for use by Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates do not recommend or make any representation as to possible benefits from any securities, futures or investments, or third-party products or services. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. is not affiliated with S&P. Investors should undertake their own due diligence regarding their securities, futures and investment practices. This press release speaks only as of this date. Cboe disclaims any duty to update the information herein. Nothing in this announcement should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell any securities or futures in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction. Nothing contained in this communication constitutes tax, legal or investment advice. Investors must consult their tax adviser or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, make no warranty, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, any warranties as of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, completeness or timeliness, the results to be obtained by recipients of the products and services described herein, or as to the ability of the S&P 500 indexes to track the performance of the general market or any segment thereof, and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies or errors. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates have not calculated, composed or determined the constituents or weightings of the securities that comprise the S&P 500 indexes and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies or errors. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Related Links http://www.cboe.com BitIRA: "World's Most Secure Digital IRA" If your assets are hacked, or robbed, or defrauded, you will be made whole. Because saving for retirement can be stressful enough on its own. We wanted to give our customers peace of mind. BitIRA pioneer of the first insured cold storage solution for cryptocurrency retirement accounts has engaged a panel of London insurance companies to offer dollar-for-dollar insurance on customers digital currencies. On the back of its customers' retirement accounts growing an incredible 297% in 2020, Jeremy Warner, Head of Sales at BitIRA, explained the company wanted to do its utmost to protect its customers. We looked into upgrading our insurance options and what we found really surprised us, Warner explained. So we chose to move to the kind of coverage wed want for our own savings: dollar-for-dollar insurance. Why Does Dollar-for-Dollar Insurance Matter? A recent survey of BitIRAs crypto IRA competitors turned up the following insurance policies: In several cases, $0 insurance $100 million $50 million When presented with these figures, Warner was quick to point out that even a $100 million policy could be misleading. Warner explained the concept like this: "Imagine you just bought a condo. You think about getting insurance, and the HOA tells you they already have a $1 million policy. Great thats way more than you paid for the place! A few days later you see something about a hurricane on the news. So you look at your HOA documents and see something unexpected: the HOAs $1 million policy covers all the units in your building. If anything awful happens, instead of getting the value of your condo back, youre getting a little slice of the overall insurance payout." In this manner, even a $100 million insurance policy might not be sufficient for a company that represented hundreds of millions of dollars in customer savings. In comparison, dollar-for-dollar insurance guarantees full recompense. If your assets are hacked, or robbed, or defrauded, you will be made whole, Warner said. Because saving for retirement can be stressful enough on its own. We wanted to give our customers peace of mind. For customers of BitIRA, the full amount of their cryptocurrency IRA is insured at no additional cost through a group of London-based insurance companies all with S&P ratings of A or better thus mitigating the risks of theft, hacking, loss of private keys, and other worst-case scenarios associated with cryptocurrencies. All of this is even more important considering cryptocurrency performance in 2020. 2020: 297% Growth for Established Savers, Only 144% for Latecomers BitIRAs customers who had invested before January 1, 2020 had an incredible year: on average, they ended 2020 up nearly fourfold. On the other hand, many felt they had missed the big crypto rally and were concerned about buying at the top of the market. We spent a lot of time explaining what FOMO means, Warner said, using an abbreviation common in the cryptocurrency world that translates as fear of missing out. Those who started investing in digital currency through BitIRA at some point during 2020 saw, on average, their balances more than double. According to Warner, If its one thing we learned in 2020, its that its never too late. Dollar-for-Dollar Insurance Grows as Your Savings Grow The key take-away for BitIRAs customers is that the insurance covering their assets scales along with their IRA balance. Just think about somebody who invested somewhere else, lets say with $300,000, Warner speculated. On January 1, their IRA company offered a $1 million per-account insurance policy. And that was fine. If that same hypothetical customer saw the same growth as the average account through BitIRA? By the end of 2020, that same $1 million insurance no longer covers their entire savings. The same scenario applies in the case of IRA solutions that offer a single, overarching insurance policy. If all funds werent insured on January 1, you can bet a whole lot less are insured today, Warner said. Its the same as your house. If its value quadrupled in a single year, wouldnt you be on the phone with your insurance agent? Considering these factors, BitIRA has built a certain amount of automatic prudence right into its digital currency IRA. Ultimately, Warner described the role BitIRAs insurance plays in the companys business model. Heres what we believe: educate our customers, remove technological obstacles, empower them to make their own decisions, and do everything we can to give them peace of mind. About BitIRA: Based in Burbank, California, BitIRA is a leading specialist in the setup and management of cryptocurrency holdings in self-directed IRAs. Founded by team members from Birch Gold Group with extensive precious metals IRA experience, the company was established on the belief that Americans should have easier access to the wide range of conventional and alternative assets available to hold in their tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Aside from facilitating the setup and management of digital currency IRAs, BitIRA advocates for public awareness of available investment options. For more information about BitIRA or to sign up for a digital currency IRA, visit https://www.bitira.com. The state Attorney Generals Office has opened an investigation into the December arrest of a Paterson teen, who alleged in a social media post the officers attacked him without provocation. Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewals office did not publicize any other details of the Dec. 14, 2020 incident involving Osamah Alsaidi, 19, beyond saying the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is investigating. Earlier Monday, Paterson police had said city detectives and the Passaic County Prosecutors Office were investigating the incident. Police reports on the 12:30 a.m. arrest in the 1200 block of Madison Avenue portray Alsaidi as aggressively approaching officers as they investigated a suspicious person. The teen was belligerent, screaming profanities and assaulted an officer before he was detained and charged with with aggravated assault on a police officer and related offenses, the reports states. Alsaidi, though, says he was walking on the block near his home and headed to his car to go to work when officers pulled up in a vehicle and cut off his path. They punched him several times, for no reason, the teen said in a recent Instagram post, and later took him to a hospital. Alsaidi posted security video from a neighborhood business that shows the officers walk up and repeatedly strike him with their fists. Later, at the hospital, he told a nurse what happened, but an officer made them discharge me from the hospital before they can even look at my injuries. The officer allegedly punched Alsaidi outside the hospital while placing him back into the police car, Alsaidi claimed in the post. I was 19 at the time and have no criminal record. I was humiliated and treated like an animal, Alsaidi wrote in the Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 Instagram post, which has over 18,000 likes. Alsaidi says he returned to the hospital on his own and was diagnosed with head trauma and a concussion. He then reported the incident to Paterson polices internal affairs office. A police source told NJ Advance Media on Monday that the video Alsaidi posted to his Instagram account was not the only security video of the incident and that other video exists to back up the officers report. Some Paterson police officers started wearing body cameras but officials said the officers involved in this arrest were not wearing cameras. Anyone with information or additional footage of the incident for the Attorney Generals investigators can call 1-844-OPIATIP, or 1-844-674-2847. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com (Newser) When an Oakland man saw two attacks on older Asian Americans in the area in less than an hour, he decided to do something. He posted an offer to walk with anyone in Oakland's Chinatown who didn't feel safe. In days, 300 people had signed up to help with the effort, called Compassion in Oakland, CNN reports. "I wasn't intending to be some kind of vigilante," Azevedo, 26, said. "I just wanted to offer people some kind of comfort." Harassment of Asian Americans has increased since the new coronavirus outbreak was reported to have originated in Wuhan, China. The attacks Azevedo saw online were both on older Asian Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area. Azevedo, who's of Hispanic heritage, says minority groups especially should stand up for Asian Americans now, though his volunteers are from all racial backgrounds. story continues below One report said there were more than 2,808 accounts of anti-Asian hate in 47 states and DC from last March through the end of the year. Of those, 7.3% of the victims were over 60. At an Oakland press conference, an official of a housing nonprofit that helps Asian Americans suggested starting more ambassador programs, per KQED. "It's difficult to shove a senior citizen to the ground if you see yourself in them, if you have a relationship to them," he said. "It's difficult to racially profile someone if you're not afraid of themif youve played together in our parks and recreation centers." Black and Asian American leaders urged their communities to work together against white supremacy. "I've seen the pitting of communities against each other," a Chinese American leader said. "But I have also seen the strength and the hope that have been summoned through the difficult conversations we've held." (An arrest was made in one of the attacks.) ATLANTA, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Esquire Deposition Solutions ( www.esquiresolutions.com ), a leading national provider of remote and in-person court reporting, video, and interpreting services, is pleased to announce it recently acquired Honorable Reporting "We are pleased to welcome Honorable into the Esquire family, and excited to begin a new chapter for Esquire with the commencement of our nationwide acquisition strategy," stated Terrie Campbell, Esquire's Chief Executive Officer. "Honorable has been a valuable Esquire affiliate, providing high-quality reporting services in the Miami marketplace for years. This was a natural progression of our relationship and further strengthens our presence and capabilities in South Florida." Honorable Reporting has been in business for more than 20 years, operating out of South Florida. Honorable provides court reporting solutions to law firms as well as servicing the Miami, Broward, and West Palm Beach court systems. Sharon Hodge, founder and President of Honorable Reporting will serve as President of Esquire's Honorable Reporting division going forward, while continuing to run Honorable service delivery as a separate division of Esquire. "I am excited to join the Esquire team," stated Sharon Hodge. "We have been doing business with Esquire for years, and this acquisition allows our organizations to leverage our shared vision of empowering dedicated professionals to act with integrity, deliver excellence, in order to earn clients for life. Court Reporting is a very important and large part of my life, and I have dedicated my career to providing our clients with a service that exceeds the highest standard, and our clients' experiences will only be enhanced with the additional resources Esquire's platform offers." Over the last several years, Esquire has invested heavily in technology, people, and infrastructure to build the leading national court reporting platform in the US. This acquisition marks the beginning of Esquire's effort to expand via acquisition and enable local and regional court reporting firms nationwide to leverage Esquire's investments and platform. Agencies and companies interested in potential acquisition by Esquire are encouraged to reach out to [email protected]. About Esquire Deposition Solutions Esquire, a national provider of remote and in-person deposition solutions, helps law firms, insurance companies, and corporate legal departments get it right every time. Continually rethinking how depositions have always been done, we provide personal, precise, worry-free deposition services supported by innovative technology solutions. To learn more, visit www.esquiresolutions.com. SOURCE Esquire Deposition Solutions Related Links https://www.esquiresolutions.com Having a weak grip can make simple tasks like drinking a cup of tea a struggle. But now, a robotic glove could offer a helping hand to millions of people. The glove which could help with daily tasks such as opening jars, driving and making tea uses a sensor to pick up muscle activity along the wrist and forearm. When the user tries to hold an object, the glove responds by strengthening the grip. It is the first product from Edinburgh-based start-up BioLiberty and is aimed at the 2.5million people in the UK who suffer from hand weakness through age or illness. The glove which could help with daily tasks such as opening jars, driving and making tea uses a sensor to pick up muscle activity along the wrist and forearm (file image) Ross OHanlon, who co-founded BioLiberty and devised the glove, said: We wanted to support independent living and healthy ageing by enabling individuals to live more comfortably in their own homes for longer. All-encompassing solution While there are many gadgets on the market that address a specific grip challenge such as tools to help open jars, I wanted an all-encompassing solution to support a range of daily tasks. The team have created a working prototype of the glove and secured support from the Edinburgh Business School Incubator. Mr OHanlon added he was confident that this would get the glove into homes more quickly. Having a weak grip can make simple tasks like drinking a cup of tea a struggle. But now, a robotic glove could offer a helping hand to millions of people (file image) He said: The Edinburgh Business School Incubator has an incredible programme for early-stage businesses like ours, supporting challenges all new companies face including the drive for additional funding, marketing, networking, scaling and forging collaborations. Kallum Russell, Edinburgh Business School business incubator manager, said the programme will help support growth by providing networking events, mentoring, virtual seminars and speaker opportunities. He said: As the impact of the pandemic further erodes the economy, access to support services for business owners has been curtailed. As a result, incubators like ours are even more valuable in supporting the development of innovative new products and services which will help drive economic recovery and growth. The 90th Missile Wing bid farewell to a local legend at a ceremony Jan. 29, 2021, inside the base museum on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Museum Director Paula Taylor leaves the museum after dedicating 29 years to F. E. Warren in the role that only she has ever held. Taylors departure will be the end of an era on F.E. Warren, as there were many whom she personally affected over her tenure at the museum. What Paula has been able to do, one person at a time, one artifact at a time, across two facilities and the considerable community outreach is truly amazing, said Col. Deane Konowicz, 90th Missile Wing vice commander. I know that will not end here today as I think we will see you in the near future at opportunities that will let you reconnect with F.E. Warren. One of her many responsibilities was to provide tours of the museum to first term Airmen recently stationed on F.E. Warren, to provide them a sense of past and purpose to their daily mission. I remember her infectious enthusiasm for the base and the local history when I went through FTAC, Senior Airman Braydon Williams said. I appreciated how much she loved what she was teaching us and how she helped us realize why we were here and the shoes we were trying to fill. Taylors efforts at the wing and the marks she left on others were not limited to the purely professional, however. Immediately after arriving in Wyoming, Paula provided me with all the knowledge I could ask for about the local community and the Might Ninety, said Kyle Brislan, the historian for the 90th Missile Wing. She treated my wife and I as family members and truly welcomed us to the community, easing our recent move across the country, plus being able to draw from her 29 years of experience allowed me to hit the ground running as the historian. In her 29 years at F.E. Warren, she educated an estimated 10 million visitors, maintained 2,500 historical artifacts, and founded the base open house D.A. Russell Days managing it for 25 years. She also had an operational effect, a feat not common for someone managing a museum. Paulas actions as the museum director went far beyond the norm, as her preservation expertise eventually aided Air Force ICBM operations after the service reclaimed certain historical artifacts, said Brislan. Its an achievement that few people within the Air Forces museums program can say they have accomplished. The Wyoming native says that she is excited to retire, but there is a bittersweetness to leaving. Its been an incredible experience to teach generations of Airmen and visitors about the 90th Missile Wing and the ICBM mission, Taylor said. I love how many people Ive been able to meet and work with, the things Ive been a part of, and I feel proud of my time here. Though she is retiring, she is hopeful to keep a role within the museum as a volunteer or a board member, but she does plan to make the most of her retirement. I plan to enjoy my family and work on my hobbies of stained glass, quilting, making jewelry, said Taylor. Plus, I will be traveling with my husband in our RV throughout our wonderful nation. Taylor cites the relationships she built over nearly three decades as an inspiration to do what she did for the museum and that base community. Its hard to pick a single favorite thing about working here, but I would have to say that meeting the wonderful Airmen and their families who have dedicated their lives to protecting this nation would be at the top of the list, said Taylor. learning about the rich heritage and history of F.E. Warren is second. Taylor leaned on her close ties to the area and her deep love and appreciation for local history as she served as the museum director through the leadership of 17 wing commanders and four different major commands Strategic Air Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Space Command and Air Force Global Strike Command. Syracuse, N.Y. -- The massive winter storm stretching from southern Texas to northern Maine will crank up in Upstate New York tonight, bringing heavy, wet snow and, in some areas, sleet and freezing rain, into Tuesday morning. The heaviest snow is expected to fall in Central New York, with Western New York getting less snow and the Southern Tier and Capital Region collecting more sleet and ice. An inch or so of snow fell this morning, but after an afternoon lull the storm is expected to intensify as it crosses into New York from the southwest. The heaviest snow will fall from about 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Buffalo could get 8 inches during those 12 hours; Syracuse about 9 inches. In Binghamton and Albany, a couple of inches of snow are expected with a greater mixture of sleet and a thin layer of ice. The storm is dragging moisture, and warmer air, more than 1,500 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Temperatures will rise slowly overnight and into Tuesday in Upstate, potentially climbing above freezing in the Southern Tier by late Tuesday morning. Those warmer temperatures will mean less snow and more sleet, and maybe even just rain by the end of the storm Tuesday afternoon. This isnt going to be fluffy, lake effect snow, so be careful shoveling and snow-blowing. Winter storm warnings are in effect for most of Upstate New York, and forecasters are predicting a slippery drive to work Tuesday morning. Schools are closed this week for winter break, but districts have already started cancelling other activities scheduled for Tuesday. The snow and sleet should taper off Tuesday morning or early afternoon, although some areas downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario could see a little bit of lake effect snow in wake of the main storm. Wednesday is expected to be dry and storm-free, but the reprieve will be short-lived. A similar storm on a similar trajectory will likely hit Upstate New York Thursday or Friday, bringing another wintry mix. That storm is still being watched, and forecasters havent offered any predictions on snow totals yet. READ MORE How much snow will you get in strong Upstate NY storm Feb. 15/16? School closings in CNY: Some districts make closing announcements for Tuesday More snow expected in CNY as winter storm warning is issued Power cut across Texas as snow, ice blanket region A man who pretended to be drunk at a McDonald's drive-thru has been slammed online for mocking the manager when she threatened to call police. Footage of the incident was shared to TikTok on Monday night showing the driver slurring his words while pointing at the fast food employee in New Zealand. 'Don't be a Karen,' the man said, pointing at the worker while clutching a coffee cup in one hand and collecting his McDonald's order in the other. 'Don't be a Karen,' the friend said, pointing at the worker while clutching a coffee cup in one hand and collecting his McDonald's order in the other (pictured) 'I'm calling the police because you have had far too much to drink,' the worker said from behind her face mask. When the manager realised she was being recorded by the social media user's passenger, she whipped her phone out and started filming him. 'Just let me put my seat belt on,' the driver laughed while accidentally losing his fake slur, putting his drink containers down to fasten his belt. The passenger then moved the camera down to the car cup holders and discreetly filmed the driver's can of non-alcoholic berry-flavoured sparkling water. The Kiwi man slurred his words while proclaiming he was not drunk (left). When the employee threatened to film him, he asked her to wait until his seat belt was on (right) The passenger then moved the camera down to the car cup holders and discreetly filmed the driver's can of non-alcoholic berry-flavoured sparkling water (pictured) As the employee continued trying to tell him to leave the drive-thru, the Kiwi man amped up his drunken act. 'Terribly sorry. I have had nothing to drink,' he said, leaning out the window and pointing to her camera. 'Absolutely nothing,' he loudly proclaimed. When she asked his name for her own recording, the driver said 'Jeffry Epstein' - a billionaire American financier and prolific child sex offender who died in jail in 2019. The manager then slammed the service window shut, as the Kiwi told her to 'have a good night'. While the men in the video struggled to contain their laughter, social media users did not think the display was amusing. One user added: 'You are in the wrong dude' (pictured) While the men in the video struggled to contain their laughter, social media users did not think the display was amusing. 'She has every right to say that because you were acting drunk. She's not a Karen, you were trying to make her think you were drunk driving,' one woman wrote in the comments. 'The whole country disagrees with you,' another user wrote, but was corrected by someone else who wrote 'world'. One user added: 'You are in the wrong dude.' The user tried to defend his friend's actions by uploading another video on Tuesday morning that showed the driver making his order moments beforehand. Pictured: The New Zeland man gesticulating at the McDonald's employee who was concerned for his welfare The footage showed the driver juggling cash and a debit card as the cashier told him he needed to hand over an extra dollar. 'This is part one to the video,' the user wrote in the caption. '[McDonald's staff] were being really difficult at the order menu so we busted the phone out. Also my friend driving was not drunk.' But social media users slammed the video as 'embarrassing', calling the men 'immature'. 'What a bunch of children. Yikes. Learn to grow up ya bunch of toddlers,' one woman wrote. Tik Tok included a warning on the video that read: 'The action in this video could result in serious injury.' The Morrison government has dumped a controversial plan to give businesses two years to strike pay deals that left workers worse off in the face of opposition from crossbenchers, Labor and unions. An industrial overhaul introduced to Parliament last year would have allowed businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic to negotiate worker pay and conditions that were below industry minimums, as long as the industrial umpire agreed. Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter has previously said he is prepared to compromise to get the IR bill through. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But critics, including crossbenchers who are key to the bills fate, argued the change to the better off overall test (BOOT), a key safeguard in Australias workplace system, would have let unscrupulous bosses ram through enterprise agreements that lowered pay. On Tuesday, when the bill was scheduled for debate in Parliament, a government party room meeting decided not to proceed with that aspect of the bill. ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pulse, temperature, respiration, and blood pressure are considered vital signs of an individual's body. In the worldwide healthcare sector, these vitals are extensively utilized for the measurement of body's vital functions and gain data pertaining to a patient's physical well-being. Apart from this, they are considered essential as they assist in detecting and monitoring medical issues. On the back of abovementioned factors, analysts at Transparency Market Research note that the global vital signs monitoring systems market will demonstrate growth at promising pace throughout the forecast period of 20192027. Thus, the market is projected to garner the valuation of ~US$ 11.8 Bn by 2027 end. Vital Signs Monitoring Systems Market: Major Takeaways With growing focus of worldwide healthcare organizations toward adopting advanced technologies, the vital signs monitoring systems are widely accepted as a key part of the modern-day healthcare systems. This scenario is generating promising demand for vital signs monitoring systems across ambulatory surgical centers, hospitals, homecare settings, and clinics. This scenario is leading to prodigious growth of the global vital signs monitoring systems market. Vital signs monitoring systems are increasingly used for anomaly detection, prevention of severe health issues, and diagnosis support. This scenario is expected to fuel the market growth in the years ahead. Request for Analysis of COVID-19 Impact on Vital Signs Monitoring Systems Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/covid19.php Vital Signs Monitoring Systems Market: Regional Analysis On the basis of region, North America is dominant region in the global vital signs monitoring systems market. This growth can be attributed to many factors including increased product launch activities by industry leaders in this region. is dominant region in the global vital signs monitoring systems market. This growth can be attributed to many factors including increased product launch activities by industry leaders in this region. The market is foreseen to garner prodigious expansion rate in Asia Pacific in the years to come. Some of the key factors driving Asia Pacific vital signs monitoring systems market growth include growing number of older people and increased awareness related to telemedicine in the region. Explore 258 pages of superlative research, current market scenario, and extensive geographical projections. Gain insights into the Vital Signs Monitoring Systems Market (Modality: Bench-top, Handheld, and Wearable; Technology: Connected Devices and Conventional; Component: Consoles, Accessories & Consumables, and Apps/Software; Product: Cardiovascular, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Body Temperature, Pulse Oximetry, Capnography, and Respiratory Rate; and End User: Hospitals, Home Care, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and Others) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2019 - 2027 at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/2283 Vital Signs Monitoring Systems Market: Growth Boosters In recent few years, the vital signs monitors are extensively utilized for continuous measurement of diverse vital signs such as ECG, temperature, SpO2, and non-invasive blood pressure. This scenario is generating lucrative avenues for vendors working in the global vital signs monitoring systems market. The market is likely to gain prodigious growth opportunities on the back of increased geriatric population and increased instances of chronic diseases in all worldwide locations. Apart from this, the presence of favorable reimbursement policies in many countries across the globe is foreseen to work in favor of the market growth in the years ahead. Request Brochure of Vital Signs Monitoring Systems Market Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/brochure.php Vital Signs Monitoring Systems Market: Well-Established Participants Many players in the vital signs monitoring systems market are growing focus on strengthening their product portfolio. Apart from this, they are engaging in partnership and collaboration activities. This scenario is likely to help in the market growth throughout the assessment period 20192027. Purchase the Vital Signs Monitoring Systems Market Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php The list of key players in the vital signs monitoring systems market includes following names: Welch Allyn (Hill-Rom Services Inc.) Medtronic Koninklijke Philips N.V. GE Healthcare (General Electric Company) VitalConnect OMRON Corporation Masimo Infinium Medical BioBeat Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Healthcare Industry: Wearable Medical Devices Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/wearable-medical-devices.html Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/remote-patient-monitoring-devices-market.html About Us Transparency Market Research is a next-generation market intelligence provider, offering fact-based solutions to business leaders, consultants, and strategy professionals. Our reports are single-point solutions for businesses to grow, evolve, and mature. Our real-time data collection methods along with ability to track more than one million high growth niche products are aligned with your aims. The detailed and proprietary statistical models used by our analysts offer insights for making right decision in the shortest span of time. For organizations that require specific but comprehensive information we offer customized solutions through adhoc reports. These requests are delivered with the perfect combination of right sense of fact-oriented problem solving methodologies and leveraging existing data repositories. TMR believes that unison of solutions for clients-specific problems with right methodology of research is the key to help enterprises reach right decision." Browse More Upcoming Reports by Transparency Market Research: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/upcoming.htm Contact Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: [email protected] Press Release Source: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/vital-signs-monitoring-market.htm Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ SOURCE Transparency Market Research Some 72 percent of 1,200 Vietnamese youngsters and adolescents said they believe that in the next 15 years things will get better than they were before 2019, while 37 percent said they plan to run their own business, according to a report released recently by the British Council. Start-up contests has been a draw to Vietnamese youngsters According to the Next Generation Vietnam report, the majority of youngsters are confident that Vietnam is working hard to improve the living conditions of all its citizens. They expressed optimism about education and employment opportunities in the future, while hoping for more practical training programmes, Hoang Van Anh, Director for Education and Society at the British Council Vietnam told a dialogue on the enhancement of the role and engagement of youngsters regarding development issues recently held in Hanoi. 37 percent of young Vietnamese want to run their own business Anh said the project is the first comprehensive survey by the British Council on the attitudes of youngsters towards matters directly relating to them. The report aims to help youngsters in countries that are experiencing important socio-economic changes to raise their voice. The report showed that an entrepreneurial spirit thrives in Vietnam. Nearly four in ten (37 percent) respondents to the survey behind the report plan to eventually start their own business, regardless of their socio-economic background. During interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), respondents lauded entrepreneurship as offering an authority and freedom unmatched by working for others. Education, too, is improving. More than three-quarters of respondents (77 percent) across the country feel that schooling has improved since the previous generation. Two in three young people (68 percent), however, also believe that people their age have difficulties finding jobs in their chosen field. This gap underscores the need to continue retooling school curricula to meet 21st-century demands, through teaching skills such as creative communication, critical thinking, and time management. At the same time, Vietnam opening up to the world has led to dramatic societal changes felt by the new generation. Their lives are intensely digitised, interwoven with internet access and social media, the latter of which plays a crucial role in defining identity for around one-third of respondents. With more information and global exchange, social values are shifting. Evidence from discussion groups showed that young Vietnamese take great pride in improved gender equality in the country and feel excited that society is becoming increasingly modernised and open-minded. Four in ten (39 percent) respondents rank gender equality among their top five priority issues. At the dialogue, Professor Dang Hai Anh, a senior economist with the World Bank, said that in the next 10 to 15 years, Vietnam will see its golden population period end and will enter a period of population aging, which means working people will bear more burdens. Policies relating to young people, he said, will be a significant matter over the course of the next 10-15 years. Nearly 40 percent of youth want to run their own business, which is very much different to the older generation, revealing a strong startup spirit among youngsters, Anh said. He cited the experience of other countries in underlining the need for Vietnam to enhance the role and involvement of youngsters in developing issues and equipping them with modern skills such as self-study, English, computer skills, and group working. It is necessary to encourage and create favourable conditions for young people to make more contributions to the building of e-government, such as supervising activities relating to youth and providing regular feedback, he added. Limited connections Nguyen Thien Tu, Director of the Centre for Vietnam Youth Talent, Science and Technology (CYTAST) under the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Unions Central Committee, said that in order to promote the role of youth, the committee has organised movements to create the environment for them to show their talent, including IT contests, startup competitions, and awards. According to Tu, CYTAST is keeping data on 5,000 young Vietnamese talent. Connection activities, however, remain a weakness of the centre due to a number of issues, including the poor engagement of enterprises and organisations. Measures to discover, support, promote, and use talent have shown modest efficiency and stability, he said. Topics discussed at the dialogue were practical, he said, and included suggestions on assisting and optimising young Vietnamese talent as well as policies to encourage their involvement in social issues. Activities within the framework of the dialogue on the Next Generation Vietnam report from the British Council and the Science-Technology Development Programme of the Global Vietnamese Young Scholars Association will take place in the two first months of 2021, with the engagement of prestigious speakers, representatives from universities and schools in Hanoi, and a large number of youngsters./.VNA New Delhi: In a bid to crack down on tele financial frauds and pesky calls, Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Communications and Law & Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad chaired a high level meeting. The objective of the government is to address the rising concern and irritation of consumers over Unsolicited Messages on mobile phones, repeated harassment through SMS, promising fraudulent loan transactions and above all make digital transaction safe and secure. In the meeting, Minister of Communication directed the officials to take strict action against erring telemarketers and individuals involved in harassment of telecom subscribers. The method of harassment includes unsolicited commercial messages or calls. Further, the Minster observed that telecom resources are also being used to carry out financial frauds and dupe the common man of his hard-earned money.Clear directions were issued to the officials to take strict and tangible action to stop such activities immediately. Officials pointed out that even the subscribers registered in Do-Not Disturb (DND) service continue to receive commercial communication from Registered Tele-Marketers (RTMs) and further Unregistered Tele-Marketers (UTMs) are also sending commercial communication to the subscribers. Minister of Communication directed the officials of DoT to conduct a meeting with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Tele-Marketers to apprise them of the seriousness of the issue and to ensure the compliance of laid down rules and procedures in this regard. In case of any violation, it was proposed to impose Financial penalty against the tele-marketers including disconnection of resources in case of repetitive violations. It was decided that for effective handling of Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC)and also the financial frauds being done through misuse of telecom resources,a web/ mobile application and SMS based system shall be developed for redressal mechanism. This will enable telecom subscribers to lodge their complaints related to matters involving UCC. The officials apprised Minister that for UCC and financial fraud related complaints, time is of utmost essence and a quick time bound action will help in reducing such menace. Accordingly, a Nodal agency, named as Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU)will be setup. The main function of DIU will be tocoordinate with various LEAs, Financial Institutions and telecom service providers in investigating any fraudulent activity involving telecom resources. At License Service Area level, Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) systemwill also be created. Live TV #mute The above system willstrengthen the trust of people in the digital ecosystem and willmake financial digital transactions primarily through mobile more secure and reliable,which will result in promotion of Digital India. Ankara, Feb 16 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticised the US for "supporting" the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) after the group killed 13 Turkish people in northern Iraq. The President also denounced a US statement that declined to immediately back Turkey's claim of the PKK members executing 13 Turks in Iraq, Xinhua news agency reported. "If reports of the death of Turkish civilians at the hands of the PKK, a designated terrorist organization, are confirmed, we condemn this action in the strongest possible terms," the US State Department said over the killings. Meanwhile, the Turkish foreign ministry on Monday summoned the US Ambassador to Ankara David Satterfield and "most strongly expressed" Turkey's reaction against the US statement on the incident. Turkey on Sunday said the PKK members executed 13 of its citizens that the group has been abducted, including Turkish military and police personnel, during the country's cross-border military operation in northern Iraq. The PKK blamed Turkish airstrikes for the deaths of the 13 Turks in a cave in the Gara region of northern Iraq. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 22:55:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- An unborn fetus died from coronavirus for the first time in Israel after being infected from his mother, state-owned Kan News reported Tuesday. According to the report, the 29-year-old woman, in the 25th week of her pregnancy, was taken to a hospital in the southern city of Ashdod after not feeling the baby's movements. At the hospital it turned out that the baby had died, and a stillbirth was carried out. The woman suffered from a fever last week and at the hospital she was tested positive for coronavirus, the report said, adding further tests showed the fetus was also positive for coronavirus. The hospital told the channel that this is one of the few cases in the world that a fetus died from coronavirus in its mother's womb. Enditem "We thank the Government of Guyana for its continued support and partnership, which are essential to the long-term success of this strategic initiative for the benefit of all stakeholders." said Gabriel De Alba Chairman of the Board of Directors. "As confirmed by the independent resource evaluation commissioned, the Guyana basin offers the Joint Venture access to a leading offshore oil opportunity. We expect a robust Guyana work program with the advancement of our exploration wells, as we continue executing on our plan to realize this value for our shareholders." "The independent prospective resource study reaffirms our excitement about the world-class prospectivity of the Corentyne and Demerara blocks offshore Guyana," said Richard Herbert, Chief Executive Officer, Frontera. "With the support of the Guyanese government in rephasing our exploration plans, we are eagerly progressing our work programs for Corentyne and Demerara." Independent Prospective Resource Evaluation The Joint Venture contracted McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd ("McDaniel"), an independent external qualified resource evaluator, to conduct a resource evaluation on its concessions in the offshore Corentyne and Demerara blocks in Guyana in the Guyana-Suriname basin. Frontera holds a direct working interest of 33.3% in both the offshore Corentyne and Demerara blocks and, taken together with its CGX share ownership of 73.8%, results in a total consolidated working interest of 82.6% in the blocks. McDaniel's evaluation was prepared as of August 31, 2020, in accordance with definitions of the National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities ("NI 51-101") of the Canadian Securities Administrators and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook ("COGE Handbook"). A total of 32 prospects were identified by McDaniel in both blocks (27 in the Corentyne block and 5 in the Demerara block). Frontera's consolidated interest is equivalent to a mean volume of 6,089 MMboe unrisked and 1,090 MMboe risked. The fluid content considered for the prospects is mainly oil (64%), natural gas (28%) and the remainder condensate (8%). These results support management's view that the blocks are highly prospective. The independent external Resource Report was completed on October 21, 2020 and certain information contained in the Resource Report is summarized below. The table shows the prospects on the Corentyne North Area, Corentyne Main Area and Demerara block for Frontera's consolidated working interest (82.6%) on an un-risked and risked basis. Frontera Energy Consolidated Working Interest Unrisked (1)(2)(7)(9) Risked Resources Product by Block/Area (4)(5)(7) Low Median Mean High Mean (3) Sub-Total Corentyne North Area Crude Oil, MMbbl 1,013 2,304 2,761 5,119 488 Natural Gas, Bcf 2,218 4,946 5,853 10,698 1,233 Condensate, MMbbl 72 177 218 419 51 Barrel of Oil Equivalent, MMboe (6)(8) 1,455 3,305 3,955 7,321 745 Sub-Total Corentyne Main Area Crude Oil, MMbbl 95 404 616 1,421 107 Natural Gas, Bcf 753 2,599 3,689 8,078 494 Condensate, MMbbl 47 174 259 583 33 Barrel of Oil Equivalent, MMboe (6)(8) 268 1,012 1,490 3,350 222 Sub-Total Demerara Block Crude Oil, MMbbl 156 443 541 1,056 103 Natural Gas, Bcf 169 490 616 1,232 117 Condensate, MMbbl 0 0 0 0 0 Barrel of Oil Equivalent, MMboe (6)(8) 185 525 644 1,261 122 Total Prospective Resources, MMboe (6)(8) 1,907 4,842 6,089 11,933 1,090 (1) There is no certainty that any portion of the resources will be discovered. If discovered, there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources. (2) The Unrisked Total is not representative of the portfolio Unrisked Total and is provided to give an indication of the resources range assuming all the prospects are successful. (3) All of the prospective resources assigned as part of this assessment have been estimated probabilistically as this is the most appropriate method given the high degree of uncertainty in the various input parameters. Distributions of the various reservoir and fluid parameters were determined, based on parameters from existing wells/discoveries in the area or general worldwide data, and probabilistic calculations of the unrisked OOIP/original gas-in-place ("OGIP") and recoverable resources were prepared for each prospect. (4) The risked resources have been risked for chance of discovery and chance of development. The chance of development is defined as the probability that, once discovered, a known accumulation will be commercially developed. Quantifying the chance of development requires consideration of both economic contingencies and other contingencies, such as legal, regulatory, market access, political, social license, internal and external approvals and commitment to project finance and development timing. As many of these factors are extremely difficult to quantify, the chance of development is uncertain and must be used with caution. (5) McDaniel has determined that the chance of discovery is estimated to be between 18% and 51% and the chance of development between 50% and 70%, based on an evaluation of the risks relevant to the blocks. (6) Sub-Total and Total are based on the probabilistic aggregation of zones within a prospect and arithmetic aggregation of the individual prospects to the Sub-Total and Total level. (7) Volumes listed are full life volumes, prior to any cutoffs due to economics. (8) Based on a Mcf to BOE conversion of 6 to 1. See "Oil and Gas Information Advisories" (9) The calculations presenting Frontera's 82.6% working interest were carried out by Frontera and confirmed by McDaniel. Prospect Map The map below shows the location of the Joint Venture's Demerara and Corentyne blocks in the Guyana-Suriname Basin, along with peer discoveries.(1) (1) Block acreage reflects the proposed 25% relinquishment that has been submitted to the Government of Guyana in connection with moving to the second renewal period of the Corentyne and Demerara PPLs. Final relinquishment details remain subject to government approval. Exploration Update The Joint Venture continues to advance its exploration program in both the Corentyne and Demerara blocks with well locations being selected by the Joint Venture. In the Corentyne block, plans are proceeding on the Kawa-1 exploration well. Well design is complete, procurement of long lead items is in advanced stages and key technical staff have been recruited. The Joint Venture plans to spud the Kawa-1 exploration well during the second half of this year and expects to drill the well in a water depth of approximately 1,100 feet targeting the Campanian-Santonian-aged stratigraphic trap, interpreted to be analogous to the discoveries immediately to the east on Block 58 in Suriname. Additional prospects and leads on the northern portion of Corentyne have been identified and are being matured by the Joint Venture. In the Demerara block, the Joint Venture continues to advance its preparatory work for the Makarapan-1 exploration well (previously called Demerara-F), an Aptian stratigraphic prospect on the block. Additional prospects and leads on the block have been identified and are being matured by the Joint Venture. Demerara Work Commitments The Joint Venture completed negotiations with the Government of Guyana regarding rescheduling work commitments with respect to its PPL for the Demerara block in offshore Guyana. The Joint Venture has been advised that the existing February 12, 2021 deadline for drilling the next well will be extended to February 11, 2022 subject to documentation. About Frontera: Frontera Energy Corporation is a Canadian public company and a leading explorer and producer of crude oil and natural gas, with operations focused in South America. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets with interests in more than 40 exploration and production blocks in Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana. The Company's strategy is focused on sustainable growth in production and reserves. Frontera is committed to conducting business safely, ethically in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Frontera's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FEC". If you would like to receive News Releases via e-mail as soon as they are published, please subscribe here: http://fronteraenergy.mediaroom.com/subscribe. Advisories: Forward Looking Information Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's operations, estimates and/or assumptions in respect of the Company's exploration and development plans and objectives, including its drilling plans and the timing thereof, the timing and receipt of approvals and final documentation from the Government of Guyana and other regulatory approvals) are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: volatility in market prices for oil and natural gas (including as a result of a sustained low oil price environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions of OPEC and non-OPEC countries and the procedures imposed by governments in response thereto; the duration and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its severity; uncertainties associated with estimating and establishing oil and natural gas reserves and resources; liabilities inherent with the exploration, development, exploitation and reclamation of oil and natural gas; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs, production estimates and estimated economic return; the Company's ability to access additional financing; political developments in the countries where the Company operates; the uncertainties involved in interpreting geological data; geological, technical, drilling and processing problems; timing on receipt of government approvals and the other risks disclosed under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's MD&A dated November 3, 2020 and under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's annual information form dated March 5, 2020 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Oil and Gas Information Advisories Reported production levels may not be reflective of sustainable production rates and future production rates may differ materially from the production rates reflected in this news release due to, among other factors, difficulties or interruptions encountered during the production of hydrocarbons. The term "boe" is used in this news release. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of cubic feet to barrels is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Resource Definitions Resource definitions, including those set out below, are set out in NI 51101, and in the COGE Handbook. "Resources" encompasses all petroleum quantities that originally existed on or within the earth's crust in naturally occurring accumulations, including discovered and undiscovered (recoverable and unrecoverable) plus quantities already produced. "Prospective Resources" are defined as those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations by application of future development projects. Prospective resources have both an associated chance of discovery and a chance of development. Prospective resources are further subdivided in accordance with the level of certainty associated with recoverable estimates assuming their discovery and development and may be sub-classified based on project maturity. The chance of development is defined as the probability of a project being commercially viable. Quantifying the chance of development requires consideration of both economic contingencies and other contingencies, such as legal, regulatory, market access, political, social license, internal and external approvals and commitment to project finance and development timing. As many of these factors are extremely difficult to quantify, the chance of development is uncertain and must be used with caution. Estimates of resources always involve uncertainty, and the degree of uncertainty can vary widely between accumulations/projects and over the life of a project. Consequently, estimates of resources should generally be quoted as a range according to the level of confidence associated with the estimates. An understanding of statistical concepts and terminology is essential to understanding the confidence associated with resources definitions and categories. "Prospect" is defined as a potential accumulation within a play that is sufficiently well defined to present a viable drilling target. The range of uncertainty of estimated recoverable volumes may be represented by either deterministic scenarios or a probability distribution. Resources should be provided as low, best and high estimates, as follows: Low Estimate - This is considered to be a conservative estimate of the quantity that will actually be recovered. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the low estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90 percent probability (P90) that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the low estimate. Best Estimate - This is considered to be the best estimate of the quantity that will actually be recovered. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the best estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50 percent probability (P50) that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the best estimate. High Estimate - This is considered to be an optimistic estimate of the quantity that will actually be recovered. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the high estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10 percent probability (P10) that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the high estimate. Mean Estimate - represents the arithmetic average of the expected recoverable volume. It is the most accurate single point representation of the volume distribution. The resource estimates presented above are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those associated with the drilling and completion of future wells, limited available geological and geophysical data and uncertainties regarding the actual production characteristics of the reservoirs, all of which have been assumed for the preparation of the resource estimates. In addition, significant negative factors related to the Prospective Resource estimate include a lack of infrastructure and transportation in the Corentyne and Demerara area and the capital expenditures and financing required for the joint venture to satisfy its obligations under the petroleum agreements and its proposed drilling and exploration program. Definitions: bbl(s) Barrel(s) of oil Bcf Billion cubic feet boe Refer to "Boe Conversion" disclosure above Mcf Thousand cubic feet MMbbl Million barrels of oil MMboe Million barrels of oil equivalent W.I. Working Interest SOURCE Frontera Energy Corporation Related Links www.fronteraenergy.ca Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made an apology on Tuesday to a former government staffer who alleged she was raped by a colleague in Parliament House two years ago. Morrison vowed a probing into the alleged rape and the culture inside Australia's political capital, one day after the former staff member divulged her story to the media. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison Apologizes in Rape Scandal The former Australian government staffer stated that she was raped in a minister's office in parliament and failed by her bosses after coming forward, which prompted the apology. According to Brittany Higgins, she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a male colleague in now-Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office in 2019. The incident followed a night out drinking with conservative Liberal Party colleagues. Higgins has thanked PM Morrison for his apology over the way her rape allegation was overseen. She remarked a review into the culture within Parliament House is "long overdue." Higgins told Channel 10's "The Project" that she was sexually assaulted in the early hours of March 23, 2019, reported 9 News. The accused anonymous man was sacked for a security contravention in taking Higgins into the minister's office and leaving her there on a couch following an evening of heavy drinking. Higgins, who was Reynolds' media adviser, remarked she decided not to carry out a police complaint at the time due to feeling pressurized that doing so would affect her employment, reported Yahoo News. She called for a review that goes beyond the government's initial response, which is into the laws that govern ministerial workplaces. Also Read: Death of Flight Attendant Causes Online Outrage, Sparks Talks on 'Rape Culture,' 'Victim Blaming' The Australian prime minister initiated two new processes on Tuesday to improve the overseeing of complaints inside the Coalition and within politics more broadly. According to Higgins, "A clear path forward is now required -- and that includes a comprehensive review to the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act to ensure adequate protections for staff. There needs to be an independent reporting mechanism for staff where they can confidently and safely make complaints -- similar to processes in many other workplaces in Australia and abroad," reported ABC. After she reported the incident to a superior, she was asked to attend a formal employment meeting in the same room the alleged crime transpired. She was then aged 24 and a few months into her "dream job." Therefore, Higgins described feeling forced to decide between her career and filing a report to the police. The revelation follows a series of claims regarding the mistreatment of women in Australian politics in the past few years. These include harassment, bullying, and sexual misconduct. In the incident, Higgins reportedly attempted to go home, but the anonymous colleague insisted on going to the Parliament House in a taxi to "pick something up," where she passed out on a couch. She reportedly woke up to find her colleague on top of her "mid-rape." Once she repeatedly asked him to stop, he did not. She has not publicly identified her alleged rapist. Related Article: Flight Attendant's Death: Prosecutor Orders Release of 3 Suspects, 'Insufficient Evidence for Rape-Slay Charge' @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. He has been part of Russia's psyops targeting Ukraine, security operatives say. The Security Service of Ukraine, known as the SBU, says it has put forward criminal charges against Anatoliy Shariy, a fringe blogger and novice politician. Investigators say his activity has been the detriment of Ukraine's national security in the media domain, as per the SBU press service. "There is reason to believe that Anatoly Shariy acted on the orders of foreign structures," the statement says, elaborating that the blogger has in fact been handled by the Russian government. The charges have been pressed under the two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine Part 1 of Art. 111 (High treason) and Part 1 of Art. 161 (Violation of equality of citizens depending on their race, nationality, religious beliefs, disability, or other grounds). Read alsoTV channels under sanctions were indirectly financed by Russia culture minister"The evidence has been backed by a number of expert studies, which established that Shariy's interviews and addresses hold facts of his subversive activity against Ukraine," the SBU said. According to law enforcement operatives, since 2012, through social networks, online media, and Russian television channels, Shariy has been assisting the Russian government and affiliated non-government actors in carrying out psyops against Ukraine. "The propagandist was engaged in compromising Ukraine government policies, deliberately and purposefully circulating manipulative, distorted information on government initiatives and developments in the country's east [Donbas]," the SBU said. The investigation is underway to gather evidence on other persons who could be complicit in the crimes in question. Reporting by UNIAN Dial will be partnering with dermatologists to continue to educate on the importance of not having to compromise gentle products with a sense of clean. Clean + Gentle allows you to experience the gentle side of Dial. The pH balanced and vegan formula leaves skin looking and feeling hydrated and healthy. "With Clean + Gentle, Dial is appealing to the consumer who is seeking and using hypoallergenic products that are free from ingredients like dyes, parabens, phthalates and silicones," says Randi Melton, Vice President of Marketing,Body Care for Henkel. "Providing them with an option that is proven to be gentle on skin, but is also backed by the trusted Dial brand." In launching the Clean + Gentle line, Dial will create impactful partnerships and activations that underscore the gentle and dye-free formulas with a focus on vegan, gluten-free and naturally-derived* ingredients. Dial plans to team up with leading experts to bring credibility to the brand, who will be available to the media and to influencers as a resource and who will also co-host launch tactics including a virtual event. In addition, 5,000 doctor's offices, including dermatologists and allergists, across the country will be sampling and recommending these products to their patients. Clean + Gentle, with its Skin Smart formula, is formulated with just the right combination of moisturizing conditioners & gentle cleansers to give you a balanced clean. These foaming hand washes and body washes are launching in bottles that are recyclable, and as a first for Dial, Fragrance Free will be an option across both body and hand. The line will include: Clean + Gentle Body Washes that hydrate and rinse clean without drying the skin in four new scents including Aloe, Waterlily, Grapefruit and Fragrance Free. Clean + Gentle Foaming Hand Washes that are made in an antibacterial formula that also hydrate and clean skin without drying. Dial is the number one doctor recommended antibacterial soap brand: this foaming hand wash kills 99.99% of bacteria encountered in household settings. They will be available in Aloe, Grapefruit and Fragrance Free. *Global ISO Standard 16128 defines naturally-derived as a plant of mineral derived material and water which is found in nature and has undergone limited processing. Clean + Gentle will be available nationwide beginning February 2021 at food, drug and mass retailers. About Dial About Dial America's trusted brand for 70 years, Dial delivers clean, healthy skin for you and your family with products for Women, Men, and Kids. From bar soap, body wash, and liquid hand soap, our products provide benefits such as moisture, exfoliation, hydration, replenishment and more. Dial. Count on Clean + Gentle. For more information, please visit www.dialsoap.com About Henkel in North America In North America, Henkel operates across its three business units: Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry & Home Care. Its portfolio of well-known consumer and industrial brands includes Schwarzkopf hair care, Dial soaps, Right Guard antiperspirants, Persil, Purex, and all laundry detergents, Snuggle fabric softeners as well as Loctite, Technomelt and Bonderite adhesives. With sales of around 6 billion US dollars (5 billion euros) in 2019, North America accounts for 26 percent of the company's global sales. Henkel employs approximately 9,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel-northamerica.com , and on Twitter @Henkel_NA . About Henkel Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2019, Henkel reported sales of more than 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of more than 3.2 billion euros. Henkel employs more than 52,000 people globally a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel's preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com . Photo material is available at www.henkel-northamerica.com/press SOURCE Henkel Related Links https://www.henkel.com The United Jewish Community of Ukraine has published the report "Anti-Semitism in Ukraine 2020". The report describes 49 cases of anti-Semitism in Ukraine in 2020 and the incidents that could be perceived as anti-Semitism, but they were not anti-Semitic. Including the fact that the total number of cases of anti-Semitism in 2020 is insignificant, a 12% (-5) decrease in their number, compared to 2019, is considered a margin of error. The United Jewish Community of Ukraine concluded that the level of anti-Semitism in Ukraine has remained unchanged. The organization noted that the percentage of domestic anti-Semitic conflicts did not increase even considering the social tension around the COVID-19 pandemic in the world and the situation around the pilgrimage of Breslov Hasidim to Uman. At the same time, the number of manifestations of anti-Semitism in social networks increased, and there were five incidents of physical violence motivated by anti-Semitism: in Vinnytsia, Mariupol, two in Uman, and another one near Berdiansk. The UJCU emphasized the enhanced performance of law enforcement agencies, which are more willing to register criminal offenses in cases of anti-Semitism. However, at the same time, there is a tendency to illegally refuse to open criminal proceedings and terminate the investigations without objective reasons. The organization also noted that within the framework of the European integration processes, Ukraine requires the adoption of a definition of anti-Semitism based on what was proposed by the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance). IHRA's definition is recognized by the executive bodies of the European Union and is approved in 29 countries around the world. However, it has to be adopted taking the realities of modern Ukrainian society into account and not authentic if the norms of Ukrainian legislation require it. The UJCU emphasized that it has already enlisted the support of 115 Jewish communities from all over Ukraine to adopt a definition of anti-Semitism. You can download the report in Ukrainian and English on the organization's website. Reporting by UNIAN Putin Demonstrates, Foreign Powers Seek To Weaponize Frustration over Falling Living Standards Due to COVID Feb. 15 , 2021 (EIRNS)The Great Reset exploits crises to undercut nations and civilization. President Vladimir Putin provided a succinct description of that sadistic mentality on national television in Russia on Feb. 13. Putin had met privately with the editors-in-chief of various Russian news outlets on Feb. 10. The Kremlin chose to provide some selected video clips and Rossiya-24 aired them on Saturday. TASS quoted Putin as saying: As soon as we began to stabilize, to get back to our feetthe policy of deterrence followed immediately. And as we grew stronger, this policy of deterrence was being conducted more and more intensely.... Our influence in the post-Soviet space has been growing no matter what, despite all difficulties. This causes concern. And this is where they will try to pull us back. Then he described the Navalny project: From the dawn of time, our opponents or potential adversaries ... always relied on very ambitious and power-hungry people, always used them. There is nothing new about it. I see nothing new.... [T]hey are too eager to earn loads of money, to sweep into power. And all of this is simply being exploited most actively. In this context, he said: Foreign powers are trying to weaponize frustration over falling living standards due to COVID to stir up protests. Almost every major country is in recession. While its only normal to blame authorities for such woes, Moscows opponents try to exploit this sentiment to spite the Russian government. Thats what they did! Of course they would. Thats what they had counted on, Putin said. Ambitious, power-hungry people like Navalny are being cultivated and used by foreign powers to undermine and contain Russia. We have had a lot of success, and it annoys them. Thats where the containment policy, including the economy, comes from. The clear implication is that any and all countries can have a version of the Navalny project launched against them. That is, while anger over injustice led by persons of integrity who struggle for solutions is one thing, the targeting and manipulation of rage with no attempt at any solution is quite another. Otherwise, Putin thought that Russia had outperformed expectations in dealing with the pandemic: The mobilization of the entire healthcare system and industry turned out to be incomparably higher than in European countries and the United States, where it simply collapsed.... The assumption was that we were worthless ... that we couldnt do anything. But we could, and we did better than other countries. He pointed out that, while Western medical levels are very high, and that Russia is far from such a quality of treatment in some areas, that did not stop Russia from making a quick response to the pandemic. NREL Software Automates Residential Solar Permitting, Replacing Painstaking Process for Local Governments NREL Instant Permitting Software Greeted as Success by Early-Adopting Cities and Counties Feb. 16, 2021 In late 2020, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a pilot version of a no-cost, no-touch software system for cities and counties across the country to streamline rooftop solar permits, called SolarAPP (Solar Automated Permit Processing). SolarAPP automates what can be a time-consuming and tedious review process for local governments, which commonly delays solar development on the grid. Using SolarAPP, three cities and counties have collectively processed 32 solar projects to date. The free software has relieved cities and counties such as Tucson and Pima County, Arizona, and Pleasant Hill, California, of onerous administrative burdens by instantly calculating whether a proposed residential solar system is compliant with a suite of safety and code standards. Faster permit processing from SolarAPP produces several benefits for local governments and their communities. Besides gaining efficiency, local governments can count on SolarAPP to increase permitting fee revenue, enhance local resilience, establish safe solar-grid connections, and accelerate job growth in solar energy. In 2016, the city of San Jose, California, switched to online permitting and increased approved permits by 600%. Many permitting officials are receiving 100 or more solar permit applications every week, with 4590-minute review times per project. Automated review through SolarAPP can be a lifeline to overwhelmed staff, said Jeff Cook, SolarAPPs lead developer at NREL. The software is all the more transformational because it is available at no cost. Jurisdictions can adopt and automate as much as 90% of the solar permit applications they receive with a co-benefit of installing more solar locally. SolarAPP lowers administrative burdens and costs to communities by performing instant review of eligible residential solar applications. Automating building-code-compliance review could allow solar developers to quickly schedule installations for customers, which is expected to significantly accelerate solar energy adoption. The U.S. Department of Energy provided funding for SolarAPP, and an extensive coalition of solar and building safety stakeholders helped develop it. As a Solar America City, Tucson looks for ways to support the solar industry, said Scott Clark, director for the City of Tucson Planning and Development Services. SolarAPP provides a further incentive to using solar power by making permitting easy. SolarAPP is ideal for permitting in the present era of uncertainty and remote working: Installers can receive instant feedback and corrections online from the system without using the local permitting department as a quality-assurance resource. I was eager to work with NREL to find this new approach to handle solar permits, said Geoff Simmons, chief building official for the city of Pleasant Hill, California. There has been such a good collaboration to create a different way to review these residential projects in a way that is outside the traditional plan review box but still covers the technical aspects. Were now able to move qualifying solar permits directly to field inspections, which is giving our staff much needed time to work on other, more complex projects. Pima County and the city of Tucsons Development Services jointly piloted SolarAPP to streamline their pipeline of nearly 3,600 solar permits each year. Offering our solar customers a way to self-permit expedites the process, said Carla Blackwell, director of Pima County Development Services. SolarAPP is beneficial for both compliant and non-compliant solar project designs. If a system is compliant, SolarAPP will approve the design and issue a permit instantly. If a system is not compliant, SolarAPP will decline the application and clarify why the system was not code-compliant, allowing the contractor to go back and revise their application in real time. SolarAPPs automated review will eliminate the tedious task of application checks, allowing building department staff to reduce permit backlogs and devote their time to more complex projects. SolarAPP is compatible with local government permitting software, including Accela and OpenGov, which serve thousands of local governments across the United States. These partnerships will combine each vendors platform for automating government workflows with the SolarAPP engine for screening permits, allowing seamless SolarAPP adoption for local governments that use these platforms. NREL and its coalition partners are in the process of expanding SolarAPPs capabilities to also address residential energy storage permitting. NREL expects to launch a full version of the SolarAPP software in the summer of 2021. Other communities across Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts are in the process of adopting SolarAPP. To start using SolarAPP to process rooftop solar permits in your community, sign-up here and register here to receive future updates on the product. Deputy of the opposition Prosperous Armenia faction of the National Assembly of Armenia Gevorg Petrosyan has issued a political statement stating that he is leaving the parliamentary faction. The statement reads as follows: Frankly, it was very hard for me to make this decision. At the same time, I took into consideration the fact that, in any situation, an official with the primary mandate must respond to the major issues facing the country and people, not care about personal caution. Hesitating to take specific steps is unacceptable for me, and this is due to the fact that I am a member of the faction. I dont accept the fact that there is no determination to give political evaluations of the unlawful acts and persecutions in Armenia, and when I filled the gap and called things by their names, this sparked the concern of certain colleagues, but this is inexplicable. Due to this, I dont think its appropriate for me to continue to be a member of the Prosperous Armenia faction anymore. However, taking into consideration the fact that a deputy is trusted by citizens, I will continue to serve as an independent MP. I thank my fellow members of the faction for our cooperation. Xhumo Botswana's COVID-19 vaccine order is expected to be delivered in a few months' time, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane has revealed. Speaking in Xhumo over the weekend, Mr Tsogwane stated that frontline workers would be the first to receive the vaccine. The vice president emphasised that the vaccine was not a cure, but a preventative measure. He also disclosed that local researchers had been conducting research to devise drugs that could be more effective in addressing COVID-19. Lamenting that COVID-19 cases and deaths were increasing rapidly despite measures put in place to control its spread, Mr Tsogwane implored members of the public to join hands with government by putting on masks correctly and at all times. He also pleaded with members of the public to test for COVID-19 and adhere to all protocols including respecting the curfew. The vice president urged those already on medication for conditions such as diabetes and high blood to adhere to their treatment as COVID-19 was more dangerous for those with underlying ailments. For his part, the principal social welfare officer, Mr Victor Thake reported that no disaster cases resulting from the recent floods had been registered in Xhumo. Commenting, Councillor Basiami Sentsho for Xhumo/Mmadikola, expressed concern at the high number of people disappearing in the Boteti Sub-district. He called for strategies to deal with the situation. Source : BOPA Feathers are a sleek, intricate evolutionary innovation that makes flight possible for birds, but in addition to their stiff, aerodynamic feathers used for flight, birds also keep a layer of soft, fluffy down feathers between their bodies and their outermost feathers to regulate body temperature. Using the Smithsonian's collection of 625,000 bird specimens, Sahas Barve, a Peter Buck Fellow at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, led a new study to examine feathers across 249 species of Himalayan songbirds, finding that birds living at higher elevations have more of the fluffy down--the type of feathers humans stuff their jackets with--than birds from lower elevations. Published on Feb. 15 in the journal Ecography, the study also finds that smaller-bodied birds, which lose heat faster than larger birds, tend to have longer feathers in proportion to their body size and thus a thicker layer of insulation. Finding such a clear pattern across so many species underscores how important feathers are to a bird's ability to adapt to its environment and suggests that adding down may be a strategy common to all songbirds, or passerines as they are known to researchers. Furthermore, finding that birds from colder environments tend to have more down may one day help researchers predict which birds are most vulnerable to climate change simply by studying their feathers. The Himalayas are seeing some of the fastest rates of warming on Earth. At the same time, climate change is driving an increase in the frequency and intensity of extremely cold events like snowstorms. Being able to accurately predict the temperatures a bird can withstand could give us a new tool to predict how certain species might respond to climate change." Sahas Barve, Peter Buck Fellow, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian The research was inspired by a tiny bird called a goldcrest during a frigid morning of field work in the Sho-kharkh forest of the Himalayas. Barve found himself wondering how this bird, which weighs about the same as a teaspoon of sugar, was able to flit about the treetops in icy air that was already numbing his fingers. Shoving his hands back into the pockets of his thick down jacket, the question that formed in Barve's mind was "Do Himalayan birds wear down jackets?" To answer that question, Barve and his co-authors used a microscope to take photos of the chest feathers of 1,715 specimens from the Smithsonian's collections representing 249 species from the cold, high-altitude Himalayan Mountains. Then, Barve and his co-authors used those super-detailed photos to determine exactly how long each feather's downy section was relative to its total length. The team was able to do that by looking at the fluffy downy section of each feather close to its base when compared to the streamlined ends of most birds' feathers. After meticulously logging the relative lengths of all those downy sections, Barve analyzed the results and found that the smallest birds and the birds from the highest elevations, where temperatures are at their coldest, tended to have the highest proportion of down on their body feathers. The analysis showed that high-elevation birds had up to 25% more down in their feathers, and the smallest bird had feathers that were three times as long as the largest birds, proportionately to their body size. Past research suggested that birds from colder habitats sported added downy insulation, but Barve said this is the first study to analyze this pattern for such a large number of species in cold environments and across 15,000 feet of elevation. "Seeing this correlation across so many species makes our findings more general and lets us say these results suggest all passerine birds may show this pattern," Barve said. "And we never would have been able to look at so many different species and get at this more general pattern of evolution without the Smithsonian's collections." Carla Dove, who runs the museum's Feather Identification Lab and contributed to the study, said she was excited to work together with Barve to use the Smithsonian's collections in a new way. " Sahas looked at more than 1,700 specimens. Having them all in one place in downtown Washington, D.C., as opposed to having to go to the Himalayas and study these birds in the wild, obviously makes a big difference. It allowed him to gather the data he needed quickly before the COVID lockdowns swept the globe, and then work on the analysis remotely." Barve said he is following up this study with experiments looking into just how much insulation birds get from their feathers and then will tie that to the feather's structure and proportion of down. One day, Barve aims to develop a model that will allow scientists to look at the structure of a feather and predict how much insulation it gives the bird--a capability that could help researchers identify species vulnerable to climate change. Dove said the potential to use these results to eventually understand how some birds might cope with climate change highlights the importance of museum collections. "We have more than 620,000 bird specimens collected over the past 200 years waiting for studies like this. We don't know what our specimens will be used for down the line; that's why we have to maintain them and keep enhancing them. These specimens from the past can be used to predict the future." Funding and support for this research were provided by the Smithsonian. Helping to launch Trocaires annual Lenten Appeal are siblings Connla (7) and Liadh Fallon (5) with cutouts of children previously featured on a Trocaire Lent boxes, from left, siblings Alex (7) and Joy Faith (6 ) featured in 2020 are from Kenya and Maya (10) featured in 2019 is a Syrian refugee who lives in Lebanon. Photo: Mark Stedman Up to one-third of Trocaires annual donations are at risk as many households will not have a box this lent due to mass and school closures. It is the first time in almost 50 years that many households will be without a box, the charity has warned. Each lent, Trocaire raises around 8m euro from the boxes, which is approximately one-third of its annual donations. The charity has warned that the inability to distribute boxes in schools and mass this year may severely impact its life-saving work around the globe. Read More Boxes can be picked-up at churches nationwide but there are 50pc fewer in circulation. Trocaire is appealing to the public to pick up a box from their local church if it is safe to do so or to donate online at trocaire.org. Lent is the engine that keeps our programmes going throughout the year, said Trocaire CEO Caoimhe de Barra. "The public in Ireland always rally behind our campaign. While this year will be different, we hope the public will continue to support our life-saving work overseas. The charity has been supplying households with donation boxes for its Lentin appeal every year since 1973. Each year, the donations go towards a different campaign by Trocaire. Our campaign this year focuses on people who are trapped in long-running wars, such as those affecting places such as South Sudan and Somalia, said Ms de Barra. "Generations of people in these countries have been forced to live through conflict. Their resilience and determination to help each other is remarkable. "By donating to our Lenten Appeal, you will be helping them to help themselves. Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have been conducting random COVID-19 tests on passengers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport from Hanoi, northern Quang Ninh Province, and northern Hai Phong City as part of COVID-19 prevention and control efforts. People who arrive in the metropolis from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh, and Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong have had their samples collected randomly from February 14, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC). A total of 200 samples are collected per day, the HCDC added. Health workers from Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Hung Vuong Hospital, Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, and Hospital of Traditional Medicine have been assisting the process. Prior to this process, authorities in the southern city collected 6,551 samples from people in high-risk areas from February 11 to 14. About 6,504 samples have come back negative for the novel coronavirus so far. Ho Chi Minh City has documented 36 community-based COVID-19 cases since a new wave of local infections hit the country in late January. Approximately 1,570 direct contacts and 1,376 indirect contacts of these patients have been quarantined and tested for COVID-19. All of the results have come back negative. Given the complicated situation, all citizens are required to comply with the five rules of COVID-19 prevention and control, namely wearing face masks, disinfecting, keeping safe distance, avoid gatherings, and filling in health declaration forms. Vietnam has documented 2,271 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday afternoon, with 1,541 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. A total of 679 local infections have been detected in 13 provinces and cities since January 27. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! MASON CITY, Iowa A homeless man accused of holding a gun to a womans head is pleading not guilty. Anthony Scott Moore, 27, is charged with extortion and assault with a dangerous weapon. He was arrested after an incident on January 10 in the 1600 block of 6th Street SW in Mason City. Authorities say Moore took a handgun that belonged to his victim, held it to her head, and demanded she write him a check for $50,000 or he would kill her. His trial is scheduled to start on April 6. Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 5:07 am We've learned that we cannot eat in restaurants, unless we eat outside the restaurant, inside an enclosure. We've learned that if one mask is good, two or even three masks is better. We've learned that our governor, health authorities and law enforcement possess sweeping powers to control our lives and private decisions, including where and with whom we can gather (including our own families and elderly loved ones), which businesses we are allowed to patronize, what we must wear, what kinds of recreation are safe and what kinds are forbidden. We've learned that trooping around with hundreds of other shoppers in Costco or Walmart is perfectly safe and healthy, but gathering with fellow believers in church is hazardous. We've learned that schools and colleges must be closed and that 70-percent to 94-percent effective vaccines will save us all from a 99.8-percent survivable disease, although as of Feb. 3, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated that teachers are safe to return to schools without vaccinations. This begs the question: If teachers do not need vaccinations, why do any of the rest of us? At this point, it is becoming clear that mandatory masks and virus testing were just the beginning. Mandatory vaccinations are already a reality in some public and private businesses, and the general public is next, at least if you want to patronize a business or fly on an airliner. We've learned that looting, burning, attacking police and federal buildings, shutting down I-5 so protesters can march across the Interstate Bridge are all acceptable, non-punishable forms of free speech, but the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Salmon Creek Legacy Hospital recently gave out purposely misleading information about a civil rights incident, leading citizens to believe that the family and friends of a frightened patient who just wanted to go home were dangerous extremists, anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers and that a lockdown was necessary to protect patients. Media have largely cooperated with this narrative, although many of us who know the people involved are aware that this defames everyday people from our area who only gathered to support the patient and her adult daughter. It should be noted that, per official reports, there were no arrests and no violence during this incident, although the adult daughter of the patient was brutally punched in the throat by a deputy preventing her access to her mother. The last 12 months of predation by officialdom have taught me that citizens might be willing to trade away freedom for safety, if they can just hope for a few more stimulus bucks. Samuel Adams might well say that we've learned nothing: "If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you and may posterity forget that ye were once our countrymen." The administration at Cass City Public Schools has the goal of making sure students are prepared for life after high school. Career and technical education programs arent the only things offered to students. They are also taught about everything from loans and checkbooks to finding college textbooks online and appropriate ways to send emails to future professors. Emphasis remains on career and technical education programs this month after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined forces with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Department of Education to proclaim February as Career and Technical Education Month. According to Cristen Hempton, Cass City Public Schools counselor, a lot of time is spent with students teaching post-secondary planning. Cass City, along with other districts in the Upper Thumb, utilize the Xello curriculum, which includes interactive classroom activities, personality and learning style assessments, and lessons surrounding important topics like job interviews and entrepreneurial skills. In the seventh grade, students take the learning and personality style assessments, Hempton said. This gives us and them an idea of things they might enjoy in a career choice later down the road. I am a big advocate for the trades, she added. Within the next 10 years, there are going to be a number of trade workers retiring and there currently arent enough people to fill their shoes. Students will retake the career matchmaker assessment in both the ninth grade and 11th grade to accommodate for fluctuations in interest. According to Hempton, school officials encourage parents to sit down with their children to have conversations about post-secondary planning. Graduating seniors will receive an exit portfolio, including letters of recommendation and any additional information regarding their work in career and technical education programs. The Tuscola County ISDs tech center has a lot of different programs that students can pick from, Hempton said. A lot of students choose to participate in one of these programs for one year and then co-op out to work in their chosen field. This gives them valuable first-hand experience and the ability to evaluate what they do and dont like about certain career choices, she added. Graduating seniors also partake in a senior seminar. During this seminar, students wrap up their post-secondary plan and are encouraged to look into what classes they will need to achieve their goals. This also considers which on the job training a student should go with. I have students watch Dave Ramseys series, where he discusses things like loans, credit cards, and bankruptcy, Hempton said. Everything is a balancing act and we have found that students feel more prepared when they know what to expect. We often end up with students who are nervous about taking out education related loans, she added. We try to encourage our students to be smart with their money as an adult. Cass City Public Schools also prepares graduating seniors for additional resources available to them as college students, like writing centers, tutors, and ordering textbooks online, which can save students a lot of money. As a way to get the whole school involved in seniors post-secondary plans, a bulletin board in the hall displays each seniors class quote and future plan, including any trade or university degree they plan on pursuing. This information is on the board for the whole school to see, Hempton said. It's meaningful for younger students to see the value in these plans and see just how many options there are out there for them. We want to set students up for success and for us, that means teaching them life lessons and values, so they are prepared as possible for life after high school, she added. Balancing a checkbook and understanding your student loans is just as, if not more important, than many other things students learn within the walls of a school. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. As millions of Texans experience continued power outages amid extreme winter weather, Gov. Greg Abbott is declaring the reform of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas as an emergency item for the Legislature. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has been anything but reliable over the past 48 hours, Abbott said in a Tuesday release. Far too many Texans are without power and heat for their homes as our state faces freezing temperatures and severe winter weather. This is unacceptable. The designation means the Legislature can now act on the issue almost immediately upon return to Austin. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed outrage at the agency over the past two days, calling for an immediate investigation and changes to ensure this weeks widespread blackouts are the last. TEXAS TAKE: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday Reviewing the preparations and decisions by ERCOT is an emergency item so we can get a full picture of what caused this problem and find long-term solutions, Abbott said. Later Tuesday, in an interview on Houstons ABC13, Abbott blasted ERCOTs response as a total failure and said the agencys top leaders should resign. ERCOT has not been transparent, Abbott said. Theyre not providing information to either you, to the public in Houston or even to the governor of Texas that (explains) why theyre incapable of accelerating the process of equitably distributing energy power across the state of Texas. Both chambers of the Legislature plan to probe the issue, which left about 4 million customers without electricity. Earlier Tuesday, Speaker Dade Phelan of Beaumont called on the Houses state affairs and energy resources committees to hold a joint hearing on Feb. 25 to review the outages. We must cut through the finger-pointing and hear directly from stakeholders about the factors that contributed to generation staying down at a time when families needed it most, what our state can do to correct these issues, and what steps regulators and grid operators are taking to safeguard our electric grid, Phelan said in a news release. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the leader of the state Senate, said the chambers business and commerce committee will also set up hearings on the subject. I share the frustration of every Texan regarding the loss of power during this winter storm, he said in a statement. Millions of people without power during this arctic blast is life-threatening and unacceptable. We must get to the bottom of this to be sure we are better prepared even if an unprecedented weather event happens again. In the meantime, criticism both of the agency and of Texas top lawmakers has continued to pour in on social media, where Texans have recounted hours and, in some cases, more than a day of dropping temperatures in dark homes. Overnight, thousands of Texans fled to nearby hotels, where rooms filled up and prices skyrocketed. What were witnessing in real time is what happens when state leaders spend years focused on bathrooms and Chick-fil-A rather than actual issues of state governance like infrastructure and energy, said Democrat Mike Collier, who ran against Patrick in 2018 and was an adviser to President Joe Bidens 2020 campaign. Texas needs real, honest leadership now. ERCOT has also been posting updates about its services on Twitter, noting most recently on Tuesday that local utilities are restoring power to 400,000 households across the state. Additional power sources should become available throughout the day and help restore electricity elsewhere, the agency said. The number of controlled outages we have to do remains high, said Dan Woodfin, the agencys senior director of system operations. We are optimistic that we will be able to reduce the number throughout the day. The questions that lawmakers now ask will be informed by 2011, the last time the state saw blackouts that even remotely compared to those experienced this week. That year, federal energy authorities recommended a host of changes to the states power grid operations, including increasing the amount of reserve power on hand in the lead-up to severe storms; requiring power plant and transmission line operators to provide winterization plans; and conducting regular audits of cold-weather capabilities. The task force found a number of inadequacies in generating units preparations for winter performance, the report stated. These included a lack of accountability and senior management review, lack of an adequate inspection and maintenance program, and failure to perform engineering analyses to determine the correct capability needed for their protection equipment. But the federal authorities recognized that implementing changes would be difficult in the states deregulated system, where weather preparations are profit-driven. While pre-operational warming has considerable value, issues of whether or how generators are to be compensated for taking such actions at ERCOTs direction would need to be addressed, they said. State Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat who was on a Tuesday call with ERCOT representatives, said the state had not taken previous warnings seriously enough, failing to prepare for this weeks frigid weather. The wind turbine stuff I get, because look, its prohibitively expensive to winterize wind turbines for what would have been a one in 100 or one in 500 chance of happening, he said. But nuclear power plants not having defrosters on their water? The coal- and gas-powered plants not having heating elements on their gas distribution devices? Those things are like, come on, we should have taken care of that. cayla.harris@express-news.net jeremy.blackman@chron.com PHOENIX, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Assisted Living Locators, a leading nationwide senior referral and placement service, is celebrating National Caregivers Day on February 19, encouraging people to show their appreciation for the dedicated caregivers who provide for the health and wellbeing of their family members and friends. Assisted Living Locators advocates for those who shoulder the work of caregiving by offering resources and free senior referral and placement services that help families find safe solutions for their aging loved ones, according to Angela Olea, Assisted Living Locators CEO RN. "Caregiving is not easy and became even more difficult with the rise of COVID-19," said Olea. "The toll of caring for an elderly loved one during the pandemic is immense." Olea stated that many caregivers are experiencing burnout from dramatically increased caregiving hours, physical health issues due to added stress, and mental fatigue associated with managing affairs. She noted that people with dementia at home may also find it more difficult to do protective measures against the virus and need extra support during this challenging time. "Assisted Living Locators network of senior care advisors are dementia care certified which puts us in a unique position to help families across the country, educating them about the disease," she explained. "Our dementia care training enables us to provide much-needed support to find safe solutions, at no cost, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care." Olea also encourages caregivers to consider short-term or respite care for a loved one with memory loss or when recovering from a hospital visit. "A short-term stay of a weekend, week, or 30 days at a senior living community is a helpful option for stressed-out caregivers to take time for themselves to recharge and rejuvenate," said Olea. "It's also an opportunity for your loved one to meet other residents, taste the food, experience the amenities, and ease into a transition to a full-time resident." If you are a caregiver and would like a free consultation, speak to an Assisted Living Locators Senior Care Advisor at 877-266-7788 or visit www.assistedlivinglocators.com SOURCE Assisted Living Locators Related Links http://www.assistedlivinglocators.com Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday said while India was making PPE kits for the world, some people were busy "making tool kit against Indians". His remarks came after Delhi Police arrested activist Disha Ravi from Bengaluru and alleged that she was involved in creating and sharing with climate activist Greta Thunberg the protest "toolkit" backing the farmers' agitation with the aim of tarnishing the image of India and collaborated with pro-Khalistan elements. "While India was making PPE KIT for the World, These ppl were making TOOL KIT against Indians. Shame!" Shekhawat tweeted. In another tweet, the Union Jal Shakti Minister took a swipe at those who cited Ravi's age to question the police action against her. "If age is the criteria then Param Veer Chakra Second Lt Arun Khetarpal, martyred at 21 is who I am proud of. Not some #toolkit propagandists!" Shekhawat said. Non-bailable warrants have also been issued against lawyer Nikita Jacob and engineer Shantanu, who are absconding. On January 11, 15 days ahead of the Republic Day violence in the national capital, the two attended a Zoom meeting organised by pro-Khalistani group Poetic Justice Foundation, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Prem Nath at a press conference earlier in the day. The meeting decided the modalities to create the toolkit titled "Global Farmer Strike" and "Global Day of Action, 26 January", Nath said. DENVER, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- An international oil and gas company headquartered in Vienna, recently upgraded to RiskPoynt's release of 6.2 to ensure a continuous safe operation. The major oil producer selected RiskPoynt's operational risk management software solution in 2016 to effectively lower operational risks, prioritizing work activities that maximize asset integrity with the most efficient use of resources. RiskPoynt's release of version 6.2 provides significant functional improvements to widen its lead as the premier barrier management software solution in the market. It allows users to visualize the asset condition by area of a facility and provides deferral processing and visualization of operational major accident hazards (MAH) threats/consequences in a Bow Tie view. "By upgrading their technology with a robust, best-in-class Barrier Management application, the company can continue to bolster their commitment to sustainability and safety as they strive for a low-carbon future," said RiskPoynt CEO Tim Perman. Version 6.2 allows the oil producer to manage risks more efficiently in real-time across the organization, in part to the solution's expanded Google Maps capabilities, and the two-way integration with SAP's PM module to support the group deferral process. About RiskPoynt The first software to integrate real-time asset telemetry into day-to-day management of operational risks, RiskPoynt translates complex risk assessments for each safety barrier into visual displays that are easy to interpret and act on by people at all levels of your organization, locally and globally. Learn more at www.riskpoynt.com. SOURCE RiskPoynt Related Links https://www.riskpoynt.com MOUNT PLEASANT Where shoppers once grabbed a gallon of milk, selected a choice cut of meat or picked up fresh vegetables, office workers soon will handle business deals, meet clients virtually or in person or enjoy some fresh air on an outside patio. A former Bi-Lo supermarket on Shelmore Boulevard has been reworked into a 50,000-square-foot, mixed-use property for office and medical tenants with space available for retail use as well. Currently a large empty shell with a wide central corridor halfway across the building, the redevelopment is a classic example of adaptive reuse of a former idle property. From the outside, the reworked structure is totally different from its past life as a Bi-Lo. The former barrel-vaulted roof elements have been removed, and an expansive two-story foyer with a unique circular lighting feature can be seen behind a grid of glass. An affiliate of Charlotte-based commercial real estate firm Collett Capital paid $12.8 million for the nearly 10-acre site in 2019. The firm redeveloped the property in partnership with Lions Gate Capital LLC, also of the Queen City, and WECCO Development of Charleston at a cost of about $10 million, according to William Cogswell of WECCO. The renovated former grocery store now features 18-foot ceilings, 10 skylights and the potential for a variety of floor plans starting at 2,400 square feet. Two tenants have been lined up so far, said Cogswell, who's also a state lawmaker. An undisclosed medical office will occupy 7,500 square feet while a technology-related business has signed on for 2,500 square feet. Cogswell said they are now in the permitting stages. He did not have a move-in date for either firm. The redevelopment involved a complete interior demolition, the cutting of more than 35 openings for new windows and skylights, installation of a new roof, and the addition of six building entrances. "We opened up all of the exterior walls to bring in more light," Cogswell said as he walked through the building Feb. 15. "Since it could have been darker, we put in skylights as well." Sign up for our real estate newsletter! Get the best of the Post and Courier's Real Estate news, handpicked and delivered to your inbox each Saturday. Email Sign Up! He also pointed out that multiple access points allow for flexibility of uses and users. Some of them lead to outside areas that can be used as patios. The existing retail space surrounding the building received exterior upgrades to match The Shelmore's new facade. Extensive landscaping and hardscaping around the structure also were added. Cogswell said he is not worried about workers returning to the office after the pandemic eases. "We are all in for the long term," he said. "The macroeconomics for Charleston and the region are very strong. That's not to say we won't have any hiccups." In three or four years, barring a new economic downturn, Cogswell believes the office market will be back to pre-pandemic levels. Ladson-based Frampton Construction renovated the building, and project manager Brendan Gilbert called the transformed space "a completely different, innovative use" for the East Cooper office market. Construction started in February 2020 and was completed in December. LS3P Associates was the project architect. Palmetto Commercial Properties of Charleston is handling the leasing. Bi-Lo parent Southeastern Grocers of Jacksonville shuttered the supermarket in 2018, along with 93 others across the Southeast as the company entered bankruptcy reorganization to trim its debt load. Last year, the company announced it would shutter all of the Bi-Lo stores that it could not sell to focus on the Winn-Dixie business, dissolving a chain that was started in the South Carolina Upstate in the early 1960s. Bi-Lo is down to two supermarkets in the Charleston area. They are expected to close in April unless a buyer comes forward. Shimla, Feb 16 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court's judgment that cleared the way for the execution of 605 developmental projects spread over 685.58 hectares, which were awaiting clearance for many years. The cleared projects included the Rs 1,337-crore Green Corridor National Highway in Sirmaur, and Rs 61.48-crore two-laned National Highway 20-A in Dharamsala sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The Chief Minister said that the apex court on Monday granted clearances under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 to 138 projects, including 20 of hydroelectricity, 88 of roads, five of drinking water, and three of bus stands. As many as 465 projects were cleared under the Forest Rights Act, including 334 of roads, 53 of schools, 20 of community centres, 18 of drinking water supply and water pipelines, and 13 tank and other minor water bodies. These projects were held up for long as authorities could not move forward due to apex court directions dated March 11, 2019. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. While the EU is no stranger to crises, the past few weeks have thrown up issues that highlight the chasm between the grand ambition of Brussels and its capability. Things have been so bad that two of the bloc's most senior officials have been called on to resign, CNN reports. The most immediate problem is a Covid-19 vaccines scandal. Earlier in the pandemic, Brussels realized that a rush for vaccines could lead to wealthy member states buying huge supplies and poorer nations relying on their charity. It stepped in and secured deals with manufacturers at a better price than individual countries could negotiate. Most member states were happy with this situation -- until the United Kingdom started vaccinating at a faster rate than the EU. The Commission decided to address this by announcing a policy that threatened creating a border on the island of Ireland, risking the return of sectarian violence. Member states -- not least EU member Ireland -- were furious at not being consulted. Indeed, earlier this week Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was dragged before the European Parliament to explain herself and told to resign multiple times. She admitted to MEPs that the EU had made errors in its procurement of vaccines, saying that they had been "late with the approval" and were "too optimistic on mass production." She also expressed deep regret for raising concerns over stability in Northern Ireland. Adding to her pain, her foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, also faced calls to quit after a disastrous visit to Moscow in which the EU was humiliated at a joint press conference with his opposite number, Sergey Lavrov. Borrell was clearly not prepared for Lavrov's masterful use of the media, using questions to call the EU an "unreliable partner," as Brussels' High Representative said nothing. Also under fire is the Commission's claim to defend democracy within the bloc. On Tuesday, a Budapest court upheld a decision by Hungary's Media Council to take the country's last remaining independent radio station off the air. Members of the Media Council are elected by the Hungarian National Assembly, in which Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party has a majority. The EU's Commissioner for Human Rights tweeted in horror at Orban's latest assault on democracy, though, as many have pointed out, tweets don't impel wannabe autocrats to reverse policy. Blaming Brussels A weak Commission invariably means a weak EU. But why is the Commission, which is on paper Europe's most powerful institution, all over the place? The precise role of the Commission is a constant source of controversy. Commissioners are put forward by the Council of 27 member states and are then approved by the EU Parliament. In theory, the Commission is a bureaucratic body that is supposed to be held to account by the Parliament. However, as the Commission has grown, it has become political. "The arrogance of power is paralyzing. This Commission behaves like a government and works with governments of member states, while the Parliament fails to hold them to account," said Sophie in 't Veld, a Dutch MEP. "The fact Borrell and von der Leyen got away with these errors undermines the whole EU." Another criticism of the von der Leyen Commission is that it's too close to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, Europe's two most influential leaders. "She served in Merkel's cabinet and was proposed for President by Macron, having not bothered campaigning for the job," said Kati Piri, a Dutch social democrat in the European Parliament. "She only won her approval by nine votes, relying on Orban's MEPs. How can she possibly be independent when it comes to France, Germany or Hungary?" While it might be harsh to lay all the blame on von der Leyen, it is true that her Commission is close to the Council, which is a problem for those who think Brussels should act independently in the EU's interest. Rich nations rule the roost The way power works inside the EU Council often perplexes outsiders. On most issues, wealthy nations call the shots. "When Greece needed bailing out, it was Germany who insisted on austerity. On foreign policy, it is the economic priorities of Germany and France that trump the concerns for human rights when striking deals with China," said Daniel Kelemen, Jean Monnet Chair in European Union Politics at Rutgers University. The EU is a hybrid ecosystem that when working properly, has an executive branch that drives common policy in areas that make sense. The member states then shape that policy before the European Parliament scrutinizes and approves it. However, critics believe that as different institutions have sought greater power, the Commission has drifted into a position where it has huge power in the Brussels bubble, but works at the behest of member states, while the Parliament is disrespected and undermined. Many Europhiles are desperate for reform that makes Europe more fit for purpose. Viewed from the outside, the EU is often seen as a positive project built on an idea of unity after centuries of conflict. Yet many who have taken a closer look believe that as it stands, the EU is a bit of a basket case whose internal power struggles prevent it from being a true global power in the 21st century. And as the continent tries to navigate pan-European crises at the most challenging moment in the bloc's history, it's hard to escape the feeling that no one is really in charge. (@ChaudhryMAli88) London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Feb, 2021 ) :Britain prepared Sunday for the next phase of its coronavirus vaccination programme after meeting the government's target of inoculating 15 million of the most vulnerable people with a first dose. Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed hitting the "significant milestone" just over two months after the country embarked on its biggest ever vaccination programme. "This country has achieved an extraordinary feat," he said in a video message posted on Twitter. "It has been a truly national, UK-wide effort. We have done it together." Johnson had set the aim of offering a jab to everybody in the top four priority groups of around 15 million people by the end of this week. That comprises all over-70s, care home residents and staff, NHS workers and the extremely clinically vulnerable to the virus. The country will now start administering vaccines from Monday to those aged between 65 and 69 and the clinically vulnerable to Covid-19, with almost 1.2 million already invited to book their jabs, the state-run National Health Service (NHS) said. Ministers have also vowed to vaccinate all over-50s by May and all adults by September. "There is so much more to do and I urge anyone eligible to step forward and take up their appointment," Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday. "The vaccine is our route to freedom -- we will beat this virus jab by jab." Britain, which has been the hardest hit in Europe by the pandemic, registering nearly 117,000 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test, has led the world in promptly approving the use of several vaccines. It now has one of the highest proportions of people vaccinated against the virus of any nation -- a rare success story during a pandemic in which it has fared badly by most other measures. - 'Cautious' easing - Infection rates have dropped markedly across the country over recent weeks, as strict lockdown measures have curbed previously spiralling case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths. The improving situation has prompted calls for stringent lockdown restrictions to be lifted in early March, despite concern about the spread of virus variants that may be more resistant to vaccines. A new 10-day hotel quarantine regime for British residents returning from 33 virus variant hotspots begins on Monday, despite criticism that the move is too little and too late. Johnson said Saturday he is "optimistic" he will be able to set out plans for a "cautious" easing of the stay-at-home rules in England later this month. He has vowed to review all relevant data next week, ahead of setting out the government's "roadmap" for the months ahead on February 22. But he is facing pressure from some of the government's own lawmakers. Lockdown-sceptic Conservatives have called on Johnson to commit to a timetable for completely ending the controls by May. In a letter to the British premier, the leaders of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs, said the "tremendous pace" of the vaccination rollout allowed for the move. "The vaccine gives us immunity from Covid, but it must also give us permanent immunity from Covid-related lockdowns and restrictions," they wrote. "All restrictions remaining after March 8 should be proportionate to the ever-increasing number of people we have protected." UNHCR: massive funding gap to meet needs of refugees, IDPs in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said it only received 7 percent of the 323.1 million U.S. dollars it wants to meet the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in Ethiopia. The UNHCR is working to meet the needs of refugees and IDPs despite the funding gap and incidence of armed conflicts in some of the areas it operates, the refugee agency said in its monthly fact sheet on Saturday. It is engaged in the training of health personnel and the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and essential medicines and materials to strengthen health services in refugee camps in Ethiopia, the UNHCR said. The UNHCR is also supporting the inter-agency COVID-19 response to the IDP situation by providing PPE and sanitation materials, equipping isolation and quarantine centers and providing community sensitization, it said. Ethiopia's confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 145,704 on Saturday, the Ministry of Health said. Ethiopia is the third largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, sheltering 801,349 registered refugees and asylum-seekers, mostly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan, as of Jan. 31, 2021. The country also has several million IDPs, including 2.2 million who were forced to flee the conflict that broke out last November in the northern Tigray regional state. Dominic Ayine, Member of Parliament(MP) for Bolgatanga East Constituency in the Upper East Region says the fact that the Supreme Court has reduced 'five key issues to be determined' to just one "smacks of a predetermined agenda to rule against the petitioner". The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, in a unanimous decision dismissed former President John Mahama's motion to reopen his case. Mr Mahama sought to reopen his case to enable his lawyers subpoena Madam Jean Mensa to appear before the court and testify as a hostile witness. But the panel, in its ruling delivered by Chief Justice Anin Yeboah said, "we accordingly refuse the application and proceed without any hesitation to dismiss it". This was after an earlier ruling on February 11. Reacting to this at a press briefing, Dr Dominc Ayine said, "In our view the court was wrong; in our view the reasons of the court were based upon wrong legal premises but . . . we are bound by what it has said". Single issue to be determined Dr Ayine also expressed dissatisfaction at the fact that the Supreme Court claim "there is only one issue to be determined". " . . these are germane issues under the constitution of Ghana and to reduce the petition into a single issue petition is rather unfortunate and smacks of a predetermined agenda to rule against the petitioner in this matter," he said. According to him, "The Supreme Court asked itself a question which we deem was a wrong question and answered that question; it said why does the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission need to account to the people of Ghana when she is not a party to the suit . . . now you would recall that counsel (Tsatsu Tsikata) made it very clear that one of the reasons why we are in court is because of the unconstitutional conduct of Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa as the returning officer under the constitution and it is not true that there is only one issue that needs to be determined in this matter". "I am surprised that the Supreme Court itself, having set down five key issues to be determined is now reducing the issues to one; which is whether and the extent to which the evidence that we have led shows that no one got more than 50 percent of the votes in accordance with article 63 of the constitution, but we have made it abundantly clear in the petition that there were a number of infractions; were contesting even the constitutionality of the declaration that was made. We are saying that she violated article 23 of the constitution . . . these are germane issues under the constitution of Ghana and to reduce the petition into a single issue petition is rather unfortunate and smacks of a predetermined agenda to rule against the petitioner in this matter". He further insisted that, "the court by this decision has done the people of this country a great disservice in the sense that Ghanaians are interested in knowing the truth". Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A 37-year-old New Jersey man being sought on charges he sexually assaulted a child was caught in New York last week, authorities said. Jorge Mora, of Hackensack, was arrested at 8:30 a.m. Friday in Southampton by the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office after being contacted by the Bergen County Sheriffs Office, officials said. Sheriffs officers conducted an investigation, set up surveillance and took Mora into custody. Mora was charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child less than 13 years of age and other offenses. He was turned over to the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Unit. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) For a second consecutive day, New Zealand reported no new community cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday, raising hopes that a lockdown in Auckland will be lifted Wednesday. Just how three family members contracted the disease remains a mystery. After the cases were found, top lawmakers hurriedly placed New Zealands largest city into a three-day lockdown, the nation's first in six months. COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said the final decision by lawmakers on whether to lift the restrictions will depend on any new information or cases that crop up over the next 24 hours. A day when we get zero positive test results is always a good day, Hipkins said. Health officials have been ramping up testing since the outbreak. On Monday, they administered more than 15,000 tests and processed the results of nearly 6,000. The outbreak began when an Auckland mother, father and daughter caught the disease. The mother works at a catering company that does laundry for airlines, and officials have been investigating whether there is any link to infected passengers. Genome testing showed the family caught the more contagious variant first found in Britain. The testing wasn't able to link the cases to any previous known cases in New Zealand. The familys close contacts, including people at the mothers workplace and the daughters high school, have so far all returned negative tests, officials said. Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said they hadn't yet come to any conclusions about the outbreak's origin. Our intensive investigation around the potential source of transmission of all three cases continues, Bloomfield said. We have a number of scenarios we are pursuing. New Zealand's first batch of vaccine also arrived this week, a shipment of about 60,000 doses of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. Border workers will initially be prioritized, with inoculations due to begin Saturday. Two days after February 14, 2021, which marked 2 years of Pulwama attack, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and said that the Prime Minister was busy shooting a film on that fateful day. While stating that PM Modi ignored prior intelligence inputs and left jawans to die in Pulwama, the Congress leader took to Twitter and asked, "Why were actionable intelligence inputs ignored?" On 14th Feb 2019, the PM was busy shooting a film having ignored prior intelligence inputs and leaving our jawans to die in Pulwama. Why were actionable intelligence inputs ignored? pic.twitter.com/XZWKuaW4UG Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 16, 2021 Rahul Gandhi's politicisation and continued refusal to blame Pakistan first-and-foremost comes after the Jammu & Kashmir police and security forces foiled a major terrorist effort on the Pulwama anniversary day, defusing a 7kg IED that forensic experts claimed was as powerful as the one that martyred 40 CRPF jawans in the worst terror attack on Indian forces in many decades. READ | Rahul Gandhi To Kick-start Congress Campaign In Poll-bound Assam On Sunday Pulwama Terror Attack: A black day for India Two years ago on February 14, 2019, 40 Indian soldiers were martyred in one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. After the deadly attack, a Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had claimed responsibility for this terror attack. A 22-year-old suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus. The convoy had 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. The attack, which was reported near Awantipora at nearly 3:15 pm resulted in the death of 40 CRPF jawans, while many others were left injured. READ | Rahul Gandhi's 'hum Do Humare Do' Jibe Gets BJP Guessing; Giriraj Singh Suggests Vadras After this attack, India had also withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan and the whole international community had expressed its strong support to India in the wake of the terror attack. The memorial having names of all 40 jawans killed in the attack was inaugurated on February 14, 2020, at CRPF's Training Centre at Lethpora camp in Pulwama. The memorial is inscribed with the names of all the 40 troopers along with their photographs and the motto of the CRPF -- "Seva and Nishtha" (Service and Loyalty). READ | PM Modi To Address NASSCOM Webinar Concerning Effective Implementation Of Budget 2021-22 Earlier on Republic Day 2021, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) ASI Mohan Lal who lost his life during the Pulwama attack in 2019, was awarded the President Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) posthumously. Mohan Lal was awarded the medal for spotting the IED-laden car and having fired to stop the car before it rammed into a bus in the convoy that killed the suicide bomber and 40 CRPF personnel on February 14, 2019. READ | Netizens Remember Sacrifice Of CRPF Martyrs On 2nd Anniversary Of Pulwama Terror Attack Balakot Airstrike and India's revenge Following this attack, India after few days carried out an airstrike on JeM's Balakot terror training camp in Pakistan. On February 26, 12 Mirage 2000 jets of the Indian Air Force crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and fired precision missiles into Balakot, Pakistan. India stated that it attacked a JeM training camp and killed a large number of terrorists, reported to be between 300 and 350. Later on February 27, the Pakistan Air Force conducted an airstrike into Jammu and Kashmir in retaliation for the Indian airstrike the day before. Both Pakistan and India agreed that no damage was caused by Pakistan's airstrike. However, in an ensuing dogfight between Indian and Pakistani jets, an Indian MiG-21 was shot down over Pakistan and its pilot - Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured. Pakistan later released Varthaman on March 1. A Pakistani F-16 was also downed by Indian fighters. READ | Rahul Gandhi Doesn't Know 'Hum Do Hamare Do' Slogan Given By Indira Gandhi: Min Anil Vij You are here: Travel Flash The number of domestic and foreign tourists traveling in Cambodia during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration dropped by 2 percent to 892,638, according to a Ministry of Tourism's report on Monday. Some 880,553 locals and 12,085 foreigners travelled within the kingdom during the celebration from Feb. 12-14, the report said. The country's popular tourist destinations are the famed Angkor Archeological Park in northwestern Siem Reap province and the coastline stretching over four southwestern provinces. "Overall, security and public order were good, no any remarkable problem or disruption during the celebration," the report said. Although it is not an official holiday in Cambodia, the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is broadly celebrated in the Southeast Asian country. Geneva: Three months after the Trump administration rejected her, former Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has received unanimous official backing to become the first woman and first African director-general of the World Trade Organisation. During a virtual meeting on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) the WTOs 164 members unanimously selected the 66-year-old development economist to serve a four-year term as director-general. After withstanding a veto of her candidacy by the now-departed Trump administration, Okonjo-Iweala takes the helm of the Geneva-based WTO at a precarious time for the world economy and just as the organisation itself is mired in a state of dysfunction. Incoming WTO leaderNgozi Okonjo-Iweala at her home in Potomac, Maryland, US. Credit:Reuters A self-declared doer with a track record of taking on seemingly intractable problems, Okonjo-Iweala will have her work cut out for her at the trade body, even with Trump, who had threatened to pull the United States out of the organisation, no longer in the White House. Both governments seek justice in the investigation into the shooting down of the Ukrainian passenger jet near Tehran. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Canadian counterpart Marc Garneau have spoken over the phone on Tuesday to discuss further measures to be taken as regards the investigation of the downing of the Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 by Iranian military. "Great call with my Canadian counterpart @MarcGarneau. We had a focused discussion on security cooperation, mobility, further steps to achieve justice for #PS752 victims. Ukraine and Canada remain reliable partners and friends," Dmytro Kuleba tweeted. Great call with my Canadian counterpart @MarcGarneau. We had a focused discussion on security cooperation, mobility, further steps to achieve justice for #PS752 victims. Ukraine and Canada remain reliable partners and friends Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 16, 2021 Marc Garneau on January 12 became Canada's new Foreign Minister. His previous post was Minister of Transport. PS752 downing in Iran: Background On January 8, 2020, Kyiv-bound Boeing 737 passenger jet flight PS752, operated by Ukraine International Airlines, crashed in Iran shortly after takeoff from Tehran Airport. All 176 people on board, including 11 Ukrainian nationals nine crew and two passengers were killed. Among victims are also citizens of Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani admitted that the Ukrainian liner had been shot down as a result of an unintentional "human error," and promised to bring those responsible to justice. On June 9, media reports said Iran had accused six persons in the PS752 downing case. Read alsoPS752 downing: Iran to be held accountable to deliver justice Joint statementOn July 20, the flight recorders were delivered to Paris and decrypted on July 21. On July 24, it was reported that data from the black boxes had confirmed external interference with the aircraft's operation. On October 23, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Yenin said Iran would pay compensation to the relatives of victims of the UIA flight PS752 crash, but the process might last up to two years. On December 9, however, Yenin said that Iran had withdrawn the offer to handle the payments to the families of those killed in the UIA plane crash. In the middle of December, Canada expressed its position on the Iranian investigation into the downing of the Ukrainian plane, saying it is not credible. On December 22, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iranian investigators, during a video conference, had provided representatives of other countries whose citizens were victims of the crash with a technical report on the UIA downing. On December 23, Yenin said Ukraine had not received the report. On December 24, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed concern that Iran was delaying the negotiation process on the case of the downed Ukraine International Airlines plane. He noted that Ukraine had not received a technical report from Iran on the plane downed almost a year ago. On December 30, Iranian cabinet members reportedly agreed at a session to allocate US$150,000 or its equivalent in euros to each family of the victims of the Ukrainian plane crash in January 2020. On January 7, 2021, Rouhani said all those responsible for the downing of the plane would be brought to justice. The Canadian government and security agencies are reviewing an audio recording in which a man identified by sources as Iran's foreign affairs minister discusses the possibility that the destruction of Flight PS752 was an intentional act. Reporting by UNIAN In October 1898 a woman was found dead in a lagoon on the outskirts of the town of Forbes in NSW. She was identified as Ada Foster, 35, a mother of four. What few people in the town knew was that the dead woman was actually Kate Kelly, the sister of notorious bushranger Ned Kelly. What was Kate doing in Forbes 370 kilometres west of Sydney and 470 kilometres from her Kelly clan in north-east Victoria? Was her death murder, suicide or an accident? She deserved better: Rebecca Wilson, author of a new book about Ned Kellys sister Kate, with one of her paintings of Kate. Credit:Wolter Peeters A new biography, Kate Kelly: The True Story of Ned Kellys Little Sister, explores these and other mysteries of an epic, but forgotten life. As a teenager in the late 1870s, Kate was famous either reviled or admired for being a decoy and messenger for the Kelly Gang, including her brothers Ned and Dan, as they hid from police in north-east Victoria. WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ATI Advisory (ATI), a research and advisory services firm working to transform the delivery of healthcare and aging services for older adults, released new research findings today highlighting the significant, collaborative role that long-term acute care (LTAC) hospitals have played alongside inpatient hospitals in meeting the public health needs of clinicians, highly medically complex patients, and patient's families during the public health emergency (PHE). ATI gathered perspectives from healthcare professionals and clinicians in short-term acute care hospitals (STACHs) and in post-acute care, who reported on their experience with patients in both Medicare FFS and Medicare Advantage during the PHE. ATI also analyzed Medicare FFS claims (Q2 2020) to identify early patient trends and to support qualitative feedback. Early data analysis suggests that LTAC hospitals remained a specialty setting appropriate for patients with the highest needs. This is partly demonstrated in the national LTAC hospital Case Mix Index, which increased year over year for national LTAC hospitals (1.199 in May 2019 to 1.242 in May 2020). The average length of stay (ALOS) also increased from 25.3 days to 27.4 days during the same time period. These preliminary findings support the importance of maintaining a flexible healthcare provider asset class that can serve as a hospital extender during public health crises, and be repurposed to meet non-emergent delivery system needs at other times. "We found that inpatient hospital colleagues were able to call on LTAC hospitals in their market, who, because of the CARES Act waivers, could be deployed quickly and nimbly into a public health role. They have decompressed the overburdened acute care system during the 'war time' of COVID, with the ability to revert back to their 'peace time' role when the PHE ends," said Anne Tumlinson, CEO of ATI Advisory. David Grabowski, PhD, a professor of health care policy in the Department of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School, recently spoke out on the importance of LTAC hospitals during the PHE, stating: "In a pandemic, you really do need that kind of intensive care. For years, we said, 'Why do we need long-term care hospitals?' And all of a sudden with COVID, we're saying 'Why don't we have more long-term care hospitals?'" The COVID-19 PHE disrupted long-standing delivery system barriers to continuity of patient care. Under the extreme circumstances of the pandemic and supported by the CARES Act-Section 3711 waivers as well as prior authorization relief new operating patterns were instituted that reasserted fluid patient transitions and clinical collaboration, especially between STACHs and LTAC hospitals. ATI's research indicates that the clinical capabilities in LTAC hospitals have been particularly well suited to extend STACH capacity and fill critical care gaps in the post-acute care continuum. See the full analysis and key lessons for providers, payers, and policymakers to consider: https://atiadvisory.com/role-of-ltac-hospitals-in-covid-19-pandemic/. About ATI Advisory ATI Advisory is a research and advisory services firm working to transform the delivery of healthcare and aging services for older adults. By providing insight and strategy backed by original research, ATI helps organizations lead and deliver change in senior healthcare and long-term services and supports systems. For more information, visit www.atiadvisory.com. SOURCE ATI Advisory Related Links https://atiadvisory.com Alison Hammond was left swooning as she interviewed Hollywood heartthrob Patrick Dempsey on Tuesday's episode of This Morning. The TV presenter, 46, was caught daydreaming about the star several times ahead of her interview, leading co-host Dermot O'Leary to ask: 'Hammond, what's the matter with you?' Alison joined Patrick, 55, on their video call and recalled how the last time they met they had a 'gooseberry' with them, before she playfully added: 'It was Colin Firth and it's so nice that it's just the two of us today!' Cheeky: Alison Hammond was left swooning as she interviewed Hollywood heartthrob Patrick Dempsey on Tuesday's episode of This Morning Smiling, Patrick replied: 'Much better isn't it?' On his new thriller Devils for Sky Atlantic, Patrick explained of his character Dominic, 'He's a man that doesn't like chaos, he likes control and order and that motivates him in a world of finance in a very challenging time during the great crash. 'He was a fun character to play and different from anything I've played in the past, and that was part of the excitement. That and a chance to shoot in England.' During the interview, Alison apologised when her mobile started to ring, saying: 'I'm so sorry Patrick!' Interview: Alison joined Patrick on their video call and recalled how the last time they met they had a 'gooseberry' with them, before she playfully added: 'It was Colin Firth and it's so nice that it's just the two of us today!' Laughing Patrick said: 'Is Stephen Spielberg still bothering you?' Alison joked: 'He won't leave me alone!' Patrick also revealed how his 'McDreamy' character in Grey's Anatomy is returning for series 17. The actor explained: 'Well, he comes back and reunites with Meredith in a very interesting way.' Of the photo of him and co-star Ellen Pompeo on Instagram [from the filming of series 17], he said: 'It was really fun this summer when everything was locked down. Fun: Alison didn't let Patrick leave without playing one of her classic games, with this one called 'Patrick's Anatomy' 'Ellen and I got together and we were like: "What can we do to inspire people?" and just bring attention to the frontline responders - the doctors and the nurses - and all the people taking care of us right now, they need to be honoured.' Alison didn't let Patrick leave without playing one of her classic games, with this one called 'Patrick's Anatomy'. Pulling out a customised 'Operation' game with Patrick's face on it, Alison said: 'As you can see, there is little Patrick there in all his glory! If I hurt you in any way, obviously just shout.' Laughing and clapping in delight, Patrick was the perfect patient by taking deep breaths when asked and helped Alison choose the anatomy parts to operate on for his true or false questions. Future: Patrick also revealed how his 'McDreamy' character in Grey's Anatomy is returning for series 17 Upon removing the funny bone, Alison asked: 'Did you nearly run away and join the circus?' Patrick replied: 'True! I was 17 and rejected from a Clown college - I think you had to be 18.' Alison then picked the wishbone and asked: 'What do you wish for your career in the future? Any role or characters you'd love to play?' Patrick replied: 'I've never done a Western, I'd love to do a Western or any kind of war or action movie' Next, Alison chose the butterfly and asked: 'Do you still get butterflies when you're acting alongside the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Renee Zellweger, Amy Adams?' Show: The actor explained: 'Well, he comes back and reunites with Meredith in a very interesting way' Patrick admitted: 'I always get nervous I don't think that ever goes away. You learn how to manage it the older you get, but it's always there.' The last one Alison chose was the heart, and she asked: 'What makes your heart sing?' Patrick said: 'I think with Grey's Anatomy and the show, so many young people have gone into the medical profession. To me, that's been the greatest thing. 'So I think that and the opportunity to create the Dempsey Centres in the town I grew up in, in Maine, where we help people that have been impacted by cancer - it's about giving back. Everything else, it doesn't have quite the same meaning...' Patrick said: 'I think with Grey's Anatomy and the show, so many young people have gone into the medical profession. To me, that's been the greatest thing' Alison added: 'Well, Patrick Dempsey, you have made my heart sing today. It's been an absolute pleasure seeing you again. I'm so excited about Devils - I cannot wait.' Patrick replied: 'I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for having me on the show. Great to see you. Next time we'll get to see each other in person' before blowing her a kiss on screen. This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV & catch up on ITV Hub. By Benjamin Jumbe and Juliet Nalwooga The leadership of National Unity Platform (NUP) has expressed disappointment with a decision by the General Court Martial to deny its supporters bail. The 7 member panel chaired by Lt. Gen Andrew Gutti sitting at Makindye yesterday declined to release on bail 36 NUP supporters on grounds that they would continue to incite violence if released on bail, ordering the state to expedite investigations into the case. Now speaking to KFM, NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya describes this as oppression and continued violation of these peoples human rights, thus vowing not to relent in fighting for their freedom. Prosecution states that the suspects and others still at large on January 3rd 2021 while at Makerere Kavule, Kigundu Zone, Kawempe Division were found in possession of four rounds of ammunition, an AK 47 gun, which is the monopoly of the defense forces. The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party has revealed that it is set to petition the UN Human Rights office in Kampala over kidnapped people. Addressing journalists at the party offices in Kamwokya , presidential race runner up also NUP party leader Robert Kyagulanyi called upon family and relatives of those kidnapped to join them as they present the petition to UN tomorrow. Kyagulanyi has also demanded for the unconditional release of all those that fall victim of extrajudicial arrests and are being held incommunicado. He also demands that civilians being tried in the military court martial be moved to a civilian court or released immediately. NUP are today formally making use of their offices after police and UPDF officers left yesterday since the place was placed under siege after the 14th January siege. Myanmar State Counsellor and a Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myints detention have been extended until February 17 after both were placed under house arrest on February 1 as military seized the power from the civilian government leaders in an unprecedented coup. Since then, the citizens of the Southeast Asian country have been organising nationwide protests demanding the release of both Suu Kyi and Win Myint with chanting and holding signs that read free our leader. However, despite the unrest, Myanmar times quoted U Khin Maung Zaw, who is representing Daw Suu in court as saying, Daw Aung Suu Kyi and President Win Myint will be detained for two more days until February 16 as their trial continues while adding that both civilian government leaders will be appearing in court through video-conference. Read - Malaysia To Deport 1,200 Myanmar Migrants Amid Concerns Myanmar State Counsellor, who is also the renowned face for the nations fight for democracy, has been charged with export/import charges. Meanwhile, the Myanmar President has been charged under the National Disaster Management Law. Myanmar is under the control of the military and a state of emergency for a year. In the run-up to the November 2020 election, Army chief Min Aung Hlaing, who has acquired the power of the nation now, had claimed that civilian government was making "unacceptable mistakes". The military alleged that the elections were full of irregularities and questioned the veracity of at least 9 million votes cast in November 2020 even though the countrys election commission rejected the claims of fraud. Myanmar military stressed that it will protect and abide by its constitution. Read - Myanmar Coup: Internet Blackout For Second Consecutive Day; Services Now Restored Read - Monks Join Myanmar Anti Coup Protests Suu Kyi Faces Up To 3 Years In Jail Detained Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has been charged by the military with offences related to some walkie-talkies allegedly imported with improper licence and for shaking hands during the COVID-19 pandemic, reportedly according to the police document. Junta took the power after complaining over the voter fraud in the recent general election in November 2020 that Myanmar Election Commission has already dismissed. As per reports, the police document issued on February 3 claimed that during the search of Suu Kyis residence, military officials found hand-held radios that were imported illegally and used without permission. Apart from this, Myanmar State Counsellor has also been reportedly charged under the emergency COVID-19 legislation for meeting and shaking hands with other people during the pandemic. Further, Myanmar President Win Myint, who was also arrested and removed from the office would also be reportedly charged with offences under the natural disaster management law. Suu Kyi who is also the leader of National League for Democracy (NLD) party, according to the police document, has been remanded in detention until February 15. As per reports, the charges against Suu Kyi carry imprisonment of up to three years and or a fine. Read - Myanmar Protests Resume After 2nd Night Of Internet Shutdown Read - Myanmar Police Leave NLD Office After Raid The equine jewel in Saudi Arabias crown, The Saudi Cup 2021 is not only ready to showcase the very best of world-class horseracing, but all eyes will also be on the fashion stakes of the invited guests. The two-day international event (February 19 and 20) will provide a unique setting for a limited number of guests to celebrate the kingdoms rich Saudi fashion heritage, following a collaboration between the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Cultures Fashion Commission. Due to the global pandemic, The Saudi Cup 2021 is being held behind closed doors at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Under the direction of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, an elegant new dress code has been introduced, encouraging those invited to celebrate the rich identity of Saudi Arabian culture by wearing their finest clothes inspired by traditional costumes that are worn by men and women across the kingdom. The dress code complements other major international horseracing festivals and embraces the excitement of dressing up for a day at the races and, like Royal Ascot, King Abdulaziz Racecourse will have its very own Royal Enclosure, the statement said. Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud, of the Fashion Commission at the Ministry of Culture, commented: "Saudi Arabias fashion heritage is rich and colourful. The Fashion Commission is pleased to have produced the dress code for The Saudi Cup 2021 as a wonderful platform to showcase Saudi heritage. Our hope is that this work will inspire a contemporary generation to look to the past and, by understanding and referencing it, they will create clothes that embrace Saudis heritage and build a narrative for its future. Bringing further clarity and context to the dress code, the Ministry of Culture enlisted the help of professional illustrator, Norah Sahman who has long been inspired by Saudi heritage fashion to create the beautiful illustrations for the Fashion Commissions dress code for The Saudi Cup 2021, which give guests guidance on what they should wear to the event. Sahman said: Through art, I have connected with my Saudi culture and found a way to celebrate my heritage. It was an honour to work with the Fashion Commission at the Ministry of Culture to bring this project to life." The new dress code inspired by traditional costumes, includes detailed sketches and inspiring looks for this years event. - TradeArabia News Service Marilyn Manson has hired 24-hour bodyguards at his LA mansion after being left 'paranoid' amid abuse allegations, an insider has revealed. The 52-year-old hasn't left his Hollywood home in weeks, according to The Sun, after 12 women came forward to accuse him of physical and sexual abuse. The claims vary but include alleged beatings, whippings, sleep deprivation and being plied with drink and drugs. Manson denies the accusations and has not been charged with any crime. A source told The Sun: 'Manson is worried about his safety and is not taking any risks. Marilyn Manson, 52, has hired 24-hour security outside his home because he's 'paranoid,' according to an insider (pictured: Manson at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in LA last year) Police in Manson's neighborhood on Feb. 3. They rushed to his home in Los Angeles during a 'welfare check' earlier this month after a concerned friends of the rocker's was unable to get hold of him 'He's concerned about who might turn up at the house and has hired 24-hour security to watch out for him. 'He's paranoid at the best of times, but the allegations have really rocked him and he was adamant he needed protection.' Earlier this month police rushed to his home to carry out a 'welfare check' after a concerned friend was unable to contact him. Industry insiders have sought to distance themselves from the controversial rocker with his record label, talent agency and long-time manager Tony Ciulla all dropping him. Manson took to Instagram to deny the allegations, writing: 'Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. 'My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how - and why - others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth.' Since the allegations surfaced, the source told The Sun, that Manson has been spending his time with a close circle which includes his personal assistant, his wife Lindsay Usich and has been visited by someone from his legal team. Usich, a 36-year-old tattoo artist, and Manson have been in an on-off relationship since 2012 before they married last year. Evan Rachel Wood (pictured) was the first to publicly accuse Manson of abuse in an Instagram post on February 2 where she claimed he starting 'grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years' Another ten women have accused Manson, including Game of Thrones actress Esme Bianco, 38 (pictured with the rocker) Game of Thrones actress Esme Bianco says Marilyn Manson told her he wanted to rape her and murder other women in text messages sent during their relationship 'Manson still has close friends and team members who have been with him for years and are worried about him, but a lot of people have turned their backs,' the insider told The Sun. 'He is unsure of what's to come regarding his career and is keeping an incredibly low profile. 'Manson has always been a hermit who often sleeps in the day and parties or paints at night into the early hours, so it's unlikely he'll be seen in public for a while.' Actress Evan Rachel Wood, 33, was among the first to go public with the abuse claims, alleging that Manson started 'grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years.' Wood started dating Manson in 2007 before they split in 2010. She denied that they were just having 'kinky sex' when he 'tortured' her saying they 'never had a 'BDSM' relationship' and that she 'thought [she] was going to die.' Another 11 women have accused Manson, including Game of Thrones actress Esme Bianco. The 38-year-old Briton appeared on Good Morning America last week to claim that Manson kept their apartment cold at 62 degrees and dark with blacked out windows, describing one incident where she says she was kept in his home for three days. Bianco said: 'I was given nothing to eat, he gave me drugs and alcohol, and I essentially was not allowed to leave.' She said Manson would tell her he wanted to 'murder other women' and 'sneak down to the room where I was sleeping and rape me' in text messages. He also made her dress in heels, lingerie and stockings, she alleges, and would show her off to his entourage 'pulling up her dress to show them bruises that he'd given her'. Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court has stopped Lucknow University from finalising the selection of 180 assistant professors for time being for its various departments while allowing it to keep on the selection process. A Lucknow bench of the high court put the interim stay on a plea by an aspiring applicant for the post of assistant professor in the Anthropology Department, who had questioned the rationale behind reserving seats in various departments, treating the entire varsity as one body for providing reservation. The bench of Justice Irshad Ali also asked the varsity to keep one post of the assistant professor in the Anthropology Department vacant for the petitioner, Dr Preeti Singh, a general category candidate, till the decision on her petition. The bench also asked the state government and University to file their replies to Singh's petition by March 10, the next date for the hearing of the case. Dr Singh has contended in her petition that owing to the modality adopted by the varsity for reserving seats, none of the four vacant seats of the Anthropology Department has been left open for the general category candidates. And this has made her ineligible even for applying for the appointment in the Anthropology Department, she said. She pointed out that instead of reserving seats department-wise, the varsity has proceeded in the appointment process, treating itself as one body for all 180 vacant seats due to which no seats have been left open for the general category candidates in many departments. Taking note of the contentions, raised by the petitioner, the bench put an interim stay on the final selection of assistant professors for the examination of the legality of the varsity's reservation formulae. Justice Ali gave the order observing that as per the past rulings of both the Supreme Court and this court, reserving seats department-wise or subject-wise would have been the appropriate methodology rather than treating the entire university as a single unit and reserving seats on the basis of all the vacancies of all departments put together. While staying the final selection of teachers, the bench observed that the university has reserved seats adopting a central law which seeks to relax the Supreme Court's 50 per cent limit on the total reservation, suppressing a 1994 state enactment on reservation observing the apex court's limit. Accordingly, it has to be decided whether the UP Public Services (Reservation For SC, ST And OBC) Act stands repealed by the adoption of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers' Cadre) Act, 2019, which raises the reservation limit beyond 50 per cent, the bench said, framing a legal question for adjudication over the issue. The petitioner raised this legal issue in her petition, with her counsel Anuj Kudesia alleging that the UP government illegally amended the provisions of the 1994 state law which prescribes a fifty per cent reservation against the vacancies existed in different departments. He said the state government amended the provisions of the state law by adopting the Central law through a September 2, 2019 notification aimed at enabling the varsity to reserve more than 50 per cent of the vacant seats. Live TV Opposing Kudesia's arguments, the varsity counsel Anurag Singh submitted that following the Central government's 2019 law which adds ten per cent more reservation, the fifty per cent reservation limit stands exceeded and the provision of the UP Public Services (Reservation For Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes And Other Backward Classes) Act, 1994 stands repealed. The UP government's counsel Alok Saran too adopted the LU counsel's arguments. Following the arguments and counter-arguments over the legality of the September 2019 advertisement for filling up the 180 vacancies, the bench said, "The controversy as to whether the UP government's September 2, 2019 order adopting the central enactment can repeal the UP Public Services (Reservation For SC, ST and OBC) Act, 1994, requires consideration." As other countries forge ahead to get their people vaccinated, Japan has yet to get started, and the general public is not likely to have access to a vaccine until May or June. Deep-rooted concerns about safety are one reason for the delay, but a lack of domestic firms capable of developing a vaccine and a poorly structured approval system for new drugs are also factors. World Leaders First in Line Countries around the world have been moving quickly to get their people inoculated, convinced that a vaccine is the key to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a website compiled by Nikkei and the Financial Times that charts coronavirus vaccinations around the world, as of January 26, 2021, the US led the world with a cumulative total of nearly 22 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered. Just one week after inoculations began in the United States on December 14, 2020, president-elect Joseph Biden publicly got the first of a two-dose vaccine as part of a drive to reassure the American public of the vaccines safety. The second country in cumulative total inoculations as of January 26, 2021, is China, at 15 million. China is offering its own vaccine as part of a vaccine diplomacy effort directed at the countries of Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. In third place is Britain, with more than 7 million accumulated vaccinations administered. Queen Elizabeth, it was announced, was inoculated on January 9, 2021. Finally, in fourth place in the global rankings is Israel, with almost 4 million inoculations, administered at a much faster pace than anywhere else. With 42.3 inoculations per million people, Israel stands at the top in terms of percentage of population vaccinated. On December 19, 2020, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the first to be vaccinated in an ambitious drive to inoculate more than half the Israeli population by mid-March. Other countries, including Germany, Italy, Russia, India, and Indonesia, had also launched their vaccination drives by mid-January. As soon as the novel coronavirus genome sequence was made public in January 2020, major pharmaceutical companies in the United States and Britain promptly started producing vaccines for testing. The US government invested $10 billion in Operation Warp Speed, speeding up development with new technology capable of synthesizing the genetic material in large quantities in a short period of time. Japan, for its part, currently plans to use vaccines developed by Pfizer, a major US pharmaceutical company, Moderna, a British company, and AstraZeneca PLC, a company headquartered in Britain. All three vaccines were approved in the United States and Europe back in December 2020 and are already in use. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are believed to be more than 90% effective, meaning that the rate of infection among vaccinated test groups is 90% less than the rate among unvaccinated groups, effectively reducing the risk of infection by a factor of 10. Japans Slow Start So why is Japan so late in getting its people vaccinated? Dr. Kunishima Hiroyuki, a professor at St. Marianna Medical University and director of its Center for Infectious Diseases, gives three reasons. First, the Japanese people have traditionally been cautious about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. While vaccines can provide immunity or lessen the severity of infectious diseases, there may also be undesirable and harmful reactions or side effects. In the case of the coronavirus vaccines, reports range from mild side effects such as muscle pain, headache, and malaise, to anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction that causes sudden drops in blood pressure and breathing difficulties. Most countries have acknowledged that the full range of coronavirus vaccine side effects is still unknown, but they have hurried to get the vaccines approved on the basis that preventing infections from spreading any further is worth the risks. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, however, are a new type of vaccine made using the modified genetic information of the virus, and most of the clinical trial subjects were Caucasians, with only a small number of Asians. Insisting that safety must be confirmed even if it means Japan will lag behind other countries in getting its population vaccinated, the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor has required domestic clinical trials before any coronavirus vaccines can be approved for use in Japan. As a result, starting in October, Pfizer carried out clinical trials on 160 Japanese people, ranging in age from 20 to 85, and did not submit its application for approval to manufacture and sell its vaccine in Japan until December 18, 2020. While the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor will take into consideration the data from clinical trials conducted overseas to accelerate its approval process for the three types of vaccines, final approval for Pfizer was not be given until after the data from its domestic trials became available in mid-January. Memories are still fresh in Japan of the furor caused by reports of adverse reactions to a cervical cancer vaccine promoted by the government that resulted in lawsuits filed against the government and pharmaceutical companies. The fear that they may be criticized again for insufficient screening is thought to be one reason for the Ministry of Healths cautious approach to the COVID-19 vaccines. An Asahi Shimbun survey, reported in its January 25 edition, asked respondents what they would do if a vaccine was made available for free. While 21% said they would get vaccinated right away, 70% said they would prefer to wait, and 8% said they did not want to be vaccinated. It would seem the Japanese are as leery of the new medicine as they have been of other vaccines in the past. Fewer Vaccines for Contagious Diseases The second and third reasons given by Dr. Kunishima for Japans delay in implementing a vaccination program are that Japan has few pharmaceutical companies or start-ups capable of developing drugs for infectious and other rare diseases, and that the countrys system for implementing clinical trials for new drugs at medical institutions is tenuous at best. Up to about a half-century ago vaccine research and production was quite robust in Japan, but now there are fewer children with the declining birthrate to be vaccinated and the growing frequency of lawsuits related to vaccines have combined to weaken the Japanese vaccine industry as a whole. There are few pharmaceutical companies today that are willing to undertake the development and manufacture of vaccines for infectious diseases that appear suddenly and tend to fade away by the time a vaccine is finally ready to be distributed. An outcome of this is that more than half of the vaccines currently used in Japan are imported, something that will also be the case for the COVID-19 vaccines. The slower Japan is in securing a supply of vaccines from other countries the more delay there will be in getting the Japanese population inoculated. That is not to say no one in Japan is working on developing a coronavirus vaccine. AnGes, a start-up company, and Shionogi and Company, one of Japans major pharmaceutical firms, have both reached the stage of clinical trials for their coronavirus vaccines, and another major drugmaker, Daiichi Sankyo, is also working on domestic production of a vaccine. Still, none of these are ready yet to enter production. Nevertheless, the release of a domestically developed vaccine will be essential to protect the health and welfare of the Japanese people, and the government will need to support these kinds of efforts. Given Japans weak system of clinical trials for vaccines, it is all the more imperative given the current urgency to create a flexible and swift screening system for approving new versions. With Japan slated to host the Olympics in Tokyo this year, it is all the more urgent that the country act promptly to bring the pandemic to an end. Safety is important, of course, but it should still be possible to waive some of the steps in the new drug screening process to get a vaccination program launched as soon as possible. These same arguments were made in a five-point statement issued by four Japanese recipients of the Nobel Prize in medicineYamanaka Shinya, Omura Satoshi, Osumi Yoshinori, and Honjo Tasukuin response to the second state of emergency announced for Tokyo on January 8. The Nobel laureates called for the government to provide greater support for collaboration between the life sciences and industry that would lead to the development of vaccines and therapeutic drugs, and urged that the screening and approval processes for these solutions be accelerated while maintaining independence and transparency. The battle against viruses continues, and there will surely be more pandemics. Japans delay in getting vaccines to its people has exposed the many problems that need to be addressed before there can be safe, domestically produced Japanese-brand vaccines. (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: On December 21, 2020, President-elect Joseph Biden gets his first coronavirus vaccination shot. AFP/Jiji.) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 12:37:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy to the United Nations (UN) on Monday asked UN peacekeeping operations to help host countries fight COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic and existing threats, such as regional hot-spot issues, ethnic conflicts and terrorism, affect and exacerbate each other, bringing new impacts to international peace and security. In this context, the role and significance of UN peacekeeping operations have become more prominent, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN. The UN peacekeeping operations should prioritize the fight against the pandemic, the most urgent task of the international community, and provide security and logistical assistance to the host countries within their mandates, he told a plenary meeting of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations. Host countries are often the weak links in achieving universal COVID-19 vaccine distribution, where the UN peacekeeping operations should provide support in the supply, transportation, and administration of vaccines. Meanwhile, peacekeepers should be prioritized in vaccination, he said The aim of peacekeeping operations is to achieve peace and consolidate peace. Efforts should be made to promote political settlement as the top priority of peacekeeping operations, he said. The host country bears the primary responsibility of protecting civilians, promote human rights, and empowering women. Peacekeeping operations could provide constructive assistance at its request in these regards, but cannot replace the host country's efforts nor erode the mandate of other UN agencies, said Geng. He asked for efforts to strengthen the safety and security of peacekeepers with a greater sense of urgency as their operating environment has become more complex and dangerous. Calling for strong partnerships among stakeholders, Geng said the UN General Assembly, the Security Council, the UN Secretariat, the host countries, the donor countries, the troop-contributing countries should all perform their respective duties, coordinate their actions, and share the responsibility for improving peacekeeping performance. The African Union (AU) and the relevant African sub-regional mechanisms are also important peacekeeping forces, he said, stressing that the UN should actively explore ideas to help AU-led peace operations obtain sustainable and predictable sources of funding. China is an active participant and an important contributor to the UN peacekeeping operations. It is the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the largest troop-contributing country among the permanent members of the Security Council, said Geng. China will continue to work closely with the international community to promote the effectiveness and efficiency of UN peacekeeping operations, and play a bigger role in maintaining international peace and security, the envoy said. Enditem Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. ERBIL, Iraq At exactly 9:30 pm local time on Feb. 15, several rockets were launched on US coalition forces located inside Erbils international airport from the southern side of the city. The attack targeted the US coalition base in the northern Iraq city, killing a civilian contractor and injuring eight others. The rocket attack was the deadliest in almost a year and follows a series of similar events that occurred last year, including several attacks on the US Embassy in Baghdad. The last time a US-affiliated contractor was killed was in late 2019 when missiles struck the K1 military base in northern Kirkuk, which houses coalition forces. That attack led to more violence, including protesters from the militias attacking the US Embassy in Baghdad and then the US assassination of Iranian top commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani by drone strike. A newly formed pro-Iranian militia named Saraya Awliya al-Dam (Guardians of Blood) claimed responsibility for the Feb. 15 attack in a statement that read, Your men in the Awliya al-Dam Brigades managed to carry out a qualitative operation against the American occupation in our beloved north, as we approached the occupation base (Al-Harir) in Erbil. The militia vowed that "the American occupation will not be safe from our strikes in any inch of the homeland, even in Kurdistan, where we promise you other qualitative operations." Indications are that this militia is only a new front of Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), which is trying to show itself as the most powerful Shiite militias among the Popular Mobilization Units, pushing other factions to follow its lead. AAH leader Qais al-Khazali had threatened the Kurdistan Regional Government previously that his group would attack US bases everywhere in Iraq, including in the north. AAH militia members also gathered in the Karrada district of Baghdad last December, attempting to flex their muscles after one of their prominent commanders known as the engineer of rocket attacks Hosam Azerjawi was arrested by the Iraqi government. This was after the last attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad, also in December. The attacks stopped following Azerjawi's arrest. Coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto confirmed via Twitter that 14 107 mm rockets" were launched toward the US coalition base in the Erbil attack. Three of them landed inside the military base; the rest landed in the neighboring residential areas. Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said during the Cabinet session on Feb. 16, The terrorist act aims to create chaos and shuffle the cards, but we have directed an investigation be opened to identify and arrest the criminals. Kadhimi pointed out that security forces have detained the gang members (death squads) that killed a number of citizens, including activists and media workers in Basra, adding the government is moving forward in this direction and the spilled innocent blood will not be forgotten. President Braham Salih said in a Tweet, We have no choice but to root out the forces of terror and the attempts to plunge the country into chaos it is the battle of the state and sovereignty against terrorism and outlaws. Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani condemned in the strongest terms tonights rocket attacks on Erbil and tweeted that he has instructed security services to start a full investigation and spoke to PM [Kadhimi] on ways to cooperate and identify the outlaws behind this terror attack." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States is "outraged by todays rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and pledges support to investigate and hold accountable those responsible." Although the militia claiming responsibility for the attack seems to be pro-Iranian, spokesperson for Irans Foreign Ministry Saeed Khatibzadeh quickly moved to reject any suggestions that it had links to Iran or Iran-backed groups, condemning any terrorist attack within Iraq. Khatibzadeh told state media that while these rumors are strongly denied, the suspicious attempt to attribute it to Iran is also strongly condemned. He then stated that Iran considers the stability and security of Iraq a key issue for the region and its neighbors and rejects any action that disturbs the peace and order in [Iraq]." However, the Kurdish counterterrorism service published photos of missile platforms showing the 107 mm Iranian-made rockets known as Fajr 1 missiles with a range of 8 kilometers were responsible for the attack. It could be that the attack, which has occurred less than 10 days after US President Joe Biden said he will not unilaterally lift sanctions against Iran, may be intended to deliver a message to the United States that Iran is running out of patience. When Silent Hill and Gravity Rush director Keiichiro Toyama left Sony in 2020 to form Bokeh Game Studio, he raised a big question: just what would he do now that he's no longer tied to a major developer? Return to his roots, apparently. IGN reports that Toyama has teased Bokeh's first game in an introductory video. It will be "quite dark," with horror elements (reflected in the concept art above) meant to unsettle you and question your peaceful existence. However, it's not strictly a horror game Toyama is crafting an action adventure where you'll hopefully feel "exhilarated." The title will also take cues from the "death game" genre (think Danganropa or Sword Art Online) that has been popular in anime and comics. Toyama added that setting was important to him, and that he drew inspiration from the dynamism of an Asian city he once visited. The project is clearly very early. Toyama didn't say much about game mechanics or plot, and he previously said he wasn't expecting the title to ship until 2023. Still, this is promising if you're nostalgic for the original Silent Hill's atmosphere but want to see how Toyama melds that with action elements. The company intends to annually produce 3,500 to 4,000 tonnes of cobalt using a very different metallurgical process than laterite treatment and this is expected to be a healthy investment for stakeholders and the environment. A pilot plant to produce pyrite concentrate for downstream processing is on track to be completed within weeks. Most energy metals investors are aware that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the main source of mined cobalt and that Chinese companies control more than 80% of the cobalt refining industry to provide commercial-grade cobalt metal and powder to supply the burgeoning lithium-ion battery market. Lithium-ion batteries have driven a spectacular roller coaster in the cobalt market in recent years and while analysts warn that cobalt content in the new batteries will slowly reduce, this is unlikely to dampen industry appetite for the metal as energy storage and electric vehicle production expand. Almost all cobalt is produced as a by-product from base metal mines. These generally have comparatively low cobalt content and many have considerable community, environment and cost issues. Australia has the potential to increase cobalt production to supply growing market demand and reduce the monopoly of supply by identifying and developing pyrite-cobalt (sulphide) deposits which can be built without the high-costs and ecological concerns faced by many current cobalt producers. Australian company ( ) ( ) is developing the Broken Hill Cobalt Project (BHCP) which serves as a model to address these challenges. The project is at the forefront of a new era of cobalt production in Australia. The companys consulting geologist Dr Ian Pringle explains why the BHCP will be a game-changer for Australia and for the cobalt industry. Cobalt in sulphide deposits Commercial cobalt deposits belong to two types of ore - sulphides (magmatic and sediment hosted) and sulphide-free laterite deposits. Sediment-hosted sulphide deposits in central Africa dominate cobalt production, and the DRC produced more than 70% of global cobalt supply in 2020. Sulphide ores contain cobalt together with other base metals such as copper and/or nickel and metals are extracted using conventional practices. The rest of the world has relatively low-grade sulphide deposits with cobalt as an accessory metal to nickel and/or copper, seldom with contents more than 0.1% cobalt in magmatic sulphide deposits like Kambalda (WA), Norilsk (Russia) and Sudbury (Canada). Magmatic sulphide deposits account for 23% of cobalt production but cobalt recovery from most is low, commonly between 20% and 66%. Cobalt in laterite deposits Nickel-rich laterite deposits supply 15% of cobalt demand and laterite ores are becoming a growing source of cobalt outside the DRC. Nickel and cobalt in sulphide-free laterite ores must be separated through complex, large-scale, bulk mining and hydrometallurgical processing often requiring the removal of considerable volumes of water. Laterite cobalt is produced from substantial, near-surface nickel deposits which range to more than 400 million tonnes. Laterite mines have average nickel grades between 0.66% and 2.4% (median 1.3% nickel) and cobalt contents between 0.01 and 0.15% (median 0.08% cobalt). Most laterite nickel-cobalt mines are within 26 degrees of the equator in the Philippines, Indonesia, PNG, New Caledonia, and Brazil. These near-surface deposits form from supergene weathering of underlying ultramafic parent rocks in geologically short time frames of generally less than a million years. Without including cobalt in deep-sea nodules and submarine rock surfaces, the US Geological Survey calculated that 36% of global cobalt reserves occur in laterite deposits. Australia has large cobalt-bearing nickel laterite deposits including Glencores Murrin Murrin Mine in the north-eastern Goldfields of WA and CleanTeQs undeveloped Syerston Project in central NSW. In 2019, Murrin Murrin was the countrys largest single cobalt producer with 3,400 tonnes per year of cobalt and it accounted for the majority of Australian cobalt output. The Broken Hill Cobalt Project Cobalt Blues BHCP is 23 kilometres west of Broken Hill in Far West NSW. The resource is not a laterite but rather a sulphide (pyrite) cobalt deposit with no copper, negligible nickel and very distinctive mineralogy which enable a mine design with substantially lower outlay and high cobalt recoveries (85-90%). The company intends to produce 3,500 to 4,000 tonnes per year of cobalt using a very different metallurgical process than laterite treatment and this is expected to be a healthy investment for stakeholders and the environment. BHCPs process is divided into concentration, calcining, leaching and product recovery. Processing will be supported by the nearby 53MW Broken Hill Solar Farm and reticulated town water supply. An ecologically sensitive integrated waste landform has been planned for co-disposal of mine waste rock and process plant tailings. Using COBs innovative processing, the BHCP will have a marketable, sulphur value-add by-product of 300,000 tonnes per annum which can be pelletised to provide innocuous handling of dry sulphur prills without fear of acid spillage. Concerns of laterite mine waste Production from laterite-hosted cobalt carries a suite of environmental concerns. Tailings from laterites may include high levels of magnesium, sulphate and manganese and mine waste has the potential to be physically unstable. The sheer scale of laterite deposits requires that cobalt extraction consumes considerable water and produces substantial waste slurry. Laterite production also requires whole-of-ore acid leaching using considerable quantities of caustic chemicals such as sulphuric acid and ammonia and these understandably provide concerns for safety and spillage. Environmental issues of laterite mining were recognised in the Philippines where a government executive order in July 2010 placed a moratorium on new mining projects. A proposal by the country's Mining Industry Coordinating Council to lift the ban was rejected by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in November 2017. Indonesia is the worlds largest nickel producer with most production from processing nickel-cobalt laterite ore. The Indonesian Government, concerned by damage to the environment, recently announced its intention to prohibit dumping of mine waste in the ocean, a common practice at many of the island nations laterite mines. Without permits for deep-sea tailings disposal some planned nickel-cobalt projects are unlikely to progress and others will be affected by costly land-storage options in Indonesias high rainfall climate. Land area affected by mining Australia has more than 6,500 square kilometres of land affected by all types of mining and ranks second in the world after China. Although large coal and iron ore mines contribute to land disruption Australias laterite nickel-cobalt deposits are widespread and future development of laterite resources will expand Australias mine footprint, often within areas of ecological sensitivity. However, the BHCP consists of steep-dipping pyrite-(cobalt) sulphide lenses which according to COBs mining studies can be excavated by open cut openings covering a combined area of one square kilometre, which is about 1.5% the area of the Murrin Murrin laterite deposit. Benefit of concentration The 4 million tonnes of laterite ore mined at Murrin Murrin each year are recovered through shallow, open cut mining and processed using high-pressure sulphuric acid-leaching (HPAL) technology and refining. The project includes a 90MW power station, 4,400 tonnes per day acid plant, 6 tonnes per hour hydrogen sulphide plant and a reverse osmosis water treatment plant. The HPAL circuit consists of four titanium lined autoclaves which operate under high pressure (up to 44 Bar), high temperature (255o C) and uses concentrated sulphuric acid. The rock to be mined at BHCP will have a similar cobalt head grade to Murrin Murrin ore but by using conventional processes cobalt content can be improved by producing a pyrite concentrate with average grade of 0.45% cobalt, 40% iron and 45% sulphur. This simple concentration step removes 80% of waste product, meaning that the BHCP refinery is only 20% of the capacity of the mine (a laterite ore mine needs to process the majority of its mined production, leading to larger processing and capital costs). Each year planned processing of one million tonnes of concentrate will allow for a considerably smaller process plant and lower capital and processing costs than a laterite mine with comparable cobalt production. COBs innovated pressure oxidation is undertaken at much lower pressure (10 Bar) and temperature (130o C) than HPAL processing of laterite ore. Cobalt value is currently approximately 2.5 times of nickel. Murrin Murrin produces about 12 times more nickel than cobalt and is similar to other HPAL laterite projects. While laterite cobalt producers have been able to increase emphasis on cobalt production, they are primarily nickel mines. Cost comparisons Start-up at Murrin Murrin HPAL laterite mine commenced in 1999 but a string of technical issues meant that its annual nameplate capacity of 45,000 tonnes of nickel was not reached despite accumulated capital costs of about US$1,700 million. Glencore reported 2018 production of 3,244 tonnes of cobalt and 39,717 tonnes of nickel. Cobalt Blues recently updated engineering study for the BHCP estimates a capital cost of US$392 million to produce 3,500-4,000 tonnes per annum of cobalt as battery-grade cobalt sulphate and mixed hydroxide products together with 300,000 tonnes of pelletised sulphur to replace imported sulphur supply to a spectrum of Australian industries. Benefits for Australian mining To remain a top tier cobalt producer without the environmental and supply issues faced by other nations Australia must develop new sulphide cobalt projects like the BHCP. This is because HPAL processing of nickel-cobalt laterites like Murrin Murrin is technically challenging (high autoclave pressures and temperatures) with considerable ramp-up period, high capital intensity and rare achievement of nameplate capacity. Nickel mines with cobalt by-products are dependent on nickel price fluctuations irrespective of cobalt prices and depressed nickel prices may result in mine closure despite a positive cobalt market. Sulphide cobalt deposits like the BHCP benefit from pre-processing ore concentration, smaller footprint, lower energy use and less water consumption than HPAL producers as well as from the integral environmental advantages that these differences afford. Inclusion of the BHCP in the Australian Government Critical Minerals Prospectus 2020 and recently, the NSW Government Minerals Strategy are testament to the importance of the project. Cobalt Blues innovative patented ore processing can also provide similar environmental and cost benefits to other metal sulphide deposits. COB has successfully tested ores from several undeveloped copper, cobalt and gold deposits with impressive metal recoveries and costs. Update on COB progress A pilot plant to treat 90 tonnes of BHCP ore and produce approximately 15 tonnes of pyrite concentrate for downstream processing is on track to be completed at Broken Hill in several weeks. The plant will supply varying specifications of cobalt products (including mixed hydroxides and sulphates) as direct test samples for lithium-ion battery producers. The project on the way to gaining State Significant Development Status and this will help streamline intended 2021 feasibility studies and subsequent project development. The Biden White house has expressed deep concerns over the findings of an international team from the World Health Organization after WHO scientists debunked false claims by the US government that COVID-19 originated in a Chinese laboratory. A view of the P4 lab inside the Wuhan Institute of Virology is seen after a visit by the World Health Organization team in Wuhan in China's Hubei province on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) On January 15, the US State Department published a fact sheet on Activity at the Wuhan Institute of Virology that demanded that the World Health Organization investigate the false and discredited conspiracy theory that COVID-19 was released from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. The State Department wrote that a laboratory accident could resemble a natural outbreak. The document put into writing the lie by former secretary of state Mike Pompeo that there is enormous evidence that thats where this began, when asked if COVID-19 originated in that Wuhan lab. The lie peddled by Pompeo, together with Trump co-conspirators Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro, was initially popularized by the far-right expatriate Chinese Epoch Times associated with the Falun Gong movement. But after the conspiracy theorys open embrace by the Trump administration, it was then laundered through the establishment media, becoming part of the US governments official political line. On February 5, the Democratic-aligned Washington Post published an editorial embracing the position of the Trump State Department that a laboratory accident or leak represents a plausible explanation for the pandemic. But these bipartisan efforts to falsely claim COVID-19 was released from a Chinese lab with the subtext that it is a biological weapon and a military attack on the United States were dealt a shattering blow by investigators from the World Health Organization. On February 9, WHO researchers returning from an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 demolished the Wuhan lab conspiracy theory, saying that the World Health Organization would conduct no further research into it. Professor Liang Wannian from Tsinghua University, speaking at the WHO panel, made clear that the theory that the virus was engineered by humans has already been refuted by the whole scientific community around the world. As to the claim that the virus escaped from a laboratory by accident, Liang added, in all the laboratories in Wuhan, there is no existing virus of SARS-CoV-2. If there is no existence of this virus, there will be no way that this virus would be linked. Peter Ben Embarek, a WHO food safety expert, added that nowhere previously was this particular virus researched or identified or known. These statements prompted a condemnation from the Biden administration, which declared, We have deep concerns about the way in which the early findings of the COVID-19 investigation were communicated and questions about the process used to reach them. Pointing to the Biden administrations reversal of Trumps defunding of the World Health Organization, the White House demanded political subservience in exchange for funding. The statement threatened, re-engaging the WHO also means holding it to the highest standards, demanding that its findings be free from intervention or alteration by the Chinese government. China was the center of the first large-scale outbreak of COVID-19, a completely new disease that had never been observed anywhere else in the world. Despite this, only 4,636 people have died of COVID-19 in China, or about as many people as died in the United States on a single day July 12, 2020. Despite reports of initially seeking to downplay the extent of the disease, the Chinese government rapidly alerted the international scientific community. It publicly shared the genetic sequence of the disease on January 12, and allowed a WHO team to travel freely and observe the outbreak, resulting in the February 16-24 report that guided scientists and doctors around the world in their fight against the disease. The report made clear that China was able to tame the pandemic by mobilizing a vast array of social resources to treat the infected, track all contacts, and prevent community transmission through targeted lockdowns. The governments of the United States and Europe rejected these measures because they were viewed as being too economically costly, allowing the pandemic to spread largely unchecked and never building up any systematic network of disease tracking and contact tracing, leading to the deaths of half a million people in the United States alone. Despite the WHO scientists rejection of the Wuhan lab conspiracy theory and their praise for their Chinese collaborators, the US media has twisted their words to claim that China was engaged in a cover-up. On February 12, the New York Times ran an article declaring, On WHO Trip, China Refused to Hand Over Important Data. The article stated, Chinese scientists refused to share raw data that might bring the world closer to understanding the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, independent investigators for the WHO said on Friday. British zoologist Peter Daszak, who was in the WHO delegation, excoriated the report on Twitter. This was NOT my experience on @WHO mission. As lead of animal/environment working group I found trust & openness w/ my China counterparts. We DID get access to critical new data throughout. We DID increase our understanding of likely spillover pathways. Thea K. Fischer, another member of the team, added, This was NOT my experience either on the Epi-side. We DID build up a good relationship in the Chinese/Int Epi-team! Allowing for heated arguments reflects a deep level of engagement in the room. Our quotes are intendedly twisted casting shadows over important scientific work. Daszak added, It's disappointing to spend time w/ journalists explaining key findings of our exhausting month-long work in China, to see our colleagues selectively misquoted to fit a narrative that was prescribed before the work began. Shame on you @nytimes! A tornado in North Carolina sped through Brunswick County leaving behind three fatalities and more than 10 people injured, Monday night. Tornado in North Carolina Rips Through Residential Community According to the director of Brunswick County Emergency Services, Ed Conrow, the twister destroyed several homes and severely damaged some as it ripped through a residential community. The director updated the press of the situation during a press conference that was held early on Tuesday. In addition, the county's commissioner, Randy Thompson, expressed sadness for the tragic event that happened in his community. Moreover, Conrow also told reporters that there are already emergency responders that have been deployed in the area to secure gas leaks. The responders were also tasked to lead systematic searches in all houses that were impacted by the tornado in North Carolina by the daybreak. Conrow further stated that there were no reports of missing people. Meanwhile, the sheriff of Brunswick County, John Ingram, dubbed the damage t the homes "devastating." He also stated that the destruction was particularly worse in the Ocean Ridge Plantation area, adding that most of the injuries, fatalities, and damage were reported in the plantation community. Ingram further stated that the aftermath of the extreme weather system was nothing like he has seen before, he also added that there was so much destruction that was left behind. The sheriff also noted that the recovery process from the tornado is going to take a long time. On top of the damages, the tornado in North Carolina also downed several powerlines according to CBS. It was also reported by the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation that there were thousands of businesses and homes that lost power due to the twister. First responders were also deployed to go on house-to-house since many of the homes were ripped from their foundations after the twister tore through the area. Many trees were also snapped in half. READ ALSO: Israel Awards $1 Million to Anthony Fauci for 'Defending Science' However, as of the moment, there is still no information on how many people were trapped following the tornado in North Carolina. Tornado Warning Very late on Monday night, the Wilmington National Weather Service released a tornado warning, which was then followed by the confirmation of a twister formation near Honey Island. After this, the Leland Fire Department announced through its Facebook account at around 1:00 AM that its units will be aiding the Ocean Isle Beach department with the rescue operations. The department also urged people to stay in their homes and avoid the area.According to NBC News, the tornado in North Carolina was said to be a part of a larger weather system that brings the "brutally" cold temperatures through the US. It is also the same weather system that caused the ice storm in Texas, resulting in power outages in the state. According to CNN, meteorologist Michael Guy stated that the storms will still continue within the area and there are still tornado watches in Eastern North Carolina. He also added that several areas to the north of Wilmington will also remain under watcher until 8 o'clock in the morning. RELATED ARTICLE: Valentine's Day Avalanches Hit Colorado, 2 Dead on Separate Incidents @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Patrik Mathews is shown in an undated RCMP handout photo. The lawyer for Mathews is trying to contest some of the evidence against the former Canadian Forces reservist and alleged neo-Nazi. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-RCMP MANDATORY CREDIT Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 14:05:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least five people, including a police officer, were killed and four others wounded after gunmen opened fire in two separate locations in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province on Tuesday, local officials confirmed. Enditem HAYWARD, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Microvi announced today that they have been awarded a $1.12 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to apply machine learning and bioinformatics to develop a new generation of biological treatment processes. In collaboration with Nexilico, Inc., the project will drive breakthrough improvements in the removal of complex pollutants in water at unprecedented rates and effectiveness. The project combines Microvi's MicroNiche Engineering (MNE) Platform with Nexilico's machine learning and microbiome modeling platforms. The outcome of this combination will have the potential to predict optimal microorganisms for a given water treatment application, drive the development of more targeted solutions, and increase the reliability and success of how those solutions can be applied. "This groundbreaking effort pushes the boundaries of what is currently possible in biological technologies." said Ameen Razavi, Chief Innovation Officer at Microvi. "Never before has there been an ability to design, implement and sustain such precise biological solutions to address a myriad of opportunities across the water and wastewater industry." "We are excited to continue our collaboration with Microvi on this innovative project" said Mohammad Soheilypour, Chief Executive Officer at Nexilico. "This project will demonstrate the potential of advanced computational biology techniques to enhance development of disruptive microbiome-based technologies." Building on a novel computational platform called EnviroABM that was designed and validated in Phase I, this new funding will also leverage bioinformatics databases to develop tailored microbiomes for degrading a wide range of compounds. By being able to predict which microorganisms metabolize specific compounds, this project will ultimately offer powerful new solutions that can be implemented faster and with optimal degradation kinetics for widespread pollutant classes such as polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals. Microvi has developed a robust portfolio of cutting-edge projects for a number of applications across the water, wastewater and bio-based chemicals sectors. Along with a project focused on tertiary ammonia removal completed at Thames Water in the UK, the technology was selected for the first full scale wastewater sidestream treatment project in the San Francisco Bay and for drinking water treatment at Cucamonga Valley Water District. About the National Institutes of Health (NIH) NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov. About the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences NIEHS supports research to understand the effects of the environment on human health and is part of the National Institutes of Health. For more information on NIEHS or environmental health topics, visit www.niehs.nih.gov. About Nexilico Nexilico is a life sciences and biotechnology company that employs the power of computational and systems biology to address challenging problems in medicine and biotechnology. As a pioneer in advanced in silico microbiome technologies, Nexilico advances scientific understanding about the role of microbiomes in health and disease and leverages that information to develop novel microbiome-based technologies. Learn more at www.nexilico.com . About Microvi Microvi is a transformative biology company based in the San Francisco Bay Area that delivers next-generation biotechnologies for the water, wastewater, bio-based chemicals, biofuels and biopharma industries. Microvi offers commercial technologies around the world to reduce waste, increase productivity and provide disruptive economics across the value chain. Learn more at www.microvi.com. Contact: Karin Kidder VP Marketing, Microvi +1 (510) 344-0668 [email protected] SOURCE Microvi The Tri-States TRUSTED news source. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to Herald-Dispatch. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Learn more about HD Media Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Shivamogga : , Feb 16 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Tuesday directed Deputy Commissioners to initiate action against 'rich' people who are in possession of Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards. His direction came two days after Food and Civil Supplies Minister Umesh Katti came under fierce attack from party leaders over his remarks on BPL ration card eligibility. Yediyurappa told reporters that many affluent people have violated rules and secured BPL cards and his government had been kind enough to give adequate time to surrender such cards voluntarily. "We need to maintain proper supply of grain under Public Distribution Scheme (PDS) to eligible beneficiaries and action has to be taken to prevent misuse of the benefits by ineligible persons," he said. He added that all ineligible BPL ration card holders must return the card voluntarily, if they do not want to face legal action. Responding to a question, he said that the BJP government had not changed any rules and it was implementing the same eligibility criteria that had been in existence since 2017. "We are not changing any norms to issue BPL cards. But, at the same time, we cannot allow ineligible BPL card holders to thrive. Some rich have taken BPL cards, they must return their cards voluntarily," he said. "What is there to discuss on this topic," he said, adding that the rules and directions which are in force since 2017 will continue now too. "We will collect penalty from such people. I advise ineligible beneficiaries to return the cards in their own interest," he reiterated. For two days, Katti came under flak over his remarks that those who own five acres of land, a fridge, a TV or a two-wheeler should return the BPL ration cards. According to a senior official in the Food and Civil Supplies Department, the government was aware of norms being flouted by a section of government employees and some of the BPL card holders even own tractors and other vehicles. "We will act on such people first," he said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Advertisement President Joe Biden claimed Tuesday he will break 100 million COVID vaccine shots in 100 days after he was criticized for setting a low ball target. 'Before I took office, I set a big goal of administering 100 million shots in the first 100 days. With the progress we're making I believe we'll not only reach that, we'll break it,' Biden wrote on Twitter. Biden has longed talked about 100 million shots in the arm in his first 100 days as president. He and Kamala Harris, his vice president, have also taken aim at the preparations left by the Trump administration, with Harris attacking them again over the weekend in an interview with Axios on HBO, saying they had been 'starting from scratch.' But some experts have called his goal conservative and point out that the effective target of one million doses a day had been met before Biden was even in office. Trump aides were angry that they were not credited for reaching the one million daily inoculations. Dr. Anthony Fauci, who serves as chief medical adviser to the president, has predicted that any American who wants the vaccine will have access to it by spring. 'By the time we get to April, that will be what I would call, for better wording, 'open season,' Fauci said last week on NBC's 'Today Show.' 'Namely, virtually everybody and anybody in any category could start to get vaccinated.' But Fauci walked that back Tuesday, telling CNN that it would be Late May or early June. Since vaccine distribution began in the United States on Dec. 14, more than 52 million doses have been administered, reaching 11.5 per cent of the total population President Joe Biden claimed he will break 100 million COVID vaccine shots in 100 days after he was criticized for setting a low ball target Since vaccine distribution began in the United States on Dec. 14, more than 52 million doses have been administered, reaching 11.5 per cent of the total population, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. is currently administering over 1.6 million shots a day. At that rate, Biden will easily fulfill his promise to vaccinate 100 million Americans in 100 days. The president heads to Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, to tour a Pfizer manufacturing facility producing the COVID vaccine. Biden announced last week his administration secured 200 million more doses of vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, enough to inoculate every American adult. 'We've now purchased enough vaccine supplies to vaccinate all Americans,' Biden said during a visit to the National Institutes of Health. 'Now we're working to get those vaccines into the arms of millions of people.' He warned logistical hurdles means many Americans won't be vaccinated until the end of summer. The vaccines are two dose regimens, given three or four weeks apart. Dr. Anthony Fauci predicted that any American who wants the vaccine will have access to it by April Biden also blamed the vaccine delay on his predecessor in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump. 'It's no secret that the vaccination program was in much worse shape than my team and I anticipated,' he said last week at NIH. 'My predecessor, to be very blunt about it, did not do his job to get ready for the massive challenge of vaccinating hundreds of millions of Americans,' he noted. Additionally, President Biden will address the global issue of COVID this week when he speaks with G-7 leaders. The virtual meeting, hosted by the United Kingdom, will also include leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the European Commission and European Council. At the weekend, Harris blasted the state of the vaccination program she said the Biden administration inherited when it took office. 'There was no stockpile of vaccines,' Harris said after nearly a month in office. 'There was no national strategy or plan for vaccinations. We were leaving it to the states and local leaders to try and figure it out. And so in many ways we're starting from scratch on something that's been raging for an entire year,' she told Axios in an interview. She then pushed back when asked if she had to readjust what was possible to achieve. 'We've got to figure out a way that has to be our standard,' she said. 'Our standard has to be: 'Everything is possible, but we're going to have to work like heck to get it done.' Biden on Thursday singled out President Trump, although he has previously praised Trump's Operation Warp Speed for its efforts on vaccine development. 'My predecessor, to be very blunt about it, did not do his job,' Biden said. 'We won't have everything fixed for a while. But we're going to fix it.' Fauci, who continued at his post at the National Instituted of Health into the Biden administration after occasionally tangling with Trump, made a statement Jan. 21 that was directly contradicted by Harris. 'We're certainly not starting from scratch, because there is activity going on in the distribution,' Fauci said at the White House. 'We're coming in with fresh ideas, but also some ideas that were not bad ideas with the previous administration. You can't say it was absolutely not usable at all,' he said. 'It's taking what's going on, but amplifying it in a big way.' Fauci, 80, told Axios in his own interview that he was concerned for his safety when going to coronavirus task force meetings at the Trump White House. 'I didn't fixate on that, but it was in the back of my mind because I had to be out there,' he said. 'I mean, particularly when I was going to the White House every day when the White House was sort of a super-spreader location.' Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. When Postmaster General Louis DeJoy appears before Congress later this month, its safe to assume that hell know a few things about current postal rates -- just in case he gets quizzed again. Last time DeJoy was on Capitol Hill, he was asked some questions regarding rates, got one right, but otherwise drew a blank. Still, even if the top postal official can recite from memory a few current facts and statistics, hell need to answer many questions about his plans for the postal service going forward. Because if recent reports turn out to be true, DeJoy is looking to make changes that will please no one whod wish to see the United States Postal Service not only working efficiently again, but also getting into good shape for the long haul. What DeJoy apparently wants, as reported in The Washington Post, is untenable: higher prices and slower service. No one can deny that the post office of today has real problems. It lost $9.2 billion last year, and has an eye-popping $188.4 billion in liabilities, most of that from pension and retiree health-care obligations. A recent report published in The Republican and on MassLive.com showed that people in Western Massachusetts, though seeing some improvements in mail delivery, are still concerned about backlogs. And its much the same in cities and towns across the land. No matter how much people have come to rely on the Internet -- using email and online bill-paying services, for example -- the USPS remains essential. Its especially so for older Americans and those who live in rural or remote areas. Folks who get their prescription medicines via the post need the mail to go through -- on time and reliably. DeJoy is going to have plenty of explaining to do when he appears before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Feb. 24. The current postmaster general found himself in hot water before last years presidential election because of delivery slowdowns that threatened the on-time arrival of mail-in ballots. Before being named to the top postal job, DeJoy had been a prolific Republican Party fund-raiser. With four seats on the post offices board of governors currently open, the board, if President Joe Biden fills them all, would have a majority of Democratic appointees. That could set the stage for DeJoys removal, which seems worth serious consideration. Some Marin County residents are not happy about recently erected streetlights. Residents in Greenbrae and Kentfield are complaining that the new 30-foot streetlights erected along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard over the past two months as part of an $18 million overhaul are too bright and too tall, according to a report in the Marin Independent Journal. In response to the public outcry, county officials turned off 34 lights on 17 poles along the 2.2-mile stretch and may even remove the fixtures entirely. Now, the county is planning to hire a lighting consultant to come up with a new plan that will still meet the projects safety goals. Its not just the light, Steve OShea, a resident on Corte Cayuga near the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard corridor, told the Marin Independent Journal. Its that they are towering over our backyards and ruining views of Mount Tam. They are bringing the 101 corridor further into a residential community. They are overkill. The new streetlights werent included in the projects environmental impact report, a required study under the California Environmental Quality Act, and went up without public comment, causing residents like OShea to feel blindsided. Marin County Supervisor Katie Rice said she is planning an online forum to discuss the issue. Residents are encouraged to submit comments at upgradethedrake.com. SFGATE reached out to the Upgrade the Drake project and did not hear back as of publication. SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A pilot program could leave first responders better equipped with additional training, tools and resources to handle the steady volume of mental health-related calls that come through emergency dispatch. After months of discussions that included behavioral health professionals and the safety forces, City Council put $100,000 into this years budget for a hybrid Crisis Response Pilot Program. The program is expected to begin with the training of two police officers per shift, along with paramedics in the fire department. We estimated that mental health calls amounted to about 15 percent, or 470, for 2019, averaging a little more than one a day, Chief Administrative Officer Jeri Chaikin told council in a Feb. 8 work session held online. Some days there might not be any calls. Other days, there might be two -- or three. And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic, as figures for last year were still being compiled on 911 calls -- both emergency and otherwise -- that include disturbances, family or neighbor disputes, trespassing, a suspicious person, substance abuse, addiction or suicide threats. With COVID-19, more people are at home, they may be out of work, with family issues or money issues, Chaikin said. Theres a lot of stress going on that may have added to our number of calls. Back and forth Fire Chief Patrick Sweeney said that in more than 30 years with the department, weve always had incidences of residents with varying needs for behavioral health services. And historically, weve always transported them to the hospital and tried to line them up with a social worker in the emergency room. But more often than not, they would be back home within 24 hours, and we never really had any good follow-up. So we found ourselves going back and forth quite often, Sweeney added. Having the ability to provide somebody with the care that they need would help out tremendously, he said. Adding to the sense of urgency were renewed calls for social justice in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police on Memorial Day, among other racially charged incidents. That led us not only to look at Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, but also police activities, Chakin said, referring to a series of Community Conversations and updated policies, including duty to intervene, bias-free policing and use of reasonable force. Police Chief Jeffrey DeMuth said the goal of the 40-hour crisis intervention team (CIT) training, provided through the Cuyahoga County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board, is all about de-escalation techniques. Police officers are very good at identifying substance abuse and addiction, homelessness or someone in the midst of a mental health crisis, DeMuth said. They can identify it, but they really dont have the capacity to deliver the necessary services and intervention. This program is a possible solution towards applying appropriate services to residents. Additional resources Council members were impressed with the analysis provided, including Anne Williams and Vice Mayor Tres Roeder, who worked closest with city administration on the new approach. Sadly, in the last year with COVID-19, were seeing more people with mental health needs, and were not always seeing the funding thats required to be able to help them, Roeder said. For a long time, mental health has been a situation our first responders have been handed to deal with. The pilot program provides a chance to meet our residents where they are, to give them the right person with the right service at the right time, Roeder added. Williams said she was happy that the city is moving forward in funding the program, which could include partnering with a local non-profit agency to provide a social worker dedicated specifically to Shaker and available 40 hours per week to work with residents and families -- especially frequent callers. Chaikin said the demand for available mental health services throughout Cuyahoga County is so overwhelming that Shaker doesnt always have ready access to them on a case-by-case basis. While the daily average may seem relatively minor, Councilman Sean Malone pointed out that it works out to roughly one in every six calls for service (CFS), which could warrant more funding in future years. As for involving the other four cities sharing joint dispatch with Shaker through the Heights-Hillcrest Communications Center, Mayor David Weiss said the current funding has limitations. But the future includes the possibility of more crisis intervention training for emergency dispatchers at the HHCC. Commending the incredible amount of footwork that went into developing Shakers pilot program, Councilwoman Nancy Moore said that help could also be on the way with the opening of a new county Diversion Center, to be run in part through the ADAMHS Board. MetroHealth will also be expanding its operations in Cleveland Heights with a 110-bed Behavioral Health and Addiction Services Center, Moore added, with groundbreaking slated for spring and completion in the fall of 2022. Council members Rob Zimmerman and Carmella Williams asked about the metrics for measuring what success looks like in the pilot program. Williams added that veterans in crisis could also be placed in the care of the Louis Stokes VA Cleveland Medical Center and its affiliates. Weiss noted that part of the significance in establishing the pilot program will be taking a more proactive approach, which could translate into fewer calls to the dispatch center. At the same time, there could possibly be more calls once better services are introduced. The rise in mental health issues is not new or surprising, Weiss said. The key takeaways are that there is no one-size-fits-all model for communities and the fact there is good work being done here, both locally and nationally. What we have right now is more of a blueprint, and this is a high-level overview of that. Read more from the Sun Press. [February 16, 2021] Allgress, Inc. Announces Expansion of International Operations with the Opening of New Office in Bedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa LIVERMORE, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allgress, Inc., an industry-leading provider of Integrated Risk and Compliance Management solutions with headquarters in Livermore, CA, USA, announced its opening of a new office in Bedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa headed by Country Manager Neeren Ramharakh. This international expansion will make Allgress' industry-leading solutions more widely available in those regions of the world with more geographically located sales and support. Ramharakh says "Allgress solutions will allow enterprises to achieve risk and compliance maturity at an expedited rate compared to how enterprises are currently deploying via manual process or outdated technology. Allgress is committed to the GRC environment and our investment into South Africa is the first of many global expansion plans we have going into the future. The South African office will support customers within the Middle East Africa region with emphasis on establishing local partnerships." The new office will help raise awareness of GRC in the MEA market and aims to collaborate with partners in highly regulated industry sectors, such as financial services, telecom, utilities and healthcare. Jeff Bennett, Allgress COO believes South African and Middle Eastern enterprises are keen to adopt advanced certfication and risk management capabilities, and says "We are excited to offer our solutions to strengthen their risk and compliance postures, we believe that enterprises will achieve substantial cost and time savings as they deploy our solutions. "The South African market response has been very good since we entered the country. We see a lot of older, established enterprises working to transform themselves and move away from manual processes. Customers today have high expectations of how they should be served, and big firms are stepping up to transform them as quickly as possible." About Allgress: Allgress, Inc. is a global provider of automated next-generation integrated Cloud Security, Compliance and Risk Management Solutions for organizations and their business partners to meet business objectives with less risk. Allgress' easy-to-use solutions enable organizations to automate processes for assessment, reporting, monitoring and remediation of business risks with less complexity and reduced management costs. Unlike other similar solutions, Allgress' patented award-winning technology allows customers to continuously derive quicker-time-to-value, reducing business risk without an army of consultants. For additional information, please visit us at https://allgress.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Media Contact : Jeff Kushner, 291599@email4pr.com, 281-467-5877 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allgress-inc--announces-expansion-of-international-operations-with-the-opening-of-new-office-in-bedfordview-gauteng-south-africa-301228886.html SOURCE Allgress, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON A soldier in the Florida National Guard who co-founded a murderous fascist group was chatting with a fellow white supremacist in the extremist Iron March online forum in 2016, when the guard member made a remarkable statement. The guard member said he felt free to be a neo-Nazi in the U.S. Army. Are you worried at all about being found by your mates or someone, now being in the U.S. military? he was asked. To that, the soldier replied: I was 100% open about everything with the friends I made at training. They know about it all. They love me too cause Im a funny guy. A large database containing this and many other Iron March chats was published in 2019 on the Ars Technica news site. A screenshot of the neo-Nazi guardsmans exchange is spotlighted in a previously unpublicized October 2020 Pentagon report to Congress that details the militarys efforts to keep extremists, particularly fascists, out of the military. The report, obtained by CQ Roll Call, paints a stark picture of white supremacist inroads in the U.S. military. And it reveals several steps the Pentagon is now reviewing to kick such people out and help keep them out from accessing an FBI database of extremist tattoos to improving security clearance questions. While neo-Nazis and other extremists are rare in the U.S. armed forces, exactly how rare is not known. And military veterans who adhere to supremacist beliefs have been overrepresented in recent American violence including in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. The Pentagon report said U.S. military personnel and veterans are highly prized recruits for supremacist groups, and leaders of those groups try to join the military themselves and get those already in their groups to enlist. Their goal is to obtain weapons and skills and to try to borrow the militarys bravado and cachet, the authors suggested. Extremism is a threat of unclear dimensions in the U.S. military, not only because of possible violence but also because it endangers morale, they said. Despite a low number of cases in absolute terms, individuals with extremist affiliations and military experience are a concern to U.S. national security because of their proven ability to execute high-impact events, the report said. Access to service members with combat training and technical weapons expertise can also increase both the probability of success and the potency of planned violent attacks. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and a former member of the Armed Services Committee, wrote the requirement for last falls Pentagon report in the fiscal 2020 defense authorization law. Aguilar said in an interview Tuesday that he plans to introduce legislation on Thursday that would require the Pentagon to implement the reports recommendations. What the report made clear is that white supremacists are using our military to further their hateful and violent agenda, Aguilar said. We need further collaboration between agencies like the DoD and FBI to make sure that were keeping extremists away from our service members and keeping our communities safe as well. The Pentagon reports authors did not name any of the personnel or veterans who were cited in the document, including the National Guard member in the Iron March exchange. But the report makes it abundantly clear who it is: a co-founder of Atomwaffen Division, a group that once comprised 80 members in several states and that has been implicated in several hate-fueled murders. The report also described the soldier as a Florida National Guard member who was sentenced in 2018 to five years in jail for possessing bomb materials. And a footnote refers to an AP story about that person, Brandon Russell, a loner from Tampa who was 22 at the time of his sentencing. While Russell was serving in the Guard, officials later told reporters, he displayed on his right shoulder a tattoo bearing the radiation-warning symbol the insignia of the Atomwaffen Division. But neither the tattoo nor his purported statements to his Army colleagues raised a red flag prior to his arrest, a command investigation later found. Army Guard officials said they lacked a database of extremist tattoos to refer to, according to press reports at the time. The Pentagon report also describes other communications from white supremacists in the U.S. military. Another user of the Iron March chatroom, a self-described infantryman with neo-Nazi views, described how it is possible to find our kind in the militarys ranks. A good way people in the military find other rightists is to simply wear a shirt with some obscure fascist logo, the person wrote. The symbols of SS units are especially common, even on things as public as cars, flags and helmets. The report recommends several steps to combat the problem. One proposal is to ask more specific questions of security clearance applicants and their neighbors, because merely asking if the applicants are involved in terrorism, for example, is too imprecise to be useful. Another idea is to give Defense Department personnel access to an FBI database of extremist tattoos like the Atomwaffen sign and to use other FBI tools and training. A third possible action is to establish a special designation on military discharge and separation forms for people who are booted out of the service for extremist behavior. Only the Navy has such a designation today. In addition, social media can be surveilled for signs of extremism, the reports authors said, adding that there are civil liberties challenges in doing so. Data companies can help, the report said, but data must supplement well-trained recruiters and investigators. Matthew Donovan, who was the Pentagons under secretary for personnel and readiness last year, said in a cover letter for the October report that the Defense Department is implementing most of its proposals. A Pentagon spokesman had yet to provide an update this week on progress. Washington pays attention Experts say violent right-wing extremism has surged in the United States in the last several years. But the extent of the militarys own extremism problem has yet to be tracked, Pentagon officials have acknowledged. This is the case despite periodic reports of hate-inspired violence by military veterans and despite recent Military Times polls finding that about one-third of active-duty personnel have witnessed signs of white supremacy in the ranks and nearly half consider it more of a threat than North Korea and nearly as menacing as foreign terrorism, according to a 2020 survey by the paper. The George Floyd protests highlighted the issue of racism within the military. And the overrepresentation of current and former military personnel among the Jan. 6 rioters at the Capitol about 15% of the more than 230 people criminally charged so far, according to news reports has intensified public scrutiny of the matter. White supremacist groups such as the Proud Boys were pivotal players in the Jan. 6 attack, and NPR reported that one Proud Boys rioter was an Army veteran of the Iraq War. Aguilars bill arrives this week amid a stepped-up focus on extremism in the military. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III recently ordered that each of the armed services stop training and other activities in the next two months to take stock of the matter. The problem has been a focus in the last couple of defense authorization bills, or NDAAs. Aguilar has written provisions aimed at improving screening procedures in the last two such laws. The most recent NDAA also creates a new deputy inspector general in the Pentagon to oversee diversity and anti-extremism efforts. The fiscal 2020 NDAA law required a federal report on domestic extremism that is nearly a year overdue. Amid racial unrest last year, the Pentagon created a diversity task force that recommended in December a review of efforts to keep fascists out of the military. The panel also urged creation of a separate article in the militarys criminal code barring extremist acts of violence. Sean ODonnell, the acting Pentagon inspector general is conducting his own assessment of the problem. Russells three roommates in Tampa were also Atomwaffen members. One of them, Devon Arthurs, was charged with shooting and killing the other two roommates in 2017, but Arthurs has since been found medically unfit to stand trial because of conditions that include schizophrenia and autism. Other group members have also been charged with murders. Even though police found explosives in Russells garage, they inexplicably released him after he said it was for model rockets. But they rearrested him later, after he and another Atomwaffen member were found driving to the Florida Keys with a pair of rifles and 1,000 rounds of ammunition but no luggage or food, ProPublica and PBS Frontline reported in 2018. Since Russells conviction, several other current or former military personnel have been charged with, or convicted of, acts of extremist violence, in addition those involved in the Jan. 6 attack. The cases have involved various lethal threats: amassing weapons to attack public figures, killing a federal security officer, trying to spark violent protests and planning to murder fellow troops. Pentagon guidance bars active participation in extremist groups or public advocacy of such views, though merely belonging to a group such as Atomwaffen Division is not explicitly against the rules. While sporting an extremist groups tattoo is not allowed, the ban is only enforceable if military leaders have access to an updated database of tattoos something they currently lack. Further complicating the task of screening extremists is the fact that some of the most destructive military veterans in the past have not been affiliated with any particular extremist group. Leading this list is Timothy McVeigh, an Army veteran with anti-government beliefs who blew up a federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995 using a bomb filled with ammonium nitrate one of the explosives that Russell reportedly was amassing in his garage. -- John M. Donnelly of CQ-Roll Call wrote this story. (c)2021 CQ Roll Call Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC Third President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan gave an interview to ArmNews TV. - Due to our insufficient preparedness for the war, there is a widespread nature that along the Artsakh border, except for the front line, we did not have deep echelon defense, there were no second or third defensive lines, moreover, you accuse the Lavrov or Kazan plan In order to implement it, you deliberately did not allow deep echelon defense in Artsakh, that is why it was possible to cross the front line in the southern direction and go deeper in the rear. - But who puts forward such theses? Who is aware, has gone, seen, we have, we do not have, who are they, who have fled, who have lost, whose units went down, as the people say? Was there anyone who said that he saw? I do not say he did not see a trench, but who saw the whole picture, did the capitulator see, does he understand anything from that? This does not correspond to reality, we had the second, third lines of the army defense, our defense plan clearly states which units should occupy which positions in which case. - Were they occupied in this war? - Unfortunately, no, not because there were unnecessary interferences in the management of the war, by unnecessary, inappropriate, incompetent people. - Do you mean the Prime Ministers wife? - I have nothing to do with women. I mean others. In other words, is the one who proclaimed himself the supreme chief archivist so competent that he could have done it? - Well, at least he did not stay at the command post for that long. - It is not long, but the famous operation that caused the whole capitulation was personally heard and approved by him. - Are you talking about Lala Tepe operation? - At least the name of the operation was not Lala Tepe, but it is about that operation. - The task was to bring that height back at all costs, is that correct? - Every time you were forced to make a breakthrough in hostilities, it is inadmissible, making a breakthrough is not a direct unprepared counterattack, in order to make a breakthrough you may be able to capture comfortable areas with the help of reserve forces, meet your retreating troops so that they can support them: losses of weapons, ammunition, etc., and with those fresh forces you will be able to stop the enemy, after which you can already think about organizing a counterattack operation. But no, they thought, look, look, go, blockade the Azerbaijani units that have already deepened, use the light of our eyes, our reserve, our best brigades, after which the head of the Defense Army was deprived of any reserve force. : - What stage of the war are you talking about? - I am talking about the beginning of October. - In other words, inadmissible mistakes have been made since then. - The inadmissible mistakes started from the end of September, from the first day of the war, they continued for a very long time, that is, why people had the right to think that it was a conspiratorial war, that it was a conspiracy. - They also attribute it to you; they say it is the former government. Do you remember how many times the Prime Minister said that the former government would try to unleash a conspiratorial war and that during the war they allegedly told the troops that the lands had already been sold? - But please, do not cite the words of that liar, because that lie was denied by Colonel Hambardzumyan who worked as Director of the National Security Service. He said that he had received an instruction from the Prime Minister to investigate, it turned out to be the complete opposite, and I should deny it or not. In other words, why should we have declared a conspiratorial war or not? In other words, when a person makes some baseless statements, he is guided by the principle of what he would do in such a case. Yes, they were conspirators in 2016, when they spread rumors that the army was eating grass, fighting with a shovel, and so on and so forth. They did it, didnt they? Did any of us say anything in public for 44 days, they were making assumptions, spreading them, and unfortunately, they did not deny it? - Mr. President, but they ultimately denied it; they admitted that there was no fight with shovels. - But after how long? But that denial was not worth a penny, because by setting up the April Commission of Inquiry, they started the next stage of dismantling the army. How could such a commission be set up, how could hundreds of officers, soldiers be invited there and how could the army be destroyed with it, the word to destroy is not, perhaps, to take a brick out of a wall. - Mr. President, why did you go? Colonel-General Yuri Khachaturov did not go; he refused, why did you go? - I had to go, first of all, to defend the honor of the heroes of the April war, so who should have defended? I went to defend, I went to tell the members of that commission what the war is in general, how we acted. I went to explain to those people, I tried to convince them that it was pointless, do not do that, what should I do, avoid, I could not avoid. I repeat, this was the next stage in defeating the army. - Mr. President, you spoke about the presence of incompetent people at the command post, please tell us about your visit to Artsakh during the war. Who did you meet? The second president said that the president of Artsakh did not receive him. I am sure you tried to meet him, did you meet? - No, I did not meet. I went to Artsakh with some 5-6 people. I asked Bako Sahakyan to convey my request to the Artsakh President to receive me for a few minutes. On the first day Bako Sahakyan said that the Artsakh President was not in Stepanakert, he was at a frontline position, at the end of the second day he told me that he could not receive you for reasons known to you, I had only two goals. Explain to Arayik Harutyunyan that this war is heading towards defeat and all efforts should be made to stop the war; secondly, ask him how I can support Artsakh, the army, the economy, etc. I was ready to do any work, but when the man did not accept, any ephemeral initiative, as you say, would be considered a conspiracy, so I did not see any sense in staying in Stepanakert, because on the one hand, as a burden for your comrades-in-arms, you should always be careful. be towards you etc. That is why I returned to Yerevan. - The same is true for the field generals of the first war; we hear that some of them were not allowed to take part in the management of the war, to be at the command post. - No one was allowed, but already at the end of the war, when they saw that there was nothing, without an order, without anything official, they asked him to go here and there, and so on. - One was told to go to Shushi, another one - to Stepanakert in order to organize defense. - Well, it is obvious. You know, there were many different ways to end this war. First of all, let us understand what prevented them from going the right way? What made them change the development plan? War is a disaster, and you must try to use every possibility during a disaster. What prevented him from inviting Seyran Ohanyan and Yuri Khachaturov to serve as Onik Gasparyans advisers without expecting that the advice would be implemented, but they are experienced people, arent they? Onik Gasparyan was the Chief of the General Staff for only 2-3 months, and being the Chief of the General Staff is not a game and a dance, and especially conducting military operations, and the first, the second, look how many military operations they conducted. Well, what was the point of not inviting Levon Mnatsakanyan and Samvel Karapetyan to assist the inexperienced Jalal Harutyunyan as consultants? And people who do not distinguish between a machine gun and a machine gun find themselves at that point, isnt this a joke, isnt this a crime? - In the final stage of the war, the defense of Shushi was trusted to Seyran Ohanyan, the defense of Stepanakert - to Levon Mnatsakanyan. - It was done for other considerations, I am sure it was done for something else to be attributed to them. If you have noticed, in early November their media outlets started writing about the heroic efforts of Seyran Ohanyan to defend Shushi. I was surprised, but two or three days later Seyran Ohanyan was accused of not being able to keep Shushi. Sorry, but they wanted to throw the fall of Shushi into Seyrans pocket. But he was just a consultant there. Or what subdivisions were given to Levon Mnatsakanyan? And then they tell tales about why Shushi fell in the end. David, you see, I have so many connections, I am acquainted with hundreds of officers, dozens of generals, to this day I can not find out who was the commander of the defense of Shushi, who was the commander of the defense of Hadrut, and in general, who led that front. Well, back then, let us say it was a secret, but in reality there is nothing secret, but now we do not know who the commander was. - Did Shushi fall or was it surrendered? What is your impression? - Shushi was obviously handed over to the Azeris. I am not saying that it was given deliberately, because I knew when the war would end. Back in October 19, when acquaintances and colleagues I was in contact with asked me when I thought the war would end, I said unequivocally that when the Azeris would occupy Shushi. I am sure that sooner or later the people I spoke to will confirm these facts. So far nobody talked about it. - Was it clear to you that this was their goal from the beginning? - It was clear to me based on the actions of the Azerbaijani army, based on Aliyev's statements, based on where the Azerbaijanis are moving and who is resisting them, I have come to that conclusion, surely. - Mr. President, there is a lot of talk about Turkeys role in this war. During your presidency, Turkey was not seen in public as a potential threat, as a source of war. In the summer of 2020, the head of the parliamentary faction told us that Turkey would not be involved in this war. Why do you think Turkey was involved in this war, how much was the part of Turkey? Do you admit that you are responsible for the years of your presidency? Maybe no appropriate explanatory work was done to show the public that Turkey night support Azerbaijan, it would not leave Azerbaijan alone in this war. - David, I cannot agree with your opinion that Turkey only supported Azerbaijan during the last war. Turkey has always supported Azerbaijan, it has always been so in the early 90s, I can give examples, it was so in the early 2000s and after 2008; the ever-present Turkish threat was counterbalanced by the Armenian-Russian allied relations and the international community with competent work. Turkey played a role in the April war. It is no secret that Turkish instructors trained Azerbaijans Special Forces: it is obvious to everyone. There is only one explanation as to why Turkey was so open and relatively large-scale this time around, with the failure of the diplomatic and security policies of this apical government. We have to look for the root causes over there. We have to look for why there was excessive tension with our main ally as the balance of power did not work, that counterbalance did not work to the extent it should have worked. - In other words, was Turkey so active due to the endangered Armenian-Russian strategic relations? - I am sure, yes, but at the same time I want to emphasize that it happened, maybe I do not choose the right word, but with the idea of a lie that this tension increases the degree of our independence. One must clearly realize that he is the leader of the country, at least one of the leaders. Why do I say this because he has been attributing the role of the head of state to himself, in reality the head of our country is the President of the Republic. He must understand that he does not like boyish approaches; he must understand that he is responsible not only for his actions, but also for the security of the people. When you try to endanger the reputation of the CSTO by making such a decision in violation of all diplomatic rules, you must understand that tomorrow, the next day, you will have problems. - Are you talking about the call with the Secretary General? - Yes, when you break the laws of your own country at the airport, you do not meet the head of the UN Security Council, who is your ally, then you instruct fakes, websites of unknown origin to write what a boy he is, how he raised our sovereignty, you have to understand that tomorrow, the next day you will be punished for it, this is obvious. You need to understand that when you enter into secret negotiations behind the backs of others, those others will change their attitude towards you, because they put effort, energy, and authority in their actions. It is clear that they have their own interests. Therefore, it is not surprising that no one condemned Azerbaijan for resuming hostilities. Do you remember how in April 2016, when the international community unanimously condemned the offensive of Azerbaijan? And why should we not have it in time, even if we did not realize that we had to have very good anti-aircraft facilities, why should we not have it in time? What does it mean that the airspace of Armenia is inaccessible? In simple language, we were forbidden to transport military cargo through the airspace of Georgia or through the airspace of Iran? Do you remember when it was during the April war, before or after that we had a problem transporting something through the airspace of Georgia, where did we transport the S300s or Iskanders, etc.? That means that you have ruined your relationship with everyone. Do you want them to do more than you can do in your difficult moment, in your crucial moment? - Mr. President, the Iskander was the most mentioned weapon in this war, but it was never used against the enemy. I remember very well that in both 2016 and August 2020, you said in your press conferences that it did not make sense to use Iskander during the April battles as it was equal to making a cannon shot at sparrows. The war in 2020 was a large-scale one, but our operational tactical missiles were not used; not only that, it turned out that we did not destroy any military airport, large military headquarters, command post, oil and gas infrastructure, bridge. Moreover, the President of the Republic of Armenia, who by the way was your candidate for presidency, if we have time to return to it briefly, stated several times to international media, guaranteed that Armenia would not target the oil and gas infrastructure in the enemys territory? - First of all, I must say that I do not quite agree that Iskander was not used, it was in the press, I have reliable information that Iskander was used, it was used in the last period of the war, and more specifically in the direction of Shushi. - That is why I said enemy in the direction of the territory of the state. - Yes, the area, something else. I can not say for sure why it was not used, but I suppose it was not used for fear of retaliation. In other words, from whatever territory of Armenia he fired, maybe that territory would be counterattacked. - With a mega-missile with such a distance? - With another missile, not with the same distance, not with the same accuracy, but you know, when you have a lot of fears during a war, you end up with this day. And Iskander should have been used on the fourth or fifth day of the war, when Azerbaijan had accumulated a huge amount of manpower, military equipment in Horadiz and other parts, Iskander is for that. But I think the other thesis is not so true, when they say that our other measures were not applied to the territory of Azerbaijan, you remember that a boastful person said that he had ordered the evacuation of Kirovabad airport. - It turned out to be a lie. - But it is a fact that Kirovabad was shot. - Residential district of the city. - What is the biggest stupidity: I do not understand the actions of these people. - The international community started condemning us after that. - Of course he must condemn, not only the international community began to judge, but after that both Stepanakert and Martuni began to be ruthlessly targeting. I am not saying that Stepanakert had not been fired before, but that fire was aimed at two targets, one at the Defense Army headquarters and the other at the power plant. This, of course, had to be used, what did we get it for? And in general, who needed those assurances of the international community? Let alone that the first target should have been the gas pipelines, the oil pipeline, etc., so why did we get Iskanders, if we did not want to use them at the right time? - Do you think there was an agreement not to shoot? - I do not think there was an agreement. - They were afraid to launch it. - If you remember that on the fifth or third day of the war, some so-called huts were circulating, as if Iskander is not ours, the system of government is somewhere else, it is ignorance, Iskander is ours, we are the only one our ally provided I do not understand whether to use such a weapon. David, there are so many questions that are just weird for me on the one hand, I do not know on the other hand they lead to other thoughts. - To attack the Armenian Shushi with our Iskander Mr. President, can this fit into our thoughts, even assuming that the city was already abandoned, or maybe we did not have accurate information on the day at which we left the city? - It has been talked about many times, the Capitulator wrote on the ninth of the month that fighting was underway for Shushi, while as early as on the night of November 5 Shushi was already under the control of the Azerbaijanis. As they wrote that there was fierce fighting for Shushi, and so on, it should be construed that our people were trying to take back Shushi, which is also strange to me, because taking it back is ten times harder than defending it. Why did we not defend, then why did we make so many casualties, and during those attempts, so-called stubborn battles; we had hundreds of unnecessary casualties. Head of Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) Prof Kwabena Annan says it is not safe to celebrate this years Kwahu Easter festivity following the rise of Coronavirus cases in the country. Speaking Tuesday on Agoo FM Morning Show, Prof Kwabena Annan said, we all know the importance of tourism but I am not sure the Kwahu Easter is important than preventing the spread of Covid-19. People from different areas will troop to the area, if care is not taken, we will start another wave again. Uncontrolled movements and interactions are the major cause of the spread so I will advise that, we should suspend the Kwahu Easter Festival and get serious over the fight against Covid-19, Prof Annan also advised passengers not to talk unnecessarily to reduce serious exposure adding that when we adhere to the protocols the call to reduce the number of passengers would not be considered. He said the call for a reduction of passengers, closure of schools may collapse the economy which is dangerous to the nation. According to him, the most important thing to do as a nation is to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols adding it is the key to the fight against the virus, any country that will fail to do so will suffer. Nine more Ghanaians have succumbed to COVID-19 increasing Ghanas death toll to 542, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported. A total of 656 new cases of infection has sent the active case count to 7,850. Recoveries stand at 68,100 with a total number of confirmed cases of 76,492. Out of the total number of active cases, 87 patients are in severe condition while 31 others are in critical condition. Source: kasapafmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The project has all necessary clearances in place needed for development and the company is in discussion with potential financiers and strategic investors who view Chilalo as a quality graphite project. Marvel will take all measures necessary to ensure any transaction will maximise value for shareholders. ( ) (OTCMKTS:GRXMF) (FRA:GR2) is considering various options to unlock the value of its Chilalo Graphite Project in Tanzania including a possible demerger and IPO. The company has spent more than A$21 million on exploration and project development of the project, a fully permitted and world-class graphite asset. A definitive feasibility study completed in January 2020 resulted in a post-tax NPV8 of US$331 million over the 18-year mine life. Numerous investor enquiries have been fielded and the company will take all measures necessary to ensure any transaction will maximise value for shareholders. Focus on Mali gold projects Marvel managing director Phil Hoskins said: Chilalo is the forgotten sleeper within Marvels asset portfolio. Since re-positioning the company in March last year, our focus has quite rightly been on advancing our exciting gold projects in Mali, where the Tabakorole Project has grown to a near one million ounce resource with resource expansion drill results expected imminently. Graphite demand outlook The graphite market outlook is very strong with electric vehicles forecast to drive over 700% growth in natural graphite demand by 2025, according to . Global demand for ex-China graphite supply has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a strict focus on ethically sourced supply chains. As China historically accounts for around 70% of global graphite supply, this is a compelling opportunity for projects with product quality such as Chilalo. Hoskins said: Notwithstanding that focus, Chilalo remains a quality asset, and the company has continued to entertain interest from strategic investors, industry partners and project financiers. The graphite market is now primed for new entrants as the electrification of the world grows from concept stage to mainstream acceptance. Investment interest The DFS completed in January 2020 demonstrated that Chilalo is a robust project based on a probable ore reserve of 9.2 million tonnes, underpinning an estimated 18-year mine life producing approximately 50,000 tonnes per annum. The project already has all necessary clearances including environmental approvals, a granted mining licence, community relocation arrangements and compensation agreed and approved. Construction could start as soon as financing is secured and the company is discussing with potential financiers and strategic investors, who view Chilalo as a quality graphite project having significant economic potential. Hoskins said: Chilalo, as a world-class graphite project permitted for construction, is strongly positioned to secure development finance. Investor enquiry has recently intensified, and we are pro-actively assessing transaction options for Chilalo that optimise value to Marvel shareholders. The company intends to finalise the preferred path as soon as possible and we look forward to providing updates as this develops. Debt owed to Castlelake According to an agreement reached with CLV Investment Solutions LLC, an entity managed by Castlelake LP, the company agreed to undertake a sell-down or refinancing of the Chilalo project, to enable repayment of the debt to Castlelake, which stands at US$7.37 million. Repayment of the debt owed to Castlelake is a central element of any Chilalo transaction. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-17 05:18:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Aboul-Gheit and UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland discussed on Tuesday the developments in Palestine and Israel in light of the upcoming elections in the two countries. During a phone conversation, Aboul-Gheit and the new UN envoy exchanged views on the recent developments in the region ahead of major Palestinian and Israeli elections in the coming months, the AL said in a statement. The Palestinians are scheduled to hold legislative elections on May 22, followed by presidential elections on July 31, while Israel will hold parliamentary elections on March 23. Aboul-Gheit briefed the UN official on the outcomes of the recent meeting of Arab foreign ministers, who asserted that the Palestinian cause is a central axis for joint Arab action in the next stage. During their emergency meeting on Feb. 8, the Arab foreign ministers affirmed that the Palestinian issue is central to all Arab countries, while expressing their support to the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Meanwhile, Aboul-Gheit highlighted the importance of the recent reconciliation talks held by Palestinian factions in the Egyptian capital Cairo, adding that the AL supports the path of Palestinian reconciliation. He noted that achieving national reconciliation and renewing Palestinian legitimacy will strengthen the Palestinian stance in any future peace negotiations with Israel. The AL chief also appreciated the UN envoy's condemnation of the Israeli settlement expansion which he said will eliminate the chance of achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Enditem Syracuse, N.Y. -- A 38-year-old Syracuse man was arrested early Tuesday morning after a police chase led to a man barricading himself in a house on the South West side of the city, according to New York State Police. Anthony Roberts, 38, faces several charges related to the chase and standoff, state police said. At 3:06 p.m. Monday, troopers tried to stop Roberts on State Route 298 in DeWitt for a traffic violation, according to police. Roberts did not pull over, fleeing to Lincoln Avenue in Syracuse, police said. He stopped his car and ran into a house at 104 Daisy St. before refusing to come out of the house, according to police. Officers from the Syracuse Police Department and troopers from the New York State Police surrounded the house, police said. Others who lived in the house got out without being harmed and told police Roberts was still in the house, according to police. A passenger in Roberts car stayed in the car and was briefly detained, police said. The standoff lasted about 11 hours before Roberts came out of the house at 1:54 a.m., according to police. He had a stolen Taurus PT111 G2 gun with a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, police said. Roberts was arrested and taken to the Onondaga County Justice Center for arraignment. He was charged with: second-degree criminal possession of a weapon third-degree criminal possession of a weapon fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property seventh-degree criminal possession of a substance resisting arrest. 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. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. UK FCDO Minister for European Neighbourhood and the Americas Wendy Morton will make her first visit to Armenia on February 16, visiting the historic capital city of Yerevan and regional centre of Vanadzor, the British Embassy Yerevan reports. During this two-day visit, the Minister will officially open the new British Embassy office in Yerevan with Deputy Foreign Minister Adonts, as a symbol of the strengthening links between the people of the UK and Armenia. The Minister will also welcome a new partnership between the UK, UNICEF and the UN Development Programme, which will support the economic and social resilience of communities in Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik and Syunik provinces who have been particularly affected by COVID-19 and the recent conflict. The UK hopes to develop this partnership to identify how to enhance stability in these remote regions over the longer term. Ahead of the visit, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Minister Wendy Morton said: The UK is committed to our enduring friendship with Armenia. I look forward to meeting Foreign Minister Ayvazyan and President Sarkissian to discuss the many opportunities for our countries to work together to tackle global challenges such as climate change and Covid-19. The UK stands ready to help Armenia build back greener following the conflict and the effects of Covid-19. We welcome Armenias ambitious commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and look forward to helping Armenia realise its leadership potential in tackling climate change ahead of COP26. The UK has been pleased to support Armenias impressive progress in democratic and economic reforms and combatting corruption in recent years. Minister Morton will highlight how our countries can work together to drive further progress, including through measures to help small businesses grow and supporting Armenias National Assembly as it becomes a more modern and transparent institution. Minister Morton will meet Foreign Minister Ayvazyan and will reiterate the UKs support for the work of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs towards a real and lasting peace settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has the opportunity to build a strong and long-lasting peace in the wider Caucasus region, including through increasing the involvement of women in peace-building initiatives. Strengthening womens participation in politics and the business world is vital for Armenias development and prosperity. The Minister will visit Vanadzor Technology Centre to meet female entrepreneurs and women involved in business and innovation in Armenia, who the UK has supported and empowered through its Good Governance Fund. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. More than 110 aftershocks were recorded so far after the February 13 magnitude 4,7 earthquake in Yerevan, the Armenian seismic protection service said. Right now there is an aftershock seismic activity, but it is gradually decreasing, the Ministry of Emergency Situations Seismic Protection Service director Sos Margaryan told a news conference. Thereve been magnitude 0,1 and less aftershocks. Overall, only two or three of these aftershocks were felt in Yerevan. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan LONDON For decades, L.G.B.T. members of Britains military were systematically dismissed from the ranks and stripped of their medals. Now, after years of campaigning by those targeted by the policy, the government has outlined a pathway for them to get their medals back. The defense ministry, which has acknowledged that the practice was wrong, discriminatory and unjust, said in a statement on Tuesday that it was taking a further step in addressing that injustice. Annabel Goldie, a minister of state in the Defense Ministry, said it was deeply regrettable that some members of the armed forces had been treated in a way that would not be acceptable today because of their sexual orientation. I am very pleased now to be in a position to address this wrong and to invite any personnel affected or, in some circumstances, the families of those who are deceased to apply to have their medals returned, she said in a statement. The military has not released figures on how many people were affected before Britain lifted a ban on gay people serving in the military after the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2000 that the policy violated basic human rights. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp. (Global Li-Ion or, the Company) (CSE: LION) is pleased to announce that with its partner Swiss EMX the Company will proceed with the launch of its Graphite Token as per the proposed offtake agreement to supply Graphite from the Ambato-Arana graphite project in Madagascar (the Malagasy Project). Swiss EMX plans to launch pre-sales of its Commodity backed Graphite Token in the upcoming weeks. Under the new partnership LION will honor the original off-take agreement announced Feb 14th, 2019 and will take a 15% interest in Swiss EMX for an investment of $250,000 dollars. Demand for energy storage, driven by the accelerating move to electric vehicles and alternative energy with a view to meeting CO2 emissions targets, is expected to increase by orders of magnitude over coming years creating a supply shortfall in, and increasing the need for liquidity in, graphite and e-metals supplies and markets. To solve this liquidity problem, we utilize Blockchain Technology for the trading of the e-metals based on smart contracts which build in faster and cheaper settlement between the buyer and seller and will ultimately allow for the physical delivery of the underlying commodity between the producers and the consumers. About Swiss-EMX Swiss-EMX is pioneering the tokenization of the energy metals using a three-stage approach. First, by offering commodity backed tokens followed by secondary trading of the tokens on regulated exchanges, which allows for speculation and liquidity in otherwise illiquid commodities market and finally by offering delivery of the physical under lying commodity via smart contracts using blockchain technology. Ambato-Arana Graphite Mine, Madagascar The 3 forty-year renewable mining exploitation licenses that comprise the Project total 4,375 hectares (10,811 acres) are located in the vicinity of Andasibe in Toamasina Province in Madagascar, 20 km to the southwest of Sheritts large-scale nickel/cobalt laterite open pit mine at Ambatovy and 15 km north east of the town of Moramanga from which national highway RN2 connects with capital city Antananarivo (114 km) and Madagascars main port of Toamisina (Tamatave) (240 km). Graphite was produced on the licenses, at a modest rate constrained by the technology employed on the licenses at that time, for roughly a century from 1910. Production was suspended by the previous owners due to a slump at the time in Global Graphite markets and with the deposits only partially mined. The deposits are now ready for larger scale exploitation with modern production techniques. They lie within the graphitic horizons of the highly prospective Manampotsy Formation and are associated with topographic highs that are exploited via free digging of lateritic ore and open pit mining, providing a lower cost exploitation without need for blasting. The graphite mineralization on the Project appears within well-defined north-south belts with interbedded graphite-rich friable layers. The geological layers of interest have continuity of several kilometres and exhibit a shallow dip angle. Sample data indicate good grade (up to 10% carbon content with some samples up to nearly 14%) and large flake (jumbo size) consistent with other nearby mines e.g. Gallois (Elate Graphite), Sahamamy & Vatomina (Tirupati Graphite) and DNI Metals Vohitsara (DNI Metals). The Company would also like to report that its shareholders have exercised a total of 6 million warrants at $0.12 for total gross proceeds of just over $720,000. The company would also like to announce that it has set 1 million incentive stock options as per its option plan at a price of $0.22 for a period of two years. Further information about Global Li-Ion is available under its profile on the SEDAR website, www.sedar.com, on the CSE website, www.thecse.com, and the Companys website, www.globalli-iongraphite.com. For Further information about the Company, please contact: Jason Walsh Director, Chairman Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp. Telephone 604.608.6314 Email: info@liongraphite.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward-Looking Information: This press release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words anticipate, continue, estimate, expect, may, will, project, intend, believe and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this release may include, without limitation, the decision of Company and Swiss EMX to sign a definitive offtake agreement, project economics, permitting, the development timeline, the Companys objective to produce graphite. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Such factors include, among other things, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of graphite; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks discussed in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time. TUESDAY PUZZLE When it comes to solving, some people are held back by fear. For them, its better not to try at all than to risk getting stuck, or worse, getting something wrong. I wish they would rethink that. There are few pursuits that are as low risk as a crossword puzzle. Very often you are the only one solving, so youre not risking making a mistake in front of, say Simon Cowell. If you do struggle with an answer or three, no one will tell you to keep your eyes on your own paper, or threaten to send a note to your parents for cribbing the answers. No one will judge you for using Google well, I wont because, as the crosswords editor Will Weng once said, Its your puzzle. Solve it any way you want. In other words, this isnt the SAT. Its supposed to be fun. Still, our inner critics are the worst, arent they? I am not an aficionado of Johanna Fenimores theme I just never developed a taste for it and when I started to realize what she had put together, I was briefly worried that I might not be able to finish the puzzle. There was a moment when I thought I might not get the theme well enough to explain it here. Administratorii portalului nu poarta raspundere pentru continutul postarilor si materialelor plasate de utilizatorii site-ului. Utilizati informatia din acest articol pe propriul risc. [February 16, 2021] Octavia Wealth Advisors Hires Cristina Campabadal to Lead the RIA's International Growth Effort Octavia Wealth Advisors (Octavia), a $1.4 billion registered investment advisory firm, announces the appointment of Cristina Campabadal to spearhead its continued growth in Latin America (LatAm) and Spain. Campabadal joins the firm with more than 17 years of experience in international wealth management and private banking. Her addition signals the firm's intention to expand its service reach in Spanish-speaking markets both in the Americas and Europe. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005030/en/ Cristina Campabadal, Director of Business Development Latin America/Wealth Advisor at Octavia Wealth Advisors (Photo: Business Wire) Octavia's principals have served international clients for more than a decade and the growing eed for wealth management advice for a global-minded client base inspired the firm to make Latin America a priority for expansion. "When we launched Octavia last year, we knew LatAm was on the immediate horizon for our growth plan," says Luis Strohmeier, a partner and wealth advisor at Octavia who is originally from Peru. "Cristina is a great addition to our team. She has a deep understanding of the international finance and wealth space, including what families need, and has trusted relationships with clients, multifamily offices and attorneys that will allow us to build our international services." As director of business development and wealth advisor for the RIA firm, Campabadal will build relationships and work with existing clients in LatAm, North America and Spain to deliver holistic financial planning advice. Prior to joining Octavia, Campabadal spent a decade in international private banking before starting her own international financial services company, which provided clients in Spain and LatAm with a trusted advisor to manage and maintain assets. Supported by this strong background, Campabadal is well positioned in the international wealth space to grow the firm's reach outside of the U.S. Octavia also recently launched a Spanish version of its website to cater to LatAm clients. With multiple advisors who are native Spanish speakers, the firm sees abundant opportunities to help clients abroad by providing sound financial advice for long-term wealth maintenance and growth. "I'm excited to work with such a talented, trustworthy and experienced group of advisors to help the firm grow abroad," says Campabadal. "The comprehensive services that Octavia provides in real estate, tax, investment and more are greatly needed in LatAm." Campabadal is from Barcelona and lives in Malaga, Spain, and will travel to LatAm countries as well as New York and Miami to help build the firm's global presence. About Octavia Wealth Advisors Octavia Wealth Advisors is an independent registered investment advisor committed to building lifelong partnerships with individuals, families and businesses at all income levels. Through a diversified team of experts, the firm provides integrated wealth and risk management as well as retirement, insurance, tax, business and estate planning. Headquartered in Cincinnati, with offices across the country, the firm was founded in 2020. For more information about Octavia, please visit octaviawa.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005030/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Washington: After former president Donald Trumps acquittal over the weekend, several Republicans who supported impeachment faced backlash and calls for censure from GOP officials in their home states. But one Republican was condemned by a more intimate group: His own family. Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger has been denounced by his own family for voting to impeach Donald Trump. Credit:Getty We are thoroughly disgusted with you!! wrote relatives of Representative Adam Kinzinger in a two-page letter first published by The New York Times on Monday. And, oh, by the way, we are calling for your removal from office. Kinzinger, a six-term Republican from Illinois, was one of the 10 GOP House members who joined Democrats to impeach Trump after the January 6 riot at the Capitol. After that vote, Kinzinger was censured by Republicans in his home district and then received a handwritten letter from a cousin that was signed by several other family members decrying his decision as a disappointment to us and to God. A naked mangrove fugitive who hid from police in crocodile-infested swamp has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and breaching bail. Luke Voskresensky, 40, was nude, caked in mud, and clinging onto a mangrove in East Point in Darwin when fishermen found him on January 3. Darwin Local Court on Wednesday heard he was on bail for assaulting his girlfriend when he removed his electronic monitoring device and fled to the jungle on New Year's Eve. Luke Voskresensky (pictured), 40, was found naked in a tree in a crocodile-infested swamp by two fishermen laying down crab pots on January 3 Voskresensky's lawyer John Adams argued the sentence should be reduced since he already suffered 'extra curial punishment' during his 'uncomfortable' time in the mangroves, according to the NT News. But Judge Greg Macdonald said it was 'self inflicted extra curial punishment through stupidity'. 'I do accept that four days in the mangroves being chewed on by sandflies would have been particularly uncomfortable,' he said. Prosecutor Simon Lipert said Voskresensky should not benefit from fleeing to the mangroves since he bought a plane ticket to Cairns the day before. 'He fled to the mangroves hoping to evade custody, evade police, in order to catch this flight to Cairns and who knows where he was going from there?' Mr Lipert said. Judge Macdonald ordered Voskerensky to be assessed for a suspended sentence before he returns to court on Friday. Crab potter Kev Joiner points to Voskresensky. The court heard Voskresensky was was on bail for assaulting his girlfriend when he removed his electronic monitoring device and fled to the mangroves on New Year's Eve last year Fishermen Kev Joiner and Cam Faust found Voskresensky naked in the mangroves as they dropped crabbed pots on the evening of January 3. Mr Joiner and Mr Faust said the escapee informed them he had 'been here four days and I've been living on snails'. They said they only heard the stranded fugitive's desperate cries when they stopped to drop their crab pots nearby. 'We heard him screaming for help real loud: 'help!' And that he wanted water,' Joiner told Daily Mail Australia. 'When we got close we could see he was covered in mud and bites and his feet were swollen.' The 40-year-old was treated for exposure and a series of bites to his feet after being rescued from the mangroves. Giant saltwater crocs are known to breed and lay eggs in the waterways around East Point. 'There would have been crocs in there, for sure,' Joiner said. 'We didn't understand why he had no clothes on. We tried to talk to him but he wasn't making much sense. He was talking gibberish really. 'My mate [Cam] had to give him his shorts. He'd done his dash and he was ready to give up.' Voskresensky was hiding out in the scrublands - known in Darwin as 'crocodile heaven' because of the murky water and poor light - while awaiting trial. Those charges included aggravated assault, stealing and deprivation of liberty. He was then charged with breaching bail and aggravated assault for attacking someone while on the run, which he has now reportedly pleaded guilty to. Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chairman of Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, leaves after a vote at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on May 14, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) North Carolina GOP Censures Sen. Burr Over Impeachment Vote The North Carolina Republican Party said on Monday that it had voted unanimously to censure Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) for his vote to impeach former President Donald Trump. The North Carolina Republican Party Central Committee voted unanimously to censure Senator Richard Burr for his vote to convict former President Trump in the impeachment trial which he declared to be unconstitutional, the party said in a statement. The group said that it did not support the Senate impeachment trial as it believes that the chamber did not have the authority under the Constitution to impeach a former president. The Senate on Saturday ultimately voted 57-43, which resulted in Trumps acquittal. Sixty seven votes were needed for a conviction. Now that the Senate has voted to acquit President Trump, we hope that Democrats will set aside their divisive partisan agenda and focus on the American priorities of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, safely reopening schools, and restarting the economy. Burr was one of the seven Republican senators who joined their Democrat colleagues to convict Trump on the impeachment charge that he incited the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. In a statement following the trial, Burr said that although he believes the trial was unconstitutional, he was convinced by the Democrats arguments that Trump was responsible for the Jan. 6 events. The President promoted unfounded conspiracy theories to cast doubt on the integrity of a free and fair election because he did not like the results. As Congress met to certify the election results, the President directed his supporters to go to the Capitol to disrupt the lawful proceedings required by the Constitution. When the crowd became violent, the President used his office to first inflame the situation instead of immediately calling for an end to the assault, Burr said in his statement. As I said on January 6th, the President bears responsibility for these tragic events. The evidence is compelling that President Trump is guilty of inciting an insurrection against a coequal branch of government and that the charge rises to the level of high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Therefore, I have voted to convict. Burrs press contacts did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times request for comment. Burr is not the only Republican lawmaker to face backlash for his decision to impeach Trump. Other Republicans who voted to impeach or convict the former president have also been censured by their state Republican parties or faced threats of primary challenges. The Republican Party of Louisiana voted unanimously to censure Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on Feb. 13. Meanwhile, Sens. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) are also facing calls to be censured by their state GOP party. Burr said in 2016 that would not be seeking reelection in 2022. Lara Trump, the former presidents daughter-in-law, has been tapped as a strong candidate to succeed his seat. Reports of Lara Trump considering a senate run began emerging as early as November last year. A former Trump 2020 adviser with close ties to the Trump family previously told The Epoch Times that they believe Lara Trump would immediately galvanize conservative support if she chose to run. She would immediately galvanize conservative support, and not just because her last name is Trump, the adviser said. Lara knows North Carolina and North Carolina knows her. If she decides to run, shed bring an unmatched ability to connect with voters, while also being able to raise the money necessary to compete in a close election. A former Trump White House official shared similar views, telling The Epoch Times that they believe Lara Trump will trample the competition in a Republican primary. And as far as the general goes, remember North Carolina is a state that former President Trump won twice, and Lara probably has room to grow that support with independents who value a softer tone, the official said. New Delhi, February 14: What if COVID-19 never goes away? Experts say it's likely that some version of the disease will linger for years. But what it will look like in the future is less clear. Will the coronavirus, which has already killed more than 2 million people worldwide, eventually be eliminated by a global vaccination campaign, like smallpox? Will dangerous new variants evade vaccines? Or will the virus stick around for a long time, transforming into a mild annoyance, like the common cold? Eventually, the virus known as SARS-CoV-2 will become yet another animal in the zoo, joining the many other infectious diseases that humanity has learned to live with, predicted Dr T Jacob John, who studies viruses and was at the helm of India's efforts to tackle polio and HIV/AIDS. COVID-19 Is a Bacteria and Not Virus That Causes Thrombosis and Can Be Cured With Aspirin? PIB Fact Check Reveals Truth Behind Fake WhatsApp Message. But no one knows for sure. The virus is evolving rapidly, and new variants are popping up in different countries. The risk of these new variants was underscored when Novavax Inc. found that the company's vaccine did not work as well against mutated versions circulating in Britain and South Africa. The more the virus spreads, experts say, the more likely it is that a new variant will become capable of eluding current tests, treatments and vaccines. For now, scientists agree on the immediate priority: Vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible. The next step is less certain and depends largely on the strength of the immunity offered by vaccines and natural infections and how long it lasts. Are people going to be frequently subject to repeat infections? We don't have enough data yet to know, said Jeffrey Shaman, who studies viruses at Columbia University. Like many researchers, he believes chances are slim that vaccines will confer lifelong immunity. If humans must learn to live with COVID-19, the nature of that coexistence depends not just on how long immunity lasts, but also how the virus evolves. Will it mutate significantly each year, requiring annual shots, like the flu? Or will it pop up every few years? This question of what happens next attracted Jennie Lavine, a virologist at Emory University, who is co-author of a recent paper in Science that projected a relatively optimistic scenario: After most people have been exposed to the virus either through vaccination or surviving infections the pathogen will continue to circulate, but will mostly cause only mild illness, like a routine cold. While immunity acquired from other coronaviruses like those that cause the common cold or SARS or MERS wanes over time, symptoms upon reinfection tend to be milder than the first illness, said Ottar Bjornstad, a co-author of the Science paper who studies viruses at Pennsylvania State University. Adults tend not to get very bad symptoms if they've already been exposed, he said. The prediction in the Science paper is based on an analysis of how other coronaviruses have behaved over time and assumes that SAR-CoV-2 continues to evolve, but not quickly or radically. The 1918 flu pandemic could offer clues about the course of COVID-19. That pathogen was an H1N1 virus with genes that originated in birds, not a coronavirus. At the time, no vaccines were available. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that a third of the world's population became infected. Eventually, after infected people either died or developed immunity, the virus stopped spreading quickly. It later mutated into a less virulent form, which experts say continues to circulate seasonally. Very commonly the descendants of flu pandemics become the milder seasonal flu viruses we experience for many years, said Stephen Morse, who studies viruses at Columbia University. It's not clear yet how future mutations in SARS-CoV-2 will shape the trajectory of the current disease. As new variants emerge some more contagious, some more virulent and some possibly less responsive to vaccines scientists are reminded how much they don't yet know about the future of the virus, said Mark Jit, who studies viruses at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. We've only known about this virus for about a year, so we don't yet have data to show its behavior over five years or 10 years," he said. Of the more than 12 billion coronavirus vaccine shots being made in 2021, rich countries have bought about 9 billion, and many have options to buy more. This inequity is a threat since it will result in poorer countries having to wait longer for the vaccine, during which time the disease will continue to spread and kill people, said Ian MacKay, who studies viruses at the University of Queensland. That some vaccines seem less effective against the new strains is worrisome, but since the shots provide some protection, vaccines could still be used to slow or stop the virus from spreading, said Ashley St. John, who studies immune systems at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. Dr. Gagandeep Kang, an infectious diseases expert at Christian Medical College at Vellore in southern India, said the evolution of the virus raises new questions: At what stage does the virus become a new strain? Will countries need to re-vaccinate from scratch? Or could a booster dose be given? These are questions that you will have to address in the future," Kang said. The future of the coronavirus may contrast with other highly contagious diseases that have been largely beaten by vaccines that provide lifelong immunity such as measles. The spread of measles drops off after many people have been vaccinated. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) On the back of encouraging economic recovery and decline in coronavirus cases, Credit Suisse has upgraded India to 'Overweight' in the Asia Pacific portfolio. The international investment bank has also upgraded Australia to 'Overweight' category; China and Thailand have been downgraded to 'Market Weight' category. India looks much better positioned cyclically and relative to the pandemic, Credit Suisse noted. "India suffered a severe outbreak but has seen a dramatic drop in infections, likely due at least in part to achievement of herd immunity in some locations. Earnings per share (EPS) momentum is among the regions' strongest. Its credit cycle is at an earlier stage than perhaps all other APAC markets. The scope for rate cuts is greater than in perhaps every other market save Indonesia," Dan Fineman, co-head of equity strategy for Asia Pacific at Credit Suisse, mentioned in a note. ALSO READ: Indian economy on track for recovery from upcoming fiscal, says S&P For China, Credit Suisse noted the downgrade is due to the projection that the most exciting part of its recovery is over. "China has limited potential for future GDP gains, negative EPS momentum relative to the region, late-cycle valuations and the region's biggest potential payback from pandemic-related current account windfalls. We also cut Thailand from 'overweight' to 'Market Weight' for the opposite reason - that the most exciting phase of its recovery lies too far in the future in the first half of 2022 (H1'22)," Fineman wrote. ALSO READ: 'GDP to grow at 13.5% in FY22; economic activity on verge of normality': Nomura The funds withdrawn from downgraded markets are likely to flow into India, fuelling the bull run in the country's equity market. The benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty have already touched record highs from the multi-year lows seen in March last year, primarily on the back of revival of economic health, better than expected earnings and better conditions on the COVID-19 front, among other reasons. Within Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan), Credit Suisse is now more inclined towards second-phase COVID recovery markets, namely Korea, India, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and is less favourable towards early recovery markets, like China and Taiwan, and the late-recovery markets in ASEAN. ALSO READ: India's GDP expected to record growth in Q3, Q4 of FY21: PHDCCI Catholic Campaign for Human Development funded pro-abortion, pro-LGBT groups: report Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is facing criticism for giving money to groups that promote abortion and LGBT activism, which violate the teachings of the Catholic Church. According to a report from the Lepanto Institute published last week, the groups Stand Up Nashville, Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope and Nashville Organized for Action hope received grants of $45,000, $50,000 and $60,000, respectively, from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the domestic anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Grant guidelines stress that awardees of funds from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development must affirm compliance with Catholic social teachings. The guidelines also make clear that any organization involved in partisan political activities is ineligible for CCHD funding. A checklist outlining eligibility requirements for organizations seeking CCHD grants specifically states that your organization, and its affiliates, partners and coalition members must not endorse or advocate policies and issues that are contrary to Catholic Social Teaching such as favoring abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, same-sex marriage, racism, sexism and other prejudices. The Lepanto Institute found that the three aforementioned organizations did not meet those requirements. The group Partnership for Working Families is listed as a member of Stand Up Nashville. In a document called For All of Us by All of Us: Challenging State Interference to Advance Gender and Racial Justice, the group described a bill requiring Tennessees Medicaid provider to report annually on the number of abortions paid for by the medical assistance program as an example of legislation that is harmful for women and people of color. Additionally, the document repeatedly uses pro-abortion phrases such as womens reproductive rights, indicating that the group has not hesitated to endorse or advocate policies and issues that are contrary to Catholic Social Teaching. A 2015 social media post from the Partnership for Working Families features a link to a New York Times article announcing that Gay Marriage is Upheld by Supreme Court. The post was accompanied by the hashtag #LoveWins and a cheer for #EqualityForAll in and out of the workplace! In October 2019, the Partnership for Working Families shared a post affirming that Lesbian rights are workers rights, Gay rights are workers rights, Bisexual rights are workers rights, Trans rights are workers rights, (and) Queer rights are workers rights. A tweet from earlier that year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots included the hashtag #Pride. Today is the 50th Anniversary of the #StonewallRiots. Weve come a long way. But we wont stop until we all get free. #Pride#Stonewall50https://t.co/70xI1T2j7F For Working Families (@P4WF) June 28, 2019 In September 2018, as decades-old sexual assault allegations threatened to derail the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, the Partnership for Working Families shared a post from the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance. The post trashed Kavanaugh as a virulent opponent of reproductive justice, LGBTQ, and Disability Rights, adding, These biases alone should discount him from consideration for the highest court of the federal government. Another member of Stand Up Nashville, the Central Labor Council of Nashville, has also engaged in LGBT activism. A June 2020 Facebook post by the CLC described the Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court decision finding that sexual orientation was a protected class under federal civil rights law as a good way to celebrate PRIDE month! The other two groups singled out by the Lepanto Institute for failing to meet the eligibility requirements for CCHD grants, the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope and Nashville Organized for Action and Hope, are listed as coalition organizations of Power Together, a local chapter of the Womens March on Washington. The guiding vision and principles of Power Together include support for open access to safe, legal, and affordable, abortion and birth control for all people, regardless of income, location, or education. This is not the first time that the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has come under fire for giving money to groups engaged in left-wing activism. A previous report from the Lepanto Institute, published in October, found that the group Faith in Action received $1.5 million from CCHD in 2019-2020. The Twitter account from Faith in Actions Live Free project features several retweets of posts supportive of Democratic Party politicians and left-wing political causes as well as posts critical of Republican Party politicians and right-wing political causes. For instance, the group retweeted a call from Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., seeking to raise $150,000 for fellow Democratic Sen. Gary Peters as well as a statement made during the first 2020 presidential debate asserting that You cant debate a piece of s***, referring to then-President Donald Trump. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, the Lepanto Institutes Michael Hichborn explained that the CCHD was set up as an organization to fund Saul Alinskys community organizing groups, and theyve always been groups that support hard-left socialist Marxist ideologies. At the time, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development maintained that Catholics can be confident that the CCHD does not fund organizations that violate the moral teaching of the church and that any departure from this irrevocable commitment would lead to immediate termination of funding support. The Christian Post reached out to the CCHD for a comment about the Lepanto Institutes latest report. A response was not received by press time. The Minister-designate for Education says the Nana Addo-led government will improve on Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs to prepare students for the job market right after school. Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum said the initiative will be a priority in Ghanas education in the second term of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to help all students as the world goes high-tech. He has earlier informed the vetting committee governments plans to build more centres in some communities for students to have unique skills. Currently, a centre is under construction at Jachie in the Bosomtwe Constituency to commence the STEM program in Ghana entry will be free after a special exam by the education service. The edifice classrooms will also be designed into a laboratory to boost tech teachings. The school will specifically train students in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students from class 6 to SHS 3 will be trained on robotics, lab tech, artefact creation, mammal surgery among other related subjects to prepare them for the future. About STEM STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through STEM, students develop key skills including: Problem-solving Creativity Critical analysis Teamwork Independent thinking Initiative Communication Digital literacy. Why is STEM important? The global economy is changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation and new jobs are emerging every day as a result of technological advances. The continual advances in technology are changing the way students learn, connect and interact every day. Skills developed by students through STEM provide them with the foundation to succeed at school and beyond. Employer demand for STEM qualifications and skills is high and will continue to increase in the future. Currently, 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries require workers with STEM skills. To be competitive, the contemporary Ghanaian workforce needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace. STEM empowers individuals with the skills to succeed and Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Pushed on the back foot by the popular support for the farmers agitation against its pro-agribusiness farm laws, Indias right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is systematically intensifying state repression against protesters and their supporters. Since late November, tens of thousands of protesting farmers, principally from the nearby states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, have been encamped on the outskirts of the Delhi National Capital Territory. Their Delhi Chalo (Lets go to Delhi) protest, which is demanding the repeal of all three recently-enacted farm laws, was prevented from entering the capital by a massive police mobilisation organised by the Modi government. Toyota workers and Karnataka farmers stage joint procession in Bengaluru (Credit: WSWS) During the first 75 days of the protest, over 200 farmers have died due to bitterly cold weather, accidents, and suicides. The farm laws strengthen the domination of major domestic and international agribusiness concerns over Indias agricultural sector, and all but abolish the minimum support price (MSP) guarantee for farmers crops. They are part of a battery of pro-investor reforms being implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Hindu supremacist BJP in order to boost the competitiveness of Indian capitalism, and intensify the exploitation of the working class and rural poor. The farm laws were passed in last Septembers session of parliament together with labour reforms that illegalize most strikes and promote precarious contract-labour jobs. Under these conditions, the Modi government fears that the longer the farmers protest goes on, the greater becomes the risk it could serve as the catalyst for the eruption of much broader social opposition to the Indian ruling elites class war agenda. It is in this context that the right-wing BJP government has vastly expanded its vicious campaign of repression against the protesting farmers and their supporters, following their January 26 tractor rally in Delhi to mark Republic Day. The Delhi police, which are directly controlled by Modis chief henchman and Home Minister Amit Shah, have filed 44 First Information Reports (FIR) against hundreds of farmers and more than 40 farmer leaders, claiming they orchestrated mass violence on Republic Day. One hundred twenty-two farmers from Punjab and Haryana have been arrested. The Modi government is also trying to disperse the tens of thousands of protesters who continue to camp at the protest sites by cutting their access to water, electricity and telecommunications. The police have put up several layers of war zone-like barricades to prevent the protesters from entering Delhi and confine them to the protest sites. The Modi governments repressive measures have thus far backfired. Tens of thousands of new protesters, including women, youth and students, have begun arriving at the protest sites to show their solidarity with those encamped on the outskirts of Indias capital. In a meeting held on February 10, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the umbrella of farm unions which is leading the agitation, announced an expansion of the nationwide campaign to repeal the farm laws. Future actions to be taken by farmers include a several hours-long nationwide railway blockade on Thursday, February 18. The Indian Express reported that Punjabs first Kisan Mahapanchayat, or great local farmers gathering, held in Ludhianas Jagraon sub-district on February 11 drew a massive gathering of farmers intent on showing their support for the ongoing agitation. Similar gatherings have taken place in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan over recent days. Modi and his BJP government, which have incessantly sought to fan the flames of communalism by labelling the farmers agitation as a subversive movement infiltrated, if not controlled, by Sikh separatists, have been shaken by this upsurge of popular support. On January 29, a 100,000-strong Mahapanchayat was held in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, Indias biggest state, which is ruled by BJP Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath, a notorious Hindu communalist. In 2013, communal riots in Muzaffarnagar district resulted in the deaths of 42 Muslims and 20 Hindus, and left the area deeply divided on communal lines. Yet at the January 29 meeting, Muslims and Hindus jointly expressed their solidarity with the protesting farmers. Speaking during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for President Kovid Naths address to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indias bicameral parliament, on February 8, Modi slandered the protesting farmers and their supporters, describing them as a new breed of andolan-jivi (professional protesters) promoting a new FDI or Foreign Destructive Ideology. The Modi government has combined these vicious denunciations of the protesters with mounting state repression. Some of the most notable recent examples of this include: On February 13, a Delhi Police special cell arrested Disha Ravi, a 22-year-old student, and climate activist who helped found Fridays For Future, and charged her with sedition. The basis for this draconian charge was the allegation that she disseminated a Google toolkit doc related to the farmer protests in Delhi through social media sites. In a statement tweeted on Sunday, the Delhi Police accused Ravi of being an editor of the toolkit and a key conspirator in (the) documents formulation and dissemination. The police also claim that Ravi, along with at least two others, collaborated with pro-Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation to spread disaffection against the Indian State. In a statement, the SKM condemned the arrest of Ravi and demanded her immediate unconditional release. The farmer union said this is part of a wider pattern of intimidation with the aim of discouraging people who are extending support to the farmers agitation. After appearing before a magistrate in Delhi, Ravi was remanded for five days under police custody. On February 4, the cyber-crime cell of the Delhi Police registered an FIR against pro-Khalistan creators of a toolkit on the farmer protests, accusing them of waging a social, cultural and economic war against the Government of India. The case against unnamed persons included charges of sedition, criminal conspiracy, and promoting hatred. The toolkit, to the governments ire, was shared by climate activist Greta Thunberg, who has backed the farmers agitation on Twitter. On February 8, Reuters reported that Indias technology minister had asked social media platform Twitter to take down 1,178 Twitter accounts on the grounds they were spreading misinformation about the farmers protests. According to the news report, which quoted from a Technology Ministry source, New Delhi wrote to Twitter on February 4 demanding it remove the accounts, which it said were backed by arch-rival Pakistan or operated by sympathizers of Sikhs. Twitter subsequently responded by declaring that it had blocked access to 97 percent of the accounts the government had said were spreading provocative content and misinformation. Beginning on Tuesday February 9 and continuing through Sunday, February 14, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the residences of managers, editors and journalists of NewsClick.in, an independent media portal based in Delhi. As in many such raids targeting journalists and NGOs, the state authorities claimed their actions were linked to money laundering cases. But the raids were transparently an attempt to intimidate NewsClick, which has provided extensive, sympathetic coverage of the farmers agitation. Despite the immense courage and personal sacrifices of the farmers in the face of this ruthless campaign of state repression, the politics of the farm unionswhich are led by more prosperous, politically-connected farmersare playing directly into the hands of Modi. Insisting that their movement is non-political, the unions have ruled out making any broader appeal to the mass opposition to the Modi government. On February 14, the SKM held candlelit marches across the country, remembering the sacrifice of the martyred soldiers in the Pulwama bomb attack in 2019, with the apparent aim of countering Modi and the BJPs claims that their protest is anti-national. In the suicide bombing in Indian-held Kashmir, about 40 Indian security personnel were killed. Modi seized on the incident to ratchet up tensions with Pakistan, taking the two nuclear-armed powers to the brink of war. Moreover, the BJP exploited the incident to launch a bellicose, nationalist-communalist election campaign that culminated in Modis reelection to a second term in office in May 2019. By commemorating this event, the farmers unions are directly strengthening the hand of Modi, the BJP, and the Hindu supremacist right. The Stalinist parties, principally the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM and Communist Party of India, and their affiliated trade unions are playing the decisive role in preventing the working class from intervening in the political crisis provoked by the farmers agitation and advancing a socialist program to rally the rural massesabove all the agricultural workers and marginal farmersagainst the Modi government and Indian capitalism. Despite swelling social anger among workers against the Modi governments pro-corporate onslaught, which was underscored by the massive nationwide general strike that occurred the very same day the farmers agitation began, the CPM and CPI are doing everything in their power to keep the working class on the sidelines and prevent it from linking its struggles with the rural masses. Instead, the Stalinists principal concern has been to subordinate the farmers protest to the opposition Congress Party, with which the CPM and CPI are politically aligned, and other right-wing opposition parties. Till recently the Indian bourgeoisies preferred party of government, the Congress long spearheaded the ruling elites pro-investor reform agenda and its drive to forge a close partnership with US imperialism. When it held power prior to 2014 it sought to impose similar pro-agribusiness reforms. Yet the Stalinists have closely coordinated their response to the farmers agitation with the Congress Party leadership, issuing hollow and hypocritical joint statements that denounce Modi and hail the farmers protests. Jo Whiley has said she is living a nightmare after she was offered the coronavirus vaccine before her sister who has learning difficulties and diabetes. The BBC Radio 2 DJ has been campaigning for her younger sister, Frances, who has the rare Cri du Chat genetic syndrome, to be prioritised for the jab. The 55-year-old said people with learning disabilities are often neglected by society and that she would give up her vaccine in a heartbeat if she could. Appearing on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Whiley said the care home where Frances, 53, is a resident had suffered an outbreak of Covid-19 last week and the effect on her sisters mental health had been quite extreme. Blimey, the irony. Iave just been asked to book my vaccine. I desperately wish my sister had been offered the vaccine before me. I am fit & healthy. She has Learning Disabilities and diabetes. aai pic.twitter.com/0J5AfUqb6d Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) February 15, 2021 She said: Oh my God, I cant tell you how frustrating it is and how horrendous it is. It is the stuff of nightmares at the moment. I feel like I am living through a nightmare. All weekend it has been awful really, really difficult. It has been hard for my parents, it has been hard for everyone in the care home, and it continues. And then, ironically, I got a message to say I was due to have my vaccine before my sister who has got learning difficulties and underlying health conditions. Go figure. Since the interview, Whiley has been told that Frances has tested positive for the virus, the BBC reported. Frances has been unable to see her parents since the outbreak and become very distressed. Whiley said she has, for the first time, refused to take calls from family members. "It's the stuff of nightmares at the moment...I'd give up my vaccine in a heartbeat"@JoWhiley's sister Frances - who has learning disabilities - lives in a care home where there is a Covid outbreak but she hasn't been offered a vaccine - although Jo herself has. #R4Today pic.twitter.com/9qKzJY91rn BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) February 16, 2021 More than 15 million people in the UK have received their first dose of a Covid vaccine, just over two months since the first jab was administered. The NHS initially targeted the top four priority groups, including people over the age of 70 and health and care staff, aiming to offer the jab to everyone in this group by mid-February. Whiley said she does not know why has been called for her injection, but suggested it may be because she is classed as a carer for her sister. I fail to understand, to be honest with you, she told the programme. Myself, my parents and the home have done everything we can to try and facilitate the vaccine coming in to the people who need it the most. Expand Close Jo Whiley (Ian West/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jo Whiley (Ian West/PA) She is in tier six but she also has quite bad diabetes, which in my understanding puts her in tier four because she has an underlying health condition, so I would have thought that she would have been vaccinated, but that hasnt happened. And I suppose what I am doing is just wanting to speak up for people like Frances, people who live in her care home, who have been overlooked, because this happens so often. People with learning difficulties are neglected. They havent got a voice, they havent got anybody there. Just badgering everybody saying What about me? Help me out here. Whiley said her mind is boggling over why she has been called for her jab. She added: And I would give up my vaccine in a heartbeat if I could for my sister and any of the residents in her house to have their vaccine. It just does not feel right. Edel Harris, chief executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, said: Its encouraging that the Government has reached the milestone of vaccinating the top four priority groups but too many people with a learning disability are still waiting, despite being at a high risk of dying from the virus. People with a learning disability are six times more likely to die from Covid-19 than the rest of the population yet those with a mild or moderate learning disability arent prioritised at all. We urge the Government to include everyone with a learning disability in group six urgently it is not too late. Its unacceptable that within a group of people hit so hard by the pandemic, and who even before Covid died on average over 20 years younger than the general population, many are left feeling scared and wondering why they have been left out. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Government must act now to help save the lives of some of societys most vulnerable people by urgently prioritising all people with a learning disability for the vaccine. Beyonce has been busy getting ready to roll out her next Adidas x Ivy Park collab. But the 24-time Grammy winner is enjoying some quality time with her family, including a romantic holiday weekend. She put on a bootylicious display in an Alessandra Rich red leather miniskirt, as she prepared for a romantic Valentine's Day evening with husband Jay-Z, sharing some images from her day to Instagram. Seeing red: Beyonce put on a bootylicious display in an Alessandra Rich red leather miniskirt, as she prepared for a romantic Valentine's Day evening with husband Jay-Z The 39-year-old paired the skirt with some matching six-inch stilettos, embellished with bows and gold accents. She tucked a white button-down dress shirt into the gold-buckled skirt, while carrying a red leather quilted handbag by Alexander McQueen on a silver chain. Bey finished the ensemble with a pair of red rectangular sunglasses, some chandelier earrings and a thick gold choker. She also revealed a fresh red manicure to match her holiday-appropriate ensemble, as she took a detail photo of her hand through the strap of her bag. Sexy chic: She tucked a white button-down dress shirt into the gold-buckled skirt, while carrying a red leather quilted handbag by Alexander McQueen on a silver chain Serving body: Bey finished the ensemble with a pair of red rectangular sunglasses, some chandelier earrings and a thick gold choker. The Lion King star showed off her famous curves, as she modeled the look during an impromptu photo shoot at home, before heading out for date night Hell on heels: The 39-year-old paired the skirt with some matching six-inch stilettos, embellished with bows and gold accents Fresh claws: She also revealed a fresh red manicure to match her holiday-appropriate ensemble, as she took a detail photo of her hand through the strap of her bag Perfect soundtrack: She made a video slideshow of the images with a pink rose-covered border, set to the 2003 Outkast track Happy Valentine's Day The Lion King star showed off her famous curves, as she modeled the look during an impromptu photo shoot at home, before heading out for date night. She made a video slideshow of the images with a pink rose-covered border, set to the 2003 Outkast track Happy Valentine's Day. Beyonce later stepped out with Jay-Z, 51, for a romantic dinner at upscale Italian eatery Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. She also gave a glimpse at their dinner, which partially consisted of seared ahi tuna and a bottle of Masseto Bordeaux blend. Romantic dinner: Beyonce later stepped out with Jay-Z, 51, for a romantic dinner at upscale Italian eatery Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica Bon appetit: She also gave a glimpse at their dinner, which partially consisted of seared ahi tuna and a bottle of Masseto Bordeaux blend Sweet surprise: The Crazy In Love artist also teased the rest of her day, which included a candle-lit trail lined with rose petals to a surprise Made with love: She enjoyed some time with her little ones as well, posting some Valentine's Day art they made, decorated with their tiny hand prints Happy family: Beyonce and Jay-Z tied the knot in April of 2008, and they share daughter Blue Ivy, nine, and twins, daughter Rumi and son Sir, both three The Crazy In Love artist also teased the rest of her day, which included a candle-lit trail lined with rose petals to a surprise. She enjoyed some time with her little ones as well, posting some Valentine's Day art they made, decorated with their tiny hand prints. Beyonce and Jay-Z tied the knot in April of 2008, and they share daughter Blue Ivy, nine, and twins, daughter Rumi and son Sir, both three. She recently dropped a winter wonderland campaign video for her Icy Park collection, after first teasing the third line in her Adidas x Ivy Park collab last month. Winter wonderland: She recently dropped a winter wonderland campaign video for her Icy Park collection, after first teasing the third line in her Adidas x Ivy Park collab last month Sex kitten chic: The Lemonade artist went pure sex kitten in one skintight pink ensemble with a matching fur-lined Jeep, finishing the look with some mirrored cat-eye sunglasses and her hair in a '60s chic high ponytail Snow bunny: She also donned a white bustier with an all-white ski look, complete with a furry ushanka hat, puffer gloves and a matching scarf, as she posed on a ski lift The Lemonade artist went pure sex kitten in one skintight pink ensemble with a matching fur-lined Jeep, finishing the look with some mirrored cat-eye sunglasses and her hair in a '60s chic high ponytail. She also donned a white bustier with an all-white ski look, complete with a furry ushanka hat, puffer gloves and a matching scarf, as she posed on a ski lift. Dubbed 'Icy Park', her latest collection features some ski-inspired winter pieces, which drop February 19. It marks the line's third drop, after its debut collaboration with Adidas took over social media last January, quickly selling out online, as did the second collection, which dropped in November. Sangar Khaleel and ERBIL, Iraq A rocket attack on the airport in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil on Monday killed a civilian contractor with the American-led military coalition and wounded six others, including a U.S. service member, according to a coalition spokesman. Several other rockets landed in residential areas of the city, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, including one close to the Chinese Consulate. The attack, rare in the normally peaceful Kurdish city, raised tensions already heightened by threats of Iran-backed militias on American targets in Iraq. It was not clear who carried it out, but previous attacks have been attributed to militias funded and directed by Iran. Iran has made clear that it intends to retaliate further for the American drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020 that killed a top Iranian general, Qassim Suleimani, and a senior Iraqi security official. Days after that strike, the Iranian government launched missile attacks against U.S. forces at the Ain al Assad air base in Iraqs Anbar Province, wounding more than 100 troops. Agra : , Feb 16 (IANS) The Indian Air Force (IAF), for the first time, inducted the Mudhol Hound, an Indian breed of sight hound from Karnataka, to chase away birds and animals from the runways and reduce risk of bird-hits. Four Mudhol hound puppies, including two females, were brought to the Agra airbase on Sunday. These were handed over to the IAF by Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Govind M. Karajol, on behalf of the Canine Research and Information Centre (CRIC) in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. A senior IAF official said bird-hits are a big problem at several airbases. These hounds will be trained by experts to scare away the birds. "To address the problem of ground-dwelling birds such as lapwings and larks, IAF planned dog walking module. IAF chose to use a domestic breed as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Taking a cue from PM's 'Mann Ki Baat' in which he had praised this breed, we decided to try the Mudhol hound. The qualities and temperament of this native breed were found suitable for bird scaring. The Air Force station here was selected as a pilot project. Depending on the success of the project, it will be extended to other stations," the official said. Experts say that the breed is best known for its stamina, sharpness and agility. Mudhol hounds are also known to be fiercely loyal to their owners and are excellent hunting dogs. These agile all-weather dogs that enjoy good health and require minimum grooming, have already been recruited by the Indian Army, CRPF, CISF, BSF, SSB, ITBP and the police departments of a few states. A few weeks ago, IAF officials placed an order for seven puppies. After completing all the formalities, four Mudhol hounds, aged around three months have been handed to the IAF officials of Agra Air Force station. Another three puppies will be handed over after six months as per an agreement. The training of these Karnataka-origin hunting hounds first started in 2016 by the Army's Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) centre in Meerut. The Mudhol hounds were bred by Ghorpade kings of Mudhol (now in Bagalkot in North Karnataka) in the 1920s, by crossing Persian and Turkish breeds with local dogs. HALIFAX - Three people arrested for blocking traffic on Halifax's MacDonald Bridge in October 2019, including the climate protest organizer, have been fined $237 each. Members of Extinction Rebellion, protesting issues related to climate change, march to the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in Dartmouth, N.S. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. Three people, including a climate protest organizer arrested for blocking traffic on the MacDonald Bridge in Halifax in October 2019, have each been fined a total of $237. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan HALIFAX - Three people arrested for blocking traffic on Halifax's MacDonald Bridge in October 2019, including the climate protest organizer, have been fined $237 each. The Nova Scotia Crown Prosecution Service confirms the fines for refusing to leave private property when instructed to do so were issued during an appearance in Halifax provincial court on Feb. 9. Patrick Yancey of Extinction Rebellion Nova Scotia was one of those fined and says the trio argued that their actions were justified to avert the emergency posed by the climate crisis. They were among a group of 18 people arrested four hours after the protest began at the bridge linking Halifax and Dartmouth. The Halifax protest was one of a series across Canada that saw traffic shut down on major bridges, part of an international movement to pressure governments into taking action against climate change. In an interview Monday, Yancey said the court cases of the Halifax protesters have moved slowly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he believes there is still one case outstanding. "After (Halifax), the province and the federal government acknowledged that the climate crisis is an emergency, we had hoped that the legal system would have shown a bit more leniency," Yancey said. "But we were doing civil disobedience, and we were fully prepared for the consequences as well." In addition to Halifax, protests took place on bridges in Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary and Victoria. Charges of mischief under $5,000 were withdrawn last March against a group of 20 climate protesters in Toronto. Crown attorneys said it wouldn't be in the public interest to pursue criminal charges against the protesters, who blocked the Bloor Viaduct for several hours. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. A Florida high school has launched an investigation after viral TikTok videos showed a teacher telling his class that slaves were not whipped by white people and that the n-word is not offensive as it 'just means ignorant'. The unidentified teacher was overseeing an Advanced Placement government course at Island Coast High School in Cape Coral when the videos were allegedly recorded and posted online by a student on Friday. It shows the black student, who posts under the username Hector Fortillien, in selfie mode as he interacts with the teacher who threatens to throw him out if he doesn't stop arguing back about the treatment of slaves. In a later video, the teacher tells a female student that it is not hate speech to state that a woman's place is in the home. Scroll down for video A Florida student filmed his AP Government teacher as he told the class that slaves had not been whipped by white people and that the n-word is not a bad word as it means 'ignorant' The videos range between 28 and 38 seconds long and it is not clear if the teacher or the other students in the room knew they were being recorded. They appear to capture different parts of a discussion that was taking place as part of the class. In the first video, which the student captioned 'ap gov gets interesting sometimes', it begins with another student talking about how white people 'would crack the slaves with the whips'. 'They wouldn't do that to the slaves,' the teacher responds. 'How do you know that? Were you there?' the student filming asks and laughs. 'Let me help you out with your ok, before I kick you out,' the teacher tells him. 'If you want to have an honest conversation, let's have an honest conversation about itThat's what I want. That's what we're here in AP for.' At the start of the second video, the teacher asks, 'if I call somebody the N-word what am I calling them?' 'The n-word?' a confused student asks. 'No,' the teacher insists. 'The N-word just means ignorant. It doesn't have any other meaning in any other vocabulary other than you are a stupid person. You are ignorant. You are not well read. You are not well educated. That's what it means.' 'Yes, there's more,' the student wrote as he posted the third video on Friday. In this clip, a female student is heard talking about an incident in which a man asked why a woman was working and said that she should have been cooking and cleaning instead. The student, above, looks shocked at some of the statements the teacher makes In another video, the teacher claims that telling a woman she can't work is not hate speech (left) and he threatens to kick the student out after he pushed back on slaves being whipped The student keeps the video on selfie mode and it is not clear if others knew it was being filmed 'That's hate speech because that attacks women,' she states. Again, the teacher disagrees and says, 'to you that's hate speech'. 'But that could be hate speech to a lot of other women because that would have offended me. That would have offended a lot of the other girls in the room,' another student chimes in. The student filming asks 'why don't you apply it to the N-word, too, because that might be hate speech to me, but it won't be hate speech to you regardless of our skin color obviously' 'That's a good point,' the teacher tells him before the video is cut off. The Lee County school district is currently refusing to name the teacher involved but he has been placed on leave as the videos are investigated, according to Fox 4. Island Coast High School said in a tweet on Sunday that they are 'aware' of the videos and that it is 'currently under investigation'. According to the News Press, the school lists ten teachers in the social studies department but does not specify grades or the content taught. The class in question was an AP course with offers college-level work, offering the chance for students to earn college credit. Island Coast High school board chair Debbie Jordan told the News Press that the video had been sent to 'professional standards to be investigated'. 'We are definitely investigating this, as we would anything that would come before us,' she added. Hector Fortillien, pictured, posted the videos to his TikTok account over the weekend Island Coast High School said in a tweet that they are 'aware' of the videos and that it is 'currently under investigation'. The teacher has been placed on leave Island Coast High School was already been hit with scandal after it was revealed in late January that a teacher had her license suspended for an alleged romantic affair with a student School board member Gwyn Gittens added that she was unaware of the identity of the teacher in the video but that they acted as a reminded that the district 'has a lot of work to do'. 'We are very short of teachers,' she said. 'I understand that, but we need to vet the few that we have to make sure that they're doing what it is that needs to be done.' Gittens said she was particularly concerned as she believed the class had the potential to leave the students 'more divided than they came in'. 'That's where we have to look at what is our responsibility as adults in this situation and what lesson has been left in these kids,' she added. The videos sparked immediate reaction on social media with comedian Leslie Jones stating she 'needs this teacher's resignation immediately'. 'I'm sick of it. Most of what is in the textbooks is already racially biased... add this IGNORANCE to it and this is what you get. I am no longer letting people get away with it,' she added. Comedian Leslie Jones stating she 'needs this teacher's resignation immediately' Others on social media called from more action from the schools Some questioned why the man was a teacher, as pictured above 'Do better than investigate,' Twitter user Laura Bowman also wrote in response to the high school's statement. 'We all heard what he said, and it's cause for dismissal.' 'How is this guy a teacher,' another Twitter user asked. Island Coast High School has already been hit with scandal this year after it was revealed in late January that a math teacher had her license suspended for an alleged romantic affair with a student. Denise Ayers resigned after allegations were made that her relationship with a student became physical and that she sent him messages reading things such as 'because of you I laugh a little harder, cry a little less and smile a lot more'. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) may have learned a painful lesson about straddling the political fence. After he strongly rebuked President Trump, accusing him of inciting the January 6 riot, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), in turn, rebuked McConnell, accusing him of dereliction of duty, for not casting a (non-decisive) vote to convict Trump on impeachment. McConnell should know that trying to please both sides does not work it only makes enemies of both. In politics, there is a legitimate role for compromise, but only if both sides engage in good faith. The Democrats have discovered, much to their delight, that they need not compromise. The Republicans will agreeably yield to Democrat demands. The Democrats have a playbook that includes making false accusations and committing acts of intimidation even street violence. They adhere to it rigorously. They are much like a cult; once you're in it, you may fear to leave it. Then, using their enforced unity, the Democrats overwhelm timid Republicans. One of President Trump's great successes was that he engendered a degree of courage in the Republican Party that it had not seen since at least as far back as the Reagan presidency. He was able to get the Republicans to "grow a spine." Now, however, with Trump removed from the White House by fraud, we are seeing the effects of the resulting leadership vacuum. Republican senators are once again wavering, waffling, seeking compromise, which leads only to surrender. They recently had it in their power to expose the election fraud, to prove it, and to defeat it. Instead, they thought they could return to business as normal and wait two years for the next election an election that, according to the Democrat playbook, will never happen unless it is as rigged as the 2020 election was. The open question now is, will Republicans at the state and federal levels quickly understand the lesson that McConnell should be learning? Will they recognize that playing nice with Democrats only encourages them to continue, and increase, their dirty tactics? There is some hope. In North Dakota, the state government has announced that it will disobey unconstitutional executive orders from the White House. That is a beginning, but it is tepid. More is needed. The Democrats are much bolder in their approach. For example, in states and cities they control, they blatantly and openly disregard immigration laws. This constitutes a virtual rebellion. Republicans need to stiffen their resistance in like manner. If enough states reject the destructive policies handed down from on high, the Democrats will discover that they have bitten off more than they can chew. Even Governor Newsom (D-Calif.) is learning that, as his recall from office draws nearer. Republicans in Congress, although out of power, need to mobilize their nongovernmental allies, few though they are, to vigorously investigate and expose the outrageous and pervasive corruption that stole the election. They need to stop pretending it didn't happen. It did, and it will again. They must not only prevent that; they must also demand the prompt removal from power of those who seized it illegally. Most of all, those of us at the grassroots level must continually remind our representatives that our level of frustration is rising and that we will not tolerate the surrender of our rights to the Democrat machine. If McConnell has not learned this from the Democrats, he needs to learn it from us: choose a side, and then fight like hell. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Texas A&M International University College assistant professional Dr. Hayley Kazen has been named the recipient of the 2020 Excellence in Teaching First-Year Seminars Award from The National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience. Award recipients must have achieved great success in teaching first-year seminars and continue to inspire student learning, development, and success. The Award selection is determined by a national panel composed of members and former members of the National Advisory Board of the National Resource Center, past Excellence in Teaching award recipients, and other leaders in American higher education. Only one Award-winner is selected from among nationwide applicants. TAMIU dean of University College, Dr. Barbara Hong, shared some of Dr. Kazens accomplishments which helped her earn the Award. At TAMIUs University College, Dr. Kazen plans and teaches several sections of freshman seminars. She has created curriculum using interactive technology to enhance learning via podcasts, supplemental educational programs including Cultural Awareness Day, Cafe Prof, and the Globally Connected Classroom, online courses and has earned Quality Matters certification in addition to creating signature assignment to assess core curriculum learning objectives. We are tremendously proud of her and the impact she has on the lives of our students, Dr. Hong said. Kazen is passionate about her work at TAMIU and outlined what she thinks is crucial for students to be successful. The tools necessary for success in an educational setting go beyond study skills. For students to be successful, they must learn critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork. Learning should be a cooperative experience and a shared responsibility among students and between the teacher and the students. I always encourage our faculty to make an effort to get to know each of their students and the difficulties they may have that prevent them from learning so that they may better prepare them for success, Kazen explained. As part of her national prize, Kazen will be provided complimentary registration to the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, receive a plaque at the Conference and recognition on the Center's web page, listservs and social media channels. The mission of TAMIUs University College is to empower students to become competent, resilient, and self-determined life-long learners. Utilizing collaborative academic and support programs, its faculty and staff aim to enhance the skills of every student through personal empowerment paths that foster a learning community, critical thinking, and global citizenship. TAMIU students are equipped with a growth mindset, a meaningful purpose, and a sense of belonging as they navigate their education and Go Beyond at TAMIU. Located at the University of South Carolina, The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition serves as a trusted expert, internationally recognized leader, and clearinghouse for scholarship, policy, and best practice for all postsecondary student transitions. New Delhi, Feb 16 : In view of five cases of Covid-19 caused by mutant variants emerging in South Africa and Brazil being found in India, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that it is in discussions with the Civil Aviation Ministry to see if the strategy of controlling air traffic from the two nations, as was done following the detection of the UK variant, could be implemented here as well. "Unlike the UK, flights do not come directly to India from Brazil and South Africa. These passengers mostly take transit routes from Gulf nations in order to reach India. So we have to see if the air traffic needs to be restricted. We are in discussion with the (Civil) Aviation Ministry on this," Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said. The measures of testing, tracing, treatment and genome sequencing are likely to be followed to track the returnees from Brazil and South African countries who could possibly be carrying the mutants strains found there, he said. "From the experience of the UK variant, we have learnt to conduct 100 per cent RT-PCR tests on all the returnees and their contacts if they found positive with the Covid-19. Genome sequencing of those testing positive as well as isolation and quarantine measures were also followed. We are also going to follow these to contain the spread from mutant strains emerging in SA and Brazil as well," Bhushan said. The ministry had earlier disclosed that it has found 5 returnees from South Africa and Brazil infected from the variant found in these countries. ICMR Director General, Prof Balram Bhargava, said that 192 cases of the new variants of mutated SARS-CoV-2 have been found here in last two months, including four of the South African variant, one of the Brazilian variant and 187 of the UK variant. About the SA variant, better known as B.1.351, Bharagava said that its cases were reported in January in four returnees from African countries. "One case was found in a person who returned from Angola, one from Tanzania and rest from persons who returned from South Africa," he said. The SA variant has spread to 44 countries and the National Institute of Virology, Pune is attempting to isolate and culture the mutated virus here. Meanwhile, the Brazilian variant or P.1 lineage, has been found in the first week of February in a person who returned from the South American country recently. The strain has spread to 15 countries, however, it has been successfully isolated and cultured at the NIV in India. Giving more details on the variants, Bhargava said that the SA and Brazilian variants are different from the UK and probably more potent than the former. "The large mutations in the UK variant were found in the spike protein while in SA and Brazil variants, multiple mutations have been found in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein," he said. "We have seen that both variants (SA and Brazilian) are able to enter lungs easily since they can easily bind with ACE 2 receptors found in the organ. This property makes the Brazilian and SA variant more potent than the UK one," he said. While he noted that no mortality has been reported so far in the cases who contracted the UK variant as well as those who are infected by the variants from South Africa and Brazil, Bhargava also said that the efficacy of vaccines are to be examined on the latter ones. THESE images show the co-living units planned for the site of Phibsborough Shopping Centre. The 321-unit proposal includes individual rooms in a live/work/sleep/kitchenette arrangement and 18 shared cluster bedroom arrangements of up to six bedrooms each. The majority of the planned units would be 18-metre squared with four kitchen and living areas on each floor. Developers MM Capital lodged their fast track plans for the redevelopment of the 1960s shopping complex and, in its place, to construct the seven-storey development with An Bord Pleanala on December 11 last. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald is one of those to voice her objections to the scheme for Dublins northside. The Dublin Central TD has written to An Bord Pleanala to claim that it would be intolerable for planning permission to be granted for the 321-unit shared co-living scheme. Expand Close How the co-living apartment scheme, at the site of the Phibsborough Shopping Centre, would look. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp How the co-living apartment scheme, at the site of the Phibsborough Shopping Centre, would look. The objection by Deputy McDonald is one of just under 20 that has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala against the contentious scheme by MM Capital, which owns the Phibsborough Shopping Centre. The plans were lodged 11 days before Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien signed into law the ban on further shared co-living schemes. In November, Minister OBrien announced his intention to introduce the ban. MM Capital already has planning permission for a 50m student accommodation scheme at the site. The new, replacement scheme will increase the permitted building height by two metres and increase the floorspace by 1,079m2 to 12,235m2. In her objection, Deputy McDonald said co-living developments are driven by investors seeking to exploit the high demand for housing and apartments in our urban centres. Expand Close The outdoor area of the proposed complex. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The outdoor area of the proposed complex. She argued that as a consequence, these developments drive up the cost of that land, making standard residential development in Dublin even more unaffordable. On that basis, granting permission to this development is neither coherent nor sustainable. Deputy McDonald said, along with party colleagues Cllr Seamus McGrattan (SF) and Cllr Janice Boylan (SF), that the application starkly runs contrary to the November 2020 circular where Minister OBrien effectively banned further shared co-living schemes. She is one of a number of local politicians to object to the scheme. In her objection, Green Party TD Neasa Hourgian, along with party colleagues, told the appeals board the ministerial ban should be relied upon to refuse the application. Deputy Hourigan said the scheme will see the area primarily serve the needs of transient/temporary residents over the needs of people who already live in the community or wish to put down roots in the community. Expand Close Consultants for the applicants state that the bedroom design is intended to provide a contemporary space for modern city-centre living. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Consultants for the applicants state that the bedroom design is intended to provide a contemporary space for modern city-centre living. The Dublin Association of An Taisce along with a number of local residents associations have also raised concerns over the plan. Consultants for the applicants have told An Bord Pleanala the proposed alterations to the permitted development will provide for an altered appropriate form of high-quality residential development for this site, in the form of co-living/shared accommodation in place of student accommodation. They further said the proposed alterations to the development will ensure that a permission is achieved which can be delivered to ensure the effective and efficient use of this under-utilised urban site which is highly accessible and well served by public transport. The consultants state that the bedroom design is intended to provide a contemporary space for modern city-centre living. A decision is due by the appeals board on April 12. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... One would think an entity with 13 nuclear facilities that experienced two catastrophic wildfires in recent years would be taking fire prevention seriously. After all, the 2000 Cerro Grande Fire burned about 7,500 acres of Los Alamos National Laboratory property, resulting in $331 million in damages. And that figure doesnt include an estimated $15 million in lost productivity per week during a 15-day shutdown and recovery period. And then there was the 2011 Las Conchas Fire. While it ultimately burned only about 1 acre of LANL land, it forced roughly 10,000 LANL employees out of their offices and out of Los Alamos for more than a week. But according to a recent report from the Department of Energys Office of Inspector General, managers at LANL have not fully implemented measures designed to reduce the impact from wildland fires, including tree thinning in buffer zones below overhead power lines. The report is so disappointing because the Las Conchas Fire, which burned about 156,293 total acres, started when a tree fell on a power line in the Santa Fe National Forest, resulting in a fast-burning crown fire that burned through tree canopy. The report says inspectors found there were 400 to 500 trees per acre in Los Alamos Canyon, although there should be only 40 to 50 trees in an acre. The report says some wildland fire plans were never drafted and some policies were not followed. For example, some fire roads were not maintained to ensure firefighters and equipment could get through, and although lab managers were required to develop a comprehensive risk-based approach to wildland fire management, the report says the inspector general wasnt provided any evidence that emergency preparedness activities were being followed. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ LANL is a $14.2 billion national asset. It needs to be protected as such. The report also takes the Department of Energys Los Alamos Field Office to task for failing to provide proper oversight. LANL said in response to the report it has already begun thinning of vegetation along access routes, making improvements to fire access roads and the recent removal of thousands of downed trees. Its good to see lab managers are finally on it, but progress should be measured by an independent agency and before another catastrophic blaze. We hope when we look back in a year, significant progress will guard LANL from wildfires. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Britain is stuck in the global growth slow lane as Boris Johnson shows caution in ending lockdown. But the FTSE 100 is a winner from the jet-fuelled Chinese investment in infrastructure. All is forgiven for London-quoted mining giant BHP, which has overtaken Shell, BP and Unilever as the richest company in the FTSE, with a market value of 123billion. Hot commodities: Iron ore prices have shot up 85 per cent and copper has risen 80 per cent. BHP, Rio Tinto and Glencore, all quoted in London, are benefiting The effort by activist investor Elliott to persuade BHP to close down London and move its main listing to Sydney is unlikely to come back soon, now that it is spewing out dividends in excess of 4billion and the share price is hitting record levels. As China's post-Covid recovery has gathered momentum, iron ore prices have shot up 85 per cent and copper has risen 80 per cent. BHP, Rio Tinto and Glencore, all quoted in London, are benefiting. A second wave of demand for resources is expected as Joe Biden steps up US rebuilding spend. The strength of commodity prices makes it easier to understand how the Australian government, living the natural resources dream, is able to lock down airports and cities with little dissent. BHP has yet to come to terms with the green agenda. In contrast, Ivan Glasenberg, who steps down as chief executive of Glencore this summer, wants to leave a different legacy. A return to dividend payouts as commodity trading soars means a farewell cheque for him of 104million. Glasenberg wants to be remembered for setting the mining and trading group on a carbon neutral track. He has committed to Paris carbon emission reduction targets and net zero by 2050. And he has pledged to put an ambitious climate change agenda to a vote at the group's annual meeting. The move even won plaudits from governance gurus at Royal London. Coal is still a big income generator for Glencore, but rather than selling it on to an uncaring owner it is committing to running down operations with as little environmental damage as possible. The biggest regret for Glasenberg is that a post-financial crisis debt build-up and a slump in commodity prices meant that the dream of a merger with Rio Tinto never happened. As he retreats from the scene, Glasenberg thinks there are big deals to come for the natural resource giants, in the shape of multi-billion asset swaps as investor and public pressure builds for cleaner and more socially responsible extraction industries. Watch this space. FCA on rack When Andrew Bailey, as chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, wrote to the Treasury Select Committee in June 2019 to announce a formal investigation into the 'gating' of Neil Woodford's fund management empire, he enigmatically told MPs that he 'cannot comment any further'. Some 20 months on and the FCA now under the new leadership of Nikhil Rathi has belatedly issued a bland comment. This is unacceptable. Neil Woodford is plotting a comeback in Jersey and investors in his flagship Equity Income fund are 1billion down. Firms in the Woodford chain of command, including authorised corporate director Link and investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, face a slew of lawsuits. Campaigners Gina and Alan Miller have written to the select committee asking it to examine the FCA role in supervising Woodford. The committee recently showed itself fearless in the pursuit of Bailey over his ascribed responsibility for the collapse of mini-bond firm London Capital & Finance. Chairman Mel Stride may feel it is not the right time to challenge Bailey over the past when the Bank of England is focused on supporting economic recovery. But there is no reason why interim FCA chief Chris Woolard and successor Rathi should not be called on to report to the committee on why the probe is taking a lifetime. Pay day THE last time a UK pharma boss ran into trouble over pay was in 2003 when shareholders rejected a potential pay package for Glaxosmithkline's French boss Jean-Pierre Garnier, worth up to 25million. There will be little appetite this year to challenge another Frenchman, Pascal Soriot of Astrazeneca, over his 15.4million remuneration package. Few people have done more in the pandemic to drive the global vaccine rollout. Oxford scientists did the hard work in the labs. It is Astra which turned the vaccine into a reality, setting up production lines across the planet. Soriot's pay optics may look ill-timed. But it is hard to imagine an outcry. Top companies covered are Certis USA LLC (Columbia, U.S.), Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (California, U.S.), ChemChina (Beijing, China), Koppert Biological Systems (Netherlands), Varsha Bioscience and Technology Pvt. Ltd. (Hyderabad, India), BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany), Andermatt Biocontrol AG (Grossdietwil Switzerland), Valent Biosciences, LLC (Illinois, U.S.), Novozymes (Denmark), Rizobacter Argentina S.A. (Argentina), and more players profiled in agricultural microbials market research report Pune, India, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global agricultural microbials market size is expected to reach USD 11.81 billion by 2027 backed by the increasing awareness regarding the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals and the growing population rate worldwide that is projected to surge the demand for advanced agricultural microbes. Fortune Business Insights published this information in its latest report, titled, Agricultural Microbials Market, 2020 2027. The report further mentions that the market stood at USD 4.27 billion in 2019 and is likely to exhibit an impressive CAGR of 14.27% between 2020 and 2027. COVID-19 Impact: Slower Market Growth to Lead to 8.7% CAGR in 2020 Significant supply chain disruption due the novel coronavirus has led to an economic downturn experienced by several economies. Reduced workforce and halted industrial operations may have had detrimental effects on several industries, however, the demand for high yield is expected to drive the market growth amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Several companies have registered growth during the pandemic and expect to maintain slower but positive growth in the foreseeable future. For instance, April 2020: Syngenta and Novozymes collaborated with each other to commercialize TAEGRO, a microbial foliar fungicide. This product is developed to aid farmers to combat crop diseases in Europe and Latin America. Therefore, amid the pandemic the proactive initiatives by the companies will enable the global market for agricultural microbials to exhibit a CAGR of 8.7% in 2020. Story continues Get Sample PDF Brochure with Impact of COVID19: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/agricultural-microbial-market-100412 List of the Leading Companies Profiled in the Global Agricultural Microbials Market are: Certis USA LLC (Columbia, U.S.) Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (California, U.S.) ChemChina (Beijing, China) Koppert Biological Systems (Netherlands) Varsha Bioscience and Technology Pvt. Ltd. (Hyderabad, India) BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany) Andermatt Biocontrol AG (Grossdietwil Switzerland) Valent Biosciences, LLC (Illinois, U.S.) Novozymes (Denmark) Rizobacter Argentina S.A. (Argentina) Market Segmentation: We have segmented the global market based on type, formulation, function, application method, crop, and region. On the basis of type, the market is segmented into bacteria, fungi, virus, and others. Additionally, based on type, the bacteria segment held a market share of about 67.90% in 2019 and is expected to showcase considerable growth during the forecast period. This is attributable to the extensive adoption of bacteria in manufacturing biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biostimulants. On the basis of formulation, the market is categorized into dry and liquid. Moreover, based on function, the market is segregated into soil amendment and crop protection. Based on the application method, the market is segmented into foliar spray, soil treatment, seed treatment, and others. Furthermore, based on crop, the market is derived into fruits and vegetables. Lastly, based on region, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, The Middle East and Africa. Inquire Before Buying This Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/agricultural-microbial-market-100412 What does the Report Include? The global market for agricultural microbials report includes qualitative and quantitative analysis of several factors such as the key drivers and restraints that will impact growth. Additionally, the report provides insights into the regional analysis that covers different regions, contributing to the growth of the market. It includes the competitive landscape that involves the leading companies and the adoption of strategies to announce partnerships, introduce new products, and collaborate that will further contribute to the growth of the market between 2020 and 2027. Moreover, the research analyst has adopted several research methodologies such as SWOT and PESTEL analysis to extract information about the current trends and industry developments that will drive the market growth during the forecast period. DRIVING FACTORS Adverse Effects of Adoption of Synthetic Chemicals to Promote Growth According to the data by the Californians for Pesticide Reform, prolonged exposure to synthetic chemicals can lead to several health effects such as blindness, rashes, diarrhea, dizziness, and in the worst scenario even death. The increasing initiatives by the government through informative programs to create awareness regarding the detrimental effects of synthetic chemicals is expected to boost the adoption of agricultural microbials. Moreover, the rising world population is expected to drive the demand for food that is propelling the manufacturers to improve crop yield. This is expected to bode well for the global agricultural microbials market growth during the forecast period. REGIONAL INSIGHTS North America The region stood at USD 1.69 billion in 2019 and is expected to hold the highest position in the global market. This is attributable to the presence of an effective policy and regulatory framework that promotes the adoption of agricultural microbials in the region. Europe The market in Europe is expected to hold a considerable agricultural microbial market share during the foreseeable years. This is ascribable to factors such as the fast-paced expansion of organic farming in countries such as Denmark, Italy, Spain, and Germany between 2020 and 2027. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Product Launches by Key Companies to Brighten Their Market Prospects The global market is fragmented by major companies such as Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc., Certis USA LLC, Koppert Biological Systems, Valent Biosciences, LLC, and others. These companies are actively focusing on developing and introducing innovative microbial to cater to the growing demand from the agricultural sector globally. Industry Development: November 2019 Koppert Biological Systems introduced a new bio fungicide, Noli in France. According to the company, the product effectively controls botrytis in horticulture crops, thereby, improving yield quality. Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/agricultural-microbial-market-100412 Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Research Scope Market SegHouseholdtation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Emerging Trends Key Insights Overview of Agricultural Biologicals Market Key Market Trends of Agricultural Microbials Research, Developments, Supply Chain & Regulatory Analysis Recent Industry Developments: Policies, Partnerships, New Product Launches, and Mergers & Acquisitions Qualitative Analysis (in-relation to COVID-19) Impact of COVID-19 on the market Supply chain challenges Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 Global Agricultural Microbials Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Type (Value) Bacteria Fungi Virus Others By Formulation (Value) Dry Liquid By Application Method (Value) Foliar Spray Soil Treatment Seed Treatment Others By Function (Value) Soil Amendment Crop Protection By Crop Cereals Oilseeds & Pulses Fruits & Vegetables Others By Region (Value) North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa TOC Continued! Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/agricultural-microbial-market-100412 Have a Look at Related Research Insights: Agricultural Inoculants Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Microbe (Fungal, Bacterial, and Others), By Crop Type (Cereals, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables), Application Method (Seed, Soil, and Others), Regional Forecast, 2020 2027 Agricultural Pheromones Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Sex Pheromones, Aggregation Pheromones, and Others), Function (Mating Disruption, Detection & Monitoring, and Mass Trapping), Application (Dispensers, Traps, and Spray Method), Crop Type (Field Crops, Orchard Crops, Vegetables, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020 2027 Biopesticides Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Bioinsecticide, Biofungicide, Bionematicide, and Others), Source (Microbials and Biochemicals), Mode of Application (Foliar Application, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment, and Others), Crop (Cereals, Oilseeds, Fruits & Vegetables, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027 About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data. At Fortune Business Insights, we aim at highlighting the most lucrative growth opportunities for our clients. We, therefore, offer recommendations, making it easier for them to navigate through technological and market-related changes. Our consulting services are designed to help organizations identify hidden opportunities and understand prevailing competitive challenges. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 308, Supreme Headquarters, Survey No. 36, Baner, Pune-Bangalore Highway, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Fortune Business Insights LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs Read Press Release: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/press-release/agricultural-microbials-market-9901 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. To facilitate of public sector banks, the government is likely to bring amendments to two legislations later this year. Amendments would be required in the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980 for privatisation, sources said. These Acts led to nationalisation of banks in two phases and provisions of these laws have to be changed for of banks, they said. As the government has already announced the list of legislative business for the Budget session, it is expected that these amendments may be introduced in the Monsoon session or later during the year, sources added. The ongoing Budget session is scheduled to take up as many as 38 Bills including the Finance Bill 2021, Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2020-21 and related Appropriation Bill, National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) Bill, 2021, and Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting Budget 2021-22 earlier this month had announced of (PSBs) as part of disinvestment drive to garner Rs 1.75 lakh crore. "Other than IDBI Bank, we propose to take up the privatization of two and one General Insurance company in the year 2021-22," she had said. Later in one of the post Budget interactions, the Finance Minister had said the government will work with the Reserve Bank for execution of the bank privatisation plan announced in the Union Budget 2021-22. "The details are being worked out. I have made the announcement but we are working together with the RBI," she had said, when asked about the proposal. The government last year consolidated 10 into four and as a result the total number of PSBs came down to 12 from 27 in March 2017. As per the amalgamation plan, United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce were merged with Punjab National Bank, making the proposed entity the second largest PSB. Syndicate Bank was merged with Canara Bank, while Allahabad Bank was subsumed in Indian Bank. Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank were amalgamated with Union Bank of India. In a first three-way merger, Bank of Baroda merged Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with itself in 2019. SBI had merged five of its associate banks - State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Travancore and State Bank of Hyderabad- and also Bharatiya Mahila Bank effective April 2017. New Orleans police have jailed a driver in connection with a deadly two-car crash on Interstate 10 last week. William Shannon, 52, was booked on a count of vehicular homicide after police say he failed a field sobriety test following the wreck on I-10 near North Claiborne Avenue about 4:40 a.m. Friday, according to Orleans Parish Criminal District Court records. Investigators drew blood from Shannon and tested it for the presence of alcohol or other substances that could cause impairment, but those results were pending at the time of his arrest. According to police, Shannon was driving a truck east on I-10 when he struck the back of another car traveling in the same direction. Both vehicles spun out of control and hit the guardrails before stopping, police said. Police said the driver of the car with which Shannon's collided died at the scene. The coroner's office identified him Monday as 50-year-old Gene Childs. Shannon performed poorly on a field sobriety test and was jailed on a count of vehicular homicide, police wrote in Criminal Court records. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Shannon remained in custody Monday at the citys lockup in lieu of $100,000 bail. He would face between three years and 40 years in prison if convicted of vehicular homicide. Childs was one of two people in the city to die in crashes Friday morning. In the other case, a bicyclist died after being hit by a motorist at the corner of Gentilly Boulevard and Aubry Street near the Fair Grounds, police said. In other matters recently investigated by New Orleans authorities: The Coroners Office has identified three men who were killed in recent shootings: Joe Estes, 35, was fatally shot in the 2100 block of Springbrook Lane in Algiers on Feb. 8; Ronald Lee, 40, died Friday after being shot Jan. 22 in the 4500 block of Francis Drive in New Orleans East; and Bryan Veal, 26, was shot to death Saturday at the corner of Washington and Loyola avenues in Central City. New Orleans police booked Perell Smith in the fatal Dec. 18 shooting of 23-year-old Shawn Moore, authorities said. Smith, who turns 37 on Tuesday, faces a count of second-degree murder. Moore was killed at the corner of Read Boulevard and Carter Street in New Orleans East. Police investigated two shootings Sunday in New Orleans East. A 33-year-old man was shot in the foot during a fight with another man in the 2000 block of Jourdan Avenue about 3:50 p.m., police said. And an 18-year-old man was shot in the leg by someone in a car driving past the corner of Parkside Court and Huntington Park Drive about 10:20 p.m., police said. Investigators havent named suspects in either case. A police officer whose highway patrol vehicle crashed into a car driven by a Sydney grandmother had a faulty memory of the collision and his evidence about activating flashing lights before the impact should be rejected, the Crown has submitted in his trial. Senior Constable Harry Thomas Little is standing trial in the NSW District Court on a charge of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm over the incident at Cronulla in Sydneys south on September 5, 2018. Harry Thomas Little outside the Downing Centre court complex in February. Credit:Brook Mitchell The court has heard Mr Littles marked Ford Falcon was travelling at 135 km/h in the seconds before it hit a Mercedes driven by Gai Vieira, who was turning right onto The Kingsway. Mr Little had braked before the impact, taking the cars speed down to 87.5km/h. Mr Little had been pursuing a Volkswagen driver suspected of using a mobile phone as part of a NSW road safety operation. The court has heard the crash left Ms Vieira with a severe brain injury. [February 16, 2021] Aquarian Holdings Announces Agreement to Acquire Pavonia Life Insurance Company of New York Aquarian Holdings ("Aquarian") announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pavonia Life Insurance Company of New York ("PLICNY") from a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Enstar Group Limited. Founded in 1971, PLICNY is a New York-domiciled insurance company licensed to underwrite business in New York and Delaware. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "Adding Pavonia Life to our platform furthers our mission to deliver a superior insurance offering that creates long-term value for the policyholders and the companies that support them," said Rudy Sahay, Managing Partner at Aquarian Holdings. "Aquarian's expertise in managing insurance liabilities to support sustainable growth and our operating experience with insurers will help us strengthen the business and produce thoughtful, innovative products." PLICNY is the second acquisition for Aqurian's insurance portfolio, having acquired Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company ("Investors Heritage"), a leader in preneed and final expense insurance headquartered in Frankfort, Kentucky, in 2017. Aquarian worked closely with Investors Heritage management to strengthen its core products and expand further into the retirement space with the launch in 2018 of its Heritage Builder multi-year guaranteed annuity. Since then, Investors Heritage ranked as fastest-growing U.S. life and annuity insurer for 2018 and among the top five fastest-growing annuity insurers for 2019, according to S&P Global. Investors Heritage also ranked on Inc. 5000's fastest-growing private U.S. companies for 2020 with a three-year growth rate of 371%, making it the oldest insurance company in continuous operation to make the list. RBC Global Markets acted as financial advisor and Debevoise & Plimpton as legal advisor to Aquarian Holdings on the transaction. About Aquarian Holdings Aquarian Holdings is a diversified holding company with interests in businesses including insurance, asset management, real estate, and technology. We draw on our decades of collective experience to provide debt and equity capital solutions that meet the objectives of our partners and portfolio companies. For more information, please visit www.aquarianlp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006184/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Nature has its way of maintaining balance. This statement rightly holds true for plants that are eaten by herbivores--insects or even mammals. Interestingly, these plants do not just silently allow themselves to be consumed and destroyed; in fact, they have evolved a defense system to warn them of predator attacks and potentially even ward them off. The defense systems arise as a result of inner and outer cellular signaling in the plants, as well as ecological cues. Plants have developed several ways of sensing damage; a lot of these involve the sensing of various "elicitor" molecules produced by either the predator or the plants themselves and initiation of an "SOS signal" of sorts. In a recently published review in the journal Trends in Plant Science, Professor Gen-ichiro Arimura from Tokyo University of Science, Japan, encapsulates the research on the herbivory-sensing mechanism of plants through elicitors. Commenting of the immense value of these elicitors, Prof. Arimura states, "This review focuses mainly on elicitors because they are timely, novel, and have potential biotechnological applications". When the same herbivorous animal comes to eat the plant multiple times, the plant learns to recognize its feeding behavior and records the "molecular pattern" associated with it. This is termed "herbivore-associated molecular patterns" or HAMPs. HAMPs are innate elicitors. Other plant elicitors include plant products present inside cells that leak out because of the damage caused by herbivory. Interestingly, when an herbivorous insect eats the plant, the digestion products of the plant cell walls and other cellular components become part of the oral secretions (OS) of the insect, which can also function as an elicitor! Prof. Arimura highlights the fact that with the advancement of high-throughput gene- and protein-detecting systems, the characterization of elicitors of even specific and peculiar types of herbivores, such as those that suck cell sap and do not produce sufficient amounts of OS, has become possible. The proteins present in the salivary glands of such insects could be potential elicitors as they enter the plant during feeding. He explains, "RNA-seq and proteomic analyses of the salivary glands of sucking herbivores have led to the recent characterization of several elicitor proteins, including a mucin-like salivary protein and mite elicitor proteins, which serve as elicitors in the leaves of the host plants upon their secretion into plants during feeding." The review also highlights some peculiar elicitors like the eggs and pheromones of insects that plants can detect and initiate a defense response against. In some special cases, the symbiotic bacteria living inside the insect's gut can also regulate the defense systems of the plants. And now that we have understood different types of elicitors, the question remains--what signaling mechanisms do the plants use to communicate the SOS signal? So far, it has been hypothesized that the signaling is made possible by proteins transported through the vascular tissue of plants. Interestingly, there is evidence of airborne signaling across plants, by a phenomenon called "talking plants." Upon damage, plants release volatile chemicals into the air, which can be perceived by neighboring plants. There is also evidence of epigenetic regulation of defense systems wherein plants maintain a sort of "genetic memory" of the insects that have attacked them and can fine-tune the defense response accordingly for future attacks. Given the improvement in knowledge of the mechanisms of plant defense systems, we can embrace the possibility of a "genetic" form of pest control that can help us circumvent the use of chemical pesticides, which, with all their risks, have become a sort of "necessary evil" for farmers. This could usher in modern, scientifically sound ways of organic farming that would free agricultural practices from harmful chemicals. ### About The Tokyo University of Science 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. Website: https:/ / www. tus. ac. jp/ en/ mediarelations/ About Professor Gen-ichiro Arimura from Tokyo University of Science Dr. Gen-ichiro Arimura is a Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology and Department of Biological Science and Technology at Tokyo University of Science. He obtained his PhD from Hiroshima University. The research interests of his groups are elucidation of the interaction network between living organisms and the defense response system of plants. Funding information This study was supported in part by MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Japan Science and Technology Agency. Tata Electronics, Apples contract manufacturer Pegatron, and Grasim and 25 other firms signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth over Rs 28,053 crore with the on Tuesday. These MoUs would create 68,775 jobs in the state, the government said. The MoUs were signed in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami, who also released the states Industrial Policy 2021, MSME Policy 2021, and inaugurated eight projects worth Rs 3,377 crore, which are expected to generate 7,139 jobs. These projects include the French carmaker PCA Automobiles Rs 1,250-crore car manufacturing facility and Ather Energys Rs 635-crore two-wheeler facility. Tata signed a Structured Package of Assistance (SPA) MoU with the state, according to which it will invest Rs 4,684 crore for a project in Krishnagiri to manufacture mechanical enclosures for mobile phones. The project is expected to create jobs for 18,250 people, officials said. Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, who attended the ceremony through videoconference, said: This is a very large project in precision engineering and manufacturing. It will create significant employment mainly for women and also train them for skill sets in new technical areas. Another Tata Group firm, Tata Coffee, also signed a pact to invest around Rs 100 crore in a coffee manufacturing facility in Theni. Grasim Industries will establish a paint manufacturing unit at Cheyyar at an investment of Rs 750 crore. And, Pegatron Corporation will invest Rs 1,100 crore to manufacture smartphones. Toolkit case: HC grants temporary pre-arrest bail to Shantanu Muluk, reserves order in Nikita Jacob's plea India oi-Madhuri Adnal Mumbai, Feb 16: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday reserved its order in granting transit anticipatory bail to Mumbai-based lawyer and activist Nikita Jacob against whom the Delhi Police has registered an FIR for allegedly trying to tarnish the country's image by sharing a "toolkit" on the months-long farmers' protest. Meanwhile, another accused in the case, Pune-based engineer Shantanu Muluk, a suspect in the toolkit'' case related to the farmers'' protest in which climate activist Disha Ravi has been arrested, was granted transitory bail for 10 days by the Aurangabad bench of the high court. Justice Vibha Kankanwadi of the Aurangabad bench of the high court granted Muluk ten days'' pre-arrest bail to enable him to apply for protection before the appropriate court in Delhi. Ravi along with Jacob and Shantanu created the toolkit and shared it with others to tarnish India''s image, the Delhi Police had alleged on Monday. Madhya Pradesh: 37 dead as bus falls into canal; rescue operations underway India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Sidhi, Feb 16: As many as 37 bodies found in the canal and several feared drowned after a bus fell off a bridge into a canal near Patna village in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district on Tuesday morning, police and eye witnesses said. District superintendent of police Pankaj Kumawat said rescue operation was underway. Sources said that at least 50 passengers were travelling in the bus at the time of the incident which occurred around 8:30 AM. Kapil Mishra inciting Hindus against Muslims: Digvijaya Singh According to eye witnesses, the bus has sank in the canal and not visible now. It is feared that the bus was swept away in the water current. At least seven persons swam to the banks of the canal while others are missing, they said. Further details are awaited. "It's an unfortunate incident. CM has been taking a minute to minute detail of the accident since morning. Two of us are going to Sidhi as per his instructions. I spoke to concerned officers, as per their information around 30 bodies have been recovered," MP Minister Tulsi Silawat said. Kapil Mishra inciting Hindus against Muslims: Digvijaya Singh Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News "The bus was enroute to Rewa from Sidhi. Suddenly, the driver lost control over the vehicle and it fell into the Sharda canal under the Rampur police station area. There is water in the canal and the bus has been submerged in it. Search is on for passengers," the police said. Microsofts Compliance Manager tool, part of Microsoft 365, will now empower Omani businesses to adhere to their legal obligations more easily while continuing to innovate at a time when remote working is inducing rapid changes across industries. The move comes as an increasing number of companies in the sultanate implement hybrid-working models to balance employee safety with business continuity. A survey of GCC business leaders in March showed 35% of organisations in the Gulf had either implemented hybrid workplaces or were in the process of doing so. In May, Omans Supreme Committee for Dealing with Covid-19 issued a decision that obligated employers in certain sectors to implement remote home-working and introduce technology to facilitate home-working as much as possible. The pandemic has unquestionably accelerated digital transformation to unprecedented levels, said Saif Hilal Al-Hosni, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman and Bahrain. We have seen years of innovation taking place in mere months and the trend continues to gather steam. However, businesses still must meet regulatory requirements such as PCI DSS, and this can be difficult if you do not have the skills or time to effectively manage compliance. Microsoft Compliance Manager takes a lot of complexity and labour out of this process, delivering a useful blend of control and automation that allows innovators to return to the business of business. Microsoft Compliance Manager simplifies helps reduce risk while alleviating the complexity of a companys obligations to industry and legal standards by enabling quick delivery of policies tailored to individual operating models. Business stakeholders can prioritise tasks while building best-practice frameworks that evolve with the regulatory landscape. Regulatory frameworks exist to protect businesses, their customers and their partners from the losses associated with data and identity theft. Al-Hosni added. As such, they are critical to the success of economic initiatives in line with Omans Vision 2040. Microsoft remains committed to showing businesses how they can leverage the power of the intelligent cloud to balance regulatory compliance with innovation in the new normal. -- Tradearabia News Service Twin reviews of Parliaments workplace culture under way after a staffer alleged a colleague raped her may result in mandatory reporting, psychological testing for new advisers and a review of security. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked Liberal MP Celia Hammond to examine the culture within coalition MPs offices and the training politicians receive to deal with complaints or incidents. As vice-chancellor at Notre Dame university, Ms Hammond led its response to the Australian Human Rights Commissions 2017 report on sexual assault and harassment at universities. Liberal MP Celia Hammond will lead a review of culture within parliamentarians offices. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet deputy secretary Stephanie Foster will also look at the formal processes and links between the Department of Finance and parliamentary staff. The reviews come after former staffer Brittany Higgins told news.com.au and the Ten Networks The Project on Monday she was sexually assaulted by another ministerial adviser in March 2019 in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds ministerial office, where they both worked. ERBILA rocket attack at a U.S.-led Coalition military base in Kurdish northern Iraq on Monday killed a civilian contractor and wounded five other people including a U.S. service member, according to initial reports, the U.S. coalition in Iraq said. It was the most deadly attack to hit U.S.-led forces for almost a year in Iraq, where tensions have escalated between Iraqi and Kurdish allies of Coalition forces on one side and Iran-aligned militias on the other. A coalition spokesman said on Twitter the attack hit coalition forces in the Kurdish regional capital of Erbil, and that more details would follow. Initial reports that Indirect Fire landed on Coalition Forces in Erbil tonight. There was 1 civilian contractor killed, 5 civilian contractors injured and 1 US service member injured. More information to follow. OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) February 15, 2021 There are reports of civilians being injured in the attack. Kurdish security sources said at least three rockets landed near Erbil International Airport in the autonomous region late at night. Reuters reporters heard several loud explosions and saw a fire break out near the airport. U.S. troops occupy a military base adjacent to the civilian airport. A statement from the Kurdish interior ministry said a number of rockets were fired towards Erbil and its outskirts around 9:30 p.m. local time and some people were wounded but it offered no further details. An Iranian regime-aligned Shia militia group calling itself Saraya Awliya al-Dam (The Avengers of the Blood Brigades) claimed responsibility for the attack on the U.S.-led base, saying it targeted the American occupation in Iraq. The Epoch Times cannot confirm the veracity of the claim. Groups that some Iraqi officials say have links with the Iranian regime have claimed a series of rocket and roadside attacks against coalition forces, contractors working for the coalition and U.S. installations including the embassy in Baghdad in recent months. The last deadly attack to target the coalition killed one British and two American personnel in March last year. Another attack in September last year thought to have been targeting Baghdads international airport killed six Iraqi civilians. The United State condemned the attack. Tension between the United States and Iran across the Middle East have become more overt in the last few years, ending most recently in a targeted drone strike by U.S. forces that killed Iranian military mastermind Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Former President Donald Trump said at the time that the strike was in response to the threat Iran and Soleimani were planning to blow up the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, which had just been attacked. The State Department also said that Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. By John Davison and Ahmed Rasheed. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. ROME, FEB 16 - Italian police on Tuesday arrested a total of 45 people in two operations against the Calabria-based 'Ndrangheta mafia, Italy's richest and most powerful organised crime outfit. In the first operation, 28 people were arrested in a Reggio Calabria-based sweep that spanned Cosenza, Milan, Varese, Como, Livorno, Florence and Udine. Several bosses and capos of various clans were arrested in a probe that has uncovered more evidence of how 'Ndrangheta, which controls the European cocaine trade, has infiltrated the economic fabric of the affluent Italian north. Those arrested are accused of a range of mafia crimes including association, usury, extortion, fraud and false claiming of assets. Police seized some six million euros from eight construction and electrical equipment companies linked to the Mob. In the second operation, some 17 people were arrested in a sweep against the Forastefano clan of Catanzaro. Those arrested were charged with mafia association, money laundering, extortion and falsely claiming assets. The probe which led to the arrests lasted over three years, police said. Both probes were coordinated by Italy's leading anti-'Ndrangheta prosecutor, Nicola Gratteri. 'Ndrangheta is Italy's richest and most powerful mafia thanks to its control of the European cocaine trade. All its activities have been estimated to be worth the equivalent of at least three per cent of Italian GDP. Its tentacles have spread from its southern Italian base to central and northern Italy, northern Europe, North and South America and Australia, among other areas. Its influence is especially strong in the affluent northern Italian regions of Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna, but it has also spread to Lazio and Rome. The other main mafias in Italy are Cosa Nostra in Sicily, long more powerful and dangerous than 'Ndrangheta, and the Camorra in Campania. There is a smaller mafia in Puglia, the Sacra Corona Unita (United Holy Crown, SCU), which is generally considered less dangerous and expansive. The biggest ever trial into 'Ndrangheta started in Lamezia Terme in mid-January. The trial delves into the activities of the 'Ndrangheta clans in Vibo Valentia and their links to the political, institutional, economic and rogue Masonic worlds controlling all aspects of local life in Calabria. It is the biggest mafia trial in Italy since the so-called 'maxi-trial' of Cosa Nostra in Sicily from 1986 to 1992. The trial, which is expected to last around three years, has over 300 defendants who are facing hundreds if charges. The defendants include local politicians, businessmen, police and other institutional figures accused of helping 'Ndrangheta hold sway over Calabrian life. "We will show the asphyxiation of Calabrian life by 'Ndrangheta," said Gratteri in his opening remarks. (ANSA). Rada to vote for customs clearance worth EUR 1,000 of cars with foreign registration lawmaker This refers to cars imported into Ukraine before January 1, 2021. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Pubs are closed amid the UK's coronavirus restrictions. (Stock, Getty Images) Pub-goers may be eager for their favourite haunt to reopen amid the UK's coronavirus restrictions, but research suggests getting together for a drink may "significantly" increase the infection's transmission. The chairman of JD Wetherspoon has called for pubs to reopen alongside non-essential shops, warning that the industry is "on its knees". Tim Martin has argued pubs and restaurants are "COVID-secure environments", their owners having invested in safety measures like plastic screens at tills and floor markings to guide one-way systems. Boris Johnson has said he is "optimistic" he will be able to set out plans on 22 February for a "cautious" easing of England's lockdown, starting with schools, then non-essential shops and finally the hospitality sector. Watch: Pubs boss makes case for safe reopening To better understand the risk pubs pose amid the pandemic, scientists from the University of Stirling pretended to be customers in 29 licensed premises between July and August 2020, when pubs had reopened following the first lockdown. Results suggest a "wide range of incidents with potential to increase transmission risk" were observed in all but three of the venues, with most having "multiple incidents", including singing, milling around the bar and embracing others. Read more: Coronavirus may 'impair' brain function The scientists also observed customers and staff were failing to maintain social distancing, often due to "alcohol intoxication", which the workers "rarely effectively stopped". They concluded "despite the efforts of bar operators and guidance from government, potentially significant risks of COVID-19 [the disease caused by the coronavirus] transmission persisted in at least a substantial minority of observed bars, especially when customers were intoxicated". Hand sanitising points were set up at pubs after the first lockdown, but were rarely used. (Posed by a model, Getty Images) The study funded by the Scottish government chief scientist office is the first in the world to analyse the effectiveness of coronavirus restrictions in licensed premises, with the results said to be informing governments, public health experts and policymakers in the UK and abroad. Story continues "Our study explored and observed business practices and behaviours of customers and staff in licensed premises in summer 2020 with a view to understanding if and how COVID-19 transmission risks could be managed in settings where alcohol is served," said lead author Professor Niamh Fitzgerald. "Businesses expressed an intention to work within the guidance, but there were commercial and practical challenges to making this a reality. Read more: Blood-thinning drugs cut COVID death risk "Upon re-opening, substantial efforts to change the layout of bars were observed and appeared to be working well in many premises, but problems were common including staff not wearing personal protective equipment, or with the management of toilets, queues and other 'pinch points'. "We also observed several incidents of greater concern including customers shouting, embracing or repeatedly interacting closely with several households and staff which were rarely addressed by staff. "We concluded that, despite the efforts of bar operators and guidance from government, potentially significant risks of COVID-19 transmission persisted in at least a substantial minority of observed bars, especially when customers were intoxicated." Watch: Can you catch coronavirus twice? The UK entered its first national lockdown in March 2020, with restrictions being in place to some extent ever since. Pubs largely reopened their doors that July, with strict measures being introduced to help limit the coronavirus' transmission, including table service and enforced face coverings among staff. To better understand the effectiveness of these approaches, the Stirling scientists posed as customers for up to two hours in rural and urban pubs in Scotland at various times of the day. The results published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol & Drugs reveal that while hand-sanitising stations had been set up, these were rarely used, with just two premises routinely administering the gel upon customer entry. Nine of the businesses did not require customers provide details for contact tracing, with one failing to do so even after this was made mandatory by Scottish officials in August. Most, but not all, of the venues' staff wore personal protective equipment (PPE), like face coverings. Some wore coverings "inappropriately", perhaps by not covering their nose, or removed their PPE when talking. The majority of the venues spaced their tables 1m (3.2ft) apart or had partitions between booths, however, some flouted this guidance. Read more: Steroids plus arthritis drug almost halves COVID deaths One-way measures were sometimes ignored by customers, with "pinch points problematic in nearly all venues", including bottlenecks in corridors, entrances and at bar counters. This led to "people congregating, often unchallenged". Less than half of the venues offered table service only, with one premise having a "continuous queue" between the 1m-distanced tables during the scientists' visit. A similar number of premises also failed to limit the number of customers entering the toilets at one time, even via a basic measure like a sign on the door. Most also had no restrictions in place around social distancing at sinks or between cubicles, leading to "overcrowding and poor physical distancing within toilet areas in some premises". Watch: What is long COVID? The results reveal that "incidents of greater concern" were observed in 11 of the venues. These included combinations of shouting, groups mixing or customers singing. In August, scientists from the University of Bristol reported that speaking or singing at a loud volume was linked to a higher risk of coronavirus transmission. Some customers and staff were also moving around the bar area without observing social distancing. Others posed for photographs in groups and "shook hands or embraced others who did not appear to be in their household". Loud singing or shouting was observed in all but one of the venues visited in August, "with just one example of effective staff intervention to suppress customer noise". "In the majority of premises, no staff intervention in incidents or attempts to enforce restrictions were observed," wrote the scientists. Some intervened in a "light-hearted way", like "gently or playfully reprimanding customers", but this was "largely ineffective". Enforcement by external agencies such as environmental health or police officers was not observed in any of the venues. Read more: Dementia patients twice as likely to catch coronavirus "Overall, our findings suggest grounds for uncertainty about the extent to which new rules can be consistently and effectively implemented in a sector where interaction between tables, households and strangers is the norm, and alcohol is routinely consumed," said Professor Fitzgerald. "Despite the efforts of licensed premises, and detailed guidance from government, potentially significant risks of COVID-19 transmission persisted in a substantial minority of observed bars, especially when customers were intoxicated. "Blanket closures, curfews or alcohol sales bans are more likely to be deemed necessary to control virus spread, if such risks cannot be acceptably, quickly and cost-effectively reduced through support and/or sanctions for premises operators. "Such blanket actions may also have benefits in terms of protecting staff from occupational exposure and reducing pressure on emergency services from alcohol-related injuries or disorder. "However, attention also needs to be paid to the impact of closures on businesses, economic activity, employee hardship, and ownership patterns in the sector, as well as any risks posed by diversion of some drinking to the home." Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 19:38:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIYADH, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi-led coalition involved in a war in Yemen intercepted on Tuesday a bomb-laden drone launched toward Abha International Airport located near the southern border of the kingdom, Al Arabiya TV reported. Scraps from the drone destroyed by the coalition scattered around the airport, with no injuries or damage reported. The Houthi militia has been recently targeting the Saudi airport but most of the attacks were foiled. Last week, an attack like this caused fire in a civilian plane at the airport. Turki Al Maliki, spokesperson of the coalition, told Al Arabiya in an interview on Sunday that more than 345 missiles and 515 drones had been intercepted since the beginning of the war in Yemen. The 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 -Claim political witch hunt following Samukai's conviction Lofa County Citizens in Solidarity with convicted former Defense Minister, now Lofa Senator - elect J. Brownie Samukai have launched a verbal attack against Liberia's Supreme Court, terming as "Political witch-hunt and mission of character assassination," the court's mandate for Samukai to restitute money he misapplied or face jail for two years. At a gathering of Lofaians in Solidarity of Brownie Samukai Saturday, 13 February in Paynesville, Mr. Galakpai W. Kortimai, former Lofa Superintendent and chairman of the Solidarity Movement said the neutrality and integrity of the judiciary branch here has been questioned by Liberians, ECOWAS Court and the U.S. due to how it has been dispensing justice. Reading the group's statement, Mr. Kortimai insists that Mr. Samukai did not steal any money, but implemented the orders of former President Ellen Johnson - Sirleaf, therefore Lofaians in Solidarity with Samukai are determined to pay the last penny he has been ordered by the Supreme Court to restitute. "Let the word go forth that we, the thousands of Lofa County citizens who believe in Senator-elect Samukai and voted massively for him wish to inform the world that although we respect the ruling of the Supreme Court, we are equally very disappointed and frustrated in the ruling handed down against our beloved Senator-elect Samukai!" he says. Liberia's Supreme Court on Monday, 8 February upheld a lower court's ruling but with modification, convicting ex-President Ellen Johnson - Sirleaf's longest serving Defense Minister, Mr. Brownie Samukai, his deputy Joseph P. Johnson and Mr. James Nyumah Dorkor for the unauthorized spending of soldiers' pension money. However, the Supreme Court ruled in the corruption case that the sentences shall be suspended provided that the convicted former Defense Ministry officials shall restitute the full amount of US$1.147,656m or (pay) 50 percent within the period of six months, and following that, make appropriate arrangement to pay the remaining percent in one calendar year. In its judgment, the Supreme Court said every withdrawal from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Pension Account should have been by authorization or consent of the AFL soldiers. The Supreme Court said the unrelated expenses of US$1.147,656m on the instruction of former President Sirleaf was without the pale of the law, and the appelants (defendants) are held personally liable for the unauthorized expenditure on the account. All three officials were last year adjudged guilty by the lower court of the crimes of misuse of public money, a felony of the first degree, theft of property for over a million USD, a felony of the second degree, and criminal conspiracy. Should the convicts fail on these mandates, the Supreme Court says they shall be incarcerated in common jail and remain there until the full amount is paid. However Mr. Kortimai says they have not yet collected money, but announces that by Monday, 15 February, they want to open both Liberian Dollars and United States dollars accounts and publish them in the newspaper so that contributors can make their deposits in the accounts. He argues that during Samukai's more than 30 years of public service home and abroad, he has never been involved in any act of corruption. "We believe in his ability to defend and articulate the aspirations of Lofa County," Mr. Kortimai says of Senator - elect Samukai, adding that this is why they voted him in their thousands and are prepared to stand with him to the very end with their lives and blood if need be. He recalls that during the presidential transition process of 2018, Mr. Samukai reminded former President Sirleaf about a pending reimbursement of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) pension funds that was used by the Government of Liberia on the AFL. He narrates that that reminder resulted to decision being reached that the government was going to pay back the AFL pension funds through budgetary allotment following a meeting among Samukai, the current Defense Minister, former President Sirleaf, current President George Manneh Weah and other senior AFL Personnel. "And true to his word President Weah, instructed the Ministry of Finance to pay four hundred and sixty thousand United States Dollars ($ 460,000USD) of the AFL pension fund," he says. Mr. Kortimai wonders why the Government of President Weah abandoned the payment it started but decided to make a case when in fact all material evidences are available in the archives of the Ministry of Defense. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. After initially being given a suspended sentence by the Criminal Court "C" last year, Mr. Samukai later in December 2020 won the Senatorial election in Lofa County, but has not been seated yet in the Senate due to challenges brought against the election results by his rival. But Mr. Kortimai warns during the press conference that any attempt to further delay Mr. Samukai's certification beyond the statuary limit will be resisted by Lofaians with all the means available within their reach! Quizzed by this paper as to what means they would use to ensure Samukai is certificated, Mr. Kortimai explains that Lofaians are not violent people, but they will make use of the Constitution if the National Elections Commission (NEC) causes any delay in certificating their son. "Let the word go forth that we will not further condone any delay from the National Election Commission (NEC) beyond the statutory time to certificate our Senator. We too are citizens of Liberia and we deserve to be represented by the person of our choice in our country's governance system," he says. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More AstraZeneca Pharma share price added 11 percent in the early trade on February 16 a day after the company received World Health Organization's (WHO) approval for emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines. The WHO gave emergency use approval to AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccines on February 15, allowing distribution to some of the world's poorest countries to begin. "The WHO today listed two versions of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for these vaccines to be rolled out globally through Covax," a WHO statement said, referring to the programme aimed at equitable distribution of doses. Also Read - WHO gives emergency use approval to AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines The two versions given the seal of approval are being produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII), and in South Korea. The UN health agency's emergency use listing procedure assesses the quality, safety and efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines and is a prerequisite for vaccines in the Covax facility. At 09:17 hrs AstraZeneca Pharma was quoting at Rs 3,869.95, up Rs 239.20, or 6.59 percent on the BSE. The share touched its 52-week high of Rs 4,970 and 52-week low Rs 1,888 on 08 September, 2020 and 23 March, 2020, respectively. Currently, it is trading 22.13 percent below its 52-week high and 104.98 percent above its 52-week low. Tikkurila office in Finland. (Representative Image/File Photo) AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS: AkzoNobel NV submitted a binding proposal to acquire Tikkurila for 31.25 per share on January 28, 2021, having conducted customary due diligence to confirm potential synergies. The company no longer intends to pursue this acquisition, following a competing, higher, offer for Tikkurila. Despite a strong cultural fit and more synergies than any other combination with Tikkurila the intended transaction no longer meets AkzoNobel's criteria for superior value creation. "We have clear priorities and criteria for capital allocation, including investing for growth, paying dividends, conducting acquisitions, and carrying out share buybacks. The intended acquisition of Tikkurila can no longer compete with more attractive opportunities to create superior value for our shareholders and other stakeholders. Executing with discipline has been key to AkzoNobel's transformation into a company with higher profitability and strong free cash flow. This is working well for us and part of who we are, said Thierry Vanlancker, CEO of AkzoNobel. AkzoNobel will continue delivering on its capital allocation priorities, including a disciplined approach to strategically aligned, value creating, acquisitions. The company continues its current 300 million share buyback program and maintains a target leverage ratio of 1-2x net debt/EBITDA. Worldofchemicals News The Politician's protagonist Ram Mohan is an intrepid and ambitious young man in newly independent India, who refuses to be held down by his humble origins. Devesh Verma's The Politician (Penguin Random House) is a fast-paced, electrifying political saga based in Uttar Pradesh. Having grown up there, Devesh writes candidly about the lawlessness and allure of power and politics that exist in the state. The Politician's protagonist Ram Mohan is an intrepid and ambitious young man in newly independent India, who refuses to be held down by his humble origins. Spurred on by his diehard optimism, he aims for things usually inaccessible to people of his extraction. However, he soon realizes that without political or bureaucratic power, the idea of a respectable life in India is nothing but pretence, and when Gulab Singh rescues him from being insulted by a thug, Ram Mohan becomes persuaded of the efficacy of violence in certain situations. Beginning at the peak of Nehruvian era and ending in the early '70s, The Politician is an evocative view of provincial northern India once the political heartland of the country and the ebb and flow of the fortunes of its characters. Devesh Verma was associated with TV journalism for over two decades before he quit to complete his novel. He received a Sahitya Akademi award for translation in 2004. This excerpt has been republished with due permission from Penguin Random House. *** For all his absorption in various activities, Ram Mohans longing for women never flagged. People close to him whispered about his ability to charm the quiet consent out of a woman. He first set eyes on Kanti, Deenas mother, when she was a school girl of sixteen, whom he heard speak at a gathering organized to alert the Kurmis people of the peasant caste in the area to the challenges of changing times in the country. Her speech laid stress on womens education an issue Indians had regarded for centuries as settled. It was the year when the law minister BR Ambedkar was pitted against the whole gamut of forces hostile to his efforts to secure some rights for Hindu women. His proposed Hindu Code Bill was viewed as a wicked interference with the age-old Hindu personal laws of divine provenance. Kanti had hardly any idea of the raging dispute. It was her father Baijnath who had prodded her into preparing a speech espousing the cause of womens education. He was a retired military man and had served as a mounted soldier in the British army and was part of the army unit deployed in Paris during the First World War, where to his wonderment he had seen girls on the streets, with books in their hands, walking to schools, chatting and laughing. Inspired, he had resolved to have his daughters educated and to motivate others to do the same. Baijnath was involved in organising the gathering in question, during the preparation of which some young men of the area had come close to him, Ram Mohan being one of them. His education and manner of speaking had won Baijnaths heart. When Kanti finished speaking, Ram Mohan, who was busy looking after the arrangements, rushed towards the makeshift platform, looking for her. She was still on the stage, receiving praise and blessings from the chief guest, the chairman of the Legislative Council of Bihar, as Baijnath stood beaming at his daughter. She was short, slim and had an angular face with neatly defined features. She was attractive. She stayed with her father and one of her brothers in Kanpur, and the reason Baijnath stayed in the city with them was to ensure their education, especially that of Kanti who seemed most inclined. The rest of their family lived in the village as Baijnath, who had taken up a job as a court clerk, could not provide for his entire family in the city; some of his earnings also went into fighting the menace of child marriage among the people of his caste, some of whom he would take to court. Kicking up clouds of dust, the crowds had more or less dispersed when Ram Mohan muttered, getting annoyed, What was so special about her speech that they are fussing over her! Some people had gathered round him but he was not with them, and to avoid any forced conversation, he moved away and climbed onto the platform where a discussion was going on; the topic was the ongoing turmoil over the proposed Hindu Code Bill in the Constituent Assembly. Seeing Ram Mohan, the chief guest was reminded that he was getting late for a meeting in Kanpur, but as he manoeuvred to rise, Baijnath said, I know you have other engagements, but we would be grateful if you could spare a little more time to this discussion. The chief guest settled back leaning against the bolster. Most of the Hindus are not in favour of this bill, he said, and before he could elaborate, Baijnath who sat down crosslegged facing him said, Ambedkar seems to be an educated man. Why would he want to do something which is not in our interest? Because Hindu leaders think he is subverting the authority of the traditions rooted in our sacred scriptures But Ambedkar claims the bill has not strayed from the core beliefs of the religious texts. Thats what I heard on the radio, broke in Ram Mohan, having taken his place beside Kanti. He says this only to douse the fire . . . Hindu leaders are not amused; they say he is stretching the obvious to the limit. What exactly does this bill entail? Baijnath asked. I dare say it deals broadly with rights and status of Hindu women to whom it would give some say in matters concerning their interests. Like the questions of divorce and widow remarriage . . . their share in property . . . I dont know the details yet. Ambedkar should be complimented, blurted out Baijnath. Our women have been denied their due for centuries. Its time we gave them a little freedom to explore their own possibilities in life. The chief guest was quiet for a second, and then glancing towards others, said, But women have the most important role in the house and are held in high esteem for their dedication and sacrifice. Ram Mohan nodded. I am not saying taking care of home is something to be ashamed of . . . but they should also receive education with our encouragement and support. There should be schools for them. This, I dont mind, said the chief guest. An educated mother can give her children a better upbringing. But this bill has nothing to do with womens education, said Ram Mohan. Its about those so-called rights concerning ancestral property and divorce. Its like offering a razor to a monkey, with disastrous results. The chief guest turned to Kanti, You want to say something? Dont shy away. Your fathers a courageous man; so should you be. Looking at her father and then Ram Mohan, she said, We have had women who could hold their own against a general aversion to their attempting something . . . something other than whats expected of them Catching the sneer in Ram Mohans face, she stopped. Her father gestured her to go on, but she kept quiet. Ram Mohan said, Their number is so small it doesnt denote anything . . . the number of such women, and they can be traced back to the beginning of civilisation . . . So what? Can they match up to mens achievements, ever? I am not saying they can be on equal terms with men, said Kanti. But I believe that given the opportunity, they can come out of their backwardness; theres so much they can do to help men in their ventures. She fell silent again. HARRISBURG Pennsylvanias Republican Party is planning a meeting to potentially censure U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey over his vote to convict Donald Trump during the former presidents second impeachment trial, county party officials said Monday. County party chairs said the state GOP chairman, Lawrence Tabas, emailed them shortly after Saturdays impeachment vote to tell them that a meeting is being planned to discuss the Senates action. That meeting is expected to involve a discussion about censuring Toomey for his vote, which made him one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump of incitement of insurrection. Tabas did not return messages Monday, but a number of county parties have already moved to censure Toomey, even before Saturdays vote. A resolution to censure Toomey came up for discussion at the state partys leadership committee meeting on Feb. 6, weeks after Toomey had said Trump committed impeachable offenses in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. They decided against bringing it to a vote by the full state committee after speaking with Toomey about it, county party chairs said. Toomey told them that he would consider voting against the constitutionality of the impeachment proceeding and, if the Senate deemed it to be constitutional, that he would consider voting to acquit Trump, county party chairs said. Toomey last Tuesday voted to back the constitutionality of the impeachment trial. Several county parties already voted to censure Toomey even before Saturdays vote. In Washington County, GOP chairman Dave Ball said party members felt betrayed by Toomey. That said, Ball also said a state party censure of Toomey would be counterproductive, when the state party could be putting its energy into winning future election contests. The second-term Toomey is not running for re-election in 2022, and likely wont receive invitations to speak at party events or endorse party candidates, Ball said. As far as were concerned, his political career is over in this state, even if he were to try to run again, Ball said. His legacy is tarnished beyond repair. I dont know exactly how you punish someone further and does it serve a purpose. The York County Republican Committee voted to censure Toomey after he voted to convict Trump. One county party, in Cambria County, is planning to vote to censure Toomey during its regular Tuesday meeting, said Jackie Kulback, the county party chair. Ultimately, Trump was acquitted of the charge because the 57-43 vote fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for conviction. Lawrence Countys GOP voted to censure Toomey even before the trial, based on criticism of Trumps actions on Jan. 6. The county party chairman, Gale E. Measel Jr., characterized it as a reaction to Toomey not standing up for fellow Republicans. After the impeachment vote, Tabas issued a statement that said nothing about censuring Toomey. It criticized the impeachment proceeding as an unconstitutional theft of time and energy that did absolutely nothing to unify or help the American people and said he shared the disappointment of many of our grassroots leaders and volunteers over Senator Toomeys vote today. ___ Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at https://twitter.com/timelywriter. CHICO, Calif. It has been a little over six months since Chief Matt Madden took the helm of the Chico Police Department. Action News Now Morning Anchor Julia Yarbough recently sat down with Chief Madden to learn more about who he is, his vision for the department and his assessment of the first several months as chief. Chief Madden says he comes from a family focused on public service, but in firefighting. He chose a different path. I always had a passion for law enforcement; I wanted to help and wanted to do something that was bigger than myself, explained Chief Madden. I wanted to be part of a team that takes care of my community. After 28 years in law enforcement, rising through the ranks holding positions in patrol, investigations, S.W.A.T. and training, he now wears the Chiefs hat. Is the position what he expected? No, not really. I spent three years as second in command. I had a pretty good idea of the level of responsibility but you really dont understand until youre behind the desk of what it takes. Chief Madden took the helm in the midst of a deadly pandemic and growing angst in the local community over the homeless population in the city. Despite some community pushback to recent action to clear homeless encampments from local parks, Chief Madden says he is carrying out clear directive from city management. It was made very clear to me by a majority of citizens in this community and city management that they want their parks back, said Chief Madden. Bidwell Park is the jewel of the city. It is what makes our community special and it has been made clear to me that all people want to use that park and feel safe. Social conflicts and many directly involving law enforcement and policing practices also came to the forefront in 2020. The police killing of George Floyd sparked nationwide and global protests as well as demonstrations locally. Chief Madden says the poor choices and actions of some police officers can impact those dedicated to service. I understood the anger, but it was still a difficult time to take over. We do this job voluntarily; we care. Thats why we do this job. I just want people to know that and to know the incredible men and women that are there to protect and serve this community. Yarbough asked Chief Madden about deadly officer-involved shooting incidents in Chico over the past several years. He says such incidents have strong impacts on not only the community but officers as well. Its always tragic to be involved with something like that. You always ask yourself is there something else you could do to avoid that? With technology and new techniques, we learn from our past and we change and evolve. I just went through an update on Use of Force policy that came out on January 1, 2021. Its about making sure your officers are trained and have stills to go out and be successful. Chief Madden adds, Its a tough job and sometimes people forget that cops are human beings. We can train all we want but at the end of the day were humans and not robots. The community also moved through a tense national election season and changes to local political leadership. It was a difficult time to take over, admits Chief Madden. One of the things Im most proud of is that we really relied on relationships established in the community and so you didnt see the kind of violence and those types of things you saw in other cities, because of those relationships. Chief Madden outlined one new department effort now in the works, aimed at building stronger community bonds. A new Liaison Program will pair police command staff directly with specific and sometimes vulnerable communities to talk, learn, listen and ideally build more trust. Some of those communities include LGBTQ, African-American, Jewish, Hispanic, Native American, and even the college campus community. We will be assigning command level officers to a community and theyre going to meet with folks in that community and establish personal relationships and personal responsibility. Thats where we see change and transparency from your police department, explains Chief Madden. For anybody in this community, I want them to feel safe and want them to be protected. What I want to do with this liaison program will get conversations started, show people what we do and give them a more vested interest in wanting to serve their community. Chicos population is growing and demographics are changing. While the predominant population group remains Anglo, Yarbough asked Chief Madden if the department is committed to actively building a more racially diverse team. Theres a balance in trying to diversify and making sure we are well represented while maintaining high standards in hiring and backgrounds, said Chief Madden. A diverse staff is always good; it gives you a different perspective and represents the community; which your police department should do," he explained. "Weve taken active steps in our recruiting. Chief Madden said the department will work closely with Chico State Universitys Criminal Justice Program to attract a more diverse pool of potential candidates. Where does Chief Madden hope to take the department? He says he wants to continue focusing on infrastructure upgrades, beefing-up staffing, increasing communication and outreach efforts in the community and tackling increasing crime. Out of uniform, Chief Madden is a husband and father and devotes time to community programs for children. He grew up in Chico and said he has fond memories of taking dips at the Sycamore pool and other local creeks. He shared a childhood story of his own first encounter with police. I was about three or four years old and snuck out of the house to follow my brother all the way to Hooker Oak Elementary, but we lived at 7th and Oleander; it was quite a ways, Chief Madden said through a smile. Ultimately I met an officer because someone at the school called and said theres a kid out there. The officer shows up and I also have a Big Wheel with me. He starts pointing out homes, asking if thats my house. I said yes, but they were all wrong. Finally, he finds my house and my mom is in shock. But the funny part is that my mom was like, thats not his Big Wheel! After 28 years serving in law enforcement and now leading the department, Chief Madden says he is honored to hold the position of Chief. From day one until now, I love the job. Im excited every day to come to work. Despite all the things going on it is still a noble profession and it is an honor to be associated with it. Vodafone Idea's (Vi) December quarter results failed to budge brokerages into changing their bearish stance on the stock, even as the telecom operator reported narrowing of losses during the quarter under review. The debt-ridden telecom firm, on Saturday, reported narrowing of consolidated loss to Rs 4,532.1 crore in Q3FY21, mainly on account of a one-time gain from stake sale in Indus Towers. It had posted a loss of Rs 6,438.8 crore in the same quarter a year ago. The company's average revenue per user (ARPU) improved to Rs 121 from Rs 119 on a quarter-on-quarter basis. However, this was still lower than its competitors Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio that have an ARPU of Rs 166 and Rs 151, respectively. The percentage of customers leaving its network has come down to 2.3 per cent in the third quarter compared to 2.6 per cent churn in the previous quarter. But this figure is down over 11 per cent on a yearly basis. Irrespective, brokerages believe that fundraise and a tariff hike are of importance and the management has approved raising up to Rs 25,000 crore. The shares of the firm have gained 26 per cent since the end of September 2020 against a 41 per cent rise in Airtel and a fall of 9 per cent in Reliance Industries, parent of Jio. During the same period, BSE Sensex has gained 37 per cent and BSE Telecom 40 per cent, ACE Equity data show. Going ahead, analysts see up to 70 per cent downside in shares of and expect them to once again turn into penny stocks i.e. slip below Rs 10. Here's a look at what top brokerages said. | Sell | Target: Rs 3.2 | Downside Potential: 74% We believe a one-time capital raise would not be a sustainable solution to Vodafone Ideas balance sheet stress. We estimate the companys EBITDA would need to be 4x versus December 2020 quarter levels for to be FCF neutral; said differently, its ARPU would need to be higher by c.Rs105, or 1.9x of current levels. A rise in ARPUs can only be gradual, and thus for to get even close to the required 1.9x levels, the process of increasing tariffs would need to start in the immediate future. Sell rated with 74 per cent potential downside from current levels on our new 12-month target price of Rs 3.2 (from Rs3.3). | Underperform | Target: Rs 6 | Downside Potential: 51% Leverage remains unsustainable at 25 times even though it declined from 27 times in the previous quarter with the improvement in EBITDA. Further, we highlight that under-investment continues with capex of mere Rs 970 crore during the quarter and Rs 2,610 crore for entire 9MFY21. We believe that VIL needs meaningful capital infusion on an urgent basis to break out of this vicious loop of underinvestment and market share loss. ICICI Securities | Sell | Target: Rs 6 | Downside Potential: 51% VIL remains the weakest private telco. While AGR dues payment extension was a short-term breather, its survival hinges on quick capital infusion and tariff hike implementation. The need for capitalisation is of paramount importance mainly due to its lagging spends on network and relative market share loss. We will monitor triggers like fundraise, tariff hike, before changing our stance. Emkay Global | Sell | Target: Rs 5 | Downside Potential: 59% A deceleration in the pace of subscriber losses, lower churn and healthy 4G additions were definite positives in the quarter. That said, although sustaining them is crucial, it seems to be a daunting task given constrained capex spends. Bearing in mind the upcoming 4G/5G spectrum auctions, disputed timelines for AGR payment and deferred spectrum obligation starting from FY23E, we believe a single round of fund-raising will be like a band-aid on a bullet hole and will not be able to meet the impending cash burn of Rs 24,400 crore in FY21-23E - despite assumed tariff hike in FY22E. Even then, any positive outcome of the petition for the recalculation of AGR dues could be a game-changer and should reduce overhang. JM Financial | Sell | Target: Rs 7 | Downside Potential: 43% While the fundraise of Rs 25,000 crore will help VIL tide over near term liquidity issues, we estimate that VIL would require an ARPU of Rs 200-210 by FY23E to meet its payment obligations. We reiterate Sell rating due to the limited visibility on tariff hikes. MOSL | Neutral | Target Price: 11 | Downside Potential: 10% The significant amount of cash required to service its debt, leaves limited upside opportunity for equity holders, despite the high operating leverage opportunity from any source of ARPU increase. The current low EBITDA would make it challenging to service debt without an external fund infusion. Assuming 10 times EV-to-EBITDA with Rs 1.17 lakh crore net debt, it leaves limited opportunity for equity shareholders. We assign an EV-to-EBITDA of 10 times on a FY23E basis to arrive at our target price of Rs 11 per share. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The mother of a teenage patient at Crumlin childrens hospital has hailed the response to his plea for better Wi-Fi so he could do his homework. James Casserly (15) told yesterday's Lunchtime Live on Newstalk how the Wi-Fi quality in several rooms and wards was not strong enough to allow him to do his school work remotely. However, his mum Vicki told the show today there had been a phenomenal response the appeal. Somebody contacted us from Three Ireland. Under their SIMs for schools initiative, theyre going to make contact with Crumlin hospital to provide SIMs for children on the wards, with unlimited data. Theyre active until the end of the school term. Read More Its an absolutely phenomenal result. Its short-term, but theyre filling the gap. Its an amazing solution for all the kids that are in there, not just for himself, but he's still not letting go and is looking for Norma Foley to invest heavier in this, and you know hes right, it absolutely needs to be done. Vicki revealed how James has had three major surgeries since December 8 so he is a frequent flyer to the hospital. He wanted his voice heard, not just for him, for the other kids that he's got to know in there as well and he has done incredibly well. It takes a lot of confidence and courage to do that when youre not in the best of health. To go through what he's going through and still achieve that is brilliant, not just for himself but for the others in the hospital as well. I am his mom but I just think when I was 15, and I didn't have the health issues he has, I would struggle to just walk into a room because I was that shy. But he was able to go on national radio and articulate clearly enough his point so that people understood where he was coming from and why he wanted it and the different dynamics of it. Im very proud. Vicki also said they were both very grateful to a listener named Chay who is providing James with a smartphone with data to allow him to do his school work when he's in hospital. She added: "Another lovely company - Eduflix Ireland, which produces Junior Cert animate videos made contact with us. They're [offering] audio-visual grinds." Vicki told Lunchtime Live: "For the past nine and a half weeks weve been in and out with James who has cerebral palsy. He had to have both his femurs broken and reset, and then he had a few setbacks and other illnesses. He has to relearn to walk, and has had a very challenging few weeks managing pain and energy levels. Hes a good kid and he keeps positive." Yesterday, Crumlin children's hospital encouraged any inpatients and their families who have difficulty in connecting to the inpatient Wi-Fi, or have remote educational needs, to let their Ward Manager know and every effort will be made by the hospital to facilitate their needs. The hospital said an audit of its Wi-Fi locations aims to improve the situation where there is a weak or poor Wi-Fi signal. (Reuters) - A group of Buddhist monks marched against Myanmar's military junta on Tuesday, joining a campaign for an end to the generals' rule and for the release of detained leaders of the ousted elected government, including Aung San Suu Kyi. About 20 monks in dark red robes walked through the streets of the main city of Yangon to a United Nations office, urging citizens to join their protest. "I would like to request that all citizens help eliminate the power of the military dictatorship until we can get rid of this system," said one of the protesting monks, Sandar Thiri. Monks held an English-language banner with the message: "Monks who don't want a military dictatorship". Some wore red masks to ward off the coronavirus and carried signs saying "reject military coup". Thousands of people from all walks of life have come out onto the streets of towns and cities across the country to protest against the Feb. 1 military overthrow of the government of veteran democracy champion Suu Kyi. Historically, monks in the predominately Buddhist country have helped organise communities, and at times led opposition to authority, in particular during British colonial rule. Big pro-democracy protests in 2007 were called the "Saffron Revolution" because of the prominent involvement of monks. Those protests, though suppressed, ultimately led to the military's decision to gradually withdraw from politics, a process brought to a halt by this month's coup. The army took power alleging that its complaints of fraud in a Nov. 8 general election, in which Suu Kyi's party had won a landslide, were being ignored. It guaranteed on Tuesday that it would hold an election and hand over power, denied its removal of the government was a coup or that its leaders were detained, and accused protesters of violence and intimidation. (Writing by Robert Birsel; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free New Delhi, Feb 16 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld life imprisonment to a man who murdered two children by administering them celphos, a pest control fumigant. A bench, comprising Justices Indu Malhotra and Ajay Rastogi, said: "The prosecution case, in totality with motive of the crime that he was living in a relationship with the complainant Anju who had two children from the previous marriage, and had taken away the life of two minor innocent children at the very threshold of their life and murdered in a brutal manner by administering celphos to them, has been established." The bench noted that it is true that the punishment of remainder of natural life could not have been imposed by the trial court judge, but after looking into the case, it is appropriate to confirm the sentence of imprisonment for life to mean the remainder of natural life while upholding the conviction under Section 302 of the IPC. Gauri Shankar, who was found guilty of committing the murder of two children aged 4 and 2, had filed an appeal in the top court. He was convicted by the trial court on July 1, 2013, and the sentence confirmed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on December 13, 2018. Shankar initially pleaded guilty and did not claim trial. He admitted that he administered poison to the children as a result of which the children died within 15-20 minutes. However, at a later stage, he moved an application stating that he had no connection with the crime and that he had been misled by government counsel to make a wrong statement admitting his guilt. The top court noted that the trial court sentenced the accused with imprisonment for life for the remainder of natural life, which was not in the domain of the trial court, and this could have been exercised either by the High Court or the apex court. According to the prosecution, complainant Anju was married to Ajay Kumar and they had two children. Kumar was an alcoholic and died. Shankar, who was living in Anju's neighbourhood, brought her along with her two children to Punjab where the incident took place. He used to dislike Anju's children and had threatened to kill them. On March 18, 2013, Anju returned home from temple and saw her children lying on the cot struggling for life. She rushed them to the hospital where they were declared brought dead. Fianna Fail senator Erin McGreehan has welcomed news that an approval for the use of Muirhevnamor Community Centre as a temporary home for a gaelcholaiste in Dundalk now looks imminent. Once approval is granted, the school's proposed patron, An Foras Patrunachta (AFP), is set to source a more permanent base in the local area. Senator McGreehan commented: This is something that I have been working on this for quite a while, closely with the Minster for Education and her office. "It has been a high priority for me as parents have contacted me wondering about their childs possible education through Irish. Once documents are received by the Minister and approved, I am very sure that a positive outcome will come. The Louth Senator added: I want to commend the hard work of all those involved and thank the Minister for her time in taking into consideration this pilot project. A priority for me is to push for improved Irish language provision in schools. "I believe that gael scoilleanna are fantastic, however there is a geographic issue here. "They are not accessible for every child. I hope we can begin to incentivise schools to improve Irish language provision in all schools. By doing this, Gael Lu will be well populated and there will be plenty of students coming from primary into secondary who wish to be educated through Irish. (Natural News) Last week, CNN was tactically baffled by a simple question that grows stranger by the day: Why are investigators struggling to build a murder case in the death of US Capitol Police Officer Sicknick? (Article republished from Revolver.news) The stakes are high: Officer Sicknicks death is the only purported death by a largely tourist crowd that was let into the building by police, stayed inside the velvet ropes, seemed at least partly there out of confusion, for social media clout, or just for the memes, and that even the New York Times conceded caused limited property damage. Thats a far cry from murder. Yet MAGA is being blood libeled with a felony murder charge in the court of public opinion and at Donald Trumps impeachment, while potentially exculpatory evidence is silenced or sealed. As the Washington Uniparty mulls domestic terror laws over a MAGA Bloodbath, it increasingly looks like MAGA may have been Bloodbathed. Time is of the essence for the Feds to release all evidence, damn the guilty, or clear the MAGA movement of these serious allegations. So why are the Feds hiding the medical report? Narrative 1:0: The Brazen Lie The day after Sicknicks reported death, depraved toilet paper company and full-time libel factory known as The New York Times jumbo-tronned a massive, howler headline, later confirmed to be a Judith Miller-level damn dirty lie. Narrative 1.0 absolutely saturated the airwaves, editorials, and social media. Every MSM outlet from USAToday to the NY Post to the Daily Dot repeated that Sicknick was bludgeoned by a fire extinguisher. Not sources say. Not many believe just a totally unqualified, unequivocal statement of fact. In an unforgivable shocker, the House Trial Memorandum itself, which sets forth the very impeachment charges for which the 45th President stands accused, names Trump liable for insurrectionists that killed a Capitol police officer by striking him in the head with a fire extinguisher. Their source? The New York Times. But the toilet paper Times left a real stinker inside this one. Because every claim they made, every detail conveyed, was a lie. Law enforcement officials now tell CNN that there was no fire extinguisher blow, no bloody gash, and no blunt force trauma to Sicknicks body when he died. Not only that, but it is increasingly unclear when, where and if Sicknick was even rushed to the hospital. As it turns out, multiple hours after the protest had already concluded, Sicknick texted his own brother Ken that very night he was basically fine, other than being pepper sprayed twice, confirming he was safe and in good shape. Then, an odd thing happened. The next afternoon, the Sicknick family began getting phone calls that Officer Brian Sicknick had been declared dead. The phone calls didnt come from the hospital. They didnt come from the treating physicians. They didnt come from the US Capitol Police, or the FBI, or the DOJ. They came from media reporters. Certain privileged media personnel were evidently the first to receive sensitive information circulating among law enforcement officials that Brian Sicknick was dead. But then the story got stranger. In a dark, twisted echo of Monty Pythons bring out your dead scene, it turned out Sicknick was not dead yet. The US Capitol Police responded in a public statement late that Thursday evening that swirling media reports were untrue. Sicknick was still alive. One hour later, as Sicknicks family rushed to the hospital to see what they believed was their beloved Brian still fighting for his life, the US Capitol Police issued a further statement: now Sicknick was dead. But even that statement contained a curious detail: Ken Sicknick had been told his brother collapsed inside the Capitol building, then was rushed to the hospital. Wikipedias entry on Sicknick still has this as the official story. But the US Capitol Polices statement that night told a different story: he had returned to his office at the police division first. Sometime between Sicknick being fine, healthy, and back in his office on Wednesday night, and dead or effectively dead on early Thursday evening, Sicknick apparently suffered a stroke. The sequence of when and how that happened should be the easiest part of this story to put to bed. And yet we are being told to take this on faith or as the media likes to say: without evidence. Then the story gets even odder: Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the DOJ will spare no resources in getting to the bottom of what happened to Sicknick. Yet well over a month after his death, precisely zero information has been disclosed by the DOJ, the FBI, the US Capitol Police, the DC medical examiner, the hospital that cared for him, or the treating physicians. One full month after Sicknicks death, no autopsy has been released. For reference, autopsies take just 2-4 hours to perform, and preliminary results are typically available within 24 hours. Investigators are vexed by a lack of evidence that could prove someone caused his death. Authorities have reviewed video and photographs that show Sicknick engaging with rioters amid the siege but have yet to identify a moment in which he suffered his fatal injuries. Ominously, no findings from the DC medical examiner have been released. No announcements have been made by authorities about the ongoing process. The US Capitol building is one of the most video surveilled buildings on Planet Earth. And yet no internal video footage has been released by Federal authorities, or has been promised to be made available. Unannounced to anyone except incidentally in that Sicknicks memorial remains turned up in an urn instead of a coffin, Sicknicks body has been cremated. That means no further forensic analysis can be done to establish the cause or time of Sicknicks death. Why, one must wonder, would a family still searching for answers, who has no autopsy results, no death certificate, and no medical report, authorize a cremation? Did they? Narrative 2.0: Strategic Ambiguity and Rhetorical Conflation With Narrative 1.0 turning into a total mainstream media hoax, a bald-face lie the size and phrenology of Brian Stelters head, the Globalist American Empire (GAE) media is transitioning to Narrative 2.0: strategic ambiguity and rhetorical conflation. Sicknick wasnt killed by a MAGA mob. Sicknick died after sustaining injuries while physically engaging with protesters, per the Capitol police. Theyve silently removed the by, and added a while and a with. Then reframed the entire clause in the passive tense so 90% of readers conflate what happened and move on. But Injured while physically engaging is like dying with Covid. Even if you died in a motorcycle crash, they count it. Its a trick. But using this framing device, the memetic energy of Narrative 1.0 (the Brazen Lie) is preserved, without readers hard forking to a more accurate narrative that describes what investigators really believe happened that day: Officials Killed 5 People. But how exactly, did they die? We explore this disturbing question in part two of this explosive investigative series. Stay tuned, its about to get weird. Read more at: Revolver.news and Deception.news. MUSKEGON, MI From mom-and-pop corner stores to radio stations, Black-owned businesses have thrived in Muskegon for decades. Black business ownership in the community first started in the 1950s, and Kirk Bunke, site manager at the Heritage Museum, said its persistence over the decades reflects the entrepreneurial gene in Muskegon. The stories of the Black-owned businesses over the decades help tell the story of the Muskegon community. Pamela Smith, a business professor at Muskegon Community College, spearheaded the effort to highlight this history with a new exhibit at the Muskegon Heritage Museum called It Runs in the Family: 50 Years of Black Entrepreneurs. It tells the story of how important a role that African American business owners played in this growth in the city of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights, Smith said. Black-owned businesses were economic engines in 1950s Muskegons Black communities grew during the Second Great Migration from 1916 to 1970, when an estimated 6 million southerners moved to cities across the northern United States. Those that settled in Muskegon saw a path to economic success through business ownership, said Bunke. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Black-owned corner stores, dry cleaners, pharmacies, laundromats, funeral homes, restaurants, electricians and plumbers all popped up to provide goods and services in Muskegons segregated communities. Your businesses were totally supported by your neighbors and friends in your community because thats what the Jim Crow law demanded, Smith said. A dry cleaner started in 1955, a corner store in 1958 and four doctors opened practices from 1957 to 1960. These family-run neighborhood stores, though relegated to Black neighborhoods, drove the economic engine of their communities, according to the museum. Related: Search database of black-owned businesses in Michigan Following the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Muskegon saw a greater emergence of Black-owned businesses as the barriers were removed for entrepreneurs to integrate into downtown business districts. In 1968, Smiths parents opened Smittys Furniture & Carpeting, the first Black-owned shop in the downtown Muskegon Heights business district. And Hi-Style opened in 1978, becoming the first Black-owned retailer in downtown Muskegon. From the mid-60s to mid-80s, there was an excitement for entrepreneurship, Smith said. Nearly 30 businesses opened at that time and operated for over a decade, according to the museums records. Smith attributes this influx in Black-owned businesses to a strong economy, financial backing and the support of church leaders, the NAACP and the Urban League. By the 1970s, the steady growth of Black entrepreneurs hit a snag when the recession hit. It impacted not only the greater business community, but it probably impacted Muskegon and Muskegon Heights Black-owned businesses worse because this was a working-class community, Smith said. Through the economic decline and its fallout, several Black-owned businesses persevered. Smittys furniture store remained open until 2003. And Pattersons Drug Store, which opened in 1976 under the ownership of Muskegons first Black woman pharmacist Carolyn Patterson, celebrated its 45th anniversary last year before closing its doors. Patterson's Pharmacy, 2144 Hoyt in Muskegon Heights, in February of 2007. Carolyn Patterson opened the pharmacy in 1976 and operated it for 45 years. (MLive file photo) A continuum of Black entrepreneurship in Muskegon Smith says much of the community doesnt know about the rise of Black-owned businesses 50 years ago, but the entrepreneurial spirit is still alive. She pointed to Urban Apparel, a clothing store that opened in 2003, and the creation of 103.7 The Beat, Muskegons first Black-owned radio station, in 1994. Second and third generations are now opening businesses and thriving because of the hard work and challenges their grandparents faced, Bunke said. In Muskegon County, there are about 11,500 businesses, and 2,000 of those are minority-owned, according to latest census data from 2012. They show the continuum of entrepreneurship across the community, Bunke said. Thomas Smith pictured inside his store Urban Apparel and Accessories, LLC in downtown Muskegon Heights in 2007. (MLive file photo) In April of 2019, an organization called Black Wall Street Muskegon was formed to offer resources and networking opportunities for Black-owned businesses. Its name is inspired by the prosperous Black business community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was destroyed by a mob of white residents in 1921. Lashae Simmons II, the founder of Black Wall Street Muskegon, said Black entrepreneurship in the area is up and coming. However, she says Black-owned businesses still face barriers in getting off the ground. One of the biggest issues that I believe Black-owned businesses face today -- and Im sure then -- is capital and understanding how to create an ecosystem thats self-sustaining within a community, Simmons said. Black entrepreneurs face disparities in startup financing and raising external capital, plus they apply for loans less often than white entrepreneurs, according to research from the National Bureau of Economic Research. Despite the challenges, Simmons said Black-owned businesses in Muskegon are starting to boom with more than 100 involved in Black Wall Street Muskegon. The Muskegon Heritage Museums Black entrepreneurship exhibit will debut on Feb. 24 in a Zoom presentation hosted by Smith and Andrew Sims of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development. Visitors to the museum can also see the permanent exhibit by appointment until the museums regular season starts in May. To schedule an appointment, visit the museums website here for a contact form or call 231-722-1363. More on MLive: Will the pandemic be the final nail in the coffin for Michigans malls? Spots for recreational marijuana businesses greatly expanded in city of Muskegon Ice pancakes surround frozen Lake Michigan lighthouse BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New executive vice president of TransMedia Group Jennifer Weinstein brings a strong journalism background and experience of having worked for top media outlets from Dateline NBC to FOX News Channel. Weinstein's career began investigating news stories in New York where she grew her media contacts, honed her story development skills and became doggedly determined to uncover news, said TransMedia Group CEO Tom Madden. "We're honored to have someone with as much media savvy and PR experience as Jennifer join our firm," said TransMedia Group President Adrienne Mazzone. "In PR you live or die on how many media contacts you have and Jennifer brings an aircraft carrier full," said Madden, a former vice president of NBC. Weinstein uncovered investigative story ideas at Dateline NBC, churned out medical, fashion and pop culture segments for FOX news station in Miami, fought for consumer justice at CBS news affiliate in Ft. Myers and conducted major interviews via contract assignments for Inside Edition and E! News. "Jennifer also spent several years as a producer for FOX News Channel, covering and uncovering Florida-focused, national news stories ranging from NASA shuttle launches to economic issues and public policy," said Mazzone. On a constant quest for solid news, Jennifer began spinning her daily onslaught of weak PR pitches into credible news content more than 20 years ago. She enjoyed the challenge and creativity so much, she became a Multimedia Consultant/Project Manager for Fleishman-Hillard International Communications' Broadcast PR Division and later, Senior Producer of Multimedia Content for Vidicom, a global marketing company. She developed multimedia strategies for TV, radio and Web. Her news angles and broadcast content were instrumental in achieving major market placements for such clients as Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Schering-Plough and DuPont. Jennifer also produced and directed video news releases, long-form corporate videos, satellite media tours and public services announcements, including "Save the Tigers" for ExxonMobil and "Defeat the Heat" for QTG(Quaker/Tropicana/Gatorade). Weinstein graduated with a BS in Communications from University of Florida and won an Associated Press Broadcasters Award, special recognition from Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Bronze SABRE and other major awards. Jennifer brings to TransMedia a wealth of PR experience in FDA approvals, consumer health care, national consumer product launches and social education programs. Media contact: Justin Baronoff 561-750-9800 ; [email protected]. SOURCE TransMedia Group Related Links www.transmediagroup.com I assigned myself to the race beat years ago, before I even arrived at The Inquirer. I was writing for the Daily News at the time. No editor asked me to do it. I just took it upon myself. I had gotten frustrated by how in a city filled with so many Black and brown people, that so many of their stories and issues didnt make it into our pages. As an African American journalist, I stepped into the gap. Since then, Ive written hundreds of columns calling for justice for Breonna Taylor and Trayvon Martin, among others. I have also chided newspapers for taking so long to finally get around to capitalizing the letter b in Black. After the nations first Black and Asian female vice president called out Black women, I weighed in on how that felt. Once I revealed how old fashioned I am when I wrote about how I bristle when teenagers and children address me by my first name. Im not alone. Op-ed columnist Solomon Jones weighs in with his race-related columns every other week; my newspaper bestie Elizabeth Wellington keeps it popping in features with her hot takes, and Melanie Burney is out in South Jersey. African American journalists are a small but mighty part of The Inquirer, which, despite its progress in diversifying over the years, still has a newsroom staff that is three-quarters white. In a city that is 40% Black, thats just not right. A recently released content audit, commissioned by The Inquirer and conducted by Temple University, revealed that white reporters were more likely to write about white people. As a result, The Inquirers coverage skews largely white. Certain desks at The Inquirer such as the investigations team dont have any Black people. There are only two Black reporters on the news desk. Its shocking but nothing new. Inequities like these have existed for years not just here in Philadelphia but around the country. Its one of the reasons why I decided to major in journalism in college. I had this idea back then that I could be part of the change that the industry so desperately needed. After graduating, I moved around the country, interning at smaller newspapers. Often, I was in situations where I was the only Black journalist. When I landed in Philadelphia during the 1990s, it felt like I had arrived. Initially I worked at the Philadelphia Daily News, which back in the 1990s had a fair number of Black people on staff. But over the years, the newsroom shrank. The Daily News and Inquirer merged. Things changed. Still, going through the pages of the audit was disturbing. Its one thing to have a general sense of diversity issues in a newsroom and a whole other thing to see them quantified in a study. Temple began its work after The Inquirer published its infamous Buildings Matter, Too headline last summer in the aftermath of the uprising following George Floyds killing by Minneapolis police. Researchers examined The Inquirer over a six-week period and found that whites appeared in the vast majority of our stories. But Philadelphia is only 34% white. Granted, the region, which the paper considers its primary audience, is roughly two-thirds white. Still, seeing everything laid out in that 123-page report was disturbing. It also made me feel somewhat vindicated about my decision to include race as one of my areas of coverage. It has cost me, though. I get more than my share of haters. I have the emails to prove it. I also get challenged about why I write about the topics I do. Sometimes I want to respond by saying, Do you ever ask white journalists why they write about what they do? I already know the answer. Of course they dont. In their eyes, Im the anomaly. And if you consider the findings of Temples audit, they have a point. Thats why I often write about Black people. New Delhi, Feb 16 : The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has sent a notice to the Delhi Police in the case of the arrest of 21-year-old environmental activist Disha Ravi. According to the DCW, since the arrest of Disha, certain media reports have been suggesting that the arrest has violated legal procedures. The notice adds that according to media reports, Disha has been arrested for supporting the farmers agitation going on for the last three months on the borders of the national Capital. In the notice, the DCW has asked the Delhi Police for a copy of the FIR filed against Disha. The commission has asked, "Was procedure followed during Disha's arrest? Also, according to media reports, she was not provided the lawyer of choice before being presented in court." Several activists who know Disha have also claimed that during the arrest, even her parents were not informed about where she was being taken. Article 22 (1) of the Constitution gives every person the right to legal representation by a lawyer of choice. The Commission has sought information from the police about the action taken so far in the case. DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal said, "Disha has been arrested in a case related to the farmers' agitation. According to media reports, she was not given the lawyer of choice and legal procedures have not been properly followed. We have issued a notice to the police and sought information about the case. The police should certainly investigate the matter. But it is very unfortunate if the arrest was made for supporting the farmers' agitation. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Long Lost Family viewers said it was 'cruel and inhumane' that a woman who was reunited with her first-born son after she was forced to give him up as a teenager wasn't able to share a hug with him due to Covid-19. Retired nurse Julie Johnson, 59, from Lancashire, appeared on ITV's Long Lost Family on Monday after searching for her child Steven, who she gave away after falling pregnant aged just 14. Researchers discovered Julie's son was now based in Staffordshire and called Ian Pitt, but the pair had to wait six months before reuniting due to lockdown and Julie's undisclosed health problems, which saw her hospitalised and unable to even talk on the phone. But eventually Ian was able to enjoy a socially-distanced visit with his birth mother, who admitted: 'It'll be hard not to be able to give him a hug because I'll instantly want to give him a hug. But I won't be able to. I might have a few tears.' However, it was a bittersweet moment for viewers too, who were left upset that Covid-19 restrictions had ruined such a longed for moment. 'An adopted son meets his mother and sisters for the first time...and they can't hug (on camera anyway) because of social distancing. Cruel, inhuman and insane,' wrote one, while a second agreed: 'Is pretty pants with lockdown and social distancing. Not being able to give your mum a hug...just torture. Hope they've managed to get plenty in now and bubbled up.' Scroll down for video Retired nurse Julie Johnson (pictured with her son, who is now called Ian), 59, from Lancashire, appeared on ITV's Long Lost Family on Monday after searching for her child Steven, who she gave away after falling pregnant aged just 14. However, viewers branded it 'cruel' that the pair weren't able to share a hug due to Covid-19 (pictured) Taking to social media, one viewer penned: 'An adopted son meets his mother and sisters for the first time...and they can't hug (on camera anyway) because of social distancing. Cruel, inhuman and insane' (pictured) Grandmother Julie met her first love, Steven's father, at school when she was just fourteen and hid her pregnancy for five months before it was discovered. Remembering her family's reactions, Julie said: 'Instantly [it was] "you're too young, you're a child, it's better for you if the baby's adopted". I wasn't given a choice.' Julie gave birth to Steven on 2nd of May 1977 and was told not to hold him or see him, but ignored the suggestions and instead bathed him and comforted him for the first and last time. She said: 'I was told I couldn't see Steven, but I gave him a hug and told him I loved him. Forgiveness, that's what I pray for, to take a little bit of the guilt away for not being able to be his mum.' Researchers discover Julie's son is now called Ian Pitt, based in Staffordshire, but the pair have to wait six months before reuniting due to lockdown. Pictured, Julie as a teenager After Steven's adoption, Julie and his father stayed together and went on to get married before have three more children. But Julie insisted she thought of Steven each time one of her other children hit a milestone. The grandmother said: 'I thought of Steven when I saw them smile for the first time and their first steps. I never saw my first son grow up and reach all those milestones.' Julie and her husband drifted apart and divorced after fifteen years together. During that time, Steven was a secret that Julie kept from her other children, fearing they'd judge her. The terrified mother recalled: 'I thought they would think I'm a bad person.' But the children had heard a rumour of another child and when she was a teenager, Julie's daughter Sophie confronted her mother about Steven. 'I remember saying, if you ever want to find him, we'll back you one-hundred percent,' Sophie recalled, while Julie admitted: 'None of the children have held it against me. It's all in the open and that is lovely.' Over the last fourteen years the family told how they had contacted adoption agencies and even completed DNA tests in the hope it would lead them to Steven, but in the last year their search took on a new urgency when Sophie was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. In normal circumstances, the pair would've been reunited as soon as possible, but just days after Julie learnt her son had been found, the UK's first coronavirus lockdown began, meaning visit with one another had to be put on hold. Pictured, having a socially-distanced reunion on the show During lockdown, Julie became poorly and any contact, even on the phone, was also not possible. However, she was determined not to miss another of her son's birthdays. Pictured, her son with a card Julie sent Ian a card, the first which she can give him in forty-three years (pictured) Taking to Twitter, one person penned: 'I think this might be my favourite series of #LongLostFamily, its been heartbreaking, but also heartwarming and beautiful. Such wonderful stories and reunions Red heart There arent enough tissues in my house for this!!' 'When I got my diagnosis, we realised we might not have tomorrow, so we have to find him now,' said Sophie, who has thankfully now been told her cancer is in remission. With nowhere else to turn, the household approached Long Lost Family who enlisted the help of a specialist legally allowed to access adoption records. Julie's son's new name was discovered to be Ian Pitt, who was adopted by a couple from Staffordshire and still lived in the area with his wife Siobhan and close to his two children from his first marriage. Ian agreed to meet co-presenter Nicky Campbell and told him: 'I'm over the moon that she's come looking... to find out that I have got siblings unbelievable.' Co-presenter Davina McCall visited Julie who told her about giving-up her first-born. She said: 'I'm so glad I had that little bit of time, but I never saw him smile, never gave him a nursery rhyme, or saw his first birthday. I just hoped he was well looked after.' Davina revealed that thankfully this was the case to an emotional Julie who said: '[I] never thought this day would come. I feel so lucky.' Julie (pictured) broke down in tears as she recalled how she had little choice but to give her son up for adoption But eventually Ian was able to enjoy a socially-distanced visit with his birth mother (pictured), who admitted: 'It'll be hard not to be able to give him a hug because I'll instantly want to give him a hug. But I won't be able to. I might have a few tears.' In the show, Ian (pictured) agreed to meet co-presenter Nicky Campbell and told him: 'I'm over the moon that she's come looking... to find out that I have got siblings unbelievable.' In the show, Ian (pictured) agreed to meet co-presenter Nicky Campbell and told him: 'I'm over the moon that she's come looking... to find out that I have got siblings unbelievable.' In normal circumstances, the pair would've been reunited as soon as possible, but just days after Julie learnt her son had been found, the UK's first coronavirus lockdown began, meaning visit with one another had to be put on hold. Sadly, during this time, Julie became poorly and any contact, even on the phone, was also not possible. However, she was determined not to miss another of her son's birthdays and so Julie sent Ian a card, the first which she can give him in forty-three years. Six months later, with the first lockdown lifted and Julie feeling better, mother and son finally met in a tear-filled reunion. Ian said: 'I'm hoping this brings some kind of closure to the concerns which she's had over the years,' while Julie confirms this, adding: 'I now know I can go to bed and I don't need to worry. I can be happy. I feel it's complete now.' Afterwards Ian met his sisters, Emma and Sophie, who admitted: 'It's hard work that we can't just come over and grab you,' while he declares: 'I have a whole new family to get to know and enjoy and be part of each other's lives.' And many who tuned in were quick to take to Twitter to express their sadness that the mother and son were not able to reunite as soon as they had found each other. 'I think this might be my favourite series of #LongLostFamily, its been heartbreaking, but also heartwarming and beautiful. Such wonderful stories and reunions. There arent enough tissues in my house for this!!' commented one. A second penned: 'Covid-19...ruining family reunions since 2020,' while a third added: 'Lockdown was miserable enough but has reached a new low wrecking the reunions in #LongLostFamily.' Long Lost Family airs on ITV on Monday 9pm Hygiene and wellness brand Pee Safe on Tuesday said it has set up an offline store in and aims to open around 15 more stores in the next 12 months. These stores will be located mostly in tier III and IV cities, a statement said. Pee Safe's offline foray comes in light of the increased demand for hygiene and sanitation products amidst heightened awareness due to the pandemic, it added. "We have been working towards access to better hygiene and sanitation for Indians ever since our first product was launched...the demand only increased during the pandemic and despite initial challenges such as that of manpower, we ensured we kept the cycle going," said Vikas Bagaria, founder of Pee Safe and Raho Safe. Pee Safe's products are currently available in modern trade, general stores, organized stores across over 40 cities as well as online platforms. In March 2020, Pee Safe had launched another brand, Raho Safe to provide affordable hygiene and wellness products such as sanitary pads, disinfectants and hand sanitisers to consumers. Raho Safe recently brought on board actor Jacqueline Fernandez as its brand ambassador. Bhutanese actor and influencer Tandin Bidha is Raho Safe's brand ambassador in Bhutan. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi: After Greta Thunberg shared the "toolkit" on Twitter, climate activist Disha Ravi asked the Swedish environmental activist to delete her post fearing action under the stringent law UAPA as her name was mentioned in the document, Delhi police said on Monday. The police further claimed that Thunberg allegedly deleted the tweet following Disha's request and later shared an edited version of the document, adding that the edits were made by 22-year-old Disha. Police sources told PTI that Disha wrote to Thunberg on WhatsApp, "Okay can you not tweet the toolkit at all. Can we just not say anything at all for a while. I am gonna talk to lawyers. I am sorry but our names are on it and we can literally get UAPA against us." Disha made the request fearing registration of a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), police claimed. In the document, various urgent actions, including creating a "Twitter storm" and protesting outside Indian embassies, were listed which were needed to be taken to support the farmers' protest. A senior police officer reportedly said that while examining the WhatsApp chats between Thunberg and Disha Ravi, it came to notice that Disha had requested Greta Thunberg to delete the tweet as the "toolkit" had her name in the document. Live TV While responding to queries relating to the toolkit during a press conference at the Delhi Police headquarters, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell) Anyesh Roy said that it is not a static document. Notably, Thunberg had shared the "toolkit" to lend her support to the farmers' agitation against the three farm laws. Serco said its takeover of Whitney, Bradley & Brown could open the door to the Pentagon Outsourcer Serco is eyeing work for the US Space Force after snapping up an American defence contractor for 212million. The British company, which is among the contractors behind NHS Test and Trace, said its takeover of Whitney, Bradley & Brown (WBB) could open the door to the Pentagon. Serco is a major defence contractor and Rupert Soames, chief executive, said: Growing the scale, reach and capability of Serco in the largest defence market in the world is one of our objectives, and the acquisition significantly advances that. Serco employs 55,000 staff, with 25,000 in the UK, and expects annual revenues of 3.9billion for 2020. WBB specialises in advanced data analytics, AI and machine learning, and precision navigation and timing. Many of its staff are former senior US military officers. Serco hopes to win more work in space, where the Pentagon faces serious and growing challenges over weapons designed by China and Russia to cripple US space capabilities, which are heavily relied upon by its forces. Serco stock rose 4.6 per cent, or 5.5p, to 125.2p. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A current and former employee of a Connecticut restaurant both died from possible drug overdoses, authorities said after the bodies of the pair were found inside a storage room behind the eatery on Monday. According to Marco Siguenza, owner of Jack's Bar and Steakhouse in New Haven, the staff has been left devastated by the two deaths. 'We're sad, confused and a whole bunch of emotions we can't explain,' he said to WTNH. According to Marco Siguenza, owner of Jack's Bar and Steakhouse in New Haven, the staff has been left devastated by the two deaths 'We're sad, confused and a whole bunch of emotions we can't explain,' he said The pair were discovered by a building manager and a waiter who were getting ready for the lunch rush. Siguenza suspects that the duo snuck into the storage area during after hours. 'One of [them] was two days working here, basically still training,' he added. 'One was an ex-employee. He hasn't worked here in about a year.' Police also said that an unidentified third man was found in distress outside of the supply closet. It is believed that he was suffering from a drug overdose. That man, who Siguenza said had been an employee for over two years, has been hospitalized and is expected to survive. The pair were discovered by a building manager and a waiter who were getting ready for the lunch rush. Siguenza suspects that the duo snuck into the storage area during after hours Staff at the eatery are completely shaken up by the ordeal and are hoping to get a better understanding as to what happened. 'We're sorry for the families of these people, we feel the pain they're probably going through,' Siguenza said. 'I want everyone to know that this has nothing to do with the business itself.' Siguenza added that the restaurant - which reopened on Monday - is willing to help police any way that they can. According to Assistant Chief Karl Jacobson, authorities do not suspect foul play but they are looking to determine whether a batch of bad drugs were at fault. 'We would say to people thinking about using drugs in the area to use extreme caution until we figure out what this is,' Jacobson declared. The incident is still under investigation. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE With New Mexico at the center of a climate change debate, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams administration has asked the U.S. Department of Interior to clarify the workings of a recent order dealing with oil and natural gas drilling on public lands. In a letter last week, state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst said uncertainty caused by the order has already caused oil rigs to leave New Mexico for Texas, where federal land is more sparse. The recent DOI order achieves important operational goals that we support, but it has resulted in on-the-ground uncertainties that undermine our ability to safeguard New Mexicos economy and environment, Cottrell Propst wrote in her letter to a top federal agency official. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Specifically, the letter sought more clarification of whether the order applies to oil operators with valid drilling licenses and permits who still need right-of-way approvals for laying pipeline, among other issues. A state Energy, Minerals and National Resources spokeswoman said Monday that there were no updates to provide since the Feb. 9 letter, while the Governors Office indicated Cottrell Propsts letter speaks for Lujan Grisham and her administration. We continue to communicate directly with our federal partners, and evaluate the potential impacts of these actions and how we can successfully move forward together, Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Meyers Sackett told the Journal. Just days after taking office last month, President Joe Biden issued an executive order to indefinitely pause all new leasing activity on federal lands so the U.S. Department of the Interior can review leasing and permitting processes. In addition, a separate order issued by acting agency Secretary Scott de la Vega U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., has been nominated as Bidens interior secretary, but is not yet confirmed elevated decision-making on new drilling permits to senior department staffers for 60 days. The pause on new lease sales does not affect oil and gas drilling under valid existing leases in New Mexico and other states, according to the Interior Department. And state energy officials have recently pointed out more than 6,000 oil drilling permits have been acquired by operators primarily in southeastern New Mexico but not yet used. However, legislative economists have said an extended pause on all new leasing activity on federal lands would eventually lead to a decline in oil production, and some state lawmakers have suggested the federal government should compensate New Mexico for any related revenue losses. In fact, the letter comes as legislators are crafting a budget plan at the Roundhouse for the fiscal year that starts in July. The revenue uncertainty caused by the oil-drilling impacts of the federal orders has complicated that process, and state and legislative economists plan to update the states revenue outlook this week. More than 40% of the states roughly $7 billion in general fund revenue comes from the oil and natural gas industries, a figure that has increased in recent years, despite attempts to diversify the states economy. Larry Behrens, Western states director of Power the Future, a group that has opposed renewable energy mandates, said New Mexico should be a leader in seeking a waiver from the Biden administrations harmful orders. And U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell, the lone Republican in New Mexicos congressional delegation, has filed federal legislation that would exempt oil and gas development in New Mexico from the Biden administrations pause on leasing activity. However, the Governors Office has not said whether Lujan Grisham might seek such a waiver or any other type of action to blunt the orders budgetary impact. In addition, environmental groups have praised the Biden administrations climate change orders, with the director of the Sierra Clubs Rio Grande chapter recently calling them a necessary and critical first step to addressing such issues as methane waste and pollution. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (Newser) Thanks to the pandemic, there won't be any Mardi Gras parades this year in New Orleansbut what there will be is the Krewe of House Floats. That's the name of the initiative created by Megan Boudreaux in November when the city announced the parades had been canceled, after she casually mentioned on Twitter that she'd be turning her Algiers Point home into a standing float, handing flowers out to neighbors, and "[drinking] all day." Her brainchild now has more than 3,000 house floats (including her own nautical-themed "USS House Float") on its official map, not only in the Big Easy, but in dozens of other states. "It's a little surreal," Boudreaux tells NPR. "What was meant to be kind of an offhand comment turned into the whole city. It turned into the whole country." She says safety is her No. 1 concern, discouraging group tours and outsiders from coming to see the floats. This is meant for locals, with virtual tours set up for those outside of New Orleans. story continues below "It would be irresponsible of us to say, 'Yeah, please come visit New Orleans,'" she notes. "We want people to be safe." The New York Times documents some of the local artists and groups that have toiled away on this endeavor, with house float themes encompassing everything from a Candy Land board game and Little Shop of Horrors to ones incorporating musicians, well-known local groups that usually take part in the parades, and even national political figures like Stacey Abrams. "It's so New Orleans to take a bad situation and turn [it] into a positive," one local tells the paper. "We're not going to have [a] parade? OK, we'll decorate houses, and we'll find a way to employ artists and raise money for charity. This speaks to the resiliency of the people in the city." The Washington Post lists other ways to celebrate Mardi Gras this year, including watching the "Mardi Gras for All Y'all" program from home, dressing up, and chowing down on king cake. (Read more Mardi Gras stories.) New Delhi: From swearing OF President-elect Ram Nath Kovind to Nifty points and BSE index, check out top ten news from India and rest of the world at 7 PM in one scroll: 1.President-elect Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind pay tributes at Rajghat President-elect Ram Nath Kovind will take oath as the 14th President of India at Central Hall of Parliament at 12:15 pm on Tuesday. 2.Nifty breaches historical 10,000 points mark; Sensex hits new high of 32,374.30 in opening trade The NSE Nifty on Tuesday touched 10,000 point mark for the first time in history while broader index also opened at 10,010.55, gaining 44.15 points. 3. NIA to produce seven arrested Hurriyat leaders before Patiala House court today The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will produce seven Hurriyat leaders in Patiala house court on Tuesday. The separatist leaders were arrested by NIA on Monday in connection with its probe into the funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley. 4.Full detail of Ram Nath Kovinds swearing-in ceremony schedule Ram Nath Kovind will be sworn-in as the 14th President of India at the Central Hall of Parliament at 12:15 pm on Tuesday. 5.Eminent scientist Yash Pal dies at 90 Yash Pal, an Indian scientist, educator and educationist who is known for his contributions to the study of cosmic rays died at his residence in Noida on Tuesday at the age of 90. 6.Chinese jets intercept US Navy plane over East China Sea A US Navy surveillance aircraft was intercepted by two Chinese J-10 fighter jets in an unsafe manner over the East China Sea on Sunday, prompting evasive action by the formers pilot to avoid a collision, the Pentagon has said. 7. Driverless cars will lead to joblessness: Nitin Gadkari Driverless cars will not be allowed in India as it will lead to joblessness, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Monday. Instead the government will focus on training drivers as adequate driving skills can provide employment to about 50 lakh people, the road transport minister further added. 8. Supreme Court seeks response from Centre on plea for 10-year-old rape survivors abortion The Supreme Court on Monday sought the response of the Centre on a plea seeking abortion of a 10-year-old rape survivor from Chandigarh, who is 26-week-old pregnant. The Apex Court also ordered the childs examination by a medical board consented to by one of her parents. 9. Is 'The Kapil Sharma Show' going off air? Kiku Sharda opens up Kiku Sharda has rubbished the reports of 'The Kapil Sharma Show' going off air and said that Kapil's absence from the shoot is just because of his ill health. Apparently, there were reports that Sony TV is planning to pull off TKSS and hasn't even renewed Kapil's contract. 10. DTE Maharashtra CAP Round 3 Provisional Allotment list published The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra has published DTE Maharashtra CAP Round 3 Provisional Allotment List at Dtemaharashtra.gov.in. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Mumbai: Actor Sandeep Nahar, who had blamed his wife in a video and also mentioned politics" he faced in Bollywood in a suicide note" posted on Facebook, killed himself by hanging in the bedroom of his flat in suburban Goregaon here, as per preliminary probe by police, an official said on Tuesday. Nahar, who was in his 30s and featured in films like Akshay Kumars Kesari" and Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer MS Dhoni", was found unconscious at his flat on Monday evening by his wife Kanchan and friends who took him to SVR Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival, police had said. Hours before his death, the actor had posted a video and a suicide note" on Facebook in which he purportedly blamed his wife and also mentioned politics" he faced in Bollywood. Nahar was spotted hanging from the ceiling fan of his bedroom by his wife and her friends. They brought him down and rushed him to SVR hospital in Goregaon where he was declared dead on arrival," the official said on Tuesday. He said the door of Nahars bedroom was locked from inside. As frequent knocks by the actors wife on the door of the bedroom failed to evoke any response, she called her friends, the owner of the flat, and a key-maker, the official said, adding the door was finally opened with a duplicate key. On Tuesday, brother and father of Nahar reached the Goregaon police station to claim his body to perform his last rites, he said. According to the official, no complaint was lodged so far from any side. On the basis of a primary information, Goregaon police has registered a case of accidental death and awaiting postmortem report. The official said police will record statements of Nahars wife, as she was the first person to spot him hanging, and of others who had rushed him to hospital. In the video posted by the actor in Hindi, he can be heard saying that he was frustrated" with constant fights with his wife and was being harassed and blackmailed by her and also by his mother-in-law. I wouldve died by suicide a long time ago but I chose to give myself the time and hope that things would get better, but they didnt. I now have nowhere to go. I dont know what awaits me after I take this step, but Ive been through hell in this life. I have only one request, after I am gone, please dont say anything to Kanchan (his wife) but do get her treated," he said. According to police, Nahar had probably posted this video around three hours before his death on Monday. In the suicide note", purportedly written by Nahar, he mentioned about politics" he faced in Bollywood, unprofessional functioning and the lack of emotions in people working in the industry". A drunken, off-duty New Jersey state trooper was more than two times over the legal limit when he struck a Hoboken police car near police headquarters early Saturday morning, authorities said. Roy Sanchez, 28, of Secaucus, was arrested on Hudson Street at 1:57 a.m. and charged with DWI, reckless driving and possession of open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle passenger compartment, Hoboken Lt. Danilo Cabrera said. Hoboken Police Officer Harry Montalvo was traveling east on First Street from Washington Street when he saw Sanchez driving a white Chevrolet the wrong way on First Street. As they both approached Hudson Street, Montalvo activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop Sanchezs vehicle, Cabrera said. Sanchez turned right onto Hudson and struck a snow pile, then put his vehicle into reverse and struck Montalvos police cruiser, Cabrera said. Sanchez pulled over in front of Hoboken police headquarters and was administered a field sobriety test by Hoboken Police Officer Daniel Grossi. Grossi determined that Sanchez was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle and Sanchez was arrested. Cabrera said breath samples revealed Sanchezs blood-alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit of 0.08, but an exact figure was not provided. A New Jersey State Police spokesman said Sanchez, who has been a member of the department for three and a half years, is currently suspended without pay. In 2018, Sanchez was credited with saving a mans life when he fashioned a makeshift tourniquet with a computer cable and a decorative arrow he found inside the Knowlton Township home where a man was accidentally shot in the leg. The City watchdog is facing a furious backlash over its handling of the Neil Woodford savings scandal. As the disgraced fund manager prepares to make an audacious comeback, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been accused of 'dragging its feet' over its investigation into the implosion of his investment empire. And campaigners, MPs and peers are calling for a separate inquiry into the FCA and its supervision of Woodford Investment Management in the build-up to the collapse in 2019. Under fire: Neil Woodford wants to launch a new fund while campaigners accuse the Financial Conduct Authority of 'dragging its feet' over its investigation into the implosion of his empire Such an inquiry could heap further embarrassment on Andrew Bailey, who was chief executive of the FCA for four years until March 2020 when he became Governor of the Bank of England. A separate review has already found Bailey and the FCA responsible for a number of failings over London Capital & Finance, which also collapsed in 2019, leaving 12,000 savers facing losses of up to 237million. But the Woodford scandal was even more costly, and pressure is mounting on regulators to bar him from the fund management industry until a full investigation has taken place. Hundreds of thousands of savers lost more than 1billion after Woodford's Equity Income fund fell apart two years ago. Many of them were customers of Hargreaves Lansdown, a Woodford cheerleader for years who critics also believe should be investigated. Liberal Democrat peer Lord Lee, said: 'I would have thought Woodford should certainly wait for the outcome of the FCA's investigation before making a return. Everybody is taken aback that he's come back so quickly.' One British fund manager, who did not wish to be identified, said: 'I believe in being innocent until you're proven guilty, but letting Woodford go out there and manage money for people ahead of the conclusion of the investigation I think is wrong.' Collapse: Hundreds of thousands of savers lost more than 1billion after Woodford's Equity Income fund fell apart two years ago. Woodford's largest fund, Woodford Equity Income, was frozen in 2019, locking in 3.7billion of savers' money. It has since been wound up, with many investors getting back far less than they put in. Woodford sparked anger last weekend as he revealed plans to launch a new firm, aimed at professional investors. Cliff Weight, a director at Sharesoc which represents small investors, is furious at the FCA's delay. He said: 'They are toothless and are moving at a glacial pace. They are dragging their feet and not doing enough.' The jersey hot potato The City watchdog has broken its silence on Neil Woodford's plans to rebuild his career. The FCA said it was in talks with Jersey regulators over Woodford's new firm, WCM Partners, which will be based on the island. Woodford's plans to start his new business on Jersey had raised eyebrows, as the island does not fall under the jurisdiction of the FCA. But the FCA's director of enforcement Mark Steward said Woodford's new business 'would need to apply for appropriate permissions before commencing any regulated activity in the UK'. He said he is in contact with Jersey regulators 'and agreed with them that we will both share information on any application made in our respective jurisdictions'. Justin Modray, of Candid Financial Advice, said: 'I'm mystified why there has not yet been an inquiry into the FCA's role in the Woodford fiasco. There was arguably a catalogue of oversights.' Fund manager Alan Miller of SCM Direct, who campaigns for transparency in financial services, added: 'It is simply immoral that the FCA inquiry commenced in 2019, is yet to be completed and does not look into the FCA's role anyway.' He and his wife Gina Miller wrote to the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee yesterday, saying the FCA's delay was 'nothing short of an insult to the hundreds of thousands of small investors'. They demanded that the committee order an independent inquiry into the regulator 'to avoid the habitual and depressing repetition of such scandals'. 'Too often the perpetrators of financial wrongdoing seem to slip off the hook, many to start up new lucrative operations while it is ordinary savers who suffer the brunt of this wrongdoing,' the Millers added. Tory MP Kevin Hollinrake said the FCA was 'asleep at the wheel'. 'I think the Treasury Committee should be doing an inquiry, saying to the FCA: Why didn't you look at this more closely?' he said. Mark Steward, director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said its investigation into 'the events that led to the suspension' of the Woodford Equity Income Fund 'is progressing though there has been some impact on accessing certain documents and witnesses during the pandemic'. He added: 'I recognise the time taken to investigate causes frustration among those affected by a firm or fund failure and who are, understandably, looking for answers. We look at what all the evidence tells us before we make conclusions about what, if any, misconduct has taken place and who is responsible, if it has. It is only then that we can assess what, if any, sanction we should put in place.' The budget declared an aggressive disinvestment" targetof 1.75 trillionwith little clarity on how it will be achieved. Achieving it poses a challenge that cannot be met without thinking outside the bureaucratic sandbox. India, save for a brief period of time during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era, has followed a partial privatization model focused on raising revenue by selling non-controlling stakes in public sector units (PSUs) while retaining total control over the decision-making apparatus at these companies. To be fair, India is not alone in succumbing to the attraction of partial or revenue privatization. A study by Jones, Megginson, Nash and Netter (Share Issue Privatizations as Financial Means to Political Ends, Journal of Financial Economics, 1999) shows that only 11.5% of the firms in their sample were completely privatized between 1977 and 1997, and less than 30% sold more than half their equity. Moreover, the firms that were fully privatized were largely concentrated in the UK and France, while firms in other countries were partially privatized. This strategy suffers from steeply diminishing returns. Its first drawback is that despite being partially privatized, these firms are hamstrung by political interference and managerial inefficiency, and thus lag others in market valuation. This means that the government is unable to monetize its shares at fair value. Secondly, this strategy puts an upper bound on the extent to which these assets can be monetized, as the government may not be willing to see its shareholding drop below the 51% mark. Indias government faces both these constraints. Its PSUs, especially banks, currently trade at a steep discount to their private-sector peers, and its shareholding in most is very close to the 51% threshold. Moreover, some PSUs may have raised debt by leveraging their status as government sponsored or controlled entities, and so a fall in the Centres stake to a level under 51% may violate such covenants. On the other end of the spectrum, the sale of controlling stakes in PSUs could also prove difficult. Given the nature of Indias polity, strategic privatization will likely face opposition from unions and activists, apart from political brinkmanship and legal challenges. Several thorny economic issues will also have to be sorted out. Primary among these will be to disentangle the status and value of several concessions that PSUs enjoy by dint of being public in nature. These concessions range from land parcels in prime areas to exclusive access to public resources. Some of these concessions are critical to their profitability, and valuing them fairly or extricating them from the disinvestment process will be difficult and riddled with controversy. Another model of monetizing PSUs involves financial engineering. PSUs can use their physical assets and status as government-backed companies to raise substantial amounts of debt, which they can then transfer to the government either as dividends or via share buybacks. Another tactic could be to get cash-rich PSUs to buy other PSUs. This tactic, similar to a Matryoshka Doll holding structure, allows the government to monetize its stake without losing control. However, both these models of financial engineering ignore the key economic argument for privatization. Its primary rationale is not just to raise revenue, but to increase efficiency, limit political interference and expose PSUs to market discipline. The value of a firm lies in the efficiency of its operations and not in the nature of its ownership. The governments goal should not be to merely get money, but to maximize the value of its assets. This can be achieved with or without a controlling stake. Temasek, for example, is one of the most successful holding companies in the world. It is wholly owned by Singapores government, but professionally run with the sole objective of maximizing the value of its investments. One way for Indias government to maximize the value of PSU shares would be to consolidate them in a newly-constituted holding company to be run by professional managers. This would free PSUs from the clutches of the bureaucracy and professionalize their management and decision-making. This will also allow them to take advantage of the synergies of being managed under a single umbrella holding company. The government can then offload small stakes in this holding company to raise revenue. This way, it can maximize value and raise revenue without losing control. Another strategy is to separate the rights of control, management and cash flows at PSUs. This can be done through a multiple-class share structure in which the government relinquishes management rights and dilutes its cash flow rights, but retains control through golden shares. Megginson, Nash and Randeborgh (The Financial and Operating Performance of Newly Privatized Firms: An International Empirical Analysis, The Journal of Finance, 1994) show that this method has been used successfully, especially in the UK. The privatization of Volkswagen, in which the German state of Lower Saxony retains a 20% voting interest, is an example. While the government is under pressure to raise privatization revenue, by focusing on financial engineering or partial stake sales, it risks missing the woods for the trees. A more holistic approach would be to focus on long-term value maximization. PSUs have hoarded huge resources over the years that are yet to be fully valued. One must be careful not to kill the goose capable of laying golden eggs just to fulfil short-term goals. Diva Jain is director at Arrjavv and a probabilist who researches and writes on behavioural finance and economics. Her Twitter handle is @DivaJain2 Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. South Africa's drugs regulator said on Monday it had approved an implementation study of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine, clearing the way to start the country's first inoculations among frontline health workers. South Africa has yet to launch its COVID-19 vaccination programme and the government has decided to go with the J&J dose after trial results this month showed AstraZeneca's two-shot vaccine was less effective against the new variant of the coronavirus dominating South African infections. "SAHPRA has approved the implementation study," the regulator said in response to Reuters questions, adding it was still reviewing its separate application for full market use. The study, similar to the final phase of a vaccine trial, will test the effects of the vaccine in the field after it is administered to 350,000-500,000 health care workers. The first batch of J&J's 80,000 doses is expected to arrive this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa told lawmakers on Thursday. J&J was the first pharmaceutical major to apply to SAHPRA in December to register its COVID-19 vaccine; Pfizer and AstraZeneca have also since applied. South Africa is the African country hardest hit by the coronavirus, accounting for over a third of the continent's infections and almost half of the deaths, led primarily by the new, more contagious variant called 501Y.V2. SAHPRA said J&J has not yet submitted a special domestic application for emergency use authorisation of its vaccine - known as a Section 21 application. Normally valid for six months, Section 21 authorisation allows emergency use of a product that is unregistered, SAHPRA officials said. Last week, the co-lead for the local leg of J&J's vaccine trial, Glenda Gray, said that J&J had made a rolling submission to the regulator and its application was "being processed for emergency use." Gray clarified on Monday that J&J had applied for "early access" - essentially seeking approval to use its vaccine for the implementation study. This differs from an emergency use authorisation (EUA) approval, which the company has not yet applied for, she said. J&J did not immediately respond to an email requesting further details. SAHPRA said it was also processing J&J's application for full market registration as part of a rolling review approach, which allows data to be evaluated by SAHPRA as it becomes available. The rolling review is one of several methods the domestic regulator is pursuing to help fast-track vaccine approvals. Short link: Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 09:53:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SAO PAULO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian city of Araraquara on Monday became the first in Sao Paulo state to decree a total lockdown after registering 12 locally-originated cases of the Amazon variant of COVID-19, the government reported. The 15-day lockdown aims to prevent further transmission of the P1 variant detected in individuals who have not traveled to the Amazon area, Edinho Silva, the mayor, told reporters. "The new mutations of the virus are more transmissible and are generating complications in more younger patients," Silva said. Araraquara, located northwest of the capital Sao Paulo, was already in the red phase of the pandemic and had restrictions in place. Sao Paulo, the country's most populated state, is one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. The decision coincides with Carnival time, Brazil's biggest annual festival, which was canceled to avoid large gatherings nationwide. The decree bans non-essential activities and limits the movement of people through the city with checkpoints in place. Supermarkets can operate until 8:00 p.m. local time while all other authorized essential activities must close by 7:00 p.m. local time. Enditem Microsoft has begun testing the browser-based version of its xCloud streaming service, according to a new report from The Verge. The company is reportedly testing the web-based offering behind closed doors ahead of a public preview this Spring. By allowing users to access xCloud in-browser, Microsoft will be able to circumvent new App Store rules being imposed by Apple that are currently preventing it from supporting iOS platforms. The guidelines state that any streaming service that launches on the iOS App Store must participate in the wider App Store ecosystem. That would force Microsoft to create a separate iOS app for every single title available to stream though xCloud. By letting iPhone and iPad users access xCloud through browser, Microsoft would be able to support those platforms without flouting Apple's guidelines. It's being reported that Microsoft intends to bundle the web based version of xCloud into the Xbox app on Windows 10, and that it will be supported on browsers including Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Images of xCloud running in-browser have also been acquired by The Verge (shown below), highlighting features including a simple launcher, game recommendations, and a fullscreen mode. A member of the legal team of former President John Dramani Mahama has accused the media of unfairness. This was after Journalists during the press briefing after the Supreme Court dismissed Mahama's application to reopen his case to enable him subpoena Madam Jean Mensa queried why the petitioner wants to get the EC Chairperson in the witness box at all cost. Dr Dominic Ayine said Madam Jean Mensa has a responsibility of being accountable to Ghanaians and to explain why the figures of the 2020 election keep changing 'up till now'. He felt instead of querying the petitioner, the media should rather direct their questions to the EC boss to unravel why she really doesn't want to testify. "They are running away from giving evidence and as Journalists, I think you should be asking them more critical questions than you are asking the petitioner . . . at the risk of being petty I think you are being unfair to the petitioner; you journalists are being unfair to the petitioner," he decried. Information Minister-designate reacting to this wondered why the lawyers for the petitioner feel the media is being unfair. According to him, "you are our colleagues in the media we won't fight with you; we won't say you are not being fair to us or argue with you like they are doing; infact, we apologize on their behalf to you . . ." SC ruling The Supreme Court has in a unanimous decision dismissed former President John Mahama's motion to reopen his case. Mr Mahama sought to reopen his case to enable his lawyers to subpoena Madam Jean Mensa to appear before the court and testify as a hostile witness. A ruling delivered by Chief Justice Anin Yeboah said "we accordingly refuse the application and proceed without any hesitation to dismiss it" Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 16:28:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Combo photo shows Ju Wenxue in Luojiahe Village in Baota District of Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 10, 2021 (C, photo taken by Shao Rui) and his father Ju Enkuan (R) and mother Li Jinhua (L) at the door of their house in Linfen, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 12, 2021. Ju Wenxue, 42, serves as the first secretary to Luojiahe Village of of Yan'an City. This year he chose to stay put at his position during the Spring Festival. As a part of the preventative measures against COVID-19, China has encouraged people to stay locally for the Chinese New Year. Many Chinese chose not to go back to their hometowns for family gatherings, opting instead to stay where they were for the most important holiday of the year. Xinhua reporters helped those who didn't go back to their hometowns "reunite" with their families in pictures. (Xinhua) Somewhere amid the shiny glass towers of Dubai where Instagram influencers flaunt their bodies and their riches, stands a villa on the beach. But this is no ordinary residence and its occupant is not one of the pleasure seekers who flock to the Arabian emirate for its luxury shopping, nightlife and sandy beaches. For this is a prison and behind the locked doors and barred windows is Princess Latifa al-Maktoum, whose spectacular attempt to flee the country of her birth ended in her being drugged, kidnapped and incarcerated under armed guard in her 'villa-jail'. In a remarkable series of haunting videos smuggled from her captivity, the 35-year-old daughter of Sheikh Mohammed-al-Maktoum, Dubai's autocratic ruler and horse-race loving friend of the Royal Family has described how she is being held hostage by her father and in fear for her life. The remarkable footage, obtained by the BBC's Panorama also reveals details of how her dramatic 2018 escape, involving jet skis and a yacht, ended in her brutal recapture and forced repatriation. She says she was seized by gun-toting commandos who stormed her boat with smoke bombs and stun grenades, drugged her and returned her to Dubai where her captors told her she would 'never see the sun again'. Her desperate bid to break away from her suffocating life in the United Arab Emirates revealed the dark underbelly of life under the absolute rule of Sheikh Mohammed. Last year the High Court in London ruled that he had not just 'ordered and orchestrated' the abduction of Latifa but also of a second daughter, Princess Shamsa, who was snatched outside a pub in Cambridgeshire. At the same time the court found he waged a campaign of fear against his sixth wife, Princess Haya, 45, who fled to Britain last year with their children, Jalila and Zayed, terrified for her safety. Princess Latifa has not been seen in public since December 2018, when she appeared in a stage-managed photo call with former Irish president Mary Robinson labelled a PR stunt by some. After that appearance in which Mrs Robinson declared the princess was 'in the loving care of her family' remarks that triggered a storm Latifa, who seemed to be under medication, vanished. Until now. Friends managed to smuggle a phone to her and she began to secretly record videos about her capture. She filmed them in a bathroom as it had the only door she could lock. Looking pale and frightened, she describe the dramatic moment when the yacht on which she made her failed escape attempt, skippered by a hired French adventurer, was boarded by Indian troops after eight days at sea. Princess Latifa al Maktoum, the kidnapped daughter of Dubai's ruler, has smuggled a series of haunting videos out of captivity describing herself as being held 'hostage' by her father 'I kept saying you can't take me back,' she recalled. 'I want asylum and we're in international waters. You can't kidnap me. They were just on a mission and they were given orders.' Latifa describes how she fought with two Emirati officers and bit one of them on the arm before her hands were zip tied and she was later tranquilised to keep her quiet. Desperate to start a new life in the West away from the stifling conventions of Dubai, where all women must obey a man, she embarked on an escape that had all the ingredients of a Hollywood blockbuster. Smuggled from one of her father's palaces, she was driven across the border into Oman from where she took a dinghy off the coast of the capital Muscat into the Arabian Sea. There followed a rendezvous with Frenchman Herve Jaubert, a spy who had once escaped the UAE disguised in a burqa, and who was waiting for her with jet skis. They then sped across the waves 15 miles to his yacht Nostromo. But the 100ft-long vessel was being tracked and was ambushed as she neared the Indian coast. Photos taken in 2018 and released by the UAE ministry of foreign affairs showed Latifa posing with the former Irish president and UN high commissioner for human rights Mary Robinson In her video messages, Latifa describes clinging on to the side of the vessel, before being dragged off on to the Indian military boat. 'I was fighting as hard as I could. My flip flops came off so I was barefoot. I didn't have any weapons. I was tied. I was up against a lot of people with weapons. It wasn't easy,' she says. Once on the commandos' boat she describes how she was restrained and drugged: 'The one who was sitting on my stomach, he grabs my chest and he says to me: 'Shut up, shut up', so I got really, really angry and I was hitting him with my hands and screaming at him to get off me and I was so, so angry and I just kept fighting with him really hard. 'Nobody cared, but eventually because I was really, really, really struggling a lot, the other Emirati guy told him: 'Get off her' and he sat on me and he helped the other guy tie up my legs but I was fighting. 'This guy came with a small pouch, like a camouflage pouch and he took out a needle and he injected me in my arm.' She passed out and when she came to she was already back in Dubai. 'I noticed that my hands were like really bruised and swollen, especially my left hand, because the zip ties were still on me and I was still on the stretcher, still tied to the stretcher,' she claims. Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Derby day at Epsom in 2017 with his estranged wife Princess Haya of Jordan who later fled the country in fear for her life For three months the princess says she was held in the Al Alwir jail before being transferred to the villa on the beach. In the videos she describes her solitary imprisonment. 'I am in a villa, I'm a hostage,' she says. 'This villa has been converted in to a jail. All the windows are barred shut. There are five policemen outside and two policewomen inside the house. 'I can't even go outside to get any fresh air.' The recordings were made at considerable risk to her personal safety and smuggled out of Dubai to her supporters in Britain who are campaigning for her release. The Princess one of the Sheikh's 30 children by six different wives tells how she has been imprisoned and threatened with being shot unless she co-operates with the official statements issued by her father. 'I don't know when I will be released .. . Every day I am worried about my safety and my life, I don't know if I am going to survive.' Princess Latifa's ID Card which states her full name as Sheikha Latifa Mohd Rashed Almaktoum She adds: 'The police threatened me that I'll be in prison my whole life and I'll never see the sun again. 'I don't want to be a hostage in this jail-villa, I just want to be free. I don't know what they are planning to do with me, I really don't know.' The videos will be a source of embarrassment to Mrs Robinson who visited Latifa and following her meeting declared her a 'troubled young woman' without asking if she was being held against her will. Mrs Robinson, a former UN commissioner for human rights, now says she was 'horribly tricked' into attending the stage-managed meeting and had been surprised to see photos of her 'private' meeting with Latifa released to the media. She said she had been told the princess suffered from bipolar disorder and that she should not discuss the condition with her. 'I was deeply tricked when the photographs went public, horribly tricked,' she told the BBC. Pictured: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum with his sixth wife, Princess Haya, 45, who fled to Britain last year with their children, Jalila and Zayed, terrified for her safety 'I mean that was a total surprise. I was absolutely shocked.' The meeting had been arranged by the Sheikh's now ex-wife Princess Haya, who was later to flee from Dubai in fear of her own life after her affair with one of her bodyguards was exposed. In one video message Latifa says of Mrs Robinson: 'She said I was mentally troubled. She said that I was a troubled young woman, and I had a serious medical condition and I was getting help for it. 'That's implying that I have psychiatric problems. She knew that I was OK . . . it was all a set-up.' The secret messages emerged about a year after the princess's recapture and are thought to have been filmed over several months. Campaigners hope the videos will encourage the United Nations to press for the princess's release. They emerged after she made contact with a friend, Finnish fitness instructor Tiina Jauhiainen, who took part in the failed escape bid, and a lawyer, David Haigh, who together set up the Free Latifa campaign. Tiina first met Latifa in late 2010 when she started giving her martial art lessons. Over the years, Latifa confided in her and in 2017 asked for help in trying to escape. Speaking of the videos, Tiina said: 'She is so pale, she hasn't seen sunlight for months. She can basically move just from her room to the kitchen and back.' Mr Haigh said: 'These videos go right to heart of the lie that Princess Latifa is happy being held in Dubai. 'She was kidnapped and is a held hostage. She has made these videos in the hope that the outside world will realise that she is being held against her will.' A third of parents say the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to get dental care for their children, a new national poll suggests. But some families may face greater challenges than others. Inability to get a dentist appointment during the pandemic was three times as common for children with Medicaid versus those with private dental coverage, according to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health at Michigan Medicine. Regular preventive dental care helps keep children's teeth healthy and allows providers to address any tooth decay or dental problems before they become more serious. Our findings highlight how the pandemic may have disrupted families' dental care and exasperated potential disparities among those with insurance barriers." Sarah Clark, M.P.H., Mott Poll Co-Director Some parents attempted to continue their child's regular dental check-ups, only to find a lengthy wait time for an appointment, Clark says. Others found that the dental office had closed or reduced patient visits to urgent cases. But the Mott Poll report revealed a silver lining too: One in four parents described improvements in how their children are taking care of their teeth and gums at home during the pandemic. The nationally representative report is based on responses from 1,882 parents with at least one child ages 3-18. Clark speaks more about the Mott Poll findings and dental care recommendations for families below: 1 in 3 parents cite challenges getting preventive dental care The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that children receive regular teeth cleaning and exams every six months, starting when their first tooth comes in. Check-ups provide a consistent opportunity to identify and treat tooth decay, to apply protective treatments like sealants and fluoride varnish, and to educate parents and children about good dental hygiene. But to protect patients and staff, some dental offices have changed or limited their operations to limit the spread of COVID-19. Sixty percent of parents in the poll have tried to get preventive dental care for their child since the pandemic started. While most got an appointment in the usual timeframe, 24% experienced a delay, and 7% could not get an appointment at all. Overall, one in three parents (32%) feel COVID-19 has made it harder to get preventive dental care for their child. Clark says a challenge for parents during the pandemic has been keeping up to date on the many changes in schedules and operations, from schools to stores to health care providers. "Parents who were unable to get a dental appointment for their child should check back with their regular dentist, as lengthy wait times or patient restrictions may have changed," she says. COVID-19 safety concerns may delay care This Mott Poll suggests that some parents are worried about the risk of COVID-19 exposure during a dental visit and are delaying making a dental appointment for their child. The majority of parents who didn't attempt to schedule preventive dental care for their child during the pandemic cited COVID-related reasons. Some 40% don't want to risk getting exposed, while 23% say the dentist office was closed or only seeing urgent patients. Other parents say they did not call for an appointment because their child wasn't due for dental care or wasn't having any dental problems. Most parents (67%) believe it's safe for their child to get dental care at this point in the pandemic, while 14% feel it's unsafe and 19% are unsure. Clark recommends parents who are concerned about COVID exposure to contact their child's dentist to learn about what types of precautions have been put in place. These may include patient and staff screenings and temperature checks, and having patients wait in their cars rather than the waiting room. "It may be helpful for dental providers to be proactive in reminding parents about the importance of regular dental check-ups for children," she says. "Reminder notices and website updates outlining changes to practice operations may also help more parents feel safe bringing children in for their visit." Insurance barriers contribute to dental health accessibility Barriers to dental appointments occurred more frequently for children with Medicaid dental coverage compared to those with private dental insurance. Among parents who tried to get their child in for preventive dental care, 15% of parents of children with Medicaid dental coverage reported not being able to get an appointment, compared to 4% of those with private dental insurance and 5% who had no coverage. Clark notes that even outside the pandemic, these children often have difficulty finding a dentist, as many providers don't accept Medicaid payment. Some children receive preventive dental services through school or public dental clinics, but those services have decreased during the pandemic. Among parents who didn't try to schedule a preventive dental appointment, cost was the reason for 23% of parents who lacked dental insurance, compared to very few of those with private or Medicaid coverage. "Insurance barriers may lead to unequal opportunities for families to receive dental care critical to keeping their children's teeth healthy," Clark says. 1 in 4 parents see improvements in child's oral health habits An unexpected finding from the Mott Poll report was that a fourth of parents reported improvements in their child's oral health habits during the pandemic. This included more frequent brushing (16%), flossing (11%) and use of fluoride rinse (9%), and less drinking of sugary beverages (15%). Overall, 28% of parents say their child has made at least one positive change, including more parents of children with Medicaid (37%) or no dental coverage (32%) compared to private dental insurance (24%). "We were pleased to find parents describing positive changes in how their children are taking care of their teeth at home," Clark says. "Daily brushing and flossing and avoiding sugary drinks are important ways to prevent tooth decay. "Parents whose child is not getting regular dental check-ups should take extra steps to improve daily oral health habits, particularly if regular dental care has been delayed or disrupted," she adds. Taste and see that the Lord is good. For Joel Clarkson, a composer and Berklee College of Music graduate, words like these (from Psalm 34:8) offer much more than a metaphor. In Sensing God: Experiencing the Divine in Nature, Food, Music, and Beauty, Clarkson, now pursuing a theology PhD at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, shows how our physical senses can point the way to a larger understanding of our Creator and his workmanship. Recording artist and record producer Charlie Peacock spoke with Clarkson about the many touch points between Christian faith and everyday life. What does it look like to cultivate a theology of the senses? We live in a world of experience, and this is a core aspect of our faith. Its not that faith is on one side, with everyday experiences on the other. These actually go together. Within our daily lives, there are many touch points: the food we eat, the music we listen to, the people we meet, and the nature we encounter. I hope my book conveys the idea that the world, and our lives within it, are crammed with heaven. Heavenly activity doesnt just occur during transcendent moments, like seeing the northern lights or hearing a beautiful concert. Even amid the mundane, we can encounter Gods presence. And this isnt a matter of doing something new so much as changing our perspective within the space we already occupy. Enjoying God through our senses opens up a larger experience of the world and life in Christ. Scripture is full of the language of desire, and we are called to worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness. Our intellect and senses work together toward the end of loving God with our whole hearts. In the book, I argue that we love and desire beauty ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. Acting Energy Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Vitrenko confirmed an appeal to the Cabinet of Ministers to consider the issue of changing the leadership of Naftogaz Ukrainy as a result of the Prime Minister's order to analyze the failure to fulfill the plan to increase internal gas production. "I appealed in response to the relevant instruction from the Prime Minister. The State Audit Service checked Naftogaz at the end of last year, and the production plan, which shows a decline, not an increase, only recently was delivered to the ministry," he told journalists at the Ukraine 30 forum on Tuesday. According to Vitrenko, appropriate personnel decisions should be made in response to violations in Naftogaz Ukrainy identified by the State Audit Service and failure to fulfill the plan to increase production. "Decisions, in particular personnel decisions, have to be made based on the results of the already conducted inspection of Naftogaz [...] We, as the authority that forms the public policy in the energy sector, have shown and said that Naftogaz is not fulfilling the national task of increasing its own gas production instead of increasing production, it reduces [...] Naftogaz has a supervisory board that was supposed to monitor this. Unfortunately, it did not effectively monitor that, therefore, appropriate decisions must also be made," Vitrenko said. MAITLAND, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Concerns over the magnitude of COVID-19's effect on the timely detection and management of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers has led an elite team of researchers, including Dr. James Solomon and Dr. Matt Leavitt of Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, to participate in research that has been published in the January 19, 2021 edition of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD). Dr. Solomon and Dr. Murray Cotter also participated in a recent study that demonstrated the effectiveness of total-body skin cancer exams, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Journal. "Reduced access to care due to COVID-19 has raised concerns that patients with potential skin cancers may have had material delays in detection and care," said Dr. Solomon, who is the Director of Research and Principal Investigator of Ameriderm Research, the research division of Advanced Dermatology. "This study assessed the magnitude of delays in initial skin cancer diagnosis and management." With institutional review board approval, data from January 2019 to August 2020 were analyzed from available outpatient-chart reviews of 143 US dermatology practices (350 providers) covering 4.7 million patients across 13 geographically distributed states. The number of diagnosed cutaneous melanomas, cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) was determined. "Total 2020 skin cancer diagnoses trailed that of 2019, with 279 fewer cutaneous melanomas, 6000 fewer cutaneous SCCs, and 9914 fewer BCCs detected," said Dr. Solomon. "Extrapolating these findings to the full US population (330 million), an estimated 19,600 cutaneous melanomas, 421,300 cutaneous SCCs, and 696,100 BCCs have had materially delayed initial diagnosis or treatment." "Although skin cancer diagnoses have now returned to the same-month 2019 baseline, our findings suggest that a large backlog of skin cancers remains undiagnosed. These delays may lead to skin cancers presenting at more advanced stages." The ASCO published study explored the effectiveness of dermatology providers performing total-body skin cancer exams versus partial skin exam screenings and concluded that skin cancer is detected at significantly higher rates using total-body skin cancer exams. In fact, it concluded a total-body skin cancer exam is 23.5 times more likely to identify a melanoma than a Pap smear is to identify a cervical cancer. "The bottom line is that skin cancer didn't take a break due to COVID-19," said Dr. Solomon. "If you're due for your annual total-body skin cancer exam, get it on your calendar. We're taking strict safety measures to protect your health and to give you the peace of mind to get the care you need." ABOUT AMERIDERM RESEARCH Ameriderm Research was created in 2006 by Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Executive Chairman and Founder Dr. Matt Leavitt, to find new and better ways to treat patients with dermatologic conditions through FDA-supervised clinical trials of leading-edge drugs, devices and other treatments. Ameriderm Research's Director of Research and Principal Investigator James A. Solomon, MD, PhD, has been performing clinical trials since the 1970s and has assembled a highly skilled team which conducts its clinical trials in Ormond Beach, FL. To learn more about Ameriderm Research or to inquire about our clinical trials, visit www.AmeridermResearch.com. ABOUT ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY AND COSMETIC SURGERY With more than 140 offices in 14 states, Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery is the nation's premier dermatology practice. Advanced Dermatology is committed to providing comprehensive and unparalleled dermatologic and aesthetic care in a welcoming and engaging environment and seeks to combine the best of the art of medicine with the latest advances in research and technology. To learn more, visit AdvancedDerm.com. Contact Sheryl Garelick PRfect Creative Cell: 352.255.9731 | [email protected] SOURCE Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery TRIPOLI: The International Organization for Migration (IOM)has said that over 300 illegal migrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast over the past week. Precisely, "In the period of February 9-15, 318 migrants were rescued at sea and returned to Libya," said the UN migration agency on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. Thus far in 2021, a total of 2,274 illegal migrants, including 213 women and 160 children, were rescued at sea and brought back to Libya, it said. The agency also said that 20 illegal migrants died and 70 others went missing on the Central Mediterranean route so far this year. Due to the state of insecurity and bedlam in the North African nation following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly Africans, opted to cross the Mediterranean from Libya towards Europe. In 2020, 323 migrants died and 417 others went missing on the Central Mediterranean route, while 11,891 illegal migrants were rescued and returned to Libya, according to the IOM. Conversely, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), along with the IOM and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), distributed relief items to nearly 1,000 asylum seekers and migrants in a detention centre in Tripoli, the UNHCR said. "While we provide assistance to detainees, we reiterate our call for the release of the most vulnerable and an end to arbitrary detention," the UNHCR said. Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi's detention extended till Feb 17 German, French Ministers discuss preparations for EU Foreign Affairs Council Kamala Harris discusses these issues with Macron Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Delhi Commission for Women has issued a notice to the Deputy Police Commissioner, Cyber Crime Cell and the Delhi Police on February 16, asking for copy of FIR raised against the 21-year-old climate activist Disha Ravi, as well as reasons for allegedly not producing her before local court for transit remand. The notice also seeks information regarding the detailed action taken against the activist. "This is a very serious matter," it said in the notice, asking that this information be shared with the commission by February 19. Read the full list of demands of here: Disha Ravi, a 21-year-old climate activist, was arrested by the Delhi Police on February 13 for her involvement in the toolkit case.The police claim she is an editor of the Google document, which was a guide sheet to stoke economic, cultural, social and regional tensions in India. The toolkit, at the centre of the controversy, was tweeted by Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg while voicing support for the farmers protesting in India. "If this arrest has been done to support the agrarian movement, it is very unfortunate," Swati Maliwal, Chairperson of the Delhi Commission of Women said in a tweet. Experts are concerned about the rise in infections in third-level education (PA) Coronavirus outbreaks in workplaces and colleges are causing concern, public health doctors in Ireland said. More than 100 cases have been discovered at a university in Galway and a number of other people are awaiting test results. Expand Close Dr Ronan Glynn warned against relaxing restrictions too quickly (Brian Lawless/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dr Ronan Glynn warned against relaxing restrictions too quickly (Brian Lawless/PA) Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said: We simply cannot have that on a population level right now to continue to suppress the disease. Dr Glynn said it was too soon to make plans for people to see each other at Easter. He said the focus was still on ensuring children could return to school. He recognised that those who have received a vaccination, such as people in residential homes, deserved to see a route out of lockdown after such a long time confined. There have been no new deaths reported to Irelands Health Protection Surveillance Centre on Monday. As of midnight on Sunday, the health system had been notified of 821 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Dr Lorraine Doherty, clinical director of health protection at the HSE, warned against sacrificing all the gains made during the weeks of extra restrictions. We are concerned about the rise in infections in third-level (education). They continued to deal with workplace outbreaks. She said too many people were coming to work with symptoms and they were seeing infections in a range of workplaces. Not enough attention has been paid to two-metre social distancing, people were mingling during breaks or popping around plastic screens to chat, she added. Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team There have been no new deaths reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre @hpscireland today. There has been a total of 3,948 #COVID19 related deaths in Ireland. Department of Health (@roinnslainte) February 15, 2021 A number of outbreaks are being dealt with in meat plants. The public health experts told a briefing: There is simply too much disease in our communities still to advise people to be meeting up with one another. Dr Glynn said, with the commencement of vaccination of people aged over 85 in the community, today marks a significant milestone as we seek to protect the most vulnerable from this pandemic. It is an extraordinary testament to science that less than one year since our first case in Ireland, we are now in the process of rolling out three effective vaccines. The challenge now is to continue to suppress this disease so that as many people as possible can benefit from these vaccines over the coming months. As of Monday morning, the over-85s cohort began to receive their vaccines at selected GP practices. Dr Sumi Dunne, GP, said: The level of vaccine confidence and enthusiasm for vaccination in this group has been widely reported, along with a sense of relief as hope for a normal life returns. Migrants: EU Commissioner Johansson flies to the Balkans On a mission from Thursday, she will visit Lipa camp (ANSA) - BRUXELLES, 16 FEB - The European Commissioner for the Interior, Ylva Johansson, will be in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania from Thursday to Saturday to personally check the situation of migrants in the border areas with Croatia and Greece, the EU executive reported. On Thursday, Johansson will be in Bosnia-Herzegovina. She will meet with national political authorities to discuss the severe migration crisis management in recent months. The Commissioner's next destination will be the Una-Sana Canton, and the city of Bihac, where she will meet the governor and the mayor respectively, and visit the camp of Lipa destroyed on the eve of last Christmas, where about a thousand people still live in very precarious conditions. In Lipa, the Commissioner will be accompanied by representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other United Nations agencies. Johansson will then reach Albania, where on Saturday, after a round of meetings with representatives of the government and the opposition, she will go to the Kakavia border crossing with Greece to assess the joint Frontex-Albania mission. (ANSA). Copyright ANSA - All rights reserved NORTHWOOD, Iowa A Mason City man accused of a high-speed chase in Worth County is pleading not guilty. Jeffrey Lynn Hook, 44, is charged with eluding and OWI. A sheriffs deputy says Hook was clocked doing 80 miles per hour on Highway 9 on December 14, 2020, and reached 93 mph before finally pulling over. Court documents state Hook smelled of an alcoholic beverage when he was arrested. His trial is scheduled to begin on March 31. LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LiteForex was recognised as the "Best ECN Broker, Africa", "Best Copy Trading Platform, Southeast Asia" and "Best Retail Forex Trading Platform, MENA" by Global Brands Magazine during the 2020 Forex Awards Program. LiteForex was chosen by Global Brands Magazine's jury among tough competition and was recognized for being a reliable Forex trading platform across many continents. The Global Brand Awards is an annual event held by Global Brands Magazine (GBM), an international publication headquartered in the UK. The award aims to recognize global brands achieving excellence in performance across a broad range of sectors while keeping its readers updated on key trends surrounding the branding world. Immedis was evaluated based on customer service, satisfaction, innovation, consistent growth and quality of service. Aleksey Smirnov, CEO at LiteForex commented: "For over 15 years, LiteForex has been providing its clients with the opportunity to trade in the financial markets. The broker maintains a leading position in this area. I confidently declare that at the moment we have one of the best platforms for trading and copying trades, and I am glad that it has got such a prestigious award. Our team is constantly developing and improving the platform, working on new services and keeping the already functioning one up to date. We always pay special attention to the development of technologies and the security of our clients' funds. We are grateful to our clients for the inspiration they give us and we always try to anticipate the needs and desires of our traders and affiliates. We want to thank you for choosing LiteForex as your broker." The LiteForex Company firmly expands its services and regularly opens new offices. LiteForex now has representative offices in over 15 countries. The number of partners willing to represent the LiteForex brand is only increasing. LiteForex is represented in 216 countries and thus our clients can get assistance in their native languages wherever in the world. Everyone can be a part of LiteForex. It's easy and fast ;to start Forex trading with LiteForex. The registration process is smooth, and the low initial deposit lets anyone become a fully-fledged market participant. About LiteForex LiteForex is a high-tech reliable ECN broker with a strong reputation. lients can exploit a safe user-friendly online platform for high-speed trading available in 15 global languages and providing access to a great deal of in-built tools for price chart analysis. The fans of the most popular trading platform MetaTrader 4/5 can use it as well. Trading with LiteForex means: high-performance platform, low floating spreads, market execution with no requotes, professional assistance and access to exclusive analytical materials and signals. About Global Brands Magazine (UK) Global Brands Magazine (GBM) has been on the forefront, bringing news, views and opinions on brands that are shaping the future of their industry. The UK-based magazine provides its readers with the latest news and information on 'best-in-class' brands across the globe. Each year, GBM develops a series of awards for companies that stood out having a unique vision, exceptional service, innovative solutions and consumer-centric products, among their industry leaders. About Global Brand Awards: Global Brand Awards honours brands for their excellence in performance and rewards companies across different sectors for the quality of their services. The Brand Awards highlight accomplishments of organizations that have performed remarkably well in the field of Finance, Education, Hospitality, Automobiles, Lifestyle, Education, Real Estate, Technology and several more. The GBM Brand Awards recognize key players who make progress toward excellence by providing a platform to acknowledge their efforts. In addition, GBM strives to create awareness concerning the significance of such organizations and reward them for their notable efforts with the ultimate global recognition. SOURCE Global Brands Publications Limited Winemaking giant Treasury Wine Estates has cancelled a potential demerger of its high-end wine brand Penfolds and has switched its focus to divesting some of its US brands as it looks to increase international sales in the face of Chinas anti-dumping tariffs. Treasury had said as recently as last week it had temporarily paused its work on a potential demerger of Penfolds, however, chief executive Tim Ford told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald the mooted $6.5 billion spin-off was now no longer in contention. Treasury Wine Estates chief executive Tim Ford. Credit:Simon Schluter The company instead unveiled plans to split its business into three internal divisions of Penfolds, Treasury Premium Brands and Treasury Americas, along with a series of divestments relating to its US assets which it hopes will return at least $300 million to the business. The focus right now is purely on this new divisional operating model weve announced today, Mr Ford said. Thats how were going to run the business for the foreseeable future, and weve stopped any work on demerger options. The rate of total COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts is comparable to that of a number of other states across the U.S., according data from the U Gardai are seeking the public's help in tracing the whereabouts of Maggie Reilly, 15 years, who is missing from the Blackrock area of Co Cork since Saturday. She is described as being approximately 5 foot tall and of slim build. She has brown hair and blonde highlights, and blue eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts are asked to contact Gardai in Anglesea Street on 021 452 2000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was confirmed as director-general of the World Trade Organization on Monday, becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the global trade body. Okonjo-Iweala was appointed by the WTO after the last remaining rival candidate, South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee, withdrew from the race. She will take up her post on March 1, initially for a term that runs until August 2025. An economist and former finance minister of Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala enjoyed broad support from WTO members including the European Union, China, Japan and Australia. The United States, under the Trump administration, had favored Yoo. 'Deep reforms' The WTO was established in 1995 with the aim of promoting open trade for the benefit of all. It negotiates and administers rules for international trade and tries to resolve disputes among its 164 members. But the organization has struggled to prevent trade spats among member states, most notably the United States and China. The Geneva-based body has been without a permanent director general since Roberto Azevedo stepped down a year earlier than planned in August. Okonjo-Iweala has acknowledged the need for reform. "It feels exciting and it feels daunting at the same time. I look forward to the challenge ... deep reforms are needed to rebrand and reposition the organization," she said during an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour. Okonjo-Iweala said ramping up global efforts to combat Covid-19 was also a priority. "One of ... top priorities that I have, that I'm passionate about, is how can trade and the WTO play a stronger role in bringing solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic, both on the health side but also on the economic side," she told CNN. Okonjo-Iweala said that while economic recovery was reliant on trade, solving public health challenges also required "good trade." Okonjo-Iweala spent 25 years at the World Bank as a development economist, rising to the position of managing director. She also chaired the board of Gavi, which is helping to distribute coronavirus vaccines globally, stepping down at the end of her term in December. In response to concerns that rich countries are not doing enough to share vaccines, Okonjo-Iweala said that the WTO needs "rules that will allow access and equity for vaccines, and therapeutics and diagnostics." "That's a big issue for me, how do we get the solutions to the present pandemic?" she said during the interview. Paul Kagame, the president of Rwanda, had expressed worries that developing countries are unable to access adequate vaccine supplies for their citizens. "Rich and powerful nations have rushed to lock up supply of multiple vaccine candidates," Kagame said in a Guardian newspaper op-ed published on February 7. "Worse, some are hoarding vaccines purchasing many times more doses than they need. This leaves African and other developing countries either far behind in the vaccine queue, or not in it at all," the Rwanda president added. Okonjo-Iweala's appointment has been hailed as a significant achievement by people in her native Nigeria and an #ankaraarmy referring to the distinctive African print she wears has already formed online. One user tweeted: "Hillary [Clinton] had a pant suit army. We are going to create an #AnkaraArmy for NOI! Get ready, the date is February 15th..." Hanna Ziady and Charles Riley contributed to this report. Calvin Lucock drives his Mercedes 4x4 at full speed to one of the four hotels that his company runs in Puerto Rico, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the south of Gran Canaria, in Spains Canary Islands. The coronavirus curfew is approaching and the streets are deserted. Most of the hotels in this area are empty. Lucock is a stout 47-year-old from the United Kingdom. Next to him in the passenger seat is his Norwegian wife Unn Tove Saetran, 51, who owns three restaurants on the island. She wears a green trench coat and her eyes are shining, like they always do lately. They park the car, and before they are even at the doors of the resort, two little kids from Mali are clinging to them, a Moroccan man is telling them about his day, and a group of migrants from Senegal is waving at them from their balcony. Its been five months now since their lives were turned upside down. Its the first time that we are doing something that we feel has any sense. The other things were just for money Calvin Lucock, managing director of Holiday Club It all began last summer. Lucock, the managing director in the Canary Islands for the hotel company Holiday Club, sat down with his team. It was a critical meeting. The coronavirus pandemic was devastating the tourism sector: travel restrictions, quarantine rules and contagion fears had led to record-low numbers of visitors. And there was no sign of the pandemic letting up. Due to the lack of tourists, the company would be forced to put its more than 100 workers on the governments ERTE furlough scheme. Meanwhile, Lucock had been watching as migrants continued to arrive, only to find themselves stuck at the port facility in Arguineguin, a village of 2,500 residents that is part of the tourist town of Mogan on Gran Canaria. Last year, around 41,000 migrants arrived by land and sea in Spain, of which more than 20,000 were received by the Canary Islands. The surge put the region, located off the northwestern coast of Africa, under enormous strain, forcing authorities to improvise temporary shelters in schools, hotels and ports, such as the one in Arguineguin. As the tourism situation on the island became increasingly dire, Lucock decided to join the other hotel businesspeople who had decided to offer accommodation to the growing number of migrant arrivals. It was a financial decision, he says. I had to reactivate the business. Unn Tove Saetran hugs one of the migrants staying at Puerto Calma hotel. Javier Bauluz On September 12, the first migrants arrived at Puerto Calma, a resort run by Holiday Cub with a pool and sea views, where more than 400, men, women, teenagers and children are currently staying. Although the couple were convinced it was the best decision for the company, they admit that they had their fair share of worries and prejudices. They wanted the new guests to be treated with the same care and friendliness as typical tourists, but they also took extra safety precautions. It was a step into the unknown, says Lucock. Who would stay with us? How would they behave? Would they be violent? We had the same fears that I understand others have due to a lack of knowledge. The two laugh at themselves when they remember how they removed a cactus from the entrance to the hotel, fearing that it could be used as a weapon in a fight. That very day [when the first migrants arrived] our way of thinking and our perspective on life began to change, says Saetran. Fifty scared, freezing and desperate young people got off that bus after sleeping for days on the ground at the port in Arguineguin. Migrants continued to arrive by boat to the island, and Holiday Club, which receives 42 a day for every person, offered a second hotel to accommodate them. In theory, the owners and managers of the tourist complexes that take in migrants in the Canary Islands are only responsible for renting the space and managing staff. But Lucock and Saetran have ended up putting their heart and soul into helping their new guests. They began to spend an increasing amount of time at the hotel, sorting out dozens of needs that had gone unaddressed. One day they are buying clothes, coats and shoes, the next, they are in the consulate. They have asked their own lawyer to help with asylum requests and they offer emotional support to deeply traumatized people who have never seen a psychologist. A helping hand The couple remembers how their 16-year-old daughter hugged a woman who, after being held in quarantine in a room for two weeks, began to talk to the mirror. It was the first time that she had opened the door, and we were very worried about her, says Saetran. At Puerto Calmas outdoor cafe, and later in an email, she recounts the stories of some of the hotel guests. Such as Ayoub, a 19-year-old from Morocco whose family lives in a garage without electricity or water; or Osman, from Senegal, who suffered abuse after being disabled in a car accident; Ibrahima, a 16-year-old teen from Gambia, who spent nine days on a boat to reach the archipelago, watched three of his friends die on the journey and had to toss their bodies into the ocean. Then there is Yousef, a child from Morocco with no family whose autism has gone ignored; and Abdelhak, who is seriously disabled and cannot walk without help. We have been very successful, says Lucock. We have been traveling for 10 years, going to the best hotels and restaurants. We didnt realize that we have everything, or what world we were living in. But these months have revolutionized our lives. Its the first time that we are doing something that we feel has any sense. The other things were just for money. The couples home is often open to anyone who needs it youngsters who want to play PlayStation or the child who was evicted from the hotel for behaving badly. Sullaiman, a youth from Sierra Leone who saw his parents killed when he was six, has also joined the family. The situation is a far cry from what has been seen in some migrant shelters in Gran Canaria, where tensions continue to soar. Locals blame undocumented immigration for what they say is a rise in crime a point refuted by authorities and have organized several protests under the banner: There arent enough beds for so many people. Migrants, on the other hand, have been targeted by vigilante groups and fear leaving their shelters. Fears of deportation have also led some to self-harm. None of the migrants want to be in a hotel or to depend on the state. They just want to move forward, to begin their lives Calvin Lucock, managing director of Holiday Club It would be naive to say that there are no tensions. There are tensions in any big group of people and we have people who have been here for five months. They are desperate, says Lucock. The couple decided to speak to EL PAIS because nearly six months have passed since the first bus arrived at Puerto Calma, and their now-friends remain in limbo. They want the authorities to do more. We understand perfectly the difficulty of managing this situation, but the fact is that the people are already here and we have to do something, says Lucock. Not doing anything with 9,000 people is not an option. I understand that deportation is part of the solution, and sadly it will be the end of the journey for many of them. But we also have to work at integrating those who will not be sent back. And this has to be done now, he continues. They cant continue to stay in hotels and camps. Why dont they allow those who have family in Europe to travel? None of them wants to be in a hotel or to depend on the state. They just want to move forward, to begin their lives. English version by Melissa Kitson. The study of over a million people in England indicates that clearer testing criteria is needed to A study of over a million people in England has revealed additional symptoms linked with having coronavirus , which could include chills, loss of appetite, headache and muscle ache. While these wider symptoms were noted in addition to the known or so-called classic symptoms of loss of sense of smell and taste, fever and new persistent cough, around 60 percent of infected people did not report any symptoms in the week leading up to their test, the Imperial College London led Real-time Assessment of Community Transmission (REACT) study revealed on Wednesday. "These new findings suggest many people with COVID-19 won't be getting tested and therefore won't be self-isolating because their symptoms dont match those used in current public health guidance to help identify infected people," said Professor Paul Elliott, director of the REACT programme at Imperial. "We understand that there is a need for clear testing criteria, and that including lots of symptoms which are commonly found in other illnesses like seasonal flu could risk people self-isolating unnecessarily. I hope that our findings on the most informative symptoms mean that the testing programme can take advantage of the most up-to-date evidence, helping to identify more infected people," he said. Swab tests and questionnaires collected between June 2020 and January 2021 as part of the study showed that among these other symptoms, chills, loss of appetite, headache and muscle aches were together most strongly linked with being infected, alongside the four so-called classic symptoms. Having any of these other symptoms or the classic ones, either alone or in combination, was associated with infection with the coronavirus and the more symptoms people showed the more likely they were to test positive. The study also found that there was variation in symptoms with age. While chills were linked with testing positive across all ages, headaches were reported in young people aged 5-17, appetite loss in 18-54 and 55 , and muscle aches in people aged 18-54. Infected 5-17-year-olds were also less likely to report fever, persistent cough and appetite loss compared with adults. The research also explored whether the emergence of the UKs new coronavirus variant, first identified in Kent, was linked with a different profile of symptoms. While symptoms were broadly similar, in January this year compared to November-December 2020, loss or change to sense of smell was less predictive of having COVID-19 , while the proportion of people testing positive with a new persistent cough appeared to be increased. "As the epidemic progresses and new variants emerge, its essential that we keep monitoring how the virus affects people so that testing programmes meet changing needs," said Dr Joshua Elliott, from Imperial College Londons School of Public Health. "We hope that our data will help inform testing guidance and the development of systems which could help better identify people who should take a COVID-19 test based on their symptoms," he said. People in England are currently encouraged to take a COVID-19 test if they have at least one of the four classic symptoms: loss of sense of taste, loss of sense of smell, fever, new persistent cough. This is called "Pillar 2 testing". Based on the new REACT study findings, the researchers estimate that current Pillar 2 testing would pick up around half of all symptomatic infections if everyone eligible were tested. But if the additional symptoms were included, this could be improved to three-quarters of symptomatic infections. The findings, released as a pre-print report ahead of being peer reviewed, are part of the REACT-1 ongoing stream of analysis, led by Imperial College London and carried out in partnership with Ipsos MORI. The Real-time Assessment of Community Transmission programme is funded by the governments Department of Health and Social Care. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Joe Biden administration has reopened the option for the American public to sign up for government-subsidized health insurance. An executive order that Biden signed gives millions who lost insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic the opportunity to enroll online at HealthCare.gov The special enrollment period runs runs up to May 15. In accordance with the Executive Order, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the Special Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace will be available to consumers in the 36 states that use the HealthCare.gov platform. At least 13 States and the District of Columbia, which operate their own Marketplace platforms, have decided to offer a similar opportunity. CMS said that individuals and families who are uninsured can take this opportunity to look for coverage and find out if they qualify for financial assistance to help pay for health insurance. Currently 9 out of 10 consumers enrolled in coverage through HealthCare.gov receive financial help and 75 percent of consumers can purchase a plan for $50 or less per month after financial assistance. In addition, all of the plans at HealthCare.gov cover essential health benefits, such as primary care visits, and cover many preventive care services with no out-of-pocket costs to the consumer. 'We need to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and give more Americans access to health care, especially during this pandemic', President Biden said in a statement. HHS Acting Secretary Norris Cochran said that CMS intends to release data on consumer activities during the SEP for each month as consumers apply and enroll in coverage. The first report is anticipated in early March, which will cover consumers who applied and enrolled through SEP in February and have coverage starting March 1. CMS intends to release a monthly report for February, March, and April, and then a final report after May 15 covering the full period. Consumers who want to access the SEP to enroll in coverage and see if they qualify for financial help to reduce the cost of monthly premiums can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov to view 2021 plans and prices and enroll in a plan that best meets their needs, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said in a press release. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Virtual Healthcare Compliance Symposium 2021 Were very proud to partner with First Healthcare Compliance to provide this highly educational event states Eileen Grena-Piretti, Assistant Dean and Executive Director Graduate, International, Compliance and Legal Studies at Delaware Law School. The 4th annual Healthcare Compliance Symposium is a joint effort of Delaware Law School and First Healthcare Compliance to provide resources for professionals working to stay informed regarding the challenges of the complex and highly regulated healthcare industry. The virtual event will be held on April 22, 2021, from 11:30 am ET until 5:45 pm ET. Registration is available to the public with discounted pricing until March 1, 2021. A team of expert presenters will cover timely topics and answer questions with examples and real-life scenarios. Speakers will offer viewpoints from diverse segments of healthcare, technology, and law focusing on cybersecurity, COVID, whistleblowers, OSHA, ethics, HIPAA and fraud, waste, and abuse. Six presentations will qualify attendees for multiple learning credits. Attorneys, compliance officers, healthcare administrators, and business associates are encouraged to attend. The following learning credits are available: 5.5 CEUs from Practice Management Institute 5.5 CEUs from PAHCOM The Compliance Certification Board (CCB) has approved this event for up to 6.6 live CCB CEUs based on a 50-minute hour. Continuing Education Units are awarded based on individual attendance records. Granting of prior approval in no way constitutes endorsement by CCB of this event content or of the event sponsor. 5.5 CLE (including 4.5 substantive and 1 ethics) in DE, NJ, and PA Were very proud to partner with First Healthcare Compliance to provide this highly educational event for our students, faculty, alumni, and anyone interested in keeping up with the ever-changing field of healthcare compliance states Eileen Grena-Piretti, Assistant Dean and Executive Director Graduate, International, Compliance and Legal Studies at Delaware Law School. The annual collaboration is held each April and will be offered virtually this year due to COVID-19. About Delaware Law School: Widener University is a metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, applied leadership, and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. Delaware Law School is the First States only law school, providing a Juris doctor, legal graduate and paralegal degree programs with an emphasis on developing legal professionals who reflect the Delaware Way and its traditions of civility, integrity and mutual respect. The school offers signature programs in corporate and business law, environmental law, family health law and policy, trial advocacy, and dignity rights. About First Healthcare Compliance: Founded in 2012 by a nurse attorney, the First Healthcare Compliance software solution creates confidence among compliance professionals through education, resources, and support in the areas of HIPAA, OSHA, human resources compliance, and fraud waste and abuse laws. Serving clients across the United States, the companys evolving platform provides real-time insight for board reporting and across multiple locations. For more information, please visit https://1sthcc.com/ As many as 178 people in India have tested positive for coronavirus variant that emerged in the United Kingdom last year, but not a single death has been attributed to the UK mutation so far. "At present, the country doesn't have any cases of the Brazilian or South African variants. If and when in genome sequencing we are able to detect one of these variants, we will start tracking them. And, as far as the 178 cases of the UK mutant are concerned, there have been no deaths," a source at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare told News18. Meanwhile, the Government of India is monitoring reports of the UK variant and has put in place a preventive and proactive strategy to detect and contain the mutation. Comprehensive contact tracing of co-travellers and family contacts of those who have been detected with the UK variant continues. The UK Variant of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in samples of over 40 people at the National Centre for Disease Control, 51 patients at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi, 44 in the National Institute of Virology in Pune, five in the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, eight in the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad, 14 in National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Hospital in Bengaluru and one in the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics in Kalyani. The UK variant has been reported in several other countries, including Italy, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Japan, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore and Lebanon. TSX.V: DME U.S. OTC: DMEHF Frankfurt: QM01 VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY CORP. (the "Company") (TSX.V: DME) (U.S. OTC: DMEHF) (Frankfurt: QM01) From the President of the Company. Desert Mountain Energy Corp. (the "Company") (TSXV: DME) is pleased to announce guidance on helium reserves on its first well completed in 2020. The reserve estimate table is provided to help provide guidance on possible reservoir scenarios based on four point flow testing and correlated by Dr. Ed Coalson. The report is available on the DME website or click HERE. Currently there is no other known helium production from the perforated zone in the State 10-1 well within 100 miles. In addition, per the AZOGCC rules, only one well may be drilled and completed for any type of gas (including helium), per square mile in this area. Actual future production may, at some unknown time, provide directive to a possible increase of well density from one to two wells per square mile. Any increase in well density would have to be approved in advance via a public hearing with the AZOGCC and the Company does not currently anticipate that any such request will be made in the near term. The attached reservoir estimates are based on only one well per square mile but with three different effective drainage scenarios. Edward Coalson, Ph.D. Senior Consultant & Qualified Reserves Evaluator Edward Coalson received his B.S in Geology from Cal State University, M.S. in Geology from the University of Wyoming and Ph.D. in Geology from Colorado School of Mines. His experience in Petrophysics led to the discovery of many significant oil and gas fields in Colorado and Wyoming. Ed's experience has been further amplified with teaching courses, including the Colorado School of Mines. 10-1 Well Engineering Pertinent Data Specific data relevant to the perforated zone and the associated input data assumptions on the linked chart by Dr. Coalson. The linked report by Dr. Ed Coalson is based on what was seen during drilling, associated proprietary seismic, drill cuttings and open hole logs. The penetration of the perforated zone occurred while drilling with air only with 4 saver subs in the string. Therefore, ROP of the perforated zone was without inclusion of any outside fluids. No fluid was seen from approximately 150' above to 114' under the formation. Therefore, the assumed value of .2 for SW is to account for the air rates, (980 psi and 1100 cfm,) at time of formation penetration. Again, even though no fluids of any type where witnessed Dr. Coalson used an assumed .2 input value which would include any connate water valuations. The cuttings from 15' above and 20' below the perforated interval showed very thin interbedded shale inclusions, (<2mm,) at non-patterned intervals within the sections of interest. Cuttings from the 15' above the perforated zone displayed fine grained well sorted sand stone with gas bubbling from the larger chips. The perforated interval cuttings were medium grained well sorted sand stone again with larger currents bubbling gas. Cuttings between the perforated interval and the lower zone showed a dolomitic lime with a dark red shale section. The lower zone displayed a mixture of fine to medium grading downward to a fine grained sand with dolomitic inclusions in the bottom 5 feet changing to a red sandy / silty shale. During drilling it was witnessed that the volume of the cuttings from 2,089'to 2,137' markedly increased and was born out by the washout effectively seen on the open hole logs. It is assumed these washouts contributed to the inordinately high porosity numbers seen on the open hole logs. Cuttings from those sections would suggest porosities between 20 and 28 percent not the higher values displayed on the open hole logs. Therefore, the lower number was used in the calculations to account for possible differentiations in correlation between sample evaluation and open hole log interpretations. While in many fields GR log may be selectively used to estimate permeabilities, the 10-1 suite of logs included acoustic logs to provide clearer indicator data points for calculations with the least amount of statistical scatter. The helium value of 7% was used across the chart for the purposes of drainage valuations. There were differences between the 10-1 and the 16-1 wells, however as seen on the log the same zone was present in both wells. This report is solely for the purpose to provide guidance on the 10-1 well. There are wells in the area of the 10-1 well reporting up to a high of 9% helium values with the Pinta Dome field showing values during the life of production between 6% and 11%. Additional possible recoverable helium values can be easily calculated by simply inclusion of the desired higher or lower he%. Compression factors with helium, nitrogen and other assorted rare earth gases do not necessarily fit within guidelines most engineers are accustomed to finding. Most PE are accustomed to the factors for C1-C8 and higher including Hexanes, Diterpanes, Triterpanes, N2, CO2, etc... The 10-1 well tests contained none of the higher end steranes or aromatics and contained very minimal amounts of methane. However, the gaseous sampling showed rare earth gases contained in a primarily nitrogen reservoir and is less known or studied and their associated effects on actual production with elevated helium values is even less known. For the purposes of the linked chart it has been created using only the normal compression values for Nitrogen and helium. Therefore, it should be assumed that actual helium percentages will most likely change +- to some unknown degree over the life span of any given well within a field. The closest production is from the Pinta Dome field which is an Aolian Sand which is heavily interbedded. As such helium production and gross he% varied greatly within wells relatively closely spaced as well as helium values and krypton values changing over the 13 year life of the field. The 10-1 well is perforated in a non-Aolian Sand. Therefore the assumption is made that the drainage area for any given well should be greater based on the more contiguous nature of the formation. The Company geologic team has selected the next three well locations and with moderating weather, surveys for surface access and well site locations will be completed shortly. The Company anticipates final permitting and drilling to begin upon road weight restrictions being lifted and rig availability. All three wells will be drilled to an approximate depth of 4,000'+- and as previously announced will be drilled consecutively on private property. The Company has completed negotiations for the opening of a corporate office in Surprise, Arizona in March. About Desert Mountain Energy Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded exploration and resource company focused on the discovery and development of rare earth gas fields in the US. The Company is primarily looking for elements deemed critical to the green energy and high technology industries. We seek safe harbor " Robert Rohlfing" Robert Rohlfing Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forwardlooking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp. Related Links https://desertmountainenergy.com/ Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The two main COVID-19 hotspots in the country, Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions, will be first beneficiaries of vaccines yet to arrive, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said. Speaking in an interview with Nana Yaa Mensah on The Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (15 February), Dr Kwame Amponsah Achiano, Programme Manager of Expanded Immunization Programme at the Ghana Health Service said the plan is to first target the hotspots. We have also prioritised the hotspots and so the initial dose is basically going to be given to Greater Accra Metro and Kumasi Metro because that is the hotspots, so that is what the plan is, he said. Dr Achiano added: For these hotspots that is the segmentation, it is not a nationwide thing, because for 355, 000 doses if you add the cover, it will not cover the whole nation. Touching on expenses, Dr Achiano said it is estimated that vaccinating one person will cost USD$3. So, I can talk of the 355,000 but from the top of my head we have estimated USD$3 per person vaccinated which translates to about USD$1.5 per initial vaccination because everybody is going to get two, Dr Achiano said. He added: And so you can multiply that by the number of persons vaccinated and you get the total cost, $51.7 million is for the entire 20 million and if we get the operational cost for delivering two doses at different interval and this include everything else plus even the cold chain facility. Currently, the average cost of COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca is between USD$4 and USD$7. 17.6 million vaccines President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had earlier said government will procure about 17.6 million COVID-19 vaccines by the end of June 2021. He said The earliest vaccine will be in the country by March. Addressing the nation in his 23rd update on measures taken against the novel coronavirus, President Akufo-Addo said: Our aim is to vaccinate the entire population, with an initial target of twenty million people. Through bilateral and multilateral means, we are hopeful that, by the end of June, a total of 17.6 million vaccine doses would have been procured for the Ghanaian people. President Akufo-Addo added: The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) will use its established processes for granting emergency-use-authorisation for each vaccine in Ghana. As President of the Republic, I assure you that only vaccines that have been evaluated and declared as safe-for-use in Ghana will be administered. Source: asaaseradio Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The 587th meeting of the Central Board of Directors of Reserve Bank of India was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor, through video conferencing. Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon'ble Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, addressed the Directors of the Central Board. The Hon'ble Finance Minister in her address outlined the thinking behind the Union Budget 2021-22 and the priorities of the Government. Complimenting the Finance Minister on the Budget, the Board members made various suggestions for consideration of the Government. The Union Finance Minister was accompanied by Hon'ble Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur; Finance Secretary & Secretary, Department of Revenue, Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey and Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey. The Board in its meeting reviewed the current economic situation, global and domestic challenges and various areas of operations of the Reserve Bank including ways for strengthening of Grievance Redress Mechanism in Banks. Deputy Governors Shri B.P. Kanungo, Shri Mahesh Kumar Jain, Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra and Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao and other Directors of the Central Board - Shri N. Chandrasekaran, Shri Dilip S. Shanghvi, Shri Satish K. Marathe, Shri S Gurumurthy, Ms. Revathy Iyer and Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi attended the meeting. Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Shri Debasish Panda and Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Tarun Bajaj also attended the meeting. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ROSEBURG, Ore. -- The debate surrounding the Roseburg High School Indians mascot continues. On Monday, the Roseburg school board opened an online forum that asks if the Roseburg Indians mascot should be respectfully retired. The forum is currently open to the entire community. A 2016 Roseburg High alumni, Kalli Albertus, told KEZI 9 News that the school boards decision to collect feedback was a long time coming. Since last year, she has been working with a group of alumni to get the mascots name changed. RELATED: COMMUNITY MEMBERS PUSH FOR A RENAMING OF THE ROSEBURG HIGH'S MASCOT They claim that the mascot is disrespectful and insensitive to Native American culture. Its the you know, dark skin, native that has arrows in their heads living in tepees -- these century-old stereotypes that simply do not reflect who we are today, said Albertus. The group has been communicating with the school board and raising awareness over social media. They also have an online petition that has more than 6,000 signatures as of Monday morning. Albertus said this is the first step in making sure everyone feels welcome in the Roseburg community. Roseburg prides themselves on all these traditions, but thats because it hasnt changed, she said. However, not all alumni are happy with the movement. A 2010 alumni, Edward Swindell, told KEZI 9 News that calling himself a Roseburg Indian is something hes always cherished, and he knows many people in the community feel the same. You got generations there that are proud to be a Roseburg High School Indian, said Swindell. Knowing how much the mascot means the community, Swindell said hes hopeful the decision to change the name doesnt go through. Everyones always going to feel that sense of pride, you can change the name all you want, he said. In 2012, the Oregon Department of Education banned all schools from using Native American names or symbols as mascots. However, Roseburg Public Schools made an agreement with the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians to continue to use the name under certain guidelines, like implementing history of the tribe in district curriculum. We need to get, you know, members of the community, staff from Roseburg High School, maybe get leadership members involved, said Albertus. Then have them start brainstorming what will this mascot be. The feedback form will be open until next Monday. The school board has created a subcommittee to lead the potential transition. They will review the results and present them to the school board at next Wednesdays meeting. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 14:22:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance team MAG of Laos on Saturday found two huge unexploded bombs in southern Laos' Khammuan province. The large air-dropped bomb weighing 750 lbs was found near the side of a road in a paddy field in Sangpoungbone village, Gnommalath district of Khammuan province (some 250 km southeast of the Lao capital Vientiane), according to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) clearance team. An MAG clearance team also found a huge 500-lb bomb in Nahome village, Khammuan province. The bomb was defused before being moved to the central demolition site to be safely destroyed, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Tuesday. The MAG has been conducting UXO surveys and clearance, and explosive ordnance risk education in Bualapha, Gnommalat and Mahaxay districts in Khammuan province over a period of 12 months. Unexploded devices are an obstacle to economic and social development, contaminating land that could otherwise be used for the development of agriculture, industry, tourism, and the construction of infrastructure. Laos is one of the most heavily bombed country in the world. Throughout 1964-1973, over 2 million tons of ordnance were dropped on Laos, of which 30 percent failed to explode. Enditem Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell did a fine job of filling federal court of appeals judgeships. They left very little on the table for Joe Biden. However, if one looks at federal district courts, a different picture emerges. Trump and Senate Republicans left more than 50 district court judgeships unfilled at the end of Trumps term. Some of these slots have been vacant for four years or more. These were positions that Barack Obama left unfilled. Obama left 88 district court judgeships open. At first blush, then, the failure to fill 52-53 vacancies (Im not certain of the exact number of vacancies as of January 20) during the Trump years doesnt look so bad. However, theres a key difference. Republicans controlled the Senate for Trumps entire four years. Democrats did not control the Senate during Obamas last two. Thats why Obama left so many judgeships unfilled. Senate Republicans were able to thwart him. Four years later, the GOP has no such excuse. It could have filled virtually all federal judgeships during Trumps term. Instead, it left more than 50 district court positions open for Joe Biden to fill a self-inflicted wound that will come back to haunt conservatives. Its ironic that so many judgeships went unfilled under Trump. He liked to chide Obama for leaving him all those judicial vacancies. For example, in one of the 2016 presidential debates, Trump said: Ill have so many judges because President Obama. . .left me 128 judges to fill. You just dont do that. But Trump left almost half that many for Biden to fill, and without Obamas valid excuse. To be fair, the fault lies more with Senate Republicans than with Trump. They permitted too much obstruction by Democrats. Now that theyre back in control, Im betting that Democrats wont tolerate nearly as much from Republicans. STEVE adds: There was actually no shortage of candidates to fill these openings, but there is one important difference, though, between district court judgeships and appeals court openings. For the circuit court vacancies, the Republicans got rid of the blue slip process by which a senator can block proceeding on a nomination, but they did not get rid of the blue slip for district court appointments. The White House wanted to, but too many Republican senators did not want to give up the prerogative to have a veto over home-state district court appointments. This made it difficult to advance a lot of nominees. Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein, for example, refused to allow any district court nominations to go forward in California. Well see if Democrats now dump the blue slip for district court openings. I suspect not. UPDATE: I was relying on old information; a reader sends along that Harris and Feinstein finally relented and allowed some California district court appointments to get through. Harvest One is a global company that develops and distributes premium cannabis-based health, wellness and self-care products with a market focus on sleep, pain and anxiety. The cannabis-infused CPG company has subsidiaries - Dream Water Global, LivRelief and Satipharm. ( ) ( ) investee Harvest One Cannabis Inc ( ) continues its international expansion with the signing of an agreement with leading distributor Golden River Services Ltd, based in China. Under the distribution agreement, Golden River will sell and distribute Dream Water products throughout China and other Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Golden River is a leading Asian consumer goods distributor representing prominent brands such as Nestle, Brita, Durex and Jamieson with a significant online presence with retail partners such as Taoboa Global Shopping and TMall Global Shopping. The Chinese company also has retail access through airlines and duty-free shops which aligns with Dream Waterss existing business in North America. International expansion key priority Harvest One chief executive officer Gord Davey said: Aligning our core brands with one of Chinas leading consumer goods distribution networks is an important step in the advancement of Harvest Ones international strategy. Golden River has access to enormous online distribution throughout several prominent regions in Asia. International expansion is a key priority for Harvest One as we continue to evaluate opportunities to expand the growth of our consumer brands. Our online sales in North America have grown significantly, so gaining access to the largest online market in the world meets another strategic milestone for Harvest One. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Weeks after the Republic Day violence, the Delhi Police have written to video conferencing platform Zoom seeking details of those who participated in the January 11 meeting organised allegedly by a "pro-Khalistani" group to prepare a protest "toolkit" backing the farmers' agitation, officials said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner S N Shrivastava on Tuesday said the arrest of climate activist Disha Ravi was made in accordance with law which "doesn't differentiate between a 22-year-old or 50-year-old". The police alleged that Mumbai lawyer Nikita Jacob and Pune engineer Shantanu were among the around 70 people who had attended the meeting through Zoom app, days before the Republic Day violence in the national capital that left over 500 police personnel injured and one protester dead. "The Delhi Police has written to video conferencing app Zoom seeking details of participants who attended the meeting on January 11," the official said. On Monday, Joint Commissioner of Police (cyber) Prem Nath had alleged that the e-mail account created by Shantanu is the owner of this Google document. "Pro-Khalistani group Poetic Justice Foundation (PJF) founder Mo Dhaliwal had contacted them (Jacob and Shantanu) through a Canada-based woman named Punit," Nath had said. "Nikita and Shantanu had on January 11 attended a Zoom meeting organized by PFJ in which modalities were decided to create the 'toolkit' titled 'Global Farmer Strike' and 'Global Day of Action, 26 January'," Nath said. . Talking to reporters at an event here, Shrivastava said it is wrong when people say that there were lapses in the arrest of the 22-year-old activist. Ravi was arrested from Bengaluru on Saturday in connection with a protest toolkit backing the farmers' agitation. Police claimed that she had sent the toolkit to teen climate activist Greta Thunberg through the Telegram app, and also "coaxed her to act on it". "Disha Ravi's arrest has been made in accordance with law which doesn't differentiate between a 22-year-old or a 50-year-old," the Delhi Police chief said. He said Ravi has been sent to five-day police custody and the matter was being probed. Ravi along with Mumbai lawyer Nikita Jacob and Pune engineer Shantanu created the toolkit and shared it with others to tarnish India's image, the Delhi Police had said on Monday. The data was also deleted, police claimed, adding that Ravi's Telegram account shows many links related to the toolkit had been removed. Non-bailable warrants have been issued against Jacob and Shantanu. Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe follows behind U.S. President Donald Trump, not pictured, as they depart on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Dec. 12, 2020. (Al Drago/Getty Images) WHOs Dismissal of Possibility That Virus Leak From Wuhan Lab Disingenuous: Ratcliffe Former director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe on Feb. 10 criticized the disingenuous findings by the World Health Organization (WHO) into the origins of the CCP virus, saying U.S. intelligence didnt back the international bodys dismissal of the possibility that the virus may have leaked from the research center in Wuhan. Peter Embarek, a Danish scientist who led the WHO mission at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, said a day earlier that it was extremely unlikely that the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus may have leaked from the research center. He said bats could still be a likely source. I think what the WHO came out and said yesterday was disingenuous, Ratcliffe, the spy chief for former President Donald Trump, told Fox News. Mike Pompeo and I worked very hard to get some of our best intelligence out before we left the office a few weeks ago so we could talk about what we knew about China and COVID. Ratcliffe accused the WHO of disregarding crucial evidence put out by the Trump State Department in January about the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Days before former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo left office, the State Department released a fact sheet stating that it had reason to believe several researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology exhibited COVID-19-like symptoms in autumn 2019, contradicting a senior virologist at the Chinese facility who said otherwise. And some of that intelligence is this. The Chinese military ordered scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology to experiment with coronaviruses starting as far back as 2017, Ratcliffe continued. Some of those viruses were 96.2 percent genetically similar to the current COVID-19 virus, and further, some of those scientists working on the similar coronaviruses became sick with COVID-like symptoms in the fall of 2019. The State Department on Feb. 9 also cast doubt on the amount of transparency afforded to the WHO team during their time in Wuhan and said that the United States would present its conclusion after reviewing the full WHO report. The team visited the lab for three hours on Feb. 3 during which members had few opportunities to speak to the media. What the World Health Organization would have you believe is, after two weeks on the ground there, talking to scientists and the doctors selected by the Chinese Communist Party under the supervision of the Chinese Communist Party, none of that, what I just related to you about our intelligence, is relevant to a potential lab accident at Wuhan. Its really just disingenuous, Ratcliffe added. The day after Ratcliffes remarks, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Feb. 11 appeared to suggest that the Wuhan lab leak hypothesis needs further study, walking back on a claim from Peter Embarek, the Danish scientist who led the WHO mission. In a separate interview, WHO adviser Jamie Metzl has said on Feb. 10 that the international bodys investigation was in fact conducted by Chinese authorities and not WHO investigators. Well, the investigation itself was very short. It was two weeks of quarantine and two weeks of meetings, but the actual investigation was done by Chinese authorities. And so, the WHO investigators were basically receiving reports from the Chinese officials, Metzl told Fox. In a Twitter post, Metzl said that an investigation controlled by commissars [is] not credible, referring to an Science Mag interview in which Embarek said that politics was always in the room during the mission, and that the team were accompanied by between 30 and 60 Chinese colleagues, with a large number of them not scientists or professionals from the public health sector. The WHO didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times. The WHO team has said it could take years for health experts to fully understand the origins of the CCP virus. Eva Fu contributed to this report. The Centre Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it was contemplating "some action" on the issue of regulating OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. A bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, which was initially of the view that the petitioner should approach the government for the remedy, asked the government to file its response within six weeks to the PIL seeking OTT regulation by an autonomous body. At the outset, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain said the Centre was contemplating some action on the issue of regulating OTT platforms. The CJI sought to know from Jain as to what would be the action from the government and asked him to file the response in six weeks while tagging the matter with the pending petition. The top court had on October 15 last year issued notices to the central government, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Internet and Mobile Association of India. The plea filed by advocates Shashank Shekhar Jha and Apurva Arhatia also sought a proper board/institution /association for the monitoring and management of content on different OTT/Streaming and digital media platforms. With cinema theatres unlikely to open anytime soon in the country, OTT/Streaming and different digital media platforms have surely given a way out for film makers and artists to release their content without being worried about getting clearance certificates for their films and series from the censor board, the plea said. Bring OTT players under licence: Telcos to govt Industry body COAI has urged the government to bring over-the-top (OTT) service providers like WhatsApp, Google Duo etc under licensing regime and defer net neutrality rules on telecom operators till the time same service same rules are applied on the apps. COAI, whose members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea etc, wrote to the telecom department on February 9 in response to the recommendation of Trai on OTT players that no regulations should be imposed on the calling and messaging apps till the time clarity emerges in the international jurisdictions. PTI At present, however, there is no law or autonomous body governing the digital content to monitor and manage these digital contents and it is made available to the public at large without any filter or screening, it said. Lack of legislation governing OTT/Streaming Platforms is becoming evident with each passing day and every new case that is filed on these grounds. The government is facing heat to fill this lacuna with regulations from the public and the Judiciary; still the relevant government departments have not done anything significant to regularise these OTT/Streaming Platforms, the plea said. None of the OTT/Streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Zee5, and Hotstar have signed the self-regulation provided by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting since February 2020, it said. The ministry had earlier told the top court in a separate case that there is a need to regulate digital media and that the court may first appoint a committee of persons as amicus before laying down guidelines with respect to the regulation of hate speech in the media. (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.) After shooting her husband four times on Valentines Day in a Strasburg parking lot, Danielle Bewley called her ex-boyfriend on her way home with plans to commit suicide, police said. Strasburg Borough police said Bewley, 29, shot and killed her husband Mitchell C. Bewley, 27, of Quarryville, around 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the PNC Bank lot at 21 N. Decatur St. Mitchell Bewley was found covered in blood and pronounced dead at the scene, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The court documents said a video recorded by a witness captured a gray Dodge Durango leaving the PNC parking lot just after the shooting. Danielle Bewley called her sister after the shooting and said she had shot Mitchell four times at the PNC Bank in Strasburg and shes going to kill herself because she will not live in prison, the affidavit said. The court documents did not say what happened between Danielle and Mitchell Bewley before the shooting. According to the affidavit, Danielle Bewleys ex-boyfriend told police he knew she owned a 9-millimeter handgun and drove a gray Dodge Durango. Pennsylvania State Police arrived at the Bewleys home on the 100 block of Locust Lane in East Drumore Township about 15 minutes after the shooting, and saw a gray Dodge Durango parked outside, according to the affidavit. A light turned on and off inside, and they could hear a womans voice, the court documents said. What followed was an hours-long standoff between Danielle Bewley and police, Lancaster County prosecutors said. They said she was taken into custody just before 11:30 p.m. after assistance by heavily armed state police in the Special Emergency Response Team. The Lancaster County District Attorneys Office said Bewley was at the hospital as of Monday night and has not been arraigned. As of Tuesday morning, she is still awaiting arraignment on charges of homicide and prohibited possession of a firearm. New Delhi: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned Pakistan that the countrys macroeconomic stability earned in the past three years could be undermined if it fails to continue with its reforms. Tokhir Mirzoev, Resident Representative of the IMF to Pakistan said, "The economic stability needed to be used to make the gains achieved through it more permanent." Mirzoev cautioned that the present trends could undermine macroeconomic stability "if the reforms do not continue". The warning came amidst looming political instability in the run up to a verdict in the high-profile Panama Papers case against beleaguered Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family for alleged corruption and money laundering. The Supreme Court yesterday reserved its judgement in the case after concluding the hearings. It is not clear if the verdict would unleash chaos in the country. The Panama Papers last year revealed that Sharif sons and daughter owned offshore companies which managed their family's properties. The assets in question include four expensive flats in Park Lane, London. "The moment of opportunity earned through the stabilisation programme is a hard-earned opportunity to advance deeper structural transformation of the economy to ensure future stability," Mirzoev told the Dawn newspaper. He said the key trends were widening of the current account deficit and a still vulnerable fiscal framework. Pakistani economy has made progress in the last three years. The IMF has projected that Pakistan's economy will continue to grow at a healthy pace in 2017 and 2018. The IMF had raised its GDP growth forecast for Pakistan for FY 2017 from 4.7 to 5 per cent and projected GDP growth of 5.5 per cent. Noting that the budgeted revenue would require a "significant effort", Mirzoev said the decline in reserves and the growing current account deficit were sources of concern. "Currently the economy is flying on one engine and that engine is importing sectors, while the second engine exports is lagging," he said. Mirzoev said that the greater exchange rate flexibility will help rectify this imbalance, but beyond that, the government will need to engage with the exporter community more proactively to develop the plans to revive exports. "Adding more generation capacity to the system is crucial, but more generation without reforming a leaky distribution system could add to the circular debt and may compromise long-term sustainability of new energy projects. In this context, finding a permanent solution to power sector arrears will be critical in the period ahead," Mirzoev said when asked about the nature of the reforms to be undertaken. Mirzoev is currently on rounds meeting with business and opinion leaders around the country following the latest Article IV report released by the fund this week. "One important message of the report is the need to rebalance the federal-provincial fiscal relations. There are important gaps in the devolution of resources and responsibilities to the provinces under the last NFC award," he said. He said that the accord had created a mismatch between provincial government incentives and responsibilities. "The provincial governments should be empowered, but the devolution of powers needs to be better aligned with the devolution of resources; and the interests of the provinces could be better aligned with those of the centre and the broader national objectives," Mirzoev said. The outcome of this mismatch is a fiscal system that is unbalanced, insufficiently flexible, and less prepared to absorb large shocks, he said, adding that provinces have a say in key national policy decisions, but often do not bear the equal obligation when it comes to funding such policies. It is important to take appropriate steps to address the growing imbalances early on and not allow the economy to come back full circle to where it was before the "moment of opportunity" was attained, he said. "Reserves are still adequate for the foreseeable future, and there is still some debt carrying capacity, so the situation is not exactly dire. But its recent trend is worrisome and to reverse this will require some concerted effort," Mirzoev said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Credit: CC0 Public Domain When Sandra Fowler lost her job as a hotel manager in March, she thought of the many homeless people sleeping on the streets of Tucson, Arizona, and feared she would soon be among them. "I could mentally see myself on the street," says Fowler, 58. "That type of anxiety is what kept me up at night ... I was planning on being homeless because I didn't know how I was going to make it." It took Fowler eight months to find a job in a shipping-and-packing store that replaced her previous $42,000 salary with a part-time position that pays $12 an hour. Her wages are barely enough to keep a roof over her head and not enough to steadily put food on the table. "Every day I have to go to work and put on a smile for strangers when I'm literally breaking inside because my finances are just totally out of whack," Fowler says. "Mentally it's going to take me a while to get back to a place where I feel safe financially, where I know I'm going to be OK." Mental toll of COVID-19 The physical toll of COVID-19 is stark, with more than 484,000 dead, and over 27 million infected in the U.S. But among the millions of Americans who lost jobs during the economic downturn sparked by the pandemic, or who have seen their hours and wages cut, the toll on mental health is also widespread. According to a new survey from the Pew Research Center, 70% of those who are jobless say being out of work has left them more stressed out. Over five in ten said they were dealing with more mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. And 81% said they'd felt adrift, fought more with loved ones or experienced other emotional issues since losing their jobs. "Not only is unemployment putting people in a more vulnerable financial situation, but our survey founds it's also having a negative impact on their emotional well-being," says Kim Parker, Pew's director of social trends research and co-author of the report. In part that's because what we do affects how we see ourselves. "Unemployment at any time takes a significant toll because employment is connected to identity and self-worth," says Robin L. Smith, a psychologist who is counseling patients who are struggling with the pandemic. But during COVID-19, it has been particularly stressful "because we are bearing witness to more than just job loss. We are having an extended and real experience of catastrophic loss." First shock, then depression Whether Americans are employed or not, symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as substance use and thoughts of suicide, have spiked during the pandemic says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At first, Fowler says she was numb. "For the first few months, I think I was just in shock," Fowler says, "but my anxiety level has probably gone up 50%. And I went through a period of depression. I'm functioning, but I'm always worried about the next month. ... I've been robbing Peter to pay Paul." This isn't what she thought she would be going through at this time in her life. "I've been on my own since I was 19," Fowler says, "so for me at this point ... to have to ask people to buy groceries, or to just help me pay a bill, that's not what I'm used to." Fowler has set up payment arrangements with her credit card companies who've frozen her accounts because of her loss of income. "I've had to borrow from family to feed myself," she says. "I've had to utilize food pantries. It's not a matter of pride. It's a matter of living." No job insurance, no therapy And Fowler says she walks a tight rope, wanting to work more while also worrying that every extra hour could jeopardize the unemployment benefits she needs to make ends meet. She'd like to get therapy, but she lost her health insurance when she was laid off from her full-time job. She's also been isolated during the health crisis. She moved to Tucson with her now ex-husband, and most of her family lives in Michigan. To calm her nerves, Fowler goes for walks, prays, and tries to hold on to the hope that she will eventually be able to find another job in the hospitality industry, "to get back to what I know and what I'm good at." Anger, then joy Kelly Newman quit her job as a family law attorney in July. She and her wife, Rachel, were juggling the care and remote schooling of their six children with work and buckling under the strain. "The last year was extremely challenging mentally and emotionally," Newman, 46, says. Now, while her wife, a teacher, instructs her students from their dining room, Newman ferries their children to daycare and school, which they attend in person at least part of the week. The family is getting by with stipends it receives for the four youngest children who the Newmans are in the process of adopting, as well as assistance from a federal food program and meals the school district distributes to local children. "We are surviving," Newman says, adding that they've gotten rid of cable and currently owe roughly $3,000 on their electric bill. "We're just paying as much as we can at a time. We cut back on everything." Newman's mental health sharply declined during the first half of the pandemic. After her doctor prescribed anti-depressants and the family moved to a larger home, Newman says she briefly felt better. Unable to get out of bed on Christmas Then, with bills continuing to pile up, she found herself unable to get out of bed on Christmas Day. "I was angry and lost contact with people I cared about," Newman says of her deteriorating mental health. "(I) said things to people I shouldn't have said because my filter was gone." She is taking yoga at a studio that often lets her participate for free. And in the last couple of weeks, Newman says she's begun taking a new medication that is helping her mood. "I finally am feeling stable in the sense that I don't have this looming fear of the next shoe dropping," Newman says. She'd been shoving overdue bills into a drawer, but recently "I was able to stare down the pile and make some very difficult phone calls. ... I'm just at the crest of feeling able-bodied and able-minded." While going through her bills, Kelly came across a gift certificate. She treated herself to a manicure and pedicure. "A little thing like that, I wouldn't have had the energy or desire (to do) ... six months ago," she says. But for the first time in a long while, she says, "I feel joy." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free EUGENE, Ore. Students at Willamette High School have a new tool to help them learn a valuable trade. Last week, a computer numerical control mill, known as a CNC Mill, was unloaded at the schools metals shop. The large machine, which cost $47,000, can be used to create custom-designed parts and products. Its a big boost to the schools Career Technical Education (CTE) program because its the kind of equipment that students might be expected to use when they get into the workforce. Students are actually going to program themselves and get to cut parts themselves. Theres lots of job opportunities in the industry right now for students who are going to have those skills, explained CTE instructor Justin McCullough. CTE is a growing field that embraces skilled trades, applied sciences and modern technologies with the hope of better preparing students for real-world jobs and careers. Thanks to a bond passed by the Bethel School District last year, Willamette High School will also be constructing a brand-new vocational learning center to further bolster the CTE program. Assistant Principal Dain Nelson said it will likely take several years before the center is up and running. Over the past year, Willamette has also invested heavily in upgrades while students have been away from the classroom. The upgrades include new computer labs with dozens of more powerful Windows and Mac desktops, 20 additional 3D printers for the digital manufacturing program, large table saws for the woods program and laser cutters for the drafting and digital manufacturing programs. The culinary program also got an upgrade with new equipment for cooking. Nelson said the pandemic may have actually helped speed things up. I think we were able to accelerate some timelines on investments and projects and say, Hey, lets do it now while we're not having to work around class schedules and this can be a focus when we cant have the students inside, Nelson said. The United States has suspended and initiated the process to terminate the Asylum Cooperative Agreements with the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras as the first steps on the path to greater partnership and collaboration in the region laid out by President Joe Biden. The agreement signed with Guatemala in 2019, allowed the U.S. to send asylum seekers from El Salvador and Honduras who crossed the U.S. southern border to first seek refuge in Guatemala. Similar agreements were signed with El Salvador and Honduras but never implemented. The February 2 Executive Order is aimed at creating a comprehensive regional framework to address the causes of migration, manage migration throughout North and Central America, and provide safe and orderly processing of asylum seekers at the U.S. border. To be clear, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement, these actions do not mean that the U.S. border is open. While we are committed to expanding legal pathways for protection and opportunity here and in the region, the United States is a country with borders and laws that must be enforced. He added, We are also committed to providing safe and orderly processing for all who arrive at our border, but those who attempt to migrate irregularly are putting themselves and their families at risk on what can be a very dangerous journey. The Biden administration believes there are more suitable ways to work with its partner governments to manage migration across the region. The United States will build on its strong relationships and support these governments efforts to address forced displacement without placing undue burden on them, especially as they seek to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our approach, said Secretary Blinken, will continue to provide support for their national action plans under the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework through international humanitarian partners. The U.S. is committed to addressing the root causes of forced displacement and irregular migration, including by combatting corruption and impunity, upholding its obligations to protect refugees, and working with partners to promote opportunity and prosperity for people and communities across the region. Yangon: Police in Myanmar have filed a new charge against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, her lawyer said, in a move that may allow her to be held indefinitely without trial as part of an intensifying crackdown by authorities who seized power in a coup. Suu Kyi, who was deposed and detained in the military takeover on February 1, already faced a charge of illegally possessing walkie-talkies an apparent attempt to provide a legal veneer for her house arrest. Under the new charge, she is accused of breaking a law that has been used to prosecute people who have violated coronavirus restrictions, lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told reporters after meeting with a judge in a court in the capital, Naypyitaw. Aung San Suu Kyi, pictured in 2016, is facing a new charge. Credit:AP It carries a maximum punishment of three years in prison. But, perhaps more worryingly, because of changes to the Penal Code instituted by the junta last week, it could allow her to be detained indefinitely, even without a courts permission. Suu Kyis lawyer said he had not seen her since her arrest and only arrived after an unexpected video conference the judge said had been held with her. Her next hearing was set for March 1. The legal manoeuvre comes two weeks after the military seized power in a coup that shocked many in the international community who had been hopeful that Myanmar was taking steps toward democracy. Since then, the junta has ratcheted up the pressure on protesters resisting the takeover, including violently breaking up some demonstrations and blocking internet access. A Melbourne woman has gone behind the scenes of a Nandos restaurant to explain one of the fast food giant's biggest mysteries. Famous for their signature peri peri chicken, the popular chain is also known as being one as being one of the few outlets equipped with a sink which diners are welcome to use before sitting down to enjoy a meal. A new TikTok video featuring two women using the sink which has gone viral online after clearing up the mystery for Nando's lovers not familiar with Jewish rituals. A TikTok video filmed in Melbourne explains why there's a sink in every Nando's restaurant 'Have you noticed that Nando's is the only fast food place that has a sink for you for you to wash your hands before,' the short clip is captioned. 'It's actually for Orthodox Jews to say netilat yadayim.' Jewish customs prescribe ritual handwashing in a number of daily life situations, including before meals which involve bread. The blessing Netilat Yadayim literally means lifting up of the hands. There are various customs regarding hand-washing techniques but a common practice is to pour water from a cup twice on the right hand followed by twice on the left. The ritual is also performed before worship and after sleeping. More than 91,022 Australians identified themselves as Jewish in the last national census in 2016. The washing of hands before a meal is a Jewish ritual, the women explained in the viral video The TikTok video explaining the ritual sparked interest from online viewers. 'This is so cool, I always wondered,' a woman commented. Another added: I wish this was more standard.' Other commented they'd seen similar sinks at other restaurants including KFC and popular Middle Eastern charcoal chicken chain El Jannah. Nando's was originally called Chickenland when the first restaurant opened in Johannesburg in 1987, founded by Mozambique-born Fernando Duarte and his South African-born friend Robert Brozin, who are both Jewish. The fast food chain was later renamed Nando's after Duartes first born son and has since expanded to more than 1,000 restaurants in 35 countries worldwide. Another day, another billion. That was David Drumms wry assessment as he spoke by telephone to his director of treasury, John Bowe, while Anglo Irish Bank teetered on the edge of collapse in 2008. It was just days before the Government introduced the controversial bank guarantee scheme. Drumm one of eight children who came from an unassuming family in Skerries, north County Dublin was pinning his hopes on a 7bn bailout. The stock market was pummelling the bank. Investors were running scared. Deposits were flowing out of Anglo the reference to another billion. Recordings of those conversations, obtained exclusively in 2013 by Irish Independent crime reporter Paul Williams, cast a unique light on events inside Anglo as its executives tried to prevent the inevitable at almost any cost. It would never come. The bank was nationalised in January 2009 and later wound down. Its collapse has cost taxpayers billions of euro. It is money that, in one way or another, well be paying back for decades to come. And Drumm, who turned 54 last November, has just been released from an open prison for his role in what will for a long, long time to come, be Irelands most spectacular corporate collapse. He was the last of five bankers convicted for offences linked to the banking collapse, four of whom served time behind bars. As well as Drumm, the four were Denis Casey, a former CEO of Irish Life & Permanent, and former Anglo Irish executives Willie McAteer and John Bowe. All have now served their time. Read More Drumm wont work again as a banker or accountant, and is unlikely to be able to return to the US, where he moved after the banking crisis, but he still retains the financial firepower to start afresh. Despite being bankrupted he even got free legal aid during his trial Drumms creditors were not allowed to touch a 4.4m pension pot the disgraced banker still has from Anglo. The son of a truck driver and a hairdresser mother, the banking boss had left school when he was 16. "I came from a very ordinary background, he told the Irish Independent in 2010 from his bolthole in Massachusetts as Ireland struggled under the weight of the financial collapse. My father was a truck driver, he added. He raised eight kids. My mother saw very hard times, because if you think about it today, trying to raise eight kids on a truck driver's wage, it's not even imaginable how that was done. Who would have thought, as that 16-year-old young set out to make his mark on the world, that his legacy would be so devastating for a nation? And yet here he was in 2008, talking indifferently about billions of euro, as if it the amount was inconsequential. Another day, another billion. It wasnt just that the foundations of the global financial world around it were being shook, and that the reverberations shuddered through the bedrock to destabilise Anglo. Not just that. Its collapse and especially the months and weeks that preceded it was symptomatic of something deeper. Something darker. It was a belief that the bank was above the law. That at least some of its brass could manipulate the regulators whose job it was to protect the banks ordinary workers, its customers, its shareholders and the wider public. Ive met David Drumm a few times. I spoke to him at a couple of press conferences, chatted briefly to him and former chairman Sean FitzPatrick prior to one of the banks final annual general meetings. They were the stereotypical high-rolling bankers smooth, charming, well turned out. It was nothing but a veneer. The Anglo telephone recordings lifted the veil and revealed the contempt beneath. Some high-profile Anglo bankers were first convicted, and later acquitted of charges that had seen them initially sentenced to prison. Among the convictions that stuck were some against Anglos ex-finance director William McAteer and John Bowe. And as the last Anglo banker to be convicted now puts prison behind him, how did David Drumm come to play a key role in seeing Ireland saddled with tens of billions of euro in debt that it could ill-afford? Drumm was driven to succeed, but he took a more unusual route to the top table than might be normally expected. There was no private education the local Christian Brothers school sufficed; no degree from Trinity or other alma mater. Just an insatiable desire. He rejected a university course and instead plumped to become an apprentice at a small accountancy firm before joining the much bigger Deloitte & Touche and qualifying as a chartered accountant. In 1988 and still just in his early twenties Drumm was already starting to scale the corporate ladder with an eye to reaching the top. That year, he joined a private equity firm in Dundalk, Co Louth that was backed by the International Fund for Ireland and which supported businesses along the border. A few years later, in 1993 he moved again, taking up what would be a short-lived job with accountancy firm Bastow Charlton. Within a few months, he left taking a big paycut to join Anglo as an assistant manager. His drive and ambition was spotted early on. He was tapped on the shoulder to move to the United States to establish the banks new division there. With his wife Lorraine and two daughters, he would make his home in Massachusetts, the state to which he would return when he left Ireland in 2008. He always denied he had fled his homeland. Drumm was already being groomed as a potential successor at the bank. In 2002, the then Anglo chief executive, Sean FitzPatrick, recalled him to become head of Irish lending. Mr FitzPatricks protege would succeed him as chief executive in 2005. He was just 37. It was a rapid rise to the top. Mr Drumm didnt disappoint, as Anglos profits during the boom rocketed. In 2010, then Irish Independent journalist Ronald Quinlan exclusively interviewed Drumm from his Boston home as efforts were made in Ireland to hold him to account. I would say to you at a human level, there isn't a day goes by, all day and sometimes all night I'm haunted by what we as a bank, as the management, as the board of the bank, could have done differently to not end up where we ended up," he said. Asked what he would say to the ordinary Irish taxpayer who has been left to pick up the bill for the bailout of Anglo and the other Irish banks, Drumm said he was "sick to his stomach" about what had happened. "If people could understand how truly sick to my stomach I am about all of the people I know in Ireland who are suffering, that have lost their jobs and are just generally in despair because they can't pay their mortgages, he added. "I have friends and people [in Ireland] who I worked with and whom I speak to every single day, who live with it every day. He too will live with it every day. Expelled from Chartered Accountants Ireland in 2019, he will surely find it difficult to reintegrate himself into any type of meaningful corporate role. His name will be permanently toxic. Rehabilitation in the eyes of the public seems impossible. Just before he was sentenced in 2018, his barrister pleaded with judge Karen OConnor to be mindful of the notoriety that the disgraced banker would carry for the rest of his days. Many will think it is a small price to pay. Read More Iran and Russia have embarked on a joint naval drill in the northern part of the Indian Ocean that they say has been designed to "enhance the security" of maritime trade in the region, Iranian state media reported. State television said on February 16 that the exercise dubbed Maritime Security Belt will cover an area of about 17,000 square kilometers and include units from the Iranian Navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, and the Russian Navy. Iranian Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said its purpose was to "enhance the security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information." The Indian Navy will also join the exercise, in a message of "peace and friendship for neighboring and regional countries," Tahani said. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that the drill was scheduled to last three days. This is the second joint Russian-Iranian naval exercise since December 2019, when the two countries plus China held a drill in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman. Iran and China also participated in military exercises held in Russia in September 2020. Tehran has been seeking to step up military cooperation with Beijing and Moscow amid tensions with the United States. Iran has also increased its military drills in recent weeks as tensions built during the final days of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Tehran is now trying to pressure U.S. President Joe Biden's new administration to reenter a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Last week, the IRGC conducted a ground forces drill in the southwest of Iran near the Iraqi border. Trump withdrew the United States from the nuclear pact in 2018 and reimposed crushing sanctions on Iran. In response to the U.S. moves, which were accompanied by increased tensions between Iran, the United States, and its allies, Tehran has gradually breached parts of the pact saying it is no longer bound by it. The Biden administration has expressed willingness to return to compliance with the accord if Iran does, and then work with U.S. allies and partners on a "longer and stronger" agreement, including other issues such as Irans missile program and its support for regional proxy forces. Iranian officials insist that the United States should make the first move by returning to the agreement, which eased international sanctions in exchange for curbs on Tehran's disputed nuclear program. They also say that the country's missile program and regional policies are off the table. With reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters Scott Morrison and Daniel Andrews have traversed the full relationship gamut from bromance to frenemies in their response to the coronavirus pandemic but their political leadership has been part of a revival of trust in governments. Now the Prime Minister and Victorian Premier have both been shortlisted for the annual McKinnon Prize for political leadership. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Prime Minister Scott Morrison are both on the shortlist for the McKinnon Prize for political leadership. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Andrews, who has clashed with the PM on issues including border closures, aged care deaths and hotel quaratine, was included for his firm, decisive and courageous leadership and the brave approach of taking unpopular decisions based on expert health advice. Mr Morrisons shortlisting was based in part on his formation of the national cabinet, which demonstrated a propensity for collaboration. The nomination also noted the Prime Minister has stood firm against belligerent rhetoric from China and a bruising trade retribution campaign. I remember how startled I was by the report I heard on the radio in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Watching the devastation and suffering in Port-au-Prince in those days was like watching a reality show on hell. In the midst of the chaos, three doctors and a physical therapist from Miami had joined hundreds of other health care workers to try to alleviate the anguish of the Haitian people. The four were stationed in a hospital tent that housed 125 people, most with devastating crush injuries. Some had huge holes in their skin. Bandages went unchanged, wounds were festering, and blood was everywhere. Air temperatures hovered in the nineties and mosquitoes filled the tent. As for the smell--it was like nothing they had ever experienced--a mixture of rotten flesh, urine, sweat, and stool. There was no running water and no toilets. Other than handing out pain medications, there was little the physicians could to do relieve the suffering. One health care worker explained that they had morphine tablets, which they placed in their patients' mouths "like a host." "We all felt overwhelmed with worthlessness as physicians," one said. And then something happened that altered the atmosphere dramatically. It was about 9:00pm when a man with a guitar strolled into the tent. Pulling up a chair, he sat down and began to play. You could hear people begin to harmonize. The health care workers alternated as they told what happened: "And then each row started to sing. The swell gets louder. Louder. And louder." "As I open up the door, the sound is triple. Everybody. Ever Haitian. Everybody is singing these words...." "I remember panning my camera around and I just see this crowd of people singing and dancing in the center of the tent. People were jumping up and down. People with head wounds. People that couldn't get up because of their injuries, they were still singing and clapping along...." "We turned to one of the translators and said, 'What are they singing?'" "He said, they are singing, 'Jesus, thank you for loving us.'" "It was like a knife hitting us. I mean from what we had seen. The amputees, the kids and how they sang that way. And the joy and happiness they had. It was a tipping point. Things changed after that." "It's extremely humbling to be around a people that, in the worst time of their life, have in their hearts to give gratitude for what they have left, which is basically dust." "I was so brokenhearted myself, just so tired, so sweaty, so fly-ridden, really, and in the process of pulling themselves up, they were pulling the nurses and doctors up, giving us a great sense of hope."1 Philo of Alexandria, a first-century Jewish philosopher, once said that "the grateful soul of the wise man is the true altar of God." Surely that day the victims of Haiti's earthquake had constructed an altar to God in the midst of their unimaginable suffering. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. ADVERTISEMENT The National Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday, disclosed that as of February 15, the commission had received 9,777 requests from across the country for the establishment of additional polling units. He observed that the requests, which were 5,700 as of October, 2020, had spiralled by over 4,000 in just four months. Mr Yakubu made the disclosure when he visited the offices of the Arewa Consultative Forum office, in Kaduna, for consultation on creating additional polling units in the country. The INEC chairman said the purpose of the visit was to meet with the ACF to brief it of the commissions policy of expanding access to polling units in the country, adding that the issue of inadequate polling units was a national problem. We have had 119,973 polling units since 1996, but the number hasnt changed as it was projected in 1996 to accommodate 50 million registered voters. In 1999, the country had 84 million registered voters and the number of polling units still remained the same, he said. He noted that as a result, there was a lot of congestion and this had not given voters a pleasant voting experience on election day. Mr Yakubu said the commission was clear on its intention to build a national consensus in the interest of democracy, explaining that the process had begun since last week during which the commission had already met with political parties, organisations, security agencies and the media. He added that consultation was very important in any democracy, and that was why the commission needed to consult, so as to get the aggregate views of Nigerians. He said the commission was expanding the conversation to socio-cultural associations, traditional and religious organisations, statutory bodies such as the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council and National Council of States. He said the commission had contacted all groups across the country and some had already started responding via text messages. Responding, the Secretary General of ACF, Murtala Aliyu, who received the INEC chairman and his entourage, expressed appreciation for the visit. READ ALSO: INEC announces date for 2023 Presidential elections He said the forum would continue to support any initiative that is aimed to improve the lives of the citizens and the country at large. Since 1996, the polling units have not been increased, we think its necessary for it to increase for the convenience of democracy, he said. According to him, one of the stop gap measures taken was in creating some units attached to main polling units, and this had become acceptable in quite a number of places, so what was needed was to formalise such units. He also called on Nigerians to educate the people on the issue of expansion of the units, so as to ensure their sustainability. (NAN) Photo: (Photo : Photo by @TheWholeN9nes from Twitter) As the Duke Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle reveal the news on Sunday, the royal family expects their second child together. Archie Harrison, their first son, will now have a younger brother. Archie, who turns two on May 6, and his royal parents will now become a family of four! "We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child," couples spokesperson told the People in an interview. Meghan and Harry opened up about their pregnancy like news flowing with a beautiful black-and-white photo shot by their friend and very longtime photographer, Misan Harriman, which was only taken using an iPad. A smiling Harry on his barefoot looks lovingly at Meghan, who, while lying in his lap, cradles her baby bump. The Duchess of Sussex is wearing Carolina Herrera's elegant flowing dress, which she wore too on her first produced pregnancy with Archie. Meghan has a longstanding friendship with the artistic director of the company, Wes Gordon. READ: On New Normal: Here Are Ways To Work From Home When Your Kids Are Around The Valentine's Day news comes after Meghan, 39, announces the very saddening news of her miscarriage last July. Meghan wrote in a wearingly frank and tragic New York Times essay on November 25, "Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few," Meghan Markle and Prince Harry both had previously formally stepped down as senior royals. In this decision, which was considered revolutionary from the couple, their desire to have an everyday family life makes them come up with it. A legit source from the palace said to PEOPLE that "they knew they were going to hit the nuclear button" as deciding to exit the royal court. ALSO READ: Antibiotics During Pregnancy Could Increase Child's Risk of Asthma, New Study Suggests Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Will Be Expecting a New Baby The couple's baby No. 2 is the fifth grandchild of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana. Their second baby may also be the last one for the royal parents. Harry spoke to Jane Goodall about climate change in an interview in the September 2019 issue of British Vogue. Harry openly told Jane that the Prince had given even more thought to after having a child of his own. As "children" was mentioned during the interview, Goodall playfully warned him not to have "too many" for the sake of the environment. Harry responded with enthusiasm, too, claiming to have only "two maximum." READ MORE: Two Twin Sisters Give Birth To Their Babies Hours Apart at the Same Hospital in Texas Harry and Meghan haven't mentioned any dates for their second baby's due. Let's be prepared for bump cradle and maternity fashions, and maybe just even another round of twin chat before their bundle arrives. After all, the watchers for Royal's whereabouts are always seemed fascinated with every detail of their fantastic news. It also happens when Meghan was still on the road of her pregnancy on their first son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, and honestly, they aren't the only ones. And since the royal couple was overjoyed in welcoming baby Archie, their baby no. 2 brought them "over the moon" too, as they are way too excited again to welcome the new addition to the family. Advertisement Thousands of spectacular alien-looking sea creatures are washing up on Australian shores along the east coast. Marine biology student and photographer Lawrence Scheele has been tracking the Blue Dragons, known officially as Blue glaucus, which are normally found floating in remote ocean waters, as they are pushed down the coast by north-easterly winds. Mr Scheele has followed what he calls the 'Blue Fleet' from his North Queensland base earlier in the summer to their arrival on Sydney's Northern Beaches in February. A video posted to his Instagram account earlier this month shows the collection of marine marvels in the fleet, which Mr Scheele scooped up from the sand near Long Reef and moved to a rock pool. The more familiar Bluebottle is from the same family, but Blue Dragons can pack a far more painful sting if touched. Thousands of marine marvels collectively called the Blue Fleet washed ashore on the Northern Beaches earlier in February (pictured) Marine biology student Lawrence Scheele found 'hundreds' of Blue Dragons washed up at Long Reef on Sydney Northern Beaches in February (pictured) The spectacular animals are a type of nudibranch and float on the surface of the ocean, pushed about by currents and winds 'Had an unsuspecting visit by hundreds of these beautiful creatures known as Glaucus marginatus, not to be confused with their cousin Glaucus atlanticus. During summer strong winds wash these 1cm nudibranches onto shore,' Mr Scheele wrote to Instagram. Both species mentioned by Mr Scheele are Blue Dragons and look remarkably similar, but Glaucus Marginatus are smaller, growing to about 1.3cm, while the other reaches to 3cm. The creatures belong to an order of animals known as nudibranches - a group of about 3,000 species of vibrantly coloured mollusks which do not have shells. They feed on other small ocean invertebrates and known to have no problem munching on other members of the Blue Fleet. 'These animals 'Pleustons' float in the middle of the ocean and are at the mercy of the winds. I try to look for them every summer. Some years I find them others I don't,' Mr Scheele told Daily Mail Australia. 'Some of these creatures are venomous, so best idea not to touch. Also they are quite small so look closely at the shoreline the next time Bluebottles wash up at your local beach'. Other member of the Blue Fleet include Bluebottles or Portugese Man-o-War jellyfish (pictured) which can have a painful sting Glaucus atlanticus (pictured left) and Glaucus marginatus (pictured right) are both known as Blue Dragons The Blue Button (pictured) is actually individual animals called polyps attached to a keratin disc Blue Dragons float upside-down on the surface of the ocean with their bright blue undersides thought to provide camouflage by blending into the blue ocean. Their topsides are silver which when viewed from underneath the waves, also blendsinto the silvery light refracted on the water's surface. They swallow a small air bubble which allows them to float on the surface of the water but which also leaved them at the mercy of winds - with mass strandings happening every few years. Glaucus marginatus (pictured) is the smaller of the two reaching just 1.3cm in length A Blue Button found on Sydney's Northern Beaches (pictured) Humans handling Blue Dragons can receive an extremely painful sting similar to that of the Bluebottle, also called the Portugese Man-of-War. They can actually ingest, store and re-use the stinging cells from Bluebottles after chomping down on them. Other members of the Blue Fleet include the also rarely seen Blue Button - which is actually a collection of individual creatures called polyps attached to a keratin disc. The Violet Snail and the Vellala, or Purple Sail, are also members of the group which breezed into the Northern Beaches near Long Reef this week. Researchers have noticed a rise in numbers of Blue Dragons in recent years with some suggesting warming seas could be the reason. Others have noted the creatures seem to wash ashore a few days after a full moon, which may affect tides and currents. They have six appendages which branch out into what is known as cerata - which perform two functions - gas exchange, the equivalent of gills, and defence. The creatures are venemous, producing cells called nematocysts which fire off when touched and deliver a sting to other organisms. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka. Saturday, Feb. 13 5:57 p.m. Officers responded to a vehicle crash causing injuries in the area of East Indian and Haley streets. 5:27 p.m. A deputy assisted the Michigan State Police at a Mills Township location in reference to a woman taking an unknown quantity of medication. The woman was transported to the ER for further treatment. 4:39 p.m. A deputy was dispatched to a Warren Township property in reference to a larceny of a trail camera. The property in question was under construction. The camera was valued at about $180. There are currently no suspects. 2:09 p.m. A deputy euthanized an injured deer in Geneva Township. 1:44 p.m. Deputies responded to a vehicle crash in Lincoln Township. 12:27 p.m. Officers responded to a report of animal bites in the 2700 block of East Wheeler Street. 2:23 a.m. A deputy responded to a City of Midland business for a delayed report of a car-deer crash that occurred in Lee Township. 1:28 a.m. A deputy was dispatched to a car-deer crash that occurred on a Larkin Township roadway. Friday, Feb. 12 10:58 p.m. Deputies responded to a hit-and-run crash in Lee Township. The male driver and female passenger of the at-fault vehicle left the scene after the crash. The driver and female were identified and a warrant will be sought. 12:44 p.m. Deputies responded to the Sanford Shell Station in reference to a 46-year-old mother calling 9-1-1 due to her 22-year-old son being irate, grabbing the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion, and striking her. Due to previous mental health issues, the man was taken to the ER for an evaluation. A report has been sent to the courts for review 10:29 a.m. Deputies responded to a complaint of a Midland mother appearing at the father's Jerome Township residence to get their daughter. Deputies responded and spoke with all parties. The child remained with dad. The deputies recommended the parties go back to court in order to settle on a more specific custody order. The man was also provided the necessary steps needed to support a future trespassing and harassing communication complaint. 10:04 a.m. Deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash causing injuries in Jerome Township. 9:25 a.m. Deputies responded to a vehicle crash in Greendale Township. 2:06 a.m. Deputies responded to a vehicle crash in Warren Township. An official of the Catholic church has spoken strongly against President Joseph Biden, Jr. telling him to stop calling himself a "devout Catholic" considering he acts contrary to it, a report said. Daily Wire on Monday said that United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities Chairman Archbishop Joseph Naumann expressed that Biden's open support for legalized abortion should put an end of his and his press secretary's repeated use of the label "devout Catholic" to refer to himself. In an interview with Catholic World Report last Saturday, Naumann concretely identified why the president should stop the use of the said label since it is contrary to the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Naumann, who is also the prelate of Kansas City, Kansas, was asked by Catholic World Report how American bishops should respond to Biden professing to be devout Catholic yet "is 100% pro-choice on abortion." "I can tell you how this bishop is responding. The president should stop defining himself as a devout Catholic, and acknowledge that his view on abortion is contrary to Catholic moral teaching," Naumann said matter-of-factly. "It would be a more honest approach from him to say he disagreed with his Church on this important issue and that he was acting contrary to Church teaching," he added. "When he says he is a devout Catholic, we bishops have the responsibility to correct him. Although people have given this president power and authority, he cannot define what it is to be a Catholic and what Catholic moral teaching is." "What he is doing now is usurping the role of the bishops and confusing people. He's declaring that he's Catholic, and is going to force people to support abortion through their tax dollars. The bishops need to correct him, as the president is acting contrary to the Catholic faith," he stressed. During the interview, Catholic World Report also asked the archbishop if he would give Biden Holy Communion after citing an incident back when the latter was still a Vice President and was denied it by a priest. "I don't think I'll ever be in that situation; I don't anticipate him coming to Mass in Kansas and coming up to me to receive Communion," Neumann remarked, "I do believe that his bishop has a responsibility to dialogue with him about this issue. What he is supporting is a serious evil. I don't know the disposition of his mind and heart, but his act of supporting legal abortion is wrong." The archbishop also expressed his belief that "the president has the responsibility not to present himself for Holy Communion" because by doing so, he is professing his belief that the Holy Eucharist is the "Real Presence of Jesus" and, thus, believes "in the teachings of the Church," which in reality he isn't considering he "doesn't believe in the Church's teachings on the Sanctity of Human Life." He pointed out that Biden "should know that after 78 years as a Catholic." The Daily Wire cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states that "abortion is a grave moral evil that cannot be approve or tolerated in any circumstance." Notwithstanding, Biden's bishop, Washington Cardinal Wilton Gregory, has already announced that he is willing to give Biden Holy Communion if he presented himself for it. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country This association has succeeded not only as an advocate but also as a force for better, more equitable care and positive change across the broader health care system. Americas Essential Hospitals this year marks four decades of service as the nations foremost champion for hospitals with a mission to care for underrepresented people and create access to care in underserved communities. The association, based in Washington, D.C., today kicked off a celebration of its founding in 1981 as the National Association of Public Hospitals. It will mark the anniversary online with storytelling by people prominent in the associations history, an interactive timeline, a video tribute, and other activities throughout the year. The association, now more than 300 members strong, had modest beginnings as five public hospitals that organized to create a unique voice for hospitals that provide safety-net care. At the behest of the associations catalyst, Washington lawyer Larry Gage, CEOs from the hospitals met with former Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) in summer 1980 to share thoughts on how Congress could better support essential hospitals and their patients. Soon after, the CEOs agreed to form an association, which they did in early 1981, with Gage as its president. The founding members were Boston City Hospital (now, Boston Medical Center); College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now, University Hospital, Newark); Denver General Hospital (now, Denver Health); District of Columbia (D.C.) General Hospital; and Harris County Hospital District (now, Harris Health, Houston). Former D.C. General CEO Bob Johnson later said the $5,000 in initial dues each founding member paid "turned out to be one of the best investments any of us ever made." "For more than a generation, our association has played a pivotal role in policymaking to improve care and equity for marginalized people," says Susan Ehrlich, MD, MPP, the associations board chair and CEO of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. "It is a proud heritage, but an unfinished story. We still have work to do to achieve greater health equity and overcome systemic barriers to care that plague communities of color." Among the associations most significant accomplishments was its first: convincing lawmakers to add language to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to establish special funding for hospitals that "serve a disproportionate number of low income patients with special needs." This laid the foundation for Medicaid and Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, a vital source of safety-net support. The association also was instrumental in establishing drug discounts for safety-net providers under the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Along the way, Americas Essential Hospitals built an association infrastructure that today includes a robust research and education component, Essential Hospitals Institute; leadership development programs for rising hospital executives; and various projects and programs to encourage hospitals to share effective strategies and best practices. "Our hospitals have led the way for all of health care with innovation that comes from the need to do more with less," says Americas Essential Hospitals President and CEO Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH. "This association has succeeded not only as an advocate but also as a force for better, more equitable care and positive change across the broader health care system." The National Association of Public Hospitals (later, the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems) transitioned to Americas Essential Hospitals in 2013 to reflect an evolving membership that includes both public and private nonprofit hospitals, all with a safety-net mission. In addition to that mission, essential hospitals have an extensive teaching role, provide trauma care and other complex services, promote public health and health equity, and coordinate care across providers and community partners. # # # About Americas Essential Hospitals Americas Essential Hospitals is the leading champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. We support our more than 300 members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education. Communities depend on essential hospitals to provide specialized, lifesaving services; train the health care workforce; advance public health and health equity; and coordinate care. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead the way to more effective and efficient care. Learn more at essentialhospitals.org. An Australian of the Year who was raped by her maths teacher as a teenager has reached out in support of a Liberal staffer who broke her silence this week after being sexually assaulted in Parliament House. Grace Tame was a 15-year-old schoolgirl when her high school teacher raped her on the classroom floor of St Michael's Collegiate School in Hobart. A decade later she was named Australian of the Year for her tireless efforts to fight an archaic gag order in Tasmania that banned sexual assault survivors like herself from naming their rapists. On Tuesday night, Ms Tame publicly praised the bravery of Brittany Higgins, who allegedly woke up to a senior staffer sexually assaulting her after a boozy night out in March 2019. Grace Tame was a 15-year-old schoolgirl when her high school maths teacher raped her on the classroom floor of St Michael's Collegiate School in Hobart. Pictured winning Australian of the Year in January Brittany Higgins, then 24, has alleged she was raped by a colleague inside Parliament House in March 2019 On Tuesday night, rape survivor Grace Tame publicly praised the bravery of Brittany Higgins Ms Higgins was 24 and working her 'dream job' as a media adviser for then Defense Minister Linda Reynolds at the time of the alleged rape. The former Liberal staffer said she decided to speak out after being inspired by Ms Tame's own resilience. 'My thoughts are with Brittany Higgins. Speaking out takes incredible courage, and I hope justice is reached,' Ms Tame wrote on Instagram a day after Ms Higgins went public with her story. 'This case is another reminder for us all of the need for survivor voices to raise awareness and improve our collective understanding of sexual abuse. 'We all have a seat at the table. We are all still learning. To have been referenced as inspiration for Brittany is a positive reinforcement of the power of solidarity.' Ms Tame went on to say she is an advocate for 'normalising the conversation and breaking the cycle of shame'. Questions have now been raised about whether Senator Reynolds (left in right image) should apologise for her handling of Ms Higgins' allegations Ms Higgins said her leg was 'crushed' during the alleged rape and took a photo of an alleged bruise in the bathroom (pictured) 'As such, I'm here to empower people and encourage the platform to be shared. I don't believe it's appropriate for me to take the microphone when others are bravely coming forward. 'This is Brittany's story. Let us listen.' The incident in question allegedly happened after Ms Higgins and her colleagues were on a night out. She told news.com.au that she remembers the man buying several rounds of drinks. When she announced she was leaving, he offered to get a cab with her because he was heading in the same direction, she said. But instead of dropping her home, the man allegedly took her to Parliament House. Ms Higgins said they went to their boss Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office where she, intoxicated, fell asleep on the couch. The former staffer said she woke up to the man raping her and begged him to stop but he carried on. 'I woke up mid-rape. I told him to stop. I was crying. He wasn't even looking at me. It felt like I was sort of a body that was there. It didn't feel like it was anything about me,' Ms Higgins told news.com.au. She said the man left the building, leaving her to be discovered by security guards in her cocktail dress the next morning. Ms Higgins said her leg was 'crushed' during the alleged rape and took a photo of an alleged bruise in the bathroom. The following Monday after the incident, the man resigned for being in the office after hours. Ms Higgins initially reported the incident to the Australian Federal Police but decided not to make a formal complaint, fearing that she would jeopardise her job. She worked for Senator Michaelia Cash before resigning from government last month. Ms Tame was crowned Australian of the Year in January for her advocacy and work for survivors of sexual assault. She worked for Senator Michaelia Cash (right) before resigning from government last month Ms Higgins was 24 and working her 'dream job' as a media adviser for then Defense Minister Linda Reynolds at the time of the alleged rape. Pictured with Prime Minister Scott Morrison Ms Higgins pictured with Senator Micahela Cash (left) former Liberal Party deputy leader Julie Bishop (right) 'I lost my virginity to a paedophile. I was 15, anorexic. He was 58, my teacher. For months he groomed me, then abused me every day: Before school, after school, in my uniform, on the floor. I didn't know who I was,' she said in her acceptance speech. Ms Tame was just 15 when she became the sexual target of her maths teacher, more than 40 years her senior. She had first confided in 58-year-old maths teacher Nicolaas Bester about when she was molested at the tender age of six by an older child, hoping for help and guidance. Telling him about when an older child had forced her into a cupboard and told her to undress before she was molested, the predator then saw an opportunity to pounce. 'He then introduced the actual sexual abuse by recreating that scene that I had described to him of my childhood trauma,' she recalled. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and 2021 Australian of the Year winner Grace Tame during the 2021 Australian of the Year Awards at the National Arboretum in Canberra in January Ms Tame was just 15 when she was suffering from anorexia and became the sexual target of her maths teacher, more than 40 years her senior Grace Tame, from Tasmania, was just 15 when she became the sexual target of her maths teacher, more than 40 years her senior. Her experience sparked the #LetHerSpeak campaign Bester locked Ms Tame in a cupboard at Hobart's elite St Michael's Collegiate Girls' School where he then sexually molested her for the first time. From there, Bester then groomed the young Ms Tame and exposed her to films which glorified relationships between young women and older men. He would also isolate her from her family and friends saying she would overcome anorexia alone. 'He would tell me the things that he perceived I wanted to hear, like, ''you are beautiful, you don't need your mother, you don't need your father. You can beat your illness on your own. You are so intelligent''. Bester locked Ms Tame in a cupboard at Hobart's elite St Michael's Collegiate Girls' School where he then sexually molested her for the first time 'He would be showering me with praise, putting me up on a pedestal. But if ever I got too much confidence or I was building enough strength to potentially see the abuse for what it was, he would take me down, he would just tear shreds off me. 'I remember I was really upset and I asked him, ''do you think I look fat?'' And he looked me up and down. He said, ''you could do with some more exercise."' A brave Ms Tame then reported the rapes to the school and to the police, which eventually saw Bester locked up for two-and-a-half years' jail. Upon his arrest, Bester was found in possession of 28 pieces of child pornography. When he was released from prison in 2015, he described the ordeal as 'awesome' and booked multiple interviews where he made himself appear as the victim. Prior to her legal victory, Ms Tame was barred from speaking publicly about the crimes in which she was a victim thanks to an arbitrary law, while her abuser - who was jailed - was able to openly tell his story. 'Publicly, he described his crimes as ''awesome''. Publicly, I was silenced by law,' she said at the time. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Retail and supply chain was halted during the pandemic period which led brands to focus on the e-commerce model Amidst the pandemic, the health industry has been at the forefront. The Covid-19 has accelerated the rate of change for the pharma industry. In India, the pharma retail market is dominated by grocers; Chemist shops still have a small share in the Indian retail ecosystem. We see the year to be dominated by two major trends in retail, the first being expanding the e-commerce horizons in the Tier and rural markets. There are instances when certain medicines are not available at every kiosk, medical shop and it becomes difficult in rural areas to access such medicines. We can see e-commerce bridging the gap, and becoming a primary source of purchase.Also, we could see mainline Grocers chain taking up or setting up pharma chains as well. In the market, there is a lot of potentials to set up pharma shops, and a need to serve the population. Hence, the market will grow and will see new entrants-retailers, digital health providers to expand the industry footprint. Retail and supply chain was halted during the pandemic period which led brands to focus on the e-commerce model.Going ahead e-commerce will play a crucial role in the value chain of our products. The role of e-commerce depends upon the product portfolio and the customer it caters to. The e-commerce value chain favors high-value items. We are witnessing a trend where many players want their online shop to avoid the undesirable cost incurred by the e-commerce value chain. The Deeping of e-commerce penetration and large acceptance of e-commerce as the primary source of purchase is a reality now. The option of online delivery represents a significant strategic opportunity for players like us to gain a market share, and the consumer base is steadily increasing on these channels. However, the retail pharma has relatively entered late in the system, and issues like government regulation, privacy concerns caused a hurdle, but a lot has been resolved in the past few years. Companies are aware of what kind of potential e-commerce has in today's time, and all want to leverage it.It is not about the situation-based requirement in our country people are always keen to explore multiple cuisines which creates issues like acidity, gas, and indigestion problems. During the lockdown, the spike in these problems due to a sedentary lifestyle. We need to understand the demand of people that customers are looking for Ayurvedic and natural solutions instead of having antibiotics. Gas-O-Fast is an Ayurvedic antacid with the goodness of natural Jeera gives a complete solution to acidity, gas, and indigestion. In the last year, we have seen positive growth in sales among different age of consumers buying Gas-O-Fast, and has received tremendous response from market. We are expecting the same trend to continue, and thus we are quite optimistic that will see a jump in the sales this year also.Pandemic has become a period of learning and self-introspect for both marketers and customers' point of view. The way of greeting, commuting, and even eating has been changed drastically over the last few months. By the time the pandemic ends, these habits might become a norm. The pertinent challenge is to find these new modes that can arise in the upcoming time and make them available through your brand. Digital knowledge search has now become an integral part of the customer purchase cycle. The challenge is to make our product available at the searches via different portals and e-commerce with the right pricing, product stories, and product integrations. The Demography of India is new and equipped with knowledge available on the internet.The rising awareness about the benefits of using condoms, how it prevents sexually transmitted diseases, the availability of a wide range of products, rising disposable income, and rapid increase in population are fueling condom market growth in India. However, people especially females are still reluctant while buying a condom. We hope that we shed this stereotypical mindset through our awareness programs and campaigns. Our Positive intention is to witness people purchase a condom without hesitation as a new trend that will drive growth in the coming years.The overall condom market has witnessed double-digit growth in the first quarter (2020). And Manforce continues to be the largest selling condom brand in India.As far as the decline in revenues of beauty brands are concerned, we did not face any decline. A few products like face wash, soap, and other products are always in demand and have become a generic need to use. Even customers usually order these products in advance while making their grocery list. As per category trend, while people were sitting at home, they became more cautious and utilized their time and developed their skincare routine. Hence consumption of beauty products increased. At least in our anti-acne segment, products like Acne Star Facewash, Gel & Soap have seen a great spike in the sales figure. An umbrella organisation representing loyalist groups, including the UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commando, has written to two MPs and 10 MLAs warning that "no form of Irish Sea border will ever be tolerated". The newly formed Ards and North Down Unionist Loyalist Collective speaks of "growing sentiment against all aspects of the peace process, should our community be forced down this path against our will". Read More It has sent an open letter to Alliance North Down MP Stephen Farry and DUP Strangford MP Jim Shannon as well as the 10 MLAs representing both constituencies. The correspondence has the support of senior loyalist figures including North Down UDA commander David Stitt. The group told the politicians it anticipates "an urgent response setting out your position as to steps you intend to take to represent the views of your constituents". Mr Farry said that the letter had been emailed to him by the Ards and North Down Unionist Loyalist Collective. "I am happy to engage with constituents regarding the protocol, but I don't engage with people who hide behind artificial titles and are anonymous," he added. The letter stated: "It is a matter of deep and profound concern for those under our umbrella that an Irish Sea border, imposing an economic united Ireland upon our community, is being forced on us against our will. "This is even more concerning given that the imposition of this internal UK border has been put upon us as a reward for republican threats of violence. "We are deeply concerned, and are repeatedly hearing from those at a grassroots level, in relation to the worrying precedent this has set." The group acknowledged that the "practical day-to-day effects" of the Irish Sea border - which include increased paperwork and checks on importing and exporting goods - could potentially be successfully addressed. It focused attention on the ideological implications of the protocol - the mechanism which sees Northern Ireland follow EU rules on certain goods, thus avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland - which it said could never be mitigated. The letter continued: "It is for this reason we represent to you, as an elected representative, the clear and robust view of those under our umbrella - within the area we represent - that no form of Irish Sea border will ever be tolerated." The letter claimed that the cross-community consent mechanism in the Good Friday Agreement had been "shredded". It said: "Our collective shares the growing sentiment across the unionist/loyalist family that it is illogical and inconceivable that political unionism should continue to operate the very institutions which are designed to act as a pathway to a united Ireland. In this vein, we ask you as a local representative for your commitment to taking all steps necessary to resist the imposition of an economic united Ireland, which places us on the window ledge of the Union. "Support from within our community for the Belfast Agreement was predicated upon the understanding that the Union was safe. This can no longer with any credibility be said to be true. "It is natural therefore that there will be growing sentiment against all aspects of the peace process, should our community be forced down this path against our will." [February 16, 2021] Security Benefit Gains Favorable Tax Treatment for Advisory Fees on Annuity Contracts Security Benefit today announced that it has received a favorable private letter ruling (PLR) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that payment of certain investment advisory fees from an annuity contract are not treated as a taxable event by the contract owner. This provides financial professionals and their clients with greater flexibility to incorporate non-qualified fee-based annuities in their portfolios. "We are pleased to receive this favorable treatment from the IRS for our already fast-growing annuity business," said Mike Reidy, Director of RIA Distribution for Security Benefit. "It represents the removal of a barrier to greater annuity adoption by registered investment advisors and their clients." Financial professionals can deduct client fees from the cash value of certain non-qualified Security Benefit annuities, without tax consequences for their clients. The advisory fees must only be for ongoing investment advice and cannot exceed an annual rate of 1.5% of the advisor contract's cash value. The fees must be related only to the annuity and paid directly to the registered investment advisor. "The PLR formalizes the tax treatment for our fixed index and variable annuity products," said Doug Wolff (News - Alert) , President of Security Benefit. "We offer, through our relationship with DPL Financial Partners, a powerful set of commission-free retirement solutions and will continue to develop innovative annuity products for this segment." Currently, Security Benefit offers a fixed index annuity, ClearLine, and the Elite Designs variable product on DPL's platform to help meet the business needs of fee-only and fee-based advisors. About Security Benefit Security Benefit Corporation ("Security Benefit"), through its subsidiary Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBL), a Kansas-based insurance company that has been in business for 129 years, is a leader in the U.S. retirement arket. Security Benefit together with its affiliates offers products in a full range of retirement markets and wealth segments for employers and individuals and held $41.1 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2019. Security Benefit, an Eldridge business, is one of the fastest growing U.S. retirement companies and continues its mission of helping Americans To and Through Retirement. Learn more at www.securitybenefit.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. Neither Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBL) nor Security Distributors is a fiduciary and the information provided is not intended to be investment advice. This information is general in nature and intended for use with the general public. For additional information, including any specific advice or recommendations, please visit with your financial professional. The ClearLine Annuity, in most states form ICC18 5500 (9-18), a single premium, deferred fixed index annuity contract, is issued by SBL. The Rising Income Rider, in most states form ICC18 5520 (9-18), an optional rider available for purchase with the ClearLine Annuity for which a charge applies, is issued by SBL. In Idaho, ClearLine is issued on contract form ICC18 5500 (9-18) and the Rising Income Rider is issued on form ICC18 5520 (9-18). Product features, limitations, and availability may vary by state. Not available in NY and other states. The EliteDesigns Variable Annuity (form V6209) is a flexible premium deferred variable annuity issued by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBL). Securities are distributed by Security Distributors, a subsidiary of SBL, and SBL is a subsidiary of Security Benefit Corporation (Security Benefit). Not available in NY. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the investment options available under the EliteDesigns Variable Annuity carefully before investing. You may obtain a prospectus that contains this and other information about the investment options or Variable Annuity by calling 800.888.2461. You should read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investing in variable annuities involves risk and there is no guarantee of investment results. Annuities are long-term investments suitable for retirement investing. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the EliteDesigns Variable Annuity will fluctuate and you may have a gain or loss at redemption. Guarantees provided by annuities are subject to the financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Annuities are not FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF insured; are not obligations or deposits of and are not guaranteed or underwritten by any bank, savings and loan or credit union or its affiliates; and are unrelated to and not a condition of the provision or term of any banking service or activity. SB-10006-59 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005376/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Royal Mint, the Original Maker of UK coins, has today launched a commemorative coin collection to celebrate 50 years of fun with some of the Mr. Men Little Miss characters. The Mr. Men Little Miss commemorative coin collection features Mr Happy, Little Miss Sunshine, and Little Miss Giggles with Mr Strong on a 5 crown. All three coin designs have been created exclusively by Adam Hargreaves, son of creator Roger Hargreaves, to celebrate the characters' 50th anniversary. The Brilliant Uncirculated edition of the coin features the latest colour printing techniques showcasing the Mr. Men Little Miss characters in vivid colour - capturing their vibrant personalities. The Royal Mint will also be hiding 50 golden Mr Tickle tickets amongst all three of the colour brilliant uncirculated commemorative coins. Every customer that finds a gold Mr Tickle ticket will be entitled to a Mr Men and Little Miss prize bundle. Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint spoke with Adam Hargreaves in a zoom call, where they discussed the designs and characters, the excitement around Mr. Men Little Miss turning 50 and what steps The Royal Mint takes to produce a coin that celebrates an occasion such as this. Clare comments, "Each year we celebrate British icons, anniversaries and moments from history on commemorative coins, and this is a fun new addition to the collection. With this year marking the 50th anniversary since the Mr. Men Little Miss characters were introduced to the world, it felt right to celebrate the loveable characters on their own commemorative coins. "All three coin designs have been designed exclusively by Adam Hargreaves, son of Roger Hargreaves the original creator and illustrator of the Mr. Men Little Miss. I had the pleasure of chatting to Adam in a recent zoom call and it was brilliant to hear his positive feedback on the range." Adam Hargreaves, son of Roger Hargreaves, main author and illustrator of Mr. Men and Little Miss and designer of the Mr. Men Little Miss commemorative coin collection said, "It is an absolute honour to not only have the Mr. Men Little Miss characters' feature on official UK commemorative coins but to have the opportunity to create the designs that feature on the coins too. Over the past 50 years Mr. Men Little Miss characters' have grown to become a global favourite amongst many and I am delighted to be celebrating 50 years of fun with The Royal Mint and I hope fans of the Mr. Men Little Miss series will be just as thrilled with this commemorative coin collection as I am." Created by prolific illustrator Roger Hargreaves in 1971, the Mr. Men Little Miss books and their ever-growing world of 'Happyland' have become a global favourite amongst many. The inspiration came in the form of a simple question: what does a tickle look like? The answer was Mr. Tickle, who is now one of more than 90 characters in an ever-growing collection, read in multiple languages in more than 24 countries around the world. Today, the Mr. Men Little Miss characters are illustrated by Roger's son, Adam, captivating a new generation of fans with each passing decade. To further celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mr. Men Little Miss, special guest Little Miss Inventor has also taken on the responsibility as Virtual Tour Guide at The Royal Mint Experience. While the door of The Royal Mint Experience remains temporarily closed, customers are able to virtually go behind the scenes of The Royal Mint to discover how the coins found in their pockets are made. The first coin in the series features Mr. Happy and is available as gold and silver Proof editions, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition and a special colour printed Brilliant Uncirculated edition, exclusively available from The Royal Mint. Visit www.royalmint.com/MrMen to view the full commemorative coin range. The coin will not be going into general circulation. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1436943/TRM_Mr_Men_Coin.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1358049/The_Royal_Mint_Logo.jpg All four men who left an illegal campfire which started the bushfire that scorched more than half of Fraser Island last year have been fined. Two of the men had their matters dealt with in January and the remaining two had their cases wrapped up during the past week in the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court. Scorched vegetation seen near Happy Valley on January 16, 2021. Credit:Matt Dennien Last month, Liam Gregory Cheshire, 24, pleaded guilty to unlawfully lighting a fire and leaving a fire unattended and was fined $667 for each offence, with no conviction recorded. Dominic Glynn Mcgahan, 24, pleaded guilty in January to unlawfully lighting a fire and was fined $667 for his offence, with no conviction recorded. LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian parliament survived a no-confidence vote late Monday for the government under Prime Minister Janez Jansa that had been presented by opposition groups. Some 40 voted in favor of the motion after lengthy debate in the assembly, six fewer than was required by the quorum required in the 90-seat parliamentary body. Opposition parties have accused the government of being undemocratic, of lacking respect for the constitution, and of violating human rights and media freedoms. Prime Minister Jansa rejected the accusations and called the no-confidence vote a "destructive farce". During the voting in the evening, a few hundred people protested in front of the parliament, criticizing the prime minister and calling for the resignation of the government. Top Republicans on several House committees demanded answers from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi about security decisions made leading up to and on the day of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. According to a Fox News report, House Administration Committee Member Rodney Davis, House Oversight Committee Ranking Member James Comer, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jim Jordan, and House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Devin Nunes asked Pelosi about her "responsibility for the security" of the Capitol on Jan. 6. They sent a letter to Nancy Pelosi on Monday, saying that "many important questions" concerning her responsibility for the security of the Capitol leading up to the riot "remain unanswered." USA Today reported that federal prosecutors continue to charge Capitol riot participants, adding to the many arrests that already took place in Washington D.C. that day. The Senate has already acquitted former President Donald Trump on the charge of inciting the Capitol siege. But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and others reportedly noted that prosecutors have not yet had their say, and legal repercussions are still possible. On the day of the Capitol riot, Trump supporters reportedly outnumbered the Capitol Police and dangerously came close with lawmakers clustered inside the building. Read also: As Trump Moves on After Impeachment Acquittal, Biden Says Charge 'Not in Dispute' What the GOP Letter Says Yahoo! News reported that Republicans asked Nancy Pelosi why, among other things, former Capitol Police Chief Steve Sund's Jan. 4 request for a National Guard assistance was rejected by former Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving. According to a New York Post report, Republican lawmakers said the Speaker is responsible for all operational decisions made within the House. They further noted that they had witnessed a "very heavy-handed and tightly controlled approach to the House operations" from Pelosi, her staff, and an army of appointed House officials for the past two years. Fox News added that the Republicans also asked Nancy Pelosi if "Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving get permission or instruction from your [Pelosi] staff, on Jan. 4 prior to denying Chief Sund's request for the national guard?" The Republicans also blasted Pelosi for her "partisan" decision to "unilaterally" fire Irving and demand Sund's resignation. Nancy Pelosi's Rebuttal Fox News reported that Pelosi's office said the Capitol's security and democracy are "not the priorities of these ranking members." Pelosi's office added that "the Committees of Jurisdiction were briefed in advance of Jan. 6 about the security preparedness." On the request of Sund for a National Guard support, Pelosi's office said: "It is the Job of the Capitol Police Board, on which these three individuals sat, to properly plan and prepare for security threats facing the U.S. Capitol." Pelosi's deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill, further noted that Irving has said that he did not present to House leadership any request for the National Guard before Jan. 6. Following the firings of Irving and Sund last month, Pelosi appointed retired Gen. Russel Honore to lead a security review of the events at the Capitol. But the Republicans said that "while there is wide-spread support to conduct an independent security review, Honore was appointed solely by Pelosi, without consulting the minority. They also raised concerns about obstruction and inability to procure information from the House officers when requested. Nancy Pelosi earlier said that she called for Sund's resignation because he has not "called us since this happened." But Republicans noted that claim was "refuted" by Sund, who detailed that he briefed Pelosi on the Capitol's situation - "the first occurring at 5:36 p.m. and the second at 6:25 p.m.," both on Jan. 6. Pelosi's office told the New York Post that ranking Republicans were only "trying to deflect responsibility for the Capitol attack" from Trump, and the letter was a "transparently partisan attempt to lay blame on the Speaker." Five people died during the mob of Trump supporters, including a Capitol police officer who died from injuries. Two other officers died by suicide within days after the siege. Last week, Nancy Pelosi said she would introduce a resolution to give the Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest honor Congress can bestow, to the Capitol Police officers and other law enforcement personnel who protected the Capitol during the riot. Pelosi noted that they "are martyrs for our democracy." Related article: Did Nancy Pelosi Buy Tesla Stocks Worth 1M? WATCH: Nancy Pelosi Speaks as Congress Reconvenes After the Riot at Capitol from CNN President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed decree No. 55/2021 on the creation of an Advisory Council on promoting the development of the general secondary education system, according to the website of the head of state on Tuesday. The project of the Advisory Council was proposed by Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak. The council was headed by MP, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science and Innovations Serhiy Koleboshyn. "The Advisory Council is created as an advisory body under the head of state [...] The main tasks of the Advisory Council are to monitor the modern educational space, the state of reforming the general secondary education system, and analyze Ukrainian legislation in this area," the website of the President's Office said. Also, the Advisory Council will prepare proposals for ensuring the availability and high quality of general secondary education, the rights of participants in the educational process, improving the legislation of Ukraine on general secondary education and updating its main tasks. Among the tasks of the council are to ensure the innovative development of general secondary education, the formation of the competencies of applicants for education, the assessment of student learning outcomes, the professional advancement of teachers, the observance of state guarantees, in particular, on remuneration, social and pension security. Also, the council will be engaged in the development of public-private partnerships in the field of education, facilitate the coordination of central and local authorities, enterprises and educational institutions for the development of a modern and safe educational environment. The Advisory Council can create working groups to study issues related to its competence, as well as involve representatives of central and local executive authorities, local self-government, public associations, domestic and foreign scientists, specialists, and experts in the work of these groups. A meeting of the Advisory Council is competent if attended by more than half of its members. Based on the results of the meeting, if necessary, a protocol is drawn up and signed by the chairman. The activities of the Advisory Council are open and public; information about its activities is posted on the official website of the head of state. By this decree, the president also approved the composition of the Advisory Council on promoting the development of the general secondary education system. Egypts Minister of Health Hala Zayed said on Tuesday that the ambulance system in the country has had recent upgrades worth EGP 846 million. The minister added that the ministry recently provided ambulances service on the new highways and road axes and has increased the number of ambulance vehicles to 407 vehicles with a cost of EGP 402.5 million in addition to renovating the river ambulance headquarter and providing it with an ambulance speed boat (EGP 1.2 million). Zayed's statement came during the inauguration of a medical complex in Ismailia as well as several other hospitals and medical institutions nationwide via video conference, which was attended by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. Zayed stated thar the infrastructure of the ambulance system was upgraded through establishing new ambulance centers nationwide where 30 ambulance centres and 14 other centers were established in addition to upgrading four ambulance centres with a cost of EGP 12.9 million. The cost of the new headquarter of ambulance authority reached EGP 429 million, she added. Short link: Jaipur, Feb 16 : Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's meeting with BJP President J.P. Nadda on Monday in Delhi has raised many eyebrows in Rajasthan's political circles at a time when Raje's followers have already started an intensive campaign demanding her projection as the BJP's chief ministerial face for the 2023 Assembly polls and have announced rallies and yatras to make her emerge as the winner in the ongoing power tussle within the state BJP unit. On Sunday, Raje's followers including MLAs and former MLAs, called a mammoth gathering in Kota where they announced to take out a 'yatra' from April onwards, with an estimated 50,000 people. The leaders also confirmed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and state BJP in-charge Arun Singh will be invited for this yatra too. Speaking in reference to Raje's candidature, Bhavani Singh Rajawat, former MLA, said, "There is no substitute for Raje in state politics. Hence the state BJP will have to declare her as the next CM face." Former MLA Prahlad Gunjal also announced Raje as their leader and said that no other leader is acceptable to the party apart from Raje. A day after this mammoth gathering, Raje's meeting with Nadda was seen as a crucial development in party politics as she has been skipping many significant party meetings earlier, the most recent being the BJP's MLA meeting before the start of the Assembly session on February 9. However, this time, she called Leader of Opposition Gulabchand Kataria and cited the poor health of her daughter-in-law as the reason for her absence from the meeting. Meanwhile, the party office was abuzz discussing how the former CM managed to meet all senior leaders in Delhi but is now unable to attend the state party meeting. Earlier she had skipped the core committee meeting as well which was attended by both national and state leaders. Raje has also maintained a distance from state party headquarters since the last many months. Meanwhile, Raje will represent the national BJP, being the national vice-president and shall face Satish Poonia, who will represent Rajasthan as state party president during the national organisational meeting called in Delhi on February 21. In this meeting, Raje will face Poonia whom she has been avoiding since the last many months and it will be interesting, a BJP worker told IANS. Earlier, BJP leaders confirmed that Raje is also planning to take out a power yatra which shall start from Krishna temple in Bharatpur on her birthday which falls on International Women's Day. This will be more like a power yatra which will be taken out in the form of a grand show with a huge convoy and fleet of cars, confirmed a BJP worker. In this interview, News-Medical Life Sciences talks to Karen Esmonde-White from Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc. and Ola Wesstrom from Endress+Hauser about their analysis solutions for improving food production. In this interview, News-Medical Life Sciences talks to Karen Esmonde-White from Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc. and Ola Wesstrom from Endress+Hauser about their analysis solutions for improving food production. What provoked your interest in the food and beverage manufacturing processes? Karen: I have a background in pharmaceutical and biomedical research. In each of those fields, I helped to develop new Raman spectroscopy applications. As I move more into food applications, my experiences in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields have allowed me to make connections between these seemingly disparate fields which is something I enjoy tremendously. One example of making that connection was using the principles and practices originally developed in biomedical optics to set up a theoretical and experimental framework for my salmon measurements. Ola: I had come into the food and beverage industry with formal education in instrumentation and automation and experience in product management. Within food and beverage, I found my passion to be helping companies to improve food quality and safety. The concepts of sustainability and resource conservation have become more important all over the world and integrating these concepts into new plants or retrofitting older plants has been very rewarding both to the customer and to me personally. What are some of the common challenges in food production? Ola and Karen: Addressing a growing population and evolving consumer preferences has many challenges including maintaining consistent quality, reducing costs, and operating within an ever-changing regulatory environment. These challenges have necessitated the food industry to adopt more scientific approaches to growing, processing, and distributing food. Consumers see examples of this adoption from new food and beverage products, fresher produce available year-round, packaging that preserves quality without preservatives, and more products with tailored nutritional profiles. Another challenge for food producers is globalization, which can be seen in more competition on a global scale as well as a global supply chain which may impact product quality. Image Credit: DedMityay / Shutterstock.com Why is there a strong need for more measurements in the food development process? Ola and Karen: The food industry is a dynamic market with many different segments, ranging from raw ingredient processing to finished consumer products for retail or restaurant sale. We can all recognize the importance of protecting the brand by ensuring food safety and product quality, it only takes one real or perceived event to cause significant damage to the company or brand image. To stay competitive, food production companies continuously develop new products and recipes. This creates a lot of challenges for those of us working to achieve ever-increasing goals for profitability and higher production throughput. This needs to be done in an environment where it's getting increasingly difficult to find and retain qualified people. Food manufacturers are increasingly adopting new strategies in manufacturing that will improve efficiency, assure quality in real-time, and enable the manufacture of high-value products. Automation and process analytical technologies are proven approaches to address these challenges in this competitive industry. Can you give an overview of Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) and their use within the food industry to improve product quality? Karen and Ola: First introduced to the pharmaceutical industry in 2004 by the US FDA, PAT is a framework for designing, analyzing and controlling manufacturing through timely measurements as well as regulatory support to accommodate that innovation. This provides the benefit of improved process understanding, predictability, and control to ensure product quality. All these aspects are especially important in science-driven processes, regardless if they are in the chemical, life sciences, or food industry. We are excited to see these principles adopted more widely in food! We have seen how PAT involves everyone from the regulatory agencies to quality laboratories to industrial producers to academic research. This ecosystem involving regulatory agencies, industry, and academia can help to bring even the most scientifically complex products to customers faster. What are some of the benefits of implementing PAT into the food industry? Ola and Karen: Over the years, I have been able to engage with many in the food industry to better understand what impact instrumentation can have outside of the traditional applications. My approach is to help companies build their analysis toolbox, rather than adopt a one-size-fits-all offering, and help them understand how and where they can supplement laboratory measurement with inline measurements. In many examples, I see the benefits of alleviating bottlenecks or reducing operating costs. As we continue to become a global economy, food manufacturers are using raw materials from all around the world. Cost savings, real-time product quality assurance, improved process robustness, and process efficiencies can be realized by adopting a PAT-based manufacturing approach. This approach ensures product quality for a wider range of raw material profiles, gives real-time understanding without needing to collect samples, and provides the ability to make process changes in real-time. These benefits are simply not feasible in a traditional process based on manual process controls. In most cases, lab sampling involves extracting a sample from the process, bringing it to the lab, making the evaluation and then deciding on an action. And, lets not forget about the paperwork too! The product is often held waiting for the lab results. This process results in slower productivity and, at times, it might even have an impact on the quality if product settles or changes its properties in other ways. Lets look in more detail at the operational time of just taking samples for a laboratory measurement and consider a typical example of taking a sample once an hour during a 10-hour production run. The sample collection takes 10 minutes. Cumulatively, this adds up to 600 hours of year per year of labor cost. If this is a critical parameter, then spending the time to collect a sample for a laboratory measurement absolutely is worthwhile. But if the measurement can be done automatically, perhaps it should be looked at so that this resource could be allocated for other critical work. Image Credit: Lysis Praxis / Shutterstock.com In the food production process, there are many quality parameters that are important. Can you describe some of these typical quality parameters, their challenges and how PAT will help to optimize this parameter? Related Stories Measuring Salmon Meat Composition using Near-infrared Raman Spectroscopic Techniques Ola and Karen: The important quality parameters certainly depends on the food, but the most important parameter in all cases is food safety. To that end, pH is a common control point for safety but also taste and consistency. If you have used a pH meter in a chemistry lab, you will remember using a glass electrode, and the challenges of moving that measurement into a food processing plant become apparent. Now think about what it would take to measure the pH of mayonnaise or ketchup! The sensor and inlet materials, as well as the pH range and measurement precision, needs to be tailored for food contact. Our approach of a non-glass Isfet electrode and enamel sensor means a fast response, high precision, and resistance to moisture and corrosion. Density and viscosity are other quality parameters that report on product quality which can be measured inline. Think about the rheometers or densitometers from the lab. Similar to the laboratory pH sensor, lab measurements for viscosity or density are meant for measuring small volumes and may use glass in the measurement device. Now imagine making frying batter in a 20-foot tank, and you need to know the viscosity because that is the parameter that indicates when to stop mixing the flour, water, and additives! Using a lab-based viscosity measurement is quite challenging because the batter is quite viscous and gluten networks continue to form after mixing so holding the batch while waiting on a lab measurement may result in an overly viscous batter. Inline viscosity saved about 20 minutes per batch and helped automate the transfer of the batter to the coating line. I have many more examples in brewing, ice cream, brine, and edible oil, but the examples I just mentioned provide a nice introduction to the value of inline quality measurements. What is Raman spectroscopy and how is it currently utilized within the food industry? Karen and Ola: Raman spectroscopy is an optical spectroscopy technique based on inelastically scattered light. Raman spectra provides a molecular fingerprint of the sample, delivering highly specific information about the chemical composition and molecular structure without sample preparation. Raman spectroscopy provides highly specific and non-destructive chemical analysis that can identify components, quantify components, and monitor changes over time. Raman can measure solids, liquids, or gases for inline, online, or offline measurements. I am enthusiastic about the current uses of batch endpoint monitoring, meat quality, and process control. And, I am excited to see it adopted into other applications such as food adulteration and new foods. You recently presented Kaiser Raman spectroscopy for plant-based food products. How did you carry out this research and what did you discover? Karen and Ola: This presentation showed a lot of the foundational work in biological molecules and process control which can be applied to making plant-based proteins or cell-based meat products. From my previous research in pharmaceutical unit operations of blending, coating, drying (as well as my work in proteins and biopolymers), I knew that there was a strong foundation in Raman spectroscopy that will help improve understanding of these new foods. That improved understanding can be leveraged to monitor and control processes that are used to make them. What are the benefits of using Raman spectroscopy for industrial bioprocesses compared to other analytical instruments available? Karen and Ola: Raman spectroscopy provides the specificity that allows multiple components to be measured in real-time, inline, with a single probe. The around-the-clock measurements have enabled advanced control strategies, which just werent possible with offline measurements. The Raman-based approach has been proven to improve yield, reduce out-of-spec batches, and ensure process consistency. Do you believe that if all companies migrated to a smart manufacturing process, the quality control of food and beverages would increase significantly? Ola and Karen: The migration to smart manufacturing is happening right now. Digitalization and automation benefit all levels of plant operations, from the field device level to the global resource planning level. I have seen the improvements to plant operations when the principles of Industry 4.0 are used, from reduced manual calibration checks to smart assets that know when they are not functioning as specified and provide an alert to the plant manager. What are the next steps in your research into the food production process? Karen: I am excited to educate the food industry about Raman spectroscopy and the role of PAT to ensure product quality. My years of experience in Raman spectroscopy allows me to help food scientists harness the powerful information to make discoveries, improve the way their product is made, and ultimately bring healthy and high-quality foods to people all around the world. As Kaiser becomes more integrated into Endress+Hauser, I am particularly looking forward to helping drive a new age in food production. Where can readers find more information? https://www.endress.com/en/industry-expertise/food-beverage-productivity-quality-cost https://kosi.com/industries/food-and-beverage/ About Dr. Karen Esmonde-White Karen Esmonde-White is a Food & Beverage Product Manager at Kaiser Optical Systems Inc. She completed my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan in 2009 in Prof. Michael Morriss laboratory, and she have a M.Eng. in Pharmaceutical Engineering and a M.S. and B.S. in Chemistry. Karen is also an active volunteer for the Federation for Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies (FACSS), SciX conference, Society for Applied Spectroscopy and the Coblentz Society, and serves as an ad hoc reviewer for spectroscopy, clinical, and biomedical optics journals. Since 2014, she has been the Biomedical Program Chair for the SciX conference and was the Program Chair for the 2018 SciX Conference. She is currently the FACSS/SciX Marketing Chair. About Ola Wesstrom Ola Wesstrom is since 2001 the Senior Industry Manager for Food & Beverage at Endress+Hauser USA. His goals are to continually find ways to help food & Beverage industry to develop new ways to improve quality, food safety and implementing resource conservation initiatives through best practice and innovative application of instrumentation and control. Prior to the current position, Ola held various product management positions for level, pressure and flow at Endress+Hauser USA and Singapore. Prior joining Endress+Hauser, Ola worked at BASI Instruments in Sweden/Singapore as application and manufacturing engineer. Ola Wesstrom has an education in Instrumentation and Automation from National Pulp and Paper College in Sweden. [February 16, 2021] SOTI Survey Finds COVID-19 Has Radically Changed Consumers' Expectations for Retailers MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- COVID-19 accelerated online shopping trends, which has resulted in consumers now having higher expectations from retailers today than they did less than a year ago. For example, U.S. retail e-commerce sales totaled $199.4 billion in Q3 2020, and because of this, retailers cant risk a bad shopping experience. In fact, more than half of consumers agreed that a bad online shopping experience would destroy their trust in the brand. According to a new global research report commissioned by SOTI, From Bricks to Clicks: State of Mobility in Retail 2021 Report, in order for retailers to stay competitive in the new normal and excel, there needs to be a more efficient and seamless return process, delivery times need to be faster, and there needs to be better protection of personal and payment data. A Quarter of North American Consumers Believe the Pandemic Will Harm Retailers that Dont Master the Delivery Experience Nearly a third (29.5%) of consumers in North America said they shopped with brands that could deliver goods the fastest. The U.S. is even more adamant about this point, with 45% stating that if delivery or pick-up of an item is more than two days, they will look elsewhere. In fact, half expect to be able to order online and pick-up in-store on the same day. Consumers also want transparency and trackability. One-third stated that they want to know where their order is from the moment they purchase, to the minute the package is delivered to their doorstep. Speed and transparency are just as critical as user interface and inventory, says Ryan Webber, SVP of Enterprise Mobility, SOTI. This requires significant backend infrastructure and mobile tracking to create a seamless consumer experience. Our advice to retailers is to pay closer attention to their consumer experience and how they can track and receive the item they purchase, as it is just as important as the item itself. If the past year has taught us anything, it is that having a mobile strategy is business-critical. Return Experience Is Almost as Important as the Buying Experience Retailers dont just have to worry about creating an experience that allows consumers to purchase items more easily, they have to make the whole process from search, purchase and return, just as easy and fast. While this might have a been a lower priority a few years ago, it needs to be a top priority today. North America U.S. Canada Returns processes should be more automated to make the experience faster 62% 61% 65% I would buy more from a store if the returns experience was easy 62% 61% 63% Consumers Expect Retailers to Keep their Information Safe and Secure It is imperative for retailers to invest in systems and processes that keep consumer data safe and secure. According to the report, almost half of North American consumers (47%) have abandoned an online purchase because they did not trust the site with their payment information. Additionally, less than half (45%) of consumers feel that their personal and payment data is secure when making an online purchase. When looking at large versus small retailers, large retailers have gained more consumer trust when it comes to data security. Nearly 57% said they trust large and well-known online retailers to keep personal and payment data secure, while 47% indicated they are nervous about small retailers keeping their data secure. Data security is a differentiator for consumers and impacts their shopping choices, says Webber. Nearly half of consumers worry about their privacy proving it remains critical for retailers to invest in solutions that protect vulnerable endpoints against malware designed to steal sensitive data during an influx of online activity. Three Things Retailers Can Do Now to Improve Consumer Loyalty and Trust If the retail sector wants to move to a multichannel, always-connected consumer experience, it needs to tackle trust. Retailers are faced with the challenge of not only digitally transforming at speed, but they also need to reshape their security and trust strategies for consumers to feel secure. In the U.S, a recent study found that 89% of customers would switch brands if a company lost their personal data. One of the most intimate relationships most consumers have is with their smartphone. Retailers can tap into this relationship by integrating business-critical mobility strategies that bridges mobile technology to enhance the consumer experience and complete transactions on-site. In fact, almost a third (31%) of consumers said they would like sales associates to use mobile devices that allow them to purchase items on the sales floor instead of at the cash register and nearly a quarter (24%) said handheld or cart-mounted devices to check inventory availability and pricing would provide a better in-store experience. Before the pandemic, U.S. investment in in-store tech increased by almost 60% year-on-year (YoY) to over $3.7 billion. According to SOTIs survey, 16% of Americans said they would spend more in brick and mortar stores that used tech to improve the customer experience. Across all markets, the average is 12%. Last year, this was at 22.4%. From Bricks to Clicks: State of Mobility in Retail 2021 Report can be downloaded here. Report Methodology Commissioned by SOTI, Arlington Research, an independent market research agency, conducted 6,000 interviews using an online methodology, with adults aged 18 to 65 years old with nationally representative quotas on gender, age and region set at country-levels between December 21, 2020 and January 5, 2021. The 6,000 interviews were split across eight markets as follows: U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Sweden and Australia. About SOTI SOTI is the worlds most trusted provider of mobile and IoT management solutions, with more than 17,000 enterprise customers and millions of devices managed worldwide. SOTIs innovative portfolio of solutions and services provide the tools organizations need to truly mobilize their operations and optimize their mobility investments. SOTI extends secure mobility management to provide an integrated solution to manage and secure all mobile devices and connected peripherals in an organization. For media inquiries, please contact: SOTI Media Relations press@soti.net 1 (519) 998-1966 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says government's biggest priority for now was to save citizens from Covid-19 as opposed to opening the country for people to pursue livelihoods. He was speaking at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport where some government officials were receiving the country's first batch of Covid-19 vaccines in the form of 200 000 doses of Sinopharm donated by China. "Our strategy as a government in dealing with the pandemic is saving lives first and then livelihoods," said Ncube. "The vaccine constitutes a silver bullet in terms of dealing with the pandemic and saving lives." Ncube was speaking several hours before President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended the country's month-and-half-long lockdown by a further two weeks. Millions of citizens have been locked out of their sources of income as government takes tougher measures against the continued spread of a disease that has killed over 1 400 since the first case was confirmed last March. Meanwhile, Ncube said government was in the process of acquiring an additional 600 000 doses of the lifesaving medicine. "This is the beginning; we thank the People's Republic of China for this gesture," he said. "Next month, we will be acquiring additional vaccines from China to the tune of at least 600 000 doses and the programme will continue as we head towards a target of 1.8 million from China. "We will carry on until we are able to cover the herd immunity population of at least 10 million Zimbabweans. Only then will we know everyone is protected, at least the virus will be slowed down." The vaccine, which arrived aboard an Air Zimbabwe jet, was received by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who is Acting Health Minister, and Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Business Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Zimbabweans, most of whom survive on vending have been exposed to unprecedented levels of hunger and poverty as a result of the restrictions that virtually closed all informal businesses. A paltry $300 (US$3) government grant to cushion citizens was not received by intended beneficiaries even though it was not even enough to buy a 10kg bag of maize meal. However, if properly and expeditiously managed, Zimbabwe could be the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to vaccinate its population. Although it is yet to make public its vaccine rollout programme, government indicated it will prioritise health personnel, schoolteachers and employees at the country's ports of entry, among others in the historic inoculation process. Discussion on how the vaccine will be administered have also not begun. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle Houston-based Par Pacific Holdings reached a deal to sell 22 convenience store/fuel stations in Hawaii to a subsidiary of Realty Income Corp. in a sale-leaseback transaction, the company announced. Par Pacific will sell the stations for $116 million in cash and enter into a master lease agreement with Realty Income to lease the properties for an initial 15-year term. The properties will be leased on a triple-net basis, meaning Par Pacific will pay expenses. It will have the option to extend the lease for up to 20 more years. The White House on Tuesday walked back Joe Biden's push for gun control legislation, calling it the president's 'personal' priority but saying there is no package ready for Congress. 'He has not afraid of standing up to the NRA. He has done it multiple times,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said of Biden. But, she noted, there is no timeline of changing gun laws. 'It is a priority to him on a personal level, but I don't have a, a prediction for you, or a preview for you on a timeline of a package, and certainly not what it will look like and how it goes through Congress,' she added at her daily press briefing. On Sunday, Biden used the three year anniversary of the Parkland shooting in Florida to call on Congress to strengthen gun laws, including requiring background checks on all gun sales and banning assault weapons. 'We owe it to all those we've lost and to all those left behind to grieve to make a change. The time to act is now,' he said in a statement. The White House walked back Joe Biden's push for gun control legislation, calling it the president's 'personal' priority but saying there is no package ready for Congress On Sunday, to mark third anniversary of Parkland shooting, President Biden called for stronger gun control legislation; above mourners at the funeral of Alyssa Alhadeff, who died in the Parkland massacre in 2018 White House press secretary Jen Psaki called gun control Biden's 'personal' priority but said the administration has nothing ready for Congress The Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School left 17 people dead, the latest school shooting that shook America including the Virginia Tech shootings in 2007 that claimed 32 lives and the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in 2012. It's unclear what steps Congress could or would take even with Democratic control. Opposition to gun control remains fierce among advocates for the second amendment. But Biden said action couldn't wait. 'This administration will not wait for the next mass shooting to heed that call,' the president said. The confessed school shooter, Nikolas Cruz, who was 19 at the time, was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and fired between 100 and 150 rounds in a rampage that killed 14 students and three adult staff at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Cruz is still awaiting trial. Biden said Congress must also eliminate 'immunity for gun manufacturers who knowingly put weapons of war on our streets.' Cruz was able to buy the assault rifle legally, despite having known mental health problems. Even in a country that has grown inured to mass shootings and gun violence, the Florida shooting sparked outrage across the U.S. and prompted fresh demands for firearms control. But with Donald Trump in the White House and the Republicans controlling the Senate at the time, legislation approved by the Democrats in the House of Representatives went nowhere. Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday said the House would try again. 'We will enact these and other life-saving bills and deliver the progress that the Parkland community and the American people deserve and demand,' she said in a statement. Despite polls finding most Americans in favor of some sort of gun law reforms, successive U.S. administrations have been powerless to pass legislation. Biden wants Congress to pass laws that would require background checks on all gun sales and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The image above shows an AR-15 rifle and ammunition Biden released a statement on the three-year anniversary of the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen people were killed by a gunman armed with an AR-15 rifle Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered flags be lowered to half staff from sunrise to sunset across the state to honour those who died at Parkland. 'The Parkland community is resilient in the wake of tragedy, reminding us just how strong and united Floridians can be in the face of such devastating loss,' the governor said in his proclamation. The Republican governor also noted some of the school safety measures enacted since the tragedy three years ago, including money to install panic alert systems at schools across the state and to strengthen programs meant to prevent violence before they occur. The panic alert measure was dubbed Alyssa's Law, in honour of 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, one of the students killed three years ago. Press Release February 16, 2021 De Lima shares result of medical exams; no serious or alarming health condition Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has shared that she is not suffering from any serious or alarming health condition as seen in the known results, thus far, of the tests conducted during her recent routine general medical examination last Feb. 11 to Feb. 12. De Lima, who was granted a 24-hour medical furlough for a general check-up, expressed her gratitude to the doctors and medical staff at the Manila Doctors Hospital whom she lauded for their competency and professionalism. "I thank the Almighty God for my continued good health and high spirit. From the known results of the executive check-up (CT Scan, various Ultrasound, Pap Smear, X-Ray, ECG, 2D Echo, Mammogram, Colonoscopy, etc.) during my 24-hour medical furlough, I suffer from no serious or alarming health condition," she said in her Dispatch from Crame No. 1031. "My deep thanks and appreciation to all the attending doctors and medical staff of the Manila Doctors Hospital! A very competent, professional and courteous bunch of health professionals," she added. It may be recalled that De Lima was confined at the Manila Doctors Hospital for roughly 24 hours, from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, to undergo several tests recommended by her physician. In her Very Urgent Medical Furlough filed by her lawyers before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branches 205 and 256 last Feb. 1, it was stated that De Lima should undergo a general medical examination "to ensure that every aspect of her health is well" and to guarantee that "she does not suffer any illness," especially so that she is already in her senior years. De Lima also thanked her supporters who expressed their love and concern for her by showing up at the hospital during her check-up. "Maraming salamat po sa mga dasal at malasakit. A special thanks to Wil Villanueva, Nanay Nanette Castillo and a few other supporters who went out of their way to be at the entrance of the hospital when me and my convoy arrived there last Feb. 11," she said. A staunch human rights and social justice champion, De Lima will be marking her 4th year of unjust detention on Feb. 24. A deserted Damrak Street during curfew in the heart of Amsterdam (Peter Dejong/AP) A Dutch court has ordered the government to end the curfew it imposed last month to rein in the spread of coronavirus, saying the ruling coalition was not entitled to use emergency powers to enforce the restrictive measure. The government of the Netherlands immediately appealed and asked the court to suspend the order prohibiting the curfew. A hearing into the request to suspend the order was halted after just a few minutes when a member of the group that sought to overturn the curfew accused the presiding judge of bias. The full appeal hearing was scheduled for Friday. Expand Close Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte (Niall Carson/PA) Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged the public to continue staying home during the 9pm to 4.30am curfew hours pending the result of the appeal, saying the curfew is a means, not an end. It is really very important that we limit our social contacts as much as possible because of the risk of transmission of the virus, he added. So please do that. Do it for yourself, but also for each other. In a written statement, The Hague District Court called the curfew a far-reaching violation of the right to freedom of movement and privacy that also indirectly curtails the rights of freedom of assembly and demonstration. This requires a very careful decision-making process, the court ruled. Last week, the government extended the curfew into March by using a law allowing it to bypass the usual legislative process in emergencies. When the curfew was introduced and when it was extended, the government sought and gained support from the majority of legislators during two debates in the lower house of the Dutch parliament. However, the court said the introduction of the curfew did not require the use of the fast-track process as it had been discussed at length during the coronavirus crisis. Expand Close Skaters on a frozen canal near Nieuweschoot, in the northern Netherlands (Peter Dejong/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Skaters on a frozen canal near Nieuweschoot, in the northern Netherlands (Peter Dejong/AP) A group called Virus Truth that is deeply sceptical of the governments approach to slowing the spread of the virus had asked the court to outlaw the curfew, which sparked rioting in the first days of its imposition but is widely adhered to by the vast majority of the country. In a video interview tweeted by the group, its leader Willem Engel thanked the judge and said: Im happy that there is still such a thing as jurisprudence. Infections have for weeks been slowly declining in the Netherlands amid a tough lockdown. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases declined over the past two weeks from 24.27 new cases per 100,000 people on February 1 to 20.36 new cases per 100,000 people on February 15. The country has seen nearly 15,000 confirmed deaths in the pandemic. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said he is frustrated that a tight vaccine supply is preventing health care providers from vaccinating as many people against COVID-19 as they can. Baker said the state has the capacity to administer 242,000 doses of vaccine a week, but has only been receiving 103,000 to 106,000 doses a week. At this point, we have far more capacity to deliver vaccine than we have available vaccine, Baker said Saturday after touring a mass vaccination site at the Eastfield Mall Springfield. Id like to get to the point where we are in the business of delivering as much vaccine as we possibly can given the capacity we have built to the people of the commonwealth, because, lets face it, this is big a part of helping us get over COVID and getting it behind us. Massachusetts has now administered more than 1 million doses of vaccine, Baker said. The focus in Massachusetts will remain on making sure as many residents who are 75 and older get vaccinated before expanding vaccine eligibility, Baker said. Coronavirus cases have dropped significantly. Federal health officials are backing the reopening of schools. And while the vaccine rollout continues to lag, more than 50 million doses have been administered across the nation. But every time signs of hope appear in the pandemic, yet another mutation seems to emerge to dash the optimism. Or in this case, seven mutations. Researchers have discovered seven new coronavirus variants that recently originated in the United States, according to a study released Sunday. Even scarier? The strains all share the same worrisome mutation, which alters the spike proteins that cover the surface of the virus. These spike proteins latch onto human cells, allowing the virus to invade and manufacture copies of itself. In other words, the mutation affects how it infects people. I do think theres more and more signs pointing towards a reason for concern, said Dr. David Cennimo, an infectious disease expert at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. While much remains unknown, experts fear the new strains could be more transmissible, according to a report by The New York Times. The new variants are not related to the strains first identified in the United Kingdom and South Africa and are now also spreading in the United States that are more contagious and virulent. But the new mutations seem to be evolving in an analogous way to each other, possibly an example of convergent evolution when organisms develop similar traits as they adapt to similar environments. They could be evolving to improve their ability to infect. Most of the variants seem to increase the transmissibility of the virus, said Stephanie Silvera, an infectious disease expert at Montclair University. However, its still unclear whether the new variants are deadlier, like the U.K. variant, which recently was determined to be a more lethal strain. Keeping track all of the new variants and understanding their significance has become a complicated and disconcerting task. Theres B.1.1.7 (the U.K. strain). Theres 501.V2 (the South African strain). Theres P.1 (the Brazilian strain). What concerns experts is not just the new variants potential to be more contagious and deadly, but also that they could threaten the efficacy of vaccines, even before most people are eligible to receive them. The OxfordAstraZenecas vaccine has already been shown to be less effective against the South African strain. Thus far, only the U.K. strain has been found in New Jersey. There are 50 cases in the state. However, Gov. Phil Murphy has said in media briefings that the Garden State is operating as if several variants are already circulating here. The new U.S. variants have been discovered across the country, with some circulating since at least the fall. They are named after birds: Robin 1 (found in 30 states, but mainly in the Midwest); Robin 2 (mainly in the Southeast); Pelican (found in at least 13 states); Yellowhammer (mainly in the Southeast); Bluebird (mainly in the Northeast); Quail (mainly in the Southwest and Northeast); and Mockingbird (mainly in the South and along the East Coast). The new U.S. mutations target the 677th amino acid, one of the more than 1,200 molecular building blocks that make up spike proteins, folded chains studded along the surface of the virus that help it invade human cells. As we have been with COVID from the beginning, were building the airplane while were in flight, Silvera said. So we are learning about these variants as theyre developing, and research takes a certain amount of time to conduct if youre going to do it well. The lack of genomic testing infrastructure in the U.S. only complicates matters. The nation sequences genomes from less than 1% of coronavirus test samples, according to The New York Times. The lack of genomic testing has prevented researchers from pinpointing where the mutations first arose and when. Meanwhile, both Cennimo and Silvera are concerned so-called COVID fatigue and a desire to return to normal is causing the nation to let down its guard just as the end of the pandemic appears to be in sight. Silvera said shes been fielding many calls lately about the issue of reopening schools. Its a difficult question. Im concerned for a few reasons, Silvera said. One, were seeing an understandable push to reopen. But were pushing to reopen when we still do not have anywhere near herd immunity. She was referring to the percentage of the population needed to be inoculated estimated to be 70% to ultimately stop the spread of the disease and return the state to some semblance of normalcy. I think New Jerseys between 10% and 11% of the population (that) has received the first dose of the vaccine, she explained. We need those numbers to be closer to 70%. And while were working towards that 70%, we need people to continue to, as I said, practice the public health measures that we know work, even after youre vaccinated. New Jersey has reported 666,399 cases of the coronavirus and 22,466 deaths since March. It has distributed 1.4 million doses of the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines last week calling for schools to reopen. But the reality is, Silvera said, they (schools) havent been the first to reopen. Weve reopened a lot of other industries or settings. And so, opening schools safely also require that community transmission is low. So we cant open schools safely if we still have numbers of new cases per day that are high and growing. And while those numbers are seeming to come down a bit, these new variants can very quickly change the direction of our epidemic curve. And it can quickly go back up. The new variants could require difficult conversations in the near future, especially as transmission rates remain high in New Jersey, she said. When were talking about what should reopen, I think at some point, were going to have to have the hard conversation about what are the priorities, Silvera said. Because if schools are prioritized, then we have to behave in all the other areas of our life in a way to keep community transmission low so that those schools can stay open safely. Cennimo admitted his optimism is waning. He fears the country wont reach herd immunity in the time needed to get the pandemic under control due to the lagging vaccine rollout and an ongoing reluctance by many to follow social distancing and mask-wearing protocols. This was the perfect storm because we just this was something that was dependent on the average American being smart and considerate, Cennimo said. And so we were lost from day one. The combination of people traveling, attending gatherings and refusing to wear masks coupled with the lagging vaccine rollout is indeed a perfect storm, he says, especially as new mutations seem to be discovered each week. Cennimo is not the only expert growing concerned. On NBCs Meet the Press, Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, didnt hold back Sunday when discussing the threat posed by the U.K. variant. The fact is that the surge that is likely to occur with this new variant from England is going to happen in the next six to 14 weeks, Osterholm said. And if we see that happen, which my 45 years in the trenches tells me we will, we are going to see something like we have not seen yet in this country. I see that hurricane five, category five or higher, 450 miles offshore, he added. So much for life returning to normal by the end of the summer. I think in the rush to be hopeful, we dont want to also let down our guard and give the opportunity for this virus to mutate further, Silvera said. And what we know, just from virology and evolutionary biology, is that viruses are going to mutate in order to maintain the ability to find a host. So the fact that variants are becoming more transmissible is entirely predictable. And so we need to behave as if those areas if theyre not already here, that they are coming. The picture is bleaker than most anticipated two months after the authorization of the first coronavirus vaccine. Experts fear we are not even close to being out of the woods. The seven newly discovered variants are merely another reminder. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. For two days in a row over the holiday weekend, the Transportation Security Administration recorded checkpoint throughput numbers exceeding 1 million travelers per day, for the first time since Jan. 4. The traffic numbers are a significant increase after TSA reported a milestone slump last month. TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said those numbers were actually reduced by winter storms, which upset many travel plans. Nearly 4,000 Sunday and Monday flights within, into and out of the United States were canceled because of a major winter storm, the Wall Street Journal reported. "We saw so many flights impacted by weather, which may have resulted in cancellations," Farbstein said. "It could have been higher." Despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new mask mandate for transportation systems, including airports and planes, in the United States, travelers took to Twitter to voice concerns over crowded airports and mask noncompliance. "We are strongly encouraging people to wear masks because of the new mandate," Farbstein said. "The vast majority of passengers are doing their part and masking." Ahead of the holiday weekend, a CDC spokesperson told The Washington Post in an email that leisure travel is not recommended at this time. "Delay spring break travel until 2022," the spokesperson said. "Travel increases the chances of spreading and getting COVID-19." While traveler confidence is returning with the arrival of coronavirus vaccines, health experts warn that coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths are high across the United States. More worrisome still are the highly transmissible variants of the virus quickly spreading across the country. "Even for those who are vaccinated, it is important to avoid travel to decrease the chance of spreading COVID-19 to others," the CDC spokesperson said. As coronavirus vaccines become increasingly available, the Department of Homeland Security is accelerating its distribution to TSA employees, Farbstein said. On Jan. 21, DHS launched Operation Vaccinate Our Workforce (VOW), an initiative to get its front-line workers, including TSA agents, vaccinated. "In accordance with CDC guidelines, nearly 54,000 TSA employees are eligible for priority access to the vaccine," Farbstein said in a follow-up email. "That figure includes mission-essential, public-facing employees who work at airports and other transportation hubs whom have regular interaction with members of the public as a primary part of their work duties." Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government relations at Agudath Israel of Illinois, said in the release the group aims to ensure that all school personnel, regardless if they work at a public, private or charter school, are treated as essential workers who deserve equal and timely access to the vaccine. Israel-based Chakratec, a provider of kinetic energy storage technology for electric vehicle (EV) charging, has completed a project with Premier Inn, a British hotel chain and the UKs largest hotel brand, enabling guests at the hotels Leipzig, Germany, location to charge their EVs throughout their stay. Premier Inn is the first to deploy Chakratecs unique new charging technology in Germany. This is also the first indoor installation of its kind. The partnership was initiated by GHH Business Consult and EES Tubingen. Chakratec provides Premier Inn with a solution for EV charging, circumventing the hotels problem of insufficient power in the grid. At most of Premier Inns city center locations the grid is too weak to provide the required power for EV charging. To overcome this hurdle, energy storage must be added to the chargers to boost the grid. This is done by applying Chakratecs proprietary kinetic energy storage technology Kinetic Power Booster (KPB). The KPB stores the electricity as kinetic energy in a fast-rotating flywheel, which provides high-power charge and discharge cycles (more than 150,000) without degradation over the full system lifetime of 20 years. Since it is a non-chemical technology, it is also a sustainable and reusable system, as opposed to chemical batteries. Flexible configurations make Chakratecs solution suitable for indoor or underground sites, as well as retrofit or new building projects. In addition to enabling EV charging, its efficient energy management system manages peak loads to prevent high demand charges, while further add-on applications such as back-up power systems (BPS) ensure that EV chargers are always online and ready-to-use. These features are important for Premier Inn, which often requires indoor deployments and a solution that could be used as a backup power system to its elevator system during power outages. Premier Inn selected Leipzig as the first location to adopt the technology, with plans for expansion to its new sites throughout Germany over the next five years. Germany requires all new and renovated commercial buildings to have 20% of parking spaces equipped with the appropriate pre-wiring for EV charging. Chakratec is enabling Premier Inn to meet this requirement wherever its hotels are located: city centers, suburbs and airports. Chakratec is also supporting Premier Inns sustainability goals, including its commitment to reduce its carbon emissions intensity by 50% by 2050, and its aim to reach net-zero on its scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2050. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- After unprecedented demand, the Cabinet of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has approved the extension of a limited time offer under its Citizenship by Investment Programme. The limited time offer launched last year and was initially anticipated to last only six months. Now, due to popularity, it has been extended. The Programme, introduced in 1984 after St Kitts and Nevis gained independence from the United Kingdom, offers investors a safe and secure route to second citizenship once contributing through the Sustainable Growth Fund. The fund option is the fastest and most straightforward route to St Kitts and Nevis citizenship and is the only path that offers the limited time offer. Under the discount, families of up to four can gain citizenship for $150,000 rather than the previous $195,000. This accounts for a $45,000 price cut. Over the last year, political and economic uncertainty has led to high-net-worth Americans investing in a second citizenship as a form of insurance policy against future unpredictability. With the nation still overwhelmed by the pandemic, resulting in a dramatic decline in passport power, and social unrest reaching new heights, many of America's wealthy are setting their sights elsewhere. Micha Emmett, CEO of CS Global Partners, noted: "In uncertain times, we look at how we can diversify risk to secure the long-term future of one's family. One of the most important investments is the investment into second citizenship. Never before has this been critical. COVID-19 has unveiled the weaknesses of Governments and their ability to deal with crisis. Having a Plan B for one's family is worth a lot more than the actual cost of investing in a safe, happy country." With nearly four decades of experience and longevity within the investment migration realm, St Kitts and Nevis' CBI Programme has been hailed as the industry's Platinum Standard brand. Investors who pass the necessary security checks unlock access to visa-free travel to 156 destinations, the right to live, work and study in the nation and build a legacy by passing down citizenship for generations to come. Investors who choose St Kitts and Nevis can rest assured that they are selecting a Programme that has stood the test of time and is regarded as one of the best routes to second citizenship within the market. The annual 2020 CBI Index scored the Programme top points regarding its due diligence framework, citizenship timeline, ease of processing and more. Media contact: +44 (0)7867-942-505 [email protected] www.csglobalpartners.com SOURCE CS Global Partners Related Links http://www.csglobalpartners.com South Africa: Warrant of arrest for Lesedi FM presenter's husband The brutal attack on Lesedi FM presenter, Dimakatso Ratselane, allegedly by her husband, has spurred the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) to reiterate its call for South Africans to take a definitive stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). CGE spokesperson, Javu Baloyi, on Monday said Ratselanes stabbing forces society to confront GBV, particularly intimate partner violence (IPV). Ratselane was allegedly attacked, stabbed multiple times and left for dead on 11 February. Police are now regarding her husband as a suspect on the run, as preliminary investigations show that he was the last person with Ratselane before she sustained these stab wounds. A warrant of arrest has been obtained for him. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Captain Mojaki on 082 553 7639. Baloyi said during the 365 Days of Activism this year, the Commission for Gender Equality will continue to use various platforms to highlight the worrying and increasing numbers of intimate partner violence and killings. The commission has also noted media reports that the alleged perpetrator has fled the country to Lesotho. If this is true, we call upon the South African government to use all the diplomatic channels and various Southern African Development Corporation (SADC) treaties and protocols to ensure that he is arrested and extradited back to South Africa, Baloyi said. Baloyi assured that the commission will monitor this case. The commissions court monitoring processes of various GBV and intimate partner violence cases has convinced us that a speedy conclusion of cases of gender-based violence can be realised. It is for this reason that we hope that the same occurs in the Ratselane case. We encourage the public and family of Ratselane to stay put and allow the law to take its course. The commission condemns any kind of gender-based violence committed, regardless of the gender of the person who commits it. We hope that people will start learning alternative ways of resolving conflicts without resorting to violence, Baloyi said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-02-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Medicines regulators have received an application from a big pharmaceutical firm for the green light to administer another Covid-19 vaccine to people in Ireland and other EU countries. The European Medicines Agency says it has received an application for conditional marketing authorisation (CMA) for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Janssen-Cilag International N.V which is part of the Johnson and Johnson group. The EMA said on Tuesday, February 16 human medicines committee (CHMP) will assess the vaccine, known as COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, under an accelerated timetable. The Committee says it could issue an opinion by the middle of March 2021, provided the companys data on the vaccines efficacy, safety and quality are sufficiently comprehensive and robust. The EMA says such a short time for evaluation is only possible because EMA has already reviewed some data during a rolling review. During this phase, EMA assessed quality data and data from laboratory studies which looked at how well the vaccine triggers the production of antibodies and immune cells that target SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). The Agency says it also looked at clinical safety data on the viral vector used in the vaccine. The EMA said is now assessing additional data on the efficacy and safety of the vaccine as well as its quality. If EMA concludes that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks, it said it would recommend granting a CMA. The European Commission will then issue a decision on whether to grant a CMA valid in all EU and EEA Member States within days. This is the fourth CMA application for a COVID-19 vaccine since the start of the current pandemic. It comes after EMAs evaluation of vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. These vaccines are now authorised in the EU and are among the tools Member States are using to combat COVID-19. EMA EXPLAINER How is the vaccine expected to work? COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen works by preparing the body to defend itself against COVID-19. It is made up of another virus (an adenovirus) that has been modified to contain the gene for making the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This is a protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which the virus needs to enter the bodys cells. Once it has been given, the vaccine delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein gene into cells in the body. The cells will use the gene to produce the spike protein. The persons immune system will then recognise this protein as foreign and produce antibodies and activate T cells (white blood cells) to attack it. If, later on, the person comes into contact with SARS-CoV-2 virus, their immune system will recognise the spike proteins on the virus and be ready to defend the body against it. The adenovirus in the vaccine cannot reproduce and does not cause disease. What is a conditional marketing authorisation? Conditional marketing authorisation (CMA) is used as the fast-track authorisation procedure to speed up approval of treatments and vaccines during public health emergencies in the EU. CMAs allow authorisation of medicines that fulfil an unmet medical need on the basis of less complete data than normally required. This happens if the benefit of a medicine or vaccines immediate availability to patients outweighs the risk inherent in the fact that not all the data are yet available. However, the data must show that the benefits of the medicine or vaccine outweigh any risks. A CMA guarantees that the approved medicine or vaccine meets rigorous EU standards for efficacy, safety and quality and is manufactured in approved, certified facilities in line with high pharmaceutical standards for large-scale production. Once a CMA has been granted, companies must provide further data from ongoing or new studies within pre-defined deadlines to confirm that the benefits continue to outweigh the risks. What may happen next? If the vaccine is approved and marketed, EU authorities will continuously collect and review new information and take action when needed. In line with the EU safety monitoring plan for COVID-19 vaccines, monitoring will include activities that apply specifically to COVID-19 vaccines. Companies for example will provide monthly safety reports in addition to the regular updates required by the legislation, and conduct studies to monitor the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines after their authorisation. These measures will allow regulators to swiftly assess data emerging from a range of sources and take regulatory action to protect public health if needed. Key facts on COVID-19 vaccines and more information about how these vaccines are developed, authorised and monitored in the EU can be found on the EMA website. In its evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines, EMAs scientific committees are supported by the COVID-19 EMA pandemic task force, a group that brings together experts from across the European medicines regulatory network. OTTAWA - NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is calling for a quicker, clearer vaccination plan that would see Canada's military deployed across the country to speed up provincial COVID-19 inoculation efforts though the country's top doctor sees little need for those boots on the ground. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh listens to a question from a reporter during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Wednesday February 3, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is calling for a quicker, clearer vaccination plan that would see Canada's military deployed across the country to speed up provincial COVID-19 inoculation efforts though the country's top doctor sees little need for those boots on the ground. The federal government should engage military personnel along with more medical and nursing students and retired health-care workers to ramp up Canada's faltering vaccine rollout, Singh said Tuesday. The announcement, presented as a campaign-style pledge ahead of a possible election this year, comes despite the fact that provinces have not publicly requested military assistance with vaccine delivery. The provinces havent specially asked for that," Singh said in an interview. But weve got the capacity to use the military, set up sites in federal facilities and federal buildings across the country. "There seems to be this notion that, 'OK, we get the supply, then it's up to the provinces to deliver it.' And I dont buy that." Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam, asked about the proposal Tuesday, said the number of vaccination sites and staff is not a hurdle. "That doesnt at the moment appear to be the critical factor," she said. "I know that the human-resource aspect is not the biggest concern from provinces and territories. We have many pharmacists, family doctors, other health professionals." Military commander Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin is managing logistics of vaccine distribution for the Public Health Agency of Canada. And the Canadian Armed Forces is deploying reconnaissance teams to the border as Ottawa prepares to enlist the military's help in establishing COVID-19 screening centres for travellers. But soldiers play no part in administering the vaccine. Health care remains primarily provincial jurisdiction. Nonetheless, Singh cited deployment of armed forces to help set up and run vaccination sites in the United States and Scotland. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has ordered more than 1,100 troops, including nurses and vaccinators, to several sites. The British army is dispatching roughly 100 soldiers to organize deliveries, vaccine storage and patient registration at about 80 vaccination centres in Scotland. Provincial leaders in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta, while accepting military support at nursing homes as outbreaks reached a lethal crisis point over the past year, have remained wary of federal overreach in long-term care and other areas. Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole and Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet have both balked at the idea of nationally imposed long-term care standards, saying provinces are better poised to direct health-care funding in their own backyards. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Tuesday that "the provinces will determine if they need additional assistance," with the federal government prepared to work with them if military personnel or Canadian Red Cross volunteers are requested. Singh also called on the Trudeau government to revive domestic production of vaccines by establishing publicly owned manufacturing facilities. He highlighted Connaught Laboratories, a public-health institute founded in the early 20th century to combat diphtheria, as a model for government-owned vaccine production. Connaught, which churned out polio and influenza vaccines, was affiliated for decades with the University of Toronto before being bought by a federal Crown corporation and later fully privatized under the Mulroney government in the 1980s. The third board in the NDP platform plank demanded that Ottawa call off the planned delivery of 1.9 million doses from the international vaccine-sharing program, which is designed mainly to help poor countries afford pricey vaccines. Canada could get about 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine from the program known as COVAX before the end of March, though it has been heavily criticized for taking vaccines from a plan aimed at developing countries that have no direct deals of their own with manufacturers. "People are not satisfied with the current situation when it comes to vaccines," Singh said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says all Canadians who want a dose will get one by the end of September, despite recent hiccups in production of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Canada sits far below the top of the heap in vaccine doses administered per 100 people, ranking 40th in total and 17th out of 24 large countries, according to two lists. Canada's vaccine shipments are slated to rev up again this week, with more than 878,000 Pfizer-BioNTech doses and 168,000 Moderna doses scheduled for arrival by the end of the month. They follow smaller-than-expected deliveries due to production issues in Belgium and Switzerland. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. The sources said the five-year deal is for use of news articles on a variety of different products such as Google News Showcase and Subscribe with Google, a product that helps news outlets engage with subscribers, but a revenue sharing deal for use of content on YouTube is not part of Nines arrangement. Nine chief publishing and digital officer Chris Janz said at a Senate Hearing the deals on the table were not material. Google has since been able to put enough money on the table for an agreement. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Industry sources familiar with the talks, who spoke anonymously because of non-disclosure agreements, said Nine had signed a letter of intent with Google overnight for a deal worth more than $30 million in cash annually for five years. A final commercial agreement could be struck in the next fortnight. Multiple industry sources who were unable to speak publicly due to confidentiality agreements said the deal is the largest agreement for news Google has signed in Australia to date. Google has agreed to pay Nine Entertainment Co more than $30 million in cash annually for the use of its news content, in a major breakthrough for the search giant and media company ahead of the introduction of new bargaining laws. The agreement is significant because it covers content from Nines major newspapers, television, radio and digital assets, and will provide enough funding to support the newsrooms for the company. It will also mean Google will not be forced into a risky arbitration process with Nine under the governments new media bargaining code, which will be debated in Parliament today. Google had previously threatened to turn off its search engine in Australia if the government did not revise aspects of the code. Nine is the largest domestic media company to date to sign a letter of intent with the $1.8 trillion search engine giant. Kerry Stokes Seven West Media announced at its financial results it has signed a letter of understanding with the tech giant for use of its content, a deal which Seven sources say is valued at more than $30 million. The terms of the arrangement were not disclosed, but industry sources have indicated a proportion of the money is in advertising credits and a revenue sharing agreement for use of content on YouTube. The deals that Google will strike with companies such as Nine and Seven are not for use of content in search. However, organisations have been willing to accept them in principle because the amount of money on the table is worth the same, or a similar amount, to what a company would have received for appearance of content in Google search. Industry sources said on Monday that letters of intent between Guardian Australia, Nine and the ABC were imminent. Guardian Australia and the ABC could both sign deals for their content as early as today. Talks with other outlets such as Daily Mail Australia and News Corp Australia are ongoing. News Corp, which owns a string of papers in Australia as well as The Wall Street Journal and The Times of London, is expected to sign a global deal for its content. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Activists demonstrated Monday in southeast Alabama to protest the alleged beating of state prisoner and prison advocate Ray Earl Council at the hands of guards at a Bessemer prison late last month. Council, also known as Kinetic Justice, was injured Jan. 30 at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer after he tried to intervene in an altercation between guards and fellow inmate Epham Moore, his niece, Catrice Britt, told the Associated Press. The guards allegedly involved in the melee were placed on administrative leave as the Alabama Department of Corrections and the FBI investigate the incident. The Ordinary People Society along with Auburn University students held a rally Monday in Enterprise, where Council was convicted of the murder of Ronald Henderson. Council is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at Donaldson. We came throughout the state to protest for justice, Auburn student Soloman Reed told WDHN in Dothan. This shouldnt have happened and we will do everything in our power that it should never happen again. Britt told the AP her uncle was in a lot of pain from the stabbing. He has stitches in his head, broken ribs, eyes swollen shut, she said. Videos of the aftermath were posted on social media. One poster who claimed a video was shot from inside the prison appeared to show a large amount of blood on the prison floor and inmates coughing from lingering pepper spray, or another chemical agent, in the air. An inmate says, they jumped on Robert Earl. The Ordinary People Society, also known as TOPS, scheduled two more demonstrations -- one at the state Capitol building Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. and another Feb. 28 at the Selma Bridge at 2 p.m. Singapores Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan on Tuesday urged against the imposition of widespread sanctions on Myanmar saying that such measures would make ordinary people suffer the most. While speaking in the parliament, Singaporean lawmaker on February 16 noted that the World Bank estimates about a quarter of Southeast Asian nations population lives below the poverty line and since COVID-19 pandemic, it has further worsened. Hence, he advocated against imposing sanctions in the wake of Myanmar military taking over power and detaining the civilian government leaders. Balakrishnan said, as quoted by CNA, And so in all my discussions, my phone calls, I have said that we should not embark on widespread, generalised indiscriminate sanctions, because the people who will suffer most would be the ordinary people in Myanmar. His remarks came after just last week the United States announced that it was imposing sanctions on Myanmar military leaders and called on them to give up power and immediately release the government leaders. However, Singapores Foreign affairs Minister hoped for a peaceful resolution and national reconciliation in Myanmar. Balakrishnan said in a parliament, In this respect, I also hope that the President, Win Myint, and the State Counsellor, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the other detainees will be released so that they can engage in discussions and negotiations in good faith. The stakeholders in Myanmar must find a long term, peaceful political solution, including a return to its path of democratic transition...If the situation continues to escalate, there will be serious consequences for Myanmar and indeed for our region, he added. Read - Malaysia To Deport 1,200 Myanmar Migrants Amid Concerns Read - Myanmar Coup: Internet Blackout For Second Consecutive Day; Services Now Restored US imposes sanctions, New Zealand isolates military US President Joe Biden announced a series of sanctions on the military leaders of Myanmar. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden said, Today I'm announcing a series of actions that we're taking to begin imposing consequences on the leaders of the coup. The US government is taking steps to prevent the generals from improperly having access to the USD1 billion in Burmese government funds held in the United States Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took the stringent decision of isolating the countrys ruling junta. Unveiling the measures, she also called for the entire international community to strongly condemn what were seeing happen in Myanmar, according to Radio New Zealand. Read - Monks Join Myanmar Anti Coup Protests Read - Myanmar Protests Resume After 2nd Night Of Internet Shutdown Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help The UK Space Agency is actively searching for the next British astronaut and is looking beyond the able-bodied for the first time. A recruitment drive from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK has launched today with the ultimate goal of hiring and training people who will be sent to the moon before the end of the 2020s. This recruitment drive, the first from ESA since 2008, is the only one in history to feature a pilot scheme which encourages people living with disabilities to apply. Individuals with missing feet or lower legs, either from amputation or birth defects, are eligible, as too are people who are shorter than 130 cm (4ft 3in). In total the European Space Agency are looking for about 26 astronauts - six permanent career astronauts and 20 reservists who can be called up as needed. Scroll down for video The European Space Agency is looking for a parastronaut that could travel to the ISS in the future TWO TYPES OF ASTRONAUT VACANCY The European Space Agency (ESA) is searching for two types of astronaut candidates. Permanent - career astronauts The career astronauts will be selected to work permanently for the European Space Agency and will lead missions. They will be regularly scheduled for space travel and up to six will be picked from the candidates. Temporary - reserve astronauts Reserve astronauts will continue in their usual place of work but be called up for short notice and duration trips to the International Space Station. These will be missions in partnership with other agencies and there will be a pool of 20 reservist astronauts. Advertisement ESA have secured three astronaut trips to the Lunar Gateway due to be built in orbit around the Moon and hope to be able to send European's to the surface of our natural satellite in the future. 'Astronauts will fly further away from Earth than anybody has ever been' when they go to the Gateway as it will be further from Earth than the Moon, says Frank De Winne from the ESA astronaut training centre. 'The first five to ten years will see astronauts fly to the ISS, but after that there will be opportunities to fly to the Moon and further than the Moon,' The lucky individual will continue the British space exploration legacy started by Helen Sharman in 1989 and continued in 2015 by Tim Peake. Ms Sharman became the first British Astronaut when she was selected for the joint UK - Soviet Union mission, Juno and spent eight days in space in May 1991. She also made history as the first female Astronaut to visit the Mir Space Station. Mr Peake however became the first government-funded Briton in space when he launched to the ISS on December 15, 2015. he spent six months on the ISS and was the first Briton to complete a spacewalk. Mr Peake was part of the 2008 ESA recruiting class alongside five other Britons and this was the last time the ESA actively recruited for astronauts. Jan Womer, ESA Director General, said they were actively recruiting for new astronauts despite those from the last selection still being active as they need to 'secure a continuity' and smooth transfer of knowledge between generations. 'The International Space Station is a destination for the future but we are also looking towards the Moon, especially the Gateway, and so we're looking for new astronauts.' Womer said all astronauts are 'European astronauts'. He says he understands they are loved and held up with pride by their home nation, but at the heart they are pan-European astronauts that are celebrated throughout the continent. Although more people than ever are being encouraged to apply, there are still stringent restrictions on who can become an astronaut. For example, people are only eligible if they are either qualified as an experimental test pilot or hold a master's degree or higher in Natural Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Mathematics or Computer Sciences. Fluency in English is essential, as too is the ability to be calm under pressure and a willingness to participate in life science experiments. ESA are looking for up to six 'career astronauts' that will command missions and be permanent members of the ESA Astronaut crew, as well as a selection of 'reserve astronauts' to step in for short term or short notice missions. These would be a one-off or limited duration mission, with reserve astronauts remaining with their current employer, but hired by ESA temporarily. 'They could come from contributing members of ESA, including associated states such as Canada, willing to fund an astronaut, says David Parker from ESA. They are looking for up to 20 astronauts to join the volunteer, reserve crew. 'Over the next few years and decades, space exploration will become even more exciting as we travel back to the Moon and even further to Mars,' Mr Peake said. 'For space missions to succeed, they require highly motivated people from diverse backgrounds to combine their skills and work as a team. British astronaut Tim Peake is helping with the latest recruitment drive and will likely be going back to the International Space Station in the coming years Candidates will go through a rigorous selection process including screening, psychological testing, medical testing and interviews Astronaut criteria The UK Space Agency hopes the next professional UK astronaut will be selected through this recruitment drive. To be eligible to file an application, an individual must: have a master's degree (or higher) in Natural Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Mathematics or Computer Sciences OR be qualified as an experimental test pilot be fluent in English Good knowledge of a second language be calm under pressure and be willing to participate in life science experiments Flexible with regards to place of work Advertisement 'The next generation of UK citizens have so much to offer the world, and so I would encourage anyone who has dreamt of pushing the boundaries of what is possible to take this opportunity to be part of ESA's future cohort of space pioneers.' Applications will go via the ESA website and open on March 31 for two months. To apply you will need to upload a CV, medical certificate and proof of qualifications and that you meet all the requirements. Jennifer Ngo-Anh, a space scientist with ESA, said it is a challenging job that requires candidates that can work with inter-disciplinary and international teams. 'Candidates need to have fine and advanced motor skills and need to be calm under pressure, but there will be a strong team supporting them. 'Astronauts are the most visible characters of our space programme and so will contribute to outreach and public relations activities before, during and after a mission,' she said. Following this period of time there will be a 17-month process of screening and testing before the finalists are announced in October 2022. Science Minister, Amanda Solloway, said: 'Becoming an astronaut is a dream for many, and Tim Peake's historic mission to space in 2015 showed millions of Brits that it can become a reality, while putting the UK firmly on the map as a leading space-faring nation. 'With the UK space sector receiving more government backing than ever before, it's time for a new generation of British astronauts to answer this call as we continue working with our European partners to push the boundaries of science and exploration even further.' The coveted role of astronaut is the most well-known role in the sector of space exploration but 42,000 people in the UK work in the business, with roles ranging from aerospace engineers to lawyers. Applications will open on March 31st and stay open for two months until May 28th. Astronauts launching for space will be expected to be able to participate in space science missions and may one day travel to the lunar gateway A number of European Space Agency astronauts have already been to the ISS and the new cohort will also travel to a new space station around the Moon within the decade There will then be a 17-month process of screening, psychological, practical, and psychometric testing, medical selections and two interview selections until the final applicants will be appointed and announced in October 2022. 'It is a tough process, I found it tough going through but just took it one step at a time. A large number won't make it through the application phase to round one, so an attention to detail is very important,' said Tim Peake. 'Becoming an astronaut has been a dream come true. It brings together many of my passions,' Samantha Cristoforetti, current ESA astronaut said of the opening. She said it covers 'science and technology, complex machines, demanding operational environments, international teams, physical fitness, public outreach. And of course, occasionally you get to ride a rocket to work!' Frank De Winne from the ESA astronaut centre said the first missions of the new astronauts will be to the ISS as it is still the core of ESA projects. A recruitment drive from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK has launched today with the ultimate goal of hiring and training people who will be sent to the moon before the end of the 2020s There will be a rigorous training regime for the handful of potential astronauts selected from the thousands of applications PARASTRONAUT: ESA SEARCHING FOR DIFFERENTLY ABLED CANDIDATE The European Space Agency is looking for a parastronaut that could travel to the ISS in the future. The person selected will join the reserve crew while ESA work with partners to find a safe way to travel. Individuals with missing feet or lower legs, either from amputation or birth defects, are eligible, as too are people who are shorter than 130 cm (4ft 3in). Tim Peake says he 'wouldn't have any reservations travelling to space with someone with disabilities'. ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti said we 'didn't evolve to be in space'. She said we're 'all disabled in space' and it is just a case of perfecting the technology to take candidates who would otherwise be selected to be an astronaut if it were not for a disability. Advertisement 'They will participate in long duration missions to the ISS where they will participate in space science experiments,' he said, adding over the decade they will have the opportunity to go further afield, including to the surface of the Moon. 'Some of the future missions these astronauts have got to look forward to are incredible,' said Tim Peake. Jan Womer said 'diversity is not a burden for us, diversity is an asset for us.' 'Diversity is something we are looking into in more broader sense, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability and other characteristics,' he said. 'We would really encourage women to apply as it is interesting and supportive to have mixed teams, but for the first time we are also selecting people with disabilities for our parastronaut project, said Womer. De Winne confirmed future astronauts would travel to space on a range of launch vehicles including SpaceX, Soyuz and Boeing. 'Our astronauts can fly on any of those vehicles and it is decided on a mission by mission basis based on traffic flow to the International Space Station,' he said. De Winne said the important part is the work on the ISS and the 'bus taken to get there is of less importance,' adding 'we are open to any solution in the future'. For the parastronaut vacancy, while they will remain a member of the reserve crew, ESA plans to work with commercial space operators to find a safe way to send them to the ISS where thy can perform 'meaningful and useful work'. 'We believe it is time to assess the feasibility of sending astronauts with physical disabilities into space, Womer said. David Parker from ESA said they've been examining the barriers involved in sending a physically disabled astronaut to the ISS and have them work there. This is why initially a disabled astronaut will join the reserve list, rather than become a permanent ESA astronaut, but they aim to send them to the station. The plan is to work with ISS partners to find a way to send someone with physical disabilities to space - as ESA doesn't have its own crew vehicles. 'We need to work with experts in the field, with providers of space transportation, with medical technology companies,' said Parker. Things got tasty between Sophie Hermann and Tom Zanetti on Tuesday's Celebs Go Dating. The pair were sent off on dates with other people, but ultimately ended up flirting with each other in the bedroom at the end of the episode. While Tom had been on a yoga-themed outing with his date, Sophie had decorated a cake with her's. Kostlich! Things got tasty between Sophie Hermann and Tom Zanetti on Tuesday's Celebs Go Dating And this led to some raunchy chat between the pair as they debriefed their respective suitors. Talking about the cake Sophie brought back with her, Tom said: 'I loved eating your cake, your cake tasted so nice!' This left Sophie blushing, branding him 'gross'. But relentless Tom went on: 'You've got the tastiest cake, it was so yummy!' Options: The pair were sent off on dates with other people Taking the cake: They ultimately ended up flirting with each other in the bedroom at the end of the episode Meh! While Tom had been on a yoga-themed outing with his date, Sophie had decorated a cake with her's Sophie couldn't help but join in, asking if he liked her 'frosting'. She somewhat killed the mood when she asked if Tom had tried her date's 'rosette'. Asking about his yoga excursion, Sophie demanded whether Tom had kissed his date, having returned with foundation all over his cheeks. Tom insisted he hadn't and described her as 'bubbly'. Not fussed: Sophie was left unfazed by her date Nein danke! She retained that Tom was her favourite date of the series Talking about the cake Sophie brought back with her, Tom said: 'I loved eating your cake, your cake tasted so nice!' 'That's what I'd say about a good fizzy drink! Fun, bubbly, sweet!' Sophie mocked, adding: 'But would I want to f**k it, or marry it?' The duo were told on Monday's instalment that they'd have to test the waters with other suitors during a session with dating experts Anna Williamson and Paul Carrick Bronson. They asked the would-be couple how things were going, with Tom declaring he was pleased Sophie had stopped being 'stand-offish' and that he felt they were more 'intertwined' - comparing her to Bambi. Coy! This left Sophie blushing, branding him 'gross' News: The duo were told on Monday's instalment that they'd have to test the waters with other suitors during a session with dating experts Anna Williamson and Paul Carrick Bronson Sophie asserted that the date was the best she'd had in the house thus far. However, both of their faces fell when Anna and Paul informed them that two new suitors would be dropped into the mansion to romance them, in order to test their feelings for one another. This is sure to rock the boat, after the pair have been getting closer. On Sunday their 'mate date' turned into the real deal for the unlikely duo, with Tom visibly nervous around 'The Duchess'. Besotted: Tom declared that he was pleased Sophie had stopped being 'stand-offish' and that he felt they were more 'intertwined' - comparing her to Bambi Update: The pair were asked how things were going Bad news: Both of their faces fell when Anna and Paul informed them that two new suitors would be dropped into the mansion to romance them, in order to test their feelings for one another Earlier in the episode, Tom was seen approaching the Made In Chelsea star, telling her he was 'scared' of her. 'I'm not intimidated by many people but The Duchess I do find scary... I can't read her,' he was seen telling the camera before suggesting he and Sophie have some time to themselves. Self-declared 'girl's girl' Sophie laid down the stipulation that Tom would need to be honest with any of the other girls in the house hoping to romance him. Later in the episode, they enjoyed caviar and champage, with Tom trying the decadent fishy treat for the first time. 'That tastes like a fish's a**hole!' was his analysis. Liebe liegt in der luft? On Celebs Go Dating on Sunday night, Tom finally mustered the courage to ask Sophie out on a date Besotted: What was intended as a 'mate date' soon turned into the real deal for the unlikely duo, with Tom visibly nervous around 'The Duchess' Yet things got a tad more serious when he opened up to Sophie about becoming a father at just 17 years old. 'I was really really happy, I fell in love with him the day he was born,' he told her. 'I worked as a scaffolder, a brick-layer, a roofer, I did everything I could to make sure he had a prom and a car...' Sophie asked if having a child so young left Tom feeling he had missed out in life, to which he replied: 'The only thing I wish I had was that I always wanted to get married...' Different strokes: 'I was still playing with Barbies at 16!' Sophie admitted, comparing their very different backgrounds Gedichtvorlesung: Tom also recited a poem he'd written about Sophie - featuring a line in her mother-tongue, German Overwhelmed? 'That is the sweetest thing...' she said, clearly moved by the gesture He also spoke of having little money when he grew up and how he started providing for the rest of his family as young as 14. 'I was still playing with Barbies at 16!' Sophie admitted, comparing their very different backgrounds. Tom also recited a poem he'd written about Sophie - featuring a line in her mother-tongue, German. 'That is the sweetest thing...' she said, clearly moved by the gesture. Sweet: Earlier in the episode, Tom was seen approaching the Made In Chelsea star, telling her he was 'scared' of her Giddy: Sophie also admitted it was the best date she had been on during her time on the show thus far Later in the episode, she was seen telling Kimberly Hart Simpson and Chloe Ferry about the date. 'This is what you've wanted - to be happy!' Chloe exclaimed. Sophie also admitted it was the best date she had been on during her time on the show thus far. Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion continues at 9PM on Tuesday on E4. Amethyst Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirit Amethyst is not only for the sober curious; its also perfect for those of us who want to purposefully pace ourselves. Founded by Burnt Church Distillery Owners, Billy and Sean Watterson, Amethyst is a non-alcoholic spirit masterfully distilled and blended with invigorating fruits and botanicals. Rooted in the spirits of balance, wellness, and inclusion, the goal of Amethyst was to give everyone the opportunity to celebrate, regardless of their sobriety choices. The Wattersons discovery that 20 percent of the population chooses not to drink alcohol prompted them to create something that would be inclusive to all. Their finding was a similar one to many at the start of 2021. According to Laurentia Romaniuk, Trend Expert and Senior Product Manager at Instacart, consumers are looking to turn over a new leaf in 2021, searching for guilt-free libations. She said sales for NA spirits have increased by 195% each year since their inception. Our goal was not only to create a non-alcoholic spirit for those who choose not to drink, Billy said. But it was also profoundly important that we didnt compromise on quality, taste, or experience. This Spirit of InclusionTM is what sets Amethyst apart from what is becoming an even more extensive array of non-alcoholic spirits to hit the market in 2021 and the years to come. A new report published by Allied Market Research projects that the global nonalcoholic drinks market was valued at $1.548 billion in 2015, and is estimated to reach $2.090 billion by 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2016 to 2022. Additionally, since 2015, the no and low-ABV movement has grown 506% with further data anticipating the NA sector reaching $280 million in 2021. Annual growth for the category is expected to hit 7.1% by 2025 (Nielsen, Forbes). Amethyst is not only for the sober curious; its also perfect for those of us who want to purposefully pace ourselves, said Amethyst Brand Ambassador Katherine Reeves. Enjoying a night out, without compromising on the morning after. For more information on Amethyst NA Spirits or to purchase, go to http://www.amethystnaspirits.com. Amethyst is a non-alcoholic spirit that is distilled and blended with fruits and botanicals giving the same mouthfeel as a full-bodied spirit. Amethyst is a Watterson Brands company and will be available for purchase at Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton, South Carolina. Throughout the spring of 2020, the media celebrated New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo as the model for how to handle the Wuhan virus. He gave charming press conferences, joked around with his vapid brother Chris, and received an Emmy for his splendid media performance. Now, though, we know that Cuomo was actually New York's grim reaper. Under his aegis, thousands of elderly New Yorkers died unnecessarily. At the end of January, New York's attorney general, the hard-left Letitia James, let it be known that Cuomo's administration had undercounted the number of nursing home residents who had died when he insisted that patients with the Wuhan virus, upon their release from the hospital, be sent to nursing homes. This policy was the equivalent of sending leaking gasoline cans and lit matches into the nursing homes, turning them into abattoirs. After two weeks, Cuomo's closest aide, Melissa DeRosa, was admitting that the administration had deliberately understated the number of people who died in nursing homes because the Trump administration was beginning to investigate them. The administration also investigated New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, all of which had the same "back to the nursing home" policy as New York, although none were quite as deadly. On Monday, it became clear that the story wasn't going to go away. People resented the fact that their elderly relatives, neighbors, and friends had experienced lonely, unnecessary deaths. An angry state Legislature demanded that Cuomo lose the emergency powers he's been abusing. Others called for federal investigations. May I suggest a nice manslaughter charge? Cuomo held a press conference that was a tour de force but I don't mean that in a good way. Instead, in quick succession, Cuomo blamed everyone but himself for what happened. He began by blaming the Trump administration for the hash New York is making of the vaccine distribution plan. (The last third of this video explains what really went wrong.) He pushed back against the effort to revoke his emergency powers, saying they "have nothing to do with nursing homes." That may be true, but they certainly have a lot to do with appalling errors in judgment during a health emergency. He denied hiding data about nursing homes. Instead, it's all politics: "this past year, there is a toxic political environment, and everything gets politicized. There is political spin and then there are facts." He explained that he had to hold off on getting data to New York's Legislature because he was hustling to get it to the DOJ in August, long after the spring's peak deaths had ended. Whoops! He blamed the CDC for telling states to send sick people to nursing homes. Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis received the same information and ignored it until he was sure the nursing homes were safe. Cuomo also claimed that nursing homes said they could handle it. At least one nursing home in Brooklyn, though, was begging Cuomo to end the slaughter. He blamed the nursing homes for making people sick. It was the staffers who were the guilty parties. And of course, Cuomo blamed the left's ever-present bogeyman: "conspiracy theories" and "disinformation." His only fault lay with creating a "void" in which they could breed. If Cuomo had been a Japanese politician who was exposed as his state's angel of death, he would at the very least have resigned immediately from his position. More seriously and, certainly, in a past age, the politician would have committed seppuku (ritual suicide). However, this didn't happen in Japan; it happened in Cuomo's New York, and the government was going to do anything to place the blame on anybody but himself. Not to make light of the terrible things that happened on Cuomo's watch, but his press conference could have substituted for the song "It's Your Fault," in Stephen Sondheim's Into The Woods, with Cuomo taking on each role: Image: Cuomo press conference about nursing home deaths. YouTube screen grab. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Mumbai, Feb 16 : Actor Sandeep Nahar, who posted a suicide note on his Facebook page on Monday, was found hanging in his bedroom a few hours later. According to police authorities, the actor was found hanging from the ceiling fan by his wife and her friends. They rushed him to a hospital in Goregaon where he was declared dead on arrival. Sandeep, who has worked in films such as "MS Dhoni: The Untold Story" and "Kesari", had written a long post where he said that his wife had made his life terrible in two years of marriage and he could not take it anymore. He had also uploaded a video along with the suicide post talking about undergoing stress in career and his wife harassing him and threatening to ruin his career. In the note, he had written: "I would've died by suicide a long time ago but I chose to give myself the time and hope that things would get better, but they didn't. I now have nowhere to go. I don't know what awaits me after I take this step, but I've been through hell in this life. I have only one request, after I am gone, please don't say anything to Kanchan (his wife) but do get her treated." According to officials, no complain has been filed so far from Nahar's family. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text By Keith Burbank Bay City News The operator of California's electric grid is asking residents whose health permits to conserve energy Monday evening to ease stress on the grid in other parts of the West. The California Independent System Operator made the request at 4:14 p.m. on social media. The operator does not anticipate any black outs Monday evening in California. Storms are affecting Texas, the Midwest and the Southeast. 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. Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina was formally reprimanded by his state Republican party on Monday night after he voted to convict Donald Trump - making him the third of the seven Republicans who turned on their former president to be punished. All three have been formally censured - a censure from the party being essentially a public reprimand that lets party activists voice their disapproval. Three more are likely to be censured, with only Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expected to escape the reprimand from her state party, while it's uncertain if Utah's GOP leaders will bend to a petition to censure Romney. The seven senators - Barr, Murkowski, Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana - all knew they risked angering some voters by opting to impeach Trump. Some Republicans in Romney's state of Utah accused him of having 'embarrassed' them, claiming he is not representing their interests but is instead an 'agent of the deep state' and have started an online petition for a censure motion. The leaders of Utah's Republican party, however, put out a statement saying they're not behind the effort and that they support a 'diversity of thought.' Richard Burr, who is stepping down in 2022, was censured by his party on Monday night Bill Cassidy, Republican senator for Louisiana, was censured immediately after his vote Pat Toomey, Republican senator for Pennsylvania, has been censured by his state party Meanwhile, Cassidy was censured formally by his party on Saturday, and Toomey shortly after. 'I have no illusions that this is a popular decision,' Cassidy wrote in a column published on Sunday. 'I made this decision because Americans should not be fed lies about 'massive election fraud.' Police should not be left to the mercy of a mob. 'Mobs should not be inflamed to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.' Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said the senator's vote is 'extremely disappointing' and claimed that Cassidy has 'fallen into the trap laid by Democrats to have Republicans attack Republicans'. One of Toomey's districts, Clarion County, called their senator's impeachment vote 'a purely self-serving vindictive and punitive action by those with establishment political objectives,' in a document obtained by The Hill. Burr and Toomey have both already announced that they are stepping down in 2022. Murkowski is not facing an imminent censure from her party. Romney, who was the lone Republican to vote for Trump's impeachment in February 2020, was facing a backlash from some constituents. Mitt Romney of Utah is the only Republican senator who voted to impeach Trump twice Ben Sasse of Nebraska is among the six senators likely to face censure for his vote Some in Utah accuse him, in a censure motion being circulated online among Republicans, of being 'an agent for the Establishment Deep State.' They argue that Romney failed to 'represent the average conservative Utah Republican voter' and say he is not true to the party, accusing him of having 'misrepresented himself as a Republican,' when he ran for office. The Utah Republican Party's top leaders are not behind this effort, The Salt Lake Tribune reported on Monday. The party issued a statement on Monday pointing out that Romney and Utah's other senator, Mike Lee, voted differently. 'The differences between our own Utah Republicans showcase a diversity of thought, in contrast to the danger of a party fixated on 'unanimity of thought,'' they wrote. 'There is power in our differences as a political party, and we look forward to each senator explaining their votes to the people of Utah.' Yet the draft censure of Romney from rank-and-file Republicans is fierce in its criticism. It says Romney 'embarrassed the State of Utah' when he was the only Republican senator to vote to convict Trump during his first impeachment trial. They concludes Romney used his 'senatorial power and influence to undermine' Trump. Of the seven Republican senators who sided with Democrats on impeachment, only the 48-year-old Sasse is viewed as still aspiring to higher office. Sasse is, in effect, betting there is a political future in trying to fight for the comeback of the establishment Republican party. On Thursday, he issued a pre-emptive Facebook video. 'I'm not going to spend any time trying to talk you out of another censure,' Sasse said, referencing a previous censure in March 2016 for his criticism of Trump. 'I listen to Nebraskans every day, and very few of them are as angry about life as some of the people on this committee not all of you, but a lot. 'Political addicts don't represent most Nebraska conservatives.' He added: 'Politics isn't about the weird worship of one dude.' Lisa Murkowski of Alaska is not believed to be facing a motion to censure her for her vote Susan Collins of Maine is also facing calls from her own party to be censured for her vote Murkowski, one of two women to vote to convict, is not believed to be facing censure. In a lengthy statement on Sunday, she outlined the case against Trump, adding that if the evidence 'is not worthy of impeachment, conviction, and disqualification from holding office in the United States, I cannot imagine what is'. Collins, however, has angered many Republicans in Maine. Maine Republican Party Executive Director Jason Savage confirmed to News Center Maine that county GOP chairs would meet on Monday to consider punishment, but said any comment will wait until 'after matters are discussed by the county chairs.' Helen Tutwiler, the chair for the Kennebec County Republican Committee, told News Center Maine that she knows 'a lot of people' are 'asking the GOP to do something'. 'What exactly that is, I'm not sure,' she added. Maine GOP Chair Demi Kouzounas told members in a Saturday email obtained by Bangor Daily News that 'many of you are upset after what happened today, as are we' and 'to be prepared for an emergency state committee meeting in the near future' to discuss Collins's vote. This year I will have Tet in Hanoi. On the morning of the 1st day of the lunar New Year I will get up early to walk. The scene will be great when the street is quiet and I can see what was left after the New Years Eve, French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery told VietnamNet. French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery. Photo: Pham Hai It seems that you have natural bonds with Vietnam when you served as the French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City (2004-2007) and last September you were appointed as Ambassador to Vietnam? Fifteen years ago, I had a term in Ho Chi Minh City that lasted more than three years. At that time my children were still in school, so my whole family lived in the city. Now, I am very pleased to return to Vietnam as an Ambassador. While working as the French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, I had many occasions to go to Hanoi when there were high-level visits to Vietnam or meetings organized by the French Embassy. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have different features. Ho Chi Minh City used to be a port city, a commercial center and now is the economic hub with very active activities. Historically, Hanoi is a political, cultural, and academic center, so it has a different pace. Regardless of position, I have not only worked in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City but always taken advantage of opportunities to visit other localities in Vietnam. During this term, as the French Ambassador to Vietnam, I have returned to Da Nang, Hue, Da Lat, Dien Bien and I plan to visit Can Tho, Nha Trang, Hai Phong in the coming time because each Vietnamese cities and locality, whether big or small, has their own characteristics. Vietnam in 2020 assumes dual responsibility: ASEAN Chairman and Non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. What is your assessment of Vietnam's current position in the region and the world? 2020 was a very important year for Vietnam as it took on the roles of ASEAN Chairman and Non-permanent member of the UN Security Council at the same time. Vietnam has been very successful in assuming these two roles. Right from the beginning of the year when Vietnam became the Chairman of ASEAN, the Covid-19 pandemic occurred, and since March, all ASEAN activities were organized online. Despite these difficulties and challenges, Vietnam achieved the goals set out during its term. Within the framework of the UN Security Council and the UN, Vietnam performed an outstanding role, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, in early January 2020, as Chairman of the UN Security Council of the month, Vietnam held a seminar related to the UN Charter and then during the year, in Hanoi, Vietnam successfully held a related event on women's roles with peace and security. At the end of 2020, did you experience the traditional New Year of Vietnam? I've had Tet many times in Vietnam. French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery. Photo: Pham Hai Do you see any similarity between the Vietnamese traditional New Year and the holidays of the French people? The year-end holidays in France and Tet in Vietnam have similarities, when it comes to family reunion. For France, we focus most on Christmas Eve and the next day when we meet relatives and family members. In Vietnam, I see Tet as a reunion occasion, but this holiday is longer and has different rituals from other holidays. Not only New Year's Eve, on the 1st day of New Year, the Vietnamese have the custom of visiting the parents... It is also an opportunity to tighten family and social relations. During my term in Vietnam, I was once lucky to witness the reunion of a Vietnamese family. I saw a bond between the old, the young, all family members, creating a very similar atmosphere in France during Christmas. More specifically, the first day of the Vietnamese New Year is very similar to the New Year's Day in France, when there are almost no people on the street. Going out on the street that day will be a very special feeling. Could you share with us your plan to experience your Vietnamese New Year this year? This year I will have Tet in Hanoi. On the morning of the 1st day of the lunar New Year I will get up early to walk. The scene will be great when the street is quiet and I can see what was left after the New Years Eve. I plan to go to Ngoc Son temple in Hoan Kiem lake. On the morning of the 1st day of New Year, many people come here to burn incense. What is your expectation of the cooperation relationship between France and Vietnam in the new year? 2021 is a very special because after the National Party Congress, Vietnam will have new leaders. It may be the year to put an end to Covid-19 pandemic and the two countries will make more efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. We hope that 2021, after the pandemic is under control, the two sides will work together to promote stronger relations in all fields such as economy, culture, and health. Healthcare is one of the key areas of cooperation between the two countries, with a long tradition of cooperation. In the future, we will continue this partnership, also in response to Covid, vaccines and other issues. During your term, what fields will you focus on with the efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries? During my term, I hope to further promote the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France, tighten the political relationship between the two sides, and promote projects in economic, culture, higher education and projects related to climate change, environmental protection... In general, France and Vietnam will promote bilateral relations, and exert joint efforts to promote multilateral relations. I would like to add that there is a highly iconic project in Hanoi. The metro project No. 3 (Nhon - Hanoi urban railway line) is being implemented well. The first train has arrived in Vietnam. I hope the project will be completed soon to serve the people. Thai An-Hien Anh See the sun through parting fog and clouds" to cooperate and fill our differences "Thank heaven we are here today/To see the sun through parting fog and clouds" are two sentences from Truyen Kieu (The Tale of Kieu) quoted by then US Vice President Joe Biden, Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 19:38:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Developing countries should emulate how China has managed to boost its production capacity which has boosted economic development, an expert said on Tuesday. Lubinda Haabazoka, president of the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ), said China has made it possible for developing countries to produce for themselves because the Asian nation has been able to produce cheap production machinery. "Our engineers should be busy copying such machinery in Zambia," he said in a write-up on the performance of the country's economy. According to him, in order for the economy to pick up, citizens have a duty to get involved in the production of various goods and services and not to leave everything to the government. He said Zambia was a market-driven economy and that it was not the duty of the government to be fully involved in the production of goods and services but citizens. "The structure of Zambia's economy is what we need to fix because it's not sustainable for overall economic development and also maintaining strong economic fundamentals," he added. The expert noted that it was a pity that most of the sectors of the economy were being driven by foreigners who were externalizing earnings, hence having a negative bearing on the local currency, the Kwacha which has depreciated significantly. "For us to arrest the issue of forex, we need to declare war on poverty as citizens. We need a radical approach and not textbook solutions. We need to produce for both local consumption and export," he said. Enditem As Gov. Ned Lamont rolls out his budget proposals for the coming biennium, education funding seems poised to become a battleground. Lamont wants to freeze the states contribution to public schools, the pot of money called Education Cost Sharing, or ECS. Instead, he would boost districts by using federal coronavirus funds. And thats raising alarm among educators and advocates. As districts continue to grapple with the devastating effects of the pandemic on both school costs and student learning, Fran Rabinowitz worries about Lamonts plan. She represents Connecticuts public school superintendents. Im concerned about the domino effect of holding it off for two years, Rabinowitz told Connecticut Public Radio. Essentially, she says, filling that hole with federal funds robs Peter to pay Paul. The coronavirus money could have been used for child reading programs or to support students with disabilities during the summer. That federal funding was meant to supplement, not supplant, she said. It was meant for us to move forward and put in the type of acceleration that our children are going to need. The Lamont administration doesnt see it that way. Melissa McCaw, the governors budget chief, says that because the state hasnt recovered more than half a billion dollars in revenue lost to the pandemic, pulling in federal relief money represented the best path forward. We have to use the resources that we have, which is significant funding coming from the feds, as the governor recommends, to meet the commitment that we made to the districts in the ECS formula, she said, adding that more state money may be forthcoming in the next biennium budget. As far as helping kids whove been learning remotely to reduce the spread of COVID-19, McCaw says the state will require districts to identify which students have taken a step back in their education and then develop a program to get them caught up. Thats where Republican House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora thinks the state misses the boat. What I was hoping to see in this budget is specifics on what programs were going to put forth throughout the summertime to catch all these children up and I dont see that, he said. Hes concerned about students who have become disengaged, saying that some estimates put the number as high as 16,000 kids. Gwen Samuel, founder of the Connecticut Parents Union, also worries about how to connect funding to kids who are off the grid. We have to make sure we are leaving no children behind I dont mean punishing folks, Samuel said. Find out why theyre not back in school. Is it the community? Are there towers for internet? Does the family have instability issues? She says a funding freeze on the state level makes that effort much harder. The state had a 3 percent decline in enrollment at the start of this school year compared to last. A spokesperson for the Department of Education said that continues a trend the state has seen over the last five years. Rabinowitz believes an even bigger problem may loom. Shes been racking her brain since the proposal came out: Even if the federal money does what the state intends, what happens when it runs out, specifically to urban school districts? Some of the most challenged districts, for example Waterbury, if they are flat-funded, it will be a loss of $20 million. Rabinowitz says a freeze in the ECS helps suburban districts, many of which would lose money if the formula changed. Broken Promises McCaw faced questions about the budget from the state legislatures Appropriations Committee. Rep. Brandon McGee (D-Hartford, Windsor) said he had a philosophical difference with McCaw over the focus of state education funding. The formula is in fact what drives how we fund our districts and thats what weve been given to deal with, McGee said on a Zoom call with McCaw. Like Rabinowitz, McGee said he doesnt believe the ECS formula benefits students from Connecticuts neediest school districts. So, hes proposed a new bill before the legislature that aims to address the achievement gap for students of color who live in these communities. Earlier last week, McGee appeared at a press conference in Hartford and called on Gov. Ned Lamont to act in revamping the ECS formula. We talk about evening the playing field but (we are) veering away from what is right because of politics. And for me that starts with a real conversation about equity Until that is done, we have simply given our children lip service, something they can always see through, he said. The ECS formula was implemented to distribute $2 billion to public schools across the state. McGee and others who joined him at the news conference dont believe the moneys being distributed equitably. I refuse to raise my unborn child in a state that does not value her education, said Jamilah Price-Stewart, Executive Director FaithActs for Education. Yet our discomfort today pales in comparison to the sacrifices our families and communities have made for generations to live in a state that would rather spend more to incarcerate us. Parents at the news conference voiced their disappointment with socioeconomic divides in their towns. (My child) Is Hispanic, (has) special needs and lives in Bridgeport. (Those are) the three factors (that are) up against my son for achieving success in his life. said Stephanie Nieves, a parent leader. Rep. Antonio Felipe, D-Bridgeport, expressed support of McGees bill and said he intends to help students and parents achieve success within their school districts. I want to make a promise today to look out for everyone. An agenda that looks out for English language learners, to provide for special (education) students, he said. An agenda that recognizes all children regardless of their skin color, zip code or the size of the family bank account. I want to promise that we legislate (with) the interest of the students and parents. Ultimately, parents at the press conference said they dont want any more broken promises. They want to see change within their communities and the proper aid given to support their childs success. These are our children, these are their lives, Nieves said. San Antonio Metro Health declared a blood emergency in the city, which requires 2,000 donors to rebuild local supply. The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center said the donations lost are due to donor room closures and the cancellation of blood drives due to the weather. RELATED: San Antonio's Convention Center will become warming center this evening "San Antonio Metro Health on Tuesday declared a blood emergency in the city, meaning there is not enough blood on hand to treat trauma cases and patients who need emergency surgeries and procedures that require blood," the alert reads. Donors who are able to get to the Donor Pavilion, Shavano Park or Northeast donor rooms safely are asked to call 210-731-5590 or visit SouthTexasBlood.org for more information. Same-day appointments and walk-ins are accepted. RELATED: H-E-B limits purchases of propane tanks and water All donors will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye Chandigarh, Feb 16 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has termed the allegations of the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on rigging of civic polls as a typical case of crying foul in the face of their imminent defeat in the election, the results of which will be announced on Wednesday. "It's a panic reaction to their inevitable wipeout in these polls," said the Chief Minister, adding that the BJP and AAP, as well as the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), are all set to be completely trounced in these municipal polls, whose results will be the precursor of worse to come for these parties that have totally lost the confidence and trust of the people. "All these parties have worked together to ruin Punjab, with the black farm laws the latest in the long line of their anti-people and anti-Punjab actions," Amarinder said, adding that the shock of their total rejection has unnerved their leadership, who are desperately seeking refuge in "lies and excuses" to cover up their impending failure. "Why would my government or my party try to sabotage an election that we are clearly winning?" asked the Chief Minister, urging the opposition parties to stop whining and start introspecting on their policies and programmes. As in the case of the Republic Day violence in Delhi, any instances of violence in the Punjab municipal polls were the handiwork of the BJP and AAP working in collusion to seize the polls by hook or by crook, he added. Ridiculing BJP's Tarun Chugh over his remarks that the people of Punjab were living in terror and fear, Amarinder said the people of the entire country were, in fact, living under the dread of the "tyrannical" central government, which had given up even the pretence of being a democratic regime. "The BJP-led government at the Centre has become so despotic that it cannot tolerate the minimum of dissent, even on social media, which is why they probably believe that other parties are also running repressive regimes where ever they are in power," he added. The Congress has always upheld the Constitutional principles of democracy and freedom of citizens, and continues to do so in Punjab and other states where it is ruling, he said. "As for Arvind Kejriwal's AAP, that party is nothing more than a tool of the BJP to spread misinformation, and promote its anti-people agenda," alleged the Chief Minister, adding that the lies of these parties are clearly motivated by their petty political agenda. Amarinder Singh upon the opposition parties in Punjab to stop trying to mislead the people with their deceitful statements and actions. Five-time Grammy winner Christina 'Xtina' Aguilera and her Burlesque PA-turned-fiance Matthew Rutler brought their six-year-old daughter Summer Rain to Everglades Alligator Farm in Florida on Saturday. The 40-year-old R&B belter held her hand out to feed an emu, likely as part of the $597 three-hour VIP experience offered at the Homestead zoo. Christina dressed her curvaceous 5ft2in figure in a white cropped hoodie over a black tank, camouflage cargo pants, and matching sneakers. Quality time: Five-time Grammy winner Christina 'Xtina' Aguilera and her Burlesque PA-turned-fiance Matthew Rutler brought their six-year-old daughter Summer Rain to Everglades Alligator Farm in Florida on Saturday Careful! The 40-year-old R&B belter held her hand out to feed an emu, likely as part of the $597 three-hour VIP experience offered at the Homestead zoo On Monday, the 35-year-old MasterClass investor Instastoried a snap from the alligator encounter where visitors throw raw meat to the 250 gators in the breeding pond. The VIP experience also offers a private airboat custom tour of the Everglades' sawgrass prairies between Miami and the Florida Keys where the craft does 360-degree spins. The family-of-three made sure to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus by wearing face masks. As of Tuesday, there have reportedly been 1.83M confirmed COVID-19 cases in Florida leading to 28,933 deaths since March. Casually clad: Christina dressed her curvaceous 5ft2in figure in a white cropped hoodie over a black tank, camouflage cargo pants, and matching sneakers 'I think I'll pass on a swim': On Monday, the 35-year-old MasterClass investor Instastoried a snap from the alligator encounter where visitors throw raw meat to the 250 gators in the breeding pond Weeee! The VIP experience also offers a private airboat custom tour of the Everglades' sawgrass prairies between Miami and the Florida Keys (posted Tuesday) Aguilera and Matthew happily celebrated Valentine's Day together in Miami, but there's still no wedding date set seven years after their engagement. The Staten Island-born, half-Ecuadorian belter gushed: 'Here's to all the adventures we've shared and many more to come!' Rutler replied: 'What a ride it's been! And we're just getting started. You still make me crush. Every. Single. Day.' 'Here's to all the adventures we've shared and many more to come!' Aguilera and Matthew happily celebrated Valentine's Day together in Miami, but there's still no wedding date set seven years after their engagement Eldest: Missing from Christina's side was her 13-year-old son Max Liron (R, pictured December 20) from her six-year marriage to marketing executive Jordan Bratman, which ended in 2011 Missing from Christina's side was her 13-year-old son Max Liron from her six-year marriage to marketing executive Jordan Bratman, which ended in 2011. Aguilera technically flew into the sunshine state on February 9 in order to record her ninth studio album. The Loyal Brave True songstress hasn't used her unmistakable four-octave soprano pipes on a full-blown record since Liberation back in 2018. 'Miami sessions': Aguilera technically flew into the sunshine state on February 9 in order to record her ninth studio album (pictured Thursday) Advertisement Another 15 cases of the South African coronavirus variant have been found in the UK, amid concerns it could make vaccines less effective if it becomes widespread. Surge testing began at the start of February in areas known to have had cases, with local health teams going door-to-door to stop it spreading among people without symptoms. Public Health England has detected the mutant virus 217 times in the UK. And 42 people are thought to have been infected with another variant never seen before, which carries the same troublesome E484K mutation that makes the South African variant able to partially evade both vaccine-triggered and natural immunity. Only 38 cases of the strain called B.1.525 have been confirmed. Four other suspected samples are still being analysed. The virus has not yet been added to the list of 'variants of concern' and is only under investigation. Forty of the cases have been in England and two in Wales but their locations have not been announced. Officials told MailOnline the cases were 'geographically dispersed' with no obvious hotspots or clusters. So far there have been no more than two cases in any one location. The variant also has the Q677H mutation on its crucial spike protein, prompting warnings from scientists that this could make it even more resistant to vaccines. And it shares similarities with the Kent strain, which studies show is up to 70 per cent more infectious and deadlier. The B.1.525 variant was first detected in Britain in mid-December but this doesn't mean it evolved here. The UK does far more sequencing than other countries. It has already spread to 11 countries including the US, Canada and Denmark, which are not on the UK's 'red list'. It has been linked to travel to Nigeria, where 12 out of 51 virus samples analysed or 24 per cent were the new variant. For comparison, the UK has only found it in 33 of 70,000 genomes sequenced, or less than 0.4 per cent. The discovery will likely spark fears Britain's lockdown restrictions may be delayed. Boris Johnson who is set to unveil his 'roadmap' back to freedom on Monday last week refused to rule out extending measures if the South African virus kept on spreading. His comments came after an alarming study claimed Oxford University's vaccine may not stop people falling ill with the mutant strain. One senior Tory MP told MailOnline that the discovery of such variants could give Downing Street cold feet about easing lockdown. They said: 'It looks as if these variant are actually tackled by the existing vaccines but the fact is you don't know until time passes and you can see the impact on real people. The problem is that every time a variant pops up it causes this problem with people saying "hang on".' The above map shows where the strain B.1.525 has been detected in the world. It was first identified in the UK and Nigeria in late December Covid jabs are being dished out on double-decker buses to target areas with low uptake Patients are taken on board one at a time and jabbed in one of two clinical booths which are deep cleaned after every vaccination Vaccines are being administered on a double decker bus to target areas with a lower uptake of jabs. The specially adapted vehicle has the specific aim of inoculating communities known to have greater hesitancy towards the being vaccinated. Patients are taken on board one at a time and jabbed in one of two clinical booths which are deep cleaned after every vaccination. Asha, who was one of the first people to receive her first dose on the bus, was keen to encourage others to follow suit. She said: 'I want everybody to get the jab, especially people who are Black or Asian.' The bus first stopped at the University of Greenwich on Saturday before moving onto Thamesmead on Sunday. It will continue to patrol south east London over the next few months to reach priority groups. Volunteers carry out targeted outreach work within local communities to encourage those eligible to book an appointment before the bus arrives. Local GP and Co-Chair of Greenwich Health Ltd Dr Niraj Patel said: 'Going forward we hopefully can take the vaccination bus to pockets of areas in Greenwich where maybe the uptake is not as high as we would hope it would be.' Greenwich Council deputy leader Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald added: 'The bus will enable us to reach areas of the borough where take-up of the vaccine has been lower. 'It will also make it easier for residents to get their vaccine, especially in this first phase when we're asking people aged 70 upwards, and other vulnerable groups, to have their vaccination.' Advertisement In other coronavirus developments today: Ministers are expected to be urged to vaccinate people by ethnicity rather than their job during the next phase of the coronavirus jab roll-out, with No10's top advisers meeting today to finalise their recommendation; Radio presenter Jo Whiley spoke of her frustration at being offered a Covid vaccine before her disabled sister who lives in a care home and who has now reportedly tested positive for coronavirus; The Government's vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi suggested social distancing could be kept in place for the foreseeable future potentially long after lockdown has been lifted; Travellers from 'red list' countries who test positive for coronavirus during their compulsory 10 day stay in a quarantine hotel face an additional 1,200 bill and Belgium and Austria could be added to the list; Nicola Sturgeon will announce whether more children can return to Scottish schools six days before Boris Johnson tells pupils in England when they can expect to be back in classes; The strict 'stay at home' message will be ditched by Boris Johnson and the green light given for outdoor sports as the country takes it first steps out of lockdown, it was revealed. Although some genetic changes have been found to make jabs slightly less effective, experts say everyone should still get vaccinated because the jabs should prevent serious illness and death from the disease even if they don't stop people developing symptoms. Britain has identified several Covid variants since the pandemic began, including the more infectious Kent lineage B.1.1.7 which is the dominant strain. The South African variant B.1.351 has also been found, sparking mass testing in dozens of areas to prevent larger outbreaks. Other troublesome strains have also been spotted in Bristol and Liverpool. SARS-CoV-2 the strain of coronavirus that causes Covid constantly evolves, which could spark the need for booster shots this autumn in the vulnerable or the need for winter vaccine campaigns like those for influenza. Variants of the virus contain dozens of mutations, but not all of these spark concern among scientists. Nonetheless, a handful of troublesome ones have prompted officials to carry out door-to-door testing in some parts of the UK. Studies have shown vaccine-triggered antibodies may be less able to destroy some variants, sparking fears that the rollout will be unsuccessful. But not all immunity is based off antibodies, scientists say, meaning it is unlikely any of the variants will render the current crop of jabs useless. The new variant was revealed in a report by scientists at the University of Edinburgh, who said it also had the mutation F888L. Experts say they are not sure whether this gives it an advantage. Denmark has spotted the most cases of the strain (35), followed by the UK and then the US (10). The strain has also been detected in Jordan, France, Belgium, Ghana and Spain. None of these countries are on the 'red list'. Scientists have appealed for calm over the new variant, saying there is no evidence it is more infectious or more deadly at present. Professor Jonathan Stoye, a virologist at the Francis Crick Institute, warned it was not surprising that the new variant contained some mutations already seen. 'The minute you start putting selection pressure on this virus, you start selecting particularly for things that give it the ability to escape immune responses, and I think that is what we are seeing here,' he told The Guardian. 'This [E484K] change seems to be the key change at the moment to allow escape, so that's the one you put into the tweaked vaccine.' When asked by MailOnline about the other mutations, he warned the Q677H change may impact the effectiveness of vaccines by changing the shape of the spike protein which the immune system recognises as a threat and tries to snuff out. Any changes in shape could allow the virus to evade detection. Dr Simon Clarke, a cellular microbiologist at the University of Reading, told MailOnline that it was not yet clear what impact the new mutations besides E484K would have. But he warned it was 'entirely possible' a new mutation would soon emerge that would affect T-cell immunity although there is no evidence that the new variant impacts this response. Part of the T-cell immune response is to destroy infected cells in order to stop the virus from reproducing and spreading, thereby curbing an infection. Above is the number of cases identified by country. In areas where more genomes are checked for variants of the virus, it is likely more cases will be detected Above is the number of times cases have been found since the first variant was reported by country. It has been most common in Nigeria, Jordan and Ghana this shows When the virus enters the cells it leaves proteins on its surface which, when detected by T-cells, lead to them identifying an infection and destroying it. But a mutation triggering a change in the shape of these proteins, would mean the T-cells would find it harder to identify and destroy infected cells - impacting immunity. Professor Yvonne Doyle, medical director at PHE, said: 'PHE is monitoring data about emerging variants very closely and where necessary public health interventions are being undertaken, such as extra testing and enhanced contact tracing. Next phase of UK's Covid vaccine roll-out 'will focus on ethnicity and NOT occupation' Ministers will be urged to vaccinate people by age and ethnicity rather than their job during the next phase of the coronavirus jab roll-out, it was claimed today. Number 10's leading jab experts, who are due to meet this afternoon to finalise their recommendation, are expected to advise that the UK continues with its age-based approach after the nine most vulnerable groups are inoculated. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will also urge ministers to prioritise some ethnic minority groups, who are at a disproportionate risk of dying from Covid, The Telegraph reports. Members are said to be particularly concerned about mortality rates among South Asians, who studies have shown are twice as likely to succumb to the virus as their white peers. Both Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock have previously said teachers, police officers, shop owners and other key workers could be bumped up the priority list once the top groups have been jabbed. But JCVI sources said last night prioritising people based on their occupation would 'create too much complication' and 'risk slowing the roll-out down'. Advertisement 'There is currently no evidence that this set of mutations causes more severe illness or increased transmissibility. 'The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to follow the public health advice wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep your distance from others. While in lockdown, it is important that people stay at home where possible.' It comes after it was claimed today that ministers will be urged to vaccinate people by age and ethnicity rather than their job during the next phase of the coronavirus jab roll-out. No10's leading jab experts, who will meet this afternoon to finalise their recommendation, are expected to advise that the UK continues with its age-based approach after the nine most vulnerable groups are inoculated. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will also urge ministers to prioritise some ethnic minority groups, who are at a disproportionate risk of dying from Covid, The Telegraph reports. Members are said to be particularly concerned about mortality rates among South Asians, who studies have shown are twice as likely to succumb to the virus as their white peers. Both Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock have previously said teachers, police officers, shop owners and other key workers could be bumped up the priority list once the top groups have been jabbed. But JCVI sources said last night prioritising people based on their occupation would 'create too much complication' and 'risk slowing the roll-out down'. Officials have until now been focusing on vaccinating the top four vulnerable groups everyone over the age of 70, NHS staff, care home residents and workers, and extremely ill adults. Yesterday NHS England officially moved onto the second stage of the vaccine drive, inviting over-65s and 'clinically vulnerable' younger people. The programme will aim to give everyone over the age of 50 their first dose by the end of April. NHS England boss Sir Simon Stevens yesterday vowed to double the number of jabs being given in order for the Government to hit that target. It could see up to 1million doses dished out each day. The Labour party and workers' unions have been campaigning for weeks for the Government to prioritise people based on their jobs once the top groups have been jabbed. London mayor Sadiq Khan told the Radio 4 Today Programme this morning: 'The next phase should include those occupations where...you're more likely to catch the virus with adverse consequences'. Ministers have not yet laid out how the jabs will be prioritised once the top nine groups have been jabbed, which includes roughly 32million people. They are expected to receive recommendations from the JCVI by the end of this week. Mumbai, Feb 16 : Recovering demand for petroleum products is supporting the profitability of India's oil marketing companies, Fitch Ratings said. The ratings agency cited the sustained strength of marketing margins (MM) and recovering demand for petroleum products is supporting the profitability of OMCs against weak gross refining margins (GRM). The trend, thereby, lowers the downside risks for OMCs credit metrics, it said. "Petroleum product sales at Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation surged by 22-23 per cent in the third quarter of the financial year ending March 2021 (3QFY21) from the previous quarter, with domestic transportation fuel demand recovering to near normal levels, barring aircraft fuel, and MMs on auto fuel sustained at above pre-pandemic levels." However, reported GRMs dropped due to lower inventory gains and the improvement in underlying GRMs was limited by weakening product cracks and increasing crude oil prices. "IOC reported a 3QFY21 GRM of USD 2.2 per barrel versus USD 8.6 in 2QFY21, BPCL reported USD 2.5 versus USD 5.8 and HPCL reported USD 1.9 versus USD 5.1." "However, core GRMs excluding inventory gains were lower at USD 1.2 for IOC, USD 1.2 for BPCL and negative USD 1.0 for HPCL." According to Fitch Ratings, the above long-term average MMs from FY22, which should aid GRMs in the short term, partly to recover past refinery investments and fund new investments over the medium term. "GRMs are likely to rise to around USD 3.7-4 per barrel in FY22 from USD 2.0-2.5 in FY21 on a better demand-supply balance as the economy recovers." "We believe the Central or state governments may reduce fuel taxes to support affordability if crude oil prices remain at around USD 60/barrel or continue to rise." Besides, the capacity to reduce taxes would be supported by the recovery in fuel sales and other government income sources, like the GST, to almost pre-pandemic levels. "We believe state interference in fuel prices, if any, would be temporary and limited, as it could affect the government's plan to divest BPCL." Abdusalam Rozi, a 'Feb. 5 prisoner,' was detained a year after his release in 2016 and then imprisoned in 2019. A guard watchtower rises along a perimeter fence of what is officially known as a 'vocational center' in Urumqi's Dabancheng district, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Sept. 4, 2018. A Uyghur man who spent 18 years in prison following an incident of deadly unrest in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) has been handed another sentence of the same length years after his release, according to an official. On Feb. 5, 1997, protests sparked by reports of the execution of 30 Uyghur independence activists were violently suppressed by authorities in Ghulja (in Chinese, Yining) city in the XUARs Ili Kazakh (Yili Hasake) Autonomous Prefecture, leaving nine dead, according to official media, though exile groups put the number at as many as 167. In the aftermath of what became known as the Ghulja Incident, hundreds of Uyghurs were detained and later sentenced to lengthy prison terms on trumped up charges by Chinese authorities for their involvement in the events of that day. Rights groups and Uyghur exile groups commonly refer to the event as the Ghulja Massacre, citing reports that some 200 Uyghurs were executed during a subsequent crackdown. Many of the Feb. 5 prisoners who have since been released were subsequently caught up in a policy of mass, extralegal incarceration that has seen authorities detain up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a vast network of internment camps in the region since early 2017. Often, after serving a stint in the camps, they were given prison sentences and remain behind bars today. Abdusalam Rozi, from Hudayaryuzi bazaars Qotantam village, in Ghulja county, has suffered re-imprisonment, RFA recently learned. After spending 18 years in prison, followed by a year in detention at the Party School Re-education Center, he was handed a second 18-year prison sentence sometime in 2019. Shortly after the start of the mass internment drive in the XUAR in early 2017, former prisoners were placed at the top of a list of suspicious peoplecandidates for what the authorities have euphemistically called re-education. A number of the former Feb. 5 prisoners, including Rozi, were detained in the early days of the campaign. Chinese officials have said the camps are centers for vocational training, but reporting by RFAs Uyghur Service and other media outlets shows that detainees are mostly held against their will in cramped and unsanitary conditions, where they are forced to endure inhumane treatment and political indoctrination. While seeking information on Rozis status, RFA recently spoke with a police officer in nearby Aral village who said he was unable to provide information about the case. But the chief of the Aral village police station later confirmed that Rozi had been sentenced to 18 years in a case that was connected to politics. He said Rozi is now serving his sentence in Shiho (Wusu) city, in Ili Kazakhs Tarbaghatay (Tacheng) prefecture. Additionally, the chief revealed, four former Feb. 5 prisoners from his jurisdiction had been sentenced to prison again after completing their earlier jail terms. Re-detention for clear-cut crimes RFA first learned of Rozis re-detention in the summer of 2017 by speaking with staffers at local internment camps, who said that most detainees were former prisoners, former detainees, and suspects. The staffers said at the time that Rozi was among a group of relatively serious offenders detained in April of that year. Rozi was first sentenced to 18 years in prison in 1998, following a period of detention after the Ghulja Incident. He served his term in No. 1 Prison in the XUAR capital Urumqi and was reportedly released in 2016 but re-detained as part of a group around one year later. At the time RFA learned of Rozis re-detention, a camp official said that around 10 former Feb. 5 prisoners were being held at the site for past crimes, including participating in a fraternal group of Uyghur men known as a meshrep and taking part in or aiding participants in demonstrations. They were also forced to sign documents admitting regret for their actions. A second camp official confirmed at the time that Rozi had been sentenced to 18 years in 1998 on charges of splitting the country and distributing anti-government propaganda before being released in August 2016. The official said Rozi had been re-detained because his crimes were clear-cut, and that he had made it known that he understands [the mistake] more deeply, noting the letter of regret he had signed. During the call, a man believed to be Rozi could be heard along with other former Feb. 5 prisoners reciting lessons taught by camp staff, including an oath of loyalty to China, as part of their daily activities. Re-punishing former prisoners According to earlier reports, a wave of re-punishing former prisoners began in May 2014 as part of a campaign of anti-extremism. The authorities began assessing whether former prisoners were changed or unchanged from their earlier criminal ways and arrested people whom they suspected of not having been thoroughly reformed in prison. Large numbers of former prisoners were re-sentenced in public trials in Kashgar (Kashi) prefectures Makit (Maigaiti) county and Peyziwat (Jiashi) county, apparently with little regard for who had been labeled as changed and unchanged, however. In the current campaign, Uyghurs born in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s have been considered especially dangerous generations, and thus make up a large percentage of detainees in camps and prisons. Participants in the events of Feb. 5, 1997, were largely born in the 1970s. In the days and months following the incident, the authorities in Ghulja rounded up not only direct participants in the events but also witnesses and their associates and friends. Evidence suggests that Xinjiang authorities began transferring detainees from camps into prisons in late 2019, after charging detainees with serious crimes and long sentences in often secret trials with no paper trail. Former Feb. 5 prisoners such as Rozi were among those sentenced. Rozi was 22 years old at the time he received his first 18-year sentence in 1998. He was 43 years old in 2019 when he received his second 18-year sentence. He has spent only one of the past 23 years free. It is unknown whether he has ever been able to marry or have children. Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by the Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. US denies Amnesty's charge that civilians were killed in Somalia in air strikes Human Rights cant be an excuse for defying law of the land: MHA on Amnesty ED attaches over 17cr Amnesty India assets in money laundering case India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Feb 16:The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday said it has attached over Rs 17 crore bank deposits in connection with its money laundering case against two entities of Amnesty International (India), the global human rights watchdog. The agency said in a statement that a provisional order has been issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) "attaching bank accounts of Amnesty International India Pvt Ltd (AIIPL) and Indians for Amnesty International Trust (IAIT)". It said "both the entities have acquired the proceeds of crime and layered the same in the form of various movable properties. The order involves attachment of movable properties worth of Rs 17.66 crore being proceeds of crime". This money laundering case of the ED is based on a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR filed against AIIPL, IAIT, Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT) and Amnesty International South Asia Foundation (AISAF) that was filed under various sections of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and the Indian Penal Code (120-B which denotes criminal conspiracy). "Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT) had been granted permission under the FCRA during 2011-12 for receiving foreign contribution from the Amnesty International UK," it said. However, the statement said the same was cancelled on the basis of the "adverse" inputs received. PMC Bank case: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's wife skips Enforcement Directorate's summons "Since permission/registration has been denied to the said entity on the basis of adverse inputs received from security agencies during the year 2011-12, AIIPL and IAIT were formed in the year 2013-14 and 2012-13, respectively to escape the FCRA route and carried out NGO activities in the guise of service export and FDI," the agency alleged. A probe found, the ED said, that upon cancellation of the FCRA licence by the Union government, Amnesty International India Foundation Trust and Amnesty entities adopted "new method" to receive money from abroad. The agency said Amnesty International, UK sent Rs 51.72 crore to AIIPL in the guise of export of services and the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). "For export proceeds/advances to Amnesty International UK there was no documentary proof, such as invoices and copies of agreement between AIIPL and Amnesty International UK, has been furnished by AIIPL to the authorised dealer (AD) banks." "It is prima facie found that Amnesty International India Pvt Ltd and others have obtained foreign remittances to the tune of Rs 51.72 crore in the guise export of services and the FDI from Amnesty International (UK) whose source is the donations from individual donors," the ED alleged. The agency has earlier attached some properties in this case and the total attachment value now stands at Rs 19.54 crore. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, February 17, 2021, 0:09 [IST] Core Assurance Partners Inc. has named Zack Brandau as the organizations president and Will Russell as vice president. Brandau will continue to lead the firms daily operations and drive strategic growth initiatives. He is a founding principal of the firm. Brandau succeeds Doug Russell, who served as president from 2017 until earlier this month. Russell will continue to serve his clientele while also developing new partnerships and creative solutions for the firm, notably in the maritime, construction and real estate industries. Core Assurance Partners is an insurance, surety and risk management firm based in Virginia and Atlanta. The privately held company was launched in 2017 by a team of insurance entrepreneurs with decades of global industry experience. Source: Core Assurance Partners Inc. Topics Mergers President Joe Biden did not speak to Gov. Andrew Cuomo about the cover-up of COVID-19 deaths in New York nursing homes when the two men met last week, the White House said on Tuesday. Cuomo joined a bipartisan group of mayors and governors in the Oval Office on Friday for a meeting on COVID 19 relief for states and cities. But the topic of the delayed release of data on COVID-19 deaths in the state's nursing homes didn't come up. Many New York Democrats have criticized Cuomo on the issue. 'The focus of the meeting was on the president providing an update on his plans to help get the pandemic under control,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at her briefing on Tuesday in response to a question from DailyMail.com, 'so no that was not a focus of their conversation or a topic.' President Joe Biden did not speak to Gov. Andrew Cuomo about the cover-up of COVID-19 deaths in New York nursing homes when the two men met last week New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo joined a bipartisan group of mayors and governors in the Oval Office on Friday for a meeting on COVID 19 relief for states and cities 'The focus of the meeting was on the president providing an update on his plans to help get the pandemic under control,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said told DailyMail.com, 'so no that was not a focus of their conversation' Cuomo did not speak to reporters at the White House last week after the meeting. The governor admitted on Monday he made a 'mistake' in not providing the data on nursing home deaths in a timely fashion. But he remained defiant as he claimed that a 'toxic political environment' is to blame for the backlash he has received over the scandal. He slammed 'conspiracy theories' and said that his March order on nursing homes was the subject of 'distortion' and not responsible for bringing coronavirus and more deaths into long-term care facilities. But the governor's comments did not satisfy a number of Democratic lawmakers, including state Assemblyman Ron Kim. His uncle died of a presumed case of COVID-19 in a New York nursing home in April. He said: 'All of it is BS. They could have given us the information back in May and June of last year. They chose not to.' New York State Sen. Jessica Ramos tweeted: 'Trash. No one believes you.' NY Sen. Alessandra Biaggi said the press conference was 'riddled with lies'. The order, which Cuomo said followed expert guidelines at the time, stated that COVID-19 patients could be sent back from hospitals to nursing homes, as it was believed then that they were not infectious anymore. Families claimed it added to the number of deaths, yet Cuomo claimed on Monday that 98 percent of the care homes already had COVID-19 in the building before the sick patients were sent back there - and that he was not responsible. More than 15,000 people have died in New York state's nursing homes and long term care facilities from COVID-19, but as recently as last month, the state reported only 8,500 deaths. The numbers, while accounted for in the full state death totals to the state, were not ascribed to nursing homes for residents who died in hospitals rather than within the facilities. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo remained defiant and unapologetic on Monday as he claimed during a press briefing that the 'toxic political environment' is to blame for the backlash he has received over COVID-19 deaths in the state's nursing homes The governor's comments did not satisfy a number of Democratic lawmakers including NY Sen. Alessandra Biaggi New York State Sen. Jessica Ramos tweeted: 'Trash. No one believes you' The Communications Director for New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie tweeted Democratic New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera also tweeted Monday State lawmakers have been calling for investigations, stripping Cuomo of his emergency powers and even his resignation after new details emerged this week about why certain nursing home data wasn't disclosed for months. Requests from state lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Justice were made in August for full accounting, along with numerous requests from the media, Cuomo said. He added: 'We gave precedence to the DOJ. We told the assembly that, we told the Senate that and that's what we did.' But New York State Sen. Jessica Ramos tweeted: 'Trash. No one believes you.' 'At no point did the Administration notify the legislature about a DOJ investigation. People died and Cuomo lied then he had the gall to write a book.' New York State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi added: 'To NY'ers watching Cuomo's press conference -- it is riddled with lies, theatre, & deflection.' She added: 'No, @NYGovCuomo, you did not tell the *entire* Senate or Assembly that there was a DOJ investigation, as the reason why you didn't share the nursing home numbers. 'I found out about a DOJ investigation with the rest of NY'ers in the @nypost story Thursday night.' Tweeting throughout Monday's press conference Fox host Janice Dean - who lost her mother-in-law and father-in-law to the virus - called the nursing home deaths 'a massacre' A report late last month from Democratic state Attorney General Letitia James examined the administration's failure to tally nursing home residents' deaths at hospitals. The state then acknowledged the total number of long-term care residents' deaths is nearly 15,000, up from the 8,500 previously disclosed. Next, a Freedom of Information request showed that more than 9,000 recovering coronavirus patients in New York were released from hospitals into nursing homes in the pandemic's early months . This was more than 40 percent higher than the state had said previously because it wasn't counting residents who returned from hospitals to homes where they already had lived. It then emerged that Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa had told Democratic lawmakers that the tally of nursing home residents' deaths at hospitals was delayed because officials worried that the information was 'going to be used against us' by the DOJ. Tweeting throughout Monday's press conference Fox host Janice Dean - who lost her mother-in-law and father-in-law to the virus - called the nursing home deaths 'a massacre'. She said Cuomo was 'lying', adding: 'He is just a disgrace. We are not confused governor. There are no conspiracy theories. You are a criminal.' Cuomo insisted Monday the state didn't cover up deaths but acknowledged that officials should have moved faster to release some information sought by lawmakers, the public and the press. 'All the deaths in the nursing homes and hospitals were always fully, publicly and accurately reported,' he claimed. He explained the matter Monday as a difference of 'categorization,' with the state counting where deaths occurred and others seeking total deaths of nursing home residents, regardless of the location. 'We should have done a better job of providing as much information as we could as quickly as we could,' he said. 'No excuses: I accept responsibility for that.' 'We should not have created the void [of information]. We should have done a better job of providing information and knocking down conspiracy theories. 'We did not take enough action and the pain is it created confusion, cynicism and pain for the families of a loved one.' Yet he refused to take any responsibility for any of the deaths in the state's nursing homes as he continued to blame a 'toxic political environment,' and 'disinformation' for much of the criticism surrounding his administration's handling of the issue. Cuomo slammed 'conspiracy theories' around the scandal as he stated in a press conference that his March order on nursing homes was the subject of 'distortion'. Pictured, a patient is wheeled out of the Cobble Hill Health Center by emergency medical workers in April 2020 Cuomo's defiance and placing of the blame on a 'lack of information' on Monday came despite the revelation last week that his administration had hidden the number of deaths from COVID-19 in the facilities. Pictured, medical workers attend to a patient outside Harlem Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in New York City inn May 2020 Cuomo said the state was slow to respond to the lawmakers because officials prioritized dealing with requests from the Justice Department and were busy dealing with the work of the pandemic. 'Its not like people were in the South of France,' he said. 'When we didnt provide information, it allowed press, people, cynics, politicians, to fill the void,' he said, and 'it created confusion and cynicism and pain for the families.' 'The truth is: Everybody did everything they could.' Cuomo, who has seen his image as a pandemic-taming leader dented by the series of disclosures involving nursing homes in recent weeks, said he would propose reforms involving nursing homes and hospitals in the upcoming state budget, without giving details. Cuomo claimed that it was a question of 'political spin' over 'facts' as he hit back at those who claimed he hid the true number of deaths from the public and blamed 'misinformation' The governor said the scandal had only erupted due to a 'void in information' he created Cuomo attempted to lay out what had happened with the nursing home death figures It came after Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa (pictured left) reportedly said that Cuomo's administration had feared that the COVID-19 deaths in nursing home could 'be used against us' as the Justice Department investigates New York and three other states Secretary to the Governor DeRosa reportedly said that Cuomo's administration had feared that the COVID-19 deaths in nursing home could 'be used against us' as the Justice Department investigates New York and three other states. Rosa's remarkable comments were made during a conference call with state Democrats and obtained by the New York Post. In her confession, DeRosa admitted that officials 'froze' when former President Donald Trump's Department of Justice asked for the data, before rebuffing the request. DeRosa has since walked back the confession and said the state was 'comprehensive and transparent' with the DOJ. She claimed on Friday that she meant they 'needed to temporarily set aside the Legislature's request [on nursing homes] to deal with the federal request first'. Earlier on Monday families of victims of COVID-19 who died in the state's nursing homes had accused Cuomo of issuing a death sentence to their loved ones as they joined the calls for probe. 'He needs to answer for what he's done, so we need an independent investigation,' Tracey Alvino told 'Mornings with Maria' on Fox News on Monday. Her father died of COVID-19 in a New York care facility last year. Tracey Alvino argues that Cuomo's nursing home order has led to a 'lifetime of heartache, anguish, and pain' for coronavirus victims' families. Her father died of COVID in a home Alvino said that Cuomo's original order 'makes absolutely no sense' to her, adding 'I don't know what they were thinking'. She is pictured above with her late father She was joined by the three children of 93-year-old Agnes Minisalle who have demanded 'justice' for their mother and claimed that the investigation into the alleged cover-up should not be a partisan issue. The families claim the Cuomo administration has continued to show them 'disrespect' as they try to brush off the scandal. Cuomo has previously asked 'who cares where they died' when he was pushed on the nursing home death numbers. 'Who cares how they died? We care how they died,' Alvino told Fox of her father and the other victims. 'The only thing that's been worse than losing my father has been the continual disrespect that the Cuomo administration has shown us families.' She said that Cuomo's original order 'makes absolutely no sense' to her, adding 'I don't know what they were thinking'. 'We knew from the beginning that this [coronavirus] was most deadly to the elderly. So why would you put a disease that's most deadly to the elderly in with them? It makes absolutely no sense at all.' 'With the stroke of Gov. Cuomo's pen, he sentenced thousands of people like my father to death, and he sentenced us, the families, to a lifetime of heartache, anguish, and pain.' The three children of 93-year-old Agnes Minisalle have demanded 'justice' for their mother and claimed that the investigation into the alleged cover-up should not be a partisan issue Minisalle also died in a nursing home after contracting COVID-19 Alvino told Fox that her father was otherwise healthy before his death but had contracted coronavirus after going to a rehabilitation facility following a neck surgery. She claims that her father asked her to get him out of the facility after he heard a lot of ambulances, 'chaos and commotion', and 'coughing' and began to grow concerned. 'And he literally told us, 'If you don't get me out of here, I am going to die,'' she said. Her angered was echoed by Agnes Minisalle's children who criticized Cuomo for 'lying about the lives that are being lost' on Fox & Friends on Monday. 'You pat yourself on the back and tell everyone how good you're doing 'It's just terrible, absolutely terrible,' Ted Minisalle claimed. Cuomo's pandemic: A timeline of the governor's response to the COVID-19 crisis MARCH 1: Female nurse, 39, returning from Iran becomes the first in New York to test positive for COVID-19. MARCH 2: Cuomo gives the first of 111 consecutive daily televised briefings for New Yorkers MARCH 13: Donald Trump declares national emergency. MARCH 14: An 82-year-old woman with emphysema is announced as the first patient to die from the virus. MARCH 17: New York City mayor Bill de Blasio says city should follow San Francisco with a shelter-in-place order; Cuomo says it will be statewide: 'As a matter of fact, I'm going so far that I don't even think you can do a statewide policy.' MARCH 19: California Governor Gavin Newsom issues first statewide lockdown order MARCH 22: Cuomo signs statewide stay-at-home order. MARCH 25: Cuomo orders that nursing homes accept convalescent COVID patients back into their facilities. MAY 10: The nursing home ruling is reversed, to insist on a negative COVID test before return to a nursing home. By now, more than 9,000 people have returned to nursing homes. AUGUST: Questions begin to be asked about the nursing home policy. AUGUST 26: Department of Justice opens an investigation into New York's nursing homes and COVID policy. OCTOBER 13: Cuomo publishes American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic. OCTOBER 21: Cuomo announced a policy of isolating identified 'micro clusters' of COVID cases. NOVEMBER 20: Cuomo wins an Emmy 'in recognition of his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic and his masterful use of television to inform and calm people around the world'. JANUARY 28: Attorney General Letitia James released a report finding that New York under-reported the number of deaths among nursing home patients by around 50 per cent, with 15,000 actually dying - not the 8,500 reported. FEBRUARY 11: Melissa DeRosa, Cuomo's secretary, admits that in August they 'froze' when asked for nursing home data, and dragged their heels on releasing it. The AP reports that more than 9,000 people were returned to nursing homes to recover from COVID in the period March 25-May 10, a figure 40 per cent higher than the official tally. Advertisement He also revealed that he lost his father-in-law who was a resident in the very same nursing home as his mother two weeks after her death. The family pointed to the scathing report published by James as an indicator that a DOJ investigation into the NY governor would receive bipartisan support. New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik claimed that the 'dam is breaking' as she blasted Cuomo as 'the worst governor in America' in his handling of the pandemic. She believes that a federal investigation in the Democratic governor must begin immediately. 'You're seeing overwhelming bipartisan outcry. Democrats ... need to grow a spine and stand up for what's right,' Stefanik told The Faulkner Focus on Fox on Monday. 'This is not about politics but people's lives. What was so shameful about the transcript that was released was the secretary to the governor didn't apologize for the number of deaths, didn't apologize for the policy, but apologized for the political fallout for Democrats. 'It's a disgrace,' she added. Stefanik also accused Cuomo of being 'a bully' after attempts were blocked last month for Senate Republicans to rein in his emergency powers. 'They bully people within their own party. This is more important. We are talking about lives that were lost here, so these Democratic state senators and the Democratic congressional delegation need to grow a spine and grow some political courage and stand up for what's right, for the people of this state who deserve justice.' Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Mayor Bill de Blasio, have also since turned on Cuomo over the recent revelations. George Pataki, the former Governor of New York, also said on Saturday that the state should look at creating laws to recall Cuomo following the scandal. Currently, New York does not have a procedure to allow for the recall of an elected official and creating one would require a constitutional amendment bill passed in successive years. At least one politician has also called for impeaching Cuomo. New York Assemblyman Michael Montesano, a Republican, said on Friday that he plans to ask the state legislature to consider impeaching the governor, Fox News reported. 'We've been calling for subpoenas and a hearing for quite a while,' Montesano told the outlet. 'This news of the last several days is extremely troubling to me and I'm going to be asking today for his resignation and I'm also going to be asking the legislature to look into, to explore filing articles of impeachment against the governor if he doesn't resign.' In her confession to lawmakers released last week, DeRosa told lawmakers: 'We were in a position where we weren't sure if what we were going to give to the Department of Justice, or what we give to you guys, what we start saying, was going to be used against us while we weren't sure if there was going to be an investigation.' Around the same time the data was requested by the Justice Department, the Empire Center for Public Policy filed a Freedom of Information Law request for the true number of nursing home deaths. An Albany judge ruled earlier this month that the Cuomo administration's Health Department broke New York State law by failing to provide totals of all nursing home deaths caused by COVID-19 to a watchdog group that had requested the records. The office of Attorney General Letitia James in January found that the Cuomo administration had misled the public about the total number of nursing home residents killed by the pandemic. Cuomo's administration has been rocked by the confession on Thursday of his top aide, Melissa DeRosa, that they deliberately hid data on nursing home COVID deaths, in the midst of a Justice Department investigation into their handling of the pandemic Her office announced that the state had undercounted the number of nursing home deaths by as much as 50 percent forcing officials to admit the true death toll was 12,743, rather than the 8,711 previously claimed. The state's total death toll was unchanged following the revelation as the deaths had been counted in overall figures. The change in number was down to nursing home residents who had been transported to hospital where they then died not being counted in the nursing home death tally. Amid the backlash, on Friday, 14 Democratic New York State Senators joined Republicans in calling for Cuomo's pandemic emergency powers to be rescinded. 'Without exception, the New York State Constitution calls for the Legislature to govern as a co-equal branch of government,' they wrote. 'While COVID-19 has tested the limits of our people and the state - and early during the pandemic, required the government to restructure decision making to render rapid, necessary public health judgement - it is clear that the expanded emergency powers granted to the Governor are no longer appropriate. Cuomo was granted emergency powers by the state legislature in March 2020 giving him the authority to suspend laws or create new laws with immediate effect during the pandemic. As of last week, Cuomo has issued at least 94 executive orders throughout this time, according to WGRZ. Cuomo had before Monday remained uncharacteristically quiet on the matter but was seen attending a meeting with Joe Biden and other leaders at the White House to discuss a coronavirus relief package over the weekend. The governor, who won an Emmy for his coronavirus press briefings, has fallen from grace as new details continue to emerge about his handling of COVID-19 in the state's nursing homes. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Two universities have been hit by major Covid-19 outbreaks as students flout lockdown rules, causing clusters of infection involving up to 40 people. The outbreaks were discovered in University College Galway and the University of Limerick with clear evidence of household mixing, the Department of Health Covid-19 briefing was told. It came on a day when no death from Covid-19 was reported, although another 821 people nationally were diagnosed with the virus as the fall in spread is slowing. Dr Lorraine Doherty of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said in the Galway outbreak 135 students have tested positive with another 35 suspected cases and 30 more with symptoms undergoing testing. Read More She said there have been 15 clusters with up to 40 people involved in some, with an average of two to three households linked. There is concern about the outbreaks and in the University of Limerick, where 120 students have tested positive, widespread screening has been triggered. Meanwhile presenteeism, where people are going to work with symptoms, is one of the causes of workplace outbreaks, along with a lack of social distancing and staff meeting up for smoking breaks, she added. It comes amid more signals that there will be no pardon from lockdown as all efforts are made to reopen education and resume non-Covid healthcare next month amid warnings about squandering the hard-fought gains of recent weeks which have driven down cases from 6,500 per day. Asked about the prospect of households meeting on St Patricks Day, Dr Ronan Glynn cautioned against thinking too far ahead. At this point, I dont see anything other than the cautious phased reopening of schools will be possible in March. We have got to get that right and our health services up and running. It is difficult to see beyond that at this point. With regards to people being able to attend Mass on Easter Sunday, he said it was too early to talk about Easter at this point. He said the figures suggest the country will be in a relatively good position by the middle of March. However, he reminded people that it is still not safe enough to meet people from outside your own household. Prof Philip Nolan, who tracks the virus, said we are currently at a level of disease similar to the end of October. He said it took very strict measures to bring case numbers down to around 250 a day but that we know that was not enough. Dr Glynn said the reference in a new report from the European Centre for Disease Control that the UK strain was more lethal than the original form of the virus was based on a preliminary study and there was no evidence of that here. Meanwhile, Prof Nolan said the positivity rate is falling, but it is doing so slowly. It is currently dropping at just under 6pc which is still too high, he said. However, the high incidence among older people is now down to the population average and they will soon have the benefit of being vaccinated against Covid-19. There is an increase in cases in Dublin and in other cities. There were 916 Covid-19 patients in hospital yesterday with 157 seriously ill in intensive care. There are now around 40 admissions to hospital a day. So far there have been 404 Covid-19 related deaths this month. Former One Nation senator Rod Culletons fledgling right-wing political party has embarked on a recruitment drive in outback Aboriginal communities through an alliance with an Indigenous sovereign citizen movement. Leaked emails reveal Mr Culletons Great Australian Party and the Original Sovereign Tribal Federation signed a memorandum of understanding in August last year based on their shared aim to stand down the illegal corporation [the Australian government] harming us all. Great Australian Party leader Rod Culleton with a tribal elder in the Northern Territory last year. Under the agreement, Mr Culleton promised his partys support for the tribal federations push for self-determination and self-governance. In return, the federation has encouraged its membership to join the Great Australian Party. Although a formal alliance between the former One Nation senators new party and hardcore Indigenous activists might seem unusual, the leaked emails show both groups are seeking to tap into the sovereign citizen subculture which has gained prominence in Australia and abroad since the emergence of COVID-19. [February 16, 2021] Energy Impact Partners Expands Mobility Portfolio with Investment in FLO | AddEnergie Energy Impact Partners (EIP), a global investment platform leading the transition to a sustainable energy future, announced today its participation in the latest Series C financing round for AddEnergie Technologies Inc. (FLO | AddEnergie), a leading North American charging network operator for electric vehicles and a major provider of smart charging software and equipment. This brings the total of the Series C round to CAD$53 million. Founded in Quebec in 2009, FLO | AddEnergie is a leader in smart charging solutions for electric vehicles in Canada and is growing on the international scene. The company has established its market leadership through projects, among others, with Canadian utility, and EIP limited partner, Fortis, Inc. The raised capital will allow FLO | AddEnergie to partner with utilities to expand FLO, its North American electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the U.S. and Canadian markets. The company deployed over 13,000 charging stations in 2020, expanding to cities like Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Toronto. "Our investment in FLO | AddEnergie will support the expansion of EV charging networks across North America, and will be a catalyst for the accelerated adoption of EV's in both the US and Canada," said Cassie Bowe, principal at Energy Impact Partners. "We are pleased to partner wih the company as they are accelerating their growth in the US and working with utilities to make EV use possible for millions of drivers in North America." With this latest investment, EIP has expanded its total investments in the EV transportation and mobility market to five innovative companies, including Volta, Greenlots, Viriciti, and Remix. The investment is reflective of EIP's pursuit of partnering with companies at the intersection of electrification and mobility. "We welcome EIP as an investor in FLO | AddEnergie," said Louis Tremblay, President and CEO at FLO | AddEnergie. "Our FLO network, which relies on cutting edge fast charging technology and smart energy management solutions, will not only fundamentally transform the way the public thinks about transportation, but also prepare utilities for the complex challenges associated with expanded EV use. With, EIP's support, FLO | AddEnergie will make accelerated EV adoption in the U.S. a reality." For more information on EIP, please visit www.energyimpactpartners.com. About FLO | AddEnergie AddEnergie is a leading North American charging network operator for electric vehicles and a major provider of smart charging software and equipment. Every month, AddEnergie charging stations and its FLO network enable approximately half a million charging events and the transfer of 5.5 GWh in electricity, thanks to over 35,000 high-quality stations deployed on public networks, commercial and residential installations. AddEnergie's headquarters and network operations center are based in Quebec City, and its assembly plant is located in Shawinigan (Quebec). The company also has an office in Montreal and regional teams located in Ontario, British Columbia, California, New York and Florida. For more information visit flo.com. About Energy Impact Partners Energy Impact Partners (EIP) is a global investment platform leading the transition to a sustainable energy future. EIP brings together entrepreneurs and the world's most forward-looking energy and industrial companies to advance innovation. With over $1.5 billion in assets under management, EIP invests globally across venture, growth, credit and infrastructure - and has a team of more than 45 professionals based in its offices in New York, San Francisco, Palm Beach, London, Cologne and soon Oslo. For more information on EIP, please visit www.energyimpactpartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005346/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam has already appealed to the devotees to donate liberally. (Photo by arrangement) Chennai: In a gesture aimed at communal amity, a Muslim businessman from the city has donated Rs 1 lakh towards the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, as voluntary contribution from devotees in Tamil Nadu for the shrine in Uttar Pradesh has been growing. Daily wage earners like cobblers and small traders are among those making contributions to help raise the proposed magnificent structure. With the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (SRJTK), set up by the Centre to construct the temple, coming out with donation coupons of Rs 10, 100 and 1,000, a large number of people came forward to donate, said S V Srinivasan, VHP state organising secretary who is involved in raising funds for the temple. "All those whom we approached have been generous in donating for the noble cause," he added. And when the members of the Hindu Munnani, accompaniedby the volunteers from the SRJTK approached him, W S Habib gifted a cheque for Rs 1,00,008, taking the fund raisers by surprise. "I want to foster communal amity between Muslims and Hindus.We are all children of god.I donated the sum with this belief," Habib, a property developer, told PTI. He said he was pained to see Muslims being painted as anti-Hindus or anti-India by some sections. Pointing out that there was nothing wrong in donating for a good cause, Habib remarked, "I wouldnt have donated to any other temple but the Ram temple is different as decades-old Ayodhya dispute came to an end." The Hindu Munnani, which is also involved in the campaign, said road shows are being held in various parts of the state to raise funds. "All those whom we approached willingly donated. A gentleman who suddenly emerged from the crowd presented a cheque for Rs 50,000.The response from Ram bhakts is overwhelming," A T Elangovan, Hindu Munnani's Chennai president, said. According to K E Srinivasan, Chennai organiser of Dharma Jagran Manch a wing of RSS not only the affluent in the society but also the poor contributed. "At Perambur, for instance, cobblers and other sections came forward to donate Rs 10," he said. At Kodungaiyur when the members solicited funds for the temple construction, shop keepers contributed their mite. An enthusiastic seller of vermilion (kumkum) near a temple, who happened to be a Muslim, gave Rs 200 for the cause. The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam has already appealed to the devotees to donate liberally. Janakalyan, a spiritual and cultural service organisation, is utilising its office with several prominent personalities to contribute towards the initiative, its city secretary V Subramanian said. The Supreme Court in November 2019 settled the decades-old dispute and paved the way for the construction of a Ram Temple by a Trust at the disputed site at Ayodhya. It had then directed the Centre to allot an alternative 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new mosque at a "prominent" place in the holy town in UP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on August 5, 2020 laid the foundation stone for the construction of a grand temple at Ayodhya. WASHINGTON - Anna Gueorguieva had big plans for 2021: After she and her 10-year-old daughter Amelie got the coronavirus vaccine, they would visit Gueorguieva's parents in Bulgaria and maybe also travel through Asia. In the fall, Amelie would return to school for the first time since the start of the pandemic. But when Gueorguieva, a World Bank senior economist who lives in the District of Columbia, asked her doctor when children in D.C. would be immunized, she learned that there are no vaccines yet available for kids her daughter's age, and none on the horizon. "I sort of assumed that they would be providing them," Gueorguieva said. "I honestly called all my friends and said, 'Did you realize kids are not getting immunized?' It was a huge shock. . . . All our imaginations of what we're going to do once this is over, that's not going to happen." While trials are recruiting or already underway for children age 12 and older, companies have yet to enroll younger children. It probably will be another year before vaccines are available for them, said Robert Frenck, the principal investigator for the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine trial at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. He also oversees the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine clinical trial there. At least four companies - Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen - are planning to start trials for younger children this spring, according to Yvonne Maldonado, a professor of pediatrics and epidemiology and chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stanford University's medical school. It is "critical to include all populations including infants and young children in safety trials," she said in an email, adding that doing so "will be important to prevent individual pediatric infection as well as transmission to family members, teachers and other caregivers." Trials for younger children probably will happen in descending order of age, calibrating the best dosage for each cohort. (For very young children, the coronavirus vaccines will also need to safely fit into the schedule of standard early-childhood immunizations.) In the meantime, even as families with older children start planning for a return to in-person social activities, travel and school, many parents of younger kids feel trapped between the prospect of another homebound year and the risk of letting their young children return to a world where no one their age is vaccinated. "For school-age children, this return to normalcy that we're all waiting for is going to be a lot farther off than we expected," said Ray Rosencrance, the father of a 9-year-old in Buckhannon, W.Va., who was surprised to learn last week that there are no vaccines for children. There are several reasons for the later rollout. Unlike polio, which killed or paralyzed thousands of children in the 1950s and sent families lining up for a vaccine, the coronavirus has a relatively mild effect on most children. So parents, policymakers and vaccine developers may feel less urgency than if children were getting seriously ill or dying at higher rates. About 2.82 million U.S. children have tested positive for the virus as of Jan. 28, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That does not include an unknown number of mild or asymptomatic infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, adjusting for underdetection, the rate of infection among children 5 to 17 is basically the same as for adults. The rates of coronavirus infection are highest among minority children, said Emily Erbelding, director of the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who stressed her desire for pediatric coronavirus vaccine trials in a presentation last month. "There's a disproportionate burden among children in minority communities, and there's both direct and indirect effects to children and all of society," she said. "This burden will continue if we don't vaccinate and if we just wait for herd immunity to occur over time." In the United States, at least 11,000 children and teenagers have been hospitalized and at least 215 have died, according to a Jan. 28 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, can have lingering effects in children and is also associated with a rare but serious illness called multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C, which can be fatal or leave children with lasting heart damage. Children with underlying health conditions such as obesity and asthma have a greater risk of severe cases of covid-19. But even if most children do not get seriously ill, vaccinating them may be important for everyone else's safety, said Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology and immunology and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Iowa. "You have this pool of little children running around who have a mild form of the disease and all these snotty noses, giving it to people who are more vulnerable, so for altruistic societal reasons, you'd want them vaccinated." Another reason trials are slower to get underway for young children is that it is harder to recruit them. While teenagers can make informed decisions about whether to participate, "a 6-year-old can't put all this together and consider it and say, 'Should I get a vaccine?' " Frenck said. "I couldn't look at you and say, 'I want to enroll your children in a study,' before being able to show you what we've done with adults in terms of safety and efficacy." When a children's vaccine does become available, not all families will rush to get in line. "I believe it's too soon to vaccinate children, when there's not longitudinal studies," said Daphne Radfar, a mother of three in Los Angeles, where many people she knows are leery of vaccinations in general. "You're asking for parents to make that decision in the dark." Octavia Exum, 37, who lives in D.C., thinks she had covid-19 in late December 2019. She was hospitalized twice and had a cough that lasted for two months. She said she does not plan to get a vaccine and will not be in a hurry to get one for her 4-year-old son, Izaac. "I feel like this is a trial run with the vaccine, and with him being so young I don't want to trial-and-error with him," she said. "Maybe in the future, when more results and more studies come in, I might be a little more comfortable." Exum's older son, Izaiah, 17, has decided to get the vaccine. "I'm not happy with his decision, but he's done more research than me, and if he feels that's something he wants to do to protect himself [as] he starts college," she said, she would not stop him. For some, the reluctance is tied to a troubled past with the government and mistrust of the health-care system. Anita Cisneros, a fifth-grade teacher in San Antonio, is cautious about vaccines for her daughters, who are 12, 9, and 8. "We're Native American and Mexican American, and just the U.S. history of bringing diseases to the continent and sterilizing our women" makes her worry. She cited early European settlers bringing smallpox to North America and reports that immigrant women had been subjected to unwanted reproductive organ surgery. "So I want to wait," she said. "I won't be pushing them to be the first." Rosencrance, the father in West Virginia, said that while he is "ever so slightly twitchy" about the idea of giving such a new vaccine to his son, "my wife and I trust the process [and] as soon as Sabastian has the opportunity to take the vaccine, we will allow him to do so." For Vohntryce Allen, 31, of D.C., there is no question about whether to vaccinate her children. Her 2-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter have chronic respiratory conditions, and she has kept them masked and shielded and learning remotely throughout the pandemic. When Allen first heard that a vaccine had been developed, she assumed it was for children and adults. Learning that was not the case left her in "disbelief." "I feel as though they need to figure out a vaccine for these children soon, because my children are sickly and there are so many sickly children out here," she said. But until then, she will continue keeping hers at home. "At the end of the day," she said, "safety comes first." Bahrains Labour Fund Tamkeen has announced gradual resumption of its programmes by reopening its application window for the Business Development Program within its new edition. The move follows directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, said a statement. The announcement comes as part of Tamkeens ongoing efforts to support enterprises in the private sector and to develop the human capital. Applications for the Business Development Program is scheduled reopen on Sunday (February 21) and will focus on the growth and sustainability of the enterprises. Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, the Chairman of Tamkeen, outlined the improvements of the relaunched support programmes: The improvements came as part of the recently announced strategy during Tamkeens Consultation Forum. According to the feedback received from the Forum, it emphasized the need to add more flexibility to the support programs while also increasing the quality and performance of the services, and to encourage enterprises to adopt more digital and innovative solutions to achieve further expansion and sustainability. He also added that the most prominent changes within the programme will focus on supporting enterprises that are dynamic and in line with the current changes, and have objective-based development goals, to further encourage enterprises to adopt innovative solutions and improve their services. In addition, the changes include supporting virtual CRs, and supporting the wages of Bahraini employees. According to Shaikh Mohammed, Tamkeen ensured that its strategic plan takes into consideration the results of the previous stage to explore the current needs of the private sector, and gradually work towards addressing the challenges of Tamkeens budget due to the impact caused by the Corona pandemic, as the budget was directly linked to the private sector fees that were halted during the pandemic. Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, the Chief Executive of Tamkeen, emphasised that the new updates will focus on the effectiveness and sustainability across all sectors, including micro-enterprises and small and medium enterprises. It will also include virtual CRs where the owners can benefit from the allocated financial grants to support their wages. Enterprises will also be able to apply for services from virtual CRs which are now considered part of the Business Development program, given that theyre considered service providers. Dr Janahi added that the human capital support within the Business Development Program is an integral step that supports the development of Bahraini individuals, especially since it encourages enterprises to employ them which in the long run contributes towards the success and development of their business. The support covers different areas including: machinery and equipment, marketing and branding, ICT, business consulting, quality management, accounting and audit, exhibition participation and cloud computing provided that the support expenditures covers up to 50% of the value. When it comes to the human capital support, it covers the wages of Bahraini employees for a period of 18 months, at a rate of up to 50% of the salary. The wage support, and support for equipment leasing will be added in the coming period, Tamkeen said. All other majors programmes to support individuals and enterprises will be gradually resumed in the coming period, while Tamkeen will continue to introduce more support areas that meet the needs of enterprises in the current stage, to help increase their contribution to the national economy and promote the creation of job opportunities for Bahrainis. Tamkeen had temporarily suspended its main programmes and redirected its efforts and resources towards a unified programme, the Business Continuity Support programme, to focus on supporting enterprises affected by the economic repercussions caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19). TradeArabia News Service NEW DELHI: Allahabad Bank, one of the oldest public sector banks in the country, was merged with the Indian Bank on February 15. After Allahabad Bank's merger with the Indian Bank, new rules have come into force from Monday. It may be noted that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the merger of several public sector banks in Union Budget 2020 in March last year. Ahead of the merger, the Indian Bank had announced a share swap ratio of 115 equity shares of Rs 10 each for every 1,000 shares of Rs 10 each of Allahabad Bank. As per the merger, Allahabad Bank was amalgamated into Indian Bank, along with nine other PSBs merged into four. Changes post-merger Post-merger, the Indian Bank carried out a software migration over the weekend. In addition, changes were made in IFSC code, mobile banking app, cheque book and passbook of Allahabad Bank account holders which came into effect from Monday (February 15). The bank has successfully completed the process of technical migration of CBS/ITMS software of erstwhile Allahabad Bank with CBS/ITMS software of Indian Bank, it said in a regulatory filing. Indian Bank carried out the migration process on 13-14 February and had informed that customers may face little disruption in services. Will merger affect Allahabad Bank Account Holders? Now customers will have to use the new IFSC code for money transfer. Allahabad Bank account holders will now have to download the indOASIS app for online banking. Allahabad Bank had already appealed to all account holders to adopt new changes. After which customers can contact their home branch or get a new IFSC code by logging on to www.indianbank.in/amalgamation to know their new IFSC code starting with IDIB for RTGS, NEFT, IMPS(IMPS). In addition, customers can also SMS their registered mobile number to 92688 01962 to get a new IFSC code. Allahabad Bank's chequebook, ATMs will remain valid for 6 months Even though online banking operations have changed since today, it does not mean that your cheque book has been deactivated with immediate effect. Allahabad Bank's chequebook will continue to work for the next 6 months or till the cheque is over. In addition to the cheque book, ATMs will also be active for 6 months as before. Allahabad Bank customers can call customer care number 1800-425-0000 for more information. The bank has taken full care to avoid any inconvenience to the customers. Customers will be able to use http://indianbank.net.in for internet banking. The website will provide full knowledge of the new rules to the account holders and also know-how and where they can update the old bank-related papers. Live TV LAS VEGAS, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asia Broadband Inc. (OTC : AABB) is pleased to announce that cryptocurrency wallet and token developer Core State Holdings, Corp. (CSHC) has completed the AABBGoldToken.com website for the Company. The token website will be the go-to knowledge base for all information concerning the soon-to-be launched AABB Wallet and AABB Gold token (AABBG). CSHC has confirmed that the iOS and Android AABB Wallet applications are in the final stages of testing, with an API currently being implemented allowing for users to see the real-time exchange rate of gold; which will be tied to the price of the AABB Gold token set at one-tenth of a gram or approximately $5.80 USD. Additionally, CSHC has completed development of the algorithm and mechanism for the exchange of the AABB Gold token for other major cryptocurrencies. CSHC will commence the creation of the cryptocurrency exchange shortly after the exchange rate API has been implemented. This cryptocurrency exchange will allow users to quickly exchange their AABB Gold tokens for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. In the future, CSHC plans to implement a crypto-to-FIAT exchange; allowing for users to exchange the cryptocurrencies for FIAT currencies such as USD, EUR or CAD. The Company is now is in the final stages of collaboration with CSHC to complete a marketing strategy and campaign surrounding the AABB Gold token, AABB Wallet and expansion of the corporate brand. The marketing efforts are aimed to expand brand exposure and reputation, increase the use of the AABB Gold token and the AABB Wallet, and amplify general public and investment community awareness of the Company. To date, the Company has been very encouraged by the robust interest in the AABBG token from the general public and AABB community. AABBs primary goal for the token is to become a world-wide standard of exchange that is secured and trusted with gold backing, by expanding circulation targeting large population and high growth markets globally including India and China. The economic fundamentals of Indias high demand and interest in physical gold and Chinas expanding use of its national digital currency and digital wallets could naturally lend themselves to the future use of the AABB Gold token. Strategically positioned as a revenue diversification and awareness project, the AABB Gold token will create liquidity and monetize physical gold holdings and future gold production. The Company expects to go live with the launch of its AABB Gold (AABBG) token next week. About Asia Broadband Asia Broadband Inc. (OTC : AABB), through its wholly owned subsidiary Asia Metals Inc., is a resource company focused on the production, supply and sale of precious and base metals, primarily to Asian markets. The Company utilizes its specific geographic expertise, experience and extensive industry contacts to facilitate its innovative distribution process from the production and supply of precious and base metals in Mexico to client sales networks in Asia. This vertical integration approach to sales transactions is the unique strength of AABB that differentiates the Company and creates distinctive value for shareholders. AABB also is releasing a freshly minted mine-to-token gold-backed cryptocurrency and expects to become a world-wide standard of exchange that is secured and trusted with gold backing, an outstanding quality relative to other cryptocurrencies. Visit www.AsiaBroadbandInc.com for more info. Investor Relations & Financial Media Integrity Media Inc. team@integritymedia.com Toll Free: (888) 216-3595 www.IntegrityMedia.com Forward-Looking Statements are contained in this press release within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the Asia Broadband Inc.s (the Company) expected current beliefs about the Companys business, which are subject to uncertainty and change. The operations and results of the Company could materially differ from what is expressed or implied by the statements made above when industry, regulatory, market and competitive circumstances change. Further information about these risks can be found in the annual and quarterly disclosures the Company has published on the OTC Markets website. The Company is under no obligation to update or alter its forward-looking statements as future circumstances, events and information may change. A man wearing a face mask walks along the Tower Bridge in London, Britain, on January 5. Photo: Xinhua Two COVID-19-related articles recently published by Western and Chinese media outlets have discussed what human rights are from different perspectives. Unsurprisingly, the Western outlet has adhered to its traditional double-standard narratives. But this rhetoric has actually come to a dead end as such tricks can no longer fool people from developing countries. The Economist magazine published on January 16 an article entitled "Many in China are strikingly accepting of harsh virus controls." The writer continued stigmatizing China over human rights issues, even though the West is engaging in a dilemma of being unfair on COVID-19 vaccine allocation. On Thursday, CGTN, a Chinese media, released an article written by Maitreya Bhakal, an Indian commentator, with the title "Many Americans are strikingly tolerant of massive COVID-19 casualties." Bhakal said in the article, "Americans are proud of their freedoms... If only more of them had the freedom to survive a pandemic." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on January 6, "The most basic human right is the right to life, and that means the right and freedom to stay healthy and safe amid the pandemic." But the West has always denied this, and the reason is very simple. The West has sacrificed hundreds of thousands of innocent lives during its so-called defense of human rights amid the pandemic. A year has passed since the initial outbreak of the deadly coronavirus. But the West is still stuck in a humanitarian catastrophe due to its ineptitude in dealing with the virus. Meanwhile, Western media outlets are still trying to use double-standard tricks to cover the serious violation of human rights in the West. This is pathetic. What are human rights? The West has indulged too much in its double-standard rhetoric to know the essence. In the view of Western media, even though people are dying due to COVID-19, and vaccine allocation is in a mess, as long as the West emphasizes the so-called freedom - the core of West-upheld human rights - it can secure the moral high ground. Hence, they attempt to convince people anything that infringes the West-endorsed human rights is evil and harmful to people. This goes in line with what the Western governments have been injecting into their people's minds. Many Westerners are "proud of the freedom to believe whatever they want," Bhakal wrote. This is precisely what Western politicians and media want. "They talk in ways like they were true believers in human rights, but their actions make a travesty and mockery of human rights," Hua noted. The West adopts double standards almost everywhere, in a bid to enhance their "exceptionalism" and maintain their dominant position in the world. Western governments are benefiting from such moves domestically, which help keep their people "in check and distract them from domestic problems," just as the CGTN article said. Such an approach is like shooting oneself in the foot. Deeply engaged in it, the West has no way to really protect human rights as it flaunts. But for the political purpose of attacking non-Western countries, especially China, the West intensified its efforts to push the double-standard approach to extremes. However, the pandemic is a mirror, revealing the ugliest side of the West. The West's double standards over China-related issues originate from its lack of confidence in the face of China's peaceful rise. And such insecurity comes out of the decline of the West, which will never be reversed as along as the West goes farther with its double-standard actions. The US-led Western world fears that China will take over their leadership globally but are reluctant to figure out a way to compete in a benign way. By contrast, they resort to filthy means to slander and suppress China. However, the louder their double-standard rhetoric, the more clearly the decline of the West will be seen. Canal Street commuters heads swiveled on Mardi Gras morning at the sight of a magnificent Mardi Gras Indian suit standing on the spot once occupied by a bronze statue dedicated to Jefferson Davis, the leader of the Confederacy. The feathered and beaded suit, which is encased in a protective plastic box, stands about nine feet tall. Fat Tuesday morning, the climax of Carnival, is the traditional moment when Mardi Gras Indians, also referred to as Black Masking Indians, emerge onto the streets to reveal their elaborate and laboriously-made suits. The unique custom combines African, Native American and other cultural influences. This year, the tradition was mostly curtailed by the pandemic and plummeting temperatures. But Demond Melancon, Big Chief of the Young Seminole Hunter tribe, conceived a way to honor tradition without much COVID-19 risk. Melancon said it was dream of his to see a statue of a masker where Davis once stood. So, in the wee hours of frosty Tuesday morning, with the help of what he called some fairy angels, he placed a suit where he thought it belonged. Asked if he sought permission in advance, Melancon said, "No, I just did it." Im a Big Chief, so I do what I want, he added, laughing. Placing a suit in a resonant spot was particularly important this year, he said, because New Orleans culture bearers have been hard hit by COVID-19 both health-wise and economically. Its been a year when everybody lost everything, he said. The small posters reading The People Are King that were scattered at the base of the suit, were meant to symbolize the importance of these individuals, he said. Melancon said the exhibition of the statute is meant to be in keeping with City Halls efforts to produce a safe Carnival. This is a way of me showing we can stand in solidarity with the mayor, he said. We hope everybody sticks to the guidelines." The monument to Davis was erected in 1903, during the Jim Crow era and removed in 2017, with a handful of other Confederate tributes. Melancon said that he created the suit for the 2020 season. Its titled Jah Defender and the bead mosaics include an image Haile Selassie, who is revered among some Rastafarians. The suit is located at the intersection of Canal Street and Norman C. Francis Parkway, which had, until recently, been named Jeff Davis Parkway. The monument to Davis was erected in 1903, during the Jim Crow era and removed in 2017, with a handful of other Confederate tributes. The South African Covid-19 strain has been detected in four Indian returnees and the Brazil variant in one, the said on Tuesday, amid concerns over the rise in the number of cases in Maharashtra. The Union is holding discussions with the civil aviation ministry to put in place a mechanism to monitor air traffic from South Africa and Brazil and contain the spread of these variants. Our experience with the UK variant taught us that testing after disembarkation and then genome sequencing positive samples was very effective. We will deploy a similar strategy for South Africa and Brazil flights as well, said Rajesh Bhushan, health secretary. However, unlike the UK, which had direct flights to India, most flights from South Africa and Brazil are routed through different sectors. Both the South African and Brazilian strains have a mutation in the receptor binding domain of the virus, which makes it easier for the virus to bind itself to the lungs. All five people and their contacts have been tested and quarantined. While the South African variant was detected in passengers who arrived in January, the Brazilian variant was detected in a returnee in the first week of February. A majority of cases in South Africa are due to the new variant, which has multiple mutations. It has spread to 44 countries. The Brazilian strain, which has increased transmissibility, has been found in 15 countries. The Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology, Pune, have managed to isolate and culture this variant, which would help in research and detection. The health ministry, concerned over the rise in cases in Maharashtra at a time when the overall active case count is reducing in the country, has asked states to increase RT-PCR testing. Maharashtra reported 3,365 new cases on Tuesday, which was the highest single-day tally in the country. Kerala and Maharashtra account for over 70 per cent of the total active cases in the country. Central teams were deputed in the two states and they have been given some guidance and instruction, which would help in bringing the situation under control, Bhushan added. V K Paul, member (health) of NITI Aayog, said it was found that over time testing had reduced in Maharashtra, which needs to be ramped up. In Kerala, too, Paul said there was an increase after the festive season. Stressing the need to continue taking precautionary measures and improve surveillance systems, Paul added, We are also seeing that the virus is moving to smaller cities to vulnerable populations there now...There is no reason for us to be lax even if the situation seems to be improving. There is no guarantee that we would not see another surge. The government is also examining some guidance they have received regarding increasing the gap between the two doses of Covishield vaccine which is presently being followed up at four to six weeks interval. The technical group on vaccination will examine this issue and recommendations will be made in the best interest by scientists and experts. The regulator has given its recommendation based on some data and we should adopt that, Paul said. February 16 : After South superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni announced on social media that he has wrapped up the shooting of his Bollywood project, Brahmastra, his co-star Alia Bhatt took to her Instagram handle and looked back on the journey so far in Ayan Mukerjis directorial Brahmastra. Sharing a couple of pictures on her Instagram profile, the Gully Boy actress looked back on the long journey of the film so far. In the pictures, the actress can be seen with Nagarjuna, who has just completed his portion of the shoot for the superhero fantasy film Brahmastra. Ranbir Kapoor, who plays the lead, and Ayan can also be seen in the pictures. With the film is nearing to an end, Alia not only looked back on the journey she had so far on the film, but also expressed her excitement of what lies ahead after the film releases in theatres. Alia also shows her gratitude towards Nagarjuna, and says it was an honour to work with him. & that's a wrap for Nagarjuna Sir on BRAHMASTRA! Thank you for the memories sir.. such an honour to work with you with the end of shoot so near.. cant help but look back on what a journey it has been so far on the film.. & the excitement of what lies ahead is another journey ALL TOGETHER.. Alia wrote on her post. The last leg of the film, starring Ranbir, Alia, Amitabh Bachchan, Dimple Kapadia, Mouni Roy, and Nagarjuna, is being shot in Mumbai. Director Ayan Mukerji has worked for almost six years on the filmfrom scripting and pre-production work to the shoot and post-production work. He is working on a VFX-heavy film for the first time. Nagarjuna, who was last seen in Telugu film Manmadhudu 2, was all praise for the movie and its cast and crew, as he tweeted, And its a wrap for me on #Brahmastra. Such an amazing experience it has been with our stellar performers #Ranbir and @Aliaa08. Cant wait for you guys to witness the outstanding world #AyanMukerji has created. #TheBigIndianMovie #Brahmastra. Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi said that while the UK has no plan to roll out vaccine passports for domestic use, companies can choose to demand proof of inoculation from customers as the economy opens up. Its up to businesses what they do," Zahawi told the BBC on Tuesday. Its much better you look at rapid testing, combined with a national vaccination program" to safely open up venues, he said. Also Read | Inside the five-year battle food companies have fought to resist stricter labelling norms Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to set out a road map" on Feb. 22 for easing the countrys coronavirus restrictions, with more than 15 million people in the U.K. having now received a first vaccine dose. At a press conference on Monday, Johnson indicated he is opposed to vaccine passports for use domestically, but said other nations may demand them for international travel. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Toowoomba absolutely needs this, Mr Wagner said. It will be a big job creator, just the local produce that would be consumed with 4000 to 5000 meals a day, it will be massive and we need it desperately. If the federal government agreed to take the project to the next phase, work would begin on the design of the centre and how it would operate. The first 500 beds would be built within six weeks of approval, Mr Wagner said, with the full site to be finished in three months. Mr Wagner, Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick near the proposed site. Credit:Fairfax Media Deputy Premier Steven Miles met with Mr Wagner near the proposed site on Tuesday. The ball is largely in the federal governments court now, Mr Miles said. Weve put this forward as a proposal to avoid having to shut down whole cities for four or five days, like weve seen in Perth and Brisbane and Melbourne, and Scott Morrison really needs to consider how many times he wants to see that happen before we put in place a more effective quarantine regime thats able to deal with these new, more infectious strains. Mr Morrison had previously said any regional quarantine sites would need the backing of the community. About two dozen businesses in Toowoombas CBD approached by Brisbane Times would not speak on the record about the proposal, whether they were supporters or opponents. Nobody wants it here, but the Wagners have done a lot for Toowoomba, so I dont want to put my name to anything, one store owner said. Another said: Not a lot of people want it here, but it has to go somewhere I guess, so it might as well be Toowoomba. Gina Digweed, who owns Grinds Espresso Rail, said I dont think it would be a bad thing and when the Wagners do something, they do it to a high standard. Grinds Espresso Rail owner Gina Digweed. Credit:Lydia Lynch I think if they are going to do something, [the airport] is the place to do it, especially if it is going to create jobs for Toowoomba and the surrounding region. Ice n Spice Indian Restaurant manager Gurjant Singh said he thought it was a really good idea. If the COVID is still spreading [in the hotels], it is a good idea to have it at Wellcamp, he said. I support it as well because it is hard for the people overseas to be away from their parents and their partners, so I think it is good that the government tries to bring more residents back home to their family members. Ice n Spice restaurant manager Gurjant Singh. Credit:Lydia Lynch Mr Wagner said the cost to build the facility was commercial in confidence but we are not asking the government for any handouts or any grants or any financial assistance. So what is in it for his company? More activity around the airport, Mr Wagner said, and hopefully we can turn a profit. At present, travellers pay $2800 for 14-day isolation or $3710 for a couple, which covers meals, accommodation and laundry. The state government absorbs the cost of testing and police presence. Mr Wagner said each room would be fitted with separate airconditioning to reduce the potential risk of airborne coronavirus transmission. The quarantine site would be surrounded by open space, neighbouring a quarry and a Wagner concrete business, in stark contrast to the Brisbane hotels where travellers are deprived of fresh air and exercise breaks. There will be fresh air, balconies for people to have a smoke on ... mental health is such a big thing in these facilities, Mr Wagner said. This story has been updated to include a reaction from the New York State AFL-CIO. TROY Erin Bornt has been a 911 dispatcher for Rensselaer County for 20 years. Though she makes good money and has good benefits, as a single mom, the $60,000 a year wasnt enough to pay all the bills. She became an Uber driver this year during the pandemic and is grateful that she did when she did. The pandemic made it easier to make money because there were fewer drivers wanting to drive, Bornt said. Bornt works between 10 and 20 hours a week depending on the week, on top of her 40 hours at the 911 dispatch center. In her best weeks, when shes both driving people and making food deliveries, via Uber Eats, she has made close to $900. Honestly I thought [the demand for rides] would lessen because fewer people were going out and about and I suppose it lessened a little bit and the food deliveries did increase, however I was still getting an awful lot of people who were still going to work and going out, Bornt said. Unless it was a really bad weather night I was ride to ride pretty much every single time I drove. Eighty percent of people working for Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Postmates, and Instacart work less than 15 hours a week, according to new data from the New York Coalition for Independent Work, a group consisting of the five companies. This means workers like Bornt have other jobs or are in school and are supplementing their income with a few extra hours of work, not using the platforms as their sole type of income. During the pandemic, this work flexibility has been critical. Sixteen percent of drivers in New York said they drove more during the pandemic because they were laid off, furloughed, or had their hours or pay cut because of the pandemic, according to data from Lyfts Economic Impact report. Doordash saw 1.9 million new dashers join across the country from mid-March through September of last year. "The flexibility and independence of this work are critical to New Yorkers who are looking to make extra income, saving to go to school, starting a small business or caring for children, the coalition wrote in a statement. These platforms provide opportunities to earn when, where, and for however long you need something that is necessary and that we need to protect now more than ever." For Kajal Lahiri, an economics professor at University of Albany, none of this is surprising. After the lockdown, with the restaurants closed, people are looking for alternatives, Lahiri said. Though he still believes the demand for rides is low right now and nowhere near where it could be in the future. Bornt wonders if she is going to continue having as much success as an Uber driver as more people get vaccinated. I do start to wonder now, because people are relaxing a little bit, if the business will go downhill a little bit because drivers are coming back on, Bornt said. Ive been a little concerned about that. Assemblymember John McDonald surveyed his constituents in District 108 and asked them if they support gig workers remaining independent contractors or becoming employees, a controversial topic that was shot down in 2020 in California. Sixty-five percent of District 108 constituents said that they should remain independent contractors. A lot of the responders to the survey said they use gig work to help make a little extra money on top of their full-time job and so want the flexibility, McDonald said. There are a lot of people who want to have that flexible work schedule or they have childcare issues so they choose to drive at night to help with childcare cost. McDonald also said some respondents were worried that if gig workers were considered employees, the costs would get passed down to the consumer. Drivers have consistently said they want to remain independent contractors over employment by a 4 to 1 margin," said a spokesperson from the coalition. "That's because they prefer the freedom and flexibility to work when they want, where they want, and for however long they want. We are focused on policy solutions that reflect the independence drivers want, while providing access to benefits. New York State AFL-CIO, in a response to this story, said it is working towards ensuring app workers have the same employee rights that all workers have. "Gig companies are trying to convince app workers that the coveted flexibility of their work will go away if they are granted rights and protections all other workers enjoy. There is nothing that says nor written anywhere that an app-based worker must choose between basic rights and flexibility. To suggest otherwise is a scare tactic plain and simple," wrote Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, in an email. "This is about treating an emerging and growing workforce the same as all other workers, nothing more, nothing less." The number of patients with seasonal flu in Japan was below 100 during the first seven days of February. That's far below the levels seen before. The health ministry says this is the first time an influenza outbreak has not been reported at this time of year since the present survey method was introduced in 1999. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases and others say about 5,000 designated medical institutions around the country reported a total of 98 influenza cases in the week through February 7. The figure is up by 34 from the week earlier. The cases were reported in Tokyo and 20 other prefectures, or less than half of Japan's prefectures. The number of flu patients nationwide for this period is estimated to total about 1,000, and the number of cases since last fall is thought to total 12,000. A nationwide influenza outbreak is defined as a situation in which the weekly average number of patients exceeds one per designated medical institution. The number currently stands at only 0.02. Usually, seasonal flu peaks at this time of year, with the number of flu patients per week ranging between 100,000 and 200,000 people. Taniguchi Kiyosu, head of clinical research at the National Mie Hospital, attributed this low level of flu cases to efforts by everyone to prevent coronavirus infections. He said it's hard to think that the number of flu patients would increase to the level of an outbreak, but if person-to-person contact increases, the number of flu patients may increase. He said it's necessary to continue prevention measures, while continuing to watch the infection situation. Adani Portsand Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) on Tuesday said it has completed the acquisition of for Rs 705 crore and would invest over Rs 10,000 crore in developing it as an alternate gateway to JNPT. JNPT is India's largest container port and is one of the 12 major ports in the country. APSEZ completed the acquisition of 100 per cent DPL for Rs 705 crore on February 15, 2021....DPL, the 12thport to join APSEZ's string of economic gateways across the eastern and western coast of India would establish the company's footprint in Maharashtra, the largest contributor to India's GDP, APSEZ said in a statement. This would enable APSEZ to service customers in Maharashtra whichincludes the highly industrial areas and development in the Mumbai and Pune regions, it said. APSEZ plans to invest over Rs 10,000 crore to develop the port into a multi-cargo port with world class infrastructure as well as investing in the development of rail & road evacuation infrastructure for seamless and efficient cargo movement," the statement said. The company will strengthen and repair existing infrastructure and invest in development of facilities for dry, container, and liquid cargo. DPL will evolve as an alternative gateway to JNPT and will invite and support the development of port-based industries on port land, the statement said. As per the terms and requirements of the Resolution Plan, the transfer of concession rights has also been approved by the Maharashtra Maritime Board ('MMB') and APSEZ has settled the dues of financial creditors, MMB, and other admitted costs and claims, it said. The successful acquisition of DPL adds another milestone in the Adani Port's target of creating a string of ports to increase service coverage to the entire economic hinterland of India, Karan Adani, CEO and Whole Time Director of APSEZ said. He said with the company's growth focus, experience, and expertise in turning around acquisitions it is confident of making DPL value accretive for stakeholders. Our investment & capacity augmentation plan will be aligned with policies of the Government of Maharashtra for development of ports, associated infrastructure, industrial and socio-economic development in the state, he added. APSEZis the largest port developer and operator in India with 12 strategically located ports and terminals representing 24 per cent of the country's total port capacity. The 12 ports/terminals include, Mundra, Dahej, Tuna and Hazira in Gujarat; Dhamra in Odisha; Mormugao in Goa, among others. (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.) Buddhist monks and nuns display pictures of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay (AP) Police in Myanmar have filed a new charge against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, her lawyer said, which may allow her to be held indefinitely without trial. Lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told reporters after meeting with a judge in the capital Naypyitaw that Ms Suu Kyi has been charged with violating Article 25 of the Natural Disaster Management Law, which has been used to prosecute people who have broken coronavirus restrictions. Ms Suu Kyi, who was ousted in a military coup on February 1, has already been charged with possessing walkie-talkies that were imported without being registered. The maximum punishment for the Covid-19 violation is three years imprisonment. Expand Close Demonstrators display pictures of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest against the military coup in Yangon (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demonstrators display pictures of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest against the military coup in Yangon (AP) However, the new charge may allow her to be held indefinitely without trial because a change in the Penal Code instituted by the junta last week permits detention without court permission. Ousted President Win Myint was charged under the same law when he and Ms Suu Kyi were detained during the armys takeover. Ms Suu Kyi held the top government post with the title of state counsellor. Groups of demonstrators turned out in Yangon and other cities on Tuesday to protest over the coup and demand that Ms Suu Kyi and members of her ousted government be freed from detention. In Yangon, police blocked off the street in front of the Central Bank, which protesters have targeted amid speculation online that the military is seeking to seize money from them. Buddhist monks demonstrated outside the UNs local office. The protests are taking place in defiance of an order banning gatherings of five or more people. Around 3,000 demonstrators mainly students returned to the streets in Mandalay, the countrys second biggest city, carrying posters of Ms Suu Kyi and shouting for the return of democracy. Expand Close Protesters march in Mandalay (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Protesters march in Mandalay (AP) Security presence was low-key around the march, with most police guarding key buildings in the city, such as state bank branches. On Monday in Mandalay, soldiers and police violently broke up a gathering of more than 1,000 protesters in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank. They attacked the protesters with catapults and sticks, and police could be seen aiming long guns into the air amid sounds that resembled gunfire. Local media reported rubber bullets were fired into the crowd and that a few people were injured. The government ordered internet access blocked on Sunday and Monday nights without giving a reason. It has in the past few weeks imposed selective and ineffective blocks on social media platforms and prepared a draft internet law that would criminalise many online activities. There is also widespread speculation that the government is installing a firewall system that can monitor or block most or all online activity. State media were acknowledging the protest movement with indirect references. Expand Close A demonstrator displays an upside-down begging-bowl, a form of protest symbolising refusal to receive any kind of alms from the military government, in Mandalay (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A demonstrator displays an upside-down begging-bowl, a form of protest symbolising refusal to receive any kind of alms from the military government, in Mandalay (AP) The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported about a meeting of the State Administration Council, the new top governing body, and quoted its chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, saying the authorities are handling the ongoing problems with care. It said the council discussed taking legal action against protesters, providing true information to the media, and resuming public transport, an apparent reference to strikes and slowdowns by truckers and state railway workers. The newspaper also said the council members discussed acting against a parallel government established by some elected legislators of Ms Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party, who were prevented from taking their seats when the military stopped parliament from opening its session February 1. The self-styled Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has 15 members who met online and said it has enough support to convene parliament. It stakes a claim to being the sole legitimate government institution and has appealed to foreign powers and the UN and other multilateral institutions for recognition, with no known positive responses. Committee members believe warrants have been issued for their arrests. The military contends there was fraud in last years election, which Ms Suu Kyis party won in a landslide, and says it will hold power for a year before holding new elections. The state election commission found no evidence to support the claims of fraud. Expand Close Demonstrators gather to protest against the military coup in Yangon (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demonstrators gather to protest against the military coup in Yangon (AP) The military says its takeover is legitimate under a 2008 constitution that was drafted under military rule and ensures the army maintains ultimate control over the country. The UN, US and other governments have urged it to return power to the elected government and release Ms Suu Kyi and other detainees. Mayra Acevedo and her family had been out of power since early Monday at their apartment complex. They finally hit their limit with the cold temperatures inside their apartment at Westheimer and Chimney Rock and on Tuesday morning headed to Lakewood Churchs warming center on Tuesday morning. We had to take a shower in cold water yesterday, saidAcevedo, 49. It was not fun, Lluvia Campos, 13, her daughter added. Acevedos family is among hundreds who have flocked to Lakewood since it opened Sunday as a warming center. At bedtime Monday night, around 214 people were inside the building, according to Matt Osteen, who serves as the churchs attorney and also oversees its relief efforts. The church has seen as many as 300 people in and out of the building since it opened. These included homeless persons as well as families trying to escape the cold. Staff members are screening people for COVID-19 symptoms, requiring masks and maintaining social distancing. Lakewoods pastor, Joel Osteen, faced sharp criticism during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 when he didnt immediately offer shelter at his megachurch for displaced hurricane victims. The church said it ultimately helped more than 1,150 Houston-area families rebuild homes destroyed by the storm, including donating more than $5 million in financial assistance, mobilizing 9,300 volunteers and distributing supplies. Joel Osteen made an appearance Tuesday at the church, a 600,000-square-foot building that was once home to the NBAs Houston Rockets. I believe we are blessed to be a blessing, Osteen said. Gods given us this beautiful facility, where we can help people for a simple thing, just to stay warm, have a place to stay. The pastor said the church will remain open during the bitter-cold snap for as long as needed. We wont turn anybody away, said Osteen. He noted that the church had never before opened its doors to assist those seeking shelter from a winter storm. We never saw this one coming, said Osteen. You see the hurricanes and the others, but you just didnt see it coming here. For Acevedo, the cold wasnt just a physical inconvenience it was financial. Acevedo, who works in the insurance industry, said she hadnt been able to work from home due to a lack of power and Internet service. Her husband, Jose Campos, is supposed to start a new job as a guard for the Texas Department of Criminal Justices Darrington Unit in Rosharon on Wednesday, but he doesnt know if hell make it given the weather forecast, which includes more precipitation overnight. The couple said their finances are limited. We really want to go home and go to work, said Mayra Acevedo. The Whitfield family also braved cold temperatures since early Monday when their power went out at their apartment complex in Alief. The family called Centerpoint Energy, their own electric company Frontier and 211. No one could help them. At home, they used candles, blankets and layered their clothes to keep warm. At one point, it was 51 degrees inside their apartment but it felt colder, the family said, You dont want to find us in here, our bodies, said Patricia Whitfield, 57. Patricia was worried about her grandson, CJ. The 6-month-old, dressed in a Woody from Toy Story onesie, bounced on her lap. Patricia, along with her 27-year-old daughter, Laneisha, and son, Patrick, 29, finally packed up their stuff, including their white cat, and headed to Lakewood at 3700 Southwest Freeway. Besides Lakewood Church, other places around town also offered a helping hand to cold Houstonians. Gallery Furniture opened up two warming centers at stores in Fort Bend and in Houston. The two stores are located at 6006 North Freeway and 7227 W Grand Pkwy S, Richmond, TX. At the warming centers, people are asked to follow COVID-19 protocols. River Pointe Church in Fort Bend also has opened a warming center, tweeted Fort Bend County Judge KP George. Those interested can contact 281-896-1846. Dominic Mandolas Ragin Cajun on Richmond was without electricity Monday, but when Mandola discovered power had been restored Tuesday morning, he decided to open at 2 p.m. So many people need food, he said. Feb. 16 is also Fat Tuesday, he noted, a celebration Ragin Cajun enjoys marking. So on Tuesday, Mandola did everything he could to serve up crawfish, oysters and gumbo. Even in a historic freeze, there was a deep need to let the good times roll. Interfaith Ministries Meals On Wheels, a program that delivers meals to home-bound seniors across the Houston area, said they had already dropped off shelf-stable meals that usually last for five days. The winter box meals, which are filled with non-perishable food items, were delivered to the seniors home back in January in preparation for an emergency. Greg Morago and Jay R. Jordan contributed to this report. brooke.lewis@chron.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. "When we saw the impact that JFHC was making among seniors in the community, we knew right away that we wanted to support their efforts." Mario Cordon, Chief Marketing Officer at DiscountMugs.com DiscountMugs.com has announced that it has donated 10,000 3-ply protective face masks to Jewish Family Home Care, a nonprofit in Broward County that provides in-home caregiving services to the elderly. As the pandemic continues into the new year, many seniors in Florida still find themselves forced to stay home despite ongoing vaccine rollouts. After previously donating masks to low-income seniors in need, DiscountMugs.com wanted to provide PPE to the workers that would be going into homes of seniors and looking after them. As one of the largest home care agencies in South Florida, Jewish Family Home Care was the perfect fit. We are always searching for ways we can give back to the community, especially those most vulnerable, said Mario Cordon, Chief Marketing Officer at DiscountMugs.com. When we saw the impact that JFHC was making among seniors in the community, we knew right away that we wanted to support their efforts. The donation marks the latest initiative by DiscountMugs to support community efforts and small business development in the South Florida area. In April 2020, the company donated 11,000 surgical masks to low-income seniors in South Florida that require routine medical care. DiscountMugs followed up this donation in September by gifting 15,000 face masks to students and teachers in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. The company also created a small business assistance program last July to award custom promotional merchandise to South Florida small businessowners impacted by the pandemic. More About DiscountMugs.com Based in Medley, Florida, DiscountMugs.com is one of the largest online providers of promotional products in the United States. The company's proprietary online design lab allows customers to easily design their own custom promotional products from mugs to t-shirts, hats and many more categories, and have them delivered in as little as one week. DiscountMugs.com's vertically integrated supply chain is unique in the industry, allowing it to side-step intermediaries and pass along savings to customers. Contact DiscountMugs.com today or call 800-579-7152 to learn more about how custom promotional merchandise can help your business. More About Jewish Family Home Care Jewish Family Home Care and its subsidiaries provide a range of reliable and compassionate home care services for seniors, including companionship, personal care, light housekeeping, Alzheimers care, meal preparation, and respite for family caregivers. Though one of Broward Countys largest home care agencies, each JFHC caregiver operates with the hands-on touch of a family-managed, not-for-profit organization. For more information, call 954-908-5677 or visit https://www.jfcares.org/ to learn more about the personalized home care provider. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Today, Im thinking about two men born on this date, both of whom were in Abraham Lincolns orbit. Both also made their reputations in Massachusetts -- and both were named Henry. Yet, they were as different as men could be. Henry Wilson was born into grinding poverty and succeeded in the highest levels of government. Henry Adams, a child of fame and privilege, flamed out in Washington and retreated to a protected sinecure in academia. The former -- the once-influential Henry -- is forgotten today. The latter -- the one who failed upward -- is still widely acclaimed. But as another New England politician noted, who said life was fair? * * * Henry Wilsons boyhood, the U.S. Senates official historian has observed, resembled a Dickens novel. Born on Feb. 16, 1812, in New Hampshire, his indolent father named the child Jeremiah Jones Colbath after a wealthy neighbor in hopes of ingratiating himself with the man, a bachelor. The scheme failed and the Colbath familys suffering continued. Want sat by my cradle, he wrote later. I know what it is to ask a mother for bread when she has none to give. When he was 10 years, his father apprenticed the boy to a family on another New England farm, where he worked until he turned 21. By then our hero had acquired a self-education -- he read every book in the farmhouse -- a lifelong commitment to abstinence from alcohol, and a new name he chose himself: Henry Wilson. Newly liberated, he set out for Boston, walking 100 miles before settling in Natick, where he took up shoemaking. Within three years, he had saved enough money to travel to Washington, D.C., drawn by the possibility of service to his country. Instead of being inspired, by the time he arrived in the capital he was appalled. Hed seen enslaved people working in the fields of Maryland and witnessed slave auctions within sight of the U.S. Capitol. On the spot, he formed a determination to devote himself to the cause of emancipation. Returning to the Boston area, Wilson turned his small cobblers business into a lucrative factory, joined the Whig Party, and participated in the Natick Debating Society. Soon the Whigs were running him for office in the state legislature. There, Wilson developed an antipathy toward the snooty Brahmins who controlled Massachusetts politics. But his deeper opprobrium was reserved for Southern planters and their Democratic Party apologists. Freedom and slavery are now arrayed against each other, he wrote. We must destroy slavery, or it will destroy liberty. He invested in an abolitionist newspaper, which he edited from 1848 to 1851, joined the fledging Republican Party, and raised and commanded a local militia unit. By the time the Civil War arrived, Gen. Wilson was in the U.S. Senate, serving alongside fellow abolitionist firebrand Charles Sumner. Wilson was among those who rode out to Manassas in a carriage to witness the first set-piece battle of the war. After Union soldiers were routed from the field, Henry Wilson returned to Massachusetts, raised a real militia this time, with himself as its colonel, and returned with his unit to Washington. Despite his desires, Sen. Wilson had neither the training nor aptitude for actual soldiering -- he could barely ride a horse --so he resigned his commission and assumed the post in which he could best help Abraham Lincoln and Gen. Ulysses Grant: chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs. After the war, he became President Grants second-term running mate (pictured, above). Henry Wilsons ambitions were not yet quenched, and he might have become the 19th U.S. president instead of Rutherford B. Hayes, but his health failed him. He didnt live long enough to finish out his term and was soon forgotten. Henry Adams entire life was a different story. Born on Feb. 16, 1838, to wealth and status -- he was the grandson of John Quincy Adams and the great-grandson of John Adams -- he seemed destined for greatness, at least in his own mind. According to the leading lights of American letters, he achieved it. After serving as secretary to his father, Charles Francis Adams, who was Lincolns ambassador to Great Britain during the Civil War, he returned to the States and made his name as a journalist and scholar. His nine-volume History of the United States and America During the Administrations of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison was highly praised and is still considered a masterpiece by historians I respect. Under an assumed name, Adams wrote a riveting novel titled Democracy, and his posthumously published memoir, The Education of Henry Adams, won a Pulitzer Prize and the honor of being named by the parent company of Random House as the best English-language nonfiction book of the 20th century. Its well- written, but all this is errant nonsense. Henry Adams, for all his literary gifts, never grasped the basics of the profession he was drawn to and that denied him a foothold. For this, he blamed Ulysses Grant, although the fault was all his own. Adams was not only acerbic and petty, which alienated those he was trying to influence, but he viewed every difference of opinion or tactics as a matter of principle. Anyone who didnt agree with him was corrupt, in his telling. Ostensibly, his dispute with the famous general-turned-president is that Grant populated his administration with party hacks, many of whom came recommended by Republicans in Congress. Adams view, which he couched as an argument over separation of powers, was that political patronage jobs should be solely based on merit. Here, Adams harked back to George Washington, a paragon of nonpartisanship, to be sure (but also a man who found Henry Adams grandfather exasperating for exhibiting the same undiplomatic and graceless compulsions). As usual, Henry Adams resorted to ad hominem insults to make his argument. One of them is famous to this day: The progress of evolution from President Washington to President Grant was alone evidence to upset Darwin. The hypocrisy here seems self-evident, at least to me. Among those Grant bypassed when filling his Cabinet were allies of Henry Adams -- and Adams himself, which is why he left the rough-and-tumble of Washington for the safety of Harvards faculty. Henry Adams conceded as much to his brother Charles. I have always considered that Grant wrecked my own life, he wrote in a 1911 letter. Earlier, hed written a sort of confession of class resentment about what Grants political ascension meant to him personally: My family is buried politically. Grant certainly would have seen nothing wrong with such a result. Although he didnt like Henry Adams enough to hate him -- Grant wasnt much of a hater -- he did write once that the Adams clan did not possess one noble trait of character that I ever heard of. In the end, Henry Adams got his revenge: His scathing review of the Grant administration is the primary reason Americans prefer to think of Ulysses Grant as a general and would like to forget he was ever president. Unfair, as John F. Kennedy would have said, but hardly unique, and perhaps predictable. As Henry Adams himself explained, in words that still resonate today: Politics, in practice, has always been the systematic organization of hatreds. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Cacao merchants in Ivory Coast on Tuesday attacked a "monopoly" of the world's major purchasers of the raw material for chocolate, and called for local traders to get a greater share of the national market. In Ivory Coast's latest broadside at international players in the chocolate business, the Group of Ivorian Traders (GNI) said it was time to "end the monopoly" of six corporations who dominate purchases of locally-grown cacao. "The six multinationals who make purchases in Ivory Coast through their subsidiaries absolutely should be required to systematically allot 20 to 30 percent of their contracts to Ivorian processors and exporters," said GNI spokesman Fabien Guei. The six are Barry Callebaut and Ecom of Switzerland; Olam of Singapore; the US giant Cargill; and the French groups Sucden and Touton. Together, they purchase nearly all of Ivory Coast's cacao harvest, more than 80 percent of which is then shipped to Europe. Ivory Coast / AFP "This is not about driving them out of the Ivorian market but to enable Ivorian operators to be a sustainable player in marketing their country's cacao abroad, and in an fairer and more balanced way," Guei argued. Ivory Coast, the world's biggest producer of cacao, has repeatedly lobbied foreign giants to pay more and for Ivorian firms to get a bigger share of value-added business, such as processing, rather than remain a primary source. "These multinationals prioritise supplying and exporting (cacao) beans through their subsidiaries in Ivory Coast," Guei said, contending that this amounted to a "brake on local processing." Ivory Coast accounts for 40 percent of world cacao production. The sector accounts for 40 percent of the country's export income, and 10 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), according to the World Bank. It produces around two million tonnes of cacao per year, but less than a quarter of this is processed locally. The GNI represents Ivorian companies which export and process coffee and cacao. In the cacao sector, its members include 12 exporters and three processors, accounting for 300,000 tonnes annually. Around one in five of the Ivorian population depend on the cacao sector. Many live in poverty despite booming world demand for chocolate. [February 16, 2021] MetLife Announces First Quarter 2021 Preferred Stock Dividend Actions MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) today announced that it has declared the following preferred stock dividends: Quarterly dividend of $9.47875000 per share on the company's 5.250% fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative preferred stock, Series C, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Semi-annual dividend of $29.375 per share on the company's 5.875% fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative preferred stock, Series D, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Quarterly dividend of $351.5625 per share on the company's 5.625% non-cumulative preferred stock, Series E, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, represented by depositary shares each representing 1/1,000th interest in a share of the preferred stock, holders of which will receive $0.3515625 per depositary share (NYSE: MET PRE). Quarterly dividend of $296.875 per share on the company's 4.75% non-cumulative preferred stock, Series F, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, represented by depositary shares each representing 1/1,000th interest in a share of the preferred stock, holders of which will receive $0.296875 per depositary share (NYSE: MET PRF). Semi-annual dividend of $19.250 per share on the compny's 3.850% fixed rate reset non-cumulative preferred stock, Series G, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Quarterly dividend of $0.25000000 per share on the company's floating rate non-cumulative preferred stock, Series A, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share (NYSE: MET PRA), subject to the final confirmation that the company has met the financial tests specified in the certificate of designations for the Series A preferred stock, which the company anticipates will be made and announced on or about March 5,2021. The New York Stock Exchange has not yet set an ex-dividend date for the Series A preferred stock, and will set an ex-dividend date after the confirmatory announcement. About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com. Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements in this news release, such as "will," are based on assumptions and expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, including the "Risk Factors" MetLife, Inc. describes in its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. MetLife's future results could differ, and it has no obligation to correct or update any of these statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006018/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] When the coronavirus pandemic closed college campuses in March of 2020, administrators initially hoped that some normalcy would return by the fall semester. That did not happen. Some schools that reopened dormitories had to shut them down again. Others did not reopen their campuses at all, continuing classes online. Every pandemic in human history has ended, though, and as vaccines are distributed and visions of a COVID-free future are maintained, college officials are reviewing what was lost, learned and accomplished during the past year. Partnerships formed during the crisis will remain post-pandemic, according to Michael Giampietro, vice president for finance and administrative services at Bay Path University in Longmeadow. From the very beginning, the health and safety of our entire community was our main priority, Giampietro said. We developed our Guiding Principles and a Community Compact that students signed agreeing to individual and collective responsibility to keep our community safe. Continual and accessible testing was and still is the cornerstone of our COVID response plan. He continued: We were extremely fortunate to form a partnership with Caring Health Center in Springfield together, we established a very successful testing site on our campus. Its a relationship I know will continue in the future. Institutions agree remote learning will remain a part of academic curricula moving forward. So will health protocols, said Springfield College Chief of Staff Kathy Martin. Balancing the flexibility that Zoom and other online platforms offer with the highly desired and effective face-to-face educational and occupational experiences that students and employees value and expect is an opportunity for us (in the) post-pandemic reality, Martin said. At Westfield State University, we definitely see the value in more frequent surveillance COVID-19 testing and further de-densification of residence halls, said Chief of Staff Tricia Oliver. We have incorporated both into our plans for the Spring 2021 semester. 6/15/2020 -Springfield- Dr. Robert E. Johnson has been appointed as the sixth president of Western New England University. (Don Treeger / The Republican) Western New England University President Robert E. Johnson said he was proud the school was one of about 27% of the nations institutions that resumed in-person learning in the fall. Another was Springfield College. Keeping the majority of our students on campus for the fall semester was an extraordinary achievement that took the dedication and commitment of all involved, especially our students, said Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper. Through it all, I was and am grateful for the way that colleges and universities across the state came together to share information, ideas, and strategies so we could all benefit from shared intelligence and wisdom. After the pandemic, Johnson said, the time-honored tradition of brick-and-mortar college will give way to a new click-and-mortar model. For traditional age students, in-classroom teaching will remain, but there will be more online and hybrid courses and programs taught, he said. Todays confluence of crisis has created a space for a reset for the way we work, Johnson said. It has shown us just how critical it is to provide students with the foundational skillset to be agile in a rapidly changing world. It has also put greater focus on students mental health. We know that students are experiencing greater levels of stress, anxiety, and depression during pandemic times, Johnson said. Refining and adding capacity for our services to students and our resources for employees will be a priority. With mental health mind, Western New England had a surprise No Snow, Snow Day in October to give everyone a break. It was received largely with delight, Johnson said. It provided an opportunity to take the pressure off, and for students, to have some (safe) fun with entertaining programming. 02/27/2020-Longmeadow- Bay Path University President-Elect Sanda J. Doran speaks on stage during Thursdays welcoming ceremony at the Blake Student Commons. (Dave Roback Photo) The pandemic accelerated academic changes that were already underway at Bay Path. Even before the pandemic, there were intense pressures on higher education to more completely serve the students of today, said President Sandra J. Doran, who like Johnson began her tenure in the middle of the pandemic. According to Higher Learning Advocates, 37% of todays college students are older than 25. Almost two-thirds work while in college, about 25% are parenting and 49% are financially independent from their parents. We know that this pandemic has had a significant impact on high school students, who may need a boost to be college ready, Doran said. We are looking at creatively planning ways to prepare these students for college through boot camps, partnerships with schools, and other initiatives. 2/28/2020 - Holyoke - Holyoke Community College's president Christina Royal speaks at the grand opening celebration of the college's Campus Center Friday afternoon. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican) Holyoke Community College President Christina Royal observes changes in both two- and four-year schools. Todays students seek a path to degree completion that recognizes the fact that life is complicated, she said. Flexible schedules, varied semester length, hybrid courses, 24/7 access to student support resources, and mentors that remain with you every step of the way will become more the norm. HCC offered multiple, flexible start dates during the fall 2020 semester. That is an acknowledgement of all that is happening in the lives of our students. Were continuing that for the Spring 2021 semester, Royal said. Westfield States Oliver said remote education was not as new as the pandemic made it seem, though the scourge pushed it to the forefront. Online learning has been part of our course delivery for more than a decade, she said. Having gained greater skills around online learning certainly positions us to expand those offerings, even when we transition back to more on-ground learning, once conditions permit. Most Westfield State students prefer to be on campus for the full college experience, Oliver said. Bay Paths Giampietro said keeping employees, students and families informed was critical. One cant communicate enough, he said. In our case, we used every platform possible to get our message out and will continue to do so in the spring semester. For people feeling isolated, Royal said, too much communication was better than not enough. Being available to answer questions in real time was a way for everyone to cope and feel less stressed, she said. Royal envisions a greater partnership between two- and four-year institutions, notably involving distance-learning courses. Pre-pandemic, remote or online courses were not always accepted for credit transfer, especially to some of the more competitive private colleges our graduates often attend after graduating from Holyoke Community College, she said. That has now changed. For all the hardships, sacrifices and adjustments, administrators share a common conviction that the pandemic has made them stronger, more aware of their mission, more sensitive to the human needs of students and staff, and more willing to pivot to different forms of delivering an education. They say that wont change, even when the pandemic is over hopefully sometime in 2021. Related Content: MINSK -- Belarusian security forces have searched the homes of more than two dozen journalists and rights activists across the country in what the European Union, the Belarusian opposition, and rights watchdogs called a targeted campaign to intimidate independent voices as the country continues to be gripped by unprecedented protests against longtime leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka. At least 25 residences in Minsk and other towns and cities were targeted by police and security-service officers on February 16. The offices of the Vyasna (Spring) human rights center in Minsk and the the headquarters of the Association of Belarusian Journalists also reported being searched. Reports said that more than 30 people were briefly detained, while several others were remanded in police custody. In a statement, the Belarusian authorities said the searches were tied to an investigation into what they said was the financing of protests by "organizations positioning themselves as human rights defenders." The country's leading opposition figure, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, said the raids represented a "crisis" for the government. "In its attempt to cling to power, the regime is repressing those who are defending human rights. As long as this continues, all Belarusians are in danger," she said in a statement on Telegram. "Belarusians know how to solve this crisis." EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell's spokesman said the Belarusian authorities escalated their "intimidation and assault" campaign against civil society activists, human rights defenders, and journalists in violation of "freedoms and rule of law." "It's unacceptable. Only respect [for] human rights [and] free [and] fair elections can guarantee stability [and] sovereignty, the spokesman, Peter Stano, wrote in a tweet. Torture Allegations Tens of thousands of Belarusians have taken the streets, almost weekly, since August when Lukashenka claimed reelection in a vote that Tsikhanouskaya and her supporters called fraudulent. The demonstrators are demanding that Lukashenka leave and new elections be held, but Belarus's strongman has been defiant. Security officials have arrested thousands and forced Tsikhanouskaya and other top opposition figures out of the country. Several protesters have been killed in the violence and some rights organizations say there is credible evidence of torture being used against some of those detained. But the vice president of the Association of Belarusian Journalists, Barys Haretski, said the latest wave of police searches was "the largest crackdown ever on journalists and rights activists Europe has ever seen." "There have been more than 400 detentions of journalists over the last six months, and the authorities aren't going to stop at that," said Haretski, whose home was searched on February 16. "This is an attempt to intimidate journalists and human rights activists who have been telling the world about the unbelievable scale of repressions," Vyasna deputy head Valyantsin Stefanovich said. The searches and detentions also drew international condemnation, with the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner, Dunja Mijatovic, calling them "unacceptable." Crisis In Belarus Read our coverage as Belarusians continue to demand the resignation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka amid a brutal crackdown on protesters. The West refuses to recognize him as the country's legitimate leader after an August 9 election considered fraudulent. "Freedoms of expression, association & assembly [should] be ensured according to [international] human rights standards," she tweeted. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE-ODIHR) voiced its "utmost concern" over "what seems to be a concerted effort by the Belarusian authorities to investigate and intimidate" human rights activists in connection with peaceful protests. Aisha Jung, Amnesty International's senior campaigner on Belarus, denounced a "centrally-organized and targeted attempt to decimate the country's independent media and human rights organizations." "Having imprisoned or forcibly exiled almost anyone associated with the political opposition in the country, the Belarusian authorities have now set their sights on human rights defenders and journalists," Jung said in a statement. Tsikhanouskaya ran for president in August after her husband was jailed while trying to mount a candidacy of his own. She left the country for Lithuania shortly after the election due to security concerns. Lukashenka has denied any wrongdoing and refuses to negotiate with the opposition on stepping down and holding new elections. Last weekend, he held a two-day "People's Assembly" that was billed as a way to discuss political reforms. His opponents dismissed it as a sham performance. The United States, European Union, Canada, and other countries have refused to recognize Lukashenka's claim of reelection and have slapped him and other senior officials with sanctions in response to the "falsification" of the vote and postelection crackdown. With reporting by AP A marine biologist from Scripps Institution of Oceanography has discovered a new species of chaenopsid blenny in the waters around Cocos Island (Isla del Coco), which lies about 563 km (350 miles) off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Blennies are a group of over 900 species of fishes found in coastal areas throughout the worlds oceans. They are generally small, and have elongated bodies and relatively large eyes. The newly-discovered species of blenny, scientifically named Coralliozetus clausus and dubbed the pandemic blenny, is one of several cryptobenthic species found off Cocos Island. These fishes dwell on the seafloor and are extremely hard to detect and quantify because of their small size and coloration and habits. Although I had known that the form on Cocos Island differed from those from mainland Costa Rica, I needed to fully evaluate morphological variation in the mainland species throughout its range to be certain that the two differed, said Dr. Phil Hastings, a researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. That required careful examination under a dissecting scope because these species are so small. Coralliozetus clausus is a short-bodied member of the genus Coralliozetus, not exceeding 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) in length. It is the second chaenopsid blenny endemic to Cocos Island, and brings the number of reef-associated cryptobenthic fishes endemic to the island to twelve. That number includes gobies, clingfishes, members of other groups of blennies and another blenny, the Cocos barnacle blenny (Acanthemblemaria atrata), described by Dr. Hastings and colleagues in 1999. Thankfully the protected status of Isla del Coco and the waters surrounding it bode well for the conservation of these small fishes found nowhere else in the world, Dr. Hastings said. His paper was published in the journal Zootaxa. _____ Philip A. Hastings. 2021. The Pandemic Blenny, Coralliozetus clausus, a new species of tube blenny endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica (Teleostei: Chaenopsidae). Zootaxa 4926 (2); doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.4926.2.10 Companies including the venture arms of BP Plc and Chevron Corp. invested $40 million in a startup that aims to use the fossil fuel industrys drilling experience to expand a technology that harvests low-carbon energy from heat below the earths surface. Eavor Technologies Inc. plans to expand geothermal power beyond places like Iceland that have volcanic conditions. The technology could be a way to replace fossil fuels and nuclear power plants as a low-carbon source of electricity that can be dispatched to the grid whenever its needed. Also Read | Inside the five-year battle food companies have fought to resist stricter labelling norms Along with BP and Chevron, new investors in the Calgary, Canada-based company include Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd, BDC Capital Corp, Eversource and Vickers Venture Partners. Eavors management plans to use the new capital on research and development and business development that will help the company scale up and bring down costs. The target is enough capacity to supply 10 million homes by 2030. Eavors technology uses drilling techniques taken from the oil and gas industry to create a roughly 20-centimeter wide (8-inch) hole that forms a loop about 2 kilometers to 3 kilometers (1.25 miles to 1.86 miles) underground. Water then circulates around the closed loop, getting heated up naturally by the earth below. Once on the surface that can be used to heat buildings or turned into electricity. Its green drilling," said John Redfern, Eavors chief executive officer. Geothermal is currently a niche power source, with only about 15.6 gigawatts of installed capacity at the end of 2019, compared to 644 gigawatts of solar power, according to BloombergNEF. Eavor wants to expand the areas where geothermal can be used. It currently has a pipeline of potential projects in places such as Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and the U.S. The company is working on a 15-megawatt project outside Munich that Redfern expects to cost 200 million euros ($243 million) and begin drilling in January next year. The cost of the technology will depend on the scale of projects and also on the heat of each location. Places like the southern U.S. will be cheaper than northern Europe, where the rock isnt as warm. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The Redmi Note 10 series will arrive on March 4, Xiaomi has confirmed. While the company describes the launch as a global debut for the new smartphone series, March 4 will probably mark the release of the Redmi Note 10 4G, Redmi Note 10 5G, Redmi Note 10 Pro 4G and Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G in India. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 5G , Accessory , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker Xiaomi may have just recently launched the Mi 11 globally, but the company is already gearing for its next smartphone release. Next up for Xiaomi is the Redmi Note 10 series, which has been spoken of a lot in the last few months. Multiple Redmi Note 10 series devices have leaked so far, from the Redmi Note 10 (4G) to the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G, to name but a few. The company mentioned a week ago that the Redmi Note 10 series would arrive in March, but it did not go into specifics at the time. On Sunday, a photo purportedly from Amazon India surfaced, showing that four Redmi Note 10 device were primed for a March 10 release, but it seems that will not be the case. Instead, Xiaomi has confirmed that the Redmi Note 10 series will make its global debut on March 4, almost a week earlier than Sunday's leak suggested. The term 'global debut' is a misnomer though, in our opinion. While it may be true that March 4 will be the first time that Xiaomi showcases the Redmi Note 10 series, there is no indication that the company plans to launch the smartphones globally on that day. There is no mention of the Redmi Note 10 series launch on Xiaomi's global Twitter account, for example, which suggests that the smartphones will only arrive in India on March 4. The Supreme Court was not convinced with the Centre's submission that it is "contemplating" regulations for over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hotstar, etc. The top court has now asked the government to inform in definitive terms as to what it proposes to do to regulate OTT platforms. "Everybody in the world can contemplate... You put it out in an affidavit what you are doing," Chief Justice of India Sharad A Bobde told Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, as reported by The Hindu. The apex court has issued a notice on a plea submitted by advocates Shashank Shekhar Jha and Apurva Arhatia to the court. The plea sought setting up of a proper board, institution or association for managing and monitoring OTT, streaming and media platforms. During the hearing, the SC asked the petitioners to speak to the government via their representative. Later in the hearing, the SC decided that the Centre should give a written reply to the petition filed by Shekhar and Arthatia, according to the daily's report. The petitioners argued that there is no law or autonomous body managing digital and OTT content which is currently being consumed by the masses without any filter or screening. "Lack of legislation governing OTT/streaming platforms is becoming evident with each passing day and every new case that is filed on these grounds... The government is facing heat to fill this lacuna with regulations from the public and the judiciary; still the relevant government departments have not done anything significant to regularise these OTT/streaming platforms," the plea stated, according to the daily. None of the OTT/streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Zee5, and Hotstar, have signed the self-regulation provided by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting since February 2020, the plea reportedly added. Also read: Centre to lay out OTT regulation guidelines soon: Prakash Javadekar She's been attached at the hip with her new rockstar beau. But Megan Fox looked ready for business as she stepped out solo for meeting in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon. The 34-year-old actress rocked a black blazer with leather slacks after professing her love for boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly on Valentine's Day. Bold and beautiful: Megan Fox looked ready for business as she stepped out solo for meeting in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon The Transformers star looked incredibly chic in a tailored jacket with a corset waist and shoulder pads. She added inches to her frame with a pair of pumps, wore a gold lock necklace from PDPAOLA, and carried a matching black leather bag in her hand. Megan was certainly still feeling the love days after MGK revealed he wears her blood on a chain around his neck. The 30-year-old shared a photo of the transparent pendant with the caption: 'i wear your blood around my neck. my bloody valentine.' Chic: The 34-year-old actress rocked a black blazer with leather slacks after professing her love for boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly on Valentine's Day Boss: The Transformers star looked incredibly chic in a tailored jacket with a corset waist and shoulder pads Stunner: Her long brown hair was parted down the middle and worn in loose waves and she showed off her flawless complexion with impeccable glam Fox gushed over her boyfriend on Instagram, writing: 'there goes my heart. manifest outside of my body. draped in the towering silhouette of a most unusually handsome boy. 'magical and haunted. kinetic and tortured. ethereal and dangerous. cosmic. lawless. eternal. creative genius. the journey will likely be perilous. but there is no destination without him. happy valentines day rehab barbie.' She filed for divorce from her husband of 10-years, Brian Austin Green, on the day before Thanksgiving, and the couple are currently trying to figure out a custody arrangement for their three children. Megan previously filed for divorce in 2015, but the couple reconciled. Unique: Megan was certainly still feeling the love days after MGK revealed he wears her blood on a chain around his neck True love: The 30-year-old shared a photo of the transparent pendant with the caption: 'i wear your blood around my neck. my bloody valentine' Romantic: Fox gushed over her boyfriend on Instagram, writing: 'there goes my heart. manifest outside of my body. draped in the towering silhouette of a most unusually handsome boy Kelly who's real name is Richard Colson Baker has a 12-year-old daughter from a previous relationship named Casie. Megan and Kelly went public with their new relationship in May after meeting on the set of Randall Emmett's directorial debut, Midnight In The Switchgrass. They made their red carpet debut at the American Music Awards where she revealed a new tattoo likely dedicated to her musician beau with the Spanish words 'el pistolero' scrawled across her collarbone, which roughly translates to 'the gunman.' During an interview on Lala Kent's podcast, Megan said she 'knew right away that he was what I call a twin flame.' She added: 'Instead of a soul mate, a twin flame is actually where a soul has ascended into a high enough level that it can be split into two different bodies at the same time. So we're actually two halves of the same soul, I think.' Russell Moore, John Piper 'let down the pro-life movement' by opposing Trump, Penny Nance says Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The head of a national pro-life activist organization has criticized a handful of well-known evangelical leaders for not supporting former President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, arguing that they let down the pro-life movement. Penny Young Nance, president of the socially conservative Concerned Women for America, shared her thoughts about the future of the pro-life movement and the United States less than a month into the Joe Biden presidency in an interview with The Christian Post. She expressed disappointment with some of the pro-abortion, anti-life, anti-womens dignity policies implemented by the new administration. She also contended that a lack of urgency regarding the consequences of the 2020 presidential election among some high-profile evangelical leaders hurt the pro-life movement. Evangelical leaders let down the pro-life movement by not standing firm on the fact that we needed a pro-life president, she argued. People like John Piper and Beth Moore and Russell Moore and others let down the pro-life movement by not understanding or caring that hundreds of millions of dollars were going to be shifted to destroy life if Donald Trump lost. In the weeks leading up to and following the 2020 presidential election, the aforementioned figures were outspoken critics of the former president. Piper, an influential pastor and writer, announced that he would not vote for Trump or Biden. In October, he authored a blog post without mentioning Trump's name, arguing that it is a drastic mistake to think that the deadly influences of a leader only come through his policies and not also through his person. According to Piper, This is true not only because flagrant boastfulness, vulgarity, immorality, and factiousness are self-incriminating, but also because they are nation-corrupting. Piper took issue with those who claimed that they were saving human lives and freedoms by supporting Trump, suggesting that by acting like policies and laws that protect life and freedom are more precious than being a certain kind of person, they were ignoring the destructive effects of a self-absorbed, self-exalting leader. Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, stepped up his criticism of Trump in the weeks following the 2020 presidential election. Moore urged the former president to resign with just weeks left in his term, citing Trumps reaction to the storming of the U.S. Capitol by a group of his supporters on Jan. 6 as Congress was certifying the election results. Beth Moore, a popular evangelical Bible teacher and the founder of Living Proof Ministries, recently tweeted out an assertion that she had never seen anything in these United States of America that she found more astonishingly seductive & dangerous to the saints of God than Trumpism. Moores comments drew criticism from many evangelicals and conservatives who argued that she should have directed her outrage toward the ongoing assaults against other issues critical to her community, including the right to life and religious liberty. Russell Moore did not respond to a request for comment by press time. Nance argued, People who know better made a mistake. People who should know better made a mistake. They said it didnt matter and now we have proof that it does. Looking at polling conducted by McLaughlin & Associates on behalf of his website, All Israel News, evangelical author Joel Rosenberg concluded that a percentage of evangelicals could not look past what they regard as Trumps character problems, a phenomenon that could have cost him reelection. Nance pushed back on the notion that it doesnt matter who won the election because both candidates were flawed. She believes that it does matter. It matters who is in charge of government. It matters to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars that pay for the destruction of life, Nance declared. Nance was referring to Bidens overturning of the Mexico City Policy, which prevented federal tax dollars for funding abortions overseas. She estimated that as a result of the executive order, approximately $100 million would be shifted to destroy life abroad. In addition to the Biden administrations abortion policies, Nance expressed concern about Bidens executive order banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in healthcare, housing and education. Its telling schools that they have no ability to make distinctions between male and female when it comes to womens private spaces, Nance said. It has to do with how charities like domestic violence centers and homeless shelters for women and their children, women's prisons, how they're able to make distinctions and protect women. Despite the challenges faced by the pro-life movement in light of the change from a pro-life administration to a pro-choice administration, Nance maintained that the movement's work remains undeterred. The pro-life movement is not impacted by whichever party's in charge, she said. I will say that our work becomes more much difficult when you have a pro-abortion president and vice president and a 50/50 split in the Senate. But it makes people like Joe Manchin, who is a self-described pro-life Democrat, all the more important. Our beliefs are unchanging because they're tied to Scripture, theyre tied to the belief in intrinsic value in every human life, and theyre not based on our circumstances, she continued. Nance, who worked to ensure that Justice Amy Coney Barrett secured a spot on the U.S. Supreme Court, told CP that Trumps three appointees to the Supreme Court are even more important now than they were at the time." Its going to be essential as we shift to a state-by-state strategy that we put forward the very best cases in order to gain traction on policy in the states, the activist explained. While Nance acknowledged that the pro-life movement would face difficulties in light of unified Democratic control of the federal government, she expressed optimism about the movement's future. She referenced the fact that 30 pro-life Republican women now serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. The sweep of pro-life women and the bright spot for the last election is the fact that every single Republican woman in the House of Representatives is pro-life, she noted. And we have many brand new ones that are frankly, I believe, the future of the Republican Party. State Duma backs harsher punishment for unlawful pre-election campaigning duma.gov.ru 14:14 16/02/2021 MOSCOW, February 15 (RAPSI) Lawmakers of the lower house of Russias parliament have supported in the second reading legislative amendments, which will permit to block dissemination of pre-election campaign materials where it is done in violation of law, according to a statement published on the State Duma official website. The proposed amendments envisage that the Central and regional Election Commissions are to be empowered to turn to Russias media watchdog Roskomnadzor demanding it to put an end to such dissemination; owners of the resources engaged in unlawful publication of such election campaign materials are to be given 24 hours to voluntary remove the unlawful content. The measure is to be introduced to clamp down on planned illegally financed actions, since according to the legislation all financing needs to be carried out via campaign coffers. Nevertheless, any respective decision is to be carefully weighed, Central Election Commission Secretary Maya Grishina commented addressing the Coordination Council on Public Control over Voting at the Civic Chamber. MPs have also backed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences envisaging stricter administrative liability for violations of the rules governing pre-election campaigning. When failing to comply with the pre-election silence rules, citizens are to be fined 5,000 to 25,000 rubles ($70 to $340 at the current exchange rate); at present the respective amounts make 1,000 to 1,500 rubles ($14 to $200); officials are to be fined 30,000 to 50,000 rubles ($400 to $680), currently 2,000 to 5,000 rubles ($30 to $70); corporations are to be fined 100,000 to 500,000 rubles ($1,400 to $7,000), at present the respective fines make 20,000 to 100,000 rubles ($270 to $1,400). Similar fines are envisaged for making and placing campaign materials in violation of the election law. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Widen-Outfit integration enables marketers and their collaborators to self-produce brand-safe content with greater speed, fewer bottlenecks, and lower costs MADISON, Wis. and BRISBANE, Australia, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Widen (https://www.widen.com/), maker of digital asset management (DAM) and product information management (PIM) software, and Outfit (https://outfit.io/), a brand automation platform, today announced their new partnership. Brands can now integrate Widen and Outfit into one workflow that enables users to self-create personalized content while protecting brand consistency, increasing speed to market, and reducing costs. Today, many marketing teams struggle to control how partners, dealers, and colleagues in multiple departments portray their brand. Because these collaborators use a wide variety of tools to publish across an ever-growing number of channels, protecting brand consistency has become difficult. Marketers do not have the capacity to approve every sales deck, banner, brochure, info sheet, social post, infographic, etc. without causing severe bottlenecks. Widen and Outfit joined forces to solve this problem. Widen's DAM+PIM platform manages and protects approved brand assets that users can assemble into publishable content. Outfit's brand automation platform offers approved templates that enable users in marketing, sales, HR, and other departments to self-create content without professional assistance. The integration eliminates multiple download-upload steps and ensures that new content contains up-to-date, high-quality assets. The Widen-Outfit integration delivers four key benefits: Ensure Brand Consistency: Users easily search and pull assets from Widen that are designed by experts, approved by brand managers, and designated for specific roles and use cases. Users easily search and pull assets from Widen that are designed by experts, approved by brand managers, and designated for specific roles and use cases. Remove Bottlenecks: With assets pre-approved, users can create and personalize content in Outfit templates - no more bombarding marketers with requests. With assets pre-approved, users can create and personalize content in Outfit templates - no more bombarding marketers with requests. Increase Speed to Market: Brands launch campaigns faster, respond to opportunities sooner, and empower employees to deliver content with greater agility. Brands launch campaigns faster, respond to opportunities sooner, and empower employees to deliver content with greater agility. Reduce Production Costs: With creative production automated, marketers can save hours and re-invest their resources in higher-value, strategic work. "Outfit and Widen are a great match because we share a common mission of helping companies drive brand consistency while simplifying how assets are created, accessed, and published," said Director of Strategic Partnerships, Gavin Watson at Outfit. "When people have the freedom to self-create content, the entire organization can drive brand consistency without having to run a gauntlet of approvals. Together, Widen and Outfit modernize the way companies build and express their brands." "At Widen, we believe that the most effective MarTech stacks combine the innovations of multiple, specialized platforms. No vendor can do it all alone," said Jamie Liechty, Partner Manager at Widen. "We partnered with Outfit so that our customers can use our technology to its fullest potential. This integration will help brands differentiate their marketing experiences while gaining major efficiencies." About Outfit Outfit is an advanced templating and brand automation platform that empowers teams within enterprise brands to self-produce on-brand digital and print content at scale, at speed and cost effectively. Founded in 2014 Outfit has rapidly grown to lead the brand automation space and in 2020 the Australian-based start-up raised US$16.5m to continue further expansion into North America and Europe. Spanning many industries and categories including financial services, higher education and technology, Outfit remains headquartered in Brisbane, Australia with teams in the US and the UK. For more information visit https://outfit.io/ (https://outfit.io/) About Widen Established in 1948, Widen builds high-performing software that empowers organizations to create impactful, measurable, and consistent brand experiences. Its platform spans brand management, marketing resource management, and product information management solutions and has enabled over one million marketers, content creators, and technologists at over 700 global brands to better connect with audiences. Customers include Laura Mercier, Nars, Dermalogica, Shiseido, Cle de Peau Beaute, Energizer, LG Electronics, Dyson, New Balance, Crayola, Hootsuite, YMCA England & Wales, and many more. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, USA and London, UK, Widen has the highest customer loyalty in the digital asset management (DAM) industry. For more information, visit www.widen.com (http://www.widen.com/). Contact: Jake Athey VP Marketing and Customer Experience 608-443-5472 jathey@widen.com China for first time discloses names of soldiers killed in Galwan Valley clash LAC disengagement: Chinese PLA vacating Finger 4 India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 15: The Chinese soldiers have begun vacating Finger 4 on the northern bank of Pangong Lake. The Chinese troops are dismantling shelters and removing other structures and this is taking place as per the disengagement exercise along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh. There is a good chance that the process will be completed at the north and south banks of the Pangong Lake by Friday, sources tell OneIndia. No patrolling in disputed area, Chinese PLA to move to Finger 8 There is rapid movement of Chinese heavy vehicles beyond Finger 8, satellite images have shown. While armoured elements like battle tanks and armoured personnel carriers are being withdrawn from friction points in the south bank of Pangong Tso, troops are being pulled back from the north bank areas, sources said. The sources said withdrawal of armoured elements from the south bank of Pangong Tso is almost complete and temporary structures erected by both sides will be demolished in the next few days. "The disengagement process will take time as both sides are together carrying out verification of the withdrawal of troops and military hardware," said a source. The disengagement of troops and armoured elements is limited to the friction points where the two sides were on an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation, sources said. After a nine-month standoff, the two militaries reached the agreement on disengagement in the north and south banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to cease forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner. On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a detailed statement in Parliament on the disengagement pact. After Pangong Tso, more reduction of tensions at friction points between India and China According to the agreement, China has to pull back its troops to east of Finger 8 areas in the northern bank while the Indian personnel will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3 in the region. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News Similar action will take place on the south bank of the lake as well, Singh said in Parliament. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 8:34 [IST] Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 China has arrested the leader of a multi-million pound scam selling fake Covid-19 vaccines as Beijing began cracking down on vaccine-related crimes around the country. The suspect, Kong, and his team made a profit of 18 million yuan (2 million) by passing off saline solution or mineral water as counterfeit coronavirus vaccines. At least 70 people have been arrested in China over the production and distribution of fake coronavirus vaccines, price gouging and illegal inoculations. China has arrested the leader of a multi-million pound scam selling fake Covid-19 vaccines as Beijing began cracking down on vaccine-related crimes around the country. In this file photo, a medical worker prepares to administer a dose of a coronavirus vaccine to a man in Shanghai The 70 suspects were arrested in 21 vaccine-related cases, authorities said, many of which surfaced during the initial phases of coronavirus vaccine rollout last year. The group led by Kong made a profit of about 18 million yuan (2 million) by putting saline solution or mineral water in 58,000 doses of the spurious vaccines since August last year. The 33-year-old leader and his two partners then packaged the products with similar designs of real coronavirus vaccines. One batch of 600 fake vaccines produced by the group was sent to Hong Kong last November, before they were shipped abroad. It remains unclear where they were sent to. The suspects were arrested last Christmas Day, according to an official statement on Wednesday. FILE PHOTO: A health worker shows a dose of CoronaVac vaccine, developed by China's Sinovac, during a coronavirus vaccination campaign in Ankara, Turkey on January 27 In other cases, fake vaccines were sold at high prices, included in emergency inoculation schemes at hospitals, or smuggled abroad, it added. The Supreme People's Procuratorate, China's highest prosecuting body, has urged regional officials to cooperate with the police in swift and unwavering action to curb such activities. China, which had given 40.52 million doses of vaccine to key groups of people by Tuesday, has largely managed to bring the pandemic under control with strict lockdown, testing and tracing measures. Officials had hoped to administer 100 million Covid doses before the Lunar New Year last week, but only 40 million people had been inoculated so far. The news comes as a shipment of a COVID-19 vaccine produced in China arrived in Hungary Tuesday morning, making the country the first in the European Union to receive a Chinese vaccine. Workers stand near the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines from China unloaded from an Air Zimbabwe aircraft at Robert Gabriel Mugabe airport in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Monday A jet carrying 550,000 doses of the vaccine, developed by the Chinese state-owned company Sinopharm, landed in Budapest after flying from Beijing. The shipment is enough to treat 275,000 people with the two-dose vaccine, head of the Epidemiology Department of the National Public Health Center, Dr. Agnes Galgoczy, said at a press conference. Hungary expects to receive 5 million total doses of the Sinopharm vaccine over the next four months. The country has sought to purchase vaccines from countries outside the EU's common procurement program, claiming that delays in the bloc's rollout is costing lives. The Sinopharm vaccine, which the developer says is nearly 80 per cent effective, is already in use in Hungary's non-EU neighbor Serbia, where around half a million ethnic Hungarians have already received the jab. China reported 16 new coronavirus cases today, compared to nine a day earlier. All the cases were imported infections originating overseas, and there was no new death or new suspected cases reported, the National Health Commission said in a statement. There were 11 new asymptomatic infections, which China does not classify as confirmed Covid-19 cases, versus 10 a day earlier. China saw a resurgence of the disease in January, when a new cluster emerged in Hebei and later took hold in northeastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces, in the country's worst outbreak since March. Authorities in these provinces introduced lockdowns, travel curbs and mass testing in a bid to contain the disease. Data from recent days suggests that China has been able to avoid another full-blown Covid-19 crisis over the Lunar New Year holiday. As of Monday, mainland China had 89,788 confirmed coronavirus cases, the health authority said. The Covid-19 death toll remained at 4,636. Medical marijuana workers including delivery drivers and retail employees are being pushed to near the front of the line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. "Cannabis industry employees are included in Phase 1a for medicinal cannabis," reads a notice from the California Department of Public Health issued Saturday. Growers, producers and others involved in the distribution process will be included in Phase 1b where food and agricultural workers are currently placed. But some essential workers, namely teachers, are expressing concern over the prioritization of cannabis dispensers especially as the debate to reopen schools rages on in the state. Teachers are currently in Phase 1b of coronavirus vaccine distribution. The state is inoculating individuals who qualify under Phases 1a and 1b. That said, individuals in Phase 1b are being vaccinated "as supplies allow," according to the state. Cannabis delivery drivers before school bus drivers and teachers?" asked Austin Beutner, Los Angeles schools superintendent, in a tweet. "Makes no sense to me." Some Southern California counties, reported the Orange County Register, are not adhering to the state mandate, either. A representative from the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE. Cannabis advocates, per KOVR in Sacramento, explained that their placement on Phase 1a was due to working with seniors and other vulnerable communities to dispense medicinal marijuana. We have been open, we have been working with the public, Kimberly Cargile, CEO for a Sacramento dispensary, told KOVR. While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed out guidelines for safely reopening schools especially among lower grade levels teachers still prefer vaccinations and reduced caseloads before coming back to campus. California Teachers Association president E. Toby Boyd also emphasized the caveat that the CDC "strongly encouraged states to prioritize teachers and other school staff to get vaccinated." "[W]e have to get shots in the arms of employees who are required to report in-person and before the students return to campus," Boyd said in a statement. (The CTA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE.) Last week, the San Francisco Unified School District and its staffers negotiated on a proposal to re-enter campuses when the county has reached substantial COVID-19 spread, or the Red Tier, with a vaccine, or the Orange Tier, indicating moderate spread, without one. (Currently, San Francisco is in the Purple Tier, indicating widespread risk of spread.) In California, more than 6.1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered at a rate of more than 200,000 a day, per Bloomberg's COVID-19 tracker. The California Cannabis Industry Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE. [February 16, 2021] Gabriel Altbach Joins Voya Investment Management as a Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer Voya Investment Management, the asset management business of Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), announced today that Gabriel Altbach has joined the firm as a Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer. Altbach reports to Dina Santoro, Senior Managing Director and head of Product and Marketing Strategy. Altbach leads a team of marketing professionals responsible for the development and implementation of Voya Investment Management's brand and marketing strategy worldwide for institutional and intermediary channels with a focus on channel marketing and brand strategy, content development and activation, digital solutions, product marketing, and marketing operations. "We've had tremendous growth over the last five years. Gabe's familiarity with Voya, combined with his 20+ years of experience helping asset managers grow both domestically and internationally, will help our marketing initiatives fuel Voya Investment Management's next stage of growth," said Dina Santoro. "Gabe's insights and creativity will be invaluable as we grow our platform, delivering hard to manufacture, differentiating solutions such as private credit, commercial real estate and securitized products to our clients." Before joining Voya, Altbach was President and head of North America for White Marble Marketing, Inc., a UK-bsed marketing consultancy for the asset management industry. In this role, he launched the company's presence in the US with a focus on helping asset managers develop effective, cost-efficient, and innovative marketing strategies to drive commercial results. Previously, Altbach ran Asset Management Insights, LLC, a consultancy business he founded in 2017. Prior to that, he held senior roles at Pioneer Investments (and later at Amundi Asset Management, following its acquisition of Pioneer) including being based in Europe as head of Global Strategy and Marketing and as head of Marketing and Product Development for the US. "I have long admired Voya Investment Management's innovative and differentiated product capabilities, dedication to partnering with clients, and industry-leading culture," Altbach commented. "I'm thrilled to be joining the firm's talented marketing team and look forward to building on their excellent work and developing an innovative, collaborative marketing strategy that will help drive brand awareness and market share both in the US and internationally." About Voya Investment Management A leading, active asset management firm, Voya Investment Management manages, as of December 31, 2020, more than $245 billion for affiliated and external institutions, financial intermediaries and individual investors. With over 40 years of history in asset management, Voya Investment Management has the experience and resources to provide clients with investment solutions with an emphasis on equities, fixed income, and multi-asset strategies and solutions. Voya Investment Management was named in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 as a "Best Places to Work" by Pensions and Investments magazine. For more information, visit voyainvestments.com. Follow Voya Investment Management on Twitter (News - Alert) @VoyaInvestments. VOYA-IM View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005702/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Whistleblower Laws Fall Woefully Short, Says Longtime Advocate Federal and provincial laws designed to protect whistleblowers are woefully inadequate, says an advocate who has worked for stronger whistleblower protection for over a decade. David Hutton, a senior fellow at Ryerson Universitys Centre for Free Expression Whistleblowing Initiatives (CFEWI), says the federal Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA) has numerous significant problems. Its just loaded with loopholes, Hutton said in an interview. Its like a car that doesnt have wheels and has no transmission, doesnt have an engine, doesnt have a gas tankI mean, its completely useless. He referred to the Washington, D.C.- based Government Accountability Project, the worlds leading NGO on whistleblower legislation, which sets out 20 criteria for analyzing the effectiveness of a countrys national law to protect whistleblowers. According to a CFEWI analysis, while modern democracies typically fulfill between 14 and 18 of these criteria, Canada meets only oneits PSDPA requires an independent review to be done regularly (every five years). Conservative MP Kelly McCauley says the federal whistleblower legislation enacted in 2007 was a good first step but acknowledges its shortcomings. Our system is set up to contain problems, not expose or correct problems, he said in an interview. McCauley was part of an all-party parliamentary committee that reviewed the legislation in 2017. Its report included 15 recommendations and received unanimous support from all parties. McCauley believes whistleblowers should be given the benefit of the doubt and regain employment in a department of the civil service thats unrelated to their disclosures. Right now, if Im a whistleblower and I come forward, and my department comes after me and I get fired, then I have to prove it was retribution for my whistleblowing whereas most of the OECD its a reverse onus, so the government has to prove it was not an item of retribution. The Liberal government hasnt changed the legislation since coming to power in 2015. Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Joe Friday proposed several amendments to improve the act in February 2017 but the government decided not to make the proposed changes. Fridays communications manager said in an email that reprisal cases can also be resolved through conciliation; our office has supported 20 successful conciliations. CFEWIs Ian Bron, a former government whistleblower and a member of the Canadian COVID-19 Accountability Group, which is a coalition of academics, lawyers, and various advocacy groups, told a House of Commons standing committee on government operations earlier this month that nobody is served by the current state of affairsnot whistleblowers, not the public, not organizations or the government. Hutton said whistleblowers are especially important at this time as billions of dollars go out in the pandemic response. The scope for mistakes, bad judgment, corruption, incompetence in all of this is enormous, he said. What we see is people from all kinds of different parts of the system trying to get out the word that things are going wrong for decisions being made, money being siphoned off and so on, and then having tremendous difficulty because they are not safe. At a press conference in early February, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked twice if he would update the whistleblower law. He refused to answer directly but acknowledged that whistleblowers play an extremely important role in flagging how government can do better. McCauley said renewed legislation was part of the Conservatives 2019 platform and he also wants it to be part of the next election campaign. Its important that we handcuff not only this government but future governments in legislation that protects whistleblowers. Their sole intent is protecting taxpayers dollars and protecting the safety and well-being of Canadians, he said. Provincial Changes Also Needed Hutton said reforms must also come to the provinces, since they patterned their laws after what he says is the flawed federal example. He says current mechanisms are expensive window dressing and theatre. The federal Integrity Commissioner and its provincial equivalents function as gatekeepers and prevent most people from getting a hearing before the tribunal. Hutton recently made a presentation in Alberta as the province reviewed its own legislation. Overall, this law is not fit for what you want it to accomplish. It falls short in most categories of the criteria, and some of these shortcomings are particularly seriousany one of them would render the entire system ineffective, he said. Theres substantial evidence that whistleblowers are indeed suffering reprisals, and the track record, in terms of uncovering and fixing serious wrongdoing, is almost nonexistentjust one case in seven years. Albertas Public Interest Commissioner Marianne Ryan rebutted the CFEWI, saying that the system needed minor changes at best, prompting Hutton to ask for a chance to appear again before the committee. Were not aware of any case among the provincial laws or the federal law where someone has been protected, Hutton said. CLATSOP COUNTY, Ore. -- A man is in jail following a single-car crash that killed an infant and sent a Roseburg woman to the hospital. Oregon State Police say the crash happened Monday at 6:04 p.m. Rony Tomas-Garcia, 23, of Seaside, was driving southbound on Ecola State Park Road in Clatsop County when the Mazda he was driving veered off the road, struck a tree, and landed on its top. Passenger Esperanza Martin-Ramirez, 20, of Roseburg, was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital and later transferred to Oregon Health & Science University. Her condition is unknown. A 3 1/2-month-old baby girl died in the crash. Tomas-Garcia received medical treatment before being booked into the Clatsop County Jail on charges of manslaughter, assault, reckless driving and DUII. [February 16, 2021] Computer Design & Integration LLC (CDI LLC) Announces the Appointment of Rob Owen to Executive Vice President, Chief Architect Computer Design & Integration LLC (CDI LLC) announced today the promotion of Rob Owen to Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Architect. As EVP, Chief Architect, Owen will continue to lead the evolution of CDI's high-performance pre-sales engineering team, while now also overseeing its sales operations group. This new role will be pivotal for the integration of new employees under CDI's technical sales portfolio as the Company continues to build its deep bench of digital solutions and its organic and acquisitive growth. Additionally, he will be tasked with broadening CDI's tools and capabilities, creating leadership programs, designing repeatable processes and templates, furthering training programs, operationalizing teams, and scaling existing resources to maximize quality across departments. "I have worn many hats as a ten-year veteran of CDI and couldn't be more excited to take on this new challenge," said Owen. "Pairing the leadership of our highly sought-after pre-sales engineering team with our newly rebranded sales operations group will provide our customers with an even better experience when working with CDI. In conjunction with integrating our acquisitions over the last year, this new tech-sales cohort will only bolster our position as a market leader in the IT solutions provider space." Owen joined CDI in 2011 as a Senior Solutions Architect, and shortly thereafter was promoted to Chief Architect. His primary responsibilities included working with C-Suite executives to determine technology business need and assessments, designing hybrid cloud solutions for commercial and enterprise data centers, and providing agnostic IT solution architecture. He has a strong track record of success and innovation, and most notably, worked with senior leadership to build the Company's New York City market segment, developed a refined vision for its pre-sales engineering department, and helped drive exponential business growth. Furthermore, he sits on the technical advisory boards for many of CDI's strategic vendor partners. Prior to his tenure at CDI, Owen had a successful career as a Data Center Practice Manager, where he architected multi-discipline IT solutions across a variety of industries, including financial services, legal, healthcare and non-profit. He was also a beta tester for the first iteration of VMware at one of the world's largest multinational finance and insurance corporations and worked in algorithmic trading platforms before moving into IT sales. Owen is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and holds a B.A. in Communications and Computer Science. "This well-deserved promotion is the result of the impact Rob has made on this organization over the last decade," added Vince Collado, President, Digital Transformation Strategy, CDI. "His commitment to our business and culture have been instrumental in driving our growth plans, and his contributions have been invaluable. As CDI continues its aggressive M&A strategy, it will be vital to have strong leadership in place and I am confident that Rob will succeed and excel in his new role." About Computer Design & Integration LLC (CDI LLC): CDI LLC was founded in 1995, with corporate headquarters in New York City, and office locations in Teterboro, N.J., Atlanta, Annapolis, Philadelphia, Boston, Virginia, Colorado and Minnesota. The firm has been recognized as one of the top solution providers in the world, offering clients and businesses of all sizes the most up-to-date hybrid IT technology solutions. CDI continually focuses on achieving client satisfaction by developing and implementing digital solutions that enhance day-to-day workflow processes, and combines the required experience, exceptional talent, quality assurance and stability needed to solve today's complex business challenges. For more information, visit cdillc.com or call 1-877-216-0133. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005201/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] DALLAS, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Parks Associates will host the 12th annual Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer in 2021 with multiple virtual sessions taking place February 23-24, April 28, August 18, and October 27. The executive conference, sponsored by Bidgely, Austin Energy, Ossiaco, and FLO, examines the evolution of the consumer utility market. New research from Parks Associates finds 43% of US broadband households report a preference for energy providers that offer renewable energy resources like solar and wind versus providers that offer only traditional sources such as oil and gas. Parks Associates: Consumer Perception Regarding Renewable Energy Sources Smart Energy Summit Smart Energy Summit features visionary speakers, interactive panel discussions, and research from Parks Associates on consumer adoption of new utility programs and energy management solutions, including solar, electric vehicles, and other energy-efficient products. Sessions on February 24 include "Energy Management Platforms: Accelerating Growth" and "DERMS: Solar, Storage, and Microgrids," focused on the role of energy management platforms and distributed energy resources management systems in creating new value streams for end users and other partners. "Consumers care about clean energy resources," said Elizabeth Parks, President, Parks Associates. "At Smart Energy Summit, we will examine key factors driving the adoption of energy management solutions and their integration with other smart home solutions to deliver new value." Visionary Insight and Executive Spotlight Speakers: Abhay Gupta , Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Bidgely , Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Bidgely Manish Pant, Executive VP, Home and Distribution, Schneider Electric Taylor Jantz-Sell , Smart Home Strategy Lead, EPA ENERGY STAR Interactive panel Speakers: Distributed energy resources management system (DERMS) can play a vital role to utilities as they manage traditional capabilities and distributed energy resources. At Smart Energy Summit, industry leaders from utilities, service providers, manufacturers, and technology companies participate in virtual panel discussions about the impact of direct consumer participation in energy markets and strategies to increase consumer engagement. The conference will feature data from Parks Associates' forthcoming research "Smart, Clean, Connected: Future of Home Energy Management." To schedule an interview or to request data, contact Rosey Ulpino, [email protected], 972-490-1113. About Smart Energy Summit Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer addresses the evolution of the consumer utility market, the impact of COVID-19 on energy management programs, and new opportunities to drive engagement in utility-sponsored programs. Virtual panels and networking sessions, featuring executive-level experts from multiple industries, address discuss strategies for utilities, service providers, retailers, software providers, and manufacturers to expand and monetize energy management and other energy-focused offerings through consumer engagement, new business models, unique partnerships, and innovative technologies. Smart Energy Summit will host virtual sessions on February 23-24, April 28, August 18, and October 27 in 2021. The summit agenda features leaders from utilities, state and national regulators, telecom and security companies, retailers, and OEMs. Follow the event on Twitter at @SmartEnergySmt and #SmartEnergy21. For information on speaking, sponsoring, or attending Smart Energy Summit, visit www.ses2021.com. Contact: Rosey Ulpino Parks Associates 972.996.0202 [email protected] SOURCE Parks Associates Related Links http://www.parksassociates.com LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe John Simmons, 70, has worked as a photographer and artist since he was a teenager. His exhibit at CASA 0101 in Boyle Heights is available virtually through June 5, 2021. (Courtesy CASA 0101) Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now. John Simmons began taking photographs as a teenager in 1965, the same year the Voting Rights Act was passed, guaranteeing all Black Americans the right to vote. His current exhibition, "Capturing Beauty," assembles photos and artworks featuring notable figures in the civil rights movement and more everyday moments of life. Simmons, a cinematographer, painter and photographer, said when he first started out, "there weren't that many positive images of Black people and publications unless you were looking at Jet magazine, or Ebony Magazine, or the Chicago Defender newspaper and the other black publications of the country." Asked about one image in the collection of a little girl eating ice cream, taken in 1967, Simmons said: "The picture has this kind of sweet, sincere, beautiful warmth to it. That basically, pretty much says a lot about the other photographs that are in the exhibit, you know, all the pictures that I take. I feel like I have a certain intimacy to the subjects because they're close to me. And they represent the experiences that I've lived through. And every time I take a picture, it pretty much represents my entire life and the way I see things. And in that exhibit, you'll see photographs of street light and street life in Chicago, and Los Angeles in New York. Angela Davis is in the exhibit." Shirley Chisholm, 1971. (Courtesy John Simmons) Angela Davis, 1972. (Courtesy John Simmons) Love on the bus, Chicago 1967. (Courtesy John Simmons) HIS MENTORS Growing up in Chicago at the height of the fight for Black civil rights shaped Simmons as an artist. "Every artist is nurtured by the culture and the experiences of their lives," Simmons said. "And it shapes our vision, the way we see our life, and the way we want to communicate with people. It also becomes our mode of expression, it becomes our music, it becomes our poetry, it becomes our dance." Simmons said he was first inspired by the work of Roy DeCarava, whose photos and his work with Langston Hughes on the book "Sweet Flypaper Of Life," which captured Harlem in the 1950s. He considers Bobby Sengstacke, a fellow photographer whose family owned the Chicago Defender, a mentor. Through Sengstacke, Simmons met noted photographers such as Gordon Parks. A scholarship sent Simmons from his hometown of Chicago to Nashville to attend Fisk University, and the exhibit includes work from that time. Macon, Georgia, 1967. Simmons said shortly after he took this shot one of the officers pictured knocked him to the ground with a billy club and used a racial slur to tell him to mind his own business. (Courtesy John Simmons) THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY Simmons, 70, said slavery didn't feel like history to him as a child, noting his father was 12 years old when Harriet Tubman died. "That puts slavery almost as a current event in my life because he was born in Alabama," Simmons said. "That had a lot to do with the struggle we were up against. And my images were shaped by that struggle. I was nurtured by that kind of childhood and that kind of upbringing," he said. Because of the pandemic, Simmons' exhibit is housed in the Boyle Heights gallery, CASA 0101, but not open physically to the public. Instead, you can tour it virtually, with Simmons and art curator Jimmy Centeno as your guides. (see below). Simmons sees a silver lining in going virtual. Those interested, he said, now have "24-hour access around the world." "I have a friend in Portugal, who was very up on what's going on in Los Angeles," said Simmons, "and no sooner than the conversation in the website was up, he hits me in the morning and tells me he's seen it. I mean, that wouldn't have happened without the pandemic, because we're stuck at home watching things that happen on the news, we're glued to our cell phones and our computers. And the communication just takes on a broader perspective." John Simmons was 16 and working for the Chicago Defender when he photographed the city's annual Bud Billiken parade in 1967. (Courtesy John Simmons) Collage titled: Walk Tall In Spite Of It All (Courtesy John Simmons) THE ROLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY Simmons believes using a camera is more critical to progress than ever before, especially in the pandemic where screen time is way up. He notes how significant the cell phone recording of George Floyd's murder has become: "That statement was made throughout the world. There was a horrible situation in India and the crowd outside the police station was yelling, 'We will not be George Floyd.'" But don't let it all live on the Internet alone. He urges young photographers to be aware of the significance of holding a printed image. Simmons says from family photos to works of art, there's power in holding a printed photo. "I feel like it's important for us to put things on paper." "And it's important to put them up on walls and people to be able to have them in the archive," he said. "This morning, my wife showed me a little Polaroid of her being held by her cousin. She was a baby. She's no longer with us, and that picture isn't a very good picture. But that picture is so important." "Capturing Beauty: The Artwork and Photography of John Simmons" is on display at The Jean Deleage Art Gallery at CASA 0101 Theater through June 5. You can hear more from Simmons and watch a virtual walkthrough of the exhibit below. A CONVERSATION WITH JOHN SIMMONS GUIDED TOUR New Delhi: The BJP on Monday sought to corner the Congress over the Bofors issue, saying there should be a proper investigation into the arms deal, and the country should know the complete truth. After BJP members raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar supported their demand for an inquiry, saying the issue had resurfaced and the Congress should support an investigation into it if it stood for probity in public life. BJP MPs Meenakshi Lekhi and Nishikant Dubey had raised the issue in the House. Quoting Sten Lindstrom, a senior Swedish officer who had probed the alleged scam involving then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Kumar said he had spoken about a huge amount of evidence that had been handed over to India and that the scale of bribery in the deal could be bigger than earlier thought. He has said that the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was involved in this. There must be a thorough probe. The country should know the complete truth, the minister told reporters. Kumar declined to answer a question on whether his government would order a probe. Also Read: Monsoon Session of Parliament, day 6: Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill proposed in LS, FDDI Bill passed in RS He said the Congress should not run away from the matter which involved national security. The 1986 deal between India and Sweden for Howitzer field guns was mired in controversy over allegations of kickbacks being paid to Indian politicians and others. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Debutants Tunisia played out to a barren draw with Burkina Faso in their Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B opener staged at the Stade Cheikha Ould Boidiya in Nouakchott on Monday. In a tight encounter, none of the two teams could get the ball inside the net as they started off the campaign with a point each. Burkina Faso, playing in their fourth Under-20 tournament were the better team but they could not get the right ingredient to unlock a steady Tunisian backline that stood tall throughout the 90 minutes. The affair was cagy and most of the contest was reduced to the middle of the pack where the Burkinabes bossed the possession but could not show much result for it. Their closest opportunity at goal in the opening half was in the 20th minute through Joffrey Bazie who took on a curling effort from the right, but his attempt was way off target. The tempo in the final third picked up in the second half with Tunisia threatening early, Hassan Ayari's delivery with an inviting freekick from the right cleared away with Tunisian heads already rushing towards it. Off a counter attack, the Tunisians had another chance in the 52nd minute when Abdallah Amri chipped a decent ball over the defence to a racing Nabil Makni, but the latter's shot from the left easily rolled into the keeper's gloves. Towards the hour mark, Burkina Faso stepped up in attack as well and had some back to back chances. Daouda Beleme set up Nagoro Dao for a shot at the edge of the box, but the left back's shot was awry. A minute later, Tunisian keeper Elias Imed made a decent one-handed save, leaping to his left tp punch away a shot on the half volley from Bazie. On the counter, Tunisia almost grabbed the lead when the ball was played out long to Hamdi Abidi, but the forward couldn't muster a strong shot under pressure from Burkina Faso centre half Yacouba Djiga. Each of the two sides piled in the pressure for a goal, but the final third action was always wanting as none could pick the right passes when it mattered most. NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading global communications and marketing solutions firms, today announced the appointment of Ciro Sarmiento as chief creative officer of Weber Shandwick New York. Sarmiento has held executive creative roles at several leading agencies in the U.S. and South America, driving creative and culturally-relevant campaigns for many of the world's most admired brands. He joins from multicultural marketing agency Dieste, where he served as chief creative officer. At Weber Shandwick, Sarmiento will elevate and drive earned-first creative work for clients and oversee a team of celebrated creatives in New York that continues to foster a culture of innovation. "Not only is Ciro a fiercely inspiring creative leader, he also brings a rich multicultural and global perspective to everything he does which is especially critical in New York, one of our most diverse and dynamic markets," said Sung Chang, chief impact officer, Weber Shandwick. "With Ciro leading our New York creative teams, we will continue to deliver powerful and original solutions for our clients' biggest and most complex challenges, ensuring that our work reflects and resonates with the audiences they serve." For more than two decades, Sarmiento has led integrated campaigns for many of the world's leading companies, including Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Gillette, GlaxoSmithKline, Kellogg, Mars, Mattel, Procter and Gamble and Unilever. At Dieste, he built a strong, creative-led culture with diversity and inclusion at its core that attracted top talent and earned the agency international acclaim. Prior to that, he served as creative director at Leo Burnett Lapiz and LatinWorks, with a focus on driving impact in Latin communities in the U.S. He began his career at Ogilvy's Bogota office helping multinational clients build and expand their brands across South America. "New York is the agency's flagship office, and high-impact, earned-first creative is core to what we do," said Michael Wehman, New York general manager, Weber Shandwick. "Ciro has the right mix of creative chops, leadership and teambuilding that will supercharge our ability to deliver the very best of Weber Shandwick to our clients. We're thrilled to have him on board." "There is enormous power in bringing together creative and culture to solve business and organizational challenges," Sarmiento said. "Weber Shandwick has an incredible track record and stellar talent with deep culture and digital chops I look forward to partnering with the team to create transformative work that inspires and drives action, ultimately making an impact for our clients in in our communities." Sarmiento's work has earned more than 500 honors in creative and strategy award shows worldwide, including the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, Clio Awards, Effie Awards, and The One Show. He has served on international award juries throughout his career, including Dubai Lynx, D&AD, Effie Awards, el Ojo de Iberoamerica, Lisbon International Festival and IAB MIXX Awards. Sarmiento has been a featured speaker at Cannes Lions, D&AD, TEDxBarranquilla and other international events. He is also the former president of Circulo Creativo USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting creativity in the U.S. Hispanic advertising market. About Weber Shandwick Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands, businesses and organizations in major markets around the world. Led by world-class strategic and creative thinkers and activators, we have won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. Weber Shandwick was named to Ad Age's Agency A-List in 2020 and Best Places to Work in 2019. Weber Shandwick was also honored as PRovoke's Global Agency of the Decade in 2020 and PRWeek's Global Agency of the Year in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The firm earned 25 Lions at the 2019 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Data-led, with earned ideas at the core, the agency deploys leading and emerging technologies to inform strategy, develop critical insights and heighten impact across sectors and specialty areas, including brand and B2B marketing, healthcare marketing, change management, employee engagement, corporate reputation, crisis management, data and analytics, technology, public affairs, social impact and financial communications. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com Contact: Jill Tannenbaum Company: Weber Shandwick Phone: 212-546-7815 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Weber Shandwick Related Links http://webershandwick.com Share prices of Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Indian Overseas Bank and Central Bank of India rallied more than 10 percent each in early trade on Tuesday amid reports that the government may privatise these banks. The government has shortlisted these four mid-sized state-run banks for privatisation, under a new push to sell state assets and shore up government revenues, news agency Reuters reported.BOI, IOB, Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India shares rally over 10% each: Here's why Read here: 4 mid-sized government banks shortlisted for privatisation: Report Two of those banks will be selected for sale in the 2021/2022 financial year which begins in April, the report said. However, government sources told CNBC-TV18, that the media report of the government shortlisting four mid-sized state-run banks for privatisation was not correct and the government is yet to identify PSBs for privatisation. The process will take a while, informed the sources. Read here: Media reports saying 'govt shortlists four mid-sized state-run banks for privatisation' not correct Meanwhile, the sector gauge, the Nifty PSU Bank Index rallied over 2 percent. Shares of Bank of Maharashtra were at 20 percent upper circuit, Bank of India jumped over 10 percent to hit a 52-week high, Indian Overseas Bank rallied 20 percent and Central Bank of India surged over 15 percent. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 13:16:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said late Monday that the United States was "outraged" by a rocket attack in Iraq's Erbil earlier in the day, which caused casualties. "We are outraged by today's rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region," Blinken said in a statement. According to the statement, the attack killed one civilian contractor and injured several members of the U.S.-led coalition, including one service member and several contractors. "I have reached out to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss the incident and to pledge our support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible," he said. The regional Ministry of Interior said in a brief statement that several rockets were fired at several areas in Erbil at 9:30 p.m. (1830 GMT) Monday, injuring several civilians. Another statement by the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, also Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi forces, said that al-Kadhimi ordered a joint investigation with the Kurdish regional authorities into the rocket attack. There are approximately 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq to support Iraqi forces in battles against remnants of the Islamic State, mainly for training and advisory purposes. Enditem New Delhi: The alleged WhatsApp conversation between Swedish teen environmentalist Greta Thunberg and the Bengaluru-based climate activist Disha Ravi has now come to fore. According to Delhi Police, Disha had expressed fears of being charged under the anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, in her leaked WhatsApp conversation with Greta Thunberg. After the Swedish activist leaked the anti-India toolkit on social media, Disha has reportedly said, Can we just not say anything at all for a while. I am going to talk to lawyers. Disha Ravi has reportedly confessed before Delhi Police that she has been in touch with several questionable entities. She had tried to conceal details about her acquaintance with accused Nikita Jacob who has been evading the law enforcement agencies. According to Delhi Police, Disha Ravi had panicked after Greta Thunberg shared the toolkit on farmers' protest on Twitter, which triggered a political storm in the country. Disha Ravi had asked the Swedish environmental activist to delete her post fearing action under the stringent law UAPA as her name was mentioned in the document. Police claimed that Thunberg allegedly deleted the tweet following Disha's request and later, shared an edited version of the document. They also claimed that the edits were made by 22-year-old Disha. Police sources said Disha wrote to Thunberg on WhatsApp, saying, "Okay can you not tweet the toolkit at all. Can we just not say anything at all for a while. I am gonna talk to lawyers. I am sorry but our names are on it and we can literally get UAPA against us." Disha allegedly made the request fearing registration of the case under the stringent the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), police claimed. Thunberg, a teen climate activist, had shared the "toolkit" to lend her support to the farmers' agitation against the three farm laws. In the document, various urgent actions, including creating a "Twitter storm" and protesting outside Indian embassies, were listed which needed to be taken to support the farmers' protest. A senior police officer said that while examining the WhatsApp chats between Thunberg and Disha Ravi, it came to notice that Disha had requested Greta Thunberg to delete the tweet as the "toolkit" had her name in the document. While responding to queries relating to the toolkit document during a press conference at the Delhi Police headquarters, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell) Anyesh Roy said that it is not a static document. "It's a dynamic document which has a large number of hyperlinks, which are links to various Google drives, Google docs and websites. One of the important website present here is askindiawhy.Com. This website has a lot of Pro-Khalistani content. So this document in itself has an action plan," Roy said. The DCP said that in the first instance, the document was not to be shared in the public and was private, but it was accidentally shared. "So this was a document to be shared to a limited number of people, who would then influence public opinion. Having global icons to follow this, this toolkit was made to propagate pro-Khalistan propaganda" he also said. Earlier in the day, Delhi Police said that Disha Ravi along with Mumbai lawyer Nikita Jacob and Pune engineer Shantanu created the "toolkit" related to the farmers' agitation and shared it with others to tarnish India's image. The police claimed that Disha, who was arrested on Saturday from Bengaluru, sent the "toolkit" to teen climate activist Thunberg through the Telegram app, and also "coaxed her to act on it". The data was also deleted, police said, adding that Disha's Telegram account shows many links related to the "toolkit" were removed. Live TV London mayor Sadiq Khan laughed at Priti Patel today as he tore into her record as Home Secretary. The Labour politician was asked on Good Morning Britain whether he had full confidence in Ms Patel after she failed to back the head of the Metropolitan Police in an interview last week. His response was to stop and chuckle before laying into the senior minister. 'I don't like to be discourteous or impolite to colleagues, even from other parties,' he said. 'I think Priti Patel's track record as a Home Sec won't be a great one in relation to what she's not done to address some of the concerns we had around the hostile environment, I think she has not addressed the concerns we have got in relation to our borders, I think the quarantine policies have been a big failure and I don't think she has given the police the resources they need.' Mr Khan and Ms Patel have often clashed over policing in the capital. And last week she refused to back under-pressure Met Police chief Dame Cressica Dick as the UK's top cop faced pressure over a botched probe into a VIP paedophile ring. Last week the Home Secretary refused to back under-pressure Met Police chief Dame Cressica Dick as the UK's top cop faced pressure over a botched probe into a VIP paedophile ring The Labour politician was asked on Good Morning Britain whether he had full confidence in Ms Patel. His response was to laugh In an LBC radio phone-in the Home Secretary was asked to back the commissioner over the Operation Midland investigation into senior politicians including Leon Brittan. The former home secretary was one of the men falsely accused by now convicted fantasist Carl Beech - then known as 'Nick' - and died in January 2015 without knowing there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him. The Met chief is facing calls to quit after Lady Brittan used a Daily Mail interview to attack a 'culture of cover-up' at the force. But repeatedly questioned on LBC Radio whether she has confidence in the Scotland Yard supremo, Ms Patel responded: 'I work with the commissioner. 'The commissioner does a lot of great work and she oversees the largest police force in the country. Former home secretary Leon Brittan was one of the men falsely accused by now convicted fantasist Carl Beech - then known as 'Nick' - and died in January 2015 without knowing there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him 'There are still questions, rightly so - some questions have been put to me today, actually, very publicly in newspapers, and it's right that I also look at these questions.' It was only after the uncomfortable grilling that a spokesman for the Home Secretary came out and gave the Commissioner her full backing. The spokesman said: 'As the Home Secretary said, she works with Cressida Dick every day. The Home Secretary has full confidence in her to do her job.' Downing Street later said Boris Johnson joined the Home Secretary in having 'absolute confidence' in Dame Cressida. A Number 10 spokesman said of the Met's bungled investigation into false claims of a VIP sex abuse ring in Westminster: 'This was a deeply concerning case and the PM's thoughts are with Lady Brittan, her late husband (Leon Brittan) and others affected. 'The Prime Minister has complete confidence in the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, as does the Home Secretary. 'They are working together to reduce crime and protect the public from the threats posed by serious criminals, terrorism and the coronavirus pandemic. 'Both the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have absolute confidence in her as we work together with the police to make our streets safer.' Meanwhile Mr Khan's Tory challenger for London mayor today unveiled plans to recruit an extra 8,000 police officers in the capital if elected. Shaun Bailey made the announcement as part of a 10-point plan unveiled today. The outsider to win may's election also pledged: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Health Ministry assures vaccination against COVID-19 to start by weekend MP There are some technical issues, which have not been resolved as of February 15. Head of the Verkhovna Rada's Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy Danylo Getmantsev says Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has assured him the vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine will start by the weekend. "I spoke with the health minister today. He promised the vaccination would start by the end of the week. There are some technical issues, which, unfortunately, have not been resolved as of February 15. However, this process will begin by the end of the week," he said at a briefing during a meeting of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction on February 15, an UNIAN correspondent reported. Read also No new COVID-19 strains detected in Ukraine yet WHO representative Vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine On February 5, Stepanov said the vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine would start after February 15. At the same time, he stressed the vaccination would be carried out exclusively with safe vaccines. According to Stepanov, Ukraine will use vaccines from at least three or four different producers. The minister assured the situation is the same almost all over the world where the vaccination is carried out with the use of vaccines from several producers. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter (HealthDay)For patients with advanced melanoma, response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is similar for those with and without preexisting autoimmune disease (AID), according to a study published online Feb. 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Monique K. van der Kooij, M.D., from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, and colleagues conducted a nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands to examine the safety and efficacy of ICIs in 4,367 patients with advanced melanoma with and without AID; 9.5 percent had AID. The researchers found that for patients with AID, the incidences of immune-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher were 30, 17, and 44 percent for those treated with anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), and combination therapy, respectively; for patients without AID, the corresponding incidences were 30, 13, and 48 percent. Compared with patients without AID, those with AID more often discontinued anti-PD-1 treatment because of toxicity (17 versus 9 percent). Anti-PD-1-induced colitis occurred more often in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with versus without AID who were treated with anti-CTL-4, anti-PD-1, and combination therapy had similar objective response rates (10 versus 16 percent; 40 versus 44 percent; and 39 versus 43 percent, respectively). No difference was seen in survival for those with and without AID (median, 13 versus 14 months). "We encourage physicians not to withhold ICI in most common AIDs," the authors write. Explore further Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy tied to cardiac event risk Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. John MacArthurs mens conference postponed after threats from California officials Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment John MacArthurs Shepherds Conference for men in church leadership, which was expected to draw some 3,000 attendees to the megachurch in Sun Valley, California, next month, has been postponed due to ongoing litigation" and "threats" from the state. In light of our ongoing litigation and recent threats from the County of Los Angeles and the State of California, we have decided that the most prudent course of action at this time is to postpone the Shepherds' Conference, the church announced on the conference website and its social media platforms Friday. We will be deposing the key health officers and county officials and requiring them to answer for their oppressive actions under oath, and requesting all documents and information supporting their arbitrary attempts to restrict our religious liberty as a church. Our church leadership remains firmly committed to the truth that Christ is the head of the Church, and we will not yield to government's infringement upon the biblical command to worship and gather together, the church continued. We intend to steadfastly defend this truth and obtain appropriate constitutional and legal protections and further relief from the Court. The announcement comes a week after the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state would revise guidelines for indoor worship services after the Supreme Court granted an emergency injunction blocking a complete public health ban on indoor worship services but keeping in place restrictions on singing, chanting and a 25% limit on crowd size in place. "We will continue to enforce the restrictions the Supreme Court left in place and, after reviewing the decision, we will issue revised guidelines for worship services to continue to protect the lives of Californians, Daniel Lopez, the governor's press secretary, said in a statement. Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles Countys health officer, told reporters prior to the postponement of the conference on Friday that they were very concerned about the health risks that could arise as a result of the gathering at Grace Community Church, which has been holding worship services regularly. The county is very concerned about the public health impacts that could come from an event like this if its held, especially as we continue to see high case numbers and large numbers of people in hospitals who are sick with COVID-19, Davis said. Sun Valley and the surrounding areas continue to have among the highest case rates of COVID-19 within the county, and have for some time, he explained. And a gathering of this magnitude will create additional opportunities for COVID-19 transmission, both to the people that attend this gathering and the other people in the community. Grace Community Church has repeatedly challenged health guidelines, citing God's command for gathering and religious freedom, amid the pandemic. It was unclear Tuesday when the conference, which was set to take place March 3-5 and featured such speakers as Paul Washer, founder and director of HeartCry Missionary Society, and H.B. Charles Jr., pastor-teacher of the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, would be rescheduled. I dont know when the conference might be rescheduled, Phil Johnson, Grace To You executive director and an elder at Grace Community Church who has spoken at the conference over the years, said in a response to The Christian Post Tuesday. The ShepConf team have graciously invited me to speak at the conference over the years, but Im otherwise not involved in any stage of the planning or logistics for the conference. So Im waiting like everyone else to see what changes might be announced, and I expect it will be a few days before the men in charge have sorted out the strategy for rescheduling, he explained. Johnson further noted that while many who planned to attend the conference are disappointed, they have also been universally understanding. Were all bitterly disappointed and frustrated, with no end in sight for the lockdowns, but we nevertheless know the Lord is still sovereign and he will use even this for our good and His glory. So we remain joyful and press on despite the disappointment, he said. The mission of the Shepherds Conference is to provide the opportunity for men in church leadership to be challenged in their commitment to biblical ministry, find encouragement together and seek to become more effective servants of God. The New York Times Dr. Anthony Fauci, the veteran director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the public face of the battle against the pandemic in the United States, was the recipient of a $1 million Dan David Prize, an award headquartered at Tel Aviv University and dedicated this year to outstanding contributions in public health. The prize awards a total of $3 million a year to individuals and organizations for their achievements in three categories: expanding on knowledge of the past, enriching society in the present and promising to improve the future of the world. The theme of the prize varies from year to year. Previous laureates include cellist Yo-Yo Ma, former Vice President Al Gore, novelist Margaret Atwood and Dr. Demis Hassabis, an artificial intelligence researcher, neuroscientist and entrepreneur. Fauci, 80, won in the Present category for his scientific contributions, including his research and his efforts to inform the public about the pandemic. He leveraged his considerable communication skills to address people gripped by fear and anxiety and worked relentlessly to inform individuals in the United States and elsewhere about the public health measures essential for containing the pandemics spread, the organizers of the Dan David Prize said in a statement. It added, He has been widely praised for his courage in speaking truth to power in a highly charged environment, a reference to Faucis testy relations with former President Donald Trump and his supporters, who came to treat him as a villain. The other Dan David Prize awards were shared this year by health and medicine historians Dr. Alison Bashford, Dr. Katharine Park and Dr. Keith A. Wailoo in the Past category; and Dr. Zelig Eshhar, Dr. Carl June and Dr. Steven Rosenberg, pioneers of an anti-cancer immunotherapy, in the Future category. Isabel Kershner. c.2021 The New York Times Company Commentary The Coup in Myanmar: How the Generals Miscalculated An anti-military regime protester wears a Batman outfit in Yangon on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy Myanmar braced for a major crackdown on Sunday night as more troops were deployed to the cities and armored vehicles patrolled the streets of Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyitaw. When internet access shut down at around 1 a.m., reporters prepared their gear and cameras and prepared to face the inevitable. A friend sent a message: Delete any sensitive information on your phone! A colleague called me, whispering into the phone, Lights are out. By 4 a.m., no news of a major crackdown had been reported, though there were some arrests, including five journalists and two local residents in Myitkyina, the capital of northern Kachin State. They were released on Monday. In the morning, the Civil Disobedience Movement poured back onto the streets of Yangon and Mandalay, as well as the national capital Naypyitawthe Abode of Kings, once thought to be protest-proof but now filled with peaceful protesters and security forces. For those of us who lived through past uprisings, it is hard not to see the fate of the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement as preordained. We cannot help but replay the past in our minds, and relive the peaceful gatherings and uprisings that faced the militarys wrath and ended in slaughter. We can see that the military is losing patience, but unleashing bloodshed in front of livestreaming smartphone cameras will be difficult. Since the coup two weeks ago we have seen several livestreams on social media in which citizens fought back against unlawful arrest and attacks by security forces. As in the past, if the military does launch a major assault it will be like digging their own graves. However, it is frightening even to imagine how this latest confrontation will end. It feels like watching a train wreck in slow motion. In November, just before the peaceful election in Myanmar, a colleague of mine sent me a message speculating on what the immediate future held for our country. The message predicted post-election violence and envisioned a scenario in which the military would intervene by staging a coup. At the time I dismissed his assessmentbut deep inside, I knew there were ominous signs. Later, after learning of the failure of last-ditch negotiations between the government and the military over the latters claims of electoral fraud, I knew we were traveling back into a dark tunnel. On Jan. 29, upon hearing that the two sides had been unable to reach a breakthrough, my colleague texted me simply: Game Over. Indeed, much of the scenario laid out in the message in Novemberthat within six months, the country would see violence, political polarization and the militarys eventual interventionhas come to pass, though the power grab came quicker than expected. My colleague correctly predicted that the military would stage a coup, citing as justification its claim of voter fraud and an election that was neither free nor fair. Once in power, under this scenario, the military would announce that it intended to focus on key issues including ethnic conflicts, international pressure and economic stability. It also envisions that the military will amend the 2008 Constitution and hold elections, but without the NLD, resulting in a situation much like 2010, when the outlawed NLD refused to take part in the election. The message also speculated that former President U Thein Sein might be offered a seat in the interim government. That particular detail has not panned outSenior General Min Aung Hlaing leads the SAC. In retrospect, two high-level visits to Naypyitaw in the weeks before the coup by foreign dignitariesone by the Russian defense minister (highly unusual) and the other by the Chinese foreign ministernow take on a whole new significance. If they didnt have knowledge of the coup in advance, I would be very surprised. The military discussed the plan with some close allies at home and abroad. The generals have learned from neighboring countries, and from those further afield, and prepared thoroughly before staging the coup. On Jan. 29, some senior military leaders in Naypyitaw reached out to ethnic armed forces and told them that, should any unprecedented incident take place in the country, the military wanted to continue working with them to achieve peace. In other wordsa coup was on the way. In 2018, at a cafe in downtown Yangon, I sat down with a high-ranking official who served in the U Thein Sein government. He warned me to keep in mind the events of 1958. In that year, under General Ne Win, the military took power from Prime Minister U Nus government to restore order amid civil disturbances caused by factions among leaders of the Anti-Fascist Peoples Freedom League. Under a caretaker government, Gen. Ne Win held an election in 1960. He handed power back to the winner, U Nu, only to stage a coup and seize it back two years later. Gen. Ne Win claimed to have saved Burma from the abyss and then ruled the country for the next 26 years. Our country became one of the poorest in the world as a result. Gen. Ne Win then endorsed his subordinates to seize power again in 1988 during the nationwide uprising. The new generation men in uniform ruled the country until 2010, when they held a sham election. The military-installed government opened up the country, and the West and the international community hailed the reforms and embraced the generals. I am afraid we will see a similar version of these events replayed in the near future. There are hostages in custody, and the military will say: Its time to negotiate. What is your price? The historical analogy has its limitations, however. Gen. Ne Win ruled in a very different era: He did not have to deal with the creative protest methods of Generation Z, nor were there smartphones, livestreaming, street performances and a horde of celebrities and affluent middle class protesters smiling and exuding a strange calm on the streets. Gen. Ne Win faced a different kind of protest and dealt with it in his own way, dynamiting the Student Union building at Rangoon University in July 1962 and killing many students. (None of which prevented him from receiving an invitation to the US, where he met President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966.) A week after this months coup, the Biden administration condemned the takeover and imposed targeted sanctions. The West and the UN joined the condemnation and backed the protest, the CDM and the ousted elected government. Within days of the coup, protests were mounted in front of the Chinese and Russian embassies in Yangon. To someone who experienced the 1988 uprising as a student protester, it was impressive; it would have taken us ages to mobilize such a movement and international reaction. The militarys first mistake has been to underestimate the speed with which a mass movement would mobilize; it gave no consideration to the special strengths of Generation Z. Second, it thought the battle would be strictly between the military and NLD. But Myanmars youth emerged rapidly and have broken out from Daw Aung San Suu Kyis shadow to take charge of the resistance to the coup makers. These are everyday peopleour neighbors. They say with calmness: If we keep quiet now, gradually, we will become slaves to the military. The military has declared war against the people and the nation, and is trying to turn back the clock. To my colleagues who argue about whether this is a soft coup or the harder, cruder variety: There is no such distinction to be made; a coup is a coup. The one that took place in Myanmar two weeks ago has one aim: to take all of us back to the stone age. You may also like these stories: Journalists, Locals Detained Following Police Crackdown Released Tycoons Close to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Interrogated by Myanmar Military Myanmar Court Extends Suu Kyis Detention, Delays Hearing for Two Days Many consider a good education the key to success. Indeed, many families base their entire lives on ensuring their children have access to schools that will provide them with opportunities for a fruitful future. Where one may receive a good education is, of course, contingent upon where one may live. This is most expertly highlighted by WalletHub, which has conducted and published a new study on which states are the most (and least) educated. In order to come to their findings, WalletHub compared each of the 50 states across two key dimensions: Educational Attainment and Quality of Education. The site then placed multiple subcategories under these dimensionssuch as Public High School Graduation Rate and Share of Adults Aged 25 and Older with at Least a High School Diplomato find which state ranked where on the list. As far as Pennsylvania is concerned, the Keystone State came in at number 30, getting served an average score of 48.20 across those two key dimensions. However, Pennsylvania fared far better than states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia, each of which ranked in the bottom five. On the other hand, the five states that received top marks in ascending order are Colorado, Vermont, Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The WalletHub study additionally notes how undergraduate enrollment has been on a steady decline in recent years, a fact which some educational professionals find worrisome. However, Patrick Akosa professor at the University of North Carolinas School of Educationbelieves theres also an opportunity within this trend. All of the data about jobs and forecasts for the shifting nature of work would indeed suggest that higher education will become an even more valuable asset in the future, he explains. However, I do think there is a place for career and technical education that may come from a two-year degree, fulfilling jobs in industries (e.g. plumbing) that have declining numbers. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of emergency situations reports that some roads are closed in Armenia due to weather conditions. The roads leading to Amberd Fortress and Lake Kari are closed. The Georgian authorities inform that the Stepantsminda-Lars highway is closed for trucks due to heavy snowfalls, but is open for the other vehicles. Drivers are urged to use snow tires. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Harare, Feb 16 : A batch of Covid-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Robert Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe's capital here. The 200,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines are the first batch that Zimbabwe has received as it steps up efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday. The vaccines will cover all frontline health workers firstly, and the excess will be extended to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, according to Zimbabwe's vaccine deployment strategy. Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, together with Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun, attended the handover ceremony at the airport. Chiwenga, who is also the health minister, expressed gratitude to China for donating Covid-19 vaccines to the southern African country, saying the batch of vaccines is a timely donation as Zimbabweans are suffering from the pandemic. Guo, for his part, said the donation represents the essence of the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation and the profound friendship between China and Zimbabwe. In an interview with Xinhua on Friday, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa also expressed his gratitude to China for its offer of Covid-19 vaccines, saying the donation is a testament to the long-standing friendship between the peoples of Zimbabwe and China. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on February 8 announced that China is providing vaccine aid to 53 developing countries. Zimbabwe is among the first three African countries to receive the Covid-19 vaccines from China, as Equatorial Guinea has received its vaccines on Wednesday, while Sierra Leone is expecting vaccines from the Asian country later in February. Zimbabwe has already finalized a vaccine deployment strategy that would see at least 10 million people, or about 60 per cent of the population, being inoculated. By Liu Xuanzun The guided-missile destroyer Qiqihar (Hull 121) attached to the navy under the PLA Northern Theater Command steams forward during a maritime training exercise in mid December, 2020. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zhang Hailong) A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy flotilla led by a Type 052D destroyer on Thursday started participating in a multinational exercise in Pakistan, a unique platform experts said that provides opportunities for Chinese and Russian navies to come together with their counterparts from the US and other Western countries. Invited by the Pakistan Navy, the PLA Navy 119 Flotilla arrived in waters close to Karachi, Pakistan on Thursday to participate in the multinational exercise AMAN-21, after the flotilla wrapped up its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden, the PLA Daily reported on Friday. The 119 Flotilla, led by the Type 052D guided missile destroyer Guiyang and consisted of also the Type 054A guided missile frigate Zaozhuang and the Type 903A comprehensive supplement ship Dongpinghu, was the 36th escort task force to the Gulf of Aden setting out from Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province on September 3, 2020, and completed a handover ceremony to the 37th escort task force on January 31 in the Gulf of Aden after completing 38 escort missions on 52 ships around the region, the PLA Navy announced in a statement released on February 1. The Global Times learned from the Pakistan Navy on Friday that the AMAN-21 exercise is scheduled in two phases: the harbor phase and the sea phase. The harbor phase will comprise of the International Maritime Conference, seminars, table talks, cross ships visits, calls on and the International Band Display and Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration, while the sea phase includes practical execution of operational plans and activities finalized during the harbor phase. The exercise has been planned with focused objectives, which include enhancing interoperability with regional and extra-regional navies thereby acting as a bridge between the regions, and the display of united resolve against terrorism and crimes in the maritime domain, according to the Pakistan Navy. Naval forces from more than 40 countries, including those from Russia, and the US as well as some other NATO countries will also participate in the exercise, foreign media reported. This is the eighth time the PLA Navy has participated in the Pakistan Navy-initiated AMAN series multinational exercises, which aim at enhancing professional communication and friendly interactions with other navies, the PLA Daily said. The drill comes after increased military tensions between China and the US in regions like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and former US president Donald Trump's play of military cards on China, and it also marks the first known time China and the US have been in the same military exercise since US President Joe Biden assumed office in January, a Chinese military expert who asked to remain anonymous told the Global Times on Friday. In November 2020, the Chinese and US militaries held a three-day online seminar on humanitarian assistance and disaster reduction, and this time the two militaries can get the chance to operate together, get to know each other better and build up mutual trust, when misunderstanding was on the rise over the past few months, the expert said. It is also a rare occasion in which Russia joins an exercise together with NATO countries, analysts said. The exercise this time is unique in a sense that it provides an opportunity to navies from China, Russia and the US and other Western navies to come under one platform, an officer from the Pakistan Navy told the Global Times on Friday on the condition of anonymity. AMAN represents a "bridge" that allows several countries to meet and operate through their naval forces being with each other, even though there may not be open relationships between a few nations due to various politico-strategic differences, the Pakistani officer said, noting that this exactly was the role that Pakistan had played back in the 1960s-70s, by acting as a link between the East and the West, when the China-US barrier was broken and a new bond was established. Google is rolling out dark mode for its two-factor authentication prompt on Android. Googles new dark mode is not available to all users as of now. For instance, it is available for personal accounts for some. Its not available to users with Google Workspace suite. Interestingly, Googles dark mode for two-factor authentication was first spotted in 2019. Evidently, it hasn't rolled out. The two-factor authentication, however, has undergone multiple changes such as relocation of the prompt buttons slightly higher on the screen. The arrival of a dark mode on the two-factor authentication prompt screen comes after Google introduced the theme on Search for desktop users. The dark mode for Google Search on the desktop is currently available to select users. There is no word on the wider rollout of the feature as yet. There is also no option to manually enable the dark mode. Were always testing new ways to improve our experience for our users, but dont have anything specific to announce right now, a Google spokesperson told The Verge. Apart from Google Search on desktop and two-factor authentication on Android, Google has rolled out the dark mode on My Activity. It recently updated the dark mode for ChromeOS users on Windows 10 and macOS. Finance chiefs are fine-tuning the way they draft their annual spending plans, opting for more frequent check-ins to review and authorize costs throughout the year after the coronavirus pandemic rendered their 2020 budgets virtually obsolete. The pandemic revealed shortfalls in companies financial planning last year after government lockdowns aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 upended revenue projections and forced companies to rescind guidance. The impact of the virus varies across industries, lifting profits at grocery chains and makers of cleaning supplies while causing ongoing financial pain for retail, travel and hospitality businesses. The core problem facing chief financial officers is that traditional methods for developing a budget are backward-looking by design, meaning they can quickly become useless in a crisis. For many companies, budgeting is a monthslong annual ritual that begins in the fall. CFOs develop detailed spending and revenue plans, which are approved by the board at the beginning of the year. Finance departments then forecast their actual performance against their budget goals. If we start from last year with the pandemic, comparing your actuals to your budget [was] pretty much meaningless," said Gina Gutzeit, leader of the office of the CFO solutions at FTI Consulting Inc., a business advisory firm. The pandemic has prompted some companies to update their spending plans more frequently, such as monthly or quarterly, and to rely on forecasts that look beyond the current year. The process, known as rolling forecasting, has been around for years but has become more popular in recent months, advisers said. Ascension, a St. Louis-based healthcare system that operates 145 hospitals, clinics and senior-care facilities, this year decided to ditch its annual budget, CFO Liz Foshage said. Ascension, which operates as a nonprofit and treats Covid-19 patients, began the switch to a rolling forecast two years ago, but the pandemic accelerated the firms plans, Ms. Foshage said. Ascensions data scientists early on in the pandemic created a series of dashboards for executives to track inventories of personal protective equipment, ventilators, patient admissions and daily surgeries, among other information that wasnt readily available to executives before the pandemic. The firms finance team created 18- to 24-month forecasts that are now being used to determine spending plans on a quarterly basis. We feel like it gives us the opportunity to really continue to focus on the future and what we can do, versus looking in the rearview mirror all the time," Ms. Foshage said. Companies budgeting processes vary, with firms on one end having tightly controlled annual spending plans and those on the other having none at all, said Bryan Lapidus, a director of financial planning at the Association for Financial Professionals, which represents treasury and finance executives. Small or privately held companies usually have more flexibility in their budgeting processes than their bigger or publicly listed counterparts, he said. Tupperware Brands Corp., the company behind the plastic storage containers, continues to use a traditional budgeting method, finance chief Sandra Harris said. The firms 2020 finance plan, which included $50 million in spending cuts, quickly became outdated, however, after the virus pinched sales and the company faced a liquidity crunch, Ms. Harris added. Executives in the spring began holding weekly, and sometimes biweekly, meetings to assess the companys cash flow and spending, said Ms. Harris, who is also chief operating officer. Those frequent checks worked so well that Tupperwares management is continuing them and plans to use an 18-month forecast going forward, she said. The company however doesnt have a timeline for permanent changes to its budgeting process. Tupperware, which is in the midst of an effort to improve efficiency and accelerate sales, in the spring increased its 2020 expense-cutting target to $180 million. It had achieved $120 million of that target by the end of September. The company is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter results on March 10. Tupperware rescinded its annual guidance to investors early in 2020 and doesnt plan to reintroduce it for now, Ms. Harris said. To go externally when theres so many unpredictable factors, I dont see the benefit," she said. Many companies pulled their profit-and-sales guidance in the early days of Covid. One hundred six companies in the S&P 500 provided earnings guidance during the first quarter of 2020, a number that declined to 62 by the third quarter, according to FactSet, a data provider. Eighty-seven companies in the index have provided guidance for the first quarter of 2021, FactSet said. C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., a freight broker based in Eden Prairie, Minn., this year provided guidance to investors in areas such as personnel and operating expenses. The company, which created an annual budget for 2021, declined to give guidance for expected sales or earnings, citing uncertainty around the pace of the economic recovery and volatility in the freight industry, according to CFO Mike Zechmeister. There are elements within that budget that we feel are controllable and there are elements that are quite unknown. And we can accept that," Mr. Zechmeister said. Mark Maurer contributed to this story. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Last year, India was facing tensions with China as there were multiple clashes at the border which led to the anti-China sentiment in the country. For a brief period, Indian customers were looking to boycott Chinese products in the country, however the real picture suggests something very different. Despite the anti-china sentiment, the sale of Chinese goods in India did not slow down even though trade between the two countries fell by 5.6%. A new report by IDC suggests that Chinese smartphone companies dominated the Indian smartphone market with more than 70% share. In fact, it shows that the anti-China sentiment had no impact on the sale of smartphones from companies from the neighbouring country. Even though the smartphone market growth fell by 2%, it was still dominated by major Chinese players. Reuters With reduced trade between the two countries, anti-China rhetoric and the COVID-19 pandemic, brands such as Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme enjoyed growth in the Indian market Xiaomi is still the number one player with a market share of 27% and when looking at the top five players, four of them happen to be Chinese manufacturers. IDC Most smartphones sold by these companies are assembled locally which lets companies leverage competitive pricing. Most components used in the assembly of these smartphones are imported from China due to little or no infrastructure in India to manufacture key components. As of now, India is still quite dependent on China for smartphones and components which is probably why the market is still dominated by Chinese manufacturers. Reuters Last year, the Indian Government did ban popular Chinese apps such as PUBG Mobile, TikTok CamScanner amongst others after there were tensions between the two countries in Galwan valley. Even though the country banned apps for national security reasons, we are yet to see any similar step for hardware and smartphone manufacturers. Previous reports have also suggested that India was purchasing smartphones in the highest numbers ever, last year, as shipments in India hit a record high during Q3 2020. IDCs newest report now confirms that Indian buyers contradicted anti-china sentiments since Chinese smartphone companies are still the most dominant brands in the country. Source: IDC Monrovia As the renowned and famous maxim propounds that education has no end, even the doctors, professors and all those in the academic community are still engaged in the learning curve. True to this ever existing hard facts of reality under the rubric of sharpening the skills of those tasked with the responsibility to impact knowledge for those caving for academic excellence. Based on the challenges in the ever changing world propelled by high technologies with the genuine preparedness to positively brace such responsibilities; a one-day academic symposium under the theme: "Research and Quality Education" was held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at the Executive Lunge of the University of Liberia's Fendall Campus in Louisiana, outside Monrovia. The thrilling academic exercise was overwhelmed with several esteemed professors and scholars of the University presenting instructive lectures on research methods, excellent teaching and critical thinking. The academic symposium was organized by the Office of the Dean of THE College of Social Sciences and Humanities (Liberia College) in partnership with Academic Affairs. This exercise is the vivid reflection of the President of the University of Liberia, Prof. Dr. Julius J.S. Nelson's unwavering emphasis for research at the nation's flagship university to equip and widen students' scope and understanding regarding research methodologies and their ability to think critically and act independently. Liberia prides itself in having one of the oldest learning institutions not just on the African continent but in the world as well, cherished with centuries of existence. Liberia College (College of Social Sciences and Humanities) was founded on an agenda of social responsibility to the Liberian Society and the world to provide educational access to the nation and other nationals across the globe. It was established by the Liberian Government barely fifteen (15) years after the Independence of the Republic of Liberia. Indeed, its significance is not only praise worthy, but profoundly historical. This agenda has served the College and its students well since 1862, and the canons (driving forces) behind that agenda have become an integral part of the philosophy of the University of Liberia. At the College, high premium is placed on academic freedom, while imperatively, students receive a top quality education, therein, faculty and students are also equally held in an orbit of high standard. The College is historically the fifth oldest College on the African continent, and the oldest in the Republic of Liberia dating far back to centuries ago. For over 150 years, Liberia College has withstood the test of time as one of the best colleges in the areas of academic excellence, research, quality teaching and creative thinking in which all scholarly works are cherished and promoted. In his welcome remarks, the Dean of College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Prof. Dr. Josephus Moses Gray reminded heads of various academic departments and faculty members of the University of their collective responsibility to equip students with the necessary tools and skills for excellent research, thesis writing and quality education. Acceding to Dr. Gray, students need to be efficiently empowered with the requisite research knowledge and excellence education to equip them stay on top, make critically decisions and act independently, if they are navigating their role and journey in the competing job market. Speaking further, Dr. Gray disclosed that any high quality research is one that is built on high expectations, in alignment with high research standards, and is highly rigorous, noting that professors and scholars need to change their strategies from time to time because of the current trends and needs of the global society since learning is not an event nor static rather its growth and developments are in constant motion. So true and appropriate, since there is a constant change happening in every sectors of academia", Dr. Gray added. Dr. Gray further indicated that through the use of necessary tools and skills, students of the university will be able to identify problems and look for practical solutions in a systematic way. He said: "I sincerely believe that the reintroduction of thesis at the College as reflected in the revised curricula compliments and strengthens the philosophy of the University of Liberia". Dr. Gray then expressed his anticipation that faculty members that will be assigned research methodology course to teach and guide students with the thesis should be well equipped and skilled with the recognized tools- professionalism and qualification because they will have a huge influence on students' path to success, and that they must be prepared to serve as a mirror of those they will guide. Also speaking at the symposium, the Dean of Faculty and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Stephen Jubwe, extolled the Dean for the symposium and encouraged those concerned to carefully take advantage of the exercise. Professor Jubwe who deputized for the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Moses M. Zinnah reminded the chairpersons and faculty that Dr. Nelson's administration has placed high premium on creative thinking and excellent teaching at the university. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Education Liberia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Meanwhile, the academic symposium was marked by instructive presentation of practical papers and lectures on research and excellence teaching. The first lecturer was the Chairman of the Department of Geography, Rev. Jethro S. Tamba who presented on the topic: The Importance of Abstract, Acknowledgement and Dedication while the second presenter was Cllr. Mark Bedoe Wla Freeman, He presented edifying paper on the topic: The importance of Confidentiality and Privacy in thesis, while The Chairman of the Department of Political Science, Assistant Professor Richmond S. Anderson lectured on the topic: The Importance of Background and Definition of Key Terms in thesis. The Director of Planning and Assistant Professor Alex Teaway of UL Graduate Program of Regional Planning presented on the topic: "Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods in research, followed by the Chairman of Department of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Euriahs M. Togar who presented on the topic: "The Importance of Data Analysis Presentation in thesis. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Should churches comply with California's ban on singing? Christian Post Op-ed Contributors | 07 July, 2020 by Adam Groza and Craig Vincent Mitchell California has issued a ban on corporate singing. How should churches proceed? Thankfully, there are biblical and historical precedents that help inform Christian leaders. The Apostle Paul commands every person to be subject to governing authorities (Romans 13:1). What are Christians to do when governing authorities at local, state, and national levels issue conflicting directives and send mixed messages? Such is the predicament of evangelicals in many locations in America today. In his Letters from the Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote that Christians not only have a moral obligation to obey just laws, but an equally compelling obligation to disobey unjust laws.[1] This line of reasoning has deep roots in the Christian tradition. It reflects both Catholic instruction in the Catechism (Article 2, Participation in Social Life), goes back to Augustine ("An unjust law is no law at all")[2] and Thomas Aquinas. Protestants agree on the matter of unjust laws. Martin Luther may evidence this best in Temporal Authority when he says that "it is no one's duty to do wrong; we must obey God rather than men."[3] Christian history makes a compelling case for the invalidity and dismissiveness of unjust laws. It was reasonable for Christian churches to stop meeting while medical professionals assessed the threat and learned about the virus. However, as the goals of quarantine evolve from the immediate (flattening the curve) to the indefinite (finding a vaccine) it is no longer reasonable for churches to comply with directives against corporate worship. Such open ended prohibitions against worship are unjust. The Bible helps Christians to appreciate the invalidity of unjust laws. For example, the Israelites who refused to worship false gods in the book of Daniel are commended for their courageous faith (Hebrews 11:33-34). Biblical theology as a whole attests that God's law is above human law. Anglican bishop and philosopher George Berkeley (1685-1753) wrote in his essay A Discourse addressed to Magistrates and Men in Authority that, "And it is wise, although at the risk of liberty or life, to obey God rather than man." Scripture makes it clear that there is a time for Christians to assert their legal rights in obedience to God. Read more from, "Should churches comply with California's ban on singing?," on The Christian Post. Did the Trump Era finally end on Saturday afternoon, with the Senates hugely unsatisfying vote to acquit the 45th president despite the slam-dunk evidence hed incited an insurrection against the U.S. government? It felt that way when the legal beagles were gone from CNN and suddenly Stanley Tucci is on a pizza tour of Italy, as if the last four years never happened. But the monster in a horror flick always pops back up at the end ... at least once. Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive this newsletter weekly at inquirer.com/bunch, as we try to bury the old demons and keep a wary watch for new ones. After impeachment, Democrats must combat Trumpism by saving our voting rights Not long ago, the phrase the Big Lie was reserved for history junkies obsessed with the rise of Adolf Hitler. Indeed, many believe that Hitler both invented the phrase with a historically inaccurate slam against Jews in his 1925 book Mein Kampf and that then his Nazi Party perfected the practice by blaming Jews for Germanys loss in World War I, setting the stage for the Holocaust. In other words, the Big Lie had that it cant happen here vibe, until it happened here. In Donald Trumps second impeachment trial which ended Saturday when 43 Republicans voted to acquit the 45th president of inciting an insurrection, Democratic House managers put Trumpisms Big Lie that a landslide election victory for Trump had been stolen by some ill-defined fraud at the center of their case. The fact that the Feckless 43 voted, essentially, for perpetuating that lie is deeply troubling, and heres why. The failure to drive a wooden stake through the heart of this monstrous falsehood means that Republicans not just on Capitol Hill but in statehouses from coast-to-coast will only keep repeating the Big Lie but use it to pass horrible, anti-democratic laws. The unexpected crisis of holding a presidential election at the height of a pandemic forced most states to agree to do something that many had resisted amid the modern GOP voting-rights backlash make it easier to cast a ballot, especially using the mail or convenient drop boxes. Pew Research found 2020s national turnout of 158.4 million was also 7% greater than 2016, and the highest rate in decades. With its first-ever use of no-excuses vote-by-mail procedures, Pennsylvanias 71% turnout was an all-time record. With no serious reports of fraud, the 2020 experiment was a huge win for democracy, and so the GOP is desperate to take that away. According to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, six weeks into 2021 lawmakers in the vast majority of U.S. states have introduced about four times as many bills to restrict or curtail voting rights as were in the works at this time last year. And if youve been paying attention, you wont be shocked to learn that more of these bills are under consideration in Pennsylvania than in any other state. Neither the success epitomized by the high voter turnout, nor that fact that Pa.s Republican lawmakers had previously voted for the vote-by-mail expansion, has stopped the flurry which includes proposals to place a greater burden on voters to request mail ballots, or to establish matching signatures. Myrna Perez, the director of voting rights and elections at the Brennan Center, told me Monday that that the outrage behind these measures isnt just lawmakers seeking to undo what caused a high turnout election, but that it undermines the resolve of so many Americans who voted despite the coronavirus. The thanks they get for braving a pandemic is to be accused of cheating and stealing an election, she said. It sends a large message that some people in this country do not to want to hear from everybody. They want some folks on the sideline. In Pennsylvania, these restrictive laws would be passed with the votes of more than 60 GOP state lawmakers including leaders like House Speaker Bryan Cutler and House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff who pleaded with Congress to dispute and toss out Pennsylvanias results showing President Biden as winner of the states 20 electoral votes, despite no evidence of irregularities. These legislators actively promulgated the Big Lie of the 2020 election (again, and I cant stress this enough, a tactic born in Nazi Germany) yet face zero consequences not even a state senator who attended the January 6 shenanigans (although not, apparently, entering the Capitol). Instead, we must count on the veto pen of Governor Wolf to block the worst of these ideas with the frightful knowledge that a Republican hostile to voting rights could be in the governors chair as early as January 2023. But even if some GOP schemes are likely to fail in the short run, all of us should be horrified by the underlying philosophy that more eligible voters casting legitimate ballots isnt a grand victory for democracy but rather a blow to Republicans who dont want fair elections, just elections they can win. These battles arent sideshows, but arguably the defining struggle of the post-Trump era. As Perez told me, Democrats and other allies of voting rights need to be fighting not just at election season but 365 days a year, to be making the case for democracy, and explain why were better off with a robust system. In Georgia, where an aggressive effort to register new voters for 2020 resulted in a shock win for Biden and for the Democrats who flipped two U.S. Senate seats, a state senator recently told a citizen concerned about a plan to require photo ID for absentee ballots, [lets] see how well you liberals fare after we reform and close your loopholes. Those loopholes are the voting rights that civil-rights activists like John Lewis, Jimmie Lee Jackson or Viola Liuzzo fought and in some cases died for. The ultimate battle rests in Washington where hopes are pinned on passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would essentially restore a provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act gutted by the John Roberts Supreme Court that required Justice Department approval for new voting laws in states like Georgia with a history of racism. A companion bill, the For the People Act, is aimed at expanding voter participation. Few believe that Congress can enact these laws without a radical step abolishing the filibuster so that voting rights can pass the Senate with 51 votes instead of 60. Democrats must resolve this dilemma at a moment when American democracy is hanging by a narrow thread. Yes, nuking the filibuster means busting a precedent but its a morally bad precedent, as for more than a century the filibuster existed largely as a tool to block progress for Blacks. And now, keeping the filibuster and allowing our voting rights to further erode will be a win for the Big Lie, and thus for fascism. Yes, Democrats need to pass COVID-19 relief first, or Americans wont have food on the table. But if they dont protect voting rights soon, and by any means necessary, Americans wont have a country. Yo, do this In the era of George Floyd and vociferous protests both against and for Donald Trump, its not shocking that Hollywood would revisit the 1960s, seeking to make sense of today. On the heels of the excellent The Trial of the Chicago 7 and One Night in Miami comes arguably the best of the batch, the must-watch Judas and the Black Messiah , now streaming on HBO Max. The story of the straight-up government assassination of Chicagos young, charismatic Black Panther leader Fred Hampton (played with bravado by Daniel Kaluuya ) in 1969 pits the banal evil of a betrayal against an electrifying faith in the power of radical change. Hampton famously said, You can kill the revolutionary but you cant kill the revolution and the ability of this film to move us, 52 years later in an era of Black Lives Matter, proves him right. What should journalism look like in 2021? Certainly like the life story of James Ridgeway, whose essential Washington-based reporting of the 1960s, 70s and 80s for the New Republic and the Village Voice exposed unsafe automobiles, the military-industrial complex on college campuses, and other rackets in a way that was relentlessly aggressive, yet serious-minded and fair. In the last decade of his life, when many folks would have retired, Ridgeway reported relentlessly on the perils of prison solitary confinement. He died Saturday at age 84, and his New York Times obituary is a must-read for any future journalists in need of a role model. Ask me anything Question: Whats something people dont remember enough about Richard Nixon? Via Larry Yudelson (@yudel) on Twitter Answer: Probably how he nearly pulled what we might call, in 2021, an Andrew Yang. Nixons initial political instincts conservative on law and order, but New Deal liberalism on domestic policy were arguably brilliant. In 1969, his first year in office, he was hours away from announcing a radical plan to end poverty in America, with a minimum guaranteed income that would have amounted to $10,000 annually in todays dollars. At the last minute, an aide handed him a (since disputed) study about a failed guaranteed income experiment in 1795 in a British town called Speenhamland (you cant make this stuff up) and he panicked and called it off. Instead, Nixon and even more so Ronald Reagan and later Republicans moved away from a welfare state. And poverty persists. Backstory A common theme in the American political conversation since the election was called for President Biden in November, growing louder since the January 6 insurrection is that Democrats with the narrowest possible majority in Congress and a re-captured presidency need to seize this window of opportunity with political boldness and leadership. Their biggest problem? Democrats are trying to sell the American people on what their country can do for them but the recent record of party leaders governing competently in the big places they control politically has been pretty lousy, to be honest. In New York State, no one is any longer comparing Gov. Andrew Cuomos crisis management skills to Winston Churchill not after the states botched handling of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes seems to have caused needless deaths, or after a push to cover up the true numbers. In California, hospitals swamped with the coronavirus ought to also be treating whiplash what with Gov. Gavin Newsoms flip-flops on opening and closing the state. Here in Philadelphia...where to start? From the citys appalling handover of vaccine distribution to unprepared and unprofessional college grads to the backsliding under police commissioner and tear-gas aficionado Danielle Outlaw, Mayor Kenney and his team seem to have checked out with 35 long months left in his term. Is there a common theme here? In the Trump era, its been too damn easy for Democrats to sell voters on what theyre not. Its time to show the public what progressive leadership can do and quickly! I think I hear the window starting to close. Inquirer reading list Cortland, N.Y. Police have arrested several SUNY Cortland students in recent weeks because of large parties, including one attended by up to 100 people packed into one house, according to SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras. He issued a statement today after the college announced it has suspended some students who hosted an illegal off-campus party over the weekend attended by dozens of students. Malatras thanked City of Cortland and college police for their efforts. He said the unauthorized parties could increase Covid-19 cases and the colleges administration must take control of this situation. Erik J. Bitterbaum, SUNY Cortlands president, said earlier today students who attended an off-campus party Saturday will face disciplinary action, which could include suspension. Malatras said SUNY Cortlands Covid-19 positive testing rate is 1.69%, the highest of all SUNY campuses in Central New York. The college suspended in-person classes for the fall semester on Oct. 7 because of a wave of Covid-19 cases. Some of those cases were related to off-campus parties. If the actions of a small minority of students arent reversed immediately, the college will be put on a path toward a similar fate for the spring semester, Malatras said. Syracuse University announced today it may take disciplinary action against student-athletes who threw an off-campus party over the weekend attended by up to 50 people not wearing masks. James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com Part of the thinking is to have senior officials who can oversee each respective agencys work towards advancing gender equity and equality, Ms. Reynoso explained. This staffing structure, Ms. Thompson added, will also make it more difficult (though not impossible) for future administrations to dismantle the council. It is easier for presidents to keep existing agencies, she explained, because there is funding from the last budget cycle and a slot in the Plum Book. (The Plum Book is the publication produced by House and Senate committees after every presidential election that lists the thousands of workers in the legislative and executive branches of government, from department heads to clerks, under the previous president.) From Day 1, Ms. Klein and Ms. Reynosos plans will touch on a range of issues. They want to see a national plan for addressing gender-based violence, for example, and they want to see the federal government improve workplace policies for its female employees, serving as a model for other employers around the country to do the same. They recognize, too, that this work demands partnership. Theyre hoping to collaborate with the Democratic Womens Caucus a body comprising all of the Democratic women in the House which has its own set of priorities, including passing the Equal Rights Amendment, pushing for a higher minimum wage and protecting abortion access. And they will help set in motion key components of the Biden administrations economic recovery program, particularly to fund caregiving. Weve come 180 degrees from the world where people in power dont think caregiving is an issue they need to focus on, said Ms. Klein, who recalled feeling pleasantly surprised when Mr. Biden announced during the presidential campaign that caregiving would be the third plank of his economic recovery plan. I thought, OK, this is definitely a new world, she said. In Her Words is available as a newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Write to us at inherwords@nytimes.com. The Navy is shopping for a new armored vest for helicopter pilots and crew members -- and is asking manufacturers to submit their best design proposals. According to a solicitation published on the official U.S. federal contracting site, Naval Air Systems Command is looking for a vest capable of protecting crews from hostile fires, and ensuring water survival in case of a maritime emergency. "The overall design priority for all operators is that the vest cut and compactness enable the wearer to be highly mobile for in-cockpit visual scanning and physical movement as well as post-crash survival and evasion scenarios, including the ability to rapidly jettison a negatively buoyant hard plate in water," officials wrote in the solicitation. Read Next: Veterans Used Their Military Training to Plot Violence in Capitol Riot, Feds Say The Navy's looking for vests that will work for crews in a variety of rotorcraft platforms, from Marine Corps heavy-lift and attack helicopters to the Navy's ship-based maritime choppers. Aircraft crew who may be equipped with new vests include those for the Marines' AH-1 Viper, UH-1 Venom, MV-22 Osprey, CH-53E Super Stallion and CH-53K King Stallion; and the Navy's MH-60 Seahawks. The solicitation notes that separate vest models may be needed to meet the requirements of crews in different aircraft. "Priorities for these capabilities may differ between pilots and crew of the same aircraft, and between aircraft platforms," it added. The vests the Navy wants need to be able to hold the soft armor inserts used by the Army's modular scalable vest or the Marine Corps' Gen. III plate carrier, according to documents. They also need to be flexible, light and protective enough to allow the following: Survival, escape and evasion maneuvers No interference with pre-flight or in-flight jobs Flights of six to 12 hours without back pain or heat stress Room to carry mission and survival gear A secure fit in a variety of uniform configurations Wear of up to six years without need for replacement. They also need to pack some serious protection. According to the solicitation, wearers of the vest need to be able to depend on it to survive the following: exposure in "cold turbulent seas" following a ditching event; rapid exit of the aircraft through a fireball; close-range small arms fire on ground from 9mm or 7.62mm AP rounds; and close detonation of anti-aircraft munition in flight. Naval air crews have been fielded progressively lighter and more protective survival vests as technology develops. In 2009, the service first delivered a one-piece protective vest solution to crews, replacing separate body armor and survival vest systems. And in 2013, the Navy rolled out a redesigned "aircrew endurance survival vest," which officials said offered better ballistic protection and load distribution. Since then, however, the Army and Marine Corps have both fielded new lighter and better-fitting body armor to troops. The Navy wants to catch up with the technology in those systems and possibly find a modular solution that can be adapted to the needs of various aircraft platforms and crew functions, the solicitation indicates. A survival vest industry day event took place Feb. 25-26, 2020 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, according to the documents. The Navy is now asking for responses from industry by Feb. 16. Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct information regarding a vest industry day. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Related: Air Force Cuts Back F-35 Demo Performances Due to Engine Shortage The state of Oregon and at least 28 other states have placed teachers in Phase 1 of the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the effort to resume in-person learning as quickly as possible. This policy is being promoted by the teachers unions as the CDC released its latest guidelines on school reopenings last Friday, encouraging districts to open schools at any level of community transmission. Frozen vials of the COVID-19 vaccine (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Oregons Democratic Governor Kate Brown, with the support of the Oregon Education Association, has spearheaded the policy of vaccinating teachers before the most vulnerable sections of the population, announcing their plan on January 15. Teachers began to receive first doses on January 23. Most day care, preschool and K-12 school employees have been eligible to receive the vaccine since January 25. Many educators have opposed this policy, requesting that the vaccines instead be given to those at higher risk of contracting or succumbing to the virus, including essential workers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. At a controversial press conference on January 15, Brown responded to these criticisms by doubling down on the position that schools need to be reopened as quickly as possible. By denying the vaccine to elderly age groups in order to prioritize teachers, the state is allowing dozens if not hundreds more people to become infected and die from COVID-19. According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, People over the age of 65 make up about 16 percent of the U.S. population, but 80 percent of all COVID-19 deaths. 91 percent of all deaths in Oregon have been in those 60 and older, despite making up just a quarter of the states population. Governor Brown could not offer a scientifically justified response to criticisms from the press, instead asserting that students suffer most when schools are shut down. She blamed the mental health crisis among young people on remote learning rather than on the real underlying cause: the homicidal policies of the state. Further, she ignored the mental health consequences of young people bringing the virus home to their families, which will far outweigh the consequences of remote learning. The unstated but overriding concern is the desire to reopen the economy as quickly as possible, which requires schools to effectively serve as childcare so parents can go back to work. Brown constantly stressed that she is working directly with the Biden administration, whose top economic advisor Brian Deese recently stated, We need to get the schools open so that parents, and particularly women can get back to work. State officials admit that it could take months for every education worker to receive two doses, even if elderly age groups eligibility is pushed back. The director of the Oregon State Health Authority promised to vaccinate educators over a two week period, but the Oregonian recently reported, It could take up to four weeks to provide only a first shot to early learning and K-12 employees. Further, this schedule assumes virtually no vaccinations for seniors 80 and older who will soon qualify. As of Monday, state residents aged 75 and over are eligible to start vaccination, but the 70-plus group must wait until February 22 and 65-plus until March 1. Events in Oregon are taking place as part of a national campaign to rush the reopening of schools, which is now overseen by the Biden administration. Last week, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) rammed through a deadly betrayal of its membership to reopen Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the third largest school district in the US. During the negotiations in Chicago, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky intervened publicly and insisted that vaccinations of teachers is not a prerequisite for safely reopening schools. Within days, the CTU caved on their initial demand that teachers should only return to schools when vaccinated, settling for having 1,500 out of roughly 25,000 CTU members vaccinated each week and having teachers return before receiving both doses of vaccine. The entire premise that schools can reopen safely as the pandemic rages out of controlregardless of whether or not educators are vaccinatedis false and unscientific. Numerous studies have demonstrated that implementing these policies will lead to an explosion of cases and deaths. Even if teachers are successfully vaccinated in Phase 1 of distribution, children are a significant factor in the spread of COVID-19. The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has openly acknowledged that children are susceptible to the virus and do transmit the disease. Antoine Flahault, director of the University of Genevas Institute of Global Health, admitted that children and young adults are infected just as often as adults. A study conducted in southern India came to the same conclusion. British prime minister Boris Johnson has been forced to admit that the problem is schools may nonetheless act as vectors for transmission, causing the virus to spread between households. The rush to reopen schools, led by the corporate media, the entire political establishment and the teachers unions, is unfolding as COVID-19 cases continue to surge through the population, with a 7-day average of 99,565 cases as of February 12. Up to 20,400 deaths are expected to be reported from February 8 to March 6, amounting to a total of 540,000 deaths in the US alone. Further, the B.1.1.7 variant first discovered in the UK is forecast to become the dominant lineage in the US by late March. This variant is more infectious and lethal than the wild type of the virus, and the capacity for the vaccines presently available to mitigate the most severe symptoms of this new variant is still an open question. There are reports that the B.1.1.7 variant could be 30 to 70 percent deadlier than the wild type of the virus. The B1351 variant first discovered in South Africa carries two mutations that have shocked the medical community. One mutation, called N501Y, make the virus far easier to spread. Another mutation, E484K, allows the virus to avoid the immune system more effectively. It has also been shown that certain coronavirus vaccines are worse at preventing infection from this coronavirus variant. Medical scientists are still unsure of what effect the vaccine will have on the spread of the virus, given the new variants. It is probable that those who have been vaccinated will still be capable of spreading the virus to others, even after receiving both doses of the vaccine. Stanley H. Weiss, M.D., an epidemiologist and professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology at the Rutgers School of Public Health, has stated that the risk of transmissibility after vaccination is greatly diminished, but not eliminated. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a living organism that will continue to evolve as it is allowed to rip through the population. Dr. Katherine OBrien, director for Immunizations, Vaccines and Biologicals at the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that vaccinations are not sufficient for making schools or communities safe, noting, risk of variants relative to the vaccines is ever greater when the transmission is very high in the communities. Not only because of variants that have occurred, but because of the possibility of additional variants emerging under the pressure of vaccines. OBrien asserted, We have to emphasize the importance of really crushing transmission now while we are rolling out these new vaccines. The drive to reopen schools directly contradicts the advice of the WHO, regardless of whether or not teachers are vaccinated. The closure of schools has been crucial in limiting the transmission of the virus and preventing death. A JAMA study published last July 29 found a 62 percent decline in infections per week when a state closed its schools statewide. The mortality rate dropped 58 percent per week when schools were closed. The policy of social murder is being exacerbated by providing the vaccine to teachers before the most vulnerable individuals in society, under conditions where teachers and students could safely stay home and learn sufficiently with well-funded remote learning programs. The elderly and those who are immunocompromised or have preexisting conditions will receive the vaccine only after teachers are providing in-person instruction. A struggle must be waged by educators and workers across the US against the unions, state and local governments of both parties, and the Biden administration, all of whom seek to implement a homicidal policy. The drive to reopen schools is due to the need under capitalism to extract surplus value from the working class. The financial oligarchy will take any measure to boost their profits and is ready to sacrifice the population on a global scale to maintain this course. Educators across the US and internationally have heroically resisted the homicidal policy of herd immunity. The lessons of the Chicago teachers struggle to save lives must be assimilated. The unions are functioning as a branch of management and the state. Educators must appeal to workers around the world and build rank-and-file safety committees for the preservation of life. Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Edward Caldwell had a plan leading up to the violent Jan. 6 takeover of the U.S. Capitol, according to federal prosecutors. The 66-year-old former Reserve intelligence officer wanted to transport weapons into Washington, D.C., by boat -- possibly with three four-man sniper teams who could "go hunting after dark" for "cockroaches who prey on the weak." That's according to new court documents that allege Caldwell and other veterans who forcibly busted into the Capitol last month relied on military training to prepare for the breach. Caldwell, who lives in Virginia and left the Navy in 1995, is a member of the Oath Keepers, according to federal agents. The far-right anti-government militia group is one of several that recruits people with military and law enforcement experience. Two more veterans are named as Caldwell's co-conspirators: Jessica Marie Watkins and Donovan Ray Crowl. Watkins, a 38-year-old from Ohio, is an Army veteran. Crowl is a former Marine corporal who worked on Huey helicopters. The trio are among at least 32 alleged participants in the U.S. Capitol breach who served in the military. The number includes Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, who was shot and killed by law enforcement inside the Capitol, stopping her apparent attempt to reach the House of Representatives chamber. She was one of five who died in the riot. Many of the rioters at the Capitol on Jan. 6, including Babbitt, believed that President Donald Trump won the 2020 election. There is no evidence to support the former president's claims of widespread voter fraud. Trump was impeached by members of the Democratic-led House for the second time in his presidency over his comments leading up to and after the Jan. 6 mob, but the Senate failed to get the necessary two-thirds majority to convict him, and voted to acquit Feb. 13. Each of the military services is now facing an order to address extremist ideologies in the ranks. The Joint Chiefs have called the Capitol mob "a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our Constitutional process." Leaders remain concerned, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said Friday, that extremist groups are actively working to recruit those about to join the military. The defense secretary and Joint Chiefs are considering whether soon-to-be veterans need to be warned about the risks, he said. "[Do we] need to do a better job educating future veterans as they get ready to leave," Kirby said, as to "what's waiting for them and who's waiting for them on the other side of that?" 'Detailed and Organized' Court documents describe Caldwell as "a key figure who put into motion the violence that overwhelmed the Capitol." Had the retired naval officer's plans come to life, as prosecutors put it, he appeared ready and willing to wreak even more havoc. "The detailed and organized nature of Caldwell's planning for the January 6 operation and Capitol assault was uniquely dangerous and continues to impact security in the District and beyond," federal prosecutors alleged in a Thursday court filing. "Everything he did, he did in concert with an anti-government militia. Specifically, Caldwell helped organize a tactical unit of trained fighters that stormed and breached the Capitol on January 6, 2021." Thomas Plofchan Jr., Caldwell's lawyer, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But he has argued that his client is not a member of the Oath Keepers. Caldwell is a disabled veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress tied to a failed spinal-fusion surgery to treat a service-connected injury, Plofchan said. Caldwell has no criminal history, and held a top security clearance for decades while working for the FBI after leaving the Navy, the attorney added. His physical injuries, Plofchan said, would have prevented him from storming barriers or forcibly entering the Capitol. Prosecutors claim Caldwell messaged Watkins in November, telling the former soldier he was "very worried about the future of our country." "I believe we will have to get violent to stop this," he's quoted as writing in the court documents. "Stay sharp and we will meet again. You are my kinda person and we may have to fight next time. I have my own gear, I like to be ON TIME and go where the enemy is, especially after dark." Watkins and Crowl, who both live about 50 miles outside Columbus, Ohio, in Champaign County, are allegedly members of a local militia group. Members of the organization, called the Ohio State Regular Militia, pay dues to the Oath Keepers, court documents state. Watkins claimed on the now-offline social media site Parler that she was the commanding officer of the Ohio State Regular Militia. She's also accused of holding a basic training class in January, telling one potential prospect that she needed the recruit to be fighting fit by President Joe Biden's inauguration. Crowl, 50, is accused of attending a training camp in North Carolina in December. On the day of the riot, court documents add, Watkins claimed they had a group of about 30 or 40 people organized. She and Crowl "equipped themselves for battle before heading to the Capitol by carrying communication devices and wearing reinforced vests, camouflage helmets, and goggles." They joined up with others wearing Oath Keepers clothing, the court documents state, and moved in an "organized and practiced fashion up the steps on the east side of the Capitol," where they forcibly entered the rotunda and pushed past a law enforcement agent. "We are sticking together and sticking to the plan," Watkins said, according to court documents, before taking a video with Crowl in which they yelled, "We took on the Capitol! We overran the Capitol!" 'Misled by the President's Deception' Other groups present at the Capitol last month also boasted military members and veterans in their ranks. Retired Marine Capt. Christopher Kuehne, an alleged member of the Proud Boys, was arrested Thursday for his role in the Capitol breach. The Proud Boys call themselves "Western chauvinists," and have appeared at extremist gatherings, including the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Kuehne, a 47-year-old from Kansas, moved in coordination with four others during the riot, gesturing to communicate. Kuehne allegedly carried rolls of bright orange tape, which the suspects are said to have worn strategically, along with tactical-style gear, including helmets and gloves. Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) The five suspects allegedly positioned themselves to prevent U.S. Capitol Police officers from lowering metal barriers to prevent the crowds from advancing. Kuehne, according to court documents, grabbed a podium and placed it on the track of one of the barriers to prevent it from closing. The Purple Heart recipient served as a rifleman and scout sniper before becoming a field artillery officer. He deployed to Iraq twice. He retired in 2013 after 20 years of service. Kuehne's father told The Associated Press his son was recently laid off, which added a lot of stress to his life. The Washington Post reported this week that most of the people arrested after the Capitol riot had a history of financial trouble. "I'm in tears right now," he told the AP reporter when learning of his son's arrest. "I can't believe he went to DC. It's just unbelievable." Dominic Pezzola, who goes by the name Spaz, was arrested last month for his role in the riot -- another alleged Proud Boys member with a military history. Pezzola, who's accused of breaking a Capitol window with a riot shield, was seen in images wearing clothing with Proud Boys and Marine Corps logos, court documents show. Michael Sherwin, the acting U.S. attorney for Washington, said in a January court filing that Pezzola "showed perseverance, determination, and coordination in being at the front lines every step along the way before breaking into the Capitol," according to the AP. The former Marine corporal, who served in the Reserve until 2005 as an infantry assaultman, never deployed. He's now being held without bond after prosecutors said investigators found a thumb drive at Pezzola's New York home that contained materials about making weapons, explosive devices and poison. Jonathan Zucker, the Marine veteran's attorney, argued that the 43-year-old has no criminal record or history of violence. As a veteran, Pezzola "acted out of the delusional belief that he was a 'patriot' protecting his country." "Defendant is former military who is sworn to protect his country," Zucker added. "He was responding to the entreaties of the then commander in chief, President Trump. The President maintained that the election had been stolen and it was the duty of loyal citizens to 'stop the steal.' Admittedly there was no rational basis for the claim, but it is apparent [the] defendant was one of millions of Americans who were misled by the President's deception." Pezzola didn't act out of criminal intent, his attorney added, but "a frighteningly confused and distorted sense of conscience." "Hopefully, as a result of this experience he has learned not to be so gullible and will not be so easily duped again," he said. Zucker isn't the only attorney representing a military veteran linked to the Capitol riot to make that argument. Albert Watkins, who represents Jacob Chansley -- a Navy veteran better known as the Qanon Shaman -- said his client was willing to testify at Trump's impeachment hearing. When the former president didn't grant Chansley a pardon for his role in the Capitol mob, Watkins told Military.com his client felt let down. "Mr. Chansley is deeply disappointed in former President Trump and feels as though the former president turned his back on those that heeded the call of the president to support the presentment to help save our nation," Watkins said. -- Hope Hodge Seck contributed to this report. -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: National Guardsman Is 1st Current Service Member to Be Arrested After Capitol Riot The central nervous system (CNS) is highly protected in the human body. Yet, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) invades the CNS, causing profound clinical complications. How is the CNS involved in a respiratory virus infection? To understand this, researchers Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Mohammad Ridwane Mungroo and Naveed Ahmed Khan reviewed reported case studies and identified potential brain regions that may be affected by the SARS-CoV-2 and explored the virus's possible entry route into the brain to identify its pathogenicity. In a recent review in the medical journal Hospital Practice, the team discussed the related clinical cases, symptoms, and targets. Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the respiratory illness responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The novel virus belongs to the coronavirus family and has infected over 109 million people and claimed over 2.4 million lives since its emergence in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Coronaviruses are a family of ribonucleic acid viruses that are known to cause disease in humans and animals. SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh known coronavirus to infect people, after 229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1, MERS-CoV, and the original SARS-CoV-1 Clinicians and researchers from across the world strived to understand the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most common symptoms are cough, fever, fatigue, and respiratory distress. Although it is predominantly a respiratory disease, neurological manifestations are also associated with it. Evidence from other viruses The predecessor of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, infects the brain. SARS-CoV-1 has been detected in neurons, causing focal degeneration and edema. The MERS-CoV infects the CNS, with higher mortality rates as compared to lung infections. The neurological manifestations in these infections include delayed neurologic consequences, such as myopathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome peripheral neuropathy, and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis that occurred weeks after respiratory symptoms. The clinical cases A COVID-19 positive patient experienced seizures, although she had no history of alcohol/drug abuse or epilepsy. In another case, the patient had an altered mental condition, and the final diagnosis was acute necrotizing encephalopathy associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Likewise, the reviewers have collated such cases that involve any of these manifestations: meningeal irritation, encephalitis with SARS-CoV-2 in the CSF, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, ataxia (damage to the cerebellum), impaired consciousness and acute cerebrovascular diseases, encephalopathy or constant change in consciousness, etc. In the case of reduced taste and smell, the virus can disrupt the cranial nerves which may lead to chemosensory dysfunction affecting taste sensation. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 may be latent in the CNS. Therefore, the reviewers bring attention to the possibility of "cured" patients suffering from neurological diseases later in time; this warrants further investigations. Invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into the brain The ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme II) receptor - essential for the SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cell - is also found in the brain. Among possible routes of entry into the CNS, the virus may enter the olfactory nerves via the ACE2 and migrate along the neuroepithelial route to reach the brain (as evident by the loss of smell in COVID-19 patients) or via the blood-brain barrier by binding to the ACE2 on the endothelial cells and traversing the highly selective barrier, the reviewers write. The Cytokine storms associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, high fever and inflammation may increase the blood-brain barrier's permeability. The general blood circulation and ACE2 expressed in capillary endothelium is one possible route to enter the brain. The virus might also reside inside the "Trojan horse of the microbial world," such as the resilient Acanthamoeba castellanii and other cells such as the bloodstream leukocytes, dendritic cells and myeloid cells. Through these carriers or reservoirs of the virus, it is suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 may gain entry into the CNS. ACE2 in the brain The host tropism of coronaviruses is determined by the Spike (S) protein of the virus. And also the presence of the ACE2. The expression of ACE2 is high in the substantia nigra and brain ventricles, as well as both excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the middle temporal gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex. It is also present in the brain nuclei of essential cells and hypothalamic areas, Piriform cortex (associated with the sense of smell), hippocampal regions and excitatory neurons. Significance and impact Though the brain is immune privileged, it is now established that SARS-CoV-2 enters brain cells. The role of vaccines in preventing and protecting the brain cells from infection is unclear. Under this purview, further studies of clinical trials along the vaccine rollout are required. The reviewers also recommend that because the virus can transverse into the CNS, the drugs currently used for COVID-19 treatment need to be reviewed. "The survivability of SARS-CoV-2 in free-living amoebae warrants further studies since studies will reveal if the amoebae have a role as facilitators for the transmission of the virus or protection of the virus during treatment which might be responsible for relapses." Given the heterogeneous complications within the nervous system, it is important to confirm whether patients are suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection with neurological involvement. Conclusion Mounting evidence suggests that it invades the CNS; patients show symptoms related to brain infection. It is also found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The parietal lobe and the cerebellum appear to be the likely targets of SARS-CoV-2. Further studies related to this are warranted to arrive at conclusions. These findings need to be considered when treating COVID-19 patients, the reviewers inform. Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger has released a scathing handwritten letter he received from a number of his relatives, calling him a disappointment to God and a stain on their family's name for backing the impeachment of Donald Trump. Kinzinger told the New York Times he received the disparaging note just two days after he called for Trump to be removed from office following the Capitol riots on January 6. Penned by 11 members of his extended family, Kinzinger was accused in the letter of being in cahoots with the devils army (Democrats and the fake news media) for publicly opposing the then-president, and requesting the 25th Amendment be invoked against him. Oh my, what a disappointment you are to me and to God! the letter, dated January 8, begins. We were once so proud of your accomplishments! Instead, you go against your Christian principals and join the devils army. How do you call yourself a Christian when you join the devils army believing in abortion! the note continues. We thought you were smart enough to see how the left is brainwashing so many. Kinzingers family then go on to accuse him, and 'many other GOP members', of being brainwashed by Democrats and falling for their socialism ideals. Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger has released a letter he received from his family members saying he is a disappointment to God and an embarrassment after he voted to impeach Donald Trump Read the two-page, hand-written letter Kinzinger's cousins sent him Jan. 8. It begins: "Oh my, what a disappointment you are to us and to God!" https://t.co/EWD2YZO49X pic.twitter.com/RcgmRmYKjc Reid J. Epstein (@reidepstein) February 15, 2021 While conceding that Trump is not perfect, they tell the Congressman, neither are you or any of us for that matter! Its not for us to judge or be judged! But [Trump] is a Christian! If God can forgive and use King David in the Bible, he can do the same with President Trump. When was the last time you proclaimed your faith Adam? (Oh we forgot your [sic] now with the devils army). You wont convince us otherwise with your horrible, rude accusations of President Trump! To embrace a party that believes in abortion and socialism is the ultimate sin, they continued. Kinzingers family go on to say they could list even more grievances against him, but insist he is not worth their time, before proceeding the pile in on him for one and a half additional pages. In addition to purportedly losing their respect, Kinzinger's family say he has also lost the respect of a cohort of Fox News hosts and right-wing commentators in the process. You should be very proud that you have lost the respect of Lou Dobbs, Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Greg Kelly, etc., and most importantly in our book, Mark Levin and Rush Limbaugh and us!, they wrote. The family continued that they were now most embarrassed to be related to Kinzinger, calling him a stain on their familys name. We are not judging you, the family said. This letter is our opinion of you! Oh, by the way, good luck in your fund raising endeavors. We are sure (we know) there are many other good GOP and Christian supporters that feel the same way we do. Penned by 11 members of his extended family, the letter by his relatives accuses Kinzinger of being in cahoots with the devils army (Democrats and the fake news media) for publicly opposing the then-president Trump, and requesting the 25th Amendment be invoked against him The letter was signed by Karen Otto, Kinzingers cousin, and her husband, Greg. Nine other family members also signed their names but they were redacted by the Times. The Ottos wrote in postscript that there are many more family members [who] feel the same way we do. They just didnt have the courage to sign our letter or write their own letter. Not us, we are so thoroughly disgusted with you. In summation, the Ottos said they are now calling for Kinzinger to be removed from office, adding: I have received numerous calls concerning your actions and egregious behavior towards [Trump]. President Trump has done more for the American people in four years than you, the [indecipherable] and the Democrats have done in years, the letter concludes. Karen Otto told the Times that, in addition to sending the letter to Kinzinger, she also sent it to Republicans across Illinois, including other members of the states congressional delegation. I wanted Adam to be shunned, she told the outlet of her reasoning. But Kinzinger, a 43-year-old Air National Guard pilot, appeared unbothered by his cousins remarks, insisting she and the others who signed the note have suffered brainwashing at the hands of conservative churches, which have led them astray. I hold nothing against them, he said, but I have zero desire or feel the need to reach out and repair that. That is 100 percent on them to reach out and repair, and quite honestly, I dont care if they do or not. On Twitter Monday, Kinzinger did express that he was 'sad' over the letter, responding to a message from broadcaster Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox News host, who said such family fallouts over politics are commonplace across the US right now, writing 'Bravery can be lonely'. 'Thank you, @GretchenCarlson. Im ok, more sad that someone would be willing to choose a man over family. And sad that its happening to so many,' Kinzinger replied. Kinzinger was only one of three House Republicans who voted both to impeach Trump and also strip Marjorie Taylor Greene (above with Trump), of Georgia, from her committee posts for peddling bizarre conspiracy theories Kinzinger was only one of three House Republicans who voted both to impeach Trump and also strip Marjorie Taylor Greene, of Georgia, from her committee posts for peddling bizarre conspiracy theories. At the beginning of the month, he also launched a new political action committee with a six minute video, insisting the GOP has lost its way and needed to be claimed back from the likes of Trump and Greene. 'Republicans must say enough is enough. It's time to unplug the outrage machine, reject the politics of personality, and cast aside the conspiracy theories and the rage, he said. The biggest danger right now is that we've become a party that dabbles not just dabbles we traffic in conspiracies and we traffic in lies. Elaborating on his beliefs to the Times, Kinzinger said that to successfully reclaim the GOP, he and others must expose the fear-based tactics often used by the party to rally support. We just fear, he told the outlet. We fear the Democrats. Fear the future. Fear everything. And it works for an election cycle or two. The Problem is it does real damage to this democracy. Kinzinger also insisted that he wasnt deterred by the Senates failure last week to convict Trump for inciting the insurrection on January 6. We have a lot of work to do to restore the Republican Party, he said, and to turn the tide of the personality politics. Rep. Adam Kinzinger launched a new Super PAC to take Republican Party back from influence of Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene at the start of the month While Kinzinger has drawn praise from Democrats over the last few months, he is by no means a progressive: His campaign website outlines his longstanding opposition to the Affordable Care Act, abortion rights and increased taxes. He also won his first seat in Congress on the back of an endorsement from Sarah Palin. However, he also never presented himself as a Trump loyalist, with his criticism of the former President dating back to the 2016 campaign trail, when he was a surrogate for Jeb Bush. Looking ahead, Kinzinger told the Times he is seeking re-election, for now, and should know by the summer whether he can remain a Republican for the long term, or whether he will have to change his party affiliation should Trumps allies become a permanent majority in the GOP. The partys sick right now, he said. Its one thing if the party was accepting of different views, but its become this massive litmus test on everything. So its a possibility down the road, but its certainly not my intention, and Im going to fight like hell to save it first. Hollywood director Taika Waititi has celebrated the murder of Captain Cook by a group of enraged Pacific Islanders. Waititi, who is currently in Sydney filming the new Thor installment, took to Instagram to share his glee on the anniversary of the British explorer's death, which happens to fall on Valentine's Day. 'Today we celebrate love, and also fondly remember the demise of Captain Cook at the hands of the beautiful native Hawaiians in 1779,' the New Zealand-born director wrote along with the caption 'Love is in the air'. Waititi, who is currently in Sydney filming the new Thor installment, took to Instagram to share his glee on the anniversary of the British explorer's death 'Today we celebrate love, and also fondly remember the demise of Captain Cook at the hands of the beautiful native Hawaiians in 1779,' the New Zealand-born director wrote along with the caption 'Love is in the air' The Jojo Rabbit director - who is of Maori descent - has long been vocal about his disdain for Cook. Last year he shared a similar post on the anniversary of his death on February 14. 'Hey lovers! Happy Valentines & Captain Cook peacefully passing away under the delicate care of native Hawaiians in 1779 Day! Please spread love. I love you, Polynesia!' He wrote in 2020. In 2016 Waititi again shared his glee at the controversial British explorer's brutal death. 'Sorry to do this to all you beautiful lovers on V-Day but... Happy death of Captain Cook Day! I love you, Hawaii!' He wrote. Captain Cook, who landed in Botany Bay with his crew in 1770, was killed on a beach in Hawaii in 1779 Captain Cook, who landed in Botany Bay with his crew in 1770, was killed on a beach in Hawaii in 1779. The 50-year-old was stabbed in the neck by natives during his third visit to the Pacific Island group. Cook has in recent years been criticised as a British imperialist and there have been objections to any notion he 'discovered' Australia, when indigenous people had occupied the continent for 60,000 years. Waititi's latest film is distributed by Disney, which recently fired The Mandalorian actress Gina Carano for a post comments she made on social media. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes Bahrains National Action Charter has contributed tremendously to boosting the kingdoms ICT sector, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of Information & eGovernment (iGA), has said. Congratulating His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on the 20-year anniversary of the National Action Charter, Al Qaed said that the anniversary recalls the achievements of the kingdom made possible thanks to the vision of HM the King, including accomplishments in the ICT sector and its unprecedented development over the past few years. This is in addition to the supporting decrees and legislations that contributed to the readiness of the countrys technological infrastructure, and enhanced its ability to meet various challenges, including the current circumstances. Al Qaed highlighted some of the kingdoms most notable digital transformation achievements during the pandemic, including providing over 500 round-the-clock eServices via the National Portal, bahrain.bh , and the launching of the BeAware Bahrain app, following the vision of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The app facilitated instant access to a range of public health-related eServices, including vaccine registration and certification, while helping the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Interior contact trace and monitor positive cases. He credited the directives of HM the King in adopting modern technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various fields, and their role in establishing relationships with major technology leaders such as Microsoft and Amazon web Services (AWS). Bahrain made many important strides towards the digital transformation of government services and systems, which helped elevate its reputation regionally and globally. Al Qaed called the National Action Charter a defining moment in the Kingdoms history, one that that helped achieve wide-ranging development and improved quality of life for citizens and residents. Based on the principles of reform and progress, it enhanced the democratic process, supporting freedom of expression and equality between citizens, ensuring education and health and a commitment to economic development and diversified revenue streams. This reflected positively on the kingdoms services and products, introducing new systems that contributed to quality of life. He added that this anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the kingdoms achievements during this pandemic, which were made possible by HM the Kings dedication to ensuring the health and wellness of all citizens and residents, as well as the efforts of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Al Qaed concluded by congratulating the kingdoms senior leadership and all of Bahrain on this anniversary, expressing his best wishes for its continued local, regional, and global achievements, calling on all citizens to continue offering their best in service of the nation. -- Tradearabia News Service They have been together since Valentine's Day 1983. And 38 years later, the romance between Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell is as strong as ever. On Monday, the couple enjoyed a walk together around their LA neighborhood with their adorable Labrador Retriever puppy. Hollywood couple: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell enjoyed a walk around their LA neighborhood on Monday with their adorable yellow Lab puppy Roy Goldie, 75, looked fabulous in a black puffer jacket done up over a black top and paired with black leggings. The Overboard and First Wives Club star wore her long blonde hair loose and was adorned with a stunning necklace. Kurt, 69, opted for a cream fleece jacket and a pair of blue jeans. In January, Goldie had introduced the new addition to the family in an Instagram post. She shared a photo of herself holding the wriggling yellow Lab and shared: 'Look what Santa rescued for me. Introducing Roy Hawn Russell.' Relaxed: Goldie, 75, looked fabulous in a black puffer jacket done up over a black top and paired with black leggings. Kurt, 69, opted for a cream fleece jacket and a pair of blue jeans So cute: In January, Goldie had introduced the new addition to the family in an Instagram post, sharing a photo of herself holding the wriggling puppy The Hollywood stars met on the set of Swing Shift, a wartime romantic drama that was filmed in 1983 and released in April 1984. At the time, Goldie was a single mother of two, having divorced musician Bill Hudson with whom she had son Oliver, born in 1976, and daughter Kate, born in 1979. 'I loved the way he looked at my children,' Goldie said when asked by Ellen DeGeneres in November about falling for her at the time co-star. 'It was really something special.' She added: 'I fell in 'love' but I also fell in 'like' and those are two pretty big deals.' Goldie and Kurt have a son together, Wyatt, now 34, who is about to become a first-time dad. Wyatt and his wife Meredith announced in November they are expecting a baby boy Goldie and Kurt have a son together, Wyatt, now 34, who is about to become a first-time dad. Wyatt and his wife Meredith announced in November that they are expecting a baby boy. Kurt also regards himself as father to Goldie's kids Kate and Oliver. Kate is mom to sons Ryder, 16, and Bingham, nine, and daughter Rani Rose, two, while Oliver has three children - sons Wilder, 13, and Bodhi, 10 and daughter Rio, seven. Watch First Wives Club on Stan in Australia. Australian consumers have been told to avoid shopping from an online discount chemist as it's revealed to be a scam. The public warning comes after multiple customers did not receive the items they paid for from discountepharmacy.com.au, trading as 'Discount E Pharmacy', reported 9 News. The warning was issued by the New South Wales Fair Trading Commissioner, Rose Webb, who saw a rise in complaints from unsatisfied customers. The online pharmacy sells a range of health-related products for weight-loss and pregnancy, including vitamins, detox drinks, and skin and haircare products. The online scam website 'Discount E Pharmacy' appears to sell a range of health related products for pregnancy, weight loss, skin and hair care, as well as vitamins and detox drinks Many online shoppers reported their products had not arrived, with no explanation from the trader for the cause of the delays, said Ms Webb in her warning. No financial redress has been offered to the customers, who consequently have to seek a chargeback option from their banks, for credit card purchases. Ms Webb said the website does not appear to have a complaint handling process, making it difficult for customer concerns to be resolved. 'Consumers have reported finding it very difficult to contact anyone at discountepharmacy.com.au to discuss the delays', the warning said. While the website lists an email address and phone number, customer reviews said the phone is never answered and gave no option to leave a voicemail message. A public warning has been issued to Australian consumers after customers of Discount E Pharmacy reported they had not received their items, with no explanation or financial redress Multiple online reviews of Discount E Pharmacy revealed the high number of shoppers who had not received their items, with no financial redress or explanation. 'Purchased items online worth over $150.00 paid in full never received products, nor any communication from retailer after several attempts by email and phone. Avoid this retailer at all cost', one customer review read. 'It was only after I put in a PayPal claim that I received my item (five weeks and three days later, on a Sunday). I purchased elsewhere as I needed it, and now have wasted $129. Im a carer and can ill afford this loss', another customer complained. Consumers who have ordered from discountepharmacy.com.au and are unsatisfied with their transaction are being urged to lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) A coronavirus variant first identified in England has been discovered for the first time in Mississippi, state health officials said Monday. One case of the variant was confirmed during routine COVID-19 testing, the Mississippi State Department of Health said in a news release. Health officials said they're not aware of any international travel or spread to contacts, but they are still investigating. According to experts, the variants is known to spread more easily and quickly than other coronavirus variants. State health officials are continuing to expand surveillance for variants of the virus and said it is likely that more cases will be identified. They urged people to wear a mask, observe social distancing, avoid large gatherings and wash their hands frequently. They also advised that anyone who is eligible should get vaccinated against the coronavirus. In a surprise move, President Biden has withdrawn U.S. support for a Saudi-led military campaign against Houthi rebels in war-torn Yemen, describing the countrys bitter civil war as a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe. The near decade long civil war, which is a prominent symbol of Riyadh and Teherans proxy conflict for control of the Middle East, has created what the United Nations describes as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Saudi Arabias grinding six-year-long offensive against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which until Bidens foreign policy pivot was supported by the U.S., has failed to reinstall the former Yemeni government. The Houthis maintain control of Yemens capital Sanaa and the largest port city Hodeidah, allowing them to exert control over important Red Sea shipping routes. Riyadhs military operations have only prolonged, intensified, and fragmented Yemens civil war further magnifying the suffering of the Yemeni people. The key motivation for Riyadhs involvement in Yemen, aside from blunting Iranian influence in a country immediately bordering Saudi Arabia, is to cement control of its economically vital Red Sea shipping lanes. Bidens decision to end U.S. support for Riyadhs military operations in Yemen, because of the ceaseless human suffering they are causing, is a portent of things to come for other global crises linked to U.S. foreign policy, the most notable being oil-rich Venezuela. During his 2020 election campaign, Biden flagged that compared to the Trump administrations hard-line approach he would pursue a different policy regarding Venezuela. Biden is expected to take a more humanitarian and diplomatic approach with a focus on targeted sanctions, especially when it is considered that there is substantial evidence indicating the previous administrations hard-line approach has failed. By the end of 2020, Maduro had taken control of the National Assembly, the last government institution not under his control, winning 256 out of 277 seats in the legislative body during the December 2020 elections. That saw opposition leader Juan Guaido lose his position as the legislative bodys leader. As a result, despite not acknowledging the legitimacy of the election, the European Unions 27 member states ceased recognizing Guaido as Venezuelas interim president. This has significantly undermined his standing as the leader of Venezuelas opposition and internationally recognized interim president. Related Video: Four Of The Coolest Fictional Power Sources Those events demonstrate that even in the face of strict U.S. sanctions, a failing economy, crumbling oil industry, and near bankruptcy, Maduro and his regime has not only survived but is thriving. Venezuelas President is softening his stance on foreign investment and offering some concessions with a new President in Washington who is reviewing U.S. sanctions against the oil-rich Latin American nation. Clearly, Maduros hope is that sanctions will be eased and Venezuelas ability to access economically vital international energy and capital markets will be, at least, partially restored. There is speculation that Biden will show flexibility toward Venezuela, ease some sanctions and potentially even reinstate crude-for-diesel swaps by non-U.S. companies. That last point is especially important because of Venezuelas dependence on diesel for vital public transport and agriculture as well as a fuel for back-up generators used by critical infrastructure during the countrys frequent blackouts. While there are signs that Biden will seek a more diplomatic and humanitarian approach to Venezuela, the U.S. State Department has said the President is not expected to engage directly with the Maduro regime. It is the catastrophic shortage of gasoline and diesel, caused in part by harsh U.S. sanctions, which has been a key element responsible for accelerating Venezuelas economic collapse, imposing additional hunger and hardship on Venezuelans. Strict U.S. sanctions have also made it almost impossible for targeted aid to reach poverty-stricken Venezuelans while strengthening the illicit economy, which has been a key source of fiscal revenue for the Maduro regime. The rapid growth of Venezuelas illicit economy has not only provided Caracas with an important financial lifeline, which has cemented Maduros grip on power but created an ideal environment for corruption and organized crime. There has been a sharp increase in what oil industry insiders call dark voyages where tankers carrying Venezuelan crude oil turn off their transponders making them difficult to identify. Through necessity, this and other smuggling techniques have flourished. While these strategies have been developed to skirt U.S. sanctions to facilitate the transport and sale of crude oil while gaining access to capital and payments for petroleum cargoes, they can be easily applied to other goods such as arms and narcotics. When combined with a weak state, which is struggling to control its geographic territory outside of the major cities and gravely dilapidated government institutions, it creates a haven for non-state actors seeking to engage in illicit activities. As a result, the Lebanese political party, militant group, Iranian ally, and U.S. designated terrorist organization Hezbollah has established a large network in Venezuela. The petroleum-rich Latin American nation, since Hugo Chavezs ascension to power, has become an important regional base of operations for the Shiite militant group. Hezbollah is engaged in a wide range of illegal activities in Latin America, including narco-trafficking, money laundering, arms smuggling, and other illicit transnational undertakings. Venezuela is also a safe haven for Colombias dissident FARC and ELN guerillas, further adding to its destabilizing effect in an already volatile region. Those developments are the reason for a sharp spike in the volume of cocaine, sourced from neighboring Colombia the worlds largest producer, being shipped from Venezuela to the U.S. and Europe. The lack of a U.S. diplomatic presence in Venezuela, with an online diplomatic post operating from the U.S. embassy in Bogota, is impeding Washingtons ability to monitor events and blunt the influence of undesirable non-state groups and nations. These issues highlight the challenges ahead for Bidens administration and the need for a viable solution to curtail the activities of illicit non-state actors and undesirable nation states operating in Venezuela, while visibly reducing the suffering of the population. Bidens pivot on U.S. support for a key Middle East ally Saudi Arabia and its military offensive in Yemen, because of humanitarian concerns, indicates that U.S. policy toward Venezuela will change. The pressing urgency with which this needs to occur is reinforced by the suffering of the Venezuelan people, the failure of U.S. sanctions to spark regime change, Maduros growing grip on power, and flourishing criminal enterprises in the vacuum created by a near-failed state. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Loneliness has become an increasing problem in Japan in the past couple of decades with the country witnessing a sharp growth in the elderly population. To tackle the problem, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday appointed Tetsushi Sakamoto as the country's first Minister of Loneliness. Sakamoto will work with other ministries and agencies to effectively implement policies meant to reduce social isolation. Read: Japan Looks Forward To Assist In Skill Enhancing, Infra Projects In Assam: Envoy Suga and his cabinet members on Friday agreed to establish a cabinet-level position to tackle the loneliness issue in the country. Suga appointed Sakamoto as the country's first Loneliness Minister, handing him the responsibility to reduce social isolation at a time when lockdowns across the world have forced people into the confinement of their homes. The new minister will also be responsible for bringing down the suicides in Japan, a country with one of the world's highest suicide rates. Read: Japan Health Minister: Vaccinations Will Start Wednesday 'Develop strategy to bring down suicide rate' According to reports, Suga told Sakamoto to look into why women especially are facing more isolation and are dying by suicide. Suga asked his minister to develop a strategy to bring down the suicide rate among women in the country. Sakamoto is reportedly planning to form an interagency team to communicate and coordinate better and also expected to hold meetings with advocacy groups and other stakeholders. Read: Japan Contemplating Response Over China's New Coast Guard Law According to Japanese media reports, Sakamoto is planning to reduce social isolation by promoting activities that prevent loneliness. Suga's other responsibilities as Minister of Loneliness include increasing the birthrate in the country. According to the Japanese Health, Labor, and Welfare Ministry, Japan has over 13 million people living alone. The ministry estimated that by 2040, about 39% of Japan's 120 million people will live alone. Read: IN PICS: Aftermath Of 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake That Shook Japan Right now we notice hottie Lindsey seems a little serious after V-day but we still respect her body of work that inspires this compilation of pop culture, community news and top headlines. Take a look . . . Kansas City News Leader Talks Cold, Hard Facts Nick's Picks | Warms Thoughts With Kansas City in Deep Freezer This edition of Nick's Picks is brought to you by the letters C, O, L and D. Yep, it's cold. And bundle up, this bone-chilling cold snap is not over yet. How about -12 degrees when you wake up Tuesday morning? These are some of the coldest temperatures Kansas City has ever recorded. Crossing KC Digital Divide How a local coalition is trying to improve internet access in Kansas City * Missouri Independent As the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of adults and children into remote work and online learning last spring, the divide between those with adequate internet and the knowledge to use it, and those without, became even more prominent. There were students who needed devices, households that needed more affordable internet and older adults who needed [...] Hottie Doubles Down On Racy Promo Lindsey Pelas Rocks A Scandalously Tiny Bikini In Smoking Hot Instagram Video In her most recent Instagram share, blond bombshell Lindsey Pelas tantalized her 8.6 million followers with a short video in which she flaunted her buxom figure in a barely-there swimsuit. She also promoted the beverage company Bang Energy in the clip, sharing close-up shots of a can of a Strawberry Blast-flavored beverage, as well as taking a sip at one point. Free Money Plan Debuts Here's what's in the House Democrats' stimulus relief plan House Democrats were busy last week advancing a wide range of coronavirus relief provisions, all part of President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package. Grocery Push Back 'The last straw': the US families ending love affair with grocery chain after Capitol riot endy Mize's family grew up on Publix, disciples to the giant supermarket chain's empirical marketing slogan: "Where shopping is a pleasure". As infants, her three daughters wore diapers bought from the Publix baby club. As children, they munched on free cookies from the bakery. Prez Trump Confronts Latest Insurrection Court Fight NAACP sues Trump and Giuliani after Jan. 6 riots The lawsuit recounts Trump's actions leading up to the Jan. 6 riots, building a case against him in similar fashion to House impeachment managers. It cites Trump's remarks during "Save America" rally as evidence that he mobilized and directed insurrectionists to storm the Capitol. Meet New Currency Bitcoin surpasses $50,000 for first time ever as major companies jump into crypto Bitcoin hit a record high of more than $50,000 on Tuesday, continuing its blistering rally as major companies appear to be warming to cryptocurrencies. The world's largest digital currency by market valuable rose more than 3 percent to an all-time high of $50,389 just after 7:30 a.m. Tech Leader Talks Weather Fate Of The World Bill Gates says ending COVID-19 pandemic 'easier' than solving climate change Microsoft co-founder and billionaire climate activist Bill Gates on Sunday claimed that eradicating climate change would be harder than ending the coronavirus pandemic. Gates, who has funneled millions into coronavirus relief efforts over the past year, told the BBC that ending the pandemic is "very, very easy" in comparison to the climate crisis, which will get worse unless governments worldwide aid in this effort. Scandal Silenced CNN's Chris Cuomo continues blackout of brother's nursing home scandal, MSNBC primetime hosts also avoid Brotherly love truly runs deep on CNN's airwaves as its most-watched news anchor continues to avoid the growing nursing home scandal plaguing the New York governor. "Cuomo Prime Time" host Chris Cuomo has been criticized for having a conflict of interest during the coronavirus pandemic, particularly for repeatedly welcoming his big brother, Democratic Gov. Queen Quivers Ahead Of EPIC Upcoming Oprah Interview??? Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to Be Stripped of All Remaining Royal Patronages as Palace Braces for Oprah Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to give an interview to their friend Oprah Winfrey after becoming aware that they are going to be stripped of all their remaining royal links when the terms of their exit package from the royal family are reviewed on March 31, it was claimed Tuesday. Kansas City Brew Reboot Brewery expansion moving into 116-year-old River Market building KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A recent makeover of a 116-year-old former city building and the expansion of a celebrated regional brewery are poised to breathe new life into the River Market. The historic Kansas City Water Department building at 201 Main St. was originally built in 1905. Kansas City Freeze Breaks Historic Cold Record Your Storm Track 5 Daily Forecast Wind Chill Warning in effect until 12 p.m. Tuesday. Today is a Storm Track 5 Weather Alert Day. Record setting and dangerous cold for your Monday. Temperatures will begin the day around -8 with wind chill readings near -30. Kansas City will barely make it to an afternoon temperature of 0 today. Rag'n'Bone Man - All You Ever Wanted is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Born without arms, Vitoria Buenos dream of being a dancer seemed painfully unrealistic - especially in a small town in rural Brazil, where her disability made her a social curiosity. People would line up outside the house to see her, said her mother Wanda, 39, still hurt as she recalled the insensitivity. They would lift up her sleeves to look. Photo: Reuters This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. [February 16, 2021] Tauriga Sciences Inc. to Operate Virtual Exhibitor Booth at the CAMEX 2021 National Association of College Stores Expo on February 22-26, 2021 The Company is an Approved Affiliate Vendor of The NACS (Vendor ID # 113921) NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or the Company), a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, with a proprietary line of CBD & CBG infused Supplement chewing gums (Flavors: Pomegranate, Blood Orange, Peach-Lemon, Pear Bellini, Mint, Black Currant) as well as an ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative, today announced that it will operate a virtual exhibitor booth at the National Association of College Stores (NACS) Campus Store Expo 2021 (the Tradeshow) on February 22-26, 2021. The Company will showcase its Tauri-Gum product line to Buyers from College & University campus bookstores throughout North America. The Company was a main floor exhibit (Booth # 518), last year, at the NACS Campus Store Expo 2020, which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana on the dates February 9-11, 2020. The National Association of College Stores is the professional trade association of the $10 Billion campus store industry. The NACS represent nearly 4,000 campuses in the U.S. and Canada, and approximately 1,000 companies that supply goods and services to campus stores. Through groundbreaking educational events, productive Tradeshows, and award-winning publications, the NACS is the gateway to securing new customers and growing your business in the $10 Billion campus market. The annual NACS Tradeshow attracts more than 22,000 industry stakeholders from around the world. Buyers and sellers come together to conduct business, learn from one another and network. The expo is segmented into six categories: Fuel Equipment & Services, Food Equipment & Foodservice Programs, Candy/Snacks, Facility Development & Store Operations, Merchandise and Technology. Please see below, the following Credential(s) has been designated to Tauriga Sciences Inc. by the NACS: Tauriga Sciences, Inc. NACS Affiliate Vendor ID # 113921 ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, engaged in several major business activities and initiatives. The company manufactures and ditributes several proprietary retail products and product lines, mainly focused on the Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) Edibles market segment. The main product line, branded as Tauri-Gum, consists of a proprietary supplement chewing gum that is Kosher certified, Halal certified, and Vegan Formulated (CBD Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Mint, Blood Orange, Pomegranate), (CBG Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Peach-Lemon, Black Currant) & (Vitamin C + Zinc Immune Booster Flavor: Pear Bellini). The Companys commercialization strategy consists of a broad array of retail customers, distributors, and a fast-growing E-Commerce business segment (E-Commerce website: www.taurigum.com). Please visit our corporate website, for additional information, as well as inquiries, at http://www.tauriga.com Complementary to the Companys retail business, is its ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative. This relates to the development of a proposed Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum, for nausea regulation (specifically designed for the following indication: Patients Subjected to Ongoing Chemotherapy Treatment). On March 18, 2020, the Company announced that it had filed a provisional U.S. patent application covering its pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum. The Patent, filed with the U.S.P.T.O. is Titled MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT. On December 18, 2020 the Company disclosed that it had entered into a Master Services Agreement with CSTI to lead the Company's clinical development efforts. On October 6, 2020, the Company announced that it has been approved to operate as a U.S. Government Vendor (CAGE CODE # 8QXV4) The Company is headquartered in Wappingers Falls, New York. In addition, the Company operates a full time E-Commerce fulfillment center located in LaGrangeville, New York. DISCLAIMER -- Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Contact: Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 4 Nancy Court, Suite 4 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: sshaw@tauriga.com cell # (917) 796 9926 Company Instagram: @taurigum Personal Instagram: @sethsms47 Twitter: @SethMShaw Corp. Website: www.tauriga.com E-Commerce Website: www.taurigum.com Attachment 02_16_2021 PR [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] KINSHASAAt least 60 people died when a passenger barge carrying more than 700 people became shipwrecked on the Congo river at night, Democratic Republic of Congos humanitarian affairs minister said on Monday. Some 300 survivors had been found near the scene of the accident in Mai-Ndombe province in the west of the country, but another 240 remained unaccounted for, Steve Mbikayi wrote on Twitter. Deadly boat accidents are common in Congo, which has few tarred roads across its vast, forested interior and where vessels are frequently loaded well beyond their capacity. For most people the Congo river and its tributaries are the only means of travelling long distances. We sympathize with the families of the victims and we demand sanctions against all those responsible for the transport sector, Mbikayi said, without elaborating. No further details were immediately available. By Stanis Bujakera MIT researchers have invented a new type of amputation surgery that can help amputees to better control their residual muscles and sense where their "phantom limb" is in space. This restored sense of proprioception should translate to better control of prosthetic limbs, as well as a reduction of limb pain, the researchers say. In most amputations, muscle pairs that control the affected joints, such as elbows or ankles, are severed. However, the MIT team has found that reconnecting these muscle pairs, allowing them to retain their normal push-pull relationship, offers people much better sensory feedback. Both our study and previous studies show that the better patients can dynamically move their muscles, the more control they're going to have. The better a person can actuate muscles that move their phantom ankle, for example, the better they're actually able to use their prostheses." Shriya Srinivasan, MIT Postdoc and Study's Lead Author In a study that will appear this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 15 patients who received this new type of surgery, known as agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI), could control their muscles more precisely than patients with traditional amputations. The AMI patients also reported feeling more freedom of movement and less pain in their affected limb. "Through surgical and regenerative techniques that restore natural agonist-antagonist muscle movements, our study shows that persons with an AMI amputation experience a greater phantom joint range of motion, a reduced level of pain, and an increased fidelity of prosthetic limb controllability," says Hugh Herr, a professor of media arts and sciences, head of the Biomechatronics group in the Media Lab, and the senior author of the paper. Other authors of the paper include Samantha Gutierrez-Arango and Erica Israel, senior research support associates at the Media Lab; Ashley Chia-En Teng, an MIT undergraduate; Hyungeun Song, a graduate student in the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology; Zachary Bailey, a former visiting researcher at the Media Lab; Matthew Carty, a visiting scientist at the Media Lab; and Lisa Freed, a Media Lab research scientist. Restoring sensation Most muscles that control limb movement occur in pairs that alternately stretch and contract. One example of these agonist-antagonist pairs is the biceps and triceps. When you bend your elbow, the biceps muscle contracts, causing the triceps to stretch, and that stretch sends sensory information back to the brain. During a conventional limb amputation, these muscle movements are restricted, cutting off this sensory feedback and making it much harder for amputees to feel where their prosthetic limbs are in space or to sense forces applied to those limbs. "When one muscle contracts, the other one doesn't have its antagonist activity, so the brain gets confusing signals," says Srinivasan, a former member of the Biomechatronics group now working at MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. "Even with state-of-the-art prostheses, people are constantly visually following the prosthesis to try to calibrate their brains to where the device is moving." A few years ago, the MIT Biomechatronics group invented and scientifically developed in preclinical studies a new amputation technique that maintains the relationships between those muscle pairs. Instead of severing each muscle, they connect the two ends of the muscles so that they still dynamically communicate with each other within the residual limb. In a 2017 study of rats, they showed that when the animals contracted one muscle of the pair, the other muscle would stretch and send sensory information back to the brain. Since these preclinical studies, about 25 people have undergone the AMI surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, performed by Carty, who is also a plastic surgeon at the Brigham and Women's hospital. In the new PNAS study, the researchers measured the precision of muscle movements in the ankle and subtalar joints of 15 patients who had AMI amputations performed below the knee. These patients had two sets of muscles reconnected during their amputation: the muscles that control the ankle, and those that control the subtalar joint, which allows the sole of the foot to tilt inward or outward. The study compared these patients to seven people who had traditional amputations below the knee. Each patient was evaluated while lying down with their legs propped on a foam pillow, allowing their feet to extend into the air. Patients did not wear prosthetic limbs during the study. The researchers asked them to flex their ankle joints -- both the intact one and the "phantom" one -- by 25, 50, 75, or 100 percent of their full range of motion. Electrodes attached to each leg allowed the researchers to measure the activity of specific muscles as each movement was performed repeatedly. The researchers compared the electrical signals coming from the muscles in the amputated limb with those from the intact limb and found that for AMI patients, they were very similar. They also found that patients with the AMI amputation were able to control the muscles of their amputated limb much more precisely than the patients with traditional amputations. Patients with traditional amputations were more likely to perform the same movement over and over in their amputated limb, regardless of how far they were asked to flex their ankle. "The AMI patients' ability to control these muscles was a lot more intuitive than those with typical amputations, which largely had to do with the way their brain was processing how the phantom limb was moving," Srinivasan says. In a paper that recently appeared in Science Translational Medicine, the researchers reported that brain scans of the AMI amputees showed that they were getting more sensory feedback from their residual muscles than patients with traditional amputations. In work that is now ongoing, the researchers are measuring whether this ability translates to better control of a prosthetic leg while walking. Freedom of movement The researchers also discovered an effect they did not anticipate: AMI patients reported much less pain and a greater sensation of freedom of movement in their amputated limbs. "Our study wasn't specifically designed to achieve this, but it was a sentiment our subjects expressed over and over again. They had a much greater sensation of what their foot actually felt like and how it was moving in space," Srinivasan says. "It became increasingly apparent that restoring the muscles to their normal physiology had benefits not only for prosthetic control, but also for their day-to-day mental well-being." The research team has also developed a modified version of the surgery that can be performed on people who have already had a traditional amputation. This process, which they call "regenerative AMI," involves grafting small muscle segments to serve as the agonist and antagonist muscles for an amputated joint. They are also working on developing the AMI procedure for other types of amputations, including above the knee and above and below the elbow. "We're learning that this technique of rewiring the limb, and using spare parts to reconstruct that limb, is working, and it's applicable to various parts of the body," Herr says. Late last month, OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei announced his new startup company simply named Nothing. It was later revealed that the brand plans to release a pair of TWS earbuds. The company has plans to eventually release an ecosystem of devices that could connect to each other. If this sounded familiar its because now-defunct smartphone brand Essential was going to do the same. It seems that Essentials initial intention of creating this ecosystem of devices has aligned with Nothing as a new report reveals. 9to5Google found filings with the UKs Intellectual Property Office that disclosed that former Essential CEO Andy Rubin has transferred ownership of Essentials brand assets to Carl Peis Nothing Technologies Limited. The transfer was completed on January 6 2021 and initially filed back on November 11 of 2020. The IP transfer includes existing trademarks, logo, and the Essential brand which are now to be owned by Nothing. The Essential PH1 wasnt widely successful itself, but the companys startup became a unicorn receiving a company valuation of over $1 billion before selling a single product. We have to wonder if Carl Peis Nothing will get farther than Essential every had the opportunity to. The company eventually fizzled following reports of Rubins misconduct during his time working at Google. Prior to Essentials downfall, the company had plans to release a PH-2 and PH-3, as well as a new extra-slim smartphone with new interface. Essential's Andy Rubin Tweeted these back in October 2019 We wonder whether Nothing would also acquire Essentials patents and we also wonder whether the company plans to eventually release a smartphone. Given Peis experience in the field, we have to say were intrigued by his plans for the future of Nothing. The involvement of the Essential brand does make it even more interesting. Does it have potential to disrupt the smartphone market? We dont know just yet. Source Via Members of the Irish Defence Forces at a Covid-19 testing facility at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last year (Niall Carson/PA) Members of the Defence Forces will provide logistical support to the operation of mandatory quarantine hotels. It is expected soldiers will be involved in transporting airline passengers from hotels to quarantine centres where they will be held for up to 14 days. They will not be involved in providing security in the hotels where people arriving from high-risk countries will be asked to stay. Read More A memo sent to cabinet said the Defence will provide additional inputs and support in order to advance the operational of mandatory quarantine. The Department of Health is overseeing the introduction of quarantine centres but Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has offered the support of Defence Forces which also comes under his portfolio. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly brought legislation to Cabinet outlining the legal framework for the mandatory hotel quarantining. However, the heads of the bill need minor changes and a second incorporeal cabinet may be necessary to sign off on the legislation. A memo on how the quarantining centres will operate also noted that passengers who test positive for Covid-19 while in quarantine will have their period in quarantine extended. The length of time for the extension will be in line with public health guidelines. Passengers will also be required to clean their own rooms while in quarantine and hotels will not provide cleaning services. Translation services will also have to be made available to passengers staying in quarantine hotels. New facilities will also be introduced in airports to ensure people arriving from high-risk countries are separate from other passengers when they arrive. The Cabinet also agreed to review the reason permitted for allowing people travel abroad for medical and dental. The Senior Official Groups will review how to address the issue. However, Government sources people travelling abroad for appointments may be asked to provide a letter from an Irish practitioner stating why they need to travel abroad. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Turkey announced the arrests of hundreds of people it said were linked to the PKK, after the outlawed Kurdish militant group was accused of killing 13 Turkish captives. Ankara also summoned the US ambassador after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed anger that the US did not immediately accept Turkeys word on Sunday that the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) had killed the captured Turkish soldiers and police in a cave in northern Iraq. The PKK said the prisoners died amid fighting and Turkish airstrikes during a military operation by Ankara against the guerrilla group. Washington initially condemned the killings, saying that if confirmed, then responsibility lay with the PKK. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, later told his Turkish counterpart that PKK terrorists were responsible. The secretary expressed condolences for the deaths and affirmed our view that PKK terrorists bear responsibility, the state department said. But this did not appease Mr Erdogan, who said: If we are together with you in Nato, if we are to continue our unity, then you will act sincerely towards us. Then, you will stand with us, not with the terrorists. The comments are likely to strain relations already under pressure after Washington sanctioned Turkey in December over its purchase of a Russian missile system. The US was also allied with Kurdish militias in the fight against Islamic State. Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Residents of Taal Island have been evacuated amid reports from seismologists of recent activity from Taal Volcano, disaster management authorities said on Tuesday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the evacuation on the island, which was supposed to be a no man's land, was a precautionary move. It denied reports the volcano spewed ash. The rescued residents were from two sitios in Talisay town, it added. "This order is a precautionary measure done in line with the recent activities of the volcano pero hindi 'nag-aalburuto' ang Taal [but an eruption is not imminent]," the NDRRMC said. The Coast Guard also said its Batangas personnel as well as police and disaster management officers were deployed using five boats to fetch residents on the island. At 8 a.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported 98 tremor episodes in Taal Volcano lasting five to 12 minutes. It also found weak emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose five meters high. Phivolcs said the volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which means sudden phreatic or steam-driven eruptions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal expulsions of gas can occur and threaten the island. "Phivolcs strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taals Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited," the agency said. It also advised local government units to check the evacuated areas for damages and road accessibilities and to prepare measures in case of renewed unrest from the volcano. Meanwhile, residents were told to observe precautions due to ground displacement, possible ashfall and minor earthquakes. Civil aviation authorities were also instructed to advise pilots against flying near the volcano. More than a year has passed since Taal Volcano caused a massive steam-driven explosion which covered nearby towns in ash. Phivolcs has since lowered the alert level due to a decline in the volcano's activity. National government's responsibility Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste said Taal Island has always been regarded as no man's land, but residents have grown used to taking shelter at the permanent danger zone over the years. "Marami o kung hindi man lahat sa kanila ay doon na pinanganak o doon na lumaki, doon na tumanda, doon na nagkaroon ng kabuhayan at hanap buhay at ang iba siguro ay doon na rin po tumanda o namatay," Leviste told CNN Philippines' News.PH. [Translation: Most if not all of them were born and raised there. They grew old and got their livelihood there. Some probably passed away on the island.] However, he maintained it is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Protected Area Management Board, that's in charge of enforcing the law and keeping residents away from Taal. He argued the local government is only tasked to provide assistance to the DENR in protecting the area. "Kami po ay supplemental lamang po sa national government pero malinaw po na ang national government ang may responsibilidad para hindi lang pangasiwaan kung hindi i-enforce ang lahat ng umiiral na batas patungkol po sa lawa at bulkang taal. Malinaw po 'yon," Leviste said. [Translation: We are only supplemental to the national government but it is clear the national government has the responsibility not only to manage but enforce all laws on Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.] Taal Volcano Island was declared a protected area under Proclamation 923 in 1996. When the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act was enacted in 2018, the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape was permanently classified as a National Park. The landscape covers 62,292.16 hectares and surrounds the Taal Volcano Island, Taal Lake, and 37 tributaries of 13 municipalities and three cities, according to the Biodiversity and Management Bureau. "It has been our great honor to support communities struggling with hunger nationwide through our donation of 100 million meals* to Feeding America, and we are happy to help out in our own backyard by loaning vehicles that enable our local food banks to serve their communities," said Thomas J. Doll, President and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc. "We hope these vehicles strengthen Food Bank of South Jersey and Philabundance as they strive to help those in our community who may face hunger during these difficult times." The vehicles will be used to aid FBSJ and Philabundance as they deliver meals to people in need in the communities that each food bank serves, including children and senior citizens facing hunger across multiple counties in South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area. Each hunger-relief organization will be granted the use of four vehicles through the month of May. "The resounding partnership of Subaru and Feeding America is a bold statement to their commitment in helping to alleviate our food insecure communities across the country. I am also humbled that Subaru is continuing their gracious support and partnership with the FBSJ serving our shared backyard within the South Jersey communities," said Fred Wasiak, President and CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey. "Feeding America estimates that 61,000 additional South Jersey residents may struggle with hunger as a result of the pandemic, and left with no choice but to seek charitable food assistance, 26,000 are projected to be children. These Subaru vehicles will strengthen our capacity to meet the increased need for food in our community." The donation stems from the automaker's continued support of Feeding America. Subaru donated 100 million meals to the organization this January, their second donation following a 50 million meal contribution in April 2020. "The pandemic has caused food insecurity to skyrocket by up to 60 percent across Greater Philadelphia, with 40 percent of folks accessing the charitable food network for the first time," explained Philabundance CEO Loree D. Jones. "Many partner agencies are trying to help our most vulnerable populations like seniors and children by offering home delivery, but don't have access to cars. Thanks to Subaru, our partners at Mitchell Elementary School's Murphy's Market and Touch New Jersey will literally be able to drive hunger from our communities." The automaker's donation is a part of the Subaru Loves to Help pillar, the community-focused pillar of the Subaru Love Promise. To learn more about Subaru Loves to Help and the community work Subaru does, visit subaru.com/help. * $1 helps to provide at least ten meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $190 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. About The Food Bank of South Jersey Marking its 36th year in 2021, the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food-insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. Providing community impact through local support, FBSJ ensures that local donations stay local. FBSJ is a member of Feeding America, our nation's largest hunger-relief organization. During 2020, with COVID-19 bringing school closures, stay-at-home orders, record-breaking unemployment and rising poverty, FBSJ distributed more than 22.5 million pounds of food the equivalent of over 18.7 million meals throughout four-county region of impact, increasing its partner agency network to over 210 and serving over 95,000 food-insecure South Jersey residents each month, including the distribution of nearly one million nutritious breakfasts and lunches food-insecure South Jersey children. To learn more, visit www.foodbanksj.org. On Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, follow the Food Bank of South Jersey @foodbankSJ. About Philabundance: Philabundance is a hunger relief organization serving Greater Philadelphia with a mission to drive hunger from our communities today and end hunger for good. From October 2019 through September 2020, it distributed more than 50 million pounds of food through a network of 350 partners including food pantries, houses of worship, community centers, hospitals and other service providers. Philabundance serves approximately 135,000 people each week a number that continues to grow due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic including children, seniors, college students, single parents and people who are working. Give now and learn more at Philabundance.org. Diane Anton Corporate Communications Manager (856) 488-5093 [email protected] Nicholas Saraceni Corporate Communications Specialist (856) 488-3330 [email protected] SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc. Related Links http://www.subaru.com Bhopal: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will take part in a 'griha pravesh' (house-warming) ceremony virtually for the beneficiaries of one lakh houses constructed in Madhya Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The 'griha pravesh' event is scheduled to start at 11 AM in Minto Hall, an official said. "Shah will participate via video conference and along with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. They will interact with beneficiaries," he said. In September last year, two lakh houses under PMAY were dedicated at an event which was attended virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the second major 'Griha Pravesh' event in Madhya Pradesh for the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gifted new houses to nearly 2 lakh beneficiaries of the state on September 12, 2020. All the houses under the PM-JAY scheme were constructed during the coronavirus pandemic across Madhya Pradesh. Over 3 lakh houses were constructed in Madhya Pradesh while overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set a target to provide housing to all the homeless families of the country by the year 2022. In order to achieve the target of Housing for all 2022, about 18 lakh rural families have been provided houses under this ambitious scheme in Madhya Pradesh. Those who benefited included families who did not have a home or were living in dilapidated houses. If the houses constructed under various schemes earlier are included, then Madhya Pradesh will be among the leading states in housing construction in the country. Live TV Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister-designate for Communications and Digitalisation, has refuted assertions that she is 'temperamental and arrogant' as a public official. Answering questions from members of the Parliament's Appointments Committee when she appeared before it on Monday, for vetting, said she was only being fair and firm in the course of her work, which has been interpreted as being arrogant. A member of the Committee, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and MP for North Tongu sought to question the Minister-designate about her conduct and using inappropriate language in line with official correspondence as a minister of state during the first term of the Akufo-Addo-led Administration. Mr Ablakwa cited some three letters addressed to the Secretary of the Bank of Ghana, a Managing Director of a mobile money operator and Member of Parliament for Ajumako and ranking member on Finance Committee, Cassiel Ato Forson, in which the tone of her language was temperamental and asked how she intends to address it. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, in her response, said she merely used idiomatic expressions, especially in the case of a letter to Mr Ato Forson when she said that she would not go to the brothel for advice. According to her, the words were taken out of context to suggest that she was insulting the ranking member. The Minister-designate indicated that she would remain fair and firm in the disposition of her duties. Mr Chairman, that was an idiomatic expression that simply means, I know where to go for which particular information and I will not go to the inappropriate source to get it and so as my letter indicated, the honourable ranking member on the finance committee was seeking to tell me that I had no authority to do what I had to do and I told him in no uncertain terms that I disagreed with his assertion, and I will continue to do my work to the best of my ability. Maybe, it is the use of the word brothel because I heard a lot of this in public commentary and I have responded to it, I am not operating any public brothel, I do not think that he operates on the level of brothels, and thats not the meaning of the idiom. And so words have meanings, if we put the right meanings to them, we will not hop into the mistaken belief that maybe something untoward is being said but as I said, I am fair but I am firm in the work that I do, the Minister-designate explained. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful further explained that her stance of being firm where necessary may not change, though she took the necessary steps to ensure more restrained language moving forward. If people find an exception to it, I cannot promise that I will act differently but I will be more measured in my response moving forward, I cannot promise but I will try, she added. "I will endeavour to use public service language moving forward," she stated. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful stated that 51 commercial radio stations and five community radio stations were shut down last year for operating when their authorisation licences had expired. At the end of 2020, she said, 624 radio stations had been registered, 452 were in operation and 23 were yet to start operation. She insisted that she was not targeting any radio station for closure because of its leanings towards a particular political party, but only implementing a ruling by a court of tribunal. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Victor Fitz, a prosecutor and Republican official in Cass County who supported efforts to censure Mr. Upton, said the current divide between the partys base and its establishment wing was the biggest he had ever seen. Theres deep disappointment with Mr. Upton, Mr. Fitz said. And to be frank and honest with you, I think that there are some who believe, you know, he crossed the Rubicon with this vote. With loyalty to Mr. Trump as the all-encompassing point of dispute, Republicans are struggling with the idea of the proverbial big tent, and politicians like Mr. Upton and Mr. Meijer are at the forefront of the conflict. In the months since Election Day, as the president attacked the democratic process and a mob descended on the seat of American government in his name, the dangers of walking in his political shadow have rarely been more clear. However, whats also clear is that his party shows little desire to break with him or his grievances. The outcome of this tug of war will decide the direction of a party that is shut out of control in Congress and the White House, and must focus on making electoral gains in the 2022 midterm elections. The G.O.P. tent has made room for conspiracy theories like birtherism and QAnon, as well as for extremist elected officials like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Is there room for anti-Trumpers? The Michigan Republican Party is more Trumpy today than it was before the election, said Jeff Timmer, a former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party. The former presidents electoral coalition failed, he said, but its adherents are so vehement in their beliefs that the party cannot acknowledge or learn from its mistakes. Thats why Trumpism will continue long after Trump. People who werent around four years ago, he said, people we had never heard of, they now control the levers of the party. He added: When you make a deal with the devil, the story usually ends with the devil collecting your soul. You dont get it back and have a happy ending. GOVERNMENT should identify clear criteria to determine when Irish tourism can reopen in the context of the revised Living with Covid Plan, according to the first report by Ireland's Tourism Recovery Oversight Group. With tourism in survival mode, businesses and jobs in tourism should also be kept in existence until conditions allow for sustainable recovery, the State tourism group added. It said the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) should be maintained in its current form for all businesses until the end of June, and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) until the end of 2021. Other recommended measures include extending the sector's 9pc VAT rate to 2025, and the Local Authority Rates Waiver until the end of 2021 for tourism and hospitality businesses. The Recovery Oversight Group was appointed by Tourism Minister Catherine Martin last December to oversee the implementation of Ireland's Tourism Recovery Plan and monitor the sectors recovery from the Covid pandemic. Read More In its report, it noted that Government support measures have been hugely beneficial in helping business to survive and retaining jobs in the sector, but said its recommendations needed urgent focus. Additional steps required include accelerating progress on implementing the Governments Action Plan for Insurance Reform, and extending and revising the Stay and Spend initiative to make it more consumer-friendly. We believe that the existential risks to many parts of our sector have only increased since the Recovery Plan was drawn up, said the Group's Chair, Noirin Hegarty, of Lonely Planet. Whilst it is inevitable, unfortunately, that some businesses may not come through the pandemic, a significant level of business failure will have far-reaching consequences for the recovery and the economic and social sustainability of many areas with few alternative options for employment, she added. Minister Martin welcomed the report, and said she would carefully consider the points and bring them to the next meeting of Ireland's Hospitality and Tourism forum. While the pace of recovery is uncertain, I am sure that with appropriate supports tourism can return to providing sustainable employment and generating revenue for the economy, she added. Opinion contributor Anthony Langdon writes: "The president effectively extended the prior May 1 deadline for troop removal set by former President Donald Trump, though Bidens plan, unlike Trumps, calls for a full removal of all personnel. For now, we have September 11, 2021 to look forward to, but I'll believe it when I see it." Credit: CC0 Public Domain Regular gentle exercise could play a role in reversing liver damage that can lead to cancer, suggests a new study. Scientists at Newcastle University showed that aerobic exercise in mice reduced the levels of inflammation in the liver that develops with ageing, which reversed liver damage and prevented tumours from developing, with only one mouse in the exercise group developing a liver tumour. The research, published in The Journal of Inflammation, was funded by Cancer Research UK. Further research could help determine if a regular, gentle routine of exercise may also help reduce the risk of liver cancer in people. Cancer development As we age, our body begins to lose its control over the immune system, which can result in abnormally high levels of inflammation that generally only happens when our body is healing or needs to fight an infection. And when these high levels linger over a long period of time, it can cause tissue damage, which can lead to the development of cancer. Previous work by the Newcastle University scientists had revealed that mice with long-term, or chronic, inflammation showed signs of accelerated aging. This included thinner skin and less dexterity compared to age-matched mice. Long-term inflammation also caused shortening of telomeresprotective structures located at the ends of chromosomeswhich are associated with increased risk of cancer, with the liver being particularly susceptible to these changes. Liver cancer incidence rates have increased by three fifths in the UK in the last decade, with 17 new cases every day, and incidence rates are projected to continue increasing. Understanding how to best to prevent some of those cases could have a huge impact for people at risk of the disease. Professor Derek Mann, from the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer and co-lead author of the study, said: "When you're young, the brakes on your immune system are excellent at preventing it running away, but those brake pads get worn away as you age. "We wanted to see if exercise in mice, crucially a gentle routine that may mirror exercise achievable for frailer people, could help throw that immune decline into reverse, and could help reduce the risk of liver tumours developing." Using older mice who had chronic inflammation, the researchers grouped them into an exercise group (16 mice) and sedentary group (13 mice). Both were monitored in the same way (weighed at the same time and body condition checked), but the exercise group were placed on treadmills for 30 minutes, three times a week. The scientists showed gentle exercise reduced the levels of inflammation in the liver and improved the metabolism of older mice compared to their sedentary counterparts, even in animals that had advanced liver disease. Exercise benefits In addition to reduced risk of liver tumours, the study found additional benefits for mice who were exercised, with less fat in the liver and fewer damaged telomeres. The researchers also found that the exercised mice were still physically active as they aged, which is an indicator of general wellbeing, while the physical activity of mice who weren't exercised noticeably decreased. The authors concluded that regular but modest aerobic exercise prevented the decline of general health and promoted wellbeing in these animals, in addition to protecting them against tumours developing in the liver. Dr. Caroline Wilkinson, co-lead author from Newcastle University, added: "It was remarkable to see just one of these older mice develop a liver tumour in our exercise group compared with five in the sedentary group, showing it's really never too late to start exercise." Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: "This early research in mice adds to the evidence looking at the role of physical activity and the risk of cancer. "We look forward to seeing if further studies show if a gentle to moderate exercise plan could help reduce the risk of liver cancer in people, especially for older and frailer people who may struggle with more strenuous exercise." Explore further New study indicates exercise can help prevent liver cancer More information: Arianna Bianchi et al. Moderate Exercise Inhibits Age-Related Inflammation, Liver Steatosis, Senescence, and Tumorigenesis, The Journal of Immunology (2021). Journal information: Journal of Immunology Arianna Bianchi et al. Moderate Exercise Inhibits Age-Related Inflammation, Liver Steatosis, Senescence, and Tumorigenesis,(2021). DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2001022 This is the first of a two-part series. Part two can be read here. At the end of January, General Motors CEO Mary Barra announced that the company aims to transition to selling only zero-emission cars, SUVs and light trucks by 2035, phasing out passenger vehicles with gasoline- and diesel-powered engines. The company also said it had set 2040 as the target when all its US factories and facilities will be carbon neutral. GM electric cars charging at EVgo stations (GM Media) GM had previously announced that it is investing $27 billion in electric vehicles (EVs) and self-driving vehicles over the next five years, up from $20 billion before the COVID-19 pandemic began. It is planning to offer 30 different EV models by 2025. The company is already close to finishing the development of Factory Zero, formerly the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, which is due to come online later this year. Once reopened, it will produce electric versions of the Hummer SUV and eventually the Cruise Origin self-driving vehicle. While GM left itself ample wiggle room in its timeline to move to all-electriccalling the plan an aspirationthe announcement nonetheless reflects tectonic shifts in the global auto industry and world economy. Throughout the 20th and into the 21st centuries, internal combustion engines have been deeply integrated into the vast and increasingly globalized systems of auto production, while also shaping transportation, economic activity and daily life for billions of people. However, complex objective factorsparticularly technological developments, including cheaper lithium-ion battery production methodsare accelerating the shift towards electric vehicles, in turn spurring a bitter struggle among the major automakers to dominate the technologies, supply chains and markets related to them. Electric vehicles still make up a relatively small share of global sales. Around 3.2 million plug-in vehicles were sold in 2020, according to EV-Volumes, an industry consulting firm based in Sweden. However, that number is expected to grow dramatically, with a 70 percent increase projected for 2021 alone. Around 150 new battery electric and plug-in hybrid models are slated to come on the market this year, and total electric and hybrid vehicles worldwide could top 140 million by 2030, the International Energy Agency has stated. Europe and China both saw substantial growth in EV sales last year, despite overall slumps in their auto markets due to the coronavirus. New plug-in EV sales in Europe grew 137 percent year over year in 2020, EV-Volumes reported, accounting for 10.2 percent of total sales, up from just 3.3 percent in 2019. In China, sales of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs)which include hybrid gas-electric, plug-in battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell, among othersgrew at a relatively slower, though still substantial, 12 percent in 2020. Sales of NEVs in January 2021 were up 239 percent from the same time last year. China now has the largest auto market in the worldbigger than the US and Japan combinedand has aggressively promoted electric vehicles through state subsidies and other measures, in an effort to both position itself as the frontrunner in the sector and, more recently, to offset the negative impact of COVID-19 on its economy. In the US, new electric vehicle sales grew at an anemic 4 percent in 2020, according to EV-Volumes, with EV upstart Tesla accounting for nearly 80 percent of the total. In recent years, established US automakers such as GM and Ford have been increasingly falling behind in the EV race. Investors have exerted mounting pressure on the Detroit Big Three to cut costs and free up capital to make the significant technological, research and development investments required to produce electric vehicles at large scale. The strategists for US imperialism have also looked with growing alarm at the swift growth of its foreign rivals, particularly China in the EV sector, with calls for a shift in approach away from that of the Trump administration, whose policies favored the prolongation of gas-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles under the Trump and Biden administrations Just days before the GMs announcement, President Joe Biden announced plans to have the fleet of federal government vehicles transitioned to electric units built in the US. His announcement was made in the course of signing a Buy American executive order, which continues the reactionary economic nationalism and protectionism of the Trump administration, while at the same time seeking to shore up support for the discredited, pro-corporate trade unions. The White House quickly praised GMs announced intentions to shift to electric vehicles, with a spokesperson stating, We applaud efforts by the private sector to further embrace renewable and clean energy technologies. The president and many others have said, efforts like this will help grow our economy and create good-paying union jobs. GMs CEO Barra has been in regular communication with the Biden administration, joining a virtual meeting with the president-elect, corporate and union officials in November shortly after the election. The company is no doubt lobbying behind the scenes for only modest increases to emissions standards and regulations of the industry, following its aggressive rollback under the Trump administration, perhaps in return offering to help burnish the Biden administrations image of taking action on climate change in its early days. However, successive Democratic and Republican administrations, each beholden to US imperialism and capitalist profit interests, have proven incapable of enacting the scientifically guided and internationally coordinated changes in production and economic activity necessary to prevent a further disastrous warming of the planet. Under rules enacted by the Obama administration, fuel economy standards were supposed to reach 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, itself an inadequate benchmark to sufficiently rein in greenhouse gas emissions. But with less fuel-efficient vehicles such as SUVs and pick-up trucks constituting a growing share of automakers profits in the latter half of the last decade, many of the major auto companies seized upon the opportunity provided by the new Trump administration in 2017 to press for considerably slackened emissions standards. President Donald Trump gestures towards GM CEO Mary Barra, right, before the start of a meeting with auto executives, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Not long after his 2016 electoral victory, GM CEO Barra met with Trump and agreed to serve on a White House economic policy panel, along with other corporate executives. She personally pushed to have the Obama-era emissions rules diminished, and they subsequently were in 2018, as part of a broad effort by Trump and congressional Republicans to gut environmental and other corporate regulations. In September 2019, the Trump administration then moved to revoke Californias authority to set stricter emissions standards than those at the federal level, after automakers objected that the lack of uniformity in US regulations would lead to increased production costs. GM, along with then-Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis), Toyota and others joined a lawsuit supporting the Trump administration in its legal battle against the state. After the election of Biden last November, however, GM dropped out of the lawsuit, followed by Stellantis and Toyota just this month. Barra stated at the time, We believe the ambitious electrification goals of the President-elect, California, and General Motors are aligned to address climate change by drastically reducing automobile emissions. Despite GMs apparent about-face, the outcome is that the Biden administration is now floating 2026 emissions standards of about 51 miles per gallon, looser than the rules enacted under the Obama administration. Nevertheless, the Biden administration, along with Democratic Party-aligned media such as the New York Times, has signaled that it views the development of a domestic supply chain for EVs as a matter of national security, i.e., the interests of US imperialism. The New York Times followed GMs announcement of its shift to EVs with an article with the worried headline, G.M.s Electric Car Push Could Put China in the Drivers Seat, expressing concerns over Chinas current lead in battery production and the rare earth metals, such as lithium and cobalt, that they require. China currently accounts for roughly 80 percent of US rare earth imports. In her confirmation hearing last week, Bidens nominee for Energy Secretary, former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, reiterated the administrations economic nationalist stance, telling Congress, We can buy electric car batteries from Asia, or we can make them in America. To be continued The widow of Larry King, Shawn King, said that she was blindsided by the revelation this week that he had a secret will that didn't name her. She says she's planning to contest it in court forcefully. Larry King cut out his estranged wife of any inheritance She also thinks Larry was forced to draw it up by someone, she adds. On Thursday, press reports appeared that in 2019, the iconic journalist, who died last month, wrote a handwritten amendment to his will, leaving his five children with his $2 million assets. His estranged wife was noticeably omitted. According to Page Six, Shawn said she and Larry had a "very watertight family estate plan" and that they wrote a plan as a couple in 2015. "It still exists, and it is the legitimate will. Period. And I fully believe it will hold up, and my attorneys are going to be filing a response, probably by the end of the day," she added. The legal situation around the death of Larry was already complicated. In August 2019, two months before the revised will was written, he had applied for divorce from his seventh partner, Shawn, but he passed away before the separation was settled in court. The amended will also name five of King's children, Andy, Chaia, Larry Jr., Shawn, Cannon, and Chance's children, but both Andy and Chaia died in 2020. Before his passing, Larry told Page Six that he had become close friends with Shawn again after he filed for divorce. Meanwhile, Shawn shared to Page Six that they talked regularly. However, she claims Larry never told her about the amended will. Read also: Estranged Sister Sues Mariah Carey for 'Emotional Distress' Memoir Causes Larry King's widow thinks he was forced to omit her from his secret will On October 17, 2019, King allegedly added the statement to notify his five children in the event of his death for an even-split of his $2 million estates. It would be written two months after his seventh wife, Shawn, filed for divorce, saying that she would now go to court to fight for her part, although she believes that Larry may have been forced into the change, as per Daily Mail. It was made even more challenging because, at the time of his death last month, the host's divorce from Shawn was not yet finished. The couple, longest of all of King's eight marriages and had been together for 22 years, applied for divorce in August 2019, although it had not yet been settled in court. Read also: Jo Joo-bin of 'Doctor Bang' Sentenced to a Total of 45 Years in Prison If Shawn succeeds in winning a portion of the wealth, just $300,000 will likely be net. The $2 million will be divided between her, King's three surviving children, and Andy and Chaia's descendants. Since fighting COVID-19, King died of sepsis on January 23 at 87 in Los Angeles. Earlier, Shawn said he was 'ready to go' when he fought off an infection after beating the coronavirus in the hospital. King is believed to have contracted coronavirus from a health care worker visiting his house; a source told NBC. One of his sons, who was not identified, tested positive as well, they said. Larry King's age and poor health set him at high risk. In the past, he has undergone several health complications, including a cardiac attack, breast and lung cancer, a stroke, and t diabetes type two. His cause of death was reported on Saturday as sepsis, potentially caused by a bacterial infection. According to his death certificate obtained by People, Larry King's death was not explicitly linked to his hospitalization for COVID-19 in December. Shawn said that King's last words to her came from a hospital video call: 'I love you, take care of the boys.' Read also: Larry King's Wife Reveals His True Cause of Death @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. She gave birth to her second daughter, Serena, in September. And Tamara Ecclestone has appealed to her followers for help in finding somewhere she can donate her unused pumped breastmilk in Switzerland. Taking to her Instagram stories on Monday, the Formula One heiress, 36, revealed that she previously donated her spare milk when nursing Serena's older sister Sophia, now six. Reaching out: Tamara Ecclestone has appealed to her followers for help in finding somewhere she can donate her unused pumped breastmilk in Switzerland Tamara added that despite easily doing so while in the UK, she's unsure about where to donate her milk in Switzerland. Writing on her stories, she said: 'Does anyone know of any milk sharing websites in Switzerland? I need to donate milk that I pumped and haven't used. 'I did this in the UK with Fifi but not sure how to go about doing this in Switzerland. I really don't want to throw out the milk so any suggestions would be appreciated. xxx.' According to the United Kingdom Association for Milk Banking (UKAMB), donating milk 'is one of the most precious gifts that you can offer. Doting mum: Taking to her Instagram stories on Monday, the Formula One heiress, 36, revealed that she previously donated her spare milk when nursing Serena's older sister Sophia, now six (pictured feeding Serena) 'Donated breastmilk helps to save the lives of premature and sick babies whose mothers are unable, for many reasons, to provide them with sufficient breastmilk of their own.' Tamara is an advocate of breastfeeding and recently shared a snap of herself nursing her four-month-old daughter Serena, whom she shares with husband Jay Rutland, 39. While she has previously shared pictures on social media of herself breastfeeding elder child Sophia, while fending off online criticism for continuing to do so beyond her fourth birthday. Despite the division, the mother-of two previously told HELLO! that breastfeeding helped her 'reconnect' with Sophia and settled her down at the end of the day. Appeal: Tamara added that despite easily doing so while in the UK, she's unsure about where to donate her milk in Switzerland Candid: Tamara is an advocate of breastfeeding and recently shared a snap of herself nursing her four-month-old daughter Serena, whom she shares with husband Jay Rutland Feeding: While she has previously shared pictures on social media of herself breastfeeding elder child Sophia, while fending off online criticism for continuing to do so beyond her fourth birthday (pictured with Sophia in 2018) Tamara told the publication in 2018: 'It's only at bedtime. It's her bedtime routine. We do bath time, then we read four stories every night, then she has the boob. 'She falls asleep. That's her way, she doesn't have a dummy or a bottle to comfort her.' Tamara and her family have spent several weeks in Dubai on an extended holiday, but it's not clear on whether she's returned to Switzerland already or when she plans to go. The family jetted to Dubai for the festive season and have remained there since, and Jay told MailOnline that they have no plans to come back yet. With family safety a primary concern, Jay spoke of how their west London home was the site of a multi-million pound jewel heist in December 2019. Travels: Tamara and her family have spent several weeks in Dubai on an extended holiday, but it's not clear on whether she's returned to Switzerland already or when she plans to go No plans: The family jetted to Dubai for the festive season and have remained there since, and Jay told MailOnline that they have no plans to come back yet 'There are a host of reasons why we are not going back to London any time soon and security is one of them,' he revealed. 'The truth is we are playing it month by month and watching how the situation develops,' he said. Meanwhile, Jay recently made sure it was a Valentine's day to remember as he showered his wife and their two daughters with affection on Sunday. Tamara and her girls posed in matching love heart pajamas next to a garland of heart-shaped balloons for an adorable snap. Day of love: Meanwhile, Jay recently made sure it was a Valentine's day to remember as he showered his wife and their two daughters with affection on Sunday The mother-of-two posed in white short pajamas with red love hearts as she captioned the picture: 'Best Valentines ever'. The Valentine theme continued throughout the day as other pictures show Sophia and her baby sister lying on the couch and one of Serena sleeping next to a love-heart teddy bear. Tamara and her doting husband shared Valentine's posts to each other on most romantic day of the year. Romantic: Tamara and her doting husband shared Valentine's posts to each other with the socialite posting a black-and-white photo, writing: 'My forever Valentine' The socialite kept it simple as she posted a black-and-white photo from their recent holiday, writing: 'My forever Valentine'. Property developer Jay, 39, paid tribute to his two daughters on his Instagram as well as his 'baby mama'. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: 'Happy V day to the baby mama @tamaraecclestoneofficial. Supermum and Superwife and also puts up with me.' Ghanaian actor Prince David Osei has disclosed that he doesnt believe in Valentines Day. Valentines Day or St Valentines Day is celebrated every year on 14th February and it is a day when people show their affection for another person or people by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love. Prince David Osei, however, does not believe in Valentine and claims that it is evil and demonic. He further stated that the rationale behind Valentines day is not right and he wouldnt be part of it. I dont believe in Valentine neither am I a fan of Valentine. I dont think its right for anybody to set a day aside for me to show love to my loved ones or show affection to the people I care about. Im not a fan of it besides the rationale behind Valentine is not a good one. Its evil, its demonic. So st. Valentines day or whatever I am not part of it Prince David Osei said in a video. : Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The mayor of Fair Lawn is looking for a new favorite cookie to dunk in milk. During a Facebook Live session last week, one listener told Mayor Kurt Peluso they thought the town should boycott Nabisco, the maker of Oreos, after its parent company, Mondelez International, announced it would be shutting down its 63-year-old Nabisco plant in Fair Lawn and laying off hundreds of workers. Im with you, Peluso responded. Im not going to be eating any Oreos or anything from Nabisco anytime soon. I think the way in which they handled this was extremely inappropriate and just absolutely disgusting. The plant, a landmark in the borough since 1958, produces baked goods under the Nabisco brand, including staples such as Oreo, Lorna Doone and Teddy Grahams, with the sweet aroma a familiar scent for residents. Its doors will shut in late August or early September, and as many as 600 people could lose their jobs as a result, Peluso said earlier this month. Peluso said he may switch to chocolate chip cookies and encouraged residents to try out Oreo alternatives, such as the kosher Hydrox cookies manufactured by California-based Leaf Brands. I forgot the name, but theres a company that was before Oreos that made a similar cookie, he said. They werent as commercially successful, but theyre still around, so anyone who is addicted to the Oreo cookies, we found a perfect replacement and well definitely share that information with you. Mondelez International confirmed the plant closure in a statement, saying its aging infrastructure and outdated production capabilities played a part in the decision. An 80-year-old Nabisco factory in Atlanta will also be shuttered this summer. Both Fair Lawn and Atlanta are no longer strategic assets from a geographic footprint perspective and both face significant operational challenges, including aging infrastructure and outdated production capabilities, which would have required significant investment to bring them to the modernized state required for the future, Mondelez International said in a statement. We understand the impact this will have on our colleagues at these bakeries, many of whom have been with our company for many years, and we will dedicate ourselves to working with the unions and our employees to ensure that they will be cared for and supported through this transition. Salaried employees will receive severance and other benefits, while unions who represent hourly employees will negotiate a settlement with the company. Since the closure announcement, Peluso said, five manufacturing companies have alerted the town that they are looking to hire Mondelez International employees who were laid off. Peluso said the borough is directing the companies to Mondelez Internationals human resources department and union representatives so hiring information can be shared with workers. Those companies include Eastern Tea Corp., Star Kay White Inc., Marcal Paper and Northern Palegic Group, according to NorthJersey.com. The plant has been in danger of closing in the past. A few years ago, Peluso said, Mondelez was deciding between closing facilities in Philadelphia, Richmond or Fair Lawn, but ultimately chose to shutter the Philadelphia plant. Now, Peluso says he is disheartened to see Mondelez leave and vowed to help employees who were given pink slips. Were going to keep working on this and continue to reach out to businesses and companies, just give the employees of Mondelez as much help as they could possibly need right now, Peluso said. Were so disheartened to see Mondelez leave, especially in these circumstances when productivity is up, profits are up and these employees have been working day in and day out to keep production up, and this is the reward they get. Well do what we can to support them as we go forward. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AvalonZoppo. Advertisement Astrophysicists have re-imaged our planet as a map that 'you can hold in your hand.' A team from Princeton University shared a new world map that is less distorted due it being two-sided and round, similar to a phonograph record. The map can display the Eastern and Western Hemispheres on the sides or the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, which allows the equator to run around the edge. The double-disk map minimizes all six types of map distortions, shows Antarctica and Australia more accurately than other maps, along with the distance across oceans and poles - it is also easier to measure. J. Richard Gott, an emeritus professor of astrophysics at Princeton, said: 'Our map is actually more like the globe than other flat map.' 'To see all of the globe, you have to rotate it; to see all of our new map, you simply have to flip it over.' Scroll down for video The map can display the Eastern and Western Hemispheres on the sides or the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, which allows the equator to run around the edge. The double-disk map minimizes all six types of map distortions, shows Antarctica and Australia more accurately than other maps, along with the distance across oceans and poles - it is also easier to measure Mapmakers have long worked at creating the perfect map, which entails the least amount of distortion. Although the locations of each country may be correct, the sizing is typically off. Most maps show North America being larger than Africa, Alaska bigger than Mexico and China appears to be smaller than Greenland. The distortion is the result of the Mercator projection, the map most commonly seen hanging in classrooms and in text books, which was created in 1596 to help sailors navigate the world. Most maps show North America being larger than Africa, Alaska bigger than Mexico and China appears to be smaller than Greenland. The distortion is the result of the Mercator projection (pictured), the map most commonly seen hanging in classrooms and in text books, which was created in 1596 to help sailors navigate the world Researchers created a way to score current maps. The system looked at six ways flap maps can be distorted: local shapes, areas, distances, flexion (bending), skewness (lopsidedness) and boundary cuts (continuity gaps). The investigation found that the Winkel Triple (pictured) had the least distortion The Mercator project, which is the basis for Google maps, does show local shapes accurately, but distorts areas near the poles. What is wrong with the Mercator map? Africa is around 14 times larger than Greenland and yet on the map both are almost the same size. Brazil is more than five times larger than Alaska, yet Alaska is larger than Brazil on the map. The map suggests that Scandinavian countries are larger than India, whereas in reality India is three times the size of all Scandinavian countries put together. While it looks like Europe is larger than North America on this map, in reality the reverse is true. Russia also isn't as large as it is depicted, with Africa larger than Russia in reality. Advertisement 'One can't make everything perfect,' said Gott, who is also a 1973 graduate alumnus of Princeton. 'A map that is good at one thing may not be good at depicting other things. Gott, along with two other map experts, set out to create a radical, but more correct way of seeing our world. And the trio spent years working on the design. In 2007, Gott and David Goldberg, a professor of physics at Drexel University, created a way to score current maps. The system looked at six ways flap maps can be distorted: local shapes, areas, distances, flexion (bending), skewness (lopsidedness) and boundary cuts (continuity gaps). And the lower the score, the better of a map. Following the investigation, the pair found that the Winkel Triple map was the best it had a score of 4.563. However, the map still had a 'boundary cut' problem that split the Pacific Ocean in a way that made it seem like there is a larger distance between Hawaii and Asia. The team pulled the best uses from the Winkel Triple and then added Gott's work on polyhedra, which is a three-dimensional shape with flat faces. Although polyhedral maps have been around since the 1940s, researchers added a twist to it they enveloped the shapes. This uses 'regular shares glued together back-to-back, which led to the breakthrough idea for the double-sided map,' the team shared in a statement. And this is when the two-sided, round map was born. It can display two hemispheres on the sides, allowing the user to simply flip it over to view a different part of the globe. The team pulled the best uses from the Winkel Triple and then added Gott's work on polyhedra, which is a three-dimensional shape with flat faces. Although polyhedral maps have been around since the 1940s, researchers added a twist to it they enveloped the shapes. This uses 'regular shares glued together back-to-back, which led to the breakthrough idea for the double-sided map' Researchers also note that there are now boundary cuts and to measure dissonances, you simply use a string or measuring tape from one side to the other. 'If you're an ant, you can crawl from one side of this 'phonograph record' to the other,' Gott said. 'We have continuity over the equator. African and South America are draped over the edge, like a sheet over a clothesline, but they're continuous.' The team is excited that their map can be 'printed front-and-back on a single magazine page, ready for the reader to cut out.' They also see the design being printed on cardboard or plastic and stacked together like records in a box or slipped into textbooks. 'A thin box could hold flat, double-sided maps of all the major planets and moons in the solar system,' Gott said, 'or a stack of Earth maps giving physical data, political boundaries, population density, climate, languages, explorers' voyages, empires at different historical periods or continents at different geological epochs.' ~ UST features in the Top 10 Employers list in United Kingdom (UK)~ ~Top Employers Institute Certification For Three Consecutive Years Highlights UST's People-First Practices & Culture~ LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has been certified as a Top Employer in the US, United Kingdom, Malaysia, India, Mexico, Spain, Singapore, and the Philippines for 2021 by the Top Employers Institute (TEI), the global authority on recognizing excellence in people practices in the workplace. The Top Employers Institute assesses HR best practices worldwide. It recognizes the world's leading employers to provide employees with the best working conditions and opportunities for personal and professional development. The program has certified and recognized more than 1,600 Top Employers in 120 countries across five continents since its establishment 30 years ago. Since first embarking on the annual certification program in 2018, UST has continued to improve year-on-year across all measured criteria, including employee offerings around Talent Strategy, Leadership Development, Workforce Planning, Career & Succession Management, On-Boarding, Compensation & Benefits, Learning & Development, Culture, and Performance Management amongst others. Speaking on this, Manu Gopinath, Chief Operating Officer, UST said, "Our talent and people practices have been critical drivers for organizational growth. The goal has always been to orchestrate a talent ecosystem that is responsive, accommodative, and agile. With the onset of the pandemic last year and most of our global workforce operating remotely, their productivity and engagement, well-being, and trust were integral to ensuring customer deliverables with minimal distractions. It was a business imperative to assess, revalidate, and transform our people processes." "Participating in the Top Employers Institute Certification program has always been a fantastic learning opportunity. I am delighted that UST is recognized as a "Top Employer" for the third time in a row, and I thank the Top Employers Institute and all our associates for this remarkable recognition," Gopinath added. In addition to the Top Employers certification, UST was also recognized by Great Place to Work, the world's foremost authority on workplace culture, in India, UK, and the US. The company was also honored with a Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award, for being one of the Top 100 Best Places to Work in 2020. "With a human-centered approach and the power of technology, UST champions curiosity and lifelong learning," added Kavita Kurup, Global Head - Talent and Organizational Transformation, UST, "The Top Employers certification emphasizes our dedication to our people, who continue to break ground and show that with every new challenge, there is an opportunity to excel, an opportunity to create boundless impact and transform lives." About Top Employers Institute Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognizing excellence in People Practices. We help accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Institute Certification Program, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognized as an employer of choice. Established 30 years ago, Top Employers Institute has certified over 1,600 organizations in 120 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 7 million employees globally. About UST For more than 20 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizations-delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries and around the world. Together, with over 26,000 employees in 25 countries, we build for boundless impact-touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at ust.com. Media Contacts, UST: Tinu Cherian Abraham +1 (949) 415-9857 Neha Misri +91-9972631264 media.relations@ust.com Media Contacts, US: Suzanne Dawson, S&C PR +1-646.941.9140 sdawson@scprgroup.com Cecile Fradkin, S&C PR +1-646.941.9139 cfradkin@scprgroup.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422658/UST_Logo.jpg Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Paris, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Feb, 2021 ) :The French parliament on Tuesday votes on a bill to battle Islamist extremism, which the state argues is needed to bolster the secular system but critics say breaches religious freedom. With an eye on 2022 elections, President Emmanuel Macron has championed the bill which seeks to tighten rules on issues ranging from religious teaching, online hate to polygamy. It has been debated in a highly charged atmosphere in France after three attacks late last year by extremists including the beheading in October of teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown his pupils caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). The law is dubbed the anti-separatism bill as ministers fear Islamists are creating communities that reject France's secular identity and laws, as well as its values such as equality between the sexes. France, home to Europe's largest Muslim community, is still shaken by the succession of massacres committed by Islamist militants from January 2015 that left hundreds dead. The National Assembly lower house is expected to vote on the legislation in the afternoon after a total of 135 hours of debates that saw some 313 amendments adopted. Macron's ruling party has a large working majority, meaning the legislation is expected to pass, but the upper house Senate will also examine the draft legislation in the coming months and could amend it. - 'Hostile ideology' - Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the final debate on Saturday that the bill "provides concrete responses to... the development of radical Islam, an ideology hostile to the principles and values on which the Republic is founded." Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet that could be used to harm a public-sector worker. Paty was the subject of an online hate campaign started by a parent of a child at his school who objected to him showing the prophet cartoons. Under the legislation, doctors will also be fined or jailed if they perform a virginity test on girls, while it also extends sanctions on polygamy. The state will also have far greater powers to close down places of worship that are found to air "theories or ideas" that "provoke hate or violence towards a person or people." One of the most contentious articles concerns home schooling, with the rules considerably sharpened to require official authorisation on grounds of health or handicap for children to learn at home. But for the right-wing opposition The Republicans (LR) the bill does not go far enough, notably by not restricting the wearing of the Islamic veil in spaces like universities. "It's a small law on a big subject," said LR MP Julien Ravier. The right, which has the majority in the Senate, may try to toughen it further when it enters the upper house. Nearly 200 people demonstrated in Paris on Sunday against the bill accusing it of "reinforcing discrimination against Muslims". A US envoy on religious freedom last year criticised the bill as "heavy-handed" and it has sparked unusually critical coverage in English-language media, even prompting Macron to write personally to the Financial Times to defend it. Analysts have said Macron, who came to power in 2017 as a centrist reformer, has noticeably tacked to the right over the last months as he scents that his 2022 presidential re-election battle will come down to a run-off duel with far right National Rally (RN) leader Marine Le Pen. Darmanin visibly shocked Le Pen herself and surprised even his own party colleagues by accusing Le Pen of "softness" on islam during a debate on Thursday night. Le Pen, who has proposed banning the veil in all public places in France, said at the debate she was "disappointed" by the scope of the bill. bur-jg-sjw/adp/ach Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 22:24:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Oct. 25, 2019 shows the arrival ceremony of the first freight train of the China Railway Express (Yiwu-Liege) Alibaba eWTP Cainiao from eastern China's Yiwu in Liege, Belgium. (Xinhua/Pan Geping) While China's total goods imports and exports expanded 1.9 percent year on year to 32.16 trillion yuan (about 5 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2020, hitting a record high, the surge in trade with the EU was more than double the average growth rate. BRUSSELS, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- China became the main trade partner of the European Union (EU) in 2020, with exports and imports both increasing despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Eurostat said on Monday. According to the EU's statistical service, the bloc's imports from China throughout the year 2020 grew by 5.6 percent year-on-year to 383.5 billion euros (465 billion U.S. dollars), and exports grew by 2.2 percent to 202.5 billion euros. At the same time, the trade in goods with the United States, which had topped the EU's trade partners list until early 2020, saw substantial decline in both ways. The EU also witnessed higher trade volume with the rest of the world in December 2020, up by 6.6 billion euros from the same month in 2019, a first year-on-year increase since it was hit by the pandemic. Aerial photo taken on Sept. 6, 2019 shows a cargo ship of COSCO Shipping Lines at the Port of Piraeus in Greece. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua) The single market suffered a decrease of 9.4 percent in exports of goods and 11.6 percent decrease in imports in 2020. With industries largely affected by the containment measures last year, energy recorded by far the sharpest drop among all sectors, followed by food and drink, raw materials and chemicals. The Eurostat release on Monday coincided with China's official data published in mid-January, which showed the trade with the EU grew by 5.3 percent to 4495.77 billion yuan, or nearly 600 billion euros, in 2020. While China's total goods imports and exports expanded 1.9 percent year on year to 32.16 trillion yuan (about 5 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2020, hitting a record high, the surge in trade with the EU was more than double the average growth rate. The result fully speaks for "the strong resilience and importance of China-EU economic and trade cooperation," said Zhang Ming, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, at a webinar last month with the European thinktank, Friends of Europe. Photo taken on Oct. 19, 2020 shows the Tesla China-made Model 3 vehicles which will be exported to Europe at Waigaoqiao port in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 19, 2020. TO GO WITH XINHUA HEADLINES OF NOV. 28, 2020 (Xinhua/Wang Xiang) Due to severe weather affecting the Texas Gulf Coast area and its terminals, barging, and shipping facilities, as well as OQ Chemical's plant operations, OQ Chemicals Corporation has been forced to temporarily shut down its Bay City, Texas plant site. As a consequence of the plant shutdown, OQ Chemicals Corporation provides notice of force majeure and suspension of performance of its supply obligations for Oxo Alcohols, Aldehydes, Acids, and Esters. Fred Gaytan, Vice President of OQ Chemicals Corporation, explained: "OQ Chemicals is monitoring this Force Majeure event and is working diligently to resume production as soon as possible. We understand the difficulties this may cause and apologize for the inconvenience. Our sales representatives will be keeping our customers regularly informed of our status and ability to resume production operations at the Bay City, Texas plant." About OQ Chemicals OQ Chemicals (formerly Oxea) is a global manufacturer of oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives, such as alcohols, polyols, carboxylic acids, specialty esters, and amines. These products are used for the production of high-quality coatings, lubricants, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, flavours and fragrances, printing inks and plastics. OQ Chemicals employs more than 1,400 people worldwide and is part of OQ, an integrated energy company with roots in Oman. OQ emerged in 2019 upon the successful integration of nine legacy companies. Operating in 13 countries, OQ covers the entire value chain in the hydrocarbon sector from exploration and production through to marketing and distribution of its products. OQ sells its fuels and chemicals in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information about OQ Chemicals, visit chemicals.oq.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210215005421/en/ Contacts: OQ Chemicals GmbH, Rheinpromenade 4a, 40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany Thorsten Ostermann, Communications and Press Relations Phone: +49 (0)2173 9993-3009, sc.communications@oq.com Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A new report from the University of Sheffield has revealed the impact the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic has had on alcohol consumption in Scotland and England. The study, commissioned by Public Health Scotland, shows alcohol consumption fell overall between March and June 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The Sheffield Alcohol Research Group assessed changes in people's drinking behaviour, examining the average number of drinking days people had, different occasions they drank and the number of alcohol units they consumed per week using data from weekly drinking diaries. The findings show alcohol consumption at homeknown as the off-tradedid not fully offset the reduction in drinking in pubs and restaurants, known as the on-trade. Lead author of the report, Dr. Abigail Stevely, research associate from the University of Sheffield's School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), said: "The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures introduced have impacted many people's health and well-being. During the first UK lockdown, on-trade venues such as pubs and restaurants were closed, affecting opportunities to purchase alcohol across the UK. Our new research finds that alcohol consumption fell overall, in both Scotland and England, as increased drinking in the off-trade did not fully compensate for the reduction in on-trade drinking." She added: "Despite some concerns that people might drink more in the day-time, we actually found that there was a shift towards people starting drinking later in the evening. This perhaps reflects changes in people's routines and the absence of opportunities for daytime socialising such as going to the pub with colleagues after work. Although we find people drank less overall, there is evidence from other studies that heavier drinkers may have increased their consumption during lockdown. It will be therefore important to continue monitoring drinking during the pandemic to prevent additional health problems in future." The report published today (16 February 2021), was commissioned by Public Health Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government and primarily focused on changes in alcohol consumption in Scotland making comparisons with England. Co-author of the report, Professor John Holmes, director of the University of Sheffield's Alcohol Research Group (SARG), said: "These findings add to our understanding of how different groups changed their drinking during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we found a decrease in alcohol consumption across the population overall, there was an increase in drinking alone amongst some population sub-groups such as single adult households, households with three or more adults and students." The weekly drinking diaries data analysed in the study was collected by the market research company Kantar. Explore further A quarter of adults reported drinking more during first lockdown CAIRO Fluttering flags and ornamental lights in red, white and green went up on buildings and lampposts around the Libyan capital, Tripoli, this month to mark the 10th anniversary of the uprising that toppled its dictator. There seemed to be reason to celebrate: After a decade of fighting and instability, a new interim government had been formed, one promising to unify the country and hold democratic elections by years end. Outside the banks, where some customers were waiting in six-hour lines to claim their salaries, at gas stations, where fuel was only intermittently available, and in the Tripoli suburb of Ain Zara, where Ahmed al-Gammoudi lived without electricity for two months last year, the festive lights seemed little more than a mockery. Ive heard all this talk about elections for eight years, and nothing has changed except were getting older, said Mr. al-Gammoudi, 31, who works 14-hour shifts at a Tripoli cafe to finance repairs to his house, which was damaged during Libyas civil war. Every year the situation gets worse, and every government that comes says that it wont be more than two years before we hold elections, but what happens is the exact opposite. The only thing that happens is war. Campaigners searching for the remains of Patrick Sarsfield believe they may have found the 1st Earl of Lucans burial site. In the aftermath of the signing of the Treaty of Limerick in 1691, Sarsfield, along with some 15,000 Irish Jacobite soldiers went into exile in France. Sarsfield went on to enrol in the French army. He was severely wounded during the Battle of Landen of July 29, 1693 an important event in the Nine Years War between France and a coalition of forces including England and the former Holy Roman Empire. According to historians, Sarsfield succumbed to his wounds and was buried a few days later on the grounds of Saint Martins Church in the town of Huy in the Liege Province of modern-day Belgium. As nothing other than a wall remains of Saint Martins, historians have long searched for Sarsfields grave. Now, however, the Consular Agency of France in Limerick and the Limerick Civic Trust believe they have made a breakthrough. The Sarsfield Homecoming Project was launched last October by the organisers of the Limerick Bastille Day Wild Geese Festival, with the aim of locating the Earl's remains and repatriating them to Ireland. Last November, Dr Loic Guyon, the Honorary Consul of France in Limerick, wrote to the Mayor of Huy to request his assistance in trying to locate Sarsfields burial site. The embassy of Belgium assisted Dr Guyon in his efforts. Two months later, the Huy City Council replied to the Consul and forwarded 28 documents, including an 18th-century map of the city and references to the exact location of the graves of two French officers who, according to some records, were buried inside St Martins church on 8 and 12 August, 1693. Dr Guyon has said that given the date when those two French officers were buried, there is a strong possibility that one of them could be exiled Earl. "Thanks to the documents sent by the Huy City Council, and after some further research, we will not only be able to determine the precise location of the burial grounds of St Martins church, but we will also be able to pinpoint the exact area, within the church, where Patrick Sarsfield was most certainly buried," Dr Guyon said. This is a major development in our quest to repatriate the remains of Lord Lucan. "I wish to thank most sincerely the authorities of Huy as well as the Belgium Embassy in Ireland for their precious help," he added. CEO of the Limerick Civic Trust David O'Brien said it was "an honour to be part of the project". "This is a European endeavour involving Ireland, France and Belgium and who knows if the trail will stop there or where it might lead us. Mr O'Brien said the next steps would be to see whether the location where Sarsfield is believed to be buried is accessible. If so, funding and excavation approval will need to be garnered and a team of archaeologists will need to be assembled. "In any case, with a Wild Geese exhibition and museum to be launched during the festival this year and with lots of support and more than a little luck, we hope to be engaging with the public and visitors very soon." Mr O'Brien said it was "so very important" to take advantage of these opportunities "during these dark days". Anyone interested in the project can follow the latest developments via @LimerickWild on Twitter , Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram Herschel Luckinbill served in the Navy from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. On Dec. 23, 1966, he was serving on the USS OBrien in the Gulf of Tonkin when it received three direct hits from a Viet Cong shore battery. Two of his shipmates were killed and several others were wounded. Luckinbill was 19 years old at the time and the event changed his life, he said. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) rose 1.59% to Rs 637.80 after the company said it completed the acquisition of Maharashtra-based Dighi Port. The company said that in accordance with the approved Resolution Plan, Dighi Port ("Dighi") has allotted 10 lakh equity shares for cash at total consideration of Rs 1 crore to APSEZ on 15 February 2021. Pursuant to this, APSEZ will hold 100% equity share capital of Dighi. Further, APSEZ has paid Rs 650 crore to financial creditors and approximately Rs 55 crore towards CIRP cost and other payments. Incorporated on 27 July 2000, Dighi is located on the banks of Rajapuri Creek in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is a minor port established under the 50-year concession from the MMB starting March 2002. Concession permits the handling of all types of cargo including liquid & containers. On 5 March 2020, the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench had approved the Resolution Plan submitted by APSEZ for acquisition of Dighi Port under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016. APSEZ, a part of globally diversified Adani Group, is the largest port developer and operator in India. On a consolidated basis, APSEZ posted a 16.23% increase in net profit to Rs 1576.53 crore on 11.59% rise in total income to Rs 4274.49 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Some Marin County residents are not happy about recently erected streetlights. Residents in Greenbrae and Kentfield are complaining that the new 30-foot streetlights erected along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard over the past two months as part of an $18 million overhaul are too bright and too tall, according to a report in the Marin Independent Journal. In response to the public outcry, county officials turned off 34 lights on 17 poles along the 2.2-mile stretch and may even remove the fixtures entirely. Now, the county is planning to hire a lighting consultant to come up with a new plan that will still meet the projects safety goals. Its not just the light, Steve OShea, a resident on Corte Cayuga near the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard corridor, told the Marin Independent Journal. Its that they are towering over our backyards and ruining views of Mount Tam. They are bringing the 101 corridor further into a residential community. They are overkill. The new streetlights werent included in the projects environmental impact report, a required study under the California Environmental Quality Act, and went up without public comment, causing residents like OShea to feel blindsided. Marin County Supervisor Katie Rice said she is planning an online forum to discuss the issue. Residents are encouraged to submit comments at upgradethedrake.com. SFGATE reached out to the Upgrade the Drake project and did not hear back as of publication. The Foundation L'Oreal and UNESCO have announced the 23rd For Women in Science International Awards, which honor five eminent women scientists with exceptional careers. Related: L'Oreal USA x NAACP Inclusive Beauty Fund Representing every major region of the world, the laureates are rewarded for the excellence of their research in physical sciences, mathematics and computer science. Laureate for Africa and the Arab States: Catherine Ngilachemistry Ngila was awarded for introducing and developing nanotechnology based analytical methods for the monitoring of water pollutants and applying them in countries heavily impacted by pollution. Her work is of vital importance for the development of sustainable water resource management, respecting the environment. Ngila currently serves as acting executive director of the African Academy of Sciences and is a former deputy vice chancellor in charge of academic and student affairs at Riara University, Kenya, and visiting professor of applied chemistry at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Laureate for Asia and the Pacific: Kyoko Nozaki-chemistry Nozaki was awarded for her pioneering, creative contributions within the field of synthetic chemistry, and their importance to industrial innovation. Her research has led to new, highly effective and environmentally friendly production processes to manufacture molecules useful for medicine and sustainable agriculture. Nozaki currently serves as professor of chemistry at the University of Tokyo, Japan. Laureate for North America: Shafi Goldwassercomputer science Goldwasser was awarded for her pioneering and fundamental work in computer science and cryptography, essential for secure communication over the internet as well as for shared computation on private data. Her research has a significant impact on our understanding of large classes of problems for which computers cannot efficiently find approximate solutions. Goldwasser is the director of the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing as well as professor in electrical engineering and computer sciences at University of California Berkeley, RSA professor of electrical engineering and computer science at MIT, United States of America and professor of computer science and applied mathematics at Weizmann Institute, Israel. Laureate for Europe: Francoise Combesastrophysics Combes was awarded for her legacy in astrophysics which ranges from the discovery of molecules in the interstellar space to supercomputer simulations of galaxy formation. Her work has been crucial in our understanding of the birth and evolution of stars and galaxies, including the role played by super-massive black holes at galactic centers. Combes serves as professor and galaxies and cosmology chair at the College de France in Paris, and astrophysicist at the Paris Observatory in PSL, France. Laureate for Latin America and the Caribbeans: Alicia Dickensteinmathematics Dickenstein was awarded for her contributions at the forefront of mathematical innovation by leveraging algebraic geometry in the field of molecular biology. Her research enables scientists to understand the precise structures and behavior of cells and molecules, even at a microscopic scale. Operating at the frontier between pure and applied mathematics, she has forged important links to physics and chemistry, and enabled biologists to gain an in-depth structural understanding of biochemical reactions and enzymatic networks. Dickenstein serves as professor of mathematics at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. According to a UNESCO study on women in science the number of women pursuing careers in science is on the rise, but progress is still too slow, particularly in physical sciences, mathematics, computer science and engineering. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, assistant director-general for natural sciences at UNESCO, said, This new study shows it is not enough to attract women to a scientific or technological discipline. We must also know how to retain them, ensuring that their careers are not strewn with obstacles and that their achievements are recognized and supported by the international scientific community. While they represent 33% of researchers, only 12% of them, on average, are members of national academies of sciences around the world." Alexandra Palt, executive vice president of the Foundation LOreal, said, "The invisibilization of women in science is still too significant. Today, less than 4% of the scientific Nobel Prizes have been awarded to women and the glass ceiling still persists in research. We absolutely must aspire to a profound transformation of institutions, of teaching and promotion of female researchers, of the system as a whole. While the gender imbalance remains in science, we will never be able to meet the challenges of an inclusive society or to tackle the scientific issues the world is facing. In an insular world on the social media app TikTok, young Christians act out biblically inspired scenes in which they are forced to take a vaccine for the coronavirus, only to end up splattered in fake blood and on the brink of death. The melodramatic videos are an attempt to represent how the introduction of coronavirus vaccines could herald the biblical End Time. Along with hundreds of thousands of other vaccine-questioning posts by social media users all over the world, they're demonstrating the waysin which health misinformation is targeting Christians, some reaching sizable audiences. Some churches and Christian ministries with large online followings - as well as Christian influencers on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube - are making false claims that vaccines contain fetal tissue or microchips, or are construing associations between vaccine ingredients and the devil. Others talk about how coronavirus vaccines and masks contain or herald the "mark of the beast," a reference to an apocalyptic passage from the Book of Revelation that suggests that the Antichrist will test Christians by asking them to put a mark on their bodies. The rapid spread of this material has triggered debate and concern among U.S. Christian leaders and experts who believe the religious movement against vaccines is growing, even as many leaders such as Pope Francis and Southern Baptist Convention policy leader Russell Moore are urging people to get shots. Both approved vaccines, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, passed rigorous federal safety reviews and were shown to be more than 94 percent effective at preventing disease. "In the summertime, I thought, these are just fringe beliefs. But the further we got into the pandemic, I realized, these are very widely held, and I was surprised by how many Christians and churches subscribe to this," said Emily Smith, an epidemiologist at Baylor University, a private Christian university in Waco, Tex. She runs a large Facebook page dedicated to discussing covid-19. Smith, who is Christian and married to a Baptist pastor, said her posts trying to disavow anti-vaccine sentiment have been met with hostile responses and threats. "It's one of the scariest and most disheartening parts of this, that so many people think that when you put on a mask, it is the mark of the beast or signals that you don't have faith or God isn't in control," she added. The prevalence of these baseless or distorted claims is yet another example of the way technology companies have failed to control the spread of harmful and problematic material on their platforms. Social media companies have all banned misinformation about the coronavirus and the vaccine, citing the potential for such material to cause "imminent harm." But enforcement has been spotty. Groups opposed to vaccines have long used social media to get out their message. But with the development of coronavirus vaccines and the pandemic shutdowns, the companies have enabled misinformation about vaccination and the virus itself to become much more widespread. Conspiracy theories about covid-19 that proliferated on social platforms were a major force behind people protesting shutdown measures and government restrictions over the last year, while a misleading documentary called "Plandemic" became a top trending video on YouTube. White evangelicals, along with Black Americans of different faiths, are some of the groups with the highest levels of vaccine skepticism in the United States. Just under a third of U.S. adults say they will probably or definitely not get the vaccine, compared to 44 percent of those who identify as White evangelicals, according to a January Washington Post-ABC News poll. Other polls have found higher levels of vaccine skepticism among White evangelicals. Some creators said they were not entirely certain that the material they were sharing was accurate or certain to become reality, but that it was important to raise questions - and to warn and potentially protect fellow citizens. "If you believe without a shadow of a doubt that a bus was coming at you, would it not be evil of me to not tackle you and try to get you out of the way?," said Tyler Lackey, a 27-year-old Dallas-based Christian influencer and rapper who goes by the username BeyondHymn on TikTok and other platforms. The Book of Revelation describes the End Time as a bloody battle filled with persecution, during which a beast forces "all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads," according to the New International Version. "They could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name," 666. A video by Lackey in July - "Could vaccines be the mark of the beast?" - speculated that mask mandates in stores and other rules might signal the mark because they were the first step in preventing people from being able to buy and sell, which Revelations suggests will be prohibited in the End Time. The video was viewed over 100,000 times. He said that video and another he had made about Bill Gates were "shadow banned" by TikTok, meaning they were blocked from the service's recommendations page. Facebook and Facebook-owned Instagram banned in December covid-related content associated with the mark of the beast, fetal tissue myths and misinformation connecting vaccine ingredients to the Antichrist as part of a broader ban on vaccine-related conspiracy theories. Such material has become harder to find but is still available, according to a Washington Post review using the Facebook-owned analytics tool CrowdTangle. For example, in late December, a Facebook page with 61,000 followers called Exposing Satanic World Government posted a screenshot from the right-wing news site Gab, in which a user claimed that Amazon, banks and airlines would force people to take the vaccine. The screenshot shows Gab founder Andrew Torba commenting that such practices were the "Mark of the beast." The post, which Facebook removed after The Post shared it with the company, had 315 likes and shares. (Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos owns The Post.) TikTok banned two hashtags, #MarkOfTheBeastIsTheCovid19Vaccine and #VaccineIsTheMarkOfTheBeast, in late January in response to The Post's inquiry. The company said the hashtags and affiliated ones, which had over 700,000 views in December, were tied to misinformation about coronavirus vaccines and violated the company's medical misinformation policy. The company has banned such misinformation since March. Thousands of tweets related to the mark of the beast disappeared in January after Twitter conducted a large sweep of accounts connected to the QAnon movement - a sprawling set of false claims that have coalesced into an extremist ideology that has radicalized its followers - in the wake of the Capitol riots, according to Zignal Labs, an analytics firm that identified nearly 12,000 references to it across social media in December. That suggests a significant overlap between those sharing Christian-themed conspiracy theories and those sharing other conspiracy theories about the election and covid, according to Zignal. Experts said that religious-themed content can fall into a gray area of policy enforcement for technology giants, making it some of the hardest misinformation to police. Tech platforms have tried to draw a distinction between people expressing opinions or negative viewpoints about the coronavirus and people putting out misinformation about it. They also try to discern overall intent. But such distinctions are challenging to suss out, particularly when content is framed as a question. "Linking misinformation to religion can be difficult to combat because a person may feel like they are being attacked for their religious beliefs," said Kolina Koltai, a vaccine misinformation researcher with the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public. Conspiracy theories are often most potent when they are targeted at specific communities rather than aimed for mass appeal, she said, because they "are connected to deep-rooted parts of a person's value system." The technology platforms can supercharge people's exposure to misinformation when their algorithms direct users to content that is similar to what they have previously viewed or encourage them to join like-minded groups and communities where misinformation can fester unchecked. Fashion influencer Taylor Rousseau, 21, said she and her family received numerous threats after posting a viral music video on TikTok last year in which she pretended to be injected with a deadly microchip for refusing the vaccine. In the video, Rousseau, wearing her own brand of thick faux eyelashes, is splattered with fake blood while a James Arthur song plays. She prays tearfully for a savior, who appeared as a light shining from the clouds at the end of the clip, which was viewed nearly 700,000 times. "If someone doesn't get the vaccine 'cause of me, I don't really feel that is harming them," Rousseau said in an interview, adding that she got the idea for making her video from another creator who had made a similar one. "Social media is already causing an overwhelming amount of fear." Rousseau explained that many Christians she knows believe that the social unrest and division over the last year is a sign of the world ending, and that her video was meant to be a metaphor for things that could happen if the apocalypse were to come to pass - rather than an actual microchip in the vaccine itself. "Everybody missed the point," she said. "The video was 100% a POV [point of view] to portray what life would be like in the End Times." The video was removed from TikTok for violating the company's "integrity and authenticity policy," which prohibits "medical misinformation that can cause harm to an individual's physical health," but she appealed the decision and it was reinstated two weeks later, according to records provided to The Post. Along with misinformation, social media platforms are hosting spirited religious debates about these topics. A YouTube video titled "Is the COVID 19 vaccine the Mark of the Beast?" by a pastor of a megachurch in Riverside, Calif., who refutes that the vaccine is the mark, has over 202,000 views. Conversations within communities are sometimes more effective at combating misinformation than labeling or other measures from social media companies, said Renee DiResta, research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory. "People who are understanding of the framework of belief and empathetic to the underlying religious concern have a huge role to play in combating this misinformation," she said. "It has to come from someone who occupies a position of trust." The claim that the mark of the beast is a microchip within the vaccine is a Christian-themed spin on a distorted narrative about Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. That claim has been circulating all year among different groups, but the hoax gained new force when repurposed as a religious claim, DiResta said. Misinformation becomes increasingly difficult to combat when religious leaders and celebrities endorse it. Ties between the vaccine and the mark of the beast have been drawn by pastor Guillermo Maldonado of Miami megachurch King Jesus International Ministry - where President Donald Trump visited in 2020 to launch his campaign outreach to Latinos - and by the Amazing Power of Prayer, a Christian ministry focused on virtual prayer that has more than 246,000 Facebook followers. King Jesus International did not respond to requests for comment. Amazing Power of Prayer founder Trevor Winchell said in an email that he had come to his conclusions after spending "many long hours digging and researching vaccines and microchips and the possible combination of a microchip being put into a vaccine." When rapper Kanye West called the vaccine the mark of the beast in July, searches for the terms "mark of the beast" and "vaccine" spiked on Google and Facebook and were more popular than at any other point during the year, according to CrowdTangle and Google Trends. A spokesperson for West did not respond to a request for comment. Foreign players, including Russia and China, have also gotten involved in sowing division over vaccination issues. In January, articles by state media service Russia Today and China Plus America about Facebook blocking posts by a Mexican cardinal who called the vaccine the mark of the beast received several thousand likes and shares, according to CrowdTangle. Another creator, Sam Smith, a 33-year-old sales representative in St. Louis who posts popular Christian-themed content on Instagram and other services, said TikTok took down a video in which he said he didn't actually claim that the vaccine was the mark of the beast and was merely raising questions. A similar video is still on Instagram. "The moment you say something that goes against anyone's agenda, you are banned or shadow banned," he said. His next video, he said, would be about how the same number of people have died in 2019 as in 2020. Experts say that viral claim is false and that U.S. deaths in 2020 topped 3 million, by far the most ever counted. - - - The Washington Post's Michelle Boorstein contributed to this report. As the Delhi Police continues to investigate climate activist Disha Ravi's role in connection with the case involving a "Toolkit" shared by climate campaigner Greta Thunberg in support of the ongoing farmers' protest, Delhi Commissioner of Police said that as far as Disha's arrest is concerned it was done as per the procedure. While stating that the law does not differentiate between a 22-year-old and a 50-year-old, Delhi CP SN Shrivastava said, "Disha was produced before a court which sent her to 5-day police custody. It's false when people say that there were lapses in the arrest." READ | You May Be Trillion Dollar Firms But People Value Their Privacy: SC To Facebook, WhatsApp Republic accesses Disha-Greta Whatsapp chats In the latest development, Republic Media Network on Tuesday accessed Disha-Greta WhatsApp chats in which Disha is suggesting to Greta that they should not say anything about the ongoing farmers' agitation for a while. Disha also said that she will soon talk to her lawyers as their names are mentioned on the 'Toolkit' and this can get UAPA against them, meaning she was cognisant that her activities could land her in trouble. At 9:23 pm: Greta: F*k Greta, 9:25 pm: It would be really good to have it ready now..I will receive so many threats because of this..Its really blowing up Disha: S**t..S**t Disha, 9:25 pm: Sending it to you.. Disha, 9:35 pm: Ok can you not tweet the toolkit at all.. can we just not say anything at all for a while? I am gonna talk to lawyers. I am sorry but our names are on it and we can literally get UAPA against us. Disha, 9:39 pm: Are you ok? Greta, 9:40 pm: I need to write something Disha, 9:40 pm: Can you give me five minutes I am talking to the lawyers Greta, 9.41 pm: These hate storms happen sometimes and they're really intense Disha, 9.41 pm: Sure (Quoting this msg - "Can you give me five minutes, i am talking to the lawyers") Disha, 9.41 pm: I am really really sorry.. We are all panicking because this is getting really bad here Disha, 9.41 pm: But we will make sure you are in the clear Disha, 9.41 pm: We just have to deactivate all socials READ | Can We Not Say Anything For A While?: Disha Ravi-Greta Thunberg's 'toolkit' WhatsApp Chat Toolkit Probe: Developments so far In a significant development in the Republic Day conspiracy probe, the Delhi Police on Monday unearthed the role of pro-Pakistan and Khalistan sympathiser Pieter Friedrich in the investigation. Pieter Friedrich has been named as one of the key conspirators of the 'toolkit', first shared by Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg. As per Intel, he was the one who suggested hashtags and whom to tag as a part of the social media outrage as penned down by the 'toolkit' over the Farm Laws. Notably, Pieter Friedrich has been under the radar of security agencies after he was found to have links with ISI operative Bhajan Singh Bhinder. He is also said to have links with ISI masterminds of the 1990 terror plot and is said to be behind plotting the vandalism of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in California. Apart from this, the Delhi Police after arresting Disha Ravi also issued non-bailable arrest warrants against activists Nikita Jacob and Shantanu. Reacting to the warrant issued against her, Nikita Jacob on Monday moved the Bombay High Court, seeking interim protection against arrest. It is to be heard at 2:30 pm Tuesday. Republic from its sources also learnt that MO Dhaliwal of Poetic Justice Foundation, who is associated with the Khalistani organization had contacted Nikita Jacob through his Canadian colleague Puneet and their collective motive was to create Twitter storm ahead of Republic Day. Ahead of the violence that shocked the National Capital on January 26, a zoom meeting was held between MO Dhaliwal, Nikita and Disha. The aim of this zoom meeting was to spread dissatisfaction and misinformation among the farmers. READ | Mamata Banerjee Cries Foul Over Disha Ravi's Arrest; Claims 'Centre Sparing BJP IT Cell' What is the 'toolkit'? Under its 'AskIndiaWhy' campaign, PFJ had created a toolkit which was shared by Thunberg, titled 'Global Farmers Strike- First Wave', which seems to have been in circulation since early January. It had encouraged people to organise solidarity protests either at or near Indian Embassies, local government offices or offices of various multinational Adani and Ambani companies. It also urged people to participate in the farmers' tractor rally on Republic Day - which had ended in violence. Later PFJ updated their 'toolkit' - which was again shared by Thunberg, aiming to get global attention on the ongoing farmers' protest urging people to tweet at PMO & Tomar, call or email govt representatives, sign online petitions and on-ground action near the closest Indian Embassy, Media House, or your local Govt. office on 13th/14th February 2021. The updated 'toolkit' claimed that "India has a long history of human rights violations, violence, and a cruel indifference for its most vulnerable citizens." and states that, "It is paramount to put international pressure on Indias Government." It also removes the Republic Day plan from the AskIndiaWhy's 'prior actions' - the 'plan' has now been denounced by PFJ. READ | App Usage Analysis Tracker For WhatsApp: Is It Legit Or Scam? Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. The 292-article bylaws regulating the performance of the Senate Egypts consultative upper House were finally approved by MPs in a plenary meeting on Tuesday morning. The House of Representatives approved the full text of the Senate bylaws on Monday, but speaker Hanafy El-Gebaly said the bill will be put up for a final vote on Tuesday. Once finally approved by MPs, the Senate bylaws bill will have to be ratified by President Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi. The presidents ratification will open the door for the 300-member chamber to hold plenary meetings. The Senate discussed and approved the bylaws on 29 November 2020, after which they were referred to the House of Representatives to be enacted into law. The bylaws include some controversial articles such as article 155, which states that the Senates plenary meetings cannot be valid unless they are attended by two thirds of the majority of members. Article 164 also states that the Senate can hold secret meetings upon the request of the president, the prime minister, the speaker or at least 20 senators. The amended bylaws will strip the prime minister of his right to invite the Senate to hold plenary meetings. The bylaws, however, state that the Senate can hold special meetings upon the request of the president or the prime minister to exchange views on issues related to supreme national interests or listen to statements and clarifications on decisions related to the states internal and external public policies. The bylaws also left in place a controversial article (no.234), which requires that senators take prior approval from the speaker before traveling abroad. The Parliamentary Spokesperson of Mostaqbal Watan party, Ashraf Rashad, said the speaker of the Senate has the full right to reject a members request to travel to a certain country (like Turkey or Qatar). This is necessary to prevent senators and MPs who travel abroad from participating in conferences attacking Egypt, said Rashad. Search Keywords: Short link: If youre thinking about renting a house at the Jersey Shore this summer, brokers have one piece of advice for you: Dont wait. The increased demand that was seen last summer is continuing into the summer of 2021 as more people have discovered this close-to-home getaway and those who didnt book in time last season who locked in earlier this time around. We saw a tremendous surge in May of last year once (Gov. Phil) Murphy said the shore would be open, said Matthew Schlosser, vice president of Schlosser Real Estate in Lavallette. The company booked 800 rentals between May and June, up 35 percent from the previous year. And people who rented last summer began booking their stays for this summer even earlier than normal. By fall, Schlosser said, he had 30 percent more rentals booked for Summer 2021 than he normally does. And from Jan. 1 until now hes done another 500 or so reservations. The problem is now, weve pretty much run out of inventory for late July/early August, he said. Typically the inventory isnt this low until April or May. Brett Lutz, a salesman at Oceanside Realty in Surf City on Long Beach Island, says the inventory there is about 92% depleted. Some years it never gets depleted, Lutz said, but in a normal year theres about 3 to 5% availability in the market between the last week of June and the first week in September. A travel trend survey published last month by VRBO found that 82% of families already had a vacation planned for 2021. People are reluctant to get on airplanes and theres a large population of people who can drive to the Jersey Shore, Lutz said. Its just easier. The market is leaving people who are yearly renters and typically book in February and March without a place to go. People that normally rent are upset they cant find a place, Lutz said. People got pushed out last year and jumped on it this year. Theres also been an increase in rentals in the off-season and whats known as the shoulder seasons -- the spring and fall, said Ashley Peoples, of deSatnick Real Estate in Cape. Ive had check-ins all year round starting since the COVID ban got lifted, she said. Normally we shut down for 6 weeks from January into February. But work-from-home and other COVID-19 lifestyle changes are driving people to take months, weeks and even long weekend rentals in the winter. The high demand is not driving prices up, too much, though, the agents said. Theyve definitely gone up, Lutz said. People are more confident. But theyre not gouging. The rent on a house that goes for $2,000 to $2,500 per week would go up in a typical year about $50 to $75. Prices now are increasing about $100 to $200. A lot of the rentals are repeats, so the owners have relationships with these guests, Peoples said of her clients in Cape May. Theyre families who have come to the same house, the same week for 10, 15, 25 years. The houses that rent the quickest are those that are beachfront or have special features, such as being pet friendly, said Frank Shoemaker of Berger Realty in Ocean City. Those needle-in-a-haystack properties, it never benefits you to wait, Shoemaker said. If you have flexibility in price and dates then still dont wait because theyre booking up fast. But youre never out of luck. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Imagine if a U.S. governmental agency told all Americans who live abroad that they are obligated to hate the nations hosting them. That's precisely what the Muslim nation of Qatar (a "U.S. friend and ally") is doing. According to the world-famous website, Islamweb.net which is directed and financed by the state of Qatar any Muslim who lives in a non-Muslim nation is obligated to hate his adopted nation and its "infidel" citizens (even while receiving benefits from them). This comes in the form of a fatwa (an Islamic sanctioned decree) titled "Conditions that Legitimize Residing in Infidel Nations" (all translations in this article my own). Along with "preserving and upholding his Islam," the "first condition" for any Muslim who lives among non-Muslims is that he have "enmity and hatred for the infidels." This, incidentally, applies to those millions of Muslim migrants voluntarily immigrating into and flooding Western Europe. If they take their Islam seriously, they are duty-bound to hate and be disloyal to those nations welcoming them and providing them with free food, shelter, and health care. After stating that Muslims who emigrate to the West must have "enmity and hatred for the infidels, staying far from their loyalty and love for loyalty and love for them contradicts the faith," the fatwa proceeds to give its evidence, that is, it goes on to quote several supporting verses from the Koran, including: You will never find a people that truly believes in Allah and the Last Day loyal to those who defy Allah and His Messenger even if they be their parents, children, siblings, or extended family [Koran 58:22][.] ... Oh you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends and allies, for they are friends and allies of each other; and whoever among you befriends them is from among them. Allah does not guide the unjust people [Koran 5:51]. After quoting Muhammad in a sahih (authentic) hadith, saying, "Whoever loves a people is from among them," the fatwa concludes by saying, "Loving the enemies of Allah is among the greatest dangers for a Muslim, for loving them necessitates cooperating with and following them, or at least not rejecting them hence why the prophet said, 'Whoever loves a people is from among them.'" (Here it should be noted that merely being a non-Muslim makes one an enemy of Allah; no action is required.) This teaching by Qatar's Islamweb.net is not out of the mainstream. For example, on the equally popular Islam Q&A, the same question is answered with the same exact answer: any Muslim who lives among non-Muslims must have "enmity and hatred for the infidels, staying far from their loyalty and love for loyalty and love for them contradicts the faith." Remember all this the next time you hear that "xenophobia" is responsible for Muslim failure to assimilate into the West. This may be true, though not because Western people "fear the stranger" as commonly supposed but rather because Muslim migrants hate the infidel. Raymond Ibrahim, author of Sword and Scimitar: Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West, is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center, a Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum, and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute. Image: marc.desbordes. The acts of lawlessness by the miscreants in the funeral procession of late Brahmeshwar Mukhiyajee in Patna, last June, raised some issues which any detailed theory of police inaction needed to address: how does the concept of police function in our polity? What is the relation between the government and its police force? In a situation of conflict of interest between the people and the government where should the police position itself? But Mr Abhayanand, DGP Bihar, who is one of the finest officers we have - articulate, innovative and clear headed - has come up with something which obliterates the difference between innovativeness and heresy and, therefore, it must be refuted. His theory is rooted in the curtailment of the role of police merely to its detective functions of collecting evidence in the form of videographing the vandals and arsonists and prosecutes them later. (What if they are masked?) Do not people have a stake in public property? Would the citizens be put to notice that they should mind their own lives and property? Will police now abjure their preventive responsibility in law to interpose, in order to prevent the commission of a cognizable offence? If there are groups within the state whose antics must be forced to suffer for fear of greater trouble - unacceptable political cost would be closer to truth - this is no cause for celebration either because theoretically the state is the sole repository of coercive violence within the territory. The power of deterrence belongs to the state; it is not for the state to feel deterred. Worse still, it is an open invitation for militarization of various groups in our fractious society. The non interventionist role of police may appear as a welcome innovation for people removed from the unique density of its context or ignorant of the massive scale of disturbances; it may perhaps enthuse human right groups or the intellectual outriders of the society for a while, but as a manifesto for future action, it will just not do. Law and order is a tricky business and the best of us are sometimes tested and found wanting largely because of the ambivalence of the mandate of police. Law is codified, made formal in various acts-the IPC, CrPC, evidence, etc. But what is order? Is there a permanent, ordained, immutable order? A preferred order? An ideal state of order? The construction of the meaning of order is exclusively the area of police expertise. The law obligates a police officer of appropriate rank present on the scene of trouble to do everything within his legal means to prevent trouble and disperse the mob. It is a responsibility, not a privilege and powers to discharge this responsibility inhere in him; he does not enjoy it during the pleasure of somebody. Now the DGP says it was on his orders that the police force did not react. That says it all. Law must take a bow before the dictates of order. Ruling orders throughout the country approximate in their invocation of law and order as a pretext for using police for partisan, political ends. Allegedly, the police abdicated their responsibility in law in protecting the Sikhs against pogrom sanctioned by the ruling order in Delhi, in Godhra in Gujarat the Muslims were at the receiving end of police inaction, in the Marxist West Bengal there were credible allegations of police harassing or denying protection to those opposed to the ruling order, etc. Law and order is Janus faced - the police can kill on law and order duty to suit the interest of the ascendant order just as in some other situation their passivity to people being killed, maimed or looted, serves the cause of the order. Their primary responsibility of maintaining law and order at any cost, if need be by bending, violating or abdicating their responsibility in law altogether, comes with an unstated guarantee of ex post facto sanction of their conduct. Whenever the powers given to them under law threaten to engulf the ruling order any excess or abdication of their responsibility is underwritten. Forbesganj and the handling of situation born out of Mukhiyajees murder are the two sides of the same coin. I would have used this occasion to make the honest confession that policing is about keeping the governments and other powerful groups happy; people are incidental to policing. India Today magazine once referred to Manoje Nath, a 1973-batch IPS officer, as being fiercely independent, honest, and upright. Besides his numerous official reports on various issues exposing corruption in the bureaucracy in Bihar, Nath is also a writer extraordinaire expressing his thoughts on subjects ranging from science fiction to the effects of globalization. His sense of humor was evident through his extremely popular series named "Gulliver in Patiliputra" and "Modest Proposals" that were published in the local newspapers. Advertisement Nearly one in five adults in England the equivalent of 8.3million people had Covid antibodies at the beginning of February, a major surveillance study revealed today. The Office for National Statistics report looked at blood samples taken from 30,000 over-16s across the country and found 18.5 per cent tested positive for antibodies by February 1, up from 10 per cent in December and 15 per cent in January. The figure was almost 25 per cent in London which was the region worst-hit by the second wave. Antibodies are disease-fighting proteins made by the immune system in response to infection or vaccination, and their presence generally means someone has immunity against a disease. The number of people testing positive for antibodies has started to increase at a much faster rate in the past two months, which officials say is down to a mixture of Britain's successful jab roll-out and high transmission from the second wave. The proteins were most common among over-80s (41 per cent), which the ONS said was 'most likely due to the high vaccination rate in this group'. Figures show more than nine in 10 over-80s have now had their first dose but it can take several weeks for the vaccine to kick in. Britain's coronavirus immunisation drive prioritised the elderly, as well as care homes residents and patients who have other life-threatening illnesses, because they are the most vulnerable to dying from the virus. Across the rest of the UK, the ONS estimates one in seven people have Covid antibodies in Wales and Northern Ireland, and one in nine in Scotland. But the figures will be an under-estimate because millions more people have been vaccinated since the final day of the survey on February 1. Antibodies are also known to fade over time, which means many people who may have caught the virus during the first wave and would, therefore, have some form of protection no longer have measurable levels of the proteins. It also takes three weeks for immunity to kick in after getting the jab, which means a large number of the elderly people who were included in the survey would not have had antibodies when they gave their sample. The ONS's survey, which collects regular blood samples from a group of people intended to represent England's population, showed there was significant variation in antibody positivity between regions. In London, an estimated one in four had antibodies against the disease by February 1, which was the highest rate across the country, compared to just 11 per cent in the South West. The North West saw the second highest antibody rate (22 per cent), followed by the West Midlands (21 per cent) and Yorkshire and the Humber (20 per cent). It means four out of nine regions had levels higher than the England average. While antibodies were most common in over-80s in England, this was not the case in any of the other home nations. In Wales, for example, the highest percentage of people testing positive was those aged 16 to 24 at 33 per cent, with just 13 per cent of over-80s having antibodies. Next phase of UK's Covid vaccine roll-out 'will focus on ethnicity and NOT occupation' Ministers will be urged to vaccinate people by age and ethnicity rather than their job during the next phase of the coronavirus jab roll-out, it was claimed today. Number 10's leading jab experts, who are due to meet this afternoon to finalise their recommendation, are expected to advise that the UK continues with its age-based approach after the nine most vulnerable groups are inoculated. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will also urge ministers to prioritise some ethnic minority groups, who are at a disproportionate risk of dying from Covid, The Telegraph reports. Members are said to be particularly concerned about mortality rates among South Asians, who studies have shown are twice as likely to succumb to the virus as their white peers. Both Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock have previously said teachers, police officers, shop owners and other key workers could be bumped up the priority list once the top groups have been jabbed. But JCVI sources said last night prioritising people based on their occupation would 'create too much complication' and 'risk slowing the roll-out down'. Officials have until now been focusing on vaccinating the top four vulnerable groups everyone over the age of 70, NHS staff, care home residents and workers, and extremely ill adults. Yesterday NHS England officially moved onto the second stage of the vaccine drive, inviting over-65s and 'clinically vulnerable' younger people. The programme will aim to give everyone over the age of 50 their first dose by the end of April. NHS England boss Sir Simon Stevens yesterday vowed to double the number of jabs being given in order for the Government to hit that target. It could see up to 1million doses dished out each day. Advertisement In Northern Ireland, people aged 25 to 34 were most likely to have the virus-fighting proteins in their blood (22 per cent) and in Scotland it was those aged 16 to 24 years at 15.5 per cent. The ONS said that small sample sizes in the devolved administrations meant there were bigger confidence intervals - for comparison Wales looked at just 53 over-80s and Scotland tested 107, compared to 1,300 in England. The survey also only went up to February 1. At that point only 9million people around the UK had been vaccinated, compared to 15.3million as of yesterday. Because it takes three weeks for antibody levels to build up after a vaccine, an even greater number of people would have been missed by the survey. Reacting to the findings, Professor Kevin McConway, a statistician at the Open University, said: 'In previous ONS releases of data from their infection survey about antibodies, we could interpret them as telling us about the numbers of people who had previously been infected by the virus, because for the great majority of people that was really the only way that antibodies could have arisen in their blood. 'But the antibodies that arise from an infection are the same as the antibodies arising from a vaccination, as far as these data are concerned. The latest ONS release covers the period from 5 January to 1 February this year. 'Though the numbers of vaccinated people aged 70-74 and 75-79 were increasing rapidly over that period, the average proportion of those age groups that would have been vaccinated was much lower than for people aged 80 and over.' He added: 'It must be this vaccination effect that explains the very large proportion on people in England in the 80+ age group that have antibodies to the virus almost half of them. 'NHS data for England indicate that about a quarter of the 80+ age group had been vaccinated at the start of the period 5 January-1 February, rising to about 90 per cent by the end of the period. 'Given that it takes a couple of weeks for the vaccine to take effect, so that antibodies would not be detectable immediately, that fits in with the proportion of this age group that had antibodies according to the ONS survey. 'Some people in this age group would have antibodies from a previous infection, but most will have got them from vaccination. In next months antibody data, we should see the percentages with antibodies in the slightly younger age groups increasing a lot, and the antibody prevalence will continue to move down the age scale as vaccinations are given to more and more younger people.' It comes after SAGE experts predicted as many as four in 10 people in Britain have already got some level of immunity to Covid-19 from either catching the coronavirus or having a vaccine. The prediction was made in a paper presented to the Government's top scientific advisers on January 27. SPI-M-O, a panel that includes Professor 'Lockdown' Neil Ferguson, said in the document: 'Current estimates are that 20-40 per cent of the population have experienced a primary infection or been vaccinated.' This suggests that those people have developed some level of protection against developing Covid-19 and this could, in theory, slow down future outbreaks. They point out, however, that actual immunity may be lower because it can weaken over time. People who were infected a long time ago and didn't get very ill, for example, may lose their immunity, as may elderly people who don't make as much of an immune response. Those who were sick recently or who get very ill, as well as people who have been vaccinated, are likely to be immune at least to severe disease, if not all infection, but scientists still don't fully understand how often people catch it twice. Immunity, however, may not protect people against the mutated South African variant of the virus which has been diagnosed more than 200 times in Britain. A separate study given to SAGE claims this variant, which changes the shape of the virus's outer spike protein so that immunity to older versions of the virus is less effective, 'evades 21 per cent of previously acquired immunity'. This raises concerns about how much life can return to normal after the vaccination programme as measures may need to continue to stop this variant taking over, if it will truly be able to infect a fifth of people who have been vaccinated. Gables Residential was awarded a new management contract for Chase Heritage Apartments in Sterling, Virginia. Chase Heritage Apartments is a 236 value-add apartment home community featuring pet-friendly one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes. All apartment homes offer features such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and patios/balconies. Amenity areas include a swimming pool, playground, fitness center, car wash center, and more. Weve enjoyed a long-standing relationship with McDowell and have valued our relationship with them over the years. Our team looks forward to providing excellent service to the residents at the community and bringing much success to Chase Heritage overall, stated Mary Hollands, Senior Vice President of Third-Party Operations. Gables will be overseeing both the new interior apartment home renovations as well as the amenity spaces that are currently underway. To learn more about Chase Heritage Apartments, visit the website at: http://www.gables.com/chaseheritage About Gables Residential Gables Residential is an award-winning, vertically integrated, real estate company specializing in the development, construction, ownership, acquisition, financing, and management of multifamily and mixed-use communities. Gables Residential owns, develops, and manages communities in high-growth U.S. markets such as Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Houston, South Florida, Southern California and metropolitan Washington, D.C. Gables also provides third party management services in the Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Tampa, Phoenix, North Florida and metropolitan Washington, D.C. markets. Gables manages approximately 30,000 apartment homes and approximately 275,000 square feet of retail space and has received national recognition for excellence in development, construction, management, sales, marketing, training, and benefits. These achievements reflect the impact of Gables experienced and dedicated team members, its superior knowledge of the markets served, and its expertise in development and management. For additional information about the company and its real estate portfolio and services, visit http://www.gables.com. COQUITLAM, BC, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada Silver Cobalt Works Inc. (TSXV: CCW) (OTC: CCWOF) (Frankfurt: 4T9B) (the "Company" or "Canada Silver Cobalt") is pleased to announce the acquisition of 39,200 hectares of EV properties in Quebec and Ontario. It is Canada Silver Cobalt's intention to transfer the properties, in exchange for shares, to another public company to be identified by the Company, in order to capitalize on the current EV market, and to distribute the shares by way of dividend to Canada Silver Cobalt's shareholders. These properties have a strong potential to host a variety of base metals including nickel, copper and cobalt. This strategic move is for structural organization purposes to add to our current cobalt mineralization discoveries in the Cobalt Camp and as an expedient approach to the increasing demand for EV battery input materials. Canada Silver Cobalt's main focus will remain on its High-Grade silver discovery at the Robinson Zone with drill core silver grades of 89,000 grams per tonne (January 29, 2021 CCW Press release). Quebec Properties: Property Name Hectares Target 1 Fuchsia Ni Showing 4013 Nickel showing, magnetic anomaly by Road389 to Manic 2 Nourricier - Graal 1778 Bouguer gravity target 3 Forgues Ni East Crater Showing 1391 (CD 2780) Nickel showing, Bouguer gravity target, East Crater, Manic 4 Lowney Lac Edouard south 3200 (CD 6692) Bouguer gravity target 5 LPM-LPMN Ni Showing 388 Nickel Bouguer gravity target 6 Boudrias Showing 942 Nickel showing, magnetic anomaly by Road389 to Manic 7 B30 Shear 721 Nickel showing, magnetic anomaly by Road389 to Manic 8 Zec aux Rats 1180 Showing, magnetic anomaly 9 NW B15 Showing 668 Bouguer gravity target near showing 10 Saint-Stanislas Ni Showing 395 Nickel showing, magnetic anomaly 14 Dyke Horizon Cu Showing 1505 Copper showing, Chibougamau 13 Grand Portage 2196 Nickel showing, magnetic anomaly 11 32B04/32C01 2298 Bouguer gravity target 12 Magpie West 700 Bouguer gravity target 15 B2 Discovery - option 8450 Copper, Nickel Discovery 34,706 ha Ontario Property: Property Name Hectares Target 1 Henry Lake 4468 Bouguer gravity target east of Sudbury Basin nickel deposits 4,468 ha These properties have been acquired and/or staked. All the properties have surface showings that have been sampled or have massive gravity anomalies. The Lowney Lac Edouard South property in Quebec is adjacent to Rio Tinto Mines property. The Ontario properties are within 25 kilometers of the Sudbury basin where Glencore and Vale have multiple mines and smelters which have been in operation for over 100 years to recover nickel, copper and cobalt metals. The Company will continue to search for additional assets and property acquisitions in the vast areas of Northern Quebec and near the Sudbury nickel basin, so-called because of the massive deposits previously, and recently, discovered in these regions, one of the best areas in the world for nickel, copper, and cobalt discoveries. With the race for the discovery of large new deposits of key metals from safe jurisdictions accelerating, prices are reacting with the price of some EV metals such as nickel, copper and cobalt, having been dormant for some time, already moving up over 30% in 2021. North American governments at all levels are becoming increasingly involved, supporting companies seeking to supply input metals for EV batteries as the push for a green economy continues unabated. Major geo-political forces have recently done a 180 and are now going all-in on green initiatives and related technologies. What we are seeing today is consistent with previous announcements like the joint American-Canadian Federal Governments' press release from just over one year ago. On January 9, 2020, the American and Canadian governments announced the finalization of a joint action plan on critical metals which stated, "This Action Plan will promote joint initiatives, including research and development cooperation, supply chain modelling and increased support for industry." CEO Frank J. Basa P.Eng. notes, "Timing has never been better, which is why we are moving ahead with these acquisitions that will facilitate strategic positioning for the Company to take full advantage of rapidly evolving market conditions for EV battery base metal inputs. The idea is to best position the Company to take full advantage of synergies, government policy and financial supports as the urgent search for massive deposits of metals needed to fulfill stated green objectives accelerates." Canada Silver Cobalt cannot give any assurances regarding a potential transfer of the Quebec and Ontario properties to another public company in exchange for shares, the terms and conditions of any such transfer, the distribution of such shares to the Company's shareholders by way of dividend, whether TSX Venture Exchange or other stock exchange or regulatory approval will be obtained for such transfer or distribution, to the extent required, or the timing of any of the foregoing. About Canada Silver Cobalt Works Inc. Canada Silver Cobalt Works released the first-ever resource in the Gowganda Camp and greater Cobalt Camp. In May 2020. A total of 7.56 million ounces of silver in Inferred resources comprising very high-grade silver (8,582 grams per tonne un-cut or 250.2 oz/ton) in 27,400 tonnes of material from two sections (1A and 1B) of the Robinson Zone beginning at a vertical depth of approximately 400 meters. The discovery remains open in all directions (1A and 1B are approximately 800 meters from the east-trending Capitol Mine workings) (mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability) (refer to Canada Silver Cobalt Works Press Release May 28, 2020. Report reference: Rachidi, M. 2020, NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimate for Castle East, Robinson Zone, Ontario, Canada, with an effective date of May 28, 2020 and a signature date of July 13, 2020. Canada Silver Cobalt's flagship Castle mine and 78 sq. km Castle Property features strong exploration upside for silver, cobalt, nickel, gold, and copper in the prolific past producing Gowganda high-grade Silver District of Northern Ontario. With underground access at Castle, a pilot plant to produce cobalt-rich gravity concentrates on site, a processing facility (TTL Laboratories) in the town of Cobalt, and a proprietary hydrometallurgical process known as Re-2OX for the creation of technical grade cobalt sulphate as well as nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) formulations, Canada Silver Cobalt is strategically positioned to become a Canadian leader in the silver-cobalt space. "Frank J. Basa" Frank J. Basa, P. Eng. Chief Executive Officer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements, including but not limited to comments regarding the transfer of the properties described herein to another public company in exchange for shares, the distribution of the shares to the Company's shareholders by way of dividend, the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, shareholders, investors and others are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. SOURCE Canada Silver Cobalt Works Inc. For further information: Frank J. Basa, P.Eng., Chief Executive Officer, 416-625-2342 Related Links http://www.canadacobaltworks.com/ Seoul: South Koreas military said it had captured a North Korean individual who crossed the heavily fortified border between the two countries in a rare potential defection amid the coronavirus pandemic. The person was seen on Tuesday morning near a checkpoint on the eastern side of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) separating the rival Koreas, prompting an urgent search operation, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. We have taken that unidentified individual into custody and are conducting an investigation, the JCS said in a statement. A barbed-wire fence at the Imjingak Pavilion, near the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas in in Paju, South Korea. Credit:Getty Images The rare border crossing came as North Koreas prolonged lockdowns rolled back the number of defectors arriving in South Korea to an all-time low last year. BENGALURU: Singapores Ascendas India Trust (a-iTrust) on Tuesday said it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire aVance 6, an IT special economic zone (SEZ) building in Hyderabads HITEC City. a-iTrust is buying the commercial office asset of 639,495 sq ft from real estate firm Phoenix IT Infrastructure India Pvt Ltd. Around 98.3% of aVance 6 is leased to Amazon Development Center (India) Pvt Ltd. Also Read | Inside the five-year battle food companies have fought to resist stricter labelling norms The proposed acquisition will be the fifth building bought by a-iTrust from the Phoenix Group. It had previously acquired aVance 1 & 2, aVance 3, and aVance 4 in different transactions between February 2012 and April 2017. All the buildings are part of master developer Phoenix Groups aVance Business Hub. aVance 5 is currently under construction and is expected to be ready by the second half of 2021. a-iTrust's manager Ascendas Property Fund Trustee Pte. Ltd said it has agreed to fund an additional amount of around Rs170 crore for aVance 5, beyond the building's purchase consideration, by way of non-convertible debentures and inter-corporate deposits. The proposed acquisition provides a-iTrust an opportunity to scale up our presence in HITEC City and will add Amazon as a tenant to our IT park portfolio. The improving connectivity and enhancement work being carried out at aVance, HITEC City, Hyderabad, would benefit our tenants in the future. We have already started seeing some leasing traction, with a large US-based MNC having executed a letter of intent to lease aVance 5," said Sanjeev Dasgupta, chief executive of the Trustee Manager. a-iTrust's portfolio comprises seven IT business parks and one logistics park in the country, including International Tech Park, Bengaluru, International Tech Park and CyberVale in Chennai, International Tech Park Hyderabad, CyberPearl, and aVance in Hyderabad, aVance in Pune and Arshiya warehouses near Mumbai. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. During the Obama years the Wests relations with Myanmar took on the quality of a foreign policy parable. After years of enforced diplomatic isolation, the south-east Asian nations faceless generals freed the charismatic and long-imprisoned leader of its democracy movement. Soon international sanctions were lifted and elections followed, bringing Aung San Suu Kyi, an English-speaking Nobel peace laureate, to the heart of power. The sudden return of military rule at the beginning of this month and Ms Suu Kyis renewed detention were just the latest evidence of a far darker and more complicated reality. The generals had never truly relinquished their political grip, creating a hybrid parliament containing MPs in uniform; the West and Ms Suu Kyi had accepted that her marriage to a foreigner should bar her from the highest office; and the new Myanmar still faced long-running conflicts with ethnic minorities on its frontiers, most obviously the Rohingyas (whose name Ms Suu Kyi will not even utter) but also many other groups prevented from voting in Novembers general election. When he announced the lifting of Australian sanctions on Myanmar in June 2012, then foreign affairs minister Bob Carr assured his audience that they understand that if there were to be any serious backsliding or a reversal of reform, that were in a position, with one signature, to re-impose them. While Canberra should reassess its sanctions regime, as Washington already has, the geopolitical landscape has changed considerably in the intervening years and with it the idea of Myanmar being the Wests to win or lose. Japan, Singapore and Israel have all invested significantly in the country and each might have its own objections to returning it to pariah status but for them and Australia which has spent almost $1.5 million on Myanmars armed forces over the past five years there is also the China factor. Since the diplomatic freeze ended, Beijing has worked to build relations with both Ms Suu Kyi and the generals, pledging $US21.5 billion ($27.6 billion) in investment in hydropower, mining and a host of other areas. As journalist Sebastian Strangio recently said: The Western countries are forced to diplomatically condemn this coup, but China doesnt have to do that. Its pragmatic. A Brazilian couple spending their first 24 hours in a quarantine hotel have complained about the size of food portions and pleaded with staff to move rooms because their view is so depressing - but still found time for nookie on their first night. Wagner Araujo, 43, is staying with his wife Elaine, 40, at the Radisson Blu hotel close to Heathrow Airport after arriving from Brazil on Monday, where they will spend the next ten days confined to their room. He told MailOnline that in addition to the rotten view from their window, the couple were so hungry by the modest portion of their first meal that they had to order a takeaway McDonalds at 11pm to stop their bellies from aching with hunger. Mr Araujo told MailOnline: It was only our first day, but the view was already getting us down. It made us feel very depressed and glum. Wagner Araujo, 43, a removal man, and his wife Elaine, 40, are stuck following a trip to Brazil All we can see is another part of the hotel, its not very inspiring and I dont think we could have taken it for the next ten days. I asked the hotel management if they could move us to a front facing room, which they have agreed to do and thats very kind of them. Mr Araujos new room will offer views of a busy main road and one of Heathrows runways. He smirked: Its better than looking at roof tops of buildings that form part of the hotel. I would rather watch traffic going past and planes landing or taking off, thats a lot more interesting. Mr Araujo revealed that their first night in the hotel was not helped by their evening meal of pasta and salmon. He said: We love our food and enjoy eating well. The meal was very healthy and tasted nice but there was just not enough of it. The couple complained that the view from their hotel room was not good (pictured left, Elaine next to a window), while they also said the food portions were too small (pictured right) 'So, Elaine and I ordered a McDonalds chicken select meal at 11pm, which was delivered to our room. Were not big fans of fast food but I have to say that was the best McDonalds weve ever had. We felt nice and full up and actually had a great night. After eating, Elaine went to sleep while Mr Araujo, who works as removal man, stayed up until 1.30am playing FIFA on his PlayStation 4, which had been delivered to him by a friend so that he could while away the quarantine hours. The couple were left so hungry after the small portions they said they were forced to order a McDonald's takeaway meal to their hotel room An avid Tottenham fan, he added: Getting my PS4 has made me really happy. Ill be able to watch films and I also love playing FIFA, so you can guess what Ill be doing for most of the next ten days. Elaine, 40, who works as a secretary, has had her laptop delivered and is planning to spend quarantine working. Wagner Araujo, 43, a removal man, has lived in London for 20 years with his wife Elaine, 40 She said: Im happy that Wagners got his PS4 because itll keep him occupied and means that Ill be able to get on with some work. Ive actually been quite busy since this morning dealing with work calls and emails. Wagner normally doesnt have much free time, so I think hes looking forward to spending the whole day playing FIFA and watching films. The couple moved to the UK 20 years ago and went to Brazil on January 11 to visit a sick relative. They were supposed to stay for only two weeks, but their return flight got cancelled, meaning they were unable to get back before the Governments hotel quarantine deadline. The couple have four children, aged between 17 and 6, who are being looked after by a relative at their home in Finchley, North London. Despite the challenges facing them over the next ten days, Wagner revealed that he and Elaine are planning to make the most of it by getting romantic as often as possible. He said: Weve got busy lives and four kids, so are going to make the most of this time together locked away in this room. We were very tired on our first night after a very long, 20-hour flight but lets just say that we found some time for romance. And I think well be doing a lot of that over the next few days. We have seen so many stories of people finding new ways to travel through the world and we have always lived vicariously through them. Any adventurous story is enough to give us a boost of motivation to plan out our journey but most of the time, it never pans out. Well, here's a story of a 20-year-old who managed to travel from Singapore to Canada without taking a single flight, but instead visiting multiple cities on a journey of a lifetime. When Ganesha Balakrishnan was 20, in the year 2018, he had just finished his mandatory two-year military service and had 10 months left before he started university in Canada. So naturally, he decided to take off from Singapore months in advance and make his own way to Montreal. He had some experience in hitchhiking through different cities as he took a trip to Europe before his military service. Talking to VICE, he said, "I was forced to hitchhike because I was robbed in Amsterdam, the very first European city I visited [in the trip]. I only had a couple of euros left. I felt like it was a calling, as if it happened for a purpose. So, I hitchhiked and it was a very pleasant experience. Ive been addicted to it ever since then." Explaining his motivation behind hitchhiking and couch-surfing through the world, he said, "I really wanted to do something that not many people have done, or maybe even no one has done before." In November 2018, he packed a backpack with just his laptop, DSLR camera, and some clothes, before embarking on his epic adventure. From November 2018 to August 2019, he managed to travel through 23 countries, including China, North Korea, Iran, and Germany. From Singapore, he went to Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Across the Mekong River, he rode a boat. He went from China to North Korea, and back, then travelled across Central Asia. And then, he made his way to Germany. From there, he took a cargo ship across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States. After meeting his parents in New York, he drove to Montreal for his studies. With a daily budget of SG$25 ($19), he relied mainly on a couch-surfing website that let people host others for free. He said, "Couch-surfing worked in most places but not all the time. Theres a bit of luck with it. ...There were times where I couldnt find a host, he said. [If that happened], Id go to a very cheap hostel. But if the hostel was a bit over my budget, then Id pitch a tent at a park or beach. Sometimes, I slept at train stations if I was too lazy to set up the tent." While most of the time he got lucky and had pleasant hosts, he recalled one incident in Tajikistan where his host locked him in his room and turned off his mobile hotspot. He said, "This incident happened at around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. I dont know how most people would react in this situation but I very calmly just went to bed. At around 2 a.m., I woke up and he [the host] was still sleeping. So, I packed my bag, opened the window, jumped out, and made an escape." For him, the fact that his journey was unplanned was so much better. He said, "The beauty of travelling like that is that you will get lost. I know it sounds cliche, but when you get lost, you see a different side of the country you never expect to see. You get to meet people whom you would have otherwise not have met." Speaking about his personal growth throughout the adventurous journey, he said, "Prior to this trip, I never really did anything interesting, or courageous, or brave. But during this trip, I pushed myself as much as possible. So, I learnt that the limits that I thought I had before this trip werent really there. If anything, it was me, myself, and my thinking that limited myself." He even wrote a book called The Long Direction: A flightless journey from Singapore to Canada about all the months he spent travelling and having the most envious adventure. Source - VICE Richwood, TX (77531) Today Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 73F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 73F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Some people in North Alabama had trouble getting to work Tuesday morning due to the ice and snow. We spoke with one man in the Shoals who got a surprising ride to work. Jacob Inman gets a ride to work from a Sheffield Police Officer. Jacob Inman gets a ride to work from a Sheffield Police Officer. Jacob Inman rode to work Tuesday in a Sheffield police car, because it was safer than driving himself. "The roads are really icy, very dangerous," said Inman, CAT Scan Technician at Helen Keller Hospital. And he wasn't the only one. "The police officer that picked me up he said he had been taking a lot of people back and forth all morning and (Monday) as well," said Inman. In other parts of North Alabama, there were no reports of people struggling to get to work. "I have not heard of anyone calling and requesting rides. I mean, I think most people have decided to stay home (Tuesday,)" said Trent Simon, Emergency Management Specialist at Morgan County EMA. People who are going to and from work need to be careful, though. "With temperatures still not above freezing, I think any spots that are out there are probably going to stay out there," said Simon. That's why Helen Keller Hospital in the Shoals has plans in place where employees can stay the night. Inman was a last-minute worker, though, so it was easier for him to get a ride with a police officer, who offered rides to essential workers at the hospital. If you are concerned about driving yourself to work because of the weather, give your local police station a call. Justifying the recommendation he made on December 20 last year to dissolve the House of Representatives, he said it was the most viable option to prevent the country from falling into the deep pit of instability and political conspiracies. He said this while presenting the government's achievements in the past three years in office, The Himalayan Times reported on Tuesday. Kathmandu, Feb 16 (IANS) Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said he was not given a chance to fulfil the promises he had made to the people. The Prime Minister said that it was a matter of utter despair that the party's Co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal had accused him of criminal offences in the letter of no trust motion. "There was not even a single formal complaint or constructive criticism against me at the parliamentary party or against the party's whip or chief whip. The letter was filled with negativity and to make matters worse they printed the letter and circulated it across the country," The Himlayan Times cited Oli as saying. Addressing members of the Cabinet and government officials at his office in Singha Durbar, Oli said he had tried his best not to make the Parliament a victim of his party leaders' vested interest. "The leaders neither let me appoint people in key posts nor did they allow me to work smoothly. They almost ran a parallel government and this compelled me to dissolve the House." He, however, admitted that his government could not do much due to the pandemic, which affected the economic activities across the world. He said the country's Human Development Index was constantly rising, and it showed that the country was gradually developing. --IANS int/pgh In a proceeding that took only a few minutes, a defrocked Catholic priest was sentenced to 5 years of probation Tuesday morning on his guilty pleas to charges that he molested two Dauphin County boys roughly two decades ago. John Allen, 77, of York County, must also was deemed a sexually violent predator, the most dangerous type of sex offender. He will have to register with state police for life, undergo perpetual sex offender counseling and his neighbors will be told of his crimes. County Judge Deborah E. Curcillo imposed the sentence under a plea agreement forged between the district attorneys office and defense attorney Brian Perry. Allen pleaded guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault and corruption of minors filed against him by county detectives nearly two years ago. Allen apologized to the victims before Curcillo imposed the penalty. He is remorseful, Perry said. Tuesdays hearing was especially brief because neither victim spoke. Instead, they filed statements under seal with the court. Allens sentencing marks the end of one criminal case against a legion of predator priests more than 300 - named in a damning state grand jury report issued in 2018 as having molested children in their parishes statewide. The grand jury investigation revealed that more than 1,000 people, most of them children, were sexually abused by clergy in six of Pennsylvanias eight diocese over the decades. That report triggered multiple lawsuits and resulted in pledges by diocese, including the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, to pay financial compensation to victims and institute reforms to protect children. When they arrested Allen in March 2019, detectives accused him of molesting the boys between 1997 and 2002 while they served as altar boys for St. Margaret Marys Alacoque Church in Harrisburg. The criminal probe of Allen began when Harrisburg diocese officials told the district attorneys office that a man had come forward with sexual abuse allegations against the former priest, who was removed from the clergy by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. The accuser told detectives Allen grabbed his buttocks on multiple occasions between 1999 and 2002, when the man was 10 to 13 years old. That contact ended when the diocese removed Allen as a pastor of St. Margaret Marys Alacoque in 2002. He was removed, according to the district attorneys office, after the diocese learned of allegations of sexual abuse of another person. The second victim accused Allen of touching him on the buttocks and in the genital area on multiple occasions from 1997 to 1999. That man said the molestation occurred when he was 12 to 14. In August 2018, a former altar boy filed a lawsuit against the Harrisburg diocese in Dauphin County Court, claiming diocese officials didnt adequately protect him from Allen. He claimed Allen lasciviously leered at, groped and sexually molested (him) approximately a dozen times in different rooms at the church between 1999 and 2002. That lawsuit is still pending. No action has been taken on it since the diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year. Diocese officials said they took that step to secure financial breathing room while dealing with with hundreds of complaints of child sex abuse by predator priests. They claimed in the U.S. Middle District Court filing that they must erect that legal shield from creditors, including those who claim they were molested by priests as children, in order to continue acting as a religious and social welfare institution. New Delhi [India], February 16 (ANI/ThePRTree): A lot of youngsters nowadays are pursuing B.Tech, BCA, MBA, MBBS and a lot more degrees but even after completion of their degrees they still wait for their dream career to take off. Some do realize their dreams sooner or later, but most of these frustrated youth men fall by the wayside while the world moves ahead and on the other hand some hustle hard and build their own path towards success. Vivek Kumar Nagi, a young man is one such hustler who worked hard and in the early '20s, he became one of the well-known e-commerce experts who started his journey in 2016 and is now a pioneer in the industry. This young man was born and brought up in Ludhiana and he pursued B.tech CSE from Punjab University, Ludhiana. During his college days, he was very keen to know about online earning and this interest led him to become one of the most successful e-commerce and Digital marketing experts. He stepped into the era of digital marketing and e-commerce during the year 2016 and now became a well-established pillar of the industry. From 2016 to now he hustled and worked non-stop. He never stopped expanding his skills during his whole journey and even now he still hones his skills. He knew from the start that he has the potential to achieve the greatest heights and as a result of his belief in himself and stubbornness to work more, he's now running two profitable E-Commerce brands and has helped various brands in establishing their unique image in the competitive environment. With his continuous efforts and determination, he made his path all the way up there without taking a single break throughout his whole journey, he has now become a Certified FB and Google Ads expert as well as certified digital marketer by Google and Facebook. Started from scratch and accomplished sales worth in excess of 7 million rupees for every quarterly on his web-based business site and now he's planning to set up his own e-commerce brand and Digital marketing agency to help the potential clients reach more people very soon. With the opening of these firms, his vision is to grow and expand his business on the world-class level. Everyone must have wished once to live a remarkable life but only a few are determined enough to make this wish come true in the real world and Vivek Kumar Nagi is one of them who is living a lavish and peaceful lifestyle only because of his hard work and dedication toward his passion. He has already set up a milestone only at the age of 23 and there's whole life remaining. With this pace, he'll be unstoppable in the nearing future. The journey of Vivek Kumar Nagi is inspirational enough to be considered as an example for the young souls. He gained this by working day and night. He is the perfect instance of high-performing and strong business people who battled against all the chances and turned into a digital marketer and e-commerce expert. One thing Vivek Kumar Nagi's journey teaches us is that "once you've begun, never stop, keep grinding, keep hustling but never pause". This story is provided by ThePRTree. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ThePRTree) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ST. PETERSBURG (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th February, 2021) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday praised the role of Togolese troops in the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali. "We very much appreciate Togo's contribution to the UN peacekeeping operation in Mali. Our Togolese friends make up the largest share of these peacekeeping forces," Lavrov told a news conference. Lavrov said he had expressed his condolences to Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey over deadly attacks on Togolese forces in Mali in the past weeks. "This again underscores the need for our solidarity with our African colleagues at the international level," he said after their meeting in St. Petersburg. Minister Dussey told Sputnik on the sidelines of the meeting that the West African nation hoped that Russia, being a major military power and a member of the UN Security Council, would contribute to restoring peace in the turbulent Sahel region. Maharashtra: JNPT doesn't have CRZ clearance for making SEZ, say greens through RTI by Vijay Singh February 16,2021 | Source: The Times of India Local environmentalists have stated that as per Right to Information Act (RTI records, there is no proper Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) clearance to build the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) special economic zone (SEZ) project at the port area in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai. The greens have thus asked the state environment department to take remedial steps to restore the coastal biodiversity. "As per records of the MCZMA, the information (that) pertaining to CRZ clearance to JNPT SEZ for implementing the SEZ project in Uran taluka of Raigad district is not available. This communique from the environment department was shared in response to our RTI application," said BN Kumar of NatConnect Foundation. He further said, We sought the information on CRZ clearance as we have been noticing widespread destruction of mangroves due to the landfill for the JNPT SEZ. The 'no info available' response is surprising as it means that the CRZ clearance documents are not there." JNPT website itself says there are 900 hectares of mangroves (numbering 900,000 sea plants) and their transfer to the state forest department is still pending despite the government orders to do so, Kumar said. These mangroves have to be protected at any cost to save the coast and the JNPT project itself, apart from the scores of villages, from tidal water attacks and the plants serve as the first line of defence, Kumar said. TOI contacted the JNPT PR agency in order to get their version on this green issue. However, a spokesperson of the agency said that a formal reply has not come till the time of going to press. Member of the high court appointed mangroves panel D Stalin commented: "Nearly 85% of mangroves in Uran taluka have been destroyed for various projects during the 15 years. The greens are desperately trying to save the surviving mangroves and wetlands, including those with JNPT's jurisdiction. The state must act now on this." Kumar pointed out that the original environmental clearance given to JNPT SEZ expired in December 2019 and the renewal was granted at the 195th meeting of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). He expressed surprise that the SEIAA website, as of February 12, 2021, does not have minutes of this particular meeting supposed to have taken place on March 14, 2020 though it posted the preceding and succeeding meetings. We filed an RTI application seeking minutes of the SEIAA 195th meeting, the activist said. In a separate response to NatConnects another RTI application, the government said it asked the Raigad district collector to probe into the allegation of burial of mangroves under JNPT SEZ. In fact, state Environment Director Narendra Toke himself asked the Collector to check violation of the CRZ notifications. NatConnect and other groups such as Shri Ekvira Aai Pratishthan and traditional fishing community forum Paaramparik Machhimar Bachao Kruti Samiti also complained to the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray against the mangroves and wetland destruction under JNPT. The maharashtra chief minister asked the Environment Department to check these. The groups have also approached the Bombay high court appointed Mangrove Protection and Conservation Committee to order immediate halt to the burial of mangroves under JNPT SEZ and action on those responsible for it. "The environmental clearance given for expansion of JNPT container terminal clearly stipulates that the project proponent must adhere to all court orders and CRZ rules and clearly to stay 50 metres away from mangroves. But in all the cases at Dhutum and Ulwe, tonnes and tonnes of earth has been dumped straight on mangroves as if the law protecting the sea plants does not exist," Pawar said. Meanwhile, the traditional fishing community forum offered to take the government inspection teams to show the glaring violations of earlier ECs granted to JNPT including the shutting of the fishing routes and burials of mangroves. We can show the extent of destruction by guiding the team by land and sea routes which will amply prove our charges, said Dilip Koli of the Kruti Samiti. 2021 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. The company is aggressively drilling at King Snake and sees potential for it to be incorporated into ongoing mining and processing studies, given the exploration success to date. ( ) ( ) (FRA:B9S) continues to intersect massive sulphide vein (MSV) mineralisation in all drill holes subsequent to the maiden intersections at King Snake target of the Ta Khoa NickelCopper-PGE Project in Vietnam. The company is aggressively drilling at King Snake and sees significant potential for it to be incorporated into ongoing mining and processing studies, given the exploration success to date. "One of best opportunities to date" Blackstone Minerals managing director Scott Williamson said: We are pleased by the rate of drilling at King Snake and the success of our exploration strategy in following up EM targets defined by our in-house geophysics team. King Snake features multiple EM plates and is proving to be one of Blackstones best massive sulphide nickel opportunities to date. We look forward to further aggressive drilling, reporting assays as they become available and being able to incorporate King Snake into our massive sulphide strategy. Shares have been as much as 7% higher intra-day to A$0.54 and have risen from A$0.36 at the market close on December 24, 2020, while the company's market cap is approximately $157.7 million. Materially add to MSV inventory Highlights from continued exploration at King Snake include All five additional drill holes at King Snake have intersected MSV mineralisation. KS21-06 intersected 19.55 metres of continuous mineralisation, including disseminated sulphide (DSS), semi-massive sulphide vein (SMSV) and MSV; New intersections together with historic drill results have defined a strike length of 800 metres. Importantly, the mineralisation is open in multiple directions; Blackstone's drilling at King Snake is focusing on new electromagnetic (EM) geophysics targets, which extend down plunge to the west of historic drilling. Initial visual results suggest greater thickness of sulphide mineralisation down plunge of historic drilling; With resource estimation underway at Ban Chang, King Snake has become the companys highest priority MSV exploration target. Multiple drill rigs are currently on-site and will continue to test the extent of the mineralisation; and King Snake has the potential to materially add to the companys MSV mining inventory and support the restart of the existing 450,000 tonnes per annum Ban Phuc concentrator. Update on assay results Blackstone expects to provide an update on the anticipated King Snake assay results, along with results from ongoing infill drilling at Ban Chang and Ban Phuc DSS over the coming weeks. The most significant intercept from the latest round of drilling at King Snake was KS21-06, which intersected 19.55 metres of sulphide mineralisation including DSS, SMSV and MSV. Maiden resource The company is targeting a maiden resource at King Snake in 2021 and this deposit may be incorporated into ongoing mining and processing studies as sufficient data becomes available. Due to the Lunar New Year celebrations and holiday period, exploration activities at the site have been cut back to a minimum. Normal activities are expected to resume from February 22. King Snake King Snake is an MSV prospect, 1.5 kilometres northeast of the processing facility. Results from Blackstones maiden program at King Snake together with historic drill results have defined a strike length of over 800 metres at King Snake, which includes MSV, SMSV and DSS. A nurse who died of Covid after working on the hospital frontline throughout the pandemic has been hailed an 'inspiration' by her five children. Linda Obiageli Udeagbala, from Croydon, died aged 60, in February after continuing to work at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust despite being advised to stay at home. The mother-of-five, who worked for the NHS for 17 years, encouraged several of her children to pursue a carer in healthcare, with daughter Cheyrinne revealing it was her mother's 'kindness and loving nature' that inspired her to become a midwife. Following her family's Good Morning Britain today, viewers were quick to hail Linda a 'hero' and thanked the nurse for her years of service to the NHS. Linda Obiageli Udeagbala, from Croydon, died aged 60, in February after continuing to work at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust despite being advised to stay at home Her five children (pictured L-R) Marvin, Cheyrinne, Colin, Angelica and Jared appeared on Good Morning Britain this morning with Linda's husband Francis (pictured middle) 'I think what kept me going was the kindness, she had a really loving nature,' said Cheyrinne. 'She just showed that to every person she met and it was really hard to not take that on. 'I think now I'm working as a midwife, I just take that to every patient that I meet and I always remember my mum.' Linda's daughter Angelica added: 'My mum always wanted me to go into nursing, she's always been naturally a very caring person, which has always inspired me. So I think I would have gone into it either way.' Viewers quickly took to Twitter, with one writing: 'So much love to the Udeagnala family on their loss. Your mother/wife seemed like a remarkable woman and will be a great loss. Thank you for her service. Saying prayers.' Following her family's Good Morning Britain today, viewers were quick to hail Linda a 'hero' and thanked the nurse for her several years of service to the NHS Another said: 'God bless the whole family. We are truly blessed to have such angels here on earth and thoughts and prayers to their beautiful mum.' A third wrote: 'NHS nurse Linda Udeagbala, and her family, have shown so much dignity even through personal sacrifice & loss. Absolute respect & gratitude to them.' Linda's husband Francis described her as a 'lovely lady' who valued 'family unity' and had love for 'everyone she came into contact with.' He told how 'passionate' his wife was about nursing, and that she was determined to keep on working on the frontline throughout the pandemic despite the risk. 'When the pandemic started when we had the lockdown in March, she was asked to stay at home and she was very unhappy about it,' said Francis. The mother-of-five, who worked for the NHS for 17-years, encouraged several of her children to pursue a carer in healthcare 'I said to her, "Follow your heart, if that is what you want to do discuss it with your employers" and she talked to her employers and said she wants to go back to work in the office. 'She was passionate about work, she knew the risk but she didn't want to stay at home.' Linda's son Jared, who works in mental health, told how even though the pandemic was impacting his mother mentally, she continued to 'fight on'. 'Mental health doesn't have a particular criteria,' said Jared. 'It can take over anyone, so it's really important we all try to look after our mental health. Linda's husband Francis described her as a 'lovely lady' who valued 'family unity'. Pictured, Linda with husband Francis and daughter Cheyrinne 'It's getting more rife these days and my mum was trying to look after her mental health, keeping herself busy, and she knew the risks but still fought on.' Linda's son Marvin added: 'My mum was such an inspiration to the family and she died doing what she loved to do. 'She inspired everyone apart from me to go into the NHS apart from me, but everyone else went on that route, she was just an inspiration, a wonderful lady. 'She was determined to go to work despite the risk, she put that on the back burner and kept going forward in spite of what was going on.' [February 16, 2021] Artmarket.com: auctions provide buoyancy for arts and culture industry disrupted by pandemic PARIS, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As museums continue seeking solutions to allow them to welcome visitors again (even in small numbers and even if it means running at a loss like the MET in New York[1]), the auction market has become a safety net for certain institutions, and, initial results in 2021 are showing a high level of demand in auction rooms! January... Old Masters month With a 10% fall in turnover in 2020, the Old Masters (artists born before 1760) segment appears to have better withstood the impacts of the pandemic than other segments. This is probably due to the fact that a substantial proportion of the year's sales the Old Masters segment represents a remarkably solid market. "Old Master collectors are looking for the 'right piece' rather than the thrill of the moment," observes thierry Ehrmann, President and Founder of Artmarket.com and its Artprice Department. "The Old Masters market is by nature less sensitive to the temporary absence of fairs, large openings and gala dinners. Moreover, it's a market that actually appreciates extensive research and is happy to wade through detailed reports by experts... all of which can be done online." The battle to acquire the Portrait of a young man holding a roundel, attributed to Botticelli, ultimately brought together just two collectors. But these two determined bidders raised the price of the work to Sotheby's very audacious estimate in the midst of a global pandemic. Announced in September 2020, its sale deliberately left three months for all concerned to conduct the necessary research. London, held back by its covid variant... and Brexit The British capital usually hosts the year's second round of major sales. In February 2020, three paintings fetched over $20 million each at London sales: The Splash (1966) by David Hockney (1966) by A la rencontre du plaisir (1962) by Rene Magritte (1962) by Rene Magritte Portrait of Marjorie Ferry (1932) by Tamara De Lempicka But the health crisis has led to the postponement of London's first major sales of the year to March 2021. Moreover, the effective withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union risks weakening London's dominant position in this part of the world. Paris obviously hopes to benefit from this reorganization. The French capital is also continuing to attract more and more top talent from the Art Market. Since the beginning of the year, two of Italy's most powerful galleries, Continua and Massimo de Carlo, have opened in the Marais District, while Sotheby's is preparing to sell Christo and Jeanne-Claude's prestigious collection in Paris. The next few weeks promise to be exciting on the art market, both at auctions and in art galleries... some reassuring news ahead of the reopening of museums in Europe. 1 Julia Jacobs, Is Seeing That Renoir Essential? In the Pandemic, Cities Differ, The New York Times, 2 February 2021 Images: [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/02/image-1-fine-art.png] [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/02/image-2-fine-art-auction.png] Copyright 1987-2021 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com - www.artmarket.com Don't hesitate to contact our Econometrics Department for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: econometrics@artprice.com for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: econometrics@artprice.com Try our services (free demo): https://www.artprice.com/demo Subscribe to our services: https://www.artprice.com/subscription About Artmarket: Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF. Discover Artmarket and its Artprice department on video: https://www.artprice.com/video Artmarket and its Artprice department was founded in 1997 by its CEO, thierry Ehrmann. Artmarket and its Artprice department is controlled by Groupe Serveur, created in 1987. See certified biography in Who's who : https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2019/10/biographie_oct2019_WhosWho_thierryEhrmann.pdf Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 749,000 artists. Artprice Images allows unlimited access to the largest Art Market image bank in the world: no less than 180 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians. Artmarket with its Artprice department accumulates data on a permanent basis from 6300 Auction Houses and produces key Art Market information for the main press and media agencies (7,200 publications). Its 4.5 million 'members log in' users have access to ads posted by other members, a network that today represents the leading Global Standardized Marketplace to buy and sell artworks at a fixed or bid price (auctions regulated by paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article L 321.3 of France's Commercial Code). Artmarket with its Artprice department, has been awarded the State label "Innovative Company" by the Public Investment Bank (BPI) (for the second time in November 2018 for a new period of 3 years) which is supporting the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the market art. Artprice by Artmarket's 2019 Global Art Market Report published in February 2020 : https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2019 Index of press releases posted by Artmarket with its Artprice department: http://serveur.serveur.com/press_release/pressreleaseen.htm Follow all the Art Market news in real time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (5 million followers) https://twitter.com/artmarketdotcom https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom Discover the alchemy and universe of Artmarket and its artprice department http://web.artprice.com/video headquartered at the famous Organe Contemporary Art Museum "The Abode of Chaos" (dixit The New York Times): https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013 L'Obs - The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 (4.5 million followers) https://vimeo.com/124643720 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438870/Artmarket_Fine_Art.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438873/Artmarket_Fine_Art_Auctions.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1009603/Art_Market_logo.jpg Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department - Contact: thierry Ehrmann, ir@artmarket.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Brandon Bell-Pool/Getty ImagesBY: MEG CUNNINGHAM AND QUINN SCANLAN, ABC NEWS (WASHINGTON) After joining with six Republican colleagues to vote to convict former President Donald Trump on the charge of inciting an insurrection, retiring North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr was censured by his state party. "Tonight, the North Carolina Republican Party Central Committee voted unanimously to censure Senator Richard Burr for his vote to convict former President Trump in the impeachment trial which he declared to be unconstitutional," North Carolina Republican Party's Central Committee said in a statement following their unanimous vote Monday night. "The NCGOP agrees with the strong majority of Republicans in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate that the Democrat-led attempt to impeach a former President lies outside the United States Constitution. While the impeachment vote was the most bipartisan in history, Democrats were still 10 Republican votes short of the 67 needed to convict Trump. Michael Whatley, the chairman of the North Carolina GOP, said in a statement that Burr's vote to convict was "shocking and disappointing." "North Carolina Republicans sent Sen. Burr to the United States Senate to uphold the Constitution and his vote today to convict in a trial that he declared unconstitutional is shocking and disappointing," Whatley said Saturday. Burr defended his vote in a statement on Saturday, saying Trump bears responsibility for the actions on Jan. 6. "As I said on January 6th, the President bears responsibility for these tragic events. The evidence is compelling that President Trump is guilty of inciting an insurrection against a coequal branch of government and that the charge rises to the level of high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Therefore, I have voted to convict," he said. Burr faced immediate backlash online from members in his party. Former Rep. Mark Walker, who is running for Burr's seat, began fundraising off Burr's vote Saturday afternoon. "Wrong vote, Sen. Burr," he wrote on Twitter. GOP Rep. Dan Bishop said that he supports the immediate censure of Burr. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said on Fox News Sunday that Burr made Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump "almost the certain nominee for the Senate seat" if she chooses to run. "I certainly will be behind her because I think she represents the future of the Republican Party," Graham added. Of the seven GOP senators who voted to convict Trump, two are retiring -- Burr and Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey -- and only one will be on the ballot in 2022: Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Sen. Bill Cassidy was unanimously censured by the Louisiana GOP executive committee just hours after he voted to convict Trump Saturday. Toomey is facing censure in at least two counties in Pennsylvania. "As these facts become more and more out there, if you will, and folks have a chance to look for themselves, more folks will move to where I was," Cassidy said on ABC's "This Week" Sunday when asked about that censure. "I'm attempting to hold President Trump accountable ... and I am very confident that as time passes people will move to that position." In Utah, while there are some Republicans who are attempting to censure Sen. Mitt Romney, according to a Google doc petition first reported by the Salt Lake Tribune, the state party said they are not behind this move and Utah GOP Chairman Derek Brown told ABC News he hasn't seen any such document. In a statement issued Saturday following the vote, the Utah GOP indicated support for both of the state's senators despite their differing votes. "Our Senators have both been criticized for their vote. The differences between our own Utah Republicans showcase a diversity of thought, in contrast to the danger of a party fixated on 'unanimity of thought,'" the statement said. The 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump back in January have also faced censure, public condemnation or the threat of primary challengers. ABC News' Alisa Wiersema contributed reporting. Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. [February 16, 2021] 4th World Indigenous Media Lab Application Period Now Open MISSOULA, Mont., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4th World Indigenous Media Lab invites Indigenous creators to apply for its 7th annual cohort. The lab is made possible through its partners: Longhouse Media, ITVS, and Vision Maker Media. Major support for the lab comes from Nia Tero. "We've witnessed so many magical moments as participants share creative ideas, technical knowledge, laughter." The lab, which includes residencies at Camden International Film Festival in Maine, Big Sky Documentary Festival in Montana, and Seattle International Film Festival in Washington State, provides progressive immersion into film learning. Topics range from storytelling basics and pitching, to presentation and marketing, to distribution and networking. Past cohorts have included Razelle Benally (Oglala/Dine), Alex Lazarowich (Cre), Taylor Hensel (Cherokee Nation), Justyn Ah Chong (Kanaka Maoli), Ivan & Ivy MacDonald (Blackfeet), JJ Neepin (Cree), Asia Youngman (Cree/Metis/Haudenosaunee), Shaandiin Tome (Dine), and Khalil Hudson (Tlingit). Although the lab usually begins in February at Big Sky, the organizing team decided to postpone live events to ensure safety. "Virtual convenings and online festival events have been incredibly valuable, adaptive resources for emerging filmmakers in the wake of COVID-19, as we experienced with the 2020 lab," said Rachel Gregg, Executive Director of Big Sky. "As we launch the next cohort, we hope to maximize opportunities for in-person industry events alongside digital convenings." Activities related to this lab will kick off virtually in July 2021, with in-person activities beginning at Camden in October 2021, as COVID safety protocols allow. 4th World focuses on emerging and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers. Applicants will share their journey toward connecting with their community and ancestors, with a goal of nurturing authentic, accountable storytelling rooted in lived Indigenous realities. "We've witnessed so many magical moments as participants share creative ideas, technical knowledge, laughter (so much laughter), and moral support. It's what sustains the work of a storyteller, to be in community!" said Tracy Rector of Nia Tero and founder of 4th World. The application period is now open and will last through April 30, 2021. The cohort will be announced in June of 2021. Online application for 4th World Indigenous Media Lab: http://bit.ly/4thworld2021app Contact Information Nia Tero Julie Keck, Consulting Producer julieannekeck@gmail.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/4th-world-indigenous-media-lab-application-period-now-open-301229404.html SOURCE Nia Tero The Golden Vale is set to be hit with "different nitrogen reduction targets as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ramps up efforts to tackle water quality issues in updated hotspot regions. The Farming Independent has learned that, over the coming weeks, the EPA will publish new figures on the scale of reduction in nitrogen emissions in water that will be needed to achieve Irelands water quality goals. The EPA has also completed new maps on hotspot areas within the landscape which it says are most risky for losses of nitrogen and phosphorus based on the characteristics of the soils and land activities. An EPA spokeswoman said: The maps will be made available through Teagasc and EPA mapping systems in the coming weeks. She outlined that Ireland, like other member states, is expected to demonstrate pathways to achieving the nutrient reduction targets in the EU Farm to Fork strategy a 20pc reduction in fertiliser use, and a 50pc reduction in nitrogen losses by 2030 and good water quality as set out in the Water Framework Directive. While the EPA says reduction targets for nitrogen in the Ag Climatise report which is based on a stable herd should reduce overall emissions and should provide benefits to water she said: It is important to note however, that while measures to reduce nitrogen for climate purposes are nationwide targets, and can be uniformly spread across the country, measures to reduce nitrogen for water need to be spatially targeted into areas where the problems arise. "Therefore different reduction targets will be required in different areas. Senior Department of Agriculture inspector Jack Nolan recently warned that over the last number of years we have seen localised intensification in the Golden Vale. "50pc of the expansion in dairy cow numbers has taken place in Cork, Tipperary and Kilkenny which is impacting on water quality. In the future, these actions will have to be targeted. DAFM is also investigating the establishment of a chemical fertiliser register to be linked to a farmers herd number when buying products. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue also said a mature discussion on future dairy cow numbers is needed. The spokeswoman continued: EPA work on the scale of reduction in nitrogen emissions in waters that will be needed will be completed in the coming weeks. "Further work will then be needed by DAFM to determine what measures might be necessary on land to achieve those emission reductions targets in waters. Harry Dunn's alleged killer will face a claim for damages from the teenager's family in a US court after a judge rejected her bid to have the case moved to the UK. Anne Sacoolas had applied to dismiss the case on the grounds it should be heard in Britain, despite her legal team admitting she would not agree to face trial due to a 'concern' she would not 'receive fair treatment'. A hearing at a court in the Eastern District of Virginia had previously been told her work in intelligence was 'especially a factor' in her departure and her Sacoolas family 'fled' the UK for 'issues of security'. Harry Dunn, 19, was killed when his motorbike collided with a car outside US military base RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August 2019 The suspect, 43-year-old Anne Sacoolas, had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US government following the crash and she was able to return to her home country How was Anne Sacoolas able to flee back to the US as British police investigated? US diplomat's wife Anne Sacoolas fled the UK after allegedly killing 19-year-old Harry Dunn in August by running him over in her car Anne Sacoolas used a loophole to claim diplomatic immunity after allegedly killing Harry Dunn in a crash involving her Volvo SUV. It was believed that diplomatic immunity only applied to US officials - and their families - if they worked at the US Embassy in London. But it appears that because of the work done at RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire a US intelligence hub in Britain - the same applies there. Sky News claims an immunity deal between the UK and US there started in 1994. As a result Northamptonshire Police were planning to get Anne Sacoolas to sign a 'waiver of diplomatic immunity' - but she, her husband and their children fled on a private jet. Harry's family claim that Mrs Sacoolas had promised to work with police and admitted culpability. Advertisement But handing down his judgment on Tuesday, the judge said: 'While it is commendable that Defendant Anne Sacoolas admits that she was negligent and that her negligence caused Harry Dunn's death, this does not equate acceptance of responsibility. 'Full acceptance of responsibility entails facing those harmed by her negligence and taking responsibility for her acts where they occurred, in the United Kingdom.' She travelled back to the US after the State Department asserted diplomatic immunity on her behalf following a crash which killed Mr Dunn outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August 2019. The 43-year-old was then charged with causing the teenager's death by dangerous driving but an extradition request was rejected by the US Government in January last year. Due to her 'refusal' to return to the UK, the Dunn family brought a civil claim for damages against her as 'a last resort' in the hope of some sort of justice for their son. In his judgment, Judge Thomas Ellis dismissed Sacoolas's submissions that the UK was a 'more convenient' forum, keeping the case in Virginia describing the motion as 'not warranted'. Judge Ellis also took into account the 'firm support' of UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who submitted a letter to the court which read: 'I strongly support (the Dunn family's) right to bring the case. 'It is of course for the US courts to decide the issue of venue but for our part the British Government takes the view that British citizens can bring their case in whichever court they think appropriate I hope therefore (the Dunn family's) action in the United States is able to proceed.' Mr Dunn's mother Charlotte Charles said: 'We are pleased and relieved at the court's decision. 'We only took this step as a last resort following the denial of justice in the extradition case on strong legal advice from our legal team.' Mr Dunn's mother Charlotte Charles, pictured with father Tim Dunn, said: 'We are pleased and relieved at the court's decision' On February 4, the family listened to Sacoolas's legal team submit the application to dismiss, in which the Alexandria district court was told Sacoolas and her husband Jonathan Sacoolas worked for the US State Department at the time of the crash. Her barrister, John McGavin, told the court he could not 'completely candidly' explain why the Sacoolas family left the UK, adding: 'I know the answer, but I cannot disclose it.' The Dunn family's spokesman Radd Seiger said: 'Having studied this judgment we are delighted to see that common sense has prevailed. 'Harry's parents only brought these legal proceedings as a last resort. 'The Sacoolases were on the one hand arguing that the civil claim for wrongful death should be tried in the UK as that was the 'more convenient' forum, whilst at the same time arguing that she would not return to the UK to face a criminal prosecution because she fears she would not get a fair trial. 'Harry's parents never wanted to enter into dispute with anybody and they fundamentally believe that the way to resolve differences is with dialogue.' Other motions Sacoolas's legal team submitted to dismiss the case will be heard on March 3 in Virginia. The Prime Minister has branded the latest charges against the ousted leader of Myanmar as fabricated, as the UK Government repeated calls for Aung San Suu Kyi to be released. Ms Suu Kyi, whose party won the countrys election last year, was deposed in a military coup earlier this month and placed under arrest. Her lawyer has said that fresh police charges brought against Ms Suu Kyi this week could see her held indefinitely without trial. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Boris Johnson said the charges amounted to a human rights violation. He tweeted: New charges against Aung San Suu Kyi fabricated by the Myanmar military are a clear violation of her human rights. We stand with the people of Myanmar and will ensure those responsible for this coup are held to account. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also criticised the move and repeated the UKs call for the countrys political leaders to be freed. The Cabinet minister said: The charges against Aung San Suu Kyi are politically motivated, and the latest example of the Myanmar military undermining democratically elected politicians. Aung San Suu Kyi and all other elected politicians arbitrarily held must be released immediately. The UK and likeminded nations will not ignore these violations. We will ensure those responsible are held to account. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Ms Suu Kyis lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told reporters, after meeting with a judge in the capital Naypyitaw, that the elected leader had been charged with violating Article 25 of the Natural Disaster Management Law, which has been used to prosecute people who have broken coronavirus restrictions. Ms Suu Kyi, who was ousted in a military coup on February 1, has already been charged with possessing walkie-talkies that were imported without being registered. The maximum punishment for the Covid-19 violation is three years imprisonment. However, the new charge may allow her to be held indefinitely without trial because a change in the Penal Code instituted by the junta last week permits detention without court permission. Ms Suu Kyi held the top government post, with the title of state counsellor, at the time of the military takeover. Buddhist monks march during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar (AP Photo) Demonstrators have taken to the streets in defiance of an order banning gatherings of five or more people, with protestors holding placards with pictures of Ms Suu Kyi and demanding the return of democracy. Buddhist monks demonstrated outside the UNs local office and on Monday in Mandalay, soldiers and police violently broke up a gathering of more than 1,000 protesters in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank. They attacked the protesters with catapults and sticks, and police could be seen aiming guns into the air amid sounds that resembled gunfire. Local media reported rubber bullets were fired into the crowd and that a few people were injured. The government ordered internet access blocked on Sunday and Monday nights without giving a reason. The military contends there was fraud in last years election, which Ms Suu Kyis party won in a landslide, and says it will hold power for a year before holding new elections. The state election commission found no evidence to support the claims of fraud. The military says its takeover is legitimate under a 2008 constitution that was drafted under military rule and ensures the army maintains ultimate control over the country. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. It's not over yet, Houston. We're still going to see some potentially icy weather. Space City Weather's Eric Berger reports that precipitation is headed to Houston Tuesday evening and overnight as temperatures dip below freezing again. COLD SNAP: Texas power council is 'anything but reliable,' Abbott says With freezing temperatures and more precipitation overnight, roads that were clear and dry today might be icy once again. A new Winter Storm Warning will go into effect at 6 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Thursday, accounting for the possibility of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow across the area, ABC13 reports. The temperature will reach above freezing Wednesday afternoon but dip again overnight into Thursday. The cold weather has been wreaking havoc on Houston's infrastructure. Pipes have already frozen and burst across the city, and plumbers haven't seen the worst of it yet, the Houston Chronicle's Hannah Dellinger reports. Houston officials are cautioning against dripping faucets to prevent frozen pipes, as it can stress on the citys water system and possibly trigger a boil notice, the Houston Chronicle's Dylan McGuinness and Mike Morris report. Paul Abrams, a spokesman for the national plumbing company Roto-Rooter, told McGuinness and Morris he still recommends dripping faucets, especially faucets on exterior walls. Residents can also turn off their home's water at the water meter to help prevent frozen and burst pipes. OPINION: Making fun of Texas while people are dying isn't the own you think it is Millions of Texans are still without power as the state dipped into extreme lows Monday night. Because Texas operates on an independent power grid unlike the rest of the country, the state is in a power emergency as the grid became overwhelmed and failed. On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the legislature to reform the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which is in charge of delivering electricity throughout the state. It is unclear when power will be restored to those who are still waiting. Follows approval by several other major German providers Myomo, Inc. (NYSE American: MYO) ("Myomo" or the "Company"), a wearable medical robotics company that offers increased functionality for those suffering from neurological disorders and upper-limb paralysis, today announced Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), Germany's largest Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) company, now approves reimbursement of MyoPro on a case-by-case basis. TK covers over 10 Million insured lives and joins the ranks of other major German health insurance providers including BARMER, IKK Classic, regional AOK insurances and several BKK insurances which collectively cover 28 million German lives and have now approved funding for MyoPro. About 90% of the German population is covered by a SHI provider. In addition, one of the largest private health insurers in Germany, Allianz, has now authorized MyoPro. Private insurance covers approximately 9% of the population. Myomo Managing Director for Europe, John Frijters, stated, "Many of the users who have received a MyoPro through German insurance have suffered loss of hand and arm function as a result of a stroke, brachial plexus injury or a spinal cord injury. Receiving a MyoPro as a result of these insurance decisions changes their lives." In Germany, MyoPro is delivered through a growing network of Orthotic and Prosthetic (O&P) clinics across the country. As of now, 35 such facilities serve and support MyoPro users. Paul R. Gudonis, Myomo CEO, said, "Our progress in Germany, even though now constrained by COVID lockdowns, show us that there is strong and broad demand for MyoPro. Coupled with our recently announced joint venture in China, we seek to become the global standard of care for those with paralyzed or weakened arms." This announcement coincides with the introduction of a new website for Myomo in German language. It can be found at www.myomo.de. About Myomo Myomo, Inc. is a wearable medical robotics company that offers improved arm and hand function for those suffering from neurological disorders and upper limb paralysis. Myomo develops and markets the MyoPro product line. MyoPro is a powered upper limb orthosis designed to support the arm and restore function to the weakened or paralyzed arms of patients suffering from CVA stroke, brachial plexus injury, traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, ALS or other neuromuscular disease or injury. It is currently the only marketed device that, sensing a patient's own EMG signals through non-invasive sensors on the arm, can restore an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living, including feeding themselves, carrying objects and doing household tasks. Many are able to return to work, live independently and reduce their cost of care. Myomo is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with sales and clinical professionals across the U.S. and representatives internationally. For more information, please visit www.myomo.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's future business expectations, including benefits expected from insurance coverage in Germany and our activities in Germany, Australia and China, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. These factors include, among other things: our sales and commercialization efforts; our ability to achieve reimbursement from third-party payers for our products; our dependence upon external sources for the financing of our operations, to the extent that we do not achieve or maintain cash flow breakeven; our ability to effectively execute our business plan and scale up our operations; our expectations as to our development programs; and general market, economic, environmental and social factors, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that may affect the evaluation, fitting, delivery and sale of our products to patients. More information about these and other factors that potentially could affect our financial results is included in Myomo's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those contained in the risk factors section of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Commission. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Although the forward-looking statements in this release of financial information are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations, taking into account all information currently available to us, we cannot guarantee future transactions, results, performance, achievements or outcomes. No assurance can be made to any investor by anyone that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements will be attained, or that deviations from them will not be material and adverse. The Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005241/en/ Contacts: For Myomo: ir@myomo.com Investor Relations: Kim Sutton Golodetz LHA Investor Relations kgolodetz@lhai.com 212-838-3777 Public Relations: Kate McCann Matter Communications myomo@matternow.com Even in the final hours of his administration, President Trump was working to stop Chinas infiltration of American education. He proposed a rule to force schools to publicly disclose their connection with the Confucius Institutes and classrooms or lose certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. On January 26, President Biden revoked that rule. Now Democrats have voted to give federal relief money to educational institutions that partner with the Chinese Communist Party. The Confucius Institutes are Chinese government-funded locations on college campuses, primarily in the United States and other western countries, ostensibly to teach Mandarin and Chinese culture. In reality, the institutes are a communist front for centers of propaganda. The first Confucius Institute opened in South Korea in 2004. A 2017 study by the National Association of Scholars found that the number of Confucius Institutes housed at colleges and universities is more than 1,000 worldwide with 103 in the United States. In addition, over 500 Confucius classrooms are housed in U.S. kindergarten through 12th grade schools. An agency of the Chinese Ministry of Education, the Hanban, operates the Confucius Institute and provides teachers, institute directors, textbooks, classroom materials, and operating funds. A five-year contract with the host institution gives the Chinese government total control over staffing and curriculum. Since 2006 the Chinese government has provided more than $158 million to more than 100 U.S. schools for Constitution Institutes. Yet nearly 70 percent of schools that received more than $250,000 from the Confucius Institutes failed to properly report those donations to the Department of Education. Speaking to Reuters, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo labeled the institute an entity advancing Beijings global propaganda and malign influence campaign on U.S. campuses and K-12 classrooms. Confucius Institutes are funded by the PRC and part of the Chinese Communist Partys global influence and propaganda apparatus. Senator Tom Cotton issued a press release in which he said the Confucius Institutes are front groups for the Chinese Communist Party on American campuses. A 2019 scathing bipartisan report on Confucius Institutes by a Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations with Chairman Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and ranking member Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.] found there is no reciprocity from the Chinese government. Instead, it has tried to quash American efforts to establish American Cultural Centers on Chinese college campuses. Those that have opened are controlled by the Chinese government. The propaganda to which American students are exposed at the Confucius Institutes is tightly controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. The Chinese regime directly hires teachers and prohibits them from saying anything negative about China to students. Such topics as the Tiananmen Square massacre, the separate country of Hong Kong, and human rights are forbidden. American higher education institutions are being co-opted to steal U.S. intellectual property. The Chinese Scholarship Council funds Chinese scholars to attend American universities in science and technology fields and steal research secrets which are funneled back to Chinas Peoples Liberation Army. In a debate at Cornell University, China expert Gordon Chang explained how university students are expected to spy on faculty research. Faculty and students at the host institution are forced to self-censor under threats from the Chinese government. The Peoples Republic of China also targets American scientists and researchers in STEM fields, offering them very lucrative salaries and incentives to share research findings in cutting edge technology to China and to establish shadow labs in China to duplicate their research efforts. The Chinese Communist Party has infiltrated and corrupted American K-12 education through collaboration with a highly influential American organization led by David Coleman of Common Core fame. In exchange for very generous funding the College Board, which administrators the college SAT, has given the Chinese Communist Party strategic access to the American education system. In 2003 the College Board created an Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture test with the Chinese government becoming a stakeholder in course design. In addition to offering funding, China also offered teachers and textbooks to teach AP Chinese. Since then, the College Board has sponsored Confucius Classrooms at K-12 schools, recruited for Chinese government programs, and handed the Chinese Communist Party the control of American teacher training programs. A survey by Victims of Communism revealed that 70% of Millennials support socialism while 36% support communism. This is not surprising since American schools have portrayed socialism in a positive light. Students never hear that more than 100 million people have been brutally murdered under Communism. Students are not told that the Chinese government caused the deaths of some 60 million innocents under Mao Zedong, ignored property rights, crushed individual freedom, embraced secrecy and bulldozed over any who stood in its way. American students are not taught that Beijing has rounded up dissidents, cracked down on massive street protests for democracy in Hong Kong, and are re-educating millions of Muslims in detention camps. Students are not taught about the imprisonment in re-education camps of more than one million Uighur Muslims in the manner that Hitler, Stalin, and Mao once relocated undesirable populations. If our students continue to be indoctrinated in socialist and communist propaganda, we can expect to see an even larger number of them willingly vote for Communist leaders. In response to Democrats claim that they want to cooperate with China, Gordon Chang asked, How can we cooperate with a government when they mean to overthrow us? He advises that the U.S. should cut off ties with China. Banishing Confucius Institutes from American campuses is a great place to start. Although some universities have closed their programs since 2017, we can expect more to open with the current administrations cozy relationship with our enemy. It will be up to state and local governments to cut the financial lifeline to enemies of the state. Carole Hornsby Haynes, Ph.D. is an education policy/curriculum consultant, historian, business owner, and classical pianist. www.drcarolehhaynes.com chaynes777@protonmail.com Image: Confucius Institute Screenshot/Twitter Hey, have yall heard? Its very cold in Texas right now. And in many areas its only going to get colder. On Saturday Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for all 254 counties in the state. And the freezing temps are seemingly all everyone on Twitter can talk aboutand maybe rightfully so. Jonathan Saidel has held many titles: four-term Philadelphia city controller, private-practice attorney, and unofficial master of ceremonies at more Democratic City Committee events than Clout can count. Next up: His excellency, United States Ambassador to Malta? Thats what Lee Saunders, national president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, also known as AFSCME, recommended to President Joe Biden in a Feb. 2 letter. Saunders, who declined to be interviewed, wrote that Saidels career achievements have shown the leadership skills, the dynamism and the spirit of democratic values that he would bring to the role of ambassador to Malta. Saidel didnt respond to Clouts requests for comment. We suspect the first rule of Ambassador Club is you dont talk about Ambassador Club. READ MORE: More Clout: The Philly election you havent heard of with half-a-billion dollars at stake Former President Donald Trump in 2018 appointed Christine Toretti, a member of the Republican National Committee from Western Pennsylvania, as ambassador to Malta. But the U.S. Senate never confirmed her for the post. Malta, an island nation of about 450,000 people in the Mediterranean Sea, 60 miles south of Italy, is slightly smaller than Philadelphia in square miles. Former U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, Phillys Democratic Party chair and longtime friend to both Biden and Saidel, endorsed AFSCMEs recommendation this week. I think its a good idea, Brady said. Why not. He needs something to do. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and at least four lawmakers are calling for more scrutiny and fewer ethics loopholes for the state's many special purpose districts in the wake of a Post and Courier report that painted a portrait of free-spending agencies with little oversight. The moves came less than 72 hours after the newspaper's "Uncovered" investigation showed how misconduct and lavish spending flourishes because of exceptions in state ethics laws, weak enforcement and shrinking scrutiny as news deserts grow. The investigation, published in concert with 10 community newspaper partners, focused on how officials with the state's little-known gas authorities gorged themselves on a buffet of perks. Responding to the newspaper's findings, McMaster contends that board members of special purpose districts should report the gifts and freebies to the state Ethics Commission, just as other public officials do, the governor's spokesman, Brian Symmes, said Feb. 16. The governor also wants to see the districts regulated more stringently. "Theres simply too much opportunity for bad actors to abuse their positions, but the General Assembly can mitigate some of that opportunity," Symmes said of the governor's stance. Joining McMaster in calls for more transparency, a trio of Republican senators filed a bill to close this loophole. One of those senators, Wes Climer, R-Rock Hill, was angered when he read about the conduct of gas authorities in his corner of the state. "Obviously, these are very serious lapses in judgment and insufficient accountability in spending ratepayer money," Climer said. " This behavior cannot stand." The other senators who filed the bill are Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, a possible candidate for governor in 2022; and state Sen. Ross Turner, R-Greenville. "I think this is a quick response to what you disclosed, but this can't be the only thing," Massey told the newspaper. "There has got to be greater efforts to continue with ethics reform. People are naturally skeptical of elected officials anyway. But this system we have doesn't work if you don't have trust. If there are steps we can take to regain some of that trust, we need to do that." The Post and Courier is working with a team of community papers across the state to expose corruption, especially in rural areas where special purpose districts often supply important public services such as water and power. Donate to our Investigative Fund to support journalism like this Our public service and investigative reporting is among the most important work we do. Its also the most expensive reporting we do. We cant do it without your support. Donate Now The newspaper's first installment on Feb. 14 showed that these agencies are hotbeds of abuse, islands of governance where leaders serve themselves instead of the people they represent. The newspaper highlighted five public gas authorities in Chester, Lancaster and York counties, as well as Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority in Pickens and Clinton Newberry Natural Gas Authority. Once installed, either by the governor or local officials, boards of these agencies set rates and determine salaries and bonuses for staff. Voters have no direct say. With this independence, the board members and executives spent freely on conferences and cozy retreats at places such as The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island and the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville. They jetted off to far-flung places, such as Oregon and Vermont, racking up tens of thousands of dollars in bills, taking glass-blowing lessons and flying down zip lines, all on the ratepayers' dime. In the wake of the "Uncovered" findings, the governor also considers it "high time" that public utilities, including the five natural gas authorities, be regulated by the Public Service Commission and Office of Regulatory Staff, as private utilities are, Symmes said. Climer, the Rock Hill lawmaker, said he would be open to the governor's suggestion of giving these autonomous boards another layer of oversight. "The board members themselves have a duty to remedy these wrongs in addition to the Legislature," Clime added. The lawmakers' bill, filed on their first day back in Columbia after Uncovered was published, would require board members to publicly disclose their gifts, trips and other items worth more than $25. It also would require them to report potential conflicts of interest. Violations could mean fines and punishment by the Ethics Commission. McMaster believes the newspaper's findings confirm "what the governor has long said publicly: that too many of our local governments and special purpose districts operate in such a way that invites" a lack of confidence in how they spend the public's money, Symmes said. He has asked the General Assembly to double Ethics Commission fees for lobbyists to pay for more investigators at the commission. After reading "Uncovered," Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, also said he supports providing the state's gas authorities more scrutiny. He said the Public Service Commission, which already oversees investor-owned utilities, is the logical place for that. The commission has been embattled in recent years, blamed by many for rubber-stamping electric rate hikes that enabled the failed, $9 billion V.C. Summer nuclear power plant expansion that was abandoned in 2017. But Hutto noted that lawmakers have taken steps to strengthen the commission's oversight since then, including systematically replacing board members as their terms expire and sharpening the teeth of the Office of Regulatory Staff, South Carolina's utility watchdog. "Given what y'all have reported, there certainly needs to be transparency and reporting requirements and some oversight of how money at these entities is being spent," Hutto said of the gas authorities. "Just like any other entity that is involved in ratemaking, the public trust, use of public funds, any of those entities ought to be subject to the general ethics rules," he said. "Anytime you hear somebody say they've got an exception, we probably need to change the law to include them." Deputy Prime Minister Dan Barna discussed with British Ambassador in Bucharest, Andrew Noble, about finding a solution to reduce the cost of work visas for Romanians who want to work in the United Kingdom. "Romanians are currently one of the largest and strongest communities in the UK. As a percentage of the working population, they are even more important, because they are all at the age when they can work. And they do. In the City of London companies, in the health system or in services and production across the entire British territory, the Romanians' positive contribution is obvious and adds to our good relations. That is why we have agreed with the British Ambassador, Mr Andrew Noble, to continue efforts bilaterally to find a solution to reduce the cost of work visas for Romanian workers who want to join those already there," the deputy prime minister wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. According to him, the relations between the United Kingdom and Romania have a "major" development potential both at institutional and economic level. "I have told Ambassador Noble that Romania is 'open for business', as the current level of British investment in our country is still below the level we would like it to be. The relevance of the strategic partnership between our countries goes beyond the bilateral framework, and this relationship has positive implications for the entire region. I believe that, after last year's elections, this partnership has all the data to become even stronger," Barna said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. As concerning coronavirus (COVID-19) variants that were first discovered in the United Kingdom and South Africa continue to prompt worry from health officials, scientists have reported seven mutated forms of the virus that appear to have originated in the United States. A pre-print study published Sunday showed the altered forms of the virus, which were first detected in late 2020, all carried the same genetic mutation and have been recorded in multiple states in the U.S. Theres clearly something going on with this mutation, Jeremy Kamil, a virologist at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and a co-author of the new study, told the New York Times. While the study said that it was not immediately clear if the mutations carried an increased risk of contagiousness, the genetic alteration is believed to affect how the virus enters human cells. As a result, the researchers said the findings merit further study for potential differences in transmissibility. The study indicated that the specific mutation present in independent populations provides strong evidence of adaptation. That process, called convergent evolution, happens within viruses in the same way Darwin observed it occurs within animals. The scientists suggested that some of the variants were found in an under-sampled portion of the U.S. population, suggesting that these lineages may actually be more prevalent. The findings come as the U.S. lags behind countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the U.K. and Denmark in surveilling coronavirus variants, with the country sequencing less than 1% of all cases, the study said. For example, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the U.K. variant of the coronavirus known as B.1.1.7 could become predominant in the U.S. by March, only 1,173 cases of the mutation have been reported in 43 states, CDC data shows Monday. A recent study indicated the U.K. variant was spreading rapidly through the U.S. Despite worrisome news that B.1.1.7 is likely to carry an increased risk of hospitalization and death, a lack of surveillance makes the full extent of the variant in the U.S. relatively unknown. Collectively these findings demonstrate the value of greater genomic sequencing and the importance of tracking the emergence and spread of lineages that combine multiple mutations which could enhance transmissibility or evade immunity from prior infection or vaccines, said the researchers in the latest study. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country In areas where animals are traded, animal populations are dwindling by an average of 62 percent, bringing some closer to extinction, according to a recent study. Population Decline The first study to measure the effect of the legal and illegal trade in wildlife analyzed 133 land-based species. It concluded that the most endangered species, usually with smaller numbers, was most at risk, with an estimated loss of 81%. In some instances, according to an international team of researchers led by Sheffield University, this culminated in local disappearances, with some populations of spider monkeys and Baird's tapir decreasing by 99.9 percent. The study reported that Multiple local disappearances may lead to global extinctions. "Our paper shows that trade in wildlife causes species to decline, which is a major concern because there is always a risk of extinction where species decline," said lead researcher Oscar Morton, a Ph.D. student at Sheffield University. Some figures say that the illicit wildlife trade could be worth as much as $23 billion a year, with annual trading in more than 100 million plants and animals. The environmental effect of this trade was historically unnoticed by animals in the wild. In a major systematic search of the available literature, we checked thousands of published papers. Then we processed all this data from all these diverse animals,' Morton said. Related Article: Animals That Went Extinct In 2020 (and some that might disappear in 2021) Wildlife Trade The team investigated the local and foreign trade in wildlife, as well as the legitimate and illegitimate trade. Both commerce, taking animals from their habitat, leads to the same outcome. Any illicit trading is viable, but some fair trade is unsustainable in a horrible manner. We tried to analyze the cumulative results here," Morton said. The pet industry, bushmeat (defined as animals traded for food consumption), traditional medicine, ivory, and laboratory use are the primary drivers of wildlife trafficking. The research did not involve bushmeat consumed by the groups that hunted it, based on subsistence. According to the study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, the researchers found only 31 studies that included fairly rigorous data on population impacts. This contained 506 samples of data providing population details on 99 mammal species, 24 bird species, and 10 reptile species. Supressed Widlife Researchers compared areas to unexploited control sites where wildlife trade was involved. They found that the wildlife trade was causing population losses, including in protected areas, by 56 percent. This research follows a study published in Science in 2019 that showed that 18% of the known land-based vertebrates worldwide are involved in the trade in biodiversity, 50 percent higher than previous figures. "All of these various forms of trade are really dramatically suppressing wildlife abundance," said one of the writers of the study, David Edwards, Sheffield University's professor of environmental science, who described the results as "sobering." I think it's a concern that we see such extreme losses across such different kinds of species and across diverse scales at which trade happens. And I think it's something we all really ought to be thinking about,' he added. Global Trade Despite being an integral part of the global wildlife trade, there was a lack of adequately comprehensive evidence to include amphibians, invertebrates, cacti, and orchids in the study. In the regional coverage of appropriate surveys, there were also "several alarming patterns," with only four from Asia, one from North America, and none in Europe, the researchers found. South America and parts of Africa became the subject of several research. ALSO READ: 5 Endangered Animals that Won the Battle Against Extinction For the latest news on the animal kingdom, don't forget to follow Nature World News! India Gold MCX April Futures are trading in the green on February 16 following positive trend seen in the international spot prices. Silver March Futures were trading higher by nearly 1 percent. On the Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX), April gold contracts were trading higher by 0.37 percent at Rs 47,418 for 10 grams at 0920 hours. March silver futures were trading 0.85 percent higher at Rs 70,728 a kilogram. Experts are of the view that precious metals may remain choppy but the general bias would be on the upside amid weak dollar. Crucial support for the precious metal is placed at Rs 47000. Gold and silver traded steady on Monday and settled on a slightly weaker note in the international markets. Gold April futures contract settled at $1823.20 per troy ounce and silver March futures contract settled at $27.33 per troy ounce. Both precious metals settled on a mixed note in the domestic markets. Data suggests that hedge funds are cooling on gold as they reduce their exposure across the board, according to the latest data from the commodity futures trading commission. Gold & Silver Rates May 27, 2021 Gold Rate in Mumbai May 27, 2021 10g of 24K gold in Mumbai 47,810 47,810 10g of 22K gold in Mumbai 46,810 46,810 View more Silver Rate in Mumbai May 26, 2021 10g silver in Mumbai 773 773 1kg silver in Mumbai 77,300 77,300 View more Show As investors cool on gold, the silver market continues to feel the effects of the recently failed retail-induced short squeeze. The disaggregated report showed money-managed speculative gross long positions in Comex silver futures rose by 215 contracts to Rs 61,284, Manoj Jain, Director (Head-Commodity & Currency Research) at Prithvi Finmart told Moneycontrol. At MCX, Gold has support at Rs 47000-46820 and resistance is placed at Rs 47550-47770. Silver has support at Rs 70500-69800 and resistance is placed at Rs 70900-71400 levels. We suggest buying in the silver on dips around Rs 69600 with the stop loss at Rs 69000 for the target of Rs 71400, he said. Track Gold price here Trading Strategy Sriram Iyer, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities International gold dipped on Monday, however, silver surged higher on Monday supported by industrial demand for the metal. Domestic gold and silver prices ended mixed with gold ending in the red, while silver, tracking overseas prices, surged on Monday. Gold downside remained capped as the U.S. Dollar continued to remain on the weaker side on Monday. Domestic gold and silver could trade flat, tracking the overseas markets. Technically, MCX Gold April ended below Rs 47500 and will continue its Bearish momentum up to Rs 47100-46900 levels. Resistance is at Rs 47500-47650 levels. MCX Silver March has bounced back from Rs 69000 levels which could take prices up to Rs 70800-71880 levels. Support is at Rs 69700-68000 levels. Ravindra Rao, VP- Head Commodity Research at Kotak Securities. COMEX gold trades little changed near $1825/oz as support from weaker US dollar, mixed economic data from major economies, and hopes of additional US stimulus is countered by higher bond yields, improvement in virus situation, and continuing ETF outflows. Gold may remain choppy unless there are fresh triggers, however, general bias may be on the upside amid weakness in the US dollar. : 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. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly appointed national security adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat as Israels special envoy on the Iran nuclear issue ahead of renewed negotiations expected between the United States and Iran. Ben-Shabbat will be tasked with all of Israels contacts with the United States and the other signatories to the agreement Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Specifically, he will try to convince the Americans that removing the sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump on Iran and returning to the 2015 nuclear deal would be a grave mistake. Israels official view is that the United States must conduct negotiations on a new nuclear agreement from a position of strength, taking advantage of the levers it holds and of Irans weakness. The idea is to strive for a long-term agreement, one that will also deal with Irans missile project and state sponsorship of terrorism. Ben-Shabbats reported appointment stunned senior security officials. Their surprise stems not only from serious doubts about Ben-Shabbats suitability for the job, but also from Netanyahus decision to pass over Yossi Cohen, the Mossad chief who has attained mythological status in his lifetime and is largely viewed as a rare fit for the sensitive task. The inescapable conclusion from Ben-Shabbats appointment is that the prime minister is simply not interested in seeing a new agreement between the United States and Iran, a senior diplomatic source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. He wants a clash with the US administration; he is in love with this pose that provided him with political leverage in President [Barack] Obamas days. This conclusion may be somewhat far-fetched and premature, but the facts are incontrovertible. Ben-Shabbat is far from being fluent in English. Reportedly, he needs an interpreter by his side to fully understand what he is being told. He is not well versed in the Iran nuclear issue, hailing as he does from the Shin Bet domestic security service that does not deal with such matters. Ben-Shabbat does not know the new Biden administration appointees and will probably need a long time to forge close ties with them. His ability to form coalitions with the other powers is also doubtful. Netanyahu could have picked any number of perfect candidates for the job. Cohen is obviously the best suited. First of all, the agency he heads is the main source of intelligence about Irans nuclear program. He has been monitoring and trying to counter the program for some 20 years. His English is flawless. He is intimately familiar with top Biden administration officials, veterans of the Obama White House with whom he dealt extensively in his previous job as national security adviser. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan are longtime acquaintances with whom he built close relationships. Cohen is endowed with considerable charm, broad experience in the international arena, diplomatic skills and an authoritative presence. The timing, as far as he is concerned, is also perfect. He ends his 5-year stint as Mossad director in June and could easily move into the role of Netanyahus special envoy on Iran. So why did Netanyahu pass him over? First, because Cohens retirement from the Mossad marks the start of a possible political career. Netanyahu would never promote anyone who could become a political threat, not even in the national, existential interests of the state. He knows that Cohen is adept at manipulating the media and would assume credit should negotiations on the Iran issue succeed. The last thing he needs is a charismatic aide briefing reporters or delivering speeches on the Iran issue. As far as Netanyahu is concerned, he has the sole copyrights to the Iran issue he and no one else. Other than Cohen, Netanyahu could have picked others far more suited to the task than Ben-Shabbat. One of them is Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Yadlin, who announced Feb. 9 that he was stepping down as head of Tel Aviv Universitys Institute of National Strategic Studies after a successful decade at its helm. Yadlin is one of the worlds foremost experts on the Iran nuclear issue. As a fighter pilot he took part in the 1981 bombing of Iraqs nuclear reactor, as director of Military Intelligence he played a role in the 2007 destruction of Syrias nuclear reactor and was also one of the key figures in Israels handling of Irans nuclear program. He is highly articulate in English and his contacts with the Democrats in Washington are excellent. The job is tailor-made for him, meaning Netanyahu is bound to exclude him for any consideration. In a short-lived political foray, Yadlin ran against Netanyahus Likud on the ticket of the Zionist Camps 2015 Knesset elections slate, and although he is no longer an active politician, Netanyahu does not work with those he does not trust fully. Given that almost everyone is a suspect in his eyes, he is left with Ben-Shabbat. Two other potential candidates for the Iran envoys position could have been Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, who is not running in the upcoming March 23 elections, and Gadi Eizenkot both former heads of the Israel Defense Forces but also potential political rivals in the future. Had Netanyahu wanted to advance the issue, he could have considered them both. Unfortunately, Netanyahu is only interested in advancing himself. Diplomatic and security experts familiar with the issue believe that Netanyahu is not interested in another nuclear agreement. He is convinced Israels prospects of swaying the Americans on the matter are doomed and therefore does not attribute crucial importance to the identity of his envoy. As usual, he relies mostly on himself. He is apparently keen on restoring the Iran nuclear program to the top of the agenda ahead of the elections and formation of Israels next government and assuming the classic confrontational pose he adopted during the Obama administration. That position is his forte, another senior Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. He knows how to convince the public that he is the only one who can stand up to America and the world, and to hell with the mission itself. Around one in 300 children and adolescents are diagnosed with the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes by 18 years of age. Around 90 percent of patients do not have a close relative with type 1 diabetes, meaning the disease can affect any child without a disease history in their family. People with type 1 diabetes must inject the hormone insulin for the rest of their lives because their own immune system is attacking the insulin-producing cells in the "islets" of their pancreas. Insulin has a vital function, transporting sugar from the blood into the body's cells. The body's own insulin is often the first target of the immune reaction which leads to type 1 diabetes. Improving the immune system with probiotics In early stages of type 1 diabetes, so-called islet autoantibodies appear in the blood as a result of the immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells. Researchers know from earlier studies that children who develop these antibodies can suffer from imbalances in their intestinal flora in early childhood. The new SINT1A (Supplementation with B. Infantis for Mitigation of Type 1 Diabetes Autoimmunity) study aims to prevent the occurrence of islet autoantibodies in children with an increased genetic of type 1 diabetes risk by administering a probiotic containing a strain of Bifidobacterium Infantis (activated B. infantis EVC001) together with their daily nutrition. This is hypothesized to promote a healthy and balanced development of the intestinal flora, which is thought to have beneficial effects on the immune system before the first signs of autoimmunity appear. SINT1A follows the ongoing Primary Oral Insulin Trial (POInT), which administers insulin orally to train and sensitize the immune system at an early stage so that autoimmunity against insulin does not occur. "We believe that the immune system of the oral and gut mucosa is very important for preventing immune-mediated diseases like type 1 diabetes. The POInT study uses the gut (where the oral insulin arrives) to familiarize the immune system with insulin and prevent an autoimmune response against it. SINT1A was designed based on the knowledge that a healthy gut microflora reduces inflammation and this helps the immune system better distinguish antigens that are safe from those that are dangerous," explains Prof. Anette Ziegler*, study leader. In this way, the SINT1A investigators want to reduce the chances that children with a high genetic risk of developing type 1 diabetes start immune responses that lead to autoimmunity. "If the results for both studies show what we are hoping for," explains Ziegler "we will aim to combine both studies for an optimized synergistic type 1 diabetes prevention strategy. Type 1 diabetes could be transformed from a previously unavoidable fate into a disease that can be prevented." The SINT1A study will start in April 2021 in multiple European countries as part of GPPAD (Global Platform for the Prevention of Autoimmune Diabetes) - an international initiative to prevent type 1 diabetes. The GPPAD research sites are located in Belgium (Leuven), Germany (Dresden, Hanover, Munich), Poland (Warsaw), Sweden (Malmo) and the UK (Cambridge, Newcastle). Newborn screening for type 1 diabetes risk Participation in the SINT1A and POInT studies require proof of an increased genetic type 1 diabetes risk. Newborn screenings allow detecting this risk long before the disease manifestation. The test can be performed with a few drops of blood within the first 7 days of life. Anette Ziegler and her team launched a newborn screening program for this purpose in 2016 (which goes by the name 'Freder1k' in Germany). "Together with the strong scientific network of GPPAD, we have been able to examine 245,000 babies in international newborn screenings. In 1.15 percent, we found an increased genetic risk. Early detection is imperative for taking meaningful preventive measures," Ziegler says. Research to prevent type 1 diabetes The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust is funding the new SINT1A study and the continuation of the established newborn screening with more than US$30 million. "At Helmsley, we are committed to investing in bold ideas," said Dr. Anne Koralova, a Program Officer at Helmsley. "GPPAD is one of our largest investments because it holds so much promise and represents the kind of international collaboration needed for scientific breakthroughs." ### *Prof. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler is Director of the Institute of Diabetes Research at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen and Chair of Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes at the TUM university hospital, Klinikum rechts der Isar. More information about Sint1a In order to take part in the SINT1A study, children may not be older than six weeks. Half of the SINT1A participants will receive Bifidobacterium Infantis (B. infantis EVC001) and half will receive a placebo. Parents can enroll their children without charge at a GPPAD testing center. Learn more about the GPPAD testing centers: https:/ / www. gppad. org/ en/ sites/ About all studies SINT1A, POInT and the newborn screening study are part of GPPAD. The GPPAD studies are led by Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen. All data generated in the GPPAD studies aim to serve scientific progress that might eventually benefit patients. Therefore, GPPAD makes pseudonymized data and samples from the biobank available to the scientific community upon request. Learn more about GPPAD data sharing: https:/ / www. gppad. org/ en/ data-sharing/ All GPPAD studies at a glance: https:/ / www. gppad. org/ en/ Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen is a research center with the mission to discover personalized medical solutions for the prevention and therapy of environmentally-induced diseases and promote a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. It investigates important common diseases which develop from the interaction of lifestyle, environmental factors and personal genetic background, focusing particularly on diabetes mellitus, allergies and chronic lung diseases. Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen is headquartered in Neuherberg in the north of Munich and has about 2,500 staff members. It is a member of the Helmholtz Association, the largest scientific organization in Germany with more than 40,000 employees at 19 research centers. Guwahati, Feb 16 : The Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown could not dampen the spirit of 1.11 lakh tourists, including 175 foreigners, from visiting the UNESCO world heritage site Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP & TR), considered as one of the best conserved wildlife reserves in the country. The authorities of KNP & TR, extending across Assam's five distrcts -- Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Karbi Anglong -- along the Arunachal Pradesh border, expected 1.25 lakh tourists to visit the park in the current season. KNP & TR Director Karmashree P. Sivakumar said the park and the tiger reserve was closed for three months last year -- March to May -- and then the four-month-long (June to September) annual flood havoc inundating around 95 per cent of the 1,302 sq km KNP & TR areas. "In the current financial year (2020-21) so far, 1.11 lakh tourists, including 175 foreigners, have visited KNP & TR and we have earned revenues worth over Rs 2.06 crore. We expect that over 1.25 lakh tourists would visit the park this fiscal," Sivakumar told IANS over phone. During 2019-20, 1.74 lakh tourists had visited the KNP & TR and the revenues earned stood at Rs 4.83 crore against 1.76 lakh tourists and revenues of Rs 4.83 crore in the previous year (2018-19). Over 19,040 foreign tourists had visited the park in the two financial years -- 2019-20 and 2018-19. The Indian Forest Service officer said that a French government delegation led by Barbara Pompili, Minister of France for Ecological Transition, had visited Kaziranga last month to take stock of the work being carried out under a forest and biodiversity conservation project funded by the French government. "The first phase of the French government sponsored project has been completed. The works for building highlands and other infrastructure were finished. In the second phase, community development work would be undertaken," he added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal have separately appreciated the authorities for taming the rhino poaching racket and taking other conservation efforts, besides removing illegal encroachments. Environmentalist and wildlife expert Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, who received the prestigious IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Heritage Hero Award, said that KNP & TR is a nature's wonder and great pride of India. "People from all over the world give utmost importance to this universal property of mother earth. Kaziranga not only protects rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife, but also carries the identity of Assamese people. It must be well protected for future generations," Lahkar told IANS. In a major breakthrough, a notorious rhino poacher and smuggler of rhino horns, Jobi Gadi alias Autho Gadi, was arrested from Arunachal Pradesh's Naharlagun last week. Gadi has, since 2011, been associated with poaching of rhinos in Kaziranga and selling their horns in international markets. "Around 70 cases including 17 rhino related cases were registered since last year and around 100 people, including 38 in rhino related cases, were arrested in connection with poaching of animals and other related crimes," Sivakumar said. Set up in 1908, the KNP & TR, one of India's seven UNESCO world heritage sites in the natural and environment category since 1985, is home to more than 2,400 one-horned Indian rhinoceros, approximately two third of the total world population. Besides rhinos, the KNP & TR has 121 tigers, 1,089 elephants and huge numbers of Asiatic buffalo, swamp deer, wild boar, hog deer, porcupine and other endangered animals and snakes. Like previous years, the floods in Assam (from June to September last year) badly hit KNP & TR, when 18 rhinos and 135 other wild animals died due to the deluge. Sivakumar said that 172 wild animals were rescued from the flood waters last year. In 2019, 263 animals, including many endangered rhinos, were killed in the floods while 169 animals were rescued. "All-out efforts are being made, including construction of highland, to take care of the animals in the national park to protect them during the floods and other calamities," he said. In a significant development, during the latest Census conducted earlier this month, the number of waterfowls in KNP & TR increased by 173 per cent to 93,491, belonging to 112 species against last year's 34,284 birds of 99 species. (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in) The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court has declined an application to vacate an interim order used by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to seize properties belonging to billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, for an alleged N69.4 billion debt. Rilwan Aikawa, the judge, held that the order, which he granted in November last year, subsists. Mr Ibrahim, a lawyer, and his companies, NICON Investment Ltd and Global Fleet Oil and Gas Ltd, had urged the court to set aside the order for non-disclosure and misrepresentation of material facts. They further urged the court to order AMCON to pay N50 billion indemnity for its alleged failure to conduct due diligence before obtaining the said order and for misrepresentation and concealment of fact. Ruling But Mr Aikawa upheld the argument of AMCONs lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, that the asset recovery agency made full and substantial disclosure of all material facts at the time of obtaining the orders on November 4, 2020. He further argued that AMCONs exhibits established that the properties attached belong to Mr Ibrahim and therefore he cannot claim innocence of them. Mr Pinheiro also said that AMCON made full and substantial disclosure of all material facts in relation to the subject matter of this suit, at the time of obtaining the orders on November 4, 2020. In a ruling that lasted nearly two hours, the judge upheld Mr Pinheiros argument. I have carefully studied the respective applications and arguments for or against of parties, he began. I agree totally with the counsel for the claimant Kemi Pinheiro SAN that this suit is sui generis as Section 49(1)(2) of the AMCON Act says that the order made on the 4th of November, 2020 can be made ex-parte on mere suspicion that the res is about to be dissipated. He also agreed with the claimant that the order could not be discharged on the ground that it was made in contravention of the order of FHC judge, Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, made on October 2, 2019, which has no bearing with this case. In my opinion, we have a unique situation here, Mr Aikawa continued. The application that led to the ex-parte order made on the 4th of November 2020 was brought pursuant to the provisions of AMCON Act which defines this as a Federal High Court. I do not think that based on the above reasons, that this application has made a case out for the order of this court to be vacated. The appropriate order to be made in these circumstances is to dismiss the same and, accordingly, this application is hereby dismissed. The judge then adjourned further proceedings till March 9. The judge had granted the interim order on November 4. On November 18, AMCON announced that it had taken over 12 properties belonging to the businessman and his firms. ADVERTISEMENT The properties include the NICON Investment Ltd building Plot 242, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja; NICON Hotels Ltd building at Plot 557, Port-Harcourt Crescent, off Gimbiya Street, Abuja and the building hosting NICON Lekki Ltd at No. 5, Customs Street, Lagos. Russia's new early-warning systems could spot future weapon attacks from other countries. Sergei Saprykin, Chief Designer of the Research Institute for Long-Range Radio Communications (part of RTI Group), said that the country's potential integration into its missile attack early warning systems are enough to predict possible attack weapons that are being developed. "The locators' characteristics ensure their successful operation against both current and future attack weapons," said Saprykin via TASS on Monday, Feb 15. "The modular design and the open architecture of Voronezh radars, the programmable control of operation modes allow building up their capabilities as and when the characteristics of the target situation change," he added. Features of Russia's current radars As of the moment, Russia's missile attack early warning systems represent a closed two-range radar field. They are located on the national territory of the country. They are being used to predict spacecraft, ballistic missiles, and air targets. Russia's new-generation Voronezh meter and decimeter wavelength radar stations are the ones that offer continuous coverage for the country. Also Read: Pentagon Tests World's Most Expensive Carrier, US Navy's USS Ford Unable to Launch Jets Due to Faulty Tech On the other hand, the current Russian missile attack early warning systems consist of two echelons. These include the ground-based component and the space segment, which currently compromises four Tundra satellites. Meanwhile, the ground-based component consists of Voronezh-type radar stations. They cover all missile-dangerous directions. Russian's early-warning systems are designated to detect within the shortest time possible. They are also specifically developed to predict ballistic missiles, which are launched directly towards Russian territories and their allies. Russia's other war defensive innovations According to Popular Mechanics, Russia also designed a new body armor that is expected to prevent or stop .50-caliber bullets. If you are unfamiliar with these bullets, a .50-caliber is used in M2, M3, and M85 machine guns. This means that this kind of bullet can penetrate even armored-trucks with ease. The new protective body armor will also offer other features such as an anti-thermal suit, anti-radar element, and anti-mine boots. All of these things will provide Russia's soldiers with more efficient stealth ability, as well as allow them to survive undetectable explosives. For more news updates about Russia's defensive innovations and other war technologies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Eerie Light in the Sky Turned Out To Be Dangerous Trident Missile This article is owned by TechTimes. Written by: Giuliano de Leon. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. HOUSTON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) won a $92.6 million contract to perform engineering, integration and sustainment services on counter unmanned air systems (C-UAS) for the Combat Integration & Identification Systems unit within the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). This cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract is a new opportunity for KBR to help the U.S. military with ground-based air defense. KBR will provide its expertise to various Navy identification and data link systems, which include the Negation of Improvised Non-State Joint Aerial-Threats (NINJA) system; Counter-Remote Control Model Aircraft Integrated Air Defense Network (CORIAN) system; SkyTracker UAS detection and tracking suite; Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS); Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS); and ANDURIL artificial intelligence platforms. The Department of Defense (DoD) uses these C-UAS to strengthen homeland security and address potential threats in the U.S. and abroad. The systems can scan the skies for enemy aircraft and take appropriate action to deny airspace access. KBR's specific tasks will include the integration and installation of systems; the characterization of system and sub-system components; development of training curriculum and materials, as well as delivery of formal training programs; supply system management and material control; testing and repair of C-UAS; and laboratory maintenance and quality assurance. The company will perform the five-year contract primarily at Webster Outlying Field in St. Inigoes, Maryland. KBR's services supporting NAWCAD will also benefit programs sponsored by the Naval Air Systems Command; Naval Sea Systems Command; Naval Inventory Control Point Mechanicsburg; U.S. Coast Guard; commercial and Foreign Military Sales customers; and other DoD and government entities. "Our work through this new win will have wide-reaching impacts within the DoD and international allied community," said Byron Bright, KBR Government Solutions President. "We are excited to join NAWCAD as it advances C-UAS technology and, ultimately, strengthens national security and protects our armed forces around the globe." KBR is a leading systems engineering and integration provider for U.S. military aviation. Whether on land, at sea, in the air, space or cyberspace, KBR is trusted to overcome the nation's most pressing challenges. The company drives innovation by combining engineering, technical and scientific expertise with its full life cycle capabilities, mission knowledge and future-focused technologies. KBR is delivering solutions for the needs of today and tomorrow. About KBR We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 29,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long- term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver. Visit www.kbr.com Forward Looking Statement The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to respond to the challenges and business disruption presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company's ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies relating to the streamlining of its Energy Solutions business; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the company's ability to continue to generate anticipated levels of revenue, profits and cash flow from operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and any resulting economic downturn; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company's indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company's customers, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company. KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. SOURCE KBR, Inc. Related Links http://www.kbr.com Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed "roadmap to fastrack infrastructure creation in the country" with industry stakeholders virtually. Addressing over 200 industry participants in a webinar, including top ministers and government officials, PM Modi discussed implementation of Budget proposals related to infrastructure sector. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who was part of the interaction said in a tweet, "Attended PM @NarendraModi ji's address at the plenary session on effective implementation of Union Budget 2021-22 in Infrastructure Sector." "Detailed deliberations were held with industry stakeholders to draw a roadmap to fast-track infrastructure creation in the country," Goyal added. The meeting was attended by Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, and Railway Board Chairman Suneet Sharma also attended the meeting. Among the industry representatives present in the meeting were L&T CEO and MD SN Subramanyan, Feedback Ventures Chairman Vinayak Chattejee, and Siemens Ltd MD and CEO Sunil Mathur. The webinar witnessed participation of more than 200 panelists including representatives of major financial institutions and funds, concessionaires and contractors, consultants and subject matter experts. It was followed by two sessions between senior officials of groups of ministries and experts to compile a list of implementable projects to fast-track implementation of the budget vision and draft an implementation roadmap. ALSO READ: PM Modi inaugurates Chennai Metro extension, other projects in Tamil Nadu ALSO READ: PM Narendra Modi hands over indigenous Arjun tank to Indian Army OAK BROOK, Ill. - Radiomics--the extraction of very detailed quantitative features from medical images--provides a refined understanding of how cocaine use and other risk factors affect the course of coronary artery disease, according to a study published in Radiology. Researchers said the study shows the power of radiomics to improve understanding of not just cardiovascular disease, but cancer and other conditions as well. Coronary artery disease typically develops over time as plaque builds up inside the arteries. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can eventually lead to life-threatening events like heart attack and stroke. Historically, imaging techniques like coronary CT angiography provided information on atherosclerosis by describing the degree of stenosis, or narrowing, in the coronary arteries. While measures of stenosis are useful, they are not always the most precise way to assess the risk of an adverse event like a heart attack. "Some people have very bad stenosis where the vessels are 90% blocked and do fine, while others with only 40% to 50% stenosis die suddenly without warning," said study lead author Shenghan Lai, M.D., M.P.H., professor of epidemiology and public health at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and adjunct professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, both in Baltimore. "This shows that not just stenosis but the nature of the plaque itself may play a very important role in risk assessment." Radiomics is a tool that goes beyond plaque volume to examine a multitude of features apparent in the image but not visible to the naked eye. To perform radiomics analysis, images are run through software that can analyze thousands of features for a more comprehensive risk assessment. In the new study, Dr. Lai, Marton Kolossvary, M.D., Ph.D., a pioneer in the use of radiomics in cardiovascular imaging, and colleagues assessed whether different cardiovascular risk factors have distinctive contributions to the changes in plaque over time. Risk factors assessed included cocaine use and HIV infection. The study group included 300 individuals with subclinical coronary artery disease, or disease not yet severe enough to present any symptoms, as confirmed via coronary CT angiography. Changes in 1,276 radiomic features were analyzed over an average of four years follow-up. The data were derived from the Heart Study, a longitudinal investigation of the effects of HIV and cocaine use on subclinical coronary artery disease, which has been funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse for 21 consecutive years. Radiomics-based analysis indicated that conventional risk factors, cocaine use, and HIV-infection each have different effects on changes in coronary atherosclerosis over time. Cocaine use was significantly associated with almost a quarter of the radiomics features. HIV infection, in contrast, was linked to only slightly more than 1% of radiomics features. The study also revealed that HIV infection had a more profound effect on coronary artery disease in younger individuals. "Cocaine use plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease," Dr. Lai said. "Cocaine users with HIV should abstain from cocaine use to lower the risk of coronary artery disease." The results suggest that rather than having a complex interconnected network of factors contributing to the development of atherosclerosis, the effects of different risk factors may correspond to specific known or unknown pathways of disease progression. This information will likely provide a more complete picture of the state of cardiac health. "We want to figure out why some people die early, why some die suddenly, and why some people go on and on even if they have very significant fixed disease," Dr. Lai said. "With radiomics, we can use a CT image or an MR image, because these images have more data than just stenosis." Dr. Lai said the radiomics technology used in the study could have applications beyond cardiovascular assessment, such as cancer and diseases of the lungs. "The technology is there, that's not the key obstacle," he said. "The key obstacle is that not enough physician-researchers have access to this information." ### "Contribution of Risk Factors to the Development of Coronary Atherosclerosis as Confirmed via Coronary CT Angiography: A Longitudinal Radiomics-based Study." Collaborating with Drs. Lai and Kolossvary were Gary Gerstenblith, M.D., David A. Bluemke, M.D., Ph.D., Elliot K. Fishman, M.D., Raul N. Mandler, M.D., Thomas S. Kickler, M.D., Shaoguang Chen, M.S., Sandeepan Bhatia, M.D., and Hong Lai, Ph.D., M.P.H. Radiology is edited by David A. Bluemke, M.D., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, and owned and published by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (https:/ / pubs. rsna. org/ journal/ radiology ) RSNA is an association of radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Illinois. (RSNA.org) For patient-friendly information on cardiovascular imaging, visit RadiologyInfo.org. The nationwide controversy over the winner of the 2020 contest in Georgias 14th Congressional District in the House of Representatives, Marjorie Taylor Greene, doesnt need to be elaborated on further except to confirm that she won almost 75 percent of the vote as an arch conservative Republican candidate. Said district starts in Marietta and generally follows Interstate 75 northward covering 12 counties to the Tennessee state line in Catoosa County. In 2016 ex-president Donald Trump carried the district with the eighth best showing in the nation and statistics further show that the 14th District is the 10th most Republican district in America. Retired Congressman Tom Graves served from 2012-2020 as the Republican standard bearer. The district has for many years been a conservative district, but it was occupied by Congressman Larry Patton McDonald, a Democrat, in what was formerly the 7th Congressional district from 1975-1983. McDonald was a distant relative of General George S. Patton and was born in Atlanta, Georgia on April 1, 1935. He attended several private and parochial schools as well as a non-denominational high school and also attended Davidson College in North Carolina for two years and then entered the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta at the age of 17. He graduated in 1957 with a medical degree. McDonald would serve two years as a flight surgeon in the United States Navy stationed in Iceland and married an Icelandic national and had three children. It was in Iceland that he became concerned about the spread of communism which would follow him the rest of his life. Following his military tour of duty, he returned to Atlanta and resumed his career as a urologist at the McDonald Urology Clinic. His interests in politics would lead to retirement as a practicing physician. He became an avid member of the John Birch Society which further fired his anti-communism belief which became a major theme of his life. McDonald was an elegant orator and lost to incumbent Congressman John Davis in his first campaign for Congress in 1972 but was elected in 1974 and would serve until his death on September 1, 1983. He defeated Davis on a platform of being opposed to mandatory federal school integration and school busing and an attack on the out-of-state groups who gave his opponent substantial political contributions to support mandatory federal programs that used busing to achieve school integration. Although beating Davis in the Democratic primary, a Vietnam War prisoner of war almost beat McDonald as a Republican indicating a future shift towards the GOP in spite of the fact that the post-Nixon scandal had resulted in the election of 75 new Democrats to Congress. Barely surviving a defeat in the General Election, McDonald would never again be involved in a close election race. He was an admirer of Senator Joe Tailgunner McCarthy the most vocal anti-communist in the infamous House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC). Senator McCarthy and Rep. McDonald both admired the work of the House Committee on Un-American Activities and Larry hoped to be appointed to it when he was elected to Congress but its heyday in the 1950-1960s had passed and the committee was in the process of being dissolved. McDonald was supported by the National Right to Life Committee, Gun Owners of America and was described by one publication as the leading anti-Communist in America. He employed the strategy of not often speaking before the microphones/cameras in the House of Representatives while introducing over 150 bills during his tenure in Washington but used the tactic of inserting material into the Congressional Record. He would alternatively move to impeach United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young while introducing legislation to place statues of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver in the Capitol. He gained support in the 1980s from Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority, Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina, and multi-millionaire conservative financer Nelson Bunker Hunt. In Congress his closest confidante and voting partner was another physician, Dr. Ron Paul of Kentucky, father of the current senator, Rand Paul. A series of bizarre incidents kept his name before the public and his high rating in his home Congressional district. Many of the ultra-conservative principles he espoused as a Democrat have been adopted by Republican candidates. Although his brother allegedly told the Atlanta Constitution in 1983 that he wore a bulletproof vest the record is reportedly silent as to whether he was ever photographed holding an assault rifle. Perhaps his most outrageous reported advocacy was the suggestion to release the convicted war criminal Rudolph Hess from his decades long imprisonment and an alleged suggestion during a political debate that Hess be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to a report in a local newspaper. On September 1, 1983 he was a passenger on the Korean Air Lines (KAL) flight to Seoul, South Korea which was shot down by Russian fighter jets near Sakhalin in the Soviet Union when it allegedly wandered into Soviet air space. All 262 passengers and crew were killed in the incident which caused an international crisis and also led to all types of conspiracy theories, including one that McDonald was on a spy mission. Because of bad weather Larrys flight from Atlanta to JFK was diverted to Baltimore and the connecting flight to New York was late and McDonald missed his connection to South Korea by a few minutes. In a move not typical today, McDonald refused a Pan Ann Boeing 747 flight because of the cost to the taxpayers and chose to wait for the next KAL flight two days later which resulted in his death. In 1998 the Georgia legislature in recognition of McDonalds service to his district named the part of I-75 that runs from the Chattahoochee River northward to the Tennessee State line, the Larry McDonald Memorial Highway. Numerous research sources on the world wide web provide lengthy historical facts about the controversial life of the late Congressman from Georgia. Marjorie Taylor Greene appears to be continuing in a political career reminiscent of Larry McDonald. Whether she will have a section of interstate highway named after her remains in the future? * * * Jerry Summers (If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact Mr. Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com) Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-17 03:42:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A health care worker administers a dose of COVID-19 vaccine to a recipient at a new vaccination site in the California Polytechnic State University in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, Feb. 5, 2021. (Xinhua) These are the three dominant coronavirus variants currently spreading in the United States. B.1.1.7, originally detected in Britain, and B.1.351, first discovered in South Africa, concern scientists because of emerging data suggesting their increased transmissibility. WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 1,200 infection cases of coronavirus variants have been reported in the 50 U.S. states, according to the latest data of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The vast majority of these cases, 1,173, were caused by the variant known as B.1.1.7, which was originally detected in Britain. There were 17 cases of a new strain initially discovered in South Africa, called B.1.351, and three cases of the P.1 strain first discovered in Brazil. The number of B.1.1.7 variant cases last week was a 61 percent increase over the previous week, according to the CDC. These are the three dominant coronavirus variants currently spreading in the United States, according to the CDC. Numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged over the last several months, attracting the attention of health and science experts worldwide. The CDC and partners are increasing the numbers of specimens sequenced in laboratories around the country. COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to trend downward in the United States. However, the growing spread of variants increased complexity for containing the pandemic and drew great concern from experts and officials. The B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 concern scientists because of emerging data suggesting their increased transmissibility, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). A vendor arranges the display at her store at the Los Angeles Flower Market in downtown Los Angeles, California, the United States, Feb. 14, 2021. (Xinhua) The B.1.351 variant may be partially or fully resistant to certain SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies currently authorized for use as therapeutics in the United States, according to the study. A new SARS-CoV-2 variant, CAL.20C, has been detected in southern California amid a surge in local infections and is spreading through and beyond the United States, according to another research letter published in JAMA. By Jan. 22, the variant had grown to account for 35 percent of all coronavirus strains in California and 44 percent of all samples in the southern part of the state and had been detected in 26 states as well as other countries, according to the study by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The United States has recorded over 27.7 million cases with more than 486,500 related deaths as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the real-time count kept by Johns Hopkins University. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 15) A head nurse assigned to administer the first COVID-19 vaccine at the Philippine General Hospital said the arrival of vaccines this month will help pave the way for recovery from the health crisis. In an interview on CNN Philippines' News.PH on Monday, Chareluck Santos of the University of the Philippines Health Service said there is excitement among the hospital staff, and even called the vaccines a glimmer of hope. Santos said that in their vaccination training, the hospital staff focused on studying the Pfizer brand. The American-made vaccines are expected to be the first to arrive this month, with an initial 117,000 doses for medical frontliners nationwide. Santos said hospital workers want to make sure no dose goes to waste, as she noted the sensitive requirements in handling COVID-19 vaccines. Among these is the storage temperature requirement, which has to be minus-70 degrees Celsius for Pfizer. May mga pagsasanay pa nga po kami na bawal po syang i-shake, kasi pag na-shake mo po sya, kailangan na itapon yun, so sayang naman po [In our training, we were even told that if we accidentally shake the vaccine, it will already have to be discarded, so that would be such a waste], she added. Over 5,700 of PGHs 6,316 personnel pre-registered for the vaccination. PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi said some are hesitant because of the reported adverse effects to the vaccine in other countries, but he added such cases are rare. RELATED: PGH sees need for more vaccinee substitutes if Pfizer not the first brand to reach PH Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free People who lose their jobs would get up to 70 per cent of their former income for a short period under an insurance scheme being examined by the Morrison government as part of a possible overhaul of the JobSeeker system. In a plan that would bring Australia into line with almost every other rich nation in the world, those unable to find work within six months would revert to the current $40-a-day JobSeeker payment. The government is set to overhaul the JobSeeker scheme when the current COVID supplement, worth $150-a-fortnight, ends on March 31. Credit:Jason South Proponents of the unemployment insurance scheme argue it would be a massive financial incentive for people to gain fresh employment. The government is set to overhaul the JobSeeker scheme when the current COVID supplement, worth $150-a-fortnight, ends on March 31. London, Feb 16 : A French watchdog has slapped a 1.1 million euros ($1.3 million) fine on Google over misleading star ratings for hotels on its Search engine in France. Google has agreed to pay the fine, according to the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and the Repression of Fraud (DGCCRF). "An investigation by the DGCCRF, initiated in 2019, demonstrated the misleading nature of the ranking of hotels by Google, in particular on its search engine," the watchdog said in a statement late on Monday. The tech giant applies its own algorithmic system of ratings for hotels applied via Search and Google Maps. The DGCCRF probe revealed that the tech giant had replaced the standard classification system of the public tourist board with a star rating system powered by its own criteria. Google applied the new system to more than 7,500 establishments, reports TechCrunch. A Google spokesperson said that they have now settled with the DGCCRF and "made the necessary changes to only reflect the official French star rating for hotels on Google Maps and Search". According to the French watchdog, the practice was particularly damaging for consumers who were "misled about the level of services what they could expect when booking accommodation". "The companies Google Ireland Ltd and Google France corrected their practices and, after the agreement of the public prosecutor of Paris, agreed to pay a fine of 1.1 million euros as part of a criminal transaction," the DGCCRF informed. Former Jersey City School Board President Sudhan Thomas, former State Assemblyman Jason ODonnell and two former Morris County officeholders have been indicted by a state grand jury on charges they took bribes, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced Tuesday. The indictments stem from an investigation of political corruption in Hudson and Morris counties conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). Thomas, ODonnell, John Cesaro and John Windish were initially charged by complaint in December 2019. A fifth defendant, Mary Dougherty, continues to face a bribery charge filed by complaint. Authorities say the four men took thousands of dollars in bribes from a cooperating witness in the form of illegal campaign contributions for offices they were seeking at the time. In return, they promised the cooperating witness, a tax attorney, that they would use their official authority or influence to hire or continue to hire his law firm for lucrative government legal work. Thomas, 45, who is also facing federal charges of embezzling $45,000 from the Jersey City Employment and Training Program he headed, was charged with official misconduct, pattern of official misconduct, bribery in official and political matters and acceptance or receipt of unlawful benefit by public servant all second degree offenses. Authorities say Thomas, who was school board president at the time and had plans for a 2021 Jersey City City Council run, accepted bribes of $10,000 and $25,000 in exchange for making the cooperating witness a real estate attorney for the school district. ODonnell, 49, of Bayonne, is charged with bribery in official and political matters, also a second degree offense. Authorities said the 2018 mayoral candidate accepted a paper bag containing $10,000 from the tax attorney and agreed to provide him with tax work from the city of Bayonne if elected. ODonnell lost to incumbent Jimmy Davis. Cesaro, 49, of Parsippany, a former Morris County freeholder, was indicted on official misconduct, bribery in official and political matters, acceptance or receipt of unlawful benefit by public servant tampering with public records or information, falsifying or tampering with records and concealment or misrepresentation of contributions or expenditures. The complaint said Cesaro took more than $12,000 in bribes in 2018 while he was a sitting freeholder and planning to run for mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills. In exchange, he promised to get the witness more tax work from Morris County and to make him the towns tax counsel if he was elected mayor, authorities said. Windish, 68, a former Mount Arlington council member, was charged with official misconduct, bribery in official and political matters and acceptance or receipt of unlawful benefit by public servant. Windish accepted a $7,000 cash bribe for his unsuccessful bid for re-election to borough council in June 2018. In return, the council candidate promised he would support the reappointment of the witness as borough attorney. These indictments are an important step in our prosecutions of these defendants, Grewal said. ... The conduct alleged in these indictments is old-school political corruption at its worst the kind that erodes public faith in government and that we are determined to root out. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The second-degree charges against those who held public office at the time of the alleged conduct Thomas, Cesaro and Windish carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison without eligibility for parole under the states enhanced penalties for official corruption. The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free [This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.] Based on Games Workshops iconic license, Necromunda: Underhive Wars expands with another DLC available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC today! Developer Rogue Factor and publisher Focus Home Interactive are excited to bring the Cawdor gang to all players as part of the new DLC, with a brand new trailer showing off their ferocious tendencies. Be invulnerable in battle with the Cawdors shields of faith and belief The Cawdor bring a fanatical bent to the action-packed, vertical shootouts of Necromunda: Underhive Wars in both single and multiplayer modes. With horrific masks hiding their every visage and a vicious brutality, the Cawdor will shrug off blows that would fell other whole gangs. The Cawdor also allow for the same suite of heavy cosmetic and gameplay customisation as all Necromundas gangs. Recruit, customize and grow fighters to create a truly unique and dangerous gang through your own choices of careers, perks, skills, equipment pieces, offensive and tactical consumables, colour schemes, and much more! The choice is yours. The Necromunda: Underhive Wars experience in one offer! Also available with this update is the Gold Edition of Necromunda: Underhive Wars, which brings the base game and both DLC gangs, the Van Saar and Cawdor, in one package. On Steam, the Gold Edition also offers a digital artbook and game OST in a bundle that lets players round off their current collection. Players who already own the base game can also pick up the Gangs Bundle, which combines the Cawdor and Van Saar gangs in one purchase at a discounted price. Necromunda: Underhive Wars, the Gold Edition and the Cawdor Gang are available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. To celebrate the Cawdor Gang release, get 50% off on Necromunda: Underhive Wars, the Gangs Bundle and the Gold Edition on Steam. Visit the official shop page. Also available with this update is the Gold Edition of Necromunda: Underhive Wars, which brings the base game and both DLC gangs, the Van Saar and Cawdor, in one package. On Steam, the Gold Edition also offers a digital artbook and game OST in a bundle that lets players round off their current collection. Players who already own the base game can also pick up the Gangs Bundle, which combines the Cawdor and Van Saar gangs in one purchase at a discounted price. For more information, please contact : UK: [email protected] Rest of the world: [email protected] About Necromunda: Underhive Wars Official websit Store page WELCOME TO THE UNDERHIVE Deep below the nightmarish, polluted hive cities of Necromunda, in the twisted, vertiginous, dark tunnels of the Underhive, rival gangs fight to the bitter end for personal power, wealth, survival and the honour of their Houses. Only the strongest survive. Lead, customize, and grow your gangs of Escher, Goliath, and Orlock. Specialize each member and send them to battle in hazardous dystopian environments. Exploit the terrain in tactical gunfights: climb raised walkways to take advantage, set traps, and ambush foes to force them into bloody melee engagements. Learn new skills, loot equipment and bring your evolved gang to 4-player online gang fights. Lead and evolve your gangs in this compelling tactical-RPG Follow a rich narrative campaign in the Underhive First video game adaptation from mythical tabletop game Necromunda, the most famous Hive World of Warhammer 40,000 Play solo or join thrilling 4-way online gang fights February 16, 2021 The board considers that the strong demand for shares under the public offer as a positive endorsement of the companys proposed acquisition of PVW Resources NL and its business strategy. PVW's IPO raising was increased to $4.5 million with a view to fast-tracking its gold projects in Western Australia. PVW Resources Limited ( ) is poised to list on the ASX tomorrow after increasing its IPO raising from $2.5 million to $4.5 million due to strong interest from investors. The companys public offer is for up to 22.5 million shares at an issue price of $0.20 each to raise up to $4.5 million before costs. This offer is not underwritten and the company appointed CPS as lead manager. CPS agreed to raise up to $4.5 million on a best endeavours basis. PVW acquisition The board considers that the strong demand for shares under the public offer is a strong endorsement of the companys proposed acquisition of PVW Resources NL and its business strategy. In the prospectus, PVW chairman David Wheeler said: On behalf of the directors of Thred Limited (to be re-named PVW Resources Limited) I am delighted to invite you to participate in an issue of shares to raise up to $4.5 million through an issue of up to 22,500,000 shares at an issue price of $0.20 per share (public offer). On September 14, 2020, the company announced the execution of a binding terms sheet with PVW Resources NL for the acquisition of 100% of the issued capital in PVW. By entering into the acquisition, PVW will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. Western Australian gold assets The proposed acquisition of PVW signifies an important transforming event that will see the company focus its activities on the exploration and development of gold projects in Western Australia: The Kalgoorlie project, comprised of 11 granted tenements covering 95.6 square kilometres; The Leonora project, comprised of three granted and two pending tenements covering 195.6 square kilometres; and The Tanami project, comprised of 12 granted and one pending tenements covering 866 square kilometres. Systematic exploration planned Wheeler said: This public offer is being made to provide funds to undertake a systematic exploration program on the companys projects, aimed at the discovery of economic mineral deposits. The company has assembled an experienced management and exploration team which is well qualified to exploit the potential of the companys mineral assets. The board has significant expertise and experience in mineral exploration, project development and corporate finance, and aims to ensure that funds raised through the public offer will be utilised in a cost-effective manner to advance the companys projects. PVW's Western Australia gold projects. Phase 1 work Phase 1 of the planned exploration program will centre on determining the operational potential across the Jungle Well mining lease at Leonora Gold Project. Following listing the company will begin an initial 5,000-10,000 metre RC and diamond drill campaign in the first quarter of 2021. This program will incorporate twinning several historic drill holes immediately beneath the Jungle Well open pit, to confirm the location of unmined resources directly beneath the pit void. JORC-compliant resource category improvement and strike extensions will also be a focus of this program with notable historical results in the north of the mining lease to be followed up as well as shallow results returned from aircore drilling at the Brilliant Well Project; Phase 1 activities will also include initial testing with 3,000-5,00 metres of aircore drilling of structural targets within the King of the West-Kalgoorlie Gold Project, along with some follow up of anomalous historical drill results. Remote geophysical and some on-ground geochemical data acquisition will be undertaken in the Tanami Gold Project during Phase 1 exploration activities. Phase 2 at Tanami Project Phase 2 exploration is planned to start with a drilling program in the Tanami Gold Project in the second half of 2021. This area has had limited exploration at depth and the company is eager to follow up significant results at the Killi Killi prospects which need further exploration. Some of the Phase 2 activities in the Tanami will be dependent on geophysical and geochemical data acquisition and interpretation proposed in early 2021. Phase 3 and 4 programs Phase 3 and 4 exploration activities in 2022 will return to the Leonora and Kalgoorlie projects to infill and follow-up results where positive. With success during Phase 1 and 2, the Tanami Gold Project will require further follow-up drilling and initial drill testing of new targets. At least 12 people were killed in a fire at a firecracker factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu last Friday, police said. Raja Narayanan, a regional police official, said an investigation was under way into what caused the blaze at a factory in the village of Achankulam in the Virudhunagar district. Twelve people have died and 26 have been hospitalized following the accident at the factory this afternoon, he said. The Virudhunagar district is Indias firecrackers capital, and hundreds of thousands of people in the region are dependent on the pyrotechnics industry for a living. Accidents are common. At least 11 people were killed in two separate incidents in the region just before nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns were enforced in March. Fires in firecracker factories in 2009 and 2012 killed nearly 40 people each. (Reporting by Sudarshan Varadhan, Editing by Timothy Heritage) Topics Law Enforcement Manufacturing Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has been criticised by IFAC for uncontrolled health spending. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins The public has developed a greater awareness of budgetary issues since the establishment of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD reviewed the effectiveness of the Council last summer and the results will be published today. The Fiscal Council was established in 2012 in the wake of the global financial crisis as a statutory body to provide independent analysis of government budgetary policies. The OECD said that establishing the Council had strengthened fiscal management in Ireland by developing new tools for assessing the budgetary position and measuring the economic cycle. It also found that reports and other activities of the Council had improved the awareness of fiscal issues among the wider public and said the body, now on its third chair, economist Sebastian Barnes, is perceived as independent and non-partisan. Members of the Fiscal Council are appointed by the Minister for Finance, but their analysis has clashed with government policy a number of times in recent years. In 2018, then-chair of the Fiscal Advisory Council Seamus Coffey told the Oireachtas Budget Oversight Committee that Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe's long-term spending plans "lack credibility" and "look unrealistic". Last year, the Council queried the sharp rise in non-Covid spending set out in Budget 2021. In its report, the OECD said funding for the council itself should be copper fastened including removing a link to general price changes in the economy, because wage and other costs have typically risen faster. In addition, the OECD recommends the Council should have stronger legal rights to access information on budgetary matters. It said the Council itself should further develop work highlighting medium- to longer-term fiscal issues, following on from its 2020 Long-Term Sustainability Report which looked at the likely pressures on the public finances from 2025 to 2025. The Council has endorsed the Governments Covid spending plans. Jersey Citys 1% payroll tax is constitutional and does not place an undue burden on businesses in the city, a state appellate panel ruled Tuesday. The special payroll tax, on Jersey City businesses or out-of-city firms that employ people in Jersey City, was enacted in 2019 and dedicated for school purposes after the state announced it would make drastic cuts to the citys public school district. A group led by real estate developers Mack-Cali and LeFrak had filed the lawsuit and the appeal after Hudson County Superior Court Judge Peter Bariso ruled in the citys favor in March 2019. Todays decision was a win for all Jersey City educators, parents, taxpayers, and students, city Board of Education President Mussab Ali said. However, it highlights the extraordinary circumstances faced by the Jersey City school district. The appellate panel, for the most part, concurred with Barisos ruling, but noted that the payroll tax violated the commerce clause by creating the possibility that the services of an employee who works in Manhattan but is supervised by a Jersey City-based supervisor could be doubly taxed if New York decided to impose a similar payroll tax. The appellate panel vacated the dismissal of plaintiffs Commerce Clause cause of action as it pertains to the supervisor provisions and remanded the matter to the trial court to permit the parties to supplement the record and for any further proceedings consistent with this opinion. The payroll tax ordinance exempted firms employees who live in Jersey City. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the payroll tax was bringing in $17 million per quarter, a city spokeswoman said last year. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said prior to the pandemic that the payroll tax for 2020 was expected to yield $86 million for the school district. When the state recalculated how it would fund school districts, it decided to reduce aid to Jersey City with incremental cuts: $3.5 million in 2018-19, $27.1 million the following year, and $55.3 million in 2020-21. The decision quotes Abbott XXII, where the court specifically found that the state had made a conscious and calculated decision to underfund the (School Funding Reform Act) formula, Ali said, adding that the state ... cannot continue to abdicate its constitutional responsibility to the taxpayers of Jersey City. Schools Superintendent Franklin Walker announced in October that the district is facing an estimated $300 million budget shortfall in 2021-2022. The appellate panel issued a stay of the judgment for 45 days to permit the parties to seek further review. The plaintiffs, represented by Clark E. Alpert and Stephen J. Edelstein of the Weiner Law Group, could ask the state Supreme Court to take up the case. Household electricity bills are forecast to fall by more than $130 annually across NSW in the second half of this year, as low wholesale prices drive power costs for both residential and small business customers to their lowest levels in years. The Australian Energy Regulator will release its default market offer on Wednesday, which limits the price retailers can charge on default contracts in NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia. Low wholesale prices are driving savings, with prices across the National Electricity Market at their lowest levels in years. Credit:Jessica Shapiro The regulator said under its draft determination, residential customers on so-called standing offers in NSW could save as much as $136 a year on their electricity bills compared to last year. Those in south-east Queensland could be better off by $69 a year, while households in South Australia stand to save as much as $117 a year. The Maldivian government has revised tourism arrival projections from 1 million to 1.5 million in 2021 due to the island nation's early Covid-19 vaccination programme, a Minister said. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Minister of Tourism Abdulla Mausoom said the inoculation program could help boost the tourism sector, reports Xinhua news agency. Mausoom said that efforts were made to develop tourist facilities in the north and south of the country, including two new resorts in the island of Addu and the beginning of chartered flights to the Gan International Airport. The Maldives has allowed 614 tourist facilities to resume operations under health protocols, representing a total bed capacity of over 43,000. The tourism sector is one of the island nation's main source of income It is also the country's biggest foreign currency earner and the single largest contributor to the GDP. Maldives reopened its borders to foreign tourists on July 15, 2020, after it remained suspended for a few months in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently all arrivals other than Maldivian citizens are required to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test carried out within the 96 hours prior to departure. Since the discovery of a new coronavirus variant in Britain late last year, all travellers arriving from the UK, including transiting ones, must undergo a 10-day quarantine. However, this does not apply to other tourists. The Maldives has so far reported a total of 17,201 coronavirus cases and 56 deaths. Regulatory News: AKKA (Paris:AKA) (BSE:AKA) (ISIN:FR0004180537) is proud to extend its participation in the Horizon 2020 EU Research and Innovation programme by coordinating the 3-year MobiDataLab project, launched on February 1st, 2021. The MobiDataLab project The MobiDataLab project aims to foster digitalisation for mobility stakeholders1 through the development of a worldwide data sharing culture, starting with Europe. The research programme will help mobility stakeholders to optimize use of data for the improvement of their operations and services by proposing a replicable methodology and sustainable tools. The MobiDataLab project is based on a continuous co-development of knowledge and technical solutions for data sharing in the transport and mobility sectors. This will be put in action through problem-solving oriented Labs, the collection and analysis of advice and recommendations of experts and supporting cities/regions/clusters/associations aided by the incremental construction of a cross-thematic knowledge base and of a cloud-based service platform, which will coordinate access and usage of data sharing resources. AKKA's role in the MobiDataLab project AKKA coordinates the MobiDataLab consortium, composed of 9 partners across Europe from various sectors (Industry, Research, Academia, Consultancy and Governance). The consortium shares a common view on the values and benefits of open data and open source principles for fostering independence and uptake by communities. AKKA contributes to the development of the MobiDataLab Transport Cloud drawing on its technological expertise. The Group will develop cloud architecture solutions and manage an open data catalogue and data access services which will coordinate access and usage of data sharing resources. After its completion, AKKA will lead the exploitation plan ensuring the sustainability of the project. "AKKA Research has won more than 9 EU projects within a period of 6 months demonstrating a clear focus on Digital and on the priorities of the European Commission. Being a coordinator of the MobiDataLab project comes with a commitment to digitalize and make transport data easily accessible to everyone thanks to an ambitious data opening strategy. We look forward to start working on the project together with our partners." added Pierre Lion, Group director of AKKA Research, AKKA's in-house R&D and innovation centre. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant agreement No 101006879. For more information about the MobiDataLab project, please visit: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101006879 About AKKA Technologies AKKA is the European leader in engineering consulting and R&D services in the mobility segment. As an innovation accelerator for its clients, AKKA supports leading industry players in the automotive, aerospace, rail and life sciences sectors throughout the life cycle of their products with cutting edge digital technologies (AI, ADAS, IoT, Big Data, robotics, embedded computing, machine learning, etc.). Founded in 1984, AKKA has a strong entrepreneurial culture and is pursuing its fast-paced growth and international development in line with its CLEAR 2022 strategic plan. With 22,000 employees, who are passionate about technology and dedicated to advancing the future of industry, the Group recorded revenues of 1.8 billion in 2019. Following the completion of the friendly take-over bid of Data Respons launched in January 2020, AKKA now holds 100% of the company's shares; with the success of this operation, AKKA leverages the most comprehensive portfolio of digital solutions in Europe to harness the growing demand from its customers in the mobility sector. AKKA Technologies is listed on Euronext Paris and Brussels Segment A ISIN code: FR0004180537 For more information, please visit www.akka-technologies.com Follow us on: twitter.com/AKKA_Tech 1 Such as transport organising authorities, operators, industry or innovators. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005954/en/ Contacts: AKKA Investor Relations Stephanie Bia Group Communications Investor Relations Director Tel: +33(0) 6 47 85 9878 stephanie.bia@akka.eu FTI Consulting akka@fticonsulting.com Media Relations, France Emily Oliver Tel.: +33 1 47 03 68 65 A conversation on WhatsApp between Disha Ravi and Sweden's famous environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who created a tool kit to defame India, has now come to the fore and this is a big win for Zee News. On February 3, Zee News told you about this tool kit and then we gave you a hashtag, which was #GretaThunbergExposed. At that time this hashtag was trending at number three on Twitter worldwide. Greta Thunberg and Disha Ravi were also following this hashtag, and they understood that Zee News has unmasked them. READ | How Zee News revealed anti-India sentiments behind Greta Thunberg's tweet In DNA on Tuesday, Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary had a copy of the WhatsApp chat between Ravi and Thunberg on February 3. This conversation between the duo took place when he had exposed Greta and the tool kit, which was erroneously uploaded by Greta on her Twitter account. In the toolkits, action points were written against India regarding the farmers' agitation. READ | DNA Exclusive: Greta Thunberg exposed; Zee News unmasks her motive to target India's democracy over farmers protests It will surprise you to know that the two people pressed the abort button of their mission against India when the DNA show started on the tool kit at 9:12 pm on February 3. This is just like an enemy aborting his mission before waging war. That is, the mission stops. If Zee News didn't expose Greta on that day, then perhaps the situation of the agitation in India would have been different. These people had made vast plans against India, but Zee News came in their way. READ | How Greta Thunberg tried to defame Indian democracy: Read the full document We stopped these forces and unmasked the conspiracy of the foreign propaganda being run under the cover of the farmers' agitation. There is also a message hidden in this news today that if the media wishes, it can play a very big role in curbing the conspiracy against the country, like Zee News succeeded in doing. READ | Greta Thunberg: Who is she and why is she trending in India? Today we will show you two timelines, the first is the timeline when on February 3 we started turning the pages of the tool kit shared by Greta Thunberg; the second timeline is for those who were exposed and were looking for the way to exit. We will tell you both these timelines. READ | Exposed: Greta Thunberg shares document to help protesting farmers, says RSS-BJP are fascistic ruling party On February 3, at 9 pm, we told you about the tool kit shared by Greta and a few minutes past 9.12 pm, the hashtag we gave you, #GretaThunbergExposed also started trending on Twitter and during this time, there was a conversation between Ravi and Greta on WhatsApp. At 9.23 pm, Greta sent two new links to Ravi, arrested on charges of treason. Both of these links were linked to the Tool Kit shared on Twitter that day. READ | From 'tukde tukde gang' to Khalistani conspiracy in farmers' protests, Zee News reported the truth After sending these links to Disha, Greta wrote abusive words in her next message, saying that something is not right. Two minutes after this, at 9.25 pm, Greta writes to Disha, "It would be great if it is prepared." Here 'it' means the new tool kit. Greta writes again, "I will get a lot of threats because of this, and this matter is now taking a massive form." To this Disha replies, "Shit...shit." Ravi at 9.25 pm, she writes another message to Greta, "I am sending you now." She was speaking about the tool kit. After this, there is no conversation between the two for 10 minutes. The hashtag we gave you this time was trending worldwide and maybe Greta and Ravi were following this hashtag. At 9.25 pm, we started telling you that this tool kit has written about the digital strike on India and that there is a plan to do a digital strike on India called Ask India Why, and it was already decided that on January 26, when Republic Day is being celebrated in India, at the same time demonstrations and rallies will be taken out in different countries. Apart from this, we also told you that this tool kit has written the complete plan after January 26 as well. For example, on February 4-5 a big Twitter campaign, named Twitter Storm, will be run. On February 13-14, large demonstrations will be held around the Indian embassy and government institutions abroad and the World Bank and International Monetary Fund will also be tagged, tweeting in support of the farmers' movement. To destabilize India, they had complete planing even after January 26. Rihanna and Greta Thunberg, who had tweeted on the #FarmersProtest, are also mentioned in this tool kit and maybe this is the reason why Disha sent a message to Greta at 9.35 pm in which she writes is it possible that the tool kit does not get tweeted? Ravi is refusing to let Greta say anything on the tool kit. It is to be noted that Greta deleted this tool kit from her Twitter account at around the same time that day. At 9.35 pm, Ravi sent a message to Greta and in it, she writes, "Can't we all be silent for a while? I am talking to my lawyers. Forgive me but our names are present in the tool kit and because of this action can be taken against us under the UAPA Act." In India, an action is taken in cases related to anti-national and terrorist activities under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and Disha understood on the same day that whatever she did, action can be taken under UAPA Act. To this, Greta replied at 9:40 pm that she wants to write on this whole topic. But Disha stopped her from doing so. Disha Ravi writes a minute later in her reply, "I am really really sorry...We are all nervous here because the situation here seems to be going against us. We will ensure that Greta's name is not associated with this case." She also writes in another message that she will have to delete all the social accounts now. On February 3, when we told the country the truth of the tool kit, then Disha understood that the conspiracy was revealed. Ravi is 22-year-old and Greta is 18-year-old. But even at this age, she knows how India's movement can be tarnished internationally through a movement. It also shows that these people had made many plans for the peasant movement and these people were working on many tool kits against India in the name of the movement. But Zee News got in the way of these people and this mission had to be aborted only on February 3. There have been many attempts to stop us. A campaign was launched against us on social media. We were prevented from doing coverage in the farmers' movement and we were tried to troll. But Zee News stood with the truth and our point was proved that the AQI of lies in the farmers' protests has reached a dangerous level and this movement is getting oxygen from countries like Canada. We also told that if the media wants it, it can stop and thwart the forces and tool kit gangs working against India. However, today we would like to thank you for this success of ours. On February 3, DNA Live's Facebook Live has seen 13 lakh people so far. That day we gave you a hashtag Greta Thunberg Exposed. This hashtag was trending on Twitter at number 1 in India at that time and it was third in the world. There were more than 3,28,000 tweets on this hashtag. Apart from this, over 7,78,000 people have watched the DNA show of February 3 on YouTube as well. This is your true strength. It is said that if the strength is used for the right place and the right job then the result is always good. Now let us tell you about another member associated with tool kit gang and his name is Pieter Friedrich. The Delhi Police has mentioned it for the first time in its investigation related to tool kit and has stated that Peter Friedrich was also a part of it. But you will be surprised to know that Zee News told the country about this on December 11, 2019, as well. We warned two years ago. We tried to contact Friedrich and we have also received a reply from him. In this, he has said that he was not included in the tool kit makers, but he said that if he had a chance to make this tool kit, it would be a great fortune for him. Friedrich describes himself as an expert in the South Asia region. There are a total of 8 countries in South Asia, including India and Pakistan and it is being said that Friedrich favours Pakistan against India in the news channels debate and strengthens its agenda. The Twitter account of Friedrich is replete with views of the central government, the National Self-Service Association and anti-India. Not only this, in an interview, Friedrich had admitted that he was involved in this attack when the statue of Mahatma Gandhi was attacked in the US in June 2020. According to Delhi Police, they have kept an eye on Friedrich since 2006 when he was seen with Khalistani terrorist Bhajan Singh Bhinder. In his reply to Zee News, Friedrich has admitted that he knows Bhinder and the important thing is that he has also written two books with Bhinder, in which things have been written against India. Friedrich and Bhinder are also associated with an organization called Sikh Information Center. The biggest thing is that on December 11, 2019, Zee News had told the country about it. At that time, Friedrich used the word disaster for India's democratic government and favoured countries like Pakistan. According to the Delhi Police, among the three people who have prepared a tool kit to discredit India, besides Disha Ravi, Nikita Jacob and Shantanu, a resident of Beed, Maharashtra is also there. From January 20-27, Shantanu was present in the farmers' agitation at the Delhi border. The first tool kit was prepared and then before Republic Day Shantanu joined the agitation. This shows that Shantanu was around Delhi on the day of violence and now the police is looking for him. In the midst of this conspiracy, there is also an important update for you today, and that the number of farmers in the movement on the borders of Delhi is decreasing rapidly. The farmers' tents on the Ghazipur border have started to look empty. The number of farmers present on the Ghazipur border on January 26 was 12,000, which has now reduced to two thousand. Similarly, till January 26, about 50,000 farmers were present on the Singhu border but now this number is still at 12,000. On the Tikri border, 90,000 farmers were present till 20 days from now, but now the number of these farmers has also come down to 15,000 at the Tikri border. 2021-02-15 Maeci BRAZIL - Sparkle signs an agreement with Vero Internet to boost Brazilian operator's international connectivity. Sparkle has recently signed an agreement with Vero Internet, an emerging player in the Brazilian market, to offer high-performance international connectivity. Vero is a fast-growing Internet service provider with around 350,000 subscribers and a commercial presence in 96 cities in the States of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Parana, and Minas Gerais. By the end of 2023 the operator plans to serve 200 municipalities by investing over 750 million R$ in network expansion, acquisitions, and digital transformation. By connecting to Sparkle Seabone's global IP transit backbone, Vero Internet will benefit from high-speed, low-latency access to the global Internet. " With twelve PoPs in Brazil, in Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Fortaleza, Salvador and Porto Alegre, and extensive coverage in Central and South America, Sparkle reaffirms itself as the international partner choice in Brazil. Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Peak Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTCQX: PKKFF) ("Peak" or the "Company"), an innovative Fintech service provider to the Chinese commercial lending sector, today provided the following update on select segments of its operations for the first half of Q1 2021 while China pauses to celebrate the Chinese New Year / Spring Festival Holiday. SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS FINANCING PROGRAM After spending several months in 2020 building relationships with over 55,000 social media influencers who collectively have more than 120M followers, Peak created a program to help these influencers finance the online retail shows they use to sell goods ranging from cosmetics to household appliances to their millions of followers. The program launched earlier this year and helped finance about CAD$1M worth of goods during its first week. Since then, it has become one of the more consistent transaction generators on the Lending Hub platform, outpacing all other programs in terms of number of transactions. Transactions through First Half of Q1 2021: Through the first half of Q1 2021, social media influencers had received almost CAD$3M in funding through the program to finance a total of 23 shows and a variety of product purchase orders. DISTRIBUTOR AND RETAILER FINANCING PROGRAM While the Social Media Influencers Financing Program led the way in terms of number of transactions, Peak's newly created Distributor and Retailer Financing Program had a slight advantage when it comes to the value of transactions facilitated at the halfway point of the quarter. That program was aided by the addition of a third distributor in January, bringing over 1,100 new retailers to the program's existing pool of more than 310,000, and by a new cash-advance "sub-program" specifically designed for JD.com suppliers. Distributors Beijing Jingying Corporate Management Ltd. ("BJM"), who has exclusive distribution right for certain products at PetroChina convenience stores, and Xiamen Guangzhui Ltd. ("Xiamen"), whose clients include JD.com and 7-Eleven convenience stores across the country, were particularly active and accounted for most of the transactions . The average value and pace of those transactions should gradually increase as consumer electronics wholesaler Beijing Dianjing Company Ltd. ("BDC") becomes more active following the integration of its systems to the Lending Hub platform. Transactions through First Half of Q1 2021: Xiamen, BJM and BDC combined to account for a dozen purchase order and cash-advance transactions worth a little over CAD$3M through the first half of Q1 2021. GOLD RIVER PLATFORM In addition to serving as the point of entry for the Social Media Influencers and Distributor and Retailer Financing Programs, most supply-chain financing transactions involving raw material suppliers and manufacturers are also now being funneled to Gold River. Those supply-chain financing transactions, which accounted for a large portion of Peak's revenue over the past two years, were originally facilitated with the help of logistics software provided by a third-party company. The capabilities of that software were recently added to the Gold River platform, which is allowing Peak to gradually reduce its outsourcing expenses. Transactions through First Half of Q1 2021: Through the first half of Q1 2021, a total of 57 transactions worth a combined CAD$15.7M were initiated through Gold River. CHINA UNIONPAY FUND TRANSFER AND PAYMENT PROCESSING IMPLEMENTATION Peak announced earlier this year that it had signed an agreement with China UnionPay subsidiary Rongbang Technology Ltd. ("Rongbang") to implement fund transfer and payment processing capabilities to its Lending Hub ecosystem. Peak has since been working with Rongbang's service implementation team and received the APIs to directly link its Lending Hub and Gold River platforms to the China UnionPay network just prior to the holiday break. Peak is targeting the launch of a pilot project with select supply-chain clients in the city of Jiangyin in the first half of Q2 2021. About Peak Fintech Group Inc.: Peak Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) subsidiaries operating in China's commercial lending industry. Peak's subsidiaries use technology, analytics and artificial intelligence to create an ecosystem of lenders, borrowers and other participants in China's commercial lending space where lending operations are conducted rapidly, safely, efficiently and with the utmost transparency. For more information: http://www.peakfintechgroup.com For more information, please contact: CHF Capital Markets Cathy Hume, CEO 416-868-1079 ext.: 251 cathy@chfir.com Peak Fintech Group Inc. Johnson Joseph, President and CEO 514-340-7775 ext.: 501 investors@peakfintechgroup.com Twitter: @peakfintech Facebook: @peakfintech LinkedIn: Peak Fintech YouTube: Peak Fintech Forward-Looking Statements / Information: This news release may include certain forward-looking information, including statements relating to business and operating strategies, plans and prospects for revenue growth, using words including "anticipate", "believe", "could", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "potential", "project", "seek", "should", "will", "would" and similar expressions, which are intended to identify a number of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information reflects current views with respect to current events and is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as may be required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating any forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74580 The Philippines currently has an active and productive PPE manufacturing sector, with 300 businesses engaged in the textile and garments industry and a highly skilled workforce of 510,000 capable of efficiently producing PPEs. On a monthly basis the Philippines is now producing over 80 million face masks, 10.2 million pieces of medical-grade coveralls and 65,700 face shields. The Philippines also has a large and well-established chemical and chemical products sub-sector, the second largest contributor to manufacturing GVA with a value of $8.6 billion and employing over 200,000 people. The medical supplies industry in the Philippines is estimated to contribute at least $165 million in sales annually. With the sudden increase in demand for disinfectants, including rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizers and cleaning materials, local companies which have been traditionally engaged in the production of alcoholic beverages, personal care, and food manufacturing transformed their facilities to produce sanitizers, disinfectants and similar products. With the high global demand for PPE, hygiene products and medical devices amid worldwide shortages caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippine Government has developed programs to provide financing support and additional fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to assist companies, which include the unhampered movement of goods and personnel and reduced corporate income tax. To date, 42 production lines including textile factories, garment plants and yarn spinning mills have been repurposed to manufacture PPE, and over 1.5 million litres of alcohol, sanitizer and hand spray are now produced monthly in the Philippines. Lanie Dormiendo, OIC Director of the Philippines' Board of Investments said: "Our large population, rich talent pool and access to key markets open up various opportunities for Japanese manufacturers of PPEs, hygiene and other related products as they explore business expansion or diversification. Our country can serve both as their market and manufacturing base for exports. Throughout this unprecedented global health emergency, the Philippines has proven itself as a manufacturing hub for PPE and other medical supplies vital to fighting the pandemic. We did not impose import or export restrictions and even assisted foreign manufacturers and exporters including Japanese firms at the height of the lockdowns enabling them to continue their factory operations." Ferdinand Ferrer, Vice Chairman of the Coalition of Philippine Manufacturers of PPE (CPMP) adds: "Heeding the call of the government to repurpose manufacturing to produce medical grade PPE products and fabric, CPMP was established to strengthen the growth of our local PPE manufacturers and sustain our supply chain. We are open to partnerships and investments from our Japanese counterparts to explore more opportunities and further develop our capabilities." The Japanese face mask manufacturer Yokoisada is one of several international businesses to successfully set up operations in the Philippines. Yuki Yokoi, CEO of Yokoisada comments: "The strategic location of the Philippines has been a great advantage for our company because our main markets are in East Asia and ASEAN. There is also available a skilled and English-speaking workforce. During the lockdown, the DTI-BOI has assisted us in the transit of our employees, movement of cargoes, and sourcing of raw materials. Encouraged by the support from the Philippine government, our company recently decided to expand and double our current production capacity with the financial assistance we received from the Japan's government subsidy for its supply chain diversification program." The BOI together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in Tokyo and Osaka will host two other industry-focused webinars for businesses considering expansion or relocation to the Philippines: a multi-sector business-to-business event which will take place on 29 March, followed by a pharmaceutical industry event on 20 May. For further information about the events and other support available from BOI visit: www.philippines.business. About the Philippine Board of Investments: The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is the lead government agency responsible for the promotion of investments in the Philippines. Taking the lead in the promotion of investments, BOI assists Filipino and foreign investors to venture and prosper in desirable areas of economic activities. The BOI is a one-stop shop for doing business in the Philippines. To find out more about investment opportunities in the Philippines, visit www.philippines.business . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438531/Philippine_Board_of_Investments.jpg SOURCE Philippine Board of Investments Xi Jinping (R), general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, visits the family of Tang Rongbin, an impoverished villager in the Luotuowan Village of Longquanguan Township, Fuping County, north China's Hebei Province. Xi made a tour to impoverished villages in Fuping County from Dec. 29 to 30, 2012. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- An article by Xi Jinping on the poverty alleviation work during his visit to Fuping County of north China's Hebei Province will be published Tuesday in this year's fourth issue of the Qiushi Journal. The article is a transcript of a speech by Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission. It is the essential requirement of socialism to eradicate poverty, improve the people's livelihood and achieve common prosperity, the article says. With regard to completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, the hardest and most arduous tasks lie in the rural areas and the poverty-stricken regions in particular, the article adds. The article stresses helping people in difficulties, especially those in the old revolutionary base areas and poverty-stricken areas, to break away from poverty. Underscoring the importance of Party organizations in poverty alleviation work, the article says they should become the backbone leading villagers to shake off poverty and strive for a better life. The fundamental purpose of the Party is to serve the people, the article says, adding that cadres at all levels should often ask themselves whether they have been wholeheartedly working for the people. Famous Nigerian celebrity fashion stylist and entrepreneur, Toyin Lawani is in the news again, but this time, shes engulfed in a husband ... Famous Nigerian celebrity fashion stylist and entrepreneur, Toyin Lawani is in the news again, but this time, shes engulfed in a husband snatching scandal. It is no news that the business mogul and mum of two got engaged to her photographer lover on Valentines Day, Feb 14, 2021. In a recent development, reports have surfaced online that the said man, Segun Adebayo Druce aka Segun_wealth, who proposed to Lawani was once married. In a series of Instagram posts by TunezMedia, Lawani has being called out and accused of stealing another womans man. TunezMedia reported that Segun Adebayo Druce is a married man blessed with 2 wonderful kids and that 17th of February, 2021, will make it 6 years that he got married to his wife, Edel. Segun was also called out for proposing to Toyin leaving his wife and 2 kids one of which is barely 6 months. The report revealed that Lawani is aware of the marriage between Segun and Edel as Segun has been working with Toyin for years as her official photographer. See the Instagram posts shared by TunezMedia below. Tunez media in another post also shared messages Toyin Lawani allegedly sent to her fiance's wife. Read his post and messages shared: Fear women, Fear Toyin Lawani... Because Edel mother took someone's husband, so Toyin also had to take Edel, husband " wahala bi like bicycle" How can you be calling Jesus Christ after snatching someone's husband? People aren't scared of Jesus again. I never knew some celebrities behave like Toyin, so she believes Segun who has a 6months old child broke up with his wife. Well I'm not surprise by Toyin Lawani, the countdown to her failed marriages didn't just start today. Sometimes I ask myself what example are this Yeyebrities giving to people, this will be the 4th person in Toyin Lawani's life. This is the same guy snapping and seeing her nakedness for year's, so you all shouldn't be surprise. (Swipe to read the DM from Toyin Lawani showing she doesn't have conscience) In this Sept. 24, 2019, file photo a woman walks below a Google sign on the campus in Mountain View, Calif. Australia's government said on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, it will amend draft laws that would make Google and Facebook pay for news to clarify that publishers would be paid in lump sums rather than per click on news article links.(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) Australia's government said on Tuesday it will amend draft laws that would make Google and Facebook pay for news to clarify that publishers would be paid in lump sums rather than per click on news article links. The legislative changes described in a government statement as "clarifications and technical amendments" follow Australian ministers' weekend discussions with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai, chief executive of Alphabet Inc. and its subsidiary Google. The conservative government hopes to enact the so-called News Media Bargaining Code before the current session of Parliament ends on Feb. 25. The amendments to be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday "improve the workability of the code while retaining its overall effect," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said in a joint statement. The opposition center-left Labor Party agreed at a meeting of lawmakers on Tuesday to support the bill, guaranteeing its passage through the Senate where the government does not hold a majority of seats. But the government might have to compromise with further Senate amendments. Australia Institute's Center for Responsible Technology, a think-tank that supports the proposed world-first legislation, accepted the proposed changes. "On face value, the amendments keep the integrity of the media code intact," the center's director Peter Lewis said in a statement. A Senate committee that scrutinized the draft legislation after it was introduced to Parliament on Dec. 9 recommended last week that the code become law without changes. Google and Facebook, which take a combined 81% of online advertising in Australia, have condemned the bill as unworkable. Google has threatened to make its search engine unavailable in Australia if the code were introduced. Facebook said it might block Australians from sharing news if the platform were forced to pay for news. The code aims to remove the digital giants' dominant bargaining positions but creating an arbitration panel with the power to make legally binding decisions on price. The panel would usually accept either the platform's or the publisher's best offer, and only rarely set a price in between. That should discourage both the platforms and media businesses from making unrealistic demands. Apart from stating that arbitrated payments to publishers must be made in lump sums, the new amendments also clarify that the panel must consider costs incurred by the platforms and by news businesses. Seven West Media on Monday became the largest Australian news media business to strike a deal with Google to pay for journalism. Kerry Stokes, chairman of Seven West Media, which owns 21 publications, said the threat of the proposed code had made the deal possible. The deal was struck under Google's own model, News Showcase. The company has reached pay deals with more than 450 publications globally since it launched News Showcase in October. Google announced two weeks ago that it had begun paying seven far smaller Australian websites under News Showcase. The Australian government said: "It is encouraging to see recent reports that news media businesses and digital platforms are now reaching commercial agreements, against the backdrop of the code being introduced into Parliament." Google has faced pressure from authorities elsewhere to pay for news. Last month, it signed a deal with a group of French publishers, paving the way for the company to make digital copyright payments. Under the agreement, Google will negotiate individual licensing deals with newspapers, with payments based on factors such as the amount published daily and monthly internet site traffic. Explore further Major Australian media company strikes Google news pay deal 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. MONTVILLE, N.J., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mill Creek Residential, a leading developer and operator specializing in premier rental communities across the U.S., today announced the start of construction of Modera Montville, a luxury apartment community located in commuter-friendly Montville about 35 miles west of New York City. The podium-style community, which will add 295 apartment homes to the northern New Jersey and greater NYC metropolitan area, will be located north of Interstate 80 and Route 46, providing easy access to the region's major employment centers. First move-ins are scheduled for 2023. "Montville is often regarded as one of the most desirable places to live within Morris County and throughout northern New Jersey," said Russell Tepper, senior managing director of development for Mill Creek Residential. "We're excited to get started on Modera Montville. We believe the central highway location will be compelling for residents eager to take advantage of the commuter-friendly locale and the multitude of premier retail attractions in the area." Situated at 340 Changebridge Road, Modera Montville is being developed amidst an existing office park that is undergoing a rapid redevelopment. Several additional thriving municipalities border the Township of Montville, including Parsippany, East Hanover, West Caldwell and Fairfield. The area's thriving job market includes Atlantic Health Systems, Picatinny Aresenal and multinational pharmaceutical company Novartis. Modera Montville will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes with available lofts and den layouts. Community amenities will include a clubroom, resident lounge, club-quality fitness center, business center with individual working resident pods as well as a larger conference room, coffee bar, game room and interior landscaped courtyards with outdoor grills, a fire pit and a rooftop deck. Residents will also have access to controlled-access garage parking, dedicated bike storage and additional storage options. Apartment interiors will feature open floor plans, nine-foot ceilings, wood-style flooring, modern kitchens with energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, smart thermostats, walk-in closets and in-home washers and dryers. Bathrooms include tile shower surrounds, double vanities and linen closets. Modera Montville joins a growing collection of Mill Creek development communities in New Jersey, which also include Modera 44, Modera 55, Modera Lofts and Modera Woodbridge. About Mill Creek Residential Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC is a national rental housing company focused on the development, acquisition and operation of rental communities in targeted markets nationwide. The national company, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida proactively develops, acquires, constructs and operates communities through its seasoned team of real estate professionals in offices across the United States. Mill Creek is building its portfolio in many of the nation's most desirable markets in Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay area, Southern California, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, South Florida, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Boston. As of September 30, 2020, the company's portfolio is comprised of 85 communities representing over 24,700 rental homes that are operating and/or under construction. For more information, please visit www.MillCreekPlaces.com. Media Contact Stephen Ursery LinnellTaylor Marketing (303) 682-3943 [email protected] SOURCE Mill Creek Residential Related Links http://www.millcreekplaces.com With its Swoop Dispatch Management platform, delivered as a software-as-a-service, Agero enables insurers, automakers and fleet managers to present a fully digital experience to customers in need of roadside assistance. Aligning the dispatch technology for measuring the variables to select the best service provider with an omnichannel approach, including web apps and mobile APIs, Agero resolves each situation in a way that ensures superior customer satisfaction. "Agero's unified platform is flexible and variably configurable to support multiple business types and multi-tenant client management. Significantly, Swoop Dispatch Management can integrate with clients' existing contact center functions or service provider network operations. In the tow management software component, available on desktop and mobile apps, the Swoop platform automates workflows to fit the needs of both large and small tow operators, assigns jobs to drivers, and streamlines invoicing," said Vishwas Shankar, Research Director at Frost & Sullivan. "In the agent-facing software, Agero employs advanced algorithms to analyze massive amounts of data to best match tow service providers to end-customer needs and the business preferences of the client insurer, automaker or fleet operator." The platform is a single, transparent source of information for roadside customers, call center agents, insurers, fleet or automakers, a dealership receiving the vehicle, and the tow operator. It can easily deploy in each of these stakeholders' environments as a full-stack, stand-alone, or integrated offering with existing software. With job progress dashboards and intuitive design to map the events and hotspots, Agero offers an exceptional user experience for clients. It also includes reporting and analytics functions to identify insights and performance indicators from each case event. "The Agero solution facilitates the modernization and digital transformation of legacy technologies that do not meet the expectations of contemporary customers," noted Nick Baugh, Best Practices Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "The company is preparing to position itself as the key enabler of all mobility assistance, across mobility modes and channels. As consumers transition away from traditional car ownership models, Agero can support and connect numerous multimodal ecosystem participants while constantly improving integration across channels and service areas." Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that demonstrates excellence in implementing strategies that proactively create value for its customers with a focus on improving the return on the investment that customers make in its services or products. The award recognizes the company's unique focus on augmenting the value that its customers receive, beyond simply good customer service, leading to improved customer retention and customer base expansion. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Bianca Torres P: 210.477.8418 E: [email protected] About Agero Agero's mission is to rethink the roadside experience through a powerful combination of passionate people and data-driven technology, strengthening its clients' relationships with their customers. As a leading B2B provider of next-gen driver assistance services, Agero is pushing the industry in a new direction, taking manual processes and redefining them as digital, transparent and connected. This includes: a transformative roadside event management platform powered by Swoop, a San Francisco based software company acquired in 2018; comprehensive accident management services; knowledgeable consumer affairs and connected vehicle capabilities; and intuitive tow dispatch software. The company protects 115 million vehicles in partnership with leading automobile manufacturers, insurance carriers and other diversified clients. Managing one of the largest national networks of service providers, Agero responds to approximately 12 million service events annually. Agero, a member company of The Cross Country Group, is headquartered in Medford, Mass., with operations throughout North America and Europe. To learn more, visit www.agero.com. Contact: Kate Patty PR Manager, Agero Phone: 781.306.3771 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Frost & Sullivan Related Links www.frost.com The Cayuga County Health Department is requiring anyone who has a qualifying condition to provide documentation showing that they are eligible to get the vaccine. The documentation could be a note from a health care provider on their letterhead that includes the patient's name, date of birth and their health condition. It could also be in the form of a visit summary with the health conditions listed or a document from an electronic health records portal with the relevant information. No one will be allowed to receive the vaccine without qualifying documentation. The materials are needed for auditing purposes, according to the health department. Anyone who is age 65 or older is already eligible to get the vaccine at a local pharmacy or state-run vaccination site. Some local pharmacies, including Kinney Drugs, Rite-Aid, Walgreens and Wegmans, are offering the vaccine. There is a state-run vaccination site at the Exposition Center on the New York State Fairgrounds. The health department explained that if anyone who is 65 or older wants to attend one of its clinics, they must have a qualifying health condition and documentation. What's unknown is how many doses the health department will receive for its clinics now that eligibility has expanded. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free NEW YORK - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other governors across the country urged President Joe Biden to give states more data on where allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine are going, particularly in light of new federal programs that work directly with pharmacy chains. Both Republican and Democratic governors from the National Governors Association co-signed a Feb. 15 letter stating that the CDC reporting mechanism has created unnecessary confusion. Whitmer and the other governors want to distinguish information derived from federal vaccine distribution efforts from those conducted by the states. We believe it is important that the CDC in its reporting distinguish between these separate efforts to avoid confusion and provide a clear understanding to the American people, according to the letter. States also need visibility into the federal vaccination efforts at the facility level happening in our borders. One of the main concerns from the Whitmer administration is if vaccines sent to pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens by the federal government count towards the states allotment, said spokesperson Bobby Leddy. With less vaccines in the states hands, he said, the administration fears there could be a vaccine crunch for places that havent contracted with the federal government. The state receives a certain allotment of vaccine from the federal government that it can distribute to local hospitals and health departments. The federal government also has separate allotments sent to pharmacies and other federal partners, bypassing the state. It might say that Michigan was allocated 400,000 shots, Leddy said in a hypothetical example, but we arent able to touch (all of) those, essentially. Its like we dont have access to them in the sense of data reporting. Read more: Rite Aid now offering COVID-19 vaccinations at its Michigan stores The letter references a new CDC program introduced last week that partners the federal government with 21 national pharmacy companies to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination across the United States. Other federal programs mentioned in the letter are direct vaccine delivery contracts with nursing homes, long-term care facilities and federally-qualified health centers. These federal efforts are beyond our control, the letter states. Michigan is able to offer input to these federal programs, said Lynn Sutfin of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and that her best guess is that the letter is asking for more control over the allocation process. We appreciate transparency, accountability and our responsibility for the administration of the first and second doses, the letter states. However, the (federal programs) are federally administered and beyond the states control. An issue with federal vaccine data, said Sutfin, is that some reporting guidelines may be forcing the state to undercount how much vaccine has been administered. For example, she noted that nearly 500,000 doses were shipped to Michigan nursing homes and long-term care facilities via the federal program, but only 167,000 have shown up in federal data as administered because of strict reporting requirements. Due to the complicated nature of the vaccine process, that creates a lag in reporting, Sutfin said. One of the things weve been trying to explain to people is, obviously, you just cant get the vaccine. It doesnt just show up on someones doorstep and you start vaccinating people within 20 minutes, she said. Theres a process. You have to inventory it, thaw it out, all of these things that have to be done. Another concern outlined by Whitmer and the governors is that without knowledge by state officials of which pharmacies are getting more vaccines, the state may not know that it should distribute its allotment of vaccines to other areas. As usual, some pharmacies and (health centers) are better suited for the task than others, the letter states. Following the performance data on these entities is essential. We also know the need in the respective communities they serve and other efforts in the geographic vicinity. If the federal government distributes independently of the states to these same entities without state coordination and consultation, redundancy and inefficiency may very well follow. These criticisms resemble one made by Whitmer against the CDC when Donald Trump was president. She said in January that CDC totals combine the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, despite the fact that the latter bypasses the state and goes right to national pharmacies to be administered to the states long-term care facility residents and staff. That is out of Michigans hands, although it is counted; its counted in our allotment, and its frankly, unfortunately, counted against us when you look at what we do have control over, Whitmer said at the time. The Pfizer vaccine is what we move out as soon as it gets here. Thats whats going to health systems and thats whats going to public health departments. Read more: Michigan considers itself a leader in COVID-19 vaccination effort despite CDC ranking If you actually were looking at an assessment of what we have been able to do in terms of that Pfizer vaccine, I think our ranking would be even higher. But weve made great strides in this front. Michigan ranks No. 38 among states in administering the COVID-19 vaccine per 100,000 residents according to CDC data (not including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia). As of Monday, Feb. 14, Michigan distributed about 2.3 million doses and administered more than 1.6 million, a gap of nearly 700,000 doses. The other governors that signed the letter are Andrew Cuomo of New York, Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, Larry Hogan of Maryland, Kay Ivey of Alabama, Doug Ducey of Arizona, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico and Jared Polis of Colorado. All but three of the states rank outside the top-20 nationally in vaccines administered per 100,000 residents. Massachusetts is highest in this metric at No. 8 nationally. Read more from MLive: Michigan hasnt reported any post-vaccination COVID-19 infections, but heres why its possible Mortuary workers now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan; agricultural workers next in line COVID-19 herd immunity may be elusive, but theres still light at end of tunnel, experts say Beaumont Health cancels 1,884 second dose appointments due to unexpected vaccine shortage 87 infected in new coronavirus outbreaks at 20 schools, says Michigans Feb. 15 school outbreak report Home > News > Nine Simons Rock Faculty Members Win OSUN Achievements Nine Simons Rock Faculty Members Win OSUN Achievements Nine members of the Bard College at Simons Rock faculty were recently awarded competitive accolades from the Open Society University Network (OSUN). Five Simons Rock faculty were selected as winners in the OSUN 2020 Contest for Innovative Assignment Design for the Connected Learning Environment. Their assignments will become available as resources in OSUNs Center for Liberal Arts and Sciences Pedagogy (CLASP). The winners include: Jennifer Browdy 78, faculty in comparative literature and head of the Division of Languages and Literature Brian Connolly, faculty in philosophy Harold Hastings, faculty in science, mathematics, and computing Erin McMullin, faculty in biology John Myers, faculty in music, electronic arts, and cultural studies Additionally, six Simons Rock faculty members were honored as Bard Early College OSUN Fellows. This spring, they will join a group of OSUN-member faculty to design curricula for younger college students at Al-Quds Bard University in Palestine and the American University of Central Asia, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The winners include: Jennifer Browdy 78, faculty in comparative literature and head of the Division of Languages and Literature Harold Hastings, faculty in science, mathematics, and computing Brendan Mathews, faculty in creative writing and literature John Morrell, faculty in literature Colette van Kerckvoorde, faculty in German and French Tai Young-Taft, faculty in economics and research scholar at the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College OSUN, co-founded by Bard College and Central European University, is a new global network of more than 30 educational institutions that integrates learning and the advancement of knowledge in the social sciences, the humanities, the sciences, and the arts, on undergraduate and graduate levels. Through OSUN, member institutions collaborate across geographic and demographic boundaries, promote civic engagement on behalf of open societies, and expand access to higher education for underserved communities. 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Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 New Delhi, Feb 16 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to reply, within two weeks, on a plea claiming there was a deliberate omission for years in installing the Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS), which prevent aircraft from overshooting runways at vulnerable airports such as Mangaluru and Kozhikode. A bench, headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian, told Centre's counsel: "People are trapped in the aircraft, it is a horrible sight. Please look into it." The court has posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks. "Learned counsel for the respondent is granted two weeks' time to file counter affidavit. List the matter after two weeks," said the court in its order. In September last year, the bench had issued notice to the ministry and the DGCA on a plea by Delhi resident Rajen Mehta, who is an 85-year-old retired engineer. The plea has been filed through advocate Shohit Chaudhry. The plea sought installation of EMAS at the airports considered vulnerable and cited the August 7, 2020 accident at Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode) and May 22, 2010 at Mangaluru. Both these airports have table-top runways. The petitioner contended if EMAS were to be installed, it could have helped in averting the plane crashes. "The existence of EMAS was brought to the knowledge of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the respondents (DGCA and Civil Aviation Ministry) in 2008. However, for no plausible reason, it has not been installed till date," said the plea. The petitioner argued that the aviation industry has seen two horrific incidents at Mangaluru and Kozhikode, causing loss of hundreds of lives, which could have been saved by the timely action of the authorities concerned. Pointing out that EMAS has been installed at 125 airports across the globe, the petitioner also sought an inquiry into delay in its installation, despite prior knowledge on the airports which are vulnerable, and insisted that criminal action should be taken against people responsible. "On May 22, 2010, a Boeing 737-800 passenger jet operating Air India Express Flight 812 from Dubai to Mangalore ... crashed on landing at Mangalore Airport, resulting in the death of 158 persons," said the plea. The petitioner said the EMAS system was an arrestor bed of crushable material, like concrete blocks, placed at the end of a runway to stop an aircraft from overshooting. "In 2008, due to the extreme economic crisis, the Calicut (Kozhikode) EMAS project was put in abeyance," the petition said. The petitioner cited that the Court of Inquiry, probing the Mangaluru crash had specifically recommended EMAS like system should be installed on the runway overshoot areas, especially for table-top airports. Yet, no action has been taken, he argued. WEDNESDAY, 7:41pm: The two sides have reached an agreement on a minor league deal, a source familiar with the negotiations tells the Associated Press. If added to the major league roster, Dickey would get a one-year contract worth $600K and have the chance to earn $150K more in performance bonuses. TUESDAY, 2:12pm: The Mets are nearing a minor league agreement with knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, according to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press. Dickey, 35, posted a 4.62 ERA, 5.9 K/9, and 4.2 BB/9 in 64.3 innings for the Twins this year. He tossed another 33.3 mediocre innings at Triple A. Kravchuk should not be blamed for speaking on Russian TV channel, he tries to convey Ukrainian point of view to Russian audience Arestovych Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on resolving the situation in Donbas Leonid Kravchuk should not be condemned for a discussion with the head of the so-called "DPR" on the Russia-1 television channel, spokesperson to TCG Oleksiy Arestovych said. "Leonid Makarovych does not need to be reminded of the necessity to defend Ukraine [...] Another thing is that he uses different opportunities to convey the Ukrainian point of view to different target audiences, including the Russian target audience. Is he to blame for the fact that at the same time they show some kind of Pushilin [on the air]? He is not warned about this," Arestovych said on the air of the Freedom of Speech television program on ICTV on Monday. In turn, Arestovych said: "Is it possible to judge Kravchuk for such an act if he wants to convey the Ukrainian position to the Russian population, which watches Russian television [...] despite the fact that they attract Pushilin, who, for Leonid Kravchuk himself, qualifies as a terrorist? Why should we impose sanctions on him?" To clarify the host of the program question "could Kravchuk refuse to participate in the air of Russia-1," the TCG spokesperson said "he could have refused, but he could have used the air to prove his case." GARNER, Iowa Getting pulled over for speeding leads to a prison sentence for a Forest City man. Andrew Jay Frazee, 27, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, failure to use a drug tax stamp, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence. Law enforcement says Frazee was pulled over for speeding south of Crystal Lake on January 15. Court documents state Frazee appeared to be under the influence of drugs and a K9 dog indicated there were drugs in his vehicle. Authorities say a search found 25 grams of meth. Court documents state Frazee has a long history of narcotic use and possession. He has been sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison and ordered to pay a $1,250 fine. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has thrown the weight of her office behind the move to launch an independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. In a letter to House Democrats on Monday, Pelosi said Congress must get to the truth of what led to the insurrection after senators voted to acquit former President Donald Trump. Our next step will be to establish an outside, independent 9/11-type Commission to investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021 domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex, Pelosi wrote. This is not the first time Pelosi has expressed support for this type of commission. But it is the first time she has thrown her weight behind the idea after Trumps acquittal, making it sound like a done deal. Pelosi also wrote Monday that Democrats must put forth a supplemental appropriation to provide for the safety of Members and the security of the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff told Politico that the commission was needed to figure out exactly what the cause of the riot was and go beyond Trumps role. Schiff said that its important to also understand who the extremists were who decided to head to Washington and whether Trumps administration stopped focusing on the security threat posed by white nationalism in order to focus on left-wing extremists. After Trumps acquittal, several lawmakers came forward to say that Congress needed to set up an independent commission to investigate the events of Jan. 6 that would work in much the same way to the one that was launched after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, for example, said Sunday that theres still more evidence that the American people need and deserve to hear. And it isnt just Democrats who are calling for the investigation. Sen. Lindsey Graham also said the commission was necessary to find out what happened and make sure it never happens again. The idea of the commission got a boost late last week when Tom Kean, the former Republican governor of New Jersey, and Lee Hamilton, the former Democratic House member from Indiana, also expressed support for the commission. Kean and Hamilton led the commission that investigated the 2001 attacks over a period of two years. LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. At least 200,000 people remained without power in the Portland, Oregon, area Sunday after a winter storm blanketed the Pacific Northwest with ice and snow and made travel treacherous. With a number of transmission lines and substations knocked out of service and additional tree limbs at risk of falling on power lines amid more expected freezing rain and wind, some people could experience multiple outages or prolonged outages, said Steve Corson, a spokesperson for PGE, one of the areas major electricity providers. Our hope would be that most would be restored sooner than that, but some customers will be affected for several days, he said. The utility, which had about 250,000 customers without power on Saturday, is bringing in crews from Nevada and Montana to help restore power, he said. Other utilities, which reported about another 25,000 outages Saturday, were also working to bring electricity to homes and businesses. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown praised utility crews as well as state and local workers and first responders for working to , clear roads and help those in need because of the extreme conditions, which prompted her to declare a state of emergency for the greater Portland area on Saturday. She urged everyone else to remain at home as much as possible. Check on your neighbors and loved ones when you can do so safely, she said. Forecasters warned of more hazardous weather through Monday. An ice storm warning was in effect for the Portland area until Monday evening. In Seattle, which got more than a foot of snow by Sunday morning, more precipitation expected to fall as sleet or rain could cause snow-covered tree limbs to break, causing outages there, The Seattle Times reported. Winter storms and extreme cold affected much of the U.S. West over the weekend, particularly endangering homeless communities. Volunteers and shelter staffers worked to ensure homeless residents in Casper, Wyoming while authorities in western Washington and western Oregon opened warming shelters in an effort to protect homeless residents from the wet and cold. Arctic air caused temperatures to plunge to the negative 30s in parts of Montana and high temperatures were not expected to rise above zero or get much higher in eastern Wyoming or Colorado. In the Portland area, many trees snapped under the weight of ice, falling on power lines and causing transformers to blow out in showers of blue and orange sparks. Brian Zevenbergen watched Saturday as a crew sawed up two large, ice-covered trees that had crashed across his driveway overnight, narrowly missing two cars parked there. His house in Lake Owego had also lost power overnight. Just around the corner, another massive tree blocked the street in the suburb south of Portland and had taken out a city street light. Last night, everything was standing, and this morning the two trees had me blocked in the driveway and were blocking at least half the street, he said. Friends on the lower levels have power, so I have invites to go hang out there. The ice and snowfall caused treacherous driving conditions, forcing Oregon transportation officials to close Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge, and the regional transit agency TriMet suspended all bus and train service in the region on Saturday. Eastbound lanes remained closed and limited buses and trains were running Sunday although TriMet urged people to delay travel until conditions improve. The latest storm system was expected to bring snow to the mountains of the Northwest and the Intermountain West through Monday night. The highest parts of the Cascades were expected to get snow measured in feet while over a foot of snow is likely in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho, the Teton Range in Wyoming and the central Rockies, the National Weather Service said. Boone reported from Boise, Idaho. AP journalist Colleen Slevin contributed to this report from Denver. About the photo: People walk by a collapsed tree in Lake Oswego, Ore., Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. The tree fell during an ice and snowstorm that left hundreds of thousands of people without power and disrupted travel across the Pacific Northwest region. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus) Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A: Bioreactor Atmos ("Atmosphere Tester for Mars-bound Organic Systems"). B: A single vessel within Atmos. C: Design schematic. Credit: C. Verseux / ZARM NASA, in collaboration with other leading space agencies, aims to send its first human missions to Mars in the early 2030s, while companies like SpaceX may do so even earlier. Astronauts on Mars will need oxygen, water, food, and other consumables. These will need to be sourced from Mars, because importing them from Earth would be impractical in the long term. In Frontiers in Microbiology, scientists show for the first time that Anabaena cyanobacteria can be grown with only local gases, water, and other nutrients and at low pressure. This makes it much easier to develop sustainable biological life support systems. "Here we show that cyanobacteria can use gases available in the Martian atmosphere, at a low total pressure, as their source of carbon and nitrogen. Under these conditions, cyanobacteria kept their ability to grow in water containing only Mars-like dust and could still be used for feeding other microbes. This could help make long-term missions to Mars sustainable," says lead author Dr. Cyprien Verseux, an astrobiologist who heads the Laboratory of Applied Space Microbiology at the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) of the University of Bremen, Germany. Low-pressure atmosphere Cyanobacteria have long been targeted as candidates to drive biological life support on space missions, as all species produce oxygen through photosynthesis while some can fix atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients. A difficulty is that they cannot grow directly in the Martian atmosphere, where the total pressure is less than 1% of Earth's6 to 11 hPa, too low for the presence of liquid waterwhile the partial pressure of nitrogen gas0.2 to 0.3 hPais too low for their metabolism. But recreating an Earth-like atmosphere would be expensive: gases would need to be imported, while the culture system would need to be robusthence, heavy to freightto resist the pressure differences: "Think of a pressure cooker," Verseux says. So the researchers looked for a middle ground: an atmosphere close to Mars's which allows the cyanobacteria to grow well. To find suitable atmospheric conditions, Verseux et al. developed a bioreactor called Atmos (for "Atmosphere Tester for Mars-bound Organic Systems"), in which cyanobacteria can be grown in artificial atmospheres at low pressure. Any input must come from the Red Planet itself: apart from nitrogen and carbon dioxide, gases abundant in the Martian atmosphere, and water which could be mined from ice, nutrients should come from "regolith", the dust covering Earth-like planets and moons. Martian regolith has been shown to be rich in nutrients such as phosphorus, sulphur, and calcium. Anabaena: versatile cyanobacteria grown on Mars-like dust Atmos has nine 1 L vessels made of glass and steel, each of which is sterile, heated, pressure-controlled, and digitally monitored, while the cultures inside are continuously stirred. The authors chose a strain of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria called Anabaena sp. PCC 7938, because preliminary tests showed that it would be particularly good at using Martian resources and helping to grow other organisms. Closely related species have been shown to be edible, suitable for genetic engineering, and able to form specialized dormant cells to survive harsh conditions. Verseux and his colleagues first grew Anabaena for 10 days under a mixture of 96% nitrogen and 4% carbon dioxide at a pressure of 100 hPaten times lower than on Earth. The cyanobacteria grew as well as under ambient air. Then they tested the combination of the modified atmosphere with regolith. Because no regolith has ever been brought from Mars, they used a substrate developed by the University of Central Florida (called "Mars Global Simulant") instead to create a growth medium. As controls, Anabaena were grown in standard medium, either at ambient air or under the same low-pressure artificial atmosphere. The cyanobacteria grew well under all conditions, including in regolith under the nitrogen- and carbon dioxide-rich mixture at low pressure. As expected, they grew faster on standard medium optimized for cyanobacteria than on Mars Global Simulant, under either atmosphere. But this is still a major success: while standard medium would need to be imported from Earth, regolith is ubiquitous on Mars. "We want to use as nutrients resources available on Mars, and only those," says Verseux. Dried Anabaena biomass was ground, suspended in sterile water, filtered, and successfully used as a substrate for growing of E. coli bacteria, proving that sugars, amino acids, and other nutrients can be extracted from them to feed other bacteria, which are less hardy but tried-and-tested tools for biotechnology. For example, E. coli could be engineered more easily than Anabaena to produce some food products and medicines on Mars that Anabaena cannot. The researchers conclude that nitrogen-fixing, oxygen-producing cyanobacteria can be efficiently grown on Mars at low pressure under controlled conditions, with exclusively local ingredients. Further refinements in the pipeline These results are an important advance. But the authors caution that further studies are necessary: "We want to go from this proof-of-concept to a system that can be used on Mars efficiently," Verseux says. They suggest fine-tuning the combination of pressure, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen optimal for growth, while testing other genera of cyanobacteria, perhaps genetically tailored for space missions. A cultivation system for Mars also needs to be designed: "Our bioreactor, Atmos, is not the cultivation system we would use on Mars: it is meant to test, on Earth, the conditions we would provide there. But our results will help guide the design of a Martian cultivation system. For example, the lower pressure means that we can develop a more lightweight structure that is more easily freighted, as it won't have to withstand great differences between inside and outside," concludes Verseux. Explore further Geologists simulate soil conditions to help grow plants on Mars FLINT, MI -- The city has floated one idea for a massive redesign of Interstate 475 in the downtown Flint area, and the Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled a virtual public meeting this week to discuss its broader plans for upcoming improvements. A 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17 meeting concerns upcoming improvements along the I-475 corridor in Genesee County, including the projected financial investment in the corridor and potential design plans, MDOT said in a news release. The virtual meeting can be accessed here or by calling 248-509-0316 with the conference ID of 710 360 409#. In October, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeleys administration discussed one potential option for I-475 that would involve filling in a portion of the existing interstate, creating a boulevard route near the center of the city, and freeing up about 30 acres of new land for development. The states announcement of Wednesdays meeting says the state is planning to invest $300 million to rebuild the I-475 corridor in a larger area -- from Bristol Road to Carpenter Road -- with work planned to begin in spring 2023. The work includes rebuilding the roadway, and MDOT is requesting public comments regarding the removal of bridges, realignment of some roadways, and work near existing parks and trails. The announcement further states the meeting will be the first of several to share project highlights, address questions and hear from residents. Comments and questions can be submitted using an online comment form for Rebuilding Michigan Corridors, or by mail or e-mail to MDOT Public Involvement and Hearings Officer Monica Monsma at MonsmaM@Michigan.gov or Monica Monsma, MDOT Environmental Services Section, P.O. Box 30050, Lansing, Michigan, 48909. Questions can also be submitted during the meeting by using a chat tool. MDOT has been conducting a study on future work for I-475 and just last year completed a $44-million project that rebuilt three miles of the interstate and made repairs along nearly 18 miles, including electrical and signal work, guardrail installation, pavement markings, and new signs. City officials have said that in addition to more traditional repaving projects, the state should also consider the feasibility of doing something more in the area -- similar to a reconstruction in Rochester, N.Y., which spent $21 million in mostly state and federal funds to fill in and rebuild a portion of expressway adjacent to its downtown, creating bicycle and walking lanes and freeing up land that was used to create $325 million in new development. I-475 opened in the early 1970s and helped ferry thousands of autoworkers daily to the old General Motors Buick City site. It was built following the citys development of a master plan in 1960 that called for slum clearance, redevelopment of under-invested areas, and the creation of the expressway, but the project dislocated residents and separated neighborhoods. A Downtown Development Authority game plan for downtown in January 2019 first suggested creating long term development opportunities in-place of I-475 from I-69 North to Robert T. Longway Boulevard. Narrowing the Interstate into a calm, urban boulevard will facilitate better connectivity with adjacent neighborhoods, improve downtown gateways and offer long term development opportunities, the report says. MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach an MDOT spokeswoman for comment Monday, Feb. 15. Read more on MLive: I-475 proposal imagines massive investment, new look for downtown Flint Flint officials want residents views on filling in portion of I-475, creating surface boulevard Northbound I-475 in Flint area reopens after months-long closure For those not included, try calling the main line for the city, town or village clerk's office. We will update this list as information becomes available and have it posted at auburnpub.com/resources. The Cayuga County Health Department is requiring anyone who has a qualifying condition to provide documentation showing that they are eligible to get the vaccine. The documentation could be a note from a health care provider on their letterhead that includes the patient's name, date of birth and their health condition. It could also be in the form of a visit summary with the health conditions listed or a document from an electronic health records portal with the relevant information. No one will be allowed to receive the vaccine without qualifying documentation. The materials are needed for auditing purposes, according to the health department. Anyone who is age 65 or older is already eligible to get the vaccine at a local pharmacy or state-run vaccination site. Some local pharmacies, including Kinney Drugs, Rite-Aid, Walgreens and Wegmans, are offering the vaccine. There is a also state-run vaccination site at the Exposition Center on the New York State Fairgrounds. San Francisco, Feb 16 : Conservative social media app Parler that was forced to go offline in the wake of encouraging violence during the Capitol chaos in the US, is now back online. The company said on Monday that it is now accessible for users with existing accounts and will accept new signups starting next week. Parler, that fired its CEO and co-founder John Matze, has announced a new interim CEO, Mark Meckler, who previously cofounded the right-wing group Tea Party Patriots. The company said that its platform has now been relaunched with a "robust, sustainable, independent technology." Amazon Web Services' (AWS) in January decided to shut down Parler. Amazon had said it was "troubled" by repeated policy violations by Parler and it "cannot provide services to a customer that is unable to effectively identify and remove content that encourages or incites violence against others." Google and Apple removed Parler from their respective app stores after they found that Parler did not take stronger action to remove posts that sought "to incite ongoing violence" in the US. Parler is touted as a free-speech alternative, allowing posts that include conspiracy theories, threats and hate speech, among other things, to remain on the platform. Known for his signature pizza reviews, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has tweeted his opinion on the ongoing tri-state pizza feud. "Let me settle this once and for all," Portnoy tweeted. "The pizza capital of the United States is New Haven, CT. Anybody who says otherwise is wrong." For the uninitiated, Portnoy, through his "Barstool Sports" segment called "One Bite," goes to various pizza parlors throughout the country and grades their famous slices between 1-10. The media personality, who has tasted over 500 different pizzas as of 2020, has made various trips to the New Haven, including notable visits to Sally's Apizza, which he gave a rare 9.2, and the original Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, which earned an 8.5. The declaration by Portnoy comes on the heels of an ongoing pizza war in the tri-state area that stemmed from two New Haven senators proposing a bill to have pizza named the official state food of Connecticut. If the bill is passed, pizza would be the first food-based item to be recognized by the state. As expected, the news of the legislators' actions began to ripple through pop culture, with the likes of "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert commenting on the bill. Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey even went to blows with Gov. Ned Lamont on Twitter last year as Lamont attempted to defend Connecticut's pizza supremacy from New Jersey following a twitter exchange over who the "pizza capital" of the United States is. As of Feb. 15, no politicians or official Twitter accounts associated with either three of the states have responded to Portnoy's claim about New Haven. However, the degree of the fallout is unknown should Connecticut adopt pizza as its state food. Outside of pizza reviews, Portnoy has been giving back to the local restaurant community during the pandemic through the Barstool Fund. The fund has currently raised $35.23M for restaurants throughout the country, including local spots like Laskara in Wallingford and the Red Rock Tavern in Hartford. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Former President Trump criticized Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) in a statement released on Tuesday, after McConnell labeled Trump practically and morally responsible for the January 6 riot at the Capitol. While he voted to acquit Trump of the charge of incitement of insurrection during his impeachment trial, McConnell criticized the former presidents conduct leading up to the riots. A mob of Trump supporters breached the Capitol on January 6 after attending a speech by the former president, forcing lawmakers to evacuate the building and interrupting the certification of the Electoral College results. Three days after McConnells statements, Trump responded by blasting the top Senate Republican. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Mitch is a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack, and if Republican Senators are going to stay with him, they will not win again, Trump said. The former president blamed the losses of Republican senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in Georgia on McConnells refusal to back $2,000 stimulus checks during coronavirus relief negotiations in December. Likewise, McConnell has no credibility on China because of his familys substantial Chinese business holdings, Trump wrote in an apparent reference to the family of Elaine Chao, Trumps former transportation secretary and McConnells wife. McConnell does nothing on this tremendous economic and military threat. Additionally, while McConnell has indicated he will back primary candidates in the 2022 midterms based on electability, Trump threatened to back primary rivals who espouse Making America Great Again and our policy of America First. The Republican Party can never again be respected or strong with political leaders like Sen. Mitch McConnell at its helm, Trump said. The statement is the latest round in an emerging contest for influence in the Republican Party following Trumps defeat in the November elections. Looking to the 2022 midterms, Senator Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.), a staunch Trump ally, has indicated he would support the former presidents daughter-in-law Lara Trump if she decides to run for the Senate in North Carolina. Meanwhile, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley has launched a PAC to support Republican candidates in the midterms, ahead of a potential run for the presidency in 2024. More from National Review After Chinese troops and tanks, now Chinese infantry is retreating from both sides of Pangong Lake, days after the disengagement between India and China started at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese Army has been breaking the walls made for firing and its bunker at Finger 4 and Finger 5 of Pangong Lake, as witnessed by Zee News on Tuesday. Chinese army tanks have retreated to the Sengdong base 50 km away and India has been monitoring the entire process of retreat. By February 20, the withdrawal of forces will be completed, and within 48 hours, a discussion will begin at the Corps Commander level to find a solution to other disputed sites, including the Depsang Plains. READ | Disengagement at Pangong Lake to be over by end of this week, talks between India and China next week On the morning of February 10, about 10 massive Chinese troops retreated their tanks from the southern shore of Pangong Lake. The Chinese Army first retreated its three tanks and then the Indian Army did the same. But the retreating tanks of the Indian Army were wary of any deception in China and full preparations were made to return immediately in an emergency. More than 230 Chinese tanks were counted back in front of the Rezang La and Rechin La, or the RR complex. These tanks were in two queues, the first one being 500 meters away from the Indian positions and the second one being one and a half km away from the queue. The Indian Army was also mentally prepared for the situation that China should not stop the withdrawal by pretending that one tank was damaged. But by 7 pm on February 10, the tanks on both sides returned from the hills and elsewhere in the Chushul sector. READ | DNA Exclusive: Rahul Gandhi pleases China again, forgets Nehruvian folly of 1962? China has moved its tanks 50 km to the Sengdang base, Indian Army tanks have also moved 50 km behind the LAC. These hills of strategic importance were captured by the Indian Army on August 3031. After this action, the balance of power in east Ladakh was in India's favour. The Indian Army deployed tanks on these peaks and the entire area of Spangur Lake-Moldo was within reach of the Indian Army. It is believed that due to the mental pressure exerted by this action, China has agreed to return to Finger 8 on the northern shore of Pangong Lake. China had infiltrated the area up to Finger 4 on the northern shore of Pangong Lake. In response, the Indian Army had made a front at the heights near Finger 4. The Chinese soldiers had made their large fronts on Finger 5 behind Finger 4. Here they had built walls as well as temporary stores and Emergency Medical Station. In addition, China also built a helipad near Finger 5. In the pictures that came after the agreement, the Chinese army is seen breaking all these constructions. Chinese soldiers are to return to their posts in Sirzap 2 behind Finger 8. In pictures, a long queue of Chinese soldiers is seen trailing behind the LAC. A mechanism has also been put in place to investigate and review the withdrawal of Army on Wednesday. If all goes well this week the withdrawal of troops from Pengang's northern and southern sides will be completed and the 10th round of corps commanders is expected to be held next week. Once the disengagement is over at Pangong Lake, no patrolling will take place in the area from Finger 4 to Finger 8 till both sides agree via diplomatic and military talks. The 10th round of military talks, which was agreed to happen 48 hours after complete disengagement will happen, expectedly next week. The talks will focus on disengagement on Gogra, Depsang, and Hot Spring. On Friday, the defence ministry said other outstanding "problems" including in Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra will be taken up at the upcoming talks between military commanders of the two countries. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 12:52:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A child tries to touch the props of lion dance amid a Chinese New Year Festival parade in Wellington, capital of New Zealand on Feb. 14, 2021. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) "The Chinese New Year is a time to reflect on the events of the past year, and it is an opportunity to look forward to a better future. I wish health, happiness and prosperity for 2021 to you, your family and your friends," said Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. BEIJING, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- While COVID-19 has kept many families away from getting festive reunion during this Lunar New Year, the cultural tradition, to which the Chinese have held on for thousands of years, is uniting people around the world together in celebrations and joy. In New Zealand, thousands of people crowded the streets and waterfronts in Wellington on Sunday afternoon to watch the annual Chinese New Year parade, with Wellington Mayor Andy Foster leading the way. The capital streets were filled with joy and pleasure. Dragon and lion dancers put on performances as a wish for people's health and good fortune in the coming year. The parade comprised over 10 marching groups, including several vibrant lion and dragon dancing teams, a waist drum group, as well as a traditional Chinese costume display group featuring Qipao, Changshan, and oil-paper umbrellas. At the destination of the parade, a Chinese New Year fair was taking place. People gathered in front of stalls to taste Chinese snacks, watched Chinese handicrafts, bought special souvenirs, and enjoyed Chinese cultural performances. Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (3rd L) and Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo (2nd L) attend an event to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year at the Yat Sen School in Suva, Fiji, Feb. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongxing) In Fiji, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama attended the Lunar New Year celebrations. During the celebrations held in Suva, capital of Fiji, Bainimarama wished the local Chinese a happy Lunar New Year, saying that "The Chinese New Year is a time to reflect on the events of the past year, and it is an opportunity to look forward to a better future. I wish health, happiness and prosperity for 2021 to you, your family and your friends." In the United States, governors, educators, scholars, artists as well as business people have all sent their wishes to the Chinese and China-U.S. relations when attending an online celebration held by the Chinese Consulate General in New York. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said he is pleased to join the celebration, and wants to take a moment to wish those in the Chinese community throughout the Commonwealth a very happy Chinese Lunar New Year. "We are proud to have such a vibrant piece of that culture here in the Commonwealth and especially in Boston. We are grateful for our continued friendship and collaboration," added the governor. A tourist poses for photos in front of lanterns at China Town in Yokohama, Japan, Feb. 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi) In Japan, traditional Chinese and Japanese arts were displayed on the same stage. In Russia, students from primary and secondary schools, as well as kindergartens, in St. Petersburg put on a series of shows like singing Chinese songs and performing martial arts in an online celebration event. To mark the coming Year of the Ox, the British city of Edinburgh has also organized a long list of outdoor and online events including an online concert and shopping opportunities. Edinburgh Castle, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Scotland, was also illuminated in the color of "Chinese Red" to observe the special occasion. In a video clip posted online, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also sent her wishes toward the Chinese people. "I want to send my very best wishes to everyone in China and across the world, for the start of Chinese New Year," she said, adding that "wherever you are right now, whether you are in Scotland, in China, or elsewhere, I wish you a peaceful and a very happy Chinese New Year." Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says hotel quarantine workers must be the first people in Queensland to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The state was set to receive doses of the Pfizer vaccine as early as next week, although Ms Palaszczuk said the rollout was being managed by the federal government. If not next week, itll be the week after, she said. The rollout will start small at the Gold Coast. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Newly released data from Ohios fumbled reporting of coronavirus deaths shows just how grim the toll from COVID-19 actually had become in December, with nearly double the deaths in the month than previously reported. Ohio Department of Health data now shows at least 5,597 Ohioans died because of the coronavirus in December, up from the 2,859 reported last Wednesday - ahead of corrections the health department made after disclosing it had discovered a severe underreporting. The agency blamed the underreporting on a single worker getting behind with matching of data between two collection systems. One system is based on death certificates and the other from more quickly received reports from hospitals and other medical offices. Mondays update to 16,472 deaths since the onset of the virus includes 4,544 added since Wednesday. However, the Ohio Department of Health cautioned the reconciliation work is still in progress and could result in some fluctuations in death numbers moving forward. A review of the cases added since Wednesday shows that while the underreporting apparently began as early as September, it grew significantly in late November through the end of the year. The death totals for several days in late December are now more than double what had been reported. For example, the state now says 183 people died due to the coronavirus on Dec. 28, not the 71 it was reporting the middle of last week. And over the seven days from Dec. 22 through Dec. 28, the total has been revised up 54.3% from the 544 that had been reported Wednesday to 1,190 on Monday. The deadliest day for COVID-19 cases is now Dec. 16, when 211 Ohioans are known to have died, up from 109 attributed to the date ahead of the announcement. However, the total could still increase as health officials receive more death certificate reports over the coming weeks or even months. While the state added 2,738 to Decembers total for a record 5,597, another 1,310 were added to November to bring that months total to 2,884. For October, 217 have been added for a new total of 939. So far, the state has reported 1,609 deaths for January, up 117 since Wednesday. Smaller increases for Cuyahoga, Summit counties The revised death totals now list 1,634 coronavirus deaths for Cuyahoga County, more than any other county in Ohio as was the case before the revision. This includes the reporting of 399 deaths from Wednesday through Monday. But the increase of 32.3% was smaller than the statewide increase of 38.3% and much smaller than in most other large counties. The death total in Franklin County (Columbus) increased by 63.6% to 1,168, and the total for Hamilton County (Cincinnati) increased by 86.3% to 909. Among the eight counties where there have been at least 500 COVID-19 deaths, the increases were smallest in Summit County (Akron) at 9.1% to 900 and Lucas County (Toledo) at 7.2% to 745. (A chart showing the changes for every county is displayed at the bottom of this story.) By race However, there appears to be little change in the share of deaths by race. For example, among cases where race is known, 83.7 of the reported deaths to date are to white people, in comparison to 83.2% through last Monday. Black people now account for 12% of the deaths, down from 12.6% a week ago. The shares are roughly in line with Ohios demographic makeup: Ohios population is 82% white and 13% Black, census estimates say. As more death certificate data has been added, fewer of the new cases are labeled as unknown for race. Race is unknown for 5.4% of the cases to date, but just 2.6% of the cases reported in the last week. Nursing homes Its unclear yet what effect the revisions will have on nursing home statistics. The states next COVID-19 report on long-term care facility cases and deaths is scheduled for release on Wednesday. State health department officials believe the underreporting was not concentrated in deaths from one type of facility or another, but rather largely uniform, a spokesman said. Through last Wednesday, nursing home patients accounted for 5,582 of Ohios 11,856 deaths reported at the time. Ohioans age 80 and up were 52.3% of Ohios known COVID-19 deaths, and those in their 70s accounted for another 26.5%, as of last Wednesday. Among the deaths added since then, 54.3% have been at least 80 years old, and 25.8% were in their 70s. Data issues The death reporting is the latest data issue that has come up for the Ohio Department of Health in the release of public reports the outbreak of the virus. One of the early circumstances involved the rollout of weekly nursing home reports. The initial nursing home report in late April was removed from the Ohio Department of Health website within 48 hours because of what the department said were inaccuracies. The next weeks report had to be updated later because it omitted several counties. And then a mid-May report was delayed by more than a day. Some daily cases totals have not always been complete, with the state noting so in its reporting on those days. The state cautioned for several days in November that case reports likely were being underreported as it cleared a backlog of cases that needed to be doublechecked antigen test reporting. And Gov. Mike DeWine on Dec. 17, in announcing the report of 11,412 new cases that day, said the single-day total was misleading because a glitch caused the state to undercount the previous day, reporting just 5,409. Rich Exner, data analysis editor for cleveland.com, writes about numbers on a variety of topics. Follow on Twitter @RichExner. See other data-related stories at cleveland.com/datacentral. Previous stories Ohio coronavirus by ZIP code: see recent case numbers for every Ohio ZIP code Ohio reports 1,915 new coronavirus cases; second smallest increase of the year: Monday update Close to 72% of Cuyahoga County residents live within a mile of a vaccination site Deaths by county HARARE: Workers unload COVID-19 vaccines donated by China at Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Feb. 15, 2021. A batch of COVID-19 vaccines donated by China arrived in Robert Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe's capital here on early Monday morning. The 200,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines are the first batch that Zimbabwe has received as it steps up efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccines will cover all frontline health workers firstly, and the excess will be extended to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, according to Zimbabwe's vaccine deployment strategy. Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, together with Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun, attended the handover ceremony at the airport. Chiwenga, who is also the health minister, expressed gratitude to China for donating Covid-19 vaccines to the southern African country, saying the batch of vaccines is a timely donation as Zimbabweans are suffering from the pandemic. "We receive this vaccine as it gave the hope to the nation that finally we may be on the verge of returning to some semblance of normalcy. That's what we are aiming to achieve," said the senior official. "The vaccine also offers the possibility that our people who have borne the brunt of the economic ravages of the pandemic might finally turn a new page, following the unfortunate interruption to the economic activities that have been necessitated by the need to contain the spread of the virus," Chiwenga added. Myanmar Protesters encounter 20 years in prison under new law Air Canada obtains government nod for Air Transat deal Italy gets Inexperienced Super-ministry as Draghi Eyes EU Funds EDWARDSVILLE Resolutions asking Gov. J.B. Pritzker to veto a sweeping crime bill, and for Bi-State to reconsider armed security guards in the wake of an unarmed guards recent murder, were approved by the Madison County Government Relations Committee Tuesday and will be considered at Wednesdays full Madison County Board meeting. Both resolutions were approved unanimously, with board member Jim Dodd, D-Alton, absent. The first resolutions is in opposition to HB 3653, a criminal justice reform bill recently passed by the Illinois General Assembly and awaiting action by the governor. Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine had asked for the resolution. The one thing this bill has done that is positive is it has united Republicans and Democrats across the state against it, Haine said during the meeting. This House bill as passed, the one thing this bill has done that is positive is it has united republicans and democrats across the state against it. He noted that although it was approved with good intentions, the bill will have a negative impact, and probably lead to a spike in crime as similar efforts in New York and California, which have since been rolled back. It contains, along with some good ideas, some really disastrous policies, Haine added. Good intentions dont equal good public policy. The bill was an initiative by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, and was approved in mid-January by the Illinois General Assembly. Committee Chairman Chris Guy, R-Maryville, noted it was approved in about a day with little debate. It includes a number of changes, including an end to cash bail and a complete overhaul of police certification, requires body cameras for officers and makes changes in use of force law. Many of the more controversial aspects, including ending qualified immunity for law enforcement, were reduced or removed from the bill following heavy opposition from law enforcement, labor unions and municipal representatives. The bill has been almost unilaterally condemned by local law enforcement, including the Madison County Sheriffs Office and unanimously by all Madison County police chiefs, according to Haine. The second resolution, a Resolution regarding Bi-State Development Security comes after security guard James Cook was shot recently. A Berkeley man was arrested and charged in the case several days later. The shooting may have stemmed from a previous encounter between the two, according to media reports. According to a copy of the resolution, the county board believes the security is ineffective and preventing violent cries on the MetroLink system. A new security contract that took effect April 1 barred private security guards from carrying firearms. That action was heavily criticized at the time. This is the second such resolution approved by the board. In July a similar resolution was unanimously passed after reports of a woman being attacked with two unarmed security guards failing to intervene. Bi-State officials have claimed it would be illegal to arm private security guards on the system, which operates in both Missouri and Illinois. This is just another statement from Madison County that this is a wrong-headed change, said Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler. Its not as safe as it should be, and in our opinion, this should be changed. The full County Board meeting will be held via videoconference. The public can listen by accessing https://www.twitch.tv/madisoncountyiL. Credit: CSIRO Research scientists from Australia's national science agency, CSIRO and Charles Darwin University used fishing rods and handlines to plumb the depths of underground aquifers in the Northern Territory revealing a diverse variety of tiny aquatic animals known as stygofauna, mostly between 0.3 and 10 millimetres in length. The largest animal founda shrimp called Parisia unguismeasured up to 20 millimetres and is likely the apex predator in these communities. The presence of a predator indicates a complex food chain within the Beetaloo stygofaunal communities. The Beetaloo animals are different from stygofauna recorded from more extensively studied Western Australian aquifers, with new genera and species of crustaceans likely to be present in the Beetaloo. Results confirm Northern Territory aquifers support a diverse range of stygofaunal species. All Beetaloo stygofaunal communities sampled were dominated by crustaceansshrimps, amphipods, ostracods, copepods and syncarids. CSIRO scientist Dr. Gavin Rees said the presence of the same stygofaunal species at widely separated sites across the Cambrian Limestone Aquifer could indicate high connectivity within the aquifer which would need to be considered in light of shale gas development proposals. "CSIRO's Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance is undertaking further research to quantify the risk of contamination impacts on stygofauna from possible industrial spill events," Dr. Rees said. "This research takes into account migration pathways and processes, including adsorption, dilution and microbial metabolism in soils and aquifers as well as the suspected high connectivity in groundwater systems." CDU Professor Jenny Davis said stygofauna were the ultimate climate change adapters, having moved underground as surface waters of ancient inland Australia dried out. "It's incredibly exciting because some of these crustaceans are new to sciencethere are not many places left in the world where you can find a whole range of new animals in one location," Professor Davis said. Researchers from CSIRO and the university's Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods collected samples from 26 groundwater bores and two springs in August and October 2019, across a distance of approximately 500 km, from the sub-tropical Mataranka region in the north to the semi-arid Barkly Tablelands (Barkly Stock Route) in the south. In addition to fishing rods and nets, researchers also used water pumps and cutting-edge eDNA analysis to detect the presence of known and unknown stygofauna in groundwater samples. The collaborative pilot project was funded through CSIRO's GISERA and addressed knowledge gaps about stygofauna in line with the Final Report of the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory. The stygofauna sampling program is part of a suite of CSIRO's GISERA research projects either completed or in progress in the Northern Territory, in line with Scientific Inquiry recommendations. Baseline studies of methane and groundwater characteristics are complete. New CSIRO GISERA projects in progress include microbial degradation of shale gas-related chemicals, minimising potential emissions from gas wells through improved leak sealing technologies and well decommissioning practices, development of high quality spatial data to guide land management practices, and assessment of options to offset life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. Results of these studies are important for informing appropriate policy and management responses to shale gas development proposals. More information: Characterisation of the stygofauna and microbial assemblages of the Beetaloo Sub-basin, NT. Characterisation of the stygofauna and microbial assemblages of the Beetaloo Sub-basin, NT. gisera.csiro.au/wp-content/upl -report-20201208.pdf [February 16, 2021] Carahsoft and Vyopta Partner to Provide Collaboration Intelligence to the Public Sector AUSTIN, Texas and RESTON, Va., Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vyopta, a leading provider of Collaboration Intelligence, and Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, today announced a partnership. Under the agreement, Carahsoft will serve as Vyoptas Master Government Aggregator and make Vyoptas comprehensive monitoring and analytics for Collaboration Performance Management (CPM) and Workspace Insights solutions available to the public sector through Carahsofts reseller partners and NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) V and Maryland COTS contracts. Collaboration has become critical in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our customers have expressed a need for full visibility into their complex collaboration environments, said Natalie Gregory, Vice President of Sales managing the Vyopta practice at Carahsoft. Vyopta empowers public sector agencies to improve collaboration, optimize meeting room usage, meet compliance reporting requirements, and efficiently manage large, complex collaboration environments. We look forward to partnering with Vyopta to provide innovative collaboration intelligence solutions to our public sector customers with the support of our reseller partners. Vyopta helps governments in the U.S., Canada, and Europe support a wide range of collaboration use cases including providing mission-critical communication, enabling remote health services and increasing access to agency services. Vyoptas CPM Monitoring solution provides real-time alerts and detailed metrics on performance and quality of live and completed meetings video, phone or web-based. CPM Analytics offers actionable insights that can identify cost-saving measures while detecting usability and quality concerns. Vyopta integrates and collects data from Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Zoom (including Zoom webinars), Google Meet, Cisco UCM, Cisco Meeting Server, Pexip, gateways for voice and video, and IoT collaboration devices. Were excited to partner with Carahsoft to set up a distribution channel in the public sector market for the first time, said Cody Bell, Director of Federal Accounts at Vyopta. We are seeing high demand among federal agencies to provide video and UC troubleshooting tools that are simple to use for front-line IT support teams. Vyoptas U.S. Federal government customers include the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the U.S. Senate and U.S. Courts. In early January, Vyopta received the In Process designation from the U.S. Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), and is listed on the FedRAMP marketplace website . Vyoptas collaborative intelligence solutions are available through Carahsofts SEWP V contracts NNG15SC03B and NNG15SC27B and Maryland COTS Contract 060B2490021. For more information, contact the Vyopta team at Carahsoft at (703) 871-8570 or Vyopta@carahsoft.com. Related Links: Vyopta Achieves FedRAMP In Process Designation Vyopta for Federal Government Vyopta Partners About Vyopta Incorporated Vyopta , the Collaboration Intelligence company, is a global leader in comprehensive monitoring and analytics for Collaboration Performance Management and Workspace Insights. By integrating insights from multi-vendor Unified Communications & Collaboration vendors and IOT devices, Vyopta helps organizations deliver the best UC user experience and optimize their UC and real estate investments. Vyopta helps hundreds of organizations worldwide spanning 20+ industries monitor 6 million endpoints and over 20 billion meeting minutes a year. About Carahsoft Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider. As a top-performing GSA Schedule, SEWP and ITES-SW2 contract holder, Carahsoft serves as the Master Government Aggregator for many of its best-of-breed technology vendors, supporting an extensive ecosystem of manufacturers, value-added resellers, system integrators and consulting partners committed to helping government agencies select and implement the best solution at the best possible value. The company's dedicated Solutions Divisions proactively market, sell and deliver Vyopta, VMware, AWS, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Veritas, McAfee, Dell, Adobe, F5 Networks, Google Cloud, ServiceNow, Open Source, Micro Focus Government Solutions, SAP, Salesforce, and Innovative and Intelligence products and services, among others. Carahsoft is consistently recognized by its partners as a top revenue producer and is listed annually among the industry's fastest growing and largest firms by CRN, Inc., Forbes, Washington Technology, The Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, and Bloomberg Government. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Media Contacts: Jodi Bart Holzband for Vyopta (512) 657-8297 jodi@classicbart.com Mary Lange for Carahsoft (703) 230-7434 PR@carahsoft.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Flash While COVID-19 has kept many families away from getting festive reunion during this Lunar New Year, the cultural tradition, to which the Chinese have hold on for thousands of years, is uniting people around the world together in celebrations and joy. In New Zealand, thousands of people crowded the streets and waterfronts in Wellington on Sunday afternoon to watch the annual Chinese New Year parade, with Wellington Mayor Andy Foster leading the way. The capital streets were filled with joy and pleasure. Dragon and lion dancers put on performances as a wish for people's health and good fortune in the coming year. The parade comprised over 10 marching groups, including several vibrant lion and dragon dancing teams, a waist drum group, as well as a traditional Chinese costume display group featuring Qipao, Changshan, and oil-paper umbrellas. At the destination of the parade, a Chinese New Year fair was taking place. People gathered in front of stalls to taste Chinese snacks, watched Chinese handicrafts, bought special souvenirs, and enjoyed Chinese cultural performances. In Fiji, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama attended Lunar New Year celebrations. During the celebrations held in Suva, capital of Fiji, Bainimarama wished the local Chinese a happy Lunar New Year, saying that "The Chinese New Year is a time to reflect on the events of the past year, and it is an opportunity to look forward to a better future. I wish health, happiness and prosperity for 2021 to you, your family and your friends." In the United States, governors, educators, scholars, artists as well as business people have all sent their wishes to the Chinese and China-U.S. relations when attending an online celebration held by the Chinese Consulate General in New York. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said he is pleased to join the celebration, and wants to take a moment to wish those in the Chinese community throughout the Commonwealth a very happy Chinese Lunar New Year. "We are proud to have such a vibrant piece of that culture here in the Commonwealth and especially in Boston. We are grateful for our continued friendship and collaboration," added the governor. In Japan, traditional Chinese and Japanese arts were displayed on the same stage. In Russia, students from primary and secondary schools, as well as kindergartens, in St. Petersburg put on a series of shows like singing Chinese songs and performing martial arts in an online celebration event. To mark the coming Year of the Ox, British city of Edinburgh has also organized a long list of outdoor and online events including an online concert and shopping opportunities. Edinburgh Castle, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Scotland, was also illuminated in the color of "Chinese Red" to observe the special occasion. In a video clip posted online, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also sent her wishes toward the Chinese people. "I want to send my very best wishes to everyone in China and across the world, for the start of Chinese New Year," she said, adding that "wherever you are right now, whether you are in Scotland, in China, or elsewhere, I wish you a peaceful and a very happy Chinese New Year." The royalty company set a 2021 guidance of between 27,000 and 30,000 attributable gold equivalent ounces at around a 90% cash margin Maverix said it will use part of the proceeds received from a royalty buyback transaction with Agnico to repay the outstanding amount on its revolving credit facility ( ) (NYSEAMERICAN:MMX) has announced record 8,836 attributable gold equivalent ounces in its 4Q results released Tuesday. The Vancouver-based royalty company said that the quarterly figure was a 25% increase from the same amount in 4Q 2019. More significantly, the company said it beat its 2020 guidance with a total of 28,916 attributable gold equivalent ounces sold throughout the year a 20% increase from 2019 levels. The firm has set a 2021 guidance of between 27,000 and 30,000 attributable gold equivalent ounces at around a 90% cash margin. It expects that around 99% of its revenue will be derived from gold and silver, with the majority of its gold equivalent ounces to come in the second half of the year. During the three-month period to end December 31, 2020, Maverix acquired a portfolio of 10 gold royalties from Newmont Corporation, including a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Camino Rojo project, where the first gold pour is expected in 4Q 2021. CEO Dan OFlaherty hailed the companys year of tremendous growth. "Maverix had another year of tremendous growth in 2020, achieving a new company record for attributable gold equivalent ounces, exceeding our 2020 guidance, and expanding our royalty portfolio with the acquisition of 10 gold royalties, the CEO told investors in a statement. We look forward to building off this performance with further growth in 2021, driven in large part by the push towards development and production at a number of the underlying precious metals assets where we hold royalties." Portfolio update Maverix also gave shareholders an update on its Hope Bay and Moss royalties, where it holds a 1% NSR royalty and a 100% silver stream, respectively. Earlier this month, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited became the owner of Hope Bay following its acquisition of TMAC Resources Inc and announced plans to continue mining the Doris deposit. The miner expects quarterly production of between 18,000 to 20,000 ounces of gold, with a significant exploration program planned for this year. Maverix and Agnico completed the previously announced buyback of 1.5% of the NSR royalty that Maverix owns on the Hope Bay mine. It received a cash payment of $50 million from Agnico on February 12. Maverix retains a 1% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the Hope Bay mine, which is not subject to any further reductions. At Moss, Maverix said that completed the previously announced business combination with Eclipse Gold Mining Corp. Under the terms of the deal, Maverix sold 19,511,041 shares of Northern Vertex and received net proceeds of approximately C$9.8 million, realizing a gain on the sale of nearly C$2 million. Maverix said it will use part of the proceeds received from the royalty buyback transaction with Agnico to repay the outstanding amount on its revolving credit facility. Once repayment is finalized, Maverix will be debt-free and have access to the full US$120 million available under its credit facility, while holding cash and short-term investments of approximately US$50 million. Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas During the lockdown last year, we saw multiple stories of people struggling to make ends meet and it led to so many people coming together and helping out anyone in need. The stories of many roadside vendors were amplified and people did everything they can to help them out. It's great to see that the trend is still continuing as people are uniting for a good cause. Recently, an elderly auto-rickshaw driver shared his life story, filled with unimaginable hardships, with Humans of Bombay. Humans of Bombay His post was so heartbreaking yet heartwarming at the same time that it resonated with so many people and everyone came together to help him. 74-year-old Desraj Ji shared how he lost both his sons and couldn't even mourn their loss because he had to work, as his family became his sole responsibility. He said, "Do beto ki chitaon ko aag diya hain maine, isse buri baat ek baap ke liye kya ho sakti hai?" He was left alone to take care of his daughter-in-law and four grandchildren. Even after such a huge tragedy, he persevered and made sure all his grandkids will never have to sacrifice their education. Impact Guru He said, "I started working long hoursId leave home at 6 AM & drive my auto till midnight. Only then, would I be able to make 10,000 Rs a month. After spending 6000 on their school fees, Id be left with barely 4000 to feed my family of 7." It was all worth it for him because his granddaughter scored 80% in 12th boards. Talking about all the sacrifices he made for his granddaughter, he said, "The whole day, I gave a free ride to all my customers! She said to me, Dadaji, I want to do a B.Ed course in Delhi.' Educating her in another city was way beyond my capacity, but I had to fulfil her dreamsat any cost. So, I sold our house & paid her fees. Then, I sent my wife, daughter-in-law & other grandkids to our relatives home in our village, while I continued staying in Mumbai without a roof." It's been a year since he's been living in his auto but his family is what keeps him going. He said, "Bas baithe baithe kabhi pair me dard ho jaata hai, but then my granddaughter calls & tells me, I came first in my class, & all my pain vanishes. I cant wait for her to become a teacher so that I can hug her & say, Youve made me so proud." Just his smile and his motivation to make his grandkids' dreams come true is enough to make anyone cry and looks like his story had a huge impact on a lot of people. Soon after his post was shared online, support started pouring in and people wanted to know how they can help him. A fundraiser was set up for him and it's the most amazing thing since over 24 lakh has been raised for him. Impact Guru According to Gunjan, the person behind the fundraiser, about Rs 10 lakh of the raised amount will help fund his four grandchildren's education, and the rest will help him finally rest and have a comfortable life which he really does deserve. While the internet is full of so much hate these days, these are the type of stories that make us believe that there's still good everywhere and it also reminds us of the power of the people when they actually unite for a good cause. Hopefully, Desraj Ji finally gets the relaxing retirement he deserves and knows that he has motivated so many people with his hard work and his love of his grandkids. CALHOUN American Heretic By Robert Elder Coming so soon after a neoconfederate mob rampaged through the Capitol, a respectful biography of the ideological father of the Confederacy may feel as welcome as an exhumed corpse. But the young historian Robert Elder has given us just that in Calhoun an illuminating account of the life of the notorious white supremacist as well as his complex afterlife in American political culture. John C. Calhoun was a zealous defender of slavery. His name has lately been stripped from a residential college at Yale (his alma mater) and from a lake in Minnesota named in his honor when he was secretary of war. His monument in Charleston a glowering bronze figure in a cloak spread like eagle wings atop an obelisk has been removed to an undisclosed location, as if in a witness protection program. Already in his own day many people would have sent Calhoun into oblivion. But others who loathed his commitments nevertheless held his intellect in high regard. John Stuart Mill, who knew no doctrine more damnable than the idea that one kind of human beings are born servants to another kind, considered him a speculative political thinker superior to any who has appeared in American politics since the authors of the Federalist. Herman Melville, who regarded slavery as a sin foul as the crater-pool of hell, took Calhoun as a model for Captain Ahab, a dark and wild genius whose defiance (Id strike the sun if it insulted me) makes everyone around him seem small. Even some passionate abolitionists predicted that Calhouns posthumous reputation would be without that element of contempt and loathing which must mingle with the memory of his Northern imitators and tools. Born in the South Carolina backcountry in 1782 and educated in New England, he arrived in the House of Representatives in 1811, where the Virginian John Randolph sized him up as a combination of cold unfeeling Yankee manner with the bitter and acrimonious irritability of the South. Outraged by British impressment of American sailors into the Royal Navy, he banged the drum for war, declaring that the liberty of our sailors and their redemption from slavery were at stake. Twenty years later in the Senate, he denounced a federal import tariff as a punitive tax on Southern planters and a subsidy for Northern manufacturers. When President Andrew Jackson proposed a force bill to compel South Carolina to comply, Calhoun replied that a nation united by force is no different from the bond between master and slave; a union of exaction on one side, and of unqualified obedience on the other. Like many before him including slaveholders among the founders he saw no contradiction between using slavery as a damning metaphor and sustaining it as a defensible practice. The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) says last weekends conflict at Shasha Market in Ibadan was not a tribal or ethnic conflict. Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi who made the declaration on behalf of the Forum after an on-the-spot assessment on Tuesday said it was the handiwork of miscreants who set out to loot, steal and cause mayhem. PREMIUM TIMES exclusively reported how several people have lost their lives after a clash triggered by the fatal stabbing of a cobbler by a cart pusher in Shasha market, Ibadan, Oyo State, degenerated into a conflict. conflict. The two men had a misunderstanding on Thursday and in the process, the cart pusher stabbed the cobbler with a knife. PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the ethnicity of the two men and there is no evidence that their fight was caused by ethnic issues. The stabbed victim was confirmed dead in a hospital on Friday morning, leading to crisis in the community between the Hausa and the Yorubas. Within hours, the conflict spread beyond the market, as the Hausa and Yoruba communities in Akinyele Local Government Area, where the market is located, went after each other. Witnesses told PREMIUM TIMES that, at least, six people died from both sides in the reprisal attacks. Various shops and houses were burnt while the market was deserted in the process. Governors wade in The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Bagudu described the crisis as a regrettable spontaneous incident. With him at the on-the-spot assessment were Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Abubakar Bello and Governor Bello Matawalle of Niger and Zamfara States, respectively. The NGF mandated the four governors to visit Oyo State and rub minds with their Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde over the conflict in which lives were lost and property destroyed. Mr Bagudu admonished youths and social media warriors and influencers to desist from painting the conflict as tribally-motivated and to also discontinue the fanning of the embers of discord that could destabilise the country. He noted that normalcy had returned to the Shasha community as leaders there were working together to put the incident behind them. The Kebbi Governor said the streets of Ibadan are calm; there is no one chasing another and people are supporting one another to ensure normalcy. He noted that such skirmishes were bound to happen in communities, but that sometimes they are exploited by miscreants to loot, steal and to cause mayhem. At Shasha Market, we saw the destruction, but more than the destruction was the regrettable loss of lives that were caused by an unfortunate and condemnable spontaneous response to emotions. Everyone in the community recognised that two issues led to the crisis. ADVERTISEMENT First, there had been contention over the leadership at Shasha Market. Both the Seriki and Baale of Shasha are in agreement about the leadership tussle, but other interested groups were not, hence, there was an undercurrent for trouble to brew. What was the trigger? There was somebody pushing a wheelbarrow with tomatoes and the items fell in front of a shop. Ordinarily, that is normal in markets. But when emotions rose and social media posts instigating crisis became strident, we had the situation we had. We sympathise with those who lost their lives and property. Also, we appreciate what Gov Makinde, community leaders, security agents, youth groups, have done so far. We are also glad that the Seriki and Baale of Shasha are firm that everyone is free to stay and conduct his or her lawful activities. Mr Bagudu said Governor Makinde had assured that he would continue to engage the people to ensure that all communities lived without fear. As we speak, it is certain that some people are hiding and experiencing fear about what will happen. So it behoves us to ensure that we communicate properly. This will make those living in fear to know that the NGF, President Mohammadu Buhari and security agencies are working hard to ensure that we treat things for what they are, Mr Bagudu said. Assistance He also expressed satisfaction that the Oyo State governor was rendering assistance, assuring that NGF would support him. In fact, we have given a token to support those who are already displaced. We will meet at a wider forum on Wednesday and Im sure more support will be mobilised, he said. Meanwhile, NAN reports that the NGF delegation had earlier visited the palace of Baale of Shasha, Akinlade Ajani and the Seriki of Shasha, Haruna Maiyasin, where they described the unfortunate incident as not good for nation-building. The two leaders sued for peace and urged the government to assist in restoring lasting peace to the area. Travellers in quarantine hotels face an additional 1,200 bill if they test positive for coronavirus, the Government has revealed (Jonathan Brady/PA) Travellers in quarantine hotels face an additional 1,200 bill if they test positive for coronavirus, the Government has revealed. This is on top of the 1,750 fee for entering the programme and will apply to guests required to extend their stay beyond the initial 11 nights. Information about the 152 daily cost of longer stays was only published on the Governments website on Monday, after some guests had already checked in. From 4am on Monday, travellers arriving in England must quarantine in a hotel if they have been in a country at high risk of coronavirus variants in the previous 10 days. Scotland is extending the requirement to cover arrivals from any country unless they have travelled from the Common Travel Area (CTA), which includes the UK and Ireland. Guests are allowed to leave after 11 nights if they receive negative results from tests taken on day two and day eight of their isolation. A positive result from the first test will extend a travellers stay by two nights at a cost of 304. If the second test returns a positive reading, the guest must remain in their room for an additional eight nights and pay 1,216. Expand Close Passengers arrive at a Holiday Inn near Heathrow Airport, where they will remain during a 10 day quarantine period after returning to England from one of 33 red list countries (Steve Parsons/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Passengers arrive at a Holiday Inn near Heathrow Airport, where they will remain during a 10 day quarantine period after returning to England from one of 33 red list countries (Steve Parsons/PA) Prime Minister Boris Johnson was asked at Mondays Downing Street press conference what will happen if a traveller cannot afford the extra fee. He replied: It is currently illegal to travel abroad for holidays anyway. We would expect people who are coming in from one of these red list countries to be able to cover their costs. There are 33 countries on the Governments red list, which includes Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, South America and southern Africa. UK and Irish nationals and UK residents returning to England who have been in a country on the list in the previous 10 days must enter a quarantine hotel, even if they have travelled via the CTA. Scotlands exemption for people travelling from the CTA led to a father and daughter who entered the programme on Monday being allowed to leave after just one day and complete their isolation at home. Chun Wong told BBC Scotland he and his daughter flew into the country from the United States via Dublin, and went straight to a hotel at Edinburgh Airport. Expand Close Daily confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Daily confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK (PA Graphics) Mr Wong told the broadcaster: I received a call from reception saying a gentleman from the airport would like to talk to me. He said that since I landed in Dublin first and then got a connecting flight to here, I was not required to quarantine in a hotel. I still have to quarantine and do the self-testing kit on the second and eighth day, but they said it was an error on their part. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed concern about gaps in the current system for international arrivals, telling a coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh on Monday: It would be better if we had that four nations approach, or at least a three nations approach where the border of the island that Scotland, England and Wales share, had the same provisions in place. Meanwhile, a trade union representing Border Force staff said it is a disgrace that its members reportedly only received guidelines on the execution of the new rules a few hours before they came into force. A spokesman for the PCS union said: Its vital that Border Force are equipped to deal with helping the public stay Covid safe. However, many feel underprepared and undervalued by a department that is not doing its job. Border Force sources told The Guardian that immigration control staff received a lengthy email with five attachments, detailing official guidance, at 9.25pm on Sunday. The new policy went live at 4am the following day. A Government spokesman said: Border Force operational guidance on the measures has been issued and is regularly updated to ensure staff are supported on how to apply the new guidance. Chad will send 1,200 troops to combat jihadists in a flashpoint Sahel border zone, its president said Monday, as France looks to reduce its longstanding military presence in the vast, volatile region. Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and France are holding talks on the future of their campaign against insurgencies raging in the Sahel, which according to the UN have killed thousands and displaced more than 2 million. The troops will be deployed to the flashpoint "three border" zone between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, Chad's President Idriss Deby Itno said on Twitter on the fringes of the regional summit. Chad, which reputedly has the best armed forces among the "G5" Sahel nations, had promised a year ago to send a battalion to the area. Opening the summit, Deby said it was time for the international community to "urgently" step up funds for development and poverty alleviation to help cut off sources of recruitment for jihadists. The meeting, which French President Emmanuel Macron joined by videolink, comes a year after France boosted its Sahel deployment, seeking to wrench back control in the brutal, long-running battle. But despite touted military successes, jihadists remain in control of vast swathes of territory and attacks are unrelenting. Armed groups' zones of influence in the Sahel / AFP Just hours before the summit opened, Malian sources said two troops had been killed by a highway bomb in central Mali. The deaths bring the number of Malian, UN and French troop losses to 29 since the start of the year, according to an AFP tally. Islamist fighters in the Sahel first emerged in northern Mali in 2012, during a rebellion by ethnic Touareg separatists that was later overtaken by the jihadists. France intervened to rout the insurgents, but the jihadists scattered, taking their campaign into the ethnic powder keg of central Mali and then into Burkina Faso and Niger. The crushing toll has fuelled perceptions that the jihadists cannot be defeated by military means alone. The five G5 Sahel countries have vowed to create a joint anti-jihadist force of 5,000 men - but funding, equipment, training and coordination are major obstacles / AFP/File Jean-Herve Jezequel, Sahel director for the International Crisis Group think tank, told AFP that conventional military engagement had failed to deliver a knockout blow. The jihadists "are capable of turning their backs, bypassing the system, and continuing", he said. Last year, France upped its Barkhane mission in the Sahel from 4,500 troops to 5,100 -- a move that precipitated a string of apparent military successes. French forces killed the leader of the notorious Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Abdelmalek Droukdel, as well as a military chief of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM). - Troop drawdown? - But attacks in December and January have brought the number of French combat deaths in Mali to 50, prompting soul-searching at home about Barkhane's cost and usefulness. Macron last month opened the door to a drawdown, suggesting France may "adjust" its military commitment. To lighten the load, France is hoping for more military support from its European partners through the Takuba Task Force that assists Mali in its fight against jihadists. The Sahel armies, for their part, have been unable to pick up the slack. Insurgencies raging in the Sahel have killed thousands and displaced more than 2 million, according to the UN / AFP/File In 2017, the five countries initiated a planned 5,000-strong pooled force, but it remains hobbled by lack of funds, poor equipment and inadequate training. While acknowledging the alliance's weak points, Chad's Deby on Monday "urged all member states to get on with making the joint G5 Sahel force self-sufficient, by giving it its own financial and logistical resources". Paris also hopes last year's successes can strengthen political reform in the Sahel states, where weak governance has fuelled frustration and instability. "The socio-economic situation in our countries isn't gleaming... we're appealing urgently to all our partners to give us the additional resources they promised," Deby said, underlining "debt cancellation" as a priority for regional governments. Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. Zapwater Communications has been engaged by the Montserrat Tourism Division for media relations activations in North America. The agency will lead Montserrats Remote Workers Stamp initiative, which offers year-long visas to remote workers, and will execute other promotional campaigns for the island. The account will be managed out of Zapwaters Miami office and the scope of work includes virtual events and partnerships. Known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean for its resemblance to the coast of Ireland and the Irish ancestry of many of its inhabitants, Montserrat is the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St Patricks Day as a national holiday. French/West/Vaughan is selected by private equity firm Sherpa Collaborative to handle public relations efforts for the organization and multiple associated brands. FWV has already begun work on behalf of the firm, with an initial focus on increasing awareness and driving sales for its consumer-facing brands Lawson Hammock and Andador, a woven belt collection, through a national media relations campaign. Sherpa Collaborative helps launch and grow businesses through investment, acquisition, incubation and consulting. We have worked with the team at FWV in different capacities over the years, so we know firsthand about their impressive depth of experience across industries that align with our portfolio, said Sherpa Collaborative founding partner Pete Pagano. JC Communications is named agency of record for Carne Collective, an Argentinian beef subscription box company. The agency will be executing media relations and influencer outreach for the company. Carne Collective says it is the first company to bring Angus-certified Argentinian beef to the U.S. Its grass-fed meat is raised using what it calls regenerative farming and is shipped in carbon neutral-boxes with non-GMO cornstarch lining that dissolves in the sink and recyclable gel cold packs that can be cut open and used as plant food. An umbrella organisation representing loyalist groups, including the UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commando, has written to two MPs and 10 MLAs warning that "no form of Irish Sea border will ever be tolerated". The newly formed Ards and North Down Unionist Loyalist Collective speaks of "growing sentiment against all aspects of the peace process, should our community be forced down this path against our will". Read More It has sent an open letter to Alliance North Down MP Stephen Farry and DUP Strangford MP Jim Shannon as well as the 10 MLAs representing both constituencies. The correspondence has the support of senior loyalist figures including North Down UDA commander David Stitt. The group told the politicians it anticipates "an urgent response setting out your position as to steps you intend to take to represent the views of your constituents". Mr Farry said that the letter had been emailed to him by the Ards and North Down Unionist Loyalist Collective. "I am happy to engage with constituents regarding the protocol, but I don't engage with people who hide behind artificial titles and are anonymous," he added. The letter stated: "It is a matter of deep and profound concern for those under our umbrella that an Irish Sea border, imposing an economic united Ireland upon our community, is being forced on us against our will. "This is even more concerning given that the imposition of this internal UK border has been put upon us as a reward for republican threats of violence. "We are deeply concerned, and are repeatedly hearing from those at a grassroots level, in relation to the worrying precedent this has set." The group acknowledged that the "practical day-to-day effects" of the Irish Sea border - which include increased paperwork and checks on importing and exporting goods - could potentially be successfully addressed. It focused attention on the ideological implications of the protocol - the mechanism which sees Northern Ireland follow EU rules on certain goods, thus avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland - which it said could never be mitigated. The letter continued: "It is for this reason we represent to you, as an elected representative, the clear and robust view of those under our umbrella - within the area we represent - that no form of Irish Sea border will ever be tolerated." The letter claimed that the cross-community consent mechanism in the Good Friday Agreement had been "shredded". It said: "Our collective shares the growing sentiment across the unionist/loyalist family that it is illogical and inconceivable that political unionism should continue to operate the very institutions which are designed to act as a pathway to a united Ireland. In this vein, we ask you as a local representative for your commitment to taking all steps necessary to resist the imposition of an economic united Ireland, which places us on the window ledge of the Union. "Support from within our community for the Belfast Agreement was predicated upon the understanding that the Union was safe. This can no longer with any credibility be said to be true. "It is natural therefore that there will be growing sentiment against all aspects of the peace process, should our community be forced down this path against our will." Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : GLOBAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED, CALLING FOR THE MANDATORY INTRODUCTION OF EFFECTIVE FILTRATION AND WARNING SYSTEMS, TO BE INSTALLED ON ALL COMMERCIAL PASSENGER JET AIRCRAFT. Industry: Airlines Flight safety has been often compromised due to crew being impaired or even totally incapacitated from exposure to contaminated air. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - February 16th, 2021 - Global campaign launched, calling for the mandatory introduction of effective filtration and warning systems, to be installed on all commercial passenger jet aircraft. London, England. The Global Cabin Air Quality Executive (GCAQE) has today launched its Clean Air Campaign calling on regulators and Governments globally, to mandate the introduction of effective 'bleed air' filters and contaminated air warning sensors on passenger aircraft. To support their campaign the GCAQE has released a brief educational film in over 40 languages. They have also released a short animated film explaining the basics of the air supply system on aircraft. The GCAQE campaign is supported by representatives of over 1 million aviation workers, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF), the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the European Cabin Crew Association (EurECCA). Both films are available at the GCAQE Clean Air Campaign page at: https://www.gcaqe.org/cleanair Over the last 20 years, there have been over 50 recommendations and findings made by 12 air accident departments globally, directly related to contaminated air exposures on passenger jet aircraft. However, commercial aircraft continue to fly, with no contaminated air warning systems to notify passengers and crews when the air they are breathing is contaminated. The design flaw relates to the way the breathing air supply on all passenger jet aircraft (except the Boeing 787) is supplied. The breathing air is provided to passengers and crews unfiltered directly from the compression section of the engines or from the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a small engine in the tail of the aircraft. This is a process known as bleed air because it is bled from the hot compression section of the engine. The bleed air is not filtered and is known to be contaminated with synthetic jet engine oils[1] and hydraulic fluids. The cans of the jet engine oils and hydraulic fluid products that are contaminating the breathing air supply and to which people have been exposed, clearly state: Do not breathe mist or vapour from heated product, Risk of causing cancer, Risk of infertility, Risk of neurological effects etc The industry frequently states the air quality in a plane is better than in a house or office. Despite this statement, the industry filters the bleed air used for the Fuel Tank Inerting System (FTIS). FTIS was introduced after the TWA 800 tragedy to prevent a fuel tank ignition. The FITS system works by providing a nitrogen rich environment in the fuel tank. The system also uses bleed air, but because of the presence of engine oil fumes in the bleed air and their adverse effects on the system, this bleed air is filtered. Why does the industry not also filter the bleed air people are breathing? A short video explaining this key fact is on the campaign website page at: gcaqe.org/cleanair Both jet engine oils and hydraulic fluids contain organophosphates. These chemicals have been found in hundreds of swab samples carried out on the interior surfaces of aircraft and in many air monitoring studies. GCAQE Spokesperson Captain Tristan Loraine stated: In the GCAQEs view, despite knowing about this issue for decades, aviation regulators around the world such as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have, on this specific problem, put the corporate interests of the aerospace industry ahead of flight safety and public health. They have failed to mandate the installation of effective contaminated air warning systems or bleed air filtration systems. They have also failed to require airlines to inform crews or passengers about these exposures. Instead, they claim the air in aircraft is better than in your home and continue to call for more research. The sole result of calling for further research will be to delay having to take mitigating actions which are needed now, to finally resolve this public health and flight safety issue. Flight safety has been often compromised due to crew being impaired or even totally incapacitated from exposure to contaminated air. Crews and passengers have suffered both short and long-term health effects as a consequence of these exposures.[2] Some crews have been ill health retired from these exposures. As documented by Howard et al (2017/2018), when addressing the aetiology of aerotoxic syndrome,[3] there is evidence that, in addition to the complex mixture of fugitive chemical emissions continually present in cabin air, there is also an aerosol of ultrafine particles (UFPs), bringing important health consequences of chronical exposure to an aerosol of UFPs.[4] From 15 to 18 March 2021, the GCAQE will host the 2021 Aircraft Cabin Air Conference (aircraftcabinair.com). This will be the largest conference ever held on these issues. It will take place over 4 days from 1500 to 2000 GMT daily and among the sponsors; there will be a number of companies displaying potential solutions and emerging technologies for aircraft operators. Technologies like new total cabin air filtration systems, warning sensors and catalytic converters. In addition to the Clean Air Campaign and the 2021 Aircraft Cabin Air Conference, the GCAQE has also recently created the first ever, global reporting system for contaminated air events, known as GCARS. The Global Cabin Air Reporting System, which anyone can use, is available at: https://gcars.app/ GCAQE Spokesperson Captain Tristan Loraine also stated: The industry has achieved so many great things in the last 50 years. It has taken numerous steps to enhance flight safety but sadly on this issue, it has failed. The regulators say they need to know what chemicals are present during a contaminated air event before they can consider mandating new technologies to mitigate the problem. They knew over 20 years ago what chemicals were present, as they have data from the investigation into the total incapacitation of two pilots on a domestic Swedish flight known as the Malmo incident. It is unbelievable that they continue to fail to fix this basic design flaw. Many crew unions and the GCAQE have been working with industry for over a decade to agree an acceptable air quality standard onboard aircraft. The ability to come to a consensus on this issue has recently been questioned following industry action to delay a proposed new CEN standard. For further information contact: Captain Tristan Loraine GCAQE Spokesperson Email: gcaqe@gcaqe.org +44 (0) 7968 213862 Website: gcaqe.org Global Cabin Air Quality Executive First Floor 10 Queen Street Place London, EC4R 1BE England Notes to editors: The GCAQE is a registered not for profit organisation based in London and established in 2006 and is the leading group in the world representing airline employees in relation to the issue of contaminated air on aircraft. Cabin breathing air on all aircraft apart from the Boeing 787 is taken directly from the engines and provided unfiltered to the aircraft. This is known as 'Bleed Air'. Bleed air is known to become contaminated with engine oils and/or hydraulic fluids. These are hazardous including to the unborn. Contaminated bleed air events have been recognised as occurring since the 1950s. No aircraft currently flying has any form of detection system fitted to warn when these events occur. Flight safety is being compromised by contaminated air events. Crew and passengers have been reporting short and long-term health effects as a consequence of exposure to contaminated air. Contaminated air events are not rare and known to be under reported. Passengers are never told about the risks or these exposures. The aviation industry has and continues to fail to adequately address this issue. In 2010, the High Court of Australia upheld a ruling that inhaling heated engine oil fumes were harmful (Joanne Turner case) and twenty-one years after the Compensation Court of New South Wales in Australia ruled, on 28 April 1999 in the Alysia Chew case. Alysia Chew had flown for Ansett and East West Airlines and had been exposed to fumes on the BAe 146 between January 1992 and October 1993. The New South Wales Compensation Court reviewed her claim that she was: exposed to fumes, toxic substances and other irritants whilst carrying out her duties as a flight attendant and ruled she had: Suffered injury arising out of and in the course of her employment. Two recent feature documentaries have been released on these issues Everybody Flies (2019) and American 965 (2021). [1] Michaelis, S. (2016) "Implementation Of The Requirements For The Provision Of Clean Air In Crew And Passenger Compartments Using The Aircraft Bleed Air System", Cranfield University, UK. Cranfield MSc Thesis. https://1d223eac-9f87-4fb4-8ca7-7fec67969181.filesusr.com/ugd/3e3e4e_c7faf9788a05427a9611cb2000c2c2eb.pdf [2] Michaelis S, Burdon J, Howard CV. Aerotoxic Syndrome: A New Occupational Disease? Public Health Panorama 2017; 3: 198-211. https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/341533/5_OriginalResearch_AerotoxicSyndrom_ENG.pdf [3] C V Howard, S Michaelis, A Watterson. The Aetiology of Aerotoxic Syndrome - A Toxico-Pathological Viewpoint. Open Acc J of Toxicol. 2017;1(5): 555575. DOI:10.19080/OAJT.2017.01.555575 https://juniperpublishers.com/oajt/pdf/OAJT.MS.ID.555575.pdf [4] Howard CV, Johnson DW, Morton J, Michaelis S, Supplee D, et al. (2018) Is a Cumulative Exposure to a Background Aerosol of Nanoparticles Part of the Causal Mechanism of Aerotoxic Syndrome? J Nanomed Nanosci: JNAN-139. https://gavinpublishers.com/admin/assets/articles_pdf/1537165462new_article_pdf69025564.pdf ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Alison Lancaster Company: Pressat Phone: 03300431216 Email: wire@pressat.co.uk Web: gcaqe.org/ PRESS RELEASE TAGS MEDIA GALLERY Visit Our Site People living in 38 other mostly rural communities have been exempt from property and agricultural land taxes since 2015. A law enacted by the countrys former leadership also requires the state to subsidize the prices of electricity, natural gas and water supplied to them and to provide local schoolchildren with free textbooks. The government decided last week to double the number of such border communities. The 39 villages added to the list are located in Gegharkunik and Syunik provinces bordering districts retaken by Azerbaijan during and after the recent war over Nagorno-Karabakh. The nearly 14,000 people living there now face the kind of security challenges that have long affected residents of other border towns and villages. Not all border villages in Syunik have become eligible for the tax breaks and government subsidies. Khndzoresk, one of the local villages left off the list, is located just a few kilometers from the current Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The village mayor, Yervand Malunts, criticized the government for excluding its 450 residents from the scheme. The settlements mentioned by you were left off the list because they did not meet all criteria of the program, said Zaruhi Manucharian, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. But since we too have received complaints [from Syunik] discussions are now underway on revising the list and softening the criteria. Local government officials in Syunik communities included on the list do not expect immediate tangible results for local results. Nare Ghazarian, the mayor of Shikahogh, argued on Tuesday that her remote village already does not paid property tax and is not connected to Armenias national gas distribution network. Ghazarian said the government benefits will therefore be nowhere near enough to make up for the loss of agricultural land and pastures that were used by Shikahogh farmers until recent Armenian troop withdrawals from adjacent areas placed under Azerbaijani control. Pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read, who were captured in 1720. They were a part of pirateer Calico Jack Rackam's crew which terrorised the seas in the early 18th century, and they developed a reputation as a fearsome duo that commanded respect. They were both eventually sentenced to hanging for their piracy, but both escaped the feat after 'pleading the belly' - a rule in English law at the time that saw pregnant women receive a stay of execution until they gave birth. Neither were ever executed Aside from such bloodthirsty captains as Captain Blackbeard and 'Black' Bart Roberts, the two most famous pirates from the golden age of piracy which lasted from the mid-17th century to the 1720s were the two female members of Calico Jack's crew: Anne Bonny and Mary Read. They were notorious throughout the Caribbean. Indeed, when Woodes Rogers, the governor of the Bahamas and a former privateer and pirate-hunter, issued a notice in the Boston Gazette on September 1720 calling for the arrest of Calico Jack's crew, he named the two women as being guilty of stealing a 12-ton sloop named the William from Nassau harbour and numerous other acts of piracy. Rogers was determined to stamp out piracy and showed no mercy to any pirate male or female. After their capture, Calico Jack and the male members of his crew were put on trial on November 16 in Jamaica. All were found guilty and hanged over the next two days. The trial that the public had been waiting for that of the two female pirates was held ten days later. Everyone was intrigued to discover how two women, one an heiress, the other a widow, had ended up on board Calico Jack's ship, dressed as men, wielding cutlasses and pistols and terrorising sailors and passengers as they relieved them of their possessions and ships. Details of their early lives are hazy, but extraordinarily it seems they were raised as boys. The pirate Mary Read (left), having killed a fellow pirate in a duel, exposes her breast to the dying man to show that he was killed by a woman. Anne Bonny is depicted on the right wearing the outfit of a European sailor from the period between 1713 and 1726. Bonny is believed to have been the Irish illegitimate daughter of a lawyer and a maid. Her exact end is unknown, with no record of her death or imprisonment. Historians she may have returned to live with her father in the US The pirate Mary Read wielding a sword with an axe attached to her waist. Both Read and Bonny earned a reputation as fearsome fighters under the command of the pirate 'Calico Jack' Rackham (depicted right). The pair were part of his crew which terrorised the seas in the early 18th century. Rackham's ship was invaded by a 'pirate hunter' on a day that saw the women's bravery heralded. While his crew fled below deck, the women were the only two to fight by his side Anne Bonny was born in Ireland around 1700 and was the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy lawyer, William Cormac, and his housemaid. To keep his daughter close without arousing his wife's suspicion, Cormac had her dressed as a boy and took her into his household as a lawyer's clerk. But the ruse was uncovered and Cormac, his mistress and daughter emigrated to Carolina, where he bought a plantation. Anne remained a tomboy, hot-headed and strong. When a man tried to force himself on her, she is said to have beaten him so badly that he was bedridden. As a wealthy heiress, her father expected Anne to marry well. But instead, his headstrong daughter eloped with penniless sailor and part-time pirate James Bonny. A furious Cormac disinherited her, so Anne and James decided to seek their fortune among the Caribbean islands, where sugar and cotton had made many men wealthy. Ships laden with goods from the colonies provided rich pickings for pirates. They ended up on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas, a well-known pirate haunt. It was there, perhaps in a saloon, that Anne came across the dashing, charismatic Calico Jack. He was the pirate who came up with the Jolly Roger, the black flag with a skull and crossbones. He had made a career out of capturing small ships close to shore, but had renounced piracy, following a general pardon issued in 1719 by Woodes Rogers. When the relationship between Anne and Rackam became known, Rogers had her flogged for adultery. He knew her husband well: James was said to be an informer on his former pirate friends, and it may have been at his behest that Anne was flogged. If James thought it would make her see the error of her ways, he was mistaken. She refused to return to him and eloped to sea with Rackam, who immediately resumed piracy. For several months, they sailed around the Caribbean, plundering ships that came their way. Most of Rackam's crew had no idea Anne was a woman: she dressed, drank, cursed and fought like a man. At some stage, she became pregnant with Rackam's child. She went to Cuba to give birth, but the baby died or she abandoned it because she was soon back on board her lover's ship, the Vanity. Arguably the most notorious pirate of the age was Blackbeard (pictured), whose appearance was similar to Johnny Depp's character Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. At his peak, Blackbeard, who plagued shipping lanes off North America and throughout the Caribbean, had two sloops and 150 men under his command. He is also known as either Edward Teach or Edward Thatch and is believed to have been born in Bristol in 1680 The severed head of the pirate 'Blackbeard', displayed on the boat of Lieutenant Maynard who defeated him with his crew. Robert Maynard was a lieutenant and later captain in the Royal Navy, he defeated Blackbeard the pirate's final battle. It was he who suspended Blackbeard's head from the bowsprit of his sloop so that the death reward could be collected. Teach's corpse was thrown into the inlet and Maynard later noted that it had been shot five times and cut about twenty While other pirates were notorious for their cruelty, chopping off fingers to steal rings, hacking their victims to death with machetes, and burning or disembowelling them alive, Rackam was gentlemanly. He often allowed the passengers on the ships he captured a choice: join the pirate crew or go free. He even returned one ship to its owner, once he had finished looting it. On one occasion, the Vanity caught up with an armed vessel commissioned to hunt down pirates. When Rackam's crew overpowered it, many of the men on board, some of whom were former pirates, agreed to join his crew. Among them was a handsome sailor to whom Anne took an immediate fancy. Despite her relationship with Rackam, she pursued the youngster and at last managed to find some privacy and reveal her feelings and true gender. To her amazement, she discovered that the sailor was a woman, too, named Mary Read. Some historians claim the two became lesbian lovers. When a jealous Rackam burst into a cabin to find them in bed together, he threatened to kill his rival. But when he saw her breasts and realised she was a woman, his jealousy turned to delight. Whether or not they entered into a menage a trois is impossible to know, but in any event Read was allowed to remain on board. Mary's story is as extraordinary as Anne's. She was born in England around 1690 and brought up by her widowed mother as a boy, in order to claim maintenance from her mother-in-law, who would not have paid up for a girl. As a teenager, Mary joined the Army and fought for years in Holland without any of her fellow soldiers suspecting her identity. She fell in love with a fellow trooper with whom she shared a tent, and when the campaign was over, the two left the Army, married and opened an inn. But Mary's husband died soon after. Restless and penniless, she once more donned men's clothing and boarded a ship bound for the West Indies. There, she joined a pirate-hunting expedition, hoping to share in the prize money for any vessels they caught. Instead, her ship was captured by Rackam's and, together with many of her shipmates, she joined his crew. The published report of the trial of 'Calico Jack' Rackam, Mary Read and Anne Bonny, along with ten of their shipmates, which was held in Jamaica in November 1720. The report was published the next year by a Robert Baldwin. Rackham was not one of the most famous or more successful pirates but his story is well known because of his two female counterparts Stede Bonnet, a wealthy land-owner in Barbados who turned to a life of crime in light of marital problems. He was captured and executed in late 1718, a year after becoming a pirate. He was dubbed the 'gentleman' pirate due to his 'hapless' nature In August 1720, they stole a sloop from Nassau harbour, an audacious act that so infuriated the governor that he sent several ships to hunt them down. For the next few weeks, they evaded capture, preying on fishing vessels, the two female pirates fighting boldly alongside the men. It seems unlikely that eating, sleeping and working side by side, that the other pirates remained unaware of the presence of two women in their midst. Indeed, according to a witness at their trial, their sex was obvious. Dorothy Thomas, a Jamaican fisherwoman captured by the pirates as she paddled her canoe off the coast, explained that the reason she knew they were women was 'by the largeness of their breasts'. She described how 'each of them had a machete and pistol in their hands, and cursed and swore at the men, to murder [her]' but the rest of the crew let her go. Another witness attested that the two women wore men's clothes when involved in a chase or attack in which they always took an active part but the rest of the time they dressed as women. Both had furious tempers, 'cursing and swearing much', and fought like 'hellcats'. Neither woman had any illusions about the price they would pay for piracy if caught. Mary even told one of the sailors they had captured that the prospect of hanging was 'no great hardship. For were it not for that every cowardly fellow would turn pirate and so infest the seas that men of courage must starve'. Anne showed a similar lack of remorse. She was allowed to visit her lover, Calico Jack, in his cell hours before he was executed. If he had been expecting some tenderness, he was to be disappointed. She told him she was sorry to see him there, but if he had fought like a man he need not to have been hanged like a dog. Charles Vane (left), the leader of the 'die-hard' pirates of New Providence. He was captured and executed in 1721, hanged in a cage at the entrance to Jamaica harbour in a show trial wherein the authorities tried to make an example of him. Bartholomew Roberts (right), otherwise known as 'Black Bart' was among the most notorious pirates from pirateering's heyday A British single-masted sloop. Probably the most commonly encountered pirate vessel, shown in 1718. The golden age of piracy is considered to have lasted just over a decade, from 1713 to 1726 A 19th century engraving showing pirates enjoying a party or 'banyan' on a beach. A banyan is basically naval a custom that continues to evolve over the years. Pirates are pictured playing music on fiddles and drinking alcohol He was duly executed and his body displayed in an iron cage hung from a gibbet on a small island near Port Royal, Jamaica, now known as Rackam's Cay. When it came to their trial ten days later, neither of the women called witnesses or offered any defence of their actions. They were found guilty and sentenced to death. For all their bravado, perhaps they had not expected to be hanged, for it was only then that they begged the court for mercy with the words: 'My lord, we plead our bellies.' An examination proved they were, indeed, pregnant, whether by Calico Jack or by other members of his crew is uncertain (Mary is said to have taken another lover while on board his ship). It was enough to save their necks: British law forbade the killing of an unborn child, so their sentences were stayed. Mary died some months later from a 'violent fever'. The parish register records her burial on April 28, 1721. It is not known what happened to Anne. Perhaps she returned to Carolina and settled down to a life of respectability on a plantation. It is unlikely that she returned to the high seas, for by 1725 the golden age of piracy was over. So damaging was the pirates' impact on trade that the British government had ordered the Royal Navy to eliminate piracy. The pirates were hunted down and driven from their lairs, their leaders tried and hung. The strategy worked. In 1720, there had been 2,000 pirates. By 1726, they numbered fewer than 200. But their notorious deeds and flamboyant behaviour secured them mythical status, their stories being told and retold in books, plays and film. By Annabelle Venning for the Daily Mail The execution of the 'gentleman pirate', Stede Bonnet at Charles Town in late 1718. Because of his background, when he was captured. he was still regarded as a 'gentleman' and therefore lodged in the private house of the local marshal before hanging Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 18:22:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- In 2020, a record 12,406 China-Europe freight train journeys were made, up 50 percent from 2019. The number hit 1,165 in January, up 66 percent year on year. -- It is reported that the EU statistics agency Eurostat has said China last year overtook the United States as the EU's biggest trade partner, with the bilateral trade totaling around 586 billion euros (about 711 billion U.S. dollars). -- China rolled out supportive policies early in 2020 to leverage the stable, flexible land transport service to boost cross-border e-commerce. Across the country, the value of cross-border e-commerce trade climbed 31.1 percent over a year ago in 2020. CHENGDU/URUMQI, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Residents of Chengdu, a city in southwest China known as a major habitat for giant pandas, are able to feast their eyes on products from nearly 40 countries during the Spring Festival holiday. Located in northeast Chengdu, the Chengdu International Railway Port has set up a cluster of pavilions to showcase and sell choice overseas products, ranging from French wines to German beers and Italian coffee. A staff worker of a pavilion for Greek goods shows a Greek wine transported by the China-Europe freight train at Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Most of the goods were imported via the China-Europe freight trains, a rail connectivity project initiated by China to boost exchanges with European countries. The Chinese New Year shopping tradition has led many locals to flock to the shopping cluster next to the freight rail, in search of variety and great deals. Aerial photo taken on Aug. 5, 2020 shows the Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) ON A BULLISH RUN While the number of global flights nosedived and containers piled up in ports in the United States and Europe amid pandemic restrictions, the freight trains continued to travel back and forth between China and Europe. In 2020, a record 12,406 China-Europe freight train journeys were made, up 50 percent from 2019. The number hit 1,165 in January, up 66 percent year on year. Aerial photo taken on Aug. 5, 2020 shows a China-Europe freight train carrying epidemic prevention supplies and other goods leaving for Duisburg of Germany at Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) It is reported that the EU statistics agency Eurostat has said China last year overtook the United States as the EU's biggest trade partner, with the bilateral trade totaling around 586 billion euros (about 711 billion U.S. dollars). China rolled out supportive policies early in 2020 to leverage the stable, flexible land transport service to boost cross-border e-commerce. Across the country, the value of cross-border e-commerce trade climbed 31.1 percent over a year ago in 2020. A crane hoists a container at Chengdu International Railway Port in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) "We have shifted our business focus to freight rail transport, as it's 70 percent cheaper than air transport and twice as fast as sea transport," said Zhang Liping, vice manager of a Chengdu-based trade company. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the revenue of Zhang's cross-border e-commerce business has grown more than 20 percent in the past year, and he aims to double that to more than 500 million yuan (about 77.7 million U.S. dollars) this year. BUSY RAIL PORT Zhang's imports are mainly transported via the Alataw Pass, a major rail port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Bordering Kazakhstan, it is China's busiest rail port in terms of the number of China-Europe freight trains crossing the border. A China-Europe freight train pulls out of Alataw Pass in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Ma Kai) The port kicked off cross-border e-commerce on Jan. 21, 2020, delivering made-in-China products to overseas online shoppers via the China-Europe freight trains. In just one year, it has seen over 40 million parcels made in China's manufacturing hubs such as Dongguan and Kunshan delivered to European consumers. "Now we have about 14 freight trains passing through the port every day, with over 110,000 parcels delivered daily on average," said Guo San, director of the railway station's operation and management office, adding that customized freight trains for cross-border e-commerce were launched last year during China's online shopping festival in November. The best-selling cross-border e-commerce goods include toys, apparel and shoes, and the most enthusiastic online shoppers are from France, Germany, and the U.K., according to Sun Shiyu, deputy manager of Alashankou Comprehensive Bonded Zone Golden Harbour Development Co., Ltd., operator of the port's cross-border e-commerce service platform. FASTER & SAFER After departing from the Alataw Pass, it takes about two weeks for cross-border e-commerce parcels to arrive in Europe. Though the freight train service's speed is dwarfed by planes, various parties are making every effort to make cross-border rail delivery as fast as possible. A staff member disinfects containers in Alataw Pass, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Ma Kai) Many goods ordered online by foreign shoppers are transported to the Alataw Pass by road from warehouses in cities inland before being transferred to the freight trains. The combined transportation method takes just one-fifth of the time it would take to ship the products by sea, according to Sun. Railway workers make full use of all freight trains to load parcels efficiently and in a timely manner, and customs officials offer round-the-clock services to cut clearing times. "We are standing by all day long, and we clear orders no matter how late at night they are," said Zhang Xiaodong, a customs official at the port. "It's a shared belief that time matters most for cross-border e-commerce," Sun said. "A one minute delay means one minute of additional waiting for many, many online shoppers." A staff member unloads cargo at an enterprise in the bonded zone of Alataw Pass in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Ma Kai) To reduce the risk of cross-border COVID-19 transmission, anyone entering the Alataw Pass or its cross-border e-commerce goods inspection area is required to wear a protective suit. Containers crossing the port go through a series of sterilization steps. "We are not only racing against time but also against the virus," said Zhang Xiaodong. (Written by Zhang Zhongkai, ; video reporters: Zhang Zhongkai, Ma Kai, Yang Hua, Wang Di, Sun Shaoxiong, Gao Zun; video editor: Zhu Cong) There is a growing eviction crisis throughout the Midwest and across the United States with hundreds of thousands of people at risk of losing their homes. Despite a federal eviction moratorium, which is good through March 31, landlords are using alternative methods of forcing people out of rental units, such as locking them out of their homes or moving their belongings outside their dwelling. These illegal tactics make clear the toothless character of the moratorium. Person packing an apartment (Image credit: Twenty20.com) The inability to pay rent is directly tied to mass unemployment that has scourged the country since March, brought on by the pandemic. The nationwide unemployment rate for January 2021 was initially reported to be 6.7 percent, but Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell confessed on February 10 that the true rate was nearly 10 percent. Large numbers of unemployed workers had been miscounted as employed. The United States lost 227,000 jobs in December and recorded a gain of only 49,000 in January. The federal moratorium, along with state and local measures do not include any provisions for rent forgiveness, meaning that overdue payments continue to pile up putting renters who are able to remain in their homes further and further in the hole as the economic crisis drags on. It is only a half-measure, Robert Bobby Penner of the Milwaukee Autonomous Tenants Union (MATU) told the Wisconsin Examiner. Rent forgiveness and cancellation need to be on the agenda. People are accumulating thousands of dollars in back rent right now that they will be unable to pay without major government intervention when the eviction moratorium is finally allowed to expire. During the week of January 18, 108,808 initial unemployment claims were filed in Illinois. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment increased and non-farm jobs decreased in all Illinois metropolitan areas in 2020. The largest unemployment increases were in the Chicago (8.7 percent), Decatur (8.2 percent) and Springfield (6.3 percent) metro areas. The state unemployment rate in December 2020 was 7.5 percent. The states economic recovery is the second worst in the nation, only behind Kansas. The Chicago-based Metropolitan Tenants Organization has gotten over 500 calls since March concerning landlords locking out tenants. Even before the pandemic, Chicago rent prices were increasing at alarming rates, increasing the pressure on workers living in the city. We already knew [housing] was a crisis pre-COVID because rents were skyrocketing. This is a pot ready to burst. We need to make sure we have the system to make sure people in our community have support, Sara Heymann of affordable housing advocacy group Little Village Unete explained to the Chicago Sun-Times. A report published by Loyola University Chicago and the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing estimated that as many as 21,000 evictions could have been filed in the city in January if the federal moratorium had not been put into place. That is more potential evictions in one month than all that were filed in Chicago in 2019, at 18,200. The Illinois Housing Development Authority could only assist 45,600 out of 79,000 applicants for rental assistance. At the beginning of this month, Michigans Unemployment Insurance Agencys benefits website crashed. Claimants were redirected to a waiting area page when they entered their login information, which did not forward to the benefits page. Over 770 evictions have been filed in Lansings 54A District Court. State eviction assistance funding has been depleted, restricting aid agencies ability to help people unable to afford rent. Assistant director of Housing Services Mid Michigan Christie Harry told the Lansing State Journal, We are anxiously awaiting more eviction prevention funding. Of course, there are talks about money coming in the future, but I dont know when that will be and how much. A report by the National Anti-Eviction Project at Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights revealed that Minnesota would be facing 13,330 evictions if the federal eviction moratorium is allowed to expire. The state of Missouri is demanding that unemployment benefits recipients pay back millions of dollars. Recent reports state that 46,000 people had been overpaid $150 million in funds. Missouri residents who have received letters demanding repayment of unemployment benefits are speaking out to the media. Daphne Lindsey Thomas was paid unemployment benefits for five months when the state claimed she had been overpaid. To try to figure out how to pay $10,000 back right now, its impossible, she told KMOV4. Thomas expressed disbelief at the callousness of the state, I just dont believe, why would they give to you and then take it away? Missouri governor Mike Parson has refused to issue waivers for people forced to repay benefits. Evictions are still happening throughout the city of St. Louis despite there being a local eviction moratorium. Mary Sounders is being evicted due to a recent divorce; the courts have not decided which party gets to stay in the house. She told KMOV4 about her impending eviction, Financially its ruined me, mentally its messed me up and physically Im just drained. On emptying her home, How can you pack a house that youve lived in for four - five years in seven days? You cant, its impossible. Other methods of eviction include commercial cases, court-ordered evictions due to civil disputes, and incidents where properties are allegedly damaged by the resident. Missouris unemployment rate increased by 1.3 percentage points to 5.8 percent in December. The increase is attributed to 70,000 people reentering the labor force throughout the year. Only those who are actively looking for work are counted in labor statistics. Currently, Missouris total labor pool is 25,000 people below the December 2019 rate of 3.1 million. The Missouri legislature is discussing a bill that will bar residents from suing companies, school districts and government employers over the impact of being exposed to COVID-19 at work. In St. Louis City and St. Louis County, nearly 5,000 evictions have been filed since mid-March. Some of these have been settled through payment, but many are tied up in the courts due to local eviction moratoriums. A hotline set up by the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council to help those facing eviction received over 400 calls by the end of 2020. It also takes calls about landlords locking out tenants, which increased from once a month to once a week last year. Ohios unemployment rate fell from 5.7 percent in November to 5.5 percent in December. A staggering number of jobs in the state were lost over the past year: Cleveland lost 91,700 jobs, Columbus lost 70,500 jobs, and Cincinnati lost 51,500 jobs. Columbus-area nonprofit Columbus Legal Aid saw an increase in requests for aid in 2020 to 2,838, up from 2,527 in 2019. Ohios unemployment benefits system is insecure to the point that 796,000 out of 1.4 million 2020 pandemic assistance claims were flagged for possible fraud. Hundreds of thousands of Indiana residents have not been paid their federal unemployment benefits since the end of 2020. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development temporarily stopped doling out benefits due to a purported lack of federal guidance on how to implement extended federal benefits. Indiana had the sixth highest rate of unemployment out of the twelve Midwest states in December. Wisconsin saw unemployment rates as high as 15 percent in some counties in April 2020 before subsiding. The city of Milwaukee had 8.3 percent unemployment in December, Janesville had 5.5 percent, and Beloit had 5.9 percent. The state as a whole had 5.5 percent unemployment in December. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is reviewing its antiquated benefits system. DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said at a press briefing on January 27, I had heard anecdotally about the antiquated systems, but I have to admit, I truly did not understand what DWD was dealing with until I got here. Claimants are complaining about going months without receiving applied-for federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. It is estimated that fixing the COBOL-based computer systemoriginally rolled out in the 1970swould take 3-5 years and cost up to $90 million. More than 1,300 eviction filings went through Milwaukee metropolitan area courts in August 2020. Nebraska had nearly 20,000 fewer jobs in December 2020 than December 2019. The Lincoln Journal Star reported on the eviction troubles of 52-year-old Heide Massato, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and her 25 year-old daughter. When they were forced to move from the duplex they were staying in after their landlords death into an apartment in July 2020, they consolidated their bank accounts to keep better track of their finances. The consolidation caused a glitch where Massatos $750 disability check and her $950 Social Security widows benefit check failed to deposit for August. It took two months for the checks to be deposited. The apartment managers demanded that the family pay $3,141.91 in back rent in full immediately. The company filed eviction proceedings in court in December that were finalized on the end of the month. Massato and her daughter currently rely on the generosity of local friends to get by. With poor credit and the eviction on their records, finding a place to rent in the future will be difficult. Renters are now being told that in order to invoke the federal eviction moratorium, they must present their landlord with a signed declaration stating their inability to pay rent. I thought it was like a blanket coverage that would stop eviction, said Massato. Lincoln Commission on Human Rights director Mindy Rush Chipman explained to the Journal Star, Theres a misconception that people are protected right now because were in a global pandemic and people have heard the word moratorium. In reality, the moratorium only protects certain types of eviction proceedings, and the tenant has to know the declaration is required. The state of Kansas shut down its unemployment system on the weekend of January 30 to stop thousands of alleged fraud cases, meaning delayed benefit payments for existing claimants and the inability of new claimants to file for benefits. The Iowa Workforce Development department is also pausing PEUC and PUA benefits payments to claimants until it upgrades its unemployment systems. Those who were receiving benefits on or before December 27, 2020 will continue to get them, while those who applied or exhausted their state benefits after that date will not receive assistance. A Labrador has been saved by surfers after its owner risked her life to rescue the dog in rough waters. The woman was with her dog at Basham Beach, near Victor Harbor on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, on Tuesday when the Labrador got swept out to sea. The 48-year-old woman then went after the dog in a bid to retrieve her beloved pet but found herself caught in a strong current. A pet Labrador has been rescued from rough sea at Basham Beach on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula The dog's owner had gone into the water to rescue the Labrador after it got swept out to sea before she also encountered difficulty in the water An air ambulance was dispatched to the area about 12pm while paramedics raced to the scene. Surfers nearby quickly came to the woman's aid and managed to pull her out of the water and help her to safety. She was assessed by paramedics at the beach before being taken to the South Coast District Hospital. The surfers guided the dog towards the shore before pulling the Labrador from the water. There have been 41 coastal drownings across Australia since December 2020, including seven people dying after trying to rescue others. The number of deaths are two above average only a few months into the summer season. A Bristol University professor called for the 'end of Zionism' and said Israel is 'trying to exert its will all over the world' during an astonishing Zoom tirade that sparked calls for him to be sacked. Professor David Miller, who was suspended from Labour last year and later quit after an antisemitism row sparked by his claims that Sir Keir Starmer had taken 'Zionist' money, made the comments at an online campaign event. The sociology lecturer was accused of 'Soviet-style antisemitism' and 'proselytising hatred towards Jews' with his assertion that there is a 'an all-out onslaught by the Israeli government on the left globally'. In the video, filmed on Saturday, he also complained about being 'attacked and complained about' by Bristol University's Jewish Society and the Union of Jewish Students. Professor David Miller, who was suspended from Labour last year after accusing its leader Sir Keir Starmer of taking 'Zionist' money, made the comments at an online campaign event Professor Miller, speaking to an online audience on the weekend, said: 'This is an all-out onslaught by the Israeli government on the left globally. How conspiracy theorist was suspended from Labour following claims Keir Starmer was swayed by 'Zionist money' Bristol University lecturer David Miller was suspended from Labour last year after he claimed Sir Keir Starmer did not want to conduct a proper probe into a leaked antisemitism report because he was 'he was in receipt of money from the Zionist movement'. The report slamming the party's handling of antisemitism complaints under Jeremy Corbyn was leaked to the media prior to being submitted to an inquiry by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). In a YouTube video, Professor Miller said: We are obviously not going to get a proper investigation of this by Comrade Starmer or by Lisa Nandy who have been in receipt of money from the Zionist movement, from Trevor Chinn. And connections between the Zionist movement and the current leadership of Labour Party its not the only people they have connections with. Many other super rich people have given them money, hedge fund owners and the like but a significant element of support has come from the Zionist movement. He was suspended from Labour and later quit, writing that he believed his suspension has much to do with my record of evidence-based research on the Zionist movement and its influence on the British left and British politics more widely. Advertisement 'It's not just something that's happened in Britain. It's also happened in France and Germany before it got to the UK, and also in the US. 'The Labour Party is a mere detail in this attempt by Israelis to impose their will all over the world. 'It's not enough to say Zionism is racism, Israel is a settler colonial society... 'The aim of this is not only to say things but to end settler colonialism in Palestine, to end Zionism as a functioning ideology of the word.' The comments - which were made at a Campaign for Free Speech event on Saturday - immediately provoked an outcry. 'This is Soviet antisemitism, the assertion that there's a global Zionist conspiracy against the left,' one Twitter user wrote. David Glover Roberts tweeted: 'Racism! This person is proselytising hatred towards Jews. If his employer has any moral fibre, they will fire him immediately. 'If they fail to fire him, then this becomes an institution profiting on racism.' Meanwhile, a third Twitter user wrote: 'This would not be out of place in a 1930 antisemites playbook. It's utterly abhorrent - is this hatred spread in your name?' Professor Miller also went on to complain about students who had complained to Bristol University about his comments, the Jewish Chronicle reported. 'Those kind of complaints are being made over the country one against me in Bristol and there's been one made in Warwick, again by UJS [Union of Jewish Students] and several others. 'We will continue to see this drive to stop anyone speaking out against Palestine or having any critical account of Zionism as racism, as settler colonialism.' In 2019, he was criticised by an antisemitism charity after giving a lecture to students which identified the 'Zionist movement (parts of)' as one of the 'five pillars' of Islamophobia. The sociology lecturer was accused of 'Soviet-style antisemitism' and 'proselytising hatred towards Jews' with his assertion that there is 'an all-out onslaught by the Israeli government on the left globally' A University of Bristol spokesman said: 'We are committed to making our University an inclusive place for all students. We have been working closely with Jewish students to understand their specific concerns and worries. 'A key outcome from these discussions was the adoption, in full, of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. 'We also seek at all times to abide by both our Free Speech Policy and our Public Sector Equality Duties. Specifically, we are steadfast in our commitment to freedom of speech and to the rights of all our students and staff to discuss difficult and sensitive topics.' Conservative lawyer George Conway says he would have told Donald Trump to 'go f**k himself' if the president had asked him to help with his fruitless battle to overturn the election results. Conway appeared on the Yahoo News podcast Skullduggery on Monday to give his reaction to Trump's acquittal at the Senate impeachment trial. Hosts Michael Isikoff and Dan Klaidman reminded listeners that the last time Conway was interviewed on the podcast was in 2018 after he had just turned down a job in the Justice Department as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. The hosts noted that in that capacity, Conway potentially would have been asked to lead Trump's bid to overturn Joe Biden's victory in the Supreme Court. Conway said in no uncertain terms that he would not have agreed to do so, saying: 'I would've told him to go f**k himself.' He went on to assert that DOJ top brass, including AG Bill Barr and his predecessor, Acting AG Jeffrey Rosen, essentially told Trump the same thing. 'Rosen said this is ridiculous, they went over to the White House and had it out,' Conway claimed. 'Barr told him it was bulls**t.' Conservative lawyer George Conway (right) says he would have told Donald Trump (left) to 'go f**k himself' if the president had asked him to help with his fruitless battle to overturn the election results 'But then [Trump] immediately started working on people in the Justice Department and somehow, through some Pennsylvania member of Congress, got hooked into talking with this guy who was acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division,' Conway continued, referencing Jeffrey Bossert Clark. 'Then all of a sudden this guy [Clark] has written some kind of legal complaint that the Justice Department would file. And then everybody in the Justice Department who was still left said: "We can't do this, there's no legal basis, there's no factual basis to do this, the United States government doesn't even have standing to do this." 'I think they ran it by Rosen and other people in the Justice Department, I think acting solicitor general Jeffrey Wall, and they all said: "This is insane." 'And then they had it out at the White House and they entered into basically a suicide pact. They said: "Okay, if they tell us to do this we're all going to resign."' Conway's colorful retelling of the saga loosely mirrored a bombshell New York Times report on January 22 describing how Trump allegedly plotted to replace Rosen with Clark, an ultra-loyalist. The plan, according to sources, was to get someone at the helm of the department who wanted to overturn the presidential election results in Georgia, an initiative Rosen did not support, but Clark did. On the heels of the Times report, DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz announced that he had opened an investigation into whether officials in the department tried to overturn the election results. Clark, who was promoted to lead the Civil Division in September after heading up the Environmental and Natural Resources Division since 2018, resigned from the DOJ in mid-January. Conway's colorful account loosely mirrored a bombshell New York Times report on January 22 describing how Trump allegedly plotted to replace Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen with Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Jeffrey Clark (pictured) Sources told the Times that Rosen, who took over after Barr resigned in December, repeatedly rebuffed Trump's insistence that action be taken to overturn the election results in Georgia where Biden won by a tiny margin of 0.2 percent. Overturning Georgia's 16 Electoral College votes would not make Trump the automatic victor of the 2020 presidential election. But his legal team felt if just one state's results were brought into question and successfully overturned, it could create a domino effect where other states' results, which cost Trump the election, could come into question, too. Trump, according to the paper, summoned Rosen in to his office on December 15 to demand the Justice Department file legal briefs supporting his allies' lawsuits seeking to overturn his election loss. Rosen refused, and reiterated what Barr had privately told Trump - that they had investigated voting irregularities, and found no evidence of widespread fraud. Trump continued to push Rosen, with phone calls and in person demands. Rosen and his deputy, Richard P Donoghue, were unaware that Clark had been introduced to Trump by a Pennsylvania politician and had told the president that he agreed that fraud had affected the election results. Attorney General Bill Barr (left) and his predecessor, Acting AG Jeffrey Rosen (right), both reportedly rebuffed Trump's insistence that action be taken to overturn the election results in Georgia where Biden won by a tiny margin of 0.2 percent Clark was swiftly embraced by Trump. He alarmed Rosen and Donoghue by mentioning that he spent a lot of time reading on the internet: they inferred that he was getting sucked into the conspiracy theory that Trump had won the election. Clark also told them that he wanted the department to hold a news conference announcing that it was investigating serious accusations of election fraud, but Rosen and Donoghue rejected the idea. Clark drafted a letter that he wanted Rosen to send to Georgia state legislators that wrongly said that the Justice Department was investigating accusations of voter fraud in their state. The letter said they should overrule the November 3 election. Rosen and Donoghue again blocked Clark. On New Year's Eve, the three men met to discuss their disagreements, and Donoghue told Clark that what he was doing was wrong. On New Year's Day Clark told Rosen, who had mentored him while they worked together at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis, that he was going to discuss his strategy with the president early the next week. On January 3, Clark told Rosen he had met with Trump, and that Trump was planning to announce he was replacing Rosen with Clark. Clark could then try to stop Congress from certifying the Electoral College results. Clark told Rosen he could stay on as his deputy attorney general. The two men met with the president and other legal officials on the evening of January 3, and Trump ultimately decided not to replace Rosen with Clark. Several insiders told the Times that the scheme came to a screeching halt when DOJ officials said they would all resign if Rosen was ousted before Trump's term ended. Professor Martin Loessner of ETH, The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, will guide us through the fundamentals of phage science, in particular against Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli. This webinar will address the science and application of bacteriophage (phage) technology as a tool to kill pathogens and how it helps food processors mitigate food safety risks. Professor Martin Loessner of ETH, The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, will guide us through the fundamentals of phage science, in particular against Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli. He will present guiding principles around the mechanisms of phage technology and its use as a tool in food processing. In addition, viewers will be presented with a broad overview of the practical applications during processing in meats, poultry, dairy, vegetables and as an environmental tool for helping to eliminate biofilms. Join Dr. Martin J. Loessner, Professor of Food Microbiology, ETH Zurich and Sonali Sirdesai, Application Specialist, Micreos Food Safety in a live webinar on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 10am EST (3pm GMT/UK) to explore the science and power of phages as an additional tool for the food safety toolbox. For more information, or to register for this event, visit The Fundamentals of Bacteriophage Technology for Use as a Food Safety Intervention. ABOUT PHAGEGUARD PhageGuard contributes to safer food production by using phages. As the natural enemy of bacteria, phages specifically kill pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria, and leave the good ones intact. They are green, smart and easy to apply on food via spraying, misting or dipping. Phages can also be used directly on food contact surfaces or in the processing environment. To learn more about phage applications visit http://www.phageguard.com. Robin Peterson in North America, Phone: +1 770 664 0568 Email: r.peterson@micreos.com or Dirk de Meester, Phone: +31 6 46048503 Email: d.demeester@micreos.com ABOUT XTALKS Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers. More than 110,000 doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in the states long-term care facilities since late December, and state official estimate they are about two-thirds of the way to completing vaccinations of those residents. Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week show that 110,016 vaccines have been administered through the long-term care facility partnership through which CVS and Walgreens pharmacists have vaccinated residents staff at nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Connecticut. First doses accounted for 70,237, and around half of those who received a first dose have received their second. The CDC data doesnt differentiate between nursing homes and assisted living facilities. State officials have not released detailed data on vaccinations of people in long-term facilities other than to say they believe 90 percent of the residents have gotten at least a first dose and about 60 percent of the staff have been vaccinated. DPH spokeswoman Maura Fitzgerald said its difficult to calculate vaccination rates among staff or residents in long-term care facilities because the numbers fluctuate daily particularly in facilities with short-term rehabilitation wings with constant turnover. She said the state doesnt have the exact number of staff that work in each long-term care facility, doesnt have the exact number of residents in residential care homes on any given day and that a constant influx of unvaccinated residents will bring down vaccination rates. Fitzgerald said that at the beginning of last week, almost all nursing home residents have had at least one dose of vaccine. Around 70 percent of residents have received their second doses. As for nursing home staff, DPH estimates over 70 percent of staff have received at least one dose, and over 50 percent of staff have received two doses. In assisted living facilities, almost all residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, Fitzgerald said. With assisted living staff, over 50 percent have received at least one dose of vaccination, and second-dose clinics also are ongoing. The vaccination of long-term residents started in December and is winding down, at least in Connecticut, with most facilities expected to finish three rounds of vaccines by the end of this month. In Connecticut, there are about 17,000 nursing home residents and about 25,000 staff, who were among the first in the state to be vaccinated. The numbers are less definitive in assisted living facilities, which do not face the same scrutiny that nursing homes do from the state Department of Public Health. The state emphasized vaccinating the nursing home residents because of the devastating impact the virus has had on that population, with 3,873 deaths since March. There have been 471 deaths in assisted living facilities, bringing the total of COVID deaths in long-term care facilities to 4,361 as of Feb. 9. More staff vaccinations Earlier this month, the state DPH announced that it would allow nursing home workers to get their first vaccine during the third round of vaccinations at their facilities as long as they made arrangements on their own to get the second shot a month later. Several providers contacted Thursday said that the extra opportunity to get the shot has led to an increase in staff vaccinations. David Skoczulek, Vice President of Business Development for iCare Health Network, said two of its facilities now have more than 75 percent of their staff vaccinated. All of iCares facilities have finished their third round of shots, and he estimates as many as 50 staff members got their first dose of vaccine this time around. It behooves the staff to get vaccinated beyond just the safety of themselves, their families and the residents, Skoczulek said. As time goes on, it will mean more freedom of movement and unit assignment, less testing and, hopefully one day, less use of PPE. State officials were concerned because the initial response to the vaccination among nursing home staff was tepid. In some cases, less than 40 percent of employees got vaccinated in the first round, but numbers have increased as others have seen that the vaccine didnt affect their co-workers. Mag Morelli, president of LeadingAge Connecticut, which represents about 40 non-profit assisted living facilities, said the participation in those facilities has been at about the same levels as nursing homes. The residents are getting vaccinated they have been waiting for it, Morelli said. Morelli said she believes the timing of the vaccine rollout had some effect on staff participation, because nursing home residents were the first people to get vaccinated many right before the holidays. They started really early, and you could see people wanted to wait, Morelli said. But we really have seen an uptick recently in staff (vaccinations) as well. COVID numbers going down The large-scale vaccinations of nursing home residents has led to a marked decrease in the number of infections in the facilities and lately a decrease in deaths as well. For the week of Feb. 3-9 there were only 52 new infections and 17 deaths the lowest total of deaths in at least a month. The previous week, there were 101 new infections among nursing residents and 35 deaths. The last week of January, the state recorded 166 new cases and 66 deaths among nursing home residents. When vaccinations started in late December, the state was averaging over 100 deaths a week. Cases also have been decreasing among nursing home staff. There were 57 new infections among staff last week, down from 87 the previous week and 153 the week before that. While excellent at detecting common genetic variation that can increase the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, geneticists have long known they are less reliable at detecting rarer variation.However, this problem is less well known outside the genetic research community, and SNP chips are widely used by commercial companies that offer genetic testing direct to consumers.Caroline Wright, Professor in Genomic Medicine at the University of Exeter Medical School, senior author on the paper, said: "SNP chips are fantastic at detecting common genetic variants, yet we have to recognize that tests that perform well in one scenario are not necessarily applicable to others.We've confirmed that SNP chips are extremely poor at detecting very rare disease-causing genetic variants, often giving false positive results that can have profound clinical impact. These false results had been used to schedule invasive medical procedures that were both unnecessary and unwarranted."The team compared data from SNP chips with data from the more reliable tool of next generation sequencing in 49,908 participants of UK Biobank, and an additional 21 people who shared results of their consumer genetic tests via the Personal Genome Project.The study concluded that SNP chips performed extremely well in detecting common genetic variants. However, the rarer the variation was, the less reliable the results became. In very rare variants, present in fewer than 1 in 100,000 individuals, typical of those causing rare genetic disease, 84 per cent were false positives in UK Biobank. In the data from commercial customers, 20 of 21 individuals analyzed had at least one false positive rare disease-causing variant that had been incorrectly genotyped.Dr Leigh Jackson, Lecturer in Genomic Medicine at the University of Exeter and co-author of the paper, said: "The number of false positives on rare genetic variants produced by SNP chips was shockingly high.To be clear: a very rare, disease-causing variant detected using a SNP chip is more likely to be wrong than right. Although some consumer genomics companies perform sequencing to validate important results before releasing them to consumers, most consumers also download their "raw" SNP chip data for secondary analysis, and this raw data still contain these incorrect results.The implications of our findings are very simple: SNP chips perform poorly for detecting very rare genetic variants and the results should never be used to guide a patient's medical care, unless they have been validated."Source: Eurekalert Merger of 10 Privately Held Biotech Companies with Highly Validated Programs Led by Industry Leading Teams to Operate Under Centessa Umbrella Company Founded by Medicxi with Financing Led by General Atlantic, and Co-led by Vida Ventures and Janus Henderson Investors Saurabh Saha, M.D., Ph.D., Former Senior Vice President, R&D, and Global Head of Translational Medicine at Bristol Myers Squibb, Appointed as Chief Executive Officer Moncef Slaoui, Ph.D., Former Chief Scientific Advisor of Operation Warp Speed, Former Chairman of R&D at GlaxoSmithKline, Partner at Medicxi, Appointed as Chief Scientific Officer, Advisor Centessa Pharmaceuticals ("Centessa") launched today as a novel asset-centric pharmaceutical company designed and built to advance a portfolio of highly validated programs. Centessa's asset-centric R&D model applied at scale has assembled best-in-class or first-in-class assets, each of which is led by specialized teams committed to accelerate development and reshape the traditional drug development process. The company was founded by Medicxi and raised $250 million in an oversubscribed Series A financing led by General Atlantic and co-led by Vida Ventures and Janus Henderson Investors. Additional blue-chip investors participated in the financing, including Boxer Capital, Cormorant Asset Management, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, Wellington Management Company, BVF Partners L.P., EcoR1 Capital, Franklin Templeton, Logos Capital, Samsara BioCapital, LifeSci Venture Partners and an undisclosed U.S.-based, healthcare-focused fund. In conjunction with its launch, Centessa has completed the merger of 10 private biotech companies ("Centessa Subsidiaries") that will each continue to develop its assets with oversight from the Centessa management team. Each Centessa Subsidiary team is asset-focused, in that it prosecutes a single program or biological pathway, with leadership provided by subject matter experts who are given a high degree of autonomy to advance each program. With a singular focus on advancing exceptional science, combined with proprietary capabilities, including structure-based drug discovery and design, the subsidiary teams enable Centessa to potentially develop and deliver impactful medicines to patients. "The vision of Centessa is to build a pharmaceutical company with a unique operational framework that aims to reduce some of the key R&D inefficiencies that classical pharmaceutical companies face because of structural constraints," said Francesco De Rubertis, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Partner at Medicxi and Chairman of the Centessa Pharmaceuticals Board of Directors. "Our operations will be driven by an asset-centric approach, whereby each Centessa Subsidiary is solely focused on the execution of its programs with oversight from the highly experienced Centessa management team. The ambition of applying asset centricity at scale is to be able to deliver life altering medicines to patients with improved efficiency by boosting R&D productivity." Our Approach Centessa brings together 10 companies from Medicxi's portfolio with 15 high conviction programs led by experienced teams. Each Centessa Subsidiary is led by industry leaders and subject matter experts with deep experience directly related to key biological pathways that underpin the programs being advanced. These entrepreneurs who have catalyzed the creation of subsidiary companies will continue to advance novel science within the Centessa enterprise. The Centessa Subsidiaries are comprised of ApcinteX, Capella BioScience, Janpix, LockBody, Morphogen-IX, Orexia Therapeutics, Palladio Biosciences, PearlRiver Bio, Pega-One and Z Factor. The current Centessa Pharmaceuticals portfolio consists of four clinical stage programs, including two that are in late-stage clinical development, and more than 10 additional programs spanning diseases with high unmet need across oncology, hematology, immunology, inflammation, neuroscience and rare diseases. "With this first-of-its-kind model, we are bringing together programs with robust genetic and biological validation under one new pharmaceutical company that provides centralized resources to enable and empower asset-focused teams to advance highly impactful programs for patients," said Saurabh Saha, M.D., Ph.D., Centessa's Chief Executive Officer. "This approach encourages an environment where scientific teams are incentivized to maintain an unwavering focus on advancing medicines to key go/no-go inflection points based on data-driven decisions." Centessa will have the flexibility to deploy capital by adhering to a "follow-the-data" philosophy and will support each Centessa Subsidiary with centralized capabilities that enable advancement of its respective programs. These include manufacturing, regulatory and operational support to enable and expedite scientific prosecution of programs by subsidiary teams. Each team is uniquely incentivized to expeditiously interrogate key scientific hypotheses. Moncef Slaoui, Ph.D, Chief Scientific Officer, Advisor of Centessa added, "In creating Centessa, we have strategically assembled our subsidiary portfolio to include programs with strong biological validation, mechanistic diversification, and teams with proprietary capabilities and insights. This high-quality portfolio aims to deliver enhanced diversification, reduced risk and asymmetric upside with a view to withstanding the inherent low probability of success associated with drug development." Meet the Team The Centessa Pharmaceuticals management team consists of biotech and pharmaceutical industry leaders who oversee decisions related to capital allocation, development plans and strategic transactions in partnership with the Centessa Subsidiaries. Saurabh Saha, M.D., Ph.D, former Senior Vice President, R&D, and Global Head of Translational Medicine at Bristol Myers Squibb, has been appointed as the company's Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. In addition, Moncef Slaoui, Ph.D, former Chief Scientific Advisor of Operation Warp Speed, former Chairman of R&D at GlaxoSmithKline, and Partner at Medicxi, has been appointed as Chief Scientific Officer, Advisor. The Centessa Board of Directors includes Francesco De Rubertis, Ph.D., Medicxi, who will serve as the company's Chairman; Aaron Kantoff, Medicxi; Brett Zbar, M.D., General Atlantic; and Arjun Goyal, M.D., M.Phil., Vida Ventures. "We believe Centessa represents a unique opportunity in our sector," said Brett Zbar, M.D., Managing Director and Global Head of Life Sciences at General Atlantic. "The high-quality science and entrepreneurial drive within each of the Centessa Subsidiaries, combined with this deeply experienced leadership team, has the potential to bring important medicines to patients with speed and efficiency." "Centessa's bold vision and unique operating model are supported by compelling clinical programs, strong data and a stellar team," said Arjun Goyal, M.D., M.Phil., Co-Founder and Managing Director at Vida Ventures. "We believe Centessa's approach can ultimately lead to impactful medicines that will benefit patients globally." ABOUT THE CENTESSA SUBSIDIARIES ApcinteX ApcinteX is developing SerpinPC, a specific inhibitor of the anticoagulant protease activated protein C (APC), for the treatment for hemophilia A and hemophilia B, with or without inhibitors. Capella BioScience Capella BioScience is developing CBS001, a neutralizing therapeutic monoclonal antibody to the inflammatory membrane form of LIGHT (known as TNFSF14), for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Capella BioScience is also developing CBS004, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody to blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA2), for the treatment of lupus erythematosus (systemic and cutaneous) and systemic sclerosis. Janpix Janpix is developing a novel class of selective dual-STAT3/5 small molecule monovalent degraders for the treatment of various hematological malignancies, including leukemias and lymphomas. LockBody LockBody is pioneering a platform technology to develop LockBody CD47 (LB1) and LockBody CD3 (LB2) for optimal targeting of solid tumors by the innate immune system. Morphogen-IX Morphogen-IX is developing MGX292, a protein-engineered variant of human bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP9), for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Orexia Therapeutics Orexia Therapeutics is developing oral and intranasal orexin receptor agonists using structure-based drug design approaches. These agonists target the treatment of narcolepsy type 1, where they have the potential to directly address the underlying pathology of orexin neuron loss, as well as other neurological disorders characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. Palladio Biosciences Palladio Biosciences is developing lixivaptan, an oral non-peptide, new chemical agent that works by selectively suppressing the activity of the hormone vasopressin at the V2 receptor, as a treatment for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with the goal of slowing the progression of kidney function decline and avoiding the liver safety issues associated with tolvaptan. PearlRiver Bio PearlRiver Bio is developing ?potent and selective oral exon20 insertion mutation inhibitors intended to have ?minimal activity on wild-type EGFR and optimal pharmacokinetic properties, ?for the treatment of EGFR exon 20 insertion (with potential to target and treat Her2 exon 20 insertions) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PearlRiver Bio is also developing oral inhibitors targeting C797S-mutant EGFR and undisclosed next generation EGFR inhibitors for NSCLC. PegaOne PegaOne is developing imgatuzumab, a humanized, non-fucosylated, anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody for the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and other solid tumor indications. Z Factor Z Factor is developing ZF874, a small molecule chemical chaperone intended to rescue folding of the Z variant of alpha-1-antitrypsin, increasing serum levels of active protein and reducing accumulation in the liver, for the treatment of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. ABOUT CENTESSA PHARMACEUTICALS Centessa Pharmaceuticals Limited is a next-generation biopharmaceutical company that aims to reshape the traditional drug development process. The company applies an asset-centric R&D model at scale to advance a portfolio of highly validated programs led by industry leading teams. Each program is developed by an Centessa Subsidiary and supported by a centralized infrastructure and the Centessa management team. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. For more information, visit www.centessa.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements we make in this press release may include statements that are not historical facts and are considered forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), which are usually identified by the use of words such as "estimates," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "may," "should," "will," "plans," "projects," "seeks," and variations of such words or similar expressions. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and are making this statement for purposes of complying with those safe harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements, including statements relating to expectations, plans and prospects regarding the clinical development plans and timing, clinical trial designs, clinical and therapeutic potential, and strategy for any of our programs reflect our current views about our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects, which are based on the information currently available to us and on assumptions we have made. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects as reflected in or suggested by those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that the plans, intentions, expectations or strategies will be attained or achieved. Furthermore, actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the success of clinical trials, regulatory filings, and approvals. These forward-looking statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of Centessa's management team as of the date of this release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Furthermore, Centessa operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment in which new risks emerge from time to time. Except as required by applicable law, we assume no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005355/en/ Contacts: Media: Dan Budwick, 1AB dan@1abmedia.com UK/European media enquiries Optimum Strategic Communications Mary Clark, Shabnam Bashir centessa@optimumcomms.com Swiss media enquiries VEITHing Spirit Marcus Veith marcus@vspirit.ch Cellphone: +41 79 20 75 111 The Government did not reject the European Unions post-Brexit visa offer over an ideological issue, Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has said. Ms Dinenage told MPs they are barking up the wrong tree and that the UK took a common-sense position during negotiations. She appeared in front of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a one-off session about the Governments handling of talks with the EU over the issue. The UKs post-Brexit travel rules, which came into force at the beginning of the year, do not guarantee visa-free travel for musicians in the bloc and a working group featuring some 15 representatives of the creative industries has been set up to investigate. Expand Close Music lovers at the Glastonbury Festival in 2015 (Ben Birchall/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Music lovers at the Glastonbury Festival in 2015 (Ben Birchall/PA) Ms Dinenage told the committee: I think you are barking up the wrong tree when you think this is some kind of ideological issue on behalf of the Home Office. I think the Home Office would have been very interested in the visa proposals that the EU were putting forward if they were firm guarantees, if they were actually binding, which they werent, if they actually delivered what we needed, if they didnt ask in exchange for us to sign up to something that any other G7, any other big nation, has signed up for with the EU. It is not an ideological thing; it is a common-sense position. MPs also questioned Ms Dinenage over whether the Government and the EU had failed to reach an agreement on touring due to wider issues about immigration. I am not entirely sure it has become an issue about immigration, she replied. I think it is an issue of trying to get the best opportunities for our creative workers to be able to tour overseas. It was never an issue about immigration other than the EU deal, which wouldnt have delivered the things we were asking for, was in exchange for us signing up for something that no other G7 country would sign up to. I think it is too simple to say it is an immigration issue. I think that massively undermines the thrust of the discussion. Representing some 200,000+ petitioners, @CatMcKinnell Chair of @hocpetitions asks if UK Govt is still working to secure an EU-wide agreement? @cj_dinenage confirms no appetite for "complicated" EU-wide solution, greater success likelier negotiating with individual member states. Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (@CommonsDCMS) February 16, 2021 Ms Dinenage said there is little appetite from the Government to renegotiate an EU-wide solution to the lack of touring visas. Instead, she said agreements with individual member states are a more likely success route. But asked whether any formal discussions with individual EU countries are taking place, she replied: Not currently, not through DCMS. There may be some conversations happening through our colleagues in the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) but nothing formal or official. Ms Dinenages appearance in front of the committee came after a panel of representatives from across the creative industries warned that current travel arrangements threaten the sector. Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, said UK artists are already losing summer bookings due to the challenges of touring inside the EU. However, she said the freeze on travel and live performances due to the Covid-19 pandemic offers a window in which to resolve the issue. 'The work permit situation is incredibly complicated and the ISM has put together a comprehensive 30-page guide which sets out all the work permit arrangements which differ from country to country. '@DeborahAnnetts https://t.co/3jyQ4tymN3 ISM (@ISM_music) February 16, 2021 Ms Annetts told MPs: Since we moved post-Brexit, so post the transition period, I think the adverse impact of Brexit to the creative industries and in particular the freelance community has become even more stark. I have been inundated with personal testimony from musicians as to the work that they have lost or are going to lose now in Europe as a result of the new visa and work permit arrangements. Some of them are really quite heart-rending, with musicians saying they are thinking of giving up being a musician altogether. She called on Ms Dinenage to show leadership and put in place a visa waiver agreement. More than 280,000 people have signed a petition calling for a cultural work permit deal to be reached between the Government and EU. Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart and Dame Julie Walters were among more than 100 members of the Equity union who published an open letter on Tuesday urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to secure visa-free EU travel for artists. Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Ludovic Orban announced on Tuesday that Parliament has started the procedure to remove Ombudsman Renate Weber from office, according to AGERPRES. "We have started the procedure regarding the removal from office of the Ombudsman. It is a procedure that in the last legislature was started by the National Liberal Party (PNL) floor groups. The request of the parliamentary groups, formulated under the previous legislature, was not sent to the joint judiciary committees. At a joint meeting, the standing bureaus refused to carry out the procedures in the Ombudsman Law and the regulatory procedures," Orban said at the end of a joint meeting of Parliament's two standing bureaus. He explained that, in addition to PNL's notification in this regard, there is another one submitted by PNL MP Florin Roman that was adopted and supported by the parliamentary groups of PNL and the Save Romania Union - the Freedom, Unity and Solidarity Party (USR PLUS) in the Chamber of Deputies and Senate. "Within two weeks, at the latest, the judiciary committees will consider the request, come up with a report to be sent to a plenary meeting of Parliament," said Orban. Most S.C. legislators know the claims that having more armed citizens makes us all safer are at best wishful thinking, at worst dangerously wrong as demonstrated yet again Thursday when yet another report came out indicating just the opposite, with the highest per-capita gun deaths in states with the most permissive gun laws and the lowest death rates in the states with the least permissive laws. But the gun lobby is vocal, persistent, well-heeled and extremely influential in Republican primary races, and many of our legislators are afraid of the political consequences if they dont sufficiently support the arming of our society. So with guns-on-every-street-corner advocates pushing for their paradoxically named constitutional carry bill (if people had a constitutional right to carry any gun they wanted anywhere they wanted, there would be no need for a law authorizing it), a lot of legislators are supporting an open carry bill to allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry their handguns in plain view. It seems to a lot of lawmakers like a smart strategic move a significant liberalization of state gun laws that could take some of the wind out of efforts to let everybody carry guns openly everywhere they want to, without any required training or permits or background checks or anything. And so H.3094 easily cleared a House subcommittee on Wednesday, even though the supporters who spoke in favor of it were vastly outnumbered by the concealed weapons permit holders, doctors and police officials who warned that it would encourage aggression and assist in intimidation efforts and make it nearly impossible for police to tell the good guys from the bad guys. So much for legislators claims that they respect, support and want to do all they can to protect police; that lasts only as long as police dont point out how things lawmakers want to do would endanger them. In fairness to supporters, South Carolinas concealed weapons law seems not to have been the disaster many predicted; theres good reason to believe that most permit holders are law-abiding citizens who are unlikely to get into shootouts just because someone insults them. And certainly, if we had to liberalize our gun law, wed much rather expand how people can carry weapons after they take a course and pass a test and a background check and register with SLED than to just go all Wild West. But heres the thing: We dont have to liberalize our gun laws. We dont need to liberalize our gun laws. Sign up for our opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! And we shouldnt liberalize our gun laws. Supporters say H.3094 would simply bring South Carolina in line with the 45 states that allow people to carry handguns openly. That argument is at best misleading, because what open carry means is different in most states. In Hawaii, for instance, it means people can carry an unconcealed handgun if a police chief issues them a permit in an exceptional case, and then only in that county. Other states impose geographic restrictions. Beyond that, the argument is reminiscent of, but Mom, all the kids are doing it. And passing open carry in hopes of deflating extremist demands for a repeal of our states modest gun restrictions is sort of like renaming all the roads and buildings that were named for George Washington in an effort to appease the extremists who demand that we tear down all the monuments to our first president. Both ideas should be nonstarters. Editor's note: An earlier version of this editorial incorrectly omitted references to concealed-carry permit holders. People without permits are prohibited from carrying handguns openly in Philadelphia and may carry only unloaded handguns openly in Utah. Those restrictions do not apply to permit holders, although it's illegal for anyone to carry a long gun openly in Philadelphia. Peapod Digital Labs Taps Swisslog Solution and AutoStore Technology for New Pilot EFC Rendering Rendering of new EFC in Philadelphia, Pa. Rendering of new EFC in Philadelphia, Pa. EFC Rendering 2 Rendering of new EFC in Philadelphia, Pa. Rendering of new EFC in Philadelphia, Pa. QUINCY, Mass., Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peapod Digital Labs, Ahold Delhaize USAs digital, e-commerce and commercial engine, today announced a new micro-fulfillment technology pilot with The GIANT Company in the Philadelphia market. Part of an e-commerce fulfillment center (EFC), the pilot leverages Swisslogs solution which includes AutoStore technology empowered by Swisslogs SynQ software, as well as Peapod Digital Labs proprietary manual picking capabilities. The pilot launches as Ahold Delhaize USA companies continue to expand e-commerce fulfillment capabilities as part of readying an omnichannel supply chain and supporting the U.S. brands as they pursue their ambitions of becoming the leading omnichannel grocery retailer in their markets. Over the past year, all Ahold Delhaize USA companies have seen a tremendous increase in online sales growth, and we believe this growth is here to stay, said JJ Fleeman, president of Peapod Digital Labs and Chief E-commerce Officer. As we think about shifting consumer expectations and the future of omnichannel shopping, we must continue to build and evolve our already strong infrastructure to optimize pick-up and delivery. Were excited to kick off this pilot with The GIANT Company and Swisslog as we continue to build out e-commerce fulfillment capabilities, which we believe will be key in supporting continued omnichannel growth. The EFC is planned for the Philadelphia market to help meet customer demand in Center City and South Philadelphia. This location is expected to fulfill approximately 15,000 online orders per week for delivery to customers homes. This pilot is an exciting milestone in The GIANT Companys omnichannel evolution as we work to transform the online grocery experience for our customers, said Nicholas Bertram, president, The GIANT Company. As we continue to see incredible demand for GIANT Direct across the Philadelphia region, working with Swisslog to incorporate state-of-the-art technology like AutoStore will not only bolster our overall e-commerce platform for future growth but also significantly increase our operating capacity, allowing us to deliver a faster, best-in-class experience to more customers each week. Story continues The hive robotic technology for the new EFC will include the AutoStore storage and retrieval system, empowered by Swisslogs SynQ software and pick stations, as well as Peapod Digital Labs proprietary manual picking capabilities. Applying the advantages of the AutoStore grid storage density and goods-to-person productivity gains in tandem with Peapod Digital Labs picking system will create a flexible solution ideal for streamlining grocery e-commerce order fulfillment. Ahold Delhaize USA companies will continue other micro-fulfillment tests, such as the multi-shuttle pilot with Stop & Shop and TakeOff Technologies in the Hartford, Conn., market. Additional micro-fulfillment pilots will be announced in the coming months. Once built, the new EFC will add to Ahold Delhaize USA companies growing supply chain. As of March 1, the supply chain will include 18 self-managed traditional distribution centers, 28 EFCs and over 1,100 click and collect locations. By 2023, this network will increase to more than 27 distribution centers with additional EFC and click and collect growth as part of the overall transformation of the omnichannel supply chain. As we continue to transform the supply chain for the future, were doing so with the lens of creating a truly omnichannel supply chain, there for customers whenever, wherever, however they want to shop, said Chris Lewis, EVP, Supply Chain for Retail Business Services, Ahold Delhaize USAs services company. By 2023, Ahold Delhaize USA companies will be serviced by one of the largest supply chains and private fleets on the East Coast. Continuing to explore ways to maximize the total infrastructure is critical as we create an omnichannel supply chain of the future. Swisslog is excited to work with Peapod Digital Labs and The GIANT Company to leverage automation technology and expand their e-grocery fulfillment capacity to maintain the expectations of their consumers, said Mitch Hayes, Vice President of E-commerce and Retail, Swisslog, Americas. For the pilot, weve combined AutoStore with our Swisslog SynQ software platform, which has grown to have a very robust set of standard features geared specifically to e-grocery fulfillment. We couldnt be more pleased to partner with Peapod Digital Labs and The GIANT Company, both of which are leading the way in e-grocery fulfillment. Projects like this will change retail forever, and it's an honor to know our proven micro-fulfillment technology is providing Peapod Digital Labs and The GIANT Company with the flexibility to build the infrastructure needed based on space and throughput rates of varying customer demand and order flow. We are very pleased that Peapod Digital Labs and The GIANT Company chose AutoStore systems, empowered by Swisslog, to deliver the future of e-grocery, said Karl Johan Lier, CEO of AutoStore. About Ahold Delhaize USA Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize, is the parent company for Ahold Delhaize's U.S. companies, including its local brands, Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop, Retail Business Services, a U.S. support services company providing services to the brands, and Peapod Digital Labs, its digital, e-commerce and commercial engine. When considered together, the local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest grocery retail group in the nation, operating more than 2,000 stores and distribution centers across more than 20 states and serving millions of customers each week through a wide variety of store formats with thousands of food and non-food items. About The GIANT Company The GIANT Company believes that no matter where or how, when meals happen, families connect, and when families connect meaningfully, good happens. Guided by its brand platform, For Todays Table, the omni-channel retailer proudly serves millions of neighbors across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. A Great Place to Work certified company with more than 35,000 talented team members supporting nearly 190 stores, 132 pharmacies, 107 fuel stations, and over 150 online pickup hubs and grocery delivery service in hundreds of zip codes, The GIANT Company is changing the customer experience and connecting families for a better future. Founded in 1923 in Carlisle, Pa., The GIANT Company family of brands includes GIANT, MARTIN'S, GIANT Heirloom Market, GIANT Direct and MARTINS Direct. The GIANT Company is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA. For more information, visit the GIANT or MARTINS websites. About Swisslog Swisslog delivers data-driven & robotic solutions for your logistics automation alongside reliable, modular service concepts. Collaborating with forward-thinking companies, we are committed to setting new standards in warehouse automation to provide future-proof products and solutions. As part of the KUKA Group, our customers trust the competence of our passionate employees more than 14,000 people working across the globe. About AutoStore AutoStore, founded in 1996, is a robot technology company that invented and continues to pioneer Cube Storage Automation - the densest and one of the fastest order-fulfillment solutions in existence. The companys focus is to marry software and hardware with human abilities to create the future of warehousing. AutoStore is global with more than 550 systems in 30 countries over a wide range of industries. All sales are distributed, designed, installed and serviced by a network of qualified system integrators we call partners. The companys headquarters is in Nedre Vats (Norway), and with offices in Oslo (Norway), in the U.S., U.K., Austria, Spain, Poland, Germany, Japan, South Korea and France. MEDIA CONTACTS Christy Phillips-Brown 704-310-2221 Erin DeWaters 336-963-0393 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a96d958e-108a-4d5c-973d-5dd0452c0fcd https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d148454-0169-4d8f-b9d7-860c31bfb3dd A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55784d72-6f88-4ff2-b9da-26455d5b0f00 Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi highlighted on Tuesday the need for the country to lower the annual population growth rate to 400,000 in order for citizens to reap the fruits of development efforts. The presidents remarks came during a ceremony to inaugurate a medical complex in Ismailia as well as a number of other hospitals and medical institutions nationwide via video. The president highlighted during his remarks the negative impact overpopulation has on thwarting development and the states efforts to improve peoples lives. It is not the state that spends; it is the Egyptian people who spend. It is not us who are suffering; it is the Egyptian people who are suffering, the president said, highlighting the negative repercussions of overpopulation. The Egyptian population currently stands at 101.5 million, according to the country's official statistics agency CAPMAS. The natural rate of population increase in the country recorded 1.78% in 2019. Last year, the president warned that the population is expected to increase to around 193-194 million citizens by 2050, saying this requires the state to double its infrastructure projects during the coming 30 years. Im suffering with you as an official, but eventually, will your son or daughter receive a good level of education or not? Will they receive a good level of treatment or not? Will they receive good nutrition opportunities or not? And will they get a job opportunity or not, El-Sisi added. Commenting on recent demands that the president enacts measures to combat overpopulation, El-Sisi said not all matters should be done toughly. Instead, it should be carried out through a program, and we are working on this program." El-Sisi said the fact that millions of children are suffering from either anemia or obesity means that you are not paying attention to your child. Trust me, [having] more than two children is a big problem, El-Sisi said. It is not only important that you feed them. You should pay attention and follow up on them If there are three or four or more children [per family], you will not be able to do that. Short link: Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Kodiak Copper Corp. (TSXV: KDK) (the "Company" or "Kodiak") today reports drill results from five further holes at its ongoing fully funded exploration program at the 100% owned MPD copper-gold porphyry project. MPD is located near producing mines in the prolific Quesnel Trough in southern British Columbia, with excellent infrastructure and year-round accessibility from paved highways. Claudia Tornquist, President and CEO of Kodiak said, "Once again, the Gate Zone has yielded impressive copper-gold numbers over significant widths. With only a small number of holes drilled so far, we have already intersected the newly discovered high-grade zone at Gate and the surrounding larger mineralized envelope over significant dimensions. Over 90% of this kilometre-long target remains unexplored by Kodiak, with considerable discovery potential yet to be unlocked. With our expanded drill program, we anticipate drilling over four times as much as last year, with up to 30,000 metres planned and fully funded. Field crews have now been mobilized and are preparing a new dedicated core logging facility, and rigs are anticipated to be turning again shortly. Against the backdrop of the strongest copper market in a decade, Kodiak is well positioned to make 2021 its most active and exciting year yet." Highlights The 2020 MPD drill campaign has demonstrated excellent continuity of porphyry mineralization at the Gate Zone by intersecting a large, zoned and significantly enriched copper-gold envelope. New drill hole MPD-20-007 intersected 213 m of 0.65% Cu, 0.37 g/t Au and 2.23 g/t Ag (1.00% CuEq*) within a broader 441 m interval of 0.42% Cu, 0.22 g/t Au and 1.49 g/t Ag (0.63% CuEq*) from 279 to 720 m down hole. Table 1 New drill hole MPD-20-006 intersected 171 m of 0.62% Cu, 0.43 g/t Au and 2.55 g/t Ag (1.03% CuEq*) within a broader 449.2 m interval of 0.34% Cu, 0.21 g/t Au and 1.48 g/t Ag (0.55% CuEq*) from 183 to 633 m down hole. Table 1 New drill hole MPD-20-010 was a 290 m step-out to the west of all other Gate drilling , and successfully intersected the same mineralised system containing high-grade copper-gold vertically above, and west of previous intercepts. It also intersected the first high-grade gold intercept from Kodiak's 2020 drill program, returning 9.62 g/t Au and 2.40 g/t Ag over 3.0 m within a carbonate-sericite-pyrite breccia (phyllic zone) from 778 to 781 m downhole. The extension of the Gate zone high-grade copper zone returned 46.4 m of 0.57% copper, 0.16 g/t gold and 1.80 g/t silver (0.73% CuEq) from 269.0 to 315.4 m downhole. Mineralization at Gate has been traced down to 800 m depth, across a width of 350 m (east-west) and over 100 m in length (north-south) . However, drilling to date has tested only the northern edge of a one km long copper-in-soil target, which also lies within a larger 3 km regional magnetic low that extends south to the Man Zone. Figure 1 and 5 Results from the southern most set-ups (holes MPD-20-004 to 010) suggest a higher-grade porphyry centre is emerging as drilling moves southward, which remains open to extension. Results from the northern set-up (holes MPD-20-001 to 003) are interpreted to be within a lower temperature, lower grade propylitic envelope that surrounds the porphyry centre at Gate.Figures 2, 3 and 4 In addition to extending the Gate Zone, drilling in 2021 will test high-priority targets elsewhere at MPD that exhibit similar regional magnetic lows, copper-in-soil anomalies, and mineralization in historic drilling.Figure 5 Table 1: Weighted assay intervals for holes MPD-20-003 and MPD-20-006 to MPD-20-010 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval** (m) % Cu Au g/t Ag g/t %CuEq* MPD-20-003 158.0 663.1 505.1 0.15 0.04 0.69 0.20 Includes 188.0 363.0 175.0 0.20 0.05 0.59 0.25 Includes 308.0 347.0 39.0 0.29 0.06 0.67 0.35 and includes 399.5 608.0 208.5 0.17 0.04 0.95 0.22 MPD-20-006 183.8 633.0 449.2 0.34 0.21 1.48 0.55 Includes 195.0 555.0 360.0 0.40 0.25 1.72 0.65 Includes 261.0 432.0 171.0 0.62 0.43 2.55 1.03 Includes 337.1 414.0 76.9 0.93 0.72 4.12 1.62 and Includes 376.0 414.0 38.0 1.18 1.08 5.54 2.21 MPD-20-007 279.0 720.0 441.0 0.42 0.22 1.49 0.63 Includes 435.0 648.0 213.0 0.65 0.37 2.23 1.00 and Includes 447.0 543.4 96.4 0.75 0.42 2.52 1.16 MPD-20-008 Drill Hole Lost in Overburden MPD-20-009 Drill Hole Lost at Depth, No Significant Assays MPD-20-010 212.0 749.0 537.0 0.23 0.09 1.15 0.33 Includes 212.0 315.4 103.4 0.37 0.11 2.04 0.49 Includes 269.0 315.4 46.4 0.57 0.16 1.80 0.73 Includes 522.9 661.6 138.7 0.28 0.07 0.80 0.35 and includes 778.0 781.0 3.0 0.05 9.62 2.40 n/a *Copper equivalent grades (%CuEq) are for comparative purposes only. Calculations are uncut and recovery is assumed to be 100% as no metallurgical data is available. The following metal prices were used to calculate copper equivalence: %CuEq = %Cu + ((1800/31.104)*Au g/t)/(2.90/0.454*10)) + ((19.00/31.104)*Ag g/t))/(2.90/0.454*10)) **Intervals are downhole drilled core lengths. Drilling data to date is insufficient to determine true width of mineralization. The Gate Zone was discovered in 2019 at the north end of an approximately one kilometre long (north-south) by 300-metre-wide (east-west) copper-in-soil anomaly (Figure 1). The 2020 MPD campaign focused on determining the extent of copper-gold mineralization with a total of 6,698 metres drilled in nine holes from three set-ups. Drill holes MPD-20-001, 002, 003 were drilled westerly from the first drill set-up located 190 metres east of the original 2019 discovery hole. Holes MPD-20-004 to 007 and 009 were also inclined from a second pad 75 metres south of the first (MPD-20-008 was lost in overburden and MPD-20-009 was lost before reaching the target depth). Hole MPD-20-010 was drilled vertically from a third pad located 290 metres west of the second set up (Figures 2 and 3, Table 2). Figure 1: Plan map of the Gate zone showing results of all 2020 drilling. Background data is contoured historic copper-in soil data that shows a 300 metre wide copper anomaly related to and extending over 1 kilometre south from the Gate Zone. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/74509_812257d3d4ed1af6_002full.jpg Figure 2: Cross-section 5515650mN (southern section) and results table for drill holes MPD-20-004 to MPD-20-010, including new results for MPD-20-006 to MPD-20-010. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/74509_812257d3d4ed1af6_003full.jpg Figure 3: Cross-section 5515725mN (northern section) and results table for drill holes MPD-20-001 to MPD-20-003, including new results for MPD-20-003. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/74509_812257d3d4ed1af6_004full.jpg Kodiak's drilling has encountered significant copper-gold mineralization and altered porphyritic host rocks that display all the hallmarks of a well-developed alkalic porphyry system (Figure 4). Exploration in 2021 will include up to 30,000 metres, continuing with step-out drilling at Gate to evaluate the kilometre-long copper-in-soil anomaly, but also the related and larger three kilometre long magnetic low. Drilling will likewise test additional high-priority targets across the MPD property that demonstrate strong potential for copper-gold mineralization. Like Gate, the Dillard and Dillard East Zones are characterized by large regional magnetic lows, copper-in-soil anomalies and encouraging historic drill results (Figure 5). Kodiak has a multi-year, area-based exploration permit for the MPD Project to late 2021. Figure 4: Cross-section 5515650mN (southern section), simplified geology and core photos. To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/74509_812257d3d4ed1af6_005full.jpg Figure 5: MPD Target Areas, 2020 ZTEM Survey - Total Magnetic Intensity (RTP) with historic Cu overlay (heat contours) (Source: 2020 Compilation and GeoInterp, Condor Consulting. To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/74509_812257d3d4ed1af6_006full.jpg Table 2: 2020 MPD Drill Collar Information - Gate Zone Hole ID Easting (UTM Z10) Northing (UTM Z10) Elevation (m) Azimuth (degrees) Dip EOH (m) Reported MPD-20-001 681747 5515700 1260 270 -60 779 2020-09-03 MPD-20-002 681747 5515700 1260 270 -66 836 2020-10-22 MPD-20-003 681747 5515700 1260 270 -50 731 2020-02-16 MPD-20-004 681703 5515625 1265 270 -65 785 2020-09-03 2020-10-22 MPD-20-005 681703 5515625 1265 270 -71 739 2020-11-09 MPD-20-006 681703 5515625 1265 270 -55 726 2020-02-16 MPD-20-007 681703 5515625 1265 270 -80 720 2020-02-16 MPD-20-008 681703 5515625 1265 270 -45 n/a lost in OB MPD-20-009 681703 5515625 1265 90 -80 543 2020-02-16 MPD-20-010 681410 5515633 1238 0 -90 839 2020-02-16 Total 6,698 Kodiak has also granted an aggregate of 939,000 stock options to management, directors and consultants of the Company, exercisable at C$1.56 per share for a period of five years. QA/QC Procedures NQ size core was sampled over approximately three metre intervals. All core samples were sent to ALS Canada Ltd. (ALS) in North Vancouver, BC for preparation and analysis. ALS meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015 for analytical procedures. Samples were analyzed using ALS's Fire Assay Fusion method (Au-AA24) with an AA finish for gold; and by a 33-element four acid digest ICP-AES analysis (ME-ICP61) with additional analysis for Ore Grade Elements (ME-OG62) and Ore Grade Cu (Cu-OG62). In addition to ALS Laboratory quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) protocols, Kodiak implements an internal QA/QC program that includes the insertion of sample blanks, duplicates and standards in the field. Jeff Ward, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Kodiak believes historic results referenced herein to be from reliable sources using industry standards at the time. However, the Company has not independently verified, or cannot guarantee, the accuracy of this historic information. For further information please contact Mr. Knox Henderson, Investor Relations, at 604-551-2360 or khenderson@kodiakcoppercorp.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors Kodiak Copper Corp. Claudia Tornquist President & CEO About Kodiak Copper Corp. Kodiak is focused on its 100% owned copper porphyry projects in Canada and the USA. The Company's most advanced asset is the MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Trough in south-central British Columbia, Canada, where the Company made a discovery of high-grade mineralization within a wide mineralized envelope in 2020. Kodiak also holds the Mohave copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry project in Arizona, USA, near the world-class Bagdad mine. Kodiak's porphyry projects have both been historically drilled and present known mineral discoveries with the potential to hold large-scale deposits. The Company also holds the advanced-stage Kahuna diamond project in Nunavut, Canada. Kahuna hosts a high-grade, near surface inferred diamond resource and numerous kimberlite pipe targets. Kodiak's founder and Chairman is Chris Taylor who is well-known for his gold discovery success with Great Bear Resources. Kodiak is also part of Discovery Group led by John Robins, one of the most successful mining entrepreneurs in Canada. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement (Safe Harbor Statement): This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's exploration plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with conditions in the equity financing markets, and assumptions and risks regarding receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals. Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74509 Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. New Delhi: Gangotri glacier retreated by 0.15 sq km between 2007 and 2016, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday. Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan in a written reply said the melting of Gangotri glacier has been studied by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) by taking Survey of India maps of 1962 as the base. He said that the area of Gangotri glacier was estimated as 224.42 sq km from the maps of 1962, while from 1990 onwards satellite data was used to monitor the Himalayan glaciers. The study by the ISRO during last four decades has revealed that loss in area of Gangotri glacier during the years: (i) 1962 and 2005 was 3.19 sq km; (ii) 1990 and 2007 was 0.13 sq km and (iii) 2007 and 2016 was 0.15 sq km, he said. Major initiatives taken under the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) include establishment of a Centre for Himalayan Glaciology at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in Dehradun and setting up of six thematic task forces, he said. They include natural and geological wealth, water, ice, snow including glaciers, micro flora and fauna and wildlife and animal population, Himalayan agriculture, traditional knowledge system and forest resources and plant diversity. He said state climate change centers have been set up in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and West Bengal. He added that as per the fifth assessment report (AR5) of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published in 2014, globally land and ocean surface temperature has risen by 0.85 degrees Celsius (0.65 to 1.06 degrees) over the period of 1880 to 2012. Many extreme weather and climate events like heat waves, heavy precipitation and severe weather phenomena have been observed since about 1950, he said. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), in line with rising temperatures across the globe, all India mean temperature has risen by nearly 0.60 degrees Celsius over the last 110 years. Further, IMD studies have highlighted that extreme events like heat waves, extreme rainfall events of moderate (>5 cm/day) and high (>10 cm/day) intensity have shown significant positive trend, he said. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Victoria has recorded no new coronavirus cases overnight - just hours ahead of Premier Daniel Andrews announcing what restrictions will remain after lockdown. The state was plunged into stage four restrictions for five days on Friday, with the rules set to end at 11.59pm on Wednesday night. While the lockdown is expected to be eased, restrictions including mandatory mask-wearing are likely to be kept in place when Mr Andrews meets with his cabinet later on Wednesday morning. The Health Department said 40,000 people were tested for the virus on Tuesday and there are 25 active cases across the state. Masked pedestrians at St Kilda Beach in Melbourne on Wednesday morning. Victoria has recorded no new coronavirus cases overnight Workers in PPE load luggage onto a bus outside the Holiday Inn Hotel on Flinders Lane in Melbourne on Tuesday Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to ease Victoria's lockdown on Wednesday, but keep restrictions like mandatory mask-wearing in place Everything you need to know about the restrictions What is expected to change when Victoria's five day lockdown is scheduled to be lifted at 11.59pm Wednesday - Schools to reopen - Crowds to return for the final four days of the Australian Open but in limited numbers What restrictions are expected to remain in place - Masks must be worn in indoor public settings - Limits on household gatherings to remain, which were halved from 30 to 15 a week prior to lockdown Current restrictions in place until 11.59pm Wednesday From Friday February 12 at 11.59pm, new rules apply to Victoria until 11.59pm on Wednesday February 17 due to a worrying new outbreak of the UK mutant strain of Covid-19. Stage Four lockdown for the entire state Only four essential reasons to leave the house - essential shopping, essential work/education, care-giving or two hours of exercise per day All residents must stay within 5km of their home other than essential work or shopper Outdoor exercise must be with your household, intimate partner or one other person not from your household Mandatory masks everywhere except your home No visitors to anyone's home All non-essential shops will be closed Public gatherings banned Work from home Schools closed except for vulnerable children Places of worship closed Weddings banned Funerals capped at 10 people Community spaces including swimming pools and libraries closed Advertisement Former Australian Medical Association President Tony Bartone said no late-night reports of new cases was a positive sign the shutdown would come to an end. 'It would look like we will be coming out of lockdown this evening,' Dr Bartone told Nine's Today on Wednesday. 'Of course, any new cases especially cases which are not already linked to that cluster at the Holiday Inn and not already in isolation would obviously put a last-minute dampener on things, but perhaps looking very likely at this stage. 'Fingers crossed.' Crowds will likely be allowed again at the Australian Open in a limited capacity when Mr Andrews addresses the media to announce the new restrictions. Restrictions on indoor gatherings and visitors to the home are also expected to remain in place. Senior Victorian government ministers met on Tuesday night to finalise plans to drop the lockdown, the Herald Sun reported. Premier Daniel Andrews warned on Tuesday it was unlikely the state would return to the old rules immediately. A near-deserted Bourke St in Melbourne's CBD on Monday. Mr Andrews warned on Tuesday it was unlikely the state would return to the old rules immediately Australian Open crowds are expected to return to Rod Laver Arena on Thursday but with further restrictions. Pictured is a women's quarter final-match in action at the deserted venue on Wednesday 'We'll still have to get tested if we have symptoms. We'll still have to wear masks in a number of settings. There will still be limits to the number of people that can come to your home,' Mr Andrews said. 'We are looking to get back to as close as to what that kind of resting COVID normal was, as we can. But we've got to do it safely.' International flights into Melbourne have been diverted during the lockdown, and the state government has confirmed flights will not resume on Thursday. Mr Andrews said authorities are looking at constructing purpose-built quarantine accommodation outside of central Melbourne, based on the Howard Springs facility in the Northern Territory. Police patrol the streets of Melbourne during the city's five-day 'circuit-breaker' lockdown to slow the spread of Covid-19 It comes as COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria confirmed a 'small group' of employees move between hotels and another office. Managers, executive staff and clinical leaders work for Healthcare Australia, the group that provides medical services for 'cold hotels', travel between their St Kilda Road office and quarantine hotels on some days. 'These staff members may be required to enter a green zone in quarantine hotel to oversee HCA teams on site, but there is no requirement for them to enter a red zone or have contact with residents,' a CQV spokeswoman told AAP. A key recommendation of Victoria's hotel quarantine inquiry interim report stipulated that 'every effort must be made to ensure that all personnel working at the facility are not working across multiple quarantine sites'. Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks about a letter the National Governors Association sent to President Joe Biden and federal officials Monday asking for clarity about which facilities the state should ship vials to of the coronavirus vaccine. Courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomos office A scheme being piloted in Staffordshire will allow consumers to use a click and collect service to access cash directly from shops (Yui Mok/PA) Consumers will be able to use a click and collect service to access cash directly from shops under a scheme being piloted. The Cash in Shop service is coming to the UK after previously being trialled in Switzerland. The pilot scheme will launch in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in March, and those behind it described it as the first stage in a national rollout. Customers will be able to use an app to see which shops have cash available to pre-order for collection in minutes, free of charge. There will be no requirement to make a purchase in the shop. The app could also allow customers to have cash delivered to their doorsteps along with their food orders. Cash in Shop is part of a wider initiative called the Community Access to Cash Pilots (CACP) scheme, which is working across the UK to trial and test various ways to help keep cash sustainable. (This) is the first stage of a national rollout which will see this new and innovative way of accessing cash made available to everyone in the UK Ron Delnevo, Sonect The click and collect service involves cash management specialists Loomis and Sonect, a Swiss financial technology firm. The 2019 Access to Cash Review found nearly a fifth (17%) of people in the UK rely on cash. Those behind the scheme said the service will be particularly valuable to communities that have lost ATMs and bank branches, and participating shops will also benefit from the increased footfall and potential sales. Simon Wood, commercial director of Loomis UK, said: A huge portion of society relies on cash, so we need to keep innovating to ensure we have the infrastructure to support demand. Cash in Shop is a fantastic initiative which matches the needs of consumers and retailers, and will improve the availability of cash in the areas that need it most. Ron Delnevo, UK director of Sonect, said: Burslem will be the first community in the UK to enjoy the Sonect service, from March 2021. This will bring a great start to the new year for those who live in the town and is the first stage of a national rollout which will see this new and innovative way of accessing cash made available to everyone in the UK. Google Australia boss Mel Silva Google is poised to make deals with media companies as a ground-breaking new law forcing tech giants to pay for news content looks likely to pass next week. The company has already made a deal with Seven West Media - the owner of Seven News and the West Australian - for it to feature on Google's News Showcase project. The five-year deal was reported to be worth $30million a year but the details have not been disclosed. Google is also reported to be on the cusp of agreements with the ABC, Guardian Australia and Nine Newspapers, and is also negotiating with News Corp and Daily Mail Australia. Deals had already been struck with smaller publishers including Australian Community Media, InDaily, Solstice and Private Media. SevenWest chairman Kerry Stokes said it was a 'great outcome' and hailed the government's work on its news media bargaining code as 'instrumental in the outcome of this ground-breaking agreement'. A Google spokesman said the company was in discussions with publishers both 'large and small' while a Facebook spokesperson said the firm had been negotiating to 'land commercial deals that reflect the commercial value of news content on our platform'. It comes as the government's proposed law to force Google and Facebook to pay for news looks set to sail through Parliament after Labor declared it will support the bill. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will make some technical amendments before the bill is read in the House for a second time on Wednesday. It could then pass the Senate next week. Google previously claimed the law - known as the News Media Bargaining Code - would 'break the way search works' and would mean the company has 'no choice' but to leave Australia. Think Tank Reset Australia said the threat amounted to bullying of the Australian public. 'The idea Australian regulation could break the internet is such a perverse, outlandish threat, yet Google was blasting it across all its platforms that this just might happen,' said executive director Chris Cooper. Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes The government's world-first code states that if a fee negotiation breaks down then an independent umpire will step in and decide the amount based on a 'final offer' method, which chooses one side's position as the resolution. Australia's battle with Big Tech is being keenly watched by governments across the world, not least in London, Washington DC and Brussels, where concerns have been raised over the 'advertising duopoly' of Google and Facebook. Australian regulators found that for every $100 spent on digital advertising, $53 goes to Google, $28 to Facebook and only $19 goes to others. Google turns over $4.9billion in Australia, with $4.3billion of that from advertising - while many Australian publishers are struggling to make money. The company only paid $59million in Australian corporate tax last year. Mr Frydenberg and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher drew up the law after a three-year inquiry by Australia's competition regulator, the ACCC. The inquiry found Google and Facebook have 'an imbalance in bargaining power' when dealing with news companies. Last month ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said Google and Facebook's threat to leave were possibly empty words. 'They want deals where they're in full control of the deal. That's not a commercial deal in my view,' he said. 'They are going to say things to stop the code coming into force. I think that's what you'd expect them to say. What they'll actually do, I honestly don't know.' He rejected Google's claims that the code will ruin the company's search function. 'I do not accept the argument that the code will break search or destroy a ''free and open Internet'' any more than paid search ads destroyed search,' he said. The Code will initially apply to Facebook NewsFeed and Google Search - but other services such as Instagram and YouTube can be added if a bargaining power imbalance arises. The tech giants would face $10million fines if they don't follow the rules. In addition to payment for content, the measures would also force transparency around the closely guarded algorithms that tech firms use to rank content. The code will require Google and Facebook to give publishers notice of any algorithm changes that are likely to have a significant impact on their traffic. Under a two-way value model, the payment for content would take into account the value that Google and Facebook provide to news organisations by driving traffic to their sites. New Delhi: China on Monday asked India to immediately withdraw its troops from across border area. Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said that it is their precondition and basis to resolve the issue. He said, "Peace of entire region depends on peace of border region." Of late, India had already made a renewed pitch for a "peaceful resolution" of the Dokalam standoff with China through diplomatic channels, insisting that differences should not become disputes. The assertion by New Delhi came on a day China said diplomatic channels remained "unimpeded" to discuss the issue provided India withdraws its troops from Dokalam. Strongly call on India to immediately withdraw frontier defence personnel from across border: Wu Qian, Chinese Defence Ministry Spox #Doklam pic.twitter.com/LuW6pUNvVD ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017 Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay had told reporters that India has been in "close contact" with the Bhutan government on the unfolding developments, noting that diplomatic channels to resolve the issue with China have not broken off. It's our pre-condition & basis for solving situation.Peace of entire region depends on peace of border region: China's Defence Ministry Spox pic.twitter.com/VizLQiM1AJ ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017 When referred to China's demand that status quo be restored in Dokalam, he had said India has also been asking for it. "There is a certain approach to resolve tri-junction issues and that it should not be altered unilaterally." (With PTI Inputs) Also Read: US says it is closely following Sikkim stand-off, urges India, China to engage in dialogue For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Abuja, Feb 16 : Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment as the director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO). In a statement, Buhari voiced confidence that Okonjo-Iweala's track record of "integrity, diligence, and passion for development will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind" as she takes up another "onerous task of service to the world and humanity", Xinhua news agency reported. "Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who over the years set major records of economic reforms in Nigeria as minister of finance, and later minister of foreign affairs, will excel in her new position and validate the global mandate of repositioning and strengthening the multilateral institution for the greater good of all," Buhari said on Monday. Members of the WTO on Monday agreed by consensus to appoint Okonjo-Iweala, a two-time former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, giving her the mandate to revitalize the 164-member global trade body. She is expected to fully take office on March 1. Hyundai on Monday offered a sneak peek of the interior of its latest electric vehicle, the Ioniq 5. It will be unveiled on Feb. 23. The car's skateboard-shaped E-GMP platform developed specifically for EVs eliminates the lump separating the driver and passenger seats. The floor under the rear seats is also flat, enabling the central console box to be moved back and forth. The platform also eliminates the drive shaft of normal cars. The Ioniq 5 is a midsize crossover vehicle that can travel up to 500 km on a single charge. Even a quick, five-minute charge lets it travel a distance of up to 100 km. It will cost around W50 million, falling to around W30 million including government subsidies, and is expected to hit showrooms in April (US$1=W1,103). Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Burma Business Groups Voice Deep Concern Over Regime's Proposed Cyber Law Anti-coup protesters in Yangon on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy YANGON Eight western chambers of commerce, including from the US, UK and EU, have expressed grave concerns about new cybersecurity legislation, proposed by the military regime, saying it empowers the coup leaders to close entire businesses. A joint statement said the draft law would enable the authorities to intervene in business operations at their unfettered discretion, including enforcing data localization, confiscation of equipment and the prohibition of entire operations. The military regime asked IT providers, including mobile operators, to review a draft cyber bill last week that will violate digital rights, privacy, human rights and rights to freedom of expression. The proposed legislation will require internet service providers (ISP) to disclose user information to the authorities at any point without a justifiable reason or independent judicial authorization. The Irrawaddy has been told ISPs will be instructed to keep customer data including internet protocol addresses, phone numbers, national identification numbers, addresses and activity history for three years. The chambers of commerce said the legislation does not align with international standards and regional regulatory frameworks. ISPs may also be required to remove, prevent or destroy any content which may cause hatred and destroy peace and unity. Western investors said these terms are generally undefined in the bill and could be used be extensively. The draft legislation was also condemned by the domestic business community. Last week, the Union of Myanmar Federations of Chambers of Commerce and Industry said the cybersecurity legislation would be a major barrier to foreign direct investment. It said the bill could affect the development of the digital economy and affect the direct flow of investment. The Myanmar Computer Federation (MCF) said it opposed the bill as it violates freedom of speech. It said the bill intends to take legal action against the public and businesses, rather than protect them from cyber threats. IT-related business, including in education, e-commerce, banking, tourism and startups, will stop operations as soon as the bill is enacted, the MCF warned. You may also like these stories: Customers Flock to Withdraw Cash From Myanmar Military-Owned Banks The Coup in Myanmar: How the Generals Miscalculated After Failing to Condemn Coup, China Faces Daily Opposition in Myanmar Meanwhile, the head of Victorias hotel quarantine program, Emma Cassar, confirmed an incident review was being undertaken into how a returned traveller was able to use a nebuliser in his hotel room and whether any staff were at fault. The returned traveller previously told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald he felt he had been blamed for spreading coronavirus through the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel by using a nebuliser, despite saying he was twice given permission from Victorian health authorities to use the medical device while in quarantine. COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria commissioner Emma Cassar addresses the media on Tuesday. Credit:Penny Stephens It is suspected the use of the nebuliser, which turns liquid medications into a fine mist that can be inhaled, caused fine aerosolised particles carrying coronavirus to be suspended in the air and spread throughout the hotel. The Holiday Inn cluster, which has so far infected 19 people, has triggered a lockdown across Victoria for five days in response to fears the highly infectious British variant of the coronavirus had spread throughout the community. Loading Ms Cassar said the investigation was being led by COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria and the Department of Health. It follows an earlier audit of the incident that led Ms Cassar to categorically say there was no record of the medical device ever being declared by the returned traveller at the Holiday Inn hotel at Melbourne Airport. When asked by a reporter if she had spoken to the returned traveller, Ms Cassar said she had spoken to the man directly on Tuesday and apologised for his treatment. But federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has demanded an independent investigation into the incident, saying the patient had put forward a compelling case. The individual has put forward a clear, categorical case and a very compelling case, Mr Hunt told radio station 3AW. Clearly that needs to be assessed independently, so we know the facts. Professor Sutton said public officials still suspect the use of the nebuliser helped seed the Holiday Inn cluster that has plunged the state into lockdown, but it was difficult to determine with absolute certainty how the outbreak unfolded. The Covid-19 testing site in Broadmeadows on Tuesday. Credit:Justin McManus Epidemiological links pointed to those who were on that floor of the quarantine hotel being infected when the nebuliser was in use. Thats the linkage and thats why it supports that theory as opposed to other days when it wasnt in use, he said. These things in the world of epidemiology always remain working hypotheses. Its not to say that coronavirus is not incredibly contagious under normal circumstances. There is no denialism about airborne transmission from my point of view. I know that nebulisers can increase that risk. It has yet to be decided whether Victoria would return to the same restrictions that applied prior to the snap five-day lockdown or whether the new rules, such as mask-wearing at all times outside the home, would be gradually removed. Staff escort guests from the Holiday Inn on Flinders Lane on Tuesday. Credit:Luis Ascui I wish I could give a definitive answer right now but that would not be honest, that would be guesswork at best. So the best thing to do is just wait to see what happens over the next 24 hours, said Mr Andrews. [The lockdown] is working. Has it worked, full stop? We wont know that until tomorrow. But weve got very promising early signs. Two more cases were also detected in international arrivals on Tuesday, taking the total number of active COVID-19 cases in the state to 25. Mr Andrews was speaking to reporters as authorities evacuated one of the states hot hotels, housing high-risk patients who either have coronavirus or are close contacts of someone who does. The returned travellers who were completing their quarantine at the medi-hotel, the Holiday Inn on Flinders Lane, are now being transferred to the Pullman Hotel at Albert Park, while repairs for water damage from a sprinkler system are completed. Mr Andrews also said the Victorian government was considering its options for a purpose-built accommodation hub outside the CBD, to replace the existing hotel quarantine scheme. Its more than just scoping it, we are going to get on and build a facility, he said. On Monday evening, the Health Department announced two more exposure sites, in Broadmeadows. The Department of Health has said a positive case visited Saccas Fruit World between 12.30pm and 1.15pm last Tuesday. The shop is inside the Broadmeadows Central shopping centre. They also visited the Woolworths in the same shopping centre between 12.15pm and 12.30pm on February 9. Hours after the first doses of the long-awaited Pfizer vaccine landed on Australian shores, the TGA granted provisional approval for the AstraZeneca vaccine on Tuesday, paving the way for all Australians to receive a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year. Mr Hunt warned people will not be able to vaccine shop and the coronavirus jab they receive will likely be determined by the medical supply of where they decide to go. When asked whether Australians would be able to request Pfizer, which has a higher efficacy rate of 95 per cent, Mr Hunt responded no. Loading It will be where you go and whats being distributed there, Mr Hunt told radio station 3AW on Tuesday morning. He said it was likely much of the population would be vaccinated with AstraZeneca, describing it as the backbone of the global vaccine program. These vaccines are showing outstanding outcomes around the world, he said All of the initial vaccines, in particular the Pfizer and AstraZeneca, are offering immense protection against serious illness and hospitalisation and loss of life. Background The new phase of EU Confidence Building Measures Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP, has the overall objective to contribute to the facilitation of the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict by supporting the increase of confidence between Chisinau and Tiraspol through joint initiatives involving local authorities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders from both sides of the river. Specific objectives: To contribute to economic and social development by ensuring a more equal access to the opportunities provided by the AA and its DCFTA and integration between the two banks of the Nistru River; To tackle the growing disparity between the Transnistrian Region and the rest of the country by supporting local development and CSOs; To continue supporting the sectoral rapprochement in pilot sectors (i.e. Culture and others) and to progressively include Transnistria in Moldovan-wide development initiatives in order to facilitate the future reintegration while limiting the development gap between both banks; To support the activities of media on both banks of Nistru river through common media production. The programme will represent a framework for engaging in development interventions across the security zone on both sides of the Nistru/Dniestr River, in line with agreements reached in the 5+2 negotiation process. As such, it is comprised of a series of activities that will strengthen, regularize and intensify interaction between otherwise divided societies, aiming to establish this interaction as a norm. It looks to deal strategically with barriers to cooperation experienced by all development cooperation actors working in Transnistria by building the trust towards such actions and broadening opportunities for engagement for a wide range of actors. Special focus will be given to balancing the actual support of the programme to communities on both banks of the Nistru/Dniestr River. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Manager and in coordination with the EU CBM Project Managers, the Communication and Media Officer will ensure visibility and manage all aspects of awareness raising and communication of the EU CBM Programme, in full compliance with the Joint Visibility Guidelines for EC-UN Actions in the Field. The Programme objectives, successes and impacts will be communicated to a large public via print and broadcast media and via high-profile events. The Communication and Media Officer will, under the guidance of the Programme Manager, assume full responsibility for the effective implementation of the communication and visibility activities within EU CBM, including coordination of short-term project experts. The Project Officer works in close collaboration with the Project team as well as the team in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems. Duties and Responsibilities The Communication and Media Officer in close cooperation with the project team, under the direct guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager, will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the Programme) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches. More specifically: Develop a media and awareness raising strategy and take the lead on its implementation in close partnership with UNDP and EU Delegation media specialists; Identify and cultivate key contacts in both the print and the broadcast media on both banks of the Nistru/Dniestr River; Develop a professional media package to provide background information about the project, and establish processes for: (i) regular communication with media contacts; (ii) regular production of press releases; (iii) advising and assisting EU CBM Programme partners in managing local media interest at the community level; Undertake continuous monitoring of the impacts of the media strategy through both a media log and a log of enquiries arising from media exposure; Elaborate, implement and continuously monitor a communication and visibility plan in promotion of the visibility of project results including appropriate feedback mechanisms and monitoring tools; Deliver concrete visibility promotion activities as identified in the plan; Identify appropriate suppliers for the provision of goods and services for EU CBM Programme activities under the communication plan; Write TORs for short-term experts to be hired in implementing activities related to communication and visibility; Lead, coordinate work of, and evaluate project consultants working on EU CBM Programme activities related to communication and visibility; Develop concepts of various communication products such as TV programmes, publications and other promotional and information materials; Write stories, press releases, blog posts and news about the projects most important achievements to be placed in the national media as well as in the local and regional websites; Ensure compliance with all corporate rules and regulations of EU and UNDP in the field of communication and visibility promotion and reporting, specifically the Joint Visibility Guidelines for EC-UN Actions in the field; produce relevant reports according to the rules and procedures of EU and UNDP; Respond to queries from the Government, UNDP and EU with respect to communication and visibility aspects of the project; Prepare periodical reports on communication/media activities and expenses; Provide technical assistance to project beneficiaries and when necessary, travel for control and monitoring purposes to EU CBM field projects; Undertake any other related tasks requested on an ad hoc basis. Key Results: The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Support to Confidence Building Measures Programme. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDPs position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board, the Beneficiary and UNDP management. Competencies Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates commitment to UNDPs mission, vision and values. Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Ensures that programmes and projects are consistent with UN/UNDP values. Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility. Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions. Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Shares knowledge and experience. Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities. Promotes a supportive environment to enhance partnerships, leverages resources and build support for UNDPs strategic initiatives. Collaborates with regional, national and local partners to create and apply knowledge and concepts that will help partners achieve UNDPs development objectives within the country and regional context. Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills. Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise / In-depth knowledge of the Subject-matter Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines. Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff. Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit. Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments. Profound knowledge of public institutions, PR agencies, news agencies and media in Moldova and abroad. Development and Operational Effectiveness Strong communication and inter-personal skills; including the ability to effectively communicate with persons from a variety of backgrounds. Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents. Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting. Ability to provide input to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems. Ability to achieve results and deadlines in a timely manner, maintaining a high standard throughout. Capacity to implement the strategic vision and programmatic goals as laid down in the Project Document. Proven performance in organizing and coordinating major initiatives, events or challenging inter-organizational activities. Adapts flexibly to changing situations, overcomes obstacles and recovers quickly from set-back. Leadership and Self-Management Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback. Ability to achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner, maintaining a high quality standard throughout. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure. Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities. Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively. Required Skills and Experience Education: Masters Degree (or equivalent) in Journalism, Communication/Media Studies or other closely related field. Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible experience is n working with the media, a significant proportion of which should involve taking a leading role in conducting high-level media and awareness raising campaigns successfully targeting national press, television and radio. Experience of work in the Transnistria region and a good understanding of the related context is a very strong advantage. Experience in similar positions in a UNDP and/or EU-funded project is a very strong advantage. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, design/media software, social media, and experience in handling of web based management systems. Language Requirements: Fluency in oral and written English, Romanian and Russian. Knowledge of one or more minority languages relevant for Moldova, including Romani, Gagauzian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and sign language, is an asset. Disclaimer Important applicant information All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment. UNDP is an employer committed to gender equity and to providing equal opportunities to both male and female. UNDP is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply. This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. Applicant information about UNDP rosters Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. Vacancy End Date: 24 March 2021 To apply please address the link: https://bit.ly/3u6xVu0 Yenagoa Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed the speculation that he would defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is friendly. The former president who affirmed his membership of PDP said the party carries everybody along. Talks of Jonathan defecting to the APC emerged late last year after some governors of the party visited him at his Abuja residence. Although the former president had earlier said it was too early to talk about 2023, the rumour that APC chieftains are plotting to give him the party's ticket in the much anticipated election has refused to go away. But speaking yesterday during a thanksgiving service of Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, at the State Ecumenical Centre in Yenagoa, the state capital, Jonathan said he is still a PDP member. He said "PDP has been a very friendly party. I am a member of PDP and I know from the beginning till today that PDP is a friendly party; PDP is a party that carries everybody along. And we should extend that. "At Bayelsa level let us start it so that at the end of the political process and at the end contestation, we can work together for the interest of our people," he stated. Jonathan however took a swipe at Nigerian politicians over the ethnic feud and killings in the country. He blamed their intense struggle for political power for the tension and division in most parts of the country. He asked politicians to stop practicing politics as if democracy is a military Coup d'etat that usually ends in bloodshed and lifetime enmity between the winners and the losers. Jonathan said,"Those of us in politics, we should learn to play politics as politics is not a war. And at the end of any political process, let us all come together and support whoever, by divine intervention, God has made victorious. "If you look at leadership globally, you will notice that there are three ways of taking over leadership. One of them is monarchy where the king is the leader of Government. In such case, the crown Prince is known in advance. At the time of succession, you know the next King and you are usually waiting for the King to die. "In Nigeria, what we know and have witnessed at the national level is government through military coup. And in military coup, those with weapons or guns stage a coup. The assumption is that they want to kill others to assume power. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "And of course if they fail the incumbent will kill all those who plotted the coup. And at the end of the day, in a military coup, if you succeed or not, both parties (incumbent and coup plotters) become lifetime enemies and stay as enemies till death. "A military takeover is not known to law. It is not recognised by the constitution. But the democratic process is recognised by law and known to the constitution. And it is the best approach. We, the modern politicians, should not play politics as if we are participating in a coup d'etat. "And at the end of the political process, we expect that both losers and winners come together. We should learn to carry everyone along. And the losers should know that they do not ferment trouble. "The greatest cause of our present security issues is the contestation for power as if they are participating in a coup d'etat. The idea should be that our country must change and politicians must not participate in the political process as if it is a civil war," he said. Michelle Keegan braved the chilly temperatures to film her latest scenes for Brassic as she donned a full-length puffer jacket between takes on Monday. The actress, 33, who plays Erin Croft on the Sky One series, wore the hood of the white padded coat over her head, during her night on set in Manchester. The star was on set to film her latest scenes for her character in Brassic which see her being pursued through the dark streets by a stalker. Wrapping up: Michelle Keegan braved the chilly temperatures to film her latest scenes for Brassic as she donned a full-length parka coat between takes on Monday Opting for warmth between takes, the former Coronation Street star's ensemble underneath the coat featured a hooded zip-up cheetah print jacket and black jeans. Michelle wore bold hooped earrings with her long brown hair tied in a small top-knot and the rest falling loose around her shoulders. Tapping into her character, she pulled an angry face in what looked like a confrontation with a bald-headed man in a dark coat. Michelle was forced to stop filming the third series of the show last year in order to isolate after she was exposed to COVID-19, although she did not contract the virus. Scary: The actress, 33, who plays Erin Croft on the Sky One series, was on set to film her latest scenes for her character which see her being pursued through the dark streets by a stalker In character: The former Coronation Street star's ensemble underneath the coat featured a hooded zip-up cheetah print jacket and black jeans A source told MailOnline: 'Michelle had to take time away from the Brassic set once again and has been laying low in Essex with her husband Mark Wright. 'She only missed one day of filming. But she needed to isolate after she came into contact with someone in Manchester who had it. 'Luckily it all happened very quickly and Michelle did not return to the Brassic set before isolating. So it didn't affect filming too much. 'She has spent last two weeks in total isolation. She will go back to filming at the end of this week.' Brassic follows the story of Lancashire native Vinnie, who suffers from bipolar disorder and his best friend Dylan, played by Damien Molony, from whom he has been inseparable since childhood. The boys have dealt, scammed, bribed and conned their way through adolescence, but now, on the brink of adulthood, their dealing and stealing is catching up with them, with the repercussions of their crimes heading their way. Michelle plays a single mum seeking a better life for herself and son Tyler, while navigating complicated relationships with show leads Dylan and Vinnie. The new series of Brassic is expected to air on Sky One later this year. PDA: Mark Wright shared a romantic message to his wife Michelle Keegan as he shared a stunning throwback snap of the pair This comes after Michelle's husband Mark Wright shared a romantic message to her on Valentine's day as he shared a stunning throwback snap of the pair. The former TOWIE star, 34, posted a sunkissed snap with the actress as they relaxed on holiday before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the snap, Michelle showcased her taut midriff in a bow-detail crop-top which she paired with white shorts which showed off her endless legs as Mark showcased his toned chest in an open shirt as he embraced his wife. He wrote: 'More moments like these please. Happy Valentine to my 4eva.' Earlier in the day Michelle ensured her beloved chihuahua Pip and dachshund Phoebe were centre stage as she wished fans a 'happy Galentine's Day' on Sunday. Casual: Earlier in the day Michelle ensured her beloved chihuahua Pip and dachshund Phoebe were centre stage as she wished fans a 'happy Galentine's Day' on Sunday The actress cut a casual figure in grey sweatpants and a matching comfortable jumper while enjoying a quiet weekend at home with her pets. She tied her brunette locks up into a messy bun and rocked a full face of makeup, including a slick of blusher and highlighted to accentuate her pretty features. Michelle, who is married to former TOWIE star Mark Wright, 34, decided to leave him out of her post on Valentine's and instead focus on the women in her life. Sharing the adorable snap with Phoebe and Pip, Michelle penned: 'Happy Galentines day from me and the girls!' FAIRFIELD - Sacred Heart University held a COIVD-19 Memorial Service on Monday to honor and remember the Connecticut residents and members of the Sacred Heart community who died due to the coronavirus. It included a welcome message, music and reading the names of the deceased. The C.F Martin Guitar & Co Foundation has distributed $3.65 million in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Tweet this The Foundation's core principles are to support Martin Guitar's engagement with nonprofit music, arts, education, environmental action, and human service organizations. The Foundation does not fund political or religious organizations or activity. The Directors manage the Foundation's assets conservatively to allow for long-term planning and seek best value from Foundation grant-making for the people and causes that their grantees serve. Lehigh Valley and regional organizations receiving Foundation support in 2019 were: Allentown Rescue Mission, ArtsQuest, Center for Humanistic Change, Community Music School, Da Vinci Science Center, Godfrey Daniels, Greater Easton Development Partnership, Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Moravian Historical Society, Muhlenberg College, New Bethany Ministries, Northampton Community College Foundation, PBS 39, Second Harvest, State Theatre Center for the Arts, Touchstone Theatre, WDIY-FM, and several other Lehigh Valley charities. The Northampton Community Foundation grant supports equipment and materials for the College's guitar-making program in Bethlehem. In Nazareth, the Foundation supported the YMCA, Memorial Library, Nazareth Area Food Bank, and several other charities. The Foundation also made grants to national organizations with strong arts presence and programs in acoustic guitar education and research: Guitars in the Classroom (San Diego, CA), International Bluegrass Music Museum (Owensboro, KY), Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City), Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix, AZ), Museum of Making Music (Carlsbad, CA), Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago, IL), Southern Folklife Collection at University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC), WHYY (Philadelphia), Woody Guthrie Center (Tulsa, OK), and several other organizations. The Foundation supported current projects at the Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings in Hawaii honoring the life of musician Major Kealakai (1867-1944), who played a key role in the development of Martin's flagship guitar, the Dreadnought. The 2020-21 Foundation Directors are C. F. Martin IV, Chairman and CEO of Martin Guitar Company and Foundation President; Diane Martin, Foundation Vice President; Dick Boak, retired Martin Guitar Director of Museum, Archives, and Special Projects; James Dunleavy, Vice President, Finance and Operations, Northampton Community College and Foundation Treasurer; Debra Karlowitch, retired Martin Guitar Vice President of Human Resources and Foundation Secretary; Susan Kubik, Managing Principal of eAdvancement and retired Executive Director of Northampton Community College Foundation; Matthew Kennedy, Administrative & Operations Assistant at Martin Guitar; Dr. Roland Kushner, Professor of Business at Muhlenberg College; and Charles J. Peischl, Esq., of Peters, Moritz, Peischl, Zulick, Landes & Brienza. The Foundation will accept applications for 2021 grants between August 1, 2021, and September 1, 2021. To obtain guidelines, send an inquiry by email to [email protected]. SOURCE C.F. Martin Guitar Co. 16-Year Project Includes Excavation of Approximately 16.5 Million Cubic Yards of Ponded Ash, Construction of Three New Onsite Lined Landfills and Landfill O&M Work 8-Year Project Includes Excavation of Approximately 5.5 Million Cubic Yards of Ponded Ash, New Onsite Lined Landfill Construction, Dam Decommissioning and Landfill O&M Work LOUISVILLE, KY / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Charah Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:CHRA) (the "Company"), a leading provider of mission-critical environmental services and byproduct sales to the power generation industry, today announced that it has been awarded two long-term ash pond closure contracts, both closure by removal, by a Southeastern utility. As part of this contract, Charah Solutions will complete dewatering, ash excavation and ash relocation into existing and newly constructed lined landfill cells, as well as subsequent site closure work at two different sites. The first project's scope includes the clean closure excavation of approximately 16.5 million cubic yards of ash from two ponds, construction of three new onsite coal combustion residuals (CCR) lined landfills (122 acres in total), landfill operation and maintenance (O&M) of production ash through station retirement, and subsequent closure of the three new CCR lined landfills. This project is scheduled to begin March 2021 and take approximately 16 years to complete. The second project's scope includes clean closure excavation of approximately 5.5 million cubic yards of ponded ash, construction of a new 43-acre onsite CCR lined landfill, dam decommissioning, landfill O&M of production ash, and subsequent closure of one existing CCR lined landfill and the new 43-acre landfill. This project is scheduled to begin March 2021 and take approximately 8 years to complete. At both sites, Landfill O&M services will include operations of silos, CCR material loading and hauling, CCR material placement in the landfill and overall landfill management operations such as erosion and sediment control, active landfill maintenance, landfill cover placement and stabilization, record keeping and dust control. "Charah Solutions has decades of proven experience and expertise to handle every regulatory, engineering and technical issue related to pond excavation and CCR landfill management," said Scott Sewell, Charah Solutions President and CEO. "We are delighted to offer our full suite of services to meet our customer's specific needs, in this case managing the impoundment excavation and closure, lined landfill construction and onsite CCR operations, ensuring a well-managed and compliant program from start to finish." About Charah Solutions, Inc. With 30 years of experience, Charah Solutions, Inc. is a leading provider of environmental services and byproduct sales to the power generation industry. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Charah Solutions assists utilities to sustainably manage and recycle ash byproducts generated from the combustion of coal in the production of electricity. The Company also designs and implements solutions for ash pond management and closure, landfill construction, fly ash sales, and structural fill projects. Charah Solutions is the partner of choice for solving customers' most complex environmental challenges, and as an industry leader in quality, safety, and compliance, the Company is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for a cleaner energy future. For more information, please visit www.charah.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "may," "expect," "estimate," "project," "plan," "believe," "intend," "achievable," "anticipate," "will," "continue," "potential," "should," "could," and similar terms and phrases. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments, and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. See the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and other periodic reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for further information regarding risk factors. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Investor Contact Roger Shannon Charah Solutions (502) 245-1353 ir@charah.com Media Contact Keaton Price Charah Solutions (502) 593-4692 media@charah.com SOURCE: Charah Solutions, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629806/Charah-Solutions-Awarded-Two-Long-Term-Ash-Pond-Closure-Contracts-Totaling-Approximately-22-Million-Cubic-Yards-by-Southeastern-Utility The Republican former president was accused of inciting riots in the Capitol which left five people, including a police officer, dead US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, with House impeachment managers, speaks to the press after the Senate voted to acquit former US President Donald Trump, in the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 13, 2021. (Alex Edelman / AFP) Washington: US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has proposed a 9/11-type independent commission to investigate the storming of the Capitol by supporters of former president Donald Trump on January 6, which is seen as one of the darkest days in the history of America's democracy. Pelosi said this in a Dear Colleague letter on Monday, less than 50 hours after the Senate -- the upper chamber of US Congress -- acquitted Trump following an impeachment trial on charges of inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol hill, putting at risk the lives of hundreds of lawmakers. It is clear from his findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened, she said in a letter to her Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives. To protect our security, our security, our security, our next step will be to establish an outside, independent 9/11-type Commission to investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021 domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex and relating to the interference with the peaceful transfer of power, including facts and causes relating to the preparedness and response of the United States Capitol Police and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement in the National Capitol Region, Pelosi wrote. Her letter follows similar demands being made by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Three Republican congressmen -- Rodney Davis, John Katko and James Comer -- have proposed a bill that would create a bipartisan commission. Pelosi, a top Democrat, further said in the letter: As we prepare for the Commission, it is also clear from General Honore's interim reporting that we must put forth a supplemental appropriation to provide for the safety of members and the security of the Capitol, she said as the country observed President's Day, celebrating the birthdays of two greatest American presidents -- George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, in a tweet supporting Pelosi, said: One of the darkest days in the history of our democracy deserves to be examined and investigated in great detail. We cannot dismiss and forget the violence that day or how close our republic came to being overthrown. On February 13, the US Senate acquitted Trump in his second impeachment trial in just over a year, after the Democrats failed once again to muster enough votes to convict the former president on a charge of inciting the deadly insurrection at the Capitol on January 6. The Senate voted 57-43 on Saturday to convict Trump on a single impeachment count incitement of insurrection. But that majority of all 50 Democrats in the upper chamber of the US Congress, joined by seven Republicans, fell 10 votes short of the 67 needed for a conviction, two-thirds of the 100-member Senate. The 74-year-old Republican former president was accused of inciting riots in the Capitol which left five people, including a police officer, dead. Trump is the first president in US history to be impeached by the House of Representatives twice, and the first to be tried for impeachment after leaving office. The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, also known as the 9/11 Commission, was a bipartisan-panel established to create a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11 attacks, including preparedness for and the immediate response to the attacks. The commission -- chaired by five Republicans and five Democrats and convened by Congress as part of a legislation signed by former president George W Bush -- interviewed over 1,200 people in 10 countries and concluded that the FBI and CIA failed to adequately assess the terrorist threats, among other things. The World Health Organization on Monday authorized the use of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, clearing a path for the cheap and easy-to-store shots to be distributed in lower- and middle-income countries around the world. A small clinical trial in South Africa recently failed to show that the vaccine could keep people from getting mild or moderate cases of Covid-19 caused by a coronavirus variant spreading there. But that vaccine had protected all participants against severe disease and death in other trials and may yet prevent severe disease and death caused by the variant first detected in South Africa. The authorization, expected after a panel of W.H.O. experts recommended use of the vaccine last week, applied to the vaccines two manufacturers: AstraZeneca and the Serum Institute, the Indian producer that will supply many doses for the Covax initiative to bring vaccines to poorer parts of the world. The W.H.O. last year authorized the Pfizer-BionNTech vaccine. But its decision on AstraZenecas vaccine has been highly anticipated, because the low price and easy storage requirements have made the vaccine the backbone of rollout plans in many countries around the world. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Event Management Software Market by Component (Software (Event Registration and Ticketing, Content Management) and Services), Deployment Type, Organization Size, End User (Event Organizers and Planners, Government), and Region - Global Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Event Management Software Market size is expected to grow from USD 3.6 billion in 2020 to USD 6.4 billion by 2026, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.0% during the forecast period. The rising demand for event automation, increased demand to capture actionable insights from events, and growing use of social media platform for event marketing are a few factors driving the growth of the event management solutions. Browse in-depth TOC on "Event Management Software Market" 260 - Tables 38 - Figures 223 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=136859992 The sudden shutdown of offices, schools, colleges, and physical retail stores has massively disrupted operations; this has led to an increase in the demand for digital workplace tools and services, such as Zoom, Slack, Blackboard, Lynda, Canvas, Google Classroom, AnyMeeting, and Moodle. AWS, Microsoft, and Google host and manage all applications in a public cloud environment. Increased spend on cloud services by select industries due to COVID-19. End usres, such as corporate, government, and education are expected to increase spending on virtual events. The market is expected to be driven by the need of enhanced event management software The event management software refers to a wide range of software products used in the management of trade exhibitions, conferences, and events. It helps enhance the quality of events and provides enhanced visibility for event organizers. Managing events require many hours of hard work of the existing resources; therefore, to streamline the planning, scheduling, and event marketing processes, various organizations are opting for the event management software, which helps them in facilitating reliable and outstanding services to the attendees and customers at a lower cost. The event management software segment is further divided into venue management software, event registration and ticketing software, event planning software, event marketing software, analytics and reporting software, visitor management software, content management software, onsite technology, and others (resource scheduling software and catering software). Get Special Pricing on Bundle Reports: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/RequestBundleReport.asp?id=136859992 Increased scalability and flexibility is driving the adoption of cloud-based deployment Cloud-based services are provided directly through the cloud-deployed network connectivity. These services help in reducing the overall costs while providing highly flexible and scalable access to event management solutions through the IT infrastructure, hosted by cloud service providers. Companies are deploying event management solutions in the cloud to improve their mobility and decentralize data storage and computing. Security is a critical issue, which restricts the adoption of cloud services. However, this issue is gradually eradicated by conducting rigorous security tests to the highest standards by third parties. Owing to various advantages, such as pay-per-use option, and reduced installation and maintenance costs, several enterprises are switching from the on-premises event management software to the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based software. Get 10% Customization on this Research Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=136859992 North America to dominate the global event management market in 2020 North America has always been technologically ahead in terms of the adoption of advanced technologies due to high awareness among enterprises regarding the benefits and presence of expertise among the workforce to develop innovative solutions across all technology segments. The Event Management Software Market is another technological segment where enterprises in North America have stayed ahead in the curve to enhance sales and marketing strategies. This growth can be attributed to organizations' shift from on-premises to cloud-based solutions and services, along with the adoption of digital business strategies. The trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. North America is an advanced market due to the presence of many players offering event management software solutions. Moreover, its strong financial position enables it to invest heavily in the adoption of the latest and leading tools and technologies for ensuring effective business operations. Such advantages help organizations in this region gain a competitive edge. North America has the first-mover advantage in the adoption of new technologies, such as Smartphone's and cloud platforms. The region has the headquarters of many large enterprises and hosts various international events. Enterprises are willingly investing in North America. The factors expected to drive the growth of the Event Management Software Market in North America are the stable economy, technological enhancements, and advanced infrastructure. Browse Adjacent Markets: Software and Services Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Web Content Management Market by Solution (Digital Marketing Management, Mobile and Social Content Management, and Web Experience Management), Service, Deployment Type, Organization Size, Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/web-content-management-market-255522685.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/event-management-software-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/event-management-software.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Washington: A US Navy surveillance aircraft was intercepted by two Chinese J-10 fighter jets in an unsafe manner over the East China Sea on Sunday, prompting evasive action by the formers pilot to avoid a collision, the Pentagon has said. (the US Navy aircraft) EP-3 flying in international airspace on the East China Sea was intercepted by two Chinese J-10s. One of them came underneath it at a high rate of speed, then slowed and pulled up. This caused the EP-3s T-Cast alarm to go off essentially, and it was forced to take evasive action to prevent the possibility of collision, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters yesterday. Obviously its something we watch very closely, he said. Another Pentagon official later described the Chinese action as unsafe. Davis said the incident took place on Sunday in the area between the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea, west of the Korean peninsula and east of Qingdao. He said the Chinese fighter jets were there for a while and flying wing-to-wing as well. Also Read: China asks India, US not to disturb peace in South China Sea Again, such intercepts, when theyre conducted safely, are not uncommon. This particular manoeuver that took place during the course of it was not safe, Davis said in response to a question. According to the Pentagon spokesman, the vast majority of interactions that they have with the Chinese military are perfectly safe. This was the exception, not the norm, he said. Also Read | South China Sea row: Beijing fumes as US sends navy warship near disputed region For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. President Joe Biden makes his first official trip outside of Washington D.C. on Tuesday when he heads to Milwaukee for a CNN town hall to tout his domestic agenda. His focus will be on promoting his $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan, which is making its way through Congress. Republicans oppose its high cost while Democrats argue the massive amount of aid is necessary to combat the economic price of the pandemic. Biden's focus is on the Midwest this week, to states that make up the critical 'blue wall' of blue-collar voters who handed Biden the White House. In addition to Wisconsin on Tuesday, he'll visit Michigan on Thursday, where he'll tour a Pfizer manufacturing facility producing the COVID-19 vaccine. Donald Trump carried both states in 2016 but Biden won them back for Democrats in 2020 - albeit by small margins. He'll need both states again in 2024. President Joe Biden makes his first official trip outside of Washington D.C. on Tuesday when he heads to Milwaukee for a CNN town hall to tout his $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan Biden is pushing for expanded relief for Americans - above people visit a food bank in Los Angeles Milwaukee also has additional symbolism for Biden. It was to be the host city for the Democratic National Convention, where Biden would be crowned the party's presidential nominee, until COVID-19 caused it to be canceled in exchange for a smaller event in Wilmington. Tuesday's town hall, moderated by CNN's Anderson Cooper, will be socially distanced. Biden will take questions from a small, invitation-only audience of Democrats, Republicans and independents. It begins at 9 p.m. ET at the Pabst Theater and is scheduled to run an hour. It will be the first time Biden hears from voters since he took the oath of office. Due to the COVID pandemic he has confined himself to the White House. He's traveled to his home in Wilmington and to Camp David but Tuesday marks his first major trip as president. The last round of stimulus passed by Congress is set to expire on March 14 - above volunteers distribute meals at a Food bank in New York City Mark Preston, CNN's vice president of political special event programming, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that CNN approached the Biden team after the election to see if the president would want to discuss his agenda. Preston said the White House was interested in doing an event in the Midwest and mentioned several cities, including Milwaukee. Biden is pushing his plan outside of Washington against a ticking clock. The last round of stimulus passed by Congress is set to expire on March 14. The president is working to wrangle bipartisan support. On Friday, he held a meeting with Republican and Democratic mayors and governors in the Oval Office. Democratic Senator Chris Coons, a close Biden ally, said Sunday that Democrats in Congress could pass the legislation without Republican help if necessary. 'If a month from now as unemployment checks are on the verge of stopping for ten million Americans, we can proceed with a Democrat-only bill. President Biden is uniting the American people, he's moving forward with relief that has the support of three-quarters of the American people,' Coons said on ABC's 'This Week.' But Cedric Richmond, a White House senior adviser, said the administration is working to get Republican support for its plan. 'We are still working every day to see if we can get Republican support for the plan. What we won't do is slow down and not meet the needs of the American people by waiting,' he told CNN on Monday. After choosing to quit the royal family early last year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set for a very different experience as they become parents for the second time in sunny California rather than Windsor, with a backdrop of big-money deals with Netflix and Spotify, rather than staid royal duties. But while their new path might seem unprecendeted in the royal family, the couple may well look for inspiration at Harry's cousin Lord Frederick Windsor, 41, and, more importantly, his wife Sophie. The former Peep Show star, 40, became the first member of the royal family to give birth in the US when she had her older daughter Maud in LA in 2013, and could provide a blueprint for Meghan in the coming months. Like Maud, who was granted US citizenship after being born at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, the new Baby Sussex number two will both be a US and a British citizen. Sophie, who rose to fame as Big Suze in the hit comedy Peep Show, was playing Ashton Kutcher's girlfriend on Two and a Half Men at the time, but has since relocated to London and is set to resume her acting career, which went on hold after a serious car accident, and then the pandemic. Despite this, she's insisted there's no conflict between her career and being a member of the royal family, albeit on the fringes, telling The Times she's not had 'a single negative experience', saying: Ive been incredibly welcomed with open arms by all of them 'The Queens been wonderful, Prince Charles has been wonderful, Prince Williams been heaven. Theyd never tell me off at all if I wanted to play some [racy] role.' Lord Frederick Windsor, 41, left and former actress Sophie Winkleman, 40, had their first daughter Maud, pictured, who is 51st in line for the throne in 2013. She was the first royal baby born on US soil (pictured: the family on the occasion of Maud's christening in December 2013) Sophie, now Lady Windsor, married Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Princess Michael of Kent, the Queen's first cousin once removed, in 2009 at Hampton Court, Surrey. Four years into their marriage they lived in Los Angeles due to the demands of Sophia's career, who had a recurring role on the US series Two and a Half Men. Their daughter Maud was born at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles in August 2013, becoming the first royal baby to be born on US soil. Maud and her younger sister Isabella, who was born in 2016 in the UK, do not have royal titles. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are already the parents of Archie, who turns two in May, have announced on Valentine's Day that they are expecting their second child, who is likely to be born in the US. They accompanied their statement with a black and white picture revealing Meghan Markles' baby bump Sophie as Big Suze in the Channel 4 hit Peep show. Sophie's career has remained active after she's married into the royal family in 2009 Who is actress Sophie Winkleman and what has she starred in? Best known for playing Big Suze in the Channel 4 show Peep Showm, the half-sister of Claudia Winkleman was born in London to author Barry Winkleman, who published the Times Atlas of World History, and the author Cindy Black. She attended the same school as actress Romola Garai, the London City school for girls, and was a member of the National Youth Theatre. While studying English Literature at Cambridge she joined the famous Cambridge Footlights troupe during her studies at Trinity Hall. Early success came with a nomination for the BBC Best Newcomer for her performance in 'Waking the Dead' in 2002. In 2005, she starred in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe where she played an older version of Susan. From 2011 to 2015, she played a recurrent role as Ashton Kutcher's girlfriend in the American sitcom Two and a Half Men from 2011 to 2015. More recently, she played Lady Susan in the ITV re-imagination of Jane Austen's unfinished Sanditon. Other roles include appearances in Death In Paradise, Trust, and CSI: Miami. She married Lord Frederick Windsor on September 12 2009 after a seven-month-long engagement. The couple have two daugthers: Maud, who was born in Los Angeles in 2013 and Isabella, who was born in England in 2016. In November 2017, she was caught in a car accident which left her with severe injuries. She is now suing for more than 200,000 compensation after breaking her back in the crash. Advertisement Maud is 51st in line to the throne, but is much further down than her royal third cousin Archie, who is seventh on line, and she will be bumped down a few notches after the birth of Archie's sibling and Zara Tindall's third child. In spite of their parents' US stint, Maud, who was Christened at St James Chapel in Windsor in December 2013, and Isabella are close to their cousins. After Sophie, her husband and their two daughters have relocated to London, Maud used to attend Thomas's Battersea, the same school as Prince George six, and Princess Charlotte, five before the coronavirus pandemic. Maud is close with her cousins and is in the same class as George: the pair are reportedly great friends. She was also one of Princess Eugenie's bridesmaids on her 12 October 2018 wedding to Jack Brooksbank, along with Princess Charlotte, Isla and Savannah Phillips and Mia Tindall. Because Maud was born in the US, she was granted US citizenship at birth, but her sister Isabella, four, only has the British citizenship because she was born in London and both her parents are British. In the Sussex case, both Archie and his siblings will have dual citizenship due to the fact Meghan is a US citizen and Prince Harry is British. However, the younger Sussex will be able to run for the US presidency if he chooses, because of being born on US soil; Archie, who was born in England in 2019, cannot pretend to become the US Commander in Chief. Alongside marrying into royalty and the birth of her two daughter, Sophie has also kept working as an actress, appearing in ITV's shortlived Sanditon series in 2019 and recently had a recurring role in C.B Strike, a crime drama based on the novel by Robert Galbraith. Sophie's life as a working actress and working royal could be a blueprint for Meghan if she wished to go back o acting after the birth of her second baby. The Suits actress has been focusing on her philanthropy following the couple's decision to step back as senior royals, but she has also done some voiceover work for Disney, and narrated their Elephant animated movie on Disney+. It was announced in September 2020 that the Sussexes had struck a multiyear deal with Netflix, meaning Meghan's time behind the screen are not over. Sophie's younger daughter Isabella, pictured at Lady Gabriella Windsor's wedding in May 2019, was born in the UK and only has UK citizenship. Maud, who was born in the US, is an US citizen as well as a British citizen Harry and Meghan announced on Valentine's Day that they were expecting - the same day Princess Diana revealed she was expecting Harry in 1984. They are yet to reveal when they are expecting the baby, who will be a younger brother or sister to Archie who turns two in May. Royal biographer Angela Levin said news of Meghan's pregnancy was tinged with sadness for the Royal family because they are unsure when they will get to meet the new baby, not having seen Archie for months. She told ITV: 'The worrying thing, of course, is will this new baby ever see their father's family? 'I think there's a doubt over that. They'll be a little American, they can also be English too. But will the royals ever see them?' Ms Levin added: 'I think the Queen made a very nice comment that everybody's delighted, and of course they are. 'But there is a sadness underneath that she hasn't seen Archie as a person for a very long time. 'So there's a sorrow even though they will be her eleventh great-grandchild, which will be quite amazing. 'But I do think it's quite sad as well as being happy.' Insurer opts to make sweeping changes to its operations, partnering with LTI to implement the full Duck Creek Suite via Duck Creek OnDemand Boston, Feb. 16, 2021, the provider's SaaS solution for the P&C insurance industry. Having previously migrated Duck Creek Claims to Duck Creek OnDemand, MBG CIO Adam Solomon saw the benefits immediately and made the decision to carry out the same process for all of its core insurance technologies. The carrier is partnering with LTIfor this business transformation initiative, and all three organizations intend to work closely together throughout the process. As part of a broader cloud strategy for its business, the carrier's decision to migrate all of its core systems to SaaS was driven by a desire for a modern operating model that will allow them to shift more resources to direct support of their agents and customers. A regional carrier in a market saturated by the largest players in the industry, MBG saw this move to SaaS as an opportunity to use technology to help level the playing field and deliver exceptional customer experiences. "Moving the rest of our systems to a cloud-native, continuously updated, highly-secure system is a transformative step in our journey to a model that will ensure we remain meaningful and competitive in our marketplace," said Adam Solomon, CIO of Mutual Benefit Group. "Our team, along with LTI and Duck Creek, adopted a test and learn approach, and we intend to regularly update the system and take advantage of new features as they become available. Not only will this approach modernize our customer and agent relationships and transaction capability, it adopts a new target operating model that fundamentally changes our business. Significant innovation is required to achieve this goal; through the process, MBG is establishing and adopting a new standard for insurance operations that will give us long-term viability in an ever-changing digital world." OnDemand is Duck Creek's cloud-based, SaaS delivery solution for all Duck Creek applications, providing all services, support, and computing resources carriers need. By leveraging the best available technology and continuously delivering new functionality to solve ever-changing P&C insurance business challenges, OnDemand enables a fundamentally new approach to competing in today's industry - one where technology supports strategy rather than dictating it. "This transformation will enable Mutual Benefit Group to be among the most agile and responsive partners to its employees, agents, and policyholders," said Sanjay Jalona, CEO & Managing Director, LTI. "We are proud of this groundbreaking partnership with MBG and Duck Creek that will optimize operational costs and result in profitable growth, both now and in the future." LTI is a Premier Systems Integrator partnerof Duck Creek, offering proven solutions to power underwriting profitability, claims efficiency, loss prevention, new channel distribution, and modern user experiences. "We are honored that Mutual Benefit Group has seen the value of Duck Creek OnDemand so quickly and made such a transformative decision to move the remainder of their full Duck Creek Suite to our evergreen SaaS solution," said Michael Jackowski, CEO of Duck Creek Technologies. "Duck Creek OnDemand keeps MBG current on the latest technologies and offers a significant paradigm shift, one we believe will have a tremendous impact." "Plus, partnering with LTI on this project was a great choice," Jackowski continued. "They enjoy an excellent reputation in our industry, and represent exactly the type of domain knowledge, commitment to customer success, and industry focus that we value in a successful implementation partner." To learn more, register for The Future of Insurance Operations webcastwith MBG and LTI on Thursday, March 25th at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. About Mutual Benefit Group: MBG has been providing home, auto, and commercial insurance since 1908; the carrier works diligently each day to help build and protect its policyholders' economic well-being and provide for their security. MBG is known for its strong relationships with policyholders and agents; for its responsive, friendly, knowledgeable staff; and for claims service that consistently garners a high level of satisfaction, notably 96% based on 2017F policyholder surveys. Learn more at www.mutualbenefitgroup.com. About LTI: LTIor follow us at @LTI_Global. About Duck Creek Technologies: Duck Creek Technologies, the company's enterprise Software-as-a-Service solution, insurance carriers are able to navigate uncertainty and capture market opportunities faster than their competitors. Duck Creek's functionally-rich solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. For more information, visit www.duckcreek.com. Media Contact: Paul Rechichi Racepoint Global 617-624-3295 prechichi@racepointglobal.com Attachments A deadly tornado ripped through the area of Brunswick County in southeastern North Carolina late Monday night, claiming at least three lives and injuring at least 10 others. "It's something like I have never seen before. A lot of destruction," Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram said at a press conference. "It's going to be a long recovery process." As the sun rose Tuesday morning, more and more images of damage from the destructive twister emerged. A storm survey team from the National Weather Service assessed some of the damage on Tuesday and gave the twister a preliminary rating of an EF3 with winds estimated at 160 mph. "Devastating damage to many homes, especially in the Ocean Ridge Plantation area," the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) said on Facebook. "BCSO, Brunswick County Emergency Services and multiple fire and law enforcement agencies remain on scene assessing damages and working to clear debris from roads." A property owner videos the damage to a home from severe weather in Brunswick County, N.C. near the town of Sunset Beach, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris Seward) The tornado was spawned by the ongoing winter storm that has draped the nation in heavy snow and ice. AccuWeather meteorologists previously forecast that the storm had the potential to trigger severe weather in the Southeast due to the system's clash with warmer air in the region. The fatal twister initially pounded the Ocean Ridge Plantation area late Monday night, shortly before midnight. According to local emergency management officials, over 50 homes were damaged, including multiple that were completely destroyed. Brunswick County Emergency Management said people were trapped in homes and the Wilmington Fire Department said on Twitter that teams would be sent to help find people throughout Tuesday. Multiple structures were completely destroyed by the possible tornado in southeastern North Carolina. (Facebook/Brunswick County Sheriff's Office) As the twister charged on, the hardest-hit locations are the coastal towns of Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach and Carolina Shores, where buildings were completely leveled, according to WECT. Story continues Multiple power lines were downed by the tornado, leaving over 37,000 Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation customers without power at 1 a.m. local time. Before the sun rose on Tuesday, over 37,000 residents in the areas affected by the tornado were left without power as many structures were either destroyed or severely damaged. (Facebook/Brunswick County Sheriff's Office) On Tuesday morning, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper shared his thoughts and prayers for the affected areas on Twitter. "At least three deaths, a number of injuries and damage to dozens of homes caused by a fierce tornado in Brunswick County last night," he said. "I have spoken with Sheriff Ingram and County Commission Chair Thompson, and the state has sent help." Drone footage from CBS captured one of the most directly impacted locations near Ocean Ridge Plantation, depicting homes completely ruined and entire streets with damage. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The NWS shared that officials have reported downed power lines along Highway 17 near Highway 904 in the Grissettown area. CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Earlier on Monday, another tornado made landfall near Damascus, Georgia, located near Early County. The twister was initially spotted around 5 p.m. local time and preliminary damage assessments from the NWS confirmed it to have inflicted EF2 damage. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said another round of severe weather may be likely for the region as a second major winter storm travels from Texas to Maine this week. That second round may even threaten the same afflicted area from Monday night, he warned. "Heavy, gusty thunderstorms are almost a certainty from the central Gulf Coast on Wednesday to the northeast Gulf Coast and the southern Atlantic coast on Thursday," Sosnowski said. "Of these storms, a small percentage can turn severe with the risk of damaging winds and perhaps a few isolated tornadoes." Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios. By Yi Whan-woo North Korea has attempted to hack pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to steal its COVID-19 vaccine proprietary information, according to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Tuesday. "The spy agency briefed us the North tried to obtain technology involving the coronavirus vaccine and treatment by using cyberwarfare against Pfizer," Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party who is a member of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, said after a meeting of the committee with the NIS behind closed doors. He added the secretive state also attempted to hack into South Korean companies developing coronavirus vaccines; but did not elaborate on whether such attempts were successful. Pfizer's offices in Asia and South Korea did not make any immediate comment. The revelation comes despite the North's repeated claims it has zero cases of COVID-19, although outside experts doubt such assertions. According to Ha, an average of 158,000 attempted cyberattacks from the North have been reported per day, up 32 percent from 2020. The lawmaker said most attempts were blocked by the NIS in cooperation with the relevant organizations. The cash-strapped North has been accused of nurturing hackers to steal cash and virtual money. Some experts speculated that the hackers might be more interested in selling the stolen vaccine data rather than using it to develop a localized vaccine. Meanwhile, the NIS also reported the North recently enacted a law aimed at preventing the influx of hallyu, or South Korean pop culture, into the country and toughening the punishment for any violators. The enactment is in accordance with its leader Kim Jong-un's criticism of any anti-socialist movements within the secretive state. "Those who bring and distribute hallyu content into the country could now be subject to the death penalty. The prison term for those who watch the content was also increased from five year to 15," Ha said. Winemaking giant Treasury Wine Estates has cancelled a potential demerger of its high-end wine brand Penfolds and has switched its focus to divesting some of its US brands as it looks to increase international sales in the face of Chinas anti-dumping tariffs. Treasury had said as recently as last week it had temporarily paused its work on a potential demerger of Penfolds, however, chief executive Tim Ford told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald the mooted $6.5 billion spin-off was now no longer in contention. Treasury Wine Estates chief executive Tim Ford. Credit:Simon Schluter The company instead unveiled plans to split its business into three internal divisions of Penfolds, Treasury Premium Brands and Treasury Americas, along with a series of divestments relating to its US assets which it hopes will return at least $300 million to the business. The focus right now is purely on this new divisional operating model weve announced today, Mr Ford said. Thats how were going to run the business for the foreseeable future, and weve stopped any work on demerger options. LONDON, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Opsmatix, an innovative provider of AI-powered omnichannel operations automation solutions, today announces that Calastone, the world's largest global funds network, has implemented the Opsmatix SaaS platform to process increasing business and email volumes into Calastone's Operations Team. Currently, Calastone supports some 2,500 clients in 44 countries and territories and processes over 200 billion of investment value every month. Opsmatix was selected following a rigorous proof of concept that demonstrated the system's unrivalled automation capabilities in terms of categorising and understanding the intent of incoming client queries. The new system will enable the firm to scale its client handling capability as the firm grows whilst continuing to improve the client experience. This new approach reduces manual interaction on time-consuming tasks allowing them to focus on more productive activities. "We pride ourselves on providing a world-class support service to our clients and look to how we can leverage the best technologies to drive continuous improvement," says Mike Davies, Calastone's Global Head of Operations. Opsmatix allows us to streamline the workflow management within the team enabling greater operational leverage and ultimately enhancing the overall client experience. Crucially we gain a much-improved system to manage workflow, together with an elegant case management user interface which enables us to categorise, escalate and manage any production issues in a more rigorous manner." Justin Forrest, CEO at Opsmatix concluded. "We are delighted to be working and partnering with a customer of the calibre of Calastone. This relationship demonstrates Opsmatix's capabilities and validates the many benefits the solution will deliver to the financial services sector and cross-industry. AI has come of age and is now a business imperative for all corporate operational functions using omnichannel communications involving unstructured data. Our goal is to be at the forefront of technology innovation and corporate advancement, and we are confident that Opsmatix has a pivotal part to play." About Calastone Calastone is the largest global funds network, connecting the world's leading financial organisations. Our mission is to help the funds industry transform by creating innovative new ways to automate and digitalise the global investment funds marketplace, reducing frictional costs and lowering operational risk to the benefit of all. Through this, we generate the opportunity for the industry to deliver greater value back to the end investor. Over 2,500 clients in 44 countries and territories benefit from Calastone's services, processing 200 billion of investment value each month. Calastone is headquartered in London and has offices in Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, New York, Milan and Sydney. About Opsmatix Opsmatix applies Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate business communications and processes. It improves efficiency & quality, reduces repetitive tasks and accelerates operations based on multi-lingual long-chain omnichannel communications involving unstructured data and processes which require significant human intervention. Applications range from front-line customer service staff, contact centres and customer onboarding to manually intensive communications in the back office, including logistics and fulfilment. The Opsmatix SaaS platform significantly reduces the requirement for the wholesale offshoring of operational processing and call centres. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in London. Contact us via our website at https://www.opsmatix.com/ SOURCE Opsmatix President Joe Biden holds a meeting with senators about infrastructure improvements in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb. 11, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) White House Announces New Migrant Processing Program as GOP Warns of Worsening Border Crisis The White House said Tuesday it has come up with a new asylum-processing program, changing former President Donald Trumps policy of sending illegal immigrants to Mexico to await the results of their cases. Starting February 19, the United States will begin to process eligible individuals in the Migration Protection Protocols (MPP) program to pursue their asylum cases in the U.S., working closely with the Government of Mexico, as well as international and non-governmental organizations, the White House said in a statement Tuesday. The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) keeps migrants in Mexico as they wait for their immigration hearings. Individuals should not take any action at this time and should remain where they are to await further instructions. We will soon announce a virtual registration process that will be accessible from any location, the White House said in a statement. Once registered, eligible individuals will be provided additional information about where and when to present themselves. Individuals should not approach the border until instructed to do so. Last week, over 50 House Republicans warned President Joe Biden of a looming immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. This is not a political gamewe implore you not let ideology blind your Administration to the need to secure the border, to defend Americans, and to prevent another cartel-empowering humanitarian crisis, their letter to Biden read. The surge in migration has come in the midst of Bidens policy shift toward immigration, as compared with the Trump administration. The president last month announced that the administration would stop the construction of the wall at the southern border, proposed a pathway for citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants, did away with the MPP, and sought to impose a moratorium on deportations. A federal judge in Texas issued a temporary injunction to reverse the 100-day moratorium on deportations. The Department of Homeland Security said in 2019 that the MPP would restore a safe and orderly immigration process, decrease the number of those taking advantage of the immigration system, and the ability of smugglers and traffickers to prey on vulnerable populations, and reduce threats to life, national security, and public safety, while ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the protections they need. But on Jan. 20, on the day of Bidens inauguration, the DHS said that the agency will cease adding individuals into the program, adding that those who are in the program to remain where they are, pending further official information from U.S. government officials. The agency at the time also advised that migrants currently on their way to the United States will not be eligible for a path to citizenship under an immigration reform proposal known as the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021. Hydraulic Power Plants is a textbook for engineering students which explains the construction of hydraulic power plants. The book presents the theory of the working process for each part, i.e. the kinematics and molecular dynamics of liquids flowing through hydraulic machines and systems. The information is presented in a simple manner necessary for understanding their operational conditions and basic numerical relationships. The chapters explain concepts with several drawings and charts to aid the reader, along with relevant specifications, working examples and solved problems, which can be applied in designing practice and maintenance of hydroelectric power plants, pumping stations and pump installations. Hydraulic Power Plants emphasizes the need of young engineers to acquire knowledge about efficiency in using the tools for the study and design for components of hydraulic power plants such as turbines, pumps and penstocks in a straightforward format, making it an ideal reference for introductory hydraulics and mechanical engineering courses. ### About the Author: Jafar Mehdi Hassan is a Professors in Automotive Engineering Section, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Technology, Iraq. Keywords: Engineering, hydraulics, turbines, pumping stations, power plants, molecular dynamics, kinematics Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Last week, The Lancet, the well-respected British medical journal, published a report excoriating the Trump administration for leveraging racism and class anxiety to push environmental policies that killed tens of thousands of people. Not long ago such an article would have been an outlier. Although political conservatives in the U.S. have waged a war on science going back to evolution in the classroom, the vast majority of scientists - and scientific journals - made it a point not to fight back directly. Many thought their research would speak for itself and that their neutrality enhanced their legitimacy. But the last four years have brought a tide of change, said Gretchen Goldman, a research director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, "reflecting both the severity of what Trump did as well as the changing willingness of the scientific community to engage in policy conversations." Among the things that most inflamed scientists was Trump's rejection of the wide body of research establishing climate change, which he has called a hoax. But the Trump administration's removal of independent scientists from advisory panels at the Environmental Protection Agency also pushed scientists to take action. Similarly motivating was a rule severely curtailing which scientific studies could be used as the basis for regulations. One of the most dramatic examples of scientists leaving the lab to take to the streets was the March for Science on Earth Day 2017 that drew roughly a million people across the globe. "That march really ignited a sense of urgency," said Fernando Tormos-Aponte, who is a fellow at the Union of Concerned Scientists and studies science advocacy and its repercussions. After Trump was elected, he said, the Union of Concerned Scientists, a non-profit founded to promote the use of rigorous science in solving the world's most pressing problems, saw its membership swell from 17,500 in the fall of 2016 to over 21,000 by the end of 2017. Last fall, several prominent scientific journals - including The New England Journal of Medicine, Nature, and Science - also broke with tradition and ran editorials critical of Trump. Scientific American shocked many when it went further and gave its first ever presidential endorsement to Joe Biden, largely because it argued that Trump was such an awful alternative. Are the newly activist scientists persuading anyone? Or in sacrificing their neutrality, are they losing legitimacy, as they feared? On that, the evidence is still very mixed. A paper published by the Cambridge University Press concluded that the 2017 March on Science did, in fact, further polarize Americans. "Liberals' attitudes toward scientists became more positive whereas conservatives' attitudes became more negative," the report concluded. For an issue like climate change, which has become an ideological marker of political party in the U.S., this is potentially very discouraging. But Goldman said there may be no putting the genie back in the bottle. "I think it's part of a broader cultural shift. We're just seeing it is harder to do science in a vacuum." Aponte added that the idea of scientists being free of bias was really only a myth anyway. "There is always a danger, regardless of whether we want to believe it, of bias in everything from the research questions you choose to examine, to the approaches that you adopt, to the conditions under which you work." he said. Scientists, he said, "are becoming more comfortable with the idea that subjectivity is around us. And that we are just better off being transparent." - - - Leslie Kaufman writes the Climate Report newsletter about the impact of global warming. Can Kassouf Final Table the MILLIONS Online Mini Main Event Like a Boss? February 16, 2021 Jason Glatzer The 2021 partypoker MILLIONS Online is fully underway with its 28-event schedule with the Millions Online #01 Mini Main Event progressing onto Day 3. Daniel Smiljkovic leads the 25 survivors with still two days to go with many big names including William Kassouf still in contention. In other news, the festival also crowned its first winner last night after Murat Arikan shipped the MILLIONS Online #02 Mini Second Chance Turbo for $14,821. Read on to learn more about the Mini Main Event and more in the MILLIONS Online at partypoker. Head to the NEW partypoker Hub Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest partypoker news right here on PokerNews? Why not try out the new partypoker Hub! Find Out More Daniel Smiljkovic Leads Mini Main Event; Kassouf in the Hunt Daniel Smiljkovic leads the partypoker MILLIONS Online Mini Main Event Monday, Feb. 15 witnessed the the 169 surviving opening day players in the partypoker MILLIONS Online $1,100 Mini Main Event from the original field of 1,127 entrants whittled down to a small field of just 25 players after 10 blind levels of 30-minutes each were played out. Daniel Smiljkovic will head into Day 3 with a chip leading stack of 133,639,726 in chips closely followed by Laszlo Molnar with a stack of 127,876,651. There is a big gap behind this duo with the rest of the top ten on the leaderboard, which includes the likes of Leonid Orman, Jamie Oconnor, Day 1a chip leader Sebastian Camilo Toro Henao, Jon Ander Martinez De Antonana, Francois Pirault, Justin Ouimette, Rui Miguel Nogueira Da Silva E Sousa, Carlos Chadha-Villamarin, amassing stacks between 60 to 70 million in chips. Meanwhile, polarizing poker personality William Kassouf will head into Day 3 with a stack of 26,467,500. Kassouf, who has had recent success at partypoker after shipping the Irish Poker Masters 1,100 Main Event in December 2020 for 215,163, prides himself with his personal mantra of "in for the min, out with the max" shared on social media that he qualified for this event in a $109 satellite and now has his eyes on another huge payday. just setting up my twttr jack (@jack) Related: Will Kassouf Crowned Irish Poker Masters Main Event Champion Meanwhile, Aaron Been, Thomas Boivin, and Dominik Nitsche all went deep on Day 2 but bowed out short of the closing bell to each collect $4,596 for their efforts. Two-time WSOP champion Elio Fox was unable to parlay his Day 1b chip leading stack into Day 3 and was instead ousted in 75th place for $2,809. Top Ten Stacks Heading into Day 2 of the Mini Main Event Place Player Country Chips Big Blinds 1 Daniel Smiljkovic Austria 133,639,726 167 2 Laszlo Molnar Hungary 127,876,651 160 3 Leonid Orman Russia 69,596,672 87 4 Jamie Oconnor United Kingdom 68,136,629 85 5 Sebastian Camilo Toro Henao Mexico 66,391,911 83 6 Jon Ander Martinez De Antonana Malta 63,121,950 79 7 Francois Pirault United Kingdom 62,496,167 78 8 Justin Ouimette Canada 62,015,858 78 9 Rui Miguel Nogueira Da Silva E Sousa Croatia 60,684,243 76 10 Carlos Chadha-Villamarin Canada 60,478,888 76 Day 3 of the Mini Main Event Kicks Off Today! The Mini Main Event resumes on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 7:05 p.m. GMT (2:05 p.m. EST) with just 25 hopefuls seeking to battle their way to tomorrow's nine-max final table and beyond. The structure becomes deeper on Day 3 with 40-minute blind levels throughout the day as compared to 30-minute levels on Day 2 and the 25-minute levels on the opening days. All of the survivors are guaranteed at least a $5,607 payday. This will surge to at least $14,827 if they make the final table with the chance of winning the $184,507 top prize. Blinds will begin at 400,000/800,000 with an ante of 100,000. While this might sound big, there is still plenty of action to be had with an average stack of more than 56 big blinds to start the day. Related: Check out the FULL partypoker MILLIONS Online schedule Mini Main Event Final 25 Payouts Place Prize 1 $184,507 2 $127,033 3 $87,283 4 $57,011 5 $39,049 6 $30,147 7 $23,758 8 $18,817 9 $14,827 10-11 $11,160 12-15 $8,837 16-23 $7,128 24-25 $5,607 Murat Arikan Wins the MILLIONS Online #02 Mini Second Chance Turbo ($14,821) The MILLIONS Online festival declared its first winner last night at partypoker and it wasn't in the Mini Main Event. Instead, it was Murat Arikan who claimed this honor after shipping the MILLIONS Online #02 Mini Second Chance Turbo for $14,821 after more than 4 1/2 hours of play. The event featured a $50,000 guarantee, but this was merely a placeholder with 121 entrants ponying up the $530 buy-in to generate a $60,500. The event paid out 20 spots for at least $1,071 for more than double the buy-in. Arikan was joined on the podium by Stoyan Kitanov (second - $9,537) and Alastair Patrick Smith (third - $6,545). Others at the final table included Rick De Boer, Brener Henrique Vicente, Arnaud Enselme, Kasper Sonne Juulsen, Sarah Forbes, and Byron Kaverman. Mini Second Chance Turbo Final Table Payouts Place Player Country Prize 1 Murat Arikan Netherlands $14,821 2 Stoyan Kitanov Bulgaria $9,537 3 Alastair Patrick Smith United Kingdom $6,544 4 Rick De Boer Netherlands $4,627 5 Brener Henrique Vicente Brazil $3,433 6 Arnaud Enselme United Kingdom $2,747 7 Kasper Sonne Juulsen Norway $2,322 8 Sarah Forbes Canada $1,974 9 Byron Kaverman Canada $1,637 Join the Action in the partypoker MILLIONS Online Play in the 2021 partypoker MILLIONS Online Youre going to need a partypoker account if you want to jump into any of the partypoker MILLIONS Online tournaments. Head there right now if you already have an account, or download partypoker via PokerNews if you dont have an account. Deposit $10 to receive $10 in tickets over the course of a week: Day 1: 2x $1 SPINS tickets + 1x $3.30 MTT ticket Day 2: 4x $0.25 SPINS tickets Day 4: 1x $3.30 MTT ticket Day 6: 4x $0.25 SPINS tickets Deposit $20 and receive $30 worth of tickets over the course of a week: Day 1: 1x $5 SPINS ticket + 1x $3.30 MTT ticket Day 2: 2x $1 SPINS ticket + 1x $5.50 MTT ticket Day 4: 1x $5.50 MTT ticket Day 6: 2x $3 SPINS tickets + 1x$3.30 MTT ticket remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Everyone was talking about Jon Stewarts packet Monday. By everyone we mean mostly comedians, comedy writers and other pop culture watchers. And by packet, we mean something like a job application. To explain: Stewart, 58, the former longtime host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, grew up in Lawrenceville and is currently working on a new current events show for Apple TV Plus. A call recently went out to writers interested in writing for this new series to submit a packet showing their work. This request apparently involved a prompt: write a bunch of sample jokes based on the days news and submit them by 9 p.m. This Jon Stewart packet thing was too easy pic.twitter.com/M3gye247Ta Elf Boy (@elfonashelfboy) February 16, 2021 Writers and comedians, naturally, could just not resist sharing jokes on Twitter about the packet, which promptly became its own news item. Voila the Jon Stewart packet was born. Like life, comedy, uh, finds a way. Appropriately enough, Twitters Jurassic Park Updates chimed in: Our new raptor is doing a Jon Stewart packet. Our new raptor is doing a Jon Stewart packet Jurassic Park Updates (@JurassicPark2go) February 16, 2021 People shared their sample jokes, and in a sure sign of meme-in-progress, they started mashing up the packet with other memes and viral tweets. I heard the Jon Stewart packet is just him sliding a can of beans and a can opener across the table to you and watching, Jesse McLaren tweeted, referring to Bean Dad, the father who refused to open a can of beans for his hungry young daughter so she could ... problem-solve instead. Has anyone checked to see if the Jon Stewart packet is just cake? comedian Joe Leonardo asked, taking everyone back to the is it cake? trend of videos in which knives slice everyday objects to reveal they are cakes (before admitting that was his packet submission). Has anyone seen my me packet? Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) February 15, 2021 If youre in line, STAY IN LINE, they have to let you submit a Jon Stewart packet, announced writer and director Zack Bornstein, harkening back to the 2020 election. BREAKING: AstraZeneca abandons COVID-19 vaccine research to work on their Jon Stewart packet, tweeted TV writer Gennefer Gross. Tomorrow, Jon Stewart will read 1000 packet submissions which start with a graphic of the Texas Blizzard, and the line Hell has frozen over!, and not for the first time, hell wish that hed ended his career with Big Daddy, tweeted comedian Ray Kump. BREAKING: AstraZeneca abandons COVID-19 vaccine research to work on their Jon Stewart packet. Gennefer WEAR A MASK Gross (@Gennefer) February 15, 2021 My very one-note Twitter feed is making me anxious that Im missing the Jon Stewart packet deadline (Im a software engineer), Noa Naaman tweeted. Even Stewart himself, who recently joined Twitter, had to acknowledge the Jon Stewart packet discourse. Has anyone seen my me packet? he tweeted Monday night. I heard the Jon Stewart packet is just him sliding a can of beans and a can opener across the table to you and watching. Jesse McLaren (@McJesse) February 16, 2021 Stewart and his wife, Tracey Stewart, own Hockhockson Farm, a Colts Neck animal sanctuary. The writer, producer and director helmed the 2020 movie Irresistible, a political comedy starring Steve Carell and Rose Byrne. He hosted The Daily Show for more than 16 years before exiting the anchor desk in 2015. Stewart, a longtime advocate for 9/11 first responders, was among the New Jersey celebrities who participated in the Jersey 4 Jersey benefit for the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund last spring. Tomorrow, Jon Stewart will read 1000 packet submissions which start with a graphic of the Texas Blizzard, and the line Hell has frozen over!, and not for the first time, hell wish that hed ended his career with Big Daddy. Ray Kump (@RayKump) February 15, 2021 My very one-note Twitter feed is making me anxious that Im missing the Jon Stewart packet deadline (Im a software engineer) Noa Na'aman (@noanaaman) February 16, 2021 If you're in line, STAY IN LINE, they have to let you submit a Jon Stewart packet Zack Bornstein (@ZackBornstein) February 16, 2021 Knowing Knowing thousands of thousands of others did the others did the Jon Stewart Jon Stewart packet when packet when you apply you get rejected pic.twitter.com/HcHniUCK52 G. L. DiVittorio (@ginadivittorio) February 16, 2021 Got my Jon Stewart packet done. That Hollywood comedy writing money is mine pic.twitter.com/NXKTkJSHOs pixelatedboat aka mr tweets (@pixelatedboat) February 16, 2021 Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter. Gaza's top Islamic judge agreed on Tuesday to revise a recent court ruling that bars women from travel without permission from a male guardian such as a husband or father. The restriction, imposed on Sunday by the Higher Sharia Council in Islamist Hamas-run Gaza, had drawn criticism from rights groups which said it violated Palestinian laws against gender-based descrimination. Protests also erupted outside the office of the council's Hamas-appointed chairman, Hassan Jojo, who had signed the edict into law. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Jojo said: "We have agreed to redraft this ruling." He did not say if the language banning female travel without a male guardian's approval would be removed. Hamas leaders have repeatedly denied any intention to impose Islamic law on the Gaza Strip's 2 million residents. The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR), a Palestinian rights group with offices in Gaza and the West Bank, said Sunday's ruling "violates women's dignity and rights and places them at an inferior level" in society. ICHR also noted Palestinian laws bar discrimination "on the basis of race, gender, colour, religion, political opinion or disability". Reham Owda, a Palestinian political analyst and womens' rights expert, said the ruling might have aimed at stemming a recent increase in Gaza women seeking work outside the small coastal territory, where employment is 49%. "The government in Gaza wanted to limit (travel) and restrict the movement of women who are ambitious from leaving in search of study or jobs, and escape the Israeli blockade," Owda said. Israel maintains restrictions on the Mediterranean enclave, citing security concerns arising from Hamas rule. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Short link: said it will begin making devices in India for the first time, backing the governments for economic self-reliance. will buy a 68% stake in online grocery startup for Rs 9,500 crore, said a TV news report. Here is more on those stories. 'Atmanirbhar' announces first device manufacturing line in India E-commerce giant has announced its plans to begin manufacturing Amazon Devices in India. This is the first Amazon manufacturing line in India and reiterates the firms commitment to the Government of Indias Make in India for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The company did not disclose the amount it proposes to invest. Amazon will commence its manufacturing efforts with contract manufacturer Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn in Chennai and start production later this year. Read more India's NBFC stressed assets may hit Rs 1.5-1.8 trn by FY21-end: CRISIL The stressed assets of finance companies in India are expected to reach 6-7.5 per cent of their overall assets under management by March, according to rating agency Crisil. Stressed assets are essentially the combined pool of bad loans and restructured credit. In absolute terms, the tally works out Rs 1.5-1.8 trillion. The maximum pain in expected to be in real estate segment. However, some regulatory steps to manage impact of pandemic like the one-time Covid-19 restructuring window, and MSME restructuring scheme will limit the reported gross non-performing assets (GNPA) though, the rating agency said. Read more SAT stays SEBI's ban on Kishore Biyani, other Future promoters from markets In a major relief for Future Retail CEO Kishore Biyani, the (SAT) has stayed the SEBI's order restricting him along with other promoters of the group from the securities market for alleged insider trading in the scrip of Future Retail (FRL). A company statement said the appellate tribunal has stayed the "effect and operation" of SEBI's order accusing the promoters of the Future Group of insider trading in the context of purchases of Future Retail shares made in March 2017. Read more to buy 68% stake in for Rs 9,500 crore: Report India's will buy a 68% stake in online grocery startup for about Rs 9,500 cr, television channel ET Now said on Tuesday, citing sources. The salt-to-software conglomerate has been planning to launch a "super app" that will tie in all its consumer businesses, according to media reports, as it competes against Amazon.com Inc and Reliance Industries Ltd in India's booming e-commerce market. Read more Contemplating 'some action' on regulating OTT platforms, Centre tells SC The Centre Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it was contemplating "some action" on the issue of regulating such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. A bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, which was initially of the view that the petitioner should approach the government for the remedy, asked the government to file its response within six weeks to the PIL seeking OTT regulation by an autonomous body. Read more Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts for the full episode. Gustavo Arellano, a writer for the L.A. Times, had the hardest time persuading his dad to not only take the coronavirus pandemic seriously but also to get vaccinated when the new shots were available. So when he finally got his dad vaccinated earlier this month, it felt like a victory. What can those of us who are also struggling with pandemic- and vaccine-skeptical friends and relatives learn from the way Arellano broke through to his father? To find out, I spoke with him on Tuesdays episode of What Next. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Mary Harris: Can you introduce me to your dad? Gustavo Arellano: He and my mom, they grew up in tiny villages in the mountains of a state called Zacatecas, which is like north Mexico also but toward the central part. These are poor, poor places. My dad was the youngest of eight kids, and he was very stubborn and very macho, even as a kid. Advertisement Advertisement When did you first realize how your dad was feeling about COVID? Was it back in the spring? So, Im coming back in from El Paso. I was on assignment for the L.A. times. And the coronavirus is basically starting to bubble up, and rapidly starts getting more serious. Now take my dad. Hes retired. All of a sudden, he can no longer go to the senior center to play pool with his friends. Hes told He cannot even hug his own grandchild or congregate with any family members. Your entire world has been flipped upside down. Youre already macho and stubborn and country to begin with. Youre not going to believe the coronavirus is a thingyoure going to believe its an annoyance created specifically to antagonize you and you alone. Advertisement He didnt think it was real. He thought it was a government conspiracy. He also said actually that we all had the coronavirus, that we all were born with it, so sometimes it flares up and sometimes it doesnt. Your father first started really worrying about COVID when friends and family began dying. In July, a cousin had been close with died. I cant imagine that happening and not feeling overwhelmed by it. Is that how your dad felt, or was he trying to toughen up through it? Advertisement It affected him. I drove him up to the hospital in Northridge where his cousin had died, and when he was going to drive the car back, he wanted me to help him spray this car down. I had a mask on already. He gave me some gloves and we just wiped it down as much as possible. Its like fight-or-flight mode. Advertisement Was that the moment he started to rethink some of his beliefs? I would hope so. He started wearing the mask indoors after that for sure. I started noticing he had hand sanitizer in his cars. He definitely didnt have that before. Its not like it stopped him from going out, trying to visit people, but it was a gradual chipping away from the complete skeptic at the very beginning, going slowly throughout the year to getting a little bit more careful. Eventually more people from the Rancho from his village started getting it. People started dying from it. So it started drawing on him that yeah, maybe this is real. But still, he has that macho streak in him. So hes like, it might be real, but its not going to affect me. Advertisement Advertisement If we just left it to the government, he would have never done any of this. It had to be family members who kept pushing him and also people whom he knew who kept dyingthat finally convinced them that this is important. Subscribe to What Next Get more news from Mary Harris and her team every day. Subscribe When a vaccine became available, did your dad immediately want it? Oh, no, of course not. He was still conspiracy minded, and even to this day. But when the vaccine starts, theyre saying its going to be for people over 65, and my sisters said that weve got to get our dad to get the vaccine. We told my dad, and thats when he started saying, I dont need it, theyre saying thats going to kill you, theyre saying theres a chip. I dont need it. I have strong blood and a positive outlook on life and insurance. Advertisement Plus, the vaccine is a vaccine of privilege. Lets clear about that, especially the way its rolling out in California. You have to do it online. For weeks, there was only English, no Spanish translation. If youre 65 and older, and especially if youre an immigrant, more likely than not youre not going to be the most social mediafluent of people. So not only do you need somebody you can rely on to translate any internet stuff for you, but you also need someone whos going to have a job that allows them to be on social media nonstop. It was the luck of the draw that my sister randomly saw a friend who told her about this Instagram post with vaccine info. So she was able to do it immediately. Advertisement I was reading about vaccine disparities in L.A., how Latino residents are so much less likely to have gotten the shot. And I wonder how your experience with your dad makes you think about that differently. The L.A. public health director has been saying, we need to send vaccine doses to smaller clinics. Is that the solution? Having been through this with your dad, do you see an easy solution that were just not executing? Its the epitome of disparities, having people download an app for information and signup. Youre assuming they have a smartphone. Youre assuming they have a cellphone to begin with and thats the only way to do it. Thats criminal. The waits are hourslong, and not everyone is going to have transportation. Not everyones going to be able to take the day off from work, and especially with Latinos, so many of us have blue-collar jobs that you cannot replicate at home. There are a lot of Latinos who would want to take the vaccine, but they just cant because its so hard for them to do so. Advertisement It strikes me it took you a long time to get here, like, months talking to your dad back and forth. And your family was doing so much labor to get this shot in your dads arm. It wasnt just driving him there. It was hours and days beforehand. You have to keep chipping away at it. It is our job to talk to [skeptics] with patience, with kindness, with love, while also being firm. It is not about you. It is about your family. And its about the very community. So get with the program. Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday. There were no casualties in the past day. The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Monday, February 15. "In the past day, February 15, three 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 February 16, 2021. In particular, the Russian Federation's armed formations fired an anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Slavne, as well as a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Opytne. Read alsoOSCE reports on hottest spots in Donbas in 2020Also, the Russian occupation forces used an automatic grenade launcher and a heavy machine gun near the town of Svitlodarsk. The Joint Forces fired back, the report said. The violations were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) on the ceasefire and stabilization in Donbas. There were no casualties in the past day. Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainian military say 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, 2020. 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. Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period. Reporting by UNIAN Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has been awarded a 2021 Dan David Prize. The internationally renowned prize, headquartered at Tel Aviv University (TAU), annually awards three prizes of $1 million each to globally inspiring individuals and organizations. The Prize honors outstanding contributions that expand knowledge of the past, enrich society in the present, and promise to improve the future of our world. The total purse of $3 million also makes this one of the highest-valued awards internationally. "The coronavirus pandemic has presented humanity with new challenges," said Professor Ariel Porat, President of TAU and Chairperson of the Dan David Prize Board. "Therefore, this year, we decided to honor the fields at the forefront of the battle against the virus -- health and medicine. International review committees selected this year's laureates for their pioneering work and their exceptional contributions to humanity in these fields in three time dimensions: past, present, and future." Dr. Fauci will receive the award as the winner of the "Present Category" of Public Health. Other 2021 laureates include health and medicine historians Professor Alison Bashford, Professor Katharine Park, and Professor Keith Wailoo for their work in the "Past Category" of the History of Health and Medicine; and anti-cancer immunotherapy pioneers Professor Zelig Eshhar, Professor Carl June, and Dr. Steven Rosenberg in the "Future Category" of Molecular Medicine. The seven laureates will be honored at the 2021 Dan David Prize Award Ceremony, to be held in a special online event in May 2021. For more information about this year's laureates, visit the Dan David Prize web site at https:/ / www. dandavidprize. org/ . ### ABOUT THE DAN DAVID PRIZE The Dan David Prize was established by the late Dan David, an international businessman and philanthropist whose vision is the driving force behind the international Dan David Prize. His aim was to reward those who have made a lasting impact on society and to help young students and entrepreneurs become the scholars and leaders of the future. Previous Dan David Prize laureates include cellist Yo-Yo Ma (2006); former US Vice President Al Gore (2008); novelist Margaret Atwood (2010); filmmakers Ethan and Joel Coen (2011); distinguished economist and recent Nobel Laureate, Esther Duflo (2013); and artificial intelligence researcher, neuroscientist, and entrepreneur Dr. Demis Hassabis (2020). The laureates donate 10% of their award money to scholarships for graduate or post-graduate researchers in their respective fields at TAU. [February 16, 2021] Gamber-Johnson Acquires Premier Mounts, An AV Technology Company STEVEN'S POINT, Wis., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Gamber-Johnson , a leading supplier of rugged mounting systems for fleet vehicles, public safety vehicles, forklifts, semi-trucks, and other mobility applications, announced today a finalized agreement to acquire Premier Mounts , a leader in superior audiovisual mounting solutions. "We are looking forward to joining forces with Premier Mounts," stated Brian Wagner, President and CEO of Gamber-Johnson. "Gamber is a market leader in mounting technology in mobile environments where Premier is a leader in mounting displays in static environments. The combination of these two arket leaders will genuinely create results greater than the sum of its parts." Wagner continued, "Gamber's resources and commitment to 'Ruggedness, Reliability, and Responsiveness' will highly complement Premier's years of experience and innovation." Premier Mounts will become a Gamber-Johnson brand with main office functions remaining in Southern California. "It's been a challenging year in the audiovisual industry on many levels and we are ready to jump into new opportunities with Gamber-Johnson's ownership by strengthening and expanding our presence," said Brent Henderson, Premier Mounts General Manager. "The Southern California office will operate as one of Gamber-Johnson's Quick Response Office Cells which is part of Gamber-Johnson's responsive organizational structure promoting quick decision making and responsive customer service," revealed Henderson. Manufacturing, warehousing, and corporate oversight will occur at Gamber-Johnson's newly renovated manufacturing space in Central Wisconsin. About Gamber-Johnson Gamber-Johnson is a leading supplier of rugged mounting systems that safely secure mobile communication systems, computers, and other electronic equipment in the fleet and public safety vehicles, forklifts, and other mobility applications. Their products are used by law enforcement, public safety, military, and warehouse fleets around the globe and are known for being rugged, reliable, and responsive. Founded in 1954 Gamber-Johnson is located in Stevens Point, WI. To learn more about Gamber-Johnson visit gamberjohnson.com. About Premier Mounts Premier Mounts is the leader in superior display mounting solutions serving diverse needs of the audiovisual industry since 1977. Having over 700 legacy mounts, we lead the industry in responsive production at scale, maintaining quality, and minimizing lead times. Our mission extends beyond simply manufacturing products as we aim to develop personal relationships and partnerships with our customers in order to realize their dreams. For more information, visit www.premiermounts.com . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gamber-johnson-acquires-premier-mounts-an-av-technology-company-301229253.html SOURCE Premier Mounts [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Staff at Hotel Sky in Johannesburgs wealthy Sandton district adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols, wearing masks and physically distancing from guests as much as possible; all, that is, except Lexi, Micah and Ariel. For the three concierges couldnt breathe germs on you even if they wanted to: theyre robots. Robot hospitality is not new - Japanese hotels have been deploying them for years and in 2015 Tokyos Hennna, or Strange, hotel became the first to be fully staffed by machines. Several robot-staffed Tokyo hotels are now using them to serve guests with mild COVID-19 symptoms. But Hotel Sky, which launched this year, is the first in Africa to use automated attendants, a concept that could cause a stir in a country with one of the worlds worst jobless rates. Unemployment is at 30.8%, according to President Cyril Ramaphosas state of the nation address last Thursday. Itll never replace people, but it is going to change the space, Paul Kelley, Hotel Sky Managing Director, told Reuters. I think that it is the future, he said, adding that they planned to launch an offshoot in Cape Town next month. Lexi, Micah and Ariel deliver room service, provide travel information and can drag up to 300kg of luggage from the marble-floored lobby to the rooms. If the hotel receives a guest with COVID-19 symptoms, the robots could be deployed instead of people as a precaution. Otherwise, guests can choose whether they want to interact with staff members or make use of the self service, which is all controlled by their phone, Herman Brits, the hotels general manager, said. Steve Pinto, CEO of CTRL Robotics, which supplies the droids, said they could also scan customers facial expressions to determine how happy they were. It helps management to understand how customers are experiencing the facilities at the hotel, he said, after getting a robot painted in a riotous orange and white pattern to take a selfie. Reaction to the robots has been mixed. Even highly intelligent robots dont always get what you want. I think the world is moving towards this digital space, but we are not used to it, hotel guest Ernest Mulenga said. The human touch is still something that is appealing to me. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said policemen who allegedly brutalised #OccupyLekkiTollgate protesters at the Lekki tollgate ... Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said policemen who allegedly brutalised #OccupyLekkiTollgate protesters at the Lekki tollgate last Saturday wont go free. Information and Strategy Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso stated this on Monday at a media briefing organised by the Lekki Concession Company (LCC). He said Sanwo-Olu never directed the police to assault anyone and would not stand by and watch Lagosians being brutalised. Omotoso and LCC Managing Director Yomi Omomuwasan were responding to the controversy surrounding the firms repossession of the Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza, called Lekki Tollgate Plaza. The firm regained possession of the facility following a February 6 ruling of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS-related abuses and the Lekki Tollgate incident of October 20. But the panels decision was opposed by some youths, about 40 of whom were arrested at the facility and arraigned. Popular comedian and activist, Debo Adebayo (aka Mr. Macaroni), alleged that he and other protesters were stripped naked and beaten in police custody, while their phones were smashed. Omotoso absolved the state government of complicity in the incident, saying Sanwo-Olu immediately directed the police to investigate the matter. He said: The governor is very unhappy with what happened on Saturday, that people were brutalized, and he has directed Police Commissioner Hakeem Odumosu to investigate the matter. Whoever is found culpable, I assure you, will not go without punishment. This is because Mr. Sanwo-Olu has said it loud and clear that he is not somebody who will abuse the rights of others. Thats why when the whole thing started, you will recall, he joined the protests twice. He waved the flag, he carried the placard and he took the position of the protesters to the President. Besides that, he addressed them. So, he is not going to be the one who will stand by and watch Lagosians being brutalised. Tunis/Tunisia The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) on Monday called on the Tunisian authorities to make the most of the decision made by the Italian province of Campania on December 9, 2020, and to exert pressure on Italy to re-ship the imported waste as soon as possible. The Province of Campania in fact called on the Italian waste export company SRA to recover the waste from Tunisia within three months (before March 9, 2021), considering that this proves that Italy recognises the responsibility of the said company in this case, which is a violation of international conventions. "The SRA company filed a complaint with the Administrative Court of Naples against the Province of Campania to have the latter's decision suspended, but the Court ruled on February 9, 2021, that it is not specialised in such cases. So the decision of the province of Campania remains in force," reads the FTDS press release. The Forum also called on the Tunisian concerned authorities to inform the public opinion of any new developments in this case and of the decisions to be made to re-ship the waste before March 9. The scandal of waste imported from Italy, unveiled in November 2020, triggered a large controversy in Tunisia, causing the dismissal of the Minister of Local Affairs and the Environment. The latter was arrested last December, along with a number of executives from the ministry and the National Agency for Waste Management (ANGED), knowing that Justice has not yet ruled on the case. Some 212 containers of Italian waste are still at the Port of Sousse in addition to the 70 containers at the importing company's premises in the same city, since their entry into Tunisia last summer. Somalia has missed the recently announced resumption of electoral talks between the federal government and the regional state leaders. The conference, which was to begin on Monday, February 15, was announced by President Mohamed Abdullahi Faramaajo to discuss the electoral deadlock. The holdup is caused by a dispute over the venue of the conference after Jubaland and Puntland leaders recommended the meeting be held in Mogadishu with stakeholders and international partners participating in the conference. The government has not yet commented on the delay in the conference, which was scheduled to focus on the country's 2021 elections. meanwhile, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, on Sunday appointed a 14-member technical committee comprising the federal government, regional states and the Benadir region. The committee will pave the way for a consultative meeting and will hold a meeting in Baidoa tomorrow to discuss the holding of a conference between the government, regional governments and the Benadir region. The Council of Presidential Candidates (CPC) on Sunday called for anti-government protest in Mogadishu on Friday in what is aimed at piling pressure on the incumbent president Farmaajo to pave way for a genuine dialogue over the electoral impasse. Nikita Jacob admits to taking part in Zoom meeting before Republic Day India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 16: The toolkit used by Greta Thunberg was being prepared by the Extinction Rebellion India volunteers for presenting the whole picture with a simple breakdown for the international audience. Nikita Jacob against whom the Delhi Police have a warrant admitted that she had attended a Zoom meeting before Republic Day, which was attended by Poetic Justice Foundation founder Mo Dhaliwal, a pro-Khalistani. In a document submitted through her lawyer, Jacob however denied sharing any information with Thunberg. Delhi Police writes to Zoom seeks details in toolkit case The Delhi Police however say that the editors of toolkit collaborated with the Poetic Justice Foundation to spread dissection against the Indian State. The police said taht Disha Ravi, who was arrested last week had shared the toolkit with Thunberg. A section of this toolkit document mentioned action points under the title prior action, such as digital strike through hashtag on January 26. On Republic Day, the farmers' protest turned violent and one person died, while scores of police personnel were injured. The Delhi Police said that there was a mention of physical action on January 26 and a plan to enter Delhi for the farmer rally and returning to the border. These details came out following the arrest of Disha Ravi from Bengaluru. The police also have a warrant against two others, Nikita Jacob and Shantanu. Both have been accused of creating the toolkit along with Disha Ravi. The police are also probing the role of one Peter Freidrich whose name finds a mention in the toolkit. The police suspect that he is running psy ops at the behest of the ISI. He has been on the radar of the security establishment since 2006. His name first figured as an associate of Bhajan Singh alias Iqbal Chaudhary, a Khalistan supporter. Toolkit tweeted by Thunberg aimed at a digital strike against India on Jan 26 The Delhi Police further revealed that after Thunberg shared the toolkit, Disha panicked. Revealing Disha's conversations, the police said that she had told Thunberg that they were panicking. I am going to talk to the lawyers. I am sorry, but our names are on it. We can literally get the UAPA against us, Disha is said to have told Thunberg. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The police said that the sole intention of creating the toolkit wast to create disaffection and misinformation against India. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 12:03 [IST] Flash Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed by consensus to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. The decision was made at a special meeting of the WTO's General Council at which the World Bank veteran was formally selected. "Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to head the WTO. She will take up her duties on March 1 and her term, renewable, will expire on Aug. 31, 2025," WTO said. "I am honored to have been selected by WTO members as WTO director-general," said Okonjo-Iweala to the General Council, underlining that "a strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic." "I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again. Our organization faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today," she said. Okonjo-Iweala, 66, is a global finance expert, an economist and an international development professional with over 30 years of experience working around the world. Twice served as Nigeria's finance minister and briefly acted as foreign minister, she has a 25-year career at the World Bank, including as Managing Director of Operations. Extending the "warmest congratulations" to Okonjo-Iweala, General Council Chair David Walker said that "this is a very significant moment for the WTO." "I am certain that all members will work with you constructively during your tenure as director-general to shape the future of this organization," he added. Applauding the "timely" appointment, China's Ambassador to the WTO Li Chenggang noted that "the collective decision made by the entire membership demonstrates a vote of trust not only in Dr. Ngozi herself, but also in our vision, our expectation and the multilateral trading system that we all believe and preserve." "As a contributor and beneficiary of a stable, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system, China does believe trade, mutually-advantageous trade, will be a key tool that can help us to find a way out of the current situation and realize economic recovery soon," he added. The General Council decision follows months of uncertainty triggered by the initial refusal of the United States to join the consensus around Okonjo-Iweala, throwing its support behind South Korea's Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee instead. On Feb. 5, Yoo decided to withdraw her candidacy and the new U.S. administration of President Joe Biden announced that Washington would extend its "strong support" to the candidacy of Okonjo-Iweala. Engel & Volkers Florida 2020 in Review Our advisors were easily about to adapt to the unprecedented conditions throughout 2020, due, in part, to the proprietary systems and tools developed by Engel & Volkers or available through our Partner Network. Engel & Volkers Florida today announced its 2020 performance report. Despite the global coronavirus pandemic and racial unrest, the company saw significant year-over-year increases, maintained a steady stream of transactions at all price points, grew advisor count through talent attraction, and expanded its franchise network with additional locations through the state. None of these achievements would have been possible without the hard work of our License Partners and their advisors in each of the communities we proudly serve, said Timo Khammash, Managing Partner of Engel & Volkers Florida. We are optimistic about the future and look forward to continuing to deliver on our promises. As a purpose driven organization, were already hard at work identifying and implementing ways that we can make a positive impact on all of our businesses in 2021. In 2020, Engel & Volkers Florida recorded 4,304 transactions across its 34 shops; the sales volume closed increased by almost 52 percent to $2.3 billion and home values increased by 7.9 percent. The network also saw a 33 percent increase in advisor growth; welcoming more than 300 new advisors who brought over $400 million in production with them. These new advisors in Florida also represent 34 percent of all advisors added to the entire global network in 2020. This growth rate is expected to accelerate in 2021 as the company sold franchise rights to 10 new markets: Amelia Island, Gainesville, Hollywood Beach, Melbourne Beachside, Miami Coconut Grove, Neptune Beach, Orlando, Palm Coast, St. Pete Beach and South Tampa. We quickly realized that the real estate market had not stopped, rather it shifted, said Peter Giese, Chief Growth Officer at Engel & Volkers Florida. Our advisors were easily about to adapt to the unprecedented conditions throughout 2020, due, in part, to the proprietary systems and tools developed by Engel & Volkers or available through our Partner Network. Engel & Volkers shops reported that 25 percent or more of their closed transactions were generated from digital efforts and that they were able to sell homes twice as fast than their local competition. Engel & Volkers 30A Beaches experienced double digit growth, increasing production by 72 percent; the highest growth rate in Engel & Volkers Americas. In speaking with our leaders in every market we serve, the term unimaginable seemed to be most prevalent in describing the market and the year in general, said Anthony Hitt, president and CEO, Engel & Volkers Americas. These results are reflective of more than the market itself, but of the caliber of individuals within our network, and I couldnt be more proud. What we witnessed amongst our network was nothing short of cultural magic in how everyone supported one another. In 2021 we will continue to focus on our people to help them support their clients and generate continued growth. Engel & Volkers Florida is continuing its franchise expansion efforts to identify potential partners in premium first and second home markets throughout the state including Bay County, Charlotte County, Escambia County, Franklin County, Gulf County, Hernando County, Leon County, Manatee County, Marion County, Osceola County, Pasco County, Polk County, Sarasota County, St. Lucie County and Volusia County. The Master License Partner is also working closely with its existing brokerage shops to gain additional market share in areas such as Brevard County, Broward County, Hillsborough County, Miami-Dade County, Monroe County, Orange County, Palm Beach County and Pinellas County. ### Press contact: Linzee Werkmeister, Junior Vice President, Marketing & Franchise Support Email: Linzee.Werkmeister(at)evrealestate.com Tel: (239) 348-9000 About Engel & Volkers: Engel & Volkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1977, Engel & Volkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a personalized client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for today's savvy homeowner. Engel & Volkers currently operates approximately 225 shop locations with 4,500 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the brand's global network of over 13,500 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate, yachting and aviation. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit http://www.evrealestate.com. About Engel & Volkers Florida: Engel & Volkers Florida is the Master License Partner of the global luxury real estate brand Engel & Volkers in the state of Florida. Recognized for uniquely recruiting, training and equipping some of the top professionals in the real estate industry, Engel & Volkers Floridas exclusive franchise model positions its license partners at the top of the premium market to gain market share and support their bottom line. The company represents franchise locations in: 30A Beaches, Amelia Island, Belleair, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs-Estero, Cape Coral, Clermont, Delray Beach, Destin, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers Downtown, Gainesville, Hollywood Beach, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jupiter, Madeira Beach, Marco Island, Melbourne Beachside, Melbourne Central, Melbourne Downtown, Miami Coconut Grove, Neptune Beach, Olde Naples, Orlando, Orlando Downtown, Orlando-Winter Park, Palm Beach, Palm Coast, South Tampa, St. Augustine, St. Pete, St. Pete Beach, Stuart, Wellington, and Windermere. Engel & Volkers Florida is continuing to strategically strengthen and expand its presence in premium real estate markets across the state of Florida. If you would like to know more about the Engel & Volkers brand or how to join its global networkwhich is known for demonstrating competence, exclusivity and passion, feel free to call our corporate office, located at 633 Tamiami Trl N, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34102 USA. Tel: +1 239-348-9000. For more information about Engel & Volkers Florida, please visit florida.evrealestate.com I have a question, now that President Trump has not been removed from office in the Senate. Oh gosh, he had already removed himself January 20. What were the Democrats thinking? What possible advantage could be obtained by kicking Donald Trump in the rear after he had left office? And what was Nikki Haley -- and her advisors -- thinking when she stepped away from former President Trump? Who thinks that a moderate will have a chance for the GOP nomination in 2024 after Four More Years of cancel culture? And what were the #NeverTrump people and the Lincoln Project thinking in their plan to prevent the re-election of Donald Trump and defeat all Republicans in close races running for re-election in the United States Senate? Did they really think that they could go back to the good old days of kinder gentler Bushism? Or kill the populist-nationalist movement that is springing up all over the world? Heres another one. Seems like the Democrats all vote as one these days: on impeachment, and probably on all the COVID stimulus loot-and-plunder bills coming down the pike. What are they thinking when all the Democrats can be whipped into voting as one? What was House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) thinking when she crashed the House managers postmortem news conference to vent her rage over the acquittal of former President Trump? Oh, I forgot: its the universal human right of women to share their feelings. Silly me! And what are the Democrats thinking with their H.R.1 bill, the For The People Act, that would impose at a federal level all the Democratic wish-list of same-day registration, mail-in balloting, on-line registration -- and statehood for the District of Columbia? As I keep saying, I thought that Judis and Teixeira in The Emerging Democratic Majority had settled that for all time. So why do Democrats keep needing to change the rules to make it easier for that emerging majority to vote? And what was the secret bipartisan coalition thinking when they decided, according to Molly Ball and Time, that they needed to save the election"? Now, John Derbyshire, mathematician-extraordinaire, asks: Does the Ruling Class really mean save the election from a Trump victory? Yes of course they do. And you know that, and they know that you know; but they dont care. Actually, I dont think that the Ruling Class was even thinking about us in that Time article. I think they were anxious to tell the folks with the BLM yardsigns: look at us woke heroes! And I dont think that the Democrats and Nancy Pelosi were really thinking strategically when they decided to do Impeachment 2.0 on Trump. I think they were doing their Greta Thunberg How Dare You teenage pout, outraged that Katniss Everdeen from District 12 dared -- dared -- to profane the sacred space of the rulers Capitol. I dont think that any of these Ruling Class Lord High Everything Else characters are thinking. They are just still reacting to the unthinkable fact of Trump and the Commoner Rebellion. And really, they dont know what to do, except crack down on the peasants. Then there is Mark Bauerlein at American Greatness who advises us to go read Marx on class warfare. Because we are in a class war. Conservatives dont like to think of themselves as a class. They reject Marxs definition of history as class struggle. Life isnt 100 percent economic and human beings have souls that transcend politics. OK -- but the Woke dont care. They treat you as a class, and it works. They target your livelihood, so you better start thinking about a better response than Thats not right. Funny thing. About a year ago I wrote up A Commoner Manifesto. Here is how it begins. A spectre is haunting the liberal elite -- the spectre of the Commoners. All the powers of the liberal establishment have entered into a secular alliance to exorcise this spectre: liberal left and Islamic extremists, left-wing professors and Hollywood moguls, Democratic politicians and government unions, feminists and gays, tech lords and social justice warriors. Yeah, and that was way before the election. Read the whole thing. Its really amazing how easy it is to take Marxs Communist Manifesto and rework it into a Deplorables Manifesto. As Samuel Clements wrote , history doesnt repeat itself, but it rhymes. You want a class war? Heres what Trump said to the American Commoner after Acquittal 2.0: Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun. In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people. There has never been anything like it! But what is Chief Pelosi of the Kapitol Keystone Kopettes thinking? Not much. But she sure knows how to share her feelings. Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also get his American Manifesto and his Road to the Middle Class. Image: Yooperan Big Techs Flawed Defense The libertarian claim that being 'private' should shield companies from government reform doesn't stand up to scrutiny Commentary Google, Facebook, and Twitter arent private companies best left alone by governments. They arent even private companies if private is meant to distinguish corporate activities from governmental functions. The distinction between the public and private sectors has long been blurry at best where major corporations have been concerned, with each sector involved in the others business. Governments compete with the private sector in garbage collection, electric utilities, railroads, and banking, while the private sector competes with government in prisons, elementary schools, ports, and the military. The fiction that a bright line separates major corporations from governments can also be seen in Nevada, which is proposing to not only contract out this or that government service but to spin off governments to private owners holus-bolus. Under draft legislation soon to work its way through the state legislature, high-tech corporations with more than $1 billion to invest would be free to build, own, and operate entire cities. Wielding the same authority as a county, the corporations will impose taxes, provide schools, operate courts, and provide police, fire, and other government services. Cryptocurrency company Blockchains LLCs 67,000-acre undeveloped land holding outside Reno is expected to become the first of these incorporated governments. But unlike other Nevada counties, its three-member board of supervisors wont be elected by the voters; Blockchains will maintain control over its city by appointing two of the three. This Big Tech company will also be able to act as Big Brother by logging its future residents financial statements, medical records, consumer purchases, and other personal data. Nevadas plan to attract tech giants through its 21st-century version of the company town will find appeal because major companies have historically sought monopoly power, often achieving it through government favor. Before fascism became discredited due to its association with German Nazism, the fascist economic modelin which cartels would run the major industries while a free market would be permitted at the shopkeeper levelwas championed by the pillars of industry. The Swope PlanGeneral Electric President Gerard Swopes 1931 blueprint for turning the United States into a fascist economywon wide acclaim from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the National Industrial Conference Board. Praised as economic Mussolini, it called for the compulsory cartelization of all major American corporations into federally controlled trade associations for each industry. Collusion between big business and big government is the rule, not the exception. The warnings have been long in coming. President Herbert Hoover in his memoirs wrote a chapter condemning the Swope Plan titled Fascism Comes to Businesswith Dire Consequences. President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned about the military-industrial complex in his 1961 farewell address, saying that the defense establishments acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, [could] endanger our liberties or democratic processes. Countless warnings are likewise heard today over the unwarranted influence that Big Tech wields over our liberties and democratic processes. The evidence is so ubiquitous that despite disagreement on what reforms are needed, most on both the left and the right now agree that Big Techs power cant be allowed to continue unchecked. As the Federalists Nathanael Blake put it: Big Tech is telling us what to see and what to say, how to run our businesses, what opinions to have, and how to vote. They are treating all of America like their company town. Even some within Big Tech, such as Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg, believe that reforms are needed to curb its government-like powers. Not least, one of the greatest champions of free-market capitalism, the late Nobel laureate economist Milton Friedman, warned 50 years ago that leaders at major corporations were becoming surrogates for government. The business executive becomes in effect a public employee, a civil servant, even though he remains in name an employee of a private enterprise, Friedman wrote in The New York Times Magazine in 1970. If they are to be civil servants, then they must be elected through a political process. Yet many libertarians and conservatives, despite acknowledging Big Techs unprecedented power to invade our privacy and control our lives, oppose reforms by standing on ceremony, claiming the high ground, and baldly asserting that Big Tech companies should be left alone because theyre private companies operating in the free market. Their ideology without evidence is unpersuasive. Lawrence Solomon is a columnist, author, and policy director of the Toronto-based Consumer Policy Institute. @LSolomonTweets LawrenceSolomon@nextcity.com This is the fourth installment in a series. For the first three parts, click here, here, and here. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Christians risk arrest if they display Bible in Saudi Arabia, persecution watchdog group warns 16 October, 2019 by Michael Gryboski , | Christians traveling to Saudi Arabia are being warned not to publicly display their Bible while in the country or travel with more than one copy of the text, despite the kingdom's recent openness to tourism. The Christian persecution watchdog group Barnabus Fund released a statement Monday warning individuals that having a Bible can still put them at risk of arrest. "Christian visitors should be aware that displaying a Bible in public, or taking more than one Bible into the country, could place them at risk of arrest," the group cautioned. "The new regulations for tourists state that a Bible may be brought into the country provided it is for personal use only. Bibles must not be displayed in public and anyone found bringing a large number of Bibles will face 'severe penalties.'" Barnabus went on to explain that the Saudi Arabian government follows a strict interpretation of Islam and that openly practicing Christianity in the kingdom is forbidden. "There are hundreds of thousands of Christians from other nations, such as the Philippines, other parts of Asia, or African countries, who are living and working in Saudi Arabia," the group added. "But they must meet in private homes to worship, and risk harassment, arrest and deportation if they are caught doing so. Saudi citizens who convert to Christianity face risk of execution by the state for apostasy if their conversion becomes known." Last month, Saudi Arabia announced it was launching a new visa program meant to encourage tourism, in part to move the kingdom away from its dependence on the oil industry. Previously, the Islamic country's visa program was restricted to those coming for business or religious pilgrimage, according to the BBC. Foreign women taking advantage of the visa program will not be required to adhere to the nation's strict dress code or be accompanied in public. However, they will still be expected to dress modestly. Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmad al-Khateeb said last month that the new visa was a "historic moment" for the nation, adding that the kingdom boasts "five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty." "We have a culture. We believe our friends and our guests will respect the culture, but definitely it is modest and it will be very clear," said al-Khateeb, as reported by the BBC. Read more from, "Christians risk arrest if they display Bible in Saudi Arabia, persecution watchdog group warns," on The Christian Post. A portering supervisor at Craigavon Area Hospital had an audience with royalty last week to discuss his team's role on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic. John Brown, who has worked at the hospital for 20 years, received a personal telephone call from Prince William to hear how he and his staff have contributed to the smooth functioning of the busy hospital. Speaking after the phone call Mr Brown said the Duke of Cambridge was very down to earth. It was definitely something different for a Thursday morning! It was a really nice conversation and it was a pleasure speaking with him," he said. The first thing he asked was about the weather and if we had any snow! He then asked how we are all doing and about the challenges that our department has faced." Mr Brown paid tribute to the work of his staff during a difficult period. I explained that we had a busy month in January but that our biggest challenge was when at one point, over a two week period, we had 17 staff absent, either through positive COVID tests or self-isolation," he said. This was a challenge but I told him our staff have been fantastic, we are a real team and it has been a pleasure to work with so many dedicated people. He was glad to hear that everyone in the team has recovered well. During the five minute phone call the Prince also asked about the role the porters play at the hospital. He asked what sort of jobs the porters do in Craigavon and I explained that anything that moves in Craigavon, it is my department that moves it," Mr Brown explained. "We are involved in security, moving patients, ensuring the safe transportation of medication, COVID and blood samples, we are a jack of all trades and he had a bit of a laugh at that. At the end of the conversation he said that he hoped to be in Craigavon some day and maybe he would meet us in person and I told him he would be more than welcome to come to Craigavon Hospital and we would make him feel right at home. Anita Caroll, Assistant Director of Support Services at Craigavon Area Hospital, said the portering team had played a key role throughout the pandemic. "The portering team have adapted and responded to the challenges of wearing PPE, social distancing and the huge changes that have been made around the site," she said. "They have shown great commitment and flexibility, moving site if needed, and always willing to cover extra shifts with increased staffing issues due to COVID-19 and they have shown great compassion for their colleagues and patients during such a stressful time. We are very proud of them all. New Delhi, Feb 16 : There is a common misconception that we all seem to have when it comes to toners. We feel that they are needed only during the warmer parts of the year. For this reason, most of us skip using toners in winter, out of fear of it drying out our skin. But the fact is that toning plays an important role to keep your skin healthy. But before we go deeper into the benefits, let's take a look at the basics: What is a skin toner and why does our skin need it? In a nutshell, a toner looks like water and acts like it, but it's not water. Good toners are packed with so much more than hydrogen and oxygen. Depending on the toner, it could also contain acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories, points out Dolly Kumar, Cosmetic Engineer and Founder & Director at Cosmic Nutracos Solutions Pvt. Ltd., the parent company to skin care brand Skinella. If you want to get technical, a toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that delivers skin a quick hit of hydration and helps remove dead cells off the surface of the skin. The result is plump and glowing skin, she says. "It removes any remaining traces of dirt, grime, and impurities stuck in your pores after you wash your face. When added to your daily skincare routine and used regularly, it can have a major positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores. Toners also restore your skin's pH level, smoothen your skin by refining rough patches, and improve skin tone. They also help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing. It reduces the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin." Benefits of toner during winters, Kumar lists down Improves skin texture: Toners prevent moisture loss, have the ability to naturally soothe the skin, and improve uneven skin texture. This keeps your skin soft and bouncy. Balancing the pH of your skin: Our skin's pH balance can get out of whack after cleansing due to the alkaline nature of some soaps. When this happens, the skin needs to work overtime to return to its normal levels. This is where a toner can help by restoring this balance quickly. Deep hydration: If your skin is dehydrated, it can appear flaky, dull, and dry. Using a toner can give you smooth, radiant, and evenly toned skin. Prevents pores from clogging: Applying toner to a soft cotton ball or pad and gently blotting and wiping your skin can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing. She suggests how to use skin toner during winter Start by cleaning your face with a face wash suited for your skin type. Choose one that's free of harsh detergents and opt for products made with natural ingredients like superfoods. A 2-in-1 Pomegranate and Tomato toner would be a great choice instead of using toners with harsh chemicals. Then, dampen a cotton ball with the toner and apply it to your face. Allow it to dry. Always follow up with a moisturizer that suits your skin type. (Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for kin of those who have lost their lives in the Sidhi bus accident on Tuesday. "PM Narendra Modi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the bus accident in Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh. Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured," Prime Minister's Office tweeted on Tuesday. A bus carrying 54 people from Sidhi to Satna fell into a canal as the driver lost control. The death toll has mounted to 39 so far. Expressing grief over the situation, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu tweeted, "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in a bus accident in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured as rescue operations are underway." 39 bodies have been recovered from the Sidhi bus accident site, where a bus carrying around 54 passengers, fell into a canal, said Ravindra Kumar Choudhary, District Collector, on Tuesday. "Seven people have been rescued and the search operation is underway and now the search in the canal is going to start," said NDRF. A team of two ministers will visit the accident site after Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called a meeting to discuss the incident. Close NASA has resumed communication with the record-setting orbital spacecraft after several months with no means of establishing contact with Voyager 2. The connectivity collapse, lasting almost eight months and a whole pandemic after March, was not attributed to any rogue fault, nor some outer space anomaly run-in (although there is that too). It was more of a case of regular maintenance in this example. And then, since the Voyager 2 is one of the farthest-flying Earth-made object in existence, leaving behind the planet and indeed the whole solar system, nothing else is really normal. In March 2020, ScienceAlert reported that NASA declared that Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43) in Australia, the only transmitter on Earth capable of transmitting commands to Voyager 2, required important changes that would have to be shut down for nearly 11 months for the work to be completed. Voyager 2, which is actually more than 18.7 billion kilometers (11.6 billion miles) from Earth and is getting further all the time, will not be able to receive any signals from Earth during this era, while scientists will still transmit their own transmissions back to us. Welcome Back, Voyager 2! Fortunately, NASA announced that Voyager 2 has returned a signal verifying receipt of the guidance and has implemented the commands without problems. As it stands, the reconstruction of DSS-43 is still continuing and on schedule to be finished in February 2021, but enough of the enhancements have been installed to begin preliminary research. While NASA was unable to submit Voyager 2 complete commands, at the end of October, when the antenna was largely reassembled, it sent one test message to the spacecraft. A system onboard named the command loss timer is used to help the spacecraft decide if it has lost touch with Earth and, by entering into a type of electronic slumber, can secure itself. The October test reset the timer, and the spacecraft was successfully instructed to begin working. "What makes this task unique is that we're doing work at all levels of the antenna, from the pedestal at ground level all the way up to the feedcones at the centrer of the dish that extend above the rim," says NASA Deep Space Network project manager Brad Arnold. "This test communication with Voyager 2 definitely tells us that things are on track with the work we're doing." Suzanne Dodd, project manager for the Voyager mission and chief of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Interplanetary Network Directorate, told the New York Times that the DSN people in Canberra did a remarkable job under pandemic circumstances only to update DSS 43. She also shared her utter faith in the antenna that it would work just perfectly for a couple more decades. Way beyond the Voyagers until they're finished. ALSO READ: Scientists Discovered Plasmoids in Uranus From Voyager 2's Data From 30 Years Ago Improvements The records for the farthest a spacecraft have ever flown and for the longest-running mission are kept by Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Over the years, Voyager 2 has seen a few hiccups, but in the dark it is always finding its way through, creating observations about the borders dividing our planetary system from the majority of the galaxy of the Milky Way. As Voyager 2 continues chugging along, Ms. Dodd and her team are planning to turn off the Low Energy Charged Particle device, one of their scientific sensors. Doing so would ensure that the spacecraft's small power supply will maintain its other systems warm enough to operate, especially its telecommunications transmitter. Although it will decrease the science performance of the spacecraft, survival is the key priority now. The team expects that both spacecraft will run for another four to eight years, and the team was awarded three more years of flying time by NASA last year. ALSO READ: Hubble Sends Spectacular Images of Intense Auroras On Uranus Check out more news and information on Space on Science Times. BAY CITY, MI More than four years ago, a teen choked and stabbed a Bay City man to death, then set his home on fire on Thanksgiving morning in hopes of concealing his crime. Now an adult, the convicted killer has learned his prison sentence. And while his victims grief-stricken brother expressed a desire for the young killer to be sexually assaulted in prison and despair to the point he ends his own life, the sentencing judge offered the defendant empathy and words of encouragement. Rodrick D. Williams appeared before Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran for sentencing on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 16. A jury in May 2018 found Williams guilty of second-degree murder, felony murder, larceny in a building, armed robbery, and carjacking in the death of 59-year-old Steven A. Bouza, killed inside his home at 205 18th St. on the night of Nov. 22, 2016. Williams was 16 at the time of the murder and 17 when the jury convicted him. Williams turned 21 on Jan. 17 and has been in police custody since officers arrested him on Nov. 30, 2016. Initially held at the Bay County Juvenile Home, Williams was transferred to the Bay County Jail on Jan. 18, 2017, making him the longest-serving inmate currently in the facility, according to Jail Administrator Capt. Troy A. Stewart. The lengthy delay between Williams conviction and looming sentence stems from his young age when he committed the murder. In Michigan, a felony murder conviction comes with a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole. However, the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012 ruled such a punishment for juvenile convicts is unconstitutional. The nations highest court in 2016 clarified the decision was retroactive, affecting current prisoners. The prosecution and defense agreed to postpone Williams sentencing until they received guidance from the Michigan Supreme Court and the state Legislature, both of which have enacted laws and procedures. In the years since his conviction, Williams has repeatedly waived his right to be sentenced within a year of his conviction. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic further delayed Williams sentencing. Before handing down his sentence, Sheeran allowed Williams to speak. I lay awake every night thinking of Mr. Bouza and how terrible his family might feel, Williams said. I would like to say I am sorry to the victims family for the horrendous tragedy that has took place. And also sorry to my family for putting them through this emotional wreck as well, because I know they had high expectations for me and I really, really tried to keep up with those expectations by going to school, getting out of the foster care system, and becoming a great role model to my siblings, but it is hard when the odds are against you. He went on to say he wanted to pave his own future and become a U.S. Navy SEAL. He said he now plans to spend his time in prison earning a GED and taking business management classes. If I am blessed with the opportunity to come home, I can start my own business and become a productive member of society, Williams said. Two of Steven Bouzas siblings then spoke. The first, brother Mike Bouza, eulogized his brother, lauding his inherent kindness. One of his special characteristics was his generosity, how he had a kind and caring heart, how he genuinely cared for other people and did whatever he could to help that person cope with the struggles they were enduring, he said. His calm demeanor provided a sense of comfort to you when you were in his presence. He had a unique ability to recognize when someone needed a friend, young or old. He could sense when a person felt alone and defeated. He offered hope, a shoulder to lean on and, many times, some type of gift to help them out. He described his brothers killing as an unprovoked, senseless, needless, calculated, well-thought-out, cold-blooded, premeditated murder, plain and simple. He further stated his attitude toward Williams was one of vengeance. The living hell that awaits him in prison, he deserves, Mike Bouza said. He has no traits to contribute to society. Sister Laura L. Krueger similarly memorialized her deceased brothers giving and compassionate nature. An image of Steven A. Bouza used during Rodrick D. Williams' trial as shown in the court room of Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran during the delivery of the verdicts on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. My brother Steve was simply the best person Ive ever known, she said. I was blessed and honored to have had him for my brother. He was someone I often called upon for help, advice, or support, and he never let me down. He always made time for me and anybody else who needed him. I miss him terribly and not a day goes by that I dont think of him. Krueger asked the judge to hand down the maximum sentence allowable. Defense attorney Andrea J. LaBean asked the judge to consider Williams was a minor when he committed the crime, while codefendant Demarckeon M. Marcus Jackson was an adult. Jackson, 24, is currently incarcerated at Carson City Correctional Facility. His earliest possible release date is Nov. 30, 2051; his maximum release date is Nov. 30, 2076. I think that a good question would be, But for the codefendant, would this have ever happened? I think the answer is no, LaBean said. Bay County Prosecutor Nancy E. Borushko also asked for Williams to receive the maximum sentence. I am done talking about the defendant, she said. Steven Bouza is the victim. Steven Bouza was a son, he was a brother, an uncle, and he was a friend. His mother cant call him up when she needs something. His siblings cant share their joys and their sorrows of their lives and there will be more inviting Steven over for birthdays and holidays and weddings. The loss of Steven Bouza is truly profound. Judge Sheeran sentenced Williams to 35 to 60 years on the felony murder conviction, which was merged with the second-degree murder conviction. He sentenced him to concurrent terms of 32 months to five years and two stints of 20 to 30 years. Sheeran gave Williams credit for 1,538 days already served in the county jail. Defendant Rodrick D. Williams listens with defense attorney Andrea J. LaBean while his verdict is revealed in the court room of Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran during the delivery of the verdicts on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Henry Taylor | MLive | htaylor@mlive.com Before Williams was led from the courtroom, Sheeran condemned Williams crime. Human life is precious; thats what makes the crime of murder so horrible, he said. The victim in this case, from everything I heard, was a kind, generous person who went out of his way to help people in need. He was repaid by being senselessly killed. This crime was particularly heinous because it was done without any provocation, without any reason that makes any kind of sense at all. Sheeran then said he wanted to disassociate himself from some of Mike Bouzas comments, instead offering compassion to Williams. Youre not an animal, not anything near that, he told Williams. You should not be harmed while youre in custody. You should not end your own life. Your life is precious. What you should do is make the most of your life. Youre young and you can make something of your life yet. There will be many opportunities for you to be kind to people and to try in some way to make up for what youve done here. Do not listen to those words about you being worthless, he continued. Theyre not true. I understand where theyre coming from, from someone who suffered an unspeakable loss. Demarckeon M. "Marcus" Jackson sits beside attorney Sally B. Warren at his sentencing hearing on June 20, 2018.(Jacob Hamilton | MLive) Read more: Suspects arraigned in brutal Bay City Thanksgiving homicide Teen found guilty of murdering Bay City man Man pleads guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 Thanksgiving slaying Man calls brothers murderer immature, greedy human feces at sentencing Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The Central Organization of Trade Unions has reprimanded the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority over its decision to hike prices of petroleum products. In a statement released on Monday, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli noted that Kenyans are already facing harsh economic times. Cotu views this move by the Authority as an affront to workers and Kenyans as a whole and demand for the Energy Ministrys immediate intervention in the matter to avoid any imminent confrontation that the government is likely to attract from workers and the rest of the Kenyans, he said. According to Atwoli, Kenyans have endured enough pain trying to make ends meet since the advent of Covid-19 and the decision by EPRA will only catalyze an already provoked people to come out and demand government protection. Ordinary Kenyans are suffering. Workers are suffering too. They cant afford to pay for their fares to their workplaces. Businesses have equally been hit hard and as social partners, we are putting in all we can to remain afloat yet the Authority comes up with such exorbitant increases to an already overburdened people, he said. The COTU boss the move by EPRA to increase fuel prices is a form of impunity that workers will not entertain. He called on the President to immediately address these concerns because effective today(February 15), prices of basic commodities and fares will go up in order to cushion traders in these sectors. We are staring at a future we as leaders will not be able to manage owing to its uncertainty that is being prompted by such actions that are pushing more and more Kenyans into pain and unless the President himself comes out and offer hope, it might be hard to convince the millions affected that they have a future in this country, Atwoli stated. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Los Angeles, Feb 16 : Actor Patrick Dempsey had started shooting the pilot episode of his upcoming series, Ways & Means. However, shoot had to be stopped after a crew member tested Covid positive. Three days of shoot was left for the pilot to be wrapped up when the script supervisor of the unit tested positive and the team had to stop shooting at downtown Morristown, New Jersey, according to Page Six. As per guidelines, even if one person in a film or television unit tests positive for Covid-19, the entire unit not only has to get tested, but also has to stop shooting and quarantine themselves. A CBS studios spokesperson confirmed that production on the pilot has been stopped. Those in close contact were asked to self-isolate as per state and county guidelines. Production will resume once the quarantine period ends. (Photo : Screenshot From Austin Evans YouTube) A particular United States lawfirm has just filed a class action lawsuit directly against Sony. The allegations are due to the PS5 DualSense controller being defective due to the drift. The lawsuit alleges that Sony was aware of this particular problem but still did not disclose it. The lawsuit then calls Sony's conduct deceptive, fraudulent, unlawful, and also unfair. PS5 design flaw An article by NME specifically notes that Sony has allegedly only just performed "minor refurbishment" to the known defected controllers and proceeded to send them back to the consumers. The article notes that when the controllers were sent back, they were "still defective" and also susceptable to manifestation of the focus of the complaints, the Drift Defect, some time in the future. A complaint on Reddit notes that in general, even without the drift, there are other flaws to the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller. The Redditor u/ejiggle noted that overall, it's just too big in certain places and despite being 6'3", the complainant notes that the peripherals were still to large. Other things noted by Redditor: Sides bulge making it hard to grip Back grips are half an inch taller than the other DS4 No countour indented where the grips meet Makes middle finger go numb Player experiences cramps from the said spread grip Resistance against natural inclination to press down Sony DualSense Controller lawsuit According to the story by IGN, The complaint then describes the particular PS5 DualSense controller as actually "defective" noting that it is said to contain a particular defect that results in either characters or gameplay moving on the given screen even without any user command or even manual operation of the particular joystick that is more popularly known as the controller drift. The complaint then alleges that Sony actually has "at all relevant times" actually been aware of the given problems within the drift. It was also noted that through some online consumer complaints, other complaints that had been made by consumers directly towards it, and also through its very own pre-release testing. The suit then also alleges that Sony's actual options for the controller repair are basically too limited. It was then noted that when certain consumers experience the given Drift Defect, the available options for repair remain slim. Reportedly, Sony PlayStation's own dedicated portal for the particular issues with the PS5 hardware, which include the Sony DualSense Controller, is now experiencing some backlog and even redirecting consumers to proceed and contact a certain customer service agent through the contact page for the PlayStation support. Read Also: PS5 Scalpers Defend Themselves Against Haters: 'We Do a Lot for Charity' PS5 DualSense Controller drift Customers would then reportedly experience some really long wait times and would also have to deal with the long maze of other pre-recorded phone prompts before being able to speak to an agent to relay concerns about the repair for the Sony DualSense Controller drift. The lawsuit now seeks a jury trial as well as monetary relief for the given damages that gamers had suffered, the declaratory relief, as well as the public injunctive relief. The story was also reported by PCMag. Related Article: Sup3r5 Black PS5 Scam? Company Deletes Website, Claims 98% were Refunded This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian Buenconsejo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Image conscious celebrities had an excuse to indulge on Tuesday morning as lockdown weary Brits dusted off their whisks for pancake day. Daisy Lowe and Myleene Klass were among a host of housebound stars showing off their culinary prowess as Shrove Tuesday fell on a Britain still gripped by the threat of COVID-19. Taking to Instagram, cooking enthusiast Daisy, 32, revealed a rather modest looking effort after failing to realise she could fill the entire frying pan with batter. Getting involved: Daisy Lowe was among a host of housebound stars showing off their culinary prowess as Shrove Tuesday fell on a Britain still gripped by the threat of COVID-19 Wearing feathered silk pajamas while posing in front of her hob, Daisy looked like she'd barely broken a sweat - and little wonder, given the disappointing size of her pancake. Captioning her snaps, she wrote: 'Happy Pancake day... making @gizzierskine fail safe pancake recipe (although I didnt realise I could fill the whole pan with the batter... thanks for the tip Giz!... Ill have to make them for dinner too).' Elsewhere Myleene Klass rolled up her shirtsleeves and whipped up a handful of rather more impressive pancakes with the help of daughters Ava, 13, and Hero, nine. The Smooth radio presenter, 42, later showed off her efforts with Instagram followers as her children tucked in. Disappointing: Taking to Instagram, cooking enthusiast Daisy, 32, revealed a rather modest looking effort after failing to realise she could fill the entire frying pan with batter Our turn: Elsewhere Myleene Klass rolled up her shirtsleeves and whipped up a handful of impressive pancakes with the help of daughters Ava, 13, and Hero, nine Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson produced equally impressive results, and didn't waste any time showing them off with her own followers Opting for classic French crepes over pancakes, the TV personality, 30, filled one with raspberries and layered it with sugar before serving to fiance Ryan Libbey and his mother. Louise also produced a wild blueberry and Ice cream crepe, and admitted she couldn't wait to try it out at a post-lockdown dinner party. Former Made In Chelsea co-star Lucy Watson tried her own hand at low-calorie pancakes by using soya products with limited sugar content. That's it: Fortunately Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson produced a rather more impressive pancake, and didn't waste any time showing it off with her own followers Tucking in: The TV personality pictured herself plunging a fork into the strawberry filled treat Tasty: Opting for classic French crepes over pancakes, the TV personality, 30, filled one with raspberries and layered it with sugar before serving to fiance Ryan Libbey and his mother Meanwhile Giovanna Fletcher had her hands full making pancakes for husband Tom and their three young children - Buzz, six, Buddy, four and Max, two. 'Theres flour everywhere, batter in my hair and I have three excited boys eyeing up my plate,' she told followers after taking part in a live pancake flip-off on Instagram. Showing off her efforts, The I'm A Celeb winner, 36, revealed four tasty looking rolled pancakes, freshly prepared for her family, Busy: Meanwhile Giovanna Fletcher had her hands full making pancakes for husband Tom and their three young children - Buzz, six, Buddy, four and Max, two This is awkward: Dancing On Ice star Rebekah Vardy appeared to be struggling as she endeavored to make pancakes for her five children Healthy: Made In Chelsea co-star Lucy Watson also tried her own hand at low-calorie pancakes by using soya products with limited sugar content Dancing On Ice star Rebekah Vardy appeared to be struggling as she endeavored to make pancakes for her five children. The TV personality, 38, married to Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, filmed herself attempting to toss one of the savoury treats as she laboured in the family kitchen. Meanwhile Laura Whitmore enjoyed some light relief by superimposing a pancake over her face in a selfie shared while she relaxed in bed. The pregnant Love Island presenter, 35, later showed off a tasty looking effort filled with sliced banana and Nutella chocolate spread. Banter; Pregnant presenter Laura Whitmore enjoyed some light relief as she tucked into pancakes in bed Not bad: Laura Whitmore and former Love Island star both showed off their impressive looking efforts on Tuesday Looking good: Meanwhile fellow former Love Islander Amy Hart took the easy route by buyin g her pancakes at McDonalds While many prepared their pancakes from fresh, former Love Island star Amy Hart took the easy route and picked hers up at McDonalds. Meanwhile Alexandra Cane showed off her belly after tucking into a calorific mound of crepes, topped with maple syrup and sliced fruit. Ensuring she got involved, Stacey Solomon revealed two rather impressive bear shaped pancakes produced with the help of her children. Other stars to celebrate included former TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong and TV personality Chloe Goodman, who was celebrating her first Shrove Tuesday with baby daughter Isla. That's better: Alexandra Cane showed off her belly after tucking into pancakes at home Culinary queen: Former TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong tried her hand at banana cream pancakes on Tuesday All yours: Stacey Solomon revealed two rather impressive bear shaped pancakes Helping hand: The Loose Women presenter's children were keen to get involved as she made the family pancakes on Tuesday You are the owner of this article. Cork retail technology firm Everseen was valued at 109m before a fundraising round last year, newly-filed accounts for the business reveal. Everseens technology is used to help retailers combat irregularities including the non-scanning it items at checkout tills. Customers include US giants Walmart and Kroger and it works with 14 of the worlds top 25 retailers. The accounts just filed by Everseen for 2019 show that the company continued to rack up significant losses as it expands. It made an 8m loss that year, on top of a 6.2m loss in 2018. The accounts show that at the end of 2019, the company had a balance sheet deficit of 7.5m. However, in 2020, Everseen closed a 7.1m funding round. The accounts state that a 109m valuation was placed on the company prior to that finance being raised. The accounts also state that in 2019, Everseen negotiated three significant contracts in 2019 which were due to be implemented last year. They were poised to increase turnover and cash flow at the business. Turnover at the company rose to 10.3m in 2019 from just over 6m in 2018. Its administrative expenses soared to 14.5m from 9.2m. Everseen employs 24 people in Cork. Founder and CEO Alan OHerlihy said in an interview earlier this month that that figure could rise to 40 this year. It also has 180 staff in Romania and 50 in Serbia. The company is planning to open an office in Paris and is also eyeing a presence in Asia this year. The Cork company has raised more than 35m since it was founded in 2007. The firms backers include high-profile investors such as Carl McCann and Cyril McGuire. Other investors in the firm include the CEO of Irish Continental ferry group, Eamonn Rothwell, Tayto Park owner Ray Coyle, and former Fexco director Pa Nolan. Backers also include pharmacy chain owner Brian McCartan and Barry Connolly, the owner of drinks distributor Richmond Marketing. Last year, US tech investment veteran Neil Garfinkel personally injected 500,000 into Everseen as part of the Irish firm's funding round. Hes the founding partner of Francisco Partners. (TNS) A Honolulu City Council resolution urges the city to allow virtual meetings to be a permanent option for city commissions and boards, with a focus on Oahu's neighborhood boards and the City Council.By emergency proclamation in March, Gov. David Ige suspended parts of Hawaii's Sunshine Law, which governs how state and city meetings are held, to allow public board meetings to be conducted remotely.After relying primarily on online meetings for months, many have found there are good reasons for keeping the option to participate virtually, even in nonemergency times.Introduced in late January by Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga, urges increased flexibility for electronic participation across a broad range of public meetings to increase and ensure "effective citizen participation in local government."Fukunaga, chairwoman of the Committee on Public Infrastructure and Technology, said during a committee meeting Wednesday that now is a good time to update policies regarding public meetings."As we are now into our second year of adjusting to COVID conditions, it seemed like an appropriate time for the Honolulu City Council to also evaluate ways that we could make public participation a lot easier, " she said.Teleconferencing wasn't an option for Oahu's 33 neighborhood boards before the pandemic, but for months now the panels have been meeting in person, remotely or by both means."Pre-COVID, the status quo was that you're meeting in person. There was no real option to meet virtually because from an IT (information technology ) perspective at the time, it just wasn't feasible, " said Bryan Choe, chairman of the Neighborhood Board Commission.With some technical assistance from the city, Choe said, board members, public officials and community residents have been able to participate in the meetings online."Most board members prefer to meet in person ... but there are some now, particularly with the COVID scare, who prefer to stay away from public meetings, " said Robert Finley, chairman of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board.The coronavirus threat is the clear motivator for remotely held meetings, but Finley said the goal is to update the Neighborhood Plan, which governs how the boards meet, to allow virtual participation even beyond the pandemic.The City Council in August suspended in-person testimony, and has prohibited the public from physically attending meetings but continues to accept virtual testimony.The resolution follows a handful of legislative bills, specifically House Bills 880 and 166 and Senate Bills 1034 and 439, that would permit boards to hold public meetings virtually by amending the state's Sunshine Law.A proposed draft of the resolution was passed out of Wednesday's committee meeting, and Fukunaga said it will have to go through the full Council on Wednesday before it can be adopted. Biosensor imaging of root tip measuring GA gradient, showing a substantial GA increase in the elongation zone. Credit: University of Nottingham The research team that developed a biosensor that first recorded that a distinct gradient of the plant growth hormone gibberellin correlated with plant cell size has now revealed how this distribution pattern is created in roots. Starting when a plant embryo forms within a seed and continuing throughout the plant lifecycle, undifferentiated stem cells undergo radical transformations into specialised root, stem, leaf and reproductive organ cells. This transformation relies on a suite of molecules called phytohormones that, much like human hormones, can move between cells and tissues and trigger distinct biological processes across the body plan. While it was not known at the time, mutations involving the gibberellin class of phytohormones were behind the development of many of the high-yielding semi-dwarf wheat and rice varieties that helped drive the Green Revolution in the 1950s and 60s. The mutations resulted in shorter stems, enabling the crop plants to redirect energy into growing grain rather than stems and leaves and also prevented lodging caused when tall spindly plants fall over before harvest. We now know through advances in molecular and genetic tools that gibberellins (GA) regulate growth and development throughout the plant lifecyclefrom germinating seeds, elongating stems and roots, to the formation of flowers. It is therefore not surprising that GA continues to attract the interest of plant scientists investigating how hormones control plant growth and as a possible target for future crop improvements. A collaboration between the research teams of Alexander Jones, Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, and Leah Band and Markus Owenat the University of Nottingham, explain the biochemical steps responsible for a distinctive GA distribution seen in plant growth in PNAS today. Their research provides a valuable model for understanding GA patterns in other plant tissues and its related influence on plant development. "As key regulators of plant growth and development, understanding plant hormones is crucial for understanding plant growth dynamics, how they respond to their environment, and to help identify future targets for improved food security," said first-authorDr Annalisa Rizza. "GA is known to regulate cell multiplication and cell expansion to increase the growth root rate , but we as yet don't have a full picture of how. We had previously observed there was a distinct longitudinal gradient of GA from root tip to root elongation zone that correlated with cell size in growing roots of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We also observed an exogenous-GA-generated gradient with faster accumulation of GA in larger cells, but we did not know how these patterns were being created." To help find the answer, the researchers combined mathematical models with experimental observations to take a deep dive into the cells to see what biochemical and/or transport activities might be responsible. Differential cell permeability time lapse movie summary: Illustrates that differential cell permeability is the key to creating the exogenous-GA-generated gradient.Technical detail: The time-course shows a root treated with nlsGPS1 growing in Rootchip18S with GA at standard (pH 5.7) then low pH (pH 4.5). At pH 5.7 (8s of the video) the exogenous GA4 accumulated faster in the elongation zone, but at low pH (pH 4.5) (16s of the video) a fast and strong accumulation of exogenous GA4 also occurs in the meristematic zone suggesting that raised apoplastic pH in the meristematic zone limits exogenous GA4 accumulation. Credit: University of Nottingham Mathematicians from the University of Nottingham, Dr. Leah Band and Professor Markus Owen, developed a computational model to simulate the hormone GA dynamics in the plant root, which enabled them to test how different processes contribute to the GA gradient. They compared the output of their computer simulations to the experimental observations from the GA biosensor developed by the Jones research group. "Having considered various scenarios, we found that the model predictions could only agree with the GA biosensor data provided the elongation-zone cells have high GA synthesis and increased permeability" added Dr. Band. The next step was to test these predictions through experiments. Using the GA biosensor, the team examined the key steps involved in GA biosynthesis and pinpointed key rate limiting steps associated with enzymes involved in GA biosynthesis and that differential permeability in cell membranes were also playing a key role in creating GA gradients. They showed that each region in the root has a different combination of important regulatory steps, a level of information that was previously not accessible to researchers. Even more surprising, an important step that was generally thought to be rate limiting was the least important for setting the position and slope of the root GA gradient. In addition to local synthesis of GA, the ability of GA to move between cells is also considered an important factor. The team looked at the permeability of cell membranes to GA and found differences in cell permeability were contributing to the creation of the exogenous-GA-generated-gradient. "Tiny amounts of these chemical hormones can reprogramme a plant cell and completely change its growth and physiology. Which plant cells produce these chemicals? Where and when do these chemical hormones go? These are the core questions that we are trying to answer," explained Dr. Jones. "These findings help explain which components are playing the important roles contributing to how plants control the distribution of a mobile hormone. There are multiple components involved in thisprocesses that make more GA, take it away and transport it from and into the cell all play a part. These can then be targets for engineering nuanced changes. The Green Revolution was great, but there are negative side effects that could be eliminated with more fine scale perturbations in the future. "This detailed understanding of how GA distribution relates to root growth and how these gradients are controlled provides a valuable model for progressing our understanding of how hormone distributions influence how plants grow." Explore further A plant's way to its favorite food More information: Differential biosynthesis and cellular permeability explain longitudinal gibberellin gradients in growing roots. PNAS, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921960118 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Differential biosynthesis and cellular permeability explain longitudinal gibberellin gradients in growing roots. Although Biden has taken steps to reverse Trump's hardline immigration policies, his administration hasn't lifted some of the most significant barriers to asylum-seekers Tijuana (Mexico): After a weeklong bus ride from Honduras, Isabel Osorio Medina arrived in northern Mexico with the hope President Joe Biden would make it easier for people like him to get into the United States. It seems the new president wants to help migrants, Osorio said as he got ready to check in to a cheap hotel in downtown Tijuana before heading to the US. They're saying he is going to help, but I don't know for sure how much is true or not. The 63-year-old is among thousands of people who have come to the US-Mexico border with the hope they will be able to ask for asylum and make their way into the US now that former President Donald Trump is no longer in office. While Biden has taken some major steps in his first weeks in office to reverse Trump's hardline immigration policies, his administration hasn't lifted some of the most significant barriers to asylum-seekers. In fact, it's discouraging people from coming to the country, hoping to avoid what happened under both Trump and former President Barack Obama border agents getting overwhelmed by migrants, including many Central Americans with children. Now is not the time to come, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at a recent briefing, and the vast majority of people will be turned away. Secretary of State Antony Blinken struck a similar tone on 6 February as he announced official steps to end Trump-era agreements with Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala that required many asylum-seekers to seek refuge in one of those countries instead of the US. To be clear, these actions do not mean that the US border is open, Blinken said. While we are committed to expanding legal pathways for protection and opportunity here and in the region, the United States is a country with borders and laws that must be enforced. That message hasn't reached everyone. More people have been arriving at a encampment in Matamoros, Mexico, a dangerous city just south of the Texas border where hundreds of asylum-seekers have been waiting under Trump's Remain in Mexico programme. It's possible even more may come after the Biden administration announced Friday that it would slowly allow an estimated 25,000 people to enter the US as their cases are reviewed. The first wave is expected 19 February. Walter Valenzuela, a 37-year-old Honduran, said he had been waiting in Tijuana, across the border from San Diego, for months for a chance to either seek asylum or risk an illegal crossing. For years, asylum-seekers who met the initial threshold of demonstrating a credible fear of persecution in their homeland could generally stay in the US until an immigration judge decided whether they qualified for permanent residency, which can take years. Trump administration officials believed many asylum claims were fraudulent or lacked merit, submitted by people simply looking to remain in the US. But the issue is murky as tens of thousands flee violent gangs, natural disasters and political upheaval. The Biden administration has signed several executive orders on immigration, including allowing in more refugees and establishing a task force to find the parents of about 600 children who were separated under Trump and still haven't been reunited. But it hasn't ended a public health order Trump issued at the start of the coronavirus pandemic that allows US Customs and Border Protection to immediately expel nearly everyone, including asylum-seekers. Psaki said the government is still working to develop a humane, comprehensive process" to evaluate people coming to the US. Asylum processes at the border will not occur immediately, she said. It will take time to implement. Alan Bersin, who held top positions dealing with border security during the Clinton and Obama administrations, warned that Biden is headed for a crisis if he releases all asylum-seekers into the United States in the short term. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting. The number of people apprehended at the border has increased since January, though it's below some previous periods. Authorities say many are getting caught and returned multiple times. Complicating matters, a law has taken effect in Mexico that prohibits holding children in migrant detention centers, and the US has stopped sending back some families along parts of the border. CBP, which doesn't have capacity to hold families because of COVID-19 , in recent weeks has released dozens of people into the U.S. with instructions to appear in court later. Authorities fear that as word spreads of those releases, more people will come. And asylum is not the only immigration issue creating headwinds for Biden's administration. [February 16, 2021] Hong Kong Tourism Board to Boost the City's Recovery through New "Hong Kong Super Fans" Global Engagement Programme Key influencers in Canada in the Programme TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW/ - The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced its first global fan-engagement programme, "Hong Kong Super Fans," to accelerate its promotional efforts as part of the post-Covid-19 tourism-recovery plan it has been developing over the past year. Key Canadian influencers have been invited to the programme. At a time of unprecedented restrictions on international travel, and as the world races to roll out vaccines in the hope of resuming normality, the HKTB is harnessing the power of community to remind people why they love Hong Kong and to drum up excitement about visiting the city once borders reopen. "The HKTB has been planningahead to prepare for the much-anticipated grand invitation to welcome visitors back to Hong Kong," said Dr. YK Pang, Chairman of the HKTB. "The 'Hong Kong Super Fans' programme is both an important, integral element of the HKTB's recovery plan, and a way for us to show our appreciation to the people whose continued passion for Hong Kong has maintained top-of-mind awareness of the city as a world-class travel destination." Canadians Meet Other Hong Kong Super Fans The Hong Kong Tourism Board in Canada has invited Super Fans Canadians with social influence and a heartfelt connection to Hong Kong to participate in exclusive online and offline activities designed to showcase the best the city has to offer. Together with other Super Fans around the world, once international travel is allowed again, these Canadians will be invited to explore Hong Kong in all its glory, from heritage attractions to hidden local gems and exciting new happenings, and share their experiences with their audience (Fans & Friends). To show its appreciation, the HKTB has also organized a series of attractive offers and incentives that can be enjoyed by all Fans & Friends of Hong Kong. The HKTB has been recruiting Super Fans by invitation in Hong Kong and 20 key markets through the HKTB's worldwide offices in Asia, Australasia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. This week saw the launch of the programme's debut activity a virtual tour celebrating everything unique about ringing in Chinese New Year in Hong Kong organized especially for the very first Super Fans. The "online + offline" journey takes the Super Fans through the charismatic neighbourhood of Old Town Central to experience cherished traditions and shop for auspicious essentials while enjoying a pre-delivered "Good Fortune Bag," filled with lucky ornaments, festive snacks and more, from the comfort of their own homes. Eight Canadians attended the tour and have met other Super Fans from Asia and the United States. "As the HKTB continues to leverage the 'Holiday at Home' campaign to encourage the people of Hong Kong to rediscover our hometown, the 'Hong Kong Super Fans' programme is the first major step to re-engage with passionate travellers across the globe," adds Dr. Pang. "As borders begin to reopen, we will roll out our 'Open House Hong Kong' campaign to tell the world that Hong Kong is ready to embrace visitors again with a collection of competitive travel offers and exciting in-town experiences." More details on the programme will be announced in due course. High-resolution images can be accessed via: https://hktb.filecamp.com/s/HK_Super_Fans/fo Video of the virtual tour is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tOvIRN1WJSw SOURCE Hong Kong Tourism Board [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Health & Beauty COVID-19 Vaccination of Older Adults Begins in Jalisco Jalisco received 58,690 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. (Photo Courtesy of the Government of Jalisco.) Guadalajara, Jalisco - After almost a month without the arrival of vaccines to the country, the federal government announced that the vaccination plan resumed yesterday, when the immunization of adults over 60 years of age in 333 municipalities of Mexico began. On Sunday, 870,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Mexico, of which 58,690 were delivered to Jalisco, where they will be applied to the elderly who live in marginalized communities in the ColotlAn, Tamazula, Ciudad GuzmAn, AutlAn, Puerto Vallarta and Ameca health regions. The governor reported that "29 vaccination modules will be installed in the municipalities of these regions, and 320 centers throughout Jalisco. We will coordinate with the federal and military authorities to help with everything necessary to start as soon as possible." Regarding the second application of the Pfizer vaccine that is pending in thousands of health workers, he said that the biologicals will arrive between Tuesday the 16th and Wednesday the 17th. President AndrAs Manuel LApez Obrador (AMLO) promised on Sunday that "by mid-April we will have the entire population of the 15.7 million older adults in the country covered and vaccinated, at least with the first dose, which is already enough protection." According to LApez Obrador, if the elderly can be inoculated, mortality in Mexico will be reduced by 80%. He assured that 140 million doses had already been purchased, for which 32 billion pesos were allocated. AMLO added that the Army has already begun to distribute the vaccines in 1,081 centers located in the 32 states of the Republic. Of the eight aircraft scheduled for deliveries, the first to leave were for Sinaloa, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Durango, Chihuahua and Sonora. "We made this decision to start in all states, in the most remote and marginalized municipalities, with the poorest population in the country," said LApez Obrador. The federal government called on adults to register on the - After almost a month without the arrival of vaccines to the country, the federal government announced that the vaccination plan resumed yesterday, when the immunization of adults over 60 years of age in 333 municipalities of Mexico began.On Sunday, 870,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Mexico, of which 58,690 were delivered to Jalisco, where they will be applied to the elderly who live in marginalized communities in the ColotlAn, Tamazula, Ciudad GuzmAn, AutlAn, Puerto Vallarta and Ameca health regions.The governor reported that "29 vaccination modules will be installed in the municipalities of these regions, and 320 centers throughout Jalisco. We will coordinate with the federal and military authorities to help with everything necessary to start as soon as possible."Regarding the second application of the Pfizer vaccine that is pending in thousands of health workers, he said that the biologicals will arrive between Tuesday the 16th and Wednesday the 17th.President AndrAs Manuel LApez Obrador (AMLO) promised on Sunday that "by mid-April we will have the entire population of the 15.7 million older adults in the country covered and vaccinated, at least with the first dose, which is already enough protection." According to LApez Obrador, if the elderly can be inoculated, mortality in Mexico will be reduced by 80%.He assured that 140 million doses had already been purchased, for which 32 billion pesos were allocated.AMLO added that the Army has already begun to distribute the vaccines in 1,081 centers located in the 32 states of the Republic.Of the eight aircraft scheduled for deliveries, the first to leave were for Sinaloa, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Durango, Chihuahua and Sonora."We made this decision to start in all states, in the most remote and marginalized municipalities, with the poorest population in the country," said LApez Obrador.The federal government called on adults to register on the mivacuna.salud.gob.mx website, because although it is not mandatory, it gives them greater control. El Informador article translated and edited by Luis Antonio for BanderasNews.com. Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to create a barrier-free Canada with the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act, which will help remove barriers, and increase access and opportunities for persons with disabilities. Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, highlighted the publication of the first-ever proposed Accessible Canada Regulations under the Accessible Canada Act in the Canada Gazette (Part I). These proposed regulations were drafted following consultations with key disability stakeholders and federally regulated entities. These proposed regulations would establish a foundation for federally regulated entities to incorporate accessibility measures into their operations. The organizations would be required to develop and publish accessibility plans and progress reports, and establish feedback processes, in order to identify and remove existing barriers to persons with disabilities, as well as prevent future barriers within their organizations. The proposed regulations would also establish a framework for administrative monetary penalties should federally regulated entities fail to comply. To further advance the Government's goal of a barrier-free Canada, the Canadian Transportation Agency is also proposing Accessible Transportation Planning and Reporting Regulations in Canada Gazette (Part 1). These proposed regulations would implement planning and reporting requirements for transportation service providers in the federal transportation network. In line with the "Nothing without us" principle of the Accessible Canada Act, and recognizing the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians will have 65 days from February 13, 2021, the date of publication in the Canada Gazette, to review and comment on both sets of proposed regulations. This is more than twice the usual consultation period of 30 days and will allow for meaningful contributions from Canadians. The Government of Canada is also hosting technical briefings with stakeholders on the Accessible Canada Regulations over the coming weeks, to facilitate participation in the regulatory process. Quote "The publication of proposed regulations under the Accessible Canada Act is putting into action our commitment to create a barrier-free Canada. These regulations are important and will embed accessibility into the work that we do. The Government looks forward to receiving feedback and comments from the disability community, federally regulated entities, and all Canadians on the proposed regulations, as their voices and engagement are essential to the successful implementation of the Act. Together, we can achieve a fully inclusive and accessible Canada." Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough Quick Facts The Accessible Canada Act came into force on July 11, 2019 . It includes seven priority areas where federally regulated entities should focus their efforts to identify, remove and prevent barriers: the design and delivery of programs and services; employment; the built environment; information and communications technologies; the procurement of goods, services and facilities; communication; and transportation. came into force on . It includes seven priority areas where federally regulated entities should focus their efforts to identify, remove and prevent barriers: the design and delivery of programs and services; employment; the built environment; information and communications technologies; the procurement of goods, services and facilities; communication; and transportation. Federally regulated entities include: Government of Canada's departments and agencies departments and agencies Crown corporations, such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Canada Post and Via Rail the Royal Canadian Mounted Police the Canadian Forces the federally regulated private sector Parliament Transportation service providers include companies that operate planes, ferries, trains and buses that travel long distances, as well as terminals, such as airports, ferry terminals, train and bus stations, and ports where cruise ships dock. The Government of Canada has worked and will continue to work closely with disability organizations, stakeholders, the federally regulated private sector, federal government entities and Indigenous organizations to increase accessibility and build a more inclusive society towards the realization of a barrier-free Canada by 2040. has worked and will continue to work closely with disability organizations, stakeholders, the federally regulated private sector, federal government entities and Indigenous organizations to increase accessibility and build a more inclusive society towards the realization of a barrier-free by 2040. First Nations Band Councils have an additional five years to implement the proposed Accessible Canada Regulations. This additional time will allow for consultations and meaningful engagement with the Government of Canada . . The Government of Canada remains committed to a disability inclusive approach during the pandemic and beyond. The proposed regulations support this commitment as expressed in the latest Speech from the Throne. The Government of Canada will develop the first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which includes a new Canadian Disability Benefit, improved processes for eligibility for federal disability programs and benefits, and a robust employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities. Links Statement by Minister Qualtrough on the anniversary of the Accessible Canada Act Accessible Canada Regulations - Canada Gazette, Part I Accessible Transportation Planning and Reporting Regulations - Canada Gazette, Part I Backgrounder: Accessible Government Follow us on Twitter SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada For further information: For media enquiries, please contact: Marielle Hossack, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected] Related Links www.hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca Nail bomb killer David Copeland (pictured) has converted to Islam in prison, according to a former fellow inmate Nail bomb maniac David Copeland has converted to Islam in a bid to find forgiveness and 'get a second chance', it has been claimed. Copeland caused three nail bomb explosions in the space of 13 days in April 1999 - the final of which went off LGBTQ pub the Admiral Duncan in Soho. There, three people - including a pregnant woman - were killed. Copeland was jailed for life in 2000 and must serve a minimum of 50 years. The 44-year-old, who is serving his sentence at HMP Frankland, in Durham, befriended armed robber Andy Ross who has since been released after serving 11 and a half years. Ross told the Sun: Copeland prays every day and sees practising as a Muslim as a way of getting forgiveness and changing. 'But he still has a twisted mind.' The nail bomb killer, from Hampshire, instructed fellow inmates to call him Saddam, a reflection of his admiration for the Iraqi dictator, the Sun reported. Copeland was found guilty of three counts of murder and three counts of causing explosions in London in order to endanger life. The blasts went off in Brixton, Brick Lane and finally Soho and injured 140 people. Copeland, who was 22 at the time, told police he wanted the bombings to 'set fire to the country and stir up a racial war'. The scene in Soho after the third of Copeland's bombs went off and killed three people in 1999 He had planned to continue the attacks until he was caught. Andrea Dykes, 27, John Light, 32, and Nik Moore, 31, died in the final blast which contained 1,500 nails. Copeland was slapped with six life sentences after a trial at the Old Bailey and has since been handed an additional three years for attacking a fellow inmate in 2014. In August last year, Netflix announced it had commissioned a feature-length documentary about Copeland and the nail bomb attacks. The international wildlife trade is causing more than a 60 per cent fall in species abundance, a new study reveals. An international team of researchers, including experts from the University of Sheffield, performed a 'meta-analysis' of the wildlife trade from 31 studies. They found a 62 per cent fall in species abundance overall, as well as an 80 per cent decline in abundance specifically for endangered species, due to both legal and illegal trade. There was also even declines as high as 56 per cent in protected areas, according to the experts, who say current protective measures fail animal species in the wild. Unsustainable harvesting, including hunting, trapping, fishing and logging which often occurs in protected areas is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity. 100 million plants and animals are internationally trafficked each year to sell as pets, traditional medicines, bushmeat or luxury items, such as ivory from elephants, which is still traded despite a ban more than 30 years ago. Intensive extraction of species from their habitat and trade is a prominent driver of extinction risk and a global threat to species. This is demonstrated by the ivory-fuelled declines of African elephants. Pictured, an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) feeding from a tree IS THE IVORY TRADE BANNED? Trade of elephant ivory (pictured) is illegal In a landmark decision, the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) agreed an unprecedented international ban on the trade of ivory on October 17, 1989. While unrestricted international commercial trade in 'new' ivory is banned (CITES 1989), many countries continue to allow some form of commercial trade in ivory within and across their borders. Increasingly, these domestic markets are being recognised as significant drivers of elephant poaching and ivory trafficking. Source: BornFree.org Advertisement The international wildlife trade is worth somewhere between $4 billion and $20 billion per year, according to a previous report from Global Financial Integrity. The study has been conducted by experts at the University of Sheffield, the University of Florida, and Norwegian University of Life Sciences. 'Thousands of species are traded for pets, traditional medicines, and luxury foods, but how this impacts species' abundances in the wild was unknown,' said Professor David Edwards at the University of Sheffield. 'Our research draws together high-quality field studies to reveal a shocking reduction in most traded species, driving many locally extinct.' The study shows any claims that legal trade protects wild populations 'are false and are used to perpetuate wildlife exploitation', Peter Kemple Hardy from World Animal Protection told MailOnline. 'We must urgently tackle legal wildlife trade, not just illegal trade, to protect wild animals from cruelty, conserve wild populations and protect human health,' Kemple said. Animals threatened by unsustainable harvesting, trapping and hunting include elephants and rhinoceros, but also thousands of other less well-known species, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, plants and invertebrates. For example, the helmeted hornbill from southeast Asia a bird heavily hunted for its remarkable beak, which is carved for decoration or used in traditional medicine. And the dama gazelle of North Africa is threatened by uncontrolled hunting for its meat and horns. Covid-19 and the associated lockdowns are giving poachers 'free rein' to hunt protected species, the Wildlife Conservation Charity previously said, often using homemade traps. 'Trapping drives particularly severe declines in species at high risk of extinction and those traded for pets,' said Professor Edwards. 'Such high levels of offtake suggests trade is often unsustainable, yet a lot of trade is conducted legally. The helmeted hornbill (pictured) from southeast Asia a bird heavily hunted for its remarkable beak, which is carved for decoration or used in traditional medicine 'As a society, we urgently need to reflect upon our desire for exotic pets and the efficacy of legal frameworks designed to prevent species declines.' Notable examples of how trade impacts species are the decline of African elephants due to the illegal ivory trade and the demise of pangolin species across Africa and Asia, according to the team. But there's a lack of research on the impact of trade compared to other key drivers of extinction like deforestation and overhunting. To learn more, researchers looked at 31 papers that examined wildlife populations in areas where there was 'extraction' of species for trade, compared with areas with no extraction. Overall, the papers looked at individuals from 133 species 99 mammal, 24 bird and 10 reptile. The researchers then assessed the impact that a variety of factors might be having on the 133 species, ranging from the demand for trade to how far they lived from human settlements and whether they existed in protected or unprotected areas. 'From these 31 studies we extracted just over 500 effect sizes and overall we found that where extraction for trade occurred species declined by 62 per cent,' said study author Oscar Morton, also at the University of Sheffield. 'Of trade purposes we found declines were steeper for the pet trade than the bushmeat trade and really little evidence at all of the abundance impacts of other purposes.' Endangered species at particular risk of decline include spider monkey species Ateles belzebuth and Ateles chamek, as well as Bairds tapir (Tapirus bairdii). Baird's Tapir, pictured here in Cloud Forest, Costa Rica. The unusual-looking animal inhabits forests and wetlands from Mexico to Colombia 'Where extraction for wildlife trade occurs we found large declines in species abundances,' said Morton. 'This highlights the key role global wildlife trade plays in species extinction risk. Without effective management such trade will continue to threaten wildlife.' An understanding of how wildlife trade is impacting species is severely lacking in developed nations, the team also found. The meta-analysis was focused mainly on areas in central Africa and South America, as the team uncovered 'concerningly limited data' on the impacts of wildlife trade in Asia, North America and Europe, Morton said. There was also a lack of data for many amphibians, invertebrates, cacti and orchids, despite these groups often being traded. The study has been published in Nature Ecology and Evolution. Pastor Richard Johnson struck me as an affable person as he excitedly shared with me the journey that led him to start a multiethnic church. It was 2010, and we were meeting for lunch on Ohio State Universitys campus at his request. He was still in the early stages of church planting and reached out when he heard that Ia Christian and a professor who studied multiracial churcheslived in his town. Over lunch, I listened to Pastor Rich tell me his story about why he chose to leave the black church and make his foray into the multiethnic church world. I was praying about a Latina worship leader because were going to be diverse, you know, in what we represent up front. Were doing this because of (every nation, tribe, people, and language in) Revelation 7, he recalls telling me. We just have to do this differently. But I wasnt buying it. Having studied multiracial churches, I knew he was in for a rude awakening. I shared some of what I discuss in my book The Elusive Dream: The Power of Race in Interracial Churches: Multiracial churches tend to mimic white churches in their culture and theology; whites are not comfortable with black church culture or addressing the elephant in the room, race; multiracial churches workthat is, remain diverseto the extent that their white members are comfortable. Pastor Rich remained undeterred. He told me recently: I was saying all the right things, what we are taught typically when we plant multiracial churches. All of the boxes, I was checking off. Church-planting strategies like Pastor Richs seem at first glance to be paying off. The number of multiracial churches has risen steadily in the US ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. Advertisement For sheer number of five-star hotels, London will take some catching. Forbes Travel Guide has announced its 2021 Star Awards and London is still the leader of the pack for five-star properties, as it was in 2020, with 19 in total. Tokyo has added four hotels to its five-star roster, bringing its total to nine, but it still also lags behind New York (10), Paris (13) and Macau (13). Scotland claims its first five-star win with The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, in Edinburgh. New for this year is a 'Hotel Instagram of the Year' award, and that goes to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, which has 145,000 followers. The Maldives resort won 'for curating a feed that radiates personality, engages with followers and has an overall stunning aesthetic'. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has won the Forbes Travel Guide 'Hotel Instagram of the Year' award. This image is one of hundreds enjoyed by its 145,000 followers The Instagram award was bestowed upon Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi 'for curating a feed that radiates personality, engages with followers and has an overall stunning aesthetic'. This image wowed the hotel's followers LONDON'S 19 HOTELS WITH FIVE-STAR AWARDS 45 Park Lane The Berkeley Brown's Hotel Bulgari Hotel London Claridge's The Connaught The Dorchester The Egerton House Hotel Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square The Goring Hotel 41 The Lanesborough The Langham Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park The Milestone Hotel & Residences Rosewood London The Savoy Shangri La Hotel at The Shard Source: Forbes Travel Guide's 2021 Star Rating Awards Advertisement To decide the award, Forbes Travel Guide's (FTG) editorial department determined five nominees from its highest-performing luxury hotel posts on FTG's own Instagram account for 2020. Then FTG asked its readers and followers to select their favourite feed in an online survey. The finalists were Airelles Gordes, La Bastide in the French Riviera; Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in Puerto Rico; Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort; and Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como. The hotels in London that have retained their five-star status include 45 Park Lane; The Berkeley; Bulgari Hotel London; Claridge's; The Connaught; The Dorchester; Egerton House Hotel; Hotel 41; Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London, and The Savoy. Scotland claims its first five-star win with The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, in Edinburgh Luxury turned up to 11: The splendidly refined interior of The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel The new five-star hotels in Tokyo are The Capitol Hotel Tokyu; The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, A Luxury Collection Hotel; The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo; and Takanawa Hanakohro. Cities that gain a five-star hotel for the first time include Houston (The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston); Montreal (Four Seasons Hotel Montreal); Philadelphia (Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center), and Seattle (Four Seasons Hotel Seattle). Los Cabos in Mexico welcomes a trio of new five-star winners - Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection; Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection; as well as Auberge Spa Chileno Bay. And Bali has two first-time five-star hotels: The Mulia Nusa Dua, Bali, and The St. Regis Bali. The Berkeley in London, meanwhile, picks up the Philanthropic Star award. A hotel of distinction: The Mulia Nusa Dua, Bali is now a five-star Forbes Travel Guide property The Berkeley, pictured, in London, picks up the Philanthropic Star award. The hotel served 500 meals to the emergency services during the first lockdown This award 'salutes a property that helped others who faced adversity in 2020, whether through an international campaign or a community-based effort'. FTG said: 'When Covid-19 forced The Berkeley to close, the hotel created The Berkeley 999 Drive Thru, serving 500 meals daily during the first lockdown to emergency services. An additional 250 meals a day were given to the elderly and more vulnerable in the community, in partnership with Westminster Council. In total, more than 50,000 meals were provided. Staff members, many of whom were furloughed, volunteered to serve food and were a beacon of positivity.' Hilton luxury brands 'Conrad' and 'Waldorf Astoria, Americas' also impressed the judges with responses to the pandemic. One of the stunning rooms at the now five-star Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, A Luxury Collection Hotel They have been honoured with the 'Health Security Star' award for 'taking smart, proactive steps to enhance guest and employee health safety'. The judges added: 'In response to the pandemic [they] swiftly developed luxury service manuals with detailed videos and illustrations to thoroughly describe the modified guest experience with safety in mind. [They] also created a robust cleanliness and disinfection program.' Three individuals have been awarded prizes, too. Hotel Employee of the Year is Hisashi Sugimoto, master bartender at The Tokyo Station Hotel. The 80-year-old joined the Tokyo hotel in 1958 and invented many of the original cocktails that fill the menu at Bar Oak. FTG said: 'His colleagues report that it's his passion to make guests happy that keeps patrons returning after six decades.' Hotel Employee of the Year is Hisashi Sugimoto, master bartender at The Tokyo Station Hotel The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston is now a Forbes Travel Guide five-star honoree Los Cabos in Mexico welcomes a trio of new five-star winners, including Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection (pictured) Impressive: The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo (pictured), is one of nine five-star hotels in the city Spa Employee of the Year is Najla Ceman, therapist at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. FTG said: 'When the spa closed for nine months, the 20-year beauty veteran proactively became certified in numerous health-and-safety-related courses to ensure that she was prepared to meet the new demands upon reopening. But finding positivity in difficult times is a way of life for Ceman. When she left war-torn Bosnia 27 years ago, she had just started her first year of college. She recently has resumed her classes.' Restaurant Employee of the Year is Bruce Wong, supervisor at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel's Italian restaurant, Cucina. FTG said: 'Wong is known among the staff for going the extra mile when taking care of guests. But he pays the same attention to colleagues, regularly hosting workshops to enhance the team's confidence. He also dedicated time to obtain a level three certification in Wine & Spirit Education Trust, among other initiatives.' Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, said: 'In this unprecedented time for the travel industry, every persisting staff member at a hotel, restaurant and spa is a winner. But we also wanted to honor those hospitality workers who went above and beyond during the pandemic to aid their guests and colleagues.' Forbes Travel Guide, which is headquartered in Atlanta, is a global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, drawn up by an independent inspection process. FTG says: 'Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the worlds best luxury experiences.' For the full list of winners and more visit www.forbestravelguide.com. The research team that developed a biosensor that first recorded that a distinct gradient of the plant growth hormone gibberellin correlated with plant cell size has now revealed how this distribution pattern is created in roots. Starting when a plant embryo forms within a seed and continuing throughout the plant lifecycle, undifferentiated stem cells undergo radical transformations into specialised root, stem, leaf and reproductive organ cells. This transformation relies on a suite of molecules called phytohormones that, much like human hormones, can move between cells and tissues and trigger distinct biological processes across the bodyplan. While it was not known at the time, mutations involving the gibberellin class of phytohormones were behind the development of many of the high-yielding semi-dwarf wheat and rice varieties that helped drive the Green Revolution in the 1950s and 60s. The mutations resulted in shorter stems, enabling the crop plants to redirect energy into growing grain rather than stems and leaves and also prevented lodging caused when tall spindly plants fall over before harvest. We now know through advances in molecular and genetic tools that gibberellins (GA) regulate growth and development throughout the plant lifecycle - from germinating seeds, elongating stems and roots, to the formation of flowers. It is therefore not surprising that GA continues to attract the interest of plant scientists investigating how hormones control plant growth and as a possible target for future crop improvements. A collaboration between the research teams of Alexander Jones, Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, and Leah Band and Markus Owen at the University of Nottingham, explain the biochemical steps responsible for a distinctive GA distribution seen in plant growth in PNAS today. Their research provides a valuable model for understanding GA patterns in other plant tissues and its related influence on plant development. "As key regulators of plant growth and development, understanding plant hormones is crucial for understanding plant growth dynamics, how they respond to their environment, and to help identify future targets for improved food security," said first-author Dr Annalisa Rizza. "GA is known to regulate cell multiplication and cell expansion to increase the growth root rate , but we as yet don't have a full picture of how. We had previously observed there was a distinct longitudinal gradient of GA from root tip to root elongation zone that correlated with cell size in growing roots of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We also observed an exogenous-GA-generated gradient with faster accumulation of GA in larger cells, but we did not know how these patterns were being created." To help find the answer, the researchers combined mathematical models with experimental observations to take a deep dive into the cells to see what biochemical and/or transport activities might be responsible. Mathematicians from the University of Nottingham, Dr Leah Band and Professor Markus Owen, developed a computational model to simulate the hormone GA dynamics in the plant root, which enabled them to test how different processes contribute to the GA gradient. They compared the output of their computer simulations to the experimental observations from the GA biosensor developed by the Jones research group. "Having considered various scenarios, we found that the model predictions could only agree with the GA biosensor data provided the elongation-zone cells have high GA synthesis and increased permeability" added Dr Band. The next step was to test these predictions through experiments. Using the GA biosensor, the team examined the key steps involved in GA biosynthesis and pinpointed key rate limiting steps associated with enzymes involved in GA biosynthesis and that differential permeability in cell membranes were also playing a key role in creating GA gradients. They showed that each region in the root has a different combination of important regulatory steps, a level of information that was previously not accessible to researchers. Even more surprising, an important step that was generally thought to be rate limiting was the least important for setting the position and slope of the root GA gradient. In addition to local synthesis of GA, the ability of GA to move between cells is also considered an important factor. The team looked at the permeability of cell membranes to GA and found differences in cell permeability were contributing to the creation of the exogenous-GA-generated-gradient. "Tiny amounts of these chemical hormones can reprogramme a plant cell and completely change its growth and physiology. Which plant cells produce these chemicals? Where and when do these chemical hormones go? These are the core questions that we are trying to answer," explained Dr Jones. "These findings help explain which components are playing the important roles contributing to how plants control the distribution of a mobile hormone. There are multiple components involved in this - processes that make more GA, take it away and transport it from and into the cell all play a part. These can then be targets for engineering nuanced changes. The Green Revolution was great, but there are negative side effects that could be eliminated with more fine scale perturbations in the future. "This detailed understanding of how GA distribution relates to root growth and how these gradients are controlled provides a valuable model for progressing our understanding of how hormone distributions influence how plants grow." ### Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday called on the owners of unoccupied buildings in downtown Houston to turn off their lights at night to help conserve electricity, just as has been requested of residents across the region. The downtown skyline remained illuminated Monday night as temperatures dipped to dangerous levels and more than a million Houston residents struggled to stay warm in their powerless homes. Photos of vacant but well-lit office buildings circulated widely across social media, sparking outrage among Houstonians who were asked to conserve power if they were lucky enough to have it. Hours later, it remains unclear why skyscrapers had power and were using it at night when more than 1.3 million Houston-area residents awoke to no electricity Tuesday. For many, it was their second day without power. Turner said he asked the Downtown Houston Management District to have unoccupied buildings turn off their lights. He said the city cannot cut off all power downtown because some people are staying in hotels and sheltering at the George R. Brown Convention Center. On a call Tuesday morning that included elected officials, CenterPoint Energy, the utility company that supplies electricity to the Houston area, said it was working with businesses to shut off power at locations not critically needed downtown and in the Galleria area, Councilman Robert Gallegos said in a tweet. In a statement, CenterPoint spokeswoman Alejandra Diaz said downtown Houston is served by its underground network and many downtown buildings are critical load. The statement did not elaborate. She said CenterPoint is working to identify and isolate buildings on a case-by-case basis to conserve power. We, of course, continue to urge customers who do have power to assist with this situation and limit outages by reducing their electricity use to the lowest level possible, Diaz said. Bob Eury, president of the Houston Downtown Management District, said district officials sent a message to businesses at noon urging them to conserve power. We are seeing proactive steps being taken by many buildings, Eury said. This involves actions in addition to normal energy conservation practices, given the seriousness of the current emergency. Residents were alarmed over similar circumstances in other large Texas cities. Austin officials said their downtown network was excluded from power outages required by the state electric grid operator. This is a complicated, inter-connected network that includes critical buildings like the Dell Seton Medical Center, warming centers, the COVID-19 Alternate Care Site, Capitol Complex and Austin City Hall, as well as other critical infrastructure and government buildings, the city said in a news release. Shutting down the downtown network would also cut off electricity to these critical buildings, which may also house vital communications equipment. The capital citys economic development department requested Tuesday morning that downtown properties scale back electricity use immediately, the Austin American-Statesman reported. Turners office did not respond to questions about whether city buildings remained illuminated in Houston. In San Antonio, officials turned off lights at the Alamodome and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Councilman Roberto Trevino reported. Earlier in the evening, Trevino tweeted that San Antonios skyline needs to join the other Texas skylines that have gone dark in order to do all that we can to preserve our energy and provide it to the households most in need. jasper.scherer@chron.com On the same day a judicial reform organization filed a formal complaint against recently seated U.S. District Judge Joe Dawson over his ongoing $216,000 contract with Charleston County government, county officials disclosed it was Dawson himself who drafted the agreement. The disclosure was made Feb. 16 by County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor at the body's formal meeting, and came hours after Gabe Roth, executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Fix the Court, filed a formal judicial ethics complaint about the arrangement. The things that are being paid for flout the ethical standards for federal judges, said Roth, citing the Charleston County contract agreement with Dawson that was obtained by The Post and Courier through the Freedom of Information Act. Dawson was Charleston Countys attorney until his U.S. Senate confirmation in December. Days before his confirmation, Dawson signed a deal to provide 12 months of services to the county if he became a judge. The genesis of where that agreement came from had not been confirmed until now. County Councilman Kylon Middleton raised the question at a previous meeting. Mr. Dawson, the attorney, drew up the agreement, Pryor said at the Feb. 16 council meeting, raising additional questions. The controversial document states that, in exchange for the $216,000, Dawson agrees to provide the county his institutional and historical knowledge and insight on proceedings related to services performed or required to be performed, or non-legal advice on matters where he possesses pertinent knowledge for twelve months from the date of his separation. One council member who was not in the meeting where the deal was discussed in December said Tuesday night he would have opposed it. I would not have been in favor of that, Councilman Henry Darby said. I would have never gone along with that. Never, ever. Other members of council said they were aware of the arrangement, and needed Dawsons ongoing knowledge because he served as county attorney for 20 years. Still, some said they didnt know how much he was to be paid. Since were clearing the air, I did indeed discuss very briefly whether we needed to have access to Joe Dawsons knowledge after he left and I said 'absolutely,' Councilman Dickie Schweers said. I was never asked about the pay in the ongoing contract." However, the Fix the Court complaint says Dawson cant be in service to the county at the same time while he is sitting on the federal bench. You cant do other work once youre a judge, Roth said. If you want to make more money on top of being a judge, write a book or teach a class. The deal, which was not disclosed on Dawsons judicial screening questionnaire, also calls for him to be paid 1.5 percent of any amount the county recovers as a plaintiff in national litigation over opioid pharmaceuticals. Dawson was one of seven lead attorneys on the case for the county. As far as the 1.5 percent litigation fee, I have no clue where that came from, Schweers said. Roth said that part of the agreement might be allowable under ethics statutes as deferred compensation, but it doesnt look great. He noted that the Purdue Pharma litigation is an ongoing federal case. Dawson did not return a call to his U.S. District Court office in Greenville seeking comment, and has not responded to prior requests for comment. Charleston County Council members have given conflicting accounts of the purpose of the agreement with Dawson one called it a retainer while another called it a severance payment and until now had refused to say who drafted or approved the deal. Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt said council members knew what was going on, and Dawsons pending departure was an urgent situation. All this sanctimonious virtue signaling is blowing my mind because we were all there, she said. He was already being approved by the U.S. Senate. Things were moving extremely fast, said Honeycutt. Could it have been done better? It probably could have. She said several other county attorneys left when Dawson did, creating an urgent need to find a replacement. The county has been reviewing finalists for Dawsons job for weeks. I hope that we can continue to rely on Mr. Dawson to provide the knowledge not legal advice as we move on, Honeycutt said. Councilwoman Anna Johnson also said council members, with the exception of Darby, were all in the room when Dawsons contract was discussed during a non-public executive session. Everyone was there when we discussed the salary for Mr. Dawson and even the 1.5 percent, she said. Darby wanted to know how the deal was approved if there was no vote taken. Johnson said the county council chairman at the time Elliott Summey and the county administrator had the authority. Summey, who is no longer on council and is in charge of Charleston International Airport, has denied knowledge of the details of the arrangement. I dont think anyone did anything with unethical intentions, Pryor said. We work too damn hard to have our names scandalized. We all make mistakes and we all need forgiveness. Judicial complaints in the 4th Circuit are handled by Chief Judge Roger Gregory but the process is not transparent. Complaints are not disclosed unless the person filing a complaint makes one known, as in this case. University of Pittsburgh Professor Arthur Hellman, an expert on judicial ethics, said judicial complaints can take three paths. Most, he said, are filed by disgruntled plaintiffs and are quickly dismissed as having no merit. But the rest either go to a special committee appointed by the chief judge or are resolved by the judge in question taking voluntary corrective action. My research has shown thats what often happens in cases with a pretty clear ethical violation, Hellman said, referring to voluntary corrective action. I would think that for the chief judge to conclude this without sending it to a special committee, Judge Dawson would have to return the money, as well as renounce the contract, he said. It is not known if the Fix the Court complaint is the first, or only, complaint filed in connection with the matter. Decisions on complaints are eventually posted on the 4th Circuits website, but typically do not identify the judge, the complainant or the details of the complaint. Maun Hainaveld commercial farmer, Mr Sekeletu Sekeletu believes that if done properly, the beef industry can contribute significantly to the country's economy, just like the tourism sector. He is of the view that change of mindset towards rearing of livestock and trying new management practices, could make farming more profitable and bigger contributor to the economy. Mr Sekeletu, a renowned farmer in the Hainaveld ranches, some 100 kilometres in the western side of Maun, owns a big ranch, which he acquired back in the early 70s. He revealed that he was now enjoying the benefits of adapting new management practices, following a UNDP-sponsored benchmarking mission to Zimbabwe, to appreciate their counterparts' livestock management styles. He said he was fortunate to be amongst a delegation to Dimbangambe farm in Zimbabwe, to observe the holistic management system and hiring of well-paid eco-rangers. Mr Sekeletu said the benchmarking trip had worked wonders for him as he was now deriving benefits from practising new ways of managing livestock, adding that the holistic management system had taught him how bare ground could become productive in no time. He further revealed that he decided to apply the knowledge and information he acquired because he saw a lot of benefits from the new system, which he said was an answer to farmers' woes, including overgrazing. He said the system encouraged farmers to have a grazing plan, supervise their livestock 24/7, as well as promoting proper livestock management practices. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Botswana Agribusiness By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mr Sekeletu said he had started practising proper rotational grazing and seen improvement, more so that Ngamiland district was prone to severe droughts. He explained that he had divided his ranch into six paddocks and kept cattle in one paddock for a month, then relocated them to another to allow the first one to become productive, as opposed to keeping them in one paddock for 2-3 months as he used to. Mr Sekeletu said since he started applying the new technology, he had seen a huge improvement, adding that his herd had also multiplied because he could monitor them better. He said he wished farmers could adapt new farming technologies to improve the beef industry and encouraged them to develop the habit of reading and researching about new technologies of improving livestock management. Source : BOPA Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 10:05:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Hengdian World Studio, dubbed as "Chinese Hollywood", is known as the world's largest shooting base. There is a group of foreign performers and actors gathering in here in chase of their dreams, even during the Spring Festival. Dimitry Abramov is among one of them. Click to see his story. #GLOBALink Produced by Xinhua Global Service WEST ELGIN, ON, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW/ - Canadians everywhere are feeling the impact of COVID-19, on their families, their livelihoods and their way of life. Together, Canada and Ontario are working to reduce the impact of the pandemic, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, and promote job creation, growth and investment. Today, Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Member of Provincial Parliament for ElginMiddlesexLondon, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; and His Worship Duncan McPhail, Mayor of the Municipality of West Elgin, announced joint funding for improvements to the Rodney Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Municipality of West Elgin. The Government of Canada is investing $942,000 in this project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan, with the Government of Ontario contributing over $784,000. The Municipality of West Elgin is contributing over $628,000 toward this project. The project includes the rehabilitation of a secondary clarifier, the replacement of a storage tank, and upgrades to the lagoon decant system. The upgrades will improve the reliability and effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process, extending the facility's performance lifespan, and reducing future maintenance costs. It will also ensure area residents have efficient wastewater services while also protecting local waterways, and supporting a healthier living environment. All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when they need it the most. Quotes "Long-term investments in infrastructure are key to building healthy, and resilient communities, while also providing important services to our residents. Improvements to the Rodney Wastewater Treatment Plant mean that West Elgin residents can rely on safe and efficient wastewater treatment that will help protect the environment and support community development. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities." Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities "Upgrades to the Rodney Wastewater Treatment Plant have been badly needed for many years. I am proud that the Ontario government is contributing to this important project as part of a collaborative commitment to community infrastructure." The Honourable Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Member of Provincial Parliament for ElginMiddlesexLondon, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure "West Elgin is proud to partner with the Federal and Provincial governments to upgrade the Rodney Wastewater Treatment Plant. This funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program will allow for the first major updates to the plant since it was built, extending its lifespan and ensuring West Elgin Residents have efficient wastewater services for years to come." His Worship Duncan McPhail, Mayor of the Municipality of West Elgin Quick facts Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities. plan, the Government of is investing more than over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities. The Government of Canada has invested more than $8.2 billion in over 2,770 infrastructure projects across Ontario under the Investing in Canada plan. has invested more than in over 2,770 infrastructure projects across under the plan. Ontario is investing over $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure. is investing over under the Investing in Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure. Ontario is investing more than $40 million and Canada is investing more than $100 million under the first intake of the Green Infrastructure Stream. Associated links Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html Investing in Canada Plan Project Map http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html Ontario Builds Project Map: https://www.ontario.ca/page/building-ontario Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Web: Infrastructure Canada SOURCE Infrastructure Canada For further information: Chantalle Aubertin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-941-0660, [email protected]; Christine Bujold, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure, 416-454-1782, [email protected]; Sofia Sousa-Dias, Communications Branch, Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure, 437-991-3391, [email protected]; Magda Badura, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of West Elgin, 519-785-0560 ext. 221, [email protected]; Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected] Related Links www.infrastructure.gc.ca Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Blackrock Education Centre are running the national Something Fishy poetry competition aimed at 5th and 6th class primary school students in Leitrim and nationwide. It is an opportunity for students to get creative at home and learn about fish. This is the second year the competition has been run as a fun way for students to learn more about fish and their environment while also being in with a chance to win some great prizes. The competition is to write an acrostic poem; in which the first letter of each line spells out a word. Each student is to spell out the word STREAM to write their own acrostic poem. Students are also encouraged to illustrate their poems with their own artwork. Only one entry is permitted per student and it is to be original work. The closing date for entries is Friday, 28th of May 2021. Parents/ Guardians are being asked to email the entry to outreach@fisheriesireland.ie and to include the students name, class (5th or 6th) and school name and address. The entries will be divided into three categories: 5th class in one category, 6th class in another and there is also a category for entries in Irish. The winning illustrated poems will be chosen by a panel of judges. Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: We are delighted to launch this competition for the second year in a row and we are looking forward to seeing the imaginative works the young poets create. There are lots of fun and interactive resources available on www.somethingfishy.ie, to help inspire budding poets. Susan Gibney, Director of the Blackrock Education Centre said: We are looking forward to being involved in the second year of this competition. The poetry competition is a great way to inspire students to engage in learning in an innovative way. As an education centre it is great to be part of new ways to involve students in learning particularly during current times. Winners will be announced on the 18th of June 2021 and prizes are as follows: Three Categories- 5th and 6th class and Irish language category 1st prize- Fishing kit (to the value of 100) 2nd prize- Outdoor field trip kit (to the value of 50) 3rd prize- Goody Bag (to the value of 30) Each category has three prize-winners winning the above prizes. A look at some of the major movers in London on Tuesday ( ) floated 10% higher to 6.85p after it signed a contract with a train leasing company. The contract is to supply hydrogen fuel cell systems for passenger trains. TP Group is acting as the prime contractor for the integrated hydrogen fuel system, building upon the group's preliminary consulting work to define system requirements and specify a suitable system configuration for safe operation in this application. 1.45pm: Argo Blockchain rides the Bitcoin bus (LON:ARGO) saw its share price surge 30% to 243.5p taking its valuation towards 1bn as the price of bitcoin smashed the US$50,000 mark. The cryptocurrency miner put on a statement saying it knew of no fundamental reason why the shares had risen and was not aware of any material developments beyond those previously notified to the market. That being said, the price of Bitcoin is up by more than a thousand dollars today at U$49,230, having earlier in the day moved above US$50,000 for the first time. 12.40pm: Mercantile Ports & Logistics soars as it bags two contracts Mercantile Ports & Logistics Limited ( ) shot up 130% to 0.875p after it announced two new multi-year contract wins. I am very pleased that we have entered into two long term contracts with customers who have carried out significant due diligence over a number of months on various port and logistics facilities in the region and came to the conclusion that the Karanja facility provides modern infrastructure that will aid in the growth of their respective businesses. These contracts highlight the important part that Karanja can play in the growth of Maharashtra and the neighbouring region, said Jeremy Warner Allen, the chairman of Mercantile Ports. While coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to have an impact on the Indian economy, the company has been able to continue work on-site and there have been some cargo movements, albeit at low levels. 11.45am: Braveheart share price boosted by COVIDITY speculation PLC ( ) has put out a statement after a sharp rise in the share price an 11% rise to 88.5p. In attempting to explain the rise, Braveheart noted it provided an update on January 29 concerning progress to develop a COVID-19 test that Paraytec Limited is working on in conjunction with the University of Sheffield. The situation has echoes of yesterdays announcement from Scancell Holdings, which saw its share price soar yesterday after press comment about its COVIDITY programme, in which the company plans to see whether is intellectual property can be applied to combatting COVID-19. 10.50am: Serco surges after US acquisition PLC ( ) advanced 9% to 142.2p after it strengthened its US defence services operations with an acquisition. The company has bought US Air Force and Army-focused Whitney, Bradley & Brown for US$295mln. The acquisition, from US private equity group HIG Capital, will broaden its reach to all major segments of the US defence services market, the FTSE 250 group said, while also being immediately earnings accretive. 9.55am: CloudCoCo flying high as turnaround continues ( ), up 35% at 1.55p, continued on the comeback trail as it said revenue in the first quarter has been strong. The provider of information technology and communications services said underlying earnings (EBITDA) in the first quarter of its financial year the October to December quarter were significantly ahead of earnings in the same period of 2019. The sales pipeline continues to be healthy, the company said. 9.00am: Fox Marble employs Dentons to press its claim against the Kosovo government ( ) fell 9% to 2p after it revealed sales halved in 2020 to 0.7mln from 2019s level. Fox Marble has engaged the services of Dentons Europe to act on the company's behalf in its circa 195 million claim against the Republic of Kosovo. Dentons has agreed a fee arrangement that enables Fox Marble to bring the arbitration through to its conclusion. PLC ( ), down 4.5% at 38.2p, after it said operational performance only partially recovered in the second half of last year. The aviation services provider continued to be adversely affected by ongoing losses at its Hong Kong-based associate, CASL, albeit by less than in the first half of the year, as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic's impact on the commercial airline market. Gama ended the year with cash of US$16.1mln, on top of which it has US$24.7mln left to draw from its revolving credit facility. Proactive news headlines ( ) has described as a welcome source of funding a new government-backed platform that will fast-track the development of potentially ground-breaking COVID-19 treatments. ( OTCQB:WRHLF) said its subsidiary, Love Hemp Limited, has seen a strong increase in demand during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with revenues up nearly 100% on the prior quarter. ( ) said its flagship product, mViva Contextual Campaign Management, has gone fully live at its largest customer in Asia. ( ) has provided details from its annual reserves statement, confirming 117.2mln barrels of proved and probable (2P) reserves across its assets in the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq. ( ) told investors that gas sales have now begun at the West Rustavi field, in the Republic of Georgia, following the connection of Bago LLCs pipeline to the main Georgian Oil & Gas Corporation pipeline. ( ) (OTCQB:WRHLF) said its subsidiary, Love Hemp Limited, has seen a strong increase in demand during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with revenues up nearly 100% on the prior quarter. In a trading update for the period from October 1 to December 31, 2020, the cannabidiol (CBD) specialist reported that Love Hemp has accrued 1.56mln in revenues for the quarter, a 97% rise on the 793,500 figure from the first, while gross sales came in at 764,000. s ( ) attention is switching to Trinidad and Suriname in the near-term with new wells planned before the end of the first quarter. Amur Minerals Corporation ( ), the nickel copper exploration and development company focused on the Kun-Manie project in the Far East of Russia, has reported that the terms and conditions for its Kun-Manie Detailed Exploration and Mine Production Licence have been amended and registered with Rosnedra, the State Licencing Agency. ( )( ) has raised 4mln via a placing of just over 9.5mln new shares at 42p each. The money raised will be used to advance the La India gold project in Nicaragua further towards production. Pan African Resources Ltd ( )( ) boosted gold production by 5.9% to 98,386 ounces in the six months to December 2020. It leaves the company on track to deliver on its full year production guidance of approximately 190,000 ounces of gold. Net cash generated by operating activities increased by 178.2% to US$28.1mln, and the company was able to reduce net debt by 47.3%. Supply@ME Capital PLC said its temporary share suspension has not impacted its commercial progress, adding that the timing of the resumption of trading is out of its hands. It said it had successfully addressed the technical disclosure and transparency (DTR) breach regarding the timing of the publication of its financial statements on January 29. SYME has since been in regular communication with the FCA in support of the regulatory steps and due process required for the lifting of the temporary suspension, the company added. ( ) revealed that it has received a conversion notice in relation to its US$1.5mln unsecured convertible loan agreement with Riverfort Global Opportunities PCC Limited and YA II PN Ltd, which was announced on 15 July 2020. The Riverfort and YA funds have elected to convert a total amount of US$169,384.70 (122,245), made up of a principal amount of US$150,000 and accrued interest of almsot $19,385, into 153,379,428 new ordinary shares of 0.03125p each in the company at a price of 0.079701 pence per ordinary share. ( ) said that on Monday February 15 it granted Toby Smith, who joined the Company as chief operating officer in November, an award of nominal cost options over 1,000,000 ordinary shares of 1p. The options have been granted under the company's long-term incentive plan, are exercisable in 2024 following release of the Company's audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023, are subject to performance conditions relating to the Company's EBITDA profitability (pre-IFRS 16) and have a 10 year term. A further option over 25,000 shares was granted under the company's share option plan, with an exercise price of 1.20, will vest after 3 years and have a 10 year term. ( ASX:THR) advised that an updated investor presentation is available on the company's website, available via the following link: www.thormining.com/sites/thormining/media/pdf/interviews/thr-feb21-pres.pdf (ASX:BSE ) announced that it will host two investor and shareholder webcasts to discuss its half year results, which are scheduled for release on February 22, 2021. The webcasts will be hosted by managing director Tim Carstens, chief financial officer Kevin Balloch and general manager Stephen Hay, who will also be available to answer questions following a presentation of the companys results. Full details are available on the company's website. ( ) said it will hold an online investor presentation for retail investors via the Investor Meet Company platform on Monday, 22 February 2021 at 10am. Chaarat's chief executive Artem Volynets and chief financial officer Chris Eger will provide a live presentation relating to the 2020 operating results, the recently completed financing package and an outlook for 2021. Investors can sign up at https://www.investormeetcompany.com/chaarat-gold-holdings-ltd/register-investor 4d Pharma PLC ( ) announced that its chief executive Duncan Peyton will participate in broker 's virtual panel, titled "Microbiome Players with Guided Readouts in 2021," on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 3pm. A webcast of the panel will be available via the "Events" section of the 4D pharma website. e-Therapeutics plc ( ) notified investors that it will be presenting at the Shares Investor Evening webinar on Wednesday February 17, 2021. The webinar will start at 6pm and both existing and potential investors can register to attend. Ali Mortazavi, chairman and CEO of e-therapeutics, will be presenting an overview of the company and will be available to take questions during the event. ( ) said it has today published the latest edition of its quarterly newsletter summarising key activities and developments within the group and its portfolio companies. More details are available on the company's website Porsha Williams has become the voice of reason on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The Bravo star has become quite the social justice activist fighting for the Black Lives Matter cause. One cause that seems to not matter to Williams anymore is her relationship with co-star Kenya Moore. It was in the latest episode that she made it clear to fellow star Drew Sidora that she was not going to mess with Moore anymore. Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams | Tommy Garcia/Bravo Why is the RHOA cast upset at Kenya Moore? RHOA Season 13 has been heating up and in Episode 9 titled, The Hostess With the Least-est, Moore is at the center of controversy. The haircare guru organized a trip for the ladies to South Carolina that has left everyone upset. What was supposed to be a getaway from the drama in Atlanta, turned out to be messier due to Moores questionable actions. Right from the star, Moore didnt tell the majority of the group she was flying on a private jet to get to their destination. The rest of the ladies got to Charleston by bus and were upset they werent privy to flying there instead. Moore also brought her baby on the trip, saying she didnt trust anyone to leave her daughter with while she was away. Other housewives on the getaway got upset because they didnt know they could bring their children. Although Moore was the host, she wasnt too friendly with her fellow co-stars that even Kandi Burruss had a talk with her to make her see she was wrong. Kenya Moore | Tommy Garcia/Bravo RELATED: RHOA: Sheree Whitfield Claps Back at LaToya Ali After Ghetto Remark Drew Sidora raises concerns about Kenya Moore Williams and Sidora opted out of an exercise activity with the rest of the group. The latter took the opportunity to vent her feelings to Williams about the whole situation. She was upset about how Moore was acting the night before, leaving the group and calling it a night early into the evening to take care of her daughter. However, Moores attitude had completely shifted and it struck Sidora how everyone seemed OK with everything. This is a different Kenya today, she wasnt like this yesterday and everybody is just cool with it, Sidora tells Williams. In her confessional, Sidora expressed her confusion about the whole situation saying, Im very confused, everyone last night there were tears, everyone was angry, mad at Kenya, going on and on. Now, today, everybody is just acting like that didnt happen. That to me is just a little off-putting. Drew Sidora | Drexina Nelson/Bravo RELATED: RHOA: Kenya Moore Reveals if Marc Daly Knew She Sent Nudes To LaToya Ali When I see fakeness, I cant be around it. If were going to be friends, lets be friends but if were not, lets have a conversation, Sidora added in her scene with Williams. Why Porsha Williams doesnt mess with Kenya Moore anymore Williams has a long history of conflict with Moore and knows that the former beauty queen wouldnt receive positively any sort of criticism. The BLM activist seemed at peace knowing she would never have a solid friendship with Moore. I hear what youre saying and its a very pure mindset to have, it really us. You want to give love, you want to receive love. However, I have tried over the years and I realized that for whatever reason, Kenya is not my friend. Theres a complete block between us. It will be better received from one of her friends, Williams said. Porsha Williams | Tommy Garcia/Bravo RELATED: RHOA: Porsha Williams Slams Kenya Moore for Implying Her BLM Activism Is for Show Sidora told Williams she thought she would be a good person to talk to Moore since she was a leader in the BLM movement. Thats a Black life that I value but our relationship dont matter, Williams quipped. The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. (Nikkei Asia) China and South Korea have rapidly accelerated investment into Indonesia, official data shows, while Japan recedes as a source of capital for Southeast Asias biggest economy. Chinese foreign direct investment in Indonesia, including flows from Hong Kong, rose 11% to $8.4 billion last year, according to the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board. FDI from South Korea jumped 64% to $1.8 billion. This growth contrasts with a clear decline in Japanese investment, which once led Indonesias FDI trends. Flows from Japan fell 40% in 2020 to $2.6 billion. It comes as a shock that China and South Korea have increased investment at a time when rising coronavirus infections have stalled Indonesias economy, a country representative for a Japanese company working here says. Singapore was Indonesias biggest source of foreign direct investment last year, with $9.8 billion, followed by China, Japan and the European Union, according to the investment board, also known by the Indonesian acronym BKPM. But because much of the money nominally from Singapore is only routed through the city-state from other countries, observers say China is likely Indonesias de facto top source of FDI. Meanwhile, South Korea has moved up the rankings, surpassing Japan on a quarterly basis for the first time in October-December 2020, BKPM data shows. Areas of growth for Chinese investment in mineral-rich Indonesia include mining and smelting. A BKPM assessment predicts Chinese investment eventually will grow in all areas of the Indonesian economy. South Korean investment has poured into Indonesias automotive sector. Hyundai Motor plans to build a 19 trillion rupiah ($1.37 billion) vehicle factory in Bekasi Regency, east of Jakarta. Battery production for electric vehicles is expected to become a new magnet for Chinese and South Korean investment in Indonesia. President Joko Widodos government has targeted 2024 for starting domestic production of EV batteries in the country and is eager to tap the expertise of foreign players. Jakarta seeks to capitalize on Indonesias position as the worlds top producer of nickel, a key battery material. The government is discussing investment with battery-makers including Chinas Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. and South Koreas LG Chem. Japan has a weak presence in this investment race, given its auto industrys slow start in electric vehicles. Indonesias legislature in November enacted a controversial omnibus bill that includes provisions designed to attract foreign investment. Yet the country still has relatively few capital-intensive sectors ready to receive such flows. Japan consistently ranked second to Singapore among Indonesias top sources of FDI from 2010 to 2016, BKPM data shows. China overtook Japan in 2017 and has remained ahead since. Beijing also is deepening ties with Indonesia in trade and development assistance, and China is the biggest supplier of coronavirus vaccine for the archipelago nations vast immunization program. Given Indonesias key location on sea lanes connecting East Asia with Middle Eastern and African energy sources, closer economic ties with the country carry geopolitical implications. This article was originally published by Nikkei Asia Contact editor Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com) Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. An Armagh councillor has expressed frustration with the Northern Ireland-wide high street task force and described the project as a "damp squib". Ulster Unionist councillor Sam Nicholson was speaking during this month's meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council's economic development and regeneration committee. Last August the Executive announced a cross-departmental high street task force should be established to consider and address the key issues affecting businesses. During a discussion on the future of the council's own DEA task force groups, Mr Nicholson asked about the progress of the Stormont initiative that was announced to "much fanfare". "With regards to the Northern Ireland-wide high street task force, it is six months since it was announced," he said. "Where is it? Has it met yet and if it has not have we heard anything about it? "It was announced with great fanfare but as far as I can see it has turned into a damp squib." The council's strategic director of place, Olga Murtagh, informed members that the council has been requesting further information about the task force. "There are a number of umbrella groups invited to sit on a reference group to set up the task force but we have no further information at this point," said Ms Murtagh. In response, Mr Nicholson set out his frustration with the process. "I am not surprised but disappointed doesn't describe it," he added. "We must do our work to keep the pressure on. I think the task force is going to be essential going forward. "It is shocking that one year into lockdown this task force has not yet met. I thought the council ran slowly but compared to Stormont it seems we are turbo-charged." The committee then discussed its local district electoral area task forces. These task forces were established in 2019 to reflect the importance of the city, town and village centres as a key priority for the council. Proposing the recommendation to support the continuation of the current local task force groups until June 2022, Mr Nicholson called for an increase in the frequency of their meetings. "These task forces are very important," he continued. "I would like to see them meet with local businesses more regularly if possible. His proposal was seconded by councillor Stephen Moutray. Ron de Santis scorches Lockdowner Biden and his plan to shut entry into states like Florida that is doing better than Democratic-led states. He said that administration policy is flawed, and he is weaponizing COVID-19 to use it as a political weapon. Recently the Florida governor was incensed at what he calls coronavirus hypocrisy. Not finding it right that the Biden administration is allowing immigrants without a test to travel freely. He cited a rumored travel ban on Floridians outside of the state. Alleged Reports of travel restrictions by Biden Administration According to the Miami Herald, a week ago reported an alleged plan of the Democrat administration to put into place statewide lockdowns and travel restrictions. One of the reasons for the reported measures is because new variants were found. Florida allegedly has the most cases. On Fox News, De Santis went to town on "Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo." He tore into the double standard the new Oval Office occupant has. He said that it stank to high heaven; his policies are not sound; the Blaze reported this. He framed the plan to stop domestic travel as having no coherence and very lax in his immigration policies. Adding another layer that is anti-America, not America first as the past administration. The Lockdowner Biden would prioritize illegal alien that enter freely, while Americans are restricted in own country. Illegal aliens are allowed to go anywhere unmolested; the unlawful policies go against individual rights. De Santis called it the ultimate hypocrisy. Also read: Janice Dean Demands Legal Action, Accuses Gov. Cuomo of Covering Up Nursing Home Deaths Worse is the administration is selective in its COVID-19 policies and smells of politics. Criticizing that none of the aliens are checked for the virus. Adding Biden opened the borders more with an illegal alien, who might be criminals or sick with the virus. Migrants are invading communities posing health dangers, but the administration cares for politics better, not people. Biden has proven inconsistent against moving forward with COVID-19 by finding other things besides lockdowns. De Santis said that test should be taken before getting on a plane. Either that or states will be locked down; no one goes in or out. Flawed immigration policy and untested illegals entering the U.S. Last month the New York Times reported that the southern border of the United States via Texas has allowed streaming the number of migrants entering. Many are allowed entry with no checks are not quarantined if they have no signs of infection. This should not because just because they are migrants as they can infect more Americans. An estimated 1,000 immigrants went into the Texas border. Another detained 1000 illegals were allowed into the US in the past days. More are wanting entry into the borders with no testing that might make the pandemic worse. A Texas Sheriff verified the questionable entry of illegal with proper coronavirus protocols. Biden reversed the decision of Trump to shut the border. A political attack on Florida by Democrat led administration De Santis called the planned travel limitations foolish, also an orchestrated political assault on Florida and its people. He added that his state is a target for the Democrat-led administration and refused it based on his state's better performance. He added that Lockdowner Biden plans don't work and will oppose him. Meanwhile, Democrat states are worse and getting more severe. Related article: Failed Attempt to Impeach Trump Angers Pelosi, Says Censuring Is Not Enough @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. To Parliament, in the London of George III, the Boston Massacre of 1770 and the Tea Party of 1773 were not seen in the same light as they were by the Sons of Liberty in the Massachusetts colony. To Parliament, this was mob violence, and the shooting and killing at Lexington and Concord were acts of insurrection and treason. But because we won the Revolution, those events are portrayed and remembered differently. For when it comes to riots and revolutions, all depends on who writes the narrative of history. It is the winners. Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past, said George Orwell in his novel 1984. To the media, the long hot summer of rioting, looting and arson that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis was driven by racial justice protests against a systemic racism that permeates society. The rioters were calling attention to injustices we Americans have failed to address, like police brutality. And almost all of these peaceful protesters were calling us to be a better people. And did not the riots produce beneficial results? Joe Biden and his party have responded by setting as a goal the replacement of equality of rights with equity, an equality of results, where gaps in test scores, incarcerations, incomes and wealth between white and black are to be closed by government action. However, as for the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6 by Trumpists, to protest and perhaps change the outcome of the election, that was an act of insurrection, a treasonous attempt to overturn a democratic election and overthrow a democratic government. Of all the riots in 2020 and 2021, that was the unforgivable one. The proper response to that riot is not to heed its angry voices but to impeach the president on whose behalf they acted, to strip him of any right to serve again in public office, and to write new laws to deal with the horrific domestic terrorism we witnessed at the Capitol. About the morality and justice of the rampage of rioting in the wake of Floyds death, and the sole riot at the Capitol, the media are the self-anointed judges. They decide which riots are benign and which are malignant, which should receive an empathetic response, and which should end with every participant in prison. Western democracies almost always grant favorable publicity and moral support to popular uprisings against autocratic regimes. The Hong Kong protests were cheered on by the West until there arose a fear in China they were getting out of hand. Beijing then stepped in, ordered the protests halted and imposed law and order. In Russia, there have been protests in many cities over the recent jailing of dissident Alexei Navalny. But winter weather and thousands of police arrests have cooled the protests, and Vladimir Putin booted out of the country three EU diplomats from Poland, Germany and Sweden who attended the pro-Navalny demonstrations. When it comes to illegal and disorderly protests, Xi Jinping and Putin take them seriously and play hardball. They see mass protests and riots as Western-inspired, if not Western-planned, and deal with them as subversive activities. The messages sent by Russian authorities during this visit confirmed that Europe and Russia are drifting apart, EU minister Joseph Borrell blogged on his return from Moscow to Brussels. It seems that Russia is progressively disconnecting itself from Europe and looking at democratic values as an existential threat. In Turkey, demonstrations by staff and students erupted in January over the installation of an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as rector of Bogazici University, among the most acclaimed schools in the country. Hundreds have been arrested in clashes between protesters and police in one of the largest displays of civil unrest in Turkey in years. In Myanmar, thousands took to the streets this weekend to protest a generals coup that took over the country a week ago and ousted the elected civilian regime of Nobel Peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. The American media defended the Hong Kong protesters and tended to minimize, excuse or ignore its excesses and violence. But in Moscow, Beijing, Istanbul and Myanmar, the protests are seen as insurgencies, as sappers of the state and regime, and the governments are predisposed to deal with them in every way save capitulation. They see them as the work of regime change ideologues in the West. In Western nations, protests and riots come largely from the left and rail against what is claimed to be indifference or resistance to the rights of minorities. And the natural tendency of the media is to sympathize with protesters, especially those bedeviling autocracies. Again, all except the occupation of the Capitol on Jan. 6. That one was different. That one got the sympathy of no one because its premise was that an elite-backed establishment stole the election. Such accusations against our elites are intolerable and immoral. PAT BUCHANAN is the author of Nixons White House Wars: The Battles That Made and Broke a President and Divided America Forever. To find out more about him and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com. On Monday morning, Robert Irwin gave a Komodo dragon a big cuddle and a belly rub. Shes absolutely just gorgeous, I mean shes adorable, says the 17-year-old son of Steve, in confident tones that instantly recall the father who died when Robert was just two years old. Robert Irwin, 17, has won a major international photography award. Credit:Robert Irwin Irwin was helping a group of scientists study the way the huge predator (named Indah) moves. Theyre quite vicious when you see them in a feeding response, he says. But after we collated all the data we just sat down in her enclosure [at Australia Zoo] and she came over and enjoyed some belly rubs and some scratches and just found her way into your lap for a cuddle. ZANU-PF Chinhoyi Ward 11 councillor, Vorster Mashevedzanwa who contested and narrowly lost an election to choose a new mayor for the town last December, has lodged a High Court bid to stop the incumbent from exercising mayoral duties. He argues MDC Alliance's Garikai Dendera was illegally voted into office and should, therefore, vacate the job. Dendera won the 11 December 2020 election after polling five votes against Mashevedzanwa's four. This has prompted Mashevedzanwa to file an urgent chamber application at the High Court to declare as null and void Dendera's election and appointment as premier. In court papers filed 5 February 2021, Chinhoyi Municipality chamber secretary, Abel Gotora is cited as first respondent while Dendera and town clerk Maxwell Kaitano are second and third respondent, respectively. The aggrieved ward 11 councillor argues he was literally ambushed and went on to contest the poll under protest. In his founding affidavit, Mashevedzanwa, through his lawyers Thomas Nelson Attorneys wrote, "... Section 84 (4) of the Urban Councils Act governing the calling of special council meetings specifically provides that written notices of any special meeting in terms of Subsection (3) shall be sent to each councillor at least 24 hours before the meeting. "Contrary to the said provision, a notice convening the special meeting was delivered to my residence at or around 6pm on calling a meeting the following morning at 10am... " Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He added, "The 2nd respondent (Dendera) was, therefore, not properly elected as duly elected Mayor of Chinhoyi and accordingly, applicant seeks a declaratory order to the same and setting aside of the purported election and appointment." Mashevedzanwa's prayed to the court to treat the matter as urgent in order to stop Dendera from exercising the role of mayor as he occupies the post unlawfully to the detriment of council. Sources said Dendera of Ward 5 has filed opposing papers while the matter is yet to be set down. The mayoral election followed the expulsion late November last year of former mayor Dyke Makumbi (ward 12) and deputy mayor Chipo Mlotshwa (ward 14). Councillor Mercy Mada (Ward 6) bagged the deputy mayor's post after garnering six votes, while her challenger in Zanu PF's Innocent Mangwanya polled three. The recalls also claimed the scalps of four other councillors, namely Brighton Mhizha (ward 4), Richard Vhitirinyu (ward 3), Patricia Chibaya (ward 2) and Mukudzei Chigumbura (ward 8). Chinhoyi Municipality is now left with nine out of a possible 15 councillors. You know things, geopolitically-speaking, are starting to edge back towards normal when a brazen hack thought to be orchestrated by North Korea is in the news. The fact that Pyongyang stands accused by South Korea of trying to hack a coronavirus vaccine is, however, perhaps a sign that we still have a long way to go until were fully back to before times. Here, in the present day, South Koreas National Intelligence Service says the target of the hack was American drugmaker Pfizer, specifically its vaccine and treatment data. It was not reported when exactly the attempted cyberintrusion took place or whether it was successful. Advertisement North Korea quickly closed its border with China, its primary trading partner, shortly after the virus outbreak there began, and its leader Kim Jong-un has maintained that the isolated country is coronavirus-free. Its hard to imagine any country in the world has actually been untouched by the pandemic, but considering North Koreas current makeup as a nation-sized prison camp, who knows? Kim, as expected, is taking pandemic propaganda very, very seriously. When the South Korean foreign minister suggested that it was hard to believe the North didnt have the virus, Kim responded in a way that only makes sense in a totally over-the-top North Korean propaganda kind of way. We will never forget her words and she might have to pay dearly for it, Kim replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. North Korea, along with the usual suspects of Russia and China, have all been accused of trying to swipe vaccine data from pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and others. Although it claims to be free of the virus, North Korea has requested coronavirus vaccines and is set to receive nearly two million doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, according to the Gavi Alliance, part of the United Nations-backed Covax effort which aims to deliver vaccines to the worlds most vulnerable people, the Washington Post reports. The statement by South Korean officials is the latest in a string of accusations against North Korean hackers for attempting to steal vaccine technology, highlighting Pyongyangs ongoing campaign to obtain sensitive information through nefarious means and its growing cyber capabilities. Meerut : , Feb 16 (IANS) In heart-warming gesture, a police station in Meerut district has 'adopted' a 14-year-old boy who had nowhere to go. The boy, Anmol, lost his father in an accident two years ago and his mother is now in the mental hospital. Sagar, station house officer (SHO) of the Kankerkhera police station, learning about the boy's plight, decided to take the boy under his wings. The entire police station staff now takes care of Anmol who divides his time between his house and the police station. The SHO said, "Anmol has a desire to study and achieve something in life. I have spoken about his admission in some schools in the city and will soon start going to school. He spends most of his time with us. We have been taking care of him." Other police personnel at the police station also take care of Anmol who now treats it as his home away from home. "The boy is extremely comfortable here. He stays here, talking to us, or browsing through books that we have given him. He has his meals with us and is not too demanding," said another police personnel. Anmol had lost his father in an accident two years ago and his mother slowly became mentally unstable. "His mother had come to us with a complaint three months ago. That was the first time we came to know about her. She was in bad health. We later got her admitted to district hospital. She has now been referred to mental hospital in Agra," the SHO said. He said that he decided to take care of the boy because children his age, often, take to crime if they do not have guidance. Anmol's story came to light recently when a photograph of his cutting his birthday cake at the police station went viral on the social media. Meanwhile, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has also taken note of Anmol's case and has asked the SHO to appear before it. "The SHO has been asked to appear before CWC on February 17 with all the information on the child," said Anita Rana, a CWC member in Meerut. As a business owner, one thing Larry Katz, of Arnolds Meats, didnt do was to feel sorry for himself when the coronavirus pandemic hit. I am fortunate to have two cash-and-carry stores in Chicopee and East Longmeadow, and people were still buying food, Katz explains, noting Arnolds Meats considered an essential business not affected by the shutdown. Our retail business is actually up 50% because more people are eating at home rather than going out to a restaurant, he adds. But it is Katzs wholesale business including serving colleges, prep schools, small independent markets and restaurants that is hurting still due to the pandemic and was down 60% to 70% by the end of 2020. It is those customers for whom Katz feels most sad. Ive never felt as bad in my life as I do for these people because theyve worked so hard over the years and dont deserve this, Katz says about the hardships faced by restaurants and other food service providers because of COVID-19. Once again, because people arent eating out and are buying more food to prepare at home, the independent markets we sell to are not being hurt as much. Still, Katz whose uncle and father began the business in the 1950s in Holyoke has had his own challenges amid the pandemic. His Chicopee store was closed by the municipal Health Department for two weeks after an employee tested positive for the virus. Ive never had two weeks off in my life, he says, But, seriously, we did lose some business over the two-week period. Thankfully, we didnt lose any of our fresh products because we were able to bring them to our East Longmeadow store to sell. Another positive for Arnolds Meats is that the business never faced any food shortages. Every time you turned on the television early in the pandemic all you would hear about is food shortages, but I never had a problem bringing in product, Katz says. The problem was as soon as you put things out on the shelves such as chicken, for example, they would disappear. Arnolds Meats employs about 105 people in Chicopee and another 45 employees at its East Longmeadow store. At each location, Arnolds offers a self-service deli, frozen grade-A vegetables and seafood, desserts, bread, dairy products and hundreds of sauces, marinades and spices. All that is in addition to one of the largest selections of quality beef, lamb, veal and poultry in the Western Massachusetts and Connecticut areas. Arnolds butchers will cut the meat to order. As Katz looks ahead to 2021 and the hope that the vaccine will return life and business back to some semblance of normal, he is optimistic for the future. Never in all our years in business has there been such a challenge for us as the pandemic, he says. But, we will survive, and were not going anywhere. Related Content: PRIMROSE Eleven parishioners of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church donated their time and talents Sunday to serve chicken parmesan dinners that featured spaghetti sauce made by the church pastor. The dinners were served drive-thru style from St. Nicholas Hall along Route 901. Sherri Quandel, fundraising coordinator for the parish, said Sundays drive-thru meals were not the first served by the parish but the first on Valentines Day. People still dont want to go out, and some just enjoy being at home so this way they can pick up their food and enjoy it wherever they want, she said. Quandel said Sundays meal featured spaghetti, chicken parmesan, a salad, Italian bread and a homemade chocolate pretzel treat prepared by one of the parishioners. The sauce for the chicken and spaghetti was made Saturday night by the Rev. Mark Fesniak. You cant get better than homemade, Quandel said, adding that 200 platters were preordered and a few extras available for those who ask. Quandel said the parish, like many other churches and nonprofit organizations, are trying to find ways to bring in much-needed funds and still comply with the mandates and restrictions set in place with the COVID-19 pandemic. The parish lost several major fundraisers in 2020 and Quandel said she hopes 2021 will be better. We had to cancel our Chinese auction, bingos and unfortunately our two-day block party, the biggest fundraiser we have, she said. All of our large, personal events could not take place. Although Sundays chicken parmesan meal was the first of its kind offered by the parish, previous drive-thru meals included chicken and halupki, ham and halupki and roast beef, all with the traditional side dishes. Were trying to think outside of the box and be creative while doing it safely, Quandel said. She said 11 volunteers began working around 8 a.m. Sunday in order to have the meals ready when people started driving through. In addition to the drive-thru, Quandel said meals are also delivered to shut-in members of the public who are unable to travel to the church hall in person. Although it is a lot of work, Quandel said it is also nice to get together with friends for a common cause. Its work but its fun, too, she said. Parishioners pleased Parishioners Lori McCarthy and Lynn Schies, both of Forestville, drove by to pick up two meals they ordered. McCarthy said she is more than happy to support her church by buying a meal. It helps the church and the food is really good, she said. We always support our local businesses. John and Joann Hertz, also parishioners, took their meals through the drivers-side window of their car. Like McCarthy, Joann Hertz said she and her husband are always happy to support the churchs fundraisers. The food is always good, she said. Parishioner Connie Brophy, of Minersville, said parish fundraisers are successful because of hard work by loyal church members. We have such good help and such a good group, she said. Thinking outside of the box, Quandel said another drive-thru fundraiser is set for 10 a.m. to noon March 6 at the hall in Primrose. A rolling macaroni truck will be on hand serving macaroni and cheese made the traditional way or as crabby mac, buffalo chicken mac, pulled pork mac and Skook Sundae mac. We have to keep moving forward and finding ways to bring in money without the major events were used to, Quandel said. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. 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) Sen. Cotton: Time to Send Troops Guarding Capitol Home Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Mo.) said that National Guard troops who are stationed around the U.S. Capitol building in Washington should be sent home, saying there is no evidence of a threat that justifies them being there. Im not aware of any threat to justify the continued presence today around the Capitol, much less into the fall, the Arkansas Republican told Fox News on Monday. If Joe Biden comes to the Capitol and gives a joint session speech in the next few weeks, as new presidents tend to do, obviously there [would be] an increased security posture at that time. Congress isnt even in session this week. Following the Jan. 6 breach of the Capitol, thousands of National Guard troopers were called in and were stationed around the building. But with the conclusion of former President Donald Trumps impeachment trial, questions remain over why the Guard troops are still stationed there. Reports citing anonymous military sources have said that the troops could stay there until the fall. There was a clear failure by the security leaders on Capitol Hill to prepare for Jan. 6, Cotton added. The officers of the Capitol Police performed bravely, [but] they are right to have no confidence in their leadership. Several weeks ago, U.S. Army officials confirmed that at least 5,000 Guard troops would be stationed in Washington until mid-March. Military officials have estimated that keeping the troops there will cost nearly $500 million. After the Jan. 6 incident, the Capitol area was also fenced off. The simple fact is, as everyone knows, walls work, said Cotton in his interview. In fact, [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi erected a wall around the peoples Capitol and has one up to this day even though the security threat doesnt justify it. A growing number of House Republicans have asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to explain why the National Guard needs to be deployed in Washington until possibly fall of this year. The only briefings that weve had, through the media really, is that the troops may be staying there through the fall, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) told Fox in a Feb. 15 interview. Which is extremely concerning because myself and several of my colleagues have asked Nancy Pelosi for a briefing as to: Why do we need these troops here? And we have received zero information, zero. Its amazing to me that she can do this without any disclosure, without any information, and just continue to spend money with no briefing. [It] doesnt make sense to me. Samuel Allegri contributed to this report. Egypt's Emigration and Expatriate Affairs Minister Nabila Makram launched an initiative on Monday under the motto An Egyptian Woman Worth a 100 Men that aims to highlight the efforts made by Egyptian women abroad in supporting their country's national causes, a cabinet statement said. The minister selected Sarah El-Amin, an activist in Africas development and environment and the founder of Happy Africa organisation, to be ambassador for the initiative. The initiative was launched in a round table titled the role of civil society in the advancement of the developing country that was attended by Maya Morsi, the president of the National Council for Women (NCW), and El-Amin. THe round table was held at a meeting for the Coordination Committee of Party Youth Leaders and Politicians (CPYP). During the event, the minister stressed that the ministry forges links between Egyptians abroad and state institutions. Civil society is also a partner in our successes, with its support to our activities and events, whether in the presidential initiative to combat illegal immigration, training youth in cooperation with civil society institutions, or rehabilitating returnees from abroad in the initiative entitled Welcome to Your Country and contributing to the return of more than 77,000 Egyptians from abroad, said Makram. The minister underlined "the great role played by Egyptian institutions abroad in supporting the countrys stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)." There is a harmony between state institutions and civil society organisations, a strategy that supports the state's vision for sustainable development 2030, said the emigration minister. Meanwhile, the NCW president said she appreciated the support of the political leadership to Egyptian women. "We are witnessing a golden age with all the positions and privileges achieved by Egyptian women, in addition to offering women the opportunity to engage in the political process," Morsi said. Morsi also praised the work of the CPYP in supporting and advocating for International Anti-FGM day, highlighting the wonderful role of Egyptian women, whether in civil society institutions or state institutions, in reaching a community movement that benefits the image of Egypt. Meanwhile, El-Amin stressed the responsibility of civil society organisations in providing support to developing countries. Civil society organisations play a role that corresponds to the role played by governments in such areas," El-Amin said. Happy Africa addresses people who lack the most basic requirements of human life such as decent places for housing, a close source of clean water, and healthcare that is mostly needed in areas accustomed to epidemics, said El-Amin. Within three years, the organisation, which aims to provide assistance and support to African people, gained the confidence of the population of underserved tribes in Kenya, as well as the trust of supporters and donors, to achieve the United Nations goals on development, human rights, and the environment. Members of the CPYP presented the committee honorary shield to both the emigration minister and the president of NCW, as a sign of appreciation for their efforts. Short link: Flash Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, formally appointed on Monday as the seventh director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), vowed to tackle her top priorities of fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting the free flow of vaccines and medical supplies, breaking the logjam in the dispute settlement mechanism and reaching a deal to cut fisheries subsidies. Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to be chosen as director-general of the 26-year-old global trade body, promised deep and wide-ranging reforms in her first virtual press conference following the appointment by consensus during the WTO's General Council. "We have the twin shocks of the pandemic, the health side and the economic side, which is challenging so many and it has brought economic devastation to many parts of the world," she told reporters. "The WTO at this point in time is facing so many challenges. It cannot be business as usual at the WTO." "We also have the issue of lack of trust which has built up over time, not just between the U.S. and China but also between developing and developed country members," she said. FREE FLOW OF VACCINES Listing her top priorities, the former Nigerian finance minister and World Bank veteran said: "First and foremost, we need to focus on the issue of COVID-19 and what the WTO can do to contribute to solutions. It needs to work with the WHO, with the COVAX Facility, with the ACT Accelerator, all these organizations that are trying to accelerate supplies and vaccines to poor countries." She said that the WTO could work with members to lift export restrictions to facilitate the free flow of vaccines and medical supplies. Okonjo-Iweala previously chaired the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which works with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the COVAX initiative for equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines in poorer countries. "COVID-19 is an opportunity for the WTO to have a success and show what it can do, both in the short term and in the long term." The director-general designate said the WTO and its members could encourage countries to lift export restrictions in a bid to ensure the free flow of medical commodities, stressing that "vaccine nationalism does not pay." "Secondly, how can we encourage and find a third way in which vaccines can be manufactured in many more countries, whilst we don't discourage research and innovation." DISPUTE SYSTEM REFORM Another top task Okonjo-Iweala mentioned is the unlocking of the WTO's dysfunctional dispute settlement system. The Appellate Body, considered as the supreme court for global trade disputes, is supposed to have seven judges and needs a minimum of three to function. It has been paralyzed since Dec. 11, 2019. "This is a priority to really reform that and take into account the inputs of all members to make sure we come up with a dispute settlement system that works for all." She also stressed that negotiations on digital trade will become increasingly important, underlining that the WTO currently does not currently have rules governing e-commerce. "There is a need to modernize the rules of the WTO and bring them up to the 21st century issues. We have to look at the digital economy which has become so prominent during this pandemic." Okonjo-Iweala said she hoped to complete negotiations on fisheries subsidies during the 12th WTO ministerial conference (MC12) in Kazakhstan's capital Nur-Sultan later this year. The fish subsidy talks, ongoing since 2001, aim at cutting billions of dollars in subsidies that contribute to overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. PROMOTING FREE TRADE Among the congratulatory messages for becoming the WTO's new leader, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, wrote in a tweet: "Congratulations to my friend Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on becoming the first female Director-General of the WTO. I've known Ngozi for many years. Her strong will and determination will drive her to tirelessly promote free trade to the benefit of people worldwide." Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Center (ITC) in Geneva, tweeted that the ITC will work closely with Okonjo-Iweala to "revitalize the multilateral trading system, bring the voice of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into the debate, and make trade more inclusive." During her first days in office, Okonjo-Iweala said she would use the political momentum to meet with WTO ambassadors in Geneva as well as her staff in the Secretariat. She will start her renewable term on March 1, which will expire on Aug. 31, 2025. (Newser) Amy Cooper, the white woman arrested last spring for calling 911 during a dispute with a Black man in New York's Central Park, had her criminal case dismissed Tuesday after completing a counseling program meant to educate her on the harm of her actions. Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon said prosecutors were satisfied with Coopers participation in the program, which she described as an alternative, restorative justice solution, and were not seeking to pursue the case any further, reports the AP. Judge Anne Swern agreed to dismiss the charge of filing a false police report, a misdemeanor, and said she would seal Cooper's case file, in accordance with state law. story continues below Illuzzi said Cooper's program, which included five therapy sessions, stressed appreciating racial identities but not using them to cause harm. The prosecutor said Cooper's therapist described it as a "moving experience" and that she learned "a lot in their sessions together." Cooper drew widespread condemnation and was fired from her job at investment firm Franklin Templeton after frantically calling 911 on May 25 to claim she was being threatened by an African American man," birdwatcher Christian Cooper, who had confronted her for walking her dog without a leash. Reached by phone, Christian Cooper said he had no comment on the news. (He chose not to participate in the criminal case.) Vancouver, British Columbia - February 16, 2021 (Investorideas.com Newswire, MiningSectorStocks.com and RenewableEnergyStocks.com) Mining / Metals / Green Energy Stock News - Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals") (TSX-V:DEFN / OTCQB:DFMTF/ 35D: FSE) is pleased to announce that it has received additional pre-pilot hydrometallurgical test work utilizing high-grade rare earth element (REE) mineral concentrate produced during Defense Metals' highly successful 26-tonne flotation pilot-plant that yielded a mineral concentrate averaging 7.4% NdPr oxide (neodymium-praseodymium)[1]. The road accessible Wicheeda REE Property is located close to infrastructure approximately 80 kilometres northeast of Prince George, British Columbia (BC). The Wicheeda project has indicated mineral resources of 4,890,000 tonnes averaging 3.02% LREO (Light Rare Earth Elements) and inferred mineral resources of 12,100,000 tonnes averaging 2.90% LREO[1]. Highlights of the additional infill hydrometallurgical test results conducted at SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") Lakefield Site are as follows: Increased REE extraction from 91.5% to 97.3% from flotation concentrate (~75% from bulk sample feed) into a chloride-based leach solution compared to initial testing 3 (CC-21, Table 1) (~75% from bulk sample feed) into a chloride-based leach solution compared to initial testing (CC-21, Table 1) Decreased REE losses via milder gangue leach compared to the base-case flowsheet[2] via milder gangue leach compared to the base-case flowsheet[2] Simplification of flowsheet by removing re-grind step and reducing caustic dosage on re-crack (CC-20) yielded comparable REE extraction of 95.8% from flotation concentrate (~74% from bulk sample feed) Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, stated: "Our decision to conduct additional infill hydrometallurgical test-work has yielded significant REE recovery gains approaching 100% REE extraction from the flotation concentrate. Perhaps more importantly, this additional testing has advanced the Wicheeda REE separation flowsheet such that we able to "tune" process variables (chiefly: grind size, acid, and caustic concentrations) to achieve a balance of minimizing REE leach losses and maximizing impurity removal. This level of process control will de-risk our planned hydrometallurgical pilot plant and contribute to greater flexibility in design of a future commercial-scale hydrometallurgical plant. [1] Technical Report on the Wicheeda Property, British Columbia, effective June 27, 2020 and prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd. (Steven J. Nicholls, B.A. Sc., MAIG and Kristopher J. Raffle, B.Sc., P.Geo) is available under Defense Metals Corp.'s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) [2] See Defense Metals News Release dated February 18, 2020 Table 1. Comparison of 2019/2020 and 2021 Hydrometallurgical Nd Recoveries About the Wicheeda REE Property The 1,708 hectare Wicheeda REE Property, located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia, is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is nearby to infrastructure, including power transmission lines, the CN railway and major highways. Geologically, the property is situated in the Foreland Belt and within the Rocky Mountain Trench, a major continental geologic feature. The Foreland Belt contains part of a large alkaline igneous province, stretching from the Canadian Cordillera to the southwestern United States, which includes several carbonatite and alkaline intrusive complexes hosting the Aley (niobium), Rock Canyon (REE), and Wicheeda (REE) deposits. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Property has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a director of Defense Metals and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Raffle verified the data disclosed which includes a review of the analytical and test data underlying the information and opinions contained therein. Methodology and QA/QC Hydrometallurgical product assays for neodymium was determined via lithium-borate fusion of a 0.5-gram sample analyzed via wavelength dispersion X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF). The remaining rare earth elements for the head sample were determined via 0.5-gram sodium-peroxide fusion multi-element ICP-MS. The SGS analyses included a quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) program including the insertion of rare earth element standard and blank samples. Defense Metals detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data. Defense Metals is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein. SGS is an ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO9001:2015 accredited laboratory. SGS is independent of Defense Metals Corp. and the Qualified Person. About Defense Metals Corp. Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, military, national security and the production of "GREEN" energy technologies, such as, high strength alloys and rare earth magnets. Defense Metals has an option to acquire 100% of the 1,708 hectare Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol "DEFN" on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under "DFMTF" on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under "35D". For further information, please contact: Todd Hanas, Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd. Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: (778) 994 8072 Email: todd@blueskycorp.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to the planned hydrometallurgical pilot plant and the expected outcomes therefrom, a future commercial-scale hydrometallurgical plant, plans for its Wicheeda Property, the advancement and development of the Wicheeda Property, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. Paid News -Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Disclosure : this news release featuring Defense Metals Corp. is a paid for service on Investorideas.com ($750) More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp About Investorideas.com https://www.investorideas.com/About/ Sign up for free stock news alerts at Investorideas.com https://www.investorideas.com/Resources/Newsletter.asp The good news is that Australia has home-grown production capacity through CSL. There will be two million doses ready by the end of next month and, after a slow start, supply will ramp up as CSL works around the clock to deliver 50 million doses. Australians will have to be patient, with priority groups getting access first those at high risk of illness or working in high-risk settings. This is the right approach to take. It means that you may not receive a vaccine for months, but all the other measures including border controls and quarantine will remain in place to keep you safe. The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Credit:AP It is also important to remember that the initial phase of Australias vaccine campaign will not deliver herd immunity, but it will save lives and it will ensure that our hospitals are not overrun in the event of an outbreak as we have seen too frequently overseas. We will all need to continue to practise COVID-cautious behaviour. This means physical distancing, wearing a mask when appropriate, and washing your hands. Overseas holidays are probably not coming back soon. Many Australians will naturally want to be vaccinated by their own GP. Australias GPs have overwhelmingly said that they want to vaccinate their patients. Over 5400 practices submitted an expression of interest to the Department of Health to be a vaccinating clinic. Our GPs have stated clearly that they are ready, willing and able. GPs have clearly stepped up to care for their community. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. PHOENIX, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTC CELZ) Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. announced today filing of a patent application covering the use of ImmCelz regenerative cell therapy for preventing rejection of transplanted organs. ImmCelz is a cellular therapy that prevents pathological immunity and inflammation while at the same time inducing regeneration of damaged tissue. Mechanistically ImmCelz has been shown to function through stimulation of T regulatory cells1 and producing the regenerative protein Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)2. The patent demonstrates that ImmCelz may have the potential to inhibit chronic graft rejection, which is the major cause of organ loss. "The concept of immunological tolerance has been around for more than a Century since the days of Peter Medawar," said Dr. Amit Patel, Board Member of the Company and co-inventor of the patent. "Unfortunately, transplant recipients, which include some of my patients, need to take global immune suppressive medication to reduce immune-mediated rejection of the organ. These medications, despite having made organ transplantation a reality, have potential side effects including various infections due to suppression of immunity. ImmCelz is being developed to induce immunological tolerance, which if achieved would allow for organ transplantation without need for continuous immune suppression." Sales of immune suppressants, which are used after transplants to prevent patients from rejecting their organs exceeded 4 billion dollars in 20183. "To date the Company has reported therapeutic activity of ImmCelz in models of rheumatoid arthritis4, stroke5, type 1 diabetes6, kidney failure7 and liver failure8," said Timothy Warbington, President and CEO of the Company. "Demonstration of enhancing graft survival in organ transplantation allows for a whole new area of medical progress. Our scientists suggest the superior efficacy of ImmCelz for organ transplantation is that the cellular therapy suppresses rejection, while at the same time regenerates the organ after transplantation. It is known that the process of transplantation causes harm to the organ." "It is our goal to continue to broaden our intellectual property portfolio by patenting technologies that our scientific team determines to be worthwhile and in the area of our core concentration," Mr. Warbington said further. About Creative Medical Technology Holdings Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. is a commercial stage biotechnology company specializing in regenerative medicine/stem cell technology in the fields of immunotherapy, urology, neurology and orthopedics and is listed on the OTC under the ticker symbol CELZ. For further information about the company, please visit www.creativemedicaltechnology.com. Forward Looking Statements OTC Markets has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming clinical trials and laboratory results, marketing efforts, funding, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. See the periodic and other reports filed by Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on the Commission's website at www.sec.gov. Creativemedicaltechnology.com www.StemSpine.com www.Caverstem.com www.Femcelz.com www.ImmCelz.com www.OvaStem.com 1 Creative Medical Technology Holdings Identifies Mechanism of Action of ImmCelz Stroke Regenerative Activity (prnewswire.com) 2 Creative Medical Technology Holdings Identifies and Files Patent on Novel Mechanism of ImmCelz Therapeutic Activity (prnewswire.com) 3 Organ Transplant Immunosuppressant Drugs Market Size Report, 2026 (grandviewresearch.com) 4 Creative Medical Technology Holdings Reports Positive Preclinical Data on ImmCelz Immunotherapy Product in Rheumatoid Arthritis Model | BioSpace 5 Creative Medical Technology Holdings Identifies Mechanism of Action of ImmCelz Stroke Regenerative Activity (prnewswire.com) 6 Creative Medical Technology Holdings Announces Positive Data and Patent Filing Using ImmCelz to Treat Type 1 Diabetes (prnewswire.com) 7 Creative Medical Technology Holdings Files Patent based on Positive Data on Renal Failure using ImmCelz Regenerative Immunotherapy (prnewswire.com) 8 Creative Medical Technology Holdings Announces Reversion of Liver Failure Using ImmCelz Personalized Cellular Immunotherapy in Preclinical Model | Nasdaq SOURCE Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. Related Links http://www.creativemedicaltechnology.com Repentant separatist fighters protest in Bamenda Facebook Ex-separatist fighters lodged at the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, DDR, Centre in Bamenda marched to the office of the North West Regional Governor on Monday, February 15, 2021, to remind the government of its unfulfilled promises. "Amba must obey government...if you want to kill me, go ahead. But I will never run away from this country," the ex-fighters sang waving the Cameroon flag as they marched up to the Governor's office. The former fighters told Governor Lele Lafrique Tchoffo Deben Adolphe that the government is yet to fulfill some of the enticing promises that made them drop their weapons. Aside from asking the government to improve their living conditions, the protesters requested that they be given identification cards that show that they are repentant fighters. They also asked the government to put them on an allowance that can enable them to meet up with some of their daily needs. We also want the government to put out a clear calendar for those who have been disarmed. We need to know how long we have to stay in the DDR center before we can be reintegrated into society. Some of us have been here for too long, one of the ex-fighters is quoted as saying. Governor Lele Lafrique Tchoffo Deben Adolphe asked the protesters to put their demands in writing. He promised to visit them at their center on Wednesday. Cameroon-Info.Net recalls that on February 1, 2021, repentant separatist fighters in Buea staged a protest citing similar demands. On February 2, 2021, Sixtus Gabsa, Director of the Bamenda DDR Centre organised a press conference in a bid to avert a similar protest at his center. More trades are going to be introduced in the days ahead like cookery, shoe mending, and so on. We intend to beef up the professional competence of our ex-fighters and eventually reintegrate them by giving them financial resources to establish on their own and to even create more jobs for others, Gabsa said. Besides vocational competence, we provide assistance to them based on the nature of their problems when they present them to us. This centre is not in heaven, nor is it a church. So, we do not expect to have only a bed of roses in this centre. We also have problems that come up. We have issues from time to time but we provide solutions to these problems. Because our ex-fighters are, what they are and sometimes they have issues, which come up, and we handle them accordingly, said Sixtus Gabsa. The Microsoft sign is shown on top of the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California on October 19, 2018. (Mike Blake/AP-File) Microsoft: SolarWinds Hack Largest and Most Sophisticated Attack in History Took at least 1,000 engineers to create The hack of SolarWinds technology, which caused a breach of U.S. government systems late last year, is the largest and most sophisticated attack the world has ever seen, according to Microsoft Corp President Brad Smith. The campaign, which was identified in December and, according to federal government agencies, instigated by Russia for intelligence gathering, compromised SolarWinds technology that is used by all five branches of the U.S. military and numerous government agencies. The breach was achieved by inserting malware, or malicious code, into software updates for the SolarWinds Orion platform, a widely used network management tool. Hackers gained access to emails at the U.S. Treasury, Justice and Commerce departments, and other agencies. Up to 18,000 customers of Texas-based SolarWinds were using the compromised Orion network, according to a company filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company boasted of serving some 300,000 customers around the world in a partial customer listing it has since taken down. Microsoft confirmed on Dec. 31 last year that hackers behind the cyberattack had also breached its systems, and were able to access internal Microsoft systems and view source code used to create software products. I think from a software engineering perspective, its probably fair to say that this is the largest and most sophisticated attack the world has ever seen, Smith told CBSs 60 Minutes program during an interview that aired on Sunday. Smith said that he believes the hacking campaign took at least 1,000 engineers to create. When we analyzed everything that we saw at Microsoft, we asked ourselves how many engineers have probably worked on these attacks. And the answer we came to was, well, certainly more than 1,000, Smith said. Former senior cybersecurity official Christopher Krebs, who prior to his dismissal by then-President Donald Trump served as director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), described the hacking campaign this week as an attack on the very trust that enables the current digital ecosystem. When you think about how businesses, how government agencies are building their networks, theyre shifting to cloud computing, and those relationships are rooted in trust, Krebs told CBS This Morning. Krebs, now Partner at Krebs Stamos Grouphired by SolarWinds to help the company recoveraccused the Russian intelligence services of compromising that trust, describing the campaign as an exquisite operation focused on gathering intelligence from government agencies and businesses. To me, thats whats so reckless and damaging about this specific campaignthe brazen attack on trust. We have to rebuild and regain that trust throughout our networks in the United States and elsewhere. Responding to questions on why CISA missed the attack, Krebs said that the network protection program Einstein, a key component of the National Cybersecurity Protection System, wasnt configured to detect unknown threats. Einstein is really a fundamental security program for the federal government that is designed to detect known threats. This was not a known threatthis was a novel technique and path never seen before. Einstein wasnt configured for that. There are a separate set of technologies that are in the process of deployment right now by the federal government that will put us in the position to detect these sorts of attacks going forward. Krebs said he understands that the Biden administration and the White House National Security Council are contemplating a wide-ranging executive order that will accelerate those security programs. Congress does need to ramp up investment and security efforts, he added. The Kremlin has denied any involvement. Reuters contributed to this report. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MGC Equipment Company, LLC an affiliate of Mustang Gas Compression, LLC, a full-service gas compression company with operations in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana, is rebranding and expanding under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Mitchell, an Oklahoma City native who joined the company in January of 2020. Beginning on February 10, 2021, Mustang's compression rental business was rebranded as Nova Compression. In addition to a new look and feel, the company is also growing dramatically after purchasing a large number of compression packages from Houston-based Archrock. Nova's predecessor was founded in 2007 and has served the Texas and Midcontinent regions since that time. Subsequent to closing the acquisition from Archrock, Nova now has over 80,000 horsepower, deployed in Oklahoma, South Texas, and Ark-La-Tex. CIT Northbridge provided debt financing for the transaction, and Oklahoma-based law firm Hall Estill served as counsel for Nova. "The new assets will dramatically expand Nova's ability to provide services in multiple states," said Mitchell. "Nova means 'new,' and the name underscores our commitment to launching a new and exciting chapter in our company's history. We have added a large amount of high-quality equipment, which means we'll be able to greatly ramp up services in multiple states. Of course, Nova is scaling up while maintaining the commitment to service and our customers' production, both of which have always been our hallmarks," concluded Mitchell. About Nova Compression Nova Compression, formerly an affiliate Mustang Gas Compression, LLC is a fast-growing, full-service compression company that utilizes Caterpillar, Waukesha, and Cummins engines with Gemini and Ariel frames. Providing customers with all their gas lift, wellhead and general gas compression needs, from contract compression and maintenance as well as service, and repair. Media Contact: Alex Weintz; [email protected] SOURCE Nova Compression Jubilant Foodworks, which operates Domino's Pizza and Dunkin' Donuts chains in India, on Tuesday said it has formed a wholly owned subsidiary in the to explore business opportunities in the food service industry in the European country. " Ltd has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary company B.V. on February 15, 2021. (It has been) incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the company for exploring business opportunities," the company said in a regulatory filing. Ltd, did not share more details about the new venture. As on December 31, 2020, Jubilant Foodworks Ltd operated 1,314 Domino's Pizza restaurants, 27 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants. It also owns and operates Chinese cuisine restaurant brand, ''Hong's Kitchen'', which serves 2 cities with 7 restaurants in India and 3 Ekdum! Biryani outlets. In December 2020, the company also acquired 10.76 per cent equity stake in Barbeque-Nation Hospitality Ltd for Rs 92 crore. Earlier this month, Jubilant FoodWorks said it is awaiting relaxations in dine-in restrictions imposed by the government for the restaurant industry similar to that for multiplexes to ramp up growth. Jubilant FoodWorks reported a 21.71 per cent increase in consolidated profit at Rs 123.91 crore in the third quarter ended December 2020. At present, the dine-in capacity at restaurants is constrained at 50 per cent to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "....With all COVID SOPs being followed diligently, we will see dine-in demand coming back very strongly. Recovery in dine-in business remains slow because of restrictions on seating capacity in restaurants. "On the dine-in channel specifically, the constraint is more on supply than demand. That (restrictions) is what has held back the recovery significantly," Pratik Pota, Chief Executive Officer and Wholetime Director, Jubilant Foodworks Ltd said in an analysts call. Earlier this month, the government allowed cinema halls across the country to operate at full capacity from February 1 with adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. Pota said the company opened 50 new Domino's stores in the third quarter this year, the highest-ever in a quarter. "We turned the corner decidedly in Q3 with Domino's returning to growth, driven by strong momentum in delivery and takeaway channels," 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.) Sanjay Sharma, Country Head Sales, Marketing & Operations of Assurance Intl Limited-Goodyear Lubricants, has been delineated the responsibility for the whole of sales operation for the Sri Lankan market as well, after the accelerated prosperity in the Indian trade. He was already operating sales for India under the Goodyear-Assurance collaboration since the year 2020. Tyre company Goodyear and lubricants manufacturer Assurance Intl Limited launched a new line of engine oils in India and Sri Lanka under collaboration, not long ago. The product line consisted of a range of lubricants for multiple vehicles including greases, brake fluid, transmission oil, tractor oil, diesel exhaust fluid, gear oil, and hydraulic oils. Sharmas appointment, once again as the Country Head Sales for the Sri Lankan prospect, is the result of his diligence and consistency at work. He is an inspiration for a lot of young minds for his glorious history of 28 years in the world of business planning, sales and brand marketing, trade marketing, and channel management across diverse business opportunities. His sharp-sightedness in identifying, devising, and implementing effective business development strategies including starting and managing profit centers, developing new business partners, and driving innovative brand awareness programs, driving distribution and sales to quicken sales and revenue growth is remarkable. He also introduced an innovative and successful sales and marketing strategy by virtue of thorough techno-commercial planning and competitor market analysis, ensuring efficient distribution network and increased revenue and profitability. His contribution to the world of business is highly appreciative and he truly deserves all the praises and the admiration he is felicitated with, the company said. On being the Country Head Sales of the Sri Lankan Market now, Sanjay while addressing the media said, I have an Economics & Business degree from IIM Lucknow and I credit most of my business understandings to my college education. My professional career journey has been in sales and marketing and I was associated with companies like Shell, MRF and RB, where I spent more than 23 years learning varied strategies and functioning leadership roles. I am immensely proud and ecstatic to have earned this position for myself and grateful to the board members for considering me to have deserved this title. I hope to live up to the expectations of the esteemed company. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) Residents stuck in unsafe flats face being kicked out of their homes because they cannot afford to pay 15,000 a week for a fire patrol. Families at a ten-storey building in Sheffield were due to be evacuated last week before a last-minute scramble for cash granted them a stay of execution. But leaseholders say their fate still hangs in the balance. Families at a ten-storey building in Sheffield were due to be evacuated last week before a last-minute scramble for cash granted them a stay of execution. Pictured: Resident Jenni Garratt To make matters worse, delays in releasing government funds to install fire alarms means the patrol will remain in place an extra month, costing leaseholders 60,000. On Wednesday last week, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced a further 3.5billion to replace dangerous cladding on high rise buildings. But Paul McCormack, director of managing agent Love Your Block, said the fund didnt help leasholders at Sheffields Wicker Riverside development because their cladding removal was being paid for through the previous 1.6billion fund. The plan has also been criticised for abandoning hundreds of thousands of leaseholders in low and medium rise blocks who must pay to replace unsafe cladding through loans capped at 50 a month, and those facing bills of tens of thousands of pounds for other safety defects or costly interim measures such as 24-hour fire patrols. The Daily Mail is urging ministers to end the scandal within 18 months and spare leaseholders the crippling financial burden. Paul McCormack, director of managing agent Love Your Block, said the fund didnt help leasholders at Sheffields Wicker Riverside development because their cladding removal was being paid for through the previous 1.6billion fund An estimated 1,200 patrols, known as waking watches, are in place across the country to raise the alarm in the event of a blaze. They are imposed by fire services on high-risk buildings identified in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people in June 2017. Last week Wicker Riverside residents were told by their managing agent they had run out of funds for their patrol and would be evacuated if a deal was not reached. It is thought an agreement was made with the landlord to stump up cash, but this is not confirmed. The 132-flat building also has flammable insulation and missing fire breaks, which could cost leaseholders up to 30,000 each to fix. They are imposed by fire services on high-risk buildings identified in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire (pictured), which killed 72 people in June 2017 They have been paying around 1,000 a month each for a waking watch since December 11 when checks found smoke detectors and ventilators were missing and the top five floors had only one fire escape. Some residents were evacuated and had only recently returned after new alarms were fitted. Jenni Garratt, 24, said she is worried she wont be able to afford the bill to fix other defects. She added: It hasnt been confirmed that we wont be evacuated yet. Its going down to the wire and were still hanging in the balance. A government spokesman said: It is the responsibility of the building owners to make sure fire alarms are fitted and we expect them to do so immediately, but we continue to help the council fund alarms for the rest of the building to ensure the Wicker Riverside residents are safe and able to stay in their homes. The Project criticised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Tuesday after it emerged that they plan to do a 90-minute sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey. The show's panelists slammed the couple after they stepped back from the royal family in March last year, claiming they wanted a more private life. Panelist Carrie Bickmore revealed that Meghan, 39, would be doing most of the talking, but said 'Harry's expected to chime in at the end'. Under attack: The Project criticised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Tuesday after it emerged that they'll do a 90-minute sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey. Both pictured at the announcement of their engagement in London in November 2017 Her comment prompted Waleed Aly to jokingly ask if Harry, 36, was going to be doing a 'musical number', while Steve Price quipped: 'It will be a long 90 minutes.' Meanwhile, Tommy Little claimed that Oprah, 67, was scraping the bottom of the barrel with the upcoming interview. 'You know your career is on the rocks when people who are trying to hide from the public go on your show!' the 35-year-old comedian said. Guest appearance: Panelist Carrie Bickmore (pictured) revealed that Meghan, 39, would be doing most of the talking, but said 'Harry's expected to chime in at the end' You've got to be joking: Carrie's comment prompted Waleed Aly to jokingly ask if Harry, 36, was going to be doing a 'musical number', while Steve Price (pictured) quipped: 'It will be a long 90 minutes' Carrie, 40, added that Meghan had been 'getting a lot of heat' after news of the interview emerged. 'They fled the UK because they want privacy and now they want a tell-all. Can you say I still want to share parts of our life with the media?' she questioned. Their comments came just a day after fellow panelist Lisa Wilkinson made a joke about what the couple would name their baby. Touche: Tommy Little (pictured) claimed that Oprah, 67, was scraping the bottom of the barrel with the upcoming interview 'You know your career is on the rocks when people who are trying to hide from the public go on your show!' Tommy said of Oprah Winfrey (pictured at a movie premiere in London in March 2018) Harry and Meghan announced they are expecting their second child on Valentine's Day, sharing a black-and-white pregnancy photo. 'That pregnancy has obviously happened very, very quickly. What do you think the chances are of that kid being called Andrew?' asked Lisa, 61. Her shock joke was seemingly referring to Queen Elizabeth's son Prince Andrew, who in recent years has faced a number of allegations about sexual assault. CONCORD, Mass., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, GRAY Associates launched its Market Analysis Program, (MAP) . MAP helps schools and colleges improve marketing ROI by geotargeting spending, recruiting, and investments in new locations. Gray's MAP helps schools make better, faster, data-informed decisions on where to offer each existing and new academic program, online or on-ground. MAP scores and ranks hundreds of markets for programs to: Identify geographic markets for entry or expansion Select the best markets for new and current programs Enable or enhance geotargeting of marketing spending Evaluate marketing performance relative to local market opportunity MAP and Gray's AI (Artificial Intelligence) analysis helps organizations intelligently allocate their marketing budget, finding markets where potential student demand is high, competition is manageable, and cost per click is low. It allocates the amount of money to each market, maximizing ROI per dollar invested. Without an accurate, timely picture of where opportunity lies, it is impossible to know where it is best to recruit. MAP and Gray's AI analyses integrate data on student demand and competition to identify the communities and the high-schools that college recruiters should focus upon. MAP plus AI can also help public and private schools of all levels, from grade schools to universities, identify optimal locations for new campuses. MAP allows Gray to scan hundreds of local markets in the US to find which have the best combination of student demand, competition, and demographics. We then build machine learning models that combine Gray's data on student demand by census tract, competitor size and distance by program, and a variety of demographic variables. These models predict the number of students the school would likely attract at each of hundreds of possible locations within a city. This enables clients to focus on the neighborhoods with the highest potential. Mary Kelly, CEO of StrataTech Education Group said, "Thanks to Gray and MAP, we avoided acquisitions in areas where a new campus would've been unsuccessful. We'd been eyeing a market that we thought would be great for us," said Mary. "But we took a closer look using Gray Associates, and it turned out the market had changed radically in the past five years. There was now more supply than there was demand." Ms. Kelly added, "With Gray's help we've established a new HVAC program in Houston, and less than a year after opening, we had nearly 100 students enrolled. The new HVAC program brought in around $1.5 million in revenue." Gray Associates CEO, Bob Atkins says, "Geography is a critical element in education strategy. Campuses, recruiters, and marketing spend must be in the correct locations to maximize return on the funds our clients can invest. Too often, schools rely on anecdotal information or outdated demographics. MAP leverages an unparalleled combination of data sources to ensure schools spend their money where it matters most. Online giants are taking students from the backyards of smaller institutions. MAP levels the playing field and helps our clients win back their students and grow." About Gray Associates Gray Associates helps colleges and universities make data-informed decisions about their academic programs. Gray's software integrates the best data on student demand, employer needs, and competitive intensity for the market served by each institution. Faculty and administrative leaders use the software to score, rank, and evaluate programs in a collaborative process that builds consensus on programs to start, sunset, sustain, or grow. With Gray's tools and processes, institutions identify paths to increase enrollment, revenue, and efficiency, while investing in their mission and strengthening relationships among faculty and administrators. PRESS CONTACT: Jackie Lucas Vera Voce Communication, For Gray Associates email: [email protected] 978-255-1159 SOURCE Gray Associates Related Links http://www.grayassociates.com (Natural News) Prior to the Biden regime, the U.S. government had 17 bonafide intelligence agencies spread across the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. military and the Intelligence Community. But now, it looks like we can add an 18th agency: Bank of America. In recent days, Fox News Tucker Carlson reported exclusively that his show had discovered that the countrys largest banking institution was cooperating with federal authorities who are attempting to identify people who stormed the U.S. Capitol Building Jan. 6. While that was most definitely a criminal act, should the 60 million Americans who use BofA expect their financial institution to behave as just another government spy agency? Carlson doesnt think so (neither do we) and in fact, the act of providing data to the feds like purchases via bank cards may be illegal and unconstitutional (that privacy thing, you know). To launch his segment, Carlson noted that the Biden regimes new war on terror is really a war against violent extremism and the people who embrace it, though of course, no one is fully explaining what is extremism and who is committing it. Tucker Carlson reveals that Bank of America was flagging the purchasing history of its customers and sending it to the federal government in order to find out if they were involved in the Capitol riot. The feds later interrogated a customer who was cleared of wrongdoing. pic.twitter.com/QtwNv8EaWQ Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 5, 2021 Have you noticed? None of these newly energized and highly empowered extremist hunters have told us exactly what an extremist is, Carlson said. So we are left to guess. We are left to look around nervously to see if we can spot one. Hoping against hope the whole time they are not talking about us. Are they? And if they are, what exactly are they doing? How are they hunting these extremists they keep telling us about but will not describe? Carlson continued. We now know part of the answer to that question. This show has obtained exclusive evidence that Bank of America, the second largest bank in the country with more than 60 million customers, is actively but secretly engaged in the hunt for extremists in cooperation with the government. He then alleged that BofA is, without the knowledge or the consent of its customers sharing private information with federal law enforcement agencies. Bank of America effectively is acting as an intelligence agency. But they are not telling you about it, he added. The host went on to note that BofA is turning over debit card and credit card purchases to federal investigators as a means of identifying certain persons who fit a profile. But lots of people were in the nations capital that day, and while many did attend former President Trumps rally, they were nowhere near the Capitol riot. Is there info being scooped up and supplied to the feds anyway? If so, under what authority? Has a warrant been issued? (Related: If you didnt wear a mask at the Super Bowl, the police are now hunting for you to press criminal charges.) The profile of requested purchase data includes hotel stays, travel and the purchase of weapons or at a weapons-related merchant, which Carlson called remarkably broad. That is a very, very wide net, an absurdly wide net, he explained. Bank of America identified a total of 211 customers who met these, quote, thresholds of interest. And it was at that point, the show has learned, Bank of America turned over the results of its internal scan to federal authorities apparently without notifying the customers who were being spied upon. He added that at least one unsuspecting person was interviewed by the feds, though that individual hadnt done anything wrong. Imagine if you were that person, he added. The FBI hauls you in for questioning in a terror investigation Now they are sweating you because your bank, which you trust with your most private information, information of everything you buy, has ratted you out to the feds without telling you, without your knowledge. Because Bank of America did that, you are being treated like a member of Al Qaeda, he continued. What country is this? It doesnt matter how much you despise Donald Trump, or how much you believe that hatred of Trump justifies the suspending this countrys ancient civil liberties. Bank of America did have a choice, Carlson insisted. The bank could have resisted turning over information on its innocent customers to federal investigators. But Bank of America did not do that. Nor is it clear, if were going to be precise about it, that what Bank of America did is even legal. It turns out its not simple. Its a gray area. Does that matter? Probably not this is King Bidens brave new world and if there is a problem with the law hell just fix it with an executive order. Well, okay, his handlers will. See more reporting like this at Tyranny.news. Sources include: Revolver.news PoliceState.news A further 1.7million people in England are being told to shield from coronavirus and everyone on the vulnerable list is being urged to stay at home until at least March 31. Officials said the list first drafted almost a year ago was being almost doubled after No10's scientific advisers identified additional adults at serious risk of Covid-19. The Department of Health did not say who would be added, but the update will look at risk factors including age, weight, ethnicity and deprivation - rather than just underlying conditions. It comes after the National Audit Office revealed last week hundreds of thousands of vulnerable patients were not told to shield due to out-of-date records. Today's announcement pours cold water on hopes lockdown could start to be eased next month, suggesting medics do not think it will be safe. This is despite the Government smashing its target of vaccinating 15million of the most vulnerable by February 15. There had been hopes that, once those most at risk were jabbed and developed immunity several weeks later, that the most draconian curbs could be lifted. Of the 1.7million new shielders, 900,000 have already had their first dose because their age or medical history made them eligible during the first phase of the roll-out. But health chiefs are now racing to immunise the 800,000 who were missed during the first wave of vaccinations. Health chiefs said they will be prioritised. People who are shielding are advised not to leave their homes - except for brief exercise or medical appointments - because they're at much higher risk of being hospitalised or dying if they catch the coronavirus. Even shielders who have had their first dose of vaccine are being told to continue shielding until they have had their second shot and developed immunity from it, which happens after about three weeks after the injection. But children who live with people who are vulnerable should still go to school when they reopen, providing they are not at risk themselves. Freda Maddison, 92, was able to see her son for the first time in months. Freda, a resident at Eothen Homes in Miller Way, Wallsend, North Tyneside, had not been able to see her son Stephen Maddison since the spike in coronavirus cases. They met again on Friday Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on Monday WHY HAS THE SHIELDING LIST BEEN EXPANDED? The Department of Health said it was expanding the shielding list after the Government's scientific advisers identified additional adults at serious risk of Covid-19 using a new algorithm. Oxford University scientists developed the model, known as QCOVID, which analyses a combination of risk factors based on patients' medical records. It looks at their age, weight, ethnicity and level of deprivation, as well as whether they take certain medications. Of the 1.7million new shielders, 900,000 have already been vaccinated because their age or underlying health conditions has already made them eligible. But health chiefs are now racing to vaccinate the 800,000 who were missed during the first wave of vaccinations. They will be targeted before the end of April. WHAT DOES THE TOOL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION? The following are some variables were examined to make the tool: Age Ethnicity Postcode Smoking status BMI Drug use Cancer Respiratory disease, such as asthma Kidney disease, such as renal failure Liver disease, such as alcohol-related Heart disease Neurological conditions such as Epilepsy and cerebral palsy Rare diseases Diabetes Medications that compromise the immune system, such as chemotherapy Mental illness, such as psychosis Fragility fracture Learning disability Conditions or treatments that predispose to infection, such as Lupus Advertisement In other coronavirus developments today: Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that Scottish schoolchildren will return to class from next Monday, a full fortnight before their English counterparts; Another Covid variant that could dodge vaccine-triggered immunity has been identified 33 times in the UK; One of Public Health England's top advisers accused the Government of doing 'science by press release' by announcing things without telling its scientists; Four passengers arriving in the UK have been fined 10,000 each for failing to tell authorities that they came from a 'red-list' country; Nearly one in five adults in England 8.3million people had Covid antibodies at the beginning of February, a major surveillance study revealed; Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said it is 'up to businesses' to decide if they want to require proof of vaccination before serving customers. The additional 1.7million shielders will bring the number of people on the list to almost four million all of whom are being advised to shield until March 31. Dr Jenny Harries, deputy chief medical officer for England, said the new shielders will receive the additional support already available to those on the list, including medicine deliveries, priority slots for supermarkets and statutory sick pay. Dr Harries told a briefing today: 'We have a new, evidence-based, data-driven, predictive risk model which allows us to identify adults with multiple risk factors that make them more vulnerable to Covid. 'We can now identify additional people and help protect them now and in the future. 'All of these people who are identified for the first time are those who have not had an individual clinical condition that we've previously been able to identify through the clinically extremely vulnerable group, but they are people who have multiple personal risk factors and underlying health conditions which move them into a higher risk group.' Originally 2.2million people in England were on the list, many of whom were identified for a single reason. These included obvious vulnerabilities, including having life-threatening conditions such cancer, taking immunosuppression drugs or suffering from genetic disorders. But as the pandemic has progressed scientists have found a slew of other factors that, when combined, can put people at risk of dying from Covid - including being overweight, living in deprived areas or taking certain medications. Oxford University researchers used a new algorithm to analyse a combination of risk factors based on patients' medical records. They highlighted a further 1.7million people who were at risk, which will bring the number on the shielding list to almost four million. The move is not thought to affect the devolved nations, which set their own shielding lists. People on the shielding list were among the first in line for Covid vaccines in the UK. (Pictured: Glasgow resident John Loch, 69, receives his jab at the NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital on February 10) This was the original top nine priority groups for the Covid vaccines, set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) Officials have vaccinated the vast majority of the top four priority groups everyone over the age of 70, NHS staff, care home residents and workers, and extremely ill adults WHO WAS ON THE ORIGINAL SHIELDING LIST? People who are considered 'clinically extremely vulnerable' should all have received an official letter warning them that they are on the shielding list and should stay at home unless necessary. People on the shielding list include: Organ transplant recipients; People having chemotherapy for cancer; Lung cancer patients receiving radical radiotherapy; People with blood or bone marrow cancer such as leukaemia; Cancer patients receiving immunotherapy or other therapies that affect the immune system; Bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients who had the procedure during the last six months or are still taking immunosuppressant drugs; People with debilitating lung conditions including cystic fibrosis, bad asthma or severe COPD; Those with rare condition that increase the risk of infection, such as homozygous sickle cell disease; Patients having immunosuppressant therapies that raise infection risk; Pregnant women with significant heart disease; Others who have been individually judged extremely vulnerable by doctors; Adults with Down's syndrome; People with stage 5 kidney disease. Advertisement Ministers are planning to begin easing lockdown restrictions from as soon as March 8, with the strict 'stay at home' message to be ditched by Boris Johnson. Whitehall sources say Britons could be allowed to socialise outside for the first time since Christmas on that date. Outdoor leisure activities, including golf and tennis, could be permitted before Easter. The Prime Minister will publish his roadmap for easing lockdown next Monday, which will include target dates for the earliest each of the restrictions will be lifted. But it is still not clear when lockdown curbs will be eased significantly and shops, gyms and restaurants will be allowed to open, with the PM opting for a 'cautious' approach to ensure this is the last time the country has to shut down completely. Dr Harries said: 'As we learn more about Covid-19, we're continuously reviewing the evidence it was very clear that not all of those individuals who were at risk were identified by the binary approach. 'The model that is used combines a number of underlying risk factors. And those factors include specific health conditions, and some treatments which, for example, put your immune system at risk. 'Age, which is the highest risk factor, sex, ethnicity, body mass index and your postcode, which will also link to a deprivation score. 'It provides a weighted cumulative risk of serious outcomes from Covid-19, and therefore allows us to prioritise these individuals for vaccination, and to give them appropriate advice. 'And the easiest way for us to do that is to include them on the shielded patient list.' Dr Harries said the approach was 'risk averse' to 'protect as many people as possible'. 'The letter will note that this is more likely to be an overestimate of risk in a way which hopefully handles any of their anxiety,' she said. Oxford University has developed an algorithm known as QCOVID which takes into consideration age, ethnicity, health conditions, weight and postcode to give an estimated odds of severe Covid-19 outcomes. It has been used in NHS hospitals to highlight frontline workers who are at risk (pictured) Shielding alert forgot 375,000 vulnerable patients who were not warned to shield from Covid-19 because records were out of date, report claims Hundreds of thousands of vulnerable patients were not told to shield due to out-of-date records, says a report. The National Audit Office says the lack of a contingency plan left officials creating a system from scratch to identify people who might need support during lockdown. But hospital records they relied on were weeks out of date or had missing or wrong phone numbers so some people had to wait weeks before they could get deliveries of food or medicines. A centre set up to contact people who did not register online or via an automated phone line could not reach 375,000 out of 1.8million names and advise them to shield for 12 weeks during the first lockdown last year. And 126,000 people were contacted in error and wrongly advised to shield. Audit Office head Gareth Davies said: 'Challenges pulling together data meant it took time to quickly identify those needing to shield.' Meg Hillier, chairman of the Commons public accounts committee, said far too many people 'were not eligible for support for weeks while the Government scrambled to gather basic information'. Just before the first lockdown, the Government said an estimated 1.5million of those considered 'clinically extremely vulnerable' (CEV) should stay home for the next 12 weeks. But a 2016 exercise to test for preparedness for a flu pandemic, codenamed Exercise Cygnus, had not covered the need for vulnerable people to shield. It meant there was no system in place to allow a fast 'sweep' across all patient data to identify those who should be on the list and who may need support. Initially, NHS Digital was forced to rely on hospital, maternity and prescribed medicines data - even though the hospital records were seven weeks out of date. The first list identified some 870,000 people who were identified as CEV and were sent letters advising them to shield. By April 12, NHS Digital had managed to identify a further 420,000 through the use of GP data while a further 900,000 were added to the list between April 18 and May 7, taking the total to 2.2million. In an attempt to ensure all those who were eligible for support registered with the scheme - whether they needed help or not - the Government commissioned a contact centre to reach those who had not signed up. However, of the 1.8million names they were given, 375,000 could not be reached because of missing or inaccurate phone numbers in NHS patient records, while a further 440,000 declined to register - in some cases hanging up because they thought it was a nuisance call. In all, more than 510,000 people were supported through the scheme to the start of August at a cost to the taxpayer of 308million - of which 200million was spent on food boxes. Advertisement 'And it makes it absolutely clear that it is a choice for them if they choose to follow shielding advice or not that has always been the case. 'What it does also do which I hope will benefit them, which is why people will hopefully be grateful to receive this is it will prioritise them for vaccination. 'In addition to that it means they have advice and support and that is important not just now, but should there be any changes in the pandemic in forthcoming months for example, perhaps in vaccinations perhaps in the autumn as we go forward, then clearly they will be identified within that group as well so there are current and longer term benefits.' However, charities warned the sudden change in guidance 11 months into the pandemic would 'come as a huge shock' to patients. A spokesman for the MS Society told Sky News: 'Being added to the list will have greater implications for someone's life far beyond their place in the vaccine priority list - from going to work to being able to access food and medication. 'The government must prioritise communicating these latest developments clearly and ensure comprehensive support is in place for all those who suddenly find they must make potentially drastic changes to their life.' It came as the Government's leading vaccine experts met to thrash out which groups will be prioritised when the top nine groups have been inoculated by April. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is expected to urge ministers to vaccinate people by age and ethnicity rather than their job. Members are said to be particularly concerned about mortality rates among South Asians, who studies have shown are twice as likely to succumb to the virus as their white peers. Both Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock have previously said teachers, police officers, shop owners and other key workers could be bumped up the priority list once the top groups have been jabbed. But JCVI sources said last night prioritising people based on their occupation would 'create too much complication' and 'risk slowing the roll-out down'. Officials have until now been focusing on vaccinating the top four vulnerable groups everyone over the age of 70, NHS staff, care home residents and workers and extremely ill adults. Yesterday NHS England officially moved on to the second stage of the vaccine drive, inviting over-65s and 'clinically vulnerable' younger people. The programme will aim to give everyone over the age of 50 their first dose by the end of April. NHS England boss Sir Simon Stevens yesterday vowed to double the number of jabs being given in order for the Government to hit that target. It could see up to 1million doses dished out each day. The Labour party and workers' unions have been campaigning for weeks for the Government to prioritise people based on their jobs once the top groups have been jabbed. London mayor Sadiq Khan told the Radio 4 Today Programme this morning: 'The next phase should include those occupations where... you're more likely to catch the virus with adverse consequences'. Ministers have not yet laid out how the jabs will be prioritised once the top nine groups have been jabbed, which includes roughly 32million people. They are expected to receive recommendations from the JCVI by the end of this week. A source on the committee told The Telegraph: 'One of the main factors behind the success of the rollout so far has been the simplicity of the prioritisation rules because it has been based largely on age. 'Once you make things more complicated, you run the risk of slowing things down. You create more telephone calls for surgeries to make, while people are bashing on the door demanding a vaccine because they think it's their turn.' On whether ethnic minorities should be considered, they added: 'The mortality figures for people from South Asian backgrounds are particularly worrying. 'Once we get down to those in their 50s, we want to be reaching out especially to these ethnic minority groups.' Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has sent 'chadar' through Afghan embassy in India, for the shrine of renowned Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. In a letter to Ajmer Sharif Dargah chairman, Ashraf Ghani wrote, "singular honour to be offering the Chadar...Chishty Order still thriving in Afghanistan". Afghan President Ashraf Ghani sends through Afghan embassy in India, a Chadar towards Ajmer Sharif Dargah on 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty. His letter to the Dargah Chairman reads, "singular honour to be offering the Chadar...Chishty Order still thriving in Afghanistan" pic.twitter.com/WDDMaJWOxM ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2021 On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over a 'chadar' to Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi that will be offered on his behalf at the shrine Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. "Handed over a Chadar that would be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti," PM Modi had tweeted. Handed over a Chadar that would be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. pic.twitter.com/DHa1f5p0kk Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 15, 2021 Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 4:31 pm I read your story of our member of Congress explaining why she voted to impeach President Trump. It is clear that she will be defeated in 2022, either in the primary or the general election. This is the only reason why I would vote for a Democrat. She must go. Daniel F. DeLong Centralia Bigger picture: Toolkit aimed at fanning violence to strengthen Kashmir-Khalistan desk India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Feb 16: A suspect connected to the ISI running psy-ops against India has come once again under the radar of the Delhi Police, probing the toolkit case. Peter Friedrich, who finds a mention in the toolkit document is now under probe. The Delhi Police are trying to ascertain why his name features in the document that was tweeted Greta Thunberg. The police say that Freidrich has been running psy-ops against India since 2006. He is closely associated with Bhajan Singh Bhinder, alias Iqbal Chaudhary. Bhinder is also under the radar of the US authorities after he tried to purchase military grade weapons for the Khalistan groups. Toolkit case: Delhi Police writes to Zoom, seeks details of meeting ahead of Republic Day violence The Delhi Police said that Bhinder and Freidrich are proponents of the K2 Desk (Kashmir-Khalistan). In December, the Delhi police had busted a K2 module, which was being controlled in Dubai. "It has emerged that Pak''s ISI along with Pakistan-based Khalistan radicals Harmeet Singh (Chief of Khalistan Liberation Force) and Lakhbir Singh (Chief of KZF-Khalistan Zindabad Force; based in Pakistan) in furtherance of their conspiracy to revive militancy in Punjab, have been using gangster Sukh Bhikhariwal for targeted killings," he said. "It has also come to notice that ISI through its K2 desk (Kashmir-Khalistan) has been funding the targeted killings of right-wing leaders and the Pro-Khalistani radicals are employing the services of gangsters for executing the killings of right wing leaders to revive the militancy," the police had said. In 2019, the Intelligence Bureau had warned that Pakistan is activating its K2 operation or desk. In Kashmir, it has roped in the Jaish-e-Mohammad, while in Punjab it is the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). It was with the intention of furthering this agenda that the KZF had managed to get in a lot of ammunition with the help of drones in Pakistan. The ISI wants to create trouble in both Punjab and Kashmir and in this regard, it is not only trying to infiltrate its terrorists but also spruce up the Khalistan movement in Punjab. The Intelligence has on several occasions spoken about this dual plan by Pakistan. What is worrisome is that it would activate these plans simultaneously so that the Indian security forces are kept busy in both the states. Earlier the Intelligence agencies had warned that both the Islamic terrorists and the Khalistan militants would come together to carry out big attacks in India. The Intelligence Bureau has warned that a terror group called the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH) and several pro-Khalistan groups have come together. The Khalistan forces are known to have support in several countries such as Italy, Canada, United Kingdom and even in the United States. However, the primary support for the terror modules comes from Pakistan. The idea is to exploit sentiments in Punjab and Kashmir. There has been a surge in the activities of the ISI backed Khalistani activists over the past couple of years. Several leaders have come out to say that Pakistan wants to divide the Sikh community. Toolkit tweeted by Thunberg aimed at a digital strike against India on Jan 26 Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News IB officials tell OneIndia that along with the rise of Khalistan terrorists, one must worry more about the separatism as well. Recently, a former top cop from Punjab, Shashi Kant said that the pro-Khalistan activists are trying to set up base in the United Kingdom, especially in Birmingham city. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 12:47 [IST] Market players are focusing on capacity expansion to attain a competitive edge DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Future Market Insights: FMI states in its recent study on the electrophysiology-market that the market will record an impressive CAGR of 12.7% through 2030. Demand for Electrophysiology is anticipated to continue surging due to the rise in the geriatric population. "Manufacturers are focusing on alleviating issues associated with the conventional cardiac ablation catheters, diagnostic catheters, cardiac mapping machine, and access devices. The electrophysiology market has been introduced with next-generation electrophysiology devices, loaded with advanced features that offer elevated safety and precision.." says the FMI analyst. Request a report sample to gain comprehensive market insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-12402 Electrophysiology Market - Important Highlights During the forecast era, the ablation catheters are anticipated to see a surge in adoption due to their high efficiency in destroying the arrhythmic cardiac tissues. The leading share of atrial fibrillation was 48 percent in 2020 and the share is projected to rise further to 52.6 percent in 2030. According to FMI, thanks to its sophisticated electrophysiology laboratory services, hospitals hold a large share of the electrophysiology industry. North America is expected to remain a prominent regional market for Electrophysiology. Electrophysiology Market - Drivers Favorable government policies and investments in the healthcare sector are anticipated to contribute to the growth of the market. Manufacturers are increasing including next-generation and smart technologies, which is boosting the growth of the market The rapid increase in cardiac diseases is one of the key drivers of the market. Electrophysiology Market - Restraints Hindrance in the Electrophysiology supply chain due to COVID-19 is causing hindrance in the growth of the market. Strict government guidelines about the safety of the devices are creating growth deterrents. For any Queries Linked with the Report, Ask an Analyst@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-12402 COVID-19 Impact on Electrophysiology Market During this time there has been a disruption in the supply and demand chain which has caused an impact on the revenue of Electrophysiology in a negative way. The pandemic triggered unprecedented economic casualties and disrupted many treatments for cardiac and electrophysiology. The pandemic has led to a decrease in the patient's flow in the hospitals, and doctor chambers. This has caused a reduction in the number of cardio surgeries and that in turn has affected the Electrophysiology market. However, this is estimated to be a temporary effect and the market is expected to have a turnaround with the stabilization of economy. Competitive Landscape The Electrophysiology market players are leaning towards the expansion of the production facilities besides opting for strategic collaborations to attain a competitive edge. Several electrophysiology instruments equipped with innovative technology have appeared on the market. For example, Medtronic Plc was found to have an active venture in the acceptance and launch of more than 12 of its patented electrophysiology catheters and other instruments in Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and two catheters in Australia, from 2017 to 2020. Some of the prominent players listed in the global Electrophysiology market analysis include Abbott Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson (Biosense Webster, Inc.), Medtronic Plc, Boston Scientific Corporation, Japan Lifeline, Koninklijke Philips N.V. About the Study The study offers readers a comprehensive assessment of the Electrophysiology market. Global, regional, and national-level analysis of the latest trends influencing the market is covered in this FMI report. The study provides insights based on product type (Electrophysiology Laboratory Devices, Electrophysiology Ablation Catheters, Electrophysiology Diagnostic Catheters), indication(Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW), Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT)) and across key regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, China, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa). Request Customized Report As Per Your Requirements at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-12402 Table Of Content 1. Executive Summary 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand Side Trends 1.3. Supply Side Trends 1.4. Technology Roadmap 1.5. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 2.3. Inclusions and Exclusions 3. Key Market Trends 3.1. Key Trends Impacting the Market 3.2. Product Innovation / Development Trends 4. Market Background 4.1. Macro-Economic Factors 4.2. Forecast Factors - Relevance & Impact procedures. 4.3. Market Dynamics 5. COVID19 Crisis Analysis Download Complete TOC Of this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-12402 Explore FMI's Coverage of the healthcare Industry Pharmaceutical intermediates market: Get insights on the pharmaceutical intermediates market through FMI's report covering detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis for projection period 2020-2030. Autoclave Market: FMI's exhaustive study on the autoclaves market covers the latest trends, innovations, key players, and popular strategies for the period 2020-2030. Microbial Therapeutic Products Market: Obtain detailed analysis on the microbial therapeutic products market through FMI's report covering competitive analysis, key regions, and segmental analysis for 2020-2030. About Future Market Insights Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Mr. Abhishek Budholiya Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates MARKET ACCESS DMCC Initiative For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com For Media Enquiries: press@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com| Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/electrophysiology-market Press Release: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/electrophysiology-market SOURCE: Future Market Insights View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629892/How-Demand-for-High-Precision-Cardiac-Diagnostic-is-Spurring-Growth-of-Electrophysiology-Market-Future-Market-Insights-Report-Analysis Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. Vacant fields near Avalon and Melbourne airports are being considered as sites for purpose-built COVID-19 quarantine accommodation based on the highly successful Howard Springs facility in the Northern Territory. The Victorian government revealed on Monday it wants to construct a cabin-style accommodation hub outside the CBD to replace the existing quarantine scheme after recent leaks of the coronavirus from hotels. Its more than just scoping it, we are going to get on and build a facility, Premier Daniel Andrews said. Its just a matter of how big it is and the more precise details of where but Avalon and Melbourne airports are stand-out candidates, and Im very grateful to them for the partnership and work theyve already done with us. Joe Biden is implementing a new initiative to stop administration workers from using terms like 'alien' and 'illegal' when referencing immigrants in official communications. Instead, they are being asked to use the term 'noncitizen' to describe immigrants. Acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Tracy Renaud recently signed a memo to workers, according to a review by Axios, where she encouraged the 'more inclusive language in the agency's outreach efforts, internal documents and in overall communication with stakeholders, partners and the general public.' The new language is a sharp turn from Donald Trump's hard-line policies and harsh criticism toward those crossing into the U.S. from the southern border. The former president and his team often referred to undocumented immigrants as 'illegal aliens' and classified border crossing as an 'invasion.' Other changes in jargon include using 'undocumented noncitizen' or 'undocumented individual' and using 'integration or civic integration' instead of 'assimilation.' Joe Biden's administration implemented a new directive to stop immigration workers from using 'alien' and 'illegal alien' in official communication, and replace it with 'non-citizen' Acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Tracy Renaud (pictured) sent a memo to workers where she encouraged 'more inclusive language in the agency's outreach efforts, internal documents and in overall communication with stakeholders, partners and the general public' Texas Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro, who introduced a similar proposal in 2015 among others say 'alien' is 'dehumanizing.' 'The term 'alien' is used as a dehumanizing slur, and should be removed from the language in our statutes. This change might seem symbolic, but it's an important step to restore humanity after years of demonization,' Castro said in a statement to NBC News last month. This change also comes as Biden officially stopped Pentagon funds from being redirected to construction of Trump's southern border wall. On Day One, Biden signed as executive order halting construction of the wall and is now making sure no new borders are put up as part of the former president's 2016 promise to have a wall spanning across the whole U.S.-Mexico border. The announcement also comes, however, as the White House says now is not the time for asylum seekers to come to the U.S. because they will be turned away. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said last month: 'Due to the pandemic and the fact that we have not had the time as an administration to put in place a humane, comprehensive process for processing individuals who are coming to the border, now is not the time to come.' 'The vast majority of people will be turned away,' she added, despite Biden's promise to allow open borders for asylum seekers. Just one day after taking office, Biden made it clear he intended to end the use of 'alien' and 'illegal immigrant' as part of his broader immigration proposal, which also puts these individuals on an eight-year path to citizenship. The path to citizenship only applies to those present in the U.S. before January 1, 2021 an attempt to prevent immigration reform leading to new pressure on the southern border. Using the term 'alien' to describe a person immigrating from one country to another dates back to the 1700s. The official change is more of a symbolic move as part of a four-page plan that has the sign-off from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The California Democrat referred to the immigration legislation as 'basic principles' to work from and expand on. She talked up the proposal after the administration released a four-page fact sheet on its plan, which would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for citizenship after an eight-year period. It has not published the full text of a bill, with Pelosi's description suggesting that it may be up to the House and the Senate to hash out details. Major immigration changes are one area where the White House must secure cooperation from Congress to achieve results, even as Biden sets a new tone with a flurry of executive orders in a range of areas. The principles outlined in the fact sheet would allow people who came here illegally to be on a 'roadmap' to citizenship. They could apply for green cards after five years if they pass criminal and security checks. They would also have to have paid taxes. After another three years, after additional checks and English and civics assessments, they could apply to become citizens. The ability to apply for green cards and therefore citizenship would be immediate for the so-called Dreamers, the recipients of DACA status who arrived in the U.S. illegally as children. The progressive move in jargon use comes as the White House went back on its promise to accept all asylum seekers at the border, claiming now is not the time to come to the U.S., because they will be turned away 'Applicants must be physically present in the United States on or before January 1, 2021,' according to the plan, which comes as another migrant caravan has been making its way toward the U.S. The fact sheet says the bill 'prohibits discrimination based on religion and limits presidential authority to issue future bans' and increases diversity visas to 80,000 from 55,000. Fhe bill 'provides funding for training and continuing education to promote agent and officer safety and professionalism.' 'We were also pleased to see the president come forward, the administration come forward with an immigration proposal,' Pelosi told reporters Thursday. 'We're pleased,' she continued, before referencing the legislative leaders who will have a key role. 'And in the House Linda Sanchez will take a lead. Senator [Robert] Menendez in the Senate. It has the basic principles that we've talked about all along and we'll see what the timetable is on that,' she said. ADVERTISEMENT The remains of the former Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, were laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown, Ilesa, Osun State. The last journey of the erudite scholar, who died January 3, began on Monday with a wake-keep held at Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity in compliance with strict coronavirus protocols and guidelines. The funeral service was held at Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, Omofe in Ilesa. The corpse was brought in a glittering casket inside a hearse, accompanied by the widow and children. The event was attended by a number of dignitaries within and outside the town. The church received the corpse at its doorstep and the officiating priest saying, with faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our dear father, Prof Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe for burial. Let us pray with confidence in God, the giver of life, that He will raise him to perfection in the company of saints. The order of service for the burial programme included ablution hymn, post-communion prayer, blessing, special renditions by the choir, prayer for widow and children, hallelujah chorus, sermon, and withdrawal hymn. On completion of the two-hour church service, the remains of Mr Ibidapo-Obe were moved to the graveyard within the church premises, accompanied by the children, their mother, and some family members. A brief departure service was held and at precisely 12:30 p.m., the corpse was lowered into the grave. Mr Ibidapo-Obe, 69, was a professor of Applied Mechanics and Systems Engineering, He was the Unilag vice-chancellor between 2000 and 2007. He was born in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and attended Ilesha Grammar School and Igbobi College between 1962 and 1971. Until his death, he was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of First Technical University, Ibadan. "We are pleased to renew our long-standing strategic relationship with EmblemHealth, one of the largest non-profit health insurers in the nation," said Steve Rusckowski, Chairman, CEO and President of Quest Diagnostics. "As the preferred in-network laboratory for all products, we look forward to continue working to reduce the cost of care, improve member outcomes, and enhance the experience for EmblemHealth and ConnectiCare members." Quest will remain the sole national laboratory for all EmblemHealth Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP) products in 2021. In addition, Quest will continue to work closely with AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY), EmblemHealth's multispecialty medical practice and one of the largest primary and specialty care practices in New York and operate patient service centers in nine of their locations. "Diagnostic testing is an essential part of patient care," said Eric Wallace, Senior Vice President, Provider Network and Population Health, EmblemHealth. "Quest's tools, programs, and unsurpassed quality provide critical insights to enable better health care for the people and communities we serve. We look forward to continuing working with Quest Diagnostics." About EmblemHealth EmblemHealth is one of the nation's largest non-profit health insurers, with more than 3.2 million members and an 80-year legacy of serving New York's communities. The company offers a full range of commercial and government-sponsored health plans to employers, individuals and families, as well as convenient community resources. As a market leader in value-based care, EmblemHealth partners with top doctors and hospitals to deliver quality, affordable care. For more information, visit emblemhealth.com. About Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve health care management. Quest Diagnostics annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com . SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Related Links www.questdiagnostics.com A California man has been charged after he allegedly slit the throat of a Chihuahua puppy and then bragged about the vicious deed in a video posted to social media. Angel Ramos, 19 was detained by Riverside Police Saturday just moments after the City of Riverside's Public Safety Communications Center received a call about the video at around 7.45pm. The video showed the small pup with a laceration to its neck as it gasped for air, police shared in a news release. A man later identified as Ramos can be seen standing over the dog, sharing what he had just done to the pooch. Angel Ramos, 19 was detained by Riverside Police Saturday after authorities were alerted to the video Video showed the small pup with a laceration to its neck as it gasped for air, police shared in a news release Police used the social media post to determine the man's location, responding to an apartment complex on the 3500 block of Lou Ella Lane. There they detained Ramos and discovered he was in possession of illegal metal knuckles. They also discovered that he had fresh blood stains on his clothing and cuts on his hands. The small dog was found in a room belonging to Ramos and was barely alive, rushed to the emergency pet clinic by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Police shared that veterinarians determined that the puppy - aged only four to six months - would not survive and had to be euthanized' Police used the social media post to determine the man's location, responding to an apartment complex on the 3500 block of Lou Ella Lane Police shared that veterinarians determined that the puppy - aged only four to six months - would not survive and had to be euthanized Ramos was charged with cruelty to an animal and illegal possession of metal knuckles. He was issued a 'Notice to Appear' citation under the emergency bail schedule for non-violent offenses and released from custody just hours later. 'This appeared to be a very savage act committed toward this poor animal,' Animal Services Director Julie Bank said. 'It is very unfortunate the dog could not be saved. Nonetheless, we appreciate Riverside Police taking the lead in this suspected cruelty case.' For officer Javier Cabrera, Ramos should not be out of jail and certainly not without bail. 'He's just a violent person. He shouldn't be on the streets,' Cabrera told NBC Los Angeles. (Newser) Three years after she was seized by commandos in international waters while trying to flee Dubai by boat, one of the daughters of the emirate's ruler says she is being held captive in a villa surrounded by police. "I'm a hostage. Im not free. I am prisoned in this jail. My life is not in my hands," Princess Latifa Al Maktoum says in one of several secretly recorded videos Free Latifa campaigners shared with the BBC. One of the campaigners, close friend Tiina Jauhiainen, says she managed to smuggle a cellphone to the princess, but the videos have now stopped, raising fears for her safety. Campaigners are urging the United Nations to investigate the case. The BBC says it has confirmed the location of the heavily guarded villa, though it's not clear whether the 35-year-old princess is still inside. story continues below "Every day I am worried about my safety, and the police threaten me that I will never see the sun again," the princess says in one of the videos. In the videos, she described how she fought back against the commandos before being drugged and waking up on a private jet returning to Dubai. In late 2018, former UN rights chief Mary Robinson said she had met the princess at her family's request and described her a "troubled young woman." She tells the BBC that she was "horribly tricked" by the family and she supports an international investigation to determine Latifa's whereabouts and welfare. Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, one of the world's richest royals, has an estimated 25 children. The Guardian notes that Latifa is the second daughter, after Princess Shamsa, to have vanished after trying to flee the family. Shamsa has not been seen since 2000, when she was abducted in Britain and taken back to Dubai. (Read more Dubai stories.) Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Monday afternoon ordered the healthcare sector to perform additional COVID-19 tests on all foreign experts who had arrived in Vietnam and already completed their quarantine period. The direction came as two people had tested positive for the novel coronavirus after coming into close contact with a Japanese expert who had been confirmed as a COVID-19 patient following his death at a hotel in Hanoi last weekend. The deceased Japanese man was later recorded as an imported COVID-19 case. We are yet to conclude foreign experts as the source of infection, but there are clearly issues we must be aware of, PM Phuc said in his conclusion at the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Controls meeting on Monday afternoon. Vietnam has closed its borders to foreign visitors since March last year and only allowed entry to certain people like international experts and diplomats who will be quarantined upon arrival. Experts who test negative for the coronavirus by the locality where they completed the mandatory quarantine can be allowed to work locally. At Monday afternoons meeting, Phuc directed localities and health sectors to continue to closely and thoroughly review cases of close contact with COVID-19 patients who entered the country illegally, conduct speedy tracing, and carry out large-scale testing and medical isolation. The government chief also directed localities and the health sector to more closely manage isolated areas to prevent cross-infection and resume drastic measures as in the early days of epidemic prevention and control but with flexibility. The prime minister agreed to cancel festivals and religious activities with large gatherings. On the other hand, school and studies shall be carried out, whether online or not, according to the specific situation in each locality. People must strictly comply with the 5K requirement, which stands for 'Khau trang' (face mask) - 'Khu khuan' (disinfection) - 'Khoang cach' (distance) - 'Khong tu tap' (no gathering) - 'Khai bao y te' (health declaration) in Vietnamese, by the Ministry of Health. Offices, agencies, factories, and production establishments must strictly implement epidemic prevention and control measures. Particularly, factories and enterprises must have plans for COVID-19 prevention and control before resuming production. Authorities must beef up inspection, check, and strictly handle violations. Vietnam has documented 2,271 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday morning, with 1,541 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. A total of 679 local infections have been recorded 13 provinces and cities since January 28, when Vietnam was hit by a new wave, including 501 in Hai Duong Province, 59 in Quang Ninh Province, 34 in Hanoi, and 36 in Ho Chi Minh City Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. According to the report published by Grand View Research, Inc., factors such as growing popularity of maritime tourism, along with increasing trade across continents through seaways and lacking number of sailors are anticipated to fuel the market growth in the forecast period. According to a report, Autonomous Ships Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Autonomy Level (Semi-Autonomous, Fully Autonomous), By Solutions (Systems & Software, Structures), By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025, published by Grand View Research, Inc. The global autonomous ships market size is expected to reach USD 13.4 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 13.5% over the forecast period, according to a new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. Autonomous ships use several systems and components including sensors, propulsion systems, and intelligent navigation systems involving the use to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). Use of such systems reduces the operational cost of ships, which is one of the key factors driving the market growth. Optimization and automation of processes are the new normal in several industries and shipping is not shying away from it. There are several direct and indirect benefits offered by autonomous ships, such as increased efficiency in the usage of fuel, crew and their skills, along with the use of ship space. This inclination towards automation has helped shipping companies in witnessing a positive growth in the terms of revenue as cost of labor has reduced and size of cargo space has increased. Real-time data is used for optimizing the operations thereby providing economies of scale at the companys level. Additionally, service quality and safety during the fleet would be highly improved through the use of autonomous shipping. With growing awareness about the multiple benefits of autonomous ships, market has seen a huge rise in investments in R&D initiatives by major market players. Although huge amount of time would be invested in simulation and testing of unmanned vessels across critical applications, maritime system and service providers are developing advanced and intelligent maritime systems to be deployed in these unmanned ships. Several practical factors like these are going to see through the high rise of autonomous shipping market in the coming years. However, stringent regulatory environment pertaining to the use of autonomous vessels makes maritime industry a tough business environment to enter. Browse Details of Report @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/autonomous-ships-market Further key findings from the study suggest: Collaborations between major players holds key in new technology advancement and market growth. For instance, Rolls-Royce and ferry operator, Finferries together demonstrated the worlds first autonomous ferry in Finland. The ferry named Falco used ship intelligence technologies of Roll-Royce to navigate autonomously. The trip was designed between Parainen and Nauvo and the return journey was completed under remote control. Advanced technologies are being adopted by several ports all over. For instance, recently, ABB signed a landmark contract with Singaporean shipyard Keppel Offshore & Marine to enable autonomous tug operation. On the basis of autonomy level, fully autonomous ships segment is expected to register a CAGR of more than 17% over the forecast period, owing to the reduced manpower in autonomous shipping environment On the basis of solutions, systems and solutions segment held the largest market share in 2018, primarily due to the increased deployment of these systems in multi-purpose vessels On the basis of end-use, commercial segment dominated the autonomous ships market in 2018 and is expected to hold the largest revenue share by 2025, owing to the safety and ease in deployment of autonomous systems in commercial vessels On the basis of region, Asia Pacific is expected to account for the highest market share, followed by Europe, by 2025 owing to the high investments in R&D of autonomous maritime environment across countries, especially China ABB, Rolls-Royce, Wartsila, Kongsberg Gruppen, Rh Marine, L3 ASV, and Siemens are some of the key players operating in the marketCosmetic Chemicals Market Segmentation To date, the company has systematically and effectively advanced the Kvanefjeld Project under all successive governments since the commencement of operations in Greenland in 2007. Company representatives are planning further meetings in the coming weeks to continue the engagement process ( ) ( ) (FRA:G7P) has confirmed that the status of the Kvanefjeld Project remains unchanged with the public consultation process initiated by the Greenland Government extended until June 1, 2021. The company continues to actively engage a broad cross-section of both government and community stakeholders in Greenland. To date, the company has systematically and effectively advanced the Kvanefjeld Project under all successive governments since the commencement of operations in Greenland in 2007. Political developments Greenland Minerals noted that it was aware of the recent political developments in Greenland and is staying informed. There has been a change to the current coalition government in Greenland with the Democrat party, a minority coalition member, recently withdrawing from the governing coalition, leaving the Siumut and Nunatta Qitornai parties as a minority government. The company will keep the market informed in the event of any material project developments. Public consultation update A series of official public meetings for the Kvanefjeld Project was held in three major towns - Narsarsuaq, Qaqortoq, and Narsaq - in southern Greenland between February 5 to 9, 2021. The meetings were managed by the Greenland Government's administration and were attended by representatives of the Ministry for Mineral Resources, the Environmental Agency for Mineral Resource Activities (EAMRA), a representative of the Danish Centre for Environment (DCE independent advisor to the Greenland Government), and representatives from Greenland Minerals. The meetings represent an important part of the stakeholder engagement process to discuss and explain the outcomes of the environmental and social impact assessments (EIA, SIA). Importantly, no issues were raised that have not been thoroughly addressed in the impact assessments. Company representatives are planning for further meetings in the coming weeks to continue the engagement process. Kvanefjeld Project The Kvanefjeld Rare Earth Project is one of the most significant and advanced emerging rare earth projects globally. It is a worldclass development opportunity for Greenland to become an internationally significant supplier of materials that are critical to the green industrial revolution that is rapidly gaining momentum. The project is unique with respect to its favourable metallurgy and forecast production profile across all commercially important rare earths. Kvanefjeld is near existing infrastructure in southern Greenland, with yearround direct shipping access to the project area. Globally significant producer Rare earth elements are critical to the electric vehicle revolution, as well as many other energy-efficient applications. The Kvanefjeld project is forecast to be a globally significant producer of all commercially important rare earth elements including neodymium, praseodymium, terbium and dysprosium, over an initial 37year mine life. These rare earths are used to make high powered permanent magnets that are utilised in electric vehicles, along with many other applications. Kvanefjeld is wellplaced to meet the major surge in rare earth demand that will be generated by the transition to electric vehicles, along with growth in renewable energy. STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- The Strongsville GOP, in an email sent to members and supporters two days after the Jan. 6 violence at the U.S. Capitol, expressed support for then-President Donald Trumps false claims of massive voter fraud and corruption in the Nov. 3 election -- despite there being overwhelming evidence that voter fraud did not occur. The Jan. 8 email said federal and state courts had failed to bring justice. But more than 60 courts have found no merit in Trumps lawsuits challenging the November presidential election results. In addition to the court rulings, Trumps assertions about voter fraud and rigged elections are disputed by many of his fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, and by elections experts and researchers across the country. Nevertheless, the Strongsville GOP email mentioned -- without details or evidence -- media and big-tech blackouts ... conspiracies to silence conservative voices (and) loss of integrity in the election process. It complained that some Republicans had turned against Trump. (There were) attempts to belittle and threaten true patriots (and) assaults on Republican poll workers, the email said, again without providing evidence. Disappointment turned to anger, then to rage. A subsequent email, sent Jan. 14, clarified that the Strongsville GOP denounces violence or physical aggression and said that a previous Strongsville GOP email, which called for action, may have been misunderstood by some. That Jan. 8 email said that Republicans and/or Trump supporters refuse to quit. We will not accept an unraveling of our constitutional freedoms, the Jan. 8 email said. We will not accept destructive rhetoric from the left against our God-given rights. We will not accept the leftist policies designed to destroy our nation. We will never accept deceitful statements aimed at destroying our president (Trump), his family or his legacy. The Jan. 8 email concluded by encouraging Strongsville GOP members to support candidates with energy, courage and great ideas and expand the Republican Party by including new populations, age groups and ethnic persuasions. Shannon Burns, president of the Strongsville GOP, didnt return emails asking for evidence of massive voter fraud in the November election, clarification on when and where Republican poll workers were assaulted, and police reports of those assaults. The election is done and over with Strongsville City Councilman Gordon Short, a past president of the Strongsville GOP and a member of the groups executive board, distanced himself from the emails. I do not have control nor final say over what the board issues in public statements, Short said. The current president (Burns) does. Short said he has no evidence of massive voter fraud or Republican poll workers being attacked. The election is done and over with, we have a new president (Joe Biden), our country is facing major challenges and there needs to be a bipartisan effort to get our economy back to the strength it was pre-pandemic, Short said. Also not returning emails regarding the Strongsville GOP emails were Mayor Thomas Perciak, a Republican, and the other six members of City Council. Another Strongsville GOP Executive Board member, former council candidate Spenser Vago, didnt provide a comment. The Strongsville GOP isnt the only Republican club along Ohio 82 in Cuyahoga County to back Trumps erroneous election fraud claims. The Cuyahoga Valley Republicans, based in Brecksville, has also done so. Breach of trust On Jan. 13, the Strongsville GOP sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a Rocky River Republican, who later that day would vote to impeach Trump. The letter was signed by Burns on behalf of the Strongsville GOPs officers and executive board. The letter praised Gonzalez for his past positions, but expressed shock that he planned to vote for Trumps impeachment, calling it a political stunt and asking Gonzalez to reconsider. If you vote to impeach President Trump, you will be caving in to the radical pressure of the elite society that has been committed to destroying this great man, the letter said. Such an action would be a breach of the trust that you have previously created with your constituency and the members and supporters of our organization, the letter said. Furthermore, this would be a complete betrayal to the citizens of the state of Ohio and an affront to the Republican Party. The letter said that if Gonzalez didnt change his mind, the Strongsville GOP will be forced to perform all acts necessary to oppose you and remove you from future office. On Jan. 14, the Strongsville GOP emailed a copy of the Gonzalez letter to its members and supporters. The email said that the U.S. House of Representatives had voted one day earlier to impeach Trump under the vague allegation that he incited the riot which occurred on Jan. 6 (at the U.S. Capitol building.) The (Strongsville GOP) Executive Board strongly believes that (Gonzalezs) inexcusable act of betrayal in endorsing the impeachment of President Trump has essentially breached the trust between our club and Congressman Gonzalez and ... his words and actions are inconsistent with conservative ideals and the desires of his constituency within his district, the email said. The email invited members to the clubs Feb. 8 meeting to discuss appropriate political steps to hold Congressman Gonzalez accountable. At that meeting, the Strongsville GOP passed a resolution stating that Gonzalez knowingly and willfully violated his oath of office when he voted to impeach Trump. The resolution rescinds the Strongsville GOPs endorsement of Gonzalez and asks him to resign. Gonzalez could not be reached for comment. Short, the Strongsville councilman and past Strongsville GOP president, said he wasnt present at the Feb. 8 meeting and didnt vote on the resolution. The Strongsville GOP resolution, while supporting Trump, also condemned the violence Jan. 6 by an unruly mob at the U.S. Capitol. Read more from the Sun Star Courier. Detectives have been trawling through hours of CCTV footage and phone records to try and find the body of a young mother allegedly murdered by her boyfriend. Ju 'Kelly' Zhang, 33, was last seen in a pink nightgown and slippers at her home on Winchester Avenue in Epping in Melbourne at 5.30pm on February 1. Ms Zhang's partner Joon 'Sam' Seong Tan, 35, was charged with one count of murder after being arrested at Melbourne airport on Wednesday night. Ju 'Kelly' Zhang, 33, was last seen at her home in Epping, in Melbourne's north, at 5.30pm on February 1 Police searched an area of Darebin Creek Reserve as part of their investigation on Thursday. They scoured the area, combing through rugged bushland, but it remains unclear whether any evidence was located. Tan appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, where police asked for more time to prepare a brief of evidence, reported the Herald Sun. 'There's some 3500 hours of CCTV footage,' Mr Roper said. He also informed the court that several text messages needed to be translated from Mandarin before the case can proceed. Ms Zhang's partner Joon 'Sam' Seong Tan, 35, was on Thursday charged with one count of murder The plasterer appeared via video link wearing a grey sweater, black glasses and a blue face mask. Lawyer Greg Hughan told the court his client only speaks 'limited' English. Tan previously told detectives Ms Zhang left her eight-year-old son at home when she went for a walk with no shoes on. 'At the time the 33-year-old went missing, she was believed to be wearing a pink nightgown and possibly pink slippers,' Victoria Police said. Tan told police he was with Ms Zhang and her son on the day she disappeared, and claimed she went for a walk and didn't come back. After Tan's arrest police searched an area of Darebin Creek Reserve (pictured) as part of their investigation on Thursday Police urged neighbours to check their CCTV footage from the afternoon she disappeared. They are specifically looking for footage of a white Toyota Land Cruiser and a black 2008 Mazda CX9 station wagon, with registration WKE 850. Both vehicles are believed to have travelled near Ms Zhang's home sometime between 4pm last Monday and 8am last Tuesday. Investigators said Ms Zhang's disappearance was 'extremely out of character'. Just hours before she disappeared, Ms Zhang made a post on social media that included a video of her cooking with her eight-year-old son. Tan was remanded to reappear in court for a committal mention on July 16. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close MUSKEGON, MI April Bowlin comes from a scouting family. The 17-year-old continued the tradition by becoming the eighth Eagle Scout in her family. Shes also trailblazing as the first girl to achieve the coveted ranking in Muskegon County. Bowlin is among the inaugural class nationally of female Eagle Scouts. Its something that I didnt think I would be able to be a part of, Bowlin said. For 109 years of Boy Scouts history, girls were not allowed into the Scouts nor could they earn the Eagle Scout ranking. However, the rebranded Scouts BSA organization welcomed girls on Feb. 1, 2019. At 15, Bowlin became one of the first girls to join Troop 1053, jumping in with both feet, said her mother Lissa Closz. The early days had some hiccups, Bowlin said, as the troop figured out how to incorporate girls. I had to go through some of this, the complicated learning curves and figuring out how to make it move better, she said. I think it is already better than it was. April Bowlin, right, is Muskegon County's first female Eagle Scout. She earned the ranking on Feb. 1, 2021. (Photo provided by Melissa Closz) Bowlin quickly set her sights on earning the 21 merit badges necessary to become an Eagle Scout--the highest ranking in the Scouts BSA program and a rare achievement shared with President Gerald R. Ford and astronaut Neil Armstrong. Shes always been that kid that when she puts her mind to something, shes going to achieve it, said Closz. The hardest part for Bowlin was trying working through the rankings during the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the troop meetings were online, some merit badges were completed on Zoom and her service project had to be coordinated with enhanced safety measures. On Feb. 1, she cleared her board review to become an Eagle Scout. Troop 1053 was started by Bowlins great-grandfather in 1951. The teen put her own stamp on it by pioneering Troop 1053 G and being its first female Eagle Scout. Related: Blazing a trail: Ann Arbor student in inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts The Norton Shores-based troop has produced dozens of Eagle Scouts over the years, including Bowlins brother Jacob, her stepdad Mike and his three brothers, her grandpa and her great-uncle. Bowlin said the process deepened her connection with family members, helped her leadership capability and grew her communication skills. Its opened me up to a lot of things that I never would have been able to do before, she said. A few other girls in Troop 1053 G are pursuing Eagle Scout. Bowlin is hoping her accomplishment encourages more girls to do the same. The National Eagle Scout Association is celebrating its inaugural class of Female Eagle Scouts on Feb. 21. Bowlin is currently a senior at Mona Shores High School, and she is planning to attend the University of Michigan in fall to study political science. More on MLive: Ill never forget that nurse, says COVID-19 patient about the kindness shown to her after cancer diagnosis Severely injured dog that had leg removed gets multiple adoption offers Fundraising goal met to paint murals on rusty railroad overpasses in Muskegon In the wake of mahapanchayats being organised by protesting farmer leaders, BJP president J P Nadda and Home Minister on Monday held a meeting with party leaders from Haryana, Rajasthan and western UttarPradesh. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and his cabinet colleague Sanjeev Balyan were also among those who attended the meeting. Mahapanchayats are being organised in these states by farmer leaders who are protesting against the Centre's new agri laws. Sources in the BJP said that the meeting is being held by the union minister and Nadda in the wake of mahapanchayats being organised by khap panchayats (caste councils) in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan. BJP leaders, functionaries, MPs, MLAs, mostly from these regions, have been called, they said. Farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at Delhi's borders against the laws since November 28 last year and demanding they be withdrawn. They are protesting against the the Farmers'' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act. The government has held 11 rounds of negotiation with protesting farmers and these have remained inconclusive. (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.) Arizona Silver Exploration (CVE: AZS- OTC: AZASF) President and CEO Mike Stark joined Steve Darling from Proactive with news the company has signed a lease agreement with the property right next to their Philadelphia project. That is the Perry Patented Claim. Stark talks about getting this deal done and what it adds to the area they are currently exploring. Stark also talks about the claim being patented and why that is a key distinction to move the project forward. Demonstrators holding placards sit during a protest against the military coup outside the U.S. embassy in Yangon, Burma on Feb. 16, 2021. (Stringer/Reuters) Burma Military Promises New Election; Suu Kyi Faces Additional Charge The military junta of Burma (also known as Myanmar) promised on Tuesday that it would hold an election and hand over power as police filed an additional charge against toppled former leader Aung San Suu Kyi. It also defended its Feb. 1 seizure of power, denying it was a coup even as protesters took to the streets again in support of Suu Kyi and other arrested leaders and China dismissed social media rumors that it had helped with the militarys action. Our objective is to hold an election and hand power to the winning party, Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the ruling council, told the juntas first news conference since overthrowing Suu Kyis government. The military has not given a date for a new election but has imposed a state of emergency for one year. Zaw Min Tun said the military would not hold power for long. We guarantee that the election will be held, he told the nearly two-hour news conference, which the military broadcast from the capital, Naypyitaw, live over Facebook, a platform it has banned. Asked about the detention of Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi and the president, Zaw Min Tun dismissed the suggestion they were in detention, saying they were in their homes for their security while the law took its course. Burmas military spokesman General Zaw Min Tun attends a news conference in Naypyitaw, Burma, on Feb. 16, 2021. (Stringer/Reuters) Suu Kyi, 75, spent nearly 15 years under house arrest for her efforts to end military rule. She faces charges of illegally importing six walkie-talkie radios and is being held on remand until Wednesday. Her lawyer said on Tuesday police had filed a second charge of violating a Natural Disaster Management Law. The army spokesman, Zaw Min Tun, said Burmas foreign policy would not change, the country remained open for business and deals would be upheld. The military will be hoping its reassurances will dampen the campaign of daily opposition to its rule and to the removal of Suu Kyi and her government. As well as the demonstrations in towns and cities across the ethnically diverse country, a civil disobedience movement has brought strikes that are crippling many functions of government. The unrest has revived memories of bloody outbreaks of opposition to almost half a century of direct army rule that ended in 2011 when the military began a process of withdrawing from politics. Police have opened fire several times, mostly with rubber bullets, to disperse protesters. A protester who was shot in the head in Naypyitaw last week is not expected to survive. Six people were wounded in the central town of Maungmya on Tuesday when police fired rubber bullets to break up a protest over an arrested teacher, a witness said. An army statement said protesters had thrown stones at police, injuring some officers. Zaw Min Tun said a policeman had died of injuries sustained during a protest in Mandalay on Monday. He said the protesters were starting violence while the campaign of civil disobedience amounted to the illegal intimidation of civil servants. We will wait patiently. After that, we will take action according to the law, Zaw Min Tun said. The army has given itself extensive search and detention powers and has made penal code amendments aimed at stifling dissent with tough prison terms. Train Blocked Protesters milled onto a sun-baked stretch of railway track earlier in the day waving placards in support of the disobedience movement and blocking trains between the commercial capital Yangon and the southern city of Mawlamyine. Release our leaders immediately, and Peoples power, give it back, the crowd chanted in live images broadcast by media. Protesters opposed to the military coup block the railway between Yangon and the southern city of Mawlamyine, Burma, on Feb. 16, 2021. (Credit: Lwin Times Media via Reuters) Crowds gathered in Yangon, including at the central bank where protesters called for staff to join the civil disobedience movement. Buddhist monks also rallied against the coup in Yangon while hundreds marched through the west coast town of Thanked. The army took power alleging that its complaints of fraud in a Nov. 8 general election, in which Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party had won a landslide, were being ignored. The electoral commission had dismissed the armys complaints. The coup has prompted an angry response from Western countries and the United States has slapped some sanctions on the generals. But China has taken a softer approach, arguing stability should be the priority in its neighbor, where it has close contacts with the military. China did, however, join other UN Security Council members in calling for the release of Suu Kyi. On Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador Chen Hai said the situation was absolutely not what China wants to see and dismissed rumors of Chinese involvement in the coup as completely nonsense. Chen, in an interview with media posted on his embassys Facebook page, said Beijing maintained friendly relations with both the army and the former government and had not been informed in advance of the political change. By Martin Petty ADVERTISEMENT The police have confirmed the killing of a student of Benue State University, Jessica Agee, by gunmen. The police spokesperson in Benue, Catherine Anene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the student was killed at her residence at Gadyo Villa in Makurdi on Monday night. According to her, the remains of the student have been deposited at a mortuary. She said that an investigation into the incident was ongoing. The incident is confirmed, the corpse has been deposited at a morgue while investigation is in progress, she said. (NAN) A former Miami-Dade County school bus driver was arrested for allegedly filing numerous fraudulent insurance claims and collecting approximately $50,000 from the alleged scheme, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Financial Services. This case is part of an ongoing investigation in which 12 other Miami-Dade School bus employees were arrested in June 2019 for defrauding Aflac Insurance Company of more than $426,000. Shawanna Latisha Aaron is accused of filing more than 10 fraudulent insurance claims along with supporting documents for cash payment reimbursement from Trustmark and Aflac Insurance Companies for approximately $50,290 after an investigation DFS Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Insurance Fraud detectives. The investigation revealed that from October 2016 to July 2018, Aaron submitted medical records as well as billing documents in support of the claims to show that she and her dependents were injured, obtained medical treatments and were billed for such treatments. During the investigation, it was determined that the claim documents were altered and fraudulent documents with no such treatments or billings. Aaron was confronted with the evidence and confessed to the fraud. Aaron self-surrendered to detectives on Feb. 9, 2021 and was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight (TGK) Correctional Center in Miami for false and fraudulent insurance claims, organized scheme to defraud, and grand theft. If convicted, she could face up to 40 years in prison. Individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Fraud increases insurance rates for families across Florida and I appreciate the continued hard work of my fraud detectives to bring scam artists to justice, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, who oversees DFS, said in a statement on the incident. Source: Florida Department of Financial Services Topics Florida Fraud Education Credit: CC0 Public Domain I have high cholesterol, but I can't take statin drugs. Are there any new medications that I should consider? Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's found in the fats in your blood. When you have too much cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits, or lipids, in your blood vessels that can make it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries. An estimated 29 million adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol. While medications known as statins are common for people with high cholesterol, many people find they cannot tolerate statins, so don't feel like you are alone. The good news is that there are several alternatives to statins that may lower your blood lipids. Ezetimibe is an oral agent that has been approved in the U.S. for many years. It can lower low-density lipoprotein, which is known as LDL or "bad" cholesterol. It is taken once daily with or without food. Although not relevant in your case, Ezetimibe also has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke or death from heart disease when added to a statin drug in patients who have suffered a recent acute coronary syndrome. Ezetimibe works by blocking certain receptors in the intestine where cholesterol is absorbed. It lowers the cholesterol content in the liver, which prompts the liver to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream to re-establish its own stores of cholesterol. As a result, the LDL value is lowered, typically 15%-25%. It is well-tolerated and has few side effects like muscle aches and pains. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a second nonstatin, bempedoic acid, to lower LDL and overall cholesterol. Bempedoic acid is an oral agent taken once daily with or without food. It works by blocking the synthesis pathways that allow cholesterol to develop but at a different point in the process than statins. Bempedoic acid has been shown to lower LDL about 15% in patients studied in clinical trials. The drug is approved only for patients with a family history of high cholesterol or who have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease that requires LDL to be lower. There are also therapies that can be administered as injections instead of requiring daily oral administration as pills. These agents alter a proteinPCSK 9that interacts with the LDL receptor on the surface of the liver. Two additional optionsevolocumab and alirocumabare available for patients who have a family history of high cholesterol or existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease that requires LDL to be lower. These medications are injected, typically once every two weeks, although one can be infused subcutaneously monthly, if desired. These therapies are monoclonal antibodiesmanmade proteins that are similar to the PCSK 9 proteinand they basically bind the protein so that it is not allowed to interact with LDL. This dramatically lowers LDL values, typically greater than 50% from baseline. These therapies have been shown to be well-tolerated and have few side effects. The FDA is reviewing a third therapy that may offer benefit if approved. It would be available via injection every six months and would be part of a new class of medications known as RNA silencing agents. Though it can feel like an uphill battle some days, finding and staying on a cholesterol treatment is important. Data consistently show that lowering LDL as much as possible can reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. Schedule time with your health care provider to discuss your concerns, and share the side effects that were most bothersome to you while using statins. Ask your health care provider about the best available options to treat your cholesterol beyond statin agents. Together, you should be able to select a therapy that is acceptable to you both.Dr. R. Scott Wright, Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Explore further How cholesterol affects your heart 2021 Mayo Clinic News Network Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC CHICO, Calif. - PG&E joined California Independent System Operator (CASIO), the states grid operator, by asking residents of California to conserve energy, if health permits, due to the extreme weather events in the Midwest, Texas and the Southeast. According to PG&E, they do not expect issues to meet the current power demand. PG&E is joining a voluntary effort and asking people to be safe and conserve energy, if possible. .@California_ISO asking PG&E, other state utility customers, health permitting, to voluntarily #conserveenergy to ease strain on grid for Midwest, Texas and Southeast during major winter storm. No reliability issues expected in CA. https://t.co/dpAtXxUtxe @ #polarvortex pic.twitter.com/MrtdNCzPwB Pacific Gas & Electric (@PGE4Me) February 16, 2021 PG&E said customers using medical devices should not volunteer to conserve energy. CAISO is not expecting power outages in the state but continues to monitor weather conditions throughout the country. For more information about ways to conserve energy, read recommendations by PG&E here. ATHENS, Ala. (AP) A judge has ruled that an Alabama teenager charged with killing five family members will remain jailed pending trial. Defense attorneys had asked that 16-year-old Mason Sisk be transferred to a juvenile detention center, but Limestone County Circuit Judge Bob Baker denied their request. Sisk is charged with capital murder in the 2019 slayings of his parents and three siblings aged 6, 5 and 6 months. Authorities say Sisk shot his family and then called 911 to report the killings. The Decatur Daily reports that Sisk's defense attorneys say he's been kept in solitary confinement in jail to comply with an Alabama law that requires that juveniles to be housed separately from adult inmates. They argued he would be better suited at a juvenile facility. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has spoken out against the misogyny facing working mothers in politics. It comes as MPs approved plans last week for government ministers to have fully paid maternity leave. It will allow the Attorney General, Suella Braverman, to take six months of maternity leave rather than resigning from her position. The change in the law does not yet apply to backbench MPs or fathers applying for paternity leave. It also remains an issue at Stormont, with female MLAs and ministers unable to apply for paid maternity leave. Read More Ms Mallon, a working mother of three, has had one of her children since joining the Assembly and told the BBC Evening Extra programme that the issue would already have already been addressed if it affected men in the same way. If you are an MLA or youre a minister you dont get any time off after you have a baby. That would be the same in councils as well, so for women in public life who are having children they dont have any option to take time off in those very formative weeks with their baby," she said. She said they faced a choice of not serving their constituents or going out to work while bringing their newborn with them. I suppose now that Im looking back on it and my youngest is just turning two this week, I think I really wish that I had that time with them. That bit of uninterrupted time because time just goes so quickly. Tucking a baby under your arm and just going out to work has its benefits but I also think its not fair. The SDLP minister has now written to the Speaker of the Assembly on the issue to break down the barriers for women going into public life. Ms Mallon was previously the first Lord Mayor of Belfast to serve while being pregnant, and had also faced online abuse for taking her baby boy to a meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary at Hillsborough. People asked what kind of mother I was that I wasnt at home with my baby, other people said how in Gods earth can she concentrate at a meeting with a baby on her knee, really bringing out to the fore a lot of misogyny thats still there in our society. I just think that whatever job a woman is doing, she should have the right to have maternity leave, it shouldnt be a perk. It has been more than a week, Professor Papiya Ghosh, the noted historian from Patna was brutally murdered, yet the police haven't been able to find any leads. NDTV broke the news about the death of Papiya Ghosh and we saw her sister Tuktuk Ghosh, an IAS officer and an Officer on Special Duty attached to the Office of Lok Sabha Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee, break down while giving details about the gruesome way she was murdered. Tuktuk said that she would be approaching the prime minister, asking for his assistance. We also saw the Director General of Police, Patna, laughing insensitively while explaining that such crimes are not uncommon and his police are trying their best to catch the culprits. The murder of Papiya Ghosh comes on a close line of murders of Nitesh Katara, Priyadarshini Mattoo and Jessica Lal, all pointing to a sinister criminal politician nexus. These murders only came to light because of the important status of each of these individuals. According to the Hindustan Times, the needle of suspicion in the twin murders of Patna University Professor Papiya Ghosh and her domestic help seems to be pointing to a criminal-politician who had been putting pressure on her to sell her sprawling house, said a senior police official. History professor Dr Ghosh, 53, and her 70-year-old domestic help were found stabbed to death in her home in the city's posh Pataliputra Colony on Sunday, shocking this city of over two million people. I grew up in the heart of Madhya Pradesh and political murders were never a stranger to me. Much later I did post mortems of such victims. Obviously the culprits was never brought to justice. I remember a gangster of the stature of Babloo Srivastava from Uttar Pradesh who was brought for 'treatment' at the JA Group of Hospitals, Gwalior, by the police.He gave thousand rupee notes to the nurses and porters who in turn were in the beck and call at all times. The murder of Papiya Ghosh would be solved at some stage considering the pressure being built up by the ordinary people of Bihar. The Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar after being prodded from the centre is finally taking some interest in this case. But neither Nitish Kumar nor our Hon. Prime Minister knew the actual Papiya Ghosh. Papiya and Tuktuk Ghosh were known all over India to readers of JS. They remain as popular as they were thirty years back. Dilip D'Souza in his blog dated December 14, 2005 wrote, 'Poring through the magazine every week, I wondered jealously: Just how did all these JS dudes get these almost insufferably cool names? I mean: Jug Suraiya? Desmond Doig? And exactly who were Papiya and Tuktuk Ghosh, invariably somewhere in the issue? Where did they get their cool names? Does anyone know? Did they exist? Do they exist? (Please send me a note if you're reading this, either of you, and put a 30-year-old mystery to rest)'. Again, Jug Suraiya mentioned in one of his columns that in a party, a woman once came to him and identified herself as Papiya. His Pavlovian response was, "Where is Tuktuk"? Many a party organized by Desmond in Kolkata had invitees mentioning Papiya and Tuktuk Ghosh as passwords before one can enter the foyer of the happening. Dilip D'Souza never knew that within a year after he had published his blog, he would know about Papiya Ghosh. Kookies Kol in every issue of JS had witty postings by Papiya and Tuktuk Ghosh. Dr. Suchitra Shrivatava, a pathologist from Gwalior told me years back that JS was synonymous with Papiya and Tuktuk Ghosh. Who was really Papiya Ghosh? Papiya Ghosh was a Professor of History at the Patna University. A Historian of international repute her research interest included topics as such as Partition, Diaspora, Refugee, Gender, Backward and Dalit studies and more recently Bhojpuri cinema and cassettes. She was currently working on three volumes - Partition and the South Asian Diaspora, Community and Nation: Bihar in the 1940s and Caste, Region and Nation: Essays on Bihar. She studied at the Delhi University and was well known for her academic achievements and extracurricular activities. She reviewed the books - Mapmaking: Partition stories from Two Bengals edited by Debjani Sengupta, Shadow lives: Writings on Widowhood edited by Uma Chakravarti and Preeti Gill and The Hindu Widow in Indian Literature by Rajul Sogani. She was an authority on Muslims in Bihar, her book titled 'Reinvoking the Pakistan of the 1940: Bihar's 'Stranded Pakistanis', is a milestone on Muslim studies in India. She wrote a lot of articles in the international journal 'Refugee Watch'. Papiya Ghosh died believing in Bihar, a province whose Home Secretary was her father; an Indian Civil Service Officer. We lost Papiya Ghosh who was our link to the wonderful world of JS. December 17, 2006 A MAN pulled out clumps of his wifes hair in an attack in their bedroom after they had argued about how much he was drinking, it is alleged. The prosecution claimed the man (39) pulled his wifes hair when she raised her hands to protect herself after he punched her in the face. Judge David McHugh adjourned the case at Blanchardstown District Court for the accused to decide a plea. The man is charged with assaulting his wife and breaching a domestic violence order at their west Dublin home. A garda said the woman returned home on an evening in August last year and her husband was intoxicated. They argued about his drinking before going to bed, the court heard. It was alleged he woke up aggressive and angry at 3am and his wife got up to go for a walk. The accused followed her and forced her back up the stairs and into the bedroom, the garda said. The man allegedly pushed his wife onto the bed, held her down and punched her in the face. She held her hands over her head to protect herself, the garda said, while the accused pulled hair from her head. Investigating gardai saw redness to her face and that she had clumps of her own hair in her hands. The woman did not seek medical assistance and made a full recovery. Judge McHugh accepted jurisdiction, but said the allegations were at the highest level that could be dealt with in the district court. The bill was registered on February 15. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has registered a government bill on a new procedure for appointing the director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). The bill on amending some laws of Ukraine on bringing the status of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine in line with the requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine (No. 5070) was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada on February 15, according to the parliament's official website. The text of the bill has not yet been published. On July 28, 2020, the Constitutional Court of Ukraine (CCU) declared a presidential decree dated April 16, 2015, on the appointment of Artem Sytnyk as NABU Director as unconstitutional. The decision was taken on a motion filed by 51 lawmakers. On September 16, the Constitutional Court ruled that certain provisions of the law on the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine are at variance with the country's Constitution. In particular, the provisions on empowering the president of Ukraine to form NABU, to appoint and dismiss its director, to appoint three persons to the commission for holding a competition for the position of the bureau's director, to appoint one member of the external control commission to conduct an independent assessment (audit) of NABU's effectiveness, its operational and institutional independence, and to approve the provisions on the Civil Oversight Council and the procedure for its formation were designated as unconstitutional. On December 16, the CCU decision entered into force, invalidating the mentioned provisions of the law on NABU. At the time, Justice Minister Denys Malyuska claimed this did not change the status of either NABU Director Artem Sytnyk or the Bureau. On February 15, 2021, the Cabinet of Ministers, Ukraine's government, approved for submitting to parliament a bill that grants the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine the status of executive authority, at the same time providing for the first deputy director to lead the agency during the transition period. Reporting by UNIAN Sorry! This content is not available in your region COLUMBIA Fresh off a successful 2020 campaign with an expanded majority, Republicans in the South Carolina Statehouse are eyeing changes to the state's election agency that could give their party more influence over the process in the future. A fast-moving bill sponsored by S.C. House Speaker Jay Lucas, R-Hartsville, would give an expanded State Election Commission more power to standardize the election process and ensure all 46 counties have uniform practices. But it was changes to Lucas' bill, H.3444, after it was initially filed that significantly tilted the partisan balance of the changed commission, drawing the ire of Democrats who called it a transparent power grab. Taken together, the bill in its latest form would effectively give Republicans the opportunity to build a 6-3 partisan advantage on the commission while simultaneously granting that agency more power to handle what happens at the ballot box. "Thats not fair," said state Rep. Justin Bamberg, D-Bamberg. "Thats blatantly obvious." The House Judiciary Committee ultimately voted 14-7 in favor of the bill, sending it to the House floor. Lucas' initial bill sought to expand the size of the state election commission from five to eight, dividing the membership equally between the two major political parties. But an amendment that passed in subcommittee added a ninth member and significantly tilted the partisan makeup of the commission, taking it from an equal 4-4 to as much as 6-3 in favor of Republicans with the party's dominance in the General Assembly and governor's office. Initially, the governor was given the ability to pick four of the eight members, and he was only allowed to pick two from his own party. But the amendment took the governor's total number of appointees to five while raising the maximum from his own party to four. Republicans have controlled the governor's office since 2003 and have not lost a statewide election for any position since 2006. The House speaker and Senate president would combine to appoint four members of the commission, but they would be required to take the recommendation of the minority party in their chambers for at least two of them. Republicans have controlled both chambers of the state Legislature for two decades. Under the current law, the governor picks all five commission members, at least one of whom must come from the majority party in the General Assembly and at least one from the minority party. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! State Rep. Seth Rose, D-Columbia, sought to change the bill back to its original form or at least decrease the number of commission members the governor could pick from his own political party from four out of five to three out of five. But state Rep. Jay Jordan, R-Florence, objected to Rose's effort, saying the bill had gone through a process in consultation with the speaker's and governor's offices. "While everyone has a right to participate in the process and insert their opinion, this didn't just come out of thin air," Jordan said. That drew howls from Bamberg, who said it would "stack the deck" in favor of Republicans and erode public trust in elections. "Everybody's supposed to have a voice," Bamberg said. "There's supposed to be a perception that the state election commission is going to make non-biased, non-politically motivated decisions to protect the institution of public elections in this state." Lucas has explained that the main purpose of his bill was to standardize how counties operate. And if the state election commission was going to get more authority, he reasoned, the Legislature should have a say in its composition, not just the governor. Lawmakers would not be allowed to serve on the commission themselves until at least eight years after they had left office. Campaign donors to the governor or lieutenant governor would also not be able to serve until at least four years after their donation. After the hearing, Jordan said the latest change came about because the governor's office wanted to ensure they maintained latitude over their picks in light of them ceding some power over the commission to the Legislature. Gov. Henry McMaster's spokesman Brian Symmes confirmed that they had worked with Lucas and Jordan to make the changes, saying they wanted to ensure there would be "appropriate accountability" over the members of the commission. Some top Republicans took issue with the current S.C. Election Commission last year after executive director Marci Andino sent lawmakers a letter recommending changes to the process due to the coronavirus pandemic, including by expanding access to absentee voting. A few of Andino's suggestions, like removing a witness signature requirement on absentee ballots, were supported more by Democrats, who unsuccessfully took GOP leaders to court to try to force that change. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 09:56:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GENEVA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday gave the green light to two versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, allowing them to be rolled out globally via COVAX. The two versions are produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio in South Korea and the Serum Institute of India, WHO said in a news release, noting that the vaccine shows 63.09 percent efficacy and "is suitable for low- and middle-income countries due to easy storage requirements." The vaccine can now be used via COVAX, a WHO-led international initiative for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, said Dr. Mariangela Simao, WHO assistant-director general for Access to Medicines and Health Products. "Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk," said Simao. "But we must keep up the pressure to meet the needs of priority populations everywhere and facilitate global access," she said. And to this end, she sorted out two priorities: a scale-up of manufacturing capacity, and developers' early submission of their vaccines for WHO review. The AstraZeneca product is the second Covid-19 jab to have received WHO authorization, after Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in late December. Enditem The Mekong River Commission has expressed concerns over the worrying levels of the critical Mekong River and has asked China for more information about its hydropower dams. The inter-government body released a statement on Friday and said water levels between Jinghong hydropower station in Chinas Yunnan province and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam have fallen to worrying levels. Water levels have dropped considerably since the beginning of the year due to lower rainfall, flow changes upstream, hydropower operations in the Mekong tributaries, and outflow restrictions from the Jinghong dam, read the statement. There have been sudden rises and falls in water levels immediately downstream of Jinghong and further down to Vientiane, said Winai Wongpimool, director of the Mekong River Commissions Technical Support Division in the same statement. Wongpimool said China and lower Mekong countries needed to share more flow data and plans for water releases. The Mekong River Commission and Chinas Water Resource Ministry signed an agreement last December to share hydrological data twice a day from two stations on the upstream the mainstream dam in Yunjinghong and another at Manan, both in Yunnan province. In Cambodia, the MRC said water levels in Stung Treng and Kratie province fluctuated between -0.02 m and 0.05 m, but that the levels remained higher than the long-term average. However, Mekong River levels at Kampong Cham, Neak Luong, and Bassac in Phnom Penh were declining since November and were lower than long-term averages. Kol Vathana, deputy secretary-general of the Cambodian National Mekong Committee, said dam construction was one of the causes of low water levels in the Mekong because hydropower companies need to store water for producing electricity. He added that climate change, including drought, was also affecting water levels. I dont support neither what China has done nor any research which is not based on facts, he said. There are other factors, not only damming of the river. Chan Youttha, a secretary of state at the Water Resources and Meteorology Ministry, said the Mekong water levels were a bit lower than the average, but did not want to comment further. Brian Eyler, the Southeast Asia program director at the Stimson Center in Washington, D.C., said the organizations Mekong Dam Monitor had similar findings and concerns as those raised by the MRC. He said levels at Chiang Saen in Thailand and Vientiane, Laos, are much lower than they should be given the quantities of water present in the upper basin. He said promoting natural flows of the river would help bring back normalcy to water levels. The major reservoirs at Xiaowan and Nuozhadu are nearly full - collectively they hold about 40 billion cubic meters of water, he said, referring to two hydropower dams in Chinas Yunnan province. Those reservoirs will likely begin to release water soon and those releases will eventually show up downstream as part of their normal dry season operations patterns. Chab Sophat, 31, a fisherman in Stung Treng provinces Siembok district, has seen the water level change from year to year and estimated it was currently around two meters lower than previous years where he lived and fished. What African countries can expect from Biden President Joe Biden delivered his first public statement on US foreign policy last week. Africa was not mentioned. Does this suggest the continent will be absent from the new administrations considerations? I think not. Firstly, the day after his speech, the new president addressed the 34th Summit of the African Union (AU), which was meeting virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He reiterated his commitments to active diplomacy and multilateralism in concert with the AU. All US efforts would be consistent with Americas core democratic values, which are also enshrined in the AUs Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. They have recently been assaulted in Uganda and Ethiopia. But at least a broad US-Africa consensus to cooperate in preventing and resolving problems may be emerging. And within days of becoming president Biden issued an executive order voiding Trumps 2017 policy banning all recipients of US government assistance from mentioning abortion, much less counselling women on it. Lifting the gag rule has been applauded by womens rights groups throughout Africa for its practical importance and as another signal of his support for their goal of securing gender equality. Secondly, the themes and priorities Biden set out in his foreign policy speech point to vital pathways for productive Africa-US cooperation. Bidens international priorities Biden comes to office with more foreign affairs experience including US-Africa policy than any of his predecessors. At the top of his foreign policy agenda are COVID-19 and climate change. On his first day in office, he issued orders for America to rejoin the World Health Organisation and Paris Agreement on climate change. He also pledged to make diplomacy and multilateralism the primary means of US foreign policy. These significant policy priorities will benefit African countries. It is now up to them to press the US to urgently increase funding on two fronts. Firstly to ensure African access to affordable, adequate COVID-19 vaccines. Secondly, to boost the Green Climate Fund to help Africa mitigate and adapt to global warming. Several other highlights of Bidens international priorities should please Africans: Refugee issues. Biden announced his approval of an executive order to restore admissions levels, raising last years level fivefold to 125,000. He also said that, in partnership with other nations, the administration will back efforts to redress the deprivations that drive people to flee their homes. Finally, he made a commitment to ensuring more humane sanctuaries for those who must flee. Racism and white supremacy. In another reminder that good foreign policy derives from domestic decency, he asserted in his 4 February foreign policy address: Weve taken steps to acknowledge and address systemic racism and the scourge of white supremacy in our own country. Racial equity will not just be for one department in our administration, it has to be the business of the whole of government in all our federal policies and institutions. Equal rights. Elaborating on his determination to ensure greater respect for diversity and inclusion, domestically and internationally, Biden declared: When we defend equal rights of people the world over of women and girls, LGBTQ individuals, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities, the people of every ethnic background and religion we also ensure those rights are protected for our own children here in America. He also emphasised the importance of his decision to overturn the ban on Muslims entering the US, from Africa and other regions. He also criticised China for its suppression of its Muslim minority, among other contentious issues that he pledged not to ignore in Sino-American relations. China. Biden offered to work with China, when its in Americas interest to do so. Africans should seize this as an opening for diplomatic agency to press China and the US to compete in ways beneficial to Africa. An example would be to advance the African Continental Free Trade Area, which the US and China support. What comes next Biden will not ignore immediate crises. His address focused on just two Yemen and Myanmar (Burma). In both he advocated using diplomacy and multilateralism. African governments are not directly involved in either. But they can expect the Biden administration to deal similarly with African crises and, when asked, to assist the AUs efforts at peacekeeping, conflict prevention and regional security. As African governments consider how best to engage the US they should look beyond the Executive Branch to Congress, where African programmes have traditionally enjoyed the bi-partisan support that Biden vows to encourage. Recent changes in key leadership positions also augur well for US-Africa relations. The first public statement from the new chair of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks, was to call for a new Africa policy, which he said would be his top priority. Meeks and his Africa sub-committee chair, Karen Bass, are from the Africa diaspora, a constituency Biden credits for ensuring his nomination and election. Biden also has close personal ties to the pro-Africa members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which he once chaired. This too should be to Africas advantage together with the principles and processes prominent in Bidens maiden foreign policy address. John J Stremlau, Honorary Professor of International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. It was the photograph that filled front pages around the world. Meghan Markle lies with her head in her husband's lap while barefoot Prince Harry gently cradles her - as both try to appear unaware their photographer friend is capturing their very private moment from 5,000 miles away. And the hidden messages behind the picture which announced that the couple are expecting a second child can now be revealed, including how it was taken under the 'tree of life' in a garden 'representing fertility'. Photographer Misan Harriman, who has shot to fame for his portraits of Black Lives Matter protesters, took the picture remotely in London, but it is believed to have been shot at their 11million home in Montecito, California. In a touching nod to Harry's mother, the couple made their announcement almost 37 years to the day that Princess Diana revealed she was pregnant with Harry on February 13, 1984 - which was reported in the Press one day later on Valentine's Day that year. Royal fans also spotted similarities in the new picture to a scene from the British romantic comedy Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant - where an A-list American actress falls for a hopeless-in-love Londoner. The Sussexes' baby will become eighth in line to the throne, after Prince Charles, Prince William, William's three children George, Charlotte and Louis, Harry and his eldest child 21-month-old Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. Here, MailOnline looks at the various elements of the black and white picture which was released on Sunday: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a black and white photograph to announce the news yesterday, which showed them beaming with delight. Among the elements of the picture are: 1) The 'tree of life' featuring prominently in the backdrop; 2) Meghan's visible baby bump; 3) the Duchess's bespoke flowing dress made by American label Carolina Herrera; 4) Harry's barefoot look; 5) What is believed to be the couple's garden at their California home; 6) the similarities to a scene in Notting Hill; and 7) Harry wears his 'Diana bracelet,' a bangle he acquired in 1997; 8) the image was taken remotely on an iPad; 9) Harry hints at a 'desire for freedom' according to a body language expert; and 10) it continues their love of black and white pictures 1) Harry and Meghan sit under the 'tree of life' in garden 'representing fertility The black and white image shows the couple sat under a tree in Los Angeles, with Harry resting his hand on Meghan's head as she lay in his lap cradling her bump. Unusually, the majority of the picture is taken up by a tree - with the Duke and Duchess themselves covering only less than a third of its surface area. The importance of the backdrop was highlighted by photographer Misan Harriman, who talked in an interview about the 'tree of life' and the 'garden representing fertility, life and moving forward'. The 'tree of life' could be a reference to the tree mentioned in the Bible, from the book of Genesis, which was located in the Garden of Eden - and is also later referred to in Revelation. Meghan is known to have a Christian faith and was baptised into the Church of England in a secret ceremony with Harry at her side in March 2018. Mr Harriman also noted that Meghan and Harry were 'so comfortable chatting and being in the moment that they were not fully aware that he was shooting a piece of history', in the words of British Vogue. He told the magazine: 'With the tree of life behind them and the garden representing fertility, life and moving forward, they didn't need any direction, because they are, and always have been, waltzing through life together as absolute soulmates.' In the interview, he said he captured the couple's 'truth' and added: 'When you see people who have the connection that they have, it's like reading the pages of a book.' 2) Royal fans celebrate Meghan and Harry's 'rainbow baby' after miscarriage Harry and Meghan's news comes just three months after the Duchess revealed that she had suffered a miscarriage in an article for the New York Times. 'I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,' she wrote in a November op-ed entitled 'The Losses We Share'. 'Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband's hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we'd heal. 'Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few.' Justifying the timing of her article, she wrote: 'This year has brought so many of us to our breaking points. So, this Thanksgiving, let us commit to asking others: 'Are you OK?'' She added: 'In the pain of our loss, my husband and I discovered that in a room of 100 women, 10 to 20 of them will have suffered from miscarriage. Yet despite the staggering commonality of this pain, the conversation remains taboo, riddled with (unwarranted) shame, and perpetuating a cycle of solitary mourning.' The article concluded: 'Are we OK? We will be.' Sophie King, a midwife at Tommy's, the UK's leading charity on pregnancy loss, told Femail: 'It's wonderful news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting again but as we know they sadly lost a baby last year, this celebration may feel bittersweet, while their pregnancy journey stirs up heart-breaking memories and complex emotions. 'Any expectant or new parent may struggle with anxiety, but it can be hard for those who have lost babies to believe that won't happen again, or they may feel guilty for being excited about a new arrival while grieving a sibling. 'Grief, pregnancy and parenting are all very tiring so the combination can be very challenging. Children born after loss are often called 'rainbow babies' to symbolise hope and light after a dark time, but it's important to remember that a rainbow doesn't erase the storm that came before it.' Since the news of the new baby was announced, royal watchers have celebrated. Hello's royal editor Emily Nash said: 'This is lovely news for Harry and Meghan, who wrote movingly about suffering a miscarriage last summer. The picture suggests it won't be long until they welcome their baby!' US news anchor Judi Gatson added: 'Well, Valentine's Day is the perfect day to make this sweet announcement, especially after the couple endured a miscarriage last July. Wishing them all love, happiness & joy.'While the due date has not been revealed, royal commentator Camilla Tominey told Today Extra: 'Normally you would expect news to come along when she is three months, but we think she is about five months.' 3) How Meghan's simple flowing linen dress signals a different pregnancy The dress chosen by the Duchess of Sussex to announce the couple's happy news - an elegant, flowing linen gown - is thought to be a bespoke dress made by American label Carolina Herrera for Meghan during her first pregnancy with soon-to-be big brother Archie. Although the black-and-white image of the Duke and Duchess makes it difficult to tell exactly what colour the dress is, it appears to be a shade of white or cream and may possibly have been already worn by Meghan while pregnant with Archie, signalling a sweet link back to the couple's firstborn. Meghan's long-standing friendship with Carolina Herrara's creative director, Wes Gordon, suggests that the classic dress could be the handiwork of the celebrated US designer too. Fashion expert Simon Glazin told MailOnline: 'The Duchess of Sussex has kept it classic - maybe a little safe? - with this look. 'The dress is neutral in shade and looks super comfortable; it's loose, floaty and almost has a hippy vibe to it - absolutely the opposite of what we might expect from a royal pregnancy announcement.' Both the dress and the pastoral setting of the photo certainly seem to reflect the dramatic change the couple have made during the last year, with the pregnant Duchess wearing a more formal white dress by Australian designer Karen Gee in October 2018, shortly after the couple announced they were expecting their first child together. Meghan and Harry were seen striding forth, with Meghan wearing the closely fitted Karen Gee dress and a pair of neutral suede heels, outside Sydney's Opera House as they prepared for a whirlwind tour. The Duchess also donned butterfly earrings and a bracelet that Harry's mother, Princess Diana, had previously worn - while the photograph released by the couple yesterday showed Meghan wearing no jewelry. 4) Barefoot Harry shows off his very casual style and wears 'Diana bracelet' Prince Harry showed off his very casual style in a nod to his new 'Cali lifestyle' in the couple's pregnancy announcement photograph. A bare-foot Harry, looked relaxed and laid-back in a buttoned linen shirt and jeans as he sat in the grass in the sweet picture. The look was unusually casual for a royal announcement and in stark contrast to the couple's official engagement photos where Harry wore a smart navy suit, crisp white shirt and navy tie. Harry also chose to go bare foot for the picture, adding to his less formal look as he lounged in the grass with Meghan, who opted for a long white summer dress. Stylist Rochelle White told MailOnline: 'I love Harry's look in the pregnancy announcement photo. I feel this is how Harry is in his new life. 'He is relaxed, comfortable and happy. He has a shirt that is free flowing and not as structured as what some might expect, bare feet and relaxed trouser is a smart casual look that many might not reflect a royal. 'This is Harry in his happy place and living that Cali lifestyle. ' In the picture, Harry was barefoot (left) and touchingly wore his 'Diana bracelet' (right) which he got shortly after his mother's death in 1997 on a trip to Africa Many took to social media yesterday to comment on the barefoot look, with one Twitter user @KellyannBabes writing: 'Congratulations Harry and Meghan.. but serious is there any need for Harry's bare feet.' @Matriarch4 added: 'Someone needs to buy Harry shoes. Ewwww, feet.' The look broke tradition with most royal baby announcements, the most recent being Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank's news. In pictures shared on Eugenie's Instagram account, Jack looked smart in a navy suit alongside his wife in a green dress as they shared that they were expecting a baby in early 2021. In the picture, Harry also touchingly wore his 'Diana bracelet,' which he got shortly after her death in 1997 on a trip to Africa. He has been pictured wearing the jewelry for two decades, including on his exam results day and at his wedding to Meghan in 2018. In the pregnancy announcement photo, Harry wore the bracelet, which has a black and brown silver design, on his right hand, which was visible in the photo as he held Meghan's head. In a past interview, Harry revealed he first visited Africa after his mother died. It is believed he bought the bracelet during this trip'I first came [to Africa] in 1997, straight after my mum died. My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags we were going to Africa to get away from it all.' 5) Photograph was likely taken in garden of Sussexes' $14.5m California home The picture is believed to have been taken in Montecito, California, where Harry and Meghan now live after deciding to leave Britain and step down as senior royals. While the exact location has not been confirmed, the tree appears to match the one seen in the background of a video they filmed in their garden of their 11million home there for Time magazine last September. However the photograph announcing their second baby was actually taken remotely from London. The Time interview was the first time they had shared a look inside their garden, which includes a huge lawn lined with borders that are filled with shrubs and plants. Their gardens which span 7.38 acres and are framed by pine and cypress trees. The couple also have a tennis court, outdoor swimming pool, and a covered terrace for outdoor dining at their property. The couple moved into the property last July and it features nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, as well as a guest house with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The tree in yesterday's picture appears to match the one seen in the garden of Harry and Meghan in this video for Time magazine last September. The different shading of the grass is also very similar to that seen in yesterday's picture 6) Royal fans notice similarities to scene from British romantic comedy Notting Hill - where an A-list American actress falls for hopeless-in-love Londoner Royal fans are likening Harry and Meghan's pregnancy announcement snap to a scene from British romantic-comedy Notting Hill. The image shows Harry resting his hand on Meghan's head as she lays in his lap and cradles her baby bump while underneath a tree. Followers of the couple have noticed the similarities between the snap and the final moments of the 1999 Richard Curtis film, which depicts the romance between a famous American actress, played by Julia Roberts, and a hopeless-in-love Londoner, played by Hugh Grant. Notting Hill followed the story of William and A-lister Anna, who met when she stumbled upon his book shop before throwing themselves into an affair. Their contrasting existences and the difficulties it caused their romance is then at the heart of the beloved film, set in the west London suburb. In the final scene of the movie, William and a pregnant Anna are shown reclining together in a private garden in Notting Hill. Anna rests her head on William's lap, with her hand gently placed on her pregnant stomach. Meanwhile book shop owner Will gazes down at her, with her fingers intertwined in hers. Royal fans said the Duke and Duchess' pregnancy announcement snap immediately reminded them of the scene from the romantic comedy. In the final scene of the 1999 Richard Curtis film Notting Hill, hopeless-in-love Londoner Will, played by Hugh Grant, is seen reclining in a garden with his American actress wife Anna, played by Julia Roberts, as she cradles her baby bump Sharing a side-by-side comparison online, Instagram user @Harry_Meghan_Daily commented: 'I love this connection with the romcom Notting Hill.' Another fan wrote: 'When I first saw this pic of Harry and Meghan this movie came into my mind. So awesome congrats to you, Meghan and Harry I am so so happy for you guys.' 'Omg I thought of same movie scene when I saw their new picture,' a third commented. Another wrote: 'I thought about that lovely scene as well, when I saw the photo!' One added: 'I loved this association with Notting Hill. The film is beautiful and romantic. And the love between Harry and Meghan is even more beautiful. Congratulations to the couple. A lot of health for Archie's brother.' The romcom grossed $370million worldwide and is still Hugh Grant's most successful film. 7) Second pregnancy announced on Valentine's Day just like Diana in 1984 The announcement, made on Valentine's Day echoes that of Prince Harry's own mother Princess Diana. The Princess of Wales announced her own pregnancy with her second child on February 13 1984, with newspapers reporting it as front page news the next day, on Valentine's Day. At the time, the front cover of the Daily Mail shared a photograph of a beaming Princess Diana as she arrived at a ballet in Oslo before stating: 'This is the glowing smile that says it all.' The Daily Mail front page on Diana from February 14, 1984 Palace officials made an announcement 37 years ago which read: 'Both Prince Charles and Princess Diana are delighted by the news - as are the queen, Prince Philip and all the members of both families.' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who currently live in California, chose a more personal route to make their own announcement with an intimate picture showing them relaxed sitting in the grass. Eagle-eyed fans also noticed that Harry was wearing his 'Diana bracelet,' a black and brown silver bangle he acquired shortly after his mother passing in 1997 during a tour of Africa, and that he's been wearing ever since. Harry revealed he first visited Africa after his mother died with his father Prince Charles, now 71 and Prince William, now 38. 'I first came [to Africa] in 1997, straight after my mum died,' he told Town and Country magazine in a 2017 interview. 'My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags we were going to Africa to get away from it all.' Royal fans were touched by this motherly connection, with some noting Harry always tried to include the memory of his mother into his family life. 'Diana announced she was pregnant with Harry on Valentine's Day and now Harry and Meghan announce they are having baby number 2 on Valentine's Day. They always make sure she's included and involved with them in some way,' one fan said on Twitter. Another said: 'And he's wearing his mother's bracelet.' 8) How picture was taken more than 5,000 miles away with an iPad in London by Meghan's privately-educated Nigerian-born friend (who claims he was instrumental in setting the couple up) The picture accompanying Harry and Meghan's announcement was shot by their long-time friend and photographer Misan Harriman, who has shot to fame over the past year for his pictures of Black Lives Matter protests in London. He takes some credit for helping them meet, saying: 'Meg reminded me that had I not introduced her to a mutual friend then she wouldn't have met Harry. I'm grateful for whatever small part I played.' The 43-year-old, who took the image remotely from London using an iPad, was born in Nigeria and attended a British prep school and then Bradfield College, a 39,000-a-year boarding school in Berkshire. Mr Harriman, who lives in Woking, Surrey, met Meghan years ago at a charity event and attended her wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor Castle in May 2018. He has previously taken photos of other royals, capturing Princess Beatrice's official engagement photo with her then-fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. He was the first black male photographer to shoot a British Vogue cover and the first to shoot its September issue in its 105-year history. The activist-themed cover in 2020 featured England footballer Marcus Rashford and model Adwoa Aboah, with Mr Harriman working with a predominantly black team on set. A year before, Meghan guest edited the September issue, which is traditionally the fashion bible's most important of the year. Mr Harriman's work has also featured in Vanity Fair, GQ, Harpers Bazaar and People. As well as Meghan, the Nigerian-born photographer has pictured Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Olivia Colman, Rihanna, Stormzy and Giorgio Armani. He is a self-described activist supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as a mental health campaigner with an interest in dyslexia. The photographer, who runs a media company called 'What We Seee', has also recently covered demonstrations against former US President Donald Trump, and protests by Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter in London. Mr Harriman tweeted: 'Meg, I was there at your wedding to witness this love story begin, and my friend, I am honoured to capture it grow. Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on this joyous news!' Mr Harriman observed the couple in California from more than 5,000 miles away through the lens of his iPad remotely from London. The practice of 'remote' photography has become more common since coronavirus restrictions have been in place. It often involves photographers directing someone else to take a picture through a video call. This was also how a recent New York Times cover picture of actress Zoe Kravitz was taken by Taylor Swift, who was in her bubble, while being directed by photographer Christopher Anderson from Paris. This can be carried out either by pairing an iPad with another iPad using an app such as Camera Plus, Remote Shutter or WiFi Camera. Another alternative is connecting an iPad with a camera with Wifi connectivity, where the camera will present a live view option on the iPad. Remote photography can be carried out on an iPad with an app such as Snapbridge for Nikon cameras, which effectively turns the tablet into a remote control which can change the camera functions and act as a trigger. However both of these possibilities involve the iPad and camera being on the same WiFi network, which would not have been the case with Meghan and Harry's picture. Another form of remote photography involves letting a photographer control your laptop screen with a program called DigiCam, although this does not work on iPads. Therefore it is possible that the picture was directed from Mr Harriman's iPad, but it is not thought he could link this device in London to a camera or another iPad in California, because they would be on different WiFi networks. An article in Vogue which quoted him said he was 'observing his friends through the lens of his iPad remotely from London to Santa Barbara', so that suggests he was directing it remotely, rather than taking it remotely. While the exact model of iPad used for Harry and Meghan's picture is not known, the iPad Pro is the top version available for 969 with a 12.9 inch screen. This comes with 12MP (megapixel) wide camera with a /1.8 aperture, or a 10MP ultra wide camera with a /2.4 aperture and 125-degree field of view. The device displays a 2732 by 2048 pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (ppi). It also has a 2x optical zoom out and a digital zoom up to 5x, with a fiveelement lens and a panorama mode up to 63MP. Other features include a sapphire crystal lens cover, backside illumination sensor, hybrid IR filter, exposure control, noise reduction, auto image stabilisation and photo geotagging. The image formats are HEIF and JPEG. 9) Prince Harry's bare feet hint at a 'desire for freedom' while Meghan Markle's idyllic posing paired with the monochrome photograph style creates a sense of 'dazzling celebrity,' body language expert claims Analysing the couple for Femail, body language expert Judi James explained Prince Harry's lack of shoes is a far cry away from any sense of royal protocol or formality. 'The way his bare soles are pointed at the camera pitches him a long distance away from any sense of royal formality or protocol and into the world of spontaneity and openly emotional displays,' she explains. 'It seems very indicative of Harry's desire for freedom and the ability to do things 'his way.'' She adds: 'It manages to show a natural, casual look but with the fashionable monochrome and idyllic posing creating a sense of dazzling celebrity. It is appropriately idealistic, with Harry's bare feet suggesting he might have been so blissfully happy he has been wandering barefoot in the garden to celebrate.' The expert also says that the tree in the background could have significant meaning behind it. 'The way the photo has been cropped to feature the tree in the background signals a desire to project stability, relationship continuity and strength and the dramatic branches even hint at the idea of creating their own family history,' Ms James explains. 'It would have been a slightly uncomfortable pose for Harry to hold for long without his back resting on the tree but of course it works in terms of showing a couple deliriously happy about their news.' She also goes on to say that Meghan lying on her back with the bump in silhouette suggests 'devotion and trust.' She continues: 'The way Harry looks down into her face while cradling her head tenderly seems to move him firmly into the role of protective and nurturing husband and father of what will be two small children. 'Their ecstatic smiles appear perfectly twinned here and this mirroring suggests even stronger emotional bonds between an already very tightly-bonded couple.' Ms James suggests that the choreography and style of the pose suggests a familiar theme for the Duke and Duchess - and one that has been seen before on their big announcement moments and their Christmas cards. 'In contrast with royal tradition, where the eyes of the subjects will be aimed directly at the camera to send a more personal message to the public that suggests a sharing of the happiness and the moment, Harry and Meghan gaze only at one another,' she points out. 'It looks like an 'intimate' moment of joy that is shared between the two of them and which seems aimed at making them look oblivious of the camera itself. We are invited to watch or peek at their obvious bliss from a respectful distance, suggesting a more 'private' approach to a public announcement.' The expert went on to say how many of Harry's recent solo online appearances and messages have suggested a return to the more hard-hitting, military version of the Prince. 'This move away from the more submissive-sounding 'Hi, I'm Harry' podcast/guru version might well have been prompted by this very strong desire to step up and protect his wife and his family in light of their baby news,' she explained. 'There is none of the subtly bashful body language signals of suppressed delight you normally get with a royal announcement photo, meaning Harry is determined to break with his past and sit smiling down at his wife with a very open expression of excitement and nurturing affection.' 10) Love affair with black-and-white photographs shows no signs of ending The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have once again opted for a black-and-white photograph to announce their latest happy news - sparing those in lockdown (and freezing conditions) on the British side of the Pond the sight of a Californian blue sky. The couple have got form when it comes to choosing stylized monochrome over colour imagery, with many of the photos they've released during their relationship appearing without a colour version. Their now defunct @SussexRoyal Instagram account was peppered with black-and-white photographs of the couple carrying out both public duties and documenting more personal moments in their life. The trend was set early on; Alexi Lubomirski photographed Meghan and Harry in the grounds of Frogmore Cottage, their former Windsor home, back in December 2017 following the announcement of their engagement. Roll on six months and an official wedding photograph released by Kensington Palace, after their nuptials in May 2018, showed the couple on the East Terrace of Windsor Castle. And when the couple first introduced their son, Archie, to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland also in attendance, photographer Chris Allerton's image was published without colour. Sepia has crept in too from time to time, with little Archie captured holding his father's hand on Prince Harry's first father's day as a dad in June 2019. The love of black-and-white imagery has very much continued as the couple have moved Stateside, giving up their royal duties but continuing their charity work, suggesting it's a personal preference. In October last year, LA-based photographer Matt Sayles snapped the couple looking suited and booted for a shoot at their home in Montecito, California. The latest image, released yesterday to reflect the couple's delight at welcoming a second child this summer, was shot in the beautiful grounds of the couple's California home. With trees swaying above them and a lawn stretching beyond them, the absence of colour ensures the image maintains a timeless, classic feel - and that Harry and Meghan are the main focus of the portrait. Earlier this week power companies seemingly backed off a controversial rolling blackout strategy following massive public outcry and a vast array of euphemisms for the controversial practice that didn't seem to convince customers. Now, with a few more days of historic cold ahead, local utility giants have doubled down on this tactic with more explanation and a continued call to conserve power. Read more . . . Fox4: Evergy announces more blackouts due to cold, explains lack of notice Public reaction . . . WDAF: Some customers frustrated by lack of notice about rolling blackouts across Kansas City metro Conservatives are blaming the rolling blackout "new normal" on the not-yet-enacted "Green New Deal" and sustainable energy efforts overall. Best example . . . Fox News:Tucker Carlson - The great Texas climate catastrophe is heading your way Meanwhile, progressives seem more hopeful about alternative power sources: UST: Climate chaos is the real job killer. Biden's clean energy plan will boost the economy. You decide . . . The mother of a Belfast DJ, who died in the city almost five years ago, first learned her son was in hospital from a TV news report. Gerard McMahon (36), who was from the Short Strand area and worked under the name DJ Macko, died in the Royal Victoria Hospital on September 8, 2016. His death came hours after he was detained by police who responded to what was described at the time as a "violent incident" in Great Victoria Street. Officers had been called to the scene close to the Grand Opera House and Europa Hotel after reports that Mr McMahon had been behaving erratically. He had earlier been observed in a confrontation with nightclub bouncers after being escorted from the premises. Mr McMahon had spent more than two-and-a-half hours walking through the city centre and interacting with various individuals before arriving at a taxi rank at around 5am. His condition quickly deteriorated and police administered first aid until an ambulance arrived at the scene. Paramedics used a defibrillator, but they were unable to save Mr McMahon, who died in hospital later that evening. The Police Ombudsman's Office (PONI) launched an investigation into the actions of police on the night in question after saying it "appeared that CS spray was used". They interviewed the police officers involved in the restraint under caution, took a significant number of witness statements and secured CCTV footage of the restraint. A file was sent to the Public Prosecution Service in October 2019 and a full inquest into Mr McMahon's death was scheduled to take place in February 2020, but was postponed. The PPS later wrote to the McMahon family confirming that a decision was made not to prosecute any of the three officers involved in the restraint. The inquest, which began on Monday, is scheduled to run for several weeks before coroner Joe McCrisken. It will explore the circumstances surrounding Mr McMahon's death and consider evidence from the police officers involved in the restraint alongside various civilian and expert witnesses. His mother Ella told the hearing that Gerard, who was the eldest of her three children, was a "very happy go lucky" young man and "settled in life". She described him as a "guy that anyone would have been proud of to have as their son". Under questioning by Sean Doran QC for the coroner, Mrs McMahon said that around a year before his death, Gerard received stab injuries and was bitten by a dog during an incident at a house party in Newry, after which he became "withdrawn". "He didn't go out for weeks afterwards and his DJ work just went to the side. You could see him gradually just not being the same person that he was," Mrs McMahon recalled. Mr McMahon, a single father-of-two, was a qualified motor mechanic but had been working as a courier driver in the months before his death. Expand Close Ella McMahon's son Gerard McMahon, who died in 2016 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ella McMahon's son Gerard McMahon, who died in 2016 Ella McMahon said she had "deep concerns" for her son's well-being in the weeks before his death due to his drug use. "He accepted that his drug use had become a problem and agreed to get help. "Cocaine was not agreeing with him and it was making him paranoid," she said. Mrs McMahon said she was concerned when her son went out on the night before his death but he assured her that he was "only going out for a few hours to meet friends and wouldn't be too late". She revealed that she only learned what had happened to her son a few hours later on the early morning news. "I had been up doing things and heard it on the 7.30am news. "Gerard hadn't come in - he wasn't in his bed. I knew straight away that there was a 90% possibility that it was him they were talking about. "No matter what, he always came home," she added. Mrs McMahon said she and her family went to the hospital after a lunchtime news update said the patient's condition was "deteriorating". She had spent several hours unsuccessfully trying to confirm if it was her son in hospital with police and hospital staff. "When we got to the hospital I knew I had been right and that it was him," Mrs McMahon added. The inquest later viewed CCTV footage from a nightclub in the hours before Mr McMahon died which showed him in an altercation with door staff. A witness statement, previously made to PONI, described seeing Mr McMahon outside "in a world of his own" and "with his trousers and boxer shorts down" and "sweating from head to toe". Others recalled seeing him in a "very heavy handed" struggle with door staff, hearing him screaming and seeing blood. The inquest continues. Brothers who worked for two of the biggest names in the City have appeared in court charged with insider trading. Acting together Mohammed Zina, 32, and Suhail Zina, 33, are accused of having made a 142,000 profit between July 2016 and December 2017. It is claimed Mohammed was a Goldman Sachs analyst and used his position to gather information on stocks, passing it on to his brother Suhail who was a solicitor at Clifford Chance. Insider trading: Acting together Mohammed Zina, 32, and Suhail Zina, 33, are alleged to have made a 142,000 profit between July 2016 and December 2017 The Financial Conduct Authority said: The loans were stated to be for funding home improvements. Instead, the loans funded the alleged insider dealing. The stocks involved included Arm Holdings, Alternative Networks, Punch Taverns, Shawbrook, HSN and Snyders-Lance. Mohammed left Goldman in 2018 and his brother left Clifford Chance the same year. They were charged by the FCA with six offences of insider dealing and three counts of fraud by false representation. At Westminster magistrates court yesterday Mohammed pleaded not guilty and Suhail did not enter a plea. The case has been sent to Southwark Crown Court for a hearing on March 16. The FCA said: Following an investigation the FCA has commenced criminal proceedings. Mohammed Zina was employed by Goldman Sachs as an analyst in the conflicts resolution group in their London office. Suhail Zina was a solicitor at Clifford Chance. Goldman Sachs said the protection of confidential client information is of paramount importance for the bank, and it has worked very closely with the FCA. The US giant added: Neither the firm nor any other current or former employee of the firm is the subject of an investigation into the matters giving rise to the proceedings. Insider dealing carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison and fraud carries a 10-year prison sentence. The Bombay High Court today (Tuesday) will hear the bail petitions of activists Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk, who were named as suspects by Delhi Police in a case regarding the 'toolkit' shared by climate activist Greta Thunberg. The Bombay High Court today (Tuesday) will hear the bail petitions of activists Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk, who were named as suspects by Delhi Police in a case regarding the "toolkit" shared by climate activist Greta Thunberg. The petitions seeking transit anticipatory bail have been filed by advocate Nikita and environmental activist Shantanu, both Maharashtra residents. The Delhi Police has claimed that Jacob and Muluk created the toolkit on the farmers' protest along with activist Disha Ravi, who was arrested on Sunday. While Muluk's petition is expected to come up for hearing this evening, Jacob's plea will be heard after 2 pm, India Today reported. While Jacobs' plea was filed in the principal seat of the high court in Mumbai, Muluk, a resident of Beed district in central Maharashtra, submitted his application in the Aurangabad bench of the high court. Both the pleas sought transit anticipatory bail for a period of four weeks so that the applicants (Jacob and Muluk) can approach the court concerned in Delhi to apply for pre- arrest bail. Applicants allege 'political vendetta, media trial' Jacob and Muluk, in their pleas, have claimed they are targets of political vendetta. Jacob, in her plea, said she is unaware whether she has been named as an accused or a witness in the case. "However, the applicant (Jacob) fears that she may be arrested due to political vendetta and media trial," her application said. "Some entity named Legal Rights Observatory appears to have filed a false and baseless complaint with the Delhi police and seeks to pin the blame for violence on 26 January, 2021 (during tractor rally in Delhi) upon the applicant as well," the plea said. As per the application, on 11 February, a team of Delhi police came to Jacob's house in Goregaon area of Mumbai with a search warrant and seized documents and electronic gadgets. "The applicant has no religious, political or financial motive or agenda for researching, discussing, editing and circulating communication packs/toolkits for raising awareness, let alone to incite violence, riots and/or cause any other physical harm," the application said. It said Jacob was a practising advocate in the Bombay High Court who volunteers for environmental causes. "The applicant was deeply concerned about the recent farm laws and villainising of farmers," the application said. Jacob, in her plea, said the FIR registered in the case was "false and baseless" and that she has already cooperated with the cyber cell of the Delhi police and recorded her statement. Muluk, in his plea filed through advocate Satej Jadhav, said he and others are not actual dissenters but have only come out in support of farmers agitating on Delhi borders for more than two months now against the Centre's new agri- marketing laws. "Vendetta has tricked down from politics to the houses of common persons, making a mockery of the rights and principles enshrined in the Constitution of India," the application said. Muluk's petition said many online foundations had come together and joined the Indian Environmental and Farmers Coalition, including XR India, of which he is a founder member. He submitted that he and others were merely extending support to the protesting farmers. An article in The Indian Express quotes the Superintendent of Police of Beed district as saying that a Delhi Police team had visited Beed two days earlier, looking for Muluk. However, they could not find him, after which they informed the local police accordingly and left, the official reportedly said. The Delhi police on Saturday arrested 21-year-old environmental activist Disha Ravi from Bengaluru in connection with the case. She was on Sunday produced before a Delhi court which remanded her in police custody for five days. With inputs from PTI New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 71F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 71F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Ivan Korcok is scheduled to pay an official visit to Bucharest today to meet his counterpart Bogdan Aurescu and Romania's Prime Minister Florin Citu, according to AGERPRES. In the first part of the day, the Slovak official will meet Citu, and later he will have political consultations with Aurescu. According to the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE), the visit represents a new opportunity to reconfirm the excellent nature of the bilateral relationship, continuity in the dialogue between the two countries and the historical ties between Romania and Slovakia. "The consultations between ministers Bogdan Aurescu and Ivan Korcok are designed to deepen bilateral co-operation in political, economic and sectoral areas. Their talks will also provide an opportunity for an exchange of views on a number of issues of common interest on the regional agenda, with emphasis on energy security, B9 co-operation and the Three Seas Initiative, as well as on the NATO and world agenda," according to MAE. Also discussed will be coordination on issues of shared interest at European level, such as: combatting the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; implementing the Multiannual Financial Framework and the European Recovery Plan; the Conference on the Future of Europe; the Eastern Partnership, and the enlargement of the European Union. At the end of the bilateral consultations, the heads of the Romanian and Slovak diplomacies will hold a joint news conference at noon. South Carolina is already a leader in airplane and automobile manufacturing with Boeing and BMW. Gov. Henry McMaster, Sen. Lindsey Graham and other officials think pharmaceuticals should be next. It is the beginning of the next phase of the South Carolina economy, Graham said. The announcement came on the afternoon of Feb. 16 at a news conference in downtown Greenville as part of the two-day SCBio 2021 gathering. The annual conference, virtual this year, had a record number of attendees as the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of the life science industry. Life sciences is a $12 billion industry in South Carolina and the fastest growing sector in the state. There are more than 800 firms in 42 of 46 counties and 43,000 direct or indirect jobs, according to research by Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, the states research economist with the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Next month, a new economic development initiative involving SCBio, the Department of Commerce and the states life science companies will be announced, McMaster said. SCBio is the statewide, not-for-profit life sciences industry association and the official state affiliate of BIO, the U.S. Biotechnology Innovation Organization. South Carolina has a tremendous opportunity to become a leader in on-shore pharmaceutical manufacturing jobs and bring investment back to the United States, McMaster said. Sign up for our Greenville development newsletter. Get all the latest updates on the Upstate real estate market, more openings and closings, exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email Sign Up! Pharmaceuticals were the fourth-most imported category of items for the U.S. in 2020, representing $139.5 billion and 5.8 percent of total imports. Graham said South Carolina is prime destination for manufacturing because of its available workforce and pro-business government. Right now, the country is way too dependent on China and needs to bring jobs back home, he said. Graham said he is pushing for a tax incentive for pharmaceutical companies, including PPE manufacturers, similar to the renewable energy tax credits given for renewable energy projects. The senior senator also said he has never been more happy to be out of Washington to make the announcement. Grahams phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger 10 days after the November election is being looked at as part of Georgia prosecutors' criminal investigation into whether former president Donald Trump tried to influence the outcome after the election. U.S. Rep. William Timmons, who represents the Greenville area, also attended and spoke at the Feb. 16 event. McMaster declared Feb. 15-19, 2021 to be SCBio Life Sciences week to give special appreciation to its many contributions to the health and economy of the state. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City public schools will reopen buildings to middle school students next week after they were closed since mid-November due to rising coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Middle schools are slated to reopen to students on Thursday, Feb. 25. Teachers and school staff will be able to return the day before to prepare classrooms for students. A lot of work has gone into this to make sure we are ready, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a recent press conference. Our children are ready. Our parents are ready for kids to be back in school, so were very excited about this. Elementary schools, as well as District 75 schools that serve students with special needs, have been open since December. Its unclear when high school will reopen. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** New York City closed all school buildings temporarily for teaching and learning starting Nov. 19 when the coronavirus positivity rate surpassed 3%, the threshold to close schools. At that time, all public school students transitioned to fully remote learning. Schools had only been open for in-person instruction since mid-September first to special education and preschool students on Sept. 21, followed by students in K-8 schools and middle and high schools the following week. Now, the city is following a similar phased-in approach, while enforcing more safety and health standards when middle schools reopen next week. Heres what you need to know about middle schools reopening. Who will return to school buildings? Middle school students will return to their buildings beginning Feb. 25. If your child opted into blended learning, either at the start of the 2020-2021 school year or during the opt-in period that ended in November, your child will be able to return to school next week. Your childs principal will reach out with the new blended learning schedule. How many days a week will students go to school? For the 2020-2021 school year, New York City families had the option of full-time remote learning or blended learning, learning a few days a week in-person at school buildings and learn remotely the rest of the time. Now, the city is moving in the direction of increasing in-person instruction to five days a week for schools that are able to mostly because 70% of New York City public school students opted for full-time remote learning. Any school that has the space and ability to move to a five-day-a-week in-person instruction model will aim to follow this preferred model. The mayor said some middle schools will immediately return to in-person learning five days a week. But others still need increased infrastructure. City Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza said that half of the citys 471 middle schools will be able to resume in-person learning five days a week, and that other middle schools will be progressing toward that goal. The city Department of Education (DOE) didnt respond to multiple requests for information on which Staten Island middle schools will be able to return their students for full five-day-a-week learning. Will I have to give consent for my child to undergo testing at school? For students who plan to return to school buildings, families are required to submit the consent form for weekly in-school coronavirus testing. Mandatory in-school testing of 20% of the school population will occur weekly for a random selection of staff and students in all reopened school buildings. If you have already submitted consent, the DOE encourages parents to submit the consent form again to ensure your child has the latest form on file. There are two ways to submit the consent form: New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) -- Log into your account, click your students name, click Manage Account, and when a dropdown menu appears, click Consent Forms. Read the page and choose the consent option at the end for your student. Print and sign the form and bring it to your childs school on the first day her or she is back on campus. A printable PDF file is available in 10 languages at the DOEs COVID Testing page. What if I need an exemption for testing? Exemptions are only granted in certain limited cases, including: Students who need a medical exemption due to a health condition that makes it unsafe to undergo testing. You will be able to submit a separate form for consideration. This form must be signed by a physician and you must submit medical documentation from a health-care provider. For students with disabilities who cannot be safely tested in school due to the nature of their disability, you will be able to submit a separate request for an exemption. What if I dont submit consent? You must submit consent by the day that your child returns to his or her school building, according to the DOE. This is the due date, and all students must participate. If your child comes to school on his or her first day back for in-person instruction without a consent form on file, principals and school staff will contact you to obtain consent. After that, those students without a consent form on file who dont have a medical or disability-based exemption must move to fully remote instruction. What if I dont send my child to school? According to the DOE, students who opted for blended learning are required to attend in-person on a consistent basis. Your school will reach out if your child isnt attending in-person regularly, and transition your child to fully remote learning if irregular in-person attendance continues. this will allow schools to maximize in-person instructional days for students who are attending in-person. What is the protocol if there is a positive coronavirus case at my school? Instead of New York City closing all schools when the coronavirus positivity rate hits 3%, school buildings will only shutter if there are multiple confirmed cases. According to de Blasio, the protocol for closing individual classrooms or school buildings if there are positive coronavirus cases will remain the same. Heres a closer look at what happens if there are confirmed coronavirus cases in a school: One confirmed coronavirus case in a classroom, or at least two cases linked together in the same classroom, would be enough to quarantine the entire class of students for 10 days. The school would remain open. At least two cases in the school in separate classrooms would quarantine both classes for 10 days, with additional school members quarantined based on where exposure was in the school. The school would close for an initial 24 hours. At least two cases linked together by circumstances outside of school would close the school for an initial 24 hours, and all students would quarantine for 10 days. At least two cases not linked together, but exposure was confirmed for each one outside of the school setting, would close the school for an initial 24 hours and quarantine all students for 10 days. If a link is unable to be determined for at least two cases, the entire school building would be closed for 10 days. The city Department of Health, in partnership with the city Test & Trace Corps, will conduct an investigation into any close contacts of those who have a positive test result, and those people will be asked to quarantine and not report to school buildings. All close contacts are referred to the Test & Trace Corps for monitoring during the quarantine period. Schools will communicate to all families and students within school any time a case is laboratory-confirmed. When a school closes or a classroom quarantines, students and teachers move to remote learning. The DOE created a Daily COVID Case Map that shows all known cases of coronavirus at public schools. School Zone: A new newsletter with the updates you need as our schools try to get back to normal. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter: FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Some of the worlds biggest names in oil trading and analyzing cant seem to get on the same page when it comes to predicting what will happen next for the volatile commodity. Some, like Jeffrey Currie of Goldman Sachs and Christyan Malek of JPMorgan, according to the Financial Times, are confident that oil is ready for the next supercyclea prolonged rise in the price of oil. And when they refer to this rise, theyre talking $80, or even $100 per barrel. Others, like oil analyst Arjun Murti who correctly predicted the last $100+ per barrel achievement seen between 2008 and 2014, say that talk of this next supercycle may be a bit hasty. For Malek, he sees a situation where demand outstrips supply, before we dont need it in the years to come. The reason for supercycle predictions is simple: stimulus packages, most notably the stimulus package that the U.S. government is expected to roll out, are expected to boost consumption. And according to Currie, this stimulus will create a significant, commodity-intensive consumption as the stimulus package is mostly targeting lower and middle-income households. These people dont drive Teslas, Currie explained. They drive SUVs. Murti, on the other hand, thinks that if oil demand were to increase by a half a million barrels per day over the next year, it wouldnt be enough to outstrip supply. As a point of reference, global oil demand sank roughly 10 million barrels per day as a result of the pandemic in 2020. If, however, oil demand were to pick up steam by as much as 1.4 million barrels per day, a supercycle may follow. Veteran trader Pierre Andurand told the Financial Times that the fate of oil prices rests on OPECspecifically on how much oil they supply. Standing in the way of the next supercycle, says Andurand, could be Iran returning to the global oil markets, and OPECs production in general. Retired veteran tradera particularly successful one that made a not-so-small fortune on oils last supercycleAndy Hall, sees the oil market in terminal decline the Financial Times writes, and likened any price rally as a dead cat bounce. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Appointment 16 February 2021 Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites Houston - Galleria Area announced a key leadership appointment for its new 319-room property managed by American Liberty Hospitality (ALH), a Houston-based hotel development and management firm. Andrew Mirsky will oversee the sales efforts as Director of Sales for the dual-branded hotel on target to debut this spring. Both brands are franchises of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Mirsky was most recently the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Houston Marriot Sugar Land, and before that, Director of Sales & Marketing at Houston Marriott Energy Corridor. He also held sales management positions at Sheraton Suites Market Center Dallas and began his hotel career as Director of Outlets at Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum by the Galleria. Mirsky is a member of the Texas Society of Association Executives and Meeting Professionals International and currently is on the Board of Directors for the Sugar Land Skeeters Foundation. Are audiobooks books? Certainly listening to a book is a different experience from reading it: Backtracking to check details in an audiobook is awkward, and, in many cases, you don't retain as much as you do with the printed version. Finally, there's the difficult-to-define relationship of listener to book: Your own imagination and interpretation have more independence when reading a book yourself than when a narrator's voice controls the text. Audiobooks could be said to be a species of translation: Although true to the words, they are different in character from the original, the printed page. But they are books all the same. Full-cast or ensemble audiobook productions complicate the matter. When different narrators take on chapters devoted to different characters' points of view, the listener's engagement with the book can be heightened. On the other hand, when narrators join in together, in what are often referred to as ensemble productions, the text is usurped by performance, the book disappearing into thespian clamor. Michael Connelly's most recent crime thriller starring Harry Bosch, "The Night Fire" (Hachette Audio), presents an example. Very Bosch-sounding Titus Welliver, a veteran of the series, is joined by Christine Lakin, who takes on the voice of Bosch's collaborator in the LAPD, Detective Renee Ballard. It's clear sailing as long as each narrator delivers the chapters devoted to his or her point of view, but eventually, Bosch and Ballard appear in the same chapter, the two voices chiming in, back and forth. The story, which had been unfolding in a booklike manner, collapses into something like play acting. I found it so off-putting that I could not finish listening to it. Science fiction and fantasy tend to have more ensemble productions than other genres, no doubt because their listeners tend to welcome breached boundaries and are tolerant of pandemonium. I have tried to listen to a couple of admired examples: Neil Gaiman's "American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition" (HarperAudio) and Max Brooks' Audie Award-winning "World War Z: The Complete Edition: An Oral History of the Zombie War" (Random House Audio). The first, clocking in at nearly 20 hours, is narrated by 21 people, including the author and such great voice actors as Ron McLarty (as Odin), Daniel Oreskes (as Shadow), Dennis Boutsikaris and Richard Ferrone. The other, a mere 12 hours long, features a bevy of celebrities, including Martin Scorsese, Alan Alda, Mark Hamill, Henry Rollins and Rob Reiner, as well as a number of veteran audiobook narrators. In both cases, I felt adrift, divorced from the page - wherever that was. I couldn't think of either production as a book any more than I can think of a movie adaptation having anything but a remote relationship to the book on which it was based. Evie Wyld's "The Bass Rock" (Random House Audio), is, in contrast, a full-cast production that's read by different narrators in sequence rather than concurrently. This works. "The Bass Rock" is one of those novels that shifts back and forth through time and from one character's point of view to another, often without identification. On the page, works like this can at first bewilder the reader before giving way to the gratification that comes with piecing the story together. Audiobooks make the puzzle more manageable by assigning a different narrator to each character's sections. This helps the listener capture and distinguish between different points of view. In the case of "The Bass Rock" - a quasi-gothic concoction set chiefly in Scotland that dwells on crimes against women in three eras - Ross Anderson narrates in a fine Scottish voice as Joseph, a 17th-century youth involved in helping (for a time) a young woman escape from men who would kill her as a witch. Julie Graham and Kristy Strain take on the voices of 20th-century Ruth, the unfortunate wife of Peter, a master at gaslighting, and 21st-century Viv, Ruth's step-granddaughter. Without three distinct voices to lead us through the maze of this convoluted plot, I would have been hopelessly lost. Jess Walter's "The Cold Millions" (HarperAudio) is another example of a full-cast audiobook that succeeds. The novel is narrated by 10 top-notch voice actors, including Cassandra Campbell and Edoardo Ballerini, each covering the point of view of one of 10 different characters. It is set in the early 20th century, chiefly in Spokane, Washington, as the Industrial Workers of the World organized free-speech protests against the gouging practices of employment agents and crew bosses. A riot ensued, and hundreds of protesters were jailed. Amid this, we follow many lives, including two brothers looking for work, a showgirl, a villainous spy, a conscienceless fat cat and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, labor organizer, feminist and, later, a founder of the ACLU. Having distinct voices deliver each section amplifies each perspective, demanding our attention and empathy. Some lofty souls believe that listening to a book is somehow cheating - a view shaped by our nation's piety about reading. But those of us who know better embrace well-read audiobooks as books, even when more than one voice is in play. But we do have our standards - and we shrink from ensemble productions, seeing them as monstrous hybrids of book and theater. - - - Katherine A. Powers reviews audiobooks every month for The Washington Post. 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. Churches across Texas open doors amid dangerously cold weather: 'No one will be turned away' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment As Texas experiences record-breaking low temperatures and sweeping power outages, churches and ministries across the state are opening their doors, serving as warming shelters and providing food and supplies to those in need. A spokesperson for Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, led by Joel Osteen, told The Christian Post that on Sunday, the church opened as a designated Warming Center for anyone in need of shelter in the city. The church plans to stay open as long as needed, and no appointment or sign-up is necessary. Approximately a dozen people arrived last night, and we expect more today with power outages, the spokesperson said. We are working with the Harris County Sherriffs department and local homeless organizations to be available. We have beds, blankets and other supplies. No one will be turned away. On Sunday, the entire state of Texas was placed under a winter storm warning, with officials warning that people may die of hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of generators. Residents were asked to avoid travel if at all possible due to hazardous conditions on roads, including snow and ice. In Denison, Texas, St. Luke Episcopal opened their doors, providing beds and a hot meal to those in need. People can stay overnight at the church until 7 a.m. the following morning. From there they can go over to the soup kitchen where Center Cross Ministry serves breakfast. The coffee pot will be on all night long, Father Don Perschell told a local news station, adding that the church is observing COVID-19 restrictions. When they arrive, if they dont have a mask, were going to give them a mask, Perschell said. Theyre going to be given an opportunity to find a space here in the hall and they wont have to worry about somebody crowding in. Perschell said the operation is a joint effort with other churches in the area and is funded completely through donations to the church. In San Antonio, several organizations and ministries have stepped up to the plate amid freezing temperatures, including Church Under the Bridge, a church built specifically to minister to the spiritual needs of the homeless community. The church has opened its doors to the homeless community, offering a warm place to stay, dinner and breakfast, and a movie. No one should have to sleep outside unless they decide that on their own. There are many options available, reads the churchs Facebook page. Nearby, Life Restored Church a church that aims to reach the disenfranchised, the hurting, and the vulnerable people of San Antonio and bring them to a healing and transformational relationship with Jesus Christ opened its doors over the weekend and through Monday to offer dinner, breakfast and a movie to those in need. On Facebook, church worker Alex Fleming called for the local community to assist in helping those in need. We need more help, he said, revealing he had barely slept as the church cared for dozens of members of the community over the weekend. You're so vital and so important to helping us impact people's lives, he said. If you could survive this inclement weather, then we may have a chance to revive and to restore a life. Unlike many homeless shelters, the goal of Life Restored Church, he said, is to re-humanize those it serves. We feed them, we serve them, we pray with them, he said. We're loving on them, we're really humanizing them, that's a big difference that you see in a lot of other institutions that cattle prod people through versus rehumanize them and loving them. Here is a list of warming shelters in Houston, Dallas and more. Pennsylvania movie theaters ditch mask mandate Three chain movie theaters have announced that masks are no longer mandatory for moviegoers who have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Germany is to offer free COVID-19 antigen tests for all from March, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Tuesday, as the country cautiously began allowing some children to return to schools. "From 1 March, all citizens will be able to be tested free of charge by trained personnel" with the tests, Spahn said in a tweet. They will be available at pharmacies, doctors' and dentists' offices as well as COVID-19 testing centres, according to the Bild daily. Unlike PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests that must be analysed in a lab, antigen testing can be done from saliva with a result given on the spot within 30 minutes. That makes it easier and faster to test large numbers of people, though antigen tests are less reliable in detecting COVID-19 in people who are not showing symptoms. Germany is also planning to roll out self-administered antigen tests after their approval by national drug regulator BfArM, which "is expected soon", Spahn added. Germans will be asked to pay one euro ($1.20) each for the home tests, according to media reports. Self-administered tests in particular could play an important role as Germany eyes reopening schools and some other facilities after more than three months of closures. Restaurants and bars, hotels, cultural venues and leisure centres were shuttered in November, followed by schools and non-essential shops in December. Since then, new COVID-19 cases have dropped considerably and the seven-day incidence rate had fallen to 58.7 on Tuesday, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) health body. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government agreed last week to continue the partial lockdown until at least March 7, but left it to the country's individual states to decide when to reopen schools. Hairdressers were also given the green light to reopen from March 1. Schools in Saxony reopened to some pupils from Monday, with most other states planning to follow suit on February 22. But concerns about virus variants considered to be more contagious remain high and have led Germany to place Czech border regions as well as Austria's Tyrol on a red list of high-risk zones that includes Britain and South Africa. The ban on most travel from these risk zones is set to be in place until at least the end of February, according to a report in the weekly Der Spiegel on Tuesday. Germany on Tuesday recorded 3,856 new cases of COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours and 528 deaths, according to the RKI. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP Maizey Burbank, 10, holds leader of Jaclyn Doodles, and her dad, Casey, holds Pink Performance, on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Amanda and Casey Burbank are fostering two horses rescued from a kill pen in Pennsylvania at their farm in Richmond. Syracuse native Hughie Stone Fish has released his first comedy special with Lewberger, the comedy boy band that received national attention on TVs Bring the Funny. Comedy Dynamics released Lewberger: Live at Lincoln Hall in Chicago on Video On Demand (VOD) and Digital Feb. 9. Its available for rent or purchase through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and cable subscription services like Comcast, Spectrum, Dish and DirecTV; the live album is also available through Sirius XM, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Tidal and other music streaming platforms. Stone Fish, a 2007 Jamesville-DeWitt High School graduate, formed Lewberger with his friends Keith Habersberger and Alex Lewis. The Los Angeles-based trio reached the finals on NBCs Bring the Funny in 2019 and earned praise from judges Kenan Thompson, Jeff Foxworthy and Chrissy Teigen. The special features live performances of favorites from Bring the Funny, including (I Wish I Could Be a) Disney Princess, Facebook Break and Lock My Car, as well as food anthems like Sausage, Things Got Silly (Eating Chili at a Gay Bar) and Hey B-tch, Let Me Buy You a Pizza. Combining comedy and music with two of my best friends is a dream comedy true, and having this special out is an exciting step for us as a group, Stone Fish said. Lewberger, described as the illegitimate love child of Lonely Island and Flight of the Conchords, released its debut album in 2018 and the followup We Dont Know How to Roller Skate in 2020. The group also has a podcast called Celebrity Theme Song and continues to gain fans through social media, like their TikTok hit White People Taco Night. Stone Fish also works as a music director at Second City Hollywood and performs as a solo musician, including a music video about local pride called Welcome to Syracuse. He won a Daytime Emmy Award last year for Outstanding Original Song for The Bad Guys, a Brainwashed By Toons video on FunnyOrDie.com, featuring Seinfeld star Jason Alexander and supporting the Anti-Defamation Leagues mission to stop anti-Semitism. Im living my dream job every day and every new opportunity is a great one to get (and) make the world a better place, Stone Fish told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard in 2019. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! (Natural News) Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a 60-day stand-down of the military to root out anyone remaining who supported the Jan. 6 protest at the United States Capitol. Austin reportedly held a meeting last Wednesday with the service secretaries and Joint Chiefs to address their concerns about conservatives in the military and what to do about it. Even though the numbers might be small, they may not be as small as we would like them to be, or we believe them to be, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby to reporters. And that no matter what it is, it is not an insignificant problem, Kirby added about the prevalence of troops with right-wing views. After 60 days, Kirby expects to see guidance about what to do next to rid every last nook and cranny of the military of extremists who do not believe that the 2020 election results are legitimate. It wasnt a blithe, Hey, go talk to your people,' Kirby added about Austins orders to the service secretaries and Joint Chiefs. He was very clear that he wants commands to take the necessary time. And I didnt hear him be overly proscriptive about that to speak with troops about the scope of this problem, and certainly to get a sense from them about what theyre seeing at their level. Because the Department of Defense (DoD) does not centrally track troops believed to have a history of domestic terrorism or extremist sentiment, and neither do the services, there is no data-based read available to know where the military currently stands. On Jan. 28, Kirby told reporters that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) opened 143 investigations into troops and veterans throughout 2020. Of this, 68 were associated with alleged cases of domestic extremism. Now the military is turning on white people Back in 2012, the DoD issued a set of instructions prohibiting servicemen from engaging in extremist activities. There was no actual definition attached to this, however, not to mention the fact that the unit-level departments that handle such investigations are not required to report them up the chain of command. Internal polls conducted by Military Times claim that more than one-third of active-duty troops, and more than half of minority service members, have witnessed actions of white supremacy from their colleagues. Survey respondents also purportedly suggested that white nationalism is a much bigger problem in the military than domestic terrorism from Middle Eastern groups. The events of Jan. 6 served as a wake-up call for this department, Kirby says. The plan is to forcibly reeducate the military to oppose conservative viewpoints, as well as the white people who hold them more par for the course, in other words, to advance the plan for white genocide. We owe the force, we owe these leaders some training materials, some deeper, more specific guidance about what the expectations are for the stand-down, and some thoughts about how feedback can be provided, Kirby further suggests. What this all proves is that joining the military in 2021 is a fools game and one that will almost certainly backfire on those who do so while holding patriotic views. It looks like theyre about to fire half the military because the military are the only ones left with the authority to remove Biden from office, was one Zero Hedge commenters take on the situation. Its actually their duty under certain circumstances. Millitary will be ordered to stand down when civil war starts, just like the cops were told to stand down, wrote another. I hope they kick all conservatives out of the military so they are available to fight for our side. More related news about the military can be found at Terrorism.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean hackers attempted to steal information about coronavirus vaccines and treatments, South Koreas intelligence service said Tuesday, but it denied a lawmakers claim that vaccine maker Pfizer Inc. was targeted. Earlier Tuesday, Ha Tae-keung, a member of parliaments intelligence committee, told reporters that the National Intelligence Service told him and other lawmakers during a closed-door briefing that North Korea hacked Pfizer to obtain COVID-19 vaccine technology. After Has comments made headlines, the NIS said it didnt mention any pharmaceutical company by name when it told lawmakers that North Korean hackers were going after coronavirus vaccine information. In an unusual rebuke, the NIS public affairs office called Has comments wrong. Ha stood by his claim when contacted by The Associated Press, saying the NIS documents he was shown said that North Korea stole Pfizer (vaccine information) and attempted to steal (technology) from South Korean vaccine and pharmaceutical firms. He said the lawmakers were required to return the documents at the end of the briefing. Ha said the wording about Pfizer was so clear that I didnt even ask about that verbally during the briefing. The NIS, which has a mixed record on confirming developments in North Korea, rarely comments on North Korea-related information it provides to lawmakers at private briefings. Ha suggested the NIS was likely trying not to anger North Korea too much. Kwon Bo-young, a public relations manager at Pfizers South Korean office, said in text message that it was checking Has claim with its global headquarters. Ha is one of the two executive secretaries of the intelligence committees whose responsibilities include relaying the content of private NIS briefings at parliament to journalists. The office of Kim Byung-kee, the other executive secretary at the intelligence committee, didnt immediately respond to a request to verify Has comments. While North Korea has denied involvement, it has been linked to a slew of prominent cyberattacks in recent years, including a 2013 campaign that paralyzed the servers of South Korean financial institutions, the 2014 hacking of Sony Pictures, and the WannaCry malware attack of 2017. Acquiring coronavirus vaccines is crucial for North Korea, whose public health care system is in shambles. Many outside experts are highly skeptical about North Koreas claims to have had no coronavirus cases but say the country likely has avoided a widespread outbreak thanks to more than a year of stringent lockdowns. An international health group established to promote global access to coronavirus vaccines said earlier this month that North Korea could potentially receive 1.9 million doses of vaccines manufactured in India during the first half of the year. The World Health Organization-backed COVAX said in a forecast that the supplies going to North Korea will likely be provided by Indias Serum Institute, which is licensed to produce vaccines that AstraZeneca developed with the University of Oxford. The current South Korean government of President Moon Jae-in espouses rapprochement with North Korea and a negotiated settlement of the global standoff over North Koreas nuclear program. Moon was a driving force behind now-dormant nuclear diplomacy between North Korea and the United States. By Jonathan Tamari, The Philadelphia Inquirer Pennsylvania Republicans are heaping condemnation on Sen. Pat Toomey after their GOP senator voted to convict Donald Trump in his impeachment trial, signaling how fealty to the former president has come to define the party. Republican state party chairman Lawrence Tabas has advised committee members that he will soon call a meeting to address and consider actions related to the impeachment vote. Though the notice didnt specifically mention Toomey, four party insiders said Monday that theres growing momentum behind a push to censure the senator. County parties across the state are already doing so. The York County Republican Committee condemns, in the strongest terms, the actions of United States Senator Patrick Joseph Toomey, Jr. for his failure to defend the Constitution and the freedoms it guarantees, read one censure resolution, passed Saturday before Toomey even voted to convict Trump. It was approved because Toomey voted to proceed with the trial in the first place, with many Republicans arguing its unconstitutional to try a former president. It was overwhelming. There was no debate, said Jeff Piccola, the York County Republican chairman and a former state senator. They were cheering when they were voting and when the resolution was being read. It bubbled up from beneath, it wasnt my idea. Similar resolutions have been approved or are expected far and wide, including in Cambria, Lancaster, Centre, and Northampton Counties. Even in Chester County where Joe Biden defeated Trump by 17 percentage points the local GOP is considering voting to censure Toomey at its meeting on Tuesday. " Senator Toomey has violated the trust of his voters...and neglected his duty to represent the party and the will of the people who elected him to represent them, reads a draft resolution. Most of Western Pennsylvania and the T are planning on it or have done it, said Jackie Kulback, chair of the Cambria County GOP, referring to the mostly rural and deeply conservative T-shaped swath in the states center, Northeast, and Northwest corners. The sharp criticism of a long-serving senator who has pushed his party rightward on policy and supported the vast majority of Trumps initiatives underscores how loyalty to the former president has become an overriding litmus test in the GOP. It suggests Trump will continue to loom over the party as it looks ahead to 2022 campaigns for governor and U.S. Senate. And it comes after Toomey has absorbed years of liberal criticism for being too supportive of Trump. He has been conservative, but we just never really felt that he was behind the president, Kulback said. This was the final straw. Toomey, who is not seeking reelection next year, has spent decades pushing conservative fiscal policies in the U.S. House, while leading the conservative lobbying group the Club for Growth, and as a senator who ran as the true conservative alternative to the late Sen. Arlen Specter whom Toomey chased out of the party for being too moderate. He supported Trump in both 2016 and 2020 though Toomey refused to endorse him until the final hours of the 2016 campaign, and at times criticized the presidents rhetoric. Still, he voted with Trump roughly 85% of the time, according to the website FiveThirtyEight. Toomey wrote much of Trumps signature tax bill and key parts of the presidents attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. As the head of the Club for Growth, Toomey wrote a 2008 Wall Street Journal column titled In Defense of RINO Hunting, referring to Republicans In Name Only. Now some in Pennsylvania are slapping that label on him. He was never a Trump fan, said Lee Snover, chair of the Northampton County GOP, who pointed to Toomeys reluctance to endorse Trump in 2016, when the senator himself was on the ballot. Censure resolutions have little practical effect, especially since Toomey is not seeking reelection, but they show the weight of the impeachment vote among rank-and-file Republicans. Toomey was the only Pennsylvania Republican in Congress who supported the second impeachment. And he stood firmly against Trump and much of the GOPs last-ditch attempt to throw out Pennsylvanias Electoral College votes. Eight of the states nine Republican House members supported the move on the very day of the riot. Toomey, who opposed Trumps first impeachment, was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict him Saturday in the most bipartisan rebuke ever of a president. But 43 GOP senators voted to acquit arguing either that its unconstitutional to try a former president, or that there was no link between Trumps actions and the Capitol violence. Toomey, however, blamed Trump for dishonest, systematic attempts to convince his voters he had won the 2020 election, and for inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. His betrayal of the Constitution and his oath of office required conviction, Toomey said Saturday. Had he accepted the outcome of the election, acknowledged defeat, and cooperated with a peaceful transfer, then hed be celebrated for a lot of the accomplishments that he deserves credit for. Instead, hell be remembered throughout history as the president who resorted to nonlegal steps to try to hold on to power. He acknowledged that most Republicans would disagree with his vote and said Trump had some terrific successes. Those things can be true and it can also be true that his behavior after the election became completely unacceptable, Toomey said. Aides contacted for this story pointed back to those comments Monday. Other Republicans who voted to convict Trump have faced similarly swift backlash. Some Republicans said condemnation of Toomey was a long time coming. They bristled at his push, starting after the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, to expand background checks for gun purchases, and many remembered his reluctance to support Trump in 2016. Combined with his previous attacks on Americas Second Amendment, [Toomey] continues to use the Republican banner while actively working against conservative values, principles, and elected Republicans in public office, a Centre County GOP censure resolution said. And while he supported the vast majority of Trumps policies, Toomey clashed with the president on free trade, opposing Trumps tariffs and sticking to the traditional conservative support of open markets. On trade, Trump changed a lot of the positions of many people in the Republican Party, me for one, said Piccola, of York County. I think Pat Toomey is a globalist, said Snover, of Northampton. Other Republicans, notably those from more moderate parts of the state, were uneasy with the scorn directed his way. Some worry that hewing to Trumps political brand is a route to electoral disaster, especially if the party continues bleeding in the vote-rich suburbs. While Toomey and Trump both faced voters in 2016, Toomey did far better in the suburbs. Trump excelled in more rural and postindustrial areas, which now appear to form the core of Republican backing. If Pat Toomey did what he did, he did it because he thought it through thoroughly. Its a conscience issue for him, said Alan Novak, a former state GOP chairman from Chester County. " Pat Toomey represented the Republican Party exactly the way we wanted him to when he was in the Senate, a real policy-driven, policy wonk, problem-solving kind of guy. Former U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, a Chester County Republican who is considering a campaign to succeed Toomey, tweeted that Toomey was an excellent Senator and these censures wont age well. Toomey, who had been considering a run for governor, announced in October that he would not run for any office when his Senate term ends. That threw wide open the races for Senate and governor and created a vacuum that amplified questions about what the Pennsylvania GOP will look like and stand for going forward. These early indications suggest that Trump, and support for Trump, remain vital. Credit - TIME Editor-in-Chief and CEO Edward Felsenthal and Deputy Editor Sam Jacobs sent the following note to staff Tuesday. Team TIME, We are happy to announce that John Simons joins TIME as Executive Editor on March 1. John will oversee business, technology and nation coverage. In this new role, John joins the editorial leadership team helping guide our overall strategy and coverage across all platforms. John comes to us from The Wall Street Journal where he was most recently deputy health and science editor and bureau chief for health business. Prior to that, he was based in the WSJs London bureau guiding energy coverage. He brings to TIME 28 years of newsroom experience across digital, print, new and legacy media. As an editor and manager at the WSJ, the Associated Press, Black Enterprise and IBT/Newsweek, John has led coverage of technology, media, personal finance, corporate diversity and management in addition to health, science and energy. As a writer and reporter at Fortune, the WSJ and U.S. News & World Report earlier in his career, he covered the drug and biotech industries, immigration, technology and economic policy. Throughout his career, John has built a reputation as a talented story editor, ambitious driver of coverage and newsroom mentor. We are fortunate that he will also be leading business coverage, one of our biggest opportunities since leaving Time Inc. With companies playing a broader role in society, this is an important moment for TIME to build on its rich tradition of business coverage. John will work with our journalists around the globe to report on our most critical themesequality, leadership, rebuilding, sustainabilitythrough the lens of business. Were eager for many of you who are already covering the intersection of business and your own areas of coverage to participate in this effort. A graduate of Northeastern University, John is from Stamford, Conn. and lives in currently snow-covered Montclair, N.J. with his wife and daughter. More than 1,000 people applied for this positiona testament to the enormous interest in the role as well as the impression that John left on us and the hiring committee. Please join in welcoming John to TIME. Edward and Sam ARMED gardai shot dead a pet dog was as they arrested the owner on suspicion of drug dealing and making phone threats to kill his ex partner. A court heard Mark Byrne's mobile was being seized and his home searched when more than 9,000 worth of cannabis was found and the two-year-old dog was fatally shot. His defence maintained the garda response to a complaint about a threatening phone message was "particularly heavy handed." Judge Treasa Kelly refused to grant bail and remanded the accused in custody to appear in court again later this week. Mr Byrne (48) is charged with possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply at his home at Coburg Place, Dublin 1. He is also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to his ex-partner. Detective Garda Brendan Meares told Dublin District Court the accused made no reply to the charges after caution at Coolock Garda Station yesterday. Objecting to bail, he said it was alleged that over the course of Friday evening and into Saturday morning, February 13, Mr Byrne contacted his former partner by phone, leaving threatening voicemail and WhatsApp voice messages. His phone was seized for analysis and in the course of the search of his home yesterday, February 14, some 462 grammes of suspected cannabis herb was found. The current valuation was 20 per gramme, Det Gda Meares said. Mr Byrnes ex partner told the court she did not think she would be able to walk down the street without looking over her shoulder, and would be afraid to go home if he was released on bail. She said she did not think she would be able to relax knowing he is out and that she would be at risk. Mr Byrne was her ex-partner from a long time ago and they had been in a relationship for about a year and a half, she said. Applying for bail, defence solicitor Yvonne Bambury said the Emergency Response Unit was brought to the accuseds home and armed gardai shot this mans dog dead. In the course of his arrest, Mr Byrne's two-year-old puppy, his pet, was shot twice and died, Ms Bambury said. It was a very heavy handed response, she said. Det Gda Meares said the incident was the subject of a Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission investigation. Ms Bambury said the accused was presumed innocent and would be happy to comply with bail conditions. If denied bail he could be in custody awaiting trial until 2022 at the earliest. She said the animal was shot after armed gardai were sent following a complaint about a phone message. Judge Kelly said she was taking account of the concerns expressed by the alleged victim, his ex-partner. She refused bail and remanded Mr Byrne in custody to Cloverhill District Court on Thursday, February 18, for the directions of the DPP. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis warned about the high stakes of overindulging our sexual desires. If men indulged their sexual appetites every time they were inclined, he said, and if each act produced a baby, one man could easily populate a small village. Seventy years after Mere Christianity was published, one Dutch man is fulfilling that prophecy. In an investigative piece published last week, The New York Times uncovered that Jonathan Jacob Meijer has fathered hundreds of children through sperm donation. Most of his children were born in the Netherlands, but Meijer also donated in several other countries, including the U.S. Sometimes he donated at clinics; sometimes he met customers on private websites and handed over vials of his sperm in person. The Times take is obvious: Meijer is the bad guy of this story. The report tells the plight of a handful of his female customers who are now scrambling to find their childrens half-siblings. The women are furious. Its disgusting and I want it to stop, one woman told the Times. Her revulsion is easy to understand; her moral outrage, frankly, isnt. She wanted sperm from a stranger with whom she had no intention of raising the child. She got the sperm, and she got the child she desired. Is she suggesting that she should be able to purchase part of that mans body but no one else should be able to? Of course, its horrifying that one man has fathered this many children he has no relational connection to. The genetic consequences alone could be catastrophic. But this man is simply taking advantage of a system that was set up precisely toward those ends. Sperm donation is notoriously unregulated. Here in the U.S., there are almost no laws governing the industry, only recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. One of those is that clinics shouldnt allow one sperm donor to father more than 25 children. Setting aside that crazy number, clinics have no way actually to keep track. Women arent required to report births, and clinics dont know whether sperm donors are also giving at other clinics. Its pure fantasy to think we know how many children are born of each donor. By the sperm donation industrys own measures, Jonathan Jacob Meijer is a success story. Heres a man whose sperm was popular, and therefore the whole process was lucrative. He said the right things. According to one customer, he claimed just to want to help women make their biggest wish come true. The New York Times may try to portray Meijers story like a freak show, but make no mistake: this freak show is the industrys best-case scenario. When a system is built with no moral norms, when the lies that children and marriage have nothing to do with each other and children dont have a right to both their mom and their dad are baked into an industry, when men (and in the case of surrogacy) women are shopped like products, we cant then turn around and play horrified when the results make us feel weird. In fact, its disingenuous to portray these women, as The Times article did, as having no moral responsibility in this situation they helped create. In this culture, all morality having to do with sex and procreation has been stripped down to some flimsy notion of consent. But, when something goes wrong, as it has here, we suddenly pretend women were the victims, with no agency whatsoever. One woman in the Times article said she only learned after her first child that Meijer had possibly fathered hundreds of other children. She still used his sperm a second time, because, she said, she wanted her kids to be full siblings. Sperm donation intentionally creates fatherless children, treating both men and children as products to serve adult happiness. That the women in this story are outraged is understandable, but their outrage is actually a demand for something they deliberately forfeited when they turned to sperm donation: exclusivity. Thats what marriage provides. Our felt desire for children is God-given and it is good. Believing we are entitled to children, especially outside of the Gods brilliant and good design, is a perversion. There are no good guys in a system built on a lie, despite what the Times article portrays, but there are victims. No amount of moral outrage or even regulation can fix an industry like this. Sperm donation should be categorically prohibited. Until then, it will, as always, be the children who suffer the most. Originally posted at breakpoint.org Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Parkin's inventions in the field of spintronics have revolutionised computer technology, making it possible to increase the data density on hard disks by a factor of 1000. With his research on thin magnetic layers, he created the basis at IBM on which the company developed a new read head for hard disks. This reads data reliably even from very densely packed magnetic storage materials. This laid the foundation for Big Data, i.e. the handling of large amounts of data. Not least because of this, films and pictures can now be easily exchanged via social networks or computer clouds, making them available to groups of networked computers. These spin-valve recording read heads were only the tip of the spintronics iceberg. As a second major invention, more than 20 years ago at IBM, Parkin demonstrated a high performance, non-volatile magnetic random-access memory (MRAM), that became a mainstream foundry technology just last year. Recently, Parkin pushed the memory-storage capacity boundary further with the invention of the magnetic Racetrack Memory, whose fundamental principle is entirely different from the charge-based memories of today. Racetrack Memory stores information in the presence or absence of magnetic domain walls that are shifted backwards and forwards along nanoscopic magnetic racetracks, using spin currents. Over the past decade, Parkin demonstrated the fundamental concepts underlying his invention. A series of basic discoveries and key inventions in chiral spintronic materials and devices have proven that Racetrack Memory has great promise to displace today's storage devices, such as magnetic hard disk drive and solid-state FLASH memory. In 2014, Stuart Parkin came from IBM Almaden to the Max Planck Institute in Halle to be able to devote himself even more intensively to researching spin currents. Today, Parkin and his team are working on a component that could replace magnetic hard drives. Magnetic hard disks store 70 per cent of all data, but they work mechanically and therefore consume a lot of energy. Parkin is researching to build a so-called magnetic racetrack memory that works without any mechanics. This is based on the latest developments in spintronics, Parkin's field of research. Spintronics exploits the spin of electrons, which turns them into small magnetic units. Information can be stored in these magnetic units. In a racetrack memory, these small magnets are moved at several kilometres per second. This makes it possible to build data storage devices that store 100 times as much information as today's hard drives, are a million times faster and require 50 per cent less energy. Parkin is especially proud of this third invention because, as he says, "Racetrack Memory is an amazingly versatile technology: it has the potential to replace both the fastest, as well as the densest of the solid-state memories known today. On the other its unique attributes allow it to also provide a cryogenic solid-state memory that is needed for the most advanced Quantum Computing technologies. But it can take ten to twenty years from the discovery of a new physical phenomenon to its technical implementation. I think it's important to have a long-term view when investing in science, to be able to do exciting research that seems unlikely or impossible." Parkin invented and developed the concept of Racetrack Memory and brought everything together to bring his technology close to maturity. Nick Donofrio, emeritus Executive Vice President, IBM Corporation, said "As with Parkin's other inventions, I have no doubt that Racetrack Memory too will be a great success and have a major impact on society". Joyce Poon, Managing Director, MPI-MSP says "Stuart Parkin's achievements in spintronics are renowned. This prestigious recognition shines a light on the exciting developments at our Institute, the Max Planck Society and the city of Halle. Stuart's innovative spirit embodies the philosophy of our Institute to carry out forefront research that can profoundly impact society". And that's exactly what was decisive for the King Faisal Foundation's award: "Professor Stuart Stephen Parkin is receiving the prize in recognition of his fundamental discoveries and innovations in the field of spintronics, which have led to a 1,000-fold increase in the storage capacity of magnetic disk drives. He developed practical spin-valve-based technologies that transformed human access to data and enabled the "Big Data Revolution". This in turn enabled machine learning and artificial intelligence to solve intractable problems that depend on rapid access to vast amounts of data, such as predictions of the impact of climate change. Parkin also discovered novel non-volatile magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), which was launched last year." ### About the prize Parkin will receive the King Faisal Prize in Science 2021 later this year in Riyadh from the Saudi Arabian king. It is named after the Saudi Arabian king, Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz, who was the son of the state's founder. The King Faisal International Prize for Science has been awarded once a year since 1978 by the King Faisal Foundation in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) to scientists for outstanding research results. Every four years, a scientist from the field of physics is honoured. The prize is endowed with 200,000 dollars and a gold medal. Prof. Dr. Stuart Parkin Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle (Saale), Germany Stuart Parkin is Director of the Nanosystems from Spins, Ions and Electrons Department (NISE) at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics (MPI-MSP) and a Professor of Physics at the Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany, since 2015. Parkin has been a leader in the field of spintronics for the past 30 years. Prior to moving to Germany, Parkin was a scientist at IBM Research, where he was a scientist and Fellow at IBM Research in San Jose, California. Parkin has made seminal discoveries in novel spintronic concepts and materials that underlie the information age. His research interests include spintronic materials and devices for advanced sensor, memory, and logic applications, oxide thin-film heterostructures, topological metals, exotic superconductors, and cognitive devices. Parkin's discoveries in spintronics enabled a more than 10,000-fold increase in the storage capacity of magnetic disk drives. For his work that thereby enabled the "big data" world of today, Parkin was awarded the Millennium Technology Award from the Technology Academy Finland in 2014. Parkin is a Fellow/ Member of: Royal Society (London), Royal Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, German National Academy of Science - Leopoldina, Royal Society of Edinburgh, Indian Academy of Sciences, and TWAS - academy of sciences for the developing world. Parkin has received numerous awards including the American Physical Society International Prize for New Materials (1994); Europhysics Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Solid State Physics (1997); 2009 IUPAP Magnetism Prize and Neel Medal; 2012 von Hippel Award - Materials Research Society; 2013 Swan Medal - Institute of Physics (London); Alexander von Humboldt Professorship ? International Award for Research (2014); ERC Advanced Grant - SORBET (2015). NEW DELHI : Cairn Energy has filed a case in a US district court to enforce a $1.2 billion arbitration award it won in a tax dispute against India, a court document showed, ratcheting up pressure on the government to pay its dues. In December, an arbitration body awarded the British firm damages of more than $1.2 billion plus interest and costs. The tribunal ruled India breached an investment treaty with Britain and said New Delhi was liable to pay. Cairn asked the US court to recognise and confirm the award, including payments due since 2014 and interest compounded semi-annually, according to the Feb. 12 filing seen by Reuters. The case marked a first step in Cairn's efforts towards recovering its dues, potentially by seizing Indian assets, if the government did not pay, a source with knowledge of the arbitration case told Reuters. "If Cairn wins the case, it will be a step towards attaching and seizing Indian assets overseas, especially in the U.S.," the source said. Reuters reported last month that Cairn was identifying India's overseas assets, including bank accounts and even Air India planes or Indian ships, that could be seized in the absence of a settlement. Cairn declined to comment but pointed to a Feb. 9 Twitter post where it said Chief Executive Simon Thomson was looking forward to meeting India's Finance Minister in Delhi next week. "We would request, along with others, that the Indian government move swiftly to adhere to the award that has been given," Thomson said in the video posted on Twitter by Cairn. "It is important for our shareholders who are global financial institutions and who want to see a positive investment climate in India. I am sure that in working together with the government we can swiftly draw this to conclusion and reassure those investors," he said. India's finance and external affairs ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Cairn aims to enforce the award under international arbitration rules, commonly called the New York Convention, and recover losses caused by India's "unfair and inequitable treatment of their investments", the court filing showed. The company has registered its claim against India in the Netherlands and France, telling regulators in the two countries that they may receive court orders to seize of some Indian assets, and the firm was preparing to do the same in Canada and United States, Reuters reported last month. India lost another major international arbitration case last year against Vodafone over a $2 billion retrospective tax dispute. The government has challenged the arbitration verdict in the Vodafone case. It has yet to say how it will proceed in Cairn's case where it has to make a significant payment. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Global payments solution major on Tuesday said it has partnered with fintech player to drive digital payments acceptance by small businesses and start-ups in the country. The partnership will empower Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in digitizing their operations, maintaining business continuity in the challenging environment and preparing for the future beyond cash, said in a release. said before the outbreak of COVID-19, around 90 per cent of India's retail payments were conducted in cash. In recent months, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and rapidly shifted how consumers prefer to shop and pay. This presents a great opportunity to unite merchants, consumers, acquirers and fintech in expanding the adoption of digital payments in India, it said. "We're going through one of the biggest transformations in Indian financial history the Fintech Revolution that will significantly alter the payment and banking experience of consumers and businesses now and in the years to come. New businesses are evolving every day with different payment and banking needs and catering to a different set of consumers and markets," said Amitabh Tewary, Chief Innovation Officer, This partnership will help digital adoption and equip millions of businesses, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, with industry-leading technologies that will help ensure business resilience, said Tewary. "One of the initiatives that we will be working on jointly is to make recurring payments more accessible to businesses and consumers by creating seamless onboarding solutions for bill payments, digital content platforms and other subscription services," he further said. Mastercard said it has been actively working towards driving acceptance of digital payments in India. It will continue to enable ease of payments for merchants and payment aggregators to help them efficiently grow their businesses. "Mastercard aims to make merchants across India digitally equipped and welcomes the fresh thoughts and technology that will bring to help achieve this goal. "Mastercard is committed to developing safe, secure and more convenient ways to make payments with its technology and expertise and is confident this partnership will deliver that and more," said Rajeev Kumar K, Senior Vice President, Market Development, South Asia, Mastercard. (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.) on Tuesday said it will start flights connecting Durgapur in with three cities across the country from April 22 onwards. It has signed an agreement with Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Limited (BAPL) to provide local marketing support to the airline "through their expertise" in Durgapur. "The airline will operate its first direct flights from Delhi, Bengaluru, and a southern city to Durgapur from April 22, 2021, with bookings opening from February 13, 2021," IndiGo's press release said. Durgapur will be 66th domestic destination of IndiGo, the press release noted. (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.) I think its important to move beyond this instance and this one individual, he said. Too much focus has been put on her when it really is about the underlying issues that have plagued this city and this country for centuries racial issues. Kim Kardashian pretended to be shy with her Instagram post shared on Tuesday. The 40-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star put a hand over her face as she showed off her toned figure while in a nude string bikini. 'I am shy,' wrote the mother of four in her caption for her 205M Instagram followers; sisters Kim and Kylie were quick to 'like' the post. Don't look, but please look: Kim Kardashian pretended to be shy with her Instagram post shared on Tuesday. The 40-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star put a hand over her face as she showed off her toned figure while in a nude string bikini Kim at play: 'I am shy,' wrote the mother of four in her caption for her 205M Instagram followers; sisters Kim and Kylie were quick to 'like' the post Kim has been sharing several sexy images this year: not only has she posed in bikinis while on vacation but she also posed in lingerie for her new limited editions SKIMS line. The TV veteran seems to be showing allegedly estranged spouse Kanye West what he is missing as the two have reportedly not been together since her 40th birthday party in late October that was held at The Brando resort in Polynesia. And she has reportedly not been wearing her wedding band from West since November 2020, though she has flashed it in photo shoots. No clothes needed: Kim has been sharing several sexy images this year: not only has she posed in bikinis while on vacation but she also posed in lingerie for her new limited editions SKIMS line Skin time: She said, 'Our new, limited edition Fits Everybody Valentine's Day styles are so comfortable, you'll feel naked' The Selfish author is said to have very little contact with her 43-year-old rapper husband with whom she has North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, Psalm, 21 months. An insider told People over the weekend: 'Kim is great. She has a Valentine's Day celebration planned with her kids and family. She likes to make it special for the kids. She doesn't have any contact with Kanye. 'It's obvious that she is just focused on the future.' It was recently claimed that Kanye is 'less than thrilled' that his alleged divorce from the reality TV star will be broadcast on TV. The trainee lawyer will reportedly discuss the end of her marriage on the last series of the family's E! reality show and the Bound 2 star is not impressed. Over? The TV veteran seems to be showing allegedly estranged spouse Kanye West what he is missing as the two have reportedly not been together since her 40th birthday party in late October that was held at The Brando resort in Polynesia. One of their last red carpets together was in February 2020 A source said last month: 'He is less than thrilled. She will continue to focus on her business empire. Kim has been in individual counselling and is at peace with where her life is headed.' Kim and Kanye had been in marriage counselling as they 'tried to work through things'. A source said of their counselling sessions: 'Divorce has been discussed, but Kim wants more than anything for their relationship to work. There wasn't anything specific that happened that led them to this point ... They are 100 percent aligned when it comes to the kids.' Zero visits? She does not seem to have been in Wyoming for a while. Seen here last year with Kanye and their kids However, another insider insisted the couple are just dealing with 'regular relationship issues'. They added of their struggles: 'It's just regular relationship issues. There is no one else involved. Divorce talks have been on and off with them since the spring.' A source previously claimed Kim has accepted she and Kanye are just 'not on the same page' anymore and she is focusing her energy on her future. The insider claimed: 'They are just not on the same page when it comes to their future as a family. And Kim is okay with it.' Early days of love: Seen here in 2015 in Los Angeles at the MTV Video Awards 'Kim knows what she wants to do with her life. She wants to keep living in LA, create the best life for the kids and focus on her work passions.' Meanwhile, Kim recently sold 20 per cent of KKW Beauty to Coty Inc for a whopping $200 million. The businesswoman - who launched the brand in 2017 - and the beauty giant finalised the major deal last month. Kim said in a statement: 'I'm so proud of how the KKW brand has grown over the past four years, and I look forward to working with Coty for the next phase of innovation, advancement, and the ability to bring new launches to customers all around the world. This relationship will allow me to lead the development of the creative elements that I specialise in, while benefiting from the incredible resources of an established company like Coty.' The star is working on a skincare line for 2022 and is also expanding to other areas of beauty such as hair and nails. An Iowa woman says that even after undergoing gender reassignment surgery, she still gets call 'dad' by her three-year-old daughter and admits that she was jealous of her ex-wifes ability to carry her. Though sales consultant Rachel Doese, 30, was born male, by six years old she knew she was transgender; however, she also knew that her feelings were taboo and repressed them for the next two decades. It wasn't until she was 28 years old, a year after the birth of her daughter, that Rachel felt empowered to begin transitioning and she says that she's now happier than ever. Journey: Transgender woman Rachel Doese, 30, still goes by 'dad' to her three-year-old daughter Raelee after transitioning form male to female Journey: She was born male but knew she was trans by age six yet because she knew it was taboo, she repressed her feelings until adulthood As most little boys know they are boys and little girls know they are girls, Rachel knew from a young age that she was a girl even in a boy's body. 'I knew I was transgender back when I was six-years-old,' she said. However, I knew it wasnt normal and a taboo this led me to repress those feelings until I was 28 years old. 'From a young age, the main sign was just a complete feeling of dread whenever I saw my body,' she went on. 'No matter if I was skinny, fat, muscular, or anything in between, no matter how many people saw me as attractive something literally always felt wrong. 'Growing up with gender dysphoria really put a damper on my childhood. I didnt fit in with the boys and I didnt fit in with the girls, and the anxiety and depression caused by gender dysphoria clouded a large portion of my life. According to the Mayo Clinic, gender dysphoria is 'the feeling of discomfort or distress that might occur in people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth or sex-related physical characteristics. ' So Rachel continued to live as a male and, in August 2011, she met Lindsey Doese-Jaggers, 27, at the Iowa State Fair, where they were both working as security guards. Struggles: Growing up with gender dysphoria caused anxiety, depression, and 'a complete feeling of dread whenever I saw my body' Ready: She didn't begin to transition until after she was 28 years old The two got engaged in December 2013 and in August 2014. 'I was excited to get married, as I felt it was the next step in my life and would fill the void I always felt,' Rachel said. Two years after their wedding, in September of 2016, Lindsey got pregnant, giving birth to Raelee Doese on May 22, 2017. 'I was totally ecstatic, as I always wanted a child of my own,' Rachel said. 'Although, there was a fair amount of jealousy felt, as I was envious at how close Lindsey was able to be to Raelee during the pregnancy.' Ultimately, things didn't work out for Rachel and Lindsey, and the pair separated in February 2019 due to mutual differences. Shortly after, Rachel took the first steps toward embracing her trans identity, joining a transgender support group where she was given the number of a doctor who specialized in transgender care. Before: In 2014 she married her now ex-wife, Lindsey, and in 2017, Lindsey gave birth to their daughter Raelee Getting there: Rachel and Lindsey split two years later, and Rachel visited a doctor to begin hormone therapy. She also experimented with hair, makeup, and clothes No problem! Raelee noticed that she started wearing makeup but doesn't question it, telling Rachel she looks beautiful 'I set an appointment with the doctor, who then gave me my hormone prescription. Once they started producing changes, I came out to all my family, friends, and co-workers,' said Rachel. She also told her ex-wife, who has since become great support. 'I told Lindsey two months after we split, and although she was resistant at first, she has come around to being an amazing friend and great ally,' she said. As Rachel was beginning to transition, wearing makeup and dressing more feminine, her daughter soon noticed the change. 'One day, my daughter asked me why Im wearing makeup and I simply told her "because I like it," and that was the end of her questions,' Rachel recalled. 'My daughter is the absolute best. She is the most accepting kid Ive ever met and she is always there to give me a big hug and let me know shes here for me. Im in awe at how truly open minded a three-year-old can be,' she added. 'Every day she tells me "I love you" and "you look beautiful." I dont think Id have the strength to be my authentic self without her,' she went on. She said: 'My daughter is the absolute best. She is the most accepting kid Ive ever met and she is always there to give me a big hug and let me know shes here for me' Better place: Rachel says she is much happier and a better parent since transitioning Though Rachel calls herself a mother on social media, Raelee still knows her as 'dad' and that's just fine with Rachel. 'I respect her and let her choose what to call me,' she said. Rachel added that while her friends have been 'really accepting' of her transition, her family is having more trouble with it, and refuse to use her chosen name and pronouns. Still, Rachel says that she is overall in a much better place than she was before she transitioned. 'Prior to my transition, I was depressed, anxious and never happy I was incomplete,' she said. 'Now, Im happier than ever, a better parent, and a more successful business person. Just finally whole. 'Times are changing and Im in a very conservative area of the United States where transgender people are rare, yet Ive been out for two years and have never had an ounce of hate in my direction.' Sharing her advice for others, Rachel concluded: 'Its never too late to come out and your happiness and mental health is so important if I can do it, anyone can.' In a gesture of love and heartfelt appreciation, Vodafone Ghana offered its cherished customers free on-net calls on Valentines Day. All customers of the Telco thus enjoyed free and unrestricted calls to Vodafone numbers throughout the day on Sunday, February 14th. Pushpinder Gujral, Director of Consumer Business Unit (CBU) at Vodafone explained that this gesture underscores the companys appreciation and enduring passion for customers. He further stated that having distinguished itself as the network that truly cares about its customers and society at large, it was only befitting that Vodafone should share such a thoughtful token of love with its loyal and supportive customers to mark the global celebration of love. Further expounding on the rationale for the Valentines Day offer, Pushpinder averred, This year Valentines Day occurred at a rather unusual time. Due to the COVID19 pandemic and the measures taken to prevent the spread, many people did not have the opportunity to meet and express affection to their loved ones; the usual dates, face-to-face meetings, parties, get-togethers and physical exchange or delivery of gifts mostly did not take place. Yet as we all know love is all about connection, and fortunately that is what we do best at Vodafone; connecting people. That is why on Valentines Day, we gave our customers FREE unlimited calls to Vodafone numbers all day to enable them get in touch with the special people in their lives to express their love and appreciation to them. On behalf of Vodafone Ghana, Pushpinder wished all customers a Happy Valentines day and urged them to stay safe and continue obeying all COVID-19 protocols. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Tourists from the North side enter one of the conference rooms straddling the Demarcation Line in the Joint Security Area in August 2010. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar By Jon Dunbar "What's it like visiting the DMZ from the other side?" she asked me. I felt a little uncomfortable talking to my Korean DMZ guide about my travels in the other Korea, a place she can probably never hope to visit. But it was a fair question, so I answered honestly, having visited the DMZ from both sides. It is stressful. On your way in, they brief you on all sorts of safety procedures, and prep you literally for the outbreak of war if you are so unlucky to be there when it happens. There is a strict dress code, and your behavior is heavily controlled at all times. They basically march you right up to the line separating you from the enemy, and then they quietly withdraw you. It is not to be taken lightly. I couldn't gauge my North Korean guide's reaction, but it certainly differed from her own experience, bringing foreign groups down from Pyongyang to peer south across the truce village at the buildings on the South Korean side. A North Korean map of Panmunjom in September 2018 / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar From the North Korean side, where we were when my guide asked me this question, it is much different: no fears of sudden invasion, no dress code. And it's overrun with pushy Chinese tourists. We also get to visit many more interesting sites than even the most generous tours from the South. I've told her what it's like to do the South's tour, so now I'll share with you what the North's version is like. Of course, neither side is running DMZ tours right now, but we can hope they resume in the future. The DMZ is about a three-hour drive down from Pyongyang on an awful rickety road, the 170-kilometer Reunification Highway. Buses head out from the tourist hotels in Pyongyang in the morning, and it basically becomes a mad dash south to beat the rush. Even the most modern tour bus can't go faster than 60 kilometers an hour, or they'd probably shake apart. Don't think about napping during the ride, because the bumps will keep even the sleepiest traveler awake. Various items are sold at the rest stop on the Reunification Highway in August 2010. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar About halfway down, everyone stops at a rest stop for snacks, souvenirs and a bathroom break. The building itself is identifiable as a rest stop for its design, which is a sort of North Korean concrete take on streamline moderne, spanning the highway with its wide, slightly curved horizontal platform, presenting a vaguely ship-like shape. Sharp lines are painted on its contours, and the thing was pink during my 2018 visit, but on my previous 2010 visit it was pastel green. The rest stop on the Reunification Highway connecting Pyongyang and Kaesong in September 2018. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar After this rest stop, the trip becomes more dramatic as the bus trundles south, passing by a series of checkpoints over the next hour. The hills down by Kaesong are barren, never properly reforested and now blighted by erosion. Signs of erosion are visible on hills near Kaesong in August 2010. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar The city of Kaesong passes on the left, although I haven't managed to spot the Kaesong Industrial Complex which I think would be on the other side of the road after the city proper. Later, the propaganda village of Kijong-dong, with its massive flagpole, can be seen on the right. Various fortifications such as collapsible tank traps line the road. Buses pass between massive tank traps to approach the Joint Security Area in August 2010. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar All buses come to a stop at an enclosed space, where tour groups will proceed based on the order in which they arrived (necessitating the rush from Pyongyang in the first place). During the wait, which could take a while, there's a gift shop worth visiting. It's a good place to buy Kaesong products, especially ginseng-based products including traditional alcohol. Plastic furniture is adorned with Hite, a South Korean beer brand, in the North Korean side of Panmunjom in August 2010. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar On my 2018 visit, I bought a bottle of snake liquor here, complete with the pickled corpse of a venomous snake inside. The gift shop at the North Korean side of Panmunjom in August 2010. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar Once it's time to proceed, the buses take groups further in, past an even more imposing barrier of tank traps. The first stop within the area is at the Armistice Talks Hall, where the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed in 1953. Both times I've been here, the room was flooded with Chinese tourists lounging around in all the chairs and chatting loudly, paying little or no attention to the Korean guides trying to explain the significance of the place. On my first visit in 2010, our own English-language guide tried to shush the Chinese tourists, and footage of that even made it into a souvenir DVD we received at the end. Armistice Talks Hall on the North Korean side of Panmunjom in September 2018. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar Next door is the Signing Pavilion, which houses many artifacts. On my first visit in 2010, I noticed an axe under a big glass case; on my return visit in 2018, I headed straight for that case, confirming it was there with an additional wooden club. These were the weapons used in the infamous "Axe Murder Incident" of Aug. 18, 1976, in which the Western narrative says North Koreans attacked and murdered two Americans with their own tools. But the North presents a completely different narrative about this incident, and a label in Korean handwriting identifies them as "the axe and the club that American imperialists used to kill our guards at Panmunjom." But no more details of this incident or these casualties are provided, and guides tend to give that corner of the room a wide berth. The weapons used in the 1976 "Axe Murder Incident" on display in a building on the North Korean side of the Joint Security Area, in September 2018. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar After returning to the bus, the next stop is not far down the road. Tour buses unload just a little downhill from Tongilgak, the site where South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had their second summit on May 26, 2018. Nearby is a big stone with Kim Il-sung's signature carved in, along with the date July 7, 1994 the last document the nation's founder ever signed before passing away the next day. The document was apparently about an inter-Korean summit he was to have with South Korean President Kim Young-sam 18 days later. A guide stands in front of a large stone slab bearing a copy of North Korea founder Kim Il-sung's signature in August 2010. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar After standing and staring at this site for a few moments, tourists are marched around the corner, where we suddenly find ourselves face to face with South Korea. The Joint Security Area viewed from the North Korean side in September 2018. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar The path leads up to the front terrace of Panmungak, the three-story building on the North Korean side of the Joint Security Area (JSA). Below are the blue shacks straddling the Demarcation Line, and on the other side is Freedom House, a modern-looking building whose North-facing surface is covered with various surveillance cameras. It is strange and jarring encountering South Korea this far into North Korean territory, an unpleasant reminder of the ugly political reality the peninsula faces. On some visits, tourists can go down to the blue meeting houses, and even step into South Korean territory within their shelter. On my 2018 visit, it wasn't offered, but in 2010 we had a brief chance to visit. The Chinese tourists got to go in first, and we had to come out last. I set up my tripod (something not allowed on the South's tours) on a table at the northern end of the room, but had to hurry as the North Korean guards shooed us out. "But that's where I keep all my stuff!" I whined as I packed up my gear. Jon Dunbar poses in a conference shack at the Joint Security Area as North Korean soldiers usher everyone out in August 2010. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar Months later, I returned to the JSA on the South's tour, and stood in the exact same spot as I had during the North tour, which was quite a strange sensation. Of course, the South tour leads us out back to safety quickly, while the North tour leads us further north, into Panmungak, the multi-tiered building at the north end of the JSA. Inside Panmungak in the North Korean side of the Joint Security Area in September 2018. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar I've heard South Korean tours used to say this building was a complete facade, but my own visit showed it wasn't just some flimsy movie set. There's a balcony on the upper floor where we get a good view of the JSA. Up here, the Chinese tourists have quite a lot of fun glimpsing into this forbidden South Korea, a country they can very easily visit whenever they want. Chinese tourists pose with a North Korean soldier at Panmunjom in August 2010. / Courtesy of Jon Dunbar [February 16, 2021] Technicorum Holdings Announces New CEO Daniel Daboczy SINGAPORE, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (via Blockchain Wire) - Technicorum Holdings, which has been incubating the innovative DeFi and NFT project KingSwap (https://www.kingswap.io/), today announced that crowdfunding veteran and FundedByMe co-founder and CEO Daniel Daboczy will be the new CEO of Technicorum. Daboczy officially started as CEO this month. I look forward to leading KingSwap and Technicorum through what should be an exciting year of expansion in new areas across both the DeFi space and the globe, especially in Europe. This industry is maturing and is expected to grow exponentially, and I look forward to once again leading a company that has the ambition to become an industry leader and a true game-changer, said Daboczy. KingSwaps innovation in DeFi represents what has been the ultimate dream of financial decentralization since that concepts earliest days. In my last 10 years in the fintech field, we set out to improve the world of finance and empower the crowds. Now, with Technicorum, I look forward to working with true decentralization on a global level. As the longtime founder and CEO of FundedByMe, Daboczy led a company that was Europe's fastest-growing equity and reward-based crowdfunding platform working with connecting investors and entrepreneurs. He took the initial idea all the way to the stock market, and helped fund over 650 companies with more than $85 million USD. Daniel Daboczy is a leader in the crowdfunding industry, and has received numerous awards and distinctions including Disruptor of the Year, European Fintech Awards, Supertalent- category Financial Prodigies, winner of Digital Winners Award "No Guts - No Glory" by Telenor Norway, Best Service Provider - Finalist, winner of the Nordic "est Service Provider" Awards, winner of the White Bull Bully Award, and winner of Sollos Memorial Funds "An Entrepreneurial Initiative Worthy of Encouragement." His company was also listed as one of Wired UKs Top 100 Startups and one of Internet Worlds 100 Top Websites. Prior to FundedByMe, Daboczy also led the online video hosting service Dabber as its CEO. We couldnt ask for a better person to oversee the Technicorum and KingSwap brand than Daniel, said Malcolm Tan, Technicorum and KingSwap Chief Strategic Advisor. He has the experience, leadership, and vision to take KingSwap where it needs to go and ensure that the company thrives when it arrives at those places. KingSwap is a high-yield liquidity platform that offers extensive staking rewards, digital collectibles, and fiat conversions. An evolution of Uniswap, KingSwap provides user-friendly features that provide real-time benefits in terms of price curves and contributor rewards. In its first three days on Uniswap alone, KingSwap achieved $4 million USD in transaction volume. In the last month alone, KingSwaps token $KING has been listed on three significant centralized exchanges BitMart, HotBit, and Coinbig. KingSwap was founded and advised by a team of experienced leaders in banking, finance, and crypto, including well-known cryptographer Dr. Anish Mohammed, Venture Capitalist Dr. Giampaolo Parigi (PhD); Professor Alex Nascimento (MBA), Faculty and Co-Founder, Blockchain at UCLA; Michael Terpin, Founder and CEO of Transform Group and Co-Founder of BitAngels; Lionel Iruk, Esq.(J.D), Dr. Robert Choi (PhD), Frank D. (MBA) and Malcolm Tan (LLM). ABOUT KINGSWAP KingSwap (https://www.kingswap.io/) is a DeFi project based out of Singapore that is introducing a liquidity pool platform with fiat conversions. KingSwaps high-yield liquidity platform offers extensive staking rewards, digital collectibles, and fiat conversions. An evolution of Uniswap, KingSwap provides user-friendly features that provide real-time benefits in terms of price curves and contributor rewards. Email Contact: Hello@KingSwap.io Websites: kingswap.io kingswap.exchange kingswap.shop kingswap.club Telegram Twitter Instagram Linkedin Facebook Company: KingSwap Pte Ltd Person to Contact: Amanda Tan Company Address: 36 Robinson Road #02-01 Singapore 068877 Email Contact: Hello@KingSwap.io Media Contact: kingswap@transformgroup.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that the application portal for its forthcoming recruitment exercise will be open from March 2, 2021. In a statement on its website, the Air Force said entries for the initiative, christened: "Airmen/Airwomen Recruitment Exercise (BMTC)", will close on March 30. It added that the recruitment interview exercise will hold fromv17 May to 12 July 2021. NAF called on interested and qualified applicants to visit its website on the stipulated date and enroll for the exercise. It added that the application process will be done free of charge while advising applicants to apply once. Below are the documents applicants are to print out after applying online: Local Government Indigeneship Form. Attestation Form to be signed by a Military Officer or Local Government Chairman. Parent/Guardian Consent Form. Acknowledgment Form. To Be Eligible, candidates must have the following Must be Nigerian Citizens by birth. Must not be less than 1.66m tall for male and not less than 1.63m tall for female. Must be medically and physically fit. Must be free of any previous conviction(s) on criminal ground, by a court of law. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Arms and Armies Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Non Tradesmen/Women. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 22 years by 28 February 2022. Applicants must possess a minimum of 5 credits, including Mathematics and English, in not more than 2 sittings in SSCE/ NECO/GCE /NABTEB. Tradesmen/Women. Applicants applying as tradesmen and women must be between 18 and 25 years of age except for those applying as assistant chaplains/assistant imams and drivers who must be between18 and 28 years. Applicants must posses at least a lower credit in ND/NCE or any relevant trade certificate from reputable and approved Government Institutions/ Organisations, with a minimum of 2 passes and a credit in English in not more than 2 sittings in SSCE/NECO /GCE/NABTEB. Applicants applying as drivers must possess a minimum of 2 passes in SSCE/ NECO/GCE/NABTEB, with a credit in English and Trade Test Certificate. Applicants applying as sportsmen/women are to present evidence of their experience, which shall include certificates and medals. You can get more details about the recruitment exercise here WASHINGTON Under a recent contract award with a $30 million ceiling, Lockheed Martin will begin integrating and formally testing its open-architecture processor designed to control the U.S. Armys future combat vehicle protection system, the company announced Feb. 16. The Army is determining the specific plans and schedules for integration and testing of Lockheeds base kit for its Modular Active Protection System, or MAPS, that ties vehicle sensors and countermeasures into a common framework to detect, track and destroy rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles aimed at combat vehicles. Lockheed is supporting those activities starting later this year through 2023, David Rohall, program manager for advanced ground vehicle systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, told Defense News. The Army has not yet finalized dates for the formal testing. Lockheed received an initial award of $1.5 million through an other transaction authority agreement following a competitive process in December 2020, but has since received $3 million of additional incremental funding, according to Rohall. As part of the contract, Lockheed will develop the MAPS base kit hardware and software; perform platform integration; and run on-vehicle, live-fire demonstrations over a 36-month period. Funding will be incrementally issued throughout the period of performance, Rohall said. The base kit consists of the MAPS open-architecture controller, application software, user interface, power management distribution system and a network switch, Rohall explained. The software identifies incoming threats and deploys the most suitable countermeasure to defeat them, he added. In an Army lab test, one MAPS-enabled active protection system actually responded faster to threats than its standalone version, thanks to the higher network speeds and greater processor power the MAPS controller offers, Rohall said. The Army is working with other industry partners to bring in sensors and countermeasures that are compliant with the MAPS architecture. Story continues Lockheed has been working with the Army on solutions for a future vehicle protection system since 2014. The service initally awarded the MAPS software project to Raytheon and the hardware effort to Lockheed. But in 2017, the service transferred the software development to Lockheed. The Army, Lockheed and other industry partners have been working to prepare sensors and countermeasures controlled by the MAPS base kit for lab and live-fire demonstrations, including soft-kill systems like Northrop Grummans MEOS, BAE Systems Raven and Ariel Photonics CLOUD, as well as hard-kill systems including Artis Corporations Iron Curtain and Elbit Systems Iron Fist. Sensors include Northrops PICS IR sensor and Iron Curtains L3 Mustang, as well as several laser warning systems. Lockheed will work with the Army for integration and testing on the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the M1 Abrams tank, the Armored Multipurpose Vehicle and the Stryker combat vehicle ahead of a transition to the Vehicle Protection System program, Rohall said. We continue to support development activities. We expect to be back in the field this year to support testing on multiple combat vehicles equipped with laser warning receivers that are new to the MAPS architecture, Rohall said. The upcoming integration and testing is the last step for the base kit ahead of fielding the future Vehicle Protection System for ground combat vehicles. The effort will validate the Vehicle Protection System base kit capability for an initial production decision. The contract also covers developing capabilities beyond active protection, Lockheed said, to include underbelly blast protection. The Army has spent years developing a future Vehicle Protection System, and has had several attempts one successful, others not to field interim active protection systems onto current combat vehicles. The service has already fielded Rafaels Trophy active protection system on some Abrams tanks in Europe. The Army had also chosen IMIs Iron Fist for the Bradley but has struggled with technical issues and funding, and the programs future is delayed and uncertain. The service also had difficulty finding an interim candidate for its Stryker vehicle and hit a dead end with the effort in 2019. Iron Curtain was seen as the front-runner for Stryker, but due to system maturity, the service decided not proceed with its qualification efforts. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is investigating cases of washed-up seals in Cork, as a seal welfare organisation dismissed concerns they are being shot. The Irish Seal Sanctuary (ISS) said reports that a washed-up seal at Ardnahinch beach in East Cork was shot were wide of the mark, and that holes in the carcass were consistent with birds interfering with it after death. Concerns had been raised locally that the seal had been the victim of a gunshot, but the ISS veterinary expert said the damage inflicted on the seal's body was "clear bird damage inflicted post-mortem". The NPWS said it was aware of the case in question. A spokesperson said: "The NPWS is aware of a number of seals being washed up on beaches in East Cork. The district conservation officer is currently investigating the matter." A different organisation, Seal Rescue Ireland, said it recorded a rise in the number dead seals on their database from East Cork in recent weeks, and that there were 202 dead seals reported to the charity in 2020, the highest number on record. However, ISS cautioned that any speculation that seals were being shot was not currently backed up or verified by evidence. While there are many issues surrounding seal welfare at present, shootings were not among them, ISS said. Both species of seal in Irish waters, the harbour or common seal and the grey seal, are protected under the EU Habitats Directive. Ireland is obliged to maintain their numbers at a favourable conservation level. Grey seals are protected under the EU Habitats Directive. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire Housing, local government and heritage minister Darragh O'Brien said Ireland is also required to monitor their populations and report to the European Commission on their conservation status. He told the Dail last September that the latest population estimates indicate that there are approximately 8,000 to 10,000 grey seals and about 5,000 harbour seals in Ireland. The largest populations occurring along the west coast from the Blaskets in Kerry to north Mayo and Donegal, he said. "Seals, and grey seals in particular, are wide-ranging animals. The Irish animals are known to move between Scotland and north-west France. In turn, animals from the large seal populations in Scotland migrate into Irish waters to feed. There are over 100,000 grey seals in Scotland." He was responding to concerns that a cull was about to take place. "While seals are a protected species, my Department may issue licenses to cull individual problem seals, and affected persons can apply for such licenses. My Department has no plans to undertake a general cull of seals," he said. If the current trend in infection rates persists, the number of infected is bound to pass 100,000 within a month or so with the death rate exceeding 500. by Raj Gonsalkorale The Latin phrase Quo Vadis denotes an episode from the life of Saint Peter, as told in the New Testament Apocrypha and the 'Golden Legend'. Peter fled from Rome during the persecution of Christians under the emperor Nero; as he was travelling along the Appian Way he met Christ in a vision. Astonished, he asked 'Domine quo vadis?' ('Lord, where are you going?'). Christ replied that he was going to Rome to be crucified a second time. Peter then realised that his departure from the city was cowardly and returned to face whatever persecutions might befall him. www.nationalgallery.org.uk The phrase Quo Vadis or where are you going or in Sinhala Koheda Yanne? seems to have similarities to the COVID pandemic in Sri Lanka. Does the country and those governing it know which direction it is heading? The UK variant is said to be in the country now and it is reported to be much more infectious than the virus currently spreading uncontrolled in the country. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country exceeded by an average around 800-900 daily and the total number of COVID cases in the country now exceeds 76,000 and the death toll has passed 400. If the current trend in infection rates persists, the number of infected is bound to pass 100,000 within a month or so with the death rate exceeding 500. The compounding effect arising from such a number, should the rate of increase is even one percent, or 1000 cases a day, would be very disturbing and concerning. It will not be long before the number of infections spread beyond 200,000. Of course the vaccinations being rolled out should arrest this number, but the scale of its roll out could be impacted by the availability of vaccines and also the ability of the vaccine to slow down or halt the spread of infection which is not fully known as yet. No doubt the government has a strategy in mind and are working towards an objective. What seems to be missing is that the public does not seem to know anything about such a strategy and the general feeling amongst them is that the government does not know what its strategy is beyond the introduction of the vaccination program and hoping that it will halt the ever growing infection numbers. It appears that the strategy is to live with the virus and hope for the best. The growing numbers of infections, and deaths, although still just over 0.5% of the infected numbers, has to be of concern to the public. Despite various rules about preventive measures, mask wearing, restriction on gathering numbers, washing hands etc, it appears to be selectively adhered to, with some in high places reportedly flouting their own rules. One rule for the privileged and one rule for the others. The virus couldnt care less. Its the most socialist of all living beings and treats everyone equally. No doubt managing the pandemic and keeping the economy going to some degree at the same time is a huge challenge for the government, indeed for any government. There are many armchair critics who even do not follow simple, basic rules like wearing masks in public places and not having large gatherings as if the virus will never get to them. Sri Lanka and the world must be thankful that COVID 19 is a more benign one than the Spanish flu of 1918. That killed more than 20,000 people in Sri Lanka and between 50-100 million in the world. Neither that virus nor COVID 19 or its variants, discriminate between the rich and the poor or between a King or a President and an ordinary person. However, it a King or a President or a Prime Minister who should lead the way and tell his or her constituents about the plans to contain the virus spread, and what plans are in place to move along together in these difficult times. Sri Lanka is no exception. The public should be taken into confidence and told where things are, and where things will be with the plans in place and importantly, the consequences if there is no adherence to basic prevention measures. Adherence to rules should be a civic responsibility not something to be policed by law enforcement agencies. It is perhaps time that the President calls for a special sitting of the Parliament and addressed the nation specifically on the plans in place to contain the COVID 19 pandemic, where the country is going with plans in place, including the vaccination program and where the country will be if such plans are not followed or does not materialise. COVID 19 has no political affiliation. It carries no ethnic or religious baggage. Meeting the challenges arising from the pandemic and how such challenges can be met, should be done free of political affiliations. That would be a challenge for the virus. It is not just the governments sole responsibility to contain the pandemic, and it has to be done free of politics. It has to be part of the Oppositions responsibility to work with the government as much as it is the governments responsibility to engage with the Opposition. To the best of this writers knowledge, the country is yet to witness a meeting of government leaders and the Leader of Opposition and leaders of other opposition parties where a non-partisan, national approach has been discussed in regard to the COVID pandemic. The implementer has to be the government, but the strategy needs to be more collectively owned. For example, Australia introduced a National Government comprising of State Premiers and Territory Chief Minister to specifically come up with a broad national policy on how to deal with the Pandemic and to manage such a policy setting at a high level. Evidence shows it worked for Australia. Maybe even at this stage, Sri Lanka could have a more inclusive answer to the question Quo Vadis COVID 19? The pandemic is not over yet, so better late than never to have such an approach. A bill introduced in the Nevada legislature , with the backing of the Governor, would allow tech companies to create new towns called Innovation Zones. The purpose of the zones is to provide flexibility to experiment with government, particularly related to integrating innovative technologies. These technologies can include blockchain, autonomous technology, the Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence, wireless technology, biometrics, and renewable resources. The zones would have to be created on at least 50,000 acres of currently unincorporated, unoccupied land, which is owned or purchased by the company. Also, prior to applying for the Innovation Zone status, company applicants are required to make a $250 million investment in the land. And the company must commit to spending another $1 billion over the following ten years. What this means: If the bill becomes law, this would give significant freedom for Innovation Zones to try new tax and fee systems for services at a local level. Nevada does not have a state income tax, which could allow these zones to form overall low-tax jurisdictions. It could also allow some experimentation with easing licensing requirements, since the legislation allows the zone to license businesses, but does not require it although required state licensing would be unaffected. Even policing and courts would fall under the responsibility of the zone, which would certainly be an interesting development, since innovations in these areas are few and far between. Of course, the legislation has not even passed yet. And even if it does, it will be a long time before we see any actual Innovation Zones spring up. Still, its an encouraging development to see state governments developing plans for Special Economic Zone type arrangements. These have been successful in bringing business, innovation, and wealth to areas which suspend typical taxes and regulations in favor of free market principles (China has had particular success with this strategy.) As usual, the weak point comes down to federal taxes and regulations, which would remain unchanged in the zones. But there are some states that have passed legislation claiming to supersede federal control over the state governments. And you can already find many of the freedoms you desire, just by wisely choosing your local and state governments. What you can do about it: Over the past year, it has largely been state and local governments elevating their public health officials to dictator status. Local law enforcement have been the biggest perpetrators of civil asset forfeiture and overzealous policing. Its the local schools which may or may not try to indoctrinate your child with the woke-Marxist Black Lives Matter curriculum we talked about last week. But, on the other hand, its county Sheriffs who sometimes openly refuse to enforce what they see as unjust laws handed down by state and federal politicians. You could improve your life significantly by sometimes only moving one town, county, or state away. There are also some interesting legal and tax structures you can take advantage of at state levels. For example, South Dakota law allows you to create self-settled trusts, a type of irrevocable trust that can provide asset protection from frivolous lawsuits, and reduce the amount of estate taxes owed upon death. South Dakota also has no state income or capital gains tax, meaning trust assets accumulate tax-free at the state level. And finally, some states have taken steps to nullify the influence of the federal government in their jurisdictions. For example, a bill recently introduced in the South Dakota legislature would nullify Presidential Executive Orders (EOs) if the states attorney general determines that the EOs violate the Constitution. Specifically, this would affect unconstitutional curbs on freedom related to COVID lockdowns, the right to keep and bear arms, and land use. A Missouri bill intended to nullify federal gun laws recently passed in the states House of Representatives. The Senate voted 23-8 to send the bill back to the House, where it passed earlier. The House can either accept the Senates changes or negotiate a compromise version. Senators voted for the bill along party lines with Republicans in support and Democrats in opposition. It would declare null and void any past, present or future federal law deemed to be an infringement on gun rights for law-abiding citizens. Federal agents who knowingly enforce those laws could face civil penalties stemming from lawsuits filed by Missouri residents who think their gun rights were infringed. Those workers would also be banned from future careers in state or local enforcement. We want to cause a reason for law enforcement to have a healthy pause before they might infringe on the Second Amendment rights of Missouri citizens, said Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington. Other states, such as Wyoming, South Dakota, Arizona, Tennessee, Kansas, and Alaska already have some version of federal gun law nullification on the books. Some of these laws prevent state law enforcement from enforcing federal gun laws, while others attempt to prevent federal agencies from enforcing federal gun laws in the state. In 2011, Utah started the trend of states enacting laws which formally recognize gold and silver coins as legal tender. Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wyoming all have laws on the books that either recognize gold and silver coins as legal tender, or eliminate sales and capital gains taxes on gold and silver coins, or both. Idaho is considering legislation that would, hold some portion of state funds in physical gold and silver to help secure state assets against the risks of inflation and financial turmoil and/or to achieve capital gains as measured in Federal Reserve Notes. This all shows that certain states are taking measures to protect their citizens from federal overreach, and to help maintain stability if the US dollar rapidly loses value. Remember, $8 trillion worth of government debt matures this year alone. And with countries like China buying less US government debt, the Federal Reserve will likely need to step in as the buyer... with freshly printed dollars. That brings us back to wise state legislators - who see the dollar devaluation thats ahead. A lot of events took place over the past year, which many people thought were impossible. So, it makes sense to be prepared for anything. THE Chief Executive Officer of Marrer Ghana Limited and Susatgad Boat Building, Mr Novihoho Afaglo has said, to preserve the interest and dignity of Ghana, Supreme Court must allowed the Electoral Commission (EC) Boss to be cross-examined. According to him, 2020 election petition can only be closed in good faith if Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa is allowed to go into the witness box to be cross examined by the petitioner's lawyers to prove herself beyond doubt. Mr Afaglo disclosed that, the office of EC is highest and a non political body so, to protect and safeguard the institution, the occupant must be allowed in stuation like this to clear the doubt and defend the sanity of her actions. Speaking to the Daily Heritage, Mr Afaglo said the EC Boss should be granted the opportunity at the witness box by the Supreme Court judges to clear the conscious of the voters in the December 7 2020, general elections. He said because the proceedings is being telecast live , the whole world is watching the actions and in actions and that, this will boost or erode investors confidence in the justice system in the country. "I seriously think the Supreme Court and its bodies made of the seven justices need to prove to the Ghanaian people including the whole world thus monitoring this election petition that they hold the interest of Ghana and its people at heart," the CEO stated. Mr Afaglo therefore appeals to the justices of the apex court to expedite justice and bring sanity to the justice system in the country. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video According to media reports, Indias biggest e-learning startup, Byjus, is close to signing a deal to acquire Toppr Technologies Pvt. in a transaction which is said to be worth around $150 million. Toppr provides online learning materials to students from grades 5 to 12 with backers including SAIF Partners and Helion Ventures. Byju's has been expanding aggressively to make most of the surge in demand of online education which has been triggered by the pandemic with Toppr being the newest target. According to media reports, the deal for Toppr is close however it hasn't yet been finalized. Michigan recidivism rate continues historic decline Contact: Chris Gautz (517) 256-3790 Michigan recidivism rate continues historic decline For second year in a row, rate is lowest in state history Lansing, Mich. Michigans recidivism rate has dropped for the second year in a row and continues to stand at its lowest rate in state history. The recidivism rate, which measures the percentage of offenders who return to prison within three years of release, is now at 26.6 percent. This continues to place Michigans rate among the best in the country. Offenders can be returned to prison for committing new crimes, or for violating the conditions of their parole. The current figures represent individuals who were released from prison in 2017. Recidivism in Michigan has hovered around 30 percent in past years and it reflects a sharp drop from 1998 when the rate was 45.7 percent. Our administration has spent the last two years delivering bipartisan solutions to improve the criminal justice system in a way that makes Michigan a leader in smart justice, and the results speak for themselves, said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. We must continue to pursue reforms that allow the system to work for more people, so that fewer people return to prison or find themselves there in the first place. When we build programs and policies that are designed to help peoplevictims, survivors, and those who have committed offenseswe simultaneously make our families, neighborhoods, and communities safer and stronger. Last year, the departments recidivism rate stood at 26.7 percent. The year before that it was at 29.1 percent. In 2020, the department built upon its success and began new efforts to further enhance Offender Success that will help to reduce the number of people coming back to prison even more in the years to come. The departments third Vocational Village is set to launch soon at the Womens Huron Valley Correctional Facility. And last summer, the MDOC and the Michigan Department of State announced a joint initiative to help returning citizens reintegrate into their communities by providing them with a drivers license or state ID upon their parole. Efforts to reduce opioid addiction, provide mentors to parolees and use of a new model to improve interactions with those the MDOC supervises are just some of the plans rolling out this year as part of the departments strategic plan. We are proud to see the rate of recidivism continue to decline. It is a clear sign we are on the right path, said Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington. Our focus on long-term public safety not only helps those under our supervision and their families, but also the wider community, as having fewer people coming to prison, means less crime and fewer victims. While the department sees the drop in the recidivism rate as a positive sign, the fact that far fewer people are in prison today, is just as an important of a measure of success. The prison population now is at 33,000, which is a level not seen in 30 years. Since 2015, the prison population has dropped by 21 percent, due to a focus on programming for probationers to give them the tools needed to not end up in prison, greatly expanding programming and educational opportunities for prisoners and enhanced methods of supervision upon release that lead to better outcomes and increased employment. Our staff, from the prison to the field and everywhere in between have all had a hand in our success and it is because of their efforts, we continue to see these historic declines, Washington said. (Natural News) The various excuses and reasons the left in the guise of Democrats, the MSM, and complicit RINOs used to oust Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from her committee seats are, of course, a double-edged sword. Thats something a lot of people have pointed out over and over. (Article by Fred T. republished from TheRightScoop.com) The double edge thing comes up a lot. Executive orders get undone by executive orders. Getting rid of the filibuster now means its gone later when fortunes change. But with the committee stripping, theyre playing with a very IMMEDIAITE fire. And even though a lot of folks have brought that up, its Matt Margolis at PJ Media who really brings the point home on Friday by outlining SPECIFIC Democrats who should, by the standard they are trying to use, be themselves stripped of their committees. Their action came with a warning from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who said of Democrats, I would remind them what Leader McConnell said when Democrats voted to nuke the judicial filibuster: Youll regret this. And you may regret this a lot sooner than you think.' If people are held to what they have said prior to even being in this House, if the majority party gets to decide who sits on what other committees, I hope you keep that standard, because we have a long list you can work with in your own, McCarthy added. McCarthy is so right. And Margolis shows HOW right. Take Democrat Rep. Adam Smith (#9) out of Washington, who repeatedly told the Russian bounties lie. Or Rep. Carolyn Maloney (#8), Democrat from New York, who promoted the blatantly false USPS conspiracy theories, to include fake photos and the whole thing. Or how about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (#6), also of New York? There are so many things shes said that we dont even have time to list them, including her fantasy tale of MAGA terrorists cornering her in a bathroom and shouting death threats to her as a bomb ticked down to zero nearby and only she could save America by getting in touch with Jack Bauer or whatever it was she lied. The whole list is not just a perfect point about the double edge, but a great reminder of the FULL ON LOONS who sit in the House and Senate as Democrats. #2 and #1 are my favorite entries. They, of course, get away with having crazies. Look at who runs the news in this country. People like Fake Tapper and the Fat Dumb and Bald Guy and Nicolle Kill em All Wallace. Are they going to call out lunatic Dems? Not a chance. Read more at: TheRightScoop.com and LeftCult.com. The Universal Life Church Ministries filed a Federal Lawsuit Against the Clerk for Bucks County, PA on Tuesday In its complaint, ULCM asserts that in denying the rights of its minister, the Bucks County Clerk has violated the Establishment, Free Exercise, and Equal Protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. The Universal Life Church Ministries (ULCM) on 16 February filed a Federal suit against officials for Bucks County, Pennsylvania alleging that the churchs ordained ministers have been denied the right to perform legally binding religious wedding ceremonies. The case (No. 2:21-cv-00700) is before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ULCM is joined in their lawsuit by one of its ordained ministers, who alleges he was told by County officials that he could not officiate legal wedding ceremonies specifically because he was ordained through the internet. In the lawsuit, ULCM and the other plaintiff ask the court to confirm that ULCM ministers may solemnize legal weddings under Pennsylvania law. In its complaint, ULCM alleges that in denying the rights of its minister, the Bucks County Clerk has violated the Establishment, Free Exercise, and Equal Protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. They ask the court for an injunction against the Bucks County Clerk that would prohibit them from continuing to discriminate against ULCM ministers. The Universal Life Church Ministries is one of Earths largest religious organizations, having ordained more than 20 million individuals. The Church was founded on the belief that we are all children of the same universe and is welcoming of people from all denominational backgrounds. It asks only that its adherents abide by two tenets: 1. Do only that which is right, and 2. Every individual is free to practice their religion however they like as long as their actions do not impinge upon the rights or freedoms of others and are in accordance with the law. The ULCM is perhaps most widely known for its provision of religious ordinations over the internet. ULCM Ministers perform weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other types of spiritual ceremonies, in addition to conducting general church services and ministering to their communities. The Universal Life Church Ministries and its ministers are represented in this case by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. STOCKHOLM and NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Antibodies AB has signed an agreement to acquire UK company HistoCyte Laboratories Ltd. HistoCyte Laboratories' portfolio of innovative cell line materials provides control of immunohistochemical assays used in the diagnosis of cancers. These materials have uniquely tissue-like properties that enhance the quality of tissue-based assays. Formed in 2014, HistoCyte Laboratories has established a significant presence in important markets such as the UK and USA. The company has a strong growth trajectory that is expected to accelerate as acceptance of cell line controls increases rapidly. "We at Atlas Antibodies are delighted to develop this close partnership with the HistoCyte Laboratories team. Atlas Antibodies' unique proteome-wide portfolio of antibody reagents will, in synergy with HistoCyte Laboratories' novel cell line controls, provide a powerful set of tools to researchers and clinicians working to understand and diagnose some of the most challenging health issues of our time", comments Atlas Antibodies AB CEO John Daicic. "We are excited to join Atlas Antibodies to enable us to take HistoCyte Laboratories' offering into its next phase of growth. Listening to the market's needs, we have expanded our product range rapidly. Working with Atlas Antibodies, who recognized our experience and share this ethos, is a natural fit. We can readily capitalize on the product synergies, so this is a very exciting opportunity that we are looking forward to driving", says Colin Tristram, CEO of HistoCyte Laboratories Ltd. Closing is expected during early March 2021. About Atlas Antibodies Atlas Antibodies develops, produces, and globally markets and sells advanced reagents for biomedical research. The company originates from the Human Protein Atlas project and was founded in 2006 by researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Uppsala University. Atlas Antibodies is based in Stockholm, and is majority owned by Patricia Industries, a part of Investor AB. About Patricia Industries Patricia Industries is a long-term owner that invests in companies and works to develop each company to its full potential. Patricia Industries is a part of the industrial holding company Investor AB, whose main owner is the Wallenberg Foundations. For further information: John Daicic, CEO, Atlas Antibodies AB Phone +46 706 321106 [email protected] Colin Tristram, CEO, HistoCyte Laboratories Ltd Phone +44 7834 652978 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/atlas-antibodies-ab/r/atlas-antibodies-acquires-histocyte-laboratories--a-global-leader-in-cell-line-controls-for-histopat,c3288122 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/18729/3288122/1373913.pdf Press release (PDF) https://news.cision.com/atlas-antibodies-ab/i/john-daicic-ceo-atlas-antibodies-2,c2878249 John Daicic CEO Atlas Antibodies 2 https://news.cision.com/atlas-antibodies-ab/i/1-colin-tristram-ceo-histocyte-laboratories-ltd,c2878246 1 Colin Tristram CEO HistoCyte Laboratories Ltd https://news.cision.com/atlas-antibodies-ab/i/ian-milton-and-colin-tristram-co-founders-of-histocyte-laboratories,c2878248 Ian Milton and Colin Tristram co-founders of HistoCyte Laboratories https://news.cision.com/atlas-antibodies-ab/i/colin-tristram-ceo-histocyte-laboratories-ltd,c2878247 Colin Tristram CEO HistoCyte Laboratories Ltd SOURCE Atlas Antibodies AB BOGOTA, Colombia, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL;NYSE: EC) reports that further to what was disclosed to the market last February 8, 2021, regarding the acceptance by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit of the Non-Binding Offer presented by Ecopetrol for the acquisition of 51.4% of the outstanding shares of Interconexion Electrica S.A. "ISA" (the "Transaction"), Ecopetrol and the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit entered into an Exclusivity Agreement on February 12, 2021. Pursuant to this Exclusivity Agreement, the parties will enter into preliminary non-binding discussions on the terms and conditions of the potential transaction. The exclusivity period is initially scheduled to end on June 30, 2021, unless the parties mutually agree to extend it. During this period, Ecopetrol will perform due diligence activities on ISA and the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit is committed to negotiate exclusively with Ecopetrol. Ecopetrol is Colombia's largest firm and is an integrated oil company that is among the 50 largest in the world and the four largest in Latin America. In addition to Colombia, where it generates over 60% of the country's production, it is active in exploration and production in Brazil, Peru and the United States (Gulf of Mexico). Ecopetrol operates the largest refinery in Colombia, most of the country's oil-pipeline and polyduct network and is significantly increasing its share of bio-fuels. This press release contains statements relating to business prospects, estimates of operating and financial results, and Ecopetrol's growth prospects. All are projections, and therefore are based solely on management's expectations of the company's future and its continuous access to capital to finance its sales plan. Achieving these estimates in the future depends on its performance under given market conditions, regulations, competition, the performance of the Colombian economy and industry, and other factors; therefore, they are subject to change without prior notice. For further details, please contact: Head of Capital Markets Juan Pablo Crane Phone: +571-234-5190 Email: [email protected] Media Engagement (Colombia) Jorge Mauricio Tellez Phone: + 571-234-4329 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. Related Links http://www.ecopetrol.com.co Posted Tuesday, February 16, 2021 2:27 am Washington State Journal As a single mother who survived on food stamps, an added $20 monthly cost for her four childrens lunch was more than Rep. Melanie Morgan, D-Tacoma, could afford at that time. Eliminating copays on her childrens lunch would have made a dramatic difference for her and her children, she said. There was a reason I was on food stamps, Morgan told the House of Representatives Feb. 12. This may not seem like a lot to many people, but for me $20 was a lot of money. House Bill 1342, which would force schools that have lunch programs to get rid of lunch copays for students eligible for reduced-price lunches, passed with an overwhelming majority in the House in a 95-1 vote. The bills sponsor Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, told the House this would address the many students who went hungry especially as a result of the pandemic. Hungry kids cant learn, and there are far too many hungry kids in our state today, Berg said. Another bill addressing school costs, HB 1119, passed the House in a 96-0 vote. The law would require four-year institutions to let students know if cheaper textbook materials are available. The bills sponsor Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen, R-Puyallup, said open-educational resources should be made available for students who need or want to save money. This bill provides helpful transparency so students can see when courses have low-cost materials or have open-educational resources associated with them, said Rep. Vandana Slatter, D-Bellevue. Lawmakers also passed a law to allow people who completed a state-approved apprenticeship program to become certified substance use disorder professionals. HB 1311 passed in an 85-11 vote. Sponsor Rep. Dan Bronoske, D-Lakewood, told the House this law would meet an increasing need for behavioral health workers and help retain them in the long-term. We certainly do need the workforce We need to take care of our own communities, said Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, in support of the bill. Lawmakers also voted together in favor of House Bill 1199, which would require the Department of Natural Resources to reimburse people who leased land but had their contract with the DNR end early, with guidelines set to determine how much will be compensated depending on the situation and lease agreement. Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima, said this will protect farmers from being put in peril by early termination of their lease. Not all bills saw such bipartisanship. House Bill 1072 lacked the support of many Republicans and passed with a 56-40 vote for a law that would remove only one of the restrictions for civil legal aid funding for immigrants. Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, explained immigrants pay taxes and deserve the same services as other residents. Many workers still experience labor violations along with immigration-based retaliation when they enforce their rights, said Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-Swinomish, who said these workers have no avenue through which to pursue legal action when discrimination happens. Those against the bill said the law would not address the real issue, which they saw as providing a path to legal citizenship. Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, said he supported immigration but saw an issue in giving legal funds to people who came to the state without proper documents. A bill that would provide additional tax credits for a Washington Main Street community or in the Main Street trust fund also passed in a 96-0 vote. Under SHB 1279, many small businesses would get much-needed money from an expanded Main Street fund, said its sponsor Rep. Alicia Rule, D-Blaine. House Bill 1198 also garnered widespread support. Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said the bill would make it possible to add another commercial airport in a similar area as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which he said could ease some of the traffic nearby. Through the looking glass: Pity the poor conference room. Often maligned in the past for being the source of enormous amounts of wasted time, theyre now expected to power new levels of productivity and collaboration in the forthcoming post-pandemic, hybrid work-based world. At least, thats what a lot of companies seem to be betting on as they start to figure out and even announce some of their back-to-work strategies. Were still far from being back to normal, but with the overall numbers improving and vaccinations growing, more and more people are starting to think and talk about what life will be like when large numbers of people do return to the office. Based on a combination of published surveys as well as numerous conversations on the topic, it seems clear that there is going to be an enormous variety of approaches that companies will take as they determine their back-to-work process. The one point that seems to be consistent, however, is a growing dependence on collaboration-focused spaces like conference rooms, huddle rooms, etc. In fact, some companies are reportedly going all in on the idea, converting most of their existing office space into collaborative areas. Along with that, theyre talking about having their employees return to the office only when theyre working on collaborative efforts with their co-workers in these reconfigured spaces. In theory, this certainly seems like an interesting concept, but Im starting to wonder if its really going to be as effective as some people think. One of the biggest issues is that the penetration of high-quality, room-based video conferencing systems is pretty low in most organizations. After a year or more of Zoom, Teams, Webex, etc. calls, its going to be pretty hard to make an argument for effective hybrid work environments if every single collaboration space isnt set up with a video conferencing system. Sure, we can fall back to audio-only conference calls on an occasional basis, but thats clearly not going to work for the long haul. In the short term, this could be an enormous boost of business for companies like Cisco, Poly, Microsoft, Google, Zoom and others that make dedicated room-based video conferencing systems for collaboration spaces of different sizes. Even in rooms where those systems get installed, however, I can easily foresee a number of potential challenges. First, expectations for the quality and level of personal interaction that are possible for video calls has gone up dramatically over the past year. Its going to be really hard to go back to many of the frustrating and limited functionality systems that people left before the pandemic. After what will likely be at least 18 months of Brady Bunch-style squares of individual meeting participants, seeing a long shot of a conference room table surrounded by a number of people isnt going to feel particularly effective. Lets not forget that for many pre-pandemic meetings, if most of the participants were in the room and only a person or two was calling in, these older video conferencing systems werent even used, because they werent considered very effective or they were thought of as too complicated to use. If vendors can figure out solutions that allow individuals sitting around a conference room table to have their own camerawithout everyone having to haul in their own notebooks, log into a platform, and stare into their webcams, thereby defeating the purpose of in-person meetingsthat could be a big opportunity. In addition, many existing systems are limited to a single platform and particular video codecincluding a lot of old Skype-based systemsand, again, thats going to feel extremely limiting after a year of easily bouncing from platform to platform. Yes, companies are certainly going to be purchasing large amounts of new systems for these collaboration spaces, but there arent many that are easy to (or even able to) work across more than one platform. In fact, this may provide an advantage for companies like Cisco that have large installed bases of Webex-specific, room-based video conferencing hardware. Even companies that may have been using other platforms may suddenly realize that, in order to use the hardware video conferencing assets they have, they may need to standardize on a different platform. The other option could be that more companies start to revisit the idea of using general-purpose PCs as the core of their room-based video conferencing systems because of the flexibility they provide. In Microsofts latest versions of its large Surface Hub 2S devices, for example, the company offers an option for regular Windows 10 Pro instead of its Teams-focused version. Even if equipment vendors can adequately address all these problems, its likely going to take quite a while (and a lot of money!) before all the necessary systems are available and installed. In fact, its not inconceivable that by the time all this gets done, the situation around the pandemic will have changed so much that well be back to work environments that are a lot more like things used to be than many initially thought. Early examples abound. If you look at Taiwan, parts of China, and other places that have the virus under control, theyve pretty much moved back to work environments that are the same as they were before the pandemic. Admittedly, there are some big cultural differences between the US and parts of Asiaparticularly around things like wearing masksbut its certainly possible that something similar could happen in the US and Europe as well. On top of all the hardware and software issues, there are important human factors that need to be considered. Clearly, many people are eager to get back to regular interactions with co-workers and colleagues, and there are quite a few companies that are starting to make it clear that they do expect most of their employees to be back in the office. (Whether or not vaccinations will be required is yet another potential twist to all of this). Plus, human nature being what it is, once people start attending meetings where a larger and larger percentage of the participants are together in person, they are bound to start feeling like they need to be there. The amount of communicationboth verbal and non-verbalthat occurs from just being around others is much larger and more important than most of us realize. No matter how many improvements the software-based video conferencing solutions make, theres no way to replicate thatnot to mention the casual conversations in the hallway right before and after meetings, etc. All of which brings me back to my original premise. The idea that collaborative spaces like conference rooms can end up providing the magic bullet that makes new hybrid work environments really succeed may not be as well thought out as some think. Certainly, they always have been, and always will be, a critical tool in enabling successful, productive work environments, but over-reliance on them could end up hurting more than helping when people do start going back to work. Bob ODonnell is the founder and chief analyst of TECHnalysis Research, LLC a technology consulting firm that provides strategic consulting and market research services to the technology industry and professional financial community. You can follow him on Twitter @bobodtech. Updated Wednesday, Feb. 16: The family of Antonio Amaro Lopez said they would hold a candlelight vigil for him at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, at 4325 NE Marine Drive in Portland. The vigil is open to the public. ---- Antonio Amaro Lopez started driving home from his job at his familys Hazel Dell restaurant about 5 p.m. Sunday. And shortly after he left work, drivers on the Glenn Jackson Bridge saw a maroon SUV lose control, hit an embankment and go over the side of the span into the Columbia River below. The car had been traveling south on the bridge that connects Oregon and Washington during one of the biggest winter storms the area has seen in years. Family members are still waiting anxiously for any confirmation of the drivers identity, but they believe Amaro Lopez, who hasnt been seen since Sunday evening, was in the car that went over the bridge. KOIN (6) first reported his disappearance. The Portland Police Bureau, which is in charge of the case, did not respond to requests for comment late Monday about search efforts for the missing person and car. On Tuesday, the bureau said the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office River Patrol Unit had conducted sonar scans of the river bottom over the previous two days and hadnt located a person or the vehicle, though they said the search would continue. According to Kelly Brown, an extended family member of Amaro Lopez, the Southeast Portland man was driving a 2006 maroon Subaru Tribeca and had just called his wife to let her know that he was on his way home. He normally takes Interstate 5 to State Route 14 East, then takes Interstate 205 over the Columbia River, Brown said. According to witnesses, he was on the Glenn Jackson bridge, and it looks like he lost control on a sheet of ice, Brown told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Monday evening. The snow plows pushed the snow to the side and created an embankment, and the vehicle went up that and over, into the water. Brown said Amaro Lopezs family began to worry when he didnt show up Sunday night and when family members saw law enforcement had reported a car going into the water, they called to express concern that Amaro Lopez might have been the driver. But Brown said Amaro Lopezs family didnt hear any information about the search for the missing person until Monday afternoon, when a family member got a call from a U.S. Coast Guard official, who said the agency had sent searchers out for the missing person within 15 minutes of getting a report that someone had gone off the bridge. They told us they searched for four hours to find the vehicle or any sign of life, Brown said. They were unsuccessful. A Portland Fire & Rescue spokesperson told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Sunday night that the vehicle had been discovered, but Portland police said Monday morning that wasnt the case. Brown said the Coast Guard official told family members that searchers couldnt return to the site Monday because of poor weather and murky water conditions but that they plan to continue the search Tuesday. She said the family has been frustrated by the lack of information shared by law enforcement agencies about the status of the search. The family has been sitting here on pins and needles, thinking no one was searching for him, Brown said. She said theyve been grieving the disappearance of Amaro Lopez, whom Brown described as a loving grandfather and a dedicated father and husband. Hes a really hard worker, and was always doing everything he can to provide for his family, Brown said. Hes the kindest person weve met in our lives. The family owns the restaurant Amaros Table in Hazel Dell. Amaro Lopezs relatives have set up a fundraiser to help his immediate family, for whom he was the main provider. Portland police ask anyone who has information about the car that went off the bridge to contact Officer Garrett Dow at 503-823-5070. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR A woman walks past the company sign of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Tokyo, July 23, 2019. An appellate court in Korea has dismissed the Japanese company's appeal against a lower court's order to seize its assets held in Korea to compensate victims of Japan's wartime forced labor. AP A South Korean appellate court has dismissed Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' appeal against a lower court's order to seize its assets held here to compensate victims of Japan's wartime forced labor, judicial officials said Tuesday. The Daejeon District Court's appellate division in the central South Korean city made the decision last Tuesday to reject Mitsubishi's appeals lodged last December against a seizure order for six patent rights and two trademark rights, the officials said. The latest development dates back to 2018 when the Supreme Court ordered the Japanese company to give 100-150 million won (US$91,116-136,674) to each of five South Korean plaintiffs related to the forced labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula. After Mitsubishi refused to comply with the ruling, the Daejeon District Court ordered seizure of the company's assets in South Korea in March 2019. The amount of claims sought by four of the plaintiffs, excluding one who died during the legal proceedings, is 804 million won. 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The Company plans to conduct exploration activity on its high-priority targets on its Red Lake Properties and is pleased to announce that drilling at its highly prospective McCuaig target has commenced. CEO Comment Battle North President and CEO George Ogilvie, P.Eng., commented, "We are pleased to finally start drilling on our Red Lake Properties and are excited by the potential for meaningful discoveries through our planned work programs this year. Our programs will reflect and greatly benefit from the impressive wealth of knowledge and experience of Red Lake geology of Maura Kolb, P.Geo., our Director, Regional Exploration, her team and our consultants. The regional program will supplement our existing mine site exploration activity which has yielded positive results over the past few years." "Our first drill program of the year has been activated on the McCuaig target. We recently completed our first hole, which is currently being logged and will soon be sent for assaying. It is encouraging that the hole encountered the lithological sequence that we expected for the McCuaig target and we look forward to updating the markets upon completing the assaying and our analysis from our drilling." "Drilling at the McFinley Zone will focus on potentially expanding its Mineral Resource estimate, particularly at depth, where the mineralization remains open. We are encouraged by the drilling to date and we look to update the markets upon the receipt of assay results. By the end of Q1/ 2021, we plan to issue a Mineral Resource estimate for the Pen Zone, where mineralization remains open at depth and drilling continues to potentially expand that anticipated estimate." "In addition, a third exploration drill has been secured and will mobilize to our East Bay target shortly." 2021 Exploration Plans In 2021, Battle North is committing up to C$7 million on exploration of its Red Lake Properties (See Diagram 1 at the end of this news release for the Red Lake Regional Properties map) and its key String of Pearls targets the McFinley and Pen Zones (See Diagram 2 for a map). The Company has planned up to 22,000 metres ("m") of drilling in 2021. Red Lake Properties Battle North's Red Lake Properties consist of more than 288 square kilometres ("km") of contiguous, prime exploration land in the Red Lake Gold District, the second largest holdings in the district. The Red Lake Properties lay on the heart of the major gold-bearing structural trends of the district. These trends host most of the Red Lake belt's gold occurrences and historical and current gold production in the district, including the Mine Trend, the East Bay Trend, the Post Narrows Trend, the Pipe Stone Bay Trend, the Rivard Trend, the Newman-Todd Trend and the Howey Bay Trend. The Company has not conducted significant exploration work on its Red Lake Properties in more than 10 years. McCuaig and Humlin South Targets McCuaig is located approximately 8 km southwest of the Bateman Gold Project ("Project"). Humlin South is located approximately 7 km southwest of the McCuaig target. (See Diagram 3 for the geological map of the McCuaig and Humlin South targets.) In early February, Battle North commenced drilling at the McCuaig target, its top priority, and expects to commence drilling at the Humlin South target upon completion of the McCuaig drilling. Reasons for exploring: Historical drilling at McCuaig demonstrated signatures of high-grade mineralization. Favourable host rocks similar to Red Lake , Campbell and Cochenour mines (collectively, the " Red Lake Operations ") are found at both the McCuaig and Humlin South targets. , Campbell and mines (collectively, the " ") are found at both the McCuaig and Humlin South targets. Promising structural setting at McCuaig, with the Mine Trend and Post Narrows Trend intersecting. Complex structural intersections north of the Madsen /PureGold Red Lake Mine are found in the Humlin South target area. /PureGold Red Lake Mine are found in the Humlin South target area. Adjacent to major regional unconformities, a common association with significant Archean gold deposits for both the McCuaig and Humlin South targets. Work program: Data compilation and digitization. Field mapping/sampling. Interpolation and model update. 5,500 m (McCuaig 2,500 m ; Humlin 3,000 m ) of drilling to test the targets. Diagram 3 McCuaig and Humlin South Targets and Geological Map East Bay Target East Bay is located approximately 5 km northeast of the Project. (See Diagram 4 for the geological map of the East Bay target.) Reasons for exploring: Geological setting analogous to the Project's F2 Gold Deposit and the String of Pearls (including the McFinley and Pen Zones) located along the East Bay Trend. 1 Testing the projected down-dip and lateral extension of a known neighbouring mineralized zone (the GAZ zone). Mineralization is open at depth and on strike. Work program: Data compilation and digitization. Interpretation and model update. 3,800 m of drilling to test the target. __________________ 1 For more information regarding the F2 Gold Deposit (including current Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates) and the McFinley Zone (including current Mineral Resource estimates) please refer to the current Technical Report for the Project dated January 27, 2021 (the "Project Technical Report"), available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on its website at www.battlenorthgold.com. Diagram 4 East Bay Targets and Geological Map Slate Bay Target Slate Bay is located approximately 10 km west of the Project and 5 km northwest of the McCuaig target. (See Diagram 5 for the geological map of the Slate Bay target.) Reasons for exploring: Historical identification of various types of gold mineralization in this area including copper-gold porphyry, skarn and Archean lode gold mineralization. Under-explored potential for Archean porphyry style mineralization. Potential to identify bulk gold-copper mineralization with accessory minerals. Work program: Data compilation and digitization. Field mapping and sampling. Interpretation and model update. 3,300 m of drilling to test the target. Diagram 5 Slate Bay Target and Geological Map Advance-Wolf Bay Targets Advance-Wolf Bay is located approximately 30 km southwest of the Project. (See Diagram 6 for the geological map of the Advance/Wolf Bay targets.) Reason for exploring: Neighboring mineralization host units (both sediment-hosted "Newman Todd Style " and vein-hosted "Rivard Style" mineralization) potentially trend onto the Advance-Wolf Bay properties. " and vein-hosted "Rivard Style" mineralization) potentially trend onto the Advance-Wolf Bay properties. Strong alteration and shearing on the property represent potential pathways for mineralizing fluids, based on previous mapping. Adjacent to major regional geological unconformities, commonly associated with significant Archean gold deposits. Wolf Bay shows potential for low-grade bulk gold-copper-porphyry style mineralization, based on prior geochemical sampling. Work program: Data compilation and digitization. Field mapping and sampling. Interpretation and model update. 3,000 m of drilling to test the targets. Diagram 6 Advance-Wolf Bay Target and Geological Map Other Targets The Company will also be conducting exploration work on other highly-prospective targets including Adams Lake and targets on the Post Narrows Trend (DMC, Humlin North, and Red Lake North). These work programs will consist of data compilation, digitization, field mapping, sampling, and interpretation/model updates. String of Pearls McFinley and Pen Zone The McFinley and Pen Zones continue to demonstrate strong exploration upside and the potential to provide incremental mill feed to the Project due to their close proximity to the Project's existing infrastructure. Battle North recently declared a McFinley Zone Mineral Resource estimate1 and is on schedule to provide a maiden Mineral Resource estimate at the Pen Zone by the end of Q1/2021; both zones remain open along strike and at depth. The Company is planning up to 6,400 m of drilling in 2021. Drilling will be focused on testing the depth extensions of these zones, potentially expanding current McFinley Mineral Resource estimate and anticipated Pen Zone Mineral Resource estimate, as well as infill drilling at the McFinley Zone. About Battle North Battle North is developing the Bateman Gold Project to become the next gold producer in the renowned Red Lake Gold District in Ontario, Canada and controls the second largest exploration ground in the district. Battle North also owns a large gold exploration land package on the Long Canyon gold trend near the Nevada-Utah border in the United States. Battle North's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BNAU) and the OTCQX markets (BNAUF). For more information, please visit our website at www.battlenorthgold.com. BATTLE NORTH GOLD CORPORATION George Ogilvie, P.Eng. President, CEO, and Director Diagram 1 Red Lake Claims map Diagram 2 String of Pearls Targets Plan View Map Cautionary Statements regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Other Matters All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipated", "assumption", "budget", "committing", "contingencies", "demonstrate", "developing", "encouraging", "estimate", "expected", "exploration", "factors", "favourable", "feasibility", "focus", "forecast", "forward", "future", "launches", "may", "model", "need", "plan", "potential", "priority", "program", "project", "promising", "prospective", "risk", "sampling", "schedule", "shortly", "shovel-ready", "soon", "strategic", "study", "subject to", "target", "testing", "trend", "uncertainties", "upon", "upside", and "will", or variations of such words, and similar such words, expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results can, may, could, should, will (or not) be achieved, occur, provide or result in the future. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the 2021 exploration plans for the Company's Red Lake Properties (including the various identified targets, and the prospectivity and potential thereof), related work programs (including the activities thereunder, scope (including metres of drilling), timing and potential thereof, and expenditures therefor); the String of Pearls (including the McFinley and Pen Zones) and planned drilling thereat, and the potential thereof (including openness at depth and along/on strike, and potential to expand Mineral Resource estimates); mineralization; Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates for the F2 Gold Deposit; Mineral Resource estimates for the McFinley Zone, expectations of declaration of a Mineral Resource estimates for the Pen Zone, the potential for any such targets to provide incremental mill feed for the Project; developing the Project; and future updates on any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions, which are considered reasonable and represent best judgment based on available facts, as of the date such statements are made. If such assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions referenced, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release which may prove to be incorrect include those set forth herein, as well as the Project Technical Report, the Company's annual information form dated March 27, 2020 ("2020 AIF") and the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three-quarters ended in 2020 (collectively, the "2020 MD&A") and accompanying financial statements, all available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on its website at www.battlenorthgold.com, as well as: (1) permitting, exploration and development at the Project being consistent with the Company's current expectations including the maintenance of existing permits, licenses and other approvals and the timely receipt of other permits, licenses and other approvals necessary from timetotime; (2) political and legal developments being consistent with its current expectations; (3) the completion of necessary work, evaluations and studies, and provision of services, on the timelines currently expected (notwithstanding the risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described below including COVID-19) and the results being consistent with the Company's current expectations; (4) development and construction at the Project being consistent with the Company's expectations including budget, forecast cost and expenditures, and schedule thereof; (5) the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar being approximately consistent with current expectations; (6) price assumptions for gold; (7) prices for diesel, natural gas, electricity and other key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (8) the accuracy of the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates in the Project Technical Report (including ore tonnage and grade estimates) and the Company's internal models; (9) labour and materials costs being consistent with the Company's current expectations; (10) continuing amenable relations with key stakeholders including local communities and First Nations; (11) the closing of the Credit Facility previously announced by news release on December 22, 2020 substantially on the terms of the Commitment Letter described therein, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on its website at www.battlenorthgold.com (the "Credit Facility News Release"); and (12) the Company's ability to meet future debt obligations and/or complete future financings to raise additional capital as and when needed to fund ongoing operations and construction of the Project. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Battle North to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors include, among others: gold price fluctuations; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery or throughput rates; variability and other uncertainty of geological settings, trends and structures; uncertainty of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates; inability to realize exploration potential, mineral grades and mineral recovery estimates; actual results of exploration activities including their timing and impact; delays in completion of exploration and other drilling, programs or plans, and any modelling, re-interpretations or studies, for any reason including insufficient capital and other risks, uncertainties, contingencies and factors identified herein; labour issues at the Company or third parties, such as government and regulatory agencies, suppliers and service providers, including labour shortages and/or work curtailments or stoppages as may result from COVID-19; conclusions of economic, geological or structural evaluations and models including those reflected in the Project's Feasibility Study and Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates; changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents and other risks of the mining industry; delays and other risks related to operations; the ability to obtain and maintain permits and other regulatory approvals (as well as the timing and terms thereof) and to comply with such permits, approvals and other applicable regulatory requirements; the ability of Battle North to comply with its obligations under material agreements including Project development and construction contracts and any current or future financing agreements; the availability of financing for proposed programs and working capital requirements on reasonable terms and in a timely manner; the ability to close the Credit Facility substantially on the terms of the Commitment Letter previously announced; not closing the Credit Facility substantially on the terms of the Commitment Letter as previously disclosed; the sufficiency of the proceeds of the Credit Facility, together with cash currently on the Company's balance sheet, to fund the Project to Commercial Production; the ability to meet, repay, or refinance, or replace, or renegotiate current and future debt obligations on reasonable terms and in a timely manner including the closure and reclamation surety bond; the ability of third-party service providers and other suppliers to deliver on reasonable terms and in a timely manner; risks associated with the ability to retain key executives and key operating personnel; cost of environmental expenditures and potential environmental liabilities; relations with local communities including First Nations; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; cost of supplies; market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social conditions; our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain adequate financing to fund our capital expenditures and working capital needs and meet our other obligations; the volatility of the Company's share price, and the ability of our common shares to remain listed and traded on the TSX; epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises, including COVID-19 or similar such viruses; the impact of any merger, acquisition or other strategic transaction involving the Company including any acquisition or other change in control of the Company; the "Risk Factors" in the 2020 AIF, the risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors identified in the Project Technical Report and the 2020 MD&A (and accompanying financial statements). The foregoing list of risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors is not exhaustive; readers should consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is provided in the 2020 AIF and the other aforementioned documents. The forward-looking statements referenced or contained herein are expressly qualified by these Cautionary Statements as well as the Cautionary Statements in the 2020 AIF, the Project Technical Report and the 2020 MD&A (and accompanying financial statements). Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release (or as otherwise expressly specified) and Battle North disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. Cautionary Statement regarding Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource estimates that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the foregoing Cautionary Statements, as well as those described in the 2020 AIF, the 2020 MD&A (and accompanying financial statements) and the Project Technical Report. The Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates referenced in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). Cautionary Statement to U.S. Readers This news release uses the terms "Mineral Resource" and "Mineral Reserve" as defined in the CIM Standards (collectively, the "CIM Definitions") in accordance with NI 43-101. While these terms are recognized and required by the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with Canadian securities laws, they are not recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and differ materially from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The SEC has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "SEC Modernization Rules") which, on January 1, 2021, replaced the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that were included in SEC Industry Guide 7. The SEC Modernization Rules include the adoption of terms describing "mineral reserves" and "mineral resources" that differ from the corresponding CIM Definitions. Accordingly, there is no assurance that any "Mineral Resource" or "Mineral Reserve" estimate that the Company may report under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared such estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. For the above reasons, the "Mineral Resource" and "Mineral Reserve" estimates and related information in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. The Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under SEC Industry Guide 7 or the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101. Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this news release has been read, verified and approved by Mike Willett, P.Eng., Battle North's Vice President, Operations and Projects and Maura Kolb, P.Geo., the Battle North's Director, Regional Exploration, who are a Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release SOURCE Battle North Gold Corporation Related Links http://www.battlenorthgold.com/ In an official blog statement, Amazon India confirmed it will begin local production of its Fire TV Stick under the Make in India initiative. The streaming sticks will be manufactured by Cloud Network Technology (Foxconn subsidiary) in the city of Chennai, East India by the end of this year. This marks a milestone for Amazon as the first time it would produce its own hardware in India. Amazon Fire TV Stick (left) and Fire TV Stick Lite (right) The latest additions in the Fire TV Stick lineup were announced back in September with the Fire TV Stick and TV Stick Lite. It remains unclear which models will be produced locally in India. Commenting on the news, Amit Agarwal (SVP and Head of Amazon India) detailed that the new manufacturing program will cater to the demands of Indian customers and Amazon will continue to scale capacity in additional cities depending on demand. Were excited to announce our 1st device manufacturing line in India & contribute to the #MakeInIndia initiative. This will: Boost Indian innovation in manufacturing Drive economic growth Create jobs https://t.co/qrgt0tqVSa@GoI_MeitY @PMOIndia @Chetankrishna Amazon India News (@AmazonNews_IN) February 16, 2021 In addition, Agarwal confirmed Amazons commitment to the Make in India program and its pledge to invest upwards of $1 billion (INR 100 crore) in digitizing 10 million small and medium businesses in India and simultaneously creating 1 million jobs by 2025. Source PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday morning February the 13th 2021, around 3:00 am in the early morning hours, the Central dispatch directed several patrols to Fort William for an armed robbery. According to the preliminary investigations, the female victim had just arrived at her home and parked the vehicle by her entrance. She was approached by a male dressed in dark clothing and brandishing a firearm. She was robbed of her personal belongings and an undisclosed amount of money under the threat of a firearm. The suspect later fled on foot in an unknown direction. The police are busy investigating this armed robbery. The second incident, took place on Monday morning February 15th, 2021 around 2:45 in the area of Bell Air. According to the information gathered from the two male victims, they were surprised by an unknown group of men, brandishing a firearm when they arrived at their residence. Both victims were robbed of their personal belongings and an undisclosed amount of cash under the threat of a firearm. The robbers also fled with the victims vehicle after robbing them. The detectives investigating these armed robbery cases are asking anyone who has information to please contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at +1 721- 542 22 22 ext. 204 or 205 or the anonymous tip line on 9300. You can also visit the police website at www.policesxm.sx or leave a message via our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten - Korps Politie Sint Maarten. New Delhi, Feb 16 : The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has sought a fresh count of the number of Gurdwaras in Pakistan following a controversy. The SGPC -- Sikh's single largest representative body in the world, has asked the Pakistan government to conduct a fresh count of Gurdwaras to bring an end to the confusion created by Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the ruling party's Member National Assembly (MNA) Ramesh Kumar Vankwani. Talking to the media, spokesperson of ETPB, Aamir Hashmi said there were 105 Gurdwaras in Pakistan out of which 18 were functional while the other Gurdwaras were involved in some or other kind of litigation and were closed. Sources, however, said land grabbers in connivance with some officials of ETPB had encroached upon the Gurdwara buildings and their properties whose cases were pending in courts. Contradicting the claim of ETPB, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's MNA Vankwani claimed that there were 588 Gurdwaras in Pakistan and not 105 as claimed by ETPB . However, he agreed with the ETPB's claim that 18 Gurdwaras were open and functional. Blaming ETPB for usurping the Gurdwaras of Pakistan allegedly by keeping the Sikh diasporas in dark and in cahoots with some of the Sikh leaders of Pakistan including the office bearers of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Vankwani alleged that ETPB had deliberately hidden the actual number of Gurdwaras since its officials had been sheltering the land sharks who had encroached upon Gurdwaras and were also siphoning off the funds received from Pakistan government for the development of Gurdwaras. Lahore based historian Iqbal Qaiser who has also authored a book titled 'Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan', claimed that there were 135 historical Gurdwraras in Pakistan that were directly related to Sikh Gurus whereas the total number of Gurdwaras exceeds 300. Surprised over the confusion on the number of Gurdwaras in Pakistan, SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur appealed to Pakistan government to immediately hold a fresh count of Gurdwaras in Pakistan including historical and those constructed before and after India-Pakistan partition in 1947. Notably, Pakistan has granted pilgrimage visas to visit only six of its historical Gurdwaras including Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Gurdwara Sacha Souda Sahib, Gurdwara Rohri Sahib and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. "We are of the view that there are around 250 Gurdwaras in Pakistan but now Pakistan's ETPB and its MNA are giving a different number of Gurdwaras which is worrisome for us and we want Pakistan government to hold a fresh count of Gurdwaras," said Jagir Kaur. Vankwani went on to allege that ETPB had constituted PSGPC as a frontal body to 'make a deal of religious properties of Sikhs' through it. "PSGPC's Sikh leaders are on the payroll of ETPB and they issue statements in favour of ETPB so that Sikhs living in India or other countries don't get suspicious of ETPB's activities," Vankwani alleged. JOHNSON and Johnson has applied for authorisation to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to use a single shot Covid-19 vaccine. The firm, which employs more than 1,300 people in vision care at the National Technology Park, applied for the green light from the EMA this afternoon. Its hoped that it could be ready for use in the fight against Covid-19 by the middle of March and delivered to patients by the summer. In a statement, the regulator announced it had received an application for for conditional marketing authorisation. This will be processed more quickly than usual as Johnson and Johnson had already been submitting data on a rolling basis. The committee could issue an opinion by the middle of March 2021, provided the companys data on the vaccines efficacy, safety and quality are sufficiently comprehensive and robust, the EMA said in a statement. If EMA concludes that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks, it will recommend granting a CMA. A Johnson and Johnson spokesperson confirmed the news, adding doses could be delivered by summer. The EU has procured 200 million doses of the vaccine from Johnson and Johnson in advance with the option to buy 200 million more, putting Ireland in line for at roughly 2.2 million doses at least based on the side of its population. The vaccine only needs a single dose and can be stored in normal refrigerators rather than requiring deep-frozen logistics chains something which is seen as a huge benefit. However, trials have indicated the vaccine is slightly less effective then the two-shot Pfizer jab. Its efficacy level is 72% in America, with a larger international trial showing a lower efficacy rate of around two-thirds. It gave 85% protection against severe illness and complete protection against hospitalisation and death among the trial groups. "Johnson and Johnson embarked on the global effort to combat the Covid-19 pandemic a year ago, and has brought the full force of our capabilities, as well as tremendous public-private partnerships, to enable the development of a single-shot vaccine. Our goal all along has been to create a simple, effective solution for the largest number of people possible, and to have maximum impact to help end the pandemic," said Alex Gorsky, chairman of the board of directors and the chief executive of the pharmaceutical giant. "Were proud to have reached this critical milestone and our commitment to address this global health crisis continues with urgency for everyone, everywhere," he added. Paul Stoffels, the vice-chairman of the executive committee and the firm's chief scientific officer added: "A one-shot vaccine is considered by the World Health Organisation to be the best option in pandemic settings, enhancing access, distribution and compliance. Eighty-five percent efficacy in preventing severe Covid-19 disease and prevention of Covid-19-related medical interventions will potentially protect hundreds of millions of people from serious and fatal outcomes of Covid-19. It also offers the hope of helping ease the huge burden placed on healthcare systems and communities." The firm has spent over $1bn in research and development on the vaccine. It added it is committed to bringing an affordable Covid-19 vaccine on a not-for-profit basis for emergency pandemic use, pending regulatory authorisations. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. I come from the same parish as Mother Jones, Homan noted. She was one of the most hated women in America at one time but she stood up for workers rights and social justice. When you surrender into Irish history and a nations struggle for exercising freedom, independence, and autonomy, you can see the inspiration there. And music is that universal medium that is able to connect the 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. 1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them. 2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first. 3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services. 4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding. 5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget. Vote View Results The many church bombings that occurred during these years existed as part of a long history. Church burnings in the twentieth and twentyfirst centuries provide the same message that church burnings in the 1800s provided, says Anthony B. Pinn, a professor of religion at Rice University. These church burnings are a way to reinforce white supremacy. If you are Black, there is no safe space. September 15, 1963, was an ordinary morning in Birmingham, Alabama. Just three weeks after the massive March on Washington, African American children were studying the Bible during Sunday school at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. The lesson was from Matthew: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. That morning, prayers and lessons would be silenced as the church became the target of a horrific act of violence by white supremacists. A bomb planted in the church exploded, killing four Black girls: Carol Denise McNair, who was eleven years old, and Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Carole Robertson, all age fourteen. Addie Maes younger sister, Sarah, lived but lost an eye. The bombing was reminiscent of the savagery targeted at Black churches long before the Civil War. Coming on the heels of the March on Washington, it galvanized the struggle for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation in businesses and public places including schools, finally enforcing the Brown v. Board of Education decisionand discrimination in employment. In the midst of an increasingly violent movement, from the bombing in Birmingham to 1964s Freedom Summer in Mississippi, which saw thirtyseven churches burned or bombed during a tenweek period, Martin Luther King, Jr., was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, safeguarding the sanctity of the vote for all Americans. To King, who attended the signing, the legislation was an essential and necessary step, but without proper implementation, he recognized that it was far from sufficient. With the passage of the Voting Rights Act, the promised land was within sight but not yet truly within reach. The Reverend Otis Moss, Jr., a colleague of King who officiated at his wedding, speculates as to whether there would have been a civil rights movement had there not been a Martin Luther King. Perhaps yes, but it would have been different, he says. He brought into the movement a redemptive paradigm in harmony with the teachings of Jesus the Christ as a moral foundation and remained true to that principle. Or, as the writer and ordained minister, Michael Eric Dyson of Vanderbilt University Divinity School puts it, This is the man who used the genius of the Gospel not to make this a Christian nation, but to use his Christianity to make this a just nation. In the spring of 1968, King lent his support to sanitation workers striking in Memphis, who were demanding the city recognize their union, pay them a living wage, and guarantee the safety of their fellow employees. In his final public address, he said, Its all right to talk about streets flowing with milk and honey, but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here, and his children who cant eat three square meals a day. . . . The nations political landscape has seen a momentous shift with the election of a new president, followed by the slimmest of new majorities in the Senate after Georgias recent special election. As a 50-50 Senate run by Democrats settles in, attention is now turning back to another massive pandemic relief bill, this time shaped in the image of President Biden. TINTON FALLS, N.J., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A.J. Perri, a leading provider of heating, cooling, and plumbing services to New Jersey homeowners, has announced that the company is celebrating its 50th year in business. A.J. Perri is a fixture in its community, and its distinctive logo and fleet of more than 185 green trucks are familiar sights throughout much of the state. The company regularly supports local causes like the American Cancer Society and Habitat for Humanity, and through its ongoing AJP Cares program, A.J. Perri has donated thousands of dollars' worth of plumbing and heating equipment to deserving veterans in need. During the height of the pandemic last year, A.J. Perri made headlines for coordinating donations of masks, and for installing free equipment for healthcare heroes including a nurse who went right back to work on the front lines after recovering from COVID-19. The company has remained active as a provider of essential services throughout the pandemic, working tirelessly to meet customer needs while putting rigorous measures in place to keep employees and homeowners safe and healthy. A.J. Perri was founded in 1971 by Albert Perri, Sr. as a means to support his family. With only three employees serving a small local community, the company quickly gained a reputation for superior service and exceptional customer support. 50 years later, A.J. Perri employs 317 dedicated associates serving customers in 11 counties. In 2014, A.J. Perri proudly announced its acquisition by American Residential Services, a leading network of plumbing and HVAC contractors throughout 24 states nationwide. And yet, the company is renowned for maintaining the community-focused, family-like culture that has been its hallmark for 50 years. In 2019, Albert Perri, Sr. was named the recipient of the NJBIZ ICON Honors award in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the New Jersey business community. A.J. Perri is known for its years-long relationships with its loyal customers and longstanding employees. Among its veteran associates is Anthony Cosentino, an HVAC supervisor who has been with the company for nearly 30 years. When asked what sets A.J. Perri apart, Cosentino remarked, "It's rewarding to work with a company that always goes above and beyond to serve the customer, and to make sure they are satisfied." He also praised the company's commitment to progress and innovation. "In this trade, you never stop learning and improving. When it comes to the latest equipment, the best technology, and the top training programs, A.J. Perri has it down to a science." "My career at A.J. Perri started when I was 17, as a part-time job with the company that did some work in my family's home," adds Aaron Usdan, an installation field supervisor who has been with the company more than 17 years. "Over the years, I've seen the company grow exponentially. We had about six install crews when I started, and now it's closer to 20. And yet, we give each customer the same time, respect, and individual attention as when we were a much smaller company." Neal Polycandriotis, who has been with A.J. Perri for 12 years and in the business for more than 33, agrees that A.J. Perri has maintained a small-company feel. "I know every single technician, plumber, and installer," he says. "I know many of their families, their back-stories. Same goes for a lot of our customers who have been with us for years. You don't really see that in the big corporate world." "From humble beginnings, A.J. Perri has truly exemplified the classic business success story," says Christian Dunning, the company's general manager. "We're proud to celebrate this milestone, and we look forward to serving our neighborhoods and communities for many more years to come." About A.J. Perri AJ Perri proudly services New Jersey homeowners and businesses, providing service in heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and indoor air quality systems in 11 New Jersey counties. The company is part of the ARS/Rescue Rooter (www.ars.com) contractor network. To learn more, visit www.ajperri.com. SOURCE A.J. Perri Related Links http://www.ajperri.com Vaccination against Covid-19 starts tomorrow with 49 000 health workers and thousands of other high-risk frontline staff being scheduled for stage one of phase one using the first batch of the Sinopharm vaccines that arrived from China on Monday. But the second wave has brought in the South African variant with 61 percent of cases now being this variant, which spreads faster and has a higher death rate than the original variant which has largely receded. Lockdown regulations are to be tightly enforced to minimise the higher risk. As the highest risk groups are vaccinated, the programme moves to stage two of phase one, those with serious medical conditions and the over 60s, with Mondays batch of Sinopharm doses being augmented by a far larger shipment from China next month. The immunisation programme is targeting 10 million people in three phases to complete the exercise and the money will be sourced through Government funds, public-private partnerships and donations. All vaccinations will be free. After the two groups with the highest risk of infection, the stage ones, or the highest risk of death if infected, the stage twos, the programme moves forward to phase two, the education sector workers and others with medium risk before moving into phase three for the lowest risk groups. Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa confirmed the commencement of the vaccination exercise which was preceded by completion of the initial training for those giving the jabs. The vaccination programme commences on February 18, 2020, on a voluntary basis and will be free. The aim of the first phase is to vaccinate 22 percent, 18,4 percent under Phase 2; 18,4 percent under Phase 3, thereby yielding a vaccinated population of nearly 60 percent of the population, she said. Minister Mutsvangwa reiterated that priority for the roll-out would be accorded to healthcare workers, health personnel for the security services, those at the ports of entry and Agritex workers under Phase 1. The elderly and vulnerable groups would also be targeted under the initial phase, while the second phase encompasses college and university lecturers and school teachers. The rest of the population at low risk will be catered for under the final phase. The training of the trainers has already commenced focusing on vaccine storage, communication, surveillance, vaccination monitoring and evaluation and waste management. Vaccination will take place at fixed outreach points and will cover 10 days in the first round and five days in the second round. Those inoculated are assured of the second dose and will be advised on the dates for the second jab, while systems have been put in place for close monitoring and surveillance for any adverse side effects. Minister Mutsvangwa said the procurement of vaccines was an ongoing process in line with the set target and research was also continuing to ensure only suitable vaccines would be administered in Zimbabwe. The countrys approach was based on science and the procured immunisation would be registered by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe as required under the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act. A committee is implementing vaccine vigilance plans to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccines. The vaccine consignments are physically verified for the implementation of safety measures. The minister said to equip the financing of vaccine purchase, public-private partnerships were being co-ordinated by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. The total estimated operational budget for Covid-19 vaccination over all the phases was US$6,7 million. Many well-wishers, including the Governments of China, India and the Russian Federation are supporting Zimbabwes vaccine programme. Minister Mutsvangwa also gave an update on the results of genomic sequencing done by the Government to ascertain the kind of variants in communities. She said results were out and showed there was a new variant spreading faster than the one first recorded last year. Security services personnel had been directed to enforce prescribed protocols and up their shift in terms of monitoring compliance. Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that results of the genomic sequencing recently conducted indicate that the type of Covid-19 virus that the nation had in 2020 has receded. There is now a 61 percent dominance of the new South African variant of the Covid-19 virus which spreads faster and has a higher fatality rate, said Minister Mutsvangwa. Accordingly, the nation now needs to be more vigilant than before and adhere to Covid-19 prevention and control measures. Security personnel have therefore, been directed to intensify monitoring and enforcement in order to enhance compliance, she said. In Kariba district, preparations for the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine are underway with health officials undergoing training. Kariba district medical officer Dr Godwin Muza said preparations were underway for the inoculation in line with the rollout plan released by Government. Mashonaland West provincial medical director, Dr Gift Masoja confirmed the provinces readiness saying some health personnel were currently going through virtual training workshops to prepare them for the rolling out of the vaccines to frontliners. Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, who is also the provincial Covid-19 task force team chairperson, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the District Development Fund and district councils were working on repairing roads damaged by incessant rains to improve the transportation of the vaccines. The province is ready to receive the first batch of the vaccines that are expected to benefit thousands of frontline workers including health personnel and security. DDF and councils are also working on attending to the roads that were affected by rains, she said. As of yesterday, the province had a total cumulative figure of 1 965 infections, 1 478 recoveries, 361 active cases and 126 deaths. Mashonaland Central provincial medical director Dr Clemence Tshuma said they had started training of medical staff on the Covid-19 vaccine rollout. In Masvingo preparations for the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine have reached top gear with awareness campaigns across the province to dispel myths around the vaccine. So far, the Covid-19 risk communication sub-committee under the provincial taskforce has already been to Zaka, Bikita and Masvingo urban to carry out awareness campaigns on the vaccination. The taskforce is working with local radio stations, namely Hevoi FM and Great Zimbabwe University Campus Radio in the awareness campaigns which have attracted public attention. Masvingo Covid-19 provincial taskforce spokesperson Mr Rodgers Irimai said the awareness campaigns were now a daily exercise for communities across the province. We are preparing for the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in Masvingo and we have been carrying out highly subscribed awareness campaigns across the province largely to dispel raging myths about the vaccine and our people are getting to understand better. Mashonaland East has also put in place measures to ensure the flawless start of the vaccination programme. Provincial epidemiology officer Dr Paul Matsvimbo said the first phase of the vaccine rollout would start with 7 000 frontline workers to be immunised at 213 centres. All is set for the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine in the province and we have put in place all the logistics. We have put in place measures to ensure there is a flawless start to the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine. Dr Matsvimbo said they also put in place measures to ensure there was proper waste management with Mutoko and Marondera Hospitals being designated as disposal centres. Herald The United States said on Tuesday that creating a conducive environment for elections in Iraq later this year includes tackling Iran-backed militias, Iran's destabilizing activities in the country and remaining Islamic State elements. Acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Richard Mills told a U.N. Security Council meeting on Iraq that one of the highest barriers to creating a conducive environment for credible, peaceful and inclusive elections "is the presence of armed militias, violent extremists and spoilers." "A conducive environment means that we must address Iran-backed militias and Iran's destabilizing activities in Iraq, as well as the remaining ISIS (Islamic State) elements," Mills told the 15-member council. "These groups undermine the public's trust in the government, and in the October 2021 elections. They're killing Iraqi citizens and depriving Iraq of much-needed economic relief and foreign investment. No one is immune," he said. A rocket attack on U.S.-led forces in northern Iraq on Monday killed a civilian contractor and injured a U.S. service member. The attack was claimed by a group that some Iraqi officials say has links with Iran. The United States has about 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq. "Such reckless attempts to inflame tensions pose grave threats to Iraq's stability. Close collaboration between Baghdad and Erbil, to bring the culprits to justice, is now of the greatest importance," U.N. Iraq special envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told the Security Council on Tuesday. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration pledged to be a steady, reliable partner for Iraq, Mills said. "Among its top priorities, the United States will seek to help Iraq assert its sovereignty in the face of enemies at home and abroad, by preventing an ISIS resurgence and working toward Iraq's stability," he said. "For the United States this means supporting Iraq's efforts to hold credible inclusive and peaceful elections," Mills said. Short link: Chatbot support service process transcosmos offers two service plans, namely, "Dedicated Plan" and "Shared Plan," so that each municipality can choose according to their size and usage. The service can be deployed to both "websites" and "LINE," providing flexible services that match each municipalitys policies. transcosmos inc. hereby announces that the company will release its packaged service that combines FAQ content and a chatbot designed for assisting municipalities across Japan in serving general inquiries from their citizens about Covid-19 vaccination. As the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination will begin soon via each municipality throughout Japan, it is expected that each local government will receive a wave of inquiries from their local citizens. With the aim of reducing staff workload, and making the citizens feel safe by providing them with information they need as soon as possible, transcosmos will offer municipalities FAQ content that cover expected general questions and answers, and a chatbot platform preloaded with FAQ content. transcosmos will deploy its proprietary platform "DEC Support" for the chatbot service. By offering chatbot on top of FAQ content as a packaged service, transcosmos will make the service more convenient for users. The service regularly updates FAQ content along with the updates made by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare about the Covid-19 vaccination and Q&A content. What's more, it also performs log analysis on inquiries call centers receive, and updates the FAQ accordingly, thereby always providing users with the best chatbot service. The service also comes with monthly reporting, assisting municipalities in overall chatbot operation including identifying challenges and coming up with solutions. transcosmos offers two service plans, namely, "Dedicated Plan" and "Shared Plan," so that each municipality can choose according to their size and usage. The service can be deployed to both "websites" and "LINE," providing flexible services that match each municipality's policies. transcosmos will provide a comprehensive service including chatbot platform implementation to municipalities across Japan to support them to make their inquiry support service stress-free for both their staff and citizens. Ultimately, transcosmos assists municipalities in digitalizing their contact centers with the best service framework and cost using calls, emails, fax and more. *transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. *Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 169 bases across 30 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of the e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 48 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/ Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he's "outraged" by a rocket attack on a U.S.-led military base in northern Iraq that killed a contractor and wounded six others including an American service member on Monday. Why it matters: Although it's unclear who carried out the attack on the usually peaceful Kurdish city of Erbil, it comes amid heightened tensions over the threat of Iran-backed militias against U.S. targets in Iraq, per the New York Times. A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted. The militias have previously been blamed for earlier attacks in Iraq. Details: A barrage of rockets were fired into residential areas of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, during the attack, with one landing near the Chinese Consulate, NYT reports. Blinken said initial reports "indicate that the attacks killed one civilian contractor and injured several members of the Coalition, including one American service member and several American contractors." He said he had reached out to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani "to discuss the incident and to pledge our support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible." Editor's note: This article has been updated with more details on the attack. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) -Premium Nickel Resources ("PNR") is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Botswana nickel-copper-cobalt ("Ni-Cu-Co") assets formerly operated by BCL Limited ("BCL"), and currently in liquidation. In June 2020, PNR submitted an indicative offer to the BCL Liquidator to acquire the former producing Selebi-Phikwe, Tati Phoenix and Selkirk Mines as well as regional exploration joint ventures on highly prospective Ni-Cu-Co projects located in Botswana. On February 10, 2021 the Honourable, Moagi Lefoko, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security of Botswana, affirmed in Parliament the press release by the Liquidator for the BCL Group of Companies, stating that PNR was selected as the preferred bidder to acquire the assets formerly owned by BCL. This announcement follows an independent technical evaluation on behalf of the Liquidator, and a review by the Government of Botswana, over the last seven months. PNR would like to thank the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology & Energy Security, Botswana for publicly announcing that PNR was being awarded the Preferred Bidder status last week, as has been widely reported in the global media. PNR will now complete the documentation with the Liquidator to govern the six-month exclusivity period to complete due diligence on these assets. During the exclusivity period, PNR will negotiate definitive agreements to finalize terms on the prioritized assets to be purchased. PNR continues to monitor the global COVID-19 developments and is committed to working with health and safety as a priority and in full respect of all government and local COVID-19 protocol requirements. PNR has developed COVID-19 travel, living and working protocols in anticipation of moving forward to on site due diligence and is integrating these protocols with those of The Government of Botswana and surrounding communities. About Premium Nickel Resources Corporation PNR is dedicated to the exploration and development of high-quality nickel-copper-cobalt (Ni-Cu-Co) resources. We believe that the medium to long-term demand for these metals will grow through continued global urbanization and the increasing replacement of internal combustion engines with electric motors. Importantly, these metals are key to a low-carbon future. PNR maintains a skilled team with strong financial, technical and operational expertise to take an asset from discovery to exploration to mining. PNR has focused its efforts in discovering world class nickel sulphide assets in jurisdictions with rule-of-law that fit a strict criteria that comply with PNR's values and principles which stand up against the highest acceptable industry standards. We are committed to Governance through transparent accountability and open communication within our team and our stakeholders. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Riopel Chairman of the Board Premium Nickel Resources Corporation For more information contact: Premium Nickel Resources Corporation 130 Spadina Avenue, Suite 401 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2L4 info@premiumnickelresources.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of PNR. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about the ability of PNR to access capital, any spending commitments, the success of exploration activities, the future economics of minerals including nickel and copper, the benefits of the development potential of the properties of PNR, the benefits of drilling and advancement of projects. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. PNR disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Although PNR has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74601 Sorry! This content is not available in your region Theres still too much of this stuff happening, says another, pondering the workplace conditions which again and again lead women to leave their jobs in politics. The culture of dealing with these issues quietly must come to an end, writes one. The idea that a 24-year-old has put her entire life career under public scrutiny in a bid to see some semblance of justice shows that the system is not working. It sends a message to all women wanting to serve their country in a political capacity that they have something to be fearful of. Brave Brittany Higgins, a former ministerial media adviser, took on a huge task when she decided to go to the media with the story of her sexual assault by a male staffer and how it was handled within the Australian Parliament House. What she has done may be bigger than she realises: since her story broke, the anger of former female Liberal staffers has filled my inboxes. They feel that this isnt just about her it is about all the women past, present and future who have been treated poorly in politics. And while we might think theres a yawning chasm between ineffective flirting and rape, when people with authority dont call out shitty behaviour, it doesnt seem like such a jump. What it always comes down to for all of them, in the end, is a sense that women are undervalued in the seat of Australian democracy. Men feel they belong in the corridors of power but women just come and go. Too often they go when the atmosphere has become intolerable or, worse, a crime has been committed against them. The blokes stay. There are no consequences for the men who act badly. The women feel that holding the men accountable would backfire on them. Loading Higgins story, as told to journalists Samantha Maiden and Lisa Wilkinson, began with a night out on the town. When Higgins was discovered during the night in the Defence Ministers office, where classified documents are kept, it was originally considered a security breach. The man resigned over the violation of security protocols, not over the allegation of rape, which Higgins had not yet disclosed. Higgins later reported the rape to the Australian Federal Police but decided not to proceed with a formal complaint. The man is doing fine, Higgins says, and is now working in another job. This angers some women who have spoken to me. But, I point out, the man has not yet been officially charged with rape or had the opportunity to defend himself, so this isnt yet about him or his fate. Advertisement A recently completed beachfront mansion in Palm Beach sold Friday for a staggering $122.695million, setting a new record in Florida for hefty home purchases. Multiple sources familiar with the sale say that the buyer is linked to Scott Schleifer, partner at private equity unit Tiger Global Management, the Palm Beach Daily News reports. Somewhere between $130million and $140million was exchanged in the deal for the mansion, which originally had an asking price of $140million in January. Bloomberg reports that the sale went for $132million. On some occasions, prices documented with deeds will show a different price than the one done on contracts. Additional fees like furnishing and real estate commissions can alter a price. Delaware-registered limited liability company 535 NCR LLC, acting as trustee of Florida-based ownership entity - NCR Land Trust - served as the buyer for the property. The 21,000-square foot abode at 535 N. County Road has a whopping nine bedrooms and comes fully furnished. It has never been lived in, however. It is the most expensive sale in Palm Beach for a whopping $122million Multiple sources familiar with the sale say that the buyer of the sale is linked to Scott Schleifer, partner at private equity unit Tiger Global Management The listing was held by real estate broker Lawrence Moens of Lawrence A. Moens Associates. Moens also had an 'investment interest' in the property, according to the local multiple listing service. The 21,000-square foot abode at 535 N. County Road has a whopping nine bedrooms and comes fully furnished. It has never been lived in, however. The contemporary-style mansion was decorated by Marc-Michaels Interior Design of Winter Park and Boca Raton and stands on two acres of land facing 150ft of shoreline. The lot was part of the three carved from the 6.2-acre estate sale that former President Donald Trump made in 2008 for $95million. The home was designed by William M. Boyle of Boyle Architecture, with many of the mansion's rooms having some view of the ocean and several of them facing the swimming pool that sits not too far. The contemporary-style mansion was decorated by Marc-Michaels Interior Design of Winter Park and Boca Raton and stands on two acres of land facing 150ft of shoreline A large fishtank rest near the staircase in the formal living room on the ground floor. The club room, which leads to a media room, has a pool table situated perfectly inside. A bar made of stone sits prominently adjacent to a lounge area, ideal for having guest over Approximately 15,350-square feet of the mansion and its guest house are covered in air conditioning. The master bedroom's second-floor terrace looks over the ocean and comes with an outdoor fireplace with a television above it. It also is adorned by a pristine glass-railed balcony. Polished stone and and white-stucco exterior give the home a truly elevated feel, while hardwood floors offer some form of modesty to the large rooms of the mansion. A huge fishtank rest near the staircase in the formal living room on the ground floor. The club room, which leads to a media room, has a pool table situated perfectly inside. A bar made of stone sits prominently adjacent to a lounge area, ideal for having guest over. And even the gym is fully stocked with its own sauna and hair salon. The previous residential sales record in Palm Beach was set in Dec. 2019 after Sydell Miller sold her the beachfront parcel of her estate at 1415 S. Ocean Blvd for$105million. New Delhi: Government has shortlisted four mid-sized state-run banks for privatisation, under a new push to sell state assets and shore up government revenues, news agency Reuters quoting government sources said. The four banks on the shortlist are Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and the Central Bank of India, two officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity as the matter is not yet public. Two of those banks will be selected for sale in the 2021/2022 financial year which begins in April, Reuters reported. Bank of India has a workforce of about 50,000 and Central Bank of India has 33,000 staff, while Indian Overseas Bank employs 26,000 and Bank of Maharashtra has about 13,000 employees, according to estimates from bank unions. Customers having an account in any of these banks would be anxious about their money. But they should not worry because their money is completely safe. The government aims at making use of disinvestment proceeds to finance various social sector and developmental programmes and also to infuse private capital, technology and best management practices in Central Government Public Sector Enterprises. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget FY 2021-22 in Parliament announced that government has approved a policy of strategic disinvestment of public sector enterprises that will provide a clear roadmap for disinvestment in all non-strategic and strategic sectors. Live TV #mute A number of transactions namely BPCL, Air India, Shipping Corporation of India, Container Corporation of India, IDBI Bank, BEML, Pawan Hans, Neelachal Ispat Nigam limited among others are proposed to be completed in FY 2021-22, the Minister informed the house. She also added that other than IDBI Bank, a proposal of privatization of two Public Sector Banks and one General Insurance company will be taken up in the year 2021-22. The IPO of LIC would also be brought in through requisite amendments in the session itself. The Minister informed the house that she had estimated Rs. 1,75,000 crore as receipts from disinvestment in BE 2020-21 . ALBANY - Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday hosted an extended briefing to provide the "facts" surrounding New Yorks handling of the coronavirus in nursing homes. While the governor acknowledged his administrations role in creating a void by not promptly releasing the data requested by legislators, the press and the general public, Cuomo stopped short of apologizing for the states handling of the information requests. Cuomos administration has been mired in controversy over its handling of the infectious disease in nursing homes, with anger focused on a March 25 directive that required nursing homes to accept patients from hospitals even if they tested positive for COVID-19. Critics including numerous Republican elected officials have pointed to the directive, which was rescinded in early May, as the main driver of the disease spreading in the congregate facilities. But state officials contend many nursing homes already had positive cases prior to a facility accepting a COVID-positive patient discharged from a hospital. Cuomo responded Monday to the calls for him to resign; his emergency powers to be suspended; and other controversy swirling around New Yorks nursing home deaths from COVID-19. You can read the full transcript on New York's website. On my emergency powers first, emergency powers have nothing to do with nursing homes. I have taken hundreds of actions. The Legislature can reverse any action that I take, not even by a bill, just passing 50 percent of the Assembly and the Senate. They have never reversed a single action. Times Union: This statement is true, but needs clarity. While the Legislature has not reversed any of the actions Cuomo has taken via his emergency powers, it has changed and strengthened executive orders issued during the pandemic such as a moratorium on evictions during the crisis. "New York State Legislature also sent a letter asking for information on nursing homes. We paused the State Legislators' request while we were finishing the DOJ request. We told both houses, the Assembly and the Senate, that we had DOJ request for information and we were prioritizing that. We did give the DOJ request precedence and we told both houses that. Times Union: Legislators and staff say they were aware that the administration needed more time to fulfill the request, but deny ever being given an explanation that state officials were prioritizing the Justice Departments request for information over the Legislatures request. The governor also later clarified his remarks, saying members of his staff told staff members for the chambers about the delay no lawmakers were told directly. Nationwide, 36 percent of the population of deaths (from COVID-19) are in nursing homes. Do you know what percent of the population are people in nursing homes? 1 percent. 1 percent had 36 percent of the deaths. New York is 34 in nursing home deaths as a percentage of total deaths 34 out of 50 states. Times Union: According to The COVID Tracking Projects latest figures from Feb. 11, 36 percent of COVID-related deaths are in nursing homes nationwide even though the vulnerable population only makes up 1 percent of the national population. But New York ranks 26th in nursing home deaths as a percentage of total deaths, according to the trackers figures. To be clear, all the deaths in the nursing homes and in the hospitals were always fully, publicly and accurately reported. The numbers were the numbers, always. People did request information beyond the place of death not just where, not just how many in a nursing home. Not just how many in a hospital. They did request different categorizations beyond those counts. Times Union: Whether the publicly available data is accurate is at the crux of legislative and public concerns. Attorney General Letitia James recent report and a recent analysis by the Empire Center for Public Policy found the data did not accurately reflect all nursing home deaths. James report suggested that deaths may have been undercounted by as much as 50 percent, while the Empire Center discovered revised nursing home death count figures released by the state health department in early February pushed New Yorks COVID-19 mortality rate in nursing homes from 35th to 13th highest in the U.S. During the Q&A portion of Cuomos briefing on Monday, the governor suggested any push by legislators to use the threat of subpoenas in the nursing home matter as leverage in another including budget negotiations could be a crime. That is a crime. You cant use a subpoena or threat of an investigation to leverage a person thats a crime. Times Union: Legal ramifications aside, the governor certainly hasnt shied away from using similar threats to get what he wants. Most notably, he created the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption in July 2013 as a direct response to lawmakers refusal to pass broad ethics reform legislation. Cuomo acknowledged his intent in the news release announcing the commissions creation, noting that he had said I would not accept a watered-down approach to cleaning up Albany and that the Legislature must either pass this legislative package or I would empanel an investigative commission tasked with accomplishing these same goals to achieve reform. As further proof that he intended the commissions investigation to serve as a goad to legislative action, Cuomo disbanded the Moreland Commission in March 2014 just as its members were set to subpoena the treasurers of several state Senate campaign committees to investigate possible campaign finance violations. His explanation: Since legislative leaders had agreed to a handful of reforms, the commission could be shuttered midway through its announced 18-month lifespan. Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. File image: Indian Army trucks in Ladakh region (Image: AP Photo) The military disengagement process which kicked off in Pangong Tso region of Ladakh is on track, Indian and Chinese media reports claimed. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has reportedly dismantled the military infrastructure set up at Finger 5 - a key friction point in the standoff. The jetty and helipad installed by Chinese forces at Finger 5 - which falls under the Indian side of Line of Actual Control (LAC) - was completely dismantled and the process was initiated to "remove all tents and observation posts" in the area, News 18 reported. The thinning down of troops is underway at the north bank of Pangong Tso, reported news agency PTI citing a top source in the Indian defence establishment. Several bunkers, temporary posts and other structures in the northern bank areas were "already removed", the source claimed, adding that the current phase of disengagement, whose details were spelled out by the Defence Ministry on February 11, would be completed in around 6-7 days. As per the agreement arrived upon by the two sides during the ninth round of Corps Commander meet, the Indian forces were to pull back their troops to Finger 3 from Finger 4, whereas, the Chinese side would return to the east of Finger 8. The area between Finger 3 and Finger 8 will not be patrolled till a resolution on future deployment is reached, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the Parliament, adding that the Indian soldiers in the region will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3. A day after the disengagement agreement was confirmed in the Parliament, Hindustan Times reported the withdrawal of around 200 Chinese tanks from the south bank. The PLA also deployed "100 heavy vehicles to ferry its troops from fingers on north banks to Srijap sector, east of Finger 8", the report added. The pace at which China initiated the disengagement process at north and south banks of Pangong Tso was stressed upon in the country's state-run media. "The massive withdrawal shows Beijings sincerity for peace and border stability, at the same time showcasing the countrys increasingly growing defence capability," Global Times reported citing inputs from local strategic experts. The nationalist tabloid, however, also asserted that the PLA has the ability to withdraw this many forces in one day, "but also can replenish that much in a single day, the experts noted". After the current round of disengagement is completed, the 10th Corps Commander-level meeting would be held between India and China to discuss withdrawal from other friction points - Depsang and Gogra Hotsprings and Demchok. The Zachary City Council elects a mayor pro tempore soon after the beginning of each year. Choosing someone to take over the largely ceremonial position is typically treated with all the excitement one would expect of a routine affair of city government. But the selection of a new mayor pro tem generated some discussion Tuesday. Its not that there was any controversy over who was nominated; rather, the council took it as an opportunity to discuss potential changes to the process for choosing people for the job. As Mayor David Amrhein explained it, The mayor pro tem of Zachary is really nothing. You dont get any money for it. You dont get any prestige for it. City Council delay action on approving Zachary Farms after complaints on traffic woes City Council members and residents alike Dec. 22 voiced concerns that a new subdivision proposed for Rollins Road could add too many more vehi The only thing that comes with being mayor pro tem beside a nameplate bearing the title for the council dais is the responsibility of running council meetings if the mayor is absent. Zacharys home rule charter calls for the mayor or in his absence, the mayor pro tem to run meetings. But it does not specify how to go about the process of choosing a pro tem something Councilman Francis Nezianya wants to rectify to avoid any confusion in the future. 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 Council members typically have chosen the pro tem according to seniority, he said. He suggested continuing to do so and adding a provision saying any tie for years of service could be broken by going by district number. Because there are four years in a council term and five council members, that means one member wont get to be mayor pro tem during their current term. So Nezianya also suggested a rule saying the person who didnt get a turn as mayor pro tem should be offered the role first in the next term, providing that he or she wins reelection. Zachary councilman mourns cousin lost to gun violence as murder rate remains high in 2021 Zachary Councilman Lael Montgomery was 6 when his father pulled a gun and shot his mother, leaving their 10 children with one parent dead and After agreeing to exchange their ideas before taking any vote on the matter, council members set about selecting this years pro tem. Councilman Lael Montgomery was approved for the job, replacing Councilwoman Laura OBrien. In other action, the council: A private fuel supplier, First Oil, has been ordered to refund CMED US$2,7 million it received from the State-run transport entity for the supply of three million litres of diesel in a botched fuel deal, in which the High Court found both companies to have breached their own agreement. The money would be paid at the current bank rate plus interest at the prescribed rate. The two companies have been slugging it out in court since 2014, arguing over the return of the money paid to First Oil, which reneged on its promise to supply the commodity until full payment of the agreed purchase price and duty fees amounting to US$720 000 was made. The deal led to First Oil company being charged with fraud for unlawfully and with intent to defraud, misrepresented to CMED that they had capacity to supply three million litres of diesel. During the hearing, both companies were accusing each other of breaching the contract. CMED had argued that it was entitled to specific performance as a right arguing that First Oil could not expect it to have paid the US$720 000 for import duties when the product was not delivered at all. It was argued that the obligation was not to the amount of the duties and levies to First Oil, but directly to Zimra. First Oil sought to argue that the release of funds to it without a signed agreement brought about by the breach of the agreement. The agreement was signed after CMED deposited the US$2,7 million into First Oil's ZB Bank account. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It also argued that CMED breached the agreement as it did not pay the full purchase price by failing to pay the import duty that was due to Zimra. However, in a recent judgment, Justice Owen Tagu found that both parties breached their own agreement, but would not allow First Oil to unjustly enrich itself. It was the court's finding that the specific performance sought by CMED could not stand as the State-run entity did not fully comply with the terms of the agreement. On the part of First Oil, the judge ruled that it would be unjustly enriched because it received the money, but did not supply the fuel to CMED. Justice Tagu criticised First Oil ,saying it could not claim that the agreement was unenforceable because it signed the agreement with eyes wide open, well after the amount of US$2,7 million had been deposited into its account. "By signing the defendant (First Oil) rectified the contract, hence the agreement is valid and binding," he said. "If the defendant's position is correct that the signed agreement is unenforceable because the plaintiff (CMED) paid before the agreement was signed, then in my view it follows that the defendant has no right to hold onto the US$2,7 million because doing so would unjustly enrich the company. "Equally, the defendant would has also breached the contract by signing the agreement when the money had already been deposited into its account. It should have refused to sign the agreement." CMED was also seeking to recoup US$1 276 611,84 damages for cost of finance and loss of business stemming from the scam at the State-run transport entity two years ago involving First Oil directors. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey will be telecasted days after the couple announced their second pregnancy Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be speaking with Oprah Winfrey, their first major television interview since quitting royal duties and buying a home last year in the US. The 90-minute Oprah With Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special will air on 7 March, CBS announced Monday. Winfrey knows the couple well. She attended their wedding in 2018 and lives near them in Montecito, California. Winfrey will speak with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, in a wide-ranging interview, covering everything from stepping into life as a Royal, marriage, motherhood, philanthropic work to how she is handling life under intense public pressure, according to CBS. Later, the two are joined by Prince Harry as they speak about their move to the United States and their future hopes and dreams for their expanding family. On Sunday, a spokesperson for Meghan and Harry confirmed that they were expecting a second child. Their first son, Archie, was born in 2019. Ireland legend Niall Quinn is set to look back at his career in a new two-part Virgin Media special set to air on Wednesday night, titled 'Niall Quinn - Bootroom to Boardroom'. Tommy Martin sits down with Quinn to look back at his glittering career, from his early days in Arsenal, becoming a star of Italia 90 to his relationship with Roy Keane and hiring him as Sunderland manager. In part one, Niall recalls his time in Arsenal, including the drinking culture he got caught up in, his 15 year feud with Tony Adams and how Paul Mersons dad asked him to never have anything to do with him again. In part two, Niall looks back at his relationship with Roy Keane, what happened in Saipan and hiring him as Sunderland manager when he became the chairman of the club. Part one of Niall Quinn Bootroom to Boardroom airs on Virgin Media Two on Wednesday, February 17 at 10.15pm, with part two airing a week later. The test is highly sensitive and prevents false positives that happen due to the genetic similarity of SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses Scientists at the Center for Infection and Immunity (CII) at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and SunYat-Sen University in China have set the stage for the development of highly sensitive antibody tests for infection with all known human coronaviruses, including new variants of SARS-CoV-2. These tests should also allow differentiation of immune responses due to infection and vaccination. The research is published in Communications Biology, a Nature journal. The HCoV-Peptide array developed by CII scientists consists of 3 million immune markers on a glass chip, covering proteins of all known human coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-2. In collaboration with a team at Sun Yat-Sen University, the CII researchers identified 29 immune signatures specific to SARS-CoV-2. These genetic fingerprints (peptides) provide the blueprint for tests that will be used for diagnostics and surveillance. Current antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection may generate false positive results because of cross-reactivity with seasonal coronaviruses responsible for the common cold, as well as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1. To develop the HCoV-Peptide array, the researchers first analyzed blood samples taken from individuals with asymptomatic, mild, or severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, and controls including healthy individuals and those exposed to SARS-CoV-1 and seasonal coronaviruses. An analysis of all ~170,000 peptides related to known human coronaviruses yielded 29 peptides with the strongest and most specific reactivity with SARS-CoV-2. Next, they validated their test using a second set of blood samples, including those from confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2, those with antibodies to other human coronaviruses, and healthy individuals. The new test has a 98 percent specificity and sensitivity. Immune signatures were present from eight days after onset of COVID-19 symptoms to as long as six to seven months after infection. "This work will allow us and others to build inexpensive, easy to use blood tests that can provide data for exposure as well as immunity," says author Nischay Mishra, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology at the Columbia Mailman School. "This work with our colleagues at SunYat-Sen, led by Professor Jiahai Lu, and with Nimble Therapeutics, underscores the importance to public health of global collaboration and partnerships with industry in addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," says senior and corresponding author W. Ian Lipkin, MD, director of CII. Previously, the researchers have used similar methods to develop tests for Zika, acute flaccid myelitis, and tick-borne infections. ### Co-authors also include Shreyas Joshi, Cheng Guo, James Ng, Riddhi Thakkar, Adrian Caciula, Rafal Tokarz, and Thomas Briese at CII; Xi Huang, Yongjian Wu, Xin Dong, Qianlin Li, and Jiahai Lu at Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; and Richard Pinapati and Eric Sullivan at Nimble Therapeutics Inc, Madison, WI. Nischay Mishra, W. Ian Lipkin, Rafal Tokarz, Shreyas Joshi, Cheng Guo, and Thomas Briese are listed as the inventors on a patent filed that is related to findings in this study. Research at Columbia was supported by the Chau Hoi Shuen Foundation and the Marin Community Foundation. Work at Sun Yat-Sen was funded by the Guangdong Scientific and Technological Research for COVID-19 (202020012612200001) and the National Science and Technology Major Project (No. 2018ZX10101002-001-001). Doctors have warned people not to participate in the 'senseless practice' of pouring hot wax all over their face before peeling it off. Viral videos on TikTok show a barber shop in the Netherlands covering the whole face of a client with resin, waiting for it to harden and then peeling it off. The eyes, nose and mouth are completely covered in some instances, with air holes forged with cotton buds. Advocates of the process say it is a development of a traditional beauty practice whereas critics say it poses risks of burns, suffocation and inflaming skin. Viral videos on TikTok show a barber shop in the Netherlands covering the whole face of a client with resin, waiting for it to harden and then peeling it off. The eyes, nose and mouth are completely covered in some instances, with air holes forged with cotton buds Viral videos on TikTok show a barber shop in the Netherlands covering the whole face of a client with resin, waiting for it to harden and then peeling it off Kapsalon Freedom salon in Gemert, Netherlands, has amassed more than 850,000 followers and more than two million likes on their videos at the time of writing. The first video of the controversial practice emerged in November 2020 and left the lower half of the face uncovered, allowing the person to breathe normally through their mouth. Resin is applied to the face and into the nostrils and ears and left to solidify, much like a normal face mask, before being peeled off to clear detritus from the pores, extract blackheads and remove stray hairs. Barber Renaz Ismael, who runs the shop and does the face waxing, says it is a common practice in his native Middle East, but he has upped the ante by covering more of the face than normal. 'I am the first person in the world who has done whole waxing,' he told BBC News. 'It's not bad for your skin.' Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist and a British Skin Foundation spokesperson, told MailOnline: 'It is clearly not a good idea to cover the whole face with wax. 'The bottom line is that this is a senseless practice, which has more potential for harm than good and I would not advise it.' She adds that using the technique on children, as can be seen on the @kapsalonfreedomboxmeer TikTok page, is ill-advised. 'I would not recommend treating children or anyone with broken skin. I see little need to remove hair in under 13s and if blackheads are a problem, there are plenty of other, far better options.' Kapsalon Freedom, salon in Gemert in the Netherlands, has amassed more than 850,000 followers and more than two million likes on their videos at the time of writing Dr Simran Deo, at UK-based online doctor Zava UK, adds: 'Pouring or placing any hot wax onto the surface of your skin can put you at potential risk of burns, and although wax is often used via wax strips for hair removal, the risk of burns in these cases is minimal as it is not poured directly onto the skin. 'Burns can lead to pigmentation, blistering and permanent scarring, which can also affect self-esteem. 'In some cases if the burn is severe it can cause a contracture or significant tightening of the skin which can be a problem if this occurs on areas such as the neck or around the nose and the mouth. 'The TikTok videos also demonstrate the wax being poured over the whole face, covering both the air passages of the nose and the mouth. 'If the airways are blocked, oxygen cannot enter, and if the wax is not removed fast enough there is a potential for suffocation as the wax hardens.' New Delhi: Even as the disengagement between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the Pangong Lake is underway in eastern Ladakh, 150 Chinese tanks and nearly 5,000 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers have gone back. The first phase of the disengagement is underway at the Pangong Lake and was announced last week. READ | Chinese Army dismantles bunker, retreats from both sides of Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh The scale of disengagement can only be seen when the first visuals of the disengagement were released by the Indian Army on Tuesday. The visuals showed infantry disengagement, Chinese PLA tents being dismantled, and carrying load-backs while moving to the rear areas. READ | Disengagement at Pangong Lake to be over by end of this week, talks between India and China next week After Chinese troops and tanks, now Chinese infantry is retreating from both sides of Pangong Lake. Chinese army tanks have retreated to the Sengdong base 50 km away and India has been monitoring the entire process of retreat. By February 20, the withdrawal of forces will be completed, and within 48 hours, a discussion will begin at the Corps Commander level to find a solution to other disputed sites, including the Depsang Plains. On the morning of February 10, about 10 massive Chinese troops retreated their tanks from the southern shore of Pangong Lake. The Chinese Army first retreated its three tanks and then the Indian Army did the same. But the retreating tanks of the Indian Army were wary of any deception in China and full preparations were made to return immediately in an emergency. More than 230 Chinese tanks were counted back in front of the Rezang La and Rechin La, or the RR complex. These tanks were in two queues, the first one being 500 meters away from the Indian positions and the second one being one and a half km away from the queue. The Indian Army was also mentally prepared for the situation that China should not stop the withdrawal by pretending that one tank was damaged. But by 7 pm on February 10, the tanks on both sides returned from the hills and elsewhere in the Chushul sector. As part of the disengagement, the Chinese will move east of Finger 8 of the north bank of Pangong lake, while India will be present at its base at Finger 3. No patrolling will take place between Finger 4 to Finger 8 and all structures will be removed. The disengagement comes after a months-long standoff that started in April-May 2020 with China trying to unilaterally change the situation on the ground. The Galwan incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers, leading to a dramatic escalation and impacting Delhi-Beijing ties. China also suffered casualties but never came up with a number. A man was left ecstatic after he discovered a drawing he bought from a market stall for 73p is actually worth a staggering 10,000. Santiago Taute, 39, paid just $1 for the colourful A3-sized work he spotted while browsing a market in Ecuador in 2001. He rolled it up and stuffed it in a box that went into storage with his family in Spain when he moved to the UK in 2013, before marrying British wife Delia Taute, 31. Delia, who is an art enthusiast, recognised it as the work of 'sleep artist' Lee Hadwin, who is known for painting in his slumber, and has sold a painting to Donald Trump for 100,000. 'She recognised the signature, checked the website of the artist and he has now confirmed the drawing I bought for a dollar is one of his and worth thousands,' Santiago said. 'We are both very happy and shocked to find this out.' Delia (left) and Santiago (right) who bought a painting in Ecuador back in 2001 for $1 and went on to find out it was worth 10,000 It remained in its box for two decades before being shipped to the UK recently where he got it out to show Delia when they moved home last year. Delia, an art enthusiast who regularly attends galleries, thought it looked very similar to work by British artist Lee Hadwin - who she'd actually met at an exhibition years earlier. Lee, 46, who was born in Wales and now lives in London, is a 'sleep artist'. He has a rare condition that means he can paint incredible artworks while asleep and has made millions from his artwork. The famous artist - who sold a painting to Donald Trump for 100,000 - has now confirmed the work is his, and valued it between 8,000 and 10,000. Lee reckons he painted the work - called 'Bolide' - during a stint in Australia in 2001, but has no idea how it ended up in South America. The painting (pictured) turned out to be by the British artist Lee Hadwin who is a famous 'sleep artist' Engineer Santiago, from Equador, but now living in Aldershot, Hampshire, said: 'I liked the look of the drawing because of all of the colours and ended up purchasing it for one dollar with a few other souvenirs. 'I moved from Ecuador to Spain and then to England, leaving a lot of my belongings in storage in Spain as I was living in a small house and didn't have the space. 'I finally got all my boxes from Spain last year when we moved into a new home. I was taking things out of the boxes and found the painting so went to show my wife.' Santiago had visited the Avenida Amazonas market in order to buy some souvenirs from his home country to take with him when he moved to Spain. Lee, 46, (pictured) who was born in Wales and now lives in London is the artist of the painting that Santiago owns Spotting the colourful drawing on sale for $5, Santiago haggled with the stall owner and managed to get the unique piece of art for just $1 before heading off for lunch with friends. The colourful drawing was soon forgotten by Santiago in a box hidden away in storage when he moved from Ecuador to Spain and finally to the UK in 2013. The couple recently moved into a new home together, and it prompted him to have a clear out, and he pulled the rolled up drawing out of the box to show Delia for the first time, in June 2020. Delia, who works in sales and has always been passionate about art and regularly attends exhibitions, recognised the style of the drawing. She first became aware of sleep artist Lee's artwork after attending an exhibition hosted by Barclay's in 2013, where his drawings were displayed. She was fascinated by the unique work, which Lee creates whilst sleepwalking, and met the talented artist at the exhibition where they discussed his unusual art. The colourful drawing (pictured) was soon forgotten by Santiago in a box hidden away in storage when he moved from Ecuador to Spain and finally to the UK in 2013 Delia visited another exhibition of Lee's in Croydon two years ago. She reached out to Lee and the artist has since confirmed that the piece was indeed drawn by him when he was living in Australia in 2001. Delia said: 'I thought it looked nice and colourful when Santiago first showed it to me, and then when I looked at it again when we were trying to figure out where to put it, I realised it actually looked familiar. 'I spotted the signature and thought I recognised it as that of an artist I'd actually met who sleep draws. I went on his website and the signature was exactly the same. 'I'd met Lee before so I contacted him through his website and sent him a picture of the drawing, explaining we'd bought it in a market and asking him if it was his. 'Lee called me back and said that it was definitely his drawing - he was 100% certain. 'He said he did it in 2001 when he was in Australia and he had no idea how it had ended up in Ecuador.' The back of the colourful drawing has Lee's signature on it and the year it was created in - 2001 Lee's drawing has been framed and takes pride of place in the couples' new home. Delia said: 'It's a one in a million story - I mean, how often do things like that happen? 'I had a look on his website at some of his works from around those years and they all cost a little over 10k so I've taken that as a ballpark figure for now. 'The value of the art is only going to up over the years so we are definitely keeping hold of it for now.' Lee Hadwin was just a teenager when he discovered his unusual nocturnal talent of drawing and sketching portraits, figures and landscapes in his sleep. With no artistic training, Lee is the only person that can only produce art whilst asleep and not whilst in a conscious state. The talented artist draws or scribbles on walls, tables, clothes and discarded newspapers using pens, crayons, paints and coal to create his art. His work over the years has become more detailed and profound, and his home is now more prepared with sketch books and materials scattered around his apartment. Lee said: 'I received a call from Delia a few days ago in regards to the painting in question and I can confirm that it is one of my pieces. 'Upon close inspection - via the internet and as clear as I can get the painting up close on my computer system - it looks like an original and my old signature from back then. Lee (pictured) - who sold a painting to Donald Trump for 100,000 - has now confirmed the work is his, and valued it between 8,000 and 10,000 'I must say I am seriously shocked and stunned that the piece was purchased in Ecuador when the piece was done in Australia. How it has made it over to Ecuador is anyone's guess! 'I had, and still do, a lot of charity work so I can only think that the person has maybe come across it or been given it and it has ended up in Ecuador? 'I am also shocked that it is here in the UK and a person who has been to my exhibitions has it! 'Value wise, it is hard to say as it is an older piece. A lot of my older pieces sell for more especially with my old signature. I do a lot of works and sell via price on application which range in excess of 20k upwards to 6 figures. 'I would say this piece has the approximate value of 8 - 10K. However, that depends on the person. If someone really likes and wants a piece, then they will pay! 'I hope they just get enjoyment out of whatever they can from the piece. 'I believe art is all about evoking feelings, nothing more, nothing less! I think people babble on way too much about what art is or should be. If you like a piece and it evokes a feeling, then buy it.' IF you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home. Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court. Ahora | Pronunciamiento del presidente de la Republica, @FSagasti. ?? En vivo: https://t.co/M29bXj1cyx STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The first case of a coronavirus (COVID-19) variant initially identified in South Africa has been found in New York City, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday. A hospital patient from Connecticut was transferred to an unidentified hospital in the city with the regions first confirmed case of the variant, but officials havent found evidence of community spread in New York, Cuomo said during a press briefing. The South African variant they worry about how lethal it is and how it relates to the vaccine, Cuomo said. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the South African variant, which was first reported in the United States at the end of January, shares some mutations with the U.K. variant, which was first found in the United States in December. U.K. researchers found evidence that suggests that variant may be associated with an increased risk of death compared with other variants, but more study is required, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers from the U.K. issued a report Sunday suggesting that variants of the virus similar to the strain first identified in there are likely more deadly than other strains of the virus. During an ABC appearance on Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he had been made aware of data from South Africa that was really quite sobering. He said we know less about that variant -- like whether it transmits more easily -- but we do know that it evades protection from antibodies, diminishing the protections of prior infections and vaccines. In South Africa, there have been people who have recovered from the initial virus and have been reinfected with the new variant. It doesnt eliminate it, but it diminishes it, Fauci said. Theres still some cushion left so that the vaccine does provide some protection against it. Facebook may have paid $4.9 billion more than the maximum penalty it faced under a settlement agreement with regulators related to allegations it mishandled user privacy, according to a Wednesday court ruling. The information made public by a Delaware judge who gleaned it from a "white paper" prepared by a law firm advising Facebook's board of directors as they debated a proposed $5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. That agreement also protected Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg. Vice Chancellor Joseph Slights of the Court of Chancery cited the paper by Gibson Dunn attorneys in his ruling directing Facebook to turn over documents to shareholders who are trying to determine if Facebook overpaid to protect Zuckerberg. "The documents already produced provide no insight into why Facebook would pay more than its (apparently) maximum exposure to settle a claim," said Slights in the ruling. Shareholders, he said, were "right to question whether internal communications among Facebook fiduciaries might shed light on the Boards thinking in this regard." Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The July 2019 deal resolved allegations Facebook mishandled user privacy. The company did not admit wrongdoing. Slights said Facebook faced a maximum penalty of about $104 million, according to the Gibson Dunn paper. The FTC did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Joel Fleming, an attorney for the Facebook shareholders, told Slights during a hearing last year that before they sue over the FTC settlement they wanted to know: "Did anyone say, 'Go ask the FTC, would you take less money if Mr. Zuckerberg is personally liable'?" Slights refused to order the company to turn over documents that Facebook said were protected by attorney-client privilege, in part because the judge said shareholders could gain insights from non-privileged electronic communications he was ordering to be disclosed. New Delhi, Feb 16 : The Union government on Tuesday launched the 'Pey Jal Survekshan' to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies in 10 cities across the country. Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), on Tuesday launched the pilot 'Pey Jal Survekshan' under the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban). Providing details of the pilot project, Mishra said, "As the first step, the ministry has decided to launch Pey Jal Survekshan in 10 cities, namely Agra, Badlapur, Bhubaneswar, Churu, Kochi, Madurai, Patiala, Rohtak, Surat and Tumkur. Based on the learnings of the pilot, this survey will be extended to all the AMRUT cities." The MoUHA in a statement said that data on drinking water, wastewater management, non-revenue water and condition of three water bodies in the city will be collected through face-to-face interviews with citizens and municipal officials as per the approved questionnaire, on-call interviews, water sample collection and laboratory testing, and field survey for non-revenue water. "The mission will be monitored through a technology-based platform on which the beneficiary's response will be monitored along with progress and output-outcome. Funding from the government will be in three tranches of 20:40:40. The third installment will be released based on functional outcomes achieved and credible exclusion will be exercised while funding," it said. The JJM (U) is designed to provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps in all 4,378 statutory towns. "Also, sewerage/septage management in 500 AMRUT cities with the objective of making them water secure are the major focus areas under JJM (U). Estimated gap in urban household tap connections is 2.68 crore and estimated gap in sewer connections/septage in 500 AMRUT cities is 2.64 crore, which is proposed to be covered in JJM (U)," it said. Rejuvenation of water bodies to augment sustainable fresh water supply and creating green spaces and sponge cities to reduce floods and enhance amenity value through an Urban Aquifer Management plan are other focus areas. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th February, 2021) The United Nations Refugee Agency on Tuesday voiced alarm over killings committed by armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, an area where rebel groups are particularly active, plunging it into a security and humanitarian crisis. "UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is alarmed at ongoing atrocities carried out by armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which have become part of a systematic pattern to disrupt civilians' lives, instill fear and create havoc," the organization said in a statement. The agency stated that over the last year, the death toll among civilians stood at 2,000 in such provinces as North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, adding that most of the attacks in the areas were conducted by armed groups. Additionally, the agency went on, the violence continued through 2021, targeting displaced civilians. The armed groups are likely to carry out kidnappings and killings under collaboration with other militia groups or the national army, the agency alleged, calling for impartial investigations into violent acts against civilians in the Central African nation. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Former President Donald Trump has upheld one tradition of a departing president, leaving his predecessor a letter, despite sidestepping almost any other major tradition in the transition of power. President Joe Biden was inaugurated on January 20, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris. According to USA Today on MSN, people took to social media to speculate on what it meant after the announcement that Trump had left Biden a note. From a lifestyle account in Florida, one Instagram post shows a photo of a note reading "Joe, you know I won," with Trump's alleged signature on stationery in the White House. The same letter was also posted here, and as of January 22, it had 1,278,988 views. What does Trump's letter to Biden say? The tradition of a departing president leaving letters to his successor is relatively new, but after Ronald Reagan wrote to George Bush in 1989, the trend has been retained. In 2017, Trump received a letter from Obama that says, in part, "It is up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we have found them, regardless of the push and pull of daily politics." White House spokesman Judd Deere stated before Biden's inauguration that Trump had left a letter for Biden. However, the letter's contents were never released. After his inauguration, Biden confirmed to reporters that he received the letter from the former President, noting that it was "very generous." He also had not released the contents of the letter as "it was private," and he won't talk about it until he talks to Trump. If the note means that the two will end up having a conversation, it's uncertain. According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, there isn't a scheduled call between Trump and Biden. Read also: Conservative Commentator Recalls Kamala Harris' Joke About Killing Trump, Pence No evidence that the viral letter is authentic There is no confirmation that the letter on social media is actual. The letter's content from the post also contradicts Biden's assessment of being "very generous." The seal at the top of the letter does not fit the seals used on other Trump letters made public. The letter posted to Instagram is also dated "January 20, 2021," instead of the usual date formatting, followed by the day, with the month first. Finally, the letter's argument that Trump won the election is wrong. Election leaders, both Republicans and Democrats, have stated that there has been no systematic voter fraud, and there have been no successful lawsuits claiming fraud. There have been several recent letters released from past and incoming presidents, as per ABC News. Herbert Hoover's letter to Franklin Roosevelt, who assumed office in 1933, is an early example. In the 1932 race, Hoover was "badly defeated" but gave his best wishes to his successor. Dwight Eisenhower also sent a letter to then-president-elect John Kennedy in 1960. "I would like you to know that I stand prepared to meet with you at any mutually agreeable time to consider issues of continuity of government and orderly transfer of executive responsibilities on January 20 from my administration to yours," the letter said. The letter from @GeorgeHWBush to @billclinton showed true leadership. Pres. Reagan wrote a personal letter to Pres Bush for their transition pic.twitter.com/Kfi6AxprlS Bush Library (@Bush41Library) October 21, 2016 On January 21, 1961, his first full day in office, Kennedy sent a note back to Eisenhower thanking him for assisting in "one of the most effective transitions in the history of our Republic." He found a handwritten letter waiting for him at the White House when George H. W. Bush took over Ronald Reagan in 1989. On January 20, 1993, exactly 28 years before the inauguration of Joe Biden, Bush then wrote to incoming President Bill Clinton as he took office. Since losing his re-election bid, Bush only served one term and dated his transition with a supportive message to his successor. Read also: Trump, McCarthy Conversation Allegedly Shows Former President Unwilling to Call Off US Capitol Riot Trump's letter to Biden trend goes viral After Biden revealed that he received a letter from the former President, he only told reporters at the White House kind words to describe the letter. Still, some speculated that the note was not as "gentlemanly: as the President would want people to believe. According to Yahoo News, people from Twitter shared their version of Trump's parting words to Biden. Read also: Impeachment Trial: Here's 7 Republicans' Stance When They Voted to Convict Trump @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Coventry City Council, in the English West Midlands, wants to attract a 2 billion gigafab and is already in talks with nearby motor manufacturers, and with global battery suppliers, according to regional politician Andy Street.Municipal authority Coventry City Council, in the English West Midlands, today announced plans to attract an electric vehicle battery gigafactory to the city's airport. The city council-part of the West Midlands Combined Authority comprised of seven city councils in the region-is set to approve, at a cabinet meeting in a week's time, the establishment of a joint venture ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Last week, I wrote about the Biden administrations attempt to appease Iran by removing the terrorist designation from the Houthis, a bloodthirsty proxy of the mullahs in Yemen. Biden also announced that we are ending all American support for offensive operations in the war in Yemen, including relevant arms sales. How have the Houthis responded? By stepping up their offense, of course, and by increasing their level of terrorism. On Saturday, they launched a drone attack on civilians. On Sunday, they followed up with four more. How has the Biden administration responded? With this lame statement: The United States urges the Houthis to halt their advance on Marib and cease all military operations and turn to negotiations. The Houthis assault on Marib is the action of a group not committed to peace or to ending the war afflicting the people of Yemen. . . . If the Houthis are serious about a negotiated political solution, they must cease all military advances and refrain from other destabilizing and potentially lethal actions, including cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia. They must commit to constructively participate in the UN-led political process and engage seriously in the diplomatic effort led by U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking. The time to end this conflict is now. There is no military solution. One could be forgiven for thinking this is a parody of Obama administration mush. Unfortunately, its no parody. The Houthis assault on Marib is the action of a group not committed to peace or to ending the war afflicting the people of Yemen. No kidding. Its the action of terrorists, which is why the Trump administration designated the Houthis as such. If the Houthis are serious about a negotiated political solution, they must cease all military advances. But what if the Houthis are serious about winning? And what if they are convinced that Biden will let them win? What must they do then? That which they are doing now. There is no military solution. Thats what Obama repeatedly told Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian butcher and his masters in Iran and Russia begged to differ. They were right. They won. Elliott Abrams writes: If I were a Houthi leader, I might conclude I am winning. The Americans want out. Theyve walked away from the Saudis and reversed the terrorism designation even though my own behavior has not changed. Why negotiate? If that is right, the Biden administration ought to be thinking hard about ways to change the incentive structure it has backed into. But I question whether the Biden administration backed into its current policy. Its at least as likely that Biden is prepared to hand Yemen over to Irans proxy as a first step in trying to appease the mullahs. Irelands new international status with its two-year stint on the UN Security Council is being put at risk because of the capacity of the Defence Forces, the material conditions of its members, and the need for organisational reform, a leading expert has warned. In a new report, entitled Securing Europe After Trump: Navigating Troubled Waters, Patrick Keatinge also said that Ireland is potentially vulnerable to threats to our seas and airspace because of its lack of defensive capabilities. Dr Keatinge, co-chair of the Institute of International and European Affairs Security and Defence Group and fellow emeritus of political science at Trinity College Dublin, said the world was still reeling from four years of Donald Trump as US president. Prospects for co-operation Trumpian diplomacy consisted of erratic unilateralism, involving a direct repudiation of multilateral institutions and contempt for alliances and allies, he said. However, he said the prospects were much improved with the election of Joe Biden as president: There is one overriding piece of good news for our national security and defence agenda. The prospect of a distinctly more cooperative approach by the new American administration will enhance the pursuit of our values and interests in this field. He noted Irelands success in getting voted on to the UN Security Council. But there is a question about the capacity of the Defence Forces to follow through in the military context, he warned. This is not about the forces reputation or professionalism, but rather about material conditions and the reform of organisational structures in order to sustain that reputation. He said problems in the recruitment and especially the retention of personnel, equipment, levels of pay and family support have recurred frequently over recent years. Numbers of personnel have declined; ships are unable to deploy for want of sailors he said. Dr Keatinge also flagged serious shortcomings in the ability of the Defence Forces to secure its skies and seas. Ireland does not possess adequate military capabilities to respond to some other threats which could arise in its seas and airspace, he said. If incoming hijacked civilian aircraft, or even foreign military aircraft which have failed to acknowledge their presence, are to be dealt with, the Irish State depends on British intelligence and military support; likewise concerning submarine intrusion and the vulnerability of major undersea cables. He added: This interdependence can be seen as an extension of the bilateral intelligence and police cooperation which responds to residual land-based terrorist threats, the dark side of the Governments approach to relations between the Republic and Northern Ireland, now formalised as the Shared Island policy. Brexit is a reality now rather than a prolonged nightmare; in the context of a formal reset of British-Irish relations is it time to review the way in which this policy is conducted and...presented? In 2020, Ukraines imports of services decreased by 25.0% up to $5.21 billion dollars compared with 2019, while exports reduced by 28.5% up to $11.17 billion, according to the State Statistics Service. Exports of services from Ukraine amounted to $1.17 billion in 2020, which is 28.5% less than in 2019. Imports of services to Ukraine last year amounted to $5.21 billion, down 25.0% from 2019. Accordingly, the balance of foreign trade in services in 2020 was positive and amounted to $5.96 billion (in 2019, the balance was also positive and amounted to $8.69 billion). In January-June 2020, foreign trade operations were conducted with partners from 220 countries. In 2020, Ukraine exported services mostly to the Russian Federation ($2.62 billion; down 57.8% from 2019), the United States ($1.39 billion; up 7.8%) and Switzerland ($732.0 million; down 25.8%). In foreign markets in 2020, Ukraine mostly sold transport services (for $4.88 billion; down 46.4% from 2019), telecommunications services, computer and information services ($2.91 billion; up 13.0%), material resources processing services ($1.35 billion; down 17.9%). As to the imports in 2020, Ukraine imported services mostly from the United Kingdom ($467.5 million; down 23.5% from 2019), the United States ($454.3 million; down 9.5%) and Turkey ($ 426.0 million; down 24.9%). Ukraines major imports of services in 2020 include transport services ($1.01 billion; down 35.0% from 2019), business services ($973.0 million; down 28.4%), state and government services ($737.5 million; down 19.1%). As reported by Ukrinform, according to the State Statistics Service, exports of services from Ukraine amounted to $15.24 billion in 2019 (up 30.9% from 2018), imports - $6.53 billion (up 3.5% from 2018). iy We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [February 16, 2021] DataPath examines the effects of COVID-19 on COBRA and upcoming ERISA plan deadlines LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DataPath, Inc., a leading developer of technology solutions for employee benefits administration, has published a whitepaper titled, "COVID-19 and COBRA Continuation Insurance: Where Do We Stand?" The paper takes a deeper look at the effect of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis on the economy specifically, its impact on the COBRA insurance market and how an upcoming deadline could wreak havoc for administrators. In March 2020, the Federal response to the COVID healthcare crisis included a one year "Outbreak Period," defined by a joint final notice issued by the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor as beginning March 1, 2020 and ending February 28, 2021. With the end looming, third party administrators, employers, and insurance carriers could face some serious issues regarding notices to beneficiaries, COBRA elections, and premium payments, all of which were temporarily suspended for the duration of the Outbreak Period. Without additional Federal guidnce, administrators and employers could be facing a massive influx of work, deadlines and not the least, confusion. "COBRA insurance fills a very specific need for people who lose their group healthcare coverage and are in potential crisis situations," says John Robbins, Jr, President and CEO of DataPath. "The current situation emphasizes the need for a flexible COBRA software solution that allows administrators to address these needs when so many variables are in play, both now and in the future." You can download the whitepaper here. DataPath will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, February 25, at 10:30 AM (CT) to discuss the whitepaper. About DataPath: DataPath, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. DataPath launched its cloud-based Summit platform in 2017, specifically to handle COBRA and consumer directed healthcare account administration in a single solution. Learn more at dpath.com. Contact: Erin Carlile, erin@marketingworks360.com, 614-540-5520 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/datapath-examines-the-effects-of-covid-19-on-cobra-and-upcoming-erisa-plan-deadlines-301228341.html SOURCE DataPath, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] How do you start a story about the public political assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Uns half-brother by two women at a Malaysian airport in 2017? Kim Jong-Nam, the oldest successor to Kim Jong Il, was planning to check in at Kuala Lumpur Airport for a flight to Macau, where he and his young family lived in exile after his younger half-brother assumed control of North Korea, when a toxic nerve agent was applied to his eyes. He was dead in an hour. Clearly the first desire is to ask: who were these women? Newsreels at the time suggested they could have been femme fatales straight out of a spy thriller, as they appeared brazen in their actions and unrepentant in the moments that followed. And while Assassins documentary-maker Ryan White used the chorus of world headlines to help set the scene, he instead opened with the question of why? Bengaluru, Feb 16 : Former Jharkhand and Bihar Governor and noted jurist Justice Mandagadde Rama Jois, passed away on Tuesday due to age related ailments, sources close to Jois family told the media. He was 89. Jois suffered a cardiac arrest, the sources added. He is survived by wife and two children. Jois was a staunch Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) follower and one of the early proponents of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the country. He was born July 27, 1931 and would have been 90 this year. He was a former member of Rajya Sabha and served as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Jois was born to Narasimha Jois and Lakshmidevamma at Araga village in Karnataka's Shivamogga district. He studied in Shivamogga and Bengaluru and acquired B.A., B.L.degrees and Kuvempu University has conferred him with Doctor of Laws honorary degree. He was married to Vimala, has two children and three grandchildren. His son M.R. Shailendra and daughter M.R. Tara are advocates in the Bengaluru, and has three grand children. He enrolled as an Advocate in 1959 and was in the chambers of S. K. Venkataranga Iyengar. He was appointed Judge of the High Court of Karnataka in 1977. He has served as acting Chief Justice on several occasions. He was appointed Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court in May 1992. He was a prolific writer in both English and Kannada languages having authored several books on Service Law, Habeas Corpus Law, Constitutional Law. His most wellknown two-volume book "Legal and Constitutional History of India", is a textbook for Law Degree course. His other well known book is "Seeds of Modem Public Law in Ancient Indian Jurisprudence". His other works include "Historic Legal Battle", " Dharma- The Global Ethic" , "The Bharathiya way to lead Purposeful life," "National Reconciliation for Harmonious Living", "Code of Conduct for Rulers", "Raja Dharma with lessons on Raja neethi" and "Need for Amending the Constitution" are name worthy. Jois was imprisoned during the Emergency and lodged in the Bengaluru Central Jail. He was associated with the RSS from an early age and officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party after his retirement from the judiciary. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Minister-designate for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has revealed that the introduction of the Kelni GVG platform made a cost saving of US$1.1 million monthly to government. According to her all the laws regarding procurement in the Kelni GVG Common platform contract were followed. So Mr Chairman at every stage of the way, all the laws regarding procurement were followed to the letter in this case before the contract was awarded. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful also explained that the equipment in the Kelni GVG platform is hosted at the National Communication Authority (NCA) and owned by the Government of Ghana unlike the previous case when venders owned and operated the equipment. She said by abrogating the previous contract with SUBA Solutions and Afrowave and entering into another contract with KelniGVG alone they achieved a cost-saving US$1.1 million, saying that alone provided less cost but more value. She said the common platform unlike the previous contract offers real-time monitoring of 2.5 billion transactions a day within the telecom sector IN calls, SMS, mobile money among others. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful further explained that the common platform has four functionalities such as revenue assurance, traffic monitoring, fraud management and mobile money monitoring. She announced the NCA and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) are expected to take over and manage the common platform for their regulatory purposes and to assist them to perform their obligation. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful answered questions on issues about mobile phone data usage, mobile money transactions, rural telephony network, digital terrestrial platform and women empowerment, among others. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Police responded to a call of a battery in progress at the station, on the Forest Park branch, shortly before 5:30 a.m. Upon arriving, they found an unidentified woman on the tracks. According to police, witnesses told officers she jumped onto the tracks after an altercation with another person. A nurse takes part in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination mock drill at the COVID-19 vaccination center in Seoul, South Korea, on Feb. 9, 2021. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters/Pool/File Photo) South Korea Reaches Deals to Buy More COVID-19 Vaccines for 23 Million People SEOULSouth Korea has arranged to buy coronavirus vaccines for 23 million more people, its prime minister said on Tuesday, a day after authorities said delays and efficacy concerns meant fewer people would be vaccinated in the first quarter of the year. The deals include Novavax vaccines for 20 million people and Pfizer products for 3 million, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in remarks at a meeting that were broadcast. The government has been working to bring in sufficient early supplies, but there is growing uncertainty over our vaccination plan for the first half due to production issues with global drugmakers and international competition to adopt more vaccines, he said. South Koreas Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during an interview with Reuters in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 28, 2021. (Heo Ran/Reuters) With a population of 52 million, South Korea had already secured enough doses for 56 million people from COVAX, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson, and is due to begin its first stage of vaccinations on Feb. 26. On Monday, authorities said they would not use AstraZenecas coronavirus vaccine on people aged 65 and older, reversing an earlier decision, and scaled back initial vaccination targets because of delayed shipments from global vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX. The country slashed its first-quarter target for how many people would be vaccinated from 1.3 million to less than 760,000. The director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Jeong Eun-kyeong, said the first-quarter adjustments were not expected to affect the goal of achieving herd immunity by November, though some independent health experts have cast doubts on the feasibility of that timeline. The KDCA reported 457 additional coronavirus cases as of midnight on Monday, bringing South Koreas total to 84,325 with 1,534 deaths. By Hyonhee Shin and Josh Smith Accusing the Congress of compromising on their ideology, Chief Minister on Tuesday alleged that differences between that party and BJP were narrowing down in the country. Addressing a press conference, the senior CPI(M) leader cited the donation given by senior leaders like Digvijaya Singh for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and said it was a "dangerous move". "The should realise that such a move amounts to giving recognition to the position being taken by the RSS," Vijayan said. He said this in response to a query on the controversy over a MLA in recently making a donation for the construction of the Ram temple. Congress MLA Eldhose Kunnappiily had made a contribution to the RSS workers last week, kicking up a row in the state. When some Muslim groups protested in front of his residence against the donation, the Perumbavoor MLA had apologised, claiming he was 'misled' by Sangh Parivar workers and was not aware that the donation was for the temple. Lashing out at the Congress, Vijayan said the MLA was following the footsteps of his party's important leaders like Digvijay Singh on the issue. "This is a very dangerous move", the Chief Minister said. He said the Congress so far had not taken a firm stand on any of the issues being faced by the nation. "They (the Congress) are compromising with such issues as they think that they will lose the votes of a section", he said, adding that the Congress would not be able to oppose the communal forces. Vijayan said the CPI(M)-led alliance has a very strong presence in and the LDF would continue to very strongly oppose any form of communalism. He cited the political developments in Puducherry, where Congress MLAs quit the party and their reported move to join the BJP and said "the differences between the Congress and BJP are narrowing down". (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.) Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Chan Jit Yen loves Lunar New Year. It is as much about festivities as it is a homecoming for the 31-year-old Malaysian woman. Chan, who lives in neighboring Singapore with her husband, usually takes a week off work to visit his family in Kuala Lumpur. They then travel to her hometown in Ipoh, and usher in the year with more visits, meals and celebratory firecrackers. Now, with the pandemic upending lives on both sides of bridges that link Singapore and Malaysia, Chan cannot travel. Instead, she opened the door of her rented apartment to four Malaysian students. Especially (for) Malaysian students, Chinese New Year has been something that theyre really looking forward to, Chan said. I hope they ... feel like home and not feeling left out in Singapore. Like Chan, the students are spending their first Lunar New Year away from home. They also have a shared interest in engineering, the field she studied before launching a healthy snacks startup. Chan heeded a call by the Malaysian Association in Singapore, which asked Malaysians to treat students to a meal over the festive period. The association eventually matched 25 students to 10 hosts. This initiative is all about the food and the people. Food is what brings people together, especially for Malaysians, said management committee member Lee Ji En. After mulling over several menus, Chan settled on a hot pot lunch. She visited a supermarket early on Saturday, and quickly got to slicing ingredients and preparing tomato and Sichuan peppercorn broths. Conversation flowed once the students arrived. They discussed university life, work prospects, and their favorite Malaysian cities and dishes. It was an otherwise quiet celebration for Ter Leong Kern, who visited Chan with three university friends. Under strict pandemic rules, households in Singapore, which has a handful of coronavirus cases reported daily, can welcome up to eight visitors a day. At night, Ter, 21, dreamed that he was celebrating with his family at their home in the Malaysian town of Klang. Ters father and mother have seven siblings each, and the family makes the rounds during the holiday season. Hope is hope, but reality is still a thing, you know, so we cannot go back, Ter said. I hope that the pandemic will go away as soon as possible because it has been very detrimental to all of our daily lives. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar warned of taking some harsh decisions, while Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the 3T formula of tracing, testing and treatment will have to be implemented Mumbai: A day after reporting 4,092 COVID-19 cases, highest single-day tally in more than a month, Maharashtra saw the daily count fall on Monday but it remained above 3,000 for the sixth straight day as the state government termed the situation as "alarming" and warned of "harsh decisions" after the recent spike. Describing as "alarming" the recent rise in fresh cases in some districts of Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed displeasure over people not following COVID-19 -related guidelines. A meeting has been convened by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai on Tuesday to take stock of the situation, he said. Speaking separately, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the "3T formula" of tracing, testing and treatment will have to be implemented strictly to curb the COVID-19 spread. On Monday, the number of daily cases stood at 3,365 in Maharashtra, where 4,092 infections, the highest single-day rise since the first week of January, were reported on Sunday. Also, 23 more patients succumbed to the infection, while over 3,100 people recovered from the infection. The new cases took the COVID-19 tally in the state to 20,67,643, an official statement said in Mumbai. Maharashtra reported 2,216 new cases on 8 February and 2,515 a day later. On 10 February, the number of daily cases surged to 3,451 and the single-day rise has been above the 3,000-mark since then. Apart from Mumbai, Nagpur and Amravati cities in the Vidarbha region reported over 400 new COVID-19 patients in a day on Monday. In view of the recent spurt in cases, Pawar on Monday warned of taking some "harsh decisions" and asked people to be prepared. Speaking to reporters in Aurangabad, Pawar said, "Harsh decisions can be taken and people should remain prepared. If certain decisions are not taken in time then we will have to pay a heavy cost later." "I have come across (reports that) people are not following the COVID-19 guidelines which are aimed at checking the spread of the infection. If the situation worsens, we may need to pay heavy cost for this carelessness. The number (of new cases in the state) is alarming. We have seen that lockdown was imposed in many parts of the world again in view of the second wave of the pandemic," the Deputy Chief Minister said. Talking to reporters separately in Aurangabad, Tope said the state government had managed to flatten the curve in the last one month as far as daily addition of cases was concerned, but the recent rise in numbers in Mumbai, Wardha and some other pockets was "alarming". "We have given instructions that the 3T formula of tracing, testing and treatment be implemented strictly, effectively. Testing needs to be increased. Meanwhile, people also need to follow COVID-19 guidelines," Tope added. Notably, a central team which visited parts of Maharashtra earlier this month, had in a meeting with the Chief Minister on February 8 noted that rural areas of Vidarbha - particularly in Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal and Bhandara districts - reported higher positivity rate. On the other hand, the number of patients discharged from hospitals across the state on Monday stood at 3,105, that is, more than double of those who headed for homes post recovery a day earlier. A total of 1,355 patients were discharged on Sunday. The number of recovered persons in the state stood at 19,78,708, the government said. The number of active cases in the state increased slightly to 36,201 on Monday from 35,965 a day earlier. According to the Maharashtra government, Palghar, located adjoining Mumbai, was the only district in the state which did not report a single COVID-19 case on Monday. With 23 new deaths reported on Monday, the state's fatality count rose to 51,552, the government said. The health department said of the 23 deaths, 7 were reported during the past 48 hours, while 3 were from the last week. The remaining 13 deaths were from the period before last week. Mumbai city continued to report the highest single-day cases in the state with a spike of 493 on Monday, while Nagpur city saw a jump of 415cases. Amravati city in Vidarbha saw a rise of 405 cases on Monday. Pune city in Western Maharashtra and Buldhana district in the Vidarbha region also reported three-digit rise in daily cases of 202 and 173, respectively. Raigad district in the Konkan region reported deaths of 11 persons, highest in the state on Monday, due to the disease. In Mumbai and Marathwadas Aurangabad city, three and two individuals died due to COVID-19 , respectively. Out of the total 3,365 new cases, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), accounted for 880. With this, the total number of cases reported in the MMR - which includes Mumbai and its satellite towns - till now has increased to 7,05,441. The region has reported 19,701 deaths till now. The country's financial capital alone has witnessed 3,14,569 cases and 11,422 deaths till now. The Akola division - which covers Amravati, Yavatmal, Buldhana and Washim districts, besides Akola - in Vidarbha reported a rise of 837 new cases. The states recovery rate is 95.7 percent, while the fatality rate is 2.49 percent, the department said. With 37,418 new tests on Monday, the number of samples tested so far in the state increased to 1,53,59,026, the government said. Meanwhile, alarmed by the rising number of coronavirus cases in Amravati since the beginning of February, the district administration has imposed a night curfew but ruled out the imposition of a fresh lockdown. District Collector Shailesh Naval told PTI on Monday that the rise in cases in Amravati can be attributed to more number of people coming forward for testing. Amravati district on Monday reported 449 fresh coronavirus positive cases, taking the count to 25,743. "The curfew is aimed at controlling crowding at public and market places. It does not mean closing down businesses or markets which will function as usual," the collector said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Beijing has not funded any infrastructure project under the China- Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, said the Senate Special Committee on CPEC projects. According to a report by The Express Tribune, during the committee meeting Senator Sikandar Mandhro, chief of transport planning at the Planning Ministry, said because of the absence of the CPEC funding, some projects, including the Khuzdar-Basima project, were being carried out from the federal development funds. Meanwhile, Committee member Senator Kabir Ahmad Shahi informed that only paperwork was carried out on CPEC. "The project started in a way that a tent was set up with a watchman sitting there. The fence around the New Gwadar Airport is a shambles," he said. Moreover, the projects under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master plan have not been started. In 2015, announced an economic project in worth USD 46 billion. With the CPEC, Beijing aims to expand its influence in Pakistan and across Central and South Asia in order to counter the influence of the United States and India. The CPEC would link Pakistan's southern Gwadar port (626 kilometers, 389 miles west of Karachi) in Balochistan on the Arabian Sea to China's western Xinjiang region. It also includes plans to create road, rail and oil pipeline links to improve connectivity between and the Middle East. (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.) Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the ruling military council and deputy minister for information, held the Myanmar juntas first news conference Tuesday since it seized power in a coup on Feb. 1. The briefing in the capital Naypyidaw was widely boycotted by the local media, leaving RFA Burmese Service senior editor Aye Aye Mon free to pose multiple questions to the military spokesman on issues including the constitutionality of the coup, the detention of elected leaders, the use of force against protests, and the death from gunfire of a young protester. A video of the back and forth with the veteran army flack, which was broadcast live on state TV, went viral on social media in the country of 54 million people. Within hours, some 200,000 people had shared it on the RFA Burmese Facebook page. Following are excerpts from the exchange, edited for length and clarity: RFA: State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and the elected government leaders have been removed and charged with possession of a walkie talkie and other charges. The international community has criticized the lawsuit as politically motivated. How do you respond to the criticism that the military government is neglecting the rule of law? Zaw Min Tun: We will abide by laws that do not supersede the Constitution. Many laws have to be taken into consideration in executing political processes. We will not do anything that is not in accord with the law. RFA: Under the 2008 constitution the president can be removed from his position only with the consent of 2/3 of parliament. It has now been widely pointed out that President Win has been removed unlawfully. What do you have to say on this? Zaw Min Tun: That is Section 71. You read it out from the Constitution and thus it is correct. But there are other laws regarding that one. In section 417 let me quote. If there is or reason to believe that there is an emergency situation when the state power is endangered by insurrection ...Under section 40(c) of Chapter 1... The commander in chief can take over state power in accordance with the Constitution if an emergency situation comes up by insurrection or threats by force leading to disintegration of the union and unity of the national races or if sovereignty is endangered. The Tatmadaw has issued several statements following the coup and you can see all the explanations about the legality in those statements. RFA: Certain laws have been changed in recent days without the consent of the parliament and, in some cases like penal code amendment, the protesters can be given 20-year jail sentences. However, on the other hand, in several videos online we have seen security personnel using excess of force against peaceful protesters in many incidents. Will action be taken against these perpetrators from the security forces? How much guarantee can we get from the Tatmadaw that unarmed peaceful protesters can be protected by the law? Zaw Min Tun: People have their rights under the Constitution. But when they are using their rights as citizens, they must also respect the rights of others. In an emergency period, there are certain regulations. The first objective of the new laws is achieving peace and security for the people and the country. We didnt put restrictions on everything. There are restrictions only on certain situations. Police and other security personnel are carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with their manuals. What happened at Thabyegon was started by the protesters who yelled out vulgarities and threw rocks at the police. I can definitely say the security forces didnt start the violence. Zaw Min Tun: We have seen the videos too. The trucks carrying the police were moving along and some people were throwing rocks at them. The police cannot use a truncheon or firehose from the car. Depending on the locality, the policemen might be using slingshots. For his own defense and instead of using a gun, he may use it. Police manuals do not say they have no right to use slingshots.Zaw Min Tun: We didnt say in our statements that we used rubber bullets. We will give you video files on this. She was one of those who threw rocks at the police. We are also conducting an investigation. In our statements we said she was wounded by gunfire, we didnt say whether it was rubber bullets or real bullets. We will handle this case in accordance with the law. RFA: Since the military came to power, the internet has been cut off or severely restricted several times. There were also total shutdowns. Why the shut down? There are reports saying that China is helping the military regimes cybersecurity firewalls, to spy on anti-government activities and critics and to curtail the freedom of information and debate. Are they true? Zaw Min Tun: We didnt write (the draft Cyber Security Law). It has existed since the previous government. I cannot say whether we will pass new laws. Rumors abound. We do not need Chinese IT experts to build firewalls. I can say we have enough IT experts to deal with this. RFA: This question is about freedom of the press. The Commander-in-Chief said yesterday that he accepted the media as the fourth pillar. It has often said it will not deviate from the path of democracy. But on the other hand, the government is also repeatedly monitoring the press, restricting the free press and online discussion, and limiting social media network. It has suspended the Privacy Act, and is enacting cyber laws. Now a new criminal offense has been created for defamation of the state. Does the military guarantee freedom of the press? Zaw Min Tun: The media has been writing freely since Feb. 1. But it is important that everything should be within the bounds of the law. I cannot give guarantees that we will or we wont impose restrictions. But I dare say we will do everything in accordance with the law. RFA: Are you going to arrest people if I resume RFA's Politics Today Program? Zaw Min Tun: All I can say it we will act according to the law. I will not say we will arrest nor not arrest someone. But we will act according the law as necessary. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Picture of two newborn white bengal tiger cubs in Yunnan Wildlife Zoo in Kunming, Southern China, on Oct. 12, 2018. (FRED DUFOUR/AFP via Getty Images) White Tiger Cubs in Pakistan Likely Died of COVID-19 Two 11-week-old white tiger cubs that died in a Pakistani zoo last month appear to have died of COVID-19, officials said. Zoo officials believe two white tiger cubs that died in a Pakistan zoo last month may have been victims of COVID-19. The cubs died in the Lahore Zoo on Jan. 30, four days after beginning treatment for what officials thought was feline panleukopenia virusa disease the zoo said is common in Pakistan and targets cats immune systems. But an autopsy found the cubs lungs were badly damaged and they were suffering from severe infection. Pathologists concluded that they died from COVID-19. Zoo deputy director Kiran Saleem said the cubs had probably caught the virus from someone handling and feeding them. She said all the zoos staff were tested for coronavirus with six testing positive including one who handled the cubs. Animal rights activists say hundreds of animals die in Pakistans zoos from poor living conditions and neglect and Zufishan Anushay, founder of the Justice for Kiki Animal Rescue And Shelter, said this case was no different. Saleem rejected such allegations, saying that animal rights activists were welcome to visit. Reporting by Olivia Chan Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. 02/16/2021 Photo (c) Peter Zelei Images - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.) Total U.S. confirmed cases: 27,703,142 (27,505,950) Total U.S. deaths: 486,520 (482,956) Total global cases: 109,285,411 (108,682,468) Total global deaths: 2,411,745 (2,398,085) New cases fall to lowest level since October All across the country, doctors are reporting declines in new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19). On Monday, the number of new cases of the virus fell to 53,000. Thats the smallest number of new cases since October. California, which has been grappling with a surge in new cases and a record number of hospitalizations, reported its lowest daily case increase since early November. But health officials point out that its much too early to breathe a sigh of relief. "The only thing that I'm concerned about now, is that we do have this U.K. variant, and it seems to be accelerating in the United States," Dr. Peter Hotez, dean for the National School for Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, told CNN. CDC says to avoid taking pain relievers before getting vaccinated Some people who are scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine are taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication like Tylenol or Motrin in anticipation of some post-shot pain or discomfort. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that thats not a good idea. In updated guidance, the CDC says government health researchers dont have enough information about how those medications interact with the COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibody response. It says antihistamines prior to the vaccination should also be avoided. Doctors say antihistamines wont prevent a physical reaction to the vaccine shot and could actually hide a problem that should be addressed. The CDC says it should be fine to take an OTC pain reliever, if needed, after getting the shot. Cuomo says New York didnt try to cover up nursing home deaths New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, on the defensive after it was revealed the state under-reported nursing home deaths from COVID-19, is pushing back against allegations that the state engaged in a cover-up. The truth is everybody did the best they could, Cuomo told reporters. The truth is it was the middle of a terrible pandemic. The truth is, Covid attacks older people. The truth is, with all we know, people still die. But critics argue that state officials feared criticism after they ruled in March that nursing homes in the state could not bar new residents who tested positive for COVID-19. Existing heart drug may help long haulers Some existing drugs have proven useful in the fight against COVID-19. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine now say a drug used for heart failure appears to relieve a symptom of so-called long-hauler syndrome. Thats a condition in which a COVID-19 patient continues to suffer some symptoms months after recovery. Writing in the February 15, 2021, online issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, study authors investigated the drug ivabradine and its effects on heart rate, quality of life, and plasma norepinephrine levels in persons living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, otherwise known as POTS. This complex, debilitating disorder affects the bodys autonomic nervous system, causing a high heart rate, usually when standing. In our contemporary practice, we are seeing patients who have previously been infected with COVID-19 present with symptoms consistent with POTS, said Jonathan Hsu, MD, cardiologist at UC San Diego Health. Given the similarities, this study leads to the question whether therapy with ivabradine may help patients who experience similar symptoms after a COVID-19 infection, and provide an important area for future study as well. COVID-19 cant dampen the Mardi Gras spirit Today is Mardi Gras, but the streets are empty in New Orleans. The annual parades have been canceled because of the pandemic, and revelers -- if there are any -- have to keep a safe distance from each other. Instead of floats moving down the streets, New Orleans residents have decorated their homes as floats. Instead of spectators lining the streets, spectators are driving their cars past these decorated homes to partake in a little Mardi Gras spirit. Just to make sure partiers dont ignore the warnings and begin to congregate in the French Quarter, New Orleans police have blocked off Bourbon Street and other traditional Mardi Gras thoroughfares. Were prepared to take whatever action is necessary to protect the safety of this city and if arrest is that action, so be it, said New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. Around the nation Mumbai, Feb 16 : Bollywood heartthrob Vicky Kaushal has revealed a secret about himself. He confesses being a pro procrastinator, along with a snapshot on Instagram from a magazine shoot on Tuesday. "Pro procrastinator," ran his two-word caption with the image. Vicky, who keeps creating buzz being spotted with 'good friend' Katrina Kaif at various dos, has his plate full with several films lined up. He is currently busy with Shoojit Sircar's "Sardar Udham", where he plays the titular revolutionary. A while back, he shared the first look from his upcoming film "The Immortal Ashwatthama". Written and directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is expected to go on floors later this year. Vicky will also be seen sharing screen space with former beauty queen Manushi Chhillar in an untitled project. His othe rupcoming film is Karan Johar's "Takht", where he is cast as Aurangzeb. The historical drama revolves around Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and his brother Dara Shikoh, played by Ranveer Singh, and their fight for the throne The National Award-winning star was last seen in the horror film "Bhoot Part One: The Haunted Ship". -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi/Kolkata, Feb 16 : The Congress will hold seat sharing talks with the Left parties on Tuesday, ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls. Sources said it is likely that an agreement will be reached on Tuesday about the number of seats to be contested by each side. The Congress and Left had missed the earlier seat sharing deadline, which was January 31. The party is now pressing its state unit to finalise the seat sharing agreement so that the preparations for the election could be started immediately. Sources privy to the talks said that the Congress' main focus will be on quality of seats and not quantity, unlike in Bihar where the party contested too many seats but won only 19. The Congress has set up a committee to chalk out a seat sharing agreement with the Left parties, which includes Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Abdul Mannan, Pradeep Bhattacharya and Nepal Mahato. The committee has identified strong seats and is talking to the Left with all prospects on the table. One of the panel members said, "We are focusing on strong seats only." Congress sources said that the results of the Bihar Assembly polls will not have a bearing on West Bengal as every state is different. In the 2016 Bengal Assembly election, the Left had contested on more seats but it was the Congress which came second with 44 seats. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The global fruit & vegetable processing enzymes market has grown steadily in the last few years. The market size is projected to reach USD 41.39 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of around 6.7% from 2016 to 2022. The high specificity of enzymes in biochemical reactions is the major driving factor of this market. The global market based on sources has been segmented into bacteria and fungi. This is because bacteria is largely used to increase the shelf-life of fruits & vegetables for a prolonged time. Moreover, bacteria contributes to the easy genetic transformation for enzyme, which has led to the dominance of bacteria compared to other microorganisms in the fruit & vegetable processing enzymes market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=253649892 The global market, based on type, has been segmented into amylase, pectinase, protease, and cellulase. The amylase segment accounted for the largest share of the fruit & vegetable processing enzymes market in 2015. Amylases are mainly used in industries, such as food & beverages due to its cost effectiveness, and less time-consuming methods, and therefore the demand is high. Microorganisms are considered as the best source of these enzymes. Alpha-amylase, beta-amylase, and gluco-amylase are the major types of amylases. Out of the three types, a-amylase and gluco-amylase are used in a wider range of products in the food & beverage industry. In the form segment, the market has been segmented on the basis of liquid and powder. The liquid form accounted for the largest share in 2015. The liquid enzyme is used directly in its liquid form or sprayed and absorbed onto a solid carrier. The liquid formulation of enzyme is supplied as a liquid solution, which is sprayed on the pellets. The growth in this segment is attributed to three major components, such as enzymatic, physical, and microbial stabilities are considered by manufacturers during the production stage which has resulted in the increased demand. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to surpass Europe as the second-largest consumer of fruit & vegetable processing enzymes. This is due to the rising demand from India and China, which has contributed to the industrial growth for food & beverages. More than two-thirds of the fruit & vegetable processing enzymes market in the Asia-Pacific region is import-dominated. Therefore, enzyme manufacturers have investment opportunities in new product developments across the Asia-Pacific region. This report includes a study of marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolio of leading companies. It includes the profiles of leading companies such as E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (U.S.), Associated British Foods Plc (U.K.), Koninklijke DSM N.V. (The Netherlands), Novozymes A/S (Denmark), and Group Soufflet (France). Speak to Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=253649892 Target Audience: Seven weeks into his tenure atop the House, Speaker Ron Mariano took to the weekend airwaves to call for prioritizing vaccine availability to educators, outline security policies at the State House, unpack his work with the partys more liberal members, and more. In a two-part interview (Part 1 | Part 2) on CBS Bostons Keller At Large and a separate appearance on WCVBs On The Record, Mariano faced a range of questions about the states COVID-19 response and his leadership approach. Mariano Wants Teachers Into the Head of the Line Massachusetts early education and K-12 workers are likely still weeks away from starting to qualify for COVID-19 vaccines, slotted behind another not-yet-eligible group that includes individuals aged 65 and older, those with two or more comorbidities, and residents and staff of low-income and affordable senior housing. Asked by Keller about worries from teachers, Mariano replied, I dont have a problem with the concerns that have been expressed, but I think its incumbent upon us to move teachers into the head of the line so that they have access to the vaccine. They can say with some degree of confidence that theyre protected, Mariano said. They can take the vaccine, still mask up, still practice social distancing, and be relatively safe, relatively sure in knowing theyre safe from infection. Mariano told On The Record that under the current conditions he would hesitate to push a teacher back to in-person work, particularly if they may be caring for an elderly or immunocompromised relative, because everyones home situation is different. A former teacher and School Committee member, Mariano stressed during both of his interviews that he wants to see students return to classroom learning as soon as possible, if they havent already, a goal that Gov. Charlie Baker has been targeting for months. The education theyre receiving now is second-rate, Mariano told Keller. You cant send kids to school for one day a week or two days a week or half-days and expect education to go on as it had been. Were deluding ourselves if we dont make this a priority. We have to get these kids back into school on a regular basis. Growing Vaccine Rollout Criticism While members of his Democratic caucus pen letters and lob public criticism at the Baker administration nearly every day, Mariano has been increasingly vocal about his frustrations with the distribution since he took the speakership. In a Dec. 30 interview with WCVB, Mariano replied I have no idea when asked for his opinion on the states vaccine rollout that at that point had been underway for about two weeks. Asked if he was looking into the issue, Mariano then said, I just got here. His televised interviews Sunday, nearly two months after that WCVB interview, featured far more critical commentary on how the state has been handling the immunization campaign and the more than 1 million doses administered. Mariano said the distribution has been problematic, flagging a lack of flexibility in the system during his OTR interview. We shouldve been more prepared and had more flexibility in the way were dispensing the vaccine, Mariano told Keller. What we did was lock ourselves into a procedure using the advice of the vaccine commission -- and I was on that commission -- we put it into categories, and the first category was 75 and older. To think that those folks were going to get online with the computer was not really a practical decision and one that really was going to be very effective. The speaker also raised concerns about the Baker administrations companion policy announced last week, which opened up eligibility to individuals of all ages if they accompanied a senior citizen to a mass vaccination site. I was disappointed. I dont think it makes an awful lot of senses, Mariano told OTR. By allowing people to jump ahead of the categories, weve sort of wasted the work that this commission did, so I think it was an unwise decision. Asked by Keller if the administration has found a surer footing for the rollout, Mariano replied, I think were on our way. Is it a flawless system right now? Absolutely not. I think we have an awful lot of work to do, and we have to identify sites with easier access and with more transportation options. Push Toward Racial Equity The demands a group of Black State House staffers made last summer remain a priority, Mariano said in his Keller appearance, describing discussions between legislative leaders and the Beacon Building Leaders of Color (Beacon BLOC) group as ongoing. Mariano pointed to the Legislatures creation of a new Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion, which will be chaired by Rep. Bud Williams of Springfield and Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz of Jamaica Plain, as an important step. I think that will be the first step in identifying some of the problems we deal with in legislation around racial equity, Mariano said. At the same time, well continue to have the talks with employees about where they see some of the problems in our operations. Overall, he told On The Record, a dozen members of color in the House will be in decision-making positions through their committee assignments in the 2021-2022 lawmaking session. Securing the State House Mariano said he currently feels comfortable going to work at the State House, but after watching rioters breach the Capitol last month, the House leader said he thinks maintaining more strict security at the State House for now is the wisest course of action. There is an awful lot of unrest. It was hard to watch what went on in the Capitol and not bring it home and ask what would happen if they had rallied outside the State House in Boston, Mariano said during his On The Record appearance. Mariano last week announced the creation of a new Committee on Operations, Facilities and Building Security, chaired by Everett Rep. Joseph McGonagle of Everett, a former city councilor. The new committees charge is to assess the security of House offices, hearing rooms and the chamber, and ensure safety in a building that must also be accessible to the public. Mariano noted the State Police maintain an attachment across the street from the State House. Its not a big one, but Im confident reinforcements would arrive fairly quickly if we needed them, Mariano said. An Ear for Liberals? With his elevation to speaker compared with moderate Democrat Joe Biden entering the White House, Mariano was asked what as a leader he can offer to the more liberal wing of the party and members of the House. I offer them an ear to listen to the issues that are their priorities. I offer them access in my leadership team that we appointed last week to one of the more progressive women in the House in Claire Cronin, who has handled issues like the ROE Act, Mariano said. The speaker last week installed Cronin, of Easton, as the number two Democrat in the House last week. She succeeds Mariano as majority leader, becoming the first woman to hold that position. Cronin last year helped lead efforts in the House to pass a major police accountability bill and an expansion of abortion access. Secrecy Under the Dome A debate over House rules that could bring more transparency to the legislative process has been put off until July, but Mariano said he still thinks its important for negotiations over major bills to remain private. Mariano said behind closed doors had a negative connotation, but he defended the practice. Well do our best to talk about whats happening and where the process is, but it is a process thats best done when theres a certain degree of confidence that what youre saying is not going to be misinterpreted or publicly broadcast, Mariano said. Mariano said many of the conversations that take place between members about policy are about talking to people you trust and testing positions for reactions. Later in the interview, Mariano was shown a clip of himself over a decade ago suggesting that sometimes making political donations does afford people more access to policy makers. Asked if still felt that way, Mariano said it was a perception that donations buy access, but he said hes always raised money in compliance with campaign finance rules, and will continue to be careful to do so as he takes on a broader role as speaker. Growing Back the Stache? On The Record host Ed Harding opened with the absence of Marianos hallmark black mustache, which the speaker said went the way of the pandemic. When the pandemic hit, everyone was growing a beard, so I started shaving, Mariano joked. But after WCVBs Janet Wu showed Mariano that clip of her interviewing him in the State House from 2007, Mariano admitted to a bit of nostalgia for the facial hair. After seeing that, I might want to go back, he said. Australias medical regulator cut no corners approving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for all adults aged over 18, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison assured the country the new vaccine had gone through a rigorous safety process. Its the second coronavirus vaccine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and follows the World Health Organisations emergency approval of the AstraZeneca immunisation for all adults. Professor John Skerritt from the Therapeutic Goods Administration said the vaccine is safe in adults of all ages. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But the recommendation for a 12-week gap between doses adds a complication to the logistics of the rollout, with the government admitting the October end date of the program may be pushed out. Mr Morrison said the provisional approval means the country now has two safe and effective vaccines for the virus. Conservative-friendly social network Parler announced it was relaunching Social network Parler, which is popular with supporters of Donald Trump, announced Monday it had relaunched after being forced offline over incitements to violence on the platform. Parler, which calls itself "the free speech social network", came under scrutiny following the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Apple and Google pulled the network's app from their download platforms and Amazon's web hosting service cut ties as well. "Parler was built to offer a social media platform that protects free speech and values privacy and civil discourse," interim CEO Mark Meckler said in a statement. He added the network was determined to return despite being taken offline "by those who desire to silence tens of millions of Americans." Parler, which claims to have over 20 million users, said it was back for users that already had its app. New users won't be able to get access until next week. Some users reported Monday on other social networks that they were having trouble connecting, including owners of Apple devices. The January 6 attack, when Donald Trump's supporters stormed the US Congress building in Washington, was followed by questions over the influence of Trump and far-right groups on social media. The ex-president was banned from Facebook and Twitter over the incitement of rioters in the storming of the US Capitol. "Parler is being run by an experienced team and is here to stay. We will thrive as the premier social media platform dedicated to free speech, privacy and civil dialogue," Meckler said. Nevada-based Parler, which launched in 2018, operates much like Twitter, with profiles to follow and "parleys" instead of tweets. In its early days, the platform attracted a crowd of ultraconservative and even extreme-right users. It has since signed up many more traditional Republican voices. Parler fired its chief executive John Matze soon after the deadly attack on the US Capitol. Explore further Parler social network fires chief exec John Matze: report 2021 AFP Geoff Callister will lead the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) and mining lease application for the project and will implement social and community programs. Kingston is advancing the environmental and approvals program on the path to project development. ( ) (FRA:RZZ) has appointed highly experienced industry veteran Geoff Callister to help lead the companys project approval and social responsibility programs at its 3.6-million-ounce Misima Gold Project in Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. The appointment will expand Kingstons in-country management team as the project progresses through mining studies and regulatory approvals. Callister will steer preparation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) and mining lease application for the project and will manage the critically important engagement with local communities, landowners and the government. He will work alongside the Misima exploration manager, Andrew Harwood, who is a highly capable geologist with more than 30 years experience in the mining industry. Accelerate next stage of development Kingstons managing director Andrew Corbett said: Following the completion of the highly successful Misima PFS in late 2020, we are absolutely delighted that Geoff has accepted this key position with Kingston to accelerate the next stage of project development. Geoff brings a set of vital skills around positive social and community engagement and environmental and mining approvals to the Kingston team. Besides, he has extensive professional experience working at Misima Island and more broadly within Papua New Guinea. Geoffs experience includes five years working with Placer Dome as the sustainability planning and mine closure officer at the Misima Gold Mine. He has also worked at the Lihir Gold Project, the Porgera Gold Mine and on the Frieda River Project all landmark PNG projects. We are very much looking forward to Geoff joining the Kingston team as we move to the next exciting stage at Misima. Callisters experience Callister is a social performance manager with more than 20 years of experience in the mining industry, and his expertise includes project implementation, stakeholder and government engagement, community development and natural resource management. His earlier assignments include advising various levels of the PNG Government, aid and bilateral agencies, local civil society, small businesses, international NGOs, and he has also worked with mining companies including Placer Dome, Barrick and Newcrest. Most recently, he worked on gaining approvals for the Freida River Project as in-country lead for the PanAust team which successfully delivered the full feasibility study, EIS and environmental permit and Special Mining Lease applications to the PNG government. PFS for Misima In November 2020, Kingston delivered the pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the Misima project, forecasting annual gold production of around 130,000 ounces at an all-in cost of $1,159 per ounce over an initial 17-year mine life. Alongside the PFS, a maiden 1.35-million-ounce gold reserve was reported as well as an upgraded 3.6-million-ounce resource. The PFS projected life-of-mine revenue of almost $5 billion, free-cash-flow of $1.5 billion, a pre-tax Net Present Value of $822 million and an Internal Rate of Return of 33% based on a conservative gold price of US$1,600 per ounce. At a gold price of US$1,900/ounce, the project delivers an NPV of $1.28 billion and an IRR of 48%. Kingston currently has two diamond drill rigs undertaking extensional and infill drilling within the existing resource area. It is also advancing the environmental and approvals program, which Callister will now lead, in preparation for the commencement of the definitive feasibility study in the second half of 2021. Something about the idea of a "fixed" connection between Ireland and Britain sets so many people's teeth on edge; mostly, in Stormont and Holyrood, those of a nationalist persuasion. Even though the recipient of an entrance point wouldn't be in the Republic, one can see how it might be a bit rich to have the "British connection", as it were, back up and running only a hundred years after independence. Read More That seems to be a powerful attitude, if a visceral and fairly illogical one. Resistance to the idea of a tunnel mirrors the dismissals of the idea of a bridge - also a notion raised by the PM as he thinks about the changing relationships in these islands as a result of Brexit and renewed calls for independence referenda and border polls. Whether or not any of those "separatist" initiatives come to anything, there is a clear need for the links, associations and relationships to be refreshed and reinvigorated. There is something compelling about the idea of physical connections of that type; there is also a growing ambition among those who can make it happen, to do precisely that. The tunnel proposals were submitted by the High-Speed Rail Group (HSRG), which comprises over 20 of the biggest companies involved in high-speed rail in the UK and the Railway Industry Association. Contrary to the notion that the tunnel was pulled out of a hat to make unionists feel loved, the idea of physical links between these islands has been a theme of Boris Johnson's for some years now. Setting aside the amusing comments from Tory MP and chair of the NI Select Committee, Simon Hoare, that "the trains could be pulled by an inexhaustible herd of unicorns overseen by stern, officious dodos", the arguments end up being about cost and priorities and the sense that the proposal has more than a touch of grandiose Victorian monumentalism about it, epitomised in the satiric tag "Boris's Burrow". But none of these are actually very persuasive as to why it ought not be done. No one has argued that trade would be more difficult, community relations damaged, free movement of people hampered, travel more expensive, parochialism promoted, jobs lost, tourism impeded, employment opportunities reduced, families split apart In fact, all of these issues would be improved by an immediate physical link between the two islands. One could drive from Galway to Rome; you could live in Leeds and work in Belfast or Derry. One could work in Britain and be home in Ireland for tea. The drive is equivalent to Belfast to Downpatrick with only a fraction of the culture shock. People might drift north on this island over time to be closer to the tunnel entrance. People might move here from England, attracted by a better lifestyle yet still easy access to loved ones home. The tunnel at 10bn would cost a fraction of what the estimated 109bn HS2 railway link does - even cancelling that link would cost 2bn more than the cost of the tunnel. Simply put, there's no financial argument against this revolutionary infrastructural innovation. The Brexit breakthrough conversation in October 2019 between Johnson and Varadkar in the Wirral was a moment when the axis of communication shifted from London-Brussels to Dublin-London - and it hasn't really ever shifted back. There was a clear sense that a new context for Anglo-Irish relations could be in the offing. Obviously, the controversies over the backstop first and now the Article 16 trigger tarnished those possibilities. But the EU sidelining Ireland in its unilateral deployment of the article only reinforced the sense that there are common interests at work in these north European islands which the EU doesn't really give a damn about. The potential remains very attractive. The common language is a big draw for Irish people moving abroad; there are advantages for GB to have closer ties with Ireland as its nearest EU neighbour; a realignment of interests across the various nations as power and influence shifts would be to the benefit of all parties. There is no diminution of sovereignty implied anywhere in the idea. Scotland, Wales, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, would all clearly benefit. The construction jobs boost alone would be colossal. There is more to be welcomed than feared. There is certainly nothing fantastical about any of it - yes, the Channel Tunnel was decades in the planning, but this is the 21st century now, not the mid-20th. Technology has advanced and ideology needs to shift with it. In addition to the obvious material benefits of a connection by tunnel, there would also be a transformative process in attitudes, perspectives and relationships. National-minded administrations and parties need to be cautious about resisting such change - the Scottish Parliament has refused to entertain the idea, though with no actual reason why. Scotland enjoys full cross-border access to the riches of the big English economy. So does Wales. Why it would be keen to deny such access to Northern Ireland or Ireland is a mystery, especially amid endless talk of 'Celtic solidarity'. Such a tunnel would help to reassure northern unionists while bringing substantial benefits to the island as a whole. It has no constitutional implications and does not have anything to say about a border, but it does have a lot to say about trade, movement and communication. Let's face it, if Westminster is planning to raise the money to build it, why on earth would anybody say no? ATLANTA, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only Southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today the opening of its newest Florida restaurant in St. Petersburg. On the heels of the brand's Coral Springs debut in January, the St. Petersburg restaurant marks Chicken Salad Chick's 27th location in Florida and continues its string of development across the state, with an opening slated for Ocala later this month. Located at 1221 4th Street North in the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood, Chicken Salad Chick St. Petersburg will celebrate its grand opening on March 2 and will offer free chicken salad for a year to the first 100 guests. Complementing the Historic Old Northeast District location, the restaurant's entrance will feature a mural painted by local artist and gallery-owner, Alyssa Marie, in connection with St. Petersburg's vibrant arts culture and murals throughout the city. Chicken Salad Chick is closely following Florida's state and local guidelines for COVID-19 procedures and will open the St. Petersburg restaurant with social distancing measures in place. All employees will be wearing masks, as well as practicing proper handwashing and food safety protocol, and all guests will be required to wear masks until seated for dining. During grand opening week, guests will experience the Southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for, with giveaways and specials that include: Tuesday, March 2 Free Chicken Salad for a Year The first 100 guests will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for an entire year, with one of those lucky guests randomly selected to win one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week.* The first 100 guests will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for an entire year, with one of those lucky guests randomly selected to win one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week.* Wednesday, March 3 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free Chick water bottle. The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free Chick water bottle. Thursday, March 4 The first 50 guests to make a purchase will receive a free scoop of Classic Carol and a Chick mask. The first 50 guests to make a purchase will receive a free scoop of Classic Carol and a Chick mask. Friday, March 5 The first 100 guests to purchase a large Quick Chick will receive a free Chick hat or Chick tote bag. The first 100 guests to purchase a large Quick Chick will receive a free Chick hat or Chick tote bag. Saturday, March 6 The first 50 guests to purchase two large Quick Chicks will receive a free Chick tumbler. The St. Petersburg restaurant is owned and operated by multi-unit franchise owners Paul and Linsay Rohr of Simply Southern Pinellas Group, LLC. The Rohrs were first introduced to the unique fast casual concept in 2011 and quickly cherished the brand's charm and made-fresh daily food. They decided to open their first location in Palm Harbor in 2016 and have since expanded Chicken Salad Chick's presence along central Florida and the west coast with additional locations in Seminole, Trinity, and now St. Petersburg. The Rohrs have a resilient passion for serving their community and during the Coronavirus pandemic, donated hundreds of meals to front line workers across the Bay area. Additionally, they've implemented fundraising opportunities across their restaurants in an effort to support local charities, with over $15,000 donated to the Folds of Honor Foundation in 2019 and $30,000 in 2020. "Being deeply engrained in our community was always a priority to Paul and I, and as we grew with Chicken Salad Chick, we were given more opportunities to further our local relationships. Especially in this past year, we wanted to be there for our neighbors just as they've been there for us," said Linsay Rohr. "We're thrilled to be expanding to St. Petersburg and know we'll be able to make a positive impact on the residents we serve through our comforting dining experience, fresh food and community-centric values." Chicken Salad Chick in St. Petersburg will be open Monday Saturday from 10:30a.m. to 8p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends. *Eligible winners must be over 16 years of age, purchase a Chick Special and are required to download the Craving Credits app. Redemption will start 3/8/21. For more information on giveaways and specials, visit https://www.facebook.com/chickensaladchickstpetersburg About Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama by Stacy and Kevin Brown, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 180 restaurants in 17 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in Franchise Times' Fast & Serious for the second consecutive year, Fast Casual.com's top Movers and Shakers from 2018 to 2020, QSR's Best Franchise Deals in 2019 and 2020, and Franchise Business Review's Top Food Franchises in 2020. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information. Contact: Shana Rosenthal Fish Consulting [email protected] 954-893-9150 SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick Related Links http://www.chickensaladchick.com The Harrisburg School District at noon Tuesday will celebrate Black History Month and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanias recognition of Harrisburg High School student Shaniya Robinson, the winner of the Black History Month literary writing contest for schools in the Harrisburg area. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and an intentional focus on cultural proficiency, the Harrisburg School District is pleased to observe Black History Month and the significant contributions and accomplishments that African Americans have and are making in America and the world, Kirsten Keys, the districts public relations coordinator, said in a press release. This years Black History Month celebration will feature an awards ceremony announcing winners of the literary contest, virtual student performances, readings by literary winners and a keynote address by State Rep. Joanna E. McClinton, the Democratic minority leader of the Pennsylvania House. The celebration is being coordinated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanias multi-agency Black History Committee. This years national theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity, which explores the rich history and heritage of the African American family, past and present. Robinsons winning literary work entitled My Brothers and Sisters will be featured virtually during the commonwealths Black History Month celebration, which also will start at noon. A link to her presentation will be available immediately following the celebration on Harrisburg School Districts website, Facebook, and Twitter sites. Click here to view Robinsons original literary presentation and here for the YouTube link. To register for this free event, visit https://www.puc.pa.gov/upcoming-events/black-history-month/. More information is available by contacting Rhonda Daviston at 717-787-6166 or John B. Brakeall at 717-783-9731 or 717-265-3928. ALSO READ: Heres how you can help PennLive salute Black Excellence in Central PA | Social Views Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA) let businesses apply for loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Through forgiveness of PPP loans, these businesses could have portions of the loan proceeds used toward eligible costs forgiven in full. While the applications for PPP loans closed in August 2020, some recent revisions in its provisions allow businesses to apply for a new PPP loan. But applicants wanting to apply for the new loan must do so by March 31. For existing loans, the program also allows borrowers to apply for loan forgiveness. More than five million loans were issued under the PPP. However, businesses were able to request forgiveness since August. Related: New Legislation Would Grant Automatic Forgiveness of PPP Loans Under $150,000 Loan forgiveness under PPP Borrowers can apply for loan forgiveness once they use all loan proceeds for which they are requesting forgiveness. The SBA allows them to apply for forgiveness any time up to the loan's maturity date. However, if borrowers do not avail of it within 10 months after the last date of the covered period, then the loan payments will not be deferred. They will need to start making loan payments to their PPP lender. Depending on the businesss circumstances, it can apply for loan forgiveness using one of the three loan forgiveness applications. These circumstances include the type of the business, the loan amount, and the reduction in staffing, salary or wages. Firstly, there is the 3508EZ Form, which is available for self-employed individuals with no employees or those who kept their employees count, and salaries and wages at a specified level. The second form is Form 3508S for loans of $50,000 or less. Form 3508S makes the process less complicated for eligible applicants and is designed for any businesses that don't qualify in the above categories. Businesses can get their first draw and second draw PPP loans forgiven. However, during the eight-to-24-week covered period following the loan disbursement, they need to have: Maintained employee and compensation levels. Spent the loan proceeds on payroll costs and other eligible expenses. Spent at least 60% of the proceeds on payroll costs. For second draw PPP loan forgiveness, they must also ensure that they have maintained employee and compensation levels similar to the requirement for the first draw PPP loan. Related: How to Obtain an SBA Coronavirus PPP Loan and Have It Forgiven Applying for loan forgiveness Businesses must contact their PPP lender and complete the correct form to get their PPP loan forgiven. As mentioned, they can use one of the three forms to do so. They must also compile their documentation that goes with the forgiveness application. These documents can either relate to payroll or non-payroll expenses. For payroll expenses, the documentation required includes the following: Bank account statements or other third-party payroll service provider reports. These statements or reports should document the amount of cash compensation paid to employees. These statements or reports should document the amount of cash compensation paid to employees. Tax forms overlapping with the covered period. These include payroll tax filings reported to the IRS and state quarterly business and individual employee wage reporting and unemployment-insurance tax filings. These include payroll tax filings reported to the IRS and state quarterly business and individual employee wage reporting and unemployment-insurance tax filings. Payment receipts, canceled checks or account statements. These will document the amount of any employer contributions to employee health insurance and retirement plans included in the forgiveness amount. For non-payroll expenses, businesses must provide the following documentation: Copy of lender amortization schedule and receipts or lender account statements for business mortgage payments. Copy of current lease agreement and receipts or canceled checks for business rent or lease payments. Copies of invoices and receipts, canceled checks or account statements for business utility payments. After compiling the required documents, businesses must submit their forgiveness form and documentation to their PPP lender. The lender may request additional documentation, which they must also provide. The SBA may take some time to approve the forgiveness application. During this time, businesses need to stay in contact with their PPP lender, who notifies the borrower when the SBA takes a review of their loan and the decision it reaches. Businesses also have an option to appeal certain SBA loan review decisions. Best of luck to everyone trying to keep their company afloat in this extraordinary time. Related: What to Know When Applying for a New PPP Loan By March 31 Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Your PPP Loan? How Does the New Stimulus Package Affect You? Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Seven COVID-19 samples of concern from Pauingassi First Nation are not the highly infectious B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the United Kingdom, Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer says. Seven COVID-19 samples of concern from Pauingassi First Nation are not the highly infectious B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the United Kingdom, Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer says. On Tuesday, Dr. Brent Roussin said screening results of genomic sequencing (or fingerprinting of the genome in the samples) received late Monday night show they are instead a variant previously identified in other communities and provinces. "We've seen this variant in the past here in Manitoba," Roussin said, adding it's not a fast-spreading one like B.1.1.7. "We haven't had any indication this is a variant of concern." Northern Manitoba communities had been waiting for results of positive COVID-19 tests, with fears the U.K. variant of the novel coronavirus was spreading in the area. One highlighted sample from Cross Lake First Nation remains to be identified. Meanwhile, the province reported 96 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, in addition to 71 positive tests recorded Monday, the Louis Riel Day holiday. Most of the new cases (93) are in the Northern Health region, with 51 in Winnipeg, 13 in Interlake-Eastern, eight in Southern Health, and two in Prairie Mountain. The five-day test positivity rate was 5.9 per cent provincewide, and 4.5 per cent in Winnipeg. Manitoba recorded four more pandemic deaths, all in the Winnipeg region: a man in his 60s; a man in his 70s linked to an outbreak at St. Boniface Hospital unit B5; a man in his 90s; and a woman in her 90s. The province's top doctor urged the public to remain vigilant, as the province relaxes pandemic response restrictions at the same time it braces for variants of the virus that are more communicable and pose a greater threat to the health-care system. "We have to continue to remain vigilant," Roussin said. "We've seen too many examples of individuals out and about while ill and exposing many, many Manitobans." On Tuesday, there were 1,625 active COVID-19 cases in Manitoba, with 230 hospitalizations (86 with active COVID-19 and 144 who are no longer infectious but continue to require care). There were 13 active COVID-19 cases in the province's intensive care units, as well as 13 who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care. Manitoba's total number of pandemic deaths was 875. Provincial laboratory numbers show 1,390 tests were completed Monday, bringing the total number since early February 2020 to 503,523. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca The polymer dots in the black solution (inset image) can absorb more light, and show better photocatalytic properties, than the single-component polymer dots in the coloured solutions. Hydrogen for energy use can be extracted in an environmentally friendly way from water and sunlight, using photocatalytic composite polymer nanoparticles developed by researchers at Uppsala University. In laboratory tests, these "polymer dots" showed promising performance and stability alike. How we are to meet future demand for sustainable energy is a much-debated question. One feasible way to go is hydrogen, which can be produced from renewable resources: water and solar energy. But the process requires what are known as photocatalysts. Traditionally, these have been made of metal-based materials that are often toxic. Instead, a research group headed by Haining Tian at Uppsala University's Angstrom Laboratory is working to develop nano-sized organic photocatalysts - "polymer dots" - designed to be both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Since polymer dots (Pdots) are so tiny, they are evenly distributed in water. Compared with traditional photocatalysts, this provides a larger reaction surface, which means that more light can be stored in the form of hydrogen gas. The research group has now developed a Pdot containing three components. In tests, the particle has shown very good catalytic performance and stability. "Combining several components that absorb light at different wavelengths is the easiest way to create a system in which all the visible surfaces capture light. But getting these components to work well together in a photocatalytic system is challenging," says Haining Tian, Associate Professor (Docent) of Physical Chemistry at Uppsala University. To investigate how well the various components work together, Tian and his colleagues used spectroscopic techniques in which the Pdot was exposed to light for a certain length of time. They were thus able to follow how photochemical intermediates were created and, under illumination, disappeared. "It's exciting to see that both ultrafast energy transfer and electron transfer take place in one particle, and that this helps the system to make use of the light and separate the charge for the catalytic process," says the study's lead author Aijie Liu, a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Chemistry - Angstrom Laboratory. The researchers have succeeded in optimising the system of triple-component polymer dots so that it catalyses the conversion of solar energy into hydrogen with a 7% efficiency rate at 600 nanometres (nm). This is significantly better than the 0.3% at 600 nm obtained by the group when they were working on Pdots consisting of only one component. One problem has previously been that the photocatalysts degrade prematurely, but now the researchers were unable to discern any distinct degradation even after 120 hours' testing. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 22:12:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's governing party African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday congratulated the Communist Party of China (CPC) on its centenary celebration. Ace Magashule, the ANC secretary-general, said this while announcing the decisions of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which took place on Feb. 13-14. "The NEC congratulates the Chinese people and government on the celebrations of the New Year and the centenary celebration of the CPC," said Magashule, adding that the ANC government would pursue and advance multilateral cooperation with progressive movements. "The NEC furthermore supports engagement with the BRICS and other progressive forces as well as other multilateral institutions in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and for equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines," said Magashule. Enditem New Delhi/Raipur, Feb 16 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has written a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, requesting her to sanction excise duty to Chhattisgarh as it was provided before. Baghel has stated in the letter that the year 2020-21 has been an extremely difficult financial year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, due to the adverse impact of the pandemic on all economic activities, the state's financial resources are expected to decrease by about 30 per cent, he said. "In the Union Budget for the year 2021-22, reduction in excise duty of petroleum products, gold and silver and many other items has been announced along with the imposition of 'Agricultural Infrastructure Development Cess'. This is expected to cause an additional loss of Rs 900 crore to Rs 1,000 crore to the state in the coming financial year," Baghel said. The Chief Minister further stated in the letter that the state is yet to receive the amount of Rs 3,700 crore in GST compensation fund from the Central government for the 2020-21 financial year. After announcing 60 lakh tonnes rice quota for Chhattisgarh in the past, the Central government has reduced the rice quota of the state by 16 lakh tonnes, due to which the state is likely to suffer a huge loss in the disposal of additional paddy collected by the state. The Chief Minister also stated in the letter that the decision to set up 'Agricultural Infrastructure Development Cess' is welcome, but the decision to reduce excise duty would certainly have adverse effect on the resources of the state. The excise duty deduction would cause additional damage to the state and its public welfare programme. Baghel has requested the Finance Minister that in view of the limited resources available to the state as compared to the Centre, Chhattisgarh should be provided ex-gratia amount as excise duty. This would save the state from additional financial loss. As museums continue seeking solutions to allow them to welcome visitors again (even in small numbers and even if it means running at a loss like the MET in New York1), the auction market has become a safety net for certain institutions, and, initial results in 2021 are showing a high level of demand in auction rooms! Global number of Fine Art works auctioned in the month of January (2000-2021) [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/02/image-1-fine-art.png] Global turnover from Fine Art auctions in the month of January (2000-2021) [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/02/image-2-fine-art-auction.png] January... Old Masters month With a 10% fall in turnover in 2020, the Old Masters (artists born before 1760) segment appears to have better withstood the impacts of the pandemic than other segments. This is probably due to the fact that a substantial proportion of the year's sales the Old Masters segment represents a remarkably solid market. "Old Master collectors are looking for the 'right piece' rather than the thrill of the moment" observes thierry Ehrmann, President and Founder of Artmarket.com and its Artprice Department. "The Old Masters market is by nature less sensitive to the temporary absence of fairs, large openings and gala dinners. Moreover, it's a market that actually appreciates extensive research and is happy to wade through detailed reports by experts... all of which can be done online". The battle to acquire the Portrait of a young man holding a roundel, attributed to Botticelli, ultimately brought together just two collectors. But these two determined bidders raised the price of the work to Sotheby's very audacious estimate in the midst of a global pandemic. Announced in September 2020, its sale deliberately left three months for all concerned to conduct the necessary research. London, held back by its covid variant... and Brexit The British capital usually hosts the year's second round of major sales. In February 2020, three paintings fetched over $20 million each at London sales: - The Splash (1966) by David Hockney - A la rencontre du plaisir (1962) by Rene Magritte - Portrait of Marjorie Ferry (1932) by Tamara De Lempicka But the health crisis has led to the postponement of London's first major sales of the year to March 2021. Moreover, the effective withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union risks weakening London's dominant position in this part of the world. Paris obviously hopes to benefit from this reorganization. The French capital is also continuing to attract more and more top talent from the Art Market. Since the beginning of the year, two of Italy's most powerful galleries, Continua and Massimo de Carlo, have opened in the Marais District, while Sotheby's is preparing to sell Christo and Jeanne-Claude's prestigious collection in Paris. The next few weeks promise to be exciting on the art market, both at auctions and in art galleries... some reassuring news ahead of the reopening of museums in Europe. 1 Julia Jacobs, Is Seeing That Renoir Essential? In the Pandemic, Cities Differ, The New York Times, 2 February 2021 Images: [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/02/image-1-fine-art.png] [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/02/image-2-fine-art-auction.png] Copyright 1987-2021 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com - www.artmarket.com Don't hesitate to c ontact our Econometrics Department for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: econometrics@artprice.com Try our services (free demo): https://www.artprice.com/demo Subscribe to our services: https://www.artprice.com/subscription About Artmarket: Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF. Discover Artmarket and its Artprice department on video: https://www.artprice.com/video Artmarket and its Artprice department was founded in 1997 by its CEO, thierry Ehrmann. Artmarket and its Artprice department is controlled by Groupe Serveur, created in 1987. See certified biography in Who's who : https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2019/10/biographie_oct2019_WhosWho_thierryEhrmann.pdf Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 749,000 artists. Artprice Images allows unlimited access to the largest Art Market image bank in the world: no less than 180 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians. Artmarket with its Artprice department accumulates data on a permanent basis from 6300 Auction Houses and produces key Art Market information for the main press and media agencies (7,200 publications). Its 4.5 million 'members log in' users have access to ads posted by other members, a network that today represents the leading Global Standardized Marketplace to buy and sell artworks at a fixed or bid price (auctions regulated by paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article L 321.3 of France's Commercial Code). Artmarket with its Artprice department, has been awarded the State label "Innovative Company" by the Public Investment Bank (BPI) (for the second time in November 2018 for a new period of 3 years) which is supporting the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the market art. Artprice by Artmarket's 2019 Global Art Market Report published in February 2020 : https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2019 Index of press releases posted by Artmarket with its Artprice department: http://serveur.serveur.com/press_release/pressreleaseen.htm Follow all the Art Market news in real time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (5 million followers) https://twitter.com/artmarketdotcom https://twitter.com/artpricedotcom Discover the alchemy and universe of Artmarket and its artprice department http://web.artprice.com/video headquartered at the famous Organe Contemporary Art Museum "The Abode of Chaos" (dixit The New York Times): https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013 L'Obs - The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 (4.5 million followers) https://vimeo.com/124643720 Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department - Contact: ir@artmarket.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lW5tkZlrZ5fJmm2aY5psZpRmbZxqm2LJbZaZmZJtZ8mamWpnnJyWbJ3KZm9onGxm - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-67770-artmarket-artprice-les-encheres-qui-reveillent-en.pdf Central Pennsylvania will see one calm day before another storm brings significant snow and possibly ice to the region, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologist Rachel Gutierrez said Wednesday will be dry, with some clouds and peeks of sunshine, which will be a nice break from consistent cloud cover seen in recent weeks. That said, late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, a new storm will move into the area, bringing potentially a foot of snow to the southern-most part of the state, Gutierrez said. The NWS has put a Winter Weather Watch in effect from 3 a.m. Thursday until Friday afternoon. Gutierrez said when the storm starts early Thursday morning, the Harrisburg region will see snow as this system has more moisture associated with it. In the Harrisburg region, 6 to 8 inches of snow are possible, Gutierrez said. The highest snowfall in the state will be in the southernmost part of the state, like Bedford and Chambersburg, which could see up to a foot of snow. That said, Gutierrez warned there is a lot of uncertainty about the type of precipitation that will fall in the southernmost part of the state. She said a wintry mix is expected, which could bring an ice glaze to that region. She also said if ice does come to south-central Pa. it would be a 10th of an inch at most according to current projections. Any ice will taper off Friday morning, and the storm overall will shift back to snow by the afternoon when it is also moving out of the area. After the storm, the weekend looks dry, Gutierrez said. However, the next storm system the NWS is monitoring could be in the area by Monday. Thursdays storm could lead to slick and icy roads, and if there is an ice glaze in the southern part of the state, it will not be good for the Friday morning commute, Gutierrez said. There also could be some visibility issues if there are heavy snowfall rates with the storm on Thursday, but that depends on the wintry mix, Gutierrez said. Shes an outspoken dog-loving reality star with both a signature collection of pet accessories along with a nonprofit dog rescue organization. And Lisa Vanderpump was seen leaving her adoption service Vanderpump Dog Foundation on Monday, near West Hollywood, California, along with her husband Ken Todd. The Vanderpump Rules matriarch, 60, was dressed stylishly in a black suit worn over a scarlet red vest. Dog mother: Lisa Vanderpump was seen leaving her adoption service Vanderpump Dog Foundation on Monday, near West Hollywood Underneath, she had on a white button down shirt open at the chest. Lisa accessorized with a silver choker, earrings, and several heavy-looking rings. She wore black stiletto heels. Her long brown straight hair flowed down over her shoulders. With her husband: The Vanderpump Rules matriarch was accompanied by her spouse of 38 years, Ken Todd Vanderpump shouldered a patchwork handbag with a chain handle. She had a small Pomeranian with her, who was wearing a pink dog suit. Lisa, nor her husband of 38 years Ken were wearing face masks. Put together: Lisa was dressed stylishly in a black suit worn over a scarlet red vest Todd, 63, kept things simple in a black suit worn over up field blue button down shirt. On his feet, he wore dark brown suede shoes. The pair are major advocates for animal rights, and in addition to the adoption agency, Lisa manages Vanderpump Pets, the collection of carriers and accessories. Seen at a Vanderpump Dog Foundation event in 2018: The pair are major advocates for animal rights, and in addition to the adoption agency, Lisa manages Vanderpump Pets Whats more, she will soon be a celebrity judge on Rebel Wilsons Australian import Pooch Perfect. Originally airing in Australia, the dog grooming show will be coming stateside, to be broadcast on ABC. Rebel's celebrity judges will be Lisa as well as a veterinarian called Callie Harris and dog-groomer-to-the-stars Jorge Bendersky. All the contenders on the program are meant to be professional dog groomers and they will have their assistants on hand to help them. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) With the rest of the world scrambling for vaccines against COVID-19, China has been distributing tens of millions of its locally made doses both in and out of the country. They have exported almost as many vaccine doses abroad as they have administered domestically, said Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sta. Romana during a virtual briefing Tuesday, noting Sinovac and Sinopharm had been ramping up production in the past few months. The diplomat said more than 40 million residents have already received shots of vaccines produced by local vaccine makers as of last week with very few adverse events reported by Chinese authorities. Meanwhile, the country had shipped out over 46 million doses of vaccines and/or their active ingredients to different countries including Indonesia, Turkey, and Brazil. It goes from Eastern Europe to Africa, Latin America, Asia, said Sta. Romana, noting Southeast Asia shall remain a priority of China in vaccine exports. The East Asian giant has basically been fulfilling the role of supplying vaccines to developing countries, having assisted over 50 in number, Sta. Romana said. Among these nations is the Philippines, who earlier secured 25 million doses of Sinovacs CoronaVac vaccine in early January. The envoy also stressed Manila is high in the priority list of the Chinese government in distributing vaccines, noting both countries status as neighbors and the easy transport of doses between them. However, he eventually noted Chinas supply pledge to the Philippines rests in the middle compared to its commitments to other countries. We are I would say yung ating number, 25 million, is on the moderate side, right about on the middle side. Neither on the top end, nor is it maliit lang [a small number], he added, noting these doses will be shipped out on a staggered basis. The initial shipments of Sinovacs vaccines are slated to arrive in the Philippines this month. Burundian refugee Velarie Ntahonicaye and her family pose outside their home in Kigoma Refugee Camp, Tanzania, April 2019. UNHCR/Clemence Eliah UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with 33 partners, is appealing for US$222.6 million to provide much needed humanitarian assistance for over 315,000 Burundian refugees during 2021. For nearly seven years, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been generously hosting refugees from Burundi. While last years political transition has brought hope that more refugees may be able to return home, the majority of Burundians will continue to be in need of international protection throughout 2021. This years funding appeal the 2021 Burundi Regional Refugee Response Plan seeks critical support for the provision of food, shelter and education, as well as access to healthcare and water, which are particularly needed to ensure prevention and response measures related to the coronavirus pandemic. Increased international support is crucial to ensure Burundian refugees receive meaningful protection and care in neighbouring countries, said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, UNHCRs Regional Director for the East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region. Committing resources is an important signal that the world has not forgotten Burundian refugees and their host communities. The appeal includes funding requirements to step up voluntary, safe and dignified return for those who choose to repatriate, and is complemented by a Joint Refugee Return and Reintegration Plan, which covers reception and monitoring of returnees, and support to help them reintegrate in Burundi. In 2020, the response to the Burundian refugee situation was among the most underfunded globally with last years US$293 million appeal just 40 per cent funded. The consequences for the lives of refugees and their host communities were acute. They included cuts to food rations, inadequate shelters, shortages of medicines, and insufficient livelihood activities. For more information on this topic, please contact: As many as 9,121 new COVID-19 cases and 81 deaths were reported by India in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Tuesday. With the new cases, the coronavirus tally in the country has reached 1,09,25,710 including 1,36,872 active cases and 1,06,33,025 discharges. The death toll has mounted to 1,55,813 with the loss of 81 lives due to the virus in the last 24 hours. The Health Ministry on Tuesday said that 87,20,822 have been vaccinated in the country so far. The total number of samples tested up to Monday was 20,73,32,298, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research. The IMCR also said that 6,15,664 samples were tested on February 15. The Health Ministry on Sunday had said that six States account for 78.3 per cent of the new deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Attack claimed by 'Guardians of Blood,' believed to be front for pro-Iran faction Comes after more than a dozen rockets fired at Erbil International Airport in Iraq The drills are expected to last for three days, and the Indian Navy will join in Iran held a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean with Russia today only hours after being blamed for the rocket attack on a US military base in Iraq. The 'Maritime Security Belt Exercise', held in the north of the Indian ocean is designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television claims. Drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said the 17,000 square kilometres exercise involved units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards in addition to the Russian navy. 'The purposes of this drill are to enhance security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information,' he added. Iran held a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean with Russia today only hours after being blamed for the rocket attack on a US military base in Iraq The 'Maritime Security Belt Exercise', held in the north of the Indian ocean is designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television claims In a statement issued yesterday, the Russian Baltic Fleet said that three of its vessels would be involved in the drill and that exercises would include 'liberating a commercial ship abducted by pirates' and fire fighting fires. Iran's state news agency IRNA said the drill is expected to last three days, and the Indian navy is expected to join the drills in a message of 'peace and friendship for neighbouring and regional countries'. The Iranian army said that the exercises will also 'expand bilateral relations' with Russia. Iran, China and Russia held a similar drill in the area in 2019, and the Islamic republic participated in 'Caucus 2020' drills held in Russia last September. Drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said the 17,000 square kilometres exercise involved units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards in addition to the Russian navy In a statement issued yesterday, the Russian Baltic Fleet said that three of its vessels would be involved in the drill and that exercises would include 'liberating a commercial ship abducted by pirates' and fire fighting fires It comes only hours after a rocket strike on a US base in Iraq by a group believed to have links to Iran has wounded several Americans and killed a foreign contractor. More than a dozen 107mm rockets were last night fired at the military complex in Erbil airport that has hosted troops deployed as part of the international alliance fighting ISIS since 2014. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was 'outraged' and vowed to 'hold accountable those responsible' without giving details on the injured Americans. The bombardment was claimed by a shadowy group calling itself 'Guardians of Blood,' which US forces believe is one of many which have sprung up in Iraq as fronts for pro-Iranian factions. Iran's state news agency IRNA said the drill is expected to last three days, and the Indian navy is expected to join the drills Iranian and Russian navy personnel meet each other during a joint-naval drill in the northern Indian Ocean today, which is set to take place over three days The United Nations warned today Iraq could spin out of control following the first attacks on Western forces in almost two months. Monday's attack will be the first big test of US President Joe Biden's Middle East policies. His predecessor Donald Trump had threatened Iran that the killing of an American national in such a strike would prompt a mass bombing campaign. A U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's military mastermind Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in January 2020 sent the region to the brink of a full-scale confrontation. Video shows red hot shrapnel and smoke filling the air after a rocket landed in the middle of a street in Erbil last night. As well as the US contractors wounded and the foreign contractor killed, five Iraqi civilians were wounded in the attack A wounded civilian is treated in the hospital after last night's rocket strikes directed at the US-led coalition based at Erbil International Airport Images shared on social media which purports to show an un-exploded 107mm rocket (the same projectile from two different angles). It was discovered on the outskirts of Erbil last night after it missed its target. The 107mm rocket has been used by pro-Iran factions in the past, they have a range of around 5 miles, employ 18 pounds of high explosive (HE) fragmentation warhead and are manually fired from 12-tube launchers which are often vehicle mounted More than a dozen 107mm rockets were fired at the military complex in Erbil airport on Monday evening that has hosted troops deployed as part of the international alliance fighting ISIS since 2014. The base is where the highest concentration of America's remaining 2,500 troops in the war-ravaged country are stationed. Video shows the moment that one of the rockets lands in Shouqa Zakaria street near #Erbil airport pic.twitter.com/RYQu2XUzu7 Nafiseh Kohnavard (@nafisehkBBC) February 15, 2021 Debris is seen after last night's rocket attack. More than a dozen projectiles were launched at the US base in the city, many of the missed and fell in residential areas Coalition spokesman Wayne Marotto said three rockets hit the airport, killing one foreign civilian contractor who is not an American national. Another nine people were wounded, including eight civilian contractors and one US soldier, he said. Today, the Guardians of Blood took credit for the attack, posting on Telegram: 'On February 15 at exactly 21:15 your people in the Guardians of Blood succeeded in carrying out a quality operation against the American occupation in our beloved north. 'We reached a distance of seven kilometers from the Al-Harir occupation base in Erbil and successfully struck a lethal blow comprising 24 missiles which made precise hits on their targets. This was after the CRAM system and the shells of the occupation did not manage to intercept them. Heavy damage was caused to the enemy's vehicles, storehouses, and planes and there are many wounded in the ranks of the occupation forces.' The United Nations' top representative in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, slammed the attack. 'Such heinous, reckless acts pose grave threats to stability,' she posted on Twitter, calling for 'restraint' and cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil on a probe. Pro-Iran attacks against the US in Iraq Western military and diplomatic sites have been targeted by dozens of rockets and roadside bombs since late 2019, with both foreign and Iraqi personnel killed. In December 2019, a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack on a base in Kirkuk province, prompting the US to respond with air strikes against Kataeb Hezbollah. Furious pro-Iranian militia men stormed the US embassy in Baghdad following the strikes on Kataeb Hezbollah. Kataeb Hezbollah is an Iran-sponsored Shia Muslim faction which is part of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The PMF was assembled by Iraq to help combat Islamic State but, since defeating the radicals, the PMF has been unwilling to bend to the government in Baghdad. Just days after the storming of the US embassy in Baghdad, top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in a rocket strike on January 3. His motorcade was obliterated by a US Reaper drone after he arrived from either Syria or Iraq. Several PMF commanders were also killed in the strike. Soleimani was the architect of Iran's foreign policy and Washington said his travel throughout the Middle East, especially into Iraq and Syria, was inextricably linked to Tehran's anti-American designs. Following the strike, rocket attacks were carried out by pro-Iranian militia on al-Asad, a coalition airbase in the west of Iraq. In March 2020, another rocket attack killed two Americans - a soldier and a contractor - and a British soldier. In October, the US threatened to close its embassy in Baghdad unless the attacks stopped. The Iraqi government facilitated an indefinite truce with hardline groups and the fire had come to a near halt. But there have been violations, the most recent of which had been a spray of rockets targeting the US embassy on December 20. President Donald Trump vowed to strike Iran if any such attack took place again, tweeting: 'Our embassy in Baghdad got hit Sunday by several rockets. Three rockets failed to launch. Guess where they were from: IRAN. Now we hear chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq... Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over.' Erbil has been targeted very rarely, although Iranian forces fired missiles at the same airport in January 2020, a few days after Soleimani's assassination. Advertisement On Monday evening, a volley of 107mm rockets - the same size used in previous pro-Iran attacks - were fired from around five miles west of Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq. They appeared to be targeted at the coalition military complex at the airport, where the highest concentration of America's remaining 2,500 troops in the war-ravaged country are stationed. But most of the rockets missed and struck all across the northwest of the city, including in residential neighbourhoods where they wounded at least five civilians. Coalition spokesman Wayne Marotto said three rockets hit the airport, killing one foreign civilian contractor who is not an American national. Another nine people were wounded, including eight civilian contractors and one US soldier, he said. Following the attack, security forces deployed around the airport and helicopters could be heard on the city's edges. Awliyaa al-Dam or Guardians of Blood are one of a number of around a dozen groups which have cropped up in the last year claiming rocket attacks. But US and Iraqi security officials believe them to be front groups for prominent pro-Iran factions including Kataeb Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq. The groups demand the full withdrawal of US forces from Iraq and some have said that they are seeking revenge for Soleimani's slaying and the Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes killed alongside him. One of the factions is even dubbed Lewaa Thaar al-Muhandis or al-Mohandes's Revenge Brigade and it has claimed at least two attacks on US properties. Experts believe the groups have no distinguishable command structures so that they can have plausible deniability and Iran can attack the US through proxies. Former president Trump took America to the brink of war with Iran last year when he ordered the assassination of Iran's top commander Soleimani. Washington blamed Iran-backed militia for a rocket attack that had killed a US civilian contractor the month before. Three days before Soleimani's assassination thousands of pro-Iranian militants stormed the US embassy in Baghdad. The US has since slashed the number of troops in Iraq, from 5,200 to 2,500, as they continue training Baghdad's forces in the fight against ISIS. Rocket attacks by pro-Iran militia have continued despite promises by the government in Baghdad to get a grip of Tehran's factions within its borders. Iran has ramped up its arming of the militants in response to Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign and the latest assault is the first warning shot to the Biden administration. Late Monday, Secretary of State Blinken said he was 'outraged' by the attack and pledged US support in holding those responsible to account. 'I have reached out to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss the incident and to pledge our support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible,' he said. Barzani had earlier condemned the attack 'in the strongest terms,' while Iraqi President Barham Saleh called it a 'dangerous escalation and a criminal terrorist act'. People stand next to a roof damaged after a rocket attack on U.S.-led forces in and near Erbil International Airport last night A damaged wall is seen after last night's rocket attack Western military and diplomatic facilities have been targeted by dozens of rockets and roadside bombs since late 2019, but most of the attacks have been on Baghdad, not Erbil. Several of the attacks have been deadly, with both foreign and Iraqi personnel killed. Iraqi and US security officials have blamed hardline pro-Iran factions, including Kataeb Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, who are both vehemently opposed to the US presence in Iraq. Authorities have struggled to hold them to account. Last year, an attempt by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi to arrest more than a dozen members of Kataeb Hezbollah accused of rocket attacks ended in the swift release of all but one of the fighters. Instead, Trump ordered several rounds of bombing raids on Kataeb Hezbollah in response to the deaths of US service members. Before leaving office in January, Trump had threatened that any further fatal attacks would prompt a mass bombing campaign, with Iraqi sources claiming that more than 100 sites would be targeted. People inspect the area where one of the fired rockets landed on Monday night. Five Iraqi civilians were injured in the attack Iraqi and even US officials have told AFP in recent weeks that it was not clear whether the new administration under President Joe Biden would pursue the same 'tripwire.' Since Iraq declared victory against the Islamic State group in late 2017, the coalition presence has been reduced to fewer than 3,500 troops, 2,500 of them American. Most are concentrated at the military complex at Erbil airport. Erbil has been targeted very rarely, although Iranian forces fired missiles at the same airport in January last year, a few days after Washington assassinated prominent Iranian general Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad airport. Both Iran and hardline Iraqi armed groups have repeatedly pledged to take revenge for Soleimani's killing. The same groups have recently vowed to boost their military activity in the Kurdistan region, apparently against a Turkish incursion. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Gary Oldman joined his co-star Kristin Scott Thomas on the set of new Apple TV project Slow Horses in Westminster, London, on Tuesday. The award-winning stars, aged 62 and 60, transformed into their characters as they were pictured filming a tense-looking scene in the British capital. The TV series was originally slated to begin shooting in the UK last year but was shut down due to the ongoing pandemic. Filming: Gary Oldman joined his co-star Kristin Scott Thomas on the set of new Apple TV project Slow Horses in Westminster, London, on Tuesday Sporting long hair and glasses, Oldman was seen carrying a large brown envelope as he chatted to Kristin's character. The Oscar-winning star wore a grey trouser suit with a matching top jacket and black scarf as his costume. Kristin oozed sophistication in a grey tweed-style tailored jacket which had a matching waist belt. The actress finished the look with a pair of black trousers, heel boots, handbag and leather-look gloves. Character: The award-winning stars, aged 62 and 60, transformed into their characters as they were pictured filming a tense-looking scene in the British capital The two stars were pictured getting stuck into their filming duties as they filmed the tense-looking scenes on a stairwell in Westminster, London. Filming started in December under strict safety protocols as London is currently under lockdown restrictions, with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson issuing a stay at home order amid the global coronavirus pandemic. Slow Horses is the television adaptation of Mick Herron's Slough House book series, about a group of M15 misfits annexed into obscurity. The spies end up in the Slough House division due to their career ending mistakes. Jack Lowden is also part of the talented cast. Back to it! The TV series was originally slated to begin shooting in the UK last year but was shut down due to the ongoing pandemic The misfits are led by former Cold Warrior Jackson Lamb (Oldman) and wannabe 007 River Cartwright (Lowden) and end up seeing more action than the intelligence officers at HQ. Scott Thomas has been cast as one of the two spymasters who oversee Lamb and his flock in Slow Horses, named after the first Slough House novel. Sources have told Deadline that 12 episodes are being filmed back-to-back. The first six episodes will be based on Herrons first book, Slow Horses, and the second six will be based on his second novel, Dead Lions. Herron has published six novels and two novellas in the Slough House series to date, with another novella due out in January. Oldman has long been attached to the project both as the lead and an executive producer, alongside business partner Douglas Urbanski. Meanwhile Former Veep writer Will Smith serves as screenwriter and executive producer. The role marks one of few TV roles Oldman has held throughout his career and his first TV regular role. Nines new local drama series Amazing Grace is now confirmed for Wednesday nights in a 9pm slot. Set to follow Married at First Sight, the Playmaker Media drama features Kate Jenkinson, Sigrid Thornton and Alex Dimitriades. Behind the doors of St Brigids birthing centre is a captivating world of new life, love and deceit, and right at its heart is Grace (Kate Jenkinson), a beautifully flawed midwife whose world is turned upside down when Sophia (Alexandra Jensen), the daughter she gave up for adoption 17 years ago, arrives unannounced and pregnant. Sophias arrival rocks Graces world and brings into question all the decisions that have brought her to this point in life. While she struggles to come to terms with this bombshell, her midwifery family face challenges of their own: trainee Max (Ben OToole), an ex-army medic navigating his first day on the job; midwife Sasha (Kat Hoyos), secretly struggling with the emotional demands of the job; and unit manager Laney (Catherine Van-Davies), who is in a tangled affair with hospital executive Paul (Luke Ford). Graces messy world is further challenged by her complex relationship with her mother Diane (Sigrid Thornton), the demands of Sophias adoptive father Kirk (Alex Dimitriades) and her ex-husband Jim (Ben Mingay) wanting to sell the house from under her. Relationships will be tested to the very core. Scarred by secrets, love and lies, can one new life unite this fractured family? Produced by Playmaker Media for Nine, the Amazing Grace creative team includes writers Jonathan Gavin (Offspring), Ainslie Clouston (Playing For Keeps), writer and executive producer Sarah Smith (Love Child), set-up director and co-executive producer Shawn Seet (Love Child, Reckoning, Hungry Ghosts), directors Lucy Gaffy (Doctor Doctor, The Unlisted) and Sian Davies (Bloom, The Gloaming), producer Diane Haddon (The Commons, Reckoning, The Code) and executive producers David Maher and David Taylor (Love Child, Bloom, The Commons), plus Nines Head of Drama, Andy Ryan. With major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSWs Made In NSW Fund. Wednesday, March 3, at 9.00pm on Nine. Related To put it mildly, 2020 was a harrowing year for investors. For Self-Managed Super Fund trustees, many sitting on their lifes retirement nest eggs, it was even more so. On February 20, the S&P/ASX 200 Index closed at a record 7162.5. By March 23, it was floundering at 4546 a drop of 36.5 per cent. Preparing your SMSF for a rainy day remains a top priority. Credit: And it was not just equities; listed property was a major casualty, while volatility and a lack of liquidity defined fixed-interest markets. Then sharemarkets did a remarkable U-turn almost in inverse proportion to the spread of COVID-19 to the extent that the sell-off and recovery occurred in time spans that were unprecedented. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday a trio of environmental actions, including the release of $100 million toward electrification of buses and port areas, and the creation of a climate office and a green economy council. The funds to move toward battery-powered buses for New Jersey Transit and schools, as well as garbage trucks, and cargo areas comes from a $41 million settlement with Volkswagen over selling vehicles that emitted more pollution than claimed, and $60 million in revenue raised through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multistate program designed to reduce emissions through market-based initiatives. Murphy, who made the announcement in Newark, did not specify how many vehicles would be either purchased, converted, or retired. These projects ... show the sheer breadth of transformation ahead of us, he said. In addition, the governor signed executive orders creating an Office of Climate Action and Green Economy, which will be run by his senior policy adviser Jane Cohen. The office will oversee creation of the Green Economy Council, which will be cochaired by acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso, and Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. The governors wife, Tammy Murphy, will serve as honorary chair. According to her bio, she currently serves as secretary of the Climate Reality Action Fund, an nonprofit founded by former Vice-President Al Gore. The council will also include representatives from business, labor, utilities, academia, and environmental justice communities. It will craft a strategy to drive the green economy with economic justice, and provide support for workers displaced by the transition. Murphy said environmental justice is a priority, and noted, for example, Newark, which he said suffers disproportionate effects of emissions and pollution. The city will get $1 million toward electric garbage trucks, as well as $7 million for medium- and heavy-duty cargo handling equipment. There is no denying that we have a lot on our plate right now, Murphy said, citing COVID-19 and its economic fallout. But climate change is a reality we must face, not with fear and apprehension but with an understanding that the clean energy economy is a once in a generation opportunity for New Jersey. Environmental organizations hailed the actions. As a resident of Newark and mother of three asthmatic children, we are on the front lines of overlapping health, economic, racial injustice, democratic and climate crises, so Im glad to see Governor Murphy focusing funding and attention on environmental justice, green jobs, and climate action today, said Kim Gaddy, an organizer with Clean Water Action. Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, called the $100 million a critical ... downpayment toward electrification of transportation. Hayley Berliner, with Environment New Jersey, called the announcement a win for our lungs and our climate. Berliner said she was glad to see funding toward e-mobility projects, which could include anything from ride sharing to electric scooters and bikes. Environment New Jersey is involved in an e-mobility project in Trenton that would include an electric car-sharing or ride-hailing service. Heres how the $100 million breaks down (numbers are rounded): Harare, Feb 16 : A batch of Covid-19 vaccines donated by China has arrived at Robert Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe's capital here. The 200,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines are the first batch that Zimbabwe has received on Monday as it steps up efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, Xinhua news agency reported. The vaccines will cover all frontline health workers firstly, and the excess will be extended to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, according to Zimbabwe's vaccine deployment strategy. Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, together with Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun, attended the handover ceremony at the airport. Chiwenga, who is also the health minister, expressed gratitude to China for donating Covid-19 vaccines to the southern African country, saying the batch of vaccines is a timely donation as Zimbabweans are suffering from the pandemic. "We receive this vaccine as it gave the hope to the nation that finally we may be on the verge of returning to some semblance of normalcy. That's what we are aiming to achieve," said the senior official. "The vaccine also offers the possibility that our people who have borne the brunt of the economic ravages of the pandemic might finally turn a new page, following the unfortunate interruption to the economic activities that have been necessitated by the need to contain the spread of the virus," Chiwenga added. Guo, for his part, said the donation represents the essence of the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation and the profound friendship between China and Zimbabwe. "The vaccines arriving today are China's first major assistance program in Zimbabwe in the Chinese New Year, which began three days ago," Guo said. "I am confident this donation will reinforce your position in the fight. Let's continue to march hand in hand and make the new year more fruitful for our bilateral relations," Guo added. Zimbabwe has already finalised a vaccine deployment strategy that would see at least 10 million people, or about 60 per cent of the population, being inoculated. Trump Election Attorney Jenna Ellis Starting Daily Show One of the key attorneys in charge of President Donald Trumps post-election legal efforts is starting a daily video show. Jenna Ellis, a constitutional law attorney, announced the news in a message on Twitter. Ellis said she is partnering with Just The News and Real Americas Voice to produce the daily program, which will be titled Just The Truth. Just The News is a political news outlet started by veteran journalist John Solomon. Solomon shared a copy of Elliss message on Twitter. In the aftermath of the Nov. 3 election, Ellis traveled to several states in an effort to convince the legislatures there to assert their constitutional power to appoint presidential electors. Trumps legal team argued that the election laws and rules in states like Pennsylvania and Georgia were unconstitutionally altered ahead of the election. A powerful voice of truth. They are lucky to have you, Jason Meister, a member of the Trump campaign advisory board, wrote in a message on Twitter. So excited to have you aboard, wrote Gina Loudon, a Trump campaign media advisory board member and the president of programming at Real Americas Voice, wrote on Twitter. Your show will be amazing! Ellis did not specify a date for the shows premiere. The Trump campaigns legal efforts hit a roadblock in the courts, with dozens of lawsuits dismissed before the team got a chance to present evidence. As the cases were litigated, Ellis, joined by Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, traversed the nation in an attempt to persuade state legislatures to take matters into their own hands. That effort likewise failed. Trump left the White House on Jan. 20 after Congress vetted and certified the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6. The joint session was interrupted when a mob breached the Capitol, prompting an evacuation of the lawmakers. Democrats seized on the Capitol breach to rush through a second impeachment that concluded in Trumps second acquitted this weekend. While a number of Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, broke from Trump, Ellis has remained a staunch and vocal defender of the president. Correction: While Trump has acknowledged the Biden administration, and left the White House on Jan. 20, 2021, he has never officially conceded. An extra 60bn is equal to 9p on individual income tax rates Rishi Sunak, Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer, will have to plug a 60bn hole in the countrys finances due to Covid-19 in the forthcoming budget says the Institute of Fiscal Studies. Raising taxes is the obvious way to fill the gap, but the think-tank is advising the chancellor to hold fire - for now at least. So much uncertainty surrounds the Covid-19 pandemic and how quickly restrictions might be lifted and life return to normal that Sunaks efforts should be directed towards keeping people employed and maintaining investment says the IFS For now, Mr Sunak needs to focus on support and recovery. A reckoning in the form of big future tax rises is highly likely, but not as yet inevitable, IFS Director Paul Johnson said. As well as Covid-19, Britain is having to cope with the problems caused by Brexit and these dual dilemmas mean any reduction in support measures should be gradual and accompanied by additional help for health, education, justice and local government, said the report. Options open to the Chancellor include raising income tax, though Boris Johnson explicitly ruled this out ahead along with VAT and national insurance hikes ahead of his 2019 election win. An extra 60bn is equal to 9p on income tax rates, which would be unrealistic said the IFS so the money is likely to be recouped in other ways. A wealth tax is one option that has been mentioned even by some Tory MPs, raising capital gains tax thresholds to align them with income tax rates are another while scrapping pension relief for the wealthy and raising corporation tax are other possibilities. Sunak has spent heavily to help the country cope with Covid-19 and government net borrowing has soared to almost 285bn this year already with the deficit set to rise to 400bn over the fiscal year, a level not seen since either of the two world wars. The Chancellor is also under huge pressure to maintain support for businesses through an extension of the job furlough scheme and to the housing market via the stamp duty holiday running beyond its 31 March deadline. An increase in universal credit by 20 a week should also be retained said the IFS. The Budget is scheduled for 3 March. Laois has again had a jump in the number of new Covid-19 cases this Tuesday, February 16. There is better news nationally as case numbers continue to fall, but sadly there are 33 new deaths reported today. Laois has 15 more cases, according to the latest figures from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), more than double the seven reported yesterday. The county's five day average for new cases has reached 16 a day. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 population in Laois is now 284.5 per 100k due to 241 new cases in the past two weeks. This is higher than the national average of 269.3. More than 2,920 people have been officially recorded as having contracted Covid-19 in Laois during the pandemic. The county remains in 10th place in the list of counties with the highest incidence, below neighbouring counties Offaly and Carlow. COUNTY BY COUNTY TABLE AT END OF STORY. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 33 additional deaths related to COVID-19. 31 of these deaths occurred in February and 2 in January. The median age of those who died was 81 years and the age range was 42-105 years. There has been a total of 3,980* COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. (*denotification of one death) As of midnight, Monday 15th February, the HPSC has been notified of 744 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 211,113** confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. (** denotification of 33 confirmed cases) Of the cases notified today: 373 are male/ 366 are female 68% are under 45 years of age The median age is 31 years old NPHET highlighted 301 in Dublin, 77 in Galway, 37 in Waterford, 36 in Offaly, 32 in Kildare and the remaining 261 cases are spread across all other counties. As of 8am today, 861 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 159 are in ICU. There were 51 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. As of 13th February, 268,551 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland: 176,926 people have received their first dose 91,625 people have received their second dose A firefighter works on a roof of a wooden building while a fire ravages ancient Dukezong town in Shangri-la county, in southwestern China's Yunnan province, Saturday Jan. 11, 2014. The 10-hour inferno has razed the ancient Tibetan town in the province that's popular with tourists. (AP Photo) CHINA OUT Chinas Last Aboriginal Village Devastated in Great Fire A sudden great fire swallowed up nearly the whole village of Wengding, located in Cangyuan county, Lincang city, southwestern Chinas Yunnan Province. It is known as one of the few villages remaining in China where the aboriginal Wa people reside. On Feb. 14, around 5:40 p.m. local time, a severe fire hit the heritage section of the village, according to Chinas state media reports. Since the community was full of thatched houses, the fire spread swiftly and uncontrollably. Residents and tourists staying there were evacuated. By 11:15 p.m., the open flames were extinguished, and the remaining fire was being cleared. No casualties were reported, but only four of the total 105 houses survived the fire. Basically, everything is burned down, local villagers told Taiwans Central News Agency. Most of them didnt have enough time to save their belongings. The majority of residents have been moved to a newly developed area of the village. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. Prior to the fire, the village was known as the best-preserved community of the Wa people, an aboriginal ethnic group. Wengding literally means a mist-and-cloud-shrouded place in the Wa language. The village is hidden in a valley, with a tribal history of more than 400 years. Before 1949, when the Chinese Communist Party took over China, the village was primarily an agrarian society, with villagers practicing slash-and-burn farming. Yang Jianguo, head of the village, told Chinese state media Beijing News that years ago, the local government informed them of its plan to boost local tourism and asked village leaders to persuade residents into moving to the new area, which began construction in 2012 and was completed in 2017. At that time, nearly every household was against the plan, Yang recalled. Later, the government sent staff to our village, who talked to us and pushed the project forward. They said each household who would agree to move out could choose one member to work in their old house, earning 60 yuan (about $9.30) a day, Yang continued. All except 17 households agreed to move to the new site. Afterward, visitors swarmed in, which brought villagers financial returns, but also disrupted their traditional lifestyle, said Yang. When the fire erupted on Feb. 14, most people who worked in the heritage section of the village had returned to their homes in the new area after a days work. Yang and his fellow villagers tried to use a fire hydrant to put out the fire but found that extremely limited flow of water came out of it; and soon, no water at all. Tang Min, founder of a Shenzhen-based center for helping to revive disappearing ancient villages in China, told Beijing News that Chinese tribal architecture features bamboo and wood structure, which is easier to catch fire but easier to be extinguished as well. As long as people respond quickly, large sections catching fire are very unlikely, Tang said. The future surely holds great prospect for Nigerias digital economy when our higher education institutions transform smart universities imbued with the knowledge base and competitive edge to match their contemporaries in other parts of the world. Universities now play a pivotal role in higher education as drivers of applied research, innovation, business, entrepreneurship and technology. They are recognised for promoting open and free enquiries, the diversity of ideas and critical thinking, to always advance the frontiers of human knowledge. The creative engagements between universities, industry and their host communities are vital for creating a suitable ecosystem for facilitating steady business/entrepreneurial activities within local and international markets. With the advent of technology, the world has become more interconnected and interdependent. This is putting added pressure on universities to intensify efforts towards developing the sufficient skilled human capital required for driving the digital economy. Whereas universities in advanced economies are living up to expectations by matching this new pressure, those in developing countries are yet to adapt to the fast-paced knowledge economy driven by technology. Unfortunately, Nigerian universities are ill-prepared to perform their roles as sources of knowledge production to service the ever-evolving technology sector with the requisite manpower and expertise. Major challenges of poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, the dearth of skilled ICT personnel and absence of engagement with industry and government hinder universities from contributing to the expansion of emerging technologies and innovations. Evidently, universities in Nigeria lack the resources to add economic/social value to their graduates and communities. Instead of being job creators, graduates end up as job seekers, because they were not trained for entrepreneurship and innovation. These universities are yet to align with the fast-emerging technologies presented through artificial intelligence blockchain; big data and algorithm; robotics; 5G; quantum computing; biosensors/biometrics; virtual/augmented reality and gamification, among many others. But the universities are gradually realising that the new normal (technology and innovation) is here to stay, as the gap between the physical and digital worlds is becoming closed every day. To address the challenges hampering tertiary institutions from functioning as smart knowledge centres, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has established ICT innovation hubs in some selected universities across the geo-political zones of the country. Everyone recognises that there is need for our universities to reposition themselves by focusing on institutional restructuring and industry engagements for the enhanced production of technology-smart and innovative graduates. However, the problems highlighted above constitute a massive hindrance for universities to integrate their traditional roles with the evolving realities and disruptions spearheaded by emerging, as well as yet-to-be-created, technologies. To address the challenges hampering tertiary institutions from functioning as smart knowledge centres, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has established ICT innovation hubs in some selected universities across the geo-political zones of the country. Currently, some of these NITDA ICT centres are located in Universities of Lagos and Port Harcourt, Bayero University Kano, Federal University of Technology Minna, and Gombe State University. They are geared to enable the adoption of stronger collaboration and synergy among governments, industry and universities, to produce highly skilled graduates, achieve the entrenchment of the digital economy and the wellbeing of the people. Other benefits include increasing the access and flexibility to digital literacy; and enabling students to develop the digital skills and competencies needed to create jobs and improve livelihoods for sustained national development. Furthermore, the projects are aimed at positioning the institutions at the top of technology developments; facilitating a digital lifestyle in the institutions, as well as sharing the facilities of these communities with their neighbouring communities on a commercial basis for sustainability. The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, explained that the creation of ICT hubs for universities in the geo-political zones was in line with the mandate of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) to foster strategic collaboration with universities to empower youths with digital skills for innovation, prepare students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and boost technological ational Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). it is imperative for universities to engage effectively with technological disruptions by remaining market-smart to safeguard their relevance by supporting applied research programmes that will translate into economic goods and services. As facilitator of ICT innovation hubs in select universities, NITDA is demonstrating its resolve to ensure a gainful integration of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and emerging Innovative Driven Enterprises (IDEs), which grow exponentially and have vast markets, locally and globally. ADVERTISEMENT As such, NITDA should provide incentives for universities to strengthen collaboration with the private sector to consistently carry out disruptive research projects, thereby giving graduates the knowledge to solve local problems and create prosperity. Therefore, it is imperative for universities to engage effectively with technological disruptions by remaining market-smart to safeguard their relevance by supporting applied research programmes that will translate into economic goods and services. Through the effective management of these ICT hubs, Nigerian universities would be able to regain their relevance and original mission of functioning as generators of knowledge and technology to equip and support our youths to contribute value in the rapidly expanding digital economy. Hope one would not be asking for too much in requesting for the establishment of more ICT innovation hubs in primary and secondary schools to expose our children to the basics of digital literacy. This, I believe, would provide them with a solid foundation to garner requisite expertise in various areas of digital technology. I wish to suggest that NITDA must ensure the effective monitoring of this ICT innovation centres and management of beneficiary universities should be held accountable if they are not optimally utilised for the achievement of the set goals. The future surely holds great prospect for Nigerias digital economy when our higher education institutions transform smart universities imbued with the knowledge base and competitive edge to match their contemporaries in other parts of the world. Inyene Ibanga writes from Wuye District, Abuja. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The High Court had ruled against a law setting minimum pay and conditions in construction and related industries The State has urged the Supreme Court to overturn a far-reaching finding that a law setting minimum pay and conditions in construction and related industries is unconstitutional. Attorney General Paul Gallagher argued on Monday that the 2015 law is permissible delegated legislation and the High Court erred in finding otherwise. He was opening the States appeal before a five-judge court against Mr Justice Garrett Simons decision that the Minister of State for Business Enterprise and Innovation acted outside his powers in June 2019 in purporting to make a sectoral employment order (SEO) for electricians. Members of Naisiunta Leictreach Contraitheor Eireann/National Electrical Contractors of Ireland (NECI) had challenged the SEO for electricians in proceedings against the Labour Court, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Ireland and the Attorney General. They argued that requiring all employers in their sector to apply the SEO to their employees interfered with competition and was unfair to smaller electrical contractors. Mr Justice Simons found the parent legislation governing such orders, Chapter 3 of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015, is invalid by reference to Article 15.2.1 of the Constitution, which provides the sole and exclusive power of making laws for the State is vested in the Oireachtas. On that basis, he set aside the SEO. He found the impugned legislation trespassed upon the exclusive law-making power of the Oireachtas as it delegated legislative authority on important matters of policy to the Minister, and indirectly to the Labour Court, without defined boundaries. The Act permits trade unions and employer groups to request the Labour Court, in certain circumstances, to examine terms and conditions for employees in certain sectors. The Labour Court then reports to the Minister who can accept or reject its recommendations. In various findings, Mr Justice Simons said, because the Minister can only either accept or reject the Labour Courts recommendation, it seemed the Minister cannot examine the relevant sector with the effect broad policy choices had been delegated to the Labour Court. He stressed his decision was concerned solely with the identification of which branch of government, legislative or executive, is entitled to regulate terms and conditions of employment and was not suggesting the imposition of minimum rates of pay in any sector is "per se unconstitutional". A declaration of constitutional validity remains suspended pending the outcome of the States appeal. On Monday, the Attorney General argued the High Court erred in several respects. Policy is determined by the legislature and its policy choices are reflected in the 2015 law which took account of competitiveness and other factors including fair remuneration, he said. The consequences are inherent from the policy choice in the legislation itself rather than the particular decision in each employment sector governed by sectoral employment orders, he argued. The appeal continues on Tuesday. As an All-Ireland-winning manager and owner of one of the worlds best hotel spas, Liam Griffin knows a thing or two about success. His hotel company the Griffin Group which includes the five-star Monart spa, Ferrycarrig Hotel and Hotel Kilkenny has survived a recession and is now working to come out the other side of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Wexford entrepreneur is largely positive about the future of his business except when it comes to the issue of insurance costs and payouts for personal injury claims. Claims have always been an issue in hospitality and where theyre valid, they should be paid, but were also being impacted by claims that arent legitimate, Mr Griffin said. Read More Weve a well-managed health and safety system, but its a bit like the pandemic in that you have some people who conform and some who dont. Were paying the price [with lockdown] for people who didnt pay attention to the guidelines and its the same with insurance: were paying for those who are gaming the system. On February 20, the 166-member Judicial Council will meet again to discuss draft guidelines on the recalibration of personal injury awards. The Irish Independent revealed how awards for minor injuries would be cut by up to 50pc under proposals being examined. Business groups and insurance reform campaigners say halving these awards wont go far enough, and Mr Griffin agrees. He was recently appointed as chairman of an insurance sub-committee set up by the EY Entrepreneur of the Year alumni community. The group, made up of 550 EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalists, believes insurance is turning people away from business. The payouts need to be changed to reflect international norms and 50pc just doesnt cut it its not enough. More questions need to be asked. Why are we paying so much compared to other countries? Why are we dishing out so much money for minor injuries? Who is benefiting? Because its not normal citizens and businesses. Harder questions need to be asked. In my own business, we have to pay out the first 50,000 on any claim and its unconscionable that were forced to do that. Insurance isnt just affecting business. Griffin managed Wexford to All-Ireland hurling glory in 1996 and is still actively involved with GAA in the Model County, but he fears compo culture is compromising community spirit. Were putting a walking track around our pitch in Rosslare so that the local parents will have somewhere to bring their kids for exercise during lockdown, and when I brought up the issue the first thing people said was, What about insurance and people coming in and falling?, so thats what its come to, Griffin said. We cant allow people to walk around our pitch without making them members because of insurance. Were trying to provide facilities for the community and were being lashed out of it by insurance costs. Griffin employed 550 people at his three hotels before the pandemic. The Ferrycarrig Hotel near Wexford town and Hotel Kilkenny in Kilkenny city are popular wedding venues, which also bumps up the cost of insurance. People dancing, drinking and having a good time means increased risk in the eyes of insurers. Jobs in the hospitality sector are extremely vulnerable right now. When we open back up, insurance costs and compensation awards have to come down. Thousands of jobs depend on it, he said. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Mike Bowens warehouse outside Fort Worth, Texas, was piled high with cases of medical-grade N95 face masks. His company, Prestige Ameritech, can churn out 1 million masks every four days, but he doesnt have orders for nearly that many. So he recently got approval from the government to export them. Im drowning in these respirators, Bowen said. On the same day 1000 miles (1,600 kilometers) north, Mary Turner, a COVID-19 intensive care nurse at a hospital outside Minneapolis, strapped on the one disposable N-95 respirator allotted for her entire shift. Before the coronavirus pandemic, Turner would have thrown out her mask and grabbed a new one after each patient to prevent the spread of disease. But on this day, shell wear that mask from one infected person to the next because N95s they filter out 95% of infectious particles have supposedly been in short supply since last March. Turners employer, North Memorial Health, said in a statement that supplies have stabilized, but the company is still limiting use because we must remain mindful of that supply to ensure everyones safety. One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many millions of N95 masks are pouring out of American factories and heading into storage. Yet doctors and nurses like Turner say there still arent nearly enough in the ICU rooms with high-flow oxygen and COVID germs all over. While supply and demand issues surrounding N95 respirators are well-documented, until now the reasons for this discrepancy have been unclear. The logistical breakdown is rooted in federal failures over the past year to coordinate supply chains and provide hospitals with clear rules about how to manage their medical equipment. Internal government emails obtained by The Associated Press show there were deliberate decisions to withhold vital information about new mask manufacturers and availability. Exclusive trade data and interviews with manufacturers, hospital procurement officials and frontline medical workers reveal a communication breakdown not an actual shortage that is depriving doctors, nurses, paramedics and other people risking exposure to COVID-19 of first-rate protection. READ MORE: World Health Organization authorizes AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use Before the pandemic, medical providers followed manufacturer and government guidelines that called for N95s to be discarded after each use, largely to protect doctors and nurses from catching infectious diseases themselves. As N95s ran short, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention modified those guidelines to allow for extended use and reuse only if supplies are depleted, a term left undefined. Hospitals have responded in a variety of ways, the AP has found. Some are back to pre-COVID-19, one-use-per-patient N95 protocols, but most are doling out one mask a day or fewer to each employee. Many hospital procurement officers say they are relying on CDC guidelines for depleted supplies, even if their own stockpiles are robust. Chester Trey Moeller, a political appointee who served as the CDCs deputy chief of staff until President Joe Bidens inauguration last month, said efforts to increase U.S. mask production were successful, but there has since been a federal breakdown in connecting those who need them with this new supply. We are forcing our health care industry to reuse sanitized N95s or even worse, wear one N95 all day long, he said. Before the pandemic tore through the U.S., the demand for N95 masks was 1.7 billion per year, with 80% going to industrial uses and 20% into medical, trade groups say. In 2021, demand for N95 masks for medical use is estimated by industry sources to be 5.7 billion. With the increased demand and prodding from the federal government, U.S. manufacturers stepped in. Bowens company, Prestige Ameritech, boosted production from 75,000 N95 respirators a month to almost 10 million during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, many hospitals are building their stockpiles over fears of a future surge, and restricting the number given directly to health care workers. The AP spoke with a dozen procurement officers who buy supplies for more than 300 hospitals across the U.S. All said they have enough N95s now, between two and 12 months worth, sitting in storage. Even so, all but two of those hospital systems are limiting their doctors, nurses and other workers to one mask per day, or even one per week. Some say they are waiting for the supply to grow even more, while others say they never plan to go back to pre-COVID-19 usage. Dean Weber, vice president of corporate supply chain management for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Health, said the one-N95-per-patient guidelines were established with the help of manufacturers. You know, the mask manufacturers are in the business of selling masks, Weber said. He said he prioritizes safety over cost, but he doesnt believe these respirators need to be tossed after each use. We were all, in fact, you know, just infatuated with an N95. But John Wright, vice president of supply chains for Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare, says reusing masks or wearing them longer would not be appropriate once they have enough supplies. He hopes his 23 hospitals and hundreds of clinics will be back to single use within two weeks. Supplies used to be short As the coronavirus spread through spring and summer, demand for N95 masks surged to unprecedented levels and the respirators disappeared from stockpiles and distributors shelves. Hospitals and distributors looked overseas to fill the need. In March 2020, just six shipping containers arrived in the U.S. with N95s in them, and almost all of those masks were for industrial use, not medical. By September 2020, orders had soared in one month, almost 3,000 shipping containers of N95s arrived at U.S. ports, almost entirely medical-grade. Federal officials saw the reliance on imports as a security problem and worked to boost domestic supply, The federal agency that oversees N95 manufacturers, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, approved 94 new brands, including 19 new domestic manufacturers, according to the internal government emails. Over the fall and winter, those domestic producers hired thousands of employees and invested millions in supplies to churn out masks, As U.S. production rose through the fall and winter, imports plunged. Shipment data maintained by ImportGenius and Panjiva Inc., services that independently track global trade, shows arrivals dropped sharply to about 150 in January 2021. In Shanghai, Cameron Johnson, a trade consultant at the Tidalwave Solutions recruitment firm and an adjunct business faculty member at New York University, says the bottom has fallen out of the mask market. But the U.S. government failed to help link buyers to the growing supplies. Now some of those U.S.-based makers are facing major financial losses, potential layoffs and bankruptcies. In December, Moeller, an appointee of President Donald Trump, grew frustrated while working in the office of CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield. (NIOSH) had approved almost 20 U.S. manufacturers to make N95 masks, but had not published any guidance or notice of what is ultimately more than 100 million N95 mask-making capacity a month going unsold, Moeller told the AP. READ MORE: Double-masking can increase your protection. But not all masks should be layered. The Food and Drug Administration was monitoring N95 supply chains, and received $80 million in emergency pandemic funds to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. Of that amount, about $38 million was for efforts related to tracking medical product shortages. But the agency has still not solved the problem. There have been a good number of new NIOSH (mask) approvals that have been granted, said Suzanne Schwartz, director of the FDAs Office of Strategic Partnerships & Technology Innovation. Yet the access to those new manufacturers, there seems to be a hurdle there. FDA ... is trying to identify that blockage. Schwartz said the agency is working with President Joe Bidens pandemic response team and the health care industry to find answers. The internal emails show that Moeller in December alerted NIOSH head Dr. John Howard about the unused U.S. N95 manufacturing capacity. In a Dec. 22 email, Howard acknowledged he was still hearing of shortages: Apparently, there is a significant domestic production capacity going unused for the lack of orders and we have tried to address this supplier/purchaser disconnect. A few weeks later, as a suggested remedy, Howard said the list of domestic N95 manufacturers had now been published for potential buyers. But the list shows up on page 3 of an obscure newsletter published by a University of Cincinnati toxicologist, after a satirical column on chin warmers, or improperly worn surgical masks. NIOSH was not actively promoting the new mask producers, Howard wrote, saying that to avoid the perception of inequitable treatment and because of the dynamic production landscape, we have not posted information on our website regarding respirator availability. Howard, through an agency spokesperson, declined a request for an interview. In a statement, NIOSH also acknowledged a supply and demand disconnect exists and said it is working with FEMA and other federal agencies, as well as online sales platforms like Amazon.com Inc., to better connect purchasers with U.S.-made mask producers. How could this be happening? You have an obvious need, and you have a tremendous engine of supply, said Tony Uphoff, president and CEO of Thomas, an online platform for product sourcing. Uphoff said that for decades the N95 market was stable, so when the virus upended the supply chain, procurement officers were unprepared to respond. On the FDA shortage list Meanwhile, the U.S. finds itself in a paradox. The more N95s are rationed to alleviate a perceived shortage, the fewer masks are actually reaching the front lines. N95s still appear on the FDA shortage list, in part because of reports from doctors and nurses who say they still dont have enough. The American Hospital Association also says theres a scarcity of N95s, citing global demand. But the government shortage list triggers distributors to limit how many masks they can sell to each hospital. The concept is similar to when trading is halted on Wall Street, said David Hargraves, senior vice president of supply chain for Premier, a group purchasing organization that helps buy equipment and supplies for thousands of hospitals across the U.S. You put the protective allocation in place to prevent folks from hoarding and overbuying, therefore exacerbating the shortage situation. But without clear guidance, hospitals are left to make their own decisions. Some procurement officers are loath to trust masks from unfamiliar suppliers. Others balk at federally approved domestic manufacturers, some of whom charge more than international makers. And adding new products into a hospitals inventory can be tricky: Every health care worker must be fit-tested before using a new brand. Its not easy to pivot from one brand to another, said Katie Dean, health care supply chain director at Stanford Health Care in California, where they are back to using one N95 mask per patient, as needed. Dr. Robert Hancock, an emergency room doctor and president of the Texas College of Emergency Room Physicians, said hospitals are taking risks by continuing to ration N95s, even when they have enough. He said some doctors tell him they get one N95 mask every five to seven days. All the N95s currently out there were designed to be worn once. They were never designed to be reused, Hancock said. Hospitals are going to have to come up with some hard data to back up that a mask built for single use is OK to use repeatedly if there are other masks available. It was one thing when we had no choice. But you cant just say something works because it favors you financially. AP writer Linda A. Johnson in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, and AP writer Allen Breed in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report. Mitch McConnell made a subtle dig at Donald Trump as he branded Republicans' losses in the Georgia Senate runoff election a 'fiasco'. The Republican alluded to the former president's baseless claims of voter fraud which tainted much of the lead-up to the crucial votes and is thought to have helped suppress GOP votes. Trump's refusal to concede split the party ahead of the runoff which resulted in the Republicans losing their Senate majority. Senate Minority Leader McConnell, 78, said he would be prepared to get involved in future primaries in order to stop another general election loss. Mitch McConnell made a subtle dig at Donald Trump as he branded the Georgia Senate runoff a 'fiasco' January's Georgia runoff saw two Republican incumbents, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, lose out to Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. The results gave Democrats effective control of the Senate, with both parties holding 50 seats in the Chamber but Vice President Kamala Harris's tiebreaking vote conferring a majority. McConnell told The Wall Street Journal: 'Georgia was a fiasco. We all know why that happened. 'Getting candidates who can actually win in November,' is the priority, McConnell said. He added: 'That may or may not involve trying to affect the outcome of the primaries.' The Senate Minority Leader said 'electability' was the key concern rather than each candidate's brand of politics as his party faces an identity crisis in the wake of Trump McConnell said 'electability' was the main factor for him rather than any particular brand of Republicanism. McConnell's comments come as Sean Hannity called him 'sanctimonious' and warned he will soon be challenged for leadership of the Republican party after he excoriated Trump and his conduct in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. However, McConnell still voted to acquit the president when the Senate voted on his impeachment. The GOP leader wrote in the Wall Street Journal on Monday that he bore no ill will to the seven Republican senators who voted to impeach. He spelled out his reasons for voting to acquit - arguing that he felt the Constitution did not allow for impeaching a president who has already left office. But, in a careful threading of the needle, he insisted he respected those who voted differently to him. Mitch McConnell voted to acquit Trump on Saturday, then savaged him on the Senate floor Sean Hannity used his Fox News show on Monday night to attack the Senate Minority Leader 'I don't begrudge my colleagues their own conclusions,' he wrote. 'I respect senators who reached the opposite answer.' He added: 'There is no question former President Trump bears moral responsibility. His supporters stormed the Capitol because of the unhinged falsehoods he shouted into the world's largest megaphone. 'His behavior during and after the chaos was also unconscionable, from attacking Vice President Mike Pence during the riot to praising the criminals after it ended.' McConnell is struggling to keep the pro- and anti-Trump factions of his party together McConnell on Monday wrote an op ed insisting his vote did not vindicate Trump Hannity, one of the most passionate defenders of the former president, accused McConnell of failing Trump when he was in office, and of failing to effectively attack Democrats for their own feisty rhetoric. He also singled out John Thune, a Republican South Dakota senator, who like McConnell voted to acquit, then condemned Trump, saying: 'What former president Trump did to undermine faith in our election system and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power is inexcusable.' Hannity on Monday hit back: 'Where was John Thune and Mitch McConnell fighting against the biggest abuse of power corruption scandal in our history with Operation Crossfire Hurricane?' Hannity asked. 'They were missing in action. 'Where's the sanctimonious Mitch McConnell, John Thune, demanding that Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters - when is he going to give a speech on the Senate floor and hold those Democrats accountable for their incitement of insurrection and their insurrection-like language? 'The time is now coming for new leadership in the U.S. Senate.' VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 25, 2021 /CNW/ - Victory Metals Inc. (TSX-V: VMX) ("Victory") and Nevada King Mining Ltd. ("Nevada King"), a private B.C. company, are pleased to announce the receipt of an interim order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "Interim Order") in connection with their previously announced plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") pursuant to which Victory will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Nevada King in exchange for common shares of Victory ("Victory Shares"), with the shareholders of Nevada King to hold 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of Victory on completion of the Arrangement. The Interim Order provides for, among other things, the calling and holding of the meeting of Nevada King shareholders to consider the Arrangement. Victory Metals Inc. (CNW Group/Victory Metals Inc) Having obtained the Interim Order, Victory and Nevada King intend to send a joint information circular and related documents to their respective shareholders in connection shareholder meetings of Victory and Nevada Kind to be held on March 31, 2021 to consider certain resolutions required to be approved in relation to the Arrangement. The Victory shareholder meeting to be held on March 31, 2021, will be an annual and special meeting at which, in addition to annual business, including the election of directors and appointment of an auditor, Victory shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on resolutions to approve certain matters required to implement the Arrangement, including a resolution to approve the issuance of Victory Shares to Nevada King shareholders under the Arrangement (the "Victory Arrangement Resolution"). The board of directors of Victory unanimously recommends that Victory shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of the Victory Arrangement Resolution. Nevada King shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on a resolution to approve the Arrangement (the "Nevada King Arrangement Resolution") at the special meeting of Nevada King shareholders to be held on March 31, 2021. The board of directors of Nevada King unanimously recommends that Victory shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of the Nevada King Arrangement Resolution. Story continues The completion of the Arrangement is subject to customary conditions including approval of the plan of arrangement by the shareholders of Nevada King; approval of the issuance of the Victory Shares to the Nevada King shareholders and certain other matters by the shareholders of Victory; final court approval; approval of the TSX Venture Exchange; and other conditions customary for a transaction of this nature. For further information regarding the Arrangement, please refer to the joint Victory and Nevada King news releases dated November 17, 2020 and December 15, 2020. Since the date of those news releases, Susan Lavertu, the CEO of Nevada King, has notified Victory and Nevada King that she has decided not to join Victory as a director or officer after the Arrangement and will instead focus on other projects. Nevada King has provided Victory with an irrevocable waiver of the condition to the completion of the Arrangement that, at the Effective Time, Ms. Lavertu be appointed to the Victory Board. Addition details regarding the Arrangement, including a summary of the terms and conditions of the arrangement agreement, will be included in the joint information circular, which will be available on Victory's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. About Victory Victory owns a 100% interest in the Iron Point Vanadium Project, located 22 miles east of Winnemucca, Nevada. The project is located within a few miles of Interstate 80, has high voltage electric power lines running through the project area and a railroad line passing across the northern property boundary. Victory is well financed to advance the project through resource estimation and initial feasibility study work. Victory has a proven capital markets and mining team led by Executive Chairman Paul Matysek. Major shareholders include Palisades (50%), and management, directors and founders (27%). Please see Victory's website at www.victorymetals.ca. About Nevada King Nevada King is the fourth largest mineral claim holder in the State of Nevada, and the fastest growing mineral claim holder in the United States. Nevada King owns 100% of the Atlanta Mine, located 100km southeast of Ely, Nevada, which is a historical gold-silver producer that currently hosts a NI43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate constrained by a conceptual pit containing 11 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources grading 1.3g/t Au and containing 460,000 Au oz (Table 1-1). Inferred mineral resources are 5.31 million tonnes grading 0.83 g/t Au containing 142,000 Au oz. Past open pit production is reported to have been 110,000 oz Au and 800,000 oz. Ag (1975 - 1985). Exploration activities are currently covered by a BLM-approved Plan of Operations. Existing infrastructure includes electricity to the mine, phone/internet communications, access via a graded county road, and abundant water supply. The resource area remains open for expansion through further drilling. Please see Nevada King's website at www.nevadaking.ca The technical information surrounding the recently released NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource for the Atlanta Mine has been reviewed and approved by Kevin Francis, SME RM, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operations and activities of Victory, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, statements relating the mailing of the joint information circular, the holding of shareholder meetings, the terms of the Arrangement and the completion of the Arrangement. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Victory, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the Victory's failure to complete the Arrangement, the failure or Victory shareholders or Nevada King shareholders to approve the transaction, the failure of the TSX Venture Exchange to approve the Arrangement and the Private Placement and management's discretion to reallocate the use of proceeds. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Victory does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Victory Metals Inc Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2021/25/c5386.html OAK BROOK, Ill., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) announced today that the Company will webcast its presentation at the virtual Consumer Analyst Group of New York ("CAGNY") Conference on Thursday, February 18 at 11:50 a.m. Eastern. Steve Oakland, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Bill Kelley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will provide an overview of the Company's strategy and vision, as well as discuss its 2020 results and 2021 outlook. The pre-recorded video presentation and accompanying slides of the TreeHouse Foods presentation will be available on the Company's website at www.treehousefoods.com, under Investors, Events & Presentations. The replay will be available under Investors, Events & Presentations, Archived Events & Presentations. ABOUT TREEHOUSE FOODS TreeHouse Foods, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of private label packaged foods and beverages in North America. We have approximately 40 production facilities across North America and Italy, and our vision is to be the undisputed solutions leader for custom brands for our customers. Our extensive product portfolio includes snacking, beverages, and meal preparation products, available in shelf stable, refrigerated, frozen, and fresh formats. We have a comprehensive offering of packaging formats and flavor profiles, and we also offer clean label, organic, and preservative-free ingredients across almost our entire portfolio. Our purpose is to make high quality food and beverages affordable to all. Additional information, including TreeHouse's most recent Forms 10-Q and 10-K, may be found at TreeHouse's website, http://www.treehousefoods.com. SOURCE TreeHouse Foods, Inc. Related Links http://www.treehousefoods.com Photo taken on Jan. 16, 2021 shows Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a welcoming ceremony of China's Sinopharm inactivated coronavirus vaccines in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua) The 170 individuals and institutions whose work was recognized by Serbia included physicians Peng Zhiqiang, Hou Cailan, Guo Yubiao, Xiong Yan, Lin Bingliang, Long Qisui, Liu Dayue, Tang Kejing and Cheng Shouzhen. They arrived in Serbia at the very beginning of the pandemic and for months shared their knowledge and experiences with their local colleagues. BELGRADE, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of Serbia's Statehood Day, President Aleksandar Vucic on Monday decorated nine Chinese physicians and Chinese biotech company BGI Group for assisting in the country's battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. The 170 individuals and institutions whose work was recognized by Serbia included physicians Peng Zhiqiang, Hou Cailan, Guo Yubiao, Xiong Yan, Lin Bingliang, Long Qisui, Liu Dayue, Tang Kejing and Cheng Shouzhen. They arrived in Serbia at the very beginning of the pandemic and for months shared their knowledge and experiences with their local colleagues. The gold medals for merit were conferred on nine members of the doctors' team in absentia. The BGI Group, which helped Serbia build two state-of-the-art "Fire Eye" laboratories for COVID-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, received the first class of the Order of the Serbian Flag. "Thank you, heroes of our time, who gave a lot to Serbia and lived not only for yourselves, but for us," President Vucic told the award recipients. "To give a lot to Serbia without asking for anything in return, to incorporate one's work in its name, to sacrifice for it -- is the most that someone can do in life and that is why Serbia responds with gratitude and the greatest recognition it can give. Their names will be written in the eternal book of praise, courage and honor." File photo taken on April 11, 2020 shows a local citizen greets Peng Zhiqiang, chief of the Chinese medical expert team to Serbia, in Belgrade, Serbia. (Chinese medical expert team to Serbia/Handout via Xinhua) Celebrated since 2001, Statehood Day marks the anniversary of the first constitution that the Principality of Serbia adopted in 1835. The central ceremony of Serbia's Statehood Day traditionally takes place in the village of Orasac, some 80 kilometers south of the capital Belgrade, where the Serbian people launched a rebellion -- known as the First Serbian Uprising -- against Ottoman rule in 1804. A state delegation, led by Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, laid wreaths at the monument dedicated to Karadjordje, leader of the uprising. "Our ancestors would be proud if they witnessed how we are fighting today using our resources and the knowledge we have," Brnabic said. - Increase in demand for automotive applications and renewable energy systems and supportive government regulations boost the growth of the global supercapacitor market. PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Supercapacitor Market by Product Type (Double-Layer Capacitor, Pseudocapacitors, and Hybrid Capacitors), Module Type (Less Than 10 Volts Modules, 10 Volts to 25 Volts Modules, 25 Volts to 50 Volts Modules, 50 Volts to 100 Volts Modules, and Above 100 Volts Modules), Material (Activated carbon, Carbide Derived Carbon, Carbon Aerogel, and Others), and Application (Automotive, Industrial, Energy, Consumer Electronics, and Aerospace & Defense): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027". According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global supercapacitor market generated $3.27 billion in 2019, and is estimated to reach $16.95 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 23.3% from 2020 to 2027. Key determinants in the market- Increase in demand for automotive applications and renewable energy systems and supportive government regulations boost the growth of the global supercapacitor market. Whereas, high costs of raw materials and low awareness impede the market growth. On the other hand, rise in the demand for supercapacitor in solar and wind energy applications usher new opportunities in the near future. Get Instant Access - Download Free PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1862 Covid-19 scenario: Due to the novel corona virus outbreak, the operation restrictions have been imposed on the manufacturing activities. In addition, supply chain disruptions have resulted in shortage of raw materials. The demand for supercapacitors, on the other hand, has been decreased during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the restrictions on activities in the end-use sectors such as automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics. The pseudocapacitors segment to dominate the market in 2019- Based on product type, the pseudocapacitors segment contributed to the largest share in 2019, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the global supercapacitor market, and is estimated to maintain its dominant position during the forecast period. Rise in demand for electrical power and intermittent nature of the supply of energy from renewable sources like solar and wind have increased the demand for pseudocapacitors. In addition, increase in demand for electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and power sources for memory backup drive the growth of the segment. However, the hybrid capacitors segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 25.0% from 2020 to 2027. Hybrid capacitors have better weak points of conventional aluminum electrolytic capacitors along with advantages such as safety, low layer capacitors (LC) which drives the segment growth. Furthermore, rise in adoption of hybrid capacitors for different applications such as automotive and industrial equipment further boosts the segment growth. The 10 volts to 25 volts modules segment held lion's share in 2019- Based on module type, the 10 volts to 25 volts modules segment accounted for the largest share in 2019, holding nearly one-third of the global supercapacitor market, and is expected to maintain the largest share throughout the forecast period. Rise in need of renewable energy due to limited reserve of non-renewable energy and increase in demand from wind energy sectors for pitch control drive the growth of the segment. However, the above 100 volts modules segment is estimated to portray the highest CAGR of 27.2% during the forecast period. Government regulations for power control result in increased demand from automotive sector which boosts the segment growth. Enquire For Discount: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/1862 Asia-Pacific, followed by North America to rule the roost by 2027- Based on region, Asia-Pacific, followed by North America, accounted for the highest share, contributing to nearly half of the global supercapacitor market in 2019, and will maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Additionally, the same region is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 24.5% from 2020 to 2027. Factors such as increase in the defense budget of developing countries such as India and China, rise in demand for the electric vehicleS and growth in automotive business and electronic sector in this region drive the market growth. Leading market players Skeleton Technologies Evans Capacitor Company LS Mtron Ltd. KORCHIP Corporation AVX Corporation Cap-XX Limited Panasonic Corporation Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation SPEL Technologies Private Limited Ioxus Inc. Related News: Graphene Battery Market by Battery Type (Li-ion Batteries, Li-Sulfur Batteries, Supercapacitors, and Lead-acid Batteries) and Application (Automotive, Electronics, Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Industrial Robotics, and Healthcare): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027 Film Capacitor Market by product (AC and DC), Type (Paper Film Capacitor and Plastic Film Capacitor) and Industry Vertical (Automotive, Power and Utilities, Consumer Electronics, Telecommunication, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Market by Class (Class 1 (NP0 (C0G), P100, and Others (N33 and N75)) and Class 2 (X7R, X5R, Y5V, and Others (Z5U and X7S)), Application (Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Others (Defense and Aviation)) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027 Industrial Cobot Market by Application (Material Handling, Machine Tending, Test/Inspection, Value Added Processing, and Transport), and End User (Automotive, Electronics, Food & Beverages, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026 Video Surveillance Market by System Type (Analog Surveillance, IP Surveillance, and Hybrid Surveillance), Component (Hardware, Software, and Services), Application (Commercial, Military & Defense, Infrastructure, Residential, and Others), Enterprise Size (Small Enterprise, Medium Enterprise, and Large Enterprise) and Customer Type (B2B and B2C): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027 Get 10% Discount on Prebook: Ultracapacitors Market - Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2027 Tantalum Capacitors Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2027 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): 1-800-792-5285, 1-503-894-6022, 1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg [February 16, 2021] OneStream Software and PwC UK Announce Partnership to Help Organizations Conquer Complexity and Drive Finance Transformation in the UK and EMEA OneStream Software, a leader in corporate performance management (CPM) solutions for mid-sized to very large enterprises, and PwC UK announced today they have entered into a strategic alliance for the UK market. The partnership will leverage PwC's expertise as a leading business and technology consulting services provider and OneStream's unified and cloud-based CPM software to support activities ranging from project delivery to marketing and strategic business collaboration. "The UK is an important market for OneStream Software and we are excited to welcome PwC UK to our partner ecosystem," said Stephanie Cramp, SVP of Global Alliances at OneStream Software. "We look forward to working with PwC to help organizations in the UK and across the EMEA region conquer complexity and transform their finance processes by leveraging our intelligent finance platform to replace multiple legacy applications, as well as point solutions and spreadsheets." As part of the partnership, PwC UK will further develop its OneStream implementation practice to serve joint customers in the UK but also across the EMEA region. PwC UK will also leverage their industry and domain expertise to create compelling industry specific solutions with OneStream for clients across the market. "We believe that a combination of OneStream's unified corporate performance management solution alongside PwC's industry, functional and implementation expertise can be a real enabler to making a step change in process efficiency, cost-effective growt, and improved decision-making for our clients. We are already seeing the benefits of this in a number of our clients and look forward to our continued collaboration with OneStream going forward," stated Dan Bell, Partner, Enterprise Performance Management Lead, PwC UK. "We are thrilled about our alliance with PwC UK, specifically due to the domain expertise and best practices this will bring to OneStream customers in this important market," said Matt Rodgers, Senior Vice President and EMEA Managing Director at OneStream Software. "This partnership will enable OneStream to extend its delivery capabilities in EMEA and supports our mission of delivering 100% customer success worldwide." For more information on the PwC UK-OneStream alliance, visit: www.onestreamsoftware.com/about/onestream-partners and https://www.pwc.co.uk/press-room.html. About OneStream Software OneStream Software provides a market-leading intelligent finance platform that reduces the complexity of financial operations. OneStream unleashes the power of finance by unifying corporate performance management (CPM) processes such as planning, financial close & consolidation, reporting and analytics through a single, extensible solution. We empower the enterprise with financial and operational insights to support faster and more informed decision-making. All in a cloud platform designed to continually evolve and scale with your organization. OneStream is an independent software company backed by private equity investor KKR. With over 600 customers, 200 partners and over 700 employees our primary mission is to deliver 100% customer success. About PwC UK At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems PwC is a network of over 284,000 professionals around the world, of which about 6,400 in Italy, committed to guaranteeing quality in auditing, technological, strategic, legal and tax consulting services for businesses. Thanks to our sector expertise, we provide complete and tailor-made solutions as well as a wide range of services in an integrated and multidisciplinary way. Our strength is to be able to combine our knowledge of local markets with a global organization. We are one of the largest professional services networks in the world, but size is only part of who we are; creating value for our customers, our people and the society in which we live and work is at the heart of PwC. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005133/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Major energy companies are becoming increasingly sensitive to drilling in high-risk environments such as the Arctic, Barents Sea and the Amazon Basin. A combination of highly volatile oil prices, a prolonged global supply glut, the arrival of peak oil demand, the push to decarbonize the world economy and growing environmental consciousness makes drilling in those locations costly and risky. One environmentally sensitive region which has been at the center of oil exploration and production for decades is Ecuadors section of the Amazon Basin. This region is responsible for most of the Andean countrys eight million barrels of oil reserves and production. Since the 1970s, when the petroleum industry became Ecuadors economic engine, it has suffered significant environmental degradation attracting considerable ire from local indigenous communities. Latest events, including Ecuadors presidential election, have sparked considerable apprehension that not only will recent industry reforms be rolled-back, but economically crucial oil operations could be wound down. This would once again make Ecuador a highly unattractive jurisdiction for foreign energy investors, preventing the investment of urgently needed capital for infrastructure refurbishment and oil field development. Such an outcome would make it near impossible for Ecuador to continue using crude oil to drive its economy while potentially exposing its Amazonian region to greater environmental harm over the short-term. The unpopularity of Ecuadors oil industry and rapidly deteriorating social license is underscored by growing protests against its operations and legal action from Amazonian indigenous communities. This can be blamed on significant damage to sensitive and highly biodiverse local environment. The worst incident, in roughly two decades, was the April 2020 15,000-barrel oil spill into the Coca River after landslides ruptured the Oleoducto de Crudos Pesados (OCP) and Sistema de Oleoducto Transecuatoriano (SOTE) pipelines. Those crucial pieces of energy infrastructure connect Ecuadors Amazonian oilfields to the Pacific port city of Esmeraldas. The spill endangered the city of Cocas water supply and spread into the Napo River, an Amazon tributary. In response, indigenous communities launched legal action against the oil companies involved and Ecuadors national government. In September 2020, this was dismissed by the Provincial Court of Orellana, the department in Ecuadors Amazon where the spill occurred. In December 2020, the indigenous Waorani people filed a lawsuit against Chinese government controlled PetroOriental for environmental damage caused by flaring of natural gas at their oil producing blocks. During November 2020 there was yet another oil spill, this time from a Petrobell pipeline crossing the Shiripuno River in Ecuadors Orellana Province. That spill, it is alleged, was only cleaned up two months after it occurred. Related: Has This Record-Breaking Oil Rally Gone Too Far? Oil spills are plaguing Ecuadors Amazon and can be attributed to geological instability, climatic events, poor pipeline maintenance and a lack of regulatory oversight. These incidents are generating substantial resentment among local indigenous communities toward the central government in Quito and the oil industry, including private operators. Ecuadors oil industry has been dogged for decades by environmental catastrophes, corruption and malfeasance, which according to some industry insiders worsened under the administration of President Correa who was in office from 2007 to 2017. The most prominent environmental disaster were allegations that Texaco dumped up to 428 million barrels of crude oil and toxic waste in Ecuadors Amazon during its decades of operations in the region. There could be a reckoning ahead for the Andean countrys petroleum focused growth model embraced by former President Rafael Correa and current President Lenin Moreno. Ecuadorean indigenous environmental lawyer Yaku Perez, who is campaigning on an anti-commodity extraction pro-environment platform, last week recorded a stronger than expected result in the first round of Ecuadors presidential elections. Perez is neck-in neck with conservative banker and third time presidential candidate conservative former banker Guillermo Lasso. A close vote tainted by allegations of fraud makes it unclear who will run-off against left-leaning economist Andres Arauz, a relative of former President Correa, who won the first round with 32% of the vote falling short of the 40% needed to win the presidency outright. If Perez wins the election, he will be Ecuadors first indigenous president. His party Pachakutik, which represents Ecuadors indigenous population and the environment offering a leftist anti-commodity extraction alternative to Ecuadors traditional leftwing, is experiencing a notable increase in popularity. After the 2021 National Assembly elections, Pachakutik held 27 seats, or more than five-times the seats held before the vote. Perez and his partys sudden rise in popularity highlights rising domestic disquiet with Quitos petroleum focused policies and growing awareness of the damage being done to the Amazon. Related: Hedge Funds Flocked To WTI Crude Ahead Of Texas Cold Snap The appalling state of Ecuadors petroleum industry is not only highlighted by corroded pipeline infrastructure, lax regulation and regular oil spills as well as other hazardous emissions but also by the deterioration of the countrys refineries. Ecuadors most important is the 110,000 barrel per day Pacific coast Esmeraldas refinery. The facility operates intermittently despite a 2016 $1.2 billion refurbishment, which was tainted by allegations of serious corruption, and considerable investment in critical maintenance. The deterioration of the refinerys processing capabilities is illustrated by its inability to produce IMO2020 low sulfur content maritime fuel nor high-quality gasoline or diesel. Regardless of Ecuadors copious eight billion barrels of oil reserves the Andean country lacks sufficient refining capacity to meet domestic gasoline and diesel demand. To address those issues, Morenos government reformed the economically vital hydrocarbon sector and sought tenders from private energy companies to take control of the Esmeraldas refinery on the condition that they undertake the significant investment required to make the facility fully functional. A proposal is expected later this month from a consortium led by South Korea's Hyundai and US engineering contractor KBR for the $3 billion 25-year lease. The scale of Ecuadors crisis is underscored by claims that national oil company Petroecuador, which absorbed state-controlled upstream producer Petroamazonas earlier this year, needing to purchase (Spanish) 7.5 million barrels of crude oil during 2022 if it is to meet its contractual supply obligations. In another blow for a fiscally fragile Quito and the countrys environmentally crisis-prone petroleum industry three major European banks BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse and ING, have committed to cease funding the trade of oil from Ecuadors Amazon. Ecuadors latest elections threaten that process as well as Morenos broader petroleum industry and economic reforms. Leading presidential candidate Arauz is a protege of former President Correa who implemented a range of policies focused on resource nationalism and wide-ranging state intervention in the economy. According to an Argus article from earlier this month, Ecuadors business sector fears that if Arauz is elected he will rollback Morenos pro-business policies and economic reforms including changes to the economically vital petroleum industry and re-embrace a form of leftist populism. It was Correas earlier policies that were responsible for the sharp increase in corruption and mismanagement that accelerated the deterioration of Ecuadors oil infrastructure and made the countrys energy sector unpopular with foreign investors. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: HALIFAX - Nova Scotia plans to continue with its methodical approach to vaccinating the public against COVID-19, the province's chief medical officer of health said Tuesday. Nova Scotia's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa on July 3, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld HALIFAX - Nova Scotia plans to continue with its methodical approach to vaccinating the public against COVID-19, the province's chief medical officer of health said Tuesday. The province has used only about 60 per cent of its available vaccine allotment as it holds back a portion of its shipments for second doses. Dr. Robert Strang said during a briefing that Nova Scotia's low case numbers have made a more conservative approach possible, and that likely won't change unless there is a dramatic increase in cases or solid evidence that one shot provides prolonged immunity. "We are in a position where our best approach is to make sure that we get people the two doses of vaccine as quickly as we can, because it's with the two doses that we know there's evidence of the longest possible immunity," Strang said. He said the province's clinical immunologists have significant concerns that a partially immune population with just one shot would be vulnerable should there be a sudden surge in cases, especially with virus variants present. "You are actually setting yourself up to produce more variant strains because of the virus circulating within somebody's body when they are only partially immune," he said. Strang said the province is expecting to receive its largest single shipment of vaccine to date this week 10,530 doses of Pfizer vaccine with half to be reserved for second doses. The shipment will go to seven cold storage sites across the province, with six doses to be drawn from each vial of vaccine. To date, Nova Scotia has administered a total of 23,140 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, with 8,225 people having received their required second dose. Strang said the province is still targeting 12,000 doses of vaccine a day during the second phase of its rollout, which should coincide with a significant increase in vaccine supply over the coming months. The province also reported three new cases of novel coronavirus on Tuesday and now has 12 active infections. Two of the cases identified were in the Halifax area while the other was in the western zone. Two of the cases were related to international travel and one to domestic travel. Strang said an investigation into two cases of the U.K. variant that were reported last week had still not found a source for the infections or evidence of community spread. He said 150 people were re-tested along with another 32 close contacts of the two cases and that so far all of the results have come back negative. Strang was asked why the province hadn't seen the same dramatic rise in cases as Newfoundland and Labrador, which pegged its latest outbreak to the variant first identified in the United Kingdom. "I don't have a full explanation, and we're fortunate," he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. Officials in Mid Ulster Council are to raise concerns that ambulances are getting lost in the district. Senior officials at Mid Ulster District Council are seeking a meeting with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service after a Coalisland councillor expressed concerns that ambulances are getting lost in the district. The issue was raised during a meeting of the councils development committee by independent councillor Dan Kerr who told the chamber he knew of people waiting up to 45 minutes for an ambulance and of residents having to stay on the phone and guide an ambulance to their house. A few residents living in a housing estate in Coalisland have been in contact with what I would consider a very serious issue, Mr Kerr told the chamber. Residents have been in touch about ambulance response times. Young parents are contacting first responders in relation to newborn babies having medical issues. Ambulances are unable to find address of the families needing help and as a result, families, in an already stressful situation are having to stay on the phone and provide directions to their property. One resident explained it took 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive. We all know timing can be of the essence and in some situations can decide life or death. Mr Kerr continued: Ambulance drivers are unable to locate addresses of newly developed housing estates on their navigation systems. This is a very worrying problem and I think we should do everything in our power to solve it. I would hate if someone was to lose their life due to the ambulance being unable to locate the house and we were later to learn that an earlier intervention could have given that person a greater chance of survival. The Torrent representative proposed the councils senior management team to lobby the NIAS to resolve these issues. He also urged building control to contact the NIAS and ensure that they have the most recent information about newly developed housing estates. Councillor Sean Clarke said the ambulance service was in a serious situation and the COVID-19 pandemic was only part of the problem. The NIAS needs to be resourced properly, said Mr Clarke. When you live in the part of the country I come from you are on the edge of the three trusts, we are about 40 miles from the acute hospitals. It is vital the ambulance service is properly resourced. I think it is incumbent on the authorities to make sure the ambulance service is properly resourced so it can meet the needs of everyone in all parts of the council area. Councillor Barry Monteith then seconded Mr Kerrs proposal. The Chair of the committee, Councillor John McNamee, agreed it was a serious issue that needed to be addressed as soon as possible. Councillor Trevor Wilson said he had also received complaints about the difficulty in finding houses in the district. I know we encourage townlands but we should be encouraging people to put numbers at the bottom of their lane or somewhere that is easy to find, said Mr Wilson. That way, if ambulances are called at least they know the number of the house they are looking at. We are living in unprecedented times. The NHS is at full stretch and in some cases over stretched and it is imperative we do everything we can to help those most in need. Prior to the pandemic we had a meeting about the reformation of the ambulance service. Can we get an update from the NIAS on where they are with that plan? The committees chair confirmed that request would be included in the letter sent to the Northern Ambulance Service. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says hotel quarantine workers must be the first people in Queensland to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The state was set to receive doses of the Pfizer vaccine as early as next week, although Ms Palaszczuk said the rollout was being managed by the federal government. If not next week, itll be the week after, she said. The rollout will start small at the Gold Coast. London, Feb 16 : Another 9,765 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,047,843, according to official figures released. The country also reported another 230 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 117,396. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday. The latest figures were revealed as Britain has hit its target to complete the vaccination of the top priority groups, which cover 15 million people, by mid-February. More than 15.3 million people in Britain have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures. Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted Sunday that the government would "not rest" until the vaccine was offered to all over-50s by the end of April. Britain aims to offer all adults their first dose by autumn. Earlier Monday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government will be "very prudent" in easing coronavirus restrictions to ensure a "cautious but irreversible" progress. "We've got to be very prudent and what we want to see is progress that is cautious but irreversible," Johnson said on his plan for easing the current lockdown, which is expected to be announced on February 22. The road-map exiting the lockdown is expected to include the earliest possible dates for reopening schools and different sectors of the economy, according to Johnson. England is currently under the third national lockdown since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the United States have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) An accused paedophile allegedly raped six children and tortured animals until they died over three years under the noses of a country town. The 61-year-old farmer allegedly abused a woman, 45, and six children between 2015 and 2018 in Taree, on the Mid North Coast of NSW. NSW Police arrested the man in September last year after a three-month investigation following tips off about the disturbing allegations. Police divers search a dam at a property in Taree in September last year after detectives began investigating reports a 45-year-old woman and six children had been sexually or physically abused He faces 70 charges including grooming a child under 14 years for unlawful sexual activity, stalking and intimidating, assault, and aggravated sexual assault. Other charges include aggravated indecency with a victim under 16, refusal to provide necessities of life and rape. His alleged actions towards animals brought charges of torture and beating and causing of death of an animal. Animals allegedly abused and killed include a bull, cat, goat, pig, magpie, horse and multiple dogs and chickens, which he is understood to have owned. Three firearms were recovered during a search of a damon the Taree property (pictured) The man allegedly refused to provide vital medication to a person by hiding it and later throwing it out, and was charged with refusing to provide the necessities of life. Child abuse and sex crimes squad detectives searched a property near Taree on September 8 and found electronic storage devices. Three firearms were also recovered during a search by police divers in a nearby muddy dam. The Taree man has been in jail since his September arrest and was refused bail in October. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and will return to court in the next few weeks. Ireland took one of the 10 rotating seats on the influential UN Security Council last month The retention of personnel and pay crisis in the Defence Forces has placed a question mark over Irelands capacity to follow through on its military record as a member of the United Nations top table, according to a security and defence expert. Dr Patrick Keatinge warned the Government that a reality check is needed when reflecting on Irelands two-year term on the UNs security council. He said Ireland had been successful in achieving its election to the council for a fourth time on the back of its peacekeeping and disarmament record. But he said there was a question about the capacity of the Defence Forces to follow through in the military context. This is not about the forces reputation or professionalism but rather about material conditions and the reform of organisational structures to sustain that reputation, Dr Keatinge said Problems in the recruitment and especially, the retention of personnel, equipment, levels of pay and family support have recurred frequently over recent years. Numbers of personnel have declined and ships are unable to deploy for want of sailors. He also argued that, following the UKs departure from the EU, there was little, if any, agreement on future EU-UK security and defence co-operation. Given that Ireland was outside Nato, this left the country vulnerable, he said. Dr Keatinge, who is co-chair of the Institute of International and European Affair's Security and Defence Group and fellow emeritus of political science at Trinity College Dublin, made his critical comments in a new report entitled Securing Europe After Trump: Navigating Troubled Waters. He said Ireland did not possess adequate military capabilities to respond to some other threats, which could arise in its seas and airspace. If incoming hijacked civilian aircraft, or even foreign military aircraft, which have failed to acknowledge their presence, are to be dealt with, the Irish state depends on British intelligence and military support; likewise concerning submarine intrusion and the vulnerability of major undersea cables. Brexit is now a reality rather than a prolonged nightmare. In the context of a formal reset of British-Irish relations, is it time to review the way in which this policy is conducted and, allowing for a necessary discretion on intelligence co-operation, the shadowy way it is presented to the public? he added. He said business at the top table of the UN was wide-ranging, but the character and credibility of a members ability to play the role of honest broker in conflict resolution depended in large measure on its reputation in the field of security and defence. In Irelands case, he said this concerned the national profile on disarmament and peacekeeping. Dr Keatinge said Ireland was one of the initial sponsors of the most advanced position on nuclear weapons disarmament. Its long-standing support for the non-proliferation regime would be a sound base for collaboration on the overall disarmament agenda. The States reputation stood up to scrutiny on peacekeeping and conflict resolution, the security and defence expert said. Dr Keatinge also warned it was sensible to acknowledge that a seat at the top table was no sinecure and the workload had increased threefold since Ireland was last on the council 20 years ago. Rupert Neve Changed Audio Recording Forever Rupert Neve, the pioneering designer of audio recording equipment, whose creations play a fundamental role in the modern recorded music industry, died on February 12th at his home in Wimberley, Texas. He was 94. His company, Rupert Neve Designs, announced his passing: It is with great sadness that we announce that Rupert Neve, whose name is synonymous with quality audio recording equipment worldwide, has died. He remained in great spirits to the end, enjoying his life in Wimberley, Texas, where he and his wife Evelyn have lived for 27 years. At 94, Rupert remained engaged and passionate about his work, spending most days on a perpetual series of audio electronics projects and continuing to mentor our engineering team on numerous design and development projects. According to the company, Neve died due to non-Covid pneumonia and heart failure. Born in Newton Abbott, England, in 1926, Neve demonstrated an affinity for electronics at an early age and began building and repairing radios while he was a teenager growing up in Argentina. During World War II, at the age of 17, he volunteered for the military, joining the Royal Signals Corps, which provides communications support to the British Army. After his military service, he returned to civilian life and focused on designing audio systems, including a public address system that was used by the future Queen Elizabeth II at the opening of St. Andrews Church, and a mobile recording system for choral groups. In the 1950s, he joined audio and electronics company Rediffusion, but soon ventured out on his own, designing and building mixing consoles for recording studios under the banner of Neve Electronics. Some of his customers during this period include the Beatles and producer George Martin, and composer Denis Leslie. As well, he developed a reputation for his microphone preamplifiers, equalizers, compressors and early large format mixing consoles, which are still sought after today by professionals in the recording industry. After selling his original company to the Bonochord Group in 1973, he launched Focusrite, which developed rack mounted audio gear such as equalizers, processors, and amplifiers, and later Rupert Neve Designs, which designs and markets a variety of award-winning microphone preamplifiers, equalizers, compressors, and other recording equipment. Neve was inducted into the Mix Hall of Fame in 1989, and three years later, became just the third person to win a Technical Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1999, he was presented with the Studio Sound Magazines Audio Person of the Century Award and an Audio Engineering Society Fellowship Award in 2006 Neve was married to his wife, Evelyn, for nearly 70 years until his death. The couple had five children together. Josh Thomas, Rupert Neve Designs co-founder and general manager, shared a statement on his colleagues passing. It was always assumed that the company would outlive him on this earth, and for 16 years he poured his energies into creating a team that would become the caretakers of the theories, practices, and ideologies that truly constitute a Rupert Neve design. All of us at the company are exceedingly grateful for the years of careful instruction and mentoring with which he has blessed us, and we will continue to preserve his legacy in everything we do moving forward. The world certainly sounds better because he was here. CelebrityAccess Share on: CLEVELAND, Ohio Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley and Councilman Basheer Jones have declined to swear off future interactions with a political consultant despite his connection to a dark-money organization that worked to discredit Cleveland Public Power. But Mayor Frank Jackson, while declining to comment specifically about the consultant, said he will not do business with any individual or organization that is found to be working against the city of Cleveland or its people. My position is clear, and it has nothing to do with any individual or any institution, per se, Jackson said. In separate interviews with cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, Jackson, Kelley and Jones each acknowledged past dealings with Kenneth Dowell, president of Cleveland-based Strategic Resources & Consulting. Dowells company worked on Jacksons successful re-election campaign in 2017. He also did field work for City Council campaigns in 2017, and was paid by the Council Leadership Fund that Kelley controls as council president. As a first-term councilman, Jones association with Dowell is more recent. Dowell worked with Jones in 2020 on activities related to President Joe Bidens election campaign. Jones financial reports listed a $3,000 payment to Strategic Resources. Those associations became potentially embarrassing late last year, when tax filings and court records revealed that Dowell had served in 2018 as executive director of Consumers Against Deceptive Fees, a group that disparaged city-owned CPPs rates and service. Court records and tax filings show that FirstEnergy, a CPP competitor, funneled $200,000 to the organization in 2019 through a nonprofit. The council, led by Kelley, has subpoenaed records to learn more about Consumers Against Deceptive Fees funding. In an interview with cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, Dowell denied any knowledge about dark money or efforts by FirstEnergy to undermine the city-owned electric utility. I dont know anything about FirstEnergy money or anything like that, he said. Our job was to go in and talk about money that minority customers were being charged. Those fees environmental charges on electric bills have pushed up CPP customer bills over time, and the people hit most by those increases are African Americans, Dowell said. Dowell is well known in political circles and has worked on a number of high-profile campaigns, including those for Jackson and City Council. And Kelley and Jones, both of whom are considering a run for mayor, might still be willing to do business with Dowell. Asked if he would hire Dowell again, based on what he knows of the consultants involvement with the FirstEnergy-funded organization, Kelley dodged the question. When Dowell worked for the group, sending out leaflets critical of CPPs charges and their impact on Clevelands minority community, the groups funding source was unknown, Kelley said. He said he recognized at the time that Dowell was a hired gun for campaigns and causes. Everybody has to put food on the table, he added. Court and tax documents surrounding the H.B. 6 statehouse bribery scandal made public in 2020 revealed the group received $200,000 in 2019 from FirstEnergy via the pass-through non-profit Partners for Progress. Kelley said hes focused now on finding out the source of $351,000 that Consumers Against Deceptive Fees received in 2018. Jones said he has known Dowell for years and considers him an advisor. Hes someone I can get on the phone with and get advice, he said. Jones said he has not hired Strategic Resources to help him decide whether to run for mayor, but he would not rule out working with Dowell in the future. Jones added that while he thinks its important to track the source of Consumers dark money, council also needs to look closely at CPP. All I know is CPP has a service problem in the community, he said. Dowell confirmed that he and Jones have a long history dating to when Jones was in his early teens. I always watched out for him and looked out for him, Dowell said. Jackson, who has not said if hell seek a fifth term in office, declined to talk about Dowell specifically, saying he didnt want his remarks to be seen as a personal issue. But he said his general position is clear. Anybody or any corporation or any institution that goes about undermining the city of Cleveland or its citizens, I will not do business with or engage in any contracts with, he said. More from Cleveland City Hall Cleveland City Council issues two more subpoenas in investigation of dark money used to discredit CPP Cleveland working on plan to target support for mid-level neighborhoods before they decline Clevelands charter grants City Council subpoena powers for investigations, but experts say that authority likely has limits Be punctual. Wear a tie, the orders of the day as Cleveland City Council takes steps toward pre-coronavirus normalcy The 1970s decade is often characterised as having been one of a musical wilderness, a barren land of popular music set against a background, in Britain at any rate, of urban decay and labour strife. The music, it has been suggested, reflected an uncharming decade, and as with any generalisation there is an element of truth but also a huge chunk of untruth. For every Bay City Rollers or Lieutenant Pigeon, there were the innovators - David Bowie, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, to name but three. While punk, some of it anyway, came to define a 70s bleakness, there was still an abundance of creativity, joyousness, melody, harmony and the breaking of new ground rather than a retro two-fingers-up that was the marketing craft of Malcolm McLaren. Just as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder broke free from the shackles with which Berry Gordy had bound them and combined issues such as the environment, inequality, race and spirituality with stunning musical invention, so the world of jazz realised that it had a new voice. Jazz broke free of the shackles of constraint, those of tradition. Miles Davis was the rebel supreme, altering a genre with a boldness comparable to that which Bob Dylan had achieved in the 1960s. In 1969 Davis brought out In A Silent Way. The album marked the start of what is referred to as his electric period. Decried by some critics for having sold out to rock, it was to be crucial in changing the perception of jazz and in attracting a far wider audience. Jazz ceased to be marginal, and there were any number of Davis alumni who ensured that it wouldnt be. In A Silent Way was curious in that the album featured not one, not two but three keyboardists. They all played electric piano on the album, and each of them was to attain global fame. They were Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Joe Zawinul, whose group Weather Report arguably became the biggest thing that jazz had ever known. Of the three, Herbie Hancock is the only one still with us. Joe Zawinful died in 2007 as the result of a rare form of skin cancer. Last week, Chick Corea passed away, also because of a rare cancer, and with his passing came the recollections of how he, like Miles Davis, had helped to give momentum to jazz in Majorca. In 1986, Davis and his band performed at the Festival of Jazz in Palma. The concert at the auditorium was defined as the event of the decade, but three years previously Chick Corea had appeared at the festival. Phenomenal was the reaction. Born in Massachusetts, his father was from southern Italy, roots which may have been a factor in the Latin flavour that he cultivated. But it wasnt Italy to which he turned for inspiration; it was Spain. A 1976 album, My Spanish Heart, was an exercise in jazz fusion with traditional Latin music. It was more electronic than his previous work, he having been less inclined to follow the synthesizer route that Herbie Hancock and especially Joe Zawinul took. Three years earlier, there had been some electronic instrumentation on the album Light as a Feather, recorded with his band Return to Forever. The Latin feel was particularly evident, the stand-out track having simply been entitled Spain. The introduction to this track was taken from a classical Spanish work - Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo, who was credited as co-composer along with Corea. Light as a Feather, with Spain almost a signature tune, has been heralded as one of the greatest jazz albums of all time, and it firmly established Corea as one of the essential drivers of the new jazz that came to have such widespread popularity in the 70s. Spain received two Grammy nominations, and in 2001 it was reworked as Spain for Sextet and Orchestra. This received the Grammy for best instrumental arrangement. But there were other tributes to the country, such as one that was sandwiched between the two incarnations of Spain. Perhaps it had been that concert in 1983 which inspired it, as the first track on his 1985 album Voyage was entitled Mallorca. A collaboration with flautist Steve Kujala, this was a stripped-back Corea without the band. Recorded for the legendary German ECM label, it was symptomatic of the often haunting productions that the label came up with. There was another Mallorcan connection when he duetted on a 1980 album with pianist Tete Montoliu, who though he was from Catalonia was a regular performer in Majorca and another important influence in the development of jazz on the island. And there were also his collaborations with guitarist Paco de Lucia, who lived in Mallorca and who was cited, along with Miles Davis, as having been one of Coreas greatest influences. The 1970s were in fact rich with rare talents. Another one has sadly passed away. Advertisement Britain today recorded a further 10,625 coronavirus cases and 799 deaths in yet another sign brutal lockdown measures have turned the tide on the second wave as a top expert said fatalities from all causes could fall to 'normal' levels as soon as next month. Department of Health figures showed daily infections dropped by 14 per cent compared to the same time last week when 12,364 were recorded, and had plunged by 37 per cent from two weeks ago. And Covid deaths had also dipped by 25 per cent compared to last Tuesday, when 1,052 were registered. But there are signs the UK's coronavirus vaccine roll-out may be slowing after fewer than 280,000 doses were administered yesterday. Officials have blamed 'patchy' supply for the inconsistent figures, with vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi saying today that doses were 'finite' at the moment. Eminent statistician Sir David Spiegelhalter, from the University of Cambridge, said today he was 'sticking my neck out' and predicting all-cause deaths could tumble to 'normal' levels by next month. He told Times Radio: 'Compared to the first one (Covid wave), we went up really fast, because we weren't taking any measures really at all. We were late putting in restrictions. And we went up very fast (in terms of deaths). And we came down really quite slowly. 'This time, we went up very slowly, throughout autumn, then with the new variant went up faster over Christmas, but we're coming down actually remarkably fast. It is extraordinary, especially that there is this new variant. And then with the vaccine starting to kick in, we're really seeing a very rapid fall, I think better than most people would have expected.' His comments came after Office for National Statistics data today showed 7,320 victims had Covid mentioned on their death certificates in England and Wales over the week ending February 5. This was a 13 per cent drop from the previous week, and the first time that the number of weekly victims linked to the disease had dipped since the seven-day spell ending December 25. The latest data also showed every region in England saw Covid deaths fall compared to the previous week. And the number of deaths from all causes also fell by seven per cent. In other developments today, Nicola Sturgeon revealed schools in Scotland would return on Monday, as she set out the devolved nation's roadmap out of lockdown. Her blueprint comes six days before Boris Johnson is due to make his announcement. The First Minister also warned people not to book foreign holidays and said the shutdown in Scotland which is bearing fewer cases than England is unlikely to end until April. And it comes after the UK's vaccine minister today claimed it is 'up to businesses' to decide if they want to require proof of vaccination before serving customers. Nadhim Zahawi ruled out the Government introducing a domestic 'vaccine passport' as he said the nation's vaccination programme and mass-testing are the best tools for getting life back to normal. No10 ADDS 1.7MILLION ENGLISHMEN TO THE 'SHIELDERS' LIST AND SAYS THEY SHOULD STAY INDOORS UNTIL THE END OF MARCH A further 1.7million people in England are being told to shield from coronavirus and everyone on the vulnerable list is being urged to stay at home until at least March 31. The Department of Health announcement pours cold water on hopes that lockdown rules could start to be drastically eased next month, suggesting medics don't think society will be safe. This is despite the Government smashing its target of vaccinating 15million of the most vulnerable by February 15. There had been hopes that, once those most at risk were jabbed and developed immunity several weeks later, that the most draconian curbs could be lifted. Officials said the shielding list which was first drafted up almost a year ago was being almost doubled after No10's scientific advisers identified additional adults at serious risk of Covid using an algorithm. The DoH did not say who would be added, but the updated list goes beyond looking only at underlying conditions and includes other risk factors including age, weight, ethnicity and level of deprivation. Of the 1.7million new shielders, 900,000 have already had their first dose because their age or medical history made them eligible during the first phase of the roll-out. But health chiefs are now racing to immunise the 800,000 who were missed during the first wave of vaccinations. They will be prioritised, health chiefs said. People who are shielding are advised not to leave their homes at any time, except for brief exercise or medical appointments, because they're at much higher risk of being hospitalised or dying if they catch the coronavirus. Ministers are planning to begin easing lockdown restrictions from as soon as March 8, with the strict 'stay at home' message to be ditched by Boris Johnson. Whitehall sources say Britons could be allowed to socialise outside for the first time since Christmas on that date. Outdoor leisure activities, including golf and tennis, could be permitted before Easter. The Prime Minister will publish his roadmap for easing lockdown next Monday, which will include target dates for the earliest each of the restrictions will be lifted. But it's still not clear when lockdown curbs will be eased significantly and shops, gyms and restaurants will be allowed to open, with the PM opting for a 'cautious' approach to ensure this is the last time the country has to shut down completely. Advertisement In other coronavirus news: Nicola Sturgeon revealed schools in Scotland will reopen on Monday as she sets out her roadmap out of lockdown six days before Boris Johnson; The First Minister also warned people not to book foreign holidays and admitted restrictions were unlikely to be lifted until April; No10 today added 1.7million people to the 'shielders' list and said they should all stay in until March 31; PHE boss criticises No10 for doing 'science by press release' in leaked emails showing nation's top experts were left in the dark about December's shock Kent variant announcement; UK detects another 15 cases of South African strain - which top experts say could make jabs less effective; Officials also spot 42 infections of a new strain with the same mutations as the South African variant; Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi warned it is 'up to businesses' to decide if they want to demand proof of vaccination before admitting customers. The Department of Health's official figures also reveal Plymouth, in Devon, has become the first area to record an infection rate below 50 cases per 100,000 people in England since the third lockdown was imposed. The 235,000-strong town had a case rate at 46.9 on February 11, the latest date available, and a total of 123 cases. As many as eight out of 32 London boroughs are also now recording an infection rate below 100 per 100,000, as the second wave continues to recede. ONS data published today on Covid fatalities in the week to February 5 showed although they had now peaked, the levels remained high overall at the start of the month. The proportion linked to the virus was the third highest on record after 42.5 per cent of 17,192 fatalities from all causes involved the disease. And two regions in England the East and the South East also still recorded more than 1,000 Covid deaths. ONS death figures have only just shown a downturn because they lag behind daily death figures, after statisticians analyse each fatality to identify all those where the virus was mentioned. The Department of Health's daily updates show that the number of deaths from the virus has been falling for a fortnight, in line with nose-diving infections, after peaking in mid-January. There is a delay of about three weeks between someone getting infected with the virus and sadly succumbing to the disease, meaning it takes time for a dip in cases to show up in the deaths figures. It comes as Ms Sturgeon today confirmed that Scottish schoolchildren will return to class from next Monday, a full fortnight before their English counterparts. She said that a phased reopening of schools will begin from February 22 - but dashed the hopes of Scots dreaming of a foreign summer holiday this year. Under the plans announced at the start of February and confirmed at Holyrood this afternoon, pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 3 would also be allowed back into school first, as would those in the senior phase of secondary school. NADHIM ZAHAWI SAYS IT IS 'UP TO BUSINESSES' TO DECIDE IF THEY WANT TO USE JAB PASSPORTS Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi today said it is 'up to businesses' to decide if they want to require proof of vaccination before serving customers. Mr Zahawi ruled out the Government introducing a domestic 'vaccine passport' as he said the nation's vaccination programme and mass-testing are the best tools for getting life back to normal. He confirmed the Government is working on a form of vaccine certificate which people will be able to ask for should it be a requirement for travelling to a specific country. But his suggestion that firms could decide for themselves whether to ask for proof of vaccination is likely to cause controversy. Mr Zahawi's comments raise the prospect of shops, pubs and restaurants refusing entry to customers if they cannot prove they have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Advertisement All children under school age in early learning and childcare would also return. The move heaps pressure on Boris Johnson to confirm classes in England will begin again on March 8. He is widely expected to confirm this when he unveils a 'roadmap' out of lockdown next Monday, but questions remain over how many children will immediately return. Ms Sturgeon said that after Monday, further returns to school would not happen before March 15, given the need to properly assess the ramifications of the return in phase one. The First Minister said: 'I want to be clear, though, that the need to properly assess the impact of this limited reopening means we think it unlikely, at this stage, that there will be any further return to school before 15 March. 'As we consider these issues, we are of course doing everything we can to ensure that schools are as safe as possible for children, and for the education workforce.' Senior phase pupils, teachers and school staff will be given lateral flow testing twice a week from next week. The Scottish Government hopes to produce a full roadmap out of lockdown next week, Ms Sturgeon added. But as a payoff for the schools going back, she warned today that foreign holidays are probably ruled out this year. 'We are very likely to advise against booking Easter holidays, either overseas or within Scotland as it is highly unlikely that we will have been able to fully open hotels or self-catering accommodation by then,' she told MSPs. 'However for the summer, while it is still highly unlikely that overseas holidays will be possible or advisable, staycations might be - but this will depend on the data nearer the time.' The number of deaths recorded from all causes in England and Wales remained above the five-year average in the week ending February 5, the most recent, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show Figures showed 42.5 per cent of all deaths recorded in the most recent week involved the virus, the third highest on record Every region of England saw the number of deaths from the virus it recorded fall in the most recent week. But they remained above 1,000 in the East of England and South East The number of deaths in care home residents linked to the virus fell by 13.2 per cent compared to the previous week after 2,175 were recorded. These were deaths across all settings including those in hospitals Official data shows the virus has had a disproportionate impact on older age groups, with the vast majority of fatalities being among those over 65 years old Hospital is still the main location where deaths linked to the virus are occurring, followed by care homes and private homes The above graph shows the number of deaths linked to the virus decreased in the most recent week Official data also reveals the number of deaths involving influenza also dropped in the most recent week. The flu has failed to take off this year, after mask-wearing and social-distancing measures prevented the virus from spreading Professor David Spiegelhalter, a top statistician at the University of Cambridge The ONS figures also show more than 1,000 Covid deaths occurred each day for 23 days in a row from January 7, the data also showed, and peaked when 1,437 fatalities were recorded on January 19. This is just below the peak of the first wave when 1,457 Covid deaths were registered on April 8. Although encouraging, the latest report showed excess deaths from all causes are still 40 per cent above the five-year average - the official estimate for the number of deaths expected in a particular week - or 4,986 deaths higher. This shows the second wave was still inflicting a heavy toll on the country in early February. Deaths are generally higher over the winter months normally due to outbreaks of flu and other diseases. But these figures show Covid deaths were still far above the levels triggered by flu. ANOTHER MUTANT STRAIN OF COVID IS FOUND IN THE UK Another Covid variant that could dodge vaccine-triggered immunity has been identified in the UK, scientists say. The strain called B.1.525 has been spotted 33 times already but experts say this could be an underestimate. It carries the E484K mutation found on both the South African and Brazilian variants, which make the current crop of jabs slightly less effective. The variant also has the Q677H mutation on its crucial spike protein, prompting warnings from scientists that this could make it even more resistant to vaccines. And it shares similarities with the Kent strain, which studies show is up to 70 per cent more infectious and deadlier. The B.1.525 variant was first detected in Britain in mid-December but this doesn't mean it evolved here. The UK does far more sequencing than other countries. It has already spread to 11 countries including the US, Canada and Denmark, which are not on the UK's 'red list'. It has been linked to travel to Nigeria, where 12 out of 51 virus samples analysed or 24 per cent were the new variant. For comparison, the UK has only found it in 33 of 70,000 genomes sequenced, or less than 0.4 per cent. The discovery will likely spark fears Britain's lockdown restrictions may be delayed. Boris Johnson who is set to unveil his 'roadmap' back to freedom on Monday last week refused to rule out extending measures if the South African virus kept on spreading. His comments came after an alarming study claimed Oxford University's vaccine may not stop people falling ill with the mutant strain. But although some genetic changes have been found to make jabs slightly less effective, experts say everyone should still get vaccinated because the jabs should prevent serious illness and death from the disease even if they don't stop people developing symptoms. Advertisement Every region of England also recorded more fatalities than the five-year average, with the highest toll in London where they were 69.8 per cent above (790 more deaths). This was followed by the East of England which was 62.5 per cent above (833 more) and the South East which was 58.5 per cent above (1,085 more). The three regions were hit hardest by the second wave of the pandemic, after the mutant Kent strain emerged and spread rapidly through these regions sparking ministers decision to abandon Christmas bubbles. The lowest percentage of deaths above the five-year average was in Yorkshire and the Humber where they were 10.7 per cent above (128 more), the North East where they were 11.6 per cent above (77 more) and the South West where they were 31.4 per cent above (359 more). In Wales they recorded 18.8 per cent more deaths from all causes than the five-year average after 903 fatalities were registered in the most recent week or 18.8 per cent more than expected. Deaths were also still above the five-year average in all settings - in yet another sign of the damaging impact inflicted by the second wave on the country. Professor Kevin McConway, a statistician at the Open University, said today it was 'excellent' to see the number of deaths registered in England and Wales were 'clearly lower than the previous week'. 'Thats not surprising given the falls that weve seen in the daily numbers of deaths on the dashboard at coronavirus.data.gov.uk', he said, 'and given that the numbers of registered deaths had already started to fall in the bulletin from ONS for the previous week'. He added: 'Things are definitely moving in the right direction. Excess deaths the difference between the number of deaths in the latest week and the average number for the same week in the five years from 2015-2019, are down too.' In further news, Public Health England today revealed it has found another 15 cases of the South African coronavirus variant on British soil - taking the total to 217 amid concerns it could make vaccines less effective if it becomes widespread. Surge testing began at the start of February in areas known to have had cases of the variant, in which mass public swab-testing some of it done door-to-door aims to weed out cases spreading among people without symptoms. And 42 people are confirmed to have been infected with a new variant not seen before, which carries the same mutation that makes the South African strain able to dodge some of the immunity given by older vaccines. The strain called B.1.525 has been spotted 42 times already, twice in Wales, but experts say this could be an underestimate. Health chiefs today officially listed it as a variant under investigation while further tests are carried out. It will not be instantly listed as a strain of concern, like the South African and Kent viruses. It carries the E484K mutation found on both the South African and Brazilian variants, which make the current crop of jabs slightly less effective. The variant also has the Q677H mutation on its crucial spike protein, prompting warnings from scientists that this could make it even more resistant to vaccines. And it shares similarities with the Kent strain, which studies show is up to 70 per cent more infectious and deadlier. The B.1.525 variant was first detected in Britain in mid-December but this doesn't mean it evolved here. The UK does far more sequencing than other countries. It has already spread to 11 countries including the US, Canada and Denmark, which are not on the UK's 'red list'. It has been linked to travel to Nigeria, where 12 out of 51 virus samples analysed or 24 per cent were the new variant. For comparison, the UK has only found it in 33 of 70,000 genomes sequenced, or less than 0.4 per cent. The discovery will likely spark fears Britain's lockdown restrictions may be delayed. Boris Johnson who is set to unveil his 'roadmap' back to freedom on Monday last week refused to rule out extending measures if the South African virus kept on spreading. His comments came after an alarming study claimed Oxford University's vaccine may not stop people falling ill with the mutant strain. One senior Tory MP told MailOnline that the discovery of such variants could give Downing Street cold feet about easing lockdown. They said: 'It looks as if these variant are actually tackled by the existing vaccines but the fact is you don't know until time passes and you can see the impact on real people. The problem is that every time a variant pops up it causes this problem with people saying "hang on".' The above map shows where the strain B.1.525 has been detected in the world. It was first identified in the UK and Nigeria in late December Above is the number of cases identified by country. In areas where more genomes are checked for variants of the virus, it is likely more cases will be detected Above is the number of times cases have been found since the first variant was reported by country. It has been most common in Nigeria, Jordan and Ghana this shows FOUR TRAVELLERS ARE FINED 10,000 EACH AFTER FAILING TO DECLARE THEY HAD ARRIVED FROM 'RED-LIST' COUNTRIES Four passengers arriving in the UK have been fined 10,000 each for failing to tell authorities that they came from a 'red-list' country. The passengers landed at Birmingham Airport where they 'attempted to hide their routes', West Midlands Police revealed. Police have not said where the four people arrived from, but they were 'identified and received 10,000 fines as a result'. Arrivals from 33 'red list' countries now have to pay 1,750 to quarantine in a hotel for ten days - or face a 10,000 fine. Passengers who lie about where they came from on their passenger locator forms could be hit with a 10-year jail sentence. West Midlands Police temporary Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: 'By midday yesterday, on the first day of implementation, we have received six passengers who had declared travelling from a red list country, who were taken to the quarantine hotel. Advertisement It comes as one of Public Health England's top advisers has accused the Government of doing 'science by press release' by announcing things without telling its scientists. Dr Susan Hopkins, who has appeared alongside senior ministers in Downing Street press conferences throughout the pandemic, vented her frustration in leaked emails seen by Politico. The email came in the wake of Health Secretary Matt Hancock's first announcement about the Kent variant on December 14. The mutated strain of the virus hadn't been mentioned to the public before a shock press conference less than a fortnight before Christmas. It took off at such speed that festive changes to lockdown rules were scrapped at the 11th hour for millions of people in London, the East and the South East. A scramble for detail ensued, with PHE unable to give journalists any information beyond a name for the variant. The leaked emails show the same rush for information was playing out behind the scenes, with senior medics baffled by the announcement. When MailOnline requested details at the time of where cases of the Kent variant had been found, the Department of Health referred the request to PHE, which deferred to COG-UK, an organisation analysing the genetics in positive Covid test samples. COG-UK could not provide the information. PHE has denied that Dr Hopkins was criticising the Government in her email. Politico reports that an infection control doctor and PHE adviser, Dr David Farren, said in the email conversation: 'I can't see anything on the usual channels.' Dr Michael Kelsey, a microbiologist and NHS doctor in London, added: 'This is part of the new "science by press release" that has become the norm.' Dr Hopkins, who is the senior medical adviser at PHE, replied: 'Science by press release is correct.' She said it would be at least a day before PHE was able to explain the new variant to scientists; even those advising the government body. A PHE spokesperson said: 'Dr Hopkins was absolutely not criticising the Government. 'She was reflecting on the fact that, owing to the fast moving nature of the science throughout the pandemic, there has been a need to communicate quickly and directly to the public, often at the same time as the scientific community, as opposed to the usual full peer-review publication process which often takes months.' The closed-door trial began in secret, with the two defendants appearing by video. The defense attorney wasnt even aware what was happening. By the time he rushed to the court on Tuesday afternoon, it was all over, in less than an hour. The trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars civilian leader who was ousted in a military coup two weeks ago, and U Win Myint, the deposed president, began on Tuesday. They face obscure charges that could land them in prison for six years and three years respectively. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi was accused of violating import restrictions after walkie-talkies and other foreign equipment were found in her villa compound. She was also charged with contravening a natural disaster management law by interacting with a crowd during the coronavirus pandemic, a charge that had not been disclosed publicly before. Mr. Win Myint has been charged with breaching the natural disaster restrictions. The first day of the trial of Myanmars elected leaders capped a dizzying two weeks in which the military, which ruled the country for nearly half a century before sharing some power with a civilian government, locked up hundreds of people, stripped away civil liberties for the entire population and steadfastly ignored the millions of protesters who have risen up against their seizure of power. Weve all heard of NIMBYism the not-in-my-backyard mentality of those that cant see the big picture looming beyond their garden fence. So lets call the decision to quit peat harvesting in Ireland NIMBYFE, which is NIMBY-ism for environmentalists. The latter are delighted with themselves after Bord na Mona caved in and announced it was quitting peat for good last month. This is seen as a massive victory for our much maligned bogs and another step to curbing Irelands emissions. Except now well see the start of peat imports from Scotland and the Baltic states to keep alive the horticulture businesses that cant operate without it. Because, despite what the environmentalists will claim, there is no way for nurseries and mushroom growers and fruit farms and all the other multitude of Irish horticultural businesses to stay competitive in a global world. Yes, there are alternative growing media made from recycled compost waste that will do 90pc of what peat can do for plants. The other 10pc is lost where a bit of banana skin hasnt decomposed properly and creates a tiny acid blob that murders any roots or shoots from nearby seeds. Expand Close Lettuce growing in bed of peat-based compost / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lettuce growing in bed of peat-based compost Its that hyper-delicate habitat that makes Irish peat so sought after. It pays growers in far-flung destinations like Australia and Tahiti to import Irish peat because it has the perfect balance of pH, aeration, and stability to maximise plant growth. Read More Ask anybody in business how they are going to do if they can only operate to 90pc of the competitions efficiency. All they are going to do is go out of business, because its that last 10pc where the margin is. The environmentalists will say that necessity is the mother of all invention and now that the sectors back is to the wall, huge strides will be made in the quality of peat substitutes. But how come the Dutch, the master innovators and horticulturalists, havent been able to wean themselves off peat? It turns out that hydroponics is not possible for every crop, and is actually quite wasteful of fertiliser. Coir, the leftovers from coconut shells which has become one of the key substitutes, takes 1,500L of water per cubic metre to wash out all the salts. Then you ship it around the world. Thats not sustainable. Expand Close Bord na Mona is quitting peat for good / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bord na Mona is quitting peat for good Instead, the Dutch still import millions of tonnes of peat from their neighbours every year because there is simply nothing better. Again the environmentalists will counter that when everyone is grappling with the same issue of a viable alternative to peat, whatever additional costs the lower productivity creates will just be passed onto the customer. But there is no level playing pitch on this issue.A bit like how the Yanks forge ahead with their GM crops, and the South Americans continue to clear more land, the competition is going to continue using peat. All that has changed is that Bord na Mona have decided to give up on the process of jumping through the bureaucratic hoops in the Irish system. Read More It is still legal for every other country in Europe and the rest of the world to mill peat like its going out of fashion. So when compost runs out from Bord na Mona next July, what will all its horticulture customers do? Theyll dial up the next best supplier and continue without missing a beat. Some of that might be Irish peat, more of it might be from Scotland. Indeed, it might all eventually be shipped in from the Baltic States, where producers are opening up new bogs on a scale that dwarfs what Bord na Mona ever did here. You might be forgiven for concluding that Im all in favour of carrying on as we always did in Ireland. But Im not. Some 95pc of all the peat that was produced In Ireland annually was exported or burned. That wasnt a very clever use of a resource that has a large environmental footprint. While we might have been proud of the fact that growers all over the world were willing to pay handsomely for Irish peat, that doesnt make it right. Expand Close Soil peat moss / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Soil peat moss Granted, churning out huge volumes ensured that Irish growers got a dirt-cheap imput, but again that was short-sighted. Less than 5pc of the 88,000 hectares of bog owned by Bord na Mona was ever needed for their horticulture business. But that 3,000Ha could shrink to just 90Ha if the peat was only used for Irish growers, and further dilution using wood-chip was incorporated. Thats about 0.1pc of the total area of bogland under the companys control. Instead of compromising on keeping this tiny fraction of bog open to prevent Irish horticulturalists relying on imported peat to stay in business, the environmentalists have managed to export that piece of our carbon footprint to some other sucker. Now thats what I call NIMBYFE. Darragh McCullough runs a mixed farm enterprise in Meath www.elmgrovefarm.ie California aims to vaccinate up to 3 million people a week by March 1 more than double its current rate under a distribution contract with Blue Shield that took effect Monday. The goal was set even as counties continued to face frustrating supply problems. The partnership with Blue Shield is meant to repair what has so far been a bumpy, chaotic vaccination rollout in California, highlighted in the Bay Area this week by one major immunization site opening while two others closed because of vaccine shortages. The Oakland Coliseum opens Tuesday morning as the largest vaccination site in Alameda County. The state began taking appointments for the clinic Sunday at MyTurn.ca.gov its online reservation platform. But across the bay, San Francisco public health officials said clinics at Moscone Center and City College of San Francisco would be shuttered for a week because the city had run out of vaccine. Similar closures have plagued vaccine sites in Southern California. The auspicious opening and the disappointing closures are among the most obvious markers of the struggle to vaccinate people quickly and efficiently in California. Access to vaccine often has been fickle, and residents have expressed frustrated confusion over when and how they will be able to get their shots. Its obviously confusing for people. Its hard to tell whats going on, Dr. George Rutherford, an infectious disease expert with UCSF, said in an interview Monday. But this is not about bad intentions. Its not about anything but the vagaries of the supply system. All we can do is ask people to bear with us as the supply catches up with the demand. State officials have said that the collaboration with Blue Shield will streamline distribution, leaning on the expertise of one of Californias largest insurance providers. The 55-page contract states that Blue Shield cannot be paid more than $15 million for its participation, and it cannot profit off of its deal with the state. Details of the partnership were released Monday. The state continues to be responsible for approving vaccine allocations to counties and certain large health care providers such as Kaiser Permanente, and determining how doses are divvied up. Blue Shield is tasked with developing a system for helping the state make those decisions and for managing distribution details. Blue Shields distribution system must take into account not just how many people are served by counties and providers, but how quickly they are administering vaccines and how well theyre reaching disadvantaged communities. The state and Blue Shield set a goal of building up capacity so California is able to vaccinate 3 million people a week by the end of this month and 4 million a week by the end of April. Whether they are able to administer that many shots depends on supply, which is not controlled by the state. California currently vaccinates about 1.3 million people a week. The state had administered more than 6 million doses as of Monday, according to the state Department of Public Health. Other goals relate to equal access to vaccinations. For 95% of the population, vaccines must be available within 30 minutes of travel time in urban areas and 60 minutes in rural areas, and there must be plans to vaccinate people who cannot leave their homes. The contract repeatedly references developing goals and metrics for getting vaccines to communities that have been most burdened by the coronavirus. The Oakland Coliseum site, along with a similar operation at Cal State Los Angeles, are meant to resolve some of those equity issues. The Coliseum clinic is open to all Californians, not just residents of Alameda County, though they must meet current county vaccine eligibility to make an appointment. That group includes health care workers; anyone age 65 and older; and workers in education, emergency services, and food and agriculture industries. Both sites will prioritize access for people who may have trouble getting vaccinated elsewhere, state and federal officials said. Equitable distribution of vaccines has been problematic. Latino and Black residents in particular are being vaccinated at much lower rates than white people, despite carrying a much heavier burden of illness. These sites have been set up to reach populations that generally have a harder time getting access to good medical care, said Grady Joseph, assistant director of the Governors Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES. We are approaching both of these sites from a lens of equity. And making sure that individuals who historically have a tougher time accessing are at the front of the line. The Oakland Coliseum and Cal State Los Angeles sites were the first announced by the Biden administration this month as part of a plan to build 100 mass vaccination clinics across the country in the presidents first 100 days in office. The Oakland Coliseum site seeks to deliver 6,000 doses a day. Both sites are run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state, through Cal OES. Vaccine supplies for the Oakland site come directly from the federal government, not Alameda Countys allotment, and people do not have to be county residents to use the site. Other large vaccination clinics, including those in San Francisco that were temporarily shut down this week , rely on vaccine supply from county allotments, which have been notoriously inconsistent. Mayor London Breed bemoaned the lack of vaccine supply on Twitter on Sunday, when she announced that the two San Francisco sites would be closed until at least the end of the week. Im frustrated because weve shown that SF can administer shots as soon as they come in, Breed wrote. The only thing holding us back is a lack of supply, and Im hoping that will change soon. Similarly, public health officials have had to pause vaccinations at several sites in Southern California, including Dodger Stadium last week. That site will reopen Tuesday, but only for people receiving their second doses, public health officials said. They said their ability to scale up the clinic is limited largely by vaccine supply. Our city has the tools, the infrastructure and the determination to vaccinate Angelenos swiftly and safely we simply need more doses, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement Monday. Rutherford said the supply issues are partly a holdover from the Trump administration, which overpromised how many doses would be made available to states. Vaccines arrived at about the promised levels for the first couple of weeks of the rollout in early December, then quickly fell short. Everybody is trying to do as good a job as we can, given all the circumstances, Rutherford said. Wipro announced a five-year strategic partnership with Telefica Germany / O2, a leading provider of mobile telecommunications, broadband and landline in Germany. As a part of this contract, Wipro will work with Telefica Germany / O2 and its wider ecosystem to transform its Business Support Systems and associated Quality Assurance to enable superior customer experience and growth in the B2B market segment. Tech Mahindra announced a strategic partnership with Telefica Germany / O2, a leading telecommunications provider from Germany, to drive their end to end IT transformation. Through this digital transformation, Tech Mahindra will support Telefica Germany / O2 to deliver faster product launches and provide a more 'human centered' experience to its customers in the mass market segment. Titan Company was informed by CaratLane Trading (CaratLane), a subsidiary of the company, that it had incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary namely StudioC Inc. in the state of Delaware, USA and accordingly it has become a step down subsidiary of the company effective 11th February 2021. SIS said the company's board of directors approved the proposal of buyback of upto Rs 99.99 crore worth of equity shares, at a price of Rs 550 per share. The resultant equity shares to be bought back at the buyback offer price are 18,18,181 equity shares, representing 1.24% of the total number of equity shares in the total paid-up equity capital of the Company as on March 31, 2020. Geojit Financial Services, through its Smartfolios platform, has tied up with Lotusdew, a SEBI and US SEC regulated firm, to offer a basket of stocks that uses behavioural finance and AI to identify dominant market conviction. Through this partnership, Geojit will offer a new small and mid-cap basket of stocks called Lotusdew Prestige, which analyses corporate events like M&A announcements, earnings surprises, order book wins, dividends, stock splits etc. to identify profitable stocks. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Zara McDermott has revealed that she was called a 's**g' and 'disgusting' by strangers in the street after after a boy shared naked pictures of her when she was just 14. The Love Island star, 24, whose BBC3 documentary on revenge porn will air soon, admitted that her 'life was unbearable' and lamented receiving 'no compassion' from teachers who were 'embarrassed' by her behaviour, despite her ordeal. Zara told The Sun that once the naked photograph had been spread through her local area, strangers in the street would hurl abuse at her, calling her a 's**g' and 'disgusting'. What!? Zara McDermott, 24, has revealed that she was called a 's**g' and 'disgusting' by strangers in the street after after a boy shared naked pictures of her when she was just 14 She said: 'It's been ten years of pain. It still affects me to this day and I don't think it will ever go away. I was so scarred from that experience.' Opening up about her hope that her teachers would support her, Zara admitted: 'There was no compassion for me. They were so embarrassed by my behaviour that they didnt want me in school. Do you know what that does to a young girl? 'My life was unbearable. The idea of not living any more was better than having to deal with the pain I was going through every day.' Unbearable: In a new interview, the Love Islander admitted that her 'life was unbearable' and lamented receiving 'no compassion' from teachers, who were 'embarrassed' by her behaviour Scarred: 'It's been ten years of pain. It still affects me to this day and I don't think it will ever go away. I was so scarred from that experience' said Zara Luckily Zara didn't go through with a suicide attempt, and thankfully knew that things would get better. In recent interviews, the reality star has revealed she felt 'shunned, punished and shamed' by her teachers and peers, while the boy who sent the image got off 'scot free'. The blonde beauty has explained how she took the nude photograph to send to a boy as a means of fitting in at school. Zara, who was later victim to the same offence in 2018, has previously admitted that the shame drove her to consider suicide so she wouldn't have to go back to school. The TV star said she was called into the headteacher's office and suspended, before police were called to give her a talk about having created child pornography. Brave: Zara McDermott has told how revenge porn made her consider suicide after a boy shared naked pictures of her around their school when she was just 14 (pictured in January) In an interview with the Times, Zara said: 'People don't realise when something like this happens, it affects the whole family. 'My teachers just washed their hands of me. Drilling it into me, constantly blaming me. Do you know what that does to a young girl?' She said the boy got off without punishment, while she was left so embarrassed she considered suicide as a means of not returning. Zara, who is now in a relationship with Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, said she remembers thinking: "How would I do it?". I never want to go to that place again.' Candid: The Love Island star, 24, revealed she felt 'shunned, punished and shamed' by her teachers and peers while the boy who sent the image got off 'scot free' (pictured outside Parliament Square in London) The boy shared the image with friends and it circulated around the the Coopers' Company and Coborn School in Upminster, Essex, before reaching neighbouring schools by lunchtime the following day. It even reached her 11-year-old brother and her mother, who worked in the food and tech department of the school, and had to confront colleagues and other parents who told her she should 'be ashamed'. Meanwhile, she revealed the other girls at school slut-shamed her and she became isolated from her entire friendship group. Coopers' Company and Coborn School said it now has 'specific policies for peer on peer abuse and clear procedures for sexting incidents'. After rebuilding her life, Zara sexted again in 2018 just before appearing on Love Island to her then-boyfriend. Difficult times: Zara, who was later victim to the same crime in 2018, said the shame drove her to consider suicide so she wouldn't have to go back to school (pictured on Love Island in 2018) She had reached a point of trust with the man but this was broken when the images were shared online and circulated around the world after the show. Zara only learnt about the images when she was preparing to fly home after her time on the show ended. It comes as campaigners including Zara, welcomed moves to make it a criminal offence for people to threaten to share naked, sexual or explicit pictures of videos of another person without their consent. What is revenge porn? Revenge Porn - or Image-based sexual abuse - is the sharing of private, sexual materials of another person without their consent Sharing with the purpose of causing embarrassment or distress to the individual pictured The offence can be both on and offline and applies to electronically shared images or showing someone a physical image Advertisement Government ministers are expected to back the change and make 'an intent to share intimate images' an offence under new abuse legislation, according to The Sun. experience last September, she said: 'I've been a victim of revenge porn, or what is called Image Based Sexual Abuse, twice in my life. 'Notably, when I came out of Love Island, and came out to images of me, what felt like, circulating around the whole world. It was one of the hardest things I went through in my whole life. 'I think that telling someone to never send an image of themselves or a video or do anything in a relationship in a digital way. 'It's quite naive to ask someone to do because we live in a hugely digital age right now, it's only going to get more prolific in society. 'So I think that trying to do it safely is a really interesting concept to think about and something I thought about a lot, how can you educate people safely? 'And also and educating people who would share the images about the implications of their actions and them knowing it's illegal and is an offence, I think could change a lot.' Heartbreaking: Zara, who is now in a relationship with Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson (pictured), said she remembers thinking: "How would I do it?". I never want to go to that place again' It is understood that ministers broadly support plans to criminalise those who threaten to leak sex tapes or other explicit content of their partners. It comes after a campaign by the domestic abuse charity Refuge, endorsed by a host of celebrities including Zara and Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman. The measure would essentially add a 'threats to' element to existing revenge porn legislation, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison for those who commit image-based sexual abuse by sharing explicit pictures or video without the subject's consent, with the intent to cause distress. Lisa King, Refuge director of communications and external relations, said: 'Refuge is beyond delighted to hear that the Government has committed, as part of the Domestic Abuse Bill, we hope, to make threats to share intimate images illegal. 'We have been working around the clock, over many months to bring this to the Government's attention. 'The success of The Naked Threat campaign has only been possible thanks to the survivors with whom we work, our dedicated tech abuse team, the many supportive politicians such as Baroness Nicky Morgan, Caroline Nokes, and Lord Ken Macdonald and supporters such as Olivia Colman and Zara McDermott.' She added: 'This commitment shows that the Government is willing to listen to their needs and experiences and put them front and centre of their efforts to tackle domestic abuse.' A survey commissioned by Refuge previously found that one in 14 adults in England and Wales had experienced threats to share intimate images or videos. Standing together: In September, Zara joined Refuge ambassador and domestic abuse survivor Natasha Saunders and Refuge policy manager Cordelia Tucker O'Sullivan outside Parliament to lobby to change laws The survey suggested that threats to share intimate images are most prevalent among people aged 18-34, with one in seven young women experiencing such threats. During a debate in the House of Lords on Monday night, Baroness Morgan pressed the case for a change in the law. She said: 'The actual sharing of the images might take place, but, just as likely, if a partner or ex-partner wants to exercise control over and play havoc with their victim's life, they will leave the threat hanging out there, often for many years. 'So the police and everyone else need to know and be clear in their own minds that the making of threats is an offence and should be prosecuted, in the same way as the actual sharing of intimate images was made a crime by this Government.' Refuge survivor was a teenager when her boyfriend asked her to pose for photographs Natasha Saunders, 31, revealed she was with her ex-husband for six months when he 'ordered' her to remove her clothes to 'pose for intimate photos'. The Refuge survivor said: 'In the beginning, I thought taking these photos was an act of intimacy, but they were actually being used as another form of domestic abuse and as another way to control me.' She said he would 'berate' and 'mock' her appearance until she gave in. 'Posing for these photos made me feel so dirty and worthless, but I was just a teenager and I wanted to make him happy. 'I never imagined these pictures would become leverage for my abuser's campaign of isolation and coercive control. 'The threat of those intimate photos being shared was my worst nightmare I had no choice but to comply with his continued abuse or face potential shame and humiliation.' Advertisement She said creating the law, in an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill, 'would protect millions of women and victims of domestic abuse sooner than some indefinite date in the future'. The matter is due back before MPs in the coming weeks. Zara joined Refuge ambassador and domestic abuse survivor Natasha Saunders and Refuge policy manager Cordelia Tucker O'Sullivan outside Parliament in September last year. Speaking about the project on Instagram, she said: 'I'm going to speak to you guys about a very serious topic, something that's really, really close to me and something I've been a victim of myself and that is revenge porn, or as other people like to call it image based sexual abuse... 'Some of the messages I've had have shocked me to the core. I can't even begin to tell you what women are going through now.' In March, it was revealed that Zara give an 'emotional and raw' account of her experience of revenge porn in a BBC documentary, to be released on February 23 this year. She revealed she will open up about the traumatic time in an upcoming show for BBC Three - recounting the time she left Love Island in 2018 and learnt that an ex had leaked naked images of her online. Zara wrote on Instagram: 'ANNOUNCEMENT. Hi Everyone. Some of you may be aware that I have been a victim of Image Based Sexual Abuse, which is also known as Revenge Porn... 'For those of you who don't know what this is, it's basically when one person shares intimate images of videos of another person without their consent... 'I am really humbled and honoured to announce that the BBC and I are currently making a documentary to share my story. 'My main aim is to bring awareness to this issue, and be a voice for those who have suffered in silence and to help make a change. I am sharing my story and being my most vulnerable, emotional and raw [sic].' According to Zara, she now feels 'confident enough to properly speak out' about her personal experiences of revenge porn. She wrote: 'This has affected my life and me as a person tremendously, and for the first time I'm confident enough to properly speak out and share my story. 'I am nervous to share these intimate details with the world but I hope that it will only make positive change and lessen the blame on us victims. The documentary will be out in a few months time on BBC Three. Thank you so much.' Of the upcoming show, Fiona Campbell, the Controller at BBC Three, said: 'We're grateful to Zara for sharing her story with us and hope it will make a difference to young lives around the UK.' For help and support or more information, you can call Refuge's Freephone 24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 for free, confidential specialist support or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk. The campaign conceived by Mullen Lintas aims at strengthening the brand's roots in Kerala's soil. Same words that mean something different in another dialect, different words that mean the same and words you never knew existed are a part of this unique intricacy of Malayalam that instils pride in every Malayalee. The Kanan Devan campaign is based on this central insight and celebrates the fact that it takes someone who belongs to Kerala, to understand this unique diversity of the state. Just like TATA Tea Kanan Devan from Keralas own Kanan Devan hills. Plunging into this dialect confusion of Kerala, the campaign picks the right words that cause the confusing situations. To add the quintessential element of authenticity to the story, the scenes in the film are shot at the locations where the dialects are commonly used: Palakkad, Thrissur , Kasargod The films are created by national award winning director VK Prakash, a famed ad-film maker, and foremost of all, a true Malayalee. The cast of the film includes renowned actors from the place of origin of each dialect, to enhance the naturality of the dialogue delivery. Biju Menon, one of Keralas most celebrated actors, takes over as the narrator in the film to further spice-up the Malayalee flavour. Speaking about the campaign, Garima Khandelwal Chief Creative Officer Mullen Lintas, said, The brand communication with this commercial evolves from the brand being home grown in Kerala to being home grown to know Kerala like no other. That the dialect in Kerala is so different in different regions that words in the same language are misunderstood was a unique and fresh idea. What is special in this montage is the mix in the casting, to have famous recognisable artists that are popularly known to be from the same regions as depicted for the commercial lend the scale and memorability. Commenting on the brand restage, Puneet Das, Sr. Vice President Marketing, Packaged Beverages, India, TATA Consumer Products, states, Tata Tea Kanan Devan, because of its origin from Keralas very own Kanan Devan Hills , enjoys a heritage status in the state .Our goal is to deepen the emotional connect , the brand enjoys in the state , by celebrating unique facets of people of Kerala, that instils in them a sense of pride. Kanan Devans new TV commercial illustrates situations wherein difference in dialects of Malayalam spoken across the various districts of Kerala , leads to confusion. These situations depicted are so authentic to Kerala, that a brand as ingrained as Kanan Devan in Kerala , can understand and appreciate the humour. We are sure you will enjoy these witty situations and will definitely agree to the fact, one has to be from Kerala , just like Tata Tea Kanan Devan , to really appreciate this uniqueness Credits - Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov, with his statements, has revealed "the whole breadth of the Russian soul," Kuleba said. The Russian Federation began rolling back diplomatic relations with the European Union back in 2014, by launching aggression against its neighboring state Ukraine, says Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. "Russia began to curtail relations with the European Union back in 2014, starting aggression against Ukraine. That's because this aggression violated fundamental principles that the European Union defends. And the European Union did nothing to distance itself from Russia. It is Russia that is moving away from the European Union," Kuleba said, speaking at a joint press conference with his Slovak counterpart Ivan Korcok in Kyiv February 16, according to an UNIAN correspondent. "With regard to the latest statements by Minister Sergei Lavrov, we can only thank him for so fully and vividly demonstrating to his EU counterparts the whole breadth of the Russian soul," Kuleba stressed. Read also"Soft power" to promote "Russian world" in Ukraine won't work FM KulebaLatest diplomatic row between Russia and EU Following his visit to Moscow, Vice President of the European Commission, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said Russia was not interested in a constructive dialogue with the EU. He added that Russian authorities did not want to use his visit to establish a constructive dialogue with the Bloc. In Moscow, Borrell called on Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to implement Minsk Agreements on to reach peace in Donbas. The EU envoy has pointed out the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Later, answering a question on whether Russia is heading for breaking up ties with the European Union, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: "We proceed from the fact that we are ready. We are neighbors. Collectively, they are still our largest trading and investment partner. Many companies operate here, there are hundreds, thousands of joint ventures. If the business is mutually beneficial, we will pursue it." Expressing conviction that Russia has become completely self-sufficient in military terms, he added: "We need to achieve the same in the economy in case we see, again (as we have already seen more than once) that sanctions are imposed in some areas that create risks for our economy, including in the most sensitive areas (supply of components and machine units). We don't want to isolate ourselves from international life, but we must be ready for this. If you want peace, prepare for war." Later, Vladimir Putin's spox Dmitry Peskov scrambled to elaborate on Lavrov's statement, saying that what the foreign minister meant was that Russia should be ready "for some restrictions, for some limitations, and other unfriendly manifestations." Reporting by UNIAN Construction insurance specialists at Lloyds of London are hoping to see more U.S. business from increased government investment in infrastructure projects in 2021. That will be welcome after a period of dealing with requests to step in on U.S. construction projects delayed due to the pandemic-related supply chain and labor issues and absorbing losses from catastrophes, fires and water damage. Lloyds underwriters with experience handling construction projects from the U.S shared their insights during a Tuesdays with Lloyds virtual webinar in December. They talked of the claims and challenges they themselves have had with U.S. construction accounts as a way of letting brokers coming to Lloyds know how exposures will be scrutinized as well as what expertise they offer on U.S. exposures. Even where the exposures are difficult such as with catastrophes or wood timber frame construction, or uncertain as with construction projects deploying new technologies, the panelists stressed that Lloyds tends to see a lot of everything and thus is in position to consider risks others may shun. When it [infrastructure spending] comes, its going to come thick and fast and I think people will start to struggle in terms of capacity. We will soon be able to step into the bridge. They hammered home one overriding piece of advice, however: brokers with U.S. accounts should be prepared to be open and transparent and supply more information than they might for domestic carrier underwriters, especially when it comes to accounts with any unusual traits or exposures that have produced losses in recent past. The panelists were Raj Brar, a senior construction underwriter at AXIS Capital; John Shaw, a construction and engineering underwriter and at Canopius; and Anna Woolley, also a senior underwriter at AXIS Capital concentrating on the energy sectors. Stephen Tillie, director of property and construction at Newman Pearce & Partners LLP brokerage in London, served as moderator. How Lloyds Underwriters Are Viewing Todays U.S. Casualty Insurance Environment How Lloyds Underwriters Are Viewing Todays U.S. Property Insurance Environment Clients and brokers who engage early with specialist underwriters and help them understand their approach to risk management will see preferential treatment through the underwriting market. Because the underwriters understand what good looks like versus what the standard is, Shaw stressed. We want information. We want to delve into the project presented to us. I think by presenting a far more open book, we are able to see how you differentiate yourself from your neighbor, and ultimately, thats going to result in additional offering coming forward, he offered. Catastrophe exposure is frequently a factor with U.S. construction accounts and an example of something Lloyds underwriters handle almost every day, according to panelists. Ultimately, when youre talking about construction, its not just about price; its about the level of coverage that is being offered, Shaw said. Theres need for certain levels of coverage and within the Lloyds environment, were able to tailor that far more easily than you can from a large domestic or any other carrier that is specialized. The past year has brought about a rash of projects subject to interruption or cancelation due to the pandemic. Woolley said her team has been kept busy by projects seeking extensions due to COVID, supply chain and labor matters. Also, with a reduction in capacity and markets withdrawing, her team has been asked to join midterm on risks that it was not on previously. Weve got delays in construction projects which is combined with withdrawal of capacity from the construction market. Its been a challenge, I think over the last 18 months, and were seeing a correctional shift in the market in terms of terms and conditions, pricing, Woolley said. So weve got that going on parallel to everything weve got going on with COVID. Tillie sees the midterm issue cited by Woolley as a challenge because construction is typically a non-renewing business. Nobody really expects to have that issue but projects do get delayed, and were in exceptional circumstances right now, he agreed, adding that the underwriter has to play catch up. I think its almost that customers and brokers have to be prepared to represent as if it were a brand new project, and note that the underwriter hasnt had the benefit of learning about the project from the start, Tillie added. Despite the trend of project delays, Woolleys not complaining. Were still seeing a good flow of business from the U.S. Therere still projects going ahead, and theyre still coming to London. Were seeing a bit of a delay in the time between when we quote it, and when we initially see it to financial closing. I think thats expected with whats going on. Infrastructure Spend The prospect of infrastructure spending, while also welcome, is not new. Shaw said U.S. infrastructure projects coming into Lloyds have been increasing over the past decade and the talk coming out of the recent U.S. presidential election bodes well for more. Some proposals call for the U.S. to commit to the $2 trillion spending figure that the American Society of Civil Engineers estimated in 2016 was needed. All of this feeds into Lloyd fairly deeply, Shaw said. Ultimately, this has been said before, from all presidential candidates and past presidents but with every presidential term that goes by, that need to rectify the issues for the infrastructure within the U.S. become far more prevalent. For Shaw, capacity may become an issue that provides Lloyds the opportunity to help. Were probably at a tipping point now where that spending needs to occur and thats what were here for, he said, adding that when it comes, its going to come thick and fast and I think people will start to struggle in terms of capacity. We will soon be able to step into the bridge. Beyond catastrophe-prone and infrastructure-primed accounts, construction specialists in London have several other exposures they expect to see with U.S. submissions. Fires are one. Brar of Axis, who works in the delegated underwriting space, identified residential project fires as a major issue in 2020 in the construction line. He knows of 30 fires, all topping $1million and at least half of them topping $10 million. Some were linked to the summers civil unrest. He called fire risk something that should be in the forefront of any underwriters thoughts. Even more than fires, water damage is on the underwriters minds as well. Brar called water damage the silent killer that has been building up over the years and costing millions of dollars a year in damage to infrastructure and buildings. Shaw agreed and added that water damage claims are expected to continue. Its really starting to deliver some major, major losses within the commercial and residential sector, he said. At the moment, there has been no consensus across industry groups coming together to really reach some agreement or best course of action. While I anticipate that it will come to the fore and will be resolved in the next few years, at the moment, from an underwriting perspective, were left with continued increase in losses. He noted that water damage losses increase along with the height of a building. Obviously, within the U.S. in particular, there is a desire to go high in terms of your buildings, and really that has a huge impact on underwriting results, he said. One market that is definitely difficult is wood frame. In terms of timber frame, the market has been burnt, excuse the pun, but theres been substantial losses and capacity has been withdrawn, Woolley commented. Its something we consider, but its got to be the right contractor; its got to be the right project. Where Woolley thinks the U.S. shines and Lloyds can help is with new engineering projects that are a bit out of the normal where a generalist insurer might shy away but Lloyds could add value. The U.S. is quite often at the forefront of technology advances. So were seeing a lot of interesting projects coming out of that, especially on the greener side. So green hydrogen production and burning of that in turbines, she cited as examples. One other thing for brokers coming to Lloyds to consider is that because it is a global marketplace, events outside the U.S. can also have an effect on U.S. accounts. The fact is that we have billion dollar losses elsewhere in the world, and ultimately, thats going to trickle down into the domestic market, Shaw noted. The fact that a dam collapses in June in Latin America is still fundamentally going to impact a full wall construction in Idaho. Thats just the nature of the market. Topics USA Excess Surplus Lloyd's Construction Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. New survey finds 52% of UK public thought government was doing a good job of controlling the virus at the start of the first wave High levels of public support for strict measures to control COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic did not reflect high levels of public trust in the UK government's honesty, transparency or motives, suggests a new study published in PLOS One. The 'mixed-methods' project, a collaboration between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and University College London (UCL), involved collecting data from more than 9,000 adults living in the UK using an online survey. It found that during the first wave of COVID-19 (April 2020) 95% of participants were in support of the government having powers to enforce behaviour change. However, only around half (52%) thought that the government was actually doing a good job of controlling COVID-19. Even fewer (36%) thought the government "always or mostly" told the truth about COVID-19. The study brought together scientists from many disciplines including outbreak specialists, anthropologists, data scientists and epidemiologists. The team asked people to talk about their experiences of lockdown in their own words and then, using sophisticated machine learning approaches, identified where participants talked about topics that related to trust and transparency. The team's social scientists then read the responses to piece together how people's attitudes towards lockdown related to their perspectives on how trustworthy, truthful and transparent they felt the UK government was being about COVID-19 and the response. Against a backdrop of relatively low opinions of the UK government's honesty and transparency, the team was surprised to find many of the study's participants still supported the implementation of strict measures to force people to comply with control guidelines. Many even said that they felt there were times when it was justifiable, or even necessary for the government to be less than fully open. Dr Luisa Enria, Assistant Professor at LSHTM and primary author of the study, said: "In times of crisis and insecurity, citizens may be willing to accept lower levels of transparency for the sake of national security. But if this is a crisis effect that is driven by sudden dramatic changes and a climate of fear and uncertainty, then this is not something that the government can necessarily rely on in the long term to maintain confidence in, and support for control guidelines." Previous work by Dr Enria and the study's co-lead investigator Professor Shelley Lees has shown that the success of outbreak responses is closely linked to the strength of public trust. Professor Lees from LSHTM said: "Our work in communities affected by Ebola Virus in West Africa and DR Congo has shown that if the public doesn't trust the people leading the response, and if there are perceptions that those leaders lack transparency and honesty; then this can hamper control of the infection." The project also looked at how levels of trust differed among communities from around the UK. Compared with those living in London, Scottish respondents had significantly lower levels of trust, whilst people from the West Midlands, East and South East of England all had significantly higher levels of trust. Groups that had lower levels of household income, or who had higher levels of education such as a degree, were each around half as likely to trust the government as people at the other ends of the spectrum. Among the 48% of respondents who felt that the government was not making good decisions, a significant majority (60%) felt that the economy was being prioritised. Only around 5% thought that people and their health were the main priority for the government. In the group who thought that the government was doing well, those figures were very different (respectively 10% and 32%). Despite efforts to distribute the survey to black and minority ethnic groups, the study team had a very low response and cautioned that further work was needed to understand issues of trust among members of these and other minority communities. Dr Enria said: "Many of our respondents expressed concerns about the extent to which scientific evidence was really being used to guide policy. The consistency of communications from the government, the lack of insight into how policy decisions were being made, and about what were the government's real motivations, were also concerns of many people surveyed. "These are questions we've come to hear a lot over the last year, but they were already being asked a year ago at the beginning of wave one." The research team recommend that the UK government should develop targeted community engagement measures and tailor their messaging and public discussion to the realities faced by particular groups across the political, social and economic divides. In contrast to the centralised and top-down communication so far, the team believes that this approach could directly address the diversity of experiences and perspectives that exist across the country, and help to maintain support and adherence to government guidelines. Dr Chrissy Roberts, Associate Professor at LSHTM and the study's co-lead investigator, said: "We know from the lessons of past epidemics that public consent for control measures, meaning the willingness of people to follow the rules, can just evaporate when trust is gone. The government can't depend on crisis effects forever, nor ignore the hard to reach groups when trying to encourage good infection prevention and control behaviours. "They have to gain the trust of every group. This means reaching out to, opening dialogues with, and engaging in constructive collaborations with people and communities outside their normal sphere of political and social influence." The authors acknowledge limitations of the study, including that the survey was not population representative, meaning that the findings could not be generalised across all communities and demographic groups in the UK. There was over-representation of white, female and more highly educated people in the survey and significant under-representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic people. The study team emphasised the importance of exploring the political consequences of epidemic control measures in the contexts of structural inequality and lack of equity for ethnic and cultural minorities. ### For more information or interviews, please contact press@lshtm.ac.uk A copy of the embargoed paper is available upon request. Once published, the article will be available here: https:/ / journals. plos. org/ plosone/ article?id= 10. 1371/ journal. pone. 0239247 Publication L Enria, N Waterlow, N T Rogers, H Brindle, S Lal, R M Eggo, S Lees & C H Roberts. Trust and transparency in times of crisis: Results from an online survey during the first wave (April 2020) of the COVID-19 epidemic in the UK. PLOS ONE. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-leading centre for research, postgraduate studies and continuing education in public and global health. LSHTM has a strong international presence with over 3,000 staff and 4,000 students working in the UK and countries around the world, and an annual research income of 180 million. LSHTM is one of the highest-rated research institutions in the UK, is partnered with two MRC University Units in The Gambia and Uganda, and was named University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2016. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice. As part of our latest series on PR Conversation, we at Adgully are speaking to some of the industry leaders from both PR agencies and the corporate communications world about how PR as a business and communication tool has evolved and grown over the years. In the last 10 years, PR has taken a different dimension, especially after the entry of social media in a big way. While the PR business has grown, some of the challenges that the industry is facing have also multiplied as clients are becoming more demanding and are expecting their consultants to be on their toes to manage their brand reputation, as news today travels fast and clients are expecting quick response and action in case of a crisis situation. In conversation with Adgully, Akshaara Lalwani, Founder and CEO, Communicate India, speaks at length about the transformational change that the entire PR landscape has undergone in the past decade, facing the challenges thrown up by the COVID-19 crisis, and much more. How has PR evolved in the last 10 years? Going forward, how will the Industry shape up as the dynamics of the PR are changing with the acceleration of digital? The entire PR landscape has undergone a transformational change in the past decade. We are now seeing a move away from classic media relations that used to be very important at one point of time, towards a more holistic media approach that includes content creation, strategy, and reputation & crisis management. There is a definite need to understand the entire marketing ecosystem in its totality. Also, the advent of digital media and digital marketing has created a positive disruption within the landscape. Digital media is a realm that needs innovative content strategies coupled with a performance mandate to create tangible sales quotients. Thus as public relations firms, we now have the opportunity to become an active partner to our clients. You turned into an entrepreneur in the PR profession. What motivated you and how did the idea of starting your PR consultancy happen? How has been your journey as a PR entrepreneur so far? And what are the challenges you encountered as an entrepreneur? I was fortunate enough to enter the realm of marketing early on in my career and get a ringside view of the inner workings of this business. As the journey of an entrepreneur evolves, so do the challenges. Challenges are thus a constant in an entrepreneurs life; the only thing is that they differ from one stage to another. However, the longer you are in this industry, the less perturbed you become during a crisis. All the years of experience have a way of making you adept at troubleshooting. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a big challenge for the entire business community as it was unprecedented in nature and it has really led to the survival of the fittest. It doesnt matter what stage of business you are in; whether you are a startup or in the growth stage or an established business, the pandemic has touched everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up new challenges, but also given us new learnings, and it has also been a clear example of how a crisis or challenge can occur at any time. How different are you as an agency and what are some of the interesting tools that you deploy to give the best in terms of result to your clients? As a leading Marketing & Communications company, we have had the chance to be an equal partner to our clients. I would like to believe that we have truly behaved and acted like a partner and not just a vendor. This means that we have exceeded the scope of our work and are willing go that extra mile, and this is what we have been noticed for. Genuine care for your clients and customers cannot be faked and that is a core value of every person at Communicate India. We deeply care about the wellbeing and success of our clients, and we are willing to handhold them through their journey. This attitude of care and concern for clients is what sets a company apart from its competitors. Its also important to note that this approach stems from a culture that is imbued within the organisation by its leaders. It is only when entrepreneurs and founders lead by example and go that extra mile for their clients that every member of an organisation follows suit. In terms of the tools we deploy, Id say we constantly focus on a range of aspects, right from crisis management to reputation management, we offer a gamut of services and dont really put a limitation on what we can or cannot offer and handle. We all speak about external communication but equally important is internal communication, which needs to be handled with kid gloves. What are your views on this and how important is the role of internal communication especially during the pandemic when you had to stay engaged with your employees? Communication is key to any business and internal communication even more so. The pandemic has forced us all to work remotely, but that doesnt mean we have to work in silos. At Communicate India, weve used different digital and offline tools to stay engaged with our partners. Before the pandemic, there was always a focus on external communication, but now we have come to the realisation that internal communication is as important, if not more. We have tried our best to use all digital tools at our disposal to communicate and show our team appreciation and gratitude in a challenging year. And we are still learning what the best ways to communicate are, the innovation in this space still continues. PR measurement and effectiveness of PR has always been a subject of debate. As a PR professional, what steps should the PR industry take to bring in uniformity so that everyone speaks one language when it comes to PR measurement? PR measurement is a highly debated topic and it depends on what particular aspect you are focusing on. Brand sentiment, stakeholder valuation, reputation management, creating a positive brand recall and sharing a voice, are all part of the vast gamut of measuring tools in the PR space. This is something that the whole PR industry has to agree upon, because there isnt really a consensus about one unifying measuring tool at this point in time. PR measurement and effectiveness also heavily depend on what a particular client is looking for and what they aim to achieve through PR. Getting the right skillset and training has always been a challenge in the PR profession. What is your view on the same and what would be the valuable tips that you would like to give to the budding young PR professionals? My message to young professionals is not to undervalue the importance of on-the-job training and learning. Education in a classroom does give students a basic understanding of concepts, but nothing really compares to the honing of skills and firsthand learning experiences that can be achieved while working at an organisation. I would advise young PR professionals to keep taking up internships and summer jobs because those experiences will help to sharpen their minds. Also, it always helps to be proactive and seek out tasks on your own, no matter how small they may be. And lastly, I strongly believe in never becoming complacent. The pandemic has shown us just how important it is to keep learning and upskilling. Learning never really stops and limiting yourself means there is always the danger of becoming redundant. Do you feel the traditional role of interpersonal communication which was so critical to the profession has somehow been put to the back burner because of too much virtual engagement? How are you experiencing that? Is it bringing down the efficiency of the agency? I truly believe that it is all about creating the right balance. A complete lack of interpersonal communication is not ideal and neither is a constant meeting-oriented scenario. Virtual communication and engagements have taught us a new way of working and in the foreseeable future, they will be a part of the work culture, but it will be balanced out with in-person communication. It is an amalgamation of the new world and old world that helps. Also, I dont think its bringing down efficiency because for many people, cutting down on travel time has led to higher productivity. But for others, the challenges of managing home and work in one space may have led to a more stressful situation. Hence, the key always lies in creating a proper balance. The on Tuesday released short videos and photographs showing thinning down of troops and dismantling of bunkers, camps and other facilities by the Chinese military in the areas around the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh in line with the agreed disengagement process between the two sides. The visuals also showed the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) using a bulldozer to flatten some structures, and vehicles with troops and equipment preparing to retreat to rear bases as part of the infantry disengagement. The photos and videos largely depicted a fast-paced disengagement process in both the North and South banks of the Pangong lake that included withdrawal of troops, removal of machinery and dismantling of temporary structures like bunkers, posts and tents. Sources in the defence and security establishment said the disengagement process is gathering pace, and the entire exercise is expected to be concluded by the end of the week. In the last few days, both sides removed several bunkers, temporary posts and other structures in the areas while gradually thinning down their troops, they said. The sources said field commanders of both the sides are meeting almost on a daily basis to take forward the disengagement process which was finalised following nine rounds of high-level military talks. The visuals released by the also showed the PLA troops marching back while some vehicles waited at the nearest road-heads to take them back to rear bases. The sources said Army Chief Gen MM Naravane is keeping a close eye on the disengagement process. After nine months of border standoff in eastern Ladakh, the two armies have reached an agreement on disengagement in the North and South banks of Pangong lake that mandates both sides to cease forward deployment of troops in a "phased, coordinated and verifiable" manner. The disengagement began on Wednesday last. On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a detailed statement in Parliament on the disengagement pact. According to the agreement, China has to pull back its troops to east of Finger 8 areas in the northern bank while the Indian personnel will be based at their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3 in the region. Similar action will take place on the southern bank of the lake as well, Singh had said in Parliament. Last year, the Chinese military built several bunkers and other structures in the areas between Finger 4 and 8 and had blocked all Indian patrols beyond Finger 4, triggering a strong reaction from the In the nine rounds of military talks, India was specifically insisting on withdrawal of the Chinese troops from Finger 4 to Finger 8 on the North bank of Pangong Lake. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers. The sources said following completion of the disengagement process, the two sides will hold talks on the de-escalation process. Defence minister Singh had also told Parliament that it was agreed to convene the next meeting of senior commanders of both sides within 48 hours of completion of the disengagement in the Pangong lake area so as to resolve all other remaining issues. On Friday, the defence ministry said other outstanding "problems" including in Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra will be taken up at the upcoming talks between military commanders of the two countries. (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.) Atheists believe gestures of 'thoughts and prayers' in hard times make them worse off, study finds 11 October, 2019 by Leonardo Blair , | Christians who suffer during natural and human disasters value thoughts and prayers from religious strangers, while atheists and agnostics believe they are made worse off by such gestures, a new study led by a University of Wyoming economist shows. The study, The value of thoughts and prayers, led by assistant professor Linda Thunstrom of the Department of Economics in UW's College of Business, was published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last month. Researcher Shiri Noy of Denison University in Ohio also worked on the project, which asked 482 Christian, agnostic, and atheist victims in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in September 2018 how much they would be willing to pay for thoughts and prayers from persons with zero levels of religiosity or priests. The study was undertaken to settle the debate between critics who argue that gestures of "thoughts and prayers" are meaningless and might obstruct structural reforms intended to mitigate catastrophes, and others who argue there is value in those gestures. It was found that Christians value thoughts and prayers from religious strangers and priests, while atheists and agnostics are so "prayer averse" they would pay to avoid receiving prayers. While atheists and agnostics were shown to be indifferent to receiving thoughts from other secular people, they negatively value thoughts from Christians, the study shows. "The net effect on recipient welfare from thoughts and prayers depends on how recipients perceive to benefit from such intercessory gestures," Thunstrom said in a news release. "Our results suggest that thoughts and prayers for others should ideally be employed selectively," the researchers concluded. "While Christians value such gestures from fellow believers, nonreligious people negatively value such gestures from Christians and are indifferent to receiving them from other nonreligious people." The study found that Christian hurricane victims on average value prayers from a Christian stranger at $4.36 and from a priest at $7.17. Secular people, however, were willing to pay $3.54 for a Christian stranger not to pray for them and $1.66 for a priest to do the same. Christians also valued thoughts from a religious stranger at $3.27, while nonreligious people negatively value the same gesture at -$2.02. Read more from, "Atheists believe gestures of 'thoughts and prayers' in hard times make them worse off, study finds," on The Christian Post. Nationally recognized trial law firm Zimmerman & Frachtman is proud to announce that attorney Michael Schwebel has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2021. This is the ninth consecutive year he has received this honor, with his name appearing on the list all the way back to 2013. Covering more than 70 practice areas, the Rising Stars list recognizes a select number of attorneys in each state who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields. The Super Lawyers rating service determines who receives this prestigious honor based on professional achievement, as well as peer nominations and evaluations. Those chosen comprise only 2.5 percent of lawyers in a given state, establishing them as the top talent in their profession. Super Lawyers Rising Stars list is comprised of attorneys who are still in the early stages of their careers. To be eligible, lawyers must be 40 years old or younger or have started practicing within the last 10 years. Schwebel graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2007 and began practicing law in 2008. He serves clients in Parkland, Fla., focusing heavily on victims of personal injury due to medical malpractice or motor vehicle accidents, as well as premises, professional, and products liability. Schwebel is permitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Florida, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. In addition to being named a Rising Star from 2013 onwards, Schwebel has been granted an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, another widely recognized honor among those practicing law. This is the highest peer-rating standard at the organization, indicating that an attorney possesses superior legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards. The team at Zimmerman & Frachtman congratulates Schwebel for making it onto Super Lawyers Rising Star list once again. Zimmerman & Frachtman handles personal injury and wrongful death claims in the Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties of Florida, committing itself to Defending the Injured. The firm as secured more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements for its clients during its 25 years in business. Schwebel is one of two attorneys from the practice to receive the Rising Star honor for 2021. More About Zimmerman & Frachtman At Zimmerman & Frachtman, every employee is a dedicated member of the team whose primary concern is defending the injured and seeking justice on behalf of our clients. The firm understands that no two cases are alike; therefore, no two cases are prepared the same way. Over the past 25 years, the firms trial attorneys have recovered more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. While we are quite proud of our past accomplishments, we remain true to the ideals of compassion, tenacity, consistency, discipline, and respect for others. We look forward to achieving results for our present and future clients with unwavering commitment to our ideals. Contact Zimmerman & Frachtman today by calling 954-509-1900 or visiting their website. (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, FEBRUARY 16 - Gideon Meir, who served as Israeli ambassador to Rome from 2006 to 2011, has died in Israel at age 74. The announcement was made Tuesday by foreign ministry, which bade farewell to him via a Facebook post. Meir, who had taken part in peace talks with Egypt in the late 1970s and was also deputy head of mission in London, left good memories of positive bilateral relations with Italy and the Jewish community there. Before retiring, Meir was also ministry advisor for inter-religious affairs. "I was saddened to learn of Gideon's premature death," Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said, adding that he was a "highly esteemed and experienced diplomat". Former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman also expressed his condolences, calling Meir a "true friend". The Israeli embassy in Italy, under Dror Eydar, said that he had been a "faithful representative of Israel in the world and especially in Italy", calling him a "model ambassador". "Profound pain" was expressed also by the Italian embassy in Israel under Gianluigi Benedetti. "A great friend of Italy," he wrote in a tweet, "who during his prestigious career contributed to promoting relations between Italy and Israel." The embassy then sent its condolences to Meir's wife Amira and his family.(ANSAmed). (ANSA). Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 4:39 pm The top Republican lawmakers in the Washington state Senate and House of Representatives sent a letter Thursday asking Gov. Jay Inslee and leaders on the other side of the aisle to take down fencing around the Legislative Building and work on a long-term security plan. Democratic leaders in the legislature told McClatchy they defer to security experts on that call, such as Washington State Patrol. State leadership directed the fencing go up around key buildings on the Capitol Campus in January, after then-President Trump supporters breached the gate to the Governors Mansion grounds on the Capitol Campus. The breach happened the same day a mob stormed the nations Capitol in Washington, D.C. Inslee also called in hundreds of Washington National Guard members. While the fencing and an enhanced Washington State Patrol presence remains, the Guards presence ended after President Joe Bidens inauguration. The fenced-in area includes the domed Legislative Building and Temple of Justice that houses the Supreme Court. The space between the two, which includes the Capitol steps, is frequently the site of demonstrations and rallies. There was a protest planned to start just ahead of the 2021 legislative session, against the Legislative Buildings closure, that included plans to attempt to enter the shuttered building. Organizers formally canceled those plans, and, while tensions were high, the start of session went forward with few incidents. The days leading up to and including President Joe Bidens inauguration were also uneventful on the campus. State Patrol credited heightened security measures, in part, for that peace. In their letter, Minority Leaders Rep. J.T. Wilcox of Yelm and Sen. John Braun of Centralia assert to Gov. Inslee, Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins of Tacoma, and Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig of Spokane that the fences existence does not respect the fundamental rights of the people. Everyone agrees the security of our Capitol campus including its buildings, employees, visitors, and the media is critically important, the letter reads. Everyone also agrees the security breach at the governors mansion grounds was unacceptable. However, what is not clear to us is what inputs and assessments are being used to justify the continued use of the fence around the Legislative Building a barrier that prevents people from experiencing their Capitol Campus and sends the wrong message about their access to the legislative process. Senate Majority Leader Billig said in an emailed statement that he doesnt have a problem with the fencing coming down, as long as thats consistent with security experts advice. I believe the smartest approach is to listen to the security experts and go with their advice, Sen. Billigs statement reads. If the State Patrol, Senate security, and other law enforcement monitoring the situation believe it is safe to remove the fencing, and there is no longer a danger to staff, legislators or anyone else, then I have no issue with it coming down. In a phone call with McClatchy Friday, Speaker Jinkins said she has been and will continue to be deferential to the State Patrol, which has more access to intelligence regarding any potential security threats. Inslee spoke to Sen. Braun about the same topic in a meeting earlier in the week, governors spokesperson Tara Lee wrote in an email to McClatchy. His office had received the letter, she wrote, but she didnt think they would be issuing a response in this case. Reached by phone, Braun said his meeting with Inslee was a good meeting and that the governor seemed open to the idea. He characterized sending the letter as a way to reiterate the message and bring the issue into focus for the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader as well. Its our attempt to move this dialogue along, he said. In their letter, the two Republican leaders request that the Democratic leaders and Inslee work with them to find security solutions and protocols that safeguard the campus without relying on fences and preventing public access to the Legislative Building. This will likely include both policy and funding considerations, they wrote. And, it reads, they should consider that Thurston County and its surrounding area are now in Phase 2 of the governors Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan. The letter closes with a list of specific requests, including that the fencing around the Legislative Building come down as soon as possible, or that they share with the public and press what inputs and assessments are being used to justify it staying up. Governors spokesperson Lee wrote that security decisions on campus are made by Washington State Patrol in consultation with the governors office as well as tenants on the Capitol Campus, including House and Senate administration and the Lt. Governors office. Other requests from the lawmakers include that temporary security protocols are enacted as the five corners referring to the governor and the leaders of each legislative caucus in concert with other interested entities such as the State Patrol and State Treasurer, create long-term security protocols. Speaker Jinkins said that may be very worthwhile to consider in the interim, after the current 105-day session. I really want to be focused on helping the people of this state move forward, she said, in a time when people are hurting worse than in any time most people alive can remember. The Republican lawmakers also requested a clear definition of Phase 3 of the reopening plan. Inslee has so far not offered a timeline for more details on potential future phases. Asked for an update on the status of the fencing, State Patrol spokesperson Chris Loftis emailed the following statement: Recent events, both here in Washington and in our nations capitol, have undoubtedly moved us all into a new security environment. At this point, there are many unknowns and considered uncertainty as to the scope and duration of this new time of unease, the statement reads. Therefore, until we have greater clarity, we will maintain our current security precautions including the temporary fencing on the Capitol Campus. We will continue to monitor security developments on local, state and federal levels as well as work with associated law enforcement, intelligence services, and other public safety partners to constantly evaluate risks and trends. We all share the hope that the need for these temporary measures will soon conclude and we will all be able to enjoy thoughtful and secure access to our beautiful Capitol Campus in the days ahead. CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker Hill, the leading financial technology provider in delivering solutions for loan origination, risk management, and analytics, announces a new partnership with Consumers Credit Union. The Kalamazoo, Michigan-based credit union has selected Baker Hill NextGen, Baker Hill's unified solution, to support its growth, update lending procedures, and leverage member data to enhance efficiencies and member experience. Consumers is currently celebrating their 70th year since their establishment in 1951. In office and online, they currently serve more than 108,000 members in western Michigan with 22 locations and over $1.4 billion in total assets. The credit union has averaged 18% annual growth for the past 35 years and looks forward to continuing this trajectory by expanding its services in Grand Rapids and other new markets in 2021. Through its partnership with Baker Hill, Consumers will be increasing their commercial loan volume, managing their portfolio for risk, and communicating with members through online applications and an online portal. "Our team met with several different providers and after seeing the onsite demos, we were most impressed with Baker Hill's platform," said Steve Owens, chief lending officer for Consumers. "Not only does their company culture align with our own, their level of transparency and the system's ease of use were crucial in the decision. We got the chance to communicate with their executive leadership and really felt like they were on our team throughout the entire process." Consumers' decision to transition to Baker Hill NextGen will replace an existing technology system. As the team implements Baker Hill NextGen products, the focus will be on expanding efficiencies across the credit union, along with expanding existing online functionality and mobile presence. Consumers will also leverage Baker Hill's vendor partnership with Compliance Systems Inc. "Baker Hill is excited for the opportunity to work with Consumers Credit Union to bring even more opportunity to its members," said John M. Deignan, president and chief executive officer of Baker Hill. "The alignment of our two teams in terms of goals and visions for this partnership is incredibly rewarding already." With over 35 years of industry expertise, Baker Hill is providing guidance and support to both new and existing clients experiencing an increase in demand volume. As financial institutions look to stay sound during a period of increased uncertainty, Baker Hill is also a resource and leader for portfolio risk management systems. For more information on Baker Hill NextGen visit www.bakerhill.com. About Baker Hill Baker Hill is the expert solution for loan origination, portfolio risk and relationship management, CECL and analytics for financial institutions in the United States. The company delivers a single unified platform with modern solutions to streamline loan origination and portfolio risk management for commercial, small business and consumer lending. The Baker Hill NextGen platform also delivers sophisticated analytics and marketing solutions that support sound business decisions to mitigate risk, generate growth and maximize profitability. About Consumers Credit Union Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Consumers Credit Union is a full-service financial institution and a leader in digital banking technology, mortgages and business lending. Consumers has more than $1.4 billion in assets and has averaged 18 percent annual growth for more than 35 years. Locally owned since 1951, Consumers serves more than 108,000 individuals and businesses through 22 offices located in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Coldwater, Holland, and South Haven, with member access to 30,000 free CO-OP Network ATMs nationwide. For details, visit www.consumerscu.org. Editors, please refer to Consumers Credit Union in short as Consumers, rather than CCU. Thank you! Media Contact Haley Williams, Public and Corporate Communications Specialist [email protected], 317.814.1245 SOURCE Baker Hill Related Links www.bakerhill.com Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. The South Orange-Maplewood School District will be returning to all-remote learning Tuesday after the local teachers union announced that its members, for the second time this year, would not be reporting to schools this week due to continued safety concerns over the coronavirus. The move comes just a few weeks after the district and the union, the South Orange-Maplewood Education Association (SOMEA), had reached an agreement to hold hybrid classes starting Feb. 1. It was reached a day after the teachers union announced its members would stay home over concerns about COVID-19 precautions. However, that agreement is now on hold, the district announced Monday. We are disappointed that our phased reopening plan has again been disrupted, the district said in an email to the school community. As we will lack the faculty necessary to staff the buildings, the district will resume virtual-only instruction indefinitely pending discussion with SOMEAs representatives and consultation with our labor counsel as to remedies that will facilitate resumption of our hybrid reopening plan. SOMEA said its members returned to school on Feb. 1 but that there were still concerns about safety protocols being followed by the district. Indeed, SOMEA members were excited by the prospect of seeing their students in person again under the belief that they would do so under the terms of the January 27th agreement and with strict safety protocols enforced, a statement from the union read. Their hopes were sorely dashed by the district. Despite SOMEAs extensive good-faith efforts to deliver hybrid instruction to targeted student populations while mitigating the real dangers to the safety and well-being of members and students and its willingness to proceed without access to vaccines, the district is not capable of and not willing to comply with its agreement to do so, the union statement said. Prior to the Jan. 27 agreement to, the union submitted a five-page list of health concerns about working from school buildings, including ventilation in classrooms, a lack of social distancing in hallways and crowded buses. The two sides reached an agreement after the district went fully remote for a few days before hybrid classes started on Feb. 1 The union at the roughly 7,200 student school district said that since that time, it has had to address dozens of instances across buildings of staff and students being placed in unfit rooms and administration failing to remedy these violations. In the Mondays email, the district said it felt that progress was being made in its phases approach of returning students to classrooms full time and that its agreement with SOMEA was working as intended. Notably, the initial walkthroughs resulted in agreement on numerous classrooms as being fit for use, the email stated. Ultimately, it appears that disagreement over 34 workspaces, more than a dozen of which were brought to our attention as recently as Saturday, has led to this reaction. While the district labeled the pivot to virtual-only classes as indefinite, SOMEA said it would run through March 15. This date recognizes the anticipated severe weather predicted over the ensuing weeks and allows the district the opportunity once again to conduct necessary repairs and upgrades to its buildings systems and to grant 504 requests so that it is ready to operate on March 15th as promised to provide students and staff with a safe environment conducive to learning, SOMEAs statement said. The two sides have said they are willing to discuss the situation in the coming days to try to come up with a plan that will see students back in classrooms at some point. New Jersey has reported 142 in-school COVID-19 outbreaks, which have resulted in 671 cases among students, teachers and school staff, according to the latest numbers. The outbreaks defined as cases in which people were confirmed to have caught or transmitted the virus in the classroom or during academic activities were reported in all 21 counties, according to the states dashboard. 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. Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued provisional attachment order to attach movable properties of Amnesty International India worth Rs 17.66 Crores. The attachment order, issued under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), is for attaching bank accounts of Amnesty International India Pvt Ltd and Indians for Amnesty International Trust (IAIT) as both the entities have allegedly acquired the 'proceeds of crime' and layered the same in the form of various movable properties. ED initiated investigation against Amnesty International India, IAIT, Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT), and Amnesty International South Asia Foundation (AISAF) on the basis of FIR registered by CBI, EOU-IV, New Delhi under different sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Foreign Contributions Regulatory Act (FCRA), 2010. Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT) had been granted permission under the FCRA during 2011-12 for receiving foreign contribution from Amnesty International UK. However, the same was cancelled on the basis of the adverse inputs received. However, since permission/ registration has been denied to the said entity on the basis of adverse inputs received from security agencies during the year 2011-12, Amnesty International India and Indians Amnesty International Trust (IAIT) were formed in the year 2013-14 and 2012-13 respectively to allegedly escape the FCRA route and carried out NGO activities in the guise of service export and FDI. It was found in the investigation that upon cancellation of FCRA licence to Amnesty International India Foundation Trust by the Government of India, Amnesty entities adopted a new method to receive money from abroad. For example, Amnesty International UK sent Rs. 51.72 crore to AIIPL in the guise of export of services and foreign direct investment. However, no documentary proof, such as invoices and copies of agreement for the export, was furnished by AIIPL to the authorised dealer banks. The Enforcement Directorate found that Amnesty International India Pvt Ltd and others had obtained foreign remittances to the tune of Rs 51.72 crore in the guise export of services and FDI from Amnesty International (UK), whose source of revenue is donations from individual donors. The total attachments in this case till date stands to Rs 19.54 crore. Also Read: Amnesty shuts down India operations, alleges 'witch hunt' by govt; 150 employees to lose jobs Arkansas can't force businesses that contract with the state to not boycott Israel: court Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An appeals court has ruled against an Arkansas law passed in 2017 that prohibits the state from contracting with or investing in businesses that support boycotting Israel. A three judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled 2-1 last Friday against the Arkansas Act 710 of 2017, reversing a lower court decision. The case was centered on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees' refusal to renew the advertising contract of the Arkansas Times when the paper would not agree to never officially boycott Israel. Circuit Judge Jane Kelly authored the majority opinion, in which she argued that the Act imposes a condition on government contractors that implicates their First Amendment rights. Supporting or promoting boycotts of Israel is constitutionally protected, wrote Kelly, yet the Act requires government contractors to abstain from such constitutionally protected activity. the Act prohibits the contractor from engaging in boycott activity outside the scope of the contractual relationship on its own time and dime Such a restriction violates the First Amendment. Circuit Judge Jonathan Kobes dissented, arguing that the Act was meant to reduce the companys business interactions with Israel in a discriminatory way and for any ambiguous parts of the law, it could be given a constitutionally-permissible interpretation. states have a broad mandate to enact legislation evincing the policy choices of their citizens. We may only hold states back in achieving those goals when they do so by unconstitutional means, continued Kobes. Nothing in the text of the operative provision itself suggests overreach (regulation of protected speech) by the Arkansas Legislature, and we should not impute an unconstitutional meaning to a statute that is benign on its face. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, which helped to represent the Arkansas Times, celebrated the appeals court panel decision as a win for freedom of speech. Its a good day for the freedom of speech in Arkansas, said Holly Dickson, ACLU of Arkansas executive director, in a statement last Friday. Arkansas politicians had no business penalizing our clients for refusing to participate in this ideological litmus test. Free speech isnt a privilege you pay for, its a right guaranteed to every Arkansan. As of 2019, according to Human Rights Watch, 27 states have passed laws that prohibit entities from doing business with the government if they refuse to reject the pro-Palestinian Boycott Divestment Sanctions movement against Israel. Proponents of the state laws argue that the BDS movement is inherently anti-Semitic, with the United States Senate passing a bill supporting such measures in 2019. For some of the 1.5 million Californians now out of work due to COVID, the disruption of the pandemic recession will become a permanent loss: Their jobs will never come back. To help them, California must strengthen and streamline its training system so that for the many workers now not receiving a paycheck, better training can lead to better jobs. The crisis is acute. More Californians are now out of work than at the depths of the Great Recession. These job losses are overwhelmingly concentrated among lower-income workers and people of color. Many of the jobs that have been lost may not come back for years, if ever. Economists do not expect a full recovery in some parts of the economy until 2024. Employers are proceeding with investments in automation and digitization. Many workers who have lost jobs will need to move into new industries, and many will need training to do so. As part of an ongoing review of the pandemics economic impacts, the Little Hoover Commission, Californias independent government oversight agency, has been studying how the state can support re-skilling opportunities for workers affected by COVID. As the chairman of the commission and members of the studys subcommittee, we have learned that high-quality training can be a pathway to good jobs. We also learned re-skilling is easier said than done. Californias workforce and training systems are a patchwork quilt. Coordination between employers and trainers can be weak or worse. There is also little easily accessible information to help workers determine what skills are in demand locally and which training programs are most likely to lead to employment where they live. These challenges can make it difficult for low-income workers, who are often place-bound and need training that is tied to local employment opportunities, to access training programs or find the support they need to complete training. The good news is that the governor and Legislature have been working to strengthen training through critical investments in career education and workforce development. In recent years, community colleges, training agencies, industry groups and community organizations have formed innovative training partnerships that improve coordination between employers and trainers and provide support for trainees. These partnerships often include intermediary organizations, which may be community-based, that help to better connect employers, trainers and trainees. Still, more must be done. Our new report, First Steps Toward Recovery II: Job Training and Reskilling, lays out a path forward. Heres what we need to do: Create a race to the top grant competition that supports regional training partnerships providing training for workers affected by COVID. Winning programs should include both employers and community-based organizations and should align with regional economic development initiatives. There should be a focus on workers from traditionally underserved communities. Get better, regionally specific data about what skills are in demand and provide that data to trainers, workforce agencies and workers. To do this, the state should partner with companies providing job market analytics. To ensure that everyone is served, state government should lay out a comprehensive strategy for raising awareness of training opportunities among affected communities, develop equity-minded targets for job training and ensure that training features engagement with local employers. Strengthen training partnerships by directing funding toward training intermediaries, especially community-based organizations. This will help trainers and employers address the needs of the communities most affected by COVID. California will need to continue strengthening its training system in the longer term to equip workers for the future of work and to ensure that Californians have access to good jobs. Yet state government must also take these immediate steps to support workers affected by COVID. If so, we can lead hard-hit workers to jobs that are better than those they lost. Pedro Nava is the chairman of the Little Hoover Commission. Sean Varner is the vice chairman and David Beier is a member of the commission. Varner and Beier served on the commissions subcommittee examining the economic impact of the pandemic and steps toward recovery. RIU Explorers Conference Presentation Perth, Feb 16, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Wiluna Mining Corporation Ltd ( ASX:WMX ) ( FRA:NZ3 ) ( OTCMKTS:WMXCF ) provides the RIU Explorers Conference Presentation.- Wiluna is a significant growth and discovery opportunity currently supported by a modest but growing cashflow- Potential to increase in size and scale to become a Tier 1 gold asset- The Wiluna Mining Operation is the 7th largest gold district in Australia by Mineral Resources under single ownership. It remains relatively unexplored- The development of Wiluna is underway. Over three years we expect to deliver a staged increase in production to approximately 250kozpa- Beyond the three-year development plan, further opportunity remains to scale up the Wiluna Mining Operation to commercialise the vast known geological potential- Significant discovery opportunities at Wiluna Mining Centre at depth and along strike as well as at Regent, Lake Way , Matilda Mining Centres and regional opportunities- Experienced management team with strong operations, growth and discovery skill set Delivering On Our PromiseTo view the presentation, please visit:About Wiluna Mining Corporation Ltd Wiluna Mining Corporation (ASX:WMX) (OTCMKTS:WMXCF) is a Perth based, ASX listed gold mining company that controls over 1,600 square kilometres of the Yilgarn Craton in the Northern Goldfields of WA. The Yilgarn Craton has a historic and current gold endowment of over 380 million ounces, making it one of most prolific gold regions in the world. The Company owns 100% of the Wiluna Gold Operation which has a defined resource of 8.04M oz at 1.67 g/t au. In May 2019, a new highly skilled management team took control of the Company with a clear plan to leverage the Wiluna Gold Operation's multi-million-ounce potential. In hard-hit Brazil, hope unleashed by the first Covid-19 shots is giving way to frustration that the government's vaccination campaign is beset by the same chaos that has marked its pandemic response. One month after the first dose was administered to a Sao Paulo nurse on January 17 -- setting off a flurry of optimism in the country with the world's second-highest death toll -- Brazil has managed to give shots to about 5.3 million people. That number accounts for 2.5 percent of the nation's population of 212 million. Shortages have forced several key areas to halt immunization, including Rio de Janeiro which announced Monday it had to suspend the campaign in the city of 6.7 million until more doses arrived. "The government made the mistake of putting all its eggs in one basket," said Ethel Maciel, an epidemiologist at the Federal University of Espirito Santo. Under President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right social-distancing skeptic who routinely flouts expert advice on containing the new coronavirus, Brazil managed to secure just six million doses for the start of its vaccination campaign. During the worldwide race last year to gain access to the most promising test vaccines, Bolsonaro bet big on the one developed by British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca in partnership with Oxford University. One of the president's top opponents, Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria, meanwhile struck a deal for his state to purchase and help produce another vaccine, CoronaVac, developed by Chinese firm Sinovac. That was the vaccine that ultimately got injected into the first Brazilian arm, and it has saved Brazil from having even fewer doses on hand. "It's a good thing (Sao Paulo) made that deal, because otherwise all we'd have today would be two million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, for a population of more than 200 million," Maciel told AFP. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro "spearheaded an anti-vaccination campaign, saying he wouldn't get vaccinated and warning people it could turn them into alligators," added Maciel, who has submitted a petition for Congress to impeach the president over what she calls his "criminal" handling of Covid-19. Story continues The Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines are the only two that Brazilian regulators have approved so far. The government is counting on delivery of another 100 million doses of the former by the end of August, and 210.4 million doses of the latter by the end of the year. Both require two doses. - Racing new variant - Ironically, the sprawling South American country is known for its turbo-charged vaccination campaigns. Health workers regularly defy the logistical challenges of reaching the remotest corners of the Amazon rainforest and arid "Sertao," or hinterland, to administer shots. In 2010, Brazil vaccinated more than 80 million people against H1N1 -- the swine flu virus -- in less than three months. "The lack of doses has made it impossible for us to do a mass vaccination drive, something we know how to do," said Natalia Pasternak, a microbiologist at the University of Sao Paulo. But time is of the essence. Brazil, whose Covid-19 death toll is nearing 240,000, is the birthplace of a new, more contagious variant of the virus that emerged in the Amazon and is spreading fast. "That's why the slow pace of vaccination is so worrying, because the longer we let the virus circulate unhindered, the more mutations may appear," said Pasternak. Meanwhile, reports have emerged of people with connections cutting in line for vaccination, and of nurses giving fake doses to elderly Brazilians. The campaign has been marred by a lack of coordination between state, local and federal authorities, exacerbating the chaos. Despite the difficulties, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello vowed last week Brazil would vaccinate its entire population by the end of the year. Experts are skeptical. "It's possible we'll secure enough doses, but it will be difficult to get them administered by the end of the year," said Guilherme Werneck, an epidemiologist at Rio de Janeiro State University. "There would have to be a very radical change." lg/jhb/jm Regulatory News: Pherecydes Pharma (Paris:ALPHE) (FR0011651694 ALPHE), a biotechnology company specializing in precision phage therapy for the treatment of resistant and/or complicated bacterial infections, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted two patents for its anti-Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and anti-E. Coli phages, in the United States. Guy-Charles Fanneau de La Horie, CEO of Pherecydes Pharma, says: "We are very pleased that the USPTO has granted us these two new patents for our anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa and anti-E. Coli phages. These two new patents in the world's leading healthcare market greatly expand the geographical areas in which our phages are now protected. This is a further evidence of the relevance of the intellectual property strategy we have implemented. We will continue to protect our champion phages with this now proven strategy." Pherecydes Pharma has an active portfolio of four patents, each covering multiple phages and their variants against the target bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Coli. While some of these patents are currently pending, others have already been granted in major jurisdictions such as the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong and Israel. About Pherecydes Pharma Founded in 2006, Pherecydes Pharma is a biotechnology company that develops treatments against resistant bacterial infections, responsible for many serious infections. The Company has developed an innovative approach, precision phage therapy, based on the use of phages, natural bacteria-killing viruses. Pherecydes Pharma is developing a portfolio of phages targeting 3 of the most resistant and dangerous bacteria, which alone account for more than two thirds of hospital-acquired resistant infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The concept of precision phage therapy has been successfully applied in 22 patients in the context of compassionate use, under the supervision of the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM). Headquartered in Nantes, Pherecydes Pharma has a team of around twenty experts from the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology sector and academic research. For more information, www.pherecydes-pharma.com Disclaimer This document does not constitute or should not be considered as a public offering, an offer to subscribe company's securities or a public solicitation in preparation for a public offering of Pherecydes Pharma's securities. Pursuant to the provisions of Article L.411-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and Article 211-2 of the General Regulations of the French Market Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers AMF), any offer for a total amount of less than 8,000,000 shall not give rise to a Prospectus approved by the AMF. This press release does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 (the "Prospectus Regulation"). In the United Kingdom, this document is addressed to and intended solely for those persons who are qualified investors pursuant to Article 2(1)(e) (i), (ii) and (iii) of the Prospectus Directive of the European Union, and who are also considered as (i) investment professionals (persons with professional investing experience) pursuant to Article 19(5) of the 2000 Financial Services and Markets Act (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the Order), (ii) persons included in the scope of Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.") of the Order, or (iii) persons invited or urged to participate in an investment activity (pursuant to Article 21 of the 2000 Financial Services and Markets Act) in connection with the issuance or the sale of financial securities (all such persons being designated together as the "interested Persons"). In the United Kingdom, this document is addressed solely to the Interested Persons and no person other than an interested person must use or rely on this document. Any investment or investment activity to which this document refers shall be accessible only to the Interested Persons and shall be undertaken only with Interested Persons. This document does not constitute an offer to sell Pherecydes Pharma's securities in the United States of America. Pherecydes Pharma's securities cannot be sold in the United States of America without the registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Pherecydes Pharma is not contemplating registering an offer or any public offering of securities, in the United States of America. The diffusion of this document in other countries may result in violating applicable rules governing securities law. This document does not constitute an offer of Pherecydes Pharma's securities in the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Japan or in any other country. This document must not be published, transmitted or distributed, directly or indirectly, in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. Finally, this press release may be drafted in French and English languages. If both versions are interpreted differently, the French language version shall prevail. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005549/en/ Contacts: Pherecydes Pharma Philippe Rousseau CFO investors@pherecydes-pharma.com NewCap Dusan Oresansky Investor Relations pherecydes@newcap.eu T.: +33 1 44 71 94 92 NewCap Nicolas Merigeau Media Relations pherecydes@newcap.eu T.: +33 1 44 71 94 98 The first Technical Working Group meeting for the ECOWAS Trade Information System (ECOTIS) held virtually on the 12th of February, 2021. The trade information system is meant among others, to readily make information on trade related issues available to the regional community citizens, investors and partners. It is also billed to close the existing gaps resulting from untimely, unreliable, inaccurate and cumbersome trade information processes, which have left business opportunities largely untapped and other markets unexplored. Welcoming participants to the meeting, Mr. Kola Sofola, Ag Director of Trade, ECOWAS Commission, reminded of the overall importance of adequate trade information with a functional website containing a robust communication arrangement that also educates and bring clarity on all matters bordering on trade and ease of doing business. Also speaking, Mr. Reginald Okoro, the representative ofThe Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit. (GIZ) while appreciating the enthusiasm of the participants at the meeting, stated that his agency was looking forward to fruitful collaboration with the working committee. In berthing a centralized digital platform where easily accessible, timely and reliable regional trade and related information and intelligence may be found, ECOTIS covers areas that include trade agreements, policy, statistics/intelligence, promotion and capacity building including a special section for COVID19. The spheres in the different sections are also all-encompassing. For example, the trade agreement section comprises the various trade and related multilateral, continental, regional and bilateral agreements entered into by the regional community, including the recently signed African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA). Among others, presentations were made during the meeting including that of the project consultants which featured the adopted information extraction and work methodology even as the need for availability of focal persons and officials as well as the provision of required documents were stressed. Being a centralized web-based portal meant to facilitate informed business decisions, policy formulation and academic research, ECOTIS is supported by the GIZ under the Promoting West Africa Trade Integration (WATIP) project, which itself is co-founded by the European Union, under the 10th European Development Fund, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Periods of rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Billionaire Bill Gates has called on the U.S. and other wealthy countries to give up eating beef entirely and switch to synthetic alternatives due to climate change. 'I dont think the poorest 80 countries will be eating synthetic meat. I do think all rich countries should move to 100% synthetic beef,' Gates the MIT Technology Review in an interview on Monday. 'You can get used to the taste difference, and the claim is theyre going to make it taste even better over time. Eventually, that green premium is modest enough that you can sort of change the people or use regulation to totally shift the demand,' Gates mused. The Microsoft founder, 65, was promoting his new book, How To Avoid A Climate Disaster, which presents a range of dramatic proposals that Gates says are needed to prevent global calamity. Billionaire Bill Gates has called on the U.S. and other wealthy countries to give up eating beef entirely and switch to synthetic alternatives due to climate change Beef cattle production employs more than 726,000 people across America. Above, a calf is seen on a farm in Hinton, Iowa last May Cows and other ruminants produce methane as they digest grasses. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, 28 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, and methane emissions have risen 9 percent since 2000, according to researchers from the Global Carbon Project. Gates was promoting his new climate change book, released on Tuesday Gates in the interview touted plant-based meat alternatives such as Impossible Meats and Beyond Meat, saying they 'have a road map, a quality road map and a cost road map, that makes them totally competitive.' 'So for meat in the middle-income-and-above countries, I do think its possible. But its one of those ones where, wow, you have to track it every year and see, and the politics [are challenging],' he added. However, plant-based synthetic 'meat' still accounts for less than 1 percent of the market. In a separate interview with the New York Times published on Monday, Gates was asked if he still eats regular burgers himself, and admitted 'I sometimes eat the real thing still.' Beef cattle production employs more than 726,000 people across America. Texas has the most beef cows in the U.S., followed by Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. The tech billionaire has quietly bought up 242,000 acres of farmland in 18 states - and 268,984 of multi-use land in 19 states in total, making him the biggest agricultural landowner in the US, though far short of the biggest overall landowner in the country In 2018, a 'Louisiana investor', later revealed to be Gates, paid $171 million for a large swath of farmland in the Horse Heaven Hill, making it one of the largest real estate transactions in recent memory Last month, Bill Gates was revealed to be the largest private owner of agricultural land in America, after quietly buying up 242,000 acres of farmland in 18 states. The tech mogul, who is the fourth richest person in the world with a net worth of $121billion, according to Forbes, has quietly built up a massive agriculture portfolio. His largest holdings include 69,071 acres in Louisiana , 47,927 acres in Arkansas, 25,750 acres in Arizona, 20,588 acres in Nebraska and 16,097 in Washington state. It is unclear why Gates, better known as a self-confessed computing 'nerd', has invested in farmland so heavily, and details of the land are scarce, as revealed in The Land Report. The acquisitions are held directly, as well as through Gates' personal investment entity, Cascade Investments. CDL Investments New Zealand Limited is pleased to report that after an extraordinary year, the company recorded a profit after tax of $30.1 million (2019: $34.1 million) in 2020, which is a very creditable result under challenging circumstances. Reflecting the fact that the company was able to trade during lockdown and also reflecting active demand in all regions during the year, CDIs property sales & other income totaled $88.8 million (2019: $91.8 million). Profit before tax was $41.8 million (2019: $47.4 million). At 31 December 2020, CDIs shareholders funds increased to $257.1 million (2019: $235.5 million) and total assets also increased to $265.0 million (2019: $240.7 million). Net tangible asset per share (at book value) was 91.7 cents (2019: 84.5 cents). CDI did not apply for assistance from the government Wage Subsidy programme. As at 31 December 2020, the independent market value of CDIs property holdings was $292.8 million (2019: $315.6 million). At cost, the portfolio was valued at $164.8 million (2019:$182.7 million) in line with CDIs accounting policies. Shareholders should be pleased that CDI was able to achieve a result in 2020 which mirrored 2019 especially in a year which, to put it mildly, was discombobulating. CDI with its geographically diverse portfolio of residential sections in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch benefitted from unusually positive market conditions. While these conditions remain evident, the company is optimistic that 2021 will also see a solid level of sales across New Zealand for residential sections. New stages will be developed and brought to market to meet this demand including sections in Kewa Road and Dominion Road in Auckland, and Prestons Park in Christchurch. Over the past seven years, we have selectively acquired 154.5 hectares of land for our core business of residential development. These acquisitions will continue as more identified opportunities become available and announcements made in due course. In the past three years, we have also embarked on strategies to diversify our development programme and revenue stream and we will continue with this where we believe this is suitable and will deliver additional value to shareholders. The Board is confident that the acquisitions made and those to be made in 2021 will ensure that the Company is able to secure a sufficient pipeline of development land to maintain CDIs future profitable operations. Please see the links below for details: CDI FY2020 Results Announcement CDI FY2020 Directors' Review CDI FY2020 Media Release CDI Distribution Notice 0221 CDI FY2020 Audited Financial Statements Source: CDL Investments New Zealand Limited Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 31st May 2021 Morning Report The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) Media Reporting Regarding Potential Class Action Synlait Milk Limited (NZX: SML) Forecast Milk Price Update General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Continues on Its Strong Growth Path Third Age Health Services Limited (NZX: TAH) Announces Preliminary Full Year Result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) Better Positioned for Future Growth Green Cross Health Limited (NZX: GXH) Full Year Results to 31 March 2021 28th May 2021 Morning Report Radius Residential Care Limited (NZX: RAD) Announces First FY Results as a Listed Company NZ Automotive Investments Limited (NZX: NZA) Delivers Net Profit Above Guidance for FY21 GRIDLEY, Calif. - Gridley Police Officers apprehended a driver that took off after a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon. Officers observed a Lexus traveling eastbound on Hazel St. going over the 30 miles per hour speed limit. The driver Michael Harrison, a 19-year-old Gridley resident, pulled over in a Starbucks parking lot. Harrison was on active probation with Butte County for resisting an Executive Officer. Harrison was also unlicensed and when asked to exit the vehicle by an officer grabbing his hand, with the other hand Harrison put the car in drive and sped off. Going past 50 miles per hour, Harrison took officers through several residential streets and intersections. On South Ohio St. an officer was able to cut off Harrison. When an officer attempted to exit his vehicle, Harrison put his vehicle in reverse and collided with that officers front bumper. Harrison attempted to drive off again, but another officer pulled up to the rear of Harrisons vehicle, and Harrison reversed and collided with the second policemans vehicle. Police were able to pin Harrisons vehicle to a tree and prevented any further escapes. Harrison and the passenger were both handcuffed. Neither party received any injuries. Harrison told officers he fled because he thought he was going to jail. Harrison was not a wanted person and nothing illegal was found in his vehicle, according to police. The passenger was released after an interview with the police. Harrison was booked in the Butte County Jail for felony probation violation, felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon, felony vandalism and felony false imprisonment. His bail is set at $195,000. South Africa: Lesedi FM presenter's husband arrested The husband of Lesedi FM presenter Dimakatso Ratselane has been arrested at a house in Ennerdale - within 24 hours after the warrant for his arrest was issued. The arrest followed a brutal attack on Ratselane on 11 February 2021. The 39-year old husband is alleged to have attacked Ratselane and left her for dead with multiple stab wounds. In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, Free State police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, said the Free State team supported by the Soweto Flying squad worked around the clock, following all leads, until the early hours of Tuesday when they followed intelligence driven information which led them to a house in Gauteng. At about 10:30am, the Free State team supported by Soweto Flying squad arrived at a house in Ennerdale, where they found the suspect in hiding. He was taken into police custody and will appear in court soon to face a charge of attempted murder, Makhele said. Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, commended the team for all their hard work. Our gratitude goes to our team for all their efforts in making sure that we get the perpetrator behind bars. All information from our communities is appreciated as it also played a vital role, and I would like to thank them for that as well. Any act of gender based violence will never have space in this province, Motswenyane said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-02-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. MASON CITY, Iowa - Just how overwhelming has the response been to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine in Cerro Gordo County? Health officials said Tuesday that appointments for Wednesday and Friday of this week have been filled. Last week, officials received more than 145,000 calls from people looking to sign up. "With a very limited amount of vaccine received each week the demand unfortunately far outweighs the supply," public health said. Roy's greatest legacy to the resources industry is no doubt the discovery of Olympic Dam, says Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum chairman Jim Walker. Woodalls working life was dedicated to the science of mineral exploration and mine development. The mining family in Australia is saddened to hear of the passing of Roy Woodall, a mining industry great whose working life was dedicated to the science of mineral exploration and mine development. In recognising his contribution, Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum said that he and his teams at the time were instrumental in the discovery and development of many of Australias commercially important mineral deposits. These included Kambalda, Western Australia (nickel, the 1960s), Yeelirrie, Western Australia (uranium, 1971), Olympic Dam, South Australia (copper, uranium, gold, 1975) and Ernest Henry, Queensland (gold and copper, 1991). Three of these deposits Kambalda, Yeelirrie and Olympic Dam - are ore deposits the like of which had never previously been found anywhere in the world. Olympic Dam discovery Forum chairman Jim Walker said: Roy's greatest legacy to the resources industry is no doubt the discovery of Olympic Dam. The discovery revealed the fourth largest copper deposit in the world, the largest uranium deposit in the world, and the largest gold deposit found in Australia. Roy Woodall was a recipient of the annual Diggers & Dealers GJ Stokes Memorial Award in 2000 for his enormous contribution and dedication to the advancement of the resources industry. Staunch supporter "Even in retirement Roy remained a staunch supporter of the mining industry and was one of its key supporters through his attendance at Diggers & Dealers, along with his wife Barbara," Walker said. "Roy could be found deep in conversation with his fellow geologists at almost every Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum over the event's 29-year history. "We were privileged to hear Roy speak at the 2018 gala dinner when he was inducted into the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Walk of Fame. "The Woodalls are considered part of the Diggers family and we will miss Roy dearly in the years ahead. "Diggers & Dealers extends its condolences to Barbara and their family," Walker added. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed a bill introducing amendments to certain legislative acts of Ukraine to tighten liability for certain offenses in the sphere of road safety. A total of 325 lawmakers voted for a respective bill, No. 2695, at a parliament meeting on Tuesday, February 16, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. According to the explanatory note, the purpose of the document is the need to create safe conditions for road users, save the lives and health of citizens, increase the effectiveness of the impact on the discipline of road users with a clear definition of legal sanctions for committed offenses, ensuring the proper level of implementation of decisions in administrative and criminal cases in the field of road safety, clarifying the responsibilities of drivers and passengers, as well as some powers of police officers. The approved document toughens the liability for violation of traffic rules, driving vehicles, river, sea or small vessels in a state of alcohol, drug or other intoxication. At the same time, the law enshrines the possibility for police officers to use technical video recorders, with the mandatory attachment of such materials to the protocol on administrative offenses, by making respective amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses. MPs took into account an amendment that excludes from the text of the law a provision that provided for the possibility of preventive stopping of a vehicle by police in order to inspect drivers, using special technical means, if they are in a state of alcoholic, drug or other intoxication or if they used drugs that reduce attention and reaction time. op Majestic monarch butterflies fluttered through Mexico in their annual migration. But this year, the swarms of international tourists that typically accompany their arrival are not making the trip as people eschew travel. Every year millions of orange and black monarch butterflies fly thousands of miles across the North American continent. And sanctuaries in the western state of Michoacan, a World Heritage Site and home to the Mexico's largest monarch butterfly reserve, are typically a major tourist attraction. Sanctuary officials, such as Ejidatario Abel Cruz, say they have only seen about 15% of the foot traffic they would normally receive on weekends. Thats unwelcome news for a community that relies on tourist dollars. "Compared to other years when we used to receive some 2,500 people, now we only get about 350 to 400 per day every weekend. The situation is very difficult. Many people who make a living from this season have not had enough to invest, many have closed their businesses.'' The tourism slowdown comes as sanctuary officials hoped to keep monarchs in the spotlight. Environmental agencies say the butterflies face threats from urban development, pesticides and climate change. The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged in December that monarch butterflies deserve federal protection under the Endangered Species Act, but said they must wait behind 161 other species. They are not expected be listed until after October of 2023. Officials are monitoring the areas occupied by the monarchs this year and a final count is pending to determine the population's size. Video Transcript - Majestic monarch butterflies fluttered through Mexico in their annual migration. But this year, the swarms of international tourists that typically accompany their arrival are not making the trip as people shun travel. Every year, millions of orange and black monarch butterflies fly thousands of miles across the North American continent. And sanctuaries in the western state of Michoacan, a World Heritage site and home to Mexico's largest monarch butterfly reserve, are typically a major tourist attraction. Sanctuary officials-- Story continues EJIDATARIO ABEL CRUZ: [SPEAKING SPANISH] - --such as Ejidatario Abel Cruz say they have only seen about 15% of the foot traffic they would normally receive on weekends. That's unwelcome news for a community that relies on tourist dollars. EJIDATARIO ABEL CRUZ: [SPEAKING SPANISH] INTERPRETER: Compared to other years when it used to receive some 2,500 people, now we only get about 350 to 400 per day every weekend. The situation is very difficult. Many people who make a living from this season have not had enough to invest. Many have closed their businesses. - The tourism slowdown comes as sanctuary officials hope to keep monarchs in the spotlight. Environmental agencies say the butterflies face threats from urban development, pesticides, and climate change. The administration of former US President Donald Trump acknowledged in December that monarch butterflies deserve federal protection under the Endangered Species Act but said they must wait behind 161 other species. They are not expected to be listed until after October of 2023. Officials are monitoring the areas occupied by the monarchs this year and a final count is pending to determine the population's size. Exports from the medical and pharmaceutical sectors increased 25% in 2020 to 62bn (54bn) Irish exports were valued at 160bn (140bn) last year, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Total exports were up 5% when compared to 2019, despite a slowdown in economic conditions across the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The performance was driven by the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, accounting for almost 40% of all Irish exports. Exports from the medical and pharmaceutical sectors increased 25% in 2020 to 62bn (54bn). Organic chemicals were the next biggest area, with 31bn (27bn) of exports last year. Food and live animal exports, when combined, totalled 11.5bn (10bn) in 2020. Imports in 2020 decreased compared to 2019, falling by 5.5bn (4.8bn) to 85.3bn (74.4bn), according to the CSO. Imports of 'other transport equipment', including aircraft were valued at 12.7bn (11bn) last year, or 15% of total imports. This was a decrease of 41% on the 2019 level. Imports of petroleum were down 40% in 2020 to 2.6bn (2.3bn). Last year exports to Britain fell by 9% to 12.4bn (11bn). Overall, exports to Britain accounted for 8% of Ireland's total exports in 2020. Meanwhile, imports from Britain were down 5% year-on-year, falling to 17.8bn (15.5bn). Goods from Britain accounted for 21% of total imports in 2020. The EU accounted for 40% of Ireland's total exports in 2020, an increase of 13% on 2019. Of the EU 27, Belgium and Germany were the most popular destinations for Irish exports last year. There were 30.3bn (26.4bn) of imports from the EU in 2020, representing 36% of total imports, according to the CSO. This was a decrease of 9% on 2019. Looking beyond the EU and UK, exports to other countries were valued at 82bn (71.5bn) last year, up 3% on the 2019 level of exports. From this, United States was the largest export destination in 2020, accounting for 49.8bn (43.4bn), or 31% of total exports. In December, the value of seasonally adjusted goods exports was 12.5bn (10.9bn). The BJP has a completely different standard when it comes to from its leaders, Conference vice president alleged on Tuesday. Abdullah's remark came after his party colleague Hilal Lone was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly delivering a "hate speech" at a rally during last year's district development council elections in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora. "The BJP has a completely different standard when it comes to from its own leaders. They can call for hands to be cut off, people to be murdered and it's fine. Hilal Lone makes a speech and anti-terror laws are used to book him," Abdullah tweeted. Referring to Lone's arrest, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said there would not be enough room in the prisons of the country if the BJP's ministers, lawmakers and members of its "IT Cell" were brought to book for inciting communal passions against minorities. "GOI (Government of India) continues to shamelessly book Kashmiri mainstream leaders under UAPA for 'hate speech'. The truth is that there won't be enough room in Indian prisons if their own ministers, lawmakers and noxious IT Cell were brought to book for inciting communal passions against minorities," she said in a tweet. Lone, the son of Conference's Member of Parliament Mohammad Akbar Lone, was arrested on Monday from the MLA hostel here where he was being held captive since December last year, a senior police official said on Tuesday. He was booked under various sections of the UAPA in an FIR registered at a police station in Hajin in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. The official said the case relates to a speech he made during the public rally while campaigning in the DDC polls in Hajin. On December 25 last year, he was detained in Bandipora's Sumbal area and then shifted to the MLA hostel here. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The sequencer uploaded the raw data to an online software package called IDseq, which could piece together the genomes in the sample and compare them to other known organisms. The system, without any hints from Dr. Mannings group about what the sample might contain, verified that it held a virus with a genome virtually identical to that of the new coronavirus identified in Wuhan. Of the approximately 30,000 letters in the viruss genome, only one differed between the two sequences. In those early days of Covid-19, researchers did not know how accurate the PCR tests were or whether the virus was spawning new strains with potentially different properties. The Cambodian report helped confirm the accuracy of the PCR test, and it revealed that only minor changes in the sequences were appearing. The virus did not seem to be mutating substantially an indication that the disease would be easier to test for, treat and vaccinate against. For Dr. Manning, the exercise was proof that even a small research outpost in the developing world could successfully detect new or unexpected pathogens and glean important information about them from their genome. As such, her lab and others like it could serve as an early-warning system for the next potential pandemic. Opening the black box Dr. Manning, 40, began her career examining not new diseases but known ones that mostly afflicted the developing world. In 2008, while earning her medical degree at Emory University, she went to Mali to study and treat malaria as part of a project at the University of Bamako. I lived in the bush for six months collecting samples, she said. Severe malaria cases come at night, which nobody had told me. I didnt really get a full night of sleep for months. It was horrible, because a lot of the kids would die just as we were assessing them, 10 seconds within walking in the door. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) The government should wait for the COVID-19 vaccination program to start before considering further easing lockdown measures in the rest of the country, particularly in Metro Manila, a senator suggested on Tuesday. Speaking to CNN Philippines, Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said this may be the safer avenue to take before placing the whole country under the more relaxed modified general community quarantine a proposal earlier floated by the National Economic Development Authority. I think we need to do that first, lets wait for the vaccines to come, Zubiri said in an interview with The Source. What were saying is the only way to bring back the economy is through the vaccination program. We really have to focus on that. [When] weve already vaccinated how many million Filipinos, then maybe we can start with the MGCQ. But I think thats the safer avenue to take, he added. Acting NEDA chief Karl Chua proposed the shift to MGCQ during a televised meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte and other government officials on Monday, citing the need for the country to recover from huge economic losses. He said further extending the lockdown would only worsen hunger and poverty. Zubiri, for his part, noted possible challenges in opening up Metro Manila, which remains under GCQ, especially with the capital region being one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Lahat ng mga kabataan ay makakalabas na. Ang tao makakaikot na freely (All children would be able to go out. Everyone can go out freely) and you know sometimes we do forget our rules, the senator argued. So its very difficult at this point in time, with the new variants in place pa. Meanwhile, Zubiri also expressed concern over the absence of signed supply agreements with vaccine manufacturers, but acknowledged there are challenges when it comes to the global supply of the vaccines. RELATED: No supply agreement yet? Nograles says COVID-19 vaccines reserved for PH under term sheets Cinema reopening dangerous The legislator likewise reiterated his stance against the reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas, labeling it as a dangerous move especially with the presence of a more transmissible variant in the country. It could be a super spreader event, why? Because youre in an enclosed space for more than an hour, Zubiri said, noting that it takes only one person to infect dozens of other moviegoers. I think we shouldnt take chances like that, [its] very difficult to control, he pointed out. The Inter-Agency Task Force earlier postponed its directive on the reopening of cinemas in Metro Manila following pushback from mayors, who have expressed concern over the possible spread of the virus in these settings. IATF spokesperson Harry Roque said the earliest cinemas can reopen in Metro Manila is on March 1 if the plan pushes through. Two religious leaders in Winnipeg have signed an international interfaith declaration that calls for an end to violence against and criminalization of LGBTTQ+ people and a global ban on conversion therapy. ANDREW RYAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Diocese of Ruperts Land Bishop Geoff Woodcroft says it is important to help people who are suffering. Two religious leaders in Winnipeg have signed an international interfaith declaration that calls for an end to violence against and criminalization of LGBTTQ+ people and a global ban on conversion therapy. "I signed because of the relationships I have within the church with transgender and LGBTTQ+ people, people I nurture and care for, just like everyone else in the church," said Geoff Woodcroft, Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Ruperts Land. "When the world is hurting someone, Im going to stand by that person being hurt." Bishop Susan Johnson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCIC), headquartered in Winnipeg, signed it because "it reflects the theology, policies and practices of our church." Woodcroft and Johnson are among 28 Canadian faith leaders who have signed the declaration, sponsored by the Global Interfaith Commission on LGBTTQ+ Lives. Most of them are, like Woodcroft, from the Anglican Church of Canada, including Primate Linda Nicholls and William Cliff, the Bishop of Brandon. Launched in December, so far the declaration has been signed by over 400 religious leaders from more than 35 countries. It affirms all human beings of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions are a precious part of creation and are part of the natural order. It calls for an end "for all attempts to change, suppress or erase a persons sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression." It recognizes "with sadness that certain religious teachings have often, throughout the ages, caused and continue to cause deep pain and offense to those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex." The declaration goes on to say "we acknowledge, with profound regret, that some of our teachings have created, and continue to create, oppressive systems that fuel intolerance, perpetuate injustice and result in violence . . . We ask for forgiveness from those whose lives have been damaged and destroyed on the pretext of religious teaching." Noting there are about 10 LGBTTQ+ clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Ruperts Land, Woodcroft said signing the declaration was a way to affirm them and show "honour to people God has made in Gods own image." "We welcome the giftedness of these people," he said. For Johnson, signing it is a way to show the ELCIC upholds the dignity of all people, respects the value of each person as a unique child of God, and wants to include everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, as members of the body of Christ and as co-workers in ministry. "The ELCIC is working to fully become a safe and welcoming place for people of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and gender identities," she said. Theo Robinson, who identifies as a transgender male, is a priest with the Diocese of Ruperts Land, serving as an incumbent at St. Michaels Anglican Parish in Victoria Beach, and pastor with the Interlake Regional Shared Ministry of the ELCIC. For Robinson, by signing the declaration Woodcroft and Johnson are showing they "see us as people who deserve to be treated with love and kindness, not as something to be fixed." Robinson hopes the declaration itself is a sign of progress for the treatment of the LGBTTQ+ community by faith groups, including with regards to marriage and the "de-gendering of liturgy" in the Anglican Church of Canada. It could also make LGBTTQ+ people feel more welcome by religious groups, Robinson said, since many see religion as something that believes "being queered is something to be hidden, ashamed of or fixed." Other religious leaders who want to sign the declaration, publicly or privately, can do so at www.globalinterfaith.lgbt. faith@freepress.mb.ca The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Ghanas Dela Wosinu Gadri, was crowned Mrs. Top Of The World 2020 on Saturday 13th February 2021. She becomes the first African woman to win this coveted title. Along the ultimate prize, Dela also won Mrs. Style Top Of The World 2020. The 39-year-old is a proud wife and mother of three. Hailing from Dabala in the Volta Region of Ghana, she lives in Rotterdam, Netherlands where she is the managing proprietor of a high-end Hair & Beauty Salon Delaganza, a destination of choice for most top class celebrities in the Netherlands. Mrs. Top Of The World is an international beauty pageant for ladies from 18 to 45 years old. The pageant provides equal opportunities to look the best you can possibly be and focus on doing the best you can do. In appreciation of the support from all and sundry and cognisant of her roots, Dela used her Instagram page to express her excitement and gratitude with I will definitely make good use of this crown to help and empower women and the less privileged in Ghana. The pageant had its fair share of COVID-19 interruptions which resulted in the original scheduled date of November 2020 being changed to February 2021. Dela is appreciative to the judges for their accurate weighting of her impressive photo shoots, creative hair artistry and innovative presentation about Ghana. Dela takes the baton from Fashion Model Aishwarya Gupta, Mrs. Top Of The World 2019 from India, fully aware of the enormity of the associated responsibilities. She wishes to congratulate the runners up for Mrs. Top Of The World 2020, Golshan Barazesh from Italy and Viryin Colina from Venezuela. Dela signed for the pageant primarily to carve a platform to become a voice, inspiration and motivation to the less privileged. She pledges to use this crown to pursue her dream of helping peasant pregnant women and single mothers who hawk on the streets of Ghana. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Business owners donate winnings Sponsors of Brookfields first Ultimate Holiday Showcase presented cash rewards to the five best holiday decorated store fronts at a gathering at Town Hall on Feb. 3. In a show of community support during the pandemic, several of the winners donated their winnings. Robert OConnor, OConnors Pub Owner, is giving his first place prize of $500 to his employees. Libero and Simona Pugliese, Johns Best Pizza owners, gave their second place prize of $400 to their church, St. Marguerites. Rick Tedesco, Guitar Hangar owner, is giving his third place award of $300 to the Huckleberry and Whisconier Schools music department. Danbury Acts of kindness raise $25K Students at St. Joseph School raised $25,000 within a week by performing acts of kindness. The students have asked their community members, family and friends for donations to support their Catholic school. As a way to show their gratitude, they are paying it forward by performing acts of kindness. The campaign kicked off on Thursday, Feb. 4, when Principal Louis Howe performed a virtual Rockathon concert for families. In just over an hour, the concert raised $8,000. Within 24 hours, the school surpassed $12,000 in donations. The school pledged close to 500 acts of service over two weeks. These include: standing up for others, making cards for a hospital, creating a basket for the Danbury police station and shoveling a neighbors driveway. The fundraiser will continue through this Friday. Anyone who wishes to support the students can donate by clicking on the "Fundraising" tab at: sjsdanbury.org. The principal will dye his hair purple and let the students dunk tank him if they reach their goals. Danbury Painter to lead virtual lecture Painter Colleen McGuire will host an online lecture at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Western Connecticut State University is hosting the event as part of the spring semester Virtual Art Faculty Talks series sponsored by the WCSU Department of Art. McGuire, an adjunct professor of studio art and art history at WCSU, will discuss her artistic works and creative techniques and philosophy in a Zoom presentation. The public is invited to register in advance at no charge by accessing the Eventbrite web page for the event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-faculty-lecture-series-colleen-mcguire-tickets-140014199239. Registrants will be sent the Zoom invitation link to attend the event online. A graduate of the WCSU Master of Fine Arts program, McGuire has participated in 17 solo and group exhibitions in Connecticut and New York since 2004. Her works focus on domestic interiors and scenes from ordinary life, featuring careful observation and attention to composition and light in a style reminiscent of early modernist painters such as Edward Hopper and Edouard Vuillard. McGuire primarily paints on wood and Masonite, materials that allow for reworking, scraping and layering while exploring the formal and physical possibilities of oil paint. As a WCSU faculty member, McGuire teaches courses in studio art. She has also taught at the Hotchkiss School and at Southern Connecticut State University. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts. degree from SUNY Purchase. For more information, contact Lori Robeau of the Department of Art at robeaul@wcsu.edu or Sherri Hill of the Office of University Relations at hills@wcsu.edu. Danbury Association donates to hospital Officers of the Greater Danbury Bar Association presented the Danbury Hospital with a check for $21,550. Given the pandemic, the Bar Association decided to conduct a fundraising campaign throughout an outreach with its membership and other generous members of the community. Danbury Immaculate students compete in mock trial Immaculate High Schools Mock Trial Team had its first competition on Jan. 29. It was hosted virtually, but was a way for students to face off against students from other schools in the state. The team lost to Fairfield Ludlowe in a very close round, but the Immaculate team won against the defense team from Mercy, bringing Immaculate to 1-1 on the day. Individual honors were awarded to Grace Garvey 21, who was awarded second best attorney for the morning round, and so was Allie Belone 22 for the afternoon round. Ernst Koch 22 was awarded best witness in the afternoon round. Their next competition is to take place on February 26. Danbury Landscape architect earns award A landscape architect in Danbury was recently recognized for her work and volunteer service. Jane Didona, principal at Didona Associates Landscape Architects, was presented with the first Elizabeth Bullard Award. She was honored for her sustained record of volunteer service and distinguished design practice by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Awards Committee. Gwen Heerschap, the chair of the Connecticut chapter, presented Didona with the award. Bullard was a pioneer in the profession, becoming the second female member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and was elected as a fellow of the ASLA in 1899. Wilton & Ridgefield Virtual exhibit reflects on COVID Weir Farm Art Alliance will present the virtual exhibition, Reflecting on the Pandemic. The exhibition, featuring 73 Weir Farm artist-in-residence alumni, allows the farm to highlight the wide variety of work produced by the talented artists who have participated in the program since it began in 1998, focusing on works created in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Each artist in this exhibition presents up to three images along with a statement where they reflect on their experiences over the past year, how they have been impacted by the coronavirus and how they have used their art as a means of persevering during this difficult time. This exhibit is a companion piece to the recently launched video interview series, Weir Farm Artist-In-Residence Reflections; Creating During the Pandemic, where AIR Alumni reflect on their experience while in residence, how the residency affected their future work, and the impact of the coronavirus, including how creating art helped get them through the past year. Through this exhibit and video series, attendees may reconnect with alumni artists-in-residence from 1998-2020 and be inspired by their work and experiences in response to the pandemic. Ridgefield Housatonic Habitat begins Ridgefield house hunt Housatonic Habitat for Humanity is on the hunt for donated or near-donated land, gifts, including homes to be renovated. The initiative is called Habitat Ridgefield Site Search 21. The ideal site is served by town sewer and water, or by an existing well and septic system. The organization aims to build on land in Ridgefield or renovate a single-family home that fits into its neighborhood. Habitat would then sell it to a family who qualifies. Thirty years and 34 homes after its founding in 1991, Housatonic Habitat for Humanity is returning home to Ridgefield to change the life of a first-time homeowner, the organization says. The initiative is the partnership between Ridgefields Affordable Housing Committee and Housatonic Habitat for Humanity. Ridgefield Eagle Scout of the Year named Ridgefield Spencer Carlson has been named Eagle Scout of the Year. The CT Society of Sons of the American Revolution recognized Carlson, who is an Eagle Scout with Troop 76. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution annually select a Norman M. and Berdena King Eagle Scout of the year. On Feb. 2, by a review committee of five compatriots, the CT Society of Sons of the American Revolution chose the CT state representative, who has a chance to earn a $10,000 scholarship if the national winner. Sherman Conservation biologist to discuss vernal pools Deer Pond Farm will offer two webinars on vernal pool ecology next month. The small, temporary wetlands known as vernal pools provide breeding habitat for forest-dwelling amphibians like wood frogs and spotted salamanders. This webinar with Jim Arrigoni, a conservation biologist, will explore the variety of life forms and sagas taking place beneath the surface of the water. The program will be held at 7 p.m. March 4. Visit https://www.ctaudubon.org/2021/02/vernal-pool-ecology-webinar/ for more details and registration. Washington Hands-on program teach about maple sugar The Institute for American Indian Studies is launching new workshops on maple sugar. The two-part, in-person outdoor workshops will be held this Saturday, as well as Saturday, Feb. 27. These hands-on programs are intended for people that want to learn about the history of this sweet tradition, as well as the ins and outs of making maple syrup. They are part of the institute's Winter Survival Program, taught by Susan Scherf, an educator at the institute. Both workshops offer one-hour time slots running from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. for 20 people per session. At the first workshop, The Sweet Taste of Success, participants will learn the basics of modern maple syrup production. The second program, The History of a Sweet Tradition focuses on the history of maple syrup as it was produced and enjoyed through the centuries. To sign up, visit the museum website in order to reserve a space through Eventbrite or email the museum at events@iaismuseum.org. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The U.S. Fire Administration says fatal fires have increased more than 20 percent over the last 10 years. Firefighters say one of the main reasons fires are increasing is because of the lack of smoke detectors in households. According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security more than two-thirds of fatal fires happen in homes with no working smoke alarms. Local fire department officials are urging more homeowners to get smoke detectors installed. They recommend having at least one smoke detector on each floor in the house and at least one in each bedroom. "Smoke alarms are important because it's always great to be able to get to that fire and stop that loss as soon as possible," Taylor Hardy, PIO of Otter Creek Fire Department, said. "So the way we do that is by having homeowners be alert to the situation and calling us at an early time." Through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's, "Get Alarmed" program, all Indiana residents are eligible for free smoke detectors. All you need to do is call your local fire department. 3 1 of 3 Contributed photo Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Contributed photo Hearst Connecticut Media / Show More Show Less 3 of 3 First Selectman Kevin Moynihan, 71, received his COVID-19 vaccine last week, saying that he would have given up his spot for others younger and more vulnerable, but the Director of Health Jenn Eielson is following the rules. Moynihan was vaccinated on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Lapham Center in Waveny Park on South Avenue, where people over 65 with an appointment have been receiving the vaccine. People who are eligible can sign up on the New Canaan website. Babies and their parents can sleep better at nights with Hatch Rest, which is an Alexa-enabled smart device. The current product lineup includes the Rest, the Alexa-enabled Rest+ for babies and kids and the Restore for adults. The Rest Mini was launched in January 2021. Rest is the number one Amazon baby registry product behind consumables like diapers and wipes. It has over 5,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4- star rating. In developing Rest and other products, Weiss listened to parents and she discovered they wanted hands-free help. After releasing Rest, customers started asking specifically for voice control of the devices. "Voice resonates with everyone because it makes their lives easier," said Weiss. "Alexa powers our Rest+ device now, and we're expanding to include Alexa voice controls in all our other products next year." Amazon's Alexa Fund, which provides up to $200 million in venture capital funding to fuel voice tech innovation, invested in Hatch. With this support, Hatch has been able to expand on its work to create intuitive, hassle-free Alexa experiences for their customers. Hatch is also exploring other potential integrations available from Amazon. Source: IANS "Rest is the number one Amazon baby registry product behind consumables like diapers and wipes. It has over 5,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4- star rating," she said in an Alexa Skills Kit blog.In developing Rest and other products, Weiss listened to parents and she discovered they wanted hands-free help.After releasing Rest, customers started asking specifically for voice control of the devices."Voice resonates with everyone because it makes their lives easier," said Weiss."Alexa powers our Rest+ device now, and we're expanding to include Alexa voice controls in all our other products next year."Amazon's Alexa Fund, which provides up to $200 million in venture capital funding to fuel voice tech innovation, invested in Hatch.With this support, Hatch has been able to expand on its work to create intuitive, hassle-free Alexa experiences for their customers.Hatch is also exploring other potential integrations available from Amazon.Source: IANS "Rest for babies is our big product, but adults need their sleep, too, so interest in Restore has been tremendous," said Hatch CEO Ann Crady Weiss. A mobile "strike team" is bringing vaccines to some of Northern Californias most vulnerable residents along with a message: This is how you avoid dying from covid-19. So far, that message has been met with both nervous acceptance and outbursts of joy from a population that has been ravaged by the disease. One 68-year-old pastor, who lives in a racially diverse, low-income senior housing complex, rolled down his sleeve after his shot and said he wants to live to see 70 just to spite the government. The team of county nurses and nonprofit workers is targeting Contra Costa County residents who are eligible for covid vaccines but have been left out: residents of small assisted-living facilities that haven't yet been visited by CVS or Walgreens, and occasionally people who live in low-income senior housing. The retail pharmacy giants have a federal government contract to administer vaccines in most long-term care facilities. Launched a few weeks ago, the strike team moves through each vaccination clinic with practiced choreography. At a small group home in Antioch recently, a nurse filled syringes while another person readied vaccine cards and laid them on a table. An administrative assistant hired specifically for these clinics checked everyone's paperwork and screened them for symptoms and allergies before their shots, logging them into the state's database afterward. After the shots, a strike team member told each person when their 15 minutes of observation was up. In a little over an hour, 14 people had a shot in their arm, a card in their hand and their data in the system. Nurses wiped down the chairs and tables and packed up supplies. As the state vaccination plan moves past long-term care facilities and on to the next group, deploying mobile units will help prevent eligible people in small facilities from being left behind, said Dr. Mike Wasserman, past president of the California Association of Long Term Care Medicine. "The assisted living side has been our greatest tragedy," Wasserman said. "It's February. We're vaccinating others already and we haven't finished vaccinating those who need it most." California is in the midst of transferring primary control of vaccine distribution from local public health departments to Blue Shield of California. The agreement between the state and the insurance company includes incentives for vaccinating underserved and minority populations, and like Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Kern and other counties are creating mobile clinics to reach vulnerable residents. But as efficiently as these clinics can run, it's still slow going to vaccinate a few people at a time in a state that has lost more than 44,500 people to covid. Small long-term care facilities, usually with no more than six beds, are the strike team's main target. These "six-beds" are a major source of residential care for older Californians, as well as others who need care and supervision but don't want to live in nursing homes. Of almost 310,000 long-term care beds in California, about one-third are in nursing homes, according to Nicole Howell, executive director for Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties. Two-thirds are in some form of assisted living, mostly six-beds. These homes are typically in residential areas, with little to distinguish them from other houses on a suburban block. They're small businesses, often owned by families, that offer a "social" model of care, not a medical one. There is no doctor or director of nursing on staff. Long-term care residents were in line to be vaccinated right after front-line health workers, starting in nursing homes. Theoretically, residents of small facilities like six-beds should get their shots from the same federal program vaccinating most nursing homes, which is administered through CVS and Walgreens. But it's difficult to coordinate with these homes because there are so many, Howell explained, and they often have fewer resources and minimal IT infrastructure. Because these aren't large corporate chains or 500-bed facilities with everyone's medical records on hand, it takes time and local knowledge to reach them all, she said. CVS and Walgreens said they have administered first and second doses to nearly all nursing home residents in the state and have started on assisted living communities. They said they do not have breakdowns of which kinds of assisted living facilities they have visited, but CVS Health spokesperson Joe Goode noted that the pharmacy has completed the first round of doses at nearly 80% of participating assisted living facilities, with hundreds more clinics scheduled. The state has largely left it up to facilities to call the pharmacies to schedule clinics, though many did not know it was their responsibility until late January, according to Mike Dark, a lawyer with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform. He had been fielding calls for weeks from families who were told that, if they wanted to get their loved ones in six-bed homes vaccinated, they needed to figure it out themselves, he said. "Smaller assisted living facilities, the ones least equipped to deal with this virus, still house people with significant impairment and needs," Dark said. "It's been a scandal, really, how poorly this process has been going." The residents at Above All Care, a six-bed in Orange County, finally got their first shots on Feb. 4, according to owner Nicolas Oudinot. But that came after weeks of confusion and silence. "From November to mid-January, I had no information," Oudinot said. "I went from nothing to getting a call every day. They tried to schedule the same facility two or three times." In late December, when it became clear that many long-term care facilities wouldn't get clinics scheduled for months, Contra Costa County decided the federal program needed to be supplemented with local resources, said Dr. Chris Farnitano, the county health officer. "This is where we're seeing the most dying happening," Farnitano said. "These are the most vulnerable people. We've got to protect them sooner." The mobile vaccine strike team emerged from a collaboration among the county, local home health agencies, advocates for long-term care residents and nonprofit groups. It was created without additional public funding when Choice in Aging, a local nonprofit that provides community-based support to older residents, paid its own administrative workers to staff the clinics alongside county public health nurses. The team of five or six people heads out several days a week, hauling rolling carts packed with syringes, bandages and a special vaccine cooler. The team might spend one day vaccinating 100 people in six-bed and other small facilities for older people or those with disabilities. The next, it might visit 50 seniors and their caregivers gathered from a few low-income apartments. The vaccines are treated like a precious resource. Nothing goes to waste and there's a list of caregivers on standby if the team finds itself with extra shots. Nurses say they can almost always squeeze a sixth dose of what they call "liquid gold" out of the vials, intended to contain five. When defrosted vials aren't in the cooler, they're carried gingerly, sandwiched between two egg cartons so they don't tip or break. Often, the team's biggest problem is running too far ahead of schedule. Its efforts seem to be working: 810 people in 50 facilities had been vaccinated as of Tuesday. Choice in Aging CEO Debbie Toth said she originally got into this line of work to give people a choice of where to spend their last years. But the pandemic has given her work new urgency: saving lives. "These are people who would die" if they got covid, she said. "We have an opportunity to make sure they don't. That's our north star." California Healthline correspondent Angela Hart contributed to this report. Harrisburg mayor Eric Papenfuse has extended the citys moratorium on evictions for another thirty days, according to a press release. This is the second extension that has been issued thus far. It suspends any eviction, ejectment or displacement of tenants or occupants from any residential dwelling unit or rooming house due to the non-payment of rent. It is important that we continue this eviction moratorium for the health and safety of our residents during these difficult times, Mayor Eric Papenfuse said via a press release. The moratorium does not effect evictions relating to criminal activity, threats to the safety of other residents, or property damage. Violation of the ordinance can result in fines of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to 90 days. Harrisburg residents that need help are encouraged to email codes@harrisburgpa.gov, or call the Non-Emergency Information Help Desk at 717-255-3040. READ MORE: Harrisburg bans evictions into 2021 under emergency ordinance Akshay Kumar remembers 'smiling young' 'Kesari' co-actor Sandeep Nahar India pti-Madhuri Adnal Mumbai, Feb 16: Superstar Akshay Kumar on Tuesday paid homage to Sandeep Nahar, his co-actor from the 2019 hit "Kesari", remembering him as a "smiling" and "passionate" young man. Nahar, who was in his 30s, killed himself on Monday by hanging in the bedroom of his flat in suburban Goregaon here, as per preliminary probe by police, an official said. Kumar said the news of Nahar's demise has left him heartbroken. "Heartbreaking to know about #SandeepNahars passing away. A smiling young man passionate for food as I remember him from 'Kesari'. Lifes unpredictable. Please seek help if ever feeling low. Peace for his soul," the actor posted on Twitter. Hours before his death, Nahar, also known for his supporting role in Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer "MS Dhoni", had posted a video and a "suicide note" on Facebook in which he purportedly blamed his wife and also mentioned "politics" he faced in Bollywood. On the basis of a primary information, Goregaon police has registered a case of accidental death and awaiting postmortem report. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The official said police will record statements of Nahar's wife, as she was the first person to spot him hanging, and of others who had rushed him to hospital. Companies embracing the new remote work model for their customer service agents can rely on Transparent BPOs comprehensive WorkSecure Suite to drive uncompromised work-from-home capabilities, ensuring security, compliance, and quality. With expectations indicating employees will not return to traditional brick and mortar facilities, the WorkSecure Suite addresses the concerns of effectively deploying agents who are working from their homes. From security to stability to timely resolution of threats, WorkSecure ensures agents working outside traditional facilities are just as effective as they would be working in a customer care center. Global events forced the business world to adjust they way they operate particularly where they operate, says Lance Hale, President of Transparent BPO. Work from home is here stay but your customer experience doesnt have to be compromised. Transparent BPO developed a comprehensive offering that addresses issues associated with deploying agents from their homes from security to background noise. The WorkSecure Suite includes: SecureDesktop: Using the Citrix elastic deployment model, this product enables employees to pivot between in-office work and a work-from-home model with continuous compliance. Citrix itself is encrypted, so security is inherent in how it operates. SecureAuthentication: Our three-factor authentication introduces the employees PC itself as an authenticating factor to gain access to our Transparent BPOs network. SecureVoice: SecureVoice uses artificial intelligence software to pinpoint and remove background noise in real-time, leaving the customer hearing only the clear voice of the agent. SecureWatch: Our custom-built SecureWatch is a monitoring solution that verifies physical workspace compliance in real-time. SecureMonitor: Internet connection issues can cause a host of problems while WFH employees are assisting customers. SecureMonitor aims to ensure that there is a control in place for the WFH environments Internet integrity. I was impressed with Transparent BPOs WorkSecure Suite of work-from-home products, particularly the background noise eradicator, SecureVoice, says Stephen Loynd of analyst firm, TrendzOwl. The artificial intelligence filters out background noise, learning over time what kind of noises need to be silenced. Transparent BPO deploys its WorkSecure Suite for customer care agents working from home in Belize and Philippines. Your customer experience doesnt have to suffer because your agents are working from home, says Hale. The WorkSecure Suite provides direct oversight as if the agent is still in a facility while also protecting data and confidentiality. And ambient sound associated with the home from barking dogs and doorbells are instantly eliminated. Learn how the WorkSecure Suite can improve your customer experience by viewing this video. About Transparent BPO Transparent BPO is a premier business process outsourcer (BPO), delivering customer support, acquisition and retention, technical support, and data entry services for small, medium and Fortune 500 companies. Since opening its doors in 2009, Transparent BPO has been recognized as one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America for the past six years consecutively by pushing boundaries, ensuring every persons experience is better than before. The company now has employees and offices across Belize, Philippines, and the U.S. To learn more about Transparent BPOs brick-and-mortar locations and their newly launched but industry-leading work-from-home solution, WorkSecure Suite, visit http://www.transparentbpo.com. Contact: Kevin Lightfoot 214-695-1169 kevin.lightfoot@transparentbpo.com Take Strict Action against Erring Telemarketers Who Harass Telecom Subscribers: Ministry Taking cognizance of harassment of the telecom subscribers through unsolicited commercial messages or calls and financial fraud committed against the users, the ministry of communications has asked officials to take strict action against erring telemarketers and individuals involved in these cases. In case of any violation, the ministry also directed department of telecommunications (DoT) to impose financial penalty against the tele-marketers including disconnection of resources for repetitive violations of its norms. To address the rising concern and irritation of consumers over unsolicited messages on mobile phones, repeated harassment through SMS, promising fraudulent loan transactions and, above all, make digital transactions safe and secure, a high-level meeting was called by Ravi Shankar Prasad, union minister for electronics and information technology, communications, and law & justice. A web/ mobile application and SMS based system to be developed for effective handling of Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) and also financial frauds being done through misuse of telecom resources. @rsprasad @SanjayDhotreMP @DoT_India PIB_INDIA Ministry of Communications (@pib_comm) February 15, 2021 During the meeting, the minister observed that telecom resources are also being used to carry out financial frauds and dupe the common man of his hard-earned money. He issued clear directions to the officials to take strict and tangible action to stop such activities immediately. Officials also pointed out that even the subscribers registered in do-not disturb (DND) service continue to receive commercial communication from registered tele-marketers (RTMs) and further unregistered tele-marketers (UTMs) are also sending commercial communication to the subscribers. Mr Prasad, then asked officials from the DoT to conduct a meeting with telecom service-providers (TSPs) and tele-marketers to apprise them of the seriousness of the issue and to ensure the compliance of laid down rules and procedures in this regard. In case of any violation, it was proposed during the meeting to impose financial penalty against the tele-marketers including disconnection of resources in case of repetitive violations. The high-level meeting also discussed and decided to develop a web or mobile application and SMS-based system with redressal mechanism for effective handling of unsolicited commercial communication (UCC) and the financial frauds. This will enable telecom subscribers to lodge their complaints related to matters involving UCC. At the level of licence service area, the ministry decided to set up telecom analytics for fraud management and consumer protection (TAFCOP) system. Mr Prasad, the minister, also directed the officials to devise special strategies, including blocking of telecom operations, due to rising concern in Jamtara and Mewat region for curbing fraudulent activities involving usage of telecom resources. Responding to the demand for a quick-time bound action to reduce financial frauds using telecom resources, the ministry also decided to set up a nodal agency. The agency, digital intelligence unit (DIU), will coordinate with various law enforcement agencies (LEAs), financial institutions and TSPs in investigating any fraudulent activity involving telecom resources. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Lawmakers and the attorney generals office want a state agency to force car insurance providers to lower rates for Massachusetts customers. The pandemic has kept many drivers off the road, meaning thousands of fewer accidents in 2020 compared with the previous year and larger profits for insurers, The Eagle-Tribune reported Friday. State lawmakers have asked the state Division of Insurance to review the premiums, profits and rates of insurers and if appropriate, to mandate insurers refund some of the premiums, the newspaper reported. Auto insurance companies have made windfall profits during 2020 because of reduced driving activity. As bills pile up, residents deserve and need additional relief on their insurance premiums, state Sen. Barry Finegold told the newspaper. He said he and other lawmakers wrote to the insurance agency in December. A spokesperson for the Division of Insurance told the newspaper it had received the request, and remains committed to ensuring auto insurance rates are fair and appropriate. In January, Attorney General Maura Healeys office asked the insurance agency to lower car insurance premiums for customers by 25% for all new and current policies. There were 40,000 fewer accidents last year compared to 2019, according to state Department of Transportation data. The attorney generals office said liability claims were down 50% and collision claims were down 70% last year compared with the prior year. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Trends Auto Pricing Trends Massachusetts The origins of the iconic rapper Notorious B.I.G. are told in the trailer for Netflix's new documentary Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell. The documentary is comprised of rarely seen footage filmed by Biggie's best friend, Damion "D-Roc" Butler, including new interviews with his family and friends. The late rapper, born Christopher Wallace, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in March 1997, at just 24 years of age. Trailer: The origins of the iconic rapper Notorious B.I.G. are told in the trailer for Netflix's new documentary Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell Interviews: The documentary is comprised of rarely seen footage filmed by Biggie's best friend, Damion "D-Roc" Butler, including new interviews with his family and friends The trailer begins with candid shots of the rapper, as he explains, 'That's all it was. That's all it was. Was a dream.' Rare footage taken in 1995 shows Biggie shaving with an electric razor, with Butler explaining, 'My boy get three hairs, he get nervous.' Biggie explains that he can't be 'looking like I'm 21. Gotta keep that 18 feel' as he smiles for the camera in a hotel room. All a dream: The trailer begins with candid shots of the rapper, as he explains, 'That's all it was. That's all it was. Was a dream' 18: Biggie explains that he can't be 'looking like I'm 21. Gotta keep that 18 feel' as he smiles for the camera in a hotel room Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace, reveals her son, 'was a very smart kid,' adding that he started writing as early as elementary school. Another unidentified man says he was trying to 'groom Chris to be a jazz artist because he was so talented.' Another unidentified man said Wallace would return from Jamaica every summer, and he was 'a sponge to so much that was outside our scope.' Smart kid: Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace, reveals her son, 'was a very smart kid,' adding that he started writing as early as elementary school Friend: Another unidentified man said Wallace would return from Jamaica every summer, and he was 'a sponge to so much that was outside our scope. Another friend said that Wallace just wanted to get him and all of his friends, 'off the streets,' while we see early footage of Biggie rapping on the streets. His mother said that he told her he wasn't working, and she believed him, as he started dealing drugs. Diddy said that he told Biggie that if he wanted to rap, he had to 'commit' to it, adding, 'you can't do both,' meaning he can't still sell drugs and start a rap career. Rapping: Another friend said that Wallace just wanted to get him and all of his friends, 'off the streets,' while we see early footage of Biggie rapping on the streets Rap: Diddy said that he told Biggie that if he wanted to rap, he had to 'commit' to it, adding, 'you can't do both,' meaning he can't still sell drugs and start a rap career Voletta added that Biggie, 'disrespected my house,' adding, 'that wasn't my son,' but soon enough, his rap career took off and he was a star immediately. 'Biggie blew up overnight. You have no origins for what rap planet this guy came from,' Diddy added. 'I was happy that he was making something with his life,' Voletta said, while another friend added Big had, 'a gift of talent that saved a lot of people's lives but his.' Rap career: Voletta added that Biggie, 'disrespected my house,' adding, 'that wasn't my son,' but soon enough, his rap career took off and he was a star overnight Overnight: 'Biggie blew up overnight. You have no origins for what rap planet this guy came from,' Diddy added Happy: 'I was happy that he was making something with his life,' Voletta said, while another friend added Big had, 'a gift of talent that saved a lot of people's lives but his' The trailer winds down with a number of candid shots including one of Biggie in the studio saying, 'We're just gonna do our thing forever. Forever and ever.' The documentary will drop on Netflix March 1, just months ahead of what would have been his 50th birthday in May. It was announced last month that Notorious B.I.G. will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. In this Sept. 28, 2020, file photo provided by the Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte talks with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila. AP Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will receive his anti-Covid-19 injection in public in a bid to allay concerns among Filipinos about the safety of the vaccine, his spokesman said on Monday. It was earlier announced that Duterte did not want to be inoculated in public because he had planned to get the shot in his buttocks. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said that Duterte had changed his mind about having it in public - but Roque did not confirm that Duterte would have the injection in his upper arm as has been usual practice with the coronavirus vaccines. "The president has said that he will now have himself vaccinated publicly," Roque said. "He only has to announce when it will be done." The Philippines has yet to receive any supply of Covid vaccines, but has been preparing to start vaccination as soon as the shots arrive in the country. The government is aiming to vaccinate 50 million to 70 million Filipinos for free this year. But a nationwide survey showed that 47 per cent of Filipinos refused to be inoculated with the Covid-19 vaccine, mainly due to concerns over its safety. Five per cent feel that a vaccine is not needed to combat Covid-19, the poll added. In the capital region of Metro Manila alone, only 25 per cent of respondents are willing to get shots, while 28 per cent said they will not get the vaccine, the survey showed. Forty-seven per cent were undecided. Roque said the government was encouraging high-ranking officials to get vaccinated to allay public concern over the shots. "That is a policy we will now pursue," he said. "We will do this to boost public confidence on vaccination." The Philippines' Covid-19 caseload totalled 550,860?on Monday, with the Department of Health reporting 1,685?additional coronavirus infections. The death toll was at 11,517, it added. (DPA) BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) has joined the Calhoun Discovery Program at Virginia Tech as an industry partner. Inspired and supported by Boeing CEO David Calhoun, The Calhoun Discovery Program prepares the next generation of leaders for the realities of today's workplace where teamwork, creativity and systems thinking approaches to problem-solving are as important as the specific disciplines learned in college majors. "We are excited to welcome AFP to our team of partners," said Thanassis Rikakis, Founding Director of the Calhoun Discovery Program, Virginia Tech. "From day one, Calhoun students are tasked with working in a team setting with industry mentors to address in an integrative manner technological, business and societal transformation aspects of real-world issues." Through this partnership, AFP and Virginia Tech have created a Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) for Industry 4.0 work cell that provides opportunities for students to break down traditional academic barriers by collaborating with students from other disciplines to tackle real-world problems alongside multiple industry leaders. AFP will select a small group of experienced FP&A professionals to participate in project identification and selection, and to mentor students throughout the academic year. "The Calhoun Discovery Program is challenging traditional undergraduate education, which often falls short of preparing graduates for success in the real world," said AFP's president and CEO Jim Kaitz. "Our involvement in the program provides an opportunity for FP&A professionals to apply multidisciplinary thinking with students from business, engineering, industrial design, information technology, environmental policy, data analytics, communication and other majors, as well as industry professionals from other disciplines. Through AFP's partnership in this program, we will redefine the role and expectations of the CFO function as a strategic business partner across the enterprise and develop the resources the finance profession needs to succeed in Industry 4.0." The multidisciplinary style of the Calhoun Discovery Program approaches problems by considering financial viability and technological feasibility, ecological and socioeconomic sustainability, and inclusive human capital development. The students of the program learn to advance solutions that address each of these four areas to ensure sustainable and equitable development. Along with a full four-year scholarship and an experiential learning grant of $2,500 each school year, students have access to Industry 4.0 design and prototyping studios for engaging the problem spaces hands-on. AFP joins Boeing, Caterpillar, GE Appliances, GE Aviation, and other organizations as partners supporting the mission of the Calhoun Discovery Program. Companies interested in learning more about how they can participate in the program are encouraged to contact Jeff Glenzer, CTP, AFP's Chief Operating Officer, at [email protected] or (301) 961-8872. For any press queries, please contact Melissa Rawak, [email protected]. About AFP Headquartered outside of Washington, D.C., and located regionally in Singapore, the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) is the professional society committed to advancing the success of treasury and finance members and their organizations. AFP established and administers the Certified Treasury Professional and Certified Corporate FP&A Professional credentials, which set standards of excellence in treasury and finance. Each year, AFP hosts the largest networking conference worldwide for more than 7,000 corporate financial professionals. About Calhoun Discovery Program Made possible by a $20 million gift from Virginia Tech alumni David Calhoun, the Calhoun Discovery Program at Virginia Tech combines a structured disciplinary education with an open-ended, collaborative, and transdisciplinary discovery process. The goal of the program is to help prepare integrative lifelong learners who move easily across knowledge domains, pick up diverse new skills in a just-in-time approach and connect their specialized knowledge to complex collaborative contexts. SOURCE Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) [February 16, 2021] Painter Essentials 8: Digital Painting Software Delivers Highly Realistic AI Photo-Painting and Hand-Crafted Results Photo-painting powered by artificial intelligence, legendary Natural-Media brushes, and time-saving workflow enhancements offer digital art enthusiasts new creative possibilities. OTTAWA, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Introducing Painter Essentials 8, the latest version of the complete drawing and painting software for beginners based on the industrys most powerful and creative digital art software, Painter. With all-new brushes, color workflows, and enhanced artificial intelligence-based (AI) photo-painting presets, Painter Essentials 8 makes it easier than ever to achieve remarkable paintings, photo art and illustrations. Painter Essentials 8 is the fun and easy art studio that will inspire you to fall in love with digital painting, whether youre creating from your imagination on a blank canvas or transforming your photographs into incredible painted works of art, said Chris Pierce, Senior Product Manager for Digital Arts and Photo Products at Corel. Our latest release enables you to harness next-generation artificial intelligence and Painter brush technology to give your portraits, landscapes and sketches a stunning degree of realism and expressive, made-by-hand results. Painter Essentials 8 offers an incredible collection of digital painting tools and innovative technologies to help beginners and enthusiasts explore their creativity. NEW and ENHANCED Brushes & Painting Environment Enjoy 23 new brushes in various brush categories, including Pencils, Pens, Inking Tools, Particles and more. Find similar brushes grouped together for an easier selection process and experience the new Drawing & Painting Layout which provides just the right tools to start creating from scratch. NEW Color Workflows New harmonies and color sets effortlessly narrow down the perfect painting colors. Complementary, light monochromatic and dark monochromatic color harmonies dynamically create balanced color swatches, while Grayscale, Flesh Tones and Pastels Color Sets can now be selected with a single click. New harmonies and color sets effortlessly narrow down the perfect painting colors. Complementary, light monochromatic and dark monochromatic color harmonies dynamically create balanced color swatches, while Grayscale, Flesh Tones and Pastels Color Sets can now be selected with a single click. ENHANCED AI Auto-Painting New AI auto-painting options provide richer, more natural-looking paintings from virtually any type of imagery. Choose from 10 additional AI painting styles and experience an auto-painting process that offers fast and stunning artistic results. New AI auto-painting options provide richer, more natural-looking paintings from virtually any type of imagery. Choose from 10 additional AI painting styles and experience an auto-painting process that offers fast and stunning artistic results. ENHANCED Compatibility with the Latest Mac Advances Mac users can enjoy a creative environment tailored to their favorite platform. Run Painter Essentials 8 on macOS Big Sur and the new Mac systems with M1 chips. Exerience natural-looking AI-based paintings with a greater sense of depth and focus thanks to support for the Apple Vision Framework. Use Sidecar to mirror your Mac on an iPad and paint using the Apple Pencil with new tilt and pressure support. And on MacBook Pro, increase efficiency with new support for the context-sensitive Touch Bar and multi-touch Trackpad. Mac users can enjoy a creative environment tailored to their favorite platform. Run Painter Essentials 8 on macOS Big Sur and the new Mac systems with M1 chips. Exerience natural-looking AI-based paintings with a greater sense of depth and focus thanks to support for the Apple Vision Framework. Use Sidecar to mirror your Mac on an iPad and paint using the Apple Pencil with new tilt and pressure support. And on MacBook Pro, increase efficiency with new support for the context-sensitive Touch Bar and multi-touch Trackpad. ENHANCED Document Control New document setup options come together with enhanced layer control to streamline workflows and save valuable time. With improved contextual menus, layer adjuster options and easy access to commands, artists can breeze through working with layers. The new Image Dialog box offers pre-selected color and paper texture options to give users a head start on creating artwork with a realistic look and feel. Plus, artists now have the option to duplicate their canvas, providing an easy approach to experiment on projects with their original untouched. Pricing & Availability Painter Essentials 8 is available on Mac and Windows in English, French, German, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese for $49.99 USD / $64.99 CAD / 39.99 / 34.99. Euro and UK pricing include VAT. For more information or to download a free trial, please visit www.painterartist.com/essentials. Get Connected & Learn More Join the Corel Painter community on social media by connecting with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/corelpainter), following @CorelPainter on Twitter or sharing your artwork with us on Instagram @CorelPainter. For more inspiring Painter artwork and additional learning resources, visit the Corel Discovery Center at https://learn.corel.com. About Corel Corel products enable millions of connected knowledge workers around the world to do great work faster. Offering some of the industry's best-known software brands, we give individuals and teams the power to create, collaborate, and deliver impressive results. Our success is driven by an unwavering commitment to deliver a broad portfolio of innovative applications including CorelDRAW, MindManager, Parallels, and WinZip to inspire users and help them achieve their goals. To learn more about Corel, please visit www.corel.com. 2021 Corel Corporation. All rights reserved. Corel, the Corel logo, the Corel Balloon logo, CorelDRAW, Painter, Essentials, Natural-Media, MindManager, and WinZip are trademarks or registered trademarks of Corel Corporation in Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere. Parallels is a trademark or registered trademark of Parallels International GmbH in Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere. Apple, Apple Pencil, iPad, Mac, MacBook Pro, macOS, Sidecar, and Touch Bar are trademarks of Apple Inc. All other company, product and service names, logos, brands and any registered or unregistered trademarks mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. Use of any brands, names, logos or any other information, imagery or materials pertaining to a third party does not imply endorsement. We disclaim any proprietary interest in such third-party information, imagery, materials, marks and names of others. For all notices and information about patents, please visit www.corel.com/patent. Media Contact: Saeed Ismail Saeed saeed.saeed@corel.com www.painterartist.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80104547-6006-4184-b4dd-26dba0adbab8 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc9f33a9-6a66-4470-b0b9-17eac382e7a3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ff61e87-ce2c-4db7-9358-234b8a4e9642 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8bbe1550-53a7-48b6-a085-8f2bf8e71f45 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/513adaf4-6d95-4d0d-97a1-51e8c4045643 A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5d107a3f-37d5-455a-8bc9-5cab715e0e14 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] DALLAS, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Care Continuity Inc., a leader in patient navigation and care transitions, today announced that it has appointed to its board of directors Dr. Anthony Coletta, former executive chairman of Tandigm Health, a leading population health services organization. "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Coletta, who joins us at an exciting time as we continue to drive our strategy forward to improve network integrity, the patient experience, and clinical outcomes with fully connected care delivery and seamless care transitions," said Andrew Thorby, founder and CEO, Care Continuity. "The addition of Dr. Coletta complements our board of directors, and we are confident he will provide valuable perspectives as we continue to enhance our suite of solutions and services in the years ahead. We look forward to his contributions and are excited he chose Care Continuity." "I was attracted to this opportunity because I have witnessed firsthand Care Continuity's unique approach for addressing the connectedness challenge in healthcare. In my view, Care Continuity has created the prototype of what health systems, ACOs, physician groups and payers need for success in value-based environments," said Dr. Coletta. "As a physician and someone who has spent my professional career in healthcare, I have a special appreciation for Care Continuity's commitment to innovation and a hands-on approach to engaging with and supporting providers and their patients real-time across the entire ecosystem. I'm excited to be working with the leadership team charting a path forward." As a board-certified general surgeon and an experienced healthcare business leader, Anthony V. Coletta, MD, MBA brings an exceptional depth of executive and clinical expertise to Care Continuity. Dr. Coletta's vision in recent leadership roles was to restore balance within our healthcare ecosystem, place patients and their physicians at the epicenter of proactive, coordinated care, leading to better outcomes, lower costs and enhanced experiences for all. Most recently, Dr. Coletta was executive chairman of Tandigm Health and, immediately prior to that, CEO and chairman of the board. Previously, he was executive vice president at Independence Health Group and president of Independence's Facilitate Health Networks where he led the transformation from volume-to-value. During his years with Independence, he served as one of the principal architects of the Tandigm Health business plan. Earlier in his career, Dr. Coletta was executive vice president and chief medical officer of Holy Redeemer Health System in Huntingdon Valley, PA. In addition to his executive roles, Dr. Coletta was an attending general surgeon for more than two decades, and currently holds an appointment as an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. During his distinguished clinical career, he was recognized both nationally and internationally as a pioneer in minimally invasive surgical techniques and was recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the Top Doctors in the Philadelphia area. Honored as one of the Top 10 People Transforming Health Care in Philadelphia, Dr. Coletta is frequently a featured speaker at top healthcare events throughout the nation. About Care Continuity Inc. Care Continuity Inc., as a leader of patient navigation and network integration solutions, creates a system of communication that connects delivery networks and payers while placing patients and their care teams at the center. The patient is rewarded with seamless transitions across the care continuum while clinicians can be confident that their efforts will be reinforced by a supportive system that facilitates integrated patient care. For more information about Care Continuity Inc., please visit www.carecontinuity.com. SOURCE Care Continuity Inc. NBFCs Asked To Limit Fresh Investments to 20% of Voting Rights from FATF Non-compliant Jurisdictions To bookmark you need to sign in (FATF). The circular is effective from 12 February 2021. While the industry had been in the process of understanding and making representations on the paper, RBI in the meanwhile issued a circular on Investment in NBFCs from FATF non-compliant jurisdictions , restricting aggregate investments in NBFCs to 20% of the voting power on a diluted basis or acquiring significant influence, from jurisdictions identified as i) High-risk jurisdictions subject to a call for action, and ii) jurisdictions under increased monitoring by the financial action task force. The circular is effective from 12 February 2021. e , inbound investments are being restricted only in specific sectors and not in totality. It is, indeed, worth pondering that, while outbound investments are prohibited in FATF non-cooperative countries in absolut , inbound investments are being restricted only in specific sectors and not in totality. Scope and Impact Applicability: Fresh investment in existing NBFCs and NBFCs proposed to be incorporated. Treatment of investment: Not at par with investments made by compliant jurisdictions. Nature of investment: Direct as well as indirect. Responsibility to ensure: On the investee NBFC. Voting rights: Actual and potential. Sources of potential voting power: Instruments that are convertible into equity, other instruments with contingent voting rights, contractual arrangements, etc, that grant investors voting rights (including contingent voting rights) in the future. Limit on potential voting power: Less than both (i) 20% of the existing voting powers and (ii) 20% of existing and potential voting powers, assuming those potential voting rights have materialised. Status of existing investors: holding their investments prior to the classification of the source or intermediate jurisdiction/s as FATF non-compliant, may continue with the investments or bring in additional investments as per extant regulations so as to support continuity of business in India. It is either the source or the intermediary jurisdiction. The country was classified under jurisdiction with increased monitoring during February 2020, on account of strategic deficiencies including current status on access to accurate basic and beneficial ownership information by competent authorities in a timely manner and capacity to conduct money laundering investigations, including parallel financial investigations and complex cases. Implementation Challenge While direct allotment can be easily tracked and controlled by investee NBFCs by obtaining requisite disclosures on any of the aforesaid countries being the source or intermediate jurisdictions, it will be extremely difficult for equity listed NBFCs to ensure compliance of the same. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in NBFCs is permitted up to 100% under the automatic route. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) can invest up to the sectoral limit, in terms of Schedule II of FEMA (Non Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019. FPIs cannot obtain SEBI registration if the applicant or its underlying investors contributing to 25% of the corpus are not from FATF compliant jurisdictions (Regulation 4(f) of SEBI (FPI) Regulations, 2019). The real challenge in for already registered FPIs from such jurisdictions that subsequently got classified as High risk subject to call for action or under increased monitoring. Currently there are 10,757 FPIs registered with SEBI, of which 546 are FPIs from Mauritius Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can invest on repatriation basis up to 24% in aggregate (where shareholders have increased the limit from 10% to a higher percentage by passing special resolution). The circular lacks clarity on the action to be taken by the investee NBFC, in case it identifies fresh investment beyond the prescribed limit, pursuant to secondary market acquisitions. Conclusion The relaxation extended for further investment by existing investors does not seem to match the rationale behind the circular. It indicates that existing investors can bring additional funds as per extant regulations and only new investors will be limited to 20% of voting rights. Accordingly, companies will be required to track only new investments and remain unperturbed for further investments by existing investors. For new investments, the company may seek a declaration before allotment of shares. (The writer is Senior Partner with Vinod Kothari & Company) The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Turkish-controlled zones in Aleppo are witnessing higher rates of bombings, assassinations, and infighting, writes Baladi News. The areas of northern and eastern Aleppo, which are under the control of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), are witnessing a state of lawlessness and an increase in the number of car and motorcycle bombings, in addition to assassinations and fighting among the factions. The most recent of incident happened on Sunday in the city of Afrin as a result of infighting between Jaysh al-Islam (The Islam Army) which was displaced from eastern Ghouta, Damascus on the one hand, and the Levant Front, which is made up of several factions on the other hand. The bombings and assassinations extend from the city of Jarablus, located in the far reaches of the Operation Euphrates Shield, east of Aleppo, to the city of Jenderes in the northwest of the Operation Olive Branch area. Perhaps the greatest evidence of the weakness of the security administration in northern Syria was the detonation of a car bomb near the building of the Syrian Interim Government in downtown Azaz at the end of January. Lawlessness and chaos Military and strategic analyst, Col. Abdul Jabbar al-Oqaidi, told Baladi News that despite the formation of the ministries of defense and interior in the Syrian Interim Government and the establishment of the military police, the civil police, and many security services, the most prominent problem that casts its shadow over northern Syria and its residents is the security chaos that has become prevalent in the region. This is the case especially through faction fighting, which has created a state of chaos at the security, economic, and social levels. Not only was there fighting, but there was also a spread of smuggling and drug trafficking through illegal crossings with SDF [Syrian Defense Forces] and the Syrian regime, which has become very popular in these areas in the absence of security oversight, not to mention the almost-daily bombings and assassinations that take place, continued Oqaidi. He pointed out that the security developments have weighed heavily on civilians, who are the weakest link and victims of the situation. Their suffering has increased in light of a systematic displacement carried out by the Syrian regime and the miserable humanitarian situation, not to mention the economic conditions that prevail in the region and the lack of job opportunities and daily subsistence. Regarding the causes of the fighting between the factions, Oqaidi said that the multiplicity of the National Army factions, their lack of a clear institutional structure and a disciplined military hierarchy, as well as the inclusion of the military factions in the SNA without taking into consideration the security situation, and the factions sole interest in having large numbers of fighters at the expense of quality and national, ethical, and revolutionary standards [are all reasons]. He adds, the other reason is the spread of financial distress and the need for and lack of job opportunities in the liberated areas because most of the youth work within the ranks of the SNA. Conflicts all around In turn, the Director of Moral Guidance in the SNA, Hassan al-Daghim, said in an interview with Baladi News that there are several reasons that contribute to the tension among arms carriers including the large number of Syrians stranded in northern Syria after they were forcibly displaced and their areas were subjected to demographic change, which, in turn, led to the emergence of some regional, familial, and tribal conflicts, which impede the work of the revolutionary institutions and security services. Moreover, entire generations were prevented from getting an education due to the displacement and bombing, which led to the spread of illiteracy and ignorance significantly. Faction infighting Regarding the direct causes of faction fighting, Daghim said that the presence of SNA members along with their families within the cities, and the SNAs failure to reach its professional formation goals which is represented by the establishment of military barracks outside the cities, the removal of headquarters outside the cities, and the building of many camps. The goals have not been met and there is still interest in developing the work of the security institutions, and the civil and military police. Daghim added that one of the most important reasons [for the proliferation of faction fighting] is the difficulty in turning SNA members into an organized army that bears proper responsibility. The majority of SNA members were civilians before they had to take up arms and defend their land and honor, according to Daghim. He concluded by saying, there is no doubt that we suffer from a constitutional crisis because the Interim Government and the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces have not received recognition from the international community. Therefore, there is a constitutional gap regarding the ability to apply the death penalty to those who deserve it. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) mayor Kishori Pednekar said on February 16 that another lockdown will be imposed in the city if people don't abide by COVID-19 norms. "It's a matter of concern. Most people travelling in trains don't wear masks. People must take precautions else we'd head towards another lockdown," Pednekar was quoted saying by news agency ANI. "Whether lockdown will be implemented again, is in the hands of people," she added. Pednekar's statement comes a day after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the Maharashtra government would take strict action if COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Pawar said on Monday, "We will have to take strict action after talking to the Chief Minister if cases continue to rise." Maharashtra overtook Kerala, after a 42-day slump, to report the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country. On Monday, Maharashtra reported 3,365 fresh coronavirus cases, the highest single day rise since the first week of January. The Maharashtra government allowed local train services to resume in Mumbai from February 1 after 10 months. For now, the government has decided that the general public will be allowed to travel before 7 am, between 12 noon and 4 pm, and then again after 9 pm. The state government issued an order which stated that "The local train services will be restricted to the essential services staff only as is being permitted currently from 7 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm." Also read: India records 4 cases of South African, 1 of Brazilian COVID-19 variant Also read: More than 100 residents of Bengaluru multi story test positive for COVID-19 after party Filing your taxes early could be beneficial as this year, there may be more benefits than usual. Aside from standing to get your tax refund sooner, you could be able to ensure that you get a larger stimulus check next time they send it out. Third Stimulus Check Update Tax professionals stated that some people should file their 2020 taxes ASAP to be eligible for the third series of stimulus checks. A 2020 tax return could prove that an individual's financial status has changed since his previous filing, reported Yahoo News. With one eye on the aggravating U.S. economy and the other on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Congress is rushing to approve President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package by mid-March to transfer aid to individuals and families as swiftly as possible. This includes a third stimulus check of up to $1,400 per individual. If House and Senate Democrats hold to that deadline for the new bill, the new stimulus payment will fall mid-tax season: right as it is processing the 2020 federal tax returns, the IRS will also be transferring the next series of checks, reported CNET. With lawmakers negotiating another wave of coronavirus relief aid, numerous Americans are anticipating to learn and to know the date when they will receive a third stimulus check. Aside from Congress's timeframe for passing the legislation, another factor that could influence a stimulus check is your 2020 tax returns, reported CBS News. With the completion of former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, Congress and President Joe Biden could now devote more attention to his proposal of a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill. It is making its initial rounds on Capitol Hill. The Democrats who control Congress have been navigating whether to lower the income limits to be eligible for a relief payment. This could make it more difficult to get the full $1,400 proposed for the upcoming third round. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would check your latest tax return to identify the amount of money you would receive. The government makes use of the most recent tax return when ascertaining the amount of stimulus check payments. If one citizen made remarkably less in 2020 than in 2019, or have since divorced, had a child, or other significant changes, and their taxes are filed before the passing of the next novel coronavirus relief bill, their income would be indicated by the most recent and accurate tax return. According to Lisa Greene-Lewis, a tax expert at TurboTax, "I would suggest that people file as soon as possible, especially with 75% of taxpayers last year receiving a tax refund close to $3,000. We are hearing a lot of people say, 'I had a baby in 2020, how will the IRS know this? When they issued the previous stimulus payment they didn't know that.'" Congress could also require the agency to evaluate your 2020 tax forms if you have filed them to determine your payment. Through this, the IRS could better understand your economic situation amid the pandemic to assess your eligibility for a stimulus check. @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 00:54:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia registered 733 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 147,825, the country's Ministry of Health said Monday. The death toll from COVID-19 in the country reached 2,209 so far, after 15 new deaths were reported. The ministry said 204 more recoveries were logged during the same period, taking the national count to 128,946. Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation, has so far reported the highest number of positive COVID-19 cases in the East Africa region. According to the latest figures from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ethiopia's COVID-19 cases accounted for about four percent of the African continent's total cases. The Ethiopian government has been urging the public to implement COVID-19 precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus. Enditem Tyrone Valiant, 73, receives a Band-Aid after being administered a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by a healthcare worker outside the Los Angeles Mission located in the Skid Row community on February 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Community-Focused COVID-19 Vaccine Site to Open at Cal State LA LOS ANGELES (CNS)A new COVID-19 vaccine site, part of a joint effort between the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the governors Office of Emergency Services, is set to open Feb. 16 at Cal State Los Angeles. The community-focused site will be able to vaccinate up to 6,000 people per day for both drive-thru and walk-up appointments and will also deploy a mobile clinic that will visit local community centers and schools. Folks will be able to come to Cal State L.A. using transit and then walk up and get their vaccine, Jose Gomez, executive vice president and provost of the university, told reporters last week. Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Biden administration announced the pilot project and said it is part of a wider effort to establish 100 vaccination sites nationwide during the presidents first 100 days in office. The Cal State Los Angeles sitealong with a similar site at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseumwill be co-run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of California. Newsom, speaking at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum Feb. 3, hailed the partnership as a critical step in improving the speed and efficiency of administering vaccines, particularly in traditionally under-served communities. Equity is the call of this moment, Newsom said. The reason this site was chosen was the framework of making sure communities that are often left behind are not left behind, but prioritized in terms of the administration of these vaccines. As a consequence, we are blessed not only by the announcement of this partnership with the Biden administration but their full federal support in terms of their allocation of the resources to help us move forward with the distribution of these vaccines. He said that in addition to vaccines, he hopes the sites will also create some job opportunities for local residents. Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton said the two California sites are perfect examples of how FEMA is working around the clock to support state led, federally supported vaccine delivery. Todays announcement is a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to ensure every American who wants a vaccine will receive a vaccine. FEMA will provide resources and federal staffing support, as well as operational support. Cal State L.A. is ready to work with President Joe Biden, Gov. Gavin Newsom and their administrations to provide badly needed vaccinations, Gomez said. Our students and alumni live in communities with some of the highest COVID-19 infection rates per capita in Los Angeles County. Officials said the two California locations were chosen because theyre in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and are home to essential workers who have borne the brunt of keeping the economy open over the past year. We are grateful to President Biden and Governor Newsom for marshaling federal and state resources to significantly increase our ability to vaccinate our residents in Los Angeles County, said Hilda Solis, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Our county and in particular our Latinx residents have been absolutely devastated by COVID-19. Establishing this large scale federal-state community vaccination center on the Cal State L.A. campus, in the heart of Los Angeles County and in a hard-hit community, is a welcome signal that we are ramping up at the federal, state and local level with the practical, boots-on-the-ground solutions we need to put an end to this deadly pandemic. Preparations for both locations are underway and the sites are expected to be open to eligible members of the public this week. Registration for vaccine appointments at the Cal State L.A. site online. Metrolink is offering a direct connection to the site. Metrolinks Cal State LA Station is on the San Bernardino Line. Riders can reach the walk-up vaccination location by taking the elevator or stairs from the train platform to the university transit center and following directional signs to Structure A. Shuttles will take people from the transit center to the vaccination site. With a county this size, offering transportation options to vaccination sites is critical, said County Supervisor Hilda Solis, a Metrolink board member. I am grateful that Metrolink will serve as a vital and accessible link for so many of our residents who rely on public transportation. KYODO NEWS - Feb 16, 2021 - 14:37 | Others, All Two more Chinese coast guard vessels entered Japan's territorial waters near the China-claimed Senkaku Islands on Tuesday, prompting Tokyo to lodge a protest over repeated intrusions following Beijing's enactment of a new law that allows its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships. The two vessels intruded into the waters near the group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea at around 4:15 a.m., joining two other Chinese coast guard boats that had entered the waters Monday, according to the Japan Coast Guard. The two new vessels pointed their bows toward a Japanese fishing boat and made a move to approach it, the coast guard said, adding that one of them is equipped with what appears to be an autocannon. Japan's Foreign Ministry said it lodged a protest, as it did on Monday, with the Chinese government and urged it to withdraw the vessels immediately. The two vessels arriving in the waters early Tuesday departed the area around 10:02 a.m., leaving the 9.97-ton fishing boat, with four people on board, under the protection of the Japanese coast guard, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said at a press conference. The two other ships that had arrived Monday exited Japan's waters at around 12:20 p.m., according to the coast guard. The repeated incursions come after a new law took effect in China at the start of this month explicitly allowing the Chinese coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships that Beijing sees as illegally entering its waters. It is the seventh time this year that Chinese vessels have entered Japanese waters, according to the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters based in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture. Related coverage: Japan ground troops to get transport vessels amid China's rise Japan raps China's new coast guard law as "unacceptable" China justifies coast guard's entry into Japan's territorial waters SPRINGFIELD A nurse who administered COVID-19 vaccines at the Eastfield Mall until she herself contracted the disease says the slow turnaround time for employee testing meant she saw patients for several days before her results came back positive. But officials with Curative, the company contracted by the state to administer doses at the only mass vaccination site in Western Massachusetts, say a rigorous testing regimen combined with employees strict use of personal protective equipment helps maintain a safe working environment and limits potential exposure to patients. Christa Feeney, a licensed practical nurse for 12 years, estimates that she was in close contact with 200 patients and interacted with several hundred other people between the time she took a test on the morning of Monday, Feb. 1 and the time her first positive result came in that Thursday afternoon. That interval is unacceptable, she said, and demonstrates serious shortcomings in safety at the facility. The whole place should be shut down. Its not OK. This is not good. This is bad, Feeney said. And people need to know about it. Feeney was notified of her first positive result on the afternoon of Feb. 4. She said that around the time of the notification, the California-based company also informed her that she was being released from her contract. In a statement, Curative a private medical company that operates more than 10,000 COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites in 15 states did not identify Feeney by name, but confirmed a contractor who tested positive had also been terminated. However, the company said the dismissal came prior to the test results and was due to repeated unprofessional behavior which was unrelated to the health status of the individual. Miranda Gottlieb, Curatives vice president of marketing, said the Eastfield Mall site uses PRC testing for its staff. That type of test involves taking a nasal swab and sending it to a lab for analysis. Depending on where the lab is, Gottlieb said, there can be a lag time of a few days before results come back. In the case of the Springfield site, tests are sent to a Curative lab in Washington, DC. The tests dont come back instantly, Gottlieb said. Even so, she said, by testing employees every day, Curative is able to detect cases early in the progression of the disease, therefore limiting exposure to patients. The companys statement, meanwhile, said Curative takes seriously the health and safety of all staff and patients at our testing and vaccine sites around the country, and elaborated on its general safety precautions. Curatives biosecurity protocol for all staff includes COVID-19 testing of all staff prior to their first day of in-person training, daily testing of all employees and contractors, mandatory use of personal protective equipment including masks and gloves, the statement read. Christa Feeney, center, prepares to administer a COVID-19 vaccine dose to a patient on Jan. 29, the first day of vaccinations at Eastfield Mall. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican) In photos taken at the Eastfield Mall site, Feeney is seen wearing a face shield, two face masks, gloves and a gown while interacting with patients. In photos posted to her personal Facebook page, Feeney is seen posing with a number of patients. One photo shows her with her arm around a patient while they flash a thumbs up; another shows her holding a patients hands. The companys statement also said the vaccination site implements a range of protocols to ensure the health and safety of staff and patients. Those include sanitation and social distancing as well as the use of PPE. Because of Curatives rigorous testing of all staff and requiring the proper PPE use, we help maintain a safe working environment, the statement read. Staff who test positive are required to notify their supervisor and begin a 14-day quarantine. After the quarantine, employees may only return after additional tests come back negative. Waiting for results The vaccination site at the Eastfield Mall has been in operation for about two weeks. Feeney was there for day one on Jan. 29, and she says she served as a team leader for the crew of nurses and assistants who saw the first batch of people being vaccinated. She was off the next two days before reporting for her Feb. 1 shift. She was tested at the start of that shift, and at the start of her shifts on Tuesday and Wednesday. The results started coming in Thursday afternoon. Feeney provided The Republican / MassLive with screen captures of automatic text messages from Curative relaying the results of each test over three successive days from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3 all positive. The message time stamps were between 5:44 p.m. on Feb. 4 and 2:25 a.m. on Feb. 5. Feeney says she is concerned it took four days to get a result on what should have been, in her opinion, a rapid test. Screen captures of text messages Christa Feeley received about the results of COVID-19 tests administered between Feb.1-3. She received the notifications on Feb. 4-5. Feeney is not the first to raise concerns about operations at the Eastfield Mall site. The location has come under fire for long wait times resulting in long lines of people many of them over 75 years old standing outside in freezing temperatures. Springfield Mayor Sarno and state Sen. Eric P. Lesser, a Longmeadow Democrat, were among the public officials who called on Gov. Charlie Bakers administration to address concerns about how the Curative site was run. In response, the National Guard was deployed to the Eastfield Mall, and the police department dispatched officers to help with traffic and other logistical issues. Curative has said the backlog and lines were due to people arriving early for appointments. The company has since rolled out a number of changes to cut down on wait times. But in the early days, Feeney says she helped manage the crowds. Feeney said that in addition to interacting with patients during the window between the test and her positive result, she was also sent outside to ask that people spread out, wear their masks and otherwise try to be patient. I was the one sent to diffuse the riots at the door, she said. Officials with the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services declined repeated requests for comment for this story. They referred questions to Curative. Sarno said he directed the citys director of health and human services, Helen Caulton-Harris, to look into Feeneys concerns and allegations about vaccine site personnel who test positive for COVID-19. Curative needs to clarify, communicate and reassure the public that all proper protocols are being followed, Sarno said. Sarno pointed out that he has not been happy with what he described as poor initial communications and logistics rollout from Curative, the state and mall management. I have pressed them all with suggested changes in the name of public health and safety, especially for our senior citizen population that need to be done ASAP, he said. Caulton-Harris on Tuesday declined to publicly discuss the matter, saying it sounds to her like a personnel issue. There could potentially be more factors that I am not aware of so to make a statement would probably not be consistent with what I think I should be doing at this point, she said. Firing in dispute Gottlieb and another Curative administrator, Dean Shultis, senior vice president for supply chain and operations, each disputed Feeneys account of her firing. Shultis said Feeney was terminated for unprofessional conduct (and) the termination took place several hours before a receipt of a positive test result. Gottlieb said the dismissal was due to unprofessional behavior and violation of our code of conduct. The dismissal was unrelated, totally unrelated to the positive test, Gottlieb said. They would not elaborate on reason for the dismissal. Feeney, meanwhile, disputes the companys claims about her conduct. They are full of crap. There were no unprofessional actions, she said. She says she insisted on spending enough time with each person, running through a checklist of questions and making sure they were clear on what was happening. Feeney claims any tension about her conduct prior to her dismissal had to do with supervisors wanting her to spend less time with patients in order to keep the line moving. Feeney said she is a zealot when it comes to following coronavirus safety protocols, and that she treated several COVID-19 patients in the past year without getting sick until taking a job at the Eastfield Mall vaccination site. It was the worst three weeks of my life, she said. Related content: Islamabad's Senate Special Committee on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects was informed on Friday that Beijing had not funded any infrastructure project under the flagship mega initiative since 2017. According to a report by The Express Tribune, during the committee meeting Senator Sikandar Mandhro, chief of transport planning at the Pakistan Planning Ministry, said because of the absence of the CPEC funding, some projects, including the Khuzdar-Basima project, were being carried out from the federal development funds. '...it may be delayed but ultimately, everything will be fine' Meanwhile, Committee member Senator Kabir Ahmad Shahi informed that only paperwork was carried out on CPEC. "I have been saying this for the last four years that we are taking electricity from Iran and a 300MW project should be started, he added. "The project started in a way that a tent was set up with a watchman sitting there. The fence around the New Gwadar International Airport is a shambles," he said. However, the senator stressed that there was no need for disappointment with the mega project. "CPEC is our future, it may be delayed but ultimately, everything will be fine," he said, according to the report. Moreover, the projects under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master plan have not been started. He opposed the installation of barbed wires in Gwadar. Senator Shahi said barbed wires in Gwadar was a violation of human rights. "Who is erecting fences at different places in Gwadar?" Shahi asked. The planning ministry officials replied that the fence was being erected by the Defence Ministry. On this, the committee sought clarification on the fencing issue. READ | BJP ministers slam Congress neta's 'liquor help' to farmers protests: 'Can't revive Cong' READ | West Bengal: DYFI, SFI thrash Kolkata Police officials over death of Left activist The planning ministry officials told the meeting that the Khushab-Gwadar Motorway had been completed at a cost of Rs 38 billion. Senator Shahi said that work on the project was started in 2002, therefore, the project should not be counted among the CPEC projects. "Everywhere it is stated that M8 is completed. This is not a CPEC project. (Ex-President Pervez) Musharraf had started it," he said. "The road has broken down without even a single-vehicle plying on it. What will happen if heavy traffic plied on it under CPEC?" he asked. "The road could not endure the load of CPEC (traffic). Dont include this project in CPEC." Senator Kakar said that the word motorway should not be used for this road. "This is a small road. In fact," he added, "there was not a single kilometre of motorway in entire Balochistan." During the meeting, the committee expressed displeasure over the absence of the National Highway Authority (NHA) chairman. In 2015, China announced an economic project in Pakistan worth USD 46 billion. According to media reports, China has temporarily stopped funding several road projects under CPEC, following reports of corruption. A puppet of the army establishment, the Imran Khan-led PTI government has refused to investigate the corruption charges in the CPEC projects, which ironically was included by Imran Khan in his partys election manifesto. With the CPEC, Beijing aims to expand its influence in Pakistan and across Central and South Asia in order to counter the influence of the United States and India. The CPEC would link Pakistan's southern Gwadar port (626 kilometres, 389 miles west of Karachi) in Balochistan on the Arabian Sea to China's western Xinjiang region. It also includes plans to create road, rail and oil pipeline links to improve connectivity between China and the Middle East. READ | Delhi Police alleges 'Disha, Nikita Jacob & Shantanu created toolkit'; reveals R-Day plot READ | Can we not say anything for a while?: Disha Ravi-Greta Thunberg's 'toolkit' WhatsApp chat (With ANI inputs) Fifty-three community radio stations to receive emergency funding Ofcom has announced that 53 community radio stations will receive emergency funding through the Community Radio Fund. During the Covid-19 pandemic, community radio stations have provided valuable local news and support to millions of people. However, many have also faced severe financial challenges. In response, the UK Government announced emergency funding to help them meet the costs of continuing to provide these vital services to local communities. So far, 111 community radio stations have received financial grants totalling around 406,000. Due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, an additional 200,000 was made available by the UK Government for a third funding round. The Community Radio Fund Panel, which acts independently of Ofcom, has now awarded this extra funding to 53 community radio stations across the UK, in accordance with the strict eligibility criteria and guidance issued. We have published details on the Panels approach and reasoning in deciding which applications received funding. Domestic indices came off record high levels in morning trade as investors booked profits. The Nifty slipped below the 15,400 mark. At 10:23 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 177.71 points or 0.34% at 52,331.80. The Nifty 50 index gained 70.15 points or 0.46% at 15,384.05. The Sensex hit a record high of 52,516.76 while the Nifty 50 hit an all time high of 15,431.75 in early trade. In broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.65% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.64%. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 1442 shares rose and 1095 shares fell. A total of 121 shares were unchanged. COVID-19 Update: Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 109,142,162 with 2,407,607 deaths. India reported 136,872 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 155,813 deaths while 106,33,025 patients have been discharged, according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Economy: India's exports grew by 6.16% to $27.45 billion in January, according to data by the commerce ministry. Imports too grew by 2% to about $42 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $14.54 billion during the month under review, the data showed. Primary Market: The initial public offer (IPO) of Nureca received bids for 84.32 lakh shares as against 14.01 lakh shares on offer on Tuesday (16 February 2021), according to the stock exchange data at 10:10 IST. The issue was subscribed 6.02 times. The issue opened for bidding on Monday, 15 February 2021, and it will close on Wednesday, 17 February 2021. The price band for the IPO is set at Rs 396-400 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum lot of 35 equity shares and in multiples thereof. The IPO comprises of public issue of equity shares aggregating to Rs 100 crore (including anchor portion of 11,13,750 equity shares). The net proceeds of the fresh issue are proposed to be utilized towards funding incremental working capital requirements of the company and general corporate purposes. Shares of Nureca will list on 26 February 2021 on bourses. New Listing: Brookfield India Real Estate Trust REIT were trading at Rs 262.65 at 10:27 IST on the BSE, at a discount of 4.49% over IPO price of Rs 275 per unit. The stock was listed at Rs 275.05, at a premium of 0.02% to IPO price. So far, the stock hit a high of Rs 280.05 and low of Rs 258.35. On the BSE, 2.44 lakh units were traded on the counter so far. The initial public offer (IPO) of Brookfield India Real Estate Trust received bids for 60.59 crore units as against 7.62 crore units on offer, as per the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) website data. The issue was subscribed 7.94 times. Results Today: Nestle India (down 0.73%) will announce its quarterly result today. Varun Beverages (up 0.31%), Schaeffler India (up 1.04%) and R Systems International (up 2.2%) are some of the other companies that will announce their quarterly results today. Buzzing Index: The Nifty Metal index jumped 2.98% to 3,573.20, snapping its two day losing streak. The metal index saw bargain hunting after slipping 2% in two trading sessions. Jindal Steel & Power (up 5.56%), Steel Authority of India (up 5.51%), Tata Steel (up 4.03%), Hindalco Industries (up 3.77%), Vedanta (up 3.59%), NMDC (up 3.45%), Hindustan Zinc (up 3.16%), JSW Steel (up 2.93%), National Aluminium Company (up 1.96%) and Coal India (up 1.63%) were top gainers in metal space. Stocks in Spotlight: Tech Mahindra rose 1.02% after the IT company on Monday announced a strategic partnership with Telefica Germany / O2 to drive their end-to-end IT transformation. Through this digital transformation, Tech Mahindra will support Telefica Germany / O2 to deliver faster product launches and provide a more 'human centered' experience to its customers in the mass market segment. SIS rallied 4.55% after the company said its board approved a proposal to buyback equity shares worth upto Rs 100 crore at Rs 550 each. The aggregate consideration of the buyback will not exceed Rs 99,99,99,550. The resultant equity shares to be bought back at the buyback offer price are 18,18,181 equity shares, representing 1.24% of the total number of equity shares in the total paid-up equity capital of the company as on 31 March 2020. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) rose 2.12% after the company said it delivered the third Scorpene submarine of Project P-75 to the Indian Navy on 15 February 2021. The submarine would subsequently be commissioned into Indian Navy as INS Karanj, the company said in a BSE filing made after market hours on Monday. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Throughout her career, Lori Popejoy provided hands-on clinical care in a variety of health care settings, from hospitals and nursing homes to community centers and home health care agencies. She became interested in the area of care coordination, as patients who are not properly cared for after being discharged from the hospital often end up being readmitted in a sicker, more vulnerable state of health. Now an associate professor in the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, Popejoy and her research team conducted a study to determine the most effective way patients can be discharged from nursing homes utilizing the Re-Engineered Discharge program, a program originally designed to help hospitals discharge patients to their homes more effectively and safely. To track its effectiveness, she implemented the program into mid-Missouri nursing homes with two different strategies: one nursing home team received all of the training in a one-day workshop upfront, while the other group received the training more gradually over the course of a few months. She found that while both strategies successfully improved the quality of care after patients were discharged from nursing homes, the group receiving the training more gradually saw greater buy-in from the nursing home team and implemented the intervention program better, which resulted in lower patient rehospitalization rates. "Discharge plans always vary from patient to patient depending on their condition, and the plan is often developed by a health care team involving physicians, nurses, therapists, family members and the patients themselves," Popejoy said. "Figuring out who the primary family care provider will be to support patients when they go home is critical to ensure the appropriate services are in place and everyone is on the same page." Identifying the correct medications patients need to continue to take and ensuring home health care services are both set up and arriving at the appropriate times are common issues that arise post-discharge that the program is designed to help address. "Follow up phone calls have traditionally revolved around patient satisfaction, but we have found the more important question is finding out if the discharge plan is being implemented as it was designed," Popejoy said. "Ensuring that appointments are scheduled, services have started, and medications are correct and available will help ensure the discharge process goes as smoothly as possible, ultimately resulting in improved patient care and better health outcomes." Although the study focused on nursing homes in mid-Missouri, the program can be implemented in nursing homes nationwide to help reduce avoidable rehospitalizations. "This program can hopefully be utilized to improve the discharge outcomes for more nursing home residents," Popejoy said. "If we can keep people recovering at home and avoid sending them back to the hospital, the better off they will be overall." Explore further Support teams key to reducing hospitalizations from nursing homes More information: Lori L. Popejoy et al, Testing Re-Engineered Discharge Program Implementation Strategies in SNFs, Clinical Nursing Research (2020). Lori L. Popejoy et al, Testing Re-Engineered Discharge Program Implementation Strategies in SNFs,(2020). DOI: 10.1177/1054773820982612 A general view of the steelworks and coal loading facility in Port Kembla on February 01, 2021, in Wollongong, Australia. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images) We Cant Transition From Coal Overnight: NSW Deputy Minister Fights Decision to Shutter Mine John Barilaro, Deputy Premier of New South Wales (NSW) is exploring ways to overturn the Independent Planning Commissions (IPC) decision to block a $958 million (US$743 million) coal mine expansion on environmental safety grounds. The deputy premier met with several key figures in the coal and steel industry at major steelmaker BlueScope Steels headquarters in Wollongong to discuss the future of coal mine operations and the potential economic fallout of the IPCs decision. The expansion was proposed to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment last October by West Australian mining company South32. It was initially approved with the department saying it would provide major economic and social benefits while protecting around 400 local jobs. South32 is seeking to expand its Dendrobium mine west of Wollongong, Illawarra, and plans to extend operations until 2048. The expansion was predicted to net an additional 78 million tonnes of coal from the nearby Avon and Cordeaux Dams. However, Water NSW raised environmental impact concerns, especially to the water catchment area, which supplies drinking water to around 5 million residents. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro speaks to the media during an NRL media opportunity at Rugby League Central in Sydney, Australia on Aug. 10, 2020. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Following its assessment, on Feb. 5, the IPC shuttered the proposal saying the risks of adverse impacts on the environment are high, and that those impacts are not appropriately manageable and are likely to be irreversible. The IPC also noted that South32 had offered mitigation measures, but some of them were not considered acceptable by the responsible statutory agencies. However, Barilaro is determined to challenge the verdict and is exploring legal advice on overturning the decision. He says if the decision were to go forward, there could be a loss of 750 coal jobs and 3000 steel jobs resulting in a $2 billion (US$1.6 billion) hit to the local economy. The idea we can transition away from the coal industry, mining industry, steel industry, overnight is ridiculous, Barilaro said. At no point does anyone, any of the stakeholders, anybody in government want to see a detrimental outcome either to Sydneys water catchment or the environment, he added. He argues that there must be an environmental and economic compromise saying that weve got to balance the advantages and opportunity for the economy. Regarding the concerns raised by WaterNSW, Barilaro says there was a failure in properly working through the issues, but does believe it can be mitigated. Paul Scully, the state Labor member for Wollongong who joined the discussion, expressed his support for the coal mine expansion. Its important that were part of these conversations, because this has a significant impact on our region, on our region today as well as long into the future, he said. Following the parliamentary vetting of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh on Friday 11th February 2021, the following facts must be made clear in response to the stories subsequently carried on various media platforms; 1. On 6th December 2018, Transnational Ltd wrote to the Minister, introducing Bluegrass Ltd and a scientific mathematical tool that is examination compliant (a maths set and a non programmable scientific calculator combined). 2. Minister then wrote to GES on this matter, as the GES has a seat on WAEC Internationals council and runs senior highs schools in the country. GES subsequently wrote to WAEC for further clarification. 3 On 5th February 2019, WAEC wrote back to GES and stated that the issue of malpractice had been discussed extensively in a retreat organised by the council in 2018 in Lagos. Members agreed that the council should formulate a policy requiring students to use only WAEC-approved sets of mathematical instruments. 4. Subsequently, WAEC wrote to GES explain that the mathematical sets were designed with Cornfill Ltd. 5. On 12th February 2019, the Director-General of GES wrote to the Minister, copying him in on the WAEC letter of 5th February 2019 and a letter from Cornfill Ltd, recommending the procurement of WAEC-approved mathematical sets to be used in WAEC exams as they fall in line with WAEC recommendations and requirements. 6. On 12th March 2019, the Ministry wrote to the PPA for approval to procure the items by sole sourcing due to urgency of having the instruments in place for the 2020 WASSCE, in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, at a price of GHC75 per item, totaling GHC63,975,675 for 853,009 pieces. 7. Unfortunately, the delivery of the items for the May/June 2020 WASSCE was delayed due to COVID restrictions which affected production abroad, and the first batch did not arrive in time for the benefit of the candidates. However, candidates for 2021 and beyond will benefit from them and the intention is to purchase them for all SHS students to enable them familiarize themselves with the items in preparation for their examinations. 8. The first batch that was received has been paid for and payment for the remainder will be made upon receipt. 9. The Minister does not know the CEO of Bluegrass Ltd in person and until his vetting on Friday 11th February 2021, was not aware of his earlier arrest by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on 29th January 2021. Source: M.O.P COMMS Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Press Release February 16, 2021 Villar pushes to declare San Jose, Batangas as "Egg Basket of the Philippines" RECOGNIZING the huge number of 7 million eggs it generates daily, Senator Cynthia A. Villar seeks to name the town of San Jose in the province of Batangas as the "Egg Basket of the Philippines." Villar, chairperson of the Senate committee on Agriculture and Food, filed Senate Bill No. 2044 or "An Act Declaring the Municipality of San Jose in the Province of Batangas as the Egg Basket of the Philippines" in order to support her proposal. In her proposed measure, Villar cited Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report showing that of the 49.09,000 metric tons of eggs coming from CALABARZON region, 705 metric tons of eggs are from San Jose, Batangas on a daily basis. The PSA report also indicated that about 150.29,000 metric tons of eggs were produced from January to March last year. The Batangas Egg Producers Association also estimates that San Jose produces 705 metric tons of chicken eggs daily. As of June 2020, there are more than 342 registered independent poultry in San Jose. It was reported that egg production in San Jose started as a backyard industry during the 60s. Overtime, egg farmers from this town evolved into agripreneurs through the help of innovative agricultural practices. Amid the challenges, including the oversupply of eggs in 2009, egg farmers of the town, through the leadership of Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative (BEPCO), developed new products from eggs like liquid and frozen eggs. In 2017, when the industry was besieged by bird flu infestation, which adversely affected the livelihood of the San Jose egg farmers, a collaboration was entered into between BEPCO, the University of the Philippines Diliman, and the Department of Science and Technology, under the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy Program (CRADLE) to figure out what can be done with the surplus of eggs. This collaboration resulted in the development of egg white powder which is ideal for baking cakes and breads. It can also be used in making mayonnaise and meringue. Through the concerted efforts of the San Jose egg farmers, their egg industry continued to be the source of increased income which generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs. San Jose, a first class municipality, celebrates "World Egg Day" annually during the month of October to spur egg consumption in the country and to enhance the industry's production and marketing efficiency. In 2016, the town even attempted to set a Guinness record for the longest line of fresh chicken eggs in trays - around 6,000 eggs were placed along the 2-km stretch of Macalintal Avenue. During this time of pandemic wherein we are facing a health crisis due to Covid-19, Villar noted that eggs can help boost our immune system. Eggs are among the most nutrious foods, a very good source of inexpensive, high-quality protein and other nutrients. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) targets to cover 400 million merchandise in the Egyptian market through the mobile wallet system that was previously approved in 2013, said CEO and Chairman of Banque de Caire, Tarek Fayed. Fayed made his comments during a virtual panel that was attended by Ahram online. The panel was held by the British-Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) on Tuesday to discuss Egypts new banking law and its role in supporting global competitiveness. Fayed added that the CBE accelerated efforts over the past two years to activate mobile wallets in line with Egypts strategy of digital transformation and financial inclusion through applying QR Codes. He also said that the high banking transaction cost will still stay at high unless the banking system fast-track their actions to adopt financial technology entirely. Its important to stress that adopting innovation instruments and diversifying the products introduced by the banks working in Egypt is needed to be able to attract more clients," said Fayed. "Banks need to also tap in to new sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as fintech to increase the level of financial inclusion, he added. On the new banking law, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Ziad Bahaa El-Din said that the law empowers the banking system in Egypt, adding that it does not set new policies to be implemented, but that it extends the right and soiled foundation for the banks to act. The new banking law, No. 194 of 2020 (the New Banking Law) was issued on 15 September, 2020 and put into practice on 16 September, 2020 with a grace period for compliance with its provisions of one to three years from the issuance date. The law replaces No. 88 of 2003. Despite the impact of the coronavirus on the economy in general and on banks in particular, the Egyptian banking system is expected to remain stable in 2021, Moodys said in a report issued in February. Short link: Lazio winger Manuel Lazzari has joined Roma's Bryan Cristante in being banned for a game for making blasphemous comments during a match, Serie A announced on Tuesday. Lazzari's remarks, which came during the second-half of Sunday's loss at Inter Milan at an almost empty San Siro, were picked up on television. Cristante was handed the same suspension in December after reacting to scoring an own goal. Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon was the subject of an investigation for the same reason in the same month but has yet to be sanctioned for remarks caught on an audio recording. Two further probes from the Italian football federation are underway after the use of the technology. The first concerns an altercation between Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku and AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic in January. The second surrounds exchanges between Inter coach Antonio Conte and Juve president Andre Agnelli last week. On Saturday, former Juve boss Conte apologised for "reacting badly to provocation" during the draw at the Allianz Stadium. alu/iwd/bsp Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (Bloomberg) -- The dangerously cold temperatures gripping auto-reliant Texas present a terrible dilemma for millions of residents: Stay put in heat-less homes, or ignore all official advice and venture forth on to the states treacherous highways. Texans awoke Monday morning to discover that warnings of rolling power outages had escalated into hours-long blackouts. Instead of a chilly 30 minutes without TV, cue frantic calls to elderly relatives, last-minute hotel bookings, shopping trips for propane canisters and fielding emails from the car. THE LIGHTER SIDE: Here's how the Internet is reacting to crazy Texas freeze As the day unfolded, the scale of the crisis gripping the state threatened to take on a darker dimension. The National Guard was deployed to get old people into warming shelters. All air travel in and out of Houston was shut, and Covid-19 vaccination efforts faced potential disruption, with city officials racing to utilize more than 8,000 vaccine doses after a storage facility lost back-up power. It was only supposed to be for one to two hours, which seemed manageable, said Isha Elhence, a 26-year-old Dallas resident who lost power around 2 a.m. Monday, summing up the general mood of haplessness. Now its kind of indefinite with no updates, so were unsure of what were supposed to be doing. The risks of driving in the current conditions were highlighted last week by a pile-up of more than 130 cars on an icy Texas interstate that left six dead. In Houston, clearing skies began to melt snow on streets and highways on Monday, but local officials warned it will freeze again within hours. The Houston branch of the Texas Department of Transportations message on Twitter was blunt: Stay home if you can! SILVER LINING: Houston looks beautiful in the snow Still, Elhence said shes torn between braving the drive to her aunts house, which still has power, or bundling up in a cold apartment. In College Station, home to Texas A&M University, Luke Leifker, 19, waited for updates while his parents back in Austin ventured down the highway and across an overpass to get his grandparents, who lost power overnight. Leifkers 80-year-old grandfather uses an oxygen machine, and it needs to be charged every few hours. The only way theyve been able to charge it is via the car. Thats just not sustainable, plus they have to be out in the cold, Leifker said by phone. I really wish they had just given more advanced warning as to what we could expect so we could have made proper safety precautions. Ercot, the states grid operator, said during a chaotic emergency press conference on Monday that the outages would continue the rest of the day and into early Tuesday. CenterPoint Energy Inc. began telling customers who were experiencing outages that they would likely be without electricity for the rest of the day. Theres little immediate prospect of relief. Temperatures in Dallas arent forecast to climb above 18 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 Celsius). In Houston, the low could reach 16. Austin may see temperatures fall to 9 degrees, and the forecast is similar in San Antonio. This is extremely dangerous, Eric Berger, a forecaster with Houstons Space City Weather, said on Twitter in response to CenterPoints warning. The forecaster warned on its website that Monday night promises to be a once-in-a-generation event that will damage to infrastructure, pipes and so forth. Wind chill in Houston and elsewhere is making temperatures feel even colder and worsening the human impact. Major cities had opened warming shelters ahead of the storm, but in Houston, some of those facilities had lost power by early Monday afternoon, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. For those with the means and ability, theres a scramble to find a hotel room. All morning today weve had back to back-to-back -- about 10 calls an hour -- with inquiries for rooms and availability, said Erica Gonzalez, a general manager at a Best Western near downtown Houston, which still has power. Dave Berry, a 72-year-old Vietnam War veteran, had already experienced three black-outs by the middle of Monday morning and was relying on a gas-burning fireplace that kept the temperature in his living room around 60 degrees while keeping wrapped in blankets along with his wife by the fireplace. Unfortunately, we didnt get the coffee made before the power went out, Berry said from his home in suburban Dallas. We could really go for some right now. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Flash Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on Monday received his first dose of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19, according to the official website of the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE). On this occasion, Obiang appealed to the entire population to get vaccinated, as vaccination is the only available remedy to avoid new deaths linked to the coronavirus, according to the PDGE website. Last Wednesday, a batch of China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea, being the first batch of vaccine aid provided by the Chinese government to African countries, according to a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. China is the best friend of Equatorial Guinea and the African continent, said Obiang, quoted by the PDGE website. During the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 held in June 2020, African countries were reassured to be the first beneficiaries of Chinese vaccines. China has kept its promise to deliver the vaccines to Equatorial Guinea as soon as possible, which will help it defeat the coronavirus, said Qi Mei, the Chinese Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, upon arrival of vaccines last week. The safety and effectiveness of Chinese vaccines are recognized by the international community. Despite huge domestic demand for vaccines, China is determined to overcome the challenges to make vaccines an accessible and affordable public product for developing countries, she said. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside-down. We need information like we never have before. How many new cases were there on Staten Island today? How many deaths? How many people have been released from the hospital? What are President Joe Bidens plans to end the pandemic? What are Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio doing to keep New Yorkers safe? More importantly, when are we going to get back to normal, whatever normal is? Its almost too much to keep up with. So every day around 4 p.m., Mark Stein and I take to Facebook Live to give you all the Island information you need. You can then look for this written wrap-up on SILive.com at the end of the day. Well give you the numbers and all the latest news. Well answer your questions. Well follow up on your news tips. Well share the good news too, the way that the Staten Island community is coming together in this time of crisis. Or well just share this strange and unique pandemic moment with you, as fellow Staten Islanders. On Monday, Mark and I talked about how Cuomo had hit back at criticism over how his administration had handled COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes during the pandemic. Cuomo has been accused of covering up the true number of deaths that took place. The governor on Monday strongly pushed back against that charge, saying that all deaths were properly reported. Meanwhile, COVID positivity numbers continued to drop in New York. The state reported a 3.53 percent test positivity rate on Monday, Cuomo said, compared with 7.94 on Jan. 4. Mark and I also discussed my recent two-week battle with COVID-19. Im all better now! Were all in this together. Well all get through this together. Most US Christians uncomfortable with returning to church: survey 01 July, 2020 by Michael Gryboski , | Nearly two-thirds of American Christians are uncomfortable with returning to in-person worship services over coronavirus concerns, according to a recent survey. The American Enterprise Institute conducted a poll of 3,504 Americans from late May to early June, asking them about their comfort levels on returning to church. Among respondents, 64% said they were either "somewhat uncomfortable" or "very uncomfortable" with returning to in-person church services. "People are equivocating and uncertain about whether they feel comfortable attending," said Daniel Cox, who oversaw the study, to The Associated Press and Religion News Service. "We're seeing among laypeople a significant amount of discomfort in going back to formal in-person religious practices." While most of the overall sample were uncomfortable, the AEI survey found considerable variance in responses by racial and religious classification. White evangelical Protestants were the most comfortable with attending services, with 61% saying they were either "very comfortable" or "somewhat comfortable" with attending. Read more on returning to church on The Christian Post. New Delhi, Feb 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the government is correcting irregularities in writing of history which did not give importance to most of the people who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The correction is being done as the country approaches the 75th year of its independence, said the Prime Minister while addressing people after laying the foundation stone of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial and development work of Chittaura Lake at Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich via video conference. It is more important to remember the contribution of the historical heroes and heroines that have made an immense contribution to the country, the Prime Minister said. He lamented the fact that the people who sacrificed everything for India and Indianness have not been given their due in history books. "These irregularities and injustice against the makers of Indian history by the writers of Indian history are now being corrected as we are entering the 75th year of Independence." The Prime Minister emphasised that the history of India is not just the history written by colonial powers or those with colonial mindsets. "Indian History is what has been nurtured by the common people in their folklore and taken forward by generations." The Prime Minister asked whether the first Prime Minister of Azad Hind Government, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has been given the place that he deserves. Modi said that the ruling government had recognised Neta ji by strengthening his identity from Red fort to Andaman Nicobar. Similarly, the Prime Minister said, that the treatment to the unifier of more than 500 princely states, Sardar Patel is also well-known. "Today, the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue is of Sardar Patel." The key architect of the Constitution and voice of the exploited, deprived and downtrodden, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, was always looked through the political prism. Today, the Prime Minister said, all places associated with Dr Ambedkar from India to England are being developed as PanchTeerth. "There are innumerable personalities who were not recognised due to various reasons. Can we forget what happened with the bravehearts of Chauri Chaura?" asked the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said that Maharaja Suheldev's contribution to protect Indianness was similarly ignored. The Prime Minister recalled Maharaja Suheldev's contribution as a sensitive and development-oriented ruler. "Maharaja Suheldev has been kept alive in the hearts of people by the folklore of Awadh, Tarai and Poorvanchal despite being ignored by textbooks." Slovakian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Ivan Korcok, currently on a visit to Bucharest, expressed support for Romania's accession to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Schengen Area, noting that this should already have happened. I affirmed Slovakia's support for Romania's joining the Schengen Area. I think this should have already happened and we should agree on Romania's Schengen entry. And secondly: we support Romania's OECD membership, Foreign Minister Korcok said in a press statement at the premises of the Romanian Foreign Ministry. Ivan Korcok thanked for the support provided to the Slovak minority in Romania, stating that the government in Bucharest is "a positive example for many in this region" as regards the promotion of cultural identity. The Slovakian ForMin stressed that bilateral relations are "excellent" and that Romania enjoys a "very good reputation" in Slovakia, as Romanian troops contributed to the country's liberation in World War II. In 1968, which is a dark part of our lives, Romania did not participate with troops in that invasion and we thank you very much for that, he said. Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Bogdan Aurescu expressed his conviction that trade exchanges and mutual investments will increase in the next period, mentioning that bilateral exchanges hit a record high of 3.4 billion euros in 2019 and amounted last year at almost 3 billion euros, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. We discussed ways to beef up our very good bilateral cooperation at sectoral level in the fields of education, employment, social affairs, home affairs, defense. I am convinced that we will further be able to find new opportunities for development and common projects. I am also pleased to note that the protection offered by Romania to the members of national minorities, including the Slovak minority in Romania, reflects in the very good integration of ethnic Slovaks into Romanian society, as this minority that represents a true bridge between our states. At the same time, I welcome the very good integration of the Romanian citizens who live in Slovakia, Aurescu said. The Romanian top diplomat added that bilateral talks have highlighted the importance of the Three Seas Initiative. It is a very important regional platform in which both states participate and where Romania is interested in promoting strategic interconnection projects. For example, the Constanta - Gdansk Rail 2 Sea railway project or the Via Carpatia highway connection project, which involve both states, Romania and Slovakia, he pointed out. According to Aurescu, the Conference on the Future of Europe represents "a very good opportunity to make the most of the lessons learned during the pandemic crisis" and to hold applied debates with the citizens. He also said that Romania and Slovakia support the EU enlargement process. Both Romania and Slovakia support the Western Balkan countries, they support the EU enlargement process, the European perspective of the Western Balkans, which is actually the only solid option for peace, stability, and prosperity in the long term in the region and on the continent. I also mentioned the challenges in the Eastern Neighborhood, especially those related to the Republic of Moldova, and emphasized Romania's support for the democratic and pro-European reform efforts of the new President of the Republic of Moldova, said Aurescu. The ForMin also stressed that Romania and Slovakia endorse a strong transatlantic relationship. Romania and Slovakia support a strong, solid transatlantic relationship, especially in the current context of the new administration in Washington, which wants not only to repair those aspects that have been damaged in recent years, but also to strengthen, to reinforce and deepen the transatlantic relationship, because - as we have said it many times - we have a shared community of values and security on both sides of the Atlantic, which is extremely important for our security and prosperity, Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu pointed out Going Free Footed in a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt - Electric Observations From Martha Hindes +VIDEO SEE ALSO: Eaton Presents-The Auto Channel EV-Motoring News Archive SEE ALSO: Official 2022 Chevrolet Bolt Reveal - Includes Specs, Options and Prices By Martha Hindes Senior Editor Michigan Bureau The Auto Channel For car lovers, theres an odd numbered conundrum coming on scene. Is someone a three pedal or a one pedal driver? Three, of course, refers to the road warrior who wouldnt be caught behind the wheel of a vehicle with less than three pedals on the floor one for acceleration, one for braking and the requisite third for the standard transmission clutch. On Sunday, St.Valentines Day, General Motors Chevrolet Division held a virtual reveal of what it probably hopes will spark a digression away from multiple footwork requirements, the new 2022 Bolt EUV along with a redesigned 2022 Bolt EV. This from the official Bolt Press Release "One Pedal Driving lets the driver speed up, slow down and even come to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal"...and then this from the GM Lawyers: "You should always use your brake pedal if you need to stop quickly" HUH?...good advice no matter how many pedals your vehicle has. As GM aims a five year plan toward an all electric future announced to shareholders earlier in February by CEO Mary Barra, it used a heart-warming collage of scenes interwoven with iconic ghostly Disney cartoon figures, Star Wars X-Wing Fighter futuristic space craft and an explosive takeoff into hyperspace to set the stage. The introductory video, populated by a typical American family, journeying into Disney World magic in their sporty Bolt EUV, had footage, shot partially at Floridas Disney World, of how it went from concept to splashing with excitement across the screen. It was designed for customers to imagine an all-electric future, said Steve Majoros, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. The launch video, combines the lure of Disney with the practical elements that push it towards an unencumbered future where the driver can relax, coasting hands free and digging into a bag of chips while the Bolt EUVS Super Cruise driving system guides it along some 200,000 miles of compatible express roads in the U.S. and Canada, well spaced behind other traffic. In that mode it wears a green band across the top of the steering wheel to show the system is under control. If the drivers attention is diverted for too many seconds or it requires driver intervention, it turns red with a warning signal to take over manually. (GM must have learned from Tesla on that one.) A 90 second Magic is Electric commercial from the launch debuted on American Idols Valentines Day program Sunday evening and is scheduled to be on ESPNs SportsCenters Magical Moment segments from Feb. 15 th to 19 th. Of course electric vehicles arent anything new. There was a proliferation of them in the early days of the 20th Century before the internal combustion engine pushed them off the road. But, after four years of the original Bolt EV on sale, a cant resist statement was obligatory for a new generation sport utility vehicle thats small, for five, electric and produces 200 horsepower and 266 lb. ft. of torque from its single motor. If youre going to show off a vehicle designed to out-Tesla Tesla, what better way to do it than with a sprinkling of stardust on the scene as you tout the 250 mile-on-a single-charge range, and one pedal driving as the Bolt EUV takes over braking functions. If you're in "low" it's dual function: throttle as you press, brake as you let up," explained Chevrolet spokesman Shad Balch. The Bolt now has more modest pricing than might be expected for a vehicle loaded with almost every kind of electronic gadget and connectivity one could imagine. The Bolt EUV starts at $33,995 and the Bolt EV starts at $31,995. And as an introductory bonus Chevy will have a program to underwrite installation of a Level 2 home-based fast charging station for those customers who have someplace to install it.(On street parkers need not apply) Chevrolet has succeeded in getting our attention. We cant wait until its actually in showrooms sometime this summer to find out if they actually delivered. However, a concern jumps out at this point. How do you explain to stick shift Corvette drivers their preferred means of shifting soon could only be an image in the rear view mirror? ?p> Copyright 2021, Martha Hindes, Automotive Bureau, All rights Reserved. 404 The Congress will hold seat sharing talks with the Left parties on Tuesday, ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls. Sources said it is likely that an agreement will be reached on Tuesday about the number of seats to be contested by each side. The Congress and Left had missed the earlier seat sharing deadline, which was January 31. The party is now pressing its state unit to finalise the seat sharing agreement so that the preparations for the election could be started immediately. Sources privy to the talks said that the Congress' main focus will be on quality of seats and not quantity, unlike in Bihar where the party contested too many seats but won only 19. The Congress has set up a committee to chalk out a seat sharing agreement with the Left parties, which includes Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Abdul Mannan, Pradeep Bhattacharya and Nepal Mahato. The committee has identified strong seats and is talking to the Left with all prospects on the table. One of the panel members said, "We are focusing on strong seats only." Congress sources said that the results of the Bihar Assembly polls will not have a bearing on West Bengal as every state is different. In the 2016 Bengal Assembly election, the Left had contested on more seats but it was the Congress which came second with 44 seats. For clarifications/queries, please contact IANS NEWS DESK at +91-120-4822400 Tolo News, February 11, 2021 By Naseer Ahmad Salehi, Gul, 28, is a native of nearby Faryab province, but has sought refuge in Herat province amid the war and other violence. She said she did not have any other option except to sell her kidney and to pay the loans of her husband who was in Taliban custody. The Taliban has not commented. I had been pregnant for 50 days on the day I gave my kidneyI didnt tell the doctors that I was pregnant, because I had to do it, said Khawrai Gul. I didnt know the person to whom I gave my kidney, but he was from Afghanistan, she said. I had given blood tests before. Later the doctors called me and asked me to come and give my kidney to a person, so I went there and gave the kidney, said Khawrai Gul. I was taken to a mountain because of the debts, then my wife had no option except to go to Luqman-e-Hakim hospital to sell her kidney, said Amruddin, the husband of Khawrai Gul. The Ministry of Public Health has said that the sale and purchase of organs is illegal, and hospitals that are involved in illegal organ transplants will be prosecuted and their licenses can be revoked. This comes a week after TOLOnews reported that hundreds of poor and displaced people have sold their vital organs for a small price in the western province of Herat. Confirmed figures show that over 1,000 kidneys have been traded in Herat over the last five years. Over 100 of such people who have sold their kidneys are living in the Se Shanba Bazar village in Injil district in Herat, and are relatives of one another. They said they succumbed to the business offer for their organs due to poverty and unemployment. Some women and children are among those who have sold kidneys. Six residents of the village, who were displaced from neighboring Badghis province, said they sold their kidneys due to poverty. They were paid $300,000 Afs ($3,800) each. Later on, local officials said that they have assigned a task team to probe the issue in Herat. In Herat, two hospitals--Luqman-e-Hakim and Aria Afghan--are carrying out the kidney transplants. It was just a touch a light one and it lasted for only a moment. I was a 13-year-old boy at the Rock Hill Boy Scout Camp. His name was Ray, and he was the camp medic. The older scouts called him 'Gay Ray,' and taunted and teased us about our inevitable encounter with him when the itch of the mosquito bites became too much to bear. It happened almost precisely like the older kids said it would. Covered in bites, I went to the Medical Cabin. He told me to take my clothes off. I complied. He looked at my body and examined the bites, just like they said he would. He began applying an ointment just like they said he would. I remember being paralyzed as his hands moved up my body and brushed over my penis. I remember all of this with perfect clarity up to the moment I was touched. The next part is fuzzier. I just know that I left. Then, I came back to camp, and I must have had a look on my face because I remember the laughing. The look on my face must have looked familiar to the other boys because it was the same one they must have had when they returned from Ray's exam. Camp continued, and I made sure never to return the Medical Cabin. When I got home, I told my parents. The adults huddled, and the collective decision they made was to deal with it internally. He wasn't turned into the police because the consensus of the adults was that dealing with law enforcement would be traumatic for all of the boys involved. In the end, we were told that Ray wouldn't return. I don't know what happened to him, and even when the day came that I had the power, money and ability to find out and do something to him, or about him, I chose not to. Something else happened in that cabin that day. The extroverted little boy who walked in died; an introverted boy with deep trust issues walked out. Before that day, I have no memory of ever feeling anger. After that day and despite the passage of so many years the anger has never left. It's always there; below the surface. It has risen up many times over the years. Later in life that anger would immolate my faith in the Catholic Church. My faith had been diminished to a flicker of flame by the time I served in the White House. I remember feeling like something that had anchored me was stolen. I felt lost in a strange way, though at the time, I would never have described myself as particularly religious. I reached out to see if I could get an audience with the man who had presided over my Confirmation at St. Luke's Church in North Plainfield, New Jersey. By this point, he was a Monsignor and the acting Auxiliary Bishop of the Metuchen Diocese. When I met with him in Washington, he was his Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick. Learning that the man I trusted to share my soul and the deepest memories of my violation was amongst the most prolific of the Catholic Church's sex criminals permanently shattered my faith and left me estranged from God. It has taken nearly 16 years since that betrayal to find faith again, which I have during the process of my conversion to Judaism. A touch on a table at age 13 that lasted seconds has been a defining event in my life. It never went away. That moment bequeathed me the three companions of my life that are always close and often present: anger, shame and depression. Depression has always been the companion I feared the most, and it something I was too ashamed to admit I was struggling with. I found help in a most unlikely place: Curtis Houck is a writer for NewsBusters. He attacks me and the Lincoln Project with fervor and glee, and yet one day he wrote bravely about his struggles with depression. When I read it, I felt like it was meant for me and I reached out to him to thank him. He saved my life and liberated me from a fear of seeking help. I will always be grateful for his courage and I am talking about my struggle in an open way for the first time because maybe it will be the case that I can help just one person understand what I couldnt until I was almost 50 years old. It wasnt my fault. I met a man for the first time in my life in late 2006. His name was John Weaver. I met him at a fundraiser for Arnold Schwarzenegger where John McCain was the headliner at the end of the 2006 campaign. I arrived at that event with Arnold and I left with McCain. Within months, under Weavers leadership the campaign had collapsed and was bankrupt. During all the time I worked for John McCain I never heard a single person ever whisper that John Weaver was a predator. I did not have a professional relationship with John Weaver again until December 2019. I have said on the record that I learned about John Weavers misconduct this past January. I know this is true, and I have certainty that the Lincoln Project independent investigation into John Weavers conduct will validate this. My purpose in writing this isn't to express what and when I knew about John Weaver, but how I feel about him, what he did and how many people he hurt. This is my truth. John Weaver has put me back into that faraway cabin with Ray, my Boy Scout leader. I am incandescently angry about it. I am angry because I know the damage that he caused to me, and I know the journey that lies ahead for every young man that trusted, feared and was abused by John Weaver. I know the shame, the guilt, the doubt, the depression and anger that lies ahead. I know John Weaver will be a life-long companion for them in the way that Ray has been for me. I detest John Weaver in a way I can't articulate. My heart breaks that young men felt unseen and unheard in an organization that I started. I am ashamed of it. I promise that we will release the full findings of what we discover through an independent investigation. There is another truth about John Weaver of which I must speak. Like all predators, he is a skilled liar, and like all predators, he left clues. I had the surreal experience in the last month of being grilled by a national newspaper about my knowledge of John Weavers misconduct. When I got off that call, I talked to another reporter from the same newspaper who said the newspaper has known for years. Since John Weavers misconduct was made public, I learned about another national reporter that was going to write about Weaver, but then was ultimately dissuaded to do so by Weaver because he had told the reporter that his cancer had returned, and he had just six months to live. I was asked by a reporter if I thought the heart attack he told us about was real. The truth is: I don't know. I responded by saying I don't know if he lives in Texas. I just know that he is a liar and a predator, and I wish our paths never crossed. Unfortunately, they did. I wish John Weaver was not a co-founder of the Lincoln Project, but as hard as I wish for that to be, I cant change that he was. I am enormously proud of the Lincoln Project and what we have accomplished to-date. I believe we built the most successful and politically lethal SuperPAC in history. We built a movement with millions of people, and we played a decisive role in Donald Trumps defeat. During these last weeks, I have been consumed by anger and rage as I have seen the attacks from the rancid collection of liars, thugs and fascists, including Donald Trump Jr. and Laura Ingraham, attack the Lincoln Project, my character and the character of my friends over John Weavers amoral predations. I am in a tough business, and I know what I signed up for. I am long past the moments of fear that gripped me when FBI agents showed up at my house to tell me I was on the hit list of the Trump bomber. The truth is that these attacks awakened all of my old companions at once shame, anger and depression. For those around me, it is the anger that has been most visible. For those who love me, it has been the depression. Either way, it has not brought out my best self. I am not the daily manager of the Lincoln Project, but I am the senior leader. As the senior leader, it is my responsibility to set an example and to assume accountability. I would like to apologize to Jennifer Horn. I let my anger turn a business dispute into a public war that has distracted from the fight against American fascism. Jennifer was an important and valuable member of our team. Truth be told, I didnt interact with Jennifer very often, but I always enjoyed the occasions when we did. She deserved better from me. She deserved a leader who could restrain his anger. I am sorry for my failure. Yesterday, I was shown correspondence between Jennifer Horn and Amanda Becker, a reporter at The 19th News. I was told it came from an anonymous source. That direct message should never have been made public. It is my job as the senior leader to accept responsibility for the tremendous misjudgment to release it. I apologize on behalf of the organization to both Jennifer Horn and Amanda Becker. I woke up this morning, and realized Ive been fighting for a long time. Its taken a toll. Im tired. Presently, the Lincoln Project board is made up of four middle-aged white men. That composition doesnt reflect our nation, nor our movement. I am resigning my seat on the Lincoln Project board to make room for the appointment of a female board member as the first step to reform and professionalize the Lincoln Project. The Lincoln Project was built to fight. It is my deepest hope that, despite the recent internal events that have distracted from our cause, you will entrust in us to continue to fight for what the entire Lincoln Project movement believes in: combatting the rising tide of fascism and authoritarianism in this country. We are one election away from seeing the end of American democracy. This fight will go on for the rest of my life. For me, its time to step back from the front to get healthy mentally, physically and spiritually. I look forward to being on Real Time with Bill Maher tonight on HBO, and then to taking some much-needed time off. Stay strong. There is much work to be done. Steve Elizabeth Sitton, a victim of child marriage, at her home in Culver City, Calif., on Dec. 8, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Aliso Viejo Joins Push to Ban Child Marriage Aliso Viejo could become the latest Orange County city to ban child marriage. A resolution during its Feb. 17 meeting calls on council to end the marriage of anyone younger than 18, without exception. Its legal for minors to get married with parental consent and judicial approval in California. Sexual relations between minors and adults are allowed for, which would be illegal without marriage. Minors in unwanted or abusive marriages suffer social isolation from their support networks like school, friends and family, which contributes to their poor mental health, the City of Aliso Viejo resolution states. The issue of child marriage has previously been addressed in several other Orange County cities. Fullerton became the most recent Orange County city to adopt a resolution against child marriage last November. Irvine, Anaheim, Newport Beach, and Yorba Linda passed the same resolution last year. All of the resolutions passed unanimously. New Delhi: Activist Disha Ravi was recently arrested by the Delhi Police for a toolkit document that she shared with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The toolkit was first highlighted after Thunberg tweeted a link to it but soon after deleted the post. 'Toolkit' is a term activists use for a campaign information document. It is a valuable resource that can be used to sustain a campaign or movement, used mostly on the internet. In this case, Greta Thunberg shared a link to the toolkit on the farmers protest which, was found to contain some pro-Khalistani elements. The toolkit shared by the activists tries to explain the farmers protest to those who dont know the reason behind the agitation. Dishas role came under suspicion by Delhi Police after climate activist Thunberg tweeted a toolkit document which the police alleged had led to the January 26 violence in New Delhi. On Sunday (February 14, 2021), Ravi was presented before a Delhi Court that remanded her five days of police custody. Disha Ravi broke down inside the courtroom and told the judge that she had edited only two lines and she wanted to support the farmers protest. The Delhi Police believe that Disha, with the help of lawyer Nikita Jacob and engineer Shantanu Mallick played key roles in the circulation of the document. The police also claim that the group worked with the pro-Khalistan outfit Poetic Justice Foundation. "A team reached Mumbai and conducted searches at her (Nikita Jacob) residence on February 11. She and her associates Shantanu and Disha had created the document. The email account created by Shantanu is the owner of this document all others are its editors," the police said in a press conference recently held. The police investigating the matter claim that pro-Khalistani groups are attempting to use the farmers protests to cause chaos and divide the nation. The farmers have been protesting the new farm bills since August 2020 and have refused to stop until all their demands are met. Live TV [February 16, 2021] Blue Yonder Expands Relationship with HEINEKEN to Plan Volatile Demand in Fast Changing World With demand rapidly changing during the COVID-19 pandemic, beverage producers need more accurate forecasting capabilities to stay ahead of the thirsty consumer. That's why HEINEKEN, the world's most international brewer, has expanded its demand planning capabilities with Blue Yonder, a world leader in digital supply chain and omni-channel commerce fulfillment. HEINEKEN will implement Blue Yonder's machine-learning (ML)-powered demand planning solution to keep pace with rapidly changing consumer demand patterns. Committed to innovation and long-term brand investment, HEINEKEN was looking for a solution that would expand its digital capabilities to allow for more accurate, integrated and automated forecasting. Blue Yonder will provide solutions to achieve improved forecast accuracy, always-on planning capabilities and a new user experience. The improved demand signal will feed into Blue Yonder's Luminate Platform, powered by a fast optimization engine, that will translate into even greater supply chain performance. A long-time Blue Yonder customer, HEINEKEN already utilizes Blue Yonder's end-to-end supply chain planning solutions in many of its operating companies to optimize and orchestrate decisions across sales, supply chain, operations, and finance. Going forward in the next few years they will deploy the new demand planning solution in five of its largest operating companies worldwide. "At HEINEKEN, we have embarked on an ambitious journey to become the best connected brewer, going from fragmented to seamless digital interaction across the whole value chain. The introduction of Machine Learning as part of building an integrated cross-functional planning capability across our business is a critical component of this journey. The solution will assist us in continued growth and meet the changing demands of our customers and consumers," said Marc Bekkers, director of Global Supply Chain Planning, HEINEKEN. Powered by Microsoft (News - Alert) Azure, Blue Yoder's demand planning solution continuously provides insights into a customer's supply chain to allow for smarter, more profitable business decisions using AI and ML. The solution can ingest hundreds of internal and external influencing factors that drive demand to provide a unique demand projection with calculated business impact and risk. HEINEKEN will realize better inventory management and an improved understanding of demand drivers and consumer behavior. "HEINEKEN has been a longtime Blue Yonder customer, so we are looking forward to expanding their supply chain footprint by helping them develop highly accurate forecasts with our AI- and ML-driven demand planning solution. This capability paired with Microsoft Azure will help HEINEKEN continue to meet consumer demand while solidifying its position as a leading global beverage producer," said Johan Reventberg, president, EMEA, at Blue Yonder. Additional Resources: Learn more about Blue Yonder's LuminateTM Planning solutions About HEINEKEN HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. HEINEKEN is committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. It employs over 84,000 employees and operates breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters (News - Alert) under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY). Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Blue Yonder Blue Yonder is the world leader in digital supply chain and omni-channel commerce fulfillment. Our intelligent, end-to-end platform enables retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers to seamlessly predict, pivot and fulfill customer demand. With Blue Yonder, you can make more automated, profitable business decisions that deliver greater growth and re-imagined customer experiences. Blue Yonder - Fulfill your PotentialTM blueyonder.com "Blue Yonder" is a trademark or registered trademark of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. Any trade, product or service name referenced in this document using the name "Blue Yonder" is a trademark and/or property of Blue Yonder Group, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of the companies with which they are associated. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210215005453/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The future of American cities gets plenty of attention these days, with furrowed brows and ruminations on how people in places like San Francisco will work and shop and socialize even after the scourge of the coronavirus recedes. Then I stop by Rincon Center and am reminded that the only thing we know for certain about big cities is this we never know what lies ahead. The complex includes a massive former post office at Mission and Spear streets that opened in 1940 and was conveniently located near the finger piers of the Embarcadero. By 1989 the piers were mostly gone and the Embarcadero was underneath a double-deck freeway. The back of the post office building was hollowed out to make room for a skylit atrium with cafes and shops around a central space where a fountain sent water descending gently 80 feet from a Plexiglass bowl perforated with 4,000 tiny holes. That piece Rain Column by Douglas Hollis was a popular sensation. But now it is gone, removed during the pandemic along with nearly all the retail spaces that drew workers on their lunch breaks. The basin into which water once fell has been replaced by flat terrazzo flooring. One generations must-see becomes the next ones old hat. What you see in 2021 is a two-tiered clearing to the east of where the fountain once was, dotted with tables accompanied by just one chair each. Above the handsome new white oak floor are large lozenge-like hanging lamps. The wall across from the new elevator lobby is adorned with vegetated panels, a la the living walls that are all the rage. Once the pandemic ends, theoretically, the remaining storefronts to the west will fill up with eateries, and the newly opened area will be thronged. But for now the dim sum mainstay Yank Sing is the only thing open inside, and the mood is mighty forlorn. Especially with no Rain Column in sight. I always enjoyed the ambiance it created, recalled Robert Spoor, who visited the atrium recently and was stunned to find a void in place of theatrical precipitation. The whoosh of water was really relaxing. Until last springs lockdown, Spoor led a monthly tour of Rincon Center for San Francisco City Guides. His focus was the historic murals by Anton Refregier in the restored post office lobby along Mission Street, but he would save Rain Column for a finale. It provided a little kick at the end of the tour, Spoor said. I could count on oohs and aahs. There was also a hubbub in 1989, when the full-block complex was completed with a pair of 24-story residential towers on the south half of the block and a snug mid-block courtyard in between the old and new. Rincon Center has imparted a remarkable vitality and new civic focus to the rapidly changing area behind the Embarcadero, wrote Allan Temko, the longtime architecture critic for The Chronicle. He described the enclosed atrium as an upbeat urban space, and singled out Hollis installation as an example of the centers unexpected delights. My memories as a young adult visiting the space jibe with Temkos impressions. Lunchtime was packed no point looking for a table near Rain Column. The uber-lux pool hall was oh-so-90s. Upscale restaurant Asta pulled off a retro supper club feel. So what happened? In terms of the ongoing renovations, they were approved pre-pandemic and according to a spokeswoman for owner Hudson Pacific Properties, the removal of the fountain was both a design and functional improvement decision. Hudson Pacific also painted over the deco-flavored frieze by artist Richard Haas that paid homage to Refregiers murals, though not with great success. The larger explanation is that cities and cultures keep changing, often in unexpected ways. Three months after Temkos review, the Loma Prieta earthquake hit San Francisco and caused enough damage to the Embarcadero Freeway that in 1991 that icon of blight was torn down. Not surprisingly, the reopened waterfront proved to be a more enduring attraction than a sealed atrium with a cool fountain. The novelty of an ambitious spot in South of Markets commercial zone also waned as new towers opened to the west, filled by companies involved in fields like social media and cloud computing that literally did not exist when Rincon Center debuted. Look no further than the largest office tenant in the complex: Google, founded in 1998. Personally, I think Rincon Center would be better off if the owners had shown more respect to Rain Column, if only as a genuinely distinctive artifact of its era. But the atrium as a whole was conceived for a San Francisco that in some ways no longer exists. As the bleak, one-year anniversary of the pandemics onslaught draws near, it feels as though were at another inflection point. And if history is any guide, I wouldnt count San Francisco out just yet. An earlier version of this story had an incorrect name for Rain Column by Douglas Hollis. John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2021 /CNW/ - Only a few days remain to apply for The Canadian Journalism Foundation's (CJF) 2021 awards and fellowships program, which celebrates the exceptional work of journalists and news organizations across the country and provides professional growth opportunities for emerging journalistic talent. The deadline for the following awards is February 19: CJF Black Journalism Fellowship Program This new program, providing three separate awards, seeks to amplify Black voices, improve coverage of Black issues in the news and cultivate future Black media leaders by providing unique opportunities for early-career Black journalistswith one-to-five years' experienceto be hosted for six months at a CBC/Radio-Canada (English or French) or CTV News newsroom. Thanks to founding sponsors lululemon, Aritzia and BMO Financial Group. The three awards are: CJF-CBC/Radio-Canada Black Journalism Fellowship; CJF-CBC/Radio-Canada Black Women's Journalism Fellowship; and CJF-CTV News Black Journalism Fellowship. Read the award details. CJF Award for Climate Solutions Reporting This new award, which carries a $10,000 cash prize, recognizes excellence in reporting on what is being done in Canada and beyond to address the impact and threat of climate change the policies, practices and people that could potentially be part of the solution to this global crisis. Thanks to founding sponsor Intact Financial Corporation. Read the award details. CJF-Facebook Journalism Project Digital News Innovation Award This new award recognizes innovations in digital media that have a demonstrated impact in advancing the quality of digital journalism. The winning organization will receive a $10,000 prize. Read the award details. CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism This two-part award honours Canadian news organizations whose journalism initiates profound and positive change in the community they serve. There are two winners: large and small media categories. Read the award details. (Reminder: Applicants can make their submission simultaneously to the Michener Award through a joint online form.) CJF Lifetime Achievement Award The award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding lifetime contribution to journalism in Canada. Nominations are accepted for all journalism categories. Read the award details and submit your nomination. The Landsberg Award In partnership with the Canadian Women's Foundation, this award recognizes a journalist doing exceptional research, analysis and writing through a gender lens about women's equality issues and comes with a $5,000 prize. Read the award details. CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowships Two early-career Indigenous journalists will have the opportunity to explore issues of interest while spending one month with the CBC News Indigenous Unit in Winnipeg. A $4,000 stipend will be provided, and CJF will cover travel, accommodation and reasonable expenses. Thanks to the generous support of Sobeys Inc. and donor Isabel Bassett. Read the award details. Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award This award offers an early-career photojournalist a six-week paid internship with The Canadian Press, providing an opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment and gain national exposure. Thanks to the generous support of Nikon. Read the award details. Recipients of these awards will be recognized at the CJF Awards virtual ceremony on June 9. Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the CJF. About the Canadian Journalism Foundation Established in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious annual awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research. SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation For further information: Natalie Turvey, President and Executive Director, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, [email protected] Related Links http://www.cjf-fjc.ca The exams will be held in two shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic - the first shift will begin at 9.30 am, and the gates will close at 9.20 am The Bihar School Examination Board will commence BSEB Bihar Board Class 10 Exams 2021 from 17 February and will continue till 24 February at various examination centres across the state. The board has released the admit card on the official site. Students appearing for the BSEB Bihar Board Class 10 Exams 2021 will have to carry their hall tickets to the examination centre. Around 17 lakh students from more than 6,000 affiliated schools appear for the BSEB Class 10 Exams every year. The exams will be held in two shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first shift will begin at 9.30 am, and the gates will close at 9.20 am. The second shift will commence from 1.45 pm with the gates closing at 1.35 pm. The examination will commence with the Science paper, followed by Mathematics on 18 February. Candidates must reach the BSEB Class 10 test centres an hour before reporting time. They must sit on the seat allotted and not discuss anything with friends outside Bihar Board Class 10 exam centre. Candidates must read all instructions carefully and a fifteen minute time will be allotted to students to read question papers. Carrying sanitiser bottle and sporting facemasks and maintaining social distancing is mandatory. To ensure smooth conduct of the Bihar Board Exams for Class 10, the board has set up a control room facility which is functional from today. Candidates who have an issue can call the helpline number 0612- 2230009 and Fax number 0612-2222575. Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development The outlook for Vietnams livestock market was bright over the past 10 years with massive achievements made. In the 2008-2018 period, meat production increased over 1.5-fold, eggs 2.3-fold, and fresh milk 3.6-fold. Animal breeding shifted from households to industrial farms. In 2018, there were only about 2.5 million and 4.5 million households breeding pigs and poultry, respectively, while the number of industrial animal breeding farms increased to over 19,600. The livestock sector has also attracted large investments, especially from the private sector in animal feed production. The year 2017 marked a historic turning point for the poultry sector, with Vietnam exporting processed chicken to Japan for the first time. In 2019, Vietnam exported the first batch of milk to China, marking an important development for the countrys dairy industry. In addition, numerous key products including pork, honey, and salted duck eggs were also exported overseas, contributing to reinforcing domestic livestock products in the international market. In collaboration with cultivation, the husbandry sector has created livelihoods for 6.5 million households across the country. Unfortunately, pig production in 2019 was seriously damaged by the African swine fever. However, thanks to the successful application of biological solutions last year, groups bounced back with massive profits in this area. Along with the achievements, the domestic livestock sector still has its disadvantages, including the small scale of vendors, diseases, and the underdeveloped linkages connecting production chains. In addition, there has been a disconcerting imbalance in the sectors development. While production, processing, and sales are all important, Vietnam has been mainly focusing on improving capacity while exported livestock products make up a small portion of more than $40 billion in the total export turnover of agricultural goods annually. Essential requirements The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) reported to the government on building a new strategy for the 2021-2030 period, with the vision towards 2045, in order to reinforce the position of this sector, while simultaneously dealing with existing problems and determining key development directions. This strategy is a necessary tool to set the development direction while increasing competitiveness and promoting sustainable development of the sector. The strategy is built in the context of soaring the food demand threatening food security around the globe. The United Nations predicts that the worlds population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, nearly two billion more than today. In Vietnam, the population reached 96.2 million in 2019 (up from about 60 million in 1986) and is expected to expand to 107 million by 2030 and 120 million by 2050. Along with that, Vietnam is forecasted to welcome at least 50 million foreign tourists by 2023, should the pandemic become controlled enough worldwide in good time. In addition, Vietnam joining free trade agreements has opened opportunities for animal husbandry to expand sales channels to overseas, including potential markets such as Europe, instead of the domestic market. However, the livestock industry will face more challenges because European countries have developed their livestock industries with more experience in development, production, and business in general. These countries livestock production accounts for 60-80 per cent of agricultural production, while cultivation accounts for 20-40 per cent. They also have advantages in terms of technology with synchronised production, slaughter, and processing. These factors are the basis to determine Vietnams mid-term and long-term development strategies. In general, the National Animal Husbandry Development Strategy for the 2021-2030 period, with the vision towards 2045, sets the goals to promote the potential advantages of eco-regions to create comprehensive, effective, and sustainable development, while simultaneously adapting to climate change and ensuring biological safety as well as preventing and controlling diseases. Besides that, the husbandry sector will ensure food hygiene and safety standards as well as the humane treatment of animals, while meeting the demand of both international and domestic markets, increasing exports and generating jobs for local workers. Clarifying goals The strategy issues the target to industrialise and modernise the animal husbandry sector, and promote organic methods. In addition, the sector is required to increase scientific studies and apply Industry 4.0 advancements in order to improve the competitiveness of the domestic husbandry sector. Regarding the specific strategies to achieve by 2030, Vietnam wants to be recognised as one of the most competitive livestock industries in Asia. Husbandry products should be mostly produced in farms and professional households in order to ensure biological safety for products which are sold in both domestic and international markets. The annual growth rate of gross output is expected to reach 4-5 per cent per year between 2021 and 2025 and an average of 3-4 per cent annually during the 2026-2030 period. Under the strategy, the proportions of cattle and poultry slaughtered at industrial and concentrated facilities will be 60 and 40 per cent, respectively, by 2025, and 70 and 30 per cent by 2030. The proportion of processed cattle and poultry meat will also represent 25-30 per cent of the total meat production by 2025 and 40-50 per cent in the five years after that. In addition, disease-free farming areas will be built, with at least 10 at district level by 2025 and a minimum of 20 by 2030. By 2045, Vietnams animal husbandry is expected to become a modern sector, and be industrialised in almost all steps from manufacturing and processing to connecting the market to sell products. The production capacity and level of the countrys husbandry sector also aims to rank on the top of Southeast Asia by this time. In addition, Vietnam will look to prevent and control the spread of dangerous diseases and airborne infections from animals to humans. Almost all products including meat, eggs, and milk are processed at facilities meeting the standards for biological safety and environmental friendliness. All cattle and poultry meat must be provided from concentrated and industrial slaughtered facilities, with 70 per cent of products preliminarily treated and 30 per cent of products intensively processed. Along with specific growth targets, the strategy also mentions that the state budget will put priority on developing technical infrastructure to serve for human resources training, management capacity improvement, and to preserve rare and precious genes. In addition, the strategy also set the requirement to encourage the participation of domestic and foreign investors in production, processing, and business related to livestock production. In order to realise these targets, the strategy issues numerous specific solutions and requirements. Notably, it is necessary to complete the legal framework on husbandry development (including land, finance, commerce, and communication programmes). In addition, it needs to improve the country and all stakeholders capacity to prevent and control diseases, improve product quality and international cooperation, and develop the supporting industry for the husbandry sector. The prime minister assigned the MARD to host and cooperate with other ministries and localities to implement the strategy, as well as build implementation programmes and schemes for approval, while simultaneously reporting on the results of every one- and five-year period. These authorities can report to the prime minister if problems arise that exceed their authority, as well as request adjustments to the strategy to match the actual conditions. Priya, her husband Nadesalingam, and their Australian-born children Kopika, 4, and Tharunicaa in an undated photo. (AAP Image/hometobilo.com) Tamil Family Considering High Court Appeal as Federal Court Upholds Ruling on Daughters Visa A Tamil family, who have seen their appeal to lift a bar on their youngest daughter applying for an Australia visa knocked back, has said they will appeal the court decision as the parents continue efforts to remain in the country after the parents arrived as illegal maritime immigrants in 2012 and 2013 and had two children. Priya and Nades Murugappan and Australian-born daughters Kopika and Tharnicaa, five and three, have been living together in housing on Christmas Island since August 2019 after an urgent injunction put a hold on their deportation as they sought a visa for Tharnicaa. On Tuesday morning, the full bench of the Federal Court knocked back a cross-appeal brought by the family on a second ground for relief and rejected an appeal by the federal government over an earlier ruling by Justice Mark Mochinsky, which found youngest-born Tharnicaa was denied procedural fairness in making a protection visa application that would have allowed her to remain in Australia. Mochinsky had ordered the Commonwealth to pay the familys legal costs of more than $200,000. He found that then Immigration Minister David Coleman had lifted a bar to consider a visa application in 2019 for Tharnicaa but no decision was made. An assessment by an immigration department official in August found it unlikely Australias refugee protection obligations would apply to the family. Justice Richard White handed down the full benchs ruling on the appeal on Tuesday morning. They backed Justice Mochinskys reasons and found there was no appealable error in his decision. The full bench accepted that there was no legal obligation to inform Tharnicaa or her family of the ministers decision, but added it was an ordinary expectation of good public administration that people be informed reasonably promptly. Ordinary human decency indicates that detainees should be informed of the position as soon as practicable, they said. Mr and Mrs Murugappan say they fear persecution if returned to Sri Lanka despite other illegal maritime immigrants accepting the Australian governments offer of safe return to Sri Lanka. Both the federal government and the family can now consider a High Court appeal on their failed grounds but must first be granted special leave. In a statement, the familys lawyer Carina Ford said they are considering an appeal and would seek a further injunction on the familys deportation. She said they believe the decision justifies the familys release from detention, noting several ministers have always had the discretion to free them from detention while their legal matters are resolved. The family should be released immediately from detention and we hope this will occur, she said. The family have said they were grateful for the support and love theyve been shown. It helps us stay strong. We just want to go back to Biloela, they said of the Queensland town that they were temporarily settled in. We need our little girls to be safe. Every day they ask when can we go home?' According to a statement from a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs, The Australian Governments policy is clearno-one who attempts illegal maritime travel to Australia will be settled here. The familys claims to engage Australias protection obligations have been comprehensively assessed on a number of occasions by the Department of Home Affairs, various merits review bodies, and appealed though multiple courts, including the Federal Court to the High Court. At no time has any member of the family been found to be owed protection. The spokesperson added, non-citizens who do not hold a visa and who have exhausted all outstanding avenues to remain in Australian are encouraged to depart voluntarily. Those unwilling to depart voluntarily will be subject to detention and removal from Australia, as has occurred in this case. Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton wrote in an op-ed in September 2019 of the Tamil family, The mother and father arrived illegally by boat in 2012 and 2013 respectively. They were part of the 50,000 people who arrived on 800 boats under Mr. Rudd and Ms. Gillard. Labor initially put them into detention and they were told all those years ago that, on the details they provided, they were not refugees under the UN definition so they would have to go home. They were told that they would never settle permanently in Australia, just like many others who arrived by boat. They never accepted that decision. Dutton continued: The civil war in Sri Lanka is now over and Tamils from around the world have returned to their country and have been accepted back by a democratically elected inclusive government. It is true though that Sri Lanka still doesnt have the industry, welfare system or job opportunities we enjoy in Australia. Its not that this family or those in the 68 million figure are unworthy or not sincere in their desire to live in Australia, he wrote. The reality is our government, with the support of the majority of Australians, has taken tough decisions over a number of years now to keep our borders secure and people off boats. At the same time we have brought refugees in who, in many cases faced imminent death or persecution, and their cases are much more compelling than those who are not refugees but simply want a stronger financial future for their families. AAPs Karen Sweeney contributed to this article. Opinion Article 16 February 2021 With over 120 years of history, Kempinski Hotels is Europe's oldest luxury hotel group. Since 1897, Kempinski has been building its brand in the luxury hotel space and is well-regarded for its heritage hotels, luxury holiday resorts, and business and spa hotels around the world. With its long-standing reputation, the Kempinski brand has successfully weathered its fair share of ups and downs and global crises as it continues to stand strong today, operating 76 five-star hotels in 31 countries. In a webinar with EHL, Michael Henssler, Chief Operating Officer Asia and Management Board Member at Kempinski Hotels, shared with us how Kempinski has strengthened its foray into Asia over the last decade, as well as how the company has been navigating the challenges of the current pandemic. Advertisements Could you bring us back to 10 years ago when you came to Asia with Kempinski? What was the set up for Kempinski then, and what is the situation now? About 25 years ago, Kempinski came to China with the Lufthansa Centre in Beijing. 5 years after that, they decided to create a joint venture with BTG (Beijing Tourism Group), a state-owned enterprise, which is very dominant in travel and tourism all over China. The joint venture was called Key Company and was responsible for growing the Kempinski footprint in China, where BTG would bring hotels while Kempinski would run them. When I came in, we had eight hotels in China, with a few more in the pipeline. The growth until then was done very opportunistically, and we really had to shift gears and go for more strategic, quality growth. Because at that time, the level of quality of our portfolio in China was substantially different from the quality of our portfolio in the rest of the world. We wanted to grow not in numbers but in quality, and we were developing additional growth platforms, for example with NUO Hotels. So when I came to China, my purpose was to help transform Key Company and as its success grew, the company started to have its own balance sheet and brands. Today, we manage 30 hotels across Asia from Key Company, and I think we were the first ones to manage hotels in Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur etc. out of China. How would you say the Kempinski brand is different in Asia compared to Europe? They all do a great job and one attribute of Kempinski is that the hotels are all very different. I am very happy with every hotel in terms of offering experiences on a very high level of quality, service, and craftsmanship. However, when you look over the generations of hotels, you see the constant upgrading. Since I've been here [in Asia], nine hotels have left our portfolio, and several have been introduced - for example, in Singapore, Bali, or and Hangzhou in China. Over time, by adding new hotels and letting go of others, we have been able to slowly uplift the portfolio. We still have a long way to go, but the gap with, for example, the Hotel Adlon in Berlin or Cragan Palace in Istanbul, is definitely getting smaller. If you look at the latest generation of hotels in Asia, they are at the level of the Adlon. Also, one of the key aspects of Kempinski hotels in Europe especially, is that they are often hosted in heritage buildings, or buildings with a very strong history and heritage. But it cannot always be achieved anymore, with mostly new builds now. So to express that sense of heritage into a new build, we focus on the service methods - the European method, consulting [with stakeholders], the lobby [being framed] like a living room etc. We try to implement the DNA of craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, though not necessarily to pure fixed standards; it's very tailor-made, very European, especially when it comes to quality management and implementing touch points - that's probably one of our more dominant challenges. Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Kempinski NUO is a distinctly Chinese luxury brand. Could you give us a brief description of how and why NUO was conceptualized? When we started about 10 or 11 years ago, we said, "Okay we need a Chinese brand; it needs to be contemporary, Chinese, luxurious, and green - and it needs to be based on being proudly Made in China." The first time we said proudly Made in China, we faced some scepticism. But I always use the example of 'Made in Germany' - 'Made in Germany' was created in the First World War by the British, as a shame label about products coming from Germany. "It's made in Germany, don't buy it - it comes from the enemy." It was understandable in the context of that time, but when you see what it has evolved to today, it's different. And so, when we wanted to say, 'proudly Made in China', we wanted to be part of reshaping the meaning of this term. We wanted it to have depth and substance - we wanted it to be meaningful. That's what we started creating with a lot of support from the Chinese government and BTG. There have been multiple attempts by different companies to create an Asian or Chinese brand, such as HUALUXE from IHG (InterContinental Hotel Group). How is NUO going to be different? I think it's in the DNA and its relevance. We took a few years and worked with universities for social studies and history and we said, "What is Chinese service? How do you define Chinese values in a service sequence?" We said, "Art is an absolute expression of culture. How do you plan the art?" For example, for the tea at NUO, we have our own tea farms and tea masters to make sure that what we are doing is truly Chinese. The project management, quality management, and engineering - the 'German-ness' were brought in by us [Kempinski]. But it was our Chinese colleagues, our Chairman, and a lot of professors - we took about 3 years - to really define the processes, design, procurement etc. The purpose was to make it relevant, whether for a Chinese or foreigner, to walk into the hotel and say, "Oh, that feels different." And it's not a design - it's something that you smell and feel; the whole process has been adapted - it's really a new experience. Kempinski speaks of high-level European service, while NUO is extremely Chinese in its DNA and heritage. As you oversee both brands, have you taken any insights from NUO and put them into Kempinski in China or vice versa? We try to keep them separate, but I think what we learn when we deal with both is the importance of authenticity, craftsmanship, and acceptance of what is happening around us, as well as blending in the importance of working with communities. The best business plan is quality and craftsmanship. If you have something that people desire, price becomes secondary. The start of NUO was, let's say, a reconfirmation of our strategy for quality with Kempinski. NUO started successfully at a very high level of rates and with great acceptance from the local market, whether in our restaurants or banqueting etc. That reinforced the thought that, "You know what, [with Kempinski,] we have to be even more European; even more distinct and daring." Because if we start to overlap the two and blend them together, we lose the authenticity. So we keep them separate, not even for the sake of effectiveness or efficiency or saving money - we don't do things like that. Kempinski Hotel Nanjing. Kempinski Can you tell us more about this latest venture of Kempinski in China with Universal Studios? Comcast, the American airing company which also owns Universal, entered a joint venture with the Chinese government. Altogether, the park (Universal Beijing Resort) builds upon 4 square kilometres of land in Tongzhou, the outskirts of Beijing. It's going to have seven hotels, a bunch of convention spaces, and an army of restaurants. The joint venture needed somebody to operate all of their hotels, the convention spaces, and the restaurants, as well as help them find and train staff. The main task was also, they said, "You know how to create distinctly different guest experiences; we want you to do the same [with our project]." There are about 6,000 rooms altogether, and then we figured that the project also needed staff housing. So now we are basically building a village of 11,000 rooms, with a kindergarten, clinic, shops etc. adjacent to that. And we were even looking for a mayor - we called him a mayor, not a General Manager - for the staff accommodation. How does your board react when you bring a project like that to them? Maybe 10 years ago [they would have been surprised] but today, the question would rather be, "Listen Michael, what took you so long?" It definitely took a while to build up this credibility, but I think that was always in our DNA, our culture - you need to have ideas. First of all, you need to accept that you have a challenge, because anything that's not faced cannot be solved. And then have the guts to develop 10 ideas and maybe discard 8. And honestly by now, our culture is very open-minded - and that's one fundamental shift in China. At least in my experience, if you have a story, you can get it done. You may need a little more time, patience, and convincing; and the vetting process may take a little longer - but they do open their ears to stuff like that. It's very much underestimated in other parts of the world, and is something that stimulates me very much and keeps me going every day. Kempinski Hotel Nanjing. Kempinski What do you see happening in the next 6 months that keeps you awake at night right now? Before 20 January, I think what kept me awake was our arrogance and ignorance when we deal with climate change and everything that's happening around - the nationalism and [being averse to] migration etc. Especially since I come from Germany, I am very sensitive to people who close borders. Now at this moment in time, what keeps me awake is how we will deal with it [the pandemic], how do we protect our partners and employees, how do we get through all of that. 10% of the world's population works in our business - in hotels and everything that goes around. How and when is travelling coming back? If we go back to the Universal park, we're building it for 65,000 people a day. Are we going to be allowed, in the future, to still have 65,000 people, or is it going to be less? I think we have to be fast and adapt quicker - yes, we [Kempinski] are doing well, but how do we use this change that is happening now to our advantage, while making meaningful changes for our environment? How does Kempinski differentiate its market position in China or in Asia, especially for the post-COVID-19 development needs, compared to other China-specific brands? A lot of what we are doing now, of course, follows limited guidelines, but things are happening in units. We are very entrepreneurial, so the general managers and the hotel teams have the ultimate bottom-line responsibility. They also have a certain degree of freedom to make sure that they respond and adapt to the local dynamics, since they are closer to the market and to the needs and development. We were also the first ones to come to the 'white gloves' initiative, because we said that maybe not the best really wins, but the safest wins. People now do not necessarily want the cheapest room or the best view; they look for safety. We talked about how to build testing into the customer journey; making sure that we are able to help guests use apps that may be different here than elsewhere; or that they know what to expect before they arrive, as the roads change every day. It's really day-by-day work, and the strategic planning only goes as far as you can see - and that's a week. Marketing is as far as you can see from the rooftop, because you don't need to talk about international markets or city-wide MICE events (Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). You need to talk about the little business that you have around because that's what really matters. And that's where I hope we can be a little faster than others, because we are smaller and more flexible. TikTok is under fire in Europe amid a growing backlash against the data collection policies of big tech and social media. The region's leading consumer advocacy group, BEUC, has filed a complaint against the Chinese-owned app with the EU's network of consumer protection authorities. It claims TikTok is violating the bloc's stringent data privacy laws, known as the GDPR, through its alleged "vague" terms of service and by "failing to protect children" from hidden "advertising and inappropriate content." The complaint stems from the findings of two reports analyzing the short-form video app's privacy policy and mobile data processing techniques. According to the BEUC, TikTok has repeatedly changed its data and protection practices in the wider European region without publicly addressing the updates. The group adds that TikTok also fails to detail the ways in which it collects personal information under lawful grounds in its "ambiguous" privacy policy. It also raises concerns over the obfuscation of the app's advertising practices, claiming its pop-up consent mechanism for personalized ads fails to live up to GDPR requirements. And that TikTok does not clarify what this authorization entails in terms of how it actually profiles users for advertising purposes. Therefore, the BEUC concludes that the app has fallen afoul of the GDPR's tenets of transparent data capture and minimization, which dictate that a service should clearly demonstrate that it collects no more than the minimum amount of data required for its operations. This also negatively impacts users' ability to invoke their rights regarding the use of their personal information, according to the BEUC. Today Tiktok is not popular for fully respecting EU consumer & #Eudatap laws. @beuc + 17 consumer groups launch an action to make the app better for consumers, stop & correct wrongdoings. While focused on consumer law, we also looked at #GDPR compliance: https://t.co/f8sf4WrflZ Maryant Fernandez (@maryantfp) February 16, 2021 On the technical side, it claims TikTok tracks users through multiple identifiers regardless of their age, preferences, or the state of their accounts. The consumer group emphasizes that younger users can easily bypass the app's age verification method, after which they are exposed to "hidden" ad practices that encourage them to create content for brands in the guise of hashtag challenges. Alongside the BEUCs complaint, consumer organizations in 15 countries have alerted their national authorities and pushed them to start their own investigations. TikTok in its response to Reuters said that it's "always open to hearing how we can improve, and we have contacted BEUC as we would welcome a meeting to listen to their concerns. It also pointed to its in-app summary of its privacy policy that it claims makes it easier to digest for teens, which make up the biggest chunk of its user base. Last year, Europe's data protection board set up a TikTok task force to help coordinate potential actions taken against the company. The move was designed to streamline the multiple privacy investigations the app was facing in France, Italy, Holland, and Denmark. Meanwhile, the BEUC has previously rallied against Google's then pending acquisition of Fitbit over data collection concerns, though that deal was eventually cleared by the European Commission late last year following an extended merger investigation. NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it has enhanced its remote employee learning and personal development offerings to include Udemy for Business, an online, on-demand educational platform. All full-time Restaurant Support Center employees, Executive Team Directors, Team Directors, and Field Leaders have access to Udemy for Business, which offers more than 5,500 top-rated, engaging courses on a variety of topics, including tech, business and wellness. Through online educational opportunities, employee resource groups, and its Culture Committee, Chipotle is providing a purposeful remote work experience for its employees. Through online educational opportunities and its employee resource groups, Chipotle is providing a purposeful remote work experience for its employees. UNIFIED As a leading inclusive workplace, Chipotle introduced the United Network of Influencers Furthering Inclusion and Ethnic Diversity (UNIFIED) as an employee resource group (ERG). UNIFIED is the company's first ERG to be founded in a completely virtual setting. Last year, it joined four additional employee resource groups that continue to offer connectivity and support for Chipotle's Field Leaders and Restaurant Support Center employees while many of them work remotely. UNIFIED aims to advance an equal opportunity environment that will support a future free from discrimination and inequality for career growth opportunities. To achieve this goal and support Chipotle's mission to Cultivate a Better World, UNIFIED will bring awareness, knowledge, and understanding of workplace ethnic challenges and community issues. Key program components include: A minority mentorship program Virtual round table discussions with prominent speakers and panels Quarterly trainings that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace In February, UNIFIED is hosting a virtual book club that will lead discussions on significant black literature in honor of Black History Month. The group will provide all participating employees with a copy of the chosen book, free of charge. "Our employees are seeking real connection more than ever before, and it's our responsibility to cultivate an environment where they can continue to thrive and pursue their passions with likeminded co-workers, even in a virtual setting," said Marissa Andrada, Chief Diversity, Inclusion and People Officer. "I am so proud of the resilience shown by our ERGs in continuing to provide essential platforms for our employees' personal growth." Employee Resource Groups In addition to UNIFIED, Chipotle has a variety of employee resource groups that are continuing to build culture and create community virtually: PRIDE This group aims to foster a work environment that is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community and to attract, retain, develop and celebrate their authenticity. Chipotle recently received a 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, highlighting best workplaces for LGBTQ+ equality. Chipotle Serves Chipotle Serves seeks to enhance and engage the communities in which Chipotle operates. The group facilitates community improvement grants, nominated by Chipotle's restaurant teams, to help local organizations further their causes surrounding people, animals and the planet, delivering a total of $250,000 in grants last year. in grants last year. In February, the group is launching its 2021 Community Outreach Spotlight Sessions where non-profit organizations will share details on their missions and members will learn how they can support at a group or individual level. The HUSTLE Humans Uniting to Support the Ladies' Experience (HUSTLE) was formed to build a workplace where women can thrive. Their vision is to Cultivate a Better World by building an inclusive environment that attracts, elevates, and evolves women in the workplace. The HUSTLE hosts a monthly virtual book club for all members. Chipotle Wellness This group aims to foster an environment that supports Chipotle employees' mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. To begin the year, Chipotle Wellness has increased visibility into Chipotle's best in class mental health and fitness benefits, including access to HealthAdvocate and a library of digital workout videos and live or on-demand online workout sessions. Culture Committee Culture Committee's purpose is to create spaces where everyone is encouraged to express their passions and curate new connections. ABOUT CHIPOTLE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 2,750 restaurants as of December 31, 2020, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants. With nearly 88,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. Steve Ells, founder, first opened Chipotle with a single restaurant in Denver, Colorado in 1993. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM. SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. FARO, YT, Feb. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - The safety and well-being of Northerners are top priorities of the governments of Canada and Yukon. That is why governments have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, as they adapt to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and support the creation of good, middle-class jobs. Yukoners need municipal infrastructure facilities that are modern, efficient and environmentally responsible. Today, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and the Honourable John Streicker, Minister of Community Services, for the Government of Yukon, announced funding for a new consolidated fire hall and public works building for the Town of Faro. The new Faro Public Works and Firehall replaces two existing buildings. The design of the new building meets the needs of the Town, as it includes seven vehicle bays; staff offices; shared meeting rooms; parts and tool storage; a morgue; and decontamination areas. The new building is designed to exceed minimum energy efficiency standards by 25%, and the mechanical design also utilizes in-floor radiant heating, and air curtains on several of the overhead doors, in order to minimize heat loss. Additionally, the structural and electrical service components are designed to accommodate the potential installation of a roof-mounted photovoltaic array. The Government of Canada is investing $8,866,344 in this project through the Small Communities Fund of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Yukon is providing $2,955,448. Quotes "Residents of the Town of Faro will benefit from this state-of-the art building that will house vital fire response equipment and personnel, as well as essential public works staff and equipment needed in the community. This project to consolidate the fire hall and public works building is an efficient use of resources and goes to show just how municipal, territorial and federal governments can partner to bring these projects to reality, to the benefit of the community." The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities "We are excited to be working with the Government of Canada to provide funding for this essential building for the Town of Faro. The community will benefit from this facility's innovative and environmentally conscious design. It will house office-type spaces on the ground floor, and the second floor is a mezzanine for service spaces only. This includes seven vehicle bays; staff offices; shared meeting rooms; parts and tool storage; a morgue; and decontamination areas. We have worked collaboratively with the community to ensure this building meets their needs." The Honourable John Streicker, Minister of Community Services, Government of Yukon "Today is a very exciting day for the Town of Faro! Improving and/or replacing aging municipal infrastructure continues to be a top priority for us as a Council and community. This new infrastructure will help to significantly improve safety and service quality to our community by our Volunteer Fire Service, Public Works, and the EMS departments. This project will also allow us to better support our neighbours and regional partners as well. Surely, this important project would not be possible without the full support and commitment of our Territorial and Federal funding partners, which we deeply value and appreciate." His Worship Leonard Faber, Mayor of the Town of Faro Quick facts Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities. plan, the Government of is investing more than over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities. To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/covid-19-resilience-eng.html Investing in Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/covid-19-resilience-eng.html The new Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will provide up to $31 million in existing federal funding to support communities as they deploy innovative new ways to adapt spaces and services to respond to immediate and ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/chci-iccs/index-eng.html The Government of Canada has invested more than $744 million in 122 infrastructure projects across Yukon . Associated links Government of Canada Resources - Coronavirus disease (COVID 19): www.canada.ca/coronavirus Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-yt-eng.html Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Infrastructure Canada SOURCE Infrastructure Canada For further information: Chantalle Aubertin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-941-0660, [email protected]; Breagha Fraser, Communications Analyst, Community Services, Government of Yukon, 867-332-1237, [email protected]; Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected] Related Links www.infrastructure.gc.ca TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) -The two warming centers that have opened up in the Wabash Valley are located at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in Terre Haute and Inside Out Recovery in Brazil This is the first year that Inside Out has opened its doors during extreme cold. Saint Stephen's has been offering shelter for the past five years during extreme weather and this year looks different for the center. After the Covid-19 pandemic caused people to lose their jobs, the homeless population began to grow. Now, the warming center is the busiest they've seen it in years. "Our numbers are significantly higher when compared to other years. There's an absolute need because we have people who are now literally homeless. Sleeping in encampments, on the railroad tracks, and behind businesses," said Melissa Gray, the Program Manager of Reach Services. India s technology sector grew 2.3% year-on-year on the back of rapid acceleration in digital transformation and tech adoption, though global output is estimated to have shrunk by 3.2% led by the pandemic, Nasscom said in its Strategic Review 2021 titled New World: The Future is Virtual. Despite headwinds in 2020, Indian tech contributed about 8% relative share to the national gross domestic product, with 52% relative share in services exports, and 50% share in total foreign direct investment based on inflows from April to September 2020. The downturn notwithstanding, the sector continues to be a net hirer with a big focus on digital upskilling, Nasscom said. The industry is expected to add more than 138,000 net new hires in FY21, taking the total employee base to 4.47 million. The digital talent pool is expected to cross 1.17 million, growing at 32% over last year. As much as 95% of chief executive officers expect hiring in 2021 to cross 2020 figures, according to a Nasscom survey. Further, 67% of CEOs believe the Indian technology industry will grow significantly higher than in 2020. Investing in digital continues to rise as an imperative for the industry, with organizations building their capabilities and aligning business models to digital practices. Digital contributed 28-30% of the industrys total revenues. Domestic digital adoption intensified in 2020. The Indian domestic market, driven by hardware-led demand, continued to show resilience, growing at 3.4% in the year. With an increased focus on innovation, India witnessed more than 115,000 tech patents filed by companies in India in the past five years. Digital transformation is the topmost priority for global corporations and in a highly connected world that will remain largely contactless for an extended period, there are shifts in business models, customer experience, operations, and employee experience," said U.B. Pravin Rao, chairman, Nasscom. Enterprises are rebalancing their technology spends to prioritize digitization. The industry saw an overall shift of 10% in outcome-based pricing. Offshore witnessed more than 4% shift in 2020 and attrition rate dropped by 50% in H2 2020 compared to H1 2020. The industry witnessed 146 merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in 2020, 90% of which were digitally focused. Cloud adoption in companies rose 80% during H1 FY21 compared with H2 FY20. Further, continental Europe and Asia Pacific emerged as one of the strongest growth geographies in FY21. Banking, financial services and insurance and healthcare were key growth verticals. As we look at 2021, while there are positives on the vaccination front and accelerated digitization across verticals, the tech industry in India is well geared to build on these trends and continue its transformation journey in this re-defined techade," said Debjani Ghosh, president, Nasscom. The country added more than 1,600 tech startups in 2020, making it the third largest tech startup hub in the world, the highest addition in 3 years, taking the total number of tech startups to 12,500, including 12 new unicorns. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Almost one million children do not have laptops for online lessons while millions of devices are lying unused in homes across Britain. According to research, 14million spare computers are sitting in cupboards and drawers as many pupils struggle to learn while schools are shut in lockdown. The Daily Mail is campaigning to raise money for new and refurbished laptops for pupils. Research by the Department for Opportunities charity found the public thinks learning equipment is the most important resource for a child after food. In lockdown, schools are only open for vulnerable children and those of key workers, with teachers providing online learning or parents teaching their children. Phil Macrae (pictured), 33, runs a computer repair workshop and is devoting his spare time to refurbishing old devices donated after he appealed on Facebook Navy man on mission to help out A former Royal Navy engineer is using his skills to help children struggling without laptops while their schools are shut. Phil Macrae, 33, now runs a computer repair workshop and is devoting his spare time to refurbishing old devices donated after he appealed on Facebook. In just five weeks he has spent more than 350 hours rebuilding 250 second-hand computers which have been given to more than 30 schools in the West Midlands. He travelled all over the world in the Navy and completed two operational tours in Afghanistan before returning to the UK last year. Mr Macrae then set up his computer repair firm called The Speedy Bear and works out of a modest annexe of a house in Coventry. I could combine my passion for fixing computers with my drive to help people, he said. I owe much of my tenacity, drive and technical know-how to the Navy. The schools are elated to receive support. Raised in a deprived area of Glasgow, he said that he too had struggled to find the right books and equipment for school. Advertisement For some 904,000 pupils, learning has been near impossible without access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home, the charity said. Even before the pandemic, there was a digital divide, it added. Nearly seven in ten children who own a laptop succeed in their GCSEs compared to just three in ten who lack one, according to the National Childrens Bureau. The public places high importance on children being able to learn digitally, with 62 per cent saying it is second in importance only to food. Overall, 93 per cent believe it is important for schoolchildren to have access to a laptop and internet during the pandemic. But few donate IT equipment to charity compared to clothes, books, toys and games. More than one in five people own a working laptop or tablet that they no longer use, according to a YouGov poll. But only 8 per cent have ever donated any computer equipment. If just one in 14 of these spare laptops were donated, every child in the UK would have the tools to learn during Covid-19. The Mails campaign is only accepting old devices donated by companies. But there are many schemes across the UK that accept donations of computers and tablets from individuals. You can find one near you via https://techforuk.com/donate-your-tech/ The Department for Opportunities is among charities calling for old devices to be donated by post, collection or at a drop-off point. Its head Sarah Atkinson said: Every child has a right to learn. But millions from low-income families are facing a further barrier due to a lack of technology. If anyone has a spare working laptop or tablet hidden away somewhere, please dig it out. Mail Force has been crisscrossing Britain making deliveries of laptops to schools. Among the most recent recipients is 12-year-old Eva Wielgosz (pictured) Former minister Alan Milburn, chairman of the charity, said: Covid-19 has taken a wrecking ball to social mobility. By donating a spare device, the public can help level the playing field. Mail Force, a charity set up last year to buy PPE, is buying new laptops and refurbishing used ones donated by companies. In Michael Delacours youth, he traveled to what is now Peoples Park in Berkeley to protest the Vietnam War and declare the land along Telegraph Avenue a free space. Hes 83 now, and these days, his trips to the 2.8-acre park that he helped create are more serene. He likes to sit quietly and eat lunch with some of Berkeleys homeless. Peoples Park is for the people, Delacour said. That declaration hasnt changed since 1969, when the land became a battlefield after UC Berkeley cleared housing there to make way for dormitories. Activists fought the plan, and though their protests were met with force a county sheriffs deputy fatally shot a man, and then-Gov. Ronald Reagan brought in the military to occupy the area they ultimately prevailed, keeping development from the property. Since those radical days, the park has remained a haven for the homeless. But the regions housing crisis has become overwhelming, especially in Berkeley, and the value of a piece of buildable property three blocks from campus, even one drenched in history and symbolism, has grown. Now, the park is targeted once again for development and while a new battle is brewing, it seems likely to go other way this time around. The university plans a building on the site of up to 17 stories, with as many as 1,200 beds for students. A second building would contain 150 beds for people needing supportive housing, in a city where the homeless population increased by roughly 11% from 2017 to 2019. In an echo of 1969, some students mistrust the universitys intentions. They want more resources for the parks homeless residents and worry that the development will displace them. Meanwhile, the unsheltered people who live and spend time at the park want the property to remain the way it is, a free space where theyve built a community. But university officials say UC Berkeley must address a dire shortage of student housing, a crisis that has only worsened over the decades. Building on Peoples Park is a necessity, they say, and still wont meet the demand for student housing. City officials, seeing the universitys footprint squeeze housing and inflate prices further, say the university needs to do its part. We are facing a housing emergency, said Mayor Jesse Arreguin. We have students who are homeless, couch surfing, living in their vehicles. The cost of housing in Berkeley and in the Bay Area is some of the highest in the country. The scarcity of housing for students drives up rents throughout our community, it pushes people out and it results in displacement. The university plans to present its development plans to the UC regents this summer. If approved, construction could begin in 2022. The campus needs to add 8,800 more beds to house its undergraduate and graduate population, said Kyle Gibson, a spokesman for the universitys capital strategies department, which oversees campus design, planning construction and real estate. The non-student portion of the development will focus on people who are very low-income or formerly homeless, Gibson said. Its unclear if the parks current residents would be eligible a sticking point for students. Gibson said the city maintains a list of people eligible and prioritized for supportive housing that will be used to identify who can move in. On Feb. 2, students ripped up temporary fences surrounding the park and dropped them at Sproul Plaza in defiance of the plans. Last week, nearly 60 students set up tents and occupied the park. They say the university should consider building somewhere else. Leave Peoples Park alone, they say, and instead consider building tiny homes and hot showers for the homeless. This is not a battle over (being) for or against housing. Its about what kind of housing we are creating, whos involved in the conversation and who stands to benefit, said Coleman Rainey, a fourth-year Ph.D. student who is among those occupying the park. As the students, we reject a paradigm where the university continues its role as a speculative developer and as a landlord. When students ripped up the fences, Delacour was there. He said he was reminded of 1969. He had led demonstrations against the Vietnam War at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park outside City Hall. When police blocked him from returning, Delacour said he had to find somewhere else to protest. He chose a vacant lot between Haste Street and Dwight Way. The property was once dotted with brown-shingled homes for professors and others, who refused to sell. In 1967, the regents used eminent domain to force them out and paid $1.3 million. The university bulldozed the homes and planned to build either student housing or a parking lot, but ran out of money. Two years later, Delacour placed a notice in an underground newspaper urging people to join him for a picnic at the property. He laid down sod and others built swings. Peoples Park was born. But several weeks later, police threw out a group of campers from the park and built a fence to keep them out. The next day, thousands of people stormed the park and tried to rip out the fence. Police responded with tear gas. A bystander was killed and another man was blinded. The day became known as Bloody Thursday. The new plans have dredged up old memories and mixed feelings. Courtney Goff, a 75-year-old retired contractor and developer who lived across the street from the park as a graduate student in 1969, helped build a gazebo there. At the time, he said, there was an overwhelming distrust of the universitys intentions a similar sentiment felt by students today. Like others, Goff felt the park should remain untouched by development. Now, he isnt so sure. I realize there is an incredible need for housing in the state and its not getting built, said Goff, who now lives in Sausalito. Im not opposed to the university building property, unlike 52 years ago. They must need it. Jack Damonte, 81, graduated from UC Berkeley in 1965. At the time of the protests, he was an architect at McCue Boone Tomsick Architects, a local company commissioned to draw up plans for student housing at Peoples Park. His company employed about 50 people, Damonte said, and roughly 30 filed a petition with the executives, convincing them to turn down the job. There was a feeling (the university) was disrespectful of this place of demonstration. It was a hard time. You couldnt be neutral, Damonte said. Now, he said, I wrinkle up my nose when I think about a 17-story-high building and what it will do to the surrounding neighborhood. Phil Bokovoy, the president of Save Berkeley Neighborhoods, lives about eight blocks from Peoples Park. He said his group hasnt taken a position on the development because members havent seen design plans. But a 17-story building, he said, is completely out of scale for the neighborhood and the city. The student housing complex would be taller than any other near the campus. Designs arent final yet. As for the parks current residents, they want to stay where they are. Chris Faries, 53, said he first lived in the park when he was 19, after touring with the Grateful Dead. He returned to the park over the summer because, he said, he received his Social Security check and owed a lot of people out here a lot of drinks. On a recent day, Faries, dressed in a tie-dye sweatshirt, sat with nearly half a dozen others outside tents, drinking beer. He said he did not believe the university would follow through on building supportive housing and getting homeless people off the street. I like it here, he said. We all know everyone. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani Shutting down the internet has become an increasingly popular tool of repressive and authoritarian governments and some democracies around the world. Rights groups say governments use such measures to prevent protests, silence the opposition or cover up human rights abuses. These controls are raising concerns about the restriction of freedom of speech. Researchers say that repressive governments often cut access to the internet as a measure against protests or civil unrest. This is especially the case around the time of elections. These governments try to keep their hold on power by restricting the flow of information. In the past, they would have simply taken control of the local TV and radio stations. In the digital age, however, they take control of the internet as well. Alp Toker started the research group Netblocks which studies the openness of the internet. He said, "Internet shutdowns have been massively underreported or misreported over the years." Because of the growth of documenting efforts like his, the world is "starting to realize what's happening," he added. Last year there were 93 major internet shutdowns in 21 countries. Those numbers come from a report by Top10VPN, a digital privacy and security research group based in Britain. The list does not include places like China and North Korea, where the government strongly controls or restricts the internet. Shutdowns take many forms. The report said they can be complete internet blackouts, or they can involve blocking social media companies or sharply reducing internet speeds. Experts warn that internet cuts have political, economic and humanitarian costs. The situation is even worse because of lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus that require school classes to be held online. A wider debate The shutdowns are part of a wider debate over control of the internet. In the West, efforts to limit social media have raised competing concerns about restricting free speech and limiting harmful information. In the past few weeks, several countries have cut internet access or placed limits on social media. In Myanmar, the internet was cut for about 24 hours after the army seized power and arrested leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters. Then, internet users reported data access on their mobile phones suddenly returned. Norway's Telenor ASA runs one of Myanmar's main wireless carriers and temporarily shut down networks. Telenor said, "We deeply regret the impact the shutdown has on the people of Myanmar." Myanmar's government also carried out one of the world's longest internet shutdowns in the countrys Rakhine and Chin states. The action was meant to stop the operations of an armed ethnic group. The cutoff began in June 2019 and was only lifted on February 3. Ethiopia's Tigray blackout In Ethiopia's Tigray region, internet access has been out since fighting started in early November. That has made it difficult to know about violence and humanitarian concerns there. In Uganda, restrictions on social media sites including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube took effect ahead of a January 14 presidential election. Officials said it was to prevent opposition supporters from organizing possibly dangerous street protests. Europe's first internet blackout took place in Belarus. The internet went down there for 61 hours after the August 9 presidential election. Service was cut after election officials reported the victory of President Alexander Lukashenko. Protesters claimed the vote was unfair. Risk to collective freedom Netblocks Toker said the public and the international community will begin to see shutdowns as normal. He called it the "greatest risk to our collective freedom in the digital age." Internet shutdowns are also common in democratic India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has recently used them more often to target his political opposition. Darrell West is a vice president of governance studies at the Brookings Institution who has studied internet shutdowns. He said democracies are also using shutdowns. "The risk is that once one democracy does it, others will be tempted to do the same thing. It may start at the local level to deal with unrest, but then spread more broadly," he said. Im Jill Robbins. Kelvin Chan wrote this story for the Associated Press. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story authoritarian adj. expecting or requiring people to obey rules or laws; not allowing personal freedom access n. a way of being able to use or get something impact v. to have a powerful influence or effect tempt v. to cause (someone) to do or want to do something even though it may be wrong, bad, or unwise What do you think of the internet shutdowns? Is it happening in your country? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. Non-binding term sheet signed with Orion Mine Finance for US$300 million streaming facility Societe Generale and Nedbank appointed as mandated lead arrangers for a senior project debt facility of up to US$120 million Detailed engineering underway on mine design, 770-ktpa concentrator and associated infrastructure for Platreef's phased development plan, which is expected to be incorporated into an updated feasibility study by the end of 2021 Platreef's Shaft 1 changeover progressing well in preparation for permanent hoisting by early 2022 Mokopane, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Ivanhoe Mines' (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Co-Chairs Robert Friedland and Yufeng "Miles" Sun are pleased to announce that the company's South African subsidiary, Ivanplats, has signed a non-binding term sheet with Orion Mine Finance, a leading international provider of production-linked stream financing to base and precious metals mining companies, for a US$300 million gold, palladium and platinum streaming facility. Ivanplats also has appointed two prominent, international commercial banks - Societe Generale and Nedbank - as mandated lead arrangers for a senior project debt facility of up to US$120 million. Both the stream financing and project debt facility will be used to advance the development of Ivanplats' tier one Platreef palladium, platinum, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold project in Limpopo province, South Africa, toward initial production. The appointment and proposed financings follow the November 30, 2020 issuance of the outstanding findings of an independent Platreef Integrated Development Plan 2020 (Platreef IDP20) for the Platreef Project, which consists of an updated feasibility study (Platreef 2020 FS) and a preliminary economic assessment (Platreef 2020 PEA). The initial capital cost for the phased development plan envisaged under the Platreef 2020 PEA, starting at a mining rate of 700,000 tonnes per annum (700 ktpa), is estimated at US$390 million. The US$300 million stream financing remains subject to completion of legal due diligence and structuring, as well as negotiation and execution of definitive documentation. The streaming facility is planned to be drawn down in four separate tranches, as needed, in parallel with the engineering studies to upgrade the Platreef 2020 PEA to a feasibility study and the changeover of Platreef's Shaft 1 to a production shaft. Detailed engineering is underway on the mine design, 770-ktpa concentrator and associated infrastructure for the phased development plan, which is scheduled to be incorporated into an updated feasibility study before the end of 2021. The Shaft 1 changeover is progressing well in preparation for permanent hoisting by early 2022. Platreef's budget for 2021 is US$59 million, which includes US$10 million for commencement of headframe construction for Shaft 2. The first draw from the streaming funds, which is expected to occur shortly after establishment of the facility, is expected to fully cover Platreef's 2021 budget. The senior project debt facility of up to US$120 million is scheduled to be utilized only after the streaming facility is fully drawn down. Definitive terms and conditions of the debt facility are subject to the completion of the feasibility study for Platreef's phased development plan, completion of due diligence and structuring, as well as negotiation and execution of definitive documentation. Terms and conditions of the debt facility will be made available when finalized. "This is very auspicious timing for the Platreef financing announcement as it coincides with the celebration of Chinese New Year, which signifies the start of spring, and the Year of the Golden Ox," said Mr. Friedland. "The Ox is an animal that is symbolic of a silent hard worker who strives for self-improvement and endeavours to get out of 2020's challenges. Tradition also says the Year of the Ox will bring prosperity and success in business." We are excited to work with Orion, Societe Generale, Nedbank and our other long-term investors to unlock Platreef's world-scale potential. The production of key 'green metals' needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is at a critical inflection point as businesses are pressed to secure long-term supplies. We are confident that this project-level funding will be the catalyst needed to launch Platreef to become a leading, long-life supplier of palladium, platinum, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold." "Platreef's Shaft 1 has been sunk to its final depth and is within a few hundred metres of the initial high-grade mining zone. The deposit has an enormous endowment of palladium, platinum, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold in a thick, high-grade, flat-lying underground orebody that is ideal for modern, bulk-scale, mechanized mining," Mr. Friedland continued. The Platreef 2020 PEA is an alternate, phased development plan that fast-tracks Platreef into production. The plan uses the project's first shaft (Shaft 1) for initial hoisting and mine development, with 825-ktpa total rock-hoisting capacity, of which 700 ktpa are earmarked for ore hoisting and a further 125 kpta for development rock during the ore extraction phase. The phased plan envisions building an initial concentrator with a capacity of 770 ktpa for first concentrate production in mid-2024. The recently-completed sinking of Shaft 1 creates the opportunity to access early, high-grade tonnes in this scenario. While the 700-ktpa initial mine is being operated using Shaft 1, there would be opportunities to refine the timing of subsequent phases of expanded production, which is driven by the sinking of Shaft 2. Once completed, two 2.2-Mtpa concentrator modules would be commissioned, and the initial concentrator would be ramped up to its full capacity of 770 ktpa - increasing the steady-state production to 5.2 Mtpa. The Platreef IDP20 reflects the first phase of development for the Platreef Mine. It is designed to establish an operating platform to support potential future expansions up to 12 Mtpa, as demonstrated in previous studies. This would position Platreef among the largest platinum-group-metals producing mines in the world, producing in excess of 1.1 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold per year. Ivanhoe Mines indirectly owns 64% of the Platreef Project through its subsidiary, Ivanplats, and is directing all mine development work. The South African beneficiaries of the approved broad-based, black economic empowerment structure have a 26% stake in the Platreef Project. The remaining 10% is owned by a Japanese consortium of ITOCHU Corporation; Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation; ITC Platinum Development Ltd., an ITOCHU affiliate; and Japan Gas Corporation. Platreef operational update The Shaft 1 changeover is progressing to plan and is on schedule for commencement of rock hoisting early in 2022. All equipment for the shaft changeover has been procured and is on site. The detailed engineering designs for the shaft changeover have been completed, reviewed and approved. The changeover work within the shaft will be conducted by Platreef's experienced owners team. The winder that was used to successfully sink Shaft 1 will be converted and re-equipped to function as the permanent rock, personnel and material winder for the life of mine. The shaft will be equipped with two 12.5-tonne skips (with hoisting capacity of 825,000 tonnes per year) and an interchangeable cage to accommodate the movement of personnel and materials up and down the shaft during the initial phase of mining. The shaft will be equipped using rope guides for the main rock, personnel and materials conveyances. The stage and winder ropes used during the sinking phase have been removed, and the equipping stage, new permanent guide-ropes and the new permanent hoisting ropes have been delivered to site. Further to this, an auxiliary winder will be installed to mainly function as a man winder during the main rock-hoisting cycle. The construction of the winder foundations is underway and will be completed in time for the auxiliary winder installation and commissioning. The head gear, both winders, equipping stage, conveyances and control systems will comply with the highest industry safety standards, with proven and tested safety and redundancy systems in place. Newly-designed rock chutes will connect the conveyors feeding the concentrator plant and the waste rock area, from where the rock will be converted to cemented back-fill and also used for protection berms to contain storm water and reduce noise emissions. The new ropes and the newly-designed and constructed equipping stage will be installed in the shaft by specialist contractors. The equipping in the shaft barrel is scheduled to commence at the end of March 2021 for completion by end of February 2022. Following the completion of the changeover work in the underground stations, and establishment of the ore and waste passes, lateral underground mine development will commence toward high-grade ore zones. Inoccent Nchabeleng (Rigger) operating the rope reeler to remove the stage and winder ropes used during the sinking phase. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/74577_85982ebec4be2b3c_002full.jpg Murray Roberts, a South Africa-based engineering and mining contractor, removing the rock chutes from the headframe as part of Shaft 1 changeover. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/74577_85982ebec4be2b3c_003full.jpg Victor Skinner (Winder Technician) installing cables at Shaft 1 new winder house. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/74577_85982ebec4be2b3c_004full.jpg Qualified persons In December 2020, Ivanhoe Mines filed a new National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) technical report titled "Platreef Integrated Development Plan 2020" with an effective date of December 6, 2020 (Platreef IDP20). The Platreef IDP20, which includes the Platreef 2020 FS and Platreef 2020 PEA, was independently prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd. of Adelaide, Australia; Wood plc (formerly Amec Foster Wheeler) of Vancouver, Canada; SRK Consulting Inc. of Johannesburg, South Africa; Stantec Consulting International LLC of Phoenix, USA; DRA Global of Johannesburg, South Africa; and Golder Associates Africa of Midrand, South Africa. Other scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, P.Geo., Ivanhoe Mines' Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Torr is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is the Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation of Ivanhoe Mines. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release. Sample preparation, analyses and security During Ivanhoe's work programs, sample preparation and analyses were performed by accredited independent laboratories. Sample preparation is accomplished by Set Point laboratories in Mokopane. Sample analyses have been accomplished by Set Point Laboratories in Johannesburg, Lakefield Laboratory (now part of the SGS Group) in Johannesburg, Ultra Trace Laboratory in Perth, Genalysis Laboratories in Perth and Johannesburg, SGS Metallurgical Services in South Africa, Acme in Vancouver, and ALS Chemex in Vancouver. Bureau Veritas Minerals Pty Ltd assumed control of Ultra Trace during June 2007 and is responsible for assay results after that date. Sample preparation and analytical procedures for samples that support Mineral Resource estimation have followed similar protocols since 2001. The preparation and analytical procedures are in line with industry-standard methods for platinum, palladium, gold, copper and nickel deposits. Drill program included insertion of blank, duplicate, standard reference material (SRM), and certified reference material (CRM) samples. The quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program results do not indicate any problems with the analytical protocols that would preclude use of the data in Mineral Resource estimation. Sample security has been demonstrated by the fact that the samples were always attended or locked in the on-site core facility in Mokopane. Information on sample preparation, analyses and security is contained in the Platreef Project NI 43-101 Technical Report titled "Platreef Integrated Development Plan 2020" with an effective date of December 6, 2020, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com. About Ivanhoe Mines Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal joint-venture projects in Southern Africa: the development of major new, mechanized, underground mines at the Kamoa-Kakula discoveries in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and at the Platreef palladium-platinum-nickel-copper-rhodium-gold discovery in South Africa; and the extensive redevelopment and upgrading of the historic Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC. Kamoa-Kakula and Kipushi will be powered by clean, renewable hydroelectricity and will be among the world's lowest greenhouse gas emitters per unit of metal produced. Ivanhoe also is exploring for new copper discoveries on its wholly-owned Western Foreland exploration licences in the DRC, near the Kamoa-Kakula Project. Information contacts Investors: Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834 / Media: Matthew Keevil +1.604.558.1034 Cautionary statement on forward-looking information Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company, the Platreef Project, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results, and speak only as of the date of this news release. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this news release include without limitation, (i) statements regarding the establishment of the stream financing facility and that it remains subject to legal due diligence and structuring, and negotiation and execution of definitive documentation; (ii) statements regarding the establishment of the senior project debt facility, and its term and conditions, and that it remains subject to completion of the feasibility study of Platreef's phased development plan, completion of legal due diligence and structuring, as well as negotiation and execution of definitive documentation; (iii) statements regarding the timing of the first draw of the streaming facility and that the senior project debt facility would only be utilized after the streaming facility is fully drawn; (iv) statements regarding the Platreef budget for 2021 is US$59 million, which includes US$10 million for commencement of the construction of the headframe to the collar of Shaft 2; (v) statements regarding the Platreef IDP20 is designed to establish an operating platform to support potential future expansions up to 12 Mtpa producing in excess of 1.1 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold per year, as demonstrated in previous studies, which would position Platreef among the largest platinum-group-metals producing mines in the world; (vi) statements that the equipping of the shaft barrel is scheduled to commence at the end of March 2021 for scheduled completion by the end of February 2022; (vii) the timing of commencement of lateral underground mine development; and (viii) the timing of Shaft 1 changeover for the commencement of rock hoisting early in 2022. In addition, all of the results of the Platreef IDP20, Platreef 2020 PEA and Platreef 2020 FS constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements include metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, projected capital and operating costs, metal recoveries, mine life and production rates, and the financial results of the Platreef 2020 PEA and FS. These include estimates of internal rates of return after-tax of 20.0% (PEA) and 19.8% (FS) with payback periods of 8.4 years and 4.4 years respectively; net present values including a PEA NPV at an 8% discount rate of US$1.6 billion and a FS NPV at an 8% discount rate of US$1.8 billion; future production forecasts and projects, including average annual production of 512koz 3PE+Au in the PEA and 508koz 3PE+Au in the FS; estimates of net total cash cost, net of copper and nickel by-product credits and including stay-in-business (SIB) capital costs of US$460/oz. 3PE+Au in the PEA and US$442/oz. 3PE+Au in the FS; mine life estimates, including a 30 year mine life in the PEA and a 30 year mine life in the FS; initial capital costs of US$0.39 billion in the PEA and US$1.4 billion in the FS; average 3PE+Au grades of 4.4 g/t in the PEA and 4.4 g/t in the FS; cash flow forecasts; and estimates of 3PE+Au recoveries of 86.4% in the PEA and 86.4% in the FS. Readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from those presented. All such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Ivanhoe Mines' management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information or statements including, but not limited to, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, industrial accidents or machinery failure (including of shaft sinking equipment), or delays in the development of infrastructure, and the failure of exploration programs or other studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements also include those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the company's most recently filed MD&A as well as in the most recent Annual Information Form filed by Ivanhoe Mines. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Certain of the factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and statements, and certain of the risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially are presented in the "Platreef Integrated Development Plan 2020", available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com. This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in platinum, palladium, gold, rhodium, copper, nickel or other mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) changes to proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licences. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74577 He sits quietly at his table, looking closely at his miniature World War II tank. His hands are steady as he works to make the piece of plastic look as real as possible. And it does look real, but very small. The project is the work of Maxime Fannoy, a Belgian husband and father dealing with pandemic restrictions that keep him at home with his family. The old traditional hobby of creating miniature models is returning, whether they are trains, tanks or dollhouses. Families are sitting down together and creating little worlds. Sales are increasing among companies that make model kits. British company Airfix saw a major increase in its plastic kits for Spitfires, the famous World War II fighter plane. Airfix is owned by Hornby, which also makes model trains and cars under other names. The business has become profitable again, with sales rising sharply. The simple pleasure of gluing and painting are pulling some younger people away from their phones and computers. Suddenly, they find they have more time. So many have begun taking up the hobbies enjoyed by their parents and grandparents. In France, 70-year-old Guy Warein says he has rebuilt an old model train that had been stored away. His grandchildren love it and have returned from the virtual world to reality. He said his grandson said to him: Come on Grandpa, lets go and see the trains and make them work again. So, we put them together and did things together, he says. Its a coming together of generations. He repaired the old miniature trains and put down a large track. He is designing a new path for the trains to travel through. The hobby has helped him forget about the pandemic and the social problems caused by COVID-19. You fill your time and forget whats happening around you, Warein said. Manufacturers have worked hard to meet the growing worldwide demand. Lyndon Davies is Hornbys chief executive officer. He had to fly 10,000 Spitfire kits to England from a factory in India when the company ran out of supplies for the first time in its 71-year history. This pandemic has really brought families together at home, he said. Peco is another British manufacturer. It has hired new employees to meet the increased demand. Orders to the company are up 50 percent in some markets. People want miniature trains and tracks as well as the small buildings and trees that sit on the track. This is happening everywhere: Our markets in the UK, across Europe, in Australia, North America, in China, said sales manager Steve Haynes. People are making far greater use of theirfree timeand do something creative. In Belgium, Fannoy calls himself a model-maker made from lockdown. When the pandemic shut down his busy life and forced him to do business from home, he began working on some model kits he had long ago hidden away in his house for future free time. He first completed several 1/24th-scale racing cars. A WWII tank has been painted to look old and is displayed in a winter environment with troops and other vehicles. He posted photos of the diorama on Facebook. It represented 50 hours of work. I generally start in the evenings at around 8 p.m. and stop around 11 p.m. to midnight, Fannoy says. I can no longer do the things I would normally doI open a kit and work on it. In fact, its my wife who comes and pulls me out of this mini-world I live in. Fannoy added: Its a form of meditation. Im Susan Shand. The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story miniature adj. very small steady adj. still and not shaking hobby n. an interest or activity engaged in for pleasure kit n. equipment or materials needed or used for a special purpose glue v. a substance used to stick things together virtual adj. taking place online or through computers instead of happening physically meditation n. to think calm thoughts for a long period in order to relax diorama n. a model that shows a situation, such as a historical event or animals in their natural environment We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, and visit our Facebook page. Once a policy to apply forest environmental and CO2 indicators is officially approved, Vietnam may participate more actively in the sale and purchase of carbon credits for both enterprises and localities. Vietnam leaps on carbon credit craze. The south-central province of Quang Nam has been waiting for the government to approve a pilot project on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and on selling carbon credits to the international market. Quang Nam has 628,000 hectares of natural forest, which has the capacity to absorb one million tonnes of CO2 per year. The province is expected to sell CO2 credits for $30 million by 2025, said Le Minh Hung, director of Quang Nam Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Hung is also director of the Management Board of the Truong Son Xanh forest-planting project. Although five groups from the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States wish to purchase carbon credits from the Truong Son Xanh project, we have to wait for government approval. I think the prime ministers instruction to build a policy is convenient. However, it will still take a long time from building the policy to implementing the project. So, we still expect to receive the governments special mechanism, Hung said. This year is the first that Vietnam will receive payment under the Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) signed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the World Banks Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) in late October last year. According to the agreement, Vietnam is expected to reduce 10.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from the six central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue to receive $51.5 million from the FCPF. The fund to serve for emission reduction payment worldwide is estimated at $1.3 billion. Vietnam is the first country in Asia-Pacific and fifth globally to reach such a milestone agreement with the FCPF. Nguyen Dinh Dai, chief of the Medical Committee Netherlands-Vietnam in Central Vietnam, told VIR that it has facilitated smallholder forest owners of log-wood acacia plantations and community natural forest owners in preparing the dossier to access ERPA payments. This is being carried out through the PROSPER sustainable forest management initiative in Quang Tri, funded by the Medical Committee Netherlands-Vietnam and the European Union. If the payment mechanism is successful, I hope it will be extended nationwide, leading to encouraging sustainable forest management and development, Dai said. The programme marks the beginning of a new chapter for the country to continue to apply new and significant policies for forest protection and improved management. The Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre kicked off a campaign to plant 10 million new trees by 2025 at a ceremony held earlier this month, marking the first province in the country to launch the campaign in response to the prime ministers call for planting one billion trees in the next five years and Resolution No.120/NQ-CP on climate-resilient and sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region. Through the programme, the province will plant 10 million trees before 2025 with the desire to build Ben Tre as a green, clean, and beautiful industrial province. The execution is estimated to cost at VND50 billion ($2.17 million), which will be mobilised from the social sphere, including the business community. At the launch ceremony, the province received VND100 million ($4,350) donated by Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh and an additional VND23.8 billion ($1.03 million) in cash donations from individuals, enterprises, and organisations to support Ben Tre in implementing the campaign. Among which, Dong Khoi Development and Investment JSC sponsored VND1 billion ($43,500) to the campaign. Tran Ngoc Tam, Chairman of Ben Tre Peoples Committee, called on the business community and others inside and outside the province to support the campaign in both human power and finance so that the goals can be attained. Along with Ben Tre, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the support of BaoViet Life, kicked off the Vietnam Green Journey campaign to plant 2,500 indigenous trees on five hectares of land at Phong Dien Nature Reserve in Phong Dien district. According to Vice Chairman of Thua Thien-Hue Peoples Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh, the campaign is significant for afforestation and biodiversity conservation. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued an instruction on the tree planting campaign for the Lunar New Year and forest development and protection for the year. Similar tree-planting campaigns were first launched by President Ho Chi Minh in 1959, and it has since become an annual festival at the beginning of each Lunar New Year. Along with the significance, the call occurs in the context of natural disasters and climate change which have greatly affected residents, showing the importance of tree planting and forest protection. The country currently has 14.6 million hectares of forest, of which 4.3 million are grown forest and the rest natural. The nations forest coverage makes up more than 41 per cent of its total area, which is lower compared to 58 per cent in Cambodia and 68 per cent in Laos. Around 700,000ha of land in Vietnam is still available for afforestation purposes. Exploring carbon credit trade According to the calculations of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VAF) under the MARD, the country could reduce total carbon dioxide emissions by 24.6 million tonnes by 2025. After reducing 10.3 million tonnes committed with the FCPF, Vietnam can acquire additional tens of millions in US dollars from selling carbon credits of the remainder to partners for the global average of $5 per tonne of CO2. The purchase should become easier after Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in December assigned the MARD, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) and relevant agencies, to build a policy to apply the forest environment and CO2 indexes in accordance with regulations. A survey by the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade showed that in order to manufacture 10 million tonnes of steel, factories will emit 21 million tonnes of CO2. The CO2 emissions in the industry are forecast to reach 122.5 million tonnes by 2025 and increase to 133 million tonnes by 2030, accounting for 17 per cent of the whole countrys total. The major reason is the use of fossil fuels for production. A report from the MoNRE also showed that total solid waste discharged to the environment is on average 12 million tonnes per year, 90 per cent of which is treated. Meanwhile, total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from the landfill of solid waste increased from 6.5 million tonnes of CO2 in 2014 to 8.1 million tonnes in 2017. It was estimated to hit around 10 million tonnes in 2020. According to Pham Van Dien, deputy director general of the VAF, the potential in carbon credits is within reach, but it is necessary to have an official specific guide from the government to determine emissions reduction quotas. In addition, policy is also required so that localities with low emissions can receive financial support from localities with large volumes. Potential land Under the Kyoto Protocols definitions, the clean development mechanism (CDM) allows a country with a GHG-reduction or emission-limitation commitment to implement an emission-reduction project in developing countries like Vietnam. Such projects can earn saleable certified emission reduction (CER) credits, each equivalent to one tonne of CO2, which can be counted towards meeting Kyoto targets. According to the MARD, Vietnams forests can help lessen GHG emissions and cope with climate change via their big CO2-absorbing capacity. A number of local and foreign enterprises have already sniffed out CER opportunities in Vietnam, through forest plantation in particular. Many other CDM projects can be seen in Vietnam in various sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, chemicals, construction, transport, and agriculture. For instance, Hanoi has a project to recover and use discharged gas at the Nam Son waste treatment complex, which was Vietnams CDM-related environment project, was constructed in 2009 by PIJ-LFGC Vietnam, a Malaysian-Canadian joint venture company. This $7.5 million project, producing electricity from discharged gas, particularly methane, was implemented within 2009-2016, with a collected volume of about 2.3 million tonnes of CO2. Hanoi received 10 per cent of total revenues gained from the projects CERs and electricity sales. As Vietnam has yet to be obliged to reduce GHG emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, the CDM opens new opportunities for local companies and agencies to sell credits earned from actively cutting down emissions to potential buyers coming from developed economies. According to the MoNREs Agency for Meteorology Hydrology and Climate Change (AMHCC), Vietnams CDM project types include dumping ground gas recovery (7 per cent), methane recovery (27 per cent), afforestation and reforestation (4 per cent), wind power (4 per cent), hydroelectricity (54 per cent), and others (4 per cent). Vietnam ranks 11th and eighth in the world in terms of registered CDM projects and CERs, respectively. However, foreign investors also face with some difficulties when seeking local partners with sturdy capital contributions. Most local companies are small- and medium-sized ones, with limited understanding about CDM projects. Meanwhile, foreign companies want to cooperate with major local ones so that they can reap big profits and many credits, said an AMHCC expert. Oanh Nguyen (VIR) Uniform payment of forest environmental services needed: experts Experts discussed a uniform monitoring and evaluation system for payment of forest environmental services during a conference held last week in Hanoi. The controversial Family Court merger with the Federal Circuit Court is set to go ahead after the government won over key independent senator Rex Patrick. Legislation for the change was put on ice at the end of 2020 while the government negotiated with crossbenchers over other issues. Senator Rex Patrick will support the governments planned merger of the Family and Federal Circuit Courts. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But Senator Patrick says he now supports the merger with a promise from the government to ensure there is a minimum number of specialist family law judges. Opponents of the changes, including the Law Council of Australia, say it collapses the specialist Family Court into a chronically underfunded, generalist court and dismantles its appeal division. They also warn it risks the safety of domestic violence victims and children. ~ Venezuelans fight ended in stabbing death, woman found dead in a house.~ PHILIPSBURG:--- Police are busy investigating two murders that took place late Sunday night into early Monday morning. Police Spokesman Joe Josepha said that two Venezuelan men were fighting sometime Sunday night that ended in one stabbing the next to death. The incident Josepha said occurred on Tassel Road in Zagersgut Road. Meanwhile, police also found the body of a woman in an apartment in Beacon Hill, Josepha said the woman was also stabbed to death. The police spokesman who is currently off-island said the cases are unrelated. The body of the dead woman was found in an apartment on White Sands Road, Beacon Hill. SMN News will update this article as soon as more information becomes available. Man fatally stabbed on Tassel road, Cul-De Sac The police dispatch received several calls on Sunday evening February 14th, 2021, around 11.30 pm, concerning a double-stabbing that took place at a bar located on Tassel road. When the patrol and ambulance personnel arrived on the scene, they were informed that both victims had already been transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center by a private vehicle. The patrol approached several persons who were on the scene gathering information on what exactly had taken place. At SMMC the detectives were notified that both victims, who were in critical condition, could not give a statement to the detectives. Early this morning the police were notified by the personnel of the Sint Maarten Medical Center that one of the victims had succumbed to his injuries. The identity of the victim is currently being withheld until all families of the victim have been properly notified. If you or anyone you know may have information as to what took place do not hesitate to contact the Police Detective Department at +1 721 54 22222 or the anonymous tip line on 9300 (free of charge). You can also visit the website at www.policesxm.sx to report crime anonymously via the tip contact form, or you can leave a Private Message via our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten - Korps Politie Sint Maarten) if you know or suspect something. This investigation is currently ongoing, more details into what took place will be provided as soon as they become available. Police Force would like to express its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. KPSM Press Release. The health and wellbeing of a person are to some extent, determined by the level of healthcare in the place he or she resides. When a country has a good standard of healthcare, the citizens will enjoy good medical services and thus live healthy lives. Today, I have compiled a list of the top 10 countries with the best healthcare in 2021. Let us get this useful knowledge, and see what we can learn from these countries. First off, there are many ways or criteria used to rate the level of health care in a particular country. They may include the life expectancy, mortality rate, heart disease & cancer survival rate, and successful birth rate. Others may take into account the healthcare facilities, equipment, healthcare professionals, or preventive care. They are actually so many criteria used, but I dont want to bore you with the details in all of them, I did the research for you. The most widely accepted method is the Health Care Index. The Health Care Index is an estimation of the overall quality of the health care system, health care professionals equipment, staff, doctors, cost, and access to preventive care. It is given on a scale of 0-100. This is basically what I used when compiling this list, but I also took into consideration, other factors like life expectancy, mortality rate, etc. So here it goes. 10. Sri Lanka 72.63 Sri Lanka is a country with a free, universal health care system. Healthcare in Sri Lanka is much better in the regional average healthcare, because they have a high life expectancy, and a lower maternal and infant death rate compared to its neighbouring countries in South Asia. Sri Lanka is well known for being one of the countries with the worlds earliest known healthcare systems, dating back to 851 C.E and it also has its own indigenous medicine system. Their indigenous medicine system is governed by councils such as the Sri Lankan traditional medicine council and the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Council. The Sri Lankan government extends healthcare to all its citizens, which has been. General OPD facilities are readily available in public hospitals all over the major towns and cities, with laboratory and radiology facilities present in all of them. Did you know that Sri Lanka is one of the biggest donors of human eyes to the world, donating approximately 3,000 corneas each year? Although the country has a low healthcare expenditure, they have made an impeccable achievement, that compares to the healthcare in many developed countries. Its success is due to its effective public healthcare delivery system, both primary and secondary, which gives its citizens both preventive and curative care at very affordable rates. 9. Australia 77.71 Australias healthcare system is one of the most effective in the world. There are main providers of health care in Australia, includes the primary care services delivered by general practitioners (GPs), medical specialists, allied health workers, and nurses. The foundation of the Australian healthcare system is their medicare which covers all of the cost of public hospital services, and some or all of the costs of other health services. The medicare in Australia is a single-payer universal health care scheme that covers all Australian citizens and permanent residents. They also have a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) that helps make medicines cheaper. Although, health care in Australia is funded by the government at national, state and local governmental levels, there is also optional private health insurance. 8. Thailand 78.08 Thailands healthcare system is divided into three major components: the government health services, non-profit healthcare organizations (NGOs), and the private medical sector. Thailand has a universal health care system ( In 2001, Thailand introduced the Universal Coverage Scheme, UCS) that provide health services to civil servants, private employees, and other citizens. There is at least one major hospital in each province in Thailand and many in popular tourist destinations. Thailand also has a fair amount of English-speaking healthcare professionals. 7. Austria 78.40 Austrias healthcare system provides publicly funded care, and to their citizens, they can also purchase supplementary private health insurance. The health insurance system is funded through taxation from both employees and employers. Everyone with employment in Austria is required to pay into a public health insurance scheme. As of 2015, the cost of healthcare in Austria was 11.2% of GDP the fifth highest in Europe. Furthermore, tourists and visitors in the country have access to free healthcare services. They also have a high life expectancy rate and low mortality rate. 6. Spain 78.80 Spain has a health care index of 76.34, and that makes them one of the countries with the best healthcare system. Like Denmark, Spain also spends 10 percent of its GDP on healthcare and impressively has a rate of four doctors per 1,000 citizens. Spanish healthcare consists of both private and public healthcare, which gives both primary and secondary healthcare to its citizens. Spanish women have a life expectancy rate of 85.5, second only to Japan in the world. Furthermore, up to 98.7 percent of Spaniards are insured for Spanish healthcare. 5. Denmark 79.96 Healthcare in Denmark is said to be one of the most effective in the world. The Danish healthcare system is largely provided by the local governments of the five regions, which are regulated by the central government. Also, primary healthcare facilities like nursing homes, home care, and school health services are the coordinated by the 98 municipalities. They also have effect medical emergency units and a fast ambulatory service. In Denmark there is a ratio of 1,000 people to 3.4 doctors and 2.5 hospital beds. Another reason why Denmark has one if the best healthcare systems in the world is because of their extensive use of health care technology. Almost all primary care physicians in Denmark have electronic medical records with full clinical functionality. The country also has an extensive vaccination coverage, and a life expectancy of 80.6 years in 2015. 4. Japan 80.68 Healthcare in Japan is of excellent quality. The healthcare system in Japan provides healthcare services to its citizens and covers 30% of the cost. In Japan, all citizens are obligated to have health insurance coverage. They have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, very low infant mortality rates, and high illness recovery rates. 3. France 80.99 France was said to have close to best overall health care by WHO and they are right. In 2015, Frances healthcare expenditure amounted to 11.5% of GDP per capita. That figure is higher than most European countries. The French government body is called ANAES, short for, Agence Nationale dAccreditation et dEvaluation en Sante (The National Agency for Accreditation and Health Care Evaluation). They have very strict rules and guidelines for regulating healthcare in the country. Healthcare in France is a universal health care system mainly financed by the governments national health insurance. The French government also refunds patients 70% of most health care costs, and 100% sometimes, in cases of expensive treatment or long-term ailments. The countrys life expectancy is 82.8. 2. South Korea 82.34 South Korea is the second-beat country with the best healthcare in 2021. South Korea has a universal healthcare system that is said to be the most efficient healthcare system on earth. The Healthcare system in South Korea is controlled by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The system is funded by a compulsory National Health Insurance Scheme that covers 97% of the population. The number of hospital beds per 1000 population is 10. They have one of the highest life expectancy rates on earth and are the second country with the lowest obese people. From 2006-2011, South Korea had the highest Colorectal hand Cervical cancer survival rate, with 72.8% and 76.8% respectively. Indeed the healthcare system in South Korea is very efficient and effective. 1. Taiwan 86.39 There is no doubt that Taiwan has the best health care in the world. Many people might not know this because Taiwan is not a member of the World Health Organization (WHO). In spite of this, the healthcare system in Taiwan stands out as one the most brilliant and effective in the world. The current healthcare system in Taiwan is known as National Health Insurance. It is a mandatory social insurance plan which centralizes the spending of healthcare funds equally to every citizen. By 2004, this insurance coverage had reached over 99% of Taiwanese citizens. The National health insurance in Taiwan is financed squarely through premiums, from the payroll tax, and is supplemented with out-of-pocket payments and direct funding by the government. Or put it this way, the national health insurance program, works in a way in which everyone pays a share on a monthly basis to cover those who are sick. Additionally, only the smartest students in Taiwan are qualified to work as doctors. The Health Insurance policy in Taiwan has been praised by many. Even Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics, Paul Krugman, in an article, cited Taiwans National Health Insurance, as a useful reference for health insurance policymakers in the United States and all over the world. It is also noteworthy that Taiwans 14 major hospitals rank among the top 200 hospitals in the world. Also, Taiwan tops the entire world with the highest five-year survival rate for liver transplants, surpassing even the United States, Japan, and South Korea. I know I have a lot of readers from the United States of America, so it would great, and fair to also write where they rank in the world. The United States ranks as 30 in the list of countries with the best healthcare in the world in 2021, with a healthcare index of 69.03. Dr. Tran Cong Thang, director of the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Last year imposed many difficulties for the Vietnamese and other economies, as the pandemic and prevention measures to curb the spread of the disease exacerbated pre-existing difficulties, mainly due to reduced economic activities, resulting in loss of income, and reduced household purchasing power, leaving a major impact on the food supply system. The International Monetary Fund had to reduce its forecast global growth rate for 2020, from -3 per cent at the beginning of the year to -4.4 per cent, down sharply from the 5.5 per cent of 2019 a clear indicator of an economic recession. In previous crises, such as the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, the agricultural sector played an important support role in many countries through food supply and jobs, and Vietnam was no exception. However, more than 20 years later, economic growth and the accompanying structural transformation of regional economies have resulted in a decrease of the agricultures share in GDP, while rural households had to depend more on non-agricultural income. Therefore, the supporting role of agriculture from the past has been challenged, especially as the supply chains and the domestic market have been disrupted, with exports also facing many difficulties as several countries still limit logistics activities. Standing ones ground The Vietnamese agricultural sector has adapted well to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters. Production in all agricultural sectors, such as cultivation, husbandry, fishery, and forestry, has been maintained and developed, ensuring sufficient supply for the needs of the nearly 100 million people living in Vietnam. Last year, the agricultural sector made great efforts to complete four important targets: The production value of the whole industry increased by 2.75 per cent compared to 2019, of which cultivation increased by 2.7 per cent, forestry by 2.4 per cent, and aquaculture by 3.3 per cent. Meanwhile, the growth whole sector increased by 2.65 per cent. COVID-19 forced many countries around the world to close their borders, limit imports, and cancel or delay outstanding orders, leaving supply chains interrupted and many markets heavily affected. Nevertheless, Vietnam managed to keep exports largely flowing. According to Trade Map statistics, in the first 10 months of 2020, Chinas agro-forestry-fishery exports decreased by 28 per cent, the United Kingdoms by 13 per cent, Australias by 8.8 per cent, the United States by 4 per cent, and Thailands by 3 per cent on-year. Meanwhile, Vietnam kept its agricultural export turnover in 2020 roughly equivalent to that of 2019. By the end of 2020, the total export turnover of agro-forestry-fishery reached $41.2 billion, up 2.5 per cent compared to 2019. For the first time, Vietnams rice exports surpassed Thailands, and that amid one of the most difficult and challenging times. Part of this success is the promotion of the agricultural processing industry, which managed to strongly attract investment, especially larger groups with high technology. During the past term, 68 processing factories were built throughout all major segments, of which 18 factories came into operation right in 2020. Despite the pandemic, storms, and floods, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as the standing agency for natural disaster prevention, has effectively orchestrated the response to these disasters and overcoming their consequences, thus minimising the damage to people and assets. The ministrys direction and management have helped to respond to these natural disasters and change the production structure at many facilities to become more flexible. For instance, although the last drought was more severe than many before, the damage accounted for only about 9 per cent of the drought in 2016. Creating momentum Despite the successes, most households in agricultural and rural areas were heavily affected by the pandemic, especially during times of social restrictions. According to a survey by the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development, right after the first COVID-19 wave, about 35 per cent of farming households said they were affected by the pandemic. However, this rate is much lower than that of non-agricultural households, with 67 per cent reporting to have been affected, especially those with salaried workers. Most agricultural businesses are still operating, but some that depend on annual crops like rice, vegetables, and fruits have seen slight interruptions in their operations. According to a survey by the General Statistics Office, about a third of all agri-businesses have experienced some sorts of difficulty related to input markets due to reduced access to imported goods and narrowed domestic production. About two out of five agri-businesses also reported disruption in output markets as export orders and domestic demand decreased, while some costs (like the ones for storage and transportation) even increased. However, the number of agri-businesses with these issues overall remained lower than the national average. In 2021, the world economy is expected to continue to face many challenges and will also influence Vietnams agriculture. As the pandemic remains rampant in many countries, supply chains and the general global economic orders are prone to disruptions. Besides the COVID-19 pandemic, diseases like African swine fever and bird flu also need a long time to be handled correctly and continue leaving a mark on export and domestic consumption. Climate change is becoming more and more visible and, despite national and global efforts, remains unpredictable, with natural disasters like droughts and saltwater intrusion forecast to impact production and livelihoods. These threats will require the whole industry to find appropriate responses and long-term strategies to minimise damage. The economy continues to benefit from its success in controlling the pandemic and improving the business and investment environment, with the latter expected to be the main driver behind economic growth in 2021. In addition, the accelerated economic restructuring will enable the agricultural sector to take advantage of the advances in innovation and applied technologies that will improve efficiency in processing and logistics, as well as the momentum of the domestic market, expanding international trade under the recently enacted bi- and multilateral free trade agreements. A 'beautiful' and 'bubbly' mother-of-one has tragically passed away with a rare form of cancer just weeks after doctors gave her the all-clear. Ashleigh Whitaker, 27, battled Ewing Sarcoma for a year before finally being given the amazing news of her recovery in December. Partner Mitchell Antrobus, 30, said his fiancee was 'excited' for the future and had even started looking at wedding dresses to wear on her big day. However, their joy turned to despair on January 30 when she started feeling unwell and was rushed into hospital on February 2 for treatment. Within hours doctors identified her cancer had returned and, just one day after being admitted to hospital, Ashleigh died. The hairstylist from Haslingden, Lancashire, leaves behind her partner of 10 years, Mitchell, and their 10-year-old son Jordan. Ashleigh Whittaker, 27, her fiancee Mitchell Antrobus, 30, and their son Jordan, 10 Ashleigh Whitaker, 27, battled Ewing Sarcoma for a year before finally being given the amazing news of her recovery in December. Partner Mitchell Antrobus, 30, said his fiancee was 'excited' for the future and had even started looking at wedding dresses to wear on her big day WHAT IS EWING'S SARCOMA Ewing's Sarcoma is a cancer of the bone, which usually affects the ribs, pelvis and spine. In rare cases, it also occurs in the soft tissues. The condition affects less than 30 children a year in the UK. Around 225 young people are diagnosed annually in the US. Ewing's Sarcoma's cause is unclear but may relate to the timing of rapid bone growth. The most common symptom is pain, which is usually worse at night. Others may include swelling, tenderness, fever and weight loss. Treatment depends on the size and position of the tumor but usually involves chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. Amputation may be unavoidable if the cancer affects the surrounding blood vessels and nerves. However, this may be avoidable by replacing the bone with a prosthesis or a bone from elsewhere in the body. Source: Macmillan Advertisement Mitchell said: 'Ashleigh was the most caring and loving person you could ever meet. She could just walk in and light up a room. She gave such positive vibes to everyone who met her. 'She was the greatest mum and her child meant the world to her. Ashleigh wanted so much from life and had so much more to give, but it was cruelly taken away.' He added: 'It doesn't feel real that she's gone, it's like a nightmare. I can't do anything but feel broken.' Ashleigh was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare cancer that affects bones or the tissue around bones, in January last year. She battled the disease for 12 months and, in that time, underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Hospital in Liverpool. Such was Ashleigh's character, that while being treated she raised 5,000 for the centre. In December she was finally given the all-clear and allowed to ring the big bell - a tradition for cancer survivors to mark their recovery. Mitchell, a fire sprinkler installer, said since getting the all-clear his bride-to-be had started looking at wedding dresses and searching for houses for them to live in. He added: 'She was excited about the future. She beat it, she won the battle. She rang the bell and took a big turn for the worse over a single weekend, and that was that.' Mitchell said all was well until the end of January, when Ashleigh started feeling poorly. He added: 'It was completely out of the blue. She was getting anxious and worked up and her colour started changing. 'When her breathing got worse we got a doctor out, he knew something wasn't right straight away. 'We got her to the hospital and then found out she had relapsed. She was covered head to toe in cancer.' In the wake of her death, Mitchell has set up a foundation in his fiancee's name called the Ashleigh Whittaker Foundation. Within hours doctors identified her cancer had returned and, just one day after being admitted to hospital, Ashleigh died. The hairstylist from Haslingden, Lancashire, leaves behind her partner of 10 years, Mitchell, and their 10-year-old son Jordan In the wake of her death, Mitchell has set up a foundation in his fiancee's name called the Ashleigh Whittaker Foundation He said: 'After going through this ordeal I have found there isn't enough support out there for people like me or for grieving children. 'That's why I have set this up foundation, to try to help others in my situation. We're really targeting partners and children who have lost a loved one. 'I want to make myself available to talk to people and let them know I'm there but hopefully, in the long run, it can be bigger than that. 'I hope it will be a huge support centre to help people all over the country.' The Ashleigh Whittaker Foundation has a website and a Facebook page which readers can visit to learn more. Mitchell has also appealed for donations to a crowdfunding page set up to help pay for Ashleigh's funeral. Advertisement A young woman who tried to take her own life on her 14th birthday after she was sexually assaulted by a man she met on Snapchat has opened up about her harrowing childhood in order to help others. Marlie Thomas, now 18, is a proud indigenous Gomeroi woman from Gunnedah in rural NSW who experienced many challenges and adversity early on in life and during her troubled teens. She has since turned her life around and now hopes to inspire other vulnerable youths to do the same. Ms Thomas was raised by her Nan after she was abandoned by her mum who fell on hard times and came in and out of the childhood. Her world came crashing down at age 13 when she lost her best friend Kyle to suicide, a tragedy she didn't see coming. Marlie Thomas (pictured) has become a Youth Insearch leader since getting her life back on track. She's shared her story to help other vulnerable youths in need of support 'I was shattered at the time as I had no idea he was mentally unwell,' Ms Thomas told Daily Mail Australia. 'He was always checking on me to see if I was okay so I didn't think twice about it.' 'I didn't know what to do and felt I didn't have any friends left.' Three months after the loss of her best friend, the lonely teen went on social media to fill the void and became friends with a man on Snapchat. Ms Thomas was sexually assaulted when the pair eventually met up. The 'friend' was later charged, convicted and placed on a sex offenders' register. 'I got on social media and me being me, didn't think twice about the potential dangers,' Ms Thomas said. 'I thought he was a mate that I could trust.' 'Getting on social media to to find friends isn't something I would advise any other teen to do.' Marlie attempted to take her own life after she was sexually assaulted months after she lost her best friend to suicide. She's pictured at age 14 after a self-harm attempt Marlie (left) overcame the first of many adversities as her mum entered in and out of her childhood. Marlie is pictured with great nanna Joyce Field and nan Pam Thomas (right) Not yet 14, Ms Thomas' life spiralled downhill as she experimented with cannabis and alcohol and eventually began self-harming herself. 'I started seeking older people's attention - people in their 20s, Ms Thomas recalled. 'I decided to move out with a 24-year-old. I thought I was cool. He took all my money I had, and on the night of my 14th birthday, I attempted suicide.' 'I was told what I'd done and that I went to the hospital - I told Nan - and the medical ward made me feel worse. 'The experience really scared me, I was thinking I shouldn't be here, but was I the same.' After seeing countless counsellors, Marlie was referred to Youth Insearch, an early intervention service, which she credits to helping turn her life around. But she didn't make a great first impression. 'I was still in denial so I hated the first session where I was throwing chairs at people,' Ms Thomas recalled. 'I wasn't a nice person and I didn't want to go back. But I was convinced to go another session and on self-reflection, changed my thinking.' Marlie Thomas (pictured as a baby) was raised by her grandmother Pam in country NSW Marlie Thomas is now juggling work with full-time studies with plans to became a youth worker As she became more involved with Youth Insearch, Ms Thomas stopped taking drugs, alcohol and and self-harming herself. She became more engaged with her studies and in 2018, addressed more than 80,000 students at a school strike for climate change in Sydney, a moment she proudly looks back on as a privilege. Ms Thomas has become a Youth Insearch leader, found employment and is now studying to become a youth worker so she can help troubled teens turn their lives around. 'I want to help vulnerable young people so they can have the life they deserve,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'There's also a need for more youth services, especially in rural areas. 'We have three GPs for a population of 14,000 in Gunnedah, where mental health support for young people is very limited.' Marlie (pictured with her grandmother Pam and cousin Benji) Marlie spent several days in hospital after attempting to take her own life on the night of her 14th birthday She remains close to her an and has also reconnected with her mother in recent years. 'We're don't have a normal mother and daughter relationship but we talk a lot,' she said. Ms Thomas is also coming to terms with the death of her brother from an accidental drug overdose in 2019, along with the recent loss of her father. 'Mental health issues is something I'll always have in my life,' Ms Thomas said. 'But now I have strategies to cope when I'm not doing okay.' Ms Thomas shared her story to coincide with the launch of Youth Insearch's annual End Youth Suicide campaign, which begins Wednesday. Now in its third year, the nationwide campaign encourages young people to open up about the taboo topic of suicide with their friends, families and communities. Suicide is the biggest killer of Australians aged 15-24, which claimed 461 young lives in 2019. Marlie Thomas (pictured) has since stopped using drugs, alcohol and self-harming herself since getting support from Youth Insearch For every suicide, up to 200 other young Australians attempt to take their own lives, according to Youth Insearch chief executive Stephen Lewin. The service was supported 300 young Australians before the coronavirus hit Australia's shores last year. Demand has since almost doubled with Youth Insearch now supporting 530 young people through phone, in-person support and virtual peer support groups across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. 'The proven success of our hybrid program is a silver lining of a very difficult year of drought, fire, flood and COVID. I am aware of more than one time during the pandemic where our virtual program has directly averted suicide attempts,' Mr Lewin said. 'We need to come together now more than ever to help young people in our communities. Marlie Thomas (pictured) opened up about her story as part of the launch of Youth Insearch's annual End Youth Suicide campaign, which begins Wednesday Youth Insearch has enlisted the help of Triple J Hottest 100-ranking musician G Flip, YouTuber Georgia Productions, social media influencer Sarah Magusara and other Australian celebrities to share social media posts about the End Youth Suicide campaign. Federal politicians will wear blue heart badges in parliament to raise awareness, including Julian Leeser, who lost his own father to suicide, a tragedy addressed in his maiden parliamentary speech. Meanwhile, Ms Thomas had this plea for young people battling mental health issues. 'Don't ever give up and use your voice,' she said. Details: youthinsearch.org.au/endyouthsuicide. For confidential support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800. SHOWS February 22, 2021 10.00 am Bazaar Corporate Radar Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar. Minister of Justice Stelian Ion met today with US charge d'affaires ad interim in Bucharest David Muniz, stating on this occasion that the institutions with responsibilities in the fight against corruption will be strengthened, because "economic development gains momentum when corruption decreases." According to a release of the Justice Ministry, David Muniz was accompanied by the resident legal advisor for Romania and Bulgaria, Jessica Kim. "The meeting was occasioned by Mrs. Kim's visit to Romania for talks with the Romanian officials about the prospects of bilateral cooperation in priority areas for the prevention and combat of serious crime. The discussions revealed the interest of both parties in deepening cooperation in areas such as: the fight of trafficking in human beings, promoting integrity in the business environment, protecting intellectual property rights, consolidating the recovery of crime proceeds, preventing and combating environmental crime, the strategic approach of the link between corruption and organized crime," the release said. "The United States has been a constant and reliable partner for Romania in the fight against corruption. We will not weaken our anti-corruption efforts, on the contrary, we will strengthen the institutions with relevant responsibilities, as we are fully aware of the correlation between corruption and development of a state: when corruption decreases, economic development gains momentum," said Stelian Ion, as cited in the release. KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. A renewed push to remove a series of hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River is now in the hands of federal regulators, but some local lawmakers are lobbying in opposition to the project. The proposal to remove four PacifiCorp dams on the Klamath River has been years in the making, with stakeholders represented by the nonprofit Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) arguing that it would help native fish populations to rebound. In July of 2020, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a rebuttal to the original proposal stipulating that PacifiCorp, which wished to be completely excised from the process after transferring ownership, must remain a co-licensee in order to aid in covering any major liability. The decision threatened to scuttle the dam removal project. By November, the KRRC had announced a workaround. The governors of both Oregon and California signed onto the project as guarantors, part of an agreement that would still allow PacifiCorp to step away. The KRRC said last week that this new agreement has been filed with FERC. "While we are steadfastly working toward the goal of dam removal in 2023, we underscore that our project is subject to decisions and processes outside our control, such as the timeline for FERC to undertake various actions associated with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)," the KRRC said in a statement. "We, like our supporters, are eager to see the river run free and salmon return to historic habitat above the dams. However, we can assure the public that KRRC is undergoing every required state and federal permitting process to meet the rigorous environmental review, public safety, and public input requirements." But the project is not without its opponents among local lawmakers. California Congressman Doug LaMalfa has historically opposed the dam removal project. On Tuesday, Oregon Representative E. Werner Reschke added his voice to the opposition asking the FERC to deny the transfer of license from PacifiCorp to the KRRC. Removing the Klamath River dams will cause an untold ecological damage to the rivers sh and other aquatic species for the foreseeable future due to decades of toxic silt built up behind each dam. PaciCorp understands this risk," Reschke said. "That is why they are pursuing this transfer of hydropower dam ownership to KRRC, so they can avoid the landslide of impending lawsuits caused by the ecological disaster of dam removal from the ushing of these toxins down river." In his letter to FERC, Rep. Reschke also cited the potential impact to embattled irrigators in the Klamath Basin, saying that dam removal would cause increased flow downstream from Upper Klamath Lake. Built between 1911 and 1962, the lower Klamath River dams are currently operated by PacifiCorp and have a total generation capacity of 169 megawatts. Efforts to remove the dams date back to the 2010, when farmers, tribes, environmental groups and government agencies all signed on to the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement. The settlement sought to eventually return the Klamath River to "free-flowing" conditions, allowing fish to pass along the river unhindered by man-made dams. Former Deputy General Secretary of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho says times and seasons are in the hands of God, taking into account the current positions of Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, Cletus Avoka and E.T Mensah who were all once abandoned under former President Mahama's Administration. According to the CEO of Atta Mills Institute, in a certain era of our political dispensation under the Mahama government, E.T Mensah, Bagbin and Avoka were made redundant after they were brandished as 3 wise men without office and portfolio. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Koku Anyidoho maintained that the positions of Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin as Speaker of Parliament, E.T Mensah as a Member of the Council of State and Cletus Avoka back to Parliament as MP show how God finds a way to honour those who have suffered for others to occupy certain positions. So, if God gives you a position and you become a tyrant who does not respect anybody especially those who suffered for you to occupy the position, God finds a way to honour those people. You made them the three wise men without office and portfolio. Today Hon. E.T Mensah is a member of the Council of State, the highest Advisory Body of the Republic of Ghana, he said. I am happy for Hon. E.T Mensah, Hon. Bagbin and Hon. Cletus Avoka. Times and seasons are in the hands of God and not in the hands of a wicked individual, a human being who thinks that they are more than God, he added. He indicated that the election of E.T Mensah who is a founding member of the NDC to the position of a member of the Council of State under the Akufo-Addo government was done by the entire people of Greater Accra and not the party he belongs to to advise the government on behalf of the people of Greater Accra. . . it is the lesson of moving to where you are accepted more. Dont stay at a place where you are mocked but to a place where you will find acceptance. Some years back, E.T Mensah was among the three wise men created by someone in government to make them redundant, he indicated. Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video New Zealand Oil & Gas and partner Beach Energy have applied to relinquish Petroleum Exploration Permit 52717 (Clipper), which contains the Barque prospect. It is with great regret that the Joint Venture relinquish this permit after years of work to mature it and bring in appropriate partners. I expect it will not be the last offshore acreage to suffer the same fate. New Zealand Oil & Gas believes a confluence of events including; adverse regulatory settings for offshore exploration; the dry hole at OMVs Tawhaki permit; the recent announcement terminating Wherry-1 drilling; and the effects of COVID on drill rig costs and availability have formed a perfect storm, making the task of finding suitable partners in the required timeline impossible says Chief Executive Andrew Jefferies. Both New Zealand Oil & Gas and Beach Energy remain committed to New Zealand through production at the Kupe Gas Field in South Taranaki, which remains a key supplier to the countrys energy needs. At Kupe we are halfway through a major compression project to maintain production from our large offshore production permit that has both development and near field exploration potential. Please see the link below for details: PEP 52717 Relinquishment Source: New Zealand Oil & Gas Limited Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 31st May 2021 Morning Report The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) Media Reporting Regarding Potential Class Action Synlait Milk Limited (NZX: SML) Forecast Milk Price Update General Capital Limited (NZX: GEN) Continues on Its Strong Growth Path Third Age Health Services Limited (NZX: TAH) Announces Preliminary Full Year Result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) Better Positioned for Future Growth Green Cross Health Limited (NZX: GXH) Full Year Results to 31 March 2021 28th May 2021 Morning Report Radius Residential Care Limited (NZX: RAD) Announces First FY Results as a Listed Company NZ Automotive Investments Limited (NZX: NZA) Delivers Net Profit Above Guidance for FY21 MCG Health is the healthcare industry leader in evidence-based, clinical decision support. By providing the easy and quick access to the clinical documentation with Indicia for Admission Documentation, it allows us to get the admission status correct up front, which saves us time downstream from denials and re-work. - Diane Davis, Utilization Review Manager at Stormont Vail Health MCG Health, part of the Hearst Health network and an industry leader in evidence-based guidance and healthcare technology, announces the official launch of its new solution, Indicia for Admission Documentation with Synapse. This new software leverages patient-specific data in the electronic health record (EHR) and clinical indications in the nationally-recognized MCG care guidelines to inform medical decisions at the point of hospital admission. The potential benefits to hospital intake staff include improved reviewer efficiency, increased accuracy of clinical documentation, and care guidance that is tailored to individual patient diagnoses. Indicia for Admission Documentation uses the Synapse reasoning engine to analyze a patients medical record and recommend the appropriate care guideline(s) for a patients clinical situation. The best available evidence is automatically surfaced by the solutions interface and can be easily added to the patients chart via the click of a button. This helps support more informed, patient-specific decisions, and it promotes robust documentation to justify short inpatient stays which can have a major impact to a hospitals financial solvency. Indicia for Admission Documentation works with virtually any EHR system to help streamline the clinical workflow allowing clinicians to spend less time documenting their decisions to validate payment and more time to care for patients. Stormont Vail Health, a 586-bed acute care hospital in Topeka, Kansas, was an early adopter of Indicia for Admission Documentation, and their staff used it within the Epic EHR. Diane Davis, the Utilization Review Manager at Stormont Vail Health said, By providing the easy and quick access to the clinical documentation with Indicia for Admission Documentation, it allows us to get the admission status correct up front, which saves us time downstream from denials and re-work. A major metropolitan hospital system in the Midwest with over 450 beds was another early adopter of Indicia for Admission Documentation. Alternately, they used the solution within their Cerner EHR, and the IT Director of Operation Services told MCG, Indicia for Admission Documentation provides the utilization review nurses the ability to engage with MCG evidence-based care guidelines without workflow disruption. This is essential for our revenue integrity, and for our patients. MCG President and CEO, Jon Shreve, commented, Many MCG clients have been looking forward to using Indicia for Admission Documentation and the Synapse technology. MCG wants to help clinical professionals do whats best for their patients, and by using data in the health record, we are facilitating the appropriate care based on individual patient needs. We look forward to adapting this new technology to support both payers and providers alike. Indicia for Admission Documentation with Synapse is currently available within the Epic AppOrchard and Cerner Code app galleries. Discussions for future integrations with other EHR and medical management platforms are currently underway. For hospitals that wish to learn more about the benefits of Indicia for Admission Documentation, please visit mcg.com. About MCG Health MCG, part of the Hearst Health network, helps healthcare organizations implement informed care strategies that proactively and efficiently move people toward health. MCGs transparent assessment of the latest research and scholarly articles, along with our own data analysis, gives patients, providers, and payers the vetted information they need to feel confident in every care decision, in every moment. For more information visit http://www.mcg.com or follow our Twitter handle at @MCG_Health. About Hearst Health The mission of Hearst Health is to help guide the most important care moments by delivering vital information into the hands of everyone who touches a persons health journey. Each year in the U.S., care guidance from Hearst Health reaches 85 percent of discharged patients, 205 million insured individuals, 103 million home health visits and 3.2 billion dispensed prescriptions. The Hearst Health network includes FDB (First Databank), Zynx Health, MCG, Homecare Homebase and MHK (formerly MedHOK). Hearst also holds a minority interest in the precision medicine and oncology analytics company M2Gen. Follow Hearst Health on Twitter @HearstHealth and LinkedIn @Hearst-Health. WASHINGTON One of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells many admirable traits is that he is uninterested in being admired. He uses his demeanor to disguise the fact that he has normal feelings and so might welcome public approbation for his decisions. He does not, however, make public decisions for the goal of pleasing the public. His 2006 nay vote was decisive in preventing Congress from sending to the states for swift ratification a popular constitutional amendment that would have overturned the Supreme Court ruling that flag burning is constitutionally protected political expression. McConnell knew that if he voted on Saturday to convict Donald Trump, he would have been lionized, briefly, by many of his detractors, who are legion. Because he is the most consequential conservative since Ronald Reagan, his vote would have begun a process to which he is committed, that of making Trump inconsequential. But the time is not quite ripe. Like the author of Ecclesiastes, the Senate minority leader knows that to every thing there is a season. McConnells argument against impeaching a former president is: Impeachment is a narrow tool for a narrow purpose to protect the country from government officers. Hence Trump is constitutionally not eligible for conviction, and convicting him might imply a Senate power, with no limiting principle, to convict and disqualify (from holding public office) any private citizen. McConnell said only that were Trump still in office, he, McConnell, would have carefully considered arguments for conviction. McConnells preceding words, however, indicate such a vote to convict: Trump fed his supporters wild falsehoods making him practically and morally responsible for Jan. 6, which was a foreseeable consequence of false statements, conspiracy theories and reckless hyperbole and a manufactured atmosphere of looming catastrophe, all orchestrated by Trump, who then feign[ed] surprise about his mobs behavior, as he watched television happily. McConnell knows that Trumps grip on the Republican base remains unshaken. But not unshakable. Trump might soon have a bruising rendezvous with the prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. (McConnell pointedly noted that we have a criminal justice system and we have civil litigation.) McConnell knows, however, that the heavy lifting involved in shrinking Trumps influence must be done by politics. He has his eyes on the prize: 2022, perhaps the most crucial nonpresidential election year in history. It might determine whether the Republican Party can be a participant in a temperate two-party system. In Republican Senate primaries for open seats in Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Alabama and against Senate incumbents, too and in the challenge to Rep. Liz Cheney who voted to impeach Trump will endorse acolytes. They will mimic his sulfuric rhetoric and, if nominated, many will lose in November. A McConnell vote to convict Trump would have made it easier for the ex-presidents minions to cast the 2022 intraparty contests as binary Trump-vs.-McConnell choices. No ones detestation of Trump matches McConnells. Trump enthusiasts are as hostile to McConnell as progressives are. He is equally impervious to both factions. The Senate chaplains prayer that opened the impeachment trial included a familiar stanza from James Russell Lowells 1845 poem written during heated debates about slavery and the looming war with Mexico: Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, / In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side. A political moment can, however, be a protracted process, as McConnell, who titled his 2016 memoir The Long Game, understands. GEORGE WILL is a columnist for The Washington Post. Hyderabad/New Delhi, Feb 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Sahaj Marg, heartfulness and yoga are a beacon of hope for the world, in a valedictory address on the occasion of Shri Ram Chandra Mission completing 75 years. "In today's world, there is a lot of emphasis on fast pace, people are short on time. In such times, through Sahaj Marg, you (Shri Ram Chandra Mission) are making a significant contribution in keeping people energetic and healthy," said Modi. He appreciated the fact that thousands of the mission's volunteers and trainers familiarise the world with the art of yoga and meditation. Modi termed this endeavour as a huge service to mankind and appreciated Kamlesh Patel, guide of heartfulness. He said the mission is inspiring the whole world and especially youth towards a healthy body and mind. According to the mission, heartfulness is a set of meditative practices and lifestyle changes, developed at the turn of the twentieth century and formalised into teaching through the mission in 1945 in India. Frances President Emmanuel Macron on Monday held a 2-day G5 Sahel summit with leaders from West African countries, which included the head of state from Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Chad, as he discussed the fight against Islamic extremism in Africas Sahel region. French President suggested, that he would pull out the French troops deployed in the West African region, despite the UNs appeals that the move will wreak havoc in the region due to several active militant groups in the African territory. In the virtual conference, the French President suggested that the deployment of nearly 5,100 French soldiers in five West African countries was, thus far, Frances largest military operation abroad, and that, he expected more EU countries to step forward. In the meeting, held at NDjamena, Chad via teleconference, the French president cited that his country sent 600 additional troops last year to fight Islamic extremism in the region, but was now looking up to other nations including United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union under the regional five-country force launched in 2017 to collaborate for military assistance. Macron, under his revised adjustment plan, announced the success of his French forces against extremism, last year. France, for over several years, has been at the forefront to fight the rebel terrorist groups linked to both al-Qaida and the Islamic State that gained control in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. French troops ramped up military operations against the jihadist groups, targeting al-Qaidas hold in the region, a top French military official, under the condition of anonymity, told AP. Read: France, Russia Give Ceremonial Burial To Soldiers Fallen During Napoleonic War Read: France Seeking To Lower Age Of Consent To 15 Au Sahel, les resultats sont la. Nous, Europeens, nous mobilisons plus largement. Nous, membres de la Coalition pour le Sahel, conjuguons tous nos efforts derriere une dynamique collective pour et avec les populations. pic.twitter.com/u4Ezt0x2u3 Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 15, 2021 Infiltration of terrorists in West Africa In an operation against terrorists in Burkina Faso and Coast of Ivory last year, France co-jointly conducted Operation Comoe conducted in the northeast of Ferkessedougou, capturing 38 suspected terrorists, and neutralizing eight, as French soldiers targeted Alidougou terrorist base south of Banfora, Burkina Faso. INTERPOL, furthermore, released the Biometric data from terrorist suspects arrested in joint operations to identify potential links with other terrorist attacks and suspects across the region, INTERPOLs Counter-Terrorism Criminal Analysis team informed in a release. According to Security Councils Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and the FATF found increased infiltration of terrorists in West African countries as they received funding through trade, levies, and smuggling of arms and drugs in the region, and the reporting institutions in West Africa were found to have a weak capacity to identify the source of terror funding. [French President Emmanuel Macron watches Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani on a screen during a meeting via video-conference with leaders of the G5 Sahel as they attend a two-day summit in N'Djamena. Credit: AP] Read: Top Diplomats Of US, UK, France, Germany Hold Virtual Talks Read: France's Leader "very Upset" By Platforms' Muzzling Of Trump (Image Credit: AP) Power Outages: Entergy Texas has started additional power outages for its customers across the Eastern portion of its Texas service territory, which includes Jefferson, Orange, Hardin and Liberty counties. According to a statement, the company is taking this action as directed by its reliability coordinator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, as a last resort and in order to prevent a more extensive, prolonged power outage that could severely affect the reliability of the power grid. Due to bitterly cold temperatures and the winter storm, the demand for electricity has reached an all-time high. We apologize for the inconvenience these outages may cause, but we have an unusual situation right now driven by unusual conditions, Stuart Barrett, Vice President of Customer Service said in a statement. We are working to respond and restore power as soon as it is safely possible. This loss of generation combined with the peak load has caused a strain on the system. As a result, we are short of the power needed to meet our customers demands in that area. Depending on conditions, individual customers may experience multiple outages during the day. School updates: A growing number of schools and colleges are canceling classes Tuesday and Wednesday with a freeze warning still in effect and power concerns impacting much of the state. So far Hamshire-Fannett, Silsbee, West Orange Cove CISD, Little-Cypress Mauriceville and Bridge City ISD have all canceled classes for today. The power sustainability and weather are too unpredictable at this time, Hamshire-Fannett ISD said in a statement. Lamar University and the Lamar Institute of Technology both canceled classes citing extreme cold and widespread power outages across the state. Lamar State College Orange will remain closed Wednesday in a continued effort to protect the safety of students and staff, with plans to reopen on Thursday, weather permitting. Lamar State College Port Arthur will also remain closed, and the mens basketball game has been postponed Hamshire-Fannett ISD, LC-M and West Orange Cove CISD canceled online classes for Wednesday as well, while LU plans on resuming classes Wednesday dependent on weather and travel conditions. Beaumont ISD is asking students to complete work if possible, but will extend deadlines to Monday Feb. 22, and Port Arthur ISD is transitioning to online Tuesday and Wednesday. BISDs goal is to be extremely flexible during our inclement weather event and intermittent power outages for students and staff, the district said in a statement. Beaumont ISD understands that students and staff may have connectivity issues due to rolling blackouts. If you have access to power/internet, please engage in daily learning at a time that is convenient for you. All classes will be online both Tuesday and Wednesday for BISD students and staff. Nederland ISD will be virtual Wednesday as well, with teachers making accomodations for those without power. The Nederland ISD board meeting has been postponed to next Monday. Sabine Pass ISD will remain virtual through Thursday unless otherwise announced. Icy roads and possible power outages caused many schools to switch to online Tuesday. The Texas Education Agency told superintendents Monday that districts can apply for a three-day waiver due to closures related to power outages. This post will be updated. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes This post will be updated. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes New website is part of corporate rebrand of Earthasia International Holdings Ltd. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Earthasia International Holdings Limited (the "Company") ("Earthasia") ("Graphex Group")(OTCQX:ETIHY) HKEx: 6128) has released an updated corporate website at www.graphexgroup.com.The website has been redesigned as part of an ongoing company-wide rebrand and to reflect the Company's increasing focus on its graphene business. In order to provide improved access to Company information the website has been optimized for both desktop and mobile viewing. "With the growth across both the graphene and the renewable energy industry happening so fast, we want to make clear our support of this transformation with our dedication to enhancing our website" said Chan Yick Yan Andross, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Earthasia International Holdings Ltd.. "We also want to make it as easy as possible for people to learn all about the history and the exciting future of our Company." The Company's Board recently proposed to change its name from Earthasia International Holdings Ltd. to Graphex Group Limited and has successfully completed the name change of its Chinese subsidiaries to Graphex Technologies China Limited and Graphex Technologies Heilongjiang Limited ("Graphex Technologies"). The renaming is the first part of a Company-wide rebrand being undertaken to accurately reflect the Company's focus on graphene research, manufacturing, and development. Earthasia's International Holdings' transition to Graphex Group solidifies the Company's focus on the exploration, creation and implementation of the highest quality graphene-related products to be used in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles and grid storage solutions and other products. The decision to undertake a corporate rebranding was made following the announcement that accomplished leader Dan Nye has joined the Company as Chief Strategy Officer. Dan has more than 20 years experience, both as a business leader structuring and building robust, cohesive business teams and helping growth companies achieve their goals. The Company believes that the graphene market will see double-digit growth as the electric vehicle (EV) industry continues to make inroads in Graphex's home market of China and globally. "Due to the sector's significant growth potential, we are focused on graphene as the centerpiece of a revised business strategy," said Mr. Chan. "We will continue focus on improving our ability to refine graphite and have in place a strategy to increase production capacity and expand our product mix while maintaining a cost advantage." Graphex currently manufactures a number of graphene products, led by spherical graphite, a crucial ingredient for the efficient operation of lithium-ion batteries. The Company holds 25 graphene-related patents and utility models including a patented production method of producing ultra-fine spherical graphite, which has demonstrated much-improved performance in terms of energy storage. "Combined with our proximity to one of earth's largest discovered graphite mines, we are uniquely adept at providing the requisite materials to enable our continued growth supporting the development of the latest renewable energy products," said Mr. Chan. According to the USGS, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2020, it was estimated that in 2019 almost 75 per cent of the world's graphite (700,000 metric tons) was produced in People's Republic of China According to the Benchmark Mineral Intelligence May 7, 2020 Editorial, Heilongjiang Province is the main supply source for natural spherical graphite in China. About Earthasia International Holdings Ltd. Earthasia International Holdings Ltd. is a publicly traded company, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the OTCQX Best Market. Based in the People's Republic of China (PRC), and strategically located near the largest supply source of high quality natural graphite anywhere in the world, the Company is a leading supplier of graphene products. Earthasia owns 25 graphene-related patents in the PRC, including products, production methods, machinery design, and environmental protection. The Company's spherical graphite is an essential anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Media Contact Gavin Davidson investrel@earthasia.com.hk This release may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding our prospective performance and strategies within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of our company, are generally identified by use of words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "seek," "strive," "try," or future or conditional verbs such as "could," "may," "should," "will," "would," or similar expressions. The Company's ability to predict results or the actual effects of its plans or strategies is inherently uncertain and based, in part, on third party market research which the Company's assumed to be accurate. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Some of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ from its expectations or beliefs include, without limitation, the risks of its businesses, the assumed significant growth of graphene related products and spherical graphite products. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which such statements were made. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities of the Company, including but not limited to its American Depositary Receipts. Information made available on the Company's above-referenced website is not a part of any disclosure made or to be made by the Company with respect to any offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities of the Company and are not party of any filings by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. SOURCE: Earthasia International Holdings Ltd View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629886/Graphex-Group-Launches-Enhanced-Website SARATOGA SPRINGS When the pandemic closed down the Ballston Spa Central School District in December, Devon Tarella faced a quandary. Shes a single mom whose job lead teacher in the infant classroom at the Saratoga Regional YMCA in Malta cannot be done remotely. During previous school shutdowns, she frequently depended on her mother to care for her 12-year-old daughter. But that is now out of the question: Her mother was recently diagnosed with a serious illness that required abdominal surgery. Making matters worse, both Tarella and her daughter, Calogera Rose, were recovering from the coronavirus themselves. She never expected what came next losing her job, one that she had and loved for nearly 12 years. The news came in a letter from the Ys Human Resources Generalist Kylie Shufelt. Saratoga Regional YMCA has deemed you to have abandoned your position because you are the primary caregiver for a child unable to attend school or another facility due to COVID-19, Shufelt wrote. The Saratoga Regional YMCA accordingly has ended your employment effective Feb. 2, 2021. Shufelt was also told that her health insurance would end on Feb. 28. If she wanted her benefits, she would have to apply for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or COBRA. Tarella, who is 33, was devastated. Its definitely really sad, Tarella said. I have developed personal relationships with the families. I have a lot of families that Im on their third kid, their third baby. None of them know. So they probably think I just left. Thats the hardest part. And because the Y considers her as abandoning her job, she is also concerned that the Y will dispute her unemployment. Shufelt did not return a Times Union phone call or email on Monday. A called to the Saratoga Regional YMCA was not immediately returned. A series of emails between Tarella and Shufelt, obtained by the Times Union, show Tarella started seeking help from the Y's human resources department in early January. Tarellas first email to Shufelt was sent on Jan. 8. As Im sure you may have heard, Ballston Spa has gone fully remote for the next week, she wrote. My daughter was remote this past week as well as she is in the 6th grade. I am aware that I am eligible for unemployment and that is what I was doing for the past week, but is there anything else I should do to secure my position? As soon as she goes back to school, I intend to return back to my regular hours full time. It seems as though Ballston Spa is going to take this week by week. Shufelt wrote her 11 days later, telling her any days off must be "earned time" and that she had to come back. If you are unable to return to your full-time position by February 2, 2021, the SRYMCA will consider your absence as your resignation, Shufelt wrote. Shufelt also told her that the Y will be protesting that (unemployment) claim as we have had work available for you. Peter Brancato, a spokesman for the state Department of Labor, disputes the Y's claim on ineligibility. He said that Tarella would likely be eligible for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance because she shes not working to stay at home with a child who is now remote learning. Weeks earlier, Tarella also consulted the Labor Department. In her discussions, she said she was told to not sign anything and to keep all communications with the Y in writing. Tarella again appealed to Shufelt in another email. "Please understand that I want to work with you guys to figure this out," she wrote. "I am in a tough spot right now, trying to find a solution between keeping my daughter safe (she is not old enough or mature enough to be home alone for hours at a time), fulfilling my responsibilities at the Y and affording to support myself and my child." She also told Shufelt she consulted with the Labor Department and was eligible for unemployment. Shufelt agreed to "complete the NYS unemployment paperwork describing your situation," but repeated If you cannot make alternative childcare or schedule arrangements and return to work on or before 2/2/2021, we will have to consider that as your resignation. When Ballston Spa schools ended fully remote learning, Tarella wrote Shufelt again on Jan. 21, offering to work on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Shufelt said that they needed to talk by phone. Tarella said she preferred email, as per the Labor Department's recommendation. Shufelt responded in the same way. I must inform you that if you cannot return full-time by February 2, 2021, we will consider you to have resigned, she wrote. I would have eventually come back, Tarella said. "I understood my position might not be secure, but that a job would be. They would not agree to that. ... They can fire me, but they can't force me to resign. They are saying I resigned from a job that I want." Rachel Evans who worked with Tarella as her assistant teacher for more than a year at the Y said that Tarella didnt deserve this treatment. She was passionate and dedicated and the children loved her as did the parents," Evans said. "They are losing an incredible employee. She gave a lot to the job for years and they are essentially terminating her for something completely out of her control, COVID-19. Tarella, who is now training to work as a substitute teacher, said she is concerned that the Y will retaliate against her, blocking her from future employment. The Y is really powerful, Tarella said. "I'm afraid it could ruin my chances for a job that I want." New Delhi: An actor par excellence, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has constantly experimented with a diverse spectrum of roles. Be it a criminal mastermind, a notorious villain, an improbable detective, a determined police officer, or an overprotective father, the list is truly endless! Last Nawazuddin Siddiqui was seen in Raat Akeli Hai and Serious Men, both earned him rave reviews. The actor is presently shooting in London for a thriller titled Sangeen, and shall soon be back in the country to shoot for another upcoming film Jogira Sa Ra Ra. With a bunch of projects in the pipeline, such as Sangeen i.e, Kushan Nandys romantic comedy- Jogira Sa Ra Ra and Mostofa Sarwar Farookis drama flick No Land's Man and Sejal Shah untitled film, from the big screen to the OTT to the big screen again, Nawaz has his platter fully loaded. An Australian company is developing a Covid-19 breath test which shows results in just three minutes. GreyScan, which is based in Port Melbourne, plans to roll out the test by the end of the year and is currently seeking approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Food and Drug Administration and funding by the Australian government. The test is able to determine just how infectious someone with the virus may be and could be administered in airports and at large events like sporting competitions. GreyScan's chief executive Samantha Ollerton said one of the key benefits from the test is how non-invasive it is. 'The goal with the product is to make something nonintrusive yet accurate and fast and simple to use,' she told Daily Mail Australia. GreyScan's chief executive Samantha Ollerton (pictured) said the benefit from the breath test is how nonintrusive it is and how quickly results will be received 'One of the key issues with current testing is that it involves very intrusive samples to be collected and for many people especially in aged care, this can be extremely traumatic.' The GreyScan test is able to detect SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes Covid-19. People will be able to blow into a tube on the device with the filter then being removed to be tested, with results expected back in just three minutes. Ms Ollerton said being able to tell just how infectious a person may be is a huge step forward in tackling the virus. She said other companies were also developing breath tests but GreyScan was the only one to focus on levels of infection. 'What we do is ascertain the difference between a live virus and a dead virus, that's really important because you can tell if someone's exhaling the virus in their breath,' she said. The test is able to identify how infectious a person with the virus may be, giving results back in three minutes GreyScan is hoping to secure funding by the government next month with plans to roll out the breath test later in the year. 'The key next step is to get support from the Australian government and other government agencies to really drive that commercialisation and mass manufacture,' Ms Ollerton said. 'At the end of the day you need government support to push these things.' The Melbourne-based company is also developing the breath test to detect Covid-19 variants. 'We're not just looking at this version, we're already looking at the variants,' the chief executive said. 'We have to keep an eye on what's next.' We must compliment Modi govt for focusing on MSME: Sanjaya Baru at Kalinga Literary Festival India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa New Delhi, Feb 16: Eminent author Sanjaya Baru joined KLF Bhava Samvad with journalist Pallavi Rebbapragada to converse about his latest book 'Beyond Covid Shadow'. He began with saying, "privatising is not the easy way out. Somehow assuming privatizing is the easier option is not correct. It has its own difficulties as we've seen in the different parts of the country. But Delhi is a very peculiar and high income market and a very pampered market. There are two things about Dr. Swami's essay. The important thing is the point he makes about strategy in the long term. You need a strategy, a long term thinking to take India from one place to another. We need to have a long term strategy for the economy." Further he says, "One of the mistakes that this government made was to Disband Planning and Planning commission. It's still relevant for a developing country like India. There is a needless element of combativeness about so many important issues, rather than to seek consensus. Just because you have a majority in Parliament, you can run off shot over public opinion. Government has to take public opinion along with them. Let's not forget this economy of our country went from an average rate of growth of 3.5% from 1950-80 and an average rate of growth of 5.5% from 1980-2000, and 7.5% from 2000 to 2015. An annual growth rate of over 8% from 2003 to 2010: this acceleration of growth rate happened with old labour laws." "The conditions differ from state to state, not just the economic conditions but also social conditions and political conditions. One important lesson that we can learn from China is that the Chinese central government allowed provinces to take the initiative. Let the states take the initiative and let there be a competition of who'll attract more investment, who'll encourage more growth and that's how the country holds the benefits. There's a need to revive investment, revive savings and that' requires rebuilding confidence. I think what comes from all the essays you read is that the medium term challenge is as important as the immediate challenge," said Sanjaya. "In MSMEs, it is the first M which is the most important: micro. First we must complement the Modi Government and PM Modi personally for focusing on Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Enterprises. There's a corporate food chain, where the big companies are the consumers from the small firms and competitors. So for the survival of small firms, you need a positive relationship between the big and the small. And that's where the government comes in to save the small companies from the big. Look at the German Industrialization or Japanese Industrialization, they are all the morals of synergy between big companies and small firms," he opined. Speaking about it, Rashmi Ranjan Parida, founder and director of KLF said, "KLF Bhava Samvad was initiated to keep the literary spirit intact during lockdown because of pandemic. The rapid growth of platform and after receiving immense love from the audience, KLF Bhava Samvad has reached its 150th session with legendary literary figures, artistes across the globe and will continue to live as a permanent platform." The annual Kalinga Literary Festival, Mystic Kalinga Festival (KLF) celebrates the creative spirit of India and commemorate the literary diversity it offers, bringing it in conversation with the best minds in the world of literature within and outside of Odisha and India. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 15:45 [IST] Washington: Donald Trump remains a frontrunner for the Republican Partys 2024 presidential nomination but the former US president would be weighed down by the baggage of the January 6 Capitol riot if he ran again, according to Trumps former chief-of-staff Mick Mulvaney. Trump is legally entitled to run for another presidential term after being acquitted by the Senate of inciting the assault on the Capitol, but he has faced scorching criticism from conservative powerbrokers such as Mitch McConnell and Liz Cheney in recent weeks. Former acting White House chief-of-staff Mick Mulvaney says Trumps response to the January 6 Capitol riot hurt him tremendously. Credit:Bloomberg Mulvaney, who served as acting White House chief-of-staff for over a year, said that Trump would remain a leading contender for the Republican nomination if he chose to run again. But would he be the prohibitive favourite? I dont think so, Mulvaney told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 15:17:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene said here on Tuesday that he will become the first person in the country to be vaccinated against COVID-19. "Our country will begin to bring vaccines approved by the World Health Organization for emergency use starting today under careful inspections by professional organizations," Oyun-Erdene said at a meeting with relevant officials to check the preparations underway for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Mongolia. "As the country's Prime Minister, I will become the first person vaccinated in the country against the COVID-19 to encourage citizens to accept inoculation." Mongolia is expected to launch a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign next week, according to the health ministry. The Asian country is planning to vaccinate at least 60 percent of its 3.3 million population against COVID-19, and 20 percent of them will be vaccinated under COVAX, a global initiative to ensure quick and equal access to vaccines against the virus, the ministry said. As of Tuesday, the country has registered a total of 2,416 COVID-19 cases, with four deaths. More than half of the confirmed cases were detected in the capital city Ulan Bator, which is home to over half of the country's total population. Enditem Rentec Direct Tech Mastery Scholarship now accepting applicants for 2021 scholarship. As leaders in the software space, Rentec recognizes that investing in knowledge pays the best dividends for the future, said Nathan Miller, President of Rentec Direct. Rentec Direct, a property management software company based in Southern Oregon, is now accepting applications for its annual Tech Mastery Scholarship program. Up to four $500 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing an education in computer science, software development, or other closely related fields of study in an effort to support future technology industry influencers. As leaders in the software space, Rentec recognizes that investing in knowledge pays the best dividends for the future, said Nathan Miller, President of Rentec Direct. Education is the key to the future of this industry. Supporting the next generation of technology influencers to help them achieve their goals and dreams is one way for our company to contribute. Rentec Direct launched the Tech Mastery Scholarship in 2016 and has continued the program each year since. Scholarship applicants must be enrolled full-time in a computer science degree program, or closely related field, at an accredited U.S. college or university, must be in good standing and hold a GPA of at least 3.0. As part of the application process, students must submit a cover letter and application essay judged on creativity, humor and content. The 2021 application deadline is Thursday, April 15 and recipients will be announced on Tuesday, June 1. To view information on last years scholarship recipients, visit: http://www.rentecdirect.com/blog/2020-tech-mastery-scholarship. For full details on the Tech Mastery Scholarship or to submit an application, students can visit - http://www.rentecdirect.com/scholarship. About Rentec Direct Rentec Direct offers industry-leading property management software and tenant screening solutions for real estate professionals. Features include online rent payments, tenant and owner portals, the industrys largest vacancy listing syndication network, full property, tenant, and owner accounting, 1099-MISC reporting and more. Rentec Direct was named one of the Most Customer Friendly Companies of the Year in the 2020 Best in Biz Awards, received the silver Real Estate Company of the Year Award in the 2020 American Business Awards, has been named to the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for four years in a row (as of 2020), and was also included on the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Entrepreneur360 list for Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America. http://www.rentecdirect.com KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. State Senator Dennis Linthicum has introduced a flurry of bills to the Oregon legislature that would bolster private and public charter schools. The lawmaker says that the Oregon Department of Education is "promoting indoctrination sessions" for public school teachers and administrators. Sen. Linthicum's three bills, if passed, would increase the percentage of kids who can enroll in virtual charter schools from 3 percent to 5 percent; would establish an education savings account program giving low-income families to ability to choose a private school without tax penalties; and allow Oregon children to attend any school in the state without school board approval. The final bill also would amend Oregon's laws to make immunization records an optional "request" by school districts instead of a condition of attendance, though Oregon law already allows for philosophical, religious, and medical waivers of those vaccine requirements. The lawmaker paired his roll-out of these bills with a barrage aimed at the Oregon Department of Education related to a module included in its email newsletter for math teachers an optional third-party course called "A Pathway to Math Equity Micro-Course," intended to help teachers improve outcomes for Black, Latinx, and multilingual students. The course itself encourages teachers to engage with student thinking, address their misconceptions, and facilitate discussion of the coursework in pursuit of "antiracist math education." Linthicum characterized the optional course as "indoctrination" and a "full-frontal assault on truth," saying that it denies the reality of correct or incorrect answers. Thousands of Oregon families are suffering from school shutdowns imposed by the Governor. Parents and students have rightfully demanded that schools be reopened, but with propaganda like this being taught to our teachers, parents should feel betrayed," Linthicum said. "If parents truly want their kids to learn basic skills to be successful in life, I doubt they will consider putting their kids back into the Oregon public school system. Americas great experiment in public schooling used to be about enabling children to develop their fullest potential by cultivating their minds, instilling values, and defending foundational principles," the lawmaker continued. "Now it is turning into a shameful scam. Our once great institutions are no longer serving parents and their children but are being hollowed out by radical ideologies and power-hungry public sector unions." Pennsylvania Republicans are heaping condemnation on Sen. Pat Toomey after their GOP senator voted to convict Donald Trump in his impeachment trial, signaling how fealty to the former president has come to define the party. Republican state party chairman Lawrence Tabas has advised committee members that he will soon call a meeting to address and consider actions related to the impeachment vote. Though the notice didnt specifically mention Toomey, four party insiders said Monday that theres growing momentum behind a push to censure the senator. County parties across the state are already doing so. The York County Republican Committee condemns, in the strongest terms, the actions of United States Senator Patrick Joseph Toomey, Jr. for his failure to defend the Constitution and the freedoms it guarantees, read one censure resolution, passed Saturday before Toomey even voted to convict Trump. It was approved because Toomey voted to proceed with the trial in the first place, with many Republicans arguing its unconstitutional to try a former president. It was overwhelming. There was no debate, said Jeff Piccola, the York County Republican chairman and a former state senator. They were cheering when they were voting and when the resolution was being read. It bubbled up from beneath, it wasnt my idea. Similar resolutions have been approved or are expected far and wide, including in Cambria, Lancaster, Centre, and Northampton Counties. Even in Chester County where Joe Biden defeated Trump by 17 percentage points the local GOP is considering voting to censure Toomey at its meeting on Tuesday. Senator Toomey has violated the trust of his voters...and neglected his duty to represent the party and the will of the people who elected him to represent them, reads a draft resolution. Most of Western Pennsylvania and the T are planning on it or have done it, said Jackie Kulback, chair of the Cambria County GOP, referring to the mostly rural and deeply conservative T-shaped swath in the states center, Northeast, and Northwest corners. The sharp criticism of a long-serving senator who has pushed his party rightward on policy and supported the vast majority of Trumps initiatives underscores how loyalty to the former president has become an overriding litmus test in the GOP. It suggests Trump will continue to loom over the party as it looks ahead to 2022 campaigns for governor and U.S. Senate. And it comes after Toomey has absorbed years of liberal criticism for being too supportive of Trump. He has been conservative, but we just never really felt that he was behind the president, Kulback said. This was the final straw. READ MORE: Pat Toomey's retirement makes the 2022 elections in Pennsylvania a total free-for-all Toomey, who is not seeking reelection next year, has spent decades pushing conservative fiscal policies in the U.S. House, while leading the conservative lobbying group the Club for Growth, and as a senator who ran as the true conservative alternative to the late Sen. Arlen Specter whom Toomey chased out of the party for being too moderate. He supported Trump in both 2016 and 2020 though Toomey refused to endorse him until the final hours of the 2016 campaign, and at times criticized the presidents rhetoric. Still, he voted with Trump roughly 85% of the time, according to the website FiveThirtyEight. Toomey wrote much of Trumps signature tax bill and key parts of the presidents attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. As the head of the Club for Growth, Toomey wrote a 2008 Wall Street Journal column titled In Defense of RINO Hunting, referring to Republicans In Name Only. Now some in Pennsylvania are slapping that label on him. He was never a Trump fan, said Lee Snover, chair of the Northampton County GOP, who pointed to Toomeys reluctance to endorse Trump in 2016, when the senator himself was on the ballot. Censure resolutions have little practical effect, especially since Toomey is not seeking reelection, but they show the weight of the impeachment vote among rank-and-file Republicans. READ MORE: First it was fraud, then they just didnt like the rules: How Pa. Republicans justified overturning an election Toomey was the only Pennsylvania Republican in Congress who supported the second impeachment. And he stood firmly against Trump and much of the GOPs last-ditch attempt to throw out Pennsylvanias Electoral College votes. Eight of the states nine Republican House members supported the move on the very day of the riot. Toomey, who opposed Trumps first impeachment, was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict him Saturday in the most bipartisan rebuke ever of a president. But 43 GOP senators voted to acquit arguing either that its unconstitutional to try a former president, or that there was no link between Trumps actions and the Capitol violence. Toomey, however, blamed Trump for dishonest, systematic attempts to convince his voters he had won the 2020 election, and for inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. His betrayal of the Constitution and his oath of office required conviction, Toomey said Saturday. Had he accepted the outcome of the election, acknowledged defeat, and cooperated with a peaceful transfer, then hed be celebrated for a lot of the accomplishments that he deserves credit for. Instead, hell be remembered throughout history as the president who resorted to nonlegal steps to try to hold on to power. He acknowledged that most Republicans would disagree with his vote and said Trump had some terrific successes. Those things can be true and it can also be true that his behavior after the election became completely unacceptable, Toomey said. Aides contacted for this story pointed back to those comments Monday. Other Republicans who voted to convict Trump have faced similarly swift backlash. READ MORE: Senate acquits Trump in his second impeachment trial, a coda to a tumultuous presidency Some Republicans said condemnation of Toomey was a long time coming. They bristled at his push, starting after the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, to expand background checks for gun purchases, and many remembered his reluctance to support Trump in 2016. Combined with his previous attacks on Americas Second Amendment, [Toomey] continues to use the Republican banner while actively working against conservative values, principles, and elected Republicans in public office, a Centre County GOP censure resolution said. And while he supported the vast majority of Trumps policies, Toomey clashed with the president on free trade, opposing Trumps tariffs and sticking to the traditional conservative support of open markets. On trade, Trump changed a lot of the positions of many people in the Republican Party, me for one, said Piccola, of York County. I think Pat Toomey is a globalist, said Snover, of Northampton. Other Republicans, notably those from more moderate parts of the state, were uneasy with the scorn directed his way. Some worry that hewing to Trumps political brand is a route to electoral disaster, especially if the party continues bleeding in the vote-rich suburbs. While Toomey and Trump both faced voters in 2016, Toomey did far better in the suburbs. Trump excelled in more rural and postindustrial areas, which now appear to form the core of Republican backing. If Pat Toomey did what he did, he did it because he thought it through thoroughly. Its a conscience issue for him, said Alan Novak, a former state GOP chairman from Chester County. Pat Toomey represented the Republican Party exactly the way we wanted him to when he was in the Senate, a real policy-driven, policy wonk, problem-solving kind of guy. Former U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, a Chester County Republican who is considering a campaign to succeed Toomey, tweeted that Toomey was an excellent Senator and these censures wont age well. Toomey, who had been considering a run for governor, announced in October that he would not run for any office when his Senate term ends. That threw wide open the races for Senate and governor and created a vacuum that amplified questions about what the Pennsylvania GOP will look like and stand for going forward. These early indications suggest that Trump, and support for Trump, remain vital. 7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account. Jesus Gonzalez Santos, the 44-year-old man from Coin who was subject of a missing person appeal, has been located and is in a "good condition". According to official sources, the man was seen for the last time last Saturday and when he did not return home his relatives reported him missing to the Guardia Civil. However, according to different sources, Jesus has contacted his relatives to inform them that he is safe and well. The Guardia Civil used its social media channel to appeal for the publics help to locate the missing man, although the alert has now been deactivated. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Photo: (Photo : Photo by @houstonstyle from Twitter) There is something else to share with a pair of identical twins from Texas than twin sisterhood. The twin sisters gave birth hours apart at the same hospital. In April of last year, Nigerian-born twin sisters Kehinde Adedayo and Taiwo Aluko found out they were expecting during the lockdown. Now they are more than a pair of identical twin sisters who have been on each other's side all their lives and lived in Texas for nine years now. They have far more in common than just their genes, both of whom are now also moms to newborns, born in the same hospital less than two days apart. They also had similar ideas about sharing the good news when they both found out in early April that they were pregnant. Aluko said, "I wanted to surprise Kehinde and have my little girl bring her the positive pregnancy test when she was least expecting it," in an interview. "But, little did we know, she had the very same surprise planned for me when her 2-year-old son brought me her positive test at the same time that evening!" During their pregnancy, the sisters were so similar that they ended up giving birth within 48 hours apart from each other at the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth, even if their due dates were supposedly three days apart. READ: Antibiotics During Pregnancy Could Increase Child's Risk of Asthma, New Study Suggests Twin sisters' birth and plans after A nurse in the mother/baby unit of the hospital, Shelby Jones, who personally took care of the twins, said it was extraordinary to watch the sisters share the joy of becoming new moms, given the number of coronavirus restrictions that have stopped even their husbands from visiting them and their babies in the hospital in recent months. "It's rewarding to serve as an extension of people's families during the pandemic," said Nurse Shelby Jones of the sisters having to experience this part of their lives together because members of the family were prohibited from visiting because of COVID protocols. Kehinde gave birth to the 7 lbs., 21.5 oz Zoey Adedayo at 9:24 p.m. on Feb. 7, and Taiwo gave birth to the 7 lbs., 20 oz. Tony Aluko was at 1:24 a.m. on Feb. 9, both at Southwest Fort Worth's Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital. Adedayo and Aluko both live in Arlington with their families, and the sisters express their sincere desire and plan to raise their kids together. "We were both, of course, shocked but also very excited to go through this parenthood journey together," Adedayo said. ALSO READ: Report: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine To Be Tested on Children for the First Time Another twins tale In August last year, Parent Herald covered another interesting twins tale. Identical twins Brittany and Briana Salyers, married identical twins Josh and Jeremy Salyers, and their union was featured on TLC's Our Twinsan Wedding. They announced mid-August that they are both expecting. The newborn announcement comes almost exactly two years after the couples tied the knot in a joint ceremony at Twinsburg, Ohio's 2018 Twins Days Festival, where they met for the first time a year prior. In the ceremony titled "Twice Upon a Time," they were married by identical twin ministers. READ MORE: Almost All U.S. Children Live in "Red Zones" According to CDC's School Reopening Guidance UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) today announced that its 2021 Annual Meeting will be held as a virtual meeting on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Holders of record of Genworth's Class A common stock on March 22, 2021, will be eligible to vote at the 2021 Annual Meeting. As disclosed in Genworth's proxy statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the deadline for the receipt of stockholder proposals submitted under Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for inclusion in the company's proxy materials for the 2021 Annual Meeting was January 19, 2021. Genworth's bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for director nominations and other business proposals that stockholders intend to be presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting outside of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. For these nominations or other business proposals to be properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must deliver written notice to Genworth no later than the close of business on March 1, 2021. Such nominations and other business proposals must comply with all requirements set forth in the company's bylaws. All notices of intention to present director nominations or other business proposals at the 2021 Annual Meeting, whether or not intended to be included in the proxy materials, should be addressed to: Corporate Secretary, Genworth Financial, Inc., 6620 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230. About Genworth Financial Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) is a Fortune 500 insurance holding company committed to helping families achieve the dream of homeownership and address the financial challenges of aging through its leadership positions in mortgage insurance and long term care insurance. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Genworth traces its roots back to 1871 and became a public company in 2004. For more information, visit genworth.com . From time to time, Genworth releases important information via postings on its corporate website. Accordingly, investors and other interested parties are encouraged to enroll to receive automatic email alerts and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds regarding new postings. Enrollment information is found under the "Investors" section of genworth.com. From time to time, Genworth's publicly traded subsidiary, Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia Limited, releases financial and other information about its operations. This information can be found at http://www.genworth.com.au. SOURCE Genworth Financial, Inc. STAMFORD While voters were casting ballots at Westover Magnet Elementary School on Election Day, a Stamford man was trying to gun down another man less than a half-mile away, police said. Brandon Turner, 26, of Stamford, was arrested Tuesday morning and charged with attempted murder in connection with a daytime shooting on Stamfords West Side back on Nov. 3. Turner and another man were involved in a disagreement at the corner of Stillwater Avenue and Virgil Street around 11:30 a.m. that day when the 26-year-old pulled a 9-mm handgun and fired off at least four shots, Capt. Richard Conklin said. There was a deliveryman making a delivery nearby, and multiple people walking on the street at the time, but thankfully no one was injured in the shooting, Conklin said. Video surveillance from the scene, which is also near Stamford Hospital, helped police identify Turner, whom police said they are familiar with from prior investigations, as the gunman, Conklin said. Officers managed to track Turner to a car on Nurney Street about 45 minutes after the shooting, but Conklin said they found he had changed clothes and had no weapons in his possession. Police tested Turner for gunshot residue during the traffic stop, but the results are still pending, Conklin said. Turner, who has multiple unrelated gun and drug charges pending against him, turned himself in at the Stamford Police Department on Tuesday morning on an outstanding arrest warrant. Turner was charged with criminal attempt at murder, first-degree reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm. He was held on court-set bond of $750,000 and was given a court date of April 12. In the days leading up to the shooting, cellphone records show Turner arranged to buy a Glock 19 a 9-mm model on the black market, according to a warrant for his arrest. Turner is not legally allowed to possess a firearm due to a previous misdemeanor conviction, the warrant said. The daytime shooting came about a week after two other shooting incidents occurred farther up Stillwater Avenue and in the Southwood Square apartment complex, police said. Conklin pointed to the work of investigator Nick Spinella and the rest of the Major Crimes Unit run by Sgt. Jennifer Lynch for what he called a complete, concise investigation into the attempted murder. This handgun violence is something we are aggressively trying to combat on West Side, and this arrest is a good example of that, Conklin said. ROCHESTER, Minn. - Minnesota lawmakers are considering ways to better protect confidential informants. Legislators are looking into companion bills in the state house and senate named after Matthew Klaus, a Rochester man who died of a drug overdose while working as a confidential informant for the Rochester Police Department in 2019. The bills, referred to as "Matthew's Law," aim to secure better training and protections for informants, and create a model policy on the use of informants for law enforcement agencies across the state. State Senator David Senjem, who presented the Matthew's Law to the Senate Judiciary Committee, says confidential informants take on tremendous risk, and should be better taken care of. "If it were an officer of the law that was in fact working under cover, they would be protected with all kinds of life insurance, worker's compensation insurance, everything that we could give them from the standpoint of offering protection," State Senator Senjem told KIMT News 3. "Matthew was offered a $100 bill, and that seems a little out of step with my moral taste from the standpoint of obligation to these people that are extremely valuable, by the way, from the standpoint of what they do to help us deal with the criminal element within our society." During testimony before the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee, Denise Klaus, mother of Matthew Klaus, urged state representatives to consider the bills seriously. "Matthew was a son, a father, a brother, and a friend, and a bill like this would have better protected him, and maybe we all wouldn't be still grieving him today," Klaus said. State Senator Senjem says Matthew's law is on its way to the senate floor in Saint Paul, and expects the bill to pass with overwhelming support. Senator Senjem is also optimistic about its prospects in the state house. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson has been heavily criticised for comments he made in a radio interview in which he downplayed the storming of the US Capitol. Speaking on conservative talk radio on Monday he said that the events of 6 January didnt seem like an armed insurrection to me. Mr Johnsons interview on WISN-AM in Milwaukee came after he voted on Saturday to acquit former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial. On Tuesdays edition of Morning Joe, host Mika Brzezinski branded his comments as incredibly stupid and Joe Scarborough questioned if this was going to be the Republican Partys strategy going forward, pretending that the violent insurrection that led to the deaths of seven people did not happen. Fellow MSNBC host Brian Williams quipped on his Monday night show: Unbelievable explanation from Ron Johnson, which weve had translated from the original Russian, of course. Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger tweeted: Uh What? Must have been in a different insurrection than I was. As one of Donald Trumps most ardent supporters, Mr Johnson claimed in the interview that Trumps attorneys eviscerated legal arguments made by Democrats seeking to convict him for instigating the insurrection. Mr Johnson condemned the violence and five deaths during the riot but said what happened was not an armed insurrection. When you hear the word armed, dont you think of firearms? Mr Johnson said. Heres the questions I would have liked to ask how many firearms were confiscated? How many shots were fired? Im only aware of one, and Ill defend that law enforcement officer for taking that shot. It was a tragedy, but I think there was only one. If that was a planned armed insurrection, man, you had really a bunch of idiots. Law enforcement officials have said in court filings that guns, bombs, and other weapons were found on people who stormed the Capitol, in their vehicles, and elsewhere. The insurrectionists also used flag poles, stolen police shields, crutches, fire extinguishers, sticks, and other objects to attack police officers and force entry into the building. Counterterrorism experts speculate that there were many concealed firearms present on the day the Capitol was stormed. Fourteen people are facing federal charges related to bringing or using dangerous weapons inside the building and two are facing firearms-related charges, according to the US Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia. Rating Mr Johnsons statement as Pants on Fire, Politifact called it ridiculous revisionist history. In another interview, the senator claimed he was literally never afraid and said: To call that an armed insurrection, it was the most pitiful armed insurrection anyone could possibly imagine. He also claimed that the danger to Vice President Mike Pence was overblown. The Senate acquitted Trump of a charge of incitement of insurrection after House prosecutors laid out a case that he was an inciter in chief who unleashed a mob by stoking a monthslong campaign of spreading debunked conspiracy theories and false violent rhetoric that the 2020 election was stolen from him. We know who is talking to us and saying how important police officials are when their side is the one thats been saying defund the police," Mr Johnson said. "So youre sitting in that trial, youre listening to all this and you understand its just dripping with hypocrisy. Up for re-election in 2022, Mr Johnson has not yet said whether he will seek a third term. Wisconsins other senator, Democrat Tammy Baldwin, voted to convict Trump. With reporting from the Associated Press. Pauline Hanson has blamed 'cancel culture' for the lack of support given to vulnerable children suffering abuse in Aboriginal communities. The One Nation leader said in a provocative speech to the Senate on Monday that both sides of politics are 'too afraid' to act because they will be labelled 'creators of a second Stolen Generation'. She claimed many at-risk children in remote indigenous communities are being sent back to live with 'child molesters'. Her controversial comments come on the anniversary of Australia's official apology for the Stolen Generation by then-prime minister Kevin Rudd in 2008. Senator Pauline Hanson has blamed 'cancel culture' for the lack of support given to vulnerable children suffering physical and sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities. Pictured: Sisters play in the mud at Hoppy's 'town camp' on the outskirts of Alice Springs Thousands of Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families by church missions on the orders of the Australian Government in 1905 to 1967. 'The apology affirmed our nation's agreement that we should never accept or condone the removal of children from their families based on race,' Senator Hanson said. 'But today, I am deeply saddened by the knowledge that we have much more to be sorry for around our treatment of indigenous Australians.' She claimed indigenous children were repeatedly returned to parents who persistently abused or neglected them. 'We're talking about abuse and neglect that would make your toes curl,' Senator Hanson said. 'From rampant alcohol and drug abuse, inter-family and domestic violence - some of the worst you will ever see - the starvation and malnutrition of children. 'The denial of education because too many Aboriginal parents refuse to send their children to school and worst of all, prostitution and paedophilia involving reportedly children as young as two.' The One Nation leader said in a provocative speech to the Senate on Monday that both sides of politics are 'too afraid' to be labelled 'creators of a second Stolen Generation'. Pictured: A child is seen at the Alice Springs Women's Shelter in 2016 The rate of neglect and abuse among Australia's indigenous population is significantly higher than non-Indigenous groups. Child protection data from the Australian Institute of Family Studies found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 6.5 times more likely to be the subject of substantiated risk of harm reports and 11 times more likely to be in out-of-home care. 'I believe both sides of politics lack the courage and will to act in the face of the cancel culture on behalf of these children, and the families who desperately cry out for rapid and empowering solutions,' Senator Hanson said. 'So, my apology is to today's Indigenous victims. The ones who live with and suffer from the horrors of child molesters.' Daily Mail Australia have contacted the Healing Foundation for comment - a national Indigenous organisation which works to address the ongoing trauma caused by the forced removal of children from their families. Daily Mail Australia has also contacted the Indigenous children's advocacy group SNAICC. Kevin Rudd is pictured Stolen Generation survivors at a breakfast to mark the 10th anniversary of Australia's apology Kevin Rudd was the first Prime Minister to say 'Sorry' to the Indigenous people Prime Minister Scott Morrison also touched on the decades of 'endless pain' sanctioned by the state when he addressed issue of the Stolen Generations this week. 'Children forcibly removed from parents. Mothers chasing after police cars that had taken their children,' he said. 'A state that seized absolute control over Aboriginal people's lives: Where they could live, where they could travel, who they could marry, and what children, if any, they could raise. 'Actions of brute force carried out under claims of 'good intentions', but in truth betrayed the ignorance of arrogance, 'knowing better than our Indigenous peoples'.' Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders represent 33 per cent of of all children removed from their parents, despite only making up 6 per cent of the total child population. 'If we do not address these, not least in mental health and incarceration rates, the gaps will only widen and we will have the makings of another apology in the future,' he said. Ferne McCann made a rare public appearance with boyfriend Jack Padgett on Tuesday, shortly after celebrating their first Valentine's Day as a couple. The TV personality was arm-in-arm with the model and marketing manager as they ventured out in her native Essex with pet dog Carter. On another chilly day Ferne, 30, stayed warm beneath a comfortable quilted jacket while walking alongside Jack, who held the dog's lead. Here they come: Ferne McCann made a rare public appearance with boyfriend Jack Padgett on Tuesday, shortly after celebrating their first Valentine's Day as a couple She added to her casual look with a pair of simple black leggings, while Wellington boots ensured she was protected from the muddy footpath. Joining his girlfriend, Jack was appropriately dressed in a knitted beanie hat, thick hooded top and black windbreaker. The couple are thought to have known each other for years before embarking on a relationship in 2020. Happy couple: The TV personality was arm-in-arm with Jack as they ventured out in her native Essex with pet dog Carter Well wrapped: On another chilly day Ferne, 30, stayed warm beneath a comfortable quilted jacket while walking alongside Jack, who held the dog's lead Sensible: She added to her casual look with a pair of simple black leggings, while Wellington boots ensured she was protected from the muddy footpath On Valentine's Day Ferne took to Instagram to upload unseen clips of their best memories together as she praised the 'understanding, kind and supportive' model in a heartfelt tribute. Jack also toasted to 'the start of a new life' with his partner as he posted snaps from their recent South African getaway on his platform, before they transformed her studio into a home cinema for a candle-lit movie night at home. The pair also showed off their silly sides as Ferne danced in a purple wig in one video, while Jack picked her nose in another. The former TOWIE star later treated her followers to a glimpse at her night in with her new man as they tucked into takeaway from Sheesh Chigwell, set up a cosy theatre from Backyard Cinema Hire Essex, and sipped on champagne. Low key: Joining his girlfriend, Jack was appropriately dressed in a knitted beanie hat, thick hooded top and black windbreaker Touchy feely: Ferne couldn't keep her hands off Jack as they strolled close to her Essex home on Tuesday She's pleased: The TV personality looked chuffed while out with the model and marketing manager Ferne went on to reach out to singletons who may be feeling 'lonely' during Valentine's Day as she admitted she would avoid social media on February 14 when she didn't have a boyfriend. Dressed in PJs, the blonde said: 'This is a little Insta Story for all the singletons out there. 'I never enjoyed Valentine's Day. In fact, I would avoid Instagram all day as it actually made me sick of all the couples who are all in love... I know I'm in the category now, but allow me as I'm just celebrating the fact that I've got a boyfriend! Old friends: The couple are thought to have known each other for years before embarking on a relationship in 2020 Let's go: Ferne and Jack were side by side as they lewd their pet dog on a muddy Tuesday morning walk Don't mind us: But the couple were hard to miss as they ventured out for a rare public appearance 'I know that these days can be really tough when you're single, especially in lockdown when you're feeling lonely, but hold faith. 'Good times are coming your way. You can just imagine that every other singleton is going to be so excited to get out there again and just flirt, date, so yeah! I'm actually pretty jealous of you.' Ferne ensured she didn't leave out her daughter Sunday, three, on the special occasion as she shared a sweet photo of her 'numero uno' cradling Carter. Going solo: Ferne was without daughter Sunday during her latest outing with Jack The doting parent - who has her child from a relationship with jailed former fiance Arthur Collins - wrote: 'No matter what, who or when this girl will always be my numero uno 'My number one Valentine. So here is a gorgeous pic of her and her best friend who we are so lucky to have stay with us throughout lockdown @carterchowchow. I'm pretty sure if I asked Sunday who her Valentine is for today she would say Carter. 'Last night, in the middle of the night my alarm went off. I found Sunday at the bottom of the stairs with this little pink bun bun ''Mummy, I want to give this to Carter''. The TV personality welcomed Sunday, her only child with Collins, in November 2017. Ferne's former partner and Sunday's father is currently serving a 20 year prison sentence for injuring 14 people during an acid attack at an east London nightclub in 2017. The stock market declined on Wednesday amid a volatile session that started with a sharp rise in ten year bond yields and saw some ASX-listed stocks swing by nearly 20 per cent. Mining stocks continue to outperform as record high commodity prices filter through to investors as dividends, and a positive quarterly report from Westpac saw rise 4.6 per cent. However the financial sector was flat as a 1.9 per cent fall in Commonwealth Bank and 14 per cent fall in Zip Co dragged on the gains. A sudden 10 basis point rise in US ten year treasuries overnight led to a similar move in Australian government 10-year bonds, up 8 basis points to 1.4 per cent, the highest in 11 months, and in many other countries. A recent jolt in oil prices has also played havoc with markets, which are swollen by central banks promising to keep interest rates at emergency lows in the long term and forcing investors into riskier stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 ended the session 32 points lower at 6885.2, a fall of 0.5 per cent. Equity partner at E.L & C Baillieu, Richard Morrow, said there was many different cross currents pulling at the market. Youve got earnings season - its early days but much better than expected especially in the banking sector - (and) and exceptional performance in the resource sector mainly due to commodity prices and the feature of that is iron ore. (And) stronger than expected oil prices, thats a weird one, he said. The pandemic was still running, but did not seem to be weighing on markets, he added. The rising bond yields was important because it set the risk-free rate of return and was used to value other assets, Mr Morrow explained. And right at the moment there is no certainty there, especially with the amount of bonds that are being issued into the market. At some stage, maybe governments will say do you think we should keep this spending going? Volatility indicators remain low compared to the March 2020 market rout and spikes ahead of the US Presidential election and inauguration. Amid the busy session BHP gained 3.4 per cent, Rio Tinto added 3.6 per cent ahead of its results being released in the UK this evening and Fortescue gained 3 per cent. EML Payments shot up 16.4 per cent on as optimistic half-year result that beat expectations, but may have also caught out short sellers. And Lynas Rare Earths reached a seven-year high with a 13.4 per cent gain after China threatened to withhold its exports of the mineral to the US. Among the losses Zip Co shed 14 per cent after speculator driven 28.5 per cent rise over the previous two sessions. And Coles dropped 5.4 per cent after warning panic shopping sales growth was ending, dragging Woolies down 4.6 per cent in the process. President Joe Biden did not discuss New Yorks coverup of nursing home deaths during a meeting with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday. The focus of the meeting was on the president providing an update on his plans to help get the pandemic under control, so no that was not a focus of their conversation or a topic, Psaki said in response to a DailyMail.com question during a White House press briefing on Tuesday. Biden met with a bipartisan group of governors and mayors, including Cuomo, in the Oval Office on Friday to discuss his efforts to provide financial aid for state and local governments hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. Biden has proposed $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local and territorial governments as part of his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. You folks are all on the front lines and dealing with the crisis since day one, Biden said Friday. Theyve been working on their own in many cases. The meeting came hours after Cuomos top aide, Melissa DeRosa, privately told Democratic lawmakers on a virtual call last week that the state froze data on Covid-19 deaths at long-term facilities. The Cuomo administration feared the true numbers would be used against us by President Donald Trump and spark a Department of Justice investigation, DeRosa said. A report from NYS Attorney General Letitia James last month showed the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) undercounted Covid-19 deaths among nursing home residents by approximately 50%. I was explaining that when we received the DOJ inquiry, we needed to temporarily set aside the Legislatures request to deal with the federal request first, DeRosa said in a statement. We informed the houses of this at the time. We were comprehensive and transparent in our responses to the DOJ, and then had to immediately focus our resources on the second wave and vaccine rollout. As I said on a call with legislators, we could not fulfill their request as quickly as anyone would have liked. But we are committed to being better partners going forward as we share the same goal of keeping New Yorkers as healthy as possible during the pandemic. Cuomo admitted Monday that he made a mistake in not providing information on nursing home deaths earlier to the media, lawmakers and advocates. He said the delay led to misinformation, but came short of apologizing. The truth is everybody did everything they could, he said. Older people, vulnerable people get this disease, it is likely to kill them. Thats why people died, not because anyone did anything wrong or because there was a conspiracy. We made a mistake in creating the void. When we didnt provide information, it allowed press, people, cynics, politicians to fill the void. When you dont correct disinformation, you allow it to continue, he added. I take responsibility for that. We did create the void and that created pain and I feel very badly about that. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., listens to a question during a meeting between President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of mayors and governors to discuss a coronavirus relief package, in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Washington.AP Photo/Evan Vucci Cuomo has faced widespread criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, including State Sens. John W. Mannion and Rachel May, who have called for stripping Cuomo of his emergency powers. Biden previously praised Cuomos handling of the pandemic as a lesson in leadership, but Psaki declined to say whether the president still had confidence in the New York governor on Friday. The president hosted Gov. Cuomo and a bipartisan group of governors and mayors today to get their perspectives from the front lines not to give anyone a stamp of approval or to seek their stamp of approval, and to discuss the urgency of passing the American Rescue Plan, Psaki said. Gov. Cuomo is the governor of one of the largest states in the country one of the places where the pandemic hit hardest, the earliest, where theres still many Americans continuing to struggle to get vaccinated and make ends meet, so it was important to have him as part of the meeting. The American Rescue Plan, or ARP, is Bidens Covid relief package that includes a new round of stimulus checks worth $1,400; $400 in weekly unemployment benefits; a new Child Tax Credit; $70 billion towards vaccination centers and Covid-19 testing; $130 billion to help schools reopen safely; $15 billion in small business grants; raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour (from the current rate of $7.25 an hour); reinstating paid sick leave; and $15 billion to help states subsidize child care for low-income families along with a $25 billion fund to help child care centers in danger of closing. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources $25 billion restaurant relief package has bipartisan support, Schumer says Covid in NY: Hospitalizations continue falling from January highs Syracuse University athletes throw big party attended by students not wearing masks Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com [February 16, 2021] 'Miracle' Avalanche Search and Rescue Credited to Wolfhound-Pro Cell Phone Detector METUCHEN, N.J., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In what is being described as a 'miracle' by search and rescue authorities, a fifty-year-old father was recovered and is expected to make a full recovery after being buried under 2.5 meters of snow and ice for nearly three hours. On January 28th, 2021, an avalanche struck the Val d'Isere region in the French Alps where the man, his wife and two children decided to take a cross country snow-show walk. His wife and two children were unscathed by the avalanche but the search for the man attracted 130 volunteers. After his emergency victim transponder failed to be picked up by search and rescue teams and rescue dogs failed to pick up on his scent, the PGHM gendarmerie decided to use their Wolfhound-Pro which can detect mobile phone signals. "Usually, we use it [Wolfhound-Pro] to find people who are lost in the forest. This was one of the first times we have used it for an avalanche," said Alexander Grether, captain in the PGHM police. The team began patrolling the area using the Wolfhound-Pro after all nearby volunteers turned off their mobile phones so as not to introduce false positives. They immediately detected a cellular signal and began digging near the strongest signal source. "Not everyone carries an emergency transponde on them but everyone carries a cell phone so our receivers can really make a difference in those critical moments immediately after a disaster strikes," said Scott Schober, CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems, the company behind Wolfhound-Pro. Schober continues, "We've sold tens of thousands of wireless receivers but they are more preventative safety and security tools for many industries and government departments. The exciting thing about our Wolfhound-Pro cellular search and rescue kit is that we are actually helping SAR teams and volunteers who actively save lives and that's a great feeling," The Wolfhound-Pro product has been used by law enforcement and correctional facilities around the world for over a decade in secure areas where wireless activity is prohibited. It works by utilizing a wideband, direction finding antenna system coupled with a high-speed scanning receiver system capable of detecting and locating the strongest nearby cellular signal. The receiver ignores wireless energy originating from walkie-talkies, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and many other common sources of RF. Wolfhound-Pro cellular search and rescue kit is available now directly from www.bvsystems.com. Media Contact: Craig Schober 732.548.3737 291207@email4pr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/miracle-avalanche-search-and-rescue-credited-to-wolfhound-pro-cell-phone-detector-301227961.html SOURCE Berkeley Varitronics Systems [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] I have been reminded of an old axiom that I studiously adhered to during the forty years that I ran my business. It was this: don't bring me a problem without offering a solution. In other words, don't whine and complain about a problem unless you have a better idea. We have seen a lot of breast-beating and self-flagellation on the part of conservatives over their failure to prevent or slow the indoctrination of the nation's youth by our country's education system. And there is little doubt that conservatives have failed miserably. Sometimes the losing side in a battle must begrudgingly credit their opponents for a game well played, a battle well fought, or an argument well stated. It's even possible that General Custer found it in himself to silently congratulate the Indians for their superior battle plan as he breathed his dying breath. The progressives have indeed waged an effective strategy against traditional values to date. But unlike Custer, we traditionalists are still alive and fighting. We recognize that for generations, we have been outfoxed in the battle for the minds of our children. It took a long time to get to the unfortunate place in which we now find ourselves, and it will most likely take a long time to reestablish a semblance of traditional normalcy. We face the additional disadvantage that our foes, the progressive globalists, know of our intent. They will fight us tooth and nail in our battle to restore decency and values to our society. But battle we must, and there shall be no whining henceforth. First, we must recognize that any attempt to override the damage already done and prevent further erosion of our youths' values must start at the grassroots level. Silence can no longer be any part of the plan. We must let our voices be heard at PTA and school board meetings. If the existing powers do not heed those voices, we must vote them out and replace them with new participants who share our vision. If we create a school board and state educational boards of like-minded individuals dedicated to traditional values, we will have the power to take on tyrannical teachers' unions. While we recognize most teachers' dedication and hard work, these unions often serve little function other than as a jobs program for their dues-paying constituency. A good number of teachers without merit as educators have their jobs undeservedly protected. That must end. The teaching profession must emerge as a meritocracy with the students' benefit held as the highest priority. We will have a voice in choosing the subjects taught our children and will be able to replace the anti-American and often deviant curriculum presently in place with more suitable courses. Second, we must all realize that as parents, our obligation to educate our sons and daughters does not end with putting them on the school bus in the morning and welcoming them back home at the end of the day. We might have the inclination and ability to home school. More likely, we must talk with our children about the things they have been taught at school and make suggestions and corrections when necessary. We cannot sit back and allow the often subversive subject matter to become ingrained in our kids without a challenge. Third, we must demand school choice. We must insist on both charter schools and the use of vouchers for private schools, allowing parents to provide their children the best education available. We have choices in where we live, what automobiles we drive, and where we buy our groceries. No one would dare tell us we have no choice but to purchase our clothing in one state-selected store. But we all too willingly stand back and allow our educational system to tell us where our children must be educated to partake of taxpayer education dollars. That must end. Competition inevitably improves any product. There is no more important product in our society than the education of our children. Fourth, we must address the problem of secondary education. It does little good to oversee our kids' elementary and high schooling, only to send them off to college where they are browbeaten and brainwashed by an ultra-leftist faculty. We are not going to change the left-leaning faculties of such places as Harvard and Berkeley. But schools such as Hillsdale College and Liberty University are out there. If we flood those conservative schools with applicants, simple supply and demand will eventually see more like-minded institutions emerge. Finally, we must realize that the main agenda of many, likely most of our elected officials, is reelection. Let's insist that the price of that reelection is listening to the voices that call for the reforms I have listed and legislation seeking their implementation. If we all join the battle, I feel our fate will be better than General Custer's. 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Kim Reynolds was met Friday with support for her broadband expansion efforts when she visited with Des Moines County community and business leaders.Reynolds has proposed investing $150 million each of the next three years to establish affordable high-speed broadband access, the need for which has been made increasingly apparent by the pandemic, throughout Iowa by 2025.Addressing a group of more than a dozen community and business leaders gathered in a conference room of the Greater Burlington Partnership, Reynolds said the $450 million in state funding combined with private sector funds and grant money made available through the Federal Communications Commission "gives us a real opportunity to scale and have the largest broadband buildout in the country if we're able to get done what we're trying to do with this aggressive investment."Bryan Bross, vice president of engineering firm Klingner and Associates, said high-speed broadband access is critical in attracting and retaining populations in smaller towns like Burlington and likened it to a utility. "I think it's critical not only to economic development, but as we see these trends of young people maybe not going to the big cities, maybe they want to stay in great places like Burlington, and throughout Iowa, we've seen through our work trying to make sure that we can communicate with people as an engineering firm regardless of their location is dependent on broadband," Bross said."We need to see it as important as highways, water, sewer, power."According to BroadbandNow, Iowa now ranks 45th in the nation in terms of broadband access; just 18.5 percent of Iowans have access to affordable internet plans, putting it will below the national average of 50.1 percent."We're ranked relatively low right now from that perspective," Reynolds said. "But the thing I think we need to be mindful of is other states are trying to do exactly what we're trying to do, because they've just all gone through COVID, they've gone through 2020 as well, so if we're going to be competitive and really continue to grow as a state, we need to make investments like this."Key to Reynolds' proposed legislation, House Bill 133, is that the money would fund up to 75 percent of projects establishing broadband access with upload and download speeds of 100 megabits per second in areas with no service or lower-speed service. The state's current average download speed is 78.9 megabits per second the second slowest in the nation.The high speed requirement has drawn criticism from some who believe establishing such speeds in rural areas would be too difficult.Tim Fencl, CEO and general manager of Danville Mutual Telephone Co., however, said the 100/100 requirement ultimately will save money in the future in that the infrastructure to support even higher speeds already will be in place."We support that bill so much because the cost of building future proof networks is very expensive, but it's less expensive than having to build the same network two or three times, so when we set that criteria that high of 100-by-100, we're future-proofing our networks," Fencl said, explaining the same network that provides the 100/100 service can be upgraded to provide gigabit by gigabit service by changing electronics. "You don't have to build new construction to get that done."Danville Mutual Telephone Co. received $2.9 million in July through CARES Act funding that allowed it to accelerate its Fiber to the Home project, which will provide fiber speed connectivity to 998 homes in a 170-square-mile radius in Des Moines County and a a portion of Henry County.Initially, the project was expected to take 3 1/2 years to build, but with the CARES funding, its anticipated completion date has been pushed up to June.The company has applied for additional grant funding through the state's second round of CARES funding. If granted, Danville Mutual Telephone Co. will use the money to provide connectivity to another 30 homes just outside the Danville service area that now have speeds of only 1/1."The 100 meg by 100 meg is critical for any business, any homeowner, students and more so now that we're doing Zoom calls and those types of things," Fencl said, explaining high download speeds but low upload speeds often cause outages because upload speed won't work if the download speed is saturated. "That synchronous upload speed has to be there."Reynolds previously requested the Legislature approve $20 million to be put toward broadband access, but only $5 million was approved. Asked if she is concerned about gaining enough support from legislators, Reynolds said she hopes enough people will voice their support for the bill to their representatives that they will see the need to fund it."When you look at rural Iowans and how they're being left behind and with the opportunities to work from home, telehealth, education, if we have to go through anything remotely close to what we just did, we have the ability to prepared," Reynolds said. "We just have to do it."Broadband was among the top three needs identified by groups comprised of Reynolds' Economic Advisory Board and 350 volunteers from throughout the state."We have an opportunity to invest in broadband and childcare and affordable housing," Reynolds said. "I think those are three really big issues that are barriers to continued economic growth, and we're going to continue our focus on healthcare and workforce training as well as education, and we believe by doing that, we can kind of set the state on a solid pass for economic prosperity for years to come."Senate Study Bill 1142 would create $15 million in state low-income housing tax credit program to use as a match to the existing federal low-income housing tax program, double the workforce housing tax dredit program to $50 million per year, increase funding to housing trust funds for every county by between $4 million and $5 million per year and double the grayfield/brownfield tax credit to help with costs of renovating housing with environmental issues.House lawmakers passed half a dozen proposals Wednesday that, if they make it through the Senate, would double the income threshold for a pair of child care tax credits; allow families to gradually phase out of a state child care assistance program as their incomes increase; raise reimbursement rates for child care providers; create tax incentives for businesses that offer child care to their employees; and create a new matching grant fund for communities that participate in child care workforce programs.Reynolds also spoke on mental health funding, explaining her recommended budget allocates $15 million go toward funding the state's mental health regions "so that we can make sure we have sustainable funding to support the comprehensive development of healthcare reform that we put in place in our regions as well as the children's." She said the second installment of CARES Act will make available an additional about $26 million toward mental health funding in the state."We know with everything we've just gone through, we've worked really hard to adjust and adapt a really strong adult mental health system," Reynolds said. "We've worked to create a children's mental health system with the regions that we've put in place, the access centers that act as treatment teams and crisis centers."Des Moines County supervisor Tom Broeker, however, pointed out that low Medicaid reimbursements are making it difficult for regions to attract the workforce needed to provide more complex mental health services."Our region is pressing currently with workforce development issues to increase the capacity to provide some of those complex-need services and I suspect every region in the state is wrestling with that," Broeker said. "I know every rural region in the state is wrestling with that, so I guess the one thing we'd like to look at is Medicaid reimbursement rates. We have to incentivize providers to create those services."Reynolds said Iowa Department of Public Health Director Kelly Garcia is in the process of comparing other states' reimbursements in an effort to find ways that Iowa can increase its Medicaid reimbursements."We know it's an issue and we just have to figure out how to address it moving forward in a sustainable manner," Reynolds said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Vaccine developers Moderna and AstraZeneca are no longer accepting orders for COVID-19 shots, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said Tuesday. He said businessman Enrique Razon of the International Container Terminal Services is laying down efforts along with the government in acquiring Moderna vaccines, but added: "I think they have already committed their full allocation, not taking any more orders for this." The situation with AstraZeneca is similar, Concepcion said. "Yung AstraZeneca wala rin, wala nang mga supply. Yung 17 million yun ang huling order. Kinausap ko sila...batch three ayaw na nila kasi talagang kulang na kulang ang supply nila sa Europe," he added. [Translation: AstraZeneca has no more supplies. The 17 million was the last order. I asked them about batch three, but they didn't want to anymore because their supply for Europe is scarce.] Despite this, Concepcion said Novavax was open, and urged that orders be placed while supply is still available. No deadline was given regarding the order period for Novavax. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the private sector, led by Razon, has pledged free shipping of the Moderna vaccines from the manufacturing facility in Spain. Last year, ICTSI said it was in talks to buy doses of AstraZeneca, half of which will be given to the Department of Health and the rest to be administered on Razon Group employees as well as logistics frontliners, including workers at the Philippine Ports Authority and the Bureau of Customs. Concepcion added the bulk of the vaccines would arrive in the third quarter of the year; however some doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine would arrive by May. There is no word on when AstraZeneca and Moderna could resume accepting orders. Concepcion said they have been receiving letters of intent from those wanting to avail of Novavax. He also said orders for Novavax can be for as few as 200 doses but added these could still be too much for some micro, small and medium enterprises. Concepcion said they would help those who need less than this number. READ: Novavax PH distributor hopes for earlier vaccine delivery amid report on high efficacy In December, 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. Q. I divorced 20 years ago. The divorce agreement said I would get half of my husbands pension earned during the 13 years we were married. I moved out-of-state. How do I find out how much I should get? I dont even know if he retired yet. Hes a police officer in New Jersey. Ex-wife A. There are several things to consider here. The pension system for police officers in New Jersey is the Police and Firemens Retirement System, known as the PFRS. The qualifications depend upon your ex-husbands age and years/months of service that give him credit in the system, said Jody DAgostini, a certified financial planner with Equitable Advisors/The Falcon Financial Group in Morristown. Retirement is mandatory if he has reached the age of 65, she said, noting the amount of the pension depends largely on his last 12 months of compensation. If the marital settlement agreement states, and a QDRO Qualified Domestic Relations Order was executed, you should be able to begin taking your monthly retirement allowance upon your ex-spouses retirement, she said. This disbursement will be sent directly to you from the New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits. You can contact them directly at (609) 292-0295 to inquire as to the status. Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com. Karin Price Mueller writes the Bamboozled column for NJ Advance Media and is the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Follow NJMoneyHelp on Twitter @NJMoneyHelp. Find NJMoneyHelp on Facebook. Sign up for NJMoneyHelp.coms weekly e-newsletter. In the first episode in this series with Wits Plus, Professor Beatrys Lacquet, the director and head of Wits Plus, shares the introduction of Wits Plus 2.0, the impact of the digital age on upskilling, and how part-time study can be achieved while working... Wetlands are essential for their ability to clean water, reduce flooding and promote biodiversity; however, these valuable ecosystems have been destroyed across West Virginia, forcing scientists to recreate the habitats. One West Virginia University researcher has taken a novel approach - surveying shrubs at ground level and observing growth in fractions of an inch to predict if new ecosystems will thrive. According to Jim Anderson, professor of wildlife and fisheries resources in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, current evaluation methods rely on short-term 'snapshots' like stem count or canopy coverage, which are not reflected in ecological restoration trend data. "Restoration often takes longer to become evident than the required monitoring period allows," he said. Anderson's method advances and revises the criteria used to gauge restoration success using intensive vegetation sampling of woody species for estimates, which will better ensure restoration success during and after the monitoring period. The recipient of a $151,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, Anderson will spend the next two years validating a new measurement technique of wetland restoration throughout the state. He will work closely with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the state agency that oversees wetlands. "Historically, there have been a number of metrics to identify progress or success of mitigated wetlands," Anderson said. "The general metric has been percent of stem survival and canopy cover, but that's highly variable. We're measuring shrubs at the ground level. We're not talking about feet; we're talking about an inch or a half an inch. Measuring that should give us a better indication of long-term success of wetlands. That's our hope." Anderson explained that canopy cover and stem count sampling can be misrepresented by any plantings prior to monitoring the area, which can make a struggling ecosystem appear to be thriving. Rather than measuring success based on an instant, Anderson wants to assess conditions over time by determining "stem area at groundline." Defined as the base of a stem immediately above the ground level, SAG determines restoration potential annually. "If most of our wetlands have a half-inch diameter stem average by the second year, but in a restoration site, the diameter does not get to one-half inch until year 7, then we know that the long-term prognosis for getting a functional wetland is slight," he explained. What does restorative success look like? "Positive ecological restoration trends follow a predictable pattern of nominal increases in the first few years (two to six years), followed by rapid increase as woody vegetation flourishes and establishes canopy (eight to 14 years), then stabilizing as canopy fills out from ages 16 to 22," Anderson added. Larger wetlands in West Virginia include Canaan Valley in Tucker County and Cranesville Swamp in Preston County. "The majority of our wetlands are pretty small," Anderson said. "People probably don't even recognize them because they don't look like the big Florida Everglades or the big swamps from Georgia and South Carolina. They're smaller areas generally less than half an acre." West Virginia has lost much of its wetlands because they are in lowland areas where people build roads and housing developments. West Virginia wetlands are incredibly important and fragile because they comprise only 1.5 to 2 percent of the landscape, making them a dire focal point for Anderson as well as conservation agencies around the state. "Basically, all the flat places we can build and develop are also where you find wetlands," Anderson explained. Many wetlands were drained in the 1940s, 50s and 60s using tile drains. Now, those drains are found and removed so hydrology can be restored. There are many species of both plants and animals that depend on wetlands, and the only reason those plants and animals occur in the state is because of the wetland systems. "That's usually what you're trying to do: get that historic hydrology back," Anderson said. "Then the plants and animals will generally follow. It's relatively quick, too. We studied a wetland in Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area just south of Grafton. Within several months of restoration, we already had otters back into that wetland site, which was formerly a dry field. They respond quickly." ### -WVU- ln/02/16/21 DOHC The custom undertaking well be admiring today hails from Deep Creek Cycleworks, a revered enterprise based in Diepenbeek, Belgium. As you browse through its outstanding range, youll find no shortage of remarkable masterpieces thatll leave any moto-loving gearhead lost for words. This unique 2017 BMW R nineT Pure (dubbed the Black Bull) is perhaps the sexiest of them all. Lets take a second to examine whats at hand here, shall we?In stock form, Bavarias beast is put in motion by a twin-cooledflat-twin behemoth that hosts four radially aligned valves per cylinder and a gargantuan displacement of 1,170cc. At around 7,550 rpm, this engine is fully capable of generating up to 110 ponies and much as 86 pound-feet (116 Nm) of brutal twisting force at 6,000 rpm.A six-speed constant-mesh gearbox hands the engines malicious oomph over to the rear 17-inch hoop via a shaft final drive, resulting in a healthy top speed of 125 mph (201 kph). Long story short, BMW Motorrads superstar is one hell of a starting point for workshops seeking to create a spectacular one-off entity.Deep Creeks craftsmen began the transformation by replacing the bikes standard fuel tank with an R100RTs retro-style module, which has been heavily modified to sit on the R nineT s frame. Next, the stock wheels were discarded to make room for a pair of laced alternatives that manage to look the business. Instead of the factory lighting components, you will find a Wunderlich taillight unit and Motogadget turn signals to enlighten your ride.To round things out, the crew fitted aftermarket clip-ons from LSLs catalog, as well as a single-seater saddle with cafe racer vibes. As soon as work on aesthetics was wrapped up, the Belgian moto gurus proceeded to honor the flat-twin with aftermarket velocity stacks and a revised exhaust system for good measure. The finishing touch comes in the form of an eerie gloss black finish enveloping the Black Bull from head to toe. Four media workers unions in Japan have demanded gender equality in Japans media and call for stronger female representation in the industry, which they consider to be currently critically gender-biased against women. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joined forces to express support for their calls. Representatives of Japans four union federations hold a press conference on February 10, 2021 to demand gender equality in the media industry. Credit: Screenshot, YouTube/ Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan On February 10, members of Japans four key union federations held a press conference in light of the recent controversy surrounding sexist remarks made by former Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshiro Mori, in his role as the chair of Tokyo Olympics Organising Committee. In a committee meeting, Mori claimed that meetings including women tended to take too long, as everyone ends up saying something. The comments sparked outrage across Japan and led Mori to step down from the role on February 12. The four union federations include the womens caucus of Japan Federation of Commercial Broadcast Workers Unions (Minpo Roren), Japan Federation of Newspaper Workers Unions (Shinbun Roren), Japan Federation of Publishing Workers Unions (Shuppan Roren), and the Women in Media Network Japan (WiMN). They demand an increase in women occupying executive positions in media industry associations to at least 30 per cent, to be achieved through setting numerical targets or introduction of quota systems. The unions also called for the establishment of a standing committee within associations to prioritise the promotion of gender equality in the media and address gender issues. According to the unions, none of the 45 board members in the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association or the 53 board members in the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association were women. There are only two women on the board of the Japan Book Publishers Association, comprising 40 members, and only one woman on the 21-member board of the Japan Magazine Publishers Association. The deputy chairperson of Minpo Roren, Hanako Kishida, said: "It is a serious problem that there are so few women decision makers in media companies that produce content for the public, and these products have a great impact on public opinion which may be skewed by biases. The IFJ said, Diversity and gender equality is vital if the media is to fundamentally exercise its role in both informing and representing wider society. The media should be a reflection of society and it is only by ensuring women have a seat at the table and in decision-making roles that the media meets those obligations. The IFJ expresses solidarity with and commends Japans media trade unions in their calls for gender equality in the media industry. The chief of Motors said on Tuesday that restructuring will be inevitable for the survival amid the prolonged coronavirus pandemic and lower demand for its models. In a message to employees, Chief Executive Dominique Signora made the comments as the company struggles with lower vehicle sales and high labor and manufacturing costs. "There is an urgent need to cut costs (through restructuring) to ride out this crisis as the company's overall vehicle sales fell to the lowest level in 16 years since 2004. In particular, exports plunged by nearly 80 percent last year compared to the previous year due to the halted production of the Nissan Rogue SUV in March," Signora said. Car assembly plants under Group are required to cut manufacturing costs further to secure a new vehicle for production and additional volume for sales for survival amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a paradigm shift in the industry, he said. For the whole of 2020, Renault Samsung, which is 81 per cent owned by French carmaker Renault SA, sold 116,166 vehicles, down 34.5 per cent from 177,450 units a year earlier, reports Yonhap news agency. Domestic sales rose 11 percent to 95,939 units last year from 86,859 the previous year, but exports plummeted 78 percent to 20,227 autos from 90,591 over the cited period. As a result, the Korean unit reported an operating loss worth 70 billion won last year for the first time in eight years. In January, Renault entered emergency management amid the extended COVID-19 pandemic and announced its plans to cut the number of executives by 40 percent and their pay by 20 percent. It also offered a voluntary retirement program to all employees. Last year, Renault Samsung promised to improve productivity at the Busan plant to win export volume of the XM3 SUV for European markets. So Renault Group decided to allow the plant to manufacture most of the XM3 for global sales in September, Mozos said. "But Renault Samsung didn't keep its word as of the end of 2020 and the XM3's manufacturing costs per unit at the Busan plant are two times higher than the Captur SUV's cost-per-unit at (Renault's) Spain plant," he said. --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.) Dehradun, Feb 16 : With the rescue operation expected to wind up in next few days, rescuers on Tuesday found two more bodies inside a tunnel of the disaster-hit Tapovan project in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand taking the total number of bodies recovered so far to 58. Uttarakhand Director General Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar Monday night said he was expecting that the rescue operation in the disaster hit Chamoli may wind up in the next 3-4 days. "I think the rescue operation may wind up in 3-4 days. By that time, we may be able to cover everything. But if the need be, the rescue operation may continue for more days, may be for another one month," said Kumar. Meanwhile, two more bodies were found inside the tunnel where the rescue operation was going at a slow pace due to the presence of heavy sludge and also as a precautionary measure. The rescuers were digging slowly inside the tunnel so that bodies should not get hammered. During the excavation work inside the tunnel, 11 bodies have been found so far, officials said. "We are expecting more bodies as we are not hoping for survivors now," admitted a top official. There is still no contact with the remaining trapped people inside. The rescuers are working on two places -- one inside the tunnel and other at the remains of the Rishiganga project in Reni. They have stopped the drilling process inside the tunnel, said Yashwant Chauhan, Superintendent of Police (SP) Chamoli. After days of digging and excavation works, jawans of army, ITBP, NDRF and SDRF, who are engaged in the rescue works, had managed to open a sizeable portion of the tunnel. Mucking inside the tunnel has reached 155 meters, said an NTPC statement. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Servion, a leading Contact Center and Customer Experience (CX) solutions provider, was announced the winner for Leading best practices in Employee Engagement at the PeopleFirst HR Excellence Awards, 2020, the most coveted, sought-after, longest-running awards in the field of HR. PeopleFirst is a well-known organization in the industry that every year recognizes the professionals and companies who show excellence in different HR practices and stretch the boundaries of people strategy. The COVID-19 crisis challenged the HR teams and presented a unique opportunity to come up with tailored approaches to improve employee engagement. Servion has been more focused on its employees safety, stability, and security ever since COVID-19 and has adopted a more sophisticated approach for employee well-being and engagement. Servions digital employee engagement initiatives, rewards and recognition framework, and career development framework helped emerge as the winner. Prakash Arunachalam, Chief Operating Officer at Servion, said, Servion has always been an employee-friendly organization, and we wanted to ensure that we continue to improve communication, maintain a motivated and productive workforce even through this difficult phase. We are truly honored to be recognized by PeopleFirst. About Servion For more than 25 years, Servion has been trusted by customer-centric brands for architecting, implementing, and managing Contact Centers and Customer Experience (CX) solutions. Servion delivers complete solutions for businesses to innovate in providing digital experiences using the best available technologies while maximizing their existing investments. Our 1,000 CX professionals apply their passion and deep domain expertise to the entire build-run-optimize solution lifecycle. Servion has helped 600 enterprises worldwide deliver great experiences to their customers, partners, and employees. For more information, visit https://www.servion.com. U.S. special envoy to Iran Rob Malley had an "in-depth exchange of views on the Iranian nuclear issue" with a Chinese vice minister on a call initiated by Malley, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Feb. 10. The Biden administration has not spoken publicly about the call. The big picture: Renewing multilateral diplomatic efforts to stop Iran's nuclear program is Malley's mandate under Biden. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. Background: During the Obama administration, gaining China's support was key to levying the multilateral sanctions on Iran that eventually helped bring Iranian leaders to the bargaining table, leading to the signing of the Iran nuclear deal. But Trump withdrew from that deal and China resumed imports of Iranian oil last year. What they're saying: When contacted by Axios, the State Department did not confirm the details in the Chinese announcement. "Special Envoy Rob Malley is in the early stages of engaging Members of Congress, allies, partners, and others," a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Axios in a statement. What to watch: On Feb. 21, Iran will begin blocking International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors unless the U.S. eases sanctions. The bottom line: As long as China gives Iran an economic lifeline, it will be easier for Iran to withstand Western pressure. More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free PC Tasia Stephens, 24, was off-duty when she crashed her car into a house after allegedly attending the family party, which took place on a Saturday night in April during the first lockdown A young policewoman is facing the sack for allegedly breaking lockdown rules by attending a boozy family party then drink-driving on her way home. PC Tasia Stephens, 24, was off-duty when she crashed her car into a house after allegedly attending the family party, which took place on a Saturday night in April during the first lockdown. Stephens was found to be over the legal limit when she was breathalysed by fellow officers following the crash. In April, the UK was under strict stay-at-home rules with those in Wales banned from meeting either indoors or outdoors with people from other households. The South Wales Police officer could be barred from police service if she is found guilty. 'It is alleged that PC Tasia Stephens, when off duty, on the night of 25/26 April 2020, breached Welsh Government lockdown restrictions by attending a family house party,' a notice on the police force's website read. 'That on the same night she then drove when unfit to do so, colliding her car with a building. 'Having failed a breathalyser test that night, the officer was subsequently convicted in the Magistrates Court of driving a motor vehicle when over the prescribed limit. Stephens was found to be over the legal limit when she was breathalysed by fellow officers following the crash in April 'It is alleged that breaking Welsh Government lockdown restrictions, driving when unfit, and being convicted of such an offence breaches the Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to Discreditable Conduct and if proven the breaches whether taken individually or cumulatively amount to Gross Misconduct that is so serious as to justify dismissal.' The hearing is due to take place in Pencoed, Bridgend, next week, Wales News Service reported. It will be closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. Kiran Bedi was on Tuesday removed as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. A Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson said, "Kiran Bedi ceases to hold the post of LG Puducherry." Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has been given additional charge of Puducherry, added the Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson. "The President has directed that Dr Kiran Bedi shall cease to hold the office of the Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry and has appointed Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of Telangana, to discharge the functions of the Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry, in addition to her own duties, with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office until regular arrangements for the office of Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry are made," Ajay Kumar Singh, press secretary to the President, said in a statement. Earlier senior Congress legislator Malladi Krishna Rao had urged President Ram Nath Kovind to replace Bedi for her alleged interference in administration in the union territory. Earlier in the day, Puducherry Social Welfare Minister Kandasamy said the cabinet headed by Chief Minister Narayanasamy will resign after the resignations of Congress legislators in Puducherry ahead of the assembly elections later this year. In a video, Kandaswamy said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Puducherry L-G Kiran Bedi have been harassing the Congress government for four and a half years. They are trying to dissolve the regime. We are working to dissolve the cabinet headed by CM Narayanasamy and win the assembly elections again." Earlier, Congress MLA from Kamaraj Nagar constituency, A John Kumar had resigned from his post, citing "dissatisfaction with the Congress government." This comes ahead of the Legislative Assembly polls scheduled to be held in the Union Territory. Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) Sunil Arora has said that the election will be held at the same time in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. However, the dates of the polls are yet to be announced. UPDATE: See mid-Michigan school closings for Wednesday, Feb. 17 Multiple school districts in the mid-Michigan area have already canceled class in anticipation of the heavy snowfall predicted throughout the night. A Facebook post Monday night by Flint Community Schools shows the district has already made the move to not hold classes tomorrow. ATTENTION: The Flint Community Schools district will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 16, for a snow day, reads a post on the districts Facebook page. The administration building will be closed as well. Please be safe and enjoy. ATTENTION: The Flint Community Schools district will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 16, for a snow day. The administration building will be closed as well. Please be safe and enjoy. Posted by Flint Community Schools on Monday, February 15, 2021 Other mid-Michigan schools that have announced they will close Tuesday include: Grand Blanc Community Schools, Davison Community Schools, Flushing Community Schools, Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools, Lake Fenton Community Schools, Swartz Creek Community Schools, Bad Axe Public Schools, Clio Area Schools, Kearsley Community Schools, Vassar Public Schools, Linden Community Schools, Goodrich Area Schools, Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools, Westwood Heights Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Montrose Community Schools, Bentley Community Schools, LakeVille Community Schools and Bendle Public Schools. A complete list of school and organization closings is available on the WJRT-TV website here. MLive meteorologist Mark Torregrossa says Flint residents should plan on 5-7 inches of snow by noon Tuesday, Feb. 16, with 6-8 inches in the southern part of Genesee County and lesser amounts the further north in the region. Related: Flint: You are now in the Winter Storm Warning A winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service for Saginaw, Bay, Midland, Shiawassee and Tuscola counties notes between 3-5 inches of snow is expected to fall by Tuesday morning in those area, but Northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph may lead to areas of blowing snow Tuesday particularly for those locations of open exposure. Read more on MLive: Flint asks residents to take vehicles off streets for plowing as winter storm bears down How are Genesee County schools handling snow days amid COVID-19 pandemic? Flint schools to honor the tradition of snow days even with students learning remotely Are snow days a thing of the past for Michigan schools? Haiti - FLASH : Armed individuals attack and loot the Grand-Ravine Sub-police station On Monday February 15 in the morning, heavily armed individuals attacked and looted the Grande Ravine (Martissant) sub-police station. After entering the sub-police station, the bandits brutalized and threatened the police officers who were there, disarmed them and looted the premises taking with them before fleeing, in addition to the police officers' weapons, two Galil rifles and a rifle M4 (3 automatic assault weapons), a 12 gauge rifle, several handguns, tear gas grenades and bulletproof vests among others... Reacting to this Rockefeller Vincent attack, the Minister of Justice and Public Security informed "I instructed the Director General of the Haitian National Police to restore order to the Grand-Ravine sub-station attacked by armed bandits." After the attack, the police, in shock, abandoned the sub-station. Fortunately, no loss of life is to be deplored. TB/ HaitiLibre Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. As the political battle in the poll-bound state of West Bengal gets intense, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched the "Maa" scheme on Monday. Under Maa canteen, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government would provide a meal at a nominal cost of Rs 5 to poor people. Outlining the details of the scheme, Mamata Banerjee said that the poor people will get a platter of rice, dal, a vegetable and egg Curry for Rs 5, while the state government will bear a subsidy of Rs 15 per plate. "Self-help groups will operate the kitchens from 1 pm to 3 pm every day and such kitchens will be set up everywhere in the state gradually," Mamata Banerjee added. READ | Mamata Banerjee Cries Foul Over Disha Ravi's Arrest; Claims 'Centre Sparing BJP IT Cell' BJP's Suvendu Adhikar hit out at TMC Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari while hitting out at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) said that it wants to turn the state into Bangladesh by importing "Jai Bangla" slogan. While speaking to media in Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district, the BJP leader asserted that the saffron party will come to power in West Bengal with a huge majority. Suvendu Adhikari said, "No matter what they (TMC) do, people of West Bengal have decided to vote for double engine government. BJP will come to power with a huge majority. Modi Ji and Amit Shah Ji had given a slogan -- '2019 me half, 2021 me saaf' and that is going to happen." Stating that "Khela hobe" slogan was coined by Narayanganj (in Bangladesh) MP Shamim Osman 4 years ago, Adhikari said that TMC wants to turn Bengal into Bangladesh and this is the reason why it has imported "Jai Bangla" slogan. He said, "Our slogan is -- ' Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Jai Shri Ram." Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress workers took out 'Shanhati Rally' from Palta to Shyamnagar in the North 24 Parganas district on Sunday. READ | Mamata Banerjee Orders Probe Into Left Activist's Death; Offers Job, Financial Aid To Kin Earlier on February 11, Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said that till the elections will end, "Didi will chant Jai Shri Ram". This came after Mamata Banerjee on January 23 had not delivered his speech in protest" at an event at Victoria Memorial to mark the 125th anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose after "Jai Shri Ram" slogans were raised when she was invited to speak. She had said "government programme should have some dignity" and it "is not fair to insult somebody whom you have invited." READ | 'I'll Live Like Royal Bengal Tiger': Mamata Banerjee Unafraid; 'Gujarat Won't Rule Bengal' West Bengal assembly elections Meanwhile, the BJP has claimed it will win 200 seats in the elections, while the TMC, via poll strategist Prashant Kishor, has contended that the saffron party won't cross 99. West Bengal assembly with 294 seats will go to polls in April-May 2021, Trinamool holds 222 seats. BJP has made major inroads in the state in the Lok Sabha elections winning 18 seats and establishing itself as the major opposition force in the state. Mamata Banerjee has announced that she will contest polls from Nandigram, the place that paved way for her rule in the state, and her ex-aide Suvendu Adhikari - who is now in BJP - has vowed to defeat her. READ | Mamata Banerjee Unleashes Blistering Attack At Amit Shah; Wields Fuchka & Alu Dum Jibes [February 16, 2021] Pax8 Named 2021 Channel Influencer Award Winner by Channel Partners, Channel Futures DENVER, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pax8, the best place for IT professionals to buy cloud products, today announced it has been named a 2021 Channel Influencer Award winner for the third consecutive year by Channel Partners and Channel Futures. "It is an honor to be recognized as a Channel Influencer for our commitment to educating and enabling the channel so they can be ready to capitalize on new market opportunities," said Ryan Walsh, Channel Chief and Chief Product Officer at Pax8. "As the IT channel continues to evolve, we are continually providing our partners with the latest technology advancements and enhanced cloud solutions. Over the last year, our strategy and deployment empowered partners with cloud management capabilities through Pax8 Pro, resources in events such as Mission Briefings and Bootcamps, and support required for enabling and properly securing their clients' remote office environments. Through our collaboration with partners and our leading-edge vendors, Pax8 is driving innovations and accelerating the channel's transformation." The awards recognize the people, technologies, trends, and organizations that will shape the new channel in 2021. Pax8 was cited as one of the 25 organizations to watch for its role in mapping the new channel's direction. Channel Partners has a unique vantage point from which to identify the most influential people in the industry, said Bobby DeMarzo, Vice President of Content, Informa Tech Channels Group. These honorees are true channel advocates within their organizations, the industry, and among their peers. Influence can be measured in many ways, but we examine how these individuals and organizations carved out paths as thought leaders, helping to identify growth opportunities or accelerate the channels evolution. The influencers within the Channel Partners and Channel Futures communities are those with a true network that has a loyal, trusted following. Our editorial team carefully examined the industry for individuals and organizations that are exerting true influence in the channel today, said Craig Galbraith, Editorial Director, Channel Partners & Channel Futures. Our critera include how they helped move the telco and IT channel forward with their thoughts, actions, and words. We found the pandemic has redefined what influence means and how it is exerted. Not everyone can be an influencer. It takes courage and a point of view that makes partners, vendors, customers, and suppliers stop and think. All 50 of the 2021 winners are profiled in a digital publication available for download from the Channel Partners website. To learn more about Pax8, please visit www.pax8.com. About Pax8 Pax8 is modernizing how partners buy, sell, and manage cloud. As a born-in-the-cloud company, Pax8 simplifies the buying journey, empowering its partners to achieve more with cloud technology. The companys technology displaces legacy distribution by connecting the channel ecosystem to its award-winning transactional cloud marketplace. Through billing, provisioning, automation, industry-leading PSA integrations, and pre and post-sales support, and education, Pax8 is a proven disruptor in the market. Pax8 has ranked in the Inc. 5000 for three consecutive years #68 in 2018, #60 in 2019, and #111 in 2020 as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US. If you want to be successful with cloud, you want to work with Pax8. Get started today at www.pax8.com. Follow Pax8 on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. About Informa Tech Channel Futures, Channel Partners Online, Channel Partners Conference & Expo, Channel Partners Evolution and Channel Evolution Europe are part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the information and communications technology sector. We help drive the future by inspiring the technology community to design, build and run a better digital world through our market-leading research, media, training and event brands. Every year, we welcome 7,400+ subscribers to our research, more than 3.8 million unique monthly visitors to our digital communities, 18,200+ students to our training programs and 225,000 delegates to our events. Media contact: John Trent PR Manager at Pax8 jtrent@pax8.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Tucked away in the book of Psalms is a collection of 15 psalms known as the Psalms of Ascent. These psalms, Psalms 120-134, held special significance for the Jewish people because they were sung or chanted by men and women on their journeys from their villages and towns to the city of Jerusalem for the three most significant festivals (Festival of Booths, Festival of Weeks, and Passover) of the Jewish calendar. Attending festivals was an important part of the religious life of observant Jews, so it is not surprising that the gospel writers often record Jesus in Jerusalem for these events (Luke 2:41; John 2:13; John 5:1; John 7:2; John 11:55). To attend the festivals, Jesus likely joined with other travelers to make his way from the cities in northern Israel where he spent most of his life to the temple in Jerusalem. The most important of all the festivals was Passover, which celebrated the Israelites rescue from Egypt. It was the upcoming Passover festival that prompted Jesus to make the journey to Jerusalem in the final weeks of his life. While we may not have a written record of Jesus singing the Psalms of Ascent as he made his final pilgrimage, it is almost certain that he both heard and sang them as he traveled. As Jesus walked toward Jerusalem, fully aware that outside the city walls the Jewish leaders would put him to death, these psalms are the words that helped him continue to make his way toward the cross. Preparing Your Heart with the Psalms of Ascent Because the Psalms of Ascent were on Jesus mind during the final weeks of his life, this small collection of psalms has rich meaning during Lent, the designation for the days leading up to Easter that many Christians take to prepare their hearts and minds for Resurrection Sunday. If you would like to read the Psalms of Ascent as part of your preparation for Easter, the following are short summaries of each psalm to give you some additional context for reflection. If you read one psalm each day beginning on the first day of Lent (also known as Ash Wednesday), which is February 17 this year, you will finish your third reading of all the psalms on Good Friday. Or, you may choose to read each psalm for three consecutive days before moving to the next psalm. Regardless of how you choose to read them, these meaningful psalms can guide your heart and mind toward the cross during this Lenten season. A Guide to the Psalms of Ascent Psalm 120 The first three psalms focus on the actual journey to Jerusalem. Additionally, Psalm 120 is considered a psalm of lament, or poem of sorrow. This psalm is written from the perspective of a worshipper coming from a distant land. Feeling oppressed by their neighbors in their hometown, the pilgrims pray for deliverance and express a deep longing for peace. This psalm is a beautiful reminder that we can bring our relational struggles and sorrows to God. Psalm 121 As men and women continued on the journey to Jerusalem, protection from the weather and potential thieves would have been an ongoing concern. This psalm encourages travelers to lift their eyes to the mountains (v. 1), knowing in confidence that God will watch over their lives and shelter his people from harm. Psalm 121 helps us to place our trust in Gods power and loving protection. Psalm 122 Psalm 122 begins with the pilgrims arriving with their feet standing in your gates, Jerusalem (v. 1), and with joy they praise God for safely bringing them to their destination. In Jerusalem, they pray for peace and security for the city because they desire to see God worshipped in his house. We can join with the psalmist and pray for peace in Jerusalem and in the cities where we live so that God will be worshipped in the church, Gods current dwelling on earth. Psalm 123 Psalm 123 and 124 can be read as a pair, with Psalm 123 as the prayer and Psalm 124 as the response. In the first psalm, the people pray to God and ask him to show mercy. We can join with the psalmist in this request, believing God is capable and willing to extend mercy to us. Psalm 124 Following the psalm of prayer for mercy, this psalm celebrates God's rescue of the nation of Israel in the past. Like the pilgrims, we can choose to remember Gods work in our lives to give us confidence that he will act on our behalf in the future. Psalm 125 This psalm recounts the blessings of trusting in God whose protection is compared to the stability of mountains. While we might be tempted to look for security in other places, the psalmist reminds us that only God can provide everlasting, unshakable security that allows us to live at peace. Psalm 126 Psalm 126 proclaims that God has done great things for us (v. 3). The psalm acknowledges the times of sorrow that bring tears but expects Gods faithfulness to result in joy. As we recount Gods actions on our behalf, we can look forward in hopeful expectation to the joyous future of eternity in heaven even when we are suffering. Psalm 127 The middle psalm and the only psalm attributed to King Solomon in this collection, Psalm 127 celebrates Gods gifts to his people, including food, sleep, and family. Emphasizing their dependence on God because unless he builds the house, the builders labor in vain (v. 1), the psalm draws us back to the truth that all we have comes from Gods gracious hand. Psalm 128 This psalm is a reminder that God has promised to bless to those who walk in obedience to him (v. 1). As we consider Gods commands for us today, we can commit ourselves to faithful obedience. Psalm 129 Psalm 129 is a call for justice for the people who have oppressed the Israelites. The psalmist also asks God to take the past difficulties in their lives and transform them into victories. We can pray with the psalmist that God will bring justice to those who are currently being persecuted. Psalm 130 Psalm 130 is a psalm of confession that recognizes the depths of sin but remains hopeful because of the assurance of Gods forgiveness and unfailing love. Like the psalmist, perhaps we need to take time to consider areas where we need to confess sin and express repentance for our actions and attitudes. Psalm 131 One of the shortest psalms with only three verses, Psalm 131 is a prayer of utter dependence and trust in God. This psalmist pictures this theme as a content child with her mother. During Lent, we can consider the things we are tempted to place our trust in for security and instead seek to put our hope in God alone. Psalm 132 Psalm 132 recalls the joy Israel experienced when David brought the ark to Jerusalem and celebrates the promise of a coming Messiah. Looking back at the fulfillment of that promise in Jesus, we can praise God for his faithfulness to his promises and thank Jesus for being willing to die for us so that we might experience salvation. Psalm 133 Filled with vivid metaphors, this psalm reminded the pilgrims of the benefits of living together in unity despite their differences as they came together to celebrate the festivals in Jerusalem. While there are still many ways that we might be different from our brothers and sisters in Christ, we have the additional blessing of the Spirit that unites us across all possible divisions. Psalm 134 The final psalm in the Psalms of Ascent is a benediction and blessing for the people. As the pilgrims prepare to return to their homes, they are given a blessing to take with them on their journey. In the same way, receive this biblical blessing for the path ahead of you. The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). At Easter, the Son of God took on the worlds sin and defeated the devil, death, and grave. How is it, then, that historys most glorious moment is surrounded by fearful fishermen, despised tax collectors, marginalized women, feeble politicians, and traitorous friends? In The Characters of Easter, youll become acquainted with the unlikely collection of ordinary people who witnessed the miracle of Christs death and resurrection. This FREE podcast provides a fresh approach to the Lenten season and can be used as a devotional or study for both individuals and groups. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao Lisa M. Samra graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas and earned a Master of Biblical Studies degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Lisa now lives in Grand Rapids, Mich., with her family. She leads several ministries at Calvary Church, with a focus on encouraging church leaders and training people for ministry. She is a regular contributor to Crosswalk.com, Our Daily Bread, and her work has also appeared in a variety of publications and online sites. Lisa looks forward to traveling again, as she often finds inspiration from experiencing the beauty of diverse cultures, places, and people. Lisa enjoys good coffee, running, and reading, just not all at the same time. A MAN who was caught carrying a handgun with the serial number filed off has been jailed for four-and-a-half years. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that a detective believed Jordan Murray (23) had sourced the gun for revenge after being assaulted five weeks earlier. Passing sentencing today, Judge Martin Nolan said he could not act on the view of the detective. He said that the detective might be right in his conjecture, but the court cannot rely on conjecture. Murray of Neilstown Park, Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition at Neilstown Road, Clondalkin on July 31, 2020. His nine previous convictions are for public order offences and theft. Detective Garda John McWeeney told Kieran Kelly BL, prosecuting, that on the date in question, Murray had hired a taxi to take him from Tallaght to his address in Clondalkin. Det Gda McWeeney said the suspicion of passing gardai was aroused and the car was stopped. They noticed a smell of cannabis and searched the car, discovering a small amount of cannabis on Murray, for which he has not been charged. Gardai also discovered a rucksack on the floor of the taxi which contained a Glock 9mm handgun and 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The gun was found to be in good working condition and the serial number had been filed off. When asked about the gun by gardai, Murray responded it is what it is?. Later, while in garda custody, he remarked sure it wasn't even loaded was it?. Det Gda McWeeney said that Murray offered no explanation for having the firearm. The detective said it was his belief that Murray had been assaulted five weeks prior to the offence and that he had sourced the gun for revenge. The detective agreed with Maurice Coffey SC, defending, that his client had endured difficulties in the past with both cannabis and cocaine. He agreed that Murray was travelling to the address he was residing in at the time when he was stopped by gardai. Mr Coffey said his client had a turbulent childhood during which his father spent long periods of time in custody. He said his client has three younger siblings, two of whom are in care. Counsel said his client's partner had ended their relationship due to his drug use, but this relationship has rekindled since he has gone into custody. He said his client is now drug-free and is determined to stay off all substances. Judge Nolan said that Murray may have been holding the gun for third parties or he may have had it for his own purposes. He said that the gun was going to be used either to threaten persons, to injure them or to kill them. He said that this was the only purpose of these type of guns. Judge Nolan said that the defendant is doing quite well in prison and seems to want to reform himself. He said his previous record of conviction is not the most serious of records. He sentenced Murray to four-and-a-half years imprisonment. The project, based on leading-edge technologies, sets standards for digitizing railways in Germany and Europe This high tech signalling will offer better punctuality and enabling more trains to travel without having to build a single meter of additional tracks. The contract represents a value of approximately 127 million euros As a part of the initial Digital railways Germany package, Deutsche Bahn is equipping the Stuttgart region with a digital signalling system (DSTW*), the European Train Control System (ETCS*) and Automatic Train Operations (ATO*) with driver. The tender covering the implementation of modules 1 and 2 of the Digital node Stuttgart project until the end of 2025 was won by Thales at the end of November 2020. The contract with a value of approximately 127 million euros covers the installation of the digital signalling system, the installation of ETCS, preliminary work for the implementation of the track-side automatic operations and the Capacity & Traffic Management System (CTMS*), a modern technology and operating site, in excess of 6,000 electronic kilometre markers (balises), more than 1,300 axle counting points and approximately 650 point machines. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210215005014/en/ Project Digital node Stuttgart @Deutsche Bahn / Arnim Kilgus This project Digital node Stuttgart lead by Thales is part of the Digital railways Germany program, which will add up to 20% extra capacity to the rail network. It includes an important innovation partnership for Thales Germany with the customer, Deutsche Bahn, concerning the development and co-design of new, leading-edge technologies for the roll-out of the Digital Railways Germany initiative. The first digital node in Germany is going to be the reference point for other metropolitan regions throughout Europe for years to come. Together with Deutsche Bahn AG, DB Netz AG, DB Projekt Stuttgart-Ulm GmbH and all project participants we are pleased to help design the blueprint for future digitizing projects, explained Oliver Dorre, Chief Executive Officer and Country Director Thales Deutschland. We meet all the conditions to successfully implement this large project. We are very familiar with the node Stuttgart from earlier projects and now look forward to actively cooperating with our customer at the highest level of technology in the improvement of the offering for rail passengers, Dorre continued. Our employees are, of course, highly motivated by this project and proud to be able to contribute to their station. From 2025, the trains of the long distance, regional and S-Bahn traffic in the node Stuttgart will travel on a network equipped with the latest digital technology. In addition to the new main station and other stations, tracks with a scope of more than 100 kilometers are the first to be equipped with digital signalling technology, the train control system ETCS and highly automated operations. Stuttgart is thus the origin and blueprint of digitizing the entire German rail network, scheduled to be completed almost in its entirety by 2035. For the development of the S-Bahn, the Digital node Stuttgart project is also an important step into the future. On the main S-Bahn route, Germanys most modern signalling system will in future control the shortest ever implemented block sections of only 30 meters in length. S-Bahn trains will therefore travel in closer succession than anywhere in Germany so far. This not only reduces and better eliminates delays but also allows many more trains to travel than today safely and without having to build a single meter of additional tracks. Note to the editors: *Digital signalling systems The basis for digitization is digital signalling systems (DSTW). Using encrypted data links, a highly secure computer system connects to peripheral elements, such as sensors or points. Like every modern signalling system, a DSTW ensures in particular that trains only enter empty track sections and points are closed in the correct position. Unlike the hitherto common electronic signalling systems (ESTW), the DSTW separates energy supply and data. Using glass fibres, almost any distances between the core of the signalling system and the peripheral elements can be implemented. In Stuttgart, a DSTW controlling more than 100 track kilometers is initially being created. This includes three of the 21 electronic signalling systems planned as part of Stuttgart 21 and other legacy signalling systems. Electronic or digital signalling systems are the basis for ETCS Level 2. *European Train Control System (ETCS) The European Train Control System (ETCS) is a success story. Designed during the 1990s as a uniform signalling system for cross-border European traffic, it is now used worldwide. In the Digital node Stuttgart, it is initially used in its Level 2 form. The train and track continuously exchange data via an encrypted radio link. At yellow Eurobalises a kind of electronic kilometer marker on the track the trains determine their precise location at regular intervals. Using distance and speed sensors, including wheel revolution counters and radar, the vehicle continuously measures the path travelled and its speed. Together with the data transmitted by the track, including the clear track ahead of the train, the ETCS on-board computer continuously calculates e.g. the clear path ahead of the train and the permissible speed. Unlike conventional old signalling technology, where light points at signals transmit comparatively simple information about a maximum of two sections ahead of the train in a system comparable to a traffic light, the driver is given a much more precise and continuously updated picture with ETCS Level 2. Whereas with conventional control and safety technology such a section is typically at least one kilometer long, it can be reduced to any length with ETCS. *Automatic Train Operation with driver (ATO GoA 2) Automatic Train Operation (ATO) will in future be used in the Digital node Stuttgart with a Grade of Automation of 2 (GoA 2). The system works as a kind of remote-controlled cruise control, with the track telling the train when it should be at which location. The vehicle device controls the speed accordingly. In case of delays, the highest permissible speed is applied, and during operations on schedule, the speed that conserves most energy. At platforms, ATO permits a highly precise stop. The driver is on board, monitors the journey and can intervene at any time. Based on ETCS, ATO facilitates high precision journeys. This avoids delays and reduces the distance between two trains. *Capacity and Traffic Management System (CTMS) The Capacity and Traffic Management System (CTMS) is a central component of future rail operations and is intended to facilitate better utilisation of existing infrastructure through, for example, automatic acceleration and braking operations. This leads to increased capacity and better operating quality. With the current development, the CTMS is based on the latest algorithms in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Operations Research (OR). About Thales Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global high technology leader investing in digital and deep tech innovations connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technology to build a future we can all trust, which is vital to the development of our societies. The company provides solutions, services and products that help its customers businesses, organisations and states in the defence, aeronautics, space, transportation and digital identity and security markets to fulfil their critical missions, by placing humans at the heart of the decision-making process. With 83,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of 19 billion in 2019 (on a basis including Gemalto over 12 months). PLEASE VISIT Thales Group Market page View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210215005014/en/ A glamorous Instagram model who was jailed for driving a gang of juveniles to a string of robberies is wanted by police for allegedly breaching her bail conditions. Monique Agostino was sentenced to 12 months jail for the break-ins, along with drug offences, shoplifting and carrying a knife at Target in Blacktown, Sydney's west, in 2018. The 25-year-old, who told Blacktown Local Court on November 2 she was homeless after being released from jail on parole for separate offences on October 16, is now wanted on a revocation of parole warrant. Monique Agostino (pictured above) became an Instagram sensation after this pose in a tight Catwoman outfit A police mugshot (above) shows life is very different these days for Monique Agostino Police also have a warrant for her arrest for failing to appear at Wollongong Local Court. Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command have not been able to find the mother-of-one and have appealed for public help. She is described as being of Mediterranean appearance, of slim build with brown eyes and is known to frequent the Northern Beaches, Oak Flats, Bankstown, Punchbowl and Marayong. The former influencer regularly used to post racy photos on Instagram displaying her seemingly enviable lifestyle. Monique Agostino (pictured) striking a pose at a beach on Sydney's northern beaches Ms Agostino (pictured above) had plenty of admirers after posting images like this on her Instagram page She gained thousands of followers almost overnight after uploading one particular image where she was dressed as Catwoman. Court documents revealed Ms Agostino was arrested by Strike Force detectives in Harris Park on July 1 last year when they allegedly found her with a number of stolen personal identity documents, bank cards and a Medicare card. She was charged with two counts of possessing unlawfully obtained goods. Agostino, who used to live in Belrose in Sydney's affluent northern beaches, was found with two shoe boxes stacked with men's jewellery and cuff-links, inside her car on Alice St in Harris Park. The model, who previously worked for a leading Manly real estate agent, told the court she was homeless after being released from jail on parole for separate offences on October 16. The prosecution threatened to revoke her bail after officers questioned the validity of her designated address in Marayong, in Sydney's north-west. She told Blacktown Court this week she was homeless after being recently released from jail 'Police have been trying to establish her address. Probation and parole haven't been able to confirm the address and there is suspicion over whether she is residing at the address,' the prosecutor previously said, according to the Blacktown Advocate. Agostino pleaded with the court for another chance, promising to live in nearby Parramatta. She was required to report to police daily as part of her bail conditions. Magistrate Sharon Freund removed Agostino's strict curfew, warning she must comply with her bail conditions. The single mother was sentenced to 12 months' jail in September, with a non-parole period of six months. With time already served, she was released in October. Police had issued an arrest warrant for breaching bail conditions when she was found in Harris Park in July. Ms Agostino's foray into a life of crime began two years ago, when she became involved in a series of bizarre burglaries on Sydney's northern beaches and north shore. Ms Agostino (pictured) began her foray into crime as a getaway driver for a series of robberies in 2018 The then 22-year-old was a getaway driver for 'friends' who robbed an Italian restaurant in Killarney Heights and attempted to break into a fruit shop and cafe. The crew donned black masks and used chisels to break into the Pound of Pizza restaurant on November 6, 2018. Their efforts were captured on CCTV. On the same date, Agostino was caught using a stolen credit card to buy $11.55 worth of fast food from McDonald's in Brookvale. The card had been reported stolen from the Stanley Street Cafe at St Ives earlier that day. She was then convicted of stealing a $90 jacket from Supre, and possessing a knife and drugs - meth and diazepam - inside Target in Blacktown's Westpoint Shopping Centre. ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IMA Medical Group , a leading independent provider of high-quality primary care physician services in Central Florida, has earned the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home program reflects the input of the American College of Physicians (ACP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and others. It was developed to assess whether clinician practices are functioning as medical homes and recognize them for these efforts. The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement. "Our team is extremely proud of this recognition," said Dr. Sarah Rodriguez, Chief Medical Officer of IMA Medical Group. "The well-being of our members continues to be our primary focus, and we are committed to continuously providing the best quality, patient-centered approach to their care." Dr. Mark Leenay, CEO of IMA Medical Group, added: "I'm very pleased that IMA and our the physicians and staff are again being recognized as leading providers of comprehensive and coordinated care for the patients we serve." All PCMH recognitions are awarded annually. To earn this recognition, IMA Medical Group underwent a rigorous review and were evaluated across several criteria, including: Accessibility to quality medical care Team-based care Electronic and research analytics Care management Care coordination and transitions Quality Assurance and improvements For more information about the Patient Centered Medical Home Program visit, the NCQA website. About IMA Medical Group IMA Medical Group provides high quality primary medical and wellness services focusing on improving patient care, reducing costs, and offering convenient services for patients, their families, and caregivers. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, IMA serves patients in 19 medical centers across Central Florida including Lakeland, Davenport, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Clermont, Oviedo, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and Tampa, where more than 60 physicians providing comprehensive medical home services to over 40,000 members in partnership with all leading national managed care organizations. For more information, please visit www.imamedicalgroup.com . About NCQA NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA's Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA's website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more-informed health care choices. NCQA can be found online at ncqa.org, on Twitter @ncqa, on Facebook at facebook.com/NCQA.org/ and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa. SOURCE IMA Medical Group Related Links https://www.imamedicalgroup.com SAN FRANCISCO (AP) San Francisco is the latest California city to temporarily shutter a mass vaccination site due to lack of vaccine, joining Los Angeles in pausing inoculations amid a national shortage, even as new federal-state vaccination sites open. The mayor of Los Angeles said Monday the city will prioritize people needing second shots after closing its mass vaccination site at Dodger Stadium last week when it received just 16,000 doses of vaccine. In San Francisco, mass vaccinations are on hold at the Moscone convention center for a week until supply ramps up. The developments came as California prepares to open mass vaccination sites in Oakland and East Los Angeles. ACCELLION UNDER FIRE HISTORY OF CYBERATTACKS (TNS) On Christmas Eve last year, Washington State Auditor Pat McCarthy's office issued a dire warning that state agency computer systems and data make "attractive targets for cyberattacks."The admonition, in a 26-page cybersecurity audit report titled Continuing Opportunities to Improve State IT Security, noted agencies collect "vast amounts of confidential data" from the public.It recommended fixes for "vulnerabilities" at five unnamed state agencies, cautioning presciently, as it turned out that a sensitive-data breach would bring a "loss of public confidence" as well as "considerable tangible costs."The next day, Christmas, unknown actors compromised the auditor's own computer files, exposing a vast trove of private information in what may be the largest-ever cyberbreach for a Washington state agency.The data included driver's license, Social Security and bank account numbers of more than 1.4 million unemployment claimants. It also included audit data involving 25 state agencies and 100 local governments, including the city of Seattle, as well as adoption files of 30 children and their families.The Christmas Day breach has created massive problems for the agency and frustration and anger for those whose data was stolen. Many say they learned of the breach only through media accounts and are frustrated by the lack of information from the auditor.The breach has also highlighted concerns about the use of outside vendors for sensitive data and raised questions about the speed of the auditor's response.McCarthy's office says it learned of the "security incident" on Jan. 12, but it did not disclose its scope until Feb. 1. In revealing the breach, McCarthy repeatedly pointed blame at Accellion, the California tech firm whose aging digital file-sharing service, known as FTA, the auditor's office had relied on for more than a decade.But McCarthy's office also is culpable, cybersecurity experts told The Seattle Times. They criticized the auditor's reliance on two-decade-old technology to store and transmit sensitive data and some questioned whether the auditor needed to amass so much detailed personal information in the first place."Given the nature of the data and the risk of harm, certainly there should have been heightened security and heightened care given to this type of data transfer," said Emory Roane, policy counsel for the California-based nonprofit Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.Roane called the breakdown "frustrating and annoying" but "not surprising in the least," adding: "There are a terrifying number of agencies that are using old software."Ironically, the auditor's office had collected that claims data while auditing the state Employment Security Department over last year's $600 million fraud scheme. That creates potential new headaches for an unfortunate group of Washingtonians, who had a fraudulent claim taken out in their name, and now have had their personal information exposed again.Wendy Whitaker is among them.The Kent resident was laid off in June from her Boeing contractor job and tried to file for unemployment only to find that a fraudulent unemployment claim was taken out in her name last spring.Whitaker is still waiting to receive unemployment payments (she has since found work), and is taking steps to protect her credit. She was surprised the auditor's office hadn't contacted her or set up a third-party credit protection. "You would think they would have some sort of plan for us," Whitaker said. "That just amazes me."Kathleen Cooper, a spokesperson for the auditor's office, said the agency "will directly notify people who have been affected," and is providing 12 months of credit monitoring free of charge, through Experian.The agency is also setting up a call center, Cooper said, adding that the agency has "no evidence at this time that any of the data has been misused."Jamila Thomas, chief of staff to Gov. Jay Inslee, said in an email to state employees last week such notification is expected "before the end of February." Thomas noted that "tens of thousands" of state employees are among the people whose data was compromised.The timeline of the Accellion breach and notifications have been a point of contention between the company and the auditor. Accellion said in a statement it notified "all FTA customers" on Dec. 23. But McCarthy's office says it wasn't told until mid-January, and learned over the next few weeks about the extent of the breach.Accellion said it had been encouraging customers to upgrade to its newer, more secure software.But McCarthy, a Democrat elected to her second term in November, said earlier this month her office "believed that we were getting a secure system and we expected that and the citizens of Washington state should expect that as well." Her office paid Accellion $17,000 a year for FTA.Accellion has come under increasing fire for the breach of its FTA system, as more public and private organizations have revealed their files were exposed. The data breach may have affected 300 Accellion customers, ranging from a bank in New Zealand to a Singapore telecommunications firm, to the University of Colorado, according to the technology site Gizmodo.The company should have retired its aging FTA product sooner, wrote Jeremy Kirk, managing editor at Information Security Media Group, in an analysis at BankInfoSecurity.com.The nearly 20-year-old product was still in use by "hundreds of organizations in the finance, government and insurance sectors," making it "a juicy target" for cybercriminals, Kirk wrote. The company has announced FTA will be retired in April.Accellion initially downplayed the consequences of the vulnerability in its FTA system. It didn't respond to questions for this story, but in a Jan. 12 statement, the company said it had been made aware in mid-December of the problem and released a patch to 50 affected customers within 72 hours "with minimal impact."The fiasco could lead to a cascading set of legal, financial and logistical repercussions for the auditor, Accellion and the million-plus people who now have to worry about identity theft and other crimes. Two class-action lawsuits already have been filed in King County Superior Court.Past breaches of government data have been costly. In 2013, a hack of an Arizona community college district's databases with more than two million records, including banking and Social Security numbers, being offered for sale online led to a payout of nearly $26 million. In 2019, Washington State University agreed to pay $4.7 million when a hard drive containing personal information of more than a million people was stolen from a self-storage locker.The identities of those who accessed the auditor's data have not been disclosed. Federal and state investigations are ongoing.Several Washington financial institutions said they've seen an uptick in calls from customers worried about the data breach. For several days after the breach was first reported, the Washington State Employees Credit Union's call center received around 1,100 calls a day from worried members, said spokesperson Ann Flannigan.WSECU stepped up security measures, including extra scrutiny of withdrawals, but the bigger risks for individuals may come later.Frequently when criminals get "tons and tons of data," Flannigan said, they'll sit on it for months in the hopes that media stories and consumer attention will fade. "And then down the line is when the fraud potentially starts to occur."Stolen personal data often is sold on the dark web or by data brokers, experts said. Cybercriminals can use it to defraud people or demand ransom or use it to launch additional hacking schemes. "Sometimes we see chains of attacks," said Inga Goddijn, executive vice president with the Virginia-based cybersecurity firm Risk Based Security.While the auditor's office has emphasized Accellion's culpability, Goddijn said "every organization has an obligation to understand the security posture of the vendors that they rely on, especially when it comes to those who handle sensitive or personal information."In an era where cybercrime is an ever-present and well-publicized threat, governments and companies alike should reconsider how much sensitive data to collect and store, said David Kohlbrenner, an assistant professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington."If you can avoid having a piece of sensitive data that you don't need don't have it. You can't lose something you don't have," Kohlbrenner said.Mike Hamilton, former chief information security officer for the city of Seattle, said an underappreciated potential impact of the breach could be its effects on the hundred-plus state and local agencies whose audit-related files were compromised.Depending on what was taken, Hamilton said, the files could give hackers knowledge of companies doing business with governments, lending themselves to business email compromise scams."I think the state has got some reputation repairing to do with all these governments," said Hamilton, now chief information security officer for the Seattle firm CI Security.There are already indications of new tensions.Ross Hunter, secretary of the state Department of Children, Youth and Families, said his staff called all 30 families whose adoption files were exposed in the breach."It's deeply personal information. ... We're concerned about it. I am upset that this got released," said Hunter, a former Microsoft manager.The adoption-file samples had been gathered as part of a routine audit. Hunter said he supports the work of an independent state auditor, but his department will look carefully at how data is shared with McCarthy's office going forward."We clearly are not using this product that the auditor would like us to use. We will negotiate a way for the auditor to have access to our files," he said.The city of Seattle is among the local governments that had audit-related information exposed. But city spokesperson Anthony Derrick said in an email Friday, "To my knowledge, no information was included in the data breach that isn't already publicly available."Lawmakers of both parties say the auditor's fiasco is a bad look for state government, which has already had a history of problems with IT management in addition to the massive unemployment fraud, which led to the audit, and indirectly to the data breach.Since 2016, nine state or local governments have reported data breaches, and many have reported cyber-related incidents, including frauds, according to the auditor's Dec. 24 report. In September, state agencies were attacked by a coordinated phishing campaign."Our state agencies are frankly getting lazy on cybersecurity. There are so many tools in our encrypted security toolbox they could have used," said Rep. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, who directs the cybersecurity degree program at Columbia Basin College.State Sen. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle, who is sponsoring legislation to centralize state cybersecurity practices, said the auditor's office must take responsibility to "fiercely deconstruct" what happened and ensure the mistake is never repeated. "In this situation nobody gets to point fingers outward," he said.Whitaker, the Kent resident, said she wants to see the auditor make amends."I get that data breaches can happen. But everybody pretends as though, 'Oh, we couldn't let that happen!' Oh, yes you could and if you do, you need to do something about it," she said. "That's what makes me mad." Now that the Democratic Socialist controlled House of Representatives have completed their second Frivolous Impeachment of now Ex-President Donald John Trump, with the Article of Impeachment in the process of being delivered to the US Senate: Where do you stand? Ex-President Trump gave me TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) and deserves the worst of it. Ex-President Trump is no longer president, and the US Senate cannot constitutionally Impeach and remove an ex-president. I thought he was already Impeached, so ... What was the question? 309 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? Presidents Day, this 2021, may be one of the most significant in the history of these United States. Think hard about this one immutable fact that a duly elected president, many will argue in ever election sought, was just Impeached for the second time and Acquitted likewise twice . This is a bad piece of history that we should all pray that will never be replicated.Additionally, all real Americans, not the non patriot fakes that openly, and seriously discuss how supporters of President Donald John Trump should re-educated in special camps, or through other measures of harassment by special and very negative dispensations, should pray that our Constitutional Republic in unified. Unified in the wisdom of what is the reality of what is the American experiment that so many of our forefathers have risked all to defend, and not the Pop version of what the unification of we republican patriots would consist of.Sadly, if one was to query these aforementioned vindictive, non patriot Trump haters, the vast majority of these Pop knowledge patrons would not even know what a United States president is elected to do; the vast power vested their hands, the limitations that bind them as by the United States Constitution. Without belaboring this expansive point, where knowledge of civic pride meets the reality of today's media saturated mess of a society, I will just hit on a few real points of what it means to be an American President.Primarily, the American President is the Chief Executive of the Executive Branch of government. The Executive Branch is one of the Federal Government's three branches of government; the other two branches - Legislative (congress), and Judiciary (federal court system). Of the 3 there interrelated, intergovernmental branches, our Founders set up the Legislative Branch as the most important, most powerful and why? Simply, the Legislative Branch (congress) is closest to the People.A close second in the most powerful branch of government is the Executive Branch - the president. The president is charged with great powers, primarily of those powers is to enforce the Law of the Land through the tremendous array of agencies, as administer by Cabinet, under the judicious and benevolent direction of the president; and as Commander and Chief of the military.The president can also draft Executive Orders (EOs) that act as laws and are enforceable as laws, providing they are not in conflict with laws written by congress; additionally, EOs would not take precedent over future conflicting laws legislated by congress. Executive Orders are an outstanding and hugely functional tool of the /Executive Branch; however, EOs have been well misused of late by the last two Democratic Socialist presidents.Much of the ire raised by duly elected President Trump was over his Executive Orders countermanding many of those originated by Democratic Socialist president Barack Hussein Obama. The infamous and non patriot engendered Russia Hoax, notwithstanding, was furthered, in near indefinite terms, by these non patriot politicians and in-league- bureaucrats. Most of the other Hussein Obama EOs were struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional, many of which were to reward Illegal Immigration, but it takes time to adjudicate through the Federal Court system.Understanding the delays to adjudicate, Democratic Socialist President Covid Joe has originated a record 38 Executive Actions, many to reverse Executive Actions by President Donald Trump, many in conflict with the Legislative Branch, and will eventually be reversed. Even though the Democratic Socialist Propagandist Media , Orwellian in Scope, have applauded all Executive Actions as they are colluded to do. Most are silly, well actually stupid in concept, and, when reversed, will be an immutable stain upon the Open Borders Joe presidency.At least they will not have President Trump, his family, and his associates that aided in his election, and, or the success of his remarkable presidency, A woman from Melbourne used people smugglers to escape an infamous detention camp in northern Syria after she had her Australian citizenship cancelled. Suhayra Adam, who also holds New Zealand citizenship, was living in the Kurdish-run al-Hawl camp with her two children until she was informed her citizenship was being cancelled by the Australian government last year. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dismissed New Zealands accusation that Australia ignored its responsibilities by stripping the citizenship of 25-year-old, saying his government was putting Australias national security interests first. Australian PM Scott Morrison and New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern have clashed over the cancellation of a dual nationals citizenship. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen/Getty Images Turkish authorities on Monday night announced Ms Adam, who is alleged to have links with Islamic State, was recently caught trying to illegally enter Turkey from Syria along with two other New Zealand nationals. Now Johnson, who spent a year researching for that project and another year implementing it, wants to do more. It scratched the surface, and I think the basis of it is helpful, said Johnson, who was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and started practice at a federally qualified health center in her hometown after graduating last year. It had a lot of the pieces of the puzzle necessary to inspire trainees to think deeply about health equity, but it was directed specifically at the residency program. As an AAFP Health Equity Fellow , Johnsons new yearlong project aims to develop a curriculum that could reach a broader audience. It will cover issues such as advocacy, social determinants of health and cultural humility from a critical race theory lens. If you look at health disparities through the lens of family medicine, there are ways we can educate people about how racism, unfortunately, impacts all facets of life. How can we as medical trainees and physicians combat that? Johnson said. My hope is that this curriculum can be used by residency programs, clerkship groups and practices. While she was a student at Wright State Universitys Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, Johnson also earned a Masters in public health. Her thesis reviewed the effects of hypersegregation on health disparities. That experience gave me a better idea of the true impact of the social determinants of health and what patients go through, she said. Our medical schools and residency programs attempt to get this information in, but we can do more. This is a passion project for me. Johnson recently was named a Cobb Scholar . That program provides mentoring and support in career advancement for individuals who aspire to become physician leaders and academicians with an interest in health disparities and health inequities. At the FQHC where she works, most patients either are covered by Medicaid or are uninsured. Forty percent of patients need interpretation services. Despite the challenges, Johnson said she loves the work she does with this population. She serves on the Ohio AFPs public policy committee and recently completed a term on the AAFPs Commission on the Health of the Public and Science. Johnson also has held numerous leadership positions with the Student National Medical Association, including president. During her year as president, she led a national advocacy campaign that included the creation of an education manual and a health policy fellowship with related webinars and seminars. That was an incredible blessing and opportunity that has shaped my career, she said. I was learning from some of the best and brightest minds in medicine and public health, and I learned about implementing programs at the national level and serving on a national board. Johnson plans to continue her education beyond her current fellowship. In January she started work on a doctorate of education. I want to impact the way we teach things like cultural humility, health equity, and the way we approach diversity and inclusion policy in medical education, Johnson said. She already is mentoring medical students though a program with Wright States SNMA chapter. You cant expect to make a big change if youre not actively working to make sure the next generation of physicians has the arsenal of tools they need, she said. That includes providing role models from diverse backgrounds. Its important to have someone you can identify with who came before you, said Johnson, who currently serves as co-chair of the National Medical Associations postgraduate section. I take it as a personal assignment to do as much mentoring as I can and take part in education as much as I can. Johnson said she was fortunate to have a memorable experience with a Black woman physician at an urgent care as a 3-year-old patient with an ear infection. She walked me around, let me play with her stethoscope and look through an otoscope to calm me down, Johnson said. I got a couple extra stickers because I was good. On the ride home, Johnson told her mother she wanted to be like that doctor when she grew up. That started my love of science and interest in medicine, she said. I didnt choose to be a doctor. Medicine chose me through divine intervention. Its something I have been working toward since I was 3. I love serving my community and this is the perfect way to do so. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Mohammad Ishak Musa, Oumama Abdullah Garnabi and their daughter Amani Mohammad Ishak had been living in west Belfast. Police have issued an appeal for information after a family went missing from an address in Belfast. Mohammad Ishak Musa (30), Oumama Abdullah Garnabi (24) and their 4-year-old daughter Amani Mohammad Ishak had been living at an address in west Belfast. The family are all originally from Sudan and were staying at approved accommodation at Harrogate Street after entering Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. Police said they have not been seen at the address since October 2020. "Oumama was heavily pregnant at this time so it is believed that they would now also have a two or three month old baby with them," a PSNI spokesperson said. "The family were reported as missing to police earlier this month and efforts are ongoing to establish their whereabouts and that they are safe. "Anyone with any information that could assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact officers at Woodbourne on 101 quoting reference number 73 01/02/21." Mumbai, Feb 16 : Indian-American musical duo Twinjabi says they have their fans to thank for their growing popularity. The twins, Kush and Neil Nijhawan, are excited about the feedback coming in for their new song titled Talk of the town. When did they first feel that they had become 'talk of the town'? "When our fans started to message us that our music was changing their lives. We realised the power of our art. We've had athletes tell us that songs like 'Desi dons' help them train harder, youth saying that our music helps them study more for a test. It's all over the place. We consider our fans as part of our family. We call it Twinjabi Gang. We are all on this journey together, and we want our fans to be great in their own right," the duo says. Talk of the town is written, composed and performed by Twinjabi, and the song released on February 12. "The story of the song is up to interpretation. There is a lot of meaning in the lyrics. We want to leave that to the listener. When we write and compose a song, the process is simple -- just feel the vibe," they shared. People who lose their jobs would get up to 70 per cent of their former income for a short period under an insurance scheme being examined by the Morrison government as part of a possible overhaul of the JobSeeker system. In a plan that would bring Australia into line with almost every other rich nation in the world, those unable to find work within six months would revert to the current $40-a-day JobSeeker payment. The government is set to overhaul the JobSeeker scheme when the current COVID supplement, worth $150-a-fortnight, ends on March 31. Credit:Jason South Proponents of the unemployment insurance scheme argue it would be a massive financial incentive for people to gain fresh employment. The government is set to overhaul the JobSeeker scheme when the current COVID supplement, worth $150-a-fortnight, ends on March 31. TikTok, the Chinese-owned video-sharing app, is breaching users rights on a massive scale, European consumer campaign group BEUC warned on Tuesday after firing off complaints to regulators. TiKToks unfair copyright policy and virtual coins should be probed, Brussels-based BEUC urged in a statement on Tuesday. It also escalated previous warnings that the app fails to protect children and teenagers from harmful content or hidden advertising. In just a few years, has become one of the most popular social media apps with millions of users across Europe, said Monique Goyens, BEUCs director general. But is letting its users down by breaching their rights. Goyens said BEUC has filed a complaint with the European Commission and national consumer-protection authorities. ByteDance Ltds is already being probed by EU data authorities over how it handles childrens personal information. Separately ByteDance is discussing potential security concerns over data sharing with the US following former president Donald Trumps attempt to ban the Chinese app last year. TikToks copyright terms are unfair in giving the company an irrevocable right to use videos without payment, BEUC said. The group also criticises how TikTok sells coins for virtual gifts where the company has an absolute right to modify the exchange rate between the coins and the gifts, potentially skewing the financial transaction in its own favour. TikTok said in an email that its asked BEUC for a meeting to listen to its concerns. Keeping our community safe, especially our younger users, and complying with the laws where we operate are responsibilities we take incredibly seriously, TikTok said. We have taken a range of major steps, including making all accounts belonging to users under 16 private by default. Weve also developed an in-app summary of our privacy policy with vocabulary and a tone of voice that makes it easier for teens to understand our approach to privacy. Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday said the state "accepts opposition views that aim to improve peoples lives and not aim to be opposition only for oppositions sake." The presidents remarks came during a ceremony to inaugurate a medical complex in Ismailia as well as a number of other hospitals and medical institutions nationwide via video. Yes, people have the right to express their opinion and people have the right to have an opposition, the president said. However, the president added, the goal of expressing opinion and of the political opposition should be to improve peoples living conditions and lives. The goal is not "opposition for the sake of opposition." "On human rights, they are not limited to the realm of the political," the president stressed. El-Sisi added that the state accepts opposition on the condition that the opposition understands what they are talking about. The Egyptian state is very serious about facing its challenges, very honest and faithful about facing its challenges; this [fact] should ease the burden on the opposition, the president noted. Short link: Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently took to social media to mourn the loss of his Kesari co-star Sandeep Nahar who allegedly died by suicide on Monday (February 15, 2021). The late actor had essayed the role of Sep. Buta Singh, one of the 21 fearless Sikh soldiers, who fought in the Battle of Saragarhi. Akshay shared a picture of Sandeep from Kesari and remembered him as a "smiling young man passionate for food." In his post, the actor also urged his followers to seek help if they ever felt low. Akshay's tweet read, "Heartbreaking to know about #SandeepNahar's passing away. A smiling young man passionate for food as I remember him from Kesari. Life's unpredictable. Please seek help if ever feeling low. Peace for his soul." See his tweet. Heartbreaking to know about #SandeepNahars passing away. A smiling young man passionate for food as I remember him from Kesari. Lifes unpredictable. Please seek help if ever feeling low. Peace for his soul pic.twitter.com/sHPTvzLYoQ Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) February 16, 2021 During the promotions of Kesari, in an interview with Tellychakkar, Sandeep Nahar had revealed that he had gained 17kgs to look like a mighty Sardar on screen. He had further added that it was a dream come true for him to work with Akshay Kumar in the 2019 film. Speaking about Sandeep Nahar's demise, the actor had posted a video and a suicide note on his Facebook. In the now-deleted nine-minute video, Nahar had talked about the politics in Bollywood. He had also accused his wife Kanchan and mother-in-law of harassing and blackmailing. However, the actor had also added in his video that no one should be held responsible for his death. "I would've died by suicide a long time ago but I chose to give myself the time and hope that things would get better, but they didn't. I now have nowhere to go. I don't know what awaits me after I take this step, but I've been through hell in this life. I have only one request, after I am gone, please don't say anything to Kanchan (his wife) but do get her treated," Sandeep had said in his video. ALSO READ: Anupam Kher Reacts To MS Dhoni Actor Sandeep Nahar's Death; Says 'He Was Undoubtedly A Good Actor' ALSO READ: Sandeep Nahar's Death: Khandaani Shafakhana Director Is Taken Aback; Remembers Him As A Fantastic Gentleman Worried about your mental well-being or of someone you know? Help is just a call away. Reach out to the nearest mental health specialist at COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ)- 0832-2252525, Parivarthan- +91 7676 602 602, Connecting Trust- +91 992 200 1122/+91-992 200 4305 or Sahai- 080-25497777/ SAHAIHELPLINE@GMAIL.COM Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Block Energy (AIM:BLOE): West Rustavi coming onstream leads to 5x increase in production Share price: 3.5p, Market Cap: 22m Block has confirmed that gas sales from its West Rustavi field in Georgia have commenced. Oil & Gas Daily Flow Non-Independent Research; Marketing & Sales Commentary - MiFID II exempt information see disclaimer below Market Update: Tuesday 16 February 2021 Block Energy (AIM:BLOE): West Rustavi coming onstream leads to 5x increase in production Gulf Keystone Petroleum (LON:GKP): CPR reaffirms managements resource estimates, Shaikan production reaches monthly high Energy Prices Brent Oil US$63.1/bbl vs US$63.3/bbl yesterday WTI Oil US$59.7/bbl vs US$60.6/bbl yesterday Natural Gas US$3.01/mmbtu vs US$3.01/mmbtu yesterday Oil Price News Oil prices have slipped slightly as caution has given way to the overly optimistic sentiment of late 2020, with most energy agencies cutting their estimates of 2021 crude demand According to an industry consensus, global crude demand will increase by 5.5-6MMbopd, implying that a full return to pre-COVID demand levels will require several years to take place The underlying question whether crude output levels can actually follow this demand growth this year has been growing in importance, steep backwardation on the Brent curve might suggest has serious qualms about it With divergent trends abounding, Middle Eastern national oil companies have opted for nuance after the January-February price increases As usual, Saudi Arabia has led the way, rolling over all of its February 2021 OSPs into March completely unchanged Overall, the reports pointed to a still-fragile energy market that is highly susceptible to the course of Covid-19 The robustness of Asian demand remains a key gauge for Middle Eastern NOCs China and India have been leading the continent with fuel consumption almost returning to pre-COVID levels in both On the other hand, insular economies such as the Philippines, Indonesia or Taiwan have been running their refineries below maximum capacity or temporarily halting several units amidst poor margins At the same time, turnaround season is just around the corner and Japans month-on-month import drop in February is the first of many to come Albeit smaller in terms of overall output, refinery maintenance in Thailand, Taiwan and Sri Lanka will also tighten the markets a bit February turnaround will blaze the path for next months large-scale works, China alone will have at least 0.9MMbopd of refinery capacity going offline in March 2021 Currently, the oil market is in backwardation, which occurs when spot prices are higher than further-dated contracts Backwardation does suggest however a near-term bullish market structure with tightening inventory levels This may encourage refiners to tap deeper into storage as they ramp up production to take advantage of higher prices Gas Price News US gas prices remain above US$3/mmbtu on news that the EIA has substantially increased its forecast for natural gas production in 2021 and 2022 amid expectations of more associated gas production in the Permian Basin, and trimmed its gas price forecasts for the current year In the agencys February Short-Term Energy Outlook, its raised output by 3.60Bcf/d to 98.68Bcf/d its total gas marketed production estimate for the US in the first quarter, and pushed up its Q2 forecast as well by 2.74Bcf/d to 97.95Bcf/d Estimates for the total marketed natural gas production over the next two years also rose, by 2.42Bcf/d, to average 98.34Bcf/d in 2021, and by 1.31Bcf/d to 98.93Bcf/d on average in 2022 In the latest inventory report announced yesterday, stocks were marginally higher than anticipated Natural gas in storage was 2,518Bcf as of 5 February according to the EIA This represents a net decrease of 171Bcf from the previous week Expectations were for a 183Bcf draw according to survey provider Estimize Stocks were 9Bcf less than last year at this time and 152Bcf above the five-year average of 2,366Bcf At 2,518Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range Company News Block Energy (AIM:BLOE): West Rustavi coming onstream leads to 5x increase in production Share price: 3.5p, Market Cap: 22m Block has confirmed that gas sales from its West Rustavi field in Georgia have commenced. West Rustavi wells WR-38Z and WR-16aZ have been on continuous production since 28 January 2021 and 3 February 2021 respectively and production rates are currently 790boepd, comprising 423bopd and 1.9MMcf/d of gas, representing a substantial increase when compared to the rates achieved before the wells were shut-in during April 2020. Production across all of Block's portfolio is currently 940boepd, resulting in estimated future revenue for the Company of approximately US$920k/month at current oil and gas prices. Production from the wells is currently constrained as the Company continues its production testing programme, monitoring reservoir production and facility parameters, in order to determine the maximum flow potential and optimum production rates. Management has confirmed that the testing programme will continue into Q2 this year and, on completion, stable production rates will be further communicated to the market. Our take: As well as being a major milestone for Block's growth, the commencement of gas sales also represents a significant step change for the Company's progression towards becoming a sustainable energy provider to Georgia. Block's onshore, low-cost gas production is distributed to independent gas stations, where it is compressed for fuel in motor vehicles. Block's gas production represents an important contribution to Georgia's harnessing of an otherwise unutilised energy source, which has the potential to replace the more carbon-intensive forms of hydrocarbons being imported and used in the country. Elsewhere, last years acquisition of producing Block XIB (615km2) and exploration Block IX (1,925 km2) represents Georgia's most productive acreage in our view, with over 180MMbbls of oil produced from the Middle Eocene, peaking in the mid-1980s at 67,000bopd. The deal has served to boost Blocks 2P reserves by 64MMboe and initial production by 245bopd. In addition, the deal offers further 600Bcf of initial-gas-in-place in the Lower Eocene and Upper Cretaceous, following Schlumberger's historical appraisal drilling. SRCL also benefits from a cost recovery pool of c.US$133m on Block XIB, underlining the attractive fiscal terms available once production ramps up. Gulf Keystone Petroleum (LON:GKP): CPR reaffirms managements resource estimates, Shaikan production reaches monthly high Share Price: 167p, Market Cap: 351m GKP has today provided an updated Competent Person's Report (CPR) on its flagship Shaikan Field in which it has an 80% working interest. The CPR, an independent third-party evaluation of the Company's reserves and resources as at 31 December 2020, was prepared by ERCE. The CPR incorporates addtional incremental information, including an updated development plan, new wells, production data and further technical analysis, since the last CPR was prepared by ERCE in 2016. Gross 2P reserves + 2C contingent resources of 798MMstb at 31 December 2020 are consistent with volumes as at 31 December 2019, adjusted principally for 2020 production. Gross 1P reserves increased to 240MMstb, up 33% after adjusting for 2020 production. Gross 2P Jurassic reserves were revised down marginally (2%) to 505MMstb, after adjusting for 2020 production. Gross 2P Triassic and Cretaceous reserves of 47MMstb were reclassified to gross 2C contingent resources, while the Field Development Plan is progressed with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Shaikan continues to deliver stable production with average gross production in January of 44,405bopd, the highest monthly average to date from the field. The Shaikan Field has significant future production potential with a gross 1P reserves life index of c.15 years and a gross 2P reserves life index of over 31 years, assuming January 2021 production levels. Our take: Whilst we exected a strong CPR to be released this month, todays update exceeded our expectations, marking an encouraging turnaround from the challenges presented in 2020 with regards to commodity pricing and regular payments from the KRG. Prior Company estimates are reaffirmed with gross 2P+2C reserves and resources of c.800MMstb at 31 December 2020, including over 500MMstb of gross 2P reserves. In light of the recent boost to production, it is significant to note the Companys recent intention to adopt a dividend policy in line with its direct peer Genel Energy (GENL LN). With GKPs ongoing prudent approach to managing its financial position and the decisive measures taken to reduce its cost structure to preserve liquidity (debt free cash balance of US$147m), the Company remains financially resilient to manage through the current volatile macro environment in our view. GKP has also successfully executed low-cost, high-impact investments that have so far increased gross production to 44,405bopd, in excess of the initially targeted increase of 5,000bopd. Research Oil & Gas Sam Wahab - 0203 470 0473 / 0784 385 5037 sam.wahab@spangel.co.uk Sales Richard Parlons 020 3470 0472 Abigail Wayne 020 3470 0534 Rob Rees 020 3470 0535 Grant Barker 020 3470 0471 SP Angel Prince Frederick House 35-39 Maddox Street London W1S 2PP +SP Angel employees may have previously held, or currently hold, shares in the companies mentioned in this note. Sources of commodity prices Oil Brent, WTI - ICE Natural Gas - NYMEX Disclaimer Non-Independent Research This note has been issued by SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP ("SP Angel") in order to promote its investment services and is a marketing communication for the purposes of the European Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) and FCA's Rules. 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While the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic many new lessons are being learned every day by nations all over the globe. For example, Brazil and the US have learned that having a leader who does not believe that the virus is a serious threat to life certainly doesnt augur well for the population. NEW DELHI : Heres a list of top 10 stocks that could be in focus on Tuesday: Titan: CaratLane Trading Private Limited (CaratLane), a subsidiary of the Titan Company Ltd has acquired 100% stake in US-based StudioC Inc worth $150,000. Tech Mahindra, Wipro: Indian tech majors Wipro and Tech Mahindra have signed agreements with Telefonica Germany/O2 for transforming the telecommunications provider's business support systems and IT systems. Future Retail: Future Group has alleged that Amazon had asked for $40 million (around 290.41 crore) in compensation for the deal with Reliance Industries, a charge that the e-commerce major termed as "false and misleading claims". Jet Airways: The airline, which has been grounded for nearly two years, reported a standalone loss of 2,841.45 crore for the year ended March 2020. During the 2019-20 financial year, the airline had a total income of 354.2 crore. In 2018-19, the airline had posted a loss of 5,535.75 crore. IT companies: Despite a dip in global spending amid the pandemic, the countrys information technology sector is set to post a 2.3% rise in revenues to $194 billion in the current fiscal, according to Nasscom. Shriram City Union Finance: The lender has approved the issue of non-convertible debentures aggregating up to 125 crore on private placement basis. SIS: The company has announced a 100 crore buyback programme aimed at rewarding shareholders. ONGC: India's top oil and gas producer ONGC will scale up natural gas production from a KG basin block to 2.5-3 million standard cubic meters per day by May this year and will hit the peak output sometime in 2023-24, ONGC Director (Finance) Subhash Kumar said in an investor call on Monday. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: The company has delivered the third Scorpene Submarine of Project P-75 to the Indian Navy, subsequently to be commissioned into India Navy as INS Karanj. SunEdison Infra: Sebi has ordered a forensic audit of the books of SunEdison Infrastructure Ltd (SIL) to ascertain whether there have been any manipulations and said the clouds surrounding the acts and intentions of the company and its connected entities need to be urgently removed. Karda Constructions: Realty firm Karda Constructions Ltd has reported a 24% fall in its standalone net profit of 3.73 crore for the quarter ended December due to lower property demand amid the covid-19 pandemic. Its net profit stood at 4.93 crore in the year-ago period. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Almost 30 years ago, real estate agent Kourosh Doustshenas made an important move: he came to Winnipeg alone in 1989, from India via Iran, a country he left during its revolution a decade earlier. Almost 30 years ago, real estate agent Kourosh Doustshenas made an important move: he came to Winnipeg alone in 1989, from India via Iran, a country he left during its revolution a decade earlier. Doustshenas first worked as a physicist, as he had in India at an engineering firm. But layoffs put the recent immigrant at a crossroads. Someone suggested real estate as an option, and Doustshenas got to work and quickly passed the exams. His first day as an agent was May 1, 1991. He walked into the unemployment office to tell them of his plans. "I was committed," Doustshenas recalls. "I had already made the business cards." Four years later, after learning the ropes, he started out on his own as broker-owner of Expert Real Estate Services. While he was building the company, he was also volunteering his time with real estate organizations. Flash forward to 2021, and Doustshenas has been named this years president of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board. "It took a long time to get here," he says of the volunteer position. Doustshenass appointment comes after working with the board, formerly called Winnipeg REALTORS, in areas such as government and stakeholder relations, and with the Canadian Real Estate Associations Political Action Committee. Some of his notable advocacy included work to expand the individual withdrawal limits under the Home Buyers Plan by $10,000 and toward better policies for first-time buyers and newcomers. The change also comes at an incredibly interesting moment for the real estate industry, both nationally and locally. As has been the case since last spring, the residential market in Winnipeg is hot last year several records were set and MLS sales totalled $4.9 billion with a high demand for single-family homes and a still-low inventory driving multiple-offer situations and sales consistently surpassing list prices. "Its a terrific time to list," says Doustshenas, adding the market is currently heavily tilted in favour of sellers. "Id much prefer a balanced market, allowing people to have better choices and opportunities. I want everyone to have a chance to be happy," he says. The real estate industry is also still operating to fill the needs of sellers and buyers, and Doustshenas says part of his role will be communicating with the real estate community to help make sure it can continue to function smoothly and adapt willingly during difficult times. MIKE SUDOMA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Newly elected Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board President, Kourosh Doustshenas takes a look at the plaque of past board presidents at the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board offices Friday afternoon. The past year has been difficult for everyone because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has been one of tragedy for Doustshenas; his fiancee Forough Khadem, a local scientist, was one of 176 people killed when the Iranian military shot down a Ukraine International Airlines flight over Tehran on Jan. 8, 2020. "My life, as I knew of it, was destroyed," he says, calling Khadem a brilliant, accomplished, positive person. "I lost someone so dear to me." Since then, hes been dealing with the grief, one day at a time, he says, trying to comprehend the loss while also working with the families of other victims to advocate for their rights and for justice. Doing that work has been difficult, but a "real honour," he says; his past organizational work and skills have proven invaluable, and hes been empowered by the experience. He approached the real estate board to ask for time to reflect, at one point considering resigning his post even before he started. But ultimately, Doustshenas got his bearings, and decided to soldier on, focusing on the positives in life and remembering to feel gratitude, he says, looking at things with a new perspective. Khadem had always encouraged him in his professional and community work, he says. "I realized, she wanted me to do this," he says. "And I need to finish what I start." During the pandemic, hes been working with his own company, and with the board, helping to advocate for the use of digital signatures to complete real estate transactions in a safe manner. Moving forward, his goals are doing his best to continue supporting the boards membership, helping clients make wise, well-informed decisions and being dedicated to serving the needs of others, he says. In his role, he will also oversee the first calendar year under the new title of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board, a name change that exemplifies the organizations reach beyond the Perimeter. A lot of work, but not something he and the rest of the board are unprepared to do, he says. They have all seen the citys real estate market shift and change, with technologies coming and going, through recessions and resurgences, sellers markets and buyers markets and everything in between. "The industry has changed, and our role has changed," he says, reflecting on his start in the early 1990s. "But the fundamentals never change. Were here to help people make smart choices and, fundamentally, to serve our clients." ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Company has since apologised, saying it dismissed staff and offered full refunds Other customers who left reviews online were also left disappointed by product Toria Mackay said she felt 'ripped off' after ordering box as gift for her boyfriend Doughnut boxes from takeaway in Plymouth were put on offer for February 14 A takeaway firm has been slammed over its 20 Valentine's Day doughnut boxes after customers were sent 'inedible' treats that arrived 'greasy and stone cold'. The 'Lovers Donut' boxes from Fast & Fresh Hot Takeaway Food in Plymouth, Devon, were advertised on offer for February 14. Toria Mackay said she felt 'ripped off' after ordering one of the boxes - which she described as 'not very luxurious at all' - as a Valentine's and birthday gift for her boyfriend. The company has since apologised, saying it has dismissed staff and offered full refunds to everybody affected. Toria Mackay's 'Lovers Donut' box from Fast & Fresh Hot Takeaway Food in Plymouth, Devon, which she ordered as a Valentine's and birthday gift for her boyfriend One of the company's doughnut boxes pictured in an advertisement online. Fast & Fresh Hot Takeaway Food said it has now rectified the situation and offered full refunds Toria said: 'I bought a 'dirty doughnuts box' from the Fresh Food Hot Takeaway page [on Facebook] and it was terrible. Ruined Valentine's Day. 'I ordered the box at about 3.30pm for my boyfriend, Phil, for Valentine's and his 30th birthday. 'I wasn't given an exact delivery time; they said it would be delivered between 5 and 9pm. It arrived at about 9.20pm and the doughnuts were really greasy, stone cold - not very luxurious at all. 'They were 20 - but probably worth a fiver if that. I wanted to support a small, local business but I could have just gone to Domino's for cookie dough and it would have been nicer.' Fast & Fresh Hot Takeaway Food said it was disappointed by the quality of the doughnuts delivered and has now rectified the situation. A spokesperson said: 'I had to go away for a family emergency [on Valentine's Day], but when I came back and saw the complaints I dealt with them and rectified the situation. 'I've sacked the staff, I can't believe what they served. It's disgraceful. Every customer has been given a full refund.' The 'Lovers Donut Box' consisted of four homemade 'Nutella doughnuts', four 'smashed Oreo' doughnuts, four 'Biscoff doughnuts' and four 'Dairy Milk doughnuts' and were only available for pre-ordered delivery. Other customers also left complaints about the doughnut boxes (pictured above) online, with one saying they were left 'extremely disappointed' One of the 'Lovers Donut' boxes seen in a pictured posted to Facebook by another customer. It is understood that every customer who ordered the box will be refunded the full 20 price Customers said they were expecting delicious, warm doughnuts that looked like the picture on the business's Facebook page, but were left disappointed by the end product. Toria added: 'I'm not normally one to complain, but that took the biscuit. I had to laugh. It was terrible.' Another customer, who left a review on the company's social media, said: 'Disgusting, nothing like the advert. 'Dripping in oil, worst donuts [I've] ever had. Want my money back'. A third customer added: 'Just received my donut box which I was really looking forward to. Another customer, who left a review on the company's social media, said: 'Disgusting, nothing like the advert. Dripping in oil, worst donuts [I've] ever had. Want my money back' 'Extremely disappointed - does not look at all like the photos advertised! Feel robbed of my 20.' Fast & Fresh Hot Takeaway Food said it expanded its catering unit at the start of the first lockdown last year and has been expanding its menu throughout the year. The spokesman added: 'We've had good reviews for other products. We're just trying to get by. It was a mistake and I've rectified it.' It is understood that every customer who ordered 'The Lovers Donut Box' will be refunded the full 20 price, if they haven't already. The company spokesman said it had supported NHS workers throughout the pandemic, including a 500 donation of food and sweet treats for staff at Livewell Mount Gould Hospital. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- K92 Mining Inc. (K92 or the Company) (TSX: KNT; OTCQX: KNTNF) is pleased to announce that on February 12, 2020, a State Delegation, including the Honorable James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the Honorable Peter Numu, Governor of Eastern Highlands Province, and the Honorable Johnson Tuke, Minister for Mining and local Member of Parliament for Kainantu, met with representatives of K92. Highly productive meetings, presentations and community events were held in Goroka and Kainantu townships, followed by a site visit to K92s Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province, PNG. In Kainantu township, K92 announced a contribution of PGK1 million (US$285k) towards building a new market to support local businesses and commerce, and the receipt of approval for a community development tax credit scheme which enhances K92s numerous planned community development initiatives. K92 also hosted a site tour of the Kainantu Gold Mine for Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation. Following COVID-19 protocols, the aerial tour focused on mining and processing operations, infrastructure, expansion plans, exploration, communities and environmental management. John Lewins, K92 Chief Executive Officer and Director, commented, The Government of Papua New Guinea has been a very consistent supporter of our operations and a major factor in our ability to operate effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic environment. We are proud of what has been accomplished over the past few years at Kainantu, and especially our achievements over the past twelve months during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was truly a privilege to host Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation and provide an overview of the Kainantu Gold Mine operations and our plans for the expansion of operations going forward. We are proud of the increased economic and employment opportunities, and community development that has occurred as Kainantus operations have continued to expand. Our PGK1 million contribution towards the development of a new market in Kainantu is expected to drive multiple business and commerce opportunities, and the approval of the community development tax credit scheme provides an opportunity for the Company to partner with the government to deliver much needed community infrastructure. See Figure 1 for photo from meeting in Goroka with the Honorable James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, and K92 CEO and Director John Lewins https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2a1140d-fdde-4376-97a7-3fff27ba66de See Figure 2 for K92 CEO and Director John Lewins presenting cheque for PGK1 million to the Honorable Johnson Tuke, Minister for Mines as contribution from K92 towards the new Kainantu Market https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b3f796e-c38e-45a6-b636-9cb2e2474fc6 About K92 K92 Mining Inc. is engaged in the production of gold, copper and silver from the Kora deposit at the Kainantu Gold Mine in the Eastern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea, as well as exploration and development of mineral deposits in the immediate vicinity of the mine. The Company declared commercial production from Kainantu in February 2018 and is in a strong financial position. The Company commenced an expansion of the mine based on an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment on the property which was published in January 2019 and updated in July 2020. K92 is operated by a team of mining professionals with extensive international mine-building and operational experience. On Behalf of the Company, John Lewins, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information, please contact David Medilek, P.Eng., CFA at +1-604-687-7130. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements that address future plans, activities, events, or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur are forward-looking information, including statements regarding the realization of the preliminary economic analysis for the Kainantu Project, expectations of future cash flows, the planned plant expansion, production results, cost of sales, sales of production, potential expansion of resources and the generation of further drilling results which may or may not occur. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the market price of the Companys securities, metal prices, exchange rates, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry, changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations in PNG, mitigation of the Covid-19 pandemic, continuation of the lifted state of emergency, and regulations and other matters. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Sister Act The Musical has been postponed until 2022 as the theatre industry continues to struggle amid the coronavirus pandemic. The production based on the popular 90s movies of the same name will also see original star Whoopi Goldberg, 65, unable to reprise her character Deloris Van Cartier due to the schedule change. Whoopi was set to perform in the newly adapted West End production, with Jennifer Saunders playing Mother Superior, who was played by Maggie Smith in the film. Postponed: Sister Act The Musical has been postponed until 2022 as the theatre industry continues to struggle amid the coronavirus pandemic (Whoopi Goldberg was due to perform alongside Jennifer Saunders pictured) The legendary actress first starred as the disco diva hiding out in a convent in the 1992 movie. It is believed that casting for Deloris Van Cartier and other roles in the production will be made soon. Sister Act The Musical, which was due to kick off in July at London's Eventim Apollo, issued a statement to ticketholders on Tuesday explaining that the show had been postponed until 2022. It read: 'Due to the current and ongoing pandemic restrictions and the knock-on effect this has had to the international production's schedule, Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg, the producers of Sister Act The Musical, have sadly come to the decision that it is impossible to open the show in London this summer. Original star: The production based on the popular 90s movies of the same name will also see original star Whoopi Goldberg, 65, unable to reprise her character Deloris Van Cartier due to the schedule change (pictured in 2018) Way back when: Whoopi was set to perform in the newly adapted West End production, with Jennifer Saunders playing Mother Superior, who was played by Maggie Smith (pictured) in the film 'And have postponed performances at the Eventim Apollo until 2022. The new dates for the production in London are 19 July 2022 28 August 2022.' Talking about her 'disappointing' decision to pull out of performing, Whoopi said: 'Sister Act is near and dear to my heart and I'm disappointed that I will be unable to perform in this production under the circumstances. 'However, my producing partners and I will continue to work towards mounting a fantastic production, with an amazing new cast and we look forward to presenting it when it can be done safely for everyone onstage, behind the scenes and in the audience.' While producer, Jamie Wilson, added: 'This new version of Sister Act The Musical has been in development for several years now and both Whoopi and I are committed to launching this celebratory, joyous and life affirming production with audiences in the UK. Statement: Sister Act The Musical, which was due to kick off in July at London's Eventim Apollo, issued a statement to ticketholders on Tuesday explaining that the show had been postponed until 2022 'We can't wait for everyone involved in the show to get back to doing what they love. We are now in the process of putting together a star-studded cast and will be able to share this news with you soon. 'We look forward to us all supporting and celebrating theatre when we return to the stage. It will be worth the wait.' A stage version of Sister Act, for which Whoopi was a producer for, debuted in the West End in 2009 and has since played a successful run on Broadway and on tours across the globe. Whoopi briefly appeared as Mother Superior at the London Palladium production in 2010 but the new show was set to see the beloved actress back in the role she made famous in Sister Act and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit for the first time. Amazing: The legendary actress first starred as the disco diva hiding out in a convent in the 1992 movie (pictured in the second film in 1994) Sister Act features original music from Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. Earlier this month, Andrew Lloyd Webber called for a 'game-changing' chemical to be pumped into theatres, schools and restaurants to open up Britain again amid Covid-19 pandemic. The theatre impresario revealed that his team has spent months lobbying ministers to investigate whether triethylene glycol (TEG) could be used to help open up indoor venues. Despite interest from Downing Street, he accused 'frightened' health and safety officials of blocking the left-field plan without proper consideration. London stage: Whoopi appeared as Mother Superior at the London Palladium production in 2010 but the new show was set to see the actress back in the role she made famous in the films Lord Lloyd Webber, 72, said he contacted No 10 about TEG last year after learning that tests had been successfully carried out at a Broadway theatre. Manufacturers of the chemical, which is found in 'fogging' used to sanitise theatres and concerts as well as a range of domestic products, claim it can 'clean the air' when continually sprayed in indoor areas. The composer, whose long-running musical Cats has featured stars including Nicole Scherzinger, offered to test whether the substance can be used safely at his 2,300-seat London Palladium theatre, which successfully hosted a socially distanced pantomime in December. His team claimed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport was 'set up and ready to go' with a testing programme after his proposal. However the proposed trials are said to have hit a brick wall when the Health and Safety Executive said it did not support such a move. Earlier this month, Andrew Lloyd Webber called for a 'game-changing' chemical to be pumped into theatres, schools and restaurants to open up Britain again amid Covid-19 pandemic (pictured with wife Madeleine Gurdon in 2018) The composer said: 'All we are is saying is, 'Look, you should trial this'. Because if it is safe it could be a game-changer for schools and any form of indoor public space.' Last year, the Government's independent advisory body SAGE said there is 'limited evidence' that chemical sprays such as TEG effectively reduce airborne virus transmission. It said TEG has not been tested on the coronavirus and its long-term use could lead to potential health effects. The body called for more evidence to be presented before the use of 'continuous sprays' was considered further. A ministerial source said the Government was grateful for Lord Lloyd Webber's 'cutting-edge plan' but that the HSE and Public Health England had 'looked fairly' at the proposal and felt there was not enough scientific backing. Last month, an unregistered product containing TEG was given an emergency exception to be used in two US states. The US Environmental Protection Agency said that Grignard Pure could be used in indoor spaces in Georgia and Tennessee, claiming it could kill 98 per cent of airborne coronavirus. Lord Lloyd Webber, who has been leading West End efforts to sustain the industry, described feeling 'frustrated' at the inability to test the validity of the material. 'When this came along, the obvious thing to do was to give it to the relevant people in government, he said. 'To be absolutely fair, the government side is really quite interested. But it seems it has hit [a wall] with the health people once again. One is hitting a sort of reticence because people are so frightened of trying something that might be dangerous.' An HSE spokesman said: 'At present, the evidence from SAGE is that there is limited evidence that the use of chemical sprays such as TEG will be effective to clean the air and reduce airborne virus transmission risks in occupied spaces. 'At the same time, there is the potential for respiratory or skin irritation for those exposed over a long period of time. We currently would not recommend using them without further evidence to support their safety and efficiency.' Sister Act will run at London's Eventim Apollo from 19 July 2022 28 August 2022. A kind-hearted stranger has made a widow burst into tears by gifting her a bunch of flowers in the middle of a shopping centre. Australian David James is on a mission to 'spread positivity and happiness across the world' by performing random acts of kindness. One of his tactics includes giving flowers to strangers on the street. In a video shared with Newsflare, Mr James walks up to an elderly woman in a Canberra shopping centre and hands her a bouquet, hoping to make her smile. Australian David James recently captured the moment he made a stranger cry (pictured) by giving her a bouquet of flowers during a difficult time in her life But to his surprise, the sweet gesture brought her to tears as she explained it had been a tough few weeks after losing her brother. 'This is beautiful, I've just had a few awful weeks because my husband died a few years ago,' she said. 'His birthday was our wedding anniversary, my brother died, it was his birthday and wedding anniversary and he's dead.' The woman then points to the bouquet and says 'so this is lovely.' Mr James said he believes that day there was a higher power in play that was responsible for the pair meeting. 'I instantly realised that we were meant to cross paths and these flowers were meant for her,' he said. 'Positivity and kindness come in all shapes and sizes and it's been such a very tough hard year for every single person out there so what an amazing gift to give a single smile to the world.' The woman explained her brother had recently died on his birthday, and her husband had died a few years ago on his birthday Another clip, also filmed in Philip on the same day, shows James performing the same act by passing over a bouquet to a passerby. She is visibly taken aback as she says 'really?' when presented with the flowers. A third clip, filmed in Isabella Plains, a suburb of Canberra, last October shows the filmer wishing an elderly man a 'happy Monday' while handing over another bunch of flowers. Mr James said he goes out on a daily basis to do random acts of kindness and film them before sharing the footage online to 'spread positivity and happiness across the world. He explained the motive behind his wholesome acts is to make people smile, and he does not favour a race, sex, or nationality. 'The impact and power of one amazing smile like this can literally change the world in ways we can't even imagine,' Mr James told Newsflare. 'Positivity and happy vibes radiate for thousands of miles if we let them.' 'I think we all deserve happiness and we are all amazing and have been given this wonderful gift called life.' At a time when San Francisco companies are leaving downtown in droves, one developer is bucking the trend by constructing a new office tower at Fifth and Mission streets. Since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, as the citys office buildings were emptying out and rents plummeting, the 25-story high-rise has sprouted at 415 Natoma St., just south of the Chronicle building. Construction workers recently topped off the $158 million building, part of the larger 5M development that will include condominiums, apartments, public plazas and several historic buildings repurposed for arts and retail. The office building offers everything that the real estate industry has determined todays sophisticated tech tenant desires: spacious terraces, killer bridge-to-bridge views, touchless elevators and the most environmentally friendly building systems available. Tenants and visitors to the building will walk through a hospitality-driven, wall-less lobby with curated retail, food and beverage options, according to the marketing materials, that will spill out onto Mary Court, a new half-acre park. Six floors have decks, including a 14,000-square-foot, 10th-floor terrace that will accommodate 350 people. But the question is this: When the building opens this fall, will there be any companies looking for space in San Franciscos flashiest new tower? Real estate developers are nothing if not optimistic, and developer Brookfield Properties is no exception. Its been a challenging year for everyone, but we dont have any doubts that San Francisco will bounce back stronger than before it always has in the past, said Brookfield development director Cutter MacLeod. San Francisco is a supply-constrained market and will continue to be a destination for companies and investors. Marlena Sloss / Special to The Chronicle When construction started on the tower 18 months ago, San Francisco had all-time high average commercial rents of $83.11 a square foot. The vacancy rate had dipped to 5.3%, the lowest in decades. Speculative developers had their pick of tenants as companies ranging from Dropbox and Uber to Facebook and Visa snatched up space before backhoes had broken ground. That market is a distant memory. Since the lockdown the amount of vacant space has jumped to 17.8%. Rents have dropped 8.7% to $75.84, although so few leases have been signed that its difficult to gauge how far they have really fallen. Demand from tenants looking for space has fallen from more than 7 million square feet to 3.3 million square feet. The amount of sublease space available has jumped 155% in the last year, from 3.1 million to 8.4 million square feet, according to brokerage CBRE. The roster of companies looking to reduce their San Francisco footprint grows weekly, jamming the marketplace with sublease opportunities, much of it relatively new, high-end tech space. Stripe is looking for a tenant to take its 300,000-square-foot building at 510 Townsend St. Dropbox has 1 million square feet available in various buildings. Macys online division is looking to unload 250,000 square feet at 680 Folsom. Brookfield Properties Colin Yasukochi, research director at CBRE, said, The lack of demand and absence of leasing activity has stalled the market. Direct asking rents have not declined as much as vacancy suggest it would, Yasukochi said. Its a dynamic where the market is not fully functioning because of COVID and we dont have a clear idea of what is going to transpire until tenants start to return to their offices. Right now its kind of a guessing game. The 5M project has been in the works for more than a decade. It is a collaboration between Hearst, which owns The Chronicle, and Brookfield. Overall the project aims to revitalize an underutilized collection of parking lots and warehouses once occupied by newspaper delivery trucks, small offices, storage and printing presses. In addition to the office building, the first phase which will open late this year involves a 302-unit apartment building with 91 affordable units and 26,000 square feet of parks, play areas and open space. Two historic structures the Camelline and Dempster buildings will be restored for arts and retail use. Once completed, 5M will total 856 new residential units. So which company will jump on the opportunity to slap its name on the 395-foot-high office building? Before the pandemic, Zendesk was rumored to be seriously looking at taking space. Over the past decade it has been the most vocal booster of revitalizing Mid-Market, gobbling up space in four buildings along Market Street. Marlena Sloss / Special to The Chronicle But Zendesk is no longer a likely candidate in October it announced it would consolidate its offices into one building at 989 Market St., saying its in-office workforce would be reduced by 40% once employees return. Brookfield declined to comment on tenant interest. We have been in talks with tenants for a few years, Cutter said. The pandemic put a pause on some of that. There is so much uncertainty in the market right now. We certainly dont blame tenants for that. He said interest has picked up since the novel coronavirus vaccination rollout began. During the summer everyone was saying, After Labor Day, people will come back and things will pick up. Then it was after New Year. This time it feels like its materializing with the election settled and more and more news about the vaccination, companies are starting to grapple with more about how they are going to operate post-COVID. Swathi Bonda, Brookfields development director, said the company is patient and committed to the project for the long run. We are looking at a 24-month construction timeline and an 18-month pandemic, Bonda said. To our mind what is going on right now is an immediate reaction to the pandemic and will pass. While the flood of sublease space will give tenants plenty of less expensive options, 415 Natoma will have no competition in terms of new buildings. It will be the only new speculative office building completed in 2021 or 2022. It will be 2023 before Tishman Speyer and the San Francisco Giants deliver the first phase of their Mission Rock project, much of which is preleased to Visa. You will likely have to go to the middle part of the decade before you are going to see anything else, said Robert Sammons, research director at brokerage Cushman & Wakefield. Sammons said so far the number of office jobs lost during the pandemic has been much lower than either the dot-com crash of two decades ago or the financial crisis a dozen years ago. Last year between February and the end of April, the city lost 33,000 office jobs, dipping from 490,000 to about 457,000. But by the end of last year, office jobs had bounced back to 475,000, just 15,000 fewer than before the pandemic. When Brookfield does sign a lease, 415 Natoma it will be a major milestone for San Franciscos recovery and will likely attract plenty of free publicity for the tenant. It certainly wont be a secret it will be a huge deal and huge boost to the city, no doubt about it, Sammons said. Its going to be a slow recovery. Its not going to be a quick bounce-back. This is the time to look for deals. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen Cold Snap Has Caused Natural Gas Supply Shortage By Tim Brockwell BENTON - Local residents are being advised to conserve natural gas, as record cold temperatures in Texas are affecting output from the state's gas suppliers.In a Facebook post Monday, the City of Benton said the extreme cold in Texas has caused pipes to freeze, which has reduced the amount of gas coming from the state.The city advised residents to lower their thermostats to 70 or below, and to dress in layers for a few days until temperatures return to normal.The city said while there is no danger of running out of gas entirely, if local reserves are depleted it may be necessary to buy more gas at a much higher market rate. This would mean a dramatic increase in natural gas prices that would be passed along to customers.Benton Gas Office Manager Jessica Scillian told West Kentucky Star the utility has already seen a significant reduction in usage, which she says should help them make supplies last long enough to make it until warmer weather returns."Twelve hours after we issued the warning and we did a chart check we definitely saw our pounds were up, so that let's us know [our customers] have cut down." Scillian said, adding that with warmer weather coming by the weekend she's optimistic they won't have to resort to buying gas at market prices, which she says are more than 30 times higher than normal right now.Atmos Energy, which serves more than 3 million customers in 9 states, issued a similar warning on Tuesday to all of its customers advising them to curtail gas usage by turning down thermostats and water heaters, unplugging unnecessary appliances, and waiting to do laundry until warmer weather returns if possible. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Provenance Gold Corp. (CSE: PAU) (FSE: 3PG) (the "Company") is pleased to report the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement. In connection with closing, the Company has issued 9,615,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of $961,500 with a lead order from Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Issuer (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share (each, a "Warrant Share") of the Issuer at a price of $0.15 per Warrant Share for a period of five (5) years from their date of issue. Mr. Rauno Perttu states, "We are delighted to be advancing our Silver Bow gold and silver property in addition to being able to initiate work on finalizing our drilling program on our White Rock property. This should allow the Company the opportunity for more recognition by the investment community. With our optimistic outlook for 2021 and beyond including our work to limit dilution we decided to cap this private placement at over three times the original amount. We are very grateful for the support from our well-placed strategic investors." Proceeds of this private placement will go towards exploration advancement and general working capital. All securities issued in connection with the private placement are subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws until June 13, 2021. In connection with the offering, the Company has paid finders' fees of $28,105 in consideration for the introduction of subscribers. About Provenance Gold Corp. Provenance Gold Corp. is a precious metals exploration company with a focus on gold and silver resources within North America. The Company currently holds interests in two properties in Nevada, USA. For further information please visit the Company's website at https://provenancegold.com or contact rclark@provenancegold.com. About Palisades Goldcorp Palisades Goldcorp is Canada's resource focused merchant bank. Palisades' management team has a demonstrated track record of making money and is backed by many of the industry's most notable financiers. With junior resource equities valued at generational lows, management believes the sector is on the cusp of a major bull market move. Palisades is positioning itself with significant stakes in undervalued companies and assets with the goal of generating superior returns. On behalf of the Board, Provenance Gold Corp. Rauno Perttu, Chief Executive Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its regulation services provider, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to proposed activities at the White Rock gold project, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74434 Kona plays a key role in Hyundai's broader electrification strategy, combining electrified powertrains with a stylish sub-compact SUV body configuration. In fact, Kona was the first Hyundai SUV available with a fully-electrified powertrain in the U.S. "For 2022, Kona and Kona Electric have been freshly redesigned with new safety and convenience features that ensure they remain at the top of SUV buyer lists. Whether they desire the eco-focused Electric, Turbo or sporty new N Line version, we're confident this new Kona will exceed the most demanding compact SUV buyer expectations," said Olabisi Boyle, vice president of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. Sporty and Sophisticated Design Kona design elements in the front and rear give it a sophisticated look while keeping its distinct illumination signature. The striking new front design stands out with sporty character lines and bold protective cladding. The stretched hood drops sharply over the grille with a wide, distinctive shape, giving the Kona a powerful demeanor. Enhanced LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) provide a narrow, piercing look forward. Below, the bumper fascia connects smoothly to the wheel arch cladding, forming a robust armor-like motif in contrast to the body. 2022 Kona is 1.6 inches longer than the previous model, giving it a proportional, dynamic look to balance its wide visual stance. Skid plate elements embrace the lower air intake and visually complement the surfaces surrounding the grille. Integrated into the bumper corners are vertically-oriented aerodynamic inlets that improve air flow. The profile retains the muscular and sculpted shape of the previous model, but the wedge-shaped silhouette is accentuated by a connection between the shoulder creases and the angular front end. From the rear, new taillights feature horizontally-stretched graphics, reflecting the unique identity of the forward illumination signature. A new rear fascia, which also follows the protective armor concept of the front and profile, is also constructed with a contrasting material. In addition, new alloy wheel designs are visible from a variety of angles. Interior Design The interior of the new Kona was designed to express a more sophisticated and progressive appearance. A rugged, yet refined look matches the exterior boldness, appealing to customers with an active lifestyle. A new console is disconnected from the instrument panel to stress the horizontal layout, appearing wide for a spacious atmosphere. An optional electronic parking brake is now available on premium trims as a convenience feature. New ambient lighting illuminates the cup holder and foot wells, while an aluminium-like finish adds refinement. Kona's rear cargo area has been increased and second row legroom has also been improved, along with USB-port access for second-row passengers. Kona Electric Design The Kona Electric has also been freshened with a new, sleeker front fascia design. The former dimpled grille area has been replaced with a sleek new aerodynamic shape with a prominent horizontal character line immediately below the badging and DRLs. New headlamps and DRLs provide a fresh new illumination signature, and the lower fascia opening boasts clean horizontal strakes. New lower fender sculpted vents are both sporty and aerodynamically functional. In profile, a sporty new alloy wheel design has been optimized for efficient airflow. From the rear, a new bumper fascia design carries the lower valance strake elements through to the rear of the vehicle, and a new tail lamp design neatly finishes the rear view. Inside, the center-stack and center-cluster displays are all new for the Electric as well, with large 10.25-inch screens in each area for superb driver visibility. The lower center console storage area has also been redesigned with wireless charging capability and efficient use of space. New Kona N Line Adds Sporty Variant As part of Hyundai's growing N brand, Hyundai has created an N Line version of the Kona to appeal to enthusiast buyers, available for the first time as an N Line version, combining fun-to-drive character with sporty differentiation. Kona N Line stands out through its sporty front and rear end, body color cladding, and specific diamond-cut alloy wheel design. The front view is characterized by the dynamic features of the front bumper, harmoniously connected and unified with the body color treatment of the wheel arch cladding. Instead of the rugged skid plate design of the new Kona, the N Line version features an N design aerodynamic lip with low corner fins for a more road-oriented demeanor. Larger, more technical air intake features are further distinguished by a unique mesh design and surface treatment. In profile, body color cladding and rocker panels are complemented by a dedicated N Line 18-inch alloy wheel design. The rear completes the dynamic and emotional image, incorporating a large central aerodynamic diffuser in contrast to the body, with dual exhaust tips. At the rear corners, the bumper fascia is formed with sharply-creased lines and strakes enhancing air flow. The N Line interior offers a dedicated N Line color package with black seats and distinctive red stitching, black headliner, metal pedals, and N logos for the seat, steering wheel and gear shift lever, with a sporty presence. Powerful and Efficient Powertrains Kona powertrain offerings have top efficiency levels as a primary target. Kona offers a choice of two gasoline powertrains. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine produces 147 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm, paired with a new Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) for maximum efficiency. The Atkinson cycle design maximizes the effective cylinder expansion ratio (compression stroke vs. power stroke) for greater efficiency. N Line and Limited trims offer a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine generating an estimated 195 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1500-4500 rpm, an advantage over key competitors. Peak torque delivery starts at only 1,500 rpm and holds through 4,500 rpm, for low-RPM responsiveness and performance in everyday driving conditions. The 2022 Kona turbo engine couples to a retuned seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for outstanding efficiency with quick, seamless shifting and brisk acceleration. Kona Electric Powertrain - Powerful Electric Propulsion with 258-mile Range The Kona Electric powertrain employs a high-efficiency 150 kW (201 horsepower) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a high-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. The motor develops 291 lb.-ft. of torque distributed to the front wheels. The battery system is liquid-cooled and operates at 356 volts. In addition, Kona Electric estimated MPGe is 132 city, 108 highway, and 120 combined based on internal testing. Kona Electric utilizes a standard Level-II on-board charging system capable of a 7.2 kW rate of charge for rapid recharging characteristics, with an estimated range of 258 miles based on internal testing. Kona Electric, using a Level-III fast charge rate, can charge from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 47 minutes using its SAE-Combo charging port. This convenient fast-charging capability is standard on the Kona Electric. With Level-II charging, it can also charge from 10 to 100 percent in approximately nine hours and 15 minutes. For more charging convenience, the charging port is located in the front grille area for head-in parking ease when charging. A battery warmer system is standard on SEL Convenience models and above. The system helps prevent excessively long battery-charging intervals in cold temperatures. In addition, in Winter Mode, the battery warmer can minimize battery-power losses due to low winter temperatures. Responsive and Refined Chassis Tuning Kona was developed with a focus on enhanced driving dynamics and responsive performance for a variety of urban and multi-surface driving conditions. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track create a planted stance that results in exceptional agility in urban environments with enhanced linear stability and ride comfort. For 2022, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is reduced by new acoustic windshield glass, new instrument panel insulation and additional cargo area insulation. Available 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45R18 tires give surefooted, agile handling character on a variety of road surfaces. Connectivity & Technology The new Kona has been equipped with the latest in-car connectivity and technology. New to this model is a 10.25-inch digital cluster and 10.25-inch navigation center stack display, bringing with it new connectivity features. The new screen comes with a split-screen function, multiple Bluetooth connections and additional voice-recognition features. Drivers can activate and control features like climate, radio station, rear window and side mirror heating as well as steering wheel heating through Dynamic Voice Recognition. Drivers can even check stocks, weather, or perform POI searches using their voice when connected to Blue Link. Kona is equipped with standard Display Audio, with the screen increased from seven to eight inches. It also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so customers do not have to use a cable to connect their phones. Even more, Kona offers Digital Key, supported via a dedicated smartphone app, allowing smartphones to control selected vehicle systems remotely. Users can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the panic alert and start the engine. Digital Key allows owners to leave traditional keys at home and allows secure sharing of keys with family and friends. Advanced Driving Assistance Systems Kona is available with a range of safety and driving assist features for added peace of mind. Smart Cruise Control (SCC) is available and includes the stop-and-go function. Available Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) has been enhanced, engaging the vehicle's brakes to help prevent a collision if another vehicle is detected near the rear corner (blind spot) and the driver attempts to change lanes. In addition, Highway Drive Assist is a new available feature that can help keep the vehicle in the center of its lane with a specified following distance to a leading vehicle and even make speed adjustments to the posted speed limits on interstate highways. Another feature is Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection. FCA uses a radar sensor in addition to a camera to help better detect potential collisions. If the system senses a potential collision and the driver fails to react in time, it may automatically apply the brakes. Available Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), also a first for the new Kona, works to help avoid a collision when backing up by applying the brakes if another vehicle is detected. This is an upgrade from the former Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, which provided a warning. Another available safety feature focused primarily on the protection of children, Safe Exit Warning (SEW) can warn passengers from exiting the vehicle if it is not yet safe to do so. Hyundai SmartSense Available Active Safety Features Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go Highway Drive Assist (HDA) Lane Following Assist (LFA) Safe Exit Warning (SEW) Blue Link Connected Car System The new Kona receives many Blue Link Connected Car System enhancements. As with most Hyundai models, Blue Link is complimentary for three years and includes features such as Remote Start with Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Destination Search by Voice and others. Blue Link features can be accessed via interior controls or through the MyHyundai.com web portal, the MyHyundai with Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon Alexa Blue Link skill and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can be controlled via Android Wear and Apple Watch smartwatch apps. 2022 Kona improvements include: Remote profile managementstores select vehicle settings to the Blue Link cloud, with the ability to remotely update and push back to the vehicle, personalized to driver preferences Remote start enhancements: Remote seat heating and (ventilation - EV only)(on/off/level for individual seats Profile selection (preloads individual driver settings for seating position/side mirrors) Profile selection (preloads individual driver settings for seating position/side mirrors) Vehicle Status Notificationsif the vehicle is left with doors unlocked or windows open, customers will receive a notification POI Send to Car now with Waypoints (ability to add up to three way points, to be delivered to the vehicle together and automatically set order of destinations) Maintenance Alert Enhancementmaintenance interval tracking is now visible in the multimedia system, with ability to reset More details on specific Blue Linkequipped vehicles available at www.hyundaibluelink.com. MYHYUNDAI with Bluelink App (Kona Electric-specific functions) Owners can manage and monitor the Kona Electric remotely via the Blue Link smartphone app. With the app, owners can access real-time data from their Kona Electric and perform specific commands like starting the vehicle and locking doors. Users can search for points of interest with voice or text and receive the directions when they start their Kona Electric. For Kona Electric owners who charge at their residence, one of the most useful features of the app is the ability to manage their charging schedule. Owners receive vehicle-charging options that they can select while in the car and manage them remotely via their smartphone. Immediate charge is the simplest option, as charging begins as soon as the Kona Electric is plugged-in. Individuals that have different electric rates at off-peak times may want to schedule the charge to reduce cost as well as reduce peak demand on the electricity grid. Users can do that with the new app based on time and date. For example, charging could be set to start at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays on a weekly basis. Connected Charge Management Services : Start or stop charging Set-up charging schedule with days of the week and time Current battery level with real-time electric and fuel range Real-time fuel range Plug status (in/out) Charge status Time left until fully charged Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance and America's Best Warranty Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance is the latest addition to the Hyundai Assurance program, which promises to create a better experience for shoppers and owners of Hyundai vehicles. Hyundai Assurance is made up of Owner Assurance, now including complimentary maintenance, and Shopper Assurance, which together offer customers a variety of ways to simplify the buying process and improve the owning and service experience. Details on these promises include: America's Best Warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, 7-year anti-perforation warranty and 10-year/100,000 mile Limited Battery Warranty (Kona Electric) Complimentary Maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles of normal oil changes and tire rotations Hyundai Motor America At Hyundai Motor America, we believe everyone deserves better. From the way we design and build our cars to the way we treat the people who drive them, making things better is at the heart of everything we do. Hyundai's technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assuranceour promise to create a better experience for customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Please visit our media website at www.HyundaiNews.com Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram SOURCE Hyundai Motor America Related Links https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/ Knowledge aims to accelerate recent improvements in math attainment levels, across all age groups, in Australia. The Learner First to distribute Knowledgehook technology across Australia. Canberra, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 15, 2021) - Knowledgehook, the world's most comprehensive mathematics learning platform, has launched in Australia as the nation's teachers turn a corner in addressing low maths attainment levels for young people. It is now available to schools across the country for children in Year 3 to Year 10 classes, through The Learner First, a consultancy working with schools across Australia. The latest TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) found that Australia's achievement in mathematics has improved since 2015. However, Year 4 mathematics achievement has not changed since 2007. One of the biggest challenges facing educators is to find better ways to meet the learning needs of the many students who fall behind in schools, failing to meet year-level expectations (often year after year) and, as a consequence, become increasingly disengaged. Knowledgehook's proprietary technology harnesses the power of data to track where students are on their math journey. Their programmes connect a child's at-home learning with in-school education, providing real-time insights to teachers on learning gaps. This empowers teachers to develop an understanding of the maths concepts related to their students' challenges, enabling them to adjust instruction and monitor student progress. Knowledgehook: The Instructional Guidance System for teachers To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7234/74493_ZQxTI4ay.png As Knowledgehook launches across Australia, former Australian Mathematics Curriculum leader, Margaret Bigelow, commented: " Australia's results in international testing are improving. The impact of a national approach to teaching and learning Mathematics has impacted on this improved outcome. Teachers need to be supported to maintain this trajectory of improvement by having the ideas and tools to enhance the engagement of their students to develop critical and creative thinking and further mathematical skills. This will enable students to adjust to the ever-changing demands and challenges of life in the future." "Knowledgehook was inspired by my own struggle with maths as a child,' explained Co-Founder and CEO of Knowledgehook, Travis Ratnam. "Having the right, personalised guidance makes all the difference and every student deserves to have a teacher who has access to the best pedagogical tools, and parents who have insights into their learning. Our platform is not a game, it pulls together a 360 view on a child's learning journey enabling people around them to improve the child's math experience and outcomes. Knowledgehook founders: (L to R) Travis Ratnam and Qamar Qureshi To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7234/74493_17zlG4i3.jpeg In launching Knowledgehook across Australia, Joanne McEachen, Founder and CEO of The Learner First commented: "I love the fact maths support is available 24/7 so when a learner struggles with a math's concept, the teacher can access professional learning and development to help support both the learner and the teacher on the spot. Moreover, it helps teachers retrace their approach and identifies what may have been missed allowing them to recover and embed essential skills and concepts. Quite simply, it is what we have been missing for years and it will certainly complement the current trajectory of further improving math's performance and disposition in Australian students." Knowledgehook's AI-enabled platform has grown to support schools across the US, Mexico, and the UK. It is designed to scale across multiple countries and languages developing teacher capacity while engaging students and providing actionable insights for parents. Over the years, Knowledgehook's research-based solution has garnered industry-leading partnerships and investments from the most recognised global education bodies, notably from the University College of London (UCL), the global leader in education research. Knowledgehook actively collaborates with governments around the world while also working directly with schools and their suppliers, to offer curriculum-aligned solutions. The company currently empowers teachers in more than 100,000 schools. In 2021, it is anticipated the solution will reach 50,000,000 students globally. "We have received growing interest for our technology and expertise to be applied to other subjects and we look forward to expanding our solution to empower more educators and support the learning of students to become the problem-solvers of tomorrow," Qamar Qureshi, President and Chief Business Officer added. Ends About Knowledgehook Knowledgehook, a leading educational technology company, empowers hundreds of thousands of teachers and parents to collaboratively support the mathematics learning journey of millions of students worldwide. Winner of Google's Game Changer Award and named Top Disruptor by BNN, its platform analyses student understanding through engaging assessments, providing real-time personalised solutions to close learning gaps between classroom teaching and at-home learning. Designed by leading numeracy and research experts, Knowledgehook's Instructional Guidance System is known for reinventing how online technology supports education and educators, while inspiring the problem solvers of tomorrow. Contact Details Knowledgehook Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.knowledgehook.com/ View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/knowledgehook-to-boost-maths-attainment-across-australia-437071014 Targets located 25 km apart and will be drilled in same program. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Searchlight Resources Inc. ("Searchlight" or the "Company") (TSXV:SCLT)(OTC Pink:CNYCF) is pleased to announce that the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has granted Searchlight drill permits for the Beatty South copper target and the Henning- Maloney gold target, located within 15 km of Creighton, Saskatchewan, and the historic Flin Flon mining camp. At present, Searchlight is finalizing plans to drill both targets in a single drill program, as the two projects are less than 25 km apart, and accessible by highway and all-weather roads (Map 1). The drilling contract has been signed with Minotaur Drilling of Saskatoon, and drill mobilization is expected to begin within two weeks. "The Searchlight team is excited to begin this two-part drill program, targeting both high priority copper and gold targets in the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt", stated Stephen Wallace, President and CEO of Searchlight. The Beatty South drill program is located on the Flin Flon North claims which cover 148.9 square kilometres, located approximately 15 km northwest of Creighton, Saskatchewan and Flin Flon, Manitoba, along Highway 106. This is the first drill test of a multi-kilometer long geological structure outlined with coincident Magnetic and Electromagnetic airborne geophysics, and further refined with ground geophysics. The Henning-Maloney drill program is part of the 49.9 sq km Bootleg Lake Gold project which covers four past-producing gold mines, including Henning-Maloney. The drill target area is approximately 6 km south of Creighton and Flin Flon, and 600 metres along a groomed winter road, from the main all-weather road. The drill program of 3 NQ diamond drill holes is designed to verify historic gold mineralization and to drill beneath the past-producing gold mine. Map1: Location of Beatty South and Henning-Maloney Drill Targets Searchlight Resources claims shaded green. Qualified Person Stephen Wallace, P.Geo., is Searchlight's Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. About Searchlight Resources Inc. Searchlight Resources Inc. (TSXV:SCLT; US:CYNCF) is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on Saskatchewan, Canada, which has been ranked as the top location for mining investment in Canada by the Fraser Institute. Exploration focus is on gold and battery minerals throughout the Province, concentrating on projects with road access. Searchlight holds a 427.6 square kilometre land position within the gold and base metal rich Flin Flon - Snow Lake Greenstone Belt. The Company is currently advancing its Bootleg Lake Gold Project located in Saskatchewan, less than 10 km from Flin Flon, Manitoba, and which hosts four past producing high-grade gold mines. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Stephen Wallace" Stephen Wallace, President, CEO and Director SEARCHLIGHT RESOURCES INC. For further information, visit the Company's website at www.searchlightresources.com or contact: Searchlight Resources Inc. Alf Stewart, VP Corporate Development (604) 331-9326 info@searchlightresources.com Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. SOURCE: Searchlight Resources Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630048/Searchlight-Resources-Granted-Drill-Permits-for-Beatty-South-Copper-and-Henning-Maloney-Gold-Targets People seeking medical marijuana may soon have a place in the Nazareth area to pick up their products. Franklin Bioscience-NE LLC has proposed setting up a medical marijuana dispensary in Lower Nazareth Township. The facility would be in the shopping center at 3812 Easton-Nazareth Highway, also known as Route 248, in the space that was formally Dans Camera City. The company operates its dispensaries under the name Beyond/Hello and has several already open in Pennsylvania. Lower Nazareth Township Supervisors conducted a conditional use hearing last Wednesday regarding the proposed dispensary and will likely vote whether to approve the proposal at its Feb. 24 meeting. The townships planning commission recommended in December that supervisors grant conditional use. Beyond/Hello Director of Real Estate Justin Carey said the facility will only provide services for people who have a state-issued medical marijuana card. No one can gain access to our facility unless they have a state-issued card and a second form of ID, Carey said, adding the companys other facilities have not had issues with people seeking marijuana who do not have a state-issued card. Were not beset with folks coming in and saying, How do I get some marijuana? Carey said the facility will operate under all permitting and regulations as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The facility will not allow consumption of its products at the site, he said. Products will include whole flower, or buds, along with oils, capsules, topical lotions and tinctures, which are cannabis concentrates. Food or drink products, known as edibles, will not be available as per state law. Carey said the facility will employ security guards but the decision whether those guards will be armed will be made after consultation with local police. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. John Best is a freelance contributor to lehighvalleylive.com. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Sunday said that it will soon release a white paper on the state of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in the country. The traders' body has been raising concerns for some time now over the arbitrariness of the tax regime. It has also called for a traders' strike on February 26. In a statement on Sunday, CAIT said that the call of "Bharat Vyapar Bandh" (nationwide traders strike) on against "draconian and arbitrary provisions" of GST has received tremendous response across the country not only from the trade associations but the bodies of tax practitioners, chartered accountants, MSME and other verticals of domestic trade have also come out in support of the call for a nationwide strike. "It shows the high level of gross resentment in people of the country against current state of GST which is called as 'good and simple tax', much away from the ground reality," it said. The statement said that traders across country are deeply agitated over recent amendments made in the GST rules which give arbitrary and unfettered powers to the GST officials. "Even after four years of implementation, the GST portal is suffered with various glitches and is a unstable tax portal but instead of penalising the operators of GST portal, the traders are penalised even for a mistake which has not committed by them," CAIT said. Further, since the introduction of GST, more than 900 changes have been introduced from time to time due to which the GST taxation system has become extremely complicated and has lost its sanctity, it added. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, left, with Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland. Photo: United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation via AP Former President Mary Robinson has said she feels horribly tricked by the family of Princess Latifa Al Maktoum, who claims she is being held against her will at a villa jail in Dubai. In new footage shared with BBC Panorama, the daughter of the ruler of Dubai has alleged that commandos drugged her as she tried to flee by boat and flew her back to detention. The 35-year-old has accused her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, of holding her hostage and said she fears for her safety. She first fled the country in February 2018 after she was stopped on board a boat near the coast of India and has not been seen publicly ever since. Read More Ms Robinson, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has joined in calls for immediate international action in order to establish Princess Latifas current condition and whereabouts. She had previously described her as a troubled young woman after she met her at a lunch event in Dubai in December 2018. Nine days later, the UAEs foreign ministry used photographs of the two of them together as proof the princess was safe and well. Giving her reaction to the latest footage, Ms Robinson said: "I continue to be very worried about Latifa. Things have moved on. And so, I think it should be investigated. She told Panorama that she didnt have any objection to the image being taken as she intended to send it to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet for proof of life. I wasnt against the photograph. It was to be a private photograph." But she also said: "I was particularly tricked when the photographs when public. Horribly tricked. That was a total surprise. I was absolutely stunned." She first met Latifa in December 2018 at the request of her friend Princess Haya after flying over there for a lunch event at which she was also present. Ms Robinson told Panorama that both she and Ms Haya had been presented with details of Latifa's bipolar disorder; a condition which she does not have. She did not ask Latifa about her situation because she did not want to "increase the trauma" of her "condition". The videos of the troubled royal were recorded over several months on a phone that she was secretly given about a year after her alleged capture and return to Dubai. She recorded them in a bathroom as it was the only door she could lock and she appears to be in a serious state of distress. The messages to friends detail how she bought with the soldiers taking her off the boat as she tried to escape, "kicking and fighting" and biting one Emirati commando's arm until he screamed. She said she was then tranquilized as she was being carried on a private jet which then brought her to Dubai. She alleges shes being held alone without access to medical or legal help in a villa with windows and doors barred shut, and guarded by police. From sketches the Princess etched and disclosed to her friend, Panorama were able to independently verify that Latifa is resident near the Dubai canal in a villa, which she termed a jail villa. They say a team of 30 guards guard her residence in shifts. I dont want to be a hostage in this jail villa, I just want to be free, Sheikha Latifa says in one video, adding: I dont know what they are planning to do with me, the situation is getting more desperate every day. While the Governments of Dubai and the UAE previously said she is safe in the care of her family, they have not responded to the fresh footage of the princess. The secret messages have now stopped - and friends are urging the UN to step in. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Drew Angerer/Getty Images Democrats are turning their attention to enacting Biden's rescue package by mid-March. It's garnered strong support from voters, but backing is virtually nonexistent from Republicans in Congress. Many Republicans argue the measure is too big and filled with liberal priorities like a cash payment program for parents. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. Now that the second impeachment trial for former President Donald Trump has ended with an acquittal, Democrats are turning their attention to handing President Joe Biden his first major legislative victory. Democrats are racing to enact Biden's $1.9 trillion federal rescue package and kickstart the flow of aid before federal unemployment benefits start lapsing for millions of Americans in mid-March. Early polls suggest the plan is gathering strong support from a majority of the American public, and that certain provisions are even popular with a substantial chunk of Republican voters. The proposal would provide $1,400 stimulus checks and $400 federal unemployment benefits, and would begin gradually increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. It also includes significant funding for vaccine distribution and virus testing, and for state and local governments. But the package has crashed into strong opposition from GOP lawmakers - and there are few signs so far any Republican will sign onto it. They say it's a progressive budget-busting measure that's unnecessary after Congress allocated $900 billion in additional pandemic aid in December. "There are lots of things in there that have nothing to do with the stated purpose of the bill," Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the right-leaning American Action Forum, said in an interview. Brian Riedl, a senior fellow and tax expert at the right-leaning Manhattan Institute, told Insider that Republicans are balking at the minimum wage bump, enhanced unemployment insurance, as well as a monthly cash payment program for parents. Story continues "Republicans aren't going to agree to all of that," Riedl said. "Republicans just did $900 billion, why do they have to do $1.8 trillion more?" "This is ten times too big," Holtz-Eakin said. Democrats argue too small is more dangerous than too big Democrats are pushing for aggressive federal spending to combat the pandemic, saying doing too little is a much bigger danger than going big. Many point to the slow economic recovery after the 2008 financial crisis as a critical lesson in the peril of enacting an inadequate stimulus package. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently downplayed the risks of deficit spending and has repeatedly indicated he favors strong federal spending to restore job growth in the economy. Economists say the recovery is stalling out with jobs still 10 million below pre-pandemic levels. "We are still very far from a strong labor market whose benefits are broadly shared," Powell said in a speech last week. He said the actual unemployment rate was likely near 10% instead of 6.3% after accounting for certain economic trends. Given their narrow control of the Senate, Democrats are relying on a legislative maneuver called reconciliation to approve the rescue package with a simple majority of 51 votes, instead of the 60 typically required to defeat a filibuster. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) is part of a group of Senate Republicans in talks with the Biden administration. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Democrats' use of reconciliation has also generated criticism among Republicans. Some argue it undercuts Biden's campaign pledges of restoring bipartisanship in Washington, and say it could make it tougher for the Biden administration to cut deals on other elements of his agenda, including infrastructure. "Do unto others as you would have them do to you," G. William Hoagland, a senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said in an interview, adding that reconciliation is "being used in a way that is very partisan and it may cause friction down the road." Hoagland, a former senior Republican aide for the Senate Budget Committee, said that Republicans have "misused" the process in the past. Republicans used the reconciliation process to approve the 2017 tax law without Democratic support during President Donald Trump's term in office. They also used it to try and repeal the Affordable Care Act that same year. The Biden administration is arguing that its package is bipartisan because it is popular with voters, and say the onus is on the GOP to explain its opposition. "If they make a decision, Sen. McConnell [and] the Republicans in Congress, to vote against the will of their constituents, I would suggest you ask them why that's smart politically," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at a news briefing on Tuesday. A group of 10 Senate Republicans led by Sen. Susan Collins of Maine initially pitched a $618 billion stimulus counteroffer, but Democrats rejected that as too meager. Still, there are signs of ongoing negotiations between the White House and Republicans. "The president called me on Sunday and we had a good discussion," Collins told Insider on Thursday. "I am talking with our 10 Republicans to see if there's some flexibility on the number." Biden is expected to kick off several days of selling his domestic agenda on Tuesday, beginning with a CNN town hall on his economic relief package later in the evening. Read the original article on Business Insider Ukraine is absolutely confident of Japan's stance on maintaining full-fledged sanctions against Russia until the Russian side fulfills all the conditions for lifting them. "We are constantly maintaining dialogue on a wide range of issues with our Japanese partners, and we are absolutely confident of the stance of our Japanese friends on sanctions. Until the Russian side fulfills all the necessary preconditions for the return of the temporarily occupied territories, for the restoration of peace in Donbas, easing sanctions is not considered," Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhenii Yenin said at the forum Asia Strategy in Action. The Role of Ukraine-Japan Cooperation, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. He added that Ukraine is in dialogue with all international partners on maintaining sanctions against Russia. In this context, the diplomat recalled that the Government of Australia had recently made a decision to extend the sanctions regime against legal entities and individuals of the Russian Federation for the next three years. "This dialogue is ongoing, and today I fully share the view that we do not see any threats to the sanctions regime against the aggressor," the deputy minister said. In turn, Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine Takashi Kurai assured that "there have never been any serious talks on lifting sanctions against Russia." ol Bidens Policy to Condition Aid on Protecting LGBTQI Rights Sparks Pushback in Africa The Biden administration has renewed a range of priorities from the Obama years, expanding engagement worldwide to include conditioning U.S. foreign aid on protections for gays and lesbians. On Feb. 2, President Joe Biden announced to African leaders in a virtual summit conference on Zoom that the United States was promoting the rights of LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex) individuals. Biden emphasized to the African Union that diplomacy would stress multilateral agreements, shared interests in democracy, health security against COVID-19, and helping nations adapt to climate impacts. Two days later, Biden told State Department employees, America is back, diplomacy is back, as he indicated he would halt or reverse a wide range of foreign policy initiatives by former President Donald Trump. An executive memorandum issued that same day spelled out his administrations broader vision, including the protections for LGBTQI individuals. Agencies involved with foreign aid, assistance, and development programs should consider the impact of programs funded by the Federal Government on human rights, including the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, when making funding decisions, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, according to a memorandum for executive heads of agencies and departments listed on the Federal Register. The memorandum included a comprehensive list of agencies that contribute billions of dollars of aid to African nations annually. For the purpose of this memorandum, agencies engaged abroad include the Departments of State, the Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and such other agencies as the President may designate, according to section seven of the document. My Administration is committing to rebuilding our partnerships with nations around the world and reengaging with international institutions like the African Union, he told the 34th Annual African Union Summit conference in Addis Ababa. We must all work together to advance our shared vision of a future of growing trade and investment that advances the prosperity for all of our nations a future committed to investing in our democratic institutions and promoting the human rights of all people: women and girls, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities and people of every ethnic background, religion, and heritage. Pushback That memorandum has triggered some pushback among West Africans. The Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghanas minister-designate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, responded that Ghana wouldnt comply with the new guidelines. Ghana is a sovereign country but as part of our foreign policy, we engage countries all over the world; America is one of our strongest friends. But in this country we have laws. And our laws work and must work, Botchwey told a legislative confirmation hearing, as reported by Ghana Web on Feb. 12. So in spite of what somebody will say and, in this case, President Biden, the laws of Ghana criminalize unlawful carnal knowledge and therefore, the laws of Ghana definitely are supreme and that is what we all adhere to, she reportedly said. Rev. Ladi Peter Thompson, a Lagos-based special adviser on security threats to the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, told The Epoch Times: Its a fact that the global resurgence of terrorism is tearing Africa apart. There is a dark cloud on the horizon, and the meltdown of Africas most populous nation is a specter that nobody wants to imagine. The Biden administration, however, holds forth as the flagship of its policy toward African nations the threat of financial muscle to promote the LGBTI community in Africa, he said. President Biden would do humankind a great favor by globalizing the American Dream, of which the essence is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Africans love that. But one thing Africans dont want is the American nightmare, where the rights go rogue, and the rights are wrong. Africa-watchers in the United States also expressed concern. A co-founder of The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), which reports on the genocidal civil war in Nigeria, sees the new policy stance as unbalanced. Policy and funding discussions about LGBTQ initiatives are misplaced and affect the millions suffering in Nigeria, Kyle Abts, co-founder of ICON, wrote in an email to The Epoch Times. Militants continue to run rampant with impunity. More than 3,500 died in 2020 and over 90,000 over the past 20 years. The economy is failing because of terrorism, instability, and corruption. There are two overarching problems gripping the continent of Africa, besides the chronic problem of development and COVID-19, Frank Gaffney, executive chairman of the Center for Security Policy, told The Epoch Times. Those are the rising threats of Sharia supremacism and Chinese colonization. The Biden team seems to ignore both. When Biden says America is back, what he means is that America is back to the failed policies of the Obama administration, which focused on multilateralism and social engineering. Neither advances Americas interest nor those of the people involved, he said. If Biden has love for Africans and desires to help them, he should do so in the areas of security and counter-terrorism, infrastructures, health care, power and communications, and visa reforms, Sylvester Okere, a respected African diaspora community leader, told The Epoch Times. Africans can do robust business with America. Africans are business-minded, industrious people. Washingtons guidance on morality is not what the people need, Okere said, as he recounted what Kenya President Uhuru Kenyata reportedly once told President Barack Obama, You cannot give to people what they themselves do not want. The White House didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Douglas Burton is a former U.S. State Department official who was stationed in Kirkuk, Iraq. He writes news and commentary from Washington, D.C. He can be contacted at burtonnewsandviews@gmail.com. DieselAddikt BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 541 Thanked: 771 Times View My Garage Quote: wheelguy Originally Posted by https://Youtu.be/NBY1DhK_FGY Another one on the occasion of valentine's day. I have started hearing "how safe is it" more than "what's the mileage bro". This is definitely a good sign for Tata Motors, FOR NOW ! FOR NOW is in capital letters coz Suzuki and Hyundai are companies who know how to make 5* worthy cars. Just that they are not making them because it is not mandatory and their cars are selling. The day the sales goes down or the govt makes it mandatory, they can make a seamless switch over to 5* rated cars. And then, Tata will lose it's USP. So they have to get a good petrol engine ASAP. Would you like to go on a "crashdate" with me ? Ha ha... Classy ! Tata definitely needs to work on a 1.2NA petrol. That is where the volume comes in. Turbo will not help coz of higher costs. If you want to capture market share, get a good, free revving, vibration free 1.2L NA engine. All said and done, Tata has gained confidence and they are playing to their new found strength. Fair enough !I have started hearing "how safe is it" more than "what's the mileage bro". This is definitely a good sign for Tata Motors, FOR NOW ! FOR NOW is in capital letters coz Suzuki and Hyundai are companies who know how to make 5* worthy cars. Just that they are not making them because it is not mandatory and their cars are selling. The day the sales goes down or the govt makes it mandatory, they can make a seamless switch over to 5* rated cars. And then, Tata will lose it's USP. So they have to get a good petrol engine ASAP. Many Montgomery County residents were heading into a second day Tuesday with no power as electric companies work to get plants back online. County Judge Mark Keough said he has been in contact with officials with Entergy Texas on updates on the situation for residents left in the dark amid frigid temperatures. There are about 45,000 customers in Montgomery County who are without due to localized equipment failure that they are working on, he said adding those failures were discovered as Entergy began rolling blackouts to help relieve the demand. Keough said residents who have had power and it has gone off, they are part of the rolling blackouts and it will come back on. For those residents who have been without power since Monday morning, that is a localized service issue that crews will have to address. However, communication with Centerpoint, Keough said, has been more difficult. Centerpoint is part of Electric Reliability Council of Texas which has said it must reduce its load. ERCOT operates the electric grid and manages the deregulated market for 75 percent of the state. As far as why such a massive widespread outage, Keough said energy officials did not expect whiteout winter conditions. They have told us they prepared the best they could but they werent expecting snow conditions for prolonged periods, he said. I dont think they have exactly assessed their situation yet and what went wrong. At this point it is full steam ahead trying to get restoration online. For those still without power, ongoing cold conditions will continue to make things uncomfortable. Space City Weather meterologist Eric Berger said in a post that clearing skies and winds shifting to come from the east later Tuesday will help warm temperatures somewhat. Most areas south of Interstate 10 should reach above freezing later today, but road conditions are iffy this morning. Some streets dried out with Mondays sunshine, but roads and bridges that remained wet iced over again on Monday night. Sunshine Tuesday should help with most roadways. However, precipitation will return (Tuesday) evening and overnight as moisture moves in from the Gulf of Mexico, Berger posted on spacecityweather.com. Most likely the precipitation will begin around midnight, but we cant rule out it starting earlier. For Houston, it should begin as rain, but could transition to freezing rain over night. Travel Tuesday evening and overnight in Houston and could be very problematic due to icy roads. For Montgomery County and points north accumulating freezing could be exceedingly dangerous, and pose problems for power lines. Montgomery County does have four warming shelter open for residents. They are at the Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe; Over Under Church 600 S. Frazier St.; Church Project, 602 Pruitt Road, Spring; and Madeley Elementary, Madeley Ranch Road, Montgomery. In The Woodlands Tuesday, closures continued. The township administrative building was closed for the second day in a row. Township board Chairman Gordy Bunch said he was slated to meet virtually with officials from both Entergy Texas and CenterPoint Tuesday and that he was, praying everyone without power sees it restored soon. We really havent had much information from CenterPoint, Bunch said. The Woodlands Fire Department has been busy responding to fires, water pipe ruptures and medical calls. Officials with The Woodlands Mall report the popular shopping center is not a heating center, and was closed on Tuesday. Ted Harris, the senior general manager of the mall, had few details to share. The mall is currently closed and we are not set up to be a heating station, he said in several emails. All township transit services were closed, too, and will remain closed through the week, officials stated in social media posts. Emergency officials and first responders asked residents to use 911 only in life threatening emergencies. All county road closures can be found via MCTX LIVE. Additionally, residents can follow the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for information. Jeff Forward contributed to this report. cdominguez@hcnonline.com The has written to video conferencing platform seeking details of those who participated in the January 11 meeting organised allegedly by a pro-Khalistani group to prepare a protest "toolkit" backing the farmers' agitation, officials said on Tuesday. Police alleged that Mumbai lawyer Nikita Jacob and Pune engineer Shantanu were among the around 70 people who had attended the meeting through app, days before the Republic Day violence in the capital that left over 500 police personnel injured and one protester dead. "The has written to video conferencing app seeking details of participants who attended the meeting on January 11," the official said. On Monday, Joint Commissioner of Police (cyber) Prem Nath had alleged that the e-mail account created by Shantanu is the owner of this Google document. "Pro-Khalistani group Poetic Justice Foundation (PJF) founder Mo Dhaliwal had contacted them (Jacob and Shantanu) through a Canada-based woman named Punit," Nath had said. "Nikita and Shantanu had on January 11 attended a Zoom meeting organized by PFJ in which modalities were decided to create the 'toolkit' titled 'Global Farmer Strike' and 'Global Day of Action, 26 January'," Nath 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.) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Cinaport Acquisition Corp. III (TSXV: CAC.P) (the "Company"), a capital pool company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent (the "LOI") dated February 12, 2021 with Coinberry Limited ("Coinberry"), a corporation existing under the federal laws of Canada. The LOI outlines the principal terms and conditions pursuant to which the shareholders of Coinberry will, directly or indirectly, acquire the majority of the issued and outstanding securities of the Company. The transaction will constitute the Company's Qualifying Transaction (the "Qualifying Transaction") under Policy 2.4 of the Exchange ("Policy 2.4"). Terms of the Qualifying Transaction Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, the Qualifying Transaction is to be structured as a three-cornered amalgamation, share exchange, plan of arrangement or other similarly structured transaction as may be agreed to by both parties with regard for tax considerations, accounting treatments and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. As of the date hereof, the number of common shares of the Company to be issued to shareholders of Coinberry remains subject to the final valuation of Coinberry, which is expected to be based on a brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") to be undertaken by Coinberry concurrently with, and as a condition to completion of, the Qualifying Transaction as more fully described below. The parties have agreed on the valuation of the Company for the purposes of the Qualifying Transaction and the ownership ratio for the respective shareholders of the Company and Coinberry upon closing of the Qualifying Transaction will be subject to the final valuation of Coinberry. Closing of the Qualifying Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of, among other things, the following conditions precedent: completion of the Private Placement; completion and satisfaction of mutual due diligence by the parties; negotiation and execution of all definitive transaction documents (including accuracy of representations and warranties, compliance of covenants and satisfaction of customary conditions); and receipt of all requisite approvals and consents for the Qualifying Transaction including (i) approval by the Exchange for the Qualifying Transaction and the proposed new insiders of the Company, (ii) approval by the board of directors of each of Coinberry and the Company, and (iii) all required approvals being obtained from the securityholders of each of Coinberry and the Company. Concurrent Financing In connection with the proposed Qualifying Transaction, Coinberry intends to raise up to $10 million in connection with the Private Placement. The Private Placement shall be completed prior to the closing of the Qualifying Transaction and is a condition to completing the Qualifying Transaction. The structure and the terms and conditions of the Private Placement will be determined by Coinberry and the agent(s) to be engaged in connection with the Private Placement. The proceeds of the Private Placement will be held in escrow subject to satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions prior to the closing of the Qualifying Transaction. The definitive terms of the Private Placement will be announced in a subsequent press release once binding terms and particulars of the Private Placement have been agreed upon. About Coinberry Founded in 2017, Coinberry is a Toronto-based, FINTRAC-registered, financial technology solutions provider focused on blockchain and crypto asset solutions. Coinberry operates the Coinberry.com crypto asset trading platform, offering investors a safe and simple way to buy, sell, and process payments made with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto assets in Canada. Coinberry is the only crypto asset trading platform that allows Canadian municipalities to accept municipal tax payments in Bitcoin. Directors, Officers and Other Insiders of the Resulting Issuer The directors and officers of the Company upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction will be determined at a later date at which time a further news release will be issued in accordance with the policies of the Exchange. Shareholder Approval No Insider, promoter or Control Person (as such terms are defined in the policies of the Exchange) of the Company has any interest in Coinberry prior to giving effect to the Qualifying Transaction. Accordingly, the proposed Qualifying Transaction is not a "Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction" within the meaning of Policy 2.4 of the Exchange and, as such, shareholder approval is not required to approve the proposed Qualifying Transaction. However, it is anticipated that approval of the shareholders will be required in connection with other matters relating to the Qualifying Transaction (for example, the change of the name of the Company upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction), with the scope of the approvals to be determined by the parties in the context of negotiating the definitive agreement to implement the Qualifying Transaction. Furthermore, the Exchange may impose conditions on its approval for the Qualifying Transaction which may require shareholder approval. Trading Suspension Trading of the common shares of the Company has been suspended by the Exchange since December 1, 2020 as a result of the Company not completing a Qualifying Transaction within 24 months of the date of listing. On January 1, 2021, the Exchange amended Policy 2.4 which, among other things, permits the Company to remove the consequences of not completing a Qualifying Transaction within 24 months of listing by obtaining disinterested shareholder approval prior to June 30, 2021. The Company intends to seek such shareholder approval at its shareholders' meeting to be held in connection with the Qualifying Transaction prior to the applicable deadline. Trading will remain suspended until, among other things, the Company obtains the requisite shareholder approval and satisfies the Exchange's conditions required to remove the trading suspension. Sponsorship Sponsorship of a qualifying transaction of a Capital Pool Company is required by the Exchange unless exempt in accordance with the Exchange policies. The Company is currently reviewing the requirements for sponsorship and may apply for an exemption from the sponsorship requirements pursuant to the Exchange policies. However, there is no assurance that the Company will obtain this exemption. The Company will issue additional press releases related to the Qualifying Transaction and other material information as it becomes available. For more information, please contact: Avi Grewal President & Chief Executive Officer Phone: (416) 213-8118 Ext. 210 E-mail: agrewal@cinaport.com Completion of the Qualifying Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and, if applicable, pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Qualifying Transaction cannot close until the required approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Qualifying Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Qualifying Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Qualifying Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the terms and conditions of the proposed Qualifying Transaction; completion of the Qualifying Transaction; the terms and conditions and completion of the proposed Private Placement; use of funds; and the business and operations of the Company after completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; and the results of operations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company and Coinberry disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press release. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH US NEWSWIRE SERVICES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74599 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Slate Belt man was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after he stole more than $1 million from family members, friends and fraternity brothers in a phony investment scheme. Robert McCabe, 76, of Bangor in September was charged by federal prosecutors with 21 counts of securities fraud, mail fraud and wire fraud. Aside from the prison sentence, McCabe also was sentenced this week by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution to more than 50 victims. As part of his guilty plea and in connection with his sentencing, McCabe admitted to the crime, which spanned nearly a decade. In the scheme, McCabe between September 2010 and July 2020 pretended his company, McCabe Properties, Inc., owned close to 2 million shares of something he described as founders shares of a well-known pharmaceutical company. Court documents filed by U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain stated McCabe then turned around and offered the phony shares to his victims by selling them a corresponding number of shares of McCabe Properties, Inc. He sold the investment to his victims between $2.60 and $2.70 per share, which would have represented a significant discount over the actual share price for shares of the pharmaceutical company. In reality, federal prosecutors proved McCable Properties Inc. had zero assets. McCabe spent the more than $1 million he took in from his victims, leaving them with nothing but worthless shares of McCabe Properties, Inc., prosecutors argued. McCabe was savvy in covering his tracks, deceiving victims by preparing and shipping shares of McCabe Properties, Inc. that purported to correspond to the number of shares of the pharmaceutical company; falsely informing victim investors that their founders shares could only be sold once the pharmaceutical company was acquired by another company; and forwarding press releases, financial analysis reports and news stories on the status of the pharmaceutical company to the victims. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Lowe. McCabe is a life-long, recidivist fraudster who preyed upon his own family and friends for nearly a decade, acting U.S. Attorney Williams said in a statement Tuesday. Even after being convicted of fraud previously, the defendant chose to orchestrate this scheme to defraud his victims out of more than $1 million. This type of financial fraud has devastating consequences for the victims. Michael J. Driscoll, special agent in charge of the FBIs Philadelphia division, said McCabe brutally exploited the trust his lifelong friends and even his spouse placed in him. The FBI is committed to bringing justice to those, like McCabe, that dare to rob individuals of their hard-earned life savings, he said. Todays sentence cannot erase the harm McCabe caused his friends and loved ones, but we are pleased that the sentence included full restitution to McCabes victims. The FBI will continue to work with its law enforcement and private sector partners to investigate those who engage in similar greed-based schemes. Gary Asteak, the attorney representing McCabe, declined comment to lehighvalleylive.com about the sentencing Tuesday. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. New Delhi: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Ghaziabad on Monday awarded death sentence to Moninder Singh Pandher and Surinder Koli in the murder and attempted rape of 20-year-old Pinki Sarkar one of the 16 murder cases in the sensational Nithari killings. The CBI special judge Pawan Kumar reportedly termed the case as rarest of rare. With Monday's verdict, Pandher and Koli have been sentenced to be hanged till death in seven cases, all connected to Nithari case. Nithari case timeline - Recovery of bones to death sentence Dec 29, 2006 - Villagers started a manhunt after a girl of Nithari in Uttar Pradeshs Noida went missing. Dec 29, 2006 - Villagers with help of the local police launch manhunt. Eight skeletal remains from a drain of the house owned by Moninder Singh Pandher. Most of the skeletons were of minors or girls in early twenties. Dec 30, 2006 - Police launched massive search operation in and around Pandhers residence as 54 missing cases were reported. Jan 05, 2007 - The accused were taken to Gandhinagar for extensive narco-analysis test by Uttar Pradesh police. Also Read: 2006 Nithari case: Special CBI court pronounces capital punishment for Surendra Koli Jan 10, 2007 - CBI takes over investigations in the case. Jan 11, 2007 - CBI team recovered 30 more bones near Pandher`s house. Mar 22, 2007 - CBI files first chargesheet in the case in the Ghaziabad court. Koli was charged of committing all the murders, kidnap and rape. Lesser charges were slapped on Pandher. May 1, 2007 - Parents of victims of move to court against the CBI for letting off main accused Pandher in connection with kidnapping and murder. Dec 13, 2007 - Special CBI Court in Ghaziabad frames charges against Pandher for the rape and murder of two teenagers. Feb 12, 2009 - Special Judge of CBI pronounces Pandher and Koli guilty of rape and murder. Also Read: Nithari killings: CBI court convicts Pandher, Koli in Pinki Sarkar murder case Feb 13, 2009 - Pandher and Koli sentenced to death by a special court for rape and murder of 14-year-old Rimpa Halder. Sept 11, 2009 - Allahabad HC acquitted Pandher in Rimpa Haldhar murder case. Koli`s death sentence upheld. Feb 2011 - Supreme Court of India uphold their death sentence. July 2014 - President of India rejected the mercy petitions of Pandher and Koli. 4 Sept, 2014 - Koli was transferred to Meerut Jail because of the absence of hanging facilities at Dasna Jail, Ghaziabad. July 24, 2017 - Pandher and Koli sentenced to death for serial rape by CBI court in Pinki Sarkar case. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The US Department of State has approved the sale of new military equipment to Egypt for $197 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Tuesday. According to the DSCA statement, the deal involves the sale of rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2 Tactical Missiles and related equipment. The proposed sale will support the Egyptian Navys Fast Missile Craft ships and provide significantly enhanced area defense capabilities over Egypts coastal areas and approaches to the Suez Canal," the statement said, adding that the deal will not alter the basic military balance in the region." "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally country that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East," the statement said. Egypt has been upgrading its naval forces in the past few years with new frigates from France and Italy as well as submarines from Germany. In December, Egypt received the FREMM Bergamini frigate as a new addition to its navy, "which has recently witnessed a technological boom in armament systems and combat efficiency to cope with the latest global defence systems," according to the Egyptian army spokesman. The US has been providing Egypt with foreign aid, including military assistance, since Cairo's 1979 peace deal with Israel. Each year, Egypt receives approximately $1.3 billion in US military aid, as well as an annual economic assistance package, which amounted to $150 million in 2016, according to the Egyptian foreign ministrys website. Short link: The Metropolitan Transit Authority inspector general announced Monday that two employees have been terminated for falsifying time sheets in separate incidents. MTA Inspector General Carolyn Pokorny found that a Metro-North Railroad employee brought a woman onto private company property for an intimate rendezvous while he was supposed to be working an overtime shift. In a second, unrelated investigation, Pokorny found that a New York City Transit employee used sick time and Family Medical Leave Act time to travel to an Atlantic City casino. All bets are off for these unscrupulous former MTA employees, Pokorny said in a statement released Monday morning. Intentionally falsifying time sheets is stealing and can result in termination whether it is using sick/medical leave to gamble in Atlantic City or using overtime for an intimate rendezvous or 2+ hour lunches. Taxpayers and riders should not have to ante up for such bad behavior, she added. Pokorny said the Metro-North employee created a safety risk when he brought a woman and her car on private property. She said the employee, who is identified only as the Machinist in the investigation report, was later dishonest with investigators about the incident. The Machinist resigned in the wake of the investigation, Pokorny said. Metro-North is in the process of recouping money for the stolen time, she added. In the second incident, investigators found that a NYC Transit traffic checker had used sick and federal leave time on multiple occasions over two years to travel to go gambling in Atlantic City, Pokorny said. Pokorny said the traffic checker was later dishonest about the situation. He was later fired for the offense. In the wake of the investigations, Pokorny encouraged the public to reach out with complaints, tips or to report fraud in the MTA via the offices confidential tip reporting portals online, through email at complaints@mtaig.org, or via phone at 1-800-MTA-IG4U (1-800-682-4448). The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have been told the call was made using WhatsApp on a day when Ms Higgins had called in sick. Government officials have gone through phone records and files to check on calls at this and other times, concluding there was no such call. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The government says Mr Finkelstein and the Prime Ministers chief of staff, John Kunkel, treated the incident as a security breach when first told in March 2019 that Ms Higgins and her colleague had returned to the ministerial suite late on a Friday night. The Prime Ministers office knew of the security breach and agreed with Senator Reynolds the man involved should be terminated, a decision made on the subsequent Tuesday. Loading Two days later, on the Thursday, according to the government files, Ms Higgins told Senator Reynolds chief of staff that she had woken to find the man on top of her. Mr Morrison argued on Tuesday that Senator Reynolds had not told him of this key fact. Mr Morrison told Parliament his office only knew of the rape allegation on February 12. This was the date when News.com.au reporter Samantha Maiden contacted the Prime Ministers office about the matter. The Prime Minister said he only knew personally of the rape allegation at 8.30am on Monday of this week, when the news broke. Mr Morrison said he could not explain the different accounts because he could only relay the information put before him. I should stress that in relation to my principal private secretary, there is nothing that has been put in front of me, nothing, including phone records or anything else that suggests that that indeed was the case, he told reporters. When reporters asked why someone from his office would check in with Ms Higgins as claimed, Mr Morrison suggested there was confusion over her account. The point Im making to you is that is not the recollection or the records of my staff on that matter, he said. Its just not, so I cant really speak more to it than that. I understand that over time, particularly in situations like this, that information can become confused over time about who makes contact and things like that. Loading While Mr Morrison defended his office, he made clear his frustration with Senator Reynolds over her decision not to tell him of the rape allegation for almost two years. The period included a series of revelations about the treatment of women in the Liberal Party and the Parliament, including concerns aired by two staffers, Chelsey Potter and Dhanya Mani, in July 2019. Mr Morrison said the Defence Minister had sought to support Ms Higgins and exercised judgement in relation to protecting her privacy. Now, that judgement on that, of course, is being called into question, and that issue, I think, will carry with it some important lessons. Senator Reynolds told Parliament she had made a mistake in not supporting Ms Higgins enough. I unreservedly apologise to Brittany Higgins, she said. The fact that she felt unsupported in her time working here was also very, very clear for all to see. And for that, I apologise. At the time, I truly believed that I and my chief of staff were doing everything we could to support that young woman who I had a responsibility for. At all times, my intent and my aim was to empower Brittany and let her determine the course of her own situation. Senator Reynolds confirmed she terminated the man in question after advice from department officials, but she did not say if he was a favourite employee in her office, as Ms Higgins claimed. When Labor asked the minister if she had written a reference for the man or seen him in the time since he left her office, she said she would have to seek advice on how to answer. These are complex matters, she told the Senate. A statement from the Department of Parliamentary Services late on Tuesday also confirmed the Australian Federal Police had seen the closed-circuit television footage of Ms Higgins and the alleged perpetrator. The department said the President of the Senate, Scott Ryan, was told on March 27, 2019, that an incident had occurred the previous Saturday. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tony Smith, was told on April 8. Loading The matter was treated as a security breach and the two presiding officers, who together oversee Parliament House, met officials from the Department of Parliamentary Services on April 8. The presiding officers were also told a request had been made by the AFP to view the relevant CCTV. DPS was not aware a complaint had been made at this time, the department said. The AFP viewed the footage at Parliament House on 16 April 2019. Only on April 18 did the department become aware there might be a sexual assault allegation because the AFP asked on that day for the footage to be released to help the ACT Policing Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team investigate the events. However, the Parliaments code of practice on CCTV says footage can only be released when there is an active law enforcement investigation something the department said was not in train at that point. Senator Ryan and Mr Smith reached an agreement with the police to store the footage at Parliament so the AFP could access it when required. The POs have not viewed the footage and were not aware of the identity of Ms Higgins until contacted by media on Friday 12 February 2021, the department said. On 12 February, following receipt of the media inquiry, the presiding officers contacted the AFP and were advised that Ms Higgins had since approached the police and indicated she wished to proceed with a complaint and it was now an active investigation. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Atta Mills Institute, Samuel Koku Anyidoho has showered praises on the achievements of some past Presidents of the Republic and current President Nana Akufo-Addo for leaving behind some legacies for the next generation. According to the former Deputy General Secretary of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), setting up the Atta Mills Institute is not to project only the legacy left behind by former President Atta Mills but also to include that of former President Rawlings, Kuffour and current President Akufo-Addo and the first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, the CEO of Atta Mills Institute said that irrespective of what anybody thinks, his acknowledgement remains with the chosen names he has mentioned. I live by faith and I operate by faith. President Mills is gone; he will not come back again but his legacy will live long, the legacy of President Rawlings will live long and the legacy of President Kuffour will live long and also the legacy of Nana Akufo-Addo will live long as well as the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah. I have chosen to name names and I am not obliged to name every name. I will mention names from Kwame Nkrumah up to today; I have mentioned the names already and let those who want to fill in the puzzle, fill in the puzzle but I am saying that President Mills was my political father; Jerry Rawlings before him [Mills]. Today, President Kuffour has allowed me to enter his house before and President Akufo-Addo is building Asomdwee Park. I know the ones I want to name, he said. Without relating his comment to his suspension from the NDC, Koku Anyidoho admonished that he is not prepared to bow before anyone for no reason; thus, he will not allow anyone to cajole him into worshipping them as he does not worship human beings but God alone. Those who think I will bow before them for no apparent reason; those who think they can cajole me into worshipping them, let them know that I dont worship human beings; I worship my God and I serve leaders who respect me, he chided. Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A car leaves the residence of Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon on February 2, 2021, as Myanmar's generals appeared in firm control a day after a surgical coup that saw democracy heroine Suu Kyi detained. Photo:VCG After Myanmar's military detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other elected leaders in early morning raids on Monday, a popular view in the West is that US President Joe Biden should seize the chance to restore the US' global leadership. An editorial in the Washington Post on Tuesday said, "This is an opportunity to show they can deliver," since "Mr. Biden and his national security team have pledged to reestablish U.S. leadership on vital multilateral issues." A Monday article in Foreign Policy magazine argued it would "give the US a badly needed chance to reassert its role as leader of the free world." The US' international influence and reputation have severely declined under Trump's rule. Now with the Biden administration being in office, it badly needs to take some measures to restore the leading status and influence of the US in the international community and among Western countries. However, the US taking intervening in Myanmar as a chance to restore its influence and rebuild leadership among Western allies exposes the US' true hegemonic and selfish nature. The US has taken interventionism for granted to prove its pledge to defend democracy, regardless of what the people of Myanmar truly need. Calling the detention of Myanmar's elected leaders "a direct assault on the country's transition to democracy and the rule of law," Biden on Monday threatened to re-impose sanctions on Myanmar. Issuing verbal threats is the first step. The US' next moves will likely hinge on how Myanmar's military responds to Western demands and condemnation. If Myanmar military refused to relinquish power as the US has demanded, it's likely that Washington will re-impose sanctions that had gradually been rolled back by Obama. Another possible scenario is that the US and other Western countries may further increase efforts to cultivate and support pro-democracy forces in the country - what Myanmar military is not willing to see. Now, the US and the West have shown their strong interventionist posture. The wrestling between the West and Myanmar's military will continue for a long time to come. The most urgent problem in Myanmar right now is for relevant parties concerned to sit down and have in-depth, sincere and frank talks on the issues they are facing - and reach a certain degree of compromise. However, the US never cares about what Myanmar really needs. It always perceives the Myanmar issue according to its own desires and interests. After the military seized power in Myanmar, some Westerners' sentiments have been ever more complicated. They are now arguing that the "democracy" under Suu Kyi (the once icon of democracy they championed) was flawed. Yet ironically, they also contend that Suu Kyi's "failings do not mean Myanmar's limited democracy is not worth saving." The mainstream Western voices hope that Myanmar's political transformation can continue to achieve the West's expectations and general directions. They see the Myanmar issue as a test for defending democracy and freedom. Have they ever really considered what caused this current dilemma? The political democratization that the West has been advocating is not a panacea for developing countries who have their own distinct internal conditions. Political instability is actually one of the major problems faced by many Southeast Asian countries. The kind of political transformation the West seeks seldom sees long-term success in developing countries. But this model may also leads to repeated political turbulence, failing to meet these countries' actual situations. This is what has happened in Myanmar this time. It also applies to the political turbulence that happened in Thailand before. These cases actually show that Western-style democratization is indeed a crude model that does not take into account the reality of developing countries. The West should not force developing countries to accept their model. Serious Westerners should instead study and research the actual situations of those countries and their development goals more carefully. This way they can craft more mutual understanding with developing countries, including Myanmar. The article was compiled based on an interview with Bi Shihong, a professor at Center for China's Neighbor Diplomacy Studies and School of International Studies, Yunnan University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn WEST CHESTER, Pa., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Everett Stern, a famed whistleblower who has spent a career exposing fraud and corruption and bringing to light the presence of dangerous fringe groups in America, announced today that he is a candidate for the United States Senate. Stern, 36, a Republican, is running for the seat being vacated by Senator Pat Toomey in 2022. "Protecting and defending the interests of the United States of America is my life's passion and the central purpose of my career," Stern said. "Now I want to take that dedication to the United States Senate and be a relentless voice for the benefit of the people of Pennsylvania." Stern is the founder and CEO of private intelligence agency Tactical Rabbit. Part of the company's work has included gathering inside information on radical political groups including the anti-law enforcement group FTP and the white supremacist organization Sovereign American. Intelligence gathered by Stern's efforts was passed on to federal law enforcement. In 2011, Everett Stern gained international notoriety when he brought to light the illegal efforts of his then-employer, HSBC Bank, to launder money and assist nations involved in supporting terrorism and drug trafficking. Stern's work resulted in the bank being fined a record almost two billion dollars. "The people of Pennsylvania deserve a leader who will fight for them against the most powerful special interests, the most entrenched politicians, and a corrupt system whose leaders have forgotten that they answer to the people," Stern said. "There's never been a time when bold, unafraid new leadership has been more badly needed." For more information on Everett Stern, please visit his campaign website, www.everettstern.com. Contact: Michael Clement, [email protected]. SOURCE Everett Stern US Senate Campaign Related Links https://www.everettstern.com Regional Medical Center in Anniston announced Monday that the hospital is once again open to visitors, as the winter wave of COVID-19 continues to recede. As of Monday morning, an RMC official said, there were 22 people in the hospital with coronavirus, compared to the 80-plus in hospital beds when the disease peaked in January. Week by week, our numbers are going down, said Kristin Fillingim, spokeswoman for the hospital. RMC canceled visitation for patients temporarily at the beginning of the pandemic and banned visitors again in December, as coronavirus cases began to surge in the wake of Thanksgiving. The new visitation policy, effective Monday, would allow each non-COVID patient to receive a single visitor during visiting hours, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. That means one person will be cleared to visit the patient throughout their stay; according to the RMC announcement, the hospital wont allow multiple people to cycle through the visitor role. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are under investigation for infection wont be allowed to visit, according to the announcement. Visitors will be screened for temperature on their arrival, will have to wear face coverings and arent allowed to eat in hospital rooms. The same policy is in effect at RMCs sister hospital, Stringfellow Memorial. End-of-life patients, if they dont have COVID-19, will be allowed two visitors, according to the RMC announcement. The policy change comes as the county and the state continue to gain ground against the coronavirus. Statewide, the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital beds dropped to just above 1,000 over the weekend, about one-third as many as the state saw a month earlier. The daily rate of new infections statewide is less than half what it was in early January. Its not clear how much of that decline is due to vaccination, but Alabamas vaccination efforts continue to move forward. In Calhoun County, 5,000 people got their initial shots against the virus in mass-vaccination clinics last week. Statewide, according to Alabama Department of Public Health statistics, more than 125,000 people have had both vaccine doses and more than 450,000 people have had their initial dose. The toll on the state in the past year, however, remains grim. In Calhoun County, 263 people have died of COVID-19, according to ADPH numbers. They are among the 9,244 killed by the virus statewide. Capitol & statewide reporter Tim Lockette: 256-294-4193. On Twitter @TLockette_Star. ___ (c)2021 The Anniston Star (Anniston, Ala.) Visit The Anniston Star (Anniston, Ala.) at www.annistonstar.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - New York manufacturing activity grew at its fastest pace in months in February, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Tuesday. The New York Fed said its general business conditions index jumped to 12.1 in February from 3.5 in January, with a positive reading indicating growth in regional manufacturing activity. Economists had expected the index to rise to 6.0. With the much bigger than expected increase, the general business conditions index reached its highest level since hitting 17.0 last September. The surge by the headline index was partly due to an acceleration in the pace of new orders growth, as the new orders index climbed to 10.8 in February from 6.6 in January. The number of employees index also inched up to 12.1 in February from 11.2 in January, indicating a slightly faster rate of job growth. The report also said the prices paid index surged up to 57.8 in February from 45.5 in January, while the prices received index climbed to 23.4 from 15.2. On the other hand, the shipments index slid to 4.0 in February from 7.3 in January, pointing to a slowdown in the pace of growth. The New York Fed said the index for future business conditions rose to 34.9 in February from 31.9 in January, suggesting firms remain optimistic about future conditions. 'Manufacturing's near-term prospects are fairly bright, with solid goods demand, pandemic fiscal relief from the American Rescue Plan, and inventory restocking all set to keep activity growing at a healthy clip,' Oren Klachkin, Lead U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics. He added, 'Looking farther ahead, factory gears will grind at a slower speed heading into the summer months as vaccine diffusion and improving health conditions tilt the recovery in favor of hard-hit services, though manufacturing will stay well supported overall in 2021.' On Thursday, the Philadelphia Federal Reserve is scheduled to release its report on regional manufacturing activity in the month of February. The Philly Fed Index is expected to dip to 20.0 in February from 26.5 in January. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Air travel saw a significant increase last week leading into the holiday weekend, screening data recorded by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shows, with over 1 million people tallied on back-to-back days for the first time since early January. Despite winter storms that reportedly canceled travel plans across the country, 1,034,514 people were screened on Feb. 11 before another 1,151,420 people were screened the following day. While those numbers are less than half of the totals recorded on the same days in 2020, air travel remained consistently high in recent days compared to data logged in recent months, according to the TSA data. JUST IN: @TSA screened 1,151,420 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, Friday, Feb. 12. That's two 1M+ days in a row for checkpoint throughput for Presidents' Day holiday weekend combined with Valentine's Day weekend. Show your loved one you care: wear a mask. Lisa Farbstein, TSA Spokesperson (@TSA_Northeast) February 13, 2021 Lisa Farbstein, a TSA spokeswoman, urged travelers to wear a mask when traveling. The latest travel surge comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new mask mandate for transportation systems that extends to airports and planes in the United States. Americas transportation systems are essential, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, previously said. Given how interconnected most transportation systems are across our nation and the world, when infected persons travel on public conveyances without wearing a mask and with others who are not wearing masks, the risk of interstate and international transmission can grow quickly. The CDC still recommends non-essential travel should be avoided. The bump in air travelers also is occurring at a time when concerning variants of the virus are being found in the United States. In addition to mutated forms of the virus first discovered in the United Kingdom and South Africa, researchers found at least seven variants that appeared to originate in the U.S. that have alterations affecting how the coronavirus enters human cells. A recent study indicated the more-contagious U.K. variant known as B.1.1.7 was spreading rapidly through the U.S., and worrisome data recently released by the British government indicated that it is likely to carry an increased risk of hospitalization and death. CDC recommends that non-essential travel be avoided; however, for those who must travel, additional measures are being put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus, said Dr. Walensky. Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely and consistently used by all people in public settings. The Taliban has called on the United States to honor an agreement under which all foreign forces are to leave Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for security guarantees from the militant group. In a February 16 open letter addressed to the American people, the militant group called on Washington to remain fully committed to the agreement that was reached in Qatar a year ago and paved the way for ongoing intra-Afghan peace talks. Reacting to the letter, Afghan Interior Ministry official Siddiq Siddiqui tweeted that the Taliban should stop fighting and start meaningful peace negotiations instead of pushing for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. The administration of President Joe Biden has said that it is reviewing the U.S.-Taliban agreement to determine if the militant group is meeting its commitments, including reaching a cease-fire and engaging in meaningful negotiations with the Afghan government. Despite the launch of the peace talks between Afghan and Taliban negotiators in September 2020, violence has continued in Afghanistan. The Pentagon last month accused the Taliban of failing to meet its commitments to reduce violence and to renounce its ties with Al-Qaeda. "We urge the American side to remain committed to the full implementation of this accord," the letter signed by the group's deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said. "It is the responsibility and in the interest of all to bring an end to this war, and the implementation of the Doha agreement is the most effective way of ending it, the letter added. It comes a day ahead of a major NATO summit where the alliance is set to hold its highest-level talks since Biden took office vowing to work more closely with allies. The war in Afghanistan and withdrawal plans are expected to be among the most pressing issues discussed during the summit. The Taliban said that Afghans would reach an agreement among themselves and "achieve the establishment of an Islamic government." The letter said that the group would not allow anyone to interfere in its country's affairs. "Defending our land and people is our legitimate right," it said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on February 15 that the alliance would not withdraw its troops from Afghanistan "before the time is right. With reporting by AFP and dpa One half of Britain's first trans couple to marry after both having gender reassignment surgery has paid tribute to his 'beautiful' and 'inspirational' wife who has died from cancer aged 64. Felix and Helen Fenlon, a prominent LGBT+ activist, made history when they tied the knot in 2013, having both previously transitioned. Helen, dubbed 'Queen Helen', was well-known in the community for her activism, which saw her host classes and give talks to thousands of people over the years. She also advised prominent institutions such as the Care Quality Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service on trans policy. Felix and Helen Fenlon, a prominent LGBT+ activist, made history when they tied the knot in 2013 having both previously transitioned Helen had battled cancer for the past three months but tragically died from the disease on the afternoon of February 9. She was diagnosed in November and, by the time she died, it had spread to her brain, lungs and bones. Helen was also suffering from kidney disease and heart disease. Felix said: 'Helen was the most supportive, loyal and confident woman you could ever meet. 'She was my soulmate, I knew she was the one for me from the word go. 'I saw her as a truly beautiful woman because that's what she was, the most beautiful woman.' He added: 'Helen will be remembered for her inspirational work within the LGBT+ community, having helped so many people over the years. Helen, dubbed 'Queen Helen', was well-known in the community for her activism, which saw her host classes and give talks to thousands of people over the years 'She put herself out there for others and worked so hard to move things in the right direction. 'Her legacy will certainly live on, I'll make sure of that.' Felix and Helen, who lived in Hull, East Yorkshire, met and got together in 2008 when he was in the process of transitioning from female to male. He said: 'Helen played a huge part in the process. 'She had already gone through a transition herself so she was really helpful and supportive.' Helen herself began hormone therapy decades earlier in the 1990s and in 2003 she underwent gender reassignment surgery. She had a degree in social policy and gender studies and worked at Lincoln University as a trans equality and diversity advisor. In her role, Helen helped promote awareness of trans issues among students, especially those working in health and social care. She also worked with the CQC and the CPS to ensure their policies were effective. In addition to her professional endeavours, Helen also performed a huge amount of voluntary work. With the support of Felix, she set up the Trans Peer Support Group (TPSG) in Hull - a self-funded project to support the city's trans community. Felix said: 'Helen continued to help people and offer them advice right up until the end, that's the kind of woman she was.' He added: 'She was a special person and will be missed dearly.' A teaching union has warned schools can only reopen on a phased basis - as it published a five-point plan for pupils' return. The NASUWT said that would only be possible if the proper mitigations for staff and students are put in place, though there is little confidence in the ability to provide the necessary extra safety. The NASUWT has published a list of requirements it says the Executive must provide before schools can reopen safely. Justin McCamphill, northern official with the union, said while everyone hopes schools are in a position to bring children into the classroom quickly, the situation is still too uncertain. "I understand why everyone would want March 8 to be the date, but unfortunately I think we aren't there yet," he said. "We may have to wait until Easter and the important thing is that we do need to be guided by the R Rate. Whatever date is chosen for a return, it should be a phased return so we can measure what impact that return has. "There is evidence that younger children might be more detrimentally impacted and what we would be calling for is extra mitigations in place if it is primary school teachers who are going back first. "Unfortunately, when you look at the experience of our colleagues in the special education sector, we have seen a failure there in providing extra mitigations for those teachers. "And we're doubly disappointed that a Covid vaccination won't be rolled out to all special education school staff." The NASUWT has now published what it needs the Executive to do to get children back into schools. "Ensuring the safe reopening of schools and colleges is our priority," the union said. "We know that the best place for children and young people to be educated is in school/college. This is vital not only for educational progress but also children's wellbeing. "However, we must also ensure that the disruption and interruption to children's education is minimised and we are committed to ensuring that the risk to further widespread school closures is avoided. "The safety of teachers and the wider workforce must also be paramount. Children's learning and progress depend on teachers." The NASUWT is asking that the Executive demonstrate that decisions are led by the scientific evidence and advice, with full evidence across the board. It is also calling for notice for schools on reopening, with no last minute decisions. And there is a call for a staggered plan for reopening to give time for local and national public health teams "to monitor the impacts of reopening in a cautious and measured way". "The Executive must ensure the same protections for teachers and support staff as for workers in other occupations," the union plan said. It added that there needs to be "priority access to vaccines for teachers and education staff, phasing the roll-out of vaccinations in settings that are the first to open fully, and to reduce the risk of further closures when schools reopen fully". Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. File photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala attending a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The 164 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. (WTO/Handout via Xinhua) GENEVA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday agreed by consensus to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. The decision was made at a special meeting of the WTO's General Council at which the World Bank veteran was formally selected. "Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to head the WTO. She will take up her duties on March 1 and her term, renewable, will expire on Aug. 31, 2025," WTO said. "I am honored to have been selected by WTO members as WTO director-general," said Okonjo-Iweala to the General Council, underlining that "a strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic." "I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again. Our organization faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today," she said. Okonjo-Iweala, 66, is a global finance expert, an economist and an international development professional with over 30 years of experience working around the world. Twice served as Nigeria's finance minister and briefly acted as foreign minister, she has a 25-year career at the World Bank, including as Managing Director of Operations. Extending the "warmest congratulations" to Okonjo-Iweala, General Council Chair David Walker said that "this is a very significant moment for the WTO." "I am certain that all members will work with you constructively during your tenure as director-general to shape the future of this organization," he added. Applauding the "timely" appointment, China's Ambassador to the WTO Li Chenggang noted that "the collective decision made by the entire membership demonstrates a vote of trust not only in Dr. Ngozi herself, but also in our vision, our expectation and the multilateral trading system that we all believe and preserve." "As a contributor and beneficiary of a stable, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system, China does believe trade, mutually-advantageous trade, will be a key tool that can help us to find a way out of the current situation and realize economic recovery soon," he added. The General Council decision follows months of uncertainty triggered by the initial refusal of the United States to join the consensus around Okonjo-Iweala, throwing its support behind South Korea's Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee instead. On Feb. 5, Yoo decided to withdraw her candidacy and the new U.S. administration of President Joe Biden announced that Washington would extend its "strong support" to the candidacy of Okonjo-Iweala. One surprising reason the poor don't get justice in developing countries Christian Post Reporter | 03 June, 2019 by Napp Nazworth Among the many reasons poor people have difficulty getting protection in the justice systems of developing countries, one surprising factor has gone largely unnoticed, International Justice Mission CEO Gary Haugen explained. A "massively underreported and underdiscussed phenomenon" has hindered justice for the poor, Haugen told a group of journalists. "Two words ... that keeps the thing completely hidden private security." Haugen was speaking about "Global Poverty and Injustice: Taking the Long View" at an April 1 Faith Angle Forum. How can nations like India have high economic growth yet a dysfunctional justice system, Haugen asked rhetorically. How are large corporations able to operate in nations with high levels of violence? "So in India, for example, the private security forces are four times larger than the public police force. In the developing world, private security forces are between five and seven times larger than the public police force. The largest employer on the continent of Africa now is private security. This suddenly makes us understand, oh, this is how this all stays below the radar and doesn't get better because the people of wealth and power have abandoned the public system," he said. Haugen compared the situation to when wealthy people put their kids in private schools. "It's sort of what happens to schools or transportation systems when the people of wealth and influence leave the public system. They don't even know that it's broken. They don't even know that it's not working," he said. In advanced economies, Haugen explained, businesses invest in public justice systems. So most of their security comes from public law enforcement. But in the developing world, they invest in private security. "So there are two tiers: a collection of people who can afford to move forward economically because they're safe in private security, then all those who cannot afford private security who are living in lawless chaos," he said. Read more from, "One surprising reason the poor don't get justice in developing countries," on The Christian Post. Price range: RON 24 - RON 77 Description: Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar is Cuban family-owned and operated. It flaunts the endeavor, the courage and the strength of those who look for success in new places. At Havana Carolina, we focus on creating a unique dining experience which allows each one of our customers to travel in time and spend a day in our old and glamorous Cuba. This Cuban Paradise is not just a restaurant or a business, its an experience and a feeling. Its Cuba in its essence. Cubans are known for their harmony. If you arrive at a Cuban house while people are eating, they will ask you to sit at the table and eat with them; the shortage and the difficulties are not important. There is a very popular phrase that says: Donde come uno, comen dos. This means, Whenever one can eat, theres enough for two. Thus, food is not just a culinary pleasure: its a value, an identity, and a seal that define us. Site, Dance and Body book brings together perspectives from site-dance, phenomenology and new materialism Site, Dance, and Body book brings together perspectives from site-dance, phenomenology and new materialism book brings together perspectives from site-dance, phenomenology and new materialism Author Dr Victoria Hunter explores synergies between material bodies and material sites University of Chichester lecturer presents various suggestions for engaging with sites through the moving body A NEW book explores how dance and movement can re-position relationships between individuals and the sites they live and work in and travel through. Site, Dance, and Body, which is out now, explores human and nonhuman relationships and considers how bodies engage with the materials, textures, and atmospheres of the sites they engage in. The book, published by Palgrave Macmillan, brings together perspectives from site dance, phenomenology, and new materialism to explore and develop how site-based body practice can be employed to explore synergies between material bodies and sites. Dr Victoria Hunter is a practitioner-researcher and Reader in site dance and choreography at the University of Chichester, located on the UK's south coast. Her work explores site dance, materiality and corporeal engagements with space, place and lived environments. She said: "Employing practice-as-research strategies, scores, tasks and exercises, I present a number of suggestions for engaging with sites through the moving body and offer critical reflection on the potential enmeshments and entanglements that emerge as a result. "The theoretical discussions and practical explorations presented will appeal to artists, movement practitioners, academics, and anyone interested in exploring their lived environments through the moving body and the entangled human-nonhuman relations that emerge as a result." Dr Hunter, who began her career as a movement director and choreographer, had before the Covid-19 pandemic travelled to Lebanon to encourage dance participation across the country. She now teaches within the University of Chichester's department of dance, which was recently voted as one of the top 20 schools in the UK by WhatUni student choice awards, 2020. Her work includes the popular book (Re) Positioning Site Dance: Local Acts, Global Themes, which she co-authored with Karen Barbour and Melanie Kloetzel in 2019, and the acclaimed text Moving Sites: Investigating Site-Specific Dance Performance from 2015. ### Her latest book, Site, Dance, and Body, is available from Palgrave Macmillan at http://www. palgrave. com/ gb/ book/ 9783030647995 . Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. -Weah talks tough Kokoya, Bong County- President George M. Weah says his Government will not succumb to threats from any company or investors, while promising that his administration will revisit every concession agreement signed under the previous regime. Responding to a claim that a lodging company known as Alpha Lodging has threaten to pull out of the country over the poor condition of a bridge during a Town Hall meeting in David Dean's Town, Kokoya District, Bong County, Saturday, President Weah said if the company wants to leave because of bridge, it can leave. "I don't believe what was said but if it is true then they (company) needs to rethink... Our Government will not be afraid of any company because of Bridge. We will find company that is willing to build a bridge and stay." Said president Weah. "If a company will wants to leave because of a little bridge, then we have lawmakers that should be looking for another company to make bridge and stay," he added. However, President Weah was quick to point out that on the other hand "if it is our responsibility to make sure that the bridge is fixed and the road is good then we need to sit and see how we can move forward. But they cannot abandon a contract and our country because of a little bridge that can be fixed." "So we have to go back and revisit this document. So we can alter this document to make sure it benefits our people," the president noted.He pointed out that people needed to be serious on what they do in the interest of the country and the people. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The president's comments was in response to Kokoyah District Marketing Superintendent Madam Martha Zarkpa who informed the President that the bridge linking Bong and other parts of the district was in bad ship. She alleged that the current state of the bridge was due to impact from the Mittal Steels train impact that shock the bridge. Madam Zarkpa, further claimed that the bad condition of the bridge has impacted trade in the area negatively. "The road that leave from Bong County to St. Johns is where the food comes from, but because of that bridge there is no help. SO we ask you to repair that bridge for us. Alpha Lodging is leaving because of that bridge." Madam Zarkpa explained. "We have to be clear that this our country and we cannot be spectators in our own country. So don't let anybody scare you." He opined. "We want to work with everybody but we will not work under threat," he noted. In this regard, the president promised that his administration will review all concession documents to ensure their benefits for the country.- Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 5:04 pm Teninos response to the pandemic widely-publicized wooden scrip similar to money that was distributed to residents may soon be enshrined in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Earlier this month, a curator of the museum reached out to the small town asking to display some of the wooden currency, which was aimed at helping keep the local economy afloat during a global emergency. Its still kind of surreal, Mayor Wayne Fournier said Friday, noting that other museums have also been reaching out regarding the unique scrip program. But nothing to the level of the Smithsonian, you know? The Smithsonian, thats Americas museum. The Smithsonian has already chronicled Teninos wooden scrip program from nine decades ago. As far as Fournier knows, 2020 was the first time a local government had spearheaded a scrip program. But during the Great Depression, Teninos chamber of commerce ignited a similar program. So when the pandemic hit, Fournier said, Tenino simply had to dust that idea off. Printing hyper-local currency, he contended, is part of the towns myth and lure. The scrip program, then, is just the next chapter in the towns numismatic history all to be preserved in the worlds largest museum complex. Hearing from the Smithsonian is exuberating, but Tenino has been getting love from more than one prestigious institution during the course of the pandemic. The town has already given some wooden tokens to two other museums one in New York and the other in Canada. And Fournier was invited to partake in Temple University's The Critical Dialogue lecture series to discuss monetary theory. Hes also been talking to grad students in California who are studying micro-currency concepts. And the nation of Japan contacted us to get permission to put our story in their civics textbook, Fournier added. Its outrageous. Turns out, Teninos small, wooden tokens valued by the city at $25 each fit into a larger conversation around economics, monetary infrastructure and other high-level concepts. I think theres different layers to the idea. The very basic thing is just what is money? and the monetary theory side of it, Fournier said. And you can talk about it through the lens of decentralizing your infrastructure, and how if you have a large centralized system, its dangerous if you decentralize your system and kind of push authority down it makes a stronger system. A little more chaotic, but its more resilient. On the ground, though, perhaps the biggest takeaway from Teninos second wooden money experiment is just how successful it was. Printing the money which features a stylish George Washington design created by local artist Adam Barr cost the city only $300. And although the plan was to have residents return the tokens to get reimbursed $25, almost none of the wooden money made it back to the city. Instead, many residents held on to the wooden pieces, some partaking in what Fournier called a grey market online. Fournier and his coworkers have seen the pieces go for hundreds of dollars. Thats good news for the city. While not having to shell out much money to residents, Tenino was simultaneously receiving donations from around the world to support their program. When asked if monetary theory is something hes interested in pursuing, Fournier said hes unsure. He would love to do a Ted Talk, although he acknowledged that the Smithsonian is perhaps a more prestigious honor. The Smithsonian. I dont know how it can get any better than that, Fournier said, laughing. Its all downhill from here for me. Badho Bahu actor Arhaan Khan, who had entered the Bigg Boss 13 house, faced a lot of criticism back then for not sharing much about his past with Rashami Desai, who was also in the house. It was only after host Salman Khan brought up the issue, it created a storm. When Arhaan was asked if he regrets entering the show, which made him a villain on national television, he said that he doesn't regret doing the show. He also added that he got a lot of offers post Bigg Boss stint. The actor was quoted by TOI as saying, "No regrets at all! Bigg Boss gave me a lot of publicity. Now, a lot more people know me. Whatever happened inside the BB house was a part of the show. I believe in forgetting what has happened in the past, accepting the reality and moving on. Though there were things which I wish had not happened, everything is not in your hands." When asked if he tried to reconcile his differences with Rashami, Arhaan didn't want to say much about it and said that 'one should not wash dirty linen in public'. He feels that a few secrets better remain as secrets! The actor, who is currently shooting in Dubai for a web series, further said, "As soon as I came out of the BB house, I got several offers. But I was not interested in doing a daily soap, as it requires long-term commitment and I wasn't ready for that. I am mainly focusing on web series and also doing films down south." Talking about the Bigg Boss 14, he said that due to a lot of travelling and shooting, he is not able to watch the show. But with what he saw, he felt that nothing interesting is happening in the show. When asked about his favourite contestants, Arhaan said there are no favourites as such, but he likes the way Aly Goni is playing as he is being himself. He also added that he didn't like Jasmin Bhasin's elimination. If it is about game, then he said that he doesn't like the way Nikki Tamboli is playing. Also Read: Rahul Roy Says He Was Watching Bigg Boss 14 While Recuperating In Hospital; Reveals His Favourite Contestants Also Read: Shivangi Says She Would Love To Do A Film But Currently She's 100% Dedicated To Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai The ongoing health disaster of the past 12 months has exposed the crises facing nursing homes in Canada and the United States and the struggles of the staff working in them. Writing in the Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice, PhD student Daniel Dickson, his supervisor Patrik Marier, professor of political science, and co-author Robert Henry Cox of the University of South Carolina perform a comparative analysis of those workers' experiences. In it, they look at Quebec (including those at government-run CHSLDs), British Columbia, Washington State and Ohio by reviewing 336 articles in six newspapers published between late-February and mid-June 2020. "We wanted to see how the pandemic affected the discretion of frontline workers," Dickson says. "Their professional knowledge, their experience and their abilities make them really valuable assets." Even if, the researchers note, they are hardly treated as such. For years, care workers -- 85 per cent of whom are women and 50 per cent of whom are born outside the country, according to a recent Canadian study -- coped with low levels of pay, status and likelihood of advancement. Now, they write, care workers are also faced with "an existential threat to themselves or their immediate families" in the form of the novel coronavirus. To analyze how care workers responded to this added job stressor, the researchers adapted a trusted organizational studies model first developed by Albert Hirschman in 1970. They could take up a pattern of resistance, meaning increased absenteeism or refusing to work without added compensatory pay; they could try innovation, in which they communicate their concerns to management and create new protocols better suited to a new, more dangerous reality; or they could apply improvisation, where frustrated employees stay out of a sense of duty and try to make do with what they have. "We expected a lot of resistance, that frontline workers would be looking for ways to diverge from policy intent or just quit their jobs," Dickson shares. "The ideal case would be more innovation, where the experiences of frontline workers would be privileged and a lot of weight would be given to their knowledge. But we know that they are not afforded that position in the policy process; they are not given this kind of esteem or support." Coping in the epicentre Resistance was widespread in Quebec. The research sample of 336 newspaper articles contained 45 that explicitly mentioned resistance, with 78 per cent of those originating in Quebec. Absenteeism was especially high in Montreal, where nursing and long-term care homes were hit early and hard. The province was also the leader when it came to mentions of improvisation. A total of 77 articles discussed some form of improvisation, with 79 per cent originating in Quebec. This included articles on the government recruiting health professionals from all fields and calling in the army as well as care workers using coffee filters beneath their handsewn face coverings due to a shortage of N95 masks. Innovation was noted in British Columbia, where staff were able to adhere to protocols by adopting Zoom meetings for virtual patient visits and "doorway bingo," and in the US, where staff stepped in for family unable to see their dying loved ones. These responses, the authors note, stemmed most from workers' experience and expertise. The analysis exposed some serious fault lines in long-term care regimes north and south of the border, Marier adds. "We talk about how great Canada's health-care system is vis-a-vis that of the United States, especially in terms of universal accessibility, but we are not that different when it comes to long-term care." Read the cited paper: "Resistance, Innovation, and Improvisation: Comparing the Responses of Nursing Home Workers to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada and the United States." According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Moscow is ready for any development with the European Union. On February 5, during a joint press conference following talks with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, Lavrov said that Moscow is accustomed to situations when Brussels is resorting to unilateral restrictions with no legitimate basis. We are building our life proceeding from the fact that the EU is an unreliable partner, at least at this stage, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry said. After this statement, experts immediately started talking about the severance of relations between Moscow and Brussels, however, according to the Belgian Modern Diplomacy magazine, that positions itself as an invaluable platform for assessing and evaluating complex international issues that are often outside the boundaries of mainstream Western media and academia, the existing paradigm of relations between Russia and the EU has turned out to have a very solid and viable structure. It is characterised by several important elements. First, mutual claims are expressed honestly and frankly. Previously, the parties pursued their pragmatic interests under the cover of ideas about a shared community of common and indivisible security in Europe, common spaces between Russia and the EU, etc. Now they openly admit that such schemes are impossible under current conditions. Russia is not ready to build them to the detriment of its interests, and Europe is not ready to tolerate an independent and ambitious Russia in such a scheme, including the growing rejection of Russias political system. Moscow and Brussels blame each other for the collapse of the dream of the late 1980s and 1990s. And each side has its own truth. Another thing is more important. Russia and the EU have ceased to experiment with mutual illusions. There are no viable intellectual and political projects that can bring the two players together. Moscow and Brussels are not eager to build relationships for the sake of relationships and produce artificial projects. Second, the numerous claims and reproaches still hardly mean that Russia and the EU are an existential threat to each other. The likelihood of military aggression isnt worth considering. Moreover, the EU does not have its own subjectivity in security issues and the equation is complicated by US strategies. But even taking into account the non-linearity of American policy in recent years, the scenario of a military conflict remains marginal. Russia and the West constantly accuse each other of trying to interfere and undermine the political system. Games like these have been a companion of foreign policy for centuries, but foreign intervention alone is incapable of bringing down the stable and durable construction of a great power or alliance. To do this, they must undercut their own problems. And working with them is a matter of domestic policy. Third, Russia and the EU cooperate where it is beneficial, despite political crises. Moreover, there is a clear tendency to separate political disputes from economic relations. The macroeconomic damage from EU sanctions has been very low for several years in a row. Russia, too, distances itself from harsh retaliation, limiting itself to symbolic visa restrictions. There is no critical desire to take revenge on business expressed in the battle cry of propagandists on either side. Fourth, both parties believe that time is on their side. In the EU, and in the West as a whole, the old point of view about a falling Russia is still widespread. It is bizarrely combined with claims of the Kremlins incredibly cunning, insidious and clever policies. But in general, the West still feels a sense of ideological and material superiority. In such a mental scheme, any success of Russia is a temporary phenomenon, the country is doomed to gradual degradation and sooner or later a more progressive West will prevail. You just need to be patient and contribute to the inevitable nature of things. Indeed, it is difficult to argue with the material achievements of the European Union and other Western countries. The consistency of Western ideology would be the envy of those who found themselves in the Soviet era. At the same time, the harmony of the ideas of Western democracy and material superiority are difficult to transform into real opportunities to influence Russia and change its political course. Yes, Russia has a peripheral economy. Yes, the quality of life is lower than in the EU. Yes, the efficiency of institutions raises questions. But its hard to ignore Russia. The country copes with crisis situations quite well. Sometimes it does so faster and more efficiently in comparison with its leading neighbours. Forcing Russia to abandon fundamental decisions is not easy. That is, material and ideological superiority is not proportionally converted into foreign policy opportunities. And this casts doubt on the fact that the time factor is on the EUs side. In Russia, there is also a widespread point of view about the crisis of the West, the extinction of the United States, and crisis trends in the European Union. Indeed, there are many crisis phenomena in the West. But Moscow cannot use them in the interests of its foreign policy either. A change in policy towards Russia on key issues is hardly possible due to internal turbulence. In addition, many Western societies are decentralised. This complicates management and fosters permanent rifts that can be mistaken for a sign of a terminal illness. In fact, the entire history of the West is a history of permanent crises. Political systems are used to them. Internal turbulence and failures in certain directions will not necessarily lead to the loss of the West in general and the EU in particular, if we are talking about its potential. We will have to reconcile ourselves with the fact. Relations between Russia and the European Union (more broadly, relations between Russia and the West) have reached a point of equilibrium. The architects of Greater Europe, a Common European Home, Common Spaces and other major ideas of their time are right to consider the existing structure of relations as a rollback and a collapse of the hopes of the recent past. However, it allows all players to soberly and impartially assess their capabilities, interests and views of the future. What matters most is the ability to test the policy models without mutual obligations and false expectations. Small businesses with the right SEO strategy and superior mobile website can now quickly gain more traction and rank on the first page of Google. But, businesses with weak SEO or those who continue to ignore SEO best practices or upcoming trends like voice SEO, will lose their online market share. SEOblog.com, a fast-growing website providing the latest SEO news, tips and resources and helping business owners connect with leading SEO agencies, has released its exclusive 2021 ratings naming the best SEO companies in Canada. SEOblog analysts determined the 15 best SEO companies in Canada based on dozens of key quantitative and qualitative factors. SEOblog industry experts examined each Canadian digital marketing agencys website, industry experience, market presence, client list, portfolio, expert certifications and authorship, among other factors in its ranking system. SEOblog has provided an in-depth view of companies in a particular city or focus area on various directory pages to help business owners find the expert help they need to grow. This was a new, free offer added by SEOblog in 2019. Canada has several of the nations top SEO agencies that provide a very competitive digital marketing landscape. Small businesses with the right SEO strategy and superior mobile website can now quickly gain more traction and rank on the first page of Google, said Bassem Ghali, the founder and head of client strategy at Green Lotus in Toronto. But, businesses with weak SEO or those who continue to ignore SEO best practices or upcoming trends like voice SEO, will lose their online market share to competitors much faster. Today, 50% of all searches on Google are via voice. This is a fact that no business owner can ignore. Businesses need to determine how to best adapt and master SEO in 2021. SEOblog.com rankings are updated regularly as the market shifts and new players emerge. SEOblog.com has published more than 2,300 agency listings, with more added every day. There is no fee to participate, and the website welcomes all qualified agencies to apply. SEOblog.coms 15 Best SEO Companies in Canada in 2021: LinkNow Media, TechWyse, My Little Big Web, Search Engine People, Linkeo Canada, Canadian Web Designs, Social Media 55, Green Lotus, Upkeep Media, Variance Marketing, NVISION, UV Designs, Brand & Mortar, BrandLume and SEO Discovery. Link: https://www.seoblog.com/best-seo-companies/canada/ About SEOblog.com SEOblog.com is a leading thought leadership site with a rich history of publishing educational and informative articles about SEO and digital marketing topics. In early 2019, SEOblog.com answered the call from buyers of digital marketing services that lacked unbiased, informative online resources and launched a comprehensive directory to highlight the best SEO companies in the United States -- https://www.seoblog.com/best-seo-companies/ -- and Canada. SEOblogs mission is to connect businesses with qualified digital marketing agencies while also offering further SEO education, best practices and industry trends. SEOblog.com is a one-stop shop for educational SEO and digital marketing content, research, ratings and reviews for the best agencies in each local market across the United States and Canada. The website will be increasing its coverage of U.S. and Canada SEO agencies and accepting more guest blog posts in the coming months. Contact SEOblog if youre interested in getting involved. Reston, VA., Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LookingGlass Cyber Solutions, a leader in operationalizing threat intelligence, announced the appointment today of Lt. Gen. James Clapper to its Advisory Board. Clapper served from 2010 2017 as the Director of National Intelligence. In that position, he led the United States intelligence community and served as the top intelligence advisor to the President. Previously, Clapper served in two administrations as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, where he was the principal staff assistant and advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense on intelligence, counterintelligence, and security matters for the Department. In addition, he simultaneously served as the first director of defense intelligence within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Clappers career began in 1961 when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and culminated as a lieutenant general in the U.S. Air Force and Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Following his retirement from the military, Clapper worked in industry for six years as an executive in three companies focused on the Intelligence Community. He also served as a consultant and advisor to Congress and to the Departments of Defense and Energy, and as a member of a variety of government panels, boards, commissions, and advisory groups. He was a senior member of the Downing Assessment Task Force which investigated the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996, was vice chairman of The Gilmore Commission, and served on the NSA Advisory Board. He returned to the government two days after 9/11 as the first civilian director of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA). He served in this capacity for almost five years, transforming it into the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Clappers service and dedication to the security of the U.S. can be seen in the many awards he has received: three National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medals, two Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Coast Guards Distinguished Public Service Award, three Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Awards, the Presidentially-conferred National Security Medal, and many other U.S. civilian and military, as well as foreign government, awards and decorations. He is the also author of the New York Times best seller book, Facts and Fears: Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence. General Clappers experience, spanning over five decades at the highest levels, is unparalleled. He is uniquely positioned to advise LookingGlass as we develop the next generation of cybersecurity products, ones that can operationalize threat intelligence to mitigate cyber threats at machine speeds. We are delighted that he has joined our Advisory Board, said LookingGlass CEO, Gilman Louie. Over my career, I have watched the evolution and growth of cyber threats, which represent profound jeopardy to the nations safety and security. I was pleased to be asked to join the team at LookingGlass as an Advisory Board member. LookingGlass is an emerging, world-class company, which is committed to, and capable of, the prevention of cyber espionage such as we recently experienced with SolarWinds. Its proactive approach to cybersecurity is exactly what the nation needs, added Clapper. LookingGlass empowers organizations with threat intelligence and active defense through the companys product portfolio to monitor, model, manage and mitigate risks in real time. The companys portfolio of products includes scoutPRIME, which allows you to see what the adversary sees through an outside-in view of your internet infrastructure, and scoutTHREAT, which guides and enables your analysts to model adversarial capabilities and intent. If you would like to find out more about LookingGlass and its offerings, visit https://www.lookingglasscyber.com/ for more details or to request a demo. About LookingGlass Cyber Solutions, Inc. LookingGlass addresses cybersecurity challenges head on, empowering organizations to meet their missions with tailored, actionable threat intelligence and active defense capabilities delivered at machine speed. With foundational solutions that provide effective, dynamic functionality, LookingGlass helps the private and public sectors enhance their cyber mission performance while transforming their cybersecurity missions and operations. Find out how we can help your organization at https://www.lookingglasscyber.com. Attachment LONDON It might not have been the homecoming he was expecting, but Greek-Austrian designer Marios Schwab has still managed to power through the pandemic, relocating to Athens and working on his first collection for the Greek label Zeus + Dione, which makes its debut today. His ultimate goal is to present a modern-day vision of the Greek lifestyle and approach to dressing. Above all he wants to further the work started by the founders, which is all about preserving Greek craft. More from WWD The label was founded by Dimitra Kolotoura and Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, the wife of Greeces prime minister. It was so interesting to hear from a brand that is all about this concept of rebirth of craftsmanship and preserving skills in Greece, said Schwab, who was named creative director of the label in July 2020. Its really important to address the industrialization of fashion and to try to bring manual craft back onto the foreground. It means working more sustainably and also allowing for more creative expression. Getting inspired for his debut spring collection meant working hand-in-hand with as many Greek craftspeople as possible and highlighting the breadth of skill and talent the country has to offer. Theres incredible variety of craftsmanship across the different areas of Greece, said the designer, pointing to the north of Greece, which specializes in sheep skin and fur making, while other areas are better known for traditional fabric making or embellishment techniques such as cording. This year also marks the 200th anniversary of Greece breaking free from Ottoman rule, so the sense of breaking free and the revolutionaries of the time were top of mind when Schwab was creating the spring 2021 collection. Thats why stripes and shades of the signature blue of the Greek flag are strong throughout the range, as well as subtle references to folk costume: The cording on blazers harks back to traditional masculine coats of the time, while the tassels used on the hems of dresses or as separate accessories are an homage to the traditional uniform of national guards. Story continues There are also plenty of linens, easygoing cotton shirtdresses and loose tailoring, which channel the Greeks laid-back approach to both dressing and life and could easily slot into any modern summer wardrobe. Schwab is adamant about offering a modern interpretation of the Greek aesthetic, and he didnt want any of the designs feeling like dated costumes: It shouldnt be so straightforward that youd have a look and think that it comes from this or that kind of costume. Its about a modern identity of what I think Greece could be. And the woman should be more important than the clothes, he said. The collection will be sold at some of the brands key retail partners, including Matchesfashion, Net-a-porter and Saks Fifth Avenue, and it has its own boutique in central Athens. There will be exhibitions and celebrations in Greece [to mark the anniversary of the countrys independence] and hopefully, once weve gained some part of the tourism back, too, well be able to promote the product further in the right context, added the designer, who said that hes been using the extra downtime, while Greece remains in lockdown, to think about what a modern Greek luxury brand could be in 2021. The answer is fashion-cum-social-enterprise, which can meld creativity with ethics and sustainability and can help create jobs and preserve the countrys craft heritage. You hear too many stories of some of these beautiful techniques disappearing, because a craftsman died or because there was no one young and trained to take over. So theres a huge opportunity here to create something meaningful that will not only talk to Greek and Mediterranean clients but also to an international clientele, said Schwab. With Zeus + Dione leading the way, Schwab is hoping that more creatives in Greece will get inspired to join a similar mission of modernizing local craft and building on the momentum Athens has been having, with young entrepreneurs and creatives migrating to the city. You can see an amazing new wave of creativity, not only from young Greeks but also international people who feel Athens has something different to offer. For so long, opportunities just felt overshadowed because of the economic crisis, which brought a lot of criticism and negativity to Greece. But by being here, I can see this blooming energy that comes from local entrepreneurs and young people, said the designer. COVID-19 has, of course, created new issues for business, but hopefully with situations like that, as weve seen before with previous crises, new opportunities and new dynamics will arise. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. U.S. Army modernization officials are looking for defense firms capable of producing lightweight tanks to arm infantry brigades with more firepower for the future battlefield. Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems released a market survey Friday afternoon under the Mobile Protected Firepower, or MPF, program to find companies able to manufacture hundreds of these highly mobile, light armored vehicles, according to the document, released on the U.S. federal contracting website. "The MPF system provides early entry forces a mobile, protected, direct fire capability to apply immediate, lethal, long-range fires in the engagement of armored vehicles, hardened enemy fortifications, dismounted personnel and represents a long-term solution to the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) capability," the document states. Read Next: Navy Reports 3 New COVID-19 Cases on Carrier that Had Massive 2020 Outbreak The Army kicked off the MPF program in December 2018 by awarding contracts to General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. and BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP to produce early prototypes. The two companies will build 12 prototypes each for testing; the goal is to select a winner by fiscal 2022 and begin fielding the first of 504 of these lightweight tanks in fiscal 2025. The market survey is to gauge the number of companies that currently have the capability to "manufacture future additional quantities" of production-level MPF vehicles under a low-rate initial production, or LRIP, contract, according to the document. The MPF is planned as a tracked vehicle with a minimum crew consisting of a commander, gunner and driver, according to the document. It will be designed to protect the crew from small-arms fire, overhead artillery blasts, underbelly mine detonations and side improvised explosive device explosions, the document states. Army requirements call for the MPF to be armed with a 105mm, or possibly a 120mm, cannon to engage hardened targets at long range. The market survey is also designed to find out whether the manufacturing firms can provide two years of support for engineering, technical and logistical services for the LRIP contract, according to the document. Interested companies responding to the March 11 deadline must be able to provide evidence of their proven abilities to produce this tracked armored vehicle, the document states. The MPF concept emerged several years ago when maneuver leaders started calling for a lightweight, armored platform armed with a large enough cannon to destroy enemy armor for light infantry forces. The idea was to field it to airborne units for forced-entry operations. But the MPF will not be air-droppable. The current plan is to have Air Force C-17 Globemasters carry two MPFs each and deliver them after an airfield has been secured. Airborne and other light infantry units can be used to seize airfields as an entry point for heavier follow-on forces, but they lack the staying power of Stryker and mechanized infantry. The 82nd Airborne Division was equipped with the M551 Sheridan Armored Reconnaissance Airborne Assault Vehicle until the mid-1990s. Developed during the Vietnam War, the Sheridan resembled a light tank and featured a 152mm main gun capable of firing standard ammunition or the MGM-51 Shillelagh anti-tank missile. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: Army Taps Two Firms to Build Light Tank Prototypes for the Infantry Cold-Case: $100,000 Reward Offered for Info on Valentines Day Murder of Teenage Couple A reward of $100,000 is offered by Colorado officials for information leading to the suspect(s) in relation to the Valentines Day double murder of a teenage couple decades ago. Metro Denver Crime Stoppers announced the major reward increase in a statement 21 years after high school sweethearts Nicholas Kunselman and Stephanie Hart-Grizzell were found shot dead on Feb. 14, 2000, inside a Subway sandwich shop in Littleton, Colorado, leaving the community shocked. With this significantly increased reward, people who havent come forward with their information will be much more likely to do so now, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader said. Jefferson County detectives have been working on the cold-case continuously since the day it happened and believe someone has kept crucial information on the case. With the reward increased, authorities hope to find a tip leading to an arrest and bring justice to Kunselman and Hart-Grizzell. Shrader said investigators are continuing our diligent work to bring justice to Nicholas and Stephanie. Nicholas (Nick) Kunselman, 15, (right) and Stephanie Hart-Grizzell, 16 from Colorado. (Courtesy of Metro Denver Crime Stoppers) Kunselman was 15 at the time he was murdered while ending his shift at the Subway bar as 16-year-old Hart-Grizzell was waiting for him to get off work. A colleague of Kunselman found the couples bodies behind the counter later that day after the employee noticed the lights were still on inside the shop after passing the sandwich bar. An investigation concluded that the two Columbine High School students were shot by an unknown intruder or intruders. The board president of Metro Denver Crime Stoppers released a statement on the egregious crime that rattled a community already mourning the Columbine High School massacre that happened about one year earlier on April 20, 1999. That mass shooting left 12 students and one teacher dead after two senior students, who committed suicide, embarked on a shooting spree. Horrific crimes like this one have an enormous impact on our community and touch the lives of everyone, said Michael Mills, the board president of the non-profit organization. We are hopeful that the increase will result in tips that will lead investigators to the person or persons responsible for this crime and hopefully start the closure process for the family and friends of Nicholas and Stephanie, as well as the community, he continued. On behalf of our all-volunteer Board of Directors and privately and anonymously funded donors, we will continue to work with the community and our law enforcement partners until this case is solved. Anyone with information on this case, no matter how minuscule it may seem, is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867 (720) 913-STOP. From NTD News Photograph: Stringer Mexico/Reuters Internal government emails reveal Monsanto owner Bayer AG and industry lobbyist CropLife America have been working closely with US officials to pressure Mexico into abandoning its intended ban on glyphosate, a pesticide linked to cancer that is the key ingredient in Monsantos Roundup weedkillers. The moves to protect glyphosate shipments to Mexico have played out over the last 18 months, a period in which Bayer was negotiating an $11bn settlement of legal claims brought by people in the US who say they developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma due to exposure to the companys glyphosate-based products. The pressure on Mexico is similar to actions Bayer and chemical industry lobbyists took to kill a glyphosate ban planned by Thailand in 2019. Thailand officials had also cited concerns for public health in seeking to ban the weedkiller, but reversed course after US threats about trade disruption. So far the collaborative campaign to get the Mexican government to reverse its policy does not appear to be working. The Mexican president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has given farmers until 2024 to stop using glyphosate. On 31 December, the country published a final decree calling not only for the end of the use of glyphosate but also a phase-out of the planting and consumption of genetically engineered corn, which farmers often spray with glyphosate, a practice that often leaves residues of the pesticide in finished food products. The moves are for the purpose of contributing to food security and sovereignty and the health of Mexican men and women, according to the Mexican government. But Mexicos concern for the health of its citizens has triggered fear in the United States for the health of agricultural exports, especially Bayers glyphosate products. The emails reviewed by the Guardian come from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) and other US agencies. They detail worry and frustration with Mexicos position. One email makes a reference to staff within Lopez Obradors administration as vocal anti-biotechnology activists, and another email states that Mexicos health agency (Cofepris) is becoming a big time problem. Story continues Internal USTR communications lay out how the agrochemical industry is pushing for the US to fold this issue into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal that went into effect 1 July. The records then show the USTR does exactly that, telling Mexico its actions on glyphosate and genetically engineered crops raise concerns regarding compliance with USMCA. Citing discussions with CropLife, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined in the effort, discussing in an inter-agency email how we could use USMCA to work through these issues. The documents about the Mexico matter were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and shared with the Guardian. Were seeing more and more how the pesticide industry uses the US government to aggressively push its agenda on the international stage and quash any attempt by people in other countries to take control of their food supply, said Nathan Donley, a biologist with the CBD conservation group. Building alarm The records show alarm starting to grow in the latter part of 2019 after Mexico said it was refusing imports of glyphosate from China. In denying a permit for an import shipment, Mexican officials cited the precautionary principle, which generally refers to a policy of erring on the side of caution in dealing with substances for which there is scientific concern or dispute over safety. An email from Stephanie Murphy, Bayers government affairs executive, to Leslie Yang, USTRs director for international trade and environmental policy, noted the rejection of the glyphosate shipment and said Mexico was alleging that glyphosate represents a high environmental risk, given the credible presumption that is use can cause serious environmental damage and irreversible health damage Murphy asked if she could discuss the situation further with USTR and see if there was an opportunity for engagement given USMCA. She said the industry lobbying group CropLife America was reaching out to the US Department of Agricultures Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Bayer executives were working closely with FAS at the American embassy in Mexico. As of today, Bayer has not been impacted on imports, but the company expected problems ahead, Murphy warned ina 5 December 2019 email. Bayer AG is the owner of Monsanto. Photograph: Sascha Steinbach/EPA A meeting between US and Mexican officials was held in January 2020 and a USTR briefing paper, prepared as guidance for the meeting, included the glyphosate issue as a key concern to be discussed with Luz Maria de la Mora, Mexicos undersecretary for foreign trade. The paper specified as one talking point the United States concern that the rejection of glyphosate imports was done without a clear scientific justification. In February 2020, Bayers Murphy again reached out to the USTRs Yang, forwarding information she said was gleaned from a meeting in which Mexicos ministry of environment and natural resources claims to have scientific evidence about the dangerous effects of glyphosate, and also plans to conduct a study particular for Mexico, with assistance from international organizations. By March, Mexicos actions on glyphosate and genetically engineered crops needed urgent attention, according to a letter sent from Chris Novak, CropLife president, to Robert Lighthizer, USTRs ambassador, copying the heads of the USDA and the EPA. Mexicos actions were incompatible with Mexicos obligations under USMCA, according to the CropLife letter. CropLife is funded by Bayer and other agrochemical companies. Bayers Murphy followed that correspondence up with more emails to USTRs Yang about a need for high level political engagement. Then in May, Lighthizer wrote to Graciela Marquez Colin, Mexicos minister of economy, saying the GMO crop and glyphosate issues threatened to undermine the strength of our bilateral relationship. CropLifes Novak sent an August 2020 letter thanking government officials for all your assistance but said more was needed as Mexico has virtually ceased processing registrations of new pesticide products. More than glyphosate sales at risk Throughout the months of email correspondence, industry executives told US government officials that they feared restricting glyphosate would lead to limits on other pesticides and could set a precedent for other countries to do the same. Mexico may also reduce the levels of pesticide residues allowed in food, industry executives warned. If Mexico extends the precautionary principle to pesticide residue levels in food, $20bn in US annual agricultural exports to Mexico will be jeopardized, Novak wrote to US officials. Corn and soybeans exports to Mexico would be particularly at risk if the country stopped allowing glyphosate residues in food, according to the communications between industry and the USTR. Glyphosate is the key ingredient in Monsantos Roundup weedkillers. Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images The agrochemical industry and US regulators maintain pesticide levels in food are not harmful, but many scientists disagree and say even trace amounts can be dangerous. Mexico is a key US trading partner, accounting for $614.5bn in total goods imported and exported in 2019. Key exports to Mexico include about $3bn in corn exports. Given that roughly 90% of US corn production is genetically engineered, the ban on GMO corn would be a big blow to US farmers. It is unclear if the efforts to push Mexico to change its policy position are still under way within the new Biden administration. The USTR did not respond to a request for comment. Bayer also declined to answer questions about the companys actions regarding Mexico, but said glyphosate and genetically modified crops are safe and Mexicos restrictions would cause major disruptions for Mexican farmers and would impact food security in Mexico. A spokesman for the EPA said the agency regularly engages with officials in Mexico and has not taken any regulatory actions against Mexicos decisions on glyphosate or GMO corn. The agency has offered to share its scientific findings with Mexicos government, the spokesman said. CropLifes Novak told the Guardian that Mexicos actions to ban glyphosate set a dangerous precedent that ignores farmer needs and undermines the integrity of scientific standards as the foundation for global trade. EU commissioner Johansson to fly to Bosnia and Albania From 18/2, Lipa camp on the agenda (ANSAmed) - ROMA, 16 FEB - Between Thursday and Saturday, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson will be in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania to see the situation on the ground of migrants in border areas with Croatia and Greece. The announcement was made by the EU executive. On Thursday, February 18, Johansson will stop in Bonia-Herzegovina to meet with political authorities to discuss the management of the serious migration crisis that has garnered a great deal of attention in recent months. The commissioner will visit the Una-Sana canton and the capital of the Bihac region to speak to the governor and mayor and visit the Lipa camp, which was destroyed on Christmas Eve and where about 1,000 people however are still living in extremely precarious conditions. In Lipa, the commisisoner will be accompanied by International Organization for Migration (IOM) representatives and those of other UN agencies. Johansson will then reach Albania, where on Saturday - after a round of meetings with government and opposition representatives - she will go to the Kakavia border crossing with Greece to assess the joint Frontex-Albania mission. (ANSAmed). Sorry! This content is not available in your region Maharashtra Lockdown-like Covid curbs to continue beyond June 1, unlocking to be in phased manner As Covid-19 cases rise in Maharashtra, fresh lockdown ruled out India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Feb 16: There is no possibility of reimposition of a lockdown in Maharashtra amid rising Covid-19 cases. However, Maharashtra government may have to take some harsh decisions as people have stopped observing Covid-appropriate behaviour. According to health ministry data, Maharashtra has taken the notorious top spot in the country again, overtaking Kerala. On Monday, Maharashtra recorded 3,365 new cases, higher than Kerala's count of 2,884. Monday was the sixth consecutive day Maharashtra reported more than 3,000 Covid-19 infections. From February 10 to 15, it recorded 3,451; 3,297; 3,670; 3,611; 4,092 and 3,365 cases respectively, triggering fear of fresh infections in the state. The last time it logged the highest daily case count in the country was on January 4. Some districts in Vidarbha region in east Maharashtra, especially Amravati and Nagpur, and Nashik in north Maharashtra have seen the number of new cases rising over the last few days. Night curfew in Amravati Alarmed by the growing number of coronavirus positive cases in Amravati district of Maharashtra since the beginning of February, the district administration has imposed a night curfew but ruled out the possibility of imposition of a fresh lockdown. District Collector Shailesh Naval told PTI on Monday that the rise in the cases can be attributed to more number of people coming forward for testing. Amravati district on Monday reported 449 fresh coronavirus positive cases, taking the count to 25,743. "The curfew is aimed at controlling crowding at public and market places. It does not mean closing down businesses or markets which will function as usual," the collector said. Maharashtra may tae harsh decision Speaking to reporters, Pawar expressed displeasure over people not following the pandemic-appropriate behaviour and violating guidelines. Pawar, who also holds Finance ministry, was in Aurangabad to chair a review meeting of eight districts under the Marathwada region. "I have come across ((reports that) people are not following the COVID-19 guidelines which are aimed at checking the spread of the infection. If the situation worsens, we may need to pay heavy cost for this carelessness. The number (of new cases in the state) is alarming. We have seen that lockdown was imposed in many parts of the world again in view of the second wave of the pandemic," he said. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News Pawar said the matter will be discussed with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai tonight. "Harsh decisions can be taken and the people should remain prepared. If certain decisions are not taken in time then we will have to pay a heavy cost later," he added. First PNT Integration of Galileo PRS Encrypted Signal PARIS, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Orolia, through its France-based entity Orolia Systemes & Solutions (O2S), has been selected for the GEODE project to develop European standardized and sovereign Galileo PRS Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) receiver capabilities for military applications. The GEODE (Galileo for EU Defence) program aims at promoting the competitiveness and innovation of the Defense PNT industry in the European Union. The GEODE consortium will support the prototyping, testing and qualifying of military PNT technologies and resources such as PRS security modules, PRS receivers, GPS/Galileo PRS compatible Controlled Radiation Pattern Antennas (CRPA), and the development of a European PNT test and qualification facility. As part of this consortium, Orolia brings its proven track record of developing Galileo-based applications and integrating custom signals for commercial and defense critical infrastructure in the GEARS program, and will now focus on the military use of the PRS signal by leading the critical timing and synchronization applications in the GEODE program. This new PRS support and qualification infrastructure will ensure that the necessary security resources are in place for operational testing, and PNT testing profiles will be defined for naval, land and remotely piloted aircraft platforms. The applications targeted for these new technologies and capabilities include tactical drones, military satellite and space technologies, unmanned ground vehicles, high precision missile systems, next-gen naval platforms, airborne electronic warfare solutions, resilient networks, cyber situational awareness, and the latest active stealth technologies. This project will receive about 44M funding from the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) under grant agreement No EDIDP-PNTSCC-2019-039-GEODE. "We are proud to support the development of future resilient military technologies that will increase safety and security in the European Union," said Orolia CEO Jean-Yves Courtois. "As the world leader in resilient PNT, Orolia is uniquely positioned to offer the most advanced technologies for timing, synchronization, and GNSS testing and simulation, including encrypted GPS and Galileo signals." About Orolia Orolia is the world leader in Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions that improve the reliability, performance and safety of critical, remote or high-risk operations, even in GNSS denied environments. With a presence in more than 100 countries, Orolia provides virtually fail-safe GNSS and PNT solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. www.orolia.com About Orolia Systemes et Solutions (O2S) In 2019, Orolia launched Orolia Systemes and Solutions (O2S), a France-based entity dedicated to providing advanced resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions and custom engineering services to French and EU Defense organizations. www.orolia2s.com Disclaimer This press release reflects only the author's view. The Commission and the EU Member States involved in the Geode project are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Contact: Sophie ZANGS, +33 (0)6 07 42 39 33, sophie.zangs@orolia.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/840852/Orolia_Logo.jpg OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he received further reassurance this week that Canada's expected supply of COVID-19 vaccines is secure. A health-care worker prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a UHN COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Toronto on January 7, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he received further reassurance this week that Canada's expected supply of COVID-19 vaccines is secure. Trudeau says he spoke Tuesday morning with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about Europe's vaccine export controls and Moderna chair Noubar Afeyan Monday about the company's Canadian contract. He said von der Leyen reiterated that Europe won't stop Canada's shipments. She later tweeted that Canada is a "cherished friend" to Europe. A spokeswoman for the European Commission told The Canadian Press last week that every request for vaccine exports has been granted so far, with 37 countries receiving them, including Canada. Trudeau said Afeyan, whose company cut deliveries to Canada this month while it struggles to fully ramp up production in Europe, promised him the company will make good on the final 1.3 million doses of Moderna's vaccine to meet its contract to supply two million doses by the end of March. Moderna has an earnings update for investors scheduled for Feb. 25 and is not expected to report any more details on its production situation until then. Trudeau's Liberals are breathing an almost audible sigh of relief as deliveries of vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech are restored following four weeks of slowdowns while a plant in Belgium was expanded. "We are on schedule to receive our single largest Pfizer vaccine shipment to date and next week we are expecting an even larger shipment again," Trudeau said at a news conference on Parliament Hill Tuesday morning. Pfizer is now scheduled to ship 3.1 million doses to Canada between this week and March 31. The delayed deliveries from Pfizer and Moderna sent Canadian confidence in the vaccine rollout plummeting faster than the temperature in a polar vortex and Ottawa is bearing much of the blame. The United Kingdom has now vaccinated almost one in four people, the United States about one in six, and Israel, which made a deal with Pfizer to supply data on how the vaccine is working in exchange for faster deliveries, has vaccinated almost four in five. Canada has given at least a single dose to less than three per cent of the population. Trudeau said he knows everyone will feel better "as we see doses coming into Canada, getting into people's arms" and repeated his now almost-daily promise that every Canadian who wants to be vaccinated will have that chance before the fall. "We're going to get there," he said. But chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said new, more contagious variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have likely moved the needle on how many Canadians have to get vaccinated if we're going to end the spread of the illness in Canada. "You actually are much more likely to need a higher level of vaccine coverage than if you didnt have such transmissible variants," she said. Horacio Bach, an infectious-diseases professor at the University of British Columbia, said the new variants are also why we need a global vaccine response, not one in which rich countries like the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom hoard vaccines while poorer countries have to wait. The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 isn't mutating as quickly as an influenza virus does, for example, but it still does change a little every time it spreads from person to person. The more it spreads, the more it changes, and the more it changes, the more risk there is of new variants coming out that the vaccines won't be as good at protecting against. "So you buy all the vaccines, nothing is going to poor countries and that's a big issue as well," said Bach. "Because these poor countries, no matter what, they will get the disease, and they will get the new variants and these variants will start to circulate again." Last week South Africa stopped its rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine after a small trial suggested the vaccine wasn't working well against the B.1.351 variant that is now dominant there. Other vaccines have shown some effect against the variations to varying degrees. Vaccine-makers are racing to adjust their formulas or make boosters against the variants. Bach said he expects there will eventually be a "cocktail" of COVID-19 vaccines needed to snuff out the pandemic once and for all. Bach said inoculating with the current vaccines is helpful to slow the spread of the original virus and protect against it. In Canada the original virus is still dominant, though that could change rapidly, with some expecting Ontario's cases will be dominated by the B.1.1.7 variant in mere weeks. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. CLEVELAND, Ohio Parking will be banned on city streets beginning at 8 a.m. today as the region continues to deal with a winter storm that could drop several inches of snow. Stopping, standing and parking vehicles will be restricted and prohibited on streets with posted red and white signs. Parking also is prohibited on designated snow emergency streets. Those streets need to remain clear for transportation, food and fuel supplies, medical care, fire, health and police protection, and other city uses. Cleveland residents are encouraged to avoid parking on city streets so plows can clear the snow. The city will have 40 plows working through the day. Priority is on main streets, hills and bridges. The parking ban in Cleveland remains in effect until 8 a.m. Wednesday. Several cities already have parking bans in place. WEWS Channel 5 also has a list of parking bans across Northeast Ohio. Akron Akrons snow parking ban is in effect and will remain until further notice, according to a news release from the city. Brecksville A parking ban went into effect at 7 p.m. Monday and will remain until further notice. Cuyahoga Falls A parking ban is in effect until 10 p.m. today. Elyria The emergency snow parking ban in Elyria will begin at noon Monday and last through noon Wednesday, a news release on the citys website says. Fairview Park An emergency parking ban is in effect until 3 p.m. today. Lorain A parking ban is in effect until noon Wednesday. Mentor A parking ban is in effect. No parking is permitted on any city street. The city has not indicated when the ban will end. Mogadore The village has a snow parking ban in effect through 6 p.m. today, according to a news release shared on Facebook. Newburgh Heights A parking ban is in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Parma Parmas safety director issued an emergency snow parking ban that went into effect 2 a.m. Monday, according to an alert from the city. An ending date and time has not yet been established. Parma Heights Parma Heights emergency snow parking ban will last through this evening, though the exact time has not yet been announced, according to the citys police department. Warrensville Heights Warrensville Heights emergency snow parking ban is in effect until 6 p.m. Today. Other weather-related content on cleveland.com: OH weather: School closings and delays in Northeast Ohio for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 Snow chances end, but frigid temperatures remain: Northeast Ohios Tuesday weather forecast OH weather: Snow is falling fast, but here are latest totals for Northeast Ohio These sledding photos are guaranteed to make you smile as kids flock to hills on school holiday Now that transatlantic frictions that characterized the Donald Trump administration - from trade pressures, to the North Stream 2 project and the Iran nuclear issue - can be filed away, we face a new potential breaking point in relations between the US and Europe. The issue concerns COVID-19 vaccines. The day after US president Joe Biden announced plans to deliver 100 million Pfizer-BioNTech doses in 100 days to US citizens, the pharmaceutical company temporarily reduced EU vaccine deliveries to focus on demands from the US. Pfizer told the EU Commission that it would not be able to fully meet the already promised delivery volume for the next few weeks to EU member countries, which were anxiously awaiting shipments. The result is simple to imagine. Fewer vaccines for governments, fewer vaccinations, fewer people protected from Covid-19, and lots of irritation among European citizens. According to media reports, the slow roll-out of vaccines in the EU has severely affected its previous vaccination schedule. Delivery of AstraZeneca's vaccines to the bloc is also fewer than expected, putting millions of lives at risk. Many suspect that the US, following Trump's America First policy, gave Pfizer a better offering than the one from Europe. In any case, what emerges from this story is the weakness of the European Union. Europe has bargained with individual pharmaceutical companies and promised an equitable distribution of vaccines. However, in practice, Brussels was unable to assert its position, and its entire house of cards collapsed under the weight of reality. When various European governments complained about the non-deliveries, the EU showed that it was unable to stand up to the drug multinationals. Biden may be gentler than Trump in terms of foreign policy, but a new rift in relations between Europe and the US is on the horizon. In the meantime, Beijing is accelerating its vaccination progress. And the number of people vaccinated has reached 24 million, according to the latest estimates. More importantly, that has been no news of any side effects, problems or hitches. There are more and more foreign countries that are ordering stocks of Chinese vaccines, and many have already received large quantities in agreements with Beijing. The maximum effort made by China in building a community with a shared future therefore appears clear, and not only for the numerous agreements made with nations around the world, but also and above all for the iron will to put the centrality of health before any other issue. The high moral and practical value of the concept of a human community with a shared destiny is unparalleled. This is why it is generating a growing consensus. Vaccines developed by Chinese companies which are less expensive, easier to transport have become a key resource to break rich countries' privilege and safeguard developing countries' rights. Outside of the West, many countries have made or are making agreements with Chinese companies, however, it does not yet appear that there have been discussions between them and EU regulatory bodies to start evaluating Chinese vaccines to their use. Due to the mess between Brussels and Western pharmaceutical companies, and given the shortage of doses, a question arises: When will Europe also consider Chinese vaccines? Perhaps it would be appropriate to broaden their views and abandon any ideological prejudice to safeguard the well-being of citizens. A good sign is that European leaders have continuously sent friendly signals to China-made and Russia-made vaccines. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that coronavirus vaccines from Russia and China could be approved for use in the bloc if they "show all the data." German and French officials have also expressed such open attitudes. Fabio Massimo Parenti is associate professor of International Studies at CFAU, Beijing, teaching also at the International Institute Lorenzo de' Medici, Florence. He is also member of CCERRI think tank, Zhengzhou, and EURISPES, Laboratorio BRICS, Rome, @fabiomassimos. Federico Giuliani is journalist at InsideOver, Far East expert, @Fede0fede opinion@globaltimes.com.cn Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, on Tuesday unanimously dismissed the entire electoral protest filed by former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos against Vice President Leni Robredo. The court's spokesperson Brian Hosaka said all 15 magistrates voted, with seven fully concurring with the dismissal while eight concurred with the poll protest result. He did not disclose the names and who was the ponente, or the justice who penned the decision. A copy of the decision has yet to be sent to the camps of Robredo and Marcos. Former Supreme Court spokesperson Ted Te explained this means the justices had different reasons for dismissing the protest, but they have the same conclusion. He added Marcos' camp can still appeal the decision, but the unanimous vote of the magistrates would make it "extremely difficult to reverse." A highly-placed source in the Supreme Court said defeated candidate Marcos failed to present specific acts to back his claims of poll fraud, such as the time and manner of irregularities. "Allegations were bare, laden with generic and repetitious allegations," the source said. The high court's decision concludes more than four years of litigation. The case was transferred from Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa to Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in October 2019. Marcos and Solicitor General Jose Calida also failed in their attempts for Leonen to inhibit from the case. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a briefing said they respect the decision of the court. "We respect that and we respect also that the camp of Senator Bongbong Marcos has a further remedy of moving for reconsideration," he noted. Marcos, who lost the 2016 vice presidential race, lodged the poll protest against Robredo on June 30, 2016. The son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos questioned the results of the May 2016 polls where Robredo defeated him by 263,473 votes. The tribunal in October 2019 found that Robredo's lead grew by around 15,000 votes after a recount of ballots from the 5,415 clustered precincts in the pilot provinces of Iloilo, Negros Oriental, and Camarines Sur Robredo's bailiwick. The pilot areas for the recount were chosen by Marcos' camp. In a statement on Monday, Marcos' spokesperson Atty. Vic Rodriguez said, "The court unanimously voted to dismiss our second cause of action which is the manual recount and judicial revision. However, as to the issue on how to proceed with our third cause of action which is the annulment of votes in Mindanao, the Tribunal has yet to decide on the matter." But in an updated briefer issued later in the day, the Supreme Court Public Information Office made it clear the PET junked Marcos' entire election protest. In January this year, Marcos in his so-called third cause of action asked the tribunal to revisit the results of the poll recount and to validate voter signatures in three provinces in Mindanao namely Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan due to alleged fraud and terrorism. The PET was in the process of reviewing if it has the power to annul the election results from these three areas. The source in the high court said having failed in the three pilot provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Oriental, Marcos cannot seek the third cause of action of annulment of votes in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan. Caguioa and retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio previously voted to dismiss Marcos' electoral protest due to the violation of the PET's Rule 65, which states a protestant should choose for recount not more than three provinces "best exemplifying the frauds or irregularities alleged in his petition." CNN Philippines senior correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. Press Release February 16, 2021 DELA ROSA: AUTHORIZE BFP TO INSPECT ECONOMIC ZONES, 20,000 ADDITIONAL FIREMEN NEEDED Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa is pushing to expand the powers and functions of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) considering the agency's crucial role in saving lives and properties in times of fire and various disasters. In his Senate Bill No. 1832 or the "Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2020," reported out by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs last year, Dela Rosa pointed out the urgent need to expand BFP's powers and functions which should include the agency's authority to inspect structures within the Special Economic Zones for fire safety as well as to conduct necessary probe in the event of destructive fire. Dela Rosa, former Chief of the Philippine National Police, cited the incident of fire that hit a prominent hotel within an Eco Zone which claimed several lives. He reiterated that such loss of lives could have been averted if the BFP had conducted a fire safety inspection in the area. "When it comes to investigation eh dapat Bureau of Fire [Protection] ang may hawak as far as arson investigation is concerned and inspection. I would like to cite an example - yung nangyari dun sa Resorts World Hotel wherein maraming namatay doon sa sunog," Dela Rosa said. "Alam niyo lumabas doon sa hearing natin na kung sana ang nag-conduct ng inspection doon sa building na yun for the fire safety inspections was the Bureau of Fire [Protection], dapat alam nila yung floor plan ng Resorts World at alam nila kung saan hanapin at pwede nagtago yung mga namatay," Dela Rosa explained. Dela Rosa, chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, added that such incident, which took place on June 2, 2017 and killed 40 including the suspect, prompted him to push for increasing BFP's powers which was included in his proposed measure modernizing the agency. "Ang tsansa niyan hindi ka maging successful sa pag-rescue ng mga fire victims sa loob ng building at ikaw pa mismo mapapahamak dahil hindi mo alam ang layout ng building," Dela Rosa further noted. "Itong function na ito ay very crucial dahil ito ay life-saving and protection of lives. Minarapat na ng Bureau of Fire [Protection] na talagang mapunta sa kanila itong power na ito. Dahil pag may namatay, hindi naman sinisisi ang Eco Zone Authorities kung hindi ang Bureau of Fire [Protection] dahil hindi na rescue yung mga namatay doon sa hotel," the Mindanaoan senator said. Section 9 of Republic Act 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 provides that the Philippine Economic Zone Authority may provide and establish the ECOZONES' internal security and firefighting forces. However, Section 5 (h) RA 9514 Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 states that the BFP may "inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure, installation or premises for dangerous or hazardous conditions or materials." Under the proposed BFP modernization measure, Dela Rosa also asked for additional manpower to achieve the ideal fireman to population ratio which will further ensure public safety. "For the [BFP] personnel complement, we need 20,704 new personnel and the budget is around P9,292,203,000. The present personnel complement is 30,290 and there is 66 per cent additional complement needed," Dela Rosa explained. "The basis for this is the ideal fireman to population ratio which is 1:2000, kaya nasabi natin na meron tayong shortage na 26,029 personnel. Iyan yung kulang natin, but ang nire-request natin ngayon is 20,704 lang muna para makumpleto ang ating fire department," Dela Rosa further noted. Asked by Senators Franklin Drilon and Richard Gordon if the additional 20,000 firemen is not too many, hence, too expensive, Dela Rosa emphasized that it is necessary to fill in the lacking number of fire fighters due to the expanded powers of the bureau, aside from the ideal fireman to population ratio. Liashko to urgently leave for Ivano-Frankivsk region due to COVID-19 outbreak meeting with Zelensky KYIV. Feb 16 (Interfax-Ukraine) In the hospitals that treat patients infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ivano-Frankivsk region, about 73% of beds are already occupied, and the number of active patients exceeds Kyiv's indicators, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said during a conference call with the President of Ukraine on Tuesday. According to the presidential press service, Shmyhal said that due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the region, a meeting of the local commission on environmental safety, manmade disaster and emergency response is expected tonight. Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Deputy Minister of Health Viktor Liashko is urgently leaving for the region. It is noted that in some settlements of Prykarpattia, the occupancy rate in hospitals for COVID-19 patients exceeds 90%. "We need to carefully understand the situation, because due to the snow, it is especially difficult to deliver patients by ambulances to other areas where there are free spaces, it is necessary to consider the option of deploying additional beds in the area. Remember that the lives of patients are first of all important," President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said. At the same time, the Prime Minister said the situation with the spread of COVID-19 in Ukraine is generally stabilizing. Thus, according to him, last week the country continued to see a downward trend in the number of active patients, deaths, hospitalized patients and occupied beds in COVID-19 hospitals. SIERRA BLANCA, TX, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire Texas Mineral Resources Corp. (OTCQB: TMRC) Preliminary results suggest geophysical analysis might assist in delineating high-grade silver ore-shoots Next phase of geophysical work scheduled to begin in late March 2021 Silver used extensively in the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells, the building blocks of solar panels Texas Mineral Resources Corp. (TMRC), an exploration company targeting the heavy rare earths, technology metals and a variety of industrial minerals currently through its Round Top Mountain project in Texas, is pleased to announce preliminary geophysical analysis of baseline silver samples taken from the historic Alhambra Mine located in the Black Hawk district of Grant County, New Mexico. In November 2020 TMRC announced the execution of a letter of agreement to pursue, negotiate and subsequently enter into a joint venture agreement with Santa Fe Gold Corp. (OTCQB:SFEG) to jointly explore and develop a targeted silver property within the Black Hawk Mining District in Grant County, New Mexico. Historical exploration activities have demonstrated that the Black Hawk district hosts a well-known geologic type of carbonate vein that contains small but very high-grade ore-shoots or pods containing native silver as the principal ore mineral, with potential for cobalt recovery as well. The nature of these carbonate veins lateral to and between these high-grade ore lenses is not known at this time, but evidence within the Black Hawk district and from historic districts of this type suggests that the intervening vein carbonate is relatively unmineralized. Because of the small size of the ore-shoots, their random distribution, and the lack of definite leads to forecast the proximity of ore, historic attempts to locate and mine these ore-shoots have been unsuccessful. Modern geophysical tools may provide a method of pinpointing these ore-shoots. Geophysical exploration in the mining sector generally employs three methods: gravimetric, magnetic and electrical. Given the precision of electrical signatures, we believe electrical methods may hold the best promise for locating the Black Hawk District ore-shoots. Optimum conditions for the successful deployment of electro-geophysics would require a strongly responsive target enclosed in an inert wall rock. It is possible to roughly measure these characteristics from rock samples, and representative samples have been analyzed by Zonge International (http://zonge.com/) in their Tucson and Reno labs. One of the principal parameters measured by electro-geophysics is a factor called chargeability: the ability of the rock to store an electric charge. Chargeability is reported in milliseconds and reflects the time necessary for the rock to return to its static condition after being subjected to the applied voltage. In general, the higher the chargeability number the higher the percentage of metallic minerals. Many other parameters are measured and the complex interactions between them are subject to considerable interpretation and analysis, but a direct comparison of the chargeability gives a good first approximation of the chances of success in locating the target. Analytical Summary: Sample Chargeability milliseconds Quartz Diorite Gneiss Wall Rock 5 Average of 7 Mineralized Silver Vein Samples 71 These results, which indicate that the mineralized vein at Alhambra may be 14 times more responsive than the surrounding wall rock, bode well for the successful application of geophysics for detecting the types of ore-shoots characteristic of these veins, commented Dan Gorski, CEO. Based upon this preliminary analysis, we are moving forward with the field survey -- Phase One of the multi-phase exploration program announced by TMRC in November 2020. The multi-phase program is designed to reduce discovery risk by allocating relatively modest resources while basing further commitments on results of preceding phases. Phase One work will begin pending scheduling of the geophysical contractor -anticipated to be late March 2021. Our United States Forest Service Plan of Operations in support of the geophysical program has been approved by the Silver City District Office of the Gila National Forest. Anthony Marchese, chairman, further commented: One of the most significant industrial applications for silver today is its use in photovoltaic (PV) cells, the building blocks of solar panels, a leading clean-energy technology. The cost of electricity generation from PV has rapidly declined over the past decade and is in many instances close to or below the cost of power generated by burning fossil fuels. With solar power generation expected to nearly double by 2025 according to industry publications, this sector is projected to remain an important and consistent source of industrial demand for silver over the next ten years, while underscoring silvers role as a green metal. The Black Hawk silver project is an example of how TMRC is seeking to create additional shareholder value by searching for opportunities in evolving industrial minerals. About Texas Mineral Resources Corp. Texas Mineral Resources Corp.'s focus is to develop and commercialize, along with its funding and development partner USA Rare Earth LLC, its Round Top heavy-rare earth, technology metals, and industrial minerals project located in Hudspeth County, Texas, 85 miles southeast of El Paso. Additionally, , the Companys strategy is to develop alternative sources of strategic minerals through the processing of coal waste and other related materials as well as developing other domestic mining projects in more traditional metals. The Companys common stock trades on the OTCQB U.S. tier under the symbol TMRC. Cautionary Note to Investors The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce and that are compliant with SEC Industry Guide 7. Investors are cautioned not to assume than any part or all of the proposed project in the Black Hawk Mining District as contemplated in the November 2020 letter agreement or in this press release (with the preliminary results from Zonge International) contains any mineral deposits that will ever be converted into resources or that any inferred mineral resource or measured and indicated resources exists or is economically or legally mineable. The proposed project does not contain any known proven or probable ore reserves or mineral resource compliant with SEC Industry Guide 7 reporting standards. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure set forth in TMRCs latest reports filed with the SEC. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the potential development, economic feasibility, resource, grade and other mineralization characteristics, and drilling and exploration methods that may be utilized in potential exploration of the Black Hawk Mining District project. When used in this press release, the words potential, plans, indicate, expect, intend, hopes, believe, may, will, if, anticipate, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of mineralized material and mineral resource estimates, risks to projected and estimated economics not reflecting actual economic results due to the uncertainty of mining processes, potential non-uniform sections of mineralized material, potential mining hazards and accidents, changes in equipment and labor costs, changes in projected mineral prices and demand, competition in the mining industry, risks related to project development determinations, the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities, potential effects on the Company's operations of environmental regulations, risks due to legal proceedings, liquidity risks and risks related to uncertainty of being able to raise capital on favorable terms or at all, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K as filed in November 2020 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements. Company Contact: Texas Mineral Resources Corp. Anthony Marchese, Chairman E-mail: amarchese@tmrcorp.com Twitter: @TexasMineralRes The Government today said there are no plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility after the head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) raised debate over whether 10 is too young. Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill QC was being interviewed by a 10-year-old in a podcast when he expressed concerns over the existing law. Kids Law podcast interviewer Alma-Constance Denis-Smith said she had been surprised to learn the age of criminal responsibility was 10, calling it 'very young'. Mr Hill, who was the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation before becoming one of England's top prosecutors in 2018, said: 'I agree - we all have a lot of growing up to do still, even when we reach the age of 10. 'Everybody recognises that as we all grow up, we all go through the same process, which is that we develop. And that development hasn't finished when you're 10; it hasn't finished when you're 15. 'That doesn't mean that you can't be responsible for when you do something wrong, but it does mean that the criminal justice system needs to look very carefully and when we take people to court they're truly responsible for what they've done.' However, the Ministry of Justice that 'children aged 10 and over are able to differentiate between bad behaviour and serious wrongdoing', with a spokesperson today telling MailOnline 'there are no plans to raise the age'. Mr Hill's comments are likely to reignite a raging debate on criminal responsibility which saw MPs ask the Government to review the age limit in England and Wales and consider the effect of raising it to 12 or 14. MPs were told that if the age were increased, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson - both 10 when they murdered two-year-old James Bulger in 1993 - would not have served custodial sentences. Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill QC expressed concerns in a podcast in which a child interviewer said she had been surprised to learn the age of criminal responsibility Why is the age of criminal responsibility 10 in England - and what is it in other countries? England and Wales, and Ireland, have the lowest age of criminal responsibility in Europe at 10. This means that children under 10 can't be arrested or charged with a crime, and children between 10 and 17 can be arrested and taken to court if they commit a crime. The age was established in 1963 but the common law principle of doli incapax afforded a degree of protection to children aged 10 to 14 by requiring the prosecution to show not only that the child had committed the alleged offence, but that they knew the behaviour was seriously wrong. This changed in 1998, when the Labour government under Tony Blair abolished the principle by arguing that the suggestion 10-year-olds did not understand the difference 'between naughtiness and serious wrongdoing' was 'contrary to common sense'. Responding to an open letter by 55 experts calling for a review of criminal responsibility in 2012, the Government defended the policy. Jeremy Wright, Minister with responsibility for youth justice, argued that 'children do know the difference between right and wrong at age 10'. Scotland introduced a law raising the age from 10 to 12 in 2019 which came into force last year. Jersey said it will raise the age of responsibility from 10 to 14. Other countries with a limit of 10 include Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. In the Netherlands, the age of criminal responsibility is 12. In France children younger than 13 are deemed 'incapable' of committing a criminal offence. People are not held criminal responsibility in Luxembourg until 18. In Russia, North Korea and China the age of criminal responsibility is 14. In India, Myanmar, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Swaziland, Qatar and Papua New Guinea, the age of criminal responsibility is seven. Advertisement In the podcast, the Director of Public Prosecutions told Ms Denis-Smith that only Parliament could change the law. He said the law in England and Wales had 'developed over a long period of time - many years', adding: 'It is sometimes complicated - how to deal with children who commit crime and the age at which we even start to think about it has been changed over time'. The top prosecutor also noted that the age of criminal responsibility had in the past been even lower than 10, and was set at 12 in Scotland. Pointing to Scandinavia, where it is generally 15, he observed: 'In other countries around Europe the age is quite different'. He also pointed out that in the US the age of criminal responsibility varies between states - set at 12 in Massachusetts with no exceptions and six in North Carolina. 'I completely understand that there are people here and around the world who want to talk about whether the age should be changed in their country, and that would include this country,' Mr Hill said. 'But it's a decision that can only be taken by Parliament.' Speaking to the Times, Ms Denis-Smith said she had been shocked to learn from her barrister parents how the criminal law would view her. She called 10 'too young' because 'we are still in primary school and we still don't understand how law works and what the world expects'. The 10-year-old added that she thought 15 was a 'good age' to raise it to because that is the age at which 'you are allowed to go travelling alone and you can start taking responsibility for what you do wrong'. Tory MP Sir Robert Neill, chairman of the Justice Select Committee and himself a barrister, told MailOnline that Mr Hill's remarks 'reinforce our view that this should be looked at'. 'In November last year the Justice Select Committee recommended that the Government should review that age of criminal responsibility,' he said. 'The DPP's comments reinforce our view that this should be looked at. There are arguments on both sides, but it is a fact that England and Wales have one of the lowest ages of criminal responsibility in Western Europe, and Scotland doesn't seem to have a problem with setting it at 12. Max Hill is a hugely experienced prosecutor, and certainly no 'soft touch', so his views should be listened to with respect.' A Government spokesperson said: 'There are no plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility. It is set at 10 to provide flexibility in addressing criminal behaviour and allows for early intervention to prevent further offending.' The CPS refuted suggestions that Mr Hill had called for the age to be raised, with a spokesperson calling the claims 'misleading'. It comes after MPs called on the Government to consider raising the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales, amid fears that too many children are facing adult justice. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) told the Justice Select Committee that 'the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is inconsistent with accepted international standards'. The equalities watchdog made reference to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which found that children's brains continue to develop and mature past the age of 10 so are 'unlikely to understand the impact of their actions or to comprehend criminal proceedings'. Several child psychologists told the Justice Select Committee in November that children's brains are not fully formed by the age of 10. Kids Law podcast host Alma-Constance Denis-Smith asked Mr Hill why the age at which children can be held criminally responsible was 10, calling it 'very young' (stock) Mr Hill, 57, said: 'I agree - we all have a lot of growing up to do still, even when we reach the age of 10.'Everybody recognises that as we all grow up, we all go through the same process, which is that we develop. And that development hasn't finished when you're 10' The law that would have let James Bulger's killers off scot-free: Human rights bosses want to raise the UK's age of criminal responsibility to 14 Youths suspected of crimes could be spared prosecution under controversial proposals outlined by Britain's human rights watchdog. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has called on the Government to lift the age of criminal responsibility from ten to 14. Under the proposals, children in England and Wales could not be arrested and charged for offences until they were 'significantly' older. This would mean that youngsters involved in crimes as serious as murder could not be arrested, charged or dealt with by the courts and would instead have to be managed through the social care system. The proposals mean ten-year-olds Jon Venables (pictured) and Robert Thompson, who tortured and killed two-year-old James Bulger, in 1993, would have been spared prosecution The proposals mean ten-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, who tortured and killed two-year-old James Bulger, in 1993, would have been spared prosecution. They were found guilty that year making them the youngest convicted murderers in modern British history. But the EHRC said Britain's current age of criminal responsibility, which was set at ten in 1963, is lower than in many European countries and 'inconsistent with accepted international standards'. Advertisement The parliamentary committee, chaired by Sir Robert, recommended that the Ministry of Justice review the age of criminal responsibility and 'report on the implications of raising the age in England and Wales to 12 and to 14'. MPs want the Government to assess the likely effect this change would have on reducing the number of children in custody and alternative methods of dealing with children below the proposed ages who have committed serious offences. Dr Pamela Taylor from Royal College of Psychiatrist said that England and Wales is 'out of sync' with the rest of the world on this issue. Dr Alexandra Lewis, chair of the adolescent forensic faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said the current age of responsibility was based on the outdated proposition that the 'most significant period of brain maturation was in the first five or possibly eight years'. She told MPs: 'Previously, it was thought that the most significant period of brain maturation was in the first five or possibly eight years. 'We now know that a second critical period takes place in adolescence and is a very dramatic development of the frontal lobes, which are, essentially, responsible for decision-making, planning, consequential thinking, getting ideas about ourselves and social interaction.' She added that 'a second critical period takes place in adolescence... so it does not make sense to treat somebody at 10 the same as an adult'. MPs were ultimately 'not persuaded that [the age] should be immediately increased'. but called on the Ministry of Justice to consider the effects of raising the age of criminal responsibility. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told the Guardian: 'The Committee said it is not convinced there is a reason to change the age of criminal responsibility - and we have no plans to do so.' Two years ago, the EHRC called on the Government to lift the age of criminal responsibility from ten to 14. Its proposals would mean children in England and Wales cannot be arrested and charged for offences until they are 'significantly' older. This would mean that youngsters involved in crimes as serious as murder could not be arrested, charged or dealt with by the courts and would instead have to be managed through the social care system. The proposals mean Venables and Thompson, who tortured and killed James Bulger in 1993, would have been spared prosecution. They were found guilty that year - making them the youngest convicted murderers in modern British history. But the EHRC said Britain's current age of criminal responsibility, which was set at 10 in 1963, is lower than in many European countries and 'inconsistent with accepted international standards'. In a report submitted to the United Nations to review, the watchdog claimed criminalising children at such a young age could have a 'detrimental impact on their wellbeing and development and risks making them more likely to re-offend as adults'. David Isaac, former chairman of the commission, said: 'Increasing the age of criminal responsibility is crucial to stop very young children being exposed to the harmful effects of detention and protect their future.' The watchdog said the Government should instead introduce 'therapeutic, welfare-based approaches for dealing with the harmful behaviour of children'. An MoJ spokesman told the Mail at the time: 'Younger children who offend are often diverted from the justice system or dealt with out of court. 'In the last decade, there has been an 86 per cent reduction in the number of under-18-year-olds entering the youth justice system.' LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Glass House Group , one of the fastest-growing, privately-held, vertically integrated cannabis and hemp companies in the U.S., announced that from December 2019 to December 2020, its cultivation and California-craft flower brand, Glass House Farms , rose from #67 to the #2 highest-selling flower brand in California, according to BDS Analytics . The rise represents a nearly 4% dollar share of California's total monthly flower sales. In addition, Glass House Farms has been consistently ranked in the top 10 California flower brands since July 2020, according to BDS Analytics . "We're thrilled to be recognized in such prestigious rankings, particularly when the cannabis industry is exploding with competition in California," said Glass House Group co-founder and CEO Kyle Kazan . "We are even more excited to know that we are satisfying our consumers, and these statistics show that we're doing that more and more. It's a testament to the strength of our team and their passion, dedication and approach, which have given us an incredible competitive advantage, and enabled us to bring to market high-quality consumer cannabis products that are fairly priced." With a core commitment to environmental stewardship , Glass House Farms' growth is built on cultivating craft California cannabis in greenhouses, producing high-quality flower while minimizing external impacts and facilitating truly sustainable production. In 2019 , Glass House Group completed an expansion of Glass House Farms with the addition of a 355K sq. ft. greenhouse facility in the Carpinteria Valley, bringing the company's total greenhouse capacity to more than 500K sq. ft., and this year, the brand continues to grow to meet the rising tide of high-quality cannabis consumers. Currently, Glass House Group's portfolio includes: Glass House Farms , Forbidden Flowers , F/ELD , SoCal Hemp Co , The Pottery , Bud and Bloom ; Farmacy SB , Farmacy Berkeley , along with delivery, distribution, manufacturing capabilities and investments in Legion of Bloom . About Glass House Group Glass House Group is one of the fastest-growing, privately-held, vertically integrated cannabis and hemp companies in the U.S. Its family of eco-friendly, community-conscious cultivation, manufacturing, brands and retail locations bring to market only the finest strains of cannabis and hemp using cutting-edge care, technologies and environmental sensibility to deliver uncompromising craft-quality strains, flower, extracts, pre-rolls, vaporizers, cartridges and apparel. As a leading brand-enabling company, celebrities, artists, athletes and influencers turn to Glass House Group to create powerful partnerships that reach new audiences and drive consumer engagement. Currently, Glass House Group is expanding its portfolio, brands, brand partnerships and product lines and is expected to see sizable growth throughout 2021 and beyond. For more information and company updates, visit https://www.glasshousegroup.com . Media contact: MATTIO Communications, Noah Bethke, [email protected] SOURCE Glass House Group Related Links http://www.glasshousegroup.com Pizza, hummus, pastry and a cup of coffee were on the menu on Tuesday to entice Israelis to get their COVID-19 vaccinations . In cooperation with local restaurants, Tel Aviv offered the food at two pop-up vaccination centres, hoping to persuade inoculation holdouts to take a shot. Although Israel is leading the world in the speed of its vaccination drive, authorities are still concerned that younger people less prone to dangerous coronavirus complications, and others jittery about inoculation will not get their jabs. So it was free pizza, hummus and knafeh, a sweet Middle Eastern dessert made with filo pastry, for all. And dozens of people showed up. "We came to get vaccinated, until now we were worried but because of the upcoming restrictions (against people who don't vaccinate) there was not much choice, and it's also very nice to get a pizza and a coffee," said Lizi Kritzer, a 32-year-old municipality worker. Israel plans to ease more restrictions on businesses on Sunday and reopen hotels and gyms to those fully vaccinated or deemed immune after recovering from COVID-19. With nearly 43% of citizens having received at least one shot of Pfizer Inc's vaccine, Israel has moved ahead with a gradual relaxing of lockdown measures imposed on Dec. 27. Its ambitious vaccination drive has made it the largest real-world study of Pfizer's vaccine. The country's largest healthcare provider has reported a 94% drop in symptomatic COVID-19 cases among 600,000 people who received both doses. Eytan Schwartz, a spokesman for the Tel Aviv municipality, said the city hoped the food and drink offered at the vaccination stations in two community centres would create a "family-like atmosphere" to attract the hesitant. "I came today to get vaccinated and I tell everyone to come and get the shot so that we can keep our health better," Iman Dasui, a 60-year-old teacher said. "There is also knafeh here ... very tasty." This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. In a mega boost to Modi government's ' Make in India ' initiative for an Atmanirbhar Bharat , Amazon will start manufacturing television streaming devices in India later this. "Delighted to share that soon Amazon will commence manufacturing of electronics products like FireTV stick in India," said Union minister for electronics and information technology Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday. The e-commerce giant will start making the devices via a subsidiary of its manufacturing partner Foxconn Technology Group and production will start later this year in its facilities outside Chennai, the company said in a blog post on Tuesday. "This further reiterates our commitment to Make in India, contributing directly to the local economy, creating jobs & boosting Indian innovation," said Amit Agarwal, SVP and Country Head, Amazon India. On Tuesday, Amazons India Agarwal briefed Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, on the details of the companys manufacturing plans. The device manufacturing program will be able to produce hundreds of thousands of Fire TV Stick devices every year, catering to the demands of customers in India," the company said in the blog." Amazon will continuously evaluate scaling capacity to additional marketplaces." "We welcome Amazons decision to set up a manufacturing line in Chennai, as it will enhance domestic production capacities, and create jobs as well. This will further our mission of creating a Atmanirbhar Bharat which is digitally empowered," Prasad said, quoted Amazon's blog post. The global e-commerce giant also pledged to invest $1 billion to digitize 10 million small and medium businesses, help Indian businesses sell worldwide thereby enabling US $10 billion in cumulative exports, and create an additional 1 million jobs by 2025. In 2020 Amazon announced the Local Shops on Amazon, a program that retailers and local shops be Atmanirbhar, and benefit from selling online. "We have over 22,000 neighborhood stores registered across the country gathering additional footfalls through their online presence and furthering their earning potential by acting as pickup points, logistics partners, and experience centers for e-commerce," the blog mentioned. "India is an attractive investment destination and is poised to become a major player in the global supply chain in the electronics and IT products industry. Our Governments decision to launch a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has received tremendous response globally," the minister added. The online retailer is joining electronics giants such as Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. in making devices like phones and tablets in the South Asian nation. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country By Marc Cormier If you're inheriting a house from a relative, President Biden's plans to eliminate the stepped-up basis tax rule should concern you. You may have seen posts about this on social media. The basis for these viral posts is true, though some of them may be slightly exaggerated. President Biden has expressed interest in changing the tax codes that impact inheritance, which includes property. Here's the tricky part you can't forecast tax code changes until they happen. For your financial advisor, this has been something of an issue over the last several years because tax codes are in danger of changing with the political party in power. The truth is that this doesn't really impact the very wealthy in a detrimental way. They have access to great advisors and can develop strategic plans to shelter their inheritance in the best ways possible for heirs. Unfortunately, the people who are detrimentally affected by changes like this are the ones who can least afford the loss. This proposed tax code change would affect every person who has anything of value to leave as an inheritance. We can't say that the stepped-up basis tax rule will be eliminated. There are currently other things that will likely take priority for this administration. However, indications are that this change may be on the horizon within the first term. The best way forward for those who are inheriting a house is to stay informed on current and projected changes and be aware of your best financial strategy according to current tax laws. Diane Kotkin a partner at the law firm Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP in Maryland says If President Biden is successful in eliminating the step-up in basis at the death of an individual, everyone should be concerned about what that will mean for their heirs and beneficiaries. A review of their estate planning documents will be necessary to assure taxes can be minimized as much as possible. What is estate tax? An estate tax is a tax on the transfer of property after someone's death. In 2020, the beneficiary is not required to file an estate tax return to the IRS unless the total value of the estate is $11.58 million or greater. Some states have their own estate or inheritance tax which may be at a much lower threshold. The estate tax itself is estimated by the total worth of the estate, prior to being split between any beneficiaries. With the current tax codes as they are, you'll be taxed on any profit made in the sale based on the estimated worth of the house when you inherit it. For instance, if you're selling your mom's house and it was worth $150,000 dollars when you inherited it, but you sell it at $170,000, you would need to pay capital gains taxes on the $20,000. This stepped-up exemption is currently applied to inherited properties. If, for instance, your mom bought the home for $50,000, and she sold it for $170,000, her capital gains tax would be on the $120,000 increase. You can see why the stepped-up basis tax rule is advantageous for those who want to leave assets to their beneficiaries. Estate and Inheritance Laws in Some State The IRS has its own rules and regulations about inheritance, but you also need to consider probate laws and inheritance taxes in your state. Each state has its own taxes and laws that govern inheritance (speak to your tax consultant for advise). The estate tax might be an issue for you if you're inheriting a house in Maryland because there are inheritance taxes in that state. The inheritance tax in Maryland can be as high as 10% for property passing to individuals who are not spouses or blood related to the deceased. If you're inheriting a house in Virginia, there are probate taxes assessed on any inheritance over $15,000.00. If you're inheriting a house in Washington DC the inheritance tax is on anything over $4 million dollars, which is lower than the Federal threshold. Other Issues in Inheriting a House Often the taxes you incur happen at the sale of a house. There are several family dynamics and issues that might go into your decision-making in regard to selling your dad's house or managing any property you inherit. Some questions you might have: If I inherit a rental property is it taxable? If the rental property was part of a larger estate, the estate would have to pay the taxes prior to changing ownership. However, there are some tax considerations you'll need to know about with rental properties if you decide to maintain it. There are a few options. If you decide to sell the rental property, the same capital gains taxes would apply as those you'd pay in the sale of an inherited private home. The rental property may already have tenants. In this case, you would need to consult the existing lease and decide if you'd like to keep the property to rent. Overall, your options are to sell, move into the property, or rent the property. Capital gains taxes at the time of sale would be assessed based on the market price at the time you took ownership versus the sale price. When inheriting a house with a mortgage, how does that work? There are several scenarios when you inherit a house with a mortgage. If there's a larger estate or insurance policies, the deceased may have made arrangements for the estate to pay the remainder of the mortgage. If this is the case, the mortgage would be paid and you would own the home outright to sell or keep. In many situations today, older residents might have a reversed mortgage. This arrangement helps them maintain their bills until their death. The total due on this mortgage is never more than the worth of the home. The beneficiary would then sell the home, pay the balance on the reverse mortgage, and then keep the remainder as their inheritance. If there is a mortgage and no plan in place to pay that mortgage, the beneficiary would take over the payments. There are laws in place to protect beneficiaries so that the mortgage company cannot demand payment in full on the existing loan. Most people cannot afford an extra mortgage, so the choice is likely to rent, sell, or live in the property. If I'm inheriting a house with siblings, what are the options? There may be stipulations in the will about which siblings own what percentage of a property. Often the property is split equally between all siblings. When you inherit a home jointly with siblings, it often becomes a personal choice on the best way forward. One sibling may want to live in the home. In that case, they would normally take out a mortgage to pay the other siblings their inheritance. You might decide to sell the property and split the inheritance that way. Some siblings will also decide to maintain the home as a rental property. If I'm inheriting a house that needs work, what are my best choices? Believe it or not, it's fairly common to inherit a house that needs a great deal of work. Older family members often have outdated homes. This can range from very dated decor to serious issues, such as ancient mechanical equipment and a leaky roof. Your best choices when the home needs work really depend on your own ability to fix the damages and flip the home. Some people are very skilled with this type of work and take it on as a side project. This can mean turning a nice profit on the sale of the home. You might also decide you like the updated space so much you want to keep it. If you're not handy and the investment sounds like it might be too much, you can also sell the home as-is. There may be some cosmetic things you can do simply to bring the asking price up, but it may not be worth a major investment depending on the market. Looking for Help With an Inherited Home? If you've inherited a home or know that you will be inheriting a home in the near future, you may have some concerns. There are a lot of decisions to make in how to manage the property, whether to sell, and understanding the tax implications. Inheriting a home is also an exceptionally emotional experience. There are memories of the person who has passed wrapped up in the property. It may even be the home you grew up in. All of these things can make the process confusing. That's why it's important to do some research so that you know your best interests are being met through the process. My latest book, Tips, and Tricks for Selling Your Inherited Home is geared to walk you through the process. I'm currently giving this book away to help homeowners through this difficult time in their life. Stop by for your free copy. Contact Marc Cormier for your FREE Copy at http://www.GuideToProbate.Com Marc is a licensed Realtor with BHHS and can be reached at (301) 660-6272 x 700 Virginia Tax Code https://www.tax.virginia.gov/probate-tax Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 21:27:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The outstanding RMB loans in inclusive financing stood at 21.53 trillion yuan (about 3.34 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of 2020 in China, up by 24.2 percent year on year, data from the People's Bank of China showed. In 2020, the country issued 4.24 trillion yuan of new inclusive finance loans. It is 1.75 trillion yuan more than the previous year, central bank data showed. Small businesses and farmers received more inclusive financing last year. The outstanding inclusive finance loans to small businesses climbed by 30.3 percent by the end of 2020 from the previous year to 15.1 trillion yuan. The growth rate was 7.2 percentage points higher than that at the end of 2019. Small businesses got 3.52 trillion yuan of new inclusive finance loans last year, 1.43 trillion yuan more than the previous year. At the end of 2020, the balance of these loans for farmers was 5.99 trillion yuan, up by 11.5 percent year on year. The growth rate was 5.1 percentage points higher than that at the end of 2019. Inclusive finance lending includes loans to micro, small and self-employed businesses, farmers, students, and people living in poverty. Enditem Police on Monday said Christine Mensah, 44, who passed on whilst visiting her boyfriend on the night of February 5, this year, allegedly died unnaturally. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr Alexander Yeboah, Acting Ho Municipal Police Commander, who confirmed this to the Ghana News Agency, said, the deceased boyfriend, Joseph Debrah, 49, a resident of Fiave, a suburb of Ho, reported the incident to the Police at about 0230 hours. He said the deceased in the course of the night suddenly fell ill and collapsed as all attempts to resuscitate her proved futile. He said Police went to the scene to examine the body and to ascertain whether there was any foul play. ASP Yeboah said the deceased was then moved to the morgue for preservation and autopsy. He said deceased boyfriend was cautioned and released on bail pending the result of the autopsy from the Police hospital. In a related case, the Command has embarked on an operation to seize unregistered motorbikes in the enclave to stem criminal activities. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Two drug smugglers who tried to cross the North Sea from Holland on a jet ski with 200,000 of cocaine, before running out of fuel and having to be rescued by a helicopter, have been jailed for a total of 14 years. Steven Brogan, 36, and Anthony Reilly, 34, both of Skelmersdale in Lancashire, took the watercraft from the Lowestoft area of Suffolk to a pick-up point in the Netherlands to collect the drugs, Ipswich Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Hugh Vass said that on the return journey on September 30 last year, the pair approached a survey vessel and 'asked the crew for some fuel - that request was refused'. 'At one point they were pitched into the sea,' said Mr Vass, adding that one man was showing signs of hypothermia and the other of exhaustion. He said that the Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat and the HM Coastguard helicopter from Hull helped rescue the men, who were airlifted to hospital in Gorleston in Norfolk. Crew from the helicopter alerted police after becoming suspicious of the men's behaviour and they were arrested on arrival, Mr Vass said. Two drug smugglers who tried to cross the North Sea from Holland on a jet ski with 200,000 of cocaine, before running out of fuel and having to be rescued by a helicopter, have been jailed for a total of 14 years He said that Brogan claimed to officers that he had been 'fishing by jet ski but ran into difficulty when they ran out of fuel'. He said officers found the men had two kilos of cocaine in a backpack, valued at up to 200,000. Brogan's van and trailer were located and found to contain maps of the North Sea, a pick-up point in the Netherlands, tide timetables, a mobile phone and diving equipment, Mr Vass said, adding that the jet ski was registered to Brogan. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) identified Brogan's vehicle being driven in the Lowestoft area on July 6, Mr Vass said. Both men admitted to importing class A drugs. The judge, Recorder Richard Christie QC, jailed Brogan for seven years and six months and Reilly, who admitted to the offence before his co-defendant, to seven years in prison. The judge said it was a 'sophisticated enterprise', adding: 'There was potentially a visit to the Suffolk area from the north west of England on an earlier occasion to at least recce the situation. 'At the time of this offence a jet ski was taken by you both across the sea to Holland. 'A package of two kilos of cocaine was collected and in what could be described as a daring enterprise you sought to come back across the sea with a jet ski.' He went on: 'It was only because of the weather that things went badly wrong for you and you were very fortunate to be picked up and at public expense taken to hospital.' Steven Brogan, 36, (left) and Anthony Reilly, 34, (right) both of Skelmersdale in Lancashire, took the watercraft from the Lowestoft area of Suffolk to a pick-up point in the Netherlands to collect the drugs, Ipswich Crown Court heard Mark Stevens, for Brogan, described the defendant as a 'trusted lieutenant' who was 'clearly entrusted to go to collect the drugs and motivated by financial advantage'. He said Brogan is a successful trained boxer and worked to help children within the community. 'He lost out on a fight, he had no money coming in, he was asked to do this and foolishly agreed,' Mr Stevens said. Stephen Mather, for Reilly, said Reilly was a qualified plumber but his work dried up at the start of lockdown last year, he got into financial difficulty then got involved in the jet ski incident. Reilly told the judge that his decision to get involved was a 'lifechanging mistake'. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will take place at a later date. One thing that is unquestionable about Kenyans is without a doubt their generosity. Time and again, Kenyans have restored faith in humanity by coming through for people in need. The latest personality to receive overwhelming support is former Tahidi High star actor Joseph Kinuthia Kamau alias Omosh. Last week, the comedy actor went public about his predicament revealing he was out of work and out of money and needed help. Read More: Tahidi Highs Omosh Living in Abject Poverty, Sheds Tears and Begs for Sh200 a Day Casual Job A few days later, Omosh, who was willing to get a job that would pay Sh200 per day, has had his fortunes change overwhelmingly. Comedian Jalango, who last October helped Lolani Kalu bounce back from a similar plight, took it upon himself to help Omosh get back on his feet, and he has duly delivered. In an update on his socials on Sunday, Jalas revealed that his friends in high places had already raised over Sh1 million shillings. In addition to cash amounting to Sh1, 050, 000, the donations also included household items, shopping vouchers, and more. The father of five has also received a free 4080 plot plus 50 bags of cement courtesy of ZeroHero properties. Here is a list of the goodies raised by Jalango. 1. My guys from @safvicfurnitureenterprises are giving me a bed, seats and a Tv table 2. My Guys from @quickmartkenya are giving me a 20k shopping voucher for him and his family 3. Incoming senator Tranzoia county @allanchesang is giving me 100K 4. My able chairman @jamal_rohosafi is also giving me 100k 5. Omosh ako na madeni rent yake watu wa @mwananchi_creditltd wamesema they will clear that is 100k 6. I called my brother @joho_001 akasema from that 1million for 1 million followers atatoa 100k 7. My team from Chandaria led by my boss @darshanchandaria amesema 100k yake nichukue kesho jioni 8. The real boss himself who made us who we are WwWaruru wachira! Boss himself has promised me another 100k 7. Team Miale @mialle72 have said that 50k will not be bad 8. #JengaNaAlexNaJalas @alex_na_jalas 50k 9. My guy called Titan from @jamexexpress has promised me 50k 10. The best sauce in town @kensauceofficial wamesema 100k is fine! 11. @trippygotours Nakujia 50k kesho 12. My guys from the best biscuit @yegobakers wamesema kesho nipitie nichukue 50k haraka saana KEEP THEM COMING!! PAYBILL NUMBER COMING UP!! #ThisIsForOmosh 13.@adansonko my brother is giving me 50k 14. SOMALI BAE @honalinur 50k An overwhelmed Omosh, who has since started a YouTube channel to showcase his talent, posted a message thanking well-wishers. Thank You First and foremost, I want to Thank God. Yeye ndo Kila KituI know there are people out there, hata wengine mko diaspora, story yangu iliwatouch and you have been sending something on M-Pesa. I really want to thank you. Jalango I lso want to thank you. Thinking of how you can help me, hiyo heart God amekupatia azikukuongezea. God will expand your territories. To all my friends wale wanaendele kunisaidia, I really dont know how to thank you all. Nilikuwa situation ingine mbaya sana but at least now I can afford a smile. Although mnaona sai nalia but this are tears of joy and happiness. I never knew I had so many friends, althrough others wanaongea vibaya kunihusubut sasa kama singeongea mngenisaidia. Thank you so much and God bless you, said Omosh. Adding: I am with tears of Happiness. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is supporting me. I am with tears of Joy and I dont take it for granted. May God in heaven bless you and your families. May He fulfill your dreams. Mbarikiwe sana. Thank you zerohero properties for giving me a piece of land @zeroheropropertiesltd I thank God I now have a land I can call mine. This is one of the best present I have ever received. I am so humbled. manze nashukuru God sana. Thanks to everyone who is Supporting. All glory to God The Biden administration said Tuesday it has increased the number of weekly shots allocated to states by 57 percent since January 20 and is now shipping 13.5 million doses a week. Shipments to pharmacies will also double to two million, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during a Tuesday briefing. Despite the increase, vaccine supply remains lower than some health officials had hoped. Dr Anthony Fauci now says the general public will likely have to wait until May to get a COVID-19 vaccine, after predicting last week that April would be 'open season' for anyone to get a shot. 'The critical issue is that the demand far outweighs the supply,' Dr Fauci said in a Tuesday CNN interview. The week of January 20, about 8.6 million doses were allocated to states by the federal government, according to CDC data. This week, that figure increased to about 11 million doses. Presumably, the allocation of 13.5 million doses Psaki referred to will be for next week. But the flow of those doses from vaccine makers Moderna and Pfizer to the federal government and, finally, to states and pharmacies, appears to be a slow one. The increase in vaccine dose allocations has been slow, but the Biden administration said Tuesday it will start shipping 13.5 million doses a week, up 57% from the 8.6 million shipped the week of January 20 Dr Fauci (left) walked back his prediction that any American will be able to get a shot by April, and now says wide availability won't come until May due to low supply. Press Secretary Jen Psaki (right) said that pharmacies will now get two million doses a week, up from one million All but 12 US states have used up 75 percent or more of their vaccine allocations to-date, and many are complaining that they don't have enough supply to expand access beyond health care workers and elderly people. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo complained Monday that the federal government had recommended states widen vaccine eligibility to anyone 65 or over last month, but did increase the vaccine supply. And health officials in West Virginia - which has had one of the most efficient rollouts in the country - told DailyMail.com that they've not been able to expand eligibility for the same reason, despite asking multiple times for more doses. Both Moderna and Pfizer have now said they can have each deliver their second 100 million doses to the US by the end of May and a third 100 million ready by the end of June. But the trickle down lags. Moderna said Tuesday that just 45.5 million of its doses have been distributed and 25.5 million have been administered. The US has distributed about 70 million doses, and about 52.8 million have been administered. As a whole, that means 78 percent of doses distributed have been used. Currently, the entire US vaccine supply rests on the shoulders of Moderna and Pfizer's respective capacities to manufacture their two-dose shots. The Food and Drug Administration is set to meet about whether Johnson & Johnson's one-dose shot should get emergency authorization on February 26. A third shot - especially one given in a single dose - could be a major boon to the US rollout, but so far the US only has a deal for 100 million doses of the vaccine. 'I'm a little disappointed that the number of doses that we're going to get early on from J&J are relatively small,' Dr Fauci told CNN on Tuesday. The U.S. timeline for vaccinations against the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus will now stretch into late May or early June due to a limited supply of vaccines and the slow rollout of Johnson & Johnson's drug, Dr Fauci said. That threatens to further punt his target date for when the US could resume some semblance of normal life down the line as well. Dr Fauci has previously said he thought normalcy might begin to return by late summer or fall. But that largely depends on vaccine rollout continuing to ramp up - and outpace the spread of potentially vaccine-evading variants. Smoke rises over the Erbil, after reports of mortar shells landing near Erbil airport, Iraq Feb. 15, 2021. (REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani) Rocket From Iran-Backed Militia Kills US Contractor, Wounds US Service Member in Iraq: Coalition ERBILA rocket attack at a U.S.-led Coalition military base in Kurdish northern Iraq on Monday killed a civilian contractor and wounded six other people including a U.S. service member, according to initial reports, the U.S. coalition in Iraq said. It was the most deadly attack to hit U.S.-led forces for almost a year in Iraq, where tensions have escalated between Iraqi and Kurdish allies of Coalition forces on one side and Iran-aligned militias on the other. A coalition spokesman said on Twitter the attack hit coalition forces in the Kurdish regional capital of Erbil. Initial reports that Indirect Fire landed on Coalition Forces in Erbil tonight. There was 1 civilian contractor killed, 5 civilian contractors injured and 1 US service member injured. More information to follow. OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) February 15, 2021 Kurdish security sources said at least three rockets landed near Erbil International Airport in the autonomous region late at night. Reuters reporters heard several loud explosions and saw a fire break out near the airport. U.S. troops occupy a military base adjacent to the civilian airport. A statement from the Kurdish interior ministry said a number of rockets were fired towards Erbil and its outskirts around 9:30 p.m. local time and some people were wounded but it offered no further details. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Monday night, We are outraged by todays rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region We express our condolences to the loved ones of the civilian contractor killed in this attack, and to the innocent Iraqi people and their families who are suffering these ruthless acts of violence. Blinken added that he has reached out to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government to offer U.S. support for an investigation and to hold accountable those responsible. An Iranian regime-aligned Shia militia group calling itself Saraya Awliya al-Dam (The Avengers of the Blood Brigades) claimed responsibility for the attack on the U.S.-led base, saying it targeted the American occupation in Iraq. The Epoch Times cannot confirm the veracity of the claim. Groups that some Iraqi officials say have links with the Iranian regime have claimed a series of rocket and roadside attacks against coalition forces, contractors working for the coalition and U.S. installations including the embassy in Baghdad in recent months. The last deadly attack to target the coalition killed one British and two American personnel in March last year. Another attack in September last year thought to have been targeting Baghdads international airport killed six Iraqi civilians. The United State condemned the attack. Tension between the United States and Iran across the Middle East have become more overt in the last few years, ending most recently in a targeted drone strike by U.S. forces that killed Iranian military mastermind Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Former President Donald Trump said at the time that the strike was in response to the threat Iran and Soleimani were planning to blow up the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, which had just been attacked. The State Department also said that Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. By John Davison and Ahmed Rasheed. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Mondays storm was notable for its enormous reach and for a particularly perilous element it brought nearly everywhere: ice. It left a treacherous varnish on roads across a midsection of the country, including places where driving on ice is a rarity. It was also as confounding a storm as it was punishing. Snow blanketed Gulf of Mexico beaches and people went ice sledding on the roads of southern Louisiana. Alabama was warned of brutal ice storms in some places and of possible tornado outbreaks in others. Temperatures were lower in Austin, Texas, than in Anchorage, Alaska. Its snowing in Houston and its going to be raining in Pennsylvania, said Charles Ross, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in State College, Pa. When does that ever happen? Texas was blanketed by one of its largest snowfalls on record and grappling with hundreds of thousands of power outages, flight cancellations and urgent warnings from government leaders and emergency supervisors to stay put and reduce electric consumption. The 8 degrees recorded in Austin was the lowest in 32 years, forecasters said, and the 6.4 inches of snow dumped on the city overnight was reported to be the deepest in 55 years. Victorians will be offered a cash bonus of almost $2500 to pick fruit, but they will have to stick it out for at least six weeks to access the full amount. The latest scheme to encourage domestic workers to take up jobs on orchards comes after the industry repeatedly raised fears about masses of fruit going to waste due to a shortage of backpackers and foreign seasonal workers. The government estimates the cash incentive scheme for Victorian workers will cost $10 million. Credit:Justin McManus Victorians who take part in the new state government scheme would have to complete 10 days of work within a one-month period to receive the first bonus of $810. They would get a further $1620 after six more weeks of work, as long as it is completed within three months. The state government has also confirmed that fruit and vegetable growers would have to pay $2000 per worker to help cover the cost of quarantine under a separate plan aimed at attracting 1500 Pacific Islanders to the industry. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 20:40:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A school is closed in New Orleans, Louisiana, the United States, Jan. 8, 2021. U.S. city of New Orleans on Friday tightened its COVID-19 restrictions as the situation of the pandemic continued to worsen in the past days. (Photo by Lan Wei/Xinhua) About 89 percent of children in the U.S. live in a county considered a red zone with high levels of COVID-19 transmission under new CDC school opening guidelines. by Matthew Rusling WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Roger, a high school teacher in the area around Washington, D.C., has already been vaccinated, but his school has yet to reopen. Roger, who declined to give his full name, said he believes schools need to reopen, as children are missing out on critical education in the most crucial years. File photo taken on Sept. 21, 2020 shows that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (C) and his wife Chirlane McCray (1st L) welcome Pre-K students back to school at the Mosaic Pre-K Center in Queens, New York, the United States. (Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office/Handout via Xinhua) LONGING FOR SCHOOL REOPENING U.S. President Joe Biden faces a major challenge in reopening schools, amid a pandemic that has millions of children staying home and grinds education to a halt. He pledged in December last year to reopen the majority of the country's schools in his first 100 days after taking office. For nearly a year, millions of children have been studying online following school closures. Parents are pushing hard to reopen schools, as children fall further behind. The closures have a particularly negative impact on minority and lower-income families, as children are missing the free meals provided at all U.S. public schools, as well as mentoring and guidance that children from broken homes may not receive from parents. "Reopening schools is crucial because so many activities take place there. These institutions are responsible for educating young people, feeding low-income students, and providing day care and after-school enrichment for local communities," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua. "Without them, parents have problems at every level and have difficulty handling all the things that pupils need," West said. Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the center for international and security studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua that seeing schools reopen "in a big way" would be "proof-of-concept for the (Biden) administration's overall project." But to do that, the government must pass Biden's COVID-19 relief package, Ramsay noted, which has well over 100 billion U.S. dollars in it for school systems to deal with the pandemic, and get that aid out and functioning. The vaccine roll-out also has to keep accelerating continuously, Ramsay added. Biden's goal is to vaccinate 100 million Americans in his first 100 days. Over 70 million vaccine doses have been distributed and a total of more than 52.8 million doses have been administered as of Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Photo taken on Nov. 13, 2020 shows the closed F.P. Caillet Elementary school in Dallas, Texas, the United States. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. state of Texas surpassed one million on Friday, official figures showed. (Photo by Dan Tian/Xinhua) MOST CHILDREN IN "RED ZONE" The CDC on Friday unveiled new guidance on safely reopening schools, requiring masks, physical distancing, handwashing, maintaining clean facilities and contact tracing. The guidance advises schools to phase in their reopening plans in accordance with the severity of the outbreak in their areas. It offers a color-coded chart that divides schools' reopening options into four zones: blue, yellow, orange and red. Districts with low community spread, which are blue with 0 to 9 new cases per 100,000 in past 7 days, or moderate transmission, which are yellow with 10 to 49 new cases, are encouraged to consider reopening for full, in-person learning. Schools in areas with substantial transmission, which are orange with 50 to 99 new cases per 100,000, may still consider a limited reopening, as long as they can layer multiple safety strategies in the classroom. In hard-hit communities, which are red zones with more than 100 new cases per 100,000, elementary schools may consider limited reopening, with physical distancing required, but middle and high schools are recommended to be virtual-only unless mitigation strategies can be met. "I think it can be done. I mean, obviously it's not a perfect situation, but it's really important to get the children back to school in a safest way as possible. Safe for the children, but also safe for the teachers and the other educators," Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday. About 89 percent of children in the U.S. live in a county considered a red zone with high levels of COVID-19 transmission under new CDC school opening guidelines, according to a CNN analysis of federal data. The country has recorded over 27.6 million cases with more than 486,000 related deaths as of Monday afternoon, according to the real-time count kept by Johns Hopkins University. Enditem (Xinhua correspondents in Washington Yang Shilong, Tan Jingjing contributed to the story) A Pittsfield police officer directs traffic recently outside the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Berkshire Community College. Municipalities across the state have begun developing their own systems to streamline the registration and vaccination process. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free CareerGig, a freelancer marketplace and Verified On-Demand hiring platform is selected by BeachCoders, a leading online learning academy, to fill 300 work from home instructors. I am confident in our capabilities to offer enhanced sourcing, matching, hiring, and retention to BeachCoders and other companies looking to hire contractors and freelancers. ~Greg Kihlstrom, CareerGig BeachCoders and CareerGig announced today that they have joined forces to fulfill the increasing demands of todays evolving workforce and economics. CareerGig, the online marketplace that provides diverse insurance, financial, and education benefits to freelancers and contractors looks to draw on its 850,000+ registered users to fulfill the hiring needs of BeachCoders, an industry leading web coding bootcamp that uniquely enables students to control the depth and pace of their technology education. Each BeachCoders course module is offered as a stand-alone professional certificate, and empowers students to change career opportunities in a more flexible time period. Additionally, the courses are designed to work together in any combination based on the needs and desires of each individual. By having the flexibility to choose their schedule and budget, students can keep a healthy life balance while they skill-up for todays top paying tech jobs. BeachCoders mission from day one is to provide affordable and flexible technology training for career-minded professionals regardless of their background. We meet the needs of everyone from new graduates to more experienced professionals looking to increase their skills, or pivoting their careers altogether, said James DeCicco, CEO and Founder of BeachCoders. With CareerGigs access to thousands of qualified candidates, and their platform that gives candidates access to healthcare and benefits, its a win for everyone and Im confident that well fill the roles with excellent instructors. The pandemic shifted the majority of society to interact and work in the digital space. In order to meet enrollment demands in an increasingly remote and virtual learning environment, BeachCoders is looking to hire an additional 300 work from home instructors to train and educate students online. Enter CareerGigs ready, skilled, and verified workforce. CareerGig looks forward to matching the skilled freelancers to provide the technology educators BeachCoder needs to prepare the increasing demands of todays workforce, said Jeff Tennery CareerGigs Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), who spearheaded this alliance. As one of the worlds largest freelancer platforms matching freelancers and contractors to employers, CareerGig also provides independent access to guaranteed issue health, life, and disability insurance, education and training opportunities, and other financial services and benefits to freelancers within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. Its exciting to continue expanding the CareerGig brand and offerings both our business partnerships and the contractors and freelancers they hire, said Greg Kihlstrom, CareerGigs CEO and Co-Founder. Our goal is to accelerate and optimize human potential to support the future of work, and this coordinates well with BeachCoders mission. I am confident in our capabilities to offer enhanced sourcing, matching, hiring, and retention to BeachCoders and other companies looking to hire contractors and freelancers. ### ABOUT CAREERGIG Career benefits. Gig lifestyle. Choose both. Based in Arlington, VA and Palo Alto, CA, CareerGig is a SaaS technology platform and ecosystem that accelerates and optimizes human potential for the future of work. It matches freelance and contract workers to top employers, and with independent access to health, education, and financial benefits exclusively tailored for those in the gig economy. Incorporating blockchain and AI technology, CareerGig also provides employers the ability to hire qualified and verified talent through an accelerated and scalable state-of-the-art process. CareerGig helps individuals create freelance careers, and makes life easier and more secure for companies that hire them. Learn more at http://www.careergig.com ABOUT BEACHCODERS BeachCoders Academy is an industry leading in-person and live-online web development and user experience training school. Their student-facing hospitality instructional model has set them above and apart from others in the coding-bootcamp industry and has empowered students from all walks of life and age groups to skill up into better professional lives. BeachCoders grads have gone on to work at leading technology companies such as Google, Space-X, Snap-Chat, and Legal Zoom. The Manhattan Beach, California-based school opened in 2015 and is privately held. For more information visit http://www.BeachCoders.com Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 4:37 pm Our normally low-key Third U.S. Congressional District Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler stepped into the international spotlight Saturday as debate centered on whether to call her as a witness in the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. She broke ranks with a majority of her fellow Republicans last month in voting to impeach the former president after the violent Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol designed to interrupt the Electoral College certification of the national presidential election. The president of the United States incited a riot aiming to halt the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next, she said then. It took courage for her and nine other Republicans to put the future of the nation above loyalty to their political party and speak the truth about Trumps two-month campaign to undermine the Nov. 3 election by calling it stolen. His baseless accusations fueled anger against Democrats and even Republicans like elections officials in Georgia who dared to uphold their oaths of office. Headlines last week focused on Herrera Beutlers account of an exchange between GOP House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and President Trump as a violent and angry mob busted windows, beat Capitol police officers, ransacked the Capitol and searched for the vice president while chanting Hang Mike Pence. She said McCarthy told her he called the president during the insurrection and pleaded with him to go on television and publicly call off the riot, but Trump purportedly responded, Well, Kevin, I guess these people are more upset about the election than you are. Despicable. No wonder Herrera Beutler voted to impeach. At least her testimony was read into the record. Last week, she asked patriots, her congressional colleagues and fellow Republicans who were with the president as he watched television coverage of the insurrection, to speak the truth as she had. Unfortunately, most Republicans cared more about holding onto their jobs and feared angering Trump. And some of those who did speak still lacked the courage of their convictions by failing to act in accordance with their words. Like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell who voted to acquit Trump while saying the rioters were fed wild falsehoods by the most powerful man on Earth. Because he was angry hed lost an election. Former President Trumps actions that preceded the riot were a disgraceful, disgraceful dereliction of duty, McConnell said. Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day. Yet he used a questionable technicality as an excuse to not hold the former president accountable for his actions, which led to the first physical attack on our Capitol since 1812. However, seven Republican senators joined the 50 Democrats in voting to impeach Trump for inciting violence that led to the attack on the Capitol. But they needed 67 to convict. I hope and pray Herrera Beutler, 42, is the future of the Republican Party rather than people like U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, 46, of Georgia, who has touted disproven QAnon, 9/11 and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, made racist videos and comments, and supported Trumps stolen election mantra. The Republican Party should disavow any ties to neo-Nazis, white supremacists, QAnon conspiracy theorists, and those who undermine our democracy by falsely claiming the election was stolen. For my Christian friends, the Bible offers wisdom applicable today. Proverbs 12:26 says The righteous should choose their friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. And 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals. Trump supporters have already sought challengers to Herrera Beutler in the 2022 election, but I will never vote for anyone who condones what happened Jan. 6 or condemns Herrera Beutler for having the courage of her convictions in voting to uphold and protect the integrity of our nations democracy and constitution. Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler has the fortitude to buck her political party and its members when they are wrong. Good for her. Kudos to PUD Crews Thank you to all the Lewis County road crews and PUD line workers who spent late last week in the frigid temperatures clearing roads and restoring electricity to residents after our unusually heavy snowfall. When we lost power after midnight Friday, I decided it must be time to go to bed. However, our electricity was restored within a half hour. Before the election, Trump supporters claimed America as we know it would disappear if a Democrat was elected president and brought in socialism. Those same people are probably happy the PUD restored their power, yet a friends Facebook post reminded me scare tactics about socialism were also used in the 1930s by people who opposed creating public utility districts. A majority of voters in our state in 1930 favored an initiative allowing formation of PUDs. In 1936, the Rural Electrification Act provided federal loans for installing electrical lines to isolated rural areas, which wasnt cost-effective for private power companies. We are the beneficiaries of their forward thinking. Now state lawmakers are debating whether to allow PUDs to provide high-speed internet to rural areas where doing so would be cost-prohibitive for commercial providers. Is that socialism? Probably. But do I believe people in Randle, Packwood, Pe Ell, and Winlock deserve access to high-speed internet? Yes. As Port of Chehalis CEO Randy Mueller said, If it ever made sense for the private sector to serve those areas, if there was a profit to be made, we all know they would have gone and made that profit by now. If the free market wont provide it, the PUDs should. Julie McDonald, a personal historian from Toledo, may be reached at memoirs@chaptersoflife.com. Lucasfilms firing of Gina Carano may go down as one of the more 'textbook' examples of public relations blunders. This past week the studio and its umbrella company Disney detached from Carano, following the latest in a series of social media posts which betrayed the political incorrectness of the former MMA fighter. Carano who had been portraying rebel-turned-mercenary Cara Dune on the hit Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian had shared the following on her Instagram account: Jews were beaten in the streets, not by Nazi soldiers but by their neighborseven by children. Because history is edited, most people today dont realize that to get to the point where Nazi soldiers could easily round up thousands of Jews, the government first made their own neighbors hate them simply for being Jews. How is that any different from hating someone for their political views? Do note that at no point does Miss Carano refer to Republicans, conservatives, or any other specific ideology. She merely made an observation about history: something often rhyming like poetry, as George Lucas himself noted. Most Star Wars fans do not waste precious life waiting to pounce on an errant tweet. Many are instead working real jobs, or raising children. Or perhaps are children themselves, enjoying a brief few years of innocence and should they have the politics of adulthood so crudely imposed upon them? But there were enough cancel-culturalists (read as: an overly vocal minority with no real life of their own) to spin up #fireginacarano on Twitter, that Disney took notice. And ideally, had the differences been that irreconcilable, the company should have quietly parted ways with Miss Carano, without ado or even any public notice at all. That is what a wise and considerate company would have done. But that is not what happened. Instead, Disney made a political spectacle out of firing Gina Carano. It did it to satiate the lusts of a fringe segment of toxic fandom that thrives on destroying others. Disney could not have handled the situation worse. And it will come to haunt them, sooner than they may be prepared for. Let us look at the release to the press on the night of February 10th: Gina Carano is not currently employed by Lucasfilm and there are no plans for her to be in the future. Nevertheless, her social media posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable. That statement does not fly. For one thing Carano has not posted anything that could be remotely construed as denigrating anyone based on culture and religion. A good lawyer could potentially make a libel case out of Lucasfilms choice of words. But it is especially laughable since Lucasfilms statement does not pass muster when one considers the double standard it has selectively applied to Carano, in contrast to the greater leniency afforded others. The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal compared the Trump Administrations handling of migrant children with Nazi Germany (though he has since removed it, perhaps after discovering that the migrants in his photo were actually Arab children at a soup kitchen). And recently Lucasfilm hired Krystina Arielle who boasts a history of racist tweets, including baseless accusations of white supremacy to hosts its new High Republic podcast. Lucasfilm even long tolerated the rabidly anti-Christian ravings of author Chuck Wendig, who was only finally let go from the franchise after tweeting that Republicans should throw yourselves into a wood chipper. The day following Caranos firing came the first quarter earnings call to the Disney shareholders. Subscriptions to the companys Disney+ streaming service were reported to be 94.5 million. That is an admirable market share by most measures. The long-term outlook however should concern Disney: it has been estimated that to be considered a success, Disney+ is going to have to reach 250 million consistent subscribers by 2024. The service is enjoying robust growth now, but that is not going to last forever. Outraging a substantial segment of the fan base of one of its most lucrative franchises is not doing itself any favors. Within moments of word of Caranos dismissal hitting the intertubes, #canceldisneyplus began trending on Twitter at least as furiously as did calls for the actress to be fired. One of those Disney+ subscribers had been me. I cancelled mine. So did at least four other people I personally know. I had barely watched any of the Star Wars animated series like Clone Wars and Rebels, all available on Disney+. And now, I dont really care to. Then there is the merchandising angle. Star Wars media itself has from the very beginning been far less profitable than the merchandise. Here especially, Disney cancelling Gina Carano is going to have detrimental effect. YakFace is reporting that the firing has impacted the release of new Cara Dune toys. While Cara Dune gear is a fraction of that devoted to the ubiquitous Baby Yoda, the tough and independent woman has a devoted legion of admirers. And in a franchise where even the most fleeting of characters gets an action figure, the moneymaking potential is enormous. Particularly when it was likely that Caranos Dune was going to be at the center of the just-announced Rangers of the New Republic series. And then, if nothing else, we are still left with the fact that Gina Carano was making a point about cancel culture. Disney has demonstrated that Carano was absolutely correct. If only Lucasfilms press statement had been more terse, or not been made at all. But in their choice of words, within context of the situation with Caranos postings, it doesnt take the insight of Yoda to read between the lines. The message has been transmitted loud and clear: Star Wars is not for those who will not embrace correctthink. Anyone whose politics are inclined toward conservatism is especially not welcome. Once upon a time, Star Wars was shared by us all. But that time seems past. The mythology doesnt matter anymore. It has been superseded by The Narrative. And people who dont believe The Narrative do not belong. They are to be blacklisted. Cancelled. Branded as unworthy of livelihood. Huh. Sounds a lot like what was already happening before Kristallnacht. I dont consider myself hardcore rock-ribbed conservative, but even so if Star Wars isnt for everyone, why should I believe its still for me? It never should have come to this. Star Wars is supposed to be for everyone, regardless of race or creed or gender or political beliefs. It had become one of the precious few things that could cut across all the lines and unify us. A few years ago there was a photo of a Yazidi refugee boy wearing a Star Wars t-shirt. Even in distant Iraq, amid real turmoil, Star Wars was making a difference in someones life. It may be Lucasfilms party, but they may have forgotten who brought them to the dance in the first place. See that vast red swath of flyover country covering most of America? Thats who have bought the bulk of the Star Wars toys, and books, and video games, and pajamas, and PEZ dispensers. The liberal-leaning enclaves along the coasts whose voices have been perhaps too magnified by social media cannot compare to purchasing power of that magnitude. Or perhaps it is that Lucasfilm never forgot, but was instead corrupted by the dark side of corporate greed. As for Gina Carano: none of us should worry about her. Having met her several years ago I will vouch that she is a person of uncommon integrity in an industry that has chewed up and spit out too many who thought that they would never break. Carano has just inked a deal with Daily Wire to produce and star in a new film. Admittedly, Daily Wires effort in film is no global media conglomerate, but it doesnt need to be. As with all good things, it begins with small steps. And if Star Wars imparted anything at all, it is that a scrappy resistance can take on even the mightiest empires. I have lived and breathed Star Wars throughout my life. Part of my living room is devoted to the saga. During my first and likely last run for public office I produced a Star Wars themed campaign ad. Star Wars is something that I had been looking forward to sharing with my own children someday. But I dont have to do any of that. Neither do a lot of other people. Nobody has to spend a dime on anything connected to the franchise. Because when it comes right down to the basics of the matter, Star Wars is still only a movie. is exploring whether it can hurt US defence contractors by limiting supplies of rare-earth minerals that are critical to the industry, the Financial Times reported. Industry executives said government officials had asked them how badly companies in the US and Europe would be affected if restricted rare-earth exports during a bilateral dispute, the FT reported, citing people it didnt identify involved in the consultation. The move throws the spotlight back on the group of elements that are used in everything from smartphones to fighter jets, and have previously been a focus in the deteriorating trade relationship between and the US. The Asian country controls most of the worlds mined output, with an even tighter hold of the processing industry, leaving American industries with few avenues to immediately secure short-term supply if curbs were to be put in place. Chinas Foreign Ministry didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on a public holiday, while calls to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology went unanswered. The government last month issued draft guidelines for the sector, with proposals including firms abiding by export regulations and the possibility that the nation restrict or suspend exploration and processing of rare earths to preserve natural resources and protect the environment. The specter of export curbs arose in 2019 amid a deepening trade war. China accounts for 80 per cent of rare-earth imports into the US, and Beijing had prepared a plan to restrict shipments as a way to target Washington. While those restrictions never eventuated, it pushed the American government to seek out ways to cut their reliance on a single source of supply. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires just one dose be given and was proved to be 66pc effectivy globally. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has received an application for conditional marketing authorisation of Johnson & Johnsons one-shot Covid-19 vaccine. If the vaccine is approved by the EMA, Ireland will receive more than two million doses of the vaccine as part of EU advanced purchase orders. Authorisation of the vaccine may greatly aid the rollout of Irelands vaccination programme as it requires just one dose to vaccinate each person in comparison to other two-dose vaccines. The EMAs human medicines committee will now assess the vaccine under an accelerated timetable and may issue a decision by the middle of March 2021, it said. Read More This is provided the companys data on the vaccines efficacy, safety and quality are sufficiently comprehensive and robust, an EMA statement said. The EMA said such a short timeframe for evaluating the vaccine is only possible due to a rolling review of the Covid-19 vaccines data up to now. The EU drug regulator said it had already assessed data from laboratory studies which looked at how well the vaccine triggers the production of antibodies and immune cells that target SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19. A large global trial that concluded in January found the drug was 66pc effective in preventing severe infection. While this figure is lower than previous vaccines, the drugmaker pointed to the trial being conducted while a number of new variants were circulating. The vaccine was found to be 72pc effective in the US but just 59pc effective in South America, where the Brazilian variant is circulating widely. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine works by delivering the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein gene into cells in the body. The cells will then use the gene to produce the spike protein. The persons immune system will then recognise this protein as foreign and produce antibodies and activate T cells (white blood cells) to attack it. If, later on, the person comes into contact with SARS-CoV-2 virus, their immune system will recognise the spike proteins on the virus and be ready to defend the body against it. The EMA said if the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks, it will recommend granting authorisation. The European Commission will then issue a decision on whether to grant a CMA valid in all EU and EEA member states within days. This is the fourth application for a Covid-19 vaccine since the start of the current pandemic in Europe. It comes after EMAs evaluation of vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. These vaccines are now authorised in the EU and are among the tools Member States are using to combat Covid-19. Read More Earn your Associate of Applied Business in Business IT (BIT) degree online from the University of Cincinnati. This program can be completed fully online, with curriculum customized to fit your schedule, interests and how quickly you want to complete your degree. Application deadline July 1, 2021. Learn More An intense knack for technology throughout middle school and high school where he repaired classmates' phones and gaming devices set the stage for entrepreneurial success for Adam Zinker, founder and CEO of The Perfect Part. That passion -- and a family loan of $4,000 seed money -- drove his technology logistics company over the last nine years to become the sixth-largest eBay company in North America. The 28-year-old entrepreneur gained his e-commerce experience alongside his identical twin brother, Cory. Together they grew their mobile parts shop for the first five years to a business that needed more workers. They started out selling four products stored inside pencil boxes. It took six-to-seven years to reap massive benefits. Today, the duo has 30 employees who maintain the company's gross revenue of over US$1.5M per month solely on eBay. The business ranked 203 on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America. It was listed as 675 last year. "We do an average over $1.2M per month in gross revenue with our highest grossing month of over $2.2M. Becoming the sixth-largest eBay company in North America was not the plan; it was the side effect," Zinker told the E-Commerce Times. Perhaps starting the mobile parts business with his identical twin was one of the driving components to the success of The Perfect Part on eBay, quipped Adam. It let him be in two places at once. He and Cory figured out during that first year that they each needed to be doing completely different things for the business. Cory controlled everything post-order, and Adam did everything pre-order such as maintaining the eBay platform. eBay Business Basics Deciding to go into business on eBay.com instead of Amazon.com was another fortuitous decision that panned out well beyond expectations. Back in 2012, Adam Zinker researched which platforms had the largest audiences. At that point, it was eBay over Amazon. "Amazon did not have a large audience for internal telecom components and accessories. Back then, eBay was the largest e-commerce platform online that had a market for internal telecom components and accessories," he explained. Perhaps the most important task for the Zinker brothers was to learn about selling on eBay from scratch. Most of eBay today is small sellers who sell used goods. Selling competitively on eBay takes a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding their policies, noted The Perfect Part CEO. "I like to think of the eBay platform as a programming language. There are policies that as a seller you need to know like the back of your hand in order to succeed, and that takes time to learn," he remarked. After selling on eBay competitively for almost 10 years, the CEO feels he knows every policy thoroughly that eBay has to offer. That process led to the company's expansion from bedroom offices at home to two warehouse relocations. The Zinkers moved The Perfect Part into a 4,000-square-foot warehouse and hired their sister to run fulfillment. She then hired a team of cherry pickers, a team of fulfillers, and other team members that allowed the company to grow efficiently. The twin brothers brought their non-twin sister, Sydni, onboard to handle fulfillment when the technology logistics company expanded. More recently, the company again expanded, allowing the brothers to hire (not pictured) Adam's girlfriend, Jessica, and Cory's girlfriend, Tori, to oversee customer relations. Cut-Throat Competition "Since then, having enough space allowed us to grow even faster. A year later, we moved into a 10,000 square-foot warehouse, and today we have over 5,000 unique products that sell at least once a day fulfilled by a team of over 30 people," noted Adam. When the Zinkers started selling on eBay, the market was more competitive. Anyone can source parts and sell them, but not anyone can sell efficiently over a long period of time, Adam noted. There were a lot of sellers competing, but not many who would stay competing for the long run, he added. That occurs for many reasons. One major reason is that eBay's platform does not cater to small retail stores on eBay, but rather small closet sellers, those who sell used items found in their garage. "So as a small seller you have to really know what you are doing in order to get past the hump to become a large sustainable seller. For example, when I first started, one of my largest competitors back then tried to run me out of business by undercutting my items on an hourly basis," he recalled. The Zinker twins combated this by undercutting the competitor and even sometimes losing money. The goal of the competitor was not to make money, but to make The Perfect Part lose money by selling the same items for barely anything, basically efforting to run the brothers out of business. "Today, that competitor is one-quarter of our size and cannot possibly compete with us," Adam said. Changing Times on eBay Ebay has changed 100 percent since 2012. It constantly changes policies in order to adapt to market needs, he added. As a large seller, you need to make sure you anticipate these changes as well as prepare to pivot in order to succeed. "Also, the market became saturated with Chinese sellers trying to undercut American eBay accounts. They do succeed, but only in the short term -- because American buyers want quality items, and they want [delivery] within a couple days," Zinker explained. The market has changed on a global aspect as well. Buyers can find a huge market for telecom accessories on Amazon now but still not internal components. "I like to put it this way: when your TV breaks, you can find a new TV on Amazon, but you can find the part that will fix the TV on eBay," he offered. Keys to Success The Perfect Part grew on eBay to a large degree because the Zinker brothers combined their passion for technology with a focus on organization. They have not limited themselves to selling on eBay. Though eBay remains their primary focus. The twins are very entrepreneurial. Just in the last year, they considered 10 new brand ideas. Some they executed. Others are ridiculous, noted Adam. For instance, they currently have a vitamin-infused shower head company called ShaiLi on Amazon. "After we understood eBay, we hired and trained employees, created shipping logistics, fulfillment, etc. We created a machine that the more we introduced new products to, the more employees we hired. We just introduced more and more products that were interesting and that we knew we could sell better than others," said Adam Zinker. The Perfect Part co-founders Adam Zinker (left) and Cory Zinker rest on inventory newly moved into a larger warehouse. Another key event was making sure your books are organized, he continued. This means P&Ls, Balance Sheets, etc. You do not know how well or poorly you are doing without data to back it up. "You cannot expand and run an efficient business without knowing what you are doing number wise. One of the largest turning points for us was moving into a large warehouse giving us the space we need. Never in a million years did I think I could fill up 10,000 square feet of warehouse space with 5,000 unique products," he shared. That makes inventory management a huge success key. Having thousands of small products, things can get messy. Credit Creates Growth Too Equally important in any business is having someone who understands credit and how valuable that is, according to the CEO. "Cory is a credit account genius. To this day, The Perfect Part Inc. has never had any outside lending, or any amount of interest paid. This is all thanks to Cory and his credit account expertise," noted Adam about his identical twin. Cory allowed their business to flourish by expanding it on commercial credit cards for fast and efficient growth. It also forced vendors to take credit card payments because they wanted more business from The Perfect Part. "Cory always said, 'Why use our money when we can use someone else's for free'," noted Adam. Adam also learned to give moral credit to his workers and trust their performance. He readily admitted that one of his largest key events in growing his business was learning to put important work in the hands of others and trusting that they will do a great job. In the first years, he would never allow anyone to be on the eBay e-commerce platform. Now he has at least 10 people connected to the platform at any given time -- be it customer service, inventory management, or shipping. Alternatives to eBay People always ask Adam how to sell on eBay and if it can be a career or even an end goal to retirement. The truth is that it is, he replied. However, there are other options that are easier. Although he does have great success on eBay, there are only a few sellers on eBay that are like The Perfect Part, he added. He has branched out to other selling options, including Amazon. "If you are looking to sell online full time and make a career out of it, my best advice is Amazon. However, I'm not saying no to eBay. eBay is also a must but should be introduced after gaining success on Amazon. eBay is worth $35 billion while Amazon is worth $1 trillion dollars. This tells you that there are countless more customers on Amazon versus eBay," he advised. Jack M. Germain has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His main areas of focus are enterprise IT, Linux and open-source technologies. He is an esteemed reviewer of Linux distros and other open-source software. In addition, Jack extensively covers business technology and privacy issues, as well as developments in e-commerce and consumer electronics. Email Jack. Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. IF you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home. Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court. 20% off a brake pad replacement is available at Steele Honda for certain Honda vehicles Steele Honda, a dealership in St. Johns, is offering a February brake special for 20% off a brake pad replacement. This temporary special offer ends on Feb 26, 2021. Drivers in the area who drive 2013 through 2020 models of the Honda Civic or the Honda CR-V are eligible to take advantage of this temporary offer. Other models are not included. Along with this temporary offer, drivers will receive a lifetime replacement guarantee on the brake pads and a complimentary service video. The replacement will be done by Honda factory-trained technicians with Honda genuine parts. This ensures that the brake pad replacement complies with warranty standards for Honda vehicles. Using non-genuine parts can sometimes forfeit future warranty coverage. Drivers who are interested in getting their brake pads replaced this month at Steele Honda are encouraged to learn more about the dealership on the dealerships website, steelehonda.com. On the website, drivers can learn more about the dealerships service department by going to the Our Services page under the Service drop-down menu. Drivers can also use the website to schedule a maintenance appointment online, with a form under the same drop-down menu. Another notable feature of the Steele Honda website is its blog. The blog is linked under the About drop-down menu. Topics on the blog include maintenance information and how-to videos for interested customers, along with general vehicle information and local event topics. Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 4:33 pm On Jan. 30, my wife and daughter assisted me into the Providence Centralia Hospital emergency room where I was quickly and efficiently admitted and triaged. Shortly thereafter, I was enveloped into a caring and professional medical journey. In a relatively short time, I was correctly diagnosed with complex pneumonia and admitted to a medical room. Professional nursing and compassionate care took control. In COVID-19 times, it is lonely, as no outside visitors are allowed. Shortly, the hometown effect went to work. In walked a good friend from my youth in Adna from the nursing staff to offer support, followed by a close friend from our local family unit to give her special brand of support. Then, daily and caring check-ins came from others I have met over the many years of living in the community. What a support! Dr. Yan, a skillful local surgeon, inserted a chest tube to relieve the pain but said he wanted a specialist to take over, and off to Swedish in Seattle I went. Swedish gave me great care, and I arrived home Friday during the snowstorm to my warm, loving Chehalis home and community. I am hometown grateful and blessed. P.S. Wear your darn mask! Greg Lund Chehalis New LifeWay Research determines that Americans are less hopeful about race after the previous administration. Image: Canva Fewer Americans believe our nation has made significant progress in race relations, and a majority say things grew worse under Donald Trumps presidency. A new study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research conducted prior to the 2020 election finds U.S. adults are less likely now than in 2014 to agree with the statement We have come so far on racial relations. Today, 46% say we have made worthwhile progress28 points fewer than in 2014 when 74% said the same. Americans are also twice as likely to disagree than in 2014. Today, 46% dont believe we have come a long way on race relations, while it was 23% in 2014. With a change in methodology from telephone in 2014 to online, we cannot say definitively if this decreased optimism is an actual change in sentiment or increased forthrightness, said Scott McConnell executive director of Lifeway Research. Regardless, optimism on race relations is lower than we previously thought. White Americans are the most likely to say weve made significant progress (51%), while African Americans are the most likely to disagree (66%). Religiously unaffiliated Americans are the religious group least likely to agree with the statement (38%). Among Christians, those who attend at least monthly (57%) are more likely than those who attend less frequently (39%) to believe the nation has come a long way on race relations. Americans with evangelical beliefs are more likely to agree (58%) than those without such beliefs (43%). Religious influence When thinking about how to improve race relations, most Americans (57%) say religious leaders play a positive role. Around a quarter (24%) disagree, and 18% arent sure. Currently, some of the most skeptical of religious leaders positive impact on race relations are the religiously unaffiliated, young adults and those without much formal education. Religiously unaffiliated adults are the most likely religious demographic to disagree (38%). Those age 18-34 are the least likely to say religious leaders play a positive role in race relations (50%) and most likely to say they arent sure (27%). Those with a bachelors (67%) or graduate degree (63%) are more likely to agree religious leaders help than those with a high school degree or less (51%). Among Christians, the more often they attend church services, the more likely they are to believe religious leaders play a positive role in race relations. Those who are around church the most see religious leaders contributions to race relations, said McConnell. However, there appears to be a need for both more positive contributions and for such stories to be shared, as more than a quarter of the non-religious and young adults dont see it. Americans are divided over whether U.S. churches are too segregated. More than 2 in 5 (42%) believe that to be true, while 36% disagree and 22% arent sure. Young adults, those age 18-34, are more likely to view churches as too segregated (46%) than those 50 and older (38%). Half of African Americans (52%) and Hispanics (50%) agree, compared to 38% of white adults. Slightly more than a third of Protestants (37%) believe churches are too segregated, the lowest among religious groups. The religiously unaffiliated (48%), other religions (47%) and Catholics (45%) are all more likely to say congregations are too racially segregated. A previous Lifeway Research study found evidence churches are becoming more diverse, though most are still mostly one ethnic group. In 2017, 81% of Protestant pastors said their church was predominantly one racial group, down from 86% in 2013. A long way to go? In the latest Lifeway Research survey, most Americans (58%) say race relations in the country grew more strained since the election of Trump as president, while 18% say things have stayed the same and 11% say relations have improved. African Americans (72%) are most likely to say race relations grew more strained under President Trump, but majorities of Hispanics (61%) and whites (54%) also agree. Currently, 71% of Americans agree with the statement: Weve got so far to go on racial relations, while 21% disagree. The portion of those who believe we have much farther to go is down from 81% in 2014. Among African Americans, however, 81% still agree that the U.S. has a long way to go. For 7 in 10 Americans (69%), racial diversity is good for the country. Around a quarter (23%) disagree. This is down from 2014 when 82% of Americans said they believed our nations racial diversity was beneficial. The percentage of white Americans who see diversity as good fell almost 20 points (85% in 2014 to 66% today). Among those that identify as Christian, those who attend church less than once a month are the least likely to see racial diversity as good for the U.S. (63%). This seems to be an area where pastors are influencing those who are in the pews, said McConnell. In the 2017 Lifeway Research study, 93% of Protestant pastors said every church should strive to achieve racial diversity. Those that attend more frequently are more likely to see diversity as a benefit to our country. Former Middlesex Borough Mayor Ronald J. DiMura was sentenced to seven years in state prison Tuesday after he admitted last year that he stole more than $75,000 from numerous local political campaigns, authorities said. DiMura, 64, whose term as mayor ended in December 2019, pleaded guilty on Aug. 13, 2020 to second-degree theft by deception. As part of his plea deal, he will be permanently barred from public office and employment in New Jersey, according to a statement from the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office. The former mayor also must also pay restitution in the amount of $83,372, and must forfeit $163,582, representing the remainder of the funds he stole, the office said. He resigned after being indicted in December 2019, just days before his term was set to expire as he had been defeated in his run for reelection by Republican challenger John L. Madden a month earlier. At that time he was charged with three counts of theft by deception, two counts of official misconduct, misapplication of entrusted property, money laundering, pattern of official misconduct and tampering with physical records, the office has said. DiMura served as treasurer for the Middlesex Borough Democratic Campaign Committee and several other campaigns for candidates seeking office in Middlesex, officials said. Between January 2013 and June 2019, he used his position to steal $190,000 by making donations to the charity he runs, which then paid out only a small fraction of the funds for their intended purpose, Grewal said. The rest of the money was funneled from the bank account of the charity to DiMuras personal bank account or a business account he controlled, the office said. The investigation revealed that DiMura stole over $75,000 from several investors by creating the false impression that they were loaning him money that he would invest on their behalf, and would generate large interest payments for them, according to the statement. However, DiMura did not make any investments with the money and just deposited the funds into his personal bank account or the business account he controlled, authorities said. He used some funds to pay back the investors, but most of them did not receive any of the promised interest and were owed substantial amounts of their investment. DiMura also used his position as mayor to solicit $10,000 in donations for the charity from an unidentified developer doing business in Middlesex while not using the money for that purpose, the office said. A Democrat, DiMura was elected as mayor in November 2015 and previously served as on Middlesex Borough town council, where he was voted council president and appointed finance chairman. 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. New Delhi: South Africa on Tuesday (February 16, 2021) refuted the claims that the country has asked the Serum Institute of India (SII) to take back its 1 million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. South Africa, however, is planning to share the one million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses it received from the SII with other African countries via the African Union (AU), a Reuters report said. "I would like to clarify a few media reports that said we have returned the vaccines to India. We have not returned the AstraZeneca vaccines to India," WION quoted South Africa's Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize as saying. Mkhize added, "The AstraZeneca doses we purchased have been offered to the African Union platform, of which we are part of, and the AU will distribute to those countries who have already expressed interest in acquiring the stock." He also stated, "I also wish to once again put it on record that the vaccines have not expired and that the expiry date of April was established through our quality control processes - a wrong impression was created that the vaccines have expired - this is simply not true." This is to be noted that South Africa had paused the rollout of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine doses this month after preliminary trial data showed they offered minimal protection against mild to moderate illness from the country's dominant COVID-19 variant. The country is now likely to administer Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines from Wednesday. "It has been consulting with scientists about what to do with the AstraZeneca vaccine, switching to a plan to start inoculating healthcare workers with J&J's alternative in a research study," Reuters reported. Over 80,000 J&J shots are likely to arrive initially, and up to 5,00,000 health workers could be reportedly immunised in total in the study. Meanwhile, country's COVID-19 count has increased to 1.49 million, of which, 1.39 million have recovered, whereas, 48,094 have succumbed to the virus. In related news, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday gave emergency use approval to AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine and allowed its distribution to the world's poorest countries. The SII is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer and has also emerged as a key supplier of the AstraZeneca shot across the world. Squeeze in a read with Louth Library Service on February 25th to celebrate Ireland's first ever national reading day and reading campaign, Ireland Reads. The campaign encourages everyone young and old to 'squeeze in a read' to help their mental well-being and to get back into the habit of reading. The campaign is running throughout February. A website is available at www.irelandreads.ie where visitors can pledge to read on Ireland Reads Day. Ireland Reads is funded by the Department of Health as part of the national Keep Well programme which urges the importance of taking time for yourself to relax and do things that you enjoy (like reading) to look after your mental well being. A number of campaign ambassadors from the worlds of writing, science, sport and broadcasting are helping to promote the campaign including local ambassadors in Co.Louth such as Marian Clarke and Drogheda Creative Writers, Jamie Staudt, Kevin Branigan, Emer Conlon, Nicola Pierce, Grace Tierney, Ruth Campbell, Anthony Murphy to name but a few. While our libraries are not open for browsing or borrowing due to Covid restrictions, library members can use the Library BorrowBox service online and choose from more that 44,000 e-books and 33,000 audiobooks. The Library service continues to offer its housebound delivery service to those cocooning. All of the Ireland Reads resources, tips and online events can be found at facebook.com/ LouthCountyLibraries and at www.irelandreads.ie Let's all squeeze in a read on February 25th! Remember that warm-weather place you cherished as a winter getaway back in those hazy, crazy, pre-pandemic days of, say, 2019? What would it be like to live there year-round? For more Americans, this alluring fantasy has become a reality, especially during this particularly bleak COVID-19 winter. As office and home, work and play blend together in this pandemic age, areas that once served as sunny vacation respites from chillier climes are emerging as desirable long-term locations for remote workersand thats been a game changer for real estate markets across the country. Traditionally, winter is a season when many residents of northern, colder states move south to enjoy the warmer weather in states nearer the Gulf Coast, says George Ratiu, senior economist for realtor.com. This year, the migration is compounded by the COVID pandemic, leading lots of residents from the Northeast and Midwest to seek not only a seasonal escape but a permanent home. One driving force: These are often much cheaper places to buy a home, in an era when working remotely is becoming a viable long-term option. While expensive cities have long held a monopoly on great jobs, it now turns out that you don't actually have to pay for an overpriced, undersized urban apartment to make a great salary. And housing data shows that house hunters from snowy states have been bidding on homes in warmer and more affordable markets in Southern markets for a change of lifestyle, weather, and cost of living. To find the most affordable warm-weather destinations where folks can ride out the rest of the pandemicand well beyondthe realtor.com data team scoured the United States for counties with high median temperatures for January and February, lower cost of living with median home prices below $350,000, actual inventory, access to cultural and outdoor amenities, and high-speed internet so it's possible to get work done. We also factored in the number of vacation rentals in each county just in case theres a need to rent the place out. So why not escape that tiny, overpriced apartment amid the polar vortex gales to somewhere you can actually thaw out this winterand possibly every winter? Spring and summer, too! Let's take a tour of your potential new WFH headquarters. Infographic: Warm-weather escapes Tony Frenzel for realtor.com Median home price: $275,000 Tampa Bay residents are still celebrating their Super Bowl win, but the area has a lot more going for it than Tom Brady. The metro boasts 246 days of sunshine per year, average February temperatures in the 70s, and some of the softest sand in the continental U.S. along the Gulf Coast beaches in Pinellas County. The county, which sits along the Gulf of Mexico, across the bay from Tampa, has seen an influx of home buyers from colder, more expensive places like Illinois, Minnesota, and even New York, who have been snatching up real estate. We are having New Yorkers come to the Gulf Coast, says Terry Tillung, real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. There used to be separation where East Coast people would come to the east coast of Florida and Midwesterners would come here. Were seeing a shift now. Those Northeasterners and others from cold climes have been trading out their cramped apartments for homes near the water, including this two-bedroom condo with killer views of Clearwater Beach listed for $250,000 and this two-bedroom house in St. Petersburg Beach on the market for $245,000. Median listing price: $339,900 The Intracoastal Waterway as it bisects a residential neighborhood in the Pompano Beach area of South Florida just north of Fort Lauderdale. Getty Images As winter approached, remote workers from New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Chicago, and pricey California began flocking to Broward Countys beaches in droves. The area, home to Fort Lauderdale, is just north of Miami-Dade and all of its world-class cultural offerings, but boasts a more chill vibe. Its beachfront strip, once infamous for spring break shenanigans, now boasts high-end restaurants. Walkable and sophisticated Las Olas Boulevard attracts visitors from across the region who want to eat, shop, and drink. Plus, the area boasts a wide range of housing at a wide range of prices. For just $269,000, buyers can get into this two-bedroom condo right next to one of the nicest beaches in Fort Lauderdale. And those who want newer homes with more space and better public schools can drive 20 minutes west to find places like this three-bedroom townhouse in desirable Cooper City listed at $299,900. But these days, buyers need to move fast. It's been a complete frenzy, says Samantha DeBianchi, estate agent for DeBianchi Real Estate. If I put a home on the market and it's priced right, Ill get five calls within the first 30 minutes. Median listing price: $225,000 According to the San Diego Audubon Society, Corpus Christi is Americas birdiest place. The large, shallow bay on which it lies attracts diverse flocks of water birds, songbirds, and raptors that bring in avian aficionados from across the U.S. But its not just amateur ornithologists who have been migrating here. The family-friendly metro is protected from the Gulf of Mexico by the gorgeous Padre and Mustang islands, which offer outdoor activities ranging from beach combing and watching sea turtles hatch to camping and paddling trailsalong with plenty of tourists looking to rent vacation homes during season. Those homes are a steal. Starting in the mid-$100,000 range, buyers can get into condos with a view, including this two-bedroom on the water listed at $144,500 or a single-family nearby for a couple of hundred thousand more, including this three-bedroom house listed for $279,900. Median listing price: $175,000 Pelicans on Padre Island National Seashore iStock One county south of Nueces, Cameron County, home to Padre Island National Seashore and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, has the same warm winter weather (average highs are in the 60s) with even more nature access and cheaper real estate. For $159,000, house hunters can get into this three-bedroom home in Laguna Vista, right near the waterfront and the wildlife refuge. Folks seeking a beach lifestyle can find a two-bedroom condo in the hub of South Padre Island for $172,500. Median listing price: $179,800 Subdivision in Yuma, AZ iStock Theres a reason Yuma County is called Americas salad bowl. The border region produces much of the lettuce, broccoli, and other leafy greens that Americans eat during the winter months. Thats because with highs in the mid-70s come February, plants can get all the sun they need to thrive when much of the rest of the country is frozen over. The idyllic weather is reason enough to pack your bags and head south, but the landscape is just as impressive. Its home to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, a 665,400-acre preserve with one of the largest herds of desert bighorn sheep in the Southwest, deer, foxes, and a wide variety of plants, some found only in this small slice of the Grand Canyon state. Yuma County has plenty of affordable options for those seeking to thaw out through the winter, from relaxing retreats in the desert, such as this two-bedroom on an acre of land in Wellton for $139,900, to nice spreads in town with a pool, like this three-bedroom listed at $174,900. Median listing price: $179,000 Terrebonne Parish is known as a paradise for outdoor activities, where locals spend their free time hiking through nature preserves and hunting and fishing in the freshwater bayous and the Gulf of Mexico. Because everyone is outside so much anyway, the pandemic hasnt changed that much in terms of everyday life. My house is on the water, so COVID times did not even affect me, says Melanie Rogers Bruce, real estate agent with Keller Williams Bayou Partners. I sit out on my little dock, and any stress I have goes away. While the area does boast multimillion-dollar waterfront homes, the $250,000 to $400,000 range gets the most action. At that price, buyers can get their own little camp, a waterfront house raised on stilts with a dock, including this cute three-bedroom with a boat lift for $259,900. Median listing price: $175,000 One parish over from Terrebonne and just a hop, skip, and a jump from all the action and music of New Orleans, Lafourche Parish offers a similarly outdoorsy lifestyle to its outlying neighbor with the same mild winter climate. But the area also gives Nueces County (see above) a run for its money in birding. From fall through spring, a diverse array of migratory birds including herons, egrets, and hummingbirds spends time in the countys idyllic pockets of salt marsh, shallow bays, grassy meadows, and shady live oak forests. It is one of the biggest bird-watching communities in the nation, and theres monarch butterfly migration, says Rogers Bruce. Really its great for any kind of outdoor animal watching. Nature lovers can get into their own base near Grand Isle at prices starting around $200,000, including this $225,000 four-bedroom. Median listing price: $254,900 Savannah, GA iStock Savannahs oak-covered squares and historic homes have been drawing new residents seeking a calmer (and warmer) pace of life for the past decade or so, but the city has offered yet another carrot to lure remote workers since COVID-19 roiled big tech centers: a $2,000 reimbursement for relocaters. With its great restaurants, quaint streets, and gorgeous nearby beaches, its no surprise that this year has seen a massive influx of Northerners. Buyers who want to be right near the historic coreand take advantage of the citys moving incentivecan find small houses with compact yards starting in the $200,000s, including this two-bedroom cottage listed for $239,000. Median listing price: $260,000 Tucson and greater Pima County have been growing steadily over the past decade. This Sun Belt citys population has grown by a healthy 6.8% in the past decade, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Even more people have been coming in since COVID-19 hit. Remote workers from California, Nevada, and beyond have been snatching up fully contained spreads with room for entertaining (outdoors, obviously) and private pools, including this $260,000 four-bedroom and this $260,000 three-bedroom on an acre just outside Tucson Mountain Park. Everyone wants amenities now, says Jen Anderson of the Jen Anderson Team, Long Realty. Median listing price: $177,900 Biloxi beach in Harrison County, MS iStock Want to know where you can buy a single-family house just steps from the beach for less than $200,000? Look to Mississippi, specifically Harrison County. The popular second-home and retirement area offers mild winter temperatures (highs in the 60s), a plethora of outdoor activities, frequent events (in normal times), and incredibly affordable housing, including this four-bedroom ranch right near the sand in Pass Christian listed for $185,000. Mississippis beaches, which have been dubbed the Secret Coast, traditionally havent drawn as much attention as Florida, Alabama, and other coastal states, but thats started to change as more buyers from cold places like Michigan and Colorado have been buying up homes and land. Many people don't realize what a gem we have here, but I think the word is getting out, says Wendy Hope Boyd, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty. The post Most Affordable (and Warm) Places to WFH This Winter appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Bengaluru, Feb 16 : As many as 103 residents, mostly aged above 60, of an apartment in a Bengaluru suburb have tested positive for Covid-19 after attending a social gathering in their complex, officials said on Tuesday. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Commissioner N. Manjunatha Prasad told reporters that 103 people out of 1,052 residents of the SNN Lake View Apartments in Bommanahalli tested positive. "We have tested 1,052 residents of the apartment; one person is admitted in the hospital and others are in quarantine. The civic body had put in place various measures, including isolating and quarantining those who had tested positive and we have intensified contact tracing," he said. Bengaluru civic body officials said that there was a party on February 4 in the apartment, in which most of the residents participated. According to officials, the residents got to know that the infection had spread after some of them got themselves tested before a planned trip to Dehradun. "On February 10, their test results came positive and immediately they alerted the Residents Welfare Association of the apartment... the BBMP was informed and tested the residents," Prasad said. "Most are asymptomatic and none of them so far had any travel history. We have declared a containment zone as per the protocol of the Health Ministry, and groceries and daily essentials are supplied to the residents in the apartment," he added. The Commissioner said that samples have been sent to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (Nimhans) to find the variant of the virus. With 96 people who have tested positive above the age of 60 years, he said that the civic body was keeping watch on people with comorbidities, the elderly, pregnant ladies, children in the apartment. This is the second such cluster in Bengaluru in the last three days. On February 14, 40 students (35 girls and 5 boys) from a nursing college in R.T. Nagar had tested positive for Covid-19 and just before that, over 40 students from Mangaluru had tested positive as well. Prasad, who interacted virtually with more than 300 Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) on Covid measures, sought their cooperation, noting that they were fighting "an invisible enemy". "Caution is the only thing which works to beat this enemy. If we throw caution to the winds, then this enemy attacks mercilessly. We all need to work hard to keep a check on this virus," he said. He added that RWAs must take their affected residents to government hospitals where the recovery rate is very high. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Berger said when he read the findings of the first probe, "it was pretty clear to me we needed to do a follow-on... A court here on Tuesday directed Delhi Police to hand over to 21-year-old climate activist Disha Ravi a copy of the FIR and other documents related to her arrest in connection with allegedly being involved in sharing a "toolkit" on social media on the farmers' protest and allowed her to speak to her family. Besides the FIR, the court also directed the police to provide her the copies of the arrest memo and remand paper which was placed to seek her custodial interrogation. The court also permitted her to get warm clothes, masks and books. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Pankaj Sharma allowed Ravi to speak with her family members over phone for 15 minutes a day and meet with her lawyer for 30 minutes a day, while she is in police custody. The court passed the order on an application filed by Ravi through her lawyer. The court had on Sunday sent Ravi to five day police custody after the agency said her custodial interrogation was required to probe an alleged larger conspiracy against the government of India and to ascertain her alleged role relating to the Khalistan movement. Ravi, arrested by a Cyber Cell team of the Delhi Police from Bengaluru on Saturday, was produced before a court here and police had sought her seven days' custody. While seeking her custody, the police had told the court that the activist had allegedly edited the "toolkit" and many other people were involved in the matter. A "toolkit" is a document created to explain any issue. It also provides information on what one needs to do to address the issue. This might include information about petitions, details about protests and mass movements. Earlier, the Delhi Police had asked Google and some social media giants to provide information about email id, URLs and certain social media accounts related to the creators of the "toolkit" shared by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and others on Twitter in connection with the farmers' protest. The Cyber Cell had lodged an FIR against "pro-Khalistan" creators of the "toolkit" for waging a "social, cultural and economic war against the government of India". The case against unnamed persons was registered on charges of criminal conspiracy, sedition and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The "toolkit" was aimed at spreading disaffection and ill-will against the government of India and creating disharmony among various social, religious and cultural groups, the police had claimed. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) THE Manitoba governments Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy report says it will introduce outcomes-based metrics to control funding over the provinces public universities. Opinion THE Manitoba governments Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy report says it will introduce outcomes-based metrics to control funding over the provinces public universities. Universities should work to ensure that students succeed, connect with jobs and enjoy a good quality of life. Universities should promote student mobility so each student can pursue their educational and life goals. Universities and government should co-operate to make the system better. Faculty work with students daily and share these goals, and more. We want students not simply to learn specific skills and knowledge to enable them to earn a job today, but to develop lifelong learning skills that will enable them to adapt and compete for jobs in a rapidly changing job market. The premier has said the province will establish outcomes-based funding based on a model introduced in Tennessee more than 40 years ago to compel universities to reach these goals. It seems reasonable; shouldnt we all aim to reach goals? Shouldnt the province assess how we meet those goals as it provides substantial funding from the provincial purse? The devil is in the details. Empirical research shows overwhelmingly that performance-based funding doesnt work; in fact, it does the opposite, inflicting serious damage. It doesnt improve student learning, but it does make universities less accessible, less diverse and less affordable. It doesnt work, because these failed metrics reward institutions for doing the wrong things. Performance-based funding usually rewards universities for retaining and graduating students. That seems reasonable on the surface, but part of my job as a teacher is to determine that some students dont succeed. I do everything I can in my classroom to inspire students, to show I love the subject, to show students why it creates useful job skills and helps them to become more-informed citizens: to help them not only pass, but to excel. Sometimes, though, a student doesnt do the work or doesnt have an aptitude to learn the skills. My job is to maintain academic standards. In outcomes-based funding systems, governments punish universities for maintaining academic standards. So administrators game the system: lower the standards, fail fewer students, and secure more funding. Students wont learn the necessary skills, but its money, not quality, that matters under outcomes-based funding. It gets worse. Performance-based funding encourages universities to become more selective. They only take students with a high probability of graduating, a tactic known as "creaming." Money is diverted from needs-based scholarships for low-income students to merit-based scholarships that ensure only the very best get in and get funding. Who loses? Students of colour, students from low-income backgrounds, all those traditionally disadvantaged and languishing in cycles of poverty and ill health. In short, those who would benefit most from a university education. How will these perverse "incentives" help Manitoba students meet their dreams? Performance-based models typically make arbitrary distinctions about students employment six months or two years after graduation. But the data already show that Manitoba universities work: graduates, whether in the arts, or sciences, or in professional schools, make more money, are more likely to be employed and have better health outcomes than non-graduates. And why look to Tennessee, anyway? Tennessee performs poorly on nearly every measure of educational success: it ranks near the bottom in participation in higher education; its near the bottom of state funding for higher education; Tennesseans are poorly paid, suffer more inequality, higher levels of crime and poorer health outcomes than the vast majority of Americans. Monitoring outcomes-based funding adds an enormous bureaucratic burden, as universities will divert resources away from the front lines of teaching and toward the back rooms of data processing, to supply more government bureaucrats who spend their time processing this data. There is a certain irony that a Progressive Conservative government that takes pride in reducing "red tape" is busy creating it. If performance-based funding doesnt work, then why bother? If it is not really about improving student performance, what is it about? Given this governments appetite for downsizing the public sector, it is not a stretch to suggest it is to provide cover for Pallister to slash provincial funding for university students, using government rhetoric about efficiency to conceal the real agenda. Manitobans need to make it clear that they will not stand for the premiers attempts to race states like Tennessee to the bottom by removing stable, effective funding from Manitobans public university system. Bruce Strang is a professor of history at Brandon University, a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a member of the council of the Manitoba Organization of Faculty Associations. SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Red 6, a revolutionary technology firm at the forefront of synthetic air combat training, is proud to announce that Gen. Mike Holmes, USAF, Ret., has been appointed to Chairman of the Red 6 Board. Ret. Gen. Holmes originally joined the Red 6 advisory board in early October of 2020. "It goes without saying that General Holmes is an incredible addition to the Red 6 board and will be instrumental in guiding us towards achieving our vision," said Daniel Robinson, Founder and CEO of Red 6. "As the company continues to grow, and our capabilities mature, we will draw heavily on the experience, leadership and unique insight that General Holmes brings to the table," continued Robinson. "I am delighted to join the Red 6 board as chairman and I'm eager to play a role in the continued growth of such an important company," said Ret. Gen. Holmes. "Over the past few months, I've spent a lot of time with Dan and the Red 6 team and I am extremely impressed with his vision and unwavering commitment to addressing a critical national security readiness issue. Red 6 is ushering in a new training paradigm for our combat aviators that redefines what is possible and provides compelling financial benefits. I'm excited to play my part in helping to bring this technology to the cockpit, and I believe the Red 6 approach will ultimately scale across all domains," continued Ret. Gen. Holmes. The Pentagon has pivoted its training readiness focus from supporting two decades of ground-based operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, to building the readiness required to defeat a near-peer threat. Robinson, the first foreign national to fly the F-22 Raptor, founded Red 6 on the belief that we are facing a national security crisis. "Control of the skies is not the pre-ordained right of the United States and its allies and with China, we are now faced with a peer competitor that has aligned a long-term geo-political strategy to the systematic mobilization of a defense industrial base. Our adversaries are innovating more quickly than we are and we are not adequately prepared. We should be deeply concerned," said Robinson. "We must change and improve the way we train today, or we risk losing an airborne combat mission within the next 3-5 years," said Ret. General Holmes. "As CSAF C.Q, Brown says, we must accelerate change or lose." Red 6 is addressing this readiness shortfall by focusing on a future vision whereby a combination of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) is used to generate a realistic synthetic training environment that allows flight crews to visually maneuver against any number of current, near-peer threat aircraft. "Ultimately, we want to play our role in assuring the security of the United States and its allies and I encourage all stakeholders to get behind this vision," said Robinson. For more information about Red 6 visit www.red6ar.com About Red 6 Red 6 is the creator of ATARS (Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System). ATARS is the first wide field-of-view, full color demonstrably proven outdoor augmented reality solution that works in dynamic outdoor environments. ATARS allows Virtual and Constructive assets into the real-world by allowing pilots and ground operators to see synthetic threats in real-time, outdoors and critically, in high-speed environments. By blending augmented reality and artificial intelligence and using both the indoor and outdoor space around us as a medium, Red 6 has redefined the limits of how the world will experience, share, and interact with its information. SOURCE Red 6 Related Links http://www.red6ar.com Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 4:55 pm Cascade Community Healthcare and Hope Alliance have partnered to roll out a new program to increase access to advocacy, peer support and therapy services to individuals experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault in Lewis County. Oftentimes, survivors are tasked with navigating systems of care without adequate support. This program is innovative in its focus on increased care coordination that centers individual needs in treatment and safety planning, said Hope Alliance and Cascade in a joint press release. The program enables advocates and a number of therapists to receive the state certification for the treatment of sexual assault with the Washington Coalition for Sexual Assault Prevention (WCSAP) and allows anyone seeking services to do so, regardless of their insurance status. As we build capacity in our community for providing resources and support to survivors, we also hope that we can address the problem in a way that encourages policy-makers, attorneys, law enforcement, and local government authorities to consider how stakeholders can collaborate to educate, prevent and respond appropriately to survivor needs, the press release stated. The program also aims to bring awareness about the problem of domestic violence in the community, which, according to recent data released by the state Department of Health, has only worsened since the onset of COVID-19. According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), reports of domestic violence across the state have increased by 14 to 20% compared with data from the same period in 2019. Moreover, reports of sexual assault appear to be on the rise in our rural community as well, with many individuals lacking access to supportive networks, said the press release. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the problem is likely more widespread than the data demonstrates, as residents oftentimes never report incidents of abuse, or, as a result of the widespread lack of broadband access in many parts of the county, are unable to connect with supportive services. The program is supported by a Victims of Crime Advocacy (VOCA) grant for Unmet Needs administered by the Washington Department of Commerce but victim service coalitions are concerned that the state Legislature may significantly decrease the funding available for these VOCA grants. Washington state has seen three years of significant decrease in the federal VOCA award, but there has not been a steady decrease in funding, according to the state Department of Commerce. We hope that in bringing awareness to the severity of the problem of domestic violence and sexual assault in Lewis County, we can also encourage our local government to work with us to devise creative solutions that will ensure that these vital services continue to be available, said the press release. Hope Alliance is a nonprofit providing advocacy and shelter to survivors in the county and served over 700 individuals in the last fiscal year. Cascade Community Healthcare is a nonprofit behavioral health agency that served around 5,000 individuals last year. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. in this file photo dated Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, a Moroccan nurse administers the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to a health worker, at Cheikh Khalifa Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco. The World Health Organization Monday Feb. 15, 2021, granted an emergency authorization to the coronavirus vaccine made by AstraZeneca, a move that should allow its partners to ship millions of doses to countries worldwide as part of a U.N.-backed program to stop the pandemic.(AP Photo/Abdeljalil Bounhar) The World Health Organization has granted an emergency authorization to AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, a move that should allow the U.N. agency's partners to ship millions of doses to countries as part of a U.N.-backed program to tame the pandemic. In a statement Monday, the WHO said it was clearing the AstraZeneca vaccines made by the Serum Institute of India and South Korea's AstraZeneca-SKBio. The WHO's green light for the AstraZeneca vaccine is only the second one the U.N. health agency has issued after authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December. Monday's announcement should trigger the delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to countries that have signed up for the U.N.-backed COVAX effort, which aims to deliver vaccines to the world's most vulnerable people. "Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk," said Dr. Mariangela Simao, the WHO's Assistant-Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. The coronavirus has infected more than 109 million people and killed at least 2.4 million of them. But many countries have not yet started vaccination programs and even rich nations are facing shortages of vaccine doses as manufacturers struggle to ramp up production. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a vial of the AstraZeneca vaccine during a visit to a coronavirus vaccination centre at the Health and Well-being Centre in Orpington, south-east London, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. (Jeremy Selwyn/Pool Photo via AP) The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been authorized in more than 50 countries, including Britain, India, Argentina and Mexico. It is cheaper and easier to handle than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which needs deep-cold storage that is not widespread in many developing nations. Both vaccines require two shots per person, given weeks apart. Last week, WHO vaccine experts recommended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people over age 18, including in countries that have detected variants of COVID-19. But that was contrary to the recommendation from the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said countries that had identified a virus variant first seen in South Africa should be "cautious" in their use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, suggesting that other shots be prioritized instead. The AstraZeneca vaccine forms the bulk of COVAX's stockpile and concerns were recently raised after an early study suggested it might not prevent mild and moderate disease caused by the variant first seen South Africa. Last week, South Africa scaled back its planned rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, opting instead to use an unlicensed shot from Johnson & Johnson for its health care workers. COVAX has already missed its own goal of beginning coronavirus vaccinations in poor countries at the same time that shots were rolled out in rich countries. Numerous developing countries have rushed in recent weeks to sign their own private deals to buy vaccines, unwilling to wait for COVAX. In this file photo dated Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, a health worker prepares a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine to be administered in Fiumicino, near Rome's international airport. The World Health Organization Monday Feb. 15, 2021, granted an emergency authorization to the coronavirus vaccine made by AstraZeneca, a move that should allow its partners to ship millions of doses to countries worldwide as part of a U.N.-backed program to stop the pandemic.(AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, FILE) WHO and its partners, including the vaccines alliance GAVI, have not said which countries will receive the first doses from COVAX. But an initial plan showed a handful of rich countries that have signed multiple private vaccine deals, including Canada, South Korea and New Zealand, are also scheduled to receive early doses from COVAX. Some public health experts called that "very problematic" and attributed it to COVAX's flawed design, which allowed donor countries to double dip by purchasing vaccines from the program while also signing their own commercial deals. "Canada has ordered enough doses to supply their population about five times over and now they're looking to accept their share of doses from COVAX, which would otherwise be given to poor nations," said Anna Marriott, health policy lead for Oxfam International. WHO chief scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has said rich countries that have signed up to receive vaccines from COVAX won't have their requests denied. "The COVAX facility is not going to penalize countries," she said in early February. In this file photo dated Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, Doses of AstraZeneca vaccines for COVID-19 sit in vials at the Fiocruz Foundation after being bottled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The World Health Organization Monday Feb. 15, 2021, granted an emergency authorization to the coronavirus vaccine made by AstraZeneca, a move that should allow its partners to ship millions of doses to countries worldwide as part of a U.N.-backed program to stop the pandemic.(AP Photo/Bruna Prado, FILE) After pledging more than $400 million to COVAX last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was always his country's intention to get vaccines through COVAX. Marriott said rich countries planning to take doses from COVAX should reconsider their intentions, given their earlier calls of support for the effort's goal of equal access to vaccines for all the world's nations, rich or poor. "It seems quite hypocritical," she said. "Rich countries with their own supplies should make the right call and not take vaccines from countries who are really in a dire situation." 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. Defending his move to dissolve the House of Representatives, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has blamed some leaders of the ruling Communist Party (NCP) for attempting to form a "parallel government". Oli made the comments while highlighting the major achievements of the government during his address from the prime minister's office in Singha Durbar on the occasion of the third anniversary of the government on Monday. plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Oli, in a surprise move, dissolved the House of Representatives, amidst a tussle for power with his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. His move to dissolve the 275-member House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party. The Prachanda-led faction has been holding anti-government protest rallies and public gatherings in various parts of the country, including Kathmandu. Both Prachanda and the rival Oli group claim to control the Nepal Communist Party and the issue is being disputed at the Election Commission. Oli said that his government had been facing obstacles similar to that of a coalition government for the past one year. Blaming his own party colleagues, he defended his move to dissolve the House, saying that some leaders of the party attempted to form a "parallel government". Oli also blamed the rival faction of the party for obstructing the process of the endorsement of various bills, recommendations for the vacant position in various constitutional bodies and hearing in parliament. Such an inappropriate act was purely an exercise of a parallel government, he said. On the occasion, Oli mentioned the implementation of constitution and federalism; putting in place the necessary policies and legal arrangements and the encouraging overall economic situation in the country as his government's major achievements. The government has achieved rapid progress in the post-earthquake reconstruction; and the encouraging progress made in the education, health and social security sectors, Oli said. The prime minister said that the size of public spending has increased nearly 29 per cent and the size of the public budget too has grown by 186 per cent. The per capita income has increased by 23.6 per cent to 1,097 USD. More than 900,000 people have been taken out of absolute poverty. If there weren't COVID-19, this number would cross 1.5 million," he said. He said the UN Human Development Report shows that the Human Development Index has increased by more than five percentage points, poverty has not increased and there is no hunger in Nepal. He added that 559,461 private houses damaged by the 2015 earthquake have been rebuilt and that 95 per cent of the quake-damaged government buildings have already been reconstructed. Oli had earlier said he was forced to dissolve the House after knowing that the Prachanda-led faction was planning to file a no-confidence motion against him and introduce an impeachment motion against President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Oli-led CPN-UML and Prachanda-led NCP (Maoist Centre) merged in May 2018 to form a unified Nepal Communist Party following victory of their alliance in the 2017 general elections. The Prachanda-led faction, which is currently launching agitation to get official recognition from the Election Commission as the legitimate NCP, held a massive rally last week in a bid to show its strength. (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 price of bitcoin has hit a new all-time high following further endorsements from Wall Street investment banks. The cryptocurrency reached above $50,000 (35,900) for the first time on Tuesday, marking the latest peak in a recovery that has seen it rise in value 10-fold since last March. Both JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley appear to be considering a move into the cryptocurrency, with a $150bn (108bn) Morgan Stanley investing arm currently eyeing up bitcoin, according to Bloomberg. JPMorgan co-president Daniel Pinto also said the New York-based multinational could soon join other finance heavyweights by adding it to its list of bets. If over time an asset class develops that is going to be used by different asset managers and investors, we will have to be involved, he told CNBC. The demand isnt there yet, but Im sure it will be at some point. Bitcoins latest gains mean it is just an 8 per cent jump away from having a market cap of $1 trillion (719bn). The surging price has been fuelled by both institutional investors, who increasingly seek to add cryptocurrency to their portfolios, as well as major payments firms like Mastercard and PayPal. Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Satoshi Nakamoto creates the first bitcoin block in 2009 On 3 January, 2009, the genesis block of bitcoin appeared. It came less than a year after the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto detailed the cryptocurrency in a paper titled 'Bitcoin: A peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System' Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin is used as a currency for the first time On 22 May, 2010, the first ever real-world bitcoin transaction took place. Lazlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins the equivalent of $90 million at today's prices Lazlo Hanyecz Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Silk Road opens for business Bitcoin soon gained notoriety for its use on the dark web. The Silk Road marketplace, established in 2011, was the first of hundreds of sites to offer illegal drugs and services in exchange for bitcoin Screenshot Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The first bitcoin ATM appears On 29 October, 2013, the first ever bitcoin ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada. The machine allowed people to exchange bitcoins for cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The fall of MtGox The world's biggest bitcoin exchange, MtGox, filed for bankruptcy in February 2014 after losing almost 750,000 of its customers bitcoins. At the time, this was around 7 per cent of all bitcoins and the market inevitably crashed Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Would the real Satoshi Nakamoto please stand up In 2015, Australian police raided the home of Craig Wright after the entrepreneur claimed he was Satoshi Nakamoto. He later rescinded the claim Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's big split On 1 August, 2017, an unresolvable dispute within the bitcoin community saw the network split. The fork of bitcoin's underlying blockchain technology spawned a new cryptocurrency: Bitcoin cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's price sky rockets Towards the end of 2017, the price of bitcoin surged to almost $20,000. This represented a 1,300 per cent increase from its price at the start of the year Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures What goes up... Bitcoin price crashes spectacularly, losing half of its value in a matter of days Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin plunges The cryptocurrency eventually bottoms out below $4,000 in 2019 before slowly rebuilding momentum to outperform more traditional assets Getty Images Interest has also come from other industries, with Tesla announcing a $1.5bn (1.2bn) investment in bitcoin last week. Bitcoin rose more than 25 per cent during the week after a series of major announcements from companies, including Tesla, Simon Peters, a cryptocurrency analyst at the online investment platform eToro, told The Independent. Teslas move sparked further announcements from other industries last week, with many of the leading names in banking and finance announcing similar plans to integrate crypto assets. Among these was Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon), Americas oldest bank, who announced plans to transfer and issue bitcoin this year. BNY Mellon executive Roman Regelman said at the time that digital assets are becoming part of the mainstream and that the bank would eventually treat bitcoin like any other asset. Burma Myanmar Military Slaps Suu Kyi With One More Charge Daw Aung San Suu Kyi campaigning ahead of the Nov. 8 general election. / The Irrawaddy YANGON Myanmars State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was sued with an extra charge on Tuesday for breaching COVID-19 restrictions, a charge that could hand her an extra three years in prison. The military regime initially sued her under the Export and Import Law, accusing her of possessing illegally imported walkie-talkies. It carries up to three years imprisonment. Despite a postponement of her hearing until Wednesday, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint were tried by video conference on Tuesday at Zabuthiri Township Court in Naypyitaw. They are both remanded in custody. They have been detained since the coup on Feb. 1. The military regime sued the president under the Natural Disaster Management Law. On Tuesday, Daw Aung San Suu Kyis lawyer U Khin Maung Zaw told the media that she was also being sued under the Natural Disaster Management Law (probably for breaching COVID-19 restrictions during the election campaign.) There were no more new charges for the president, the lawyer said. The township court information officer Daw Nang Aye Mya Thiri told the media after the hearing that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi agreed to hire a lawyer to represent her in court while U Win Myint would defend himself. He used to be a lawyer. The 70-year-old president is accused of violating COVID-19 restrictions by greeting a National League for Democracy campaign rally with his wife and daughter at the gate of his presidential residence in September. The statement claimed that the rally was attended by around 760 people. The health ministry set a maximum attendance of 50 people for political campaign events amid COVID-19. Other political parties also staged large rallies. If found guilty, the president could face up to three years in prison. Their next hearings are set for March 1. Meanwhile, protests against the coup and rallies calling for the release of the president and state counselor are continuing throughout the country since last week. You may also like these stories: Business Groups Voice Deep Concern Over Regimes Proposed Cyber Law Customers Flock to Withdraw Cash From Myanmar Military-Owned Banks The Coup in Myanmar: How the Generals Miscalculated Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, is seen in New York City on Oct. 18, 2019. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Steve Bannon: Trump Could Run for House Speaker in 2022 and Impeach Biden Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon told Boston Republicans that former President Donald Trump could run for House speaker in 2022 and impeach President Joe Biden before running for president in 2024, the Boston Herald reported. Trump is a disrupter, but he had a long term vision, Bannon told the Boston Ward 20 Republicans at their second annual Lincoln Day Breakfast on Saturday morning. I absolutely believe in the marrow of my bones that he will be our nominee in 2024. He will come back to us. We will have a sweeping victory in 2022. And hell lead us in 2024. Bannon suggested that theres no need to form a third party. Thats a waste of time, Bannon said. We can transform the Republican Party into more of a MAGA [Make America Great Again] movement just immerse the [MAGA] movement with the Republican Party, and were going to have massive victories in the future. Bannon also talked about his plan that Trump should run for House speaker in 2022. He said that Republicans could have have a massive Tea Party sweep like we did in 2010 so they can pick up dozens of seats in Congress and totally get rid of Nancy Pelosi. He said the first act of Trump as speaker would be to impeach Biden. After impeaching Joe Biden in 100 days, President Trump steps down and announces hes running in 2024, Bannon added, to applause from the crowd. Bannon was pardoned by Trump hours before he left the White House. Bannon had been indicted for fraud charges relating to a border wall fundraising effort. Lou Murray, chair of the Boston Ward 20 Republican Committee, told The Epoch Times that Trump would win 2024 if he chooses to run. Trump hasnt declared that he would run in 2024. He indicated that he will be back in some form when he left office on Jan. 20. Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told Politico last week that in the aftermath of Jan. 6, Trump wouldnt run for federal office again. I dont think hes going to be in the picture, Haley said. I dont think he can. Hes fallen so far. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) expressed disagreement with Haley during an interview with Fox News on Sunday. Donald Trump is the most vibrant member of the Republican Party, Graham said. The Trump movement is alive and well. Murray also criticized Haleys comments. She is seen at best as a craven political careerist, at worst as an empty-headed tool of the corporatists, Murray told The Epoch Times. Either way, she is out of step with the new GOP that is all-in for America first and the American worker. The Epoch Times reached out to Trumps office for comment. In a statement after his acquittal from impeachment, Trump said the Make America Great Again movement had just begun. In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people, he said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Yes, Theyre Open is a web series highlighting local bars and restaurants that are open for takeout, delivery, pickup or dining during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Live streams from the featured restaurants are broadcast on the Advance Facebook page every weekday around 3 p.m. On Monday, the Advance/SILive.com visited Beans and Leaves at 422 Forest Ave. in West Brighton, which is open for pickup and indoor dining from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit beansandleavescafe.com. YES, THEYRE OPEN: Beans and Leaves offers indoor dining, pickup and delivery at 422 Forest Ave. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, follow www.beansandleavescafe.com Posted by Staten Island Advance on Monday, February 15, 2021 Staten Island restaurant owners: If you would like your establishment featured for free as part of Yes, Theyre Open, email reporter Victoria Priola at vpriola@siadvance.com. WANT MORE YES, THEYRE OPEN? Check out the listings below or check out all of our previous coverage here. Giovannis Trattoria, 3800 Richmond Ave. Il Forno Pizzeria, 6382 Amboy Road Vodega Deli & Grocery, 829 Castleton Ave. Dolce Fantasia, 1210 Forest Ave. Prak Seiha was hit from behind with a rock, leaving him with broken teeth and requiring 10 stitches. Chan Tun lies on a bed at a clinic in Kandal province after being hit by a motorbike, Feb. 11, 2021. An activist with the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was severely bludgeoned by unknown assailants Tuesday in the latest of a string of assaults on opponents of Prime Minister Hun Sen and his ruling party, he told RFAs Khmer Service. Prak Seiha, the former commune councilor of Kamboul commune in the capital Phnom Penhs Kamboul district, told RFA he was hit from behind with a rock by two assailants on a motorbike as he was traveling to the citys Prampi Makara district. The assault broke several of his teeth, injured his mouth, and required 10 stitches, he said. The former CNRP commune chief told RFA from the hospital where he is receiving treatment that the attack came after he refused to defect to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP), prompting threats on Facebook and entreaties by former opposition members who had switched allegiances. He had refused, he said, deciding to continue his job as a motor taxi driver. Prak Seiha said he believes the assault was politically motivated and part of a bid to discourage CNRP activism, but vowed to continue his efforts, adding that he is unlikely to file a complaint because he does not expect justice to be done. I appeal to the United Nations to monitor the human rights situation in Cambodia, he said. Those who oppose the government are being beaten and attacked. As of mid-February, more than 30 CNRP activists, their relatives and advocates have reported being beaten by anonymous attackers since early last yearmostly by motorbike-riding assailants targeting their heads. The attackers have used batons and bricks, and also their own vehicles, against victims. Cambodias Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP in November 2017, two months after the arrest of its leader Kem Sokha for his role in an alleged scheme to topple the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen. Police detained Prak Seiha and his wife for around 12 hours at the time. The ban, along with a wider crackdown on NGOs and the independent media, paved the way for Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to win all 125 seats in the countrys 2018 general election. RFA was unable to reach National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun for comment Tuesday, but he had previously urged victims to file complaints with the authorities and urged them to refrain from linking the attacks to politics. So far, only one case in Kampong Chhnang province has resulted in the arrest of suspects in an assault on a CNRP activist. Am Sam Ath, senior investigator with Cambodian human rights group Licadho, expressed concern about the attacks and the failure of police to bring perpetrators to justice. He urged the authorities to investigate the attacks to avoid criticism that they are politically discriminating against the opposition. When crimes are committed, regardless of whether the victims file complaints with authorities, the prosecutors must investigate, arrest suspects, and provide justice to the victims, he said. Prak Seiha in a photo after being bludgeoned with a rock by unknown assailant in Phnom Penh, Feb. 16, 2021. Facebook Motorbike attack The attack on Prak Seiha came days after another CNRP activist in Kandal province named Chan Tun was run over by a motorbike by a pair of unknown assailants. Chan Tun, 69, is the father of fellow CNRP activist Tun Nimol, who is currently in detention on charges of incitement. He has regularly monitored his sons trial and taken part in weekly protests with the so-called Friday Wives of other CNRP activists being tried on similar charges after speaking critically about the government. According to Chan Tun, on Feb. 11, two men hit him with their motorbike, knocking him unconscious. He told RFA the attack was organized to stop [detained] victims relatives from seeking justice for them, adding that he will not be intimidated and has no plans to file a complaint with the authorities. I urge the authorities to reveal the suspects and prosecute them, he said. Chan Tun said he will continue to demand that the court release his son. Fifteen on trial Also, on Tuesday, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court began the trial of 15 environmental activists and CNRP activists, questioning them over their communication with CNRP leadership living in self-imposed exile abroad and taking part in protests demanding the release of jailed union leader Rong Chhun, which led to their being charged with incitement. Only 10 activists were present during Tuesdays proceedings, which were adjourned until early March after they told Judge Tith Sothy Borachat that they didnt understand his questions. CNRP activist Chhou Phengs wife Dos Kimteang told reporters after the hearing that the defendants are innocent and urged the court to release them, citing conditions inside the prison where they are being held and the deterioration of their health. I believe he is innocent, so it there is no use in detaining him, she said of her husband. Defense lawyer Sam Sokong said his clients did not incite social chaos and had only called on the court to release Rong Chhun. Rong Chhun, the president of the Cambodian Confederation of Trade Unions, was jailed at Prey Sar Prison on Aug. 1, a day after his arrest for claiming the government has allowed Vietnam to encroach on farmland along their shared border. He faces two years in prison if convicted. Sam Sokkong noted that the defendants had already been held beyond the legal limit of pretrial detention. If the trial is delayed for two or three more months, it will seriously affect the defendants rights, he said. I think the court should release them on bail and continue the trial. Soeung Sengkaruna, spokesperson for local rights group Adhoc, told RFA that the defendants have routinely complained about the conditions they face in detention. He added that they should not have been charged with a crime. They were expressing their views as environmentalists and politicians who monitored and participated in the protests, he said. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Discount supermarkets Aldi and Lidl are delivering multi-million pound boosts to the NI food industry as they agree new deals for bread and snacks. As Lidl prepares to open a new store at north Belfast's Hillview Retail Park on Thursday - its 41st here - it has renewed a deal with family-run bakery Irwin's in Portadown. The contract to supply Nutty Krust batch bread, Veda malted loaf and Jammy Joeys buns to 202 stores across Ireland is worth around 2.7m a year. Lidl said its 20-year partnership with Irwin's had been worth a total of 50m. And Golden Popcorn in Antrim has won a 500,000 contract in the Republic, supplying its healthy crisps under Aldi's Snackrite brand in over 140 Aldi Ireland stores. Lidl has reported sales of 278.2m in NI for the financial year March 2019 to February 2020. It also had pre-tax profits of 2.1m. Lidl has said it buys around 300m worth of food from NI suppliers every year. Aodhan Connolly, director of the NI Retail Consortium, said the commitment of discounters to NI-based suppliers showed they were in touch with what customers want. "The consumer in NI is very different to the rest of these islands, quite simply because they are very canny - they like a bargain but it also has to be something of quality." And he said the NI Protocol was also enabling firms here to supply supermarkets in both the Republic and Great Britain with ease. "The NI Protocol maintains an open border and free trade with the Republic of Ireland which would allow Aldi to buy from the one supplier in NI for its southern stores and its Great Britain stores. That's a unique selling point. "The really big retailers buy almost 2.7bn of NI agrifood every year - we only use about 0.75bn of that and the rest goes to the Republic or Great Britain. "We are 1.9 million people and we feed 10 million people - it's a testament to the hard work of farmers, producers and retailers for buying it. These are all positive news stories which show that whatever's happening, Covid-19 or Brexit, business continues." Irwin's was set up in 1912 and now employs more than 450 staff. It has supplied Lidl in NI since the German discounter opened its first NI store in Cookstown in 1999. Michael Murphy, Irwin's Bakery chief executive, said: "Not only has this supply contract supported our growth strategy, but it has also enabled us to increase production, create more jobs locally and expand our range of products." Golden Popcorn secured its deal with Aldi Ireland with support from economic development agency Invest NI. Managing director Sean McClinton said: "The RoI is our main market and this deal is yet another step forward for our business. Invest NI's business development support has been invaluable... it has assisted us to build our brand and expand our product range to meet the needs of the increasing appetite for healthier snacks. We are optimistic that this deal will be a catalyst for success in other markets." Invest NI offered the company 45,000 towards buying new equipment and in the form of advice and guidance. New Delhi: The government's long term vision to streamline the passport making process in order to facilitate the issuance of the document in a speedy manner took another step forward as applicants don't have to furnish their birth certificate to get a passport. The applicants can submit their Aadhaar or PAN card among a host of documents to establish proof of birth. The government has informed Parliament regarding the new proceedings. Earlier, according to the Passport Rules, 1980, all applicants born on or after 26/01/1989, had to submit a birth certificate which was a mandatory provision. But now they can submit any one of these, transfer/school leaving/Matriculation Certificate issued by the school last attended/recognised educational board containing the DOB of the applicant; PAN Card; Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar; driving license, Voter ID cards, even LIC policy bonds. Also, from now neither divorce decrees, nor adoption certificates will be required. While orphaned children only require a document from their orphanage to confirm their date of birth. Applicants over 60 and below 8 years of age will get a 10% discount on passport fees. New passports will have personal details printed in both Hindi and English. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office on Monday revealed that while 6.3 million vaccinations have been administered across 12 nations in the Middle East, at least one of the three coronavirus mutants were reported in 13 countries in the region. The organization, however, disclosed that the SARS-CoV-2 cases were falling drastically in the region, but the situation was critical due to the spread of the three new variants in Middle Eastern countries. Director-General of WHOs eastern Mediterranean region, Ahmed Al-Mandhari, told a press briefing in Cairo that the UK, Brazil and South Africas more virulent variants were detected across the region, without disclosing specific countries, as he urged the people to continue to take health precautionary measures. He insisted that the governments must ramp up the inoculation before more people came in contact with those infected with 'far more contagious' strains. Vaccinations are a turning point in facing the virus but the vaccines alone are not enough, Al-Mandhari said in a live-streamed address, emphasizing WHO-recommended techniques to mitigate the spread which includes social distancing, use of masks, and hand hygiene. Al-Mandhari also sounded concerns about the surge in COVID-19 cases in some middle eastern nations such as Lebanon, which received its first batch of 28,500 COVID-19 vaccines last Saturday. The country has also been battered due to the onslaught of fresh cases as the healthcare system struggled to cope. Further, in his speech, the director of WHO's Eastern Mediterranean region informed that as many as 37,000 doses are set to be dispatched to the Palestinian region, and 94,000 in Tunisia as a part of WHOs global COVAX alliance. Last month, WHOs chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, at a weekly briefing announced the procurement of 40 million doses of Pfizer vaccines for poorer countries. Read: WHO's Team Visit Preparation Underway, Says China After Tedros' Comment Read: WHO Chief Ghebreyesus Anxious About Family's Whereabouts Amid Worsening Ethiopian Conflict WHO approves 2 more vaccines produced by India Meanwhile, the WHO on Feb. 15 also authorized two separate versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, which, it said in a press release, will be rolled out globally through COVAX. Approved following an inspection by WHOs Emergency Use Listing (EUL) both vaccines are produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio and the worlds largest India Serum Institute based in Pune. Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk, contributing to the COVAX Facilitys goal of equitable vaccine distribution, said Dr. Mariangela Simao, WHO Assistant-Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. Meanwhile WHO announced the approval of two vaccines on Twitter mentioning Indias Serum Institute. Today, 2 versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford #COVID19 vaccine are listed for emergency use, giving the green light for these vaccines to be rolled out globally through #COVAX. The vaccines are produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio & the Serum Institute of https://t.co/5NHRcpGxhi pic.twitter.com/BvWM1mrH1S World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 15, 2021 Read: Tedros: US To Remain In WHO Is 'good Day For Global Health' Read: Biden Admin Believes WHO Is Vital To Contain COVID Pandemic: Kamala Harris Tells Tedros Washington, Feb 16 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the United States was "outraged" by a rocket attack in Iraq's Erbil, which caused casualties. "We are outraged by today's (Monday night) rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region," Blinken said in a statement on late Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. According to the statement, the attack killed one civilian contractor and injured several members of the US-led coalition, including one service member and several contractors. "I have reached out to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss the incident and to pledge our support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible," he said. The regional Ministry of Interior said in a brief statement that several rockets were fired at several areas in Erbil at 9.30 p.m. on Monday, injuring several civilians. Another statement by the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, also Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi forces, said that al-Kadhimi ordered a joint investigation with the Kurdish regional authorities into the rocket attack. There are approximately 2,500 US troops in Iraq to support Iraqi forces in battles against remnants of the Islamic State, mainly for training and advisory purposes. Efforts towards forming a united government in Libya are once again underway, on the tenth anniversary of the revolution which led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi amid declarations of a free and democratic future after four decades of dictatorship. There have been several attempts since then to establish a national administration in the years of strife which followed and it is not certain that this new one will last until the end of the year when elections are due to take place. But the move has supposedly accepted by the many rival factions. Dozens of tribal elders, civic society activists, and academics met Mohammed Younes Menfi, the president of the interim administration, in Benghazi at the end of last week to start the process, which will continue with the setting up of a cabinet. Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has been installed as interim prime minister. GREENVILLE Area lawmakers pushed against Prisma Health as they unveiled a plan Feb. 15 to partner up the Medical University of South Carolina and Bon Secours St. Francis to fill what they described as an emergency care gap in northern Greenville County. Nothing has been signed yet, but the president of Bon Secours St. Francis, Matt Caldwell, stood in downtown Greenville with MUSCs chief system development and affiliations officer, Matt Severance, and 11 elected leaders including Travelers Rest resident Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette to announce the initiative. Calling the loose group of lawmakers and health-system allies present the "North Greenville Emergency Services Work Group," Taylors-area Rep. Mike Burns said the goal is to establish a free-standing emergency room, which would require regulatory approval, and secure money to pay for it. The plan is to team Bon Secours medical staff with MUSC telehealth specialists. "We've got a lot of depth in that regard," MUSC's Severance said. The group did not yet have a site to announce for the emergency care center. It also did not yet have specific doctors and other medical personnel in mind to staff it. But all the key players are at the table, said Burns, who is leading the effort. He emceed the news conference from the main foyer at Greenville County Square to announce the initiative. "It's a model for not only South Carolina, but it will be a model for the nation when we figure it out, and we are diligently working on it," Burns said. The move comes three months after Prisma Health, citing low customer traffic, said it would close the emergency room at North Greenville Hospital in Travelers Rest permanently. A December update from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control showed the closure of the North Greenville Hospital Emergency Department was effective Oct. 30, 2020, six days before the hospital system made the closure public. The facility had been temporarily closed since April to open up room to care for the most severely ill COVID-19 patients in the area. In an emailed statement to The Post and Courier, Prisma's chief clinical officer, Dr. C. Wendell James, said the system reviewed community use of the emergency room in Travelers Rest and determined "the overwhelming need" there was more primary care options. Most serious emergency care cases were already being redirected to Greenville Memorial Hospital in downtown Greenville, he wrote. Prisma Health opened a new primary care clinic at the North Greenville campus this summer, the statement said. "Our goal is to open a larger and more comprehensive multispecialty clinic in the former North Greenville ED facility, with as many as 12-16 providers, once the need for a dedicated facility for COVID patients subsides," James wrote. "Prisma Health is absolutely committed to the health and well-being of the citizens of North Greenville, and we are expanding access to primary and specialty care services needed by the people in this area." The emergency room's closure has incensed local residents, said Joe Dill, Greenville County Councilman for that area. He said an ambulance ride downtown could take 40 minutes or more from areas of his district, which covers all of northern Greenville County, from the North Carolina state line to Furman University. "I represent the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich," Dill said, "and we have needs just like everybody else. For years, the hospital system has been trying to close our hospital in the northern part of the county." Bon Secours' Caldwell said his system could staff a new emergency care center in northern Greenville County, and MUSC's nationally renowned telehealth program could "elevate" care. For the most acute cases, Caldwell said, patients could be transported to the St. Francis emergency room downtown. "Telemedicine is not anything new," Caldwell said. "It's been around. But it really is being explored and has vaulted forward with the pandemic." MUSC's Severance said his team is anxious to apply telehealth to a free-standing emergency department something they haven't tried before. Sign up for our Greenville development newsletter. Get all the latest updates on the Upstate real estate market, more openings and closings, exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email Sign Up! MUSC, which has a telehealth stroke network across South Carolina, is one of two federal recognized "Centers for Excellence" in telehealth in the nation. The Charleston-based health system has been building its telemedicine network and infrastructure for about a decade and has received significant help from the legislature in the way of money to grow. "If you are in a remote setting like that, you need an efficient model, so using telehealth and having those providers backed up by university-trained, board-certified emergency physicians would be huge," Severance said. Emergency care in rural settings has been in steady decline for years across the nation. Burns said he approached multiple health systems for help after learning that Prisma would shut down the North Greenville Hospital emergency department and said Bon Secours and MUSC which has a statewide mission to deliver care stepped forward as well as Greenville County, whose council and administrator have pledged support. Five council members were at the Feb. 15 event, including the current and past council chairmen, Willis Meadows and Butch Kirven. Burns said he had asked Prisma repeatedly since spring 2020 whether the closure would be permanent. He said he was reassured at least three times the hospital's emergency room would reopen. "I understand how business works," Burns said at the Feb. 15 news conference of Prisma. "They are a private entity now, and they have to do what they have to do for the bottom line. But that created a big healthcare gap in northern Greenville County." Dill and Burns were among a group of state and local lawmakers who four years ago opposed the merger of Greenville Health System with the Columbia-based Palmetto Health System. That merged entity became known as "Prisma Health" in 2019. Before the merger, Greenville Health System was a public nonprofit with a board appointed by the state Legislature and a board president who oversaw operations at the hospital. Post-merger, the hospital system is a private nonprofit. The state-appointed hospital board Greenville Health Authority continues to exist as the owner of the buildings and properties out of which Prisma operates in Greenville. But it no longer has power over day-to-day operations at Prisma, and public access to financial information at the hospital system is severely limited. Greenville Health System's two top executives Dr. Spence Taylor, the system's former president, and Mike Riordan, the system's former CEO left in 2019. Rep. Garry Smith, another early opponent of the Prisma merger, told The Post and Courier that he has concerns about the quality of care in Greenville County long-term. "When you look at what's happened with the closure of the facility in northern Greenville County, when you look at the cancer center that I went to the groundbreaking for out there that never happened, and when you look at what was promised at Marshall Pickens with the replacement of the mental health facility and that's not happening also, it gives me a great deal of concern," Smith said. The Greenville News reported in January 2020 that Prisma's plans for a new psychiatric hospital and cancer center were on hold to "re-evaluate capital spending." "I think when you ask people now if their healthcare is any better off, if they are any better off than they were two years ago, I think the answer you're going to get is, 'No,'" Smith said. Post and Courier reporter Lauren Sausser contributed to this story. Dozens of police have stormed a Melbourne gym that broke lockdown laws by letting 175 maskless people in to train. Officers were seen swarming Al's Gym in Campbellfield in the city's north on Tuesday. The gym was open despite all fitness facilities being ordered to close during Victoria's snap five-day lockdown that was sparked over a growing cluster at the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel. 'We can't afford to close the gym so we've been trading as per normal during the lockdown,' Al Pope, co-owner of the gym, told 9News. He also said, according to the publication, that no masks were worn. Dozens of police have stormed a Melbourne gym that was allegedly breaking lockdown laws by letting 175 maskless people in to train Officers were seen swarming Al's Gym in Campbellfield in the city's north on Tuesday 'Today the police came in numbers and closed us down and arrested my partner. 'I did a hard year last year, I was closed for seven months. I'm in quite a bit of debt with my landlord and I simply can't afford to close.' Police forced the 175 members out of the gym after patrons refused to leave. Mr Pope said that despite police issuing him with a fine, he has no intention of paying up. One of his customers slammed police for shutting down the gym, saying Mr Pope kept its doors open to keep food on the table for his family. Under current lockdown rules, businesses face fines of up to $10,000. 'As part of Operation Sentinel patrols, police attended a gym on City Road this afternoon following reports the gym was in operation and in breach of the directions issued by the Chief Health Officer,' Victoria Police said in a statement. 'Three men were arrested at the scene all of which will be issued penalty notices in relation to breaching CHO directions.' Gym owner Al Pope said despite police issuing him with a fine, he has no intention of paying up Victoria recorded two new locally acquired cases of Covid-19 and two infections in hotel quarantine on Tuesday, the fourth day of the state's 'circuit breaker' lockdown. The statewide lockdown was called on Friday afternoon amid fears the highly-infectious UK strain of the virus would spread within the community after escaping the hotel. It is scheduled to end at 11:59pm on Wednesday. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. According to news reports, Jiang was shot in a neighborhood near the Yale University campus where he was a graduate student at the Yale School of the Environment. He was found lying near his car and was pronounced dead at the scene, reports said. Cork County Council has said it is continuing to monitor the potential environmental and ecological impact of the MV Alta, a wrecked cargo ship grounded in Ballyandreane, Ballycotton. The vessel was grounded on February 16 of last year. Since then, the council said it has been working on a series of actions on the MV Alta, in line with obligations under the Merchant Shipping Salvage and Wreck Act, 1993. In February 2020, work was done to mitigate the potential pollution risk posed by oils on board the vessel. In March and October, structural assessments of the ship were carried out. Another assessment is being carried out this month. The council said a final report on the environmental and ecological assessment the wreck was completed last September. Then, in December 2020, and last month, a team of international specialist consultants carried out an inventory of hazardous materials contained within the fabric of the vessel itself. A drone picture of the MV Alta, which ran aground on the rocks at Ballyandreen, East Cork last year. Picture: Dan Linehan It is understood that the result of this inventory will determine what actions will be required going forward. Cork County Council said it is continuing to liaise with the relevant State agencies and has sought the view of relevant Government departments on the future of the MV Alta. There has still been no confirmation as to who exactly owns the wreckage. Mayor of County of Cork Mary Linehan Foley said that, with the assistance of qualified personnel, the council was able to "respond quickly and effectively to the grounding of the MV Alta, securing the dangerous site and mitigating pollution risk." "The ship presents a very real danger to anyone close to it, and due to its location, it is not safely accessible," she said. Mayor Linehan urged the public to "avoid life-threatening injury and stay away from the wreckage. Hands up who is sharing their Streaming subscription? Consumer site Finder claims many Aussie adults are mooching off someone elses TV streaming account. Finder polled 1,005 Australians in January 2021 as part of its Consumer Sentiment Tracker survey. It reported more than two in five Australians (44%) admit to using a family member or friends streaming service. Gen Z are the most likely to freeload, with a whopping 74% saying they use a service that isnt in their name. Over half of gen X are freeloaders (51%), compared to 38% of gen Y and one in five (20%) baby boomers. Instead of paying for multiple Internet TV accounts, consider account sharing with friends or family. This is an easy way to cut costs while retaining the benefits of multiple subscriptions, says Finders streaming editor, James Dampney. Make sure to keep track of who is paying for each service, and who has login privileges sometimes siblings or old housemates can end up mooching off your account. Even if youre sharing accounts with other people, remember to cancel any services that you arent using this is a pointless money drain. In late 2019 Netflix CFO Spencer Neumann was asked if password sharing / stealing is something the service intends to address? He responded by stating, We continue to monitor it well see those consumer-friendly ways to push on the edges of that we have no big plans to announce at this time in terms of doing something differently there. Related For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. Three more people were killed in separate avalanches in Colorado and Montana over President's Day weekend as the United States records its deadliest avalanche week in more than 100 years. The victims have been identified as Michael 'Tony' Westall, 58, of Parker, Colorado, 57-year-old David Heide, of Colorado and Craig Kitto, 45, of Bozeman, Montana. Westall, a real estate investor, died Sunday morning after he was caught in an avalanche in Grand County near Rollins Pass that carried him onto a frozen lake. Authorities said his body was found buried in snow. According to the Denver Post, Westall met one of his three sons Sunday morning in Empire to head out for a day of snowmobiling. He was described as someone who 'always wanted to spend time with his family'. Scroll down for video Three more people were killed in separate avalanches in Colorado and Montana over the weekend. One victim was identified as Michael 'Tony' Westall (pictured), 58, of Parker, Colorado. Westall died on Sunday after he was caught in an avalanche in Grand County 'Tony was just the nicest, guy, the most generous guy,' his best friend and business partner, Byron Nix told the Denver Post. Westall is survived by his wife, Jamey; three sons, Reed, Ryan and Tyler; and his daughter, MacKenzie. Also on Sunday, backcountry skier Kitto was fatally injured when the forest slope he and a companion were climbing cracked without warning, collapsed and swept him downhill into a tree. According to the National Avalanche Center, the avalanche was triggered in Beehive Basin north of Big Sky. Officials said Kitto and the person he was with were both swept down the slope into trees. His partner was not buried or injured and immediately called 911. Kitto was critically injured and partially buried in snow. He later died from his injuries at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. Kitto had been the principal at Whittier Elementary School in Bozeman since 2018. His wife, Lana, told CNN that her husband was loved by his staff and had an 'authentic connection with kids'. 'He was a servant to everyone and always put others first,' Lana said. 'He was a tireless hard worker and no task was to big.' Kitto said her husband 'lived to love' her and their daughters. 'His desire to live big, took him out in a big way. I will love and miss that constant adventuring with him by my side,' Kitto said. Similar conditions may have led to the death of Heide, a backcountry snowboarder whose body was found in an avalanche debris field Sunday in central Colorado's Clear Creek County. According to the National Avalanche Center, Heide was traveling alone when he was caught and buried in snow. Rescue crews found him buried with a deployed avalanche airbag. Part of the airbag was visible in the avalanche debris, but the victim's head was partially covered by snow. The avalanche occurred around 9.30am and ran on an east-facing slope above a treeline, on a terrain feature known as Pat's Knob east of Mount Trelease. The deaths of both Colorado men and Kitto in Montana over the frigid President's Day weekend show how backcountry skiers and others in the Rocky Mountain wilderness risk triggering weak layers of snow that have created the most hazardous conditions in a decade, forecasters say. At least 25 people have been killed in avalanches in the US so far this year - more than the 23 who died last winter. Typically, 27 people die in avalanches in the US annually. Avalanche forecasters say they have rarely seen the danger as high as it is now - and it will grow as more snow moves into the Rockies, adding weight and stress on a weak, granular base layer of snow that's susceptible to breaking apart and triggering especially wide slides on steep slopes. Also on Sunday, backcountry skier Craig Kitto (pictured) was fatally injured when the forest slope he and a companion were climbing cracked without warning, collapsed and swept him downhill into a tree. He was the principal at Whittier Elementary School in Bozeman Skier Craig Kitto, 45, of Bozeman, Montana, was fatally injured when the forest slope he and a companion were climbing cracked without warning and collapsed. A ground team is seen approaching the area of the avalanche in the Gallatin National Forest on Sunday This aerial photo provided by Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center shows the top half of an avalanche in the Gallatin National Forest, Montana, on Sunday The main culprit is that ground layer of snow that dropped in October. A dry November weakened it, which is anywhere from several inches to several feet thick, and despite more snow falling, it's stayed the consistency of granular sugar, said Dave Zinn, an avalanche forecaster for the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in southwestern Montana. 'That layer consists of large, sugary crystals that don't bond together well. It's impossible to make a snowball from it. And when it becomes weighted down, it becomes fragile and breaks,' bringing down the heavier layers on top of it, Zinn said. 'It's the weakest link in the chain. When you pile on more snow, there's always one spot that's going to break,' said Ethan Greene, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. On February 6, Utah saw its deadliest avalanche in about 30 years when four backcountry skiers in their 20s died and another four dug themselves out of a 1,000-foot slide east of Salt Lake City. The skiers were identified as Stephanie Hopkins, 26, Tom Steinbrecher, 23, both of Salt Lake City, and Louis Holian, 26, of Salt Lake City, and Sarah Moughamian, 29, of Sandy, Utah. Several factors are at play in the rash of deaths: The snowpack, which can be affected by windstorms shifting and piling snow atop weak layers; weather conditions that can change rapidly in the high altitudes of the Rockies; and the availability of public lands in the US West, where people often take advantage of easily accessible national forest. In contrast, ski areas have long ensured their slopes are groomed, potential avalanches in their areas are triggered, and nearby backcountry areas are closed before the first customers hit the lift lines. On February 6, Utah saw its deadliest avalanche in about 30 years when four backcountry skiers died. Two of the four skiers who died in the Utah avalanche are pictured above - Stephanie Hopkins (left), 26, and Tom Steinbrecher (right), 23, both of Salt Lake City The other two victims were identified as Louis Holian (left), 26, of Salt Lake City, and Sarah Moughamian (right), 29, of Sandy, Utah A group snowmobilers were riding in the area when one of them reported that the mountain shook as if it were an earthquake during the Utah avalanche It's not uncommon for skiers at Colorado's Loveland Ski Area to hear an occasional howitzer targeting danger-prone areas on wind-blown peaks approaching 13,000 feet along the Continental Divide. 'The ski patrols do lots of work to mitigate hazards,' Zinn said. 'But in the backcountry, we have to be our own avalanche experts.' Avalanche centers in Colorado, Montana and Utah, as well as the US Forest Service National Avalanche Center, issue daily advisories on conditions and risk levels, as well as safety and training resources. Colorado Gov Jared Polis and the state parks and wildlife agency urged residents to check conditions this holiday weekend, citing the high danger. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center issued a special advisory Monday, warning that 'large, wide and long-running natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely'. Forecasters emphasize standard precautions before heading into the backcountry: Have rescue gear, including a beacon, a probe to check snow conditions and a shovel. People should also check daily forecasts and keep an eye out for recent avalanche activity. Forecasters encourage people to take guided tours and make sure they don't go out alone. 'The bottom line is that partner rescue is the only way we have positive outcomes in the backcountry,' Zinn said. Record cold temperatures in much of the Rockies 'reduce your margin for error,' Zinn added. 'If you have an accident, minor injuries become serious ones, and serious ones become deadly with the compounding factor of hypothermia.' Greene said that while there's adventure in the wildest parts of public lands, 'having the freedom to go where you want comes the responsibility of taking care of yourself'. Among the biggest cybercrimes that have happened in recent months is perhaps the SolarWinds breach, which has affected thousands of the IT firm's clients, including several United States government agencies and private companies like Microsoft. Now, Microsoft president Brad Smith shared a shocking result of the company's analysis of the breach. Microsoft's Analysis of the SolarWinds Attack In a report by The Register, Smith has spoken to the US news magazine program "60 Minutes," where he described the SolarWinds attack as "the largest and most sophisticated attack the world has ever seen." When the company analyzed the breach, they have found evidence that the code behind the hack has been made by more than a thousand developers. "When we analysed everything that we saw at Microsoft, we asked ourselves how many engineers have probably worked on these attacks. And the answer we came to was, well, certainly more than 1,000," Smith said in the interview. Nevertheless, the Microsoft executive did not specify who those developers were working for. "What we are seeing is the first use of this supply chain disruption tactic against the United States," Smith further added. However, he did compare the SolarWinds hacking to attacks on Ukraine, which had been widely attributed to the Russian government, saying that they have "really developed this tactic" in Ukraine, but the latter denies any involvement with the attacks. Read Also: Florida Water System Data Breach: 3.27B Unique Combinations of Login Credentials Found in Database! FireEye CEO Shared a Suspicious 2FA Besides the Microsoft executive, the news program also talked to FireEye CEO Kevin Mandia. FireEye is another of the SolarWinds attack's victims, and Mandia shared how the company was able to detect the anomaly, which rather remained undetected for a long while before SolarWinds knew they were under attack. According to Mandia, the firm spotted the attack due to suspicions raised by two-factor authentication. In the interview, the FireEye chief said that an employee of the firm was logging in, however, a security staff checked the login and noticed that an employee had two phones registered to their names. To reassure, the security staff the employee in question and asked whether they have set up a second device on their network, but the employee said they did not, so with that, FireEye immediately conducted a further probe, which eventually led to SolarWinds and then finally to the company's disclosure of Orion's compromise. The Eventual Discovery of SolarWinds Malware According to Smith, if it were not for Mandia and FireEye, the attack might have continued and remained undetected for a long time. But Mandia said that finding the impostor within their network was not easy and he had to bring tons of people in to "turn every rock over" and locate any suspicious activities on every machine they have before they were able to find the malware within SolarWinds. Moreover, "60 Minutes" also shared some insight, saying that 4,032 lines of code were at the very core of the crack. The SolarWinds attack was first known on Dec. 13, 2020, after FireEye informed the world of the attack, but unfortunately, the brach had been going on for a while and the damage had already been done. Related Article: Clubhouse Security Flaws, Chinese Connection Found, Possibly Leaking Unfiltered Data; App Rushes to Fix It This article is owned by Tech Times Written by: Nhx Tingson 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Doctors say cases of MIS-C, a condition mostly seen in kids in which body parts can become inflamed, are on the rise, although why is unclear At least 3.03 million children in the U.S. tested positive for coronavirus since the pandemic took holds in he county last year, a new report finds. In the past week nearly 100,000 kids were newly diagnosed with COVID-19, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) revealed. Pediatric cases make up 13 percent of all infections in the US, which is a six-fold rise from mid-April when they accounted for just two percent. Encouragingly, COVID-19 is still rarely deadly for children, with a mortality rate of just 0.01 percent. But anecdotally, doctors are warning over a micro trend: they are seeing more critical cases of the life-threatening COVID-related inflammatory condition in children that can turn deadly. As of February 11, at least 3.03 million children in the U.S have tested for coronavirus, making up 13% of all cases in the US Between February 4 and February 11, 99,078 child COVID-19 cases were reported, which is an 8% jump from the previous two weeks Wyoming has the highest percentage of cumulative child cases at 19.8% and North Dakota has the highest rate with about 8,400 cases per 100,000 children. Pictured: A child places his testing swab in the vial for pool testing at South Boston Catholic Academy in Boston, Massachusetts, January 2021 According to the report, the overall rate of pediatric coronavirus cases is 4,034 infections per 100,000 children in the population. This is a 255 percent increase from October, when there were 1,134 infections per 100,000 children in the population. Between February 4 and February 11, a total of 99,078 new child COVID-19 cases were reported. The jump from 2,816,775 to 3,033,370 means there has been a eight percent over the last two weeks. Currently, there are nine states that report 16 percent or more of their cumulative cases are among children: Alaska, , Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. Currently, there are nine states that report 16% or more of their cumulative cases are among children (above) Wyoming has the highest percentage of cumulative child cases with 19.8 percent of all the state's cases among its youngest residents. Just three places in the US - Florida, New Jersey and New York City - have reported fewer than 10 percent of their cases are among kids. Nine states report more than 6,00 cases per 100,000 children: Arkansas, Arizona, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming. North Dakota has the highest rate with about 8,400 cases per 100,000 children As of February 16, children made up no more than 2.9 percent of total reported hospitalizations. The report says there have been 240 confirmed child fatalities from the virus with just eight states and the District of Columbia reporting no pediatric deaths. 'At this time, it appears that severe illness due to COVID-19 is rare among children,' the report reads. 'However, there is an urgent need to collect more data on longer-term impacts of the pandemic on children, including ways the virus may harm the long-term physical health of infected children, as well as its emotional and mental health effects.' Nine states report more than 6,00 cases per 100,000 children: Arkansas, Arizona, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming The reports comes on the heels of doctors across the U.S. reporting an increase in the number of young people with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C. MIS-C is a condition, in which different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. The condition is still rare, with just 2,060 cases in 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia and 30 deaths. However, according to The New York Times, children with MIS-C are sicker than they were during the first wave of case. 'We really don't know what will happen in the long term,' Dr Jean Ballweg, the medical director of pediatric heart transplant and advanced heart failure at Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha, told The Times. Children's Hospital & Medical Center about two cases of MIS-C per month from April through October with about 30 percent winding up in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, the hospital treated 10 cases in December and 12 in January, with 60 percent overall needing care in the ICU. Ballweg told The Times that, early on in the pandemic, most cases of MIS-C were among Latino or black children. However, now, her hospital 'is seeing a much more broad spectrum and every ethnicity.' A Democratic congressman accused Donald Trump in a federal lawsuit on Tuesday of inciting the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and of conspiring with his lawyer and extremist groups to try to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the presidential election he lost to Joe Biden. The lawsuit from Mississippi's Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is part of an expected wave of litigation over the Jan. 6 riot and is believed to be the first filed by a member of Congress. It seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages. The case also names as defendants the Republican former president's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and groups including the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, extremist organizations that had members charged by the Justice Department with taking part in the siege. Lawyers for Trump have denied that he incited the riot. A Trump adviser didn't immediately comment about the lawsuit on Tuesday, and a lawyer for Giuliani did not immediately return an email seeking comment. The suit, filed in federal court in Washington under a Reconstruction-era law known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, comes three days after Trump was acquitted in a Senate impeachment trial that centered on allegations that he incited the riot, in which five people died. The act was passed in response to KKK violence and prohibits violence or intimidation meant to prevent Congress or other federal officials from carrying out their constitutional duties. Rep. Bennie Thompson has sued former President Donald Trump, alleging Trump incited the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The lawsuit in Washington's federal court alleges the Republican former president conspired with members of far-right extremist groups to prevent the Senate from certifying the results of the presidential election he lost to Joe Biden Former President Donald Trump, seen on President Joe Biden's inauguration day giving an address at Joint Base Andrews, is being sued by House Homeland Security Committee chairman, Rep. Benny Thompson, under a Reconstruction-era law known as the Ku Klux Klan Act WHAT DOES THE KU KLUX KLAN ACT SAY? 'If two or more persons in any State or Territory conspire to prevent, by force, intimidation, or threat, any person from accepting or holding any office, trust, or place of confidence under the United States, or from discharging any duties thereof; or to induce by like means any officer of the United States to leave any State, district, or place, where his duties as an officer are required to be performed, or to injure him in his person or property on account of his lawful discharge of the duties of his office, or while engaged in the lawful discharge thereof, or to injure his property so as to molest, interrupt, hinder, or impede him in the discharge of his official duties.' Advertisement That acquittal is likely to open the door to fresh legal scrutiny over Trump's actions before and during the siege. Even some Republicans who voted to acquit Trump on Saturday acknowledged that the more proper venue to deal with Trump was in the courts, especially now that he has left the White House and lost certain legal protections that shielded him as president. The suit traces the drawn-out effort by Trump and Giuliani to cast doubt on the election results even though courts across the country, and state election officials, repeatedly rejected their baseless allegations of fraud. Despite evidence to the contrary, the suit says, the men portrayed the election as stolen while Trump 'endorsed rather than discouraged' threats of violence from his angry supporters in the weeks leading up to the assault on the Capitol. 'The carefully orchestrated series of events that unfolded at the Save America rally and the storming of the Capitol was no accident or coincidence,' the suit says. 'It was the intended and foreseeable culmination of a carefully coordinated campaign to interfere with the legal process required to confirm the tally of votes cast in the Electoral College.' Presidents are historically afforded broad immunity from lawsuits for actions they take in their role as commander in chief. But the lawsuit filed Tuesday was brought against Trump in his personal, not official, capacity and alleges that none of the behavior at issue had to do with his responsibilities as president. 'Inciting a riot, or attempting to interfere with the congressional efforts to ratify the results of the election that are commended by the Constitution, could not conceivably be within the scope of ordinary responsibilities of the president,' Joseph Sellers, a Washington lawyer who along with the NAACP filed the lawsuit on Thompson's behalf, said in an interview. 'In this respect, because of his conduct, he is just like any other private citizen,' Sellers said. Though the impeachment case focused squarely on accusations of incitement, the lawsuit more broadly accuses Trump of conspiring to disrupt the constitutional activities of Congress - namely, the certification of election results establishing Biden as the rightful winner - through a monthslong effort to discredit the outcome and to lean on individual states and his own vice president to overturn the contest. The case against Trump was brought under a provision of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. 'Fortunately, this hasn't been used very much,' Sellers said. 'But what we see here is so unprecedented that it's really reminiscent of what gave rise to the enactment of this legislation right after the Civil War.' The suit cites incendiary comments that Trump and Giuliani made in the weeks leading up to the riot and on the day of it that lawyers say were designed to mobilize supporters to work to overturn the election results and to prevent the Congress' certification process. That process was temporarily interrupted when Trump loyalists broke into the Capitol. Trump told supporters at a rally preceding the riot to 'fight like hell,' but lawyers for the former president adamantly denied during the impeachment trial that he had incited the riot. They pointed to a remark during his speech in which he told the crowd to behave 'peacefully' that day. Defense lawyers are likely to revisit those assertions in the lawsuit. They may also argue, as was done during the impeachment case, that Trump's speech was protected by the First Amendment. Trump is headed into a storm of legal trouble just weeks after leaving office. Beyond the Thompson lawsuit, Reuters reported earlier this month that criminal and civil investigations into Trump's businesses are accelerating in New York. Manhattan prosecutors looking to see if Trump participated in insurance or tax fraud as part of his real estate business have interviewed witnesses in recent months and hired forensic accountants, Reuters said. The Supreme Court will decide if Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance is able to obtain eight years of Trump's tax records from the accounting firm Mazars. As candidate and president, Trump broke precedent and refused to publicly release his tax returns, explaining he wasn't doing so because they were under 'audit.' In the lower courts, Trump's lawyers have argued, unsuccessfully, that the tax return requests amount to political 'harassment.' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who voted alongside a majority of Republicans for Trump's acquittal, pointed out in a floor speech after Saturday's vote that the ex-president could still be in legal jeopardy. 'President Trump is still liable for everything he did while he was in office,' McConnell said in Senate floor remarks. 'He didn't get away with anything, yet,' he continued. 'We have a criminal justice system in this country. We have civil litigation and former presidents are not immune from being accountable by either one.' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden was supportive of Americans using the judiciary, but wouldn't weigh in on the lawsuit more than saying that. 'He certainly supports the rights of individuals, members of Congress and otherwise, to take steps through the judicial process, but I don't think we have a further comment on that than that,' Psaki said at the press briefing Tuesday. 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. Lawyer for Alpha Lotto Limited, Ato Conduah has admonished Ghanaians to support and protect indigene businesses. According to Lawyer Conduah, it is unfortunate that Ghanaians like to blackmail and condemn indigene businesses whilst expatriates take advantage. Lawyer Conduah was speaking during a media briefing to set the records straight regarding some press statement trying to tarnish the image of Alpha Lotto. Private lotto operating company, Alpha Lotto Limited, has responded to claims that its operations are illegal and noncompliant with the National Lottery Authority (NLA)s laid-down requirements for registration and licensing. A rejoinder issued by the management of Alpha Lotto Limited indicated that its attention had been brought to a statement purported to have been issued by the Public Relations Unit of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), as published via several media platforms, to the effect that "the only operational and functional official shortcode of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) is 959 and that any other platform operating digital is fraudulent and illegal". Alpha Lotto Limited noted that it is licensed by the NLA to operate VAG 5/90 Fixed Odd Games and does not operate the shortcode 595 intended for NLA's 5/90 games. The rejoinder further stated: Alpha Lotto Limited does not operate NLA's games under Act 722 (2006). Alpha Lotto Limited, per its licence, operates its own games under Act 844 (2012), on its independent platform and marketed through shortcode 896", the company said, adding: Alpha Lotto Limited's operation is fully compliant with NLA's registration and licensing conditions" Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An Cumann Staire, NUI Galways History Society will host a talk on Irelands Mother and Baby Homes, delivered by Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley, NUI Galway Lecturer in the Discipline of History and an internationally recognized scholar of modern Irish history. The virtual event will take place on Wednesday, 24 February at 6pm over Zoom. With the Irish governments decision to seal records of the homes in late 2020, and the recent publication of the Commission of Investigation into the Mother and Baby Homes final report, there has been confusion and disappointment into information surrounding the homes. This event aims to inform on what exactly the homes were, their distinction from the Magdalene laundries, and what happened to those who came to the homes. Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley is an esteemed historian of gender, women and childhood in Ireland. She is co-principal investigator of the Tuam Oral History Project, which aims to form a public archive of stories from survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. Grace Carolan, Auditor of An Cumann Staire, NUI Galway, said: From Tuam to Thomastown, thousands of Irish woman and children passed through the mother and baby homes. We hope this event will help us educate ourselves on what happened to those within them, so please join us for an engaging evening of information on a subject less spoken about. The Zoom event is free to attend and open to the public. To book a place or for further information visit https://www.nuigalwayevents. ie/cumann-staire. Brooklyn, NS, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nova Scotian organic licensed producer Aqualitas is disrupting the cannabis industry through its partnership with Colorado-based Sana Packaging. The Clean Green Certified LP is introducing ocean sourced packaging to the recreational and medical markets as part of an ongoing effort to address the industrys packaging problem. While our facility is a low energy and low water consumer due to our LED lights and aquaponic systems, we wanted to do more, explains Josh Adler, Aqualitas Director of Operations. We made it our mission to identify sustainable packaging across all of our product offerings. It stemmed from biodegradable pouches and labels to an ocean plastic concept. Its been two years in the making to source raw materials, connect with a manufacturer, get the product certified, conduct product impact investigations, and make it work during a pandemic. Biodegradable formats are now in stream for all SKUs and further facility efforts are in the works to lower our carbon footprint. Myrna Gillis, CEO of Aqualitas, says, As members of a coastal community, its no longer enough for us to simply keep packaging out of our oceans and landfills - we want to play an active role in cleaning it up. Our first packaging order succeeded in reclaiming 2 tons (4,000 lbs) of plastic from the ocean. From our Clean Green certification to using environmentally friendly packaging and using compostable mailers to fulfill medical cannabis orders, our team is always looking for ways to be more sustainable in how we cultivate, process and package our products. "Were excited to partner with Aqualitas and increase our footprint in the Canadian cannabis market, says Ron Basak-Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Sana Packaging. We believe our 100% reclaimed ocean plastic cannabis packaging is a perfect fit for Aqualitas - a company that has proven its dedication to sustainability from seed to sale. With the help of our incredible customers, we have already removed more than 58 tons (116,000 lbs) of plastic waste from our oceans. This new packaging will first launch coast to coast via Aqualitas medical platform in 5g jars, and in Nova Scotia in the recreational market via Reef Organic later this month. In an apt pairing, we will introduce our new packaging and cultivar Coastal Kush at 27% THC to Ontario in early March. About Aqualitas Aqualitas is a privately-held, multiple Health Canada licence holder with licenses to conduct research, cultivate indoor and outdoor, process and sell cannabis, located in the community of Brooklyn, just outside of Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Aqualitas home to Canadas 2020 Grower of the Year and is Canada's first Clean Green Certified cannabis producer and processor, recognizing its commitment to international organic management practices, compliance, quality and sustainability. With a mission of supporting people's wellness with research, care and passion, Aqualitas is committed to a vision of being a global leader in providing organically grown cannabis and value-added products. Its research and development division, Sindica, is actively engaged in research projects in cultivation, product development, and pharmaceutical drug development. Aqualitas' adult-use brand, Reef Organic, is now available in recreational markets in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia with further expansion plans across Canada over the coming months. Its medical products have been distributed across Canada and exported to the EU and Israel. Notice Regarding Forward Looking Information: Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation relating, but not limited to, the Company's expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings, including but not limited to its Offering Memorandum dated November 25, 2019 which are available under the company's profile at www.sedar.com. The purpose of forward-looking information is to provide the reader with a description of management's expectations, and such forward-looking information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained in this release. Attachments The in has issued an open letter to a British member of Parliament who has been vocal over the issue of farmer protests in India and related arrests of activists. Claudia Webbe is the member of Parliament from the Opposition Labour Party for Leicester East, a significant British Indian constituency in eastern England. She had endorsed an e-petition calling for a UK government statement over the protests in India, after it crossed the 100,000 signatures threshold to be considered for a debate in the Westminster Hall of the House of Commons. Most recently, she used her social media to demand the release of activists arrested in India in the toolkit case. Climate activist Disha Ravi was arrested from Bengaluru on Saturday and sent to police remand for five days by a Delhi court with officials claiming she was an editor of the "toolkit Google doc" and "key conspirator" in its formulation and dissemination. Non-bailable warrants were also issued against lawyer Nikita Jacob and engineer Shantanu for creating a protest toolkit along with Ravi backing the farmers' agitation with the aim of tarnishing the image of India and collaborating with pro-Khalistani elements. The Indian mission responded with an open letter on Monday evening, inviting her to convey any apprehensions on behalf of the British citizens of her constituency to the High Commission directly. We would have been able to comprehensively and in detail provide clarifications to assuage the concerns of your constituents with regard to the recent path-breaking Indian Farm Laws against which a small section of India's farming community has been protesting, reads the letter. It is emphasised that the reforms, intended to protect and empower farmers in India are based on inputs from experts and recommendations by Committees that have analysed the specific challenges of the agricultural sector in India over the last 20 years. "The Farm Acts were duly discussed and debated in the Parliament of India and their benefits have started reaching more than 100 million small farmers instantly. Since the enactment of these reforms, discussions have been held with farmers and other stakeholders on their efficient implementation, it adds. The letter states that the detailed information is being shared with her to dispel any misgivings with regard to the objectives of the reforms, the ability of those having reservations to protest peacefully and the willingness of the government of India to address all concerns in a manner most acceptable to the protesting farmers' unions. The efforts continue but government of India is more than aware of efforts by vested interests abroad to fuel the protests through misinformation and incendiary assertions that are not helpful in progressing the dialogue between the protesters and government or addressing the issues through the democratic processes that our people have traditionally relied on, it notes. High Commission of India would, therefore, reiterate its offer that your constituents British citizens having family ties or business linkages with the agricultural sector in India would be most welcome to address their concerns to the High Commission of India through their representatives, after duly studying the clarifications issued by our mission on our website and through social media, it adds. The letter reiterates that farmers participating in the protest rallies have been treated with utmost respect and restraint by the government and security forces more than may have been the case in similar situations elsewhere in the world. The letter is also appended with a factsheet laying out further details and the consultations and multiple rounds of talks held in relation to the new agricultural reforms. Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at several Delhi border points since November last year, demanding the government to repeal three farm laws and provide them legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. Multiple rounds of talks between the government and farmer unions have not been able to resolve the deadlock. India has emphasised that the protests by farmers must be seen in the context of India's democratic ethos and polity and the Ministry of External Affairs said that some vested interest groups have tried to mobilise international support against the country. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [February 16, 2021] Adopt-a-Pet.com Challenges Pet Owners Across America to Document a Pet Guardianship Plan LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Adopt-a-Pet.com, North America's largest non-profit pet adoption website, is calling on pet owners across the United States to prepare for the worst-case scenario by making a documented plan for their pet's care to be enacted in the event they are no longer able to provide care themselves. The #HomeWithRehome Challenge encourages pet parents to get ahead of further unanticipated events, like those many Americans experienced due to Covid-19 and related economic turmoil, by creating a written plan for their pet's lifetime care. "Covid-19 has thrown us all a major curve ball, and for many Americans that has presented an insurmountable change. For some, there have been unexpected financial impacts like the loss of a job or a stable place to call home and, tragically, for others that has meant serious illness and even death," says Dana Puglisi, Adopt-a-Pet.com's Chief Marketing Officer. "We're joining forces with pet lovers across the country to, as a community, do what is within our control now to mitigate potentially devastating outcomes of personal crises for beloved family pets down the road. Our non-prfit organization offers pet owners the free tools they need to keep their pets out of shelters, including our ground-breaking Rehome program. With this critical campaign, we're aiming to get the word out far and wide." Adopt-a-Pet.com's Rehome program is a peer-to-peer pet adoption platform that has already been used by hundreds of thousands of pet owners who are facing the heartbreaking reality that they can no longer care for their pet. Rehome provides pet owners with an easy-to-use adoption program complete with adoption applications, guidance on screening and selecting adopters, and access to millions of pet adopters to potentially match with their pet. The #HomeWithRehome Challenge aims to spread further awareness of the innovative and life-saving technology and encourage pet owners to make it a part of a larger documented guardianship plan for their pets to be enacted in the event tragedy strikes. To learn more about the #HomeWithRehome Challenge, visit https://www.homewithrehome.com/. To leverage free tools to find loving permanent placement for a pet you can no longer care for, visit Rehome at https://rehome.adoptapet.com. To adopt a pet from an animal shelter, rescue, or a Rehome private owner, visit www.adoptapet.com About Adopt-a-Pet.com Adopt-a-Pet.com is North America's largest non-profit pet adoption website, helping over 19,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their purebred and mixed breed pets for free to millions of adopters each month. Sponsored by companies including Purina, Chewy, and Elanco Animal Health, Adopt-a-Pet.com helps homeless dogs, cats, and even rabbits and other animals go from alone to adopted. Contact Dana Puglisi dana@adoptapet.com 323-696-0082 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adopt-a-petcom-challenges-pet-owners-across-america-to-document-a-pet-guardianship-plan-301227836.html SOURCE Adopt-a-Pet.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Pennsylvania movie theaters ditch mask mandate Three chain movie theaters have announced that masks are no longer mandatory for moviegoers who have been vaccinated against coronavirus. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifas vision to promote peace and co-existence in the region was hailed by South Koreas National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug. This came as His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister and Crown Prince, received yesterday the Speaker at Riffa Palace. The Bahraini leadership has stressed ambitions to establish peace and coexistence in the region. And HM the King pays great attention to achieving peace in the region and prosperity in Bahrain, said Park, the first Korean Speaker to visit the Kingdom. He noted that HM the King is very interested in developing the living standards of the Bahraini people and Bahrain has paid great attention to combating the COVID-19 pandemic through the preventive measures it has taken. Park said that thanks to the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and the constant care of His Royal Highness Prince Salman, Bahrain has been making great progress in various fields. After 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and South Korea, it is a great honour to visit the country especially as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the National Action Charter (NAC), which is an important milestone in the development of Bahraini democracy, said the Speaker. During his visit to the Kingdom, Park met HM the King, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Council of Representative and the Chairman of the Shura Council. The meeting with HM the King stressed the importance of cooperation between Bahrain and Asia in general and South Korea in particular, he said, adding there is ongoing cooperation in the field of construction and infrastructure. Zhukovsky (Russia): Russia is keen on selling its new fighter jet MiG-35 to India with the MiG corporation's chief saying the country has evinced interest in the aircraft and talks were on to understand its requirements. Director General of Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG Ilya Tarasenko said the MiG-35 was "the best" and definitely better than Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation combat aircraftF-35. He claimed that the MiG-35 would beat the American jet in air-to-air combat. Tarasenko, while talking to reporters on the sidelines of the MAKS 2017 air show, said after having presented MiG-35 in January, the MiG corporation began to actively promote the aircraft in India and in other parts of the world. "We are proposing supply of the aircraft for tenders in India and we actively work with its Air Force in order to win the tender", he said. The MiG-35 is Russia's most advanced 4++ generation multipurpose fighter jet developed on the basis of the serial-produced MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 combat aircraft. Read more: Russian satellite Mayak brighthest object after Sun and Moon Asked if India has expressed any interest in the MiG-35, Tarasenko said, "Of course they have." MiG aircraft have been used by India for almost 50 years and MiG corporation proposes its new products to India among the first countries and intends to continue supplying India with its most modern aircraft, the MiG chief said. Asked about the current status of the proposal of the aircraft to India, he said, "We are in the negotiation stage where talks on technical and technological specifications that MiG can present to India and the requirements that India has for this aircraft were taking place." "Since this is a very new plane, it will still take sometime to negotiate on exactly what India needs and adjust the product to it", he added. Talking about the cost of the plane, Tarasenko said it was economical due to the after-sales services being offered along with the aircraft. "We propose not just the aircraft, but also training for its use, as well as after-sales servicing where we take upon the responsibility to service it for 40 years", he added. He stressed that in comparison to its competitors, the prices offered by MiG were 20-25 per cent cheaper, making it an attractive option for those who wish to purchase this aircraft. Highlighting the main features of the MiG-35, Tarasenko said its technical specifications were close to a fifth generation aircraft, namely its flight capabilities, its new weapon range and defence systems, including stealth. "I would like to note the demand for this aircraft for our own air force, as well as our foreign partners. The plane is light, multi-functional and has high manoeuvrability", Tarasenko said, adding that the MiG was also offering special commercial terms to its partners. He also stressed that the plane was fully Russian-made with Rostec companies like United Engine Corporation (UEC), KRET and Technodinamika participating in the project. At MAKS 2017, the MiG-35 grabbed all the limelight as it took to the skies and enthralled the audience with breathtaking manoeuvres like the tail slide, barrel roll and the nesterov loop. Read more: Donald Trumps son to testify before Congress next week Meanwhile, Director of Russia's Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev also said that Russia is ready to take part in India's tender for the supply of light fighter jets with its MiG-35 plane. "Principally, Russia is ready to participate in future aviation tenders in India. However, as of now, we do not have information on the opening of a tender and, correspondingly, on the plane's technical requirements set by the Indian side", he was quoted as saying by Russia's TASS news agency. Mikhail Belyaev, the Lead Test Pilot of MiG-35, told reporters that the main feature of this aircraft was the new on board equipment and the new quality of weapons -- air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea. "Compared with the basic version of the MiG-29, it is a new aircraft, new airframe, fly-by-wire, glass cockpit, adapted for night vision goggles...new engines, more power, more fuel, new on board equipment and new weapons", said Belyaev, who was earlier this year presented the star of the 'Hero of Russia' by President Vladimir Putin for bravery in piloting and testing of aviation equipment. Asked if it was easier to fly MiG-35, Belyaev said new tasks were required for such an aircraft so one needs to learn these. "On the basic level it is not that difficult to switch from MIG 29 to 35 as the plane remains the same. It is still a light simple plane. The combat tasks that can be achieved from this plane are much more serious and much more complex", he said. "More combat tasks can be achieved from this plane than with the MiG-29. So it will take time to learn new tasks and to adapt", he added. An overhauled MiG-35 multi-role fighter completed a successful demonstration flight at the MAKS 2017 air show, with Russian officials saying the first combat-ready plane will be delivered to the Air Force next year. While speaking to reporters at MAKS, Tarasenko also noted that around 30 countries are using various modifications of MiG-35's predecessor, the MiG-29, and that "talks are already ongoing with potential buyers." The fighter jet features improved flight and technical characteristics, the most advanced on board radio-electronic equipment and a wide arsenal of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. The flight tests of MiG-35 fighter aircraft began on January 26 and the plane's international presentation was held in the Moscow Region on the following day. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Help India! Twenty-four-year-old Ehraz Ahmed is a college drop-out but his passion for technology has led him to help big tech companies like Airtel, TrueCaller, Netflix, Facebook etc safeguard their users data. Shalini S, TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles Mysore: Ehraz Ahmed is a 24-year-old Bangalore based ethical hacker, entrepreneur and fintech professional who has saved millions of user data in several top-notch companies from getting hacked. Ehraz has identified security breaches in celebrated companies like Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Netflix, SoundCloud, Airtel and Truecaller. At a young age of 16, he achieved the mark of Security Researcher Hall of Fame appellation in 50 such high user data-based applications. I am continually trying to save significant companies from getting hacked. Last year alone, I protected over 700 million user data and safeguarded major Indian tech companies from potential data breaches. The biggest was in Airtel, risking 325 million user data from getting leaked online, Ehraz told TwoCircles.net. Becoming an entrepreneur is like jumping out of a plane without a parachute. While landing one has to build their parachute, Ehraz told TwoCircles.net. Ehraz talked about his journey from a fervent tech prodigy to a successful entrepreneur. During his childhood, Ehraz and his brother used to go to cyber cafes and spend time playing video games. His penchant for technology and digital literacy was already blooming by then. At 14, he established himself as a game hosting provider. While still in his teens, he came across a Facebook post about a security researcher who had identified the applications vulnerability and got rewarded and acknowledged for it. I am getting paid to expose the flaws, who wouldnt like that? says Ehraz sportively, and he recalls the incident as a prime motivator for him to become an ethical hacker. When questioned about the morality involved in being a white hat (a person who hacks into a computer network to test or evaluate its security systems), he says, I use Airtel. I wouldnt want my privacy at risk, and I respect others right to privacy. I run two companies now and I know how important and sensitive private data is. Aspirehive, a data security company shelters the websites of other micro-enterprises and businesses, he adds. Voxy Wealth Management, his fintech company, offers financial advice and analytics to traders. Taking a dig at the role of security researchers in different companies, he says, Most of the entrepreneurs and big scale industries underestimate cyber-attacks and are overconfident about their systems security, sometimes they lack funding and brush aside the hiring of security researchers. This, in a way, increases the scope for bug bounties to freelance. Talking about the banning of Chinese apps by the Government of India during the LAC standoff, Ehraz said, The government red-flagged Chinese applications citing security reasons, but trust me, one would be surprised to know how vulnerable Indian applications are. It took me only 15 minutes to identify the flaw in Airtel, and over 300 million users were prone to cyber-attack. Ehraz says that he doesnt want to be part of a rat race. I only craved limited knowledge and I learnt it the right way. In college, the quality of knowledge that I was acquiring seemed contrived, he says on dropping out of college after freshman year. Ehraz studied engineering at PES College of Engineering, Mandya in Karnataka for a year. Though his parents were apprehensive about this significant leap of his, Ehraz was confident as he knew what he wanted. He learnt his way into AI (Artificial Intelligence) by researching on the internet. He emphasises the importance of identifying ones community and expanding the network. One needs to diagnose a problem out there and his company becomes the solution. Thats how entrepreneurship is achieved, he says. Proper planning, knowing his capacity and utilising the limited resources wisely, Ehraz says has helped him ground himself while starting a company. I have also had my ups and downs. Being the youngest at the field comes with a lot of challenges. I need to compete with others radically and, in doing so, criticisms will be directed at me, but I take them as compliments, he says. During the lockdown, when Covid-19 cases were steadily increasing in number, Ehraz designed a Covid XRay scanner. The source code is available on the internet for further improvisations, he said. At present, he is a secretary of Gayathri Higher Primary School, a non profit school for the underprivileged children in Mysore, Karnataka. It was Ehrazs father Aijaz Ahmed, who established this school in 1982, right after completing his masters degree in Science from University of Mysore (UoM). His father had started this school with the sole purpose of educating the children of Gayatripuram, which used to be a residential colony for military personnel. More than 4,000 students have graduated from this school with flying colours, set to pursue higher education, he says. Ehraz, a digital Robinhood is the only Indian to safeguard over billion-user data from cyberattacks. At present, he is working on establishing his third company Amazon for Websites. The company will focus on providing web services and management, he says. Ehraz plans to analyse big data and secure the privacy of multitude of users in the process. Ehrazs is a story of a young Muslim youth who pushes his limitations, follows his dreams and wants to live a life filled with meaning and purpose. Knight Frank releases report on State of Phuket Luxury and Upscale Hotel Market 2020, Outlook 2021 PHUKET: Following the recent reports on the state of Phukets condo and villa markets, Knight Frank Thailand have now issued a report on the State of Phuket Luxury and Upscale Hotel Market in 2020, and Outlook for 2021. propertytourism By The Phuket News Tuesday 16 February 2021, 04:01PM The report has been drafted by Carlos Martinez, Director of Research and Consultancy, Knight Frank Thailand. His report in full is as follows: The number of international arrivals in Phuket went from an all-time high with over 5.3 million in 2019 to hit rock bottom with just over 1.0 million in 2020, a decline of 80%, as the airport remained closed for international arrivals since April 2020 due to the travel restrictions imposed locally and globally to prevent the further spread of the ongoing outbreak. As a result, hotel occupancy rates plummeted. Some hotel operators temporarily suspended operations, and others offered discounts on room rates, and promotion campaigns to attract the domestic-only demand. This is particularly harmful to the islands economy as over 90% of the tourism income came from foreign visitors before the pandemic, in 2019. To offset the lack of foreign visitors, the government launched a plan on July 15 to encourage domestic traveling consisting of the we plan together campaign, which subsidizes 40% of hotel expenditures and airfares. Yet, the number of domestic arrivals were down by 64% y-o-y in 2020. The Chinese market continued to be the main source market in 2020 even though it declined in the first quarter by 33.8% YoY to 1.06 million as the Chinese government imposed outbound travel restrictions in January 2020. Supply and Demand Patong beach comprises the majority of the luxury and upscale hotel supply at 24% of the total supply followed by Karon (15%), Bang Tao (14%), Kata (13%), and Kamala (10%). In 2H 2020, no new luxury or upscale hotel opened in Phuket. At the end of 2020, there were 22,824 luxury and upscale hotel rooms in Phuket. As the international travel restrictions continued, the occupancy rate of luxury and upscale hotels in Phuket dropped further in the second half of the year to 14%. The overall occupancy rate for 2020 fell 34 percentage points YoY to 26%. The temporary closure of the Phuket International Airport from April to September 2020, resulted in the lowest level of hotel occupancy rate forcing some hotel operators to suspend their operations until market recovery. The average daily rate (ADR) of luxury and upscale hotels fell 7% YoY to B3,750 making this drop a record low for the past few years. Hotels compete to attract the domestic market by offering lower rates before the launch of the government We Travel Together program. Outlook Mr Martinez added in 2020, only one hotel opened in the first half of the year; Four Points by Sheraton Patong Beach with 600 rooms. Seven hotels postponed their openings due to the current epidemic situation, totaling 2,077 rooms. These include Dhawa Phuket hotel (150 rooms), Pamooko Pamooka (512 rooms), Ramada Plaza Grand Himalai Resort (426 rooms), Utopia Mai Khao (92 rooms), The Beach Plaza (730 rooms), and Angsana Oceanview (116 rooms), in the upscale segment, and 137 Pillars Resort Phuket (51 rooms) in the luxury segment. Phuket has been one of the hardest-hit destinations in Thailand in 2020. In April, the Government ordered temporary mass hotel closures as the province was hit by a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases. The Phuket International Airport reopened for domestic arrivals in June 2020, after a two-month closure due to the pandemic. In the second half of 2020, AOT only recorded 775,118 domestic passenger arrivals, a 57% YoY decline. Yet, the average length of stay of domestic tourists is less than half than that of foreign tourists, averaging 1.8 days only, thus contributing weakly to a significant increase in hotel occupancy levels. Overall, we expect the average occupancy rate for luxury and upscale hotels in Phuket to continue to levels below 25%, and the ADR to continue low in the first half of 2021. The outlook for 2021 is not promising, as the second COVID-19 wave at the beginning of the year prompted the government to impose further travel restrictions at a provincial level, in addition to the pandemic spread records in the main source international markets. Also, the Chinese government continues to enforce a ban on Chinese outgoings, the main source market. Thus, hotel business closures and extensions of existing temporarily suspended businesses are expected to happen given the low demand for hotel rooms. Phuket hotel market will only recover once the foreign visitors are back to the island, however, Thai borders are likely to remain closed for international visitors until the population gets vaccinated which might take most of the year 2021. Subject to the success of the vaccine implementation, an optimistic expectation would be a quick recovery starting in 2022, achieving pre-COVID levels in 2023. Although other negative factors might affect the number of international and domestic travelers such as the global economic uncertainty, visitors confidence in traveling, and appreciation of the Thai baht, the pent up demand will likely drive the recovery after the lift of global travel restrictions, especially from the main source markets; China, Russia, and Europe, that showed a quick rebound after other disasters in the past such as SARS and the Tsunami, returning after only one season. This unprecedented situation presents the opportunity for the hospitality industry in the island to widen their focus towards domestic demand, and become somewhat less dependent on foreign tourists, resulting in a better balance between domestic and foreign visitors, particularly considering the high accommodation supply in the form of hotels and condominiums for rent. Pick by pick, President Joe Biden aims to assemble an administration so diverse that it will "look like the country." Yet what about the prominent visual critics who will be mocking his White House and Cabinet - will they, too, be a wide-ranging representation of the nation? Whither the women and LGBTQ political cartoonists and creators of color on staff at mainstream American newspapers? Matt Lubchansky, a queer nonbinary cartoonist for the Nib who was a Herblock Prize finalist last year for work reflective "of a new generation," is among the artists considering that question. "There are plenty of extremely talented young cartoonists that aren't cis white men doing good topical work," says the New York-based Lubchansky, who believes minority voices often face institutional prejudice when seeking publication in mainstream papers. According to the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, the Biden-Harris White House is being visually satirized in mainstream U.S. papers mostly by White men - by a wide margin. The AAEC estimates that fewer than 30 staff newspaper jobs remain for full-time editorial cartoonists. None of those positions is held by a woman, according to industry experts, and Michael Ramirez of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and David G. Brown of the Los Angeles Sentinel are two of the rare American political cartoonists of color who have a dedicated paper. Many women and LGBTQ cartoonists and creators of color are published through contract and freelance work or in online outlets and alternative media, but the imbalance persists across much of mainstream editorial cartooning. "I would love to see a diverse group of cartoonists get to equally spoof and satirize the most diverse presidential cabinet of all time," says Lalo Alcaraz, a 2020 Pulitzer finalist, whose political cartoons and Latino-themed comics are distributed by Andrews McMeel Syndication. He emphasizes that there's "a lot of untapped minority talent out there." Sage Stossel, an editor-artist whose political cartoons have been published by the Atlantic and the Boston Globe, thinks that "empathetic, open-minded cartoonists can comment thoughtfully about issues" even if the subject matter is outside their personal experience. Yet, she says: "It's probably also true that having such pronounced homogeneity on staffs means that important angles are being missed." Pia Guerra, the graphic novelist turned viral political cartoonist, says that journalistic blind spots arise when media decision-makers don't have backgrounds directly familiar with systemic violence. "You don't notice the red flags as easily, if at all," says Guerra, who publishes on the Nib and to her social media accounts. "If you're surrounded by other White guys all with the same limited view, the perspective remains skewed, the media produced is skewed and a big chunk of your audience gets alienated," says Guerra, who identifies ethnically as mixed. Editorial artwork involving race regularly sparks controversy. In May, for instance, Clay Jones created a syndicated cartoon in response to the fatal Georgia shooting of unarmed Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery, after he was pursued by White men in a pickup truck. In Jones's art, then-President Trump and a supporter are in a pickup, chasing a jogging Obama; the supporter says, "Yeah . . . let's get him. But what crime did he commit?" and Trump replies, "Isn't it obvious?" Some readers of the Daily Times newspaper in Tennessee decried it as racist commentary. Jones, who is White, told the Daily Times that his point was: "To some people, Obama's crime is that he's Black," and to the killers, "Arbery's crime was being Black."Jones tells The Post he has drawn many cartoons about race relations and urges diversity in his industry. "When it comes to something like Black Lives Matter," he says, "shouldn't we hear from people who are actually living Black lives?" Darrin Bell, the first Black journalist to win the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning, who's syndicated by King Features and Washington Post Writers Group, says the Biden era should invite opportunity: "This would be the perfect time to hire a Black cartoonist who's dealt with a lot of the same crap [Vice President Kamala] Harris is in for, and can critique it not only from empathy, but from experience. A Black cartoonist who isn't as much at risk of being called 'racist' for finding fault with her if it's warranted." He thinks a Black cartoonist might also be uniquely critical and uncowed by the diversity of the Biden administration: "There's an old saying in Black culture: 'All skinfolk ain't kinfolk.' And I'd be watching them like a hawk to see if all this welcome diversity is just a smokescreen." Yet will hiring practices change in a declining environment, as staff jobs disappear? Signe Wilkinson - who in 1992 became the first woman to win the cartooning Pulitzer - isn't hopeful. "Until Biden creates the Secretary of Cartooning Cabinet position that can mandate quotas for who cartoons where, there will be no big change in the demographics of traditional cartooning," says Wilkinson, a longtime Philadelphia Daily News staffer before becoming a contract worker several years ago. She retired from Philly.com in December and only draws now for The Washington Post Writers Group. Wilkinson's arc mirrors much of the field. When she became a staff cartoonist in the early '80s, she had roughly 150 peers who had a full-time newspaper perch, according to former Editor & Publisher columnist Dave Astor. Now, there's less than one-fifth that many. "The age of the staff editorial cartoonist is dead," says Keith Knight, a veteran syndicated cartoonist ("The Knight Life") and co-creator of Hulu's "Woke." So where can readers turn to read a broader multicultural swath of political cartoonists? Many talented creators are working off the mainstream or in other forms, like graphic journalism. Knight sees "a diverse generation of up-and-coming cartoonists tackling political topics," but underscores that it is "up to editors at mainstream media outlets [as to] whether they want to amplify this new crop of creators." Jen Sorensen, the incoming AAEC president and the first woman to win cartooning's Herblock Prize, says the responsibility rests with editors to do their homework. "While editing comics for [the media website] Fusion, I used the Cartoonists of Color Database compiled by Mari Naomi, did Internet research, got referrals from friends," says Sorensen, whose work appears in such outlets asthe Nib and Daily Kos. She adds: "The key to finding more women and people of color is making the effort." Many indie cartoonists represent a diversity of formats, as well, liberated from space constraints placed on print newspaper cartoons for centuries. "Staid insistence on a very traditional editorial-cartoon format is limiting demographic change" among print-newspaper cartoonists, Sorensen says. "People of all ages seem to enjoy multi-panel strips, yet it is virtually impossible to get this work into major newspapers nowadays. It's almost like 'Doonesbury' never happened." Ann Telnaes, a contract cartoonist for The Washington Post, has helped blaze a trail for political animation, and thinks creators "should take advantage of the opportunities that creating editorial cartoons online brings: animation, multi-panel long-form and sketching real-time events." Telnaes, the only woman besides Wilkinson to win the cartooning Pulitzer, last year taught an editorial cartooning class at California Institute of the Arts, her alma mater. "The majority of the students preferred a long-form, multi-panel format rather than the traditional single-panel box," she says. "I'm also happy to note the majority of the class were women." Some women have found prominent media outlets for their multi-panel editorial art, including Stossel and Malaka Gharib, whose online work for NPR has included comics centering on coping with the pandemic. As newspaper staff jobs vanish, though, many political cartoonists must build enough revenue streams - such as self-syndication, Patreon pages and newsletters like CounterPoint - to survive and thrive financially. "The problem for these creators is that there are now very few outlets where you can cultivate your craft while getting paid," says Matt Bors, who spotlights independent talent as editor of the comics website the Nib. "It's a shrinking genre, and we're trying to hold the line." Some artists believe increasing the diversity of mainstream cartoonists could invigorate the art form in newspapers. But Lubchansky says: "I'm not sure I see newspapers getting with the times - nothing in the recent past has really convinced me of that. ... I honestly don't imagine papers catching up before the last newspaper cartoonist loses their job." John Diaz, the editorial page editor at the San Francisco Chronicle, acknowledged that the diversity issues and staff cuts that have affected newsrooms have also hit cartooning. He notes that those cartoonists "who remain are brilliant and persevere. I'm doing what I can in my position to keep the genre going." Diaz says there are not only fewer staff cartoonists but also tighter budgets for syndicated work. As a result, he says, "There is less opportunity for aspiring cartoonists to showcase their talents." Diaz hopes, though, that newspaper cartooning will survive economic trends. "I love the genre, and it's needed more than ever in modern politics, where absurdity so desperately cries to be called out. No one does absurdity better than an editorial cartoonist," he says, underscoring that a broad range of voices is crucial to that vitality. Yet Bors, a past Pulitzer finalist who gave up chasing a steady staff job, is not optimistic. "Obviously cartooning overall is presenting a lot of opportunities for people," he says, "but political cartooning's glory days are over." Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Indias merchandise exports rose for the second consecutive month in January and at a faster pace than seen in preliminary estimates released earlier this month, official data released Monday showed. In an indicator of the recovery in domestic demand, imports increased and the countrys trade deficit narrowed to USD 14.54 billion. Official data showed, Merchandise exports rose over 6.16% on a year-on-year basis. The exports during the month under review grew to USD 27.45 billion from USD 25.85 billion in January 2020. "Non-petroleum and Non-gems and jewellery exports in January 2021 were USD 22.44 billion, as compared to $19.79 billion in January 2020, registering a positive growth of 13.40%," a Ministry of Commerce and Industry statement said. "Non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in April January 2020-21 were USD 188.77 billion, as compared to USD 197.94 billion for the corresponding period in 2019-20, which is a decrease of (-) 4.63%." In terms of imports, India's inbound shipments in January 2021 increased by 2.03% to USD 41.99 billion from USD41.15 billion during the corresponding period of 2020. "Cumulative value of imports for the period April-January 2020- 21 was USD 300.26 billion as against USD 405.33 billion during the period April-January 2019-20, registering a negative growth of (- ) 25.92% in dollar terms. "Last month, oil imports were $9.40 billion, as compared to USD 13.01 billion in January 2020, a decline of 27.72%. "Non-oil and non-gold imports were USD 28.55 billion in January 2021, recording a positive growth of 7.50%, as compared to non-oil and non-gold imports of USD 26.56 billion in January 2020." Fertiliser export: India opens Transit traffic route from Bangladesh to Nepal China decreases import of seafood from Kerala Vehicles without FASTag to pay double toll fee from Monday midnight Establishment GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell has told the Wall Street Journal that he plans to openly intervene in Republican US Senate primaries in 2022. Of cpirse., je jas beem doing that for years, but more behind the scenes. Now that he is coming out of the closeet on it, conservatives will see a lot more opposition from McConnell, who often collaborates with Democrats against conservatives. A few years ago, when McConnell vowed to "crush them everywhere", he was talking about conservatives in his own party, not Democrats. North Carolina has a Senate primary in 2022. Our two present spineless establishment hacks in the Senate, Burr and Tillis, both of whom have been weak campaigners, are examples of the kind of candidate McConnell promotes. He has pushed both of them in past elections. We do not need to be stuck with another lousy McConnell type candidate. The polls show Lara Trump the clear frontrunner for the GOP nomination if she runs. Wishy-washy failure Pat McCrory is a distant second. North Carolinians need to tell Boss McConnell that North Carolinians choose our senate candidates, not political bosses from Washington, DC. This is the same weasel Mitch McConnell who joined the Democrats in trying to blame President Trump for "inciting" the Capitol riot but has refused to blame the Democrats for the election fraud in November. McConnell needs to be overthrown as Senate GOP leader just as weasel Boehner was in the House. Twin reviews of Parliaments workplace culture under way after a staffer alleged a colleague raped her may result in mandatory reporting, psychological testing for new advisers and a review of security. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked Liberal MP Celia Hammond to examine the culture within coalition MPs offices and the training politicians receive to deal with complaints or incidents. As vice-chancellor at Notre Dame university, Ms Hammond led its response to the Australian Human Rights Commissions 2017 report on sexual assault and harassment at universities. Liberal MP Celia Hammond will lead a review of culture within parliamentarians offices. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet deputy secretary Stephanie Foster will also look at the formal processes and links between the Department of Finance and parliamentary staff. The reviews come after former staffer Brittany Higgins told news.com.au and the Ten Networks The Project on Monday she was sexually assaulted by another ministerial adviser in March 2019 in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds ministerial office, where they both worked. New Delhi: The Personnel Ministry vide an order has asked all central government employees to attend office on working days. In an order which will end Work From Home for the government servants, the Ministry has asked at all levels are to attend office on all working days without any exemption to any category of employees, said the order issued late Saturday to all the central government departments. However, all officers and staff residing in containment zones shall be exempted from coming to office till their containment zone is de-notified, the order said. The officers and staff who are residing in the containment zone shall work from home and shall be available on telephone and electronic means of communications at all times, it added. Until now, officers of the level of Under Secretary and above were only attending office due to the coronavirus-induced restrictions imposed in March. The Centre had in May asked 50 percent of its employees below the level of Deputy Secretary to work from their offices, while implementing different time slots in its effort to further check the spread of the coronavirus. The officers/staff shall follow staggered timings to avoid over-crowding in offices/workplaces as decided by the heads of department, it said. Biometric attendance shall continue to be suspended until further orders, it said. Meetings, as far as possible, may continue to be conducted with video-conferencing and personal meetings with visitors, unless absolutely necessary in public interest, are to be avoided, the order said. Live TV #mute The Personnel Ministry, in another order, said that all departmental canteens may be opened. With PTI Inputs New Delhi, Feb 16 : Facing intense political heat in India, Twitter has raised an alarm at an upcoming surveillance bill in Australia that has proposed a new account takeover warrant which, if passed, will let law enforcement agencies take control of a person's online account for the purposes of gathering evidence about serious offences. The Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020 would hand over three new warrants to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) to deal with online crime on social media platforms. The Surveillance Bill contains three new types of warrants -- Data Disruption Warrants, Network Activity Warrants and Account Takeover Warrants. Twitter, however, is more concerned about the account takeover warrant and in its reply to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) review into the Surveillance Bill 2020, the micro-blogging platform said the proposed computer warrants are "antithetical" to democratic law. "Twitter is concerned that the proposed Bill will allow law enforcement direct access to data regardless of the location of the server, without requiring knowledge of such access being provided to the service provider, and in the case of Account Takeover Warrants, absent the agreement of an appropriate consenting official of the relevant foreign country where the warrant would be enforced," the company elaborated in its reply. According to the company, the account takeover warrants pose sweeping expansions to surveillance powers and covert activities that "could impact Twitter's platform and operations inside and outside of Australia". A law enforcement officer would be authorised to take control of one or more accounts and access account-based data in addition to adding, copying, deleting, or altering account credentials. The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that an account takeover warrant is designed to be used in circumstances where law enforcement officers have a person's account credentials, but the person has not given his or her permission for law enforcement to use the account. According to the Australian government, "the account takeover power will allow officers to take over online accounts and gather evidence about a person's online criminality and their associate's activity. Through the new account takeover warrant, AFP and ACIC will be authorised to take control of a person's online account to gather evidence leading to prosecutions of a serious offence". Twitter said that this again raises a number of inherent privacy concerns and potential violations of substantive rights, as well as potential conflict of laws if these third-party users are outside of Australia. "As currently written, the Account Takeover Warrant would be divorced from standard due process requirements. It would be antithetical to core legal principles enshrined in democratic law and procedural fairness," Twitter argued. In its latest Transparency Report, Twitter saw global governments and law enforcement agencies submit approximately 44 per cent more information requests (combined emergency and routine requests) compared to the previous reporting period. Twitter has received government information requests from 93 different countries since 2012 when it first began compiling and publishing its Transparency Report. In India, the Supreme Court last week issued a notice to the Centre and Twitter on a plea seeking a mechanism to check content on Twitter spreading hatred through fake news and instigative content through bogus accounts. Earlier, the micro-blogging platform either withheld or suspended at least 90-95 per cent accounts as directed by the IT Ministry in two separate notices. The company was asked by the IT Ministry to block nearly 1,435 accounts in the wake of the farmers' protests. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 07:34:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- A civilian contractor was killed and five others wounded, along with wounding a U.S. soldier, in a rocket attack on Monday that targeted Erbil airport, which houses a U.S.-led coalition military base, in the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq, the U.S. military said. Col. Wayne Marotto, Spokesman of CJTF-OIR (Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve), said in a brief tweet that initial reports stated "indirect fire landed on coalition forces in Erbil tonight. There was 1 civilian contractor killed, 5 civilian contractors injured, and 1 U.S. service member injured." Marotto did not give further details about the nationality of the civilian contractors but said that more information to follow. Marotto's tweet came hours after unidentified militants fired rockets in the evening at Erbil airport and near it, according to Kurdish security sources. According to the U.S. military statements, indirect fire refers to rocket and mortar shells. The regional Ministry of Interior said in a brief statement that several rockets were fired at 9:30 p.m. (1830 GMT) on several areas in Erbil, injuring several civilians. Another statement by the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, also Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi forces, said that al-Kadhimi ordered a joint investigation with the Kurdish regional authorities over the rocket attack. Earlier in the night, a brief statement issued by the regional Counter-Terrorism Service said that three rockets were fired on Erbil, Two of them landed in Erbil airport, and the third landed outside. A security source anonymously pointed out the third rocket struck the fence of the residential complex of Naz City near the airport, wounding two people and damaging several nearby shops. The Kurdish region in northern Iraq has been relatively peaceful, but such attacks have frequently targeted Baghdad airport and Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops, as well as the U.S. embassy in the Green Zone with mortar and rocket attacks. Enditem Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Irvine, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 -- A radioactive bone cement that's injected into bone to provide support and local irradiation is proving to be a safer alternative to conventional radiation therapy for bone tumors, according to a study led by University of California, Irvine researchers. The study shows that this brachytherapy cement can be placed into spinal bones to directly irradiate tumors without harming the spinal cord, and the radioactive material will stay localized in the bones, which promises to virtually eliminate side effects. Lead researcher Joyce Keyak, UCI professor of radiological sciences, presented the results at the 2021 annual meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, which was held virtually Feb. 12-16. Cancers that begin in the breast, prostate, lung, thyroid, kidney and other locations can spread to and erode bones, most commonly in the spine. Further complicating matters, normal radiation treatments for this problem can threaten the spinal cord and weaken the bones already compromised by the tumor's erosion, increasing the risk of fracture. Currently, multiple sessions of external beam radiation are used to treat cancer that has spread to the spine. This radiation causes unpleasant side effects (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) and passes through the spinal cord, which often delays and limits treatment. "Brachytherapy cement could be used without delay in a convenient, one-step, minimally invasive treatment to irradiate tumors," Keyak said, "and would not irradiate the spinal cord or limit future treatment options." In animal and computational studies, the researchers evaluated the short-term safety of injecting brachytherapy cement into vertebrae; the possible migration of radioactivity into blood, urine or feces; the dose rate outside the injection site; and the radiation dose from phosphorus-32 emissions to the spinal cord and soft tissue. At 17 weeks post-injection, physical examinations were all normal and no activity was detected in blood, urine or feces. The researchers found no evidence of the P-32 isotope in the circulating blood, no changes in blood work related to radioactivity and no neurological deficits. "This localized treatment for bone tumors stays localized, and we did not see any effects outside the bone," Keyak said. "This is important because traditional radiation therapy causes adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea." Bringing brachytherapy bone cement into being Keyak and Dr. Harry Skinner, an orthopedic surgeon with St. Jude Heritage Medical Group, created the brachytherapy cement by infusing a common product of their trade, bone cement, with radioactive material already used in other treatments. The brachytherapy bone cement does not have the same side effects as traditional radiation therapy, Keyak noted, because the injection directly targets the tumor and radiation doesn't pass through other organs, such as the intestines or stomach. Previous studies also revealed that it can immediately reduce pain in the spine, potentially getting patients off strong painkillers that could carry additional side effects. Normally, a bone cancer patient needs 10 or more sessions of radiation therapy. But with the brachytherapy bone cement, Keyak said, a single injection can provide an equivalent, targeted tumor treatment with significantly less threat to the spinal cord and nerves. "You can have this procedure and be done with it," she said. "And you can do it when tumors are smaller to prevent further bone and spinal cord damage, while limiting the pain and side effects that patients often feel." Keyak and Skinner have started a company, Bone-Rad Therapeutics, for their product and have licensed its intellectual property (four patents and one pending patent). The next step, Keyak said, will be more animal studies, followed by an application for a clinical trial. ### Mando Eijansantos, Katherine Rosecrance, Daniel Wong, Sayeh Feizi, Pranav Peddinti, Aleen Meldosian and Varun Sehgal of UCI and Clifford Les of Pedicaris Research in Birmingham, Michigan, also participated in the research. About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 222 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit http://www. uci. edu Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus ISDN line to interview UCI faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UCI news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at communications.uci.edu/for-journalists. (Alliance News) - Serco Group PLC on Tuesday announced it has agreed to acquire Whitney, Bradley & Brown Inc, a provider of advisory, engineering and technical services to the US Military. The outsourcer bought the company for USD295 million from an affiliate of Miami, Florida-based private equity firm HIG Capital. The Hampshire-based Serco said the acquisition will increase the "scale, breadth and capability" of its US defence business, providing a "strong" platform from which to address all major segments of the US defence services market. Serco said the purchase will be immediately accretive to earnings and will be funded through existing debt facilities. It is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals. The company said it expects WBB to generate revenue of around USD230 million during 2021, and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of USD29 million. In 2020, WBB generated revenue of USD212 million, and its Ebitda was USD29 million. "Growing the scale, reach and capability of Serco in the largest defence market in the world is one of our strategic objectives, and the acquisition of WBB significantly advances that strategy. Following the acquisition of the Naval Systems Business Unit of Alion in 2019, which increased the size of our US Navy business by 70%, WBB takes our North American defence revenues to around USD1.1 billion and gives us credible positions in other parts of the market including Air Force, Space Force, Army, the Missile Defense Agency and the Office of the Secretary of Defense," said Serco Group Chief Executive Rupert Soames. "It creates a powerful platform for future growth and brings us impressive new capabilities in areas such as advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence & machine learning, and precision navigation and timing, along with a team of renowned subject matter experts covering a wide range of disciplines that can be deployed across our business," he added. Shares in Serco were up 6.0% at 126.90 pence in London on Tuesday morning. By Zoe Wickens; zoewickens@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. A Limestone County judge has denied the request of a 16-year-old charged with capital murder for the slaying of his family to be transferred from jail to a juvenile detention facility. Circuit Judge Robert Bakers order denying the motion by Mason Sisks attorneys was filed Friday afternoon. A virtual hearing on the motion to transfer Sisk was held Thursday. An arraignment has been set for April 7. Sisk, who is accused of the fatal September 2019 shootings of five family members, is now being held without bail at Limestone County Jail. When Sisk, then 14, was arrested after the shootings at the familys home on Ridge Road in Elkmont, he was taken to the Tennessee Valley Juvenile Detention Center in Tuscumbia. After a hearing in November, Limestone County Juvenile Judge Matthew Huggins ordered Sisks case to be transferred to Circuit Court for prosecution, and Sisk was placed in the county jail. He was indicted last month as an adult with one count of capital murder of two or more victims and three counts of capital murder of a victim under the age of 14. Sisk requested, through his attorneys, that the court to enter an order placing him at the Tennessee Valley Juvenile Detention Center, or any other, different or additional relief the court deems appropriate. According to the motion, Sisk is housed in solitary confinement at the jail due to his age and vulnerability with the general jail population, and he is better suited to be placed at the (juvenile detention center) where the defendant will be among his peer group and in a setting that more closely meets his needs. Limestone County authorities said the victims were Sisks father John Wayne Sisk, 38; his stepmother Mary Sisk, 35; his 6-year-old brother; his 5-year-old sister; and his 6-month-old brother. marian.accardi@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438. Twitter @DD_MAccardi. ___ (c)2021 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Not so with Fatherland, a sequence of early passes at the same material. Again, our protagonist is named Belano, but here he is Rigoberto, a kind of ur-Arturo. Here, too, we see the coup, but far from galloping toward it, Rigoberto remains passive, and gets dragged away. Our fascination comes mostly from spotting, amid the narrative shrapnel, flashes of future works and roads not taken. The skywriting Messerschmitt from Distant Star, the escape scene from The Savage Detectives, a shelfs worth of Nazi Literature in the Americas all are present, but as what Elena Ferrante has called frantumaglia, the primordial jumble from which the artist slowly extracts and elaborates the work. Between these two bookends cool triumph, hot mess sits an unrelated piece called French Comedy of Horrors. Its the most recent thing in the book, and, as the title suggests, the funniest less a novella than a shaggy anecdote. Walking home from the beach after a solar eclipse, a young poet hears a pay phone ringing on a deserted street. When he answers, an unplaceable voice begins initiating him into the folkways of a secret society called the Clandestine Surrealist Group. Or the Surrealist Group in Clandestinity, the voice allows. The swirl of deadpan everydayness and Twin Peaks-y foreboding would sit easily alongside Bolanos earlier stories. But as with the title novella, the ironies here are deepened by our foreknowledge of the world that actually awaits the poet: laissez-faire where he wants to be engage, iron-fisted where he would be free. Where will we be 15 years from now? Bolano writes. Well be working in pharmacies, as clerks, or well have left for the provinces to lead miserable lives. Well have children and aches and pains. No one will write. And this country will be just the same as it is now. Even more than the oasis of horror in a desert of boredom (the Baudelairean epigraph to 2666), this is what anchors the Bolanoverse: the loss of youth inscribing a larger loss of historical possibility, in an elegy for a future that never came to be. But at least inside the fiction, the possibility of change, of poetry, isnt lost for good just gone underground, like Bolano himself. One neednt exalt every fragment as a puzzle piece, or every story as a novella, to be staggered by his feats of resurrection. Viral Fission is a platform that bridges the gap between India's energetic youth and the brands they love. The company aims at redefining brand salience metrics with/for the youth. They offer a community based youth network that co-creates unparalleled brand experiences. The ongoing pandemic has been tough on all of us but it was highly strenuous for the businesses due to the down market and as a result of that, their store employees are the ones who faced repercussion. This Valentines Day, Viral Fission wanted to step out of the box and celebrate these unsung heroes of every brand who have dedicated their service to gratify our needs even in these challenging times. This initiative brought forth the youth community of Viral Fission and encouraged them to drive a conversation about the brands that they embrace and display their token of appreciation. Identified Objective: Expressing gratitude towards brands and its store employees who are dedicated to provide the best services during such trying times. Encouraging the Gen Z to embrace the occasion and highlight their thoughts on brands that they are closely associated with. Strategy/Execution The Idea: In this age of digitalisation, customer feedback has taken a form of reviews that are posted online in a matter of seconds which has led to a lack of human touch in the whole process. Through this initiative Viral Fission wanted the Gen Z to go "old-school" and display their token of love for the brands and their store staff in a face-to-face manner. They encouraged their youth community to write down their messages rather than posting it online and hand deliver it the store staff of the brands they admire. The youth was advocated to cherish the brands that they are loyal to by not shying away from celebrating their hard work. The idea is to heed the thought of gratitude in the youth with the brand they follow and love on Valentines Day. The plan: The campaign was scheduled for Valentines Day and it prompted the youth community to step out of the comfort of their homes to hand deliver their token of love and appreciation towards the brand and its staff. Brands that are constantly re-inventing and revolutionising the market with the assistance of their dedicated teams deserve to be appreciated. With a handwritten postcard, customised for the brand and its store staff, the activity endorses the youth to talk to the brand with the sense of positivity. Process: Viral Fission shared a special customised Valentines Day post card with their youth community The Gen Z filled the postcard with details and spoke about the brands they admire. Going forward, they also visited the brands closest store available and shared their heartfelt message with the store manager giving it a personal touch. Insights: With Viral Fissions youth Community participating, following are the most appreciated sectors by the Gen Z among many more We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Ireland's next astronaut could be selected through the European Space Agencys (ESA) recruitment programme for upcoming missions. For the first time in over a decade, ESA is looking for astronauts to join its group of space explorers. Men and women from all European countries have been encouraged to apply. In a statement, Director-General of ESA, Jan Worner said Europe was now seeking to take up a greater role in space-exploration, and wanted to go farther than ever before. The recruitment process will begin on March 31. Irish Engineer and Space Activity Communicator Dr Niamh Shaw is one of those hoping to launch a successful application. Speaking on Morning Ireland, Dr Shaw, who has two engineering degrees and a PhD in Science said she had always wanted to journey into space. She said that if she was lucky enough to be chosen, one of her priorities would be to share her experience with as many people as possible, and particularly with women. "My plan of attack of getting to space is to see the earth in its entirety," she said. Asked about 'the right stuff' that makes a successful astronaut, Dr Shaw said that "excellent good health, psychological stability, tenacity, and an aptitude for science and engineering" were prerequisites. More than that, Dr Shaw said an appreciation of the fact that astronauts were "custodians" for hundreds of people involved in space journeys was a key factor. "An astronauts have an incredible patience and an ability to work at a level which most people would be unable to cope with - they are very unique individuals," she said. The ESA programme After completing intensive training, the new astronauts will take their first flights into space when they are deployed to the International Space Station (ISS). Successful applicants are likely to form part of the crew on the next missions to the moon in the late towards the end of this decade and in the early 2030s. On #YourWayToSpace? Find out more about ESA's #AstronautSelection: tune in today from 12:00 GMT/13:00 CET https://t.co/F3Y53FHkry We'll launch a new web site today with more info and selection criteria. Applications open on 31 MARCH. https://t.co/IDfJq13miK#ESArecruits pic.twitter.com/SjkwcZWAoX ESA (@esa) February 16, 2021 While experience in the space sector is not essential, candidates will be required to have an MA (or higher) and a minimum of three years experience in medicine, engineering, mathematics, natural sciences or computer sciences. Fluency in English is also an essential requirement. ESA is also issuing a special call for candidates with physical disabilities to apply to its astronaut reserve. The pilot project aims to open the astronaut career path to people who, until now, have been excluded from space flight. Mayo woman Dr Norah Patten, who is set to become the first-ever Irish person to go into space, is also associated with the ESA, having participated in the Agency-supported Alpbach Summer School in 2008. Ms Patten's journey to space began more than 15 years ago. She took part in Project PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere) in Florida and is currently training for her space voyage. COVID_hospital Note to readers: This story is the second in a two-part series on the decision taken by insurance regulator, IRDAI, asking insurers not to delay or reject COVID-19 claims. This : This story is the second in a two-part series on the decision taken by insurance regulator, IRDAI, asking insurers not to delay or reject COVID-19 claims. This first part looked at how the customers will benefit from this decision. If FY20 was bad, expect FY21 to be worse. The underwriting losses of the general insurance industry increased by 6.27 percent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 23,720 crore in FY20. In absolute terms, there was an increase of Rs 1,400 crore, which was a reflection that the premium collected was lower than the claims received. In FY21, the situation is expected to be far worse for the non-life industry with close to Rs 13,100 crore worth hospitalisation claims for COVID-19 treatments being filed. The situation is grave because general insurers have been advised by the regulator, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI), to make claim payments without any delay. On the other hand, the insurers have been asked to decide on new package rates with specific hospitals for future treatment costs. We understand that the customers had filed grievances related to claims delay for COVID-19 hospitalisation. But what about insurers? We have to bear losses on our books due to rules not being followed, said the underwriting head at a state-run insurer. The incurred claim ratio for the health segment stood at 85.7 percent in FY20. This meant that for every Rs 100 collected as insurance premium, Rs 85.7 was paid out as health claims. In FY21, it is expected that the claim ratio will exceed 105 percent. Why are insurers worried? When COVID-19 cases started rising in April 2020, insurers were suddenly in a dilemma on what needed to be covered. Hospitals started witnessing a steady flow of virus-hit patients since elective surgeries had been put off. Due to the rise in added costs for infection control measures such as testing existing patients and staff, PPE kits and masks for health staff, hiring new security personnel to enforce social distancing and temperature checks, there was a rise in medical bills by 15-20 percent over and above regular charges. Insurers started complaining about exorbitant rates being charged, with claims also being rejected. Following this, the industry body, General Insurance Council, bought out a standard rate card that was to be followed for COVID-19 hospitalisation. Here, a fixed rate was to be charged for all ailments, despite the rising number of complaints that hospitals were not following rules. By then, the claims started to zoom from 50,000 in May to 150,000 in August, now reaching the 870,000-mark. In addition, non-COVID-19 claims also started to pour in as other surgeries began to take place from September 2020 onwards. Since complaints from customers on non-payment of COVID-19 claims and delays started to increase, the insurance regulator asked insurers to settle claims quickly and renegotiate terms with hospitals later. This meant that all COVID-19 claims related to hospitalisation (including PPE kits and related costs) would need to be cleared by the insurers, as per the health policy terms and claim limits. Insurers said they were the worst hit by this decision. The chief financial officer of a standalone health insurer said that while hospitals do not have any regulatory authority to ensure adherence to rules and pre-decided rates, insurers are being made the scapegoat. When hospitals and insurers were told to abide by the standard tariff card for COVID-19, why should only one party suffer? Negotiating rates with hospitals, especially the large branded ones, isnt an easy task. The health ministry should take a closer look at the hospitals and impose fines on them, he added. There is also the fear that higher claims would lead to insurers dipping into their reserves leading to their immediate capital needs. Said the head of operations at a bank-led insurer: Public sector insurers will get capital infusion from the government. But what about private insurers like us? This is not an opportune market for fund raising as well. Unlike other procedures, COVID-19 hospitalisation meant 7-14 days treatment at a medical institution, which has also proved to be costly for insurers. As against average health claims of Rs 1.5 lakh, COVID-19 claims are close to Rs 2.3 lakh. What about customers? While the IRDAI advisory to insurers to settle COVID-19 claims works swiftly in favour of customers, the latter will pay the price for the rise in claims. Insurance works on a pool concept. So whatever money is collected as a premium is paid out as claimed. If in a year the claim paid out exceeds the premium collected, the excess amount is passed on to customers in the next year in the form of a premium hike. In 2020 itself, there was close to 25-30 percent rise in health premiums at the time of renewal. In 2021, a similar hike is expected solely due to the COVID-19 claims received. According to Abhinav Tiwari, a Mumbai insurance broker, ``a customer who hasnt made any significant claim may feel the pinch of higher premiums because the health segment has seen a rise in loss ratios. He said that even for group health insurance businesses, where multiple people are insured under one policy, the premiums have gone up between 10-15 percent. Tiwari puts it down to corporate-led health insurance claims, which are also on the rise. Going forward, he predicted that there will not just be a rise in premium for health policies, but also stricter underwriting policies in place. Moneycontrol had reported how individuals who had recovered from COVID-19, are finding it difficult to buy health insurance policy amidst concerns that the virus may reoccur in them, leading to rising losses. LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Rapid Nutrition PLC (SWX:RAP)(OTCQB:RPNRF), a natural wellness company focused on organic wholefood-based nutrition and science-based herbal products, announced the following trading update ahead of the publication of its Annual Financial Report for the period ended 31 December 2020. Evolving to meet growing consumer demand for health-focused and immunity-boosting products during the global pandemic, Rapid Nutrition's positioning in the health and wellness life science sector was beneficial. 2020 Financial Highlights Financial highlights for the period to date include: Revenue for FY2020 is anticipated to be in line with expectations where the company has seen its flagship brand flourish in the past year with meaningful interest in health and immunity. Gross margin is expected to remain steady compared to FY2019 as a result of continued focus on supply chain optimization. Profit for the period is expected to be lower compared to FY2019, due to new distribution agreements secured during the period requiring initial marketing support resulting in increased expenses incurred for the period. Continued growth anticipated for this year as the company progresses its strategy of bringing to market innovative science-based organic products across multiple categories to anchor future earnings. 2020 Operational Highlights Noteworthy annual highlights for Rapid Nutrition for the period in review include: Further expansion of the company's global distribution with new partnerships in Brazil, France, Italy, Switzerland, Jamaica and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In particular, a new partnership with Cloud 9 Switzerland LLC will support widespread distribution of flagship brand, SystemLS, as well as a new partnership with professional retail operator BFG Brazil Comercial de Vitaminas. Notable growth through the company's direct-to-consumer channels for its flagship brands, with its recent Amazon store addition, as more consumers seek organic health and wellness products and services. This model will be scaled throughout the UK and Europe in 2021. Expansion of the company's ecommerce channel and online partnerships worldwide as well as completion of a new corporate website. Advanced preparations to launch an anti-viral prevention therapy (oral) designed to help relieve symptoms of cold and the flu, which was granted an Innovation Patent in 2016. Awarded an Innovation Connections Grant from the Australian Government to support development of its cold and flu therapy. The company was also accepted into the touted Entrepreneurs Programme, which shares expert advice, funding and incentives to help businesses innovate, compete and grow. The group incorporated Rapid Nutrition Science, which will host the intellectual property for the herbal anti-viral and focus on in-house development of cutting-edge natural science formulas. This will provide Rapid Nutrition PLC with an exclusive worldwide licensing deal in a category which is expected to witness substantial growth, with the global market for immune health supplements likely to exceed a valuation of US$25 billion, according to Persistence Market Research. The company also strengthened its management team with key hires with expertise in life sciences. Bolstering the company's balance sheet with recent institutional investment to provide greater capitalization for 2021, while at the same time the Company expects to write down the value of its investments in both Motivate Health Technologies Inc and Streamcast marketing LLC, both being difficult to assess in view of the continued Covid-19 environment, however in our opinion this had no impact on the underlying core business. Management Commentary Despite a difficult year for retail and a wealth of uncertainty in global markets, Rapid Nutrition evolved with innovation and insight to deliver impressive year-end results for 2020, with an eye ahead towards 2021 expansion. "With proof that we are able to not only survive but also thrive during unprecedented conditions, our team looks forward to further growth as health and wellness remain top of mind in 2021," said Rapid Nutrition CEO Simon St. Ledger. "I am grateful to the strength and poise showcased by our team and board this year, which helped Rapid Nutrition grow and continue to look ahead during these challenging times." With a focus on delivering shareholder value and transparency, Rapid Nutrition's leadership team and board of directors continue to focus on multi-channel delivery, intellectual property and global growth, chiefly in the cold and flu category and the rapidly growing vegan market. In the year to come, Rapid Nutrition will also extend marketing initiatives into retail stores as they continue to reopen while maintaining focus on its successful direct-to-consumer initiatives. "2020 reminded everyone how important good health is to quality of life, and we are proud to be a trusted partner in delivering the best in health and wellness products. We know the best is yet to come," St. Ledger added. With continued expansion into key markets across the globe, the company anticipates organic growth through its organic products, spearheaded by science-driven product innovation in 2021 and beyond. The Annual financial report will be published on the company's website once available. About Rapid Nutrition PLC Rapid Nutrition PLC (SWX:RAP)(OTCQB:RPNRF): Dedicated to the development and distribution of premium, science-based health and wellness brands across the globe, Rapid Nutrition shares a wealth of award-winning products with consumers who are passionate about innovations that are "made by nature, refined by science." Rapid Nutrition's first-class scientific team matches the experience of its management team to keep both the company and consumers on top of the latest industry trends and developments, while aligning with industry leaders worldwide to deliver effective supplements and solutions. For more information, please visit http://rnplc.com Investor Relations Contact: Email: ir@rnplc.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause Rapid Nutrition PLCs actual results and experience to differ materially from anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. Rapid Nutrition PLC has in some cases identified forward-looking statements by using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "hopes," "estimates," "looks," "expects," "plans," "intends," "goal," "potential," "may," "suggest," and similar expressions. Rapid PLC undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to any such forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable law or regulation. Disclosure Requirement: This media information does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. This information does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. The media release is in accordance with International Reporting Standard: Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act ('Rule 12g3-2(b)') permits non-U.S. companies with securities listed primarily on a Qualified Foreign Exchange to make publicly available to U.S investors in English the same information that is made publicly available in their home countries as an alternative to SEC reporting Exchange Act Rule 12g3-2(b). SOURCE: Rapid Nutrition Plc View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629451/Rapid-Nutrition-Guidance-Update-with-Notable-2020-Year-End-Results (CNN) How the next four weeks play out will have immeasurable consequences for millions of Americans as Democrats race to pass their sweeping $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief bill before unemployment benefits lapse. In the next few days, the House Budget Committee will finish assembling the final bill based off the sections that committees passed last week. This will ensure Democrats are able to get the caucus on board and pass the bill as soon as next week. A rundown of the complicating factors from CNN's Lauren Fox: The immediate obstacles. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has a five-vote margin on this bill, and scrutiny on the package -- even by some Democrats -- is more intense than last spring's stimulus. Watch members' comments over the next several days while they are home on recess to get clues to how much of a lift this is going to be for the House speaker. The Senate problem. House and Senate Democrats aren't in complete unity right now. The expectation is that changes to the House bill will happen in the Senate, but not in a formal committee markup like last week in the House. Instead, the current plan for Democrats is to take their bill -- with some potential changes that have been ironed out privately -- directly to the Senate floor. The minimum wage fight. Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has made it clear that she will not vote for a Senate Covid relief bill that includes raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Without Sinema, the Senate cannot pass the relief bill, even using the budget process that allows them to pass it with just 51 votes. It's the unfortunate reality facing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer right now: Include it, you lose at least one moderate senator. Leave it behind, you risk losing progressives. On the podcast: Biden's presidency gets going For more on stimulus negotiations, CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the deliberations. Plus, it's looking more and more like there will be a Trump on the ballot in 2022. Listen to the CNN Political Briefing here. Citizen by CNN Join CNN's Dana Bash, David Chalian, John King and Abby Phillip on Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET to talk post-impeachment Washington and Biden's next moves at our latest #CitizenCNN event. RSVP here. Utah GOP gives Romney a pass Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah appears to have escaped the fate of other GOP lawmakers who faced fierce backlash from their respective state parties for reprimanding former President Donald Trump. The Utah Republican Party signaled support in a statement Monday for both Romney, who voted to convict Trump, and Utah's Sen. Mike Lee, who voted to acquit. Their dueling votes "showcase a diversity of thought," the statement said. Utah's Republican Party is the exception, so far. Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, another Republican who voted to convict Trump, faced a censure vote by the North Carolina Republican Party for his decision. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana was quickly censured by the state Republican Party after he voted to convict Trump. Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the No. 3 Republican in the House of Representatives, was censured by the Wyoming Republican Party earlier this month after she voted along with nine other House Republicans to impeach Trump. Rep. Tom Rice of South Carolina was censured by the state's Republican Party late last month for his vote to impeach Trump as well. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska was already facing a censure effort by the Nebraska Republican Party before his guilty vote. The state party's vote was postponed until March due to concerns over weather conditions there. And CNN's Dan Merica reports that Pennsylvania's state GOP is planning to meet to discuss what to do about Sen. Pat Toomey, who also voted to convict and who is not seeking reelection in 2022. County parties have already censured him. Disturbing new Capitol riot footage New police radio dispatches and security footage from the January 6 US Capitol riot paint an even sharper picture of how the insurrectionists at times showed little fear of the police as they launched a large and coordinated attack. CNN reviewed more than 800 videos and audio files that the House impeachment managers submitted as evidence for Trump's impeachment trial. As rioters began to overrun the officers, creating an untenable situation, radio waves filled with desperate shouts and requests for backup: - "You're going to need to get more help up here. We don't have enough people to hold the line," one officer said. - "We're getting fire extinguishers thrown at us from the top ... in the upper level of the inaugural deck," an officer shouted in another clip. - In one dispatch played at the trial, an officer exclaims that the rioters have breached the scaffolding. "They are behind our lines!" he said. Read more here. The politics of vaccine hesitancy The US vaccination effort has ramped up in meaningful ways in recent weeks. Nationwide, we've maintained a seven-day average of about 1.6 million doses per day. Demand, at the moment, far exceeds supply. But with Biden declaring there will be enough vaccines for 300 million Americans by the end of July, vaccine hesitancy -- not supply -- could soon become the defining pandemic hurdle. The good news is more Americans say they will get the vaccine than ever before. A new Axios/Ipsos poll finds that 63% of adults say they have had or are likely to get a Covid-19 vaccination as soon as it's made available to them. That's the highest ever recorded by Ipsos. The bad news is trust in vaccines is splitting dangerously along partisan lines. In an average of Axios/Ipsos polls taken in January and February, 74% of Democrats said they'd either been vaccinated or were extremely or very likely to get vaccinated as soon it's available to them. Just 51% of Republicans said the same thing. Independents were in the middle of these two groups, at 61%. Three quick points from CNN's Harry Enten: 1. We can't be sure why Republicans are now significantly less willing to get the vaccine, but remember Democrats have pretty much always said they were more concerned about Covid-19 than Republicans. 2. It wasn't until mid-November, just after Trump's defeat in the presidential election, that the partisan gap began to really emerge in the Axios/Ipsos polling on vaccines. 3. The bottom line is that there's still a lot of work to be done on vaccine hesitancy. Lives literally depend on it. What else? CNN 'Presidential Town Hall.' Biden will participate in a CNN town hall in Milwaukee Tuesday night, answering questions from Americans as the nation struggles to contain the coronavirus pandemic and jump-start a troubled economy. The event will air live from the Pabst Theater at 9 p.m. ET. 'We have work to do' on safely reopening schools. That's what the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, told CNN's Jake Tapper this weekend. She cited the CDC's latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report -- which showed that around 60% of high school and middle school students are reliably masked. "This has to be universal," Walensky said, in addition to practicing 6 feet of distancing and other mitigation measures. Biden's special Obamacare enrollment period opened today. Here's what you need to know. '9/11-type commission' coming. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced in a letter to House Democrats on Monday plans for creating a "9/11-type commission" to investigate the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Inside the new President's routine. Biden has established a regular schedule, including coffee in the morning with the first lady, meetings and phone calls from the Oval Office starting just after 9 a.m. and a return to his residence by 7 p.m. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Biden's presidency gets going." Patna, Feb 16 : The Special Task Force (STF) of Bihar police has intercepted a person from Chapra district in connection with a terror module busted by Jammu police on February 7 after they arrested one Hidaitullah Malik, an alleged terrorist. Malik was arrested on the information given by the state CID on February 7. During interrogation, he revealed about receiving seven pistols, magazines and explosives through a handler based in Chapra district in Bihar. Malik is said to be running a terror module in Jammu region, planning to repeat a Pulwama like terror attack. The investigation revealed that Malik had a handler named Sohail, a native of Jammu who was arrested from a Jammu bus stand on February 8. Sohail had a contact named Quaji from Jammu who was studying in Mohali near Chandigarh. He came in contact with Mustaq, a native of Bahuara village in Chapra district. Mustaq is also studying in the same educational institute in Mohali. Police sources said that the weapons could be sent to Jammu through Mustaq's brother Javed, who lives in Bahuara village. "We are currently quizzing Mustaq to ascertain his alleged link with a terror module and also find out the sources from where he and his brother reportedly obtained the weapons. We are suspecting that the weapons recovered from Malik were made in Munger," an official said, requesting anonymity. Saint Paul, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - A federal judge today dismissed a challenge to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's oversight of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water quality permit issued to Poly Met Mining Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PolyMet Mining Corp. (TSX: POM) (NYSE American: PLM) (together "PolyMet" or the "company"). The challenge, filed in September 2019 by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, had argued that EPA should have objected to PolyMet's permit before it was issued. But Judge Patrick J. Schiltz held that it had no jurisdiction to review EPA's oversight role, and so dismissed the Band's claim. Today's decision ends the only federal court challenge to PolyMet's water quality permit. However, PolyMet continues to litigate that permit in the Minnesota Court of Appeals, in part to defend a favorable Ramsey County District Court decision last fall finding that the permit was not the result of procedural irregularities. The federal court's decision separately allowed the Band to proceed with claims that EPA should have notified the Band about the PolyMet project's potential to affect the Band's reservation, which lies 70 miles downstream. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has said that the project will have no effect that far downstream. * * * * * About PolyMet PolyMet is a mine development company that owns 100% of the NorthMet Project, the first large-scale project to be permitted within the Duluth Complex in northeastern Minnesota, one of the world's major, undeveloped mining regions. NorthMet has significant proven and probable reserves of copper, nickel and palladium - metals vital to global carbon reduction efforts - in addition to marketable reserves of cobalt, platinum and gold. When operational, NorthMet will become one of the leading producers of nickel, palladium and cobalt in the U.S., providing a much needed, responsibly mined source of these critical and essential metals. Located in the Mesabi Iron Range, the project will provide economic diversity while leveraging the region's established supplier network and skilled workforce, and generate a level of activity that will have a significant effect in the local economy. For more information: www.polymetmining.com. For further information, please contact: Media Bruce Richardson, Corporate Communications Tel: +1 (651) 389-4111 brichardson@polymetmining.com Investor Relations Tony Gikas, Investor Relations Tel: +1 (651) 389-4110 investorrelations@polymetmining.com PolyMet Disclosures This news release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in PolyMet's operations in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "potential," "possible," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will," "may," "could," or "should" occur or be achieved or their negatives or other comparable words. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the ability to receive environmental and operating permits, job creation, and the effect on the local economy, or other statements that are not a statement of fact. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to risks facing PolyMet or due to actual facts differing from the assumptions underlying its predictions. PolyMet's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and PolyMet does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations and opinions should change. Specific reference is made to risk factors and other considerations underlying forward-looking statements discussed in PolyMet's most recent Annual Report on Form 40-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, and in our other filings with Canadian securities authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Annual Report on Form 40-F also contains the company's mineral resource and other data as required under National Instrument 43-101. The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74645 Tessica Brown, famously known as 'Gorilla Glue Girl' after smearing the glue on her hair, has returned to Louisiana after a surgery to get her hair unstuck. Photographs doing rounds online show the mother of five, dressed casually in a white sweatshirt with her own face drawn on it. Covering her head with a black scarf, the 40-year-old was spotted strolling in her hometown of Violet after undergoing procedure in Beverly Hills to get her locks unstuck from the adhesive. NY Post reports that Brown is trying to launch official merchandise online to cash in on her viral tragedy. Brown became a social media sensation overnight after her TikTok went viral where she explained how her hair has been stuck after she used Gorilla Glue because she ran out of her hairspray. Her hairdo got viral, which is now painted on her white sweatshirt, she was seen wearing. The clothing line includes T-shirts for $28, sweatshirts for $50 and sweatpants for $45- totaling the complete outfit got $123. According to TMZ, she launched the clothing line on social media via a post with caption- Feeling blessed and is making a 'small fortune' from it. The line will feature her photo from her viral TikTok of her solid hairdo with words- Bonded for life while other clothes will have a cartoon of her holding the super glue with words- Stiff where ma hair? The adhesive removal surgery was performed by Dr. Michael Obeng, a LA based plastic surgeon, who offered to do the procedure for free. Overwhelmed by the gesture, Brown had decided to donate the majority of her donation raised on her GoFundMe to Restore Foundation, nonprofit organization started by Dr. Obeng. As per TMZ, after raising $21,000 in public donations, she will donate more than $20,000 to the foundation which provides reconstructive surgeries to folks around the world. After the successful surgery she told Dr. Obeng that words cannot explain how grateful she is for giving her life back to her, sharing a picture of them together. General view of Lower Broadway as vehicles and people traverse through snow and ice in Nashville, Tenn., on Feb. 15, 2021. (Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) The Year of No Science Commentary Remember The Year of Living Dangerously? That was a 1982 film based on a 1978 novel about a love affair during the year Sukarno was overthrown in Indonesia, 1967. 2020 and now 2021 might be called the Year or Years of No Science or maybe Phony Science or Pretentious Science or, perhaps most accurately, Political Science (but not with the usage commonly employed). Yes, I know we have seen the extremely rapid appearance of COVID-19 vaccines from several companies, but we have no way of knowing if they work long term or, more importantly, if they were necessary. (FULL DISCLOSURE: I have taken both Pfizers myself, largely because it will undoubtedly soon be required by our government to be able to travel.) Its quite possible this pandemic would have run its course the way all others have without interventionor that it was highly exaggerated in the first place. No one has fully explained that not that many more Americans died in 2020 than in previous years, when the pandemic was supposed to have killed hundreds of thousands, nor has anyone a satisfactory theory for why countries and states without lockdowns often do as well as those with the most stringent regulations. And this isnt even to mention the number of extraordinary and endless contradictions (mask/no mask, hydroxychloroquine yes/no, ivermectin yes/no, and so on) we have had from medical experts, sometimes apologizing to us for their mistakes but other times changing their minds in full view as if we never noticed. Add to that the mystery surrounding the Wuhan laboratory with all the various explanations cum communist Chinese propaganda augmented by the duplicitous World Health Organization about how this came about, including the odd involvement of Dr. Anthony Fauci with that lab over the years. And all this is adjudicated by politicians, many, if not most, of whom couldnt now easily pass a high school chemistry test. Does anyone think our president could? They speak of settled science, but they dont even know what science is. But none of this should be a surprise. I am writing this locked in my Nashville house, not by COVID-19, but by snow and ice that dont allow me to drive my car down my driveway without landing in a ditch. In about an hour, another 6 to 8 hours of nonstop snow and ice are predicted. Neither my wife nor I are likely to able to leave home to shop for food for several days. (We have emergency supplies.) I gather things are worse in Texas, to the south of us, where millions are without power in freezing weather. Fifteen years ago, Al Gore, in his Oscar-winning film An Inconvenient Truth, predicted that within the decade, there will be no more snows of Kilimanjaro. We all know how ridiculous that sounds now (well, everyone but John Kerry and Joe Biden and an endless stream of miseducated social justice warriors who have never read, nor heard of, Bjorn Lomborg). Of course, those were the days of global warming, before it morphed conveniently into the factually meaningless climate change. After all, you cant get the lusted-after political power and financial gain if you say the sun is vastly more important to our weather and climate (a distinction, we are told, is important, so I put them together) than human endeavors. So maybe we have been living in the Year of No Science for a long time, since the days people thought the world was flat, which was most of history by far. It could be that people today are equally ignorant about the truthor nearly. The idea of settled science is an oxymoron, and those who speak of it are only making fools of themselves. Climate and COVID-19 are much the same. We should be humble before making definitive statements. And we should always be skeptical of politicians who say they are trusting the scientists. Which scientists and why? Meanwhile, since I wrote the ninth paragraph above this one, the snow and ice storm has returned, about half an hour earlier than predicted. The temperature is 25 Fahrenheit, about another 25 to 30 degrees below normal for February in Nashville. People on my NEXT DOOR app are warning our neighbors not to go out jogging or even to walk their dogs on the streets for fear the cars will not be able to stop and run them over. They are sharing pictures of many autos in ditches. But not to worry. We are reentering the Paris Climate accord. All will be saved. Roger L. Simon is an award-winning novelist, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, co-founder of PJMedia, and now, editor-at-large for The Epoch Times. His most recent books are The GOAT (fiction) and I Know Best: How Moral Narcissism Is Destroying Our Republic, If It Hasnt Already (nonfiction). He can be found on Parler as @rogerlsimon. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. ALBANY Kevin Francis Xavier Callahan once answered to the nickname Danger. There was a time when it seemed apropos for his jagged journey of alcohol addiction and hard-won recovery. Drunken revelries at the QE2 and along Lark Street in the early 90s led to confinement in the drunk tank in Portland, Ore., a decade later and blackout benders from Brooklyn to Honolulu while employed as an itinerant cook. Now age 50 and living back at home with his parents, having completed a residential treatment program, Callahan is hoping to find redemption working at Patsys shoeshine stand in the Empire State Plaza concourse. I spent half my life drunk, he said. Id get buzzed before work and kept a pint of cheap whiskey in my jacket pocket at all times. He used to delight in the Danger tag as a fixture on the punk rock scene at QE2, the former Central Avenue nightclub that rose from a defunct White Tower burger joint. He was a denizen of bars on the Lark, as he called the street: Margaritas, Hollywood Cafe, Justins. Its all a blur, a long, swirling chaos, Callahan said of his decades under the influence. One loyal friend from that soused scene decades ago is William Tragedy Yager, an entrepreneur who owns two Patsys barber shops, two tattoo parlors and a laundromat in Albany. He gave Callahan a job at Patsys shining shoes and encouraged him to get sober. Tragedy understands that we all come from a place of pain. Hes been very kind to me, said Callahan, including letting him float on monthly rent with revenue hollowed out by COVID-19. During the pandemic, foot traffic in the concourse has slowed from a torrent to a trickle. His business has largely evaporated due to the state Legislatures pause and state employees working remotely. No more high-priced lobbyists in brown Gucci loafers or legislators in black wing tips stopping for a $10 shine on the way to the Legislative Office Building or the Capitol. Gone, too, are their fat tips. The regulars who shuffle past Callahans stand nowadays are likely to be homeless folks with hard-luck stories, seeking refuge in the dark recesses of the plaza as they battle mental illness and addiction. Callahan sees a reflection of his former self. I have a soft spot in my heart for them, he said. As he spoke, Callahan worked on a pair of battered Harley-Davidson motorcycle boots a customer had left for restoration. He took a thick dab of Bag Balm between forefinger and middle finger and slowly rubbed the ointment deep into the cracked and damaged leather. He held the left boot up close to the light, extracted tiny scissors and trimmed away threads of torn leather. I can make them good as new with some tender loving care, he said. Like the Harley boots, Callahan has traveled hard miles. He speaks in a gravelly monotone, shot through with heartache. He grew up Menands. His father was a pressman at the Times Union. The youngest of three, he graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1988. He was frequently in trouble, regularly forced to march in circles around the flag pole as punishment. I got a lot of demerits for my shoes not being properly shined, he said with a wry smile. Kind of ironic, huh? To help pay tuition at the University at Albany, he hustled jobs as a blacktop paver, garbage collector, record seller at Strawberries on Central Avenue and dishwasher at Peaches and Cream in Stuyvesant Plaza. He dreamed of becoming an artist and painted abstracts in the manner of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Jasper Johns whose works he ponders daily in the modern art collection along the concourse. He earned a bachelor of fine arts at UAlbany, rented an apartment on Lark Street, made a bunch of paintings and cooked at Quintessence on New Scotland Avenue. They threw me right on the grill. Trial by fire, he said. Eager for adventure, he hitched a ride with a buddy bound for Portland in 1996. Callahan got a job as a line cook at the Paradox Diner. I was a proto-hipster, he said of his role in pop-up art happenings with music, poetry and film in a loft space above the diner long before Portland became a hipster mecca. He worked at a Japanese restaurant in Portland named Zen and expanded his culinary skills. He spent eight happy years in Portland. Booze was cheap, he said. Too cheap. Public inebriation landed him in Portlands drunk tank to sleep it off more often than he recalls. Next stop: Brooklyn. He played guitar and bongos in a jam band, Subterranean Beat Revival, and bought $1 used books by Beat poets at The Strand bookstore for inspiration. He and his girlfriend traveled with Deadheads to Grateful Dead shows for a few months, selling sweaters and mukluks. He cooked in the pan-Asian restaurants Sapa and Morimoto in Manhattan. His drinking spiraled out of control. It all got really heavy, he said. He escaped to Honolulu and cooked in restaurants for three years, before his alcoholism left him down and out. He came home in 2018. Step into the cubbyhole space beyond the green-and-white striped awning and let Callahan unspool stories as he brews an espresso or strums an old blues song on a beat-up acoustic guitar. His collection of curios crams the space, which has the feel of a retro flea market. Vintage ties and shoes are for sale along with a dog-eared paperback of Anthem by Ayn Rand. The cash register is a hand-cranked vintage model. Dont be in a rush. Callahan will play some chill music and explain the Buddhist approach to empathy and enlightenment hes been studying. The hard road he traveled lends him the air of a gruff yogi. Hoist yourself up onto the throne as he calls it. Plant your tired soles on the metal foot rests. Along with a shine, you just may leave with a little soul therapy. One day at a time. Paul Grondahl is director of the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany and a former Times Union reporter. He can be reached at grondahlpaul@gmail.com Amid the ongoing protests by farmers on the border areas of the national capital, several international personalities extended their support but it was a massive international conspiracy. Zee News was the first channel to unmask the real motive behind this which was to target the democracy of India. The anti-India sentiments behind this larger conspiracy was revealed by Zee News. READ | DNA Exclusive: Greta Thunberg exposed; Zee News unmasks her motive to target India's democracy over farmers protests An international conspiracy to defame India came to the fore and the anti-India sentiments behind Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg's tweet was revealed. As the pandora's box opened, several names and their nexus against India surfaced. We want to tell you about the path of truth, on which a lie that walks gracefully falls one day and when the lie is defeated, the path of truth is elevated. READ | How Greta Thunberg tried to defame Indian democracy: Read the full document We are proud to say that Zee News is the only channel that continues on the path of truth and we fearlessly told the truth behind the farmers' movement. Zee News had already told that the farmers' movement has been hijacked and the anti-national views have been mixed in it. READ | Exposed: Greta Thunberg shares document to help protesting farmers, says RSS-BJP are fascistic ruling party Zee News was the first channel that reported Khalistanis' infiltration into the protests. The reports talked about the Khalistanis who have to misuse the movement and serving the interests of Pakistan by sitting in countries like Britain, America, and Canada. The genuine farmers of the country, however, have not been angry with Zee News as the truth came forward. READ | Greta Thunberg: Who is she and why is she trending in India? Activist Greta Thunberg shared a toolkit document for the ongoing farmers protest against new agri laws. The document shared on her Twitter handle exposed a sinister conspiracy to defame India on the international stage. The climate activist later deleted the tweet from her Twitter handle. This document gives a detailed plan of accelerating the farmers' stir taking place on the outskirts of Delhi. READ | From 'tukde tukde gang' to Khalistani conspiracy in farmers' protests, Zee News reported the truth Thunberg tweeted, We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India. She also shared a document through her Twitter handle showing clearly a sinister conspiracy to defame India on the international fora. The farmers' movement for the last 70 days has been internationalized and now the remote control of this movement has shifted from India to other countries and this movement is now being controlled from these countries. This is exactly like the marketing strategy in which the farmer movement has become a product and this product is being promoted by big celebrities. When any celebrity promotes a product, it is called Profit Making Strategy. Agnes Zang, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- If your startup consists of a handful of remote workers or just you and your cat and you're feeling a little lonely, you aren't the only one. Loneliness is the one downside that accompanies the many perks that working from home gives homeworkers like ditching your commute, being your own boss, and having a flexible schedule. It's no wonder that there are reports that 83% of users of coworking spaces feel less lonely and 89% feel happier. What is a Coworking Space? Coworking spaces are like the Uber or Airbnb of the office space world. Rather than rent an entire office and become locked into a long-term lease, you just rent space in an office environment, often month-to-month. Since you are coworking, you will be intermingling with many other users also renting workspaces. Going to a coworking environment is a bit like going to the gym and having the opportunity to meet other members, only there are desks, a printer, meeting rooms, a podcast studio, staff, and everything you need to run your business rather than gym equipment. The opportunities to socialize are there for those who wish to take advantage of them, but you won't be bothered if you just want to buckle down and get your work done. What are the Advantages of Coworking Spaces? The professional advantages are obvious when it comes to having a place to meet clients. The coworking space gives the impression that your startup or business is bigger and more established than it actually is. You also have the ability to have staff meetings with remote workers that feel more official than meetings that are conducted at your home or a coffee shop. The flexibility of coworking allows you to rent as much or as little space as you need to or as your budget allows. Your coworking space can grow as your business grows. Many people who use coworking spaces talk much more about the sense of community and how the environment enhances their motivation, productivity and sense of well-being over just the practicality of them. You share coworking spaces with entrepreneurs, start-ups, freelancers and other like-minded people just like you who share your ambition and understand the day-to-day struggles of trying to run a business. The ability to network or just receive support is one of the primary advantages of coworking spaces, which is one of the biggest reasons why users of coworking spaces are expected to grow to over 1 million in the United States alone. Here's what to look for if you are considering using a coworking space. Find the Right Location Your coworking space should be centrally located to conveniently accommodate you, your existing staff, and your clients. The location of your coworking space should be in a safer, nicer part of town than your home office or nearby coffee shop to further the impression of success with your clients. Now, what makes Venture X Dallas by the Galleria the best coworking place in Dallas? >> Contact them using this link to schedule a tour>> Venture X Dallas by the Galleria is near the I-635 easily accessible by the communities of: Addison, Texas (Dallas North) Preston Hollow, Farmers Branch Carrollton TX Highland Park. The location in Dallas/DFW is nearby following zip codes: 75240 75254 75248 75244 75001 75230 75229 75234 75287 75252 This location is in the city center and near some of the best restaurants, gyms, and shopping in Dallas. One of the advantages of coworking is avoiding expensive move-in costs and long-term leases of pricey offices. With coworking, you get the benefits of large, open spaces and a professional environment without the overhead. At Venture X Dallas, their community packages start at less than the cost of monthly mobile service, and we offer no-obligation month-to-month flexibility so you can find the space that's right for you and fits your budget. Ask about Amenities Although some amenities like reliable, super-fast wifi are a must, others like having staff at your disposal, access to a printer, and the availability of a notary are nice, there are some you wouldn't even know you would want unless you experienced them. Have you ever been in an office environment with a nap room? Once you've been spoiled with unlimited gourmet coffee and snacks, you might find your list of "must-have" amenities expanding beyond just wanting 24/7 access. These are just a few of the best features amenities that make Venture X Dallas the Best Coworking in Dallas go-to candidate for the best flexible office space in Dallas. At the time of writing, this review on 2/16/2021 Venture X had 64 reviews with a Google rating of 4.7. Some of which are: Krystin Teran - Writes: "Venture X has been nothing but positive since I have begun working here. It does not just feel like a 9-5 job because the Venture X community is full of like-minded business professionals who want to share their knowledge with the staff and other members. It is a great environment to work in, not only for me, but for you too! " Jeff L. Vogt - Writes Great looking place, great design, highly professional. The owner, Nadim, is a nice guy too Courtney Bartusiak - Writes "3 months ago great place to work. Awesome members and new people to network with and meet all the time! Nice that we can be very flexible for our members and accommodate anyone and everyone's needs! Fun environment, but still very professional." >> Contact them using this link to schedule a tour>> Social Tags: Office Space, Work Space, workspace, Coworking, Coworking, Co-work, Co-work, Cowork, lease office space, rent office space, office space rental, office space lease, flexible office, affordable office space, Office membership, North Dallas Office, shared office space, flexible office space, executive suites, executive office, executive office suites, Office space for rent, temporary office space, office space for lease, coworking membership Media Contact: Agnes Zang empressofdrac@gmail.com https://www.smallbizlabs.com/2015/05/coworking-spaces-are-human-spaces.html http://ergonomictrends.com/coworking-space-statistics/ https://venturex.com/news/how-to-choose-the-best-coworking-space-for-your-startup-in-dallas/ About Agnes Zang Ms. Zang is a blogger and product reviewer. She is the owner of Empress of Darkness Blog. This news has been published for the above source. 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The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 South Africa: Committee seeks extension of N West intervention The Ad Hoc Committee on the Section 100 Intervention in the North West says there are compelling reasons to extend the intervention in the province. Committee chairperson, China Dodovu, said the committee has agreed that the number of outstanding matters, which have a direct bearing on the terms of reference of the intervention, is enough grounds for an extension. The intervention should only leave the North West when those areas are satisfactorily addressed, especially for the benefit of the people of the province. What is important is that the extension of the intervention will be reviewed closer to the June 2021 deadline of the extension to ensure that all unresolved matters are dispensed with, Dodovu said. The Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) on the progress of the Section 100 Intervention in the North West Province presented a progress report on the intervention to the provincial government on Monday. The committee welcomed the consequence management against 28 senior managers, who have faced or are still facing disciplinary processes related to financial misconduct, fraud and corruption, as well as dereliction of duty. Despite this, Dodovu said the committee is concerned that there has been little or no movement in criminally prosecuting those identified to be in the wrong. The IMTT had assured the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in December 2020 that the recent capacity improvements within law enforcement agencies and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) would have provided the necessary impetus to prosecute those in the wrong. It is in this context that the committee remains worried by lack of action, Dodovu said. In response, the committee has, as part of its programme, scheduled an interaction with the Special Investigating Unit, Asset Forfeiture Unit and the NPA to get an update on the causes of delays in prosecuting alleged wrongdoers. It is also concerning that a number of senior manager positions, especially those of heads of departments, are vacant, something which will negatively affect the ability of the turnaround process to succeed. A head of department directs both the strategic and performance pillars of a department, hence it is crucial that those vacancies are filled urgently to ensure stability in the province, Dodovu said. Steady turnaround in financial management The committee welcomed the announcement that irregular expenditure was reduced from R4.72 billion to R3.484 billion during the intervention. However, the committee resolved to wait for a full financial report from National Treasury and the Auditor-General on cash flow challenges in the province and their impact on service delivery. Hostility towards task team Meanwhile, the committee raised its concerns about reports of hostility towards the Inter-Ministerial Task Team - something that has the potential to derail the progress achieved so far. The committee urged both the task team and provincial administration to actively work together to improve relations to ensure the objectives of the intervention are achieved. The committee will engage the NCOP regarding the extension of the Section 100 intervention and the implication on the mandate of the committee. The NCOP will give direction on the matter, as the NCOP is constitutionally obligated to oversee the implementation of the intervention until it is lifted, Dodovu said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-02-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. See a larger view of this map. CLEVELAND, Ohio Seven Hills had 3.3 inches of snow over 12 hours, leading the way in Cuyahoga County as a winter storm began to gain strength in Northeast Ohio. According to the National Weather Service, 2.5 inches of the 3.3-inch total in Seven Hills fell in just three hours, between 5:50 and 8:50 p.m. North Royalton was just behind with 3 inches, while Shaker Heights, Lyndhurst and Westlake recorded 2.5 inches. In Summit County, Bath and Boston Heights each recorded 2 inches, while 1.7 inches fell at the Akron-Canton Airport. In Geauga County, considered the heart of the snow belt, Thompson Township had 2.2 inches, but no other areas in the county reported more than 1 inch of snow to the Weather Service. 61 Sledding fun around northeast Ohio But the winter storm was getting into gear late Tuesday night. The Weather Service issued an updated winter storm warning for most of Northeast Ohio on Monday night, saying another 4 to 8 inches of snow was possible. The heaviest snow is expected west of Interstate 71 and along the shore of Lake Erie. There also is a chance of a snow and ice mix, which would make roads especially treacherous. Winds will increase in strength and there could be gusts up to 40 mph. The National Weather Service posts snow totals measured by volunteer storm trackers twice a day, at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Check out the 12-hour snow totals for your city below. With snow falling fast, the numbers likely will grow quickly overnight: Cuyahoga County Seven Hills 3.3 inches, 8:50 p.m. North Royalton 3 inches, 9:47 p.m. Shaker Heights 2.5 inches, 9:17 p.m. Lyndhurst 2.5 inches (storm total, 3.2 inches), 9:22 p.m. Westlake 2.5 inches (storm total, 3.2 inches), 8 p.m. Chagrin Falls 2.4 inches (storm total, 3 inches), 9:35 p.m. Lakewood 2 inches (storm total, 2.3 inches), 8:38 p.m. Strongsville 2 inches (storm total, 2.5 inches), 7:57 p.m. Euclid 2 inches (storm total, 2.5 inches), 9:03 p.m. South Euclid 1.8 inches (storm total, 2.2 inches), 8:19 p.m. Willowick 1.3 inches, 8:53 p.m. Broadview Heights 1 inch, 6:25 p.m. Hopkins Airport 0.6 inch, 7 p.m. Cleveland Heights 0.6 inch, 6:03 p.m. Geauga County South Thompson 2.2 inches (storm total, 2.7 inches), 9:40 p.m. Montville 0.8 inch, 6:33 p.m. Burton 0.7 inch, 5:30 p.m. Lake County Concord Township 2.5 inches (storm total, 3.5 inches), 9:33 p.m. Waite Hill 2.5 inches, 9 p.m. Mentor 1.5 inches, 8:15 p.m. Kirtland Hills 0.6 inch (storm total, 0.8 inch), 7:09 p.m. Madison 0.4 inch, 6:13 p.m. Lorain County Elyria 3.1 inches, 8:28 p.m. North Ridgeville 1.1 inches (storm total, 2 inches), 7 p.m. Elyria 1 inch, 8:10 p.m. Medina County Lodi 2.7 inches (storm total, 3.2 inches), 8 p.m. Hinckley -- 2.6 p.m., 8:30 p.m. Homerville 2.5 inches, 9:36 p.m. Brunswick 0.6 inch, 7 p.m. Portage County Streetsboro 2.6 inches, 7:54 p.m. Hiram 1.5 inches, 8:41 p.m. Mogadore 1.3 inches (storm total, 1.6 inches), 9:39 p.m. Summit County Bath 2 inches, 8 p.m. Boston Heights 2 inches, 6:45 p.m. Akron-Canton Airport 1.7 inches, 7 p.m. Barberton 1.5 inches, 6:16 p.m. Fairlawn 1.5 inches (storm total, 2 inches), 8:37 p.m. Tallmadge 1.1 inches (storm total, 1.4 inches), 8:01 p.m. Cuyahoga Falls 1.1 inches, 7:07 p.m. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, declared that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) has taken steps with the German authorities in order to identify solutions for streamlining border traffic, according to AGERPRES. The clarifications were made in a joint press conference held at MAE headquarters, alongside the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovakia, Ivan Korcok, who is carrying out an official visit in Bucharest. "I brought to mind during our talk the restrictive measures that were recently adopted at the border by the German authorities, that have affected especially hauliers lately, including Romanian carriers. I would like to inform you that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already taken steps in both the bilateral plan, with the German Embassy in Bucharest, the Romanian Embassy in Berlin is taking steps with the German authorities to identify solutions for remedying these traffic jams in the shortest possible time. Actions have also been taken with the European Commission and I would also like to inform you that the Romanian embassy in Prague is in dialogue with the Czech authorities in ensuring solutions which will allow the streamlining of traffic at the German border. Our missions, in both Berlin and Prague, are ready to grant specific consular support to those affected by these measures," Aurescu said.Queues measuring several kilometers have formed on Monday on highways in the Czech Republic, at the border with Germany, because of the entry point restrictions, imposed by Berlin on the South and Southeastern borders, which have caused disruptions of transports and are jeopardizing supply chains, according to DPA.Germany imposed traffic restrictions on Sunday at the Czech and Austrian borders, in Tyrol, due to the concerns caused by the presence of the newer, more infectious strain of coronavirus in these regions.Exemptions are made for essential cross-border workers, including truck drivers, as well as for German citizens and residents. These people must register online and come at the border with proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 in the 48 hours previous to their entry. The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) We are compelled to speak out for patients the world over. The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) has issued a public statement in response to a press release recently issued by Merck. The FLCCC Alliance reports that the Merck release of February 4, 2021 which concluded that there was no meaningful evidence for the clinical efficacy of ivermectin in patients with COVID-19 disease did not provide any scientific data or analyses by Merck to support their conclusion. Dr. Pierre Kory, President and Chief Medical Officer of the FLCCC said that, The companys disregard for the most current medical evidence is an evidentiary indictment of their uncorroborated position. Mercks press release will cause governments, health authorities, medical providers, business leaders, and citizens to retreat from pursuing a medical agent that, according to our recent peer-reviewed and accepted publication to the highly regarded Frontiers in Pharmacology, has been proven to be an effective and globally available agent to prevent and treat every phase of COVID-19 disease." It is critical to note that with supplies of the vaccines running shortespecially in low-income countriespeople will be left to believe that there are no safe therapeutic alternatives, continued Dr. Kory. That falsehood will certainly result in rising case counts and mounting death tolls. The FLCCCs Critical Care team is comprised of highly published and well-known Critical Care physicians who treat patients at the bedside and who have developed two lifesaving protocols for this disease. We fully realize that the capacity of our voice to shout this dire warning to the world over is a whisper when compared to the global echo of Merck, continued Dr. Kory. We are compelled to speak out for patients the world over who deserve to know that they and their loved ones do not have to die from COVID-19 given the known efficacy of ivermectin." Contact: press@flccc.net. The FLCCC Alliance with a lifesaving mission inspired by the imperatives to put patients first and to follow the science was organized in March, 2020 by a group of highly published, world renowned Critical Care physician/scholars with the academic support of allied physicians from around the world to research and develop lifesaving protocols for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in all stages of illness. Their MATH+ Hospital Treatment Protocol introduced in March, 2020, has saved thousands who were critically ill with COVID-19. Now, the FLCCCs new I-Mask+ Prophylaxis and Early At-Home Outpatient Protocol with Ivermectin has been released and is a potential solution to the global pandemic. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (Newser) On the night of January 8, security cameras captured Christopher Woitel entering his San Francisco apartment building. There is no surveillance footage of him leaving the building after that pointand he hasn't been seen since, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. His mother, who last communicated with him on January 9, reported him missing January 13. He had also texted his niece on the afternoon of January 9, "Please tell Lara [Woitel's sister] to check her messages. Its urgent." His sister tried to return what she describes as a panicky message from him, but there was no answer when she called, Mission Local reports. His bank account has not been used since January 8. His family hired a private investigator, who scoured the security footage from the only two ways out of the building, and who found Woitel's apartment undisturbed and the chain lock still engaged from the inside. story continues below He also found a homeless man who was one of the last people known to be in Woitel's apartmentthe 50-year-old computer programmer, who had been living in San Francisco since the 1980s, often let people living on the streets stay with him or use his showerand he had Woitel's cell phone. The man said Woitel sold it to him, and Woitel's family acknowledges he had loaned it to the man in the past. They also say Woitel had been acting erratic and paranoid in the days before his disappearance. Woitel's habit of letting homeless people into his home "was always a little concerning," a longtime friend tells the San Francisco Examiner. The PI wants police to question the homeless man who has Woitel's phone, who also claims to be psychic and says he knows Woitel was murdered, but those who know the homeless man speculate he likely wouldn't have been able to hurt Woitel due to a leg injury. Police are asking the public to come forward with any relevant information, CBS San Francisco reports. (Read more missing person stories.) Highlights Disha Ravi, an activist supporting farmers' protests, was arrested on February 14. Disha allegedly edited a Google Docs, which Delhi Police calls a "toolkit". Delhi Police confirms that Disha was arrested after Google shared details. While earlier the reports came via sources, on February 15 Delhi Police in a press conference confirmed that some of the key evidence they have against Disha Ravi, a 21-year-old climate activist supporting farmers' protest and who has been arrested, comes from Google. The cops said that before the arrest they had asked for details from Google about a Google document that Disha allegedly edited and that the company complied. Google has not publicly commented on the matter. India Today Tech has reached out to the company regarding the nature of its cooperation with Delhi Police and will update this story with a statement when received. The details that Delhi Police got from Google are related to a "toolkit" -- a Google document -- through which the activists were allegedly co-ordinating their protest in support of agitating farmers. The details of the "toolkit" were tweeted by well-known environment activist Greta Thunberg. However, the tweet was later deleted. "The Delhi Police after getting access to the toolkit doc approached Google and have got a reply for some of their queries in the case," a Delhi Police spokesperson said in a press conference. The cops allege that the Google document aka "the toolkit" was created by Disha Ravi and other activists with an aim to defame India. The cops said that they wrote to Google on February 5 to get the IP address or the location from where "the toolkit" was created. The details that Google provided led them to identify Disha and a few other activists, including Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk who are now seeking anticipatory bail in Mumbai. It is worth noting that Google Docs, which can be accessed and edited in real-time by multiple users, is often used by activists or groups collaborating on different activities. In India for example, social media campaigns, including hate groups and political parties, are coordinated through Google Docs. It is not clear which sort of request led Google to share details of its users with the police but globally the company follows a policy where it shares details with law enforcement agencies when it deems the requests valid and legal. Often these legal demands from authorities also put a gag order on the companies, forbidding them to reveal that they received a request. So far the absence of complete silence from Google on this matter can be concerning for millions of people in India who use Google services. In particular, the users don't know if Google shares the details with the government and law enforcement agencies with a mere request from them or if the company requires more detailed and elaborate court orders. It is also not clear if Google applies the same privacy standards for Indian users that it applies in the US or Europe. On February 16, Justice Deepak Gupta, a former SC Judge, told LiveLaw, a news website, that "there is nothing in the toolkit on anything with regard to violence or anything with regard to inciting peopleI don't see what is seditious about this document." Google had also a few days ago removed a popular video from YouTube that contained a song in praise of farmers' protest. Google vs Twitter and different approaches Google is not the only company that has received directives from the Indian government in relation to user content that can be connected with the protests by Indian farmers. Recently the government told Twitter to delete a number of tweets and over 1000 accounts. Twitter said it complied with the demand in some cases but refused to do so in some others. "We do not believe that the actions we have been directed to take are consistent with Indian law, and, in keeping with our principles of defending protected speech and freedom of expression, we have not taken any action on accounts that consist of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians. To do so, we believe, would violate their fundamental right to free expression under Indian law," the company noted in a blog on February 10. But Google, which has more users in India and is a much bigger company here compared to Twitter, has so far not commented on its cooperation with Delhi Police and the government. For now, it means that there is a possibility that data of all Google users in India, including their emails, their editing history on Google Docs, the files saved and shared in Google Drive, their YouTube history, their location data through Google Maps, can possibly be shared with the Indian police and the Indian government authorities if Google receives a request for this data. A woman and a little girl died from carbon monoxide poisoning in southwest Houston overnight Tuesday. The deaths came as residents had to resort to drastic measures in order to keep warm amid statewide power outages and extremely low temperatures. According to Houston police, the family was running a car in an attached garage to create heat. Houston police said they were responding to a welfare check on the La Roche home, adding that "Cars, grills and generators should not be used in or near a building." The woman and child have not yet been identified. WHAT'S GOING ON? Millions of Texans left without heat overnight in frigid weather: 'A nightmare situation' Two other unnamed family members, a man and a little boy, were also hospitalized. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo called the situation "heartbreaking." "Please bundle up and be aware of the extreme danger carbon monoxide poses for us. Praying for this family," he said in a tweet. The Conroe Fire Department sent a safety message to residents ahead of the severe winter weather, warning about the dangers of portable space heaters and carbon monoxide gas. "Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because you can not smell or detect its presence," the department said in a press release. It's produced from generators, vehicles and gas and propane appliances like heaters, stoves and hot water heaters. More than a million Houstonians are still without heat, and there's no telling how long this will continue. document President Emmerson Mnangagwa has further extended the country's Covid-19 induced lockdown by two more weeks to the end of February saying the number of active cases and deaths was still high. The Monday extension is the second one after the initial 30-day lockdown which came into effect on January 5 following the spike in coronavirus infections and deaths during the festive season was extended by two weeks to mid-month. "I therefore extend the national lockdown by two weeks," said President Mnangagwa. "The extension will allow the number of active cases and those still in incubation to recede. This extension should cause a great reduction in the pool of infected people, enable the health personnel to investigate and monitor the presence and circulation of new variants." President Mnangagwa however reviewed business operating hours to 8am to 5pm and maintained a ban on intercity and inter-province travel. Funeral gatherings remain pegged at 30 while all social gatherings remain prohibited. Curfew hours have been adjusted to run from 2000hrs to 0500hrs while schools remain closed during the extension. The President said essential services remained functional while the informal sector would only resume operations after satisfying WHO guidelines. The courts, he said, will only deal with urgent matters, adding no one would be allowed in the gallery. "The Ministry of Health and Child Care will increase testing," said the President. "All private companies seeking resumption of operations should test their employees in compliance with WHO protocols." He urged Zimbabweans to stay home, wear masks correctly, use sanitisers and keep physical distance. President Mnangagwa said he hoped the vaccines received from China would help alleviate Covid-19 burden in the country. "That should see our pace of vaccinating, willing Zimbabweans increase in tempo, thus bringing us nearer to herd immunity," he said. "The ultimate goal is the return to our normal lives, for our children to go back to school, for us to collectively work towards growing our economy towards Vision 2030." Source: Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE) Many countries have already started their vaccination drive against corona. Colombia is also set to kick start its vaccination drive as the first batch of coronavirus vaccine has arrived in Colombia, now the country can start a vaccination campaign. In a statement, the country's Ministry of Health said, "President Ivan Duque... is meeting the first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine, which will make it possible to start a national vaccination plan in the country." The first batch consists of 50,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. A total of 1,650,000 doses will be supplied within three weeks. Earlier, Duque said that during talks with pharmaceutical companies and with the Covax mechanism, it had been possible to agree on the receipt of 61.5 million doses for vaccination in 2021 for 32,250,000 Colombians. Meanwhile, 176 million doses have been administered across 78 countries, according to data collected by Bloomberg. The latest rate was roughly 5.99 million doses a day. India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 1,09,16,589 with 11,649 new infections being reported in a day, while the daily deaths were recorded below 100 for the ninth time this month, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll increased to 1,55,732 with 90 daily new fatalities. Also Read: Kamala Harris discusses these issues with Macron UK's chief mouser Larry celebrates 10 years at No 10 Downing Street International Market Trends Today: Asia shares sparkle Jacinda Ardern confirmed that the infections that triggered New Zealands first lockdown in months are the UK variant, raising fears of a setback to the countrys previously successful fight against the disease. The prime minister said yesterday that no new community Covid cases had been found since Auckland, New Zealands largest city, was placed into a three-day lockdown on Sunday. We were right to take a cautious approach and focus on safety because weve confirmed it is the UK variant, she told Radio New Zealand. This is a highly transmissible and a fast-moving strain, one that requires extra care in order to stamp it out, and this is exactly what our approach entails. A mother, father and daughter from the same Auckland family tested positive for coronavirus over the weekend. The mother works at Aucklands international airport for a company that does laundry for international aircrew. Initial speculation had focused on the strain escaping from a quarantine hotel, which proved false. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Holt-Cope Victims Privacy Act Passes KY House By West Kentucky Star Staff FRANKFORT - The Kentucky House of Representatives recently passed HB 273, also known as the Bailey Holt-Preston Cope Victims Privacy Act. The measure now moves on to the Senate.HB 273 aims to protect certain crime victims' privacy by amending the Open Records Act to exclude the public release of photos and videos that depict someone's death, rape, sexual assault, or abuse. It passed by a vote of 93-1.The bill was named in honor of Bailey Holt and Preston Cope, the two victims of the Marshall County High School shooting in 2018.Representative Chris Freeland, one of the bill's sponsors, spoke to West Kentucky Star about the measure."The Cope and Holt families had learned that there was a video and some photos that were taken during the high school shooting. As any parent would be, they were horrified at the thought of those photos or videos getting out to the public. In today's age, there would be someone interested in having that. That was the real reason for this bill, to do all we could to make sure that photos and videos like that would not be released," Freeland said.He continued, "There's been a lot of work that went into it. Jason Darnall, Dennis Foust, and the Cope and Holt families, I thank them for the opportunity to allow me to carry the bill. A lot of people have put in a lot of hard work on this, and it's going to pay off."The vote marks the second time the bill has passed the house. The first time, it was held up due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Freeland hopes the bill will receive a vote in the Senate next week.Additionally, the bill has an Emergency Clause, meaning if the Senate does pass the measure, Governor Andy Beshear will have ten days to either sign it or veto it. Since the most recent return to lockdown, the message from Victorias government to its population has been that we know how to do this. However with the latest breach of hotel quarantine, a reasonable response is are you sure?. Moreover, those voices asking why we have to keep doing it and more importantly, whether the government is learning from its mistakes have grown increasingly urgent and authoritative. In a piece for todays Age, Professor Lindsay Grayson an expert witness at last years state inquiry into hotel quarantine and leading infectious diseases expert says that infection controls within the states quarantine hotel system still arent strict enough when it comes to protective equipment and procedures. He also argues that talk of the challenge posed by the so-called UK variant of the virus is misleading, a view shared by Professor Peter Collignon of the federal governments Infection Control Expert Group. The latest outbreak is centred on the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport. Credit:Penny Stephens Professor Grayson points out that of the 69 recommendations [made by the Coate inquiry], 10 relate to infection prevention and control. Yet, based on what we know about the Holiday Inn outbreak, at least four of these 10 recommendations have not been followed adequately. His solution is a drastic one. Pointing to standard procedures within a hospital when there are repeated medical errors, he says that the latest outbreak means Victorias current system cannot be trusted to run a quarantine program and ... should be removed from the national process until it can be proven to be safe. ARCHIVED - Illegal gatherings broken up all over Spain this weekend as coronavirus cases continue to fall Despite multiple warning from the authorities before the weekend of the danger of relaxing precautions, illegal gatherings were detected in regions such as Madrid, Ibiza, Alicante, Basque Country and Navarra, among others Spain is slowly consolidating a gradual decrease in coronavirus contagions, with newly diagnosed positive case numbers continuing to fall in many regions. However, caution appeared to fly to the wind in many areas with multiple illegal parties broken up by the police over a weekend which, in normal pre-pandemic times, would have marked carnival celebrations. Three large parties were detected in the capital city alone. The police found more than 50 people partying at a tourist apartment in Madrid city centre and reported that when they arrived on the scene the organisers tried to stop anyone from leaving, eventually leading to eight arrests for resisting authority and illegal detention. Another illegal party was tracked down in central Madrid with 66 people in attendance, 11 of them under 18. The final large-scale party reported in the capital city was at a leisure venue, with 45 people reported for failing to abide by the rules and the venue was also fined for surpassing its permitted capacity. Another such party was detected in an abandoned warehouse in Ibiza, with 25 youngsters in attendance, while police in Alicante broke up 20 parties at private homes and three large street parties and reported 142 people for failing to obey State of Emergency regulations. In the Basque Country, two men were arrested in Bilbao and Urnieta (Gipuzkoa) for attempting to harm police officers who reproached them for failing to wear face masks, and a party of eight, none of them registered residents, was broken up at a private property in Abadino (Bizkaia). In Navarra, a total of 45 people were reported by the police for failing to meet anti-Covid regulations, some of them at eight street parties (at one of which a young man was arrested) and at six parties, one on a cattle farm. Meanwhile various areas of the country have started to report positive progress where infection rates are concerned. Catalonia entered a so-called control phase on Sunday as it has managed to reduce its number of positive test results by five per cent, although there are still 638 people in ICUs. There were 1,338 new cases and another 43 deaths reported in 24 hours. Madrid reported 835 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday compared to the 2,660 on Saturday, and 45 deaths. Valencia ended its second week of drops in infection rates and hospital admittances, although deaths remain high. Andalusia reported a considerable drop in deaths and new cases, with just 44 deaths registered following a five-day streak of more than 100 a day. Extremadura saw a considerable drop in deaths (four) and a slight increase in new cases (102). Figures also fell in Murcia, with 118 new cases and nine deaths. Navarra followed the trend with its number of new positive cases falling to 56 and a day with no deaths to report on Saturday, while Castilla y Leon saw its infections fall by 47.06 per cent compared to the day before and just 18 deaths compared to 30 on the previous day. The Basque Country reported 423 new positive cases while in La Rioja, pressure on the ICUs has started to be relieved and the incidence rate fell to 483. Levi Bellfield's former girlfriend has revealed her fears that there may be 'thousands' more victims amid reports that police are preparing to charge the serial killer over series of bludgeon attacks. Joe Collings, from Buckinghamshire, has said she is still haunted by her past relationship with Bellfield, now 52, who was found guilty of the murder of 13-year-old Milly Dowler in 2011. He was also convicted of the murders of French student Amelie Delagrange, 22, in 2004, and Marsha McDonnell, 19, in 2008. Joe, 49, recently revealed that she lives with the guilt of being unable to stop him committing the crimes and told The Sun: 'He was always disappearing. It's never going to end. There could be thousands more victims for all we know.' It comes amid reports that the triple killer is set to be charged with a string of attacks on other women. Joe Collings (left), from Buckinghamshire, has said she is still haunted by her past relationship with Bellfield (right), now 52, who was found guilty of the murder of 13-year-old Milly Dowler in 2011 Joe, who is mother to two of Bellfield's children, began dating the former bouncer in 1995 during which time she said she was raped, beaten and psychologically abused. Speaking about their three-year relationship, she told the publication: 'There was one time when we went on holiday to Turkey. We were meant to go for two weeks but five days in he locked me in the hotel room and went out. 'He came back panicked and we flew home the next day. I always wonder what he did. Who did he hurt? He obviously did something.' She added that she hopes victims will get justice if he is charged with the latest offences currently being investigated. Bellfield, who is one of around 50 British prisoners serving a whole life sentence, was suspected of dozens of other assaults when he was initially convicted in 2008. Bellfield, now 52, who was found guilty of the murder of 13-year-old Milly Dowler (pictured) in 2011 He was also convicted of the murders of French student Amelie Delagrange (left), 22, in 2004, and Marsha McDonnell (right), 19, in 2003 It is thought that he is now set to be charged with a string of attacks on other women after officers from the Metropolitan Police wrote to the killer to tell him about their investigation ahead of questioning, according to The Sun. Women who have survived attacks which have remained unsolved include Sarah Spurrell, Edel Harbison, Dawn Brunton and Jessie Wilson. MailOnline previously approached for the Metropolitan Police for comment. Last month, there were reports that Bellfield had been offered the coronavirus jab, even as millions of law-abiding Britons waited for theirs. But the Ministry of Justice insisted in a statement posted on Twitter that prisoners were not getting preferential treatment for a coronavirus jab. Speaking about the possibility, Joe said: 'He shouldn't be given the vaccine. People are dying and there are all these people desperate for it, who really need it - he doesn't deserve it. It's very wrong.' Priority for the vaccines has been determined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, with everyone over 70 and clinically extremely vulnerable people all planned to get a first dose by February 15. It means prisoners in those categories will get the vaccine before ordinary Britons who do not have health conditions or are not elderly. Bellfield reportedly complained that he should have 'already' had the jab because it 'can spread like wildfire and we are in danger'. One of Public Health England's top advisers has accused the Government of doing 'science by press release' by announcing things without telling its scientists. Dr Susan Hopkins, who has appeared alongside senior ministers in Downing Street press conferences throughout the pandemic, vented her frustration in leaked emails seen by Politico. The email came in the wake of Health Secretary Matt Hancock's first announcement about the Kent variant on December 14. The mutated strain of the virus hadn't been mentioned to the public before a shock press conference less than a fortnight before Christmas. It took off at such speed that festive changes to lockdown rules were scrapped at the 11th hour for millions of people in London, the East and the South East. A scramble for detail ensued, with PHE unable to give journalists any information beyond a name for the variant. The leaked emails show the same rush for information was playing out behind the scenes, with senior medics baffled by the announcement. When MailOnline requested details at the time of where cases of the Kent variant had been found, the Department of Health referred the request to PHE, which deferred to COG-UK, an organisation analysing the genetics in positive Covid test samples. COG-UK could not provide the information. PHE has denied that Dr Hopkins was criticising the Government in her email. Dr Susan Hopkins, a senior medical adviser at PHE, agreed with colleagues' frustrations about 'science by press release' when Matt Hancock surprised them by announcing the variant to the public Politico reports that an infection control doctor and PHE adviser, Dr David Farren, said in the email conversation: 'I can't see anything on the usual channels.' Dr Michael Kelsey, a microbiologist and NHS doctor in London, added: 'This is part of the new "science by press release" that has become the norm.' Dr Hopkins, who is the senior medical adviser at PHE, replied: 'Science by press release is correct.' She said it would be at least a day before PHE was able to explain the new variant to scientists; even those advising the government body. GOVERNMENT CRITICISED FOR SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT ON KENT VARIANT The Government has faced accusations in the past of blurting out updates without showing their workings, with critics frustrated when Boris Johnson announced in January that the Kent variant was more deadly as well as more infectious. Ministers were only informed about the development on the morning of Friday, January 22, before it was announced at a press conference the same day. NERVTAG, a sub-group of the SAGE advisory group, had discussed the issue on the Thursday. The group concluded there was a 'realistic possibility' that the variant resulted in an increased risk of death when compared with the original strain. Some critics accused ministers of scaremongering by announcing their fears that the Kent strain was more deadly at short notice without strong supporting evidence. The scientific papers behind the announcement, although available already, were published online by SAGE more than an hour after after the press conference began. Tory backbencher Craig Mackinlay told MailOnline at the time some of the scientific warnings were reminiscent of Project Fear and every time there was hope of easing lockdown there was 'a new twist'. 'It seems to me we are now being held hostage to a zero Covid policy which is completely unattainable or if you do attain it we are going to be in lockdown for an incredibly long period. That just cannot be,' he said. Dr Kit Yates, a mathematical biologist at the University of Bath, tweeted: 'I really dislike the way the news about the increased lethality of B1.1.7 was leaked out and then discussed in a press briefing. Where is the data? 'We want to be able to scrutinise it and to understand the detail, not just the summary.' Advertisement When the new variant was unveiled by Mr Hancock, he said it was likely behind a surge in cases that was being seen in London, Kent and the South East at the time. The Health Secretary admitted that 1,000 people had already tested positive for the variant by the time it was made public knowledge. Cases dated back to at least October, experts later found out, but it was not identified as a risk until weeks later. It has since been confirmed the variant spreads around 50 per cent faster than older versions of the coronavirus, which triggered a massive second wave of infections, hospital admissions and deaths, particularly in the South and East of England where it emerged. And studies have also shown that the variant is slightly deadlier. Public Health England today denied that Dr Hopkins had been complaining about the Government in her comment. A PHE spokesperson said: 'Dr Hopkins was absolutely not criticising the Government. 'She was reflecting on the fact that, owing to the fast moving nature of the science throughout the pandemic, there has been a need to communicate quickly and directly to the public, often at the same time as the scientific community, as opposed to the usual full peer-review publication process which often takes months.' The Government has faced accusations in the past of blurting out updates without showing its workings, with critics frustrated when Boris Johnson announced in January that the Kent variant was more deadly as well as more infectious. Ministers were only informed about the development on the morning of Friday, January 22, before it was announced at a press conference the same day. NERVTAG, a sub-group of the SAGE advisory group, had discussed the issue on the Thursday. The group concluded there was a 'realistic possibility' that the variant resulted in an increased risk of death when compared with the original strain. Some critics accused ministers of scaremongering by announcing their fears that the Kent strain was more deadly at short notice without strong supporting evidence. The scientific papers behind the announcement, although available already, were published online by SAGE more than an hour after after the press conference began. Tory backbencher Craig Mackinlay told MailOnline at the time some of the scientific warnings were reminiscent of Project Fear and every time there was hope of easing lockdown there was 'a new twist'. 'It seems to me we are now being held hostage to a zero Covid policy which is completely unattainable or if you do attain it we are going to be in lockdown for an incredibly long period. That just cannot be,' he said. Dr Kit Yates, a mathematical biologist at the University of Bath, tweeted: 'I really dislike the way the news about the increased lethality of B1.1.7 was leaked out and then discussed in a press briefing. Where is the data? 'We want to be able to scrutinise it and to understand the detail, not just the summary.' PHE's own Dr Hopkins said at the time that there was no need to panic. She explained: 'There is evidence from some but not all data sources which suggests that the variant of concern which was first detected in the UK may lead to a higher risk of death than the non-variant. Evidence on this variant is still emerging and more work is underway to fully understand how it behaves.' Vacant fields near Avalon and Melbourne airports are being considered as sites for purpose-built COVID-19 quarantine accommodation based on the highly successful Howard Springs facility in the Northern Territory. The Victorian government revealed on Monday it wants to construct a cabin-style accommodation hub outside the CBD to replace the existing quarantine scheme after recent leaks of the coronavirus from hotels. Its more than just scoping it, we are going to get on and build a facility, Premier Daniel Andrews said. Its just a matter of how big it is and the more precise details of where but Avalon and Melbourne airports are stand-out candidates, and Im very grateful to them for the partnership and work theyve already done with us. Bahraich: Maharaja Suheldev was the erstwhile ruler of Shravasti in Uttar Pradeshs Bahraich district, who ruled in the 11th century. He is known in the history for waging a guerrilla warfare against Mahmud Ghaznis colossal army. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who laid the foundation stone of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial and development work of Chittaura Lake in Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday mentioned the heroic deeds of Maharaja Suheldev. The PM, in his address, said that Maharaja Suheldevs devotion and service to the country is a source of inspiration for all and with the development of this memorial site, the country will be able to get better acquainted with the heroic saga of the former ruler of Shravasti. The Legend of King Suheldev King Suheldev was deeply moved by the loot and destruction of the magnificent Somnath temple by invader Mahmud Ghazni that he decided to give up the comfort of royal life as a prince. King Suheldev waged guerrilla warfare against Mahmud Ghaznis army. During his invasion of northern India, Mahmud Ghazni defeated several old kingdoms and forced them to become his allies. King Suheldevs guerrilla warfare against Mahmud Ghazni began with the killing of his elder brother, Malladev, while defending the Somnath Temple from the latters army. Suheldevs father, King Mangaldhwaj of Shravasti, reached out to other kingdoms in the region to try and raise a credible force to defend the Somnath Temple and make India from the foreign raiders. But despite a lot of efforts, King Mangaldhwaj was unable to convince the upper caste rulers to come together and fight for the motherland. Maharaja Suheldev, who ruled in the 11th century, Suheldev killed Salar Masood, the nephew of Mahmud Ghazni. The Rajbhar and Pasi community, which has considerable clout in several districts of Purvanchal, consider themselves as King Suheldevs descendants. On June 15, 1033, the armies of King Suheldev and Syed Salar Masood fought a war on the banks of Chittaura Lake in Bahraich. In this battle, Suheldev's army completely destroyed Salar Masood's army. King Suheldev also killed Salar Masood by a single blow of his sword in this battle. The fierceness of the war can be gauged from the fact that the whole army of Salar Masood was eliminated in it. "This #Basant has come with new hopes and new enthusiasm for India that is moving forward, leaving behind the despair of the pandemic," said PM Modi at the event while greeting the nation on the occasion of Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja. The event in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh marks the birth anniversary of Maharaja Suheldev. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath was also present on the occasion. The complete project will include installation of an equestrian statue of Maharaja Suheldev and development of various tourist amenities like cafeteria, guest house and a childrens park, a government statement said. It would also further enhance the tourist potential of this site, it added. Live TV Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For anyone seeking to live life to its fullest potential, Blind Ambition: How to Go From Victim to Visionary (Harper Collins Leadership) is an eye-opening account of Chad E. Foster's, life as a tech industry star executive who overcame fear and hopelessness to turn his disadvantage of blindness into a powerful competitive strength. Chad didn't let his loss of eyesight as a young adult confine him. He became the first blind graduate of Harvard Business School's Program for Leadership Development and later developed software that Oracle said couldn't be done, giving millions of disabled people the ability to earn a living. Now Chad teaches that same overcomer mindset to individuals worldwide, delivering practical strategies to build resilience in challenging circumstances. While most people were preparing for the adventure of adult life, Chad E. Foster was watching the world he grew up with fade to black. But that didn't stop him from becoming the first blind person to graduate from the Harvard Business School leadership program and climbing the corporate ladder as a successful Finance/Sales executive. With determination, ambition, and drive, Chad created what Oracle said would be impossible. He gave millions of people the ability to earn a living by becoming the first to create customer relationship software for the visually impaired. Readers of Blind Ambition will: Be inspired by Chad's story of how he transformed the loss of his vision into a gift that provided him with unique strengths and abilities he did not have when he could see. story of how he transformed the loss of his vision into a gift that provided him with unique strengths and abilities he did not have when he could see. See how we choose the stories we tell ourselves about our circumstances and how this either limits us or propels us towards our goals. Gain new perspective on what is possible when you shift your mindset, give up making excuses, and decide that you are in charge of who you want to be. Learn the mental model that Chad uses to quickly overcome frustrations and stressors. "People with disabilities want the privilege to succeed or fail based on their merits, and Chad's powerful story demonstrates that success is indeed possible, even when faced with a significant disability--offering employers a way to tap into an underutilized talent pool," said The Honorable Tony Coelho, Former U.S. Congressman, chief-sponsor and author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Chad is happier and more successful today than when he could see. Overcoming the challenges of blindness has improved his perspective, making him more resilient and grateful for the life that he has. Given the current state of medical, economic, social, work/life, and business disruptions in the world, Chad's book can serve as an inspiration, a message of hope to all that may need it today. Chad's unforgettable lessons and insights will inspire readers to explore new possibilities where they once may have only seen obstacles. About the Author Chad E. Foster is a husband, a father, and avid skier (that is not a joke) who is not just competing with his condition, but also against the world's most successful people. Chad believes he is not successful in spite of being blind, but because he's blind. He embraced his problem and turned it into a solution. He works at Red Hat, one of the most innovative tech companies and the world's largest open-source software company (recently purchased by IBM for $34 billion). He gave millions of people the ability to earn a living by becoming the first to create customer relationship software for the visually impaired. With speaking invites from London to Beijing, and the Atlanta Opera commissioning an opera inspired by his life story, Chad inspires people to overcome their own blind spots. Chad lives in Marietta, Georgia with his wife and two children. For further information about Blind Ambition please visit https://www.harpercollinsleadership.com/blind-ambition/. To join the Blind Ambition Community visit https://www.harpercollinsleadership.com/blind-ambition-community/ for free digital access to Chad's book, plus exclusive bonus material from the book. Media contact: Josh Ginsburg [email protected] 212-352-3320 SOURCE Blind Ambition LLC A man who murdered his own daughter and her husband in a suspected honour killing has pleaded guilty to the shocking crime after dumping his bid to escape justice on mental impairment grounds. Lindita Musai had been trying to start a new life away from her father when she was cut down in a hail of bullets alongside her new husband Veton on New Year's Eve in 2019. Osman Shaptafaj, 56, was charged with two counts of murder by homicide squad detectives in Melbourne after making a miraculous recovery from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Osman Shaptafaj in a post from Facebook. He was said to have been estranged from his family when he gunned down his own daughter and her new husband The Albanian Australian Islamic Society mosque in Carlton North in January last year when thousands lined the street to pay their respects to the murdered couple The couple married about a year before they were murdered but had been dating for at least five years Ms Musais father lived just 5km from the couple but was estranged from her and her mother amid accusations of turmoil within the family. He was found soon after the attack a block away with gunshot wounds to his head. On Wednesday, the cold blooded killer pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court of Victoria to two counts of murder. The remorseless thug calmly admitted to the double homicide. Daily Mail Australia revealed last month that Shaptafaj had backflipped on contesting the charges after he failed in an attempt to claim mental impairment. Psychiatrists acting for the Crown had dismissed claims the killer was unfit to plead to the crimes due to mental illness. The killer will now face court again in May for a pre-sentence hearing where devastated family members will likely square-off with their tormentor. Daily Mail Australia had been told all was not well in the Shaptafaj household. A devastated family member, who wished to remain anonymous, said at the time of the killing that Mrs Musai had endured a 'difficult' upbringing. The relative spoke out amid speculation the couple had become victims of some sort of honour killing. Osman Shaptafaj killed his daughter and her husband before turning the gun on himself Cold-blooded killer Osman Shaptafaj in another Facebook rant He claimed Ms Masai's mother had separated from Shaptafaj about eight years ago after spending time in hospital. 'I'll just say it was nothing to do with his backgound or his beliefs, as he has no beliefs,' the man said of the attack. He claimed the killer struck in a last ditch effort to regain control over his daughter after she bravely turned him away to begin a peaceful life. 'It's really making me sick ... to be honest with you. Lindita and Veton were perfect, absolutely perfect,' he said. The relative said Lindita's mother had done her best to live in the unhappy household, but found the courage to leave after a stint in hospital. 'She was trying to keep the peace, to the point of leaving him, the house, the car and money not to put (him) on edge,' he said. The pair were attacked in their home in Yarraville, western Melbourne about 10.30am as 2019 came to a close. Osman Shaptafaj turned a gun on himself after killing his own daughter and her husband The couple were found on the front porch of their house with gunshot wounds to their upper bodies Hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell the couple at the Albanian Australian Islamic Society mosque in Carlton North. They packed the mosque to pray and to listen to short eulogies given during the hour-long service. About three thousand more stood outside the mosque on the street to pay their respects. Ms Musai became the 266th Australian to be killed in 2019 - the last in Victoria - and the 72nd woman lost to violence last year. Mr Musai's brother Drilon paid tribute to the couple on Facebook at the time, expressing anger at their tragic deaths. 'Finally, hate killed beauty, a devil killed love! The Angels were shot smiling, That the monster didn't sleep!' he wrote. 'Veton, I am broken without you, The family is broken without you, but the memories we have of you will hold us together forever and help soothe these wounds. 'To everyone out there. Please remember Veton and Lindita for who they were, their love, their passion and their otherworldly presence, because to remember them for what happened is an injustice to love itself.' The couple reportedly had other guests at their home when the incident took place. They were found on the front porch of their house with gunshot wounds to their upper bodies. A gun was found at the end of the street on public land. The couple had wed in 2019 before they were shot on the front porch of their house Lindita Musai, 25, (pictured) was shot dead and her husband Veto Musai, 29, critically injured in a hail of bullets at their western Melbourne home A witness told Channel 7 in Melbourne he had seen a man come out of a bush and shoot himself in the head, fall to the ground, then get up again and shoot himself again. Mr Musai's cousin shared his grief on Facebook after the 29-year-old died in hospital 30 hours after he was shot. 'I don't know how to put the words together.. Allah knows best why things happen the way they do,' he started, before adding he 'can't even begin to explain' how he's feeling. 'The only thing keeping us strong is belief in God. 'May Allah bring the two gorgeous souls together again in Jannah.' The young couple had only been married a year, but had been a couple for at least five. Friends described their wedding as one of the 'best they'd ever been to'. 'Such a lovely couple, such a lovely family... One of the best weddings I've been to in Australia,' a friend of the family wrote on Facebook. Ms Musai was employed as a receptionist for real estate firm Colliers International in Melbourne's CBD while her husband worked at a nearby bank. Unable to clear the snow from its runways, San Antonio International Airport canceled all departing and arriving flights Monday and Tuesday, stranding thousands of passengers. Snow is a rare occurrence in San Antonio, and we do not have the plows or equipment to remove snow, airport spokeswoman Tonya Hope said. Snow removal at an airport is very challenging and requires manpower and experience. A total of about 200 arrivals and departures had been scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Airport management and the airlines made the decision to cancel flights for (Tuesday) based on the severity of the weather conditions, Hope said. On ExpressNews.com: Massive remake in the works for San Antonio International Airport, including new Terminal A For David and Rachel Nichols of Phoenix, Arizona, a weekend vacation in San Antonio during which they strolled along the River Walk and visited the Alamo turned into an extended-stay nightmare. The couple boarded their American Airlines flight to Phoenix on Sunday only to be told after a three-hour delay on the tarmac that conditions were too icy for takeoff. The flight was canceled. The airline gave the couple a voucher to stay at the San Antonio Airport Hilton, but they couldnt find a taxi or rideshare vehicle for the short trip. So the couple slept at the airport. An airport employee drove them to the hotel Monday morning after they found out that their flight was canceled once again. But the hotel was experiencing a power outage, so they couldnt check in. They returned to the airport to get a voucher from American Airlines for another hotel. The operator of the Hilton said hourly blackouts since the early Monday had prevented the hotel from checking in guests. We were only around 60 percent full and would have welcomed new guests, said Charles Leddy, CEO of Presidian Hotels & Resorts, which operates the Hilton. The Nichols had not eaten in a day, except for two sandwiches that hotel workers gave them. All restaurants at the airport were closed Monday. Its a very frustrating situation, David Nichols said. The couple was among about 100 stranded passengers at the airport early Monday afternoon. Another traveler, Michael Smith, was trying to get back to Seattle. He had just returned his car rental after a weekend in New Braunfels attending a friends wedding. Hed arrived early for his Alaska Airlines flight. The flight was still on schedule when he left his hotel Monday morning. Smith, a truck driver, said he didnt mind spending an extra day or two in San Antonio, but no attendants were available at the car rental center to set him up with a vehicle. It snows four feet in Washington, and we still function, he said. It snows four inches in San Antonio, and the world comes to an end. Other travelers were in similar situations. When they had checked online Monday morning, their flights were still scheduled. Only after dropping off their rental cars did they find out that the soonest they could leave San Antonio was Wednesday. We would have driven back to Colorado if we had known our flight was canceled, said a passenger whod planned to fly home to Denver on Monday. Gary Dipasquale, Southwest Airlines customer service manager at San Antonio International, said the airline had three or four flights slated for Monday afternoon, including the Denver flight. Then Southwest officials learned early Monday that the airport was effectively snowbound. We had no choice but to cancel, Dipasquale said. The airline, he added, had 16 departures originally scheduled for Monday. On ExpressNews.com: Wary Traveler: Boeing's Max flies again, like it or not Its too early to tell whether flights will resume Wednesday. We told our partners we would continue to monitor the conditions and the weather and make final decisions daily, Hope said. She said airlines gave passengers vouchers to nearby hotels, and that airport employees worked to provide transportation for passengers because hotels were not offering shuttle service during these weather conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has cut passenger traffic at San Antonio International Airport to around one-third of passenger levels in 2019. Yet, Dipasquale said Southwest had expected to operate full flights Monday. We would have loved to fly, he said. randy.diamond@express news. net I am thrilled that we have made enough headway to cautiously ease more regulations, but I once again want to remind all our businesses and residents that we are not out of the woods yet, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. Only by committing to what we know works will we be able to continue moving forward carefully and responsibly. Students will know their Leaving Cert options before end of the week Sixth-year students will know their Leaving Cert options before the end of the week. Intensive talks are continuing between the Department of Education and the education partners about the final shape of assessment this year. Not enough progress was made to allow proposals to be brought to todays Cabinet meeting for signing off, which had been the intention. However, Education Minister Norma Foley indicated she hopes to give students clarity within days, and it is expected to be before Friday. Read More The minister is under pressure to deliver a deal this week and provide certainty to 63,000 Leaving Cert pupils. Taoiseach Micheal Martin and the two other coalition leaders Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan were given an update last night. It is five weeks since the Irish Second Level Students Union (ISSU) called for choice around the Leaving Cert because of the extensive loss of face-to-face teaching time since March 2020 and ongoing uncertainty around Covid. The discussions are centred around offering a twin-track Leaving Cert, with options around traditional exams and a non-exam assessment that would be a modified version of last years calculated grades. Written exams are scheduled to go ahead on June 9, but the talks are working through issues such as how to complete orals and practicals, which take place around Easter. They are also teasing out the logistics of the calculated grades-style option as well as level of choice that will be given to students. Expand Close Education Minister Norma Foley is under pressure to deliver a deal this week and provide certainty to 63,000 Leaving Cert pupils. Photo: Frank McGrath / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Education Minister Norma Foley is under pressure to deliver a deal this week and provide certainty to 63,000 Leaving Cert pupils. Photo: Frank McGrath Yesterdays discussions involved both the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI), which re-entered the process at the weekend after pulling out last Thursday over concerns traditional exams were being relegated to a secondary position behind calculated grades. Meanwhile, further progress towards a wider reopening of schools, likely from March 1, is also expected this week. Pupils with special needs started back last week and more will return from next Monday, with Leaving Cert students the next priority. The longer Leaving Cert students are out of school, the more difficult it will be to timetable orals and practicals. The talks on reopening will be informed by the evolving public health landscape, which has improve considerably since the decision to close schools indefinitely last month. While agreement has been reached on protocols to underpin bringing limited numbers of pupils with special needs, back to the classroom, teacher unions will be seeking updated public health advice around the return of more significant numbers. Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said yesterday the reopening of schools has to be our first priority but said it would need to be done on a phased basis and that it would need to be done cautiously. He said he had been very clear our primary concern was around the mobility that was involved in a full reopening and the over one million people that necessitated in terms of mobility and the impact of that on disease transmission. He referred to the ongoing talks but said that he was not going to provide a statement that gets into the middle of those talks. North Korea hacked Pfizer Inc. for information on its Covid-19 vaccine and treatments, South Korean lawmakers said after a briefing by the countrys spy agency. The National Intelligence Service released the information Tuesday during a closed-door briefing to a parliamentary intelligence committee, lawmakers said. Pfizer got hacked," Ha Tae-keung, an opposition lawmaker who was among the committee members briefed, told reporters in Seoul. Microsoft Corp. said in November that hackers from North Korea, as well as Russia, had targeted seven prominent companies working on the Covid-19 vaccine and treatment research. Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech SE later said that documents related to their vaccine development had been targeted in a cyberattack on the European Medicines Agency, adding that none of their own systems had been breached. While North Koreas official line is that it has had no cases of Covid-19, officials from the U.S., Japan and others have cast doubts on the claim that the country has escaped the pandemic without a single infection. Covid-19 brings large risk to the impoverished state, whose antiquated medical systems could be easily overwhelmed. Kim has shown his worries about the virus, closing borders about a year ago with neighbouring China at the time Pyongyangs biggest benefactor was the epicenter of the outbreak. That has slammed the breaks on the little legal trade North Korea has with its main economic partner, pushing the economy toward its largest contraction in more than two decades, according to Fitch Solutions. North Koreas trade with China fell 99% year on year in the final quarter of 2020, the spy agency told lawmakers, according to Ha, an opposition lawmaker. The regime is set to face a crop shortage of 1 million tons this year, with demand expecting to reach 5.5 million tons. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. WASHINGTON - An Arctic blast continued to wreak havoc across a large swath of the United States on Tuesday after a snowstorm left more than a dozen dead and millions without power, with officials in some places saying residents might be in the dark for days. And it's not over. A second storm had begun taking shape Tuesday night, aimed at the nation's southern tier and some of the same hard-hit areas, according to The Washington Post. Among those killed were a 10-year-old boy who fell through ice near Millington, Tenn., and a woman and a girl who died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Houston after a car was left running in a garage to keep them warm, according to police. A tornado associated with the storm system also struck North Carolina, killing at least three and injuring 10. Wind-chill watches and warnings stretched from the Dakotas to the Gulf Coast as the coldest of this Arctic outbreak hit Tuesday morning, with Dallas, Houston, and Oklahoma City posting their lowest temperatures since at least 1989. With nearly three-quarters of the contiguous United States blanketed by snow, at midafternoon Tuesday, there were 3.8 million still without power in Texas, and thousands more in 16 states, including Oregon, Kentucky, Louisiana and West Virginia, according to the website PowerOutage.us. In many places, temperatures were colder than in Alaska, the National Weather Service in the Kansas City area noted in a tweet; Anchorage saw a comparatively balmy low of 20 degrees. In Kansas City, the temperature was minus-10 Tuesday morning, and St. Joseph, Mo., was minus-21, compared with 5 degrees above zero in Fairbanks. Texas was hit especially hard. In Corpus Christi, a coastal community in the southern part of the state, preparations are typically underway to host an influx of students for spring break at this time of year. But on Tuesday morning, the temperature had plunged to 19 degrees, causing pipes to burst and straining the city's ability to care for its residents. 5 1 of 5 Photo for The Washington Post by Nick Oxford Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Photo for The Washington Post by Rory Doyle Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Photo for The Washington Post by Sergio Flores Show More Show Less 5 of 5 "This cold has been extremely difficult on us because we are a coastal community of 300-plus days of warm weather a year," said Mayor Paulette Guajardo, who has been on the job for a month. "We are just completely unaccustomed to it - we are a bathing-suit-and-shorts community, but we are going to get through it, and we are going to be stronger because of it." Like the rest of Texas, Corpus Christi has been hit by sustained power outages, with Guajardo estimating that at least a third of her city's 325,000 residents have lost power. She and numerous officials around the state said the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) "failed" Texans by not doing enough to prepare for the cold snap. ERCOT operates the state's electric grid. "There was a lack of communication," said Guajardo, a Democrat. "On one hand, we were told there was going to be 'rolling blackouts.' But there was never rolling blackouts. There were just blackouts, and so you had residents who just were not prepared." The storm also threw the nation's coronavirus vaccination plans into disarray as inoculation sites across the country were shut down because of power outages and hazardous weather, while shipments are delayed because of poor road conditions. The Texas Department of State Health Services said shipments would start arriving Wednesday. "No one wants to put vaccine at risk by attempting to deliver it in dangerous conditions," it said. The delays also affected states that were not heavily hit by the storm because they rely on vaccine doses shipped from those that were. The grocery chain Publix stopped taking appointments for vaccinations in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, citing the shipping delays. A spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said federal officials are "projecting widespread delays in COVID-19 vaccine shipments and deliveries over the next few days" tied to poor weather in distribution hubs out of Louisville, Ky., and Memphis, Tenn. Officials in Harris County, which includes Houston, rushed to deploy more than 5,000 doses after a storage facility lost power and the backup generator failed early Monday. They distributed the vaccine doses to Rice University, a local health system and the county jail. In Oklahoma, people 65 and older who canceled their vaccine appointments opened up slots for teachers and adults with comorbidities, who were not due to begin receiving shots until Feb. 22, according to the state's rollout plan. Walmart temporarily closed more than 500 stores in Texas and elsewhere in the South. Immigration courts and other civic business in the United States ground to a halt. In Texas, officials pointed fingers about who was responsible for the large-scale failure of the state's power grid, as offline gas-fired and nuclear power plants and frozen wind turbines left more than 4 million without power in the storm's immediate aftermath, including some who had been in the dark for more than 24 hours. Utility officials are warning Houston residents that the power outages could last "several more days." Residents in other states, including Kansas and Nebraska, experienced rolling power outages as utilities struggled to cope with the strain on their systems. "I just got out of the hospital a few weeks ago with acute respiratory failure. I was sleeping with my oxygen on and woke up to the power being out," said Allison Campos, who lives in Fallbrook in northwestern Houston. "I am terrified. I stop breathing, and my heart stops when I'm sleeping. I have one tank for short trips. I'm supposed to be on three liters, but I have it set to two to conserve." Stephen Streiker and his wife, Jacqueline, spent Monday night huddled inside their frigid apartment in the Las Colinas section of Irving, Texas, trying to keep warm. The two of them were "down to one battery pack and candles and a 7-pound miniature dachshund for warmth here," Streiker said in an email Monday night. Reached early Tuesday morning, he said that the outage was going on 28 hours, and that they were planning to leave their apartment to seek heat elsewhere. "Whatever stored up warmth we had in the apartment is gone. I'm guessing inside temp is around 50, and dropping. It is 1-degree outside," Streiker said. "We are going to have to decamp. 28 hours-plus with no electricity." He said many of his neighbors had slept in running vehicles in their parking structure in a dangerous attempt to keep warm overnight. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said he would suggest a re-formation of the state's grid operator an emergency item for this legislative session, and the speaker of the Texas House called for hearings on what went wrong. ERCOT, the operator, blamed the icy weather for affecting thermal power plants, which include gas, coal and nuclear sources. "Far too many Texans are without power and heat for their homes as our state faces freezing temperatures and severe winter weather," Abbott said in a statement. "This is unacceptable." In Oklahoma, homeless shelters opened up extra beds, and Tulsa residents had raised $1.5 million since Friday to put up hundreds more people in hotels and motels. Outreach organizations planned to begin sending housing assistance coordinators to hotels and motels to try to secure long-term placements for as many homeless people as possible. Paramedics were called to a homeless encampment in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Tuesday to treat a man who was suffering from frostbite on his feet. They took the man to a hospital, but others at the camp stayed behind after declining rides to a city heating center. One resident had built a fire to thaw bottles of water as the temperature in the city fell to minus-14 on Tuesday morning, the coldest since 1899. Cyrus Whittaker, who has lived in the camp for 3 1/2 months, said the past couple of nights outside have been "miserably cold." Residents have done whatever they can to keep warm, he said, including "huddling up in a single tent to make sure we were not going to freeze for the night." He was working with representatives of the city's Homeless Alliance for things the camp needs - propane, firewood and food. Living outdoors is rough, he said. "It's not at all what you would think as your ancestors went through here settling here as pioneers," Whittaker said. "It sucks, and that's putting it the polite way." In Kentucky, Boyd County Judge Executive Eric Chaney asked the state's governor to send in the National Guard as hundreds of residents were living in precarious conditions without power after an ice storm last week downed hundreds of trees and knocked out 44% of the county's electricity. Many were able to make it through the first few days without power with generators, but they were running low on fuel when a second ice storm hit Monday. National Guard members rescued more than 30 residents and transported them to the county's warming center. Now, Chaney said, the county is bracing for another storm - with three to five inches of snow expected. In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, declared a state of emergency Sunday before snow covered the roadways, creating hazardous driving conditions Monday. While the sun came out Tuesday afternoon, the Mississippi Department of Transportation took to social media to encourage Southern drivers unused to the conditions to "stay home" and to not "be fooled" by the sunnier skies. In New Orleans, where the city had scaled back its Mardi Gras festivities because of the coronavirus pandemic, some residents and visitors still tried to celebrate the town's famous holiday. On Esplanade Avenue, Jeanne Nathan, 79, and Bob Tannen, 83, sat outside early Tuesday dressed in big winter coats, to catch people passing their "house float," featuring a fiberglass cast made by Tannen, of "Marlina," the largest blue marlin caught in the Gulf of Mexico by a woman. It was 27 degrees, a cold made worse by the tropical city's humidity. "Even though I once lived in New Hampshire, this is colder," Tannen said. - - - The Washington Post's Knowles Adkisson in Little Rock, Ark., Andrea Eger in Tulsa, Okla., Nick Oxford in Oklahoma City, Okla., Katy Reckdahl in New Orleans, Jef Rouner in Houston, Sarah Fowler in Jackson, Miss., Silvia Foster-Frau and Arelis R. Hernandez in San Antonio, and Brittany Shammas, Matthew Cappucci, Paulina Firozi and Dino Grandoni in Washington contributed to this report. Bollywood actor Sandeep Nahar, who worked in films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kesari and Khandaani Shafakhana, allegedly died by suicide on Monday (February 15, 2021) after posting a video on his Facebook page in which he spoke about wanting to end his life. In an interaction with ETimes, veteran actor Anupam Kher who essayed the role of late Sushant Singh Rajput's father in Neeraj Pandey's MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, reacted to the news of Nahar's tragic demise. Kher told the leading daily, "I didn't know about it last night, but I read about him a few hours back and immediately connected his presence in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story." The senior actor further remembered Sandeep as a 'happy-go-lucky' guy and said that he was a good actor. "Sandeep was a happy-go-lucky guy. I met him on the sets of that film only. I had about two-three scenes with him. He had more scenes with other actors in the film but he was undoubtedly a good actor," ETimes quoted Anupam Kher as saying. Speaking about Sandeep Nahar's death, a police official told PTI that the actor was found unconscious at his flat in suburban Goregaon in the evening, by his wife Kanchan and friends. They rushed him to SVR Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. ALSO READ: Sandeep Nahar's Death: Khandaani Shafakhana Director Is Taken Aback; Remembers Him As A Fantastic Gentleman ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput's Dhoni Co-Star Sandeep Nahar Dies By Suicide, Shares Suicide Note On Social Media Worried about your mental well-being or of someone you know? Help is just a call away. Reach out to the nearest mental health specialist at COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ)- 0832-2252525, Parivarthan- +91 7676 602 602, Connecting Trust- +91 992 200 1122/+91-992 200 4305 or Sahai- 080-25497777/ SAHAIHELPLINE@GMAIL.COM A new mother has told how she suffers agonising headaches whenever she stands up due to fluid leaking from her brain after suffering a small tear to her spinal cord during a caesarean - meaning she now has to lie down constantly. Victoria Conn, 29, from Newtownards, Co Down, suffered a rare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak while giving birth to her daughter Charlotte, now one, by emergency C-section. The leak was caused by a small tear in the outer membrane that contains the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, which occurred when the epidural was injected. Victoria was initially treated with a blood patch which was successful, but it ruptured again in October - and she told the Mirror that doctors in Northern Ireland have refused her the same treatment again. Victoria Conn, 29, from Newtownards, Co Down, pictured with husband Curtis, suffered a rare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak while giving birth to her daughter Charlotte by emergency C-section Victoria is now forced to lie flat on her back to stop excruciating headaches and is unable to be the mother she wants to be for her daughter Charlotte Victoria's husband Curtis, 30, is now her carer, helping her shower and eat, and has to take care of their daughter. Describing the pain as 'crushing and horrific', she told how it 'forces' her to lie down - and when she's on her back she feels completely fine. But when she gets up, the pain comes rushing back straight away. She said: 'It's the most excruciating, crushing pain essentially your brain is just sitting on your skull on the nerves.' Victoria, who is usually very active and loves the outdoors, added that she feels 'constantly guilty' and 'heartbroken' that she's not able to be the mother she wants to be to Charlotte. The CSF leak was caused by a small tear in the outer membrane that contains the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, which occurred when Victoria received her epidural injection during the C-section 'I know I can make up for it but it's just these early stages of life are so important for a mum and her baby it just feels cruel,' Victoria said. 'It's been a nightmare, and it's been so hard even trying to see that it will be better but I have to because if I don't think it will get better then I just feel like what's the point? 'A few weeks ago I did just feel I can't go on with this anymore because it's lonely and nobody understands what it feels to be trapped in your own body.' Victoria claims both NHS and private hospitals in Northern Ireland have denied her the procedure she needs, which she understands is due to an ongoing investigation into suspended Belfast neurologist Dr Michael Watt, which has blocked access to certain neurological treatments. Victoria claims both NHS and private hospitals in Northern Ireland have denied her the procedure she needs, which she understands is due to an ongoing investigation into suspended Belfast neurologist Dr Michael Watt, which has blocked access to certain neurological treatments In 2019, a BBC Spotlight investigation revealed Dr Watt, who worked at the Royal Victoria Hospital as a neurologist diagnosing conditions including epilepsy and Parkinson's, carried out hundreds of unnecessary procedures on patients. What is a CSF Leak? A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is an under-diagnosed, yet often debilitating, medical condition comprising a small tear or hole in the outer membrane that contains the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain (known as the dura mater). When the fluid leaks out of the dura at spinal level, the overall volume and pressure of fluid within the skull drops (known as intracranial hypotension), its cushioning effect is reduced and the brain slumps. This slumping effect, also called 'brain sag', results in severe pain, pressure, blurred/double vision, eye pain, neck pain, hearing impairment, tinnitus, spasm, seizures and a wide range of other symptoms. A CSF leak occurring at cranial level is thought not to trigger intracranial hypotension, but nonetheless can give rise to a variety of symptoms, such as headache, visual disturbance and changes to hearing or ringing in the ears, as well as external CSF discharge, commonly to the throat and nose. Source: CFS Leak Association Advertisement In particular, Dr Watt was found to be behind a huge spike in the number of epidural blood patches - a rare neurological treatment, usually for patients with a condition called spontaneous intracranial hypotension - carried out in the Belfast Trust in 2015 and 2016. Victoria told the Mirror her local hospital is able to do the procedure which will help her, but there's 'no point' in going there because they won't. She said having no faith in her country's health system is 'really, really scary' and 'lonely'. Victoria was due to return to her job at a GP surgery following maternity leave last month, but she's now been signed off because she is unable to stand upright for long periods of time. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Victoria said they can't even have someone round to help them clean their house or keep her company. She admitted she feels like their lives have been turned upside down and are on pause while they wait for treatment. Earlier this month, Curtis set up a GoFundMe page, and they were stunned when it raised nearly 10,000 - enough to cover the private healthcare cost for three blood patch procedures. With their home country out of the question, a private neurosurgeon and CSF adviser in Aberdeen has offered to treat Victoria when a space comes free. Victoria now faces the prospect of having to lie flat during the crossing on the boat to Scotland and the five hour car journey that follows. They are unable to fly because the air pressure could cause the patch to rupture. Thankfully the amount they have raised will cover the expenses, and any extra funds will be donated to the CSF Leak Association charity. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Victoria said they can't even have someone round to help them clean their house or keep her company Victoria said there's no guarantee she won't suffer another rupture in the future, and wants people in the same situation as her who have been denied access to treatment to keep pushing for it. A spokesperson for the hospital trust told The Mirror: 'This patient has been reviewed and referred for further review and ongoing treatment to a specialist in the Southern Health Trust so it would not be appropriate for us to comment further on her treatment. Funding for treatment in GB is managed by HSC Board. 'Currently there is no commissioned Low CSF Service in Northern Ireland. This area of practice has been under review through the Independent Neurology Enquiry, following on from the Neurology recall of Dr Watt's Neurology patients.' Vote Percentage of Parties in Puducherry2021: How did the parties fare Ahead of assembly elections, Congress government in Puducherry slips into minority India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Puducherry, Feb 16: It looks like trouble has nowhere to go apart from Congress as a party MLA tendered his resignation ahead of the Assembly elections in the Union territory. On Tuesday, Congress MLA A John Kumar resigned from the party, citing "dissatisfaction with the Congress government" in the Union territory. Kumar, who was the MLA of Kamaraj Nagar constituency, is the fourth Congress lawmaker to quit the party ahead of Gandhi's scheduled visit to Puducherry where the Assembly election is due in the next few months. TN Assembly polls: AIADMK asks aspirants to file applications from Feb 24 With his resignation, the strength of the ruling Congress in the Union territory has come down to 10 in the House of 30 MLAs. On Monday, Puducherry Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao, who had earlier quit the state cabinet, resigned as a member of the territorial Assembly. Last month, state's PWD minister A Namassivayam resigned from the state cabinet and also from the Assembly after the ruling Congress suspended him from primary membership for "anti-party activities". World's largest, iconic all-women-run market 'Ima Keithal' reopens after 11 months Meanwhile, Congress leader and Wayanad MP Ragul Gandhi is scheduled to kick-start Congress' poll campaign in the poll-bound Union territory of Puducherry on February 17. During his visit, Gandhi will address fishermen in neighbouring Solai Nagar in Muthialpet Assembly constituency and later interact with students of the Bharathidasan Government College for women. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The Union Territory, along with neighbouring Tamil Nadu, will go to the Assembly polls in April-May later this year. The Congress party will fight the polls with the parties constituting the secular democratic alliance including the DMK, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Die Gruppe stellt Unternehmen fuhrende Cloud-HR-Softwaretools zur Unterstutzung zentraler Aufgaben von Personalwesen und Talentakquise Die Teams werden eng zusammenarbeiten und dabei von Sympas hoher Reichweite in Skandinavien und der globalen Prasenz von Recruitee profitieren PSG unterstutzt die neue Gruppe als Mehrheitsaktionar, um die Entwicklung neuer Produkte sowie organisches und anorganisches Wachstum zu fordern Sympa, ein fuhrender Anbieter von HR-Core-Software in den skandinavischen Landern, und Recruitee, ein fuhrender Anbieter von Applicant Tracking-Systemen (ATS) in Mitteleuropa und den USA, schlieen sich zusammen, um gemeinsam ein hochwertiges Angebot an digitalen Losungen fur das Personalwesen zu schaffen. Durch die Zusammenarbeit werden die Softwarelosungen beider Unternehmen unter einem Dach zusammengefuhrt und bieten Unternehmen eine umfassende Suite wegweisender Tools zur Automatisierung der Prozesse in Personalabteilungen sowie zur Erweiterung der Expertise von HR-Mitarbeitern. In Zukunft profitieren die Kunden von einem erweiterten Produktangebot, das eine branchenfuhrende Plattform fur die Talentakquise und eine umfassende HR-Core-Plattform beinhaltet, sowie von der deutlich groeren geografischen Reichweite der Gruppe. Die verbundene Gruppe wird uber 4.000 Kunden in ganz Europa und den USA bedienen und ein Team von mehr als 250 Mitarbeitern beschaftigen. Renommierte globale Marken wie Autobahn, Red Bull Media House, Innocent Drinks, Breitling, Oatly, BMW, Toyota, TNT, Dustin und Byggmax setzen die Software bereits heute fur die Rekrutierung der groten Talente, effizientere Einstellungsverfahren, die Forderung der Karriereentwicklung ihrer Mitarbeiter und die Unterstutzung intelligenterer strategischer Entscheidungen. Keijo Karjalainen, CEO und Mitbegrunder von Sympa, kommentiert: "Wir sind sehr erfreut uber die Partnerschaft mit Recruitee, einem der fuhrenden ATS-Anbieter, da wir nun unseren Kunden eine umfassende Palette an Losungen anbieten konnen. Die Teams von Recruitee und PSG erganzen sich hervorragend und freuen sich darauf, diese starke Partnerschaft und faszinierende Reise fortzusetzen." "Wir begruen die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Team von PSG und Sympa wahrend unserer nachsten Wachstumsphase. Dank dieser Kooperation werden wir unsere Vision, Unternehmen mit den bestmoglichen HR-Tools auszustatten, noch schneller umsetzen konnen. Mit PSG als Investor wollen wir eine wirklich globale Prasenz aufbauen und unsere Marktplatzintegrationen optimieren", kommentiert Perry Oostdam CEO und Mitgrunder von Recruitee. CTO und Mitgrunder, Pawel Smoczyk, fugt an: "Wir sind begeistert von den Moglichkeiten, die vor uns liegen, und werden unsere Produktpalette erganzen und weiterentwickeln und die Zusammenarbeit mit unserem wachsenden Pool an neuen und bestehenden Partnern im Segment der HR-Software fortfuhren." Kirsten ter Horst, Head of HR bei FRISS, einem langjahrigen Kunden beider Unternehmen, erklart: "Wir setzen beide Losungen mit Erfolg ein und konnen uns gut vorstellen, dass sie auf naturliche Weise zusammenpassen. Wir freuen uns uber den Zusammenschluss und die neuen Moglichkeiten, die sie uns eroffnen wird." PSG, ein fuhrendes Growth-Equity-Unternehmen, das Partnerschaften mit B2B-Softwareunternehmen aufbaut, hat im Juli 2020 in Sympa investiert und wird das Unternehmen als Mehrheitseigner unterstutzen. Alfven Didrikson, ein aktiver, langfristiger Kapitalgeber fur skandinavische Unternehmen mit internationalem Wachstumspotenzial, behalt seine Minderheitsbeteiligung, nachdem er 2016 erstmals in Sympa investiert hat. Die finanziellen Bedingungen wurden nicht bekannt gegeben. Sympa Sympa, ein 2005 gegrundetes Unternehmen mit Hauptsitz in Helsinki, bietet eine vollstandig anpassbare HR-Kernlosung und ist einer der am schnellsten wachsenden skandinavischen Anbieter von Losungen fur das Personalwesen. Derzeit kooperiert Sympa mit mehr als 700 Organisationen, darunter namhafte Marken in Skandinavien wie Oatly, BMW, Dustin und Byggmax, um die Entwicklung ihrer Mitarbeiter zu fordern, effizienter zu arbeiten und intelligentere strategische Entscheidungen mithilfe ihrer vollstandig digitalen HR-Losung zu treffen. Sympa erzielt auerdem einen der europaweit hochsten Werte bei der Kundenzufriedenheit im Bereich HR-Technologie. Erfahren Sie mehr uber die HR-Losung und Kunden von Sympa auf der Website des Unternehmens: www.sympa.com Recruitee Recruitee mit Hauptsitz in Amsterdam ist ein Anbieter cloudbasierter ATS-Losungen. Die digitalen Softwarelosungen des Unternehmens umfassen Stellenborsen-Integrationen, Talent-Sourcing, Bewerber-Tracking, Pipeline-Automatisierung, Terminplanungs-Automatisierung und erweiterte Rekrutierungsanalysen. Seit seiner Grundung im Jahr 2015 ist der Kundenstamm von Recruitee auf mehr als 3.200 Kunden aus uber 75 Landern angewachsen, die meisten davon aus den Kernmarkten des Unternehmens: Benelux, Deutschland, Grobritannien, Osterreich, Schweiz und den USA. Nahere Informationen uber die ATS-Losung von Recruitee sind erhaltlich unter www.recruitee.com PSG PSG ist ein fuhrendes Growth-Equity-Unternehmen, das Partnerschaften mit software- und technologieorientierten Dienstleistungsunternehmen im unteren und mittleren Marktsegment unterhalt, um sie dabei zu unterstutzen, transformatives Wachstum zu erreichen, strategische Chancen zu nutzen und starke Teams aufzubauen. Mit der Unterstutzung von mehr als 65 Unternehmen und der Begleitung von uber 275 strategischen Unternehmenszukaufen verfugt PSG uber umfangreiche Investitionserfahrung und profundes Fachwissen in den Bereichen Software und Technologie und verfolgt eine erklarte Strategie der Zusammenarbeit mit den Managementteams. Das PSG-Team wurde 2014 gegrundet und arbeitet von Buros in Boston, Kansas City und London aus. Weitere Informationen zu PSG finden Sie auf www.psgequity.com. Alfven Didrikson Alfven Didrikson ist ein aktiver und langfristiger Investor mit Schwerpunkt auf Unternehmern und Teams mit internationalen Wachstumsambitionen. Seit 2010 hat das Team von Alfven Didrikson Investitionen in schnell wachsende nordeuropaische Unternehmen wie Trustly, Quinyx, Mentimeter, Acast, Offerta, PE Accounting, Ftrack, Joint Academy, Transfer Galaxy, Airmee und Paligo getatigt. Weitere Informationen sind verfugbar unter www.alfvendidrikson.com Die Ausgangssprache, in der der Originaltext veroffentlicht wird, ist die offizielle und autorisierte Version. Ubersetzungen werden zur besseren Verstandigung mitgeliefert. Nur die Sprachversion, die im Original veroffentlicht wurde, ist rechtsgultig. Gleichen Sie deshalb Ubersetzungen mit der originalen Sprachversion der Veroffentlichung ab. Originalversion auf businesswire.com ansehen: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006032/de/ Contacts: Ryan Smith Prosek Partners pro-psg@prosek.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The U.K. government said on Sunday that it reached its goal of giving at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot to the most vulnerable people in the country, increasing pressure on ministers to clarify when they will ease a lockdown imposed in early January. Some 15 million people, or 22% of the U.K. population, have received their first shot or were offered one. The figure includes most people in the governments top four priority groups, including everyone over 75, frontline healthcare workers and nursing home staff. 15,000,000! Amazing team,'' Nadhim Zahawi, the vaccines minister, said in a tweet that featured a red heart. We will not rest till we offer the vaccine to the whole of phase1 the 1-9 categories of the most vulnerable & all over 50s by end April and then all adults.'' British Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to unveil his roadmap for easing restrictions on Feb. 22 amid signs that infection rates, hospitalizations and deaths have fallen sharply since Englands third national lockdown began on Jan. 4. Jockeying has already begun between those who want the measures lifted as soon as possible and those who fear moving too fast will lead to a resurgence of the virus. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) In 2006, amid fears of a bird flu pandemic, the Bush administration launched a program to teach the world how to make a flu vaccine. We are helping countries help themselves, said one U.S official. By the end of the program, participating manufacturers could produce 500 times as many doses. Today, we need a similar plan to help the world make a coronavirus vaccine. The pandemic is the worst crisis since World War II, but new vaccines offer hope. However, Serum Institute of India, the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer, recently warned that a dose might not reach everyone around the world until 2024. President Joe Biden has the power to change this and combat vaccine scarcity by helping the world quickly manufacture vaccines. Learning from the bird flu program The bird flu program offers a model. How did a tiny team, burrowed within the Department of Health and Human Services, dramatically scale up flu vaccine manufacturing capacity in 13 countries? The team worked hand in hand with the World Health Organization, supporting the agencys global flu plan everywhere from Serbia to South Africa and shared the vaccine recipe, providing technical assistance and allowing more manufacturers to pump out doses. They helped build factories, and a collaboration with Vietnams Ministry of Health resulted in a new facility capable of producing millions of doses. Diseases do not respect borders, so increasing the ability to make flu vaccine in any country helps every country reduce the spread of flu, said one U.S. official leading the program. Biden can bring this same approach to the global coronavirus crisis. It isnt just a humanitarian imperative. If developing countries are unable to vaccinate most of their populations by the end of the year, the world economy is projected to lose $1.5$9.2 trillion, with the United States and other high-income countries losing the lions share. It could also take many years for low-income countries to reach herd immunity. Story continues Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 5, 2021, in Pomona, California. The Biden administration can start by mobilizing the global community to think bigger. The global COVAX effort, which many low- and middle-income countries are relying on, aims to provide enough coronavirus vaccines for only a fifth of their populations, which is wholly insufficient. There is increasing momentum for a bolder, more collaborative approach at the World Health Organization. Biden can inject American ambition into the response. He can champion a plan to share the vaccine recipe most of which has been funded by taxpayers and build manufacturing capacity. Sharing the recipe can help enlist manufacturers around the world. Biden should convene vaccine developers and urge them to share their vaccine technology with others to quickly ramp up supply. The president should negotiate with the developers for the recipe, fairly compensating them while taking into account the substantial public investment. If pharmaceutical companies were unwilling to share, he can use his legal authority to mandate them. The Defense Production Act can help facilitate information sharing when required by the national defense, and ending the global pandemic is very much in Americas national security interests. Vaccine distribution: Employers can play a bigger role in making sure Americans get COVID-19 vaccines Using its logistics prowess, the federal government can also supplement existing factories and build new ones. The government can draw on the recent experience of Operation Warp Speed, which augmented 23 manufacturing facilities within six months, and the wealth of experience from the flu program. Time to mobilize the global community There are some differences between the coronavirus crisis and the flu plan. For example, many coronavirus vaccines use newer vaccine technology (such as messenger RNA vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna) compared with flu vaccines. This could raise the prospect of more complex intellectual property claims that the flu program largely bypassed. Perhaps the biggest difference is that the flu program was launched when a pandemic was a remote possibility. However, the real challenges are ultimately questions of political will. Biden asked the nation to act like it is a national emergency, but the sense of urgency is worldwide. Today, a new virus batters economies, fuels inequality and has killed nearly 2.5 million people. Letting the virus further spread unchecked and mutate poses additional risks to public health and the economy around the world and at home. Diseases do not respect borders. COVID spread: Closed borders will not keep out more infectious forms of COVID The debate around vaccine access often focuses on ethically distributing limited doses. But the more fundamental question is why the knowledge required to produce more doses and end the pandemic is kept secret. Biden can show the world a different way. By mobilizing the global community, sharing the vaccine recipe and building manufacturing capacity, the president can help countries help themselves. There is no better way to demonstrate America's renewed commitment to the world. Zain Rizvi is a law and policy researcher at Public Citizen. Lawrence O. Gostin is a Georgetown law professor and director of the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. Follow them on Twitter: @zainrizvi and @LawrenceGostin You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Biden needs a global response to produce the COVID-19 vaccine Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson arrives at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London, on July 21, 2020. (Peter Summers/Getty Images) UK Government Publishes Plans to Protect Free Speech on Campus The UK government has outlined proposals to bolster free speech protections on university campuses where it says there is a chilling effect on staff and students who hold certain political or religious views. The measures include a Free Speech Champion with the power to investigate and redress infringements, a legal requirement to actively promote free speech, as well as financial compensation through courts for those who are ousted over their views. Free speech underpins our democratic society, said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson in a statement. Our universities have a long and proud history of being places where students and academics can express themselves freely, challenge views, and cultivate an open mind. But I am deeply worried about the chilling effect on campuses of unacceptable silencing and censoring. That is why we must strengthen free speech in higher education, by bolstering the existing legal duties and ensuring strong, robust action is taken if these are breached. The new measures would also apply to student unions, which would be required to ensure lawful free speech, including for visiting speakers. Many academics and free speech watchdogs who have raised concerns about cancel culture on campus welcomed the proposals. Student and lecturers unions, however, say that the measures are not needed, and risk stifling academic freedom. Tom Simpson, Associate Fellow at Policy Exchange, welcomed the new policy. As Cambridge Universitys recent Senate House vote shows, there is a substantial majority of academics who favour academic freedom, he said in a statement. The problem, as Policy Exchanges research has explored, is that a very online culture allows the views of a minority to exert disproportionate influence on administrators, and to exert a chilling effect on other academics. The National Union of Students in a statement denied that there was a freedom of expression crisis on campus, as claimed by the government. They said that students unions are constantly taking positive steps to help facilitate the thousands of events that take place each year. The University and College Union said in a statement that the biggest threats to academic freedom and free speech come not from staff and students, or from so-called cancel culture, but from ministers own attempts to police what can and cannot be said on campus. Professor Matthew Goodwin has been highlighting threats to free speech on campus since he was ostracised after suggesting that people accept the Brexit referendum result. He welcomed the plans. By my count, there have been at least two dozen cases where academics have spoken out publicly about being mistreated after merely challenging the established group-think, he wrote in an article in the Daily Mail. Many more suffered abuse but dare not say so for fear this will damage their careers. Critics will say that all of this is exaggerated. But a string of recent studies show just how lop-sided our universities have become. Today only about one in ten academics are Conservatives while at recent elections an astonishing three-quarter voted for liberal-Left parties like Labour, the Greens or Lib Dems. The City of St. Helena has agreed to monitor local groundwater levels and stream flows, averting a potential lawsuit from an environmental advocacy group. Following months of negotiations, the city and Water Audit California released a joint statement Friday announcing the city will collect monthly water levels and annual extraction totals for local wells and provide a public, scientifically useful summary of the data. The city will conduct a comprehensive review of its water system, develop new protocols for using the citys own Stonebridge wells, and work with Water Audit on the installation of new stream gauges along the Napa River, York Creek and Sulphur Creek. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. The city will also consider impacts to public trust resources in evaluating new well permits and water connections. In a separate statement, the directors of Water Audit thanked city officials, saying everyone worked very hard to reach this understanding. Lee Yong-soo, 93, one of the surviving victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, speaks during a press conference at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Tuesday, to call on the Korean government to bring the issue of wartime sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army to the International Court of Justice. Yonhap By Jung Da-min Lee Yong-soo, a surviving victim of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, has called on the Korean government to bring the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), saying that the Japanese government has been ignoring a local court's ruling, which ordered the Japanese government to pay compensation to 12 Korean victims. Her request follows the publishing of a controversial paper by Harvard Law School professor J. Mark Ramseyer, which has brought serious debate in international academia over his claim that victims of sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army were "voluntary prostitutes." Lee, 93, held a press conference at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Tuesday, to call for the Moon Jae-in government to bring the "comfort women" issue to the ICJ. Comfort women is a loose translation of a Japanese euphemism for women who were forced to provide sex to members of the Imperial Japanese Army. BAGHDAD - A civilian contractor was killed and a U.S. service member was injured Monday night when coalition forces in Irbil were stuck by "indirect fire," U.S. officials said. The rocket fire landed near a military base that hosts coalition forces in the capital of Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region. Five civilian contractors were injured, coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto tweeted. A U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe an evolving assessment, said the attack appeared to involve 14 rockets that targeted a U.S. facility in the vicinity of the Irbil airport. One U.S. service member suffered a concussion. Four American contractors working with the coalition military operation were injured, and one non- American contractor was injured. One non-American contractor was killed. Military officials did not have an immediate independent assessment of who launched the attack, the official said. Iraqi President Barham Salih called it "a dangerous escalation and a criminal terrorist attack." At least three rockets struck near the compound that houses the base and the city's airport, according to the Interior Ministry of the Kurdish Regional Government. One landed in a residential area near the Chinese consulate, officials said. Another landed in an animal market. Videos posted to social media appeared to show the base's defense system responding to the missiles. Such attacks increased last year, most of them targeting Iraq's central government. U.S. and British soldiers have been killed, but most casualties have been members of the Iraqi security forces or civilians. Iraqi and Western officials have blamed Iran-backed militias. "The targeting of Irbil, which inflicted casualties, represents a dangerous escalation and a criminal terrorist act targeting the national efforts to protect the security of the country and the safety of citizens," Salih tweeted. "We have no choice but to firmly strengthen our efforts to root out the forces of terror and the attempts to plunge the country into chaos. It is a battle of state and sovereignty against terrorism and outlaws." Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani urged "all Kurdistanis" to remain calm. He said he had instructed security services to start "a full investigation," and had spoken with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi "on ways to cooperate and identify the outlaws behind this terror attack." A previously obscure militia that called itself the Guardians of Blood Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack. In a message posted to Telegram, the group said it had launched 24 rockets targeting "the American occupation." Kurdish sources said the rockets were fired from eastern Mosul province, home to militia bases. The governor of Mosul denied that rockets were fired from the area. Later, Kurdish counterterrorism officials said they had located the rocket launcher. Irbil International Airport was closed; people were urged to stay away from the area. Helicopters could be heard flying over the city Monday night. - - - The Washington Post's Ruby Mellen and Missy Ryan in Washington contributed to this report. Minsk, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Feb, 2021 ) :Police in Belarus on Tuesday raided the homes and offices of more than 20 journalists, rights defenders and trade union members, investigators and activists said, as part of a probe into mass protests. Belarus was gripped by months of demonstrations against the rule of strongman President Alexander Lukashenko after he claimed an overwhelming victory in an August election the opposition said was rigged. The authorities snuffed out the protest movement in the ex-Soviet country by detaining thousands of people in a crackdown that left at least four demonstrators dead and several independent journalists facing years behind bars. On Tuesday, police raided the homes of 22 people across the country, human rights group Viasna said, including Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) chief Andrei Bastunts, the leaders of several trade unions and several members of Viasna itself. Belarus's Investigative Committee, a body charged with probing major crimes, said the searches were part of a probe into the "organisation and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order". "As part of a preliminary investigation to establish the circumstances of the financing of protest activities, investigators initiated searches on organisations positioning themselves as human rights defenders," the Investigative Committee said in a statement. In addition to searches at the homes of several members, Viasna reported that police also came to its offices. Bastunts's wife Sabina Brilo told AFP that security forces had taken her husband from their home to the BAJ office to conduct a search there too. In a defiant address to loyalists last week, Lukashenko claimed his country had defeated foreign attempts to overthrow his government. The government has come down hard on independent media, with journalists detained 477 times last year, according to the BAJ, and several now facing criminal charges. Two journalists were due in court Tuesday on charges of organising and preparing protests. The charges carry a maximum penalty of three years in prison. In November, the governments of Britain and Canada bestowed the first ever Media Freedom Award to the BAJ for its "perseverance and self-sacrifice in the face of increased targeted crackdowns on media" in Belarus. Accusing the opposition of false propaganda against the new agri-marketing legislation, Prime Minister Tuesday claimed that those who had made laws for bringing in foreign firms are now creating a scare among farmers over local companies. While laying the foundation stone for a statue of warrior-king Suheldev in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich, Modi also said his government is trying to rectify the mistakes of the earlier regimes that had failed to honour deserving leaders. Addressing the event through video conference, the prime minister defended the new farm laws, saying the reforms will benefit the small and marginal farmers. Farmers themselves have begun exposing those involved in false propaganda about them, he said. His remarks come amid weeks of protests at the borders of Delhi by farmers who say the new laws will throw them at the mercy of big private companies, which will set their own price for farm produce. But the Modi government says the new laws only give farmers the option of selling their crops to private companies, and government agencies will continue to buy them as before. The prime minister said farmers in Uttar Pradesh have been getting encouraging results after the enactment of the new laws. "The entire country has seen that those who made laws for bringing in foreign companies in the farm sector are now scaring farmers in the name of local companies, he said, without elaborating. The BJP has in the past claimed that other parties too had advocated similar farm reforms in the past, but failed to implement them. Those who spoke lies and carried out false propaganda for politics are now being exposed, he said. He unveiled beautification projects in Shravasti and Bahraich, honouring the 11th century king who is an icon of the state's Rajbhar community. Though Maharaja Suheldev's bravery has not found place in history books, he has always been in the hearts of people through the folklore of Awadh, Terai and Purvanchal, he said. Modi hailed his image as a development-oriented and sensitive ruler. In his 30-minute speech, the PM accused the previous governments of not honouring leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and B R Ambedkar. He said the history of India is not just what has been written by those with a slave mentality. It is also imbibed by common people through 'lok gathas', or folklore. As the country enters the 75th year of its Independence, it is time to remember their contribution and take inspiration from them, he added. It is unfortunate that those who committed their lives to saving Bharat and 'Bharatiyata' were not given the place they deserved, he said, adding that India today is rectifying the injustice done to those who created history. He asked if Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who was the first prime minister of the Azad Hind government, or his Azad Hind Fauj's contribution, were given their due recognition. He recalled Sardar Patel's contribution in incorporating the princely states into the Union, adding that what was done to his legacy is known to every child in the country. On Ambedkar, Modi said his contribution was also only looked through the political prism. But now from India to England, all places connected with Ambedkar are being developed as panch teerth, or pilgrimage spots. The projects launched in Bahraich include the construction of a 4.20-metre high statue of Suheldev, who is said to have killed Ghaznavid general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud in a battle on the banks of the Chittora lake in Bahraich in 1033. Also planned is the development of tourist amenities including a cafeteria, a guesthouse and a children's park there. Modi inaugurated a medical college in Bahraich named after the legendary rules. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event. After coming to power, the Modi government has taken several steps to honour Suheldev. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the prime minister released a postage stamp in his memory and flagged off a train named after him. Earlier, in February 2016, then BJP chief Amit Shah unveiled a statue of Suheldev and launched a book on him. The Rajbhar community constitutes a significant percentage of the Purvanchal electorate, and is being wooed by political parties ahead of the assembly polls about a year away. (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.) Somalia's Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has met in his office with the outgoing British Ambassador to Somalia Ben Fender. The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen ties between the two countries. "I received the outgoing UK ambassador to Somalia, Ben Fender today," PM Roble said in a tweet. "I expressed our appreciation for his contribution towards deepening diplomatic & developmental partnerships between our two countries, & wished him well in his future endeavours," The Prime Minister thanked the Ambassador for his role in strengthening relations between the two countries and wished the Ambassador a bright future. The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the dependable partners of the horn of the African nation partly due to close ties with Somalia's government. The UK is one of the countries leading long term strategies in Fighting Al-Shabaab militants within Somalia through an active programme of training the Somali National Army (SNA). GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Rangebound as UK Covid-19 Cases Continue to Drop The Pound Sterling to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate held steady on Tuesday, February 16 as confidence in the UKs rollout of Covid-19 vaccines continues to buoy the British currency. GBP/AUD is currently trading around AU$1.78. As a result, the Pound Sterling (GBP) is performing well against many of its peers after the UK hit a 15-million milestone in vaccinations. This has further boosted confidence in the nations economy, which is expected to recover in the months ahead. Ricardo Evangelista, senior analyst at ActivTrades, commented: The British pound continues to edge higher versus other major currencies during early Tuesday trading. Sterlings performance is defying the forecasts of most analysts, who saw the post-Brexit constraints and the economic impact of the pandemic in Britain as strong headwinds for the currency. Today saw daily Covid-19 cases fall by -4,339 against last week, while those in hospital has also fallen by -6,052 compared to the previous week. 22.9% of the UK has also received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Consequently, we could see Sterling begin to head higher, as the outlook for the UKs economy is likely to improve as coronavirus case numbers continue to drop. Australian Dollar (AUD) Exchange Rates Steady on Dovish RBA Minutes The Australian Dollar (AUD) failed to rise against Sterling today following Mondays dovish minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The RBAs policymakers were downbeat in their assessment of the Australian economy, citing a need for significant monetary support. As a result, investors are becoming more concerned about the outlook for Australias economy, which has suffered considerably from the nations several lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions. Australian Dollar (AUD) exchange rate investors will be awaiting this evenings release of Januarys Australian Westpac Leading Index. Any marked improvement in Australias economy would uplift the AUD to GBP exchange rate exchange rate. Meanwhile, the National Australia Bank (NAB) has pointed to an improving Australian economy. NABs chief executive Ross McEwan said: Improving economic and health outcomes in Australia and New Zealand are encouraging. However, there are still a number of uncertainties - including the impact on customers of ongoing health alerts and measures put in place to contain the spread of Covid-19. GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Forecast: Could More Dovish Comments from the RBA Drag Down the Aussie? Australian Dollar investors will be looking ahead to tomorrows speech from Christopher Kent, the Assistant Governor at the Reserve Bank of Australia. Any dovish comments about the outlook for the Australian economy, however, would be AUD-negative. Risk sentiment will continue to drive the AUD to GBP exchange rate this week. If global Covid-19 cases continue to drop, then we would see demand for the risk-sensitive Aussie increase. AUD traders will also be monitoring the United States Covid-19 stimulus programme developments. If the worlds largest economy announces its gigantic stimulus of 1.9-trillion, then we would see demand for AUD increase. The Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate could continue to head higher as the UKs Covid-19 vaccination programme enters its next phase. The Palestinian Authority is a fundamentally disordered political regime. Earlier this year PA President Mahmoud Abbas, age 85, entered the fifteenth seventeenth year of his four-year term. Abbas recently made news of a kind. He issued a decree calling for new parliamentary and presidential elections within the next several months. Barak Ravid has a brief Axios item with relevant background here (or here via Yahoo News). Aaron Boxermans Times of Israel story circles around a relevant point: Abbas has promised elections several times since his four-year term was supposed to have expired in 2009. However, repeated attempts to hold votes for president and parliament have failed, largely due to the inability of rivals Fatah and Hamas to agree to terms. Hamas rules Gaza without legal authority. Abbas and Fatah rule the remainder of the the PA without legal authority. There is no prospect that either will transform itself into a lawful or decent regime. Any election they hold will be for the benefit of the fools in the Biden administration running the foreign policy of the United States. See, for example, Benny Avnis January 26 New York Sun column Palestinians Greet A New President With an Old Trick. All this is old hat. My purpose this morning is to draw your attention to Mordecai Kedars BESA Center column The Truth About Financial Aid to the Palestinian Authority. Kedars column features the letter written by former terrorist Muhammad Aref Massad, who is now a candidate in the upcoming elections. According to Ynet News, Massad was a member Fatahs armed group called Black Panther, whose gunmen carried out numerous attacks against Israelis during the First Intifada. He was arrested by the IDF and spent more than seven years in prison. Massads letter addresses the voluminous foreign aid that runs through the Palestinian Authority. His words are addressed mainly to two audiences, Kedar explains, the Israeli government and the countries that contribute to the PA[.] Here is his letter: My name is Muhammad Aref Massad [and I am] from the village of Burqin, Jenin District, Palestine. I was born in 1975. I was recruited to the terror organizations when I was 13, and I fought boldly against the Israeli side, but to my sorrow I discovered that the Palestinian leaders do not want freedom and do not want peace because they profit from the war and destruction in which we are engulfed. The greater the number of fatalities among our people, the more attention they get from the free and good people in the world, and the world gives them large quantities of aid each time the pictures of destruction in our land are published worldwide. I have decided to reveal to the world the crimes of the real terrorists who occupy the Palestinian people, none other than the Palestinian terror organizations that are fully on the payroll of the corrupt Authority. If you really want the killing, the destruction, and the siege of the Palestinian people to stop, if you really want the injustice and the poverty of the Palestinian people to come to an end, please terminate your support for the Palestinian Authority, which is run by a corrupt and unelected dictator. Please ask your government not to send money to the Palestinian Authority. Your government sends us a great deal of money despite the fact that it would be better directed to poor people in your country. Any sum you send to the Palestinian Authority and to the terror organizations furthers our poverty and our ruin. Friend, do not be someone who furthers the killing, poverty, and destruction of our Palestinian people. We are weak and our people are ruled by the corrupt Authority and the terror organizations. We want freedom like the other peoples of the world, and we want to have an independent state and to live in peace and security, to develop our economy and build a good future for our children. Our demands have been accepted by all the countries of the world, but the corrupt dictatorial Authority and the leaders of the terror organizations do not want peace for us because peace will not bring money to their pockets as war brings it. Stop your support for the Palestinians because we have more money than you have, but it is in the hands of thieves and terrorists. We have no need for your money, since this money kills our people. We have an economic infrastructure and a lot of money, and we will become one of the states that help needy countries after we put the dictator Mahmoud Abbas on trial and retrieve what the leaders of the corrupt Authority and the leaders of the terror organizations have stolen. The killing, the hunger, and the destruction in Palestine will not stop unless you stop sending money to the Palestinians. Any money that you send increases the power of the dictator, the terrorists, and the robbers who starve my Palestinian people. Kedar places the letter in the context of the upcoming election in his column here. Aaron Boxerman, whom I cite above, notes another prospective candidate in the Times of Israel story Palestinian prisoner Barghouti expected to nominate himself for PA presidency. Unlike Massad, Barghouti hasnt renounced his murderous ways and still has a following among the subjects of the Palestinian Authority. In a recent opinion poll, Boxerman reports, 37 percent of those surveyed named Al-Barghouti as their preferred candidate. Hamas terror chief Ismail Haniyeh was the runner-up with 23 percent. Kedar concludes: The holding of the elections appears to be fully supported by key officials in the Biden administration: both those who favor the establishment of a Palestinian state because of their blind faith in the two-state solution, and those whose sympathies lie with Muslim Brotherhood organizations in the US and elsewhere. The latter group would see a Hamas victory in the PA elections as a desirable outcome. Muhammad Aref Massad understands that a terrorist Authority has been set up alongside Israel that could give rise to a terrorist state. When will the policymakers in Israel, Europe, and the US understand this? That is a good question, but what policymakers dont understand this perfectly well? remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The obverse of the 1,800-year-old bronze coin bears the head of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius. The well-preserved Roman coin was found in northern Israel by an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldier. The coin was probably lost by its owner on one of the roads, until the soldier spotted it almost 2,000 years later, said Dr. According to Nir Distelfeld, inspector in the Northern Districts robbery prevention unit at the Israel Antiquities Authority. The rare coin was minted in the city of Geva between 158 and 159 CE. Its obverse bears the head of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius, who ruled in 138-161 CE. The reverse shows the Syrian deity MEN with the legend of the people of Geva Phillipi, [civic] year 217. This coin joins only eleven such coins from known locations in the National Treasures Department collection, said Dr. Donald Tzvi Ariel, head of the Numismatics Department at the Israel Antiquities Authority. All the coins were found in northern Israel, from Megiddo and Zippori to Tiberias and Arbel. The coin is one of the municipal coins minted in the city of Geva Philippi, also known as Geva Parashim, said Dr. Avner Ecker, a researcher in the Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Bar-Ilan University. In the Roman period, cities (poleis) were granted the right to mint their own coins. The year marked on the coin is the year when the municipal council was evidently established and its citizens were allowed self-government under the Roman Empire. Geva is an ancient settlement, referred to by Josephus as a town located on the foothills at the edge of the Jezreel Valley, he said. Herod settled his cavalry forces there (hence the name Geva Parashim, City of Horsemen) and in the Great Revolt, in 66-70 CE, local and Roman forces set out from there to fight Jewish rebels near Bet Shearim. Some believe that Geva is located near Shaar Ha-Amakim, but most scholars identify the site as Tel Abu Shusha, near Kibbutz Mishmar Ha-Emek. _____ This article is based on text provided by the Israel Antiquities Authority. MONTREAL - Both the House of Commons and Quebec's legislature adopted motions on Tuesday calling on Canada's immigration minister to grant permanent residency to a Quebec man who was arrested, charged with attempted murder of a police officer and detained for six days before being exonerated. MONTREAL - Both the House of Commons and Quebec's legislature adopted motions on Tuesday calling on Canada's immigration minister to grant permanent residency to a Quebec man who was arrested, charged with attempted murder of a police officer and detained for six days before being exonerated. In Ottawa, MPs unanimously adopted the Bloc Quebecois motion asking the minister to grant Mamadi III Fara Camara permanent residency "as soon as possible." Police cordon off the area where an officer was shot during a traffic stop on Jan. 28, 2021, in Montreal. Ottawa is being asked to grant permanent residency to a Quebec man who was wrongfully arrested, charged with attempted murder of a police officer and detained for six days before being let go. An immigration lawyer representing Mamadi III Fara Camara confirmed a request was filed on Friday asking the federal Immigration Minister to grant him residency based on humanitarian and compassionate considerations. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz A lawyer representing Camara confirmed a request was filed last week asking Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino to grant his client residency based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. "An application for residence on the basis of the minister's power under section 25.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act was filed last Friday with the minister, who has full discretion to grant it automatically," Guillaume Cliche-Rivard wrote in an email. He said Camara is in Canada on a study permit that expires in mid-May. Alexander Cohen, Mendicino's press secretary, said the federal government is ready to help Camara navigate the immigration process. We are deeply disturbed by the treatment of Mamadi Fadi Camara. It was unacceptable and we want to have clear answers about what happened," Cohen said in a statement. "We appreciate the motion recently passed by all members of the House of Commons. "Applicants can include extenuating circumstances as part of the process for permanent residency, and these factors are seriously considered. Every case is subject to thorough review and analysis, and decisions are only taken after careful consideration." Camara was arrested Jan. 28 after a police officer was allegedly disarmed and attacked with his own service weapon, and he was originally charged with attempted murder and other serious offences before being fully exonerated. He recently told Quebec talk show "Tout le monde en parle" that he had been traumatized by the events, which included being roughly arrested and forbidden to speak to his family while detained. Camara said he felt the guards perceived him as a "monster" after his arrest, which his lawyer said happened after he witnessed the assault on the police officer and called 911. Camara is a graduate student who oversees a lab at Polytechnique Montreal, and his wife is pregnant with twins. He was welcomed back to campus, but he told the talk show the trauma has so far prevented him from working. The motion presented in Quebec City said Camara is required to study full time to maintain his immigration status, which he is currently unable to do because of the mental toll the incident has taken. In tabling it, Independent member Catherine Fournier asked the legislature to recognize "the extent of the psychological distress experienced by Mr. Camara, which was caused by the injustice of which he was the victim and prevents him from continuing his studies in the medium term." It calls on the province to ask the Canadian government to grant Camara permanent residency. The motion also asked Quebec's immigration minister to grant Camara a Quebec selection certificate, which would indicate he's been selected to settle in the province. Premier Francois Legault confirmed Tuesday the province would issue the certificate to Camara as soon as he's granted permanent residency, saying he hoped it would help "mitigate" the harm he suffered. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. The suspect on the loose allegedly entered his adoptive mothers Pa. home armed with a hammer. After tying up the 80-year-old woman in her Delaware County, Pa., home, the suspect, identified by state police as 45-year-old Christopher Dougherty, made off with $1,000-plus in cash and drove away in the womans car. All this, according to 6ABC News in Philly, which reports: Pa. State Police are now asking the publics help in locating Dougherty. The vehicle he allegedly drove off in is identified as a 2002 Buick Century with Pennsylvania license plate number HYM-3785. READ MORE: The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 in Middletown Township, Delaware County. Thats when Dougherty, armed with a hammer, is accused of binding his adoptive mother to a chair with duct tape before allegedly stealing $1,150 in cash, her cellphone and her car. Police say Doughtery may have ties to Aston, Chester, Havertown, and Upper Darby in Pennsylvania; and Elkton and Rising Sun in Maryland. Anyone with information is asked to call PSP Troop K- Media CIU at 610-558-7080. Tips may also be submitted by calling Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. At least 37 people, including 16 women, died after the bus they were travelling in fell off a bridge into a canal near Patna village in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district on Tuesday morning, a senior official said, adding that search operations are still going on. After fishing out 18 bodies initially, rescuers have retrieved 19 more bodies until now, said Rewa Divisional Commissioner Rajesh Jain. "A total of 37 bodies, including 16 women, 20 men and a child, have been fished out of the Bansagar canal until now," he said, adding that a magisterial probe has been ordered. Prima facie, 44 passengers were travelling on the bus at the time of the accident, which occurred around 8:30 AM. "Seven persons managed to swim to the banks of the canal after the incident and 37 bodies have been recovered. The 44 passengers have been identified so far," Jain added. Earlier in the morning, Inspector General (Rewa zone) Joga had confirmed the recovery of 18 bodies from the accident site. The bus landed into the canal near Patna village, around 80 kms away from the Sidhi district headquarter, around 8:30 AM. (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.) 16 February 2021 HYDRO HOTEL, EASTBOURNE, PLC PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FINAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020 HIGHLIGHTS The Coronavirus pandemic has had a significant effect on the trading of the Company. The loss for the financial year after taxation was GBP139,289 (2019 profit of GBP224,516). Turnover from the Hydro Hotel operation decreased during the year by 40.2% (2019 increase of 2.1%). Earnings per share were (23.21)p compared to 37.42p for the previous year. The Company's operating activities absorbed cash of GBP159,871 (2019 generated cash of GBP504,842) and it invested GBP95,593 in new fixed assets (2019 GBP341,207). During the year the Company paid ordinary dividends of GBP54,000 (2019 GBP126,000). At the year end the Company had net current assets of GBP993,357 (2019 GBP852,027). CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Results for year ended 31 October 2020 I report on the Company's results for the year ended 31 October 2020. It has been a difficult trading year for the Company and particularly for the global hospitality industry as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Between 23 March 2020 and 4 July 2020, the hotel was closed as required by Government legislation. The hotel reopened on 4 July 2020, trading in accordance with Government guidance and restrictions. It was heartening how strongly trading resumed following the opening in July, showing the enduring appeal of the Hydro offering. Sales for the year totalled 2,233,068, a decrease of 40.2% on the 3,733,698 sales for the previous year (2019 2.1% increase). Operating loss for the year was 179,382 (2019 profit of 271,809). After interest receivable, interest payable and the corporation tax credit, the post-tax losses for the year were 139,289 (2019 profit of 224,516). Capital improvements at the hotel during the start of the year included the updating of the conservatory decor and furniture, and the installation of a new computer server. To support the business through the Coronavirus pandemic, the Company has been in receipt of Government financial assistance. In view of this assistance, and the continuing uncertainty regarding the economic consequences of the pandemic, the Board of Directors has decided that it would not be appropriate to declare a dividend in respect of the year ended 31 October 2020. Developments since 31 October 2020 There has been a further period of closure for the hotel from 5 November to 2 December 2020, with Tier 2 restrictions applied from that date to 25 December 2020, Tier 4 restrictions applied from 26 December 2020, and a further lockdown period announced as from 6 January 2021, with a subsequent closure of the hotel from that date. Capital projects remain on hold, but repair work to maintain the fabric of the building and room stock continues and new marketing techniques will continue to be developed during the year to encourage direct bookings at the hotel. Our Staff I would like to thank our General Manager, Jonathan Owen, for his prompt and creative responses to the challenges brought by the Coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing challenges for the hotel and tourism industry. I wish also to record our thanks to our management team and all our staff for their dedication to the hotel during these challenging times. All staff continued to deliver a high quality of service to the hotel's customers in very difficult circumstances. Graeme C King, MA, CA 15 February 2021 Chairman of the Board STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020 2020 2019 GBP GBP Turnover Continuing operations 2,233,068 3,773,698 Cost of sales (2,537,521) (3,231,920) Gross (loss)/profit (304,453) 501,778 Administrative expenses (238,548) (229,969) Other operating income 363,619 - Operating (loss)/profit (179,382) 271,809 Interest receivable and similar income 7,370 10,265 Interest payable and similar expenses (2,354) - (Loss)/Profit before taxation (174,366) 282,074 Taxation 35,077 (57,558) (Loss)/Profit for the financial year GBP (139,289) GBP 224,516 Earnings per share - continuing operations (23.21)p 37.42p Earnings per share have been calculated using 600,000 shares, being the weighted average number of shares for both years. The company has no potential ordinary shares, therefore basic and diluted earnings per share is the same figure. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2020 2020 2019 GBP GBP Fixed assets Tangible Assets 2,653,876 2,759,650 Current assets Stocks 27,899 37,123 Debtors 128,926 129,098 Investments 200,000 200,000 Cash at bank and in hand 1,025,141 1,107,586 1,381,966 1,473,807 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (388,609) (621,780) Net current assets 993,357 852,027 Total assets less current liabilities 3,647,233 3,611,677 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year (240,000) - Provisions for liabilities (109,657) (120,812) Net assets GBP 3,297,576 GBP 3,490,865 Capital and reserves Ordinary Shares - Authorised and Issued: 600,000 Shares of GPB1.00 each fully paid 600,000 600,000 Revaluation reserve 406,930 411,209 Profit and loss reserves 2,290,646 2,479,656 Total equity GBP 3,297,576 GBP 3,490,865 STATUS OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION The financial information set out above does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. This has, however, been extracted from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 October 2020. These accounts have not to date been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Company's auditor, Mazars LLP, has issued an unqualified audit report which does not contain a statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of these accounts. DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT The Board do not propose the payment of any interim dividends for the year ended 31 October 2020. The directors do not propose the payment of a final dividend. The Directors of Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, plc accept responsibility for this announcement. For further information please contact: Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, plc Sally Gausden Telephone: (+44)(0) 1323 431200 Peterhouse Capital Limited Mark Anwyl Telephone: (+44)(0) 20 7469 0930 Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Editor's note: This story was updated after publication to include information from Albany Medical Center Hospital. ALBANY The state Health Department ordered changes Friday to coronavirus protocols on Albany Medical Center's oncology floor after a third COVID-19 outbreak in three months that has sickened dozens of patients and staff, according to the New York State Nurses Association. The action came after an anonymous nurse's complaint to the state last month, NYSNA said. In an interview Monday, David Pratt, an occupational health and safety representative with NYSNA, said the move was unusual for the state and he wasn't sure what specific measures the state would take. However, he said he had several conversations with nurses from the hospital since Friday. "It sounded like they immediately ordered some changes, like restoring private rooms, testing and so on," he said. On Tuesday, after this story was published, a spokesman for Albany Med said the hospital had reached out to the state after the infections were identified and denied the state had ordered changes. "Rather, we are working closely with the Department of Health, as we have been since the very beginning of the pandemic," Matt Markham wrote in an emailed statement. In the Jan. 18 letter to the state Department of Health, obtained by the Times Union, an Albany Med nurse begs for help, laying out some of the staff's issues with how the hospital has handled the pandemic and cancer patients. "There are only a handful of RNs on my unit who have not tested positive," the letter reads. "I am imploring the Department of Health to take action now to protect the lives and health of the cancer patients that I care for and the RNs and care partners providing that care." When the Times Union requested comment from the health department about whether it has taken any actions on Albany Med's oncology floor, DOH spokeswoman Jill Montag replied: "During this unprecedented pandemic, ensuring hospital infection control practices are being followed is a top priority. As this may be the subject of an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further." In his statement, Markham said hospital staff were now using enhanced cleaning protocols on cancer patient rooms. The unit has been closed to new admissions and the hospital has limited the number of staff members working on the unit. In the past, the hospital's management has defended its infection control practices. Officials have said coronavirus cases at the hospital have been brought in by staff who were infected outside their workplace, rather than the virus being spread inside the hospital by patients. The hospital and its nurses have been in a lengthy labor battle after the hospital's nurses voted to unionize in April 2018. In December the nurses walked out for a 24-hour strike to protest working conditions in the pandemic. The union also filed a complaint with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The nurse's letter to the state in January cited many of the same issues that led to the December strike a lack of personal protective equipment, not properly separating positive or potentially positive patients from others and management not listening to staff as also contributing to the three outbreaks on the oncology floor. The first outbreak happened Thanksgiving week and affected 12 staff and eight patients, according to the letter. A second outbreak began in early January, involving 12 more staffers and at least nine patients. According to the nurses union, a total of 28 staff members and 26 patients have been infected. At least nine of those infections have occurred in the last 10 days. Albany Med disputed those figures, saying the total number of infected was 22 patients and 26 staff members. It also said no patients infected in the outbreaks have died from the virus. "The concern here is they didn't listen to the nurses," Pratt said. Pratt said he believes that the state decided to act after the hospital's oncology floor saw two outbreaks and nothing changed. "Clearly that mechanism for protecting patients is entirely broken," he said. "There is no accountability, there's no analysis of what happened and what do we know. It's not a blame game, it's what do we need to do in the future to do better." Among the issues the nurse details in the letter are oncology staff "floating" or working multiple units, including the COVID-19 care unit. At least twice cancer patients required resuscitation from staff who didn't have proper PPE, the letter states, and one of them later tested positive for coronavirus. "Multiple patients have tested positive after being housed in a room with another positive patient," the nurse wrote. The complaints were brought to the Albany Med's epidemiology department, nursing supervision and others but were ignored, according to the letter. They recently took a major next step in their relationship. And Dakota Johnson was spotted outside her $12.5 million mansion in Malibu, California on Monday, getting into her black Porsche. The Fifty Shades of Grey actress, 31, recently moved into the home with her partner Chris Martin, 43. Surveying the property: Dakota Johnson was spotted outside her $12.5 million mansion in Malibu on Monday, the one she shares with her partner Chris Martin Dakota was dressed in a tan fleece sweater and denim blue jeans, along with a black scarf. She wore a black N95 face mask, along with large sunglasses. On her feet, the Suspiria star wore white sneakers. The highlight of her ensemble, however, was a large satin cantaloupe-colored scrunchie that sat atop her head. Getting into her black Porsche: The highlight of DJ's ensemble was a large satin cantaloupe-colored scrunchie that sat atop her head The scrunchy held Johnsons hair in a partial bun, with the rest of her locks falling long down her back. Earlier this month, it was reported that the actress daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson moved in with her Coldplay frontman beau, after three years of dating. Martin, who used to be married to Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, purchased the property in October 2020. He snapped up the white modern Cape Cod-style estate complete with a swimming pool, hot tub and home theater for $12.5million at the time, according to the New York Post. Earlier this month: It was reported that the actress daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson moved in with her Coldplay frontman beau The Southern California home was first placed on the market in July 2020 for $14million. The dwelling is just a nice, short walk to the ocean, and there are plenty of homes around them. 'Chris was always a big fan of Malibu. He loves the beach and often goes surfing and running,' a source recently told People Magazine. 'She seems to enjoy it as much as Chris does. They both love the outdoors and often take beach strolls.' Shacked up: Dakota has moved in with Chris after three years of dating; seen here in 2019 The insider continued to say that Dakota 'seemed more of a city girl' until she met Chris, and claims that the star has embraced her new lifestyle. It was also revealed that Chris and Dakota often travel to Los Angeles for Sunday dinner with his ex-wife Paltrow with whom he shares children Apple, 16, and Moses, 14 and her husband Brad Falchuk. The insider added: 'It's obvious that everyone still gets along great.' JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Knight, Inc. (NYSE:BKI) announced today that Arvest Bank, which offers a variety of financial services and operates in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas, will use Black Knight's full suite of servicing and default solutions to support its expanding servicing business. At the core of Black Knight's servicing suite is MSP, a software platform that is currently used to service approximately 36 million active loans. The suite also includes the consumer-facing Servicing Digital, the Actionable Intelligence Platform (AIP), Lien Alert, the McDash mortgage performance dataset, and default capabilities for loss mitigation, foreclosure, bankruptcy, claims and invoicing. "As Arvest Bank regularly evaluates its focus on its customers, partners, and investors, we felt it critical that we leverage the industry's leading platform to help us grow our business, manage potential risk and deliver greater value to our customers," said Steven Plaisance, president and CEO of Arvest Bank's mortgage division and Arvest Central Mortgage Company. "Complementing the MSP system with a wide array of Black Knight's integrated servicing and default solutions, as well as analytics, gives us the capabilities we need to excel." MSP offers a robust and scalable end-to-end loan servicing system that helps clients manage all servicing processes, including loan onboarding, cash management, investor reporting and loss mitigation. The system can accommodate virtually any size portfolio and is augmented by Black Knight's award-winning Client Support team. Black Knight's Servicing Digital solution is seamlessly integrated with MSP and enables homeowners to easily perform tasks and view information related to their mortgages through a simple, user-friendly interface. The innovative, customer-centric solution delivers useful information specific to an individual's mortgage, property and local housing market by accessing data through Black Knight's comprehensive, end-to-end MSP system, as well as the company's expansive property records database, advanced analytics and automated valuation models. To monitor its operational volumes, Arvest Bank will use several of Black Knight's data and analytics solutions, including AIP, a unified data delivery framework that combines Black Knight's extensive data assets, patented big data ecosystem and enterprise business intelligence capabilities into a single solution. Arvest Bank will also leverage Black Knight's Lien Alert, a unique, automated solution that monitors portfolio loans and provides alerts on critical lien-related indicators that could impact a servicer's business, such as ownership changes, new loans recorded, ARM resets and more. As a contributor to Black Knight's McDash mortgage performance dataset, Arvest Bank will also receive a reporting suite leveraging industry-leading loan-level data. The McDash dataset includes mortgage performance details being tracked for more than 30 years and offers visibility into greater than 200 million primary mortgages and over 30 million home equity loans and lines of credit across the full credit spectrum. "Black Knight is committed to continually delivering innovative capabilities that add value across the loan life cycle. By using multiple Black Knight servicing and default solutions, Arvest Bank will be able to enhance both its operational efficiencies and customer experience," said Black Knight President Joe Nackashi. "We are proud to support Arvest Bank's business by providing the advanced capabilities and premier support needed to drive its mortgage business to the next level." About Arvest Arvest Bank operates more than 270 bank branches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas through a group of 14 locally managed banks, each with its own board and management team. These banks serve customers in more than 135 communities, with extended weekday banking hours at many locations. Arvest provides a wide range of banking services including loans, deposits, treasury management, credit cards, mortgage loans and mortgage servicing. Arvest also is one of a select few banks in the nation to have its mobile app Arvest Go certified by J.D. Power for providing an outstanding mobile banking experience. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. About Arvest Wealth Management Arvest Wealth Management offers wealth management, trust services and insurance products. Investments and Insurance Products: Not a Deposit, Not Guaranteed by the Bank or its Affiliates, Not FDIC Insured, Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency, May Go Down in Value. Trust services provided by Arvest Bank. About Black Knight Black Knight, Inc. (NYSE:BKI) is an award-winning software, data and analytics company that drives innovation in the mortgage lending and servicing and real estate industries, as well as the capital and secondary markets. Businesses leverage our robust, integrated solutions across the entire homeownership life cycle to help retain existing customers, gain new customers, mitigate risk and operate more effectively. Our clients rely on our proven, comprehensive, scalable products and our unwavering commitment to delivering superior client support to achieve their strategic goals and better serve their customers. For more information on Black Knight, please visit www.blackknightinc.com. For more information: Michelle Kersch Mitch Cohen Black Knight, Inc. Black Knight, Inc. 904.854.5043 704.890.8158 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Black Knight, Inc. Related Links www.blackknightinc.com The family of young Wexford woman Sharon Bennett who died last week, a fortnight after being subjected to an alleged assault in Ennis, County Clare, will never get over her death, according to her heartbroken dad. Sharon, originally from Blackstone, Duncormick, sustained severe head injuries and never regained consciousness following the alleged attack. She died in University Hospital Limerick in the early hours of last Wednesday, with her parents P.J and Vicki lying beside her, holding her hands, after her life support was switched off. Sharon leaves behind her two beloved daughters Leah (9) and Alisha (6) who wrote letters for Sharon to place in her coffin, describing her as the best mammy in the world and saying how much they love and will miss her. Sharon, the eldest of a family of three, is also survived by her brother Tom, a jockey based in the UK; her sister Sinead, also living in England; her paternal grandparents Tony and Kathleen Bennett; her maternal grandparents Eugene and Clare O'Leary of Howth, County Dublin; her aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews; cousins and extended family and friends. Sharon was a former student of Rathangan national school and Bridgetown Vocational College where she did her Leaving Cert. One of her Bridgetown teachers, Cllr. Jim Codd whose mother Ann taught both Sharon and also her father in primary school, said the local community was 'profoundly shocked and saddened' by her death. 'She was a very kind and good-natured young person and had a great sense of humour and wit. She didn't have an unkind bone in her body. She was very well loved in the community and we are all heartbroken at her loss', he said. Growing up in a family which kept horses, Sharon loved ponies, music and make-up. A photograph of her as a 19-year-old with her favourite horse Gypsy, was placed on her coffin in Rathangan Church where her funeral Mass was held last Saturday, alongside a photograph of her beloved daughters. Her brother Tom is a racing jockey in England and like him, Sharon tried out for the Race Academy in Kildare when she was a teenager. Her family will always remember her fantastic sense of humour and her smiles and laughter. 'I have a box of photographs and there is not one of them that Sharon is not smiling in,' said P.J. 'She was so kind and so decent. It is so sad that she was taken the way she was. We are all devastated. We will never get over it. It was the sheer violence of it. For her to go like that. It is just heartbreaking. It is not just Sharon's life that was taken, all our lives have been destroyed by what happened, the whole family.' 'Everyone loved Sharon. My father loved her to bits. He's 83 years old and it's really killing him,' he said. Sharon's grandparents in Howth where she and her siblings regularly went on holidays as children, are also deeply affected by her death. When their granddaughter was 16, they took her to New York on holiday. 'We are all just numb. We will never get over it properly,' said P.J. Sharon's parents were told that she had sustained a catastrophic brain injury but they were unable to visit her in hospital in Limerick for the first seven days, due to Covid-19 restrictions. They were allowed to spend time with her after that. 'That was very tough, not being able to be with her for that first week,' said P.J. He and Vicki lay on the bed on either side of Sharon, cradling their beloved daughter, after her life support was switched off, and were with her when she died 32 hours later. 'We cannot thank the staff of the intensive care unit in University Hospital Limerick enough. They were absolutely fantastic in the way they cared for Sharon and also looked after us. They treated us with such kindness and respect and gave us the time and space to be alone with her.' The couple said they will be eternally grateful to the people of their local area for the warm support and care shown to the family in their bereavement. 'I've never seen anything like it, the food, cards, the messages, the phone never stopped ringing,' said P.J. 'We received condolence messages from all over, from Clare, Limerick, Wexford, even America, from people we've never met or spoken to. We really appreciated that and we can't thank everyone enough.' Sharon who had been living in Clare for the past nine years, was brought home to Duncormick and waked in her parents' bedroom for a night before her funeral in Rathangan on Saturday, allowing close family members including her young daughters and their dad Niall O'Loughlin of Ennis to say goodbye. 'The children were everything to her. She adored those two girls and they adored her. It is so hard on them. It was heartbreaking to hear Leah asking in the church why her mammy had to die,' said P.J. 'They wrote little letters and put them in the coffin, telling her how much they loved her'. Sharon was buried in Rathangan Cemetery on the eve of Valentine's Day, with her family throwing red roses on her coffin as it was lowered into the grave on a bitterly cold February afternoon. Ukraine looks forward to starting negotiations with Japan on a free trade agreement and updating the convention on the avoidance of double taxation. Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky said this at the forum "Asia Strategy in Action. The Role of Ukraine-Japan Cooperation," an Ukrinform correspondent reports. For us, the more important aspect should be the economy, which creates the basis for a very serious interest of the political leaders of Japan in the development of a security component with Ukraine. In the context of the economy, I have been discussing this issue for four months with all the representatives of the Japanese government and parliament with whom I met. There have already been several dozen such meetings, which, in particular, concerned the beginning of negotiations on a free trade agreement and updating the convention on the avoidance of double taxation," he said. The ambassador recalled that the convention on double taxation, concluded in Soviet times in 1986, is now in force, and noted that there is already a draft of a new convention, which has been submitted to the Japanese side. The diplomat expects that consultations on this matter will be completed soon. In addition, Korsunsky noted that Ukraine should also negotiate with Japan on visa free travel and strengthening security cooperation. "I believe that we should talk about a visa-free regime and the intensification of interaction in the field of security, cyber security, as well as military and technical cooperation," he said. At the same time, the ambassador recalled that according to official statistics, the volume of investments in Japan is USD 170 million. The diplomat stressed that Japan works in Ukraine through the representative offices of six powerful transnational corporations; therefore, given the specifics of these multinational companies, the real volume of investments is greater. ish More transformer issues plagued metro New Orleans on Monday as the state experienced a rare winter storm that brought road closures and power outages across Louisiana. A resident tweeted a video of the aftermath of a transformer explosion in the 300 block of South Pierce Street on Monday evening, which caused a utility pole and a resident's front yard to catch fire. In a subsequent video, firefighters could be seen trying to contain the small burst of flames emanating from the blown transformer. Huge transformer explosion on South Pierce just now: pic.twitter.com/bmn7bStXjH Marta Jewson (@martajewson) February 16, 2021 A spokesperson for Entergy said that around 70 customers were without power due to the incident that was still under investigation. Power will likely be restored within the hour, and 9 p.m. for those closest to the blown transformer. More than 82,000 Entergy customers have been impacted by the freezing temperatures, including the residents in Kenner near West Esplanade Avenue and Power Boulevard who lost their power after a surge of electricity traveled and popped along the neighborhood's powerlines. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In a statement released Monday evening, Entergy asked that its customers conserve energy to avoid "rolling blackouts," which caused issues for neighboring state Texas and millions of residents who are without power due to the winter storm. There have also been widespread outages in Baton Rouge, where more than 50,000 were without power Monday. Customers should report outages by calling 800-9OUTAGE. Pennsylvania movie theaters ditch mask mandate Three chain movie theaters have announced that masks are no longer mandatory for moviegoers who have been vaccinated against coronavirus. "Dr. Dugan has been an incredible collaborator and champion of PICI's mission over the last several years, and we're excited to welcome her to our team," said Sean Parker , PICI founder and chairman. "In addition to her work as a world-class cancer researcher, she also brings a passionate focus on the patient perspective, making sure that we always remember who we're working for as we pioneer the next breakthroughs in immunotherapy." As a medical oncologist in Europe and the United States, Dugan's research focused on the development and integration of improved cancer medicines into the treatment standards of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. As Head of Worldwide Oncology External Medical Affairs at BMS, she created impactful research collaboration models to advance immuno-oncology (I-O) treatments together with partners in academia, professional societies and nonprofit organizations. She began her role in 2016, coinciding with the launch of PICI, and her catalytic approach has accelerated the pace and output of research and impacted BMS' global strategic collaboration business model. Dugan also led the implementation of powerful new tools and applied them to global health equity initiatives, such as building cancer care capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Dugan originally joined BMS as Executive Director, Global Clinical Research during the formation of the development teams for the pioneering I-O medicines ipilimumab and nivolumab. Before that, her career included stints at Roche/Genentech and Aventis. "Throughout her career, Dr. Dugan has a proven track record for forging innovative partnerships among academics, practitioners and industry leaders, and that focus and energy has quickened the pace of both research output and clinical impact for patients," said John Connolly, PhD, PICI's Chief Scientific Officer. "She's a perfect fit for the culture of collaboration that PICI exists to foster." "PICI is bringing together the brightest academic and scientific minds with the goal to create significant therapeutic advances for cancer patients," Dugan said. "PICI is uniquely positioned to integrate and leverage the best experts in the field to help solve some of cancer's most intractable problems." Dugan earned her MD degree and PhD degree in environmental health and toxicology at the Heinrich Heine University Medical School in Dusseldorf, Germany. She served as associate professor for medical oncology and senior physician at the University Clinic of the West German Cancer and Transplant Center in Essen, Germany. About the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) is radically changing the way cancer research is done. Founded in 2016 through a $250 million gift from Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist Sean Parker, the San Francisco-based nonprofit is an unprecedented collaboration between the country's leading immunotherapy researchers and cancer centers, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Stanford Medicine, the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of California, San Francisco, the University of Pennsylvania and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The institute also supports top researchers at other institutions, including City of Hope, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Institute for Systems Biology and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. By forging alliances with academic, industry and nonprofit partners, PICI makes big bets on bold research to fulfill its mission: to accelerate the development of breakthrough immune therapies to turn all cancers into curable diseases. Find out more at www.parkerici.org. SOURCE Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Related Links http://www.parkerici.org Three West Virginia family members will face three separate trials in connection with the death of a five-year-old boy, who was brought to a hospital last year covered in wounds and ultimately succumbed to a catastrophic brain injury. Peter Wodzinski, 32, Chasity Wodzinski, 29, and Michelle Boggs, 48, have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder of a child by a parent, guardian or custodian stemming from the March 2020 incident. Troopers were called to investigate on March 18 when five-year-old Keaton Boggs was taken to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown suffering from what was described by doctors as irreversible head trauma, numerous bruises and a laceration on his genital region. He died two days later. Michelle Boggs, 48, will be tried separately from her co-defendants in connection with the March 2020 of her five-year-old grandfather, Keaton Boggs Like Michelle, Peter Wodzinski, 32 (left), and Chasity Wodzinski, 29 (right), have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder of a child by a parent, guardian or custodian Keaton died at a West Virginia hospital on March 20, 2020, two days after he arrived suffering from catastrophic brain damage and a slew of injuries, including a cut on his penis Michelle Boggs, Keaton's maternal grandmother, Chastity Wodzinski, his aunt, and Peter Wodzinski, his uncle by marriage, blamed the deceased child for inflicting the injuries on himself through self-harm. Harrison Assistant Prosecutor Gina Snuffer has said that Keaton had bleeding on the brain and on his eyes, bruising to his head and face, his collarbone and neck, and injuries to both his ears, reported WV News. Doctors at the hospital also discovered a 4-centimetre cut to his penis, injuries to his testicles and to his inner thigh. Snuffer said the many injuries were both old and new. According to prosecutors, the abuse targeting Keaton intensified over the course of several months, during which his guardians skipped medical appointments and sometimes covered up the five-year-old's wounds with makeup. WCHS reported that Michelle Boggs, and Chasity and Peter Wodzinski started caring for Keaton in June 2019, after his father, Christopher Boggs, died of a drug overdose. Keaton's biological mother, Jessika Bishop-Holt, had been stripped of parental custody and visitation rights over her battle with drug addiction, reported The Sun last year. Even after the woman said she had been sober for a year, Michelle reportedly would not allow her to see Keaton. Just weeks before Keaton's death, calls were made to the Department of Health and Human Services about the child's treatment. During a pre-trial conference on Friday, Judge James Matish agreed to defense attorneys' requests to sever the defendants' trials, meaning that each person will be tried separately. Peter will be tried first on March 1, followed by his relatives on March 29 and April 19. Michelle (left) and Chastity (right) are seen during a pre-trial conference on Friday, during which a judge agreed to severe the defendants' trials Prosecutors have offered Boggs and the Wodzinski couple to plead guilty as charged and throw themselves on the mercy of the court, but they rejected the idea. If convicted, they could face up to a life in prison. State police reportedly have extracted images and text messages from Michelle Boggs and Chasity Wodzinskis phones, which prosecutors are expected to use during trials to show that Keaton was abused. The prosecution's theory appears to be that the trio of relatives had concocted a plot to cover up the abuse by making it seem like Keaton had been self-harming months before his death, but one of the defense lawyers dismissed this suggestion. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Tunis/Tunisia The Association of Environmental Education for Future Generations (AEEFG) called on the Tunisian government to immediately withdraw the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) baby powder, which had already been withdrawn from the market in North America and Canada. It also calls for stopping the sale of all products whose composition contains carcinogenic talc, especially as there is no evidence of analyses confirming the safety of these asbestos products according to WHO recommendations. Johnson & Johnson Talc can be seen on the shelves of Tunisian supermarkets, a TAP journalist reported on Monday. "Through its relevant authorities, the Tunisian government must protect the health of its citizens and vulnerable people mainly babies, children and women who use cosmetic products, containing talcum powder which may be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, by taking all the necessary measures to ban the entry of any products already banned in the countries of origin," Semia Gharbi, Regional Hub Coordinator IPEN-MENA / North Africa (International Pollutants Elimination Network) stated to TAP. The WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) listed talc containing asbestos as carcinogenic to humans. BCD International, the global video data infrastructure front-runner, announced the opening of the BCD International Inc. Netherlands Build Center, located in the southern Netherlands. Building on the unrivaled resources and services made possible by its partnership with Dell EMC, BCD is further strengthening this relationship with the opening of manufacturing facilities in key foreign markets throughout 2021. The strategic proximity of the Netherlands Build Center to central Europe sets the stage for a superior product and rapid distribution throughout the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Expanding business offerings Growing business in training, service, and support in video surveillance, analytics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence solutions to more customers The BCD Netherlands Center expands BCDs offerings, training, service, and support in video surveillance, analytics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence solutions to more customers. Expanding BCDs manufacturing from the U.S. to Europe also reinforces the companys OEM partnership with Dell by allowing broader reach in assisting local Dell customers and independent security integrators. As cliche as it sounds, it truly is a win-win for us. Opening the Netherlands Build Center enables us to quickly deliver our superior surveillance solutions to our mutual customers within the European region, as well as locally support our strong Nordic and UK base of customers, said Jeff Burgess, Chief Executive Officer of BCD. Surveillance equipment BCD and Dell will continue to pool their strengths in technology effectively through the Netherlands Build Center to meet mutual customer security needs. This is made possible through BCDs powerful procurement system that runs through Dells EMEA region, which will create high efficiency in surveillance equipment production, distribution, and education. We are enthusiastic about BCD bringing their unique technology into the European marketplace and delivering these high-availability solutions to our customer base. Expanding these capabilities in the region will bring a new level of support and innovation to the region, said Kyle Dufresne, Dell Technologies OEM Solutions. Video surveillance solutions BCD focuses on the creation of high-quality video surveillance solutions to suit customer needs As the global market for advanced storage solutions continues to expand, BCDs focus on creating concentrated regional centers drives the creation of high-quality video surveillance solutions that suit a wide range of customer needs. Moving our product production into the Netherlands Build Center gives BCD a technology hub in the region, with localized revenue flow, support, and deliveryall while maintaining our standards of quality and innovation. Jeff Burgess Chief Executive Officer, BCD International, Inc. Infrastructure and expansion Located in Tilburg, Netherlands, the Netherlands Build Center is 600 meters (6,450 square feet) in size and is TAPA A and ISO270001 certified for ultimate security. The hub will work in sync with Gary Sykes, BCDs UK-based Regional Sales Director, and features workspaces for Implementation Engineers and System Engineers. The center has also been certified in Midrange Storage and Server services, as well as Converged Infrastructure. The Netherlands Build Center is the second of multiple manufacturing and engineering centers that will be introduced in 2021. Later this month, BCD will also open a center in Mexico City that will extend security servicing throughout Latin America. This will be followed by the anticipated opening of additional build centers within the APAC region in quarter two, as well as business sales offices in Hong Kong and Singapore. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Inkling , a global leader in digital learning solutions, today announced important new enhancements to its industry-leading native mobile app that will ensure remote employees and field workers have easier access to the most up-to-date, mission-critical knowledge and training, whether online or offline. Offering familiar, intuitive mobile features, voice commands and intelligent search capabilities, the Inkling mobile app makes it easy for workers to find the information they need, when they need it, improving learning velocity and retention. "Fast, reliable communications and content distribution is now even more critical for organizations with distributed workforces and those who have individuals regularly working from home or remotely. With Inkling, you can put this information in the palm of employees' hands, regardless of where they are," said Inkling CEO Jeff Carr. "Our native mobile app improves the modern learner experience, ensuring that teams have access to current, accurate knowledge and visual content required to do their jobs with ease and excellence." Available for iOS and Android, the Inkling mobile app already provides organizations with access to on-demand content and learning libraries, enabling them to update and share resources in an engaging way for employees to use in the flow of work. The app is built using responsive design, so training material, videos and SCORM content embedded in the app will resize automatically for optimal viewing on any size screen. The Inkling mobile app also offers intelligent search capabilities, allowing employees to use familiar voice commands to find key topics of interest. In this latest release, Inkling's mobile app makes it even easier to get mission-critical learning and content out to remote workers who rely on their mobile devices. The new features focus on providing better control over access to information, while making it easier for mobile learners to access content in situations where it might be hard to scroll, type and browse in more traditional ways: Geofencing : For organizations that are concerned about security and employees accessing content when they are "off the clock," Geofencing enables organizations to control where their employees are able to access company documents based on an address and a defined radius. : For organizations that are concerned about security and employees accessing content when they are "off the clock," Geofencing enables organizations to control where their employees are able to access company documents based on an address and a defined radius. Voice Commands : Users can easily find and access content by searching for content in the app, hands-free, by using specific voice commands. : Users can easily find and access content by searching for content in the app, hands-free, by using specific voice commands. QR Code Reader: When repairing or servicing equipment, field employees often need to reference content for specific devices. Now they can scan a QR or barcode on the piece of equipment and easily access the needed technical or reference content. With easy access via any mobile device, Inkling makes it possible to move learning from the classroom and back office into the real world in the flow of work. By blending formal and just-in-time informal learning, Inkling offers an experience that improves knowledge retention and helps employees get up-to-speed faster. Regardless of location, employees can always stay connected and confident. Offline capabilities give employees access to the content even when internet access is limited or unavailable, such as high-security locations or remote areas. Once internet access is restored, all content is automatically updated to ensure availability of the most current information. For more information visit, please visit the Mobile section on the Inkling website . About Inkling Inkling is a leading, global, modern learning platform designed for today's learners and today's work. The company delivers your most critical knowledge to your people in the flow of work, anytime, anywhere, and on any device. With easy content authoring, simplified learning paths, a modern learning experience, and meaningful insights, Inkling's modern operational learning platform delivers learning flawlessly and with simplicity. Named a Hot Vendor and Leader in Strategy for Learning by Aragon Research and a Training Industry Top 20 Training Delivery Company, Inkling also has earned several Excellence in Technology and Human Capital Management and Innovation awards from Brandon Hall Group. Leading brands trust Inkling to help them efficiently onboard employees, ensure continued performance enablement, and successfully execute corporate initiatives while providing new levels of visibility into critical operating metrics. Founded in 2009, Inkling is based in San Francisco. For more information about Inkling, visit www.inkling.com . SOURCE Inkling THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) A Dutch court ordered the government Tuesday to end the curfew it imposed last month to rein in the spread of the coronavirus, saying the ruling coalition was not entitled to use emergency powers to impose the restrictive measure. However, an appeals court later said the curfew would remain in force at least until a ruling on the government's appeal of the lower court's decision. A hearing is scheduled for Friday. Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged the public to continuing staying home during the 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. curfew hours pending the result of the appeal, saying the curfew "is a means, not an end. It is really very important that we limit our social contacts as much as possible because of the risk of transmission of the virus," he added. "So please do that. Do it for yourself, but also for each other. In a written statement, The Hague District Court called the curfew a far-reaching violation of the right to freedom of movement and privacy that also indirectly curtails the rights of freedom of assembly and demonstration. This requires a very careful decision-making process, a single judge at the court ruled in the summary proceeding. Last week, the government extended the curfew into March by using a law allowing it to bypass the usual legislative process in emergencies. When the curfew was introduced and when it was extended, the government sought and gained support from the majority of lawmakers during two debates in the lower house of Dutch parliament, but it did not submit legislation for a formal vote. However, the court said the introduction of the curfew was not an emergency requiring the use of the fast-track process as it had been discussed at length during the coronavirus crisis. A group called Viruuswaarheid, or Virus Truth, that is deeply skeptical of the government's approach to slowing the spread of the virus had asked the court to outlaw the curfew, which sparked rioting in the first days of its imposition but is widely adhered to by the vast majority of the country. Story continues In a video interview tweeted by the group, its leader, Willem Engel thanked the judge who issued the ruling and said, I'm happy that there is still such a thing as jurisprudence. Confirmed virus infections have for weeks been slowly declining in the Netherlands amid a tough lockdown. The 7-day rolling average of daily new cases declined over the past two weeks from 24.27 new cases per 100,000 people on Feb. 1 to 20.36 new cases per 100,000 people on Feb. 15. The country has reported nearly 15,000 confirmed deaths in the pandemic. ___ Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Vicky Phelan said she has been buoyed up by the support she has has been receiving. Photo: Fergal Phillips CERVICAL cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has received a flood of online messages of support from well-wishers after revealing how she spent a horrible Valentines Day suffering from the side effects of cancer treatment in the US. Posting on a new Instagram account after her previous account was cruelly hacked by a scammer seeking payment, she said: I will take small mercies where I can, after she was able to keep down some tea and toast thanks to my visitor, Jennifer Scanlon who drove down from NY to see me today. None of this was supposed to happen but thank God Jennifer was here to look after me. I will take small mercies where I can, she said. Read More Ms Phelan revealed how she developed side effects on Sunday after taking a new drug as part of an experimental cancer treatment at a hospital in Maryland where she plans to stay for the next few months in a bid to keep her terminal cancer diagnosis at bay. I landed myself in hospital today, Valentine's Day, after a couple of very rough days of non-stop vomiting. I could not keep down the anti-sickness tablets that I had been prescribed, she wrote. In fairness, as soon as I called my doctor this morning, he immediately said that he would book me into the Day Ward, where I have my treatment, to get re-hydrated on an IV drip and to get some anti-sickness meds in with the IV. However, she revealed to the Irish Independents Billy Keane last month that she was anticipating the side effects once she began the clinical trial. Im going to eat well because next week it could be different when my treatment starts, she told him. On Tuesday, I will be given three drugs. The first drug is something like the Pembro. Thats the main drug but there are two other drugs, Ill be given to help that one on its way. There will be side effects. You can get a very severe flu from one of the helper drugs and it really knocks a lot out of people who get it. There is a danger of getting skin cancer from the second drug. However, despite the gruelling treatment, Ms Phelan said she is buoyed by the support she has at home and in the US as well as well as her online supporters, many of whom offered their support and prayers yesterday after she revealed the unpleasant side effects of her ongoing treatment. So sorry to hear how sick you are Vicky, sending you lots of strength, a supporter posted on Instagram along with a heart emoji. TROY, Mich.- The last decade of aggressive advertising, steadily rising premiums and expansion of direct-to-consumer offerings has eroded auto insurance customer loyalty. According to recent data1 from J.D. Power, 77% of auto insurance customers say they are either actively shopping for a new carrier or have experienced an adverse event that triggered shopping activity. Against this backdrop of rapid-fire swings in customer sentiment, J.D. Power has developed an industry-first solution to provide daily metrics on auto insurance customer shopping activity at a brand level. The new J.D. Power Auto Insurance Loyalty Indicator & Shopping Trends (LIST), fueled by SurveyMonkey Market Research Solutions, offers the industrys most current, comprehensive view of auto insurance customer shopping behaviors at the national and state level. Its never been easier for auto insurance customers to shop and switch brands in a matter of minutes, making it critical for carriers to monitor up-to-the-minute trends in the behavior of their existing customers and those of their competitors, said Kyle Schmitt, vice president and managing director, insurance intelligence at J.D. Power. With Auto Insurance LIST, carriers receive detailed data on who the active shoppers are, where they are shopping and which brands they are considering on a daily basis. This allows insurers to track performance of new campaigns; anticipate and adjust to changing market conditions down to a metropolitan statistical area; and understand the effects of operational changes on the end consumer. J.D. Power Auto Insurance LIST delivers daily data and monthly trends in auto insurance shopping behaviors across the top 25 auto insurance brands at the national and state level. The solution tracks a range of key metrics developed by the J.D. Power insurance intelligence team to spotlight where brands are winning and losing in customer acquisition, primary drivers of shopping behaviors and detailed shopper profiles. Underlying data for J.D. Power Auto Insurance LIST is drawn from daily surveying of 500-1,000 auto insurance customers sourced by SurveyMonkeys market-leading platform. Following a six-month pilot with a select group of national auto insurance carriers, J.D. Power Auto Insurance LIST is proving to be an invaluable resource for gathering competitive intelligence, assessing the effects of exogenous market conditions such as catastrophic events or regulatory changes in a particular region, tracking the performance of marketing campaigns and evaluating the performance of operational changes. J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power is headquartered in Troy, Mich., and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the companys business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. An additive manufacturing expert with decades of deep industry knowledge As California-based metal additive manufacturing (AM) leader VELO3D continues on its accelerated growth path, the company has announced the appointment of Jon Porter to head its commercial operations in Europe. Based in the U.K., Porter will oversee VELO3D's ongoing expansion efforts into this key strategic region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005070/en/ Jon Porter, new head of European commercial operations for VELO3D (Photo: Business Wire) Porter comes to VELO3D from Renishaw, where he worked in the business development team of the AM division. While there he was also directly involved with the international organizations (SAE, ASTM and BSI) that are developing new standards for the industrial 3D-printing sector. Porter's earliest introduction to AM came in the 1990s working for renowned engineer-entrepreneur James Dyson. As the company grew from successful startup to leading floorcare and appliance business, Porter became involved in its early investment in AM technology. "I saw the potential for AM as a 'bridge to manufacturing' that allows for significant time compression and de-risking of both product development and the toolmaking cycle," he says. "Throughout my experience with several other companies as AM has evolved since then, the value of 3D printing as a powerful end-product manufacturing process has become increasingly clear." VELO3D founder and CEO Benny Buller views Porter's appointment as an opportunity to better support existing customers throughout Europe while educating others about the growth-making potential of VELO3D's AM technology. "With Jon at the helm of our European base of operations, manufacturers in the region now have similar-time-zone access to someone who knows AM inside and out-and who has also experienced, first-hand, how adopting this technology can make all the difference in a company's ability to innovate and compete," he says. Jon Porter holds a degree in Engineering Product Design from South Bank University in London. He is currently based in Gloucestershire, England and is available at Jon.Porter@velo3d.com, phone number +447436597017. About VELO3D VELO3D empowers companies to imagine more and additively manufacture nearly anything. Bringing together an integrated, end-to-end solution of software, hardware, and process-control innovation, VELO3D's technology for 3D metal printing delivers unparalleled quality control for serial production and enhanced part performance. With VELO3D Flow print preparation software, Sapphire laser powder bed AM system, and Assure quality assurance software, manufacturers can accelerate product innovation, become more agile and responsive to market needs, and reduce costs. First in the industry to introduce SupportFree metal 3D printing, which allows for the manufacture of previously impossible geometries, the company is based in Silicon Valley and is privately funded. For more information, please visit https://www.velo3d.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005070/en/ Contacts: Renette Youssef renette.youssef@velo3d.com Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When Mike Uberti was building his familys first home in 2012, he wasnt planning on having to pay a hefty sum to remove a tree on the Huguenot lot of land he had purchased to construct the new house. The city Parks Department refused to remove the tree, stating that it was too healthy, so Uberti recalled that he was told it would cost him $170,000 to get rid of the tree, which included restitution fees to have the city replant an equivalent number of trees. And in the architects original plans, the 70-foot tree was located exactly where the house was to be built. But Uberti decided to redesign his home instead of paying the $170,000. The thing that really annoyed us was having to sit back down with the architect to redo the house plans. It was a total of $22,000 I had to roll into the mortgage for all of the redesigns, Uberti told the Advance/SILive.com, explaining that the final redesign left the tree in the middle of the driveway. That wasnt even the worst part. It turns out that after the redesign of the house and all of the hassle, the removal of the tree was eventually handled by the Parks Department anyway, as the city eventually determined the tree was dying and needed to be removed, according to Uberti. The Huguenot resident said he blew a gasket when the Parks Department notified him of the determination -- six months after the home was built. And despite the fact that the city removed the tree and repaved the driveway at no cost to Uberti, he called the situation a disaster. A department spokesperson did not provide comment specifically on Ubertis experience, but said: New York Citys urban forest is integral to the health, beauty, and vitality of the city and its residents. Tree canopy cleans the air, cools the streets, reduces storm water runoff, beautifies neighborhoods, and enhances property values. We only approve the removal of a healthy tree when absolutely necessary, and after our expert foresters have reviewed the proposed removal to identify ways to preserve trees and minimize impacts. Ubertis tree debacle was one of the issues recently highlighted by Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) in a video titled The Tree Price is Wrong. The video addresses what Borelli said he feels are issues with many of the Parks Departments tree policies, including the restitution process. Thats how crazy they are; they prioritize trees above everything else, said Borelli, who has long been critical of the citys policies regarding trees and sidewalks. Borelli said that the City Council should limit the amount of money the Parks Department is able to assess a homeowner for tree restitution, which should also be determined by zoning, so that the owners of a one-family home are not paying the same amount as those who own a three-family dwelling. The tree restitution process should still exist, he said, so that people are not removing trees for no reason. But he added that the process should be easy and affordable. They literally value a tree more than anything. Borelli is right, Uberti said, referring to his frustration with the Parks Department. An agency spokesperson told the Advance/SILive.com that the tree replacement formula dates back to 1980. The most recent standard -- based on Local Law 3 of 2010 -- calculates the value of a trees loss by looking at how many trees must be planted, taking into consideration the size and health of the existing tree, its roots, trunk, branches and species. The Parks Department is aware of Borellis recommendations and video, but has not yet responded to the councilman. FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HealtheConnections is pleased to announce a partnership to deliver critical patient care information in near real-time with Innovative Management Solutions (IMSNY), a joint venture between two of the largest behavioral health-focused Independent Practice Associations (IPAs) in New York State. Through this connection, these IPAs will now receive hospital clinical event alerts for their entire patient population to improve transitions of care, care coordination, and contribute to better patient outcomes. IMSNY was established by Coordinated Behavioral Care (CBC) and Coordinated Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) in late 2019, leveraging strength in numbers through shared resources, knowledge, and expertise to provide meaningful analytics and operational efficiency. Together, they represent 80 behavioral health agencies and 160,000 Medicaid lives. This project is the first successful connection through IMSNY's Data Analytic Business Intelligence (DABI) Platformpowered by Arcadia. DABI collects information through these connections, organizes it, and clearly presents it for networks and agencies to make more informed decisions. "We partnered with HealtheConnections on this project because of their strong HIE infrastructure and proven track record of success with agencies like ours," said Richard M. Tuten, CEO of CBHS. "The HIE is uniquely positioned to bridge the informational gap between clinicians, hospitals and CBOs," said Rob Hack, President and CEO of HealtheConnections. "Hospitalization notifications are critical for prompt patient care." HealtheConnections has delivered data-driven solutions for more than a decade, serving 1,500 highly diverse care organizations that represent 11,000 licensed clinicians, including behavioral health agencies and CBOs. Its efforts are in close alignment with New York State Department of Health information technology and prevention agendas. "Through data, we can develop a broader, clearer picture of the individual served and their multiple touch points within the healthcare ecosystem, which is critically important to our providers," said Jorge R. Petit, MD, President and CEO of CBC. "Getting that data has historically been very difficult, let alone measuring and representing the impact the provider has on that individual." This has never been more necessary as providers navigate value-based payment structures implemented throughout the country in recent years. Providers must meet strict quality metrics and demonstrate that services improve overall health in order to receive payment. In that endeavor, the value of HIE data cannot be overstated. "In very basic terms, value-based payment methods rely on accurate, insightful data to measure performance," explains HealtheConnections' Director of Business Development, Don Lee. "Especially for small care teams who are already operating at full capacity, using real-time, high-quality, readily-available HIE data can fill that gap." IMSNY continues to expand upon the hospital admission, discharge, and transfer data coming through the HealtheConnections feeds, building more comprehensive data sets including, but not limited to, billing data and clinical information. For IPAs interested in learning more about IMSNY's solution for IPAs, please contact their Chief Operating Officer, Mathew Smith, at [email protected]. For healthcare or community-based organizations interested in learning more about HealtheConnections' HIE data and analytics solutions, please contact them at [email protected] or visit www.healtheconnections.org. About HealtheConnections HealtheConnections is a nonprofit organization accredited by the New York State Department of Health and member of the Statewide Health Information Network of New York (SHIN-NY), designated to operate the health information exchange for the 26 counties of Central, Northern, Southern Tier, and Hudson Valley regions of New York. HealtheConnections delivers trusted and valued services and initiatives that support regional care providers, patients, and the state health information exchange and population health improvement agendas. Learn more by visiting healtheconnections.org. About IMSNY Innovative Management Solutions New York (IMSNY) is a joint venture between CBC and Coordinated Behavioral Health Services IPA (CBHS). IMSNY's core mission is to improve BH delivery systems, representing large networks of social service organizations offering a continuum of community-based services including mental health, substance use treatment services, supportive housing, primary medical, recovery, support services, food, employment and housing. IMSNY is leading the sector in the development of robust data collection and analysis via a central cloud-based data warehouse, powered through Arcadia, which allows for more real-time and actionable data in order to improve outcomes and meaningfully engage in value-based contracting with payers. To learn more, contact Mathew Smith at [email protected]. SOURCE HealtheConnections Related Links https://www.healtheconnections.org Never has the independent adviser had the ability to offer their unique advice/trading to their clients investing in their held away 401k plans, through a FinTech solution that is fully compliant with ERISA rules, and charge a fee for this service. Chalice Network is proud to announce a new partnership with Plan Confidence Corporation. This partnership will fill a much-needed void for all of the independent financial advisers inside the network. Never has the independent adviser had the ability to offer their unique advice/trading to their clients investing in their held away 401k plans, through a FinTech solution that is fully compliant with ERISA rules, and charge a fee for this service. We are very excited to be working with the Chalice Network and love their passion to serve the independent financial adviser, just as we do. My last business trip was to their annual conference BooST in San Diego, right before COVID-19 hit, and I met so many quality people. I knew we needed to be a part of their network. Kevin T Clark, RF CEO & Co-Founder, Plan Confidence Corp. Plan Confidence Corporation has created the only FinTech that allows any independent financial adviser the ability to offer non-discretionary advice/trading to their held away 401k accounts, while remaining fully compliant with ERISA Rules and charge an advisory fee for the service. For the first time, an adviser can advise/manage all of their clients assets through a turnkey and easy to use FinTech solution and create a new revenue stream on held away assets. We are thrilled to be a partner with Kevin Clark and Plan Confidence; he truly gets it! Not only does he brilliantly execute on helping Advisors manage client held away assets, but clearly sees the opportunity for another way for advisors to generate a new revenue source and move into the future with retainer-based compensation, says Keith Gregg, Founder and CEO of Chalice Network. The benefits of this new partnership include: Advisers can easily provide ERISA compliant non-discretionary advice/management to assets that have always been beyond their current fintech The fintech is easy to use for the adviser and their clients, allowing an adviser the ability to save time, money and resources, while scaling a new compliant service for their clients The ability for the financial adviser to create a new service for their clients and a new revenue stream for their firm is a win-win Plan Confidence Corporation is a SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Sarasota, FL. Plan Confidence Corp has created the only fintech that allows an adviser to program their software with their unique advice and offer their clients non-discretionary advice and/or management for any held away account. Plan Confidences vision is, To be the premiere firm providing advice and management to any 401k participant; through an adviser of their choosing! Chalice Network was purposely built to give SMBs economies of scale, operational efficiency and enhanced enterprise value through the largest digital community and SSO technology platform they own and operate. Each partner has been thoroughly vetted, so members can be confident theyre getting the best products and services available. For more information, visit http://www.chalicenetwork.com. Learn more about the partnership offering with Plan Confidence inside of Chalice Digital Marketplace. The Centre is planning to take down spam and financial frauds that are carried out over phone calls and text messages, the communications ministry said in a statement on Monday, announcing work on a new platform to report unsolicited calls and messages and a new Data Intelligence Unit that will help coordinate between law enforcement agencies, banks and service providers. The announcement was made after Union minister for communications Ravi Shankar Prasad held a meeting on Monday to address rising consumer complaints that range from unsolicited text messages and calls to serious financial frauds through Vishing, a strategy in which suspects make calls pretending to be bank officials to access privileged information like passwords and account details. Also read: Foreign Arbitrators Welcome in India, Says Ravi Shankar Prasad The Centre is considering curtailing telecom operations in Jharkhands Jamtara and Haryanas Mewat, two regions that have become hotspots from where such scams are being carried out, an official said, asking not to be named. The Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) will act as a nodal agency. The DIU will coordinate with various LEAs (law enforcement agencies), financial institutions, and telecom service providers in investigating any fraudulent activity involving telecom resources, a statement by the ministry on Monday said. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. She's know for being both a world-famous supermodel and reality television starlet. And it appeared as though Kendall Jenner had another title on her resume as she jumped in the saddle for a horseback riding lesson in Malibu on Monday afternoon. The 25-year-old budding equestrian was certainly dressed for the part in a chocolate brown ensemble before announcing her new tequila venture online. Neigh: Kendall Jenner had another title on her resume as she jumped in the saddle for a horseback riding lesson in Malibu on Monday afternoon Kendall stayed warm underneath a coffee colored hooded sweatshirt with matching riding pants. She was well-prepared for the outdoor adventure wearing black knee-high boots and a helmet with a wide brim. The daughter of Kris and Caitlynn Jenner appeared to be relatively makeup-free and wore her hair straight past her shoulders. High horse: The 25-year-old budding equestrian was certainly dressed for the part in a chocolate brown ensemble before announcing her new tequila venture online Hoofing it: She was well-prepared for the outdoor adventure wearing black knee-high boots and a helmet with a wide brim Kendall enjoyed some fresh air before announcing her latest business endeavor, the launch of her own 818 tequila brand. In one clip shared to Instagram, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star compared two blends and wrote: 'For almost 4 years i've been on a journey to create the best tasting tequila. ' 'After dozens of blind taste tests, trips to our distillery, entering into world tasting competitions anonymously and WINNING..3.5 years later i think we've done it! 'This is all we've been drinking for the last year and i can't wait for everyone else to get their hands on this to enjoy it as much as we do!' Cheers: Kendall enjoyed some fresh air before announcing her latest business endeavor, the launch of her own 818 tequila brand Bottoms up: In one clip shared to Instagram, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star compared two blends and wrote: 'For almost 4 years i've been on a journey to create the best tasting tequila' She shared another video of her friends sipping on the new brand after toasting a hearty cheers to Kendall and the beverage. Even famously drink-free sister Kim Kardashian raved about 818 in the comments, telling Kendall: 'So proud of you! I wasn't a drinker until I tried 818. Tequila shots all day!!!' 818's name is inspired by the area code of the Kardashian/Jenner family's hometown of Calabasas. While Kendall is a California girl through and through, 818 boasts authentic roots, hand-crafted in Jalisco, Mexico - the birthplace of tequila. The drink has also been vetted by some of the most revered organizations in liquor, earning awards from the World Tequila Awards, the SIP Awards and the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, among others. TOWANDA Fallout from sexual assault charges filed against the Bradford County district attorney continues with a demand that he resign and the revocation of his courthouse security clearance. The Strong Women of Bradford County, which describes its members as politically and socially liberal, is working to oust Chad Michael Salsman, 44, of Wyalusing. He was charged Feb. 3 by the state attorney generals office with sexual assault, intimidation of witnesses and other counts involving clients before he took office. Strong Women established an online petition demanding Salsmans resignation that as of Monday had more than 2,670 signatures. It is not about politics, spokesperson Elizabeth Owen said. Salsman must resign to restore public trust in the integrity of the office and the rule of law in Bradford County, she said. It is a disgrace to our county to be forced to have a man who has used his position as a lawyer and then DA to [allegedly] commit multiple acts of violence against vulnerable woman. The petition will be sent this week to the disciplinary board of the state Supreme Court, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and Gov. Tom Wolf, Owen said. Removing an elected official is difficult in Pennsylvania but it can be done, she said. Salsman, who did not respond to a request for comment, stated after he was arrested he would not resign. I categorically deny the allegations, he said. He said he was turning over the day-to-day operations of the office to his first assistant. Bradford County District Attorney Chad Salsman The sheriff has revoked Salsmans security clearance for the courthouse, meaning if he goes to his office he enters the building like any other citizen. Petition organizers said they recognize Salsman is considered innocent until proven guilty. But Owen said Salsman should resign because the allegations create a cloud of doubt and distrust that could taint every case in the office. The three county commissioners have expressed outrage at the allegations against Salsman but point out they have no control over the independently elected official. In a meeting last Thursday, Commissioner Daryl Miller, who chairs the board, called the allegations disturbing and disgusting, adding that what Id like to say I cant. Speaking for the commissioners, solicitor Jonathan Foster Jr. asked for the publics patience because Salsman is entitled to his day in court. He is accused of sexually assaulting women who were his clients in criminal and child custody cases when he worked as a private attorney prior to being elected. A statewide grand jury presentment accused him of groping clients, seeking nude photos of them and pressuring or forcing them into sexual acts, sometimes on his office desk. The charges accuse him of taking advantage of clients who had a history of being sexually abused, struggled with addictions or were otherwise vulnerable. Salsman is free on $500,000 bail on charges of sexual and indecent assault, witness intimidation, obstruction of justice and promoting prostitution. He waived his preliminary hearing and his court arraignment is scheduled for next Feb. 22. ALSO READ: State police release more details after chase ends with trooper killing a man Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) speaks at the podium standing with members of the Problem Solvers Caucus in a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 21, 2020. (Cheriss May/Getty Images) Red-District House Democrats Refuse to Talk About Huge H.R.1 That Federalizes Voter Registration, Elections Dont ask 14 Red District House Democrats about H.R.1 (the For the People Act), which would reform future elections on the same model that made 2020 one of the most bitterly disputed in U.S. history. Despite repeated inquiries by The Epoch Times, none of the 14 lawmakers agreed to discuss what Republican critics argue is likely to be the most consequential proposal to come before the 117th Congress. Given that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has such a narrow majority, 221211, a switch of only six Democrats to oppose H.R.1 would kill it. Thats why these 14 Democrats in red districts are already the focus of intense pressure from the measures opponents. Five of the Red District Democrats represent districts that Trump carried in both 2016 and 2020, most by solid margins, while he won the districts of the other nine in 2016 and only lost to President Joe Biden in 2020 in most by small margins. The five include Reps. Ron Kind of Wisconsin, Andy Kim of New Jersey, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Cheri Bustos of Illinois, and Cindy Axne of Iowa. The nine include Reps. Lauren Underwood of Illinois, Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Carolyn Boudreaux of Georgia, Tom OHalleran of Arizona, Antonio Delgado of New York, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, and Haley Stevens of Michigan. All 14 are co-sponsors of H.R.1 in 2021, as they were in 2019, when it passed the House but died in the Republican-controlled Senate. Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) rank the proposal as their top legislative priority in 2021. Biden has promised to sign it when it reaches his desk. The proposal brings together in one bill a veritable Democratic wish list of changes in virtually every aspect of campaigning and voting in federal elections for president and members of Congress. Enactment of H.R.1 would institutionalize on a nationwide basis controversial registration and voting procedures that were hastily enacted in six states in 2020, mostly in response to the CCP virus pandemic and that subsequently prompted multiple allegations of voter fraud in the presidential election. The most notable provisions include nationwide online voter registration, with minimal verification requirements; same-day registration; automatic voter registration unless an individual specifically requests not to be registered; legalization of ballot harvesting, and making it illegal to disclose how an individual responded when asked if they are a U.S. citizen when registering to vote. It also includes nationwide registration of 16- and 17-year-olds; availability of mail-in ballots with minimal screening qualifications; and restoration of felons voting rights after release from prison. But those are only the provisions that affect voter registration and election procedures. Other parts of the bill place the redistricting process under the supervision of congressionally mandated independent commissions, and restructure the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to majority-party control from its current bipartisan voting requirement. It also would permit members of Congress to draw salaries from campaign funds in addition to their official compensation, and includes findings supporting statehood for the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There has been some talk in congressional hallways about asking Pelosi to break H.R.1 into three or four separate pieces, a move that would give at least a few of the silent Democrats some leverage in being able to support some parts of the proposal while opposing others. But nobody would confirm that such an appeal has been made to Pelosi. Reactions That the 14 Red District Democrats wouldnt discuss H.R.1 comes as no surprise to Jessica Anderson, executive director of Heritage Action for America. Its not surprising that left-wing members of Congress dont want to talk about their bid to grab power and rewrite Americas election rules, Anderson told The Epoch Times on Feb. 16. They know that Americans want more election integrity, not less. They certainly dont want to allow the federal government the power to unconstitutionally overrule the states to destroy voter ID laws, force states to allow felons to vote, promote ballot harvesting, and more. Thats why these politicians would rather talk about anything except the most consequential bill they will vote on this year. Andersons group is already running ads in the districts of the 14 lawmakers that are designed to pressure them into opposing the measure. Other H.R.1 critics attributed the silence of the 14 to the sheer scope of the proposal. H.R. 1 is a massive federalization of voting and removes the proper role of the states in determining the rules, Republican congressional strategist Brian Darling told The Epoch Times. Just as many conservatives thought there was no basis to contest the counting of the electoral votes from certain states where fraud was alleged, these same conservatives should dig in and fight against liberal Democrats use of federal power to seize control of state voting procedures and laws. H.R. 1 is a frontal assault on federalism, Darling said. Americans for Limited Government (ALG) President Rick Manning said the Democrats silence is attributable to the fact Trump voters are especially opposed to any measure that expands controversial voter registration and election procedures that marred the 2020 balloting. Real election reform with increased signature verification is a top issue for many Trump voters, but H.R.1 does the exact opposite and vulnerable House Democrats want to pass it without scrutiny, Manning said. Votes against or for certain sections of the bill makes them specifically accountable for easily defined changes, which is politically dangerous. Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) President David Williams suggested opposition to H.R.1 may be coming on the left, as well as among conservatives. H.R.1 is very problematic on a number of fronts, but the biggest area of agreement that center-left and center-right groups have is mandatory donor disclosure. Both sides find this very problematic, Williams told The Epoch Times. In a time of hyper vitriol, neither side wants to be forced to disclose donors because of the potential privacy and safety concerns of the donors, he said. Contact Mark Tapscott at Mark.Tapscott@epochtimes.nyc This is my first opportunity to write to you as your Apostolic Administrator. As a neighbour and friend, beside you in the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin, I am humbled by this appointment by Pope Francis and I look forward to walking with you as you await the appointment of the next Bishop of Ossory. The first Church season we walk through together is Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of huge significance for us as members of the Christian community. On that day we begin our journey of Lent, forty days of turning back to God, forty days of re-examining our lives through the lens of our faith, forty days of pushing the reset button on how we live in relationship with God, with one another and with ourselves. You dont need me to remind you that this has been a very difficult year. The first Covid case in Ireland was on 29 February last, our schools closed and we entered the first nationwide lockdown on 12 March. Since then we have lived at a different pace. For some it has been a traumatic time with hospitalisations and death, for more a time of inconvenience working from the end of a kitchen table while also trying to home school, for more still a different time where a better work-life balance may have been achieved. No matter who you are, or how this has been, know that you are in my prayers as we set out on this Lenten journey. Even in parts of the world where there are less restrictions on gathering for worship, the Vatican has asked that ashes would not be applied to the forehead in the usual manner, but would be sprinkled on the top of peoples heads Lent is never about adding to the difficulty of what we are experiencing - far from it. Rather, Lent presents us with the most powerful reminder that, in the face of the turmoil and pain, the tremendous suffering of this world, the Lord is with us. By His Cross we have been healed, by His Cross we have been saved and by His Cross we have hope. The risen Lord walks with us and calls us to rediscover and share with others the grace and joy of a life lived with Him. Who among us will ever forget the stark, solitary image of Pope Francis in Saint Peters Square on that wet and dark evening in Lent last year. I want to remind you of something he said that evening that may help us as we set out on our journey of Lent. In that moment of prayer Pope Francis reminded us of the words we hear in the reading from the Prophet Joel on Ash Wednesday, Return to me with all your heart. In the very circumstances of our lives with its very particular experiences of loss, isolation and fear, God is saying, come back to me. This is, for us, an invitation not a demand. It is ours to accept or reject. Going back to that rain drenched Saint Peters Square, Pope Francis reminded us, that this is a time of choosing, a time of our choosing, a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. The past year has taught us an awful lot about priorities. If Lent is about getting our priorities right, about getting our life back on track, if it is about returning to God with all our heart, I ask you, what might that mean for you in real and concrete ways this Lent, what choices are you being called to? Of course, we have trusted tools to help us make our Lenten journey back to God. Our traditional disciplines of prayer, fasting and charity are not intended to be empty, pious actions. Instead, each of these disciplines is intended to draw us closer to choosing God and closer to choosing a life lived out of faith. Our traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and charity are not intended to be empty, pious actions. These are intended to draw us closer to choosing God and closer to choosing a life lived out of faith. This Lent I invite you to really think about what meaningful choices you might make around prayer, fasting and charity. Let them be choices that allow God, and others, into your life. Let them be choices that will deepen the hope and strength that comes from our faith alone, a hope and strength that we are called to share in solidarity with the whole world in this time of pandemic. Ash Wednesday is only the first day of a forty day journey - a day when normally we would have been able to come to church to be marked with ashes. While this was not possible this year, nonetheless, many of you may have the chance to join in prayer virtually with your parish or with a neighbouring parish. Some of you may be able to receive the blessed ashes from your parish church to bring home and share. I always think of my late mother smudging our foreheads as children with ashes from the little brown envelope she carried them home in from our local church. This then, the domestic church was very real in our lives and the domestic church is very evidently alive and active throughout this time of the pandemic. I applaud the initiative, the creativity and ingenuity of those leading prayer at home. This is something that will remain a critical part of the Church as we together gently move out of the pandemic. So let us take this moment of prayer together as a diocesan family, during that age-old ritual of being blessed with ashes, as we begin our Lenten journey and so we pray: Loving Jesus, As I place on my forehead the sign of your saving cross You say to me, repent and believe in the Gospel. Walking into Lent My heart is set on you. May my fasting fill me with hunger for you, May my prayer draw me deeper into your presence. May my acts of charity bring your love to my home and community. Lord of life, Grant that by turning back to you in these forty days I will re-awaken the joy of my Easter faith; For you raise me up from fear and despair And call me to hope and trust in God who is with me always. With you, I will rise again. Amen. Our journey of Lent soon begins, let us make this journey together. The Adult Faith Development Group in Ossory have in these days contacted parishes with their Lenten Programme - various ways to bring us together to journey through Lent with each other. I invite you to promote this in your parish to help ensure that Lent 2021 is appropriately celebrated. For now, I ask Gods blessing on all of us for these forty days as we make our way to the joy of Easter, answering the call to come back to God with all our hearts. As the state opens up vaccine registration to residents aged 65 and older this week, gaps in vaccine equity and access leave community members and activists concerned about roll-out for marginalized and under-served communities. From an English-only vaccine appointment website that requires computer literacy skills and personal technology to navigate alone, to a lack of vaccine education and skepticism, to the finite allotment of vaccines, barriers to entry abound. The issues are systemic, historic, and concrete. They span histories of medical abuse in the Black community and the literal difficulties of signing up for a vaccine online. And community organizers are looking for solutions. Theres no equity in this process, said Tekisha Everette, executive director of Health Equity Solutions, a health policy non-profit in Connecticut. All were doing is reinforcing the same systems that created the inequalities you saw before. We saw this in testing and we learned nothing. Vaccinations of the states Black and Latino populations already lags behind that of white residents, mirroring a similar trend seen in other parts of the country. As of Feb. 3, white adults accounted for 59.7 percent of total vaccines administered to those in the 75+ bracket in Connecticut, with just 2.3 percent going to Hispanics and 1.9 percent going to Black elders, a state press release read. These same groups that are receiving significantly less vaccine are the ones that face disproportionately higher hospitalization and death rates due to COVID. Theyre also the people that also make up a large part of the front-line and essential workers, said Crystal Emery, founder and CEO of URU, The Right To Be, a non-profit that takes on social justice issues through media campaigns. While data is limited and may not be entirely accurate, clear disparities exist, state officials have said. Currently, the state is working to distribute roughly 10 percent of its excess vaccine each week to specifically target areas that are demarcated as high on the CDCs Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) scale, according to Maura Fitzgerald, who is running COVID Communications for the CT Department of Public Health. Thats a high priority for the state, Fitzgerald said. Lost in translation Misinformation about the vaccination process, from fears of deportation to concerns about cost, could also cause issues for vaccine roll-out in immigrant communities where English is a second language. Fitzgerald said the state has been clear that they will not be turning over any personally identifiable information to other government entities. Our goal is to get shots in peoples arms and immigration status is not a deterrent. This message has been echoed in recent weeks by the Department of Homeland Security who stated that they encourage all individuals, regardless of immigration status, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once eligible under local distribution guidelines. But Katia Daley, health care campaign organizer for Connecticut Students for a Dream, is more skeptical. This information is not going to get to the community, she said of bureaucratic attempts to assuage fears for undocumented people. Of course youre going to be afraid of putting your information there because you dont want repercussions. Instead, she suggested community organizers were the best harbingers of that information. Daley has family members who are undocumented, and anticipates having to help them through the sign-up process with the oft-unwieldy federal Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS), which is only available in English. Translation in medical settings is a well-known duty for children of immigrants, who often bear the brunt of mediating stressful medical communications. Its so prevalent in our community that we honestly even have a meme about it, said Jonathan Gonzalez-Cruz, a community organizer who often translates for his mother in medical settings. To help remedy these gaps, Fitzgerald said the state has implemented and will continue expanding a 2-1-1 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line to help people contact specialists who can virtually connect with a language line interpreter. These interpreters are then able to provide translation services in more than 240 languages, according to Fitzgerald. The state also plans to include Spanish subtitles on its VAMS sign-up video and have been doing outreach with community based organizations to help with vaccine education. This is one of the major limitations of VAMS thats been a frustration for us, is it is only in English said Josh Geballe, chief operating officer in the office of the governor, during a Feb. 8 press briefing. A lot of our large providers are doing direct outreach and have multi-lingual support to people who would prefer not to interact in English. Heavy reliance on community-based organizations We already knew there were huge health disparities in our state, said Jill Zorn, senior policy officer at the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut. Its just so obvious that our health system is failing people so badly. Instead, community leaders said that the work to get marginalized, under-served populations vaccinated will have to be done by local organizers. Community partnerships and bringing everyone to the table where decisions are being made is key to equitable distribution, Zorn said. And community leaders emphasized that education by trusted voices would be essential. For URU that means highly visual media campaigns on buses and in churches, and training 12 new community organizers. For Health Equity Solutions that means hosting faith-based and education-based sessions where they can dispel vaccination myths. We dont have systems that are in place that can really help people and be really successful in getting an appointment and to getting to the vaccine, Everette said. Yale University Both Everette and Emery voiced concern about the equity issues in the way phases are structured during roll-out. Emery pointed out that life expectancy for Black people is lower than that of white people, and that current age ranges for phases dont include Black elders in the same way it does whites. Everette suggested that vaccines be prioritized for communities with the highest rates of COVID spread and deaths. This is a war with COVID-19, but at the same time, the biggest war, the deadliest disease in America, is racism, Emery said. The combination means communities of color are just getting slaughtered. This is very complicated, difficult work, she said. Language accessibility for non-English speakers The state does not plan to pivot away from VAMS in upcoming phases, which suggests current language barriers could persist, potentially putting non-native English speakers at a disadvantage. Zorn said the state phone line seems to have improved access to scheduling, but Everette has heard that there are enormously long wait times that could deter or prevent people from signing up. And even with language help, the site itself, despite improvements, is still hard to use. Bob Fishman and his wife recently signed up to get vaccinated in the next phase and found it difficult to navigate. If its not easy for us and were English speakers, I cant imagine how complicated it is for people whose language is not English, Fishman, the executive director of the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition, said. Community-based organizations like the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), a refugee resettlement agency in New Haven, have already been through this education campaign once with COVID testing, and are now gearing up again for the vaccination process. Immigrants and refugees have been hit especially hard by COVID, from both a health and economic standpoint, and getting them vaccinated is one of the agencys focuses. Earlier in the pandemic, IRIS found success ramping up COVID testing in immigrant and refugee communities by hosting testing sites at their weekly food bank, where clients were more comfortable, and where they were already congregating. IRIS is seeking approval to be a vaccination site. When it comes to vaccines, this is a whole, new uncharted territory for all of us, said Ann OBrien, director of community engagement at IRIS. Well do whatever it takes. India has imported more than 500,000 tonnes of from last month out of its overall edible oil imports of about 1.07 million tonnes. According to figures released by an industry group, the imports from comprised 497,337 tonnes of crude (CPO), 9,204 tonnes of crude palm kernel oil and 2,701 tonnes of RBD palm oil, The Star reported. India's CPO imports from last month were more than 23 per cent higher than the December purchase, the Solvent Extractors' Association said. The import was 58 per cent in December last year. However, there was a sharp drop in the soybean import that resulted in the reduction of the share of soft oils versus palm oil in January. Edible oil imports fell to 1.07 million tonnes last month from about 1.32 million tonnes in December, The Star reported. (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.) One of the most maddening aspects of most GOP senators votes at the Trump trial was their blindness to the worldwide significance of the event. This trial was not about preventing those Republican legislators from being primaried (although their cowardice indicated they thought so). It was a key historic moment in the struggle to prevent the state of global democracy from further decline. The respected Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU, the sister organization to Britains Economist magazine) just issued its annual democracy survey, which rates 167 countries; it warned that democracy in 2020 was on the slide. It labeled only 23 countries as full democracies, while 57 regimes were authoritarian and 35 hybrid governments moving in an undemocratic direction. So where was the United States ranked? As No. 25, within the cohort of 52 flawed democracies, a category it also landed in last year. The EIU attributed this dismal placement to the deep dysfunction of the U.S. government and the degree of societal polarization that makes consensus almost impossible. Including an ex-president and GOP party that refuse to accept the results of the 2020 election. The impeachment trial offered a chance to upgrade that sad EIU ranking which reflects widespread opinion in allied and adversarial nations. With the election of President Joe Biden, the worlds democratic nations are looking for America to move back toward the democratic values they once admired. The Trump acquittal will intensify their doubts that America can snap back. READ MORE: Alexei Navalny attacked Putin's Big Lie. GOP senators should do the same to Trump's at trial | Trudy Rubin Let me say here that, as a child of the Kennedy era, I still believe that American democracy will make a comeback. It is tragic, however, to compare the events of Jan. 6 and the impeachment trial with what is going on in countries that are struggling for democratic norms. In Belarus, tens of thousands of demonstrators protested for weeks against a rigged election, until they were battered and arrested into a pause, in which a dictator retained power. In Russia, 10,000 of Alexei Navalnys supporters have been arrested as tens of thousands protested his arrest after he dared to return to Moscow, having recovered abroad from the Kremlins attempt to poison him. (Navalny now faces the very real risk of being murdered in a Siberian labor camp.) In Myanmar, a military seized power after an election where the leading civilian party won a landslide victory over the military party, and tens of thousands are risking their lives demonstrating against the coup. And what does the worlds democratic role model have to show? In Washington, D.C., the thousands who marched on the U.S. Capitol, inspired by Donald Trump and his Big Lie that the election was stolen, were intent on overthrowing democratic rule. So it is staggering to watch the bulk of elected GOP legislators, at the national and state level, pretend they support the Constitution, especially Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who damned Trump as guilty but wouldnt convict. These legislators know, as stated by Sen. Lisa Murkowski who is one of the GOPs 17 brave legislative truth-tellers that the violence and desecration of the Capitol was not a spontaneous uprising. They know that Donald Trump set the stage with his election lies and gave the crowd explicit instructions to march to the Capitol. They know that Trump was only concerned about his election and retaining power. But these GOP cowards seem to lack any grasp of the world we live in, of geopolitical trends, or of the authoritarian fires they are fueling. As an editorial in Australias Sydney Morning Herald blared, Donald Trump acquittal defies logic and evidence. Or as a Der Spiegel commentator wrote, You can see an unprecedented failure of American democracy, a triumph of madness. Such sentiments were echoed by the worlds press, from friendly nations to the far more sarcastic needling of state-controlled media in Russia and China. But the message from friend and foe was that the U.S. was too dysfunctional to prevent an insurrection from occurring or to chastise an ex-president who had incited it. And that the country was so divided, such madness could occur again. I asked Stanfords Larry Diamond, a leading expert on comparative democracies, whether he thought American democracy could make a comeback, despite our tortured politics. Its deeply paradoxical, he replied by phone. In one sense were still the leader in the global campaign for democracy. No country spends more or does more to support these struggles. And now, again, we have a president who supports this. READ MORE: GOP conspiracy theorists are biggest threat to Biden's China policy | Trudy Rubin Indeed, Biden wants to hold a summit of democracies to renew that commitment, sometime in the next year. But, Diamond continues, I think the U.S. is a very flawed democracy, and the single most glaring example is that one party is trying to make the system less democratic [with] a slavish loyalty to an illiberal leader with an authoritarian personality. Over the next year, we will see whether the GOP splits and the U.S. political system can reform. But one thing is certain: Unless GOP legislators recognize what is at stake in global terms, and raise their thinking above personal interests, America will remain a flawed democracy at best. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Snap 5-Day Victoria Lockdown Bleeding Businesses Dry Victorian businesses are reeling from the states third COVID-19 lockdown in less than 12 months, with one Melbourne restaurant owner left $35,000 out of pocket. The coffers of Tooraks Bistro Thierry have been bled dry as the French eatery remains closed because of the states five-day circuit breaker. Owner Thierry Cornevin says the two previous shutdowns cost him AU$225,000 and he estimates the latest one equates to another $35,000 setback. I had money put away for a rainy day, the restaurateur of 20 years told AAP. But it funded down and were skint. You always have a buffer but getting kicked in the guts three times, its a bit much. That figure doesnt factor in lost customer sales over the snap lockdown, including those from the usually lucrative Valentines Day on Sunday. We had two sittings. We had to reimburse everyones deposits, Cornevin said. That weekend is like Mothers Day, Fathers Day its one of those special days where you do an extra 20 to 25 per cent more business. It would have been even worse if his chef hadnt cancelled all their food orders before Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the lockdown on Friday. We spent the next six hours putting everything under sous vide and freezing it, Cornevin said. Two hours later, I would have been gone. You could have easily done 50 grand. Although restaurants are able to keep serving takeaway, Cornevin is unwilling to risk compromising his business reputation among its loyal clientele. What Ive created, Im not going to damage by sending out food that, by the time it gets home, is cold and stodgy, he said. Cornevin says his bistro wont go bust from the latest shutdown, but he has grave fears for little restaurants and newcomers. Theres a lot of little restaurants that havent got 20 years under their belt and Valentines Day is a big help for them, especially after what weve been through for the past 12 months, he said. With reported losses of $100 million for restaurants and $36 million for florists over the period, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce (VCC) has launched a campaign encouraging couples to re-do Valentines Day celebrations on Feb. 28. Victorian businesses in the hospitality, events and floristry sectors have been left heartbroken on what is meant to be the most romantic day of the year, and their most profitable, said VCC CEO Paul Guerra. But Opposition Leader Michael OBrien wants a more direct form of redress, demanding the state government directly compensate impacted small businesses. They have had such a tough 2020 and they had five minutes of sunshine until a lockdown occurs and the grey clouds have rolled back in, he told reporters on Monday. This will cost businesses. This will cost jobs. A sentiment shared by Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell. Small businesses such as florists and restaurants currently have their storage rooms packed with supplies, ahead of what they thought would be one of their busiest trading days of the year, Carnell said. Premier Andrews has pledged further small business support but warned a new package would take time to put together. It is important to assess some of the impacts and to make sure that you are listening, Andrews told reporters. That (the package) will build on the record support that we have provided over a lengthy period of time. By Callum Godde The pandemic has challenged Rescue Paws by limiting volunteer capacity at shelters, in-person events and foster care; however, throughout fall 2020, Rescue Paws was still able to host online adoptions and fundraisers as well as one in-person cat adoption. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Courtesy /Zapata County Sheriffs Office Deputies detained a group of immigrants who had crossed the border illegally, the Zapata County Sheriffs Office said on Feb. 12. Authorities said the immigrants were hiding in the brush. Joe Biden plans to release an immigration reform bill that would grant path to citizenship to 11 million undocumented immigrants, according to a report Monday. The president is expected to unveil the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 in the coming days, sources have told NBC. It will reportedly include a pathway to citizenship for millions, an expansion of the refugee resettlement program and more technology at the southern border. Expanded benefits for DREAMers who came here illegally as children and processing minors' asylum applications in their home countries are also being considered as part of the bill. The move is sure to bring a fight with expected pushback from immigration hard-liners. Former Trump administration officials and some within ICE have already objected to Biden's immigration approach. Texas and Arizona have also both sued to stop Biden's 100-day deportation moratorium, which a judge temporarily put on hold. The Trump administration slashed refugee admissions by more than 85 percent, setting the limit at 15,000 for fiscal year 2021, which started in October. Biden during his campaign vowed to raise that to 125,000 for this year and possibly boost it even higher in subsequent years. Joe Biden plans to release an immigration reform bill that would grant path to citizenship to 11 million undocumented immigrants, according to a report Monday Democrat Sen. Robert Menendez said the plan 'is about fixing our broken immigration system' but also 'building a better one that reunites families, brings the undocumented community out of the shadows and on a path to citizenship'. He said the bill would also 'stands up for human rights, address the root causes of migration, and includes a smart border security strategy'. Lora Ries, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former acting deputy chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security under Trump, said in January: 'Legalizing countless millions of illegal aliens even discussing it rings the bell for millions more to illegally enter the U.S. to await their green card.' United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero told The LA Times: 'I don't know that we're going to get the support of Republicans for an immigration reform [bill] that would cover the 11 million people in this country that don't have documents. 'We're realistic on the challenges we have ahead of us.' 'Many Republicans are worried about primary challenges,' Former Rep. Carlos Curbelo, a moderate Republican from Florida said, adding that Trump and his supporters' championing of immigration crackdowns means there's 'political peril there for Republicans.' Democrats control of the House and Senate is razor thin but, if successful, the legislation would be the biggest move toward granting status to people in the country illegally since President Ronald Reagan bestowed amnesty on nearly three million people in 1986. Legislative efforts to overhaul immigration policy failed in 2007 and 2013. The Biden administration is said to be open to breaking up the legislation tp avoid it failing. Migrants walk out of the Rio Bravo river after crossing it to turn themselves in to U.S Border Patrol agents and request for asylum in El Paso, Texas on February 10 Migrants are detained by a U.S. Border Patrol agent as they turn themselves in to request asylum, after crossing into El Paso, Texas, U.S., as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico February 9 The Biden administration has already signed several executive orders on immigration, including allowing in more refugees and establishing a task force to find the parents of about 600 children who were separated under Trump and still haven't been reunited. But it hasn't ended a public health order Trump issued at the start of the coronavirus pandemic that allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection to immediately expel nearly everyone, including asylum-seekers. Press secretary Jen Psaki said the government is still working to develop a 'humane, comprehensive process' to evaluate people coming to the U.S. 'Asylum processes at the border will not occur immediately,' she said. 'It will take time to implement.' While Biden has taken some major steps in his first weeks in office to reverse Trump's hardline immigration policies, his administration hasn't lifted some of the most significant barriers to asylum-seekers. In fact, it's discouraging people from coming to the country, hoping to avoid what happened under both Trump and former President Barack Obama border agents getting overwhelmed by migrants, including many Central Americans with children. 'Now is not the time to come,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at a recent briefing, 'and the vast majority of people will be turned away.' DACA students rally in front of the Supreme Court, Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Washington Secretary of State Antony Blinken struck a similar tone on February 6 as he announced official steps to end Trump-era agreements with Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala that required many asylum-seekers to seek refuge in one of those countries instead of the U.S. 'To be clear, these actions do not mean that the U.S. border is open,' Blinken said. 'While we are committed to expanding legal pathways for protection and opportunity here and in the region, the United States is a country with borders and laws that must be enforced.' It is impossible to know precisely how many people are in the country illegally. Pew Research Center estimates there were 10.5 million in 2017, down from an all-time high of 12.2 million in 2007. The Homeland Security Department estimates there were 12 million people in the country illegally in 2015, nearly 80% of them for more than 10 years. More than half were Mexican. https://www.aish.com/jw/s/Yes-Moses-Speaks-Directly-to-Me.html I am not just connected to my roots. I am living them. A sense of Jewish history connects a Jew to his roots. It can also cloud those roots. Here is what I mean. If we ask, why be Jewish, Jewish history is one answer. There are many variations on the answer, but each one draws a Jew back in time, fostering a feeling of identity with Judaism or the Jewish people. Even so, these answers rarely take us back far enough. Consider the following reasons for connecting to Jewish history: I want to keep my own family customs alive. I do not want the Holocaust to be the end of the Jewish people. I know my passion for social justice comes from Jews always being the underdog. I relish research into my own genealogy. The more I learn about my past, the more I feel connected to it and proud of it, whether I am an Ashkenazi from Eastern Europe or a Sephardi from Spain, Greece or Iraq. I get the chills when I see Israel reborn. I sit in a philosophy class and feel special pride when Maimonides is held up as a major philosopher. I study about Rabbi Akiva, Rashi and the mystics in Safed, and I know I am connected to an eternal people. In the long arc of Jewish history, all of these examples are relatively recent. They are kind of like touring Independence Hall in Philadelphia and feeling connected to the American Revolution more than 240 years ago, but then thinking of standing before the Western Wall, some 2,000 years old. As in, 240 years, big deal! I do not mean to discount my feelings of awe and gratitude upon visiting Independence Hall. But compared to Jewish memory, 240 years is a blink. The thing is, we may say the same even for the 2,000-year-old Western Wall, the most powerful, emotional site in Judaism. My sense of Jewish history may cloud just how far back my roots actually stretch. Just as we may skip over the Holocaust and Maimonides and our personal genealogy to reach back so much further to the Western Wall, we may skip back further still. Take, for example, the one topic that occupies the entire, 2,711 folio-page Babylonian Talmud more than any other: carrying, the prohibition of transferring objects from one domain to another, or of carrying objects within a public domain, on the Sabbath. For those who do not observe this prohibition, I appeal to your intellectual curiosity. Where did this come from? It originates neither with Maimonides nor in the Talmud. It is not from the ancient Holy Temples nor even from the Prophets of Israel (save one). We stretch back not to the Holocaust 75 years ago, not to Maimonides 800 years ago, not to the Western Wall 2,000 years ago, not even to the Prophet Isaiah, some 2,800 years ago. Our roots go all the way back to the first Prophet, Moses, in the Sinai desert after the Exodus. We recall the generation of the desert, of the liberated Hebrew slaves from Egypt, not just in a ritual (the seder), not just as Jewish history, and not just as abstractions (the beginnings of the Jewish people or the inception of the Jewish-Divine covenantal relationship). No, we recall Moses in the desert for something very specific that was done then and sustained throughout the generations, down to this very next Shabbos. When the Tabernacle was under construction in the desert, as God had commanded in the Book of Exodus, our ancestors volunteered the raw materials, the fibers, precious metals and animal skins out of which the Tabernacle was made. One fine day, on a Shabbos, Moses told the entire encampments of the Israelites: Bring no more! Why? Because on Shabbos one is not to transfer from one domain to another; specifically, from the private domain (the Israelites homes, their tents) to the public domain, the Levite camp, where Moses was stationed and the Tabernacle was to be constructed (Shabbat 96b). Think of this. On the very next Shabbos that I welcome this year me, you, here, right now if I refrain from carrying an object out of my home, I am under the spiritual canopy of Moses himself, of my people at its very inception. I am a direct link to the Israelite sojourn in the Sinai desert and to one of the first Words embraced in practice after the revelation at Mount Sinai. I am not just connected to my roots. I am living them. This article won a 2020 Simon Rockower Award for Excellence in Commentary and was originally published in the Intermountain Jewish News. Sight & Sound Announces Live Broadcast of 'JESUS' for Easter For one night only, Sight & Sound's groundbreaking original stage production 'JESUS' will come to life around the world live from Branson, Missouri exclusively on Sight & Sound TV www.sight-sound.tv NEWS PROVIDED BY Sight & Sound Ministries Feb. 16, 2021 LANCASTER, Penn., Feb. 16, 2021 / "For more than 40 years audiences from all over the world have been coming to Sight & Sound to experience the Bible coming to life on stage," said Sight & Sound Chief Story Officer Josh Enck. "Now, we get to go to them." With cameras covering the theater from every angle, including on stage and behind the curtain, audiences will get a front-row seat to every spectacular moment of the show as it unfolds in real time. The live event will include a 30-minute pre-show and a 20-minute intermission, with exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and a sneak peek at how the production was created. "'JESUS' is a story about the man who strapped on his sandals, rolled up his sleeves, and reached into the lives of those sinking beneath the storms of life," Enck continued. "We're thrilled to bring this story to the world again for Easter. This time, in a brand-new way." Last year in the midst of the global pandemic, Sight & Sound released a pre-recorded version of the "JESUS" production over Easter weekend. Nearly 3 million people tuned in, making it part of their quarantined Easter experience. That event led to the launch of Sight & Sound TV, and the company's first-ever live broadcast, "QUEEN ESTHERLive," which attracted viewers from more than 100 countries over Labor Day weekend. This special Easter broadcast of "JESUSLive" marks only the second time Sight & Sound has produced a live, televised show, and the first time ever from its location in Branson, Missouri. Synopsis From the bustling streets of Jerusalem to the raging Sea of Galilee, "JESUS" is an action-packed musical stage adventure for the whole family! Join Peter, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene and a multitude of others as they journey alongside the most famous person ever to walk the earth. Witness the most miraculous events in history as Jesus sets sail with fishermen and makes disciples out of the least expected. The lives he touches will never be the same. Experience the greatest rescue story of all time as it comes to life on stage with massive sets, special effects and live animals in this original stage production from Sight & Sound Theatres. Where to Watch "JESUS Live" www.sight-sound.tv Live Event: Friday, April 2, 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (GMT -4) Livestreamed encore showings: Saturday, April 3, 3 p.m. EDT and 8 p.m. EDT Sunday, April 4, 3 p.m. EDT and 8 p.m. EDT About Sight & Sound Ministries Sight & Sound is a ministry on a mission to bring the Bible to life through live theater, television, and film. What started over 40 years ago as a traveling multimedia show has today become a destination for over 25 million people. With two state-of-the-art theaters, over 1 million people walk through their doors each year from around the world. In 2005, Sight & Sound began filming and releasing productions on DVD. National distribution came in 2017, when shows first appeared in movie theaters across the country, followed by digital releases on iTunes, Amazon and Hulu. In 2020, Sight & Sound made its first global television and live streaming debut, with more than 3 million viewers tuning in from over 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit SOURCE Sight & Sound Ministries CONTACT: Heidi McDow, 972-267-1111, Share Tweet NEWS PROVIDED BYFeb. 16, 2021LANCASTER, Penn., Feb. 16, 2021 / Christian Newswire / -- This Easter, Sight & Sound is bringing its groundbreaking original stage production "JESUS" to screens worldwide in a special live broadcast event. Already seen by more than 4 million people, audiences from across the globe will now be able to watch the greatest rescue story of all time as it comes to life like never before: live from the Branson stage."For more than 40 years audiences from all over the world have been coming to Sight & Sound to experience the Bible coming to life on stage," said Sight & Sound Chief Story Officer Josh Enck. "Now, we get to go to them."With cameras covering the theater from every angle, including on stage and behind the curtain, audiences will get a front-row seat to every spectacular moment of the show as it unfolds in real time. The live event will include a 30-minute pre-show and a 20-minute intermission, with exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and a sneak peek at how the production was created."'JESUS' is a story about the man who strapped on his sandals, rolled up his sleeves, and reached into the lives of those sinking beneath the storms of life," Enck continued. "We're thrilled to bring this story to the world again for Easter. This time, in a brand-new way."Last year in the midst of the global pandemic, Sight & Sound released a pre-recorded version of the "JESUS" production over Easter weekend. Nearly 3 million people tuned in, making it part of their quarantined Easter experience. That event led to the launch of Sight & Sound TV, and the company's first-ever live broadcast, "QUEEN ESTHERLive," which attracted viewers from more than 100 countries over Labor Day weekend.This special Easter broadcast of "JESUSLive" marks only the second time Sight & Sound has produced a live, televised show, and the first time ever from its location in Branson, Missouri.From the bustling streets of Jerusalem to the raging Sea of Galilee, "JESUS" is an action-packed musical stage adventure for the whole family!Join Peter, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene and a multitude of others as they journey alongside the most famous person ever to walk the earth. Witness the most miraculous events in history as Jesus sets sail with fishermen and makes disciples out of the least expected. The lives he touches will never be the same.Experience the greatest rescue story of all time as it comes to life on stage with massive sets, special effects and live animals in this original stage production from Sight & Sound Theatres.Where to Watch "JESUS Live"Live Event: Friday, April 2, 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (GMT -4)Livestreamed encore showings:Saturday, April 3, 3 p.m. EDT and 8 p.m. EDTSunday, April 4, 3 p.m. EDT and 8 p.m. EDTSight & Sound is a ministry on a mission to bring the Bible to life through live theater, television, and film. What started over 40 years ago as a traveling multimedia show has today become a destination for over 25 million people. With two state-of-the-art theaters, over 1 million people walk through their doors each year from around the world. In 2005, Sight & Sound began filming and releasing productions on DVD. National distribution came in 2017, when shows first appeared in movie theaters across the country, followed by digital releases on iTunes, Amazon and Hulu. In 2020, Sight & Sound made its first global television and live streaming debut, with more than 3 million viewers tuning in from over 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.sight-sound.com SOURCE Sight & Sound MinistriesCONTACT: Heidi McDow, 972-267-1111, heidi@alarryross.com Have you been touched by this issue? Is one of your friends or family members among the vanished? Do you think law enforcement has done enough to solve these cases? Share your thoughts here. ROCHESTER, Minn. - If you're scheduled to get the COVID-19 vaccine, health experts are warning about one thing you should not do before getting the shot. You might be tempted to take a Tylenol or other pain reliever before your appointment, so you don't end up with a sore arm or a headache. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that could be a bad idea. KIMT News 3 reached out to Dr. Greg Poland, who is director of the Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group. He says taking a pain reliever before getting the vaccine could reduce the effectiveness of the shot. Dr. Poland explains past research has shown that pain relievers can reduce a person's antibody response to other types of vaccines and experts worry it could impact the COVID vaccine. He says you can take pain relievers afer getting the shot. "After getting the vaccine, if that were to happen, there's no problem with taking a Tylenol or a non-steroidal drug if your physician or health care provider agrees," said Dr. Poland. Dr. Poland says people with migraines and other headache disorders should continue to take pain relievers and the same goes for other prescription medication. [February 16, 2021] Atomic Data takes control of literacy nonprofit Start Reading Now MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Local literacy nonprofit Start Reading Now has transitioned to a board led by Atomic Data employees, Minnesotas on-demand, always-on, IT as a Service provider, effective February 1, 2021. Atomic Data has been a long-time financial and volunteer supporter of Start Reading Now, and will help the nonprofit continue operations in the face of COVID-19. The change in leadership will allow Start Reading Now to better serve its existing market and eventually expand operations beyond the Twin Cities. Co-founder and former Board Chair Kevin Terrell had this to say about the transition, We set out to create a simple, volunteer-driven program that helps to create a culture of reading and learning for life in homes where that might not usually be the case. With the financial support and people power of the community, weve created a sustainable, high-impact program. Its now time to transition our leadership to a team that can take the program to even greater heights, and we could not have imagined a better way to achieve that than partnering with Atomic Data." Atomic Data's CEO and co-ownerJim Wolford was eager to take on a bigger role in supporting Start Reading Now and looks forward to promoting youth literacy across Minneapolis and beyond. Wolford will assume the position of Start Reading Now's Board Chair and will be restructuring the board with new fundraising and expansion goals in mind. 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade are critical years in the development of a child, especially those living in a world that does not always offer the proper influences and a world that, more often than not, does not challenge them to read and dream, said Wolford. Whether in Uganda at one of the worlds largest refugee settlements, or here at home in the Twin Cities metro, Atomic Data recognizes the importance of getting books into kids hands as early as possible. Thats why, when we heard Start Reading Now would soon shut down, we jumped at the opportunity to take the reins and lead the organization into the future. Existing board members Theodore Evans and Gong Yun will remain on the board to ensure a successful transition. Joining the board alongside Mr. Wolford are long-time Atomic Data employees Hannah Wagner and Scott Evangelist as well as Start Reading Now employee Lauren Beek. Mrs. Beek will be essential in assisting with the transition and overseeing the upcoming Spring 2021 book distribution campaign. About Start Reading Now Start Reading Now (www.startreadingnow.org) was founded in 2014 to address the lack of books in low-income households, and the leading role that plays in the summer slide and the achievement gap. The program funds vouchers for 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders to buy 10 news books each year at the start of the summer. Since 2014 the program has funded more than 20,000 kids in Minneapolis to buy nearly a quarter of a million new books. About Atomic Data Atomic Data (www.atomicdata.com) is an on-demand, always-on, pay-as-you-go expert extension of the enterprises technology team, always acting in the clients and the communitys best interest. Atomic Data SAFE. SIMPLE. SMART. Press Contact Atomic Data Marketing Communications Team marketing@atomicdata.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Bill Gates admits flying private jet to Paris Accords in new book (Mike Cohen/Getty Images for The New York Times) Bill Gates has admitted flying on a privet jet to the Paris Accords in his new book on how to tackle the climate crisis. The billionaire Microsoft founder admits in How to Avoid a Climate Disaster that his lifestyle makes him an imperfect messenger on climate change. The philanthropist, who is worth more than $100bn, lives in a 66,000 square-foot mansion in Medina, Washington, that has seven bedrooms and 24 bathrooms, a 2,5000 square-foot gym and even a trampoline room. And he also openly admits to using his fleet of private jets as he travels around the world on behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I cant deny being a rich guy with an opinion, wrote Mr Gates. Its true that my carbon footprint is absurdly high. I own big houses and fly in private planes in fact, I took one to Paris for the climate conference so who am I to lecture anyone on the environment? The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord that was signed by almost every nation in 2015, left by Donald Trump in November 2020 and now rejoined by Joe Bidens administration. Mr Gates says that he feels guilt about the high level of his carbon emissions and that working on this book has made me even more conscious of my responsibility to reduce them. Shrinking my carbon footprint is the least that can be expected of someone in my position whos worried about climate change and publicly calling for action, he wrote. He writes in the book that since 2020 he has used sustainable jet fuel and will fully offset my familys aviation emissions in 2021. Sustainable jet fuel is made from renewable resources such as cooking oil, plant oil, municipal waste, waste gases. For his non-aviation emissions, Mr Gates writes that he is buying offsets through a company that runs a facility that removes carbon dioxide from the air. And he adds that he is also investing in clean energy companies and non-profits, and is aiming for the world to become net-zero on new emissions. Story continues I have put more than $1bn into approaches that I hope will help the world get to zero, including affordable and reliable clean energy and low-emissions cement, steel, meat and more, he writes. Of course, investing in companies doesnt make my carbon footprint smaller. But if I have picked any winners at all, theyll be responsible for removing much more carbon than I or my family is responsible for. Besides, the goal isnt simply for any one person to make up for his or her emissions; its to avoid a climate disaster. Read More Bill Gates is right, grounding his private jet wont save the world but it would certainly help Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates back hydrogen plane start-up with $38m Bill Gates: Billionaire says buildings are biggest climate challenge as he prepares to release book on crisis What is the Paris Agreement and why has Biden rejoined the climate pact? Sorry! This content is not available in your region The Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDBG) and the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the private sector arm of the IsDBG, have signed an agency agreement for the implementation of IsDBGs R2 COVID support package, which will assist IsDBG member countries, including Egypt, to restore their economies and recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement was inked by Bandar Hajjar, the president of the IsDBG, and Ayman Amin Sejiny, the CEO of the ICD. The agreement is expected to improve intra-group collaboration and create room for cooperation with other multilateral development banks (MDBs) and international financial institutions (IFIs). In accordance with the agreement, ICD will offer its expertise in the implementation of the R2 Restore Program, a COVID-19 support program for line of finance transactions. ICD will further strengthen its relationship with the governments of the member countries, which will open doors for future cooperation opportunities and policy dialogues for the promotion of Islamic finance, Islamic banking, and supporting private sector development and job creation, in addition to mobilising extra resources from the market, leveraging its network and syndication skills. The agreement is a new type of intra-group cooperation beyond the IsDBs R2 program. By agreeing on a clear accountability framework and assigning roles and responsibilities between IsDB and ICD, we are on the path of mainstreaming group synergies, which will help us go beyond our limits, said Bandar. As the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group, ICD will continue to make important contributions to the development of the SMEs sector in our member countries through dedicated line of finance facilities, he continued. Meanwhile, Sejiny stated that the agreement is an important milestone in intra-group collaboration and expansion of their partnership with member countries, MDBs, IFIs, and a wider community of private sector businesses as the backbone of sustainable growth. The successful implementation of this agreement will help us to introduce many other initiatives on the same platform, according to Sejiny. Short link: SECAUCUS, N.J., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, announced that it is scheduled to speak at Citi's 2021 Healthcare Services, Medtech, Tools, & HCIT Virtual Conference. Mark Guinan, Executive Vice President & CFO will discuss the company's vision, goals, and capital deployment strategies. The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The presentation will be webcast live during the conference and will be available on the company's investor relations page which can be accessed at ir.QuestDiagnostics.com. In addition, the archived webcast will be available within 48 hours after the conclusion of the live event and will remain available until March 26, 2021. About Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve health care management. Quest Diagnostics annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com. About COVID-19 testing at Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics is at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working to broaden access to laboratory insights to help us all lead healthier lives. We provide both molecular diagnostic and antibody serology tests to aid in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and immune response. Our COVID-19 test services are based on tests that have received FDA emergency use authorization and which also meet our high standards for quality. We are providing these test services under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act. We provide data on COVID-19 testing to various federal and state public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and participate in studies with government and private institutions, aiding COVID-19 public health response and research. Through our team of dedicated phlebotomists, air fleet team, couriers and laboratory professionals, Quest Diagnostics works hard every day to help patients and communities across the United States access quality COVID-19 testing. The antibody tests and the molecular tests (together "All tests") have not been FDA cleared or approved; All tests have been authorized by FDA under EUAs for use by authorized laboratories; The antibody tests have been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; The molecular tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARSCoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and, All tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. For more information about the latest developments with our COVID-19 testing, visit: newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/COVIDTestingUpdates SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Related Links www.questdiagnostics.com Some North Korean hackers have tried to break into Pfizer's computer system to gather information from the pharmaceutical giant about the vaccine and treatments against Covid-19. This was reported today by the Seoul media, citing the South Korean intelligence services. A congressman, Ha Tae-keung, said Parliament was informed by NIS, the intelligence agency, that "North Korea has been trying to obtain technologies including vaccine and treatment through a cyberattack on Pfizer." An attack of this type had already occurred last December on the servers of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) by computer pirates and with the aim of stealing the data of the registration files of the Pfizer / Biontech product. At that time, the data in the dossier had been saved on a server of the regulatory body which was then attacked, leaving the illegally consulted data uncovered. Other companies affected by cyber attacks in 2020 were Gilead, J&J, Novavax and Moderna. As well as the WHO, which is also the target of data breaches. Rumors and prominent government officials have always identified China, Russia and North Korea as instigators of cybernetic pirates. (Unioneonline / vl) To facilitate the privatisation of public sector banks, the government is likely to bring amendments to two legislations later this year. Amendments would be required in the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980 for privatisation, sources said. These Acts led to the nationalisation of banks in two phases and provisions of these laws have to be changed for the privatisation of banks, they said. As the government has already announced the list of legislative business for the Budget session, it is expected that these amendments may be introduced in the Monsoon session or later during the year, sources added. The ongoing Budget session is scheduled to take up as many as 38 Bills including the Finance Bill 2021, Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2020-21 and related Appropriation Bill, National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) Bill, 2021, and Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting Budget 2021-22 earlier this month had announced the privatisation of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) as part of disinvestment drive to garner Rs 1.75 lakh crore. "Other than IDBI Bank, we propose to take up the privatization of two Public Sector Banks and one General Insurance company in the year 2021-22," she had said. Later in one of the post Budget interactions, the Finance Minister had said the government will work with the Reserve Bank for the execution of the bank privatisation plan announced in the Union Budget 2021-22. "The details are being worked out. I have made the announcement but we are working together with the RBI," she had said when asked about the proposal. The government last year consolidated 10 public sector banks into four and as a result, the total number of PSBs came down to 12 from 27 in March 2017. As per the amalgamation plan, United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce were merged with Punjab National Bank, making the proposed entity the second-largest PSB. Syndicate Bank was merged with Canara Bank, while Allahabad Bank was subsumed in Indian Bank. Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank were amalgamated with Union Bank of India. In a first three-way merger, Bank of Baroda merged Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with itself in 2019. SBI had merged five of its associate banks - State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Travancore and State Bank of Hyderabad- and also Bharatiya Mahila Bank effective April 2017. Also read: Bank of India, three other public sector banks shortlisted for privatisation Supplier News 16 February 2021 PITTSBURGH - As hoteliers continue to use this time of low occupancy to improve their properties, many have found it the ideal opportunity to also upgrade their back-of-house systems to optimize efficiency. Aptech, the industry standard for hospitality financial management, has seen a surge in adoption of its browser based PVNG enterprise accounting solution. Since the onset of the pandemic, 166 hotels either transitioned from Aptech's legacy accounting solution Profitvue to PVNG or added PVNG as new customers last year. Aptech Vice President Cam Troutman said he expects at least as many (if not more) hotels will transition to PVNG in 2021 or adopt it for the first time due to its functionality, flexibility, affordability, and effectiveness. "PVNG is a game-changer in the world of hotel accounting," Troutman said. "It was built on Aptech's 50 years of financial management knowledge, and it features the Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, Statistics, Financials, and Bank Reconciliation that today's hotel operators are seeking with much-needed browser navigation. Accessing financials remotely is especially important today as many accounting teams are working from home full or part time. Add to that PVNG's automated OCR invoice processing, the myriad of payment options, drill-down capabilities in financial statements and reports, ability to handle single or multi-property accounting, and the fact that it can be deployed as a hosted service, and there is no question as to why this accounting solution is in such high demand." Chase Hospitality, an Irving, Texas-based hotel management and development company operating nine Marriott hotels under the Residence Inn, Springhill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott brands, has relied on Aptech for enterprise accounting since 2008. While all properties are open and operating at limited capacity today, in 2020, many were closed due to the pandemic. With sales slowed and back office reporting at a minimum, Finance Operations Manager Dutt Pranav said it was the perfect time to migrate to PVNG. "We've needed to transition to PVNG for a long time, but pre-pandemic business was booming, and time wasn't on our side to learn how to transfer data or get trained on a new system," Pranav said. "Profitvue served it's purpose, but we needed our data to reside in the cloud, especially last year when it became critical to access our server remotely. With PVNG, there are no major inefficiencies or data disruptions; different people can be working in the system simultaneously. PVNG is user friendly. It's efficient, intuitive, and a practical accounting system for Chase Hospitality and our multi-property needs." Hospitality is a capital-intensive industry. Chase Hospitality works with multiple vendors, and as such it processes a lot of invoices. Operating multiple properties compounds the problem. Pranav said PVNG is helping his accounting teams keep track of payables and stay on time with payments. They can process invoices quickly to avoid penalties. And, with PVNG's template upload feature, Pranav said he can import multiple invoices at one time for a single vendor. "Before making the switch to PVNG, I looked at other accounting solutions in the market," he said. "My decision to stay with Aptech came down to customer service, price, and ease of use. Given that we were an existing client of Aptech's older accounting solution, learning PVNG was far less difficult than adopting a new solution. Plus, we have a strong relationship with Aptech, and we did not want to turn our back on them. They know our properties and our people, and they were willing to work with us on payments during a very difficult financial time. Overall, we're very happy with Aptech and PVNG." Pinnacle Hotel Management is also a long-time Aptech customer. The company relied on Profitvue to serve its multi-branded portfolio consisting of Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, and Tribute Portfolio brands for the last 18 years. Director of Finance Monica Nichols said each of Pinnacle's 13 multi-branded and independent properties are running efficiently on PVNG today. While two Courtyard by Marriott hotels began using PVNG in 2018, it wasn't until 2020 that the remaining properties made the switch. "Transitioning to PVNG was really easy for our corporate accounting team, especially during the pandemic," Nichols said. "Aptech support was a big help; they gave us an overview of the system and answered any questions we had along the way. We were pleasantly surprised how seamless the migration was. We had no major issues." Nichols said taking accounting to the cloud was one of the best decisions the company has made. She said navigating between modules is easy, and the drill-down capability of PVNG that gives her details on an account or transaction, has been a big plus. "Pinnacle Hotel Management is a small company, and everyone here takes great pride in doing our jobs right," Nichols said. "I deal with a lot of reports, and I take great pride in providing accurate information to owners, lenders, and general managers in a quick and timely fashion. Everyone can access and share data quickly with PVNG. It's easier than ever to attach transactional back-up; we don't have to search through paperwork and comb through documents. Everything we need has been built into PVNG, and we couldn't be happier." Budget Motels Inc. of Manassas, Va., is one of Aptech's oldest customers. The hotel company used Profitvue for nearly 24 years. BMI President and CFO John Tyler said his company's transition to PVNG could not have come soon enough. The server needed to be replaced and switching accounting software providers would have been an expensive investment. While it made sense to migrate to Aptech's next generation software, Tyler said he was fearful of losing critical data during the move. "I worried for nothing," Tyler said. "Moving our accounting operation to the cloud with PVNG was smooth and painless. With COVID, I am working at home two days a week, and I can instantly access anything I need in PVNG. While we used to operate nine motels, today we only have one. With a small staff, all training on PVNG was done remotely. Year-end close out used to be a tedious and labor-intensive process. I would say: 'Everyone get out of the system. I'm closing the door. Leave me alone for the rest of the day.' Now with PVNG, I can process the year-end check list with the touch of a button. Multi-property hotel companies would really appreciate the flexiblility and functionality of this solution." "PVNG is faster than other accounting software on the market, and it has better controls than our current system," he said. "What I really love is that all Aptech systems are built specifically for hotel accounting. They talk the same language that we do. We rarely, if ever, have a service issue, but if a question pops up, the Aptech support team knows exactly what we are talking about and they address the situation immediately. Aptech treats us like family, and PVNG is an excellent tool. It took fatal server issues and a pandemic to get us to switch, but we're here now and loving it." Easy to Learn and Navigate Accounting Accounts Payable is an integrated part of PVNG that controls vendor invoices from receipt to payment. The module gives users the ability to track open items and approve invoices for payment for better control. To quickly provide answers to billing questions, the system allows users to drill down into vouchers and check detail. PVNG's General Ledger easily handles single-hotel, multi-property and multi-company accounting and incorporates budgeting, forecasting, and financials. The comprehensive system provides account inquiries that include journal-entry and accounts payable drill down to verify posting details. PVNG's GL imports journal entries from Excel spreadsheets to simplify data transfer into the system without manual rekeying. Journal entry options: Manual, Template, Upload (Excel, PMS, etc.). All PVNG functions are supported by reliable financial controls and audit trails are provided for all transactions. "2020 was a difficult year for everyone, but it gave many of our customers the time they needed to update their accounting software to PVNG," Troutman said. "By doing so, they have taken some pressure off their financial processes in 2021 and set themselves up to operate more efficiently when business returns soon. Plus we've continued to add automation with new partnerships in invoice processing, digital payments, PMS integration, payroll processing and more. Because PVNG was developed from the ground up specifically for hoteliers, it streamlines common daily procedures like flexible reporting and statements with specific formulas for RevPAR, Occupancy, and ADR and makes them user-intuitive, allowing operators to accomplish daily accounting requirements with a minimum number of steps." For more information on Aptech, visit www.aptech-inc.com. About Aptech Computer Systems Inc. Aptech Computer Systems, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the only provider of a fully integrated enterprise accounting, business intelligence and planning ecosystem to the hospitality industry. All clients are companies like yours, which own or manage hotels. Its solutions help customers at both the corporate and property levels understand their financial and operational data for faster goal achievement. The company is renowned for introducing business intelligence into the hotel industry and offers a solid resource of hospitality professionals. Aptech is an IBM Software Value Plus partner and Premier Solution Provider, as well as a Prophix Premier Business Partner. Incorporated in 1970, Aptech's state-of-the-art back office, true business intelligence and enterprise planning solutions are 100% hotel specific. Solutions include PVNG, Execuvue and Targetvue. Clients comprise over 3,500 properties - including large chains, multiple-property management companies and single-site hotels. Execuvue is registered to Aptech Computer Systems Inc. All other trademarks are owned by their respective holders. For more information, please visit www.aptech-inc.com. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. NSW and Victorias agriculture ministers are warning the federal Nationals Party that agriculture must be able to share in the economic opportunities of climate action, contradicting warnings from Morrison government MPs that the sector would suffer if its greenhouse emissions are capped. NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall lambasted his federal Nationals colleagues who had called for agriculture to be excluded from any emissions reduction deadline, saying it was nothing but political point-scoring. Farm leaders are urging politicians to include agriculture in net zero plans so the sector can cash in on opportunities created by low emissions economies. Credit:Janie Barrett Prime Minister Scott Morrison said earlier this month he hoped Australia could sign up to a 2050 net zero timeline, but stopped short of committing to the timeline. He said regional Australia would not bear the costs of any emissions reduction policies. Federal Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, whose New England electorate overlaps the state seat of Mr Marshall, said in an opinion piece he co-authored with Nationals Senator Matt Canavan last week that the Nationals have always been opposed to net zero targets. The Asir region in southern Saudi Arabia should be a global tourist destination throughout the year, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman has directed, said Prince Turki Bin Talal, emir of Asir. This points to the launch of a regional tourism strategy, the first of its kind at the level of the Kingdom. Combined efforts have been made to accomplish the strategy within a period of only eight months, he was quoted as saying in a Saudi Gazette report, which cited an interview with Okaz newspaper. In his first press interview, two years after assumption of office as emir of the Asir region, Prince Turki emphasized that he would not tolerate either any offense to the region and its people from any media or prejudice the regions historical legacy. Referring to women empowerment in the region, he said that the emirate formed a team of 20 women, including six women from outside the region to provide consultations to the emirate. God willing, woman of Asir will be chosen as a member of the regional council, he said. Prince Turki pointed out that the electricity projects that are being implemented in the region are aimed to increase reliability in the power grid. I confirm that we will not accept entering into projects that fail, or making promises that are not fulfilled, Prince Turki said. The emir noted that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) is studying a number of qualitative projects for Asir, and these included Al-Souda Project Company and the recently established Wadi Project Company, as well as other projects that are under various phases of study. Asir will benefit from some global experiences in the field of tourism, Prince Turki said while pointing out that the people of the region are interacting with the initiatives of rehabilitating and developing the heritage villages. The working team, which is implementing the strategic plan, found that originality and nature are two main determinants for it, as there are hundreds of undeveloped heritage villages in the region, and many of them can be turned into centres of tourist attraction, he added. 75 Percent of Republicans Want Trump to Play Big Role in GOP: Survey Three-quarters of Republicans told Quinnipiac University pollsters that they want former President Donald Trump to play a prominent role in the Republican Party, according to a survey released two days after Trumps acquittal. The national poll, which was carried out on a representative sample of 1,056 adults, found that 75 percent of Republican respondents said Trump should play a major role in the GOP going forward, with that number dropping to 34 percent if all categories of respondents are considered. At the same time, 87 percent of Republicans said they think Trump should not be barred from holding future office, with that number dropping to 43 percent if Democrats and Independents are included in the polling mix. He is certainly not out of favor with the GOP. Twice impeached, vilified by Democrats in the trial, and virtually silenced by social media despite it all, Donald Trump keeps a solid foothold in the Republican Party, Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy said in a Feb. 15 release. On Feb. 13, the Senate voted 57-43 to acquit Trump, 10 votes shy of the 67 needed for conviction. The vote cleared Trump of the charge of incitement of insurrection, an allegation that his lawyers denounced as a monstrous lie that didnt reflect the reality of what happened on Jan. 6, when the U.S. Capitol was breached and overrun. An insurrectionunlike a riotis an organized movement acting for the express purpose to overthrow and take possession of a governments powers, Trumps lawyers wrote in filings, arguing that the former presidents speech was not an act encouraging an organized movement to overthrow the United States government. Trumps acquittal was widely seen as a foregone conclusion ahead of the trial after 45 Republicans voted to declare the proceeding unconstitutional. In a statement following his acquittal, Trump denounced the impeachment effort and thanked his supporters. This has been yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our Country, Trump said. Trump also teased a political comeback, saying that, our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun. In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people. Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a prominent figure in the GOP, said he is planning to hold discussions with Trump about the Republican Partys future. Graham told reporters in Washington on Friday that he wants Trump to work with the GOP in its bid to flip the House of Representatives and Senate in the 2022 midterm elections. Im going to try and convince him that we cant get there without you, but you cant keep the Trump movement going without the GOP united, Graham said. If we come back in 2022, then its an affirmation of your policies. But if we lose again in 2022, then its going to bethe narrative is going to continue that not only you lost the White House, but the Republican Party is in a bad spot. Trumps got to work with everybody, Graham added. You got to put your best team on the field. If its about revenge and going after people you dont like, were going to have a problem. If this is about putting your best team on the field, weve got a decent chance at coming back. Trump has remained out of sight since leaving office on Jan. 20, releasing few statements and primarily communicating through intermediaries. Outgoing President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Jan. 20, 2021. (Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images) Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trumps 2020 campaign, said last month that Trump will make sure Republicans win the House in 2022. Hes got a ton of money. Hes the biggest name. Hes going to get that done, he said on Steve Bannons War Room. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Mining giant BHP has declared a record interim dividend after it reported its strongest first-half profit in seven years. The company said its profits were buoyed by strong demand for iron ore from China, with strong steel production in the far east bumping up the prices of raw materials. Mike Henry, chief executive of BHP, hailed the trading performance as a strong set of results. As a result, shareholders in the Anglo-Australian company will be handed a payment of 1.01 dollars per share in total payout worth around 5.1 billion dollars, up from 0.65 dollars a share year ago. BHP said it saw record production at Western Australia Iron Ore, which include five connected mines. It said this helped drive the increase in underlying like-for-like profits to six billion dollars for the last six months of 2020, up from 5.2 billion dollars in the same period last year. However, its profits were still marginally below analyst consensus. Last month, the company, which employs around 80,000 people, became the most valuable company in the FTSE 100 for the first time after its strong performance during the pandemic. Mr Henry told investors that the outlook for economic growth and commodity demand remains positive despite the pandemic. These factors, combined with population growth and rising living standards, are expected to drive continuing growth in demand for energy, metals and fertilisers, he said. Our leadership team is in place and accelerating our agenda to be safer, lower cost and more productive. We are well positioned, with a portfolio of essential products that will support a cleaner and more prosperous world while generating sustainable returns for our shareholders and value for our communities. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- For the first time in over 20 years, city officials issued a snow parking ban beginning at 10 p.m. Monday (Feb. 15) for all public streets until further notice. This allows our plows to clear the streets effectively and efficiently, a city news release stated. Those with street parking permits will be exempted from the snow parking ban. Those without may face the prospect of being ticketed or towed. In a discussion last month with City Council, City Manager Susanna Niermann ONeil said that the snow parking ban has been on the books since 1987, although it is believed that only one has been declared since, that coming in the 1990s. As for this time around, ONeil said Monday night that considering the weather reports, we thought it made sense, with forecasts calling for significant additional snowfall later in the week as well. Read more from the Sun Press. [February 16, 2021] O2 Investment Partners Announces Appointment of Sam Wegenke O2 (News - Alert) Investment Partners (www.o2investment.com) is excited to announce the appointment of Sam Wegenke as the firm's newest Associate. Luke Plumpton, Partner, announced the addition, "on behalf of O2, we are pleased to have Sam join the team and believe his relevant transaction experience and skill set will be an asset to the firm as we continue to scale our portfolio and explore new opportunities." Sam will be responsible for evaluating new transactions, due diligence, underwriting, and working in partnership with O2's portfolio company management teams. Prior to joining O2, Sam was as n Investment Banking Analyst at Houlihan Lokey. At Houlihan, a middle market investment bank, Sam was an analyst in the firm's Corporate Finance group where he provided sell-side mergers and acquisitions advice to Industrial and Specialty Distribution clients. Before joining Houlihan, Sam was an Investment Banking Analyst at The McLean Group, a middle market investment bank, where he advised clients on buy- and sell-side mergers and acquisitions. Sam received his BA in Finance from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University and his master's degree from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. About O2 Investment Partners O2 Investment Partners is a Midwest-based private equity firm that seeks to acquire majority interests in lower middle market B2B services, technology, and select niche industrial companies. The Firm invests in businesses with earnings growth potential and a clear path to the creation of shareholder value. Additional information is available at www.o2investment.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005456/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Severe winter weather across the United States has ground traffic to a halt and cut power to millions of people. Temperatures in areas as far south as New Orleans have fallen below freezing with many parts of the country facing subzero temperatures. Nearly 800 temperature records have been shattered in the past week under severe polar vortex conditions which have become more frequent in recent years, with human-induced climate change destabilizing the jet stream allowing for Arctic air to descend deep into the southern parts of the country. A woman walks through falling snow in San Antonio, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas, all states which experience little average snowfall, received several inches of snow with some areas recording up to a foot of snowfall in the past couple of days. The severe weather has been destructive and deadly. Last week icy conditions resulted in six people dying in a 133-car pileup near Fort Worth, Texas. Officials from Harris County, Texas believe the death of a homeless man in his van was related to storm conditions on Monday. The homeless, particularly in typically warmer regions of the country, are the most at risk of freezing to death or suffering severe injuries during sudden cold snaps. Those who are able to take shelter in warming centers, which have been opened across northern Texas, confront the additional danger posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas in particular has faced some of the most severe fallout from the storm. Governor Greg Abbott called the storm unprecedented and remarked that snow and ice would make travel in the coming days virtually impossible. While the snow and ice have been dangerous, the threat posed by the bitter cold is even greater. Predicted low temperatures for today in Little Rock, Arkansas will reach -1 degree Fahrenheit, with Oklahoma City potentially dropping to -9 degrees F. Freezing temperatures are even reaching as far south as the eastern coast of Mexico. The dangerously low temperatures, the lowest below average anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere at the moment, are made even more concerning by the rampant power outages that have affected several states. Four million households and businesses have so far experienced power outages during this winter storm, with 3.5 million left without power in Texas alone. More than 100,000 people lost power in Louisiana, 66,000 lost power in Mississippi and tens of thousands lost power in neighboring states. The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which manages the power grids for 14 states in Central and Southern United States, has warned that the drop in temperatures has drastically increased demand for electricity beyond the ability of the power system to provide for everyone. After exhausting usage of available reserve energy, SPP has now subsequently directed its member utilities to implement controlled interruptions of service to prevent further, more widespread and uncontrolled outages, the utility said in a statement. SPP moved to direct regional and local power systems to conduct controlled outages, called rolling blackouts, of up to an hour. These bursts of power outages are intended to relax the pressure on electricity generators with the hope of averting a broader blackout and to ensure that essential facilities, such as hospitals, are able to receive the power they need. However, several grid systems experienced systemwide failures that resulted in many areas facing full blackouts that lasted hours or are continuing. Kenny Mercado, executive vice president for CenterPoint Energy, told KPRC that rolling blackouts cannot be conducted in southeastern Texas anymore because there is not enough electricity to move around the system. Desperate to reduce the consumption of electricity, utility companies and energy agencies are calling on residents to reduce consumption as much as possible. If more power is not provided soon, millions could face dangerously cold temperatures in their own homes under blackout conditions. The lack of electricity is also impacting other social services. A water treatment plant in Fort Worth, Texas lost power Monday for several hours. The resulting lack of water pressure forced 100,000 people to be put under a boil water notice and could be without water through Wednesday. The problem with Texass power supply is not just an issue of demand, though. The storm has had drastic effects on power production infrastructure that has impacted 75 percent of the states power generation capacity. Information released by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) indicates that the cold has limited the supply of natural gas to power plants, and half of the states wind turbines have frozen. Oil and gas production have been halted due to the weather, pipelines are facing issues and gas refineries have suspended operations. Even coal and nuclear power plants have reported issues due to the extreme cold conditions. The drop in power production and rise in demand have seen electricity prices rise by upwards of 10,000 percent to the point where they may reach the limit of $9,000 per megawatt hour. In Oklahoma, the price of natural gas skyrocketed to $600 per million BTU, or British Thermal Units. (The average cost for natural gas is $3 per million BTU, according to the US Energy Information Administration.) Temperatures are not expected to reach above freezing until Friday of this week, and further snowstorms are anticipated to move over the central United States, sweeping into the Northeast. If power generation is unable to return to normal levels, then millions of people could continue to see power outages and a lack of heating throughout the rest of the week, leading to injury and death for those stuck without any alternatives. The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce has launched a new initiative, Healthcare Kindness Day. Our healthcare workers were working hard every single day but in March of 2020, they were asked to not only work harder but put themselves at risk of COVID, said Dawn Mushill, Executive Director. Every one of them has had a very trying ten months and they are still dealing with so much so we created a holiday for them. Healthcare Kindness Day came to fruition at one of the Chamber board meetings. Now, months later, gift bags have been compiled and are almost ready for delivery. Each bag contains gift certificates, treats, a kindness jar with over a dozen kindness sayings a handwritten thank you note, a scratch-off ticket for one free item at a local restaurant, a flyer telling the story of the event and more. We anticipate delivery of the bags the third or fourth week of February, said Mushill. We hope the healthcare workers know how much we appreciate every single thing they do every single day. The initiative was supported by monetary donations from Busey Bank, Edward Jones/Linda Manley and Maryville CARSTAR. The bags are filled with gift donations from 1st Mid-America Credit Union, Collinsville Building and Loan, Integrity Spine & Joint Center, Profile by Sanford, SIUE Office of Online and Education Outreach, Dr. Midkiff Obstetrics & Gynecology and Just4You Insurance. The customized scratch-off tickets were donated by Alfonzos Pizzeria, Dairy Queen in Troy, Dunkin in Troy and City Scoops in Troy and Edwardsville. More than 200 volunteers from Friedens Church, Triad School District, Triad TLS Transition Students/Staff and Chamber Board/Ambassadors wrote 1,100 handwritten thank you notes, stuffed and delivered bags. For more information on this event and other activities, visit the Chambers website at www.troymaryvillecoc.com or call at 618-667-8769. You can also follow the Chamber on Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram. Professor Sren Brunak hopes that the new algorithm could become a support tool for physicians. Credit: Peter Hove Olesen It does not happen often. But on rare occasions, physicians make mistakes and may make a wrong diagnosis. Patients may have many diseases all at once, where it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of one illness from the other, or there may be a lack of symptoms. Errors in diagnosis may lead to incorrect treatment or a lack of treatment. Therefore, everyone in the healthcare system tries to minimize errors as much as possible. Now, researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed an algorithm that can help with just that. "Our new algorithm can find the patients who have such an unusual disease trajectory that they may indeed not suffer from the disease they were diagnosed with. It can hopefully end up being a support tool for physicians," says Isabella Friis Jrgensen, Postdoc at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research. The algorithm revealed possible lung cancer The researchers have developed the algorithm based on disease trajectories for 284,000 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), from 1994 to 2015. Based on these data, they came up with approximately 69,000 typical disease trajectories. "In the National Patient Registry, we have been able to map what you could call typical disease trajectory. And if a patient shows up with a very unusual disease trajectory, then it might be that the patient is simply suffering from a different disease. Our tool can help to detect this," explains Sren Brunak, Professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research. For example, the researchers found a small group of 2,185 COPD patients who died very shortly after being diagnosed with COPD. According to the researchers, it was a sign that something else might have been wrong, maybe something even more serious. "When we studied the laboratory values from these patients more closely, we saw that they deviated from normal values for COPD patients. Instead, the values resembled something that is seen in lung cancer patients. Only 10 per cent of these patients were diagnosed with lung cancer, but we are reasonably convinced that most, if not all of these patients actually had lung cancer," explains Sren Brunak. Data that will provide an immediate benefit Although the algorithm was validated through data from COPD patients, it may be used for many other diseases. The principle is the same: the algorithm uses registry data to map the typical disease trajectories and can detect if some patients' disease trajectory stand out so much that something may be wrong. "Naturally, our most important goal is for the patients to get their money's worth with respect to their health care. And we believe that in the future, this algorithm may end up becoming a support tool for physicians. Once the algorithm has mapped the typical disease trjaectories, it only takes 10 seconds to match a single patient against everyone else," says Sren Brunak. He emphasizes that the algorithm must be further validated and tested in clinical trials before it can be implemented in Danish hospitals. But he hopes it is something that can be started soon. "In Denmark, we often praise our good health registries because they contain valuable data for researchers. We use them in our research because it may benefit other people in the future in the form of better treatment. But this is actually an example of how your own health data can benefit yourself right away," says Sren Brunak. Explore further New tool shows main highways of disease development More information: Isabella Friis Jrgensen et al, Time-ordered comorbidity correlations identify patients at risk of mis- and overdiagnosis, npj Digital Medicine (2021). Isabella Friis Jrgensen et al, Time-ordered comorbidity correlations identify patients at risk of mis- and overdiagnosis,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41746-021-00382-y Paris: Frances intelligence chief signed an order to release top suspects in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, a previously classified diplomatic cable suggests, in apparently damning evidence of the countrys murky role in the massacres. Rwanda has long accused France of backing or at the very least turning a blind eye to Hutu forces behind most of the violence in which 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered, many with machetes, over 100 days. Rwanda has also alleged that France facilitated the escape of some perpetrators - something Paris denies. However, the diplomatic cable unearthed by a lawyer researching Frances conduct in the genocide suggests that Paris knew that suspects had sought refuge in a humanitarian safe zone controlled by French soldiers but deliberately let them go. OnSceneTV A woman and girl died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning early Tuesday in west Houston while running their car to stay warm, police said. Authorities were dispatched around midnight on a welfare check to a townhouse on the 5300 block of La Roche Street in the Sharpstown area where they found four people, said Lt. Larry Crowson of the Houston Police Department. NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today launched the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day fundraising program, the 39th annual MDA Shamrocks campaign. Jordan lives with neuromuscular disease and is representing the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Shamrocks campaign in this year's pinups in thousands of retailers nationwide. Thousands of retailers nationwide are raising funds and spreading awareness about muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases this February and March. Retailers invite customers to purchase MDA Shamrock in-store pin-ups for $1, $5 or a larger contribution of their choosing at checkout. All MDA Shamrocks purchased by customers are displayed in each location, showing support for over 300,000 people in the United States living with neuromuscular diseases. Donations may also be made to the MDA Shamrocks program online. All donations support research, multi-disciplinary care medical teams at over 150 of the nation's top medical institutions, and advocacy to provide equal access for our community. Funds also support educational programming, including virtual events and virtual summer camp, the organization has facilitated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to connect and care for the community. Shamrock pin-ups available for purchase in-store feature some of the over 300,000 people living with neuromuscular diseases in the United States, for whom MDA's services support, including Jordan, who lives with neuromuscular disease. "Throughout this challenging time, MDA has been on the frontlines for our community, in research, care and advocacy. We have pivoted quickly to virtual programming to support our community, to continue funding groundbreaking research and care. The Shamrocks campaign is historic, and continues to fund our vital efforts," said Donald S. Wood, PhD, president and CEO of MDA. "Over the past five years, the work of MDA has in part led to 11 FDA approved treatments to help our community live longer and grow stronger," he continued. "We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our retail partners and their loyal customers, who go the extra mile for families in their communities to bring this all-important campaign to life. Every MDA Shamrock that is purchased leads us one step closer to finding a cure for neuromuscular diseases." CITGO Petroleum Corporation and its marketers, Burger King, Price Chopper, Shaw's Supermarket and Star Market, Hardee's, Discount Drug Mart, Minuteman Food Mart, Pilot Food Mart, Fareway Stores, and more are participating in this year's MDA Shamrocks campaign. Indianapolis Colts' Nyheim Hines will raise awareness for the campaign as part of his new role as MDA's 2021 National Spokesperson. With family members who live or have lived with muscular dystrophy, Hines has been a longtime supporter of MDA through the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign, and other events for MDA in Indiana. MDA Let's Play, our online gaming community, will also be fundraising in a special St. Patrick's Day-themed game night on Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m. ET. To sign up and participate, register on our Tiltify page. Visit our Discord for full instructions on how to engage in MDA Let's Play. Follow @MDALetsPlay on Twitter for daily updates on our gaming community. This year, MDA and its retail partners are hoping to raise $4 million. To learn more about the 2021 MDA Shamrocks program, find participating retail locations, please visit mda.org/shamrocks or create an MDA Shamrocks Facebook fundraiser to show your support. MDA will be posting about the campaign on national social media channels @MDAorg using #MDA #Shamrocks on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. About the Muscular Dystrophy Association For 70 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been committed to transforming the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care. As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. MDA's MOVR is the first and only data hub that aggregates clinical, genetic, and patient-reported data for multiple neuromuscular diseases to improve health outcomes and accelerate drug development. MDA supports the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics providing best in class care at more than 150 of the nation's top medical institutions. Our Resource Center serves the community with one-on-one specialized support, and we offer educational opportunities for families and healthcare providers by providing conferences, events, and materials. MDA Advocacy supports equal access for our community, and each year thousands of children and young adults learn vital life skills and gain independence at summer camp and through recreational programs, at no cost to families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MDA continues to produce virtual events and programming to support our community when in-person events and activities are not possible. MDA's COVID-19 guidelines and virtual events are posted at mda.org/COVID19. For more information, visit mda.org. SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association Related Links https://www.mda.org The NSW government has lured the World Surf League out of Queensland amid a coronavirus quarantine standoff, with its iconic Snapper Rocks event now set to take place on Sydneys northern beaches. More than 50 of the worlds best surfers, including Kelly Slater and John John Florence, will compete at Narrabeen Beach in April. It is the second WSL event NSW has secured from interstate, with Victorias Bells Beach Easter competition being moved to Newcastle. Kelly Slater surfs at the World Surfing League event at Bells Beach in 2019. Credit:Justin McManus NSW poached the Gold Coast event, which usually opens the world championship tour, after the Queensland government refused to guarantee that tour athletes and staff could enter without quarantine from NSW after the Newcastle event, according to WSL Asia-Pacific general manager Andrew Stark. Mr Stark said NSW had been the only state to allow a chartered flight of more than 100 professional surfers and staff from Los Angeles to land in Sydney and enter hotel quarantine in early March. [February 16, 2021] Blockchain start-up Vaionex Corporation led by University of Cambridge students completes seed funding round with Two Hop Ventures NEWARK, Del., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vaionex Corporation, a blockchain start-up founded by students from the University of Cambridge, today announces that it has completed a seed funding round with Two Hop Ventures, a Dutch venture capital firm focused exclusively on investing in Bitcoin SV start-up. The investment will be used to support and accelerate the development of the Vaionex ecosystem of blockchain-based online platforms. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Vaionex Corporation specialises in solutions at the nexus of data science and blockchain technology, with the company currently operating five proprietary blockchain-based technology platforms built to collectively establish an integrated blockchain infrastructure and development ecosystem: - Satolearn blockchain education platform. - Raspora dynamic information platform based on the HIVE protocol. - MetaShard on-chain database storage and management platform. - ApiAndMe digital marketplace for buying and selling APIs. - Block-Codes code collaboration and monetisation platform. Each of the platforms offered by Vaionex Corporation interacts directly with the Bitcoin SV blockchain, the only public blockchain with the scaling, data functionalities and transaction throughput capacity required to develop enterprise-grade blockchain applications. The student-led Vaionex Corporation was founded by members of the Cambridge Metanet Society a University of Cambridge student organisation focused on the development of Metanet technologies using the Bitcoin SV blockchain - and is the student organisation's first spin-out to secure venture capital funding. Its activities are prominently supported by Bitcoin Association the global industry organisation that works to advance business with the Bitcoin SV blockchain. To learn more visit vaionex.com Speaking on today's announcement, Vaionex Corporation CEO Robin Kohze, said: "At Vaionex, we are an ambitious group with a bold vision to become a globally recognised, best-in-class blockchain service provider. Releasing five distinct blockchain-based platforms in our first year of operations is a testament to the ability and commitment of our team, with the early feedback including today's funding deal a strong sign from the market that we are heading in the right direction. Creating a blockchain start-up at the vanguard of the technology brings with it new challenges seemingly every day, but with those challenges comes insights and innovations with the power to fundamentally alter the global economy, all part of a journey we're delighted to now be sharing with the team at Two Hop Ventures." Also commenting on today's announcement, Two Hop Ventures general partner Alex Fauvel, said: "Vaionex Corporation is a business taking full advantage of Bitcoin's functionalities, including using it as a tool for educating students from all over the world to build software that interacts with its blockchain. They are a fast and efficient group releasing two or three stable products in a year would be impressive; Vaionex has managed five, all with an interconnected customer pipeline that helps onboard customers from every level. Two Hop Ventures is proud to be a seed investor in Vaionex and we are excited to see the growth that Robin Kohze and his team have in the works." Also speaking, Bitcoin Association Founding President Jimmy Nguyen, said: "Bitcoin Association has been a proud supporter of the Cambridge Metanet Society and the ambitious University of Cambridge students interested in developing applications and services on the massively scaled Bitcoin SV blockchain. We are delighted to see Robin Kohze and some of his fellow Cambridge students putting their Bitcoin knowledge into practice with Vaionex establishing a viable new business venture with several different products, now backed by venture capital funding. This speaks to the work Bitcoin Association does supporting university and student-led initiatives taking learning beyond the classroom and using Bitcoin technology to create real businesses with real impact." About Vaionex Corporation Vaionex Corporation is a Delaware-based blockchain development firm comprised of University of Cambridge students. Vaionex Corporation specialises in the development of applications and services that leverage the Bitcoin SV blockchain, offering full-service blockchain consulting, development and support, to go along with their own proprietary platform offerings. About Two Hop Ventures Two Hop Ventures is a venture capital fund focused exclusively on start-ups building infrastructure for the next generation of the Internet. The infrastructure behind this leap forward allows data and other assets to be held by the users, not Facebook, Google etc., via the combination of the blockchain and Internet. Two Hop believes that the Bitcoin SV Blockchain is the only viable solution. The fund has a traditional structure, is registered at the AFM in The Netherlands and operates under the EU AIFMD light regime. It holds no BSV or other crypto and is strictly equity and debt only. Investments are made exclusively in early-stage start-ups building on the Bitcoin SV blockchain and is without geographic limitation. The manager seeks to maximise investor returns by creating a balanced portfolio across the core infrastructure sectors of this flourishing ecosystem. About Bitcoin Association Bitcoin Association is the Switzerland-based global industry organization that works to advance business on the Bitcoin SV blockchain. It brings together essential components of the Bitcoin SV ecosystem enterprises, start-up ventures, developers, merchants, exchanges, service providers, blockchain transaction processors (miners), and others working alongside them, as well as in a representative capacity, to drive further use of the Bitcoin SV blockchain and uptake of the BSV digital currency. The Association works to build a regulation-friendly ecosystem that fosters lawful conduct while facilitating innovation using all aspects of Bitcoin technology. More than a digital currency and blockchain, Bitcoin is also a network protocol; just like Internet protocol, it is the foundational rule set for an entire data network. The Association supports use of the original Bitcoin protocol to operate the world's single blockchain on Bitcoin SV. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blockchain-start-up-vaionex-corporation-led-by-university-of-cambridge-students-completes-seed-funding-round-with-two-hop-ventures-301228849.html SOURCE Vaionex Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Todays archive page is from Jan. 3, 1952. The Advance publishes various engagement announcements. One of the announcements is from Mr. and Mrs. George Wilson of Grymes Hill. They declare the engagement of their daughter, Frances Faith, to William Mansfield Quinlan -- son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Quinlan of Castleton Corners. Wilson is a graduate of Staten Island Academy. It is reported that she then studied at Mount Ida Junior College in Newton Center, Mass., and Pace College in Manhattan. She is currently employed by the Robin Line Seas Shipping Company Inc., based in Manhattan. Quinlan is a graduate of Curtis High School, after attending St. Peters Boy High School. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran, and is employed by Johnson and Higgens, insurance brokers in Manhattan. The wedding is planned for the spring. If you have trouble viewing the page below, click here to enlarge it. To cannabis watchers, 2020 was the pivot year in the long and inevitable march toward federal legalization of adult-use cannabis in the United States. Thirty-eight states currently allow medical marijuana, and 15 of these have made it legal for adults over 21 to consume cannabis freely. Most telling, in 2020 the people of South Dakota were the first to skip over medical marijuana and go directly to legalized recreational use by adults. We have reached the tipping point. Since 2018, California has seen its cannabis industry grow to $4 billion annually, but only a tiny fraction is consumed as medical marijuana. Instead, adults primarily use cannabis to get high, which is a euphemism for relaxing, unwinding, and expanding your mind. Im a lifelong entrepreneur with five years in the cannabis business after getting an MBA at MIT and owning the 14th largest daily newspaper company in the United States. Recently, with three Wharton Business School professors, I founded Rootz Research, a cannabis-focused consumer analytics company that compiles a proprietary data set from California dispensaries. We believe its time to let the data speak, so we can get past the stigma associated with cannabis and overcome generations of scaremongering. For starters, our data shows that Americans love to consume cannabis, and only 5% of sales come from products used for medical purposes. In addition, marijuana users favor an instant buzz, so 80% of cannabis sales are inhaled products to smoke or vaporize, including pre-rolls, vapes, smokable extracts, and loose flower. Most of the remaining 20% is consumed orally and affects people slowly like alcohol. This includes the small but fast-growing THC-infused drinks market where major brewers like Constellation and Molson are investing heavily in R&D. Demographic data paints a picture of the cannabis consumer. In California, males spend 71% of cannabis dollars, and nearly half of all spending is done by men under 39 years of age (43.7%). Women and older men prefer the metered dosing and the discretion of eating cannabis-infused candies. Smokable extracts, the cannabis version of alcohol shots, are likewise the domain of young males. The data suggests that consumers use cannabis for the same reasons they use other sin products. Lets face it: Many Americans enjoy using an array of social lubrication elixirs to satisfy our insatiable quest to feel good and be entertained. And we despise being told what to do with our own bodies and minds. So, its long past time for our government state and federal and especially the courts to stop treating cannabis any differently than alcohol or nicotine. Lets remember the self-deprecating admonition of Abraham Lincoln that human beings who have no vices have damned few virtues. So regulate marijuana, for sure, but legalize it now. Unfortunately, while the American people get it, too many politicians still do not. In 2020, 60% of Arizona voters chose to legalize adult-use cannabis, but Debbie Lesko, a Republican congresswoman from a district in the western Phoenix suburbs, still supports federal prohibition. Her views were solidified, she said, by speaking to teens in addiction recovery programs. Every one of them said they started by using marijuana, she said. I am not saying that every person that smokes marijuana is going to be addicted to harder drugs, but I am concerned that we have so much costs associated with addiction in our country. Prior to the election, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem appeared in an advertisement urging a no vote against cannabis legalization. The fact is, Ive never met someone who got smarter for smoking pot, she said in the ad. Not to be outdone, the states junior senator, Mike Rounds, added his voice to the cannabis debate. I think this is really bad public policy, Rounds said. I never say I will never do anything, but most certainly I am not going to be a proponent of any type of actions along that line. Imagine a stigma so strong that a states top elected officials simply defy the will of their voters. Thats the cannabis conundrum. As Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul has observed of Republican leaders, I always jokingly say they were all in the theater watching [Reefer Madness]. And theyre still sort of this belief that marijuana is going to destroy the world somehow. Most American adults want the freedom to use cannabis legally. With New York and other states poised to legalize adult recreational use in the months ahead, we should implore our elected officials to resume protecting our inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Eric Spitz is a serial entrepreneur who entered the cannabis industry in 2016. He previously owned Freedom Communications, including the Orange Country Register. AMHERST Massachusetts School Building Authority last week approved the town and school departments requested entry into the next phase of a years-long process that will determine if a new elementary school might be built, and if the state may fund more than half of the amount. This next phase is called the feasibility study period. The Amherst application to the MSBA asked for state help to build a new Fort River Elementary School. It was submitted in December 2019. Following the MSBA review, working in tandem with local officials, the state said Amherst may pursue two options, during the feasibility study period. One could result in a new, 320-pupil, kindergarten through grade 6 building that would replace Fort River Elementary School. The other, a 575-pupil kindergarten through grade 5 building would combine Fort River and Wildwood Elementary School. This option would result in sixth graders transferring their classes to the Amherst Pelham Regional Middle School, that is currently for grades 7 and 8. Besides deciding on which option the community may select, the feasibility study is expected to estimate how much a new building might cost. Her advice to people unsure of the status of their Tuesday appointments is to call their provider before traveling into the snow. At the city-run sites, the Chicago Department of Public Health is in the midst of emailing those affected, including people waiting on their second dose, about rescheduling appointments, she said. Those people should see the new appointment made for within two weeks, she said, and additional vaccine sites are being explored to meet the demand. Two of the massive big techs of the modern era, Facebook and Apple, are out for blood against each other and wish to overpower either side using their technology. The relationship between its heads and CEO, Tim Cook and Mark Zuckerberg, saw an unforeseen rift and tension which pits both companies against each other that stem years ago. Facebook is known for social media, connectivity, and multiple application features of its networks, while Apple is known for its smart gadgets and software including the iPhone and the iOS, the MacBook with the macOS, and the like. Ideally, these two companies should be maintaining a good relationship because both businesses complement each other. On the present day, the feud continues, particularly with the iOS 14's Privacy Policy that defeats Facebook's ad tracking service to "better serve" its customers. Read Also: WhatsApp: How to Protect Phone Number in Apple, Google Android with PIN Code Before Deleting! Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg Wants to 'Inflict Pain' on Apple According to the Wall Street Journal's report, Facebook CEO and Founder, Mark Zuckerberg, has once addressed employees saying "we need to inflict pain" on Apple after the Cupertino giant's CEO comments. The Apple CEO, on the other hand, has released quite a few jabs against Facebook, particularly with the Cambridge Analytica scandal. These were reported by the employees and insiders of both camps, which reveals the tension and beef that the two have for each other. In public, it would be unnoticeable that these two have intense feelings against each other and how they run their business but insiders revealed that there is a "secret war" that is present and growing. Facebook is known for its massive presence in the technology industry which makes it a direct competitor of Apple with its products, almost defeating the purpose of complementing each other. The social media company has an edge over Apple, particularly with the Oculus VR, which Apple aims to explore with the rumors for this year. Facebook on iOS 14's Update for Privacy Labels Tim Cook has been campaigning and advocating about Privacy within Apple's products and everything which uses its software and services to protect the interests and safety of its users. The change has begun appearing since the arrival of its latest operating system for the iPhone and iPad, the iOS 14. The main change would supposedly appear in iOS 14.5 which would now be requiring all of the applications to disclose whenever it is using privacy settings on Apple devices like location GPS, camera, microphone, and more. The iOS is almost 6 months old now, and Apple aims for this version to fully integrate its settings, expecting developers to adhere. Facebook's defiance against the Privacy Labels Settings and Apple's secret issues against social media has tensed the relationship between the two. Facebook is yet unknown if it would appeal against the iOS 14.5's requirements, as it previously complained about. Related Article: Facebook Clubhouse Clone Reportedly Under 'Early Stages of Development' This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Latex extraction has seen labour shortages due to the pandemic, natural disasters, and other events More than an hours drive from Pleiku, the capital of the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, small roads are running through immense rubber forests. The town of Ia Kha is crowded with more than 8,000 people, but unlike in the past, these people are less occupied with farming than before. Ro Mah Kiu, a worker in the 15 Corporation at 74 Company, often wakes up at 3am to scrape latex. When he was still farming, he lacked the necessary skills, often left behind a wasteland, and struggled all year round. As his life remained difficult, Kiu became worried about his future. Eventually, he joined 74 Companys local farmer support group to focus on latex extraction. But it was not easy to become a latex farmer. Proper care for mature rubber trees is tricky and learning the right technique for extracting the latex from the tree even more so. The pandemic caused a scarcity in labourers and made it difficult to gather and process latex. Colonel Hoang Van Sy, commander of the 15 Corporation, told VIR, The recruitment of new workers is cumbersome. Workers lost their jobs in other industries and returned to their localities in huge numbers, but after being recruited for latex exploitation, it always takes a lot of time training for them to become skilled enough for the job. In addition, between 2018 and 2019, the corps saw nearly 3,000 workers reaching retirement age, leaving a hole in the corps workforce that has yet to be filled. Unlike in many other sectors, workers in the rubber industry are not just dependent on markets but also the weather, which sometimes leads to heavy impacts on price calculation. We are forced to cut input costs to a minimum, from over VND50 million ($2,175) per tonne of latex to VND32 million ($1,400) to reduce the pressure on prices, Sy said. Strong recovery The long chain of declining prices in the rubber sector had lasted for nearly 10 years, with few people thinking they would ever bounce back. However, in the last months of 2020, rubber prices at the Osaka exchange the reference for the natural rubber market in Europe and Asia experienced nine consecutive gains. On October 28, the most-traded April 2020 futures contract increased by 20 (19 US cents, equalling 7.9 per cent) to 274.3 ($2.65) per kilogramme, the highest closing price since March 2017. The increase in this session was also the highest since the end of 2008. Reversing prices for rubber can be easily envisioned in a period of economic development, but with 2020, a year of stagnation and economic decline amid the pandemic, market interference from the Chinese market becomes more apparent. Statistics of the Chinese Customs Department said that in the first 11 months of 2020, Chinas rubber imports reached $9.76 billion, up 4.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2019. The staggering market recovery can also be explained by the fact that rubber production in China last year dropped by 30 per cent on-year, due to massive storms on Hainan Island and droughts in Yunnan province. China has seen a significant increase in imports with only a gradual decrease in consumption. The 11-month data of Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade shows that China spent $4.34 billion, up 35.2 per cent over the same period in 2019, for the import of a popular mixture of natural and synthetic rubber. Meanwhile, the Chinese auto industry one of the key sectors for rubber consumption remained on a downturn due to the global health crisis. Although the situation is slowly improving, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers estimates that sales in 2020 dropped by 10 per cent, much lower than forecast. The ability for rubber prices to recover globally stands in stark contrast to the decrease in supply. The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) predicts that in 2021, global rubber production could recover to around 13.7 million tonnes, an increase of 8.6 per cent compared to last year. However, even with this increase, 2021s production would still be lower than that of 2019 and 2018, with about 13.8 million tonnes. Rubber production across Southeast Asia, which accounts for two-thirds of global natural rubber supply, has been severely affected by labour shortages due to the pandemic, natural disasters, and other disadvantages. The demand-supply gap is widening, while rubber traders fear the supply shortage will be further exacerbated by the continuing political instability in Thailand and the uncontrolled pandemic. According to the ANRPC, 2020s production decreased by about 6.8 per cent compared to 2019, to 12.9 million tonnes, mainly due to the decline in Thailand and India, of which Thailands output decreased by about 332,000 tonnes. This corresponds to the forecast of the Rubber Authority of Thailand on last years production, which was already estimated to be about 10 per cent lower due to the constant rains in the south of the country. In Vietnam, the trend of decreasing latex plantation areas is also apparent at some large suppliers. Dong Nai Rubber Co., Ltd., which had specialised in natural rubber supply, has started its plan to reduce 40-50 per cent of its exploitation and preliminary processing by 2025 to switch into fields with higher margins. According to Do Minh Tuan, general director of Dong Nai Rubber, latex exploitation so far contributed around 70-75 per cent of the companys revenue. Last year, the firm even recruited 250 more locals as workers but remained unable to make up for the shortage to meet production goals. Less worried farmers Data from the Vietnam Rubber Association shows that the development of national plantations for rubber has expanded the area to nearly one million hectares, of which nearly 70 per cent is meant for direct latex extraction with an estimated output of about 1.1 million tonnes per year, making Vietnam the third-largest natural rubber exporter in the world. However, as around 80 per cent of the countrys natural rubber is meant for export and domestic consumption, there is little room left for deeper processing and refining, resulting in excessive dependence on global rubber prices. Although some multilateral deals like the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement have opened a door for exports to grow, Vietnams rubber sector has yet to make real use of these opportunities. The EU market has a large demand for high-end rubber, for which Vietnamese producers could provide the input materials. According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, the European market accounted for merely 5.1 per cent of the total export volume of 1.1 million tonnes of rubber within the first nine months of 2020. Meanwhile, Huynh Tan Sieu, head of technology and environment at the Vietnam Rubber Industry Group, pointed out that local businesses also miss out on the opportunity to further the competitiveness of Vietnamese rubber in the global market by not applying for the FSC forest management certification, which confirms social and environmental characteristics of a companys operations. John Heath, commercial director at London-based natural rubber company Corrie MacColl Ltd., said in January that the European market is currently paying much attention to FSC-certified rubber. His company is distributing about 500 tonnes of certified latex to the European market each month, a very small fraction of the growing demand for FSC-certified rubber in this market, Heath explained. In response to growing pressure from civil organisations and consumers, companies take more responsibility for supply chains, and Heath said that Corrie MacColl aims to do the right thing, so it will not buy rubber from customers who cut primary tropical forests to plant rubber. Good products and official forest certifications have enabled 15 Corporation to access markets outside of China, led by the desire to reduce the focus on a single export market. As such, customers from Russia, Sweden, India, and Japan are considering buying the companys latex and rubber. However, since costs are currently higher for sourcing from the Central Highlands, sustainable solutions with mutual benefits have to be agreed on, said Sy of the 15 Corporation. He hopes that the output of the 40,000ha will suffice this year to reach the targeted 10-15 per cent increase in revenue and secure the jobs of more than 10,000 workers. In 2020, the corporation banked a gross revenue of over VND1.5 billion ($65.2 million). WASHINGTON - A Maryland judge batted away a volley of motions Tuesday aimed at undermining the case against a former Canadian Forces reservist who allegedly hoped to trigger a race war in the United States. WASHINGTON - A Maryland judge batted away a volley of motions Tuesday aimed at undermining the case against a former Canadian Forces reservist who allegedly hoped to trigger a race war in the United States. Only two of the motions filed on behalf of alleged neo-Nazi Patrik Mathews one to dismiss two of the four charges he faces, the other to suppress his statements survived the day. Patrik Mathews is shown in an undated RCMP handout photo. The lawyer for Mathews is trying to contest some of the evidence against the former Canadian Forces reservist and alleged neo-Nazi. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-RCMP MANDATORY CREDIT His lawyer, Joseph Balter, had hoped the court would agree to suppress a raft of wiretap, email and video evidence on the basis that investigators lacked sufficient probable cause to collect it. Balter also argued that much of the "odious" hate-filled, anti-Semitic rhetoric Mathews can be heard using on various videos, recordings and online chats is protected by his right to free speech. District Court Judge Theodore Chuang, however, disagreed. "The primary argument offered by Mr. Mathews is that these discussions of racist views and ideology are protected by the First Amendment and should have been minimized," Chuang said. "That argument fails ... They provide evidence of intent to engage in hate crime, so those conversations were appropriately captured." Balter had also asked the court to allow his client to stand trial separately from his alleged co-conspirator, Brian Lemley Jr., on the grounds that some of the evidence against Lemley could be prejudicial against Mathews, and that Balter might want to call him as a witness. Chuang rejected that request as well, insisting that the two cases are "properly joined" given that the charges the men face are intertwined and that any risk of prejudice can be dealt with at trial. Mathews, a former combat engineer, vanished from Beausejour, Man., in 2019 following media reports alleging he was a recruiter for a white-supremacist group known as The Base. He was arrested in January 2020 along with Lemley and William Bilbrough, as part of a broader FBI investigation of the group. Prosecutors allege the three were part of an elaborate white-supremacist plot to touch off a U.S. race war. They accuse Mathews of advocating for killing people, poisoning water supplies and derailing trains to incite a civil war in the name of creating a white "ethno-state," and of planning to violently disrupt a pro-gun rally in Virginia. Mathews is facing four charges, including two counts of being an alien in possession of a firearm and two counts of transporting a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony. Balter wants two of those charges dropped on the grounds that they are "multiplicious," meaning Mathews has effectively been charged twice for the same alleged offence, he argued. Chuang opted to reserve judgment on that motion, and said he would address whether to suppress certain statements they violate Mathews's right against self-incrimination, Balter argued during the next evidentiary hearing. During his arguments, Balter also insisted that in their zeal to target members of The Base for a hate crime, investigators overstepped their bounds and violated his client's right to free speech. The "odious" nature of the discussions documented by investigators clearly merited investigation, Balter said but they stopped short of being criminal. "The type of statements that were being made, the beliefs that were being espoused, the advocacy of violence ... would cause many, many people to be very concerned," Balter admitted. "And there certainly was reason for the agent to be concerned and perhaps conduct an investigation as to whether or not there was more to the bluster ... but that's really as far as it went." Lemley's lawyer, Ned Smock, made a similar argument, noting that a surreptitious camera and microphones shouldn't have been necessary, considering how easily the group had been infiltrated by an undercover agent. U.S. law only permits going to such extraordinary lengths to gather evidence when all other avenues have been pursued and no other reasonable options exist. Even a reporter from the Winnipeg Free Press, whose original work exposed Mathews and prompted a Canadian Forces investigation, was able to get inside the group, Smock noted. "A member of the Canadian press, who as far as I know didn't have any meaningful training on undercover work, had been accepted into the organization," he said. "All of this information could have been obtained by continuing down the road that they were going, which is undercover." The central tenet of the defence's argument is that the various district and magistrate judges who granted the search warrants all six of them; four in Maryland and two in Delaware made grievous errors in law, said assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Windom. "So six different federal judicial officers were wrong?" Windom said. "It's not just one judicial officer, two judicial officers it's six. And I think that the structure of this investigation shows the agents' good faith." Bilbrough pleaded guilty in December to two charges, including transporting an alien, and admitted in his plea agreement to being a member of The Base. He was sentenced to five years in prison. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. One-Eyed Willy, is that you? An 18th century ship which sank off the coast of Cape Cod was found to have at least six pirate skeletons still aboard. The Boston Globe reports how the wreck is the remains of a ship named the Whydah, which went beneath the waves near the New England town of Wellfleet in the 1700s. Although the ship itself was discovered in 1984, these skeletons are a recent development in the research behind the ships story. Commanded by pirate Sam Bellamy, the Whydah was wrecked off Wellfleet in 1717, taking with her the treasure of 50 plundered ships, explains the Whydah Pirate Museums website, the establishment that made the discovery. According to Cape folklore, Bellamy was returning to his love, Maria Hallett, the Witch of Wellfleet, when his ship met disaster in one of the worst storms to strike the eastern seaboard. Now Bellamy, his crew, and their bootywhich includes weapons, clothing, and, of course, jewelryare being researched by the team at the Whydah Pirate Museum to see what kind of treasures of history they can find. However, apart from potentially learning more about the lifestyle of a scallywag during this point in time, the team at the museum are also using their research to find any of the pirates potential bloodlines. We hope that modern, cutting-edge technology will help us identify these pirates and reunite them with any descendants who could be out there, states the museums underwater explorer, Barry Clifford. Now, the big question isshould these descendants be found, do they technically have the right to inherit Bellamys treasure? One could only hope. Minister Noonan acknowledged the value of the Biodiversity Forums work in independently monitoring the third National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021s progress He welcomed the report and pledged to consider its findings in detail in advance of the preparation of the next National Biodiversity Action Plan He also more than doubled the groups annual funding to 25,000 Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform has welcomed the publication of a new independent review of Irelands third National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021. The review was conducted by the Biodiversity Forum, a group of biodiversity experts from across academia, NGO, public and private sectors, whose role is to provide independent monitoring of progress of the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, highlighting progress and bottlenecks, and providing progress reports to the Minister for Heritage. Reflecting on the Groups findings regarding Irelands efforts over the 2017-2021 Plan period, Minister Noonan said: This report offers an extensive and in-depth analysis of Irelands progress in implementing our capstone biodiversity policy from some of Irelands leading ecologists and biodiversity experts. Its findings while stark outline the scale of the ambition and the strategic approach that is needed to deliver on our shared goals for nature. As my team in the National Parks and Wildlife Service works to develop the successor Plan for 2022-2026, I pledge to consider the reports findings carefully to ensure that the next National Biodiversity Action Plan is one that delivers real impact. The report is an outcome of a workshop that the group undertook in late 2020, which was funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as part of the 2019 'Seeds for Nature' initiative in order to provide independent advice to Government. Minister Noonan committed to more than doubling funding to the Biodiversity Forum from 10,000 per annum to 25,000 per annum in order to further support its work. Acknowledging the value of independent analysis, Minister Noonan said: Expert-led analysis and oversight is an important element of effective policy development. By supporting the Biodiversity Forum to continue and expand its work through this increased funding, I hope that my Department will continue to benefit from its valuable insights. Notes to Editors: The report of the National Biodiversity Forum can be read at: www.biodiversityimpactplan.ie The members of the National Biodiversity Forum who contributed to this review were: Yvonne Buckley (Chair), Trinity College Dublin James Moran, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology Jenny Neff, Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Ken Bradley, Department of Environment (Northern Ireland) Oonagh Duggan, Birdwatch Ireland Padraic Fogarty, Irish Wildlife Trust and Environmental Pillar Paul Giller, University College Cork Paul Harris, Bank of Ireland, Global Markets Siobhan Ryan, Heritage Council, Sligo County Council Tasman Crowe, University College Dublin Ziggis Coffee Announces New Headquarters, Training Facility, Cafe Drive-Thru Coming to Mead, Colo. February 16, 2021 // Franchising.com // LONGMONT, COLO. - Ziggis Coffee, Northern Colorados rapidly growing coffee franchise, has purchased land in Mead, CO at the corner of third and Welker, upon which it will build a three-story, 10,350 square-foot building. The new development will house its new headquarters as well as an on-site training facility, a 750 square-foot rooftop deck and a 1,500 square-foot Ziggis Coffee cafe and drive-thru. The new facility will allow franchisees to have an all-encompassing experience that will grant them easy access to a robust support team and will provide a unique training experience. New franchisees will have the ability to go from classroom training to real-life experience, beginning with hands-on learning in a lab setting and culminating with practicing their skills inside the fully operating cafe drive-thru. This will expand our resources beyond what we imagined possible when we began this business in 2004, said Brandon Knudsen, Co-Founder and President of Ziggis Coffee. With the amount of growth we have experienced over the past couple years, we knew it was time to create a space that will serve multiple purposes and become more than just an office space; it truly is going to be game changing from a training standpoint. The company has recently been recognized by top business and franchise publications as a company experiencing rapid growth. It ranked No. 225 on Entrepreneur Magazines Franchise 500, a highly esteemed list of the franchise industrys leading companies recognized for their outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. Additionally, Ziggis Coffee ranked No. 3 on Franchise Gators list of Top Emerging Franchises: Franchises Worth Considering in 2021, and also ranked No. 5 on its list of Fastest Growing Franchises. Last year, Ziggis Coffee was also included on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. It is an amazing opportunity to build our new headquarters in the Northern Colorado region, which has been our home-base since we started Ziggis Coffee over 17 years ago, said Knudsen. This community has witnessed our growth over the years and supported us every step of the way. With its strong sense of community and support for local businesses like ours, we are honored to be part of Mead and the Northern Colorado area. The company was founded on the corner of Main Street in Longmont, Colorado by Knudsen and his wife Camrin in 2004. Since then, the couple has expanded their business through franchising, which now has locations in Colorado, California, Arizona, Iowa, and Oklahoma, with additional agreements to open units in eight more states. There are currently 29 locations nationwide. About Ziggis Coffee Ziggis Coffee, recently ranked among the top half of companies on the 2021 Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500, is a leading specialty coffee shop and drive-thru franchise dedicated to serving only the finest roasted coffee, uniquely handcrafted drinks, and amazing, locally-made breakfast, lunch and snack options. Founded in 2004, the Colorado-based company is on a mission to elevate the standard of service within the coffee shop industry. From specializing in a variety of great-tasting menu items to providing fast and friendly service, the Ziggis Coffee brand is focused on creating a positive experience that is faster, more authentic and convenient for the demand of consumers seeking higher-quality coffee and food options on the go. In addition to its distinctive menu and superior service, Ziggis Coffee is also committed to making a positive difference in the local communities it serves. With 29 locations nationwide and over 50 additional units in development, Ziggis Coffee is positioned to quickly grow its presence in a variety of communities across the U.S. To learn more about Ziggis Coffee and its franchising opportunities, visit www.ZiggisCoffee.com/franchise or follow Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SOURCE Ziggi's Coffee ### Media Contact: Lauren Sullivan Public Relations (720) 534-6421 (mobile) publicrelations@ziggiscoffee.com Add to Request List Added Request Information Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus New Delhi: A major fire broke out on Monday in Lok Nayak Bhawan in Central Delhi, the Delhi Fire Services said. The fire started at the fourth floor of the multi-storeyed building, located next to the upscale Khan Market, a fire official said. A call was received around 4 pm. Around 26 fire tenders have been pressed into service, the official said. Further details are awaited. LIVE Updates: 25-30 fire tenders are here, a middle category fire. Can't say when fire broke out. Right now fire on 4th floor: Rajesh Pawar, Fire officer pic.twitter.com/axzybWIMoP ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017 #5:45 PM: Efforts to douse fire at Delhi's Lok Nayak Bhawan still underway; all people rescued safely. Delhi fire update: Fire at 4th floor of Lok Nayak Bhawan, 26 fire tenders on spot. Fire officials say all people have been rescued safely. pic.twitter.com/3Git19lkCB ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017 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 NEW YORK, NY and AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / SUIC QQPay USA Inc., a rising fintech startup based in New York and led by Sino United Worldwide Consolidated Ltd. (OTC PINK:SUIC) and QQ Pay Pty Ltd Australia, has developed and is offering modern fintech payment platforms to deliver innovative financial solutions to a broader mandate in B2B, Islamic cross border services and future blockchain related service. SUIC QQPay USA Inc. offers advanced fintech solutions designed for small to medium B2B companies to give them more competitive power and enable them to streamline complex processes, which drives down their operating costs and creates more profits. SUIC QQPay USA Inc.'s second payment platform addresses the challenges in the lucrative segment of the Shari'a-compliant finance and banking, Islamic capital markets, and Takaful, with operations in 72 countries and with assets forecasted to increase to USD 3.5 trillion in 2024, according to ICD-Refinitiv. This market segment has significant opportunities to gain more market share and higher market penetration as the global tech-savvy younger Muslim population is growing and comprises more than half of the global population of under 34-year-olds. In addition, Islamic social finance (Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf) can utilize our fast and convenient, safe and secure platforms to contribute towards poverty alleviation in their regions. As part of our digital transformation strategy, SUIC QQPay USA Inc. designed an innovative fintech payment platform that will aid asset managers in facing the opportunities and challenges accelerated by the current pandemic crisis. Our digital capabilities will make their operations faster and more efficient and will allow them to develop improved personalized user experiences. This payment platform is aligned and will comply with applicable securities laws and regulations. "We now embark on the fintech cross border payment platforms at a time when in-person cash transactions is no longer the prime norm. The pandemic crisis fuelled the accelerated shift towards digital payment platforms, which presented SUIC QQPay USA Inc. and the world with more growth opportunities," says Mr. Maninder Bhullar, CEO of QQ Pay Pty Ltd. Australia. About QQ Pay Pty Ltd., Australia QQ Pay Pty Ltd is incorporated in Australia and has attained the independent remittance dealer registration with Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, AUSTRAC that allows it to perform cross border transactions in Australia with the rest of the world. With the passion to expand as a leading global fintech company and carrying the flag of its proprietary QQ Pay payment platform, QQ Pay Pty Ltd. operates in Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia. For further information, please visit www.qqpay.com.au About Sino United Worldwide Consolidated Company, USA The Sino United Worldwide Consolidated Company provides research and development, venture financing for and investing in private enterprises and the public sector that develop products and services adopting core capabilities of the Internet of Things, cloud computing, mobile payment, Big Data, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence, to enhance and streamline existing processes, and establish new and exciting business models that will create revolutionary products and services. Shareholders of SUIC will be exposed to the diverse application of advanced services in various parts of the economy. Additionally, existing and potential customers can benefit from this company's diversified portfolio of technologies. As one of the pioneering publicly traded technology companies, SUIC will help build tech-enabled businesses of the future. To learn more, please visit www.sinounitedco.com. Forward-Looking Statement Certain information set forth herein contains "forward-looking information", including "future oriented financial information" and "financial outlook", under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects; (vi) completion of the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vi) renewal of the Company's current agreements; and (vii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Contacts Sino United Worldwide Consolidated Ltd. New Release Department 929-391-2550 SOURCE: Sino United Worldwide Consolidated Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629761/SUIC-QQPay-USA-Inc-to-Accelerate-Enhanced-Access-to-Core-Fintech-Payment-Platforms-in-3-Profitable-Market-Niches-geared-towards-a-greater-inclusion-of-Blockchain-Technology-in-mainstream-Cross-Border-Finance The decision will enable India's geo-mapping potentials to be used for a higher goal of India emerging as a frontline nation in all sectors. Representational image New Delhi: In sweeping changes in the country's mapping policy, the government on Monday announced liberalisation of norms governing the acquisition and production of geospatial data, a move that will help in boosting innovation in the sector and create a level-playing field for public and private entities. Under the new guidelines, the sector will be deregulated and aspects such as prior approvals for surveying, mapping and for building applications based on that have been done away with, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Ashutosh Sharma said. For Indian entities, there will be complete deregulation with no prior approvals, security clearances, licenses, for acquisition and production of geospatial data and geospatial data services, including maps, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the liberalisation of policies governing the acquisition and production of geospatial data is a massive step in government's vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The reform will benefit the country's farmers, start-ups, private sector, public sector and research institutions to drive innovations and build scalable solutions, he said. Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan in a press conference said the easing of norms will greatly help in several sectors that were suffering because of non-availability of high quality maps. Availability of comprehensive, highly accurate, granular and constantly updated representation of geospatial data will significantly benefit diverse sectors of the economy, significantly boost innovation in the country and greatly enhance its preparedness for emergency response, Vardhan said. He said earlier even the Survey of India, the organisation entrusted with making maps, had to seek permission for mapping from different agencies, thus delaying its work by at least three-to-six months. In a series of tweets, Modi said, Our government has taken a decision that will provide a huge impetus to Digital India. Liberalising policies governing the acquisition and production of geospatial data is a massive step in our vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he said. The move will unlock tremendous opportunities for the country's start-ups, private sector, public sector and research institutions to drive innovations and build scalable solutions. This will also generate employment and accelerate economic growth, he stressed. 'India's farmers will also be benefited by leveraging the potential of geospatial and remote sensing data. Democratising data will enable the rise of new technologies and platforms that will drive efficiencies in agriculture and allied sectors. These reforms demonstrate our commitment to improving ease of doing business in India by deregulation, he said. Vardhan explained that with the advent of publicly available geospatial services, a lot of geospatial data that used to be in restricted zone are freely and commonly available now and some of the policies/guidelines that used to regulate such information have been rendered obsolete and redundant. What is readily available globally does not need to be regulated, he said. Under the new guidelines, terrestrial mobile mapping survey, street view survey and surveying in Indian territorial waters will be permitted only to Indian entities irrespective of accuracy. All geospatial data produced using public funds, except classified geospatial data collected by security and law enforcement agencies, to be made accessible for scientific, economic and developmental purposes to all Indian entities and without any restrictions on their use. Vardhan said due to this policy, the whole sector will open up in a big way and geospatial data of value of Rs 1 lakh crore can be acquired and used by 2030. Talking about Google Maps, he said, If we have to make our own services available, we have to liberalise, start collecting and using data. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Department of Space, said the decision will enable India's geo-mapping potentials to be used for a higher goal of India emerging as a frontline nation in all sectors and not confining to its geo-mapping capacities only for security purposes. Singh added that unshackling the geospatial sector would play a stimulating role for the space industry as this sector is at the core of cutting-edge technologies like 5G. The industry also the welcomed the new guidelines. Agendra Kumar, President, Esri India Technology Pvt Ltd which is into mapping and spatial analytics solutions, said by easing collection, generation, preparation and dissemination of geospatial data and maps within the country, the new policy will enable sharing, collaboration and easy access to data without any constraints. This would unlock tremendous opportunities for applications of GIS (Geographic Information System) in sectors like agriculture, mining, water, urban utilities, public safety and infrastructure which already rely heavily on geospatial infrastructure. RZIM whistleblower details 'toxic' culture of manipulation, mockery in letter to board Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A public relations staffer who worked closely with the late apologist Ravi Zacharias is blowing the whistle on the "toxic" culture that existed within his ministry, which she said inhibited her from acting with integrity. In a 26-page Feb. 6 letter to the RZIM board that was shared with writer David French of The Dispatch, Ruth Malhotra, the public relations manager and spokesperson for the ministry, detailed the various ways in which she was misled and how she was put into compromising positions given how questions were being raised as evidence of the late apologist's misconduct continued to emerge. Last week, the Atlanta law firm Miller & Martin released its final report of the independent investigation it conducted into Zacharias' behavior, finding that he had engaged in serious acts of sexual misconduct, including "sexting, unwanted touching, spiritual abuse, and rape." Yet the investigation was limited in scope to Zacharias' actions with massage therapists employed at a spa he co-owned in Georgia and also in a number of southeast Asian nations. The late apologist first started being exposed in 2017 for inflating his academic credentials and grooming a Canadian woman, Lori Anne Thompson, online. Zacharias subsequently sued the woman and her husband for racketeering, claiming they were attempting to extort money from him. In the months that followed, Malhotra was left to field questions about the apologist and the integrity of the ministry for which she had no good answers. But when she pressed her colleagues for more information, she said she encountered internal resistance. In her letter to the board, she wrote that within the organization, she felt systematically marginalized, maligned, and misrepresented to others by key members of senior leadership. The ministry leaders assured the staff of the narrative Zacharias had put forward, that he, not the Thompsons, was the victim of a nefarious scheme. In May 2018, the RZIM senior leadership met with their global media director, Nancy Gifford, and Malhotra in an offsite conference room for a three-day conciliation meeting. But the meeting turned out to be a tense session where senior leaders vented at Malhotra and the outside conciliator they had hired, Judy Dabler, allegedly told her that she was "one step away from complete and total insanity." Zacharias' daughter, Sarah Davis, subsequently asked Malhotra to go to Dablers center by herself for a week of "intensive sessions." I dont want to force my hand on this, but Im prepared to do so, Davis reportedly told Malhotra. Dabler ended up not being able to work with her and she was instead referred to another counselor with knowledge of her approach and the RZIM situation. This other counselor assured Malhotra that she had been "a victim of gaslighting" and that Dabler should not be considered "a safe place." "I came to find out later that the false narrative about me the idea that I could not be trusted and my motives were cause for concern had been circulating amongst our wider staff; it was propagated by senior leadership, including during Founders Weekend 2018. [RZIM President] Michael Ramsden told several attendees at Founders that he and the senior leadership were 'concerned' and 'unsure' about my intentions, partly because 'Ruth keeps records of everything,' and he warned them to 'be careful' around me," Malhotra wrote in her letter to the board. "I believe that the leaderships treatment of me in 2017 and 2018 was unacceptable and revealing of the toxic environment at RZIM that has existed for far too long. In summary, what senior leadership subjected me to was personally traumatizing (effects of which I am still painfully working through), publicly shaming (amongst the Task Force and in front of outside consultants), and potentially spiritually abusive (an aspect I am further exploring with counselors and pastors experienced in this area). I have reasons to believe that I am not the only RZIM staff member who has suffered due to the approach and actions of senior leadership, and I pray that when possible my colleagues voices will be heard and acknowledged as well." She also recounted how troubled she was to see senior leadership and Zacharias mock the Thompsons and jokingly speculate about when their marriage might end. To date, though the ministry has apologized to the Canadian couple, Zacharias' family has not released them from the nondisclosure agreement that happened as a result of the lawsuit. Writing on Twitter Sunday, Thompson said that throughout the entire ordeal she has "literally felt publicly stripped, flogged, called cruel names, made to carry a crushing cross, and then hung on it while people cast their lots. Now I know for facts I was. Im dumbfounded." She went on to call Malhotra "a HERO." CP reached out to Malhotra for further comment but did not receive a response. In conjunction with the release of the full report last week, RZIM issued a statement saying that their hearts were "shattered," and apologized for their actions in handling what had transpired and that they were going to support Zacharias' victims in a variety of ways. "We are shocked and grieved by Ravis actions. As Ravi Zacharias was the founder of our ministry and the leader of our staff, community, and team, we also feel a deep need for corporate repentance." The revelations, the internal discord at RZIM, the late apologist's long-running pattern of sexual abuse, and the deceitful manner in which he covered his tracks have prompted Christian writers and leaders to reflect on how ministries are structured. "When family members of founders occupy the controlling heights of an organization, they are placed under immense strain and face an obvious conflict of interest when their father is accused of misconduct. Rigorous, independent investigations should be mandatory when accusers come forward. Compliance with reasonable investigatory requests (such as turning over phones and other communications equipment) must be required. Governing boards should be powerful, independent, and transparent," offered French in is article detailing Malhotra's experiences. "Nondisclosure agreements especially in Christian ministries are poisonous and enable additional abuse. Do not trust instincts over evidence. Never say, 'I know this man, and he would never do anything like this.' The goal of any organization facing claims of abuse should be discerning truth, not discrediting accusers. All accusers should be treated immediately publicly and privately with dignity and respect," he said. "The zeal to protect the leader and punish or discredit the accuser can also rest in a particular brand of arrogance. 'My ministry is necessary.' 'Souls are at stake.' 'Look at all the good were doing.' In reality, God will accomplish His purposes, with or without any of us, regardless of our gifts or talents." Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-17 05:29:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close QUITO, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador has reported a total of 268,073 cases and 10,669 deaths of COVID-19, after registering 372 cases and 36 deaths in one day, the Ministry of Public Health said on Tuesday. Another 4,723 deaths that were likely caused by COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed. According to the daily report from the ministry, Ecuador is facing a sustained increase of infections in all of its 24 provinces. The capital Quito is the hardest hit by the pandemic nationwide, with an accumulated caseload of 86,763 as of Tuesday. Ecuador ended on Tuesday a four-day Carnival holiday, amid fears among medical professionals of an increase in cases in the following weeks. The local press reported crowds, gatherings and celebrations during the holiday, especially at beaches, without the use of masks or social distancing. In the popular southwest beach resort of Salinas in the Santa Elena Province, the hotel occupancy rate was 60 percent, while bars and nightclubs were authorized to open at up to 30 percent capacity. Enditem Map of best linear unbiased prediction of LTA recharge from observations and the fitted linear mixed model, with study values for comparison / relationship between LTA groundwater recharge and LTA rainfall with data from Cuthbert et al 2019) plotted for comparison, the only independent predictor was LTA rainfall. Credit: British Geological Society UKRI 2021 Effective governance and investment decisions need to be informed by reliable data, not only about where groundwater exists, but also the rate at which groundwater is replenished. For the first time using ground measurements, a recent study has quantified groundwater recharge rates across the whole of Africaaveraged over a fifty-year periodwhich will help to identify the sustainability of water resources for African nations. The study, led by the British Geological Survey and involving an international team from the UK, South Africa, France, Nigeria, and America, developed a dataset of 134 existing recharge studies for Africa for the period from 1970 to 2019 to create a valuable resource providing an overview of the recharge pattern across the continent. Long-term average recharge values were evaluated, and each data source was critically reviewed. The recharge data were then analyzed using a linear model, to map across Africa. The resulting dataset provides the first such ground-based approximation of the renewability of groundwater storage in Africa. The results have been published today in Environmental Research Letters, and the maps and data are freely available online for governments, researchers and NGOs to use. Lead author of the paper, BGS Hydrogeologist Professor Alan MacDonald explains the need for this research: "In many parts of the world, rapid increases in groundwater pumping have led to unsustainable conditions, characterized by falling water tables and problems with water quality. Consequently, quantifying the scale of groundwater recharge is critical to characterize the resilience of groundwater supplies to both increased use and climate change." Estimating groundwater recharge is difficult, as the authors outline: "There is no one method that can directly quantify the volume of rainwater that reaches the water-table, so the focus of the research has been to combine many different methods, each appropriate to the different environments in Africa and then aggregate them using statistical techniques." Map of LTA recharge and groundwater storage / bar graph of recharge flux and groundwater storage per m2 with 10 top and bottom countries highlighted a Credit: British Geological Survey UKRI 2021 The results show that at a continental scale, long-term average rainfall predicts groundwater recharge but there are differences at a local scale due to soil and landcover and from year to year, due to the variability in the intensity of rainfall. Approximately 2% of all groundwater storage is replenished in Africa every decade and recharge can occur even in semi-arid areas. This research turns around some widely held perceptions and provides hope for the continent as it rapidly grows in population and infrastructure development. The new groundwater maps show an interesting pattern for Africa. Most African countries with little groundwater storage (such as Liberia, Guinea and Burundi) have high rainfall and therefore regular recharge and, conversely, many north African countries with negligible rainfall, usually considered as water insecure, have considerable groundwater storage. It is hoped that the groundwater recharge maps will help show where there is potential to sustainably develop more groundwater and where it could be wise to invest effort in monitoring groundwater that may be at risk of depletion or susceptible to drought. The research could also help countries locate where new more detailed studies should be focused and how to design these studies, identifying which methods may be the best to use. Professor MacDonald adds: "The maps of groundwater recharge and storage help uncover the hidden water security situation in Africa. For several countries with high groundwater storage, particularly in North Africa, groundwater pumping can increase current water security but, ultimately, at the expense of future generations. Countries with low groundwater storage are common in Africa because of the geologyhowever for most of these countries this groundwater storage is replenished regularly and is a reliable source of water. Only if people pump out too much (for example for large scale irrigation) will the groundwater be in danger of drying up during droughts." Professor Seifu Kebede from the University of KwaZulu Natal, a co-author of the paper adds: "This effort brought together extensive African knowledge with expertise from other countries to provide information to sustainably develop water resources and overcome some of the most pressing issues countries often face, such as drought, deprivation, and starvation." Explore further Parsing routes to aquifer recharge along mountain fronts More information: Alan M MacDonald et al, Mapping groundwater recharge in Africa from ground observations and implications for water security, Environmental Research Letters (2021). Journal information: Environmental Research Letters Alan M MacDonald et al, Mapping groundwater recharge in Africa from ground observations and implications for water security,(2021). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/abd661 The hugely popular audio chat app Clubhouse, which was recently blocked by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), could pose a security threat to users, particularly those based in China, according to U.S.-based security researchers. The app opened a rare window of opportunity for users in China to speak freely in Clubhouse's moderated audio forums, in Mandarin, and beyond the Great Firewall of government censorship. Users reported unprecedented conversations on normally banned topics between China-based users, who are fed the CCP's official narrative on most topics for much of the time, and activists in less censored countries, as well as those in democratic Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, according to user accounts posted to social media. But according to the Stanford Internet Observatory (SIO), concerns were also raised about how much user data could reach the Chinese authorities. "The Stanford Internet Observatory has confirmed that Agora, a Shanghai-based provider of real-time engagement software, supplies back-end infrastructure to the Clubhouse App," the SIO said in a report published on its blog. "This relationship had previously been widely suspected but not publicly confirmed." The report said users' Clubhouse ID numbers and chatroom ID numbers were transmitted to Agora unencrypted, and that the company could also access raw audio generated by users, "potentially providing access to the Chinese government." "It is also likely possible to connect Clubhouse IDs with user profiles," the report said, adding that the findings suggest "immediate security risks to Clubhouse's millions of users, particularly those in China." SIO said it had discovered other security vulnerabilities that it had informed Clubhouse about privately, choosing to wait to report on them until after they had been patched. Agora is a Shanghai-based start-up, with U.S. headquarters in Silicon Valley, that sells a "real-time voice and video engagement" platform for other software companies to build upon, the SIO report said. "It provides the nuts-and-bolts infrastructure so that other apps, like Clubhouse, can focus on interface design, specific functionalities, and the overall user experience," it said. However, Agora would be unlikely to have access to audio stored by Clubhouse, as long as it remained in the United States. Required to cooperate Chinese companies are required by China's National Security Law to cooperate with any government requests made in the name of "national security," an umbrella concept that the CCP already liberally applies to any form of public dissent or rights activism, as well as to targeted criticism of the CCP or political opposition. Clubhouse states that audio records of conversations are held "temporarily," without specifying how long they are held for, the SIO said. It said the Chinese goverment could legally demand audio or other user data stored in China, if the app's creator had any partner or subsidiary in China with access to that data. It is possible that the Chinese government can access mainland users data by eavesdropping on web traffic, as well as through in-person spying from within chatrooms, the report said. Clubhouse said in a statement that it is deeply committed to data protection and user privacy. "Over the next 72 hours, we are rolling out changes to add additional encryption and blocks to prevent Clubhouse clients from ever transmitting pings to Chinese servers," it said. "We also plan to engage an external data security firm to review and validate these changes." Shen Po-yang, an infosec expert on the democratic island of Tiwan, said more measures may be needed to prevent the authorities from identifying users via voiceprints. "This voiceprint data is on the Agora platform," Shen told RFA. "It may not wind up being stored there, but it has to pass through there, so they could intercept it." "And if it's unencrypted, they'll be able to open it up and take a look." Building a database Lee Kin-kwan, information security and technology commentator for RFA's Cantonese Service, agreed. "Now, there is voiceprint technology that can detect differences in people's vocal cords and in the sounds they make ... using computer analysis ... that may not be detectable to the ears alone," Lee said in a recent analysis of the risks of using Clubhouse in China. "Voiceprints are one of the biometric authentication methods adopted by banks and other institutions," Lee said. "Customers who pass voiceprint authentication can just call up the customer service hotline without a password or even a bank account number, as soon as they start talking with bank staff." "If voiceprints ... are used to identify Clubhouse users, that's pretty scary," he said, adding that the authorities are able to build a database of voiceprints without phone users knowing that their voices were sampled. Given that phone service users require real names and ID to register an account, the voiceprints can be easily matched to personal details, Lee said. Taiwan-based rights activist Lin Hsin-yi said the level of risk was still hard to gauge for people in China, and that she would be watching closely for further updates on Clubhouse's security vulnerabilities. 'Drinking tea' Another Taiwan-based user nicknamed Hsiao Y said he had been in a room hosted by Australia-based political cartoonist Badiucao, titled "Did anyone get invited to drink tea because of Clubhouse?" in a reference to being interviewed by China's feared state security police. "A lot of people in China dropped in to talk, and talked a lot about their experiences of being invited to drink tea in the past, but not because of Clubhouse," Hsiao Y said. He said most social media had some form of user monitoring in place. "I believe that Facebook also monitors my voice so as to send targeted advertisements," he said. "So I think all software carries risks." "As for whether my data will be sent to China, I don't know right now, but I won't be using [Clubhouse] any more because of this issue," he said. Reported by Hsia Hsiao-hwa for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Lee Kin-kwan for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. By Guillermo Martinez and Nacho Doce BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters took over some of Barcelona's streets on Tuesday evening to demand the release of a rapper arrested by Spanish police after being given a jail sentence on charges of glorifying terrorism and insulting royalty in his songs. Dozens of police stormed Lleida university in northeastern Spain earlier in the day and arrested rapper Pablo Hasel after he had barricaded himself there. Hasel, known for his radical leftist views, missed a deadline last Friday to surrender to police to serve a nine-month jail term handed down in 2018 - a sentence that caused an uproar in Spain and led the government to announce it would make free speech laws less restrictive. Hasel was convicted over lyrics and tweets that included references to the Basque separatist paramilitary group ETA, compared Spanish judges to Nazis and called former king Juan Carlos a mafia boss. After Hasel's arrest, Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo told reporters that jailing people over matters of freedom of speech should not happen in a democracy like Spain. Hasel took refuge at the university with a group of supporters on Monday. They clashed briefly with police on Tuesday morning, throwing chairs and emptying fire extinguishers, before officers carrying guns and wearing protective headgear apprehended Hasel. News images showed thousands of people marching on some of Barcelona's main streets, shouting "Freedom for Pablo Hasel". Protests also took place in other cities and towns in the Catalonia region. There were some clashes between protesters and riot police, with images showing rubbish bins on fire, looted shops and objects thrown at officers trying to disperse the crowd, sometimes using batons and foam projectiles. Mossos d'Escuadra, the Catalan regional police, said on Twitter that protesters burned motorbikes and bins, creating barricades and blocking streets in Barcelona, and that 14 people had been arrested. Story continues 'IT COULD BE YOU' "Victory will be ours. ... There will be no forgetting and no forgiving," Hasel shouted, fist raised, as he was surrounded by police and taken to jail, having several hours earlier retweeted the lyrics for which he was convicted. "Tomorrow it could be you," Hasel added in a message to his 125,000 followers. More than 200 artists, including film director Pedro Almodovar, actor Javier Bardem and singer Joan Manuel Serrat, signed a petition opposing Hasel's jail sentence. Spain's leftist government said last week in response to the case that it would reform the "gag law" enacted in 2015 by a previous administration to prevent the glorification of banned armed groups such as ETA. The law also bans insults against religion and the monarchy. The government said it would introduce milder penalties, target only actions that pose a risk to public order or might provoke violence, and would uphold tolerance for artistic, cultural and intellectual forms of expression. ETA announced its dissolution in 2018 after a four-decade campaign of violence that ended in 2010. (Reporting by Guillermo Martinez, Lorena Sopena and Nacho Doce; Additional reporting and writing by Inti Landauro and Catarina Demony; Editing by John Stonestreet, Giles Elgood and Will Dunham) Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chairs the meeting (Photo: VNA) Hanoi Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has ordered the health sector to conduct all necessary measures to make COVID-19 vaccines available in Vietnam this month either through purchasing or from UN organisations. He made the request while chairing a meeting of permanent Government members on pandemic prevention and control work held in Hanoi on February 15, in response to complicated developments recorded in several localities nationwide. The PM also required accelerating the research and production of domestic vaccine. He assigned the Health Ministry to decide options, partners and types of imported vaccines; identify priority subjects for vaccination; and coordinate with the Finance Ministry in arranging needed financial sources. Lauding prompt and drastic efforts made by the health sector and many localities since January 27 to date, he underscored the fact that necessary social distancing measures have been implemented while thousands of medical personnel have been sent to COVID-19 hotspots. However, the situation remains complicated with a number of pandemic-hit areas like Hai Duong and Hanoi yet to curb their local outbreaks, Phuc noted. At the event (Photo: VNA) The Government leader highlighted the need of more drastic implementation of his Directive 05 on urgent COVID-19 prevention and control measures, particularly in quickly zoning off outbreaks, larger scale testing, and speedy contact tracing. He agreed to proposals to halt the organization of festivals and activities of mass gatherings, and told the education ministry to coordinate with localities to carry out online teaching in some localities. He ordered restriction to Lunar New Year visits and travel in the first lunar month and strict adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures, particularly wearing masks in public areas, with stricter sanction of violations. The PM ordered localities to re-conduct COVID-19 testing for foreign experts and tightly manage quarantine sites to avoid cross infections, with the army tasked with managing these sites. He approved the enforcement of social distancing under Directive 16 in the entire Hai Duong province, adding that Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can implement the measure in high-risk areas. Ensuring food security, promoting local farm produce consumption, and tight monitoring of entry-exit activities are also necessary, according to PM Phuc. Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA) In the past 12 hours to 6pm on February 15, 40 cases of COVID-19 were recorded, raising the national count to 2,269, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. Among the new cases, 38 are in Hai Duong province and two in Hanoi. When Alice Cooper sang schools out forever from his 1972 hit, he didnt really mean it, right? During the pandemic its certainly felt that way. But things may be changing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines for reopening schools, although it cannot force reopenings, and agency officials were careful to say they are not demanding that all U.S. schools reopen. They said in-person schooling can be done safely, especially at lower grade levels, and emphasized hand washing, disinfection of school facilities, diagnostic testing, and contact tracing to find new infections and separate infected people from others in a school. The CDC also stressed that the safest way to open schools is by making sure there is as little disease in a community as possible. Becky Pringle, head of the nations largest teachers union, the National Education Association, warned that schools that serve more vulnerable students in low-income communities may not be able to accommodate other key protections the CDC recommends. Here in Philadelphia, deteriorating buildings pose quite a challenge. Teachers, students, and their families have serious concerns they would like to see addressed prior to returning to the classroom. Many structures have mold, asbestos, outdated HVAC units, and bathrooms without windows. Additional fans arent enough. Mayor Jim Kenney and his administration remain focused on getting kids back into schools as soon as possible. Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. feels that Philadelphia public schools are safe for children to return to in-person learning Feb. 22. I can confidently say that our schools are ready to open with the proper safety protocols in place, Hite said at a news conference at Nebinger Elementary in South Philadelphia. The time for reopening is now. Yet the district remains in a standoff with its teachers union, which has directed teachers not to report to school buildings because of the COVID-19-related safety concerns. The CDC announcement comes as schools across the country have been grappling with reopening safely for almost a year. Editorial cartoons from this week include: For more editorial cartoons, visit inquirer.com/opinion/cartoons/. Opinion Article 16 February 2021 Pepperdine Graziago Professor John Mooney, Academic Director, Executive Doctorate of Business Administration and Associate Professor at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School in conversation with Thomas Magnuson (MBA '89) at January 2021's "Graziadio Day Around the World: Europe." Advertisements There are a billion different reasons which drive people to become entrepreneurs. Some people are driven by a desire to help people and some people just want to go for money. I don't think Jeff Bezos thinks about money at all and I don't think Bill Gates did either. I truly think Jeff Bezos was consumed with efficiency and providing more things at a lower cost. I think Bill Gates' dream was putting a computer on every desktop in the world and imagining the increased standard of living if everyone could have open access to education. Whatever the reason, the reality is the same for everyone, whether it's romanticised by the business press or not. We often see some young darling company that was an idea, got early funding and clearly everybody there has heavy stress. The more money they get, the bigger the gun is at the back of their head as they work 24/7. On my last day at Pepperdine School of Business in 1989, Professor Chuck Williams, a former Fortune 500 CEO, said some of us would win, some would lose. Some of us would take jobs, some would start up our own businesses. He said: "Some of you are enamoured with the idea of becoming an entrepreneur. If you do, you will lose sleep, always be on the edge between success and failure, have to resort to paying employees with funds from your credit cards, and even mortgage your house as security for your company. You're never going to get to a place when you think you're there because you're going to be all consumed by forces." I honestly think it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. At the time I never dreamed I'd become an entrepreneur, and later I found out he was right about it all. I never dreamed that would become my life. As national and global economies cope with current struggles, young people today won't have the luxury of choosing whether to be an entrepreneur or not, as they used to do. The path for many has been reduced to 'work with what you've got' because old Mississippi wisdom says 'you would if you had to.' At first, you come out with the heart of a lion. Along your way make sure you keep a strong faith, because you're going to get worn down and compromised. You're going to get acclimated and become risk averse. If you can keep your faith and surround yourself with positive role models and possibilities, you can hold the vision. If your business is slowing, ask yourself 'Am I thinking big enough?' There will be times when you want to quit, but just don't. 'Stay true to your heart and make it to the next day, then repeat, and repeat.' My dad would say: 'You're just going to have to outlast. Just keep going'. Puducherry, Feb 16 : Just a day before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to Puducherry to launch the party's campaign for the elections due by May, the fourth legislator of his party resigned throwing the Congress government headed by Narayanasamy in the Union Territory into a fresh crisis on Tuesday. Puducherry chief minister Narayanswamy's close aide A. John Kumar who was elected to Puducherry Assembly from Kamaraj Nagar constituency in 2019 bypolls has resigned giving a jolt to the Congress party in the Union Territory. His resignation has come at time just a day ahead of Rahul Gandhi's visit to the UT where he is expected to kickstart the party's campaign for the upcoming election. While other Congress MLAs Malladi Krishna Rao quit on February 15, former PWD Minister A. Namassivayamy and E. Theeppainjan also resigned on January 25. N. Dhanavelu, a Congress member, was disqualified in July last year for alleged anti-party activities. With back-to-back resignations, Congress's numbers plummeted to way below the required halfway mark and headed towards crisis. Congress and DMK had a combined strength of 16 MLAs in the 30-member Puducherry assembly. The resignations have taken the Congress-led government to below 10 and the Opposition now has 14 MLAs. Meanwhile Social Welfare Minister Kandhasamy has released a video accusing that for the past five years, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi had created several hurdles for the Congress-DMK government in Puducherry He said that as election dates are expected to be announced within the next two weeks, CM Narayanasamy has called for a Cabinet meeting to decide on dissolving the government and face elections. The Congress had won 15 seats in the 2016 assembly elections in Puducherry. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Comment by Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb, has emerged as a new irritant in Indias relations with Nepal. Kathmandu has lodged a protest with New Delhi over Biplab Debs recent statement quoting Union Home Minister Amit Shah saying that the BJP had plans to expand its footprints beyond the geographical boundaries of India and to form governments in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Noted. Formal objection has been already conveyed, Nepalese Foreign Minister, Pradip Gyawali, posted on Twitter on Tuesday, when another user drew his attention to the comment made by Chief Minister of the northeastern state of India. Deb has made several controversial remarks ever since he led the BJP to a landslide victory in Tripura, which was a bastion of the Left Front for 25 years, in March 2018 and took over as Chief Minister of the state. His bizarre remarks ranged from claiming the existence of internet during the era of Mahabharata to questioning the rationale of awarding the Miss World title to Diana Hayden. This is however the first time his comment evoked protest from a foreign government. Deb made the comment during an event organised by the state unit of the BJP in Agartala last Saturday to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modis Government at the Centre for the Union Budget 2021-2022. He quoted Shah telling the local BJP leaders during an earlier visit to the northeastern state that while the saffron party had come to power in most of the states in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka had still been left to be ruled by it. Shah had still been the BJP president when he, according to Tripura Chief Minister, made the comment. The comment irked the Nepalese Government, which took it up with Embassy of India in Kathmandu. The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi also lodged a formal protest with the Ministry of External Affairs, sources said on Tuesday. Debs comment has emerged as a new irritant in India-Nepal relations, which remained stressed since Prime Minister K P Sharma Olis government in Kathmandu ratcheted up the territorial dispute between the two nations last year, ostensibly at the behest of China. Kathmandu in May 2020 lodged a protest over a new 80-kilometre-long road New Delhi built from Dharchula in Uttarakhand to the Lipulekh Pass an India-Nepal-China tri-junction boundary point. It alleged that the road passed through Nepal a claim dismissed by India. The Oli Government, however, went ahead, published a new map, which showed nearly 400 sq kms of Indias areas in Kalapani, Lipulekh Pass and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepal. It also got the Nepalese Parliament to amend by the countrys Constitution to endorse the new map. Colombo has not yet made public whether or not it has lodged a protest with New Delhi over the remarks made by the Chief Minister of Tripura. Indias relations with Sri Lanka are also going through a difficult phase with the government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa recently scrapping a tripartite deal it had inked with New Delhi and Colombo in 2019 to let India and Japan develop and run the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port. Burma Myanmar Ruling Council Amends Treason, Sedition Laws to Protect Coup Makers Military personnel and police outside the National League for Democracy headquarters in Yangon's Bahan Township. / The Irrawaddy YANGONThe State Administrative Council led by coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has amended the countrys high treason and sedition laws in an attempt to guarantee impunity for the Myanmar military leaders who seized power in a coup two weeks ago. The council amended sections 121, 124 and 505 of the colonial-era Penal Code, which define high treason and sedition. It is too risky to amend the Penal Code. Even the Mother Law [Constitution] has to refer to the Penal Code. He cant just amend it like that. To approve and apply a law, there must be public consensus. He made the amendment to use it for himself; it is not the law, said legal adviser Sai Aung Myint Oo. The 2008 Constitution, which was drafted by the military itself, sets out the procedures for amending laws, and Snr-Gen Ming Aung Hlaing has breached the Constitution by amending the law arbitrarily, Sai Aung Myint Oo said. According to the legal procedures to amend a law, a bill must first be drafted, followed by consultation on whether the proposed change can actually be practiced by the people. The bill should then be debated in Parliament, and signed into law by the President, he explained. While the original Article 121 says anyone who attempts or otherwise prepares by force of arms or other violent means to overthrow the organs of the Union or of its constituent units established by the Constitution is guilty of high treason, the coup leader has amended it so that only unconstitutional use of force of arms constitutes high treason, meaning it is acceptable to use force of arms as long as it is done in line with the Constitution. The amendment comes amid claims by lawyers that Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing could be charged with high treason, and as the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw prepares to prosecute the military council under high treason and other charges. The committee was formed by lawmakers from the National League for Democracy who were elected to the Union Parliament that was dissolved when the military staged a coup. They amended the law to prevent the next government or authorities from prosecuting them. But in fact, they can still be prosecuted retrospectively, Sai Aung Myint Oo said. While the original Section 124 of the Penal Code criminalizes any attempt to bring into hatred or contempt, or excite disaffection towards the government, the coup leader has amended the provision to prohibit any attempt to cause hatred, contempt and disaffection toward the military and military personnel, besides the government. It also increased the penalty for the crimecurrently three yearsto a minimum of seven years up to a maximum of 20 years. The military council has also changed Section 124(c) and (d), criminalizing any attempt to sabotage or hinder the success of the Defense Services and law enforcement organizations engaged in preserving the stability of the state and to hinder or disrupt Defense Services personnel and government employees in their duties. It also increased the punishment from a maximum of 10 years imprisonment to a minimum of 10 to 20 years for breaching Section 124(c); and to a maximum of seven years for breaching Section 124(d). It also made changes to Section 505 of the Penal Code regarding sedition, to criminalize any attempt to hinder, disturb, damage the motivation, discipline, health and conduct of the military personnel and government employees and cause their hatred, disobedience, or disloyalty toward the military and the government. It also added a new sub-section to Section 505 that criminalizes any attempt to cause fear, spread false news, or agitate directly or indirectly a criminal offense against a government employee, and provides a punishment of three years imprisonment. Since Myanmars military seized power in a coup on Feb. 1, tens of thousands of civil servants across the country have boycotted the regime, with more and more civil servants engaging in a civil disobedience movement, and anti-coup protesters calling for more civil servants to join the movement to bring the regimes administrative functions to a halt. The reason they amended the Penal Code is simple. They want to control the emergency situation. They amended the law in the hope that it would serve as a deterrent to some extent. But people didnt notice that. And people dont care, said lawyer U Aye Min. People do not need to be afraid of amended laws, the lawyer said. On Feb. 13, the military council also amended the Ward and Village-tract Administration Law, re-activating mandatory overnight guest registration, which enables the military to conduct midnight raids on households. What people should be worried about is late-night inspections for guests. Previously, arrests could not be made without a warrant, and there must be at least a police officer, a ward administrator and a community elder present in order to inspect a house for overnight guests. The military does not bother to do these, and thus amended the law so that so it can make arrests at any time. People must be careful about that, U Aye Min said. The military council has also suspended some provisions in the Citizens Privacy Law, enabling authorities to enter private properties to conduct searches, seize evidence and make arrests without a warrant; intercept phone calls; and demand personal telephonic and electronic communications data from telecoms providers. You may also like these stories: Workers at Myanmars Private Banks Join Nationwide Anti-Coup Work Stoppage Myanmar Military Slaps Suu Kyi With One More Charge Business Groups Voice Deep Concern Over Regimes Proposed Cyber Law Investigations editor Larry Parnass, investigations editor, joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant and CommonWealth Magazine. Offer a personal message of sympathy... By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. ADELPHI, Md. -- The Army of the future will involve humans and autonomous machines working together to accomplish the mission. According to Army researchers, this vision will only succeed if artificial intelligence is perceived to be ethical. Researchers, based at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, now known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory, Northeastern University and the University of Southern California, expanded existing research to cover moral dilemmas and decision making that has not been pursued elsewhere. This research, featured in Frontiers in Robotics and AI, tackles the fundamental challenge of developing ethical artificial intelligence, which, according to the researchers, is still mostly understudied. "Autonomous machines, such as automated vehicles and robots, are poised to become pervasive in the Army," said DEVCOM ARL researcher Dr. Celso de Melo, who is located at the laboratory's ARL West regional site in Playa Vista, California. "These machines will inevitably face moral dilemmas where they must make decisions that could very well injure humans." For example, de Melo said, imagine that an automated vehicle is driving in a tunnel and suddenly five pedestrians cross the street; the vehicle must decide whether to continue moving forward injuring the pedestrians or swerve towards the wall risking the driver. What should the automated vehicle do in this situation? Prior work has framed these dilemmas in starkly simple terms, framing decisions as life and death, de Melo said, neglecting the influence of risk of injury to the involved parties on the outcome. "By expanding the study of moral dilemmas to consider the risk profile of the situation, we significantly expanded the space of acceptable solutions for these dilemmas," de Melo said. "In so doing, we contributed to the development of autonomous technology that abides to acceptable moral norms and thus is more likely to be adopted in practice and accepted by the general public." The researchers focused on this gap and presented experimental evidence that, in a moral dilemma with automated vehicles, the likelihood of making the utilitarian choice - which minimizes the overall injury risk to humans and, in this case, saves the pedestrians - was moderated by the perceived risk of injury to pedestrians and drivers. In their study, participants were found more likely to make the utilitarian choice with decreasing risk to the driver and with increasing risk to the pedestrians. However, interestingly, most were willing to risk the driver (i.e., self-sacrifice), even if the risk to the pedestrians was lower than to the driver. As a second contribution, the researchers also demonstrated that participants' moral decisions were influenced by what other decision makers do - for instance, participants were less likely to make the utilitarian choice, if others often chose the non-utilitarian choice. "This research advances the state-of-the-art in the study of moral dilemmas involving autonomous machines by shedding light on the role of risk on moral choices," de Melo said. "Further, both of these mechanisms introduce opportunities to develop AI that will be perceived to make decisions that meet moral standards, as well as introduce an opportunity to use technology to shape human behavior and promote a more moral society." For the Army, this research is particularly relevant to Army modernization, de Melo said. "As these vehicles become increasingly autonomous and operate in complex and dynamic environments, they are bound to face situations where injury to humans is unavoidable," de Melo said. "This research informs how to navigate these moral dilemmas and make decisions that will be perceived as optimal given the circumstances; for example, minimizing overall risk to human life." Moving in to the future, researchers will study this type of risk-benefit analysis in Army moral dilemmas and articulate the corresponding practical implications for the development of AI systems. "When deployed at scale, the decisions made by AI systems can be very consequential, in particular for situations involving risk to human life," de Melo said. "It is critical that AI is able to make decisions that reflect society's ethical standards to facilitate adoption by the Army and acceptance by the general public. This research contributes to realizing this vision by clarifying some of the key factors shaping these standards. This research is personally important because AI is expected to have considerable impact to the Army of the future; however, what kind of impact will be defined by the values reflected in that AI." ### A principal at an all girls high school on Sydney's North Shore will apologise after instructing students not to wear 'skimpy' clothes because they could 'compromise the employment' of male staff. Students and parents at Cheltenham Girls' High School were shocked by the comments of principal Suellen Lawrence made in a video address to students last Friday. In reference to a recent swimming carnival, Ms Lawrence urged the girls to wear more 'appropriate' clothing. 'Some of the shorts were very short. And some of the tops were very stringy tops. Wear some clothing that covers you properly,' she said in a video obtained by 7NEWS. 'Please remember girls there are men teachers in this school and they don't want to be looking at that either. 'Don't compromise their employment because you can't do the right thing.' Students were heard gasping as the principal delivered her address. In another assembly, Ms Lawrence said some pupils had taken the message 'out of context'. The principal of Cheltenham Girls' High School in Sydney's North Shore will apologise after making 'inappropriate' comments about the dress code of students 'For those girls that have taken this out of context and have decided to make it into some sort of big issue,' she said. 'I'm sorry for you, you need to go back and listen to what was said.' Cathy Brennan, the executive director for school performance for the NSW Department of Education, said the principal's comments were 'inappropriate' but Ms Lawrence was remorseful. 'Certainly the comments that were made were not appropriate. We've taken that seriously she's absolutely ready to apologise [and] recognise those were not the comments that were aligned with our view of how we give confidence to our students and how we position our schools,' she told the ABC. 'She has really understood and is quite distressed by the fact that this caused such concern for the students at her school.' A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education said they 'did not support' the comments made by the principal. 'The comments were inappropriate and regrettable,' the department said. 'Cheltenham Girls High School is an outstanding school that advocates a positive image of women and high academic achievement.' The principal was expected to make an apology this week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- Plans to widen I-94 in Jackson County are scheduled to begin in March, but residents have a chance to discuss the project before construction crews hit the road. The Michigan Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public meeting at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 24, to help residents learn more about the proposed changes along the I-94 corridor. Related: I-94 interchange redesigns in Jackson expected to begin next spring MDOT will reconstruct portions of the highway between the Airport Road interchange and the U.S. 127 South interchange. Once complete, the interstate will have a minimum of three lanes in each direction between West Avenue and U.S.127 South, MDOT officials said. The revamped West Avenue interchange will become a diverging diamond, where drivers temporarily cross to the left side of the road when they are under the bridge. Related: $64M West Avenue, I-94 interchange redesign puts vehicles on left side of road At Elm Avenue, three roundabouts will be constructed in a similar fashion to the Cooper Street exit. There will be one on either side of the highway to direct traffic on the ramps entrances and exits. A third roundabout is planned on the north side to direct traffic coming from Rosehill and Seymour roads. MDOT is the largest funder of the $78-million project, which includes a new bridge over West Avenue. The meeting will feature a brief presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session, MDOT officials said. Questions can be submitted during the meeting using the chat function. Watch the Microsoft Teams Live Event by clicking here. Residents can also dial 248-509-0316 and enter the conference ID, 450 202 263#, to listen in. Submit public comment on the project by March 12 using the online form, or emailing monsmam@michigan.gov. Public comment will also be accepted by mail to Monica Monsma in the MDOT Environmental Services Section at 425 West Ottawa St., P.O. Box 30050, Lansing, MI 48909. MORE JACKSON NEWS: It wouldve been too late. Jackson dentist office employees credited with saving patients life When COVID hit, he quit his job and put on a kilt to chase his homestead dreams Man dies after shooting in Jackson; woman arrested Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. ~ victim worked at MAC for over a decade. ~ PHILIPSBURG: --- A Guyanese teacher that teaches art at the Methodist Agogic Center (MAC) identified as Rhonda Thomas was reportedly found stabbed to death on Monday. Police Spokesman Joe Josepha confirmed that a female was found in a home at White Sands Road Beacon Hill stabbed to death. Several persons who knew the victim reported that the victim is a well-known art teacher that hails from Guyana. They said Ms. Thomas teaches art at the Methodist Agogic Center for over a decade. Reports are that Ms. Thomas just recently obtained a divorce which some described as a 'bitter divorce procedure" However, there is no indication if the divorce has any relation to the brutal murder. Friends of the deceased teacher described her as a hard worker, they said besides her teaching job at the MAC School, Thomas was Security Guard and later became a part-time employee of Maho as an interior decorator. Police Spokesman Joe Josepha said that the detectives are dealing with the case and have not revealed the identity of the victim. As soon as more information is released by police this article will be updated. SMN News extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the late Rhonda Thomas. A woman found deceased in her home at Beacon Hill. The Police Patrol and Ambulance department were sent to White Sands Road in Beacon Hill, on Monday, February 15th, 2021, at approximately 12.00 pm where they encountered a female victim who was lying on the ground in her home and not showing any signs of life. After conducting a brief investigation on the scene it was concluded that the victim died of foul play. The doctor, who arrived later on the scene pronounced the death of the victim. The body of the victim has been confiscated for further investigation. The identity of the victim is currently being withheld until all families of the victim have been properly notified. So far, the police have no clear picture of what had taken place up to now. If you or anyone you know may have information as to what took place do not hesitate to contact the Police Detective Department at +1 721 54 22222 or the anonymous tip line on 9300 (free of charge). You can also visit the website at www.policesxm.sx to report crime anonymously via the tip contact form, or you can leave a Private Message via our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten - Korps Politie Sint Maarten) if you know the suspect something. This investigation is currently ongoing, more details into what took place will be provided as soon as they become available. Police Force would like to express its condolence to the family of the deceased. KPSM Press Release. Rep. Dusty Johnson, (R-S.D), during an interview at his house in Mitchell, S.D., on Feb. 12, 2020. (Bowen Xiao/The Epoch Times) Bidens Keystone Shutdown an Attack on the Rule of Law, South Dakotas Johnson Says This is part two of a series exploring the effects of President Joe Bidens cancellation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. MITCHELL, S.D.Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) has listened to story after story from local business owners who have been hurt badly as a result of the shutdown of the Keystone XL pipeline. In addition to the more than 1,000 pipeline workers who were laid off after Biden signed an executive order revoking the presidential permit signed by President Donald Trump, the effects have rippled across the state, hitting smaller rural communities that relied on the economic opportunities the pipeline was to bring. In an interview at his home in Mitchell, South Dakota, Johnson called the cancellation of the pipeline an attack on the rule of law. Reasonable people can disagree about the future of pipelines. I dont think though that we should be in a position of undermining the rule of law by changing the rules once a project is already hundreds of millions of dollars into the construction process, Johnson told The Epoch Times. That is a bait-and-switch that heretofore has not been something we see in America. Companies involved with the Keystone XL project had gotten their permits to build, hired employees, and purchased hundreds of millions of dollars worth of material. They had recently started construction. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D), during an interview at his house in Mitchell, S.D., on Feb. 12, 2020. (Bowen Xiao/The Epoch Times) The presidents rejection of all of that, in essence, his veto of all of those dozens of other permits, is a staggering attack on the rule of law, Johnson said. Its a mistake, and it risks impacting millions of lives in this country. Johnson said he and dozens of his colleagues have come together behind legislation introduced by Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) to revoke the presidential permit authority, which Biden used to shut down the pipeline. Presidential permits dont need to follow the rules that accompany other regulatory decisions in the country, he said, adding that it gives one person the opportunity in essence to veto all of these other regulatory and environmental decisions. I think its a bad process, and were going to do our best to get that legislation passed, he said. Thousands Impacted Business owners in South Dakota arent backing down without a fight, and are increasingly making their voices heard. On Feb. 8, Johnson, Armstrong, and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) hosted an hour-long roundtable with more than 20 business owners in the state whose livelihoods have been affected by the pipeline shutting down. Johnson said the ripple effect is much larger than just the Keystone workers, noting that the state has hundreds, maybe even thousands, of businesses that made investments in anticipation of the pipeline. He says hes talked to many South Dakotans, small businesses, and family-owned firms. During the interview, Johnson brought up numerous upsetting stories he had heard. The OConnell family, which owns a gravel pit near the town of Philip, had purchased a new dump truck worth between $60,000 to $70,000 to fill orders they had received in connection with the Keystone XL pipeline. Now, the family is essentially in debt because of the purchase, with no new revenue to count on. He heard many similar stories, especially from those living in smaller towns or cities such as Philip and Midland, which are located along the Keystone XL route. The White River weaves through the landscape near where the proposed Keystone XL pipeline would pass, south of Presho, S.D., on Oct. 13, 2014. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images) This is going to have a chilling effect on the willingness of Americans to invest in free-enterprise opportunities, Johnson said. Because if somebody can make a project like this disappear overnight, they can make other projects disappear as well. He said none of the people he spoke to wanted a government handout; they only wanted a fair opportunity to receive a return on their investments. The Keystone XL pipeline was expected to generate $3.4 billion in U.S. GDP growth, including millions in state and local tax revenue, according to the U.S. Chamber Global Energy Institute. The pipeline would have generated millions of dollars of economic opportunity for South Dakotans. Johnson accused Biden of not reading the thousands of pages of evidence from the applicant and from intervenors on the Keystone XL pipeline. If he had, the president would have understood the incredible environmental protections that are taken as a part of this project and that the applicant was required to meet under the law, according to Johnson. TC Energy, the company that commissioned the pipeline, had stated its intention to make the pipeline project emissions-neutral. The company announced in a Jan. 17 press release, before Biden signed his executive order, that it would achieve net zero emissions across the project operations when the pipeline is in service in 2023. TC also committed to operations being fully powered by renewable energy sources no later than 2030. Johnson said Biden unilaterally made his decision without consulting Congress, without consulting environmental regulators, and without thinking about the impacts on investment and the rule of law. The presidents actions run contrary to his talk about unity and bipartisanship, according to the South Dakota congressman. The reality is he needs to choose a lane; he can work with the AOC wing of his party to put into place liberal policies, and thats largely what hes done since being inaugurated, he said. Or he can try to find common ground with Republicans. On February 12, Mayor of Yerevan Hayk Marutyan paid a visit to the Yerkrapah Union of Volunteer Land Defenders, as reported the board of the Union. Chairman of the board Sasun Mikayelyan and Mayor Hayk Marutyan lit candles at the local chapel and prayed for the eternal memory of the heroes who fell for the homeland. During the official meeting, the parties discussed several issues related to cooperation between Yerevan Municipality and the Yerkrapah Union of Volunteer Land Defenders. The Yerkrapah Union of Volunteer Land Defenders was established by Sparapet (Commander-in-Chief) Vazgen Sargsyan, who played a major role in the first battle for the liberation of Artsakh. We succeeded in liberating 8,000 square kilometers of land and never lost hope. We have yet to prove that we will be able to retrieve those lands. I think its very wrong to forget about our victory of the past, Sasun Mikayelyan said. In his turn, Marutyan stated that the Yerkrapah Union of Volunteer Land Defenders is not only an institution, but also represents the modern history of Armenia. At the end of the meeting, Marutyan received an award from the Yerkrapah Union of Volunteer Land Defenders. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in Australia in adults over the age of 18. The Therapeutic Goods Administration is only the second regulator in the world - after the European Medicines Agency - to give the jab full approval after dozens of countries such as the UK rolled out the jab early under emergency approval. Aussies will be given two doses of the vaccine, which was produced at Oxford University, three months apart. The Therapeutic Goods Administration announced the approval shortly after 12pm on Tuesday. Pictured: A vaccination in Belgium The vaccine will stop everyone who gets it from dying of Covid and will stop 82 per cent of people from getting ill due to the disease. It is not yet clear if it will stop asymptomatic transmission, which could be crucial to re-opening the country's border. 'The vaccine has met requirements for standards, for safety, quality, and efficacy, and will be provided free to Australians,' Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. Australia has ordered the vaccine from overseas and it will arrive in early March. The government is also making one million doses per week at the CSL factory in Melbourne, with the first local batch due in late March. The government aims to vaccinate four million people by April and everyone by October. Health Minister Greg Hunt said the vaccine was safe and encouraged Australians to take it. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in Australia in adults over the age of 18. Pictured: A vaccination in Peru 'The team at the TGA that have worked extraordinary hours to tick every box, to assess everything, to make sure that safety, safety, safety, is the number one priority,' he said. On Monday 142,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which has also been approved, arrived in Australia on a Singapore Airlines flight. They will be checked and transported around the country, with the first jabs hitting arms on Monday at 240 aged care facilities. Pallets of the Pfizer vaccines - which are stored at -70C and were made in Belgium - arrived at Sydney Airport on a Singapore Airlines plane just after midday. 'The eagle has landed,' jubilant Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters on Monday. 'Today is an important day. It is the next step in a careful plan based on safety, and this is about protecting Australians.' Australia's first 142,000 does of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine have arrived in the country Pallets of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in Sydney just after midday on Monday, with photos showing them being loaded of a plane ready for transport Mr Hunt said the vaccines will undergo 'security and quality assurance, in particular to ensure that temperature maintenance has been preserved throughout the course of the flight, to ensure the integrity of the doses, and to ensure there has been no damage.' Roughly 50,000 doses will be given to the states and territories who want to vaccinate quarantine workers as soon as possible and 30,000 will be used by the federal government for aged care residents and workers. The remaining 62,000 vaccines will be kept aside to administer as second doses, 21 days after the first dose. Mr Hunt said the decision to make the AstraZeneca vaccine in Australia was crucial given the global supply shortage. 'I think the two most important decisions for Australia during the course of this pandemic were closure of the border with China and the decision to invest in onshore manufacturing by CSL of the AstraZeneca vaccine,' he said. The vaccines will be temperature and quality checked before being distributed to vaccine hubs around the country Hospitals were told to prepare to start vaccinations next week after the Therapeutic Goods Administration conducts batch testing on some of the first vials. Australia has secured 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which is enough to vaccinate 10 million people. The vaccines must be kept at minus-70 degrees Celsius to preserve the mRNA responsible for inducing coronavirus immunity. Logistics firm DHL will help with the transportation of the vaccines using dry-ice filled boxes. The first Australian shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines is seen being transported off the tarmac after landing at Sydney International Airport Earlier on Tuesday Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton warned that hotel quarantine for returning Australians may still be required even with everyone vaccinated. 'We don't know yet. That's a long, long way away. There's not clarity or certainty around the transmission,' he said. 'If we had, for example, 100 per cent coverage with our vaccine, there are still five per cent who won't sero-convert, who won't get really good immunity, so there may be requirements for quarantine and isolation in those circumstances as well.' A former Buddhist monk warrior who was loaded on a deadly cocktail of drugs when he slammed his car head-on into a loving couple will serve just seven years jail. Baramee Janorat, 22, of Melton West, killed Robert and Lynette Anderson, aged 69 and 68, in a head-on car crash in Bulla - northwest of Melbourne, in October 2019. The iced-up drug fiend had a 'primed syringe' at the ready when he veered onto the wrong side of the road during a Mad Max-style joy ride that was caught on dash-cam. Baramee Janorat (left) trained to be both a Buddhist monk and a soldier before killing an innocent couple on the streets of Melbourne Robert and Lynette Anderson, aged 69 and 68, died in a head on smash in Melbourne's northwest in October 2019 when ex-Buddhist soldier Baramee Janorat drove onto the wrong side of the road The court heard that Janorat, 22, was found to have a mix of meth, fentanyl and ketamine in his system after the fatal crash The probationary driver was sentenced in the County Court of Victoria on Tuesday to 12-years in jail, with a non-parole period of just seven years and two months - he has already spent close to eight months behind bars. The sentence, handed down by Judge Rosemary Carlin is unlikely to grant any peace to the Anderson's devastated family. Their son Craig and daughter Emma had delivered heart-breaking victim impact statements to the judge during a pre-sentence hearing. 'The loss of both my parents as the result of such a careless and selfish act has left me devastated and angry,' Mr Anderson said in court. 'It has not only taken my mum and dad from me but my also my best friends. It's also taken a loving nanny and poppy from their grandchildren.' His sister told the court she now cried every day and the loss of her parents had left a 'massive hole' in her and her children's lives. 'I cry most nights on my way home after work, as that was when I would call my Mum,' she told the court. On the day of the tragic crash, Janorat had been off-his-face on a mixture of the deadly drugs ice, speed, fentanyl and ketamine. The court heard he had been driving like a lunatic in his Holden Astra - at one point having a near miss with another motorist, whom he 'gave the bird to'. Judge Carlin refused to release the shocking video that captured what happened next. Baramee Janorat trained in Thailand to be a soldier and a monk before returning to Australia to kill innocent motorists Baramee Janorat was once taught peace and love, but delivered death destruction and heartbreak The court heard Jonorat had previously been pinged for speeding and lost his licence in 2018. He was tired at the time of the head-on crash, but police could find no sound reason for why he veered across Sunbury Road into the path of the Andersons. The couple did not stand a chance and ploughed directly into the belligerent Janorat without having any chance to even brake. Another motorist in a car ahead of them managed to veer out of the way a split-second before the crash. When witnesses went to help the injured Janorat, they found his eyes rolling back into his head and grasping a 'primed syringe' of what police believed was more methamphetamine. Janorat could have been jailed for 20 years after pleading guilty to two counts of culpable driving causing death. Judge Carlin described Janorat as 'grossly irresponsible' and condemned him for his 'selfish and dangerous' behaviour. The killer's barrister had previously told the court that Janorat had suffered a rough childhood and quickly got onto drugs after migrating to Australia in 2007 from Thailand. He returned to his homeland as an 18-year old where he spent nine months training as a Buddhist monk before training with the Thai military for a further five months. Janorat had told his treating doctor that he loved to do drugs because they made him feel good and confident. He had been working as a plasterer where he used ice daily at the time of the crash. Janorat showed no emotion as he was sentenced on Tuesday. Gone were the tears of his earlier pre-sentence hearing earlier this month when he broke down during the reading of the victim impact statements. The court heard he had written the family a letter of apology. In sentencing, Judge Carlin said she took into account Janorat's youth, early plea, reasonable prospects of rehabilitation and the likely impact jail would have on him during the Covid pandemic. Current Affairs Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang has given Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Eugene Otuonye, QC, two weeks (until Monday, March 1st, 2021) to decide the future of the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) corruption case, following the sudden death of presiding judge Mr. Justice Paul Harrison. During a special Zoom hearing on Monday, February 15th, 2021, Chief Justice Agyemang and Lead Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC, confirmed that the SIPT trial which started in December 2015, officially ended when Judge Harrison passed away in his native Jamaica on Sunday, February 7th, 2021. Although the actual trial has ended, the defendants remain charged and are still on bail. Mitchell said the DPP instructed him to ask the court for a three-week adjournment to finalise his decision about if and how to proceed against the defendants. "With the passing of the trial judge, the current trial is at an end and the DPP must make a decision as to what to do now in the public interest," Mitchell said. However, defence lawyers, led by Queen's Counsel Jerome Lynch, argued that the Crown's request for an additional three weeks, in addition to the week that passed since the judge died, is "wholly unacceptable", although it was appreciated that the DPP needed to consider all available options. Senior Counsel Reginald Armour, the lead attorney for former Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Michael Misick, agreed with Lynch, but told the Chief Justice the case should "end now" and all charges dropped. Chief Justice Agyemang said she "thought deeply" about the matters associated with the case and trial, adding that she spent the weekend reading about them and deprived herself of sleep in the process. She said that in ordering the DPP to be prepared in two weeks, she was "balancing the interest of the Crown with the interest of the defendants", while simultaneously "taking the matters at stake rather seriously". "I do understand that the matter that has precipitated this hearing is a tragic one that was completely unforeseen," Chief Justice Agyemang said. The 85-year-old Harrison, a former President of the Jamaica Court of Appeal, was appointed in July 2012 and was judge and jury in what is the first criminal case in the Turks and Caicos Islands Supreme Court to be tried without a jury. "It is not like a retirement of a judge, where there would be some preparation, or some other circumstance which gives notice. This was a matter of a death and there was no notice. It was unforeseen. I do understand that the DPP needs time to come to terms with the situation and to reflect on what has happened and to make up his mind as to the way forward. There are several matters that have to be considered, including whether the trial will continue at all, or if it continues, whether it will be in its present form. Given some of the objections to the number of people charged and the number of counts, he (the DPP) has to make that determination." The Chief Justice noted that lead prosecutor Mitchell was in the case from its inception and therefore should have considerable knowledge which could assist the DPP. "The DPP needs the time, so I'm not going to compel him to make up his mind today, but neither am I going to allow him three whole weeks. That is a little too long. In two weeks, the DPP, who I recognise is saddled with an onerous responsibility at this time, should be able to make a determination on the way forward. I'm balancing the interest of the Crown and all that it has put in to this point, with the interest of the defendants, who have been left hanging for far too long, in my view, in this trial. Sadly, that trial has come to end before Judge Harrison, but a prosecution may not be at an end." Chief Justice Agyemang added: "In those two weeks, I do not expect the DPP to come and ask for further time. I do not expect the DPP to come without a plan for what is going to proceed. In the two weeks, he has to tell us what he's going to do. If he is not able to satisfy the court, the matter will be struck out. So while I do bear with the defendants and their lawyers for all that they've been through and all that they go through, the DPP does deserve the time and I am going to give him the time....I take seriously the matters at stake. Do take me at my word that everything will be brought to bear." Prior to the Chief Justice's ruling, Queen's Counsel Jerome Lynch, lead defence attorney for former government minister McAllister "Piper" Hanchell and spokesperson for the defence attorneys, told the court it is "not improper" for the DPP to ask for time to consider his position, but the request was "too much", especially given that the defendants have been awaiting an outcome of their trial for around 10 years. Lynch said although it was not a straightforward case, the DPP and Lead Prosecutor Mitchell, could have, by now, arrived at "a decision in principle" about whether to proceed. "That is what we would encourage the court to order, rather than have us sitting around twiddling our thumbs for three weeks or not being able to understand what the outcome is going to be," he said. Lynch said the prosecution "bears a heavy responsibility" for why the trial has taken so long, although the blame doesn't all lie with them. He said the Crown "overloaded" the case from the beginning, with too many defendants, too many charges and too many issues to be raised, which caused them to take about three years to present their case. "If the Crown had taken a more sensible approach, we would not be here now," Lynch added. "This case would have been over. It was simply unconscionable for the defendants, the witnesses, lawyers, the court and sadly for the judge," he said, adding that the case should not have gone on for more than a year. He said if it is the intention of the Crown to try to proceed with the case again they "must say so now", notwithstanding the fact that they would need to iron out specific details. Lynch noted that many of the issues that existed in the previous trial are likely to be raised again, including "a much shorter and focused trial against a few defendants or a trial with or without a jury"; therefore the defence lawyers needed to start preparing. He said the defence lawyers, who are from different countries and have put their practices on hold for this trial, are "seriously disappointed" that the DPP has not yet made a decision. Noting that the cost to the public purse was also an important consideration, Lynch added: "The trial is at an end, but the prosecution is not at an end and no decision has yet been made. What are we supposed to do? Some of the lawyers have not been home for more than a year and have had limited contact with their families. Are they supposed to go home now and await the outcome of this? Will they still be in the case, or can they take up their careers?" He continued: "Of course it is not a foregone conclusion that there will be a (new) trial. Our position is that there should be no trial, because this has gone far enough. The trial is at an end and so should the prosecution, but that is a matter for the DPP to decide." Malcolm Bishop, QC, the lead lawyer for Chal Misick, said that at the start of the trial he submitted to Judge Harrison that the indictment should have been reduced, that the trial should have proceeded with a jury and that if a jury was in place, the Crown would have been "obliged to curtail the case to be comprehensible by a jury". However, Malcolm said, the Crown was "obdurate" and indicated that the case was manageable and would not last more than six months. "Here we are, over five years later and with tragedies that have occurred, not only with the passing of the judge, but other tragedies in the case could have been avoided," added Bishop, whose partner was fatally shot in an armed robbery at their residence. "So the Crown is largely responsible for what has happened. Now is the time for the Crown to come clean and tell us what they intend to do." Timisoara City Mayor, Dominic Fritz, has come to the Ministry of Interior to discuss with Minister Lucian Bode about the problem of migrants coming from Serbia and wanting to illegally cross the border with Hungary, according to AGERPRES. "I want to draw attention to the fact that we now have over two thirds of these migrants who are registered in Timisoara. Many of them return to Timisoara after being accommodated in centres all over the country because they hope to leave Timisoara. So Timisoara is the city that bears the consequences of this phenomenon and I will have a discussion with the Minister about how we can fight this phenomenon as a nation because we as a city cannot solve this national problem," Dominic Fritz said on Tuesday, in front of the Ministry of Interior headquarters. He specified that there is an area around the North Train Station in Timisoara where there are dozens of migrants who have nowhere to stay and this also creates a social problem. The Timisoara City Hall has placed in quarantine, in just two weeks, over 1,000 foreigners who wanted to illegally enter Romania. The Prime Minister, who will be addressing the people virtually, will also unveil programmes for the beautification of Shravasti, Chittora Lake and Bahraich on the occasion. Suheldev is an icon of the Rajbhar community. Lucknow, Feb 16 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of a statue of warrior king, Suheldev, in Bahraich on Tuesday to commemorate his birth anniversary. According to a government spokesman, the Prime Minister will also announce the development of various tourist amenities like a cafeteria, guest house, and a children's park. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel will be attending the event in Bahraich. The programmes will also include poetry recitation by renowned poets followed by lighting of 1.25 lakh 'diyas' and other cultural events. The Modi government has taken a number of steps to honour Suheldev in order to consolidate its position in the Rajbhar community. In February 2016, BJP leader Amit Shah had unveiled a statue of Suheldev and also launched a book on him in Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border, where the medieval king enjoys a legendary status, the spokesman said. The central government had also released a postal stamp, and run a superfast train -- 'The Suheldev Express'. The tri-weekly train covers the breadth of India's most populous state and runs from Ghazipur in Purvanchal to Anand Vihar in Delhi. With the exit of Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) from the alliance with the BJP last year, the Yogi Adityanath government has now chalked out an elaborate plan to commemorate the contribution of Maharaja Suheldev in national integration and reach out to the Rajbhar community. This is the first time that the government is celebrating Suheldev's anniversary. The chief minister has issued directives to hold events to mark Suheldev's birth anniversary at the memorials of martyrs in all districts. The move is apparently designed to appease the Rajbhar community, which constitutes around 17-18 per cent of the population in the Purvanchal region. Suheldev was a legendary king of Shravasti (in present day north-eastern Uttar Pradesh) who is known to have defeated and killed the Ghaznavi general, Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud, in Bahraich in the early 11th century. Raja Suheldev finds mention in 'Mirat-i-Masudi', a 17th century Persian-language historical account. --IANS amita/in She started her radio career in her late teens after meeting her first husband, 'Ugly Phil' O'Neil, when he was host of the night show at Sea FM. But before her big break on the airwaves, Jackie 'O' Henderson was a junior real estate agent working for Ray White on the Gold Coast at the age of 17. She reflected on her brief stint in the property industry on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Tuesday, saying her team had a heated rivalry with the LJ Hooker office. 'Good old days': Before her big break in radio, Jackie 'O' Henderson was a junior real estate agent working for Ray White on the Gold Coast at the age of 17 'I wasn't a Hooker girl. I was a Ray White girl, thank you,' she told her co-host Kyle Sandilands, after he cheekily suggested she'd worked for the competing firm. 'Oh, Ray White. I'm sorry, I forget there's so much rivalry,' Kyle, 49, responded. Jackie, 46, then explained the Ray White and LJ Hooker offices were on the same street at the time, which intensified the competition. 'I wore, like, those big power suits with the big shoulder pads like I was on Dynasty... My Ray White days. Good old days,' she said. Trip down memory lane: She reflected on her brief stint in the property industry on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Tuesday, saying her team had a heated rivalry with the LJ Hooker office 'I think it's just a pride thing, isn't it? Like you want yours to be the best and they're your competition.' Jackie began her radio career within a few years of leaving Ray White. She met Ugly Phil when he was hosting a show on the Gold Coast and she called in to request tickets to a Guns N' Roses concert. They soon married and before long ended up presenting radio together. Early days: Jackie started her radio career in her late teens after meeting her first husband, 'Ugly Phil' O'Neil, when he was host of the night show at Sea FM At about this time Jackie ditched her maiden name, Last, and adopted the 'Jackie O' stage name while hosting shows with her husband in several cities. Sadly their marriage didn't go the distance and Phil moved back to his native UK in the late '90s after the couple divorced. The end of their on-air partnership left a vacancy on 2Day FM's Hot 30 Countdown which was filled by Kyle Sandilands. For any parent, there is nothing more heartbreaking than being separated from your family. But the previous administration's immigration policy has led families to be separated from each other in an attempt to control illegal immigration. With these factors, the pressure starts high for the Biden administration to address this issue in the United States. According to Tampa Bay Times, the previous administration has received condemnation because their immigration policy separates families on borders. This is what happened precisely to Salvador Cortes, a father of three children who were able to witness his wife's deportation to Mexico after their domestic argument attracted police attention. Cortes and his family are among the thousands who are hoping to reunite as immigration policies become lax. Tampa Bay Times notes that Cortes illegally came to the United States 16 years ago, and since then struggling to keep their family intact in Lake Placid while working as a lawn service worker. They also note that he has never applied for a legal residency because he knows that he will not qualify. Read also: ICE Will No Longer Deport Illegal Immigrants Who Commit Less Serious Crimes, Psaki Says Tampa Bay Times shares that officers arrested Cortes' wife on an aggravated battery charge, inferring that the wife threatened him with a knife during an argument about whether he would work outside the home. The children interviewed separately agreed that she was the aggressor. With the new administration taking charge of the office, the family wishes to have a reunion get a chance to start anew. Biden Under Pressure According to ABC News, President Joe Biden has already taken significant steps in his first weeks in office through reversing president Trump's insistent immigration regulations that discourage people from coming to the country. Miami Herald shares that Biden's Immigration Bill has a provision which was highlighted by Senator Bob Menendez, D-N.J, in a webinar with 2,000 business, labor, and immigration advocates. He notes that the bill is a "bold and visionary reform" that does offer not only fats-track but also legal status for approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants. However, Voice of America (VOA) notes that even more people may come to the country after the Biden administration has informed that they will gradually permit an estimate of about 25,000 people to enter the United States as there are reviewed. The first wave is expected to happen on February 18, 2021. In addition, ABC News also notes that the current administration has signed several executive orders on immigration, alongside permitting more refugees and creating a task force that will locate the parents of about 600 children who got separated under the Trump administration and still not yet reuniting. With the improvement of the Biden administration's immigration policy, families who got separated from the border will be lessened, and efforts to find the parents of the children who got lost will be given attention. The pressure is in the Biden administration as families focus on them for their reunion. Related article: DHS Nominee Alejandro Mayorkas Vows to Help Pass Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants WATCH: Biden's New Immigration Reform 2021 - The U.S. Citizenship Act 2021 from ImmigrationBiz Over 15,000 beneficiaries received COVID-19 vaccine shots on Tuesday, out of whom 2,532 were those who got their second dose, officials said. The overall turnout was about 50 per cent spread across 298 vaccination centres. The vaccination drive, started on January 16, has picked up pace in the last one week, and on Monday, 2,191 healthcare workers who had received their first shots four weeks ago, got their second dose. On Tuesday,15,053 beneficiaries were vaccinated. Among the healthcare workers, 3,501 got first dose and2,532 received the second shot. Also, 9,020frontline workers got their first jabs on Tuesday, a senior official in the Health Department said. "Six cases of AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) was reported," he said. Under the nationwide mega vaccination drive launched on January 16, a total of 4,319 (53 per cent) health workers against a target of 8,117, were administered the shots at 81 centres across the city on day one. As per doctors, the second dose is to given to a beneficiary after a gap of 28 days. On Saturday, a total of 13,768 beneficiaries received vaccine shots and second dose began to be given to healthcare workers who had received the first jab 28 days ago. On the second scheduled day after the rollout of the exercise on January 16, the figures stood at 3,598 (44 per cent of the target). The sharp fall had come after one severe and 50 minor adverse effect cases were reported, on the opening day of the vaccination drive. The count on third schedule day was much higher, at 4,936 (48 per cent). Delhirecorded 94 fresh COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the lowest in over nine months, while thepositivity rate slipped to 0.17 per cent, authorities said. One fatality was also registered on Tuesday, taking the death toll in the city to 10,894, according to the latest health bulletin issued by the city government. The district-wise distribution of total six AEFI cases on Tuesday was -- Central (3), Shahdara (1), South (2), according to the data shared by authorities. (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.) Olivia Attwood has hit out at influencers for hijacking 'be kind' to avoid facing accountability for their actions. The Love Island star, 29, took to Instagram on Sunday to discuss the phrase 'in a world where you can be anything, be kind', which gained momentum in the wake of Caroline Flack's death in February 2020. During a Q and A, one follower asked: 'How do you feel about influencers just using 'be kind' to avoid accountability?' Speaking out: Olivia Attwood has hit out at influencers who have posted the quote 'in a world where you can be anything, be kind' to avoid accountability of their actions In recent months, influencers have come under fire for jetting abroad during the pandemic, and when their faced with the backlash of flaunting their sun-soaked trip during lockdown on Instagram, have churned out the 'be kind' saying. Olivia said: 'It's a really interesting and I don't disagree why people think they see influencers doing that. I have grown actually tired of that whole saying now.' She added in the caption: 'It's a really interesting conversation, I'm so brain dead today I can't even go there. But deffo one I'll come back to another day. Tone deaf? Laura Anderson pictured here in a bikini-clad boat snap in Dubai last month tells her followers not to comment if they 'don't have anything nice to say' 'There is a line isn't there between 'questioning someone's actions' and 'abusing someone online' (sic). Last month, Olivia criticised her reality star and influencer pals, who remain in Dubai, for claiming they are 'working abroad' amid the coronavirus crisis. Addressing the furore over her comments later in the week, Olivia insisted that she doesn't want to encourage any 'hurtful behaviour'. 'Interesting conversation': The Love Island star, 29, said she can understand how followers can get frustrated as she took to Instagram on Sunday Her opinion: The television personality was also quizzed on if she thought social media had improved following Caroline's death. Olivia said: ' If anything its worse than it was' In an interview with Grazia, the reality TV star said that the one way fuming fans can hit back the hardest is by unfollowing the offending parties. She said: 'The way to hurt people is silence because actually, when you are commenting on someone's photo, even if it's a bad negative comment, you're still drumming up interaction on that post. ''[I}f you're going to send out to a brand that 5000 people have unfollowed you this week, it doesn't look good, does it? So yeah, it makes a big difference.' Hitting out: Last month, Olivia criticised her reality star and influencer pals, who remain in Dubai, for claiming they are 'working abroad' amid the pandemic (pictured Chloe Ferry) Olivia also spoke about the last time she saw Caroline Flack, as she reflected one year on from the Love Island host's tragic date. She said: 'I dont remember the date but we had gone for drinks and we were laughing and dancing.' The television personality was also quizzed on if she thought social media had improved following Caroline's death. Olivia said: ' If you're talking in regard to trolling, 'be kind', cancel culture if anything its worse than it was. 'I think people online giving their unsolicited advice and opinions are at an all time high.' 'Always in our hearts': Olivia also spoke about the last time she saw Caroline Flack (pictured), as she reflected one year on from the Love Island host's tragic date NCSL's new Center for Results-Driven Governing was launched in September 2020. Photo: NCSL Doing More With Less A Cross-Branch, Cross-Party Conversation Risk, Data and Fidelity The Iowa Department of Corrections dashboard provides real-time data regarding offenders, accessible to staff at all levels. (Courtesy of Iowa DOC) An Evidence Continuum A continuum of evidence guides evidence-based policy decisions in Colorado. (Source: Colorado's Evidence-Based Policy Collaborative) Moving Beyond Belief Before COVID, governors had hoped to increase general fund appropriations by more than $33 billion in fiscal year 2021. Instead, they will be making cuts of more than $6 billion across program areas at a time when citizens are depending on them to lead the way back to health and economic stability.Theres no room for waste in public-sector investments of dollars and human capital. A Center for Results-Driven Governing has been established at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to increase confidence in outcomes by curating and sharing lessons learned from decades of evidence-based policymaking.The center isn't going to tell policymakers what they should do," says its director, Kristine Goodwin. "We're providing resources that will help them ask questions and identify solutions, and that won't look the same in every state.The importance of using data to drive decisions is not in dispute, says Goodwin, but that doesnt mean decision-makers have the information they need to judge the real-world impacts of the programs they fund. As it has done in other areas, NCSL will create new resources, gather existing ones, provide training and help connect stakeholders.This area is ripe for sharing whats working, she says. NCSL can be effective by raising awareness among legislators and legislative staff about what evidence is and what questions can be asked and connecting states with one another.The center was formed with support from the Pew Charitable Trusts, and draws upon a decade of work by Pews Results First Initiative . Its a good idea to make more resources available at this time, says Results First director Sara Dube.The Pew initiative originated on the heels of the Great Recession, she says, when it became clear that states needed data and evaluations to make the best-possible use of limited funds and to do more with less. Budget situations improved over time, but a commitment to evidence persisted. The Results First Clearinghouse Database is a repository of information about more than 3,000 programs, rating their impact according to the findings of high-quality evidence. Such accumulated knowledge can help point the way out of the overwhelming downturn the pandemic has caused.Budgets have taken sharp declines in very dramatic ways, and in very, very short timeframes, she says. Legislators, executives and decision-makers are searching for ways to help them confront declining revenues and the skyrocketing needs of their communities.Pew and NCSL have collaborated for years, and Dube is a member of the working group that advised the formation of the center, along with state legislators, their staff and executive branch officials. As part of their formative work, the advisors developed a set of principles and strategies for state policymakers.The NCSL center aims to provide more assistance to more states seeking to implement these approaches. It will add strength to the work that Pew and groups such as Results for America and the Center for Evidence-Based Policy are doing to advance the field, work with appeal that cuts across political boundaries.Weve worked in blue states, red states, purple states, states with split houses and states with splits between the executive and the legislative branch, says Dube. Weve seen interest in the use of evidence across the aisle and across the branches.Even if this is generally true, cross-branch support and collaboration are essential within a jurisdiction if evidence-based policymaking is to succeed. The Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services (ACES), created in 2019, was designed to facilitate such a culture.ACES is comprised of members from the legislative and executive branches of Alabama state government, with representatives of both political parties. This arrangement benefits from lessons learned in states where one branch alone conducts program review and evaluation, with resulting potential for pushback or conflict over findings.Before ACES was formed, the Alabama Legislative Services Agency had worked with Results First to analyze results from more than 50 mental health programs. Early on, officials viewed the Legislatures evaluations and reports as an attempt to control how they did things, says Marcus Morgan, the director of ACES. Forming the commission and bringing in the executive branch, and its expertise in the day-to-day workings of state government, has helped change the perception from oversight and overreach to partnership.By having voices and equal membership from both sides, you have the start of a conversation about how best to approach something, he says. Its not from one side or the other, its a collaborative discussion.ACES is tasked with bringing a data-based lens to every program that receives a direct budget appropriation, including health and human services, education, criminal justice, and youth and rehab services. Morgan and his staff make an annual work plan for evaluations based on four principals -- efficiency, effectiveness, collaboration and capacity -- though all four may not apply in every case. Collaboration, for example, can be a significant factor if multiple agencies are working to accomplish the same outcome, with potential for redundancies.Identifying and collecting the right data elements for evaluations is an ongoing challenge, says Morgan, one that involves multiple sources, scrubbing agency data to make it useable and background worries that useful data exists in places unknown to evaluators. A recent prison education and recidivism evaluation involved meshing data sets from numerous systems.Weve learned from working with other jurisdictions that we all struggle to find the right data to use in evaluation, says Morgan. Where there are gaps, you have to find the right way to tell the story.ACES officially became an organization in fiscal year 2020. In its first year, it has focused on building relationships with agencies and convincing them that its role is not to advocate for either cuts or expansion, but to present facts that can help solve problems.Morgan is hopeful that the commissions attention to inclusiveness will help it survive multiple administrations and give it time to grow interest and support through reports, public hearings and re-evaluation of programs after changes have been made. Well see if thats going to work, he says.Theres no place to hide when investments in community safety fail to achieve the desired outcome. Crime and recidivism are visible and measurable. Beth Skinner, Ph.D., the director of the Iowa Department of Corrections, has spent much of the past two decades developing an understanding of the ways that evidence-based practices can give meaning to the word correction, to the benefit of offenders and citizens alike.Before assuming her current post two years ago, she managed programs for the Sixth Judicial District in Cedar Rapids that ranged from housing, reentry, workforce development to parole and victim services. She directed reentry efforts within the National Initiatives Division of the CSG Justice Center, a position that gave her the opportunity to talk to prison officials throughout the country about their experience implementing evidence-based programs. Skinner then returned to Iowa to coordinate a statewide recidivism project funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.To do public safety correctly, and to get the best outcomes, you need data, she says. The data tells us where we need to invest resources. The departments system for managing offenders includes a dashboard that is accessible to staff at all levels, from case managers, supervisors and wardens to Skinner.An inventory of the programs offered to inmates at all nine of the states prisons rooted out any that were not evidence-based and reallocated staff to four core programs. Skinner also discovered that 60 percent of those who were incarcerated were leaving without participating in any programs that could help them address the behavior and life problems that landed them in prison. We recognized through the data where we need to build more capacity for post-secondary education, apprenticeship and vocal rehabilitation programs, she says.Risk assessment is a key factor in determining which individuals are most likely to recidivate and thus need extra attention. Skinner discovered that simply implementing assessments was not enough when she conducted case audits and found that over half of her staff were scoring the assessments incorrectly. She pushed for training, with the result that assessment accuracy increased from 60 percent to almost 90 percent.In evidence-based practice, you need to make sure that your tools are being used with fidelity, properly and as designed, she says. We continue to do audits of our risk assessment across the state to ensure that people are using the instrument correctly, which means that were targeting programs and case management to the right people.The department also reviews demographics from its prisons and community-based programs. If racial disparities exist regarding things such as access to programs and job assignments or parole revocation, the prison or district involved must report this and develop a plan to address what was found.Shifting to an evidence-based culture includes making sure that staff and community partners understand why and how the programs they are being asked to implement work, says Skinner. Theres no silver bullet; there have to be lots of things in place to really reduce recidivism.Budget constraints caused by the pandemic mean that programs may face cuts even if they are achieving measurable results. Colorado, long recognized for evidence-based policy leadership, has developed an approach to the budget process that has special relevance at this time.Gov. Polis has built on work of his predecessor to increase the use of data and evidence in budget decisions, says Aaron Ray, deputy director for education, workforce and environment in the Governors Office of State Planning and Budgeting.We started with a few policy areas that were ripe for this kind of work, and we've now expanded to applying that same approach to the entire budget, says Ray. Theres lots of nuance about what that means for a specific budget line, and its our day-to-day work to figure that out.Opinions vary about exactly what the term evidence-based policy means, he says. To guide its efforts, Colorado has developed a five-step evidence continuum that outlines the types of supporting evidence that help programs move from theory-informed to proven.Ray, who holds a Ph.D. in political science, an MPP in environmental and regulatory policy and an M.A. in education, is well-equipped to judge where programs stand on this continuum. Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard, he says. Some programs have been subjected to them, but for a variety of reasons theyre not always possible.We want to use whatever data and evidence is available. For some programs that may mean tracking outputs, says Ray. If the purpose of a program is to improve a health outcome, we dont just want to know how many people were in the program, we want to know if that outcome improved. This approach is important to government writ large, he says, and is being implemented across operations by the governors office.Documents outlining budget requests now include an evidence meter whenever possible, showing where a program sits on the evidence continuum. A third of the requests in the November governance budget were accompanied by the meter. On average, the programs where funding increases were requested were higher on the scale.For those that we requested decreases, it was related to having less information about how effective the program was, says Ray. We think thats how the system should work.Along with Aaron Ray, Beth Skinner and Pews Sara Dube, Colorado Senator Chris Hansen is a member of the NCSL work group that helped define the work of the Center for Results-Driven Governing. Hes convinced that its work is exceptionally important at this time.Weve had an erosion of the public trust in government, in facts, he says. I cant think of a worse situation to be in, when we have the two parties essentially talking past each other.Colorados emphasis on evidence has helped insulate it from some of the worst impulses that have emerged nationally, he believes. There are goals that both parties share, and agreement is best built on a foundation of evidence.Reducing recidivism is a shared goal, for example, and the state has had success with evidence-based approaches to youth corrections. Following on research in Missouri that showed that creating a home-like environment for youth offenders led to better outcomes and fewer repeat offenses, Colorado invested in couches, curtains and other home-like fixtures.Hansen, who has a Ph.D. in energy and economics, shares Aaron Rays appreciation for scientific rigor. One goal for the coming year, he says, is to get definitions and standards in statutes, so that all parties are measuring claims with the same barometer.Its deeply disturbing that large numbers of citizens, right- and left-leaning, are amenable to conspiracy theories or able to be convinced that the earth is flat, he says. Using evidence to make policy, and communicating about it to the public, can be one way to overcome this.It's so important that we communicate scientific concepts and get rid of that word belief, says Hansen. That is a word for Sunday morning, and its not applicable to what we're trying to do with science-based policy. The Broadcast Message Center is the first to leverage 5G to enable agencies to distribute mass notifications and alerts to targeted geographical areas in times of emergencies or unrest CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2021, a global provider of next-generation messaging and mobility solutions, is enabling government agencies worldwide to communicate vital information to their citizens in the most effective way through its 5G equipped NetSfere Broadcast Message Center(BMC). The NetSfere BMC is a field-proven, carrier-grade emergency alert solution designed for simultaneous message delivery to a range of cellular users in a specified area. The company is the leading provider for all major carriers to deploy wireless emergency alerts (WEA's) across North America, Europe and Asia. "Now more than ever, it's essential for state and federal government agencies to have a direct line of communication to their citizens," said Anurag Lal, President and CEO of NetSfere. "Almost everyone has received a severe weather or AMBER alert on their phones, and they're nearly impossible to ignore. The role of the NetSfere BMC becomes even more vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, as government and healthcare agencies globally must communicate vital information about mask-wearing, social distancing, testing and vaccinations." The BMC is the part of the NetSfere Mobile Solutions portfolio which offers a comprehensive suite of mobility and messaging solutions. The technology supports more than 500 million subscribers and over one trillion messages per year. The NetSfere BMC provides a mission-critical service to help government agencies communicate crucial information during emergencies when time is of the essence. Alerts can be targeted to specific geographic regions to communicate vital information to a specific set of people or sent nationwide. The alerts remain in a user's notifications accompanied by a loud alert tone, drawing greater attention instantly to the message. The NetSfere BMC supports all major radio access technologies including 5G, LTE, CDMA, GSM and UMTS to provide alerts to all cellular users. It is WEA (Wireless Emergency Alert) compliant, as well as ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), CAP (Common Alerting Protocol), and WPAS (Wireless Public Alerting Service) compliant. "There are plenty of methods a government agency can utilize to disseminate emergency information, including social media or TV broadcast alerts," Lal went on to say. "But these are not always the most effective ways to reach people in moments of crisis. It can be difficult to cut through the noise of traditional media or social media. With more than 275M smartphone users in the U.S., the best way to ensure vital information is disseminated to a large group of people in the most effective and timely manner is for state and federal agencies to leverage our BMC solution to reach the masses on the device they use most - their mobile phones." About NetSfere NetSfere provides next generation messaging and mobility solutions to carriers and enterprises globally including its enterprise-grade, secure mobile messaging platform NetSfere Enterprise. NetSfere Enterprise is a secure enterprise messaging service and platform which provides industry-leading security and message delivery capabilities, including global cloud-based service availability, device-to-device encryption, location-based features and administrative controls. The service is also offered in partnership with Deutsche Telekom GmbH, one of the world's leading integrated telecommunications companies, and with NTT Ltd., a global information communications & technology service provider, to jointly offer NetSfere to its worldwide customers. NetSfere is also compliant with global regulatory requirements, including GDPR, HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley, ISO 27001 and others. The company's technology supports more than 500 million subscribers and over one trillion messages per year. NetSfere has offices in the United States, Germany, India and Singapore. For more information, visit: https://www.netsfere.com/ Media Contact Brittany Johnson Uproar PR for NetSfere bjohnson@uproarpr.com 312-878-4575 x246 KALININGRAD, Russia Yevgenia Kvasova was still young when she watched something resembling, by design, a gigantic head rise in the center of her city, on the westernmost edge of Russia. It gives me the evil eye every time I leave home, said Ms. Kvasova, now 62, referring to the offending structure, the House of Soviets, which indeed sports an array of eye-like balconies that gaze from its facades. Even architects who admire the original, bold design in a mixture of the modernist and brutalist styles concede that the House of Soviets fell short of its promise as a symbol of the Soviet Unions control over formerly German land captured during World War II. Instead, the building became emblematic of flaws in the Soviet system, as shoddy construction and structural defects meant it could never be occupied. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. One thing we learnt from the Brexit referendum is that it takes a big personality to deliver constitutional change. That campaign started with Nigel Farage and was taken over by Boris Johnson. Both are great performers, hugely irresponsible, but capable of charming masses of people into following them into the sort of change that will make a big difference to their lives. As politics in Northern Ireland shapes up into a contest over whether or not we stay in the UK, or merge with the Irish Republic, no similar charismatic figure emerges with the power to sway doubters. But look at Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon is campaigning for independence and looks likely to achieve it. She is popular and she is admired. It is notable that she has not secured her popularity through asserting that demand for independence. The popularity came first and the demand for independence gained credibility because she was seen as dependable and likeable. And she is liked, in part, because she is personable and articulate, but also because she has impressed voters by her political skill. It follows that, since she is competent, or appears so, in her management of the Covid crisis, she is the sort of person you can trust to deliver an independent Scotland. That might not be strictly logical, but politics usually isn't. Now that she is in some possible bother over claims that she sought to damage her predecessor, Alex Salmond, the question arises whether Scottish independence could be delivered by a replacement leader. A commentator on Channel Four last week reached back into Irish history for a leader whose fall didn't damage the cause of independence and came up with Charles Stewart Parnell. It was not a heartening example. Parnell had been an MP in the Westminster Parliament, campaigning for Home Rule for Ireland - mere devolution, as we call it now - and he was brought down by a scandal. He had a lover, Kitty O'Shea, and in Victorian times and right up to the 1980s that was enough to ruin a party leader, or minister. Irish independence didn't come until 30 years after the death of Parnell and it split the country. It followed a war led by republicans with much stronger demands than Parnell's. Our Nicola Sturgeon, or Charles Stewart Parnell, is Mary Lou McDonald. She wants to deliver a majority in both Irish jurisdictions in favour of a united Ireland. But to succeed in swaying doubters, she has to win their love and admiration. Nicola Sturgeon is interesting for things other than her core ideology. For instance, she gets invited to book festivals to interview authors. The comedian Jane Godley performs an hilarious dub-over of her Press conferences, in which Sturgeon is depicted swearing, scolding and scoffing. And the beauty of it is that Sturgeon loves this, plays up to it, is not damaged at all by it. Can you imagine if one of our local funny women was to provide us with a similar take-off of McDonald, or Michelle O'Neill, or Arlene Foster? Oh, bring on the day. How likely is it that we would be laughing along with it, treating it as an affectionate tribute? The fact is, it is simply inconceivable, because our leaders are not personalities. To be personalities, they have to show sides of themselves that are not relevant to their politics. They have to be people who remain likeable, even when they blunder. Nicola Sturgeon, like Farage and Johnson, carries off the trick of being at once ideological and at the same time being not so serious about the big vision that she can't be content in herself today. Imagine her going home at the end of the day and you see her kicking off her shoes, pouring a glass of whisky and asking if there's anything good on Netflix. The leader who impresses is also one who gets things done. Johnson's effort to impress as such was making him look foolish and undependable until he beat the world in getting his country vaccinated against Covid. In reality, he is actually incompetent, tells people what they want to hear and, if he had a heart, he would not be able to sleep for thinking about the tens of thousands of people who might have lived had he and his Government not faffed around while intensive care wards were filling up. His foolish optimism failed to reckon in time with the threat from the virus and produce an adequate response. But he is lucky. My friend in Dublin doesn't expect to get vaccinated until May. I got vaccinated two weeks ago. If that isn't worth some votes, nothing is. Mary Lou McDonald, Michelle O'Neill and Arlene Foster need to show more than that they are committed to ending, or preserving, the Union. They need to produce results in the politics of now. The only politician we have who is likely to take some credit for the management of the pandemic is Health Minister Robin Swann. Swann comes across as competent and concerned. If he said we'd be better off in a united Ireland, you'd have to give it some thought, because he has past form in standing up and telling us hard truths. He won't do that and I suspect he won't beat the drum for the Union, either, though he is a unionist, because he gets credit for doing his job, not for being an ideologue. We do have some charismatic personalities in politics, notably Naomi Long and Claire Hanna, both of whom interact well with the public, yet appear to have lives of their own. The paradox of politics is that you get credit for showing that there is more to you than your political convictions. Gerry Adams outwitted those who would have dismissed him as a cynical warlord and sold himself to his public as a guy who read books, liked dogs, hill walking, tree hugging, hurling and good food. He understood that people like you more when you make an eejit of yourself the odd time. I'm sure the added value that Sammy Wilson and Ian Paisley bring to their presentations of themselves has a similarly endearing effect on some people. But we should not expect a small country to produce outstanding charismatic leaders. We have seen through coverage of the impeachment of Trump that even the US produces mostly dullards with little more talent than you would find in the average rural district council. But without personable and persuasive leadership, the mass of the electorate will prefer things to stay just as they are. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Upco International Inc. (CSE: UPCO) (OTC Pink: UCCPF) (FSE: U06) ("Upco") is pleased to inform shareholders about the resignation from the Board of Director of Sebastiano Massimo Galantucci . These documents can be accessed from the SEDAR web site at www.sedar.com. Upco International thanks Sebastiano for the activities carried out during the last 9 months which represented a transition period for the company and the Management Team, where Sebastiano was a member together with Andrea Pagani and Juan Ramos Taboada. The team was focusing on repositioning the company after the turbulent 2019. Following the appointment (last May) as 4th member of the Board, Sebastiano decided to resign, leaving the position in view of the Annual General Meeting, where Upco's Shareholder will be free to appoint new Board of Directors. Sebastiano Massimo Galantucci says: "As a Management Team, we have been capable of drawing a line with the past by closing many open contracts, fixing critical issues in the subsidiaries of Upco International and improving the debt position which will be reflected in the 2020 Financial Statement. I'm proud together with the Management Team to have been initiated "the FCP program" as the key action plan for the growth of the company via M&A strategy as well as defining the vision of the Upco's digital service with a clear focus for the future in the fintech market." Andrea Pagani, CEO says: "We thank him for his contribution, during last year." Sebastiano will remain consultant for the time being by continuing the activities highly focused on "scouting" potential targets for the Upco's M&A strategy in key geographical Area. Upco international further announces the Digital Area will be leading, starting immediately, by Andrea Pagani. Andrea Pagani, says: "The objectives of Upco as priorities remains: Launch of UpcoPay in Europe. Extensive improvements within the Application including features like group Call, Video group Call" Further Update will be done in the Digital and Wholesale area during next Press Release. Upco aims to become a more effective and efficient "partner" for the community much more than a simple communication tool. About Upco International Inc. Upco International Inc. is a cloud-based mobile service company which provides high-quality voice termination to a market driven by the growing activity in online communications and commerce. Upco is a licensed Global Telecom Carrier within the international VoIP (voice over IP) wholesale business. Upco has designed a software application for Apple iOS and Android, similar to SKYPE and WhatsApp. With the forthcoming addition of the Upco e-Wallet using Blockchain Payment Services, users will be able to: send invoices, approve payments, transfer international funds, convert international currencies, and track transfers and payments. The application will also allow vendors to securely share account information with their clients. Please visit www.upcointernational.com for further information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrea Pagani, CEO and Director office@upcointernational.com 212-461-3676 Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward- looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward- looking information is typically identified by words such as: "will" "may" "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "development", "forthcoming", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Upco cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Upco is not a guarantee of future results or performance. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74602 Teneo has acquired the restructuring unit of Deloitte UK, which includes more than 250 staffers involved in identifying reasons for corporate underperformance and developing strategies that lead to financial recovery. CEO Declan Kelly said Teneo plans to use the acquisition to build a global restructuring unit leveraging existing capabilities in the US, along with M&A activities and organic growth. Daniel Butters, head of Deloitte UK restructuring services, will oversee Teneos global push to help clients navigate periods of financial operational underperformance or stress. The deal puts Teneos headcount at more than 1,100 staffers, of which 600 are in the UK. Teneo bills itself as a global CEO advisory, offering strategic communications, public affairs, investor relations, management consulting, talent & executive search services. It is a portfolio firm of CVC Capital Partners. The decline in rejection rates on shipments between the UK and EU has boosted confidence that problems are easing. This narrative has helped feed through into positive Pound Sterling sentiment. There is, however, still evidence of major difficulties surrounding exports which is liable to undermine trade volumes, especially if the UK loses its position as a gateway into the EU. UK-France trade rejection rates decline sharply Latest data from German-based logistics company Transporeon reported that the rejection rate for cargo shipped from France to the UK has declined to the lowest since the last week of November, an indication of reduced friction at the border. There has been a sharp improvement since the end of 2020 and rejection rates are now running at close to the average level for the third quarter of last year. Above: UK France trade chart After a steady increase during January, data from Transporeon also recorded a sharp decline in rejection rates for shipments to Germany. There has also been a sharp decline for Italy while there has been little change in shipments to Poland. Transporeon Chief Executive Officer Stephan Sieber commented; Market players have slowly commenced adjusting to the new circumstances. According to the latest survey, demand to transport cargo from France to the U.K. increased last week to 17% more than the average in the third quarter which suggests that underlying demand has increased. Export trends still a major concern Even if logistics issues are easing, there are still important reservations over exports. Logistical difficulties may ease, but with the risk that overall trade volumes will still decline. There are particular concerns over the impact on smaller companies. Anecdotal evidence also indicates that around 40% of lorries are still returning to Europe empty because of the cost and complexity of completing paperwork. Rod McKenzie, managing director of policy and public affairs for the Road Haulage Association stated that this evidence is not normal or a triumph. Nicolas Hanson, managing director of high-end pasta-making firm La Tua Pasta, noted major difficulties in exporting to France. He points out the need for public health and rules of origin certificates which increases costs substantially. There are also logistics issues and costs of customs clearance. Nicolas added: "I will absorb some, they will absorb some and we will have to live with it. But frankly, it's scandalous that the governments are allowing this to happen. We're just a food manufacturer trying to make a living." Stephen Phipson, chief executive of manufacturers organisation, Make UK, commented last week; there remains an urgent need for the Government to sit down with the EU and address the bottlenecks and red tape which still remain and which are adding substantial costs to doing business. These are more than teething troubles which, if not addressed, threaten to become permanent structural barriers. Optimism dominates FX markets for now MUFG noted; The risk of an escalation of friction on the border between the UK and the EU appears to be receding now. Of course this is not to say that additional frictions exist under this new trade agreement. They do, but normalising traffic flows at least would diminish the economic impact and reduce concerns both within government and within the BoE. It will only add to the likelihood that the window for monetary easing in the UK is closing and help provide further support for the pound. The bank considers that a Pound-to-Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate test of 1.4000 looks inevitable now with the outlook remaining favourable for now. Business Today honoured the business leaders in the state of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. Chennai Petroleum Corp was awarded for their public sector investment at the Business Today Tamil Nadu Business Leaders of State Awards 2021, while MRF was awarded for its private investment. Hyundai Motor bagged the Biggest FDI Investment in Tamil Nadu, while Cheyyar SEZ Developers took away the Biggest Employer in Tamil Nadu award among many others. The winners were identified on the basis of the difference that they made in the state. Business Today picked companies based in Tamil Nadu on the CMIE Prowess database and identified firms that made an impact on three key economic criteria -- investment, employment and exports. A high profile jury comprising Mr Arun Roy, IAS, Special Secretary, Industries Department, Govt of Tamil Nadu; Dr Darez Ahmed, IAS, Executive Director, Guidance Tamil Nadu; Ms Preetha Reddy, Vice-Chairperson Apollo Hospitals Group; Ms Rajshree Pathy, Chairperson, Rajshree Sugars & Chemicals; Dr GSK Velu, CMD, Trivitron & Neuberg Diagnostics and Chairman, Ficci Tamil Nadu State Council; Prof Pawan Kumar Singh, Director, IIM Trichy and N Madhan, Regional Managing Partner-South, PwC India identified the winners. Business Today presented 11 awards -- five for investment, three for employment, one for exports and two for others. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru Edappadi K Palaniswami presented the awards. Here are the awards and winners: Biggest Public Sector Investment: Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd; accepted by Rajeev Ailawadi, MD, CPCL Biggest Private Investment: MRF Ltd; accepted by KM Mammen, CMD, MRF Ltd Biggest FDI Investment in Tamil Nadu: Hyundai Motor India Ltd; accepted by DS Kim, Executive Director, HMIL Biggest Investor in Backward Area in Tamil Nadu: Cheyyar SEZ Developers; accepted by Arul Sambandam, Vice-president, Feng Tay Biggest Investor In Sunrise Sector in Tamil Nadu: Foxconn Group; accepted by Josh Foulger and Gary Chou Biggest Employer in Tamil Nadu: Cheyyar SEZ Developers; accepted by Arul Sambandam, Vice-president, Feng Tay Biggest Women Employer in Tamil Nadu: Farida Group; accepted by Israr Ahmed Mecca, Managing Director, Farida Group Biggest Investor in Backward Area: ITC Ltd; accepted by Mr R Senguttuvan, Chief Executive, ITC's Packaging Business in Chennai Largest Exporter in Tamil Nadu: Hyundai Motor India Ltd; accepted by DS Kim, Executive Director, HMIL Best Industrial Park: Mahindra World City; accepted by Vaibhav Mittal, Business Head, Chennai, Most Successful Revival: Salcomp Manufacturing India Pvt Ltd; accepted by Sasikumar Gendham, MD, Salcomp Incoming World Trade Organization President Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala speaks during an interview with Reuters in Potomac, Maryland, U.S., Feb. 15, 2021. Reuters Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed Monday to head the World Trade Organization, becoming the first woman and first African to take on the role amid disagreement over how the body decides cases involving billions in sales and thousands of jobs. Okonjo-Iweala, 66, was named director-general by representatives of the 164 countries that make up the WTO, which deals with the rules of trade between nations. She said in a statement that her first priority would be quickly addressing the economic and health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ''implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again.'' ''Our organization faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today,'' she said in a statement. The appointment came after U.S. President Joe Biden endorsed her candidacy, which had been blocked by former President Donald Trump. Biden's move was a step toward his aim of supporting more cooperative approaches to international problems after Trump's ''America first'' approach that launched multiple trade disputes. But unblocking the appointment is only the start in dealing with trade disputes launched by Trump, and in resolving U.S. concerns about the WTO that date to the Obama administration. The U.S. had blocked the appointment of new judges to the WTO's appellate body, essentially freezing its ability to resolve extended and complex trade disputes. The U.S. government has argued that the trade organization is slow-moving and bureaucratic, ill-equipped to handle the problems posed by China's state-dominated economy and unduly restrictive on U.S. attempts to impose sanctions on countries that unfairly subsidize their companies or export at unusually low prices. Okonjo-Iweala is the first African official and the first woman to hold the job. She has been Nigeria's finance minister and, briefly, foreign minister, and has had a 25-year career at the World Bank as an advocate for economic growth and development in poorer countries. She rose to the No. 2 position of managing director, where she oversaw $81 billion in development financing in Africa, South Asia, Europe and Central Asia. She made an unsuccessful bid for the top post in 2012 with the backing of African and other developing countries, challenging the traditional practice that the World Bank is always headed by an American. Serving as special envoy for the African Union to mobilize financial support for the fight against COVID-19, she urged richer countries to support a two-year standstill on debt service for indebted countries and proposed easing economic sanctions on Sudan and Zimbabwe for health reasons. Okonjo-Iweala has a bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in regional economics and development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee had withdrawn her candidacy, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as the only choice. Her predecessor, Roberto Azevedo, stepped down Aug. 31, a year before his term expired. Trump repeatedly accused the WTO of unfair treatment of the U.S., started a trade war with China in defiance of the WTO system, and threatened to pull the United States out of the trade body altogether. Trump also imposed 25% steel tariffs that hit European allies on national security grounds, a justification that went beyond trade measures normally used within the WTO rules framework to address complaints about unfair trade. So far, Biden has not said whether the U.S. will unblock the appellate appointments, and he has not withdrawn the steel tariffs either, which are backed by U.S. steel industry and union groups. Chad P. Bown, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said unblocking Okonjo-Iweala's appointment was ''a very good first step'' in re-engaging with the WTO, ''but that's the easy one. The rest are hard.'' In particular, the WTO faces ''a ticking time bomb'' in the form of other countries' challenges to Trump's use of national security as a justification for imposing tariffs, a little-used provision in U.S. law rejected by key US trading partners in Europe. Bown said any decision would be a lose-lose dilemma for the WTO. Ruling against Trump's move could provide a rallying cry for WTO skeptics in the U.S., while a ruling in favor could lead to other countries using national security justification as well. And that ''opens a giant loophole in the trading system whereby all rules are meaningless.'' That gives Biden's administration an incentive to find a way to take the dispute off the table before a decision, expected this summer. ''If you're the Biden administration what you want to do is settle this thing, so you don't put the WTO in this awkward position,'' Bown said. (AP) Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) speaks to reporters during a break in the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 13, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Utah Republicans Push to Censure Sen. Romney After He Voted to Convict Trump Republicans in Utah are calling for the censure of Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) after he and six other Republicans joined Democrats in voting to convict former President Donald Trump. Trump was acquitted because the vote count fell short of the threshold for a conviction, but the Republicans who voted against him are facing backlash from within the party. The Utah GOP declined to consider punitive measures against Romney, instead releasing a statement saying both Romney and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) have been criticized for their choices. Lee voted to acquit Trump. The differences between our own Utah Republicans showcase a diversity of thought, in contrast to the danger of a party fixated on unanimity of thought,' the party said in a statement to news outlets. There is power in our differences as a political party, and we look forward to each senator explaining their votes to the people of Utah. That didnt satisfy Romney critics, who are now circulating a draft motion declaring that he has failed, and continues to fail, to represent the average conservative Utah Republican voter. The petition also says Romney has misrepresented himself as a Republican and prioritized his personal and political vendetta against Trump at the expense of the party and the U.S. Constitution. Utah GOP Chairman Derek Brown told the Salt Lake Tribune that he knew of the motion but hadnt yet seen it. Ive been saying the best censure occurs at the ballot box, he said. Romney was elected in 2018, so he wont face reelection until 2024. Former President Donald Trump reacts as he is driven past supporters in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 15, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Romneys vote against Trump wasnt surprising, considering he was the only Republican in either chamber of Congress to vote against him in the first impeachment saga. Trump was acquitted in that effort as well. There wasnt enough support to censure Sen. Romney a year ago. The impact of these kinds of resolutions has been minimal, Brown said, adding: My focus is retaining the people who joined the Utah Republican Party this past year and reaching out to those who have left the party in order to bring them back. Several senators who voted with Romney have been censured, including Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Janalee Tobias, a Republican activist, posted a petition on Facebook calling for Romney to resign. The petition was created in 2020 after Romneys vote in the first impeachment trial. It had about 35,000 signatures as of early Tuesday. Lee in a statement said he voted to acquit Trump because the House impeachment managers didnt prove their case. The House managers burden in this trial was to prove first that the Senate should exercise its impeachment jurisdiction in a case against a former president; and second that he committed the high crime of inciting an insurrection. The House managers did not clear either hurdle, Lee said. The fact is that the word incitement has a very specific meaning in the law, and Donald Trumps words and actions on January 6, 2021, fell short of that standard. The House rushed its impeachment without an investigation, charged President Trump with a crime it failed properly to allege, and then sat on its poorly worded Article until after he left office. Romney said he felt Trump was guilty. President Trump attempted to corrupt the election by pressuring the secretary of state of Georgia to falsify the election results in his state. President Trump incited the insurrection against Congress by using the power of his office to summon his supporters to Washington on January 6th and urging them to march on the Capitol during the counting of electoral votes. He did this despite the obvious and well known threats of violence that day, he said in a statement. President Trump also violated his oath of office by failing to protect the Capitol, the vice president, and others in the Capitol. Each and every one of these conclusions compels me to support conviction. Lawyers representing the opposition Collaborating Political Parties or CPP's senatorial candidate, Edith Gongloe-Weh, are calling for recount of ballots from Electoral Districts #7, 4 and 5 respectively, and rerun election in Electoral Districts #1, and #2, in Nimba County. But the defense counsel led by Counselors Arthur Johnson and Cooper Krua, asked the hearing officer or fact-finder of the National Elections Commission to deny the complainant's legal memorandum on ground that it did not adduce any "materiality and particularity" evidence about alleged frauds and irregularities. The defense team stated among many things that all of the documents they presented were never rebutted to by the complainant as election results should not be about sentiment. They argued that rerun could only come about when there are widespread irregularities of the poll with first hand facts but not based on secondary evidence, further arguing, "We presented records during the hearing which were all signed, confirmed and certified by the Edith Gongloe-Weh's agents." However, the plaintiff believe when recount and rerun are carried out, it would grant complainant further relief that the fact-finder or hearing officer will find just and legal in the interest of transparency, integrity and peace. These were contained in the complainant's legal memorandum as both the complainant and defendant rested final argument Saturday, 13 February at the National Elections Commission headquarters in Monrovia with one hour allotted to each side to summarize its argument. Counselor Gloria Musu-Scott, one of the lead counsels for the complainant made these readings. She was buttressed by Counselor Tiawan Saye Gongloe and others, including Frances Johnson-Allison, Momolu Kandakai, Augustine Fayiah, Kuku Dorbor, Bobby Livingstone, Philip Y. Gongloe and Lawrence Tomah. It is the alleged frauds and irregularities case of complainant Edith Gongloe-Weh of the Collaborating Political Parties or CPP versus the National Elections Commission, and fellow contestant Jeremiah Kpan Koung, of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction or MDR. Madam Gongloe-Weh in her complaint dated Saturday, 12, and Wednesday, 16 December, 2020, respectively complained to the NEC, through its Upper Nimba County Magistrate, Blehdoh Flomo, and that of the Board of Commissioners through its Chairman, Davidetta Brown-Lansannah, about alleged irregularities and suspected fraud during the December 8, 2020 special senatorial election. The complaint pointed out concerns that there was exchange of the complainant's vote count of 137 with 7 votes of candidate Garrison Yealue in Airfield Zone 2, polling place 2, Sanniquellie City, Electoral District #2 by the data entry personnel. That 70 votes for Candidate Jeremiah Kpan Koung from Martha Tubman Campus polling place, Sanniquellie, Electoral District #2, instead of his 37 votes obtained at that polling place. That there were 11 ballot boxes found with broken seals of the tally sheets and inappropriately placed within the boxes with only copies of those sheets found. The team then named those precincts with the alleged irregularities as 33010, 33080, 33250, and 33069 where sheets of the two polling places were reported missing, including 33077 and 33079 precincts as well as that of 33179. The team wants a rerun in eight other precincts in Upper Nimba County in Electoral District #4, precinct 33010 at the Bihplay Public School of polling place 3; Electoral District #1, precinct 33080 at the Liberty Christian Institute of polling place 5; and Electoral District #1, precinct 33250 at Tonglawin Public School of polling place 4. Others are Electoral District #1, precinct 33069 in the Ganta Public School of polling place 5; and Electoral District #1, precinct 33077 in the Vision International School of polling place 5. Also, in Electoral District #1, precinct 33079 at the Gbartu Quarter Palavahut of polling place 6; Electoral District #1, precinct 33071 in the Small Ganta Palavahut of polling place 5; and Electoral District #1, precinct 33179 of the Wehplay Public School with polling place 4. The lawyers strongly want a re-run as well in Electoral District #2, polling places number 33052 in the Gbayee Public School, and Electoral District #2, polling place #33100 at Tiara Public School. They believe that their client or candidate could not participate in the election held there since she had already filed a complaint which was being heard and not yet resolved. Because of the evolving tension in Nimba County following the announcement of preliminary results in last December, they continued a motion for change of venue was made by the complainant and same was granted by the hearing officer in the presence of the Upper Nimba County Magistrate, Blehdoh Flomo, and the hearing of the complaint was transferred to the National Elections Commission in Monrovia. In their closing argument, they called for physical recount in places or precincts 33047, 33121, 33057, 33012, 33154, 33031, 33165, 33030, 33257, 33054, 33172, 33172, 33261 and 33209. The legal team said the data entry clerk refused to allow the complainant's agent to obtain a copy of the data entered or to simply display a copy for verification following the discoveries which clearly indicates calculated plan to commit fraud and deny her the votes cast in her favor by the people. In view of these discoveries, the team said their client demanded in her complaint that the process of counting be stopped in order for her complaint to be addressed in order to restore her confidence in the process. However, that was not done; rather, it continued as the complaint was signed by Candidate Edith Gongloe-Weh. The team stated further that the Magistrate of Upper Nimba County cited her to appear before him, for a hearing of the complaint on Monday, 14 December, 2020 at 10:45. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Additionally, the team went further that their client's agent in the tally room and campaign manager, Armstrong Gobac Selekpoh, wrote a complaint to the Board of Commissioners through its Chairperson, Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, reiterating what was in the complaint dated Sunday, 13 December, 2020. It emphasized that the fact that there were 18 ballot boxes found with broken seals of Tally Tees and inappropriately placed within the boxes with only photocopies of the tees found. During the hearings, the complainant paraded witnesses in support of her case namely Edith Gongloe-Weh, Augustine Fredrick (Expert Witness), Armstrong Goba Selekpoh, Winston W. Saye Kain and Prince Balaieh. Others were Raily Guadeah (Journalist of the Voice of Gompa who interview defendant's witness Milton Paye and Blehdoh Flomo), William Saye Menzoe, Jr., Cyrus Danquan, Jackson K. Geugbeh, William Miazoe, and Princeton Loffen. These witnesses produced document and instruments testified to, identified, and confirmed were admitted into evidence during the hearing by the fact-finder. The defendant presented four witnesses namely; Michael T. V. Dedeh, Edwin G. Gondon, Milton G. Paye, Charles T. Wonkeryor and Blehdoh Flomo. They also presented 10 counts for the hearing officer's determination as final ruling is being reserved by hearing officer Counselor Boakai P. Harris after Saturday's final argument. - Revenues Nearly Double, Stockholders' Equity Continues to Rise Over Prior Year - SAN CLEMENTE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Concierge Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB:CNCG), a diversified global holding firm, today announced financial results for the second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2020, with strong performances in revenues, net income and stockholders' equity. The Company reported that for the three months ended December 31, 2020, revenues continued their increase to $10.0 million from $5.8 million for the comparable prior year period. For the six months ended December 31, 2020, revenues advanced to $20.7 million from $11.8 million for the same period last year. Net income for the most recent three-month period rose to $1.4 million, equal to $0.04 per share, from a net loss of $75,000, equal to breakeven per share, for the comparable prior year period. Year-to-date net income advanced to $3.6 million, equal to $.09 per share on a fully diluted basis, from a net loss of $20,000, or breakeven per share, a year ago. Concierge said the primary driver for the fiscal 2021 improvement was an increase in assets under management (AUM) at the Company's Wainwright Holdings funds management subsidiary to approximately $4.8 billion as of December 31, 2020, compared with $2.0 billion at the same time a year ago. Wainwright, which operates under the name, USCF Investments, currently manages nine commodity-oriented exchange-traded products (ETPs) that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company's "Other" business segment, which comprised approximately 38% of total revenues in the most recent quarter, versus 51% of revenues in last year's second quarter, were up approximately $1 million year-over-year. The increase was due, in part, to the acquisition of Printstock Products Limited by the Company's New Zealand-based wholly owned subsidiary, Gourmet Foods. The Other segment is comprised of Gourmet Foods, Brigadier Security Systems and Original Sprout. Concierge's balance sheet further strengthened at the end of the second fiscal quarter. Cash and cash equivalents grew to $13.3 million from $9.8 million at June 30, 2020. Total stockholders' equity increased to $23.1 million at December 31, 2020 from $19.1 million at the end of fiscal 2020. The company has essentially no debt. "The increase in AUM notwithstanding, the performance of our Other subsidiaries also accounted for a significant portion of our revenue stream and operating income," said David Neibert, Chief Operations Officer. "Regardless of the expected variations within the financial sector, we have proven that our model of diversification and decentralized management structure can, and does, produce a sustainable income with significant growth potential. This has become all the more apparent in today's altered world because of the pandemic." "I am more than pleased with the performance of the management teams at each subsidiary, along with the support of our corporate staff during this difficult calendar year of lock downs, virtual meetings, work-from-home routines and a host of other hurdles," added Nicholas Gerber, Chief Executive Officer. "During this time, we have managed to acquire yet another profitable company in New Zealand, and to further develop an exciting fintech app at our wholly owned subsidiary, Marygold & Co, which we hope to launch later in the year. All this, while continuing to post profits and build value for our shareholders. I look forward, as I'm sure everyone does, to a return to normalcy and using our new-found strengths to continuing growing our company and adding shareholder value in the future." Business Units Gourmet Foods, https://gourmetfoodsltd.co.nz/, acquired in August 2015, is a commercial-scale bakery that produces and distributes iconic meat pies and pastries throughout New Zealand under the brand names Pat's Pantry and Ponsonby Pies. Gourmet Foods also owns Printstock Products Limited, acquired July 1, 2020, https://www.printstocknz.com/ , who is a commercial printer of specialized wrappers for food products manufactured in New Zealand and Australia. Brigadier Security Systems, www.brigadiersecurity.com, acquired in June 2016 and headquartered in Saskatoon, Canada, provides comprehensive security solutions to homes and businesses, government offices, schools and other public buildings throughout the province. The company's USCF Investments operation, www.uscfinvestments.com, acquired as part of the Wainwright Holdings transaction in December 2016 and based in Walnut Creek, Calif., serves as manager, operator or investment adviser to 10 exchange traded products, structured as limited partnerships or investment trusts that issue shares trading on the NYSE Arca. Acquired by Concierge at the end of 2017, California-based Original Sprout, www.originalsprout.com , produces and distributes a full line of vegan, safe, non-toxic hair and skin care products, including a "reef safe" sun screen, in the U.S. and its territories, the U.K., E.U., Turkey, Middle East, Africa, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and at various online outlets worldwide. Marygold & Co, https://marygoldandco.com formed in November 2019 as a development stage corporation headquartered in Denver, CO, seeking to explore opportunities in the Fintech space. Marygold plans to launch a proprietary Fintech mobile app later in the current year. About Concierge Technologies, Inc. Concierge Technologies, originally founded in 1996, was repositioned as a global holding firm in 2015, and currently has operating subsidiaries in financial services, food manufacturing, security systems and beauty products. Offices and manufacturing operations are in the U.S., New Zealand and Canada. For more information, visit www.conciergetechnology.net. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" that include information relating to Concierge Technologies' future events and future financial and operating performance. Such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the launch of a new fintech venture, continue growing the company and adding shareholder value, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting Concierge Technologies or its subsidiary companies, and more detailed information about the individual operating entities, please refer to the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available on the Company's website, (http://www.conciergetechnology.net), or at www.sec.gov. For more information contact: Concierge Technologies, Inc. info@conciergetechnology.net Tel: 949-429-5370 Financial Tables Follow Christina Aguilera recently enjoyed a romantic weekend with fiance Matthew Rutler. And the five-time Grammy winner is back to work on some new music, after celebrating Valentine's Day. She cut a cool look Monday in a black trucker hat and a pair of red sunglasses, as she headed to a recording studio in Miami, where she's enjoying a vacation with her family. Back to work: Christina Aguilera cut a cool look Monday in a black trucker hat and a pair of red sunglasses, as she headed to a recording studio in Miami, where she's enjoying a vacation with her family The 40-year-old kept it casual in a black long-sleeve top with some black Chrome Hearts sweatpants and a pair of red Nike Air Jordans. She finished the look with some sparkling diamond bling around her neck and a matching watch. Rutler, 35, also stepped out barefoot in a white t-shirt and grey gym shorts, as he cleaned up balloons and flowers from the dock of their rental home. Aguilera previously took to Instagram with a photo of their intimate outdoor celebration, under a wall of Christmas lights. Black and red: The 40-year-old kept it casual in a black long-sleeve top with some black Chrome Hearts sweatpants and a pair of red Nike Air Jordans The day after: Rutler, 35, also stepped out barefoot in a white t-shirt and grey gym shorts, as he cleaned up balloons and flowers from the dock of their rental home Romantic evening: Aguilera previously took to Instagram with a photo of their intimate outdoor celebration Self love: The Genie In a Bottle artist also posted a sexy photo of herself in a black pantsuit, writing: 'And Happy Valentine's Day to me because self love is important too!' She captioned the photo: 'Happy Valentine's Day my love...here's to all the adventures we've shared and many more to come.' The Genie In a Bottle artist also posted a sexy photo of herself in a black pantsuit, writing: 'And Happy Valentine's Day to me because self love is important too!' Rutler wrote on Instagram: '@xtina What a ride it's been! And we're just getting started. You still make me crush. Every. Single. Day. Happy Valentine's Day my love.' Aguilera and Rutler got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2014, after they met on the set of her 2010 movie musical Burlesque, on which he worked as a production assistant. They share daughter Summer Rain, six, and she co-parents son Max Liron, 13, with ex-husband Jordan Bratman, 43, to whom she was married from 2005 to 2011. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 15:40:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan National Army commandoes have freed 42 people, including two dozen militaries, from a Taliban detention center in the northern province of Baghlan, the country's Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday. "During a special operation of the Afghan National Army personnel, six national army soldiers, 19 policemen and 17 civilians have been freed from a Taliban hideout in Nawruzak area of Baghlan-e-Markazi district of Baghlan province Monday night," the ministry said in a statement. The statement said that the freed people would join their families soon. This is the second Taliban detention center in two months in Baghlan that has been completely destroyed following the national army special operations, said the statement. The Taliban militants frequently set up temporary checkpoints in areas where security forces have weak presence to nap security force members and government employees. The militant group has not responded to the report so far. Enditem NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Class Action Settlements, a company that helps businesses search, claim and receive money from class action settlements, today announced the launch of its new website, ClassAction-Settlements.com. Designed to simplify a previously arduous process, ClassAction-Settlements.com helps business owners receive payment from class action settlements through a single, centralized website with no upfront costs. Stats have shown that the current class action claims filing rate is roughly 10-30%, a range that Class Action Settlements is dedicated to help increase to 80% or higher. To date, the professionals at Class Action Settlements have worked with over 100,000 small- to medium-sized businesses, helping them receive money they are due from class action settlements. The team understands that the traditional process can be time-consuming and cumbersome for business owners, resulting in large sums of money going unclaimed each year. As many businesses struggle to cope with the financial impact of the COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns, they are looking for hidden assets. By submitting a claim for a class action settlement, business owners can receive additional money that is due to them. Recognizing that many business owners are not aware of current settlements, and in many cases do not have the time or wherewithal to submit a claim, ClassAction-Settlements.com assists with the entire process from start to finish. "At Class Action Settlements, we recognize that small businesses are the backbone of the United States. Our new website will provide our valued clients with the most transparent and simplified claims process available," said Neil Montesano, chief operating officer for Class Action Settlements. "Not only does the website empower business owners to receive money due to them, but it also streamlines the entire claims process. Launching ClassAction-Settlements.com will provide our clients with the best platform in the industry and encourage business owners to submit claims." Class Action Settlements strives to help ease the cash flow challenges faced by business owners today, particularly amidst the pandemic. Recognizing that business owners often wait months or even years to receive their share of funds from a class action claim, Class Action Settlements also offers to buy clients' claims at an agreed upon, negotiated price which will result in an immediate payment to the client. To check if you're eligible for a settlement, please visit https://classaction-settlements.com/. ABOUT CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENTS Class Action Settlements is comprised of a group of professionals who are dedicated to helping business owners search, claim and receive money back from class action settlements. Our team members have helped more than 100,000 small- to medium-sized businesses receive money from antitrust class action settlements. Through our centralized website, we help business owners identify settlements and submit claims. Our mission is to increase the class action claims rate from its current position at less than 30% to 80% or higher. Learn more at https://classaction-settlements.com/. SOURCE Class Action Settlements Related Links http://ClassAction-Settlements.com Brent Stirton/Getty ImagesBY: KATHERINE FAULDERS AND MARIAM KHAN, ABC NEWS (WASHINGTON) -- The Senate is poised to hold its first hearing next Tuesday into the security preparations leading up to Jan. 6 and has called current and former officials responsible for securing the U.S. Capitol building to testify. In what would be a joint oversight hearing, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee and the Senate Rules Committee have asked four officials to explain the security failures that led to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that left five dead. The officials include the former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, former House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving and former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Stenger. Sund, Irving and Stenger quickly resigned following the Capitol riots, but lawmakers said their departures left many unanswered questions about why Capitol security was so easily overwhelmed, why the Capitol Police did not request sufficient reinforcements from the D.C. police and the National Guard, and why some officers appeared to be appeasing the extremist interlopers -- with at least one officer allowing a rioter to snap a selfie with him. The committees also have asked for testimony from the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, Robert Contee. News of the hearing comes as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed creation of an independent commission that would investigate the Jan. 6 attack. In a letter to colleagues sent Monday, Pelosi said the commission would "investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021 domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex and relating to the interference with the peaceful transfer of power, including facts and causes relating to the preparedness and response of the United States Capitol Police and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement in the National Capital Region. A House Democratic leadership aide told ABC News that legislation to set up the commission could be introduced as early as this week. But it's unclear when the legislation could be voted on. The House is set to return the week of Feb. 22. The legislation - mirroring a similar commission that investigated the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 -- would also need approval from the Senate and it would require the president's signature. Separately, Pelosi tapped retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore last month to lead a review of the "security infrastructure" of Capitol Hill in the wake of the attack. "For the past few weeks, General Honore has been assessing our security needs by reviewing what happened on January 6 and how we must ensure that it does not happen again," Pelosi wrote in her letter on Monday. "He has been working with Committees of Jurisdiction and will continue to make proposals. It is clear from his findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened," she said. Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country MILWAUKEE, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With winter storm warnings and advisories in place across much of the Midwest, Versiti Blood Centers is grappling with low and quickly dwindling supplies of blood and platelet donations. "The unrelenting winter weather is taking its toll on the blood supply across the Midwest," said Dr. Dan Waxman, vice president of transfusion medicine and senior medical director at Versiti. "Supplies of some blood types, including O-negative and O-positive, are reaching critically low levels, with less than a day's supply of life-saving blood on shelves to supply Versiti's hospital partners across Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. We simply do not have the three-day supply of blood that we need." The winter weather advisories and warnings are adding to the ongoing blood collection challenges that centers have been facing during COVID due to remote work and schooling. In the past year, Versiti has experienced a 47% decrease in mobile drive collections at business and schools. Platelets which are used to help cancer patients, trauma survivors and premature babies are only viable for five to seven days outside the body, creating a constant and ongoing need for donations. Like blood, platelets can't be manufactured, so Versiti needs volunteer donors to roll up their sleeves. "We are asking the community to step forward and help," said Dr. Waxman. "Unfortunately, we can't wait a week until a cold snap subsides to provide these life-saving gifts. For these patients who rely on us, they need our help today, regardless of the weather forecast." O-negative and O-positive blood donors are most needed now. O-negative and O-positive blood is the universal blood type, meaning donations can be transfused to all patients, including trauma victims, cancer patients and those undergoing surgery. Generous donors are needed to extend the gift of life to neighbors who need help and to give blood at a Versiti Blood Center donor center nearest them: ILLINOIS: WESTMONT : 6317 S. Fairview : 6317 S. Fairview TINLEY PARK : 16100 Centennial Circle : 16100 Centennial Circle BLOOMINGDALE : 204 Gary Ave. : 204 Gary Ave. NAPERVILLE : 1297 S. Naper Blvd. : 1297 S. Naper Blvd. WINFIELD : 27W281 Geneva Rd. : 27W281 Geneva Rd. JOLIET : 2625 W. Jefferson St. : 2625 W. Jefferson St. GENEVA : 2000 W. State St., Unit 1E : 2000 W. State St., Unit 1E AURORA: 1200 N. Highland Ave. ELGIN : 1140 N. McLean Blvd. : 1140 N. McLean Blvd. CRYSTAL LAKE : 6296 Northwest Hwy. : 6296 Northwest Hwy. YORKVILLE : 728 E. Veterans Pkwy., Suite 112 : 728 E. Veterans Pkwy., Suite 112 DEKALB : 2428 Sycamore Rd. INDIANA: INDIANAPOLIS : 3450 N. Meridian St. : 3450 N. Meridian St. FISHERS: 11005 Allisonville Road CARMEL: 726 Adams St., Suite 150 GREENWOOD: 8739 U.S. 31 South TERRE HAUTE : 2021 S. Third St. : 2021 S. Third St. LAFAYETTE : 2200 Elmwood Ave., Suite D-16 MICHIGAN: GRAND RAPIDS : 1036 Fuller NE : 1036 Fuller NE GRANDVILLE : 3140 Wilson SW : 3140 Wilson SW ST. JOSEPH : 2710 Cleveland Ave. : 2710 Cleveland Ave. KALAMAZOO AREA : 524 E. Milham Ave., Portage : 524 E. Milham Ave., SAGINAW : 1771 Tittabawasee Rd. : 1771 Tittabawasee Rd. BAY CITY : 1017 N. Johnson St. : 1017 N. Johnson St. MIDLAND: 825 E. Main St. TRAVERSE CITY : 2575 Aero Park Dr. WISCONSIN: MILWAUKEE : 638 N. 18 th St. : 638 N. 18 St. KENOSHA : 8064 39 th Ave. : 8064 39 Ave. WAUWATOSA : 8733 Watertown Plank Rd. : 8733 Watertown Plank Rd. GREENFIELD: 7210 W. Edgerton Ave. LA CROSSE : 1800 Jackson St. : 1800 Jackson St. MANITOWOC : 619 Reed Ave. : 619 Reed Ave. MARSHFIELD : 508 N. Central, Suite 101 : 508 N. Central, Suite 101 RACINE : 1120 S. Sunnyslope Dr. : 1120 S. Sunnyslope Dr. WAUKESHA : 2111 Springdale Rd. : 2111 Springdale Rd. WEST BEND : 130 Valley Ave. Individuals can also make an appointment to donate at a local community blood drive in their area. Times, dates and locations of upcoming local drives can be found online at Versiti.org. To help ensure donor safety, everyone entering Versiti facilities must wear a mask and have their temperature taken. All Versiti donation locations are practicing social distancing and closely adhering to CDC recommendations and cleaning protocols. Donating blood takes about an hour with the actual donation taking 10-15 minutes. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to donate blood. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date. Appointments are encouraged at any of Versiti's donor centers or at any local community blood drive. Walk-ins are always welcome. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit Versiti online at versiti.org. About Versiti Versiti, a national leader in blood health innovation, was formed with the mission to improve the health of patients and enable the success of our healthcare partners nationally. We provide innovative, value added solutions in the fields of transfusion medicine, transplantation, and blood-related diseases to meet the needs of each of our customers. The collective efforts across Versiti result in improved patient outcomes, expanded access to care, and cost efficiencies for healthcare systems nationwide. For more information, visit versiti.org. SOURCE Versiti, Inc. Related Links http://www.versiti.org Compared to other major European capitals, Madrid is swimming against the tide with regard to its Covid-19 strategy. Although most of Europes main cities are imposing heavy restrictions on both mobility and social activities in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the Spanish capital is opting for relaxing restrictions despite a 14-day incidence rate of 625 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In fact, while Lisbon, London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Athens and Brussels remain in partial lockdown, Madrid plans to put the curfew and closing times in the hospitality sector back an hour. The Swedish capital, Stockholm, which took a controversial early approach to fighting the virus by trusting to individual responsibility, is one of the few big European cities to take a similar line. But experts warn of the risks of relaxing restrictions when transmission remains high. It is a crime to have everything closed in Catalonia, with the good weather you have, stated Madrids regional premier, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, during a visit to Barcelona on January 30. Despite having a much higher rate of infection than Catalonia at that time, it amounted to 993 versus 564 cases per 100,000 inhabitants Madrid authorities have consistently opted for less severe measures, deciding against closing bars or limiting any movement in or out of the city. In fact, while most of the major European capitals have closed stores and had their bars and restaurants shut for weeks, Madrid has already announced that, infection rates permitting, it will change the 10pm curfew to 11pm and extend the hospitality sectors opening hours to coincide. Madrid regional premier Isabel Diaz Ayuso is taking a more relaxed approach to coronavirus restrictions than other parts of Spain and Europe. EUROPA PRESS/O.CANAS.POOL / Europa Press There are no epidemiological criteria to justify Madrids measures, says Daniel Lopez-Acuna, a former director of emergencies at the World Health Organization (WHO). It is political stubbornness aimed at polarizing against the measures of the central government. None of the epidemiological parameters indicate that measures should be eased in Madrid. As well as having an infection rate well above the Health Ministrys threshold for extreme risk, which stands at 250 per 100,000, Madrid also suffers from intense hospital pressure with half of its intensive care beds occupied by Covid-19 patients (716). The rate of diagnostic tests coming back positive, which should be below 5%, is bordering on 20%. This means that there is significant community transmission and many undetected asymptomatic patients, says Lopez-Acuna. But despite its epidemiological situation, Madrid is determined to loosen measures further. In fact, last week it increased the maximum number of people allowed to sit at outdoor dining tables from four to six. This contrasts sharply with the strategy of seven other major European capitals, which are taking a more conservative approach. In Lisbon, where the incidence rate has rocketed to 2,123 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, restaurants, stores and cultural venues have been completely closed, with restaurants doing only home deliveries and takeaway. But cities with infection rates far lower than those of Madrid are also keeping a lid on economic activities that involve social interaction: restaurants are closed, for example, in Berlin where the infection rate is approximately 120 cases per 100,000, London (382 cases per 100,000 in the UK), Athens (111 per 100,000 in Greece), Paris (237) and Brussels (250). In Rome (251 cases per 100,000 in the Lazio region), bars and restaurants close at 6pm. I sense that Madrid is copying the Swedish strategy, but in a crude fashion Salvador Peiro, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research Cultural venues have also been shut down in many of Europes major capitals. Unlike Madrid, where museums, cinemas and theaters can open until 10pm, everything is closed in Paris, Berlin, Athens and London which has one of the strictest lockdowns. In Rome, museums and archaeological landmarks, such as the Colosseum, are open from Monday to Friday, but cinemas and theaters are closed. In Brussels, only museums are open. In terms of retail activity, there is even greater disparity between European cities, but Madrid remains one of the most relaxed. In the Spanish capital, stores are open until 9pm, although there are capacity limitations in department stores and small shops. In cities where restrictions are tighter, such as London, Berlin, Lisbon and Athens, only stores selling essential goods, such as supermarkets, are open. In Brussels, stores operate until 8pm and, in Paris and Rome, there are restrictions in shopping centers. Another controversial aspect of Madrids strategy is its approach to mobility restrictions. To start with, it is insisting on putting the curfew hour back to 11pm when other major European cities have stricter limits on nighttime mobility: 10pm in Rome, 9pm in Athens, 6pm in Paris. In January, Portugal imposed a 1pm curfew on weekends in infection hotspots. Moreover, while other European cities have opted for very strict perimetral or even home lockdowns (such as Lisbon, Athens and London), Madrid has limited its confinement strategy to basic healthcare zones, areas that do not coincide with neighborhoods or districts but are instead defined by the health centers they contain. As of Monday, there will be restrictions for entering and leaving 55 of these zones, as well as 14 municipalities in the Madrid region. It is useless to isolate areas when the whole region is equally bad, says Salvador Peiro, an epidemiologist at the Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research. Experts explained from the outset that this kind of restriction fell short on two counts: an area to be confined must be a geographical space that is recognizable to the population; and, when an area is confined, it should be because it has a visibly higher rate of infection than the surrounding area. Madrids strategy meets neither of these criteria. Moreover, the rules include so many exceptions, such as going to the doctor, to school, to work or to carry out administrative procedures, that these limits have turned out to be ineffectual. The Swedish model Restaurant workers protest against coronavirus restrictions outside a restaurant in Stockholm on January 14. CARL-OLOF ZIMMERMAN / AFP With a 14-day incidence rate of 388 per 100,000 inhabitants, Sweden has also opted for a less strict approach, but its reliance on recommendations and individual responsibility during the first wave of the pandemic proved controversial. When the number of positive cases soared, Sweden did a rethink and imposed tougher restrictions from January. However, Stockholm is still way out of sync with other major European capitals: there are recommendations to limit mobility, but no restrictions; stores and restaurants are open, and cultural venues have capacity limitations that have led major theaters, operas and cinemas to pull down their shutters of their own free will. I sense that Madrid is copying the Swedish strategy, but in a crude fashion, says Peiro. I think they are counting on the fact that they have a certain basic immunity [due to the high number of positive cases during the first wave], and they are lucky that the people themselves appear to realize they cannot trust the governments measures and have adopted safer behavior. But epidemiologists warn that the lack of restrictions will take its toll. Madrid thinks that by rushing to open up, it will stabilize the epidemiological and economic situation sooner, says Lopez-Acuna. This is not the case. What it does is to open the floodgates to spikes and keep the curve at chronically high levels, which will lead to more closures. Experts urge caution when it comes to deescalation. We are all dealing with an unknown the expansion of the British strain of the virus, which is more contagious, says Peiro, explaining that rapid deescalation can lead to a rebound scenario. We should be on the alert and I think this threat is behind the restrictions being maintained in Europe. If the British variant takes hold here very quickly, its bad news for us. We need to gain time to vaccinate, let the health system breathe and resume the care of non-Covid-19 patients. With reporting by I. Valdes, R. de Miguel, G. Abril, M. Bassets, C. Ballesteros, L. Pacho, E. G. Sevillano and D. Castano. English version by Heather Galloway. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Prosecutors are constitutionally required to disclose evidence that could be favorable to a defendant to defense attorneys, including whether their law enforcement witnesses have been found to be unreliable or biased. If they dont, they can be penalized and even disbarred. But law enforcement officers dont face penalties for not sharing their misconduct with prosecutors. Senate Bill 192 would change that. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The bill drafted by the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office and sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque would require officers and agencies to disclose exculpatory or impeachment evidence to prosecutors. This material called Giglio disclosures after the 1972 Supreme Court case Giglio v. United States covers dishonesty, conduct establishing a lack of integrity in investigation, discriminatory bias against a protracted class of persons, bias in favor of or against a participant in the proceeding and criminal charges and convictions. Under the bill, if officers dont comply, they could face suspension or revocation of their law enforcement certification. Its in the constitution that prosecutors have to enquire and disclose the information, District Attorney Raul Torrez said. What is not clear and is not set forth by the Legislature is to what extent law enforcement partners have to cooperate in that process. If they decided that theyre going to interpret the constitution a different way and not comply, thats not something that will be permitted under this bill. Representatives of the Law Offices of the Public Defender, the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico all spoke in support of the bill at the Senate Health and Public Affairs committee. The committee advanced the bill without recommendation on Monday, a motion Sen. Liz Stefanics, D-Cerrillos, made because she said its a complicated measure and the committee couldnt give it a full, robust hearing since members were coming and going. Last fall, Torrez launched an initiative to send officers questionnaires to determine if they have any Giglio disclosures. He said that, of about 265 questionnaires his office has distributed so far, they found five officers with conduct that needed to be disclosed to the defense. However, Torrez stressed, this does not necessarily mean that his prosecutors wont call those officers as witnesses, especially if they are essential for the case. The officers and the cases they are involved in are listed on the DAs website. Torrez said his office began working on the bill due to the Bernalillo County sheriffs opposition to the initiative. Sheriff Manuel Gonzales initially directed his deputies not to respond to the questionnaire and instead answer two questions about whether they had been found to have been untruthful or provided false or deliberately misleading testimony. The two agencies say they are now working together to find common ground. In a statement, Sheriff Gonzales suggested the bill is unnecessary and called it little more than a symbolic repeat of what is already established case law. Citizens would rather see legislatures spending their time on bills that help hold criminals accountable, Gonzales wrote in a statement. For some reason, that doesnt seem to be the focus, and it should be. New Delhi, Feb 16 : The Supreme Court has registered suo moto criminal contempt case against senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai on a plea filed by one Aastha Khurana alleging his tweets, published last year, had scandalised the judiciary. In September last year, the Attorney General K K Venugopal had declined to give consent to initiate criminal contempt against Sardesai. According to Khurana's lawyer Omprakash, after the AG's refusal, the petitioner filed a fresh petition in the top court, which was registered as criminal contempt case on February 13, this year. The petitioner had contended that Sardesai's statement is not only a cheap publicity stunt but a deliberate attempt to spread hatred in form of anti-India campaign on to protest and resist in every way against the top court and judiciary as a machinery. "That the Contemnor tweet is of serious nature putting a big question on sovereign function of Supreme Court and their abiding nature to the Constitution", said the plea. The petitioner cited tweet by Sardesai, published in August 2020, where he had criticised the one-rupee penalty imposed on advocate Prashant Bhushan in the contempt of court; and another tweet citing that the top court cannot debar any lawyer from practice. The plea said later this tweet was deleted by him, but it has got huge media publicity and has again questioned the fairness of the top court, which is again a big threat to the Judiciary. The plea contended that it is evident that Sardesai has disrespected the decision of the top court with impunity. "The Respondent (Sardesai) has wilfully disobeyed the decision of this Hon'ble Court and their conduct is contumacious. Therefore, a serious view of the conduct of the Respondent is required to be taken for ensuring proper administration of justice", said the plea. The plea argued that the actions on the part of the respondent amount to wilful disobedience of the judgment passed by the top court, which is "criminal contempt" under Section 2 (c) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. "Such Remarks of the Contemnor Will seriously affect the Supreme Court which is highest court in which millions of Indians has faith", said the plea. Alexander Zverev's heavily pregnant ex-girlfriend has rubbished his claims their baby daughter is 'the highlight of his life' - and said she hasn't spoken to him in months. The German, 23, had said in recent media interviews he and model Brenda Patea, 27, were both excited about their impending arrival. The world No.7 also claimed he and the 36-week pregnant German model - who he separated from in August after less than a year of dating - were planning on co-parenting their daughter. Patea though on Monday night mocked the 23-year-old's commitment to her child in a series of posts to her more than 290,000 Instagram followers. Alexander Zverev with then-girlfriend Brenda Patea in January 2020. Patea has rubbished his claims their baby daughter is 'the highlight of his life' Patea mocked the 23-year-old's commitment to her child in a series of posts to her more than 290,000 Instagram followers 'Okay, a lot of people ask since I have been seeing all these interviews with Alex lately, I really wonder what he wants to achieve,' she wrote during a question-and-answer session on her Instagram page. ''Highlight of his life'? 'He is pleased'? 'Greatest place'? I hardly think so - because we have no contact! 'So far nothing has come from him! We were in contact a few months ago when that was with his ex but that was it. ''Highlight of his life'? 'He is pleased'? 'Greatest place'? I hardly think so - because we have no contact!' she wrote in German during a question-and-answer session on her Instagram page 'Yes, it's stupid about media but if he gives such interviews with such statements I can finally say something about it why?' She said she was 'fed up' with how Zverev was portraying the pregnancy in the media - telling him 'be honest one day'. Patea said in October she had no plans to share custody of her child with Zverev. Zverev pictured in action against Serbia's Dusan Lajovic at the Australian Open on Sunday. He is preparing to face Novak Djokovic in a quarter-final showdown at the Australian Open on Tuesday night Patea, 27, said she hadn't been in contact with Zverev in months despite her impending arrival 'I will do everything to ensure that [the child grows up in] a harmonious and proper environment. I have the chance to raise my child alone,' she said. Zverev meanwhile is preparing to face Novak Djokovic in a quarter-final showdown at the Australian Open on Tuesday night. The towering German has hit his stride with three successive straight-sets victories, most recently against Serb Dusan Lajovic. Improving the capacity of hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting as well as strengthening international co-operation are identified as two major tasks of the national hydro-meteorological sector in the future. A member of staff checks the outdoor temperature at the Hydro-meteorological Station in the northern province of Tuyen Quang. VNA/VNS Photo The Duyet Professor Tran Hong Thai, director general of the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration said the sector needed to develop, focusing on investing in science, technology and human resources. It was also advised to fully apply the nations scientific and technological achievements and look at other technological achievements from around the world, he said. The sector should continue perfecting the network of national hydro-meteorological monitoring stations, especially automatic monitoring stations to get more accurate data serving natural disaster prevention and control, socio-economic development and national security and defence, he added. Collecting data from satellites to forecast weather developments on a large scale such as typhoon, tropical low-pressure system and monsoon should be strengthened, he said. The equipment for weather radar networks was imperative so the sector could issue more accurate warnings on small-scale weather phenomenon including tornados, hail and flash floods, he said. The sectors computer systems should be upgraded to meet the requirements of processing, calculating, storing and exploiting data to serve hydro-meteorological forecasting in the future, he said. Talking about international co-operation, Thai also said Vietnam would continue taking advantage of foreign aid to develop new methods and technology as well and training human resource staff. Hoang Duc Cuong, deputy head of the administration said Vietnam already committed to supporting the region in two programmes of the World Meteorological Organisation - Dangerous Weather Forecasting Project and Flash Flood Warning Indicator System for the Southeast Asia. Vietnam also actively participated in the activities of the Asian Regional Meteorological Association, which connected with the members of the regional office of the World Meteorological Organisation, the Technical Committees and Regional Associations, he said. The country was also eager to receive technology support as well as experience from other countries, especially in strengthening its capacity for warning and forecasting, he said. Through international co-operation, the sector had made many efforts to help Laos and Cambodia in training professional staff, developing the hydro-meteorological station network for a long time, he said. During the period of 2010-20, the sector had completed tasks in the framework of multilateral co-operation (with the World Meteorological Organisation, Storm Committee, ASEAN Sub-committee on Meteorology and Geophysics) and bilateral co-operation with Meteorological Agency of South Korea, China, Laos, Japan, Finland, Italy and Norway, he said. Efforts to reduce natural disasters Director of the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Mai Van Khiem said although natural disasters appeared with high frequency at the end of 2020, but by its efforts and close co-operation with all relevant ministries and localities, the centre had forecasted and warned quickly and accurately about natural disasters through thousands of forecasts and warnings on websites www.nchmf.gov.vn, www.kttv.gov.vn, www.thoitietvietnam.gov.vn and via mass media. The centre also constantly updated weather forecasts via its Facebook and Zalo pages so people could react to warnings quicker, he said. Data showed the centre had tracked and forecasted 13 storms, one tropical low-pressure system, 24 cold spells, 13 heat waves and 19 large-scale torrential rain storms last year, he said. It also warned very early of drought and saltwater intrusion in the central region and the Mekong River Delta; and torrential rains in the central region, contributing to proactive response, prevention and control of natural disasters from the central to local-level authorised agencies between September and November 2020, he said. Mai Thi Thu Suong, an observer of Thach Han Hydro-meteorological Station in the central province of Quang Tri, said day or night, sunny or rainy, observers of the station would work monitoring the information. Accurate data would produce accurate warnings of natural disasters, she said. Phan Ngoc Tinh, head of the station said they knew that early and accurate warnings would help reducing damages caused by natural disasters for the people and potentially save lives. VNS Vietnam improves weather forecasting capacity Vietnam has made progress in weather prediction, extending the typhoon and tropical depression forecasting and warning to between three and five days, according to the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration. Nigerian American economist and a former two-time finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as director-general of World Trade Organization (WTO) on Sunday. She is the first African and the first Black woman designated as a Chief to lead the WTO which governs trade and commerce internationally. Okonjo-Iweala is expected to tackle the global economic and health crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic across nations, worldwide. This is a very significant moment for the WTO," David Walker, the WTO's General Council chair, said in a statement, while the 66-year-old said that she was "honoured" to secure the role. Elected by representatives of the 164 countries as the WTO chief, Okonjo-Iweala stressed that her priority would be to implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again in her role, according to her first statement as head of WTO, cited by Associated Press. Grateful for the expression of support from the US today for DG @WTO. Congratulations to Madam Yoo of Rep. Korea for a hard fought campaign.Thank You President Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari &all Nigerians for your unflinching support.Thank you friends. Love to my family.Glory to God. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) February 5, 2021 Our organization faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today, the newly appointed WTO leader Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement. WTO leader Okonjo-Iweala's candidacy, which was blocked by former US President Donald Trump under his America first policy, was endorsed by current President of US Joe Biden after he broke the stalemate between the US backed South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee and Okonjo-Iweala. Okonjo-Iweala will take office on March 1, and will elect 4 more deputies. Her tenure will conclude on August 31, 2025. For decades, the new WTO woman chief served as President of World Bank [for 25 years] and held the position of the finance minister in Nigeria. US relation will WTO bittered since Obama presidency after the country vetoed the appointment of new judges to the Appellate Body, world's main court, to resolve complex trade disputes. Read: Biden Ends Deadlock Over First African And First Woman To Lead WTO Read: WTO Members Laud India's 'active Efforts' To Improve Trade And Economic Environmen BREAKING: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director-General. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. Her term starts on the 1st of March 2021. More details soon. #WTODG@NOIweala pic.twitter.com/2RJkkfK2Id WTO (@wto) February 15, 2021 I look forward to finalizing the process of @WTO DG. My gratitude to HE @CyrilRamaphosa, all African Heads of State, the AUC Chair. Special thanks to ECOWAS Heads of State for outstanding support. I thank @PressACP, @Miaamormottley, EU, all Officials & Leaders of WTO Members. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) February 6, 2021 WHO chief dealt with hardship Having experienced Nigerias brutal civil war during her teenage days, and her mother held hostage over demands for her stepping down as Nigerias finance minister, the first-ever woman chief to WTO says she will bring strength to the Switzerland-based institution. My vision is of a rejuvenated WTO that will be confident to tackle effectively ongoing issues, the former said at WTO members hearing in July. It is clear that a rules-based system without a forum in which a breach of the rules can be effectively arbitrated loses credibility over time, she added in her live-streamed address to the body. Her remarks came following the increased demands by the EU and the US to reform the WTO. The chief presided with a vision of ramping up female participation in global trade. Read: Australian PM Says China Coal Ban Would Breach WTO Rules Read: Morrison: China Coal Ban Would Breach WTO Rules Jordan also bought the model stock in Hermes Lori Harvey doesnt speak much publicly, but she has no problem letting us know how she feels about her boyfriend, Michael B. Jordan. The model and step-daughter to Steve Harvey took to Instagram to show her 3 million followers how she celebrated Valentines Day with the Hollywood sexiest man alive. The pair celebrated the holiday at an aquarium, where Jordan, 34, rented out space just for them and decked it out in flowers and candles. Read More: Wendy Williams fans drag ex Kevin Hunter for posting girlfriend for V-Day Harvey, 24, took to her Instagram stories and wrote, My baby rented out the aquarium so we could do a private tour and see the turtles and then we walked into this Image: Lori Harvey Instagram @loriHarvey Image: Lori Harvey Instagram @loriHarvey Lori posted a photo of a stuffed turtle, which is affectionately MBJs nickname for her. Image: Lori Harvey Instagram @loriHarvey Read More: Must Love Beards founder wants to help you find Black Love Then the two took to another location for a nightcap. Lori took us on a quick tour of the room that was decorated with more flowers, candles, and a prepared bubble bath. Image: Lori Harvey Instagram @loriHarvey Image: Lori Harvey Instagram @loriHarvey Last but certainly not least, Jordan went all out and bought the model stock in French luxury goods manufacturer, Hermes. As previously reported by theGrio the pair recently announced their relationship to the world. Following their romantic vacation, Lori Harvey called her boyfriend Michael B. Jordan mine in the comments on Instagram. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA JANUARY 06:Michael B. Jordan attends the LA Community Screening Of Warner Bros Pictures Just Mercy at Cinemark Baldwin Hills on January 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) After months of swirling rumors, the duo took to Instagram to officially confirm their relationship. Ever since their social media debut, they have been busy letting us into their love and are certainly making it clear where they stand with each other, even in the comments. The photo, taken by Harvey herself, features Jordan catching some sun, shirtless and in swim trunks. Jordan captioned the picture, Spf 1000 pls : @loriharvey. Harvey seems to be proud of her photography skills and her man, as she commented mine underneath the now popular picture. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post Michael B. Jordan rents out an aquarium for Lori Harvey on Valentines Day appeared first on TheGrio. The experiment photographed from above. Credit: University of Stirling Scientists at the University of Stirling have been able to unpick what determines the size and evolution of disease in a first-of-its-kind study. The research teamled by Dr. Stuart Auld, a Biological and Environmental Sciences expert in the Faculty of Natural Sciencesused clones of a crustacean to explore whether epidemics could be repeated, and to what scale in different environments. The scientists used Daphnia magnaa crustacean that can clone itselfto repeatedly run epidemics starting with the same population of hosts and pathogens in different environments, to test how various factors determined epidemic size and disease evolution. They set up controlled laboratory experimentscreating complex natural environments using ponds containing Daphnia and its sterilizing bacterial pathogen Pasteuria ramosaand were able to show precisely how these ecological conditions interacted and impacted the size of epidemics, and how the epidemics altered the hosts' ability to resist the bacterium, and bacterial infectiousness. The study, which was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution. Dr. Auld, who was supported by Ph.D. student Sam Paplauskas and technician June Brand, said "We know that epidemics vary: the Black Death was worse than the Great Plague of London despite being caused by the same bacterium, but it's hard to know why. In our study, we were essentially able to put the same animal into different environments and see how susceptible it was to infection. Each pond differed in its temperature profile and all manner of other ecological conditions, but the starting set of hosts and pathogens was the same. "This study is almost unheard ofit was like examining the Black Death 16 times over, but each time under different environmental conditions. We were able to show that epidemics aren't random processes; they are repeatable and predictable when you know a bit about the wider environment." Predicting epidemics The researchers found that measuring 10 ecological variables, including temperature, pH, access to algal food and predator densities, enabled them to predict when epidemics were going to be large or small. They were also able to foresee the direction and extent of overall disease coevolutionthe extent to which hosts evolved to be resistant and pathogens evolved to become more infectious. The study, "Ecology directs hostparasite coevolutionary trajectories across Daphniamicroparasite populations," is part of the wider Stirling Outdoor Disease Experiment projecta long-term experiment that uses replicate pond populations of a crustacean and its bacterial disease to examine how ecological and environmental variation affects disease evolution. Dr. Auld added: "Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the way it has dramatically impacted our lives, disease evolution is now very much of interest to the general public. We must better understand the general underlying processes that govern the size and severity of disease outbreaks. Any underlying knowledge that helps us better predict disease dynamicsfor human, animal and crop diseaseswill ultimately be of benefit to society." Explore further Scientists create model to predict multipathogen epidemics More information: Ecology directs hostparasite coevolutionary trajectories across Daphniamicroparasite populations. Nat Ecol Evol (2021). Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution Ecology directs hostparasite coevolutionary trajectories across Daphniamicroparasite populations.(2021). doi.org/10.1038/s41559-021-01390-7 Four Congress MLAs resigned from the Puducherry government on Tuesday initiating a fresh crisis for the INC administration in the Union Territory which is led by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy. Responding to resignation of the MLAs, CM Narayanasamy has called for an urgent Cabinet meeting. Earlier on February 15, MLA Malladi Krishna Rao had also resigned from the Congress government. Now, that five MLAs have resigned from the administration within just two days, the Congress-led Puducherry government is pacing towards a big crisis, according to India Today. John Kumar, a close confidant of Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy, is among the four MLAs who resigned on Tuesday. Kumar resigned from his post ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to the UT. Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit the UT to initiate the INC's campaign for the upcoming elections. The INC-DMK alliance had a majority in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly with 16 out of 30 seats belonging to them. With the recent string of resignations, the number of seats held by Congress MLAs has now shrunk to below 10. The opposition, on the other hand, has 14 MLAs. Social Welfare Minister Kandhasamy has released a video in which he states that during the past five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant -Governor Kiran Bedi had put multiple hurdles in front of the Congress-DMK government in the UT. He also said that legislative assembly election dates are expected to be announced in the next two weeks. He added that the Chief Minister has called for a Cabinet meeting to deliberate on dissolving the government in the UT and then facing elections. Apart from the 5 MLAs who have quit the INC in the last two days, Former PWD Minister A Namassivayam and Congress MLA E Theeppainjan had resigned on January 25. Earlier in July, N Dhanavelu, an INC member, was disqualified for anti-party activities. The INC had won 15 seats in the 2016 assembly elections. With these string of resignations, Congress's numbers in the legislative assembly have gone below the required halfway mark. Also Read: Fuel prices increase for eighth straight day; petrol nears Rs 100 in MP's Balaghat, Rajasthan's Ganganagar Yet another Liberal Party staffer has alleged she was sexually assaulted by a parliamentary colleague, this time in Parliament House. The young woman, Brittany Higgins, reported the assault but felt forced to choose between justice or a career in politics. The response to the case, by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, was dreadful. Higgins was interviewed about her experience in the very room where the assault took place. Just 18 months ago, another staffer, Chelsey Potter, reported she was pinned down and had her underpants torn off. Yet another said a fellow Liberal came to her house the same year and forced himself on her while masturbating. Brittany Higgins (inset) claims she was sexually assaulted by a colleague in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds office at Parliament House in March 2019. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen/Twitter Is the Liberal Party the worst workplace in the world? Is Labor any better? Can women only speak out after they leave? At the beginning of 2020, the Liberal Party released its National Code of Conduct, which insists any victim of criminal conduct should report the complaint to the police and parliamentary staffers should refer the matter to Parliament or government departments. Labor is in the final stages of updating its code of conduct and harassment policies and procedures. In its draft form, it at least says it will support the victim through the complaints process. Staff writer Zaira Perez contributed to this report. PAUL BRYANT can be reached at 940-566-6881 and via Twitter at @paulbryant_DRC. MARSHALL REID can be reached at 940-566-6862 and via Twitter at @MarshallKReid. Yangon, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Feb, 2021 ) :Myanmar's deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi was hit with another charge on Tuesday, after the military imposed a second straight overnight internet shutdown in an attempt to grind down an anti-coup uprising. In the two weeks since the generals ousted Suu Kyi and put the civilian leader under house arrest in the administrative capital Naypyidaw, big cities and isolated village communities alike have been in open revolt. The military justified its power seizure by alleging widespread voter fraud in November elections that Suu Kyi's party won. After her detention in a dawn raid on February 1 -- the day of the coup -- she was charged under an obscure import and export law, over walkie talkies that were found in her home during a search. The Nobel laureate's lawyer told AFP Tuesday she had been hit with a second charge, of violating the country's disaster management law. "She was charged under section 8 of the Export and Import law and section 25 of the Natural Disaster Management law as well," Khin Maung Zaw told AFP. While it was unclear how the disaster law applied in Suu Kyi's case, it has been used against deposed president Win Myint -- also arrested on February 1 -- relating to a campaign event that the junta alleges broke coronavirus-related restrictions. Khin Maung Zaw added that Suu Kyi and Win Myint, both of whom he has yet to have any contact with, were expected to appear via video conference during a March 1 trial. Both defendants were in a "safer place" and "in good health", according to military spokesman Zaw Min Tun. "It's not like they were arrested -- they are staying at their houses," the general, who became the country's vice-minister of information after the coup, said during a press conference Tuesday. More than 420 people have been arrested since the coup, according to a list of confirmed detentions from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group. There are numerous unconfirmed reports of other arrests. - 'We didn't sleep the whole night' - Security forces have used increasing force to quell huge nationwide street protests and a disobedience campaign encouraging civil servants to strike. Troops have fanned out around the country in recent days. They fired rubber bullets to disperse one rally in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, hours before authorities again cut internet access. "They shut down the internet because they want to do bad things," said 44-year-old Win Tun, a resident of commercial capital Yangon. "We didn't sleep the whole night so we could see what would happen." The internet blackout came after another day of protests in Yangon and Mandalay, where police used slingshots against protesters and fired rubber bullets into the crowd. At least six were injured in the clashes. Crowds returned to the streets of Yangon and around the country on Tuesday morning. "I want more people to join the protests, we don't want to be seen as weak," said university student Thwe Ei Sann. A large crowd blocked railway tracks outside Mawlamyine to prevent a Yangon-bound train from leaving the port city. Many of the country's train drivers have joined the anti-coup work boycotts, frustrating junta efforts to restart the national railway network after a Covid-19 shutdown. Yangon residents at the weekend used tree trunks to block police vehicles sent to take striking rail workers back to their stations. - 'Nobody believes them' - The international community has unleashed a torrent of condemnation against the leaders of Myanmar's new military administration, which insists it took power lawfully. The Chinese ambassador to Myanmar said on Tuesday that "the current development in Myanmar is absolutely not what China wants to see". He added that Beijing had good relations with Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party. So far, only the US has announced targeted sanctions against the generals, calling on them to relinquish power. Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said Tuesday that "sanctions are expected", and that the regime would continue to "maintain friendly relations" with the international community. UN ambassador Christine Schraner Burgener spoke to junta number two Soe Win on Monday and warned him that the regime's network blackouts "undermine core democratic principles", according to a spokesman. State media reported the following day that the general had discussed "security measures" with the envoy, along with the regime's Covid-19 vaccination rollout and economic recovery plans. UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews told AFP Monday that he did not expect Suu Kyi's court hearing to be fair. "There's nothing fair about the junta. This is theatre. It's just theatre," Andrews said. "And of course, nobody believes them." One more ruling Congress legislator A John Kumar, a close confidant of Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, resigned his MLA post on Tuesday, in yet another jolt to the ruling Congress dispensation ahead of the assembly polls due in few months. Kumar, who was elected from the Kamaraj Nagar constituency in 2019 bypoll, is the fourth Congress lawmaker to quit the party ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to on Wednesday to kick-start the Congress poll campaign. His resignation comes close on the heels of senior party legislator Malladi Krishna Rao, who had earlier quit as Health minister, resigning from the post of MLA on Monday. John Kumar called on Speaker V P Sivakolundhu at his office and handed over his handwritten letter of resignation, official sources said. The Speaker told PTI he was perusing the letter and would take a decision soon. He said he had received Malladi Krishna Rao's resignation letter from the House through fax on Monday night. With his resignation, the strength of the ruling Congress in the territorial assembly has come down to ten and both the treasury and the opposition will now have 14 members each. The assembly has 30 elected seats and three nominated seats. Already two Ministers, A Namassivayam and Malladi Krishna Rao, and a Congress member E.Theeppainjan had quit the posts of MLA during the last couple of months while N.Dhanavelou was disqualified for alleged anti-party activities in July last year. The Congress headed by V Narayanasamy has been depending on the support of the three-member DMK and a lone legislator from Mahe N Ramachandran. On the opposition side, AINRC has seven members while AIADMK has four and the Bharatiya Janata party three who are nominated members. The Congress had won 15 assembly seats in the 2016 Assembly polls. John Kumar first arrived at the residence of the Speaker to hand over his resignation. But he was asked by the speaker to come to his office in the Assembly campus for submission of his letter. Kumar then drove to the office of the Speaker and handed over the letter, official sources said. The Institute of Management Accountants released a study that highlights the global impact of covid-19 on the finance function of organizations worldwidewith specific focus on staffing, salaries and skills. Key highlights by respondents of the global survey include across-the-board revenue declinewith large companies suffering more than their smaller counterparts. From a demographic perspective, while the compensation of all age groups was impacted, those in middle management positions saw the least change in compensation while lower management was most likely to see pay cuts or no bonuses. The coups fallout on Asian firms View Full Image The coups fallout on Asian firms Asian businesses are coming under intense pressure to cut ties with the Myanmar military after this months coup, with activists questioning whether such ventures benefit the wider population or fuel human rights abuses. Myanmars military toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, ending a decade-long democratic transition when businesses entered the South-East Asian nation after international sanctions were lifted. Many of these firms formed partnerships with the military, largely through the military-owned conglomerates Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holdings, according to advocacy group Justice for Myanmar, reports Reuters. The military controls much of Myanmars economy through the holding firms and their subsidiaries, with interests ranging from beer and cigarettes to telecom, mining and real estate, according to research by Justice for Myanmar. Singapore aims to aid recovery View Full Image Singapore aims to aid recovery Singapore said it plans to spend S$11 billion to help households and businesses rebound from the covid-19 pandemic after the economy suffered its worst year since independence. Even as our economy recovers gradually and some sectors grow well, some other sectors remain stressed," said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, delivering the measures Tuesday in his annual budget speech to Parliament. Heng, who is also finance minister, noted how the government had pivoted rapidly from focusing on pandemic relief to using the crisis as an opportunity to restructure the economy. The address comes after Singapores economy endured its biggest-ever contraction in 2020, with gross domestic product shrinking 5.4%. Growth is expected to rebound to 4%-6% this year, but the outlook remains challenging for some important sectors including aviation, transport and hospitality. Puri heritage corridor in focus View Full Image Puri heritage corridor in focus The Shree Jagannath Temple Management Committee has approved an 800-crore heritage corridor project to redevelop the shrines surrounding areas. The committee, during a meeting chaired by Gajapati Maharaja of Puri Divyasingha Deb, approved the proposal for the Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor project by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Monday. The SJTA will seek approval of the National Monuments Authority, ASI and the Puri-Konark Development Authority before starting work from 1 June. The project includes plans to beautify and develop the corridor around the temples boundary walls, set up the Shree Jagannath Reception Centre and conserve temples in various mutts linked with rituals, officials told PTI. Israel-US on Iran nuclear strategy View Full Image Israel-US on Iran nuclear strategy Israel held out the possibility on Tuesday it would not engage with US President Joe Biden on strategy regarding the Iranian nuclear programme if he returns to a 2015 deal with Tehran, reports Reuters. The remarks by Israels envoy to Washington came at a touchy juncture for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Up for re-election next month, he has revived tough rhetoric on Iran while not yet having any direct communication with Biden. The new administration has said it wants a US return to the 2015 nuclear dealwhich former President Donald Trump quit, restoring sanctions on Tehranif the Iranians recommit to their own obligations. Washington has said it wants to confer with allies in West Asia about such moves. Netanyahu aides have privately questioned whether engaging with US counterparts might backfire by falsely signalling its consent for any new deal that it opposes. US energy crisis deepens View Full Image US energy crisis deepens The energy crisis crippling Texass power system continued to spread, with nearly 5 million people across the US plunged into darkness as authorities fought to avoid a total collapse of the grid. Homes and businesses from North Dakota to Texas are losing power in the middle of an unprecedented deep freeze that has broken daily temperature records in hundreds of places. The blackouts are likely to continue throughout Tuesday with no firm end in sight as the cold weather is forecast to remain through Wednesday. Officials have reported two people dead, likely from cold, according to the AP. Medical centres are rushing to administer vaccines before they go bad. Flights are grounded. More than a million barrels a day of oil and 10 billion cu. ft of gas production are shut while pipelines have declared force majeure and massive refineries have halted gasoline and diesel output. Curated by Sohini Sen. Have something to share with us? Write to us at feedback@livemint or tweet to @shohinisen Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Fake news and fake ballots produced a fake President. Nobody ever saw any of those ballots, and failing to convict Trump to protect their own political future will tear the Republican party apart at the seams, as many law-abiding Representatives and Senators want to continue to perform their long-standing tradition of representing the people who elected them to protect their Constitution, and to provide law, order, and good government. Their intransigence is completely incomprehensible, especially when considering the reality that Trump will never see the inside of that White House again or Capitol Hill, for the simple reasons that he violated his Oath to serve and protect the people and their democratic institutions, and will never be allowed to serve as President again. During that hour-long phone call to the Secretary of State of Georgia, Brad Raffensperger, he bared his soul to the world, and organizing and promoting an armed insurrection on Capitol Hill, that took five peoples lives closed that door forever. Insisting on being referred to as the 45th President instead of past President is understandable, but reflecting on his disconnects from important forums like the UN and NATO and snubbing global political Leaders while giving Putin a cozy embrace, he is more likely to be remembered as the President who never was. Trumps departure will be like a very messy political root canal, as he will be facing a number of court challenges initiated by the tax man, banks, creditors, and a string of bills he left behind wherever he was holding political rallies. A lot of the people who took an active part in that insurrection will also be facing criminal charges, and the process of prosecuting those cases will produce a lot of witnesses with information about who was all involved, how well organized they were, and who financed this assault. The FBI and other public and private police and security organizations will be digging for evidence for months to come, generating an incredible catalogue of evidence that will be used in those trials, and very likely result in even more perpetrators being convicted, and every single one of those convictions will have Trumps signature on it. Andy Thomsen, Kelowna The schools in Vietnam observe a phenomenon that almost all parents send their children to school using private vehicles, mostly motorcycles. The parents usually park their vehicle on streets outside the school gates which can cause serious congestion and chances of of traffic accidents. This study aims to identify the factors affecting the picking up of pupils at primary school by analysing typical primary schools in Hanoi city. The researchers used the binary logistic regression model to determine the factors that influence the decision of picking up pupils and the waiting duration of parents. The behaviour of motorcyclists during the process was identified and studied in detail using the Kinovea software. Through the results the researchers found that, on the way back home, almost all the parents use motorbikes (89.15%) to pick up their children. During their waiting time (8.48 minutes on average), the parents did a lot of illegal parking activities on the streets which caused a lot of trouble, testing the other commuters, and created chances for potential accidents in front of the primary school entrance gate. Risky picking-up behaviours were observed in the research. Based on the results, several traffic management measures have been proposed by the researchers to improve traffic safety and to reduce traffic congestion in front of school gates. In addition, the results of the study is expected to provide a useful reference for policymakers and authorities. ### Moscow, Feb 16 : The Kremlin has found SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk's proposal to have a chat with Russian President Vladimir Putin on voice-based social network Clubhouse interesting. Talking to reporters on Monday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, said that details of the proposal should be considered first. "We want to make sense of it first. Putin himself does not use social networks, he doesn't have any personal accounts," Peskov told reporters. His comments came after Musk on Sunday said he was interested in talking to the Russian President. ".@KremlinRussia_E would you like join me for a conversation on Clubhouse?" Musk said in a tweet while tagging the Kremlin's Twitter account. "It would be a great honour to speak with you," he said in a separate tweet. Peskov noted that Musk's proposal is "without a doubt, very interesting," according to the Tass news agency. "But we need to understand somehow what he means, what the offer is about, we need to verify this first, and then we will respond," the spokesman said. Clubhouse is an audio-based chat app that allows members to join or start "rooms" of up to 5,000 people. It has emerged as a favourite among tech leaders. NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay says she did not know she was signing a letter to help a child sex offender, which has prompted outrage from one of her MPs who has been supporting the victims family. Ms McKay was forced to address the revelations in a caucus meeting on Tuesday, after it emerged she signed a letter of support for a Tamil man who was attempting to obtain an Australian visa. NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay insists she did not know a letter she signed was for a convicted sex offender. Credit:Kate Geragthy The man had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of indecently assaulting a child, who he met at a western Sydney train station when the girl was on her way to school. Ms McKay said the letter was a standard form letter simply addressed to whom it may concern and was not sent to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, which was hearing the mans visa appeal. SAGINAW, MI Police are investigating the shooting of a teenager outside a Saginaw food store. About 8:40 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15, Saginaw police and Michigan State Police troopers responded to a reported shooting on Van Etten Street near Cambrey Food Store, 1003 Cambrey St. on the citys South Side. Police found the 17-year-old male victim on the ground near the intersection, a gunshot wound to his left leg. Investigators believe the teen had an altercation with two people outside the market just before being shot. No arrests have been made and police are asking anyone with information on the shooting to call the Saginaw Major Crimes Unit at 989-759-1289. Read more: Were just numb, say mom, sister of 2 Saginaw brothers killed years apart Police ID Michigan man killed in I-675 crash in Saginaw Police: Gas station employee sets store on fire in northern Bay County Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. The territory of certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, currently seized by Russia-occupation forces, is 1,400 square kilometers more than indicated in the Minsk Agreements, which creates ambiguities in understanding the sphere of influence of the Minsk Agreements on these territories, representative of certain districts of Donetsk region in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) from Ukraine Serhiy Harmash said. "We are still trying to find out from the representatives of Russia what kind of territory they understand by the concept of ORDLO. Because the one that, in fact, was captured by Russia-occupation forces, is 1,400 km more than the one indicated in the Minsk Agreements, and to what territory the Minsk Agreements apply then remains unclear," Harmash wrote on his Facebook page following an online TCG conference held on Tuesday February 16. According to him, "this issue is no less fundamental than the definition of the parties to the conflict." "But even here we do not get a clear answer, even though it is written down in the Minsk Agreements. Moscow has an amazing ability to become deaf and blind when it does not want to see and hear something. Especially when it comes to the agreements it has signed," Harmash said. He added that "at the meeting of the TCG working group on political issues, the question of the parties to the military conflict in Donbas was frequently raised." "In the seventh year of the war [] the representatives of Russia claimed that these were Ukraine and Donbas. What they mean by this concept is unclear. Probably part of Donetsk coal basin in Rostov region of the Russian Federation. Also from the other side sounded the version 'people of Donbas' - it is also not clear what the residents of Pokrovsk, Dobropillia, Kramatorsk and Mariupol did not share with Ukraine [...] plus one and a half million internally displaced persons," a member of the Ukrainian delegation said. "We have clearly indicated that Russia and Ukraine are in conflict. And we asked not to make such provocations, because they distract the participants in the consultations from discussing the Action Plan proposed by Ukraine. It is clear that we cannot simply remain silent when such absurd statements are made, both in form and in content," Harmash said. As part of their settlement,477,000,000 shares will be returned to the company's treasury Atlanta, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - Minerco Inc. (OTC Pink: MINE) inherited EROP Capital's debt that had been accrued from previous ownership. As a result, Minerco's new management team met with EROP Capital and completed debt settlement. In the aftermath of settling EROP's debt, Minerco's management also made a corporate decision to retire 477,000,000 shares back to the company's treasury. Management is looking forward to having a stronger company with a cleaner balance sheet. During the Sankofa Shareholder and Vision Summit on January 24, 2021, leadership announced that this upcoming year would be critical towards meeting their goals. Management expressed the plan to retire debt, acquire the equipment necessary for manufacturing 1m micro dots daily, complete the SHRU Coin, and find a U.S. location for them to maximize their production dependency in both the U.S. and Jamaica. In light of this week's news, Minerco's management team has successfully met the first of those four goals. In response to the milestone achievement, Minerco CEO Julius Jenge issued the following statement: "To free ourselves from old financial entanglements is a much-needed benefit to a new company. Our goal to eliminate and retire toxic debt will put us ahead of schedule. This is something that our shareholders deserve." About Minerco Inc. Minerco, Inc. The Magic Mushroom Company (OTC Pink: MINE) is the pioneering company specializing in the research, production, and distribution of psilocybin mushroom products ("Magic Mushrooms'). The SHRU coin A Blockchain token through the Etherium network to purchase psilocybin and cannabis To learn more about Minerco, Inc. visit them at www.minercoinc.com. To research Minerco, Inc's. stock histogram chart please visit OTC Markets at www.otcmarkets.com and search under the ticker MINE. Follow us on twitter @minercoinc Investor relations miners@minercoinc.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74569 Millions of Texans were without heat and electricity Monday as snow, ice and frigid temperatures caused a catastrophic failure of the states power grid. The Texas power grid, powered largely by wind and natural gas, is relatively well equipped to handle the states hot and humid summers when demand for power soars. But unlike blistering summers, the severe winter weather delivered a crippling blow to power production, cutting supplies as the falling temperatures increased demand. Natural gas shortages and frozen wind turbines were already curtailing power output when the Arctic blast began knocking generators offline early Monday morning. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, which is responsible for scheduling power and ensuring the reliability of the electrical network, declared a statewide power generation shortfall emergency and asked electricity delivery companies to reduce load through controlled outages. More than 4 million customers were without power in Texas, including 1.4 million in the Houston area, the worst power crisis in the state in a decade. The forced outages are expected to last at least through part of Tuesday, the state grid manager said. CenterPoint Energy, the regulated utility that delivers electricity to Houston-area homes and provides natural gas service, started rolling blackouts in the Houston region at the order of state power regulators. It said customers experiencing outages should be prepared to be without power at least through Monday. How long is it going to be? I dont know the answer, said Kenny Mercado, executive vice president at the Houston utility. The generators are doing everything they can to get back on. But their work takes time and I dont know how long it will take. But for us to move forward, we have got to get generation back onto the grid. That is our primary need. Dan Woodfin, ERCOTs senior director of system operations, said the rolling blackouts are taking more power offline for longer periods than ever before. An estimated 34,000 megawatts of power generation more than a third of the systems total generating capacity had been knocked offline by the extreme winter weather amid soaring demand as residents crank up heating systems. The U.S. Energy Department, in response to an ERCOT request, issued an order late Monday authorizing power plants throughout the state to run at maximum output levels, even if it results in exceeding pollution limits. Ed Hirs, an energy fellow in the Department of Economics at the University of Houston, blamed the failures on the states deregulated power system, which doesnt provide power generators with the returns needed to invest in maintaining and improving power plants. The ERCOT grid has collapsed in exactly the same manner as the old Soviet Union, said Hirs. It limped along on underinvestment and neglect until it finally broke under predictable circumstances. For more than a decade, generators have not been able to charge what it costs them to produce electricity, said Hirs. If you dont make a return on your money, how can you keep it up? Its like not taking care of your car. If you dont change the oil and tires, you cant expect your car to be ready to evacuate, let alone get you to work. Woodfin said ERCOT and generators followed best practices for winterization, but the severity of the weather was unprecedented well beyond the design parameters of an extreme Texas winter. The hit to power generation came as frigid weather froze wind turbines and forced outages among natural gas and other power plants. Most of the power knocked offline came from thermal sources, Woodfin said, particularly natural gas. Natural gas supplies for electric generation are already strained in the winter, the peak season for gas used for heating, adding pressure to supplies used to generate electricity. The Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and natural gas in the state, said Monday afternoon that some producers, especially in the Permian Basin and Panhandle, were experiencing unprecedented freezing conditions, causing concern for employee safety and affecting production. As part of its statewide response, the commissioners issued an emergency order on Friday evening to manage shortages of natural gas, requiring gas to first be delivered to residences, hospitals, schools, churches and other locations that meet human needs, then to power plants and then to industrial users. The RRC also issued a notice asking oil and gas operators to monitor and maintain operations as safety permits. ERCOT and utility officials called on Texans to do as much as they can to conserve energy. Every single watt of savings is one watt that we dont have to go take out at somebodys house, Mercado said. For those who still have power, whether it is commercial, a school, residential, if they can bring their demand for electricity down, that would help us. That is what we need for the rest of today. I want to emphasize this. With demand high and supplies short, wholesale electricity prices have spiked, and because of the nature of electric power contracts, those increases may be felt by consumers well after the region has thawed. Wholesale electricity sold are near the $9,000-per-megawatt hour maximum in power markets across the state Monday as the system struggled to meet demand, according to ERCOT. The system hit a new record early Monday morning of more than 69,000 megawatt hours, well above the previous winter record of about 66,000 megawatt hours set in 2018. ERCOT entered emergency conditions and initiated rotating outages at 1:25 a.m. Monday. As the regulator calls for reductions in demand, each supplier is responsible for reducing its share of the gap by its share of the market. In the case of CenterPoint, thats about 25 percent, ERCOTs Woodfin said. Oncor, which serves the Dallas area and beyond, is responsible for 36 percent. Rotating outages could be initiated until this weather emergency ends, with Monday and Tuesday mornings at the highest risk periods for rlling blackouts, Mayor Sylvester Turner said. Blackouts could last between 15 minutes and an hour and could happen more than once. These are not rolling blackouts. We are dealing with system-wide power outages across the state, Turner tweeted at 8:11 a.m. Downed power lines caused by icing could keep some customers in the cold and dark for an extended time. Hirs said Houston residents can expect more power outages in the future. The year 2011 was a miserable cold snap and there were blackouts, said Hirs. It happened before and will continue to happen until Texas restructures its electricity market. marcy.deluna@chron.com amanda.drane@chron.com rebecca carballo@chron.com Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. SINGAPORE (AP) Chan Jit Yen loves Lunar New Year. It is as much about festivities as it is a homecoming for the 31-year-old Malaysian woman. Chan, who lives in neighboring Singapore with her husband, usually takes a week off work to visit his family in Kuala Lumpur. They then travel to her hometown in Ipoh, and usher in the year with more visits, meals and celebratory firecrackers. Now, with the pandemic upending lives on both sides of bridges that link Singapore and Malaysia, Chan cannot travel. Instead, she opened the door of her rented apartment to four Malaysian students. Especially (for) Malaysian students, Chinese New Year has been something that theyre really looking forward to, Chan said. I hope they ... feel like home and not feeling left out in Singapore. Like Chan, the students are spending their first Lunar New Year away from home. They also have a shared interest in engineering, the field she studied before launching a healthy snacks startup. Chan heeded a call by the Malaysian Association in Singapore, which asked Malaysians to treat students to a meal over the festive period. The association eventually matched 25 students to 10 hosts. This initiative is all about the food and the people. Food is what brings people together, especially for Malaysians," said management committee member Lee Ji En. After mulling over several menus, Chan settled on a hot pot lunch. She visited a supermarket early on Saturday, and quickly got to slicing ingredients and preparing tomato and Sichuan peppercorn broths. Conversation flowed once the students arrived. They discussed university life, work prospects, and their favorite Malaysian cities and dishes. It was an otherwise quiet celebration for Ter Leong Kern, who visited Chan with three university friends. Under strict pandemic rules, households in Singapore, which has a handful of coronavirus cases reported daily, can welcome up to eight visitors a day. At night, Ter, 21, dreamed that he was celebrating with his family at their home in the Malaysian town of Klang. Story continues Ters father and mother have seven siblings each, and the family makes the rounds during the holiday season. Hope is hope, but reality is still a thing, you know, so we cannot go back, Ter said. I hope that the pandemic will go away as soon as possible because it has been very detrimental to all of our daily lives. ___ One Good Thing is a series that highlights individuals whose actions provide glimmers of joy in hard times stories of people who find a way to make a difference, no matter how small. Read the collection of stories at https://apnews.com/hub/one-good-thing Houston police and the Houston SPCA are investigating an unnamed auto body shop in southwest Houston after six dogs were found outside in freezing temperatures on Monday. One of the dogs was found dead and covered with snow. The other five dogs were rescued and will be seen by the SPCA's veterinary team. No arrests were announced, and a hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Electric scooters are mostly frowned upon, as they feature little performance compared to gas-powered ones, but a stand out from Voro Motors has been recently released and calls it the "Wolf King." Unlike electric vehicles, electric scooters have little bodies and frames, meaning that their battery pack should also be small and that leads to sacrificing performance. The California-based electric scooter retailer and company, VORO Motors, has recently debuted its latest addition to electric stand-ups called the "Wolf King," which is the most advanced release of the company. The electric stand up scooter is a performance-based scooter that features a high-power vehicle that bases itself on dual-sport technology. The Wolf King comes after the "Wolf Warrior" which is the updated version of the latter, also providing and capturing the sporty feel of the electric scooter. Read Also: NASA Mars Landing 2021: How to Watch Perseverance Rover Red Planet's Mission Live! Voro Motors Wolf King Debuts According to Electrek, VORO Motor's electric scooter has recently dropped on its online stores and dealership across the country, offering the Wolf King's latest specs and technology to customers. The recently debuted electric standup scooter claims to be the "baddest scooter on the planet" and is meant to climb even the "steepest hills." These claims are massive, as electric scooters are known for not being reliable on inclines as their motor faces hardships on different surfaces. The Wolf King claims that it can climb a 100 percent grade hill, which has a 45-degree incline. Moreover, most electric standup scooters are advised to be used for most flat surfaces and be used for urban or city commuting. However, VORO Motors says that the Wolf King is made for long-distance, particularly with its dual 1,500W VM motors, making it a total of 3,000W. Additionally, the scooter is said to have a power output of a massive 6,720 watts, which puts a significant gap in power outputs compared to competitors in the e-scooter industry. Voro Motors Wolf King Specs, Price, and MORE VORO Motors' Wolf King sells for $2,999 online, which only requires $100 of deposit to reserve and avail the electric stand up scooter. The electric vehicle offers almost a bare design that has only one colorway of metallic yellow and black. In terms of battery cells, it uses 72V 28AH LG MJ1 and/or Samsung 35E cells to power the electric scooter, particularly its 3,000 watt VM motors that is the source of its mobility. The electric scooter can accelerate from 0 to 50 miles per hour in under 4.8 seconds, which is one of the only scooters that can perform this feat. The Wolf King is fitted with dual-suspension for maximum absorption of every speed bump and road irregularity, paired with a fully-hydraulic disc brake system to stop at high speeds. A full charge of the vehicle with its fast charger and standard charger would take 5 hours, which gives 62 miles of range to cruise at top speeds. Related Article: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV and EV: Specs, Price, Release Date, and MORE-Comes with Super Cruise! Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 [India], February 16 (ANI/The PRTree): While the world focused on developing their brand in the social world, some decided to develop themselves according to their brand. The latter received a higher success rate in the market, do you know why? Because that brand had a face to build relations on. Surjith Balan, a PR expert and growing social activist lays his foundation on the same thought and has touched horizons following the idea. Every brand nowadays looks for fresh new faces to make them their ambassadors and land them in the market to establish a trusted presence. Brands need to realize that rather than getting someone from the outskirts of the company, individuals should advance themselves according to the need of the brand and their areas of expertise. Catering to the needs of more than 350 people and brands Surjith Balan points out, "Personal Branding gives the kick to your business that helps it to reach the heights of success that conventional PR methods lack to provide." Surjith Balan clarifies this activity as a piece of sharing as well as helping rise of impending eco frameworks in these spaces. The corporate affordable eco-arrangement of the country would be improved in the long haul in the event that they can spend and channelise their assets to the rustic and developing business sectors. As his experience in the field stated, "The more the market develops, the more it brings the scope of personal progression and vibrance in the arena." He has an extensive rundown of renowned business pioneers, lawmakers and corporate experts to work with. While taking pride in his assets, Surjith Balan has always referred to Personal Branding as the next major turning point in Digital Marketing. Stating the fact that everything and everyone on this planet is a brand in itself, he motivates that individual marketing needs to be followed in full flow if one wants to stay in front in this rat race of growth. Individuals might want to work with individuals, not simple 'brands and items' and at last it is the trust, connections that matter for a brand more than marking. Your personal branding should be done in a manner that when one thinks of your brand, it could be related to your establishment in the market. This story is provided by ThePRTree. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ThePRTree) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. Roisin McCann from fifth year in St Clares Manorhamilton is one of the top 15 debaters in the country. Roisin was exceptionally successful and out of hundreds of young debaters from all over the country made it to the top 15. Roisin worked incredibly hard and developed her articulation skills and argumentative style to qualify as one of Irelands leading debaters. The Manor student competed, last year, in the all-Ireland Junior National Mace debate competition and made it through to the next stage. Roisin then had to create two different written speeches to progress on to the semi-finals where she was selected as a finalist! Her first written speech was on the motion: This house believes that the citizens of a State should be entitled to the full medical profile of the head of State. Each debate challenges the students and ensures they can argue in a political and contemporary manner. Roisins next motion was: This house believes that the European Union should recognise the Palestinian State, again we see that the debates ensure that the candidates can see one statement or idea from various perspectives through critical thinking, critical listening and critical speaking. Roisin was able to achieve all this and then undertook the journey into the finals with her recorded speech on the motion, This house believes that the government of Ireland should proactively pursue a policy of Irish 32 county reunification. The Judges final feedback for Roisin was: The Adjudicators thought that the way in which you developed an argument grounded in principle as well as pragmatism was particularly impressive. They stated that you had clearly put a lot of time and thought into your speech and it was very interesting to hear. Ms Faughnan, who runs the debate in St Clares, also commented on how proud she was of Roisin and her dedication and her skills. Roisin has been a pleasure to work with, she represented her school, her county, myself and her fellow debaters to an exceptionally high standard. Congratulations to Roisin for qualifying into the top 15 Irish debaters. Also, congratulations to Hannah Smith (3rd year), Rebecca McGauran (3rd year) and Oriel Philipps (2nd year) who had reached the quarter finals of the league. The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State further degenerated yesterday as Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed demanded the immediate cancellation of the ongoing membership registration exercise in the state. He said the exercise has failed to comply with the party's regulations and guidelines. The minister spoke in his home town in Oro, near Ilorin, after partaking in the party's national revalidation and registration exercise at his PU006 Oro Ward 2. He called for the immediate disbandment of the Sen. John Danboyi-led membership registration committee for the state, alleging that a vast majority of the APC stakeholders in the state had lost confidence in the committee. He stated that a transparent process to ensure the conduct of a credible and fair exercise that would enjoy the support and confidence of all should be put in place. Daily Trust reports that before the commencement of the exercise, the state APC faced a seemingly intractable internal wrangling with gladiators jostling for the control of the party. The sack of the party's chairman, Omolaja Bolarinwa, loyal to the minister and other stakeholders as well as the appointment of Abdullahi Samari loyal to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq had deepened the crisis in the party before the conduct of the membership registration. The stakeholders' meeting held by the committee penultimate week at the state banquet hall was disrupted as members took on one another while some chieftains of the party were attacked. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. There was no immediate reaction from the governor as his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, did not respond to Daily Trust's enquiry. But, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari, the caretaker chairman loyal to the governor, described the minister's comment as unfortunate. "As a leader and minister, I don't think it is proper for him to make this comment publicly. There would have been an avenue to make this comment which would have been more appropriate. But having said that, I want to say that what the minister said is far from the truth," he said. Samari dismissed the claim by the minister that the committee had been hoarding materials, asking, "If they have been hoarding the materials, how did he get registered? He said the minister's comment was akin to discrediting the process put in place by the leadership of the party which appointed him as a minister, noting that the honourable thing for him is to tender his resignation. On the minister's statement that the committee only recognized the governor's camp, the chairman said it is unfortunate that Alhaji Lai Mohammed "is still talking about tendencies." Also, a chieftain of the party loyal to the governor, Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, said it was not true that the committee met with only the governor's camp, explaining that the committee met with the "legitimate organ" of the party. And now for the Back Story on The most popular pet name of the century (maybe) Its Princess. Or Tiger, for cats. These were the findings of a survey conducted by the company FirstVet from Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in Hartsdale, N.Y. The oldest continually operating pet cemetery in the United States, it was founded in 1896 and is home to more than 80,000 buried pets. While Princess and Tiger seem to have weathered periodic changes in taste, other names have enjoyed briefer spells in the sun. According to the survey, the most common dog names in the 1930s and 40s were Queenie and Tippy; Lady ruled the 60s; and Brandy rose to the top in the 70s. The 80s, 90s and aughts were all dominated by Max, a trend perhaps linked to the popularity of the Mad Max film series. Some owners gave a series of their pets the same name, followed by a number that indicated the pets place in the lineage, known as a regnal number. The highest regnal number in the cemetery belongs to Virgo XIII, who was buried in 1986, followed by Silvia IV in 2001. Back in 1985, The Times reported a shift in canine nomenclature toward the human, sometimes relating to the breed of the dog. Sled dogs malamutes, Siberian huskies often have the Russian ending -asha in their names, observed one breeder. Awful lot of Sasha, Tasha and Masha. Irish setters often went by Kelly, German shepherds by Fritz and huskies by Nanook. Of course, there has always been plenty of individuality in pet naming. While Princess and Max each came up between 150 and 250 times in the sample shared, wrote David Prien, a founder and the chief executive of FirstVet, in an email, some names are completely unique within Hartsdale Cemetery, such as Dorian Grey and Fleetwood. Thats it for this briefing. See you tomorrow. Natasha Thank you Theodore Kim and Jahaan Singh provided the break from the news. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com. P.S. Were listening to The Sunday Read. Our latest episode is about scam calls in the U.S. (The Daily will be back tomorrow.) Heres our Mini Crossword, and a clue: Come on, ___ you! (five letters). You can find all our puzzles here. Three New York Times films are Oscar contenders: Time, a film from The Times and Amazon, and two Op-Docs, Hysterical Girl and A Concerto Is a Conversation. Insider Trading: Axis Bank Pays Rs41.43 Lakh while United India Insurance Pays Rs10.13 Lakh as Settlement State-owned United India Insurance Co Ltd has paid Rs10.13 lakh to settle compliance issues with market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Axis Bank Ltd, in which United India Insurance is a promoter, also paid Rs41.43 lakh as settlement for failing to disclose insider trading within the stipulated time. In fact, SEBI found Axis Bank reported the transactions after a delay of over 1,000 days, in violation of regulation 7(2)(a) of the Prohibition of Insider Trading (PIT) regulations. SEBI issued two separate orders to settle the issues. The orders say, "...it is hereby ordered that the proceedings that may be initiated for the default....are settled qua the applicants....SEBI shall not initiate any enforcement action against the applicant for the said defaults...this order disposes of the proceedings that may be initiated for the default as mentioned....and passing this order is without prejudice to the right of SEBI to take enforcement action including commencing proceedings against the applicant..." The matter is related to United India Insurance and Axis Bank, in which the insurer is promoter. Between 1 October 2017 and 30 September 2018, the State-owned insurer traded in shares of Axis Bank, sometimes in excess of Rs10 lakh per day. As per the regulatory norms, both United India Insurance and Axis Bank were expected to report within two days from the date of transaction, the change in its shareholding in Axis Bank. However, United India Insurance disclosed five transactions after 10 to 17 days, thus violating regulation 7(2)(a) of the Prohibition of Insider Trading (PIT) regulations. Axis Bank, in which the insurer is a promoter entity, was also required to disclose the transactions to stock exchange within two trading days of the receipt of the disclosure from United India Insurance. However, SEBI investigation found that Axis Bank disclosed the transactions only on 16 October 2020, a delay of 1,072 1,080 days. On 27 January 2021, Axis Bank and United India Insurance paid Rs41.43 and Rs10.13 lakh, respectively, towards settlement of the issue. Last year in January, New India Assurance Co Ltd also paid Rs62.68 lakh as settlement for violating insider trading norms in its transaction in Axis Bank shares. New India Assurance is also one of the promoters of Axis Bank. Between 28 May 2018 and 30 September 2018, the State-owned insurer traded in shares of Axis Bank, sometimes in excess of Rs10 lakh. As per the regulatory norms, New India Assurance was expected to report within two days from the date of transaction, the change in its shareholding in Axis Bank. However, New India Assurance only disclosed it on 10 June 2019, violating regulation 7(2)(a) of the PIT regulations. On 29 August 2019, New India Assurance filed a suo motu application proposing to settle the delayed compliance of regulation under the PIT Regulations. On 17 December 2019, New India Assurance appeared before the internal committee of SEBI and was offered the facility of preferring the application through summary settlement procedure by paying Rs62.68 lakh within 10 days. On 23 December 2019, the insurer paid the amount to settle the matter. Interestingly, New India Assurance paid the settlement amount from its shareholders fund but refused to divulge any information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act on whether or not this matter was discussed and approved by its board. A team of researchers has cued the Genome of a capuchin monkey for the very first time to unveil new genetic clues about the emergence of their large brains and long life. A genome, which is a complete set of genetic information available in an organism provides all the information needed for an organism to function. Professor Joao Pedro De Magalhaes, who researches aging at the University of Liverpool explains that "Capuchins have the largest relative brain size than other monkeys and despite their small size, can live past the age of 50, but their genetic underpinnings had stayed unexplored until now." The researchers developed and affirmed a reference assembly Cebus imitator (white-faced capuchin monkey) to scout these traits' evolution via comparative genomics approach ranging across a wide diversity of mammals, they found genes under evolutionary selection combined with brain development and longevity. Evidence Of Genetic Adaptation Found The senior author and Canada Research Chair Amanda Melin, who has studied the behavior of capuchin monkeys and their genetics for almost 20years said "We discovered signatures of positive selection on genes underlying both traits, which helps us to have a better understanding of how such traits evolve. We also found evidence of genetic adaptation to seasonal and drought environments by looking at populations of capuchins from a rainforest and a seasonal dry forest" Previous studies by Professor De Magalhaes and others have revealed that genes involved in DNA damage responses exhibit longevity-specific patterns of selection in mammals. The researchers revealed that genes associated with DNA damage are thought to be a major contributor to aging. Professor De Magalhaes said it is impossible to be sure whether selection in these genes is related to aging or to other traits that correlate with longevity. Adding that, researchers should be cautious about the significance of biological findings as it is tempting to speculate changes to specific aging-related pathways or genes which could have an effect on the longevity of the capuchin monkeys. ALSO READ: Like Ancient Humans, Capuchin Monkeys Made Stone Tools Too New Method Of Getting DNA: A Major Breakthrough Thanks to the development of a new technique which made possible the researcher's insight to isolate DNA more effectively and efficiently from primate feces. FecalFACS uses an existing technique that has been made to separate cell types in body fluids. For instance: to depart different cell types from blood in research for cancer and apply it to fecal samples of primate. Dr. Joseph Orkin, who finished work on this project as a post doctoral scholar at the University of Calgary, and in his current location at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. This is a major upgrade because the typical way to get DNA from feces results in 95-99% of the DNA coming from food items and gut microbes. He added that a lot of money has been spent in determining genomes from different organisms than the mammals they are really trying to study. And as a result of this, wildlife biologists have had to rely on more pure sources of DNA like tissue, blood, or saliva but they are hard to come by when studying endangered animals. RELATED ARTICLES: Smart Primate! Capuchin Monkeys in Brazil Have Used Stone Tools for 700 Years, Scientists Discover For more news, update about monkeys and similar topics, don't foget to follow Nature World News! Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) The National Economic Development Authority has urged President Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire country under the lowest form of community quarantine starting March 1, as it cited the country's need to recover from huge economic losses. Acting NEDA chief Karl Chua made the proposal during a televised meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte and other government officials on Monday. He noted that strict COVID-19 restrictions implemented since March last year have led to significant decline or total income loss among Filipinos. Further extending the lockdown would only worsen hunger and poverty, Chua added. "Kailangan po natin mag-shift sana sa lalong madaling panahon sa MGCQ (modified general community quarantine) for the entire Philippines sana starting March 1, 2021, para i-address po 'yung hunger," he said. [Translation: We need to shift as soon as possible to MGCQ for the entire Philippines, hopefully starting March 1, 2021, in order to address hunger.] "The main reason is gusto na po natin ma-mitigate or mabawasan 'yung [we want to mitigate or reduce] sickness, hunger, poverty, job and income loss that are arising," he added. Chua said if needed, the government can instead implement localized lockdowns at the barangay or municipal level to address the local spread of COVID-19. With proper safeguards in place, the acting NEDA chief also proposed to increase operational public transportation from 50% to 75%. He added that the public transportation system should be complemented with active transport support, such as bike lanes, especially as many have now shifted to riding bicycles to work or when buying basic commodities. He said the age group allowed to go out should also be expanded even if only gradually from the current 15 to 65 years old, to five to 70 years old. "Pwede natin gawing dahan-dahan [We can do this gradually], in increments of five years, also with appropriate safeguards," Chua said. Lastly, he asked that the government resume pilot face-to-face classes in low-risk areas. Recommending the easing of restrictions does not mean putting Filipinos' safety at risk, Chua said. With continued adherence to health guidelines, he maintained the economy could further be reopened to help lift more people out of poverty, while at the same time ensure public health is not compromised. According to NEDA, the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions have brought the country a total income loss of around 1.04 trillion in 2020, or a daily average of around 2.8 billion. The Philippines' coronavirus cases have breached 550,000, with over 511,000 recoveries and more than 11,000 deaths. Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Batangas, Tacloban City, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Iligan City are currently under GCQ. The rest of the country is under the most relaxed MGCQ. Since 2019, Magellan Advisors has served the City of Dayton's needs as a trusted broadband partner to guide City leadership through the process of developing its broadband strategy. In 2020, Magellan Advisors designed the City's fiber to the home network and developed the strategic business plan to support the deployment and operation of DayNet. Magellan Advisors brought its team of engineering, business, and financial experts to develop the most effective network design and strategy to operate the network, aligned with the City's capabilities and resources. The City of Dayton and its partner, Magellan Advisors, begun construction of the City's fiber broadband network, DayNet. Theo Melancon, City Manager of Dayton, stated "We're excited to deploy DayNet, a community-owned utility, focused on delivering the fastest, most reliable Internet services in East Texas, while delivering top notch, local customer service. We're equally excited to have Magellan Advisors and their team of professionals by our side, who are leading the day-to-day buildout and stand up of our operations." "Magellan Advisors is honored to serve the City's needs as it builds its next-generation broadband network. In this age of COVID-19, DayNet will give the City key competitive advantages by bolstering local economic development, work from home capabilities and an enhanced quality of life," said John Honker, Magellan Advisors' President and CEO. About Magellan Advisors Magellan Advisors provides planning, engineering, grant development, project management, construction management, construction inspection, and implementation management of the fastest, most technologically advanced fiber and broadband networks. Our mission is to connect every community, one at a time, to the digital economy so that no one is left behind. Our work ensures that communities are able to access every opportunity the internet has to offer so they can thrive in the connected world. About The City of Dayton, Texas The City of Dayton is a fast-growing organization committed to making Dayton a wholesome, business-friendly, and dynamic community. With over 100 employees, the City of Dayton Government offers a full range of services to residents and beyond. These services include water, sewer, waste collection, public safety, streets, parks, and more. SOURCE Magellan Advisors Related Links http://www.magellan-advisors.com A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. A serial conman who stole more than $7 million from his targets has had his sentence reduced after an appeal court found the sentencing judge had taken an unbalanced approach and become a champion of the victims. Hamish Earle McLaren, 49, fleeced 15 victims including designer Lisa Ho of $7.66 million by directing them into fake investment schemes that promised a high return. The trail of deception lasted from May 2011 until his arrest in July 2017. Hamish McLaren competing in the SMH Half Marathon in 2014. In June 2019, NSW District Court Acting Judge Colin Charteris sentenced McLaren to 16 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 12 years for his outrageous criminal conduct. He would have been eligible for parole in July 2029. On Monday the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal reduced his sentence to a maximum of 12 years with a non-parole period of nine years. He will first become eligible for parole in July 2026. Amazon said it would be able to make hundreds of thousands of Amazon Fire TV Stick devices from Chennai. Amazon India is planning to make its devices in India- a key step at a time when the government has been stressing on the importance of local manufacturing and making India atmanirbhar (self-reliant), the e-commerce giant said on February 16. Amazon will work with contract manufacturer Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn in Chennai and start production later this year. Taiwan-based Foxconn is one of the worlds largest makers of iPads, iPhones and Xiaomi devices. Amazon is committed to partner with the Indian government to advance the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We have pledged to invest $1 billion to digitise 10 million small and medium businesses, help Indian businesses sell worldwide thereby enabling $10 billion in cumulative exports, and create an additional 1 million jobs by 2025, said Amit Agarwal, Global Senior Vice President and Country Leader for Amazon India. Amazon said it would be able to make hundreds of thousands of Amazon Fire TV Stick devices from Chennai, and would consider scaling manufacturing to other cities depending on demand. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister for Communications, Electronics and Information Technology and Law and Justice, said, India is an attractive investment destination and is poised to become a major player in the global supply chain in the electronics and IT products industry. Our Governments decision to launch a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has received tremendous response globally. We welcome Amazons decision to set up a manufacturing line in Chennai, as it will enhance domestic production capacities, and create jobs as well. This will further our mission of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat which is digitally empowered, he added. The Helios 5 PXL offers high-resolution, high-contrast imaging as well as fast, precise, large-area sample deprocessing, diagonal milling and cross sectioning of advanced 3D semiconductor devices, such as 3D NAND and advanced memory. The easy-to-use system supports whole wafer analysis and fully automates delayering, milling and metrology in the fab, reducing wafer scrap while accelerating yield learning. "As layer counts increase, the manufacturing process for current and future high-aspect-ratio structures is becoming increasingly complex," said Glyn Davies, vice president and general manager of semiconductor at Thermo Fisher. "With this breakthrough system, already being used by a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, high-volume fabrication customers will be able to measure thousands of metrology points at multiple positions in the 3D stack for high aspect ratio and buried structures." The new Helios 5 PXL enables full inline metrology and process monitoring for advanced process control and excursion monitoring compliant with latest 300mm fab communication protocols and standards. Users can reliably measure and verify features of interest within complex vertical stacks and high-aspect ratio structures. Other benefits of the Helios 5 PLX include: Nanometer-scale SEM imaging; High-volume, high-speed milling and cross sectioning; Optimized planar deprocessing for high sensitivity materials and surface quality preservation; Deprocessing of advanced metallization layers through proprietary chemistries; Precise, site-specific preparation of large-area lamellae with the optional Thermo Scientific EasyLift Nanomanipulator; and Full coverage of 300 wafer handling. To learn more about the Helios 5 PXL, visit https://ter.li/Helios5PXL. About Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $30 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 80,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com. Media Contact Information: Kathy Gill Thermo Fisher Scientific +1 971-294-9262 [email protected] SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific Related Links http://www.thermofisher.com I first met Carol Coe in my late teens, my mom briefly interrupted her yelling at somebody in order to introduce me for a high school journalism project. She said hello, smiled and then continued her diatribe before giving me a very quick interview. In this photo taken about 20 years after our first meeting, she's yelling at a local TV news crew for inaccuracies in their reporting. The main point of this TKC post . . . Carol Coe was one of the very few people who lived up to her reputation. Strong, committed, extremely intelligent, fierce and unapologetic in her activism for her community. Over the course of this blog I spoke with Ms. Coe several times and, like so many others, was often subject to her chiding. Still, she was always civil, patient and even exceptionally personable in her unguarded moments. Like all real leaders, she had a softer side that was almost completely hidden from public view. Endless hours of community meetings over a course of a lifetime proved her commitment and dedication. Whilst other leaders cashed in on their connections and contacts, Carol Coe knew EVERYONE involved in Kansas City politics well into her golden years but never exploited her contacts for financial gain. Carol Coe was one of my favorite people in Kansas City and her spirit exemplifies the very best of citizen activism in local government. This last photo of Carol Coe in this post is my favorite, she was putting pressure on Democratic Party leaders to pay more attention to the 3rd District vote and feigned support for the GOP candidate in order to garner much needed attention. This photo took two attempts because I felt bold that day and asked Ms. Coe to smile. She did and told me that was the first photo for which she had cracked a grin in more than a decade. We shared a quick laugh before she took the microphone at this meeting and started yelling at council members for reasons I've completely forgot. R.I.P. Carol Coe. Better write-ups here . . . 41 Action News: Kansas City mourns pioneer, activist Carol Coes passing Pitch: Carol Coe, Kansas City activist and councilperson, dead at 74 Developing . . . Our vision is to boldly embrace the power of inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E) to enrich the lives of our employees and strengthen the performance of our company, while advancing equity in agriculture. Corteva Agriscience has been named a 2021 Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). This distinction is achieved by scoring 100% on HRCs Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI assesses employment policies, benefits and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) employees. Corteva also earned top ratings in the 2021 HRC Equidad MX report, standing out as an employer in Mexico committed to creating LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices in their workplaces. These recognitions follow the late 2020 recognition that Corteva was named a 2020 Best of the Best Corporations for Inclusion by the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC). Our vision is to boldly embrace the power of inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E) to enrich the lives of our employees and strengthen the performance of our company, while advancing equity in agriculture, said Meghan Cassidy, SVP, Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer, Corteva Agriscience. We are honored to receive these recognitions from HRC for our strong commitment to our LGBTQ+ colleagues. However, we are still in the early phases of our ID&E journey and will not rest until our vision is fully realized. Corteva proudly supports eight business resource groups (BRGs), including Corteva Pride for LGBTQ+ employees and allies. Additionally, Corteva has signed the Business Statement for Transgender Equality and is an annual sponsor of the Out & Equal Workplace Summit. Ongoing, the company advocates for legislation promoting LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. Were pleased to see the external recognition of our new company for our LGBTQ+ policies and practices. At Corteva Agriscience, we strive to enable a culture of ID&E, to create an environment where employees are actively engaged, differences are embraced and varying perspectives help to better serve the needs of customers, said Rajan Gajaria, EVP, Business Platforms, Corteva Agriscience, Pride Executive Sponsor. To learn more about Cortevas commitment to inclusion and diversity, visit https://www.corteva.com/who-we-are/our-diversity.html. For more information about the 2021 Corporate Equality Index, visit http://www.hrc.org/cei. About Corteva Agriscience Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019 and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at http://www.corteva.com. Follow Corteva on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. # # # 2/16/21 Trademarks and service marks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. His romance with Irena Srbinovska has gone from strength to strength ever since they declared their love for each other during last year's finale of The Bachelor. And on Tuesday, Locky Gilbert set the record straight on the persistent rumours the couple are secretly engaged. The 31-year-old brushed off the speculation, telling Now To Love on Tuesday: 'Going off all the tabloids, I've proposed to her every single day.' 'I've proposed to her every single day!' On Tuesday, The Bachelor's Locky Gilbert set the record straight on the persistent rumours he's secretly engaged to girlfriend Irena Srbinovska Locky clarified that a viral photo of Irena seemingly with a ring on her wedding finger wasn't anything to write home about. The ring, featuring a large purple gem flanked on each side by marquise-shaped jewels, was in fact the same commitment ring he gave her in the Bachelor finale. He explained the ring is often confused with an engagement ring because images are reversed when taking selfies on an iPhone. Not quite! Locky, 31, told Now To Love this viral photo of Irena seemingly with a ring on her wedding finger wasn't anything to write home about. The ring, he said, was in fact the same commitment ring he gave her in the Bachelor finale The former Australian Survivor star, who is travelling around Australia with Irena, went on to say his girlfriend was definitely marriage material. He said: 'We're just travelling at the moment, we're still getting to know each other. 'I definitely want to marry Irena but when the proposal comes everyone will have to wait for that one.' 'We're still getting to know each other': The former Australian Survivor star, who is travelling around Australia with Irena, went on to say his girlfriend was definitely marriage material. Pictured with Irena's parents in Victoria earlier this month Rumours about the couple's relationship status have been swirling for months. A few weeks ago, Locky shared a selfie with Irena on Instagram Stories in which she displayed her purple commitment ring on her hand. This photo led many fans to wrongly conclude the pair were engaged. Happily ever after: In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in December, Locky referred to Irena as his 'soulmate' and said they 'will get married' in the future In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in December, Locky referred to Irena as his 'soulmate' and said they 'will get married' in the future. 'We want to spend the rest of our lives together. We will get married eventually,' he added. 'We are extremely happy together. I have never wanted to say soulmate or anything like that but when I look at Irena, she is definitely my soulmate.' I once spent Valentines Day on Illinois death row. This week I couldnt help thinking about the strangest Valentines experience Ive ever had. I spent February 14, 2000, in the death row visitors room at the Pontiac Correctional Center. I was there to interview a mentally-ill death row inmate who had become lost in the system. His schizophrenia had incapacitated him to such a degree that he couldnt assist with his appeals. When making arrangements for the interview, I hadnt thought about it being Valentines Day. The realization hit me when I walked through the prison gates and surveyed the visitors room. Women from across Illinois were there dressed in their nicest clothes, visiting their husbands and boyfriends on that day set aside for romance. And make no mistake, folks, there was love in that room. Our society doesnt like to talk about this. Its far easier to vilify those a judge and jury have ruled so worthless that they shouldnt be allowed to live. But the more striking thing about the room was how ordinary the men were, their faces could blend in at most Illinois diner or my high school yearbook. I shared this observation with actor Mike Farrell, who played Captain B.J. Hunnicutt on the old MASH series. Farrell, an opponent of the death penalty, has spent a lot of time visiting those sentenced to death. You know, Scott, these guys dont have horns growing out of their heads, he told me during a phone interview. My view on the death penalty has evolved. When I was younger, my trite philosophy on capital punishment was: Some people just dont deserve to live. But then I met a man named Gary Gauger. He was wrongly convicted of murdering his parents in rural McHenry County. He served two years on Illinois death row before his conviction was thrown out. I met Gauger back in 2000 when he dropped by my office, which was then in the Illinois statehouse. He told a tale of wrongful conviction and left me speechless. He wasnt released on a technicality. He was freed because someone else did the crime. In recent decades Illinois sentenced 13 men to die who were factually innocent. And those are just the mistakes we know about. Wrongful convictions are a persistent problem in our justice system. In the past two decades, Ive personally met more than 100 people convicted of murders they did not commit. Most had spent decades behind bars before a judge determined a mistake had been made. Courts and police departments are like any human institution: theyre prone to making mistakes. My faith commands me to speak up. After all, Christianity is a religion that had it beginning with an unfair trial, a wrongful conviction and a horrendous execution. My political philosophy is libertarian, which means I support limited government. And lets face it, there is no greater intrusion of government than when it chooses to kill one of its own citizens. For these reasons, Im glad Illinois no longer has capital punishment. The ending of this abhorrent institution can be credited to two governors: George Ryan and Pat Quinn. Quinn signed the legislation outlawing the death penalty. It was a position different than the platform he ran for office on, but in hindsight Im glad he changed his mind. Illinois is a better place without capitol punishment. Gov. George Ryan also deserves credit. During his four years in office, he moved from being a supporter of the death penalty to being the nations most vocal opponent of capital punishment. He is the man who emptied Illinois death row when he commuted 167 death sentences. When he did this, many family members of victims were angry. They said they wanted the closure that they believed would only come if the person who killed their loved one was also killed. Im sorry, but how can one death erase the pain of another death? Three years ago, I was reporting in Santa Fe, Texas, where a gunman entered a school and killed 10 people and wounded a dozen more. Repeatedly, I heard those who had lost a family member bemoan the fact that the killer was only 17, which meant he was not eligible for the death penalty in Texas. Would killing him somehow bind up the communitys wounds and make the pain go away? Its doubtful. But thats part of the mythology that surrounds capital punishment. Im not naive. I know there are bad people among us who should be banished forever from society. Thats a sad reality. And that is what prisons are for. What does society gain by killing its own? Retribution? Justice? Well, its time to temper justice with a bit of mercy. Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse journalist. He may be contacted at Scottreeder1965@gmail.com Over the coming weeks the company will fully close out the Perseverance-1 operation and set the final timetable for operations elsewhere across the portfolio," Simon Potter said. s ( ) attention is switching to Trinidad and Suriname in the near-term with new wells planned before the end of the first quarter. A week on from the initial Perseverance well result which provided proof of a petroleum system but not commercial volumes of hydrocarbons the company added detail to its upcoming work plans. Drilling will start on the Saffron appraisal well in Trinidad, which could potentially unlock a value-rich follow on campaign of up to seven production wells this year. Elsewhere, in Suriname, the company intends to drill an appraisal well and carry-out an extended well test at the Weg Naar Zee block. In The Bahamas, a post well review is underway and the company said it is now considering the most appropriate way forward for monetisation, particularly in regard to a possible renewal of a farm-out process. "The Stena ICEMAX has just left the drilling location and is off hire. However, the pace of operations has not ceased - the post-well review has begun, as the company charts its way forward in The Bahamas with a renewal of the farm-out process, said Simon Potter, Bahamas chief executive. Notwithstanding it is only a week since the completion of the Perseverance 1 well, BPC has already moved to consolidate and strengthen its balance sheet, so as to ensure all value-add options to grow productions and cash generation in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname are maintained. Over the coming weeks the company will fully close out the Perseverance-1 operation and set the final timetable for operations elsewhere across the portfolio." BPC added it has restructured and extended its convertible note facility along with a fresh 2mln drawdown and has reconciled the initial 7.5mln tranche of the December 2020 funding agreement without needing a net cash payment. It has also issued 135mln new shares in lieu of cash settlement of certain financial obligations. And I also thought it is important to have people of different ages and races represented, added Audrey, who, like her brother, is Asian. (Their mother, Rachel, a nurse researcher who volunteered for a vaccine trial, asked that their last names be withheld for privacy reasons.) Overall, the teen trials may be less diverse, because results from adult trials showed no discernible difference in outcome by race. And because the adult trials were so successful, up to two-thirds of teenagers may be offered the actual vaccine rather than a placebo. Pfizer, whose trial is fully enrolled, expects results from its trials for children ages 12 through 15 in the first quarter of this year, which it will then submit to the Food and Drug Administration for review. Moderna is still recruiting for its adolescent trials, with data anticipated sometime this summer. Other companies expect to start adolescent trials soon. Shortly after, researchers will open trials for children as young as 5, most likely with more modest doses. As in any medical trial, investigators are evenhanded when discussing risks and benefits. Rather than lecturing young subjects, Dr. Campbell, whose clinic will conduct a Moderna trial for younger children, engages them in conversation. Do you remember your tetanus shot? Tell me about it, he might say. And then, Heres how this is similar and how its different. He wants to make sure the teenager is actively involved in decision-making. We always say, Dont do this for your parents. Dr. Sarah Hasan, lead recruiter for DM Clinical Research, which oversees the Houston Fights Covid campaign and most of the citys vaccine trials, said that information sessions for adolescents and adults differ strikingly. She has more fun with the teenagers. Usually adults will skim the form, ask a few questions and theyre done, she said. But kids ask way more questions than adults and theyre actually listening, which is pretty nice. Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, has donated 10 tricycles (Keke) to its host communities. The vehicles were handed over to the host communities at an event last weekend attended by four traditional rulers. According to a statement, the beneficiary factory and mining communities are: Obajana, Akpata, Iwaa and Oyo. The Bajana of Obajana, Oba Idowu Isenibi, described the donation as timely, saying it would support business and transportation in the communities. The Oba of Iwaa community, Francis Migbole, expressed the appreciation of his community and commending the President of Dangote Group Aliko Dangote. Representative of the plant's Director and General Manager, Human Resources and Admin, Haruna Adinoyi, said the donation was part of the effort to create a harmonious relationship between the company and the host communities. He said the company is appreciative of the support from its host communities. Delivering the closing remarks, Deputy General Manager Ademola Adeyemi said the tricycles would aid movement by members of the communities, adding that it was part of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The company has also funded cooperative societies in the communities just as it recently completed the multi-billion naira Obajana-Kabba concrete road, adjudged to be the country's longest concrete road. [February 16, 2021] Janus Henderson Announces Appointment of Alison Davis to Board of Directors Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE/ASX: JHG, 'Janus Henderson', 'the Company') announces the appointment of Alison Davis as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective today. Ms Davis will serve as a member of the Board's Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Risk Committee. Ms Davis, who is based in the US, brings to the Board extensive financial leadership experience as a corporate executive and years of consulting experience as a strategic advisor. In addition, she has significant governance experience having served on boards of directors of both public and private companies. She is an active investor in growth companies and a best-selling author on the topics of technology and innovation. The Company's Chairman, Mr Richard Gillingwater, said: "We are pleased to welcome Alison to the Board and look forward to benefitting from her strong insights and unique perspectives. Throughout her career, Alison has been a trusted advisor to firms in financial services, as well as held leadership roles as a corporate executive and as a board director for US and global companies. Her broad industry knowledge, experience as an investor and expertise in technology and innovation will complement the Board's existing mix of skills and experience." Ms Davis' appointment brings the Company'stotal number of directors to ten, nine of whom are Independent Non-Executive Directors. About Alison Davis Ms Davis is co-founder and Managing Partner of Fifth Era Financial LLC, which invests in and incubates early stage technology enabled companies. From 2004 to 2010, she was the Managing Partner of Belvedere Capital, a regulated bank holding company and private equity firm focused on investing in US banks and financial services firms. From 2000 to 2003, Ms Davis was Chief Financial Officer of Barclays Global Investors (now BlackRock), the world's largest institutional investment firm with more than US$1.5 trillion of assets under management. Earlier in her career, Ms Davis spent 14 years as a strategy consultant and advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs, boards and executive teams with McKinsey & Company (News - Alert) , and as a practice leader with A.T. Kearney where she built and led the global Financial Services Practice. She is currently a Non-Executive Director on two public company boards: SVB Financial Group, Inc., the parent company of Silicon Valley Bank, and Fiserv, Inc., a payments and financial technology company. She also serves on the board of privately held data intelligence company Collibra, Inc. as Chair of its Audit Committee. In addition, Ms Davis serves as Chair of the Advisory Board for Blockchain Capital, a venture firm in the blockchain industry and is an advisor to Bitwise, a cryptocurrency asset manager. Ms Davis received a BA Honours and a Master's in Economics from Cambridge University, and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. About Janus Henderson Janus Henderson Group is a leading global active asset manager dedicated to helping investors achieve long-term financial goals through a broad range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, quantitative equities, multi-asset and alternative asset class strategies. At 31 December 2020, Janus Henderson had approximately US$402 billion in assets under management, more than 2,000 employees, and offices in 26 cities worldwide. Headquartered in London, the company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005218/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has returned to court accused of defaming a 94-year-old Second World War veteran who appeared in a pro-Putin video. Navalny is accused of calling the veteran - Ignat Artemenko - a 'traitor and corrupt lackey' while criticising the video, which promoted changes to Russia's constitution that allowed Putin to remain leader for life. The 44-year-old, who was jailed for almost three years earlier this month for parole violations, has described the charges against him as politically motivated. Alexei Navalny appeared in court in Moscow today charged with defaming a 94-year-old Second World War veteran who appeared in a pro-Putin video Police officers dressed in riot gear stood guard outside the court, as prosecutors asked the judge to jail Navalny for an additional three and a half years During Tuesday's hearing, prosecutors asked that Navalny be jailed for another three and a half years or else face a fine of 9,300. Navalny accuses authorities of using the slander charges to smear his reputation. Veterans of what Moscow calls the Great Patriotic War are revered by most Russians and criticism of them is regarded as socially unacceptable and insulting. Navalny's lawyers have argued that he should not serve jail time because his alleged offence was committed before the law was changed to make it a jailable offence. It remains to be seen whether the judge in the case will agree with that analysis. The trial comes after Navalny, Putin's fiercest critic, survived being poisoned with Novichok in August last year in what he has called a state-sanctioned assassination. He was taken to Germany in a coma after collapsing on board a plane, but recovered and returned to Russia in January this year. Police met his aircraft at the airport in Moscow and arrested him for parole violations relating to a 2014 corruption charge. Russian police officers patrol with a dog at the Babushkinsky district court in Moscow as Alexei Navalny appears before a judge charged with defamation Navalny was accused of failing to check in with his probation officers, despite being seriously ill in hospital. He was subsequently jailed for two years and eight months, sparking mass protests in Russia that were met with a brutal police response. More than 1,000 people were arrested on the first day of protests alone, with police seen using batons and pepper spray on the crowds. Police subsequently rounded up Navalny's allies including wife Yulia, who was arrested at a rally before being released. She has now left the country for Germany. Protests continued for several weeks after Navlany's jailing, but his supporters now say demonstrations have been paused until the Spring. The United States, Britain, Germany and the EU have urged Moscow to immediately free Navalny and condemned Russia's repression of protests. The monument is to be unveiled on February 19. Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, journalist Denys Kazansky has said terrorists of the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") have erected a monument in the occupied town of Debaltseve depicting a Ukrainian soldier. "As a basis of the image, they took a photo from an Instagram account of ex-MP Mustafa Nayyem," the journalist wrote on Facebook, attaching the corresponding screenshots to the post. The fact that the monument depicts a Ukrainian soldier has been confirmed by the terrorists. The monument is scheduled to be unveiled on February 19. Debaltseve tragedy: UNIAN memo During the hostilities near Debaltseve from January 21 to February 18, 2015, as many as 141 participants of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) were killed, 356 were wounded, 150 were captured and 11 missed in action. Based on the results of the preliminary investigation, high-ranking officials of the Russian armed forces were served with charge papers under Part 3 of Article 110 (trespass against territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine) and Part 2 of Article 437 (planning, preparation and waging of an aggressive war) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. They directly carried out the leadership and coordination of hostilities against the ATO forces during this period. All of these Russian servicemen were put on the wanted list, and the court granted permission to arrest them. They face life imprisonment. In February 2020, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine announced the process to identify all the persons involved in the Debaltseve tragedy continues. Reporting by UNIAN The world is returning to an era of proxy wars from Libya to Nagorno-Karabakh to Yemen, Tom Kington wrote in his article on Defense News. In conflicts in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh, drones often quickly bypassed ground systems designed to neutralize them, paving the way for light attacks on vulnerable troops, he wrote. "First there was the video from Libya of a Turkish drone destroying a Russian Pantsir missile defense system. Next came the veteran S-300 air defense system also Russian being taken out in Nagorno-Karabakh by an Israeli-built Harop loitering munition." Moreover, according to experts, the balance of power between drones and air defense systems is becoming the key to global wars in the near future. Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh and also Syria have just showed us that if a fielded force cannot protect its airspace, then the large scale use of UAVs can make life extremely dangerous, said Justin Bronk, an air force research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in England. Last year, the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drone made headlines during the Libyan conflict. Turkey also sent in engineers who improved the software of the drones on the fly, while there was no similar learning curve with the Chinese UAVs operated by the UAE to assist Hifter, said Jalel Harchaoui at the Switzerland-based Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Turkey, which supported Azerbaijan, reportedly sent training UAVs ahead of the conflict. TB2, together with Israeli patrolling ammunition, soon succeeded: the Dutch research group Oryx reported that 134 Armenian tanks were destroyed against 22 Azerbaijani ones. Turkey built up its UAV expertise after leasing Israeli UAVs, then put that expertise to use building its own after frustrations over the limits placed on its use of the Israeli systems, Bronk said. The TB2 has a similar aerodynamic profile to the Heron, while the Turkish Anka UAV is similar to the Hermes 450. Manufacturer Bayraktar has sold TB2 to Qatar and Ukraine, while Serbia is considering a purchase. China and Turkey are vying for sales, which begs the question: Why doesnt Russia have the equivalent of a TB2 to sell? I am very surprised they are almost absent in this market, Harchaoui said. The use of drones in the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh has come at a cost: Canada has suspended arms exports to Turkey over claims that the TB2 contained Canadian parts, while the UK firm supplying the drone parts has also terminated the contract. A number of countries, including Britain, meanwhile, are strengthening their ground defenses, Bronk said. In light of this threat, the British Army has recently ordered a short/medium-range [surface-to-air missile] system called Sky Sabre. If deployed forward in significant numbers, it should dramatically reduce the Armys vulnerability to both surveillance and attack by hostile UAVs in situations where friendly air cover is unavailable, he said. Drones aren't immune, however, he added. U.S. and British Reapers and Predators in Syria had lots of problems with Russian electronic warfare. Since the Reaper can be targeted, you can imagine that less sophisticated platforms can be more easily affected, he said. The Bronk expects the military to increase spending on air defense to balance the drone threat - particularly countries which dont have strong air forces. One option is the Russian SA-17 system, which has a 75-kilometer range compared to the 10 kilometers of TB2 missiles, or the cheaper and more contained SA-15 with a 10-kilometer range. Western products include the [National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System] NASAMS, which already helps to defend Washington, D.C., with a roughly 15-kilometer range and the NASAMS 2 with a 30- to 40-kilometer range, he said. Peter Roberts, the director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, said the world is beginning to wake up to the reality of modern warfare. For a while there was the romantic view that either drones or tanks or missiles would win wars on their own, he said. There is no silver bullet on the battlefield, and this is an era which is rediscovering that. Roberts added that urban warfare is also undergoing a renaissance, as is the art of deception in war.Whether its the Russians in Ukraine or the Iranians, the use of decoys is back something we once knew about, then forgot in the 1990s. According to him, the world is also returning to the era of proxy wars from Libya to Nagorno-Karabakh and Yemen.That means wars fought on the edge of great powers using mercenaries and sponsored guerilla groups and insurgents, he said. It also means more sophisticated weapons in the hands of smaller, nonstate groups like the Houthis in Yemen using cruise and ballistic missiles and drones. It is potentially very nasty. Jay Janner, MBR / Associated Press As millions of Texans experience continued power outages amid extreme winter weather, Gov. Greg Abbott is declaring the reform of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas as an emergency item for the state Legislature. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has been anything but reliable over the past 48 hours, Abbott said in a Tuesday release. Far too many Texans are without power and heat for their homes as our state faces freezing temperatures and severe winter weather. This is unacceptable. A photo of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer last year, had been made into a Valentine's Day meme featuring the words, "You take my breath away," and it circulated among members of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). According to a CNN report, the LAPD is now investigating whether their employees are involved in sharing or even creating the offensive Valentine's Day-themed photo. Related article: 4 Ex-Minneapolis Cops Involved in George Floyd's Death to Be Tried Together George Floyd's Photo is Themed for Valentine's Day In one of its Twitter posts, the LAPD said it was aware of the reported image and allegations that it was authorized by "a department employee." The LAPD added that a personnel complaint has already been initiated, and they are pursuing each allegation, including interviewing the department member who brought it to their attention. ABC News reported that the LAPD has not yet identified the actual postings, how it circulated, or if it was created by one of their employees as of Sunday. The report added that the department had asked directors to search their worksites for more info. It is still unknown how the photo circulated or where it originated. According to a Crime Online report, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said they are investigating two Instagram accounts connected to the photo, including one called "Blue Line Mafia." Moore also told the Los Angeles Times that their investigation was to determine the allegations' accuracy while also reinforcing zero tolerance for anything with racist views. On the other hand, Capt. Stacy Spell told CNN that they do not know the source of the George Floyd's photo, whether on social media, email or in another form. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced that they also would review the incident to "determine if the integrity of any of their cases may have been compromised by biased police work." In a statement, District Attorney George Gascon said that "celebrating the murder of a Black man at the hands of police demonstrate a profound absence of humanity." "The mock valentine underscores the highly problematic, and frankly, racist perceptions that pervade the law enforcement culture regarding the communities we are sworn to protect and serve," Gascon added. George Floyd's Family on the Issue The attorney who represents George Floyd's family, Ben Crump, demanded an apology addressed to the family, adding that everyone involved in the alleged meme must be held accountable. In a statement released on Monday, Crump said the photo is beyond insult "on top of injury -- it's injury on top of death." Crump added that "the callousness and cruelty within a person's soul needed to do something like this evades comprehension," and it indicates "a much larger problem within the culture of the LAPD." George Floyd died in May last year after a cop knelt on his neck for over eight minutes. Several cameras filmed the incident and showed Floyd crying out, "I can't breathe," before he died. Read also: Teen Who Filmed George Floyd's Murder to Receive a Courage Award WATCH: LAPD Investigating a Report of Valentine's Day-Theme Photo of George Floyd from ABC7 A policeman aims a slingshot toward an unknown target during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters holding a rally in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank in Mandalay, Burma (also known as Myanmar), on Feb. 15, 2021. (AP Photo) Burmese Security Forces Intensify Crackdown on Protests of Military Coup YANGON, BurmaSecurity forces in Burma (also known as Myanmar) sought to quell demonstrations calling for the military junta to reinstate the elected government on Feb. 15. According to a photographer who says he witnessed the Feb. 15 demonstrations, more than 1,000 protesters rallied in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank in Mandalay, the countrys second-largest city, when at least 10 trucks full of soldiers and police arrived and immediately started firing slingshots toward the protesters. The soldiers and police then attacked the protesters with sticks, the witness said, and police could be seen aiming long guns into the air amid sounds that resembled gunfire. Local media reported that rubber bullets were also fired into the crowd and that a few people were injured. The junta, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, staged a military coup earlier this month because, it says, the government failed to properly investigate allegations of fraud in 2019s election, which leader Aung Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party won in a landslide. The state election commission has refuted that contention, saying there is no evidence to support it. In the capital, Naypyitaw, protesters gathered on Feb. 15 outside a police station demanding the release of a group of high school students who were detained while joining in anti-coup activities. One student who managed to escape told reporters that the pupilsthought to range in age from 13 to 16were demonstrating peacefully when a line of riot police suddenly arrived and began arresting them. It wasnt clear exactly how many students were rounded up, but estimates put the figure at between 20 and 40. Earlier on Feb. 15, Burmas military leaders extended their detention of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose remand was set to expire and whose freedom is a key demand of the crowds of people continuing to protest the Feb. 1 coup. Suu Kyi will now be remanded until Feb. 17, when she will likely appear in court by videoconference, according to Khin Maung Zaw, a lawyer asked by Suu Kyis party to represent her. The Nobel laureate remains under house arrest on a minor charge of possessing unregistered imported walkie-talkies. Suu Kyis extended detention is likely to further inflame tensions between the military and the protesters of the coup who have taken to the streets of cities across the Southeast Asian nation seeking the return of the elected government. When the military seized power, it detained Suu Kyi and members of her government and prevented recently elected lawmakers from opening a new session of Parliament. Protesters continued to gather across Burma on Feb. 15, following a night in which authorities cut the countrys internet access and increased the security presence in major cities seeking to curtail demonstrations. Thousands of engineers marched on the streets of Mandalay chanting and holding signs that read: Free our leader, Who stands with justice? and Stop arresting people illegally at midnight. In Yangon, the countrys most populous city, fewer protesters gathered on Feb. 15 due to the loss of the internet and reports of military vehicles on the streets. Nevertheless, more than 1,000 anti-coup demonstrators were outside the Central Bank of Myanmar building, where there were also military trucks full of soldiers, riot police, water cannon trucks, and armored personnel carriers. Demonstrators carried placards that read #SupportCDM #SaveMyanmar. CDM refers to the civil disobedience movement that has seen doctors, engineers, and others in Burma refuse to work until the military releases elected political leaders and returns the country to civilian rule. Some protesters posed for photos in front of military vehicles while holding red signs that read Join in CDM. The military justified its move by citing a clause in the 2008 constitution, implemented during military rule, that says in cases of national emergency, the governments executive, legislative and judicial powers can be handed to the military commander-in-chief. It is just one of many parts of the charter that ensured the military could maintain ultimate control over the country it ruled for 50 years following a 1962 coup. The military is allowed to appoint its members to 25 percent of seats in Parliament and it controls several key ministries involved in security and defense. An order on Feb. 14 that appeared to be from the Ministry of Transport and Communications told mobile phone service providers to shut down internet connections from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Feb. 15. It circulated widely on social media, as did a notice said to be from service provider Oredoo Myanmar containing the same details. On Feb. 14, ambassadors from the United States and Canada and 12 European nations called on Burmas security forces to refrain from violence against those protesting the overthrow of their legitimate government. They condemned the arrests of political leaders and activists as well as the militarys interference with communications. We support the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy, freedom, peace, and prosperity, they said in a joint statement issued late at night on Feb. 14. The world is watching. Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP Shareholders Joel Feldman and Candice E. Kim will present a CLE webinar hosted by the firms Trademarks & Brand Management Group titled, Brand Management in the Age of Cancel Culture: Adapting Trademark Adoption, Enforcement, and Licensing Best Practices to a Social Media-Driven World on Feb. 17, at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST. The webinar will explore cancel culture, which refers to the practice of criticizing and shaming individuals, companies, and organizations on social media after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive with the hope that social media will quickly and virally amplify the critics audience. While the court of public opinion serves a societal role of holding brands accountable, it creates new challenges that brands must carefully evaluate. Trademark lawyers play an important role in this evaluation, especially because trademark-related decisions and actions can lead to calls for cancellation. Joel Feldman, vice chair of Greenberg Traurigs Trademark & Brand Management Group, will participate as a panelist along with Adraea M. Brown, assistant general counsel trademarks at Harley Davidson, and Anna Kim, counsel, Brands and Content Intellectual Property at NBCUniversal. Candice Kim, a shareholder in the firms Los Angeles office, will serve as moderator. Joel Feldman counsels companies, organizations, and individuals on the protection of their intellectual property rights. He focuses his practice on establishing effective domestic and international brand management best practices, and resolving intellectual property controversies between his clients and third parties, including trademark, copyright, domain-name, and right-of-publicity disputes. Candice Kim focuses her practice on the clearance, procurement, maintenance, enforcement, licensing, and monetization of intellectual property rights, including trademarks, trade dress, domain names, copyrights, and rights of publicity. She counsels clients on all aspects of the branding process and has wide-ranging experience in trademark prosecution, licensing, enforcement, and TTAB opposition and cancellation proceedings, with an emphasis on global brand expansion and management through strategic trademark filing, protection, and enforcement programs. About Greenberg Traurigs Trademark and Brand Management Practice: Greenberg Traurigs Global Trademark and Brand Management Group works hand in hand with clients to build, protect and enhance their brands and trademark portfolios to meet their business objectives. The group is one of the largest international trademark prosecution, portfolio management, licensing, litigation and counseling legal practices. With more than 200 intellectual property attorneys and agents in the United States, Asia, and Europe, Greenberg Traurig provides a broad range of patent, trademark and copyright protection and strategic counseling. Greenberg Traurig was named Law Firm of the Year for Trademark by U.S. News and Best Lawyers, 2020 Best Law Firms." About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT), has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh over alleged ceasefire violations during which he lodged a strong protest over the death of an Indian soldier and many civilians in firing by Pakistani troops. The Indian diplomat told the Pakistani side that India has noticed increased movements of terrorists and infiltration attempts along the Line of Control, official sources said. Pakistani troops have been providing cover firing to infiltration attempts, Singh told them. Singh, who was summoned after one civilian was killed and three others injured in alleged ceasefire violations across the LoC by Indian troops, told the Pakistani side that there have been more than 243 ceasefire violations so far from Pakistani troops in 2017, official sources said. The Director General (SA & SAARC), Dr. Mohammad Faisal, summoned Singh here and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces," the Foreign Office said. It alleged that Indian forces resorted to "unprovoked firing" on Leepa Sector on July 21 which killed Umair (12) and injured three civilians in Gheekot village. "The deliberate targeting of civilians is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws," Faisal said. During the meeting, Singh conveyed to Faisal that the ceasefire violations were initiated by Pakistani troops and Indian troops responded appropriately. He told the Pakistani side that India has lost one soldier on July 21 in Sunderbani sector and many civilians.During the past few days, Pakistani troops have been attacking civilian areas on the Indian side in various sectors, including on schools. As a result, local people have been shifted to relief camps, Singh told the Pakistani side. The Foreign Office said Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC. This was the third ceasefire violation by the Indian forces in the past four days, it said in a statement.It alleged that despite calls for restraint, India continues to indulge in ceasefire violations.In 2017 to date, Indian forces have carried out 618 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, it claimed. Faisal also urged India to permit United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions. According to the UN Security Council mandate of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the LoC and the Working Boundary between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations. India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday that Congress will establish an independent, September 11-style commission to look into the deadly insurrection that took place at the U.S. Capitol. Pelosi said the commission will "investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021, domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex and relating to the interference with the peaceful transfer of power." In a letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the House will also put forth supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol. After former President Donald Trump's acquittal at his second Senate impeachment trial, bipartisan support appeared to be growing for an independent commission to examine the deadly insurrection. Investigations into the riot were already planned, with Senate hearings scheduled later this month in the Senate Rules Committee. Pelosi of California asked retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore to lead an immediate review of the Capitol's security process. In her letter Monday, Pelosi said, "It is clear from his findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened." She added, "As we prepare for the Commission, it is also clear from General Honore's interim reporting that we must put forth a supplemental appropriation to provide for the safety of Members and the security of the Capitol." Lawmakers from both parties, speaking on Sunday's news shows, signaled that even more inquiries were likely. The Senate verdict Saturday, with its 57-43 majority falling 10 votes short of the two-thirds needed to convict Trump, hardly put to rest the debate about the Republican former president's culpability for the January 6 assault. "There should be a complete investigation about what happened," said Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump. "What was known, who knew it and when they knew, all that, because that builds the basis so this never happens again." Cassidy said he was "attempting to hold President Trump accountable," and added that as Americans hear all the facts, "more folks will move to where I was." He was censured by his state's party after the vote. An independent commission along the lines of the one that investigated the September 11 attacks would probably require legislation to create. That would elevate the investigation a step higher, offering a definitive government-backed accounting of events. Still, such a panel would pose risks of sharpening partisan divisions or overshadowing President Joe Biden's legislative agenda. "There's still more evidence that the American people need and deserve to hear, and a 9/11 commission is a way to make sure that we secure the Capitol going forward," said Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, a Biden ally. "And that we lay bare the record of just how responsible and how abjectly violating of his constitutional oath President Trump really was." House prosecutors who argued for Trump's conviction of inciting the riot said Sunday they had proved their case. They also railed against the Senate's Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, and others who they said were "trying to have it both ways" in finding the former president not guilty but criticizing him at the same time. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close Trump ally, voted for acquittal but acknowledged that Trump had some culpability for the siege at the Capitol that killed five people, including a police officer, and disrupted lawmakers' certification of Biden's White House victory. Graham said he looked forward to campaigning with Trump in the 2022 election, when Republicans hope to regain the congressional majority. "His behavior after the election was over the top," Graham said. "We need a 9/11 commission to find out what happened and make sure it never happens again." The Senate acquitted Trump of a charge of "incitement of insurrection" after House prosecutors laid out a case that he was an "inciter in chief" who unleashed a mob by stoking a monthslong campaign of spreading debunked conspiracy theories and false violent rhetoric that the 2020 election was stolen from him. Trump's lawyers countered that Trump's words were not intended to incite the violence and that impeachment was nothing but a "witch hunt" designed to prevent him from serving in office again. The conviction tally was the most bipartisan in American history but left Trump to declare victory and signal a political revival while a bitterly divided Republican party bickered over its direction and his place in the party. The Republicans who joined Cassidy in voting to convict were Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania. "It's frustrating, but the founders knew what they were doing, and so we live with the system that we have," Democratic Delegate Stacey Plaskett, a House prosecutor who represents the Virgin Islands, said of the verdict, describing it as "heartbreaking." She added: "But listen, we didn't need more witnesses. We needed more senators with spines." McConnell told Republican senators shortly before the vote that he would vote to acquit Trump. In a blistering speech after the vote, the Kentucky Republican said the president was "practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of that day" but that the Senate's hands were tied to do anything about it because Trump was out of office. The Senate, in an earlier vote, had deemed the trial constitutional. "It was powerful to hear the 57 guilties. And then it was puzzling to hear and see Mitch McConnell stand and say, 'Not guilty' and then minutes later, stand again and say (Trump) was guilty of everything," said Democratic Congresswoman Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania. "History will remember that statement of speaking out of two sides of his mouth." Dean also backed the idea of an impartial investigative commission "not guided by politics but filled with people who would stand up to the courage of their conviction." Cassidy and Dean spoke on ABC's "This Week," Graham appeared on "Fox News Sunday," and Plaskett appeared on CNN's "State of the Union." Were proud of every achievement. But were far prouder of the professionals whose dedication our accomplishments represent. Tallgrass Freight Co. (TGF) celebrated multiple milestones, earned key accolades and opened a third brick-and-mortar location in 2020, thriving and marking another year of growth for the national freight brokerage. To come out of the year weve had, where we are today, is truly remarkable, says Tallgrass Freight COO and co-owner David Barnes. There are not many companies out there, anywhere, who can celebrate the magnitude of growth weve achieved in 2020. This kind of growth is rare. And you dont accomplish the milestones weve accomplished without a solid team foundation. Everyone here is incredibly important. Tallgrass once again swept the awards, claiming a place on the Inc. 5000 for the fourth year, on the inaugural Inc. 500 Midwest Series, on the Ingrams Corporate Report 100 and spotlighted by the Kansas City Business Journal as part of both the Fast 50 and one of the Fastest-Growing Logistics Companies. Our team of ambitious freight agents work with integrity each day, and thats what drives us, said Founder & CEO Damon Anderson. But the most meaningful accolade, say co-owners Anderson and Barnes, is the KC Business Journal Best Places to Work award. Our culture is the core of who we are, and to be honored for the kind of ecosystem weve built here is humbling, Anderson says. People are at the heart of everything here. Building on the success of its national headquarters in Shawnee, KS, as well as its Scottsdale, AZ location, the company opened its third brick-and-mortar office in Chattanooga, TN. Located in the heart of Freight Alley, the location is a testament to TGFs coast-to-coast footprint. Tallgrass also took its robust agent education program to new heights in 2020, with an expanded Agent Roundtable event. Tallgrass hosted its annual Roundtable event in downtown Kansas City, furnishing agents with seminars on financial and estate planning from world-class firm Creative Planning, as well as strategies for organizing and expanding their freight businesses. We genuinely care about every one of our agents, Barnes says, and we continue to go the extra mile to show how invested we are in their success. TGF capitalized on the success of its Club 200 Las Vegas agent rewards program with its Diamond Club, awarding those who earn $500,000+ in margin with a $5,000 Delta flight voucher and a $3,000 Marriott voucher. Tallgrasss rewards program leads the industry in celebrating agent accomplishments. Furthermore, Tallgrass Freight further fortified its internal support team, adding a Vice President of Agent Development dedicated to helping freight agents build their books of business and experience impactful career success. In this new role, Sean Richardson partners with agents from their first day to maximize earning potential. Barnes is quick to point to the independent freight agents as the catalyst for Tallgrass Freights 2020 success. Were proud of every achievement. But were far prouder of the professionals whose dedication our accomplishments represent, he says. As part of the company culture, Tallgrass offers multiple incentives on top of their industry-leading compensation and benefits packages. As long as we keep our focus on culture, I dont see what stops us from achieving even more, says Anderson concludes. Ive never been more excited for a year with this company than I am for 2021. This is just the start! About Tallgrass Freight Co.: A full-service logistics solution provider since 2012, Tallgrass Freight Co. offers a wide range of transportation and logistics services. Services include less than truckload (LTL) shipping, full truckload (FTL) shipping, flatbed services, intermodal services and temperature-controlled shipping. The company prides itself on top-notch carrier relationships and a service-first culture at the best possible prices. Powered by our best-in-class back office support, our freight agents focus on what they love most about being a freight broker. A destination network for top-tier independent freight agents, Tallgrass agents are empowered to thrive and equipped for limitless success. The New York Times on Sunday finally admitted that Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick was not killed by "pro-Trump rioters" who "struck him in the head with a fire extinguisher" -- long after they spread the false claim to millions. "UPDATE: New information has emerged regarding the death of the Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick that questions the initial cause of his death provided by officials close to the Capitol Police," The New York Times said in a correction. The article, which still carries the original headline "He Dreamed of Being a Police Officer, Then Was Killed by a Pro-Trump Mob," previously claimed that "pro-Trump rioters attacked that citadel of democracy, overpowered Mr. Sicknick, 42, and struck him in the head with a fire extinguisher, according to two law enforcement officials." "With a bloody gash in his head, Mr. Sicknick was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support," the article continued. "He died on Thursday evening." The false claim was repeated in multiple articles, some of which are still uncorrected. In their article "Capitol Police Officer Dies From Injuries in Pro-Trump Rampage," the Times now says: Law enforcement officials initially said Mr. Sicknick was struck with a fire extinguisher, but weeks later, police sources and investigators were at odds over whether he was hit. Medical experts have said he did not die of blunt force trauma, according to one law enforcement official. CNN reported around two weeks ago that medical examiners found no evidence Sicknick sustained any blunt force trauma. From CNN: Authorities have reviewed video and photographs that show Sicknick engaging with rioters amid the siege but have yet to identify a moment in which he suffered his fatal injuries, law enforcement officials familiar with the matter said. [...] According to one law enforcement official, medical examiners did not find signs that the officer sustained any blunt force trauma, so investigators believe that early reports that he was fatally struck by a fire extinguisher are not true. ProPublica reported last month that "the family got word that Brian Sicknick had a blood clot and had had a stroke; a ventilator was keeping him alive." Is it just a coincidence that the Times waited until after the impeachment sham was over to correct the record? The New York Post revealed last month that Sicknick was a Trump supporter who was disgusted with our corrupt ruling class and had previously called for "regime change" in Washington. For all we know, Sicknick was hit with pepper-spray by his fellow police officers and that is what contributed to his untimely death. Former Delaware Republican U.S. Senate candidate Lauren Witzke said last week that she witnessed the death of 55-year-old Trump supporter Kevin Greeson and believes his heart attack was triggered as a result of Capitol police shooting flashbangs and pepper-spray into their crowd. As she reported at VDARE: By the time I got to the Capitol, people had already made their way up to the steps. Trump supporters were waving flags and trying to talk to the Capitol Police. Every rally-goer at that point was extremely peaceful. I then saw Capitol Police Officers with rifles appear on the balcony looking down on us. Almost immediately, the Capitol Police on the ground started throwing flash grenades into the crowds, teargassing us all. I moved about 40 feet away from the steps, and just stood there, yet the tear gas and flash grenades continued. After being flash bombed and tear-gassed for the third time, I looked down beside me to see that a middle-aged manKevin Greesonon the ground, blue in the face. My friend Kimberley immediately began CPR and continued until her lips were bleeding. But she couldnt get him breathing again. Men were yelling Help we need an EMT, get this man an ambulance, etc. We begged the Capitol police officers for help. But they ignored us, and continued macing old men who got anywhere near them. Trump supporters were able to make a makeshift gurney out of the fencing and carry him out of there. Capitol Police continued to flash bomb and tear gas us, macing in the face anyone who came near them. We know for certain that Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt was executed by Capitol police at point blank while unarmed. Though Congress has been holding group therapy sessions and dreaming up fantastic scenarios about how they could have been killed at any moment, the evidence suggests that Trump supporters were the only people killed that day! Are the victims of our corrupt Congress and their police state enforcers ever going to get their day in court? Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds, Parler and Telegram. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 47F. N winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Ukraine has joined a decision of the Council of the European Union to impose restrictive measures against individuals and legal entities in connection with the situation in Syria. This is said in the Declaration by the EU High Representative on behalf of all member states, published on the website of the Council of the EU, Ukrinform reports. "On 15 January 2021, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2021/30 implementing Council Decision 2013/255/CFSP. The Council added one person to the list of natural and legal persons, entities or bodies subject to restrictive measures in Annex I to Decision 2013/255/CFSP. The Candidate Countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this Council Decision," the declaration reads. According to the document, these countries will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision. The European Union took note of this commitment and welcomed it. In May 2013, the Council of the EU agreed to adopt restrictive measures against Syria in the following fields: export and import restrictions with the exception of arms and related material and equipment which might be used for internal repression; restrictions on financing of certain enterprises; restrictions on infrastructure projects; restrictions of financial support for trade; financial sector; transport sector; restrictions on admission; and freezing of funds and economic resources. By a decision dated January 15, 2021, the Council added the newly appointed foreign minister of Syria to the sanctions list. ish Televangelist Frederick KC Price, founder of Crenshaw Christian Center, dies from COVID-19 at 89 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Frederick K.C. Price, the founder of the 28,000-member Crenshaw Christian Center in California, has died weeks after contracting the coronavirus. Our Husband, Father & your Apostle has gone to be w/ the Lord this evening, the Los Angeles-basedtelevangelists family announced Friday night. We accept his decision to go as he got a glimpse of glory a few weeks ago. We are sad. Please allow us some time to process. He fought the good fight of faith & laid hold of eternal life. Price and his wife, Betty, both tested positive for the coronavirus in early January. Last week, Crenshaw Christian Center took to social media to state that Price continued to face health challenges posed by COVID-19. The ministry urged people to pray for the complete restoration of his lungs, heart and kidneys and any other parts of his body that were under attack as he spent weeks in the hospital. To borrow a phrase from history, Apostle Price slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God, Minister Baltimore Scott, the staff administrator for the centers New York operations, wrote in a statement. We can all take comfort in knowing that Apostle Price is now in his place in glory that is beyond human description and beyond the peace that passes all understanding. Kenneth Copeland, a fellow televangelist who leads the Texas-based Kenneth Copeland Ministries, had said two days earlier that he didnt believe the virus would kill his longtime friend. For almost 50 years, Fred and Betty Price have been wonderful friends of our family. We have laughed together, cried together, and preached together. Weve stayed in each others homes and have watched each others children grow up! We have truly lived life together, he wrote on Facebook last Wednesday. The first time I heard Fred Price in person was in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Copeland added. He ran onto the platform and shouted, I am ready Freddy! What a man of God! What a man of faith and power! I dont believe this disease can kill him. We as a family, and ministry, are standing strong for Apostle Frederick Price! On Saturday, Copeland explained on Facebook that he was contacted by Prices daughter and told of his passing. The wonderful Apostle of God is looking his precious Savior face to face, Copeland said. Hes there with his spiritual fathers, Kenneth and Oretha Hagin, Oral and Evelyn Roberts and list goes on and on. Gloria and I will certainly miss him, he added. Our love to Betty, the entire Price family and Crenshaw Christian Center. Price is survived by his wife, four children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The Crenshaw Christian Church, also known as the FaithDome, was founded by Price in 1973. In 1989, the church opened its $9 million facility a geodesic dome in South-Central Los Angeles with a seating capacity of over 10,000. Price, a proponent of the prosperity gospel, was also known for his Ever Increasing Faith Ministries television broadcast that started in 1978. Price authored over 50 books touching on subjects like prosperity, healing and faith. Price founded the Frederick K.C. Price III Christian Schools, the Ministry Training Institute and the Fellowship of Inner-City Word of Faith Ministries. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has officially joined the indigenously developed social media application, Koo. Her Koo profile reads 'desh bhakt (nationalist)' and 'hot-blooded Kshatriya (warrior) woman'. Ranaut shared her Koo profile on Twitter and wrote, "This is my Koo account follow me here... I want to find all my friends here DM me as and when you join. Listen to interesting thoughts by kanganarofficial on Koo app." This is my Koo account follow me here ....I want to find all my friends here DM me as and when you joinY Listen to interesting thoughts by kanganarofficial on Koo App - https://t.co/ioJ4gaSOP6 a Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 15, 2021 So far, Ranaut has garnered over 12,000 followers on Koo, which is also touted to be Desi Twitter. Ranaut wrote in her first post on the app, "Hello everyone... working nights this is a lunch break for the #Dhaakad crew. Why not Koo now. This is a new place will take time to get familiar magar bhade ka ghar bhade ka hota hai, apna ghar kaisa bhi ho apna hota hai (a place taken on rent is never one's own, your own place is always yours)." Kangana Ranaut had earlier threatened to quit Twitter and tweeted, "Who made you the Chief Justice? At times you also gang up, then become a bully headmaster? Sometimes even the unelected member of the parliament. That's not all at times you even pretend to be Prime Minister. Who are you? Bunch of druggies trying to control us @jack." Tumko banaya kisne hai Chief Justice? At times you also gang up, then become a bully headmaster? Some times even the unelected member of the parliament. Thatas not all at times you even pretend to be Prime Minister. Who are you? Bunch of druggies trying to control us @jack . https://t.co/Or22Uq8cCz a Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 10, 2021 The Manikarnika actor said in another tweet, "Your time is up Twitter time to shift to #kooapp will inform everyone soon about my account details there. Absolutely thrilled to experience homegrown #kooapp." Your time is up @Twitter time to shift to #kooapp will inform everyone soon about my account details there. Absolutely thrilled to experience home grown #kooapphttps://t.co/Kdm0TISCmR a Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 10, 2021 The Queen actor had talked about issues such as the ongoing farmers protests, Twitter, and international celebrities like Rihanna and Greta Thunberg coming out in support of farmer agitations in India. In one of her recent tweets, Ranaut had compared herself to one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood Meryl Streep. Ranaut is not the only one to join the Indian app. Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Railways and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, MeiTY, Digital India, NIC, NIXI, STPI, CDAC, DigiLocker, UMANG app, SAMEER and Common Services Center have already joined Koo. Also read: Kangana Ranaut threatens to leave Twitter, says will join homegrown Koo Ion Mihai Pacepa, a top Romanian intelligence officer who became the highest-ranking defector from the Soviet bloc when he fled Romania and sought asylum in the United States, has reportedly died after being hospitalized with COVID-19. He was 92. Ronald Rychlak, Pacepas co-author on a 2013 book about disinformation during the Soviet era, told RFE/RL that Pacepa died on February 14 in a hospital in an undisclosed location in the United States. He said he was notified of the death by Pacepas wife on February 14, and he said he had spoken directly with Pacepa the previous day when his health began to worsen. There has been no official announcement about Pacepa's death. Pacepa joined the Securitate intelligence agency in 1951 and rose in its ranks. At the time of his defection in 1978, Pacepa was a top general in Romania's much-feared Securitate secret police. He was also an adviser to dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and he held other top security posts in the government. After being granted political asylum by President Jimmy Carter, Pacepa lived under an assumed identity and government protection, having changed his name and identity twice after it was compromised. Ceausescu reportedly offered a $1 million reward for information leading to his capture or killing. In 1987, Pacepa published a memoir called Red Horizons: Chronicles Of A Communist Spy Chief that was then translated into Romanian, and copies were smuggled into Romania. The following year, the book was serialized and broadcast by Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys Romanian Service, generating huge interest within Romania. In December 1989, as Romania was gripped by violent protest, Ceausescu was arrested and put on trial by a military tribunal. Excerpts of Pacepas memoir were reportedly read into the record during the trial, which ended with Ceausescu and his wife being executed by firing squad. However we look at it and judge it, his book 'Red Horizons' contributed to the unmasking of the 'Great Lie.' After breaking with the dictatorship he had served, he became an irreconcilable opponent of communism, Vladimir Tismaneanu, a professor of political science at the University of Maryland, wrote in an opinion piece published by RFE/RLs Romanian Service. In 2009, Pacepa published a book of confessions called Face To Face, based on a series of interviews by the Romanian journalist Lucia Longin. In 2013, Pacepa and Rychlak collaborated on a book called Disinformation in which Pacepa detailed how the Soviet KGB and allied intelligence agencies worked to sow disinformation and plant false news stories in the Western news media. In the book, which is largely written as a first-person narrative, Pacepa said the Soviet Union orchestrated an anti-American and anti-Israeli propaganda campaign in the Middle East four decades ago -- and the effects of the effort still reverberate in present-day Islamist terrorism. "Before I left Romania for good in 1978, [Romania's foreign intelligence service] had sent around 500 such undercover [influence] agents to various Islamic countries. Most of them were religious servants, engineers, medical doctors, teachers, and art instructors," Pacepa told RFE/RL in a rare interview after the book was published. Pacepa recalled being given Soviet instruction manuals to study, and how those manuals recounted the early beginnings of disinformation campaigns dating back to Tsarist-era Russia. "Tsarist anti-Semitism spawned the pogroms. Nazi anti-Semitism engendered the Holocaust. Soviet anti-Semitism generated todays international terrorism," he told RFE/RL. Years after defecting, Pacepa, a devout Roman Catholic, explained that among the reasons he fled Romania and defected to the West was that Ceausescu had ordered him to assassinate the heads of Radio Free Europes Romanian Service. Pacepas marriage to his wife in Romania ended before he defected. He is survived by his second wife and a grown daughter, according to Rychlak. With reporting by RFE/RL's Romanian Service ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida is delivering on its commitment to provide cleaner, smarter energy solutions to benefit all Florida customers. The company is investing an estimated $1 billion to construct or acquire a total of 700 megawatts of cost-effective solar power facilities from 2018 through 2022 in Florida and will more than quadruple the amount of in-service solar on the system over the next four years. With the new year, the company has broken ground on two new solar sites, and it expects to complete both by the end of 2021: The Duette Solar Power Plant will be built on approximately 520 acres in Manatee County , Fla. Once operational, the 74.5-MW facility will consist of approximately 227,000 single-axis tracking solar panels capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak production annually. Here are some photos of the Duette site. , Fla. Once operational, the 74.5-MW facility will consist of approximately 227,000 single-axis tracking solar panels capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak production annually. Here are some photos of the site. The Charlie Creek Solar Power Plant will be built on 610 acres in Hardee County, Fla. The 74.9-MW facility will consist of approximately 235,000 single-axis tracking solar panels capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak production annually. Two additional solar plants will be coming online in the spring: The Twin Rivers Solar Power Plant was built on 460 acres in Hamilton County, Fla. The 74.9-MW facility consists of approximately 235,000 single-axis tracking solar panels. The panels track the movement of the sun and can produce enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak production. Here is drone video of the Twin Rivers site. The 74.9-MW facility consists of approximately 235,000 single-axis tracking solar panels. The panels track the movement of the sun and can produce enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak production. Here is drone video of the Twin Rivers site. Duke Energy Florida will complete the Santa Fe Solar Power Plant that is built on approximately 600 acres in Columbia County, Fla. The 74.9-MW plant will consist of approximately 235,000 single-axis tracking solar panels, which will produce enough carbon-free energy to power more than 23,000 average homes at peak production. Here is drone video of the Santa Fe site. The company plans to begin construction on an additional solar facility by mid-year. The Sandy Creek Solar Power Plant will be built on 625 acres in Bay County, Fla. As the county's first solar power plant, the facility will bring 74.9 MW of clean generation to the area and consist of approximately 220,000 single-axis tracking solar panels. The Sandy Creek Solar Power Plant is expected to be completed by spring 2022. During construction, each solar project creates approximately 200 to 300 temporary jobs. Once operational, the plants will generate quiet, carbon free energy that will bring tax benefits to the counties. All five solar power plants will be owned, operated and maintained by Duke Energy Florida. "Duke Energy Florida is delivering on what customers want: innovative, affordable and sustainable clean energy solutions," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida president. "We are committed to environmental stewardship and more fuel diversity. Customers can expect us to continue our expansion of solar energy for many years to come." Building A Smarter Energy Future Duke Energy Florida is increasingly generating cleaner energy in Florida, with almost 300 MW of solar generation expected to be added in-service this year. The company continues to encourage renewable investments within the state. In addition to developing our own solar projects, we work with other solar companies to acquire qualified projects they have explored and use a competitive process to select contractors, solar panels and project material suppliers. Through these methods, our solar power plants bring the greatest amount of dependable solar energy online for customers in the most efficient and economical way while creating more jobs in the solar and energy-related markets. Over the next decade, the company will continue to make innovative and targeted investments in additional solar power plants, battery storage technology, shared solar, transportation electrification and a modernized power grid to help meet customers' needs for diverse, reliable energy solutions. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns a diverse generation mix of natural gas, coal and renewables, providing about 10,200 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.8 million customers in a 13,000-square-mile service area Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit. Duke Energy is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit's regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to more than 1.6 million customers in five states North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects. Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2020 "World's Most Admired Companies" list, and Forbes' 2019 "America's Best Employers" list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Contact: Ana Gibbs Office: 727.820.4722 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 SOURCE Duke Energy Related Links www.duke-energy.com The Quads stated objective of free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region lacks the compelling bite, deterrence and collectiveness of a NATO In 2007, former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, then-Australian prime minister John Howard, then-US vice-president Dick Cheney and the Indian prime minister at the time Manmohan Singh, cut an odd picture. Three ultra-conservative hardliners, unabashed nationalists and policy hawks on one side, stood beside a pacifist but pragmatic Manmohan in the same room. Personal governance styles aside, this eclectic leadership from the most distant points on a global map foresaw the dangerously expansionist rise of China, even before Xi Jinping had been promoted to the Chinese Politburo Standing Committee, let alone become Chinese president for life. They started a dialogue that was rather unimaginatively and literally called the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. The operative word in the expression was in the middle ie security, and not the geometric Quadrilateral or Quad that has since become more fashionable. A lot was unsaid about its agenda, much was conveyed by its ambiguity and grouping, but a lot more was felt by its portents in Beijing. Murmurs of a brewing Asias NATO were exciting, but it was still only in the first stage of dialogues. Within a year, the George W Bush era was replaced by Barack Obama who initially punted on historical opportunities of peace with China, Howards successor Kevin Rudd succumbed to a combination of Chinese protestations and charms, resulting in the cooking of the Quad on very low heat, just when Xi was steadily climbing the ladders of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Today, all four forewarning men of the formative Quad have demitted high offices owing to infirmities of age or politics. Nearly a decade-and-a-half later, the Quad dialogues are still like a wilting wallflower in the background, exposing the vagaries and snail-paced changes in democracies. The threat perceptions envisaged in 2007 were not wrong, they were only grossly underestimated, as Xi has since confirmed and accelerated all fears. Donald Trump has handed over bitter US-China trade wars as transition dowry to successor Joe Biden, Xi has attacked Australia with cyber attacks, economic coercion and menacing language, whereas the Japanese are increasingly teased on the sovereignty of their islands with routine transgressions by Chinese war planes and naval ships. Amidst all this, the Indian armed forces are locked in a face-to-face standoff at various points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). What was feared in 2007 is playing out in full display in 2021 whereas, the reactionary and composite joint response to this threat is still in the form of dialogues. The Quads stated objective of free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region lacks the compelling bite, deterrence and collectiveness of a NATO, which is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political or military means. Therefore the Quad has remained practically ineffectual with multiple acts of Chinese belligerence like Doka La in 2017 or the continuing provocation in Ladakh region with a supremely under-leveraged response for a notional Quad grouping with a combined pre-pandemic GDP of $30 trillion and a combined defence budget of $800 billion (four times that of China). The Quad also jointly accounts for a mammoth and potentially-crippling 27.4 percent of all Chinese trade, yet the jointsmanship of the Cold War era response of NATO or Warsaw Pact blocs is missing, as if to suggest, that the threat from China has still not fructified? Never in history has China engaged militarily with the Quad countries so simultaneously and brazenly, as if it is in the full know that Quad will only remain mired in occasional dialogues among the disunited democracies. The neologism and dare of the Chinese Century stares in the face of future rules-based international order, and the United States in no longer in a position to counter the same, unilaterally. A coordinated security strategy among the directly impacted, viable and able (read: Quad) is the only workable counter, globally. However, while Delhi, Tokyo and Canberra have upped the ante and called for more meat in the Quad, the elephant in the room ie the newly-minted Biden administration, has an untested commitment on the same. However, despite the usually vacuous and mealy-mouthed diplomatese that accompanies White House statements, the latest one pertaining to the first Biden-Narendra Modi call carried the specificity of Quad. The leaders agreed to continuing close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including support for freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and a stronger regional architecture through the Quad, it read. The potential talons of the Quad were unusually and reassuringly mentioned in the opening engagement. The ensuing backdrop of the Indian Navys largest war game, the biennial Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX) entailing additional battle platforms and resources of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard, were in consonance with the air of preparedness. This followed the Malabar Navy Exercise last year that simulated war games and combat manoeuvres with all four Quad countries (Australia joined for the first time since 2007); earlier still in the year came the more basic Passage Exercises (PASSEX) with Quad navies, individually. Clearly the itch, understanding and realisation is unmistakable to formalise Quad more definitely, even if it were to fall short of a strictly military alliance like NATO but, paper awaits the ink to conjoin the sensitivities of Quad, formally. The fact that the prevailing situation warrants a Cold War era reaction in the form of enabled and empowered Quad imperatives is confirmed by a clearly concerned China that has urged all Quad members to shun a Cold War mentality. For starters, even a restricted political and diplomatic congruence (as opposed to a military) to bind Quad more definitely would suffice, as any joint action by the same in multilateral forums would signal the meaningful checkmating of China joint posturing of the alliance, is key. One of the challenges to institutionalising the Quad is the collateral assumption of heeding to each others non-Sino urgency, which may or may not be aligned to the other members sovereign preferences eg Russia or Iran. The US should not assume India partaking of any potential punitive action against Iran (as Trump bullied his way into forcing India earlier with sanctions), as that militates against Indias own regional calculus and stakes therefore for Quad to succeed, it is critical that it only entails containing China, as its sole mandate. There has been no such sovereign-specific-threat grouping in modern history, but then there was never such a sovereign-specific-threat, earlier. The commercial and diplomatic spin-offs of the Quad will be tangible and significant as the workings of moral-democracies would dictate taking actions that are in consonance with the universal principles of liberality, pacificism and democracy which are an inherent anathema to the illiberal, aggressive and communist China. The Quad is no longer an option, it is the only route, as all other alternatives to blunt Chinese aggression are mere sideshows. The other loosely aligned bloc of the euphemistic West in the form of European Union, UK, Canada etc, would have no principal disagreement with the restrictive Quad agenda, and could only gain a powerful shield through the same. The longer the efforts to institutionalise, unwrite and define the specificities of China are put off, the steeper and more complex the challenge could become for the Sino-wary world. Ultimately it will boil down to the tenor, approach and decisiveness that the Biden administration decides to adopt if he does go the Democrat way a la Obama era then history is doomed to repeat itself, painfully. However given that he served eight invaluable years as Obamas vice-president and oversaw the growth of the Dragons overarching fangs owing to inconclusive dialogues, he would be expected to be more pointed, definitive and quick in playing the bind and force-multiplier, in the second Cold War era. The author is former Lieutenant-Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Puducherry There is zero room, not only in society, but more so in professions of public trust and service, for people to have extremist views, regardless of ideology, said Art Acevedo, the Houston police chief and president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which includes senior police officials from almost 90 American and Canadian cities. President Bidens goal of addressing domestic extremism will partly hinge on the ability to curb its spread in police departments and the military, experts noted. Concerns about extremism in police ranks have long existed, but after Sept. 11 chasing jihadists took priority over chasing domestic threats, senior police officials and law enforcement experts said. In recent years, police or other agencies in Virginia, Florida, Nebraska, Louisiana, Michigan and Texas have all fired officers belonging to the Ku Klux Klan. In Philadelphia in 2019, the Police Department announced that 13 officers would be dismissed among the 72 who were placed on administrative leave because of racist Facebook posts. For decades, Los Angeles County has downplayed accusations that sheriffs deputies repeatedly organized secret white-supremacist groups with their own tattoos and hand signs. But a recent study by the office of the Los Angeles County Counsel concluded that the county has paid out some $55 million to settle lawsuits accusing such groups of malign influence. Sometimes groups opposed to the government emerge within law enforcement itself. Hundreds have joined the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, for example, which claims that sheriffs have the last word on whether any U.S. or local law is constitutional and should be enforced or not. During his presidency, Mr. Trump often declared himself a friend of the police, and many police unions endorsed him. Police officers enjoy the same rights as all citizens in supporting political candidates, but the problem comes when they take it a step further into anti-government activism, senior police officials and law enforcement experts said. Recently, during protests prompted by the death of George Floyd in police custody, far-right organizers, eager to recruit police or military veterans, portrayed themselves as allies to law enforcement, said Brian Levin, a former policeman and the director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Opening a brand new play these days isn't like what it used to be artists now have to contend with social distancing, live-streaming, technical set-ups and more all before thought is even given to character, writing and staging. Hit performer Danny Sapani, who has appeared in the likes of Les Blancs and Medea at the National as well as Chewing Gum on screen, knows that all too well. Sapani is gearing up to unveil Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn, which he is performing alongside Adrian Lester at the Almeida Theatre in north London. The show is being live-streamed for five performances only from tomorrow night, and Sapani says adjusting to the presence of a lens hasn't been too difficult: "I think both Adrian and I are very au fait with cameras, you know, so some instincts will kick in. I think we also want to keep a sense of this is being staged in a theatre. And so that will probably affect the size of the performance at times there are aspects here that just wouldn't work as a TV or screen play it is very much made for a stage." Sapani describes Hymn fundamentally as "a story of love platonic love between two men, but also loss, and fatherhood, and what it means to be part of a family. People will relate to it on all those levels." The actor is also relishing the chance to be a triple threat in a piece (obviously, given the title) infused with music: "I was grew up watching Sammy Davis Jr. and people like that, and the idea of being able to sing, dance and act, you know, to the top of your ability, is something I always wanted." Danny Sapani and Adrian Lester Marc Brenner Sapani feels as though the protocols sit comfortably with the text: "It's almost become a feature with the show. We can't touch the same things, and strikingly, we can't hug each other, or touch each other. There are many moments where we think we'd at least high five or something but we don't and we've definitely embraced that." The show was originally meant to be performed in front of socially distanced audiences, but the latest round of restrictions put pay to that and Sapani had to wait for the chance to stream the piece: "It took us a long time to get the point where both Adrian and I were available to be able to do it. We were so close to having a live audience we had one day's rehearsal before we got shut down in December. I'm just absolutely grateful that we've had the chance to be in a rehearsal room again and, you know, throw ideas around and bring this piece to light. It's really important that we find ways to improvise during this time." Where was Sapani's drive to work on the piece? A lot of it was down to the team "I've always wanted to work with Adrian. I think he's a master of his craft and I've always been great admirer of his work." Sapani had previously worked with Chakrabarti on Invisible Cities for Manchester International Festival and wanted to repeat what he describes as a "collaborate working language." What has the performer learnt from his time on the show? "We really need to not be cowed by the pandemic but to be bolstered and emboldened to keep on making and creating. We don't often get to see men interactive in this way, and that's what makes Hymn so powerful." [February 16, 2021] Care Continuity Appoints Dr. Anthony Coletta to Board of Directors DALLAS, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Care Continuity Inc., a leader in patient navigation and care transitions, today announced that it has appointed to its board of directors Dr. Anthony Coletta, former executive chairman of Tandigm Health, a leading population health services organization. "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Coletta, who joins us at an exciting time as we continue to drive our strategy forward to improve network integrity, the patient experience, and clinical outcomes with fully connected care delivery and seamless care transitions," said Andrew Thorby, founder and CEO, Care Continuity. "The addition of Dr. Coletta complements our board of directors, and we are confident he will provide valuable perspectives as we continue to enhance our suite of solutions and services in the years ahead. We look forward to his contributions and are excited he chose Care Continuity." "I was attracted to this opportunity because I have witnessed firsthand Care Continuity's unique approach for addressing the connectedness challenge in healthcare. In my view, Care Continuity has created the prototype of what health systems, ACOs, physician groups and payers need for success in value-based environments," said Dr. Coletta. "Asa physician and someone who has spent my professional career in healthcare, I have a special appreciation for Care Continuity's commitment to innovation and a hands-on approach to engaging with and supporting providers and their patients real-time across the entire ecosystem. I'm excited to be working with the leadership team charting a path forward." As a board-certified general surgeon and an experienced healthcare business leader, Anthony V. Coletta, MD, MBA brings an exceptional depth of executive and clinical expertise to Care Continuity. Dr. Coletta's vision in recent leadership roles was to restore balance within our healthcare ecosystem, place patients and their physicians at the epicenter of proactive, coordinated care, leading to better outcomes, lower costs and enhanced experiences for all. Most recently, Dr. Coletta was executive chairman of Tandigm Health and, immediately prior to that, CEO and chairman of the board. Previously, he was executive vice president at Independence Health Group and president of Independence's Facilitate Health Networks where he led the transformation from volume-to-value. During his years with Independence, he served as one of the principal architects of the Tandigm Health business plan. Earlier in his career, Dr. Coletta was executive vice president and chief medical officer of Holy Redeemer Health System in Huntingdon Valley, PA. In addition to his executive roles, Dr. Coletta was an attending general surgeon for more than two decades, and currently holds an appointment as an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. During his distinguished clinical career, he was recognized both nationally and internationally as a pioneer in minimally invasive surgical techniques and was recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the Top Doctors in the Philadelphia area. Honored as one of the Top 10 People Transforming Health Care in Philadelphia, Dr. Coletta is frequently a featured speaker at top healthcare events throughout the nation. About Care Continuity Inc. Care Continuity Inc., as a leader of patient navigation and network integration solutions, creates a system of communication that connects delivery networks and payers while placing patients and their care teams at the center. The patient is rewarded with seamless transitions across the care continuum while clinicians can be confident that their efforts will be reinforced by a supportive system that facilitates integrated patient care. For more information about Care Continuity Inc., please visit www.carecontinuity.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/care-continuity-appoints-dr-anthony-coletta-to-board-of-directors-301229072.html SOURCE Care Continuity Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Heavy snow and blizzards have forced the closure of a highway in northwest Turkey, leading to a massive queue of vehicles. The road between the city of Balikesir and the town of Susurluk has been closed since Monday evening, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Around 600 vehicles were stranded on a 9-kilometre (5.5 mile) stretch of the snow-covered road. Some 800 further vehicles were stranded in other areas. Local authorities distributed food to those stranded, Anadolu reported. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Mr. Tosin Ojaomo, a lawyer to erstwhile Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, says his client has not ... Mr. Tosin Ojaomo, a lawyer to erstwhile Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, says his client has not yet been sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari. Ojaomo said this during an interview with newsmen while reacting to the appointment of 40-year-old Abdulrasheed Bawa as the new chairman of the EFCC. The Presidency had said in a statement that Bawas name had been sent to the Senate for confirmation. Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, however, Ojaomo said Magu had only been suspended by the President, adding that to date, he had neither received a letter of termination nor further instruction. He said, Magu has not yet been sacked by the President. He was put on suspension pending the outcome of the probe by the panel. He has not yet been sacked. Magu, who served as acting chairman of the EFCC from 2015 to 2020, was rejected twice by the Senate. He was later suspended along with several others for allegedly mismanaging funds of the commission, an allegation which he vehemently denied. The former EFCC boss was probed for over three months by a judicial panel of inquiry led by a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami. The panel made several recommendations but the report has not been made public to date. TSX Venture Exchange: BSK Frankfurt Stock Exchange: MAL2 OTCQB Venture Market (OTC): BKUCF VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSX-V: BSK) (FSE: MAL2) (OTC: BKUCF), "Blue Sky" or the "Company") announces that it is being featured by Streetwise Reports for an in depth interview with Niko Cacos, CEO of Blue Sky, Guillermo Pensado, VP Exploration of Blue Sky and Gerardo Del Real, President of Resource Stock Digest and Co-founder of Digest Publishing as they discuss their upcoming catalysts and events. Please join us on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 at 9:40am PT/12:40pm ET. Link to register to join: http://www.streetwisereports.com/events/register/?event_id=74&utm_source=BSK About Streetwise Reports Since 2001, Streetwise Reports has been the place where investors go to read about promising investment ideas straight from leading industry experts, analysts, newsletter writers and money managers. About Blue Sky Uranium Corp. Blue Sky Uranium Corp. is a leader in uranium discovery in Argentina. The Company's objective is to deliver exceptional returns to shareholders by rapidly advancing a portfolio of surficial uranium deposits into low-cost producers, while respecting the environment, the communities, and the cultures in all the areas in which we work. Blue Sky has the exclusive right to properties in two provinces in Argentina. The Company's flagship Amarillo Grande Project was an in-house discovery of a new district that has the potential to be both a leading domestic supplier of uranium to the growing Argentine market and a new international market supplier. The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Nikolaos Cacos" ______________________________________ Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Blue Sky Uranium Corp. Related Links www.blueskyuranium.com Victoria's under-fire hotel quarantine system should be shut down until it is proven safe to function, one of Australia's leading infectious disease experts has demanded. Professor Lindsay Grayson is leading calls for the program to be halted after the entirety of Victoria was plunged into a strict five-day lockdown in response to a cluster of cases that emerged from the Melbourne Airport Holiday Inn. He said Victoria's system is placing the whole country at risk, even despite the state being forced to reboot the quarantine program after breaches led to a deadly second wave last winter that claimed 801 lives. 'It's sad to say this as a Victorian, but Victoria's approach to quarantine appears to be placing the rest of the country at risk,' Professor Grayson told The Age. One of Australia's leading infectious disease experts has called for Victoria's hotel quarantine system to be shut down until it is proven safe (pictured, the Holiday Inn in Victoria where the most-recent outbreak took place) Professor Lindsay Grayson, pictured giving evidence to Victoria's Covid-19 hotel quarantine inquiry last year, said the state's hotel quarantine program is placing all of Australia at risk 'It should be removed from the national quarantine program until proven safe.' Professor Grayson was called last year to provide expert evidence on infectious diseases and infection control to the Covid-19 hotel quarantine inquiry, triggered after breaches in Victoria's program led to the deadly second wave. But he is concerned lessons have not been learnt from the inquiry and necessary standards have not been introduced, questioning why there had not been any breaches in facilities run by hospitals. The inquiry had also recommended 'every effort must be made to ensure that all personnel working at the facility are not working across multiple quarantine sites'. However, workers and doctors across nine Victorian quarantine hotels, including the Melbourne Airport Holiday Inn, have reportedly breached that recommendation after being found to have moved between multiple hotels and offices. The Age reported Healthcare Australia workers had lodged formal complaints with WorkSafe Victoria amid claims hotel operations managers and leaders of clinical teams went to a quarantine hotel on the same day they visited head office. A Covid-19 Quarantine Victoria spokeswoman said a a 'small group' of workers move between offices and hotels but they have no interaction with guests and insisted nurses and doctors only work at one location. Professor Grayson has also called for a national set of quarantine standards, along with the Australian Medical Association. Victoria's under fire hotel quarantine system was again in the spotlight on Tuesday after one of the hotels was evacuated while repairs to water damage were carried out (pictured, a returned Australian who was evacuated emerged wearing a large rubbish bag over their head) AMA president Omar Khorshid meanwhile has questioned whether the Victorian Government has the capacity to deliver an effective quarantine program, and said it was 'disappointing' to see the state 'fail' again. 'If the government can't do this job then they need to find somebody who can, because it's not rocket science,' he said. Dr Khorshid said he saw no reason why lessons learnt from around the world on how to protect people from the deadly virus were not being applied in Victoria. International flights into Melbourne are currently suspended while the state grapples with its hotel quarantine issues with no date set for when they will return. Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday confirmed plans for a purpose-built 'quarantine centre' as the government desperately tries to plug the leaks in its inner-city hotel programs. Mr Andrews revealed a delegation of senior government officials will head to the Northern Territory to examine the Howard Springs quarantine facility as Victoria looks to emulate the model. 'We are actively pursuing and examining the construction of a purpose-built quarantine centre, a centre that would serve to replace in at least significant measure - maybe not entirely but in significant part - the work of inner city hotels,' he said. Victoria's hotel quarantine system has been under fire after the entire state was again plunged into lockdown after Covid-19 leaked from a hotel (pictured, police outside the Holiday Inn Flinders Lane, which was evacuated Tuesday) 'It would be a cabin-style, village-style environment, where there would be fresh air, where there would be not zero risk but lower risk.' He said there were two 'obvious candidates' for the facilities at the moment, Avalon Airport and Melbourne Airport. One Tuesday, Victoria's hotel quarantine system descended into further farce after 31 returned travellers staying at the Holiday Inn in Flinders Lane, central Melbourne, were evacuated while water damage from a sprinkler system is repaired. The facility had been used as a 'hot hotel', meaning it accommodates returned travellers who have tested positive for Covid-19 or are presenting with symptoms, as well as those with complex medical needs. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! Free range egg producers and sheep farmers have reacted with alarm at the latest bid to re-introduce lynx to parts of the United Kingdom. A year long study has been launched by a consortium of conservationists to see if the public would support reintroduction, with a view to releasing them within the next five years. The project is being headed by the Vincent Wildlife Trust, Scotland: The Big Picture, and Trees for Life, and part funded by Danish billionaires Anders Poulson and Lisbet Rausing who own large estates in the Scottish Highlands. The lynx is Europes largest native cat and became extinct in northern Britain more than 500 years ago as a result of habitat loss and hunting. The prospect of its reintroduction has caused widespread concern from the farming industry regarding the implications for livestock, and free range producers could be at particular risk. James Baxter, Chairman of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) and a producer in Scotland, said lynx could have a similar impact to foxes. We would be greatly concerned that the reintroduction of lynx would provide yet another predator for free range producers to worry about," he added. The lynx is a predator that has not been in this country for hundreds of years; there is no telling how it might behave in the present day environment. Time and again we have seen these proposals for imminent reintroduction of lynx brought forward and thrown out having not come close to meeting the standards required for licencing. The project comes just three years after then-Defra secretary Michael Gove threw out proposals by the Lynx UK Trust to re-wild the lynx in Kielder Forest, Northumberland - one of the areas put forward in the latest attempts. Mr Gove said that the application did not meet the necessary standards set out in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines. NFU Scotland said it remained crystal clear that any attempt to reintroduce predators, such as lynx, were totally unacceptable to farmers. The union's Land Use Committee Chairman, Angus MacFadyen, said: "The last three or four years have seen a long line of brazen and presumptuous claims about the imminent reintroduction of lynx, yet no local or political consensus has ever been secured. "This latest survey in Scotland is unlikely to change that, given that farmers and livestock predation were not included in its launch release. The organisations leading the project claim that releasing lynx would help to curb the number of roe deer, allowing for the regeneration of natural woodlands. However, Martin Kennedy, Vice President of NFU Scotland, made it clear that farmers' livestock were just as likely prey to the lynx as roe deer. He explained that in Norway predators have been reintroduced and authorities have had to pay out compensation for 20,000 sheep lost to the new predator populations. The lynx accounts for more than 20% of those sheep killed. Mr Kennedy said: Predation of farmed livestock in Norway has reduced over the past decade not because of fewer predators, but the fact that farmers have had to stop keeping livestock. "The Norwegian NFU told us that around 1,000 farmers have given up in the last 10 years as they simply cannot carry on at the levels of predation. If the survey shows sufficient public support for the proposals then an application to release up to 40 lynx in the wild could be granted within the next five years. This would be part of a pilot scheme based in the densely forested estates of the Cairngorms, most likely on the estate owned by the Danish tycoon Poulsen or the RSPB nature reserve at Abernethy. However, NFU Scotland are keen to note that if the proposals were to go beyond the survey stage: The process for securing permission for the pilot release is a long and complex process and any application will be subject to considerable analysis and debate. The Scottish government released a statement reassuring farmers, saying it had no plans to reintroduce lynx in Scotland. "Any organisations looking to release large carnivores in Scotland would need a licence from NatureScot," the Scottish government said. "Any application would be very carefully scrutinised, ensuring that the views of all those who would likely be affected were properly taken into account. There are also fears that lynx could illegally be released without a licence, which happened during the reintroduction of beavers to Knapdale Forest, in Argyll. Although the released beavers were monitored and carefully tagged, the beavers spread rapidly after activists reportedly released animals illegally in the area. Almost 90 beavers had to be shot under licence and eight months of licenced culling had to be undertaken in 2019 to tackle the problem. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah, the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), has called on teachers to inculcate facemask wearing in pupils while ensuring they comply with the other protocols to curb the spread of Covid-19. "I have noticed that most of these children either pull their masks down or take it off when they are out of the school premises, which is not the right thing to do because this would expose them to the virus, he said. Mr Sowah gave the advice when he distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) and handwashing stations, donated by the UN-Habitat, to schools in Ga-Mashie as well as to assess compliance with the Covid-19 protocols in the schools. He entreated the school authorities to include lessons on the Covid-19 and the importance of wearing the masks in their teachings to encourage the pupils to abide by them. Mr Sowah, interacting with the school children, explained how dangerous the new variant of the Covid-19 virus was, adding that it spread more easily and quickly than the other variants. "The new virus we are experiencing is using children to transmit to the elderly and is worse than the 2019 one ... This is why you must all wear your mask, wash your hands with soap under running water, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers and observe social distancing in and outside school to prevent its spread to others," he said. The schools visited included Private Odartey Lamptey Memorial JHS, Bishop Girls School, Holy Trinity Cathedral SHS, St. Marys Anglican, John Wesley Methodist JHS, Adedienkpo Primary School and Accra Sempe 1 School. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - North American Nickel Inc. (TSXV: NAN) (OTCBB: WSCRF) (CUSIP: 65704T 108) (the "Company" or "NAN") is pleased to announce that Premium Nickel Resources ("PNR") has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Botswana nickel-copper-cobalt (Ni-Cu-Co) assets, currently in liquidation, and formerly operated by BCL Limited. NAN is a founding shareholder in Premium Nickel Resources, a private Canadian company which provides direct exposure to Ni-Cu-Co opportunities in the southern African region. PNR submitted an Indicative Offer ("IO") to the BCL Liquidator in June 2020 to acquire the former producing Selebi-Phikwe, Tati Phoenix and Selkirk Mines as well as regional exploration joint ventures on highly prospective Ni-Cu-Co projects located in Botswana. On February 10, 2021, Honourable Moagi Lefoko, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology & Energy Security of Botswana, affirmed in Parliament the press release by the Liquidator for the BCL Group of Companies, stating that PNR was selected as the preferred bidder to acquire the assets formerly owned by BCL. This announcement follows an independent technical evaluation on behalf of the Liquidator, and a review by the Government of Botswana over the last seven months. PNR has announced that it will now complete the documentation with the Liquidator to govern the six-month exclusivity period to complete due diligence on these assets. During the exclusivity period, PNR will negotiate an agreement to finalize terms on the prioritized assets that will be included in the Asset Purchase Agreement with the Liquidator. There can be no assurance that PNR will move from exclusivity to successful completion of the proposed acquisition. NAN currently owns 10% of PNR and has a 5-year Warrant to purchase an additional 15% of PNR for USD$10M. For more information on PNR please visit their website at www.premiumnickelresources.ca. About North American Nickel North American Nickel is a mineral exploration company with 100% owned properties in Maniitsoq, Greenland and Ontario, Canada. In 2019 the Company became a founding shareholder in Premium Nickel Resources ("PNR") a private Canadian company, to provide direct exposure to Ni-Cu-Co opportunities in the southern African region. PNR has submitted an Indicative Offer to acquire the assets, currently in liquidation, formerly operated by BCL Limited in Botswana. In addition, the Company is expanding its area of exploration interest into Morocco and building a relationship with the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines ("ONHYM"), the leading resource crown corporation and the single largest permit holder in Morocco. The Maniitsoq property in Greenland is a Camp scale permitted exploration project comprising 3,048 square km covering numerous high-grade nickel-copper + cobalt sulphide occurrences associated with norite and other mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Greenland Norite Belt (GNB). The >75km-long belt is situated along, and near, the southwest coast of Greenland and is accessible from the existing Seqi deep water port with an all-year-round shipping season and hydroelectric power potential from a quantified watershed. The Post Creek/Halcyon property in Sudbury is strategically located adjacent to the past producing Podolsky copper-nickel-precious metal sulphide deposit of KGHM International Ltd. The property lies along the extension of the Whistle Offset dyke structure. Such geological structures host major Ni-Cu-PGM deposits and producing mines within the Sudbury Camp. The Company acquired 100% ownership of property near the southern extent of the Lingman Lake Greenstone Belt in northwest Ontario known as Lingman Nickel and in the Quetico region near Thunder Bay Ontario. The acquisition of these properties is part of the Company's strategy to develop a pipeline of new nickel projects. The Company is evaluating direct and indirect nickel asset acquisition opportunities globally. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Keith Morrison Chief Executive Officer North American Nickel Inc. For more information contact: North American Nickel Inc. Jaclyn Ruptash Corporate Communications +1 (604) 770-4334 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of the Company. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but is not limited to, statements about the future prospects of any assets or properties of the Company, the ability of the Company to successfully complete due diligence, the ability of the Company to access capital, any spending commitments, the success of exploration activities, the future economics of minerals including nickel and copper, the benefits of the development potential of the properties of the Company, the benefits of drilling and advancement of projects. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74606 New Cuban rum Eminente aims to show 'new side' to island A new Cuban rum to hit the European market is hoping to bring both the taste and spirit of the Caribbean island to its customers. Eminente Rum, a new brand from Moet Hennessy, was launched in the UK, France, Germany and the Czech Republic in autumn 2020, aiming to showcase a new side to Cuban rum and to the island itself. To create its new spirit, Moet Hennessy secured the talents of Cesar Marti, the youngest of Cuba's 10 maestros roneros (master Cuban rum distillers). Cesar grew up in the Central province of Cuba in a family that worked on the sugarcane fields surrounding his home and brings expertise in both raw materials and production to the brand. In creating Eminente's Reserva, its inaugural release, Cesar took inspiration from 19th-century flavours and styles of Cuban rum and the island's Central rum style, which marries the heavier rums of the North with the finer sipping rums of the South. It is made using a blend of light, fruity rum spirit, distilled to 96% ABV, and aguardiente, an eau-de-vie distilled from molasses to 75% and aged in ex-whisky barrels. The light spirit and aged aguardiente are blended before a secondary ageing, with 14 further points of blending during the ageing process. The resulting spirit has a much higher proportion of aguardiente than the average for Cuban rum (18 per cent). Aged for a minimum of seven years, Eminente Reserva was only the sixth Cuban rum to be classified Demonimacion de Origen Protegida (DOP) Ron de Cuba, a status that dictates strict rules to ensure authenticity and quality. The Reserva's textured glass bottles, created in Mexico, are designed to reflect a lesser-know aspect of the island - its native crocodiles, which give the island its local nickname 'Isla del Cocodrilo'. 16 February 2021 - Bethany Whymark An Oxford University professor today accused college institutions of 'dismal failure' over freedom of speech - and claimed they cynically adopted diversity policies as a 'badge' for marketing. Professor Selina Todd, 47, spoke as the government announced plans for a 'free speech champion' to ensure universities in England do not stifle it. But academic Prof Todd, who teaches modern history at Oxford, questioned whether it would have any effect given recent events. The professor - who was no-platformed herself after lobbying by trans activists over her views on gender- said universities saying they uphold free speech was incompatible with some diversity policies they had adopted. She had to have a security guard at lectures when she was threatened by trans rights campaigners. Prof Todd said: 'I have at my institution a very good freedom of debate policy but it completely conflicts with our diversity policies because lobby groups like Stonewall actually pressurise institutions to write policies that say you cannot have debate on certain issues with the alleged claim being that by people like me articulating my view that sex is biological, it's not assigned at birth, that I am doing literal harm to trans people in that case and that's just not right. Professor Selina Todd has blasted the idea of a Freedom Of Speech champion by government 'Universities need to realise that they cannot on one hand have policies like that, which they may adopt quite cynically because they want the badge of Stonewall champion because in a marketplace they are diverse and liberal and all the rest of it, they cannot on the one hand uphold that and then claim they are upholding freedom of debate because I'm an example they are not doing that. 'I am very prominent, I'm in a permanent position, I'm a professor, but the amount of support I've had from my institution has been laughable they have never made a public statement in my defence. 'I oppose the way the offence of hate speech being applied to other groups in the kind of liberal way that student unions and many other university staff members seek to do it and very often university policies uphold this,' she added to Radio 4. It came as the Education Secretary warned against a 'chilling effect' of 'unacceptable silencing and censoring' on university campuses as he unveiled tougher measures to protect free speech. Gavin Williamson announced a series of proposals to strengthen academic freedom at universities in England, including the appointment of a 'free speech champion' who will investigate potential infringements, such as no-platforming speakers or dismissal of academics. A new free speech condition would be placed on universities for them to be registered in England and access public funding, and the Office for Students (OfS) regulator would have the power to impose fines on institutions if they breached the condition. Gavin Williamson announced a series of proposals to strengthen academic freedom Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd was snubbed by Oxford University students last year No-platforming figures Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd was snubbed by Oxford University students over her links to the Windrush scandal. Miss Rudd, who was Home Secretary when the scandal broke in 2018, had planned to deliver a speech encouraging young women to get involved in politics before International Women's Day on Sunday. But she arrived last night to an empty hall after Felicity Graham, president of an Oxford student society supporting the work of UN Women UK, which organised the event, was forced to cancel amid severe criticism from fellow members and students. Nigel Farage has also previously hit out at the President of the Cambridge Union for saying he wouldn't be trusted to speak on his own, but could be considered as 'part of a panel' on Brexit. Union President Abdullah Shah said in 2019 he hasdtaken an approach to 'no-platforming' some speakers who "say controversial things for the sake of it", adding he would not invite Nigel Farage to speak on a 'solo platform' but might be included in group panel discussions on Brexit. Farage said the move demonstrated how students are not being allowed to "make up their minds" on social, economic and political issues. In September Caroline Farrow, a Catholic journalist and member of the Free Speech Union, was no-platformed by the University of Exeter Debating Society. She was due to speak in a debate on whether prostitution should be legalised, but she was notified she had been disinvited because of her religious beliefs on a range of LGBT issues. She was later reinvited to speak. Advertisement Individuals would be able to seek compensation through the courts if they suffered loss from a breach of the free speech duties - such as being expelled, dismissed or demoted - under a new legal measure. Mr Williamson said: 'Free speech underpins our democratic society and our universities have a long and proud history of being places where students and academics can express themselves freely, challenge views and cultivate an open mind. 'But I am deeply worried about the chilling effect on campuses of unacceptable silencing and censoring. That is why we must strengthen free speech in higher education, by bolstering the existing legal duties and ensuring strong, robust action is taken if these are breached.' Under the plans, universities would be legally required to actively promote free speech. The Education Secretary would appoint a 'free speech and academic freedom champion' to the OfS board and they would be able to recommend the watchdog imposes fines on universities. The Department for Education said the next steps for legislation will be set out in due course. In December, the University of Cambridge announced that its proposed statement on free speech would no longer require staff and students to be 'respectful' of differing views following an intervention from academics who said calling for respect could undermine academic freedom. University and College Union (UCU) general secretary Jo Grady said: 'It is extraordinary that in the midst of a global pandemic the Government appears more interested in fighting phantom threats to free speech than taking action to contain the real and present danger which the virus poses to staff and students. 'In reality the biggest threats to academic freedom and free speech come not from staff and students, or from so-called 'cancel culture', but from ministers' own attempts to police what can and cannot be said on campus, and a failure to get to grips with the endemic job insecurity and managerialist approaches which mean academics are less able to speak truth to power.' Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, vice president for higher education at the National Union of Students (NUS), said: 'Students' unions are committed to freedom of expression and are the very home of rigorous debate and new ideas. 'There is no evidence of a freedom of expression crisis on campus, and students' unions are constantly taking positive steps to help facilitate the thousands of events that take place each year.' She added: 'We recognise this announcement as an opportunity for us to prove once and for all that there is not an extensive problem with freedom of expression across higher education.' Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the OfS, said: 'Free speech and academic freedom are essential to teaching and research. Universities and colleges have legal duties to protect both free speech and academic freedom, and their compliance with these responsibilities forms an important part of their conditions of registration with the OfS. 'We will ensure that the changes that result from today's proposals reinforce these responsibilities and embed the widest definition of free speech within the law.' But Prof Todd said she believed the initiative would have a limited effect. She added: 'I am not so sure about a free speech champion, I think these kind of tsars and champions tend to go nowhere and it can end up being a bit of a blunt instrument. But I am glad that they have acted. 'Universities do have a legal right to uphold freedom of debate and they've dismally failed to do so in recent years and things have got a lot worse for academics and for students, many of whom get in touch with me anonymously to say how frightened they are to speak out. 'One of the things I'm very pleased about in today's white paper is that the government has set out its intention to extend the obligation to uphold freedom to debate to student unions as well as universities. But more action is needed because as I say universities have had this legal obligation for a long time since the 1980s and in my experience we have a culture of no debate which our employers are just no willing to challenge.' By Orhan Coskun and Nevzat Devranoglu ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's government is considering a plan to ease some curfews and curbs on restaurants and schools in districts where infections are lightest, and cabinet is set to discuss possible details on Wednesday, two officials told Reuters. The health ministry began publishing more detailed provincial case numbers on Monday, data that could guide the re-opening of dining at restaurants and cafes as well as schools, the officials said. The data could also trigger tighter restrictions in certain districts. It was unclear when restrictions adopted in December could be eased or whether final decisions on the plan would be taken this week. Turkey's official coronavirus death toll is more than 27,500. Though vaccinations began last month, new daily cases have lingered between 6,000 and 8,000, causing concern. "Easing of some restrictions in some provinces will be discussed, for example steps such as shortening the curfews and opening of restaurants and cafes under guidelines, especially in big cities, could be taken," one of the officials said. The person, who requested anonymity, said the government's priority is lowering daily cases. Turkey's curfews, weekend lockdowns and other curbs were adopted in December in the face of rising cases. It plans a gradual nationwide re-opening of schools beginning March 1. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said last week it would be possible to evaluate the eventual easing of restrictions in certain provinces based on the detailed coronavirus data. The newly published data show the eastern Black Sea provinces recorded the most cases per 100,000 people while big cities Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir logged 60, 35, and 44 respectively. Turkey lifted most of its restrictions from the pandemic's first wave in June of last year. The second official told Reuters that details of the latest easing plan would be decided in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. (Writing by Ezgi Erkoyun; Editing by Jonathan Spicer) To make music more easily accessible to consumers in India, Spotify recently launched two Premium Mini plans. The daily plan is priced at INR 7, and the weekly plan is priced at INR 25. Besides providing an ad-free experience, these plans also allow listeners to download and play songs offline, leading to an uninterrupted audio experience. To deliver the value proposition of these new plans, Whats Your Problem (a Wondrlab company), a Mumbai-based integrated agency, has created an ad campaign that comprises two films a sangeet dance prep with family, and a college friends trip. When the protagonists in the films realise their daily subscription wont suffice, the weekly mini plan comes to the rescue. The films attempt to strike a chord with the viewers with their light-hearted and spirited tone. In line with the Premium Mini plans that are tailored for the youth, the ads are also spontaneous, free-spirited and reflect moments that matter to them. Amit Akali, Founder and CCO, Wondrlab, said, In a value-conscious, price-sensitive market like India, encouraging the audience to pay for their music can be a challenge. To address this, our attempt was to focus on fresh and relatable situations. For example, all of us, with two left feet and more, have stolen the show at sangeet ceremonies. We all have gone out of our way to please our romantic interest in college days. The director, Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy of Corcoise Films, with his outstanding knack for performances and understanding of natural situations, did a great job. Bengaluru, Feb 16 : Bengaluru civic body workers found a human skeleton while they were clearing the silt from blocked stormwater drains in Kamakshipalya neighbourhood in the city. Kamakshipalya is a neighbourhood located in the western part of the city of Bengaluru. This neighbourhood is one of the densely populated small industrial cum residential localities of the city. While the investigating officer said: "At present we are suspecting that it may have got stuck in the drain after the deceased fell into the drain during rainy season or had been washed away after descending from an open-end of the storm water drain but there is also a possibility of body may have been dumped in the drain at the time of construction." The police said they were investigating all possible angles as it was too early to arrive at a conclusion whether it is a case of murder, suicide or accidental death. According to the police the skeleton was spotted in front H.V.R. Kalyana Mantapa (a marriage hall) which is located just about 200 feet away from the Kamakshipalya traffic police station in the Vijayanagar area. "After the initial examination of the site, we have sent the skeleton for a forensic examination in Bengaluru's Victoria Hospital and are awaiting results. The experts will also carry out a DNA test," said the deputy commissioner of police (West subdivision) Sanjeev M. Patil. He added that the police have collected the skeletal samples along with the mud to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to ascertain the age and possible cause of death. The skeleton was found in the dried-up dirt and debris caused during re-opening of the drain. "What surprised the police and the Civic workers alike was the fact that the drain was closed by Bengaluru's civic body (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) for more than four years ago and has not been opened since until Monday. The skeleton is intact and as per preliminary investigation, the skeleton appears to be of an adult male," the investigation officer said. He further added that they are sifting through the missing persons' files prior to four years to find some clue. However, nothing can be ascertained until the detailed forensic reports arrive, added the inspector. A case was registered in Vijayanagar police station and investigations is on. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Photo: IC US President Joe Biden said in a CBS interview on Sunday that China and the US "need not have a conflict but there is going to be extreme competition." Biden also said, "I'm not going to do it the way Trump did. We are going to focus on the international rules of the road." Different people have seen different things from what Biden said. Some people focus on his emphasis that China and the US "need not have a conflict" and believe this is different from the Trump administration. Others focus on "extreme competition," claiming that Biden has sent a tough signal to China. But in the Global Times' opinion, Biden has predicted that there will be "extreme competition" between China and the US. Yet he has set a bottom line for this, which is to avoid turning such competition into a major power conflict. He also said he would replace Trump's approach with "international rules." Thus the question boils down to this one: What are international rules? To be honest, China is not afraid of competing with others, no matter how fierce the competition might be. China has always been serious in abiding by international rules. It is the most ideal state for China's development that all countries compete with one another in accordance to the rules. This is not a high-profile empty talk, but the deepest part of China's values. Almost all Chinese elites have fought their way through the harsh rules of gaokao, or college entrance examinations. Respecting the rules is in the blood of the Chinese nation. It has become our starting point of dealing with international rules. China's reform and opening-up can be seen as a long march for the country to understand and integrate into the international rules. China joined the WTO, abided by the internationally recognized rules and developed all the way to a major trader worldwide. China has never challenged any major international rules. Even if some rules were not favorable to China at the beginning, our philosophy is to adapt to them and eventually become skilled in applying the rules. The US' biggest problem is that it puts its own interests at the center of international rules. If the rules benefit the US, the rules will continue to be rules. If they are perceived to be unfavorable to the US, the country will turn against these rules. Therefore, the US has had the most conflicts with international rules in recent years. It withdrew from international organizations and treaties and constantly changed its own order. Washington's neglect of rules has repeatedly shocked the international community. Rules apply to all countries. The system of United Nations should be the most authoritative starting point of the international rules. But which country is more respectful to the UN, China or the US? Which country has more conflicts with international multilateral organizations, China or the US? The answers are obvious. If the new US administration emphasizes rules so much, it should respect the original intent of international rules first thing first. It should not equate international rules with US interests and turn them into a veneer of legality and a global passport to take care of the US national interests. In the past few years, Washington has shown increasing ideological offensiveness. It used some domestic institutional elements of Western-style democracy to measure international rules and strengthened the US' definition of rules. When the US talks about rules, it often involves interference in China's domestic affairs or rudely undermines China's normal cooperation with some other countries. Washington does not intend to use rules to promote communication and balance of interests between China and the US, the two major powers with different political systems. Has the US resorted to any rules in its moves to list Chinese companies including Huawei on its Entity List and to publicly call on allies to suppress the Chinese tech giant? We hope the Biden administration abandons the rude manners of the Trump administration and respects the rules to create new space for China and the US to engage in benign rules-based competition - in a bid to profoundly reduce uncertainties in international relations. China and the US have huge trade and cooperation. The US is the stronger side in bilateral relations. How can China-US relations be maintained under the logic that China has been violating the rules? China sincerely wishes the two countries will have a win-win outcome, whether cooperating or competing with each other. China almost started from scratch. But with its hardworking people who are willing to contribute to the country of their own, China has developed fast. This is in line with the rules of how human society develops. The US will never succeed if it wants to set up rules to stop China from developing and stop the Chinese people from attaining a better life. GRAND HAVEN, MI -- Spears of ice jutted from outer light at the Grand Haven south pier like a prickly beard. The iconic red of the lighthouse was obscured by thick layers of ice and snow on Sunday, Feb. 14. MLive was there to capture the beautiful winter scene as round pancakes of ice and other formations rose and fell in the Lake Michigan swells. Recent winter storms producing below-freezing temperatures, gusting winds and large waves help form the impressively thick ice on the pier and elsewhere along the lakeshore. Nearly all of the piers catwalk supports in Grand Haven on Sunday were covered in inches of solid ice, and icicles dangled from the catwalks rails. Related: Lake Michigan shoreline transformed into winter wonderland of ice First responders in Grand Haven and elsewhere along the Lake Michigan shoreline caution residents and visitors against going out onto the piers during the winter months, warning of dangerous conditions and treacherous ice. A thick layer of ice covered with snow make for a treacherous and dangerous journey down the pier. That did not stop the scores of people who ventured out for a glimpse of what Mother Nature had formed over the last few weeks. Viewing the video footage captured by MLive Sunday, including views from a drone high above the water, you gain a new perspective on the West Michigan winter scene. As the drone descends, you can see thousands of ice balls and pancakes of all shapes mesmerizingly bob up and down where the Grand River channel meets Lake Michigan. Click here to see images for the ice-covered Grand Haven pier. 43 Ice covers the Grand Haven lighthouse, Feb. 2021 Also on MLive: See stunning blue ice here to stay through cold snap President Bidens Michigan visit prompts flight restrictions at Kalamazoo airport 4 warning signs of frostbite - in this weather, it only takes 5 minutes Big Gretch beer is back, but once its gone, its done Pakistan: Establishment of artificial reef at Gwadar Bay February 16,2021 | Source: Business Recorder The Balochistan government has established the first artificial reef at Gwadar Bay near Jiwani at Rs.48.50 million, as the WWF-Pakistan lauded the initiative on Monday. This initiative is aimed to help protect marine biodiversity and improve socio-economic conditions of the coastal communities in the area. The artificial reef set up along the Balochistan coast contains 330 modular blocks, with each block weighing 1.5 tons. The artificial reef is primarily an underwater structure built to promote marine life in areas with a flat bottom in the sea. Gwadar Bay located between the Pakistan-Iran borders is known for its rich marine biodiversity and important fishing grounds. Establishment of the artificial reef will further enhance the productivity of the area and provide fishermen near Jiwani access to fish stock. Placement of the concrete modular block will provide refuge to a large number of benthic and agile fauna. It will also provide shelter for a number of fish species. After placement in the seawater the surface of the modular blocks will be encrusted with important marine animals such as corals, barnacles and bivalve shells, which will help in the growth of rich animal and plant communities in and around the artificial reef. It will also become home to large predators, which will feed on fauna in the artificial reef areas. Most predatory fishes are commercially important species and though this process the productivity and biodiversity of the area will be enhanced. According to Ahmad Nadeem, Director of the project and Director Fisheries Department, Government of Balochistan, this artificial reef was set up at a total cost of Rs48.50 million. He also informed that no foreign assistance was sought for this initiative by the government. The reef is placed in an area of four square nautical miles west of Jiwani town, Balochistan. Considering the successful deployment of the blocks in the sea, the Government of Balochistan plans to establish more artificial reefs along the Balochistan coast, he added. WWF-Pakistan, which was consulted during the planning, design and site selection of the artificial reef, considers this initiative the start to a new era of biodiversity conservation that will help increase production of commercially important fish and shellfish in Pakistani waters. Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor Fisheries, WWF-Pakistan, shared that this reef will help in reducing poaching by trawlers in the Gwadar Bay, as the reef will act as Trawler Excluding Device (TED). The unauthorized trawling is considered a major issue faced by the fishermen of the coastal area of Balochistan. Gwadar Bay is known for its biodiversity as it has a wide variety of habitat including dense forest between Panwan and the mouth of Dasht River. It has rich fauna on rocky shores and is a natural abode of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and finless porpoises, he added. Business Recorder, 2021 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Duc Binh took office as Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs at a ceremony in Jakarta on February 15. Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs Tran Duc Binh (Photo: VNA) After swearing in, Binh officially began his three-year tenure from 2021 to 2024. He will support the Secretary General of ASEAN in providing strategic direction and guidance on research, corporate and public affairs as well as outreach activities. He will oversee the implementation of administration and general affairs, finance and budget, human resources, information technology, information resource management, community outreach, stakeholder engagements, protocol, conference and formalities, legal affairs, programme cooperation and project management, among others. As stated in the ASEAN Charter, the Secretary General of ASEAN shall be assisted by four deputies. Two deputies are nominated by the ASEAN member states on a rotational basis for a non-renewable term of three years, while the two remainders are openly recruited based on merit for a three-year term which may be renewed for another three years. Binh was recruited after surpassing nearly 20 candidates from other ASEAN nations. His success means Vietnam having a representative in the management board of the ASEAN Secretariat for 11 years consecutively from 2013 to 2024. As an experienced diplomat, Binh served numerous appointments at the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prior to assuming his latest post, he was based in Jakarta, Indonesia, as the Vietnamese Ambassador and Permanent Representative to ASEAN between 2018 and 2021. Also assuming office the same day with the diplomat was Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political Security Community Robert Matheus Michael Tene./.VNA 'Uncertain and unsettling': China approves controversial Hong Kong security law 02 July, 2020 by Michael Gryboski , | The People's Republic of China has approved a new national security law for Hong Kong, igniting greater concerns about human rights in the semi-autonomous region. Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the measure into law, set to take effect on Tuesday, which was aimed at cracking down on terrorist and subversive actions in the administrative region. Tam Yiu-Chung, the representative for Hong Kong on the National People's Congress Standing Committee, expressed optimism over the newly signed law. "We hope the law will serve as a deterrent to prevent people from stirring up trouble," stated Tam, as reported by the Associated Press. "Don't let Hong Kong be used as a tool to split the country." However, many human rights groups have opposed the law, arguing that it undermines the semi-autonomous status of Hong Kong, first created in 1997, and curbs civil liberties. Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty International's China Team, released a statement in advance of the law being passed, arguing that the measures were troublesome. "Hong Kong stands at the cliff-edge of an uncertain and unsettling future, its freedoms threatened by national security legislation that could override the laws currently protecting the city's inhabitants from the worst excesses of state-sponsored repression," he stated. "The Chinese government must abandon plans to pass a national security law for Hong Kong unless it can provide water-tight guarantees that the legislation conforms with human rights in all aspects." Stephen McDonell, China correspondent for the British Broadcasting Corporation, wrote an analysis of the new law in which he labeled it "a frighteningly open-ended tool to suppress political agitation." "Like similar laws on the Chinese mainland it appears that it can be manipulated to meet the needs of the Communist Party as required to crush almost any action deemed threatening," argued McDonell. Read more about the Hong Kong security law on The Christian Post. Romania's border traffic plunged almost 60 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year, as approximately 28.5 million people moved in or out of the country. "Traffic values at the border checkpoints stood at about 28.5 million people (23.8 million EU citizens and 4.7 million non-EU citizens), both on the inbound and on the outbound. Compared to 69.7 million in 2019, this marks a decrease of 59 percent," shows the Romanian Border Police 2020 activity report presented on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Border Police General Inspectorate (IGPF), in the presence of Minister of the Interior Lucian Bode. IGPF head, police chief quaestor Liviu Bute, presented the main activities carried out in 2020, expressing appreciation for the border police officers' dedication in this special year. Starting with the nationwide instatement of the state of emergency in March 2020 as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic, border traffic slumped progressively, hitting a minimum in April. About 10.3 million (42 percent) less means of transport were registered at the border crossing checkpoints compared to 2019 (17.8 million means of transport). However, the number of freight box trucks that crossed the state border remained similar to 2019, when approximately 4.4 million vehicles crossed the border in both directions, shows the IGPF report. As many as 16,533 illegal acts were found in 2020, of which 8,134 infractions and 8,399 contraventions. Most of the misdeeds discovered were illegal border crossing attempts (2,781 acts), followed by forgery and use of forgery (1,081 acts) and economic-financial crimes, including smuggling of goods (788 deeds). Most criminal acts detected last year were at the border with Hungary, accounting for 23 percent of all border crimes. Most contravention sanctions were applied at the border with the Republic of Moldova, 33 percent of the total number. "As many as 12,684 foreign citizens were denied entry to Romania due to non-compliance with the legal requirements, by 63 percent more compared to the previous year. The main reasons for entry denial were: absence of the necessary documentation to justify the purpose and conditions of stay, lack of a valid visa or a valid residence permit, as well as on the grounds of public health," the report states. More than 77,800 Schengen or national alerts were detected at the border control, and approximately 380 persons - Romanian and foreign citizens - wanted on all-points bulletins were handed over to the competent authorities. Border police found last year 10,586 foreign nationals attempting to illegally cross the border, of whom 6,658 on the way into the country and 3,928 on the way out, most of them organized into groups of migrants, with the support of traffickers. As many as 1,426 groups of migrants were detected, as well as 363 Romanian and foreign citizens who supported illegal border crossing attempts. "8,874 migrants were found illegally operating at the green border, 1,491 tried to cross the border illegally hidden in various means of transport, and 221 people were found trying to illegally cross the border by other methods (fake travel documents and visas, false identity, avoidance of border control)," shows the IGPF report. A number of 3,641 people requested the grant of asylum seeker status from the border police structures and were handed over to the General Inspectorate for Immigration for the necessary legal measures. Steps were also taken last year to secure vulnerable border areas and increase the response capacity; action was taken in collaboration with the Serbian border authorities to prevent the illegal passage of migrants from the neighboring country. The number of people detected while trying to cross the border illegally was 184 percent higher in 2020 vs. 2019. Border police also identified 56 economic-financial crimes and 732 smuggling and customs fraud attempts; confiscated goods amounted to 170 million lei. Approximately 234 people were found crossing or attempting to illegally cross the border with smuggle goods. Police seized 4.2 million packs of cigarettes worth approximately 51.7 million lei, over 13,000 kg of tobacco, 205 kg of hookah tobacco and identified and dismantled seven cigarette smuggling rings involving 36 people. As regards vehicles suspected of being stolen, border police discovered last year 172 vehicles flagged as wanted by the authorities or suspected of being stolen (137 cars, 19 minibuses, 2 motorcycles, 11 freight box trucks and 3 trailers); 189 crimes were detected. According to the IGPF, 249 criminal acts related to intellectual property rights were also detected, as border police tracked, independently or in cooperation with customs workers, counterfeit goods bearing the insignia of protected international trademarks. "As regards the trafficking of banned substances, 109 crimes were found, with seizures including 52 kg of heroin, 30 kg of cocaine, 1.3 kg of cannabis, 2 kg of narcotics and other substances," IGPF reports. The Baker administration on Tuesday said it will be taking steps to increase awareness of COVID vaccine safety and efficacy and reduce barriers to vaccination in 20 hard-hit parts of the state. Health officials said that as part that increased outreach, they will be deploying a community liaison in each community to help leverage and coordinate state resources and customize vaccination options. Part of that effort includes identifying gaps and mapping available resources; supporting local boards of health and other community organizations; deploying vaccine ambassadors to share information locally; and disseminating translations of vaccine campaign materials, among other things. Those 20 communities are Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield and Worcester. The aid comes amid concerns over the states vaccine rollout, frustrations from eligible residents who have had trouble booking appointments and lack of supply at some vaccination sites. Officials said they will also be giving $1 million to the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers to support their facilities efforts to educate residents about the safety of the vaccines in communities disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. We recognize the deep knowledge and expertise that exists in every community and our aim is to listen, respond, and work in concert to develop a customized approach for reaching as many residents as we can to increase vaccination, Monica Bharel, the states public health commissioner, said in a statement. This approach is centered on equity, a core pillar of our vaccine distribution. Our goal is to work in collaboration with our local communities, to meet people where they are, and to reduce barriers both physical and otherwise to getting the COVID vaccine. Related Content: Police at the scene in the Fernagh Drive area of Newtownabbey A husband and wife are to face prosecution for the alleged murder of their five-year-old daughter in Co Antrim, it was confirmed in the High Court today. The decision to proceed with charges against Aleksandra and Abdul Wahab was taken after a final autopsy report was obtained. They are also set to be accused of further offences based on the "multitude" of injuries Nadia Kalinowkska sustained, a judge was told. The development came as the child's 26-year-old mother was once again refused bail. Nadia died at the family's home on Fernagh Drive, Newtownabbey in December 2019. She had head and abdominal wounds, including multiple fractures said to be at various stages of healing. Mrs Wahab, a Polish national, and her 32-year-old Pakistani husband - Nadia's stepfather - were arrested and have remained in custody ever since. The couple deny any wrongdoing and claim Nadia was a clumsy, accident-prone girl who sustained the fatal injuries falling down stairs in the middle of the night. In court today prosecutors revealed that a 30-page post-mortem report has now been obtained. Crown lawyer Fiona O'Kane contended: "The autopsy makes for very grim reading." Based on its contents, charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child are to be pursued. "There will be additional charges in line with the multitude of injuries that the child sustained in the recent days up to her death," Mrs O'Kane said. "But I can confirm the prosecution decision is to proceed with murder (charges) against this applicant and her co-accused." Police have also sent 1,500 pages of material to the Public Prosecution Service as part of the investigation. Aleksandra Wahab's renewed application for bail was opposed due to concerns she may attempt to flee the jurisdiction. Defence counsel Frank O'Donoghue QC argued that the case against Mrs Wahab is "very, very weak". "There's a lengthy time-span within which these injuries could have occurred," he insisted. "There's no evidence to suggest it was my client who was responsible for perpetrating any of these injuries." Instead, Mr O'Donoghue contended, the prosecution is still likely to end up with accusations of child cruelty. However, Mr Justice McFarland ruled that Aleksandra Wahab must remain in custody. Denying bail, he said: "In my view there remains a significant flight risk." The Education Minister is to bring a draft bill to the NI Assembly in an attempt to change legislation over what age children must be to start their school life. The draft bill is aimed at legislating for some children born prematurely, and those who are summer born, to benefit from delayed school starting. And the move to allow children to start school a year later has been welcomed by Northern Irelands premature baby charity, TinyLife. Peter Weir said the bill would be a major priority and is aiming to have it implemented by the end of the current Assembly term. It will be a key priority within the current mandate, he told the Assembly. He did warn though that any legislation would be about making school starting age more flexible in years to come, and would not be in place in time to assist this years pupil intake. The plan is to bring this bill forward in the autumn, he said. It is in relation to specific circumstances, not to appease people who think the school starting age is too young. Being born prematurely could mean that some children may actually benefit from starting school a year later. However, current legislation deems it mandatory for children to start education once they reach the age of four, with exemption from this rule requiring a statement of special educational needs. Greater flexibility, especially for those summer-born children who as a result may fall into a different school year, has always been on the agenda in Northern Ireland. The legislation would provide parents with the opportunity to choose for their child to start school in the academic year they were due in, had they been born full term. TinyLife CEO, Alison McNulty, said her organisation, which had a major impact on bringing the bill to the Assembly, was delighted that the Department of Education are bringing forward potential legislation to delay school starting age. Research has shown the negative impact on some children born prematurely if they enter formal education too soon, she said. Even in the early days in neonatal care parents worry about the impact of being born premature will have on their baby to reach developmental milestones and how their child will be able to cope when it is time for them to start school. It wont necessarily apply to all babies born prematurely but will primarily affect babies with a birthday in April, May or June. Under current legislation these children find themselves in school a year too early and are often the youngest in the class. They may not be ready for formal education and this can have a detrimental impact in terms of educational achievement and longer-term life outcomes. We believe these children born prematurely would be happier, more confident and academically successful if their due date, rather than birth date, was used for school entry. TinyLife is delighted to be working with the Department of Education in driving this forward and as part of the process will ensure the views of parents are heard as part of the consultation process. Parental choice and involvement in their childs academic future is so important. If flexible school starting age is made law, it will have a huge impact on generations for years to come. She added: Thanks to everyone who has worked with us in campaigning for this move. We look forward to continuing that work. Among the parents who stand to benefit from any change in legislation, TinyLife mum, Mary Boden, added: When you have a premature baby, once you get over the worry of whether your baby will even survive, youre then met with a new kind of worry about their quality of life, whether theyll need extra support medically and physically and whether they will be able to cope with mainstream education. Even during our time in neonatal intensive care I worried whether my daughter would be able to keep up with her peers in school, and knowing that we could delay her starting formal education for a year if she needed to, is a great relief and helps us worry slightly less about her school days and reassures us that her exceptional circumstances will be taken into account by her teachers and educational professionals. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Interlink Electronics, Inc. (OTC: LINK), a world-leading trusted technology partner in the rapidly advancing world of human-machine interface (HMI) devices, sensors, and other cutting-edge technologies, welcomes aboard Professor Graham Wren as strategic technical advisor to the company. Wren's appointment is the latest advancement in Interlink's commitment to introducing a steady stream of new product offerings. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, Wren is major projects director and special advisor to the Principal at Strathclyde University. Over the course of his career, he has led projects in such diverse fields as nuclear technology, forensic science, and industrial research. He has also helped create more than 20 industry-focused transnational research centers that have collectively raised more than $2 billion. "Interlink is vigorously pursuing the development and acquisition of new technological capabilities and product offerings," said Steven N. Bronsonchairman, president and CEO of Interlink Electronics. "Professor Wren's extensive insight into a vast array of technical industries will help Interlink evolve beyond our signature sensors into new technological frontiers." Wren has served on the board of more than 30 companies and research centers in the pharmaceutical, aeronautical, advanced manufacturing, nuclear, photonics, security, and asset management sectors. He is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Director and is a Fellows of the UK's national engineering academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and was awarded an OBE by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the 2019 Queen's Birthday honours list for services to Engineering, Science and Higher Education. "Interlink's rich history has provided a strong technological base from which to grow," said Wren. "I look forward to contributing to Interlink's newest phase of development." About Interlink Electronics Interlink Electronics is a world-leading trusted provider of HMI, sensor, and IoT solutions. In addition to standard product offerings, Interlink utilizes its expertise in materials science, manufacturing, firmware, and software to produce in-house system solutions for custom applications. For 35 years, Interlink has led the printed electronics industry in the commercialization of its patented Force Sensing Resistor technology and has supplied some of the world's top electronics manufacturers with intuitive sensor and interface technologies like the VersaPad and the new VersaPad Plus, which boasts the largest active surface area of any resistive touchpad. It also has a proven track record of supplying technological solutions for mission-critical applications in a diverse range of marketsincluding medical, automotive, consumer electronics, telecommunications, and industrial controlproviding standard and custom-designed sensors that give engineers the flexibility and functionally they seek in today's sophisticated electronic devices. Interlink serves an international customer base from its headquarters in Irvine, Calif., and pending world-class materials science lab and R&D center in Camarillo, Calif. They are supported by strategic global locations covering manufacturing, distribution, and sales support. For more information, please visit InterlinkElectronics.com. Forward Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the company's plans for future product offerings, and are generally identified by phrases such as "thinks," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," and similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statement. These statements are based upon, among other things, assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management, including management's own knowledge and assessment of the Company's industry, R&D initiatives, competition and capital requirements. Other factors and uncertainties that could affect the Company's forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following: our ability to identify suitable acquisitions candidates on acceptable terms; our success in predicting new markets and the acceptance of our new products; efficient management of our infrastructure; the pace of technological developments and industry standards evolution and their effect on our target product and market choices; the effect of outsourcing technology development; changes in the ordering patterns of our customers; a decrease in the quality and/or reliability of our products; protection of our proprietary intellectual property; competition by alternative sophisticated as well as generic products; continued availability of raw materials for our products at competitive prices; disruptions in our manufacturing facilities; risks of international sales and operations including fluctuations in exchange rates; compliance with regulatory requirements applicable to our manufacturing operations; and customer concentrations. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements are under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our most recent Annual Report (Form 10-K) or Quarterly Report (Form 10-Q) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Interlink Electronics Related Links https://www.interlinkelectronics.com Biden reestablishes White House Office of Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment President Joe Biden issued an executive order Sunday reestablishing the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, following in the tradition of previous administrations. Biden signed the order with the stated objective of seeking to better serve people in need through partnerships with civil society while preserving our fundamental constitutional commitments. The American people are key drivers of fundamental change in our country, and few institutions are closer to the people than our faith-based and other community organizations, reads the order. It is important that the Federal Government strengthen the ability of such organizations and other nonprofit providers in our communities to deliver services effectively in partnership with Federal, State, and local governments and with other private organizations ... A stated goal of the faith-based office is to assist in organizing more effective efforts to serve people in need across the country and around the world. Additionally, the office seeks to bring concerns, ideas, and policy options to Administration leadership for assisting, strengthening, and replicating partnerships, whether financial or nonfinancial, with faith-based and other community organizations. From COVID-19 to the economic crisis, were facing enormous challenges and faith-based and community organizations are essential to addressing them, Biden, a Catholic, tweeted Sunday. Thats why today, I reestablished the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Lets get to work. According to a fact sheet released by the White House, the offices executive director is Melissa Rogers, who previously served in a similar capacity during the Obama administration from 2013 to 2017. Josh Dickson, an evangelical Christian and White House senior advisor for public engagement, will serve as the offices deputy director. In an interview with The Christian Post last summer, Dickson explained that then-Democratic nominee Biden was developing relationships with faith communities, including evangelicals. I know that not everyone is going to agree with him on everything. We're a big tent party as Democrats. Joe Biden is someone who is putting forward a vision that is inclusive, said Dickson at the time. We want to let people of faith know that in this moment that they are valued and they matter to the vice president and to this campaign and to the future direction of this country. President George W. Bush is credited with creating the first White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in 2001. The Obama administration began its version of the office in 2009. In 2018, President Donald Trump created the White House's Faith and Opportunity Initiative, an office led by Trumps spiritual advisor Paula White. Unlike past administrations, the office did not operate within the Domestic Policy Council. Selecting Rogers to lead the reestablished office drew praise from Josh Good, the director of the Ethics & Public Policy Centers Faith Angle Forum. Looks like smart staffing for the new White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, whose roots go back two decades, he tweeted. Not everyone was happy with Bidens order. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, which advocates for strict separation of church and state, called on Biden to abolish the office instead of resurrecting it. The organizations lawsuit against Bushs version of the office went to the Supreme Court. In 2007, the Supreme Court narrowly ruled that the group had no right to sue the federal government over programs funded by appropriations for general administrative expenses. Outraged parents have pulled their three-year-old from a childcare centre after it promoted gender fluidity through story books to pre-schoolers. The Only About Children Warriewood West pre-school on Sydney's Northern Beaches told parents last month it was reading 'Julian is a Mermaid' to children - a book about a boy who dreams of becoming a girl. The centre added they were also reading the children a book called 'Pink Is For Boys' to challenge the 'stereotypical blue/pink gender binary'. One father said he removed his son from the pre-school when he found out about the reading sessions. Outraged parents have pulled their three-year-old from a childcare centre after it promoted gender fluidity to pre-schoolers (stock image) The Warriewood West childcare centre in Sydney's Northern Beaches told parents last month it was reading books to children that promote gender fluidity 'Our three-year-old son is still learning to talk, use the toilet and, like most kids, struggles with big emotions and just needs love,' the father told The Daily Telegraph. The pre-school said they were reading children a book called 'Pink Is For Boys' to challenge the 'stereotypical blue/pink gender binary' 'Childcare should be providing and concerning themselves with the essentials of our child's wellbeing and not planting thoughts into our precious little ones that are irrelevant and inappropriate to his learning at this stage.' The school said it was following new guidelines set by the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian - a regulatory organisation for childcare providers. The centre added the books were recommended reading by Early Childhood Australia to help teach children 'individuality' and 'inclusion'. 'For this quarter we are focusing on children's diverse circumstances and inclusion of all children and their families,' the childcare operator said. NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham claimed though the Children's Guardian advice had nothing to do with gender fluidity. NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham said it was 'appalling' children of such a young age were being introduced to sexual fluidity He said the guidelines were focused on equality and respect for Aboriginal children. He added it was 'appalling' children of such a young age were being introduced to sexual fluidity. 'Many people myself included, regard reading these books as a form of child abuse, completely inappropriate, age inappropriate material for three and four year olds,' he said. The snow and ice storm that battered much of Oregon in the past few days has taken a tremendous toll on the trees we so often take for granted. The city of Portland reported more than 500 calls Monday morning the most in 15 years from residents reporting fallen or damaged trees. And experts say the damage throughout the Willamette Valley will be the worst in 35 years. It will take weeks for arborists to determine what trees can be saved, and what will be lost. Ice, not snow, caused the problems. A half-inch of ice on every branch of a tree adds tremendous weight, said Glenn R. Ahrens, a forester with Oregon State Universitys Extension Office, which offers expert help regarding natural resources across the state. Ahrens, based in Oregon City, said the power went out at his home Friday night and he began hearing the explosive sound of trees breaking. It continued Saturday morning, he said. I watched dozens of trees falling down in the neighborhood. He said colleagues texted each other to report similar problems throughout the Willamette Valley. We are seeing huge amounts of damage, he said. While professionals will be in the field in the coming weeks, he said people who want advice can turn to Oregon Department of Forestry, which has documents to help homeowners dealing with tree damage. A document on tree first aid includes advice about removing broken branches, repairing torn bark and, of course, safety reminders to be on the alert for downed power lines and precarious branches that could cause injury. Can a tree be saved? looks at how to assess damage to trees and decide how to proceed. After that, call a certified arborist, he said. You can find listings of certified arborists at pnwisa.org, the website of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. He said an arborist can see how much of the trees crown remains intact. That, he said, gives the tree the ability to grow new wood. If there is enough, he said, the tree will come back on its own. -- Tom Hallman Jr; thallman@oregonian.com; 503-221-8224; @thallmanjr GOVERNMENT received a total of $7.37 billion from oil, gas and quarrying/mining companies in fiscal 2018, with the largest payment of $2 billion coming from majority State-owned National Gas Company (NGC). However, for the period 2019 to 2020, unaudited figures indicate a declining trend in revenue. Kokoyah, Bong County- Bong County newly elected Senator Prince Moyewho was conspicuously left out of the entire National Agriculture Fair program at CARI on Friday February 12, warned that development should not be politicized. "I believe in development let's put the politics aside and start working together for our people," Moye said on Saturday, while making a comment at the Town Hall meeting in Kokoya District during President George Weah's tour of the area. Sen. Moye noted that the essence of government is to provide the necessary service to its people. To achieve this he said the three branches of government need to work together because no one branch of government can function properly without the others. He frowned on the behavior of low level members of government passing the burden on the President when they decimally perform and the president will have to take such burdens at elections. Sen. Moye noted that it was unfortunate how some government officials try to protect low level appointees under the guise that "they are their interest" when in effect the official's appointment is below pal. "When one low level official is under performing he is protected by others-"let him be there he is our man." But Moye observed that such attitudes were undermining the service delivery of the government. He argued that instead of other senior officials of government protecting their interest when the person is not performing, "bring another potential person into his/her placer where our people will feel the services. Moye indicated that this practice where people shield elected leaders from other citizens because they feel that the others do not belong to the leaders party or did not vote for them should stop. He noted that once the leader is elected to office he is there to serve all. Moye gave an example of how president Weah was prevented from visiting other districts along the road to Gbanrga due to political difference between the president and leaders of these districts. Meanwhile, the head of Victorias hotel quarantine program, Emma Cassar, confirmed an incident review was being undertaken into how a returned traveller was able to use a nebuliser in his hotel room and whether any staff were at fault. The returned traveller previously told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald he felt he had been blamed for spreading coronavirus through the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel by using a nebuliser, despite saying he was twice given permission from Victorian health authorities to use the medical device while in quarantine. COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria commissioner Emma Cassar addresses the media on Tuesday. Credit:Penny Stephens It is suspected the use of the nebuliser, which turns liquid medications into a fine mist that can be inhaled, caused fine aerosolised particles carrying coronavirus to be suspended in the air and spread throughout the hotel. The Holiday Inn cluster, which has so far infected 19 people, has triggered a lockdown across Victoria for five days in response to fears the highly infectious British variant of the coronavirus had spread throughout the community. Loading Ms Cassar said the investigation was being led by COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria and the Department of Health. It follows an earlier audit of the incident that led Ms Cassar to categorically say there was no record of the medical device ever being declared by the returned traveller at the Holiday Inn hotel at Melbourne Airport. When asked by a reporter if she had spoken to the returned traveller, Ms Cassar said she had spoken to the man directly on Tuesday and apologised for his treatment. But federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has demanded an independent investigation into the incident, saying the patient had put forward a compelling case. The individual has put forward a clear, categorical case and a very compelling case, Mr Hunt told radio station 3AW. Clearly that needs to be assessed independently, so we know the facts. Professor Sutton said public officials still suspect the use of the nebuliser helped seed the Holiday Inn cluster that has plunged the state into lockdown, but it was difficult to determine with absolute certainty how the outbreak unfolded. The Covid-19 testing site in Broadmeadows on Tuesday. Credit:Justin McManus Epidemiological links pointed to those who were on that floor of the quarantine hotel being infected when the nebuliser was in use. Thats the linkage and thats why it supports that theory as opposed to other days when it wasnt in use, he said. These things in the world of epidemiology always remain working hypotheses. Its not to say that coronavirus is not incredibly contagious under normal circumstances. There is no denialism about airborne transmission from my point of view. I know that nebulisers can increase that risk. It has yet to be decided whether Victoria would return to the same restrictions that applied prior to the snap five-day lockdown or whether the new rules, such as mask-wearing at all times outside the home, would be gradually removed. Staff escort guests from the Holiday Inn on Flinders Lane on Tuesday. Credit:Luis Ascui I wish I could give a definitive answer right now but that would not be honest, that would be guesswork at best. So the best thing to do is just wait to see what happens over the next 24 hours, said Mr Andrews. [The lockdown] is working. Has it worked, full stop? We wont know that until tomorrow. But weve got very promising early signs. Two more cases were also detected in international arrivals on Tuesday, taking the total number of active COVID-19 cases in the state to 25. Mr Andrews was speaking to reporters as authorities evacuated one of the states hot hotels, housing high-risk patients who either have coronavirus or are close contacts of someone who does. The returned travellers who were completing their quarantine at the medi-hotel, the Holiday Inn on Flinders Lane, are now being transferred to the Pullman Hotel at Albert Park, while repairs for water damage from a sprinkler system are completed. Mr Andrews also said the Victorian government was considering its options for a purpose-built accommodation hub outside the CBD, to replace the existing hotel quarantine scheme. Its more than just scoping it, we are going to get on and build a facility, he said. On Monday evening, the Health Department announced two more exposure sites, in Broadmeadows. The Department of Health has said a positive case visited Saccas Fruit World between 12.30pm and 1.15pm last Tuesday. The shop is inside the Broadmeadows Central shopping centre. They also visited the Woolworths in the same shopping centre between 12.15pm and 12.30pm on February 9. Hours after the first doses of the long-awaited Pfizer vaccine landed on Australian shores, the TGA granted provisional approval for the AstraZeneca vaccine on Tuesday, paving the way for all Australians to receive a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year. Mr Hunt warned people will not be able to vaccine shop and the coronavirus jab they receive will likely be determined by the medical supply of where they decide to go. When asked whether Australians would be able to request Pfizer, which has a higher efficacy rate of 95 per cent, Mr Hunt responded no. Loading It will be where you go and whats being distributed there, Mr Hunt told radio station 3AW on Tuesday morning. He said it was likely much of the population would be vaccinated with AstraZeneca, describing it as the backbone of the global vaccine program. These vaccines are showing outstanding outcomes around the world, he said All of the initial vaccines, in particular the Pfizer and AstraZeneca, are offering immense protection against serious illness and hospitalisation and loss of life. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! A one-day forum to present State-sponsored projects held in Yaounde on February 9, 2021. The National Confederation of Cameroon Cooperatives and Agro-pastoral Federations, CONACFAC on February 9, 2021 met development partners in Yaounde to find solutions to farmers' challenges such as project writing and financing. According to CONACFAC President, Mbialeu Jean-Marie Noel, many farmers' organisations are still unaware of the many agricultural and livestock projects financed by government from which they can draw enormous benefits. The forum, the first of its kind since CONACFAC was founded in 2010, was therefore an opportunity for farmer leaders to listen and discuss with national coordinators of these projects, Mbialeu said. In all, coordinators of 15 State-sponsored agricultural and livestock projects addressed the farmers; while representatives of eight banks explained the financing opportunities farmers could source. Meanwhile, farmer's representatives will meet in a year's time to evaluate the gains from the 2021 forum with development partners. Founded in 2010, CONACFAC now boasts over 300 farmers'organisations in eight of Cameroon's 10 regions. It has a membership of 50,000 small-scale farmers who produce about 8,000 metric tonnes of coffee and 35,000 metric tonnes of cocoa annually; in addition to food crops, Mbialeu disclosed. "We expect that after the forum, farmer leaders will take advantage of the project financing opportunities presented to them to boost their output and incomes," Mbialeu Jean-Marie said. Meanwhile, the European Union made a presentation on the involvement of farmers' organisations in the coffee, cocoa and oil palm sectors. It was disclosed that the EU and government are preparing a draft bill on reforming these sectors, which will be submitted to Parliament next June. In this light, CONACFAC was urged to henceforth play a greater role in lifting Cameroon's agriculture to higher heights. Farmers also held one-on-one sessions with bankers and national coordinators of agricultural and livestock projects. This was followed by a visit of farmers' exhibition stands by the guests. The UAE-based hospitality management company HMark Hosts has been rebranded as STORY Hospitality, heralding the group into a new era with a superior level of performance, expansion and positioning. STORY Hospitality is an integrated and innovative hospitality management platform that aims to deliver the best service culture, providing a transformative and inspired guest experience, said a statement. Founded in 2015, by Abu Dhabi Capital Group as its hospitality business vertical, the business is building upon its successful record with a new name and visual identity that better reflects its dynamic management services and sustainable solutions, it said. STORY Hospitality will serve as the umbrella parent marque bringing a full suite of options to travellers and visitors with two different hotel brands: STORY Hotels & Resorts for the 5-star concept as well as CUE Hotels, a 4-star lifestyle brand. The new identity aims to deliver inspiring transformational hospitality, allowing guests to find a new perspective from their travels and experience the world in a new way, through exceptional service and stimulating surroundings, coupled with modern and sophisticated spaces. STORY Hospitality boasts a stunning collection of hotels and resorts in key capital cities in Europe, Middle East and some African territories in the upscale and luxury segments. Claudio Capaccioli, CEO, STORY Hospitality, said: We are pleased to announce the launch of STORY Hospitality, a world of inspiration for affluent travelers. At STORY Hospitality we believe that a parity offering is not enough. We aim to create hospitality experiences that embrace progress, inspiration, and that challenge the norm. We seek to add something meaningful to our guests travel experience so that their inspiration comes not just from the destination but also from their hotel stay. Currently, STORY Hospitality has 555 rooms spread across five properties located in Dubai, Rabat, Podgorica and Seychelles. It intends to develop and manage new projects in key capital cities and touristic destinations and plans to operate four additional properties within the next 24 months. By 2025, STORY Hospitality aspires to manage 12 properties across the globe. At both STORY Hotels & Resorts and CUE Hotels we value bold architecture, imaginative art, and vibrant cuisine as ways to bring guests ever closer to one another and to the riches of the world around them. Our operating beliefs are unique, we aim to inspire guests to ignite new passions and to prompt new dreams, so we create transformative experiences. We want guests to be surprised by how they see, how they feel, and how they think after staying with us, added Capaccioli. The soft launch of the new brand started with the opening of STORY Rabat in September 2020, CUE Podgorica in January 2021 and STORY Seychelles in February 2021. In Seychelles, STORY Hospitality has further expanded with the addition of Fishermans Cove Resort in Seychelles, the very first hotel which marks the origin of the hospitality industry in the archipelago that will reopen its doors in March 2021. TradeArabia News Service 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. New Delhi: National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Monday said "Hurriyat has received funds from the central government" and it has been mentioned in the book of AS Dulat who was former RAW (Research & Analysis Wing) chief. Abdullah said that he would not like to disclose the names of those who had funded to Hurriyat leaders, but the nation is bearing consequences. He said terrorism will not end until way for talks between India and Pakistan does not open. A few days back, Abdullah had suggested third party mediation to resolve the Kashmir issue, saying India should take the help of "friends" and that dialogue was the only solution. Won't take names bt Hurriyat received funds from GoI too,read Dulat's(former RAW Chief) book on it. Now India bearing consequences: Abdullah pic.twitter.com/aVbLeUga4S ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017 The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir had also asked, "Till what time should we wait?" and wondered how many more wars will India and Pakistan fight. "The way out is through dialogue. Use your friends... Use them for dialogue to resolve the issue," he had told reporters. The BJP, Congress and Shiv Sena had condemned Abdullah's suggestion of third party mediation to resolve the Kashmir issue. Also Read: Does Farooq want Kashmir to become Syria, says Mufti on third-party mediation between India, Pakistan For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. In the 8-meter-long sediment cores, the geologists found different types of earthquake traces. The picture shows the Plansee in Reutte, Tyrol. Credit: Jasper Moernaut Geologists from the University of Innsbruck shed new light on a long-lasting debate about the trigger mechanism of large rockslides. Lake mud in two Alpine lakes in Tyrol reveal that rare strong earthquakes are the final cause of multiple, prehistoric rockslides in the Eastern Alps. The steep rock slopes were degraded by a series of prehistoric earthquakes, larger than any of the historically documented events in the region of the past ~1000 years. The study has now been published in the journal Nature Communications. Many steep valleys in the European Alps show the relicts of large rockslides, during which several hundreds of million cubic meters of rocks get instable, collapse and impact everything on their path. "For most of these, we still do not know how they are caused, because these rockslides occurred long before the start of written history in the region about 1000 years ago," says Patrick Oswald, Ph.D. student at the Department of Geology of the University of Innsbruck and lead author of the study. "Curiously, many of these ancient rockslides occurred together in clusters, meaning they are found in small regions and have a rather comparable age." This enigmatic pattern has puzzled researchers over the last decades and fuelled some intense debates. Some experts propose that abrupt climate shifts can degrade rock slopes towards unstable conditions, whereas others think that strong earthquake shaking is the main driver. Such problems are notoriously difficult to solve, as the object of studythe rock slopehas collapsed and cannot be investigated anymore. Therefore, the research team decided to turn the perspective around and searched underwater for answers to these questions. "The different sediment layers that are deposited year after year on the bottom of our lakes and oceans provide long-term information on climatic and ecological conditions, but also record the disturbances induced by strong earthquake shaking that happened long ago, in the prehistoric past," says Michael Strasser, head of the Sedimentary Geology working group at the Department of Geology and the Austrian Core Facility for scientific core analysis at the University of Innsbruck. Severe prehistoric earthquakes The geologists focused on two of the most massive rockslides of Tyrol, the Tschirgant and the Fernpass. "Instead of investigating the remnants of these rockslides in the landscape, we drilled into the muddy sedimentary archives on the bottom of the lakes Piburgersee and Plansee in the region and searched for specific traces that could tell us when strong earthquakes took place," explains Jasper Moernaut from the Department of Geology, who headed the project. "By comparing the earthquake and rockslide reconstructions for the past 10,000 years, we can evaluate whether these relate to each other, or not." Using state-of-the-art techniques, such as hydroacoustic profiling of the lake's subsurface or computer-tomography scans of the 8-meter-long sediment cores, the researchers found two different types of earthquake traces in the sediments: Strong seismic shaking has deformed surficial sediments on the bottom of the lakes and also triggered numerous underwater mud avalanches. By radiocarbon dating of organic matter in the cores, this research discovered ten prehistorical earthquakes during the past 10,000 years. The ground shaking associated to these earthquakes was stronger than for those that have struck the region in the past ~1000 years. "Through a painstaking evaluation of historical earthquake reports and comparison with the sedimentary imprints in the lakes, we estimated the earthquake magnitudes to be M5.5 to 6.5," says Christa Hammerl, a historical seismologist at the Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics. "As the earthquakes in the Eastern Alps occur at only a few kilometers depth, such earthquakes can produce considerable damage on infrastructure and the natural landscape." Rockslide clusters triggered by earthquakes Strikingly, the ages of two extraordinary strong earthquakes coincide very well with those of multiple large rockslides around 3,000 and 4,100 years ago. This age coincidence let the geologists deduce that extreme seismic shaking ultimately triggered the rockslides at these times, solving the debate on the cause of rockslide clusters in the region. Since then, no large rockslides or such extraordinary strong earthquakes struck the area. The results also indicate that a close succession of at least five severe earthquakes preceded the rock slope collapses at about 3,000 years ago. "Therefore, we propose that seismic shaking cannot only trigger rockslides, but can also gradually degrade the rock slopes towards their critical tipping point," explains Michael Strasser. "With all this new information, the challenge now lies in its implementation for better assessing future earthquake and rockslide hazards in the densely populated Alpine valleys. An adequate mitigating of such low probability but high impact events forms a big challenge. Knowledge about these past events can help better understand earthquake occurrence and provide key information for assessing future earthquake and rockslide hazard." Explore further Earthquake impact on submarine slopes: Subtle erosion versus significant strengthening More information: Seismic control of large prehistoric rockslides in the Eastern Alps. Nature Communications 2021. Seismic control of large prehistoric rockslides in the Eastern Alps.2021. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21327-9 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained terrorist financiers in Tatarstan and Crimea, the FSB said in a statement. "The FSB and the Federal Financial Monitoring Service have identified Russian nationals in Crimea and Tatarstan, involved in the funding of the ISIS international terrorist organization outlawed in Russia," the statement reads. "Several people have been detained. In 2015-2019, they raised funds under the guise of a charitable organization and transferred money to militants overseas," TASS cited the FSB as saying. Communication, computer and magnetic storage devices were seized during searches. Criminal cases have been opened under Articles 205.1.1.1 and 205.1.1.4 of the Russian Criminal Code (promotion of terrorist activities). Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 09:46:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday said that more than 300 illegal migrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast over the past week. "In the period of 9-15 February, 318 migrants were rescued/intercepted at sea and returned to Libya," said the UN migration agency. So far in 2021, a total of 2,274 illegal migrants, including 213 women and 160 children, were rescued at sea and brought back to Libya, it said. The agency also said that 20 illegal migrants died and 70 others went missing on the Central Mediterranean route so far this year. Due to the state of insecurity and chaos in the North African nation following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly Africans, chose to cross the Mediterranean from Libya towards Europe. In 2020, 323 migrants died and 417 others went missing on the Central Mediterranean route, while 11,891 illegal migrants were rescued and returned to Libya, according to the IOM. On the other hand, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), along with the IOM and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), distributed relief items to nearly 1,000 asylum seekers and migrants in a detention center in Tripoli, the UNHCR said. "While we provide assistance to detainees, we reiterate our call for the release of the most vulnerable and an end to arbitrary detention," the UNHCR said on Monday. Enditem Wellington, Feb 16 : New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has accused Australia of "abdicating its responsibilities" amid a row over a woman accused of having links to the Islamic State terror group. The 26-year-old woman had held both Australian and New Zealand citizenship until Canberra revoked it last year. She is facing deportation to New Zealand after being caught entering Turkey from Syria with two children, the BBC reported on Tuesday. Ardern, however, said the woman should be sent to Australia. She said the woman - who the Turkish Ministry of National Defence has identified as a member of IS - had not lived in New Zealand since she was a child. "They left New Zealand at the age of six, were resident in Australia from that time, became an Australian citizen, left from Australia to Syria, and travelled on an Australian passport," she said. She summed up by saying: "New Zealand frankly, is tired of having Australia exporting its problems." Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison responded by saying his job was to protect "Australia's interests". He added that the legislation passed in parliament automatically cancels the citizenship of a dual citizen accused of being engaged in terrorist activities. Morrison said he was scheduled to speak with Ardern on Tuesday. Former President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday made a slashing and lengthy attack on Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican minority leader, calling him a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack and arguing that the party would suffer losses in the future if he remained in charge. If Republican senators are going to stay with him, they will not win again, Mr. Trump said. The 600-word statement, coming three days after the Senate acquitted him in his second impeachment trial, was trained solely on Mr. McConnell and sought to paint Mr. Trump as the best leader of the G.O.P. going forward. The statement did not include any sign of contrition from Mr. Trump for his remarks to a crowd of supporters who then attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6. Nor did it include any acknowledgment of his role during the violent hours in which his own vice president and members of Congress were under threat from the mob of Trump supporters. Rather, Mr. Trump chose to focus on Mr. McConnell as he broke an unusually lengthy silence by his standards, after being permanently barred from his formerly favorite medium Twitter last month because of tweets that he posted during the Capitol riot. Jaguar Land Rover has announced that it will be caron-neutral by 2039. the company will offer pure electric power, nameplate by nameplate, by 2030. By this time, in addition to 100% of Jaguar sales, it is anticipated that around 60% of Land Rovers sold will be equipped with zero tailpipe powertrains. Jaguar Land Rovers aim is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039. As part of this ambition, the company is also preparing for the expected adoption of clean fuel-cell power in line with a maturing of the hydrogen economy. Development is already underway with prototypes arriving on UK roads within the next 12 months as part of the long-term investment programme. A new centralised team will be empowered to build on and accelerate pioneering innovations in materiality, engineering, manufacturing, services and circular economy investments. Annual commitments of circa 2.5bn will include investments in electrification technologies and the development of connected services to enhance the journey and experiences of customers, alongside data-centric technologies that will further improve their ownership ecosystem. Proven services like the flexible PIVOTAL subscription model (which has grown 750% during the fiscal year), born out of Jaguar Land Rovers incubator and investor arm, InMotion, will now be rolled out to other markets following a successful launch in the UK. Land Rover will use the forthcoming flex Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA). It will deliver electrified internal combustion engines (ICE) and full electric variants as the company evolves its product line-up in the future. In addition, Land Rover will also use pure electric biased Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) which will also support advanced electrified ICE. Reimagine is designed to deliver simplification too. By consolidating the number of platforms and models being produced per plant, the company will be able to establish new benchmark standards in efficient scale and quality for the luxury sector. Such an approach will help rationalise sourcing and accelerate investments in local circular economy supply chains. From a core manufacturing perspective that means Jaguar Land Rover will retain its plant and assembly facilities in the home UK market and around the world. As well as being the manufacturer of the MLA architecture, Solihull, West Midlands will also be the home to the future advanced Jaguar pure electric platform. Ken Liu reads the Bible like an attorney. When Proverbs 31:9 says to defend the rights of the poor and needy and Psalm 82:3 says to uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed, he hears the Scriptures addressing lawyers like him. God really calls us attorneys specifically to serve the poor, said Liu, director of Christian Legal Aid, a branch of the Christian Legal Society. So many of the causes of poverty are legal issues. In this country, lawyers have a monopoly on providing legal services. If we dont help, no one else can. Liu is one of hundreds of lawyers in more than 60 clinics across the country who are motivated by their belief in Jesus and their understanding of the Bible to give their time and skill to minister in the justice system. The clinics in the Christian Legal Aid network represent people who cannot afford market-rate legal representation, which averages $100$400 per hour in the US. The Christian lawyers offer pro bono or low bono help, often with sliding-scale fees determined by what a client can afford. Some of the clinics focus on helping immigrants and refugees. Vineyard Immigrant Counseling Service outside Columbus, Ohio, for example, focuses on defending people seeking asylum and immigrants who were brought to the US as children. Immigrant Hope, in Clifton, New Jersey, helps with naturalization, petitions, permanent resident card applications, and renewals, providing legal services in Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Albanian, and Portuguese. But the crisis that Christian legal aid clinics were bracing for at the start of 2021 was the eviction of poor people from their homes, as pandemic-related moratoriums protecting struggling ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. A Pennsylvania lawmaker who harassed pro-life teen demonstrators outside an abortion clinic in 2019 and offered to pay $100 to anyone who identified them has announced he is now running for lieutenant governor. Rep. Brian Sims, 42, announced he was joining the 2022 race for the position in a campaign video Monday. Sims, who became Pennsylvania's first openly gay member of the legislature back in 2012, said he will bring 'bold, visionary leadership based on lived experiences and shared values' to the role. The Democrat sparked controversy back in 2019 when he filmed himself outside a Planned Parenthood clinic telling a group of teen protesters 'there is nothing Christian about what you are doing'. Rep. Brian Sims - the Pennsylvania lawmaker who harassed pro-life teen demonstrators outside an abortion clinic in 2019 and offered to pay $100 to anyone who identified them - has announced he is now running for lieutenant governor. Pictured his campaign launch video In his campaign launch video Monday, Sims said he will 'think every day about the values that my Army officer parents instilled in me.' 'To take responsibility, to show empathy, to have courage and to be authentic. I want to put those values to the direct service of the commonwealth,' he told the camera. A montage of images and footage including an old family photo, Sims in a face mask, as well as anti-Trump and Black Lives Matter protests play across the screen as he says: 'I have a lot of hope when I look at the people across the country that decided over these last number of years that they'd had enough. 'That they looked at a lack of leadership and thought that they could do better, because oftentimes they're right. We are the antidote to broken politics.' He continued: 'My time in the Pennsylvania legislature has taught me a lot about not only how Pennsylvania government works, but a lot about how it doesn't. 'It's taught me a lot about how to work with people who don't always agree with me. I think it's time for me to take what I've learned in the House and to be able to bring that leadership to the direct service of the governor.' Sims, who has made his name as an LGBTQ activist, concluded by saying it was time to have 'adults in the room'. His play for the lieutenant governor role comes as the current incumbent Lt. Governor John Fetterman announced his own run for Pat Toomey's Senate seat when he retires next year. Fetterman, also a Democrat, was elected in 2018 and took office in January 2019. The race will take place in 2022 alongside the race for the role of governor as Tom Wolf has served two terms so cannot run again. Sims was first elected in 2012 to serve the 182nd District which covers Rittenhouse, Fitler Square, Logan Square, the Gayborhood and parts of Washington Square West, Bella Vista, Hawthorne and East Passyunk. The lawmaker faced a backlash in May 2019 when he posted a video on social media of himself approaching teen protesters outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Footage above In the footage, Sims tells the camera there is a 'bunch of pseudo-Christian protesters... shaming' young girls at the abortion clinic. He calls on viewers to publicly identify the culprits in exchange for money He was re-elected in November to his fifth term. But the lawmaker faced a backlash in May 2019 when he posted a video on social media of himself approaching teen protesters outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In the footage, Sims tells the camera there is a 'bunch of pseudo-Christian protesters... shaming' young girls at the abortion clinic. He calls on viewers to publicly identify the culprits in exchange for money. 'What we've got here is a bunch of protesters, a bunch of pseudo-Christian protesters, who've been out here shaming young girls for being here,' Sims says as he walks across the road toward the clinic where one woman and three teens are walking away from the area. 'So here's the deal, I've got $100 for anyone who will identify any of these three.' The group stops in front of the camera and the woman tells him: 'So we're actually here just praying for the babies.' The lawmaker later apologized for the incident saying he will 'do better for the women of Pennsylvania' Sims continues: 'I'm going to donate to Planned Parenthood. A bunch of white people standing in front of a Planned Parenthood shaming people.' 'There is nothing Christian about what you're doing... nothing Christian, or loving, or godly about what you're doing,' he tells the group. Sims then heads over to a boy still standing outside the clinic and confronts him about why he is protesting. 'So I've got $100 for anyone who will identify them... it would be easier if you just gave me your name and address,' he tells him. When the boy starts telling him his name, Sims asks him: 'What makes you think it's your job to tell women what's right for their bodies?' He then adds that 'I'm not really asking as I don't care' before adding: 'Shame on you.' Sims tells the camera the clinic and women attending the clinic are 'attacked daily' by 'pseudo-Christians' and encourages viewers to donate money to Planned Parenthood. On Twitter Sims urged his constituents to 'push back against Planned Parenthood protesters' who are 'racist, classist, bigots' and 'Bible bullies'. The father of two of the teens in the video blasted Sims' run for lieutenant governor calling him a 'disgrace' and vowing to rally against him Sims was Pennsylvania's first openly gay member of the legislature back in 2012 and is an LGBTQ activist The lawmaker later apologized for the incident saying his actions were 'aggressive' but slamming the 'white privilege and racism' of pro-life demonstrators who were descending on clinics in his district. 'I wanted to send an apology. I recognize my behavior was aggressive and that I acted in an inappropriate way. For that, I am truly sorry,' he said at the time. 'I'm angry that pro-life protesters use white privilege and racism to attack people of color in my district and across the nation. Current incumbent Lt. Governor John Fetterman (above) announced he will run for Pat Toomey's Senate seat next year 'I'm angry that despite abortion being legal everywhere, anti-choice zealots are causing panic, anger, confusion, and rage for so many women.' Sims wrote in a tweet that he acknowledged that 'two wrongs don't make a right' and that he will 'do better for the women of Pennsylvania.' The father of two of the teens in the video blasted Sims' run for lieutenant governor calling him a 'disgrace' and vowing to rally against him. 'Brian Sims is a disgrace, and our commonwealth deserves better,' Joe Garecht tweeted Monday. 'Any governor candidate who allies with him should be prepared. We held a rally with 2000 people in Philly when Sims did this. 'We will be just as vocal against your candidacy if you team up with Sims.' Garecht and his wife Amy set up a GoFundMe after the 2019 incident raising more than $125,000 for pro-life non-profit Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia. Last year, Sims was part of a group of Pennsylvania Democrats who accused Republican state lawmakers of a cover-up after a GOP House lawmaker tested positive for COVID-19. Sims alleged in May that House Republican leadership knew Rep. Andrew Lewis had contracted the virus but kept it secret from Democrats despite having recent close contact with many of them. He and other Democrats called for an investigation into the alleged cover-up but state Attorney General Josh Shapiro declined to pursue the matter. By Nicole Brodeur/Seattle Times/TNS Walking six miles through nearly a foot of snow to get to her first COVID-19 vaccine appointment was nothing, compared to what 90-year-old Fran Goldman went through to get it. I have been calling to get an appointment anywhere, every morning, every afternoon and often Ive been online at night, Goldman said Sunday evening, safely back home in Seattles Sand Point neighborhood. Goldman would get on the phone every morning with the Washington state Department of Health and ask them to help her find something. Nada. Nothing, Goldman said. Every day. She tried the local grocery stores with in-store pharmacies, hoping for a spot. Her daughter Ruth, who lives in Buffalo, New York, would work the phones and scour the internet to find something. So did a friend in Arizona. Last Friday, Goldman got online with Seattle Childrens hospital, which was administering vaccines. She went through all the questions expecting a dead end. Then a window opened, asking what time she wanted to come in. I couldnt believe my eyes, Goldman said. I had to get my glasses to see if I was really seeing it. She made an appointment for Sunday morning at 9:10, not knowing that there was a snowstorm headed this way. On Saturday, Goldman awoke to several inches of snow on the ground, and knew she would have to plan ahead. So she dressed in layers, got out her walking sticks, and headed out with her phone, which told her it would be three miles each way. Goldman, who got a new hip last year, stepped carefully down the steep driveway outside her condo building, and got onto the Burke-Gilman Trail, which already had tracks in it. She got about two-thirds of the way to the hospital and turned around, confident she would be able to make it the next day. And on Sunday morning at 8 a.m., she dressed in fleece pants and a short-sleeved shirt so that the nurse could get to her arm easily. Over that, a fleece zip-up, then a down coat, then a rain jacket. She yanked on her snow boots, grabbed her two walking sticks, and headed out. It was not easy going, it was challenging, she said, adding that the tracks had frozen over and been covered with more snow. But Goldman made it to her appointment just five minutes late, which was fine. Had she been early, she would have had to wait in her car which wasnt there. Back in Buffalo, Ruth Goldman wasnt terribly worried about her mother. Were outside people, she said. We love being outside. I was out yesterday at Lake Ontario with a wind chill of 6 degrees. My mother isnt going to let a little snow stop her from getting the vaccine, she continued. She was willing to walk however many miles there and back to get it. She is a really remarkable person who has the attitude of You dont let a little adversity get in your way. Shes someone who looks for solutions, not problems. Indeed, Fran Goldman is one step closer to solving one major problem: not being able to hold her great-grandson, Silas, born six months ago; and her other great- grandson, Logan, who is 2. She also has five grandchildren and four children. Fran Goldman, with Silas, her new great-grandson.Photo courtesy of Ruth Goldman I cant wait to be able to hold them, she said. I just want to feel more comfortable. She hasnt felt that way since the pandemic began. She does her best, taking Zoom classes (right now its a Lifelong Learning class about post-World War II China), ordering food online and picking it up in her car. (Yes, she still drives.) I hate it, she said. I will be happy to get back out into a grocery store and pick out my own things. That was never more true than today, when she came in from the cold. She started some laundry and heated up a can of soup, which was awful. But it still marked the end of a long period of frustration, and one very long walk. I knew how far it was, I knew how long it would take me, Goldman said. Had it been shorter, I would have been happier. But I made it. --Nicole Brodeur/Seattle Times/TNS Instead, Mr. Biden has gone out of his way to court Republicans, treating them to his first official Oval Office meeting an honor he knew, as a former senator, would flatter them from which they emerged with no agreements, but a palpable sense of bonhomie. The president was very gracious, Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican who discussed education funding with Mr. Biden, said after their meeting. If were going to go forward as a country, we have to do a better job than weve been doing of figuring where those who disagree with us are coming from. Senator Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican who gushed to the president about how nice it was to talk with other humans during the pandemic, confessed to his colleagues after their meeting that Mr. Biden knew more about his plan than we did and Joe Biden knew more about the Republicans plan than they did, Mr. Carper recalled. When weather prevented Senator Mike Rounds, Republican of South Dakota, from attending in person, he called in to one meeting with Mr. Biden, whom he later described as cordial, interested and engaged. Mr. Rounds told the president that he had personally received a stimulus check evidence, the senator argued, that the next round of relief payments should be more targeted. He made it clear that he thought that the relationships that he had established in the United States Senate were still pretty important, Mr. Rounds said. But he didnt give up any of the aces that he may have in his hand. Yet Mr. Biden is using the sessions to cultivate relationships with important potential allies. Senator Jon Tester, a centrist Democrat from Montana who could be a crucial swing vote on the stimulus plan, said after his audience with Mr. Biden that in his 14 years in the Senate, no president had ever invited him to the Oval Office before. Im going to be honest with you: It was pretty emotional for me, Mr. Tester said. I told the president that. Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, on Tueday offered a 'chadar' on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti on the occasion of the 809th Urs of the Sufi saint. Naqvi said that tolerance and harmony is the DNA of India and nobody can "defame" or "demolish" this proud legacy of the country. He also read out the message sent by the Prime Minister in which he conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the followers of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in India and abroad on the occasion of annual Urs. Modi said in the message, "Greetings and best wishes to followers of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti across the world on the occasion of 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. This annual celebration is a beautiful example of social unity and brotherhood. Harmonious co-existence of various religions, sects and beliefs associated with them is a magnificent heritage of our country. Various Saints, Pir and Fakirs of our country have played a key role in protecting and strengthening this heritage. Their eternal message of peace and harmony has always enriched our socio-cultural heritage." The Prime Minister further said, "Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who has left an indelible imprint in the society with his Sufi thoughts, is the ideal symbol of our great spiritual traditions. Promoting the spirit of love, unity, service and harmony, Gharib Nawaz's values and views will always continue to inspire humanity. On the annual Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, I express my tributes to him by sending a 'chadar' at Ajmer Sharif Dargah and pray for happiness, well-being and prosperity of the people of the country." Naqvi also inaugurated the newly constructed block of 88 toilets at the Dargah premises which will benefit the devotees and pilgrims, especially women. He then inaugurated a 'Rain Basera' (rain shelter) accommodation arrangement for about 500 women pilgrims. These facilities have been constructed for the first time at the Dargah premises. Naqvi also inaugurated Gate No. 5 of the Dargah and the fourth floor of the guest house at the Dargah premises. For clarifications/queries, please contact IANS NEW JTBC's upcoming thriller drama "Beyond Evil" has unveiled a sneak peek featuring Yeo Jin Goo and Shin Ha Kyun ahead of its premiere. The television series "Beyond Evil" stars famous actors Shin Ha Kyun and Yeo Jin Goo, and it is a psychological thriller about two fearless men who will stop at nothing and even breaks the law to take down a serial killer. In their pursuit to uncover the identity of the murderer, they will constantly ask themselves, "Who is the real monster? Is it me? Is it you? Or is it us?" The two characters will devote themselves to their investigation and will follow everyone's hidden facets, and questions the innocence of the people involved in the case, including themselves. Yeo Jin Goo and Shin Ha Kyun's character in "Beyond Evil" Shin Ha Kyun stars as Lee Dong Sik, a former violent crimes detective who now works at the Manyang Police Substation located in a small city. He was once a capable detective but was demoted to doing all the tedious chores at the station. He learns to live a quiet life there. However, his life changes when he encounters once again the old serial killer case that stirred up his life 20 years ago. One day he meets Detective Han Joo Won (Yeo Jin Goo), who was assigned to work at the same police substation. He is the new boss of Lee Dong Sik and is also assigned as his partner. Han Joo Won is a highly capable detective who comes from a prominent background. His father is a candidate for becoming the next chief at the National Police Agency. Though he may have a distinguished background, Han Joo Won harbors a hidden secret. What is in the newly Released Teaser of "Beyond Evil"? Find out below! The teaser makes us think about Han Joo Woo's hidden backstory. He's the highly capable detective who is skilled that transfers to a small city police station with a secret. As the new boss, Lee Dong Shik is forced to serve Han Joo Won though he is much younger than him. Lee Dong Shik introduces himself and gives out his hand to Han Joo Won. However, he denies him a handshake expressing that he doesn't really like to make any physical contact with other people. This gives us the feeling that they will have a rough beginning in their complicated relationship. Another scene depicts Han Joo Won discovering the mysterious past of Lee Dong Shik, as he was a suspect in two cases of murder and kidnapping. Lee Dong Shik provokes him by declaring that he killed the youngest daughter. Due to this, there is even more tension in their relationship, and it makes us even more curious about Lee Dong Shik's past. Moving forward, the teaser also gives us the idea of the complicated and strained relationship between Han Joo Won and his father Han Ki Hwan (Choi Jin Ho). Nearing the end of the teaser, we have seen Han Joo Won running through a field of tall, thick grass, as his voiceover says, "Detective Lee Dong Shik, there's something I want to ask you." Check out the trailer for "Beyond Evil" below! KDramastars owns this article. Written by Liza Parker Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company (AG&P), a downstream gas and LNG logistics company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government for the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks to supply natural gas across six districts of The company will invest around Rs 2,700 crore in the State. The new CGD infrastructure is being developed under AG&Ps CGD brand in India - AG&P Pratham. It will deliver uninterrupted supply of PNG to households, commercial and industrial customers, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) depots and stations for 24x7 access to CNG for vehicles. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today unveiled AG&Ps PNG project in Rameshwaram and dedicated the States recently launched first City Gate Station & CNG Mother Station launched by AG&P in Ramanathapuram District. Under the MoU, AG&P will invest Rs 2,700 crore over the next eight years to build CGD networks in districts of Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Vellore, Ranipet, Thirupathur and Ramanathapuram. Around 7,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created through this MoU. AG&P Prathams PNG initiative in Rameshwaram, its natural gas Mother Station in Ramanathapuram along with two CNG stations, are spearheading the development of the States city gas infrastructure that will drive socio-economic development as more and more people transition to smarter and cleaner fuels. Tamil Nadu has tremendous opportunities for growth, development, and innovation in the CGD sector. With the Governments continued support and sustained focus on infrastructure, we are providing Tamil Nadus regional and rural communities with reliable, 24/7 access to natural gas and all the health and economic benefits it offers. Furthermore, AG&Ps LNG import terminal in Karaikal (KLNG), strategically located 280 km south of Chennai and in close proximity to Tamil Nadus thriving manufacturing clusters, will also be a major contributor to Tamil Nadus transformation into a gas-based economy. KLNG will not only provide access of natural gas to power plants, and industrial and commercial customers within a 300 km radius of Karaikal, but it will guarantee stable, best priced natural gas supply to the regions CGD networks including those operated by AG&P Pratham and other CGD companies, said PPG Sarma , Managing Director City Gas Distribution, AG&P. In 2018, 12 out of 38 districts in Tamil Nadu were awarded licenses by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) for the development of CGD networks. Of these, AG&P bagged six districts encompassing ~13751 square km, who will be connected to natural gas through 12,000 km of pipeline being laid by the company. Under the licenses, AG&P will sell natural gas exclusively for eight years and operate its CGD facilities exclusively for 25 years. By 2028, AG&P will be supplying PNG to 20 lakh households, 10,000 commercial establishments, 150 industrial enterprises such as SIPCOT, SIDCO and Mahindra World City, and will operate more than 200 CNG stations across the state. Gov. Ned Lamonts office announced Monday the first case of the so-called South African COVID variant has been detected in a Connecticut patient whose condition is improving. In a news release, officials said this is the first known case of the variant in a Connecticut resident. The patient, a Fairfield County resident between the ages of 60-70, has not reported any recent travel and is currently hospitalized out of state, according to officials. New York health officials reported the variant case this past weekend and worked with the Connecticut Department of Health to complete contact tracing. The B.1.351 strain initially detected in South Africa in October 2020 was first discovered in the United States toward the end of January. There is no evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggesting the B.1.351 variant has any impact on disease severity at this time, the state said. Dr. David Banach, head of infection prevention and an associate professor of medicine at UConn Health, said this variant has not been associated with being more serious. Like the U.K. variant, the South African one is more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus, officials said. Connecticut has reported 42 cases of the U.K. B.1.1.7 variant within its borders and now is warning about the new strain. Seeing another variant in our state reminds us yet again the severity of this pandemic and reinforces the need for us to take all of the necessary precautions which have proven to be successful over the past year, Lamont said. The virus does not recognize state boundaries, and it certainly does not recognize international borders, which means the responsibility is on all of us to do what we can on a personal basis to mitigate the spread, he added. Public health officials emphasized the need for continued caution and mitigation strategies including mask-wearing, social distancing, isolating when sick and avoiding gathering with individuals who do not live in your household. Acting Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said Connecticut residents should follow recent CDC guidance calling for double masking in certain circumstances. With the variants currently circulating in the United States and in Connecticut, it is more important than ever to prevent transmission of the virus. We do that by ensuring that masks are being worn correctly and are as effective as possible. Masks should always cover the nose and mouth completely. In some instances, a cloth mask along with a surgical mask may be the best approach according to the CDC, in order to prevent droplets from escaping or entering through gaps in masks, Gifford said. The CDC found studies suggesting current COVID vaccines recognize the variants but continue to study each variants form to learn more about it. Banach said data shows the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines generate high levels of neutralizing antibodies against this particular strain, the B.1.351. We still have to learn about the overall impact of this strain in the vaccine response but, the fact that at least we identified those neutralizing antibodies implies theres going to be some protection from these variants, he said. When asked if the state had plans to alter restrictions, Max Reiss, the governors spokesperson, said, were continuing to tell residents to keep wearing masks, avoid gatherings and take the common-sense approach which has worked successfully since the beginning of the pandemic. News of the first South African variant case comes as the state topped over 100,000 vaccine doses distributed to long-term care residents since late December. The state also reported 2,905 new coronavirus cases and 66 more deaths for a positivity rate of 2.98 percent since Friday. Hospitalizations continue decreasing and the state is experiencing fewer reported tests than in previous months. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Wazirabad: Hitting out at Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz has urged "selectors" not to subject the country to the current ordeals by letting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) come to power once again. "The country has been worn out but my dear selectors, do not do this with Pakistan again...I feel bad when people bad-mouth the selectors because after all, the institution is ours," Nawaz said while addressing an election rally in Wazirabad. She further said, "I say to Wazirabad police and administration [...] I know that you yourself are frustrated [but] the nation is looking at you; if you instead of serving the country and the people try to serve anyone else, try to steal the vote and make a lost person win, then remember, Imran Khan came once but now at least Punjab will not let him come [to power] again." Speaking in Urdu, the PML-N vice president said that the farmers, laborers, daily wage workers, traders and businessmen are frustrated as they cannot afford the basic facilities. She asked the crowd whether any of them had gotten a job from the 10 million jobs promised by the PTI government or a house from the 5 million houses as pledged by the government, according to a report by Dawn. The PML-N vice president further said that the electricity in Pakistan is expensive because "those financing Imran Khan's expenses deliberately imported expensive LNG". "They [government] took loans of Rs 15,000 billion but did not lay a single brick," she said. Nawaz cornered Imran Khan over his assertion on the open ballot for next month's Senate election and stated that the "actual reason" is that his own MNAs and MPAs "are escaping from his grasp", Dawn reported. "I want to say to PTI's old-time workers, I have full sympathy for you but you cannot get Senate tickets because you do not have billions of rupees to spend on Imran Khan...It is Imran Khan's compulsion, he has to give Senate tickets to those whose money he takes and eats," she added. The Pakistani Senate election will be held on March 3. Live TV Jio, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and Airtel provide eSIM functionality for supported devices which is embedded directly into the smartphone or any device in place of or along with a physical SIM card. An eSIM or an embedded Subscriber Identity Module is a digital SIM that is embedded inside users smartphones, without using a physical SIM on eSIM enabled devices. The eSIM can be downloaded only to a compatible smartphone which includes Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola offer phones that support eSIM functionality in India. Heres how users can convert their physical SIMs to eSIM: In order to convert physical SIM to eSIM, Jio users can send an SMS from the device having active Jio SIM and then complete the profile configuration process on the eSIM device. The compatible devices from Apple are iPhone Xs, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE 92nd generation), iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max. Samsung phones which are compatible with Jios eSIM -- Galaxy z Flip, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The phones compatible with Motorola are Motorola Razr and Motorola Next GenRzr 5G and Google Pixel phones include Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3XL, Google Pixel 3A, Google Pixel 3A XL, Google Pixel 4A. To activate eSIM on Apple phones, the users will be asked to scan the QR code by clicking on "Settings" > Select "Mobile Data" > Click on "Add Data Plan" > "Scan QR code" received on mail (Ensure the phone is connected to mobile data/Wi-Fi while scanning) > Label eSim (Under "Label for your new plan" Section). Telecom company Airtels users can convert their physical SIM to eSIM by sending an SMS eSIM registered email id to 121. Users using a valid email ID will get an SMS from 121 confirming the initiation of the process where they will have to reply with "1" to confirm the eSIM change request within 60 seconds. Once users get the confirmation, they will have to confirm the call, failing which the SIM change request will get canceled. After giving your consent on the call, users will get a final SMS from 121, regarding the QR Code which they will receive on your registered email id. Users will also receive a QR code on their email ID where they will have to scan the QR code to get their eSIM activated, which takes two hours. For Vi users, users will be asked to SMS eSIM registered email id to 199 and they will receive a confirmation SMS in their valid email id. Users also need to reply with "ESIMY" to confirm the eSIM change request. After the confirmation SMS, users will receive another SMS from 199 asking you to provide consent over a call. After providing consent on the call, users will receive a final SMS regarding the QR Code on the registered email ID. While scanning the QR code, users need to click on "Settings" > Select "Network & Internet" > Click on "Mobile Network" > Click on "Download a SIM instead" > Click on "Next" and then scan QR code received on mail. Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - United Nations efforts to advance the political process in Libya were the main focus of talks on Monday between the Tunisian Foreign Minister, Othman Jerandi, and the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Libya and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Jan Kubis, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday Lawmakers on marijuana study committee plan out-of-state site visits Lawmakers want a firsthand look at legal cannabis operations in response to South Dakotans voting to loosen their state's pot laws last fall. (CNN) China banned BBC World News from airing in the country, according to a statement China's National Radio and Television Administration released last week. The BBC says China is doing a disservice to its citizens. "China is taking its place on a very short list of countries alongside North Korea and Iran that explicitly and totally blocked BBC News coverage," Jamie Angus, the director of BBC World Service Group, said on "Reliable Sources" Sunday. China doesn't belong on that list, Angus said, adding, "Chinese people are very outward looking. They want to understand international news from around the world, but crucially, they want to see how their own country is being reported by the BBC." Angus told CNN's Chief Media Correspondent Brian Stelter that it's "not acceptable for them to be completely blocked from access to BBC news outlets." In a statement, China's NRTA claimed BBC World News had broadcast reports on China that "infringed the principles of truthfulness and impartiality in journalism." The BBC has shed light on the turmoil in the country, reporting that women have been systematically raped, sexually abused, and tortured at camps in the western region of Xinjiang. And the US State Department estimates that up to 2 million Uyghurs and members of other Muslim minorities have allegedly been put into internment camps. Beijing has long defended the crackdown in Xinjiang as necessary to tackle extremism and terrorism. It is unclear how much impact China's ban of BBC World News will have in mainland China because the BBC has never been allowed to broadcast in mainland China or into Chinese homes. BBC World News was only ever been available in international hotels. China's move to ban the network might also be retaliatory. In early February, British media regulators pulled the license of China's state-owned international news channel CGTN. But some people in China are still trying to find ways around the ban. "Of course you can always access BBC digital services with some kind of VPN setup," Angus told Stelter Sunday. But China is making that harder for people to do and access to BBC digital services in English and Mandarin have been increasingly blocked over the last 18 months. "It is so revealing when countries try to block out real news coverage, as is the case with with the BBC in China," Stelter said. CNN's Philip Wang and Jonny Hallam contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 20:09:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Feb. 3, 2021 shows Michal Krauze discusses the spring festival menu with one of the staff in the Four Seasons Hotel, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua/Song Rui) TIANJIN, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Wearing a mask and disposable gloves, Michal Krauze sped around the restaurant of the Four Seasons Hotel in China's Tianjin, ensuring every dining table was properly disinfected, knowing that a wave of guests was on its way. It was a day before Lunar New Year's Eve, and the Polish national had good reason to be excited about his work: As China marked this year's Spring Festival with the COVID-19 epidemic largely contained, the hotel's dining business is bouncing back alongside many other restaurants in China. "Even though we set strict limitations on the guest flow and kept a certain distance between the tables, our Chinese restaurant has been fully booked for the Spring Festival, and the buffet restaurant is 90 percent booked," said Krauze, director of food and beverage at the hotel. It is a special Chinese New Year for Krauze, who decided to stay in Tianjin with more than 200 staff members of the hotel's six restaurants who followed the government's stay-put advice. Instead of returning to Guangzhou to see his wife and daughters during the holiday, he wrote a card reading "Wish you a prosperous and joyful 'Niu' Year!" and sent it home with a gift basket. "Epidemic prevention and control need cooperation and team efforts. In this regard, China sets an example," Krauze said. As China has basically tamed the COVID-19 outbreak, catering businesses are welcoming the return of foodies with stringent anti-COVID-19 measures. "We've been back to full operations since April 2020. Business was even better in the second quarter," Krauze said, noting that the Chinese government's fee and tax cut policy had greatly helped the hotel. He said the hotel's food and beverage sales in December were up 20 percent from the same period in 2019. Photo taken on Feb. 3, 2021 shows Michal Krauze carries out routine inspection on the tablewares in the Four Seasons Hotel, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua/Song Rui) Eyeing great opportunities in this year's booming Spring Festival market, the hotel's Jin House Chinese restaurant recruited new chefs and designed new dishes revolving around the ox, the zodiac sign for this Lunar New Year. Krauze said the dining sector's return to thriving business was not easy. "The pandemic is still severe around the world. People in China can enjoy meals in restaurants. Thus, we have to cherish what we have now." His hotel has also adopted a series of measures to ensure the safety of diners, including limiting the number of guests, regularly sterilizing tableware, disinfecting all imported ingredients, and ensuring all chefs who handle food have been vaccinated. Having lived in China for more than 10 years, Krauze has witnessed tremendous changes in the country's catering sector. "The consumption level has been rising thanks to the growing middle class in China. I see increasing demand for wines and cocktails." According to official statistics, China was likely the only major economy to post growth in 2020, with its GDP expanding 2.3 percent year on year and exceeding the 100-trillion-yuan (about 15.5 trillion U.S. dollars) threshold for the first time. "I'm very confident in China's economic growth. Everything has changed in a positive way. I see a lot of investments in Tianjin. We are very confident about our business this year," Krauze said. Live Updates: Information on road closures, CPS blackouts and more Alerts: Sign up for our breaking newsletter or download the Express-News app to stay informed Even among San Antonians whod heeded plumbers warnings trickling faucets overnight to prevent pipes from freezing the record-shattering cold meant that many residents still awoke to frozen pipes. It was a first for many San Antonians: Low temperatures in the single digits, a blanket of ankle-deep snow, icy and impassable roads. Residents filled social media with rare photographs of snow covering trees, homes and cars then flooded those same online forums with questions about plumbing problems that arose overnight. Anyone else have this problem? This has never happened to us, wrote San Antonio native Rebecca Stanford in her neighborhood Nextdoor group. Like many other San Antonians, shed insulated the outdoor spigots and dripped the faucet farthest from the water main of her 1959 ranch-style home in the MacArthur Park neighborhood, only to find water wouldnt run when she woke up. The shower wouldnt turn on. The toilet wouldnt fill up after flushing, either. Had pipes burst? Or was the pipe just frozen? Same thing happened to me! a neighbor replied. Thank goodness I bought drinking water a few days ago, wrote another. Her neighbors tried to give their best guesses. But many of them shared the same message: There probably wont be a way to know until temperatures rise and pipes begin to thaw. A San Antonio plumber backed up that advice. Its got to get up above freezing, said Dano Pagel, whos worked as a plumber for 35 years. Right now, if (pipes are) cracked, they're frozen. Pagel said a lot of people will try to heat pipes with a blow dryer or electric heater. Some might find that water does begin to flow. But in some cases, when you see theres no water, (the pipe) is just ripped open like someone got a fillet knife and cut it, he said. Even if you do turn on water, it's going to start shooting out of there. Until the pipes thaw, an untold number of San Antonians currently without running water may have no way of knowing whether their pipes have cracked and where the leaks may have occurred, Pagel said. He anticipates that may not begin to happen until Tuesday or Wednesday, when temperatures stay above freezing for a prolonged period of time. On Monday, he was among San Antonio plumbers who wouldnt venture out on the citys icy roads with his heavy-duty plumbing truck. All of his clients will have to wait until the ice melts and its safe to travel which is when Pagel is bracing for a deluge of calls about sudden leaks as the water in pipes begins to thaw and leak through cracks. In the meantime, he said residents can try to find the main valve to shut off water to their home, although that might be difficult if the valve is outside and covered in snow. If San Antonians water is still running in their homes, Pagel recommends turning on all faucets that connect to pipes that connect through the outer walls of the home. There should be a steady stream of water running through the faucet, he said, because running water requires much lower temperatures to freeze. Insulated covers for outdoor spigots may protect the spigot itself, but they wont prevent pipes from freezing inside the wall if theres no or inadequate insulation, he said. When you run your water two or three days, it may run your water bill up $5 or $10, Pagel said. If you need a plumber, its going to be at least $500 or $600. The San Antonio Water System also recommends letting faucets drip to keep water moving through the pipes. It also advises that residents open up cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer air to reach the plumbing. And if there are rooms without heating ducts, doors should be left open so heat from other areas of the home can flow in. As of Monday afternoon, SAWS hadnt experienced any water or sewer line breaks, a spokesman said. Theres no way of knowing how many residents are dealing with plumbing problems because of the deep freeze, he said. If residents are without water, its because of problems within their own homes. My friend thinks the pipes in the garage froze I dont know what to do about it, said Jenny Schubert, a retired school teacher whos lived in her MacArthur Park neighborhood home for 32 years. Schubert woke up about 1 a.m. Monday to the sound of her carbon monoxide alarm blaring. It turned out to be an error message, but she soon discovered another problem when she went to wash her hands while making a cup of tea: no running water. She went back to sleep. Later, still no water. She tried to thaw the pipes in her garage, to no avail. My kind neighbor brought over some bottled water for me, Schubert said, and that is where I am right now. marina.riker@express-news.net Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Periods of rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Cybersecurity Industry presses for tech funding in COVID relief amid Senate opposition Several industry groups sent a letter to lawmakers last week urging them to include $10 billion for cybersecurity in the next coronavirus relief bill, however congressional backers of a tech push in the relief bill say that Senate opposition makes a big push unlikely to pass. A Feb. 12 letter from the Cybersecurity Coalition, Better Identity Coalition, Alliance for Digital Innovation and Computing Technology Industry Association re-iterated the $10 billion funding request included in President Joe Biden's proposal, the lion's share of which would go to the Technology Modernization Fund. TMF is a revolving fund supporting IT modernization projects that was founded with $100 million and subsequently received about $25 million per year in annual appropriations. "As we have seen in the recent SolarWinds compromise of both federal government and critical infrastructure companies, the need to invest in our nation's ability to protect against, detect, respond to, and recover from these attacks is critical," according to the letter. The letter also cites a need for cybersecurity funding at the local and state levels, pointing to ransomware attacks in Baltimore in recent years. Biden's proposed COVID-19 relief bill would have appropriated $9 billion for TMF, $690 million for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, $300 million for the General Services Administration to respond to IT issues related to COVID and $200 million for IT oversight and reform. However, Rep. Gerry Connolly introduced and withdrew an amendment that would have appropriated the $9 billion for the TMF. He cited opposition in the Senate as his reason for not pursuing the funding further, FCW reported. "What we have to understand -- and what our colleagues in the Senate need to learn -- is that IT is not tangential to the mission. It is integral to the mission," Connolly said. "If the IT doesn't work, the mission is compromised." Natalie Alms contributed reporting to this story. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Down by the quayside at Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, where my wife and I are living under lockdown, there stands a stalwart of the community, a sweetly old-fashioned local chemist. The pharmacists wooden windowfront sits on a narrow street between the local newsagent and the Kings Head pub. To the casual passer-by, it reflects a Britain staying quietly resilient in the face of Covid and all our other trials. But if you live in the area, you cant help but notice that the chemists lights stay on from dawn until late into the night. The owner, pharmacist Tim Gibbs, seems always to be working in there. Thanks to a government funding crisis that is bankrupting the nations independent chemists, Tim is, indeed, having to work from dawn to 10pm, seven days a week. Even so, his financial losses have proved so great hes been forced to let go of three of his staff in the past year. To the casual passer-by, it reflects a Britain staying quietly resilient in the face of Covid and all our other trials. But if you live in the area, you cant help but notice that the chemists lights stay on from dawn until late into the night, writes Lord Grade, pictured in front of the pharmacy Now he must do the work of four people. The shop cannot lawfully open unless he, as the qualified pharmacist, is physically inside. Tim cannot afford to pay a locum pharmacist to cover for him. At night, he personally delivers all the prescriptions to housebound and shielding people who simply could not get their essential medications otherwise. He performs this vital service free of charge. My wife, Francesca, and I are in and out of the shop all of the time, so I couldnt help but notice Tims plight. Hes had no family holidays in the past few years, and took only one day off last year, on Christmas Day. He looks exhausted. I honestly dont know how he is still standing. Then I discovered that Tim is far from alone in being squeezed out of business. His dire situation is typical of this countrys independent single- unit pharmacies. Tim, at least, has some security in that he bought his own premises years ago, so is not constantly in fear of landlords rent rises, as are so many other pharmacies. That is the reason why he has been able to keep going thus far. But he cant get a penny out of the business for himself. Now, he says, he is at crisis point, if not beyond. Tim fears that he will be forced to close within 12 months unless funding from the NHS improves. He is hardly alone. Across the UK, some three-quarters of independent, often family-owned, pharmacy businesses are either closing or under threat of closure, according to a study by Ernst & Young last year. The shop cannot lawfully open unless he, as the qualified pharmacist, is physically inside. Tim cannot afford to pay a locum pharmacist to cover for him [File photo] The report concluded that, without intervention from NHS England, many community pharmacies will be unable to survive. In many areas, this will severely limit peoples access to health services. Last year, nearly four pharmacies per week closed, with deprived areas hit worst, an analysis by The Pharmaceutical Journal reported last month. Overall, the UK lost 202 pharmacies in 2020 the highest number in five years. Some 11,000 remain battling on, prescribing more than one billion items a year in England alone. And all this at a time when local pharmacies have proved a lifeline for so many people unable to see their GPs because of Covid-19. But beyond the pandemic, independent chemists are a hugely important part of British life. Entire communities rely on them as their sole local pharmacy for their continued health and wellbeing. And for people living alone, it can also be a vital point of simple human contact. Seeing Tims battling community spirit and knowing what a vital role these chemists play inspired me to campaign on their behalf in Parliament, where I am a Conservative life peer. I quickly learnt how independent pharmacies are having to be run in a way that effectively subsidises the NHS to the tune of millions of pounds a year. Tim is out of pocket by 73p every time he performs the vital job of providing people with a medicine vital to their health. He is paid 1.27 for every NHS prescription that he dispenses but dispensing each prescription actually costs him 2 in overheads such as insurance, business tax, staff costs and specialised computer systems. Whats more, his overheads are rising by 5 per cent a year. For two hours every day, Tim is on the phone chasing wholesalers to supply him with vital medicines. Yet because he is not part of a chain, he does not get the discounts that the wholesalers enjoy. The wholesalers are owned by big pharmacy groups that dont share their discounts equitably with the independents. Overall, the UK lost 202 pharmacies in 2020 the highest number in five years. Some 11,000 remain battling on, prescribing more than one billion items a year in England alone [File photo] The Government deems, however, that independent pharmacies do fully receive discounted rates and effectively deducts the difference from them. This lost Tim 52,000 last year. It only pushes him and his fellow independents deeper into crisis.Tims plight is shown starkly by this comparison. In 2016, he filled 81,900 prescriptions and received 95,270 from the Government. In 2019, he filled 89,700 prescriptions and received only 79,350 from the Government. Furthermore, the NHS contract has frozen funding for community pharmacies until 2024. This follows a series of swingeing funding reductions, with 113 million being cut in 2016, and a further 95 million axed in 2017. Nevertheless, the Government also expects pharmacies to do more and more. It is currently trying to recruit them into a new scheme called the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service. This lets GP surgeries and the NHS 111 phone line divert people to local pharmacies for help and advice, instead of using their own services. The pharmacists are then expected to give these people advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses. Research shows that in the UK, pharmacies already, of their own volition, perform more than 600,000 such consultations with customers every week on average. If they werent doing this work, it would add some 500,000 extra appointments to the workload of our GP surgeries. The doctors simply wouldnt be able to cope. Patients often consult chemists as their first point of contact. Typically, the problem is something with which qualified pharmacists can indeed help, by giving advice or recommending over-the-counter remedies. If the patients needs are beyond their scope, then pharmacists know to advise them to see their family doctor. Each independent pharmacy also now administers, on average, 850 flu jabs a year for the NHS. They are excellent gatekeepers for GPs and A&E, and throughout the coronavirus pandemic they have worked as the heroic front line of these services. Indeed, an analysis of government figures shows that the use of community pharmacies soared during the pandemic, with a third more prescriptions dispensed at the height of the first lockdown in March 2020, and a third of patients reporting that they visited a pharmacy instead of their GP. When a community loses an independent pharmacy, the answer isnt simply to travel farther. In places such as Yarmouth, there is a significant proportion of elderly people who dont drive, and so cannot visit chemists elsewhere. And they certainly cant rely on the sparse local bus service. Of course, the big pharmacy chains are not interested in opening branches in small towns such as Yarmouth because the profits arent there. People go up in arms about post offices closing, but this is much more serious. Pharmacies are already seriously underfunded and now, thanks to Covid-19, the situation has become even worse, forcing the independents to take on even more costs, with the need to provide partition screens, protective equipment and regular deep cleaning. The NHS community pharmacies representatives, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), has asked the Department of Health for additional funding, not only to cover the costs associated with the coronavirus, but also to keep pharmacists from going bust before 2024. However, the only government support has come in the form of loans. The sums on offer are woefully insufficient and only worsen the pharmacists problem in the long term. Some 370 million has been given out in loans. Not only is this not enough to support independent pharmacies adequately, as I pointed out in the House of Lords, the loans will also need to be paid back. Many independents simply will never be able to afford this and will be forced to close. Such a deal is plainly ridiculous. The Government must instead write off these debts. It must transform these loans instead into investments in the future of UK independent pharmacies. Earlier this month, I set up a 30-minute Zoom call with Jo Churchill, the junior health minister, so that she could talk with Tim and a fellow pharmacist from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, to hear of their plight. The minister seemed very sympathetic, but at the time she made no commitment to action. Screen time This week: Scary films protect against mental health problems during the pandemic People who enjoy horror films may have greater psychological resilience to the coronavirus pandemic, according to research from Penn State University in the U.S. working together with Danish scientists. The findings were based on an online survey involving 310 people who were asked questions designed to evaluate their resilience levels, as well their viewing habits before the start of the pandemic. Those people who watched horror, psychological thrillers and apocalyptic films experienced reduced psychological distress during the current crisis, wrote the researchers in the journal Personality and Individual Differences. The scientists suggest their findings show that stories from films, books and even video games may help us imagine and prepare for future challenges. Advertisement Now, though, we have a ray of hope. Last week, at a press briefing, Boris Johnson answered a journalists question about the community pharmacists crisis by pledging that they should be reimbursed for their additional costs during the pandemic as soon as possible. The Prime Minister said: I dont want to see any pharmacies close. I think community pharmacies provide an absolutely outstanding resource for our country. Problem solved? Sadly, its not that simple. As the PSNCs chief executive Simon Dukes said in response to Boris Johnsons pledge: Negotiations on Covid-19 costs are ongoing. At their heart is the question of how great those costs are. This is the difficult discussion that we are having with the Treasury and the Department of Health. The very positive words of politicians must now lead to the funding outcomes that we need. The Prime Ministers words must urgently be transformed into real action. Otherwise Tims pharmacy and untold numbers of others will undoubtedly go out of business, severing millions of peoples vital link to the NHS. And when our independent pharmacists fold, the tragedy is that they will not be replaced. The Government needs to understand how serious the loss of community pharmacies will hit our national life. If you rely on your local pharmacist, I would urge you to write to your MP calling for their lobbying support. Millions of us now depend on local heroes such as Tim. We all need to campaign for their survival and not least for our own sakes. A right-wing Chilean politician has sparked fury after he defended his son who is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl by saying 'she had a woman's body'. Ivan Roca even suggested the young girl's parents 'should have protected her better'. Mr Roca, a councillor in the opposition right-wing Chilean Independent Democratic Union political party, made the shocking statement in defence of his son Jurgen Roca Aguayo, 33, after he was remanded in custody accused of raping a girl. After a furious online backlash to him comments, Mr Roca went on to say that it was 'a shame that it was always the man that paid the price'. Right-wing Chilean politician Ivan Roca (pictured) has sparked fury after he defended his son who is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl by saying 'she had a woman's body' Mr Roca, a councillor for Lota, Chile, added that while visiting his son in prison, he had formed the opinion that it was a 'tragedy' that there were so many young men in there for the same reason. He had taken to Facebook to address all parents of young girls, placing the blame on them for when people like his son get accused of rape. In the now viral post, Mr Roca claimed that despite her young age, the 12-year-old girl had a 'woman's body' and that the parents of young girls 'must control' their children better. He appeared to be suggesting that young women should be chaperoned, saying that only parents acting to carefully control them could avoid 'family suffering'. Mr Roca concluded that parents who do not follow this advice should be condemned for their own bad choices, and regarded as irresponsible. In the now viral post (pictured), Mr Roca claimed that despite her young age, the 12-year-old girl had a 'woman's body' and that the parents of young girls 'must control' their children better The former president of the Chilean Independent Democratic Union party, Isabel Pla Jarufe, responded to Mr Roca's comments stating: 'He has a public responsibility as an official and his statements are unacceptable. 'He has attempted to make his 33-year-old son a victim in a case where he raped a 12-year-old girl.' Mr Roca, under heavy pressure from both the public and politicians, agreed to speak to the local media outlet Eldesconocierto in an attempt to clarify his response to his sons alleged crime. During the interview, he claimed that his words had been 'taken out of context' and that he did not mean to say young girls should be 'controlled', what he meant was 'guided'. He went on to discuss visiting his son in prison and told Eldesconcierto: 'It's a shame what happened to my son. 'I just visited him in jail and it was full of young men just like him, detained for being with minors without thinking of the consequences beforehand. 'This feels very wrong to me regardless of whether the minor appeared older or not.' The interview was far from an apology as the councillor continued to question the parents of young girls who he held responsible for letting their daughters meet older men and 'behave irresponsibly'. He added that 'it is only the man who pays the price for the crime as he is the one who goes to prison'. Ivan Roca's son remains in detention awaiting trial. A five-month time frame has been set for the completion of the investigation. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-17 01:33:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Medical workers wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a hospital in Tripoli, Lebanon, on Feb. 15, 2021. Lebanon recorded on Tuesday 2,723 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of COVID-19 infections to 343,584, the Health Ministry reported. Lebanon has started its vaccination campaign with priority for the medical staff and the elderly above 75. (Photo by Khaled/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon recorded on Tuesday 2,723 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of COVID-19 infections to 343,584, the Health Ministry reported. Meanwhile, the death toll from the virus went up by 55 to 4,092. Amal Abu Zeid, foreign ministry's representative to the joint Lebanese-Russian committee for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, told President Michel Aoun on Tuesday that Russia has informed him about a plan to donate Sputnik V vaccines to Lebanon. Lebanon has started its vaccination campaign with priority for the medical staff and the elderly above 75. Enditem An animal rescue group says a dog froze to death in Iowa Monday, but the owner will not face charges, and he gets to keep his other dog. People who live in the area are now outraged. Tracy Hill runs Animal Alliance Rescue Shelter, a nonprofit animal shelter located about 40 miles from where the dog froze to death. I would like to see some type of citation because there was definitely animal neglect, Hill said. A neighbor snapped a photo of the dog outside its Davis City home. Hill and hundreds of community members are outraged that the owner is not facing charges and is allowed to keep his other dog. I just wish that everybody would learn that animals are not just property. They actually should be part of the family. I do understand that some people have outside dogs, farm dogs, and that's fine. But they need to follow the guidelines on having adequate shelter against the elements, Hill said. The dog's owner told sister station KCCI that Decatur County deputies told him he won't face any charges because he was remorseful. He says his dog was an outside hunting dog, and he didn't think this would happen. Hill said this a common problem when temperatures dip in Iowa. We have dealt with this a lot in the last few years with half frozen animals that have come into the shelter. People throw them outside in this weather and their paws are bloody. They get frostbite just like we do, Hill said. Hill said her shelter can help provide dog houses to families in need. Owners just have to ask. KCCI left several messages with the Decatur County Sheriff's Office but did not hear back. Nay Pyi Taw, Feb 16 : Internet access has been restored by Myanmar's new military rulers after it was blocked for the second night in a row. The blackout -- the fourth shutdown since the February 1 coup came as the junta tries to stifle dissent by the demonstrators demanding the release from detention of their elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the restoration of democracy. Earlier, the military authorities announced stiff penalties for those opposing the coup leaders. Protesters, however, were out again early on Tuesday, the BBC reported. They have been encouraging civil servants to join the civil disobedience movement in the main city of Yangon. The United Nations Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener reminded the head of the military junta in a phone call that "the right of peaceful assembly must fully be respected", according to a UN spokesman, warning him that "any form of heavy handed response is likely to have severe consequences". The junta says it overthrew elected leaders, including longtime democracy campaigner, Aung San Suu Kyi, due to alleged voter fraud. It has not provided any evidence to support these claims. The latest shutdown follows a pattern aimed at disrupting continuing opposition to the coup and the detention of leaders, including Suu Kyi, whose party won a resounding victory last November. Access to Facebook, a rallying point for a campaign of civil disobedience, was restricted soon after the coup. Use of Twitter and Instagram was also disrupted. But activists also fear the blackout may be used to arrest more people. Major telecoms provider Telenor has said it will no longer be updating a list on its website of internet disruption. The military's presence is growing. At many strategic locations, soldiers have replaced the police. In the main city, Yangon, eight-wheeled armoured vehicles have been seen trying to navigate the rush-hour traffic, sometimes surrounded by cars honking in opposition to the coup. On Monday, protests focused on the central bank building, the US and Chinese embassies, and the city headquarters of Su Kyi's National League for Democracy. And as demonstrators gathered in the central city of Mandalay, there were reports of security forces firing rubber bullets to disperse crowds. In footage posted on social media, the sound of what appears to be gunshots can be heard as crowds flee, with several people later appearing to display injuries. A leading student activist who has gone into hiding, Myo Ko Ko, told the BBC why he and others were willing to risk their lives. "We strongly believe in democracy and human rights. We know that it's risky," he said. "I have to move to another place day by day because of being searched (for) by police. We hope the international community will help us." Students also protested in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. Dozens were arrested and later released. Residents in several cities are reported to have formed night-watch groups to deter mobs rumoured to have been dispatched by the military to cause unrest. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text President Biden is set to seize the spotlight this week after weeks of attention on former President Donald J. Trumps impeachment trial. Mr. Biden is beginning a more public sales pitch for his domestic agenda, with his first set of work trips outside Washington. The president plans to fly to Milwaukee on Tuesday to participate in a CNN town hall, where he will most likely outline specifics of his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, including sending $1,400 checks to individuals who meet certain income thresholds. On Thursday, Mr. Biden will travel to Kalamazoo, Mich., to tour a Pfizer manufacturing site and meet workers producing the coronavirus vaccine. The travel is the presidents first time leaving Washington for work since Inauguration Day. The White House has been balancing safety precautions with the need to sell an ambitious agenda to constituents across the country. Presidential travel is expensive and time consuming, and brings some risk during a pandemic. But it is also considered essential to the job. So far, Mr. Biden has left the city only to spend a weekend at his former home in Wilmington, Del., and for a visit to Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. An advocacy group says that homophobic language and hate speech against transgender people is on the rise among European politicians and has warned about a backlash against the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people across the continent. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association said in its annual report published on February 16 that politicians in 17 countries in Europe and Central Asia have verbally attacked LGBT people over the past year. The report highlighted Poland, where nationalist politicians from the ruling right-wing PiS party have criticized "LGBT ideology" during election campaigns. It also singled out Hungary, where transgender people last year were banned from legally changing gender. The situation for LGBT people in Bulgaria and Romania could worsen this year, while in Turkey, ruling-party politicians have repeatedly attacked LGBT people, Evelyne Paradis, the association's executive director, warned. The trend of politicians verbally attacking LGBT people has also been on the rise in countries such as Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Russia, the report said. In Belarus and Ukraine, some religious leaders have blamed LGBT people for the coronavirus pandemic. Hate speech on social media has grown in Montenegro, Russia, and Turkey, in traditional media in Ukraine, and is an ongoing issue in Georgia, North Macedonia, and Romania, the group said. "There's growing hate speech specifically targeting trans people and that is being reported more and more across the region....We have grave concerns that it's going to get worse before it gets better," Paradis said. In Central Asia, LGBT rights are stagnating or backsliding in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the report said, adding that in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, "we see windows of opportunity for advancing LGBT rights." The group said the pandemic has caused difficulties for some young LGBT people at home with homophobic families during lockdowns and given openings to politicians who attack gay and trans people as a way to shift attention from economic problems. "LGBT communities are amongst the groups that get scapegoated in particular," said Paradis. With reporting by Reuters Credit: CC0 Public Domain Some health care professionals allow their bias toward lesbian, gay and bisexual persons to show when diagnosing borderline personality disorder, says a University of Michigan researcher. This bias for borderline personality disorder, or BPDa chronic mental illness known for impulsive behavior, people's uncertainty about themselves and relationship difficultiesis more pronounced for sexual minorities than heterosexual individuals, says Craig Rodriguez-Seijas, U-M assistant professor of psychology. "LGB persons are more likely to be given the diagnosis particularly when health care professionals are not paying attention to whether or not the behaviors observed among LGB persons cause any significant distress or impairment," said Rodriguez-Seijas, lead author of a study that appears in the online journal Assessment. Rodriguez-Seijas and Brown University colleagues used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III to compare the differences in BP diagnosis among lesbian, gay and bisexual persons with heterosexual persons. The survey, conducted in 2012-2013, involved responses from more than 36,000 participants between 18 to 90 years old. About 1,100 (3%) identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual, while the rest were heterosexual. BPD was diagnosed in 11% of the entire sample. The prevalence of the illness was almost double among sexual minorities (20%) compared with heterosexual (11%) individuals. However, when the diagnosis was made with specific attention to whether or not the symptoms of BPD cause significant distress or impairment, the prevalence was comparable for sexual minority (2%) and heterosexual (1%) individuals. Health care professionals evaluating patients for factors linked to BPD might ignore environmental stressors that LGB persons face or be unable to competently assess the extent to which the behaviors signify BPD or normative reactions to stress, Rodriguez-Seijas says. For example, BPD can involve struggles with one's identity, he says. LGB persons might change the way they present differently to other people for safety reasons, such as avoiding discrimination, bullying or even murder. Such behaviors help manage the impressions that other people have and are relatively normative for LGB persons since they grow up and exist in stigmatizing environments, he says. If health care professionals fail to ask the right questions to disentangle this protective way of managing one's identity from pathological and impairing struggles with identity they may not accurately diagnose the patients, according to Rodriguez-Seijas. In addition, the research showed that sexual minority individuals reported a greater prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury and impulsive sexual and financial behavior problems. The findings offer implications for treatment. Rodriguez-Seijas says that while there are helpful evidence-based interventions for individuals diagnosed with BPD, some approaches to treatment might inadvertently re-stigmatize LGB persons by disproportionately attributing genetic variables as the causes of BPD symptoms. However, this fails to factor in that some maladaptive behaviorswhich might prevent a person from making changes in their own best interest, such as avoidance or withdrawalrepresent ways that LGB persons learn to cope with a continually stigmatizing social environment, he says. The study is a follow-up of previous research by Rodriguez-Seijas and colleagues that found that health care providers show bias in diagnosing BPD among LGB patients in actual practice. In one partial hospital setting, psychiatrists and psychologists diagnosed BPD among LGB patients at higher rates than heterosexual patients, regardless of any true differences in BPD pathology based on sexual orientation. More information: Craig Rodriguez-Seijas et al. A Population-Based Examination of Criterion-Level Disparities in the Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder Among Sexual Minority Adults, Assessment (2021). Craig Rodriguez-Seijas et al. A Population-Based Examination of Criterion-Level Disparities in the Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder Among Sexual Minority Adults,(2021). DOI: 10.1177/1073191121991922 OTTAWA - An Ontario city says it has found a way to quickly and effectively get homeless veterans off the streets in a model that could be replicated in other municipalities. A sign is placed on a truck windshield as members of the advocacy group Banished Veterans protest outside the Veterans Affairs office in Halifax on Thursday, June 16, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan OTTAWA - An Ontario city says it has found a way to quickly and effectively get homeless veterans off the streets in a model that could be replicated in other municipalities. Those involved will note that it may be impossible to eliminate homelessness because inevitably someone may find themselves out of home for unexpected personal or financial reasons. But it is possible to get to whats known as functional zero, when a city houses more people than the number who become homeless in a month. Thats what London, Ont., has done with homeless veterans, as confirmed by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. London Mayor Ed Holder called the milestone gratifying and said getting there was not easy. "By starting with veteran homelessness and (to) deal with the problem and solve it is one step," he said. "Then we're going to be taking other steps as we deal with other groups within our community who are equally disadvantaged." If the template can serve as a model for addressing other homeless populations in London, it could also offer a path for the federal government to follow as it tries to meet an all-party resolution calling for a plan to end veterans homelessness. The work in London started in 2016 when the various groups helping homeless veterans including the Royal Canadian Legion, emergency shelters, police, the Defence Department and Veterans Affairs Canada formed a local advisory committee. Last spring, the city shifted to a more data-driven model to address homelessness. It started using a real-time database of those experiencing homelessness, known as a by-name list, including any who identified as veterans. By getting authorization to share personal information, local officials were also able to verify a person's past service with Veterans Affairs Canada rather than having to track people down and have them sign permission forms. When the pandemic hit, the city was able to house veterans in vacant motel rooms and connect them with case workers. In August, 10 units dedicated to veterans, run by the local Legion and partially funded with federal dollars, opened. Between March and August, London reduced the number of veterans experiencing homelessness by more than half. Even when the city saw a spike of five new homeless veterans in November, the system housed them by January, said Jonathan Rivard, the city's manager of homelessness prevention, calling it a test the system passed. "There's proof of concept now that a community has functionally ended veterans homelessness," Rivard said. "Veterans homelessness has not been a secret to any community in Canada. It's persistent, it's present and proof of that is that we are the first community to functionally end it and only now in 2021." Almost two years ago, MPs from across party lines backed a motion calling on the government to end veterans homelessness by 2025, and to lay out a detailed plan to do so by now. There is no precise figure for the number of veterans who are homeless in Canada, but estimates put the range at between 3,000 and 5,000. It will take a community-by-community approach to house those thousands of people, and London has given a template for other cities to follow, said Tim Richter, president of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. He added that the Liberals could also use the case as a model to meet the all-party resolution from 2019, and a throne speech promise to end chronic homelessness. About a dozen other communities that work with the alliance are trying to replicate London's model, Richter said, and seeing measurable effects on veterans and chronic homelessness. "So much of this really comes down to leadership and being focused on ending homelessness. London showed that leadership in spades," Richter said. "The secret ingredient is having that local leadership and a community willing to work together and a focus on ending homelessness." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. A computer programmer from San Francisco who was last seen more than a month ago on security video going upstairs to his apartment but never leaving has been found dead inside the building. The family of Christopher Woitel, 50, on Monday announced through a spokesperson that his body was located by the police somewhere inside the building on Guerrero Street in the Mission District, where he had lived for two decades. 'Today, the San Francisco Police Department and the Medical Examiner notified us that they have located Chris,' Mark Guarino wrote in a Facebook status update. 'It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of Chris' passing. Scroll down for video Found: Christopher Woitel, 50, was found dead inside his San Francisco apartment building, more than a month after he was seen on security video going upstairs to his unit Police recovered Woitel's body somewhere inside this building on Guerrero Street in the Mission District 'Please help us by preserving Chris' legacy in your memories. Thank you for your love and caring support through these very difficult times.' According to Guarino, the autopsy on Woitel is still pending and his family cannot comment further. DailyMail.com on Tuesday contacted the San Francisco Police Department and sent a list of questions concerning the circumstances surrounding the discovery of Woitel's body inside the building, which reportedly has been searched by multiple people over the past five weeks. The agency has yet to respond to the queries. At this time, it is unclear how Woitel died, where his body was found in the building, how long it had remained in that location, and why it was not discovered during searches conducted by the building manager, the police and the private investigator who was hired by the missing man's family. Woitel last contacted his mother through social media a day after his final sighting on surveillance video, on January 8, and had not been heard from since. Woitel's mother reported him missing on January 13. She says there has been no activity on his bank account or credit cards for the past month. Video from January 8 shows Woitel entering his building at 8.38pm, carrying a bottle on wine in his hand Woitel is seen walking up the stairs to his unit, marking his final sighting Woitel's family, who live in Chicago, have been frustrated with the purported lack of progress in the search and hired a private investigator, Scott Williams, to take a look at the case. Williams was given access to Woitel's apartment on Guerrero Street in San Francisco's Mission District and found his possessions undisturbed and no signs of foul play. The search yielded no clues as to the man's whereabouts, reported Mission Local. According to Williams, the apartment building has a back door, but surveillance video from that area did not show Woitel leaving. 'My gut feeling is something bad happened,' Woitels sister Lara Haben told Mission Local before the discovery of his body. Woitel's siblings had traveled from the Midwest and spent the weekend handing out flyers in the Mission District to raise awareness of their brother's plight, reported KPIX. They also shared with the outlet footage that shows Woitel, wearing a black face covering, a beanie and a tan-colored jacket, going up the stairs to his unit, with a bottle of wine in his left hand, at 8.38pm on January 8, marking the last time he was seen. In the days leading up to his disappearance, relatives said Woitel, who has been struggling with depression, was acting paranoid. He expressed concerns about the prospect of supporters of President Donald Trump causing unrest in San Francisco, and told his sister he was hearing explosions and felt 'unsafe.' He also asked Haben for money to replace his lost phone and talked about a planned getaway to the mountains. Family and friends have described Woitel as a kind-hearted and generous man who has been known to bring food and open his home to people down on their luck, including some of San Francisco's numerous homeless. Woitel communicated with his mother on January 9 and has not been heard from since; his bank account and credit cards have not been used 'It was always a little concerning, and he didnt really like to talk to me about it too much because I would always say, "What are you doing, why are you doing that?"' friend Jennifer Berg told the San Francisco Examiner. Williams, the private investigator, told the Mission Local that he has located a homeless man who is believed to be among the last people to visit Woitel at his apartment before his mysterious disappearance. The man, who goes by the nickname 'Bood,' was allegedly found to be in possession of Woitel's cellphone, which he said the computer programmer had sold him for $100. According to Williams, the man claimed to have psychic abilities and told him that Woitel had been 'shot in the head and wrapped in plastic' during a robbery by a group of men before his body was thrown into the San Francisco Bay. 'It is clear [the man] suffers from mental illness and as such could be delusional,' the investigator said. Woitel was said to be infatuated with Bood and would spend his money on whatever the man wanted. According to a friend, Woitel allowed the homeless man to stay at his apartment and paid his phone bills. Woitel's siblings, including sisters Kathy Flynn (left) and Lara Haben (right) had traveled from the Midwest this weekend to pass out fliers in the Mission District Two days before Woitel vanished, surveillance video inside his building caught Bood entering his apartment, and leaving the following morning. On the eve of Woitel's disappearance, he sent Bood an angry, expletive-laden message on Facebook, accusing him of using his social media account to 'harass people.' 'You f***ing a**hole!' Woitel reportedly wrote to Bood. 'DONE. THATS IT. ENOUGH. You are on your own. You are far too much trouble...Dont ever come here again!' Woitel's friend speculated that it is unlikely that Bood harmed the man himself because he has trouble walking due to a leg injury. Woitel's neighbor also revealed to the Mission Local that the programmer has been trying to avoid two friends, whom he described as 'thugs from the underworld.' The public offer of RailTel Corporation of India, the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure provider, has subscribed 2.63 times so far in morning on February 16, the first day of bidding. The issue has received bids for 16.13 crore equity shares against offer size of over 6.11 crore shares, the subscription data available on the exchanges showed. The retail investors seem strongly supportive to the issue as their reserved portion has subscribed 4.99 times, and that of employees 81 percent. The portion set aside for non-institutional investors has subscribed 75 percent, while qualified institutional buyers have not started putting their bids yet. The offer size mentioned above is excluding the anchor book. The company raised Rs 244 crore from anchor investors on Monday, at higher end of price band of Rs 93-94 per share. The public issue comprises a complete offer for sale of over 8.71 crore equity shares by the Government of India, hence all the money will go to selling shareholders. RailTel Corporation of India IPO opens today: Should you subscribe? "At the upper end of the price band of Rs 94, the company's IPO is valued at P/E of 21x on FY20 EPS which is decent and P/E of 34x on annualised H1FY21 EPS which looks fairly valued. The company is expected to enjoy premium post listing owing to absence of major players in the listed space," said Ajcon Global which recommended subscribing the issue. The key reasons behind its recommendation are that the company is among the largest neutral telecom infrastructure providers in India with pan-India optic fiber network; diversified portfolio of services and solutions; key partner to the Indian Railways in digital transformation; strong track record of financial performance; professionally managed with strong corporate governance and senior management team with significant industry experience; and debt free company with positive operating cashflow, low working capital cycle and strong return ratios. RailTel Corporation of India IPO: 10 things to know before subscribing to the issue RailTel was incorporated in September 2000 with the aim of modernising the existing telecom system for train control, operation and safety and to generate additional revenues by creating nationwide broadband and multimedia network by laying optical fiber cable by using the right of way along railway tracks. The company has successfully completed a number of long-term projects for provision of ICT services across India. These include the NKN and Bharat Net (formerly, the National Optical Fiber Network) projects for providing high capacity bandwidth pipes and laying optical fiber cable for connectivity of gram panchayats in India. As of January 2021, RailTel had exclusive right of way along 67,415 route kilometers connecting 7,321 railway stations for laying optical fiber cable. Its optical fiber network covers 59,098 route kilometers and covers 5,929 railway stations across towns and cities in India. RailTel has been profitable since FY07 and has consistently declared and paid dividends since FY08. Its net profit margin of 12.50 percent in FY20 was the highest among the key telecom companies and key IT/ICT companies in India and was 8.48 percent in H1FY21. The company's EBITDA margin was the highest among the key IT/ICT Companies in India in FY20. Touring musicians are thinking in quite desperate terms about whether they can continue in the industry with post-Brexit travel rules, a sector leader has said. Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, said UK artists are already losing summer bookings due to the challenges faced touring inside the EU. However, she said the freeze on travel and live performances due to the Covid-19 pandemic offers a window in which to resolve the issue. @DamianHinds asks for primary request from Govt. @ISM_music: Secure "really straightforward" visa-waiver agreement. @ProductionGuild: Simplification of immigration requirements in Europe. @FreelancersMake: Prioritise this successful industry - can't continue with current rules. Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (@CommonsDCMS) February 16, 2021 She appeared in front of Parliaments Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a one-off session about the Governments handling of negotiations with the EU. Ms Annetts told MPs: Since we moved post-Brexit, so post the transition period, I think the adverse impact of Brexit to the creative industries and in particular the freelance community has become even more stark. I have been inundated with personal testimony from musicians as to the work that they have lost or are going to lose now in Europe as a result of the new visa and work permit arrangements. Some of them are really quite heart-rending, with musicians saying they are thinking of giving up being a musician altogether. She called on Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage, who is due to appear later in the session, to show leadership and put in place a visa waiver agreement. Expand Close Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage (Dominic Lipinski/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Ms Annetts said the sector is already seeing the impact of the lack of a cultural work permit deal. Cancelled engagements, people losing work, she said. So it is happening now, even though Covid means that people cant travel, and that is because we are losing engagements from the summer on. Musicians are already thinking in quite desperate terms whether they have a career left or whether they are going to have to retrain in some other capacity. She added: At the moment we have got a window, bizarrely enough, because of Covid, to try and sort this out, so we really need to pick this up and move this forward. More than 280,000 people have signed a petition calling for a cultural work permit deal to be reached between the Government and EU. Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart and Dame Julie Walters were among more than 100 members of the Equity union who published an open letter on Tuesday urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to secure visa-free EU travel for artists. A humble three-bedroom brick house in a dusty Outback town is being leased for $2,500 a week - but there's a simple reason for the hefty price tag. The house is located in the Pilbara mining town of Tom Price in Western Australia. Local real estate agent Jason Van Straalen from Milestone Realty Dalkeith Nedlands said there had been a huge spike in demand for homes in the town as mining jobs in the area explode. 'Every day we get a call or two looking for rentals up that way and the truth is there is no supply, and there is so much demand it is crazy,' he told The West Australian. 'The prices went down so dramatically (at the end of the boom), no one wanted to invest in the town and build ... now the demand has gone through the roof and no one is prepared for it.' The same property would have been rented out for as little as $400 a week just six years ago after the mining bust devastated the town. This humble brick home in Western Australia is being leased for $2,500 a week The reason for the hefty price-tag is its location. The home is located in Tom Price, a mining town in the Pilbara region Brett Philp from Crawford Realty said the home was targeted at companies looking for accommodation because the 'general public can't afford the rental'. Mr Van Straalen told Daily Mail Australia that the home was previously rented out for $2,500 back in 2012. He explained that the rent is starting to go back up due to the demand but its now more expensive to build a house in the mining town. The modest three bedroom and two bathroom bungalow sits on a 945 square metre block, but its major selling point is its prime location. Most of the residents in the town Tom Price are employed by Rio Tinto, which operates several mines around the area. The average salary in the town is over $100,000 a year, making the price-tag an easier pill to swallow for FIFO workers looking to relocate their families. While the home is humble, most of the town's residents are employed by Rio Tinto on six-figure salaries to work in nearby mines Western Australia is a near monopoly producer of Australia's biggest export iron ore, the commodity used to make steel. The state Labor government conservatively rakes in $5billion a year from iron ore royalties. National iron ore exports are worth more than $100billion a year, with WA home to 98 per cent of Australia's iron ore reserves, meaning the state rakes in about $38,000 per resident from those mineral deposits alone. Two-thirds of that goes to China, Australia's biggest trading partner. Broken down again, iron ore last year made up 43 per cent of Australia's exports to China by value. The move came a little more than two weeks after the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners co-sponsors of the United States Medical Licensing Examination announced plans to discontinue the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills exam . The NBOME said in a statement that it is developing a temporary alternative pathway for graduates from the class of 2021 (and earlier) to meet the eligibility requirements for the COMLEX-USA Level 3 exam. Additionally, the organization said it will convene a special commission that will review the future of Level 2-PE and determine potential alternative pathways for 2022 graduates. Karen Mitchell, M.D., director of the AAFPs Medical Education Division, said the Academy recognizes the importance of demonstrating clinical competency, but she also noted that the AAFP updated its Clinical Skills Assessment Exam for Medical Students policy last year to address issues with both Step 2 CS and Level 2-PE. Our AAFP policy asks these boards to consider options for clinical skills assessment that are affordable and accessible for all medical students, including use of standardized exams within the medical school environment, Mitchell said. Rebecca Stoll, M.S., a third-year student at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, said Level 2-PE was a burden on students because the exam itself cost more than $1,000. It also required travel expense and time away from rotations for most students because the exam was offered only at two sites Chicago and Philadelphia. The USMLE Step 2 CS exam had received similar criticism. NBOME said in its statement that it was deferring work on a temporary clinical skills testing site that had been scheduled to open in May in California. From the interactions Ive had with other osteopathic students, the majority of students want the exam to go away altogether, said Stoll, a student delegate to the AAFPs Congress of Delegates. Were hoping the special commission will at least come up with something thats local. Ive heard from students who believe schools are best equipped to assess our ability to take care of patients because theyve worked with us for four years. Stoll pointed out that the pass rate of Level 2-PE is higher than 90% and added that schools should take responsibility for identifying students who cannot pass an assessment and address their shortcomings. Were constantly being clinically evaluated, Stoll said. We take a dozen standardized OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations) in our preclinical years. Were evaluated during every clerkship rotation by preceptors, via standardized evaluations, in our third and fourth years. OSCEs are used in both allopathic and osteopathic medical schools to assess students clinical skills. Unlike USMLE Step 2 CS, the Level 2-PE includes osteopathic manipulation medicine. But, again, Stoll said, students would rather be evaluated by our schools than travel for an expensive exam. Stoll said more students from underrepresented groups are needed in the physician workforce, especially in primary care. Lowering the cost of education could help, she said. The more we can do to reduce the cost of medical education, the more diverse our workforce will become and the better our health outcomes will be, she said. Patients like to see themselves reflected in those taking care of them. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 12:30:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SOMA, Japan, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Three days after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's Fukushima Prefecture, many overseas Chinese living there were still in fear of Saturday's ordeal. They recalled the latest earthquake, the devastating 2011 quake and tsunami, hoping such painful experiences would not be repeated and they would face the future with courage. Chi Lei, a 55-year-old Chinese, has been living in Fukushima Prefecture since 2008. After the powerful 9.0-magnitude quake that killed more than 15,000 people and sparked the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011, she and her family had lived in a local government shelter for seven years, and later moved to the city of Nihonmatsu in the northeastern prefecture. "I was looking at my mobile phone when the strong earthquake suddenly struck. I wanted to get up and run, but I couldn't stand, so I squatted down on the ground," Chi told Xinhua. "My heart was pounding because my daughter and son-in-law were still upstairs. I was afraid the house would collapse. I was wondering why the earthquake would not stop," she added. Her house was on a higher ground and more than 20 years old, so it was severely damaged in the quake. Some of the beams and walls of the house cracked, all the cabinets were toppled, and the house was in a mess. "The tremor stopped, but my legs were still shaking. Later, my son-in-law took my hand and we walked slowly out of the house," Chi recalled. "I was very scared during the 2011 earthquake and this one has made me even more scared." Knowing Chi's plight, the Association of Chinese Women in Japan offered a helping hand. "You could come and stay with the sisters of our association in Tokyo to get through the coronavirus epidemic and the cold winter," said Madoka Yukihira, chairwoman of the Association of Chinese Women in Japan. Yukihira told Xinhua she hoped overseas Chinese in Japan could unite and help each other in the face of disasters. Han Qiuyue, a Chinese businesswoman lives in the city of Soma, running restaurants and a spa hotel in Fukushima Prefecture. Describing Saturday's earthquake as "shocking and terrifying," she quickly plucked up. Her hotel, a reconstruction project of the 2011 earthquake, has been open for a year. Part of the ceiling of the building fell off, the cement of the outdoor hot spring pool cracked, while several restaurants suffered serious damage. She said she became even stronger after the series of tragedies -- earthquakes, nuclear meltdown, typhoons and the COVID-19 outbreak. "Every disaster makes me feel like I'm being tested. My employees needed me. They gave me the courage," said Han. After cleanup, some of her restaurants and the hotel reopened on Sunday and Monday. Believing "crisis is also an opportunity," she remained confident about the future. Enditem A juvenile suspect was killed Monday morning after he allegedly stole a car at a gas station in Westport and later crashed in Fairfield traveling nearly 100 mph seconds before the accident, according to police. In a joint statement, Westport and Fairfield police said the fatal incident is still under investigation, and asked for the public to provide any additional information related to the crash. Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras and Westport Police Chief Fotios Koskinas both expressed their condolences to the family of the juvenile who was killed. The male victim of the crash was not identified, but police said he was a resident of Bridgeport. The string of events began a little after 8 a.m. Monday after a stolen car was reported to Westport police. A driver of a 2019 Honda Pilot told police he had stopped for gas at the Exxon station of Post Road East in Westport. While he was inside paying for gas, the SUV was stolen from the pump, he told authorities. A short time later, Westport Police located the stolen vehicle driving in the area of Turkey Hill Road and Post Road East, police said. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle but disengaged due to the suspects reckless driving and high speeds. Around 8:12 a.m., a Fairfield detective found the car at the Post Road and Jelliff Lane intersection in Fairfield, about a mile and a quarter east of where the car was first reported stolen. Police said the car had rolled over and left the roadway. The driver was ejected during the crash and suffered serious injuries. First responders provided medical attention at the scene before an ambulance took the juvenile to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he died. Fairfield police are investigating the crash while Westport police are investigating the theft. Initial crash reconstruction data indicates the suspect vehicle was traveling 99 miles-per-hour five seconds before the crash occurred, police said. Contributed / Getty Images Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have additional information is asked to contact either the Fairfield Police Department at 203-254-4800 or Westport Police Department at 203-341-6000. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, on Tuesday unanimously dismissed the entire electoral protest filed by former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos against Vice President Leni Robredo. The court's spokesperson Brian Hosaka said all 15 magistrates voted, with seven fully concurring with the dismissal while eight concurred with the poll protest result. He did not disclose the names and who was the ponente, or the justice who penned the decision. A copy of the decision has yet to be sent to the camps of Robredo and Marcos. Former Supreme Court spokesperson Ted Te explained this means the justices had different reasons for dismissing the protest, but they have the same conclusion. He added Marcos' camp can still appeal the decision, but the unanimous vote of the magistrates would make it "extremely difficult to reverse." A highly-placed source in the Supreme Court said defeated candidate Marcos failed to present specific acts to back his claims of poll fraud, such as the time and manner of irregularities. "Allegations were bare, laden with generic and repetitious allegations," the source said. The high court's decision concludes more than four years of litigation. The case was transferred from Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa to Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in October 2019. Marcos and Solicitor General Jose Calida also failed in their attempts for Leonen to inhibit from the case. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a briefing said they respect the decision of the court. "We respect that and we respect also that the camp of Senator Bongbong Marcos has a further remedy of moving for reconsideration," he noted. Marcos, who lost the 2016 vice presidential race, lodged the poll protest against Robredo on June 30, 2016. The son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos questioned the results of the May 2016 polls where Robredo defeated him by 263,473 votes. The tribunal in October 2019 found that Robredo's lead grew by around 15,000 votes after a recount of ballots from the 5,415 clustered precincts in the pilot provinces of Iloilo, Negros Oriental, and Camarines Sur Robredo's bailiwick. The pilot areas for the recount were chosen by Marcos' camp. In a statement on Monday, Marcos' spokesperson Atty. Vic Rodriguez said, "The court unanimously voted to dismiss our second cause of action which is the manual recount and judicial revision. However, as to the issue on how to proceed with our third cause of action which is the annulment of votes in Mindanao, the Tribunal has yet to decide on the matter." But in an updated briefer issued later in the day, the Supreme Court Public Information Office made it clear the PET junked Marcos' entire election protest. In January this year, Marcos in his so-called third cause of action asked the tribunal to revisit the results of the poll recount and to validate voter signatures in three provinces in Mindanao namely Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan due to alleged fraud and terrorism. The PET was in the process of reviewing if it has the power to annul the election results from these three areas. The source in the high court said having failed in the three pilot provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Oriental, Marcos cannot seek the third cause of action of annulment of votes in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan. Caguioa and retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio previously voted to dismiss Marcos' electoral protest due to the violation of the PET's Rule 65, which states a protestant should choose for recount not more than three provinces "best exemplifying the frauds or irregularities alleged in his petition." CNN Philippines senior correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. Editors note: During Black History month, PennLive is paying tribute to the people who are helping shape what will some day be the history of the Black community in Central Pennsylvania. These are people who are examples of excellence, who inspire those around them for the work they do, the art they create, or the causes for which they fight. This is one in an ongoing series of profiles that will be featured this month on PennLive and in The Patriot-News. As an educational leader in Harrisburg, Sieta Achampong has touched the lives of hundreds of students who later succeeded in college, including Ivy League universities, and landed in leadership roles in many professions. Her vision and tenacity helped Harrisburg High Schools Sci Tech campus win a Blue Ribbon Award in 2018, the nations highest education honor. The next year, she learned she had stage 3 breast cancer. But that devastating diagnosis didnt stop her. She continued working as she fought for her life and then always an educator created a video series about unforeseen aspects of fighting breast cancer called Cancer Speaks. Achampong was promoted last year and now oversees both high school campuses. One of her strengths is convincing students they can succeed, despite setbacks. Shes not afraid to share her own story of growing up in Allison Hill with her grandparents, not knowing her father, becoming a teen mother and still finding ways to achieve. Achampong was senior class president, student council president and homecoming queen, then won a full scholarship to Shippensburg University. Upon graduation, she landed back in her hometown at the Rowland School, then Sci Tech, where she pursued her masters degree and principals certification. Principal Sieta Achampong speaks at an award announcement in 2018 after Harrisburg High School, SciTech Campus was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. She worked for a while in Lancaster County, at a school with a slower pace, while she pursued her doctorate and raised two daughters with help from a supportive husband. It wasnt easy, but it was possible. Thats the message she likes to instill in students: Dont give up. Education is the greatest equalizer. If you dont do anything else, get your high school diploma, she says. Or get your GED. People can take everything away from you. But your knowledge and education, no one can ever take that away. Her first job as a doctor was at Sci Tech, where she boosted the academic rigor to better prepare students for college. She was the campus beloved principal from 2013 until her promotion. She misses seeing students face-to-face under the remote-learning model, but the flexibility to work from home has been a blessing as she deals with cancer-treatment side effects, including radiation damage affecting her feet and legs. She uses a cane, and has another surgery slated for March. She is in remission but must take chemo pills for five years to try to keep the cancer away. In addition to her educational contributions, Achampong is a woman of faith, an author under her motivational business called God Wins and is active in Zeta Phi Beta, including serving as state director and local chapter president. If there was a way for me, they can definitely do it, she said. Latch onto someone who believes in you, and have those people in your corner and youll be just fine. READ: Harrisburg SciTech principal battles breast cancer as her students run to raise awareness of the disease READ: Harrisburg students walk out of class to protest loss of full-time principal By Talib Kweli MCD. 336 pp. $27 - - - Talib Kweli was an up-and-comer when fellow New York rapper Jay-Z, just a few years older than him but already a god, gave him a co-sign on "Moment of Clarity," a track from his legendary 2003 release, "The Black Album": "If skills sold, truth be told/I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli." It wasn't entirely a compliment. (Jay-Z, avatar of hip-hop excess, was suggesting that he could rap as thoughtfully as the socially conscious Kweli but that he would rather make money.) But Kweli took it as one. "The mere mention of my name in a Jay-Z song gave me industry credibility that years of making great hip-hop had not," Kweli writes in his new memoir, "Vibrate Higher: A Rap Story." The push-pull between commercial hip-hop, with its frequent emphasis on empty materialism, and Kweli's message-driven, occasionally preachy and invariably less popular conscious rap is one of the main preoccupations at the heart of the swift, sturdy "Vibrate Higher." Kweli was born Talib Kweli Greene to parents who were educators and Black cultural nationalists. "The literal translation of Talib Kweli is 'seeker of truth and knowledge,'" Kweli writes. "With this name I could not grow up to be a crackhead." His name, with its unfortunate tendency to auto-correct to "Taliban," would soon cause problems. After 9/11, his record label, with which he was frequently at odds, was concerned enough to ask him to change it. He was raised in Brooklyn during the dawning age of rap, which back then still felt like a secret. "Hip-hop sank its teeth into me and never let go," Kweli writes. By the time he got to junior high school, he was writing rhymes nonstop. By freshman year of high school, he was engaging in daily lunchroom rap battles, his brain, he would write later, a "never-ending river of rhymes." Kweli briefly attended NYU, where he was an indifferent student. Hip-hop crowded out everything else, but success seemed increasingly out of reach. Arrested for a series of minor offenses, he wondered: "Was I on course to be yet another statistic? It didn't matter that I had both parents in my life, a great childhood, and a decent education. I was beginning to fall into traps that were set for me a long time before I was born." Kweli eventually befriended fellow Brooklyn MC Yasiin Bey, who records as Mos Def. In 1998, the duo released the still-unmatched "Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star," which cemented the rappers' reputations and launched their solo careers (they have yet to release another album together). It was a milestone in socially conscious underground hip-hop. "While Diddy and Jay-Z were ruling nightclubs around the world with tales of champagne, cars, and women, Black Star brought lyricism and consciousness back to the forefront of the conversation," Kweli writes. The first half of "Vibrate Higher" is a plain-spoken striver's tale that affectingly charts Kweli's rise to the middle. It flags only slightly in its discography-centric second half, a blur of albums and tours, recording sessions and label troubles. A flotilla of celebrities pass through its pages. Kweli collaborated with not-yet-famous Kendrick Lamar, J Dilla and Kanye West, befriending West during West's rapid ascent from unknown producer to superstar, during which time the two collaborated on one of Kweli's few commercial hits, "Get By." He became close to Dave Chappelle, visited fugitive Assata Shakur in her Cuban exile and introduced his grandmother to President Barack Obama. The book's uneven last pages detail Kweli's work with the then-nascent Black Lives Matter movement. A passage about his participation in the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, where he was tear-gassed, is among the most moving. A lengthy section on the Trump administration seems less essential. "Vibrate Higher" ends before last summer's Black Lives Matter uprisings, though not before its author discovered Twitter, where he established a lively and sometimes contentious presence. "The more famous you are," he writes, "the more people hate you." (He has since been banned from the platform after repeated rules violations.) As the book ends, Kweli, like Jay-Z, questions his choices. He is a respected figure, but, thanks to a career-long pursuit of substance over style, not a rich one. "Why did I constantly choose the least profitable subject matter?" he wonders, though the trade-off doesn't appear to truly trouble him. "I know I am a great lyricist not because others say it but because of the time I have spent dedicated to my craft," he writes in an earlier passage. "I know it whether you do or not." - - - Allison Stewart writes about pop culture, music and politics for The Washington Post and the Chicago Tribune. She's working on a book about the history of the space program. Investigators in Delaware County are searching for a Darby Township man who shot at a Walmart employee over the weekend, officials said Tuesday. Devante Dixon, 28, faces charges of attempted homicide, attempted aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, carrying a gun without a license, and related offenses, according to court records. Dixon was trying to buy a video game at the Walmart in Glenolden about 8:30 a.m. Sunday, according to police, when he got into a dispute with an employee, pulled out a handgun, and fired a single shot inside the crowded store. No one was injured, and Dixon fled shortly after, police said. Darby Township Police Chief Mike Sousa told reporters that Dixon and the employee didnt know each other, and described the shooting as just a random act. After identifying Dixon from surveillance footage and other evidence, police from multiple nearby departments surrounded Dixons apartment. The officers barricaded the street for hours before finally entering the building and discovering that Dixon wasnt home, police said. Officers seized two of his vehicles parked outside the apartment. Investigators say Dixon is armed and dangerous, and are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to call Darby Township Police at 610-583-3245. Bolstered by revival in private consumption and government spending, India is set to exit the recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the third quarter of this fiscal, projected rating agency ICRA. The agency estimated Indian economy to record a rise of 0.7 per cent in Q3 FY21, after two very unfavourable quarters. The forecasted growth in Q3 FY2021, while undoubtedly mild and uneven, is nevertheless welcome, as it signifies that the economy has exited the COVID-19 pandemic-induced recession, ICRA said in a statement on Tuesday. The GDP figures for the December quarter are scheduled to be released on February 26. However, there is still a long way to go, as certain sectors are still feeling the pinch of the COVID-19-induced disruption, said Aditi Nayar, Principal Economist, ICRA. "Encouragingly, almost all the non-agricultural lead indicators that we track recorded a continued, albeit uneven, improvement in volume terms in Q3 FY2021. This pickup benefitted from the continued unlocking of the economy, uptick in consumption during the festive season, as well as higher central government spending. Moreover, most of the tracked indicators rebounded to a growth on a YoY basis in that quarter, although this was on the low base of Q3 FY2020," Nayar said. ALSO READ: Credit Suisse upgrades India to overweight; projects greater scope for rate cuts "The outliers that continued to contract in Q3 FY2021 included sectors such as aviation, reiterating that the contact-intensive portion of the economy will take longer to recover," she further pointed out. Government expenditure will play a major role in India's economic revival, ICRA noted. After recording a YoY decline of 14.2 per cent in Q2 FY2021, Government of India's non-interest revenue expenditure increased 22.9 per cent in Q3 FY2021. Moreover, for the 19 state governments - Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand - revenue expenditure marginally rose by 0.4 per cent last quarter after contracting 14.3 per cent in Q2 FY2021. "ICRA expects that the revival in central government spending supported the Indian economy's exit from the recession in Q3 FY2021," Nayar said. Centre's capital expenditure and net lending increased by a significant 117.7 per cent in Q3 FY2021, in contrast to the contraction of 39.1 per cent in Q2 FY2021, ICRA mentioned. The capital outlay of the aforementioned 19 state governments continued to contract, although the pace of the YoY decline narrowed to 14.1 per cent in Q3 FY2021 from 41.8 per cent in the previous quarter, it added. Regarding private consumption, consumer confidence only saw a modest growth, due to weaker recovery in the informal and contact-intensive sectors, as evinced in the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Consumer Confidence Survey. ALSO READ: Indian economy on track for recovery from upcoming fiscal, says S&P "In contrast, healthy kharif output and crop procurement continued to buoy rural farm sentiment. Moreover, the migration of labour back to urban areas is expected to have restarted remittances and added to the consumption of the non-farm part of the rural economy, ICRA stated. Overall, consumer durables production increased by a healthy 6.4 per cent in Q3 FY2021, in contrast to a contraction of 9.8 per cent in Q2 FY2021, while the growth in consumer non-durables rose to 2.5 per cent from 0.4 per cent, respectively, ICRA said. The contraction in capital goods narrowed to 1.1 per cent from 12.8 per cent, respectively, suggesting that gross fixed capital formation recovered further in Q3 FY2021 despite the subdued momentum of new project announcement and completion. ICRA expects the gross value added (GVA) at basic prices to have risen by 0.7 per cent in Q3 FY2021, in contrast to the 7.0 per cent contraction in Q2 FY2021, led by industry (to +2.1 per cent from -2.1 per cent) and services (to -1.1 per cent from -11.4 per cent), with a steady performance of agriculture, forestry and fishing (to +3.5 per cent from +3.4 per cent). "In our assessment, the formal part of the Indian economy has shrugged off the pandemic blues and is gaining traction at the cost of the smaller and less formal segment. This is hastening the process of the formalisation of the economy and contributing to a consolidation in favour of the larger and more reputed players in certain sectors. While the informal and contact-intensive sectors will certainly heal more gradually, the lack of adequate proxies constrains a deeper analysis of the state of their recovery," ALSO READ: 'GDP to grow at 13.5% in FY22; economic activity on verge of normality': Nomura A Yale graduate student killed in New Haven Feb. 6 was laid to rest Tuesday at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. It was somber, said Capt. David Pytlik, public affairs officer for the Connecticut National Guard. It was very difficult to have to say goodbye. Kevin Jiang, 26, was shot to death Feb. 6 on Lawrence Street in the citys East Rock neighborhood. Qinxuan Pan, the person of interest in Jiangs killing, remained at large Tuesday. The search for Pan, 29, had been focused on the area in Georgia in which he last was seen, according to the the U.S. Marshals Service. U.S. Marshal Matthew Duffy said Tuesday the department is still concentrating on Georgia. Duffy said the reward offered in the case was increased to $10,000. He said the concentration of the search in Georgia is based on what family members told us and thats where the investigation has taken us. Were in for the long haul; were all used to tough cases its nothing new, he said Pytlik said Jiang joined the Washington Army National Guard in 2012 and was commissioned as an officer in February 2020. He transferred to the Connecticut Army National Guard, Pytlik said, and was part of the 118th Multifunctional Medical Battalion. He was so young, so much possibility ahead of him, Pytlik said. He seemed like a really great guy, really committed to helping others. Pytlik said Jiangs parents, Linda Liu and Mingchen Jiang, as well as his fiancee, Zion Perry, were given folded American flags at the cemetery. The ceremony included a full course of honors, he said. Pytlik said it was very important to honor Jiang and his loved ones. Pytlik noted that in addition to his military service, Jiang was active in his church and other volunteer work. Even in difficult times like this it in important to show our respect for all those he left behind, he said. It was honor to support them in their time of need. Please take a moment to remember 2nd Lt. Jiang and keep his family, friends, and those affected by his death in your thoughts, the Connecticut National Guard said in a tweet Tuesday. Jiangs funeral was held Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church in New Haven. During it, his parents described their sons warmth, kindness, energy and faith. Awka The Anambra State Government has expressed excitement towards the recent launch of United Nigeria Airlines by one of its indigenes, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo. The state government while commending the founder on the feat, described him as a worthy son of the state. He added that only a courageous and audacious entrepreneur can launch an airline anywhere in the world today, in view of the state of the industry worldwide as occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic. A statement by the state commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Don Adinuba stated that Okonkwo deserves commendation for the bold move, while calling on him to consider making Anambra its headquarters, as the state prepares to launch the Anambra International Cargo Airport. Adinuba in the release said, "He (Okonkwo) is following in the footsteps of another great ambassador of Anambra State, Chief Allen Onyema, chairman Air Peace Airlines, who is increasing his fleet from 27 to 40 aircraft, despite the current turbulent state of the global airline business. "We are supremely confident that United Nigeria Airlines will take the aviation industry by storm, as Air Peace has done since 2013, especially with regard to the safety record, schedule integrity and quality ground and inflight services." The release further disclosed that, "The government and people of Anambra State are happy that both United Nigeria and Air Peace are committed to the right values. While Air Peace is irrevocably committed to peace in Nigeria and elsewhere, United Nigeria Airlines is unabashedly dedicated to Nigeria's unity and integration. "Nigeria needs peace and unity more than other things at this point in its history. Without peace and unity, no nation can achieve progress. "Chief Onyema has pledged to build a hanger at Anambra International Cargo Airport still under construction. The hanger will cause a lot of local and international carriers to bring their equipment to the airport for maintenance and repairs. "We are calling on Dr Okonkwo to consider making Anambra Airport the headquarters of his United Nigeria Airlines operations," the commissioner pleaded. VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has called for providing plots with clear titles at an affordable price to the middle class people. They should be free of any dispute or litigation, he insisted. He held a review meeting on urban housing and solid waste management with minister for municipal administration Botsa Satyanarayana and other senior officials at his camp office here on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, he directed officials to provide plots having all requisite permissions at an affordable price and on a non-profit basis to the middle income group people. He said providing plots must be a continuous process in the state. Reddy called upon officials to come up with plans in order to provide plots to the eligible beneficiaries as and when they seek such plots. He asked officials to make all efforts to provide high living standards to the middle income group families. The officials briefed about several town plans that are being implemented in various states in the country and also on how they could create a land bank for the scheme and alongside development of infrastructure. They proposed ring roads around towns and felt the need to prepare designs of ring roads in such a way that they should benefit both the government and the people who give their land for construction. They also suggested developing smart town layouts around the ring roads. As per the plan, 18 layouts would be developed in 12 towns initially and the design of smart towns to be at least in 25 to 200 acres area depending upon the size of the local population. Moreover, the layout has to be prepared within 18 months after the works begin. With regard to solid waste management, the government will start a Clean Andhra Pradesh programme with a 100-day action plan in order to keep the state clean. There are plans to rope in NGOs and the general public in the programme. There will be 3,825 garbage collection vehicles, auto-tippers and over 6,000 bins and waste management facilities would be set up in the municipalities. Reddy asked the officials to start bio-mining and felt the need for a total change in maintenance of cleanliness in the state. The appeals courts ruling, however, relied on a new lease the Expo tried to work out with the railroad society a month-to-month agreement that initially charged the group $1,000, up from the previous $180. The train group made the first of the higher payments in August 2018, but balked when the Expo then raised its rate to $2,000 and has not paid any rent since, according to Napa court records. But the fact that fairground officials did offer the rail group a continued place for their train exhibit albeit at a far higher rent wipes away the societys claim to be fighting against eviction, according to Simons of the appellate court. Although we understand the (rail) society to dispute the validity of the 2018 rent increases, the society does not explain how the 2017 lease termination has any continued legal effect or what practical effect an order requiring the Expo to formally rescind the 2017 termination could have, given that the Expo no longer relies on it, wrote Simons. During the court battle, railroad enthusiasts closed their Expo exhibit in June 2018 only to reopen it after three months and continued to hold meetings and open houses before the coronavirus pandemic forced the shutdown of most fairground events in March 2020. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Nearly 12 crore doses of Covid vaccine to be available in June: Health Ministry Adverse event cases after COVID-19 vaccination just one in 2,000: Govt India pti-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Feb 16: Just one out of 2,000 beneficiaries report minor effects post vaccination against COVID-19, the Centre on Tuesday said, noting that the rate of adverse event following immunisation has been recorded at 0.05 per cent. Dispelling rumours, NITI Aayog member (Health) V K Paul said the vaccination will not impact fertility in any manner. "The AEFI is 0.05 per cent, it is 1 in 2000 there is slight pain or fever. Spreading rumours like it will impact fertility are not true. The vaccines are eminently safe. I will appeal anganwadi workers and nurses to get vaccinated," he said. COVID vaccination drive: Over 7,000 get 2nd dose, total 80 lakh vaccinated so far ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava further added that those taking aspirin and blood thinner can also be given these vaccines. "There is no contraindication," he said. Paul further said 24 countries have been sent vaccinations from India. He urged people to maintain vigil and keep following COVID appropriate behaviour. "70 per cent Indian population is still vulnerable. Vigil to contain this virus must continue. We still don't fully understand the virus so we have to be serious about vaccination and COVID-19's appropriate behaviour," he said. Few Americans believe they can become a political target for their ideas, which is why we freely post videos and comments on any one of the countless social media platforms available. Americans use digital platforms to express themselves, much as artists and authors first used canvas or paper. The difference between the two is that expressions in the digital world are monitored by editors and trolls who directly decide which of our ideas are acceptable to society and which are unacceptable. Somehow social media posts are less worthy of consideration as free speech than other forms of expression. Recently I was targeted for a Facebook live video where I likened Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo to a Nazi dictator because they took a mans business without due process. The video was taken at night while two dozen deputy sheriffs blocked the doorway of the business triggering a feeling that I was sucked into history and wasnt in America anymore. The cause of the closure was a bizarrely arbitrary COVID restriction imposed on one side of the street while businesses on the other side of the street were free to operate. Worse is the fact that the regulation was imposed and enforced by officials who, we have learned, have been hiding information about COVID nursing home deaths and who are prone to dangerously ineffectual decision making. So much for the moral high ground the mayor and governor were claiming. During the month the video lived on my Facebook page, it sparked considerate discussions about whether my comparison was too hyperbolic, but no one claimed it was anti-Semitic. The video expired then reappeared on the page of a political opponent. It was clipped and edited to make it look like I shouted a Nazi salute. Savvy viewers noticed the chop job and demanded the poster provide the entire video, which she never did. So I posted it myself along with an apology for likening the event to the horrors of the Holocaust because that is wrong, no matter who makes the comparison or why -- an important lesson for everyone to learn. Lets be clear -- the poster who repurposed the video wanted to set the false narrative that I am unfit to serve in elected office. I truly believed she would fail in her goal because I have a well-documented history of working to fight racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia. Imagine my surprise when newspaper reporters and editors, with whom I have worked for years and who know my history of diverse community involvement, printed headlines to make it seem as if I was caught shouting a Nazi salute. Manipulating facts into a political narrative to destroy those with whom we dont agree is dangerous. Sen. Joe McCarthy did it 80 years ago with the help of the news media when he labeled his political enemies as communists. He was eventually stopped, but not before destroying the reputations of hundreds of people, terrorizing the country, and wrecking entire industries (film, universities, publishing, civil service). The damage McCarthy wrought took decades to unwind. Today, instead of hyping the fear of communism, media monitors and trolls are hyping the narrative that conservatism is the enemy. They portray conservatives as dangerous radicals who want to destroy America. This form of censorship isnt grounded in ideology or law. This muzzling of public discourse is based on concern that opinions deemed unpopular or provocative will be attributed to the media platform on which they are shared, costing them viewers and dollars while exposing them to increased pressure for government regulation. Todays McCarthyism is fear of consumers and regulators dressed up in the guise of awareness. Conservative values are held by people in every culture, religion and sexual orientation. I have spent a lifetime fighting for the fair and equal treatment of others. I have always held the belief that everyone -- especially those with whom I disagree -- have the right to express themselves. However, fueling bias against conservatives for political gain is hypocritical and dangerous and the media has an obligation, under the protection of the first amendment, to refrain from partaking in such folly lest we repeat an unsavory time in American history. We should all keep that in mind when we are asked to judge others based on sensational headlines and past social media posts that dont present the whole picture of situations more complicated than handheld soundbites. Leticia Remauro is a small business owner, former chair of the Staten Island Republican Party and former chair of Community Board 1. She is a declared candidate for Staten Island Borough President. MP Sidhi Bus Accident: At least 47 people, including 24 men, 21 women and two children, have died after a passenger bus fell into a canal in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi early today. The multi-agency rescue operation has been called off for the day and will resume tomorrow, said Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Seven people have been rescued so far, he said. Meanwhile, Sidhi Collector Ravindra Chaudhary has told media that rescue operation had concluded on Tuesday and would resume on Wednesday morning. He said exact number of people trapped in the canal could not be guessed, but estimated it could be four to five people. The bus carrying 54 people fell into a canal in Sidhi as it was heading to Satna from Sidhi district and the incident happened at Rampur Naikin area at around 7.30am. Police said the bus was to move from Chhuiya Valley area but the driver, who was later saved, took a detour to avoid a traffic jam. However, he lost control over the vehicle which then plunged into the canal. An SDRF team was rushed to the spot and the bus was taken out of the canal with the help of a crane. As a precautionary measure, water from nearby Bansagar dam was stopped. Bus accident in MPs Sidhi is horrific. Condolences to the bereaved families. The local administration is actively involved in rescue and relief work: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 16, 2021 Police said the bus was overcrowded as the 32-seater vehicle had 54 passengers. As many as seven passengers were saved by the rescuers. PM Modi expressed grief over the "horrific" accident and approved an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for next of kin of those who lost their lives. Modi said, "The bus accident in MP's Sidhi is horrific. Condolences to the bereaved families. The local administration is actively involved in rescue and relief work." Chouhan has summoned transport minister Govind Singh Rajput for discussing the road mishap. The CM also cancelled his Tuesday events in the wake of the tragedy. "What has happened is extremely tragic. Rescue work is already on. Two ministers are on their way to the site. Families of those who have died will be given compensation of 5 lakh. The entire state is standing with those affected," Chouhan said in a video message. The chief minister said he ordered to stop the water outflow from the Bansagar dam so that water level in the canal could go down and help in the rescue operation. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath also expressed grief over the bus tragedy. Eyewitnesses said the bus sank completely into the canal water and was not visible in the morning hours. Later, the district administration stopped the release of water into the canal from the Bansagar project, which brought the water level down, they said. Meanwhile, in view of the accident, the CM cancelled a house-warming ceremony to be attended virtually by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah was scheduled to take part in the programme, scheduled to be held at 11 AM in Bhopal, for the beneficiaries of over one lakh houses constructed in Madhya Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). In another incident, five women were killed and 30 injured when a mini-cargo vehicle carrying them went out of control in Tuticorin and plunged into a roadside canal on Tuesday, police said. The women were on their way to work when the driver lost control of the vehicle and it plunged into a small canal at Maniyachi. President Donald Trump and his son Eric listen while campaign adviser Lara Trump speaks during a Make America Great Again rally at Kenosha Regional Airport in in Kenosha, Wis., on Nov. 2, 2020, (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Insiders Confident Lara Trump Will Win If She Runs for US Senate in North Carolina Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, would instantly become the candidate to beat if she chose to run for the U.S. Senate to succeed retiring North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr, according to people in the Trump familys political orbit. She would immediately galvanize conservative support, and not just because her last name is Trump, a former Trump 2020 adviser with close ties to the Trump family told The Epoch Times. Lara knows North Carolina and North Carolina knows her. If she decides to run, shed bring an unmatched ability to connect with voters, while also being able to raise the money necessary to compete in a close election. Lara Trump is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, who describes herself in her Twitter profile as an NC girl in NYC. She is married to Eric Trump, the middle son of former President Donald Trump; the couple has two children. If Lara decides to run, she will trample the competition in a Republican primary. It wont be close, a former Trump White House official told The Epoch Times. And as far as the general goes, remember North Carolina is a state that former President Trump won twice, and Lara probably has room to grow that support with independents who value a softer tone. Reports about Lara Trump considering a Senate run in North Carolina surfaced as recently as November last year. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) reignited the conversation by flagging her as the biggest winner following the former presidents acquittal in the Senate impeachment trial. The biggest winner I think of this whole impeachment trial is Lara Trump, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told Fox News on Jan. 14. My dear friend Richard Burr, who I like and have been friends with for a long time, just made Lara Trump almost the certain nominee for the Senate seat in North Carolina to replace him if she runs. Certainly I would be behind her because she represents the future of the Republican Party. Burr, who announced in 2016 that he wouldnt be seeking reelection in 2022, was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump in the second impeachment trial. The states GOP swiftly condemned him for the vote. North Carolina Republicans sent Senator Burr to the United States Senate to uphold the Constitution and his vote today to convict in a trial that he declared unconstitutional is shocking and disappointing, party Chairman Michael Whatley said in a statement. During Trumps first impeachment trial, Burr voted against convicting Trump of the two charges against him. He led the Senate Intelligence Committee during its years-long investigation of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election, which found no evidence that either Trump or anyone on his campaign colluded with Moscow. Jason Meister, who worked with Lara Trump on the advisory board to the Trump campaign, told The Epoch Times that the former presidents daughter-in-law would surely win if she decided to run. Lara Trump is an authentic leader of the America First movement, and she greatly understands the unique challenges our country faces with the Biden administration. The state of North Carolina would be lucky to have her serve, Meister said. She was also an integral part of President Trumps campaign both in 2016 and 2020. Were in the midst of the gut renovation of the GOP, and we need to remove the deadwood. And thats sort of how I see the impeachment vote. A survey last year by Big Data Poll that assessed Lara Trumps image in North Carolina showed her above water in terms of favorability, with 11 percent more favorable views than unfavorable. Meanwhile, roughly 1 in 5 North Carolinians said they werent familiar enough with her to form an opinion, including a large number of independents, suggesting that she has room to grow, Richard Baris, the director of Big Data Poll, told The Epoch Times. I have told people before that I do think that she should run if she wants to be a U.S. senator, because she would be very strong, Baris said. Now that we have the election and we saw who voted for Donald Trump and how he kept the state of North Carolina in his column, I think, really, it would take someone like Lara Trump for the Republicans to hold it. Trump won the state by 1.3 points in 2020 against Joe Biden and by 3.6 points in 2016 against Hillary Clinton. According to Baris, the growing political influence of the Research Trianglean area in North Carolina anchored by three major research universities and dozens of large corporationsrequires any viable Republican contender to draw votes from registered Democrats in the western part of the state who often vote Republican in federal elections. For the presidency and for the Senate, they can vote Republican and often do. But they have been less likely to do so over the last two years. Because these are working-class, old school, ancestral Democrats, and they dont like traditional Republicans, Baris said. So somebody like Lara Trump, especially if she had the same strong message as her father-in-law, I think would be a very strong candidate. Without those working-class people, the math just doesnt add up. Baris said Lara Trump impressed him as a great retail politician while on the campaign trail. She could get up in front of a crowd, and then when she gets off the stage, she can mingle, Baris said, noting that connecting with people face-to-face is key for Republicans because of the medias left-leaning bias. You really have to be able to do that if youre going to run for the Senate, especially if you are a Republican. The impeachment trial and subsequent acquittal of the former president made Lara Trump an even stronger candidate because Republican primary voters overwhelmingly view the impeachment as a political maneuver by the Democrats, according to Jim McLaughlin, a Trump campaign pollster who has worked with more than 70 members of Congress, 14 U.S. senators, and 10 governors. A recent survey of voters in battleground states by McLaughlin and Associates showed that 60 percent of all voters viewed the impeachment as a waste of time. Meanwhile, 80 percent of Trump voters and 76 percent of Republicans were less likely to vote for a member of Congress who voted to impeach Trump. That whole impeachment is why people hate Washington, McLaughlin told The Epoch Times, pointing to the multiple crises facing the nation. McLaughlin, who polled for the Trump campaign during the first impeachment trial, said the former presidents approval ratings were as strong as they ever were following the acquittal. I think its one of those things that makes themDonald Trump, Lara Trumpmakes them even stronger, McLaughlin said. Anybody with President Trumps name would be a great candidate, let alone his daughter-in-law. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free President Joe Biden says he will fulfill a campaign promise to send a comprehensive immigration reform bill to Congress to restore humanity and American values to our immigration system. But given the huge potential health of a nation struggling to overcome COVID-19, the Biden immigration promises could destroy this administration unless there is quick and effective action. It is an action that threatens to make voters in battleground states like Arizona or Nevada or maybe even traditionally Democratic New Mexico have buyers remorse over electing Biden. A Biden executive order put a 100-day pause on the deportation of certain illegal immigrants, but a judge has temporarily halted it. Jessica Vaughan of the Center for Immigration Studies told an InsideSources roundtable Biden is trying to accomplish as consequential an increase in immigration as possible, and in any way possible to enact it. While Bidens often described as a moderate, Vaughan says his immigration proposal is anything but moderate when you examine the details. It will be quite consequential if he is able to accomplish even half of what he is talking about, Vaughan added. A bill the president supports in Congress calls for amnesty for all [undocumented immigrants] and their families; everyone with temporary status; and everyone who was deported by Trump would have the opportunity to come back, she says. And it lowers the standards in terms of the crimes that are excused and still qualify for a green card. Vaughn says this is only part of what is offered in the bill because it hasnt been released, just a summary. She said she had not seen the entire bill, but was drawing on a summary of the proposed legislation. Just the summary, Vaughn added, is 60 pages. The costs of this immigration extravaganza would be enormous, she added, citing census numbers showing two-thirds of immigrants are accessing at least one welfare program. So President Biden faces the classic problem of the elected official who has promised everything but now actually has to govern. If he continues to repeat the promises of the hustings everyone can come into the country, none of the some 11 million illegal immigrants here can be sent back, and many of those deported under the Trump administration can come back he possibly could bankrupt the country paying for tens of millions of people coming here. To enact all his immigration promises will be very difficult because there are also a lot of other things demanding his attention. Enacting his immigration agenda, says Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, one of his allies in Congress, will be very difficult. And Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, says he doesnt approve of Bidens immigration push. Before we deal with immigration, we need to deal with COVID, make sure everyone has the chance to find a good job, and confront the threat from China, Rubio said. There are many issues I think we can work cooperatively with President Biden, but a blanket amnesty for people who are here unlawfully isnt going to be one of them, according to Rubio. He, along with others on the right and left, could be teaching President Biden a hard lesson: Governing is rarely ever as easy as campaigning. Gregory Bresiger is the author of a history of Social Security, The Revolution of 1935. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment Board (UPPRB) is likely to release the notification for the UP Police recruitment 2021 in the coming days. The recruitment is for over 9400 vacancies for Sub-Inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police. According to the latest reports, the Police Recruitment and Promotion Board of the state has already started preparations for the same and the Yogi Adityanath-led government will reportedly make a formal announcement in a few days. There are also other vacancies like Civil Police (Male/Female), Platoon Commander/Sub-Inspector Armed Police (Male) and Fire Service Second Officer (Male). ALSO READ | UP CM's Abhyudaya Scheme for free UPSC, JEE, NEET coaching gets 97000 registrations in 20 hours Interested candidates can check the notification on Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment Board's official website uppbpb.gov.in. The exams were expected to be held in the month of January but were delayed and are now expected to be conducted in February, whereas the recruitment process is likely to be completed by March. How to apply for UP Police recruitment 2021? Once it's officially released, the interested candidates can apply for the UP Police SI recruitment online. UP Police recruitment 2021 eligibility criteria: A candidate needs to be at least a graduate from a recognised University to apply for the post of Sub-Inspector. Candidates between age of 21 and 28 can apply for the posts. What will be the basis of recruitment? The recruitment process will be reportedly carried in four phases: 1. Written Examination (Computer Based) 2. Document Verification and Physical Standards Examination 3. Physical ability test 4. Final merit list What will be the minimum qualifying score? The criteria of selection will be reportedly relaxed this time as the candidates will be required to get 35 marks in each of the four sections of the written examination, instead of 50 marks. Live TV Prior to COVID-19, CPO had been one of the strongest performing segments in the automobile retail market. That changed during the initial quarantine period when shoppers were unable to purchase cars on-site, resulting in a drastic decline in auto sales. At the same time, the forced closures of auto plants created a lack of new car inventory, further reducing revenue. "Rather than sit on unsold units, dealers released a significant amount of CPO-eligible inventory into the non-CPO used-vehicle market to move vehicles off the lot and recoup inventory costs," said Dominic Limongelli, President of ProGuard Warranty. As the year progressed, auto sales recovered, and 2020 CPO sales ended up only slightly underperforming expectations. Forecasts predict new car production levels to normalize by the third quarter of 2021, but it will take time for automakers to get vehicles into the hands of dealers. Customers wanting a new vehicle will find this low inventory frustrating, leading more buyers to the pre-owned market. "We've been in the automotive business for over 70 years, and while this is our first pandemic, we know that people will always need vehicles. Buyers have come back to dealerships but the marketplace itself has changed and dealers need to adapt to survive," said Limongelli. "This virus has affected every aspect of our lives, which is clearly evident in the retail automotive market," stated Jan Klaiss, Vice President of Analytics for ProGuard. "Shoppers are no longer coming in looking for a cheap commuter vehicle, or a car for their kid to drive to college. Instead of spending money on destination vacations, they're putting that money into their homes and vehicles, things that bring comfort daily. Underneath all this exists a layer of financial uncertainty, with buyers being wary of locking themselves into a lease or over-extending themselves on a loan." ProGuard recognized this as an opportunity to help their dealer partners succeed by offering a program focused on the best of the best certified vehicles to meet the needs of today's buyers. "CPO vehicles allow shoppers to upgrade to a nicer 'new-ish' purchase without taking the depreciation hit. These vehicles are ideal for customers who want the additional features and peace of mind that comes with a new vehicle but aren't willing to pay full price for these luxuries. Since we're all putting less mileage on our vehicles, buyers are willing to pay more for a vehicle that they will hold onto longer," offered Limongelli. "We think CPO is the way for dealers to set themselves apart right now by capturing the higher price point segment of the used car market," said Tyler Todd, Sales Manager of ProGuard Warranty. "Greater demand for lower mile, late model vehicles is forcing dealers to pay a higher cost per unit, so they are looking for ways to make back that expense. By offering certified vehicles, dealers can increase profitability on every unit and pick up the maintenance business, further solidifying the relationship." Dealers perceive CPO programs to be difficult and costly, which is based on their experience with factory programs. ProGuard took this into account in developing their CPO program, simplifying the process and providing customer-friendly sales tools to promote the vehicles. Chris Zamboni, General Manager of William L. Aurandt Auto Sales in Johnstown, PA, was looking for a competitive edge and has been pleasantly surprised with what ProGuard's CPO program has done for his business. "With so much of the sales process being done online now, we need to provide every reason possible for a shopper to choose our vehicle over someone else's. The ProGuard multi-point certification process is a great selling point that helps close deals and turn inventory much faster." ProGuard's Certified Pre-Owned program offers many advantages for the independent and franchise dealer. "Unlike manufacturer's programs where factory CPO vehicles can only be sold by a franchise used-car dealer for that brand, our dealers can select their own inventory. They are not limited to a specific make and model so they can cherry pick the vehicles best suited to their customer base," stated Limongelli. ProGuard dealer partners are given the option of choosing a length of contract that meets their budget and can earn back the cost of certification plus more through upsells. In addition, all CPO contracts are eligible for incentives and points earned on every contract sold can be redeemed for operational, sales and marketing tools through the ProGuard Miles program. All of this is backed by the exceptional support of ProGuard, which is more important than ever when it comes to certified vehicles. Technicians are trained to perform the certification process and provide customers verification as to the quality of the product as part of the sale. ProGuard Certified vehicles come with an extensive vehicle protection plan that covers advanced electrical, air conditioning, sensors, and suspension components ensuring customers will not be hit with expensive repairs down the road. "Our certification is only as good as our reputation, so we are very selective about the dealers we accept into our program," Limongelli said. "If there is one takeaway from this past year, it's the importance of keeping family and friends safe and that's what we work to do every day." About ProGuard Warranty ProGuard is a third-generation, family-owned business that has been serving the automotive industry for over seventy years. Their many years in the industry has led to a unique expertise in knowing the products and coverage needed to protect dealers and their customers. They offer an expansive menu of new and pre-owned vehicle protection plans, plus a unique program specifically designed for commercial vehicles and GAP policies. ProGuard products are available exclusively through their nationwide network of dealer partners, who appreciate the company's tradition of flexibility, transparency and simplicity. For more information, contact Dominic Limongelli, President, [email protected] or call 877-474-9462, ext. 105. SOURCE ProGuard Warranty Related Links proguardwarranty.com For a serving officer in the Defence Forces, it did seem a risky article. To have a go, as some might call it, at your parent department - the Department of Defence - in an official journal that can be accessed by the wider public was a bold military manoeuvre. And the unavoidably political nature of his argument essentially that operational control of the Defence Forces should be wrestled from the civil servants and put into the arms of soldiers - was bound to upset mommy and daddy. Not only were they not tipped off that the incendiary paper was about to the published in the Defence Forces Review 2020, but they first had to hear about it when it was reported online in this newspaper. Thanks to Freedom of Information documents released to the Irish Times recently, we know the furore that kicked off along Department of Defence corridors. The saga reveals, not for the first time, the schism between the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, but also the challenge facing wider Government in bridging this divide and, most likely, rebalancing power between the two defence arms of the State. INCENDIARY PAPER Shortly after 9.30am on December 3, 2020, this newspaper published a story online based on the academic article written by Lieutenant (now Captain) Brian Clarke in the Defence Forces Review 2020. The headline told the story: Ireland has one Department of Defence civil servant for every 23 soldiers. The story said that this ratio was more than seven times the ratio in Sweden and 10 times that of Finland, both countries that are neutral and non-aligned. The paper said this reflected the all-encompassing role of the Department of Defence in Ireland in running the Defence Forces, in stark contrast to the structure of other neutral or non-aligned countries in Europe. It said that if Ireland did not change the command structure of the Defence Forces, it would enter an uncertain global security environment with a largely criticised system of governance that is far outside standard international practice. The analysis, written by Lt Brian Clarke, said comparisons with Sweden and Finland, both neutral and non-aligned, highlighted a different military set-up to Ireland. He said the Department of Defence in Finland has 130 members of staff, 20 of whom have a military background, and that the Finnish Defence Forces boasts 33,000 full time members. He said this gives an employment ratio of one civil servant for every 254 full-time soldiers. Sweden has around 140 civil servants in its Department of Defence and 22,700 full-time military personnel giving a ratio of one civil servant for every 162 soldiers. He said Ireland has 354 civil servants in the Department of Defence compared to the establishment figure of 9,500 professional soldiers, giving a ratio of one civil servant to 26 soldiers. More recent figures on staffing levels show there are only 8,434 soldiers, giving a current ratio of one civil servant for every 23 soldiers. Lt Clarke said the civilian command of the Defence Forces stems from uncertainty during the early days of independence and that the Department of Defence has developed an even more involved role in military affairs over recent decades. The governance structure in Ireland is restrictive of the military, he said, saying that no officer in the Defence Forces had command over the entire organisation, even on behalf of the Minister for Defence or the Government. He said the department has an all-encompassing role over the entire organisation and that the secretary-general of the department, an unelected official, can now at times hold de facto command of the Defence Forces. Lt Clarke said that aspects of this civilian-heavy approach has been the subject of some criticism from retired members of the General Staff, military representative associations, academia and politicians. He said retired generals had alleged that the department acted contrary to the best advice from military and international experts and demonstrated the inflexibility and obsessive rigidity of the Civil Service. Citing reports in the Irish Examiner, he said the working relationship between senior officers and civil servants has been described as toxic. He said the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) described the relationship between officers and the department as divisive and dismissive. The Taoiseach's High level Implementation Plan, sold to @defenceforces personnel as the solution to the DF Retention Crisis, has been allowed to fail. Promises not delivered, locked out of pay talks by @IRLDeptPER and then force fed an 'Agreement' and expected to ballot on it? pic.twitter.com/OAEQM5JvQw RACO (@RACO_DF) February 13, 2021 He said a Workplace Climate Survey of the Defence Forces by the University of Limerick found micromanagement and increased involvement of the department in operational decisions that was an increasing concern for all ranks. Lt Clarke said there were some notable differences and similarities in other defence forces that identify themselves as neutral or non-aligned militarily. He said that generally speaking the international norm appears to centre command on the entire military vested in a military officer or officers, who are directly under the command of government. This differs greatly from Irelands model of command being directly from the Minister for Defence to military formations, circumventing the Defence Forces general staff in the process, he said. The review was edited by Lieutenant Commander Paul Hegarty and produced in academic collaboration with Dublin City University School of Law and Government. The 280-page journal contained papers from 28 contributors, mainly academics and serving and former military people. Its the kind of official academic analysis that is singularly lacking in Irish policing circles. On that, it would be hard to imagine a serving garda having such a strong take on the Department of Justice. So, perhaps it wasnt surprising that the Department of Defence blew a gasket, as revealed in the FOI documents. AFTERMATH Department claims of not being invited to the launch and not being consulted about the paper are strange given the open promotion of the publication on social media for some weeks beforehand. On the morning the Irish Examiner article appeared, the head of the Department of Defence communications Brigitta ODoherty said she had a serious issue with the article and said to a colleague that the review had been given to the Examiner but hadnt crossed her desk. Later, an examination by a department communication specialist and sent to various top people in the department, from secretary general Jacqui McCrum down, said: A story published in todays Irish Examiner entitled Ireland has one Department of Defence civil servant for every 23 soldiers has been shared across social media with a large number of Twitter users commenting on the story. "DefenceIreland was among the accounts to post links to the article, seeing 18 likes and 3 retweets. Irish Examiner journalist Cianan Brennan also shared the post, prompting 5 replies, 22 likes and 11 retweets. IDFOCs thread on the article accumulated more than 50 likes in total. Ireland has one Department of Defence civil servant for every 23 soldiershttps://t.co/DzUj4aHGF2 Cianan Brennan (@ciananbrennan) December 3, 2020 It gives an analysis of social media traffic on the Defence Forces Review and on an article by Conor Gallagher in the Irish Times, which after being published just an hour earlier, had already seen 5 retweets and 15 likes. An email early the following morning from Ms McCrum to Chris Donoghue [press adviser] and Ms ODoherty, said that in relation to the Defence Forces Review the Chief of Staff had asked Assistant Chief of Staff Adrian O Murchu to launch an investigation, but I think that will be primarily into content. She added that this is the operational risk come through to reality and I now need action to mitigate against something like this and the Irish Times ARW article happening again. The department provided a briefing for the Government Press Office in relation to the paper, which said that the department had not been consulted about the article. It added: The Department has a range of issues with the content and conclusions in the published article, including various statistics quoted which are quite wide of the mark. It said that a superficial review of other countries showed that the figures in the article were substantially out of line with actual numbers in terms of both civil and military personnel and that the comparisons made and conclusions drawn were quite misleading. Assistant secretary-general at the Department of Defence, Ciaran Murphy, emailed the Reviews editor, Lt Cdr Paul Hegarty, asking if anyone actually checks the figures in the article and if a correction should be issued. The following week, Lt Col Gavin Young, head of DF Public Relations, responded on behalf of Lt Cdr Hegarty. He said the review had gone through a strict peer-review process. He said the editor rechecked the footnotes in the paper and cross-checked them against the sources provided. The numbers Lt Clarke has referenced based on his analysis and interpretation for his paper are correct, Lt Col Young said. He added that the DF Press Office received no contact from Cormac OKeeffe of the Irish Examiner about the review and that there was no press release before the conference. He said it had been highlighted on social media beforehand and that the review was on the DF website for around 36 hours before 3 December. INVESTIGATION When the Irish Examiner asked the Department of Defence had anyone in the department raised the issue with Chief of Staff Mark Mellett prior to his decision, a Department of Defence spokesperson said this was not the case. The spokesperson added: In addition it should be noted that the investigation was not ordered by either the Secretary General of the Department or the Minister. A statement from the Defence Forces said: Assistant Chief of Staff is currently conducting a review and will report to the Chief of Staff on its completion. It is understood the review is in relation to corporate and academic governance and is expected to be finalised in the next few weeks. Commandant Conor King, general secretary of RACO, the representative body for officers, said: RACO was interested to discover that our Association was the subject of an investigation ordered by the Chief of Staff the Association had not been advised of this. Although it has been made clear that RACO was not connected in any way with the DF review or its contents, it is worth noting that this respected publication goes through rigorous academic scrutiny and its contents are presumably comprehensively fact-checked through this process and reviewed by DF PR Branch before publication. To answer your question regarding any concerns for our member Lt Clarke, RACO has none. The DF prides itself on being a learning organisation with a just culture. "Indeed, he has actually been promoted to the rank of Captain in the period since the publication of the article, though this is entirely coincidental. Other sources confirmed the promotion but also said it was part of Capt. Clarkes normal career trajectory. OUTSIDE PERSPECTIVE From the outside the row doesnt look good, a point taken up by long-time observers of Irish defence. The furore is emblematic of the problem, i.e. that there would appear to be a culture of mutual resentment and even suspicion between the two parts of the Defence Organization (DoD and DF), said Professor Ben Tonra of the UCD School of Politics and International Relations. For reasons rooted in history, structure and organisational culture(s), the two elements have a proclivity to see in each other some species of antagonist, rather than partner. This does neither element any service and structurally weakens our defence infrastructure. Dr Edward Burke, Director of the Centre for Conflict, Security and Terrorism at University of Nottingham, defended Lt Clarkes right to write such an article. The DF Review is not a restricted publication and I think it would be a shame for it be so," he said. "It is a singular opportunity for members of the Defence Forces to offer informed, academically peer-reviewed analyses of the strategic and operational challenges facing their organisation and Irish defence in general." I can understand why DOD are upset this is pretty forthright public criticism by a serving officer of the workings of a government department. "It would be more acceptable if it was about his own institution, such as a querying of military preparedness to respond to a specific threat or to conduct a certain type of operation. However, the article clearly shows frustrations on the part of the author that should not be ignored." He added: "In that sense the DF Review is serving its purpose this is a warning that the relationship between the department and the Defence Forces needs to be urgently addressed. Instead of shutting down criticism, criticism should be responded to and communication improved. Dr Burke said the Minster for Defence and senior officials needed to ensure that there were more opportunities for a direct and constructive dialogue with officers. He said: "Department of Defence officials should also be given a fair hearing when it came to their distinctive role in drafting and administering defence policy." The relationship between the Defence Forces and the Department should be an issue for the Commission on Defence Forces, which just recently started its work - but it is not clearly set out in its terms of reference. But one of the terms does state: The Commission will examine the structures in the Defence Forces as well as the work of the White Paper Command and Control project to date. "In that context, the Commission will consider the most appropriate governance and effective high-level command and control structures in the Defence Forces. This certainly leaves it open to members and former members of the Defence Forces, as well as their representative bodies, and academics, to raise the power relationship with the Department. That would leave the commission little option but to at least highlight the matter, if not address it head on. Kishan Reddy said the Union government was contemplating comprehensively amending these laws, including the CRPC and IPC. DC file photo Hyderabad: Union minister of state for home affairs G. Kishan Reddy emphatically stated on Monday that there was absolutely no harm to farmers as a consequence of the new agri laws, and alleged that the opposition parties were provoking farmers for their political survival. Mr Reddy clarified that there was no ban on IKP centers (agricultural mandis) for purchasing agri products at the village level and appealed to farmers to think positively and understand the benefits from the new laws. Kishan Reddy participated in several programs, including the MLC elections preparatory and Mahila Morcha intellectual meetings, along with party state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other key leaders in Hyderabad. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Reddy exhorted the cadre to work even harder to ensure the party grows in the state. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis revolutionary decisions for developing the nation, including the farm laws. He recalled the Modi government reforms on tax, one nation, one tax system, and demonetization had served a death blow to terrorist groups and their activities in India. He said that the new education policy (NEP) has helped students and encouraged local languages. Mr Reddy alleged that opposition parties were misleading farmers through false propaganda against the union government. He pointed out that the Telangana government too had made allegations against the Centre to instigate them. Mr Reddy asked farmers to defeat the TRS party and the KCR-led government for its anti-farmer behaviour, reminding them of incidents where farmers were handcuffed and arrested for demanding their rights. In another meeting of women intellectuals, the union minister praised women, who comprise half the population and had risen to institutions positions in all sectors and great institutions on the dint of their hard work and talent. He praised the Modis government for appointing a woman as a finance minister, saying, the BJP always stood for women empowerment and had initiated a plethora of pro-woman legislations. He said that it is sad that some laws, which had been implemented by the imperial British government before independence, were still in vogue, he said the Union government was contemplating comprehensively amending these laws, including the CrPC and IPC. Kishan Reddy said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the union government had taken up an ambitious agenda of removing redundant laws and changing those laws which were past their utility. Mr Reddy said that the union government would seek and consider opinions from judges, senior IAS and IPS officers, and other key members in social service for changing laws for the betterment of the nation. He exuded confidence that the BJP would bag both the two graduate MLC seats, saying common people, employees, students and all other sections of public in Telangana were seething with anti-TRS emotions. After the meeting, Kishan Reddy visited surviving family members, who were injured in the Araku accident in AP recently, at their Shaikpet home in the city. He said that he had instructed the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh for providing better treatment of injured persons. He also ordered officials to file a case against the travel agency and take action. The minister also visited the BJP OBC cell national president Dr K. Laxmans residence, for expressing his condolence at his recent bereavement. Dr Laxman lost his brother recently. Today, I talked with the CEO of Starwood LLC who is the owner of our mall. We discussed future development and are encouraged about the ability to fill the Sears area quickly. Like me, he has received great feedback about the malls future. Please know that we are committed to working with Starwoods team to ensure Chicago Ridge Mall remains an asset to our village community and the surrounding area. Google Cloud has donated $350,000 to the Python Software Foundation, with the goals of aiding CPython development, improving foundational Python tools, and beefing up the security of the Python package ecosystem. Three specific projects will be supported by the donation, Google Cloud said on February 11. These include: Productionized malware detection for the PyPI (Python Package Index) repo of software for Python. Google Cloud uses the index to distribute hundreds of client libraries and developer tools, including the TensorFlow open source machine learning library. Improvements for foundational Python services and tools. A CPython developer-in-residence for this year, who will work full-time to help the CPython project prioritize maintenance and address a backlog. CPython is the reference implementation of the language. Google Cloud also has recommitted an in-kind donation of Google Cloud infrastructure to the foundation. Also, the Google Cloud Public Datasets program now offers a new public dataset of PyPI download statistics and project metadata, which is updated in real-time. Google Cloud account holders can query these datasets with the BigQuery data warehouse or BigQuery Sandbox, which provide as much as 1TB of free data queries monthly. Google Cloud said in a bulletin that Python was critically important to Google Cloud and customers, serving as a popular runtime for many hosted services, from the Google App Engine platform-as-a-service launched more than a decade ago to the more recent serverless products including Google Cloud Functions. Contemplated simplified tender offer announced by Hologic Hub Ltd. Contemplated motivated by losses share capital reduction to zero followed by a capital increase carried out with shareholders' preferential subscription rights Shareholders may decide to either tender their shares to Hologic Hub Ltd. or to take part in the share capital increase of SuperSonic Imagine Appointment of an independent expert in the context of a simplified tender offer announced by Hologic Hub Ltd. Combined general shareholders' meeting to be held on March 26, 2021 with shareholders being able to attend in person Regulatory News: On June 16, 2020, the annual general meeting of SuperSonic Imagine's (Paris:ALSSI) (Euronext Growth: ALSSI, FR0010526814, PEA-PME eligible), a company that specializes in ultrasound medical imaging (echography) (the "Company"), having noted that, at the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the amount of the Company's shareholders' equity had become less than half of the amount of its share capital, decided not to pronounce the early dissolution of the Company and to continue the Company's activity. As a result, the Company is required to restore its shareholders' equity to an amount at least equal to half of its share capital by December 31, 2022. The losses incurred by the Company during the financial year ended December 31, 2020 (which brought the Company shareholders' equity to a negative amount of 28,378,492.49 euros) have caused the Company to decide to submit an operation of recapitalization to its shareholders in 2021 taking the form of a motivated by losses capital reduction to zero, immediately followed by a share capital increase of an amount of circa 59 million euros, carried out with shareholders' preferential subscription rights. In these conditions, Hologic Hub Ltd., the Company's majority shareholder with 80.67% of the share capital and voting rights of the Company1, expressed its intent to file a draft simplified tender offer in cash, followed, as the case may be, by a mandatory squeeze-out, in order to offer a liquidity opportunity to the Company's shareholders before the implementation of the aforementioned recapitalization operations. In practical terms, the shareholders of the Company may thus either: decide not to take part in the share capital increase and to tender their shares to the tender offer initiated by Hologic Hub Ltd.; or decide to take part in the Company's capital increase and thus not to tender their shares to the tender offer; since all existing shares will be cancelled as part of the capital reduction to zero, only those shareholders who participate in the capital increase will then retain a stake in the Company. The main terms and conditions of such operations are described in greater details below. Combined general shareholders' meeting to be held on March 26, 2021 with shareholders being able to attend in person The Company announces that a combined general meeting (ordinary and extraordinary) of SuperSonic Imagine's shareholders will be held on March 26, 2021, at 10 am, at the Company's registered office located 150, rue Rene Descartes, Les Jardins de la Duranne, 13857 Aix-en-Provence, France. The combined general meeting of the shareholders will resolve, inter alia, on the approval of the annual accounts for the year ended December 31, 2020, as well as on the proposed motivated by losses share capital reduction to zero, followed by a capital increase of circa 59 million euros in order to restore the shareholders' equity of the Company. The notice of meeting, serving as convening notice, which includes the agenda and draft resolutions, will be published in the French Bulletin des Annonces Legales et Obligatoires (BALO) on February 19, 2021. Shareholders are invited to take note of the main rules to participate, vote and exercise their rights, a description of which will be made available on the Company's website (https://www.supersonicimagine.com/Investors/Documentation2/Shareholders-meeting). The documents and preparatory information related to this meeting will be made available to the shareholders, including on the Company's website, under the conditions required by applicable laws and regulations. Contemplated simplified tender offer announced by Hologic Hub Ltd Appointment of an independent expert Hologic Hub Ltd. announced today its intent to file a draft simplified tender offer in cash relating to the shares of SuperSonic Imagine, at a price of 1.50 per share, followed, if applicable, by a mandatory squeeze-out. Such tender offer will enable the shareholders who do not want to subscribe to the capital increase that will follow the share capital reduction to zero to sell their shares beforehand. As the simplified tender offer will take place before the recapitalization operations, shareholders who would decide to tender their shares to the simplified tender offer will not be able to participate in the capital increase that will follow the share capital reduction to zero. If the threshold of 90% of the share capital and voting rights of the Company were to be crossed following the settlement and delivery of the simplified tender offer, Hologic Hub Ltd. has stated its intention to request the implementation of a mandatory squeeze-out procedure of SuperSonic Imagine's shares in accordance with the conditions required by applicable laws and regulations. In such case, the mandatory squeeze-out procedure could be carried out before the implementation of the share capital reduction and increase operations mentioned hereabove2. In accordance with articles 261-1 I 1, 2 and 4 and 261-1 II of the French financial markets authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) ("AMF") General Regulation, the Company's Board of Directors has decided today, upon recommendation of an ad hoc committee, established for this purpose in accordance with article 261-1 III of the AMF General Regulation, to appoint the firm Crowe HAF, represented by Mr. Olivier Grivillers, as an independent expert in order to issue a report on the financial terms of the simplified tender offer and of a potential mandatory squeeze-out in connection with the contemplated operations. The independent expert's opinion and the Company's Board of Directors' reasoned opinion will appear in the draft memorandum in response that will be drafted by the Company and submitted to the AMF for approval, under the conditions required by applicable law and regulations. Contemplated motivated by losses share capital reduction to zero followed by a capital increase carried out with shareholders' preferential subscription rights As previously mentioned, the Company informs its shareholders that, in order to restore its shareholders' equity, it contemplates to proceed with a motivated by losses reduction of the share capital to zero followed by a capital increase of an amount of circa 59 million euros (issuance premium included). The share capital reduction of 2,417,442.9 euros would be implemented by way of cancellation of 24,174,429 shares with a nominal par value of 0.10 euro (as well as any subsequent shares that would be issued when the Board of Directors decides to implement such share capital reduction), in order to set-off accumulated losses up to the same amount, subject to the completion of a capital increase carried out with shareholders' preferential subscription rights at a subscription price of 1.50 per share (issuance premium included). The purpose of these two operations is (i) to restore the Company' shareholders' equity, the negative amount of which amounted, as of December 31, 2020, to 28,378,492.49 euros, (ii) to reduce the amount of the Company's debts and (iii) to provide some liquidities to the Company in order to finance its activity. The shares issued from the capital increase would be fully paid up upon subscription, either in cash or by way of set-off against certain, liquid and due claims held against the Company. This capital increase would be fully backstopped by Hologic Hub Ltd., holder of 19,501,413 shares of the Company corresponding to 80.67% of the Company's share capital and voting rights. Hologic Hub Ltd. would pay up the subscription amount both in cash and by way of set-off against part of the certain, liquid and due claim that it holds against the Company. The definitive amount of the claim held in the Company's accounts, as of the day of the capital increase, would be acknowledged by a qualified statement of account which would be delivered by the Company's statutory auditors, in accordance with article R. 225-134 of the French commercial Code. At the end of the operation, Hologic Hub Ltd. would hold at least 80.67% of the Company's share capital and voting rights. Such stake could be higher, depending on the results of the simplified tender offer, which will be conducted beforehand, and on the subscription rate of the other current shareholders. Since the share capital reduction preceding the capital increase will bring the share capital down to zero, current shareholders who would neither have tendered their shares to Hologic Hub Ltd. beforehand, nor take part in the share increase would see their shareholding reduced to zero and therefore cease to be shareholders. Therefore, the free float may be reduced following such operations. Conversely, the shareholders who would exercise all their preferential subscription rights on an irreducible basis would not experience any dilution. In the event where it would hold, following the contemplated share capital increase, at least 90% of the share capital or voting rights of the Company, Hologic Hub Ltd. retains the right to file a draft buy-out offer with the AMF, to be followed by a mandatory squeeze-out in order to delist the shares of the Company. These operations remain subject to (i) the approval of the Company's shareholders at the combined general shareholders' meeting of March 26, 2021, (ii) the granting, if applicable, of a waiver by the AMF to Hologic Hub Ltd., pursuant to article 234-9 2 of its General Regulations, on the obligation to file a tender offer relating to the Company's shares, after the recapitalization operations, following the crossing of a threshold triggering such mandatory filing following the share capital reduction and increase operations, and (iii) the AMF's approval on the prospectus which will be filed by the Company. Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements which are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements announcing or referring to future events, trends, plans or objectives, based on certain assumptions as well as statements not directly relating to a historical fact or factual situation. Such information includes, but is not limited to: information regarding the Company's plans, objectives, prospects and intentions, including financial or other information based on assessments or estimates regarding the Company's future performance, future events, strategy, positioning, resources, capabilities or expectations. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by laws or regulations, SuperSonic Imagine does not undertake to amend or revise any of the statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances that are unforeseen or that would occur after the date of this publication or to reflect any change in the expectations, events, conditions or circumstances on which such statements are based. Disclaimer This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or subscribe for securities. This press release does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing the Prospectus Directive 2003/71/EC. Information in this press release is presented for purely informative purposes and do not purport to be complete and no one shall rely in any manner whatsoever on the information contained herein or on its accuracy, precision or completeness. Any purchase or subscription of securities must be made only on the basis of the information included in the prospectus which will be filed for approval with the French financial markets authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) (the "AMF") and which will be published on the Company's and the AMF's websites. The potential approval of the prospectus should not be considered as a favorable opinion from the AMF on the securities offered. The simplified tender offer will only be carried out in accordance with the offer documentation which will include the full terms and conditions of the tender offer. The offer documentation will be submitted to the AMF for approval and the simplified tender offer will only be opened after the obtention of the AMF's clearance decision. Any decision relating to the public offer must be made exclusively on the basis of the information included in the offer documentation. This press release and the information included herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe for securities of SuperSonic Imagine. The release, publication or distribution of this press release in certain jurisdiction may constitute a breach of applicable laws and regulations. Consequently, persons physically present in such jurisdictions in which this press release is released, distributed or published must be aware of and comply with any such local restrictions. This press release must not be released, published or distributed, directly or indirectly, in Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States of America. SuperSonic Imagine decline any responsibility for any breach of these restrictions by anyone. About SuperSonic Imagine SuperSonic Imagine is a medical technology company (Medtech) specialized in ultrasound imaging. The company designs, develops and markets an ultrasound platform whose exclusive ultrafast technology (UltraFast) has given rise to new imaging methods, which have now become standards in the non-invasive care path for the characterization of breast, liver or prostate diseases. The first innovative mode UltraFast is ShearWave elastography (SWE), which allows doctors to instantly visualize and analyze tissue hardness, which is critical information for the diagnosis of many pathologies. To date, more than 600 publications have validated the benefits of its technologies. The latest addition to the Aixplorer range, Aixplorer MACH 30 introduces a new generation of imaging UltraFast allowing the optimization of all innovative imaging modes: ShearWave PLUS, UltraFast Doppler, Angio PL.U.S, TriVu. With almost 3,000 ultrasound platforms installed worldwide, SuperSonic Imagine is present in more than 80 countries and its main markets are China, the United States and France. The group has recorded total revenues of 19.2 million euros for the 2020 financial year. SuperSonic Imagine is a company listed on Euronext Growth Paris (symbol: ALSSI). For more information, visit www.supersonicimagine.fr. 1 Based on a total number of 24,174,429 shares representing the same number of theoretical voting rights. Pursuant to the second paragraph of article 223-11, I of the AMF General Regulation, the total number of theoretical voting rights is calculated on the basis of all shares to which voting rights are attached, including shares deprived from voting rights. 2 It being understood that, should a mandatory squeeze-out process be implemented following the tender offer, the shares of the Company would be delisted and the recapitalization operations will therefore not have to be submitted to the AMF for approval. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006008/en/ Contacts: Investors Relations NewCap Thomas Grojean supersonicimagine@newcap.eu +33 1 44 71 98 55 Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Yves here. This article discusses caregivers who are related to the elderly but oddly does not mention home health care aides. In Alabama, health care providers are eligible but most aides are not nurses. None of our aides have been able to get the vaccine and one has already gotten Covid! Perhaps other states have more generous notions of what being a health care provider amounts to. But a second issue is that even if the definition were to include unlicensed caregivers, you quickly run up against the same issues you see in this article with respect to family members as caregivers. Alabama does not accredit or license home health care agencies but it could potentially extend vaccinations to anyone who was working for a firm that had been established at least a year ago. But many of the better aides wind up going solo and working directly for an elderly person or couple to have steadier work and higher pay. This story also mentions that some elderly are too frail to leave home and get vaccinated. By Judith Graham. Originally published at Kaiser Health News Robin Davidson is a full-time caregiver for her father, Joe, who has congestive heart failure. Worry over whether shed bring covid-19 to her father has been on Davidsons mind daily. But recently he was vaccinated an indescribable relief, she says. (Kevin Parker) Robin Davidson entered the lobby of Houston Methodist Hospital, where her 89-year-old father, Joe, was being treated for a flare-up of congestive heart failure. Before her stretched a line of people waiting to get covid-19 vaccines. It was agonizing to know that I couldnt get in that line, said Davidson, 50, who is devoted to her father and usually cares for him full time. If I get sick, what would happen to him? Tens of thousands of middle-aged sons and daughters caring for older relatives with serious ailments but too young to qualify for a vaccine themselves are similarly terrified of becoming ill and wondering when they can get protected against the coronavirus. Like aides and other workers in nursing homes, these family caregivers routinely administer medications, monitor blood pressure, cook, clean and help relatives wash, get dressed and use the toilet, among many other responsibilities. But they do so in apartments and houses, not in long-term care institutions and theyre not paid. In all but name, theyre essential health care workers, taking care of patients who are very sick, many of whom are completely reliant upon them, some of whom are dying, said Katherine Ornstein, a caregiving expert and associate professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at Mount Sinais medical school in New York City. Yet, we dont recognize or support them as such, and thats a tragedy. The distinction is critically important because health care workers have been prioritized to get covid vaccines, along with vulnerable older adults in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. But family members caring for equally vulnerable seniors living in the community are grouped with the general population in most states and may not get vaccines for months. The exception: Older caregivers can qualify for vaccines by virtue of their age as states approve vaccines for adults ages 65, 70 or 75 and above. A few states have moved family caregivers into phase 1a of their vaccine rollouts, the top priority tier. Notably, South Carolina has done so for families caring for medically fragile children, and Illinois has given that designation to families caring for relatives of all ages with significant disabilities. Arizona is also trying to accommodate caregivers who accompany older residents to vaccination sites, Dr. Cara Christ, director of the states Department of Health Services, said Monday during a Zoom briefing for President Joe Biden. Comprehensive data about which states are granting priority status to family caregivers is not available. Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced plans to offer vaccines to people participating in its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. That initiative gives financial stipends to family members caring for veterans with serious injuries; 21,612 veterans are enrolled, including 2,310 age 65 or older, according to the VA. Family members can be vaccinated when the veterans they look after become eligible, a spokesperson said. The current pandemic has amplified the importance of our caregivers whom we recognize as valuable members of Veterans health care teams, Dr. Richard Stone, VA acting undersecretary for health, said in the announcement. An estimated 53 million Americans are caregivers, according to a 2020 report. Nearly one-third spend 21 hours or more each week helping older adults and people with disabilities with personal care, household tasks and nursing-style care (giving injections, tending wounds, administering oxygen and more). An estimated 40% are providing high-intensity care, a measure of complicated, time-consuming caregiving demands. This is the group that should be getting vaccines, not caregivers who live at a distance or who dont provide direct, hands-on care, said Carol Levine, a senior fellow and former director of the Families and Health Care Project at the United Hospital Fund in New York City. Rosanne Corcoran, 53, is among them. Her 92-year-old mother, Rose, who has advanced dementia, lives with Corcoran and her family in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, on the second floor of their house. She hasnt come down the stairs in three years. I wouldnt be able to take her somewhere to get the vaccine. She doesnt have any stamina, said Corcoran, who arranges for doctors to make house calls when her mother needs attention. When she called their medical practice recently, an administrator said they didnt have access to the vaccines. Corcoran said she does everything for her mother, including bathing her, dressing her, feeding her, giving her medications, monitoring her medical needs and responding to her emotional needs. Before the pandemic, a companion came for five hours a day, offering some relief. But last March, Corcoran let the companion go and took on all her mothers care herself. Corcoran wishes she could get a vaccination sooner, rather than later. If I got sick, God forbid, my mother would wind up in a nursing home, she said. The thought of my mother having to leave here, where she knows shes safe and loved, and go to a place like that makes me sick to my stomach. Although covid cases are dropping in nursing homes and assisted living facilities as residents and staff members receive vaccines, 36% of deaths during the pandemic have occurred in these settings. Maggie Ornstein, 42, a caregiving expert who teaches at Sarah Lawrence College, has provided intensive care to her mother, Janet, since Janet experienced a devastating brain aneurism at age 49. For the past 20 years, her mother has lived with Ornstein and her family in Queens, New York. In a recent opinion piece, Ornstein urged New York officials to recognize family caregivers contributions and reclassify them as essential workers. Were used to being abandoned by a system that should be helping us and our loved ones, she told me in a phone conversation. But the utter neglect of us during this pandemic its shocking. Ornstein estimated that if even a quarter of New Yorks 2.5 million family caregivers became ill with covid and unable to carry on, the states nursing homes would be overwhelmed by applications from desperate families. We dont have the infrastructure for this, and yet were pretending this problem just doesnt exist, she said. In Tomball, Texas, Robin Davidsons father was independent before the pandemic, but he began declining as he stopped going out and became more sedentary. For almost a year, Davidson has driven every day to his 11-acre ranch, 5 miles from where she lives, and spent hours tending to him and the propertys upkeep. Every day, when I would come in, I would wonder, was I careful enough [to avoid the virus]? Could I have picked something up at the store or getting gas? Am I going to be the reason that he dies? My constant proximity to him and my care for him is terrifying, she said. Since her fathers hospitalization, Davidsons goal is to stabilize him so he can enroll in a clinical trial for congestive heart failure. Medications for that condition no longer work for him, and fluid retention has become a major issue. Hes now home on the ranch after spending more than a week in the hospital and hes gotten two doses of vaccine an indescribable relief, Davidson said. Out of the blue, she got a text from the Harris County health department earlier this month, after putting herself on a vaccine waitlist. Vaccines were available, it read, and she quickly signed up and got a shot. Davidson ended up being eligible because she has two chronic medical conditions that raise her risk of covid; Harris County doesnt officially recognize family caregivers in its vaccine allocation plan, a spokesperson said. Joseph Ligon, 83, was released from a state prison in Pennsylvania on Thursday after spending more than 68 years behind bars The nation's longest-serving juvenile inmate who spent 68 years behind bars is settling into a whole new world after he finally walked free last week. Joseph Ligon, 83, was 15 years old when he was convicted of taking part in a string of robberies and assaults with a group of drunk teens that left two people dead in Philadelphia in 1953. Ligon has maintained that he didn't personally kill anyone in the case that saw him sentenced to life in prison without parole before he was even old enough to drive. Nearly seven decades later on February 11, Ligon stepped out of federal prison a free man, after his lawyer successfully convinced the court that the life sentence was unconstitutional. While most people from Ligon's life before prison are no longer around, he isn't alone. Philadelphia's Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project (YSRP) has been working tirelessly to make his transition into post-prison life as smooth as possible. DailyMail.com spoke to two people at the organization on Tuesday about how Ligon has found his first few days on the outside. 'As much as the world has changed since Mr Ligon first went to prison, he has also changed. His experience in coming back is basically as a new man,' Eleanor Myers, a senior adviser at YSRP, said. 'He is incredibly cheerful and amazed at the changes in Philadelphia since 1953, in particular the tall buildings. 'He has talked about those in his family who are gone and cannot be together for his homecoming. He seems to miss them especially. 'There is a large community of juvenile lifers who knew Joe for many years in prison. They will undoubtedly become his new circle of friends and supporters.' One of those fellow 'juvenile lifers' is John Pace, a reentry coordinator at YSRP who was released from his own life sentence four years ago. Pace has known Ligon for years, and has been right by his side since he left prison. 'I have been with him in the three days since his release, and I have tried to take it slow with him and allow him to take in the new environment, and not try to figure it all out in one day,' Pace told DailyMail.com. 'I have tried to settle his nerves or emotions by helping him to be around familiar people and slowly introduce him to new things - drawing on my own reentry experience while still allowing him with share with me what it is that he wants.' Ligon, now 83, was 15 years old when he was sentenced to life in prison in 1953 for taking part in a string of robberies and assaults with a group of drunk teens in Philadelphia. He is pictured in mugshots from 1963 (left) and 2015 (right) Slide me The photos above show the Philadelphia skyline in 1953 (left), the year Ligon was sentenced to life in prison, and in 2021, when he finally walked free Ligon's road to release was long and complicated. One particularly influential turn came in 2017, when his sentence was reduced to include the possibility of parole - but he refused to apply. Explaining his reasoning to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Ligon said he felt that parole didn't mean freedom. If he was going to be released, he didn't want any strings attached. 'I like to be free,' he said. 'With parole, you got to see the parole people every so often. You can't leave the city without permission from parole. That's part of freedom for me.' Pace was among a group of other ex-lifers who went to the prison to try to convince Ligon to change his mind. 'If you want to fight, fight it when you get out,' Pace told Ligon at the time, per the Inquirer. But Ligon didn't budge, instead choosing to put his faith in his public defender, Bradley Bridge, to convince the court that he deserved to be released altogether. 'Joe was adamant that he did not want to be on parole after serving over 60 years in prison,' Pace told DailyMail.com. 'His position was that he had served enough time in prison and wanted to come and go as he pleased when he was released. 'I did not agree with that decision, because I thought he could continue to challenge sentence while on the outside and that he didnt have to serve additional time. 'However, he chose to remain incarcerated and wait until he received a favorable decision. 'I applaud him on being resilient and self-determined, and standing by his convictions.' By the time of his release on February 11, Ligon had become the second-longest serving felon to make it out of jail alive in US history. He is seen in mugshots from 1968 (left) and 1975 (right) Ligon is pictured in mugshots from 1986 (left) and 1994 (right) Ligon is pictured in mugshots from 1998 (left) and 2002 (right) Ligon had been in jail for nearly six decades when the Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that imposing mandatory life sentences on juveniles constituted cruel and unusual punishment and were thus unconstitutional. But after the ruling, Pennsylvania was among several states that refused to reduce the life sentences. Four years later, the court ordered states to retroactively reduce the sentences of those who were given life terms for crimes committed with they were juveniles. In the wake of the rulings, the state of Pennsylvania re-sentenced Ligon and more than 500 other 'juvenile lifers' to reduced prison terms that included lifetime parole. In 2017, Ligon was re-sentenced to 35 years to life. Given the opportunity to apply for parole, however, Ligon said no. Bridge, Ligon's attorney since 2006, went on to spend the next three years fighting for his release on the grounds that his sentence was unconstitutional. 'The constitution requires that the entire sentence, both the minimum and maximum terms imposed on a juvenile, be individualized - and a one size fits all cannot pass constitutional muster,' Bridge wrote in one motion. In November, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office accepted Bridge's motion and ordered Ligon either re-sentenced or released within 90 days. On February 11, Ligon finally walked free from the State Correctional Institution Phoenix in Montgomery County. He carried with him a dozen file boxes filled with materials his accumulated over his 68 years in prison - much more than inmates are typically allowed to keep. Ligon told the Inquirer he prepared for his reentry into a world that's changed dramatically since he last saw it by watching TV in his jail cell. Looking out at the Philadelphia skyline after his release, Ligon said: 'This is all new to me. This never existed.' But he added: 'I like my chances. I really like my chances in terms of surviving.' Ligon's supporters at the YSRP had scrambled to prepare for his release, working with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging to find him a place in domiciliary care with a family in the city. The Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services agreed to pay for Ligon's first year in the care program, and YSRP set him up with a benefits specialist to help get Social Security to cover it after that. YSRP also set up a crowdfunding campaign to help cover Ligon's incidentals. 'We at YSRP and the Defender Association of Philadelphia have worked very hard to make Mr Ligon's reentry as smooth as possible,' Myers told DailyMail.com 'It took tremendous effort and the work of over 10 agencies and scores of people to coordinate support on his behalf. 'Because he is older, many services are available to him that may not be available to younger people returning home. 'It is that irony that made it possible for us to arrange a comfortable place for him to live, and coordinate supportive services for him, and funds to pay for it.' Ligon stands outside his lawyer's office in Philadelphia on February 11 after his release In preparing for Ligon's release, Pace paid attention to little details, going out to buy sweaters and socks he thought Ligon would like. He also scoped out the neighborhood where Ligon would be staying so he could show him around. Pace, 52, has a unique understanding of Ligon's situation, having been paroled from a life sentence four years ago. When he was finally released Pace said he felt physically ill from overstimulation, and he fears it could be worse for Ligon. 'Let's say mine was on a 2. His is going to be on a 10,' Pace told the Inquirer. 'He's been locked up so long, everything changed.' Speaking to DailyMail.com, Pace praised how YSRP has been able to help hundreds of people rejoin society after prison, a process he said is different for each individual. 'YSRP has been instrumental in the mitigation and reentry of approximately 40 former juvenile lifers from Philadelphia who were all children when they were sentenced to die in prison,' Pace said. 'For most of them, the world has changed considerably and it has been a challenge adjusting to these changes; however, most of them have demonstrated their deep resilience and have become productive members of their respective communities. 'Joe may have his own set of unique challenges, and we will listen carefully to what he tells us about the support he thinks he will need.' Pictured: Eleanor Myers, senior adviser at YSRP (left) and John Pace, reentry coordinator at YSRP (right), who have both been helping Ligon transition into life after prison Myers added: 'In my role at YSRP, I have observed that the re-entry journey is different for each person. 'Though everyone is extremely grateful for the opportunity for a second chance, the difficulties many encounter as formerly incarcerated people in finding work, housing, and navigating technology, for example, are considerable. 'Each person responds in his or her own way. Despite these challenges, the juvenile lifers have been remarkably successful in navigating their reentry.' For Ligon, one of the biggest changes over the past seven decades have been in his family, as many members did not live long enough to see him walk free. 'He is in touch with his niece and great niece, but most of the people that he knew have since passed away,' Pace said. 'And the people that he is most familiar with are the people that he was incarcerated with throughout his 68 years in prison. 'This is why I hope to introduce him to the community of former juvenile lifers in Philadelphia, because he knew many of them.' Myers noted that Ligon's niece 'is very interested in being together with him, and he with her'. Ligon was ordered released this past November after the Supreme Court ruled that life sentences without parole for juvenile offenders was 'cruel and unusual punishment' and thus unconstitutional' Ligon was born in Alabama to a poor family. After moving to Philadelphia, he was enrolled in elementary school but he dropped out by the fourth grade and was illiterate. When he was 15 years old, he was considered an outsider among his peers. In 1953 he was convicted alongside three other boys in connection with the stabbing deaths of two men and the injury of eight others. Ligon believes he was scapegoated and made to take the fall for the crimes. He maintains that he only stabbed one person, who survived. In prison, Ligon kept to himself. Most of the time, he worked as a janitor. He also learned to read and write. In his spare time, Ligon also trained as a boxer and kept in good physical condition by enduring grueling workouts. In the 1970s, hundreds of lifers in Pennsylvania were released as part of a clemency plan, but Ligon never applied to have his sentence commuted. 'I'm just a stubborn type of person,' Ligon said. 'I was born that way.' Bridge said his client's case is an illustration of the excesses of the criminal justice system. 'We waste people's lives by over-incarcerating and we waste money by over-incarcerating,' he told the Inquirer. 'His case graphically demonstrates the absurdity of wasting each.' Bridge added: 'Hopefully his release, and the release of the juvenile lifers in general, will cause a re-evaluation of the way we incarcerate people.' Omaha, Nebraska Funding provided by the Federal CARES Act is being invested by the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) in a number of sustainable programs that will benefit Nebraska businesses long after the COVID-19 pandemic has been contained. Because the CARES Act funds are one-time only disbursements, NBDC did not want to put the money into short-lived programs staffed by people who could only be hired for a limited period of time, says NBDC State Director Catherine Lang. Rather than think short term, NBDC is taking these funds and making strategic investments to help Nebraska businesses today and tomorrow, Lang says. We are planting the seeds and will be working to grow these beneficial programs long into the future. Passed by Congress in March 2020, the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act established several funding programs to support small businesses and other eligible organizations during the coronavirus outbreak. NBDC has received $1.5 million in CARES Act funds to further its statewide mission of helping small businesses in Nebraska through instruction, education, guidance and a wide range of other professional services. We looked at the funding we received and brainstormed what good things we could do to turn it into the foundation of programs with enduring benefits, Lang says. To date, the NBDC has utilized the CARES Act funds to: Expand NBDC staff resources to support entrepreneurs and business owners during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Develop Enlighten, a virtual library of training resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses across Nebraska. NBDC has partnered with local agencies and subject matter experts to develop training videos on a variety of topics and disciplines. From legal considerations to cybersecurity, these courses address critical business topics including employee development, protecting intellectual property and investor relationships. This training content is available on-demand and in asynchronous format to allow entrepreneurs and business owners the flexibility to access information when it is convenient to them. Enlighten modules are less than 20 minutes long and are available 24/7. All videos are closed captioned and many are in Spanish. Invest in SourceLink Nebraska to create core infrastructure for Nebraskas entrepreneurial, business and community development ecosystem. SourceLink Nebraska will increase the transparency of resources available, thus helping to find the right resource at the right time. Collaborate with Nebraskas innovation partners to explore, evaluate and map the states innovation ecosystem. Invest in programming that will help the University and its researchers and faculty bring innovation to the Nebraska economy. Collaborate with University partners to support and produce valuable survey resources that help shape policy development. Collaborate with other university programs across the U.S. to support the development of business resiliency and preparedness resources for businesses during economic disruptions, like COVID-19. Since its creation in 1977, the NBDCs mission has been to provide professional services and resources to build businesses and to expand economic development throughout the state, Lang says. The thoughtful investment of the CARES Act funds underscores our continuing dedication to helping Nebraska businesses succeed. Yves here. Lambert has taken to muttering about NGOs and the way most of the people involved in them see to do better at career advancement than advancing their cause. This post gives a more detailed profile of the workings of the non-profit industrial complex, from an organizer of a sex worker mutual aid group who has seen even more of these charity grifters at close range. A key sentence: Funding typically goes to their salaries rather than directly to individuals in the populations they claim to serve. There are plenty of big brand names that operate this way, like the Red Cross. Note that this post also describes how more and more people are turning to sex work as traditional employment becomes less reliable and well paid. It also discusses the obstacles to building a non-traditional organization around member needs, particularly when the cause is already controversial in respectable society. Needless to say, this discussion dovetails with the objections expressed yesterday by a group that joined and now is breaking away from Black Lives Matter, at how that movement has become corporatized and made hostage to Democratic Party interests. By Cora Colt, Co-Founder of the Lysistrata Mutual Care Collective & Fund. Originally published at openDemocracy When asked to address philanthrocapitalism over the last 20 years, one of the first thoughts I had was how late-stage capitalism impacts sex workers. I entered sex work as a stripper in the United States at the age of 19 in 2007, and even then dancers at my club bemoaned how much earnings had dropped since the 1990s. In the 14 years since, even those of us who are relatively privileged have seen tuition and predatory student loan practices soar, employment rates/wages drop, and a continuing erosion of social safety nets. This has meant that many of us in a previous decade potentially could have quietly done sex work in our early 20s and moved on to other careers as we got older, but under current economic conditions we have simply never been able to afford to entirely leave the industry. As the sex industry has grown oversaturated, managers of legal workspaces have become bolder in pursuing exploitive and discriminatory labour practices. This, in conjunction with Trumps presidency and the passage of anti-sex work policies like SESTA/FOSTA, has pushed many of us into higher contact, more criminalised work that is still preferable to the majority of available waged jobs. Anti-trafficking crusaders often blame us for glamourising the industry, but the reality is that people of all genders and ages are entering into sex work because they are under increasing financial duress and experience a lack of other viable options under our current power structures. As an administrator of the Lysistrata Mutual Care Collective & Fund, a mostly volunteer-run resource specifically by and for sex workers, our collective grounds its resistance to predominant modes of philanthrocapitalism by drawing on what grassroots organisers call the non-profit-industrial complex. Non-profits, especially in the anti-trafficking realm, often give lifetime positions of power to people outside of marginalised communities. They are accountable primarily to well-off board members and funders. Funding typically goes to their salaries rather than directly to individuals in the populations they claim to serve. This dynamic is also found within the sex worker movement. Formally educated, white sex workers from middle class backgrounds are disproportionately able to transition to paid advocacy work and secure grant funding, while our peers who face greater risk of arrest and violence in every part of their existence are often additionally barred from transitioning to non-profit and academic employment. For these reasons, weve intentionally chosen to structure our cooperative on a sliding scale basis that prioritises resources going directly to struggling individuals and stipends for marginalised sex worker organisers. Since 2018 weve redistributed approximately $197,000 in cash gifts and stipends. With COVID-19 weve effectively doubled our usual output of funds and the number of sex workers around the nation were in contact with. This has enabled us to begin work on building up our broader membership long term. Through December, we invited 400 people wed previously assisted with funds to participate in a paid, check-in survey. Out of 200 respondents, a large number reported being houseless or housing insecure and not having connections to other sex worker communities or organisations offering the same type of low barrier cash assistance. Fully 150 were interested in becoming more engaged members. Were currently restructuring our organisation to give these new members direct roles within our decision-making processes, as well as pulling together a budget to ensure that those who qualify for the fund will be compensated for their time and given more ongoing support. Weve managed to do all of this without the benefit of full-time paid staff, and without qualifying for any federal or foundation grant assistance. All of our funding is sourced from individual donors and fundraisers organised by high-profile, current and former sex workers who know through experience why this is such a vital resource. We have of course tried to obtain grant funding in the past, but applications from sex worker-led groups are rarely successful. On top of that, many granting foundations explicitly do not sponsor direct services, especially not cash-based ones. Funders are often reluctant to pay out for material needs because even small amounts of direct assistance add up to large numbers surprisingly quickly. Few are personally invested in making meaningful structural or material change, and many believe that marginalised people cant be trusted to make their own decisions about how to best manage their own resources. However, one of the principles of mutual aid is that direct and unconditional access to cash gives people the most agency over the use of their own resources. Other forms of assistance that non-profits are more comfortable with, such as gift cards or direct assistance with bills, do not. For this same reason, no non-profit should condition assistance on leaving the industry. Allowing adults who have a history of both consensual and non-consensual involvement in the sex industry to continue doing sex work after leaving an exploitative situation gives them low barrier income that they can best leverage for their own survival. Preventing us from doing sex work at all in order to access services does not aid our safety in any way. Sex work is a means of survival that falls outside of the control of capitalist systems. Forcing people into low-wage, respectable jobs largely serves to benefit wealthy people who profit off of this type of labour while they are able to simultaneously take advantage of tax loopholes for charitable contributions. This allows them to donate selectively to foundations that distribute a minimum amount of funding yearly and avoid paying into necessary social services. This cycle does a disservice to everyone, but especially to single parents, those who experience discrimination in traditional job settings, or who are chronically ill or disabled. Poverty, racism, criminalisation, and gender-based violence are some of the top factors that put people at higher risk of trafficking. In conjunction with a mass loss of jobs and housing due to the pandemic, many are entering sex work out of desperation and are very vulnerable to trafficking and violence. Consensual sex workers who have been steadily losing income options for years have largely been left out of government aid packages and are continuing to be forced to work outside of their usual boundaries as well. The solution to this at the speed we need it can only come in the form of large-scale, low-barrier, non-job attached government aid. Outside of this already daunting plethora of difficulties, there are huge challenges to building any type of alternative community structures under criminalisation. We take on heightened legal risk beyond our own personal involvement in sex work and face additional criminal penalties for organising in groups, providing direct assistance, and sharing safety resources within our communities. In the US we are even at risk of being prosecuted as traffickers for the services we offer. This makes it difficult and dangerous to openly promote the work we do to reach a larger scale donor pool or advocate for basic human rights and labour protections. Even in countries where sex work is decriminalised or legalised there are clandestinely enforced, intricate webs of policies in place that enforce widespread institutional financial discrimination against individual sex workers and sex worker-run businesses. These greatly obstruct our ability to create our own equitable workspaces and long-term mutual aid networks outside of the non-profit system. In the long run, the best trafficking prevention is sweeping societal change. At the top of the list are decriminalisation measures that remove criminal penalties for victimless activities engaged in by consenting adults, the abolition of prisons, the police, and immigration enforcement, protections for undocumented immigrants and trans folks, reparations to BIPOC communities, and universal basic income, housing, and healthcare. All of these measures would give more power to workers in every industry. Philanthrocapitalism unavoidably serves as a major barrier to the implementation of these measures and only serves to hurt truly authentic efforts to prevent trafficking. New York, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Equipment Leasing Software Market Research Report by Equipment Type, by Deployment, by End User - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05940573/?utm_source=GNW Market Statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. This helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. 1. The Global Equipment Leasing Software Market is expected to grow from USD 615.95 Million in 2020 to USD 1,198.97 Million by the end of 2025. 2. The Global Equipment Leasing Software Market is expected to grow from EUR 540.08 Million in 2020 to EUR 1,051.28 Million by the end of 2025. 3. The Global Equipment Leasing Software Market is expected to grow from GBP 480.13 Million in 2020 to GBP 934.59 Million by the end of 2025. 4. The Global Equipment Leasing Software Market is expected to grow from JPY 65,738.28 Million in 2020 to JPY 127,961.42 Million by the end of 2025. 5. The Global Equipment Leasing Software Market is expected to grow from AUD 894.45 Million in 2020 to AUD 1,741.07 Million by the end of 2025. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the Equipment Leasing Software to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: "The Office Furniture, IT Hardware & Software is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period" Based on Equipment Type, the Equipment Leasing Software Market studied across Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing & Warehouse Tools, Medical & Biotechnology, Office Furniture, IT Hardware & Software, and Transportation. The Transportation commanded the largest size in the Equipment Leasing Software Market in 2020. On the other hand, the Office Furniture, IT Hardware & Software is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. "The On-Cloud is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period" Based on Deployment, the Equipment Leasing Software Market studied across On-Cloud and On-Premise. The On-Cloud commanded the largest size in the Equipment Leasing Software Market in 2020, and it is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. "The SMEs is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period" Based on End User, the Equipment Leasing Software Market studied across Large Enterprises and SMEs. The Large Enterprises commanded the largest size in the Equipment Leasing Software Market in 2020. On the other hand, the SMEs is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. "The Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period" Based on Geography, the Equipment Leasing Software Market studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas region surveyed across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The Asia-Pacific region surveyed across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. The Europe, Middle East & Africa region surveyed across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. The Americas commanded the largest size in the Equipment Leasing Software Market in 2020. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Company Usability Profiles: The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Equipment Leasing Software Market including Accurate Leasing Ltd, Asset Panda, Constellation Financing Systems, International Decision Systems Group, NETSOL Technologies, Odessa Technologies Inc., Q2 Software, Inc., Soft4Leasing, Sopra Steria Group SA, and WHITE CLARKE GROUP LIMITED. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19: COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, so for and, the long-term effects projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlaying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report is delivering insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecast, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market. 360iResearch FPNV Positioning Matrix: The 360iResearch FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Equipment Leasing Software Market on the basis of Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape. 360iResearch Competitive Strategic Window: The 360iResearch Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The 360iResearch Competitive Strategic Window helps the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. During a forecast period, it defines the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth. The report provides insights on the following pointers: 1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players 2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the markets 3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments 4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players 5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and new product developments The report answers questions such as: 1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Equipment Leasing Software Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Equipment Leasing Software Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Equipment Leasing Software Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Equipment Leasing Software Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Equipment Leasing Software Market? 6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global Equipment Leasing Software Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05940573/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ [February 16, 2021] AeroPay and Olla Announce Strategic Partnership to Bring Digital Payments to eCommerce for the Cannabis Industry CHICAGO and SEATTLE, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AeroPay, a leading financial technology company providing compliant payment processing solutions to cannabis businesses, and Olla, a revolutionary eCommerce platform built for cannabis retailers, announced a strategic partnership to bring digital payments to eCommerce for the cannabis industry. The partnership centers around an integration that enables cannabis retailers to offer AeroPay as a cashless payment method to customers ordering online through their white-labeled eCommerce sites powered by Olla. "We're beyond excited to introduce seamless, cash-free payments to Olla's platform," said Nico Nezhat, CEO and Co-Founder of Olla. "Our partnership with AeroPay allows us to provide a proven solution that delivers a convenient and completely contactless experience for cannabis retailers and their customers alike." Payments made using AeroPay will be facilitated through a secure bank-to-bank transfer between the customer and the retailer, eliminating large quantities of cash common in the cannabis industry. For first time AeroPay users, the sign-up process is two simple steps create an AeroPay account and link their bank. After that, payments can be completed with a single click. Customers have the ability to pay using AeroPay when placing orders from dispensaries for in-store pickup, curbside pickup, home delivery, and in-store self-serve kiosks. The entire experience, including the highly-responsive mobile-first design, was created to make shopping on-the-go easy for customers. "We have been extremely impressed by the modern online ordering engine the team at Olla has built," said Daniel Muller, CEO & Founder of AeroPay. "Together, we are epowering cannabis businesses with the tools to give their customers an experience similar to those they are used to in more traditional, less regulated industries." Both companies also have in-store solutions for cannabis retailers and they plan to work together to continue finding further efficiencies they can bring to the often underserved cannabis market. "The team at AeroPay has been a dream to collaborate with. When looking for a payments partner, we were blown away by the simplicity and quality of their product - especially the speed of payouts for retailers," said Nezhat. "We're excited to keep building off our initial momentum and innovating together to bring even more value to the cannabis industry." "This is just the first step in what we believe will be a partnership that will define the future of eCommerce for cannabis businesses," said Muller. "In many ways, we think cannabis as an industry can be a great space for this type of innovation that can eventually extend outward to other industries." About AeroPay AeroPay is a financial technology company providing alternative payment processing solutions to state legal cannabis businesses. With AeroPay, cannabis businesses can offer a convenient and contactless digital payment option to their customers, suppliers, and business partners. AeroPay has been approved to work in every state where cannabis businesses can legally operate as well as Washington D.C. For more information, visit www.aeropay.com or email hello@aeropay.com. To schedule an interview, contact: Alex Lipnik, Director of Marketing Email: 291566@email4pr.com 248-217-0282 About Olla Olla empowers cannabis retailers with a next-gen eCommerce platform, driving sales, engagement and customer loyalty through it's customizable mobile-first interface and powerful marketing tools. Offering online pre-order, curbside pickup, home delivery & interactive in-store ordering, Olla powers retailers nationwide, transacting over a quarter-billion dollars in orders in 2020. In an industry crowded with competing self-branded online marketplace companies, Olla stands alone with its white labeled digital-commerce platform. For more information, visit www.olla.co and connect with us on Twitter and Linkedin. To schedule an interview, contact: Nico Nezhat, CEO & Co-Founder Email: 291566@email4pr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aeropay-and-olla-announce-strategic-partnership-to-bring-digital-payments-to-ecommerce-for-the-cannabis-industry-301228780.html SOURCE AeroPay [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] For years, fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer have had to reconcile their adoration for a show about a teenage girl who slays monsters, with the criticism that often swirled around her creator. The Whedon Studies Association, a society of academics devoted to studying the works of Joss Whedon, is debating whether to change its name. Fans who grew up with his signature show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and were planning to introduce it to their children are grappling with what to do. Some said they are regretting tattoos inspired by Buffy and other shows Whedon created. For years, fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired on the WB and UPN from 1997 to 2003, have had to reconcile their adoration for a show about a teenage girl who slays monsters, with the criticism that often swirled around her creator. Also read Revisiting Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 23 years after its debut, there's nothing like Joss Whedon's pioneering TV series Whedons early reputation as a feminist storyteller was tarnished after his ex-wife, producer Kai Cole, accused him of cheating on her and lying about it. Actress Charisma Carpenter, a star of the Buffy spinoff Angel, hinted at a fan convention in 2009 that Whedon was not happy when she became pregnant. In July, Ray Fisher, an actor who starred in Whedons 2017 film Justice League, accused him of gross and abusive treatment of the cast and crew. Whedon has disputed some of Fishers accusations, and said his ex-wifes 2017 account included inaccuracies and misrepresentations. On Wednesday, Carpenter released a statement in support of Fisher, in which she said Whedon harassed her while she was pregnant and fired her after she gave birth in 2003. Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working together on the sets of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, she said in the post, hashtagged #istandwithRayFisher. The post set off a new accounting for longtime fans of Whedons work, and some of the people who helped him create it. Over the past week, many of the actors who starred on Buffy, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy Summers, have expressed solidarity with Carpenter and distanced themselves from Whedon. Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Buffys younger sister, Dawn, alleged on Instagram on Thursday that Whedon was not allowed to be alone with her. I would like to validate what the women of Buffy are saying and support them in telling their story, Marti Noxon, one of the shows producers and longtime writers, said on Twitter. Jose Molina, a writer who worked on Whedons show Firefly called him casually cruel. A representative for Whedon declined to comment. Through Buffy, Whedon sparked a universe that inspired scholarly articles and books, countless online groups that still dissect plotlines and characters more than 17 years after the final episode aired, and legions of fans who connected deeply with a teenage girl forced to fight unimaginable horrors. Many people came out and said that Buffy saved their lives, said Alyson Buckman, a professor at California State University, Sacramento, and member of the Whedon Studies Association, who surveyed fans of the show for an upcoming book. It was incredibly meaningful for them. It taught them to stand up for themselves. It taught them that they could go on. She added: Is that all ruined by one man? Welcome to the Hellmouth In March 1997, Buffy the Vampire Slayer premiered on the WB, then a fledgling cable network, and was quickly praised as a smart and campy series about a teenage girl and her friends fighting the forces of evil. The show was full of clever metaphors Buffy lived in a California town that sits on a hellmouth, a place where vampires and monsters converge and a sly comparison to the pains of adolescence. Writers like Noxon and Jane Espenson developed rich plotlines and provided the actors with snappy dialogue that fascinated linguists. The characters struggled with evil boyfriends, their own sexuality and the death of a parent in ways that fans found cathartic. The show was really a lifeline for me at the time because I didnt have community, said Jen Malkowski, a film and media studies professor at Smith College, who identifies as queer and trans nonbinary and began watching the show in high school. I was working with my sexuality, coming to terms with coming out, said Malkowski, who uses they and them pronouns. Buffy was a huge source of comfort for me. Whedons fame grew, and he went on to direct and write myriad other films and television series, including the wildly popular Avengers and one of its sequels, Avengers: Age of Ultron. In 2013, the human rights group Equality Now honored him as a champion of storytelling who fought for gender equality. Buffy was such a powerful show not just because it was about girl power, but also because it was about womens voices, said Jodi Eichler-Levine, a professor at Lehigh University who described herself as obsessed with the show in graduate school. Hearing just how profoundly the voices of women in the cast were ignored cuts deep, she said. The Story Is Not Just Joss Whedons In pop culture and beyond, theres a long history of fans working through how to separate their art from its creator or stars. And for years, many fans have had to compartmentalise their love for Buffy as more accusations swirled against Whedon and multiple viewings of the show revealed aspects of it that had not aged well. Nat Brehmer, a freelance writer in Apopka, Florida, described on Twitter how he thought of Whedon as some kind of god when he first watched the show in high school. Episodes like one about a student who feels so unseen by her classmates that she literally becomes invisible helped him cope with the anxieties he felt as a teenager. Over the years, Brehmer said he has had to contend with some troubling remnants of the shows legacy, like its treatment of minority characters and its depiction of sexual assault. The latest controversy surrounding Whedon is a reminder of the danger of idolisation, Brehmer said. But he said that if he has children, he will watch Buffy with them. Buffy is still my favourite show of all time, he said. Probably, by and large, one of my favorite stories ever told. Buffy fans know that the story is not just Joss Whedons, said Kristin Russo, a co-host on the podcast, Buffering the Vampire Slayer. She compared the loyalty of fans to the show to that of fans of Harry Potter, who have distanced themselves from JK Rowling and transphobic comments she has made, while still embracing the books. Its the fandom claiming it back, Russo said. I dont think that anyone would think that Buffy Summers belongs to any one person. Malkowski said boycotting Buffy and other shows Whedon created would also obscure the legacy of the other writers, producers and actors who worked on those series. I want to hold on to Marti Noxon and Jane Espenson and Charisma Carpenter, they said. To me, its more important to keep whats of value than to cancel what has been revealed to be troubling. But in case the new allegations compel networks and streaming services to stop playing old episodes of Whedons shows, Malkowski is ready: I will never let go of my Buffy DVDs. 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JURISDICTION You agree that any claim, action, or proceeding arising out of these Terms and Conditions, or your use of the Website, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New York applicable to contracts to be wholly performed therein, and any action based on or alleging a breach of this Terms and Conditions must be brought in a state or federal court in New York. In addition, you agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of such courts. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL) Ludovic Orban states that "the economy responded well to the Liberal economic program adopted last year", stressing that the data for the last quarter place Romania's economy "among the highest performing" in the European Union, according to AGERPRES. "In the last quarter, Romania's economy grew by 5.3 percent compared to the previous quarter, the highest economic growth in the European Union. In August, after the release of data on economic developments in the second quarter, which showed a decrease of 12.3 percent, we stated that the Romanian economy will have one of the lowest economic contractions at the end of the year, of 3.8 percent. Even as the European Commission was anticipating an economic decrease of 6 percent for 2020, data from the National Institute of Statistics confirms the forecast of the Government I led and it estimates a year-end economic contraction of 3.9 percent," Orban wrote on Tuesday in a post on his Facebook page. He adds that the data for the last quarter also places Romania's economy "among the highest performing" economies in the European Union, while other major European economies have continued to record "significant economic declines." "The comparison with the last quarter of 2019 shows an economic contraction in Spain by 9.1 percent, in Austria by 7.8 percent, in Italy by 6.6 percent, in France by 5 percent, in Germany by 3.9 percent while Romania's economy only shrank 1.5 percent," explains Orban. The PNL leader also appreciates that the National Investment and Economic Recovery Plan adopted and implemented last year, which meant the largest support package for the economy, amounting to almost 7 percent of GDP, produced "the expected results". "We have reduced the economic decline caused by the global crisis and created the conditions for the recovery of the Romanian economy, which grew by 5.3 percent in the last quarter. When the Government is a partner for the business environment, the economy responds positively and has confidence in Romania's development prospects," Orban also states. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form A new generation of meditation studios is popping up with features that mimic luxury gyms but purely for your mind. Nestled on the fringe of Sydneys CBD in Barangaroo is MYND Studios, which opened last week offering about 20 different teacher-led meditation classes throughout the day, with the aim of attracting city workers to sign up to its $50 weekly membership. The bright, large studio is carefully designed to promote calm, with a moss wall, nap pods and a post-class relaxation lounge. MYND Studios opened last week in Sydneys Barangaroo. Credit:Brook Mitchell You can come here, do a 25-minute class, get food and still get back to work in the hour, says co-founder James Harris, who was inspired by premium studios in London and New York City. [Its designed] to be a place to breathe when you walk in, a place where this time is for me. Harris says he wanted to create a venue that is like a physical version of popular apps such as Calm and Headspace, and offers secular meditation, without Buddhist teachings, which he feels is more accessible. NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization (WHO) has authorised emergency use listing of Serum Institute of Indias Covishield , paving the way for a global rollout of vaccine supplies through Covax. Covax is an initiative led by WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for equitable access to covid-19 vaccines. Also Read | Inside the five-year battle food companies have fought to resist stricter labelling norms WHO has also approved the emergency use listing of South Korea-based SK Biosciences version of the vaccine; the original was co-developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca plc. Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk, contributing to the COVAX Facilitys goal of equitable vaccine distribution," said Mariangela Simao, WHO assistant-director general for access to medicines and health products, in a statement. The emergency use listing (EUL) given by the WHO will allow Serum Institute to supply Covishield doses as rapidly as possible to address the emergency, while adhering to stringent criteria of safety, efficacy, and quality. Of the 240 million doses that Serum Institute plans to supply for Covax, 97.16 million is expected to be given to India, while nearly 13 million will go to Bangladesh, according to the interim distribution forecast of the Covax facility. As per the forecast, Serum Institute is expected to begin supplies later this month, with 35-40% of 240 million doses scheduled to be delivered by March end and the rest by June. The assessment weighs threat posed by the emergency as well as the benefit that would accrue from the use of the product against any potential risks, the WHO said. As part of protocol, the company producing the vaccine must commit to continue to generate data to enable full licensure and WHO prequalification of the vaccine. The agency will continue to assess additional clinical data generated from vaccine trials and deployment of the companies on a rolling basis to ensure that the vaccine is safe and efficacious and meets the necessary standards of quality for global supply. WHO had listed Pfizers and BioNTechs co-developed mRNA vaccine for emergency use on 31 December. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. New Delhi: Mumbai-based The Hiranandani Group on Monday said it will invest around Rs 8,500 crore to develop industrial and data centre parks in West Bengal. The group has "entered into an MoU (memorandum of understanding) in the state of West Bengal to set up logistics and hyperscale data center parks in the region", a company statement said. It has signed an MoU to acquire a 100-acre land at Uttarpara, Kolkata to set up an integrated logistics and hyperscale data center park by group companies GreenBase and Yotta respectively. "The combined investment by the group and their customers is estimated to cross Rs 10,000 crore," the statement said. When contacted, the company spokesperson said the investment by the group will be around Rs 8,500 crore. GreenBase will develop 3 million square feet of industrial and warehousing space, while Yotta, Hiranandani's hyperscale data centre division, will build six hyper connected data centre buildings bringing in 250MW of cutting edge data centre capacity over the next several years. Darshan Hiranandani, Group Chief Executive Officer - Hiranandani Group said, ?Kicking off this project would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the Government of West Bengal" "West Bengal is the gateway to the east. It is an ideal hub for logistics and industrial development with excellent road, rail and riverine connectivity," he added. Simultaneously, Darshan said the data centre business will benefit from the digitisation revolution, the upcoming Silicon Valley at New Town at Rajarhat and excellent fibre connectivity on land and the new submarine cable coming up at Tajpur. "By setting up a data center park in Kolkata, we will not only serve the customers of the state but the entire eastern region including neighbouring countries," he said. In 2020, Yotta inaugurated its Asia's largest and World's second-largest Uptime Institute Tier IV certified data center in Navi Mumbai. It has recently announced development of data centre parks in Greater Noida and Chennai. Live TV #mute Greenbase is a joint venture (JV) between Hiranandani Group and global private equity firm Blackstone. It is developing industrial and logistics parks across Mumbai MMR region, Pune, Nashik, Chennai and Bengaluru with a plan to deliver 15 million sq ft of space Pan India in the next five years, having an investment outlay of USD 500 million. Teton County Reporter Previously the Scene editor, Billy Arnold made the switch to the county beat where he's interested in exploring Teton County as a model for the rest of the West. When he can, he still writes about art, music and whatever else suits his fancy. Highlights Moto E7 Power set to arrive on February 19. Moto E7 Power belongs to the E7 series wh.ich already has two phones under the E7 moniker Moto E7 Power had appeared on Geekbench a few days ago. The India launch date of Motorola Moto E7 Power was confirmed through a listing on Flipkart. The smartphone is all set to arrive on February 19. Moto E7 Power belongs to the E7 series which already has two phones under the E7 moniker The Moto E7 and the Moto E7 Plus. The E7 Power is expected to be a toned-down version of the Moto E7 Plus but an improved version of the Moto E7. In the Flipkart listing, Motorola confirmed that the smartphone will be launched with a 5000mAh battery along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage. However, nothing apart from this was confirmed by the company. However, the Moto E7 Power had appeared on Geekbench a few days ago. The listing on Geekbench had revealed some of the major specifications of the smartphone that is yet to be launched in India. The listing on Geekbench and other previous leaks suggest that the Motorola E7 Power will be powered by a MediaTek Helio P22 processor coupled with 4GB of RAM and come with support for Android 10. The Geekbench score also reveals that the E7 Power has a fairly decent processor. The smartphone has scored a single-core score of 152 and a multi-core score of 879. The higher the score, the faster the chipset would be. The Moto E7 Power will feature a 6.5-inch HD+ (720x1600 pixels) IPS LCD screen. On the front, there is a waterdrop notch with a thick bezel around the corners. The smartphone will be powered by a MediaTek Helio P22 chipset coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage. The smartphone runs on Android 10 and houses a 5,000mAh battery. It will also come with support for a 10W battery. The battery and screen size of the smartphone has already been confirmed by Motorola. Moto E7 Power comes with support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, a headphone jack, and a micro-USB port. Although Motorola has not officially shared any information about the smartphone, it is expected to launch in the entry-level segment. The smartphone is expected to be priced under Rs 10,000 in India. In the camera department, the smartphone is expected to feature a 13-megapixels primary with an f/ 2.0 aperture and a 2-megapixel macro lens. On the front, there is a 5-megapixel sensor with an f/ 2.2 aperture. The smartphone houses a 5,000mAh battery. The smartphone runs on Android 10. ALSO READ: | Flipkart Apple Days sale: Deals on iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 11 and iPhone SE you shouldn't miss A 'sanctimonious' Mitch McConnell will soon be challenged for his leadership of the Republican Party, Sean Hannity warned on Monday night, after the Senate Minority Leader published an op ed defending those who voted to impeach Donald Trump. McConnell, 78, wrote in the Wall Street Journal on Monday that he bore no ill will to the seven Republican senators who voted to impeach. McConnell spelled out his reasons for voting to acquit - arguing that he felt the Constitution did not allow for impeaching a president who has already left office. But, in a careful threading of the needle, he insisted he respected those who voted differently to him. Mitch McConnell voted to acquit Trump on Saturday, then savaged him on the Senate floor Sean Hannity used his Fox News show on Monday night to attack the Senate Minority Leader 'I don't begrudge my colleagues their own conclusions,' he wrote. 'I respect senators who reached the opposite answer.' McConnell also reiterated his stinging criticism of Trump, who he is said to personally despise. McConnell on Saturday, shortly after voting to acquit, accused Trump of 'a disgraceful dereliction of duty'. On Monday he wrote: 'There is no question former President Trump bears moral responsibility. His supporters stormed the Capitol because of the unhinged falsehoods he shouted into the world's largest megaphone. 'His behavior during and after the chaos was also unconscionable, from attacking Vice President Mike Pence during the riot to praising the criminals after it ended.' McConnell is struggling to keep the pro- and anti-Trump factions of his party together McConnell on Monday wrote an op ed insisting his vote did not vindicate Trump Hannity, one of the most passionate defenders of the former president, accused McConnell of failing Trump when he was in office, and of failing to effectively attack Democrats for their own feisty rhetoric. He also singled out John Thune, a Republican South Dakota senator, who like McConnell voted to acquit, then condemned Trump, saying: 'What former president Trump did to undermine faith in our election system and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power is inexcusable.' Hannity on Monday hit back. 'Where was John Thune and Mitch McConnell fighting against the biggest abuse of power corruption scandal in our history with Operation Crossfire Hurricane?' Hannity asked. 'They were missing in action. 'Where's the sanctimonious Mitch McConnell, John Thune, demanding that Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters - when is he going to give a speech on the Senate floor and hold those Democrats accountable for their incitement of insurrection and their insurrection-like language? 'The time is now coming for new leadership in the U.S. Senate.' Richard Burr (left) and Pat Toomey (right), are Republican senators that have been censured Bill Cassidy, Republican senator for Louisiana, was censured immediately after his vote Susan Collins of Maine is also facing calls from her own party to be censured for her vote Ben Sasse of Nebraska is among the six senators likely to face censure for his vote Three of the seven senators who voted to impeach - Richard Burr of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania - have all been formally censured by their state party for their vote. Three more - Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah, and Ben Sasse of Nebraska - could also be censured. Hannity said their vote represents how 'way out of touch' they are with the Republican base, pointing to the immediate backlash they now face in their home states. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. A TikToker is being accused of spraying her hair with Gorilla Glue for 'clout' and 'money' after a Louisiana woman went viral for using the permanent adhesive to set her hairstyle. Avani Reyes, 20, has claimed that she 'accidentally' sprayed Gorilla Glue in her hair and can't remove it just days after Tessica Brown, 40, traveled to Los Angeles to have Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Michael Obeng dissolve the adhesive on her head during a $12,500 procedure. Reyes has posted numerous TikToks about her beauty conundrum, starting with a video of herself trying to comb through her cropped pink hair, which is covered with a thick layer of glue. Scroll down for video Not again! Avani Reyes, 20, has claimed that she 'accidentally' sprayed Gorilla Glue in her hair and can't remove it in a series of viral TikToks Not working: In the first clip she shared, she tried running a comb through her matted hair without any success 'You guys, my hair will not comb,' she said, gasping multiple times as she patted her head. 'Y'all, I already tried wetting it.' The TikTok has been viewed more than 1.3 million times, but people had a hard time believing this was another accident. 'You knew that would happen, don't pretend you didn't, clout chasing,' one person wrote, while another responded: 'People will do anything for a bit of money.' 'I'm pretty sure you did this for more likes, views, or money,' someone else commented. 'I've watched your videos clearly showing you can read a bottle.' Drama: Reyes, who has more than 459,000 followers, posted numerous follow-up videos of herself, including footage of her going to the emergency room Breakdown: In another video, she was shaking and on the verge of crying, saying she was having a 'panic attack' Copy cat? Reyes started posting the videos just days after Tessica Brown (pictured) traveled to LA to have surgeon Dr. Michael Obeng dissolve the Gorilla Glue she had sprayed in her hair Reyes, who has more than 459,000 followers, posted numerous follow-up videos of herself going to the hospital and trying at-home remedies to remove the glue, just like Brown did for the last month before she underwent a four-hour procedure to have it dissolved. 'I'm on my way to the hospital right now. My scalp is burning,' Reyes said in one clip. 'I need to go to the hospital so they can remove this Gorilla Glue. I have no idea what to do. I tried washing it. It doesn't come off.' In another video, she was shaking and on the verge of crying, saying she was having a 'panic attack' but some thought it was all an act. Reyes said of the healthcare workers who were treating her at the hospital were 'confused' and didn't 'really know what to do,' adding: 'My scalp is burning, so I hope they figure something out.' Even though Brown had already gone through all of this, including the trip to the ER, Reyes feigned annoyance that the hospital's staffers weren't able to remove the permanent adhesive. Do not try this at home: To try and keep people from spraying their hair and bodies with Gorilla Glue, TikTok has put warnings on some of Reyes's video Out of luck: Reyes said of the healthcare workers who were treating her at the hospital were 'confused' and didn't 'really know what to do' No sympathy: TikTok users accused her of spraying her hair with Gorilla Glue on purpose 'I just got out of the hospital and they did nothing for me. Look at my hair,' she griped, saying she was advised to try olive oil, tea tree oil, or coconut oil to remove the glue or shave her hair off. Brown proved that all of those oils are useless when it comes to removing the glue, but Reyes still shared videos of herself trying them out with no success. 'So update on the Gorilla Glue. It did not come out,' she said. 'I used coconut oil for like a half an hour and then I just washed my hair and there is still Gorilla Glue in my head. Guess I gotta go bald.' People who were following Reyes's story weren't surprised when she revealed that she was thinking of starting a GoFundMe as Brown did. Brown raised nearly $24,000 to pay for her medical bills, but Dr. Obeng ended up offering to perform the procedure to remove the glue for free. Remarkably, he was able to salvage much of her hair. At-home remedies: Reyes said she was advised to try olive oil, tea tree oil, or coconut oil to remove the glue or shave her hair off Doesn't work: Reyes shared a video of herself using coconut oil in the shower to remove the glue to no avail Allegedly: She also claimed to have started a GoFundMe that has raised her enough money to travel to LA to have the glue removed by a plastic surgeon Trying: In the latest video that Reyes posted on Monday, an unknown woman can be seen trying to remove the glue. Its unclear how the adhesive ended up on her hair in the first place The mother-of-five now plans on donating most of the funds to the plastic surgeon's charitable foundation, Restore, which provides free reconstructive surgery to people in need. Reyes begged her followers for help in one video, saying: 'I don't know what to do. This was an accident. I didn't mean to put Gorilla Glue in my hair.' She continued to play up up her plight while posting numerous TikToks of herself awkwardly combing through matted hair and trying various products to remove the glue. She even shared a makeup tutorial with Bruno Mars's hit 'Gorilla' playing in the background. Reyes never actually shared a link to her GoFundMe page, but she claimed that she raised enough money to travel to LA to get surgery like Brown. In a recent clip, she alleged that one person generously donated $3,000 to help her. 'You guys know it's definitely been a journey with this Gorilla Glue. It's been crazy, so thank you so much,' she said. Stuck this way: Brown, 40, went viral earlier this month when she revealed she set her hair with Gorilla Glue and couldn't move it Yikes: Brown explained in her viral TikTok video that she ran out of her Got2b Glued Spray and used Gorilla Glue instead Struggle: After a failed visit to the ER (pictured), Dr. Obeng (not pictured) removed the glue in Brown's hair for free during a four-hour procedure that costs $12,500 Response: Gorilla Glue released a statement about the situation on social media and warned others not to use the glue on their skin or hair In the latest video that she posted on Monday, an unknown woman can be seen trying to remove the glue. It's unclear if she is a hairstylist or just a friend. To try and keep people from spraying their hair and bodies with Gorilla Glue, TikTok has put warnings on some of Reyes's video, saying: 'The action in this video can result in serious injury.' Gorilla Glue released a statement about Brown's 'unique' situation on social media on February 8, before she flew to LA to have the adhesive removed from her hair. 'We are aware of the situation and we are very sorry to hear about the unfortunate incident that Miss Brown experienced using our Spray Adhesive on her hair,' the brand wrote. 'This is a unique situation because this product is not indicated for use in or on hair as it is considered permanent. Our spray adhesive states in the warning label "do not swallow. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing."' Whoops! Last week, Len Martin, who is also originally from Louisiana, ended up in the emergency room after taking on the 'Gorilla Glue Challenge' Consequences: Martin, who was convinced that Brown was lying about the Gorilla Glue incident, glued a plastic cup to his face and had to go the hospital to have it painfully removed Big mistake: While sharing footage of himself in the ER, he admitted that he was wrong about Brown's story being a lie The company added: 'We are glad to see in her recent video that Miss Brown has received medical treatment from her local medical facility and wish her the best.' Despite the warnings by both Brown and Gorilla Glue, her viral story has inspired a dangerous 'Gorilla Glue Challenge. However, it's still unclear as to how or why the adhesive spray ended up in Reyes's hair. Last week, Len Martin, who is also originally from Louisiana, ended up in the emergency room after taking on the challenge. He was convinced that Brown was lying about the Gorilla Glue incident, and her hair was not as she claimed immovably and frighteningly stuck to her head. To prove his hunch, Martin bought some Gorilla Glue of his own, using it to stick a red plastic cup to his face only to realized he'd made a horrible mistake and couldn't get it off. 'I thought that chick with the gorilla glue was making that story up...but no..its real... I dont kno why I tried it..now they talking bout cutting the tip of my lips off in surgery...yall pray for me [sic],' he captioned a video of himself in the ER, adding the hashtag #gorrilagluechallenge. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) President Rodrigo Duterte has issued proclamations granting amnesty to members of rebel groups who have committed crimes to fight for their political beliefs. Malacanang on Tuesday released separate proclamations for Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade, and the Communist Terrorist Group that were signed by Duterte on February 5. Crimes covered by the amnesty are: rebellion or insurrection; conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection; disloyalty of public officers or employees; inciting to rebellion or insurrection sedition; conspiracy to commit sedition; inciting to sedition; illegal assembly and association; direct and indirect assault; resistance and disobedience to a person in authority; tumults and other disturbances of public order; unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances; alarms and scandals; illegal possession of firearms, ammunition or explosives, provided that these crimes were committed in furtherance of, incident to, or in connection with the crimes of rebellion or insurrection; and those charged, detained, or convicted of common crimes but who can establish by substantial evidence that they have actually committed said crimes in pursuit of political beliefs. However, those already charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act have been excluded. Crimes also not covered by amnesty are kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, and other crimes committed against chastity as defined in the Revised Penal Code, as well as those identified by the United Nations as crimes that can never be amnestied like genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other human rights violations. Amnesty must be filed with the National Amnesty Commission under oath within one year from the effectivity of the proclamation, or upon concurrence by a majority of members of Congress. The NAC will also issue implementing rules and regulations not later than 60 days upon effectivity. Scott Morrison and Daniel Andrews have traversed the full relationship gamut from bromance to frenemies in their response to the coronavirus pandemic but their political leadership has been part of a revival of trust in governments. Now the Prime Minister and Victorian Premier have both been shortlisted for the annual McKinnon Prize for political leadership. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Prime Minister Scott Morrison are both on the shortlist for the McKinnon Prize for political leadership. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Andrews, who has clashed with the PM on issues including border closures, aged care deaths and hotel quaratine, was included for his firm, decisive and courageous leadership and the brave approach of taking unpopular decisions based on expert health advice. Mr Morrisons shortlisting was based in part on his formation of the national cabinet, which demonstrated a propensity for collaboration. The nomination also noted the Prime Minister has stood firm against belligerent rhetoric from China and a bruising trade retribution campaign. New Delhi: After Disha Ravi, Nikita, and Shantanu, a new name has emerged in Greta Thunberg's toolkit case related to the farmers' protest - Pieter Friedrich. Friedrich was central to an investigation regarding the info-war against India. According to a report by media watchdog the Disinfolab, Friedrich was a crucial resource person in the farmers protests, whose name was dropped accidentally by Thunberg in the toolkit. Friedrich is said to have been in contact with Bhajan Singh Bhinder, a known Khalistani. He is also associated with the K2 (Kashmir-Khalistan) conspiracy. According to the police investigating the matter, Friedrich is currently living in Malaysia, doing research on fascism. He had claimed to be part of protesters who vandalized Mahatma Gandhi's statue in the USA. The police are investigating if Friedrich was among the 60-7 people who attended the zoom meeting of which Nikita was also a participant. According to the Disinfolab report, Friedrich has been involved in terror-related activities with the help of Pakistan's secret agency ISI. "Pieter was part of a story we were already working on since about a month in the context of info-war against India," "the report said. The story goes far back into the past. During the turmoil of the 1980s, a hitherto unknown Khalistani Bhajan Singh Bhinder appears on the scene. He claimed his origins from Malaysia and was operating from the US. He was essentially funding the terror network for carrying out large-scale violence in various cities in India through another terrorist Lal Singh with the help of Pakistan's ISI. Indian escaped the attack by a whisker when Lal Singh got arrested from Dadar railway station. Bhinder was eventually also put on India's Black-list till 2011, the report said. The attacks were part of a larger conspiracy called K-2 (Kashmir-Khalistan) which was hatched in Lahore under the patronage of Amir ul Azeem, the then Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami, and being supported by several Pakistani establishment players including Choudhary Altaf Hussain, eventually Governor of Punjab (Pakistan) and uncle of present S&T Minister of Pakistan Fawad Chaudhary. At the same time, while in the US, Bhinder and his gang were also involved in a major transnational drug trafficking network, and a DVD piracy network. In order to fund their drug network, they managed to take control of one of the most prominent Gurudwaras in the US (Fremont Gurudwara), after a bloody fight within it. Fremont receives millions of dollars in contribution from devotees every year. The report said that all this while Bhinder has also been trying to procure weapons to be sent to India via Pakistan. His quest for arms almost got him in the police net in the US. An investigation by DEA Special Agent Tim Lum reveals that Bhinder was looking for massive firepower to be sent to India. The deal however failed to materialize, as Bhinder got suspicious about the Agent. It was a close call for Bhinder. It added that with the change of the millennium, Bhinder also changed his methods. In early 2000, after the efforts to send weapons to India failed, and with new media and online platforms mushrooming, Bhinder (or the masterminds behind him) decided to shift focus towards launching an info-war against India. To this end, he plans to set up flimsy organization and scouts for a suitable 'white face', who could be used as the face for the info-war operations. "By 2006-7 Bhinder finds a young Christian Missionary Pieter Frederich, who seemed to have a decent oratory and writing skills but was still wanting in terms of economic means. Pieter was even willing to work as a security guard, and hence the offer to become an 'expert-activist' would have been quite lucrative to refuse. Pieter came on board and finds a new role as an anti-Gandhi crusader," the report said. 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The financing round, which was joined by ECMC Group's Education Impact Fund and Kresge Foundation's impact investment fund, will support AdmitHub's work to tap emerging technologies that address the most critical challenges faced by students and institutions. "Empathetic communication must be a linchpin of any university's strategy to expand access and support retention -- particularly in such uncertain times," said Dawn Medley, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at Wayne State University. "AdmitHub has been an invaluable part of Wayne State's successful effort to increase enrollment among Black and Latinx students, contributing to our largest-ever incoming freshman class even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic." AdmitHub, which also announced a forthcoming name change to Mainstay, developed the pioneering AI technology that reduced "summer melt" at Georgia State University by more than 30 percent. Recent follow-on research , also conducted at Georgia State, found that AdmitHub's behaviorally intelligent chatbot technology helped the institution boost FAFSA filing and registration rates by 3 percentage points -- demonstrating the potential of AI to not just increase college access, but also support institutions' retention and completion goals. "AdmitHub's technology and approach exemplify the thoughtful application of AI to solve the most pressing challenges in education," said Matt Greenfield, Managing Partner at Rethink Education. "Even amidst the turmoil of the past year, artificial intelligence has played a transformative role in institutions' efforts to communicate quickly and effectively, in ways that improve access and retention at scale." AdmitHub has increased college access, persistence, and success for more than 3 million students nationwide since its founding in 2014. They have achieved this through public-private partnerships with colleges and universities, state higher education systems like the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and nonprofit organizations like the Common App and College Advising Corps. By combining sophisticated technology and behavioral science in an intuitive student engagement platform, AdmitHub provides on-demand assistance via text message, web chat, and social media, answers questions in real time, and connects students to the appropriate advisors and resources. "The past year has reinforced the reality that new challenges will always be around the corner for colleges and universities," said Drew Magliozzi, Co-Founder and CEO of AdmitHub. "Partnering in close collaboration with schools around the country, we're building an empathy engine for higher education that will enable institutions and their students to navigate even the biggest and most unexpected obstacles." View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/higher-ed-ai-pioneer-raises-14-million-to-realize-the-potential-of-chatbots-for-student-success-301227795.html SOURCE AdmitHub [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The story was confirmed in a formal response from DLGSC director-general and Gaming and Wagering Commission chair Duncan Ord, who said Mick Connolly had stood aside as chief casino officer effective immediately. Department boss knew of relationship for years Not only was it true, but the relationship had been declared to Ord and his predecessor, Barry Sargeant, for many years. It was apparently fine with them, right up until the moment it was about to become public. Ord and Sargeant are no dummies and they are no rookies. Ord is paid $304,151 a year and has been a permanent director general since 2004. Sargeant, who is famously unavailable for media interviews, was director general of the old pre-merger Department of Racing Gaming and Liquor from 1992 to 2017 and the most influential bureaucrat in WAs vice industries for three decades. So what on earth were they thinking? Crown Perth enjoys the lucrative privilege of a legislated monopoly and not only has the regulator failed to unearth money laundering at scale, but its chief compliance officer is great mates and fishing buddy with the casinos managers of regulatory affairs. Apparently it was OK because those roles did not fit into the senior management category and are not part of the executive or senior level of management. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on the part of the Crown employees. Taken as a whole, they are the sorts of revelations that deserve a swift and strong response, like the calling of an independent investigation or inquiry. Government drags its feet Premier Mark McGowan says he expects higher standards from Ord but is restrained from further action because he is in caretaker mode before the election. In his public commentary, he has been as concerned with maintaining 5000 casino jobs as getting to the bottom of alleged criminality including the laundering of millions of dollars of drug money. Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup, who last week expressed confidence in WA regulators, on Monday said it was the correct decision to stand Mr Connolly aside but wondered where Gaming Minister Paul Papalia was. For his part. Papalia said he could not comment ahead of Tuesdays Commission meeting. Is the lack of vigour from the pollies related at all to Crowns donations of a combined $1 million to the WA Labor, Liberal and Nationals parties over the past 13 years, according to Electoral Commission records? Greens MLC Alison Xamon, who has the luxury of knowing Crown will never donate to her party, thinks so. Its very interesting to see what happened in NSW, for example, where theyve made the point of explicitly banning donations from gaming interests, she said. It is not in the public interest to have gambling interests influence the decisions of governments. I dont think (the major parties) are serious about it at all, its very frustrating. Unlike McGowan and Kirkup, she shot straight when it came to the roles of Ord and Sargeant. I thought it was unbelievable. How could they not know that this was a problem? And even if there is no actual wrongdoing, the perception alone is absolutely damning, she said. Loading How was this not red-flagged years ago? How is this not automatically identified as something that is a problem. I find the whole thing baffling, and it goes to the culture they clearly have not taken their responsibilities as seriously as they need to. I just find it amazing that it takes media fishing around to actually draw it to peoples attention and for them to go, Oh yeah, sorry, my bad. We found out last night the proposed way forward, but in the meantime there have been darkly ironic murmurings in some circles in recent days: those who have been on the receiving end of governance processes run by the local government side of Ords departmental responsibilities. The City of Perth copped a $7.8 million inquiry over political infighting and a few dodgy expense claims, and the conservative-leaning Town of Cambridge had to go to the Supreme Court to prove Local Government Minister David Templeman, guided by his department, was wrong to allege governance failures there. An anti-money laundering commission has pledged to clamp down on illegal currency vendors, reports Etihad Press. The Secretary of the Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Commission at the Central Bank of Syria (CBS), Ammar Maarouf, considered that the fact that the [exchange rate of the] dollar will not drop below 3,000 Syrian pounds was the talk of the town six months ago when the rate rose to 3,600 pounds before decreasing to 2,200 pounds. Maarouf said people should not listen to rumors. According to statements reported by Sham FM radio, Maarouf said that when a citizen stops valuing their currency, they are participating in the economic war against the country, and we do not want people to lose their savings to a game by speculators. He continued, there are those who profit from the difference in the exchange rate and make a profession out of it, and this is what we are trying to fight with the help of the concerned security authorities. Maarouf accused some economic analysts of using social media to spread erroneous interpretations of what is happening in the country. He explained that the exchange rate is not a number that the CBS determines, but rather a result of government, economic, financial, and monetary performance, which constitutes a number that is determined by supply and demand. Maarouf promised that the CBSs effective measures will restore the exchange rate to acceptable levels in the near future, noting the importance of societal awareness when it comes to the implications of the economic war. The decline in the exchange rate during the recent period is a message that speculators wont be able to tip the balance in their favor and that things are under control. Maarouf said that there is an impenetrable something, that cannot be explained, happening in the market in terms of high prices and this is not within the jurisdiction of the CBS. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. In an illustration photo, a doctor performs an ultrasound on a pregnant woman during her visit to a gynecologist. (Jennifer Jacobs/AFP/Getty Images) Tennessee Proposes Bill That Would Let Fathers Veto Abortions Tennessee lawmakers have proposed a bill that would allow biological fathers to prevent a woman from getting an abortion. The bill, known as Senate Bill (SB) 494, allows a person to ask a court to grant an injunction that would stop a woman who is pregnant with the persons child from obtaining an abortion. The court will then have to hold a hearing with both parties to consider the petition within 14 days and decide whether an injunction is warranted. To obtain an injunction, the father must show that there is a reasonable probability the woman will attempt to seek an abortion and any evidence that the person is the childs biological father. However, the father does not need to provide DNA evidence for the injunction. Once an injunction is issued, the judge could hold the woman in civil or criminal contempt and punish the respondent in accordance with the law if she is found to have violated the injunction. SB 494, which was introduced by GOP Sen. Mark Pody, was passed on second consideration last week and has now been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. A similar bill was introduced in the Tennessee House and passed first consideration last week. A fathers consent to an abortion has not been required by law and the U.S. Supreme Court has found such laws unconstitutional. In the 1976 case Planned Parenthood v. Danforth, the court found that a Missouri law that required written consent from a spouse during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy was unconstitutional because the state cannot delegate the authority to prevent an abortion other than a doctor or the mother of the unborn child. In the last few years, several states have proposed bills aimed at limiting abortions such as heartbeat bills, which bans most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected usually at around six weeks of pregnancy. Many of these bills have led to a series of legal challenges in courts. These states are hoping that the lawsuits could be a vehicle to challenge Roe v. Wade, which classifies the right to choose to have an abortion as fundamental, in the Supreme Court. Several courts across the country have already invalidated the heartbeat bill. In June last year, the Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law that required doctors who perform abortions to have hospital admitting privileges close to where the procedure takes place. The court said the law was unconstitutional. It found that the Louisiana law was almost identical to a 2016 Texas law that had already been struck down by the same court and that the Texas law placed a substantial obstacle in the path of women seeking an abortion. The 47th Annual Houston Museum Antiques Show & Sale is set for Feb. 26, 27 and 28 at Stratton Hall. There will be some noticeable changes due to the pandemic, said officials. We are thrilled to present our 47th, uninterrupted show for our friends here in town and around the region," said Amy Autenreith, executive director for the Houston Museum. "This years show has not been without its challenges, but we are determined to make it special and safe for all who can attend. Clements Auctions will be holding an Appraisal Fair during the Antiques show. Appraisals will be held on Friday and Saturday and guests can register for a time slot between 12-5 p.m. Pre-registration for this event is required. The price for appraisals is $25 per object, $70 for up to three objects. Payment will be accepted on the day of the event. Cash, cards, and checks are accepted. Appointments will be approximately 5-6 minutes per object. Guests can reserve their spot by emailing info@clementsauctions.com. Appropriate items include furniture (photos will suffice if the object is too large), glass, porcelain, silver, art, Asian items, fine art, sculptures, oriental rugs, documents, etc. No: Native American artifacts, firearms, pre-Columbian artifacts, or fossils. Guests with large objects should make arrangements to bring someone to help carry the items. Of special interest for local collectors, there will be a presentation on Sand Mountain Pottery, by Danny Maltbie on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. Come and listen to Mr. Maltbie as he weaves a tale about the creation and history of this beautiful and highly collectible pottery made just down the road in Alabama, not far from Chattanooga. TROY, MI The death of a man whose body was found outside a Belle Tire store on Monday has been ruled a homicide by stabbing. Within 24 hours, investigators identified a possible suspect and took that person into custody, according to a news release from the Troy Police Department. Police officers were called to a Belle Tire store in Troy around 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 15, after employees arriving for work discovered the deceased man lying next to the front entrance of the store, 4966 Rochester Road, police said. The body was partially covered in snow that fell overnight. RELATED: Man found dead, buried in snow outside Belle Tire Officers at the scene immediately flagged the death as suspicious and initiated an investigation. An autopsy later revealed that the man died of a single stab wound to the chest; the death was ruled a homicide. Officers also recovered a knife from the Belle Tire parking lot. Investigators quickly identified a person of interest and that person is now in police custody. Police believe the victim to be in his late 30s. His identity will be released after the family is notified. READ MORE: Person shot multiple times in Jackson; suspect in custody Saginaw teen shot outside South Side market, police say The pandemics psychological toll on our children Welsh Government stick with tight scarf minimum face covering guidance as other countries move to FFP3 or double masking This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Feb 16th, 2021 Welsh Government has said if current face covering or mask evidence changes it will alter guidance to the people of Wales over what should be worn as added protection against coronavirus. Previously we asked the Welsh Government about moves in France and other European countries to recommend FFP2 or medical masks (with some states giving them out for free) when in shops or on public transport and whether the French health minister was right or Wales Vaughan Gething when it came to standards. We were told that the face covering advice was a minimum standard for people here in Wales. Welsh Governments existing guidance on face coverings was last updated on the 28th January, with the below guide on types of face covering that still includes a secure scarf. Last week the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC in the USA) stated close-fitting surgical masks worn underneath cloth masks commonly known as double masking can significantly enhance protection against coronavirus. Since President Joe Biden has entered office, masks are now required on all public transport in the USA. In light of the change by the CDC we asked the health minister again on the topic, and if Wales and the UK were becoming an outlier on face covering advice. Health Minister Vaughan Gething replied: I wouldnt say we are becoming an outlier. This is one of the things where were constantly reviewing the public health advice and the impact on transmission and its one of the control measures we have in place. Because actually, from earlier questions, the most successful control measure in reducing transmission rates has been reducing peoples contact with each other and thats thanks to the hard work and the sacrifice of people across the country. When people are going out, I regularly see people out wearing masks and I think really positive adherence to that message of how we can keep each other safe and wearing a face covering when we are in an indoor or public place. If theres a need to change our advice, then I expect that to be reviewed by our chief medical officer department with up to date scientific evidence. Ive said many, many times if the evidence changes, then Im more than happy to change the decisions we make, the advice and the guidance we give to help keep people safe, because that is what this is all about. You can read the full official guidance on face coverings for Wales here. Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus told the Hamilton County JFK Club on Monday that preventing Republicans from further redrawing the districts is a focus for the party going forward. We are trying to rebuild a state party that has been diminished in the last decade, in large part because of Republican control and how theyve carved out the districts, Mr. Remus said. We know they will further try to entrench Republican control across the state. The TNDP chair has spoken to several people within the legislature and said he is going to fight for fair redistricting for the state. He said Georgia is the blueprint for how to win an election in a very red state, then he called North Carolina the blueprint for how to make sure the Democratic Party has a say in redistricting. We are going to exploit every legal option on our end with the House and Senate caucus, the speaker said. We have to make sure we are in close consultation with the members of the House and Senate so we know what is going on and where the GOPs thinking is. He said the Democratic Party needs to rally people around a common cause, and that he has been working with grassroots organizers and labor organizations and small organizations like the JFK club to figure out how to be more prominent throughout the state. Were going to be encouraging people as we seek legal action as a party and as members of the legislature, were going to be asking citizens to join us in that litigation so we have a stronger case, Mr. Remus said. Our focus is that were starting to build that energy, especially in a pandemic, to make as much noise as possible. He also told the JFK Club that the larger state party cannot win a statewide election, be it senatorial or gubernatorial, on its own. He said the TNDP will need support from smaller county parties to build momentum and to encourage engagement. He said that because Tennessee has some of the lowest voter turnout in the nation, that signaled there are many people who could vote Democrat but currently do not. Weve got to change the way we deliver our message. We spend a lot of time defending our message and where the party stands on things, without really defining where the Republicans stand on it, the chair said. If we get into a position where we can tell the stories of ordinary people who are impacted and affected by these issues, we will have much more success. He said the message needs to be clear and concise, and that the state, county, and grassroots levels all need to be unified when it comes to what that message is. He said Republicans have the advantage over the Democratic Party in this aspect. When they find a topic or certain phrase or message, they say it over and over and over again, its that radio effect. If you say socialist enough, its like driving in a car and not liking the song, but then youre eventually starting to sing along to it. Theyve sung the same song for so long people are repeating it, and we havent done that very well. When were talking about Medicaid expansion or criminal justice reform or gun right, we have to make sure our message is delivered in a way where, people can relate to it, but at the same time, it becomes so frequent they sing the same tune were singing. Mr. Remus said many people point to Georgia as a state that has flipped from Republican to Democrat in the Senate and the presidency. But he also said that from 2018-20, the party has only gained four seats in the general assembly. So he said the process of whittling down the Republican supermajority in Tennessee will be a long process. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Homelessness among our nations veterans has reached crisis level with more than 1.4 million vets on the streets. Together we will work with Vendaval to raise awareness about the many critical needs veterans are facing at the moment, from homelessness to unemployment. The demand is obvious, so embracing a more disruptive stance makes sense. Homelessness among our nations veterans has reached crisis level with more than 1.4 million service men and women exposed to chronic homelessnessit is estimated that on any night more than 40,000 American military veterans are forced to live on the streets.(1) Helping address the problem of homeless veterans is the goal of California-based Vendaval Corp. Solving this urgent problem by disrupting the status quo in housing construction makes Vendaval an ideal fit for JOTO PR Disruptors. Vendaval is showing the private sector how to step up and take action, when others havent been able to nimbly adapt to changing needs, said Karla Jo Helms, Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR(TM) Strategist at JoTo PR(TM). Founder and Chairman of Vendaval, Nick Saifan, is a 24-year-Navy/Army veteran who, after retiring from the Army, began a second career as a contractor with the goal of building affordable housing for veterans. His Moreno Valley Project located in Riverside County, California, will include residential units and 30,000-square-feet of retail facilities, offering veterans and independent-living seniors jobs, homes and more, all in one location. The project will also be self-sustaining in that it will include retail space where residents can open stores and funnel the shops profits back into the project. In addition to providing affordable housing options in the community, the building of the development will also provide hundreds of construction, retail, and restaurant jobs. Rental assistance will be provided by the Department of Urban and Housing Development (HUD) and other programs. The Moreno Valley Project will offer a range of services to the residents as well, including veteran programs, counseling and mentoring, job placement assistance and transportation to medical appointments. Additionally, there will be GED training, after school education and childcare, internships and a host of youth programming to help veterans and all residents. Helms concluded, Together we will work with Vendaval to raise awareness about the many critical needs veterans are facing at the moment, from homelessness to unemployment. The demand is obvious, so embracing a more disruptive stance makes sense. About JOTO PR Disruptors (TM) After doing marketing research on a cross-section majority of 5,000 CEOs of fast-growth trajectory companies and finding out exactly how they used PR, how they measure it and how they wanted the PR industry to be different, PR veteran and innovator Karla Jo Helms created JoTo PR(TM) and established its entire business model on those research findings. Astute in recognizing industry changes since its launch in 2009, JoTo PRs team utilizes newly established patterns to create timely Anti-PR(TM) campaigns comprising both traditional and the latest proven media methods. This unique skill enables them to continue to increase the market share and improve return on investment (ROI) for their clients, year after yearbeating usual industry standards. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, JoTo PR is an established international public relations agency. Today, all processes of JoTo are streamlined Anti-PR services that have become the hallmark of the JoTo PR name. For more information, visit JoTo PR online at http://www.jotopr.com. About Vendaval Corporation Nick Saifan served in the U.S. military for 24 years, including time stationed in Riverside County, California. He experienced firsthand the difficulties of transitioning from military life to civilian life and, as a co-founder of a community-based nonprofit, he watched the difficulty in getting donations increasing year by year. Today, hes putting his business savvy where his heart is. He sees a community that, like many, has struggled to evolve with a changing employment picture in the region. Today Vendaval Corporation visualizes a sustainable business structure creating the opportunity for helping those in need with successful community-based programs. The differentiator in the communities he visualizes is self-sufficient affordable housing in a mixed-use development that offers on-site programs for veterans, youth, education, childcare, on-the-job training and job placement. These programs begin even before ground is broken. Rounding out the community are retail outlets such as bakeries/coffee shops, dry cleaning shops, a paid-membership fitness center and financial institution. For more information visit http://www.vendavalcorp.com/. 1. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans; nchv.org/index.php/news/media/background_and_statistics/#demo Google has been fined more than $1.3 million over misleading ratings for hotels in France, that country's Finance Ministry said Monday. The decision followed a months-long investigation that began in 2019. "The investigation revealed that Google had replaced the Atout France ranking with a classification established according to its own criteria," said the General Directorate for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Control (DGCCRF). Atout France is the country's official hotel classification. The probe followed complaints from hoteliers and assessed the rankings of more than 7,500 hotels with stars on Google's search results. The widow of the late Larry King, Shawn, is looking to contest a recently surfaced will that the esteemed broadcaster had drawn up without her knowledge. This handwritten will, which many media outlets got their hands on last week, reportedly left Shawn out of Kings $2 million estate. Fox News reports how this secret will outlines for Kings estate to be divided amongst his five children, two of which he shared with Shawn. The document also allegedly lists Kings children Chaia and Andy as beneficiaries, both of whom died several months after the wills writing. Shawn reportedly believes that someone pressured King to draw up this will prior to his death, according to the New York Posts Page Six. She did not specify who. We had a very watertight family estate plan, said she of the will the two wrote as a couple in 2015. It still exists, and it is the legitimate will. Period. And I fully believe it will hold up, and my attorneys are going to be filing a response, probably by the end of the day. Page Six continues to explain that Larry allegedly told the publication that he had once again become close with Shawn despite having filed for divorce in 2019. When asked why she believes King drew up this secret will in the first place, Shawn told Page Six, It beats me! People reports how there were distinct differences between King and Shawn during their marriage that created some difficulties. We had a big age difference and that eventually takes its toll, said King to the publication. Also [Shawn] is a very religious Mormon and Im an agnostic atheist so that eventually causes little problems. We overcame a lot, but eventually, it became a ships-passing-in-the-night situation. Nevertheless, King expressed how he would always care for Shawn. Further details regarding this secret will and potential court proceedings remain pending. Years ago, I attended yoga at the Integral Institute on Dolores Street. But as a descendant of Sadie Toal, I have short, fat, Irish farm genes, which means Im not particularly flexible. I could downward dog, but the tree and the crane were far beyond my bodys ability to change direction. The teacher didnt give up, though. She smiled and said, Close your eyes. Embrace your flaws. The Bhagavad Gita says all paths lead toward the divine. This is just leaning into it. Around the same time, my husband, Brian, and I went back to church, specifically Most Holy Redeemer. I know what youre thinking: Catholicism. How quaint. But Im a Cradle Catholic; its in my DNA. The Fisher-Paulsons are Smorgasbord Catholics. We dish up the parts we like the drinking from the chalice and the doing unto others as we want done to us and leave the questions of Virgin Birth and problematic teachings off our plates. But it goes back more than 50 years for me, to Father Fusco dipping his hand into the ashes, rubbing the cross into my forehead and saying, Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris. (Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.) Which brings us to Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17). Its the day after Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), so you could think of this as Skinny Wednesday (Mercredi Mince). And for a thousand years, priests have rubbed ashes onto foreheads in the shape of a cross. But this has been a challenging year for churchgoers. Aidans confirmation (for the non-Catholics in the room, its like a bar mitzvah with fewer gifts and less memorizing) got postponed a few times, then canceled altogether. He may yet turn heathen. For Brian and me, we found going to church much easier when it didnt involve physically going to church. Weve gotten used to not shaving, sometimes not even showering, as we sit down with a cup of coffee at the iMac and listen to Father Matts sermon, which somehow seems shorter when Im sitting scratching Queenies head, listening to the mourning doves in the outer, outer, outer, outer Excelsior. If Brian still smoked, hed probably light one up. So I was ready for a virtual Ash Wednesday this year. Then came Amy Coney Barrett and her first concurring opinion as a Supreme Court justice. The justices ruled that California churches could, indeed, reopen, with a limit to 25% capacity in some counties. Normally, I would never disagree with a fellow Domer, but Im just not ready to put dress pants on again and walk into the church. Im also iffy on the giving up part. On Ash Wednesday, its tradition to give something up for 40 days to mark the start of Lent. Nurse Vivian usually gave up gossip (she stored it up) and Hap gave up skydiving and cotton candy. Brother XX gave up on marriage one Lent, and I countered the following year by giving up heterosexuality. This column tends to keep me honest, so because it was in print, I stuck without meat last year, and caffeine the year before, but weve already given up a lot this past year. Ash Wednesday is about embracing your flaws, either taming them or just coming to terms with them. Its not plastic surgery for the soul. Father Matt wont be rubbing crosses into our foreheads this year. Hell be sprinkling dust over our heads. But whether were ready to walk back into the church or not, were ready for the journey ahead. Instead of giving something up in 2021, Im giving in. To the notion that my defects make me the human I am, reaching for the stars, even though I may never grasp them. This year its my goal to do one kind act, each of the 40 days. Ill take Sundays off. Whether ashes or yoga, we embrace our flaws so we can lean into the spirit. We remember, homo, that we art dust. Its true. The divine is already within us. We are stardust and pixie dust. We just have to embrace it. Kevin Fisher-Paulsons column appears Wednesdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Decades have passed since Amelia Earhart mysteriously vanished, but the investigation into what happened in 1937 is far from over. Scientists at Penn State University are analyzing a metal patch found on a small Pacific Island in 1991 to determine if the piece belonged to Earhart's Lockheed Model 10-E Electra plane and they are using a nuclear reactor to do so. The team is used the university's Breazeale Nuclear Rector, which sent powerful beams through the patch to uncover paint particles or eroded etching that may go unnoticed to the naked eye. The system created a digital scan of the external and internal makeup that showed flecks of iron on the metal piece that were left by an ax in the 1930s. Scroll down for video Scientists at Penn State University are analyzing a metal patch found on a small Pacific Island in 1991 to determine if the piece belonged to Earhart's Lockheed Model 10-E Electra plane and they are using a nuclear reactor to do so Earhart took to the sky on June 1, 1937 to be the first female aviator to fly around the world. She and her navigator Fred Noonan left Oakland, California then flew to Miami, down to South America, across to Africa and then east to India and South Asia. A few weeks later they departed Lae in Papua New Guinea and planned to stop on Howland July 2, 1937 to refuel. But Earhart and Noonan lost radio contact and were never heard from or seen again. Amelia Earhart took to the sky on June 1, 1937 to be the first female aviator to fly around the world. A few weeks later, she lost radio contact and was never seen or heard from again The nuclear reactor was able to identify paint or eroded etchings that may otherwise go unnotice The mystery of her disappearance has produced a number of theories from crashing to landing and becoming castaways on an island outside of Howland to being taken as hostages by the Japanese. However, none have been confirmed, which has led Penn State to search for more clues. The team analyzed a metal patch obtained from Richard Gillespie, who leads The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) that has been focused on Earhart's disappearance since 1988. Gillespie found the metal panel in storm debris on Nikumaroro, a Pacific island about 300 miles away from Earhart's actual destination of Howland Island. A metal panel was found in storm debris on Nikumaroro in 1991, a Pacific island about 300 miles away from Earhart's actual destination of Howland Island. Researches are using a nuclear reactor to uncover its external and internal makeup Daniel Beck, a pilot who also manages the engineering program for the Penn State Radiation Science and Engineering Center (RSEC) proposed studying the patch to Kenan Unlu, director of RSEC and professor of nuclear engineering. 'Initially, I was a little skeptical,' Unlu said. 'We've had inquiries about these kinds of things before, but we had an extensive call with Ric, who was clear that they're interested in whatever data we might be able to provide, even if it proves that the patch couldn't possibly belong to Amelia Earhart's plane. 'We agreed to see what we could see.' Together, they used neutron radiography and neutron activation analysis to examine the external and internal makeup of the patch. The team used neutron radiography and neutron activation analysis to examine the external and internal makeup of the patch. Neutron radiography involves using neutron beams from the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor 'The other approach, neutron activation analysis, helps precisely identify the make-up of material,' scientists said. 'This approach can determine the ingredients of a materials at parts-per-million or parts-per-billion level sensitivity' 'We can use these techniques to look at the surface images and make a qualitative and quantitative determination of ingredients,' Unlu said. 'I didn't think we'd see much because aluminum is opaque to neutrons and activation analysis reveals mostly aluminum.' 'Since it had been in the sea, we thought maybe we'd see coral buildup, maybe some surface paint on the sample.' Neutron radiography involves using neutron beams from the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor. The researchers analyzing what could be a piece from Earhart's lost Lockheed Electra (mock-up image) A sample is set in front of the neutron beam, and a digital imaging plate is placed behind the sample. The neutron beam passes through the sample into the imaging plate, and an image is recorded and digitally scanned. 'As the beam passes through, if it were uniform density, we wouldn't see anything,' Beck said. 'If there's paint or writing or a serial number, things that have been eroded so we can't see with the naked eye, we can detect those.' Neutrons can create a contrast with materials that contain carbon or hydrogen by either absorbing or scattering neutrons. 'The other approach, neutron activation analysis, helps precisely identify the make-up of material,' Unlu said. 'This approach can determine the ingredients of a materials at parts-per-million or parts-per-billion level sensitivity.' After examining the scans, the team identified ax marks along the edges of the panel, which they say were created in the 1930s - around the same time Earhart's plane took flight. However, they also noticed that one edge of the metal was repeatedly bent until it separated from whatever it was originally attached to. 'It doesn't appear that this patch popped off on its own,' Beck said. The mystery of her disappearance has produced a number of theories from crashing to landing becoming castaways on an island outside of Howland to being taken as hostages by the Japanese. However, none have been confirmed, which has led Penn State to search for more clues 'If it was chopped with an ax, we should see peaks for iron or nickel left by the ax along that edge. Neutron activation analysis gives us that detail at a very fine resolution.' 'We're not going to find Earhart's signature on the patch or something that definitely confirms this belongs to her plane,' Beck said. 'We will provide more data about what this patch is.' The team says that the first images showed new discoveries, but they plant to reveal the findings in late spring 2021 following more experiments to confirm or deny what has been observed. KALAMAZOO, MI The Kalamazoo City Commission has distanced itself from Southwest Michigan First after the organization hired a new CEO with a high-profile political resume and views that commissioners say they do not agree with. Former Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield has been hired as CEO of the economic development nonprofit Southwest Michigan First, the organization announced on Thursday, Feb. 11. At the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 15, Commissioner Erin Knott made the motion that the city withdraw from Southwest Michigan Firsts Council of 100, which includes other entities such as Western Michigan University, Bronson HealthCare, Millennium Restaurant Group, Greenleaf Trust, Stryker, and others, according to the Southwest Michigan First web site. The city resolution passed unanimously Monday night. Knott also called on businesses and organizations to withdraw their memberships. The city pays $10,000 to Southwest Michigan First for an annual membership with Southwest Michigan First, and the last payment was made in December, Kalamazoo City Manager Jim Ritsema said. Commissioner Chris Praedel, who acknowledged he received money from the Southwest Michigan First PAC in 2019, said the decision to hire Chatfield showed disregard for the communitys values. If feedback had been sought, it would not have led to Chatfield, Praedel said, questioning what about the former speaker made him the right choice for group. Praedel said the incoming CEO has no economic development experience, and he is divisive. He asked why the board would choose to hire someone who is so different the others who live in the area. Chatfield did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment Monday night immediately after the board action. Ritsema said the membership is a networking tool to link organizations in the area, answering a question about the relationship. The city previously contracted with the group for work related to Brownfield development, but now the city staff handles it, Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain said. Commissioner Jack Urban said he is appalled and could not understand what the organizations board was thinking. Commissioner Jeanne Hess acknowledged she took money from the groups PAC in 2019 while campaigning. She asked the city to come to a greater solution on the issue and thanked Knott for bringing it forward. Commissioner Eric Cunningham said he was deeply disturbed and disappointed by the hire and he supports Knotts motion. It is a partisan hire, Cunningham said. He criticized Chatfields reputation related to diversity issues. Vice Mayor Patrese Griffin said actions speak volumes, and a person either practices and believes in equity, or they dont. People can change, she said, but the city doesnt need someone who isnt practicing equity now. Mayor Anderson supported the motion, and said it is important that dialog continues and he would be happy to help facilitate that. Anderson said Southwest Michigan First is a private organization and the city is not consulted about hiring decisions there, responding to citizen comments earlier in the meeting. Knott said the announcement last week gave her pause. Is Southwest Michigan First aligned with Kalamazoo and the greater Kalamazoo area or has it aligned itself with Chatfields record when he served in the Michigan House of Representatives? Knott said Monday night. Chatfield stood against anti discrimination laws, Knott said, and he ran on division, not unity. She called on Chatfield to ask his contacts in the legislature to pass laws to expand civil rights protections. Southwest Michigan First is a big power broker in the region, Knott said. She urged the commission to send a message with the resolution. If youre gonna do business in Kalamazoo, youre gonna value diversity, equity and inclusion, Knott said. The commission could choose to partner with the group again in the future depending on different factors, Knott said. Knott, who is gay, is the executive director of Equality Michigan. She first shared her concerns about Chatfields hiring last week, criticizing his stance on LGBTQ issues when he served as House Speaker. Chatfield told MLive previously that he believes in equal civil rights for everyone, and his position as CEO will be nonpartisan. Knott has been critical of Chatfield in the past, and they were both quoted in a 2019 MLive article on related issues. Related: Michigan House Speaker not interested in expanding civil rights law to include LGBT protections Chatfield said, during a 2019 media interview, that he would not support a change to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expanding anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The former lawmaker noted at the time he does not believe anyone should be discriminated against, but said he believed the proposed change would have infringed on religious beliefs. In the 2019 article, Knott was quoted as calling Chatfield not well informed and said discrimination happens on a daily basis. The city of Kalamazoo had its own debate at the local level in 2009, about a decade before the conversations at the state level. Kalamazoo voters approved an anti-discrimination ordinance, with nearly 62% of the vote, to outlaw discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation in matters of employment, housing and public accommodations. Other local communities have since passed similar measures. Chatfield served in the Michigan House of Representatives for 6 years, ending on Dec. 31, 2020. Economic development doesnt discriminate based on Republican or Democrat, Chatfield said in an interview with MLive last week. He is eager to learn about the region and take the organization to new heights, he said. Chatfield is planning to move to the area with his family, he said previously. Kalamazoo County Republican Party Chair Scott McGraw and Republican Congressman Fred Upton are among those who said they were happy to learn Chatfield will lead the organization. Southwest Michigan First Chairman Aaron Zeigler said previously the organization is proud to welcome Chatfield to the team. Zeigler said the board is excited to work with him to improve the region and assist companies in creating Michigan jobs. Related: Kalamazoo city commissioner says new economic development CEO does not share the regions values Another Southwest Michigan legislator, state Rep. Brad Paquette, R-Niles, criticized Chatfields lack of experience and other related issues in a Facebook post. Before the discussion Monday evening, several people called in to the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting to voice their concerns. Resident Andy Argo, who ran for city commission in 2019, said Southwest Michigan First has inordinate economic and political power in the city. He thanked Knott for speaking out about the controversial CEO choice, and shared criticism of Chatfield. Southwest Michigan First has a great degree of influence over what happens in city politics, Argo said, and also the city budget. He wants to hear from commissioners about what they plan to do. Resident and former commissioner Matt Milcarek said the city should do everything in its power to vocalize that the hiring does not align with community values. He asked city staff to make a statement about the zoning in the area where Southwest Michigan First previously proposed to place an arena, and asked commissioners to give their updated opinions on the proposed arena. Resident Noelle Massey said the hiring of Chatfield is extremely detrimental to the community. Southwest Michigan First is a nonprofit organization that works to help businesses and create jobs in the region. Chatfield, who is known across the state and beyond as the former Republican Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, emphasized previously that he will perform his new CEO job in a nonpartisan way. Southwest Michigan First PAC is the organizations political arm, which donates money to city commission campaigns and other candidates and causes. In the most recent election in 2019, Southwest Michigan First PAC gave $1,000 to Mayor David Andersons campaign. City Commissioners Chris Praedel and Jeanne Hess each received $750 from the Southwest Michigan First PAC, and candidate Pete Kushner received $750. Southwest Michigan First also encouraged voters to approve a tax request for career and technical education appearing on Kalamazoo County ballots in 2019. Former Southwest Michigan First CEO Ron Kitchens, who left the organization last month, championed the countys career and technical education program and shared publicly his support for the millage request. By 2026, Michigan will have more than 500,000 professional/skilled trades job openings. Prepare our future leaders to fill those roles with the CTE millage from @KalRESA. Learn more: Learn more: https://t.co/KGM2ujptO9 pic.twitter.com/TFGwwpZdfk Ron Kitchens (@ronkitchens) October 21, 2019 The tax request passed with 60% support. The PAC also previously donated to the campaign of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. City commissioners discussed ways to get the message out to the community about the action taken Monday, and officials discussed posting a letter on social media. Editors note: The article has been updated to reflect that the city previously contracted with Southwest Michigan First related to Brownfield work, but no longer contracts with the group, according to Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain. Read more: Former House Speaker says politics not a factor in new role at Southwest Michigan First Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo: What you can expect with the overnight snowstorm Bodies unearthed in Portage woods those of Gary and Laura Johnson Portage beaming with pride in anticipation of Bidens Pfizer visit This is the extraordinary birds-eye view of lands around the home of the widow of murdered Fat Andy Connors. Ann Connors has a 2.5 million tax bill against her and CAB has judgement mortgages on several properties, including the site and large bungalow at the centre of lands at Boherboy in Saggart. But instead of worrying too much about her troubles, Connors has decided that the only way is up and out and she has expanded into lands neighbouring her own, turning them into unofficial halting sites where chalets are on offer for 1,500 per month. The incredible expanse of Connors property, known as The Ranch, has involved concreting a large area of a neighbouring site which land registry records show is owned by Boherboy, a Mansfield-family-run company. Expand Close Fat Andy Connors was shot dead in 2014 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fat Andy Connors was shot dead in 2014 In the run up to his murder, the Sunday World understands that Fat Andy was putting pressure on Jim Mansfield Snrs former estate, claiming he was owed money which he had invested into dodgy dealings carried out by the late millionaire. After his death it is understood that gangland heavies Troy Jordan and Martin The Viper Foley continued to represent Ann Connors interests in the alleged debt, which was disputed by heir Jim Mansfield Jnr. Neighbours in the Saggart area which includes the plush Coldwater Lakes estate home to multi millionaire visionary Christina Gallagher and businessman Tony Mansfield have looked on in shock as Connors has turned her lands into a massive Traveller compound complete with caravan bays. Expand Close An aerial view of The Ranch, home of Ann Connors / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp An aerial view of The Ranch, home of Ann Connors She has blatantly advertised rentals on the sites for 1,500 a month and offers yards to rent including toilets. Horses, many injured and dying, have also been discovered on adjacent lands and had to be removed by animal welfare officers. Photos show how ponies lie dead in sodden earth. At the back of the property rubbish is piled high in mounds while faeces and toilet paper scatter all around the perimeter of the site which stretches all the way down to the Coldwater Lakes Estate. Ongoing complaints have been made to South Dublin County Council in relation to planning offences, littering and dumping and the installation of sewage pipes but sources say that the problem is just getting bigger all the time. This is another Dunsink waiting to happen, a source said. It is an absolute disgrace that this can happen. There was one point over the summer that there were about 20 caravans there all piled in and more at the back. It seems like those in authority are afraid to do anything about it. Fat Andy was part of a large burglary gang that terrorised the country for years, robbing elderly people in their homes and often using horrendous violence against them. For nearly two decades the CAB has tried to target the Connors but still there has been no conclusion to a tax case taken against them. Fat Andy was shot dead in 2014 by an unknown gunman and in the aftermath of his murder the CAB moved against several properties owned by his wife. They include a five-bedroom mansion with an indoor swimming pool once valued at 3 million but left vacant on the Blessington Road, houses in Tallaght and the land and property known as The Ranch. In total, the judgment mortgages have been registered against nine linked to the widow, including farmland. Sources say that CAB made a mistake when they took a tax case against Connors and not a Proceeds of Crime one which are easier to conclude. The judgements mean any proceeds from the widows interest in the properties would go to the CAB should the properties be sold, but she has made no attempts to do so and instead has continued to expand and develop the compound without planning permission. At the centre of the compound stands The Ranch, where the family was watching The Rose of Tralee when a masked gunman came to the door and shot Fat Andy. Expand Close An aerial view of the land prepared for caravans at The Ranch. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp An aerial view of the land prepared for caravans at The Ranch. The house is only used by the family for special occasions and recently they gathered there for the wedding of daughter Mary. Ann often uses the house to display collections of Royal Crown Derby dinnerware or Waterford Crystal, which she sells in bulk. The brazen widow even advertises her rentals as holiday chalets and offers pitch sites for caravans on the Mansfield-linked lands. Fat Andy Connors was considered the mastermind behind the 200-strong burglary gang and grew rich on the spoils. He made a 150,000 settlement with the Criminal Assets Bureau in 2004, but never lost any of the properties or sites he amassed in the Saggart and Tallaght areas. At his funeral, his remains were brought to the church in a goldplated coffin, which was imported from England. His family erected a massive headstone on his grave in Gorey and marked it Big Fat Rich Andy Connors. It is understood he was buried with a Rolex watch on his wrist. Late last year gardai, investigating the activities of an organised crime gang, raided The Ranch and arrested three people, including Ann Connors. During the raid cars, a designer watch and a crossbow were seized along with cash and caravans. Ann Connors was not charged with any criminal offence. In recent years Ann has told a court that she is surviving on social welfare payments SOUTHINGTON A Target employee has been charged with voyeurism after police say he installed a camera in the employee bathroom of the store. Joy Recio, 40, of High Street in Bristol, was charged with three counts of voyeurism with malice and three counts of second-degree breach of peace. Police said the charges stemmed from a call on Jan. 28. Officers were dispatched to the Target at 600 Executive Blvd. after an employee found a small, motion-activated camera pointed at the tiolet in the stores employee bathroom, police siad. It should be noted that the orientation of the camera makes it only able to see people from the waist area down, although effected employees were identified and interviewed during the investigation, police said. The camera was ultimately discovered by an employee after becoming unstuck from the wall and falling to the floor. Police said officers reviewed video footage on the cameras SD card to identify the alleged suspect, Target employee Joy Recio. Police said he was described to officers as a good employee who worked at the store for more than three years. Officers interviewed Recio during the investigation and he confirmed he owned the camera, but he was unwilling to provide further details, police said. Recio was taken into custody on Feb. 10. He was held on a $25,000 bond and appeared in court the next day. Court records show he was released on a promise to appear in court on April 12 for the vouerism charges. The breach of peace charges were not listed in the court records Tuesday. Social distancing measures have been reinstated in the northern province of Hai Duong, Vietnams largest COVID-19 epicenter at present, for 15 days starting Tuesday to contain the rapid spread of the disease in the locality. The social distancing drive started at 0:00 on February 16 and will last for 15 days, Pham Xuan Thang, secretary of the provincial Party Committee, said at a meeting on Monday. During this period, all residents are required to stay home and can only go outside to buy food, supplies, medicine, and other essential goods and services, or to seek medical examinations and treatment. People are also allowed to leave their homes to go to work at factories, manufacturing establishments, businesses, and essential services. Residents must wear face masks when leaving their houses and keep a two-meter distance from one another, while the gathering of more than two people outside public offices, schools, and hospitals is forbidden. Heads of enterprises, production establishments, and businesses are responsible for applying COVID-19 prevention and control measures at their facilities to ensure the health and safety of workers and employees. All passenger transport services are also required to stop, except for special cases due to public duties and supply of food and necessities. Hai Duong is currently the biggest COVID-19 hotspot in Vietnam, with 501 community-based cases recorded since a new wave of infections hit the country in late January. COVID-19 has struck 11 out of 12 districts, cities, and towns in Hai Duong Province. As of Tuesday morning, Vietnam has documented 2,271 COVID-19 cases, with 1,541 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. A total of 679 local infections have been detected in 13 provinces and cities since January 27. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! EV If youve never heard of Beam Global , previously known as Envision Solar, it's probably because you dont own an. Just to bring you up to speed, the company manufactures and deploys fully contained solar powered EV charging units that can be easy to deploy anywhere and can get up and running in less than five minutes. To find out a bit more about the company and its products, click here Our interview with the CEO of Beam Global, Desmond Wheatley, revolved around some of the hardships encountered in developing and deploying such tech, as well as the benefits and drawbacks that current technological advances allow for.: Starting with the non-technical, the biggest challenge has been, in the early days, simply a lack of knowledge or lack of understanding on the part of the consumer of the product. But were overcoming that now by having big and well-known customers like the city of New York, Google, and the state of California, and others.From a technological point of view, I would say battery technology has improved dramatically over the last decade, and batteries have become more energy-dense, more reliable, and less expensive, and so this allows you to store the energy you generate so that you can charge vehicles during nighttime or when its cloudy.And finally, on technology, thermal management. Batteries are a bit like Goldie Locks, not too cold, not too hot, its got to be just right for them. And so, to maintain batteries at the right temperature, when youre deployed across the country as we are, the same product has to work equally well in a diverse number of settings. We used inventiveness and technology to overcome this issue.Next up, we decided to target a specific product that Beam Global is currently supplying, the EV ARC. This is the same EV ARC system that has recently been deployed Throughout numerous cities in California for free use.: Thats a great question and one that we often get asked. Were really interested in consumer behavior, and so we ask ourselves what consumers do, and therefore, what do they need. The U.S. Department of Transportation tells us that the average U.S. sedan drives 30.4 miles per day. Further, they tell us that 8 out of 10 commuters require less than 24 miles for their roundtrip commute. This means you can potentially charge up to ten vehicles with one EV ARC.: The great thing with the oil majors is that its sort of a David and Goliath thing going on here. You know, theyre still supreme, lets not deny it. Electric vehicles are still in very low single digit percentages of penetration in the market, and the really big guys are looking at that and saying, is there a real threat here?Im going to say that theyre missing the point because consumers have a tendency to drive explosive growth into something once they get a hold of it. Its what happened with the iPhone.: Its a matter of great frustration for us, but there are a couple of things that you can do. First of all, you do not skimp out on the components that you integrate into your product. We use the best of the best components we manufacture ourselves or buy, but even then, there are still losses.As you know, we live in an AC world, and the EV chargers we enable are all AC current users. And so we have this ridiculous scenario where we are converting sunlight into DC electricity, storing it as DC electricity, then inverting it into AC electricity so that we can put it into a charger which puts it into a vehicle which then coverts it back into DC electricity. And all of that is very wasteful. The good news is that we and others are working on DC-to-DC technology.Desmond Wheatley's words about the future of EV charging should give you a pretty good idea of what were headed for over the next few years. Tip for investors: check out the growth Beam Global has seen in the past two years for clues.Another thing I realized after this interview is that every product is meant to fit a certain need, and the daily commuter is the target here. Finally, Beam Global's philosophy that the consumer is key should come as no surprise to anyone in this day and age. It's something you need to remember if you want to get a successful business up and running. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Union Minister of State for Industries Rameswar Teli on Tuesday said the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Enterprises (PM FME) scheme offers golden opportunities to micro food entrepreneurs. The scheme aims to bring in new technology, apart from affordable credit to help small entrepreneurs penetrate new markets. Addressing a stakeholders meeting on here, Teli said, the entrepreneurs will benefit from the scheme, with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore over a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25. "It will surely address the challenges faced by micro enterprises and help tap the potential of groups and cooperatives," he said. Another central sector scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, will result in creation of modern infrastructure, including mega food parks, integrated cold chain and backward and forward linkages, the minister said. "It will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also help in creating huge employment opportunities and enhancing the export of processed foods," Teli said. Sanction has been given for setting up mini food parks at Tinsukia, Sonitpur and Vijaynagar, he said. The minister urged business leaders to invest in the state citing its locational advantage, conducive ecosystem, excellent incentives and subsidies under the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) of the Centre and the industrial policy of the state. Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said, the agro-climatic conditions of the state favour growth of a variety of fruits, vegetables and spices which can help in setting up agro-processing industries. The state has a surplus production of fruits and vegetables and has been exporting them to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, in the past few years. Even during COVID-19 lockdown, the state had exported consignments of vegetables to the Middle East, 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.) Classes in the Wilkes County Schools will start on Aug. 23 and end on May 25 in 2021-22 as a result of a calendar approved by the Wilkes Board of Education on Feb. 1. Bombay: Shantanu Muluk who has been allegedly involved in creating a 'toolkit' related to farmers' protests, was granted transit anticipatory bail by the Bombay High Court on Tuesday (February 16, 2021). Shantanu Muluk, a resident of Maharashtra's Beed district, has been given the transit anticipatory bail by the Aurangabad Bench of Bombay High Court for 10 days. This is to be noted that a non-bailable warrant against Shantanu Muluk was issued on Monday. According to the latest report, besides Muluk, another accused in the case, Nikita Jacob, had also filed a plea in the HC, which will be heard on Wednesday. A team of Delhi Police had also visited Shantanu's parents in the Beed district. The team which is looking for Shantanu, who's absconding, questioned his parents and also went to Shantanu's bank branch to inquire about his account details. Shivlal, Shantanu's father told Zee News that the Delhi Police team came on February 12 and asked them a few questions. "We cooperated fully. Then they also went to Aurangabad and I also accompanied them. Two people came, of which, one was a police inspector and the other was a constable," said Shivlal. Shantanu's mother also talked to Zee News and said, "I had a conversation with my son a few days ago when he came for the wedding of a cousin. We haven't spoken since then. We are worried about his whereabouts." This is to be noted that 22-year old Disha Ravi (who's in police custody since Sunday), Shantanu and Nikita Jacob, are accused of a creating a toolkit that was shared by Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg. Greta had shared the toolkit to lend her support to the ongoing farmers' agitation against Centre's three new farm laws. In the document, various urgent actions, including creating a Twitter storm and protesting outside Indian embassies, were reportedly listed which were needed to be taken to support the farmers' protest. (With inputs from agencies) Reiterating its commitment to the Government of India's 'Make in India' initiative for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, Amazon will start manufacturing Amazon devices in India later this year. Catering to the domestic demand, the e-commerce giant will commence manufacturing of Fire TV Stick at contract manufacturer Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn in Chennai later this year. Amit Agarwal, SVP and Country Head, Amazon India briefed Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice on its plans to begin manufacturing Amazon devices in India. The minister welcomed Amazon's decision to set up a manufacturing line in Chennai, as it will enhance domestic production capacities, and create jobs as well. "India is an attractive investment destination and is poised to become a major player in the global supply chain in the electronics and IT products industry. Our government's decision to launch a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has received tremendous response globally. This will further our mission of creating a Atmanirbhar Bharat which is digitally empowered," said the minister. Catering to the demands of Indian customers, hundreds of thousands of Fire TV Sticks will be produced under this new device manufacturing program. However, Amazon plans to continuously evaluate scaling capacity in additional marketplaces/cities depending on the domestic demand. "Amazon is committed to partner with the Indian government to advance the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We have pledged to invest US $1 billion to digitise 10 million small and medium businesses, help Indian businesses sell worldwide thereby enabling US $10B in cumulative exports, and create an additional 1MM jobs by 2025," says Agarwal of Amazon. Competing against the already available Google Chromecast, Amazon had launched Fire TV Stick in India in April 2017. It gave access to Prime Video along with many third-party streaming apps such as Hotstar, Eros Now, Voot, Airtel Movies and more, fueling the growth of OTT in India. The Fire TV Stick emerged as a great alternative to accessing online content on non-smart TVs in the country. The company had also launched Fire TV Edition Smart TVs with Onida back in December 2019. Also read: Amazon demanded $40 million to forego its right of first refusal: Future Group Also read: Future deal dispute: Amazon should not be a perpetual objector, says NCLT Photo: Getty Images House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Monday that she would pursue a 9/11-type commission to investigate the attack on the Capitol on January 6. In a letter to members of Congress, Pelosi stated that an outside, independent commission would be necessary to investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021 domestic terrorist attack which killed five and disrupted the peaceful transition of power. The announcement of the plan comes two days after the acquittal of former president Donald Trump in his second Senate impeachment trial on one count of inciting an insurrection, and in the midst of a Capitol security review by retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who led the federal task force during Hurricane Katrina. While Honore has been assessing the Capitols immediate security needs, the commission would provide a more detailed understanding of the insurrection, and recommendations on how to prevent such an attack in the future. Modeling it after the 9/11 Commission Report a 20-month investigation that resulted in a 585-page document would certainly provide the understanding about the January 6 attack that lawmakers and the general public are currently lacking. As the New York Times notes, the establishment of such a commission would most likely require legislation, as the September 11 investigation did. Already, there is some bipartisan support for a commission on the insurrection, which Pelosi first recommended at the beginning of February. On Sunday, the day after he voted to convict Donald Trump, Republican senator Bill Cassidy called for a complete investigation about what happened on January 6. Also on Sunday, Republican senator Lindsey Graham the close Trump ally who voted to acquit the former president said that such a commission was necessary to find out what happened and make sure it never happens again. Pelosi, as expected, has allies among Senate Democrats, all of whom voted to impeach Trump this weekend. Theres still more evidence that the American people need and deserve to hear, Delaware senator and close Biden ally Chris Coons said on Sunday. The 9/11 Commission is a way to make sure that we secure the Capitol going forward, and that we lay bare the record of just how responsible and how abjectly and violating of his constitutional oath President Trump really was. Though the videos played during the impeachment by the House managers laid out in new detail just how close the insurrectionists came to lawmakers, several key questions regarding the attack have still not been properly answered. It is not yet clear how Brian Sicknick the only Capitol Police officer killed in the attack itself lost his life. The FBI also has not arrested anyone for the pipe bombs planted the night before the insurrection, and is still requesting social media help in the manhunt. Delhi Commission for Women sends notice to police over Disha Ravis arrest India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Feb 16: Delhi Commission for Women on Tuesday sent notice to Dy Police Commissioner, Cyber Crime Cell, Delhi Police over Disha Ravi's arrest. The Commission has asked Police to provide copy of FIR, reasons for allegedly not producing her before local court for transit remand and a detailed action taken report. Taking cognisance of media reports, the panel in a statement, issued on Tuesday, also said that Ravi was produced before a court in Delhi without a lawyer of her choice being present there. Citing media reports and claims by activists, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) said Ravi was arrested and taken to Delhi from Bengaluru by police and her whereabouts were not disclosed, not even to her parents. It has also been alleged that police did not present her at a court in Bengaluru for transit remand, before bringing her to Delhi, it said. The arrest of a 22-year-old climate activist from Bengaluru, Disha Ravi, sparked widespread outrage on Sunday, with politicians, activists, condemning the police action over a guide to the anti-government farmer protests that was tweeted by environmentalist Greta Thunberg. However, the Delhi Police said Disha Ravi, who was arrested by a Cyber Cell team of the force was an editor of the "toolkit Google doc" and "key conspirator" in the document''s formulation and dissemination. Tookit case: '22 or 50, law equal for all', says Delhi police on Disha Ravi's arrest Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News Police alleged that Ravi and others "collaborated with the pro-Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation to spread disaffection against the Indian State." Rebutting the criticism in some quarters that there were procedural lapses in arresting 22-year-old environment activist Disha Ravi, Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava said, the police action was as per the procedure established by the law and it does not differentiate adult people based on age. (Newser) Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson is striking a new theme about the Jan. 6 Capitol riot: It was bad, but nowhere near as bad as Democrats say. The staunch Trump supporter accused Democrats of presenting "highly selectively edited" videos during the impeachment trial to exaggerate the threat, reports the Hill. Details: This didnt seem like an armed insurrection to me, Johnson told a conservative talk show on WISN, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. When you hear the word armed, dont you think of firearms? Heres the questions would have liked to ask: How many firearms were confiscated? How many shots were fired? Im only aware of one and Ill defend that law enforcement officer for taking that shot. It was a tragedy, OK? But I think there was only one." If that was a planned armed insurrection, man, you had really a bunch of idiots," he added. The term Johnson used was "breach." story continues below Johnson struck a similar theme on WTAQ, per the Washington Post. To call that an armed insurrection, it was the most pitiful armed insurrection anyone could possibly imagine." NBC News previously reported that police recovered a dozen guns and thousands of rounds of ammo from seven people arrested before and after the riot. For example, Alabama resident Lonnie Coffman had multiple guns, Molotov cocktails, a crossbow, and more in his truck, say federal prosecutors. From the AP coverage of Johnson's comments: "Law enforcement officials have said in court filings that guns, bombs and other weapons were found on people who stormed the Capitol, in their vehicles and elsewhere. The insurrectionists also used flag poles, stolen police shields, crutches, fire extinguishers, sticks and other objects to attack police officers and force entry into the Capitol." Videos played during the trial showed rioters calling for Nancy Pelosi and Mike Pence inside the Capitol. One of the rioters was photographed with plastic zip ties, but Johnson downplayed that. That one guy in the Senate chamber had plastic wrist ties. What was he supposed to do, go up to Mike Pence and capture him? Its absurd." The racial slurs, the attack on police officers, the injuries and the loss of life, no one condones that," said Johnson. "We all condemn that." But he said most of the Trump supporters in DC on Jan. 6 remained peaceful. He also faulted Mitch McConnell over the minority leader's Trump criticism. "I would like to see Leader McConnell zip his lips," he said on WTAQ. "This is not helpful." (Read more Ron Johnson stories.) New Delhi, Feb 16 : Protesting farmers at Singhu border on Tuesday remembered 'Sir Chhotu Ram', a prominent farm leader and politician in pre-Indepedent India, on the occasion of his 140th birth anniversary. It is believed that Chhotu Ram was born on November 24, 1881 in a Jat family in Ghari Sampla village in Rohtak district in Haryana. It is said that he had announced that Basant Panchami (which fell on Tuesday) should be celebrated as his birthday. The tradition has been continuing since then. Farmers at Singhu celebrated Chhotu Ram's birth anniversary by raising traditional as well as anti-farm laws slogans. Kulveer Singh, a farmer and a member of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), said, "Farmers have been protesting against the three farm laws for the last three months but our government is not thinking about it. Today the farmers are living with pain. They are also suffering due to lack of water to irrigate their fileds. Low market price and now three anti-farm laws have been introduced. the situation would have changed had Chhotu Ram been alive today." The multinational maritime exercise organised by the Navy in the Arabian Sea concluded on Tuesday with the commitment to make the seas safer. President Dr Arif Alvi, who was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the exercise Aman-21, witnessed the Fleet Review (IFR) featuring operational manoeuvres, drills and a fly past by the Navy, Pakistan Air Force as well as participating foreign aircrafts. Forty five countries, including the US, Russia, China, and Turkey, participated in the exercise, which is hosted biennially by the since 2007. The event concluded with ships of the and participating countries forming the traditional Aman formation "to signify unity and collective resolve", the Army said in a statement. The Aman Exercise showed its commitment towards making the seas safer for positive human activities by inviting regional and extra-regional navies for joint exercises, it said. President Alvi said that the successful Aman event showed Pakistan's "resolve for promoting peace and security". He also thanked the participating naval forces for "displaying their commitment to collaborative maritime security despite COVID-19 pandemic". He said the Aman exercise will pave the way to regional peace and maritime security with combined efforts by all stakeholders. Speaking on the occasion, Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi reaffirmed that the will continue to play active role in enhancing regional maritime security individually and in collaboration with partner navies. Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi, Minister for Defence Production Zobaida Jalal, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza and Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa were present on the occasion. Military officials, ambassadors, high commissioners, defence and naval attaches of various countries also attended the event. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Mariners Harbor man has been indicted on murder and other charges stemming from the suspected road-rage killing of a father in front of his kids five months ago in that community. Jahel Ashley, 31, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment last week in state Supreme Court, St. George. Prosecutors allege Ashley gunned down Brooklyn resident Sean Dallas, 29, on Sept. 15 after the victim had picked up his two children. The events unfolded around 8:45 a.m., said authorities. A law enforcement source previously told the Advance/SILive.com that Dallas was alone and behind the wheel when he became involved in a brief verbal dispute with another driver in or near Mariners Harbor. Dallas then continued driving and got his kids. Afterward, he drove about a half-block to the corner of Grandview Avenue and Arlington Place where he stepped out of his car and was shot, said the source. When officers arrived, they found Dallas lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to his chest and right arm. EMS responded and Dallas was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, where he was later pronounced dead. Police respond to the fatal shooting of Sean Dallas on Grandview Avenue in Mariners Harbor on Sept. 15, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) It was literally a senseless killing for nothing of a guy picking up his kids and road rage, Kergen Merrill, a friend of Dallas, told the Advance/SILive.com on the day of the shooting. Family is the only thing weve got nowadays, he said, adding that there are kids without a father now. Ashley, who lives on Grandview a short distance from the shooting site, was arrested four months later on Jan. 14. Besides second-degree murder, he was indicted on charges of first-degree manslaughter, criminal weapon possession and criminal firearm possession. Ashley remains held without bail. His next court date is March 12. His lawyers name was not immediately available. The defendant has a criminal record. In 2014, he was convicted of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance and sentenced to 42 months in prison, show online records of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. After former president Donald Trump's acquittal over the weekend, several Republicans who supported impeachment faced backlash and calls for censure from GOP officials in their home states. But one Republican was condemned by a more intimate group: His own family. "We are thoroughly disgusted with you!!" wrote relatives of Rep. Adam Kinzinger in a two-page letter first published by the New York Times on Monday. "And, oh, by the way, we are calling for your removal from office." Kinzinger, a six-term Republican from Illinois, was one of the 10 GOP House members who joined Democrats to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. After that vote, Kinzinger was censured by Republicans in his home district and then received a handwritten letter from a cousin that was signed by several other family members decrying his decision as a disappointment "to us and to God." The longtime lawmaker responded publicly to the letter on Monday, acknowledging that the political rift in his own family has become a shared experience for many Americans since Trump's election. "I'm ok, more sad that someone would be willing to choose a man over family," he said on Twitter. "And sad that it's happening to so many." Kinzinger's family members accused him of joining "the 'devil's army' (Democrats and the fake news media)," and extensively defended Trump against what they called "horrible, rude accusations." "To embrace a party that believes in abortion and socialism is the greatest sin," the letter said. The letter was written by Kinzinger's cousin, Karen Otto, who told the Times that she hoped the congressman would be "shunned." "It is most embarrassing to us that we are related to you," the letter continued. "You have embarrassed the Kinzinger family name!" Kinzinger, a 42-year-old Air National Guard pilot, first told Business Insider about the letter last month, saying that he was surprised by the vitriol he had received in the wake of casting his vote to impeach Trump. "It's been crazy, when you have friends - that you thought were good friends that would love you no matter what - that don't," he told the publication. Kinzinger's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Tuesday. Kinzinger is not the only Republican lawmaker facing serious backlash for backing Trump's impeachment. Most of the seven GOP senators who voted to convict Trump have also faced calls for censure from fellow Republicans in their respective states in recent days. Louisiana Republicans voted on Saturday to censure Sen. Bill Cassidy for voting to convict Trump, and the North Carolina party did the same on Sunday to Sen. Richard Burr. Party members in Utah, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Maine have also threatened to censure Sens. Mitt Romney (Utah), Patrick J. Toomey (Pa.), Ben Sasse (Neb.) and Susan Collins (Maine). Burr and Toomey plan to retire after their current terms. Most of the other senators were recently reelected and will not face an election for five years. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, the seventh Republican who voted to convict Trump, is the only one who faces a reelectionbattle in Alaska next year that may be influenced by her vote. Despite the pushback, the senators this weekend stood behind their decisions. "If months of lies, organizing a rally of supporters in an effort to thwart the work of Congress, encouraging a crowd to march on the Capitol, and then taking no meaningful action to stop the violence once it began is not worthy of impeachment, conviction, and disqualification from holding office in the United States, I cannot imagine what is," Murkowski said in a statement on Sunday. In Utah, an onlinepetition to censure Romney that circulated on social media and gained thousands of signatures baselessly accused him of being "an agent for the Establishment Deep State," the Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday. But state GOP leaders on Monday said they accepted Romney's vote, which they said showcased "a diversity of thought" within the party. In addition to voting to impeach Trump, Kinzinger this month launched the Country 1st PAC in an effort to push the GOP toward a more moderate platform and away from Trump's polarizing politics. "I am at total peace with my decision on impeachment and my mission to restore the GOP, to uphold the principles we hold dear, and firmly put the country first," Kinzinger said in a statement on Saturday. Following his censure on Monday, Burr echoed Kinzinger's lament that the former president's supporters have abandoned traditional conservative values. "My party's leadership has chosen loyalty to one man over the core principles of the Republican Party and the founders of our great nation," Burr said in a statement, WRAL reported. Smart mothers know better than to bring their young children on trips to the grocery store. The little ones tend to lobby vigorously for things that, in the end, will benefit no one but the family dentist. And they probe, at high volume, matters that Mommy may not want to discuss in public. Courtney Henggeler can speak with some authority on this topic. Not long ago, she was wheeling her cart through the supermarket when her 4-year-old son, Oscar, loudly asked, Why do we have so many houses? People who were listening must have thought we were very wealthy, said Ms. Henggeler, 42, who co-stars in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai, a spinoff of 1984s The Karate Kid. (She also appeared on The Big Bang Theory as Sheldons twin sister, and had a recurring role in the first few seasons of Mom.) Its just that we move around. I film Cobra Kai in Atlanta, and we were in a house for three months one year, and the next year we were in another house. Oscar may be relieved to know that his family until recently based in Los Angeles, also in a series of rentals is zeroing in on a permanent address. A year or so ago, Ms. Henggeler, who grew up in the Poconos and in Seaford, Long Island, and her husband, Ross Kohn, a movie producer who was raised in Westchester, decided to move back to New York and settle there to be closer to Ms. Henggelers ailing mother. SEATTLE, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Treehouse has been awarded $1.345 million in federal CARES Act funding to provide tutoring and academic remediation while also eliminating financial barriers to success in school for both youth in foster care and young adults in Extended Foster Care (EFC). The award will fund the Treehouse CARES Project and must be used between now and the end of the year. The nonprofit organization partners with more than 7,800 youth in care, providing access to childhood experiences and critical resources as they plan for the future. "During the pandemic, we've been alarmed by survey results that show academic disengagement impacting school performance. This much-needed temporary funding will allow us to tailor support to individual youthhopefully until the return to classroom learning," said Dr. Lisa Chin, Treehouse CEO. "Need is at its highest level right now, and we can't stress enough the tremendous difference this will make for youth across Washington." In addition to tutoring, the funding will cover a variety of materials and resources that encourage engagement in school, including school supplies and equipment, extracurricular activities, summer school and summer camp. A survey of staff reporting on 1,175 Treehouse participants conducted in late November found 44% statewide require academic remediation, tutoring or homework assistance during the pandemic. In addition, 36% of foster and relative caregivers do not have the resources they need to support their youth's education. Each year, Treehouse provides education support services in Washington to about 50 percent of the school-aged children and youth in foster care. About Treehouse Founded in 1988 by social workers, Treehouse is Washington's leading nonprofit organization addressing the academic and other essential support needs of more than 7,800 youth in foster care. We're committed to youth in care statewide achieving a degree or other career credential, living wage job and stable housing at the same rate as their peers. With fierce optimism, we fight the structural inequities that impact all of us. Learn more at http://www.treehouseforkids.org. Media Contact: Desiree Lindsay [email protected] 206.767.7000 SOURCE Treehouse Related Links http://www.treehouseforkids.org UNHCR staff assess the needs of forcibly displaced people in Busumba village after they fled Pinga in North Kivu province, October 2020. UNHCR/Francine Mutabataba UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is alarmed at ongoing atrocities carried out by armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which have become part of a systematic pattern to disrupt civilians lives, instill fear and create havoc. In 2020, UNHCR partners registered a record of more than 2,000 civilians killed in the three eastern provinces (1,240 in Ituri, 590 in North Kivu and 261 in South Kivu). The majority of these attacks were attributed to armed groups. The killings and kidnappings have continued in North Kivu in 2021, where attacks have also been directed against displaced civilians. On 24 January, an armed group killed two men and seriously injured six others in an incursion into a site for forcibly displaced people in North Kivus Masisi Territory. A week prior to the recent attack, three people living in Kivuye displacement site in Masisi Territory, which is supported by UNHCR, were kidnapped during raids by an armed group. This group has also imposed a 7 p.m. curfew in the area, after which they visit the residents houses to force security payments. UNHCR and its partners have heard numerous testimonies from people who have survived this targeted violence. Between December 2020 and January 2021, at least seven incursions by armed groups into five different sites have been reported in Masisi Territory. More than 88,000 displaced people reside in 22 sites supported by UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Many others live in spontaneous sites while some 90 per cent are accommodated in host communities. Attacks by armed groups are carried out on the suspicion of collaboration with other groups or the Congolese security forces. Some of these sites are under threat from multiple armed groups. Civilians find themselves trapped in the middle of confrontations between different groups. UNHCR has received reports of armed groups forcibly occupying schools and homes, prohibiting school activities, and attacking health centers, in Mweso, Masisi Territory and Lubero Territory. In November 2020, armed groups introduced illegal taxes on people who want to access their farms in their villages of origin in Rutshuru Territory. This has cut off many from their only source of food and income. The displaced people cannot afford to pay these imposed taxes as they have no income, thereby compounding the situation. While the Congolese armys military operations against militia groups are more often successful than in the past, the armed forces do not have the capacity to maintain control of the areas they secure, thus leaving space for armed actors to reclaim those areas and to impose themselves on the local population. UNHCR calls on all actors to respect the civilian and humanitarian character of displacement sites and is advocating for swift and independent investigations into the crimes committed so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice. UNHCR is working together with local authorities and communities to protect civilians in the affected areas by strengthening local capacity and creating synergies between different local authorities and grassroots initiatives. We are also closely monitoring the situation in most areas through local and international partners. More than five million people have been uprooted by insecurity and violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last two years, with nearly two million displaced in North Kivu Province alone, according to UN estimates. UNHCRs efforts to help internally displaced people is facing severe funding shortfalls. So far only six per cent of the US$195 million that UNHCR needs for its vital operations in the DRC have been funded. For more information on this topic, please contact: In Kinshasa, DRC, Johannes Van Gemund, [email protected], +243 817 0009 484 In Kinshasa, DRC, Fabien Faivre, [email protected], +243 825 443 419 In Pretoria, Helene Caux, [email protected], +27 82 376 5190 In Geneva, Babar Baloch, [email protected], +41 79 513 9549 Mokobaxane Public servants who work in rural areas deserve to be rewarded for their selfless dedication to service, says Vice President Slumber Tsogwane. Mr Tsogwane, who was visiting flood hit villages in his Boteti constituency, said rural based public officers encountered challenges in an endeavour to deliver services. Citing the recent floods in Boteti, the vice president said some officers had to risk their health and walked barefoot without any protective clothing to rescue flood victims. The vice president expressed appreciation for the commitment and dedication demonstrated by the officers. Emphasising that working in rural areas was a calling which needed compassionate people, he said public servants based in the countryside must go beyond the call of duty. He said government recognised the spirit of volunteerism and those who went over and above the call of duty. Mr Tsogwane said to prevent flooding in future, the plan was to solicit funds for a storm water drainage project. He donated food hampers to flood victims. Briefing the vice president, Boteti principal social welfare officer Mr Victor Thake stated that there were eight flood victims in Mokobaxane and 12 in Mopipi. Another official, senior assistant council secretary Mr Milton Keitshokile, explained that machinery was used to drain water from people's yards with the help of Debswana. Mr Keitshokile said since floods were becoming a regular occurrence, it was important that social welfare officers be supplied with protective clothing. Source : BOPA Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The Government of Gambia, through the Ministry of Agriculture and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), on Tuesday launched an emergency relief package to provide food assistance to 342,000 people (42,750 households) across all regions as part of the national COVID-19 response Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/16/2021 -- A new business intelligence report released by HTF MI with title "Global Frozen Prepared Foods Market Report 2020" is designed covering micro level of analysis by manufacturers and key business segments. The Global Frozen Prepared Foods Market survey analysis offers energetic visions to conclude and study market size, market hopes, and competitive surroundings. The research is derived through primary and secondary statistics sources and it comprises both qualitative and quantitative detailing. 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It's vital you keep your market knowledge up to date segmented by Applications , Product Types [, Frozen Pizza, Meat Products, Fish and Seafood, Vegetables, Industry Segmentation, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialist Retailers, Convenience Stores, Independent Retailers, Channel (Direct Sales, Distributor) Segmentation] and major players. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement. This study mainly helps understand which market segments or Region or Country they should focus in coming years to channelize their efforts and investments to maximize growth and profitability. The report presents the market competitive landscape and a consistent in depth analysis of the major vendor/key players in the market along with impact of economic slowdown due to COVID. Furthermore, the years considered for the study are as follows: Historical year 2015-2020 Base year 2020 Forecast period** 2021 to 2026 [** unless otherwise stated] **Moreover, it will also include the opportunities available in micro markets for stakeholders to invest, detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product services of key players. Enquire for customization in Report @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/2426403-global-frozen-prepared-foods-market-3 The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: The Study Explore the Product Types of Frozen Prepared Foods Market: , Frozen Pizza, Meat Products, Fish and Seafood, Vegetables, Industry Segmentation, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialist Retailers, Convenience Stores, Independent Retailers, Channel (Direct Sales, Distributor) Segmentation Key Applications/end-users of Global Frozen Prepared FoodsMarket: Top Players in the Market are: ConAgra, Fleury Michon, Kraft Heinz, Nestle SA, Amy?s Kitchen, General Mills, McCain Foods Ltd, Tyson Foods, Schwan's Company, Iceland Foods & Maple Leaf Foods Region Included are: North America Country (United States, Canada), South America, Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea), Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy), Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC) & Section (5 6 7): 500 USD Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report: Detailed overview of Frozen Prepared Foods market Changing market dynamics of the industry In-depth market segmentation by Type, Application etc Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape of Frozen Prepared Foods market Strategies of key players and product offerings Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth A neutral perspective towards Frozen Prepared Foods market performance Market players information to sustain and enhance their footprint Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/2426403-global-frozen-prepared-foods-market-3 Major Highlights of TOC: Chapter One: Global Frozen Prepared Foods Market Industry Overview 1.1 Frozen Prepared Foods Industry 1.1.1 Overview 1.1.2 Products of Major Companies 1.2 Frozen Prepared Foods Market Segment 1.2.1 Industry Chain 1.2.2 Consumer Distribution 1.3 Price & Cost Overview Chapter Two: Global Frozen Prepared Foods Market Demand 2.1 Segment Overview 2.1.1 APPLICATION 1 2.1.2 APPLICATION 2 2.1.3 Other 2.2 Global Frozen Prepared Foods Market Size by Demand 2.3 Global Frozen Prepared Foods Market Forecast by Demand Chapter Three: Global Frozen Prepared Foods Market by Type 3.1 By Type 3.1.1 TYPE 1 3.1.2 TYPE 2 3.2 Frozen Prepared Foods Market Size by Type 3.3 Frozen Prepared Foods Market Forecast by Type Chapter Four: Major Region of Frozen Prepared Foods Market 4.1 Global Frozen Prepared Foods Sales 4.2 Global Frozen Prepared Foods Revenue & market share Chapter Five: Major Companies List Chapter Six: Conclusion Complete Purchase of Latest Version Global Frozen Prepared Foods Market Study with COVID-19 Impact Analysis @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=2426403 Key questions answered - What impact does COVID-19 have made on Global Frozen Prepared Foods Market Growth & Sizing? - Who are the Leading key players and what are their Key Business plans in the Global Frozen Prepared Foods market? - What are the key concerns of the five forces analysis of the Global Frozen Prepared Foods market? - What are different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global Frozen Prepared Foods market? - What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia. About HTF Market Report HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the "Accurate Forecast" in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their "Goals & Objectives". Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking probe into the investigation of 215 cases relating to the murder of more than 700 Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir in the 1990s, holding no fruitful purpose would emerge as evidence is unlikely to be available at this juncture. An organisation named Roots in Kashmir which claimed that 215 FIRs had been lodged relating to the killings of Kashmiri Pandits in early 1990 which led mass exodus community out of the Valley. A bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud cited the lapse of almost 27 years in raising the cause of Pandits before it as the key reason for rejecting the plea and said that now no evidence can be found. "We have heard counsel for the petitioner at some length. We, however, decline to entertain this petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India, for the simple reason that the instances referred to in the present petition pertaining to the year 1989-90, and more than 27 years have passed by since then. "No fruitful purpose would emerge, as evidence is unlikely to be available at this late juncture. The instant petition under Article 32 of the Constitution is accordingly dismissed," the bench said. Advocate Vikas Padora, appearing for the petitioner, said the plea was belated as the victims were on the run to save their lives and at no point of time efforts were made to ensure justice for them either by the state government or by the Centre. "Even the courts did not take suo moto cognizance of the offence aimed to wipe out entire community from the earth," Padora said, alleging over 700 Pandits were killed in the Valley and that moreover, separatist leader Yasin Malik has confessed to his role in a news show on a television channel. At one point of time, the bench got irked when the lawyer kept seeking issuance of directions and said "unfortunately, you are seeking headlines. Argue on law and facts". The lawyer said that the entire community including him has suffered during the forced mass exodus from the Valley and grave injustice would be caused if justice is not done to the cause.Kashmiri Pandits were forced to migrate from the Valley and could not join the investigation leading to the delay but neither the Centre nor the state government nor the judiciary took adequate note of it to do the needful, he said. Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee the Valley in the early 1990s amid rising threats and attacks during the peak of militancy. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi [India], February 16 (ANI/SRV Media): Institute of Law, Nirma University, organized a keynote address session on "Civility and The Law" as part of its ongoing flagship event- International Teaching Month on February 15, 2021. Hon'ble Judge Thomas Griffith, Former Federal Judge of the United States court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, USA delivered the keynote address. The event also marked the august presence of Hirenbhai K Patel, Managing Director, Nirma Limited, Dr Anup K. Singh, Director General, Nirma University and Dr Stephen Barnes, Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Programs, Penn State Law and Hon. Global Professor, Institute of Law, Nirma University. Hon'ble Judge Griffith in his address mentioned that in his lifetime, the Republic has been confronted with no more serious a challenge to its well-being and maybe even its survival than it faces today from political tribalism. He stated that the constitution assumes the coming together of people who want to create a community. This coming together is not just in neighbourhoods, villages, towns, counties, or states, but on a continent and not just with people of their own race, religion, background, class, or viewpoint. He advocated that the constitution creates a structure of governance that can allow for human flourishing, but without this desire to unite, the Constitution cannot create a national community in which that flourishing will occur. Without this desire to unite, the Constitution is formed without substance. He talked about the role that the constitution plays in the lives of people and elaborated its meaning as the spirit of amity and mature deference. Further, he referred to the drafting of the constitution in Philadelphia as to the mandates and the non-mandated that were necessarily had to be followed by the constitution-makers. Further, Civic charity can better be explained as living together and suffering together with the community. By civic charity, he tried to make the audience look at the phase of understanding and winning friendships, changing the feel of enmity to friendship and creating a community where humans flourish. He emphasized that public debates need more civility. Prof (Dr) Purvi Pokhariyal Dean and Director, Institute of Law, Nirma University thanked Judge Thomas Griffith for his thought-provoking address. She also thanked all dignitaries for their kind presence at the session. The event was moderated by Prof. Shreya Srivastava, Assistant Professor at the institute. This story is provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV Media) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ADVERTISEMENT The Ondo State Government Doctors Forum has urged the state government to, as a matter of urgency, respond to their demands to prevent further decay in the health sector. The spokesperson for the forum, Olubosede Omolayo, in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Akure, said it was unfortunate that government had allowed the strike to drag on. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the doctors had embarked on an indefinite strike 14 days ago over 50 per cent payment of their November 2020 salary and nonpayment of several allowances. Crisis NAN also reports that owing to the strike, patients had deserted the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTHC), Akure, while those bringing emergency patients were asked to find medical attention elsewhere. Ms Omolayo said the association had already met with the Commissioner for Health, the Head of Service and the governor without any concrete achievement. She lamented that while other categories of workers were paid 100 per cent of their salaries, medical doctors were paid 50 per cent, especially at a time they ought to be encouraged in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Some doctors are being owed as much as five months salary. It is unfortunate and highly insensitive that this strike has been allowed to last this long by the state government without consideration for the health of the people. Of particular concern are those whose conditions require regular medical attention and the pregnant women and children, the majority of whom cannot afford private medical treatment. We also know that many people are dying at home without record in the state. Therefore, for the benefit of the people, the government should address our demands. How can a hungry doctor give his best to the patient? Or how can a frustrated doctor, who cannot pay his bills, concentrate at work? How does he fuel his/her car and finance transportation to work since he cannot work from home? We hereby implore the good people of Ondo State and beyond to join their voices with ours to demand for (sic) better treatment of doctors by government, she said. Ms Omolayo also said the state had been having increased cases of COVID-19 infections since the commencement of the strike. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been likened to a pot calling a kettle black following its criticism of the current administration. The Coalition of Buhari Friends and Supporters (CBFS) described the PDP's claim of collapse under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the height of insanity and an indication that the opposition and all that they represent wants to take Nigerians for a ride in their typical manner. The group made these known in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Anthony Agada, on Sunday. The CBFS said the PDP is attempting to force Nigerians to forget their despicable performance while they held sway. According to the group, the opposition is economical with the truth over claims that the APC-led government has not done enough to address the security challenges in the country. The Buhari coalition further hailed the present administration for being outstanding in clearing the mess left behind by the PDP in the past five years, so much so that the country has witnessed tangible gains in critical sectors of the economy. The group, however, called on the PDP to tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians over its puerile attempt at castigating the efforts of the Buhari-led administration in setting Nigeria on the path of greatness. The CBFS also warned the opposition to desist from this despicable attempt at insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians still healing from the locust years brought upon the country by successive PDP administrations. Sophie Delezio has hinted she's found love after sharing a sweet picture of herself holding a red rose on Valentine's Day. The 19-year-old - who captured the hearts of millions of Australians after surviving two near-fatal car accidents - was all smiles as she appeared to have celebrated the romantic day with a secret admirer. 'It was a very special day indeed,' she wrote in an Instagram post. Sophie Delezio (pictured) has hinted she's found love after sharing a sweet picture of herself holding a red rose on Valentine's Day The then-two-year-old was left fighting for her life at the age of two after she was trapped beneath a burning car, which crashed into her daycare centre in 2003 (pictured recovering in hospital in June 2004 following the horrific crash) Her post comes just months after she revealed why she feels grateful after surviving two horrific car crashes before the age of six. 'Everything you go through there is always going to be some positive even though you might not see it at the time,' Sophie told comedian Anh Do on ABC program Anh's Brush With Fame. 'My parents at the time of the accident, all they could see was what was the horror of what was happening at the time... and it was horrible. But look at how much positivity it has brought. 'Everything is a choice. You can choose not to see the positive in things. You can choose to just focus on the negatives and wallow in pity. 'Everyone is allowed to grieve but you also need to look at the beauty in the world.' The 19-year-old captured the hearts of millions of Australians after surviving two car accidents Sophie with her mother Carolyn Martin for her first day at school in Sydney in February 2006 Despite the near-death ordeals, Sophie has proved she can overcome any challenge after bouncing back (pictured in July 2008) Sophie was was left fighting for her life when she was two after she was trapped beneath a burning car, which crashed into her daycare centre in 2003. The toddler suffered third degree burns to 85 per cent of her body. She lost an ear, the fingers on her right hand and both feet as she was placed in a coma for three months. But after a remarkable recovery, disaster struck again in 2006 when Sophie was thrown 18 metres from her wheelchair as she crossed a road. She suffered a bleeding on the brain, a heart attack and severe injuries, including a broken jaw, fractured shoulder, and a tear to her lung. She also lost a sense of smell. But despite the near-death ordeals, the teenager has proved she can overcome any challenge after bouncing back. She went on to get her driver's license before moving to London to study sociology and international relations. But Sophie has since returned home to Australia amid the Covid pandemic. New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will hold extensive talks with her Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari on Monday during which focus is expected to be on the issue of 39 Indians kidnapped by the ISIS three years back from Mosul city. Iraqi authorities said they are in high-level coordination with Indian authorities and search operations are on to locate Indian citizens who were taken prisoners by IS. Regarding the Indian citizens who were taken prisoner by Daesh (IS) terrorist group in 2014, search operations are on and there is high-level coordination between Iraqi and Indian authorities to locate them, the Iraqi embassy said. Al-Jaafaris visit from July 24 to July 28 to India comes two weeks after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced liberation of Mosul, the second biggest city in his country, from the ISIS, which marked a major milestone for the Iraqi security forces. In their talks, the two sides will to take stock of bilateral relations and explore ways to enhance cooperation in areas of energy and trade. Iraq has been one of the major suppliers of crude oil to India. On the visit by Ibrahim al-Jaafari, the external affairs ministry has said the two sides will discuss the entire gamut of bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visit is expected to add further impetus to our mutually beneficial bilateral engagement, the MEA had said on Friday. As liberation of Mosul brightened chances of information about the kidnapped Indians, Swaraj, in a meeting with their relatives last week, had said that they might be languishing in a jail in Badush in north-west of Mosul where fighting was going on. However, a media report from Badush on Saturday said the jail now is an abandoned structure and has been unoccupied for weeks. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh was sent to Iraq days after the Iraqi PM announced victory in the fight to liberate Mosul. Swaraj had told the family members that an Iraqi official quoting intelligence sources had told Singh that the kidnapped Indians were deployed at a hospital construction site and then shifted to a farm before they were put in a jail in Badush. She had said al-Jaafari may bring fresh information about the kidnapped Indians, mostly from Punjab. The volume of bilateral trade in 2016-17 was nearly USD 13 billion. Iraq contributes significantly to Indias energy security and is the second-largest supplier of crude oil to us (over 37 MMT during 2016-17), the MEA has said. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is also scheduled to meet the Iraqi foreign minister who will be accompanied by a senior-level official delegation. Al-Jafaari will travel to Mumbai on July 26 and will be back in Delhi on July 27. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Representatives of a trade union and employer organization Norwegian Oil and Gas Association reached an agreement early on Tuesday, averting an oil workers strike at Norways largest refinery at Mongstad. The dispute over pay between the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association and trade union SAFE was settled early on Tuesday after a state mediator was called in to help with the talks. Equinor had warned last week that due to the dispute and the possibility of a strike, the industrial action could affect not only operations at the Mongstad refinery and its terminal, but also oil and gas production from major oil and gas fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). A potential strike could reduce crude storage and harbour capacity at the terminal at Equinor Mongstad refinery, which could affect the production at several Equinor operated fields on the NCS, including Johan Sverdrup and Troll and it could be necessary to shut down production there until further notice, Equinor warned on Friday. A possible strike could also impact gas exports from the Troll area, and could also impact the Kvitebjrn, Visund, Byrding, Fram and Valemon fields, the Norwegian major said. Related Video: Four Of The Coolest Fictional Power Sources Following the mediated settlement in the talks between the trade union and the employers association, the strike is now averted and doesnt threaten production at some of Norways largest oil and gas fields, such as the giant Johan Sverdrup or Troll. Were satisfied that the two sides have reached agreement on a new collective pay settlement for the next period, lead negotiator Elisabeth Bratteb Fenne, acting director of organization and employer policy at Norwegian Oil and Gas, said today. A few months ago, Norway wasnt able to avert an oil workers strike caused by disagreements over a new pay deal for offshore workers. In early October, 8 percent of Norways oil and gas production, or 330,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), was shut in because of the strike, and there were fears that oil output at Johan Sverdrup may also have to be reduced. The strike ended after ten days and didnt escalate as much as to cut off nearly 25 percent of Norways oil and gas production, as feared. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A rapper in Spain and dozens of his supporters have locked themselves inside a university building in the artists latest attempt to avoid a prison sentence for insulting the countrys monarchy and praising terrorism. The case of Pablo Hasel, 32, has drawn increasing attention in Spain and has been linked to the governments sudden announcement to change a national law that is deemed to curtail freedom of expression. More than 200 artists, including film director Pedro Almodovar and actor Javier Bardem, signed a petition last week in support of the rapper. Expand Close Supporters of rap singer Pablo Hasel make barricades (Joan Mateu/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Supporters of rap singer Pablo Hasel make barricades (Joan Mateu/AP) The artist, whose real name is Pablo Rivadulla Duro, is due to serve a reduced sentence from 2018 of nine months in prison for tweets and songs he posted between 2014 and 2016 criticizing Spains royal family and praising a now-defunct Spanish leftist armed extremist group. I wont allow them to tell me what I have to think, feel or say, Hasel told The Associated Press. This serves me as an extra stimulus to keep writing the same songs. Known mostly for his often radical anti-establishment criticism, he has had previous convictions for assault and praising armed extremist groups although he served no time behind bars after a previous two-year prison term was suspended. This time his imprisonment seemed imminent. The countrys National Court issued an order for his arrest on Monday after a 10-day period for him to enter prison voluntarily expired on Friday. But the artist said that he would not go without showing resistance and drawing attention to his case. On Monday, accompanied by some 50 supporters, Hasel barricaded himself inside the rectoral building of Lleida University, in the north-eastern Catalonia region. Police need special permission which has been granted in this case from academic authorities to enter university buildings, which have been the scene of protests in the past. Defiantly, the rapper tweeted: Theyll have to break in to take me and jail me. He told the AP that Mondays events were a call to organise our solidarity and take the pressure out in the streets. There is a lot of solidarity from people who understand that this isnt just an attack against me, Hasel added. But also against our fundamental democratic liberties. Liberties that are being continuously suppressed by the State. When facing aggression against us we must give a collective answer. Spains left-wing coalition government unexpectedly announced last week that it would make changes to the countrys criminal code to eliminate prison terms for offenses involving freedom of expression. It did not specifically mention Hasel or set a timetable for the changes. The proposal is rejected by the conservative opposition Popular Party and the far-right Vox party. Just one week after welcoming the arrival of the first batch of one million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has halted the rollout of the vaccine. Compounding the political and economic crisis facing his African National Congress (ANC) government, the debacle threatens the political survival of the ANC. Cyril Ramaphosa (credit: Tasnim News Agency) The decision follows preliminary studies suggesting that the vaccine offered minimal protection against mild and moderate forms of disease caused by the new B1.351 coronavirus variant (also known as 501.V2) accounting for 90 percent of COVID-19 infections in South Africa. The new variant is now spreading across the world, although many countries lack the capacity to detect the new strain on a systematic basis. Zweli Mkhize, South Africas health minister, said that the distribution of the vaccine, scheduled to begin later this month, would be halted pending further studies of its effectiveness against severe cases. South Africa would however continue using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on a trial basis in older healthcare workers in a bid to determine the efficacy of the vaccine until better alternatives and further studies became available. The interpretation of the results from these preliminary studies is fraught with difficulties, not least because the study, led by South Africas University of the Witwatersrand and Oxford University, was not reported in a peer-reviewed journal. The number of cases (around 2,000) was low, making it difficult to pinpoint just how effective or not the vaccine might be against the variant. Furthermore, as the participants were relatively young and unlikely to become severely ill, it was impossible for the scientists to determine whether the B1.351/501.V2 variant interfered with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines ability to protect against severe Covid-19, hospitalizations, or deaths. Nevertheless, Oxford University researchers have acknowledged that the vaccine provided minimal protection against mild or moderate cases involving the B.1.351 variant and said they were working to produce a new version of the vaccine able to protect against the most dangerous mutations of the B.1.351 variant that would be ready by the autumn. Andrew Pollard, the chief investigator on the Oxford vaccine trial, stated, This study confirms that the pandemic coronavirus will find ways to continue to spread in vaccinated populations, as expected. But, taken with the promising results from other studies in South Africa using a similar viral vector, vaccines may continue to ease the toll on health care systems by preventing severe disease. Dr John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said Pretoria was right to halt use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine while it investigated further. The key word is temporary, he said. They should step back and take a look. Its not a disaster, it is a cautionary measure. However, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisations (WHO) regional director in Africa, said it was important to use whatever means were available to keep people out of hospital, particularly given the shortages of oxygen. She explained, If this variant [of the virus] is not circulating very widely, and even if it is, we are recommending the use of the vaccine with an understanding that it may not be able to stop some cases, particularly mild cases, but it is liable to stop severe cases. If confirmed, the reduced efficacy of the vaccine would be a serious setback not only for South Africa but many African countries that are reliant on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is being offered at cost price during the pandemic and is easy to store. Nkengasong called it the backbone of Africas immunisation strategy, with around 500 million doses ordered by the African Union and several hundred million more through Covax, the World Health Organisations procurement and distribution facility with the private sector. Should other vaccines prove to be less effective against this or indeed other new and emerging variants, then the virus will prove even more deadly. Ramaphosas government faces a mounting public health crisis, widespread criticisms of its handling of the pandemic and the vaccination rollout, allegations of corruption over Covid-19 spending, near-daily electricity blackouts and soaring debt amid shrinking coffers. Like the rest of the continent, South Africa has since November witnessed a second wave of the pandemic. This followed the governments lifting of the one of the strictest lockdowns in the world, enforced with extreme police brutality, in a bid to stem the fall in corporate profits and the countrys pending insolvency. According to the countrys official statistics, of the 1.49 million cases, around half have been recorded after December 1. The virus has now killed nearly 48,000 people, nearly half of all the reported 98,162 deaths from the coronavirus in Africa. The new and more virulent form of COVID-19 has raged across the most populous provinces of the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng, and is spreading among young people between 15 to 19 years. It has brought South Africas healthcare system to the point of collapse, with wards in hospitals and medical centres overflowing with coronavirus patients while exhausted healthcare workers have been forced to cancel leave to tackle the influx of patients. Ramaphosa in December announced a series of measures aimed at curtailing freedom of movement and social behaviour, some of which have now been lifted. This is despite the number of new cases and deaths, although lower than last months peak, still being around the level of the first peak in July. Ramaphosa himself has warned of an ever-present danger of a resurgence. Amid mounting anger over the much-delayed vaccine rollout, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, co-chair of the countrys ministerial advisory committee on Covid-19, insisted that South Africas goal of vaccinating about two-thirds of the countrys 60 million population by the end of 2021 would not be affected. The government plans to roll out the Janssen vaccine, made by Johnson & Johnson, which reported to have a 57 percent efficacy rate against the new variant, although it has not yet been given regulatory approval. Ramaphosa, the billionaire and former trade union leader who was elected president in 2017 has overseen an escalating transfer of wealth from the working class to the top layers of society. The pandemic has exacerbated South Africas already serious economic recession that has hammered the miningas demand and prices for the countrys minerals felland manufacturing sectors. The first lockdown led to more than two million workers losing their jobs, adding to the 30 percent already unemployed before the pandemic and the 50 percent of young people between the ages of 15-24 without work. It forced five to six million people (15 percent of adults), mainly manual workers, to leave the townships and go back to their home villages. Many households ran out of money for food, doubling the rate prevailing in 2017. The governments special grant, set up to help those without social security, expired last month. Unemployment for the last quarter of last year is expected to exceed the 43 percent, which includes those who have given up looking for jobs, recorded in the previous quarter. The central bank is expecting the economy to grow by 3.6 percent this year and 2.4 percent next year, following a massive 16.4 percent fall in GDP over the period of the first lockdown, the sharpest decline since the Great Depression. But this belies the gravity of the crisis. It comes on top of a years-long decline in GDP per capita as growth failed to keep pace with the increasing population and inequality soared. South Africa has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the world. The top 20 percent of the population take more than 68 percent of income. Income per capita in Gautengthe main economic province that includes Johannesburg and Pretoriais almost twice that in mostly rural provinces like Limpopo and Eastern Cape. The governments budget deficit for 2020-21 is expected to reach 15.7 percent of GDP, with more than a fifth of the budget going to servicing debt. Just 10 days of borrowing is equivalent to the $1.3 billion cost of the entire vaccination programme. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. File photo of a mug of beer. Bars and pubs in England are currently closed under the lockdown restrictions.(Manfred Richter/Pixabay.com) UK Police Raid Nightclub Party of 150 People in Birmingham Police on Saturday night raided a party with about 150 people in Birmingham, and discovered another venue hosting a makeshift bar dubbed The Covid Arms. About 70 people at the party received fixed penalty notices of 200 ($279) each, and the DJ could be issued a 10,000 ($13,938) fine, West Midlands Police said. Its believed that around 50 people fled the buildinglocated near an area known as The Jewellery Quarter in central Birminghamwhen police arrived in the early hours of Sunday, including fleeing via the roof, according to thermal images from police drones. West Midlands Police said that they were aware that a bar had been set up in the building, and that officers forced their way in after seeing taxis dropping people off at the building. One officer suffered a minor injury when people smashed open a door to breakout, and some officers were pelted with bottles, the police said. Its unacceptable that our officers came under attack, and that one suffered a minor injury, just for doing their job and enforcing laws that are in place to keep us all safe, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said in a statement. This is the moment our officers found a packed nightclub boasting a VIP area and DJ which had been illegally set up near Birminghams Jewellery Quarter. Officers had bottles thrown at them as they moved to break up the gathering. Full story https://t.co/Figk7Gy48U pic.twitter.com/t3zIUX6fd5 West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) February 15, 2021 On the same night, the West Midlands Police officers found that a garage workshop in Dudley Port had also been converted into a bar, with a sign on the wall that reads The Covid Arms. The police said they gave the owner a 1,000 ($1,394) fine, but let the other 12 people go. Todd said that the officers had been work[ing] long and hard to enforce lockdown rules to curb the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. While theres much to be hopeful of in terms of the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, people must remember that we are still in lockdown and the virus is still a real threat to communities across the West Midlands, he said. We thank those people who are supporting our efforts to keep the public safe by sticking to the rules and staying home. They are saving lives. England has been under the third national lockdown since Jan. 6. Pubs and bars are not allowed to open, along with other businesses that are deemed non-essential. As the government reached its target to vaccinate the most vulnerable groups, leaders of the beer and pub sector have been among the voices demanding that the government fix a date for reopening. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday declined to give a date, arguing instead that a cautious but irreversible plan would be preferable. Mary Clark and Alexander Zhang contributed to this report. Total passenger traffic down 64.4% year-on-year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic Corporacion America Airports S.A. (NYSE: CAAP), ("CAAP" or the "Company") the largest private sector airport operator in the world by number of airports, reported today a 64.4% year-over-year (YoY) decline in passenger traffic in January 2021. Passenger Traffic, Cargo Volume and Aircraft Movements Highlights Statistics Jan'21 Jan'20(1)(2)(3) % Var. Domestic Passengers (thousands) 1,689 4,109 -58.9% International Passengers (thousands) 354 2,229 -84.1% Transit Passengers (thousands) 511 831 -38.5% Total Passengers (thousands) 2,554 7,169 -64.4% Cargo Volume (thousand tons) 20.4 30.8 -33.7% Total Aircraft Movements (thousands) 35.0 71.7 -51.2% (1) Note that preliminary passenger traffic figures for January 2020 for Ezeiza Airport, in Argentina, were adjusted to include additional inbound passengers not accounted for in the initial count, for an average of approximately 5% of total passenger traffic at Ezeiza Airport and 1% of total traffic at CAAP, during that period. Importantly, inbound traffic does not affect revenues, as tariffs are applicable on departure passengers. (2) Preliminary data on 1,256 flights in January 2020 at Brasilia Airport, due to delays in the submission of information by third parties. (3) Cargo volumes in Uruguay were rectified from January to June 2020, to reflect all cargo passing through the cargo terminal, instead of air cargo only. Passenger Traffic Overview Total passenger traffic in January 2021 dropped 64.4% YoY, reflecting the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air travel, although showing a slight sequential improvement from the 68.8% and 77.1% declines reported in December and November 2020, respectively. In all of the countries of operations, certain travel restrictions and requirements are in place and passenger demand remains low. International traffic declined by 84.1% YoY, while domestic traffic dropped 58.9% YoY. In Argentina, total passenger traffic declined 74.5% YoY, although improving from the 84.1% decline in December 2020. International passenger traffic declined 84.9%, flat when compared to the 84.8% reported in December 2020, while domestic passenger traffic dropped 69.6% YoY, an improvement from the 84.0% drop in December 2020. Moreover, in light of the new COVID-19 strain, the government implemented restrictions on international flights from certain countries, and temporarily suspended the entry of foreigners from neighboring countries. In Italy, passenger traffic declined 92.4% YoY, with international and domestic traffic down 94.6% and 86.8% YoY, respectively, reflecting the new air travel restrictions announced by the Italian government following a new COVID-19 outbreak in the region, coupled with weak passenger demand. Importantly, it is expected that Florence Airport will remain closed to operations due to runway works from February 1st to March 20, 2020. In Brazil, total passenger traffic declined 34.4% YoY, but remained flat compared to December 2020 traffic figures. Domestic passenger traffic declined 32.2%, while international traffic dropped 92.2% YoY, mainly driven by low demand and new travel restrictions starting at year-end. In Uruguay, passenger traffic declined of 93.5% YoY, due to the closure of borders implemented late December 2020 through January 31, 2021, for all travelers including Uruguayan citizens, with few exemptions. Starting February 1st, however, restrictions were partially lifted, allowing air travel for Uruguayan nationals, resident foreigners, and non-residents foreigners with work or health permits. In Ecuador, passenger traffic declined 67.8% YoY, with international traffic down 58.5% and domestic traffic down 75.8%, while in Armenia, total passenger traffic dropped 72.6% during the month, as passenger traffic demand remains low. Cargo Volume and Aircraft Movements Cargo volume decreased 33.7% on January 2021, mainly due to declines of 42.4% in Argentina, 51.5% in Ecuador and 20.3% in Uruguay. Aircraft movements declined 51.2% YoY in January 2021, mainly attributed to decreases of 55.2% in Argentina, 79.3% in Italy, 25.6% in Brazil and 45.1% in Ecuador. Aircraft movements also declined 82.1% in Uruguay, 66.9% in Armenia and 44.3% in Peru. Summary Passenger Traffic, Cargo Volume and Aircraft Movements Jan'21 (2) Jan'20 (1)(2) % Var. Passenger Traffic (thousands) Argentina 929 3,642 -74.5% Italy 36 480 -92.4% Brazil 1,230 1,876 -34.4% Uruguay 15 233 -93.5% Ecuador 124 385 -67.8% Armenia 64 235 -72.6% Peru 156 318 -50.9% TOTAL 2,554 7,169 -64.4% (1) See Footnote 1 in previous table. (2) See Footnote 2 in previous table. Cargo Volume (tons) Argentina 10,599 18,386 -42.4% Italy 1,132 1,119 1.2% Brazil 4,458 4,612 -3.3% Uruguay 1,777 2,229 -20.3% Ecuador 1,458 3,008 -51.5% Armenia 787 1,028 -23.5% Peru 206 406 -49.3% TOTAL 20,417 30,787 -33.7% Aircraft Movements Argentina 16,477 36,756 -55.2% Italy 997 4,818 -79.3% Brazil 10,597 14,247 -25.6% Uruguay 632 3,535 -82.1% Ecuador 4,116 7,495 -45.1% Armenia 740 2,238 -66.9% Peru 1,442 2,591 -44.3% TOTAL 35,001 71,680 -51.2% To obtain the full text of this press release, please click on the following link: http://investors.corporacionamericaairports.com About Corporacion America Airports Corporacion America Airports acquires, develops and operates airport concessions. Currently, the Company operates 52 airports in 7 countries across Latin America and Europe (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, Armenia and Italy). In 2019, Corporacion America Airports served 84.2 million passengers. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange where it trades under the ticker "CAAP". For more information, visit http://investors.corporacionamericaairports.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210215005429/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations Contact Gimena Albanesi Email: gimena.albanesi@caairports.com Phone: +5411 4852-6411 The Colorado Supreme Court this week handed over for investigation to the Colorado State Auditors Office a memo detailing nearly two dozen instances of judicial and administrator misconduct at the heart of an alleged $2.72 million hush money contract scandal, but the public may never get a chance to find out what the Auditors Office concludes. ROME, FEB 16 - New Premier Mario Draghi is already facing problems linked to rows between the broad range of parties supporting his government as he prepares his speeches for this week's confidence votes in parliament. Tourism Minister Massimo Garavaglia, a member of Matteo Salvini's League party, blasted Health Minister Roberto Speranza's decision to force Italy's ski slopes must stay closed until March 5 due to COVID-19 just hours before they were set to reopen on Monday. Garavaglia said Speranza, a member of the left-wing LeU group, has shown a "lack of respect" for the people working in the ski tourism sector. There are also big differences between the League and the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), which are making it difficult to settle the nomination of the various undersecretaries and deputy ministers who will be in the government, sources said. Salvini met PD leader Nicola Zingaretti for talks late on Monday. "It is necessary to lay down the battle axe and work," said Salvini. There is also the problem of rifts within parties, something which affects the 5-Star Movement (M5S) in particular. Many within the anti-establishment movement are unhappy about supporting a government led by a technocrat like Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank (ECB), even though the move was ratified by a vote of M5S members last week. There is speculation that around 20 M5S lawmakers could vote against in this week's confidence votes on the new government, in the Senate on Wednesday and in the Lower House on Thursday. An online petition of M5S activists, including two M5S lawmakers, called for a new vote of members to be held on whether to back Draghi's executive. "I understand the unease," said House Speaker and M5S bigwig Roberto Fico. "But it is necessary to change perspective". (ANSA). Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 4:29 pm Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5061 into law last week to limit pandemic-related unemployment tax increases for Washingtons businesses. The Senate passed a package of House bills to distribute $2.2 billion in federal COVID relief funds (HB 1368), to waive state business taxes on federal aid to businesses (HB 1095), and to help pay for Medicaid programs with money from the states rainy day fund to free up federal COVID funding for other needs (HB 1367). These bills passed by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and, having now passed both chambers, they are headed to the governor for his signature. In the House, members debated and passed measures to change regulations relating to long-term care facilities in the event of a pandemic, natural disaster or other declared state of emergency (HB 1120); changing disclosure requirements concerning dismissal of law enforcement officers for misconduct (HB 1088); and authorizing audits of law enforcement use of deadly force investigations (HB 1089.) House Bill 1120, concerning state of emergency operations impacting long-term services and supports, passed the House on Feb. 5 by a vote of 58-38, with two members excused. This bill would change regulatory requirements relating to background checks and training for long-term care workers in the event of a pandemic, natural disaster or other declared state of emergency. It would permit a long-term care worker who has not been disqualified by the state background check to continue to work and have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults, pending completion of the FBI fingerprint check. The current requirement that the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) check a long-term care worker against the National Sex Offender Registry would be eliminated if a pandemic, natural disaster or other declared state of emergency impacts the ability of long-term care workers to complete required training. The bill would enable the DSHS to adopt rules allowing the workers additional time to complete the training. Proponents of the bills said that long-term care facilities were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The facilities, therefore, could not operate as usual. This caused challenges relating to training, staff retention, inspections and background checks. They said this bill would provide long-term care facilities with the flexibility they need to meet the needs of residents. Opponents of the bill said that a large proportion of COVID-19 infections and deaths are linked to nursing homes. They said that this exposes deficiencies in the staffing and design of these facilities, and that there is need for reform across the system. This bill is not the solution, they said. State Rep. Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet No State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen No State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia No State Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama No House Bill 1088, concerning potential impeachment disclosures relating to law enforcement officers, passed the House on Feb. 10 by a vote of 61-37. This bill would require law enforcement agencies to report to prosecuting authorities an officer's misconduct affecting credibility or any act of an officer that may potentially support a defendants not-guilty plea. It would also require law enforcement agencies, prior to hiring an officer with previous law enforcement experience, to inquire whether the officer has ever been subject to removal procedures. Supporters of the bill said it is about whether you can rely on an officer for the truth. The bill would create best standards and online training opportunities, and would require law enforcement agencies to inquire about this issue before hiring. Opponents said the bill does not go far enough. They said a better approach would be to create a working group to report back, so that the legislature could put these standards in statute. They pointed out that there is a lack of uniformity on how potential impeachment disclosure is handled in counties across the state. State Rep. Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet No State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen No State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia No State Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama No House Bill 1089, concerning compliance audits of requirements relating to peace officers and law enforcement agencies. Passed the House on Feb.10 by a vote of 80-18. This bill would authorize the state auditor to review a deadly force investigation to determine whether those involved complied with all applicable rules and procedures. It would also authorize the state auditor, upon request by the Criminal Justice Training Commission, to review a law enforcement agency to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and procedures governing the training and certification of the agency's peace officers. Proponents of the bill said that audits of deadly force investigations would ensure quality, objective, non-biased investigations. The purpose of auditing deadly force investigations would be to review whether the relevant statutory and administrative rules are being followed. Audits would not be used to judge the decisions made at the end of investigations, they said. Opponents of the bill said that the intent of the bill is good, but the scope of the proposed audits should be clarified and narrowed. They said a deadly force investigation audit should only review whether the investigation was conducted in compliance with the relevant statutory and administrative rules, not all rules and procedures generally. State Rep. Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet No State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen No State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia Yes State Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama Yes SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AV Preeminent Attorney Douglas Borthwick (https://www.borthwicklawyer.com/) has been named a "Best of the Best 2021" Lawyer by the Riverside-based Inland Empire Magazine. Mr. Borthwick has served as an attorney for over two decades in multiple states, with California home offices specifically located in Rancho Cucamonga and Riverside. Attorney Douglas Borthwick Attorney Douglas Borthwick For 41 years, Inland Empire magazine has circulated to an estimated 250,000 readers every month. As a member of the community serviced by the magazine, Mr. Borthwick took especial pride in being named Best of the Best 2021 by the publication. Douglas Borthwick has earned the trust and respect of his clients and colleagues for his integrity, preparation, determination, and attention to detail. Douglas Borthwick is AV PREEMINENT RATED by Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest possible attorney peer review rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. Martindale-Hubbell is the Gold Standard among attorney peer review ratings. Douglas Borthwick's AV Preeminent designation was originally awarded by Martindale-Hubbell, which sets specific and rigorous standards of excellence and integrity before granting a Top-Rated Lawyer status to a limited number of attorneys each year. This industry standard has become the watermark for legal ability and ethical standards. It is used as an assurance of experience, trust and excellence from any attorney bearing the designation. Attorney Douglas Borthwick has further achieved a "SUPERB" Rating from Avvo, the highest evaluation given by the nationally acclaimed attorney rating agency. Douglas Borthwick's experience includes, but is not exclusive of, the following areas: personal injury law, family law, criminal law, and general civil litigation practice. Mr. Borthwick's profile was featured in the California Business Journal in 2018: https://calbizjournal.com/attorney-douglas-borthwick/ Also visit: https://www.acq-intl.com/issues/2018-Leading-Adviser-Supplement/32/ Law Offices of Douglas Borthwick can be found at: www.borthwicklawyer.com "Life is the most precious thing we have and it's probably the thing most people take for granted. We're busy. We don't even take time to consciously think of our lives because we are too busy living them. Appreciate your life. We all only get one. Invest in what makes you happy. There is so much to be thankful for. We all have rotten things happen to us and we all have unfortunate things. But there is good in everything that happens if you look for it. Give thanks every day. Live consciously with awareness and gratitude, appreciate the moments as they occur before they forever pass so quickly."- Attorney Douglas Borthwick, Esq. Media Contact: John Walter 714-564-9400 [email protected] SOURCE Attorney Douglas Borthwick Related Links http://www.borthwicklawyer.com Suphan Buri warns Phuket after COVID-positive expat visits on holiday PHUKET: The Suphan Buri Provincial Health Office today (Feb 16) released a timeline of a foreign man, 40, who lives in Suphan Buri and has now tested positive for COVID-19. The timeline shows that the man spent a week in Phuket, based in Patong, earlier this month. tourismCOVID-19Coronavirushealth By The Phuket News Tuesday 16 February 2021, 05:57PM The timeline issued today showing that the COVID-positive foreigner had spent a week in Phuket, staying at a location in Patong. Photo: Suphan Buri Provincial Health Office The man travelled to Phuket from Suphan Buri in his own car, the Suphan Buri Provincial Health Office noted in its report. He arrived in Phuket on Jan 29 and departed the island on Feb 5. He was registered as staying at a location in Patong. However, the report did not reveal any specific locations of where the man stayed or where he visited while in Phuket. After leaving Phuket, the man returned to Suphan Buri, stopping at Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan on the way, noted the Suphan Buri Provincial Health Office in its report. The man tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday (Feb 14) while undergoing a test at a private hospital in Singburi province in order to travel back to his home country. The next day the man self-quarantined at his home in Tambon Khok Chang, in Doem Bang Nang Buat in Suphan Buri province, while a disease investigation team tested him again to confirm whether or not he was infected, said the report. His second test returned positive. The man was admitted to Chaophrayayommarat Hospital in Suphan Buri yesterday (Feb 16), the Suphan Buri Provincial Health Office confirmed. It was not reported whether the man was exhibiting any signs of infection. The Suphan Buri Provincial Health Office warned all people who visited these places during this time were at risk of COVID-19 infection. Please avoid traveling to a crowded place, wear a mask at all times in public, wash hands frequently, and observe symptoms for 14 days after the last exposure of a person or place of risk, the Suphan Buri Provincial Health Office advised. The Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) today reported no new cases of COVID-19 on the island. The PPHO and the Phuket Provincial Government have yet to release any announcements regarding the visit by the foreign man from Suphan Buri. (Natural News) A scholar of international relations in Beijing warned that if the relationship between China and the United States is not immediately stabilized, there will be war. It cannot be taken for granted and fantasized that conflict will never erupt between [the U.S. and China], said Shi Yinhong a professor at the Renmin University of Chinas Institute of International Relations. He made these remarks during a speech at Renmins National Institute of Development and Strategy, where he argued that the formerly stable relationship between the U.S. and China can never be recovered. The stability of the past three years between the two countries is gone, and without new stability, there will be war, insisted Shi. So, there must be new strategic stability which will be achieved by being practical, sufficiently focused and through specific and important proposals, dialogues or negotiations. While Shi believes that the current situation between the worlds two great powers makes it almost impossible for either side to significantly back down from their simmering rivalry, the election of President Joe Biden has presented itself as an opportunity for the U.S. to be influenced and shaped by China to a large extent, and for the Chinese Communist Party to make appropriate adjustments to its strategic policies in order to cater to the new administration. To do this, Shi argued that China needs to make two strategic choices. First, China must implement significant adjustments to its military strategy. The country can use the possibility of revising its current military policies and commitments as a basic condition for conducting negotiations with the U.S. The goal of these negotiations should be to significantly reduce the risk of unwanted collisions or incidents between the two powers on strategic frontiers, while promoting strategic stability. Secondly, Shi argued that, for a certain period of time, without any exceptions, China cannot have any kind of confrontation with any other country in the world be they a developed or a developing nation unless it is with either the U.S. or the United Kingdom. Shi said that the purpose of this is to keep the countrys focus specifically on America and to reduce the possibility of having to divert resources to deal with first- and second-tier opponents. (Related: China exploiting Caribbean nations to build military and missile bases that can threaten the continental United States.) Shi believes that the need for the U.S. and China to stabilize relations is more important now than ever, because their strategic frontiers are inching closer and closer as time passes. Its only a matter of time before a confrontation breaks out, which Shi said should not be taken for granted as some kind of fantasy that will never happen. We must strive to solve new strategic problems through practical thinking, sufficient focus and dialogues or negotiations on important proposals. At the same time, this will also serve to isolate the views towards China of the U.S. political class and to win over other important countries in the world with more understanding and sympathy for China. Admiral believes nuclear war with China or Russia is a very real possibility Shi is not the only person who believes the tense relationship between the U.S. and China could one day lead to war if it isnt cooled off immediately. Admiral Charles Richard, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, recently warned that the military must prepare for the very real possibility of nuclear war breaking out with either China or Russia. There is a real possibility that a regional crisis with Russia or China could escalate quickly to a conflict involving nuclear weapons, he wrote in Proceedings, the journal of the Naval Institute. Richard is demanding that country needs to prepare for the conflict we prefer, instead of one we are likely to face. Richard argued that the CCP is currently in the process of making technological leaps in capabilities in every domain, and Russia is aggressively modernizing its nuclear forces. Richard warned that if the U.S. does not act quickly, it suffers the risk of becoming an embarrassment or worse. Consequently, the U.S. military must shift its principal assumption from nuclear employment is not possible to nuclear employment is a very real possibility, and act to meet and deter that reality, he wrote. We cannot approach nuclear deterrence the same way. It must be tailored and evolved for the dynamic environment we face. Richard concluded his article by stating that Strategic Command currently assesses the probability of a conflict involving nuclear weapons to be low, but not impossible. But Richard argued that as Americas main adversaries continue to build capability and exert themselves globally, the country must remain vigilant and prepare for this possibility. Learn more about Americas national security concerns by reading the latest articles at NationalSecurity.news. Sources include: WND.com MintPressNews.com NYPost.com ESTHERVILLE, Iowa Another former city official in Armstrong has been arrested on criminal charges. Former city clerk Mary Kate Staton is facing one count of 3rd degree theft and one count of tampering with records. The Emmet County Sheriffs Office says Staton surrendered herself at the county courthouse Tuesday. Craig Merrill Craig Merrill Greg Buum (left), Tracie Lang, Connie Thackery (right) Greg Buum (left), Tracie Lang, Connie Thackery (right) These charges stem from a multi-year investigation that has also led to the arrest of Armstrong Mayor Greg Buum, Police Chief Craig Merrill, City Clerk Tracie Lang, and former city clerk Connie Thackery. Those four are facing a total of 21 criminal counts related to the misappropriation of city funds, the presentation of fraudulent public records, the falsification of ledgers to conceal embezzlement, and the use of a Taser against a civilian in exchange for cash. The Emmet County Sheriffs Office says it began looking into allegations raised by a special investigation by the State Auditors Office and was assisted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The Iowa Attorney Generals Office has taken over prosecution of this case. Armstrong is a community of about 900 people located roughly 82 miles northwest of Mason City. They handed the message to the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo on February 12, 2021 for onward transmission. The support staff of Cameroon's eight State Universities have sent a message of thanks to the Head of State, President Paul Biya for instructing the implementation of their new salary scale. The message was handed to the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo during a brief ceremony on the esplanade of the Ministry on February 12, 2021. The President of the National Trade Union of Support Staff of State Universities (SYNAPAUC), Ateh Terence Ateh led a delegation of bureau members who were accompanied by other members to hand the message. He disclosed that the Minister of State, Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh informed them of the Head of State's accord for the implementation of the new salary scale. The support staff through their President therefore used the occasion to express gratitude to the Head of State and to promise him their unalloyed support in preserving a serene social climate in State Universities. I have to make this absolutely clear from the start. There is just something about the simplicity of Nokia phones which gets my attention every single time, even though I know there are always similarly priced rivals who may win a battle or two in terms of pure specs. Never been one to fall purely for specs, experience matters. Thats what the newest Nokia phone to arrive, the Nokia 5.4 also replicates. Much like its elder siblings. The thing is, much like its predecessors, the Nokia 5.4 also lands in the thick of the battle. Not just in terms of the price band, but also the very aggressive competition it has to face. The Nokia 5.4 is priced at Rs 13,999 for the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage option and Rs 15,499 for the 6GB RAM and 64GB storage variant. The pricing is very similar to the Nokia 5.3 which was launched in the second half of last year. The competition, at these price points is tough. The Poco M3 is priced upwards of Rs 10,999 and offers the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor but with more RAM and storage as well. So does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro which has the advantage of a slightly more affordable price tag while offering a more powerful processor and more storage as well as RAM options. In the end, it may really come down to how much of a premium you put on the clean Android One experience. Or simply brand perception, something that is being swayed (rightly or not is another matter of debate) by a lot of chatter on social media. Things get off on a strong footing for the Nokia 5.4, at least as far as the design goes. There are two colour optionsPolar Night and Dusk. No conventional and often boring black, or the now fairly common red, for instance. What you see photographed here is the Polar Night colour, which is one of the best blue based finishes I have seen on a smartphone. Very slightly shiny, but nothing thatll have the look ruined by fingerprints or smudges. The Nokia 5.4 is a very nice phone to hold. The curves on the back are at just the right places and the slightly rounded spines make this a really handy phone. That isnt something wed say often about a phone with a 6.4-inch display. Switch this on, and what awaits you is a HD+ display, which basically means 1560 x 720-pixel resolution. This isnt the strongest suite on the spec sheet, particularly when the Poco M3 rocks in with a slightly larger 6.5-inch display with the 2340 x 1080 resolution. This means, for instance, a YouTube video that you play will limit itself to the 720p resolution. To top that off, the Nokia 5.4 also doesnt bother with any of the modern day value-additions, such as the 90Hz refresh rate. Its a pretty bright IPS display and does well on the colour accuracy and visibility front. Theres the setting to adjust the white balance of this screen between cool and warm, but I didnt see a setting to boost the colour saturation of this screen. The Nokia 5.4s display is one of those clear cases where everything just works, but thats about. Im not exactly sure how much futureproofing this allows, in case you want to hold on to this phone for quite a few years. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor is the beating heart of the Nokia 5.4 and its paired with 4GB RAM or 6GB RAM, depending on which variant you pick. What we are testing here is the 4GB RAM variant, and there are two very distinct sides to this coin. Here and now, this combination simply works. There are no issues, as long as you remember that youve bought an Android phone on a budget and dont end up expecting too much from it. Multi-tasking is acceptably fast and most apps dont really get bogged down. It simply delivers, as long as you know the virtual performance ceiling. That being said, again, futureproofing is a bit of a doubt, considering apps will become inevitably heavier over time, Android will add more features and your requirements from the phone will only become that much more. It cannot be said with certainty if the 4GB RAM variant will really hold up in the test of time. My recommendation is, spend that little extra and get the 6GB RAM option. As for just 64GB storage built-in, theres the microSD card slot thats available to you for adding more storage in case thats what you needand you will, for sure. Its a large 4000mAh battery and it delivers on the stamina bit. This lasts 2 days on one charge, with the most commonly used apps being the usual suspectssocial media, web browsing, some bit of camera and a bit of YouTube binging. This supports 10-watt fast charging. Android 10 on the Nokia 5.4 is, as you would expect, absolutely clean and clutter free. As Google would have wanted it with Android, at least outside of their own Pixel phone line-up. That certainly has its advantages, particularly the no preloaded bloatware scenario. I had made this observation with the Nokia 5.3 as well, that there is no option for automatically unlocking the phone when you punch in the PINyou have to tap enter also for the phone to unlock. An unnecessary additional step. Face ID isnt the fastest in detecting, though it is quicker than the predecessor. The downer is that the Nokia 5.4 will begin its journey as your phone, running Android 10. The Android 11 update is expected soon, though exactly when, your guess is as good as mine. But in the long term, one could expect the Nokia 5.4 to get Android updates as well as security patches for much longer, even after most rival phones would have been forgotten by their respective brands. Cameras is where the Nokia 5.4 gets a significant upgrade over the Nokia 5.3the quad camera setup has a 48-megapixel wide camera leading the way with a 5-megapixel ultrawide camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The photos that this camera setup captures are quite acceptable with the detailing and the crispness. However, it is very clear to see that colour richness isnt the strongest suite and, in some instances, photos look colder than how the scene was in reality. Also, there is the slight sluggishness that the camera app exhibits from time to time when clicking certain photosyou dont know which ones need you to wait a second longer without moving. If you end up moving the phone sooner than ideal, the images return with considerable blur. To be on the safe side, make it a habit to hold the pose, much like how a batsman admires a well-timed and beautifully placed cover drive as it rolls to the boundary. The Nokia 5.4s low light photos return the best possible results with the night mode enabled, thanks to that extra boost with exposure and subsequently detailing as well as the better separation between the brighter and the darker images in a frame. Edges look fairly well done but zoom in and the aggressive noise reduction becomes quite apparent. Youll also have to factor in the slower image processing for low light photos. The Last Word: The Strong Nokia Elements Are Undeniable The Nokia 5.4 is as Nokia a phone as it could have been. The strong points are stronger than ever. Consistent performance, clean Android with no preloaded apps or bloatware, strong battery life and well, it is Made in India as well. That being said, the spec sheet wars arent the Nokia 5.4s strongest suite, and thats something quite apparent with the lower resolution display compared with what most rivals manage. There are takers for a simple phone, and the Nokia 5.4 is a very good option for those who do not want a complicated phone. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- When it comes to betting on higher borrowing costs in the developing world, some investors may be getting ahead of themselves.In markets from South Africa to Mexico and South Korea, traders are penciling in a faster pace of interest-rate hikes than what economists say is currently warranted based on the inflation outlook.Almost all of them are overpricing tightening, said Shamaila Khan, the head of emerging-market debt at AllianceBernstein in New York, whose $4.7 billion high-yield bond fund has topped 86% of peers in the past year.The positioning reflects a common motif in markets: After months of Covid-19 lockdowns theres a risk that policy makers run their economies hot, only to backtrack with sharper-than-expected rate hikes down the line.But the debate carries extra weight in emerging markets, an asset class thats particularly sensitive to the Federal Reserves stance. And it suggests how trades could quickly unwind on any signs of policy staying loose, potentially rewarding investors willing to look past the bearish outlook.In Mexico, for instance, the swap-market pricing suggests a hiking cycle could start as soon as August, even though the majority of economists say the central bank will refrain from tightening until at least February.Its a similar story in South Africa, where forward-rate agreements are pricing in a 70% probability of a 50-basis-point jump in six months, whereas Bloombergs monthly survey shows the rate staying unchanged until year-end.Meantime, South Koreas forward-rate agreements are pricing in close to a 25 basis-point rate increase in the next six months. In contrast, most economists predict no change.Against this backdrop, AllianceBernsteins Khan said her fund favors the local debt of South Africa, Mexico and Russia, where markets have priced in too much in terms of the policy rate path.U.S. central bank officials may be able to begin discussing the appropriate timing of scaling back their bond-buying program at upcoming policy meetings, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida said last week.Inflation OvershootAt the same time, the coronavirus continues to spread in large swathes of the developing world, underlying the need for more stimulus.In India, traders unwound their rate-hike wagers last month as policy makers turned to a bond-buying program to support the economy against another wave of infections. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Friday and announce further bond purchases as the economy struggles with localized lockdowns implemented by most states.HSBC Holdings Plc says the prospect that central bank support gets scaled back later than what current market pricing implies suggest theres value in the front-end of the rates curve, including in South Korea and Poland.Its a view echoed by Edwin Gutierrez, the head of emerging-market sovereign debt at Aberdeen Asset Management in London.We are long South Africa and Mexico as we do think that the curve prices in a rate hiking trajectory that is not likely, he said.Market CorrectionThats not to say caution isnt warranted. The Citi EM Inflation Surprise Index is at the highest since 2008, a reminder of how many investors were caught off guard by the resurgence of inflation.Risks are likely skewed toward faster tightening, rather than slower, said Duncan Tan, a strategist at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.Inflation data from South Korea to Turkey and Poland this week may offer clues on the path for monetary policy. In Mexico, traders will monitor the central banks quarterly inflation report on Wednesday for signs that the monetary authority could adopt a less dovish outlook.Unless near-term data releases provide a confirmation to what is being priced, the current market pricing is vulnerable to a correction, said Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore.The market is already pricing in more hikes than what fundamentals are suggesting, she said.Rate DecisionsThe Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold its benchmark interest rate at 4% to help support the economy after a surge of coronavirus infections weighed on growthInvestors will be looking for comments on debt purchases, which were set at 1 trillion rupees ($13.8 billion) this quarter. Bloomberg Economics expects bond purchases to be about 1 trillion rupees to 1.5 trillion rupees for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, and the introduction of more liquidity measures to support small and medium-sized businessesIndias government is scheduled to release quarterly economic growth data on Monday, which are expected to show a recovery was underway before the latest wave of virus infections. The rupee has strengthened 2.3% this month, Asias best performerIsraels central bank may keep its base rate at a record low 0.1% on Monday as it gives the reopened economy more room to recoverThe shekel has been steady this monthIn Ghana, policy makers will probably keep the benchmark rate at 14.5%, the lowest since 2012, as a slow rollout of vaccines leaves the economy vulnerable to a third wave of infections, according to Bloomberg EconomicsKey DataIndustrial-production numbers from South Korea and Taiwan this week should provide further clues on the pace of recovery across the region as investors assess whether market valuations are stretchedChina will report manufacturing PMI for May on Monday, with economists expecting further expansionThe yuan surged past key levels that have held for the past three years last weekInflation data for May is due from Indonesia and South Korea on Wednesday, while Thailand and the Philippines report theirs on FridaySouth Korea is predicted to say export numbers jumped again in May in its monthly trade figures due TuesdayUnderlying strength in external demand likely remained robust even after stripping out base effects, according to Bloomberg Economics. Exports were probably up about 13% compared with May 2019, it saidTurkeys CPI data will be closely watched on Thursday after the lira slumped to a record low on Friday amid concern that monetary policy remains too loose to curb accelerating inflationConsumer prices probably rose 17.3% in May following a recent hike in fuel tax, from 17.1% the previous monthTurkey will also unveil data on Monday which will probably show the economy grew at a faster pace in the first quarter from a year earlierA reading of first-quarter Brazilian gross domestic product figures on Tuesday will be closely watched by investors weighing the scope of recovery against risks associated with the nations financing needs and ballooning debt loadIndustrial production data, to be released on Wednesday, is expected to provide the first aggregate reading for second-quarter growth, according to Bloomberg Economics. The real was the best-performer in Latin America in MayChilean data on unemployment, retail sales and copper production for April will all be released on Monday, giving investors a better sense of how the nation is coping with the pandemicA gauge of the countrys economic activity in April, scheduled for Tuesday, will probably rise from a year earlier as growth benefited from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, according to Bloomberg EconomicsPeruvian inflation through May is expected to be relatively stable, according to Bloomberg Economics. Investors will watch the nations assets as a high-stakes presidential election gets closerDefault and RestructuringBelizes bondholders have until Tuesday to give their consent to extend the grace period on an interest payment due last week until September. The nations dollar bonds have the worst return on average this year among emerging-market sovereign notes tracked in a Bloomberg Barclays indexSuriname will present elements and principles of its debt restructuring plans on WednesdayMore stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Former Zimbabwe Republic Police Deputy Commissioner and liberation war hero Moses Griffiths Mpofu has died. He was 66. Cde Mpofu whose chimurenga name was Matswata Witness Mhlanga died last Friday at United Bulawayo Hospital after a long illness. In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the former deputy commissioner was an astute and disciplined officer. "He excelled in his career and rose through the ranks to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in 1999, a rank which he held until his retirement in December 2003," he said. Cde Mpofu went to Nsezi Primary School in Tsholotsho before completing his secondary education at Thegwani High School in 1974. A veteran of the liberation struggle, Cde Mpofu, crossed the border into Zambia under the ZIPRA banner in 1975 and received military training at Mwembeshi and later Mgagao and Morogoro in Tanzania. After training he was deployed in Zambia under the ZAPU Intelligence Wing, National Security Order, a counter-intelligence agency against Rhodesian forces. "The late Deputy Commissioner Mpofu underwent several police command related courses between 1978 and 1979 at Novocherkassk Advanced Police Academy under the United Soviet Social Republic (USSR)," Asst Comm Nyathi said. He said after Independence, Cde Mpofu joined the police service in 1981 as a patrol officer and was posted to Mphoengs after training. He served at various police stations countrywide including Mayobodo, Fort Rixon, Esigodini, Gwanda, Bulawayo Central and Harare Province. Mourners are gathered at number 130 Mahatshula, Bulawayo and burial arrangements will be announced in due course. This webinar will focus on the development of monoclonal anti-AMP antibodies in mice, as part of a collaborative effort with GenScript, that was recently published in iScience. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) substantially broaden the range of function of a given set of proteins, and their identification, as well as understanding their regulation, is of significant research interest. However, due to the challenge of recognizing a small moiety with high affinity, as well as the necessity to recognize small but important differences between modifications and the associated danger of cross reactivity, developing antibodies against PTMs is a complex task. The process becomes even more challenging when the general recognition of a PTM independent of the protein sequence is required. AMPylation, which has been described in the context of bacterial infection as well as protein homeostasis in the past, is a PTM where reliable antibodies could significantly expand the understanding of its role in signal transduction. This webinar will focus on the development of monoclonal anti-AMP antibodies in mice, as part of a collaborative effort with GenScript, that was recently published in iScience. The design of the synthetic AMPylated peptide for immunization, the selection process to ensure specific binding and backbone-independent recognition, as well as the characterization of lead antibodies and their potential for the future will be discussed. GenScript antibody services are highly customizable and can be tailored to your specific research needs and we have generated greater than 17,000 mAbs and 130,000 pAbs. For more information please visit here. Join Dorothea Hopfner, Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich in a live webinar on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 9:30am EST (2:30pm GMT/UK) to hear about the development of monoclonal anti-AMP antibodies in detail. For more information, or to register for this event, visit Development and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Against AMPylation. About GenScript GenScript is the world leader in biotechnology reagent services and biologics. Established in 2002 in New Jersey, United States, the company was the first to commercialize gene synthesis and successfully establish fully integrated capabilities for custom peptide synthesis, protein expression and engineering, custom antibody development and engineering, in vitro/in vivo pharmacology as well as a variety of catalogue products. Since its foundation in 2002, GenScript has grown exponentially through partnerships with scientists conducting fundamental life science and translational biomedical research, as well as early stage pharmaceutical development. In addition to providing the best in class biological reagents such as antibodies, GenScript has now expanded its business into immunotherapy, CDMO, laboratory equipment, and microbial industry to further fulfill its mission in making people and nature healthier through biotechnology. ABOUT XTALKS Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers. To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/ Klauser is among the almost 1 in 5 millennial renters who believe they will never own a home, according to a recent report from ApartmentList.com. Up from 12% a year ago, 18% of U.S. renters ages 24 to 39 said they expect they will always rent, and 74% of those renters said its because they cannot afford to buy a home. LOWELL, Mass. - Researchers and entrepreneurs developing sensor technologies for use in a variety of applications will share their expertise and experiences during a free event presented by UMass Lowell on Wednesday, March 3 at noon. The virtual program "Next Generation Sensors and Applications" will spotlight the work of Merrimack Valley startups and offer insights on how sensors are reshaping the marketplace. Sensors are used in everything from smartphones to COVID-19 tracing and have a growing place in the aviation, defense, environmental, health care and robotics industries, among others. The program will be presented by the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, a startup incubator that operates locations in Lowell and Haverhill; the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2), a medical-device and biotech incubator that is a partnership between UMass Lowell and UMass Medical School; and Arrow Electronics. "This event is a unique opportunity to learn about the landscape of sensor technologies from industry leaders and to demonstrate the ways in which partnering with the research faculty and research centers at UMass Lowell can help to advance these technologies," said Arlene Parquette, UMass Lowell associate vice chancellor for industry partnerships and economic development. Parquette is scheduled to speak at the program, along with UMass Lowell's Craig Armiento, professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of the university's Printed Electronics Research Collaborative (PERC). In addition, representatives from Arrow Electronics and Honeywell will highlight their respective technologies and collaborations with UMass Lowell, while entrepreneurs behind startups Microshare and Vivonics will discuss their pioneering work using Internet of Things technologies to create new products. Microshare is based at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub in Haverhill; Vivonics is a resident company at M2D2 in Lowell. "This event, the first in a series about sensors, will highlight both UMass Lowell and broader industry developments related to these cutting-edge technologies," said Tom O'Donnell, UMass Lowell senior director of innovation initiatives. "From smart cities and autonomous vehicles to real-time health diagnostics, biohazard detection and automation, sensor-enabled solutions are addressing critical needs in our 21st-century society. UMass Lowell, with its focus on applied research and technology commercialization, is leading the way in key areas such as robotics, smart fabrics, the Internet of Things, medical devices and much more." Members of the public who would like more information or to register for the program should go to http://www. eventbrite. com/ e/ industry-update-next-generation-sensors-and-applications-tickets-139015476031 . ### The iHub in Haverhill is the newest business incubator established by UMass Lowell. The university's first Innovation Hub, now home to more than 30 companies, opened in Lowell in 2015. M2D2 operates lab-based incubators in Lowell and Worcester and offers networking opportunities and other programs for medical device and biotech startups. Since the center was founded in 2007, M2D2 has vetted more than 250 medical-device and biotech ventures for inclusion in its programs and provided support to more than 100 startups. In total, M2D2 resident companies have secured more than $150 million in external funding for their innovations. UMass Lowell is a national research university offering its more than 18,000 students bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. http://www. uml. edu Additional Contact: Christine Gillette, 978-758-4664 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu PARIS, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said that Chinese and Russian vaccines are necessary for the world to win the "war" against COVID-19. "We should work with the Chinese and Russians so that the vaccines developed by their scientists be integrated in this great multilateral effort -- immediately when they start the necessary certifications by the WHO (World Health Organisation)," he said in an interview with French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche. "We are now engaged in a fight against variants, which is a real race against time," Macron said, urging "rapid, effective and united" global efforts in the fight against the pandemic. The French president also called for international efforts to ensure equal access to vaccines against COVID-19, especially in Africa. "African countries rightly challenge us on their access to vaccines," he said, noting that without further efforts to achieve that goal, "we will be at risk of not only health but also ethics." Earlier this month, Macron expressed openness of his country to any vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, which has so far only given green light to vaccines of Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The shortage of approved vaccines in Europe has been drawing increasing public criticism and prompted demands for alternative solutions. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. A new consortium funded by an award from the U.S. Department of Defense has selected Purdue University to co-lead its first project aimed at advancing the adoption of lead-free electronics in defense systems. The Defense Electronics Consortium (DEC), to be established and managed by the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE), is designed to address the defense risks created by the contraction of the U.S. electronics manufacturing sector over the last 20 years. Purdue, the University of Maryland and Auburn University will lead the consortiums Lead-Free Defense Electronics Project, which has received $40 million to be distributed over a period of five to seven years. Of the $3.9 million in funds for the first year of the project, approximately $1 million has been awarded to researchers at Purdues West Lafayette and Northwest campuses. The projects goal is to foster research and action to accelerate the transition to lead-free electronics in aerospace, defense and other high-performance electronics. Consumer and automotive electronics have been transitioning to lead-free technologies since 2006 when the European Union banned the sale of lead-containing electronics. Japan, India and China followed suit with similar bans. As a result of this worldwide transition, all advanced electronics are lead-free and have evolved to be used in increasingly demanding environments, said Carol Handwerker, Purdues Reinhardt Schuhmann Jr. Professor of Materials Engineering and a principal investigator for the Lead-Free Defense Electronics Project. Due to concerns about reliability, defense and aerospace companies have continued to use lead-containing electronics, lagging behind commercial sectors that have made lead-free technological advancements in compliance with lead bans. The extra manufacturing steps needed to convert these commercial electronics into leaded electronic assemblies required for defense systems costs the DoD tens of millions of dollars a year, the Pb-Free Electronics Risk Management Council estimates. The uncertainty in how lead-free electronics perform in defense systems has limited the use of advanced electronics with improved system performance, reliability and security. The aim of this project is to close the gaps quantifying the conditions where advanced lead-free electronics can and cannot be used in defense systems and guiding their implementation, Handwerker said. Defense electronics sales are dwarfed by consumer and industrial electronics, leading to supply-chain issues for lead-containing products that could be eliminated by the move to lead-free. The U.S. share of global production of printed circuit boards shrank from about 30% in the 1990s to less than 5% today. U.S. government reports in 2005 and 2018 warned that the trend could imperil the nation's ability to quickly field reliable, cutting-edge defense electronics. The COVID-19 pandemic also shined a light on the extent to which the U.S. had outsourced the manufacturing of vitally needed medical equipment with electronic components. As noted in a DoD 2021 Industrial Capabilities report to Congress, defense weapons systems and critical infrastructure could face similar supply-chain challenges if nothing is done to change course. This consortium will give the DoD deeper insights into the electronics industry, including how the industry supports defense missions, said retired Rear Adm. Kevin M. Sweeney, former Pentagon chief of staff and USPAE board member. The DEC will facilitate interactions between the DoD and the electronics industry, providing a stronger voice and greater opportunities for companies that are often buried several layers deep in the supply chain. The new consortium provides a vehicle for the DoD to contract with trusted partners in industry and academia, including small and medium-size innovators that typically do not do business with DoD. Purdue will be involved not only in co-leading the DEC Lead-Free Defense Electronics Project but also in identifying new opportunities for DEC to form industry-university-government teams to address high-priority defense needs. Through a variety of programs such as conferences, networking events, white papers and collaboration projects, the DEC will tackle numerous defense electronics challenges and innovations. Participants may include companies that make printed circuit boards, microelectronics, cable harnesses, and connectors and other components, along with companies that assemble electronic systems and those that provide materials and equipment for manufacture and assembly. About Purdue University Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/. Media contact: Kayla Wiles, 765-494-2432, wiles5@purdue.edu Source: Carol Handwerker, handwerker@purdue.edu Journalists visiting campus : Journalists should follow Protect Purdue protocols and the following guidelines: Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 21:47:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The full impact of Brexit will not be felt until the COVID-19 pandemic is brought to a halt, as current travel restrictions have failed to broadly reveal the disruptions caused by Brexit, a British expert told Xinhua in a recent interview. According to Rajneesh Narula, the John H. Dunning Chair of International Business Regulation at the Henley Business School, University of Reading, Brexit currently pales in comparison to the pandemic and that travel restrictions mean it is still difficult to measure how much Brexit will disrupt. "I think that if it hadn't been for the coronavirus, we would have seen much more traffic being blocked," Narula told Xinhua. International attention on COVID-19 has meant that issues with Brexit have been largely muted. "Everyone in Europe and the world is more concerned over whether you've got coronavirus, than whether you're smuggling or you don't have the right immigration paperwork, so I think we're not seeing that yet," he said. Despite not seeing the queues of lorries many believed would form due to paperwork disruption, there have been headlines that suggested Brexit is impacting Britain. According to a recent report by the Road Haulage Association, a British trade body dedicated to the road transport industry, the volume of exports going through British ports to the European Union (EU) fell by 68 percent in January year-on-year. The organization also found that 65 to 75 percent of vehicles arriving from the EU were returning to the regional bloc empty. This was due to a lack of goods and delays in Britain, and because some British companies had stopped exporting to the continent, according to Narula. KNOCK-ON EFFECT For the general public, the effects of Brexit have still not been majorly felt due to the impact of the coronavirus. But experts like Narula believe that everyday changes are just around the corner -- and small businesses are set to be hit the worst. "We will see prices rising...Any sensible businessperson stockpiled before January 2021. And all the companies that had supply chains that depended upon imports, have planned for this already to a great extent," Narula said. Narula said he also believes that big companies have the resources to find alternative ways like exporting goods to countries like Australia, for which they always have the in-house expertise. But Narula fears that those small businesses, the ones who relied on EU exports, could face dire consequences. "It's the people who only exported to the EU, that now suddenly have to go and learn all these new rules, buy the computers necessary, install the software, get the experts, or get the in-house team of people to fill in these forms which are normal things in this situation. So we don't see this immediately," he said. "The cost is simply something that they may already have absorbed. But we will see it's coming into 5 to 10 percent of price increases slowly. Which currently the big companies can absorb but the small companies cannot." TEETHING PROBLEMS? Since Brexit, some experts have described the Britain-EU ties as "frosty" -- there have been issues from both sides regarding fish, diplomats and the Northern Ireland protocol. Britain's chief Brexit negotiator David Frost has said the relationship had been "more than bumpy" and more "problematic" than he had hoped. British Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove compared it to a bumpy start to a flight which would eventually smooth as time went on -- highlighting that they were teething problems. But Narula said that it's more to do with the "thin" deal that was agreed. "I think the term 'teething problems' implies that the issues are temporary. The challenges of this very, very thin Brexit, this very, very limited agreement are now becoming obvious," Narula said. "The reality is what they negotiated and agreed to, the experts have been talking about for four years now, I certainly have been talking about it for four years, that this will cause all kinds of problems, and these problems will be permanent," he said, adding that the British government has not yet realized that these problems are not about to go away. According to Narula, although people will come to terms with the paperwork and permit changes, these problems will not go away. Instead, people will get used to these delays which will have a knock-on effect on the Britain-EU relationship. But compared to the issues, both economic and political, caused by the coronavirus, Brexit pales in comparison. As more people begin to travel when restrictions ease, and more goods flow back and forth, Britain will likely feel the extent of the impact of the Brexit deal agreed, Narula said. These are the problems that are being overlooked due to the pandemic, said Narula. "There are these new small little niggles which are popping up but nobody actually notices that because again, we're all sitting there waiting for news on coronavirus. Everybody wants to know the death rates and nobody's coming to the UK," he said. The EU and Britain announced on Dec. 24, 2020 that they had reached an agreement that will govern bilateral trade and security relationship starting from Jan. 1, 2021 after the end of the Brexit transition period. The deal, which came after nine months of arduous negotiations between Britain and the EU, is the biggest bilateral trade deal signed by either side, covering trade worth around 668 billion pounds (about 929.4 billion U.S. dollars). The EU is Britain's largest trading partner. Britain is the EU's third largest trading partner in goods, following China and the United States. Enditem The GCC countries are experiencing an accelerating shift in the labour market due to an exodus of expatriates, which could weigh on the region's growth and complicate economic diversification over the long run, according to S&P Global Ratings. This exodus of expat workers in 2020, due to the economic fallout from Covid-19 and oil price shock, had accelerated a shift in the region's labour market that we expect will continue through 2023. These changes could have repercussions for the regional economy and pose additional challenges to diversifying away from its heavy reliance on the hydrocarbon sector in the long run, if not met with economic and social reforms that foster human capital, stated S&P in its "Expat Exodus Adds To Gulf Region's Economic Diversification Challenges." "We expect the population will have declined by just over 4% on average last year across the six members of the GCC, mainly due to migrant outflows," said Zahabia Gupta, the lead credit analyst for the report. "While some expats will return as the economic cycle recovers, we project the proportion of foreign workers in the region will decline, particularly in Kuwait and Oman. The overall GCC population is unlikely to return to the 2019 level of 57.6 million until 2023, owing to weaker economic conditions and labor nationalization policies," she added. "If these changes are not met with economic and social reforms that foster human capital, they could have repercussions for the regional economy in the long term and pose additional challenges to diversifying away from the GCC's heavy reliance on the hydrocarbon sector." We do not expect these shifts will have an immediate impact on GCC sovereign ratings though, given that the majority of foreign workers returning home filled low-income positions, limiting their contribution to the economy. However, the GCC's high dependence on expat labour - especially in the private sector where it makes up almost 90% of the workforce - has stymied its development of human capital in the national population, she added. For 2020, S&P has estimated that the population across the GCC contracted by 4% on average, with the sharpest decline in Dubai, followed by Oman, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait. The majority of this drop is due to an outflow of foreign workers, it stated. In Oman, the expat population took a hit of about 12% (close to 230,000 people) in 2020, with the contraction skewed toward lower-income South Asian workers employed in construction and agriculture. According to the General Authority for Statistics, in Saudi Arabia close to 260,000 foreign workers lost employment during the third quarter of 2020. In Kuwait, local media reported that 110,000 expats left the country between March and June 2020. "Our estimate of the population contraction in Dubai in 2020 is more pronounced than for other GCC countries, given the pandemic's significant negative impact on the key employment sectors of aviation, tourism, and retail, and our expectation of negative employment trends in Dubai's real estate sector," said the report. According to S&P, the majority of the local workforce is employed by the public sector, which weighs on governments' fiscal positions, especially in times of lower oil prices. GCC governments are increasingly implementing policies to boost nationals' participation in the private sector, mainly through measures that restrict the hiring of expats. "We believe these nationalization policies could hamper economic growth and diversification if they impede productivity, efficiency, or competitiveness, stated the report. According to Gupta, the GCC's longer-term economic trajectory will depend on the strength of governments' balance sheets as well as their willingness and ability to implement reforms that support a dynamic private sector. "Specifically, we see reforms that improve GCC national populations' education and skills, the participation of women in the workforce, labor market flexibility, and competition as paramount to unlocking sustainable growth in the region," she added.-TradeArabia News Service Cyclone Yaas: Amit Shah to hold review meeting with Chief Ministers of states to be affected Amit Shah greets Delhi Police personnel on force's 74th raising day India pti-Deepika S New Delhi, Feb 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday extended greetings to the Delhi Police personnel and their families on the force's raising day and said they are ensuring the national capital's security even under adverse circumstances. As home minister, Shah is in charge of the Delhi Police. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News "Heartfelt greetings to all personnel and their families on the 74th foundation day of Delhi Police. I salute the courage, restraint and determination of the brave personnel of the Delhi Police who are fully dedicated to ensure the security and peace of the country's capital even under adverse circumstances," Shah tweeted in Hindi. COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Forge Biologics Inc., a fully integrated clinical stage gene therapy manufacturing and development company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track, Orphan Drug, and Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) designations to FBX-101 for the treatment of patients with Krabbe disease. Forge is now actively recruiting patients for enrollment in the RESKUE phase 1/2 clinical trial of FBX-101, a novel, first-in-human AAV gene therapy for the disease. FBX-101 is the first intravenious gene therapy program for patients with Krabbe disease and marks a major step forward in building out the company's hybrid model as a gene therapy manufacturing and development engine. "FDA's decision to grant these designations to our first-in-human investigational gene therapy highlights the urgency of developing a treatment for Krabbe patients," said Timothy J. Miller, Ph.D., CEO, President and Co-Founder of Forge Biologics. "Krabbe is a devastating disease, and it is imperative to develop treatment options like FBX-101 that may address all manifestations of the disease." Fast Track Designation is given when the FDA determines that a drug demonstrates the potential to address unmet medical needs for a serious or life-threatening disease or condition. This designation is intended to facilitate development and expedite review of drugs to treat serious and life-threatening conditions, and may also allow for priority or rolling review of a company's Biologics License Application (BLA). The FDA grants Orphan Drug designation to drugs and biological products intended for the treatment of patients with rare diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. RPD designation is granted by the FDA to encourage treatments for serious or life-threatening diseases primarily affecting children 18 years of age and younger and fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. On December 27, 2020, the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program was extended by Congress after it was scheduled to sunset in 2020. Under the newly extended RPD program, if FBX-101 is approved by the FDA, Forge Biologics will qualify for a voucher that can be redeemed to receive a priority review of a subsequent marketing application for a different product. "Infantile Krabbe is a progressive and devastating leukodystrophy," said Jessie Barnum, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapies and Principal Investigator of the FBX-101 trial at UMPC. "FBX-101 is an AAV gene therapy that has shown promising preclinical efficacy in Krabbe animal models of disease by extending survival and improving neuromuscular function when administered early in the disease course." "The FBX-101 preclinical data brings a new wave of hope to the Krabbe community," said Anna Grantham, Director of Leukodystrophy Care Network Programs at Hunter's Hope. "These FDA designations for FBX-101 underscore a beautiful and collective effort to accelerate the timelines of bringing this potential therapy to patients who urgently need them." "To see a promising new treatment for Krabbe receive these designations so quickly brings us one step closer to what everyone in our disease community is ultimately working towards: an FDA-approved treatment for Krabbe disease to reach the beside of all patients impacted by this disease," said Stacy Pike-Langenfeld, Director of Programs and Administration at The Legacy of Angels Foundation. "Our mission has always been to promote research to develop and enhance treatments for Krabbe disease, so it's very encouraging to see that Forge and FBX-101 have made so much progress in such a short amount of time." Patients and families can learn more about clinical trials for FBX-101 by visiting https://www.forgebiologics.com/science/#krabbe. About Krabbe disease Krabbe disease is a rare, inherited leukodystrophy affecting approximately 1:12,500 - 100,000 people in the U.S.A. Krabbe disease is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the galactosylceramidase (GALC) gene, a lysosomal enzyme responsible for the breakdown of certain types of lipids such as psychosine. Without functional GALC, psychosine accumulates to toxic levels in cells. The psychosine toxicity is most severe in the myelin cells surrounding the nerves in the brain and in the peripheral nervous system, eventually leading to the death of these cells. The disease initially manifests as physical delays in development, muscle weakness and irritability and advances rapidly to difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, cognitive, vision and hearing loss. Early onset or "Infantile", Krabbe disease cases usually results in death by age 2-4 years, while later onset or "Late Infantile" cases have a more variable course of progressive decline. There is currently no approved treatment for Krabbe disease. About FBX-101 Forge is developing FBX-101 to treat patients with infantile Krabbe disease. FBX-101 is an adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapy that is delivered after a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. FBX-101 delivers a functional copy of the GALC gene to cells in both the central and peripheral nervous system. FBX-101 has been shown to functionally correct the central and peripheral neuropathy and correct the behavioral impairments associated with Krabbe disease in animal models, and to drastically improve the lifespan of treated animals. This approach has the potential to overcome some of the immunological safety challenges observed in traditional AAV gene therapies. About Forge Biologics Forge Biologics is a hybrid gene therapy contract manufacturing and therapeutic development company. Forge's mission is to enable access to life changing gene therapies and help bring them from idea into reality. Forge has a 175,000 ft2 facility in Columbus, Ohio, "The Hearth", to serve as their headquarters. The Hearth is the home of a custom-designed cGMP facility dedicated to AAV viral vector manufacturing and will host end-to-end manufacturing services to accelerate gene therapy programs from preclinical through clinical and commercial stage manufacturing. By taking a patients-first approach, Forge aims to accelerate the timelines of these transformative medicines for those who need them the most. For more information, please visit https://www.forgebiologics.com. Patient, Pediatrician, Genetic Counselors & Family Inquiries Dr. Maria Escolar Chief Medical Officer Forge Biologics Inc. [email protected] Media Inquiries: Dan Salvo Director of Communications and Community Development Forge Biologics Inc. [email protected] Investor Relations and Business Development Christina Perry Vice President, Finance and Operations Forge Biologics Inc. [email protected] SOURCE Forge Biologics Related Links https://forgebiologics.com She just celebrated her second Valentine's Day with boyfriend Luke Benward. But on Monday, it was back to more mundane matters for former Modern Family actress Ariel Winter. The 23-year-old took a solo trip to a neighborhood store to pick up some groceries. Errands: Former Modern Family actress Ariel Winter, 23, took a solo trip to a neighborhood store in LA to pick up some groceries on Monday Winter kept it casual in a sweatshirt with large tiger motif on the front and gray joggers tucked into black ankle boots. She wore her bleach blonde hair tied into a topknot and donned a gray cloth face mask. She checked her phone as she arrived at the store carrying a black Chanel purse on a gold shoulder chain. Relaxed: Winter kept it casual in a sweatshirt with large tiger motif on the front and gray joggers tucked into black ankle boots She wore her bleach blonde hair tied into a topknot and donned a gray cloth face mask. She left the store pushing a cart-full of supplies and checked her phone Sugar fix: Winter also stopped off at a Dunkin' Donuts store to pick up some sweet treats In love: The day before, she'd celebrated her second Valentine's Day with live-in boyfriend Luke Benward who showered her with red roses and balloons On Sunday, she posted some cute snaps to her Instagram as live-in beau Benward, 25, showered her with red roses and balloons for Valentine's Day. The Tennessee-born actor in one pic looked somewhat bleary-eyed as he stood in his dressing gown holding bouquet and a large heart-shaped balloon with 'I love you' written on it. Expressing her thanks, Winter posted a throwback photo of the couple kissing fairly early on in their relationship. 'This was so long ago but still one of my favorite pics of us, ' she explained. 'Lucky to be in love with my best friend,' she went on. 'Ready to make so many more bunny + bear memories... 2nd V-Day down.' The pair have been an item since December 2019, shortly after the actress' split from longtime partner Levi Meaden. Romantic: Benward, 25, looked somewhat bleary-eyed as he stood in his dressing gown holding a bouquet and a heart-shaped 'I love you' balloon in a pic she shared to Instagram One of Canadas most recognized marketing campaigns is going fully digital as Tim Hortons swaps out printed messages under rolled up coffee rims for scanning a loyalty card or app. People walk past a newly-renovated Tim Hortons in Toronto, Thursday, July 25, 2019. One of Canadas most recognized marketing campaigns is going fully digital as Tim Hortons swaps out printed messages under rolled up tabs for scanning a loyalty card or app. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette One of Canadas most recognized marketing campaigns is going fully digital as Tim Hortons swaps out printed messages under rolled up coffee rims for scanning a loyalty card or app. The chains annual spring prize contest is now simply Roll up to Win rather than Roll Up The Rim To Win eliminating the fiddly work of rolling up a coffee cup rim with your hands or teeth to reveal a message like win doughnut. Customers will now scan the Tim Hortons app on their smartphone at the time of purchase to earn a "roll" that could reveal a prize like free doughnut, or scan a loyalty card and later log into the contests website to see the rolls and prizes they've earned. This is such an iconic game, said Hope Bagozzi, Tim Hortons chief marketing officer in an interview. Even though it's changing, we think it's evolving to be even stronger and we hope guests will love it in its new iteration. Tim Hortons has added new menu items to the campaign, with cold beverages and breakfast sandwiches now eligible for prizes in addition to hot drinks. The usual prize pool of free coffees, doughnuts, electronics and vehicles has also been expanded to include subscriptions to streaming services and reusable mugs part of the companys efforts to increase the sustainability of the contest. Indeed, the new digital contest addresses past criticism that even customers with reusable mugs had to take a paper cup in order to play. Meanwhile, Tim Hortons has retired the dreaded please play again message. Instead, the company said every roll is a winner, including reward points that can be collected and redeemed for almost anything you can buy at the fast-food restaurant. Still, while the coffee chain said the rebranded campaign comes with more chances to win and the largest prize pool in its 36-year history, its also expecting the changes could take some getting used to for its most ardent fans. Customers outside a Halifax-area Tim Hortons had mixed feelings about the changing contest. "It's a long time coming in a way especially because most things are digital now with the app and the tap and everything," said Sohaib Korban. "But I think people are really going to miss rolling the rim physically and the joy of finding something." Jacob Seifred called the change "annoying" and "lame." "I enjoyed rolling up the rim and hilariously comparing it to my friends and now I can't," he said. "I just don't like these loyalty programs. I've got the card but I forget to use it all the time." The fact that Tim Hortons has added more items to the contest this year, didn't sway Seifred's opinion. He added that it sounded like the coffee chain was trying to compete with the McDonald's Monopoly game. But others said it was a wise move amid increasing concerns about health and safety. "With the pandemic it's probably smart considering they're probably trying to limit the spread of contagions," said Olivia Bell. "But I'm not very digital or good with my phone so I probably wouldn't partake in it." Last years campaign kicked off just as the pandemic started and was quickly shifted digital to prevent staff from having to collect rims that had been in peoples mouths. This served as a transition for customers, Bagozzi said. People had to adjust to the fact that their beloved tabs had gone away, she said. Its sort of a tradition. People are so used to rolling it up with their teeth or had different ways of doing it, so last year was an adjustment. Indeed, the rim-based contest was so popular it sparked the most Canadian of inventions a coffee cup rim-rolling device known as the Rimroller featured on CBCs "Dragons Den." The interactive element hasn't completely disappeared, Bagozzi said. Weve designed the actual experience in the app to be fun, she said. Weve made it as visceral as we can to mimic the experience of the tab. So there will be sort of a sensation and a noise. Tim Hortons parent company Restaurant Brands International Inc. said last week one-third of adult Canadians currently use the coffee chains loyalty program. RBI chief corporate officer Duncan Fulton said the chain's loyalty program gives the company a powerful marketing tool to be able to better tailor offers to customers. It allows us to send more targeted offers to people in the future that are more in keeping with what they like, Bagozzi said. It gives us the knowledge to make it more relevant for Canadians. The contest will run March 8 to April 4, with an additional two weeks at the end to accept the prizes within the app or website. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:QSR) U.S. President Joe Biden plans to recalibrate U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia and will communicate through Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz rather than Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Tuesday. Psaki told reporters Biden plans a call soon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Some critics have accused Biden of snubbing Netanyahu for having not yet spoken to the leader of the top U.S. ally in the Middle East nearly a month after taking office. Her comments on Saudi Arabia represented an abrupt change in policy from Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, whose son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner was close to the Saudi crown prince. "We've made clear from the beginning that we are going to recalibrate our relationship with Saudi Arabia," Psaki said. As for questions about whether Biden would speak to the crown prince, Psaki said Biden is returning to "counterpart to counterpart" engagement. "The president's counterpart is King Salman and I expect at an appropriate time he will have a conversation with him. I dont have a prediction on the timeline for that," she said. Psaki said Saudi Arabia has critical self-defense needs and the United States will work with the Saudis on this "even as we make clear areas where we have disagreements and where we have concerns. And that certainly is a shift from the prior administration." Trump was a close ally of Netanyahu and moved U.S. relations to a strong pro-Israel position with little to no contact with the Palestinians. Psaki said Biden's first call with a leader in the region will be with Netanyahu and it will be soon. "Israel is of course an ally. Israel is a country where we have an important strategic security relationship, and our team is fully engaged, not at the head of state level quite yet but very soon," she said. Short link: PEORIA (AP) This 1892 undertakers report by the Peoria Health Department records the April 6 death of Nance Legins-Costley, about halfway down the page on the left. The entry has several errors, including her name listed as Nancy Costly. Also, though she was born in Kaskaskia in 1813, the ledger lists her birthplace as Maryland and her death age as 104. If the world were just, the name of Nance Legins-Costley would resonate amid the likes of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist rebels. But her story is hardly known. Not in Illinois, where despite anti-slavery laws she was born into bondage. Not in Pekin, where despite anti-Black attitudes she became a beloved community figure. And certainly not in Peoria, where despite her impressive life she is buried in ignominy. Perhaps her story is more subtle than those of high-profile abolitionist leaders, yet her fortitude was astounding. Barely a teen, she first stood up for her civil rights in a court of law that was stacked against Black people. Even amid legal defeats, she kept seeking the most basic of rights: freedom. She was a very impressive lady, says Carl Adams, a historian who has spent more than a quarter-century researching the struggles of Nance Legins-Costley. She eventually won her freedom, thanks to Abraham Lincoln. But her victory came in 1841, long before the attorney became the nations president and more than 20 years before the Emancipation Proclamation. Thus, in Pekin, Nance Legins-Costley became the first Black person freed from bondage by Lincoln, to eventually be followed by 4 million others. Moreover, Adams and other historians say, the case pushed a theretofore ambivalent Lincoln toward an anti-slavery stance. This was the first time Abraham Lincoln first gave serious thought to these conditions of slavery, Adams says. And for all that, not only is her story relatively unknown Nance Legins-Costleys final resting place is marked with no honor. Rather, its not marked at all. Decades ago, her graveyard in Peoria was paved over with asphalt. Nance Legins-Costley lies somewhere amid a muffler shop, union hall, auto garage and other commercial buildings, mostly forgotten by the march of progress, under a tombstone of asphalt. This paved area around 3915 SW Adams St. is believed to be the final resting place of Nance Legins-Costley of Pekin, the first slave legally freed by Abraham Lincoln. The area was once known as Moffatt Cemetery before the city paved over it. Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, was once the land of slavery. After losing the Revolutionary War, Britain ceded a vast chunk of land including what would become Illinois to the United States. Established in 1787, the Northwest Territory forbade slavery per the federal Northwest Ordinance. When Illinois became a state in 1818, its constitution prohibited slavery. But legislation is one thing. Reality is another. And slavery already had traction in Illinois. In 1752, when France ruled the area, Black slaves were held by 40% of Illinois households, according to The Randolph Society, a historical organization in Randolph County in southern Illinois. That same proportion of households applied to the village of Kaskaskia, which would serve as the states first capital. Despite the institution of the Northwest Ordinance, the territorial government did not enforce the slavery prohibition, nor did the state immediately after joining the union in 1818. What were known as French slaves, descendants of the areas original slaves during the 1700s, were kept in subjugation into the mid-19th century. Meanwhile, slaves could legally be brought to Illinois from slave states for one-year (but renewable) work contracts. The territory and state also permitted a system of indentured servitude. The lengths of servitude varied by age but could extend as long as 99 years essentially, a lifetime. Though the law implied the need for consent by the servant, the system was essentially slavery by another name. Indeed, indentured-servitude contracts (and thus the services of the servant) could be sold just like any sort of property, and without any consent necessary. Amid this era of bondage nonchalance came the arrival of a baby who would grow up to be Nance Legins-Costley. To a large degree, her story remained unknown until the mid-1990s, when Adams, an Alton native who worked in radio and TV, first noticed a mention of her life. Adams, who lived in North Pekin in recent times, gradually unpeeled layers of her life, a process he continues today. It is a short, simple story compared to most Lincoln books, but it has made a bigger impact than I ever imagined, says Adams, who in 2016 published Nance: Trials of the First Slave Freed by Abraham Lincoln. HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) is proud to announce 14 films in Official Competition to be spotlighted at the virtual festival taking place March 10 - 15, 2021. All films are Asian Oscar and/or Golden Globe submissions for Best International Feature Film and Best Motion Picture Foreign Language, respectively. Official Competition Lineup: (Photo credit: AWFF, Victor Demarchelier) Legendary actress Kieu Chinh will be honored with the Snow Leopard Lifetime Achievement Award at the AWFF (Photo credit: AWFF, Victor Demarchelier) Awards winning actress and AWFF Board Member Lucy Liu (Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill, Chicago) will be a moderator at the AWFF 2000 SONGS OF FARIDA (Uzbekistan) directed by Yalkin Tuychiev BETTER DAYS (Hong Kong) directed by Derek Tsang CIRCUS OF LIFE (Pakistan) directed by Sarmad Sultan Khoosat THE CRYING STEPPE (Kazakhstan) directed by Marina Kunarova THE MAN STANDING NEXT (South Korea) directed by Min-ho Woo A DARK, DARK MAN (Kazakhstan) directed by Adilkhan Yerzhanov HIVE (Turkey) directed by Eylem Kaftan IMPETIGORE (Indonesia) directed by Joko Anwar JALLIKATTU (India) directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery THE LAKE (Kyrgyzstan) directed by Emil Atageldjev LEAP (China) directed by Peter Ho-Sun Chan ROH (Malaysia) directed by Emir Ezwan TRUE MOTHERS (Japan) directed by Naomi Kawase WET SEASON (Singapore) directed by Anthony Chen. Legendary Vietnamese American actress Kieu Chinh (The Joy Luck Club, Journey from the Fall) will receive the Snow Leopard Lifetime Achievement Award for her film, humanitarian and philanthropic work. Executive Director Georges N. Chamchoum said, "Our Snow Leopard Lifetime Achievement Award has always been about the personality behind the talent. Kieu Chinh represents both. Her talent and personality 'shatter' the Screen! Furthermore, the movies in competition this year, as every year, reflect the vibrancy of Asian Cinema and the true spirit of what we are about: The Window to Asian World Cinema at its BEST!" AWFF Snow Leopard Awards for Best Film, Best Actor and Best Actress, as well as Special Distinction and Jury prizes will be presented to the winners at the Closing Night Gala Awards Ceremony on March 15. Apart from the official competition screenings, the Festival will showcase special screenings of recent and past highly acclaimed Asian films and present exclusive Q&A panels with the filmmakers and cast of selected screenings. In addition, AWFF will host a series of expert panels on topical film-related subjects, including how the COVID pandemic has affected film production and the industry in general. Due to the current challenging circumstances within the film industry, AWFF has been strengthening its online presence and since last summer has presented a number of screening programs, Q&A panels and special events. This included a Bruce Lee Tribute Weekend, to commemorate what would have been his 80th birth anniversary, with screenings of a number of his films and a live Q&A panel with daughter Shannon Lee and guests. Chamchoum continued, "We are excited to confirm that acclaimed, award-winning actress and AWFF Board Member Lucy Liu (Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill, Chicago) will be moderating one of our upcoming Q&A panels, talking with Peter Ho-Sun Chan, the award-winning director of Chinese Oscar submission for Best International Feature Film, Leap." For the second year, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) and the Asian World Film Festival will present a special HFPA Scholarship to a new Asian filmmaker. Twelve specially selected Asian short films produced and/or directed by an Asian filmmaker, will be screened during the AWFF's short film program and the winner chosen by an independent Jury. Managing Director Asel Sherniyazova said, "We truly appreciate and are honored to have the opportunity to discover young, talented filmmakers throughout Asia. HFPA support means support of Asian Cinema in general, which is instrumental in helping to generate exposure for foreign language features and shorts, particularly for lesser-known Asian countries. This makes the HFPA a truly global platform! We are extremely grateful to the HFPA for their continued support of the Festival and we look forward to future collaboration opportunities." Sponsors and partners of the Festival include Aitysh USA, SPRK Music, Korean Cultural Center (KCC, LA), Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), AKIpress, Asia Society Southern California, City of Culver City, Snow Leopard Trust Foundation, Asiania, Argentum Studios, Novartizan, Moredii, Asians in LA, Emporium Thai LA and Gaby's Mediterranean LA. Further details about the Festival Program, events and ticket purchase can be found on our website: asianworldfilmfest.org. Watch the new festival trailer here: bit.ly/2NvBl8O ABOUT THE ASIAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL (AWFF) The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), founded by Kyrgyz public figure Sadyk Sher Niyaz, brings the very best of a broad selection of Asian World cinema to Los Angeles to draw greater recognition to the region's wealth of filmmakers and strengthen ties between the Asian and Hollywood film industries. Uniting through cross-cultural collaboration, the Festival champions films from over 50 countries across Asia, spanning from Turkey to Japan and from Russia to India and South-East Asia. The Festival is unique in that it predominantly screens Oscar and Golden Globe submissions for Best International Feature Film and Best Motion Picture - Foreign Language respectively. All films that participate in the Festival will have a unique chance to be guided through the challenging awards season and showcased to members of the Motion Picture Academy, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and all Guilds for enhanced exposure, media attention and awards consideration. AWFF is a non-profit organization under Aitysh USA. Media contact: Rick Markovitz [email protected] 818-760-8995 SOURCE Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) Thanks Rex!! Just what we needed a foot and a half of snow! And something clearly brought on by your declaration of the snow as a hoax. Well, tell all among us forced to shovel the 17.9-inches of your hoax off their front walks here in the city this morning! And Im sure all at Street & San were happy to man their plows to clear the roads of Huppkes hoax! Do me a favor, DONT declare Spring around here a hoax. God only knows what THAT might bring on!!! Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and then-Vice President Joe Biden on August 24, 2016. Kayhan Ozer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Erdogan accused the US of supporting a Kurdish militant group Turkey says killed 13 hostages. The US initially said it was unconfirmed the group, the PKK, killed the hostages. Tensions between the US and Turkey have been escalating for years. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday lashed out at the US and accused it of being in cahoots with Kurdish militants after 13 Turkish hostages were killed in Iraq. Turkey said that Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which both Ankara and Washington regard as a terrorist organization, was behind the killings. The State Department acknowledged the deaths in a statement on Sunday, but said it had not yet been confirmed that the PKK was behind them. Erdogan ripped into the State Department for not immediately blaming the PKK, decrying the agency's statement as "a joke," per Reuters. "You clearly support them and stand behind them," Erdogan said of the US and the PKK. "If we are together with you in NATO, if we are to continue our unity, then you will act sincerely towards us. Then, you will stand with us, not with the terrorists." The US alliance with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which dates back to 2015 under the Obama administration, has consistently been a source of tension between Ankara and Washington. Turkey views the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) - the dominant fighting force in the SDF - as a terrorist organization. It also essentially sees the PKK and YPG as synonymous, though the YPG has denied any explicit or direct organizational links with the PKK. In what appeared to be an effort to restore Turkey's confidence in the US, Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday in a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday "affirmed" the US view that PKK terrorists bear responsibility" for the deaths of the hostages. The call was made after Turkey summoned the US ambassador following the State Department's initial statement on the incident. Story continues The heated Turkish response to the Biden administration over the killings underscores the heightened tensions between the US and Turkey at the moment. Though he's spoken to a number of world leaders since his inauguration, President Joe Biden has not yet had a phone call with Erdogan. Biden during his 2020 campaign referred to Erdogan as an "autocrat." Turkey is regarded as an important NATO ally by the US, but Erdogan's increasingly authoritarian policies and bellicose foreign policy - as well as the purchase of a Russian missile defense system - has generated a growing rift between Washington and Ankara. Read the original article on Business Insider Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The shared equity scheme proposed in the Affordable Housing Bill could raise house prices, an Oireachtas Committee will hear tomorrow. The Affordable Housing Bill, which is due before the Oireachtas Housing Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny, sets out a new affordable purchase shared equity scheme. This would see the State take a 30pc stake in the homes of first-time buyers, who will take out a mortgage with the bank for the remainder of the cost. However, in its opening statement, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) will warn the Oireachtas Committee tomorrow that this scheme will hike up house prices. Read More While lowering the required loan amount, it would also act to alleviate both income and deposit constraints. The Institute will state that, following a review of the Help to Buy scheme, households which availed of it may have been able to complete the transaction anyway. The ESRI will also warn that, because housing supply is so constrained, increasing purchasing power through a shared equity scheme will hike costs. This static approach does not take into consideration the fact that housing supply is so constrained in Ireland and increasing purchasing power for households (through a loosening of credit constraints by a shared equity scheme) will very likely lead to higher house prices. Such rises in house prices are likely to exacerbate affordability problems down the line. Expand Close Housing Minister Darragh OBrien. Photo: Gareth Chaney / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Housing Minister Darragh OBrien. Photo: Gareth Chaney The Affordable Housing Bill 2020, published by Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien several weeks ago, would see not only the implementation of a shared equity scheme, but cost rental homes and affordable housing built on local authority land. The Governments Housing Agency will defend the shared equity scheme, saying that it targets purchasers who need support. It stated: The Housing Agency supports the principle of equity being provided to moderate income earners facing housing affordability challenges. It also recognises that it is necessary to have fairness and equality of treatment across society, in terms of having an equity charge to assist individuals to buy a home. It will tell the Committee that the shared equity scheme, as well as affordable housing on council land, will seek to address the affordability gap that exists for moderate income households who are constrained from accessing sufficient finance to purchase homes at market prices. In a survey conducted last year, the ESRI found that around 70,000 households, or one in four private renters, did not have sufficient income left over after rent and other housing costs to cover a minimum standard of living expenditure prior to the pandemic. The Institute will also inform the Committee that the economic fallout from the pandemic has exacerbated existing affordability challenges. While 40pc of renters wish to purchase a property, the lack of funds for a deposit and insufficient loan size-to-income level pose challenges, according to research conducted by the ESRI. To tackle these challenges, it will suggest that separate policies covering the availability of loans and deposit supports can be of merit. ADVERTISEMENT The Federal High Court Abuja, on Tuesday, rejected an application to restrain Mohammed Adamu, from parading himself as the Inspector-General Police. Mr Adamu attained the maximum 35 years in service on February 1, but got a controversial three-month extension of his tenure by President Muhammadu on February 3. Maxwell Opara, who filed a suit to have the extension cancelled, had on February 11 filed an ex parte application for an order to stop Mr Adamu from functioning as the IGP pending when the court will make a final pronouncement on the validity of the three-month tenure extension. The judge, Ahmed Mohammed, heard and dismissed the ex parte application on Tuesday. After listening to Mr Oparas lawyer, Ugochukwu Ezekiel, the judge ruled it would be unfair to grant such application when Mr Adamu and other respondents had already been served and were still within time to respond to the suit. Mr Mohammed noted that the respondents had 30 days from the date they were served to respond to the suit. He, therefore, ruled that granting such interim order sought by the plaintiff while the respondents were trying to reply to the main suit would be contrary to the provision of the law. Prayer for an order of interim injunction is hereby refused, the judge ruled and adjourned the hearing in the main suit till February 24. While Mr Adamu was represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Izinyon, at Tuesdays proceedings, the other defendants were not represented. But because it was an ex parte hearing, Mr Adamus lawyer did not make a submission on the merit of the plaintiffs application. The court, however, ruled in favour of the IGP. Main suit Mr Opara contends in his main suit that by virtue of section 215 of the Nigerian Constitution and section 7 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, Mr Adamu cannot validly continue to function as the IGP having retired a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force as from midnight of February 1, 2021. As part of his prayers, he wants the court to stop Mr Adamu from functioning as the IGP and compel President Buhari and the Nigeria Police Council (NPC) to immediately appoint a new IGP. The plaintiff sued the President, Mr Adamu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the NPC. REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology accelerated by COVID is transforming and challenging the landscape of HR by allowing employees to work anywhere in the world, including Iceland, according to Swapp Agency CEO David Rafn Kristjansson. "We're a gateway for international companies that want to setup a business presence or retain employees who moved to Iceland to work remotely. We make the hiring process in Iceland a lot easier by providing B2B solutions, such as Recruitment , Employer of Record , as well as Legal Services for international companies," said Kristjansson. "We're a gateway for international companies that want to setup a business presence or retain employees who moved to Iceland to work remotely. We make the hiring process in Iceland a lot easier by providing B2B solutions, such as Recruitment, Employer of Record, as well as Legal Services for international companies," said Swapp Agency CEO David Rafn Kristjansson. His services are typically used by large international companies from the U.S., U.K., E.U. and China wanting to make a business presence in Iceland. Iceland is also a good jumping off platform for the arctic region as Greenland has been gaining a lot of attention lately. Companies are attracted to opportunities in Iceland, such as the clean renewable energy sector and the opening of the seaway in the Arctic due to climate change. Before COVID more than two million tourists were visiting the island annually, which also attracted attention from foreign investors. If companies want to employ workers in Iceland, they must navigate a complicated tax system and adhere to labor laws. Besides recruiting, his agency also offers Employer of Record services to overseas companies for hiring employees to work legally in the country. Recently his agency helped a California company keep existing employees, who wanted to move back to Iceland during COVID. "They came to us because they needed a company in Iceland to put the employees on payroll. We hired the employees, put them on salary and then invoiced the company abroad. Doing this is not always as simple as it sounds. There's all kinds of rules, regulations and tax agreements between countries that we have to bear in mind when making contracts with companies," said Kristjansson. The agency acts as a third-party payroll company ensuring Icelandic taxes are paid and all labor regulations are followed so that employees are entitled to all residential benefits such as nearly free healthcare and education. This Employer of Record model through Swapp Agency is an effective short-term and long-term hiring solution for international companies to establish remote workers in Iceland. Labor rules in Iceland can be complicated but his agency does all the hard work for these international companies. It can be difficult for a foreign company if they plan to do it themselves, especially if they don't have someone local helping. Employer of Record services are exploding now due to the pandemic. His agency has partnered with companies all over the world that help set-up businesses in various countries. The majority of people they're hiring are from mid to high level positions, such as from the tech industry, architects, professors with PhDs, software engineers and etc. International companies are also attracted to the small nation of 350,000 because it's safe and secure with a highly educated and motivated workforce. The government is also enticing people with tax breaks to come to Iceland and raise a family. Iceland boasts clean air and water and has one of the highest standards of living in the world, with almost free education and health care. Besides offering Employer of Record services for companies that want to establish a small workforce of fewer than ten people, his agency also offers legal and recruiting services for companies looking to set-up larger business operations in Iceland. Kristjansson believes that we are at just the beginning of how technology will completely revolutionize the future of work, and this is what makes him tick. People might even exchange jobs in the future. Maybe a chef in Denmark will swap jobs with a chef in Iceland for a year. Technology has made this possible and has shaken up the HR world. "Just ten years ago, if you were thinking about moving to Iceland, you would need to also find a job here, too. But that's all changed. Now you can live here and work for anyone in the world, thanks to technology," said Kristjansson. To learn how your company can establish remote employees in Iceland see the Swapp Agency website. For further information or to schedule an interview contact David Rafn Kristjansson at +354 7831779 or [email protected]. Contact: David Rafn Kristjansson Swapp Agency www.swappagency.com Hofabakki 9 110 Reykjavik, Iceland Phone: +354 7831779 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Swapp Agency Related Links http://www.swappagency.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close ST. PETERSBURG (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th February, 2021) Russia and Togo have agreed to develop cooperation in the energy sphere, natural resources sector and agriculture among other areas, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday after a meeting with his Togolese counterpart, Robert Dussey. "We have a mutual desire to intensify and deepen the whole range of our relations, including trade, economic and investment contacts. We agreed to look for specific opportunities for joint projects in such areas as energy, natural resources, infrastructure, transport, and agriculture," Lavrov said at a press conference. Dussey is currently on a working visit to St. Petersburg. Hours before his talks with Lavrov, Dussey told Sputnik that Togo wants assistance from Russia in its agriculture reform and the digitalization of its economy. The West African nation is also in talks with Russia to acquire the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. A young mother and father who were reunited with their son four weeks after he was forcefully taken from them have shared sweet photos documenting their first day together as a family again. The 17-year-old mother and her 18-year-old boyfriend appeared in family court on Monday where they fought to have their eight-month-old son returned to their care. Distressing footage emerged of the the baby being ripped from his mother's arms as she breastfed him in a car park in Brunswick Heads, near Byron Bay on the NSW North Coast, on January 15th. By Monday afternoon, they'd picked their son up from authorities and returned him to the community he was removed from. A young mother and father who were reunited with their son four weeks after he was forcefully taken from them have shared sweet photos documenting their first day together as a family again The teenage father posed in a photo with his little boy on the day he was granted custody again (pictured) Several pictures shared to social media showed the little boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, smiling and laughing with his young parents. His mother, who recently shaved her head, held him in her arms while he played on a set of drums as the sun set, surrounded by friends and family. In another photo, the little boy sat on his mother's shoulders, reaching down to hold her hands and look at her as best he could. The organic living Byron Bay community which rallied behind the family time after the eight-month-old was taken described the court case as a 'community win, a collective win, beyond words itself'. His mother, who recently shaved her head, smiled and laughed as she played with the little boy on Monday afternoon, a month after he was first taken The young couple were granted custody of their son again on Monday following several arduous court hearings. Pictured on Monday after learning their son would be returned to them A spokeswoman for the young mother thanked the person who filmed the child's removal. She said that while the vision was distressing, it helped to touch 'more than many' in the community, who were outraged at authorities' heavy handedness in removing the baby while his mother pleaded with them to allow her to finish breastfeeding. The man who filmed the video only had three per cent battery left on his phone, and the community said it was an alignment of the universe that allowed him to capture the incident. 'Those close to us personally to locally to nationally and even internationally; for you to all become so invested and as a result creating a momentum of change through the donations, sending complaints and sending love and support,' the spokeswoman said. The boy's father (pictured with the baby) is concerned about how he is being treated in foster care. The young couple, who are 17 and 18, were resolved to raise him outdoors and 'on the land' An eight-month-old baby was forcibly removed from his mother's care while she was in the process of breastfeeding him His mother has been praised for her resolve throughout the ordeal, refusing to crack under even the most trying of circumstances. '[She] would always stay strong and constantly repeat ''the truth will get me through'',' the spokeswoman said. Family and Community Services said the family's lifestyle choices - including living outdoors and their strict anti-vaccination stance - was putting the little boy at risk. But on Monday, a magistrate determined the baby could return home to his parents, and the young couple spent most of the day in mediation discussing the terms of the reunification. The baby's mother was '15 or 16' when she fell pregnant and after going into labour on the beach, presented at her local hospital to give birth. Pictured: Mother and son together While the lifestyle is unorthodox, those close to the situation insist the woman (pictured together) is a 'great mother... doing what she thinks is best for her baby' Daily Mail Australia understands the couple agreed to move into a home in the region to prove to the court they were serious about regaining custody of their little boy. A lawyer who was representing him in court on Monday agreed it was in his best interests as well as the parents'. The community has rallied to help equip the young couple with supplies, including offering cots, play pens and clothing ahead of Monday's court hearing. The reunion comes four weeks after distressing footage emerged of the Department of Family and Community Services forcefully removing the baby while his mother was topless and breastfeeding. The young couple (pictured) allegedly appeared in court alongside a 'local shaman' to help return their baby. They have now enlisted the help of a 'top barrister' Confronting footage shows the shirtless mother clutching her little boy close to her chest as she repeatedly asks the officers to leave her alone 'This is not right, this is my baby. Please don't take him,' she repeatedly said as she pleaded with authorities not to take her boy. In the video, the young mother argued with several officers and support workers who arrived in her commune in the Byron Shire to remove the little boy. While their 'outdoor lifestyle' is unorthodox, those close to the situation insist the woman is a 'great mother... doing what she thinks is best for her baby'. The officers initially tried to reason with her and convince her to hand her baby over, before eventually prying him from her arms. Friends of the young couple have been outspoken in their defense of their parenting techniques, pleading with the government to reunite mother and baby The baby's father expressed concerns about the way he is being supported in the care of authorities. He said he was particularly worried the chemicals in which his baby is being bathed in and the thought of him sleeping alone While their 'outdoor lifestyle' is unorthodox, those close to the situation insist the woman is a 'great mother... doing what she thinks is best for her baby'. Pictured: Supporters gathered outside of court at an earlier hearing Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan during a press conference in Perth, Australia, on Jan. 8, 2021. (Matt Jelonek/Getty Images) Western Australia Drops Quarantine for NSW Travellers Western Australia has removed a requirement for NSW travellers to quarantine upon arrival but Victorians remain locked out for now. Premier Mark McGowan says WA will extend its hard border with Victoria until at least midnight on Wednesday. It comes as the state continues a snap five-day lockdown to combat a COVID-19 outbreak stemming from a cluster of cases in hotel quarantine. The chief health officers advice is that its the correct approach to, at least at this point in time, mirror that lockdown, McGowan said on Monday. Well make a further decision on Wednesday as to whether to extend it. Under the hard border, no one is allowed to enter WA unless they can secure an exemption. McGowan also confirmed NSW would move to the very low risk category, meaning its residents will no longer need to quarantine upon arrival in WA. NSW has now gone 29 consecutive days of no new locally acquired cases. Travellers must still complete a G2G travel pass and undergo health screening and a temperature check upon arrival. WA returned to pre-lockdown life over the weekend with residents no longer required to wear face masks and capacity limits removed from venues. Metropolitan Perth and nearby regions went into a five-day lockdown on Jan. 31, followed by an additional week of precautionary restrictions. No community cases have been detected since a hotel quarantine worker inadvertently roamed the streets of Perth while infectious. The premier, whose handling of the pandemic has earned him record approval ratings, on Monday insisted he hadnt been briefed on polling which the government commissioned last year on topics including support for a hard border. He said the polling was conducted as part of a broad public information campaign at the height of the pandemic. Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup has accused the government of basing its decisions on polling rather than health advice. By Michael Ramsey Bengaluru gangrape case: Two accused shot in the leg while trying to escape Rape in Bengaluru: Time to wake up to the grave threat of illegal Bangladeshi crime syndicates in India Travelling to Bengaluru? Karnataka imposes restrictions on travel from Kerala, foreign countries India oi-Madhuri Adnal Bengaluru, Feb 16: The Karnataka government on Tuesday issued a fresh set of guidelines for people coming from Kerala, which has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases, saying these would come into force with immediate effect. Based on recommendations of the Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19, new special surveillance measures for those arriving from Kerala have been introduced, Additional Chief Secretary Jawaid Akhtar said in a release. It would now be mandatory for those arriving from that state and checking into hotels, resorts, hostels, home stays and dormitories to have a negative RT-PCR certificate, "which should not be older than 72 hours." The government said positive samples would be sent to NIMHANS here for genomic sequencing. Those in hostels and colleges would not be allowed to have visitors or relatives without obtaining express permission from the Covid nodal officers. A list of students travelling to and from Kerala from hostels or colleges should be maintained by a competent authority, the order said. The government said students should compulsorily produce RT PCR negative test reports, not older than 72 hours, each time they return from Kerala and till the situation improves. The order said that day scholars travelling from Kerala to schools and colleges in any part of Karnataka would be subjected to RT-PCR test every fortnight. Those who had already arrived to the state from Kerala over the past two weeks should compulsorily undergo this test. Another lockdown in Mumbai? Mayor says decision in the hands of people The government said the authorities concerned have to appoint a nodal person in hostels and classes to monitor the students'' health condition and that of others. Anyone not complying with the order would immediately be reported to the nodal person or authorities and made to stay in the designated "quarantine room "in the facility till RT- PCR test report turned negative. The government asked the authorities to ramp up testing and strengthen COVID-19 surveillance activities in all colleges, residential facilities, which have accommodated the students and others from Kerala. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 22:36 [IST] Kids want to fish? You don't know how yourself? Here's a little help Union Pacific this past summer scored a big win in the international intermodal market when it inked a deal with Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), securing new business and capitalizing on an efficient service product. HMM is South Koreas largest ocean carrier. Its also part of THE Alliance, which includes ONE, Hapag, Lloyd and Yang Ming. Nick Langel, manager, Marketing and Sales, said it was efficiency and service benefits that sold UP into a large portion of HMMs western rail business for the first time in more than 30 years. This was made possible through pooling the volumes of multiple THE Alliance carriers with which UP already had a strong presence and relationship with. Ocean carrier contracts like these come up every few years. UP has had various swings and misses on HMM business over the last 30 years, but when HMM last year appointed a new CEO and announced a new operating system to go with new vessels and a new alliance, UP chose to take a new approach. They were trying to rebrand themselves and become a differentiator in this space, Langel said. They have new ships, a new shipping alliance, new executive leadership and a new transportation management system. We anchored on convincing them that a new rail carrier (UP) would best position them for success, and challenged them to ensure we would be part of all the change. From a high level, this was our best opportunity to get the dialogue flowing. And once HMM was open to the concept, the Marketing and Sales team was able to sell UPs unique service offerings and franchise strengths. Discussions began when a UP contingency, which included EVP, Marketing and Sales Kenny Rocker and Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Jason Hess, traveled to Seoul, South Korea. It didnt hurt that their first meeting was with five HMM leaders, four of whom had previously graduated from UPs International Intermodal Seminar. The seminar is a UP effort to educate emerging leaders in the ocean carrier industry on UPs network and service offerings. Some people think you can just get out and get this business, said Hasan Hyder, general director, Marketing and Sales. But this win was the result of persistent engagement from our U.S. employees and Asian employees for many years. You make long-term investments in relationships, and when the opportunity comes you take full advantage. Langel has been keeping track of the number of UP employees who contributed in some way to this team win. At least 96 people have positively contributed to this must-have win for the company, he said. This has been a cross-departmental initiative, from traveling halfway around the world to propose our opening bid, to showing our intermodal facilities in Dallas, to participating in weekly on boarding calls. The unique environment around gaining new business during a pandemic is not lost on Langel, who points to a strong cross-functional team finding success while working from home. By Polina Nikolskaya MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian state prosecutors on Tuesday asked a court to fine Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny 950,000 roubles ($13,000) for slandering a World War Two veteran, a charge he calls politically motivated. President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia. The judge said the verdict would be announced on Saturday - the same day that Navalny is due to appeal against his imprisonment. The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to. Navalny, who returned to Russia last month from Germany, where he had been recovering from a near-fatal poisoning with a military-grade nerve toxin in Siberia, described the people in the video as traitors and corrupt lackeys. Veterans of what Moscow calls the Great Patriotic War are widely revered in Russia, and criticising them is regarded as socially unacceptable and insulting. Navalny has said his comment was not directed specifically at the veteran, and that the authorities are using the charge to smear his reputation. At the hearings, he has clashed with the judge in heated exchanges and been told he could be removed from the court. He used his closing arguments to call the case a legal nonsense. He then said it was pointless to discuss legal matters with the court and asked the judge and prosecutor if they knew a good recipe for pickled gherkins. As the state prosecutor addressed the court to recommend a sentence, Navalny interrupted her to joke: "Execution?" Navalny has refused in court to offer an apology to the veteran, who he said was being exploited for political ends. Story continues In her closing arguments, the prosecutor said: "I understand perfectly well that such a punishment (a fine) for the defendant will not repair the damage caused to the victim ... "And on behalf of the state prosecution and myself personally, I want to ... apologise (to the veteran) for such fellow citizens as the defendant." It had been unclear before Tuesday whether state prosecutors would seek a custodial sentence on top of a fine. Navalny's arrest and jailing sparked nationwide street protests in Russia, but his allies say they have now paused serious demonstrations until the spring. (Reporting by Polina Nikolskaya, Maxim Rodionov and Alexander Marrow; Writing by Andrew Osborn and Tom Balmforth; Editing by Kevin Liffey) KY State Office Buildings Closed Today By West Kentucky Star Staff FRANKFORT - Kentucky state office buildings are closed today due to icy and dangerous road conditions statewide. Employees able to telecommute and essential employees designated for mandatory operations should continue to report to work as directed by agency management. State employees with questions regarding this closure should contact either their agency's management or human resources office. Currently, more than 148,000 Kentuckians, mainly in central and eastern Kentucky, are without power. Kentuckians experiencing a downed power line or power outage should contact their local utility company. If possible, use an alternate source of heat, but be aware of the dangers of alternate heat sources and carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills always should be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm for more information. Kentuckians are urged to tune in to local media for information on weather and visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources and goky.ky.gov to check road conditions. The son of a man killed on a one-vehicle crash in South Jersey last month has been charged with vehicular homicide and related charges, authorities said. Eric T. Franklin, 21, of Franklinville, was drunk when the car he was driving flipped on its side in the early hours of Jan. 3 in Franklin Township, according to police. Officers responded to Main and Marshall Mill roads around 4:20 a.m. to find the vehicle resting on the drivers side with three people trapped inside. The backseat passenger, Richard Franklin, 43, of Elmer, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities identified him as Erics father. A woman in the front seat, who was described by police as the drivers girlfriend, suffered serious injuries. The woman and Franklin were hospitalized, but have since been released, police said. Officers smelled alcohol on the driver, according to an affidavit of probable cause. In an interview with police, Franklin admitted he drank alcohol before getting behind the wheel and admitted he was drunk, police noted in their report. His blood alcohol concentration was measured at .085%. A motorist is considered under the influence if their BAC is .08% or greater. Franklin was charged Monday with second-degree vehicular homicide, fourth-degree assault by auto and driving while intoxicated. He was placed in Salem County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. EU Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni holds a news conference after a virtual Eurogroup meeting at the European Council in Brussels, Belgium, February 15, 2021. Stephanie Lecocq/Pool via REUTERS Firms that were in distress before Covid-19 hit should be allowed to fail, the EU says. Finance ministers from the 19-member single currency zone agreed yesterday to keep protecting viable companies and let unviable firms go bankrupt after the pandemic. We are aware that difficult times could lie ahead, said minister for finance, Paschal Donohoe, who chairs the monthly eurozone meetings. "Many businesses are going to need time to repair their balance sheets and, unfortunately, there could be some that are not viable in the longer term. However, he said government supports for companies and households should remain in place for as long as they are needed. There is an inherent risk of withdrawing support too early, as opposed to withdrawing it too late, Mr Donohoe said. The European Commission expects a surge of business insolvencies as pandemic supports are phased out, which it says will have knock-on effects for banks. Once the unprecedented public support measures expire, a number of businesses are likely to default on their debt obligations, leading to higher NPLs [non-performing loans] and insolvencies, the Commission said in a note yesterday. The note said 23pc of EU firms would have experienced liquidity distress at the end of 2020 had it not been for government supports. And, it said, almost half of those firms were already at a high risk of default before the crisis. EU economy chief Paolo Gentiloni said government supports had reduced the risk of bankruptcies and have been successful. But he said the EU would have to move from a blanket approach to more targeted supports, and organise orderly exits for unviable firms. It is vital that the range of business supports are kept in place for as long as needed, said Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland at the Irish business and employers federation, Ibec. Additional supports will also be needed to help many vulnerable but viable retail businesses. A lot of retailers continue to face unreasonable demands from landlords for rent accrued during periods when they were forced to close. Retailers need to be protected from court action, instead the focus should be on arbitration and finding pragmatic, sustainable agreements between landlords and tenants. The number of insolvencies in Ireland last year was around the same as 2019 despite the ravages of Covid, according to Deloitte. Sailors line the railing on HMCS Sackville, Canada's oldest warship, at the Royal Canadian Navy Change of Command ceremony in Halifax on June 12, 2019. (The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan) Canadas New Warships Fade Evermore Into the Future Commentary Canada is ready aye ready for naval combat. In 2033. And for carving the pork starting yesterday. So says DND, our sad acronym for a Department of Defence that doesnt have a cool polygonal HQ. Or much of anything else. Like sidearms. Or ships. Or soldiers. Or even diversity; recently DND tweeted a photo of their commitment to inclusion showing eight white guys eight north of 40. Oops. In fact, when I said 2033 I was kidding. The Canadian Press says the first of 15 new warships for the Royal Canadian Navy will be delivered in the early 2030s rather than in the mid-2020s as in the contract-like object signed in 2011. As for the rest, who knows? Which means the delay isnt just longer than both World Wars combined. It rivals the gap between them. At least the navy has money or thinks it does. Some $60 billion for these ships and counting instead of the original $26 billion, a tidy reward for not delivering on time. They even added some smaller ships to give Irving Shipbuilding something to do until it built the bigger ships. Complexity being the first refuge of a scoundrel, were told its because warships are complicated, especially in the 21st century. Even if its an existing Type 26 design also being built in the UK and Australia, though built is just this word, unlike industrial policy, that puts buying regional votes ahead of whatever that thing is the pointy-heads go on about. Oh yeah. Security. Thus, we also just learned that the Canadian government is shovelling money and high-tech secrets at Huawei via NSERC, the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council. Apparently nothing, including Chinese cyber-soldiers marching up to the Peace Tower, would worry these people. Which I mention because another major issue here is technology moving faster and faster while our procurement process does the opposite. So permit me here to summon the shade of HMS Dreadnought. Well, one of 11 vessels of that name anyway. Specifically, the 1906 wonder of the steam age boasting 23,000 horsepower cranking out 21 knots, a monster that instantly and ominously rendered all existing navies obsolete. Including her own, opening the door to a German lunge to rule the waves and sink Britannia on Der Tag. Alas, in the modern world, technology moves fast and all that is solid melts into air. By the time of the only major surface fleet clash of World War I off Jutland just a decade later, in 1916, Dreadnought was already obsolete and by 1921 was sold for scrap. Before TV or radios, let alone PCs and iPhones. Imagine the urgency of keeping your weapons up to date now. Not in Canada. Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, commanding the quaint regional museum called our navy, burbled When you put ships in saltwater over time, theres going to be an effect, which one hopes wasnt news. But based on all our estimates on the conditions of the ships, were very comfortable that well be able to transition with this plan, which one hopes wasnt believed. And may not have been understood. Transition to what? Which plan? Perhaps to make our enemies die laughing. The CP story went on to make an even more ludicrous statement with no fanfare, calling this report the latest setback for the new fleet of warships, which are expected to serve as the Navys backbone for the better part of the century. Ahem. I have a telegram from Dreadnought here warning that governments, despite being as gung ho about artificial intelligence as they are blithe about Chinese espionage, havent realized that long before we had even rotary phones, you couldnt deploy a ship in 1840 (specifically HMS Nemesis, launched by the East India Company in 1839 as the first British ocean-going iron warship and the terror of the First Opium War, boasting twin 60 hp engines) and still rely on it in 1891 (Royal Sovereign, launched that year, had 11,000 hp and could hit 17 knots). You certainly cant deploy a ship in 2040 and still rely on it in 2091. As if we would. Launch in 2040, I mean. Instead, the story added, well probably need to keep some of our early 1990s Halifax-class frigates going into the 2040s. So imagine Royal Sovereign firing brown powder at Dunkirk. (Mind you the Royal Navy did use Swordfish biplanes to help sink the Bismarck; democracies are often careless about national security.) Or, since the Halifaxes resulted from a 1970s procurement project, imagine fighting Hitler and Hirohito with ships designed under Disraeli. Specifically the Devastation class, with 6,000 coal horsepower, 13 knots, and iron-plated teak or oak, though at least they dispensed with sails. Now stand by for a thunderous barrage of rhetoric and broadside of pork from the fleet of the future. The distant future. John Robson is a documentary filmmaker, National Post columnist, contributing editor to the Dorchester Review, and executive director of the Climate Discussion Nexus. His most recent documentary is The Environment: A True Story. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. India's exports in January 2021 were USD 27.45 billion, as compared to USD 25.85 billion in January 2020, exhibiting a positive growth of 6.16 per cent, said Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed on Monday. "In Rupee terms, exports were Rs. 2,00,661.11 crore in January 2021, as compared to Rs 1,84,369.73 crore in January 2020, registering a positive growth of 8.84 per cent," the commerce ministry release said. Aside from the exports, the for January 2021 was estimated at USD 14.54 billion as against the deficit of USD 15.30 billion in January 2020, which is a decrease of (-) 4.95 per cent India's imports also grew for the second straight month, signifying recovery in domestic demand. "Imports in January 2021 were USD 41.99 billion (Rs.3,06,951.56 crore), which is an increase of 2.03 per cent in dollar terms and 4.60 per cent in Rupee terms over imports of USD 41.15 billion (Rs 2,93,452.69Crore) in January 2020," the release said. "Cumulative value of imports for the period April-January 2020-21 was USD300.26 billion (Rs 22,29,742.05 crore), as against USD 405.33 billion (Rs 28,55,992.59 crore) during the period April-January 2019-20, registering a negative growth of (-) 25.92 per cent in Dollar terms and negative growth of (-) 21.93 per cent in Rupee terms," the release further said. Taking merchandise and services together, overall for April-January 2020-21is estimated at USD1.87 billion as compared to the deficit of USD72.40 billion in April-January 2019-20, the ministry said. Non-petroleum and Non-Gems and Jewellery exports in January 2021 were USD 22.44 billion, as compared to USD19.79 billion in January 2020, registering a positive growth of 13.40 per cent. Non-petroleum and Non-Gems and Jewellery exports in April-January 2020-21 were USD 188.77 billion, as compared to USD 197.94 billion for the corresponding period in 2019-20, which is a decrease of (-) 4.63 per cent. Oil imports in January 2021 were USD 9.40 billion (Rs. 68,743.95 crore), which was 27.72 per cent lower in Dollar terms (25.90 per cent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD 13.01 billion (Rs. 92,773.42 crore) in January 2020. The release said that oil imports in April-January 2020-21 were USD 63.09 billion (Rs 4,68,720.80 crore) which was 42.50 per cent lower in Dollar terms (39.39 per cent lower in Rupee terms) compared to USD 109.72 billion (Rs 7,73,394.28 crore), over the same period last year. LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / US Nuclear Corp (OTCQB:UCLE) and Solar System Resources Corporation in Poland signed a historic transatlantic agreement for the supply of the desperately rare helium-3 isotope from deposits located on the moon. Helium-3 is humanity's hope for cheap, ecological fusion energy without the production of radioactive wastes. It is estimated that 200 tons of helium-3 would be enough to meet the global annual energy needs of all mankind without producing greenhouse gases or pollution and without burdensome social austerities and sacrifices - unlimited, cheap, clean, green energy. Helium-3 finds many other uses beyond the energy sector, such as in research, cryogenics, quantum computers, MRI lung imaging, and nuclear spacecraft propulsion. It is also essential for the operation of security systems used to detect smuggling of fissile materials, which are utilized at airports and border crossing points around the world. It is worth mentioning that after the attacks of September 11, 2001, the demand for this isotope increased dramatically, as did its price. In the signed Letter of Intent, Solar System Resource Corporation Sp. z o. o. will deliver 500 kg (0.55 ton) of the helium-3 isotope by 2028-32, and US Nuclear Corp. will receive this delivery. The companies did not disclose the agreed price, but the current market price for helium-3 is 16.6 B$/ton. It is estimated that 1 kg of helium-3 in nuclear fusion with 0.65 kg of deuterium will provide about 19 MW of energy throughout the year, which means that 500 kg of helium-3 can produce 5 GW of clean, ecological energy 24 hours a day for one year for a major city (3+ million inhabitants). The value of the electricity produced would exceed 11 billion USD. The helium-3 isotope is found in very small amounts in natural helium, but there is little natural helium on Earth, and furthermore, it is not economical to produce this isotope from natural helium. All of the helium-3 resources we have on Earth are a by-product of nuclear weapons maintenance, which can theoretically provide about 300 kg of helium-3 and thus still produce about 15 kg of helium-3 per year. The total supply of strategic helium-3 in the US is about 29 kg, and another 187 kg has been mixed with stored natural gas - these resources are not renewable. The bottom line is that there is a large shortage of helium-3 on Earth, and with the current supply allocated for border security, there is none leftover for other uses. However, helium-3 is 100 million more times abundant on the Moon where it has been captured over billions of years from solar winds. Furthermore, it is a renewable resource - the solar wind is constantly depositing helium-3. US Nuclear Corp. is an American nuclear corporation that is a spin-off of the Manhattan Project. The company acquired shares in Magneto-Inertial Fusion Technologies, Inc. (MIFTI) with which MIFTEC is affiliated. MIFTI and MIFTEC are sister companies under the same management and are developing and using the same "staged Z-PINCH fusion technology" for different applications and markets. MIFTI is developing thermonuclear fusion energy to power cities, transportation, space vehicles, military vehicles, and ships from fusion, while MIFTEC is developing a fusion-based generator for the abundant production of low-cost medical isotopes, which are currently in very short supply. Solar System Resources Corporation Sp. z o. o. is a young, dynamic space mining company from Krakow in Poland, with the ambition to become a global American-Polish company that conducts localization and in-situ verification of space resources, and then their exploitation. The company is not afraid of challenges, it operates unconventionally and tries, above all, to create a market here on Earth for space raw materials, products, and technologies, and to identify the needs of earthly industrial recipients. Solar System Resources Corporation is focused on hard business and commercial space missions. The company is actively lobbying for stronger cooperation between Poland and the US, NASA, Poland's accession to the Artemis program and Artemis Accords, as well as stronger involvement of the European Union in the exploitation of space resources in cooperation with the US. The company is open to cooperation with partners from all over the world. Safe Harbor Act This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ from expectations, estimates and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Investors may find additional information regarding US Nuclear Corp. at the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov, or the company's website at www.usnuclearcorp.com CONTACT: US Nuclear Corp. (OTC:UCLE) Robert I. Goldstein, President, CEO, and Chairman Rachel Boulds, Chief Financial Officer (818) 883 7043 Email: info@usnuclearcorp.com Solar System Resources Corporation Sp. z o. o. www.solarsystem-resources.com CEO & Co-Founder: Ph.D. Eng. Adam Jan Zwierzynski 77/222 Szlak Street, Krakow 31-153, Poland office@solarsystem-resources.com SOURCE: US Nuclear Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629828/Signing-of-Historic-LOI-for-Mining-Expedition-to-the-Moon-to-Extract-Rare-and-Valuable-Isotopes Kiran Bedi removed as Puducherry LG amid political crisis India oi-Madhuri Adnal Puducherry, Feb 16: In a sudden development, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Kiran Bedi was removed from her post on Tuesday night at a time when the union territory was witnessing a political crisis following the resignation of Congress MLAs from the V Narayanasamy government. A brief communique issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesman Ajay Kumar Singh said the President has directed that Bedi "shall cease to hold the office of the Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry". President Ram Nath Kovind gave the additional charge of the union territory to Telengana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan "with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office, until regular arrangements for the office of Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry are made". Ahead of assembly elections, Congress government in Puducherry slips into minority The direction from the President comes amid the political crisis where the ruling Congress-led government has been reduced to a minority after one more MLA quit the party on Tuesday. Bedi and Narayasamy have been at loggerheads over a range of issues. A retired IPS officer, Bedi was functioning till late Tuesday evening and reviewing the COVID-19 vaccination drive in the union territory and issuing directions for bringing in police force and sanitation workers in the frontline worker category for the inoculation. Amid the political turmoil, the opposition seized the opportunity and demanded the resignation of Narayanasamy, saying his government was in minority. However, Narayanasamy rejected the demand, claiming that his government continued to enjoy ''majority'' in the assembly, which is set to go for polls in the next few months. With resignations of four MLAs, the strength of the Congress in the 33-member assembly has been decreased to 10 including the Speaker. Its ally DMK has three members and an independent also supports the government. The opposition has 14 MLAs. David Perdue files paperwork for potential 2022 Senate run Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., arrives to speak before Vice President Mike Pence during a "Save the Majority" rally on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) ATLANTA (AP) Former Georgia Sen. David Perdue filed campaign paperwork Monday, opening up the potential for the recently defeated Republican to run against Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock in 2022. Perdue, 71, filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, an early step toward a possible bid to return to Washington. Perdue lost his reelection bid during a closely watched runoff last month against Democrat Jon Ossoff. Ossoffs win, along with Warnocks victory over Sen. Kelly Loeffler, resulted in Democrats taking control of the Senate for the first time since 2011. Video: Historic wins top control of U.S. Senate to Democrats Unlike Ossoff, who will not be up for reelection until 2026, Warnock's term expires in two years. Thats because Warnock is filling the remainder of retired Republican Sen. Johnny Isaksons term. Warnock, who served as pastor for the same Atlanta church where civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. preached, is Georgia's first African American senator. Perdue is a former business executive who was elected in 2014. He was one of President Donald Trumps chief defenders in the Senate and fell just short of the 50% threshold he needed to defeat Ossoff outright on Nov. 3. All international passengers coming to Karnataka, irrespective of their COVID-19 vaccination status, will have to produce RT-PCR negative certificate and follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, said the state government on Tuesday. It also added that all the persons arriving from Kerala will also have to compulsorily produce negative RT-PCR certificate not older than 72 hours. Those who have arrived from Kerala in the past two weeks in Karnataka to compulsorily be subjected to RT-PCR test, the Karnataka government added. The Karnataka government on Tuesday made it mandatory for passengers arriving from South Africa and Brazil to the state to undergo RT-PCR tests and 14 days quarantine in view of two more variants of COVID-19 being identified in these countries. Samples of those in institutional quarantine would be sent to National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences here for genome sequencing, a health department release said. The RT-PCR test should be done by passengers on arrival at Bengaluru Airport, irrespective of whether they had a negative certificate for the test before boarding the flights. After 14 days of quarantine, the patient would be discharged, subject to two samples tested through RT-PCR, taken 24 hours apart, turning negative, it said. The government had earlier made it mandatory for all passengers coming from the UK, where a new strain of the virus was detected, to get the RT-PCR test done on arrival. Karnataka (49.96 per cent) has administered the first dose to less than 50 per cent of registered healthcare workers. The second dose of the coronavirus vaccination drive for frontline and healthcare workers started on Monday. The state on February 15 clocked 368 new coronavirus cases and two deaths, taking the infection count and toll to 9,45,638 and 12,267 respectively, the health department had said. According to a department bulletin, a total of 9,26,664 people were discharged so far, including 430 on Monday. There were 5,772 active cases in the state which includes 128 in the ICU, the department added. Bengaluru Urban district reported 258 infections whereas both the fatalities of the day were reported in the city. Cumulatively, the city has reported 4,02,212 infections, 4,430 deaths, 3,93,883 discharges, including 227 on Monday, and 3,898 active cases. According to the bulletin, Tumakuru reported 25 fresh cases today followed by Shivamogga 20, Mandya 19, Hassan 14, Udupi 11, Mysuru and Kalaburagi 10 each. Cases were also reported in Ballari, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Dakshina Kannada, Davangere, Dharwad, and Uttara Kannada. Bidar, Chamarajanagar, Gadag, Kodagu, Kolar, Koppal, Ramanagar, Vijayapura and Yadgir districts recorded nil infection and zero fatality whereas Bagalkote reported one infection and zero fatality. There were as many as 42,245 tests done on Monday including 40,517 using the RT PCR and other methods taking the total tests done so far to 1.80 crores, the department added. According to the department, 13,840 out of 61,379 targeted COVID warriors were inoculated, which is 23 per cent of the target, on Monday. Cumulatively, 5,10,474 out of 11,10,380 targeted corona warriors, comprising healthcare workers and frontline workers, have been vaccinated, it added. BARCELONA - Spanish police on Tuesday morning arrested rapper Pablo Hasel in Catalonia, in the northeastern part of the country, after storming the Lleida university in which he had barricaded himself with supporters the previous day. He had been sentenced in 2018 to nine months in jail for song lyrics and tweets that prosecutors said glorified terrorism and insulted the country's monarchy. Local media broadcast footage of Hasel raising his fist in the air and vowing not to give up despite the "repression" he was suffering as he was taken away by police. Burma Customers Flock to Withdraw Cash From Myanmar Military-Owned Banks People line up at a branch of Myawaddy Bank in Yangon on Feb. 16. / The Irrawaddy YANGONA large number of people rushed to the Myanmar military-owned Myawaddy Bank in Yangon to withdraw cash on Tuesday morning after anti-coup protesters called for a boycott of military-related businesses. On Monday, military-owned banks in Yangon opened for only half a day after hundreds of people thronged to withdraw money from their bank accounts as the civil disobedience movement (CDM) gathered strength across the country. A bank employee at a Yangon branch of Myawaddy Bank on WarTan Street informed customers queuing for services on Tuesday that the bank would service 200 customers a day and that withdrawals were limited to 5 million kyats (about US$3,550) per person. He said customers who were not among the first 200 could return to queue at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Over the weekend, there were calls on social media urging private banks to join the CDM and suspend their operations as of Monday, amid rumors that people would withdraw all their money from any bank that remained open. The Yangon Region Administrative Council reportedly planned to provide security for banks and help them maintain their operations, but many banking staff joined the CDM on Monday, forcing private banks to close. The private banks branches remained closed Tuesday, except for ATM services. Myawaddy Bank, one of the two banks operated by Myanmars military, opened in the commercial capital, Yangon, on Monday. But after its branches experienced unusually large numbers of customers withdrawing money, they closed around noon, citing the risk of COVID-19. We opened the bank today [Monday], but closed at around 11 a.m. because there were many people taking out money from their bank accounts. Well open the bank tomorrow, a Myawaddy Bank official based at the banks headquarters in Yangon told The Irrawaddy on Monday. An employee of private lender KBZ Bank in Yangon said banks had to close because their employees were out in the streets protesting against the military coup. All of our bank branches are closed [on Monday]. We have put a notice on the banks website saying that the banks would be closed and money can be withdrawn at ATMs, he told The Irrawaddy. Myanmars military has deployed security at branches of the Central Bank of Myanmar as well as state-owned Myanma Economic Bank (MEB) since Monday. They reportedly took money from the banks. Employees of MEB, which plays a vital role in managing payroll and pensions for active and retired civil servants, have also joined the CDM. An official of Myanmar Citizens Bank wrote on his Facebook page asking account holders not to worry about their deposits, saying banks have never gone bankrupt in the country. It is safer to keep the money in banks than keeping it oneself, he said, urging the public not to believe rumors. A senior officer from a private bank said private banks are prepared to provide ATM and mobile banking services as long as there is internet access. Private banks have however not announced when they are likely to resume operations, and neither the Myanmar Banks Association nor the Central Bank of Myanmar has issued an instruction regarding the operation of private banks. You may also like these stories: The Coup in Myanmar: How the Generals Miscalculated After Failing to Condemn Coup, China Faces Daily Opposition in Myanmar You Messed With the Wrong Generation, Myanmars Youth Tell Coup Makers Yesterday, the Turkish Interior Ministry announced that 718 people, including officials and members of the legal Kurdish nationalist Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), have been detained as part of terror operations carried out in 40 different cities across the country. As part of an already advanced drive towards dictatorship that is eliminating basic democratic rights and constitutional guarantees, this state crackdown launched by President Recep Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP) government is a massive witch-hunt aimed at suppressing any kind of opposition. It is unprecedented in its scope since the NATO-backed attempted military coup in 2016. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey (Paul Morigi Photography/Flickr) These police operations came immediately after Defense Minister Hulusi Akars announcement Sunday that 13 Turkish nationals, including soldiers and police officers, were killed by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the mountainous Gara or Gare region of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) during a recently launched Turkish military invasion. They had reportedly been held as prisoners by the PKK since 2015. After this announcement, a feverish government and media campaign was unleashed, blaming the HDP for deaths. Meanwhile, the HDP had announced on Saturday that at least 143 of its members had been detained over the past two days. According to Defense Minister Akar, It has been established that one of our innocent and unarmed citizens was shot in the shoulder, and the remaining 12 were shot in the head. They were killed in a cave where the Turkish forces arrived to carry out a search. He also said that the operation, conducted in a 75 kilometers-wide and 25 kilometers-deep area in Iraq, had been successfully concluded. With the operation, all the elements that had been settled in this area and were preparing to attack our borders, security forces and people have almost been eliminated, he said. Three Turkish soldiers and 48 PKK militia members lost their lives in the military clash, according to Akar. The Defense Ministry had announced last Wednesday that it had launched a new military invasion dubbed Operation Eagle Claw 2 into northern Iraq targeting PKK forces on the ground, claiming that there was a growing threat against Turkey from a PKK presence in the area. Dozens of warplanes and drones were used in the military operation, along with ground forces deployed to the area by helicopter. The ministry announced on Friday that the operation was conducted in coordination with friends and allies, likely referring to the KRG and the central Iraqi government. Top Turkish military officials, including Akar and Chief of the General Staff Yasar Guler, have recently conducted several discussions with their counterparts in Erbil and Baghdad. Ankara had launched two other military invasions into the area to drive out PKK forces last July, involving Turkish air and ground forces. On the other hand, the PKK claimed in a statement cited by the ANF News that the 13 Turkish nationals were killed by Turkish air strikes that hit a camp where prisoners were held in Gara, stating that, The bombardment, which lasted for three days, and the fierce battles inside and outside the camp resulted in the death of some of the MIT [Turkish intelligence] members, soldiers and policemen we had captured. Both HDP and the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) deputies have raised their long-standing efforts to release these prisoners, and accused the Erdogan government of rejecting these initiatives. HDP deputy Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu tweeted on Sunday: The relatives of the soldiers held hostage by the PKK applied to me 2.5 years ago I could have done anything for peace and life, but the state officials had never thought of something like that, they did not take a step. Another HDP deputy, Huda Kaya, also asserted that, The Republic of Turkey bombed the hostage camp and they stopped when they understood that they had died. Those who said Yes to war motions are now lamenting. That was a reference to the CHP, the HDPs electoral ally, which has always supported motions in favor of cross-border military operations in the Parliament. After these statements were posted on social media, the Prosecutors Office in Ankara launched an investigation against these deputies on charges of propagandizing for a terrorist organization. Murat Bakan, a CHP deputy, has also revealed that he had submitted six parliamentary questions for years; all but one of them remained unanswered. He asked the government, Why did you not do anything for years, give an accounting for that I have been struggling for years for them to return to their homeland, their homes and reunite with their families. However, top Turkish officials have seized on the deaths of the 13 Turkish nationals as an opportunity to wage a further attack on democratic rights, and divert outward the growing social opposition within the population to the governments homicidal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu clearly accused the HDP and all those questioning who was to blame for the deaths of trying to acquit the PKK, writing that, If we could not catch Murat Karaylan [a PKK leader] and cut him into a thousand pieces, this Nation and our Martyrs should spit in our faces. With this statement, which could only come from a fascistic government, a minister has openly rejected the right of due process for a potential defendant, and called instead for his brutal extrajudicial murder. Erdogans political ally and the leader of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, has also stated that, Nothing will be the same as before after this. Everyone should pick their side. Either treason or guidance. Either damnation or the people. These statements and subsequent police operations must be taken as a stark warning to the working class and those who defend democratic rights. As part of the drive towards authoritarianism by ruling classes globally, the Turkish government has a very clear agenda against the coming struggles of workers amid the deepening economic and social crises that have been accelerated by the pandemic. Only a few weeks ago, there were mass student protests against an anti-democratic move by the government, gaining wide support within the population. However, the Erdogan government and its far-right ally are also concerned over a growing challenge by a potential electoral alliance including not only the CHP and HDP, but also the far-right Good Party, and two AKP split-offs, the Future Party of former AKP Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA) of former AKP Economy Minister Ali Babacan. Several recent polls indicate that such an alliance could defeat the AKP-MHP alliance if elections were held today. This attempt to cobble together a pro-imperialist opposition alliance underscores that both the HDP and CHP are right-wing bourgeois parties, unwilling and incapable of defending democratic rights. Their potential alliance is based only on the interests of the Turkish and Kurdish bourgeoisie, and oriented to the NATO imperialist powers. The Turkish governments cross-border military operations and police crackdown against the Kurdish nationalist parties inside the country are also bound up with conflicts between Ankara and its NATO imperialist allies, in particular Washington, over the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. Ankara regularly denounces the US-backed Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in Syria as a terrorist group, indistinguishable from the PKK. It views any enclave in Syria controlled by the YPG as a threat to Turkeys territorial integrity. In furtherance of this policy, it has carried out many military invasions into Syria targeting the YPG over past five years. After the US State Department issued a statement hinting suspicions over the deaths of the 13 Turkish nationals, a conflict erupted between Ankara and Washington. Washington stated, If reports of the death of Turkish civilians at the hands of the PKK, a designated terrorist organization, are confirmed, we condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. President Erdogan responded with an angry attack on the US, despite Ankaras recent attempts to improve strained ties with Washington after the election of Joe Biden as president. He said yesterday, Now there is a statement made by the United States. Its a joke. Were you not supposed to stand against the PKK, the YPG? You clearly support them and stand behind them. He added that If we are together with you in NATO, if we are to continue our unity, then you will act sincerely towards us. Then, you will stand with us, not with the terrorists. The Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned the US ambassador to Turkey, David M. Satterfield, to deliver Ankaras criticism of the US statement in the strongest terms possible. There was a phone call between Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his American counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, for the first time since Bidens inauguration. Blinken tweeted afterwards that he spoke with Cavusoglu about the longstanding importance of the U.S.-Turkish bilateral relationship. I look forward to continued cooperation in Syria, counterterrorism, and de-escalation efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kaln recently emphasized Ankaras willingness to improve relations with Washington, but also spelled out three major points of conflict: The S-400 issue [the air defense system bought from Russia] and the implementation of CAATSA sanctions in connection with it and removing Turkey from the F-35 program. Secondly, the support the US has given to the PYD/YPG since the Obama era. Third, the FETO structure [US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen blamed by Ankara for the 2016 coup attempt] still continues its activities against Turkey freely in the US. However, in addition to these ongoing conflicts, the US position under the Biden administration on Kurdish forces and the keep the oil policy in Syria introduced by former President Trump seems not to have changed as Ankara demands. The Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Sunday that US occupation forces brought in a convoy of vehicles carrying logistic support and weapons to their base in the al-Omar oil field in Deir Ezzor eastern countryside in a step to boost their occupation in the area, an area controlled jointly by the US military and YPG forces. As a clear signal of Ankaras intention to revive the regime change war in Syria launched nearly ten years ago, Kaln also said in the same interview that, We cannot agree on the PYD in Syria, but let me say that we have much common ground [with the US] regarding the future of the Assad regime. A Los Angeles County health inspector was captured on video dancing inside a brewery after incorrectly ordering the owner to close his doors on Super Bowl Sunday for violating COVID guidelines. Bart Avery, an owner of Bravery Brewery in Lancaster, California, told Fox News that the inspector came to the establishment around 11am on February 7. Avery claimed the inspector told an employee that the business was in violation of county guidelines because there was no food truck and needed to close just moments before she broke out in a dance. A Los Angeles County health inspector was captured on video dancing inside a brewery after ordering the owner to close his doors on Super Bowl Sunday According to one of the owners of Bravery Brewery in Lancaster, California, the inspector came to the establishment around 11am on February 7 to tell them they were in violation of county codes. After ordering them to close she broke out into a dance inside the business In the video, she is seen tapping her foot and clapping her hands while inside Bravery Brewery. Seconds later, the inspector throws her arms out as she continues to dance and sway from side-to-side. It's unclear if a song was playing while she was dancing. Avery told Fox News that he has no idea why the inspector felt compelled to dance, especially since she had ordered them to close. He said 'the perception really sucks,' because his business has been 'decimated financially'. To make matters worse, the inspector turned out to be wrong and Bravery Brewery was not in violation of any county codes. Because the brewery was only pouring draft beer to go, they did not need a food truck to operate. According to Avery, the inspector later admitted that there had been a mistake and that business there could resume. The next day, one of the inspector's bosses also called Avery to apologize. Los Angeles County loosened restrictions on restaurants late last month. Restaurants were allowed to reopen on January 29 for outdoor dining with occupancy limits and masking requirements for all staff. According to Avery, the inspector later admitted that there had been a mistake and that business there could resume. The next day, one of the inspector's bosses also called Avery to apologize. The Bravery Brewery is pictured Los Angeles County loosened restrictions on restaurants late last month. Restaurants were allowed to reopen on January 29 for outdoor dining with occupancy limits and masking requirements for all staff. Cases across the US have continued to decline in recent weeks The hours of operation restrictions for non-essential businesses, which have been required to close from 10pm to 5am, were also rescinded. Meanwhile, the rates of new coronavirus infections and hospitalizations continue to fall across California, but the state's death toll remains persistently high. California on Monday reported another 200 deaths, bringing the total since the outbreak began to more than 47,043 the highest in the nation. Despite the grim death count, health officials are confident that California is emerging from its worst surge of the pandemic. The number of patients in hospitals with COVID-19 slipped below 9,000 statewide, a drop of more than a third over two weeks, according to the state Department of Public Health. More than 27.6 million people have been infected by the virus since the pandemic hit the US last year The 6,487 new confirmed cases on Monday are more than 80 per cent below the mid-December peak of about 54,000. Total cases reached nearly 3.4 million. The positivity rate for people being tested has been falling for weeks, which means fewer people will end up in hospitals. In Los Angeles County, the state's most populous, the daily test positivity rate was 5.3 per cent on Saturday, down 42 percentage points since February 1, public health officials said. Residents were urged to avoid close contact with anyone outside their household on Valentine's Day, while continuing to wear masks and observe social distancing rules when outside. 'These are simple actions that will slow the spread of COVID-19, save lives, and help end this pandemic,' said Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County's public health director. California continues to struggle with vaccine shortages that are hindering efforts to inoculate substantial numbers in the state of nearly 40 million residents. Nearly 5.8 million vaccine shots have been administered to date, but mass vaccination centers aren't operating close to full capacity because there aren't enough doses. The eighth season of Married At First Sight is fast approaching. And on Tuesday, Channel 9 dropped two teaser clips that offer fans a sneak peek at a few of the brides and grooms on their way to their weddings. If the new promo is anything to go by, this year's experiment will feature a mix of personalities - with some feeling confident, while others are left second guessing their decision to marry a stranger. Get excited! Married At First Sight released two teaser trailers on Tuesday, showing some of the new brides and grooms gearing up to meet their partners for the first time In the first promo, we see blonde bride Beth Moore, a Perth based retail worker who admits she is feeling 'nervous' at meeting her mystery groom. Viewers are then introduced to mother-of-three Joanne Todd who is hoping to find The One. 'I'm feeling a teeny-tiny bit of cold feet,' she tells a friend. Nerves! In the first promo, we see blonde bride Beth Moore, (pictured) a Perth based retail worker who admits she is feeling 'nervous' at meeting her mystery groom Cold feet? Viewers are then introduced to Joanne Todd, who is hoping to find The One, but it reticent. 'I'm feeling a teeny-tiny bit of fold feet,' she tells a friend An over-the-top brunette bride Coco Stedman is then seen practising her introduction. 'Hey, I'm Coco, just like a chocolate milkshake, only crunchy,' she laughs off. Viewers are then introduced to blonde bride, Melissa Rawson, who appears to be overwhelmed by the experience. Ready to shine! Over-the-top brunette bride Coco Stedman (right) is then seen practising her introduction. 'Hey, I'm Coco, just like a chocolate milkshake, only crunchy,' she laughs A friend is then heard telling her, 'Breathe...' At another point, we see over excited bride Belinda Vickers. 'Oh my god, OH MY GOOOOODDDDDD,' she screams while approaching her wedding venue. Over the top! Another point in the video, we see over excited bride Belinda Vickers (pictured). 'Oh my god, OH MY GOOOOODDDDDD,' she screams while approaching her wedding venue A second video reveals this year's male participants appear more optimistic about meeting their brides. Charity CEO Jake Edwards is heard telling the camera: 'I'm definitely ready to meet my wife.' Meanwhile, Bryce Ruthven, a Canberra based radio presenter appears to be second guessing his decision. Regrets? Meanwhile, Bryce Ruthven, (right) a Canberra based radio presenter, appears to be second guessing his decision Nervous: Gold coast based Crane Operator, Cameron Dunne, (pictured) admits he is 'dripping' with sweat before he rubs his hands in an effort to relax 'What am I doing?' he asks, to which a friend reassures him by saying 'You'll be right'. Gold coast based Crane Operator Cameron Dunne admits he is 'dripping' with sweat before he rubs his hands in an effort to relax. Married At First Sight premieres Monday, February 22 at 7.30pm on Channel Nine Justin Hartley celebrated Valentine's Day with his daughter Isabella and girlfriend Sofia Pernas. The This Is Us actor, 44, posed with Isabella, 16, and Pernas, 31, in a shot he posted to his Instagram Stories, with the hashtag #HappyValentine'sDay. In the shot, which also included the family dog, Hartley wore a grey coat with a black top, Pernas donned a gold dress and Isabella was in a brown coat. Fun time: Justin Hartley, 44, celebrated Valentine's Day with his daughter Isabella, 16, and girlfriend Sofia Pernas, 31 It was Hartley's first Valentine's with the Spanish-Moroccan-American actress, 31, who he began dating last May. The pair worked with one another six years ago on the soap opera The Young and the Restless. The Knoxville, Illinois native is father to Isabella with ex Lindsay Hartley, 42, who he was wed to from 2004 until 2012; he was also previously married to Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause, 39, who he began seeing in 2014 and wed in 2017. The couple divorced in 2019, and Stause is now in a relationship with Dancing With The Stars pro Keo Motsepe. Hartley, who plays Kevin Pearson on the NBC hit, earlier this month told Late Night With Seth Meyers about his adventures with his daughter teaching her how to drive. Key role: Hartley plays Kevin Pearson on the NBC hit This Is Us Out and about: Hartley and Isabella were seen at the Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica last year 'There's nothing more terrifying, actually, than taking your daughter or son, your 16-year-old, who knows nothing about driving and putting them behind the wheel,' Hartley said. 'It's the worst thing in the world.' The Smallville alum recalled how he was eating gummy bears during one close call with the novice driver. 'I look up and we are cruising through a red light, just reckless, she could not have cared less,' Hartley said. 'And I looked at her and we pulled the car over and then she realized what she did and I said, "That could have been my last gummy bear - you have to be more careful."' A Russian prosecutor on Tuesday asked a Moscow court to fine opposition figure Alexei Navalny 950,000 rubles ($13,000/10,600 euros) for allegedly defaming a 94-year-old veteran. The prosecution also asked for a three-and-a-half year suspended sentence Navalny received in 2014 to be converted into real jail time as the alleged defamation occurred during the suspended sentence. Another Moscow court earlier this month already converted the suspended sentence to jail time over Navalny allegedly violating the terms of the suspended sentence while recovering from a poisoning attack in Germany. A Moscow district court was on Tuesday hearing the final arguments in the defamation case against Navalny, who referred to the World War II veteran and others who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "traitors". Navalny took part in the hearing from inside a glass cage for defendants. Wearing a blue hoodie, the 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner frequently smiled and paced inside the glass cell, an AFP journalist reported. His lawyer Olga Mikhailova insisted the charges were "contrived and arbitrary". After the final arguments were delivered, the judge adjourned the hearing to February 20. Another Moscow court on Tuesday was scheduled to hear a libel case against Navalny launched by Kremlin-linked businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin. The 59-year-old businessman, nicknamed "Putin's chef" because his company Concord catered for the Kremlin, is seeking five million rubles in compensation from Navalny. Later in the day, a court will also hear Navalny's appeal against a fine of 3.3 million rubles that he was ordered to pay a food company in another defamation lawsuit. Navalny was jailed immediately after returning from Germany to Moscow in January, sparking two consecutive weekends of nationwide protests demanding his release. At least 10,000 people were detained in a police crackdown on demonstrators. On Sunday several hundred female activists formed a human chain in central Moscow in a show of support for Navalny's wife Yulia and other women caught up in the crackdown. Short link: Efforts to address problems with the Northern Ireland Protocol should be a two-way street, the European Commission vice-president said (Liam McBurney/PA) Efforts to address problems with the Northern Ireland Protocol should be a two-way street, the European Commission vice-president said. Maros Sefcovic said the EU is always ready to deliver on its commitments surrounding the post-Brexit arrangements to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell reiterated the need for the Government to take direct and meaningful action to restore Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market following disruption of supplies. Expand Close Mr Sefcovic told Euronews the EU is always ready to deliver on its commitments but the UK must realise the effort is a two-way street (Liam McBurney/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Sefcovic told Euronews the EU is always ready to deliver on its commitments but the UK must realise the effort is a two-way street (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Sefcovic told Euronews the EU is always ready to deliver on its commitments but the UK must realise the effort is a two-way street. I believe if the UK used all the flexibilities which we already agreed upon in December, then also the implementation of the protocol would be much easier. A series of loyalist signs have been posted near the sea port of Larne in Co Antrim criticising the protocol in trenchant terms. On attempts to renegotiate the accord with the UK, Mr Sefcovic said: I think we have to be all very cautious about breaching international law, an agreement we just signed. He added: We can be 100% sure that the protocol is the solution, not the problem. The protocol is the only way we can avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. I believe if the UK used all the flexibilities which we already agreed upon in December, then also the implementation of the protocol would be much easier. The European Commission vice-president says he has not discussed UK proposals that would restore the border on the island of Ireland. A report in the Sunday Telegraph said Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove is now considering an alternate mutual enforcement plan. Mr Sefcovic has said his discussions with Mr Gove had focused on the implementation of the protocol. Mr Sefcovic apologised for the EUs recent attempt to trigger Article 16 of the protocol to prevent the flow of vaccines into Northern Ireland. The move has led to Unionist calls for Westminster to now invoke the clause which would create a border on the island of Ireland. Consent was a cornerstone of agreements, for this, there is none Gregory Campbell Mr Campbell said: The Prime Minister speaks about wanting to keep the protocol to respect the Belfast Agreement but I suspect this is more out of convenience than conviction. In reality the protocol has already blown a huge hole in this provision by disrupting the east-west relationship bypassing the requirement for cross community consent prior to implementation. He added not a single voice from any shade of unionism in Northern Ireland supported the protocol. The Government must quickly realise that far from garnering support for these flawed arrangements, doing nothing further tilts the delicate balance of relationships within Northern Ireland. Consent was a cornerstone of agreements, for this, there is none. Michael van der Veen (R), defense attorney for Donald Trump, arrives before the fifth day of the Senate Impeachment trials for former President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Feb. 13, 2021. (Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images) Trump Lawyer Says He Sent Children to Secret Location, Hired Armed Guards Over Threats An attorney who represented former President Donald Trump during his impeachment trial said he sent his children to a secret location and was forced to hire guards at his home and work, citing threats against him for defending the former president. Michael van der Veen told Newsmax on Monday that I moved my children to a secretive location. Weve hired armed guards to protect our places of living and working. And were doing fine. My family understands and my law firm understands that we fight on the side of right, he added. The lawyer, who is based in Philadelphia, said that his home was vandalized with graffiti. Detective Scott Pezick of the West Whiteland Township Police Department confirmed the development on Feb. 12. Photos uploaded online showed traitor spray-painted on his property. My home was attacked last nightwindows broken, spray paint, really bad words spray-painted everywhere, van der Veen said at the time, adding, Ive had nearly 100 death threats. He continued to say: The thing is, you guys dont know me but you know Im not a controversial guy. Im not politically minded so to speak. Im a trial lawyer and I represent peoples interests in court. Thats what I do. I love doing it. And Im disappointed that that is the result of just me doing my job. Following the Nov. 3 election, a number of GOP officials and Trump-aligned individuals faced threats. A Pennsylvania-based lawyer who had represented Trump in his election lawsuits confirmed in court filings in late 2020 that she was forced to seek protection from the U.S. Marshals after receiving threats. Another law firm that had represented Trump was forced to pull out of a lawsuit due to alleged threats. Meanwhile, two Republicans on Wayne Countys Board of Canvassers had said in November they received threats over their vote against certifying the countys election results. They eventually voted to certify the votes but later tried to rescind them, to no avail. House Democrats impeached Trump for allegedly inciting violence during the Capitol breach on Jan. 6, which Trump and his lawyers denied. He was ultimately acquitted on Feb. 13 in a 57-43 vote. The impeachment managers, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) frequently cited Trumps Jan. 6 comment to supporters about fighting for election integrity: We fight like hell. And if you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore. The former commander-in-chiefs lawyers argued that House managers willfully omitted the part of his speech where he told demonstrators to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. Trump also denounced the violence following the breach of the Capitol. Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the year when a Pennsylvania-based Trump lawyer confirmed in court filings that she was forced to seek protection. The Epoch Times regrets the error. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 02:33:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa (L, front) and Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun (R, front) shows the handover certificate of the donation during a ceremony at State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Feb. 15, 2021. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday officially received 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) HARARE, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday officially received 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government. Speaking at the signing ceremony of the handover certificate of the donation with Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun at State House in Harare, Mnangagwa said the Chinese government has shown its commitment to assisting Zimbabwe in its fight against the pandemic. "Yet again, the People's Republic of China has demonstrated its solidarity by being the first to partner with us in the effort to vaccinate our people. We are confident that this will enable us to enter new dawn in our fight against this global pandemic," Mnangagwa said. He expressed his gratitude to China for always being a steadfast partner to the people of Zimbabwe. "Even as you battled the vaccine on your own shores in China, you never neglected to lend a helping hand to Zimbabwe. "This consistent display of unwavering partnership is a strong evidence of the strength of our bilateral relations, close and enduring ties between our two peoples," he said. Mnangagwa said the kind gesture testifies to the commendable leadership role that China has continued to play in global efforts to combat the spread of the virus. Speaking at the same occasion, Guo said the donation was a testament to the cordial relations between China and Zimbabwe. Guo said China was the first country to make a commitment to make the vaccine a global public good. "We realize we are in the global community. China will always contribute to the accessibility and affordability of Chinese vaccines in developing countries," he said. "Since early last year we have stood together in this fight, giving each other confidence, courage and support," Guo said. The Zimbabwean government has announced that it will start vaccination of frontline workers this week, as it aims to inoculate 60 percent of the country's population. The vaccination will be done in three phases, starting with frontline workers at high risk of COVID-19, followed by those with chronic illnesses, the elderly, and the prison population. Zimbabwe has also purchased 600,000 Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine doses from China, which are expected to arrive in the country in March. Enditem WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate has announced its first hearings to examine the Jan. 6 siege of the Capitol, calling in the former chief of Capitol Police and the former heads of security for the House and Senate, all three of whom resigned immediately after the attack. Two Senate committees will meet next week to begin a broad examination of the security failures that led to the vast breach, in which five people died. In addition to the Feb. 23 hearing, the two committees are pressing for information from almost two dozen agencies and departments about the response. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Senate Rules Committee announced Tuesday that they had invited former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, former Senate Sergeant at Arms Michael Stenger and former House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving to the hearing, along with Robert Contee, the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. Related: Capitol Riot Squad Officers Speak Out in New Report The security breakdown that day, as the House and Senate met for a joint session to count electoral votes, was massive. The Capitol Police had planned for a free speech demonstration, not a violent insurrection by supporters of former President Donald Trump to overturn the election. The rioters not only breached the Capitol but entered the Senate chamber minutes after senators had fled and tried to break through the doors of the House chamber with lawmakers still inside. Outside, they engaged in hand-to-hand combat with an outnumbered, ill-prepared Capitol Police force, eventually assisted by D.C. police. The acting chief of the Capitol Police, Yogananda Pittman, has acknowledged the department knew before Jan. 6 that extremists and white supremacists could be in the crowd outside the Capitol, but she and other leaders are still pointing fingers about who was responsible for not bolstering security. With security weakened, tall fences and barbed wire now surround the Capitol, cutting off streets and laying out a wide perimeter. Thousands of National Guard troops line the fences and protect the halls. The hearing was announced by Senate Homeland Chairman Gary Peters, D-Mich.; the Homeland panels top Republican, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman; Senate Rules Committee Chairwoman Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and the top Republican on the Rules panel, Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt. - Associated Press writer Michael Balsamo contributed to this report. [February 16, 2021] The CM Group Acquires Scientific Commercialization The CM Group, LLC, a leading provider of information and knowledge services to the biopharmaceutical community, announces the acquisition of Scientific Commercialization, LLC (SC), a Madison, Wisconsin-based leader in medical affairs consulting and business intelligence software solutions. The acquisition will offer a significant advantage to life science companies by providing a comprehensive suite of offerings coupled with the personalized, high-touch service both companies are known for. "By combining SC's core competencies with those of The CM Group, we are able to help our clients in a more comprehensive way," explains The CM Group's cofounder, Cherie Myatt. "The addition of SC's medical consulting and BI capabilities uniquely positions us to provide our clients with customized solutions along with strategic and tactical capabilities ranging from early clinical and medical engagement through commercialization, based on their stage of development and specific needs." Scientific Commercialization provides innovative consulting and analytics to medical affairs and other functions within life sciences and biopharmaceutical companies, including a wide range of services from product strategy, launch and execution to organizational design and process optimization. In addition, they offer a robust suite of business intelligence solutions-including SC-Insight, social listening and Natural Language Prcessing-empowering clients to optimize data and bring forward insights that provide real impact to patient and company success. "I am particularly excited about the business intelligence capabilities that are now integrated into our offering," explains Maggie Butler, cofounder of The CM Group. "We are now able to expand our capabilities and leverage insights to help our clients design programs that improve engagement with health care professionals and patient communities." The acquisition of Scientific Commercialization is the next step in The CM Group's growth strategy. In 2017, the company launched the Px Group, a division focused on integrating authentic patient and caregiver voices through all stages of a company's pre-commercial and commercial activities. Activities includes patient/caregiver advisory boards, 1:1 insight sessions, peer-to-peer meetings, mentor/buddy programs, advocacy relationship management, patient story development, podcasts, videos, websites and more. "Our work doesn't stop with medical affairs," notes Daniel Leonard, former CEO of Scientific Commercialization, and current Member of the Board of The CM Group focused on Corporate Development. "While development of scientific and clinical stories during the early stages are key initial steps in a complex commercialization journey, it goes beyond that. Continued optimization of all relevant communication channels and connecting the right people with the right information is paramount to success. Joining forces with The CM Group's family of companies is the right step to be able to serve our clients throughout the product lifecycle and I am excited to support this next chapter for both companies." Learn more about The CM Group and its Scientific Commercialization division. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005785/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The chairman of the National Committee for the coordination of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Valeriu Gheorghita, specified on Tuesday that there is new data regarding the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people over 65, and that provided that this will be accepted by the European Medicines Agency, Romania will also raise its age limit, which is currently placed between 18 and 55 years old. "We will certainly reevaluate the available scientific data. I would like to remind you that in February there is new data regarding the efficacy of the vaccine produced by Oxford AstraZeneca, data which is currently about to be published. It will be also sent to the European Medicines Agency. As soon as it is accepted, Romania too will raise the age limit to 65 years or maybe even over, if the available data is in accordance with the efficacy rate that allows us take such a decision. So this is an aspect we are seriously looking into, and once the available data allows us to make this decision, we will make this a priority," Valeriu Gheorghita said when asked, in a press conference at the Victoria Palace of Government, about the Romanian authorities' intentions, given that there are people who are over 55 and wish to vaccinate with AstraZeneca, and at the moment only those between 18-55 can benefit from this vaccine. Photo: The Canadian Press Francisco Marte sips a homemade concoction containing garlic, carrots, beets, onion and ginger to boost his immune system. As panicked Americans cleared supermarkets of toilet paper and food last spring, grocery employees gained recognition as among the most indispensable of the pandemic's front-line workers. A year later, most of those workers are waiting their turn to receive COVID-19 vaccines, with little clarity about when that might happen. A decentralized vaccine campaign has resulted in a patchwork of policies that differ from state to state, and even county to county in some areas, resulting in an inconsistent rollout to low-paid essential workers who are exposed to hundreds of customers each day. Apparently we are not front-line workers when it comes to getting the vaccine. That was kind of a shock, said Dawn Hand, who works at a Kroger supermarket in Houston, where she said three of her co-workers were out with the virus last week. She watches others getting vaccinated at the in-store pharmacy without knowing when she'll get her turn. Texas is among several states that have decided to leave grocery and other essential workers out of the second phase of its vaccination effort, instead prioritizing adults over 65 and people with chronic medical conditions. Focusing on older adults is an approach many epidemiologists support as the most ethical and efficient because it will help reduce deaths and hospitalizations faster. People over 65 account for 80% of deaths in the country, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention. Our main goals with vaccines should be reducing deaths and hospitalizations, said William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. In order to do that, we need to begin vaccinating those at the highest risks. But many grocery workers have been surprised and disheartened to find that they've been left out of such policies, in part because a CDC panel had raised their expectations by recommending the second phase of the vaccine rollout 1B include grocery and other essential employees. Even when grocery workers are prioritized, they still face long waits. New York opened up vaccines to grocery workers in early January, along with other essential employees and anyone 65 and over. But limited supply makes booking an appointment difficult, even more so for the workers who dont have large companies or unions to advocate for them. Edward Lara had to close his small grocery store known as a bodega in the Bronx for 40 days when he and his employees contracted the virus last spring. He has tried for weeks to get a vaccine appointment and finally figured out he could register through the website of a network of health care providers, which will notify him when a slot opens. Laras father-in-law died of the virus in March. His mother-in-law died in November. Last week, a friend who manages his bodegas insurance policy also died. And a cousin in New Jersey got the virus for a second time, leaving him terrified it could happen to him. Nothing to be done. Cross my fingers and hope that God protects me, Lara said after registering for the waitlist. Only 13 states are currently allowing grocery workers to sign up for vaccines, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents 1.3 million U.S. grocery, meatpacking and other front-line workers. Some states are still working through an initial phase that prioritizes health workers and nursing home residents. Many states have divided the second phase into tiers that put grocery workers lower than others, including people 65 and over, teachers and first responders. Eleven states have no clear plan for prioritizing grocery workers at all, according to research from United 4 Respect, a labour group that advocates for workers at Walmart, Amazon and other major retailers. At MOMs Organic Market, a 21-store grocery chain in the Mid-Atlantic region, chief culture officer Jon Croft initially thought the companys 1,500 workers would be vaccinated by the end of January. He now thinks it will be more like March or April. The company has only been able to pre-register workers from two stores in Maryland and two in Virginia. Folks feel they deserve to have an opportunity to be vaccinated having been on the front line, Croft said. "The politicians and the health departments have been singing the praises of grocery workers but now they have been silent. Major food retailers say they are doing their part to get their workers vaccinated. Kroger, the nations largest grocery chain, said it has been vaccinating employees in Illinois ever since they became eligible, but grocery workers arent yet eligible in most of the jurisdictions in which the company operates. Target and Walmart also said they would offer their workers vaccines at their own pharmacies as soon as they are eligible. Kroger, Trader Joe's, Target and online delivery service Instacart have offered bonuses or extra paid time off for workers who get the vaccine. When grocery chain Lidl got word from Suffolk County on Long Island that it would be given appointments for its local workers, it immediately contacted those who it knew to be at highest risk. So far, more than 100 employees in Suffolk County have now gotten shots. Joseph Lupo, a Lidl supervisor who fell ill with the virus in March, is one of them. I never ever want to get COVID again, or see anybody else get it, said Lupo, 59. But for many grocery workers, the realization that they wont be eligible any time soon adds to the sense of being expendable. They have fought a mostly losing battle for hazard pay, which a handful of companies offered in the spring but ended despite multiple resurgences of the virus. A year into the pandemic, some shoppers still refuse to wear masks and managers often dont force them to follow the rules. There are the people who come in wearing a mask halfway down or take it off as soon as they get in the door, said Drew Board, who makes $13.50 an hour handling grocery pick-up orders at a Walmart in Albemarle, North Carolina. I ask them politely to pull it back up and they do and then take it back down when they walk away. Gillian Jones, an Eagle digital visual journalist, is writing a monthly op-ed series on caregiving. Her email is gjones@berkshireeagle.com. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, called on Monday for the creation of a 9/11-style Commission Most Republicans in the US Senate voted to acquit Donald Trump in last week's impeachment trial, but the former president's woes are far from over. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, called on Monday for the creation of a 9/11-style Commission to look into the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by Trump's supporters. Here is a look at the likely impacts of such an investigation and Trump's other potential legal woes: Pelosi said she would move to establish an "outside, independent 9/11-type Commission" to probe the US Capitol assault that left five people dead. The Commission would "investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021 domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex," she said in a statement. It would also look into "the interference with the peaceful transfer of power" and the preparedness and response of the Capitol Police and branches of law enforcement. An exhaustive probe was launched following the September 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda attacks that killed about 3,000 people in the United States. Several Republicans have also said they want an independent probe into the Capitol assault by Trump loyalists who were seeking to halt the final certification of President Joe Biden's election victory. "We need a 9/11 commission to find out what happened to make sure it never happens again," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, one of Trump's fiercest defenders, told Fox News Sunday. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana told ABC News there should be a "complete investigation" and Trump "should be held accountable." Trump was acquitted in a 57-43 Senate vote that fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for conviction of inciting the January 6 assault on the Capitol. Cassidy was one of the seven Republicans who joined Democrats voting in favor of Trump's conviction. Senator Mitch McConnell, the powerful Republican Senate minority leader, voted to acquit the former president on constitutional grounds but squarely blamed him for the Capitol riots and hinted that he could still face criminal charges. "There's no question -- none -- that president Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day," McConnell told the chamber after the vote. "President Trump is still liable for everything he did while he was in office," McConnell added. "He didn't get away with anything yet." Democrats say Trump, who held a rally urging supporters to "fight like hell," was to blame for inciting the crowd that smashed its way into Congress. Trump's defense lawyers drew attention to the fact that he said at one point that protesters should demonstrate "peacefully and patriotically." Forty-five percent of the 1,056 Americans surveyed in a poll published by Quinnipiac University on Monday said they believe Trump is responsible and should face criminal charges. Forty-three percent said Trump is not responsible for inciting violence while six percent said they believe he is responsible but should not face criminal charges. Legal experts have said securing a conviction against Trump for his role in the insurrection is unlikely, given that his statements would be subject to First Amendment freedom of expression protections. A 9/11-style investigation is only one item on a growing list of legal headaches Trump faces now that he is a private citizen without presidential legal protections. The 74-year-old former president is already the target of at least one criminal investigation, led by Manhattan prosecutor Cyrus Vance, who has been fighting for months to obtain eight years of his tax returns. Initially focused on payments before the 2016 presidential election to two women who claim they had affairs with Trump, the state-level probe is also now examining possible allegations of tax evasion, as well as insurance and bank fraud. Last week, a prosecutor in Georgia revealed she was investigating Trump's efforts to subvert the state's results in the November 3 election by pressuring local officials to alter the vote count. He is additionally fending off civil lawsuits, including from two women who have alleged he sexually assaulted them and are suing him for defamation. Trump has denied any wrongdoing in all of these cases. [February 16, 2021] AIM ImmunoTech Announces Ethics Committee Approval to Commence Phase 1 Clinical Study of Ampligen as an Intranasal Therapy OCALA, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) today announced that it has received approval from the required Ethics Committee in the Netherlands to commence its Phase 1 clinical study on the safety of AIMs drug Ampligen as an intranasal therapy, a critical step in the companys ongoing efforts to develop Ampligen as a potential prophylaxis or treatment for COVID-19 and other respiratory viral diseases. Earlier this year, the company announced that it had entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) for the proposed AMP-COV-100 (CHDR2049) trial. Last week, approval was received from the Dutch local Ethics Committee, clearing the road for execution of the trial. The current study plans call for the enrollment of eight healthy subjects in each of four Ampligen treatment groups and eight placebo subjects, for a total of 40 healthy subjects. This will assess the safety, tolerability and biological activity of repeated administration of Ampligen intranasally. The subjects will receive intranasal dosing every other day for 13 days, for a total of seven doses each. AIM is funding the clinical study. We are delighted and honored to receive Ethics Committee approval, an important step toward initiation of the trial, said AIM CEO Thomas K. Equels. We are on track for site initiation later this month and expect to begin enrolling participants in the study during the first quarter of 2021. Importantly, our prior in vitro modeling at The Institute for Antiviral Research at Utah State University demonstrated that Ampligen was able to decrease SARS-CoV-2 infectious viral yields by 90% at clinically achievable intranasal Ampligen dosage concentrations. As a result, we are highly encouraged by the potential of an intranasal prophylactic approach using Ampligen to prevent infection and spread of COVID-19 and are excited to commence safety tests of potential dosing regimens. Dr. Matthijs Moerland, principal investigator at CHDR: Were very happy helping AIM with this important step. Together with AIMs study team, we feel we have not only designed a trial evaluating Ampligens intranasal safety profile, but also yielding important mechanistic data on the compounds immunomodulatory activities. About AIM ImmunoTech Inc. AIM ImmunoTech Inc. is an immuno-pharma company focused on the research and development of therapeutics to treat multiple types of cancers, immune disorders, and viral diseases, including COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Cautionary Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the PSLRA). Words such as may, will, expect, plan, anticipate and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Many of these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among other things, for those statements, the Company claims the protection of safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA. The Company cannot assure that the CHDR study will be successful or yield favorable data and trials are subject to many factors including lack of regulatory approval(s), lack of study drug, or a change in priorities at the institutions sponsoring other trials. Significant additional testing and trials will be required to determine whether Ampligen will be effective in the treatment of COVID-19 as an intranasal therapy or otherwise, and no assurance can be given that this will be the case. Operating in foreign countries carries with it a number of risks, including potential difficulties in enforcing intellectual property rights. We cannot assure that our potential foreign operations will not be adversely affected by these risks. There is the potential for delays in clinical trial enrollment and reporting because of the COVID-19 medical emergency. We do not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof. Contacts: Crescendo Communications, LLC Phone: 212-671-1021 Email: aim@crescendo-ir.com AIM ImmunoTech Inc Phone: 800-778-4042 Email: IR@aimimmuno.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3611a63e-e942-4a1e-9f9e-b463ef0a224a [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone of a statue of warrior King Suheldev in Bahraich , Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday to commemorate his birth anniversary. The prime minister, who will be addressing the people via video conference, will also unveil programmes for the beautification of Shravasti, Chittora Lake and Bahraich on the occasion, a government spokesman said here. He will also announce the development of various tourist amenities like a cafeteria, guest house, and a children's park, the spokesman said. The central government had also released a postal stamp, and run a superfast train 'The Suhaildev Express'. The tri-weekly train covers the breadth of India's most populous state i.e. from Ghazipur in Purvanchal to Anand Vihar in Delhi. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel will be attending the event which will be held on the occasion of Vasant Panchami on February 16 in Bahraich to mark the birth anniversary of King Suheldev, the icon of Rajbhar community. Since coming to power, the Modi government has taken a number of steps to honour Suheldev. In February 2016, BJP leader Amit Shah had unveiled a statue of Suheldev and also launched a book on him in Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border, where the medieval king enjoys a legendary status, the spokesman said. PM Modi to address NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum on 17th Feb PM Modi expresses grief over accident in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district PM Modi praises Indian diaspora in Gulf during Kerala visit The partner of a 73-year-old man whose head was stomped on four times during a sickening and unprovoked 14-minute beating, has told the Sunday World: "No sentence could ever be long enough for what was done to him." In an exclusive interview, given after Jonathan O'Driscoll from Macroom, Co Cork was jailed for 13 years for the horror attack on Christy O'Callaghan, the pensioner's partner Ann Holland told us: "People who'd do that, I'd line them up and shoot them. "There is no excuse for what he did to him." A heartbroken Ann also told how champion greyhound trainer Christy spent a year in hospital before being moved to a nursing home, where he is now confined to a wheelchair as a direct result of the horrific and unprovoked beating dished out to him by O'Driscoll (31). "Christy will never be the same again," she said. "We talk on the phone four or five times every day. "I haven't been able to go up to the nursing home and see him since before Christmas because of Covid but he forgets things now and he rarely laughs any more. "The only hope I have now, because the nursing home isn't the right place for him, is that somehow the council and the greyhound community and the people of Macroom will come together to build him a little place up where he had his kennels. Expand Close Pensioner Christy O'Callaghan in the nursing home. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pensioner Christy O'Callaghan in the nursing home. Read More "And that maybe he'd come back to himself again if he was living again in a home of his own with a full time carer." On Tuesday, Det Garda Alan O'Sullivan told Cork Circuit Court how O'Driscoll dragged Christy from his van at the Dunnes Stores car park in Macroom just before midnight on March 21, 2019. He then threw the pensioner, who was sleeping in his van, around the ground before punching and kicking him during a 14 minute attack which was captured on CCTV. The footage showed O'Driscoll stamping on Christy's head four times in a five second period before kicking him repeatedly into the ribs. The attack only came to an end when it was spotted by a passer-by who raised the alarm. "I couldn't believe it was him at first," Ann told the Sunday World, as she recalled her first sight of Christy at Cork University Hospital in the wake of the attack. "The thing about it was all the bones in his face were broken and he seemingly had a big gash in the back of his head. "His collarbone was broken, his breast bone was broken and eight of his ribs were broken. "They had to re-break his breast bone to set it and his hip had to be replaced. "I just couldn't understand how anyone would do that to Christy. "He'd never raised a hand in anger in his life. "And if there was a fight, he would just have walked away. "The guards told me, on the CCTV, when he pulled him out of the van first, Christy walked away. "But after he searched the van, he ran after Christy and knocked him down and then and then to do what he did to him. Expand Close Jonathan O'Driscoll / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jonathan O'Driscoll "I said it to [the investigating guard] and I said it to the rest of the guards too, what I would do with all of them is, I would line them up and shoot them. "There is no excuse! No excuse for what he [O'Driscoll] did to him." "At one stage they were talking about switching off the life support and I remember saying to them: 'No, Christy will live, he's a fighter. "But as the days went on I was thinking he'd never wake up, until one day, he did. "And I must say, the nurses and the doctors and the staff in the ICU were brilliant, I really have to give them that." Tragically for Christy, regaining consciousness did not signal a return to full health and he is now trapped in a state which Judge Sean O Donnabhain described on Tuesday as 'a living hell.' "It's just devastating," Ann continued. "How could I describe the way me and Christy were? "Soulmates? That's what we were!" Ann said their friendship dates back 27 years to shortly after she was separated. Expand Close Victim Christy O'Callaghan was left critically ill after being attacked / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Victim Christy O'Callaghan was left critically ill after being attacked "When I needed help, Christy was very good to me," she said. "After I separated I was caring for my mum and I had no money. "And Christy helped me, he suggested to me if I helped him with the dogs at the track, he'd pay me. "And I did that because I was in dire straits looking after my mother. "And,after that, we were at the track almost every night of the week between runner and trials and I loved the dogs and the greyhound people because they were good people I thought." Ann continued that although the couple never moved in together, they went on holidays together twice a year, met up two or three times a week, and spoke to each several times a day each day on the phone., "Even now, I speak to Christy at least four or five times a day on the phone," a heartbroken Ann continued. "Sometimes, depending on how he is, I could be talking to him for half an hour or maybe an hour at a time." Recalling the day leading up to the attack which shattered both her and Christy's lives, Ann said the couple had enjoyed a day out and dinner in Kinsale before Christy drove back to Macroom. It subsequently emerged that the pensioner, who was not homeless and had an address in the town, had been sleeping in his van and was parking up the vehicle to sleep when he was attacked. "He rang me and said I got home safely," recalled Ann. "He said the road was quiet, go way to bed you and I'll talk to you in the morning. "And seemingly, it was just when he got off the phone from me that your man appeared and he did to him what he did." At Tuesday's hearing, the court heard how when gardai from Macroom arrived on the scene, they found O'Driscoll cradling Mr O'Callaghan in his arms, pretending to care for him as if he had nothing to do with the assault. However, when gardai searched him, they found Mr O'Callaghan's wallet and watch. Medical evidence was heard as to how Christy suffered several broken bones in his face, a broken collar bone, eight broken ribs, a smashed thigh bone and a collapsed lung. He spent two weeks in intensive care and after 11 months in hospital had to go into a nursing home as he could no longer look after himself. "What I don't understand, and I cannot understand," said Ann, " is that somebody can be beaten like that, beaten like Christy was, almost to a pulp, and there's nothing in law in this country that says he must be looked after to get him back to what he was. "I understand what the guards are saying when they say I should be happy that he [Jonathan O'Driscoll] is now gone off the streets and he can't hurt anyone else. "And I do appreciate that but that's no good to Christy. "There should be something there for him he shouldn't have to stay in a nursing home, there should be something done, something there to make it possible that he can go back and live in his own home." Four passengers arriving in the UK have been fined 10,000 each for failing to tell authorities that they came from a 'red-list' country. The passengers landed at Birmingham Airport where they 'attempted to hide their routes', West Midlands Police revealed. Police have not said where the four people arrived from, but they were 'identified and received 10,000 fines as a result'. Arrivals from 33 'red list' countries now have to pay 1,750 to quarantine in a hotel for ten days - or face a 10,000 fine. Passengers who lie about where they came from on their passenger locator forms could be hit with a 10-year jail sentence. The passengers landed at Birmingham Airport where they 'attempted to hide their routes', West Midlands Police revealed (file image) Police have not revealed where the four people arrived from, but they were 'identified and received 10,000 fines as a result'. Pictured: A woman arrived at Birmingham Airport after the hotel quarantine programme came into effect West Midlands Police temporary Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: 'By midday yesterday, on the first day of implementation, we have received six passengers who had declared travelling from a red list country, who were taken to the quarantine hotel. What are the rules for entering Britain? You cannot enter the UK if you've been in or through a country on the banned travel list (known as the 'red list') in the last 10 days, unless you're British, Irish or you have the right to live in the UK Those travelling to England must take two tests after arriving. You must either quarantine where you're staying or in a managed quarantine hotel for 10 days What you need to do depends on where you travel in the 10 days before you arrive - if you travel in or through a country on the banned travel list within 10 days, you must stay managed quarantine hotel; if not, you can quarantine at home You need to provide your journey and contact details in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. You must do this by completing the online passenger locator form You'll need to show proof that you've completed the form when you arrive at the UK border as well as proof of a negative test taken three days before departure You could be fined 500 when you arrive at the border if you cannot provide proof that you have had a negative coronavirus test You do not need a test if you're travelling within the UK, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey; from Ireland; from Ascension, Falkland Islands or St Helena; and children under 11 do not need a test In Scotland, arrivals from all international destinations have to quarantine, even if they are not on the red list. Advertisement 'We also had four passengers who were identified as having travelled from a red list country, that hadn't declared it.' The group are understood to have been fined individually, The Sun reports. A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said information about where the group arrived from and whether or not they were travelling together will not be released. A statement read: 'West Midlands Police has a proportionate increase in policing at the airport in order to support checks with regards to essential only travel. 'Fines for breaches for those entering the country and in breach of Covid regulations are issued by UK Border Force police. 'The safety of passengers is a key priority for us and we will continue to engage with passengers to ensure they are only at the airport for essential purposes and encouraging those without good reason to be there, to go home. 'Enforcement will be used as a last resort for those who fail to comply with the regulations.' Countries on the 'red list' include Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal and South Africa. And the list is set to 'get longer before it gets shorter' due to the Government's concern over the spread of new variants in nations not already on the list. At least four countries are reporting more than 30 cases of the Brazilian and South African variants. They include Austria, which has seen 300 positive tests, and Belgium, with 55 - putting them at risk of being added to the list. A further 33 countries where mutant strains have been found are not on the list. These include Denmark, France, Greece, Japan, Kenya, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada and the United States. Today, it emerged that travellers from red list countries face an additional 1,200 bill on top of the original 1,750 if they test positive during their stay. Meanwhile, concerns have again been raised about the safety of the current system. Britain has banned flights from all 'red list' countries, so passengers must take connecting flights, mixing with passengers from countries not on the list. Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds claimed the policy 'creates an unacceptable risk to the health of the British people'. More countries are expected to be added to the 'red list' due to the spread of new variants, airports have been told. Pictured are arrivals at the Heathrow Holiday Inn today Security escort passengers as they arrive at the Holiday Inn near Heathrow today to begin their ten-day quarantine period At least four countries are reporting more than 30 cases of the Brazilian and South African variants. They include Austria, which has seen 300 positive tests, and Belgium, with 55 - putting them at risk of being added to the list Travellers in hotels face an ADDITIONAL 1,200 bill on top of original 1,750 charge if they test positive during stay Travellers from 'red list' countries who test positive for coronavirus during their compulsory 10 day stay in a quarantine hotel face an additional 1,200 bill, it emerged today. All arrivals in England from 33 banned countries must book a stay in Government-approved accommodation at an initial cost of 1,750. However, people who test positive for the disease will be forced to extend their stay and they must pick up the tab for the additional days spent in self-isolation. The additional daily rate has been set at 152 and it was only published on the Government's website on Monday, after some guests had already checked in. Guests must take two tests during their stay, one on day two and one on day eight, and they can leave when they receive a negative result and once they have quarantined for 10 full days. But a positive result from the first test will extend a traveller's stay by two nights at an additional cost of 304. Advertisement It also emerged that Border Force staff were only emailed official guidance about how to execute the new rules two and a half hours before they came into force. Officers received a lengthy message with five attachments at 9.25pm on Sunday - giving them barely any time to prepare for their implementation at midnight. One Border Force member at Heathrow called the process 'an absolute joke', as sources said many guards had not read the email by the time they started their shifts on Monday. And London mayor Sadiq Khan also tore into Home Secretary Priti Patel over the quarantine system, which he branded a 'big failure'. The Labour politician was asked on Good Morning Britain whether he had full confidence in Ms Patel after she failed to back the head of the Metropolitan Police in an interview last week. His response was to stop and chuckle before laying into the senior minister. 'I don't like to be discourteous or impolite to colleagues, even from other parties,' he said. 'I think Priti Patel's track record as a Home Sec won't be a great one in relation to what she's not done to address some of the concerns we had around the hostile environment, I think she has not addressed the concerns we have got in relation to our borders, I think the quarantine policies have been a big failure and I don't think she has given the police the resources they need.' Travellers arriving in England must quarantine in a hotel if they have been in one of the Government's 33 'red list' countries in the past 10 days. Under the new rules, immigration control staff must check each traveller's completed passenger locator form and hotel quarantine booking. They must also verify passengers have received a negative Covid test, along with evidence of two additional test bookings for their 10-day quarantine period. Most of the red-listed nations are in southern Africa and south America, but airports have been told to expect more to be added as analysis showed the Brazilian and South African variants are already spreading in other countries. These include Austria, which has imposed strict new internal travel controls after an outbreak of 300 cases, and Belgium, which has seen 55 people test positive. Last week the Home Secretary refused to back under-pressure Met Police chief Dame Cressica Dick as the UK's top cop faced pressure over a botched probe into a VIP paedophile ring The Labour politician was asked on Good Morning Britain whether he had full confidence in Ms Patel. His response was to laugh First travellers to face new Scottish quarantine rules are told to leave hotel 'due to error' The first travellers to face new Scottish hotel quarantine rules have been told they are allowed to leave their hotel after a day due to an 'error'. Chun Wong arrived at Edinburgh Airport on Monday with his eight-year-old daughter Kiernan, having caught a connecting flight in Ireland from the US. He was among the first to face new rules which force people flying into Scotland on international flights to self-isolate in a quarantine hotel room for 10 days. Mr Yong arrives at Edinburgh airport with his daughter, Kiernan But the rules are specifically for those arriving on direct flights into Scotland and do not include those coming from within the Common Travel Area, including the UK and Ireland. This meant Mr Wong, who arrived from a connecting flight in Dublin, did not have to quarantine. According to the BBC, hotel staff told Mr Wong there had been an 'error'. Mr Wong is now due to leave the hotel today and will instead be forced to quarantine at home. The clerical blunder will be a blow to Nicola Sturgeon's claims of a 'tougher' quarantine system in Scotland - introduced after the First Minister claimed England's measures did 'not go far enough'. Speaking to the BBC, the father-of-one Mr Wong said: '(The hotel) said that since I landed in Dublin first and then got a connecting flight to here, I was not required to quarantine in a hotel. Advertisement A senior airport source told The Telegraph: 'The ''red list'' is going to get longer before it gets shorter, which was disheartening to hear. The Government does seem to be fixated on the idea of quarantining against variants. 'Given the scientific argument is that border controls are more important the fewer cases we have, there is danger we end up in a position like New Zealand. 'They have low prevalence but there is a real debate and fear about reopening. They have no exit strategy.' A Government spokesman said: 'We are in a global pandemic which is why every traveller is subject to enhanced monitoring at UK airports. 'People should not be travelling unless absolutely necessary. Every check from pre-departure testing, to the passenger locator form is to strengthen our borders and prevent the spread of coronavirus. 'Border Force operational guidance on the measures has been issued and is regularly updated to ensure staff are supported on how to apply the new guidance.' Some of the first guests to check into quarantine hotels have expressed their frustration at the tougher border rules and the cost of their accommodation. One traveller quarantining at the Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel near Heathrow Airport said he was 'feeling sad' at the prospect of isolating for 11 nights. Delivery driver Roger Goncalves, 23, who lives in London, said: 'I did my test for coronavirus. The test was negative. Why do I need to stay in my room?' He explained he had tried to fly back from Brazil last week before the requirement to quarantine in a hotel was in place but his airline cancelled his flight. He described the 1,750 cost of staying in the hotels as 'crazy'. Asked how he will spend the time in his room, Mr Goncalves said he would 'watch TV, watch Netflix'. Another traveller who checked into the hotel on Monday was Zari Tadayon, 66, from north London, who had been in Dubai to attend to 'legal matters'. She said: 'I feel horrible because I live here, I have my own individual home, and also I have some medical issues which I was hoping they would consider that. 'How I'm going to cope I don't know. It's going to be tough. I'm not prepared. I didn't bring books and stuff.' Meanwhile a father and daughter who went into hotel quarantine in Scotland yesterday were allowed to leave after a day due to a loophole with their arrival. All passengers arriving in Scotland on international flights have to enter 'managed isolation', unless they are coming from within the Common Travel Area, which includes the UK and Ireland. Officials wheel luggage into the Heathrow Holiday Inn this morning after the latest travellers arrived from red list countries A passenger carrying a child leaves a coach as he arrives at the Holiday Inn this morning for a ten-day quarantine period There are 16 hotels near airports in England that are preparing to take quarantining passengers as part of the new government scheme, including the Heathrow Holiday Inn (seen today) Security staff accompany people from the terminal to the hotel to ensure that everyone is complying. Picture taken today Chun Wong told BBC Scotland he and his daughter flew into the country from the United States via Dublin, and went straight to a hotel at Edinburgh Airport. Mr Wong told the broadcaster: 'I received a call from reception saying a gentleman from the airport would like to talk to me. 'He said that since I landed in Dublin first and then got a connecting flight to here, I was not required to quarantine in a hotel. 'I still have to quarantine and do the self-testing kit on the second and eighth day, but they said it was an error on their part.' Dozens of people are now quarantining inside Heathrow's Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel. Pictured is a photo taken today of one of the rooms occupied by one adult The rooms at the Radisson Blu - like this one pictured today - include TVs and a kettle, while aeroplane-style hot food is dropped off at the door A bathroom inside the Radisson Blu seen today. Yesterday one hotel director said he would supply branded soaps to make the accommodation feel 'more homely' The rules are specifically for those arriving on direct flights to Scotland and do not include those coming from within the Common Travel Area, including the UK and Ireland. This meant father-of-one Chun Wong, who arrived in Edinburgh yesterday from the US, having caught a connecting flight in Dublin with his daughter Kiernan, did not have to quarantine. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed concern about gaps in the current system for international arrivals, telling a coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh yesterday: 'It would be better if we had that four nations approach, or at least a three nations approach where the border of the island that Scotland, England and Wales share, had the same provisions in place.' Meanwhile, residents of the quarantine hotels have complained about the size of food portions and pleaded with staff to move rooms because their view is so depressing. Brazilian couple Wagner Araujo, 43, is staying with his wife Elaine, 40, at the Radisson Blu hotel close to Heathrow Airport after arriving from Brazil on Monday, where they will spend the next ten days confined to their room. He told MailOnline that in addition to the rotten view from their window, the couple were so hungry by the modest portion of their first meal that they had to order a takeaway McDonalds at 11pm to stop their bellies from aching with hunger. Mr Araujo told MailOnline: 'It was only our first day, but the view was already getting us down. It made us feel very depressed and glum. Wagner Araujo, 43, a removal man, aand his wife Elaine, 40, are stukfollowing a trip to Brazil 'All we can see is another part of the hotel, it's not very inspiring and I don't think we could have taken it for the next ten days. I asked the hotel management if they could move us to a front facing room, which they have agreed to do and that's very kind of them.' Mr Araujo's new room will offer views of a busy main road and one of Heathrow's runways. He smirked: 'It's better than looking at roof tops of buildings that form part of the hotel. I would rather watch traffic going past and planes landing or taking off, that's a lot more interesting.' Mr Araujo revealed that their first night in the hotel was not helped by their evening meal of pasta and salmon. He said: 'We love our food and enjoy eating well. The meal was very healthy and tasted nice but there was just not enough of it. The couple complained that the view from their hotel room was not good (pictured left, Elaine next to a window), while they also said the food portions were to small (pictured right) 'So, Elaine and I ordered a McDonald's chicken select meal at 11pm, which was delivered to our room. 'We're not big fans of fast food but I have to say that was the best McDonald's we've ever had. We felt nice and full up and actually had a great night.' After eating, Elaine went to sleep while Mr Araujo, who works as removal man, stayed up until 1.30am playing FIFA on his PlayStation 4, which had been delivered to him by a friend so that he could while away the quarantine hours. The couple were left so hungry after the small portions they said they were forced to order a McDonald's takeaway meal to their hotel room An avid Tottenham fan, he added: 'Getting my PS4 has made me really happy. I'll be able to watch films and I also love playing FIFA, so you can guess what I'll be doing for most of the next ten days.' Elaine, 40, who works as a secretary, has had her laptop delivered and is planning to spend quarantine working. Wagner Araujo, 43, a removal man, has lived in London for 20 years with his wife Elaine, 40 She said: 'I'm happy that Wagner's got his PS4 because it'll keep him occupied and means that I'll be able to get on with some work. I've actually been quite busy since this morning dealing with work calls and emails. 'Wagner normally doesn't have much free time, so I think he's looking forward to spending the whole day playing FIFA and watching films.' The couple moved to the UK 20 years ago and went to Brazil on January 11 to visit a sick relative. They were supposed to stay for only two weeks, but their return flight got cancelled, meaning they were unable to get back before the Government's hotel quarantine deadline. The couple have four children, aged between 17 and 6, who are being looked after by a relative at their home in Finchley, North London. Despite the challenges facing them over the next ten days, Wagner revealed that he and Elaine are planning to make the most of it by 'getting romantic' as often as possible. He said: 'We've got busy lives and four kids, so are going to make the most of this time together locked away in this room. 'We were very tired on our first night after a very long, 20-hour flight but let's just say that we found some time for romance. And I think we'll be doing a lot of that over the next few days.' One NYT best-selling author said these schools are 'flushing great literature down the drain' Others hit back, saying that Shakespeare still has lessons for our time A number of teachers argue it is racist and unrepresentative of pupils A growing number of 'woke' academics are refusing to teach Shakespeare in U.S. schools, arguing that the Bard promotes racism, white supremacy and intolerance, and instead are pushing for the teaching of 'modern' alternatives. Writing in the January issue of School Library Journal, Amanda MacGregor, a Minnesota-based librarian, bookseller and freelance journalist, asked why teachers were continuing to include Shakespeare in their classrooms. 'Shakespeare's works are full of problematic, outdated ideas, with plenty of misogyny, racism, homophobia, classism, anti-Semitism and misogynoir,' she wrote, with the last word referring to a hatred of black women. But others contended the latest woke trend is short-sighted, not taking into account the lessons that Shakespeare still can teach for today - with one New York Times best-selling author accusing schools that jettison the writer as 'flushing great literature down the drain.' School Library Journal asked in January if it was still worth teaching Shakespeare Shakespeare's works were described as being 'full of problematic, outdated ideas, with plenty of misogyny, racism, homophobia, classism, anti-Semitism and misogynoir' Amanda MacGregor, in the School Library Journal, asked if Shakespeare should be taught Still MacGregor contended that an increasing number of educators are 'coming to the conclusion that it's time for Shakespeare to be set aside and deemphasized to make room for modern, diverse and inclusive voices.' The January edition of School Library Journal Among those who have abandoned Shakespeare are Claire Bruncke, who taught English at Ilwaco High School in Washington state. 'I asked my principal if there was a requirement for how much Shakespeare I needed to cover,' she said. She said she was told that as long as she was teaching 'the standards' it didn't matter, so she dropped Shakespeare entirely, in favor of 'anthologies and novels not typically found in the canon,' MacGregor said. Bruncke added: 'My students' positive response to this work solidified my decision.' Claire Bruncke said her students had reacted 'positively' to her dropping Shakespeare Jeffrey Austin, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, said he supported efforts to replace Shakespeare Liz Matthews, a ninth grade English teacher at Hartford Public High School in Connecticut, where the student body is 95 per cent black or Hispanic, said she had replaced Shakespeare with authors who wrote about people like her students. 'I replaced Romeo and Juliet with The House On Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros last year, and Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds this year,' she said. Mango Street was published in 1984; Long Way Down was published in 2017. Romeo and Juliet was first published in 1597. 'Simply put the authors and characters of the two new books look and sound like my students, and they can make realistic connections,' Matthews said. 'Representation matters.' But some teachers said that they were careful to show Shakespeare in a modern context. Sarah Mulhern Gross, who teaches ninth and twelfth grade English at High Technology High School in Lindcroft, New Jersey, said that she taught Romeo and Juliet 'through the lens of adolescent brain development with a side of toxic masculinity analysis'. Adriana Adame, who teaches students in Texas who have been through trauma, said that she used Hamlet to discuss coping mechanisms and grief. Elizabeth Neilson, who teaches at the Twin Cities Academy in Minnesota, said she used Coriolanus to discuss Marxist theory. Romeo and Juliet was taught by one teacher alongside a discussion of 'toxic masculinity' Coriolanus, the tragedy of a Roman general, is used in one school to discuss Marxist theory Others argued in the journal that it was not a question of 'either/or', and that there was space to study Shakespeare alongside other authors dealing with more modern themes. Ayanna Thompson, professor of English at Arizona State University and president of the Shakespeare Association of America, recommended Toni Morrison, August Wilson, W.E.B. Du Bois and James Baldwin, among others. 'There are rich global perspectives from which Shakespeare can be approached, taught, and analyzed,' she said. But others said that it was time to remove Shakespeare entirely. Lorena German, National Council of Teachers of English Anti-Racism Committee chair and a co-founder of the Disrupt Texts forum, which aims to suggest a wide range of literature for study, said she felt Shakespeare should be discarded. Lorena German, who co-founded Disrupt Texts, recommended removing Shakespeare In 2018, Disrupt Texts held a discussion on Twitter about whether Shakespeare should still be taught. 'I want to offer what to read INSTEAD of Shakespeare,' German said. 'Trust me, your kids will be fine if they don't read him. 'Everything about the fact that he was a man of his time is problematic about his plays. We cannot teach Shakespeare responsibly and not disrupt the ways people are characterized and developed.' Jeffrey Austin, Writing Center director at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, agreed. 'There is nothing to be gained from Shakespeare that couldn't be gotten from exploring the works of other authors,' he said. 'It's worth pushing back against the idea that somehow Shakespeare stands alone as a solitary genius when every culture has transcendent writers that don't get included in our curriculum or classroom libraries.' On social media, many took issue with the idea of stopping teaching Shakespeare, with one describing it as 'woke-s***, written-by-committee, cowering-before-the-mob YA horses****,' referring to young adult literature. Another noted how the problem may be with teaching methods, pointing out that the Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes film of Romeo and Juliet and Ten Things I Hate About You, based on The Taming of the Shrew, worked wonders in peaking interest in Shakespeare. Meanwhile, author Jim Rickards, a New York Times best-selling author, accused teachers of 'flushing great literature down the drain'. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi on Tuesday, after a rocket attack on U.S.-led forces in northern Iraq on Monday killed a civilian contractor and injured a U.S. service member. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a little-known group that some Iraqi officials say has links with Iran. Price said he did not want to get ahead of an investigation into who was responsible for the attack, but that the United States reserved the right to respond "at a time and place of our choosing." (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Simon Lewis, Editing by Franklin Paul) The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state will be a megacity standing proudly beside every other one in many areas by the year 2030, going by the transformation in process. Mr Sanwo-Olu said this on Tuesday, during the Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti) 2021, with the theme: For a Greater Lagos: Setting the tone for the next decade. He said Lagos had seen so many revolutionary changes to usher in a new era of prosperity, reflected in improved infrastructure, economy, and security. According to him, the state is still confronted with many challenges, but it is also important to identify the progress, so as to guard it jealously and build on it. In 2030, Lagos will proudly stand beside every other Megacity in the world, in terms of its capacity to transport its people efficiently and responsively. In 2030, Lagos will be a Smart City, fully covered by a network of several thousands of kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure that will carry broadband internet into our homes, offices and schools and unleash a technology revolution that has never before been seen in this part of the world. The Smart City that is unfolding will also be home to a network of intelligent cameras that will support not only security and policing across the state, but also traffic management and data collection for urban planning. As you all know, land is not a resource we are generously endowed with in Lagos we are the smallest state in Nigeria by landmass, with by far the largest population. Yet, this should not be an excuse for us to shy away from exploiting the agriculture value chain to the fullest, with a focus on non-land-intensive aspects like processing and value addition. By 2030, Lagos will be home to one of the largest rice mills in the world, in Imota. We can still aspire, even with our geographical limitations, to feed ourselves and the rest of the country, through the innovative use of technology and a focus on processing and industry, he said. T.H.E.M.E.S Mr Sanwo-Olu said his administrations T.H.E.M.E.S agenda would help harness the full potential of Lagos and shape the state into a competitive mega-city in the new decade. The Co-Chairman of Lagos Economic Summit Group, Yemi Cardoso, said Lagos had seen an appreciable development over the past 10 years. Lagos is a megacity and must begin to look and operate like a megacity. That would only be possible if we are deliberate about the plans and policies we put in place to ensure that both the public and private sector can achieve the set goals or objectives meant to develop the city. I believe we have the leaders with the know-how and we have the workforce. What we need to do is provide the vision and guidance to make sure it happens. That is what this summit is about, Mr Cardoso said. He said there would be challenges toward achieving the set goals meant to develop the state, but such challenges should not be deterrence. That is to say whatever the challenges we face, giving up is not an option. We have to keep on pushing till Lagos reaches its deserved status in the world. The importance of Lagos doing well in the economy of Nigeria is quite clear to everyone. It is estimated that Lagos contributes about 30 per cent to the GDP of Nigeria. ADVERTISEMENT What that means is if Lagos does well, Nigeria will do well. The success of Lagos is, therefore, not just a Lagos issue, but a national issue, Mr Cardoso said. (NAN) A missing San Francisco man was discovered dead in his apartment more than a month after he was captured on surveillance footage returning home, his family said. Christopher Woitel, 50, was found in his apartment on Monday, his family said, according to Mission Local. Today, the San Francisco Police Department and the Medical Examiner notified us that they have located Chris, the family said. It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of Chris passing. Please help us by preserving Chris legacy in your memories. Thank you for your love and caring support through these very difficult times. Woitel was first reported missing by his mother on Jan. 13 and he last contacted her on Jan. 9, but wasnt heard from after that, the San Francisco Police Department said in a statement. Woitel lived on Guerrero Street and frequented Emeryville and Sonora, police said. McClatchy News reached out to police but hadnt heard back as of Tuesday afternoon. Woitels family hired a private investigator, Scott Williams, who said he searched Woitels apartment but didnt find him inside. Williams also said there was surveillance footage of Woitel entering his home on Jan. 8 but he never left, Mission Local reported. His family said that Woitel sent paranoid messages to family and friends in the days before his disappearance about the U.S. Capitol attacks and escaping to the mountains, according to the publication. Woitels family also said that they believe a homeless man, who Woitel had helped in the past, was connected to his disappearance, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. On Feb. 2, Williams interviewed the man, who was found with Woitels cell phone, according to the publication. The man also said that Woitel had been murdered. (CNN) When President Joe Biden flew aboard Air Force One for the first time this month, he did not spend much time soaking in the moment. The flight, after all, was only 25 minutes long. He was headed home to Delaware for the weekend, in part to have his foot X-rayed at his orthopedist. And unlike his most recent predecessors, Biden was already familiar with the unique combination of executive swank and military rigor aboard the presidential jet, having flown more than a million miles aboard Air Force Two. So, like a weary passenger on a commuter shuttle, he spent most of the flight reading the newspaper. "It's a great honor," he told reporters who asked about his debut ride aboard Air Force One, "but I didn't think about it, to tell you the truth." As Biden settles into a job he has been seeking on-and-off for three decades, the daily routine of being president -- with a phalanx of Secret Service agents, regular updates on the nation's top secrets and an ever-present press corps -- has come more naturally for him than for his more recent predecessors. He has established a regular schedule, including coffee in the mornings with the first lady, meetings and phone calls from the Oval Office starting just after 9 a.m. and a return to his residence by 7 p.m. As he walks home along the Colonnade, he's often seen carrying a stack of binders or manila folders under one arm. He still brings a brown leather briefcase into the office. Finding his own path Unlike his most recent predecessors -- night owls who spent the dark hours reading briefing materials (President Barack Obama) or watching television (President Donald Trump) -- Biden is more of an early-to-bed type. He has continued a tradition of reading letters from Americans, a handful of which are tucked into the briefing materials he brings home in the evenings. Recently they have focused on the pandemic; Biden has also spoken by video conference with business owners and laid-off workers weathering the economic crisis. Biden spent ample time at the White House as vice president, navigating West Wing hallways and administration politics for eight years as Obama's No. 2. He has spent more time working in Washington than any president in decades. His adjustment period inside the executive mansion has been minimal. "It feels like I am going home," he said as he entered the White House on Inauguration Day. Though he had never lived in the building previously, it was a return of sorts for a man who has wanted to reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for years. He has found his old stomping grounds familiar, dropping into his onetime office in the West Wing one day last week to show his new vice president the place on the window where his wife wrote him a Valentine's Day greeting in 2009. He's made surprise visits to other offices in the building as well, asking staffers what they are working on or consulting them on specific questions related to his Covid-19 relief plan. He wasted little time showing off his new digs to his old colleagues in the Senate, inviting nearly a quarter of all senators to the Oval Office over his first three weeks on the job for talks on his Covid-19 relief plan and a new infrastructure package. And he hasn't been put off by the pack of reporters who track his every move. He's shown more willingness to answer shouted questions than Obama was, weighing in on his predecessor's impeachment trial even as the White House insisted he was focused on other things. The President's Daily Brief, a highly classified update on the country's top intelligence, is back to a daily occurrence after happening only sporadically under Trump. Joined in the Oval Office by Vice President Kamala Harris -- who has used an iPad to receive the briefing, like Obama -- Biden is run through the update by a range of intelligence professionals. He has expressed a preference for a fire built in the Oval Office fireplace, and sometimes adds a log himself to keep it going. His dogs, two German Shepherds called Major and Champ, sometimes join him. Structure and routine His days are more structured than Trump's, whose aides began blocking out large chunks of "executive time" to accommodate his television viewing and telephone calls. Biden's meetings are more routine, though they often run longer than planned. The door to the Oval Office is not considered open to just anyone, as it sometimes was under Trump. Meetings among staffers, which begin before 8 a.m. ET every weekday, are a combination of in-person and video conference while the West Wing remains sparsely staffed due to Covid-19 precautions. In the waning days of the Trump administration, which did not make much use of video-conferencing during the pandemic, cameras were installed on desktops for the incoming team. When Biden cannot meet an official or Cabinet secretary in-person, a large screen is wheeled into the Oval Office for the individual to participate, as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg did this week for a session on infrastructure. Buttigieg was in isolation after one of his security agents tested positive for coronavirus. His face loomed on the screen in front of the Resolute Desk. The screen has also been used to display charts and data tracking the coronavirus pandemic during briefings with federal health officials. On weekends, Biden has kept to his routine of attending public mass, in Washington at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown and at his home parish in Delaware -- occasions that aides say allow him to blend back into normal life, at least for an hour. After one outing, he stopped by a bagel shop; officials expect he and the first lady will be more frequent patrons of Washington's restaurants once the pandemic is over. More so than any recent first couple, Joe and Jill Biden have demonstrated a publicly affectionate relationship, one that extends to private moments spent together in the White House residence. For the first time in decades, there are no children residing in the building, leaving the 55,000 square-foot mansion to the two of them. Jill Biden recently saw the President off with a kiss before his first flight aboard Marine One. The President traveled to Camp David for the first time since taking office on Presidents Day weekend -- but even the mountainside retreat was familiar after many trips there as vice president. Biden said before leaving he planned to "just hang out with the family and do what we always do," which included playing Mario Kart at the arcade inside one of the lodges with his granddaughters, who bought him a hat emblazoned with the presidential seal and embroidered with their name for him: Pop. Still, even for someone well acquainted with presidential life, there are some upgrades that come with the top job. "It's the same plane we had as vice president, only it's much nicer in terms of what the inside is," Biden said after his first Air Force One ride, which was aboard a smaller jet than the main presidential aircraft because of the shorter runway in Delaware. He will have his first chance to ride the iconic Air Force One, a military version of a Boeing 747, on Tuesday when he travels to Milwaukee for a CNN town hall -- his first public event out in the country since taking office. Even Biden will likely set aside his newspapers to relish that moment. This story was first published on CNN.com 'Inside the new President's routine: Oval Office fires and early bedtimes' Posted Monday, February 15, 2021 5:30 am Two local members of the United States Armed Forces received local honors last month at a small ceremony in Ridgefield. Photos of Bruce Crockett, United States Army, and Tom McCarthy, United States Navy, were added to the wall honoring local veterans at the Ridgefield Post Office in early January by American Legion Post #44. The wall honors over 20 local veterans and their respective branches of service for the public to view. The recent additions of Crockett and McCarthy brought a small group of friends, family and members of Post #44 to celebrate and honor the service of the local veterans. Members of the ceremony shared stories, experiences and more of their time in service with Crockett and McCarthy. Both Crockett and McCarthy died within the last couple of years, according to Jen McDonnell, vice commander of American Legion Post #44. The collages of each veteran are created by Carol Parker. Parker creates the collages for free for the local American Legion post. She also created the 95 collages hanging in the La Center Post Office. More information about American Legion Post #44 can be found online at centennial.legion.org/washington/post44 One of Northern Ireland's leading pre-fabricated construction firms has won a 24m contract in London. Kane Group in Banbridge will deliver mechanical, electrical and plumbing installation of phase one and two of the Kew Bridge development in Brentford. The project involves construction of 509 apartments for private renting. They will be contained within five blocks ranging between 12 and 15 storeys with concealed ground floor car parks. The deals have been awarded by EcoWorld, which is part of EcoWorld International, listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Kane has annual turnover of around 55m and 200 staff. Managing director Cathal McMullan said: "We at Kane are looking forward to delivering a superior M&E project for our new client, EcoWorld, while building a long-lasting collaborative relationship. Our in-house design and prefabrication teams will showcase our ability in delivering off-site construction solutions in the high-rise residential market." Some parts will be manufactured off-site at Kane's prefabrication facility. David Fry, executive assistant director at the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) said the contract was a positive win in a testing climate for the construction industry. Over the past year, construction has lost many of its commercial clients, he said, as lockdowns impacted the investment of many private firms. It also faced pricing challenges as Brexit saw supplies from the EU rise in cost. He said: "The challenge now is looking to the rest of this year, when that commercial activity will pick up again, in what areas it's going to pick up or will it be anywhere near the volume of what it was before this time last year. "Consequently this puts pressure on contractors to find work elsewhere, including outside of Northern Ireland, or public sector work. "The public sector budget is bigger than last year, but it won't offset the downturn in the commercial market." Mr Fry said while competition for public sector work is a good thing, "there's only so much to go around". He said Brexit has presented further challenges for NI construction firms. "The prices of materials have gone up, we would strongly doubt they will go back down and that's important when the public sector is looking at pricing, it has to be mindful of that." Mr Fry added that new Brexit-induced powers that allow contracts under the 5m budget to be allocated to firms within a local authority area is also "concerning and could stop some of our contractors from winning tenders". The Ulster Bank purchasing managers index survey for January reported a severe drop in demand for construction. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are expecting their second child. We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother, a spokesperson for the couple said. The couple shared a black-and-white picture of themselves, sat under a tree, with Harry resting his hand on Meghans head as she lies in his lap cradling her bump. Their new baby will be eighth in line to the British throne, one step down from their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, who was born in May 2019. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: Her Majesty, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and the entire family are delighted and wish them well. Last November, the duchess revealed she suffered a miscarriage in summer 2020 in an essay for the New York Times. I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second, she wrote. The couple quit their roles as senior working royals last year and now live in an 11m house in Montecito in California. Harry retained his place in the line of succession despite quitting royal life, and dropping his HRH style. When Harry and Meghans new child arrives, the Duke of York, who was born second in line in 1960, will move down to ninth place. The first seven places will remain unchanged the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Harry, and Archie. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were expecting their second child days after Meghan won a privacy case against the Mail on Sunday over the publication of a personal and private handwritten letter to her estranged father. Additional reporting by Press Association Recommended The Executive is set to review the current lockdown restrictions on Thursday, with schools, hospitality and rules on gatherings just some of the topics to be discussed. It comes as a further 11 Covid-19 related deaths and 176 new cases were reported in Northern Ireland on Sunday - the lowest number of daily cases since September. Hospital admissions have remained high, however, with many cautioning against opening up society too early only to enter lockdown again a few months later. Here are five things the Executive will be looking at to guide us out of lockdown. Infection rates Before ministers consider easing restrictions, they will want to get infection rates, and the R rate, as low as possible. While the number of daily Covid cases it at is lowest level in some six months, there has been concern that the number of close contacts linked to positive cases is on the rise. Health Minister Robin Swann told Stormont's Health Committee last week that the number of close contacts associated with those who have tested positive was just below one at the start of the year, however it is now almost 2.5. With St Patrick's Day and the Easter holidays around the corner, officials will not want to allow more opportunities for people to mix prematurely, which would likely lead to another surge in cases. R rate The R rate of the virus - its reproductive rate - was estimated to be around 1.5 to 1.9 at the beginning of January, however it is currently sitting between 0.75 and 0.85. Robin Swann however, has cautioned that the rate has now "stabilised and stagnated", so while the spread of the virus is decreasing, it is doing so slowly. Speaking at an Executive press conference last Thursday, First Minister Arlene Foster also cautioned: "We need to see numbers as low as possible so we can plan for gradually emerging from lockdown. "We must approach with care so we don't lose the gains we have made, the clear message has been about saving lives and easing pressure." Vaccinations In order to start lifting restrictions, Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said between 70% and 80% of the population will need to be vaccinated. To February 11, a total of 373,414 people received their first vaccine dose - almost 20% of NI's total population - so there is still some way to go, according to Dr McBride's target. In recent weeks 12,500 first doses have been administered every day here - equivalent to almost 5% of the population each week. If this rate continues, 70-80% of the population could be vaccinated by mid-May. There are several cautionary factors that should be taken into account however, such as vaccine availability, uptake and the impact of mutant strains of the virus. Mutant Covid strains There are thousands of different variants of the Covid-19 virus, however those of concern are the strains that have originated from the south east of England, South Africa and Brazil, as experts believe they are more transmissible and may be more resistant to the current vaccines. The Kent variant, for instance, is thought not to cause more severe illness, but could be up to 70% more infectious and more transmissible by children. Speaking last month, Queen's University virologist Dr Connor Bamford said the key to ensuring the mutant strains don't spread out of control is vaccinating enough young people. "The longer we take to vaccinate people, the more chance there is for other variants to emerge. And there is the possibility that one of those may be resistant to the vaccines we already have and that's why it's so important that we get the virus back under control as quickly as we can," he told the Belfast Telegraph. "The best way to beat this virus is by controlling the spread in the population and stopping other variants in the future and that's why we need the vaccination programme, restrictions on mixing, travel restrictions and a proper track and trace system to keep virus levels as low as possible." Hospital capacity The capacity of Northern Ireland's hospitals will be key to ensuring the health service is not overwhelmed and help guide us out of the lockdown. According to the latest statistics, the five-day rolling average of occupied Covid intensive care beds was 59 as of February 12 - around double the rate seen at the end of December. The number of Covid patients in general beds has remained relatively static, however, currently sitting at around 440, only slightly higher than at the end of last year. Hospitals here are still under severe pressure, however, with 754 people waiting longer than 12 hours in emergency departments from February 2 to 8. As of Monday, 89% of beds in NI's hospital beds were occupied, compared with the system operating over capacity on several occasions at the end of last year. Keeping these figures down will be imperative in allowing us to gradually exit lockdown and prevent further restrictions being re-introduced in the future. Over the years, the proteomics market has created new opportunities in life science industries due to increasing usage of the technology in cancer drug development and personalized medicine. As per findings of Persistence Market Research (PMR), the global market for proteomics will witness stupendous expansion at a CAGR of 17% over the forecast period ( 2019-2029 ). With growth projected to showcase over 5X expansion in revenues, the global proteomics market remains buoyed by advancements in high-throughput technologies that are constantly being used to investigate proteomes. As proteomics are widely used in diagnostics, prognostics, and various other healthcare applications, there has been increasing demand for proteomic techniques in disease diagnostics and drug development. Get Sample Copy of Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.co/samples/31378 Companies covered in Proteomics Market Report Agilent Technologies, Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US) GE Healthcare (US) Danaher Corporation (US) PerkinElmer, Inc. (US) Merck KGaA (Germany) Caprion Proteomics Inc. Bio-Rad Laboratories Luminex Corporation (US) Waters Corporation Promega Corporation Bruker Corporation Get To Know Methodology of Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.co/methodology/31378 Key Takeaways of Proteomics Market Study The reagents and kits segment under component is expected to contribute more than 30% of revenue share in the proteomics market. of revenue share in the proteomics market. In terms of technology, the protein fractionation systems segment is expected to grow twice its size by the end of 2029 . . Leading proteomics service provider companies are collaborating with local proteomics service providers as well as research institutes to strengthen their market position. North America is dominating the global proteomics market, while East Asia is expected to offer lucrative opportunities, owing to rapid increasing healthcare programs and industrialization in the region. Technological advancements in proteomic techniques and growing demand for proteomics research for drug development focussing on large-scale manufacturing of personalized medicine are bringing in new avenues for market development, says a PMR analyst. Potential Impact of COVID-19 on the Proteomics Market The global outbreak of COVID-19 is indirectly affecting the proteomics market, as applications in pharmaceutical companies witness a downtrend. This is mainly due to hampered drug production and the preference of pharmaceutical companies toward the production of vital drugs that are needed now. On the other hand, the proteomics market will gain traction, as numerous proteomic labs across the US and Europe are taking up the research of therapeutic methods for fighting the coronavirus, thus providing insights about the inclusion of proteomics in the vaccine for COVID-19. This factor is expected to partially subdue the shortcomings that the market will face in the foreseeable future, due to the pandemic. Access Full Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/31378 Acquisitions and Partnerships - Key Strategies of Market Players Key players in the proteomics market are focussed on improving their product portfolios though the launch of new products. For instance, in June 2019 , Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc launched New-Generation Benchtop Mass Spectrometer Advances Quantitative Proteomics and Translational Research. Manufacturers are also working toward getting new products approved by regulatory bodies and launching them at the earliest. Various players in the proteomics market are focusing on growth strategies such as acquisitions and partnerships. For example, in June 2019 , Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc announced a collaboration with Biognosys for Advance Plasma Quantitation Methods in Proteomics. What Does the Report Cover? Persistence Market Research offers a unique perspective and actionable insights on the proteomics market in its latest study, presenting historical demand assessment of 20142018 and projections for 20192029 , on the basis of component (instruments, reagents and kits, core proteomics services, bioinformatics services, and quantitation services), technology (microarrays, X-Ray crystallography, spectroscopy, chromatography, protein fractionation systems, electrophoresis, and surface plasma resonance systems), application (drug discovery, clinical diagnosis, and cancer research), and end user (contract research organizations (CROs), research & academic institutions, and pharma & biotech companies), across seven key regions. Irans government Tuesday denied involvement in Monday night's rocket strike that killed one person and injured nine in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. Some 14 rockets landed in and around the base, located at the citys international airport, on Monday night, the US-led coalition said. One Iraqi civilian contractor was killed, while eight other contractors, including four Americans, and a member of the US military were injured. These rumors are strongly rejected, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tuesday in Tehran of speculation that Iran was behind the attack. He added, The suspicious attempts to attribute the attack to Iran are also strongly condemned. A number of governments and the United Nations condemned the attack and offered support, but so far no government has publicly accused Iran of involvement. The US State Department said it was "outraged" by the attack. Investigators under the Kurdistan Regional Government on Monday night published photographs on Facebook of the vehicle from which the rockets were believed to have been launched around 9:30 p.m. The Kia Bongo flatbed truck, found just outside Erbil, was loaded with an array of launcher tubes that still held four unfired rockets. The US-led coalition said the projectiles were 107mm. Similar launchers have been used in a spate of attacks on Iraqi military bases housing coalition troops in recent years, but Iraqi Kurdistan has largely been spared such strikes. Mondays barrage was a rarity in Erbil, which has remained a sanctuary of quiet amid recent years of chaos that followed the rise and fall of the Islamic State. The incident prompted a call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. Iranian officials continue to promise revenge for the US killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad last year. A little-known group calling itself Saraya Awliyya al-Dam claimed responsibility for the attack Tuesday. The group, which first claimed attacks last summer, has claimed responsibility for a number of roadside bombings on what it said were supply convoys for the US-led international coalition; the group had been relatively quiet recently. Some observers suspect Saraya Awliyya al-Dam may be a front group for powerful Iran-backed militias in Iraq, such as Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) supports a network of powerful Shiite militias in Iraq. Its the same MO as countless other front groups, said Phillip Smyth, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who studies Iraqs militia networks. Still, Smyth says publicly available evidence of such groups connections to larger Iran-backed militias remains circumstantial. The way the front groups speak, the way they transmit their messages, its all part of the old strategy that the Iranians have used for quite a while, Smyth said. The Erbil strike follows a series of rocket attacks on US forces in Iraq in recent years that the previous US administration under President Donald Trump regularly blamed on Iran-backed groups. One strike in late 2019 that killed an American contractor nearly delivered Washington and Tehran to the brink of war when the United States responded to the escalating tit-for-tat by assassinating Soleimani in early 2020. The US-led coalition withdrew from a number of smaller military bases around Iraq last year, consolidating at larger bases such as Erbil Air Base. The contraction was part of the coalitions transition to advising, rather than directly training, Iraqs security forces, but the military said it was accelerated by the repeated rocket attacks. The Trump administration also pointed the finger at Tehran for a series of missile and drone attacks carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels into neighboring Saudi Arabia, which has led a failed war effort to crush the IRGC-linked movement. Late last month, two explosions were heard over the Saudi capital of Riyadh as the head of US military forces in the Middle East, Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie, was visiting the region. The United States has put on a show of military force in the Persian Gulf region to deter attacks by Iran and its proxies as the Biden administration looks to approach negotiations with Tehran over rejoining the 2015 nuclear deal. Kathy Connelly, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Kathy brings a passion for the industry and an incredible amount expertise in relocation and real estate to our organization. I am thrilled to congratulate her on this tremendous achievement. - Dan Forsman, President & CEO RISMedia, the leading news provider for the residential real estate industry, presents Kathy Connelly, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, the RISMedias 2021 Real Estate Newsmakers Influencer Award. This select group of icons are celebrated for their long-standing and exemplary service to the real estate industry. "Every year, we're amazed by the incredible ingenuity and success of members in the real estate community, ranging from the glass ceilings being shattered by industry leaders, to the creativity and innovation being implemented at a record pace, and all the way to the wonderful charitable work being accomplished across the nation," said John Featherston, CEO, President and Publisher of RISMedia. Dan Forsman, President and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties said, Relocation has long been a focus of our company and under Kathy Connellys leadership, we have assisted thousands of corporate employees make metro Atlanta their home. Kathy brings a passion for the industry and an incredible amount expertise in relocation and real estate to our organization. I am thrilled to congratulate her on this tremendous achievement. Kathy was recently appointed to the Worldwide ERC(WERC) Board of Directors an international relocation organization of 10,000 industry members. The Board is tasked with identifying current issues and trends related to management practices for the movement of employees within the United States and between all countries. In addition, she is a Senior Certified Relocation Professional (SCRP) and Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) and is a three-time recipient of the meritorious service award from WERC. About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties has over 1,600 associates and 26 locations across the Greater Metro Atlanta and North Georgia area. The company generated over $4.4 billion in sales volume and 11,606 transaction sides in 2020. Trendgraphix reports that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is ranked #1 in home sales for the Greater Metro Atlanta area. Led by president and CEO Dan Forsman, the organization offers a full suite of real estate services including residential real estate, luxury real estate, new homes services, condo/ high-rise services, commercial real estate, corporate relocation, property management, mortgage lending, title and settlement services, home warranties and insurance. Equal Housing Opportunity. Visit http://www.BHHSGA.com. Serco's US subsidiary further builds defense business with $295M acquisition Serco Inc. has taken another step in its transformation journey as it announced plans Tuesday to acquire Whitney, Bradley & Brown for $295 million. Once closed in a few months, Serco Inc. will have pro forma revenue of $1.7 billion with $1.2 billion coming from defense customers. This is the next step, Serco Inc. CEO Dave Dacquino said. The company is the U.S. branch of its British parent Serco Group plc. In 2019, Serco Inc. acquired the naval systems engineering business from Alion Science & Technology. That deal doubled Serco Inc.s business with the Navy and broadened its capabilities to include front end design and engineering work to match Sercos maintenance and sustainment services. The deal with WBB brings customers with the Army, Air Force, and Space Force, Dacquino said. This doubles our business with the Army and Air Force, said Tom Watson, senior vice president of Sercos defense services group. New customers include the Missile Defense Agency, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Strategic Missile Defense Command, he said. Serco Inc.s evolution parallels the evolution of the customer in many ways. The company needed new skills and capabilities because its customers need support taking advantage of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. The government is at a crossroads, Dacquino said. So capabilities were a major selling point for WBB. It adds to Sercos portfolio around artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics and cybersecurity and adds new areas such as wargaming and modeling and simulation, Dacquino said. WBB also brings a new major contact vehicle to Serco, the Armys RS3 multiple award contract. This is really balancing our portfolio, Watson said. He and his team have already identified $500 million in new bids they can pursue. And thats just from our side. Well double that when we get together with them, he said. It should follow a similar pattern that that the company has experienced with the Alion business. Serco has identified $1 billion in what Watson called synergistic bids out of that deal. WBB is owned by the private equity group H.I.G. Capital. The deal adds to Serco Inc. about 1,000 people, with 200 of those being subject matter experts. There are no plans for layoffs or other cost cutting measures, except for consolidating some facilities, Watson and Dacquino said. The Alion business was an asset purchase so Serco did not pick up any infrastructure. But with WBB, the company is buying everything, including infrastructure around business development and capture. We need all of those people, Dacquino said. WBB CEO Robert Olsen, who has been with the company for 17 years, will become a senior vice president of the new Serco Inc. business unit to be created with WBB. Serco wanted to solidify its ability to provide the upfront design work on new weapons systems as well as the long-term sustainment work they need. That positioning should insulate the company from the up and down cycles of the defense budget, Watson said. Serco is open to other acquisition,s but its focus is on organic growth with a goal of getting in the $2 billion-to-$2.5 billion range. Dacquino said he doesnt see a need get bigger than that. They now have the scale they need at key customers -- the Army, Navy and Air Force -- to compete against anyone for the work they do. The company had 16-percent growth in 2019 and 2020 was a bit slower. Dacquinos expectation is for growth in the high single digits, so he believes getting to $2 billion and beyond organically is a realistic goal. Serco had been looking at four to five other potential targets, but Dacquino said "we dropped everything when we saw" WBB on the market. The sale of WBB is a slightly shorter turnaround for a private equity-held company. H.I.G. acquired WBB in late 2017 from fellow private equity company Lake Capital, which had held the company since 2012. WBB has experienced strong growth during those years. In 2017, WBB had about 500 employees and now stands at 1,000. But shifting to a strategic owner as opposed to another private equity owner can be a plus for WBB employees because they wont be anticipating another sale in a few years. We buy for life, Dacquino said. KippsDeSanto & Co. and Houlihan Lokey advised on the transaction. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found a total of 192 Covid-19 cases of the new variants of mutated SARS-CoV-2 in last two months, including four from the variant emerging in South Africa and one from the Brazilian variant, officials said on Tuesday. The remaining cases are all of the UK variant. ICMR Director General, Prof Balram Bhargava, however, noted that no mortality has been reported so far in the cases who contracted the UK variant as well as those who are infected by the variants from South Africa and Brazil. About the SA variant, better known as B.1.351, Bharagava said that its cases were reported in January in four returnees from African countries. "One case was found in a person who returned from Angola, one from Tanzania and rest from persons who returned from South Africa," he said. Bhargava added that that this variant has spread to 44 countries and the Institute of Virology, Pune is attempting to isolate and culture the variant. "The efficacy of vaccines on it will be known after the isolation and culture of the variant," he said. Meanwhile, the Brazilian variant or P.1 lineage, has been found in the first week of February in a person who returned from the South American country recently. The strain has spread to 15 countries, however, it has been successfully isolated and cultured at the NIV in India, it added. "The experiments are underway to assess the efficacy of vaccines on the Brazilian variant," Bhargava 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.) Michael Masch, 70, of Philadelphia, a longtime financial and operations manager for Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and several academic institutions, died Sunday, Feb. 7, at his home in Washington. The cause of death is pending the results of laboratory tests. He had been living with diabetes. Well known in political and academic circles, Mr. Masch served as the secretary of budget and administration for the state under former Gov. Ed Rendell from 2003-08. He had been the Philadelphia budget director from 1992-96 when Rendell was mayor, and later served as the chief financial officer of the School District of Philadelphia from 2008-12. He also had worked as vice president for budget and management at the University of Pennsylvania, senior policy analyst and researcher for the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, and vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Manhattan College. Since 2015, Mr. Masch had been the senior vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer at Howard University. He had a passion for helping elevate our university and enhancing our prestige and reputation across the country and throughout the world, Howards president, Wayne A. I. Frederick, said in a statement. Michael was a man of impeccable integrity and humility. He was kind and gentle with everyone. In an online biography, Mr. Masch described his talents as eliminating deficits, restoring budget balance, maintaining financial stability, [and] instituting major improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness. He also liked to sing and dance, and nearly everyone has a story of him doing that. He loved the Mummers Parade, and James Bond movies. He faced criticism for his academic record he never earned an undergraduate degree and failure to pay his property taxes on time. He owed $8,300 over two years in 2011. But he was known as scrupulously honest and dedicated to Philadelphia. He was exuberant about everything, said his wife, Rachel Falkove Masch. He loved to work. He liked big challenges and wanted to do everything to the fullest. He was a giant kid in a mans body, said his son Solomon Masch. Mr. Masch was born Oct. 14, 1950. He was adopted as a child and raised in Southwest Philadelphia and graduated from Central High School in 1968. Mr. Masch attended Temple University for four years as an urban studies major but dropped out on the verge of graduation. Later, due to his extensive professional experience, he graduated from the Fels Institute of Government at Penn with a masters degree in government and public administration. Schools couldnt keep up with him, his wife said. Politically active as a youth, Mr. Masch burned his draft card at City Hall, crusaded against the war in Vietnam, and engaged in numerous other acts of civil disobedience. He announced at freshman orientation at Temple, where he met his wife, that he hoped to major in making the revolution. He wrote for the Jewish Exponent and worked as an editor and writer for the Drummer, a weekly newspaper that served the regions counterculture audience in the 1970s. Mr. Masch devoured comic books, amassing more than 40,000. A highlight of his life was attending a comics convention with his son. Mr. Masch was also active in the Jewish community and embraced do-it-yourself Judaism, his wife said. Mr. Masch entered public life when he got a job on the technical staff of Philadelphias City Council. Later, when he worked for Mayor Rendell, Mr. Masch, among other things, helped create the Philly Phlash downtown loop transit line, naming it after the Flash, one of his favorite DC comics characters. Elected officials get the glory and the blame, but I dont know a more impactful public servant for the city, the state and the school district than Mike Masch, Rendell said. He served them all very well, and he squeezed every dime for the taxpayer. As CFO of the school district, he helped restore the district to balanced and surplus budgets, and restructured long-term debt. He also was criticized for failing to overcome budget cuts from the state as the district struggled to find funding during the recession in 2010. Critics called his budget estimations Masch-a-matics. That was a very difficult time, but he was really driven to serve, said Fernando Gallard, the former head of communications for the school district. Despite the problems, he was always open and available. He put himself out there. As the states secretary of budget and administration, he eliminated state deficits and produced surpluses from 2003-07, increased state funding for Pennsylvanias 500 school districts, and created the Pennsylvania Office of Performance Improvement to measure and improve operational performance of state agencies. He was a financial wizard, Rendell said. He was scholarly and brainy, yet he liked to be in the thick of things. In addition to his wife and sons, Solomon and Ezra, Mr. Masch is survived by two grandsons and other relatives. Services were held Sunday. Donations in his name may be made to the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network, 7047 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19119. Kristen Wiig has finally revealed the unique names of her baby twins, eight months after welcoming them via surrogate in June. The actress, 47, had previously kept her children's moniker's out of the public eye, but has now referenced them directly in the end credits of her latest film, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. In a special thanks section used by Wiig and her co-star Annie Mumolo, she credits 'Avi, Luna & Shiloh' - an apparent reference to her family. The Bridesmaids star's revelation comes little more than a week after confirming she is now married to partner Avi Rothman. Revelation: Kristen Wiig has finally revealed the unique names of her baby twins, eight months after welcoming them via surrogate in June The subsequent credits are also used by Mumolo - with whom she wrote the film's screenplay - to thank her own family, among them children Grace and Vincent. The announcement comes after Kristen confirmed she is married to actor Rothman, 48, two years after announcing their engagement. The star, who has never publicly confirmed her marriage, revealed the couple had privately exchanged vows during an interview with Howard Stern last week. Appearing on the DJ's SiriusXM radio show, the actress spoke affectionately about her life with Rothman and their eight-month old baby twins during the ongoing health crisis. She said: 'Besides the fact that we are where we are, it's hard to not feel the s**t and struggle that's going on, in my home I'm very lucky that I have these two babies and my husband. They make it all better, and it's changed my life.' There they are: The actress referenced 'Avi, Luna and Shiloh' - an apparent reference to husband Avi Rothman and their twins - in the end credits to Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar Co-stars: Wiig stars in her latest film alongside Annie Mumolo, with whom she also wrote the film's screenplay The actress confirmed her engagement to Rothman in 2019 after a three year relationship. They welcomed their children via a surrogate in June 2020. Wiig's first marriage to actor Hayes Hargrove ended in divorce in 2009, four years after they exchanged vows. Speaking to Stern about the challenges that come with juggling motherhood and a busy career, Kristen admitted she was apprehensive about leaving her twins - whose names have never been made public - when she returns to work. She said: 'Right now Im not going to an actual set, but because of all this stuff Im not as present as I would like to be and its really hard. Happy couple: Kristen and Avi visit Hawaii in 2016. The couple confirmed their engagement in 2019 following a three year relationship 'Im convinced theyre going to forget who I am if Im gone for a day. I have looked at my children and said I am your mother! 'I am nervous about leaving and going to work when that happens because theres something really nice about being home with them all the time. 'But theyre really young right now and I have that as an advantage, because they dont really know when Im not there. 'But that time is coming and Ill do my best to balance and they will come first.' Kristen and Avi were first spotted together in May 2016 during a romantic getaway to Hawaii. Ring finger: Kristen first sparked engagement rumours in May 2019 after she was spotted wearing an eye-catching diamond on her ring finger (pictured) At the time, a source revealed to People that Kristen and Avi 'have been secretly dating for a few months'. The actress sparked engagement rumours in May 2019 after she was spotted wearing an eye-catching diamond on her ring finger. TMZ later reported that the couple had been engaged for 'several months.' Appearing remotely on Thursday's edition of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Kristen admitted the moment she thought he was going to propose during a holiday to Patagonia was scuppered by an inquisitive puma. Stepping out: The notoriously private couple were pictured taking their dog fro a walk in Los Angeles last May She recalled: 'I actually thought that he was going to propose to me because the guide was always with us, and this time hes like "why dont you go on this hike, just the two of you? Ill give you my walkie talkie, itll be fine." 'And I thought "OK thats weird," fully thinking that Im getting proposed to. Were walking down this path and I see this head pop out of the grass and Im like, oh its a large puma, like a very large puma. 'We could scream and no one would hear us. We were told that if you see a puma clap your hands, make a noise, dont run, dont turn around. Unusual: Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Kristen admitted the moment she thought he was going to propose during a holiday to Patagonia was scuppered by an inquisitive puma 'So were backing up and Im thinking this is it. Im crying, my boyfriend is shaking and these people are running after it taking pictures. Pumas dont attack people there but we wouldnt know that. 'Needless to say he didnt propose to me there!' Prior to meeting Avi, Kristen dated The Strokes drummer, Fabrizio Moretti for more than a year before splitting in 2013. Burmas Suu Kyi Faces New Charge as Crackdown Intensifies YANGON, Burma (also known as Myanmar)Police in Burma filed a new charge against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, her lawyer said Tuesday, in a move that may allow her to be held indefinitely without trial as part of an intensifying crackdown by authorities who seized power in a coup. Suu Kyi, who was deposed and detained in the military takeover on Feb. 1, already faced a charge of illegally possessing walkie-talkiesan apparent attempt to provide a legal veneer for her house arrest. Under the new charge, she is accused of breaking a law that has been used to prosecute people who have violated coronavirus restrictions, lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told reporters after meeting with a judge in a court in the capital, Naypyitaw. Khin Maung Zaw, a lawyer asked by the National League for Democracy party to represent deposed Burma leader Aung San Suu Kyi, speaks to journalists outside the Zabu Thiri District Court in Naypyitaw, Burma, on Feb. 16, 2021. (AP Photo) It carries a maximum punishment of three years in prison. But, perhaps more worryingly, because of changes to the Penal Code instituted by the junta last week, it could allow her to be detained indefinitely, even without a courts permission. Suu Kyis lawyer told reporters he has not seen her since her arrestand only arrived after an unexpected videoconference the judge said had been held with her. The legal maneuver comes two weeks after the military seized power in a coup that shocked many in the international community who had been hopeful that Burma was taking steps toward democracy. Since then, the junta has ratcheted up the pressure on protesters resisting the takeover, including violently breaking up some demonstrations and blocking internet access. On Monday, security forces pointed guns at a group of 1,000 demonstrators and attacked them with slingshots and sticks in the city of Mandalay. Local media reported that police also fired rubber bullets into a crowd and that a few people were injured. Demonstrators display pictures of detained Burma leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Burma, on Feb. 16, 2021. (AP Photo) Buddhist monks march during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Burma, on Feb. 16, 2021. (AP Photo) Protests continued Tuesday in Yangon, the countrys largest city, and elsewhere. In Yangon, police blocked off the street in front of the Central Bank, which protesters have targeted amid speculation online that the military is seeking to seize money from it. Buddhist monks demonstrated outside the UNs local office in the city. Around 3,000 demonstratorsmainly studentsreturned to the streets of Mandalay, carrying posters of Suu Kyi and shouting for the return of democracy. The protests are taking place in defiance of an order banning gatherings of five or more people. But the security presence was low-key around the march after Mondays confrontations. State media have been acknowledging the protest movement only indirectly. The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported about a meeting of the State Administration Council, the new top governing body, and quoted its chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, saying the authorities are handling the ongoing problems with care. It said the council discussed taking legal action against protesters and providing true information to the media. On Sunday and Monday nights, the military ordered an internet blackoutalmost entirely blocking online access. Once before in recent weeks it imposed a similar blackout and has also tried less successfully to block social media platforms. It has also prepared a draft law that would criminalize many online activities. While the military did not say why the internet was blocked, there is widespread speculation that the government is installing a firewall system to allow it to monitor or block most or all online activity. Pictures of detained Burma President Win Myint and leader Aung San Suu Kyi are displayed at an intersection against the military coup in Yangon, Burma, on Feb. 16, 2021. (AP Photo) A demonstrator displays an upside-down begging-bowl, a form of protest symbolizing refusal to receive any kind of alms from the military government during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Burma, on Feb. 16, 2021. (AP Photo) The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper also reported that council members discussed acting against a parallel government established by some elected lawmakers of Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party, who were prevented from taking their seats when the military stopped Parliament from opening its session Feb. 1. In the days following the takeover, members of Suu Kyis party formed a committee, declaring themselves the true representatives of Burmas people and asking for international recognition. No such recognition has come, even as the United States and other governments have condemned the coup and urged the military to return power to the elected government and release Suu Kyi and other detainees. Neighboring China, meanwhile, has so far not condemned the takeover. Some protesters have accused Beijingwhich has long been Burmas main arms supplier and has major investments in the countryof propping up the junta. Chinas ambassador to the Southeast Asian country responded to those accusations, noting that Beijing has friendly relations with both Suu Kyis party and the military, according to the text of an interview posted on the embassys Facebook page Tuesday. Chen Hai said he wished the two sides could solve their differences through dialogue. In the interview, Chen also addressed what he said were rumors that China was helping Burma to control its internet traffic and others that Chinese soldiers were showing up on Burmas streets. For the record, these are completely nonsense and even ridiculous accusations, Chen said. The military contends there was fraud in last years election, which Suu Kyis party won in a landslide, and says it will hold power for a year before holding new elections. The state election commission found no evidence to support the claims of fraud. The U.S. closed the door to nearly all incoming foreign workers last year. The causes were Covid-19 restrictions that locked global borders and Trump administration policies that drastically reduced work visas, with the exception of farmworkers. The effect was an unexpected experiment in one of the countrys most hotly debated issuesthe relationship between the labor market and immigration. The preliminary finding: Even with skyrocketing U.S. unemployment, businesses that relied on foreign workers and were able to remain open during the pandemic struggled to fill jobs, employers said. Also Read | Inside the five-year battle food companies have fought to resist stricter labelling norms Unemployed American workers werent interested in jobs typically held by foreign hires at the lower and seasonal end of the job market, and the visa ban didnt help those unqualified for specialized jobs at the higher end, according to Alex Nowrasteh, director of immigration studies at the libertarian Cato Institute. In April, as the pandemic set in, the Trump administration temporarily banned would-be green-card holders from moving to the U.S. for jobs and permanent residency. In June, Mr. Trump expanded the ban to include most temporary work visas, except for agricultural workers, citing health risks and a rising U.S. unemployment rate. President Biden hasnt announced his plans for the work visa ban, which runs through March. These visa programs are a slim piece of the overall immigration picturethey dont include the broader migration to the U.S. of people for such reasons as fleeing violence or poverty, or joining family members. The work visa programs are aimed at specific, even niche categories; they include temporary visas for nannies and foreign students who work as lifeguards, and long-term visas for high-skilled tech workers and foreigners starting their own businesses here. Still, the sudden absence of that pipeline revealed how such workers have become embedded in certain parts of the U.S. economy, and may provide useful lessons. Since June, enterprises that managed to keep going through the pandemicfrom web developers to resortssay they havent been able to find the workers they need. Many scaled back production, cut hours or sent jobs overseas. Mr. Biden, who has pledged to roll back a host of immigration policies of the Trump administration, faces pressure from advocates to restart the processing of work visas. He has signed multiple executive orders on immigration that, so far, mostly concerned refugees and asylum seekers. A group of more than 100 trade associations and immigrant-advocacy groups sent a letter last week to Mr. Biden that called for a reversal of the ban. The White House hasnt responded to questions about what will happen next. Supporters of limits on work visa programs have called for an overhaul, saying they need requirements for employers to more aggressively seek American workers before hiring from abroad. Raising wages for jobs filled by temporary foreign workers could help draw more Americans to those positions, but that isnt enough, said Daniel Costa, director of immigration law and policy researcher at the Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank in Washington that advocates for low- and middle-income workers. The visa programs, Mr. Costa said, need to demand more of employers in both pay and recruitment of U.S. workers. The J1 visa, for instance, a State Department-led exchange program for foreign college students, doesnt require employers to show they couldnt fill the jobs with Americans. Employers facing labor shortages need to scour regions in the U.S. with higher unemployment, Mr. Costa said, and offer prospective workers housing and travel subsidies. He said he supported a proposal by the Trump administration to distribute the H1B visas, for instance, to companies that pay the highest wages, rather than doling them out in a lottery. The Biden administration has put on hold a Trump-era directive to overhaul how the visas are issued. Others prefer to end the visa programs altogether. We have a large share of our potential workers not even in the workforce," said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington think tank that favors lower levels of immigration. If businesses are experiencing a surge in demand, he said, theres people they could hire." Employers of H1B workers pay fees that have funded about 100,000 U.S. scholarships since 1999, said Stuart Anderson, executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy. Yet more trained Americans are needed to fill high-skill jobs. A deficit of domestic tech workers to fill available American tech jobs is worsened by the lack of access to foreign talent," said Peter Leroe-Munoz, general counsel and senior vice president of tech policy for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, an industry lobbying group. He said about 59% of the areas workforce is foreign-born, including those holding H1B visas. Many jobs in such fields as information technology would have been filled by foreign workers holding H1B visas in the past year, Mr. Nowrasteh said, but instead they remained open or were moved overseas. The labor shortage also hit Duck Donuts. Keith Exton usually sponsors around 20 foreign students on J1 foreign exchange visas to work the summer season at his chain of doughnut shops in North Carolinas Outer Banks. He typically hires for part-time work another 55 or so foreign hires brought to the U.S. by other local employers. Instead, he was lucky to get eight. Resorts and other travel destinations rely heavily on foreign employees on J1 visas for seasonal work. Worries that the Outer Banks would get few visitors were unfounded. Americans cautious and unable to travel abroad in the pandemic filled hotels and vacation homes in tourist spots on the Atlantic Coast. The trouble, Mr. Exton said, was he couldnt hire enough staff to keep his shops open past 1 p.m. We could have had the best year weve had if we had staff," he said. Before Mr. Exton could recruit a full summer staff, U.S. officials closed the nations foreign-worker pipeline. He and other summer employers are now in a waiting game while the travel ban lingers into what would normally be the start of their summer hiring. As Mr. Exton waits, he is trying again to hire more college kids, including one of his sons, but he worries about summer staffing shortages for a second year in a row. The seven most popular categories of student and work-related visas were down 89% to 408,046 in June through December last year from 3.66 million over the same period in 2019, according to State Department data; H1B visas for highly skilled workers were down 94% to 7,696 in June through December last year from 130,112 over the same period in 2019, the data showed; L1 visas for foreigners transferring within their company to a U.S. location were down 95% to 2,487 in June through December last year from 47,356 over the same period in 2019; And J1 visas, which cover au pair jobs and seasonal work by foreign college students, were down 88% to 20,110 in June through December last year from 172,791 over the same period in 2019. Even if the Biden administration moves to quickly end the work visa ban, the lengthy wait for visa interview appointments in the U.S. and abroad will likely slow hiring for months. Short hours The year-round population of the Outer Banks is about 57,000 people and expands in summer with more than one million tourists. That prompts local employers to recruit outsiders for seasonal jobs. Mr. Exton said he tried to hire American college students to staff his Duck Donuts chain last spring. He ended up with only about a dozen new hires, mostly relying on his two college-age sons and their friends. It wasnt nearly enough. Store locations that normally needed 15 workers opened this summer with as few as five. He closed his six stores eight hours earlier than usual despite large summer crowds. Mr. Extons customers pick their doughnut toppingsfrom bacon to hot fudgea feature the chain couldnt always offer with so few employees. He closed one of his stores before Labor Day weekend, the summer seasons traditional bookend. Looking ahead to this summer, Mr. Exton said he hoped to sponsor roughly 10 foreign students, if they can get their visas approved. Rules for the visa program require students be paid a competitive wage for the job, based on the local market. With the Outer Banks expecting another banner season, Mr. Exton said he worries about lining up housing for his foreign workers, a requirement of the J1 program, as well as finding affordable spots for his American workers. Hiring locally is a challenge because of the regions small year-round population, he said. A federal judge in October ordered the Trump administration to restart processing H1B, J1, L1 and H2B visas after a legal challenge from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Retailers and other industry groups. Visa processing has since restarted for some companies, but the decision excludes many small businesses, including Mr. Extons. Before the pandemic, Kishore Khandavalli, chief executive of information technology firm SevenTablets, had planned to hire about 10 software engineers from foreign countries at his Dallas-based company. Instead, with H1B visas blocked, he hired 10 engineers to work at an India-based branch of the company. Mr. Khandavalli said he looked for Americans but couldnt find any who were both qualified and available. The time difference between the U.S. and India makes coordination tougher among his workers, Mr. Khandavalli said. You get some cost benefits, but its kind of frustrating to go from 100% efficient to 75% to 80%," he said. We are learning to live with it." Winter woes In Killington, Vt., Micheal Solimano, president and chief executive at Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, closed many retail, food and drink and lodging areas on the two ski resorts he oversees because of the pandemic and a lack of staff. Mr. Solimano said with limited staff, the focus has been on ski operations, including ski lifts, snow-making and grooming operations on both mountains. Many ski resorts in the U.S. rely on foreign students who use the J1 visa program as well as seasonal workers who arrive on H2B visas. In a typical season, Mr. Solimano said, Americans fill about 1,300 jobs and foreign workers hold another 200. Generally, the history says its hard to replace these people," Mr. Solimano said of foreign hires. Killington, a town with a year-round population of fewer than 1,000, is an hourslong drive from larger cities, making it difficult to recruit local workers for seasonal jobs. We work hard on local and regional recruitingjob fairs, digital and print advertising, social media placements, college job fairs, internship programs, even with all that we are not able to fill our positions locally," Mr. Solimano said. The visa ban was also felt in some American households. Marcie Schneider, president of Intrax Inc., a cultural exchange company that helps sponsor and place J1 students, said every facet of her business suffered last year. The au pair program, for instance, had already slowed with international travel restrictions and came to a near total halt after the June visa ban. We are down probably somewhere about 75%," Ms. Schneider said of her business overall. The few au pairs who have been allowed into the U.S. since June were granted a national-interest waiver for families with doctors directly involved in Covid-19 care, she said. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Are You the One? stars Mikala Thomas and Joe Torgerson didnt appear on the same season of the reality dating series but began romantically seeing each other in Jan. 2018. Three years later, the couple announced their engagement. In this photo illustration a MTV logo seen displayed on a smartphone | Igor Golovniov Mikala Thomas debuted on Are You the One? season 4 In 2016, 22-year-old New Jersey-based Mikala Thomas appeared on the fourth season of Are You the One? looking for a guy who shares her adventurous spirit but ready to commit. She quickly fell for Cameron Thomas, and the Truth Booth determined the couple a perfect match by the third episode. After spending the rest of the time in the Honeymoon Suite, they continued dating and moved in together as well as adopted a cat. RELATED: Which Are You the One? Couples Are Still Together? The couple returned to reality television for AYTO? Second Chances Gameplay hoping to earn money as they spent the majority of their winnings starting a life together. However, Cameron became annoyed with Mikala during the competition as he felt they only talked about surface-level things and thought she was too clingy. The two decided to split up shortly after returning home. Joe Torgerson appeared on Are You the One? season 6 Then 23-year-old former Jehovahs Witness follower joined the cast of Are You the One? season 6 in 2017 searching for his perfect match. He went on getaway dates with Alexis Eddy and Alivia Hunter but sat next to Zoe Pugh at several match-up ceremonies. RELATED: Are You the One?: Which Contestant Became the Most Successful After Appearing on the Show? After realizing they werent a perfect match, he moved on and discovered Uche Nwosu, who wouldnt separate from her non-match, Clinton Moxam, as his person. While his perfect match continued a relationship with Clinton following the show, Joe eventually moved on and began dating Mikala. Joe and Mikala are engaged After claiming they werent together, the two finally revealed they were seeing each other in a Jan. 2018 post of their first date at Universal Studios Hollywood. He also took her to a water polo game at Arizona State University, and they visited the Santa Monica pier. A few months later, in August, the two confirmed they were officially a couple by posting a photo of them kissing at restaurant Catch LA. Afterward, they began writing more romantic captions on pictures of each other, and she met his mother. The couple rang in 2019 together by hosting a New Years party, visiting Puerto Rico, and launching a YouTube channel. RELATED: Big Brother Stars Tyler Crispen and Angela Rummans Are Engaged They kicked the following year off with a vacation in the Bahamas and quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic together. The two then traveled to Mexico in Jan. 2021 before asking her to marry him a month later. He posted a picture of Mikala holding his hand and happily staring at her new ring, captioning it, Youre stuck with me now. She also shared the news to her Instagram, uploading a picture of him and her left hand, writing, Best friends forever. Several former Are You the One? stars congratulated the couple, including season 6s Diandra Delgado and Jada Allen, season 3s Hannah Rathbun, and Tori Deal of season 5. [February 16, 2021] Botco.ai Closes Funding to Revolutionize the Healthcare Experience Through Intelligent Chat Botco.ai, the leading HIPAA-compliant conversational marketing solution, today announced $2.2 million in seed funding. Stout Street Capital led the round, with participation from Sterling Road, PHX Ventures and Arizona Tech Investors. Botco.ai is an AI-powered marketing automation solution that facilitates meaningful and intelligent conversations between providers and consumers at scale. Botco.ai will use the capital for product development, including integrations with electronic health record systems and marketing automation platforms. One of a select few marketing chat companies certified as HIPAA compliant, Botco.ai also offers industry-leading AI machine-learning capabilities to quickly and effectively convert more inquiries into appointments. A few Botco.ai features include: Multi-channel chat - providing 24/7 response to inquiries about appointments, coverage, services and location information - providing 24/7 response to inquiries about appointments, coverage, services and location information Training - the AI continues to learn and improve through use and consumer interactions - the AI continues to learn and improve through use and consumer interactions Live data dashboard - using analytics, Botco.ai can share real-time insights from conversation transcripts, conversions to intents and re-engagement statistics - using analytics, Botco.ai can share real-time insights from conversation transcripts, conversions to intents and re-engagement statistics Integrations - connect to systems of record (EHR/CRM) to personalize conversations, automate workflows and appointments The pandemic has created a "digital-preferred" reality in healthcare. Patients and caregivers not only want, but also need, a streamlined healthcare process with digital communication touchpoints. Alongside a surge in physical health needs, COVID-19 has caused an uptick in the need for mental and behavioral support. According to the CDC, more than 2 in 5 US residents report struggling with mental or behavioral health issues associated with the pandemic. While the need for behavioral health services is growing significantly - with 52% of behavioral health organizations seeing an increase in the demand for services - 64% of counties in the US are experiencing a shortage of mental health providers, resulting in long phone calls and delayed healthcare support. As COVID-19 forces the growing demand on behavioral health, mental health and rehab facilities, families and patients need instant access to information, support and answers regarding these services. Botco.ai intelligent chat alleviates the need to block out time for patients to schedule a health visit, allowing healthcare professionals and patients to accomplish more in less time. "The traditional way in which families and patients inquire about healthcare services is not sustainable. Families are forced to sacrifice crucial time - a majority of that time being spent on hold - just to receive a response. On the other side of the phone are our healthcare providers, who are unable to instantly and efficiently assist callers without wait times. The industry is in desperate need of innovation," said Rebecca Clyde, founder and CEO, Botco.ai. "As we innovate Botco.ai, our mission is to not only ensure that families can more easily manage critical care without long waits and cumbersome systems, but also assist healthcare professionals in providing instant responses to those in need." The startup is the first company funded out of Stout Street Capital's UNMET Conferences, a mission-driven company determined to attract venture capital investment to underserved regions of the US, and the UNMET Founders conference last year. The conference created a venue for traditionally underrepresented founders, specifically women and diverse founders to raise venture funding. "The Botco.ai team's ability to build enterprise-grade, modern marketing automation platforms has allowed them to transform how some of the leading companies in the healthcare industry reach their customers; before, during and post COVID-19," said John A. Francis, partner, Stout Street Capital. "Botco.ai's software has enabled its healthcare clients to streamline and improve their consumer (patient) experience. Our investment in Botco.ai's team is testament to our belief in the core product and the team's unique ability to be a change agent that drives efficiency in the healthcare industry." Healthcare companies like American Family Care and STChealth have leveraged Botco.ai's intelligent chat to manage and respond to COVID-19 related needs, such as answering COVID-19 and health-related inquiries, providing insight on testing wait times, and conducting employee contact tracing. La Ventana - a treatment program for mental illness, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders - relies on Botco.ai's conversational marketing capabilities to manage the high volume of inquiries it has experienced throughout COVID-19. Botco.ai assists La Ventana in answering questions and facilitating next steps for engagement with their services. "Healthcare support is not something many have the luxury to delay. At La Ventana, we understand the importance of instant communication when it comes to health needs," said Lorraine Kaiser, chief marketing officer, La Ventana. "Botco.ai has allowed La Ventana the opportunity to provide crucial support to patients and families in a way that maximizes engagement and assistance regardless of the amount of inquiries." About Botco.ai Botco.ai is a HIPPA-compliant, AI-powered marketing chat solution that can be implemented at scale to improve engagement rates. Today, the company offers industry-leading authoring, webchat, and AI machine-learning capabilities to quickly and effectively convert more customers. Botco.ai's Integrated Analytics Dashboard provides a comprehensive view of chat campaigns across multiple channels such as web and Facebook (News - Alert) Messenger. The API-based interface can be used to transfer leads, transcripts, and data into enterprise sales and marketing automation products like Salesforce, Hubspot, Adobe (News - Alert) Marketing Cloud, and Zoho. Botco.ai is the recipient of the Arizona Innovation Challenge "Most Outstanding Startup" award and a graduate of Alchemist Accelerator Class XXV, the #1 accelerator for enterprise startups. For more information, visit www.botco.ai. About Stout Street Capital Stout Street Capital is a seed-stage fund that invests in underserved markets in the middle of the country and sees an average of 5,000 deals per year and co-invests with over 200 VCs around the country. Stout Street Capital seeks to invest in early-stage companies focused on improving efficiency and generating bottom-line value in large, established sectors in the market. Stout Street Capital is focused on improving the Series A/B-funding ecosystem in the middle of the country. UNMET is one of its primary instruments, which will help companies located in the middle of the country to meet investors and attract capital. For more information, please visit www.stoutstreetcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005188/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] EACH AND EVERY DAY, my colleagues and I hear about how New Hampshires high property taxes are an unsustainable burden on hardworking Granite Staters. According to a recent report from US News and WalletHub, New Hampshire has the third-highest property tax rates in the country. For young wor MELBOURNE, Fla., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. (the "Company" or "AML") announced today that Thomas E. Turner has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors, effective December 18, 2020. Mr. Turner, an industry veteran with leading, developing, and exiting technology companies, comes to AML as the business transitions into commercial endeavors. Thomas E. Turner In 2020, the Company launched three significant programs, which validate and financially support the Company's vision and execution plan for the commercialization of novel permanent magnet-based products. AML is presently scaling its pilot manufacturing program with anticipation of full-rate manufacturing within the next year. "We are extremely excited to have Tom join our company as both an investor and a Board Member. We are anticipating achievement of many more milestones for this next phase in the business," stated Mark Senti, CEO of AML. About Thomas E. Turner Mr. Turner has over 40 years of experience in developing, operating, and successfully exiting high tech businesses, including Wang Canada Limited, Datamax Corporation, and Itronix as President or CEO over his tenure with such companies. He has also held senior management positions with The City of New York, Graphic Systems, Wang Laboratories, Symbol Technologies, WhereNet, ADS, and General Dynamics. He recently served or is serving on the Board of Directors or Advisory Board for Host.net, Pacinian, Qylur Security Systems, Dais Analytic, Via Response, Sila Nano, Rohinni, Kinetik, and Yottabyte. Tom has also been a partner and developer in Costa Rican enterprises engaged in real estate development and community development. He is a graduate of Tufts University with a degree in Engineering and Math and attended New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business. ABOUT AML Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. (AML) is a recognized leader in the development of technologies and solutions for electrical machines and other magnet-based applications. AML's capabilities are driven by a technology platform comprised of a comprehensive portfolio of intellectual property including proprietary software (CoilCad, MOEM), magnet and manufacturing technologies and unique know-how. AML's capabilities address products and solutions for energy, transportation, medical, and research. For additional information about Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. and its technologies please visit www.aml-enabled.com. Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made under the Safe Harbor Provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated. The information contained in this release is as of February 16, 2021. Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments. Media Contact: Mark Senti, [email protected], (321) 728-7543 SOURCE Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. Related Links http://www.amlsuperconductivity.com NEW HAVEN Authorities are investigating the possibility of a bad batch of drugs after two men were found dead in a supply room behind Jacks Bar & Steakhouse at College and Crown streets in what police suspect were overdoses. Assistant Police Chief Karl Jacobson said that while the cause of the two mens deaths have yet to be determined by the state medical examiners office, it appears both died of overdoses, not of any sort of foul play. Mayor Justin Elicker said officials are investigating the possibility that there was a bad batch of drugs, but have seen no evidence so far of other people overdosing in other locations. Typically, what happens is, in addition to the police investigating on the scene, we would monitor other activity and places and very quickly get a sense of whether there are other situations that are related or similar, Elicker said. This is not looking like that right now, Elicker said. ... My understanding is, its likely we would know if there was a bigger problem. Jacobson said police were seeking to determine whether there was a particularly concerning batch of drugs or whether people mistakenly were using a more lethal substance, such as fentanyl. (Were) warning people who use drugs to make sure theyre safe, said Jacobson. Police have not identified the two men who were found dead. Jacobson said they were both in their mid to late 50s. Jacks Bar & Steakhouse owner Marco Siguenza said both men who died, as well as a third man on scene, had been affiliated with the restaurant. One of the men who died was a trainee, while the other was an ex-employee, he said. The third man, who was hospitalized, was a cook at the restaurant for two years, he said. Siguenza said the deceased men were in the storage room, which is two doors down from the main restaurant, when employees returned to reopen for business Monday. They had closed about midnight; the men could have entered anytime between then and 11:30 a.m., he said. He said they were still waiting on answers about what happened from police, who he noted had mentioned the possibility of a bad batch of drugs. Were still confused, said Siguenza. I still have no answers. Elicker said, Theres an ongoing investigation its hard for me to say at this point ... with regard to whether there was anything different that could have been done. More than 1,259 people died of drug overdoses in Connecticut in 2020, according to the state. That was an increase from 2019, when 1,200 people died due to overdoses. Michael Lawlor, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven and a member of the New Haven Board of Police Commissioners, said he had not been given information about the deaths in the city. However, speaking in general and not about the case, Lawlor noted there has been uptick in Connecticut of overdose deaths over the last 10 or so years. This is a trend, he said. Its real and it needs to be dealt with. Lawlor, who is a member of the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council, also noted that New Haven has challenges when dealing with addiction because there many treatment and other services in the city and those seeking the services come here. New Haven is kind of a magnet for people dealing with this, Lawlor said. Its a special challenge. Dr. Mehul Dalal, city community services administrator, said he did not have specific information about the overdoses, but that the citys network of about 30 service providers have been told to be on the lookout for additional cases. While most are not fatal, there are many, many more overdoses that are occurring since the pandemic began, he said. We keep track of it on a weekly basis and information is sent out about where overdoses are occurring, he said. Were trying to do very data-driven, targeted outreach to these locations. Its no surprise that the COVID pandemic has presented a set of conditions in which people who have lost economic opportunity and are in despair sometimes turn to this secondary form of coping, Dalal said. He said the number of overdoses is likely less than twice as high as before the pandemic but did not have totals readily available Tuesday. The social service providers the city works with include the APT Foundation, Sex Workers and Allies Network, the Yale Community Health Care Van, Fair Haven Community Health Care and others that may offer methadone treatment for people with substance use problems. Ultimately, its connection to services and to long-term therapy that will alleviate some of these issues, Dalal said. He said the most common drug involved in overdoses in New Haven is heroin. The main issue is fentanyl and fentanyl-like products that are most involved in fatal overdoses, he said. What were waiting for is specific information about this event and what was involved, he said. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday granted an emergency authorization to the COVID-19 vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, giving additional hope that the end of the global pandemic could be in sight. In a statement, the WHO said it was clearing the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines made by the Serum Institute of India and South Korea's AstraZeneca-SKBio. The Associated Press reported that the move would allow the United Nations' (U.N.) health agency partners to ship millions of doses to countries as part of a U.N.-backed program to reduce COVID-19 cases. AstraZeneca was the second vaccine to receive a green-light from the WHO after issuing or authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December. Related article: AstraZeneca Vaccine Less Effective Against South African Variant Implications of AstraZeneca's Approval by WHO According to a U.S. News report, the recent announcement will stimulate the delivery of millions of doses to nations that have signed up for the U.N.-backed COVAX effort that aims to bring vaccines to places with the most vulnerable people. WHO's Assistant-Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, Dr. Mariangela Simao, noted that countries with no access to vaccines right now will finally be able to start giving shots to their health workers and populations at risk. According to an ABC News report, the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has already been authorized in over 50 countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Britain, and India. The AstraZeneca vaccine is reportedly cheaper and easier to handle than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that needs deep-cold storage. Both AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines require two shots per person, given weeks apart. WHO vaccine experts recommended using the AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged 18 and older, including in countries detected with COVID-19 variants. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that countries, which have been identified with a coronavirus variant first seen in South Africa, should be "cautious" in using the AstraZeneca vaccine. AstraZeneca and COVAX U.S. News reported that the AstraZeneca shot forms the bulk of COVAX's recently raised concerns after an early study hinted it might not prevent mild and moderate disease caused by the South African variant. South Africa scaled down its planned rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine last week. It opted instead to use an unlicensed Johnson & Johnson vaccine for its health care workers. According to the Associated Press report, COVAX has already missed its own goal of starting COVID-19 vaccinations in developing countries while doses were rolled out in rich countries. This prompted many developing countries to rush to sign their own private deals in recent weeks to buy vaccines, setting aside the COVAX global vaccine programme. WHO chief scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan earlier said rich countries that have signed up to receive vaccines from COVAX would not have their requests denied. But Anna Marriott, health policy lead for Oxfam International, said rich countries with their own supplies should not take vaccines from nations, which are really in dire situations. The COVID-19 has already infected more than 109 million people worldwide and killed at least 2.4 million of them. However, a lot of developing countries have not yet started any vaccination programs, and some rich nations face shortages of doses as manufacturers struggle to raise production. Read also: Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine Begins Clinical Trial on Children WATCH: AstraZeneca-Oxford Shot Backed by WHO for All Adults from Bloomberg Markets and Finance Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has called for a pragmatic and flexible approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol to address the concerns of unionists and businesses. However, Mr Coveney said there was no scope to scrap the protocol and it was here to stay. He also expressed concern that Northern Ireland was moving into a "dangerous space" with a rise in polarised and identity politics. Read More Agreed as part of the UK's Brexit deal with the EU, the purpose of the protocol is to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland by keeping Northern Ireland aligned with European trade rules. Unionists have registered their anger at the measure, which they claim separates Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK via the trade border in the Irish Sea. They have called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to invoke Article 16 of the protocol which allows both sides to suspend the deal if serious issues arise. The EU briefly invoked the clause last month in a row over vaccine supplies, before quickly backtracking. Anti-protocol graffiti has appeared across Northern Ireland, including at ports, and MLAs and MPs offices have been targeted. Businesses have also expressed concern with problems around goods travelling from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. A number of businesses have temporarily and permanently stopped shipping goods to the region as a result. Mr Coveney called for solutions to address the issues caused by the protocol. Expand Close Simon Coveney (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Simon Coveney (Niall Carson/PA) He told the Financial Times that pragmatism and flexibility within the confines of the protocol actually strengthens the protocol. It doesnt weaken it". We shouldnt see flexibility as a weakness or a concession. In fact, this is ensuring that we create an acceptance for and a full implementation of the protocol," the Irish Foreign Minister said. Our focus has to be to try to listen to businesses and in particular to unionism in Northern Ireland and to try to respond to the concerns that have been outlined in as comprehensive a way as we can but and I think its important to stress this within the confines of the protocol." Mr Coveney accepted that the protocol had caused "real frustrations", and signalled the Irish Government would support "modest extensions" to grace periods for the full implementation of the agreement, but ruled out a permanent grace period or scrapping the protocol. "We know that there are issues in relation to implementation that need to be resolved and we know that there are a series of asks here in terms of pragmatism and flexibility, he said. We need to approach both with a view to trying to get a partnership to move this protocol forward that can move away from the kind of polarised politics that weve seen over the last two weeks, particularly in Northern Ireland linked to the protocol, which very much had moved into the realm of identity politics, which is a dangerous space to move into. An EU diplomat told the Financial Times that there were concerns in Brussels that the Irish Government was following "a policy of equidistance towards the EU and the UK on Northern Ireland". Mr Coveney said the Irish Government remained firmly committed to the EU, but had to be mindful of it's commitment to peace in Northern Ireland alongside "friendly neighbour" the UK. "We have a responsibility to manage a peace process, relationships on this island and relationships between Britain and Ireland. At any time in history when those relationships have been in poor shape, its caused lots of other problems too," the Fine Gael TD said. Its about recognising the tensions that (people In Northern Ireland) live with and the polarisation in the politics there and its about ensuring that the protocol can be implemented with goodwill and will be supported in four years' time (when the Assembly votes on it)." Where do you stand on the wanton censorship by Big Tech Platforms, while retaining their Section 230 carveout indemnifying them for Slander /Defamation lawsuits and Copyright infringements? Big Tech Platforms have the right to Censor all speech providing they voluntarily relinquish their Section 230 Carveout. Big Tech Platforms DO NOT have the right to Censor any speech, while retaining multiple indemnifications by virtue of the Section 230 Carveout. I know nothing of this 230 talk, but "I do love me some social media". 377 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? poll#125 Since only about 20% of the News Media has any shred of Journalistic Integrity remaining: How does our Constitutional Republic continue without a "Free Press"? Demand real information, using real sources, backed up by facts. Promote real journalist entities only, and admonish those that prostitute their profession. We Democratic Socialists are doing just fine, thank-you, by promoting lies while having very little real knowledge about so much. 144 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? Let's be frank ... a lot of us have been leery of Facebook and its cabal of programmers, administrators, promoters, fact-checkers, and even its creator, and many have even walked away from the liberal platform. No one who posts with good and honest intent should be silenced on account of viewpoint diversity. Freedom of Speech should always be respected, as long as it does not incite imminent violence or discuss prurient sexual matters. I have not yet abandoned Facebook and use it mainly to communicate with family and friends and to share pics of my family, many pics of my flowers, my plants, my many pets, and my pics of nature. It gives me great pleasure to share my pics. It used to give me great pleasure to comment on social issues, political party matters, and government policy. I used to enjoy hearing the many views from my many friends and family members. But that is pretty much all over. Again, I don't want the insult and embarrassment of being censored for daring to take a position that is at odds with Mark Zuckerberg and his Facebook people - folks far less informed, far less rational, less educated, younger, and far less experienced than the average conservative American citizen.But the truth is that lately, I posted a few docu-movies, podcasts, and articles on Facebook (inpages) addressing the unconstitutional abuse of power by a deranged and politically-motivated set of Congressmen and Senators to harass, tarnish, and potentially oust President Trump from office, and then addressing the unsettling amount of dishonesty, animus-based scheming, election tampering, purposeful intervention in the vote counting, and other very troubling election irregularities. One docu-movie in particular that I posted -by Mike Lindell (theguy), Mary Fanning, and Brannon Howse was flagged and cited asFacebook fact-checkers claim that this video contains false information and they felt justified in placing several restrictive messages around the post.First of all, all the fact checkers with Facebook are ultra-liberals. And second of all, liberals don't deal with facts at all - they deal with ambition, power, messaging, and agenda. They cry "diversity" all the time, but all they really mean is that they want persons of all different color skin, different ethnicities, and different religions at the same table. It's all about the outward differences or diversity of such person. The real type of diversity is in thought and in viewpoint, but this is the type of diversity that the left absolutely detests and the type it uses all possible means to resist. The left will embrace alltype persons as long as they are of the same mindset, they support the Democratic platform, or they can help advance the Democratic agenda.We may not all be brainiacs, but we are not stupid. We have eyes, we have intuition, and we all know how corrupted and power-hungry the Democratic Party and other liberal/progressive groups have become. We have seen their outright abusive and unconstitutional conduct and government action for at least 12 years now.(Lord John Dalberg). We know the 2020 presidential election was the product of massive intentional election fraud, election tampering, voter fraud, and election irregularities, all for the singular purpose of making sure Donald Trump would not continue to sit in the White House.For a summary of such "election fraud, election tampering, voter fraud, and election irregularities," please refer to the podcasts and articles cited below.Now, as some people are aware, I am an attorney. I was educated at a prestigious law school and did very well, I passed the bar exam in two states in the highest percentile group, and I complemented that education with extensive research and training on my own. As an attorney, there are two very important doctrines, or methods of analysis, in law to guide law enforcement, private investigators, and attorneys as they try to solve crimes and tort claims: One suchis that in the absence of an eyewitness, the mere act, action, or actions speak for themselves. The latin term is called "res ipsa loquitur (meaning). A classic example of the type of case in whicharises is where a sponge or other medical instrument is left inside a person after surgery. Typically, records of the surgery will not include a statement such asand there may be no recorded proof of how or why the negligence occurred. Yet clearly, a surgical instrument would not be left in a patient in the absence of someone's negligence. Also, an unconscious patient certainly cannot be deemed responsible for this type of injury, and it would have been the operating physician and staff who had exclusive control over the surgical tools. So,would likely apply here.The secondthat the criminal justice system or tort lawyer has at his or her disposal is one where a claim of wrongdoing is assessed not merely by looking at one factor, but by looking at the "totality of the circumstances." In the law, the totality of the circumstances test refers to a method of analysis where decisions are based on all available information rather than bright-line rules. Under the totality of the circumstances test, courts focusSometimes a string ofor(too great to be a mere coincidence) speaks to a mens rea (an intent); it speaks to intentional wrongdoing.These two doctrines, or methods of analysis, are what come into play when we talk about how the Democrats in office (including their collusion with the media, the "Deep State," and even the national Democratic Party) targeted and relentlessly harassed President Trump for four long years (especially when they weaponized the government against him over and over again), we well as what happened with the 2020 election. [Refer back to the paragraph where I direct interested readers to a list of resources (mostly podcasts and articles) which provide a summary of the enormity of documented instances ofapproach. Liberal justices on the courts have adopted this illegal and improper approach in order to get around the original meaning, scope, and intent of the Constitution. (Oh, and by the way, history teachers in our public school system teach this as the correct approach). It is clearly and offensively inconsistent with legitimate contract law. But as I have stated clearly in the description of this site, I am ancertainly in the mold of justices such as Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. I have studied history extensively and I have researched almost completely and understand implicitly our founding documents (the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution). As the Declaration explicitly articulates, governments are created by the People, and instituted thru social compact to transfer governing authority from them to the government for specific purposes. The Constitution is such a social compact. All our founders referred to it as such. And so, it is WE the PEOPLE who have created the federal government. It is anot an omnipotent institution. We are the masters over our government, and we MUST think in such terms. The government is for us and for our benefit, and as it stands now, that doctrine is still firmly planted in our Declaration of Independence and in the US Constitution. The liberal professors at our almost exclusively liberal law schools don't get this.It has been the irresponsible and reckless agenda-driven, politically-driven, and ideology-driven judges on the federal courts who have flipped this originalist doctrine (which we can call- the predominant theme in the Declaration) and substituted the "living, breathing document" approach for the government's sake and benefit. In other words, while the courts should be the final check and defender of our sacred founding documents, to maintain their integrity and for the sake of our republic, they have instead collided with the legislative and executive branches to create an almost perfect monopoly for the federal government on the meaning, scope, and intent of the Constitution.Instead of dismissing the claims of election tampering, election fraud, voter fraud, election irregularities, hacking of the ballot machine software, excluding conservative poll workers while liberal ones remain behind tothe fraudulent exploitation of mail-in ballots, and the dropping off of questionable boxes of ballots that have no proper recordation, the state governments, the courts, and the Department of Justice (the Attorney General), SHOULD HAVE made a good-faith investigation into each of them. After all, what has the Democratic Party done for the past 4 years?? Were they boy scouts and girl scouts? They brought fabricated and spurious impeachment charges against President Trump (all the time excluding all Republican congressmen), they used and paid for a knowingly fabricated dossier by Christopher Steele (a British former intelligence officer with the Secret Intelligence Service from 1987 until his retirement in 2009, who then ran the Russia desk at MI6 headquarters in London between 2006 and 2009) to use against Trump as proof of his Russian Collusion in the 2020 election (it was part of their), they used that same fabricated Steele dossier to trick the secret FISA court to issue warrants to use surveillance on Trump as a candidate for president in 2016 (again, it was part of their), they called for and appointed a Special Independent Counsel to investigate Trump for Russian Collusion and election tampering, they colluded with the liberal mainstream media to label President Trump as an absolute racist, xenophobe, and liar, they hounded and embarrassed him for not turning over his tax returns, they targeted his advisors and cabinet members for harassment and hatred (- Maxine Waters), and more. Again, this is precisely what I mean when I suggested (using my legal background) that the above allegations should be looked atExtreme ambition is and has been the motivation of all the wrongdoing that has been alleged.The fact-checkers probably have no idea what I am talking about.Alexa Corse, The Wall Street Journal , January 6, 2021Jane Recker, Washingtonian , June 12, 2021(11/24/20)(12/14/2020)(12/17/2020)(2/05/2021)(2/04/2021)(12/11/2020)(12/02/2020)(11/12/2020)Here is a perfect example of how the hate-filled, agenda-driven, and power-hungry leftists have perverted and abused the Constitution for pure ambition purposes: The Constitution, in Article II, has some very specific requirements should the topic of impeaching a president come up. For one, it says when the president (ie, a sitting president) is impeached, the articles of impeachment passed by Congress shall be presented to the Senate for a trial, by which 2/3 of the Senate members must vote to convict. The Chief Justiceof the US Supreme Court is to preside. Remember, the ultimate purpose of an impeachment is to remove the president from office for any crime rising to the level of a "high crime or misdemeanor." When Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called Chief Justice John Roberts to preside over Trump's second impeachment trial, Roberts declined. That alone should be a signal that the entire trial is unconstitutional. After all, Donald Trump is no longer in the White House and is now a private citizen. As Roberts said: "Heck no, I'm not coming across the street because you're not impeaching this (ex-) president." The purpose of the second impeachment attempt is moot since he is already out of office, unless the purpose is to taint his legend so badly that he won't be able to run in 2024.Alllaw. Referenced here Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? 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Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country The Doha Foreign Minister met with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran. Qatar hopes for a return of the United States "as soon as possible". Zarif is committed to strengthening relations with regional powers. The Islamic Republic threatens new restrictions on the work of IAEA inspectors. Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Qatar's foreign minister met his counterpart in Tehran after Doha expressed its intention to mediate between Iran and the United States on the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) that was later dissolved by Donald Trump. The meeting comes as the pact between the Islamic Republic and world powers - aimed at limiting the ayatollahs nuclear program in exchange for the reduction of international punitive measures - hangs by a thread and with Europe trying to relaunch its role as mediator. Doha, an important US ally in the region, has also maintained good relations with Iran for some time. Head of diplomacy Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif yesterday in Tehran. During the visit, he also spoke with President Hassan Rouhani, to whom he delivered a message from the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. At the end of the summit, Qatar's foreign minister underlined the hope that "with the return of the United States to the nuclear agreement as soon as possible, the challenges and sanctions can be lifted" and Doha "will spare no effort to ensure that that this happens ". Zarif said he was satisfied with the end of the blockade of the Gulf nations against the emirate and confirmed his intention to increasingly strengthen relations with Qatar and the regional powers. In May 2018, outgoing US President Donald Trump ordered the United States pull out from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed by his predecessor Barack Obama in 2015, despite the opposition of the international community. Trump followed the withdrawal by imposing the toughest sanctions in history against Iran. The decision has negatively impacted the Iranian economy as noted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Covid 19 emergency only worsened the situation for the population. In response, Tehran threatened to resume uranium enrichment for civilian purposes and has already surpassed uranium reserves. The new US President Joe Biden said he wanted to return to the agreement, but asked Tehran to fully comply with the established criteria, while Tehran wants the sanctions to be lifted immediately. In recent days, the Islamic Republic has feared new restrictions on visits by nuclear inspectors in the event that the sanctions themselves are not relaxed or that there will be no aid from third countries to break the deadlock. The date set by the Iranian ambassador to the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) is 23 February. (Natural News) Russian President Vladimir Putin is a very happy man these days, suggested former United Nations (U.N.) Ambassador Nikki Haley on Wednesday, Jan. 27. President Joe Biden has a lot do with that. Haley noted that the Biden administrations axing of the Keystone XL oil pipeline project and the moves to ban fracking played right into Russias hands. Putin has to be pretty ecstatic right now, Haley told Fox News. One of the things that bothered him the most was how energy independent we had become. She went ahead and called Bidens first seven days in office a good first week for Russia. Under former President Donald Trump, the United States became the worlds top oil producer and maintained its position as the top global producer of natural gas. In 2019, the country became a net exporter of petroleum (crude oil and refined) products for the first time since 1949. But Bidens early moves suggest hes not interested to continue the Trump administrations efforts to maximize fossil fuel production. Shortly after his inauguration, Biden moved to rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change and revoked a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. Trump backed out of the accord and revived the pipeline project after it hit a snag under former President Barack Obama. The ongoing trend didnt escape Haley. She said that Biden is more interested in reversing everything President Trump did rather than looking forward. Last week, the Biden administration imposed a 60-day suspension of new permits for oil and gas leasing, drilling and fracking on federal lands. He went a step further on Wednesday by issuing an executive order that halts oil and gas leasing on federal lands and waters. Western Energy Alliance, a Denver-based group representing fuel producers on federal lands, quickly filed a lawsuit on the same day to stop the executive order. Biden, Putin agree to extend nuclear deal Biden and Putin are not exactly friends, but they are not enemies either. (Related: Hunter Biden colluded with Russia to enrich his familys coffers.) According to the White House, Biden warned the Russian leader about election meddling in their first call as counterparts Tuesday, Jan. 26. A Kremlin statement had a milder description of the call, saying that it was businesslike and frank. Reports said they both agreed to extend the last remaining nuclear deal of the two countries the New Start treaty. It is due to expire on Feb. 5, but both sides agreed to extend the treaty. The New Start treaty is an Obama-era accord that limits the amounts of warheads, missiles and launchers in the nuclear arsenals of the U.S. and Russia. The Trump administration refused to sign it and talks over an extension stalled. On Wednesday, Russias parliament ratified a five-year extension of the treaty a move that Putin said was a step in the right direction to reducing global tensions. The two presidents also discussed the massive SolarWinds cyberattack, which has been blamed on Moscow, as well as the reports that the Kremlin placed bounties on American soldiers in Afghanistan and the poisoning of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny. Biden had indicated that, compared to his predecessor, he would be tougher on Putin. While Trump frequently cast doubt on Russian interference in the 2016 elections, Biden directly told Putin that he knew Russia had tried to meddle in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. Biden also warned the Russian president that the U.S. is ready to defend itself against cyber-espionage and any other attacks. However, the Obama administration featuring Biden as vice president has also been criticized for failing to check Russia when it annexed Crimea, supported rebel forces in eastern Ukraine and backed the government of war-torn Syria. Follow JoeBiden.news for more news and information about Joe Biden. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com BBC.com We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form New Delhi, Feb 16 : A Delhi court, granting bail to a man accused of posting fake videos on Facebook on the farmer protests, observed that law of sedition cannot be invoked to "quieten disquiet under the pretence of muzzling the miscreants". Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana noted that in the absence of exhortation or incitement to create disorder or disturb public peace or resort to violence, law of sedition cannot be invoked. "The law of sedition is a powerful tool in the hands of the state to maintain peace and order in the society. However, it cannot be invoked to quieten the disquiet under the pretence of muzzling the miscreants," the court said. Evidently, law prescribes any act which has a tendency to create disorder or disturbance of public peace by resort to violence, the court said, adding that in the absence of any exhortation, it suspects that sedition can be invoked. According to the prosecution, the accused who is a 21-year-old labourer, posted a fake video on his Facebook page with the tagline 'Delhi Police mae bagawat 200 policekarmiyon ne diya samuhik istifa (Revolt in Delhi Police 200 police personnel submit collective resignation)'. The police claimed that the accused not only made a sensational Facebook post with an intent to spread disaffection against the state but has also committed forgery. The court was, however, informed by the investigating officer that the applicant is not the author of the said post and he has merely forwarded it. "In my considered opinion, on a plain reading of the tagline attributed to the applicant/accused, invocation of Section 124 A IPC is a seriously debatable issue," the court said and bailed out the accused on him furnishing a bond in the sum of Rs 50,000 with one surety in the like amount. A top crime writer has told how his idyllic New Zealand homeland is being plagued by meth addiction and a growing problem with biker gangs, Asian crime groups and Mexican cartels. A top crime writer has told how his idyllic New Zealand homeland is being plagued by meth addiction and a growing problem with biker gangs, Asian crime groups and Mexican cartels. Journalist Jared Savage whose book 'Gangland: New Zealands Underworld of Organised Crime' lifts the lid on a violent underworld, tells this weeks Crime World podcast that drug issues only started becoming a problem in the 1990s nearly 15 years after Irelands heroin scourge started. A lot of people living overseas would see new Zealand as idyllic. With Covid we look pretty good right now but underlying all of it we have the same social problems as are seen across the world. The gap between the haves and the have nots is increased, there are housing problems, poverty, drug and alcohol abuse and horrific levels of domestic violence so its all tied in with the same sort of issues. "So certainly drug issues, meth in particular, has changed the criminal underworld here in last 20 years. We often believe we are five years behind Australia and 10 or 15 years behind the UK and Ireland. Expand Close Firearms seized in Operation Mystic, an investigation into a New Zealander living in Italy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Firearms seized in Operation Mystic, an investigation into a New Zealander living in Italy As the heroin scourge swept Dublin in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, across the globe New Zealand remained smack free. In the 70s and 80s we didnt really have a hard drug problem but there was a lot of cannabis because there is a good climate and a lot of space to grow it. We had some heroin, but just a small amount of it in the 1980s but really things changed in the late 1990s with meth being introduced. It was quite a potent form of it and pure, not what we would call speed, and quite quickly it became a very popular drug. Meth makes you feel incredible and 10 foot tall it gives users huge energy and it really took off. It was popular amongst anyone from white collar workers in the leafy suburbs, kids in private schools and then all the way across society into the motorcycle gangs. "In particular, the Hells Angels and the Headhunters caught onto it and the huge money to be made. It soon got a stigma because of people doing crazy and horrific crimes. We call it P here because of its purity. There were horrific murders and even children got killed. The stigma pushed it underground and there it stayed. Five years ago there was this second wave of it and it came back in a very strong way. Expand Close The Rolls-Royce and Range Rover on the back of the trucks were seized from the Comancheros in Operation Nova / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Rolls-Royce and Range Rover on the back of the trucks were seized from the Comancheros in Operation Nova Meth, which was used as a stimulant during World War II, is smoked in a glass pipe but can also be snorted, swallowed and injected. But the huge prices for it sparked the interest of transnational crime groups. Kilos of meth purchased for $1,000 from Mexico reached record highs in New Zealand in recent years when it retailed at $300,000. It has now levelled at $180,000 per kilo and the point of a gram bought by users has stayed at $100 for the past 20 years. Cocaine, too, is hugely expensive in New Zealand and retails at around $350 per gram four times the price in Ireland. The high is not as long lasting as meth so meth is still more popular, but cocaine is coming through as well. Across the world biker gangs have pushed meth to fund their activities and have entered bloody battles for their turf. And many others have been lured by the money. In his book, Savage tells the story of William Wallace, a former airline worker who started to fix motorbikes after he retired. When police busted his operation they discovered that he was cooking meth for the biker gangs who had come for a service. The real life Walter White from Breaking Bad ended up in prison and is noted as one of the first known millionaires of the meth trade. Gangland: New Zealands Underworld of Organised Crime is available to by as an e-book or can be ordered on Amazon. Jared Savage is a guest on Crime World. Crime Word Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. Agence France-Presse Israeli environmentalists are warning that a UAE-Israeli oil pipeline deal threatens unique Red Sea coral reefs and could lead to "the next ecological disaster". The agreement to bring Emirati crude oil by tanker to a pipeline in the Red Sea port of Eilat was signed after Israel normalised ties with the Gulf Arab nation late last year and should come into force within months. With experts warning of possible leaks and spills at the ageing Eilat port, and the Israeli environmental protection ministry demanding "urgent" talks on the deal, activists mobilised last week. They held a protest in a parking lot overlooking Eilat's oil jetty against what they see as a disaster waiting to happen, chanting that profits will be made "at the expense of corals". "The coral reefs are 200 metres (yards) from where the oil will be unloaded," said Shmulik Taggar, an Eilat resident and founding member of the Society for Conservation of the Red Sea Environment. "They say the tankers are modern and there won't be any problem," he said, warning however that "there's no way there won't be a malfunction". He predicted that with the projected arrival of two to three tankers a week, traffic will be "back-to-back". This, he said, would also impact the aesthetic of a city promoting ecological tourism. "You can't sell green tourism when you have oil tankers by the dock," he said. Unique reefs The Jewish state and the UAE established ties last year as part of the US-brokered "Abraham Accords". One of the deals that followed was a Memorandum of Understanding between Israel's state-owned Europe-Asia Pipeline Company (EAPC) and a new entity called MED-RED Land Bridge Ltd -- a joint venture between Abu Dhabi's National Holding company and several Israeli firms. In October, EAPC announced a "binding MoU" with MED-RED to bring crude from UAE to Eilat and then transport it by pipeline to Israel's Mediterranean city of Ashkelon for onward export to Europe. Taggar argued that deals benefitting the fossil fuel industry at the expense of the environment are "not in the spirit of our times". "It might have been appropriate in the 1960s and 1970s, before we were a developed state," he said. Activists argue the deal evaded tough regulatory scrutiny because of EAPC's status as a state-owned firm working in the sensitive energy sector. While coral populations around the world are under threat from bleaching caused by climate change, the reefs in Eilat have remained stable due to their unique heat resistance. Eilat's coral beach reserve extends some 1.2 kilometres (almost a mile) off the city's coast, protecting reefs that are home to a rich variety of marine life. But their proximity to the EAPC port puts them at grave risk, Nadav Shashar, professor of marine biology at Beersheba's Ben Gurion University, told AFP. The infrastructure is not set up to prevent accidents and only designed "to treat pollution once it's already in the water," said Shashar, who is also head of marine biology and biotechnology at Eilat's Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science. Shashar, one of 230 experts who petitioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the deal, argued that with the increase of shipments, "the result will be a constant leak of oil pollution". Get in the way After the agreement was struck in October, EAPC said it could increase oil flow through Eilat by "tens of millions of tonnes per year". Contacted by AFP, the company declined to discuss the deal's specifics but stressed that its equipment was "state of the art" and up to international standards. The environmental protection ministry said it had fulfilled its oversight role but also called for an "urgent discussion of all relevant governmental bodies" to review the deal. The talks, a statement said, "would examine all angles -- including the environmental ones -- of increasing the volume of crude oil being transported". Shashar said the goal was not to close down EAPC but to "limit the extent of its use to something that can be handled". Some activists have voiced more militant views, including Michael Raphael of the international Extinction Rebellion movement. Raphael, who came to the recent rally armed with a bullhorn, said he was aiming to set up an Extinction Rebellion chapter in Eilat to resist the UAE deal. "If the problem isn't solved, we'll have to get in the way of things," he said. "We don't just demonstrate ... we disrupt the work of those who pollute." Peaceful demonstrations against Myanmars military takeover resumed, following violence against protesters a day earlier by security forces and after internet access was blocked for a second straight night. Groups of demonstrators turned out early in Yangon and other cities to protest against the February 1 coup and demand that the nations elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and members of her ousted government be freed from detention. In Yangon, police blocked off the street in front of the Central Bank, which protesters have targeted amid speculation online that the military is seeking to seize money from them. Buddhist monks demonstrated outside the UNs local office. Expand Close Buddhist monks display pictures of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Buddhist monks display pictures of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi (AP) The protests are taking place in defiance of an order banning gatherings of five or more people. Around 3,000 demonstrators, mainly students, returned to the streets in Mandalay, the countrys second biggest city, carrying posters of Ms Suu Kyi and shouting for the return of democracy. Security presence was low-key around the march, with most police guarding key buildings in the city, such as state banks branches. On Monday in Mandalay, soldiers and police violently broke up a gathering of more than 1,000 protesters in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank. They attacked the protesters with slingshots and sticks, and police could be seen aiming long guns into the air amid sounds that resembled gunfire. Local media reported rubber bullets were fired into the crowd and that a few people were injured. No reason has been announced for why the government ordered internet access blocked on Sunday and Monday nights. It has in the past few weeks imposed selective and ineffective blocks on social media platforms and prepared a draft internet law that would criminalise many online activities. There is also widespread speculation that the government is installing a firewall system that can monitor or block most or all online activity. Expand Close A demonstrator displays an upside-down begging-bowl, a form of protest symbolising the refusal to receive any kind of alms from the military government (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A demonstrator displays an upside-down begging-bowl, a form of protest symbolising the refusal to receive any kind of alms from the military government (AP) State media were acknowledging the protest movement with indirect references. The Global New Light Of Myanmar newspaper reported about a meeting of the State Administration Council, the new top governing body, and quoted its chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, saying the authorities are handling the ongoing problems with care. It said the council discussed taking legal action against protesters, providing true information to the media, and resuming public transport, an apparent reference to strikes and slowdowns by hauliers and state railway workers. The newspaper also said the council members discussed acting against a parallel government established by some elected politicians of Ms Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party, who were prevented from taking their seats when the military stopped Parliament from opening its session February 1. The self-styled Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has 15 members who met online and said they have enough support to convene Parliament. It stakes a claim to being the sole legitimate government institution and has appealed to foreign powers and the UN and other multilateral institutions for recognition, with no known positive responses. Expand Close Soldiers stand next to a military lorry (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Soldiers stand next to a military lorry (AP) Committee members believe warrants have been issued for their arrests. Ms Suu Kyi is under house arrest on a minor charge of possessing unregistered imported walkie-talkies. It is likely that she will appear in court by videoconference on Wednesday, according to Khin Maung Zaw, a lawyer asked by Ms Suu Kyis party to represent her. The military contends there was fraud in last years election, which Ms Suu Kyis party won in a landslide, and says it will hold power for a year before holding new elections. The state election commission found no evidence to support the claims of fraud. The military says its takeover is legitimate under a 2008 constitution that was drafted under military rule and ensures the army maintains ultimate control over the country. The UN, US and other governments have urged it to return power to the elected government and release Ms Suu Kyi and other detainees. (CNN) -- Mexico isn't happy with the way coronavirus vaccines are being rolled out worldwide, saying the process favors richer countries while leaving poorer countries behind. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told reporters Tuesday that the Mexican delegation to the United Nations will file a complaint at the UN Security Council tomorrow concerning the "inequality" and "inequity" that he says impede vaccine access. "The countries that produce [vaccines] have higher rates of vaccination and Latin America and the Caribbean have much less," Ebrard said. "We're going to raise it in the Security Council because it's not fair," he concluded. Mexico has struggled with its vaccine rollout, only managing to administer about 750,000 vaccine doses so far, despite having signed purchase agreements for the eventual delivery of more than 230 million doses of various COVID-19 vaccines. With supplies scarce, the Mexican government's concern over whether some countries are hoarding vaccines is shared by many worldwide. Wealthier countries like the United States, Israel, China and the United Kingdom are at or near the top of the list in number of vaccines administered so far, while many poorer countries have yet to offer a single dose. "Even as vaccines bring hope to some, they become another brick in the wall of inequality between the world's haves and have-nots," said World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in January. "Even as they speak the language of equitable access, some countries and companies continue to prioritize bilateral deals...driving up prices and attempting to jump to the front of the queue. This is wrong," he said. WHO officials worry that kind of behavior could put their equitable distribution facility, called COVAX, in jeopardy. COVAX aims to distribute some 2 billion doses of the vaccine worldwide by the end of this year, many of which would go to poorer countries. Mexico's complaint at Wednesday's UN Security Council meeting will focus on Latin America and the Caribbean, a poor part of the world particularly devastated by the pandemic. COVAX distribution has not yet begun, though it announced plans earlier this month to distribute more than 35 million doses of vaccine across the region by the end of the second quarter, with the potential for more should supplies become available. But that's a drop in the bucket of the 500 million people in the region the Pan American Health Organization says need to be immunized in order to control the pandemic. This story was first published on CNN.com, "'It's not fair.' Mexico will file complaint at UN over unequal vaccine distribution" Amid rising fuel prices, the Congress on Tuesday demanded immediate withdrawal of taxes on the petroleum products, and alleged that in the last over six years the government has earned more than Rs 20 lakh crore through taxes even as a common man suffers. Calling it 'Modi Tax', Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera while addressing a press conference said, "We demand an immediate withdrawal of this additional Modi Tax imposed over the last 6.8 years. This in itself will reduce petrol price to Rs 61.92 per litre and diesel price to Rs 47.51 per litre. Every common Indian deserves this relief immediately." He said, "In the last 6.8 years the government has earned over Rs 20 lakh crore by imposing additional excise duty on petrol and diesel. In May 2014, the international crude oil price was $108 per barrel and petrol was selling at Rs 71.51 per litre in Delhi, while diesel was selling at Rs 57.28 per litre in Delhi. "The international crude oil price as on February 1 was $54.41 per barrel and yet as of today, the price of petrol is Rs 89.29 per litre in Delhi whereas diesel is selling at Rs 79.70 per litre. Over the last six years, the additional excise burden -- Modi Tax -- on the common consumer has been increased by Rs 23.78 per litre on petrol and by Rs 28.37 per litre on diesel -- 820 per cent on diesel and 258 per cent on petrol. "We do not see the result of government's spending to the tune of Rs 20 lakh crore on any sector, whether it is the agriculture sector, the MSMEs, or government employees or any other sector?" said Khera. He alleged that the BJP ecosystem has always tried to keep people emotionally occupied. "What are the emotions through which they try to keep India busy? Anger! Hatred! Fear! Their strategy is predictable, generate these emotions and create villains. For this, they will borrow from mythology, from their version of history, from global events that may have nothing to do with us. They will keep invoking villains against who our collective emotions can be directed," said Khera. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerian government is to establish automotive industrial parks in three states to promote local production of vehicles, Jelani Aliyu, the Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council has said. Mr Aliyu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, the parks will be sited in Nnewi in Anambra State, home to Innoson Motors, the first indigenous motor manufacturing firm in Nigeria, Ede in Osun State and Kaduna. He said the programme is part of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan, aimed at promoting local production of vehicles. We are building three automotive industrial parks that will be comprehensive facilities where the necessary infrastructure will be provided and investors can easily come in and play, he said. As the Federal Government is promoting local production of vehicles, key to that is creating the necessary environment, and we have done that with the automotive policy. We are working on making it easier and more advantageous to produce vehicles locally because we believe the difference must be created between vehicles built elsewhere and those built in Nigeria. When you build a vehicle in Nigeria, you are giving our youths jobs, empowering Nigerians and creating better life. But when you bring in a fully built vehicle, you are taking resources outside Nigeria and that is not adding much value to us our economy, he said. Mr Aliyu said the automotive policy stipulates that cars assembled in Nigeria have zero per cent tariff for Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits and not more than 10 per cent tariff for a semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits. He said the government was also working on a 10-year tax holiday for investors in the automotive industry. The NADDC boss said that work was also at concluding stage in the building of automobile testing centres to ensure global standard compliant in the sector. We have finished the construction of automotive testing facilities in Lagos, Enugu, and Zaria and should be up and running this year. Any spare part or component that is brought or made in Nigeria must meet minimum global standard otherwise it will be deemed illegal and we wont allow it to be sold in the Nigeria market. All these are steps the Federal Government is taking to ensure that the necessary environment is created in Nigeria for investors. We are to not to go out there to produce those vehicles but we will work closely with investors in the private sector to ensure they get the necessary support, Mr Aliyu said. (NAN) Attendees at last years ClimateCap event in February Theres a delicate relationship between politics, social issues, and environmental threat. To navigate the rapidly changing business landscape thats inseparable from these systems, the faculty of Dukes Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment EDGE stress that MBA students must equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to take action. Daniel Vermeer, EDGE executive director, explains that one of the most urgent issues MBA students face in todays market is climate change. Climate change multiplies the force of all of the other problems not just environmental, but also social, he tells Poets&Quants. If you have problems with inequality or racial justice, those problems are exacerbated when the impacts of climate change are more pronounced. EDGE, a center that prepares global business leaders for the energy and environmental challenges of the future, recently launched MBA EDGE, an online platform that shares the latest research and resources on current environmental and social issues in a digestible format for MBA students and alumni. The research papers written by a mix of Duke faculty and students help to prepare MBAs to respond to climate risks and opportunities. Described by Vermeer as the connective tissue between academic research and its translation, all of MBA EDGEs resources are free, providing anyone access to cutting-edge research. Business cant hide, says Katie Kross, EDGEs managing director. Every MBA student, whether they plan to be an investor, an entrepreneur, a CFO, or a marketer, needs to have some context of what the current environmental and social issues mean for business. While business and the environment may traditionally be seen as separate career paths, Kross explains that those who dont educate themselves on the implications of current issues will be at a disadvantage. Those who arent prepared to respond to climate change are going to fall behind. Story continues MBA EDGE: HELPING BUILD FUTURE LEADERS Katie Kross Created after the paper Climate Change and Business: What Every MBA Needs to Know was published in conjunction with the first EDGE ClimateCAP summit an annual event in partnership with 18 schools focused on the business implications of climate change MBA EDGE helps students and alumni make sense of the broader business environment, identify opportunities and risks sooner, and take necessary action to create change. By making the research papers on the platform short and easily consumable, they plan on teaching skills that are pertinent to MBAs, such as materiality assessment, scenario planning, and sustainability reporting. We think these are essential tools for leaders who want to employ a bigger lens of stakeholder capitalism and ESG perspective to their work, says Kross. This platform is particularly relevant right now; with ESG investor managers like BlackRock asking CFOs about their environmental, social, and governance disclosures, Kross explains that managers and executives are going to have to be well-versed in these topics, regardless of their job titles. I think were going to continue to see more calls for disclosure in the investment community, as well as an increased need for MBAs and business leaders to be informed and act on these issues, she says. THE NEED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL FLUENCY Chris Lazinski Chris Lazinski, dual MEM and MBA degree student, is currently conducting an independent study with Vermeer on decarbonized heating and cooling, which will be published on the MBA EDGE platform. Having information thats written specifically for the MBA audience is extremely applicable, he says. Environmental issues are going to affect different sectors, and its important that people have fluency in how it will relate to someones specific job and function. This fluency will be a competitive advantage for people if they know how to think about these issues. Another dual MEM and MBA degree student Katie Davis describes environmental issues as touching every industry. With quick, easy access to research papers like those published on MBA EDGE, she says we can create smarter consumers and leaders. Theres a ripple effect in sharing knowledge, and its important that everyone is hyper-aware of what companies are doing and what it means by supporting or working for those companies. It helps you reflect on how you can be that change, she says. CHANGING THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY In a time where students, managers, and executives alike are paying more attention to their social and environmental impacts, Vermeer stresses the importance of students ability to understand the environments link to other systems to see issues from a more holistic perspective. If you want to affect biodiversity in the ocean, you cant just be setting up protected areas. You actually have to think about how the ocean works. Its important to get past the discrete problem and solution mindset to an ecological, systems mindset to understand how to intervene and produce more positive outcomes, he says. Change in any system affects the others, and Vermeer invites MBA students and alumni to not only think about individual problems with their own individual solutions, but rather how a system is operating as a whole, and what outcomes are being produced. Fuqua MBA student and VP of Service and Sustainability Anna Epstein had firsthand experience with intervening with a system to create a positive impact as the Nike Global Sustainability Intern. Encouraged to see a company with a large scope take environmental issues seriously, Epstein looked at sustainability at each stage of their processes. She says, If sustainability is integrated in how numbers are crunched, in the design of products, and in making each business decision, we will move towards a more circular economy. Its naive to think that when business gets involved that climate change will be solved, adds Vermeer. But on the other hand, I dont see any way that we will make real progress on these problems unless business is an active participant and co-creator of solutions. ClimateCAP 2020 RISK AND OPPORTUNITY IN THE CURRENT MARKET While MBA students are facing rapid, unprecedented change in the business environment, there may be opportunities alongside the inherent challenges. Renewable energy used to be alternative energy. But its not alternative anymore; its now the cheapest source of energy, and that market has flipped and is only going to accelerate. Were watching a dramatic transformation of a whole sector a sector that underlies every other sector of the economy. Kross explains that there is room to innovate in areas such as clean tech, clean energy, carbon tax, and corporate sustainability, voicing that businesses have the chance to be part of a solution. Vermeer echoes Kross thoughts, adding that by gaining an understanding of where the world is going, MBA students can then apply the right leadership, skills, and focus to create opportunities that are not only lucrative, but also needed. Theres an enormous opportunity for entrepreneurial ideas, mobilization and convening of big corporate players to try to figure out how to build a scale solution that responds to the current challenges, says Vermeer. Theres so much demand for new solutions. Were seeing that with climate tech, carbon removal, and alternative proteins. Several industries didnt exist five years ago that will be the big industries of the future. FUQUA MBA STUDENTS: FEELING HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE Katie Davis Lazinski and Davis also feel hopeful for the way in which business can make a positive impact on social and environmental outcomes. What weve seen from the past four years is that as much as you try to dismantle green energy, its still here. Coal isnt coming back; the economics prove it, says Davis. Lazinski further explains that these newer forms of energy are often beating the cost of coal, nuclear energy, and gas, making them more attractive for big corporate players to use. Plus, he feels encouraged with the confidence in hiring in the sustainability sector due to the recent Biden administration. He says,Well have tailwinds at our back once we graduate in May. And that was not as certain last October when Trump was in office. Like Lazinski, Epstein is also doing an independent study with Vermeer. With plans to return to Nike following graduation to begin her role as Sustainability Manager, shes seen an emergence of leadership and restructuring of priorities in the private sector. Sustainability roles arent always the first ones on the chopping block now that these issues are being taken seriously, she says. This makes me hopeful for the future. At Fuqua, Epstein has been pleasantly surprised by the amount of students taking classes like Sustainable Business Strategies who arent necessarily planning on pursuing careers in green energy. Between 20-30 Fuqua MBA students in each class graduate and go into full-time roles focused on sustainability, clean tech, or social impact. In 2020, 12 students graduated with the joint MBA/MEM degree. She says,Many students are making sure that they are well-informed on these issues in order to take their learnings into their roles, whatever they might be. CAREERS IN SUSTAINABILITY Daniel Vermeer Hopeful about the many high-level MBA jobs in the energy and sustainability sectors, Kross expresses the high demand for more smart, energetic, creative, strategic thinkers. While some students may not approach a career specifically in sustainability or energy, Kross explains the need to apply a sustainable lens to any role. Even if students are going into brand management, they can think about how theyre going to bring their passion for social and environmental impact to those roles. They have the chance to directly impact how a company purchases material, how it manufactures products, and how business is done, she says. They can have a sustainability career, even if sustainability is not in their job title. The old model of job security has shifted in recent years; while many people used to look for a long-term career with one company where they would climb the corporate ladder, Vermeer says that a new kind of job security is in style. Its now about staying focused on your north star of the worlds biggest challenges, because somebody is going to compensate you for making progress on those issues, he says. You may find a company thats doing revolutionary technology, or a new business model that might take you into government, nonprofits or to other geographies. While it may look like youre scattered, youre actually very focused in terms of what youre trying to accomplish in your career. Thats a different kind of security. Vermeer explains that even when working in a large company, its a great idea to think entrepreneurially. Explaining that were currently not working at the right scale on any of these issues, he says its not just a matter of taking jobs that an organization has already identified that they need, but also thinking about what work needs to be done and how to best do so. He says, You may have to get creative in terms of finding or creating organizations, attracting resources, getting others involved, and aligning different organizations around your mission. Think about how to get the scale and the impact we need around these issues, and what the best platform is from a career standpoint to be able to advance or catalyze it. THE FUTURE OF MBA EDGE Priding itself on creating more opportunities for people to align around big agendas, EDGE has been instrumental in making climate change in the business curriculum more mainstream and accessible. Not only has this been demonstrated through their MBA EDGE platform, but also through cross-university initiatives like the ClimateCAP event, Oceans at Duke, Duke Energy Conference, and the Sustainable Business and Social Impact Conference. With plans on publishing an increasing amount of research papers to MBA EDGE, their goal is to educate all Fuqua students about how these issues are going to affect their roles in the future and eventually integrate these topics into the MBA curriculum. Those interested in attending the 16th annual Sustainable Business & Social Impact (SBSI) Conference to explore how leaders across the public, private, and social sector are incorporating social impact and sustainability in their organizations from the ground up must register at the link above. The event is February 24. DONT MISS WITH CLIMATECAP, B-SCHOOLS CONFRONT 21ST CENTURYS BIGGEST BIZ ISSUE The post MBAs Tackling The Biggest Issues: Climate Change & EDGE appeared first on Poets&Quants. The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country When Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat early on Tuesday morning met National Award winning Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty at his residence, it naturally ended up triggering intense speculation in political circles. Bhagwat, 70, came-a-calling on Chakraborty at his bungalow in the picturesque Madh area of Malad west suburb, fuelling theories of the star's potential comeback to active politics after a five-year hiatus. The duo spent close to two hours at the Mithun Chakraborty residence in the presence of the actor's entire family, though it is not known what may have exactly transpired in the morning 'chai pe charcha'. However, after giving a warm send-off to Mohan Bhagwat, the 70-year-old bearded dancing-cum-action star, sporting a dark woollen cap, firmly dismissed all rumours of his possible return to politics in a soft tone. The acclaimed actor gently added that Bhagwat, whom he met in Uttar Pradesh last October, had paid him a return visit. Earlier, the duo had also met in Nagpur, where the RSS headquarters are located. "Do not speculate, I and Bhagwat have a spiritual connect. We had met in Lucknow and I had requested him to visit me whenever he visited Mumbai," Chakraborty said. Engaging in a light friendly banter with mediapersons thronging outside his bungalow, close to the Arabian Sea in a cool green corner of north-west Mumbai, the actor revealed that "Bhagwat-ji is very fond of my family" and had promised to visit him whenever he would come to Mumbai. To persistent queries about ending his 'political sanyas', Chakraborty laughed mischievously and said: "You are linking (this) because of the (West Bengal) elections. If there were no elections, you wouldn't..!" Saying a determined 'nyet' to politics, Mithun Da -- as he is popular among his fans and admirers -- said he would love to work with the poor but prefer to keep off any politicking. Reported to be close to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Chakraborty is a former All India Trinamool Congress Party (AITCP) Rajya Sabha MP, but had quit in 2016 on health grounds. Nevertheless, Mithun Da, a Bengali, remains immensely dear to the masses in his home state with which he maintains strong links, albeit apolitical. An RSS functionary in Mumbai endorsed the actor's stance, stating that "the meeting was purely private in nature and nothing more should be attached to it." Interestingly, the Bhagwat-Chakraborty rendezvous, with tight police security, comes ahead of the Election Commission of India's plans to announce the much-anticipated West Bengal Assembly elections. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) The Anti-Terrorism Act, highly challenged for its supposed potential to violate constitutional rights, has been heavily scrutinized by the Supreme Court in its ongoing oral arguments. Day 3 still centered on the law's allegedly vague and overbroad definition of terrorism, and how it opens doors to arbitrary arrest and detention. An innocent individual, petitioners contend, may even be designated as a terrorist for merely expressing his views or speaking his mind. This time, however, Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier asked: Whose rights weigh more the suspected terrorist, or the general public? Atty. Evalyn Ursua, one of the counsels for petitioners, said she believes the contentions against the law do not necessarily conflict with the interest of the State. But pressed to answer the question, she said the government is duty-bound to prioritize public safety. The magistrate further quizzed Ursua, asking what harm would result from the detainment of a suspected terrorist who later turns out to be innocent. Ursua said the wrongfully accused would have already been deprived of liberty, his reputation damaged, and his assets frozen, among others. "But he remains alive, kicking and in one piece," the justice said. Ursua argued the damage already done is no minor harm. The justice agreed, but added, "What can be greater than losing one's life?" Lazaro-Javier said while there is always a possibility that the State will err in tagging an individual as a terrorist, "it's better to err on the side of caution than play with fire." An innocent suspect can still pursue legal actions against the State, such as a suit for damages, the justice said. The Anti-Terrorism Act itself also prescribes sanctions against erring law enforcers and military personnel, she added. But if a suspect is released and later turns out to be indeed a terrorist, Lazaro-Javier said this can result in "a massacre of people." "One misstep, one missed moment, one error of judgment, one moment of delay, of hesitation, of reluctance, of doubt, of indecision, of cowardice or fear on the part of our law enforcers can instantly mean the loss of multitudes of lives," Lazaro-Javier said. She stressed that in quelling terrorism, time is of the essence. Earlier in the interpellation, Ursua said in designating terrorists, intelligence agents "should not resort to shortcuts," as this can lead to violations of human rights. According to the justice, balancing conflicting rights ultimately "does not mean a robotic response," as the State would act "on a case-to-case basis." For the third consecutive session, only petitioners were able to present during the oral arguments. Day 3 ended with Rep. Edcel Lagman, also one of the petitioners counsels, again asking the high court for the issuance of a temporary restraining order on the Anti-Terrorism Law. Despite dozens of petitions urging the tribunal to stop the law's implementation due to the "grave and irreparable injury" red-tagged groups and individuals stand to suffer, no TRO or status quo ante order was issued. The oral arguments are scheduled to resume next Tuesday, Feb. 23, with Solicitor General Jose Calida and the government's lawyers expected to defend the measure. LANSING With snow-covered roads today and below zero temperatures forecast to impact the state tonight, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is encouraging state residents and visitors to be extra cautious when going outdoors. With the National Weather Service forecasting sub-zero temperatures, its important that Michiganders take steps to stay safe during this period of cold weather, said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). If you must go outdoors or have to travel, be sure to dress appropriately and have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. The National Weather Service is forecasting portions of Michigan to experience sub-zero overnight low temperatures. Exposure to these temperatures could potentially cause frostbite and hypothermia. To stay safe during cold weather: Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia; Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes, numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin; Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness; Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven; Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow; Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold; and Pets are also at risk for cold weather injuries and should be kept indoors. Safe winter driving tips: Check the weather before leaving for a destination. If the weather forecast looks dangerous, consider rescheduling or postponing the trip; DO NOT crowd snowplows. Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to clear snow from the roads; Keep tires at the vehicle manufacturers recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure during cold weather; Make sure the windshield solvent reservoir is full and check the condition of all wiper blades and replace when necessary; Wash your vehicle for better visibility to other drivers. Remove ice and snow from all lights, windows and license plate before driving; and Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle stocked with batteries, battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, jumper cables, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water in the event you get stranded or stuck. Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months. If you are stranded, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help. Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive. The MSP/EMHSD asks that you tune into local news and/or view these websites rather than calling your local MSP post or 911 for travel conditions. Jammu, Feb 16 : A group of Kashmiri activists are demanding the intervention of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) into the massive human rights abuses by Pakistan in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan region. A letter was sent to Nazhat Shameem Khan, President, UNHRC, by 'Voice for Peace and Justice', a platform of young activists in Jammu and Kashmir. The letter seeks immediate UN intervention into the killing of innocent people in PoK, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. It sheds light on the persecution of Shias, Hindus, Sikhs and other religious minorities, which are left at the mercy of Sunni dominated Pakistan, which has, through a well-executed plan, changed the demography of the entire PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan region. The letter stated, "Pakistan always had eyes on Jammu and Kashmir and made many unsuccessful attempts to grab the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Areas of Gilgit, Baltistan, and PoK are under the direct and indirect control of Pakistan since 1947. "Gilgit-Baltistan were directly ruled and were known as Northern Areas of Pakistan - a term always opposed and denounced by the people of the area. People of Gilgit-Baltistan have been denied all basic rights and are ruled with an iron fist by Islamabad. The situation in Gilgit and Baltistan is so bad that some conscientious Pakistani call it a colony of Pakistan." The government of Pakistan has long been accused of stifling human rights in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and other northern provinces, and Balochistan. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through PoK all the way to the port of Gwadar is seen as a neo-colonialist project to exploit the resources of Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan provinces. Referring to the CPEC, the letter said, "With the help of China, they have started many mega projects in the area, which benefit both. Pakistan has been propagating for the last 20 years that India is denying basic rights to Kashmiris which is a blatant lie. India is not perpetrating even one-hundredth part of the repression that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have been facing for the past 69 years. "The Indian government has given the people all their fundamental human rights. Pakistan had been regarded as the aggressor in the region by earlier UN resolutions and hence it should vacate the occupied territory. Gilgit-Baltistan is economically rich in minerals, forests, water, and tourism and historically it was part and parcel of Jammu & Kashmir, and two famous rulers of J&K belonged to the Gilgit-Baltistan region." Taking a hard line against the Pakistani establishment, the letter further urged the United Nations to ask Pakistan to immediately withdraw its troops from PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, and stop sending terrorists to Jammu and Kashmir for its interests in the name of so-called 'Jihad'. "We, 'Voice for Peace and Justice', also demand that the UN Human Rights Council should send a high powered fact-finding mission to probe the presence of mass graves in Gilgit and Balochistan, particularly in Khuzdar district, and use its efforts to pressurise the Pakistan government to stop human rights violations in Gilgit, Balochistan and PoK," the letter said. Farooq Ganderbali, President, Voice for Peace and Justice, told IANS, "Pakistan must introspect upon why it is universally acknowledged as the international epicentre of terrorism and the best safe haven for terrorists. "In the last few years, the Kashmir Valley has been bearing the brunt of radicalisation and it is nothing short of a ticking time bomb. If not addressed in time, it has the potential to destroy the future generations of Kashmir. While I am not saying that every youth is radicalised in Kashmir, radicalisation does exist and we can't turn a blind eye towards it. "It is always being made out that unemployment is driving the Kashmiri youth to terrorism and radicalisation. It is nothing but propaganda. The fact is that it is the misinterpretation of the holy Quran and the call of jihad which is influencing them to take up arms. Furthermore, the Muslim youth in Kashmir are being called to wage a war for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' (Battle of India) by terror outfits and handlers in Pakistan." The letter came a day before a European Union delegation's visit to Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation after the abrogation of Article 370. The EU delegation is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Image: Instagram/therealarmaanjain Bollywood actor Armaan Jain, the cousin of Kareena Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, has been summoned for questioning again on February 17 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). ED is investigating if Jain had business dealings with Vihang Sarnaik, the son of Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik, as a part of its investigation into the Tops Grup. The investigative agency is probing a contract given to the Tops Grup for security services by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). ED has discovered chats related to business dealings between Jain and the younger Sarnaik. The agency has alleged that Tops Grup gave kickbacks to Pratap Sarnaik, who helped the company in getting the MMRDA contract. ED conducted a search at Jains house on February 9. However, on that day, his uncle Rajeev Kapoor, the son of Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor, passed away so the agency concluded its search. Jains mother Reema Kapoor is the daughter of Raj Kapoor and sister of Rajeev Kapoor. The investigative agency had summoned Jain on February 11 but he did not show up. Between 2014 and 2017, the MMRDA gave security contracts for MMRDA lands. However, the number of security personnel was far lower than stipulated in the contract. Employees who were not even on the site were allegedly being billed. Recently, ED summoned RA Rajeev - the commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) - for questioning. In 2020, ED conducted searches on the property of MLA Sarnaik in connection with this case. It also arrested Amit Chandole, a close aide of Sarnaik. Haryana man who lit pyres of over 300 Covid victims succumbs to virus Admin gears up as Hisar farmers get set to protest today Robbery at Haryana BJP leader's house, jewellery, cash, gun stolen India oi-Deepika S Hisar, Feb 16: Jewellery, a licensed revolver, Rs 10 lakh and other valuables were stolen from BJP leader Sonali Phogat's house in Haryana's Hisar, the police said on Tuesday. In her complaint, Phogat said that the theft took place when she was in Chandigarh. Though there were CCTV cameras in the house, the thieves took the digital video recorder (DVR) that contained footage with them, the police said. Police officer Sukhjit said that the theft case is being probed. Sonali Phogat in her complaint said on February 9 that she had gone to Chandigarh after locking her house. When she returned to Hisar on February 15, the locks were broken, the police said. Gold and silverware, a silver pot, Rs 10 lakh cash, jewellery, a .22 bore licensed pistol and eight cartridges were found missing from the house, they said. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News Phogat had unsuccessfully contested the 2019 assembly polls from the Adampur seat against Congress leader Kuldeep Bishnoi, son of former Haryana chief minister, late Bhajan Lal. NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Elsevier, a global leader in research publishing and information analytics, today announced the launch of the Simulation Learning System (SLS) for RN with Virtual Reality (SLS with VR), a new digital solution that combines cutting-edge virtual reality technology from SimX with the world-class healthcare content of Elsevier to bring realistic and highly effective VR simulations to nursing schools. Elsevier is partnering with SimX, a top developer of advanced VR simulation trainings for healthcare professionals, to offer nursing schools the ability to facilitate clinical simulations as they would in a traditional simulation lab. SLS with VR provides an effective solution for nursing schools experiencing limitations with in-person labs and clinical rotations due to the COVID-19 restrictions and are looking for other alternatives to avoid disrupting learning continuity for students. As a trusted partner to students and healthcare professionals, Elsevier provides world-class content and innovative learning tools and digital solutions that prepare students for successful careers in medicine, nursing and health professions. Brent Gordon, Managing Director and General Manager, Nursing and Health Education, Elsevier said, "Nursing schools are facing unprecedented challenges in delivering high quality clinical experiences necessary for training practice-ready nurses. SLS with VR transports students to a virtual world where they are fully immersed in a dynamic clinical environment and surrounded by all the tools and resources available in a typical healthcare setting. This cutting-edge technology is an effective, affordable, and scalable solution for nursing schools in providing simulated clinical experiences that develop clinical judgment skills and improve learning outcomes." Nursing students can advance their skills through a variety of unique, evidence-based scenarios. Each scenario challenges the user to make decisions in real-time that have direct patient implications and mirror the fast-paced, ever-changing environment that nurses work in today. Tushanna Habalar RN, MSN, Nursing Faculty, School of Nursing and Health Science at Pennsylvania College of Technology, said, "We have seen a measurable benefit in using this VR learning solution with our students. It presents opportunities to apply their clinical judgment skills and develop vital communication skills as they work with virtual patients, their families, and other members of the healthcare team in a safe setting. Developing clinical judgment skills is an imperative outcome of nursing programs and valued skill among all health care institutions." The SimX platform within SLS with VR is the most advanced VR simulation platform for nursing education available in the market; it is the only VR simulation platform designed to allow a multiplayer experience in the same play space. Institutions and faculty members can choose from 100 VR scenarios in various disciplines, including Health Assessment, Fundamentals, Medical-Surgical, Maternity, Pediatric, Psychiatric, Community and Leadership. Examples of specific scenarios include Postoperative Respiratory Distress, Fall and Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment, Colostomy and Hyperkalemia Secondary to Medication Error, Scheduled Cesarean Delivery, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Home Health. As a result of the pandemic, SLS with VR also provides unique cases that immerse students in front line care. Partnering with students and healthcare professionals on their journey from education to clinical practice, Elsevier continues to expand its digital education and simulation product portfolio to address the evolving needs in healthcare. In December 2020 Elsevier announced its acquisition of Shadow Health, a leading provider of best-in-class digital health simulations for nursing students, enhancing its offerings for healthcare practitioners during a time of continued growth in telehealth. The company also introduced Transition to Practice in the US, an immersive online learning platform that supports new nurses to build skills and confidence as they transition from academia to professional clinical practice. About SimX SimX's industry leading virtual reality medical simulation platform is used around the world and by top institutions including Mayo Clinic, Stanford, Northwestern, University of Pennsylvania, the US Air Force, and many others. It allows trainees to work together in multiplayer virtual reality cases either together in the same space or from the safety of their own homes. SimX's unique system allows for a "holodeck-like" experience without dropdown menus or virtual selections. You talk with and interact with virtual patients the same way that you would in real life. The scalable SimX Scenario System allows for very rapid development of new training materials and cases, and instant deployment to all learners. Learn more about the SimX System at www.simxar.com About Elsevier As a global leader in information and analytics, Elsevier helps researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. We do this by facilitating insights and critical decision-making for customers across the global research and health ecosystems. In everything we publish, we uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity. We bring that same rigor to our information analytics solutions for researchers, health professionals, institutions and funders. Elsevier employs 8,100 people worldwide. We have supported the work of our research and health partners for more than 140 years. Growing from our roots in publishing, we offer knowledge and valuable analytics that help our users make breakthroughs and drive societal progress. Digital solutions such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath support strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and health education. Researchers and healthcare professionals rely on our 2,500+ digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell; our 40,000 eBook titles; and our iconic reference works, such as Gray's Anatomy. With the Elsevier Foundation and our external Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Board, we work in partnership with diverse stakeholders to advance inclusion and diversity in science, research and healthcare in developing countries and around the world. Elsevier is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.elsevier.com Media contact Teresa Mueller, Vice President, Global Health Markets Elsevier Communications, USA [email protected] +31204852719 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/754760/Elsevier_Logo.jpg SOURCE Elsevier Related Links http://www.elsevier.com The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched an initiative to formulate and create inspiring tourism experiences, by embracing creative and talented people with rich experiences, efforts and ideas in the tourism field. The kiram programme also provides support and assistance through training, qualification, talent, capacity development and enable them to launch in the arena of work, creativity and success, reported Saudi Gazette. It would also enhance the capabilities of entrepreneurs to reap and maximize economic benefits, in addition to consolidating feelings of welcome, hospitality and the values of Saudi hospitality. For those wishing to join the program, can view more details and register by visiting the official website of the "Kiram" programme (Kiram.sa) in many tourist experience tracks, including "heritage, culture, arts, adventure, luxury and recreation. Candidates will be selected and included through several stages under the supervision of a group of experts and professionals in the field of tourism experiences, marketing and entrepreneurship. The television programme "Kiram" will be launched on mbc1 under the slogan "Tourism Experiences with a Saudi Spirit, the report said. It is an interactive model that simulates the idea and goals of the initiative, as it includes the participation of a group of creative, talented people with experiences, efforts and interests in the tourism field in the Kingdom. It allows for competition to provide the most beautiful and best innovative tourism experiences in an interesting and enjoyable mix that combines the passion and interests of young people for what Saudi Arabia has in terms of tourism assets and treasures. SiGMA Virtual Roadshow launches: First stop Ukraine SIGMA Virtual Roadshow will start the first leg of its tour in Ukraine on March 3rd The SiGMA Roadshow is back. After a successful string of shows in Hong Kong, Estonia and Argentina, SiGMA Group is excited to announce its latest venture the SiGMA Virtual Roadshow. The Roadshow kicks off its inaugural launch in Ukraine, 3rd of March, 2021 running from 13:00p to 15:00 CET. The SiGMA Roadshow has now moved into the virtual world, with a journey entailing several virtual shows across five major regions, specifically, the CIS region, Europe, Asia, Americas and Africa. Every month SiGMA will host a show on an interactive platform consisting of 2 hour mini conferences, which will focus on five key areas. These areas are, but not limited to, regulation, tax and niche market opportunities and challenges, all related to the specific chosen region. These hot topics will be tabled by leading academics, policy makers, and thought leaders, bringing industry experience to the debate amongst them Artem Kuzmenko and Andrey Astapov, partners at Eterna Law, Boris Baum, an advisor to the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and Anton Kuchukhidze, a political consultant. For 5 months all eyes have been on the Ukrainian market after president Zelenskiy signed bill #2285-D. The 1st licence was issued 2nd February, 2021 and the market was officially launched! This action puts Ukraine in line with other legal jurisdictions and opens many doors on how to start increasing the countrys treasury and opening doors to foreign investors and operators to consider Ukraine as a new, fresh destination point to set up business, said Denis Dzyubenko, SiGMA CIS Director. The SiGMA Virtual Roadshow will also feature a detailed expo floor with industry leading products and solutions, making it the ideal place for networking and brand exposure. The Roadshow is bound to be a success as previous SiGMA webinar stats have proven, reaching over 330,000 people and more than 24,500 engaged users in 85 countries. Therefore, whether you are targeting the industry on a global scale or focusing on a niche market, this virtual event is the perfect platform. The SiGMA Virtual Roadshows first stop will be the CIS region in Ukraine. Why Ukraine? It has finally opened up its market since 2009 by issuing three new licences and its quest for CIS dominance is well on its way. The virtual show will delve into the details of regulation, tax & compliance and emerging tech in the region. Ukraine is currently the perfect fit to represent the CIS region. The Roadshow follows its Ukraine event with a spring line-up featuring Vegas in April, Manila in May, Germany in June, and Nigeria in July. The second part of the tour kicks off in September with Romania, New Jersey in October, Taiwan in November, before rounding off the year with the Netherlands in December. View the full calendar of events and agenda here. Want to be part of the SiGMA Virtual Roadshow? Get in touch and register here. Quelle: SiGMA Group By Ross Clark for the Daily Mail A hydrogen-powered boiler being tested in Rozenburg, Holland You may view your gas boiler as a faithful workhorse which sits in a corner, blamelessly heating your home and providing hot water year after year. But to the Government it is an environmental vandal which has had its day. In December 2020, the Department for Business published its energy White Paper, suggesting ways that it hopes Britain might become net zero carbon by 2050. Like it or not, your gas boiler is in its crosshairs. By the mid 2030s, the paper insists, all new heating systems will have to be low carbon or have the potential to be converted to a 'clean fuel supply' meaning hydrogen. But just how realistic are the Prime Minister's plans to replace all our boilers? Is the timetable possible or will the whole country end up paying the price for his impetuosity? It is hard not to be cynical. We've heard hydrogen is the answer to all our energy problems so many times it is tempting to view the Government's enthusiasm like the product itself: a load of hot gas. What is more, the PM approaches environmental issues with the zeal of the convert. He was once a sceptic who wrote that wind turbines 'couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding', but he is now one of the keenest advocates of green energy in government. His administration has already announced a ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, ten years ahead of the previous schedule. He has vowed to quadruple offshore windpower. And he wants to cut carbon emissions faster than any other country. It is also easy to see the hand of Boris Johnson's fiancee, Carrie Symonds, in his Damascene conversion. She has campaigned on green issues and is friends with fellow eco-campaigners, environment minister Zac Goldsmith and his brother Ben, who sits on the board of Defra. Boris's father Stanley, too, may be a big influence in 2019 he spoke at an Extinction Rebellion rally. There is no doubt that eventual conversion to hydrogen could make sense. For a start, the oil and gas industry is proving an enthusiastic investor. The drive towards green energy threatens fossil-fuel producers, but at least with hydrogen (as opposed to solar and wind power) they have a head start. They already produce large quantities of the gas, which is used in the oil-refining process. Gas companies hope the existing distribution network could be used to supply hydrogen to homes allowing them still to make profits in a green future. Hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis a process which involves passing electric currents through water (as displayed above) Hydrogen may also turn out to be the cheapest and least disruptive way to turn our homes carbon-neutral, requiring us simply to replace our gas boiler with a hydrogen version when the former comes to the end of its working life. According to Worcester Bosch, which has built prototype hydrogen boilers, there is no reason why, when they are mass-produced, they should cost any more than gas boilers, which cost from around 600. Indeed, boilers are being developed which can run on either natural gas or hydrogen, so we wouldn't all have to replace our boilers at once. The low-carbon alternative to hydrogen is to replace gas boilers with electric heat pumps. But these are much more expensive, with air-source pumps costing up to 8,000. That isn't all. Heat pumps work with lower water temperatures than gas boilers, so it could mean having to install much larger radiators or underfloor heating. So, there are a number of reasons for taking hydrogen seriously. The trouble is that there are huge problems to overcome before it can be piped into our homes and there is no guarantee they can be solved by the date the Government wants to set for banning gas boilers. This would be in just four years for new-build homes even though, as yet, no UK home has a hydrogen boiler. The biggest issue is that hydrogen doesn't occur naturally as a free-standing chemical element. It has to be made a process which itself consumes large amounts of energy. There is nothing 'green' about the hydrogen currently being produced: almost all of it is from coal or natural gas, in a process which, globally, has been estimated to produce as many carbon emissions as Britain and Indonesia combined. For hydrogen to be part of a zero-carbon future, the plants producing it will either have to capture the carbon emissions and pump them underground or it will have to be produced by electrolysis a process which involves passing electric currents through water. But neither of these technologies has yet been proven on a commercial scale. A 1billion project in Scotland to build a commercial carbon-capture plant collapsed in 2015. When many people hear the word 'hydrogen' they think of the Hindenburg, the German airship which burst into flames on arrival in New Jersey in 1937, killing 35 people and blowing up Hitler's claim to technological prowess An experimental electrolysis plant which was opened in Northern Germany in the summer seeks to produce green hydrogen on a commercial scale, but it is early days. If we go down the electrolysis route, hydrogen can only be as carbon-free as the electricity used to produce it, which would require a massive step-up in wind farms, solar energy and hydro-power. Meanwhile, it would be folly to assume that we can produce sufficient quantities of green hydrogen at an affordable price. The other big problem is safety. When many people hear the word 'hydrogen' they think of the Hindenburg, the German airship which burst into flames on arrival in New Jersey in 1937, killing 35 people and blowing up Hitler's claim to technological prowess. Being made up of very small molecules, hydrogen is more likely to leak from fissures in pipes than natural gas. Moreover, it can turn pipes made from iron and steel, which still form a large part of our gas distribution network, brittle. Then there is the problem of what happens if hydrogen leaks into our homes. Natural gas, of course, is itself an explosion risk, as we were reminded last weekend when a house in Lincolnshire was ripped apart. But hydrogen is more dangerous. It has a very wide flammability range, so it can explode whether it is present in large or small concentrations. These problems are not insurmountable. We could replace all remaining iron and steel gas pipes with polyethylene, which already constitutes the bulk of our gas network. Northern Gas Networks, in association with consultancy DNV GL, has built a row of three houses on a remote airfield in Cumbria to test just how dangerous hydrogen is around the home; whether, for example, a leak could be ignited by a light switch. There is always the option of installing hydrogen boilers outside our homes the gas dissipates very well in the open air. We should remember, too, that hydrogen is not exactly a stranger in our homes. Before Britain converted to natural gas over a 10-year period from the mid 1960s, our homes were heated, and before that lit, with 'town gas' manufactured from coal. That was around 50 per cent hydrogen. No one, then, should write off hydrogen boilers. But as it tends to do on anything related to climate change, and as it has done on the Covid test and trace system, the Government is allowing its enthusiasm to run ahead of the technology. History is littered with technologies which have never lived up to their promise, such as nuclear fusion, which back in the 1970s we were told would soon provide us with virtually limitless quantities of nearly free energy, but which continues to elude technologists. Hydrogen-heated homes could turn out to be another dud. That is not to say we shouldn't try it hydrogen-powered cars and buses exist and trains are being tested for introduction in 2023. But it does suggest that setting a date to phase out gas boilers before we even know whether we will have a commercially viable alternative could be very rash indeed. This article first appeared in the Daily Mail on December 17, 2020. The Denial, by Ross Clark, is published by Lume Books A law school is offering lessons in chitchat and networking to help students navigate social situations. BPP University Law School will host small talk lessons after 43 per cent of its students said they worried about being judged for the way they speak. The lessons - believed to be the first of their kind in the UK - will help students hold good conversations, which teachers say will expand their 'perspectives and relationships'. Networking students will benefit from moving their chitchat to deeper conversations, which can be done by asking out-of-the-ordinary questions and providing honest answers, course designer and operator Georgie Nightingall said. Networking students will benefit from moving their chitchat to deeper conversations, which can be done by asking out-of-the-ordinary questions and providing honest answers, course designer and operator Georgie Nightingall said. Specialist conversation trainer Ms Nightingall told The Times: 'Often asking small questions what you do, where you live and the like the person receiving that question assumes it's not asked with genuine interest. 'So they respond in a prescriptive way [...] that creates a perception people aren't willing to be open as we don't give one another any hooks.' These hooks are small pieces of information which help take a conversation away from small talk and onto something deeper. One such method is to respond to 'how are you' with a number between one and ten as it often leads to a discussion on what constitutes a good day over a bad one, Ms Nightingall said. BPP has has campuses across the UK and all students are able to take part in the virtual modules which include 'how to talk confidently in an unfamiliar setting' and 'how to have a difficult conversation'. BPP University Law School (pictured) in Leeds will host small talk lessons after 43 per cent of its students said they worried about being judged for the way they speak A survey conducted by the university found that almost a third of future lawyers don't feel comfortable talking in front of a group. Meanwhile, 44 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds are more comfortable using digital devices to talk to people than speaking face-to-face. It also found that 32 per cent of students worry about going to networking events are being asked a question that they dont know how to answer and 20 per cent fear freezing up and not being able to find the right words. Some 11 per cent worry about talking too quickly while 10 per cent are concerned about being too modest of their own achievements in social circumstances. CRGO Law announced today that its Managing Member, Albert B. Maggio, Jr., has joined the Council for Inclusive Capitalism with the Vatican. The Council is a global nonprofit organization that joins moral and market imperatives to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and trusted economic system that addresses the needs of our people and the planet. I am thrilled to welcome Albert to the Council and look forward to working with his firm as it takes the necessary actions to ensure a better future for us all, said Meredith Sumpter, CEO of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism. Whether you run a small business or are the CEO of a global corporation, we all have a role to play to build more inclusive economies and societies. The Council is committed to action. Upon joining, Council members commit their organizations to measurable and meaningful acts to create equality of opportunity, equitable outcomes, and fairness across generations and to those whose circumstances prevent them from full participation in the economy. The Council was launched in December with the belief that businesses have a responsibility and the capability means to create stronger, fairer, and more dynamic economies and societies. Council membership is open to all companies and organizations who are willing to make measurable, public commitments toward more inclusive and sustainable business practices. The Council is led by a core group of leaders, known as Guardians for inclusive capitalism, which include: Ajay Banga, Executive Chairman, Mastercard Oliver Bate, Chairman of the Board of Management, Allianz SE Marc Benioff, Chair, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-founder, Salesforce Edward Breen, Executive Chairman, Dupont Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation Mark Carney, COP26 Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister, and United Nations Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance Carmine Di Sibio, Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, EY Brunello Cucinelli, Executive Chairman and Creative Director, Brunello Cucinelli S.p.A. Roger Ferguson, President and Chief Executive Officer, TIAA Lynn Forester de Rothschild, Founder and Managing Partner, Inclusive Capital Partners Kenneth Frazier, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Merck & Co., Inc. Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estee Lauder Companies Marcie Frost, Chief Executive Officer, CalPERS Alex Gorsky, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson & Johnson Angel Gurria, Secretary General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Alfred Kelly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Visa Inc. William Lauder, Executive Chairman, The Estee Lauder Companies Bernard Looney, Chief Executive Officer, BP Fiona Ma, Treasurer, State of California Hiro Mizuno, Member of the Board, Principles for Responsible Investment Brian Moynihan, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of America Deanna Mulligan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Ronald P. OHanley, President and Chief Executive Officer, State Street Corporation Rajiv Shah, President, The Rockefeller Foundation Tidjane Thiam, Board Member, Kering Group Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation Mark Weinberger, Former Chair and CEO of EY, and Board member of J&J, MetLife and Saudi Aramco About the Council for Inclusive Capitalism with the Vatican: The Council for Inclusive Capitalism with the Vatican is a global nonprofit organization established to harness the potential of the private sector to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and trusted form of capitalism. The Council is guided by His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson, who leads the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development at the Vatican and is led by a core group of global CEOs and public leaders, known as the Guardians for Inclusive Capitalism, who convene annually with The Vatican to advance the Councils mission. Further information can be found at http://www.inclusivecapitalism.com. Council for Inclusive Capitalism media contact: Amanda Byrd Director of Communications Amanda@inclusivecapitalism.com About CRGO Law: CRGO Law is a boutique business and intellectual property law firm, with attorneys admitted in California, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, which helps entrepreneurs, emerging growth, and middle market companies create and scale sustainable enterprises. Our commitments to the Council for Inclusive Capitalism with the Vatican include providing pro bono legal services to historically underrepresented (minority, women, and veteran-owned) businesses. We also counsel non-profit organizations focused on providing innovative educational and skills training programs, ending world-wide child slavery and forced labor, and advancing positive youth development in communities throughout the United States. To learn more about the services we offer as well as our qualifications and experience, please visit http://www.crgolaw.com. CRGO Law media contact: Albert Maggio Managing Member amaggio@crgolaw.com AISA activists were seen protesting with placards amid slogans of 'Inquilab Zindabad' and 'Disha Ravi ko riha karo' on Tuesday.Kaushik Raj, a student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) told ANI, "Today we are protesting at the Delhi police headquarters. We are here to stand in support of Disha Ravi. We want the Delhi Police to immediately release Disha Ravi."Another student from the University said the 21-year-old climate activist was arrested because she came in support of the farmers. The Modi government is jailing everyone who is coming in support of farmers in the country. This clearly shows that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah are afraid of the voices being raised to oppose them. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the sedition laws are the only 'toolkit' of the current government.Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) student activists staged peaceful protests at Maurya Circle against the arrest of Disha Ravi demanding her immediate release. A student participating in the protests told ANI, "Disha is not only a climate activist but also a student from our state. We want to protect the integrity of students as well as our state. Our biggest concern is that the Delhi Police could not find the real culprits of the Republic Day violence, could not register an FIR for the next two-three days, and all of a sudden the Delhi Police comes all the way from Delhi to Bengaluru to arrest a student in connection with the Delhi violence." "The Delhi police cyber cell is targetting Disha through the 'Toolkit'. What actually is a 'Toolkit'? 'Toolkit' is a set of directives or suggestions on a particular issue that attracts protests, which in this case is the farmers' issue. The Delhi Police is clearly scapegoating Disha Ravi and we completely condemn this act," he added. The 21-year-old activist was arrested from Bengaluru in connection with the formulation and dissemination of the Toolkit document, in the ongoing farmers' protest. She was one of the editors of the 'Toolkit' document. Disha was later sent to five days of police custody. Later on Monday, the police also issued a non-bailable warrant against activists Nikita Jacob and Shantanu, a resident of Beed in Maharashtra. According to the Delhi Police, the editors of the toolkit collaborated with the pro-Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation to spread disaffection against the Indian state. Disha was the one who shared the Toolkit Doc with Greta Thunberg. Last week, Disha was presented before a Delhi Court that remanded her five days of police custody. Disha Ravi broke down inside the courtroom and told the judge that she has edited only two lines and she wanted to support the farmers' protest. Earlier, the Delhi Police sent a communication to Google seeking registration details and activity log of the account through which a "toolkit" related to the farmers' protest was created and uploaded on the social media platform. She's been enjoying quality time with her family during an extended sun-soaked trip to Dubai. And Tamara Ecclestone looked incredible as she showcased her figure in a grey swimsuit while treating six-year-old daughter Sophia to a day at a Hello Kitty spa on Tuesday. The Formula One heiress, 36, documented their mother and daughter time on Instagram, with her mini me Sophia clearly making the most of the spa as she relaxed with a facemask and cooling cucumbers on her eyes. Fabulous: Tamara Ecclestone looked incredible as she showcased her figure in a grey swimsuit while treating six-year-old daughter Sophia to a day at a Hello Kitty spa on Tuesday Meanwhile, the mother-of-two displayed her physique in the Hunza G one-piece as she snapped a selfie of herself in the mirror. Captioning the pic, Tamara, who was clad in sunglasses, said: 'Just because I went to pee alone'. The beauty had also shared a picture of little Sophia clad in a Hello Kitty robe, writing alongside the image: 'Ready for some pampering'. Following their time at the spa, Sophia showed off her daring side as he mother later filmed her tackling a climbing wall at a children's adventure centre. And relax! Tamara's mini me Sophia was clearly making the most of the spa as she relaxed with a facemask and cooling cucumbers on her eyes Tamara has been keeping her followers up to date with her extended trip and has shared a plethora of snaps with her family including baby daughter Serena, four months, and husband Jay Rutland, 39. The Formula One heiress has barely been back to the UK since June and her husband admitted concerns over his family's safety was one reason they had not been back more. Tamara's husband Jay revealed to MailOnline that the family have no plans to return to London following the dramatic security lapse that led to a multi-million pound jewel heist at her West London home in December 2019. Fun times: The beauty had also shared a picture of little Sophia clad in a Hello Kitty robe, writing alongside the image: 'Ready for some pampering' Look at her go: Following their time at the spa, Sophia showed off her daring side as he mother later filmed her tackling a climbing wall at a children's adventure centre Speaking from Dubai about their plans, Jay told MailOnline: 'We do not intend to return to the UK from Dubai. 'There are a host of reasons why we are not going back to London any time soon and security is one of them. The truth is we are playing it month by month and watching how the situation develops.' Meanwhile, Jay denied he and Tamara had broken travel restrictions as he explained: 'We have not broken the lockdown rules to come to Dubai, that is not what we have done. All together: Tamara has been keeping her followers up to date with her extended trip and has shared a plethora of snaps with her family including baby daughter Serena, four months, and husband Jay Rutland, 39 'At the beginning of the outbreak last year we really stuck to the rules. 'From March to May we locked down and did not leave the house [in London]. We went to Croatia in [June] the summer, but that was only after the rules changed and everyone was allowed to travel. 'From there we went to Switzerland and we stayed there until Christmas when we came here to Dubai.' A top official at the Lincoln Project has claimed that several of its leaders knew about the sexual harassment allegations against co-founder John Weaver as early as last March. Sarah Lenti, a managing partner at the anti-Trump PAC who previously served as its executive director, came forward with her claim in an article published by the 19th on Tuesday. Since January, nearly two dozen young men, including two minors, have come forward to accuse Weaver, 61, of sexually harassing them online over the past five years. When the first allegations arose the Lincoln Project issued a statement condemning Weaver's actions and asserting that its leaders were not made aware of the allegations until recently. But according to the Associated Press, leaders were informed in writing and phone calls of at least 10 specific allegations of harassment against Weaver since last June, but failed to act. Several sources involved with the Lincoln Project, including current and former staffers, spoke to the 19th on Monday and alleged that Lenti was among the leaders who knew about the allegations before June. Lenti responded by confirming that she was made aware of the claims in May. She also alleged - as did several of the other sources - that some leaders knew about the allegations as far back as March 2020. Several of leaders at the Lincoln Project knew about the sexual harassment allegations against co-founder John Weaver as early as last March, a new report claims. Pictured: The Lincoln Project founders, only three of whom are still with the organization Since January, nearly two dozen young men, including two minors, have come forward to accuse Weaver, 61, (pictured) of sexually harassing them online over the past five years Sarah Lenti (pictured), a managing partner at the Lincoln Project who previously served as its executive director, spoke to the 19th about the Weaver scandal on Tuesday. She said that leadership at the group was aware of the allegations as early as last March The sources came forward to the 19th after the Lincoln Project announced it would be releasing current and former staff from non-disclosure agreements to allow them to speak out openly about their experiences working at the organization. In the same press release, co-founder Reed Galen said the group had hired a law firm, Paul Hastings, to conduct a 'comprehensive review of our operations and culture'. Multiple sources specifically said Galen and fellow co-founder Steve Schmidt were among those who knew about the allegations against Weaver last spring. The latest 19th report came just hours after the Lincoln Project shut down its fundraising page. Several members of the Lincoln Project, including Schmidt and co-founder Jennifer Horn, have resigned amid the fallout over Weaver. In a statement released Monday, the Lincoln Project said they are investigating the claims against Weaver as part of a 'comprehensive review' of the company's operations and culture The Lincoln Project was founded in late 2019 by a group of high profile Republican strategists with a goal of unseating President Donald Trump. The group imploded last month when more than 20 young men came forward to publicly accuse Weaver of harassing them online, in some cases offering them career advice in exchange for sex. The scandal kicked off when Ryan Girdusky, a writer for American Conservative, tweeted screenshots of messages Weaver allegedly sent to men who then shared them with Girdusky. The New York Times published an article detailing allegations from 21 accusers two weeks after Girdusky broke the story. Among the accusers was Cole Trickle Miele, who was 14 when he first followed Weaver on Twitter in 2015. Miele, now 19, said Weaver asked him questions about his body while he was still in High School, before his messages became more pointed after he turned 18. Last week, two former Lincoln Project interns also came forward with lurid text messages from Weaver, who has since resigned from the organization. And on Monday, Girdusky appeared on Fox News and revealed that he'd spoken to another minor accuser. The Lincoln Project previously released a statement on January 31 regarding Weaver's behavior, saying that he 'led a secret life that was built on a foundation of deception at every level.' 'He is a predator, a liar, and an abuser. We extend our deepest sympathies to those who were targeted by his deplorable and predatory behavior,' the group said. 'We are disgusted and outraged that someone in a position of power and trust would use it for these means.' The Lincoln Project was founded in late 2019 by a group of high profile Republican strategists with a goal of unseating President Donald Trump. The group imploded last month when more than 20 young men came forward to publicly accuse Weaver (pictured in 2016) of harassing them online, in some cases offering them career advice in exchange for sex The scandal deepened on Monday with nearly two dozen former and current staffers coming forward to the 19th to reveal what they called the 'toxic' inner workings of the PAC. Those who were interviewed have claimed that dissatisfaction has long been growing among more junior staff due, in part, to sexist and derogatory language used among those within the organization. Some said that young male staffers were referred to as 'wizards', while female staffers were called 'girls'. They also allege that political rivals were commonly called 'p****es', 'c***suckers' or 'f****ts'. Others complained that they believed language used in advertisements, including those targeting Ivanka Trump, was 'sexist'. Multiple people who were interviewed by the 19th said that the few women who were high up in the organization were treated differently to the men. They say that the only female co-founder, Horn - who is a former GOP chair in New Hampshire, was often left out of meetings and wasn't consulted on decisions or public statements put out by the organization. Horn is among the co-founders to have stepped down in recent weeks. She says she left following revelations of Weaver's 'grotesque' behavior and divergent views with existing leadership about how to move forward. The organization at the time claimed Horn left following a compensation dispute after they said she had asked for a $250,000 signing bonus when her contract negotiations were underway. Following her departure, the Lincoln Project's social media accounts posted a private message exchange Horn had with a reporter. Jennifer Horn (left) is among the co-founders to have stepped down in recent weeks. Steve Schmidt (right), also a Lincoln Project co-founder, resigned on Friday. In his statement, Schmidt apologized to Horn and acknowledged playing a role in the public release of a series of private messages between her and the reporter a day earlier In a statement announcing his resignation last week, Schmidt apologized to Horn and acknowledged playing a role in the public release of the series of private messages between her and the reporter. 'I am resigning my seat on the Lincoln Project board to make room for the appointment of a female board member as the first step to reform and professionalize the Lincoln Project,' Schmidt wrote. 'I am not the daily manager of the Lincoln Project, but I am the senior leader. As the senior leader, it is my responsibility to set an example and to assume accountability,' he wrote. 'I would like to apologize to Jennifer Horn,' he continued. 'She deserved better from me. She deserved a leader who could restrain his anger.' His statement came less than an hour after Horn's attorney sent a note to the Lincoln Project counsel informing them that they should preserve documents and communications in anticipation of litigation. While he stepped down from the board, Schmidt is expected to maintain a role at the Lincoln Project. Only three of the board's eight co-founders now remain at the organization. Weaver - who has been married to his wife since 2007 - admitted last month that he was gay and apologized to the men he made 'uncomfortable' with his messages. 'The truth is that I'm gay and that I have a wife and two kids who I love. My inability to reconcile those two truths has led to this agonizing place,' he said in an interview with Axios. 'To the men I made uncomfortable through my messages that I viewed as consensual mutual conversations at the time: I am truly sorry. 'They were inappropriate and it was because of my failings that this discomfort was brought on you.' The Weaver allegations, as well as claims of infighting and a 'toxic' workplace at the organization, which has long claimed the moral high ground in its fight against Trump, has raised existential questions about the organization's future. The Lincoln Project launched in November 2019 as a super PAC that allowed its leaders to raise and spend unlimited sums of money. Since its creation, the Lincoln Project has raised $90million - more than $50million of which has gone to firms controlled by the group's leaders. Its founders represent a who's who of prominent Republican strategists on cable television, including Schmidt and Reed Galen, both former advisers to John McCain; conservative attorney George Conway; Florida-based veteran political ad maker Rick Wilson; Horn; and Weaver, who has long advised former Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Backed by its founders' commanding social media presence, the organization quickly attracted a massive following of Trump critics in both parties that exceeded even its own founders' expectations. Khaama Press, February 13, 2021 Pajhwok Afghan News in a survey analysis found that at least 52 percent of Afghanistans territory is controlled by the Taliban and 59 percent of the population lives under the Afghan government. Pajhwok Afghan News indicated that the government controls 46 percent of the territory, the survey is conducted between November 2020 and February 2021. During the survey, 1,266 people were questioned through interviews, questionnaires, telephonic conversations, and in each part of the country, three people were given the papers to the questions. According to the survey Taliban controls 337,000 square kilometers of Afghan land and about 297,000 square kilometers are under government control. And 18,000 square meter is reported to have no influence over by any of the parties. The findings revealed that 27 districts are under Taliban control while 64 other districts are fully controlled by the government and the rest 297 districts are controlled by both of the parties. A Taliban spokesman claimed that the group has control over 70 percent of the countrys territories which was later rejected by the National Security Advisor, Hamdullah Mohib at a weekly briefing on Saturday. The Taliban claims to have control over 70 percent of the territory, but even today, they convene their meetings in Quetta (in Pakistan) where they make plans on how to kill the people of Afghanistan and destroy the gains that we have achieved and destroy our infrastructures, Tolonews quoted Mohib. head of Pajhwok Afghan News Danish Karokhel told media, In 422 districts of which, 24 are temporary, we interviewed three people in each district to find out their perspectives and find who controls or has an influence on how many swaths of land, This comes as National security Adviser, Hamdullah Mohib in a press briefing on Saturday said that the Taliban does not have the authority for negotiations and the group so far have shown no interest in the peace process and is seeking acquittance of complete power. The afghan NSA iterated that the government is fully prepared to give sacrifice for real peace in the country, he said the scale of violence has doubled in the country, but the Taliban has refused the claims and said they have not announced their so-called summer offensives. Mohib said Taliban leaders want absolute power, and that their supporters and want the destruction of Afghanistan, he added, that Pakistan apparently supports peace but behind the scene, they are supporting the violence by the extremist group in the country.Referring to Pakistan he said, they have invited their [Taliban] commanders to their homes in Quetta, to prepare for summer offensives. Earlier, Second Vice President Sarwar Danish hinted that US Special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad once had warned that if the government does not release the remaining 400 notorious Taliban inmates, the security situation in the country will worsen. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: New Yorkers have given Governor Andrew Cuomo a negative rating on COVID-19 deaths in the state's nursing homes after allegations emerged that his administration had been hiding the true number of fatalities. According to a survey published by Siena College Research Institute on Tuesday, 55 percent of New Yorkers disapprove of Cuomo's performance in making public data about COVID deaths of nursing home patients. A further 39 percent said they approved, and the remainder had no opinion. The governor's approval rating also dropped by two percent in the last month to 61 percent. It comes as GOP New York City councilman Joe Borelli has claimed that Cuomo would be doing the state a 'favor by resigning or announcing that he won't seek re-election'. The survey had questioned 804 New York State registered voters between February 7 and February 11 and was cut off before the most recent round of news coverage on Cuomo and nursing homes. New Yorkers have given Governor Andrew Cuomo a negative rating on COVID-19 deaths in the state's nursing homes, according to a survey from Siena College on Tuesday According to a survey published by Siena College Research Institute on Tuesday, in total 55 percent of New Yorkers disapprove (say was poor or fair) of Cuomo's performance in making public data about COVID deaths of nursing home patients, as pictured above It comes after allegations emerged that his administration had been hiding the true number of fatalities. Pictured, a patient is wheeled into an NYC health center in April 2020 That same day, the governor had been hit with another wave of backlash after the New York Post reported that Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa told state Democrats in a video conference call that the administration had feared COVID-19 deaths in nursing home could 'be used against us' as the Justice Department investigates New York and three other states. However, the survey was conducted after a January report from Democratic state Attorney General Letitia James which examined the administration's failure to tally nursing home residents' deaths at hospitals. After the report's publication, the state finally acknowledged the total number of long-term care residents' deaths is nearly 15,000, up from the 8,500 previously disclosed. It also came after a Freedom of Information request showed that more than 9,000 recovering coronavirus patients in New York were released from hospitals into nursing homes in the pandemic's early months. This was more than 40 percent higher than the state had said previously because it wasn't counting residents who returned from hospitals to homes where they already had lived. While the survey on Cuomo's performance remained generally positive, the nursing homes issue stuck out as the point on which Democrats, Republicans, and independents were unhappy with how he conducted his response. 'When it comes to making public the data about the deaths of nursing home patients the issue on which voters most harshly grade Cuomo he only gets approval from 54 percent of Democrats, while 81 percent of Republicans and 63 percent of independents give him negative grades,' said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. Cuomo was given a fail from New Yorkers for the nursing home scandal, the vaccine distribution and his handling of the reopening of the state in the Siena College survey Cuomo's favorability grew during the pandemic but is dropping amid the scandal The survey from Siena College asked about different aspects of handling the pandemic 'New York City voters are closely divided but downstate suburbanites and upstaters give Cuomo negative grades,' he added. In total, 34 percent of New Yorkers believe Cuomo has done a poor job on the issue, while 21 percent said it was fair. Only 15 percent thought his handling of the issue was excellent and 24 percent thought it was good. His ratings also dipped slightly in other areas of his handling of the pandemic, but it still remains favorable, especially among Democrats. His approval rating in terms of handling the pandemic in general dropped two points to 61 percent from last month. He also received 67 percent approval om his communication and 61 percent approval for providing accurate information. It comes after the governor won an Emmy for his press briefings during the height of the pandemic. Cuomo received 67 percent approval om his communication and 61 percent approval for providing accurate information. It comes after the governor won an Emmy for his press briefings during the height of the pandemic (pictured above on Monday) Yet his vaccine rollout is also facing some criticism, getting mixed grades from Democrats who have stuck with him through all else to bring down his rating. Only 48 percent pf New Yorkers give a thumbs up to his handling of the jab distribution while 49 percent disapprove. 'Voters especially Democrats continue to give Cuomo strong marks for his overall handling of the pandemic,' Greenberg said. Cuomo's pandemic: A timeline of the governor's response to the COVID-19 crisis MARCH 1: Female nurse, 39, returning from Iran becomes the first in New York to test positive for COVID-19. MARCH 2: Cuomo gives the first of 111 consecutive daily televised briefings for New Yorkers MARCH 13: Donald Trump declares national emergency. MARCH 14: An 82-year-old woman with emphysema is announced as the first patient to die from the virus. MARCH 17: New York City mayor Bill de Blasio says city should follow San Francisco with a shelter-in-place order; Cuomo says it will be statewide: 'As a matter of fact, I'm going so far that I don't even think you can do a statewide policy.' MARCH 19: California Governor Gavin Newsom issues first statewide lockdown order MARCH 22: Cuomo signs statewide stay-at-home order. MARCH 25: Cuomo orders that nursing homes accept convalescent COVID patients back into their facilities. MAY 10: The nursing home ruling is reversed, to insist on a negative COVID test before return to a nursing home. By now, more than 9,000 people have returned to nursing homes. AUGUST: Questions begin to be asked about the nursing home policy. AUGUST 26: Department of Justice opens an investigation into New York's nursing homes and COVID policy. OCTOBER 13: Cuomo publishes American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic. OCTOBER 21: Cuomo announced a policy of isolating identified 'micro clusters' of COVID cases. NOVEMBER 20: Cuomo wins an Emmy 'in recognition of his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic and his masterful use of television to inform and calm people around the world'. JANUARY 28: Attorney General Letitia James released a report finding that New York under-reported the number of deaths among nursing home patients by around 50 per cent, with 15,000 actually dying - not the 8,500 reported. FEBRUARY 11: Melissa DeRosa, Cuomo's secretary, admits that in August they 'froze' when asked for nursing home data, and dragged their heels on releasing it. The AP reports that more than 9,000 people were returned to nursing homes to recover from COVID in the period March 25-May 10, a figure 40 per cent higher than the official tally. Advertisement 'He gets a positive rating from 83 percent of Democrats and 52 percent of independents. However, 72 percent of Republicans give him a negative grade' Siena College said that 48 percent of the voters they surveyed were Democrats, 21 percent were Republican and 27 percent were independent. Of those who answered the survey, 41 percent were residents of New York City, 25 percent in the suburbs and 34 percent upstate. 'Similarly, he gets overwhelmingly positive grades from Democrats, positive grades from independents and strongly negative grades from Republicans for communicating with New Yorkers and providing accurate information during the pandemic,' Greenberg added. 'While Democrats are positive about Cuomo's handling of the vaccine rollout and his plans to reopen New York, Republicans are overwhelming negative, and independents are negative as well'. And while Councilman Borelli has claimed that Cuomo is getting close to the end of his tenure as New York governor, as per the Siena survey, many New Yorkers don't agree. Borelli had appeared on Fox News on Tuesday as Democrats also began to join the backlash against Cuomo. 'It's just shameful, I mean, the only reason we're even talking about this right now is because the state's Democratic attorney general did her own investigation and found out that the governor had been completely untruthful the entire time,' Borelli told 'America Reports.' He claimed that what 'really bothers New Yorkers above everything is Cuomo's stark arrogance'. 'Whether it be the book or the posters of himself, the Emmy, the morning news shows, you know, all of this just to find out later on that most of what he was doing was covering up for mistakes that he himself ordered and won't take responsibility for,' he said. 'That beyond everything is what really troubles a majority of New Yorkers'. According to the survey, Cuomo's favorability rating dropped by only one point to 56 percent from January, even after James' bombshell nursing home report. His job performance approval fell slightly more from 56 percent to 51 percent, yet 46 percent of voters said they are still ready to reelect him if he runs again in 2022. Another 45 percent told the survey that they would prefer someone else. 'While Cuomo remains popular and gets strong ratings across the board from Democrats, independents are closely divided on their feelings toward Cuomo,' Greenberg explained. 'Republicans, who had shown Cuomo some love early in the pandemic last spring, are now overwhelmingly negative in their views on Cuomo.' Yet even Democrats appeared to be abandoning Cuomo from Monday after he remained unapologetic during a press conference. He stayed defiant as he claimed that a 'toxic political environment' is to blame for the backlash he has received over the nursing home scandal. He also slammed 'conspiracy theories' and said that his March order on nursing homes was the subject of 'distortion' and not responsible for bringing coronavirus and more deaths into long-term care facilities. The order, which Cuomo said followed expert guidelines at the time, stated that COVID-19 patients could be sent back from hospitals to nursing homes, as it was believed then that they were not infectious anymore. Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa (pictured left) reportedly said that Cuomo's administration had feared that the COVID-19 deaths in nursing home could 'be used against us' as the Justice Department investigates New York and three other states Cuomo's administration has been rocked by the confession on Thursday of his top aide, Melissa DeRosa (pictured), that they deliberately hid data on nursing home COVID deaths, in the midst of a Justice Department investigation into their handling of the pandemic Families claimed it added to the number of deaths, yet Cuomo claimed on Monday that 98 percent of the care homes already had COVID-19 in the building before the sick patients were sent back there - and that he was not responsible. More than 15,000 people have died in New York state's nursing homes and long-term care facilities from COVID-19, but as recently as last month, the state reported only 8,500 deaths. The numbers, while accounted for in the full state death totals to the state, were not ascribed to nursing homes for residents who died in hospitals rather than within the facilities. State lawmakers have been calling for investigations, stripping Cuomo of his emergency powers and even his resignation after new details emerged this week about why certain nursing home data wasn't disclosed for months. (Newser) He was acquitted in his impeachment trial, but Donald Trump now faces threats from the courts in regard to the Capitol riot. On Tuesday, the first such threat from a member of Congress emerged in the form of a lawsuit by Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, reports Politico. The NAACP filed the suit on Thompson's behalf, accusing Trump, Rudy Giuliani, the Proud Boys, and the Oath Keepers of trying to illegally stop the certification of election votes, per the AP. Specifically, the suit alleges that they violated the seldom-used Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, which was designed to make sure KKK violence didn't prevent Congress from its duties. Two other members of Congress, Reps. Hank Johnson of Georgia and Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey, are expected to join the lawsuit as well. story continues below "I feared for my life," Thompson tells the New York Times of the riot. "Not a day passes that I don't think about this incident." Thompson, who's seeking unspecified damages, is suing Trump personally, not in his capacity as president at the time, notes the AP. The 73-year-old congressman says he was endangered not just by the mob but by being forced to shelter in close quarters with other lawmakers, some of whom refused to wear masks. From the NAACP's point of view, Trump and Giuliani's effort to overturn vote counts took place in districts with mostly Black voters. "Underlying this insurrection were the actions of folks who were challenging the voices of people of color," says Janette McCarthy Louard, the group's deputy general counsel. (Trump ally Sen. Ron Johnson rejects the description of the riot as an "insurrection.") On the evening of the Capitol insurrection Jan. 6, when the Senate reconvened to officially count the electoral votes, Sen. Mitt Romney addressed the legislators. His words should be taken to heart by every Republican leader in Harrisburg and Washington, who continue to disperse many damaging falsehoods. Romneys admission that Trump has continued to deliberately misinform his base, thereby causing this insurrection, was both disturbing and terrifying. Romney told Republican leaders that in order to respect the voters upset by the results of this election, they need to start by telling them the truth. It is their duty as leaders. And the truth is, Donald Trump lost fair and square. There was no fraud. There were no dead people voting. There were no suitcases of ballots dumped anywhere. And mail-in ballots did not cause Trump to lose the election in Pennsylvania or anywhere else. Because of misinformation, Pennsylvania Republican legislative leaders are busy creating unnecessary legislation and constitutional amendments, including HB 25, which would completely end the use of mail-in ballots! If 61 of 62 lawsuits challenging election results were thrown out of court, then we need to face the truth. Trumps head of cyber security declared this the safest election in history, only to be fired for not fitting the Trump narrative. These leaders need to end the big lie and admit the truth about this election, so we can all move forward with honesty. Mary Erdman Vice-President, League of Women Voters, Lehigh County Upper Macungie Township Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal assures that the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement will not be revised. Of course, the Agreement itself will not be revised. It was adopted, ratified and will be in force. We are talking about reviewing and amending the annexes to the Agreement, they do not require ratification by either European or Ukrainian parliaments. Among the main ones are the annexes on signing the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products which is an element of expanding the comprehensive free trade area. It has 25 principles, 18 of which were already discussed at workshops and relevant agreements were reached last year. We are still working on the other seven. We hope that in 2021-2022 we will reach an agreement on these provisions, and finally sign all the necessary annexes needed for the ACAA, Shmyhal said in an interview with Ukrinform. "As for the revision of Annex 29, which concerns quotas and duties, our visit actually marked the start of revision. I can't tell you today to what extent certain quotas will be increased and, accordingly, duties will be reduced as it is a comprehensive process aimed at ensuring full-fledged trade with Europe as a result. In the coming weeks, we will organize relevant working groups at the level of the Ministry of Economic Development, trade representatives, and this will be specific work." The Prime Minister stressed that he did not expect "hopeless cases." "Of course, we are ready that there may be nuances in different product groups, in different industries, but we do not anticipate any problems now," he said. He also told about the launch of new areas of strategic partnership between Ukraine and the European Union. According to Shmyhal, "first, it is an area of critical raw materials. The development of modern technologies, green energy poses new challenges to Europe. For example, according to European Unions estimates, the need for lithium used to make batteries will increase 18-fold by 2030 and 60-fold by 2050. And Ukraine has the largest lithium deposits on the European continent. In addition, we have cobalt, titanium, i.e. those minerals that are of great interest to European countries. Europeans are ready to cooperate with us and involve Ukraine in the relevant production alliances. We are interested in both the extraction of minerals and their efficient use - processing into high value-added products, which will remain in Ukraine in form of jobs, salaries, technology. " According to the Prime Minister, "the second area is cooperation in the field of hydrogen production, a promising energy resource. Since Ukraine has 15 nuclear power units, we have a huge potential for stable hydrogen production. And we are ready to develop it together with Europe, having a constant sales market there." "The third area is space cooperation. Ukraine has advanced technologies, enterprises, a strong production and workforce capacity, scientific potential in this field. All this is extremely interesting for the European Union today. I want to single out negotiations and reached a mutual understanding in the development of space technologies with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg which is famous for its powerful space agency and is the heart of these technologies in the EU. All these areas have great potential for our country, and we can really be leaders among European countries," Shmyhal said. He added that in the issue of funding these projects by European bodies, "options of public-private partnership as one of the most interesting, profitable and real tools for Ukraine" will be primarily discussed. ol A forensic scientist for Met Police has appeared in court for allegedly mishandling criminal evidence for almost a decade. Ursula Collins, 41, was charged with eight counts of misconduct in a public office after an investigation into the suspected mishandling of evidence within the force's forensic laboratory. Collins, a member of police staff with the Met's forensic services, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today. Ursula Collins, 41, was charged with eight counts of misconduct in a public office after a Met Police investigation into the suspected mishandling of evidence within the force's forensic laboratory It is alleged Collins failed to correctly store exhibits and caused 'undue delay' to investigations. Wearing a black dress, she did not enter the dock and spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth during a brief hearing. Collins, from Mitcham, south London, did not indicate any pleas to eight counts of misconduct in a public office, which relate to different dates, spanning the period between September 2009 and March 2018. Scotland Yard had referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in 2018, who directed that a local investigation be carried out by the Directorate of Professional Standards. Collins, a member of police staff with the Met's forensic services, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today The charges allege she 'wilfully and without reasonable excuse or justification misconducted yourself in a way which amounted to an abuse of the public's trust in the office holder'. It is claimed she 'failed to create and store exhibits in accordance with required procedure, failing to request DNA analysis of a sample, misleading the officer in charge of the investigation in relation to the sample being submitted and causing an undue delay'. Acting Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring granted Collins unconditional bail and sent the case to Southwark Crown Court, where she will appear on March 16. Collins is currently suspended from duty. document Bulawayo residents have lobbied the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to compel the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to cover up abandoned pits in residential suburbs following the death of three people in the last week. In Pelandaba West, a fifteen-year-old boy drowned last week while two more males aged 18 and 20 drowned Saturday evening. Other residential suburbs which such dangerous pits are Pumula South, Entumbane, Mpopoma and Luveve. Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) coordinator Khumbulani Maphosa has written a letter to EMA pleading for the agency to ensure that the local authority attends to the pits in the shortest possible time. "MIHR would like to report disused and abandoned open sandpits in the City of Bulawayo which have posed as environmental hazards and life risks to the residents," he said. "We implore EMA to compel BCC to close these pits. Stone boulders and heaps of sand are already in the vicinity of these pits and can be used to execute the task. Five people have already lost their lives from last year to date, three of which died this year. BCC is aware of the existence of these pits and the danger they pose to the life of the residents. On December 14, 2020, the issue was brought to the City's Chairperson of Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee." City council public relations officer Bongiwe Ngwenya had not yet responded to the questions emailed to her at the time of publishing. Source: Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE) Miles of unused pipe, prepared for the Keystone XL pipeline, sit in a lot outside Gascoyne, N.D., on Oct. 14, 2014. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images) Rural Electric Companies Hit Hard by Keystone XL Cancellation This is part one of a series exploring the effects of President Joe Bidens cancellation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. MURDO, S.D.For more than a decade, Jeff Birkeland had been waiting expectantly in the hope that the Keystone XL (KXL) pipeline would finally materialize and bring with it a much-needed boost to his rural community. His dreams were dashed overnight. Birkeland is the CEO of West Central Electric Cooperative, which is located in Murdo, a small city in South Dakota with a population of less than 1,000. TransCanada, now known as TC Energy, the firm that commissioned the KXL pipeline, first approached his company back in 2008. Jeff Birkeland, CEO of West Central Electric Cooperative, sits in his office in Murdo, S.D., on Feb. 11, 2020. (Bowen Xiao/The Epoch Times) In 2011, he signed a contract with TC Energy to build a transmission line and two substations that would serve power along the KXL route. West Central Electric was meant to start producing power for pump stations along the XL route as early as November 2011, before the pipeline was put on hold. In March 2019, then-President Donald Trump granted TC Energy a presidential permit to construct and operate the XL pipeline. Biden revoked that permit via executive order in one of his first moves as president. It basically shut a lot of what we were doing down overnight, Birkeland told The Epoch Times. Were out $90 million, thats what that means to us. Electric co-ops are private companies that deliver electricity to their customers, also known as members. Rural electric cooperatives serve 56 percent of the nation and account for about 12 percent of total electricity sales in the United States, according to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. There are multiple co-ops in the area that range in size in terms of employees and areas they cover. West Central Electric has more than 3,671 members and covers more than 7,000 square miles, and Birkeland said the cancellation of the project hits small rural communities like Murdo especially hard. Employees of West Central Electric Cooperative in a group photo in Murdo, S.D. (Courtesy of Jeff Birkeland) Birkeland fired off a number of figures highlighting the negative economic effects of the KXL cancellation, during an interview at his office. If they had been able to start work on the project in 2012, school districts in the area would have received $1.7 million in tax revenue, he said. South Dakota will also miss out on $4 million in state sales taxes. And if the entire pipeline was up and running, it was expected to generate more than $100 million in property tax revenue along the route. The pipeline would also contribute $3.4 billion to the GDP of the United States on an annual basis. His company now has $14 million worth of materials sitting idly in the warehouse. Essentially, this tells me our rates are going up, he said. Were sparsely populated and this load represented growth and opportunity for our members. Thats whats toughif you sit at my desk, youre trying to figure out whats best for your members. The cries of help from rural communities are starting to be heard. Fourteen Republican attorneys general are urging Biden to reconsider his decision to cancel a permit for the construction of the pipeline, to prevent severe economic harm. They are also threatening to take legal action. Kit Talich, a staff engineer at West Central, said he understands there are people and arguments on both sides of the pipeline deal, but he said the project would have been a good boost to rural South Dakota and would help keep things running. We have been working on this project on and offthrough the starts and stops and delaysfor about 12 to 13 years now, Talich told the Epoch Times. We put a lot of time into it so it was a little disappointing to see something like that pulled away with a swipe of a pen and 10 minutes after [Biden was] sworn in. I would like to see it revived, it would help the local communities a lot, he added. Again, its what Washington wants to dothey dont care about us out here too much. A farm is seen near the land where the proposed Keystone XL pipeline would pass south of Pierre, S.D. on Oct. 13, 2014. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images) Bidens executive order states that the KXL pipeline disserves the U.S. national interest, arguing that the country is facing a climate crisis. The Biden administration has made combating climate change a key part of its agenda and has often talked about creating renewable energy jobs and reducing emissions. TC Energy has stated that its intention to make the pipeline project emissions-neutral. The company announced in a Jan. 17 statement before Biden signed the executive order that it would achieve net zero emissions across the project operations when the pipeline is in service in 2023. TC also committed to operations being fully powered by renewable energy sources no later than 2030. As part of the announcement, TC Energy stated it was also expected to invest more than $1.7 billion in communities along the KXL footprint and would create approximately 1.6 gigawatts of renewable electric capacity, and thousands of construction jobs in rural and Indigenous communities. The $1.7 billion investment is big enough in itself, said Birkeland, who pointed out that many of the transmission lines in the country are old. He said about 70 percent of West Centrals transmission lines were built in the 1950s and are still being used today. This brings opportunity to upgrade our old transmission lines and substations, put in some new renewables, Birkeland said. Thats what we all wantit makes sense, its a win-win, and it reduces the carbon footprint. Birkeland said hes still optimistic about the Keystone project and hopes to be able to sit down and speak with Biden. He wants to explain his side of the story to the president and hopes to hear Bidens point of view. No one from the Biden administration has yet reached out to the affected communities to discuss the project, he said. The Biden administration didnt respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment by press time. Meanwhile, electric co-ops themselves are relying more on renewable sources. There has been an increase in the use of natural gas and renewable energy, which has helped to reduce the co-ops carbon dioxide emissions by 18 percent from 2009 to 2019, according to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Keeping electricity rates down is key for co-ops, since these companies serve 92 percent of persistent-poverty counties in America, according to the association. The opportunity that the pipeline would have provided would have been a key pillar to reducing the companys electricity rates, Birkeland said. The larger revenue base you have, you get to spread your expenses out, he said. Thats just simple economics. It makes your rates lower. When the administration talks about wanting to create new jobshere it is. There are also countless other local businesses in Murdo, as well as in nearby towns and cities, that had spent money to juice up their businesses in response to the construction of the KXL pipeline. Now, their money and their investments have gone down the drain, Birkeland said. As part of the troop disengagement it reached with India, China has dismantled its jetty as well as a helipad at Finger 5 on the northern banks of the Pangong Tso. It is currently in process of taking down tents and observation posts in the area. The dismantling of all structures created after April 2020 when Chinese aggression in Ladakh triggered a stand-off at the border was one of the conditions of the disengagement process, which was initiated last week in the southern and northern banks of the Pangong Tso. The move comes days after the two countries agreed on a disengagement plan in Eastern Ladakh where they were caught in a deadlock for over eight months. The agreement inked by the two countries, under which the disengagement kicked off on February 10, specifies that China will begin to move its troops to Finger 8 and India will move back towards Finger 3. India will retain its troops at Dhan Singh Thapa administration camp. On February 11, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament, Happy to inform parliament that we have agreed on a disengagement plan with China for North and South Pangong lake. Sources in the government on Thursday told CNN-News18 that the first phase of disengagement will be complete in 15-20 days. The strategic heights India has occupied in the south bank will be the last to be vacated in this phase, they added. "There is an agreement. A mutual verification will happen at every step. The Kailash range will see disengagement once we are satisfied with the way things progress in other parts of Pangong Tso," a senior officer told CNN-News18. ALSO READ | Pangong Lake Breakthrough in China Crisis as PLA to Pull Back Troops Till Finger 8, India Agrees to Halt Patrolling The disengagement of tanks and armoured vehicles in south bank was completed by Thursday evening; there were more than 100 tanks on both sides. The 10th Corps Commander meeting will be held 48 hours after the disengagement in Pangong Tso is complete. This is when other friction points like Depsang and Gogra Hotsprings and Demchok will be discussed, sources said. "This is a positive step. The Chinese have agreed to go back to Finger 8 in the North Bank. From here on, we expect the process to play out as planned. The Chinese rapidly led out their tanks from the south bank yesterday. But let's see how things play out," said the top source. West Bengal elections 2021: Mamata launches scheme to provide meal at Rs 5 India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Kolkata, Feb 16: Ahead of the assembly elections in the state, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday virtually launched the ''Maa'' scheme under which her government would provide a meal at a nominal cost of Rs 5 mainly to poor people. They will get a platter of rice, dal, a vegetable and egg curry for Rs 5. "The government will bear a subsidy of Rs 15 (per plate) while people will get it at Rs 5," Banerjee said. Self-help groups will operate the kitchens from 1 pm to 3 pm every day and such kitchens will be set up everywhere in the state gradually, the chief minister said. "I will go and taste it one day," Banerjee said. People will get the meal on a first-come-first-serve basis. "This is a unique idea. We had announced this scheme in the budget and managed to launch it within eight days," she said thanking officials of various departments for making it possible within such a short time. Ready to offer job, financial support to family of deceased DYFI activist: Mamata Banerjee The state government has allotted Rs 1,00-crore for the scheme, said Banerjee who is also the Trinamool Congress supremo. "It started on an experimental basis and there may be initial hiccups," Banerjee said. On the first day, Maa kitchens started functioning at a few places in Kolkata and districts such as Malda, Dakshin Dinajpur, Paschim Medinipur and Howrah. The ruling Trinamool Congress had in September last year launched a similar initiative named -- ''Didir Rannaghar'' in the state to provide meals at Rs 5 to migrant workers who lost their jobs during the lockdown. The assembly election is due in the state in April- May. Meanwhile, on the ''Duare Sarkar'' (government at doorsteps) programme which concluded on February 8, the chief minister said, "I express my gratitude to everyone for making it a big success." Launched on December 1 last year, ''Duare Sarkar'' is an initiative of the state government for delivery of some of its specific schemes at the doorstep of people through camps organised at the levels of gram panchayat and municipal ward. "Over 1.77 crore of applications have been submitted. As many as 85,13,006 Sasthya Swathi cards and 20,13,639 Khadya Sathi cards have been issued from these camps," she said. Banerjee also inaugurated a study on the creative economy around Durga Puja festival 2019 commissioned by the British Council on behalf of the state department of tourism. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News The study reveals that the worth of the creative economy around the festival Rs 32,377 crore that year, she said. "It is a huge amount. It is 2.58 per cent of our state GDP," Banerjee said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 10:33 [IST] BEIJING, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The COVID-19 pandemic, affecting all countries, has underscored both the way China addresses a global challenge and its vision for a better world. As the first major country to have effectively contained the virus and the only major economy to register positive growth last year, China has been at the forefront of the global fight - believing that COVID-19 knows no borders and cannot be defeated without working together. "After a year of hardship, we can understand more than ever the significance of a community with a shared future for mankind," Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his New Year address on the last day of 2020. The pandemic prevented Xi from traveling overseas, but it was a busy year of diplomacy for the Chinese president nevertheless. He had 87 virtual meetings and phone calls with foreign leaders and heads of international organizations and attended 22 bilateral or multilateral events in the form of "cloud diplomacy," calling for solidarity and cooperation to tackle the crisis. 'Most powerful weapon' China - particularly its central province of Hubei and the provincial capital of Wuhan - was hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak: Nearly 90,000 confirmed cases have been reported on the Chinese mainland and more than 4,600 lives have been lost; residents in the worst-hit regions have endured weeks or even months of lockdowns, while people across the country have been cooperative amid travel restrictions, even during Chinese New Year holidays; the country's gross domestic product (GDP) contracted 6.8 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2020. Making people's lives and health the priority, China has largely cut transmission channels of the virus, despite sporadic cases emerging in winter. Successful epidemic control contributed to a speedy economic recovery, with the country's GDP expanding by 2.3 percent year on year in 2020. Meanwhile, China is fulfilling its responsibilities as a major country and fighting shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world against the common threat to mankind that COVID-19 poses. "Solidarity and cooperation is our most powerful weapon for fighting the virus," Xi said in a speech at the opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly in May. "This is the key lesson the world has learned from fighting HIV/AIDS, Ebola, avian influenza, influenza A (H1N1) and other major epidemics. And solidarity and cooperation is a sure way through which we, the people of the world, can defeat this novel coronavirus," he said via video link. China organized its largest global humanitarian drive since 1949, providing anti-virus assistance to over 150 countries and 10 international organizations and sending 36 medical teams to 34 countries in need. In his speeches at the 73rd World Health Assembly, the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19, the 12th BRICS Summit, the 27th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the 15th G20 Leaders' Summit, Xi repeatedly promised to make Chinese COVID-19 vaccines a "global public good" accessible and affordable to people around the world. And China is delivering on that promise by providing vaccines to countries including Cambodia, Chile, Peru, Pakistan, Serbia, Hungary, Equatorial Guinea, the Laos, Mexico, Zimbabwe, the Dominican Republic and Thailand - most of which are developing countries. "We feel greatly honored, and this speaks volumes to the relationship between us and the people of China," Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week said as he thanked China for its donation of 200,000 doses of vaccine. Aiming for a better future As well as helping fight the health crisis brought by the pandemic, China is contributing to economic recovery worldwide and the improvement of global governance in the post-COVID-19 era. President Xi appealed to the world's leading economies to boost economic recovery as early as March, when the coronavirus was fast spreading across the globe. "I want to call on all G20 members to take collective actions - cutting tariffs, removing barriers, and facilitating the unfettered flow of trade," Xi said at the G20 Extraordinary Virtual Leaders' Summit on COVID-19. "Together, we can send a strong signal and restore confidence for global economic recovery." Addressing the G20 Riyadh Summit in November, he called for concerted efforts from major economies to promote more inclusive development and improve global governance. The G20, playing a key role in the global fight against COVID-19, should uphold multilateralism, openness, inclusiveness, and mutually beneficial cooperation, and keep pace with the times, said the Chinese president. "We should keep our support for developing countries and help them overcome the hardships caused by the pandemic," he told other G20 leaders. To ease poor countries' debt burden, China has fully implemented the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), with the total amount exceeding $1.3 billion, Xi noted. The G20 launched the DSSI in April to address the immediate liquidity needs of low-income countries, allowing the debt service payments due from May 1 to the end of 2020 owed by the most impoverished countries to be suspended. Later the debt suspension was extended by another six months until June 30, 2021. China has also set more ambitious goals to combat climate change and drive sustainable development. Xi announced in September that the country would strive to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. "COVID-19 reminds us that humankind should launch a green revolution and move faster to create a green way of development and life," he said in an address at the General Debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Xi unveiled further targets in December at the Climate Ambition Summit to mark the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on climate change. By 2030, China will lower its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by over 65 percent from the 2005 level, increase the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to around 25 percent, increase the forest stock volume by six billion cubic meters from the 2005 level, and bring its total installed capacity of wind and solar power to over 1.2 billion kilowatts, he said. The world is seeing profound changes brought by COVID-19. China, while acting to address the challenge at home, is shouldering greater responsibilities to make the world a better place after the crisis. Original article:here. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL9kiDlb13s Nepals National Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has confirmed its selected spectrum bands for 5G use. The Himalayan Times reports NTA spokesperson Meen Prasad Aryal as stating that the regulator had elected to follow the recommendations of the National Frequency Management Forum, an organisation created by the NTA, the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MoCIT) and telecom operators to identify 5G-suitable spectrum bands. In the lower range, the forum has advocated using the 700MHz, 900MHz, 2300MHz and 2600MHz spectrum bands. In the mid-range, it has recommended the 3300MHz, 3400MHz, 3600MHz and 4100MHz, and for the high range the 26GHz band. The National Radio Frequency Policy Determination Committee which is chaired by the MoCIT - must now approve the NTAs proposals before operators receive any spectrum allocations. CommsUpdate reports that the NTA will meanwhile conduct a study into 5G service deployment. Ulster Banks parent would be forbidden from selling its Irish assets to anyone other than AIB and Bank of Ireland, under a plan being considered by TDs and senators. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform has threatened to recommend legislation to prevent the sale of Ulster Bank's assets to a foreign buyer unless the bank and its owner, NatWest, agree to appear before it. In a statement issued Tuesday, the committee said that Ulster Bank and NatWest have declined all invitations to date to meet to discuss the possible closure of the Irish bank, citing commercial sensitivities. The committee reissued its invitation and warned that "no final decisions" should be made about the possible wind-down of Ulster Bank or the sale of its loan books to "so-called vulture funds" until a meeting takes place. "In the event that there is not timely and meaningful engagement with the Committee, it is of the opinion that it will have to give serious consideration to recommending the urgent introduction of legislation to require that any sale of Ulster Bank assets is to another pillar bank or banks, notwithstanding the competition issues that might arise as a result," the statement said. The statement was issued just days before NatWest's 2020 results announcement on Friday, when the UK bank is widely expected to disclose the results of a strategic review of Ulster Bank. The Committee is in the process of preparing what it called "a wide-ranging report on banking matters", but it issued this interim statement in light of the impending decision. Numerous industry and market sources expect NatWest to decide to close Ulster Bank, winding-down its business over a multi-year period and selling off its assets to private equity funds and trade buyers. Numerous stakeholders - most prominently the Financial Services Union (FSU) - have sought to engage NatWest and Ulster Bank executives to influence the outcome, but have gained little traction. The FSU represents the bulk of Ulster Bank's 3,000 employees in the Republic and Northern Ireland and has complained that the lack of clarity around the bank's future is unfair to workers, customers and the communities the institution serves. The Committee called the lack of engagement with staff "particularly insensitive" and said it was concerned about competition issues should Ulster Bank withdraw from the Irish market. The potential closure of Ulster Bank would leave a significant competitive gap in the Irish banking market, as the bank is the third-largest lender in the country and has about 20bn in deposits. In classrooms across the U.S. virtual or in-person teachers are faced with an enormous challenge: foster the academic learning process while also addressing the social-emotional needs of students during a highly traumatic period in history. With the continued pandemic and racial tensions, students are experiencing higher levels of stress than in previous years, and their emotional well-being undoubtedly influences their ability to focus and engage in their learning. As a longtime educator, I have realized that effective teaching relies on my knowledge of how to address the many forms of trauma my students experience outside of the classroom as much as within the school. In Camden, where I have the privilege of teaching, nearly 37% of residents live below the poverty level, and the pandemic has exacerbated the areas food insecurity, leaving more than 60,000 local residents without a stable source for nourishment more than 17,200 of those being children. How are students supposed to focus on learning when their stomachs are grumbling for a meal? Become an expert on the community where you teach Other trauma barriers exist, such as language and family experiences. Half of the areas population is Hispanic/Latinx, and many of them have experienced hardships in immigrating to the U.S. Many of my students struggle being distanced from their extended family and friends, adjusting to a new culture and a completely different educational system than they had in their native countries. My students are smart and incredibly strong, and they often do not get enough credit for their resilience. Nonetheless, these experiences do take a toll on their ability to thrive in their learning environment, and, as their teacher, it is my responsibility to ensure these traumas do not become long-term barriers to learning. READ MORE: CDC gives new road map for schools without requiring schools to reopen Embed real talk into all professional development and meetings Trauma-informed teaching is at the heart of what my colleagues and I do each day as we work with our students. In our professional development, we discuss candidly and respectfully the challenges our students face and our own limitations in understanding what our students experience. Our conversations dive into sensitive topics like examining the influence of racism, poverty, peer victimization, violence, and bullying on students in our schools. We know that serving our students means we have to constantly strive for greater empathy in our views and practices as educators. Unpack ideas of what you think trauma looks like One of the lessons Ive taken away in my career is that understanding cultural differences is key to making sure I, as an educator, work with students and parents in a way that meets them where they are and what they expect. Its not about me. Its about them. I teach a large population of Guatemalan students, whose cultural norms at home are very different than what many U.S. families are used to. Ive had to adopt new practices in working with parents and set new expectations and protocols for myself in how to communicate and support these families. Ive also had to adjust the way I teach. Recently, I asked my students to write stories that addressed their own emotions. For many of my students, articulating their feelings became a challenge. It was clear to me that many were trying to describe their heightened anxiety over the pandemic, but their descriptions were more cryptic. Others struggled to address their concern and heartache over their separation from family, leaving out their specific fears. When students are vague or unclear, it often is a sign of trauma. READ MORE: South Jersey teen is the youngest girl to create a New York Times crossword puzzle I want to create a safe environment for my students to share their lives and, at the same time, support their academic development. Social-emotional learning is equally important to academic learning, as together they foster the critical characteristics and skills these students need to succeed and thrive as they grow. If we, as educators, lean into our work with an intentional focus on understanding our students backgrounds, their cultures, and individual experiences, we can do so much more to ensure their success. In this virtual world, we must go beyond ensuring that they are logged on and make sure they understand they have an adult they can trust in their lives. We must create in our instruction opportunities for them to address their trauma in a productive way that also builds their academic skills. Instituting trauma-informed learning practices that are also culturally competent will help ensure our students get through this challenging time and are prepared for whatever obstacles their lives hold in the future. Crystal Peralta is a sixth-grade ELA teacher in her eighth year teaching at KIPP Whittier Middle School in Camden. She attended New Jersey City University, where she completed an undergraduate teaching degree, and has a masters degree from Liberty University. President Joe Biden has made it official and nominated Auburn native Brian McKeon to a top post in the State Department. The White House announced Saturday that McKeon's nomination to serve as deputy secretary of state for management and resources has been sent to the U.S. Senate. The Senate must confirm the nomination. Before Biden took office in January, the transition team revealed that McKeon was the president's choice for deputy secretary of state for management and resources, the No. 3 post at the State Department. The position wasn't part of the leadership chart under the Trump administration but was active during the Obama administration. As deputy secretary of state for management and resources, McKeon would be the chief operating officer of the State Department and a principal adviser to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. A glance at some of the day's highlights from the Proactive Investors newswire ( ) has described as a welcome source of funding a new government-backed platform that will fast-track the development of potentially ground-breaking COVID-19 treatments. ( OTCQB:WRHLF) said its subsidiary, Love Hemp Limited, has seen a strong increase in demand during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with revenues up nearly 100% on the prior quarter. ( ) said its flagship product, mViva Contextual Campaign Management, has gone fully live at its largest customer in Asia. FastForward Innovations Ltd ( ) has added to the burgeoning medical cannabis portion of its portfolio with an investment in ( ) as part of its London initial public offer (IPO). The AIM-listed investment company invested 62,500 as part of Kanabos 6mln oversubscribed placing at a price of 6.5 pence. (LON:ARGO) said it knew of no fundamental reason why the shares had risen and was not aware of any material developments beyond those previously notified to the market, after its shares soared almost 200% since the start of the month. PLC ( ) said there is nothing further to add to its statement of 29 January 2021 after the recent surge in its share price. ( ) has provided details from its annual reserves statement, confirming 117.2mln barrels of proved and probable (2P) reserves across its assets in the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq. ( ) told investors that gas sales have now begun at the West Rustavi field, in the Republic of Georgia, following the connection of Bago LLCs pipeline to the main Georgian Oil & Gas Corporation pipeline. s ( ) attention is switching to Trinidad and Suriname in the near-term with new wells planned before the end of the first quarter. Amur Minerals Corporation ( ), the nickel copper exploration and development company focused on the Kun-Manie project in the Far East of Russia, has reported that the terms and conditions for its Kun-Manie Detailed Exploration and Mine Production Licence have been amended and registered with Rosnedra, the State Licencing Agency. ( )( ) has raised 4mln via a placing of just over 9.5mln new shares at 42p each. The money raised will be used to advance the La India gold project in Nicaragua further towards production. Pan African Resources Ltd ( )( ) boosted gold production by 5.9% to 98,386 ounces in the six months to December 2020. It leaves the company on track to deliver on its full year production guidance of approximately 190,000 ounces of gold. Net cash generated by operating activities increased by 178.2% to US$28.1mln, and the company was able to reduce net debt by 47.3%. Supply@ME Capital PLC said its temporary share suspension has not impacted its commercial progress, adding that the timing of the resumption of trading is out of its hands. It said it had successfully addressed the technical disclosure and transparency (DTR) breach regarding the timing of the publication of its financial statements on January 29. SYME has since been in regular communication with the FCA in support of the regulatory steps and due process required for the lifting of the temporary suspension, the company added. ( ) revealed that it has received a conversion notice in relation to its US$1.5mln unsecured convertible loan agreement with Riverfort Global Opportunities PCC Limited and YA II PN Ltd, which was announced on 15 July 2020. The Riverfort and YA funds have elected to convert a total amount of US$169,384.70 (122,245), made up of a principal amount of US$150,000 and accrued interest of almsot $19,385, into 153,379,428 new ordinary shares of 0.03125p each in the company at a price of 0.079701 pence per ordinary share. ( ) said that on Monday February 15 it granted Toby Smith, who joined the Company as chief operating officer in November, an award of nominal cost options over 1,000,000 ordinary shares of 1p. The options have been granted under the company's long-term incentive plan, are exercisable in 2024 following release of the Company's audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023, are subject to performance conditions relating to the Company's EBITDA profitability (pre-IFRS 16) and have a 10 year term. A further option over 25,000 shares was granted under the company's share option plan, with an exercise price of 1.20, will vest after 3 years and have a 10 year term. ( ASX:THR) advised that an updated investor presentation is available on the company's website, available via the following link: www.thormining.com/sites/thormining/media/pdf/interviews/thr-feb21-pres.pdf ( ) announced that it is presenting at the BIO CEO & Investor Digital Conference, 16-18 February 2021. has appointed Matthew Worthington as Data Partners Manager after having previously held client-facing data analytics and SaaS positions with organisations including CleverMaps, App Annie and GlobalData. The online platform said it is strengthening its management team as it looks to further enhance the services offered to app developers and distributors around the globe. My primary role will be to encourage more organisations to share their data with us, as our Data Partners are our true partners helping Airnow Data to provide more accurate estimates for their markets, which in turn makes it more relevant for them, Worthington said in a release. (ASX:BSE ) announced that it will host two investor and shareholder webcasts to discuss its half year results, which are scheduled for release on February 22, 2021. The webcasts will be hosted by managing director Tim Carstens, chief financial officer Kevin Balloch and general manager Stephen Hay, who will also be available to answer questions following a presentation of the companys results. Full details are available on the company's website. ( ) said it will hold an online investor presentation for retail investors via the Investor Meet Company platform on Monday, 22 February 2021 at 10am. Chaarat's chief executive Artem Volynets and chief financial officer Chris Eger will provide a live presentation relating to the 2020 operating results, the recently completed financing package and an outlook for 2021. Investors can sign up at https://www.investormeetcompany.com/chaarat-gold-holdings-ltd/register-investor 4d Pharma PLC ( ) announced that its chief executive Duncan Peyton will participate in broker 's virtual panel, titled "Microbiome Players with Guided Readouts in 2021," on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 3pm. A webcast of the panel will be available via the "Events" section of the 4D pharma website. e-Therapeutics plc ( ) notified investors that it will be presenting at the Shares Investor Evening webinar on Wednesday February 17, 2021. The webinar will start at 6pm and both existing and potential investors can register to attend. Ali Mortazavi, chairman and CEO of e-therapeutics, will be presenting an overview of the company and will be available to take questions during the event. ( ) said it has today published the latest edition of its quarterly newsletter summarising key activities and developments within the group and its portfolio companies. More details are available on the company's website We think that the Court by its decision not to allow the Petitioner reopen its case has not done the people of this country any great service. Dr Dominic Ayine, a Spokesperson for the Petitioner in the 2020 Presidential Election trial, said on Tuesday. He said Ghanaians were interested in knowing the truth and the constitution was very clear that justice emanates from the people and must be exercised in the name of and the welfare of the people. Dr Ayine, reacting to the Supreme Courts decision not to allow the Petitioner to reopen his case, alleged that the Justices had a predetermined agenda to rule against the Petitioner, former President Mr John Dramani Mahama. He said the Justices had done a great disservice to the people of Ghana by dismissing an application filed by the petitioner to reopen his case. He also alleged that he was surprised that Court itself, who set out five key issues to be determined, was now reducing the issues to one. He said the Petitioner had made it abundantly clear in the petition that there were a number of infractions. We are contesting even the Constitutionality of the declaration that was made. We are saying that she violated Article 23 of the Constitution because she is an administrative body. He said Mrs Jean Mensa, Chairperson, Electoral Commission, who was the first respondent had exercised her discretion contrary to Article 296 of the Constitution and that those were all the germane issues under the Constitution and laws of Ghana. The Spokesperson said to reduce the Petition into a single issue was rather unfortunate and smacks of a predetermined agenda to rule against the petitioner in this matter. Earlier, the Supreme Court panel presided over by Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah ruling on the Petitioners motion for leave to reopen his case, said the Petitioners Counsel failed to provide any evidence to warrant the reopening of their case. He explained that Mrs Jean could not be tagged as a hostile witness because she had not yet mounted the witness box to give evidence in the trial. He said the Counsel for the Petitioner failed to meet the threshold for which leave could be granted for a party to reopen their case to adduce further evidence. A witness, who has not yet entered the witness box to testify, cannot, therefore, be called an adverse or hostile witness under any circumstance, he added. The Chief Justice said the Petitioner had not demonstrated to them in any way that the decision of the respondents not to testify which was upheld by the court in its ruling on February 11, 2021, has occasioned any miscarriage of justice. He said the rules permitted a party to call or not to call a witness, who had filed a witness statement to testify, as the mere filing of a witness statement does not constitute an election to testify as they rightly held in their ruling on February 11, 2021. Again, the Petitioner did not decide to close his case after the testimony of his third witness just because the Chairperson of the first respondent has filed her witness statement. He said this was because, In law a plaintiff or Petitioner does not require evidence from his or her adversary in a system like ours to prove his or her case, The plaintiff or the Petitioner succeeds on the strengths of his or her own case and not the weakness of his or her adversaries case. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Chicago, IL, Feb. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOMO CORP. (US OTC: ETFM) has agreed to acquire SmartGuard Energy LLC (SGE). SGE consists of the following entities: LED Funding IV LLC, d/b/a LED Funding LLC, and Lux Solutions LLC. Management believes the acquisition of SGE, together with the recent acquisition of Independence LED Lighting (ILED - https://independenceled.com/ ) and the planned acquisition of EcoLite ( https://www.ecoliteled.com/ ), enhances FOMOs ability to provide comprehensive solutions under the anticipated smart/clean buildings initiative for Commercial, Municipal, and Federal buildings throughout the U.S. Since 2015, SGE has retrofitted and financed installations at more than 300 buildings in the U.S. and Puerto Rico where their Lighting-as-a-Service (LaaS) model was pioneered. SGE had a combined (LED Funding plus Lux Solutions) revenue of more than $3,200,000 in 2020. The value of SGEs potential projects in 2021 is estimated to be over $13,000,000. A letter of intent (LOI) for the planned acquisition was approved by the FOMO CORP. Board and signed by William F. Butler, CEO of SmartGuard Energy LLC, and FOMO CORP. CEO, Vik Grover, on February 12, 2021. The LOI has also been filed as an 8K with the SEC, and William Butler has agreed to serve as a member of the FOMO CORP. Advisory Board. Said William Butler: We look forward to working with the FOMO team. We plan to derive value by leveraging our businesses synergies to accelerate growth and to create shareholder value. Vik Grover commented: Our service platform continues to grow with the anticipated acquisition of the outstanding commercial lighting and green energy consulting businesses in SGE, which will nicely complement our ILED business and anticipated acquisition of EcoLite. We believe that SGE has attractive growth characteristics with its impressive sales funnel. LED Funding provides us with a resource to provide no-money-down financing options to our clients who are looking to slash their operating costs and their carbon footprint by converting to LED lighting and other green solutions. As part of the transaction, FOMO will purchase 100% of the membership interests of SGE for the following consideration, subject to adjustment based on audited results: 2,000,000 Restricted 1% Series B Preferred Shares with a market valuation of $6,000,000; $3,000,000 cash; $3,000,000 one-year seller note adjusted for net debt of SGE at closing, and; For each of the three years following the closing of this planned transaction, FOMO will make an additional payment to the principals of SGE whenever the sales of SGE made at regular margins exceed an annual baseline of $13,381,047. The amount of each payment will be computed at 10% of the excess of actual sales exceeding the baseline and will be paid in equity valued at the trailing 30-day average of FOMOs share price. About FOMO CORP. FOMO CORP. is a publicly traded company focused on business incubation and acceleration. The Company invests in and advises emerging companies aligned with a growth mandate. FOMO is developing direct investment and affiliations - majority- and minority-owned as well as in joint venture formats - that afford emerging companies access to the public markets for expansion capital as well as spin-out options to become their own stand-alone public companies. About SmartGuard Energy, LED Funding LLC, and Lux Solutions LLC: LED Funding LLC ( https://ledcapital.org/ ) provides comprehensive, turnkey, energy efficient lighting solutions. Lux Solutions LLC ( https://www.luxsolutions.com/ ) is a nationwide LED lighting, and green services consulting firm that specializes in servicing commercial businesses. Lux Solutions has partnered with LED Funding on several projects where funding was required. Forward Looking Statements: Statements in this press release about our future expectations, including without limitation, the likelihood that FOMO CORP. will be able to meet minimum sales expectations, be successful and profitable in the market, bring significant value to FOMO CORP.s stockholders, and leverage capital markets to execute its growth strategy, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, and our actual results could differ materially from expected results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. FOMOs business strategy described in this press release is subject to innumerable risks, most significantly, whether the Company is successful in securing adequate financing. No information in this press release should be construed in any form shape or manner as an indication of the Companys future revenues, financial condition, or stock price. Contact: Pipeline 16 February 2021 Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, today announced a new partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar. The management agreement was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality and Mr. Sebastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor. The agreement signing was held at Katara Hospitality headquarters in Doha in the presence of Katara Hospitality Management represented by Mr. Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kamal Rhazali, General Counsel, Mr. Irfan Sharief, Chief Asset Management Officer, Mr. Juan Aguilar, Acting Chief Technical Officer. As well as Accor Management represented by Mr. Mark Willis, CEO India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey and Mr. Gaurav Bhushan, CEO of Accor's Lifestyle Brands. The agreement consolidates the long-standing partnership between Accor and Katara Hospitality, whom already own several landmark hotels managed by Accor, with the property set to open in 2022. Once completed, the Fairmont Hotel and Raffles Hotel & Residences will join the brand's worldwide portfolio, known to be the world's largest collection of historic and iconic hotels. As with any Fairmont property around the world, guests will find themselves immersed in a local authentic environment. Similarly when visiting the Raffles, guests will discover the individual personality and story offered by the hotel. At the essence of every Raffles is to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. Snowy and icy conditions across parts of Oregon sent the states coronavirus testing and case numbers plummeting Monday, with fewer than 200 daily new cases reported for the first time since Sept. 28. The significant decline in new cases is the direct result of a dramatic reduction in testing. State officials announced results for fewer than 5,000 tests, which is about one-third of the typical daily volume in recent weeks. In all, state officials reported just 184 new cases and zero deaths Monday. Likewise, the number of newly administered vaccines also fall sharply with large vaccination sites in Portland closed over the weekend because of slick roads. State officials said fewer than 6,700 new doses had been given in recent days, equal to the reported numbers from about a month ago. Although conditions in the Portland area are improving rapidly as temperatures warm Monday, state officials warned that shipments of new vaccine doses from the federal government could be delayed. Inclement weather and poor travel conditions are expected to delay shipments of vaccine this week, the Oregon Health Authority said in a tweet. OHA will provide updates on the delays as the situation evolves. Where the new cases are by county: Benton (7), Clackamas (7), Columbia (1), Crook (1), Curry (3), Deschutes (24), Douglas (13), Harney (4), Jackson (6), Jefferson (4), Josephine (4), Klamath (1), Lake (5), Lane (26), Linn (1), Malheur (1), Marion (6), Multnomah (23), Polk (3), Umatilla (3), Union (5), Washington (30), Yamhill (6). Deaths: State officials did not report any new deaths. The prevalence of infections: The state reported 185 new positive tests out of 4,926 tests performed, equaling a 3.8% positivity rate. Who got infected: Information about confirmed or presumed infections by age group is not available because Monday is a holiday. Whos in the hospital: The state reported 210 Oregonians with confirmed coronavirus infections in the hospital Monday, three less than Sunday. Of those, 53 coronavirus patients were in intensive care units, up one from Sunday. Vaccines: Oregon reported 683,887 doses of vaccine have been administered, or about 77% of the doses received. Oregon reported 6,693 newly administered doses, which includes 3,650 on Sunday and the remainder from previous days. Since it began: Oregon has reported 150,464 confirmed or presumed infections and 2,137 deaths, among the lowest per capita numbers in the nation. To date, the state has reported 3,411,860 lab reports from tests. -- Brad Schmidt; bschmidt@oregonian.com; 503-294-7628; @_brad_schmidt Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Makor Group (www.makor-capital.com), an international agency brokerage group trading cash equities, fixed income, FX and derivative products, is pleased to announce today its hire of Lionel Botbol, who will be joining as Global Head of the investment bank of Makor Group, based in London. Mr. Botbol will oversee the ongoing growth of Makor. "I am thrilled to be joining the Makor Group, one of the most promising and fast-growing securities and digital currency brokerage groups," said Mr. Botbol. "They already have all the ingredients for success, led by a group of like-minded skilled financial entrepreneurs, commercially driven, innovative, only geared towards providing their clients with out-of-the-box ideas and best-in-class services." "Building up the investment banking arm in such platform, after a career with bulge bracket banks or running my own venture, is an exciting new challenge. We will be leveraging our global presence to source new deals and capital, catching the Alpha of new economy businesses for our clients through M&A and Capital market transactions." Mr. Botbol joins Makor's team, bringing with him twenty years of experience as investment banker. Mr Botbol started his career as a Consultant in the corporate finance team of Arthur Andersen in Paris, before moving to the investment banking division of JPMorgan in London in 1998, where he focused on Real Estate and Lodging investment banking activities. He then spent 6 years at UBS in London as Managing Direction and Co-Head of European Real Estate, Lodging Leisure and Gaming investment banking. After leaving UBS in 2011, Lionel has held senior Advisor or Director positions in a number of investment banks and corporates. He founded his own boutique merchant bank Lionsfield Capital in 2012. Throughout his career, Lionel has closed more than 120bn USD of transactions throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and in Emerging Markets, leading private or public M&A transactions, IPOs, private fund raising, secondary block placement, bonds or convertible debt issuance, securitization, risk management, direct financing, and restructuring, as advisor or principal investor. "I am very pleased to welcome Lionel Botbol to the Makor family. His extensive expertise in the investment bank field and his deep understanding of the increasingly popular SPAC process will make an invaluable contribution to our clients," said Makor Group founder Michael Halimi. "He will make a fantastic addition to our team." Notes to editors: About Makor (www.makor-capital.com) Makor Group is an FCA-regulated international brokerage firm established in March 2011 by Michael Halimi and Avi Bouhadana, former Co-Heads of Global Equities at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe. Makor provides securities research and execution services to institutional investors across all asset classes. With offices in New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Geneva, Gibraltar, Tel Aviv and Singapore, and over 150 group employees, Makor provides its clients with an around-the-clock single point of contact. Makor's reputation for original and innovative trading ideas in risk arbitrage, special situations, relative value, and event-driven opportunities is unparalleled. The firm has been widely recognized for its achievements, and for the past 4 years has been ranked 1st in risk-arb research surveys. Makor acts as agent-only and is therefore not susceptible to common industry conflicts of interest. The firm takes no proprietary positions and as such acts exclusively in the interest of its clients. Makor's understanding of local markets, and extensive global relationships, generate unique sources of liquidity for a diverse client base across all asset classes. In addition to strong client relationships, Makor is a trusted partner for global custodians and prime brokers, understanding that both are integral to the smooth and effective execution of all client transactions. A focus on supporting prime brokerage services, including custody and trade settlement, has been essential to the growth and success of the Makor franchise. Related Links http://www.makor-capital.com Contact Details Joseph Edwards +44 (0)207 290 5797 [email protected] SOURCE Makor Group Related Links https://makor-capital.com MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th February, 2021) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accepted on Tuesday the invitation of his Togolese counterpart, Robert Dussey, to visit the African country. "The colleague of mine kindly invited me to visit Togo. I am grateful for the invitation. I will be sure to use it," Lavrov said at a joint press conference following the meeting with Dussey in St. Petersburg. The Togolese diplomat, in turn, added that the invitation also applied to a Russian businessman. "We will be waiting for them in Togo all those who are ready to invest in agriculture, food production, mining. We hope that Russian businessmen will be interested in the Togolese market," Dussey said. Hours before the talks, Dussey told Sputnik that the African nation was also hoping for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Togolese counterpart, Faure Gnassingbe, later in 2021. (Newser) A recent letter in the mail to St. Louis salesman Mike Conners demanding he pay back the state of Missouri more than $7,500 in unemployment benefits caught him by surprise. But as FOX 2 reports, his letter was no anomaly: The state now says it paid out $150 million too much in such benefits in 2020, and it wants its money back. NPR reports that more than 46,000 people in Missouri have received notification on overpayments97% of them not due to fraudand the state's Labor Department says they can pay it in full, take advantage of a zero-interest repayment program, or risk getting their wages garnished. State lawmakers are now trying to push legislation that would forgive part or all of the overpayments, as Missouri is one of 10 states that doesn't offer such forgiveness. KCTV5 spoke to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, noting that many of the people simply don't have the means to pay back the money right now. story continues below Parson mentioned the state's offer of a payment plan, but added that "you got to ask for the money back. I mean, that's taxpayer money." When asked if the state bears any responsibility for the snafufor example, in cases such as Conners' when it approved people who provided correct infoParson doubled down, said the state had to take a "balanced approach," and reiterated, "At the end of the day ... you have to be a good steward of taxpayer money." Those affected are balking at the news. "I couldn't even think about how to start to pay it back," Conners, who's still out of work, tells FOX 2. Jenna Rieker, a single mom in Bridgeton, has another solution, per KCTV5. She invites state officials to "come take the dirty diapers out of the trash can, because I had to buy diapers and wipes; I used the money for that." (Read more Missouri stories.) Power cables put on a dramatic light show as wintry weather caused disruption in parts of the United States. Video taken by Chris Fitzmorris showed power racing through the lines in Kenner, Louisiana, on Monday as thousands in the New Orleans area were left without power. Mr Fitzmorris, who owns Fitzs Plumbing Repair Service, told the PA news agency: We saw a flicker inside the building, our office, and I heard some noises outside. I walked outside and thats where I saw the lights. He described the sight as amazing and said he had never seen anything like it before. Crews are working to make repairs to down power lines in Kenner. Please stay away from ALL downed power lines and call 1-800-9OUTAGE to report downed or dangling power lines, poles or other damaged equipment. pic.twitter.com/pB2PBxSBGa Entergy Louisiana (@EntergyLA) February 15, 2021 According to local media, the incident was caused by a transformer which blew during a storm. Local energy supplier Entergy said wintry weather was causing disruptions throughout the area, with as many as 60,000 customers without power. [February 16, 2021] Global energy majors lead pivot to Eavor's geothermal solution with USD$40 million investment Eavors solution is the worlds first truly scalable form of clean dispatchable power This investment will support Eavors aim to power the equivalent of 10 million homes by 2030 Investors in this round Include: bp Ventures, Chevron Technology Ventures, Temasek, BDC Capital, Eversource1 and Vickers Venture Partners CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eavor Technologies Inc., the leader in scalable geothermal technology, has completed a USD$40 million (CAD$50.7 million) funding round. These investments, and the partnerships formed around them, are critical to the commercialization of the technology and to help Eavor scale its already extensive project pipeline. Eavors technology, known as Eavor-Loop, uses the natural heat of the earth like a giant rechargeable battery. Fluids are heated by the earth and circulated in a closed network of underground wellbores, unlocking a reliable and consistent energy source. Eavors technology differs from other forms of geothermal in that it is a scalable go anywhere solution, harvesting geothermal heat to generate dispatchable power with zero emissions. In addition to Eavor-Loops environmental benefits, the consistency of its heat harvesting gives it the potential to directly replace the traditional forms of baseload power such as coal and nuclear. The dispatchable nature of its design also makes Eavor-Loop a form of energy storage and thus singularly complementary to intermittent power sources like wind and solar. The investments will also bolster Eavors on-going research and development efforts to drive the cost of Eavor-Loops clean dispatchable power to a price point that is competitive in all markets. Felipe Arbelaez, bps svp zero carbon energy, said: We see Eavors potential to be complementary to our growing wind and solar portfolios. Our expertise and experience also makes bp well equipped to support Eavors growth. Technology such as Eavors has the potential to deliver geothermal power and heat and help unlock a low carbon future. John Redfern, President & CEO, Eavor Technologies Inc., added: I am delighted that with the funding closed in this round we can look forward to bringing down the cost of clean, dispatchable power to a universally competitive level an important milestone for renewable energy. The involvement of companies such as bp and Chevron represents a fantastic endorsement of our technology, the progress we have made to date and the promise for its global scalability. Contact: Eavor Technologies Inc. John Redfern, President and CEO, Director 650-269-2501 john.redfern@eavor.com www.eavor.com About Eavor: Eavor (pronounced Ever) is a technology-based Energy company led by a team dedicated to creating a clean, reliable and affordable energy future on a global scale. Eavors solution (Eavor-Loop) represents the worlds first truly scalable form of clean dispatchable power. Eavor achieves this by mitigating or eliminating many of the issues that have traditionally hindered geothermal energy. Eavor instead circulates a benign working fluid which is completely isolated from the environment in a closed-loop, through a massive subsurface radiator. This radiator simply collects heat from the natural geothermal gradient of the Earth via conduction, at geologically common and drilling accessible rock tempertures. Further inquiries: Eavor Technologies Inc.: www.eavor.com About bp Ventures: bp ventures was set up more than 10 years ago to identify and invest in private, high growth, game-changing technology companies, accelerating innovation across the entire energy spectrum. Since then, bp has invested almost $700 million in technology companies across more than 31 active investments with more than 250 co-investors. Venturing plays a key role in bps strategy to tackle the dual challenge of meeting the worlds need for more energy, while at the same time reducing carbon emissions. bp ventures focuses on connecting and growing new energy business. It makes strategic equity investments across a portfolio of relevant technology businesses including advanced mobility, low carbon and digital. For more information visit: bp.com/ventures About Chevron Technology Ventures: Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV) pursues and invests in externally developed technologies and new business solutions that have the potential to enhance the way Chevron produces and delivers affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy. CTV leverages innovative companies and technologies to strengthen Chevrons core operations and identifies new opportunities to shape the future of energy. The Eavor investment came from Chevrons Core Venture Fund which invests in technology that has the potential to add efficiencies to Chevrons core business in the areas of operational enhancement, digitalization, and lower carbon operations including geothermal. For more information, visit www.chevron.com/technology/technology-ventures About Vickers Venture Partners: Vickers Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in the technological and geographical mega trends of the world. The firms portfolio covers life sciences, technology, media, and telecommunications as well as consumer and financial services. The partners track records include hits such as Baidu.com , Inc, Focus Media Holding Ltd, Kongzhong Corp, Cambridge Real Estate Investment Trust, Sunfun Info Co., Asian Food Channel (trade sale), UUCUN (trade sale), TWG Tea (trade sale), RTG Asia (trade sale), JJE (trade sale), Hillstone (trade sale, IPO), M-Daq (trade sale), Tenfen (trade sale), Kuyun (trade sale) and Mainspring (trade sale). The total market value of the companies that the partners have helped grow exceeds US$50 billion today. Vickers Venture Partners announced that they are targeting to raise US$500 million for their latest fund VI and have started investing from it after their first close in Oct 2019. Vickers Venture Partners was founded by Dr Finian Tan together with his co-founders Dr Khalil Binebine, Dr Jeffrey Chi, Dr Damian Tan, Linda Li and Raymond Kong in 2005. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York, San Diego, Silicon Valley and London. - www.vickersventure.com About Eversource: Eversource (NYSE: ES) transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to approximately 4.4 million customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, Eversource is the #1 energy company in Newsweeks list of Americas Most Responsible Companies for 2020 and recognized as one of Americas Most JUST Companies. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally-recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit Eversource, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com . About BDC: BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC, the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. With over $3 billion under management, BDC Capital serves as a strategic partner to the countrys most innovative firms. It offers businesses a full spectrum of capital, from seed investments to growth equity, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who have the ambition to stand out on the world stage. Visit bdc.ca/capital . About Temasek Temasek is an investment company with a net portfolio value of S$306 billion (US$214b) as of 31 March 2020. Our three roles as an Investor, Institution and Steward, as defined in our Temasek Charter, shape our ethos to do well, do right and do good. Our investment philosophy is anchored around four key themes: Transforming Economies; Growing Middle Income Populations; Deepening Comparative Advantages; and Emerging Champions. We actively seek sustainable solutions to address present and future challenges, as we capture investment and other opportunities that help to bring about a better, smarter and more sustainable world. Headquartered in Singapore, we have 11 offices around the world. For more information on Temasek, please visit www.temasek.com.sg . 1 Investor is: Eversource Retirement Plan Master Trust [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 21:46:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ATHENS, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Two men have died in Greece during a cold snap that has disrupted transport and caused power cuts in many parts of the mainland as well as Aegean Sea islands for a second day, authorities said on Tuesday. A 56-year-old shepherd died of a heart attack while feeding his flock on Crete island, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. On Evia island, an 80-year-old man was found dead at his house in a remote village, after calling for aid. He was suffering from respiratory problems, local MEGA TV reported. In both cases, rescue teams struggled to reach the sites after heavy snowfall cut off roads. The Fire Service has intervened to transfer to safety dozens of citizens stranded in cars across the country, according to an e-mailed press statement. Since the weekend, Greece has been experiencing the strongest cold front in 12 years which is expected to last till Wednesday, according to Greek meteorologists. Many regions have been blanketed with snow. Domestic flights have been canceled, train services disrupted and ships at Piraeus and other ports across the country docked due to gale-force winds. Roads in mountainous areas as well as at lower altitudes have been closed, while power cuts have been reported mainly in western and central Greece. Even in the center of Athens, the Acropolis hill and many other monuments and main avenues have been covered in snow on Tuesday. Traffic was limited. "All unnecessary movements should be avoided. The state mechanism will do whatever possible to keep the roads open, and certainly one of our big concerns is the power supply as we are aware that there are problems. We must all show patience to deal with a phenomenon which is indeed unprecedented," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told ERT after a meeting at the Civil Protection headquarters on Tuesday. Due to the intense weather phenomenon, vaccinations against COVID-19 were canceled in Attica region for Tuesday. Enditem Online shopping platform Myntra has expanded its leave policy to offer five days' wedding leave for marriages, including for same-sex partners and civil unions. It is among the first such companies in India to offer wedding leave for same-sex unions. Godrej Group offers medical insurance and other benefits like adoption leave to same sex partners as well. The company said in a statement that this would also include marriages of its employees that are solemnized outside the country. Same-sex marriages are not legally permitted in India. In September 2018, the Supreme Court in its landmark judgment unanimously struck down part of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which criminalised gay sex, saying that it violated the constitutional right to equality and dignity. At Myntra, the company said that it believes in the cause of LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) community and added that these leaves are an important step in this direction. Amar Nagaram, CEO, Myntra, said, "It has been our constant endeavour to extend optimal support for the well-being of employees in a holistic way. This step will be yet another pillar of strength, enhancing the scope for employees to take care of their priorities at work and beyond, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance." Apart from wedding leaves, Myntra will also be providing wellness leave policy. Here, all Myntra employees are entitled to unlimited wellness leaves, that can be availed if one is under the weather. Further, the company has also introduced 14 days of care leaves that employees can avail to take care of young children and older parents when they fall sick or need assistance. The rest of the existing leaves, including parental (maternity and paternity), adoption leaves which are applicable for even LGBT couples, surrogacy leave, gender reassignment surgery leave, pet adoption leave (pawternity), sabbatical, and others, will continue as per the Myntras leave policy structure. Extended quarantine for returnees from Africa considered THAILAND: The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration is considering a longer mandatory quarantine for returnees arriving from Africa, in a bid to stem the spread of a fast-spreading variant of the novel coronavirus that was first detected in South Africa. CoronavirusCOVID-19healthSafetytourism By Bangkok Post Tuesday 16 February 2021, 01:04PM The mandatory quarantine for returnees from Africa may be increased to 21 days, the CCSA has said. Photo: AFP. The South African variant, named B1351, requires closer monitoring as it is known to spread more quickly, which could worsen the outbreak in Thailand, said the CCSAs assistant spokesperson, Apisamai Srirangson. We might need to increase the mandatory quarantine for returnees from Africa to 21 days, she said. Dr Apisamai revealed the plan in response to the discovery of the South African mutation in a 41-year-old infected Thai returnee who flew in from Tanzania for business. The man returned to Thailand on Jan 29 and entered state quarantine, where he tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb 3. However, it wasnt until Feb 12 that health authorities determined the man was infected with the mutated variant of COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Dean of Siriraj Hospitals Faculty of Medicine, Prasit Watanapa, insisted that the antiviral drug favipirapir, also known by its brand-name Avigan, can be used to treat patients infected with the South African variant, although no study has confirmed its efficacy. Favipiravir is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza in Japan that has been prescribed to treat COVID-19 patients in some countries. Prof Dr Prasit also said he is considering to ask each hospital to re-check swabs provided by COVID-19 patients, saying the government may need to change its tactics if the B1351 variant turns out to be more prevalent in Thailand than initially thought. The B1351 variant was first detected in South Africa in Oct last year. Since then it has been found in more than 30 countries. Similar to the UK variant, it quickly outcompeted other Sars-CoV-2 variants in South Africa. It now accounts for more than 90% of Sars-CoV-2 samples in South Africa that undergo genetic sequencing. Advertisement The United States recorded fewer than 1,000 coronavirus deaths for the first time in nearly three months and the lowest number of cases since mid-October. There were 989 COVID-19 related fatalities reported on Tuesday, the lowest figure seen since November 29, for a total of 486,332. Daily deaths, which were spiking in the latter half of January and early February have dropped 80 percent since the peak of 5,077 reported on February 4, a DailyMail.com analysis shows. Additionally, there just 53,883 infections recorded, the fewest since October 18 and a 64 percent drop from three weeks ago. Over the last seven days, from February 10 to February 16, 590,766 COVID-19 cases were reported in the U.S., the DailyMail.com analysis found. More than 27.6 million have been recorded since the tart of the pandemic. This is the lowest weekly total seen in more than three months, when a total of 586,872 cases were recorded between October 27 and November 2. Nearly every single state is seeing a decline in cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, with just Delaware on the upswing. In addition, 65,455 Americans are hospitalized with COVID-19, the lowest figure seen since November 11 and half of the number since on the peak in January, according to The COVID Tracking Project. It comes as Andy Slavitt, the acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and White House Covid-19 adviser, said the drop in COVID-19 cases could be 'misleading' in the face of variants, such as B.1.1.7, which was first identified in the UK. 'I think we should be assuming that the next wave of case growth, to the extent that we have it, is going to be with B.1.1.7, and that's something that I think everybody has to be even more cautious about,' he told MSNBC's Hallie Jackson on Monday. 'It's nice to see the numbers of cases drop, but it could be misleading.' Increases in cases aren't inevitable if people protect themselves, he said, urging people to continue to wear masks and follow guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. recorded 989 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday, which is the first time fatalities have fallen below 1,000 since November 29 Daily deaths have dropped 80% since the peak of 5,077 reported on February 4, a DailyMail.com analysis shows Just 53,883 COVID-19 infections were recorded in the U.S., the fewest since October 18 and a 64% decline from three weeks ago A total of 65,455 Americans are hospitalized are hospitalized with COVID-19, the lowest figure seen since November 11 and half of the peak seen in January Currently, 49 states are seeing a decline in cases with just Delaware trending upward, according to Johns Hopkins data White House COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt said on MSNBC on Monday that the drop in cases could be 'misleading' in the face of variants, such as B.1.1.7 At the same time, Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said it's important for Americans not to become complacent as they see daily cases and deaths decline. 'We've just got to be careful about getting too excited about that because we do have the challenge of variants,' he told CNN on Tuesday. 'One of the things that we need to make sure we do is we don't get complacent when we see those numbers go down.' He urged the general public to continue following public health measures, such as masking and social distancing, until the case count is 'so low that it is no longer a threat.' Fauci said the other factor that will help drive rates down even further are the increasing numbers of people who are getting vaccinated. So far, 38.2 million people have received at least one dose and 14 million people have been given both doses and are fully immunized. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday that in-person schooling can resume safely with masks, social distancing and other strategies, and vaccination of teachers, while important, is not a prerequisite for reopening. In Los Angeles County some schools could resume on-campus learning as early as this week. The health department said in a statement: 'This encouraging news means that dozens of elementary schools will be permitted to reopen for in-class instruction for students grades Kindergarten-6 as early as this week.' That followed a protest by students and their parents to reopen schools in the area. Susanne Jacobson told KTLA: 'I want my kid to get an education. He's in eighth grade. He's not ready for high school next year. He hasn't had an education in a year. Distance learning is not working.' Dr Anthony Fauci warned Americans in an interview on CNN on Tuesday (pictured) to not get 'complacent' and to continue following public health measures, such as masking and social distancing So far, 38.2 million Americans have received at least one coronavirus vaccine dose and 14 million have been given both doses and are fully immunized One of the things that we need to make sure we do is we don't get complacent when we see those numbers go down, Dr. Anthony Fauci says to @jimsciutto about downward Covid-19 trends. https://t.co/A5PWoTbMag pic.twitter.com/8IdCkN8mKb CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) February 16, 2021 But former White House medical adviser Dr. Jonathan Reiner told CNN Monday the US should be 'treating teachers like first responders'. Reiner, who worked under former President George W. Bush, said: 'Let's treat them the way they need to be treated and vaccinate them all. Next week, the FDA is going to review the data for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is likely to be approved shortly thereafter. 'Let's take the first four million doses of that vaccine and dedicate it to America's teachers. Let's proactively vaccinate them Let's take the vaccine and vaccinate them the way health care workers are vaccinated. You know, bring them all into school over two weeks and vaccinate every teacher in the country. 'Open schools three weeks later.' Comments on the CDC guidelines Reiner added: 'The CDC put forth this plan to open schools but it requires schools to open in places where the level of virus is low in the community and most parts of the country don't have that right now. 'Almost 89% of the districts are still in red zones. 'It requires big, physical distancing in classrooms, six feet between students and, you know, classrooms are cramped. It's going to be impossible. Plus, the reassuring data about the low level of transmission in schools was acquired in a non-variant environment and with the emerging variants, there's no data to reassure teachers.' Former White House medical advisor Dr. Jonathan Reiner told CNN Monday the US should be 'treating teachers like first responders' and that they should all be vaccinated Video courtesy of KTLA Students and parents holding placards in their car protest during a car rally to encourage Los Angeles County to reopen schools The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that in-person schooling can resume safely with masks, social distancing and other strategies, and vaccination of teachers, while important, is not a prerequisite for reopening Officials from the CDC had said there is strong evidence now that schools can reopen, especially at lower grade levels In Los Angeles County some schools could resume on-campus learning as early as this week Officials from the CDC had said there is strong evidence now that schools can reopen, especially at lower grade levels. Recommended measures include hand washing, disinfection of school facilities, diagnostic testing and contact tracing to find new infections and separate infected people from others in a school. It's also more emphatic than past guidance on the need to wear masks in school. 'We know that most clusters in the school setting have occurred when there are breaches in mask wearing,' Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC's director, said in a call with reporters. Vaccinating teachers can provide 'an additional layer of protection,' she said. The guidance was issued as President Joe Biden faces increasing pressure to deliver on his promise to get the majority of K-8 schools back to in-person teaching by the end of his first 100 days in office. He acknowledged that the goal was ambitious, but added, 'It is also a goal we can meet if we follow the science.' South Koreas spy agency on February 16 informed that North Korean hackers tried to break into the computer of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in a search for information on a coronavirus vaccine and treatment technology. Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that South Korean lawmakers Ha Tae-Keung informed that North Korea tried to obtain technology involving the COVID-19 vaccine by using cyberwarfare to hack into Pfizer. Tae-Keung told reporters after a hearing behind closed doors that Seouls National Intelligence Service briefed the lawmakers about North Koreas hacking attempt. COVID-19 in North Korea North Korea has been under self-imposed isolation since closing its borders in January last year to curb the spread of coronavirus that first emerged in neighbouring China. Leader Kim Jong Un has repeatedly insisted that the country has had no coronavirus cases, although outside experts doubt those assertions. Further, the closure of the country has also added to the pressure on its tottering economy from international sanctions imposed over its banned weapons systems, increasing the urgency for the nation to find a way to deal with the disease. READ: UN Experts: North Korea Using Cyber Attacks To Update Nukes READ: UN Experts Say North Korea Still Modernising Nuclear Arsenal Pfizers coronavirus vaccine developed jointly with Germanys BioNTech, began winning approval from authorities late last year. It is based on technology that uses the synthetic version of a molecule called messenger RNA to hack into human cells and effectively turn them into vaccine-making factories. The pharmaceutical company expects to potentially deliver up to two billion doses. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that a UN inquiry had earlier reported about a $281 million theft of assets from cryptocurrency last September with links to North Korea. IBM had also previously warned that it had uncovered a series of cyberattacks by state actors against companies involved in distributing COVID-19 vaccine doses. The IBM analysts have said that the purpose behind the hacking may have been to harvest credentials, possibly to gain future unauthorization access to corporate networks and sensitive information relating to the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. READ: North Korea Leader Holds Workers' Party Committee Meeting READ: Blinken: Biden Ordered North Korea Policy Review We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 'Taiwan yet to issue Chan Tong-kai a visa' Reverend Peter Koon (right) said the Taiwan authorities have yet to issue a visa for Chan Tong-kai (middle) to turn himself in. File photo: RTHK Taiwanese authorities have been urged to issue a visa to murder suspect Chan Tong-kai "on humanitarian grounds" so he could turn himself in for killing his girlfriend there in 2018. The call was made on Tuesday by Reverend Peter Koon, who has been helping Chan over the case. Koon told the media that their legal team in Taiwan has contacted the authorities there many times, informing them of Chan's willingness to travel to the island to surrender himself. Chan is believed to have killed his pregnant girlfriend Poon Hiu-wing in Taipei and put her body in a pink suitcase before discarding it. "But there has been no positive feedback so far," Koon said, adding that he has tried everything to help Chan return to Taiwan. Koon said at the moment Chan is living in a safe house arranged by the police. Chan only served a short prison term in Hong Kong for money laundering because he cannot be tried here for Poon's murder. The SAR government had cited the case to push the ill-fated extradition bill in 2019, which led to months of protests in Hong Kong. Tata Electronics has signed a MoU with the government to set up a facility for manufacturing mobile components. Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said that Tata Electronics' Rs 4684 crore project in Krishnagiri for manufacturing mechanical enclosures for mobile phones, can create jobs for 18,250 people. The state also signed a MoU with Grasim Industries to establish a paint manufacturing unit at Cheyyar with an investment of Rs 750 crore. Grasim Industries, a part of Aditya Birla Group, had recently announced its foray into the paints business. The state has signed 28 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for projects envisaging investments of around Rs 28,000 crore. New Delhi: Numerous counts of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccine have been reported in China in the recent past forcing the country to take steps to counter the menace. As part of the government's crackdown, the leader of a multi-million-dollar scam, who passed off saline solution and mineral water as Covid-19 vaccines, was arrested. The accused, who has been identified as Kong, made over 58,000 fake COVID-19 vaccines, a BBC report said. Kong is said to have studied the packaging designs of real vaccines to create counterfeit ones. The report said that one batch of fake vaccines was smuggled overseas, although the location where it was sent to was not immediately known. More than 20 cases related to fake vaccines have emerged since last year. Kong is one of the 70 people arrested in the country in similar cases. Kong and his team reportedly made a profit of 18 million yuan (over Rs 20 crore) by selling saline solution or mineral water in syringes and hawking them as Covid vaccines since August last year. A batch of 600 of these vaccines was sent to Hong Kong last November before they were shipped abroad. The sales were made on the basis the vaccines were acquired via "internal channels" of genuine manufacturers. In other cases, counterfeit vaccines were sold at inflated prices in hospitals. Other criminals also conducted inoculation programs of their own and had "village doctors" vaccinate people with fake jabs in their homes and cars. China`s highest prosecuting body, the Supreme People's Procuratorate has urged regional agencies to cooperate with the police to curb such activities. Officials had hoped to administer 100 million Covid doses before the Lunar New Year last week, but has only vaccinated 40 million people so far. However, the country is trying to bring the pandemic under control with strict lockdown, testing, and tracing measures. Live TV Former nuclear bunkers are being used to hold prisoners where they are tortured by Putin-backed thugs in war-torn Ukraine, civil rights groups have claimed. Photographs have been released allegedly showing chilling torture dungeons where prisoners of Russian-backed rebels are mutilated with surgical tools. It has been claimed that more than 200 people - including civilians - are being held captive in the facilities found in eastern Ukraine, close to the Russian border. The prisoners are said to be subject to electric shocks, beatings with hammers and mutilations with surgical tools. The facilities can be found in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic, The Sun reported. Pictured: A room allegedly inside a torture dungeon in Ukraine run by pro-Russian rebels, where they are said to have been holding and torturing people The conflict known as the War in Donbas has raged since 2014 and left the former Soviet-state split, and has resulted in the death of more than 13,000 people and to roughly 1.1 million people fleeing their homes. Justice for Peace (JFP) in Donbas, an alliance of 17 Ukrainian human rights organisations and local media, claimed that a vicious torturer known as 'the Maniac' uses one of the dungeons as a torture playground. The Maniac, whose real name is believed to be Serhiy Konoplytsky, is said to be the one who uses surgeons' tools on the prisoners, as well as a plastic pipe and a hammer to inflict savage beatings. The Centre for Civil Liberties (CCL), based in Kyiv, told the Sun that there are currently 267 people locked up in these dungeons without facing any charges - including 226 civilians. One of the notorious dungeons is the 'Isolation Prison' in Dontesk, while another is called the 'Batman Prison' in Luhansk, and is named after the pro-Russian 'Batman Rapid Response Group' whose leader - Alexander Bednov - was assassinated in 2015. The brutality of the dungeons is said to be deigned to terrorise locals and deter opposition efforts, with the 'Isolation Prison' being dubbed by locals as 'The Place Where People Disappear'. The Maniac, whose real name is believed to be Serhiy Konoplytsky (pictured), is said to use surgeon's tools on the prisoners, as well as a plastic pipe and a hammer to inflict savage beatings Prisoners have spoken of being subject to horrific torture methods as well as being witness to other victims being beaten to death. They have said some had been shocked with wires attached to the genitals, had their fingers bent until they have broken, and have been beaten by former boxers. Speakers inside the facility play the sounds of prisoner's screams, it has been claimed, while inmates are stripped naked and left to sleep on wooden pallets beneath blinding lights that are on 24-hours a day. These is no evidence to suggest that Russia is directly orchestrating the horrific human rights abuses. Dontesk's 'Isolation Prison' is said to contain eight ordinary multi-prisoner cells, two disciplinary seclusion cells, a basement bomb shelter and a single cell adjoining it, as well as several 'torture cellars'. One image shows a military field telephone that is used to electrocute the prisoners, sitting on a table in a dank looking cell (pictured) Pictured: A pictured of a corridor allegedly in the basement where prisoners are kept It is here that the leaked photographs - that have been posted by an anonymous source on Telegram - allegedly show, as well as tools used by the Russian-backed rebels and the mercenaries that fight with them. One image shows a military field telephone that is used to electrocute the prisoners, sitting on a table in a dank looking cell. Another appears to show one of the rooms the prisoners are forced to live inside, with concrete slabs on the floor as beds and very few blankets. A picture taken from over a fence is said to show the tiny outdoor space - covered in barbed wire - that prisoners are allowed to use for outdoor exercise. A post from the JFP says that people have been imprisoned for a variety of reasons, including 'denunciations by neighbours', for holding alleged pro-Ukrainian views, alcohol consumption and curfew violations In one case, a young man was detained for throwing a firecracker and scaring an elderly woman. In the 'Batman Prison', JFP reported that prisoners received water in plastic bottles twice a day, and were fed twice - once in the afternoon and once at midnight. Pictured: A picture taken from over a fence is said to show the tiny outdoor space - covered in barbed wire - that prisoners are allowed to use for outdoor exercise The meals were made up of a bowl of barley, buckwheat or barley groats, JFP claims, and for some prisoners the food was left to cool before being given. There was also no medical care, the group claims, with a nurse coming once every few days to dress gunshot wounds. In some cases, doctors were said to have even helped the torturers to bring round the victims after they passed out so the torture could be resumed. One man - civil servant Oleksandr Grishchenko - spoke about his experiences in the 'Batman prison' where he was tortured after being wrongly accused by being a spy by a henchmen for the Putin-backed Luhansk People's Republic. He told Euromaidan Press - that reports on the Russian puppet state - that was beaten by a former professional Boxer. Then, he said he was stripped naked ad electrocuted before his arms were stretched and tied up, at which point he was introduced to 'The Maniac'. The torturer broke one of his fingers, before ''He took out the tarpaulin cover of the surgeon's field kit, unwrapped it, and started to show me the surgical instruments,' Grishchenko told the outlet. Pictured: Some of the people the Centre for Civil Liberties says are imprisoned in the cells Pictured: A tank of pro-Russian militants of self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) rides during a military exercise at a shooting range not far from them controlled city of Gorlivka, Ukraine, 28 January 2020 'In a few minutes, his assistants brought a door leaf, dumped me on it,' he racalled. 'My left arm was fixed... the Maniac started to make a surgical saw cut between the fingers of my left hand.' The Maniac reportedly told him that he would torture him 'as much as necessary until we get the desired result'. In another instance, Grishchenko said that The Maniac beat a man to death with a hammer. A spokeswoman for CCL told The Sun: 'This is just the tip of the iceberg. 'Most people who have been suspected of disloyalty to the occupation authorities are prosecuted and sentenced for espionage, sabotage and treason. 'Their families often do not turn to the state authorities of Ukraine or human rights organizations. They are either intimidated or simply understand that there are no opportunities to evacuate a person to Ukraine.' As a result, the CCL says that it does not know the full scale of the abductions, illegal detention and torture of people inside the occupied territories. Four people were detected with the South Africa variant of COVID-19 in India in January, while one tested positive for the Brazil variant in the first week of February, the Centre said on Tuesday. It added that only two states, Maharashtra and Kerala, contribute to 72 per cent of active cases of coronavirus. In India, the South Africa strain has been detected in four returnees -- one from Angola, one from Tanzania and two from South Africa in January, ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava said. All travellers and contacts have been tested and quarantined. "The ICMR-NIV is attempting to isolate and culture the SA variant strain from the samples of these four individual returnees," he said. One Brazil returnee has tested positive for the Brazil variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the first week of February. The traveller and contacts have been tested and quarantined. "The virus strain has been successfully isolated and cultured at ICMR-NIV, Pune," Bhargava said, adding experiments to assess vaccine effectiveness are underway. Meanwhile, the number of people who have tested positive for the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the country has climbed to 187. There has been no mortality. "We have been able to culture and isolate this strain and test the efficacy of the vaccine," he said. A very close watch is being kept on these variants, he stressed. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said as of February 16 till 1 pm, 87,40,595 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the country out of which a total of 62,82,646 healthcare workers have been vaccinated. First dose has been given to 61,11,968 (60.5 per cent healthcare workers) and second dose have been given to 1,70,678 healthcare workers which is 37.5 per cent of eligible vaccinations, he said. Bhushan elaborated that the eligible population are people who were vaccinated on January 16, 17 and 18 as only they become eligible for the second dose. "For others, the second dose is not due. The efficacy of a vaccination must be judged on the fact that what proportion of people were due for second dose and out of that how much population has been covered," he said. He further said a total of 24,57,949 frontline workers have been vaccinated which is 26.3 per cent. Bhushan said 14 states and UTs have administered the first dose to more than 70 per cent of registered healthcare workers which is higher than the national average of 60 per cent. These states include Rajasthan (70.09 per cent), Sikkim (70.09 per cent), Jharkhand (71.25 per cent), Kerala (71.28 per cent), UP (73.58 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (75.16 per cent) and Bihar (80.92 per cent). While 11 states ad UTs including Delhi (42.36 per cent), Punjab (36.42 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (49.09 per cent) and Karnataka (49.96 per cent), have administered first dose to less than 50 per cent of registered healthcare workers. "We have asked these states to organise more sessions to increase their coverage," he said. About the second dose, Bhushan said eight states and UTs, including Goa (100 per cent), Jharkhand (68.3 per cent), Assam (69.7 per cent), UP (81.2 per cent), Gujarat (86 per cent), have administered th second COVID vaccine dose to more than 60 per cent of the eligible healthcare workers. The management of Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the concessionaire of the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, says it owes lenders about N23 billion. The Managing Director, Mr. Yomi Omomuwasan, at a briefing yesterday, said after reposing the facility, it could take three months before operations resume, noting that while local debt is N11.5bn, there is a $31 million foreign debt. According to him, as at 2011, the firm had a balance of N24bn owed to commercial banks in Nigeria and $49m to International Development Bank (IDB). But the balance was reduced to N11.5bn and $31m (about N11.7bn at N380 official rate) adding that the repayment had been stalled since October 2020 when the tollgates were shut due to the #EndSARS protest. "Since the commencement of the #EndSARS protest, the forceful takeover of the Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza and the unfortunate incident of Tuesday 20, October 2020, we have had to plead for moratorium repeatedly with our local and international lenders. "It has been impossible to meet our loan repayment obligations - and obligations to our workers - given our inability to collect tolls, the main revenue source from which the repayment was contractually expected to come." Omomuwasan stated that while the LCC is yet to determine the extent of losses as a result of stoppage of operation, the losses would not be less than N2.5bn. "We need proper and full assessment which I believe will take some time. We are going to do civil work, some electrical cables and so on. I am not sure it will happen within three months that is why I said we must go back," he added. Sinha's goal will be to empower developing nations, local governments and small businesses to help with economic recovery while building resilience and inclusive economies. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has announced Preeti Sinha as its Executive Secretary, who said focus will be on providing micro-finance assistance to women, youth, small and medium-sized enterprises in under-served communities. Ms Sinha commenced her tenure as UNCDF Executive Secretary, the highest leadership rank in the institution, on Monday. Established in 1966, the New York-headquarted organisation provides micro-finance access to least developed countries (LDCs), with the mandate to unlock the full potential of public and private finance. She will "oversee the organisation's efforts to deliver scalable impact in order to make the international financial architecture work for the world''s frontier and pre-frontier markets; with a specific emphasis on supporting sustainable development for women, youth, small and medium-sized enterprises, smallholder farmers, and other traditionally underserved communities." In a statement, Ms Sinha said her goal would be to make "C" in UNCDF (capital) to be "highly catalytic in mobilising manifold the public and private finance for the LDCs it serves and in developing a new era of engagement with capital markets in 2021 and onwards." Ms Sinha succeeds Judith Karl, who retired in February after concluding her 30-year career in the United Nations, the agency said. UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner welcomed Sinha. "UNCDF's support for the world's Least Developed Countries is critical, and I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our organisations into the future," he said in the statement. Ms Sinha will lead UNCDF's work to harness the untapped growth potential of the LDCs, to enable and empower communities, local governments and small businesses to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while building more resilient and inclusive economies, the agency said. As Executive Secretary, Ms Sinha will "oversee UNCDF's 'last mile'' finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development." Ms Sinha has three decades of global experience across investment and development finance during which she managed institutional public and private development capital. The UNCDF statement said Sinha served as CEO and President of FFD Financing for Development LLC, a specialist development finance firm in Geneva, focusing on resource mobilisation, donor relations, innovative capital markets, partnerships, strategy, business development, and impact investment advisory to finance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Previously, Ms Sinha managed the YES Global Institute, a practising private sector think-tank for socio-economic development in New Delhi, building the impact investment ecosystem in India, the agency said, adding that she also served in senior resource mobilisation roles at the African Development Bank. Ms Sinha graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Education program in Public Financial Management. She holds a Master's in Global Leadership from the World Economic Forum and a Master's in Public and Private Management (MPPM)/MBA from the Yale School of Management (SOM). She is an alumnus of Dartmouth College, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Computer Science. UNCDF "makes public and private finance work for the world's 46 least developed countries (LDCs) to harness their untapped growth potential." Comments Its programmes "help to empower women, and are designed to catalyse larger capital flows from the private sector, national Governments and development partners, for maximum impact towards the internationally agreed developments goals." Todays unprecedented snow probably would look like a light dusting to Houstonian on this day in 1895. According to Matt Lanza, Houstons weather guru over at Space City Weather, the Bayou City was doused with more than 20 inches of snow on Valentines Day more than 100 years ago. Lanza chronicled the record-holding day for SCW back in 2017 and is revisiting the post and incredible old-timey photos over on Twitter in light of the recent freeze. Houston Chronicle photos featured above captured the event, too. About 126 years ago (give or take a day) the country was in the middle of a brutally cold winter. Starting on Tuesday, February 12, a cold front swept across the Lone Star State, reaching Houston the following eveningeven though, in classic Houston form, temps had reached 60 degrees in the city just a week prior. By the morning, about a foot of snow had covered the city, creating what Lanza described as a winter wonderland and the snow kept coming down as the day went on, sticking around for the rest of the week. Snowball (and gun?) fights ensued around town and Galvestons Victorian homes looked stunning in the gorgeous white fluff. But people and cattle did suffer and even died, as much like today, residents werent accustomed to the frigid weather. February and Valentines Day have brought snowfall to Houston many times over the years. But after a big storm in 1960 the Bayou City went 12 years without seeing a snowflake. 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This campaign is among the activities of the Earthcheck program, an international system of Environmental Management and Certification designed for the Tourism Industry, under which the Fraccionamiento NAutico TurAstico Nuevo Vallarta has been certified since 2016. World Water Day will be celebrated on March 22, hence the Riviera Nayarit's campaign emphasizes simple recommendations for the general population, most notably: a Turn off taps that are not being used. a Reduce the time spent in the shower. a Use recycled water to water plants, and water them in the morning or at night. a Repair leaks and drips. a Use the minimum amount of detergent when washing clothes. a Do not use the hose to wash the car; use a bucket and sponge. Drawing contest: AFrAnale al consumo! (Slow Down Usage!) As part of this campaign, the CVB has announced the online Children's Drawing Contest AFrAnale al consumo! (Slow Down Usage!), which will run from February 8 to March 15. Children and adolescents living in the municipality of Banderas Bay may participate in the following categories: 6 to 9 years old and 10 to 13 years old. Participants can download rules and a registration form (in Spanish) at MORE INFO: The observance of World Water Day was originally recommended in 1992, during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations General Assembly responded to that recommendation by designating March 22, 1993 as the first World Water Day. The Riviera Nayarit is a safe destination. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist establishments are following all the health protocols established by the Federal Government's Ministry of Health and operating at the allowed capacities. Access to the beaches is limited. Be a responsible tourist: wear your mask and keep your distance. Original article - The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has launched the "Water Matters in the Riviera Nayarit" campaign in an effort to raise awareness among tourists and locals about the importance of conserving this vital liquid.This campaign is among the activities of the Earthcheck program, an international system of Environmental Management and Certification designed for the Tourism Industry, under which the Fraccionamiento NAutico TurAstico Nuevo Vallarta has been certified since 2016.World Water Day will be celebrated on March 22, hence the Riviera Nayarit's campaign emphasizes simple recommendations for the general population, most notably:a Turn off taps that are not being used.a Reduce the time spent in the shower.a Use recycled water to water plants, and water them in the morning or at night.a Repair leaks and drips.a Use the minimum amount of detergent when washing clothes.a Do not use the hose to wash the car; use a bucket and sponge.As part of this campaign, the CVB has announced the online Children's Drawing Contest(Slow Down Usage!), which will run from February 8 to March 15. Children and adolescents living in the municipality of Banderas Bay may participate in the following categories: 6 to 9 years old and 10 to 13 years old.Participants can download rules and a registration form (in Spanish) at rivieranayarit.com.mx/el-agua-cuenta. The registration form must be emailed to rivieranayaritverde(at)gmail.com, with the event name "AFrAnale al consumo!" in the subject line. Winners will be announced on March 22nd, World Water Day. There will be prizes for first, second, and third place.The observance of World Water Day was originally recommended in 1992, during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations General Assembly responded to that recommendation by designating March 22, 1993 as the first World Water Day. Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top The celebrated jazz pianist Chick Corea died February 9 at the age of 79. A statement posted on Coreas official website revealed that the virtuoso performer had recently been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. During his six decades in jazz, Corea achieved an unusual level of recognition, gaining a much larger audience for himself than the genre typically allows. He won 23 Grammy awards during his career and was nominated for two more last November. In 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts named him a Jazz Master. A few of Coreas compositions, above all his 1973 classic Spain, have become standards performed and recorded numerous times by other musicians. If Coreas overall musical contribution is ultimately more uneven than these accomplishments would indicate, he nevertheless leaves behind a significant body of work with some truly exceptional moments scattered throughout. Chick Corea (born Armando Anthony Corea in 1941 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston) got his start in the early 1960s, performing as a sideman with Latin Jazz icons Mongo Santamaria and Willie Bobo. Other significant collaborations followed, including stints with Stan Getz, Blue Mitchell and Herbie Mann, but it was Coreas work with legendary trumpeter Miles Davis that put him on the musical map. Chick Corea playing with Miles Davis in 1969 By the time Corea joined his band, Davis had embarked on his controversial fusion period. Blending jazz, rock and funk music, and switching from acoustic to electrified instruments, the new form of music that Davis pioneered alienated many fans of his earlier work but would come to dominate jazz throughout the 1970s. Corea was there for most of it, including Daviss landmark recordings In A Silent Way (1969) and Bitches Brew (1970). Along with groups such as Weather Report and Mahavishnu Orchestra, Coreas own band Return to Forever came to define the music that Davis had pioneered. The most striking feature of the early Return to Forever albums was the light and airy quality of the music. There was a dancing elegance to songs like Spain, Captain Marvel and 500 Miles High, all of which appeared on the album Light as a Feather (1973). Coreas playing was at its most delicate and lyrical during this period. Subsequent Return to Forever albums were both more popular and less satisfying than the early ones. The bands most popular lineup of Corea on keyboards, Stanley Clarke on bass, Lenny White on drums and Al Di Meola on guitar took the music in harder-hitting, rock-influenced directions. Captain Senor Mouse, featuring Bill Connors rather than Di Meola on guitar, is representative of the shift in style. It is understandable that jazz listeners continue to be divided over the fusion subgenre, even to the point of doubting whether or not it should be called jazz at all. But the music should not be dismissed out of hand. Some of it was very good, and whether one can properly call it jazz or not is somewhat beside the point in the face of that. That less of the music holds up today than one would like is not so much the fault of any individual musician, or even of the genre itself, but is instead bound up with more fundamental social problems. Fusion took hold just as the radicalism of the 1960s and early 1970s had begun to subside. It became popular at about the same time that blockbuster filmmaking began to dominate in Hollywood. Like those blockbusters, fusion could be big and brash, and it was no less obsessed with fantasy and science fiction. Among the many songs recorded by Return to Forever could be found titles such as Theme to the Mothership, Space Circus, Medieval Overture, Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant and The Romantic Warrior. There was something of an artistic-intellectual retreat underway. A one-sided devotion to technical mastery, both in terms of musicianship and the use of new technology available to musicians, characterized much of the fusion genre, as it did the progressive rock genre that coincided with it. Much that was subtle, subversive, flexibleor coolin modern jazz seemed to fall away. Heard today, those later Return to Forever albums, and those of Coreas Elektric Band of the 1980s, feel dated in ways that the earlier Return to Forever records do not. They transcend their times while the later works feel stuck in the fashions and fads of the 1970s and 80s. Chick Corea in 2018 (Photo: Tore Stre) None of this should be taken as a dismissal of Coreas work. Even on the less successful albums, there are noteworthy performances. Coreas catalogue is uneven but still distinguished. In addition to the works already mentioned, My Spanish Heart (1976) was an especially inspired collection of songs and performances. Some of the most enjoyable, and loveliest, music of Coreas career is found in his many duo recordings with vibraphonist Gary Burton, especially Crystal Silence (1973) and Native Sense: The New Duets (1997). Some of Coreas lesser-known music, when compared to the more famous recordings of the 1970s, is well worth exploring. In the late 1990s, Corea formed an excellent sextet called Origin, and more recently there was an exciting trio featuring Christian McBride on bass and Brian Blade on drums. In last years album of solo piano performances, Chick Corea Plays, Corea brought a striking originality to well-worn standards such as Blue Monk and Desafinado. Corea was a talented composer and performer working at a difficult time for artistic creation, and not just in jazz. That he was able to contribute so much that was meaningful despite this is to his credit. His best work will endure. The sign on the way to the International Airport of Brasilia says: "Armenia, stop your agression against Azerbaijan" 2020 was full of challenges starting with the epidemic and ending with a global recession in the global economy. But one chapter left the hope that one of the oldest and most bloody conflicts in the post-Soviet region was finally resolved: the Second Karabakh War between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which resulted in the liberation of all occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Elkon Polukov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Brazil, reports in his article for Haveeru Online. The Armenian occupation of the territory of Azerbaijan, which began before the collapse of the Soviet Union, continued until September 27, 2020. It was on this date that the Azerbaijani army launched a counter-attack in response to the new policy of the Armenian leadership, which was formed when the Armenian Defense Minister said: New war for new territories. The new conflict ended 44 days after the war. On November 10, 2020, at the behest of Russia, the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia signed a historic document a joint statement that disrupted the military conflict and opened up new possibilities for building peace in the region. The Second Karabakh War closed a page of gross violation of international law by Armenia, which did not apply to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan with the implicit consent of the international community. Four UN resolutions adopted in 1993. They ignored the Security Council resolutions and called for the immediate withdrawal of all labor forces from Azerbaijan and the creation of conditions for the return of internally displaced persons to their homes. Armenia used the negotiated negotiations strategy to oppose the position of international mediators for the Minsk group, which represents Russia, France and the United States. Azerbaijan has never tolerated this tactic, insisting on its legitimate right to restore regional integrity and to protect the internationally recognized border in all legal ways stated in international law, a measure reached last year. Before and after the Second Karabakh War, its position on Azerbaijan was justified by fraternal nations such as Turkey and Pakistan and supported by many international organizations. Today, we are beginning to rehabilitate liberated lands, creating conditions that allow internally displaced persons to return to their homes. Unfortunately, the Armenian occupation destroyed ruins, disasters and natural resources in these regions, and Azerbaijan had to create everything anew. At his request, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stated that all Armenians residents of Nagorno-Karabakh would receive the same rights and privileges as all citizens of Azerbaijan after obtaining citizenship of Azerbaijan. Today Azerbaijan calls for the continued implementation of the November 10 joint declaration, a process that has already begun with new potential opportunities not only for Azerbaijan and Armenia, but also for other countries in the region. We look to the future, and when all communications in the region are restored, people will return to their lands and begin to live without fear of future conflicts. More than a dozen skulls of Black Philadelphians, poor and virtually anonymous, are currently held by the Penn Museum in its Morton Collection of skulls, a group of over 1,000 skulls amassed by Samuel George Morton, a 19th-century physician and white supremacist, according to a report now posted on the universitys website. Until last summer, skulls from the collection were located in a classroom and used for teaching, but some were moved into closed storage following an outcry from students and community activists who argued that such holdings amounted to an affront. At the time, the collection was said to include 53 skulls of enslaved persons from Cuba, and the university committed to repatriating or reburying them. But the detailed report compiled by Paul Wolff Mitchell, a doctoral candidate in anthropology and a fellow in the Penn Medicine and the Afterlives of Slavery project, says that some of the skulls, of both Black and white Philadelphians, were torn from the burial grounds used by the Philadelphia Almshouse and its successor institutions, Philadelphia Hospital and Philadelphia General Hospital. The report says its highly likely that some are the remains of the formerly enslaved, although holes in the historical record will probably mean well never know for sure. READ MORE: Penn Museum to put part of collection with skulls of the enslaved into closed storage Much of Penn, including Franklin Field, is built over the unmarked graves of paupers, and many of their bodies were stolen by grave robbers and used for medical education and research, largely by Penns medical school and Jefferson Medical College, the report states. Much of the price for making Philadelphia the American city of medicine in the nineteenth century was paid in cadavers, the report says. Overall, the bodies of poor, marginalized, and Black Americans were made into the objects of nineteenth-century anatomy. A spokeswoman for the Penn Museum said the museum welcomes new independent research into the collection. The Museum is currently in the process of reviewing the reports contributions documenting Black Philadelphians in the collection and will include this information as it takes important steps towards repatriation and reburial, she said. The museum has its own committee looking at what should be done with the collection and how best to address the holdings of enslaved people from Cuba, but the spokeswoman said there is no timeline for reaching conclusions. The Penn Medicine and the Afterlives of Slavery Project was established in 2018 after Amy Gutmann, Penn president, charged professor Dorothy Roberts to examine slaverys impact on the medical schools pedagogy, research, and medical practices on alumni and its lingering effects on medicine. READ MORE: Penns profoundly painful past: At least 75 of the schools earliest trustees owned slaves The presence of Black Philadelphians remains in the Morton Collection presents a wholly new dimension to the project. Mitchell, the researcher who compiled the report, said the remains of Black Philadelphians whose crania were taken by Morton and whose bodies were dumped in these potters fields, including one right in front of what is in now the museum underneath Franklin Field, likely included numbers of formerly enslaved people. But we cant know that for sure because they are divorced from their names and theyre divorced from any ability to trace personal history, he said. It is impossible to determine whether an individual was born free, or escaped slavery. Which, in turn, raises multiple questions about how the museum treats the Morton holdings. This is raising the question of how the museum addresses the remains of individuals for whom we cant say for certainty they died enslaved or were born enslaved, Mitchell said. Moreover, it approaches the broader question of why is it slavery or for that matter of dying enslaved, why is this the relevant characteristic for deciding that the remains should be reburied. We need to think about all the remains of Black people. One individual has been minimally identified, Mitchell said. John Vorhees was a Black man born in Chester County who ended up at Philadelphia Hospital (located where Childrens Hospital is now located) and died in 1846. He was buried in the potters field where Franklin Field now stands. Burials there are said to have numbered in the thousands and extend down 20 feet and more, with coffins stacked one atop the other. The field was in use from 1832 to 1860. Vorhees body was subsequently dug up and his skull was removed and added to Mortons collection of skulls. John Vorhees is the only individual among those Black Philadelphians in the Morton Collection for whom we have a name, and the one thing that we know is that he claimed at least to have been born in Chester County and he died in Philadelphia, Mitchell said. We dont have a birth certificate for him because for the years in which he was born, Chester County didnt keep the relevant birth records. All we know is he is listed as a mulatto porter by Morton, and that he was alleged to have killed a person. Morton did like to utilize lurid details in his labeling of human remains, Mitchell said. Mitchells report notes that the bodies amassed by Morton and those taken by grave diggers for use in anatomy classes and other medical school teaching played a critical role in establishing the dominance of the universitys prominence in the medical field. Museums used the remains for display. Medical professors used them in clinical education. The history of Blackness as object of medical and anthropological study cannot be made discrete from the history of slavery, just as Blackness and enslavement cannot be separated in accounting for the remains of Black Philadelphians in Mortons skull collection, the report states. Any commitment to addressing Penns historical complicity in the institution of slavery must address itself to all aspects of anti-Black racism, which extends to all Black bodies in historic anatomical collections. A preference deal with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party will likely help the minor party more than WA Labor, a leading political academic says. University of Notre Dame political analyst Martin Drum said the deal had similarities to an agreement the Colin Barnett-led Liberals struck with One Nation ahead of the 2017 state election, which had no benefit for the Liberals but ended up helping One Nation secure three seats in the upper house. Labor has preferenced the Shooters party ahead of the Greens in two regional districts. Credit:Chris Hopkins The Shooters partys prospects in regional upper house seats have improved after securing Labors first preferences in the Agricultural and Mining and Pastoral regions ahead of the Greens. In the South West, Labor preferenced the Shooters second after the Greens. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. NEW DELHI : India is poised to clear some new investment proposals from China in the coming weeks as frosty relations between the two neighbouring countries thawed amid an easing in border tensions, said three government officials with knowledge of the matter. Last week, India and China began disengagement from the Pangong Tso area, in the Ladakh region of the western Himalayas, following a nearly nine-month-long standoff after the worst clash between the neighbouring countries since 1962. At the height of the tensions, India framed various policies targeting China, including blocking the nation from participating in government tenders, compelling any Chinese company investing in India to seek approvals and banning dozens of Chinese apps. The foreign investment rule change by the Indian government said investments from an entity in a country that shares a land border with India would require government approval, markedly slowing investments flows from China. The rule change had put in limbo over 150 proposals from China worth more than $2 billion, hurting the plans of Chinese companies in India. Among the proposals delayed was China's Great Wall Motors' acquisition of a General Motors' plant in India. "We'll start giving approvals to some greenfield investment proposals, but we will only clear those sectors which are not sensitive to national security," one of the officials said. The officials, who asked not to be named as the discussions are private, did not give details of the proposals they plan to clear in the coming weeks. The prime minister's office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comments, while the home ministry did not respond to an email, call or message. The government will also look to clear some other brownfield projects - new investments in existing projects - that are not a risk to national security after the first round of clearance to new investments, the above officials said. The government is also considering allowing some investment from Chinese firms in certain sectors via the "automatic" route, or without government scrutiny, said the officials. The officials said investments for stakes of up to 20%, in "non-sensitive" sectors, may revert to the automatic route for nations with which India shares land borders. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The much anticipated mega rally wasn't much of a mega rally at all. Thankfully. Reports are estimating anywhere from 150 to 250 people. My guess was 175. But I'm not very good at crowd counting while I'm busy counter protesting. It was smaller than organizers hoped for. Good enough for me. Tensions between the two sides were not higher as reported. That's how it always is. No one has ever bothered to come out and witness it before. The peaceful 'freedom' fighters have a habit of crossing the street and getting in the face of the counter protesters. It is status quo at this point. They can't quite seem to understand that freedom means freedom for all. The hypocrisy is overwhelming. I refuse to engage with them. I get told I'm aggressive for it. I reply yes I am. Now move along. Grown men who have never been told no, stand there amazed that someone, but especially a woman dared to refuse to "have a conversation" with them. They need to be told by the RCMP to leave us alone. They refuse to accept the wishes of anyone who is wearing a mask and doesn't want to talk to them. So much for our freedom. They also don't really want conversations. They just want me off the megaphone for awhile. One of the speakers this week, a white man who doesn't believe in vaccines, compared himself to Martin Luther King, Jr. The way they try to paint themselves as martyrs is ridiculous. The way they compare themselves to him is horrendous. They had brochures for people to take to hand out to local businesses telling them to defy the Public Health Orders. They asked for money. Because you can't sue the government without help from people who are already suffering apparently. They talk a lot about individualism. They were selling clothing. Because you can't be individuals unless you are all in the same hoodie. They talk a lot about personal choice as well. They don't want people to have personal choice in pregnancy though. If you are going to stand around screaming about freedom you should be screaming about freedom for all. Not just the things you deem worthy. Again, the hypocrisy is overwhelming. I wear a mask and abide by the PHO because freedom means doing what is necessary to support everyone in our community and ensuring that Covid will end sooner rather than later. Apparently, not everyone agrees. Pretty sad really, that personal freedom has turned into not caring about others. I am encouraged by all the folks who stop by and thank us for being there and are doing their part to help end this. I am heartened to see so masks as I go about my day. Keep up the great work Kelowna. Heather Friesen In January 2021 satellite photos revealed that all three of Iran's Russian built Kilo class submarines were still out of the water, apparently undergoing repairs or refurbishment. Previous photos indicated the three subs had been out of the water since late 2020. It is not normal practice to have all of a warship class out of action at the same time. These three subs are not only out of action in a shipyard, but they are out of the water in a drydock situation. That means some serious work is being done, work that cannot wait. This usually means a common flaw with all the ships. Since no other Kilo users report or indicate a similar problem, this situation is unique. The major difference between Iranian Kilos and those of other export customers is that Iran refuses to send their Kilos back to Russia for major maintenance and insisted on doing it themselves. This is risky if you have no experience building similar subs or maintaining them with local parts rather than original parts from Russia. Iran is not commenting on their Kilo crisis. These three diesel-electric subs are the most modern and effective warships Iran has, at least in deep water. The 2,300-ton Kilo needs a minimum water depth 35 meters (110 feet) to submerge and only a third of the waters in the Gulf are deep enough for that. Max operating depth for Kilos is 240 meters (790 feet). Once outside the outside the Persian Gulf, the Kilos can stay underwater and menace surface ships. The Kilos are very quiet while running on batteries, although the later models are quieter. The problem with the Iranian Kilos is that they are older models, dating from the early 1990s and a technically few years away from retirement age. After about three decades of active service most subs are either scrapped or undergo increasingly expensive refurbishments to keep them operational. Even then such elderly boats are either used just for training, usually while dockside plus a few trips to local waters for a practice dive or two. Another problem is that Iran has been refurbishing its Kilos in Iran, and this is required every decade or so. This angered Russia, which insists refurbishment of its subs take place in Russia. Iran thought the cost was too high and that Russia might bow to Western pressure and not return the sub. Russia did not provide any technical assistance or components to the Iranians for those local refurbishments but may have changed the policy since 2014 when Russia declared the West a military threat to them. Meanwhile Iran has been trying to build a replacement for the Kilos. This is apparently being done in stages. In early 2019 Iran announced it had built the first of a new type of submarine, the 527-ton Fateh. Iran claims this sub could remain submerged up to 200 meters (650 feet) for up to five weeks, apparently using a periscope length snorkel, a pipe type device to bring in air and expel diesel engine fumes. Fateh has four torpedo tubes, compared to six in the Kilo, and can launch locally built Hoveizeh cruise missiles from the torpedo tubes. These missiles have a range of 1,300 kilometers and are able to reach Israel. Hoveizeh was designed to be fired from a truck but Iran implies it has developed a version that can be expelled from a torpedo tube, reach the surface and get into the air. There is no evidence of that being tested yet and this may be another Iranian effort that is more aspirational than actual. Normally Fateh carries four torpedoes in the tubes plus two additional ones. Fateh can also carry eight naval mines in the torpedo tubes. A second Fateh is undergoing sea trials and a third is being built in a Caspian Sea ship yard for use only in the landlocked Caspian. Iran has announced plans to build Kilo type subs but no such activity has been detected. For the last five years Iran has been working on the 1,200-ton Besat. Construction began in 2008 and is still underway. It is unclear when this sub will be completed. The Fateh may be an intermediate step in attempting a larger boat like Besat that is similar to the Kilo. Iran has been talking about building mini-subs, mainly for use in the Persian Gulf, but is not currently doing so. Iran currently has about twenty locally built 115-ton Ghadir class subs with a crew of 18, two torpedo tubes and no reloads. The first of these entered service in 2005 and the latest in 2018. Ghadirs get a lot of praise and publicity inside Iran but are rarely seen or detected at sea. Iran had earlier purchased, between the late 1980s and early 1990s, nine 98-ton Nahang midget subs from North Korea. Nahang can carry two torpedoes in external tubes, or four naval mines. Only a few of the Nahangs are still in service and Iranian efforts to build a similar sub locally were not successful. Iran has found it easier to lay mines from small freighters, which are a common sight in the Gulf and along the Yemen coast and into the Red Sea. [February 16, 2021] Raptor Technologies Named Approved Partner for Florida's School Safety Regulation Known as Alyssa's Law HOUSTON, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Florida Department of Education has named Raptor Technologies, the nations leading provider of integrated school safety software, as an approved partner for Floridas Alyssas Law mandate. This announcement follows the somber third anniversary of the tragic event at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that was the impetus for Alyssas Law. Thanks to the leadership of the Florida State Legislature and the Department of Education, Florida public and charter schools will be required to demonstrate compliance with Alyssas Law beginning with the 2021-2022 school year. Raptor Alert helps schools quickly and easily comply with the new legislation calling for silent panic alarms linked to law enforcement and first responder services. Already passed into law in New Jersey and now Florida, Alyssas Law is quickly gaining traction around the U.S. Details on how Raptor Alert seamlessly integrates with diverse emergency services technologies to protect students and staff is available on Raptors website./p> Raptor Alert fully integrates with the Raptor K-12 school safety platform, which includes Raptor Visitor Management, Raptor Emergency Management, and Raptor Volunteer Management. Im excited about getting Raptor Alert implemented throughout our district, said Dave Lupinetti, District Security and Emergency Management Supervisor, Charlotte County Public School District. We currently utilize Raptors Visitor Management solutions, and now were looking forward to protecting our students and staff with Raptor Emergency Management and Raptor Alert. Raptor Alert, paired with Raptor Emergency Management, provides schools a complete solution that allows for customization, drill management, and reunification with parents, said Captain Rick Francis, School Safety Director for Seminole County. We are excited that Raptor was selected as a vendor by the State of Florida. To learn more about Raptor Technologies and Raptor Alert, visit RaptorTech.com About Raptor Technologies Raptor Technologies is the nations leading provider of integrated school safety technologies for K-12 schools. Founded in 2002 with the mission to protect every child, every school, every day, Raptor solutions include: Raptor Visitor Management, Raptor Emergency Management and Raptor Volunteer Management. Currently, the Raptor system is being used by schools nationwide to screen students, staff, and visitors for COVID-19 via customized health screening questions and to run detailed contact tracing reports. Over 35,000 U.S. schools trust Raptor to help protect their students and staff. Raptor Technologies is a privately held corporation based in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit www.raptortech.com Media Contact Ida Yenney, KCPR for Raptor Technologies 818-419-0516 idayenney@gmail.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] (HealthDay)When New York City was the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic last spring in the United States, nearby Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital was treating more than 400 COVID-19 patients at one time, remembers Dr. Aaron Glatt. Infectious disease experts had warned for years about the potential for another pandemic, yet the scale of this pandemic was unprecedented according to Glatt, who is chief of infectious diseases and an epidemiologist at the hospital. Since then, health experts have provided guidance on wearing masks, washing hands and maintaining social distance, while many businesses and schools have gone virtual to stop the disease's spread. So much has changed, but has the pandemic permanently changed people? It's still an open question whether surviving the COVID crisis can change Americans' approach to future infectious diseases. "I certainly hope so," Glatt said. "I think that you realize how serious an epidemic is when you see it." "I think the public has maybe realized that even though we're very technologically advanced in some ways, simple blocking and tacklingwashing hands, masking, social distancingcan be much more effective than some of the high-tech things that we think are always going to solve all the problems for us," he added. Glatt does believe some behaviors may last longer than others. There may be a role for wearing masks in the future, after COVID-19 is under control, but it may be on a crowded subway during flu season, probably not while walking down the street, he said. People may also be more aware of not going to work sick, Glatt said. Most people now have better understanding about how a respiratory illness is shared, which has tremendous implications for other infectious diseases like the flu, Glatt said. "I think people will have a better appreciation for how bacteria and viruses can be spread in contact through the oral-fecal route," Glatt said. "I think people will learn to wash their hands better, understand that just because you can't see something doesn't mean that it can't be transmitted." New habits A national survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center released last week found that 90% of the 2,000 Americans surveyed planned to continue frequent hand washing and sanitizer use after the pandemic was over. About 80% said they would continue to avoid crowds. About 72% would keep wearing a mask in public. The survey suggested that these behaviors would help people with their anxiety about returning to public spaces. One of the clearest examples of how taking measures to protect against infectious disease is effective is in the impact of that behavior on flu cases this season. The curve is flat, said Dr. Courtney Gidengil, a senior physician policy researcher for the RAND Corp., and a pediatric infectious disease physician in Boston. Even in a delayed flu season, there should be more cases by now, she said. There are also fewer cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common childhood infection, Gidengil added. "I'm sure the public is realizing that, too," she said. "It's not hard to draw a connection from that to people maybe seeing masks in a different light after this, when they see their kids not getting sick as often." Changing behaviors in response to this could mean that parents may be less likely to send kids to school who have symptoms of illness and more willing to call out others who do, Gidengil said, noting that would require a network of support that doesn't now exist for working families. Awareness has changed among children, too. "We'll probably see a future generation grow up with very ingrained and different ideas about how to keep themselves healthy and avoid infections, for better or worse," Gidengil said. "I guess the question is how long term will those effects last?" Before a polio vaccine was developed in the 1950s, outbreaks changed people's habits, but that didn't last endlessly, Gidengil said. There is a tendency to drift away from being hyperaware. "On the other hand, we live in a very different time with social media and amplification of messaging," Gidengil said. "A lot of this is really affecting kids in a very salient way. They're in this very formative period in their lives." Vaccine decisions By late last week, the United States had more than 27 million COVID-19 cases and more than 470,000 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, people are already seeing a path out of the pandemic. More than 46 million doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been administered in the United States already, and a third vaccine from Johnson & Johnson is awaiting review for emergency use from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For some, vaccine hesitancy and anti-vax sentiment continue. Living through the pandemic is not likely to change the attitudes of people who are firmly anti-vaccine, said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the division of infectious diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Offit pointed to a recent protest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, where protestors blocked the entrance to prevent others from getting their vaccines. "That tells you everything you need to know about the anti-vaccine movement. For all their talk about letting people make informed choices, they were basically making a choice for the people who are trying to get a vaccine to prevent a deadly pandemic," Offit said. These past several months may, however, have an impact on people who were merely skeptical about vaccines. "People are desperate for this vaccine. They see this vaccine for what it is, which is our way out of this pandemic," Offit said. "If we weren't to learn from this pandemic, then I don't know what's going to teach us," he added. "This virus has crushed us." A Gallup poll released last week found that about 71% of American adults now say they are willing to get the vaccine. That's grown from a low of 50% in September, before any vaccines were available. Politics, which has affected Americans' behavior from mask wearing to social distancing, also had some impact on willingness to receive the vaccine. The poll found that 91% of Democrats expressed willingness to get the vaccine, while only 51% of Republicans did. Gidengil said she sees parallels to the COVID-19 vaccine and past research on acceptance of the H1N1 vaccine during that 2009 pandemic. RAND found then that the biggest predictor of whether a person got that vaccine was whether they'd received a flu vaccine in years past. "We found that, in general, once someone gets vaccinated it becomes part of their behavior," Gidengil said. "We don't quite know why that is, but it's probably comfort with the experience." Future investments In pre-COVID 2018, Gidengil was an author on a RAND paper that asked, "Does the United States Need to Strengthen the System of Care for Infectious Diseases?" The authors concluded there was a desperate need for such a system of care, because there's been a dismantling and defunding of the public health infrastructure here in the United States, Gidengil said. "It's hard to make those investments when you can't see the payoff so immediately, but I think this may illuminate how those investments are worthwhile," Gidengil said. Until 2020, Americans' collective memory of the threat of infectious disease was fading. Before COVID-19, the country's most recent experience with a pandemic was during the H1N1 flu outbreak back in 2009, which killed about 12,500 people in the United States in one year, according to the CDC. Much more lethalbut also much further back in time was the devastating influenza pandemic of 1918-1919. Ebola reached epidemic proportions in 2014 in West Africa, but only four people were ever diagnosed with the disease in the United States, according to the CDC. But then came COVID-19. The new coronavirus pandemic has now "touched every person's life in some way," said Dr. Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, in Baltimore. "Every angle of modern life has been disrupted by it. I think that they realize that it is important to think about infectious disease threats, not as something of a bygone era, but something that is a clear and present danger." Adalja hopes people will have gained respect for their local public health agencies and what they do to keep people healthy, and to push for them to have the resources they need. He would also like to see people insist that the federal government has a more sustainable approach to combating infectious disease threats. "I think that's going to be the biggest lesson is that this is something that they should demand that the government have competence in because when you look at the pandemic, the biggest story of it is that it is a failure of government," Adalja said. "I think that should be something that the average American person finds intolerable and demands a solution to, and holds those people who made those mistakes accountable for them." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers expansive The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers expansive information on COVID-19. Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Eurofins Scientific, a global scientific testing Group has brought together its UK laboratories across multiple disciplines to work together to facilitate increased direct to consumer COVID-19 testing, significantly increasing the UK's current testing capacity. The combined resources of Eurofins Forensics, Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics and Eurofins Food Water Testing will facilitate up to 350,000 tests per week, made available to the general public via home test kits. The move will see nearly 300 employees working 24/7 to process the samples at five laboratory sites, some of the largest and busiest clinical diagnostics and scientific testing centres in the country. Results are provided electronically, and can also be delivered alongside a travel certificate, for those needing to make essential international journeys. The home test kits can be delivered to hotels, self-isolation locations and quarantine addresses. A result is returned within 12 to 24 hours and can be used in support of the international traveller's requirements in each of the nations in the UK. Eurofins is on the Government's approved list of COVID-19 testing service providers. The UK testing rollout follows significant capex and R&D investments by parent company Eurofins Scientific, a global leader in bio-analysis. Eurofins has built capacity to facilitate 20 million COVID-19 patient tests per month globally. The Group has established widespread PCR testing capabilities and has carried out well over 10 million PCR tests to date in its own laboratories. It is using its in-house developed NovaPrime testing kits, which are also being supplied to other specialist PCR testing laboratories globally, as well as NGS and PCR tests for rapid identification of new variants of concern. More information can be found at www.eurofins.co.uk/pcr-testing-kits Notes to Editors About Eurofins the global leader in bio-analysis Eurofins is Testing for Life. With over 50,000 staff across a network of more than 800 laboratories in over 50 countries, Eurofins' companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods. Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210215005399/en/ Contacts: For further information: Investor Relations ir@eurofins.com Simon Ward SimonWard@eurofins.co.uk She always catches the eye with her sizzling ensembles. And Eve Gale turned heads once more on Tuesday as she displayed her incredible physique in a figure-hugging chocolate bodysuit from Fashion Nova. The former Love Island star, 21, flaunted her eye-popping curves in her one-piece as she stepped outside in London, despite the dreary weather. Stunning: Eve Gale displayed her incredible physique in a figure-hugging chocolate bodysuit on Tuesday as she stepped outside in London, despite the dreary weather She boosted her height with nude perspex heels and tucked her blonde tresses up in a sleek bun. Eve put on a typically glamorous display with full coverage make-up for her series of Instagram snaps. The reality star captioned her upload: 'Stay ready @fashionnova fashionnovapartner.' She recently returned to the UK following her 'work' trip to the United Arab Emirates. Eye-popping curves: The former Love Island star, 21, boosted her height with nude perspex heels and tucked her blonde tresses up in a sleek bun Eve and her twin sister Jess were just two of many celebrities who jetted to Dubai in recent weeks, joining many other Love Islanders including Joanna Chimonides, Hayley Hughes and Francesca Allen. After Dubai joined UK's travel ban list, celebrities have been flocking to Mexico's bars and beaches as it establishes itself as the latest COVID getaway destination. The country appears to be the new destination of choice for global jet-setters and could rocket in popularity. Travel abroad is now banned from the UK without a legally permitted reason, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced last month, as she criticised influencers for 'showing off in sunny parts of the world'. Sun-soaked: The bombshell recently returned to the UK following her 'work' trip to the United Arab Emirates (pictured with twin sister Jess) Many stars insisted their trips are for 'work purposes', with several influencers forced to hit back at fans after they were criticised for jetting off on holiday during the global pandemic. Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh previously hit out at social media stars for travelling in the midst of Britain's third lockdown. The TV presenter, 44, wrote in her OK! magazine: 'Lots of influencers seem to be going abroad. If you've got to travel for work then fair enough, but I personally would be putting off that trip and staying home. 'From what I can see from the pictures of people in Dubai, every man and his dog is there and it doesn't look particularly socially distanced!' Mumbai: Climate activist and lawyer Nikita Jacob, who is involved in the controversial Toolkit" document case related to farmers protest, has admitted that there was a Zoom meeting before Republic Day which was attended by Poetic Justice Foundation (PJF) founder MO Dhaliwal. Other fellow activists including Disha Ravi were present for this meeting. Jacob also claimed in a document submitted by her lawyer to the Mumbai police, she claimed that the "Toolkit" was being prepared by Extinction Rebellion (XR) India volunteers for presenting the whole picture with a simple breakdown for an international audience. Despite this admission, Nikita Jacob has denied sharing any information with climate activist Greta Thunberg and added that the document was an "informational pack" and was not intended to incite violence, ANI reported. She also claimed that she has "no religious, political and financial motive or agenda for researching, discussing, editing and circulating toolkits for raising awareness. Apart from this, Jacob has sought protection from arrest for four weeks, interim protection from any coercive action and a direction to the Delhi Police to share with her a copy of the FIR registered against her. This comes a day after MO Dhaliwal, the founder of pro-Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation contacted activist Nikita Jacob through his colleague Puneet, a Canadian citizen, to create a storm on Twitter ahead of Republic Day, according to the police sources. Later on Monday, the police also issued a non-bailable warrant against activists Nikita Jacob and Shantanu, a resident of Beed in Maharashtra.According to the Delhi Police, the editors of the toolkit collaborated with the pro-Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation to spread disaffection against the Indian State. Disha was the one who shared the Toolkit Doc with Greta Thunberg. Last week, Disha was presented before a Delhi Court that remanded her five days of police custody. Disha Ravi broke down inside the courtroom and told the judge that she had edited only two lines and she wanted to support the farmers protest. (With inputs from ANI) Live TV Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Some of the soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment (known as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment) who were awarded the French Croix de Guerre for gallantry in action, 1919. (L-R) Front row: Pvt. Ed Williams, Herbert Taylor, Pvt. Leon Fraitor, Pvt. Ralph Hawkins. Back row: Sgt. H. D. Prinas, Sgt. Dan Storms, Pvt. Joe Williams, Pvt. Alfred Hanley, Cpl. T. W. Taylor. (Public domain) The Harlem Hellfighters: The Incredible Story Behind the Most Decorated US Regiment in WWI In his commencement address at Washington, D.C.s Howard University in June 1924, almost six years after World War I ended, President Calvin Coolidge paid tribute to African Americans who had fought in it: The colored people have repeatedly proved their devotion to the high ideals of our country. They gave their services in the war with the same patriotism and readiness that other citizens did. The records of the selective draft show that somewhat more than 2,250,000 colored men were registered. The records further prove that, far from seeking to avoid participation in the national defense, they showed that they wished to enlist before the selective service act was put into operation, and they did not attempt to evade that act afterwards. American involvement in that European calamity remains controversial to this day. Personally, I regard it as one of the two greatest foreign policy blunders since the dawn of the 20th century (the other being the Iraq War of 2003). However, one can oppose the decisions of politicians and still admire the battlefield valor of those who carried them out. When Woodrow Wilson and the Congress committed America to the war in April 1917, the countrys black citizens could rightfully ask (and some did), Whats in it for us? Wilson said America must make the world safe for democracy but right here at home, democracy was all too often denied to blacks. Wilson himself regarded them as second-class citizens. He promoted segregation throughout the federal government and turned a blind eye to discrimination by state and local governments. Nonetheless, African Americans went to war, many of them hoping they might defeat both Germans abroad and racism at home if they proved themselves in battle. Coolidges high praise was richly earned, and no contingent of African Americans deserved it more than the US Armys 369th Infantry, a volunteer regiment known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Where did their nickname come from? Harlem (in New York City) was home to many of the enlistees. No one seems sure, but it was either the French or the Germans who first referred to them as Hellfighters because of the fierceness with which they fought. And none fought more ferociously than Henry Johnson. On one night in the Argonne Forest, Johnson endured 21 wounds as he killed four Germans in hand-to-hand combat and rescued a fellow Americanall in a matter of minutes. An entire platoon of 28 German soldiers scattered and fled at the sight of Johnsons prowess. Formed from a New York National Guard unit, the men of the 369th learned basic military practices at Camp Whitman, New York, before being sent to Camp Wadsworth in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for combat training. They werent welcomed by many of the locals there, and some were subjected to discrimination and vile epithets for no more reason than their color. In December 1917, they were shipped to France where they expected to see action on the front lines. Their high spirits were quickly dashed when it became apparent the Army didnt want to deploy them for anything other than manual labor, far from the fighting. Even the rifles they brought with them were confiscated by U.S. Army officials. The commander of the American Expeditionary Force, Gen. John J. Pershing, was reluctant to commit any U.S. troops to the front until he felt he had assembled them in sufficient numbers to ensure victory. The French, meanwhile, were desperate for manpower. Finally bowing to French pressure, Pershing gave them the 369th. While some regarded black troops as expendable, they ultimately proved themselves indispensable. Consider this amazing record of the Harlem Hellfighters: No American unit experienced more time in combat than they didno less than 191 days under fire. They never lost an inch of ground. The enemy never captured a single of their number. They suffered the highest casualty rate of any U.S. regiment. None deserted. The grateful French bestowed their highest military honor, the Croix de Guerre, upon the entire regiment. Many individuals of the regiment received the U.S. Armys second-highest award, the Distinguished Service Cross. Posthumously, Henry Johnson received Americas Medal of Honor in 2015. The 369th ended up as the most decorated U.S. regiment of the war. Another distinguishing feature of the Harlem Hellfighters was their band, the largest and best-known of any regiment. Its leader was James Reese Europe, whose enlistment in 1917 proved to be a boon for recruitment. He was one of Americas best-known black musicians and others such as Noble Sissle, who became Europes lieutenant and lead vocalist, were eager to serve with him. The 369th Infantry Regiment band played jazz for American wounded in the courtyard of a Paris hospital in 1918. (Library of Congress) Europes band was extremely popular with the French, even when Europe introduced his own arrangement of La Marseillaise, Frances national anthem. The Hellfighters band brought both jazz and ragtime music to France, where nobody had heard either before. James Reese Europe was tragically murdered in May 1919 by a disgruntled band member. Sissle went on to great fame in music and stage. He formed a life-long partnership with black musician Eubie Blake. The musical that the two of them produced in 1921, Shuffle Along, ran for more than 500 performances on Broadway and is credited with igniting the magnificent flowering of culture we know as the Harlem Renaissance. No story of the Harlem Hellfighters, which I encourage readers to explore through the links provided below, would be complete without a mention of a white man, Col. William Hayward, a native of Nebraska. Hayward served as the regiments commander from its inception. He was a champion of black soldiers and loved by his men, in whom Hayward never lost faith. He was an unwavering defender of equal rights for all colors. When the 369th returned to New York in 1919, it was Hayward (not Wilson or Pershing) who ensured there would be a massive parade to welcome them. That reception by cheering throngs in the streets of New York was a glorious moment of racial harmony. No matter what you think about America entering World War I, and no matter what color your skin, you can celebrate the heroic Harlem Hellfighters. They were among the best. For Additional Information, See: James Reece Europe and the Hellfighters (video) from part 2 of Ken Burns Jazz The Harlem Hellfighters (video) from the History Channel The Harlem Hellfighters Great War (video) from IMDb TV Harlem Hellfighters 369th Infantry from A&E (video) The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage by Walter Dean Myers and Bill Miles The Hellfighters of Harlem by Bill Harris Harlems Hellifighters: The African-American 369th Infantry in World War I by Stephen L. Harris The Harlem Hellfighters (novel) by Max Brooks One Hundred Years Ago, the Harlem Hellfighters Bravely Led the U.S. Into World War I by Erick Trickey Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Washington: Donald Trump remains a frontrunner for the Republican Partys 2024 presidential nomination but the former US president would be weighed down by the baggage of the January 6 Capitol riot if he ran again, according to Trumps former chief-of-staff Mick Mulvaney. Trump is legally entitled to run for another presidential term after being acquitted by the Senate of inciting the assault on the Capitol, but he has faced scorching criticism from conservative powerbrokers such as Mitch McConnell and Liz Cheney in recent weeks. Former acting White House chief-of-staff Mick Mulvaney says Trumps response to the January 6 Capitol riot hurt him tremendously. Credit:Bloomberg Mulvaney, who served as acting White House chief-of-staff for over a year, said that Trump would remain a leading contender for the Republican nomination if he chose to run again. But would he be the prohibitive favourite? I dont think so, Mulvaney told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. A winter storm warning is in effect for the Conroe area until Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service, and rolling power outages have been ongoing throughout Texas. Across the state, at least 2.8 million customers had lost power, according to PowerOutage.us, which aggregates data from utilities across the country. In an interview with ABC13, Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston said: Dont expect the power to come back in on in hour or so. It might be the rest of the day, if not longer. Houston set a record low temperature of 17 degrees, the National Weather Service said, beating the former record of 18 degrees from 1905. After taking a small walk around her home, Ms. Rodriguez said she planned to spend the day inside quilting and swapping her Valentines Day decorations for the upcoming Easter season, and avoiding driving. Recalling an earlier experience driving in icy conditions, Ms. Rodriguez said, Every time I put on the brakes, it felt like I was going to skid off the road. She added, were just not equipped here for that. New Delhi: In a new study, researcher found, that adolescents who are overweight are more likely to be at a risk of developing colon cancer as adults. Researcher from Tel Aviv University in Israel found that being overweight and obese was associated with 53 percent and 54 per cent higher risk of colon cancer for men and women, respectively. Obesity was associated with 71 percent increased risk of rectal cancer in men and more than a twofold increased risk in women, researchers said. Zohar Levi from Tel Aviv University said "This is a huge cohort with a minimum follow up for 10 years, and all individuals had measured Body Mass Index (BMI), not just reported or recalled,". Researcher analyzed information of 1,087,358 Jewish males and 707,212 Jewish females who underwent health examinations, including measures of BMI, at age 16 to 19 years (predominantly aged 17 years) between 1967 and 2002.This analysis was done till 2012. As a result they found that over a median follow up of23 years,2,967 new cases of colorectal cancer were identified, including 1,977 among men (1,403 colon, 574 rectum) and 990among women(764 colon,226 rectum) The study was published in the journal Cancer. It took a fleet of 14 loaded trailers from Cincinnati and two years to build. Then the pandemic came, and the 150-foot Ferris wheel sat still in the middle of Golden Gate Park for six months. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor London Breed, the wheel finally started spinning in October, albeit for only five weeks before the second COVID-19 surge again stopped it in its tracks. Now, the future of the SkyStar Observation Wheel hangs in the balance, and it seems like everyone has an opinion. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department plans on giving the wheel four more years of life, but environmental organizations, including the historic Sierra Club, and some local residents' groups oppose the move. They argue that the attraction is a waste of money, light and fuel as the city battles through the hardships of the ongoing pandemic. The Sierra Club, in an opinion piece posted this month, claims the light pollution from the wheel is having a negative impact on birds in the park, as well as bats, insects, amphibians, and other animals. "The wheel is brighter than any other lighted object in the western part of San Francisco, allowing it to be seen from more than a mile away," the group wrote. "Our city parks are a vital refuge for wild animals struggling to deal with the loss of habitat and open space. Wildlife needs darkness." The Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council (HANC), represented by Supervisor Dean Preston, also wants to see the Ferris wheel gone. Im not seeing the basis for such a long extension, Preston told the San Francisco Chronicle. (SFGATE and the San Francisco Chronicle are both owned by Hearst but operate independently of one another.) "As one constituent said to me, 'This is a park, not an amusement park. Others say that the council's objection is nothing but NIMBYism, and the Ferris wheel provides some fun for the city at a time when it sorely needs it. Sachin Agarwal founder of Grow SF, a group of tech workers advocating for housing, transit and better public schools in San Francisco doesn't believe the HANC is actually concerned about the birds. "It's total NIMBYism, they want to maintain the San Francisco they have lived in. They don't want to see new folks come in," Agarwal told SFGATE. "We think we're all Democrats here, but there are very different shades of Democrats. There's a vocal minority of folks who don't want to see any development in the city," Agarwal added. He also points to the same council's opposition to a development at UCSF Parnassus, which would build a new hospital and add housing. "It's mind boggling. We're in a pandemic here, and UCSF wants to build a world-class hospital and research facility in our backyard. We should be thanking them and supporting them," Agarwal said. (The HANC did not respond to a request for comment at time of publication.) The San Francisco Planning Department's Historic Preservation Commission will vote on the four-year SkyStar plan on Wednesday. If approved, the attraction will reopen as soon as San Francisco is removed from the purple tier of COVID-19 restrictions and operate in the park until March 2025. A petition named "Ferris Wheel's are Fun!" has been launched by advocacy group Grow the Richmond to keep the wheel spinning for four more years. The campaign pointedly criticizes those who seek to remove the attraction from the city. "Unfortunately anti-fun scolds are at it again. The Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council (HANC) voted against the continued operation of the Skystar on Thursday," the petition reads. "The local chapter of Sierra Club has embarrassingly tied themselves in knots about the environmental impacts despite the fact thousands of people drive to destinations in Golden Gate Park every day." At the ribbon-cutting ceremony in October, Breed celebrated the wheel, which was built to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Golden Gate Park, by remembering her childhood experiences in the park. "Every now and then, a teacher would bring us on field trips to Golden Gate Park. We came to Golden Gate Park, slid on the big slide, wed be lucky if someone left their cardboard behind, we went to the old de Young Museum and the old Academy of Sciences," said Breed. "And as we celebrate 150 years ... the point is our parks stand the test of time. Our parks are what create the magic that makes us love San Francisco so much." The vote on the plan by the Historic Preservation Commission will be open to the public via livestream at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. SFGATE reporter Madeline Wells contributed to this story. Pakistan is having more problems with its tribal minorities, mainly the Pushtuns and Baluchis. Some of these clashes make it into the global mass media. For example, three days ago northwest Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province) police arrested a British citizen, Yousaf Ali Khan, and charged him with anti-Pakistan behavior because of a speech Khan recently gave in Britain where he is head of the local chapter of PTM (Pushtun Tahafuz Movement or Pashtun Protection Movement). Khan has lived in Britain for two decades and only returned for a family funeral. The police were obviously tracking his movements, as well as his activities with PTM. The government is trying to shut down PTM chapters outside the country as those are providing global media with a steady stream of accurate reports on criminal activity by the Pakistani military against Pakistanis, and the Pakistani government inability to control the military. The crackdown got bloody in early 2020 when a PTM leader was ambushed and killed outside his home. While the killing was apparently done by tribesmen, locals believed the killers were Islamic terrorists working for the army. This is an escalation of the army efforts to destroy or curb the PTM. In late January 2020 the government arrested the senior PTM leader, Manzoor Pashteen, accusing him of criminal conspiracy and stirring up trouble and so on. In other words, the military objected to the PTM publicizing and documenting military misbehavior in the tribal territories and is trying to destroy or intimidate the PTM. This has proved difficult because there are pro-PTM Pushtun MPs (members of parliament) and unelected government officials. Military opposition to dissent is not deterred by this. Pushtuns are 15 percent of the Pakistan population and most live in the northwest. The Pushtun have long complained about poor treatment by the government. The PTM is mainly about Pakistani Pushtuns uniting to oppose mistreatment of Pushtuns in general. While the PTM calls for peaceful demonstrations, the military decided in early 2019 that the PTM was a threat and thus considered a hostile opposition organization. The main reason for this was that the peaceful demonstrations by the PTM were attracting more non-Pushtuns who not only agreed with the PTM complaints against the military, but pointed out that the military is hostile to any Pakistani who speaks up and denounces the many misdeeds of the Pakistani military. Pashteen was released on bail three weeks after his arrest and now has to watch out for army deaths squads, in addition to troops armed with arrest warrants. This Pakistani mistreatment of its Pushtuns is another reason for Afghans hating the Taliban because the Taliban has been under Pakistani control for over two decades. That control is not absolute and never was because most of the Afghan Taliban are Afghans, despite Pakistani efforts to get more Pakistani Pushtun Islamic radicals into the Afghan Taliban. Many of those Pakistani Pushtuns that the Pakistani military supported for over a decade formed the Pakistani Taliban, whose main goal was to establish a Pushtun religious dictatorship in Pakistan. The Pakistani military found it could not control the Pakistani Taliban and the Afghan Taliban were not much help. Taliban on both sides of the border were mostly Pushtun and that ethnicity was a minority in both countries. That explains why a growing number of Afghan Taliban factions are anti-Pakistan, sometimes quite openly. All Pushtun see the Pakistani army as their enemy. Pakistani support for the Afghan Taliban is now seen as a financial opportunity for the Pakistani military because of the money the Pakistani military makes from controlling the main border crossings from Afghanistan to Pakistan and the outside world. The control is being increasingly diluted by other neighbors of Afghanistan providing competitive (in terms of cost and ease of use) Afghan access to foreign markets. Currently many Afghan Taliban see themselves as playing the Pakistani military rather than the other way around. The Pushtun are not the only rebellious tribal minority Pakistan has to worry about. In the southwest there is Baluchistan (literally, home of the Baluchi). The Baluchi tribes account for four percent Pakistanis. Combined with the Pushtun, that makes about 19 percent of Pakistanis tribal and not particularly happy with the Pakistani government or the Chinese presence in Baluchistan and the brutal treatment of tribal people in Pakistan. Extending that brutal control to Afghanistan wont improve anything in Pakistan. The Evil Presence The military is still an oppressive and unwelcome presence in the tribal territories and that was largely because the military supported some Islamic terror groups. That had some unwelcome side effects. After 2001 the growing Islamic terrorist violence inside Pakistan put a lot of political pressure on the military to do something. In 2014 the Pakistani military went to war with the Pakistan Taliban and any other Islamic terror groups that would not follow orders from the Pakistani military. The Pakistani Taliban was formed by Pakistani Pushtuns who saw it as a way to gain more power for Pushtuns and Islamic conservatives in Pakistan. The 2014 crackdown was mainly the army offensive into North Waziristan. This forced the Pakistani Taliban to move their headquarters across the border into Afghanistan. At the same time there was a civil war within the Afghan Taliban over the selection of a new leader, a new strategy and how much Pakistani interference in the operations of the Afghan Taliban should be tolerated. One thing the Afghan and Pakistan Taliban agree on is that Pakistani influence in Afghanistan is bad for the Pushtun people, who are 40 percent of Afghans. The North Waziristan campaign was supposed to be over in a few years but it is still underway. That has not been a total disaster because, without North Waziristan as a secure base, Islamic terror groups hostile to Pakistan had a much more difficult time organizing and carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. Since 2014 terrorist violence inside Pakistan has declined by over 80 percent. By reducing Pushtun outlaw activity in Pakistan, the army also gets credit for reducing the very high crime rate in Karachi, the largest city, and port in Pakistan. As more and more Pushtun settled in Karachi since the 1990s they came to dominate the criminal underground that had long been part of the Karachi culture and economy. The Pushtun were far more violent and ruthless than the old-school Karachi gangsters, and that drove up the crime rate. Pushtun outlaws losing control of North Waziristan crippled Pushtun criminal organizations throughout the country and that contributed to a sharp decline in the Karachi crime rate. Terror-type attacks in Karachi declined 98 percent since 2014. Baluchi separatist violence has been going on for decades, far longer than Pakistani Pushtun armed resistance to the government. Because they have always had access to the sea, and the outside world, the Baluchi are better educated, more affluent and more familiar with the outside the world. To make matters worse there are also Baluchi separatists across the border in southeastern Iran. Pakistan keeps getting blamed by Iran for the continued presence of Iranian Sunni separatists in Pakistani Baluchistan. Pakistan tries but the Baluchis live on both sides of the border, and Iranian and Pakistani Baluchis want to create an independent Baluchistan that includes a chunk of southeast Iran where most of the Iranian Baluchis live. One of the usual suspects, the Iranian separatist group Jaish al Adl, is particularly hated by the Iranians. In late 2018 Iran threatened to send troops across the Pakistani border to find and destroy Iranian Jaish al Adl camps in Pakistan if the Pakistani security forces did not take action. Keeping the peace between Iran and Pakistan over the Baluchi violence consumes a lot of effort by diplomats in both countries. The Persistent Drug Gangs Another issue that does not get much attention in the foreign media is that the power of the drug gangs will increase with the Americans gone from Afghanistan, and more heroin and opium will get exported to world markets. The Afghans understand that without the American presence the Taliban, Pakistan and drug gangs can turn their attention to taking control of the Afghan government. In the midst of all this are the warlords of northern Afghanistan getting ready for another civil war. The majority of Afghans not only oppose the Taliban, drugs gangs and Pakistan, but have made it clear that they, especially the Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazara in the north, are ready to resume the war with the Taliban that was going on in 2001 and only ended when the Americans came in to provide air support for this Northern Alliance. In 2001 the Americans told Pakistan to decide if they would side with the Taliban and against the U.S. or turn on their Islamic terrorist creation. The Pakistanis lied and said they would stop supporting the Taliban. Pakistan had adopted the use of Islamic terrorist groups in the 1980s as a deniable weapon for attacks on India and any uncooperative government in Afghanistan. The Americans trusted the Pakistanis for over a decade but finally cut financial and military support for Pakistan and are still seeking ways to deal with the continued Pakistani support for Islamic terrorists. A basic problem with any Afghan peace negotiation is that a major faction, Pakistan, cannot officially be acknowledged. Pakistan continues to officially insist that it is not backing the Taliban and drug gangs. Technically that is correct because its not the government of Pakistan, but the Pakistani military and its ISI intelligence service that supports and maintains Pakistani interference in Afghan affairs. It is important to note that when Britain dissolved its Indian (including what is now Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and Sri Lanka) colonial government, the new nations that emerged were quite different. One major difference was how these new nations handled their armed forces. India ensured that the military remained subservient to the elected government. That did not happen in Pakistan or Burma and that meant those militaries frequently took control of the governments. While Pakistan is technically run by an elected government, that government cannot do anything the military disagrees with. With regard to Afghanistan, the Pakistani military has a foreign policy towards Afghanistan that supersedes anything the politicians come up with or agree to. The Pakistani military have always seen Afghanistan has an unstable region that posed a potential threat to Pakistan. Historically this was true. Massive invasions and tribal raids have been coming out of Afghanistan and into India (and Iran) for thousands of years. While India was always a potential (and unlikely) invader of Afghanistan, the threat from Afghanistan was real and constant. Most Pakistanis recognized this threat and there was never a lot of popular opposition towards the Pakistani militarys actions towards Afghanistan. That continues to the present. For the Afghan Taliban it means they are very dependent on the good will of the Pakistani military to survive. The drug gangs and Taliban survive because of support from the Pakistani military. That support included allowing essential chemicals (for converting opium into heroin) into Afghanistan, and allowing most of the heroin to be exported via Pakistani ports (naval and air) to world markets. The Taliban provides the muscle while Taliban leaders maintained their 1990s relationships with the drug gang leaders and the Pushtun tribes. The Pakistani military and ISI profit from the support they provide the drug gangs, as does the Taliban. The possibility of American forces withdrawing has Afghans seeking replacement allies. Iran is a popular choice so many Afghans are openly developing relationships with Iran and the Afghan government is doing the same. While Iran has a hostile relationship with the United States, such is not the case with Afghanistan. This is nothing new and the two nations have been developing better economic relations for over a decade. Afghanistan backed this to get free from economic dependence on Pakistan, whose two border crossings have long handled most Afghan exports and imports. Since 2001 and the arrival of the Americans, Pakistan often used access to these two crossings as an economic weapon against any hostile moves by the Afghan or American governments. Back in 2015, Afghanistan began discussions with India and Iran over a solution. That led to the 2020 completion of a railway giving Afghanistan access to world markets . This was the direct result of a 2017 agreement that had Iran and India finance and build a 1,300-kilometer-long rail line from the Chabahar port near the Pakistan border, to the Afghan border in the north and then inland to the Afghan city of Herat. The last link is actually an earlier (2007) project to build a rail line from the Iranian city of Khaf to Herat. Most (77 kilometers) of the railroad is in Iran with the other 62 kilometers in Afghanistan. This is all part of a larger Afghan project to build their first national railroad system. The Iran link will eventually be 220 kilometers long with over 90 percent of that in Afghanistan. In 2016 the first direct rail link to northern neighbor Turkmenistan was completed and that connection will eventually become part of an Afghan national rail network. India provided over two billion dollars to upgrade the port of Chabahar and build new roads and railroads to Afghanistan and Central Asia. For Iran the Central Asia link is the most valuable one. But for Afghanistan having another way to move most of their imports and exports is a major achievement because Pakistan and Iran will have to complete and that will keep costs down for Afghans and reduce the use of closing the border, which Pakistan has done frequently, to coerce the Afghans. Iran maintains good relations with Pakistan because they both see the Americans and Israel as archenemies. At the same time Pakistan is on good terms with the Gulf Arab oil states while Iran is at war with them. Pakistan is in a delicate situation here and has to tolerate Iran becoming close to Afghanistan economically and in many other ways. Iran does not want Afghanistan becoming a narcostate controlled by Pakistan. While the Pakistani military controls, supports and profits from the Afghan Taliban and drug gangs, Iran despises the drugs and the Taliban. While Pakistan responds helpfully to Iranian complaints of Sunni Islamic terrorists killing Pakistani Shia, there is no such cooperation when the Taliban kill Shia, especially before 2001. Since then, the situation has changed. Fifteen percent of Afghans are Shia and most reside in central Afghanistan. Shia also dominate several neighborhoods in Kabul and these are where most of the IISL attacks on Shia occur. Since 2015 the Afghan Taliban have been denouncing attacks like this. Since ISIL showed up in 2015 the Taliban saw an opportunity to repair their relationship with Iran. Since then, anti-Shia violence has been monopolized by ISIL, even though in the past the Taliban killed a lot of Shia. Now, however, the Afghan Taliban is receiving support from Iran, a Shia majority nation that is hostile to groups that kill Shia unless those groups make themselves useful to Iran. This puts the Taliban in a difficult situation because Pakistan tolerates the heroin trade and Iran never would. The difference is that the military is running things in Pakistan while Iran has a religious dictatorship that keeps its own military in check. Heroin and opium from Afghanistan are unpopular in all three countries because of the millions of addicts that have been created. The Pakistan military and Taliban dont care but everyone else does. With all that in mind it should be no surprise that Iran and Afghanistan are close to completing negotiations for a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement that will officially give Afghanistan a new economic and military ally against the Taliban and the Pakistani military. The last item being negotiated is the security aspects. Apparently, this item is not a roadblock but is subject to a fair amount of haggling. One item to work out is the need for Afghanistan to continue working with the United States against international terrorist groups, like al Qaeda and ISIL, that still maintain a presence in Afghanistan. Iran has long provided some support to al Qaeda as long as that connection improved the chances of carrying out successful attacks on Americans or Saudi Arabia and other Arab oil states. One generally ignored aspect of Iranian politics is that the religious dictatorship in Iran is well aware that they have a potential rival because their IRGC (Islamic Republican Guard Corps) is in danger of staging a coup because the current religious dictatorship is not radical enough. This is one thing the Islamic rulers of Iran and Saudi Arabia have in common. February 14, 2021: Pakistani media reported that the Afghan Taliban leader, Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada, was apparently killed in late 2020 while presiding over a meeting of senior Taliban personnel in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan in southwest Pakistan where the Afghan Taliban have had sanctuary since 2002. The Taliban denied that Akhundzada was dead but he has not been seen in public for months and the explosion was reported in local media. If true, it would not be the first time someone tried to kill Akhundzada with a bomb. In 2019 rivals planted a bomb with a timer in a Baluchistan Mosque that Akhundzada and other family members regularly attended. On the day the bomb went off Akhundzada was late arriving. The bomb went off killing a brother of Akhundzada and four others while wounding over twenty. At first no one took credit for the bombing and the rival Rasool faction was blamed. Akhundzada is unpopular with many Taliban faction leaders, in part because Akhundzada is seen as a figurehead and his chief deputy, the head of the Haqqani Network, is actually in charge. February 11, 2021: In northwest Pakistan (South Waziristan) four soldiers died when Islamic terrorists attacked their outpost. The attack was repulsed with at least four of the attackers dying. The army is still encountering Islamic terrorist and local tribal resistance in the aftermath of the army offensive into neighboring North Waziristan in 2014. February 10, 2021: Russian news agency TASS claims that mid-June 2020 fighting in southwest China (Tibet border with India) were more damaging to the Chinese than to the Indians. TASS reports 45 Chinese troops dead versus twenty Indian. The fighting took place on the shores of Pangong Lake. A 1996 agreement stipulates that troops from both sides entering disputed areas without firearms or explosives. The Chinese have taken to sending in their troops armed with wooden clubs and iron bars. This led to a battle on a ridge overlooking the Galvan River that was initially believed to have left at least twenty dead on both sides. Total casualties (dead, wounded, prisoners) were reported as at least fifty on each side. Currently both Indian and Chinese troops are moving back from the border Ladakh (India) area where they have been confronting, and occasionally fighting each other since May, 2020. China is still in close contact with Indian forces in other parts of their long mutual border. February 2, 2021: In Pakistan an appeals court reduced the charges against the four men convicted of the kidnapping and murdering (on video) American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002. A high court voided the murder charge which got the four men off death row and ready to be released for time-served. From the beginning the U.S. accused Pakistan of being reluctant to round up all the terrorists involved because many of them were protected by ISI (Pakistani intelligence). It turned out a lot of people were involved and the last of them was arrested in 2019. The key culprits were the four now being released. This is not unusual in Pakistan and not popular with other nations that have been victims of ISI-sponsored terrorism. . In the southeast Pakistan (Baluchistan) on the Iran border two IRGC operatives entered Pakistan at night and in cooperation with Pakistani forces rescued two Iranian border guards that had been kidnapped by Iranian Jaish al Adl Baluchi rebels in late 2018. The Iranian Baluchi rebels often maintain temporary bases across the border in Pakistan. The 2018 incident saw twelve border guards captured and taken back to Pakistan where the rebels tried to use them to extract concessions from Iran. That did not work and since then there have been ongoing efforts to find and free the captives. Four of the captives were released a month after the kidnapping while another four were rescued by a Pakistani raid in early 2019. Now only one border guard remains a captive, or may be dead. Jaish al Adl took credit for the 2018 kidnapping and said it was in retaliation for Iranian attacks on Iranian Baluchis (who are Sunni Moslems). Another grievance was the late September 2018 border clash in which a Jaish al Adl leader was killed. Iran depended on Pakistan to locate the missing Iranians as they were held in a series of Jaish al Adl camps and bases in Pakistan. Jaish al Adl has been around since 2012 and is the successor to Jundallah and perpetuates Iranian Sunni Baluchi resistance to Iranian Shia rule. The Iranian and Pakistani Baluchis have family, tribal and ideological links and that makes it easier for an Iranian Baluchi Islamic terror group to establish and sustain bases in Pakistan. This is a constant source of friction between Iran and Pakistan because the Iranians could shut down groups like Jaish al Adl were it not for the Pakistani sanctuaries. Pakistan is unable to suppress its own Baluchi Islamic terrorist and separatist groups. February 1, 2021: In northwest Pakistan soldiers fired over 40 shells and rockets into eastern Afghanistan (Kunar province). The target was apparently a suspected Islamic terrorist camp. There were no reported casualties but Afghan officials complained of property damage. This is the first such incident of 2021. There were several incidents in 2020 that left four civilians dead and nine wounded. There may have been casualties among the Islamic terrorists but these are rarely revealed. Pakistan complains that the rockets fired into Afghanistan are in response to similar attacks made from Afghanistan against security forces and civilians in Pakistan. Many of these attacks involve Pakistani Taliban crossing into Pakistan to attack the security forces. The Afghans complain that the rocket and artillery attacks rarely have an actual target but are mainly to respond to Pakistani Taliban attacks inside Pakistan. The Pakistani rocket and artillery attacks have declined since early 2019 when the Afghan government sent the UN a letter complaining about nearly a decade of Pakistani border violence. The Afghan letter detailed incidents since 2012 to the early 2019 in which Pakistani troops fired 28,849 rockets, mortar or artillery shells into eastern Afghanistan . Much of this firepower is directed at Kunar province and has been going on since 2010 in an effort to hit real or suspected Pakistani Taliban bases in Afghanistan. These incidents increased to the point where the Afghans began keeping track of them in 2012. From 2012 through early 2019 nearly 300 people were killed or wounded. There may have been more because the shells and rockets land in rural areas that are often unpopulated so it is unclear if the Pakistanis hit many Pakistani Taliban. The Pakistani government propaganda insists that these Taliban Islamic terrorists are based in eastern Afghanistan and regularly cross into Pakistan to carry out attacks. The letter detailed how the situation was getting worse and that since January 2018 there have been 161 of these incidents that involved at least 6,025 Pakistani projectiles landing in Afghanistan. The letter points out that several elected Pakistani leaders have pledged to halt these border violations but those pledges are ignored by the Pakistani military. In eastern India, neighboring Myanmar (Burma) is again controlled by a military government. China and Russia promptly used their veto powers in the UN to block UN actions against the new military rulers of Burma. The military move was a reaction to recent parliamentary elections that put into power a political party that pledged to reorganize the military to prevent another military takeover. The response of the military was not unexpected, because the civilian government knew that the Burmese generals maintained their connections in China and were the main reason China has sold $1.4 billion worth of military equipment to Burma since 2010. Russia sold $800 million worth. Together China and Russia accounted for over 90 percent Burmese spending on imports of military gear. Before the local military gave up power in 2011 Burmese army officers made a lot of money allowing China to do business in the tribal north, often at the expense of local civilians, most of them tribal people. After the return of democracy in 2011, China no longer had as much freedom in the north. After 2011 China tried to maintain many of these economic projects by including them in the new CMEC (China-Myanmar Economic Corridor) agreement China and Burma signed in late 2018. That agreement called for both countries to begin detailed negotiations on where a 1,700-kilometer-long transportation corridor from southern China (Yunan province) to central Burma (Mandalay) and then west to the coast at the Kyaukpyu SEZ (Special Economic Zone) will be built and what it will consist of. The corridor would improve roads, railroads and build, as needed, pipelines and electrical transmission lines. This would be financed by China and built mainly by Chinese construction firms. January 29, 2021: In northern India (Delhi) a crude bomb went off outside the Israeli embassy. A letter left nearby said the bomb was revenge for the death of Iranian terrorism chief Qassem Soleimani, killed by an American Hellfire missile as he and associates departed Baghdad airport in January 2020. The letter claimed that this attack was just the beginning. Throughout 2020 Iran has openly sought to strike back at the United States or Israel but has been unsuccessful. Israeli embassy security had been increased over the last few weeks but the Israelis would not make public what they believed the threat was. This Delhi bombing was obviously inspired by the death of Soleimani and Iranian calls for revenge, but it is unlikely Iran was directly responsible. Iran and India are trading partners and generally on good terms. Iran sees India as a friendly neighbor while Pakistan is distrusted by India and Iran. Indian police are seeking two men security camera video shows in the area about the time the bomb was left outside the embassy and detonated. India has an even closer relationships with Israel, which supplies more and more modern weapons India needs to modernize its forces. January 28, 2021: In southwest Pakistani (Baluchistan province) just across the Afghan border in Helmand province security forces killed 26 members of anti-government militias associated with the drug gangs, the Taliban and Pakistani smugglers. Four of the dead were later found to be Pakistani citizens. This operation also found and destroyed four Taliban storage areas where weapons ammunition was stockpiled. Pakistanis are increasingly found to be members of drug gangs or Taliban factions that regularly work closely with the drug gangs. January 27, 2021: For Pakistan and India, a major predictor of political and economic success is the amount of corruption the country suffers from. Pakistan ranks 124th out of 180 countries (compared to 120th out of 180 in 2019) while India ranks 86 (80 last year). These ratings and ranking are updated each year for the annual Transparency International Corruption Perception Index. Corruption is measured on a 1 (most corrupt) to 100 (not corrupt) scale. The most corrupt nations (usually Yemen/15, Syria/14, South Sudan/12 and Somalia/12) have a rating of under 15 while of the least corrupt (New Zealand and Denmark) are both 88. The current Pakistani score is 31 (versus 32 in 2019) and 40 (41) for India compared to 42 (41) for China, 65 (65) for Taiwan, 40 (39) for Turkey, 30 (28) for Russia, 61 (57) for South Korea, 18 (14) for North Korea, 36 (37) for Vietnam, 85 (85) for Singapore, 74 (73) for Japan, 37 (40) for Indonesia, 38 (38) for Sri Lanka, 34 (34) for the Philippines, 26 (26) for Bangladesh, 25 (26) for Iran, 19 (16) for Afghanistan, 28 (29) for Burma, 71 (71) for the UAE, 61 (61) for Israel, 15 (15) for Yemen, 67 (69) for the United States, 33 (35) for Egypt, 25 (26) for Nigeria, 44 (44) for South Africa, 21 (20) for Iraq, 40 (39) for Turkey, 53 (53) for Saudi Arabia, 33 (30) for Ukraine, 47 (45) for Belarus, 56 (58) for Poland, 80 (80) Germany and 25 (28) for Lebanon. India corruption score has changed for the better since the 2012 when it was 36. Same with Pakistan, which was 27 back then. January 24, 2021: In northwest Pakistan ( North Waziristan) security forces carried out two raids that left five Pakistani Taliban dead, including two prominent leaders and organizers of dozens of terror attacks. January 15, 2021: The Indian Air Force and government have reached a compromise on the dispute over using the locally made Tejas LCA (Light Combat Aircraft). The government will get its way and approved a $6.5 billion purchase of the last 83 Tejas fighters to be built. The air force will accept them, mainly because the government admitted that air force criticisms of the Tejas were accurate and agreed to have an improved Tejas 1A model developed and to address some of the most serious deficiencies of the original Tejas 1. The order will be the last for the original Tejas as a new Tejas 2 is being developed that is supposed to address all of the air force problems with Tejas 1 and is to be ready for service as the last of the Tejas 1As are delivered in the mid-2020s. Because the Tejas 1 was such a well-publicized failure Tejas 2 will receive a new name before it begins production. Peninsula Energy (ASX:PEN) is an emerging ASX listed Uranium producer with assets in the USA and South Africa. The company is focused on advancing the Lance ISR Projects, located in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming USA through to production, and to take the Karoo Projects in South Africa further up the development curve. Peninsula Energy has clear pathway to resume uranium production at flagship Lance Project in Wyoming, US Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX:PEN) (OTCMKTS:PENMF) (FRA:P1M) is sticking to its US focus with a clear pathway to resume uranium production at its flagship Lance Project in Wyoming, US, the only US-based uranium project authorised to use the industry-leading, low-cost, low pH In-Situ Recovery (ISR) process. The company is also the only ASX-listed uranium company that has the immediate ability to take advantage of US government programs supporting domestic uranium mines. In the US, there is bipartisan political support for a long-term buying program from US uranium mines. A total of US$75 million has been approved in the US 2021 financial year budget to purchase US-produced uranium. In addition, legislation is advancing in the US Senate to support Advanced Nuclear Energy Initiatives, including the Strategic Uranium Reserve purchases. Peninsula believes that the establishment of the Uranium Reserve will provide a substantial opportunity to secure new uranium offtake agreements with the US DOE. To further boost its case, the government, in October 2020, extended the amended Russian Suspension Agreement by 20 years. This limits Russian-origin uranium and opens market opportunities for US uranium producers. Northern Ireland's employment law tribunal system is in "paralysis" with a caseload of 93,000 claims as the pandemic hits its processing of cases, it has been claimed. At 82,300, nearly all the claims relate to holiday pay and pensions claims. Large numbers relate to cases brought by PSNI members who have claimed that their holiday pay should have taken their regular overtime into account. But employment solicitor Rosemary Connolly said the 10,888 claims making up the rest of the backlog were at an unacceptably high level. They include actions for matters such as unfair dismissal, and discrimination. She said the end of the furlough scheme could result in a steep rise in claims which would end up mired in the system. The tribunal system in NI is overseen by the Department for the Economy rather than the Department of Justice. Some but not all tribunal hearings have been held remotely since the pandemic. The tribunal building, Killymeal House in Belfast, is shut until at least the start of March. A department spokesman said: "The Office of the Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunal have a current caseload of 93,188 claims of which 82,300 relate to holiday pay and pensions claims which are stayed pending further litigation. However it is important to note that this does not mean that there are 93,000 individuals with claims at the tribunals many of the individuals involved have lodged multiple claims. Ms Connolly said the backlog would have an impact on future claimants and their access to justice. She said an unfair dismissal case could have reached a hearing within six months in pre-pandemic times but the process would now be much more prolonged. If you were to lodge a claim today, there are no circumstances under which that claim would be heard before the middle of next year, but much more likely towards the end of next year. If you are dismissed and you have to wait a year and a half to get a claim, and your claim might be worth up to 70,000 depending on your loss of earnings, benefits and the difficulties of getting a job, you might be more inclined to accept a really low offer of settlement, at least thats something to pay the mortgage and put bread on the table. Among practitioners, she said there had been increasing alarm at the lack of activity in the tribunals. Ms Connolly, whose law firm is based in Warrenpoint in Co Down, said the department should have considered finding an alternative venue to Killymeal House. Discussions were held last year about holding criminal trials in the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. The Department for the Economy said: A risk assessment process is underway to ensure that the building can re-open safely in the near future and will operate socially distanced hearings with appropriate mitigations in place. Ms Connolly said the problems facing the system will only multiply when furlough comes to an end at the end of April. Im expressing frustrations and concerns. There just seems to be a lack of a plan other than that cases are going to have to be listed a long time into the future. The Supreme Court is due to give is decision on the PSNI holiday pay test case later this year. Claims are expected to arise out of the interpretation of furlough and redundancy. Firms are expected to assess the size of their workforce before the Governments wage support furlough scheme comes to a close at the end of April. However, some business bodies have campaigned for the scheme to be extended until the end of June. A decision is expected to be announced next month. Australias medical regulator cut no corners approving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for all adults aged over 18, as Prime Minister Scott Morrison assured the country the new vaccine had gone through a rigorous safety process. Its the second coronavirus vaccine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and follows the World Health Organisations emergency approval of the AstraZeneca immunisation for all adults. Professor John Skerritt from the Therapeutic Goods Administration said the vaccine is safe in adults of all ages. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But the recommendation for a 12-week gap between doses adds a complication to the logistics of the rollout, with the government admitting the October end date of the program may be pushed out. Mr Morrison said the provisional approval means the country now has two safe and effective vaccines for the virus. Arne Sorenson, the president and CEO of hotel chain Marriott International, has died while undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. He was 62. Sorenson, who lived in Chevy Chase, Maryland near Marriott's headquarters, died 'unexpectedly' on Monday after scaling back his work schedule for cancer treatment, the company said in a statement. Marriott had first announced the married father-of-four's cancer diagnosis in May 2019, and on February 2 the company said he would step back from work duties to undergo more demanding treatment. Sorenson had led the company since 2012, and was the third CEO in Marriott's history, and the first who did not have the surname Marriott. Arne Sorenson, the president and CEO of hotel chain Marriott International, has died while undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. He was 62 Sorenson is seen with J.W. Marriott Jr celebrating the company's $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2016 'Arne was an exceptional executive but more than that he was an exceptional human being,' said J.W. Marriott Jr, the company's executive chairman, in a statement. 'Arne loved every aspect of this business and relished time spent touring our hotels and meeting associates around the world,' added Marriott Jr. 'On behalf of the Board and Marriott's hundreds of thousands of associates around the world, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Arne's wife and four children. We share your heartbreak, and we will miss Arne deeply.' Since Sorenson stepped back from his duties earlier this month, the day-to-day running of the company has been overseen by two veteran Marriott executives: Stephanie Linnartz and Tony Capuano. They will continue in this capacity until the Marriott Board appoints a new CEO, which is expected to be within the next two weeks. Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International, welcomes guests with a view of the skyline at the grand opening of the Marriott Marquis Chicago on November 16, 2017 in Chicago Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, speaks during a Bloomberg Television interview in New York on June 3, 2019 Arne Morris Sorenson was born on October 13, 1958 in Tokyo, Japan, the son of a Lutheran pastor. He and his wife Ruth met as teenagers, when she was working at the Whippy Dip ice cream parlor her parents owned in Decorah, Iowa and served him a cone. After graduating from Luther College and the University of Minnesota Law School, he practiced law in Washington, D.C. with Latham and Watkins, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Sorenson went on to work as a director for Walmart and chief operating officer for Marriott before becoming the first person outside of the Marriott family to lead the hotel chain. He led Marriott's $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2016, resulting in a dramatic expansion of Marriott's global footprint. Sorenson is seen with wife Ruth at Super Bowl LII in Minnesota in 2018. The first met as teenagers in an ice cream parlor owned by her parents in Iowa Sorenson was born on October 13, 1958 in Tokyo, Japan, the son of a Lutheran pastor. Above, he is seen at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 2018 Sorenson is seen with the Marriott team in Times Square in 2016 celebrating the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide 'He had an uncanny ability to anticipate where the hospitality industry was headed and position Marriott for growth. But the roles he relished the most were as husband, father, brother and friend,' said Marriott Jr. Sorenson was named CEO of the year by Chief Executive Magazine in April 2019, one month before his cancer diagnosis was made public by the company. In March of last year, he announced that he would forego his entire salary for 2020, to help the company weather the COVID-19 pandemic, which battered the hotel industry. Sorenson is survived by his wife Ruth Marie and their four children, Astri, Esther, Isaac and Lars. UN urges to investigate escalation of violence in Colombia Malaysia to open mega-centers for vaccination against coronavirus Police find 5 million in cash in London apartment French citizen to face trial in Iran on spaying charges Over 60 children in UK undergo surgery due to TikTok challenge Iranian Central Bank governor dismissed Armenian opposition: The one who liberated Artsakh will not go to debates with the one who sold it Iranian energy ministry: Iraq to allocate $ 125 million of frozen funds for vaccines No new COVID-19 cases reported in Artsakh Iran and Iraq to intensify cooperation and are ready for joint investment projects Armenia ex-PM says at least 2 more secret documents signed but not published yet Indonesia frees Iranian tanker 4 months later Mortar shelling in Afghanistan kills at least 10 civilians Fire breaks out at West Virginia oil refinery in US Second President of Armenia meets with residents of Ararat province Iran ready to help improve the defense capability of Syria Armenian acting PM invites ex-presidents for debates European Parliament head proposes to strengthen sanctions on Russia UK PM gets married in London Armenia reports COVID-19 new 81 cases: 4 people die EU countries invite US to issue joint statement against Russia 2 people die in Armenia road accident Nigeria: Students taken hostage a month ago are released 61 quakes recorded in Congo per day Syrian MFA: EU lost credibility due to blind obedience to US policy Armenia ex-minister of emergency situations hospitalized with heart attack Mher Grigoryan: Clarification of border points is possible only after withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenia Suspicious deal: Whether there was profit from buying DNA IDs? Armenia ex-president says current authorities are trying to blame Russia for defeat in war 4 people killed in Afghanistani bus attack Robert Kocharyan: This war could not have happened, it was a consequence of the policy of the authorities Kocharyan: I have to ask people how it happened that overwhelming majority elected this leader Armen Gevorgyan presents 'Armenia' bloc program: We offer the concept of a working country Biden's administration proposed to leave unchanged amount of financial support to Armenia US Embassy in Baku calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian POWs Luxembourg MFA calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all Armenian prisoners Russia peacekeepers climb to Armenia Gegharkunik Province village positions Biden strongly condemns manifestations of antisemitism in US Iran intensifies its diplomacy amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border tensions Armenia acting PM on forthcoming snap parliamentary elections: We hope to get 60% of votes Lukashenko accuses West of destabilizing situation in Belarus Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief on snap elections: No legal basis for postponing, suspending any function Armenias Pashinyan is met by Yerevan district residents chanting against him We are ready to be fully engaged in negotiation process to resolve Karabakh issue, says Armenia acting PM Armenia ex-President Kocharyan gives interview to Russia TV channel Armenia acting premier: We are ready to start withdrawing troops at any moment Canada MFA expresses concern over 6 Armenian soldiers capture by Azerbaijan troops There are omissions in registration documents of political forces that applied to Armenia Central Electoral Commission Armenia Central Electoral Commission chief: There is activeness in Yerevan for the past day or two Three new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Group of US Congress members threaten Azerbaijans Aliyev regime with sanctions Chicago mayor is sued for allegedly refusing interview with white reporter Iran exports oil to US for first time after long interval "Armenia" bloc top 50 MP candidates are announced 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Sri Lanka public beach is covered in charred plastic pellets due to fire in container ship US preparing list of targeted sanctions on Belarus authorities China believes it will own America by 2035, Biden says 15 al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia Newspaper: Armenia political forces that applied for running in election impatiently await CEC decision Newspaper: Changes are expected in Artsakh California prisoner who considers himself Satanist beheads cellmate, dismembers his body Newspaper: Armenia acting PM's "mutually beneficial" proposal to collapse state system? Armenia National Security Service Reserve Officers' Union members meet with His Holiness Karekin II EU is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan with border delimitation and demarcation ARF-D member on Nikol Pashinyan: 103 years ago Armenia's founding fathers would have executed him for treason Iran President hails brotherly ties with Azerbaijan Robert Kocharyan on years of his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border is still tense, more on COVID-19 in Armenia, May 28 digest "Armenia" alliance of political parties paying tribute to founder of First Republic Aram Manukyan Yerevan.today: Armenia acting PM not greeted at ruling party's headquarters, citizens call him 'capitulator' Russia MOD reports on maintenance of ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia acting MOD meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: I see possibility of restoring borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast We can provide our army with some key, modernized weapons, says Armenia ex-President Kocharyan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Captives issue is not one that any opposition force can resolve OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs release statement on detention of 6 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan Armenian acting Deputy PM: Discussion on issues possible only after withdrawal of Azeri troops from Armenia's territory Armenia acting PM on Syunik roads, Russian military posts: This is only place where there are working nuances Armenia acting PM: Process of return of POWs will intensify after upcoming elections Putin congratulates Aliyev on Republic Day Josep Borrell: A group of EU Ministers will visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan Armenia acting PM: We're not going to escalate situation for 30% of Sev Lake Armenia 3rd President visits Vanadzor, pays tribute to heroes of Battle of Gharakilisa (PHOTOS) Armenia ex-President Kocharyan lays flowers at Battle of Karakilisa memorial (PHOTOS) Armenia acting PM: Solution to captives issue is matter of time Shoygu to Harutyunyan: Russia, Armenia strengthen military cooperation Armenia acting premier: We are 100% honest toward our country Artsakh President pays tribute at Stepanakert memorial, Shushi Tank-Monument Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on Meghri corridor plan: Not beneficial to us now to discuss it as "corridor" Acting PM: "Cement," "fittings" were stolen while constructing Armenia state "building" Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Catholicos of All Armenians visits Sardarapat Memorial, again separate from state officials MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement on Armenia army firing toward Nakhchivan Jerusalem Post: Israel prepares for a new war with Hamas France, UN World Food Programme partner to support displaced people in Armenia Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Today we are not full-fledged negotiating party Norwegian prime minister opposes series of NATO reforms Armenia deputy FM briefs UN, Red Cross leaders on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Artsakh NATO Secretary-General: Afghans must take full responsibility for peace and stability in their country YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. President of the National Assembly of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received Wendy Morton, United Kingdom's Minister for European Neighborhood and the Americas, who highlighted the establishment of the ceasefire regime in Nagorno Karabakh and the unblocking of the regional infrastructures. Ararat Mirzoyan hoped that the United Kingdom, as a partner country which is a member of the UNSC, will make all possible efforts for the speedy return of the POWs according to the principle of ''all for all''. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the National Assembly of Armenia, greeting the guest, the President of the parliament noted that the partnering relations between the two countries need to be further activated, which can be greatly fostered by the activation of inter-parliamentary interactions. Referring to the situation over Nagorno Karabakh, Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized that for the implementation of the November 9 trilateral declaration and preservation of the regional peace the speedy return of the Armenian POWs and other detainees is priority for the Armenian side. Ararat Mirzoyan added that the negotiations on the status of Artsakh under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs remains on the agenda of the Armenian side. The interlocutors exchanged views on the reform agenda of Armenia, as well as the process and achievements of the program ''New Armenia, modern parliament'' carried out in the National Assembly of Armenia by UK funding. 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Adam Kinzinger of Illinois on March 6, 2019. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin Donald Trump and Rep. Adam Kinzinger clashed as early as 2016, The New York Times reports. In 2016, Trump apparently directed an Illinois Republican to give Kinzinger "a vulgar message." When he heard it, Kinzinger reportedly laughed and turned the insult back at Trump. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, one of the most vocal Republican critics of former President Donald Trump, clashed with Trump as far back as 2016, The New York Times reports. The Times said that before the 2016 US presidential election, Trump queried an Illinois Republican National Committee member about Kinzinger's reelection chances. The RNC member, Richard Porter, reportedly told Trump that Kinzinger was running unchallenged. According to The Times, which usually avoids printing profanities, Trump then "poked his finger in his chest and told him to deliver to Mr. Kinzinger a vulgar message about what he should do with himself." The Times reported that when Porter told Kinzinger of that conversation, Kinzinger "laughed and invited Mr. Trump to do the same." Read more: GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger on recognizing the QAnon threat and not fearing a GOP primary challenger for voting to impeach Trump Kinzinger was one of only a few sitting Republican politicians who remained critical of Trump throughout Trump's four years in office. "I don't see how I get to Donald Trump any more," Kinzinger told CNN in an August 2016 interview, The Guardian reported at the time. "Donald Trump for me is beginning to cross a lot of red lines of the unforgivable in politics." Kinzinger was moved to publicly denounce Trump after the then-candidate insulted the Khans, a Gold Star family who spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in support of Hillary Clinton. "I won't be silent," Kinzinger told CNN in 2016. "He can tweet all he wants. I have to do this for my country and for my party." Story continues Kinzinger, who represents the safely conservative 16th District in Illinois, was one of just 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump on a charge of inciting the January 6 Capitol insurrection and one of 11 who voted to strip his GOP colleague Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee assignments on February 4. Trump was acquitted by the Senate in a trial that ended Saturday, with seven GOP senators joining all 50 Senate Democrats in voting to convict. The vote, 57-43, fell short of the two-thirds majority that was required to convict Trump. Kinzinger was also the first House Republican to call for Trump to be removed from office either by the 25th Amendment or the impeachment process the day after the January 6 insurrection. Kinzinger recently told Insider's Anthony Fisher that while he realized his actions had put him at risk for a primary challenge when he's up for reelection in 2022, he was committed to leading the GOP in a new direction. "So we have to fight like hell to restore the soul of [the Republican Party], and I'm willing to go down doing that because I think when history looks back at this moment, it's not going to be the people that voted to not certify the election that'll be written about in history books," he said. He has also started a new political action committee, Country First, that aims to support fellow anti-Trump Republicans. Read the original article on Business Insider President Rip Van Biden apparently hasn't had the time to read the Constitution after awakening from his four-year slumber. He has now threatened to impose a "travel ban," restricting the rights of people to travel in and out of Florida. Should he attempt to pursue this policy, it will be through executive order, the only manner of governance with which he is apparently familiar. The order would also presumably exempt illegal aliens since they have a free ticket for ingress into all fifty states. Before he takes pen to paper, the president should have a look at the U.S. Constitution. The Privileges and Immunities Clause of Article IV, Section 2 states that "[t]he citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states." This constitutional provision would make any travel ban per se unconstitutional. For just under two hundred years, freedom of movement from one state to another has been recognized as a fundamental constitutional right pursuant to the Privileges and Immunities Clause. In Corfield v. Coryell, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1823, the Court held that the privileges and immunities enjoyed by citizens of one state of which they cannot be deprived by other states include "the right of a citizen of one State to pass through, or to reside in any other State, for purposes of trade, agriculture, professional pursuit or otherwise." In addition, the right to travel within the United States has been recognized as a liberty interest that no person can be deprived of without due process of law under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. In 1958, in Kent v. Dulles, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the decision of the State Department to deny a passport to a citizen sympathetic to the Communist Party. The Court based its decision on the principle that the right to travel within and across frontiers is a fundamental part of our liberty protected by the Fifth Amendment. Further, it is now eighty years since the Supreme Court also affirmed the constitutional right of interstate travel pursuant to the Commerce Clause. In Edwards v. California, the Court struck down a California law, the infamous anti-Okie law, that made it a crime to assist in bringing migrants into the state. This decision was rendered pursuant to the so-called dormant Commerce Clause, which makes it illegal for states to excessively burden interstate commerce. While Edwards reaffirmed that the federal government alone has the Commerce Clause power to regulate interstate commerce, using the decision as a basis for turning Florida into Guantanamo Bay will hardly fly. The power to regulate interstate commerce does not give the federal government the power to destroy a state's commerce. All this said, it is obvious that the administration's threat is nothing more than a scare tactic aimed at undermining our principles of federalism. While the federal government is empowered under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate travel, the gun being held to Governor DeSantis's head is intended to force him to legislate in accord with White House beliefs. The problem there is that legislating over masks, quarantines, and the like is uniquely a matter of state, not federal law. It is well settled that states' police power gives them the right to legislate public health and the safety of their citizenry. Thus, each state has for the past year or so made its own judgments about lockdowns, quarantines, and essential services based largely on the incidence and location of the affected populace within the particular state. What Biden is attempting to do is usurp states' rights by misusing the federal government's constitutional power to regulate commerce. He is not, however, trying to regulate commerce; he is threatening to destroy one state's commerce if it does not surrender its power to regulate the health and safety of its citizens. Haven't our constitutional rights been dismantled enough already by pandemic paranoia? Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. DIDCOT, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Altus Strategies Plc (AIM: ALS, TSX-V: ALTS, OTCQX: ALTUF) announces that it has issued 6,000 ordinary shares of 5 pence par value each ("Ordinary Shares") following the exercise of warrants at an exercise price of C$1.125 (approximately 0.64) per warrant for gross proceeds of C$6,750 (approximately 3,800). The Company has made an application for the 6,000 Ordinary Shares to be admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange ("Admission"). Admission is expected to occur at 08:00 a.m. on or around 19 February 2021, and the Ordinary Shares will rank pari passu with the Ordinary Shares already in issue. The gross proceeds from the exercise of the warrant of C$6,750 (approximately 3,800) will be used for working capital purposes. Total Voting Rights Following the issue of the Ordinary Shares, Altus will have 70,097,601 Ordinary Shares in issue, which will also represent the total number of voting rights in the Company. The Company does not hold any shares in treasury. This figure should be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the UK Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. For further information you are invited to visit the Company's website www.altus-strategies.com or contact: Altus Strategies Plc Steven Poulton, Chief Executive Tel:+44 (0) 1235 511 767 E: info@altus-strategies.com SP Angel (Nominated Adviser) Richard Morrison / Adam Cowl Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 SP Angel (Broker) Abigail Wayne / Richard Parlons Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0471 Yellow Jersey PR (Financial PR & IR) Georgia Colkin / Charles Goodwin / Henry Wilkinson Tel: +44 (0) 20 3004 9512 E: altus@yellowjerseypr.com About Altus Strategies Plc Altus Strategies (AIM: ALS, TSX-V: ALTS & OTCQX: ALTUF) is a mining royalty company generating a diversified and precious metal-focused portfolio of assets. The Company's focus on Africa and differentiated approach of generating royalties on its own discoveries as well as through financings and acquisitions with third parties has attracted key institutional investor backing. The Company engages constructively with all stakeholders, working diligently to minimise its environmental impact and to promote positive economic and social outcomes in the communities where it operates. For further information, please visit www.altus-strategies.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information included in this announcement, including information relating to future financial or operating performance and other statements that express the expectations of the Directors or estimates of future performance, constitute "forward-looking statements." These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programmes on schedule, and the success of exploration programmes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this announcement, and the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as at the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or any forward-looking statements contained in any other announcements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable law or regulations. TSX Venture Exchange Disclaimer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organisation of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Market Abuse Regulation Disclosure Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 ("MAR") until the release of this announcement. SOURCE: Altus Strategies Plc View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/630026/Exercise-of-Warrants-and-Issue-of-Equity Two Netizens in China Go Missing After Organizing YouTube Event Mocking Chinese Leader Two Chinese netizens have reportedly gone missing since Feb. 9, after participating in a live-streaming event to mock Chinese leader Xi Jinping on YouTube, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA). Several YouTube channels run by Chinese netizens prepared a Feb. 11 joint live-streaming session aimed at ridiculing Xi ahead of the Chinese New Year, the most important traditional festival in China. YouTube is banned in mainland China, but netizens can use VPN software to circumvent Chinas internet firewall and access banned platforms. Some of these groups said their videos were removed by YouTube ahead of the event, with the platform citing copyright violations. The channel administrators believe that YouTube was acquiescing to Chinese censorship rules. The Epoch Times has reached out to YouTube for comment and did not receive a reply by press time. Meanwhile, the groups have lost contact with two China-based channel administrators: the person behind the Ru Mo Xin Lian She YouTube channel, one of the livestream co-hosts, and an administrator called W. The person in charge of a YouTube channel called Qiang Guo Wa Ha Haanother of the livestreams co-hoststold RFA that he believed the two have been punished by Chinese authorities. The Chinese Communist Party is very likely to have used its state-level security resources to investigate and silence them. Qiang Guo Wa Ha Ha is a channel dedicated to spoofing Xi Jinping, especially for his slips of the tongue during public occasions. Two other YouTube channels who co-hosted the livestream, Xiao Fan Qi and Xiao Chi Tang, received copyright warnings from YouTube the night before, on Feb. 10. All of their previous videos, many of which spoofed Xi, were removed by the platform. According to the warning notices they received from YouTube, the two channels are accused of copyright infringement by Shanghai Hode Information Technology Co., the entity that runs popular Chinese video-sharing site Bilibili. The Qiang Guo Wa Ha Ha manager told RFA that he believed Bilibili launched the complaints in an attempt to prevent the live-streaming event from occurring. But on Feb. 11, the livestream event appeared on the two channels and was able to broadcast. Screenshot of the video publicly mocking Xi Jinping on YouTube. Wu Te, an independent commentator in mainland China, told the Chinese-language Epoch Times that the event signaled that Chinese young people are losing their patience with Xi Jinping and becoming increasingly outspoken in dissenting against the regime. Chinese netizens sometimes refer to Xi as accelerator-in-chief, referring to his domestic and foreign policies that have drawn peoples ire and could accelerate the collapse of the Chinese Communist Party. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Healthcare Anahit Avanesyan met with Ambassador of the Netherlands to Armenia Nico Schermers, the ministry told Armenpress. The minister congratulated the Ambassador on appointment and thanked for the support provided to Armenia in fighting COVID-19. Analyzing the statistics of the pandemic in Armenia, the Ambassador was interested in Armenias secret of making the COVID-19 situation controllable and stable. I am aware of the situation in Armenia in autumn 2020 caused by both the pandemic and the war. Congratulations on achieving success in the fight against the pandemic. Taking into account the growing rates of the virus globally even during the lockdowns, Armenia managed to achieve the stabilization of the situation, he said, highly valuing the policy adopted by the Armenian government and ministry of healthcare, the transparency of the work, especially in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases. We attach importance to public awareness and transparency of data in the fight against COVID-19. The government and our agency do the utmost to avoid the 3rd wave of the pandemic. We understand that otherwise one more wave can cause a very serious crisis for the economy and the healthcare system, Minister Avanesyan said. At the end of the meeting the sides discussed the work of the Armenian Diaspora in the Netherlands, the expected visit of a medical team to Armenia in April and other issues. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Advertisement Scheana Shay is setting her worries to the side as she enjoys a romantic babymoon in Hawaii with her beau Brock Davies. The couple were spotted enjoying a fun-filled beach day on Monday, where Scheana put her baby bump on full display in a lilac bikini. As incredible as the mom-to-be, 35, looked, all eyes were on her hunky boyfriend - who boldly rocked tiny, neon speedos in animal print. Making a splash! Scheana Shay is setting her worries to the side as she enjoys a romantic babymoon in Hawaii with her beau Brock Davies The couple looked as happy as can be enjoying a babymoon in oh-so-romantic Hawaii. Scheana and her beau ventured into the water, where they lavished each other with hugs and kisses. The reality star tenderly held her beau as they splashed around in the water together. Scheana beamed with joy as she gazed towards her grinning beau, tightly holding his hands in the midst of their light-hearted moment. Bumping along just nicely! Scheana is expecting her first child - a baby girl - with her beau Brock Davies Sun kissed! The couple lavished each other with affection as they shared a moment in the water Aww: The parents-to-be held one another gently in the Pacific blue Fun in the sun! Scheana beamed with joy as she gazed towards her grinning beau, tightly holding his hands in the midst of their light-hearted moment Once their PDA session was complete, Brock affectionately placed his hand upon the small of Scheana's back as they returned to dry land. Scheana oozed beach style with her jet black hair scooped up into a messy top knot, large pair of sunglasses, and vibrant pink manicure. The mom-to-be couldn't have looked any happier enjoying some quality time with her beau before the arrival of their first child together. Scheana shared snippets of her glorious getaway to her Instagram Stories, including footage of their relaxing beach day and pregnancy shoot. He makes her smile! Shay couldn't have looked any happier spending quality time with her beau Walk this way: The couple returned to dry land after their PDA-packed splash in the ocean TLC: Brock affectionately placed his hand upon the small of Scheana's back The reality star laid back on a lounge chair as Brock sprayed sunblock onto her legs. Later that day, Scheana and her beau hit the beach again for a maternity shoot. The star wore a black bikini top and a lei around her neck as she reveled in her beautiful surroundings. 'We just had the best maternity shoot with our girl Emma! Thank you!' Scheana gushed. Growing family: The mom-to-be couldn't have looked any happier enjoying some quality time with her beau before the arrival of their first child together Hold me: Scheana didn't seem to have a care in the world as she basked in the sunshine with her beau by her side Happy as a clam! The couple grinned gleefully towards one another Scheana and her beau are expecting a baby girl in April 2021. The actress announced her pregnancy back in October 2020, after suffering a devastating miscarriage in June. 'We got pregnant so quickly,' Scheana told People. 'My doctor told me to wait one period and ovulation cycle and then we could try again. 'It was the first and only time we tried and I had a feeling right away, but it was so soon to tell because I wasn't even close to missing my period yet. I just had a feeling.' Looking good! Scheana oozed beach style with her jet black hair scooped up into a messy top knot, large pair of sunglasses, and vibrant pink manicure Life's a beach! Shay documented their babymoon adventures on her Instagram Stories Soaking up the sun: The reality star laid back on a lounge chair as Brock sprayed sunblock onto her legs Shay later revealed on YouTube that they're expecting a girl, after the couple hosted a gender reveal party. She told People: 'I'm just excited to be having a healthy baby. After the miscarriage and getting pregnant so quickly after, I just prayed for a healthy baby. But I am so excited to put the biggest bows in my little girl's hair and spoil her with unicorns! 'I was just praying and hoping all the genetics and tests came back okay. I hope to have two or three kids and I want both a boy and a girl or two, so it didn't matter the order to me!' Gold price today fell to Rs 47,000 per 10 gm from Rs 47,340. Silver price soared to Rs 69,800 per kg according to the Good Returns website. Gold jewellery price varies across India, the second-largest consumer of the metal, due to excise duty, state taxes, and making changes. In New Delhi, the price of 22-carat gold stayed at Rs 46,400 per 10 gm, while in Chennai it was at Rs 44,570-- down from yesterday's rate of Rs 44,690. In Mumbai, the price od 22-carat gold decreased by Rs 340 to Rs 46,000. The price of 24-carat gold in Chennai also slipped by Rs 120 to Rs 48,630 per 10 gm. In the international market, Spot gold fell 0.3 per cent to $1,817.41 per ounce pressured by US Treasury yields topping a near 11-month peak on Friday, and as global shares scaled a fresh record peak. US gold futures eased 0.3 per cent to $1,818.20. Platinum prices climbed to their highest level in over six years on Monday, buoyed by expectations of a wider supply-demand deficit for the industrial metal as investors bet on a swift global economic rebound. Platinum, used in catalytic converters that limit emissions from automobile engine exhaust systems, rose 3.6 per cent to $1,298.02 an ounce by 1521 GMT, having touched $1,304.00, its highest since September 2014. Investors have started to realize theres upside potential for platinum prices, so its catching up to other precious metals, said ABN Amro analyst Georgette Boele, adding the industrial outlook has improved for platinum. Platinum will likely continue to outperform both palladium and gold, but it is unlikely to revert back to trading at a premium to gold, she added. A new Asda store in Newtownabbey has been given the green light. The supermarket chain's plans for an outlet on the Doagh Road were approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's planning committee last night. Asda said it will bring jobs and low prices to the area. The 40,000 square feet store, along with a petrol filling station and a free car park with 450 spaces, will be built on the former Nortel site at Monkstown industrial estate. The 17.5m development will generate up to 250 local full-time and part-time jobs. The store will provide Asda's full range of groceries and fresh foods, and offer its click and collect service and home delivery. As part of the development, the existing junction between the Monkstown and Doagh roads will be upgraded with a new roundabout. This will maintain the flow of traffic while improving safety on this important arterial route. There will also be road improvements at the Cloughfern Roundabout. An Asda spokesperson said last night: "Asda is delighted to have received planning permission for the store. "The process has been lengthy, reflecting the careful assessments carried out by the council, its officers and independent advisers. "The planning committee's decision follows the overwhelming support for the development which we received during our public consultation. "It will bring new jobs to the area and offer Newtownabbey shoppers low prices and great value every time they shop in Asda." Bhopal, Feb 16 : Expressing grief over the deadly road accident in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district involving a bus that fell into a canal, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday postponed the 'Griha Pravesh' (home inauguration) programme to be held in the state. Chouhan said he was deeply saddened by the news that many precious human lives had been lost in the accident caused by a bus falling in a canal while travelling to Satna from the Sidhi district. "I pray to God to grant peace to the deceased victims and for the safety of the missing persons." One lakh beneficiaries were to be handed over keys to their new houses constructed under the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' in the state by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Chouhan through a virtual programme. During this, a virtual interaction between Shah and Chouhan with the beneficiaries was also proposed. Chouhan said, "I have spoken to the Sidhi collector regarding the road accident and directed them to speed up the rescue operations. To reduce the water level of the canal, the water coming from Bansagar Dam has also been stopped. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the local administration teams are present on the accident site. I am in constant touch with the local authorities." On Tuesday morning, a private bus travelling from Sidhi to Satna district lost control and fell into the Sharda canal near the Rampur police station area. The bus was completely submerged in the water. The search for missing people continues as the bus was carrying more than 50 passengers while seven persons have been rescued safely. In an interview with the Armnews TV channel aired late on Monday, Sarkisian also accused Armenias current leadership of badly mishandling the Karabakh peace process and making the autumn war with Azerbaijan inevitable. He said it refused further talks on the so-called Madrid Principles of the conflicts resolution which were first put forward by the U.S., Russian and French co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group in 2007. Details of the proposed framework peace accord have been repeatedly modified by the mediators. One of its versions was presented to the conflicting sides in 2016 by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on behalf of the three co-chair nations. I was not just ready to sign it, said Sarkisian. I agreed to remain [in power as] Armenias prime minister in order to implement that variant. And I was not going to sign it secretly Im not saying that we would have put it on a referendum. But we would have made it the subject of a big and heated public debate. I was not sure that the majority of the public will support it. The Madrid Principles called for a phased settlement that would start with a gradual liberation of virtually all seven districts around Karabakh occupied by Karabakh Armenian forces in the early 1990s. In return, Karabakh would receive an internationally recognized interim status. The disputed territorys final status would be determined in a future referendum. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has repeatedly criticized this peace plan, saying that it was hardly a more attractive alternative to the war that broke out in late September and left at least 3,500 Armenian soldiers dead. He has said that the mediators offered the Armenian side very little in exchange for territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. A senior lawmaker representing Pashinians My Step bloc reaffirmed that critical assessment of the Minsk Groups peace proposals when he reacted to Sarkisians televised remarks on Tuesday. Ruben Rubinian said the countrys former leadership cannot accuse the current government of surrendering lands to Azerbaijan because it itself favored a lands-for-peace formula. During the six-week war Baku recaptured three of the seven districts as well as Karabakhs southern Hadrut district and the strategic town of Shushi (Shusha). It also regained control of the four other districts after the hostilities were stopped by a Russian-mediated ceasefire on November 10. Virtually all Armenian opposition groups have blamed Pashinian for the Armenian sides defeat and demanded that he resign and hand over power to an interim government that would hold fresh parliamentary elections. Pashinian has rejected the opposition demands backed by President Armen Sarkissian. Serzh Sarkisian tried to hold on to power after engineering Armenias transition to a parliamentary system of government at the end of his second and final presidential term. He became prime minister in April 2018 only to step down several days later amid mass protests led by Pashinian. Sarkisian made his first extensive public comments on those dramatic events in the interview with Armnews. He said he did not order security forces to break up the nationwide protests because he wanted to avoid bloodshed and unfavorable developments in the Karabakh conflict. The 66-year-old ex-president also admitted that he did not expect his bid to extend his rule to cause such a popular backlash. Nobody could predict that that [protest] movement will follow such a course, he said. Sarkisian remains the chairman of the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). The HHK is part of a recently formed opposition alliance trying to force Pashinian to resign. The alliance, called the Homeland Salvation Movement, is scheduled to resume anti-government rallies in Yerevan on February 20. A petrol pump owner in Karur has put up an interesting offer for his customers. School students driving in with their parents have to recite 20 Thirukkural couplets to avail the offer, reported The Hindu. The New Indian Express According to TOI, the idea has been implemented at a petrol pump owned by Valluvar agencies in Nagampalli village in Aravakurichi and students can get half a litre of petrol for free if they recite 10 couplets and one litre for reciting 20 Thirukkural couplets. Also Read: Man Poses With A Bat & Helmet At Petrol Bunk As Fuel Prices Hit Century-Mark In Bhopal Children studying in classes 1 to 12 can avail the offer which is valid till April 30. The scheme will be in place till April 31, said K Senguttuvan, 62, who is the owner of the petrol pump. K Senguttuvan, 62, who is the owner of the petrol pump told TOI that the lockdown made children glued to smartphones and to channelize their energy in a positive way he decided to start this new challenge. Also Read: Race To Reach Rs 100 Begins As Petrol In Metro Cities Reach Sky High But There Is Still No Outrage Over It "While petrol price has crossed over Rs 90 per litre, we wanted children to use the opportunity to ease the financial burden of their parents by reciting Thirukkiral. The scheme will also attract the attention of parents who would make sure their children learn Thirkkural for free petrol. Our purpose was to inculcate the interest among children towards Thirukkural," he said. The New Indian Express Senguttuvan further said, "We are not going to leave it with just petrol," adding that the students and their parents will be called to Valluvar College of Science and Management in Karur owned by him for an orientation on making a 'Thirukkural way of life'. Also Read: Petrol & Diesel Prices Will Not Increase Despite New Cess In Budget 2021 Petrol and diesel prices on Monday were hiked for the seventh day in a row as a rally in international oil prices took retail rates in India to new highs. Petrol price was increased by 26 paise per litre and diesel by 29 paise, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. In this aerial image from a drone, tug boats tow the semi-submersible drilling platform Noble Danny Adkins through the Port Aransas Channel into the Gulf of Mexico in Port Aransas, Texas, on Dec. 12, 2020. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images) Texas Independence Movement Gains Momentum: Daniel Miller Proponents of Texas independence anticipate winning the referendum in which Texans will decide whether a process to determine the best way to withdraw from the union should be started, Daniel Miller, president of the Texas Nationalist Movement, told The Epoch Times. If radicals that are currently in Congress are put in charge of health, economy, energy it may adversely impact the people of Texas and more and more Texans would like to exit the union, Miller said in a recent interview on Epoch Times Crossroads program. Texans are concerned that more of their jobs would be killed through the green new deal, that the policies of the federal government in Washington would lead to more centralization, more socialism would be introduced, more powers would be appropriated by the federal government and as a result, the rights of the people of Texas would be eroded and trampled on, Miller explained. Miller predicts that if these tendencies continue a referendum on Texas secession could be won at least by 10 to 15 percentage points depending on how radical the government in Washington gets. The movement led by Miller supports the concept of small government which is in contrast with the current situation when the federal government receives from Texas $103 to $160 billion annually in taxpayers money giving little in return, he said. Its like going to a doctor. The doctor drawing all of the blood out of your body spilling about 40 percent of it on the floor, re-injecting the rest of it, and then saying: hey, you realize you wouldnt be alive without me, Miller explained. Exiting the union, which Miller calls Texit, means that Texans will determine their own laws instead of being governed by 2.5 million unelected bureaucrats in Washington, the organizations website states. We have real issues here in Texas related to the border and immigration and many others that a nation-state has to deal with, Miller said. Miller believes that the Constitution of the United States does not prohibit any state from leaving the union. The Constitution lists all the things that states are prohibited from doing and the list does not include a prohibition against the state withdrawal, he said. According to the Constitution, the perpetuity of the union depends on the right of local self-government unimpaired to all the states, Miller said adding that he believes that Texans would not agree that their right of local self-government hasnt been impaired. Flextronics International Apple factory employees work on Apple Mac Pro computer assembly in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 20, 2019. (Tom Brenner/Reuters) Texas economy ranks as the 10th largest economy in the world surpassing Canada and South Korea and just below Brazil and Italy. It is the 2nd biggest economy in the United States behind California, according to a report of the University of Texas produced in September. Although the states economy was hit by the pandemic caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus the job losses were less dramatic compared to the United States, the report says (pdf). Texas is the biggest producer of oil and natural gas in the nation, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (pdf). Agriculture and technology are also prominent in its diverse economy. Among Texas-based companies are computer manufacturer Dell, AT&T, and chipmaker Texas Instruments. Independence Movements The Texas Nationalist Movement was founded to secure and protect the political, cultural, and economic independence of the nation of Texas and to restore and protect a constitutional Republic and the inherent rights of the people of Texas, according to the organizations website. Over the years the movement has grown into a Texas independence movement advocating of the state of Texas leaving the union and becoming an independent, self-governing nation, the website says. Men dressed as 19th-century soldiers participate in the reenactment of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, on March 2, 2018. The organization has engaged in many campaigns related to not just Texas but our cultural preservation, Miller said explaining that Texans had to fight a battle against their own state Board of Education. The board wanted to remove the references to the Alamo defenders as heroes because the word hero was value charged and it was a value judgment. There are folks who want to indoctrinate or change the Alamo story to fit a neo-Marxist progressive rhetoric, Miller added. For Texans, the Battle of the Alamo is a symbol of heroic resistance during their struggle for independence from Mexico. A small number of Texans (about 200 according to historians) defended a fort in San Antonio for 13 days against the Mexican army of thousands strong led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Although most of the defenders were killed by the enemy their sacrifice engaged and weakened the Mexican army which contributed to the victory of Texan forces two months later and Texas gaining independence. According to Miller, nationalist movements in the world are on the rise judging by the fact that the number of recognized countries rose from over 54 after World War II to more than 190 by the end of the 20th century. People in countries or areas like people in Texas want the ability to govern themselves the way they want to be governed, said Miller. Supporters of Brexit demonstrate outside Europe House in London, on Sept. 9, 2020. (Matt Dunham/ AP Photo) The movement headed by Miller has drawn from the experience of independence movements around the world such as the UKs exit from the European Union (known as Brexit), Scotlands independence movement to leave the UK, and Catalans quest to seek independence from Spain. Miller found the arguments on the Brexit debate such as uncaring bureaucracy in Brussels, a massive overpayment that could better be used at home and reallocated at home, that centralization of power in Brussels that threatens to erode the personal rights and liberties of the British very similar to the Texas situation. The organization also researched Catalonias independence movement and found that their materials making a case against the Spanish central government could have been used to recruit Texas supporters if only the proper names had been replaced by Texas and Washington, Miller said. This fight in Texas that people fight right now is really part of a much larger movement around the world to reclaim the right of self-government from a bunch of political elites who think they know whats best, Miller said. Miller preferred not to use the term secession to describe the process of Texas gaining independence and rather use the term withdrawal or exit. Secession means the withdrawal from a political body, typically an incorporated political body, Miller explained. If the American government is an absolute centralized government and that that the United States is a nation-state that has sovereignty and the states are just merely administrative subdivisions then the word secession can be used, Miller continued. Miller considers Texit a withdrawal or exit from a political and economic union that no longer serves Texas interests much like the UKs withdrawal from the European Union. mayor Kishori Pednekar on Tuesday warned that the Maharashtra government could think of imposing a "second lockdown" in light of the rise in COVID-19 cases in the city. Speaking to reporters here, the mayor said COVID-19 cases are rising fast in and it has become a matter of concern for the civic body and the state government. Increase in the number of suburban services and resumption of all other activities could be a reason for the surge in COVID-19 cases, she said. The three-point programme of wearing masks, social distancing and sanitising hands regularly is not being followed by most people, she said. Pednekar further said that while the authorities had planned to reopen schools in the city, they are again reviewing the decision. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Health Minister Rajendra Tope have already started holding review meetings to discuss the situation, she said. "We could face another lockdown, but it is in the hands of citizens to avoid it by following the COVID-19 protocol, which they had abided by under the state government's 'My family My Responsibility' programme," the mayor said. recorded a single-day spike of 493 fresh COVID-19 cases on Monday, which took the city's tally of infections to 7,05,441, including 19,701 casualties. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Residents of Taal Island have been evacuated amid reports from seismologists of recent activity from Taal Volcano, disaster management authorities said on Tuesday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the evacuation on the island, which was supposed to be a no man's land, was a precautionary move. It denied reports the volcano spewed ash. The rescued residents were from two sitios in Talisay town, it added. "This order is a precautionary measure done in line with the recent activities of the volcano pero hindi 'nag-aalburuto' ang Taal [but an eruption is not imminent]," the NDRRMC said. The Coast Guard also said its Batangas personnel as well as police and disaster management officers were deployed using five boats to fetch residents on the island. At 8 a.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported 98 tremor episodes in Taal Volcano lasting five to 12 minutes. It also found weak emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose five meters high. Phivolcs said the volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which means sudden phreatic or steam-driven eruptions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal expulsions of gas can occur and threaten the island. "Phivolcs strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taals Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited," the agency said. It also advised local government units to check the evacuated areas for damages and road accessibilities and to prepare measures in case of renewed unrest from the volcano. Meanwhile, residents were told to observe precautions due to ground displacement, possible ashfall and minor earthquakes. Civil aviation authorities were also instructed to advise pilots against flying near the volcano. More than a year has passed since Taal Volcano caused a massive steam-driven explosion which covered nearby towns in ash. Phivolcs has since lowered the alert level due to a decline in the volcano's activity. National government's responsibility Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste said Taal Island has always been regarded as no man's land, but residents have grown used to taking shelter at the permanent danger zone over the years. "Marami o kung hindi man lahat sa kanila ay doon na pinanganak o doon na lumaki, doon na tumanda, doon na nagkaroon ng kabuhayan at hanap buhay at ang iba siguro ay doon na rin po tumanda o namatay," Leviste told CNN Philippines' News.PH. [Translation: Most if not all of them were born and raised there. They grew old and got their livelihood there. Some probably passed away on the island.] However, he maintained it is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Protected Area Management Board, that's in charge of enforcing the law and keeping residents away from Taal. He argued the local government is only tasked to provide assistance to the DENR in protecting the area. "Kami po ay supplemental lamang po sa national government pero malinaw po na ang national government ang may responsibilidad para hindi lang pangasiwaan kung hindi i-enforce ang lahat ng umiiral na batas patungkol po sa lawa at bulkang taal. Malinaw po 'yon," Leviste said. [Translation: We are only supplemental to the national government but it is clear the national government has the responsibility not only to manage but enforce all laws on Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.] Taal Volcano Island was declared a protected area under Proclamation 923 in 1996. When the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act was enacted in 2018, the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape was permanently classified as a National Park. The landscape covers 62,292.16 hectares and surrounds the Taal Volcano Island, Taal Lake, and 37 tributaries of 13 municipalities and three cities, according to the Biodiversity and Management Bureau. Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti said on Monday an investigation is underway after it emerged government officials were secretly vaccinated ahead of health workers. The scandal erupted Thursday when former President Martin Vizcarra, who was dismissed by Congress on November 9 over a corruption allegation, confirmed a newspaper report that he and his wife had secretly received shots of a vaccine from the Chinese state pharmaceutical company Sinopharm in October. Allan Wagner was sworn in as the new foreign minister, following the resignation of Elizabeth Astete on Sunday. Astete, who led the Peruvian negotiations to buy the 1 million doses of Sinopharm's vaccine, said Sunday in a letter that she was vaccinated with the first dose January 22. Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti resigned Friday after legislators accused her of concealing information about the matter. Speaking on Monday, Vizcarra said he apologised for his actions and should have been more transparent with the public. Doctors and nurses have protested because they were not included in the first group of people to be vaccinated. The pandemic has caused the deaths of 306 doctors and 125 nurses, with more than 20,000 doctors and nurses being infected. Peru has had more than 1.2 million cases of coronavirus infections, with 43,491 deaths related to COVID-19 according to Johns Hopkins University's tally of cases around the globe. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) - Massive utilization of plastics in making automotive and electronics components to drive growth - Plastic compounders eye incredible revenue potential in Asia Pacific in next few years and expand production units ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Plastic compounding consists essentially of the use of additives, fillers, and reinforcers to the base resin to modify the characteristics of the base materials. Interesting mix of properties of plastics have emerged in the plastic compounding market in relation to mechanical, chemical, electrical, and aesthetic properties. For instance, carbon black, graphite, metallic fibres, and carbon fibres are used to fabricate high-end plastics characterized by high thermal and electrically conductivity. Likewise, additives are used to make plastics light-weight so that they meet the functional requirement of automotive manufacturers. Over the years, the processes used in the plastic compounding market have been focusing toward the concept of environmental friendliness, such as being less resource-intensive. Businesses in the automotive, electrical and electronics, industrial, consumer goods, and medical have been utilizing compounded plastics to lend their specific functional properties to their products. The regions with proliferating demand for plastics compounds are natural precursors to the steadily rising demand for plastic compounders. Asia Pacific held major share of the market and is expected to rise at promising growth rate during the forecast period of 2019 - 2027. The valuation of the plastic compounding market was pegged at ~US$ 60,000.0 Mn in 2018, and is projected to reach worth of ~US$ 95,000 Mn by the end of 2027. Request for Covid-19 Impact Analysis on Plastic Compounding Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Covid19.php Key Findings in Plastic Compounding Market Plastic Compounders Gain Revenues from Demand for Lightweight Vehicles The consistently rising demand for light-weight and high characteristics plastics in the automotive industry has kept revenue growth in the plastic compounding market steady. Light-weight vehicles serve as a huge business proposition for these companies to meet various stringent region-specific carbon emission norms. Strides being made in the automotive industry have further added impetus to the demand in the plastic compounding market. Plastic compounders along with other stakeholders in the plastic industry ecosystem notably plastic converters are looking for environmentally friendly compounding methods. Growing number of patents in relation to high-performing fillers in this respect is thus constantly expanding avenue in the market. Download PDF Brochure - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php Electric Vehicles Manufacturing Presents a New Avenue The rapid pace of commercialization of electric and hybrid vehicles presents a new prospect for players in the plastic compounding market. This is because there is a trend of supplanting the use of metals with plastics in various vehicles manufacturers. Further, growing popularity of electric cars among consumers will boost the demand for compounding of plastic automotive material. Advances in filler material technology have led access to new chemistries to fabricators in the plastic compounding market. Asia Pacific Emerging As Lucrative Market Over the past few years, a rapidly expanding automotive and automobile industry in several parts of Asia Pacific has led stakeholders look for massive avenues there. Plastic compounders in recent years have keenly expanding their production facilities to boost their position in the plastic compounding market. In particular, they are shifting to East Asia. China, South Korea, and Indonesia are some of the key regions with vast revenue potential. Growing utilization of high-end plastics in the electronics industry is also a key trend in the plastic compounding market. View Detailed Table of Contents at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/14306 Plastic Compounding Market: Key Driving Factors and Promising Avenues Strides made in the manufacturing of electric vehicles are boosting the adoption of high-characteristics plastics, thereby boosting market Proliferation of manufacturing of plastics has also spurred the demand for plastic compounding Growing presence of plastic converters is boosting the market Plastic Compounding Market: Key Players Some of the prominent plastic compounding companies are: Asahi Kasei Corporation Teknor Apex Celanese Corporation Sojitz Corporation Coperion GmbH LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. 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Contact Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Press Release Source: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/plastic-compounding-market.htm Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1085206/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg MIAMI As a massive, historic winter storm swept across the U.S. on Monday, unloading dangerous snowfall, freezing rain and piercing wind chills, South Floridas scorching beaches served as a hot destination for hundreds of tourists and the usual crowd of locals who enjoyed the long holiday weekend by the water, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Wearing little to no masks and barely keeping the recommended 6-foot distancing, visitors lugging suitcases and bags that displayed hotel cards paraded around South Beach throughout the day, waiting for Uber or Lyft rides, and packing the restaurants near Ocean Drive and the stores on Lincoln Road. One tourist, Tony Johnson, 35, said he woke up Friday to 25-degree weather in Baltimore, and he and a few of his friends decided to snag round-trip airplane tickets for $140 from Southwest Airlines. They escaped from the snow that same day. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, said the nursing professional, who wore pants and a T-shirt as he sat on a concrete step away from the water. We rushed out. So much so that I forgot to pack a swimsuit. Thats why Im not at the beach right now. As Johnson soaked up the sun, an unprecedented winter storm gripped most of the country. It set record-breaking low temperatures in several areas, caused major traffic accidents on icy roads and left millions of Americans without power. But not in South Florida, where people remained mainly concerned about finding a good sport on the sand, or eating their popsicles and chugging their frozen drinks before these melted under the hot sun. Johnson said he and his friends are planning to stay in Miami until Wednesday while friends and family members back home freeze. They mad, he said with a chuckle. They jealous. Not all travel was impromptu, though. Maggie Messmann, 25, said she planned a getaway with her partner to South Florida a while ago because they hate the cold. They got to Miami Friday for their one-week trip. Beachgoers visit Miami Beach, Florida on Monday, February 15, 2021. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/TNS)TNS While on a bike ride Monday, they said they had already partied in the Wynwood arts district and wanted to sneak a visit to the Florida Keys before returning to minus-14-degree weather in Winona, Minnesota. Regarding the coronavirus, the stay-at-home mom said thats obviously a concern, but they were glad to be outside. Mara Sadloski, 40, said she also scheduled her trip to Miami well in advance, precisely because she wanted to take a break from the snowy conditions in Hartford, Connecticut. It turned out even better than expected. She arrived Friday and returned Monday night, but not without partly enjoying the day lying on the grass under a tree in South Beach. As she looked at the outdoor seating in the restaurants across the street, the health care worker said she was shocked to see the tables so close together and so few facial coverings. People always wear the masks up North, she said. Even outside. I think they help keep us warm there. Ramiro Delvalle, who has lived by the beach since he was about 2 years old, said the holiday crowds were smaller than he expected. Pedestrians make their way down Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida on Monday, February 15, 2021. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/TNS)TNS As the 58-year-old strolled down Ocean Drive Monday afternoon walking Twinkie, his 6-year-old Chihuahua-mix, he said he likes seeing the environment vibrant again after being shutdown for COVID-19. But he also worries about the virus transmission in the elbow-to-elbow crowds. Lately, its been getting out of hand, he said. Its unfortunate. Its very, very sad. Jimena Tavel of the Miami Herald wrote this story. 2021 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. COVID-19 vaccines arrived at a Tokyo hospital on Tuesday evening, a day ahead of a planned vaccine roll-out for medical staff.Japan formally approved its first COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday. Japan's health ministry said it had approved the vaccine co-developed and supplied by Pfizer Inc. The announcement comes after a government panel on Friday confirmed that final results of clinical testing done in Japan showed that the vaccine had an efficacy similar to that indicated by tests overseas.Under the current plan, about 20,000 front-line medical workers at hospitals in Japan will get their first shots beginning around Wednesday. About 3.7 million other medical workers will be next, followed by elderly people, who are expected to get their shots in April.By June, it's expected that all others will be eligible. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) The Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (banned in Russia) shelled Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone 35 times over the past 24 hours, Rear Adm. Vyacheslav Sytnik, deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said at a briefing. "Thirty-five shelling attacks from the positions of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group were registered in the Idlib de-escalation zone... in the provinces of Idlib (19 attacks), Latakia (12), Hama (2) and Aleppo (2)," Rear Adm. Sytnik said. He said the number of attacks according to the Syrian side's data totaled 28. Rear Adm. Sytnik said no shelling by illegal armed groups controlled by Turkey had been registered in the past day. He said Russian military police units continued to escort civilian vehicles on the M4 highway between the Raqqa and al-Hasakah provinces. (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.) Thabit Michael hails from Qaraqosh, Nineveh plain. He studied Fine Arts in Baghdad. His works, sacred and profane, can be found in various Iraqi provinces. Today he and his son are reconstructing the works destroyed by the Islamic State. For him, the pontiff is bringing a message of resistance and an invitation to stay. Qaraqosh (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis' visit to Iraq is a message of resistance, an invitation to remain in our land and homeland while continuing to bear witness to our Christian faith, said Thabit Michael speaking to AsiaNews. AsiaNews met the Christian sculptor through Fr Paul Thabit Mekko, head of the Christian community in Karamles, Nineveh Plain (northern Iraq). Author of several statues of the Virgin from Qaraqosh, including one for the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Aid in Baghdad, scene of an al-Qaeda massacre in 2010, Thabit Michael believes that the pontiffs presence will give courage and help us rebuild our existence. Born in 1963, he graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad. Currently, he lives in Qaraqosh, a city in the Nineveh Plain, that bears a name from Ottoman times, but which Christians still call by its Aramaic name of Bakhdida. During his long career, he has made dozens of statues, sacred and profane, now located in several provinces of Iraq. Some of them were destroyed by the iconoclastic madness of Islamic State (IS) group. I developed an artistic outlook as a child, when I stayed at my uncle's house in Mosul. He too is a sculptor, and I spent a lot of time admiring a big ancient door with engraved scenes of Nineveh. His uncle made a winged bull now found at the archaeological site of ancient Nineveh. Through him I got into the arts and this profession. The environment in which I grew up has proved fundamental for my life, my choice of profession, Thabit Michael explained. Most of my work is in the Nineveh Plain. Several statues were torn down by the jihadists, especially those in monasteries and churches. Recently, I have started to create others, to replace the broken ones, with my sons help. He wants to follow into my own footsteps, because he too works in the arts. Through our work, Michael said, we want to bear witness to the Christian presence. We are children of this land, of this culture, of this ancient heritage; we shall keep alive the memory of our ancestors who were among the first apostles and evangelisers of Christianity. The Islamic State destroyed a number of his works of arts, including the statue of Our Lady of the Tiger in Mosul, the one in the Chaldean Cathedral in the Old City in the western part of the city, and a monument in the Chaldean Bishop's House. Some of these have already been rebuilt, others are still waiting but are a living sign of a community that wants to be reborn after so much suffering. Despite jihadi violence, relations with Muslims remain good, especially in the cultural and artistic fields, where I am greatly respected and have many colleagues, not only in words but also in deeds. There is great respect for artistic work, even if others have a different attitude, which is harder to uproot. This is also true for Kurds. Although relations with the majority re cordial, some have hostile attitudes towards Christians. One man commissioned me to make a statue for a Chaldean monastery in Iraqi Kurdistan. Some of the Muslim Kurds in the area were against it and we had to place the statue inside the church. Michaels latest work is a statue dedicated to coming home after emigration. Our hope is that the Pope's arrival will empower us and give us the courage to stay and rebuild. From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. When Dr. Stanley Fineman started as an allergist, he told patients to start taking medications and prepare for pollen season in the middle of March. That was about 40 years ago. Today, he tells them to start around the middle of February. Since 1990, pollen season across the United States and Canada has been starting earlier, about 20 days earlier. And pollen loads, the amount of pollen released by plants, are 21 percent higher. The main reason for this, a new study found, is global warming. Other studies have shown North Americas allergy season getting longer and worse. But this one, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has the most complete information coming from 60 reporting stations. It is also the first study to make scientific connections between an earlier and more intense pollen season with human-caused climate change. The study says the warmer the Earth gets, the earlier spring starts for animals and plants, especially plants that release pollen. Additionally, trees and plants produce more pollen when they get carbon dioxide. Bill Anderegg is the lead writer of the study. He said, climate change is here and its in every breath we take. The University of Utah scientist told the Associated Press (AP), This is clearly warming temperatures and more carbon dioxide putting more pollen in the air. Scientists are not sure why trees are giving off the allergy-causing particles earlier than grasses. But Anderegg said just look at cherry blossoms opening earlier in Japan and Washington, D.C. as an example. Scientists involved in the study also considered that parks and cities were getting greener. They also compared what is happening now in our environment to computer models of an Earth without human-caused warming and rising carbon dioxide in the air. Since 1990, about half of the earlier pollen season was linked to climate change mostly from warmer temperatures. But plant-feeding carbon dioxide, Anderegg said, played a part. However, since the 2000s, he said, about 65 percent of early pollen seasons can be blamed on warming. And about 8 percent of the increased pollen load can be blamed on climate change. Chris Downs of St. Louis, Missouri does not need a study to show that he already has problems with breathing, headaches, and red itchy eyes. His allergies usually hit in March. But the last two years, they came in early February, along with blooms of trees and flowers. As a kid I never saw anything start blooming in February, Downs said, Now I see a handful of years like that. For Amir Sapkota, this is not just a matter of sneezing and watery eyes. There are more serious health concerns. The University of Maryland scientist said the pollen is a risk for other diseases including asthma. She told the AP, Asthma costs the U.S. economy an estimated $80 billion per year in terms of treatment and loss of productivity. So, a longer pollen season is a threat to both individuals suffering from allergies as well as the U.S. economy. There are other problems as well. Sapkota recently found a connection between earlier spring allergies and an increased risk in asthma hospitalizations. Another study, Anderegg said, found that students do worse on tests because of pollen levels. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some advice on how to protect yourself against pollen: Take your allergy and/or asthma medications as advised by your health care provider. Do not touch your eyes while you are outside. Wash after being outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair. Change your clothes after being outdoors. Keep windows closed during pollen season. And thats the Health & Lifestyle report. Im Anna Matteo. Seth Borenstein reported this story for the Associated Press. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Quiz - Global Warming Cause Earlier Pollen Season Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story allergy n. a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people allergist n. a specialist in allergy pollen n. the very fine usually yellow dust that is produced by a plant and that is carried to other plants of the same kind usually by wind or insects so that the plants can produce seeds carbon dioxide n. a gas that is produced when people and animals breathe out or when certain fuels are burned and that is used by plants for energy bloom n. the flowering state sneeze v. to suddenly force air out through your nose and mouth with a usually loud noise because your body is reacting to dust, a sickness, etc. asthma n. medical : a physical condition that makes it difficult for someone to breathe Patients taking part in a study of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine wait outside at the Ndlovu Care Group in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 202. 602 people from the community participating in the study. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) After testing thousands of people for coronavirus, South African nurse Asnath Masango says she can't wait to get vaccinated. "So many people, I test them and within days they have passed away," said Masango. "I want protection." C.J. Umunnakwe, a virologist running a lab that has performed more than 40,000 virus tests, says he "wholeheartedly believes in vaccinations. Vaccines save lives." He plans to talk to those who may be skeptical. Health care workers at the Ndlovu Care Group in rural northeastern South Africa are eagerly awaiting the first jabs of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which will be given out to medical staff starting this week. That's despite the fact that the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccineunlike the two-shot Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccineshas not been approved for general use anywhere in the world. No matter, say many South African health workers who are enthusiastic about getting the J&J jab, which comes amid a huge shift in the government's vaccination strategy. South Africa, with nearly 1.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 including more than 47,000 deaths, has had 41% of Africa's reported cases. Blood samples from people participating in a COVID-19 vaccine study are processed at the Ndlovu Care Group in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. the Ndlovu group is running a study of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with 602 people from the community participating. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Last week South Africa controversially decided to drop the AstraZeneca vaccinewhich had been already purchased, delivered and approved in the countryfrom the first phase in which 1.25 million health care workers will be vaccinated. The last-minute decision was made after a small test showed the AstraZeneca vaccine offered minimal protection against mild to moderate cases of the variant dominant in South Africa. Although preliminary and not peer-reviewed, the results raised serious questions about how effective the AstraZeneca vaccine would be specifically in South Africa, even though the vaccine has been approved in over 50 other countries around the world. Health officials decided to change to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which tests show is safe and effective against the variant here. A one-shot vaccine is also easier for many countries to implement. Nurse Asnath Masango, 56, waits for a patient at Ndlovu Care Group in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. The Ndlovu center is running a study of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine with 602 people from the community participating. Masango said she can't wait to get vaccinated. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) "The switch has emboldened the skeptics, who say the vaccines have problems," Umunnakwe said of those who alleged that big pharmaceutical firms are using Africans as guinea pigs. "I am telling people that the change shows that decisions are being made transparently, that it was driven by science," he said. "It is proof that we are putting the public as first priority." South Africa has purchased 9 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and 80,000 will be delivered this week to kick off the inoculation campaign, the president says. South Africa's regulatory body has approved the J&J shot for testing purposes. Until that vaccine receives full approval, it will be given as part of an "implemented study," officials say. At the Ndlovu Care Group, in the small town of Elandsdoorn in Limpopo province, 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of Johannesburg, medical workers have seen the devastation wrought by the virus up close. When COVID-19 hit, the center quickly ramped up its laboratory to do PCR tests. Dr. Rebone Maboa, right, meets with staff at Ndlovu Care Group in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. Maboa, who recently recovered from COVID-19, is running a study of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the center, with 602 people from the community participating. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) The protective gear that cloaks Masango cannot hide her empathy as she welcomes people who come for a COVID-19 test. "I'm so skilled at this, you won't even feel it!" she said to a visitor. Masango, 56, said she has tested more people than she can count. "What depresses me the most is when I must tell someone that they are positive," she said. "They are so frightened ... Grandparents die. Breadwinners die. How will their children get food?" The prospect of getting vaccinated excites her. "Yo!" she says, eyes widening. "I want that vaccine!" The Ndlovu Care Group has done more than 40,000 tests in the rural community, including workers at large mines and commercial farms. More than 20,000 of those tests were in January alone, when South Africa was hit by a dramatic resurgence of the disease, driven by the more contagious variant that is now dominant. CJ Umunnakw, a virologist, works in the lab at the Ndlovu Care Group in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. Ndlovu is running a study of the COVID-19 Johnson & Johnson vaccine with 602 people from the community participating. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) The Ndlovu laboratory can carry out the PCR virus tests and get the results within hours. In the January resurgence, it was averaging about 1,600 tests per day. "We were busy, very busy," said Umunnakwe, a 35-year-old virologist who came to the center to study HIV and is now studying coronavirus too. He is keenly watching the genomic sequencing in South Africa that identified the new variant. "By doing sequencing, we don't just see what is present in the virus today, we can detect what may happen in the future," said Umunnakwe, adding that he hoped Ndlovu will get the equipment to do sequencing, rare for a rural health center. Most South Africans are looking forward to getting vaccinated. An impressive 67% of adults said they would definitely or probably take a vaccine, according to a survey by the University of Johannesburg and the Human Sciences Research Council. A thermometer display reads minus 83 degrees Celsius on a medical storage fridge at the Ndlovu clinic's lab in Elandsdoorn , 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. The clinic is conducting a study of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine with 602 people from the community participating. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Puseletso Lesofe works on blood samples from people participating in a COVID-19 vaccine study at the Ndlovu Care Group in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. the Ndlovu group is running a study of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with 602 people from the community participating. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Asnath Masango, right, and Carol Ditshego, left, brief a patient before giving her a COVID-19 test at the Ndlovu clinic in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. The Ndlovu center is running a study of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine with 602 people from the community participating. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Patients walk through the hallways of the Ndlovu clinic in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. The Ndlovu center is running a study of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine with 602 people from the community participating. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Asnath Masango, gives a patient a COVID-19 test at the Ndlovu clinic in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. The Ndlovu center is running a study of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine with 602 people from the community participating. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Carol Ditshego waits for patients coming for a COVID-19 test at the Ndlovu clinic in Elandsdoorn, 200 kms north-east of Johannesburg Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. The Ndlovu center is running a study of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine with 602 people from the community participating. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Dr. Rebone Maboa, who is running a study of the J&J vaccine at the Ndlovu center, was excited to hear that it will be used in South Africa. "I'm actually ecstatic!" said Maboa. "I think it's actually a better vaccine for us here in South Africa, looking at our variant." The 42-year-old doctor said 602 people in the community are participating in the test and half were injected with the J&J vaccine in November. She also said her recent recovery from COVID-19 makes her a stronger advocate for getting vaccinated. "Lack of knowledge makes people much, much more anxious," said Maboa. "Those who get the vaccine will be role models, vaccine ambassadors who will encourage others." 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. CENTENNIAL, Colo., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (TSX:NB) (OTCQX:NIOBF) announces it has signed a funding agreement for US$10 million with Lind Global Asset Management III, LLC, an investment entity managed by The Lind Partners ("Lind"), a New York-based institutional fund manager. This funding is intended to advance NioCorp's Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project (the "Project") and, in particular, to enable the Company to purchase the surface land and associated mineral rights to more than 90% of the Project's Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve. The Company holds the remaining Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves as well as other surface rights with other Nebraska landholders. The funding provided to NioCorp by Lind will come in the form of a US$10 million convertible security (the "Funding") which will have a face value of US$11.7 million (the "Face Value"). NioCorp will receive net proceeds of US$9.65 million from the Funding. The Face Value of the convertible security will have a 24-month maturity date and can be paid in cash or be converted into common shares of the Company ("Shares") at a conversion price equal to 85% of the five-day volume weighted average price ("VWAP") immediately prior to each conversion. Shares issued under the Funding will not be freely tradable in Canada until after a 121-day lock-up period following deal close. The Funding agreement contains restrictions on how much may be converted in any particular month. NioCorp also has the option at any time to buy back the entire remaining balance of the Funding without an early repayment penalty. In connection with the funding, Lind will be issued a warrant to purchase up to 8,588,000 Shares at a price of C$0.97 per share for a period of 48 months. The Funding is backed by assets of the Company, including the land package that NioCorp intends to purchase with the funds. The Funding and the issuance of securities thereunder has been conditionally approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"). Closing is subject to final TSX approval and to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. @NioCorp $NB $NIOBF #ElkCreek #Niobium #Scandium #ElkCreek #Nebraska For More Information Contact Jim Sims, VP of External Affairs, NioCorp Developments Ltd., 720-639-4650, [email protected] About NioCorp NioCorp is developing a superalloy materials project in Southeast Nebraska that will produce Niobium, Scandium, and Titanium. Niobium is used to produce superalloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy ("HSLA") steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium is a superalloy material that can be combined with Aluminum to make alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium is also a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various superalloys and is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics and is also used for aerospace applications, armor and medical implants. About The Lind Partners The Lind Partners is an institutional fund manager and leading provider of growth capital to small- and mid-cap companies publicly traded in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. Lind makes direct investments ranging from US$1 to US$30 million (plus follow-ons), invests in syndicated equity offerings and selectively buys on market. Lind has completed more than 100 direct investments totaling over $1 Billion in value and has been a flexible and supportive capital partner to investee companies since 2011. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimers Certain statements contained in this document may constitute forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the expected closing of the financing, the receipt of proceeds therefrom and the intended use of proceeds for the purposes enabling the Company to purchase the surface land and associated mineral rights to more than 90% of the Project's Mineral Resource and Mineral. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause a change in such assumptions and the actual outcomes and estimates to be materially different from those estimated or anticipated future results, achievements or position expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause NioCorp's plans or prospects to change include risks related to the Company's ability to operate as a going concern; risks related to the Company's requirement of significant additional capital; changes in demand for and price of commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; changes in economic valuations of the Project, such as Net Present Value calculations, changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments; the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of NioCorp's projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining or development activities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; and the risks involved in the exploration, development and mining business and the risks set forth in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators at www.sedar.com and the SEC at www.sec.gov. NioCorp disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE NioCorp Developments Ltd. Related Links http://www.niocorp.com OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei's new company Nothing has acquired smartphone brand Essential that launched its only smartphone in 2017. The Essential brand, founded by Andy Rubin, co-founder of Android, was formally acquired by Carl Pei's Nothing in January, according to a report in 9to5Google. This comes as one of the biggest update yet, about Carl Pei's new venture, after the OnePlus co-founder departed from the BBK Electronics-owned brand late last year. There is a lot of speculation over the kind of products that will come from Pei's 'Nothing', with recent updates suggesting that the company will introduce an array of wireless earbuds with a wider focus on smart home technology and integration. The latest development comes from a 9to5Google report that cites filings at the UK Intellectual Property Office as showing that Rubin passed signed over the ownership of Essential to Carl Pei's Nothing formally on January 6, 2021. The application for the same was made as early as in November 2020. This deal means that all existing trademarks, logos, and the entire Essential brand are now the intellectual property of Nothing. It is unclear how this deal affects any of the patents currently held by Essential. The deal has led to speculations about Nothing venturing into the smartphone market. According to the 9to5Google report, Essential was itself working on its own Home smart hub and speaker that would run the "Ambient OS." The device was originally planned to launch in 2017 but never saw the light of the day. Nothing has said that it will launch its first smart devices in the first half of this year. When Debby Sue Barratt made her appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Camden County College in Blackwood, she had a few concerns. She didnt know if she was going to have to wait in line for hours, or if she could use the restroom, or if people would be too close to her, or if she would see someone experience an allergic reaction to the vaccine. But all of those concerns proved unfounded when she received the vaccine two weeks ago and was quickly and effortlessly whisked through the process by a series of healthcare workers. It was smooth, it was easy, it was organized, Barratt, 53, told NJ Advance Media. It really was a piece of cake so I was grateful. As New Jersey continues to dole out allotted vaccines across the state, many South Jersey officials are reporting seamless and efficient processes at county-run vaccination sites, with the only challenge involving a scarcity of vaccines. In Camden County, officials have administered 68,000 doses, according to the latest state data. Out of that total figure, more than 50,500 have been first doses and more than 17,400 have been second doses. Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli said the county hired 50 healthcare workers to staff the site in Blackwood, which is a partnership between the county, Cooper University Health Care and Jefferson Health - New Jersey. Although workers are administering 3,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine a week, Cappelli said the county has the capacity to distribute up to 2,000 doses per day, if given the supply. Our biggest obstacle is just not enough supply, he said. The process is seamless, Cappelli said. Residents arrive at the site, are escorted in by a security guard, and have their temperature taken. Registration is confirmed, a date for the second shot is provided, and the person receives the vaccination. The person is observed for 15 minutes following the shot to monitor any potential reactions, and theyre done, Cappelli said. Appointments are booked through August, but Cappelli encouraged eligible residents to schedule one, even if its far in advance. People are often moved up, since its a fluid situation dependent on the number of doses, he added. Camden County Public Health Nurse Margarita Camacho gives a vaccination at a vaccination site at Camden County College.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com In Atlantic County, a similar process is taking place, public health officer Patricia Diamond said. The countys mega vaccination site at the Atlantic City Convention Center opened on Jan. 22 with about 240 Pfizer doses a day, Diamond said. Now, more than 1,000 doses are being administered per day at the site. More than 36,800 doses have been administered in the county, according to state data. More than 28,000 of those have been first doses, while there have been more than 8,400 second doses. Appointments for second doses are scheduled when a person receives their first dose, Diamond said. There are 20 vaccination stations at the mega site, with healthcare professionals from AtlantiCare, medics from FEMA, and the countys medical reserve corp staffing the site. Maharshi Patel, who received his vaccine at the countys mega site on Jan. 23, said he was impressed with how the facility was managed. The entire process took roughly 20 minutes. It might look scary going into the site, but it was actually a lot easier, Patel, 30, said. The site also provided free parking, he added. Cumberland County has administered more than 17,000 vaccine doses, according to state data. More than 12,700 of those have been first doses while more than 4,200 have been second doses. Donald Fauerbach, executive director for the countys health department, said the county-run site has been going well and theyve received compliments about the sites safety and efficiency. The site is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the latter day reserved for second doses. Lack of vaccine doses is why the site is not open every day, Fauerbach said. The county and the city of Vineland which has its own health department each receive 500 doses per week. So between the two of us we get 1,000 (doses). And we administer them in one day, he said, referring to the county. We do 500 doses with eight or less nurses doing the injections in less than six hours. Gloucester County officials did not respond to a request for comment. However, in Salem County, a lack of vaccine doses is not an issue instead, its a lack of resources, according to June Sieber, the countys director of health and human services. Roughly 7,530 vaccine doses have been administered so far, according to state data. Of those doses, more than 5,900 have been first doses and more than 1,600 have been second doses. There are only two vaccine sites in the county and they are at their capacity, Sieber said. Nurses rotate in and out from the local community college, health department, and even the countys jail has offered their nursing staff to help administer doses. Its just (that) were at our capacity, she said. I would love to have a FEMA site or someone to come in. We just dont have the resources. Sieber said she keeps complaining to the state about the lack of resources, since other common locations for vaccinations ShopRite stores and CVS stores are non-existent in the county. But the countys health department has done what they can, Sieber said, to streamline the process for making an appointment. Many seniors reside in the county, some of whom dont have internet access or are unable to navigate the websites online. So the department partnered with the Office of Aging & Disabilities to open a call center, staffed with two volunteers during certain hours, and an email process for residents to directly schedule appointments. When contacted, the email address immediately replies with a SurveyMonkey link to fill out information to make a vaccine appointment, Sieber said. If no one answers the call center phone, a resident can leave a message and their call will be returned. Sieber estimates there are roughly 1,200 seniors on the waitlist, who are waiting to receive an appointment time and date. At some point were going to have to stop it and get caught up, Sieber said. I think the seniors feel good just knowing theyve gotten through to somebody and they are on a waitlist. The county also offers free transportation for seniors and disabled residents to the vaccine site that runs all the time, Sieber said. We will get through it. It would be nice if we could have a little help, she said. I dont think people really realize. (Salem County) is small but sometimes thats even a bigger challenge. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Elkem has signed an agreement to acquire a new plant near Lyon in France, which is custom-designed for producing specialized organo-functional silicones (OFS). Related: Elkem Silicones Puresil ORG 01 Wins Innovation Award As production is expected by the end of the year, the acquisition supports Elkems strategy of growth and specialization for silicones. Organo-functional silicones combine the performance of silicones with the functionality, compatibility and potential reactivity of organic materials. According to the company, the advanced processing produces OFS products with specialized properties. The OFS plant is located near Elkem Silicones existing activities south of Lyon, including both the upstream plant in Roussillon as well as the production site and R&D center in Saint-Fons. This acquisition reinforces Elkems solid footprint in France," said Bertrand Mollet, EMEA region director of Elkem Silicones. "The new production capacity is in line with our commitment to support our development in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region." With this acquisition, Elkem continues to deliver on our growth and specialization strategy, said Michael Koenig, CEO of Elkem. This new plant will enable us to more quickly extend our offerings within advanced high value products for attractive specialty markets, further strengthening our position in fully integrated silicone manufacturing. Elkem already has a broad global offering of advanced silicone solutions, ranging from commodities to specialties, added Frederic Jacquin, SVP of Elkem Silicones. We have recently complemented our portfolio of specialties with the acquisitions of Polysil and Basel Chemie. The acquisition of this new OFS plant provides the technology and capacity to further accelerate our growth, particularly within release coatings, personal care and other specialty markets. It is a good example of how we position for the future, in a complex market environment. Previously: Elkem Silicones Sensory Enhancing Brand, Puresil Kochi, Feb 16 : With just a few days left for the OTT release of 'Drishyam 2', one of the most awaited film of superstar Mohanlal, the Kerala Film Chamber has expressed their ire over the move as this could well prove disastrous for the film theatre owners. Chamber President Vijayakumar told the media that there is a moral responsibility for actors towards theatres. "It's the movie theatres which elevated all of them to their present level and hence it's not just Mohanlal alone, all the stars have a moral responsibility as all of them gained everything from movie theatres," said Vijayakumar. Drishyam-2 is the sequel to the crime thriller Drishyam which was released in 2013 and turned out to be one of the all time grosser in the industry. Mohanlal has himself in his twitter handle has said it would be released on February 19 on Amazon Prime. Vijayakumar added that they are not against any one particular 'actor' but speaking for the movie theatres, as that in itself an industry which is losing ground due to various reasons and all those attached to these movie theatres is facing tough times. "This film was registered as a theatre release," reminded Vijayakumar. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Gaza City: A Hamas-run Islamic court in the Gaza Strip has ruled that women require the permission of a male guardian to travel, further restricting movement in and out of the territory that has been blockaded by Israel and Egypt since the militant group seized power. The rollback in womens rights could spark a backlash in Gaza at a time when the Palestinians plan to hold elections later this year. It could also solidify Hamas support among its conservative base at a time when it faces criticism over living conditions in the territory it has ruled since 2007. A court in Gaza has ruled women need authorisation from a guardian to travel. Credit:Bloomberg The decision by the Sharia Judicial Council, issued on Sunday, says an unmarried woman may not travel without the permission of her guardian, which would usually refer to her father or another older male relative. Permission would need to be registered at the court, but the man would not be required to accompany the woman on the trip. The language of the ruling strongly implied that a married woman would not be able to travel without her husbands approval. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. COLUMBIA After watching more liberal states shut down or limit religious gatherings in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a group of conservative state lawmakers is seeking to ensure that South Carolina will never be able to to take similar action if another pandemic arises in the future. A new bill would add to South Carolina's already existing Religious Freedom Act by formally classifying religious services as essential during states of emergency, saying they are "considered necessary and vital to the health and welfare of the public." That means churches or other houses of worship could not face more stringent restrictions than any other services considered essential. The effort is an attempt to prevent South Carolina from following in the footsteps of states like California and New York, which sought to ban religious gatherings in an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19. But that issue never arose in South Carolina. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster steadfastly refused to restrict religious services, saying he could not trample on their First Amendment rights. State Rep. Richie Yow, the lead sponsor of the bill that has 25 GOP co-sponsors, told a House subcommittee on Feb. 16 that South Carolina's decision to let churches stay open through this pandemic does not mean it could attempt a different approach in the future. Yow, R-Chesterfield, said he had been questioned whether South Carolina had ever shut down churches. "I said, 'No, but we're not guaranteed the answer for tomorrow,' " he said. The subcommittee voted 4-0 in favor of the bill, H.3105, sending it to the full committee for the next step. Already two dozen other House members, mostly Republicans from the Upstate, have signed on as co-sponsors. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! South Carolina was among 15 states that never impeded religious gatherings. According to the Pew Research Center, 10 states banned services completely due to COVID-19. Other states, including North Carolina, limited gatherings to 10 people or fewer. While the U.S. Supreme Court initially rejected a California church's attempt to overturn that state's restrictions on in-person religious services, it later ruled against the restrictions in that state and several others. State Rep. Jason Elliott, R-Greenville, said he does not foresee church closures becoming an issue in South Carolina. "But if you were in one of those (other) states at different times, you might not have foreseen that your religious rights would be violated in those states," Elliott said. "So I appreciate this and I plan to support it." Five members of the public, including multiple pastors around South Carolina, testified in favor of the bill; none spoke against it. State Rep. Spencer Wetmore, D-Charleston, asked some speakers at the hearing why the bill is necessary, pointing to the Supreme Court's recent rulings on the issue. "Despite the fact that there are protections for the exercise of religion, the unfortunate fact remains that laws are occasionally passed that do violate those rights, and this is necessary to ensure that the state will not take those measures," responded Greg Chaufen, legal counsel at the Alliance for Defending Freedom. Wetmore ended up voting in favor of the bill. South Korea's chief nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, spoke by phone with his Japanese counterpart on Monday to discuss cooperation for complete denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, the foreign ministry said. The talks between Noh and Takehiro Funakoshi, director-general for Asian and Oceanian affairs at Tokyo's foreign ministry, came as Washington stresses the importance of trilateral cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo in addressing regional challenges, including the North Korean nuclear issue. "The two sides exchanged views on ways for cooperation between South Korea and Japan, and among the South, the U.S. and Japan, to achieve progress in efforts for complete denuclearization and the establishment of enduring peace on the peninsula," the ministry said in a press release. "The two sides agreed to continue close communication and cooperation regarding North Korea's nuclear and other issues going forward," it added. Seoul has recently been seen as trying to mend relations with Tokyo strained over wartime history and trade, amid expectations that the Tokyo Olympics, slated for this year, could create room for diplomatic reengagement with Pyongyang. (Yonhap) And yet, while there are many more Native American comics today, including the members of the sketch troupe 1491 that Nesteroff chronicles in his book, mainstream opportunities remain scarce. When we hear diversity in Hollywood, Native Americans are seldom included under that umbrella, Nesteroff said. That needs to change. His book provides context for an argument about the importance of representation, detailing an exhaustive history of the racism suffered by Indigenous people in popular culture, tracking stereotypes of the stoic, humorless Native American from pulp fiction and animation (which was particularly egregious) to I Love Lucy and Dances With Wolves. Nesteroff begins his book describing growing up in Western Canada, where images of Indigenous artists, he says, are more common than in the United States. For years he worked as a stand-up comic, and confesses he still misses performing. He got sidetracked after his online posts about showbiz history drew attention. An appearance on Marc Marons podcast in 2013 led to his first book deal. Back then, he balked at being called a historian. Thats what a boring person does, Nesteroff said, summarizing his previous prejudice rooted in a checkered academic career. (He was expelled from high school for roasting teachers in a speech for school president.) But he has since embraced the term, even saying its his role to educate people, and he has done so as a talking head on CNN and Vice. Nesteroff still has the instincts of a comic. I always go for the best story because I am still at heart an entertainer, he said. My biggest fear is being boring. Thats evident from our conversation, which he packs with detail-rich stories and occasional impressions. When asked about his Hollywood neighborhood, he said he didnt want to reveal it because of internet fascists, but immediately started explaining its showbiz history, including a building nearby where an actor from one of the cult director Ed Woods movies committed suicide. People say L.A. doesnt honor its history, but its not true when it comes to residential buildings, he said. Its a status symbol to live in Greta Garbos old house. The house from What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? was just put on the market. A Stormont minister has denied she is in a stand-off with the GAA over the soaring costs of redeveloping Casement Park. Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said she is awaiting completion of the full business case for the project before intensifying negotiations with the GAA on how the bills will be paid. Years of delay and dispute over the major infrastructure project in west Belfast have seen the estimated cost soar from an initial 77 million to 112 million, and Stormont officials have conceded the final bill will be larger still. Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey (Rebecca Black/PA) While Stormont is funding most of the project, the GAA originally committed to contributing 15 million of the initial 77 million estimate. Ms Hargey has made clear that the association will have to increase that commitment to reflect the increased construction costs. An agreement has not yet been reached on the issue, and talks are continuing at a time when the GAA is dealing with the impact of millions of pounds of lost revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During Assembly question time on Tuesday, Ulster Unionist MLA Alan Chambers put it to the minister that a stand-off has developed over the funding model. Will those funding difficulties in any way put this project in danger? he asked. Ms Hargey insisted there is no dispute over funds. I dont see a stand-off in terms of at the moment, she said. There has been good discussions and engagements with the GAA in terms of the development. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon recommended the project for planning approval last October. Ms Hargey said she expects final planning approval to be issued within weeks, and at that point discussions around costings will be ramped up. Were awaiting the outcome of the planning, we need the green (planning) certificate in order to progress with the full business case being finalised, Ms Hargey told the Assembly. In terms of that then obviously there has to be a discussion and negotiations around the cost. Casement Park currently lies derelict (Liam McBurney/PA) She said her department has already been on record stating that GAA needs to increase its contribution. All that will be finalised in the full business case once the planning certificate has been given and then those negotiations will step up at a greater pace over the coming months, once we have that certificate in place which Im hopeful to be in the coming weeks, she said. The GAAs efforts to develop the old Casement Park stadium have been mired in controversy, with initial planning approval for a 38,000-capacity venue quashed by the High Court in 2014 following a challenge by nearby residents. The revised redevelopment plan envisages a 34,000-plus venue. Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/16/2021 -- According to a new market research report "Sensitive Data Discovery Market by Component, Organization Size, Deployment Mode, Application (Security and Risk Management, Compliance Management, Asset Management), Vertical (BFSI, Healthcare and Life Sciences), and Region - Global Forecast to 2026" published by MarketsandMarkets, the sensitive data discovery market size to grow from USD 5.1 billion in 2020 to USD 12.4 billion by 2026, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.1% during the forecast period. Various factors such as the growing need to discover sensitive structured and unstructured data, increasing investments in data privacy with evolving regulations, and rise in remote workers and real-time data access are expected to drive the adoption of the sensitive data discovery solutions and services. Browse in-depth TOC on "Sensitive Data Discovery Market" 185-Tables 66- Figures 295- Pages Make an Inquiry @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=191231584 Businesses providing sensitive data discovery solutions and services are expected to witness a minor decline in their growth for a short span of time. However, the focus on vaccine development, adoption work from home initiatives, and eHealth are leading to explosion of structured and unstructured data, which needs to be discovered and managed efficiently to derive insights. The market would witness a minimal slowdown in 2020, followed by positive growth during the forecast period. The global spread of COVID-19 has led to numerous privacy, data protection, security, and compliance questions. These challenges are driving the need for companies and organizations to ensure their sensitive data discovery solutions not only secure but also support data analysis for strategic business decisions. The cloud segment to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period The sensitive data discovery market by deployment mode has been segmented into on-premises and cloud. Cloud is further segmented by type in a public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud. The cloud segment is expected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period. The high CAGR of the cloud segment can be attributed to the availability of easy deployment options and minimal requirements of capital and time. These factors are supporting the current lockdown scenario of COVID-19 as social distancing, and lack of workforce hit the industry and are expected to drive the adoption of cloud-based sensitive data discovery solutions. Highly secure data encryption and complete data visibility and control feature are responsible for the higher adoption of on-premises-based sensitive data discovery solutions. The services segment to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period The sensitive data discovery market is segmented on the basis of components into solutions and services. Services are further segmented into professional and managed services. Professional services include consulting, deployment and integration, and support and maintenance services. The demand for professional services is expected to rise due to a rise in tailored demand for customers. Customers are coming up with customization requirements in the already installed sensitive data discovery solutions to enhance the overall performance. Speak to Research Expert @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=191231584 Among verticals, the healthcare and life sciences segment to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period The sensitive data discovery market is segmented on verticals into BFSI, government, healthcare, and life sciences, retail, manufacturing, telecommunications and IT, and other verticals (education, and travel and hospitality). The BFSI vertical is expected to account for the largest market size during the forecast period. Moreover, the healthcare and life sciences vertical is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare researchers and hospitals are dealing with enormous data, which has created a massive need for efficient sensitive data discovery and management. Sensitive data discovery solutions enable healthcare researchers to identify data sets that were traditionally impossible to handle. North America to hold the largest market size during the forecast period North America is the largest revenue contributor to the global sensitive data discovery market. The region is witnessing significant developments in the sensitive data discovery market. Many sensitive data discovery solution providers are adopting various growth strategies to strengthen their positions in the market. The US government has provided support by promoting an ideal environment for research and innovation, leading to advancements in various fields of science and technology. APAC has witnessed the advanced and dynamic adoption of new technologies and is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growing awareness for data security and privacy among organizations in key countries, such as China, India, and Japan, is expected to fuel the adoption of sensitive data discovery solutions and services. The commercialization of the AI and ML technology, giving rise to increased data generation, and the need for further advancements to leverage its benefits to the maximum are expected to drive the adoption of sensitive data discovery solutions in the region. Request Sample Pages @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=191231584 Major vendors in the global sensitive data discovery market include IBM (US), Microsoft (US), Oracle (US), AWS (US), Proofpoint (US), Google (US), SolarWinds (US), Micro Focus (UK), PKWARE (US), Thales (France), Spirion (US), Egnyte (US), Netwrix (US), Varonis (US), Digital Guardian (US), Solix (US), Immuta (US), MENTIS (US), Ground Labs (US), Hitachi (Japan), Nightfall (US), Securiti (US), DataGrail (US), Dathena (Singapore), BigID (US), DataSunrise (US), and 1touch.io (US). About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, and strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: 1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com MnM Blog: https://mnmblog.org Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/sensitive-data-discovery.asp AstraZeneca's vaccine put on hold for elderly South Korea will launch its COVID-19 vaccination program Feb. 26. Under this program, 272,000 patients and people working at geriatric hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other high-risk facilities will get the first batch of AstraZeneca's vaccine in February and March. However, the health authorities have decided not to vaccinate people aged 65 or older, citing a lack of data on the efficacy of the vaccine developed by the British-Swedish drugmaker and Oxford University. The decision is a step in the right direction to ensure the vaccine's safety and efficacy for the elderly. It is inevitable for the authorities to put the inoculation of senior citizens on hold, considering the controversy over the vaccine's efficacy flaring up around the world. Germany, France and other European countries have decided not to inoculate people over 65, although the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had already approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for all age groups above 18. The vaccine appears to have no problems as it was found to be around 60 percent effective in clinical trials. But the problem is that there were insufficient data to show its efficacy for the elderly. For this reason, it is necessary to delay vaccinations for those aged 65 or older. No one can overemphasize the importance of the safety and efficacy of vaccines however urgent it is to check the spread of the coronavirus. Inoculation of the elderly will be delayed until AstraZeneca submits further data, including the results of Phase 3 clinical trials, possibly in late March. This could also cause a delay in the government's plan to have 70 percent of the population vaccinated by September to build herd immunity here by November. The authorities had initially planned to administer vaccine shots to 760,000 healthcare workers and the elderly in the first quarter of the year. But about 500,000 elderly people are now excluded from inoculation due to the efficacy issue. If AstraZeneca fails to present further data by March or cannot show the vaccine's efficacy in senior citizens, the country could suffer a further setback to its vaccination timetable. To better cope with such a problem, the government should make all-out efforts to better protect the elderly from COVID-19 and treat them when they come down with the virus. Most of all, policymakers must do everything they can to keep public confidence in the vaccine program. Axios At least two were killed, and 20 to 25 others injured, when three people got out of an SUV carrying assault rifles and handguns and started "shooting indiscriminately into the crowd" outside a concert in Miami early Sunday, according to a police statement and the Miami Herald. Why it matters: It's the second shooting during Memorial Day Weekend in Miami this year seven people were shot, with one of them dying, in the city on Friday night. The killings come as the country has experienced a spate of mass gun violence during 2021. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Details: Investigators with the police's homicide bureau are looking for the perpetrators in the Sunday morning shooting. Police say they got back into the SUV a white Nissan Pathfinder and fled the scene. Eight of the victims were transferred to hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. Twelve other victims "were self transported" to hospitals in the area, per the statement. One of the victims was in critical condition.What he's saying: This type of gun violence has to stop, said Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, per the Herald. Every weekend it is the same thing. This is targeted, this is definitely not random.I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence, where over 20 victims were shot and 2 have sadly died. These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice. My deepest condolences to the family of the victims. Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) May 30, 2021 Editor's note: This post is being updated as further details are revealed.More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The on Tuesday defended the arrest of activist Disha Ravi in the toolkit case, asserting it has acted in accordance with the law, even as another suspect Shantanu Muluk was granted a 10-day pre-arrest bail by the Bombay High Court. Intensifying its probe, the police have sought details from video conferencing platform about a January 11 meeting by a pro-Khalistan group on the controversial toolkit backing the farmers' stir that has been cited by critics as "proof" of a conspiracy to fuel protests in India. Ravi, who was on Sunday sent to a five-day police custody after being arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly creating the toolkit, was allowed by a Delhi court on Tuesday to speak with her family members over the phone for 15 minutes a day and meet her lawyer for 30 minutes a day. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Pankaj Sharma also asked the to hand over to 21-year-old Ravi a copy of the FIR and other documents related to her arrest and permitted her access to warm clothes, masks, books, etc. While several opposition parties and activists have questioned the manner in which Ravi was arrested and brought to the capital, the Delhi Commission for Women on Tuesday sent a notice to the city police seeking a report by Friday on issues like why she was allegedly not produced before a court for transit remand and not provided a lawyer of her choice. However, Police Commissioner S N Shrivastava denied any lapse. "Disha Ravi's arrest has been made in accordance with the law which doesn't differentiate between a 22-year-old or a 50-year-old," he told reporters at an event while dismissing criticism of the police action against Ravi. According to the police, Ravi, along with Mumbai lawyer Nikita Jacob and Pune engineer Shantanu Muluk, created the "toolkit" related to the farmers' agitation against agri laws that was posted on Twitter by climate activist Greta Thunberg. It alleged that they shared it with others to "tarnish" India's image and collaborated with pro-Khalistan elements. Muluk, a resident of Beed in central Maharashtra, and Jacob had on Monday approached the high court separately seeking transit anticipatory bail after a Delhi court issued non-bailable warrants against them. Justice Vibha Kankanwadi of the Aurangabad bench of the Mumbai High Court on Tuesday granted Muluk ten days' transit anticipatory bail to enable him to apply for protection before an appropriate court in Delhi. An order on Jacob's plea would be passed on Wednesday, Justice P D Naik of the high court's principal bench in Mumbai said after the hearing. The case has been lodged under IPC sections 124(a) (sedition), 153 (a) (promoting enmity among different groups) and 120 (b) criminal conspiracy. Police alleged that Jacob and Muluk were among the around 70 people who had attended the meeting on preparing the toolkit organised by pro-Khalistan group Poetic Justice Foundation through the app, days before the Republic Day violence in the capital that left more than 500 police personnel injured and one protester dead. "The has written to video conferencing app seeking details of participants who attended the meeting on January 11," an official said. Sources said police are also likely to approach WhatsApp seeking details of the 'International Farmers' Strike' group created in December last year. "We are also trying to probe the funding module in the toolkit case," a source said. The police had claimed that Ravi sent the "toolkit" to teen climate activist Greta Thunberg through the Telegram app and also "coaxed her to act on it". Officials said that police have so far not received a reply from Google on the document being investigated. The Joint Commissioner of Police (Cyber), Prem Nath, had alleged that the e-mail account created by Muluk is the owner of this Google document. "Pro-Khalistani group Poetic Justice Foundation (PJF) founder Mo Dhaliwal had contacted them (Jacob and Muluk) through a Canada-based woman named Punit," Nath had said. "Nikita and Shantanu (Muluk) had on January 11 attended a Zoom meeting organised by PFJ in which modalities were decided to create the 'toolkit' titled 'Global Farmer Strike' and 'Global Day of Action, 26 January'," Nath had said. Police sources claimed that Muluk was in the capital between January 20 and 27, but did not elaborate. In the Mumbai High Court, Advocate Hiten Venegavkar, appearing for the Delhi police's cyber cell, assured the Mumbai bench that "no prudent officer" would arrest a person when his or her application is pending in court. Senior counsel Mihir Desai, appearing for Jacob, argued that the alleged toolkit was prepared by a number of people and "only spoke of support to the protesting farmers". "It does not talk about any violence or about the January 26 incident at the Red Fort (when a tractor rally by protesters led to violence)," Desai argued. Serious charges of sedition have been invoked against a person like Jacob who is only a young environmental enthusiast, the lawyer said. Advocate Venegavkar, however, claimed that the toolkit was created and authored by Disha Ravi and Jacob along with many others who are part of the Khalistan movement. Jacob, instead of cooperating with the investigation, absconded from her residence, he alleged. "A team of Delhi police went to Jacob's house on February 11 with a search warrant. She was questioned and her statement was recorded at her residence itself instead of taking her to the local police station," Venegavkar said. "The police team left her house on February 11 since it was after sunset and told her that they would return the next day for further investigation. Since then, Jacob is absconding," he said. To this, Justice Naik said she must have apprehended arrest. Desai said Jacob had indeed left the house as she feared arrest, adding that if granted bail, she would cooperate with the probe agency. Justice Naik, before reserving order, said he would not go into the merits of the case but only consider whether a case was made for the grant of transit anticipatory bail. Jacob and Muluk in their pleas alleged they were targets of political vendetta. Thunberg had shared the 'toolkit' to lend her support to the farmers' agitation against the three agri reform laws. In the document, various urgent actions, including creating a Twitter storm and protesting outside Indian embassies, were listed to garner support for the farmers' protest. In Bengaluru, activists of the National Students' Union of India, the student wing of the Congress, staged a demonstration against Ravi's arrest. The Left-wing All India Students' Association (AISA), which had protested in Bengaluru a day earlier, held a demonstration at the Delhi Police headquarters. Ravi's arrest has triggered a war of words between the opposition and the ruling BJP. Accusing the government of "murdering democracy", the opposition on Monday said the voice of India cannot be silenced even as the BJP defended the action, saying a crime is a crime no matter at what age. Haryana Home Minister and BJP leader Anil Vij, whose tweet on the issue had sparked a row, said he was not afraid of police complaints being filed against him over the matter and claimed that even Twitter had not found anything wrong in his post. (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.) Medical staff in HCMC take samples of residents in infected areas for coronavirus testing, February 10, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Le Cam. Ho Chi Minh City has begun randomly Covid-19 testing arrivals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport from Hanoi, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDC) has been randomly screening 200 passengers arriving from Hanois Noi Bai International Airport, Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh Province and Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong City every day. The move came as part of the citys expansion strategy to early detect community transmissions and prevent further coronavirus outbreaks after a series of staff at Tan Son Nhat, the countrys largest airport, were diagnosed with Covid-19. Between February 11-14, medical staff in HCMC had worked non-stop to Covid-19 test thousands of people living in high-risk areas like motels, employment premises, bus stations and markets. As of Tuesday morning, the southern metropolis had recorded 36 Covid-19 cases. Hanoi has recorded 34 cases since the new wave emerged late last month, Quang Ninh Province 59 and Hai Phong one. All three localities are close to the epicenter Hai Duong Province, which has recorded 501 cases. It has been confirmed the U.K. variant is responsible for the latest outbreak in northern Vietnam while another from Rwanda caused HCMCs cluster, stemming from Tan Son Nhat Airport. Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long told a government meeting Tuesday the outbreak at the airport is "basically under control." Vietnam has recorded as many as 679 locally transmitted Covid-19 cases since community transmissions reemerged in the nation on January 28 after 55 clean days in a row. By MARIA CHENG, AP Medical Writer TORONTO (AP) The World Health Organization has granted an emergency authorization to AstraZenecas coronavirus vaccine, a move that should allow the U.N. agencys partners to ship millions of doses to countries worldwide as part of a U.N.-backed program to tame the pandemic. In a statement Monday, the WHO said it was clearing the AstraZeneca vaccines made by the Serum Institute of India and South Koreas AstraZeneca-SKBio. The WHOs green light for the AstraZeneca vaccine is only the second one the U.N. health agency has issued after authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December. Mondays announcement should trigger the delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to countries that have signed up for the U.N.-backed COVAX effort, which aims to deliver vaccines to the worlds most vulnerable people. Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk, said Dr Mariangela Simao, the WHOs Assistant-Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. The coronavirus pandemic has infected about 109 million people worldwide and killed at least 2.4 million of them. But many of the worlds countries have not yet started vaccination programs and even rich nations are facing shortages of vaccine doses as manufacturers struggle to ramp up production. The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been authorized in more than 50 countries, including Britain, India, Argentina and Mexico. It is cheaper and easier to handle than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which needs deep cold storage that is not widespread in many developing nations. Both vaccines require two shots per person, given weeks apart. Last week, WHO vaccine experts recommended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people over age 18, including in countries that have detected variants of COVID-19. But that was contrary to the recommendation from the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said countries that had identified a virus variant first seen in South Africa should be cautious in their use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, suggesting that other shots be prioritized instead. The AstraZeneca vaccine forms the bulk of COVAXs current stockpile and concerns were recently raised after an early study suggested it might not prevent mild and moderate disease caused by the variant first seen South Africa. Last week, South Africa scaled back its planned rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, opting instead to use an unlicensed shot from Johnson & Johnson for its health care workers. COVAX has already missed its own goal of beginning coronavirus vaccinations in poor countries at the same time that shots were rolled out in rich countries. Numerous developing countries have rushed in recent weeks to sign their own private deals to buy vaccines, unwilling to wait for COVAX. WHO and its partners, including the vaccines alliance GAVI, have not said which countries will receive the first doses from COVAX. But an initial plan showed a handful of rich countries that have signed multiple private vaccine deals, including Canada, South Korea and New Zealand, are also scheduled to receive early doses from COVAX. Some public health experts called that very problematic and attributed it to COVAXs flawed design, which allowed donor countries to double dip by purchasing vaccines from the program while also signing their own commercial deals. Canada has ordered enough doses to supply their population about five times over and now theyre looking to accept their share of doses from COVAX, which would otherwise be given to poor nations, said Anna Marriott, health policy lead for Oxfam International. WHO chief scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has said rich countries that have signed up to receive vaccines from COVAX wont have their requests denied. The COVAX facility is not going to penalize countries, she said in early February. After pledging more than $400 million to COVAX last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was always his countrys intention to get vaccines through COVAX. Marriott said rich countries planning to take doses from COVAX should reconsider their intentions, given their earlier calls of support for the efforts goal of equal access to vaccines for all the worlds nations, rich or poor. It seems quite hypocritical, she said. Rich countries with their own supplies should make the right call and not take vaccines from countries who are really in a dire situation. ___ This story corrects that doses will be shipped by the WHOs partners, not AstraZenecas partners. ___ Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak READ MORE: Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2021) - GOLO Mobile Inc., doing business as Usewalter (TSXV: WLTR) ("Usewalter" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce an integration arrangement with Hopem, a leading accounting software developer for the property management industry. This arrangement gives Usewalter access to over 400,000 new doors across Canada by leveraging apps that currently utilize Hopem's software. As a connected solution, Usewalter can integrate its innovative SaaS-based smart building technology with the Hopem back-end platform, benefitting property owners that are striving to add value for existing tenants while attracting new potential renters with creative and convenient technology solutions. This arrangement will support the ongoing capture of synergies between the two platforms, and is expected to expose the usewalter app to a new segment of property owners. Usewalter's solution can connect to, and sync with, various back-end infrastructure platforms while offering a seamless front-end user interface through its usewalter property management app. With the app, residents are able to accomplish a variety of tasks, including connecting directly with landlords, managing parcel and food deliveries, ordering in-home services or reserving in-building smart lockers where applicable. This front and back-end integration combines to create a high value-add and ultra-convenient experience for both residents and property owners. "As Usewalter continues to grow our client base and enhance our service offerings, we are very excited about working with a leading software firm like Hopem," said Peter Mazoff, CEO of Usewalter. "Integrating our usewalter app with Hopem's cutting-edge back-end platform expands the capabilities of both, allowing us to tap into a new market vertical for us, property owners of rental properties in the Montreal area. These owners are looking for an all-encompassing solution that can be rolled-out in a single deployment to all residents of a particular building and which provides 'the one app no one can live without." Hopem's broad-reaching market focus goes beyond just residential and commercial real estate properties to include retirement homes, as well as industrial, school and municipal asset management segments. These areas offer future potential expansion opportunities for Usewalter both through the Hopem arrangement but also as potential models that can be pursued in other jurisdictions as Usewalter's rate of usage and adoption continues to increase. About Hopem For over 30 years, Hopem has served property management organizations of all sizes through continued development and improvement of its real estate software. Hopem occupies an important place in the property management industry by servicing needs across the spectrum, including condominiums, income properties, retirement homes and commercial buildings. Hopem is a subsidiary of Harris Computer Systems, who provide versatile and turnkey solutions at all levels of local government, water and electricity utilities as well as schools across North America. About Usewalter Usewalter, Inc. (TSXV: WLTR) is a smart building technology SaaS solution for property managers and residents in high-density urban environments, delivered through its usewalter app. Designed as 'the one app no one can live without', usewalter enables efficient and cost-effective management of a building across the key areas of communication, commerce and delivery and IoT management within multi-residential and commercial properties. Usewalter is positioned to leverage its first-mover advantage to access new Canadian and U.S. markets, secure additional partners and further build revenue momentum. The Company currently has no debt and significant insider ownership with affiliates of Blackstone Group L.P. and the funds comprising CVC Capital Partners VI. Learn more at www.usewalter.com. For Further Information: Peter Mazoff, Chief Executive Officer (514) 670-1228 ir@usewalter.com or Cindy Gray, Investor Relations (403) 231-4372 info@5qir.com Forward Looking Information When used in this news release, the words "will", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements and information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements and information in this news release include, without limitation: the Company's ability to execute its aggressive growth strategy to rapidly increase doors, expand geographically and enhance revenue; success being recognized as the app that no one can live without to manage their home and workplace; and growth of the multi-residential real estate sector. With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the Company's ability to achieve, sustain or increase profitability, and fund its operations with existing capital and/or raise additional capital to fund operations; expenditures by the Company, merchants and customers in the Company's network; continuing demand for the Company's services and the pricing of such services; the ability of the Company to market its services successfully to existing and new merchants and customers; the economy generally; competition in the mobile delivery, smart building technology and multi-residential real estate industries; stability of the general regulatory environment in which the Company operates; and the absence of significant disruptions to the Company's operations such as may result from harsh weather, natural disaster, accident or other calamitous event. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations and financing may not be available when needed or on terms and conditions acceptable to the Company; there is no certainty that the Company will be able to realize the expected benefits or synergies of the Company's rebrand; and the other risk factors that are set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Information Circular dated July 23, 2020, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company cautions that the foregoing lists of assumptions and risks are not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing assumptions and risks and other uncertainties and potential events. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required pursuant to applicable laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) is responsible for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74293 The on Tuesday accused the government of "manufacturing controversies" and using emotions to divide people so that they do not raise issues of misgovernance and economic mismanagement. The party said the government did not want people to raise the problems faced by them due to misgovernance, including the high fuel prices, and demanded that it remove the "tax" imposed on petroleum products to provide relief to the common man. leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the government over high fuel prices and alleged that it was "looting people". "The Modi government is determined to loot people, just to ensure development of "two"," he said using the hashtag "FuelLoot". spokesperson Pawan Khera said at a press conference that since 2014, the ecosystem has always tried to keep people emotionally occupied. "Their strategy is predictable. Generate these emotions and create villains. They will keep invoking villains against whom our collective emotions can be directed. "They do this to keep us blinded by overwhelming emotions. They do not want us to see the impact of their bad governance on our lives and livelihoods," he said. They raise new issues and manufacture controversies to evoke emotions, Khera said. The Congress leader said the does not want people to be outraged about unemployment, collapse of MSMEs, failure of foreign policy, border mismanagement, farm crisis, women's safety and the dismantling of India brick by brick by them. He said the government does not want people to be outraged by the suffering of farmers, unemployed youth and the middle class due to their 'anti-people policies'. "They choose to use emotions to divide us. But the emotion of suffering is one emotion that unites every single Indian. We stand one in our suffering. Every single household is facing economic hardships of one kind or another," he said. "India refuses to get busy in manufactured controversies, fake outrage and state-sponsored distractions. India demands responsible governance. India deserves a government which works and thinks for every single Indian, not just a government of 'Hum do, Humare do'," he said. Khera said over the last six years and eight months, the government has earned over Rs 20 lakh crore by imposing additional excise duty on petrol and diesel. Asking whether the effect of Rs 20 lakh crore spending is being witnessed in any sector, he said, "Why should the common Indian pay the price for a government which is only working for a handful of corporates." "We demand an immediate withdrawal of this additional 'Modi tax' imposed over the last six years and eight months. This in itself will reduce petrol price to Rs 61.92 per litre and Diesel price to Rs 47.51 per litre. Every common Indian deserves this relief immediately," 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.) Beijing has not funded any infrastructure project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, said the Senate Special Committee on CPEC projects. According to a report by The Express Tribune, during the committee meeting Senator Sikandar Mandhro, chief of transport planning at the Pakistan Planning Ministry, said because of the absence of the CPEC funding, some projects, including the Khuzdar-Basima project, were being carried out from the federal development funds. Meanwhile, Committee member Senator Kabir Ahmad Shahi informed that only paperwork was carried out on CPEC. "The project started in a way that a tent was set up with a watchman sitting there. The fence around the New Gwadar International Airport is a shambles," he said. Moreover, the projects under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master plan have not been started. In 2015, China announced an economic project in Pakistan worth USD 46 billion. With the CPEC, Beijing aims to expand its influence in Pakistan and across Central and South Asia in order to counter the influence of the United States and India. The CPEC would link Pakistan's southern Gwadar port (626 kilometers, 389 miles west of Karachi) in Balochistan on the Arabian Sea to China's western Xinjiang region. It also includes plans to create road, rail and oil pipeline links to improve connectivity between China and the Middle East. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Jamie Metzl attends the HBO Documentary screening of "Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi" at Asia Society in New York City on Aug. 12, 2009. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images for HBO) WHO Adviser: Wuhan COVID-19 Probe Done by Chinese Authorities World Health Organization (WHO) adviser Jamie Metzl has said that the international bodys investigation into the origins of the CCP virus was in fact conducted by Chinese authorities. The probe, which also considered whether the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus could have accidentally leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology that had been studying coronavirus spread from bats to humans, was carried out by local authorities and not WHO investigators, Metzl told Fox News Ingraham Angle on Feb. 10. Metzls comments came just days after Peter Embarek, a Danish scientist who led the WHO mission, said it was extremely unlikely that the virus leaked from the Wuhan lab. He said that bats were a more likely source. The laboratory incident hypothesis is extremely unlikely to explain the introduction of the virus into the human population, Embarek said on Feb. 9. Therefore, [it] is not in the hypotheses that we will suggest for future studies. Peter Ben Embarek and Marion Koopmans, members of the World Health Organization (WHO) team tasked with investigating the origins of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, sit on a bus as they leave their quarantine hotel in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on Jan. 28, 2021. (Reuters/Thomas Peter) Metzl, who is also a senior fellow at the Atlanta Council, said he was critical of this recommended outcome from the WHO mission, which he said was challenged due to the WHOs need to balance big power politics. The WHO is created, funded, and controlled by states, he told Laura Ingraham. Its in a really tough position. The investigation itself was very short, he added. It was two weeks of quarantine and two weeks of meetings, but the actual investigation was done by Chinese authorities. And so, the W.H.O. investigators were basically receiving reports from the Chinese officials. Read More WHO Team Visits Wuhan Virus Lab at Center of Speculation As I see it, the big failure is that they outlined four possible ways that COVID could have begun, Metzl said. One was direct bat to human. Second, bat through an animal, intermediate host. Third, through shipping or some kind of frozen food from somewhere else. And four, the accidental lab leak. As you know, Laura, for more than a year, Ive been one of the leading advocates saying we have to look very, very seriously at option four. But rather than saying, alright, lets look more deeply at all of those possibilities, the W.H.O. investigators said we should look at the first three, but not at the accidental lab leak. And Im just miffed that this has happened. I think its really terrible. Most of us dont exactly how COVID began. But certainly, an accidental lab leak is a very, very credible possibility. The WHOs Wuhan visit was heavily controlled by the CCP, with journalists kept well away amid the absence of a publicly available full itinerary. Embarek told Science Mag on Feb. 14 that politics was always in the room during the mission and at any given time, the visiting scientists were accompanied by between 30 and 60 Chinese colleagues, with a large number of them not scientists or from the public health sector. .@Peterfoodsafety says @WHO #COVID19 investigators had between 30 & 60 Chinese colleagues with them w/ a large number not from the public health sector politics was there constantly. An investigation controlled by commissars not credible. https://t.co/87mfgPueCf Jamie Metzl (@JamieMetzl) February 14, 2021 Sen. Ted Cruz previously criticized the WHO for parroting the CCPs narrative that COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, couldnt have initially spread from a Wuhan lab. Shameful. At the outset of the pandemic, the WHO acted as a propagandist for communist China, echoing the CCPs lies, the Texas Republican said on Twitter on Feb. 10. Now, the WHO concludes that the virus did not accidentally escape from a Wuhan govt lab because the CCP told them it didnt. In a separate interview with Fox News, Cruz accused the WHO of echoing lies from the Chinese Communist government, instead of stepping in as medical professionals. Cruz alleged that the WHO assisted the Chinese regime in covering up the start of the Wuhan epidemic toward the end of 2019, which led to a lack of action to prevent international travel out of Wuhan, resulting in a full-blown pandemic. Read More WHO Criticizes Chinese Communist Party for Delaying Allowing Experts Into Wuhan On Feb. 11, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appeared to walk back on the claim by the leader of the WHO team that the Wuhan Institute of Virology should not be investigated as a potential source of the virus, saying that more investigation is needed. Some questions have been raised as to whether some hypotheses have been discarded, he told reporters. I want to clarify that all hypotheses remain open and require further study. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 6, 2020. (AFP via Getty Images) The U.S. State Department has claimed that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was conducting research on viruses similar to the CCP virus as early as 2016. The regime has been secretive about the research and the State Department is demanding transparency. WHO investigators must have access to the records of the WIVs work on bat and other coronaviruses before the COVID-19 outbreak. As part of a thorough inquiry, they must have a full accounting of why the WIV altered and then removed online records of its work with RaTG13 and other viruses, the department said. The WHO team has said it could take years for health experts to fully understand the origins of the CCP virus. The WHO didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times. Eva Fu contributed to this report. There have been 33 further deaths of people with Covid-19 and 744 new cases of the virus confirmed by the Department of Health this evening. 31 of these deaths occurred in February and two in January. The median age of those who died was 81 years and the age range was 42-105 years. This takes the number of people who have died with Covid-19 to 3,980 while the total case count in Ireland has now risen to 211,113. There have been 301 new cases confirmed in Dublin, 77 in Galway, 37 in Waterford, 36 in Offaly, 32 in Kildare and the remaining 261 cases are spread across all other counties. Read More As of 8am today, 861 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 159 are in ICU. There have been 51 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. Of the cases notified today; 373 are male and 366 are female; 68pc are under 45 years of age and the median age is 31 years old. The national 14-day incidence rate has fallen to 269.3 while Monaghan (461) remains the county with the highest rates of infection. Offaly (377.1), Dublin (361.9), Galway (342.9) and Waterford (321.9) are the other counties that have an incidence above 300 per 100,000. The national 5-day moving average of new cases currently sits at 870. Latest vaccination figures released by the Department of Health show there have been 268,551 doses administered; 176,926 first doses and 91,625 second doses. Earlier today, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) confirmed it had received an application from Johnson and Johnson for authorisation for its one-dose Covid-19 vaccine. The EMA said a decision on the vaccine could be made as early as mid-March. Ireland has advanced purchase orders for 2.2m doses of the vaccine through EU negotiations. This is the fourth vaccine to be vetted by the EMA, after the Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccines were all granted authorisation. Due to the fact the J&J vaccine requires just one shot per person, it could see Irelands vaccination programme accelerate from April onwards, as long as the drug is cleared by the EU drug regulator. Read More Yawar Nazir/Getty ImagesBY: JULIA JACOBO, ABC NEWS (NEW YORK) -- Warming temperatures across the globe are changing landscapes and threatening local cities and communities. A devastating break of a glacier in the Himalayas on Feb. 7 left dozens dead and more than 100 missing after it smashed into multiple dams, collecting debris and energy as it made its way down the flank before slamming into two hydroelectric plants in northern India. While it's difficult to attribute the cause of the collapse on climate change alone, rising temperatures will undoubtedly create more of these types of events in the future, experts told ABC News. "With the accelerated warming that is happening in the Himalayas, and the rapid response of glaciers across the Himalayas ... the probability for hazards does go up, Summer Rupper, a glaciologist at the University of Utah, told ABC News. It is still unclear what caused the dam to break Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what caused the glacier to break on Feb. 7. At first, a glacial lake outburst was blamed. Although satellite imagery soon disproved that theory, there is potential for glacier outbursts to increase in number and time as temperatures increasingly cause them to thin and retreat, Joerg Schaefer, a climate scientist at Columbia University's Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, told ABC News. Schaefer hypothesized that some kind of mechanism triggered a landslide and that the resulting water pressure eventually burst the dam, causing the mass to plunge down the "extremely steep" flank. Schaefer described the mass as a "water monster" that made the event even more hazardous. Hazards experts in the Himalayas have feared that these type of disastrous events would come to fruition. A calamitous glacier event has been a "huge conversation" within the hazards community, Rupper said. There is concern that there wasn't adequate monitoring or early warning systems in the valley, especially with multiple hydropower plant projects that were all damaged, Rupper said. And the potential for another landslide is currently there, as a glacial lake is currently forming behind a landslide in the valley where the accident occurred, she added. The melting of glaciers will cause catastrophe in more ways than one Another type of glacial event that can occur as temperatures warm is the potential for the ice masses to drape across varied topography, including steep landscapes that result in hanging glaciers that are especially prone to breaking off and causing ice avalanches, Rupper added. In addition, the melting of glaciers is a considerable contributor to sea level rise, on par with melting ice sheets, which can cause catastrophic events for coastal areas all over the world. Glaciers across the Himalayas have experienced significant ice loss over the past 40 years, with the average rate of ice loss doubling in the 21st century compared to the end of the 20th century, according to a study published in Science Advances in 2019, which Rupper and Schaefer co-authored. The Himalayan glaciers are retreating "very homogeneously and accelerating their retreat," Schaefer said, adding that the "single culprit" is warming temperatures. "It's a very disturbing finding because it means that if you're not asking what happens to the glacier tomorrow, but what happens with the glacier in 10, 15 years, it will follow the temperature curve, which keeps getting warmer," he said. The shrinking of the Himalayan glaciers, which contribute to local water resources, poses several challenges for neighboring societies, researchers say. The glaciers also feed the hydro plants and they will stop providing meltwater as they shrink, Shaefer said. "We know that temperatures are warming across the Himalayas. That's really well documented," Rupper said. "And we know that the rate of mass loss of glaciers has accelerated over time. And so that affects everything from water resources to hazards across the Himalayan range." The melting will also mean the end of climbing in the region For mountaineers who spend their lives dreaming of climbing the Himalayas and other sought-after destinations around the world, climate change means they may not get there in time. Cory Richards, a National Geographic photographer who has been climbing for 35 years, told ABC News that he's seen "massive observable shifts" in the deflation and disruption in glaciers around the world. "So what that means for us as an industry is yet to be seen," he said. "Certainly, there are routes on specific mountains that will be altered as glaciers start to become less predictable." One of the places where this is most evident is on the Khumbu Icefall, a passage on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest where ice is constantly falling from the head of the Khumbu glacier, Richards said. "As temperatures rise, the calving of big ice cliffs and the collapsing of ice features in the Khumbu Icefall will accelerate, there's no doubt about that," he added, describing it as a "tumultuous piece of glacier. In addition, if the glacier dam that sits near the Khumbu Valley floods or breaks, it will flood the entire valley downstream, endangering the lives of the residents. The warming also poses a risk for classic trade routes, such as on the south side of Mount Everest. It will be difficult for guided companies to ensure people will be able to climb safely, Richards said. For at least 20 years, people in the climbing industry have said, "I don't know how much longer this is gonna be climbable," according to Richards. "Now, we seem to find ways to do those things, continually," he added. "But that's not to say that it is safe or smart." Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. (TNS) We applaud Rep. Frank Lucas's efforts to make rural broadband connectivity a priority.Lucas added his name to a bipartisan letter to President Biden that urges prioritizing rural broadband in any upcoming infrastructure packages."As you develop your infrastructure proposal to present to Congress, we write to urge you to include investments that will bring the benefits of broadband connectivity to unserved rural America and tribal areas," the letter reads. "In the 21st Century, high-speed broadband is no longer a luxury amenity, but rather an essential service for homes and businesses in this interconnected world."It's too early to say how actual legislation could shake out, if it gets twisted around or stuffed with pork, or any number of things that could sink it.But, the sentiment, and the overriding goal is the correct notion.We, as Oklahomans, even as a country, have got to start thinking about Internet access as a necessary part of our infrastructure, almost like a utility such as power or running water. We could certainly survive without it, many already do, but the difficulties for a standard of living are only going to get tougher if we have gaps in access.Have you ever tried to apply for a job without Internet access? It's almost impossible.We have an example of how the access shortfall is impacting us with the country's vaccination efforts. Signing up and getting notifications was almost exclusively online. Many of our oldest residents relied on help from family to be included.During the pandemic, Internet access was critical for education. Children without the same kind of access were at a distinct disadvantage through no fault of their own. It was also an important tool in receiving medical diagnosis for those who are homebound.Much of Oklahoma is rural, and much of these rural areas fall behind metro areas in broadband connectivity.We can close those gaps, but it's going to take money, and it has to be seen as a worthy investment in our future. Okonjo-Iweala is 1st woman, African to lead world trade body FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed Monday to head the World Trade Organization, becoming the first woman and first African to take on the role amid rising protectionism and disagreement over how the body decides cases involving billions in sales and thousands of jobs. Okonjo-Iweala, 66, was named director-general by representatives of the 164 countries that make up the WTO, which deals with the rules of trade between nations based on negotiated agreements. She said during an online news conference that she was taking over at a time when the WTO is facing so many challenges, and its clear to me that deep and wide-ranging reforms are needed it cannot be business as usual. ADVERTISEMENT Her first priority would be quickly addressing the economic and health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as by lifting export restrictions on supplies and vaccines and encouraging the manufacturing of vaccines in more countries. Other big tasks include reforming the organizations dispute resolution process and finding ways for trade rules to deal with change such as digitalization and e-commerce. She takes over after four turbulent years in which U.S. President Donald Trump used new tariffs, or import taxes, against China and the European Union to push his America first trade agenda. It will not be easy because we also have the issue of lack of trust among members which has built up over time, not just among the U.S. and China and the U.S. and the EU but also between developing and developed country members, and we need to work through that, she said. She said that as the first woman and first African to hold the post, I absolutely do feel an additional burden, I cant lie about that. Being the first woman and the first African means that one really has to perform. All credit to members for electing me and making that history, but the bottom line is that if I want to really make Africa and women proud I have to produce results, and thats where my mind is at now. The appointment, which takes effect March 1, came after U.S. President Joe Biden endorsed her candidacy, which had been blocked by Trump. Bidens move was a step toward his aim of supporting cooperative approaches to international problems after Trumps go-it-alone approach that launched multiple trade disputes. But unblocking the appointment is only the start in dealing with U.S. concerns about the WTO that date to the Obama administration. The United States had blocked the appointment of new judges to the WTOs appellate body, essentially freezing its ability to resolve extended and complex trade disputes. ADVERTISEMENT The U.S. government has argued that the trade organization is slow-moving and bureaucratic, ill-equipped to handle the problems posed by Chinas state-dominated economy and unduly restrictive on U.S. attempts to impose sanctions on countries that unfairly subsidize their companies or export at unusually low prices. Okonjo-Iweala has been Nigerias finance minister and, briefly, foreign minister, and had a 25-year career at the World Bank as an advocate for economic growth and development in poorer countries. She rose to the No. 2 position of managing director, where she oversaw $81 billion in development financing in Africa, South Asia, Europe and Central Asia. In 2012 she made an unsuccessful bid for the top post with the backing of African and other developing countries, challenging the traditional practice that the World Bank is always headed by an American. She has a bachelors degree in economics from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in regional economics and development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee had withdrawn her candidacy, leaving Okonjo-Iweala as the only choice. Her predecessor, Roberto Azevedo, stepped down Aug. 31, a year before his term expired. Trump repeatedly accused the WTO of unfair treatment of the U.S., started a trade war with China in defiance of the WTO system, and threatened to pull the U.S. out of the trade body altogether. Trump also imposed 25% steel and aluminum tariffs that hit European allies on national security grounds, a justification that went beyond trade measures normally used within the WTO rules framework. So far, Biden has not said whether the U.S. will unblock the appellate appointments, and he has not withdrawn the steel tariffs either, which are backed by industry and union groups. Chad P. Bown, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said unblocking Okonjo-Iwealas appointment was a very good first step in re-engaging with the WTO, but thats the easy one. The rest are hard. In particular, the WTO faces a ticking time bomb in the form of other countries challenges to Trumps use of national security as a justification for imposing tariffs, a little-used provision in U.S. law rejected by key US trading partners in Europe. Bown said any decision would be a lose-lose dilemma for the WTO. Ruling against Trumps move could provide a rallying cry for WTO skeptics in the U.S., while a ruling in favor could lead to other countries using national security justification as well. And that opens a giant loophole in the trading system whereby all rules are meaningless, Bown said. Bidens administration therefore has an incentive to take the dispute off the table before a decision, expected this summer. If youre the Biden administration what you want to do is settle this thing, so you dont put the WTO in this awkward position, Bown said. ___ AP Business Writer Paul Wiseman contributed from Washington Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Want to get The Morning by email? Heres the sign-up. Good morning. We look at two men who spent decades behind bars for crimes they didnt commit. No consequences Curtis Flowerss day typically began around 4:30 a.m., when a prison guard slid a breakfast tray into his cell. The tray often included a biscuit, potatoes, oatmeal or grits a bunch of starch, as Flowers said to me recently, with a quiet laugh. Sometime after 8 a.m., the guards led him from his cell to a small outdoor pen where he was permitted to exercise, look up at the sky and talk to other death-row inmates in nearby pens. The pen was large enough for him to take three steps in one direction and two steps in another. Walking in circles, you get dizzy real quick, Flowers said. After an hour in the pen sometimes less he returned to his cell for the rest of the day. There, he read books, wrote letters, watched television and talked with the guards or fellow prisoners through the bars. Flowers lived like this for more than 20 years, on death row in Mississippi despite there being no good evidence that he committed the crime, a 1996 quadruple murder in a furniture store, for which he was convicted. Novadiscovery raises Series A2 financing from Sanofi to advance JINKO, its best-in-class clinical trial simulation platform NOVA to develop COVID-19 disease model to support Sanofi's vaccine and therapeutic efforts Lyon, France - 16 February 2021: Novadiscovery ("NOVA"), a leading health tech company offering JINKO, a best-in-class clinical trial simulation platform to predict drug efficacy and optimize clinical trial development, today announces that it has raised 2.5 million in a Series A2 financing round from Sanofi. The funds will be used to advance NOVA's in silico clinical trial simulation platform, JINKO; to facilitate the Company's expansion into the US; and develop a COVID-19 disease model in collaboration with Sanofi. JINKO's workflows are designed to closely resemble those of real life clinical studies and it offers an integrated suite of applications from Discovery to Market Access. Isabelle Vitali, Sanofi's Global Head of Digital Innovation, will join NOVA's Board of Directors. Disease modeling and clinical trial simulation is increasingly being used in pharmaceutical development to support decision making. An effective COVID-19 disease model could be of huge benefit as society strives to tackle new strains and mutations of the virus, the complexity of the pathophysiology of the infection, and uncertainties around changing vaccination administration schedules. Francois-Henri Boissel, CEO, NOVA, said:"Sanofi is a global leader in the pharma sector and is at the forefront of digital healthcare innovation. This strategic investment reflects the strength of NOVA's clinical trial simulation technology and the growing awareness of its potential to transform drug R&D by accelerating and de-risking clinical development. We look forward to working closely with Sanofi to further test and enhance JINKO's power and expand our understanding of how to best serve our customers' needs." Olivier Bogillot, President of Sanofi France, commented: "At Sanofi, we are committed to identifying the very best in digital healthcare and technology to advance new and innovative ways to better serve patients. NOVA's decision-support technology for clinical trial development has the potential to remove delays in bringing much needed treatments to patients and we are delighted to collaborate with them as they progress their strategy.This agreement is also part of Sanofi's efforts on several parallel fronts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, it demonstrates our willingness to support innovative and promising French health technology companies that contribute to the national research effort to try to overcome SARS-CoV-2." Ends For more information, please contact: Novadiscovery Francois-Henri Boissel, Chief Executive Officer Email: contact@novadiscovery.com Consilium Strategic Communications Sukaina Virji, Melissa Gardiner, Carina Jurs Email: novadiscovery@consilium-comms.com About NOVA NOVA is a leading health tech company using in silico clinical trials to predict drug efficacy and optimize clinical trial development. The Company aims to improve R&D productivity and maximize patient outcomes by predicting the clinical benefit of a potential new drug candidate through computer simulation, ahead of human trials. NOVA's innovative approach leverages disease modeling and simulation expertise accumulated over the past decade and combines mathematical models of diseases and potential new treatments with virtual patients in its integrated clinical trial simulation platform, Jinko. Novadiscovery is headquartered in Lyon, France and has a team of around 30 scientists, engineers & clinicians who work at the interface of biology, pharmacology, mathematics & computer science. For more information, please visit https://www.novadiscovery.com and follow us on Twitter @novadiscovery and linkedin.com/company/novadiscovery About Sanofi Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, and provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions. With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe. Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label. A general membership in Abundance 360 costs $12,500 annually, according to the organizations online materials, and MIT Technology Review reported that attendees of the January event paid upward of $30,000 each. When the conference began on Jan. 23, California had a strict stay-at-home order in place; it was lifted two days later. On Tuesday, state and county health officials did not immediately respond to questions about whether Mr. Diamandis could be fined or otherwise disciplined. Mr. Diamandis, who has a medical degree from Harvard Medical School and whose entrepreneurial ventures include a coronavirus vaccine development company and a competition to improve Covid-19 testing technology, said in an emailed statement on Tuesday that none of the 24 cases of Covid were serious and virtually all have fully recovered including myself. He added that as a scientist with a medical degree, I have a special responsibility to learn from mistakes, lead by example and use the resources at my disposal to make a positive difference and improve the health and safety of everyone on this planet. He said he was doubly committed to fighting the virus but did not answer questions about the cost of tickets to the January event, or about whether there had been any response from state or local officials. Many people see a negative coronavirus test as permission to socialize without taking precautions, but doctors and scientists say this is dangerously misguided. Some types of tests, especially the ones that deliver rapid results, do not reliably detect low levels of the virus and can mislabel infected people negative. And even the best tests cannot see into the future: People can contract the coronavirus after a negative test result. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 10:30:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Undated file photo shows the next director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Feb. 15 agreed by consensus to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister of Nigeria, as the next director-general, said the WTO in a press release. (WTO/Handout via Xinhua) On Wednesday, February 17, at 15.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "National Certification Commission of Experts of Aesthetic Medicine Approves National Protocols on Main Complications in Cosmetology", these protocols will be created for the first time in the history of Ukraine and will help doctors in the prevention and treatment of complications in aesthetic medicine. Participants include President of the Certification Commission, Doctor Inha Andrashko; Member of the International Scientific Committee for Safety IMCAS Alert, Doctor Ihor Rudenko; Co-author for developing of IMCAS Alert, Head of the ReFuture clinic, Developer of the Age Managent method, Doctor Yevhen Shahov; Founder and Head of the CICL (Center of Intensive Cosmetology and Anti-Age Therapy of Svitlana Larkina) clinic, Developer of an interdisciplinary approach in aesthetic medicine, Doctor Svitlana Larkina (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Details by phone: (050) 330 0865, (050) 777 5574. Op/Ed by Chris Devonshire-Ellis With the Chinese and Indian military pulling back from their respective positions in Ladakh, and the Indian Minister of Commerce, Som Parkash, stating that FDI from all members of the WTO, including China, continues to be permitted, it is now time for both parties to finally settle down and deal with the pressing matter of trade. India has got off to a serious start with trade negotiations in 2021, making agreements to secure trade deals with EU and the UK, and seeking greater trade concessions from ASEAN, Japan, and Korea. Currently, nearly 30 trade agreements of various types are under discussion with different countries including China. But there are problems. China and India share a common border, although most of this is in difficult terrain. China also supports Pakistans, and not Indias claims to territories, and this is the main reason India refuses to acknowledge Chinas Belt & Road Initiative. Part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through disputed lands; Indias view is that officially recognizing Chinas BRI equates to officially recognizing Pakistan as a legitimate claimant to these territories. It is unsatisfactory for all concerned. Yet, the reality is that disputed lands have been so for over 70 years. The winners in this debilitating saga are the respective militaries, who see their annual budgets increase. These are a significant drain not just on budgets but upon potential business and trade lost. The Asia-Pacific Free Trade Agreement India and China do have an agreement as part of the 1975 Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), a preferential trade arrangement formerly known as the Bangkok Agreement. That was an initiative of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), being a preferential trade arrangement among developing countries. Signatories to the APTA include China, Bangladesh, India, Lao, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. At the First Session of the Ministerial Council of the Bangkok Agreement in Beijing in late 2005, representatives from the member countries endorsed a revised text of APTA and to conduct tariff cut talks, which were concluded in 2006. That agreement can be accessed here and includes concessions given by both India and China. A fourth round of negotiations is supposed to be underway, involving tariff concessions on trade in goods, services, investment, trade facilitation, and non-tariff measures. But to date there has been no further development. India-China Free Trade Agreement In addition to this, a free trade agreement between India and China was discussed with the Asian Development Banks involvement as recently as 2006. An impact paper was released by the ADB at the time and is downloadable here. At the time, the ADB stated Open regionalism and trade cooperation between the worlds two largest developing countries, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and India, can foster outward-oriented development and intra-regional trade based on comparative advantage and available factor endowments. In view of the recent wave of worldwide subregional and bilateral trade cooperation, the opportunity costs of not moving toward greater trade integration between the PRC and India could be increasing. That was 15 years ago, and the opportunity costs have indeed been lost. India and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Since then, further attempts have been made to involve India and China in some semblance of Free Trade, most recently with the RCEP free trade deal, which India pulled out of in 2019, although member states have said the door is still open should India reconsider its position. The reason for the Indian withdrawal was the position of Indian domestic conglomerates and manufacturers, whose hold on the Indian market would be threatened by cheap Chinese imports. In fact, the RCEP deal as at 2020 was worth some US$186 billion and covers 30 percent of global trade that India doesnt have full access to. The ASEAN-China example It is a story that has been told before. In 2010, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) came into effect, with the four smaller ASEAN nations joining in 2015. That gave the economies of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam additional time to prepare. I recall many businesses across ASEAN in 2011, from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, complaining that they were suffering because of Chinese competition. In fact, this was pure bad planning and a lack of foresight on their part. In concentrating only on their respective domestic markets, they failed to look at the opportunities in China despite the FTA agreement being ratified in 2002 and having plenty of time to prepare. The businesses who did prepare were the Chinese. Manufacturers across ASEAN who had become lazy and only looked at their local markets took a hit, but this was largely their own fault. Some went under, no doubt blaming China. Others adapted and as a result, prospered, because from 2010 onwards, the average tariff rate on ASEAN goods sold in China decreased from 9.8 to 0.1 percent. By 2015, ASEANs total merchandise trade with China reached US$346.5 billion (15.2 percent of ASEANs trade), up from US$192.5 billion in 2010. ACFTA accelerated the growth of direct investments from China and commercial cooperation. Today, I do not hear businesses from ASEAN complain about Chinese competition in their local markets. Instead, I hear, and we are actively involved with as a firm, stories about cooperation, and pooling resources, and new markets (such as RCEP). The Indian Government then need to be wary of their own corporates telling them that they are afraid of Chinese competition. Because if true, it means they are weak, under-prepared, and lazy. That is a situation that will, after time, lead to stagnation and the prospect of falling behind. There has already been damage done. Because of Indian intransigence in embracing free trade, Africa is poised to become a major competitor. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) came into effect on January 1 this year. That deal eliminates tariffs on 95 percent of all goods traded across African borders, meaning component parts can be sourced from across Africa duty free, consolidated into manufactures from other origins, and then either resold on the respective African domestic markets or exported. China, which helped broker the deal, has responded to this opportunity by developing Special Economic and Free Trade Zones throughout Africa. Make in India cannot succeed without decent SEZ incentives India has also looked at setting up SEZs to help matters along. Yet again, it has failed. Legislation was in fact passed in 2005 permitting SEZs to offer tax breaks to foreign investors. Sixteen years has now passed since its inception, but the SEZ Bill omitted key provisions that would have relaxed rigid labor rules. This has negated any Indian chance of emulating the success of the Chinese SEZ model through foreign direct investment (FDI) in export-oriented manufacturing. The impact of this is that denied access to India and its massive labor pool of workers, available at less-than-China rates, and lack of any SEZs Chinese and other Asian and international investors are bypassing India altogether and investing in trade and manufacturing elsewhere in Asia and Africa instead. If the situation continues, African manufacturing will be competing with India inside a decade. What happened to the dream of Make in India and of inheriting the mantle of Workshop of the World? To get the policy of Make in India right, India needs to engage in Free Trade, and a good place to start with that would be China. A deal can be phased in, and India plc prepared. The danger for India is that if it does not engage, it will be left behind. If that happens, the Chinese may not come, but Indian corporates wont be going anywhere meaningful either. The Indian government says a China preferential trade deal is being negotiated. Theyve been saying that since 2005. Now it is time some progress was made. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, on Tuesday unanimously dismissed the entire electoral protest filed by former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos against Vice President Leni Robredo. The court's spokesperson Brian Hosaka said all 15 magistrates voted, with seven fully concurring with the dismissal while eight concurred with the poll protest result. He did not disclose the names and who was the ponente, or the justice who penned the decision. A copy of the decision has yet to be sent to the camps of Robredo and Marcos. Former Supreme Court spokesperson Ted Te explained this means the justices had different reasons for dismissing the protest, but they have the same conclusion. He added Marcos' camp can still appeal the decision, but the unanimous vote of the magistrates would make it "extremely difficult to reverse." A highly-placed source in the Supreme Court said defeated candidate Marcos failed to present specific acts to back his claims of poll fraud, such as the time and manner of irregularities. "Allegations were bare, laden with generic and repetitious allegations," the source said. The high court's decision concludes more than four years of litigation. The case was transferred from Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa to Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in October 2019. Marcos and Solicitor General Jose Calida also failed in their attempts for Leonen to inhibit from the case. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a briefing said they respect the decision of the court. "We respect that and we respect also that the camp of Senator Bongbong Marcos has a further remedy of moving for reconsideration," he noted. Marcos, who lost the 2016 vice presidential race, lodged the poll protest against Robredo on June 30, 2016. The son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos questioned the results of the May 2016 polls where Robredo defeated him by 263,473 votes. The tribunal in October 2019 found that Robredo's lead grew by around 15,000 votes after a recount of ballots from the 5,415 clustered precincts in the pilot provinces of Iloilo, Negros Oriental, and Camarines Sur Robredo's bailiwick. The pilot areas for the recount were chosen by Marcos' camp. In a statement on Monday, Marcos' spokesperson Atty. Vic Rodriguez said, "The court unanimously voted to dismiss our second cause of action which is the manual recount and judicial revision. However, as to the issue on how to proceed with our third cause of action which is the annulment of votes in Mindanao, the Tribunal has yet to decide on the matter." But in an updated briefer issued later in the day, the Supreme Court Public Information Office made it clear the PET junked Marcos' entire election protest. In January this year, Marcos in his so-called third cause of action asked the tribunal to revisit the results of the poll recount and to validate voter signatures in three provinces in Mindanao namely Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan due to alleged fraud and terrorism. The PET was in the process of reviewing if it has the power to annul the election results from these three areas. The source in the high court said having failed in the three pilot provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Oriental, Marcos cannot seek the third cause of action of annulment of votes in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan. Caguioa and retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio previously voted to dismiss Marcos' electoral protest due to the violation of the PET's Rule 65, which states a protestant should choose for recount not more than three provinces "best exemplifying the frauds or irregularities alleged in his petition." CNN Philippines senior correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. Arrivals from Bangkok may face quarantine in Phang Nga PHUKET: People from Samut Sakhon and some parts of Bangkok who fly to Phuket International Airport to go north to Phang Nga may face a 14-day quarantine on arriving in Phang Nga as a new Phang Nga provincial order comes into effect today (Feb 16). tourismCOVID-19Coronavirushealth By The Phuket News Tuesday 16 February 2021, 01:43PM The notices announcing the new COVID-19 quarantine measures now in effect in Phang Nga province, immediately north of Phuket. Images: Phang Nga Provincial Health Office The Phuket Provincial Governments official COVID-19 Information Center Facebook page posted a notice warning of the new Phang Nga order this morning after Phang Nga Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada issued the order last Saturday (Feb 13). The order is in effect from Feb 16 to 28 or until further notice, the order explained. Arrivals from the red zone areas must be tested. They must present themselves to public health officers and present their permission to travel as issued by an official or their company. Then public health officials will consider whether they have to quarantine for 14 days at their accommodation or not, the Phang Nga order said. (See original order in Thai here.) The order identified the highest-control red zone areas as: Samut Sakhon, and the Bangkok districts Phasi Charoen, Bang Khae, Nong Khaem, Bang Bon, Bang Khun Thian and Jomthong. However, those who just completed quarantine from the areas or have a certificate issued not more than three days [before arriving in Phang Nga] showing that the person is free of COVID-19 can show this document in order to not be required to quarantine, the Phang Nga order said. Arrivals from the provinces Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Maha Sarakham, Rayong, Tak, Samut Prakan and Sa Kaeo must present themselves to public health officials and strictly follow the disease control measure, the Phang Nga order noted. Of note, while not specifically mentioned in the order, the Phang Nga Provincial Health Office has issued an advisory pointing out that arrivals from Rayaburi District in Pathum Thani and from Mae Sot District in Tak province would also be required to observe a home quarantine. Day-trip visitors to Phang Nga are required to register themselves online via the Mor Chana COVID-tracking application. No other requirements were stipulated in the order. All people are still asked to maintain social distance at least one metre in public places, not go to the areas where people gather in crowds, and wear a face mask at all times in public, the Phang Nga order also noted. Those found breaching the order will be prosecuted, said the order. The exact penalties for breach of the order were not defined. Benjamin Ferencz, Professor of International Law at Pace University (New York), has received the Honorary Doctor's Degree from the Faculty of Law of the University of Cologne. In order to celebrate the occasion, a ceremony was held honouring the life and work of the renowned practitioner and scholar of international law. Professor Ferencz was an investigator of Nazi war crimes after World War II and served as the chief prosecutor for the United States Army at the Einsatzgruppen Trial. He later became one of those scholars who made a decisive contribution to the establishment of the International Criminal Court. The Rector of the University joined the digital ceremony in honour of Benjamin Ferencz. The list of guests of honour included Donald Ferencz, Benjamin Ferencz' son, Abraham Lehrer, the Vice-President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Dr Peter Frank, Germany's Federal Prosecutor General, Dr Joachim Bertele, Director International Law, Germany's Foreign Ministry, and Klaus Rackwitz, the Director of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy. In his address, the Rector of the University of Cologne, Professor Axel Freimuth, stated 'that it is a great honour for our University that you have accepted to be our honorary doctor, to be one of us.' He said that Ferencz, during an age of hatred and death, managed to show the way forward, the way that leads out of hell and helps to start anew. 'You explained to us all what it means to draw lessons from the past, to seek justice for the future.' Freimuth stressed the importance of international relations for the University and close ties to academics worldwide. 'The honorary doctorate is the symbol for this close academic friendship.' Professor Ulrich Preis, the Faculty's dean, emphasized that the name 'Benjamin Ferencz' provided sufficient reason for the Honorary Degree: 'Dr Ferencz's almost life-long contribution to international justice can only be called stellar', he said. 'The honour we have bestowed on Dr Ferencz implies our hope that Dr Ferencz's Nuremberg engagement and the legacy of his subsequent work building on the great idea of Nuremberg will prevail also in the long run.' 'For our Faculty, the inclusion of Dr Ferencz in the fine college of its honorary doctors will provide a most precious and lasting encouragement to continue to offer our scholarly contribution in support of Dr Ferencz's great vision of international justice.' Professor Claus Kre reminded the audience of the sad fact that the Nazis drove Professor Hans Kelsen out of the University of Cologne because of his Jewish origin.Kelsen, the legal theorist, constitutional lawyer and international lawyer of world-wide renown, would later help the US government with the drafting of the London Charter, which became the legal basis for the Nuremberg Trial. Kre also pointed out that Professor Hermann Jahrrei, who succeeded Professor Hans Kelsen in Cologne, became one of the defence lawyers at the Nuremberg trials and later Rector of the University of Cologne. 'The question is whether Professor Jahrrei's service as Rector of Cologne University should remain Cologne's last visible major connection with Nuremberg. We believe it should not', Kre remarked. In his laudatio, Professor Stephan Hobe reminded the audience of Benjamin Ferencz's career as lawyer for the US, first as a member of the Nuremberg prosecution team of Telford Taylor then as a chief prosecutor in the so-called 'Einsatzgruppen Case' in which all 22 accused men were convicted. From the 1970s on, he started working on the establishment of the International Criminal Court. This became reality in 1998 with the adoption of the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court. Hobe called the achievement of Ferencz's work a change of paradigm in international politics and international law: That aggression, after having determined the normal course of international politics for centuries, is now punishable. Hobe concluded: 'May I finally repeat that the Cologne Faculty of Law is of the opinion that Mr Benjamin Ferencz's lifelong engagement in international justice is a splendid example. Your vita is a long life in service of international justice. This is the reason why we are so humbled and why we all bow in appreciation of your personality and of your tremendous professional achievements. We are extremely grateful that you have accepted our little token of appreciation.' Benjamin Ferencz, who is at the age of 100, greeted the audience in a pre-recorded message. Donald Ferencz, a lawyer himself, represented his father during the ceremony and conveyed his words of appreciation to the audience. Benjamin Ferencz said: 'We've been poignantly reminded this afternoon of an important transition - both for the University of Cologne itself and for Germany as a nation - from the very dark days of discrimination and persecution to considerably brighter days of leadership in advancing the rule of law.' 'To receive an honorary degree from the hands of those responsible for training the next generation of torch-bearers is deeply gratifying.' ### Editors Note: The below is an expanded version of a review that appears in the current issue of National Review. The book is A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence: What It Is, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going, by Michael Wooldridge. I was attracted by the word brief a brief history. I was also attracted by the subject, artificial intelligence. It is an important subject, I knew, and one about which I was largely ignorant. Im not really sure I cared about AI, frankly but I knew I should. A myth-busting guide, says the front flap of the book cover. To be frank again: I was unsure of the myths needing busting. So, a book intended for a general audience will be reviewed by a member of that audience. The author of our brief history is Michael Wooldridge, professor of computer science at Oxford University, and the head of the department. These are impressive credentials, would you not agree? About five years ago, we had an intern at National Review who was double-majoring at the University of Chicago in English and math. I said, Max, are the math majors at Chicago so bright, they can barely function in life? He said, Those kids tend to be in CS. I said (so help me), What is CS? Computer science, of course. Professor Wooldridge can surely function in life, and he is a wonderful communicator, a wonderful teacher. He writes very well not just for a scientist, but for anybody. When it comes to speaking and writing, said William F. Buckley Jr., the founder of this magazine, there is something in the water over there, meaning England. We might as well admit it. Just as important, Wooldridge loves his subject, and communicates that love. There is something endearing about another persons love, even if you dont share it. Artificial intelligence is my life, writes the professor. I fell in love with AI as a student in the mid-1980s, and I remain passionate about it today. He goes on to count the ways, as another Englishman, or Englishwoman, said. (Elizabeth Barrett Browning.) For one thing, writes Wooldridge, AI appeals to fundamental questions about the human condition and our status as Homo sapiens what it means to be human, and whether humans are unique. That is a very big thing. Story continues As he presents his subject, Wooldridge does his best to keep it simple. He writes, for example, about what are called Winograd schemas. Those words what are called are a little kindness. He also cites a dictum of Stephen Hawking, author of a brief history that sold more than 25 million copies: A Brief History of Time. His dictum? Every equation you use in a book cuts its readership in half. In his own book, Michael Wooldridge has four goals: to say what artificial intelligence is, and isnt; to tell the story of the field (that brief history); to say what AI can do right now, and what it might do in the future; and to have some fun. He succeeds on all fronts. His book is part history, part philosophical tract, and part explainer, to use a word that has arisen in journalism. To tell the story, he begins at the beginning, which could be ancient Greece, he says, or James Watt (17361819), or someone or something else. He decides to begin at Alan Turing (191254). I knew Turing as the mathematical genius who helped the Allies win World War II, cracking codes at Bletchley Park; also as a man persecuted by the state for his homosexuality, and hounded to his death over the same. Theres a lot more to know, as Wooldridge details. He was, for all practical purposes, the inventor of the computer, and shortly after that, he largely invented the field of AI. As I continued to read the history, I thought, Ah, were meeting their Babe Ruths. Theres John McCarthy, who was born in Boston in 1927 to an Irish-immigrant father and a Jewish mother who had emigrated from Lithuania. After spending a career at Stanford, McCarthy died in 2011. With almost casual brilliance, writes Wooldridge, this man invented a range of concepts in computing that are now taken so much for granted that it is hard to imagine that they actually had to be invented. The stories of science and technology have a certain romance, as do stories of sports, politics, and well, romance. Think of that best-selling book of 1995, Longitude, by Dava Sobel. Wooldridge tells the story of MYCIN, an AI system of the early 1970s that became iconic, he says. Iconic? To whom? To AI cognoscenti, certainly and now to anyone who has read A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence. (MYCIN aided in the diagnosis of blood disease.) AI has had its ups and downs, its periods of boom and bust, as Wooldridge explains. Sometimes it is known as the province of charlatans and quacks. Sometimes it is the hottest, most wow-making thing. Early in his book, Wooldridge has an interesting chart, showing tasks that computers have been made to do, or might be made to do. In the category of solved, after a lot of effort is the playing of chess. In the category of real progress are driverless cars. In 1996, Deep Blue, the IBM supercomputer, played Garry Kasparov, the world chess champion. Kasparov won, four games to two. The next year, an improved Deep Blue beat Kasparov, three and a half games to two and a half. This was a thunderous event. At the time, I was working for The Weekly Standard, in Washington. Our cover read, Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid. The piece, on Deep Blue, was by Charles Krauthammer (an expert chess player himself). In the same issue, we had a piece on cloning, by James Q. Wilson. The impetus for the piece, or its hook? Scientists at the University of Edinburgh had cloned a sheep, whose name was Dolly. So, headlines around the world read, Hello, Dolly! But JQWs piece, in the Standard, was called The Paradox of Cloning. It took a fairly relaxed though not lackadaisical view of the matter. Our editor, William Kristol, thought both pieces were wrong. He was happy to publish them, of course. (Krauthammer and Wilson were the cream of the crop.) But he suspected that Deep Blue was not much of a worry, while cloning was. Different minds equally good will have different concerns about different developments. Wooldridge tells us about the quarrels, and brawls, within AI. Indeed, one section is headed The Great Schism. (On one side, mainstream AI; on the other, machine learning.) There is also a passage that begins, In 1991, a young colleague returning from a large AI conference in Australia told me, wide-eyed with excitement, about a shouting match that had developed . . . From what I can tell and you know Im a mere onlooker, with no expertise Wooldridge is fair to all sides in the various debates, whatever his own views (and he goes ahead and gives those). In this book, he is a historian, as advertised, in addition to a scientist. Do you know the expression name withheld to protect the guilty? That is what Wooldridge does, in at least one instance. Have a listen: At the beginning of the 1990s, I met one of the chief protagonists of the behavioral AI revolution then something of a hero of mine. I was curious about what he really thought about the AI technologies that he was loudly rejecting . . . Did he really believe these had no place at all in the future of AI? Of course not, he answered. But I wont make a name for myself agreeing with the status quo. In this book, we learn about weak AI and strong AI. Weak AI Ill use my own words is practical, thinkable stuff. Strong AI Ill use the authors words is the idea of machines that are, like us, conscious, self-aware, truly autonomous beings. Holy smokes. Strong AI is a long way off, if it is coming at all. You never hear about strong AI at AI conferences, says Wooldridge, except possibly late at night, in the bar. Throughout the book, Wooldridge also refers to strong AI as the grand dream. It might strike some as a nightmare but so it is with all advances, if advances they are. Driverless cars are here, like it or not. They arrived one day in 2005. On that day, writes Wooldridge, driverless cars became a solved problem, in the same way that heavier-than-air powered flight became a solved problem at Kitty Hawk. We were not jetting all over the place the week after Orville Wright stayed aloft for twelve seconds. But the problem was done. Over. To speak personally, I used to shudder at the thought of driverless cars. Or at least I think I did. I cant quite remember. Regardless, I am fairly relaxed about driverless cars, particularly after reading Professor Wooldridge on the subject. Will there be problems? No doubt. Are there problems now, with us human drivers? Well, more than a million people a year are killed in car accidents; about 50 million are injured. In any event, the driverless world is upon us. I am pretty confident, writes Wooldridge, that my grandchildren will regard the idea that their grandfather actually drove a car on his own with a mixture of horror and amusement. We mentioned Stephen Hawking, the late and best-selling physicist, above. In 2014, says Wooldridge, Hawking who at the time was the most famous scientist in the world publicly stated that he had a fear about artificial intelligence: that AI, in fact, represented an existential threat to humanity. Wooldridge himself is not blase about the dangers and dilemmas. No, he is wide awake to them, and he deals with them in his book, one by one. What about the future of work? Will AI make all but a handful of us redundant, and thus unemployed? The power loom put a lot of people out of work, as did the tractor, as has the microprocessor. How about war? If drones, rather than soldiers and pilots, carry out war (as they are increasingly doing), and weapons are autonomous, will governments be more likely to wage war? What about a Terminator scenario? Will robots, cyborgs, and other scientific products run amok, overmastering us? The Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, The Terminator, came out in 1984. Wooldridge cites it, because people are always citing it to him, expressing their concerns over AI. (Steven Spielberg had a movie called, simply, A.I., in 2001.) Professor Wooldridge deals with the issues with a combination of expertise and common sense. Personally, I may be most concerned about deep fakes in the news the perfection of the manufacture of news. Videos that look absolutely real, for example, when they are absolutely false. Im talking about genuine fake news, if you will, rather than news we dont like, which we call fake. Fake news on social media is just beginning, says Wooldridge. When he writes about diversity and such sex and race and all that you might find that the book gets a little mushy. Even the grammar gets weird, as when a single person is they. This does not sound like Professor Wooldridge, frankly. But its very modern. As I said early on, A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence is intended for a general audience, and anyone can read it. But it is not . . . how to put it? Beach reading. Most readers, I imagine, would have to put in some work, as I did. Relief rarely came to me. One instance in which it did was on page 134. Wooldridge quotes the opening paragraph of A la recherche du temps perdu (Proust) at last, familiar territory! He then shows how Google Translate handles it. Such programs are not yet perfect. (Neither are human translators.) But the progress made on them is astounding. As he writes, you get the feeling that Professor Wooldridge is talking to us as he would to small children keeping it as simple as possible. And yet, his material is not the stuff of kindergarten. If we overheard him talking to his colleagues, their conversation might strike us as Chinese. (Then again, those colleagues may well be Chinese.) Some well-known scientists and entrepreneurs have compared AI to electricity, and even lets go way back to fire. Wooldridge is modest about his field, or realistic. But he is not dismissive of the power, even magic, of AI, which he loves so much. The following words are typical of him: AI has started to make its presence felt in every aspect of our lives. . . . While some applications of AI will be very visible in the future, others will not. AI systems will be embedded throughout our world, in the same way that computers are today. And in the same way that computers and the World Wide Web changed our world, so too will AI. How? Michael Wooldridge offers some surmises. Mainly, however, he says: Stay tuned. More from National Review Amy Cooper, the woman known as Central Park Karen, has never apologized directly to the innocent black man she called the cops on last May despite 'learning lots' in therapy as part of a 'restorative justice program' in exchange for having the charged against her dropped. Cooper, 41, called police on Christian Cooper last May 25 after he told her to put a leash on her dog. She became hysterical and phoned the police, claiming he was threatening her life. He filmed their exchange and put it on social media. Cooper was fired from her Manhattan investment firm job, blasted as 'racist' by Mayor Bill de Blasio then was eventually charged with a Class A Misdemeanor or filing a false police report- a crime that carries a maximum sentence of 1 year and fines of up to $1,000. That charge was dropped on Tuesday because she'd completed five therapy sessions where prosecutors said she seemed to have learned a 'lot'. Last year, Amy issued an apology through the media to 'everyone...especially that man and his family'. But Christian Cooper has revealed to DailyMail.com that she still has never been in touch with him to personally apologize for the incident. He said he doesn't know how 'deep' her media apology was and that while he wants to help resolve racial tensions, he has no interest in her, the case or ever meeting her face to face again. 'As far as her reaching out, she hasn't. I don't necessarily have a stake or an interest in that except to the extent that it pushes things forward in this country in examining race issues and reconcile race issues. 'I don't have a stake in us getting together,' he said in a Zoom interview on Tuesday afternoon. Christian Cooper, speaking on Tuesday via Zoom, said Amy hasn't been in touch with him since the May 25 incident. Amy Cooper was facing a maximum of one year in prison for falsely claiming he had threatened her life. Now, she must just complete a restorative justice program 'I'm very averse to the idea of the two of us having a face to face which is just a photo op, an opportunity for a media opportunity for a Jerry Springer, hair pulling fight or a feel good hug-it-out moment... not interested,' he said. Cooper declined to cooperate with the prosecutor's office last year. He says he has always wanted instead to focus on the larger issue of race inequality in America. After Amy issued her public apology, he accepted it but said he didn't know how sincere it was. 'I accepted her apology to the extent that it was offered, I accepted it. Why wouldn't I accept an apology? 'I don't know how deep the apology went, I don't know how much she reflected on what caused her to do what she did. Cooper with her dog. She was fired from her investment banker job and was deemed racist by public figures including NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio 'But to the extent that she offered an apology I accepted it. My focus is not on her, my focus is on trying to fix things. Doing what we can to fix things going forward,' he said. He added that the DA's office informed him of the status of their case a few months ago and that their decision to dropping the charges wasn't a surprise, but that he wasn't told it would happen as soon as Tuesday. 'They made contact with me a while ago. This has been their case. I left it to them and they pursued what they thought was necessary. 'Basically my interest is in not her or this case but moving forward and correcting the racial social injustices we have. 'Looking back to that case doesn't serve that issue. It's great that the case brought inherent bias to light for a lot of people who didn't realize that still happens in this country so that's good. It's great that it highlighted the fact that some people weaponize race and use it as a cudgel in certain circumstances. 'But in terms of getting things done, my focus is on fixing the racial injustices that we have now,' he said. He is particularly eager to see a law pass the Senate that would make Washington DC a state rather than a district, and give the residents there their own representative in Congress. Cooper said he is more concerned with resolving what can be fixed 'now' - like making Washington DC a state. He still lives in New York but has 'Talking about her and that incident doesn't necessarily bring us forward. 'What bring us forward is talking about the fact that there was an assumption in those actions that the police would come whistling down on my head with special vengeance because I am an African American man. 'So what does that tell you about policing and how do we fix it?' he said. Amy Cooper's attorney told The New York Post on Tuesday afternoon that she'll 'tell her story' at some point this week. Afterwards, he says he plans to hold a press conference. Earlier in the day he suggested in a tweet that she was preparing to file legal action of her own, writing: 'Others rushed to the wrong conclusion based on inadequate investigation and they may yet face legal consequences.' On Tuesday morning, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi revealed her office had decided to drop the charges because Amy had completed a 'restorative' alternative which included five therapy sessions. The decision outraged many, including Christian Cooper's sister. She tweeted: 'A flock of Karens is a privilege.' Others said it was the very definition of Cooper's white privilege that the only punishment she received was five therapy sessions. Christian Cooper posted on Facebook that he was 'far more outraged' by Congress than by anything 'Amy Cooper did'. 'I am far more outraged by the US Congress, which continues to deny the mostly Black and brown people of the District of Columbia statehood and the representation every American deserves, than by anything Amy Cooper did. 'That gross racial injustice could be fixed by Congress now, today, and thats what people should be focused onnot last years events in Central Park,' he posted on Facebook. ADA Iluzzi outlined that the case could have resulted in the cops tracking Christian down and arresting him had the pair not stayed at the park to speak to the police when they arrived. 'The simple principle is that one cannot use the police to threaten another and in this case, in a racially offensive and charged manner,' Illuzzi said. However she said: 'Given the issues at hand and Ms. Coopers lack of criminal background, we offered her, consistent with our position on many misdemeanor cases involving a first arrest, an alternative, restorative justice resolution; designed not just to punish but to educate and promote community healing.' She said Cooper completed a 'comprehensive, respectful program' at the Critical Therapy Center where she focused on 'the ways in which Ms. Cooper could appreciate that racial identities shape our lives but we cannot use them to harm ourselves or others.' 'Having completed 5 sessions, Ms. Coopers therapist reported that it was a moving experience and that Ms. Cooper learned a lot in their sessions together. 'The compliance report is attached, we are filing it with the court. 'Having completed the restorative justice program to our satisfaction, we now move to dismiss,' she said. While the victim hasn't yet spoken out about the case being dropped, critics slammed the decision on Twitter and called Cooper's therapy punishment the 'whitest sentence ever' Cooper's attorney threatened to sue people who 'rushed to the wrong conclusion' after the case was dropped Cooper said he no longer wished to discuss the case against her and wants to focus instead on the larger issues at play like Last year, after the incident went viral thanks to a video posted on social media, he accepted the public apology she made in the media. 'I do accept her apology. I think its a first step. I think shes gotta do some reflection on what happened because up until the moment when she made that statement. It was just a conflict between a birder and a dog walker, and then she took it to a very dark place. 'I think shes gotta sort of examine why and how that happened. He declined to be part of the legal process against her. Cooper's lawyer said in a statement on Tuesday: 'After a thorough & honest inquiry, the New York DA's office dismissed all charges today against #AmyCooper. 'We thank them for their integrity & concur w/ the outcome.' He also threatened legal action against people who rushed to the wrong conclusion'. Cooper worked at Franklin Templeton and was earning upwards of $170,000-a-year. After the incident went viral last year, the company fired her, saying: 'Following our internal review of the incident in Central Park yesterday, we have made the decision to terminate the employee involved, effective immediately.' Mayor Bill de Blasio was among those who condemned the incident. He called her racist. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A half-dozen people stood on an oceanfront deck with a million-dollar view, asking a hundred questions about what's on the horizon. On this clear, winter afternoon, it was the Atlantic as far as the eye can see. By 2024, nearly 100 of the world's largest, most powerful wind turbines could be spinning 15 miles off the coast. With blades attached, the windmills could reach as high and wide as 850 feet, and simulations created by Orsted, the Danish-based power company behind the Ocean Wind project, show the turbines are visible, faintly, from beaches in Brigantine, Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Joe and Tricia Conte's deck in Ocean City. "Some of those pictures are deceptive, though, because they were taken on a cloudy day," Joe Conte said. "The pictures they have of a clear day give you a much more vivid view of what it's really going to look like." The project will power a half-million homes in New Jersey and, according to Orsted, create thousands of jobs, both offshore and on during the initial construction process, which could begin this year. It has the support of both Gov. Phil Murphy, who has actively pushed for alternative energy in the state, and President Joe Biden. Murphy's office did not return a request for comment for this story, but Jeff Tittel, director of the Sierra Club's New Jersey chapter, said there was talk of offshore oil wells under past administrations. "The alternative is more pollution," Tittel said. But a campaign called Go Green and Unseen created by the Conte family raises concerns about the wind farm and its impact on tourism. The campaign's website advocates not against wind energy, but the turbines' location. Instead of 15 miles from the coast, the website advocates for 35 miles away, where they would likely not be seen at all. "The wind farm will be VERY VISIBLE and create significant visual pollution!" they wrote on the website. "This wind farm is going to set the precedence for all NJ offshore wind farms. Basically, visual pollution could be coming to a NJ beach near you." One woman visiting the Contes' home who asked not to be identified said the sight of offshore wind turbines would harm more than the view for people on the beach, one of the last places people aren't reminded of the world's industrialization. "They will not be able to look out on the horizon and dream," the woman said of beach-goers. Science says the human eye can generally see three miles out to sea, but various factors can increase or decrease that range. The height of the observer impacts sight line, along with the weather, and even the curvature of the Earth. Summer haze and evaporation from the ocean will limit views of the turbines. Many on the Contes' deck pointed out that Ocean Casino, Atlantic City's tallest structure at 718 feet, was clearly visible on this Saturday. That building was 16 miles up the coast, as the crow flies. "And you're looking at one structure right there, not hundreds," said Gregory Cudnik, a charter boat captain out of Long Beach Island Gabriel Martinez, an Orsted spokesperson, said the company voluntarily agreed to move the wind farm from 10 to 15 miles off the coast. The company is confined to an area of 108 acres it was leased by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and is also limited by offshore, commercial fishing interests, particularly New Jersey's substantial scallop business. "At this distance, only on the clearest of days the turbines will be only faintly visible on the horizon," Martinez said in an email. A University of Rhode Island study found that Orsted's Block Island Wind Farm, which was completed in 2016, actually increased tourism. That study looked at AirBnb rental data and noted that "it's one thing to look at a turbine for a few days and be mesmerized by it. But to have it there constantly may be different." Tricia Conte pointed out that Orsted's Block Island project consists of five turbines. "We're talking about an industrial park here," she said. A Facebook group started by the Contes under the same "go green and unseen" banner, now with about 1,000 members, has a slightly different mission. Called "Save our shorelines-Stop the wind farms off the coast of NJ!," the group's concerns have extended beyond Ocean City and questions another offshore wind project called Atlantic Shores that will be built farther north, between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light sometime in the 2020s. Their concerns over the turbines are more pressing than the view, ranging from the turbines' effects on commercial and recreational fishing, whether blades will interfere with migratory bird patterns, and where and how the project will run its power lines to inland transfer stations. "It warrants, at the least, spending more time looking over all these concerns," said fisherman Tony Butch of Evesham. Suzanne Hornick, the chairperson of Ocean City NJ Flooding Committee and a lifelong resident, brought to the Contes' home a four-page letter of concerns, which included electromagnetic fields caused by the turbines and their potential effect on marine life. "I'm a product of the '60s," Hornick said. "I firmly believe we can change this if we all band together." Orsted, according to its Ocean Wind website, has promised to "ensure any [electric and magnetic field] emissions are below required thresholds and avoid any impacts, onshore and offshore." The company says power will be transferred to land via buried submarine cables that are tunneled below the beach using a process called horizontal directional drilling that "avoids impacts to sensitive coastal habitats." Ocean City Councilman Bob Barr said he shares many of the concerns the Facebook group has raised, including any effect the turbines could have on tourism. "We have a lot of questions," Barr said. "What does this do to the carbon footprint? What will it do to the birds? What is the lighting like at night? We have an airport nearby." Recreational anglers are welcome to fish inside the wind farm and there has been talk of sightseeing tours taking daily trips there, too, much like at the Hoover Dam. "I think it might actually increase tourism," Tittel said. "This, overall, is a really good thing for New Jersey." Explore further State commits to wind energy for 3.2M, eyes onshore sites 2021 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Allergist/Immunologist Dr. Maria Camacho-Halili, ENT and Allergy Associates, Bridgewater, NJ Dr. Camacho-Halili exemplifies what it means to be a superior leader within our organization, and her election to ownership status, just puts the formal seal of approval on her years of hard work and compassionate care to the Bridgewater community. ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP (ENTA) is excited to announce Dr. Marie Camacho-Halili, who practices at ENTAs Bridgewater, NJ office has been promoted to full equity partner status. Dr. Marie Camacho-Halili joins an elite roster of physicians who have demonstrated the drive and ability to deliver superior outcomes and positive patient experiences over several years. While ENTAs team of 220+ physicians throughout its 42 locations represent the very best otolaryngology, allergy, immunology and audiology experts in the fields, only the most dedicated and time-tested specialists are chosen to rise to the ranks of practice owner. Marie M. Camacho-Halili, MD, a board-certified physician in both Allergy & Immunology and Pediatrics, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in 2001 and went on to receive her medical degree in 2006 from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, formerly known as UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She then completed a Pediatric Residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York, NY, followed by a Fellowship in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, NY. Dr. Camacho is a member of both the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. She sees both adult and pediatric patients in all areas of Allergy and Immunology, with a special interest in allergic rhinosinusitis, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. She has experience with subcutaneous and sublingual allergen immunotherapy, spirometry, patch testing and drug challenges. Elevating a successful physician to our growing partnership roster is always an exciting event we take a lot of pride in, noted Vice President and ENTA Board member, Dr. Steven Gold. When you are as successful and respected as Dr. Camacho-Halili is, ENTA celebrates your career and recognizes those accomplishments with ownership status. Dr. Robert Green, President of ENTA, noted, All physicians have the opportunity to become a partner; however, one must demonstrate a consistent commitment to excellence and proactive patient care to become a partner in our practice. Dr. Camacho-Halili represents that special category of doctor, and we welcome her with open arms to this special roster. When a physician has been promoted by his or her peers to enjoy this elite status within our practice, it means you have demonstrated, time and again, a level of commitment that elevates not just your clinical site, but the entire practice as a whole, Robert Glazer, CEO of ENTA stated. Dr. Camacho-Halili exemplifies what it means to be a superior leader within our organization, and her election to ownership status, just puts the formal seal of approval on her years of hard work and compassionate care to the Bridgewater community. The Board of Directors and I all applaud her extraordinary efforts and talents. To learn more about the benefits of ENT and Allergy Associates, find the office near you or book an appointment, please download our app "ENT and Allergy Associates," or visit http://www.entandallergy.com or call 1-855-ENTA-DOC. About ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP: ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP (ENTA) has more than 200 physicians practicing in 40+ office locations in Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as New York City and northern/central New Jersey. The practice sees over 90,000 patients per month. Each ENTA clinical location provides access to a full complement of services, including General Adult and Pediatric ENT and Allergy, Voice and Swallowing, Advanced Sinus and Skull Base Surgery, Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Disorders of the Inner Ear and Dizziness, Asthma, Clinical Immunology, Diagnostic Audiology, Hearing Aid dispensing, Sleep and CT Services. ENTA has clinical alliances with Mount Sinai Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, Northwell Health, and a partnership with the American Cancer Society. A white male civil servant is suing the Government for race discrimination after learning a black female colleague was paid almost 52,000 more to do the same job. Matthew Parr was appointed as one of only five HM Inspectors of Constabulary in 2016 on a 133,893 per year salary. But he has since launched a sex and race discrimination case after he discovered that fellow inspector Wendy Williams, who is black, was hired on 185,791 just 15 months before. Mr Parr claims that the Home Office has treated him differently because he is a white male, according to an Employment Tribunal in London. Matthew Parr (pictured) was appointed as one of only five HM Inspectors of Constabulary in 2016 on a 133,893 per year salary Mr Parr and Ms Williams were both hired as HM Inspectors of Constabulary - who oversee the UK's police forces including the Met, the National Crime Agency and City of London Police. The Sun reports that Mr Parr, a former Royal Navy rear admiral, told the hearing: 'This is, for me, principally a question of fairness. 'I have been a public servant for more than 35 years and have, until now, worked in organisations determined to treat people equitably. 'It is fundamentally unfair to pay people wildly different amounts for doing what is, by any measure, identical work.' he has since launched a sex and race discrimination case after he discovered that fellow inspector Wendy Williams (pictured) was hired on 185,791 just 15 months before The Government has denied sex and race discrimination. It has instead argued that Mr Parr was the first to be appointed under a new pay structure as part of a drive to reduce salaries for senior staff. The tribunal is expected to return its final decision within the coming weeks. This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. 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EV The same reports have been picking up speed in recent months, amid speculation on a production start date set for 2024 and rumors about negotiating a partnership with a carmaker . Where theres smoke, theres fire and all that, so all this seems to be pointing to the fact that Apple is decidedly working its way toward breaking onto the auto market.That said, some analysts believe that all the other carmakers, including the only electric vehicle maker right now, Tesla, should be shaking in their boots . Big words have been thrown around, and most of them are based on the idea of the Apple excellence, which is partly due to the strict control over the final product. Lend an ear to only half of what is said online, and youd still be left with the impression that Apple is coming for thecrown.Well, if it is, Volkswagen is not afraid.Like every other big player on the market, the German carmaker has detailed electrification plans for the coming years and believes itself to be a strong rival to Elon Musks Tesla. CEO Herbert Diess tells the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (via Reuters ) that Apples move into the EV market is not surprising given Apples software and design experience. But its not a daunting prospect for VW.Still, we are not afraid, Diess promises. The car industry is not a typical tech-sector that you could take over at a single stroke, Diess adds. Apple will not manage that overnight.Then again, even if Volkswagen was losing sleep over the thought of Apple getting to the top of the EV chain before it even had a chance to make the climb, do you think Diess would admit to it publicly? TestFest UK, the second edition of the TestFest, a global test automation series, organized by Clavent, a global tech conferences organisation, will be held on March 11 to 12, from 10.00 AM BST until 2 PM BST. The conference follows after TestFest USA held in 2020 and is part of the software testing mini conferences coming up in South Africa, Australia, Philippines, Singapore and India with eight hours of sessions distributed over two days. The TestFest USA, powered by Innominds, a digital next AI-led platform company, had more than 500 attendees and over 15 speakers from the USA. The conference had also conducted a globally well-attended giant panel discussion. TestFest UK, also sponsored by Innominds, will be spread over two days of virtual talks and discussions during which participants will learn about the latest in test automation. Clavent has secured an outstanding line up of talented thought leaders and influencers namely Larissa Rosochansky from CI&T, Sairam Vedam & Sai Chintala from Innominds, Jonathon Wright from Digital Assured, Viv Richards from Rubber Duck Consulting, Maryam Umar from Thought Machine, Laveena Ramchandani from Deloitte UK, David Burns from BrowserStack, Brijesh Deb from Beround, Dmytro Shpakovskyi Author Modern web Testing, Corina Pip from Sage Intacct to name a few. With TestFest UK, we are aiming to do a global virtual conference across eight countries and five continents to highlight best practices and disruptions from each region for our global audience. The conference will be held over two days to fit into our attendees WFH schedule, Clavents Director, Sneha Betharia said. Speaking on the occasion of TestFest UK, Sairam Vedam- Global Chief Marketing Officer at Innominds-said We are thrilled to be associated with the UK edition of TestFest, especially after our hugely successful US edition late last year. Gartner predicts that through 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities will emerge and mature in test automation tools to deliver faster time to market and reduce overall test creation and maintenance cycles. At Innominds we subscribe to this thought process and as the reality of the post COVID scenarios are becoming clearer, the digital possibilities are becoming richer and more complex for businesses to stay competitive. At Innominds we are engineering quality at the velocity of market change through an integrated AI-driven QE approach to help leading enterprises, independent software vendors, and OEMs accelerate their Digital Next initiatives and stay ahead with software quality developed for the modern era. We welcome all the industry thought leaders and are excited to share our insights and experiences which we believe will help the QE community to leap ahead, he added. The UK edition will provide an excellent platform for QE professionals to keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends, exchange experiences, discuss and deliberate ideas and benefit from networking opportunities. Innominds is an AI-first, platform-led digital transformation and full cycle product engineering services company headquartered in San Jose, CA. It works with ISVs to build next-generation products, SaaSify, transform total experience, and add cognitive analytics to applications. Innominds delivers high quality software at break neck speeds to its global customers leveraging its state-of-the-art AI-driven quality engineering platform called iHarmonyTM, that can provide up to 100x software test acceleration through intelligent automation. For more information and to register for the TestFest UK FREE, visit https://bit.ly/testfest-uk Join pre-conference discussions and thought topics on twitter (@claventevents #thetestfest) and facebook (@ClaventEvents). For any other enquiries, please mail on contact@clavent.com. Looking forward to seeing you at the event. Register for FREE here: https://bit.ly/testfest-uk Source: Reuters Australian lawmakers are due on February 16 to start debates on a path-breaking law that will force tech giants Google and Facebook to negotiate with local publishers over use of their proprietary content on the tech platforms. If the Bill is passed, which is widely expected to happen in the next few days, Google has threatened to end its search service in the country and Facebook has said it could block users from sharing news links on the social network. Australias law is not based on copyrights over news reports, but on the principle of fair competition. The two tech companies together hold extraordinary bargaining power over Australias entire publishing empire a 33 percent share of the Australian advertising market; and Facebook, the smaller of the two companies measured by market capitalisation, is 80 times bigger than Rupert Murdochs News Corp., the countrys largest media group. Besides the business aspect, there is much confusion about the laws effect on an open Internet. Even the webs inventor, Sir Tim Berners Lee, seems to have got it wrong, warning an Australian Senate committee that the Australian law would impact any web links from being embedded in content by Internet users. In reality, the law would only bar Google from publishing the web links, including snippets of content, containing proprietary news reports from Australian publishers. In the case of Facebook, it would bar users from posting the same from Australian publishers. All others, including Microsofts Bing search engine and other Internet users, will be at liberty to publish the news links. Similarly, Vinton Cerf, widely known as father of the Internet, told the same Senate panel that its proposed law would inhibit discovery of information. In part, it is unsurprising because Cerf works for Google. In part, it is likely untrue. Last month, Australias Monash University studied results for several search terms on three search engines Google, Bing and Ecosia. The result: Bing and Ecosia delivered substantially more professionally produced news in the top 50 results compared with Google, according to The Guardian. The Monash studys broad findings are two-fold. One, news forms a disproportionate part of search results and, likely, expectations, an area in which many search engines have caught up with Google. Two, Googles search engine may not be far ahead of other rivals as is believed. The study suggests Google may have only a slight edge over other search engines. A reason why rivals are still unable to compete effectively with Google is its extraordinary brand power and its ability to monetise search results. Will Google and Facebook pull the plug? Many wrongly believe the law will cause Google to pull out all its products from the Australian market, or that Australia could build a so-called Great Barrier Firewall. Both are simply unfounded. Google has only threatened to end its search service if the Bill is passed. Other products such as Gmail and YouTube will remain available to Australians. In fact, it is not even certain that Google will carry through its threat to end the search service. In the light of Microsofts opportunistic move to offer its Bing service, and Monash Universitys findings, Google could very well choose to stay and fight in what is a lucrative market. Google has already signed multiple deals with news publishers, without waiting for the law to kick in. Clearly, Google accepts that it needs to start paying publishers for news hosted on its platforms. What it does not want is a legal framework to enforce it. It also has reservations on some other provisions in the Bill, such as one that requires the two tech platforms to inform publishers in advance of any changes in their algorithms that govern news. Facebook, likely, will weigh the costs of barring users from posting news links. News has been known to provide the stickiness that counts towards more minutes spent on the social network by users. If its algorithm suggests that average user minutes might fall without news, Facebook could well bury the threat and make peace with publishers. Whats in it for India? The Australian experiment, if one could call it that, affords lessons for India. But so far they have fallen on the deaf ears of publishers, regulators and the government in India. In India, publishers remain fragmented, and are focused so much on the present challenges that they do not expect Google and Facebook to immediately shore up their finances. Regulators have on their radar some issues pertaining to Google but not on news; and lets say that empowering media to be stronger in any sense of the term is not a government priority. On the contrary, a weaker and pliant media is seen as a more effective tool for government. The Monetary Fund (IMF) and cash-strapped on Tuesday reached an agreement over reforms paving the way for imbursement of USD 500 million as part of revival of a stalled bailout programme, the finance ministry said. The IMF had agreed in 2019 to provide USD 6 billion under a 39-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement but it was disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic last year. Advisor on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh announced on social media that the agreement was reached at a stall-level meeting between the two sides. "I would like to share that the Government of has reached a staff level agreement with the IMF. Overcoming the challenges created by the pandemic has required concerted effort," he tweeted. The Advisor termed it as a "good development for Pakistan", while thanking Prime Minister Imran Khan and the IMF staff for their support. An IMF team led by Ernesto Ramirez Rigo concluded virtual discussions with the Pakistani authorities and reached a staff-level agreement on the second to fifth reviews of the authorities' reform programme, according to a statement by the Fund. It said that the agreement strikes an appropriate balance between supporting the economy, ensuring debt sustainability and advancing structural reform. "Pending approval of the Executive Board, the reviews' completion would release around USD 500 million," the IMF said. It also said that Pakistan authorities were committed to ambitious policy actions and structural reforms to strengthen economic resilience, advance sustainable growth, and achieve the EFF's medium-term objectives. The fiscal support programme is key for Pakistan to win the confidence in its which is struggling to come out of the impact of the pandemic. Despite a hiatus in the bailout package, the IMF provided Pakistan USD 1.4 billion in emergency financing to support it mitigating the economic impact of COVID-19. For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's contracted in the outgoing fiscal year with a negative 0.38 per cent due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the already weak financial situation before the deadly infection hit the country. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As Siloam Mission prepares to make changes to the way it relates to Indigenous people, its new chairman sees no conflict between that and the organizations Christian foundation. As Siloam Mission prepares to make changes to the way it relates to Indigenous people, its new chairman sees no conflict between that and the organizations Christian foundation. "Its an outgrowth of our faith," said Garth Manness, a member of Grant Memorial Baptist Church, of its proposal to develop a comprehensive Indigenous relations strategy. "It will enhance our faith." The changes are the result of pressure from former staff, including a group called Not My Siloam, which criticized the organization for not living up to its commitments to pursue reconciliation with Indigenous people and meet their spiritual needs. In response, Siloam which is a mission of the Church of the Nazarene held discussions with Indigenous knowledge keepers and Indigenous community leaders, and also with staff and church leaders. This has led the organization to initiate a process to develop a formal statement of reconciliation, act to fulfil Siloams commitments to Winnipegs Indigenous Accord, establish a Knowledge Keepers Circle and explore ways to diversify the board. Siloam will also undertake a reconciliation process with staff and others who have expressed concerns about the organizations direction and establish an accountability process to monitor and ensure progress. "We spoke to numerous leaders in the community, Indigenous and non-Indigenous," Manness said. "We really listened to them. It was clear [from those discussions] we havent met our obligations towards reconciliation." Manness realizes not all of Siloams supporters many of whom are part of evangelical churches in Manitoba will agree with the changes. Already the organization is receiving calls and emails saying it has given in to the criticism and to cancel culture and is losing its faith perspective. "We have heard from some who think we are compromising our Christian principles," he said. "As a board we strongly disagree. As a board we spent a lot of time soul searching. We want to fulfill our obligations under the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord. We believe we can do that without compromising our Christian principles." Manness said the organization plans to reach out to churches and individual donors who have questions and concerns. "We are quite prepared to explain to them" about the changes, he said, adding "people have the right to decide where they want to contribute." Siloams changes are supported by the Church of the Nazarene, he said, noting three seats on the board of directors are reserved for members of the evangelical denomination. The board currently has nine members, but it can be as large as 12. "Christianity is core to who they are as people," Manness said of the board. "They are strong Christians and deep thinkers." They are also committed to the process of reconciliation, he added, and to understanding the various issues related to serving Indigenous people including the negative way many Indigenous people view Christianity due to residential schools and other forms of colonialism. Although Siloam is a Christian organization, its goal is not to evangelize patrons, Manness said. "Our goal is to serve homeless people in Winnipeg," he said. "The Church of Nazarene wants it to be successful in that." Siloam offers its service in the spirit of Matthew chapter 25, Manness said, referring to Jesus instructions to his followers to help people who are hungry, sick, thirsty and in need of shelter. "Thats where we are at, we are simply trying to help," he said. "We are never going to meet them at the door and turn them into Christians. Our main goal is their well-being." Looking to the future, Manness realizes Siloam is now under a microscope. "At the core we want to do what is right, make sure we are fully engaged in reconciliation," he said. "And we want to be accountable and transparent about the actions we intend to take. Our main goal now is to listen, to understand the pain Indigenous people have experienced ... They are people God loves." faith@freepress.mb.ca Australian supermarket and retail chain, the Coles Group, last week indefinitely extended the three-month lockout of workers at its Smeaton Grange warehouse in southwestern Sydney. This is part of an attempt by Coles, one of the countrys largest companies and employers, to satisfy the dictates of the global financial markets, which are demanding higher investment returns and share prices. The most immediate objective of the extension of the lockout is to starve workers into accepting a sell-out deal, pushed by the United Workers Union (UWU), that would result in the closure of the facility and the destruction of most, if not all, of the 350 jobs there. In a critical stand, the Smeaton Grange workers voted on February 2 to reject the company-UWU agreement. Coles Supermarkets headquarters in Hawthorn East, Victoria, viewed from Tooronga Road bridge. (Wikimedia Commons) It is increasingly clear that the lockout is a spearhead of a broader corporate and government offensive to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to accelerate the decades-long assault on the jobs and conditions of the working class. In a company video last week, Matt Swindells, the Coles Groups chief operations officer, praised the UWU for seeking to impose Coles demands, castigated workers for their repeated rejection of the sell-out and denounced extremist and anti-union socialists, i.e., the Socialist Equality Party and the World Socialist Web Site, for upsetting the company-UWU operation. Swindells declared: The only people who have an alternative plan are the extreme socialists who have infiltrated this dispute. Theyve got their voices in the ears of people, and theyre suggesting this wider agenda of taking on big business and the banks. He warned that the anti-union socialists were seeking to extend the dispute to other Coles warehouses, which are also scheduled for closure and replacement by automated facilities. Swindells not only revealed the collaboration of the UWU with the company. He identified the real forces driving the confrontation: big business and the banks. In fact, the Coles Group itself represents big business and the banks. It epitomises the financial elites grip over the entire Australian and global capitalist economy. For the Coles Group to be fronting the broader corporate assault on workers is no accident. In the first place, with a current market capitalisation of $24 billion, the Coles Group is the 18th largest company listed on the leading Australian share index, the ASX200. It was de-merged and sold off in 2018 by what was then the countrys biggest retail conglomerate, Wesfarmers, which remains the 10th biggest company listed on the ASX200. Secondly, Wesfarmers divested itself of Coles Group because, as it informed the sharemarket, it was no longer satisfied with the rates of growth and profits it could derive from the group. Wesfarmers cut Coles loose, meaning that the Coles management had to embark on a drastic cost-cutting and restructuring operation in order to survive. Initially, Wesfarmers retained a 15 percent share in Coles but has since sold down its holding to 4.9 percent. The other two large shareholders are now BlackRock (5.48 percent) and the Vanguard Group (4.08 percent). These are two of the three most massive US investment funds, often referred to as shadow banks, which control $15 trillion in global assets between them. These ruthless operators only invest on the basis of extracting the highest rates of return, through the continual ratcheting up of the exploitation of workers labour power. The Coles Group Besides operating one of the countrys two largest supermarket chains, the Coles Group owns Coles Online, Coles Express petrol stations, liquor store networks, hotels and a financial services operation, which includes insurance and credit cards, and jointly owns the FlyBuys business. The group boasts of nearly 120,000 employees. It is Australian capitalisms third largest private employer, behind Wesfarmers and its main rival retail giant, Woolworths. The Coles Group board of directors personifies the wealthy elite, with its interlocking financial interests. The chairman, James Graham, was a director of Wesfarmers, and chairman of Rabobank Australia Limited, responsible for the Dutch financial giants operations in Australia and New Zealand. Steven Cain, the Coles Group managing director and CEO, was previously CEO of the South African-owned Metcash supermarket and convenience store business and earlier the Grocery Trading Director of the Walmart-owned Asda Stores in Britain during what the Coles Groups website describes as Asdas profit turnaround. For his services in 201920, according to the Coles Group annual report, Cain was paid just under $7 million in cash and share allotments, mostly tied to his performance in generating profits and driving up the share price. That remuneration is approximately 140 times an average warehouse workers wage of $50,000 a year. David Cheesewright, another director, also has a Walmart connection. Until 2018, he was president and CEO of Walmart International, which comprises Walmarts operations outside the United States, including more than 6,200 stores and over a million associates in 27 countries. Two other members of the Coles Group board, Paul OMalley and Wendy Stops, are directors of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the countrys largest bank. OMalley was previously CEO of BlueScope Steel, a BHP spin-off, and before that CEO of TXU Energy, a subsidiary of TXU Corp based in Dallas, Texas. As chief operations manager, Matthew Swindells is not a board member but part of the executive leadership team, in charge of operations across the whole group. He earlier was CEO of Tasman Meats, a private equity-owned meat retailer. His remuneration package in 201920 totalled $2.35 million, or about 47 times a warehouse workers pay. In the words of the Coles Group website, Swindells supervises end-to-end management of Store Operations, Supply Chain and Procurement as well as leading the business on the automation strategy with Witron and Ocado. Witron is a subsidiary of WITRON Logistik + Informatik GmbH, a German-based manufacturer of automated distribution centres, and Ocado is a British-based firm specialising in robotic warehouses. Such technology opens up tremendous possibilities for reducing back-breaking work in warehouses, planning logistics more exactly and boosting productivity. Under socialism, that is public ownership and democratic workers control, these developments would be used to improve the wages and conditions of all workers while cutting working hours. But under capitalism, this technology means the destruction of workers jobs and conditions for the sake of private profit. Coles transformation plans CEO Cain reported to the Coles Group annual general meeting on November 5, just two weeks before the company imposed its lockout, that the companys vision aimed to grow long-term shareholder value and its strategy is all about changing at pace, efficiency and innovating for the future. He reported with pride that shareholder return had been lifted to a staggering 32 percent. An annual net profit of $978 million was recorded in 2019-20, drawn from revenue of $37.7 billion, but that is regarded as only the beginning of what the company must produce to satisfy the likes of the huge investment funds BlackRock and Vanguard. Cain said the management had accelerated its transformation plans as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. Coles had established pop-up distribution centres within a matter of days last March. These were part of a Smarter Selling Strategy to reduce costs by $1 billion. Clearly, however, the highly-casualised pop-ups were also in preparation for confronting the workers at Smeaton Grange and elsewhere who resisted the elimination of their livelihoods. With the full knowledge of the UWU, months before the lockout, the company created the capacity to impose lengthy shutdowns of any warehouse where workers threatened to take industrial action. This strategy was no doubt discussed with Prime Minister Scott Morrisons government at the highest level. In chairman Grahams report to the Coles Group annual general meeting, he emphasised that the company was working closely with the government via the COVID-19 Supermarket Taskforce initiated by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton. Graham further noted that management had made considerable progress on our two step out technology commitments, with automated distribution facilities in Sydney and Brisbane and two highly automated customer fulfilment centres in Melbourne and Sydney. Coles, which began as a cheap variety store in 1914, has long been a feature of Australias ruling establishment. During the 1980s, amid the economic restructuring conducted under the Labor Party government of Bob Hawke, it acquired liquor store networks, low-cost fashion chains and the department store chain, Myer, forming Coles Myer. Hawke opened the Coles Myer corporate headquarters in Melbourne in 1987. Two decades later, faced by the decline of department stores, Coles sold Myer in 2006 and was in turn acquired by Wesfarmers in 2007. By 2018, however, Wesfarmers regarded the Coles Group as a drag on its investment returns and offloaded it. This reality confirms that the struggle of the locked-out Coles workers does mean taking on big business and the banks. As the SEP explained in its January 27 statement calling for a rejection of the UWU sell-out at Smeaton Grange: The struggle is not just against one company management, but the entire profit system. That is why the SEP calls on all sections of the working class to take up this fight and come to the aid of their class brothers and sisters at Smeaton Grange. In every industry, workers face the same cost-cutting offensive and the same political issues, including the need for a break with the trade unions and the formation of new independent organisations of strugglean interconnected network of rank-and-file committees. This is a political struggle against the union apparatuses and all the official political parties, including Labor and the Greens, that enforce the requirements of the financial oligarchy. As the SEP pointed out: The only alternative is the fight for a workers government and for socialism. The banks and the corporations, including the huge retail chains Coles and Woolworths, must be placed under public ownership and democratic workers control. The wealth of the billionaires should be expropriated. The social needs of the majority, including a permanent, full-time job with decent pay and conditions, must be the governing principle of society, not the profits of a tiny minority. Washington: A Democratic congressman has accused Donald Trump in a federal lawsuit of inciting the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol and of conspiring with his lawyer and extremist groups to try to prevent the Senate from certifying the results of the presidential election he lost to Joe Biden. The lawsuit from Mississippis Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is part of an expected wave of litigation over the January 6 riot and is believed to be the first filed by a member of Congress. It seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages. Donald Trump, pictured at a rally before the January 6 assault on the US Capitol. Credit:AP The case also names as defendants the Republican former presidents personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and groups including the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, extremist organisations that had members charged by the Justice Department with taking part in the siege. A Trump adviser, Jason Miller, said in a statement on Tuesday local time (Wednesday AEDT) that Trump did not organise the rally that preceded the riot and did not incite or conspire to incite any violence at the Capitol on January 6th. A lawyer for Giuliani did not immediately return an email seeking comment. Dalton Lee Potter, 29, of San Patricio, Tx., has been sentenced to 25 years for shooting Whitfield County Deputy Chip Hackney in September of 2020. Potter entered a guilty plea Tuesday morning to the charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, theft by bringing stolen property into the state of Georgia and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Jim Wilbanks pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement to serve a total of 25 years in prison. Potter was represented by Micah Gates of the Conasauga Public Defenders Office. Potter has pending charges in Gordon County including another aggravated assault charge and pending charges in Texas. Officials said, "On Sept. 6, 2020, Potter was driving south on Interstate 75 heading from the Chattanooga area to Florida. He was accompanied by co-defendant, Jonathan Gerald Hosmer, and was pulling a cargo trailer that had recently been stolen in Tennessee. An automated system at the weigh station in Catoosa County picked up the trailers tag and identified it as a stolen vehicle. That information was relayed to the Georgia State Patrol who notified the Whitfield County Sheriffs Office. Deputies in Whitfield County, including Deputy Hackney and Deputy Adrian Gomez, were in a better position to intercept the vehicle and did so in the south end of Whitfield County."Upon stopping Potters vehicle, Deputy Hackney approached the drivers side of the vehicle as Deputy Gomez covered the passenger side. Potter produced a handgun and attempted to point it at Deputy Hackney. Deputy Hackney struck the handgun with his flashlight and attempted to retreat to cover. Potter then fired several shots in Deputy Hackneys direction, one of which struck Deputy Hackney in the back. Fortunately, Deputy Hackneys ballistic vest took the impact and saved his life."Upon verifying that Deputy Hackney was clear, Deputy Gomez returned fire and one round fired by Deputy Gomez struck the passenger side front tire of Potters vehicle. Potter attempted to flee, but due to the damaged tire was not able to make it more than a mile or so before being forced off the road. Potter and Hosmer then fled on foot into a wooded area."Deputy Hackney and Deputy Gomez pursued in their vehicles calling for backup and found Potters vehicle quickly, but not before Potter and Hosmer had fled on foot. At that point, the deputies did not even know that a second person had been in the vehicle. They waited for backup to arrive, including a paramedic to assess Hackneys injuries. A subsequent search of the vehicle produced the handgun used to shoot Deputy Hackney and another weapon. A third weapon was taken by Potter as he fled and was recovered later in Gordon County."Hosmer was arrested two days later without incident and cooperated with authorities. Potter was arrested on Sept.10 after a shooting between Potter and a private citizen in Gordon County. Potter likewise cooperated and admitted that he had been the driver of the vehicle and had pointed the firearm at Deputy Hackney, although he denied any memory of actually shooting at either deputy. Potter was also identified by Deputy Hackneys body camera."Potter and Hosmer were arrested so quickly thanks to the cooperation of several local, state and Federal law enforcement agencies including most of the northwest Georgia sheriffs departments and several local city police departments as well as the GSP, GBI and Department of Corrections. The FBI and U.S. Marshalls were also involved. There were several K-9 teams involved with the actual arrest of Potter being made by U.S. Marshalls after Potter was tracked by 'Buffy,' a K-9 with the Department of Corrections, and her handler."Potter had a prior conviction for burglary from San Patricio County, Texas in 2017. He has pending charges in Gordon County for aggravated assault, aggravated battery, hijacking a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Potter will soon be transferred to the Gordon County Jail in order to address those charges. He also has pending felony charges in Texas. The District Attorneys Office has been in touch with the Sheriff in Real County, Texas concerning Potters charges here and there. Once all of Potters Georgia charges are resolved, it is expected that the State of Texas will seek to extradite him to face their charges as well."Potters co-defendant, Hosmer, is charged locally with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and theft by bringing stolen property into the state. Hosmer also has pending charges in Texas. Hosmers arraignment was Tuesday postponed to March 10. Hosmer is represented by Dalton attorney Mike Corbin. [February 16, 2021] Vienna Insurance Group's Digital Start-up, Beesafe, Achieves Rapid Four-month Guidewire Deployment in Midst of Global Pandemic Beesafe, the digital brand of the Vienna Insurance Group's (VIG) Polish subsidiary, and Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE: GWRE), the platform general insurers trust to engage, innovate, and grow efficiently, today announced that Beesafe has deployed Guidewire to underpin its business processes and drive its digital insurance model. Guidewire PartnerConnect Consulting partner, Sollers Consulting, supported the implementation programme. Beesafe, a digital start-up, was established by VIG, the leading insurance group in Austria, Central and Eastern Europe, to provide a dynamic distribution company with a unique customer offering, and potential for expansion into other countries where VIG operates. Beesafe has deployed the Guidewire platform for policy administration, underwriting, claims, billing, and rating management. The company also implemented Guidewire's omnichannel digital experience for its policyholders, customer service representatives, and vendors. Beesafe has deployed to its commercial line of business, with personal motor currently being implemented. "Beesafe is a purely digital venture with a strong insurtech identity. This is unique within the CEE area. At the same time, being part of VIG provides us with robust insurance credentials," said Rafal Mosionek, CEO, Beesafe. "We are very proud that right in the middle of the COVID pandemic, starting in mid-April, we developed and delivered a digital offering and platform in four months, with a first go-live in August. This a testament to the talented, agile, and creative team that we formed from scratch to launch our innovative value proposition." The Guidewire deployment will enable Beesafe to: Employ agile architecture to facilitate rapid design and deployment of value-generating new products; Provide an easy to employ, attractive user interface through cutting-edge, innovative technology; including mobile wallet, STP, image recognition, and predictive modelling; Manage standardised, API-driven interfaces to integrate partners quickly and enable multichannel products; and Ensure operational and cost efficiency by utilising stable, standardised commodity architecture. "With Beesafe we have set out to deliver a seamless service to a young generation of digital natives that is entirely customer-centric, personalised, and simple to use. This is made possible by employing best of breed data modelling," Rafal Mosionek, CEO, Beesafe. "To succeed, the best frontend technology must be supported by the best backend core systems." "We congratulate the Beesafe team for what they have achieved together with the teams from Sollers Consulting, and uidewire Software," said Marcin Pluta, Managing Partner at Sollers Consulting. "Beesafe has created an attractive offering with flexible products and a fully digital sales process. We look forward to developing new products and additional services within Guidewire Software's powerful IT infrastructure." "We congratulate Beesafe on their successful and speedy Guidewire deployment, especially in these difficult times of global pandemic," said Laurent Fontaine, group vice president, Sales - EMEA, Guidewire Software. "Beesafe's focus on delivering high quality and entirely customer-focused service is to their credit as an ambitious and innovative digital insurer." About Beesafe Beesafe, the technology-oriented digital venture of VIG & Compensa Insurance Company in Poland, is dedicated to full digital delivery of MOD & MTPL products. The key unique selling proposition is clear: the client only needs to share two simple pieces of information (date of birth and car plate number) to receive the MOD/MTPL offer. The whole onboarding process takes seconds instead of being time-consuming, and requiring sensitive data, as is the norm with competitors. Beesafe realised its MVP after less than 8 months of intensive preparations. Beesafe's long-term strategy is to fulfill its friendly promise to clients, given at the beginning of its start-up idea, supported by continuous UX/UI improvement to ensure its commercial success. For more information, please visit www.beesafe.pl. About Sollers Consulting Sollers Consulting is an international business advisory and software implementation specialist supporting business transformation in the financial industry. Sollers Consulting teams have supported more than 80 financial groups in enhancing their digital capabilities, including Allianz, AXA, LV=, BNP Paribas Cardif, Basler, Generali, Zurich, Santander Consumer Bank, and ING. Our teams specialise in IT systems that help insurers, banks, and leasing companies transform and adapt to new technologies. Sollers Consulting cooperates with more than 15 technology providers such as Guidewire Software, Oracle, AWS, and Microsoft (News - Alert) . Approximately 600 business and IT specialists from Warsaw, Lublin, Poznan, Gdansk, Cologne, Tokyo, and Copenhagen are helping financial institutions in Great Britain, Germany, Poland, Scandinavia, and many other countries reap the benefits of digitalisation. Read more at sollers.eu. About Guidewire Guidewire is the platform general insurers trust to engage, innovate, and grow efficiently. ?We combine digital, core, analytics, and AI to deliver our platform as a cloud service. More than 400 insurers, from new ventures to the largest and most complex in the world, run on Guidewire. As a partner to our customers, we continually evolve to enable their success. We are proud of our unparalleled implementation track record, with 1,000+ successful projects, supported by the largest R&D team and partner ecosystem in the industry. Our marketplace provides hundreds of applications that accelerate integration, localisation, and innovation. For more information, please visit www.guidewire.com and follow us on twitter: @Guidewire_PandC. NOTE: For information about Guidewire's trademarks, visit https://www.guidewire.com/legal-notices. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005561/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Co Down pastor Mark McClurg has been released from hospital after being re-admitted on Friday with blood clots on his lung. The 41-year-old survived Covid-19 last year, but found himself back in the Ulster Hospital with pain in his chest and upper back. Pastor McClurg, who is married to Claire (43) and is father to Liliana (6) and twin boys Josiah and Judah (3) - had no underlying health conditions when he was hospitalised in March. He later said he believed he was suffering from 'long Covid' as symptoms of the illness continued to affect him after his recovery. The Newtownards man asked for prayers as he dealt with his latest health challenge, but on Monday he announced he was being released from hospital. Pastor McClurg once again paid tribute to staff at the Ulster Hospital for the care they had given him. He said an ultrasound on his left leg had shown no further blood clots, while an echocardiogram scan on his heart showed no damage. "I am so grateful to hear that," the pastor said in a video posted on social media. I have some good news to share...... Thank you for your kind words and prayers. Thank you once again to the amazing staff at the Ulster Hospital. pic.twitter.com/iC49Hf06Dx Mark McClurg (@Mark_McClurg) February 15, 2021 He said he had been provided with medication to help rid him of the blood clots and was looking forward to seeing his family. Expand Close Mark with staff at the hospital / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mark with staff at the hospital "I'm so thankful I'm going to home see Claire, Liliana, Josiah and Judah. I want to thank everyone so much for your kind words and prayers," Pastor McClurg said. "Once again thank you so much to the staff at the Ulster Hospital, just amazing. Thank you so much." The Christian pastor at Ards Elim made an "emotional but happy" return to the hospital last July to thank the staff who saved him. "There are so many I want to personally thank because, for me, the Ulster Hospital will always be the place where not only my wee babies were born, but my life was saved," he said at the time. Last September he spoke of his battle against long Covid six months after getting the virus and revealed he was "still experiencing fatigue, breathlessness". "I have a brain fog. Concentration and trying to remember things is difficult, but the biggest problem is fatigue," Pastor McClurg said. "My immune system is not what it was and my body is not able to heal itself as quickly. There is not a day goes past that I don't feel so tired that I have to go and lie down and sleep. I would not normally have to do that." OTTAWA - Newly tabled federal gun legislation would allow municipalities to ban handguns through bylaws restricting their possession, storage and transportation. Rifles are shown locked up in Calgary, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh OTTAWA - Newly tabled federal gun legislation would allow municipalities to ban handguns through bylaws restricting their possession, storage and transportation. The Liberal government said Tuesday the measures would be backed up with serious penalties to enforce these bylaws, including jail time for people who violate municipal rules. Under the plan, firearms licence holders would have to comply with handgun storage and transport restrictions in municipalities that pass bylaws. Such bylaws could forbid keeping handguns at home, meaning they would have to be stored at a licensed business, or they might go further by outlawing handguns anywhere in a municipality. Many gun-control advocates have called for a national handgun ban, warning that leaving it up to municipalities would create an ineffective patchwork of regulations. Toronto Mayor John Tory noted the council in Canada's largest city has expressed support for a national ban, adding the city looks forward to receiving details from the federal government on how the proposal outlined Tuesday "would work and what its impact would be on gun violence." Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart, citing a recent uptick in gang-related shootings, promptly announced plans to ask city council to use the new powers, should they become law, to implement a handgun ban. As expected, the bill also proposes a buyback of a wide array of recently banned firearms the government considers assault-style weapons. Owners could turn in their guns for compensation but would also be able to keep them under strict conditions, including registration and secure storage of the firearms in question. Under the rules, these guns could not be legally used, transported, sold, transferred or bequeathed by individuals in Canada. They would become "virtually useless as a firearm," Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said at a news conference, calling the federal plan "overwhelmingly the most effective way" to remove the outlawed guns from society. The government has faced pressure to make the buyback mandatory like programs in Australia and New Zealand to ensure as many banned guns as possible are turned in. This is a huge win for the gun lobby," said Heidi Rathjen, a witness to the Ecole Polytechnique shooting massacre in 1989 who is coordinator of the group PolySeSouvient. She called it an "easily reversible half-measure" that buys the gun lobby time to work toward electing the Conservatives, who oppose the ban. Suzanne Laplante-Edward, whose daughter Anne-Marie was killed at Polytechnique, said the optional buyback is a total betrayal. My family and I have fought for three decades to ban these weapons," she said. "We thought we had won in the fall of 2019 when the Liberals announced with much pomp and circumstance that they would ban and buy back all of these killing machines. They lied to us. They lied to Canadians." Asked if the optional buyback was a calculation intended to ease opposition from the gun lobby, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "Obviously, there are political elements in this. But the core of why we are doing this, the core of why Canadians want this done, is to keep our communities safe." Some gun owners strongly oppose the ban of about 1,500 firearm models and variants altogether and seek to overturn it through the courts. The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights dismissed the bill as simple electioneering that uses licensed gun owners as fodder to mobilize the Liberal party's base. "Reasonable Canadians should ask themselves if they think that anything in this bill will stop the shootings in downtown Toronto or Vancouver or the violence or property crime we see in rural communities." Conservative public safety critic Shannon Stubbs accused the government of taking firearms away from law-abiding citizens, saying the legislation "does nothing to stop dangerous criminals and gangs who obtain their guns illegally." The bill would also: Introduce new "red flag" and "yellow flag" laws that would allow people, such as concerned friends or relatives, to apply to the courts for the immediate removal of a person's firearms, or to ask a chief firearms officer to suspend and review an individual's licence to own guns; Target gun smuggling and trafficking by increasing criminal penalties, and by boosting the capacity of the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency to combat the illegal importation of firearms; Create new offences for altering the cartridge magazine component of a gun and depicting violence in firearms advertising; Introduce tighter restrictions on imports of ammunition, and ensure the prohibition of imports, exports, sales and transfers of all replica firearms. Justice Minister David Lametti said the government would also undertake a "long overdue" review of the overall classification system for firearms. Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns welcomed the legislation, saying while it "leaves much work to be done," the various elements make it worthy of support. This is a comprehensive bill that, if enacted, will save lives, said Dr. Najma Ahmed, the group's co-chair and a trauma surgeon at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. SEOUL : North Korea has attempted to steal COVID-19 vaccine technology by hacking Pfizer Inc according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday. South Korea's Yonhap did not report when the alleged hacking took place or whether it was successful. Last year suspected North Korean hackers tried to break into at least nine health organizations, including Johnson & Johnson, Novavax Inc, and AstraZeneca. South Korea's intelligence agency said it had foiled North Korean attempts to hack into South Korean companies developing coronavirus vaccines. Digital espionage against health bodies, vaccine scientists and drugmakers has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic as state-backed hacking groups scramble to obtain the latest research and information about the outbreak. North Korea is often accused of turning to an army of hackers to fill cash-strapped government coffers amid international sanctions that ban most international trade with the country. Health experts have said the country's hackers may be more interested in selling the stolen vaccine data than using it to develop a homegrown vaccine. North Korea is expected to receive nearly two million doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine by the first half of this year through the COVAX vaccine-sharing programme. North Korea has not confirmed any coronavirus infection, but the NIS had said an outbreak there cannot be ruled out as the country had active trade and people-to-people exchanges with China before closing the border in early 2020. Leader Kim Jong Un's wife, Ri Sol Ju, who hasn't been seen in public for more than a year, is keeping a low profile to avoid a risk of infection from COVID-19, NIS said, according to Yonhap. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Independent Spirit Award-winning filmmaker Olivia Wilde praised Emmy nominee Chris Pine for 'one hell of a performance' in her second directorial feature, Don't Worry Darling. 'Such a thrill to work with you, Chris,' the 36-year-old native New Yorker - who boasts 7.5M social media followers - wrote on Tuesday. 'I've known the lovely Chris Pine for almost 16 years, and he has always been one of the most generous, supportive, intelligent, and skillful actors out there. When I asked him to come play with us on Don't Worry Darling, despite his busy schedule, he replied in a singularly Chris way by saying, "Yeah buddy of course!" 'Such a thrill to work with you!' Independent Spirit Award-winning filmmaker Olivia Wilde (L) praised Emmy nominee Chris Pine (R) for 'one hell of a performance' in her second directorial feature, Don't Worry Darling 'He then went on to deepen the character every day, without ever highjacking our intentions or stepping on our toes. He was there to serve the piece in any way he could.' Back in 2012, Olivia and the 40-year-old Wonder Woman 1984 action star played love interests Sam and Hannah in Alex Kurtzman's dismally-reviewed dramedy People Like Us. Wilde's post came a day after she gushed over her famous boyfriend Harry Styles, who famously replaced disgraced actor Shia LaBeouf in the supporting role of Jack. 'Not only did he relish the opportunity to allow for the brilliant @florencepugh to hold center stage as our "Alice," but he infused every scene with a nuanced sense of humanity,' the How It Ends actress wrote on Monday. The 36-year-old native New Yorker wrote on Tuesday: 'I've known the lovely Chris Pine for almost 16 years, and he has always been one of the most generous, supportive, intelligent, and skillful actors out there. When I asked him to come play with us on Don't Worry Darling, despite his busy schedule, he replied in a singularly Chris way by saying, "Yeah buddy of course!" He then went on to deepen the character every day, without ever highjacking our intentions or stepping on our toes. He was there to serve the piece in any way he could' Intimate: Back in 2012, Olivia and the 40-year-old Wonder Woman 1984 action star played love interests Sam and Hannah in Alex Kurtzman's dismally-reviewed dramedy People Like Us 'He didn't have to join our circus, but he jumped on board with humility and grace, and blew us away every day with his talent, warmth, and ability to drive backwards.' Olivia cast the 27-year-old Englishman in September and, by January 2, they were seen holding hands at his manager Jeff Azoff's Montecito wedding. 'Olivia couldn't look happier. Everyone is pleased for her. He's a great guy,' a source told The Sun last month. 'He blew us away every day with his talent': Wilde's post came a day after she gushed over her famous boyfriend Harry Styles (pictured), who famously replaced disgraced actor Shia LaBeouf in the supporting role of Jack 'Olivia couldn't look happier. Everyone is pleased for her': The How It Ends actress cast the 27-year-old Englishman in September and, by January 2, they were seen holding hands at his manager Jeff Azoff's Montecito wedding (pictured Saturday) 'They were practically living together in James Corden's Palm Springs home when they were filming. They were professional on set, but everyone knew something was going on. Harry even met her two children several times when they came to the set to visit.' Wilde (born Cockburn) ended her eight-year romance with fiance Jason Sudeikis in 'early 2020,' according to People. The News & Documentary Emmy-winning producer and the 45-year-old SNL alum - who got engaged in January 2013 - are parents of son Otis Alexander, 6; and daughter Daisy Josephine, 4. It's over: Olivia ended her eight-year romance with fiance Jason Sudeikis (R, pictured February 17, 2020) in 'early 2020' 'That quarantine bond': Wilde and the 45-year-old SNL alum - who got engaged in January 2013 - are parents of son Otis Alexander, 6; and daughter Daisy Josephine, 4 (pictured May 22) 'The team that kept the ship moving': On Tuesday, The actress posted a small gallery of photos to her Instagram account to thank the production assistants that worked on Don't Worry Darling Back in 2016, Jason joked to Bravo's Watch What Happens Live that they wouldn't 'get married until weed is legal in every state.' Last Saturday, Olivia officially wrapped filming the psychological horror thriller centering on an 'unhappy housewife in the 1950s.' Don't Worry Darling also features Nick Kroll, Dita Von Teese, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, and Asif Ali. 'That's a wrap!' Last Saturday, the News & Documentary Emmy-winning producer officially wrapped filming the psychological horror thriller centering on an 'unhappy housewife in the 1950s' 'Happiest place': Don't Worry Darling also features Nick Kroll, Dita Von Teese, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, and Asif Ali Sending a shout-out: Wilde wrote a short message in the caption for her post, and acknowledged the 'tireless work and positive energy' of the production assistants Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. UPDATE on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. During an emergency meeting of city council, City Manager Erik Walsh said the convention center warming facility will be open until at least Friday. UPDATE on Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. The Convention Center, which provided shelter and food for 220 people overnight, will continue to operate as a warming facility throughout the day. City officials will monitor weather conditions and power outages to determine if the site will continue to operate as a shelter overnight. A number for how many people are currently being served at the center is not available, but a spokeswoman for the city said there is room to welcome more residents. San Antonians without transportation can call 311 for a lift from VIA to the Convention Center. Parking is currently free for those who choose to drive inside Hemisfair's garage. UPDATE on Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. San Antonio's Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will be used as a warming center this evening for families who have been without power for more than 24 hours. Residents who need transportation can call 311 and VIA buses will transport them to the Convention Center between 4:30 and 7 p.m. Parking will be made available to those who drive themselves. READ MORE: Chimpanzee, monkeys and lemurs are dead after animal sanctuary near San Antonio is left without heat, electricity The city is preparing for 500 residents to use the facility this evening. Temperature checks will be conducted at the entrance. The center will open at 5 p.m. and remain open overnight and as needed, per city officials. Meals will be provided by the San Antonio Food Bank. Original post below: The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is setting up warming centers to provide heat for residents statewide, but San Antonio does not have a location. TDEM, which works closely with local jurisdictions, released a map of warming centers throughout the state Tuesday. The closest locations are in Kendall and Guadalupe counties. As San Antonio's winter weather continues, residents are asked to stay off the roads unless travel is necessary. RELATED: H-E-B limits purchases of propane tanks and water "Currently local communities are reporting over 146 shelters and warming stations throughout the state," a spokesperson shared via email. "Local Emergency Management Offices work closely with Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters to establish and support those facilities. The Texas Division of Emergency Management assists those facilities with any unmet needs." Thirty minutes after TDEM released the map of warming centers, the CPS Energy outage map showed more than 250,000 customers were affected. Locals responded to the post asking why San Antonio did not have a warming center set up. San Antonio officials weren't immediately available to comment on the situation or the possibility of a future warming location. Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye This week, seize the fleeting opportunity to see Yosemite's firefall phenomenon up close when the light hits just right on El Capitan's Horsetail Fall. Plus, order up a king cake and celebrate Mardi Gras at home, ring in Year of the Ox with the San Francisco Symphony, and drink your way through California Craft Beer Week. Celebrate Mardi Gras with a NOLA-style King Cake from CreoLa. The cinnamon brioche dessert is available plain or with cheese or praline filling. Expect plenty of glittery sprinkles; available Monday and Tuesday. // Order ($24) for next-day pickup in SF and San Carlos at creolatakeoutsf.square.site. Sign up for chef Alicia Petrakis' two-week audio meditation series, HOLD (Hugs of Love Daily). Through just 10 mindful minutes each day, the program aims to promote self-nurturing and touch as a way of combating the isolating effects of the pandemic. // $20-$40; eholdme.com Get down during Grace Cathedral's annual Carnivale. The virtual gala will feature the unveiling of a new art installation in collaboration with Root Division, an auction hosted by Liam Mayclem, and an after-party with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; Tuesday at 6:30pm. // Tickets ($25 with various donation options) are available at gracecathedral.org. Head to Yosemite to see the remarkable firefall phenomenon. Just once a year, Horsetail Fall's stream turns an epic fiery hue. To see it, you'll need a pre-reserved day pass, wilderness permit, camping or lodging reservation, or a spot on a guided tour. // nps.gov Check out the new Bernie Sanders mural created by @3nolam, at the corner of 27th Street and Broadway in Oakland. Enjoy a Mardi Gras jazz experience starring Oakland's own "queen of New Orleans music" Michelle Jacques, through Alameda's Rhythmix Cultural Works; Tuesday through Saturday. // Register at rhythmix.org. Celebrate the Year of the Ox by exploring 12 new murals in San Francisco's Chinatown, each one depicting a different Zodiac animal. // Find a map of the murals on Facebook. Partake in the age-old tradition of Pancake Tuesday. Hilda & Jesse is popping up at the Mission bar Casements to serve a brunch dinner of buttermilk pancakes with grilled strawberry maple syrup. Each dinner package comes with a mezcal martini and mimosa; pick-up and delivery 10am to 4pm Tuesday. // Purchase ($35/person) on casementsbar.com. Join Green Apple Books and Kink.com for the launch of the short fiction anthology, Kink. Expect readings, live demos, and conversations with BDSM voices; Wednesday at 6pm. // Register ($22 includes the book) on greenapplebooks.com. Log on for The David Ireland House's Opening the Cabinet. The cross-disciplinary virtual series commences this week with Justin R. Nagle's lecture-performance, Green or Otherwise: Care, Color, and Ceilings, to do with Ireland's use of the color Institutional Green; Wednesdays at 5pm through March 10. // Register on 500cappstreet.org. Enter Homeroom's Make-A-Mac contest. Dream up an epic cheesy recipe and create a mini video explaining it for a chance to win a $150 gift card to Homeroomand see your creation on the menu; through Thursday. // Enter on homeroom510.com Grab a cup of joe from Berkeley-based Souvenir Coffee's new SF location (262 Divisadero St.). Word is, an Oakland outpost is coming soon; 8am to 5pm daily. // souvenir-coffee.com Ring in the Year of the Ox with San Francisco Symphony. Hosted by Joan Chen, the digital concert, featuring yangqin player Wenying Wu and erhu player Tao Shi. The broadcast is free, but VIP ticket holders will have access to pre- and post-show receptions; Saturday at 3pm. // sfsymphony.org Cook tortellini en brodo with PlumpJack while winemaker Jeff Owens highlights Odette Estate's wines. Plus, get tickets to part two and three of the TruffleShuffle series for more truffle-centric meals and wine pairings in March; Saturday at 4pm. // Tickets ($280 include wine and food for two) are available at plumpjackwinery.com. Snap a pic of Southwest Airlines' Chinese New Year parade float. While there won't be a parade this year, you can find the float parked at Pier 27, Cruise Terminal Plaza; noon to 8pm Saturday and Sunday. // Find details on Facebook. Bring your pup to the upgraded Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area. Following a $2.4 million renovation, the park includes big and small dog areas, play equipment, pet drinking fountains, plus picnic tables and benches for humans. // sfrecpark.org Check out the Queer Ancestors Project, with works by queer and trans artists, presented by SF AIDS Foundation and Strut. The virtual opening event is Saturday from 7pm to 8:30pm. // Register for free at eventbrite.com. Drink your way through California Craft Beer Week. Events include delivery of Fort Point and Hong Kong Lounge's annual dim sum and beer brunch extravaganza on Saturday, plus Almanac Beer's can art competition, a beer and cake pairing from Local Brewing Co. and Tartine, and more; Friday evening through Sunday. // Find a schedule of events at cacraftbeerweek.com. Watch Counterpulse's Beyond Gravity 2021, two nights of intersectional performances and films from nine artists exploring how to find their center of gravity amid free fall; Friday and Saturday at 7pm. // Register for free on counterpulse.org. Nosh on Mexican pastries from Norte54. Order them for Saturday home delivery or Sunday pickup at Grand Coffee on Mission Street. // norte54.com Learn how six African American female entertainers challenged their industry by watching How It Feels to Be Free, on PBS. Then, join MoAD curator Cornelius Moore to talk about the film and the women featuredthink Lena Horne, Nina Simone, Cicely Tyson, and Pam Grier; 5pm Sunday. // Sign up at moadsf.org. Attend Big Leap Collective's Big Feb Fest. The local music and art collective's all-day virtual festival will include sets by 26 bands from near and far, including the Bay's own Foxtails Brigade and Perhapsy, plus Nelward of Atlanta and Paria of Oslo; 11am to 7pm Sunday. // Get details on Instagram. Australia's most infamous serial killer was crippled with pain and struggled to swallow before he died alone in jail depressed and riddled with cancer. Ivan Milat, who was convicted of seven murders in the 1990s, died aged 74 in the hospital wing of Sydney's Long Bay Correctional Centre on October 27, 2019. He was diagnosed with terminal stomach and throat cancer, but refused treatment on several occasions, which prolonged his suffering and shortened his life. The miserable final years of Australia's most infamous serial killer, Ivan Milat (pictured), have been revealed in a coronial inquest which lays out his battle with depression and terminal cancer Pictured is a room in the hospital section of Long Bay prison where Milat died Milat's seven victims were Melbourne couple Deborah Everist (top left) and James Gibson (bottom right), both 19, English backpackers Joanne Walters (bottom left) and Caroline Clarke (bottom second from right), and German backpackers Anja Habschied (top centre), Simone Schmidl (top right) and Gabor Neugebauer (bottom second from left) An inquest into his death in custody heard Milat developed severe gastrointestinal symptoms in October 2018 and received medical treatment for two months. His illness did not improve so doctors recommended a colonoscopy which the backpacker murderer outright refused. He tentatively agreed to have a gastroscopy but later declined to undergo the procedure on two occasions. Milat's medical records show he routinely cancelled medical appointments recommended by doctors during his 25 years behind bars being shuffled around New South Wales' most high security prisons. During February and May of 2019 Milat's symptoms worsened and he began to lose a drastic amount of weight - about 20kg - due to his difficulty swallowing. The inquest heard that Milat (pictured) developed severe gastrointestinal symptoms in October 2018 and received medical treatment for two months Milat's medical records show he routinely cancelled medical appointments recommended by doctors during his 25 years behind bars being shuffled around New South Wales' most high security prisons. Pictured: Ivan Milat and his then-girlfriend Maureen Murray How the killer was caught: Milat snared after victim got away Milat tried to kidnap British hitch-hiker Paul Thomas Onions, who he picked up in January 1990 near a turn off to the Bengalo forest. Mr Onions said he was so scared he bolted into oncoming traffic after Milat pointed a gun at him and reached for some rope. Onions got away and identified Milat from photos show to him by the police in 1994. Milat was arrested on 22 May, 1994 and Onions was a key witness at his trial. Advertisement He finally agreed to see a specialist who discovered Milat was riddled with cancer of the mouth, throat and below his diaphragm. Milat was transferred from the Goulburn Supermax to Sydney Long Bay Jail where he could be taken to hospital on a regular basis for chemotherapy treatment. With doctors noting Milat only had a 30 per cent chance at survival, 'patient comfort measures' were provided by the palliative care team at the Long Bay Correctional Centre Medical Subacute Unit and Prince of Wales Hospital. In August he signed a do-not-resuscitate order shortly after meeting with a psychological services. The inquest found Milat had long suffered from depression during his stay behind bars and would often self harm. In 2009, he cut off his pinky finger with a shiv because he planned to mail it to the High Court of Australia in a bizarre bid to appeal to his sentence. Milat also went on a hunger strike in 2001 in a ploy to get a PlayStation. The nine-day stunt was unsuccessful and he ended up losing 25kg. One day before he died, Milat asked nursing staff for pain and anxiety medication and they complied with the request. Milat passed away at 4.07am on Sunday morning in the hospital section (pictured) of Sydney's Long Bay jail Milat was far from a model prisoner and even orchestrated several riots. About 4am on October 27, 2018, he was found unresponsive by medical staff and due to the DNR notice, they did not make any attempt to resuscitate him. Milat will be remembered as a vile and sadistic killer who preyed upon mostly female hitchhikers and dumped their bodies in the Belanglo State Forest, south of Sydney. He was given seven life sentences in 1994 with no possibility of parole. Investigators believe he could also be linked with dozens of other missing persons cases from the 1980s and early 1990s. Milat has always maintained he was not responsible for the murders. His brother Boris, who is the only member of the family to publicly denounce the killer, told 60 Minutes it was a 'big relief' that Milat was dead. 'This man is just an evil right to the last bone of him. He was dead to me a long time ago,' Boris said. 'Australia is rid of one of the notorious serial killers, psychopaths.' Milat's victims were variously shot and stabbed and one of the bodies was found decapitated. Pictured: Milat in a home photo holding a large gun TWO men have been arrested after a fatal stabbing in Caversham. The victim, a 24-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene in Managua Close at around 12.55am on February 14 after being found with a stab wound to the chest. Thames Valley Police subsequently arrested a 22-year-old-man on suspicion of murder on Tuesday and he is currently in police custody. Another man, also 22, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Det Insp Mike Roddy, from the Major Crime Unit, said: I would like to reiterate the need for anyone with any information or footage which they think could be relevant to contact us. Your information could be vital to our investigation. Members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence in Reading while our investigation continues. We have also extended a section 60 order, which allows officers greater powers to carry out stop and search activity. Please feel free to speak to our officers if you have any questions or concerns. Tackling knife crime is an absolute priority for Thames Valley Police and we will not tolerate it. Officers have appealed for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from Managua Close, Nire Road and Ian Mikado Way between 11pm on February 13 and 1am on February 14 to make contact. Supt Nick John, local area policing commander for Reading, said: These arrests are a significant development and demonstrate how thorough the Major Crime Units investigation has been. This should provide reassurance to people in Reading. I know there have been a number of violent incidents in the town in recent weeks, including two other murder investigations being launched. However, I would like to remind people again that none of these incidents are believed to be linked to each other in any way. I would like to again thank the people of the town for their patience and understanding at this time. Reading is a safe place to live and I hope people can be reassured that if violent offences do take place that our officers will carry out swift and effective investigations and that robust meaures will be put in place to ensure everyones safety. If you have any information, contact the non-emergency number 101, quoting the reference number 43210062322. You can also make a report to the independent charity Crimestoppers while remaining anonymous by calling 0800 555 111. Capsa Healthcare Capital We can go further than ever to make mission-essential equipment and technology affordable for acute care providers. Capsa Healthcare today announced that its financing arm, Capsa Healthcare Capital, has expanded to offer an even wider array of flexible equipment and technology finance options. These new programs are especially beneficial for acute care providers grappling with unprecedented challenges in the wake of COVID-19 and other extraordinary pressures on the U.S. healthcare system. More than ever, providers are juggling the need to continually invest in equipment and technology to maintain care standards against the imperative to protect cash reserves and existing credit lines. With this expansion, Capsa Healthcare Capital adds additional finance customization and structuring capability to help providers get equipped to meet the needs of a rapidly changing marketplace while preserving capital for other strategic initiatives. This will also provide the reseller community with greater support for their customers with financing options in a challenging reimbursement and cash flow environment. At Capsa Healthcare Capital, our team of healthcare finance specialists understands the needs and opportunities of acute care providers to a far greater degree than typical finance companies, says Craig Rydingsward, VP of Sales, Acute Care at Capsa Healthcare. Now, with this expansion, we can go further than ever before to make mission-essential equipment and technology affordable for the providers who selflessly care for all of us. Capsa Healthcare Capital finances 100% of the solutions providers need to keep delivering outstanding care, including equipment, software, services, and more. Providers can take advantage of step, revenue-based, and other payment options, as well as fully customized terms that simplify getting equipped in the face of revenue disruptions, reduced margins, and other pressing challenges. Todays acute care providers face enough hurdles already, says Rydingsward. Getting equipped on terms that fit their budgets and goals shouldnt be one of them. With Capsa Healthcare Capital, were here with resources and expertise to reduce the barriers between providers and the solutions they need to continue giving their patients the best possible care. About Capsa Healthcare: Capsa Healthcare is a worldwide leader in developing and delivering innovative healthcare solutions for a wide spectrum of care providers. With 50+ years of experience, Capsa Healthcare offers a unique ability to meet the demands of diverse healthcare environments and offers a broad range of products including mobile computing solutions, medication carts, medical carts, and pharmacy automation solutions. Headquartered in Portland, OR, Capsa Healthcare has over 400 employees with management, sales, and production offices throughout the world. To learn more, visit http://www.capsahealthcare.com or call 800-437-6633. Press Contact: Liz Delp Senior Marketing Manager | Capsa Healthcare Portland, OR U.S.A. p 614.729.8012 | ldelp@capsahealthcare.com Follow Capsa Healthcare on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/capsahealthcare/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/CapsaHealthcare), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/CapsaHealthcare). ### TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Idaho Champion Gold Mines Canada Inc. (CSE:ITKO)(OTCQB:GLDRF)(FSE:1QB1)("Idaho Champion" or the "Company") is pleased to report the results from its 2020 diamond core ("Core") drilling campaign at its 100% controlled Champagne Gold Project ("Champagne") near the city of Arco, Butte County, Idaho. 2020 Champagne Drilling Highlights: Drill hole DDH-CC-20-02 intersected 1.04 g/t gold equivalent ("AuEq") for the interval 123.14-166.12 m (42.98 m core length), including 1.22 g/t AuEq for the interval 123.14-157.06 m (31.93 m core length). Drill hole DDH-CC-20-02 was collared at Mine Hill in the approximate center of the unmined 300 m interval between the North and South Pits (Bema Gold c. 1989-90). This mineralized interval is associated with shallow induced polarization anomalies in chargeability and resistivity as reported in the Idaho Champion press release dated Feb 2, 2021. "Core drilling and results of our IP survey have provided data to better formulate a conceptual geologic model for the Champagne District," stated President and CEO, Jonathan Buick. "The promising mineralization from the program demonstrates there is gold in the system below the historic mined pits where we are confident that we can identify additional resources. Our evolving geologic model indicates that the base, or roots, of a larger system that may have been the feeder for all mining in this district, lies off to the west. This large body of anomalous chargeability will be drill tested in 2021." Champagne Drilling Technical Summary The 2020 core drilling program consisted of seven (7) diamond drill holes totaling 2,818 Metres (Fig. 1). Five core holes (DDH-CC-20-01 through DDH-CC-20-05) were positioned on Mine Hill in the vicinity of the North and South Pits and two core holes (DDH-CC-20-06 and DDH-CC-20-07) were located further north near the Ella Mine breccia vein. Three holes (DDH-CC-20-01, -02, -07) intersected promising precious metals mineralization, with the strongest presence of gold and silver intersected in DDH-CC-20-02. The spatial relationships of these three holes to results of the recently completed induced polarization (IP) survey are represented in Figs. 2-3 (see also Idaho Champion press release of February 2, 2021). An inferred low-angle detachment fault represented in Fig. 2 is interpreted to have displaced the shallow IP anomaly at Mine Hill from a larger and deeper anomaly 800 m west of Mine Hill. Table 1: 2020 Champagne Core Drill Program - Significant Au and Ag Intercepts for All Holes (DDH-CC-20-01 - DDH-CC-20-07) Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m)1 Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AuEq (g/t)2 DDH-CC-20-01 379.97 381.00 1.03 1.03 30.79 1.44 395.94 398.98 3.04 0.78 - 1.01 DDH-CC-20-02 123.14 166.12 42.98 0.67 27.87 1.04 Including 123.14 157.06 31.93 0.75 34.73 1.22 AND 157.58 166.12 8.54 0.52 10.07 0.65 DDH-CC-20-03 No significant Au or Ag intercepts DDH-CC-20-04 No significant Au or Ag intercepts DDH-CC-20-05 No significant Au or Ag intercepts DDH-CC-20-06 No significant Au or Ag intercepts DDH-CC-20-07 440.44 452.63 12.19 0.03 9.98 0.17 Including 440.44 447.79 7.35 0.04 8.88 0.16 1 - Reported intervals are down-hole lengths and not true thickness. 2 -AuEq calculated using a gold/silver ratio of 75:1. AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + [ Ag (g/t) / 75] (based on $1,200 Au and $15 Ag pricing) Length-weighted average grades are calculated with un-capped gold assays. Figure 1: Champagne Gold Project 2020 Exploration Drill Hole Locations Figure 2: Cross sections showing downhole AuEq intervals (red disks) plotted on 3D IP chargeability model. High AuEq values are associated with chargeability highs. The large, buried IP chargeability high is currently interpreted to be the center of the mineralizing system. Details about the recently competed IP survey at Champagne can be found in Idaho Champion's news release dated 2 February 2021. Figure 3: 2020 Idaho Champion Core and Reverse Circulation Drill Holes and 2020 3D IP Chargeability Model DDH-CC-20-01 (Fig. 4) was inclined westward beneath the central part of the North Pit across a series of mineralized and altered breccia and fractured intervals. The intervals represent a sheeted pyritiferous breccia zone, the upper oxidized portion of which was mined for gold and silver in the North Pit. Below the pit floor, the breccia intervals in the intercept were found to be separated by intervals of less-altered andesite. DDH-CC-20-01 is interpreted to have progressed from the very top of the hydrothermal mineralizing system down into increasingly gold-bearing parts of the system. This gradient of increasing gold with depth also correlates to intervals of increased levels of anomalous pathfinder metals (principally As, Hg, Sb, and Bi). Figure 4: Champagne Gold Project Drill Section and AuEq Results: DDH-CC-20-01 DDH-CC-20-02 (Fig. 5) was sited to test the projected trace of the Last Chance Zone, which had historically been exploited for oxide-silver (Horn Silver Mine) and deeper lead-zinc-silver sulfide mineralization. The reported common occurrence of accessory famatinite (copper-antimony sulfosalt) and aikinite (copper-bismuth sulfosalt) with the sulfide ore is also of exploration interest. The Last Chance Zone was intersected between drilling depths of 123.14 to 166.12 Metres and is comprised of strongly pyritized breccia and brecciated andesite with sulfide intervals approaching semi-massive character. The results show that the zinc and lead values appear to be tapering off down hole, but anomalous gold content continues to depth, as does silver and copper. The pathfinder metal mercury reaches very high levels with scattered intervals of strong arsenic and scattered intervals of anomalous antimony and bismuth. A fault that is interpreted as a low-angle detachment structure was encountered below the intersection of the Last Chance Zone. Figure 5. Drill Section and AuEq Results: DDH-CC-20-02 DH-CC-20-07 (Fig. 6) was designed to test the Ella Mine breccia vein but is interpreted to have instead pierced the detachment fault at shallow depth. The hole was advanced through propylitically altered footwall ash-fall and crystal tuff units in an effort to penetrate the eastern edge of the IP anomaly on Lines 4 and 5. Strong sericite-silica alteration and well-developed mosaic brecciation was intersected beginning at a depth of 340 m. The pyrite content increased to 3 - 8% with the sericite and silica alteration and is accompanied by anomalous silver, zinc, lead and arsenic (as well as weakly anomalous gold values). At depths of 441.96 to 452.63 Metres, anomalous silver (up to 42.3 g/t), copper (up to 0.22%), and anomalous gold (up to 0.107 g/t) occur within a brecciated interval. Zinc, lead, and arsenic are also anomalous within this interval. At a depth of 475 m, the hole returned to dominantly propylitic alteration with diminished pyrite content. The direction and angle of the hole suggests that only the outer-most edge of the IP anomaly was intersected. Figure 6. Drill Section and AuEq Results: DDH-CC-20-07 Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedure Idaho Champion Gold adheres strictly to a regimented drill core handling and processing procedure. Core from the drill rig(s) is logged for lithology, mineralization, structure, alteration, and veining. During the logging process 1 to 2 metre samples are delineated by company geologists. Core is then photographed and sawn in half. Following sawing, individual samples are extracted from core boxes and inserted into individual sacks with a unique waterproof sample number tag and sealed. The remaining half-core is left in core boxes for post-cut photographing and storage. Sacks containing samples are kept indoors on site until they are transported to the assay lab. Quality control (QC) samples are inserted into the sample stream such that there is one QC sample for every ten drill core samples. These QC samples consist of certified standards (known metallic content) and blanks (known barren of metals). Two styles of blank material were used: a coarse blank and a pulverized blank. QC sample insertions alternate between standard and blank. The first sample shipment was delivered to ALS Geochemistry's facility in Elko, NV. All subsequent sample shipments were delivered to American Assay Labs (AAL) in Sparks, NV. ALS and AAL conform to ISO 17025 requirements. All drill samples and coarse blanks are crushed to 70% passing 2mm at the assay lab, and 1 kg material is split and pulverized to 85% passing 75 micron. All samples are processed by 30 gram fire assay- Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Samples are additionally analyzed for 35, 36, or 61 multi-element analysis by ICP-OES and/or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Samples containing Au or Ag above detection limits by ICP-OES analysis are automatically re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. All drill intervals reported in this release are calculated using a 0.10 g/t gold cut off grade and a maximum of 3 Metres consecutive waste. About the Champagne Project The Champagne Mine* was operated by Bema Gold as a heap leach operation on an epithermal gold-silver system that occurs in volcanic rocks. Bema Gold drilled 72 shallow reverse circulation holes on the project, which complement drilling and trenching from other previous operators. The property has had no deep drilling or significant modern exploration since the mine closure in early 1992. The Champagne Deposit contains epigenetic style gold and silver mineralization that occurs in strongly altered Tertiary volcanic tuffs and flows of acid to intermediate composition. Champagne has a near surface cap of gold-silver mineralization emplaced by deep-seated structures that acted as conduits for precious metal rich hydrothermal fluids. Higher grade zones in the Champagne Deposit appear to be related to such feeder zones. * The Company cautions that the information about the past-producing mine may not be indicative of mineralization on Champion's property, and if mineralization does occur, that it will occur in sufficient quantity or grade that would result in an economic extraction scenario. The historic data were simply used to evaluate the prospective nature of the property. The Company has not yet conducted sufficient exploration to ascertain if a mineral resource is present on the property. Qualified Person The technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Peter Karelse P.Geo., a consultant to the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Karelse has more than 30 years of experience in exploration and development. About Idaho Champion Gold Mines Inc. Idaho Champion is a discovery-focused gold exploration company that is committed to advancing its 100%-owned highly prospective mineral properties located in Idaho, United States. The Company's shares trade on the CSE under the trading symbol "ITKO", on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "GLDRF", and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "1QB1". Idaho Champion is vested in Idaho with the Baner Project in Idaho County, the Champagne Project located in Butte County near Arco, and four cobalt properties in Lemhi County in the Idaho Cobalt Belt. Idaho Champion strives to be a responsible environmental steward, stakeholder and a contributing citizen to the local communities where it operates. Idaho Champion takes its social license seriously, employing local community members and service providers at its operations whenever possible. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Jonathan Buick" Jonathan Buick, President and CEO For further information, please visit the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or the Company's corporate website at www.idahochamp.com. For further information please contact: Nicholas Konkin, Marketing and Communications Phone: (416) 477- 7771 ext. 205 Email: nkonkin@idahochamp.com THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION, NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY OFFER, SALE, OR SOLICITATION OF SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SALE, OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. Cautionary Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company, including suggested strike extension. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Idaho Champion Gold Mines Canada Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629895/Idaho-Champion-Reports-Results-of-2020-Core-Drilling-at-Champagne-Project-Idaho-including-104-gt-Gold-Equivalent-over-4298-Metres E-mobility firm Ampere Electric, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Ltd, today announced a phased investment potential of Rs 700 crore over 10 years to set up an e-mobility plant in Tamil Nadu. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed by the company today with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Spread over 1.4 million square feet, the proposed plant at Ranipet, near Chennai will be one of the largest e-mobility manufacturing plants in the country. It will have a manufacturing capacity 100,000 units in its first year of operation, and scalable to one million units a year subsequently. The unit will be operational by 2021, providing employment to the local population. To be built on the principles of Industry 4.0, the Ranipet Plant will have an advanced automation process for superior manufacturing capabilities, said the company. Nagesh Basavanhalli, Group CEO & MD, Limited, said, this move aligns with our mission of decarbonising last mile transportation for a cleaner planet and uninterrupted mobility. Roy Kurian, COO, E-Mobility Business (2W & 3W), Ampere Electric, said, we have strengthened our leadership position in the e-mobility segment and getting ready to cater to the growing demand of customers, channel partners, both in B2B and B2C segments. The manufacturing facility in Ranipet will help us expand our offerings to an ever increasing customer base not just in India but also in other parts of the world. Having made millions after he secured the rights to J. K. Rowling's books about a child wizard, Harry Potter film producer David Heyman is now pinning his hopes on an artificial being who longs to find a human owner. I can disclose that Heyman has snapped up the rights to Sir Kazuo Ishiguro's most recent novel since he won the Nobel Prize for literature, even before it comes out next month. 'David knows a hit film when he sees it,' a source tells me. Ishiguro's novel, Klara And The Sun, tells the story of Klara, an 'Artificial Friend' with 'outstanding observational qualities', who watches browsers from her place in a shop, hopeful that one child or parent will eventually choose her as a companion. Harry Potter film producer David Heyman with Emma Watson at Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards 2016 'When the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change for ever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans,' says the publisher, Faber. One early reader said: 'It is an edge-of-the-seat futuristic thriller that reinforces the power of human love even in an era where humans can be gene-edited.' Ishiguro is known for literary surprises having done a detective thriller as well as a novel with Joycean overtones. It won't be the first of his novels to be adapted successfully for the big screen. After The Remains Of The Day won the Booker Prize, it was turned into a hit film starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Dame Emma Thompson that was nominated for eight Oscars. Heyman has snapped up the rights to Sir Kazuo Ishiguro's most recent novel since he won the Nobel Prize for literature His latest book has echoes of his dystopian science fiction novel Never Let Me Go which became a film starring Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield. When Ishiguro won the Nobel in 2017, the award said his books 'uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world' and were driven by a 'great emotional force'. His last novel was 2015's The Buried Giant, which followed an elderly couple who set off in search of their son in a semi-mythical version of ancient Britain, home to ogres and dragons. The usually amiable broadcaster Mariella Frostrup admits that lockdown's left her in a frenzy of angry frustration. 'I live in a permanent state of resentment, fuelled by everyone in my household's inability to tidy up,' says Frostrup, who shares a home in Somerset with her husband, human rights lawyer Jason McCue, and their two children. 'I feel disproportionate rage at empty packets of digestives left in the cupboard. Why is nobody in my family capable of putting packaging in the bin?' Will Crumble play Cupid for Katya? Katya Jones, 31, who split up with her husband Neil Jones after she was spotting kissing comic Seann Walsh, is relying on her black Shih Tzu Poodle, Crumble, to find romance Strictly pro Katya Jones split up with her husband, dancer Neil Jones, after she was spotting kissing her on-screen partner, comic Seann Walsh. Now, she's relying on her black Shih Tzu Poodle, Crumble, to find romance. 'The perfect story would be going on a walk with Crumble, seeing somebody with a dog as well and having eye-contact with them,' says Katya, 31. 'I truly believe Crumble can be the one to help me find a potential partner.' Dame Tessa's widower opens up about new love Pandora Dame Tessa Jowell's widower, David Mills, has spoken for the first time about his romance with artist Pandora Mond, a bohemian aristocrat 15 years his junior. 'Her husband died five years ago, so we both understand what it is like to have lost the love of our lives,' the lawyer, 76, says in a private message to friends. 'But happiness can be refound, different but not less real, and I feel very fortunate. One or two friends have met her, and I hope all will do so when social gatherings are possible again.' Pandora is the daughter of industrialist the 3rd Lord Melchett and the author Sonia Melchett. She has two children from her marriage to former rock drummer Nicholas Wesolowski. Former Culture Secretary Jowell lost her battle against brain cancer in 2018. Mills had two children with Tessa: musician Jess and Matthew, who is married to food blogger 'Deliciously Ella' Woodward. At least Maria is in the pink... Prince Harry's art dealer pal Alex Gilkes was able to whisk his new fiancee, Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova, off to the Bahamas While we were still shivering on Valentine's Day, Prince Harry's art dealer pal Alex Gilkes was able to whisk his new fiancee, Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova, off to the Bahamas. Old Etonian Gilkes, 41, who got engaged to the 33-year-old Russian two months ago, was able to do so because the couple are based in California and not subject to British restrictions on unnecessary travel. Boasting about their stay at the five-star Amanyara Resort in Turks and Caicos a favourite of Kim Kardashian where a standard pavilion costs 1,650 per night Maria shared a picture of herself by the beach in a 120 pink Left On Friday swimsuit. She jokes: 'The beach cove is way too photogenic taking all my pink thunder away.' Children's author Francesca Simon admits she struggled to get her head round British attitudes towards class. The Horrid Henry creator, who moved to Britain from America, says: 'I couldn't understand that normally in Britain, for a lot of people, if you have family who worked in factories and have a very working-class background, this would be something they would want to hush up.' She adds, in the Trollope Society journal: 'The class system made no sense to me.' Jamie's private premiere Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan (left) and his wife, Amelia Warner (together, right), 38, dressed up in Hawaiian-themed gear when he hosted his own party at home for his new film, Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar With red carpet premieres off, Fifty Shades of Grey hunk Jamie Dornan hosted his own, more intimate party at home in the Cotswolds for his new film, Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar. The 38-year-old and his musician wife, Amelia Warner, 38, dressed up in Hawaiian-themed gear for the occasion as they settled down on an inflatable shell to view the comedy set in Florida. Let's hope Amelia didn't mind seeing him kiss his co-star, Kristen Wiig, on screen. She has admitted she couldn't bring herself to watch him in the steamy adaptation of E. L. James's bestsellers. She was famously the cooking protege of Gordon Ramsay, but Michelin-starred chef and television star Angela Hartnett has nominated the less fashionable Delia Smith as the cook who influenced her most growing up. Neglecting even to mention Ramsay, she says of Smith: 'With Delia, it was her great way of explaining everything to make it easy if you are just starting out. I have yet to discover one of her recipes that doesn't work.' Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson has written a novel, The Late Train To Gipsy Hill, about a man on the run from Russian agents and Scotland Yard. Just dont expect the cops to come out in a good light. Hes sensitive about the boys in blue after his marriage ended with the discovery that his wife, Laura, had been canoodling with his police bodyguard. Napier, the London-based intelligent compliance technology company, is pleased to announce it has been selected as the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) technology platform of choice for one of Australia's most trusted brands, Australia Post. Napier will provide AML/CTF and compliance technology to Australia Post in the form of its Intelligent Compliance Platform. The solution will bring together transaction monitoring and Know Your Customer data, allowing Australia Post to continue its capabilities to efficiently spot suspicious activity and comply with relevant regulatory obligations. Napier's Transaction Monitoring, Client Activity Review and Risk-based Scorecard solutions will give Australia Post a next generation compliance platform, enabling the organisation to effectively identify and manage risk and extend its anti-money laundering capabilities. In addition, Napier's Client and Payment Screening solutions will offer a reliable, resilient filter to screen transactions and watchlists, generating good quality alerts for review. This will help Australia Post to continue to efficiently fulfil compliance obligations with on-going large-scale screening and re-screening capabilities. Australia Post's General Manager Payments Financial Services, Product Innovation Deanne Keetelaar commented: "We are excited to partner with Napier to extend our AML/CTF capabilities and continue to support our customers and the community. Napier provides a flexible, compliance-led solution that provides the scalability we require to grow this aspect of our products and services for our customers." Julian Dixon, Napier CEO commented: "As Australia Post is one of Australia's biggest and most trusted brands, we are delighted to be the vendor of choice to help it continue a robust AML/CTF program, built on next generation technology. By choosing our Intelligent Compliance Platform, Australia Post will supercharge its compliance capabilities to meet AML/CTF obligations efficiently." About Napier Napier is a new breed of AML/CTF and trade compliance tech provider. Our Intelligent Compliance Platform is transforming compliance from legal obligation to competitive edge. All Napier products are built on our ICP third generation compliance platform. The platform can be delivered via public cloud, private cloud or on premise. www.napier.ai About Australia Post Australia Post is Australia's leading postal, logistics and integrated services business. As a Government Business Enterprise (GBE) operating under the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 (Cth), it is a completely self-funding business with both commercial and community service obligations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005718/en/ Contacts: Patrick Giffney napier@contextpr.co.uk Amazon on Tuesday said it will begin manufacturing Amazon Devices, including Fire TV sticks, in Chennai later this year in partnership with Foxconn's subsidiary, Cloud Network Technology. "This is the first Amazon manufacturing line in India, reiterating our commitment to the Government of India's 'Make in India' for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The device manufacturing programme will be able to produce hundreds of thousands of Fire TV Stick devices (for video streaming) every year, catering to the demands of customers in India," Amazon said in a blog post. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday held a virtual meeting with Amit Agarwal, Amazons Global Senior Vice President and Country Head for India. Range of issues related to the digital sector was discussed during this meeting. After this meeting, Amazon India has made an announcement to start the manufacturing electronics products from India. To begin with, Amazon is going to start manufacturing Amazon Fire TV stick from India. Held a very good conversation with @AmitAgarwal and @Chetankrishna of @amazonIN today. Delighted to share that soon Amazon will commence manufacturing of electronics products like FireTV stick in India. pic.twitter.com/BRpnUG6fA5 Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) February 16, 2021 Speaking on the occasion Prasad said, India is an attractive investment destination and is poised to become a major player in the global supply chain in the electronics and IT products industry. Our Governments decision to launch a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has received a tremendous response globally. We welcome Amazons decision to set up a manufacturing line in Chennai, as it will enhance domestic production capacities, and create jobs as well. This will further our mission of creating an AatmaNirbhar Bharat which is digitally empowered. He also mentioned that it is only a beginning for Amazons efforts to manufacture electronics products from India India and export markets. Amazon will commence its manufacturing efforts with contract manufacturer Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn in Chennai and start production later this year. The device manufacturing program will be able to produce hundreds of thousands of Fire TV Stick devices every year, catering to the demands of customers in India. Amazon will continuously evaluate scaling capacity to additional marketplaces/cities depending on the domestic demand. India has taken several key steps to encourage electronics manufacturing in India. The Production Linked Manufacturing (PLI) for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing has emerged as a major success with many international companies commencing production of electronics goods from India. The entry of Amazon into this sector adds to the success story of electronics manufacturing in India. IT Minister wrote on Koo, Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, electronics manufacturing in India has recently attracted some of the biggest investments from global giants. Happy to share Amazon India is the latest to join this success story of India. Prasad asked Amazon India to help in taking products made by Indias artisans and Ayurvedic products to global markets through eCommerce Platform. He said, "Amazon is a global company but Amazon India must evolve as a truly India company deeply connected with Indian business community and culture." TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tequity, an M&A advisory firm with an exclusive focus on global enterprise B2B Cloud, SaaS, and IT companies, acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Ethos, a full-service Salesforce consultancy headquartered in Phoenix Arizona, in their acquisition by BV Investment Partners-backed Apps Associates, an enterprise application services leader with a customer-first focus. This strategic acquisition enriches and extends Apps Associates' expertise in Salesforce consulting and digital transformation. Ethos This marks Tequity's 12th successful Salesforce cloud ecosystem transaction. Steve Simpson, Founder & CTO at Ethos stated, "Once we were ready, Tequity was able to get us in front of the right people who were very interested. We quickly had a number of introductory meetings that went very well, where both sides learned about each other. From that first meeting with Apps, we felt the right fit for our Team. Tequity's deep knowledge of the Salesforce ecosystem was why we chose them." Ethos, a certified Salesforce consulting partner since 2006, brings depth, experience and development capabilities to help to further bolster Apps Associates' Salesforce offerings, addressing the significant growing demand from customers and prospects. With strong industry experience in Healthcare, Retail, Construction, Transportation, and Higher Education, Ethos is recognized as a go-to strategic leader in the Salesforce ecosystem. The Ethos team is a natural extension to the talented and experienced team at Apps Associates. They also expand and strengthen Apps' offerings, bringing partnerships with Heroku and MuleSoft and experience with emerging clouds like Einstein and Marketing Cloud. Adrian King, CEO at Apps Associates shared, "We're thrilled to welcome the Ethos team to the Apps Associates family. Together, we are committed to being the go-to resource for Salesforce consulting. This acquisition is an exciting new milestone in a period of strong growth and investment for Apps Associates, and a mark of our commitment to helping our clients navigate the challenging journey of digital transformation." Apps Associates has a strong tenure in the Salesforce arena, supporting hundreds of enterprise and mid-market customers, and has a proven track record in core and emerging Salesforce clouds (e.g., Sales, Service, Communities, CPQ, and E-Commerce) and integrated mission-critical applications (e.g., ERP, HCM, SCM, EPM). This acquisition builds on Apps Associates' strong foothold and provides Ethos employees and customers access to an equally tenured and experienced technical team. "We continue to see strong interest in Salesforce.com ecosystem organizations and anticipate that 2021 will see at least as many transactions as 2020, likely more. There are certain areas within this market that are well above the norm in terms of growth opportunities, and many founders are questioning if market conditions are optimal at this time." Alex MacKay, Managing Partner at Tequity About Ethos Founded in 2006, Ethos has developed deep expertise in comprehensive application and mobile development, and implementation, integration and optimization services across the Salesforce.com CRM platform. They are a trusted AppExchange implementation specialist for CPQ, E-signature, integration, and publishing AppExchange solutions. Ethos is a Salesforce Silver Partner. www.ethos.com About Apps Associates Apps Associates is headquartered in North America with offices in Europe and APAC. Founded in 2002, the firm has more than two decades of experience helping organizations innovate through digital transformation initiatives. Apps Associates is a dedicated AWS Premier Consulting Partner and APN (AWS Partner Network) Premier Consulting Partner, an Oracle Partner, a Snowflake Select Partner, and a Salesforce Silver Consulting Partner. www.appsassociates.com About Tequity Tequity assists Executives and Shareholders of Enterprise B2B Cloud, SaaS, and IT companies with business growth and exit strategies. Our mission is simple: Achieve the best outcome for our clients. With decades of combined experience as executives, consultants, and owners of software and technology companies, we leverage our deep industry knowledge across tech ecosystems and our relationships with strategic, tech-focused buyers around the globe to drive successful M&A transactions. The right buyer, the best transaction. www.tequityadvisors.com Contact: Diane Horton, Managing Partner Tequity Advisors [email protected] +1 416.483.9400 SOURCE Tequity Advisors Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain South Africa said Tuesday it would offer its doses of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID vaccine to the African Union (AU) after scrapping their use due to efficacy concerns. The country suspended its vaccine rolloutmeant to begin with the AstraZeneca shots earlier this monthafter a study found the jab failed to prevent mild and moderate illness caused by a variant found in South Africa. "The doses we purchased have been offered to the African Union to distribute to those countries who have already expressed interest in acquiring the stock," Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told parliament. "There will be no wasteful and fruitless expenditure." The continent's hardest-hit country by the pandemic had acquired a million doses of Covishield, a copy of the vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India, and was set to receive an additional 500,000. The AU, through its African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT), has secured some 270 million doses of anti-COVID vaccine for the continent and last week said it would not "walk away" from the AstraZeneca formula. It recommended countries where the South African variant has not been detected to proceed with the rollout. Already, Malawi said it will forge ahead with its purchase of the jabs although the delivery dates are not yet confirmed. South Africa has now settled for the yet-to-be-approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine, securing nine million doses, including 80,000 expected to be delivered this week. Vaccination will begin with healthcare workers as part of an implementation study, Mkhize said. Tulio de Oliveira, a South Africa-based professor of virology who helped identify the new variant, was optimistic the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine would prove a success in the country. "It doesn't need the high levels of refrigeration, so a little bit easier to administer," he told AFP. Those vaccines will be supplemented by 20 million doses of the Pfizer formula as South Africa embarks on an ambitious aim to inoculate around 40 million people67 percent of the populationby the end of the year. More doses will be secured through the World Health Organization-backed Covax facility and the AU. The country has recently emerged from its second wave of infections, seeing the number of daily cases drop from highs of 20,000 in early January to just over 1,000 on Monday. It has counted close to 1.5 million infections of which more than 48,000 have been fatal. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 22:45:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League on Tuesday voiced concerns over the escalation of the border disputes between Sudan and Ethiopia. "The Arab League follows closely with worries the latest developments along the Sudanese-Ethiopian borders as well as the statements and the reports over the military clashes between the two countries," the Arab League said in a statement. The pan-Arab body also reaffirmed support for its member state Sudan in taking all legal measures to preserve the sovereignty of its lands, while urging the two countries to calm the tensions and seek dialogue at the earliest opportunity. Since mid-December, the Sudanese-Ethiopian borders have been experiencing rising tensions and skirmishes. Disputes have been concentrated on agricultural land in Fashqa area, which falls within Sudan's boundaries but has been used by Ethiopian farmers since 1995. On Dec. 16, 2020, the Sudanese army said some of its soldiers were ambushed at the border by the Ethiopian militia. Since then, Sudan has deployed forces at the border to take back the seized lands. Enditem Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday met former President Goodluck Jonathan amid speculations that he (Jonathan) was planning to dump the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Members of the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee led by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, held a meeting with Mr Jonathan in the latters Abuja residence. Members of the committee at the meeting were ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim; former governors Ibrahim Shema, Liyel Imoke and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Katsina, Cross River and Gombe states respectively. Also at the meeting was a former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives leader, Mulikat Adeola-Akande. The committee was inaugurated to reconcile aggrieved members who left the PDP as well as woo new members into the party ahead of 2023 general elections. The committee, which was set up in 2019 to resolve the internal crisis within the opposition party, arrived at Mr Jonathans residence at 1:30 p.m. and immediately went into the meeting. Defection rumour Media reports recently indicated that some APC leaders wooed Mr Jonathan to decamp to the party and become its presidential flag bearer in 2023. Mr Jonathan was president on the platform of the PDP between May 2010 and May 2015. He lost the 2015 presidential election to the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari. It was also gathered that the APC leaders are also planning to convince a former governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje, to run for the position of the national chairman of the party. Mr Goje is also a former senator. A committee has reportedly been set up to meet Mr Goje, also a former senator, to convince him to run for the partys number one seat. Mr Saraki told journalists after the meeting that lasted for over one hour that it was successful, saying that Mr Jonathan pledged his commitment and support for the advancement of the PDP. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Saraki said after the meeting that the committee members were at former presidents residence to brief him of their mandate, plans as well as to seek his advice on how to go about it to strengthen the party, by reconciling aggrieved members. He gave us his views and we are very happy. He reassured all of us of his commitment to the PDP and he told us that he is still ready to offer his time, experience and resources to strengthen the party. That is very strong and important for us. Of course, you know there are funny issues going on but we are leaving this place very happy. He is also ready to work with the reconciliation committee to play his own part. That is a great step for the party, Mr Saraki said. He advised those disturbing Mr Jonathan to defect to forget the thought, saying the former president remained a PDP man. Mr Saraki said Mr Jonathans pledge to work for the cause of the PDP was commendable. ADVERTISEMENT We spoke about what role former presidents like him will play and he left us feeling very happy that yes, he will like to play that role in the PDP and help our committee to move forward, he said. Jonathan denies planned defection Meanwhile, Mr Jonathan has denied reports that he was planning to join the APC. Speaking on Sunday at the Supreme Court/thanksgiving service held for the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, in Yenagoa, the state capital, the former president said he was still a member of the PDP, describing it as a friend that carries people along. PDP has been a very friendly party. I am a PDP member, and I know from the beginning till today that it has been a very friendly party. PDP is a party that carries everybody along. Let us work together for the interest of our people, Mr Jonathan said. We should learn to play politics as politics and not as a war; at the end of every political process, let all of us come together and support whoever by divine providence God has made to be there. In Nigeria, what we know, especially at the national level, is government change through coups. And at the end of that coup, whether the coup succeeds or not both parties live as enemies. Sometimes they stay as enemies till they die. But our democratic process is recognised by law. So we the modern-day politicians should not begin to practice democracy and contestation to power as if we are organising a coup. At the end of the political process, we expect that both parties should come together. The winner carries everybody along, and leaders who contested the election must know that it was a political process known by law and whoever wins, we agree that God gave him that position. (NAN) OTTAWA - NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is calling for a quicker, clearer vaccination plan that would see Canada's military deployed across the country to speed up provincial COVID-19 inoculation efforts though the country's top doctor sees little need for those boots on the ground. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh listens to a question from a reporter during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Wednesday February 3, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is calling for a quicker, clearer vaccination plan that would see Canada's military deployed across the country to speed up provincial COVID-19 inoculation efforts though the country's top doctor sees little need for those boots on the ground. The federal government should engage military personnel along with more medical and nursing students and retired health-care workers to ramp up Canada's faltering vaccine rollout, Singh said Tuesday. The announcement, presented as a campaign-style pledge ahead of a possible election this year, comes despite the fact that provinces have not publicly requested military assistance with vaccine delivery. The provinces havent specially asked for that," Singh said in an interview. But weve got the capacity to use the military, set up sites in federal facilities and federal buildings across the country. "There seems to be this notion that, 'OK, we get the supply, then it's up to the provinces to deliver it.' And I dont buy that." Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam, asked about the proposal Tuesday, said the number of vaccination sites and staff is not a hurdle. "That doesnt at the moment appear to be the critical factor," she said. "I know that the human-resource aspect is not the biggest concern from provinces and territories. We have many pharmacists, family doctors, other health professionals." Military commander Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin is managing logistics of vaccine distribution for the Public Health Agency of Canada. And the Canadian Armed Forces is deploying reconnaissance teams to the border as Ottawa prepares to enlist the military's help in establishing COVID-19 screening centres for travellers. But soldiers play no part in administering the vaccine. Health care remains primarily provincial jurisdiction. Nonetheless, Singh cited deployment of armed forces to help set up and run vaccination sites in the United States and Scotland. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has ordered more than 1,100 troops, including nurses and vaccinators, to several sites. The British army is dispatching roughly 100 soldiers to organize deliveries, vaccine storage and patient registration at about 80 vaccination centres in Scotland. Provincial leaders in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta, while accepting military support at nursing homes as outbreaks reached a lethal crisis point over the past year, have remained wary of federal overreach in long-term care and other areas. Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole and Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet have both balked at the idea of nationally imposed long-term care standards, saying provinces are better poised to direct health-care funding in their own backyards. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Tuesday that "the provinces will determine if they need additional assistance," with the federal government prepared to work with them if military personnel or Canadian Red Cross volunteers are requested. Singh also called on the Trudeau government to revive domestic production of vaccines by establishing publicly owned manufacturing facilities. He highlighted Connaught Laboratories, a public-health institute founded in the early 20th century to combat diphtheria, as a model for government-owned vaccine production. Connaught, which churned out polio and influenza vaccines, was affiliated for decades with the University of Toronto before being bought by a federal Crown corporation and later fully privatized under the Mulroney government in the 1980s. The third board in the NDP platform plank demanded that Ottawa call off the planned delivery of 1.9 million doses from the international vaccine-sharing program, which is designed mainly to help poor countries afford pricey vaccines. Canada could get about 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine from the program known as COVAX before the end of March, though it has been heavily criticized for taking vaccines from a plan aimed at developing countries that have no direct deals of their own with manufacturers. "People are not satisfied with the current situation when it comes to vaccines," Singh said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says all Canadians who want a dose will get one by the end of September, despite recent hiccups in production of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Canada sits far below the top of the heap in vaccine doses administered per 100 people, ranking 40th in total and 17th out of 24 large countries, according to two lists. Canada's vaccine shipments are slated to rev up again this week, with more than 878,000 Pfizer-BioNTech doses and 168,000 Moderna doses scheduled for arrival by the end of the month. They follow smaller-than-expected deliveries due to production issues in Belgium and Switzerland. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2021. [February 16, 2021] Lotus International Company Partners With Shell to Extend Its Brand Into E-Mobility With the New Shell RIDE E-Scooter Lotus International Company - a Shell consumer products brand licensee - announced today the debut of Shell RIDE SR-5S e-scooter in North America. This is the first offering in the Shell e-mobility line of products. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006045/en/ Find the new Shell RIDE Electric Scooter on Amazon! (Photo: Business Wire) The electric SR-5S boasts a sleek design and provides a lower-carbon means of transport for personal journeys. Its features include: Front-wheel motor with a 350-watt capacity; Maximum speed of 15.5 miles per hour and a maximum range of 18 miles on a full charge; Cruise control and three separate speed modes; Strong safety features, including dual-braking functionality; Folding mechanism for easy storage and transportation; A strong chassis and hybrid wheels for greater stability and ride comfort, and; The companion Shell RIDE app (available for Android (News - Alert) and iOS devices) controls speed modes, lighting modes, a trip computer, security features, and more. In the U.S., 46 percent of journeys are made by cars travelling less than three miles. Electric scooters provide a simple-to-use, lower-carbon solution for these journeys. According to the 2019 EPA Automotive Trends Report, the average passenger car emits approximately 0.78 pounds of CO2 per mile driven, about 2.34 pounds of CO2 for every three mile trip. Ivey added, "The people who purchase this e-scooter understand the importance in reducing emissions and making the world a better place, while still enjoying the ride in our fast-paced, on-demand world." With an MSRP of $769, the Shell RIDE SR-5S e-scooter is currently available for pre-order in the U.S. on Amazon.com (News - Alert) and will be available at QVC, Walmart.com as well as other retailers in Canada and Mexico in the coming months. About Lotus International Company Lotus International Company is an integrated specialty technology firm based in Canton, Michigan. It is responsible for sales, marketing, distribution, and service of Shell brand e-mobility products. Lotus International Company is a Shell licensee and uses Shell trademarks under license. Learn more about Shell Ride at www.shellride.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006045/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Tallying up the final numbers for 2020, Brandon Area Community Foundation executive director Laura Kempthorne said the end result was shocking. Advertisement Advertise With Us Tallying up the final numbers for 2020, Brandon Area Community Foundation executive director Laura Kempthorne said the end result was "shocking." The foundation granted a record-breaking $1,052,065 last year, marking the first time in their 55-year history theyve broken $1 million. "It wasnt something we planned out to do, at all," Kempthorne said quite the contrary. When the pandemic hit early last year, uncertainty clouded whatever plans they might have otherwise had for the year. Looking back, she said the COVID-19 pandemic and the hardships it brought many people might have actually contributed to the foundations success. Fund holders saw greater need than usual and pledged money toward various causes to help improve things for their Westman-area communities. "I shouldnt have been so surprised because we are in a great community," Kempthorne said of Westman at large. "They really wanted to help, and allowing us to grant their surplus to these projects really allowed them to get them off the ground or finished. "People step up, and they stepped up to the best of their ability. It turned out really well for everyone involved we were able to help this year." The Brandon Area Community Foundation manages an investment fund just shy of $16 million held in perpetuity, the interest of which goes toward various community efforts. This fund is made up of not only a general community fund, but also various endowment funds whose holders earmark money toward specific causes. Through their action in freeing up funds, Kempthorne said fund holders sent a clear message this wasnt the year to hold back community support. It wasnt only the pandemic that spurred them to action, but specific projects they deemed worthy of support. The foundation also benefitted from a federal grant of $259,000 and a $50,000 matching grant from Manitoba Build 150, the latter of which went toward Keystone Centre greenspace renovations and the building of an accessible playground at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Though there are many other projects of note in 2020, Kempthorne also pointed to a $28,000 contribution toward renovations at the Onanole & District Recreation Centre and $20,000 toward the purchase of pediatric mannequins for Assiniboine Community Colleges nursing program as being unique. "Thats going to help nursing students who are going to get a much better hands-on experience," she said. "Those students are going to go back into their communities and work in the health-care profession." A full accounting of 2020 contributions is available online at bacf.ca. Between grants, donations, new endowment funds and additions, the foundation also brought in close to $600,000 last year. Approximately half of this amount was comprised of "flow-through" grants they received with specific purposes and timelines for expenditure, which do not factor into their investments. Looking forward to the balance of 2021, Kempthorne said theyre looking at the current year with a similar degree of uncertainty as they did 2020. They do, however, intend on participating in the annual Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge in November an annual fundraising initiative to grow their community fund. For every $5 they raise during the weeklong fundraiser, the province contributes $1 and The Winnipeg Foundation pledges $1. Theyre also taking applications for the Canada Healthy Community Initiatives, for which the federal government has allocated $1 million to Manitoba. Other than that, itll be business as close to usual as possible, Kempthorne said "Just seeing where we can help." tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Cancer cells and immune cells share something in common: They both love sugar. Sugar is an important nutrient. All cells use sugar as a vital source of energy and building blocks. For immune cells, gobbling up sugar is a good thing, since it means getting enough nutrients to grow and divide for stronger immune responses. But cancer cells use sugar for more nefarious ends. So, what happens when tumor cells and immune cells battle for access to the same supply of sugar? That's the central question that Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers Taha Merghoub, Jedd Wolchok, and Roberta Zappasodi explore in a new study published February 15 in the journal Nature. Using mouse models and data from human patients, the researchers found a direct relationship between the amount of sugar -- specifically glucose -- that a tumor consumes and the effectiveness of immunotherapy: The more sugar the tumor consumed, the less effective the immunotherapy. The findings suggest that blocking cancer cells' use of sugar could tip the scales in favor of immune cells, especially when they are activated by immunotherapy drugs. "If we reduce a tumor's use of glucose, then we free up more of it for immune cells to use, which benefits the immune response," says Dr. Merghoub, who co-led the research effort. "What we think we've identified is a new means to improve checkpoint blockade immunotherapy," adds Dr. Wolchok. Immune checkpoint inhibitors release the brakes on immune cells and can provide lasting benefits for people with cancer, but they do not work for everyone. The new research may provide a way to boost their effectiveness. Dr. Wolchok, Chief of the Immuno-Oncology Service in the Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program at MSK, also directs the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at MSK and co-directs the Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy at MSK. Vying for Resources To examine the relationship between tumor cells' use of glucose and response to immunotherapy, the researchers turned to a mouse model of breast cancer that is highly glycolytic -- meaning it uses a lot of sugar to grow. In the first set of tumors, the researchers genetically knocked down a key enzyme cells require to rapidly consume glucose in a process called glycolysis. In the second set, the enzyme was left alone. Each set of tumors was grown in mice and then the mice were treated with checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 before having surgery to remove the tumor. The results: The mice whose tumors consumed less sugar survived longer and had a far lower rate of metastasis (when the cancer spreads) than the mice with tumors that used more glucose. This indicated an improved response to immunotherapy in mice whose tumors consumed less glucose. Moreover, the improved immune response exhibited memory. When researchers re-implanted tumors in the mice exposed to the less-glycolytic tumors, tumor growth remained suppressed. By contrast, mice exposed to the more-glycolytic tumors were not able to control the growth of re-implanted tumors. The team also looked at human data. When they measured glucose use by tumors and compared that to the number of immune cells present in a tumor, they found that the two measures were inversely correlated: The higher the glucose use by tumors, the fewer immune cells present. Releasing Multiple Brakes When it comes to immune checkpoint blockade, two types of T cells are crucially important -- effector T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Effector T cells are the ones that actually attack cancer cells and kill them, whereas Tregs serve as a kind of brake on the effector T cells. It turns out that glucose affects these two T cell types differently. More available glucose boosts the effector T cells' killing ability. With Tregs, more glucose means they lose their ability to apply the brakes. That means that freeing up glucose for use by immune cells is doubly beneficial at giving a boost to immunotherapy drugs. "It was surprising and exciting to see that CTLA-4 blockade induces Tregs to use glucose and that this in turn reduces the suppression activity of these cells," says Dr. Zappasodi, a former Parker Institute Bridge Scholar in the Merghoub-Wolchok lab and now a faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine. "The implication is that for tumors that are highly glycolytic and don't respond to immune checkpoint blockade, one way of overcoming this resistance is to target tumor glycolysis with drugs," Dr. Merghoub adds. The feasibility of using sugar to boost immune responses depends on being able to preferentially limit glucose use by tumors -- and that's where it gets tricky. Existing drugs that block sugar use by cancer cells will also block sugar use by immune cells, which would defeat the purpose. What is needed are drugs that can prevent tumor cells from using glucose while allowing immune cells to use it freely. The team has a few leads and is exploring them now. ### This research was funded in part through the NIH/NCI (grants R01 CA215136-01A, R50 CA221810, T32CA082084, F31AI149971, DP2AI136598, R21AI135367, and Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA00874)8, Swim Across America, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, SNSF project grants (31003A_182470), and European Research Council Staring Grant (802773-MitoGuide). Dr. Zappasodi is an inventor on patent applications related to work on GITR, PD-1, and CTLA-4, and is a consultant for Leap Therapeutics and iTEOS Belgium SA. Dr. Merghoub is a cofounder and holds an equity in IMVAQ Therapeutics and is a consultant of Immunos Therapeutics, Pfizer, and Immunogenesis. Dr. Merghoub has research support from Bristol Myers Squibb; Surface Oncology; Kyn Therapeutics; Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Adaptive Biotechnologies; Leap Therapeutics, Inc.; and Aprea. He has patents on applications related to work on oncolytic viral therapy, alpha virus-based vaccine, neoantigen modeling, CD40, GITR, OX40, PD-1, and CTLA-4. Dr. Wolchok is a consultant for Adaptive Biotech; Amgen; Apricity; Ascentage Pharma; Astellas; AstraZeneca; Bayer; Beigene; Boehringer Ingelheim; Bristol Myers Squibb; Celgene; Chugai; Eli Lilly; Elucida; F Star; Georgiamune; Imvaq; Kyowa Hakko Kirin; Linneaus; Merck; Neon Therapeutics; Polynoma; Psioxus; Recepta; Takara Bio; Trieza; Truvax; Sellas; Serametrix; Surface Oncology; Syndax; Syntalogic; and Werewolf Therapeutics. He reports grants from Bristol Myers Squibb and Sephora and has equity in Tizona Pharmaceuticals; Adaptive Biotechnologies; Imvaq; Beigene; Linneaus; Apricity; Arsenal IO; and Georgiamune. Dr. Wolchok is an inventor on patent applications related to work on DNA vaccines in companion animals with cancer, assays for suppressive myeloid cells in blood, oncolytic viral therapy, alphavirus-based vaccines, neoantigen modeling, CD40, GITR, OX40, PD-1, and CTLA-4. EPI, the precision engineering backbone of the UAEs aerospace and defence industry, has joined forces with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), home to the UAE National Space Programme, to manufacture key components for its new satellite project MBZ-SAT. The six-month-long project will see EPI producing 147 machined parts for MBRSC in addition to carrying out surface treatment and inspection services. Named after HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, MBZ-SAT will be the most advanced commercial satellite in the region in the field of high-resolution satellite imagery and is expected to be launched in 2023. The synergy with EPI is well aligned with MBRSCs mandate to engage companies in the UAE in building a local hub for space-related manufacturers and to enhance the sustainability of the national space sector in the country. In 2018, EPI was involved with MBRSC in the industrialisation phase of machining metallic components for Emirates Mars Mission project. On the tieup, CEO Christian Ziehe said: "This alliance reinforces the value of leveraging local capabilities to shape an ecosystem dedicated to manufacturing space-related technology and systems. For EPI, it serves as a unique opportunity to grow the companys expertise in the space manufacturing field, and further diversify our operations." "We are proud to be entrusted once again with supporting the UAE's wider space ambitions," he added. EPI manufactures complex engineering components for the defence, aerospace, and oil and gas (O&G) sectors and is equipped with advanced capabilities and cutting tools to carry out manufacturing engineering, machining, surface treatment, coating, repairing, and assemblies. The company is part of the Mission Support cluster within Edge, an advanced technology group for defence and beyond. "MBRSCs strategic collaboration with local companies in the UAE, to manufacture and supply the components necessary for the development of MBZ-SAT, will help enhance the sustainability of the national space industry in the UAE," said Amer AlGhafri, Senior Director of the Space Engineering Department and Project Manager of MBZ-SAT at MBRSC. "Our goal is to further strengthen the regional space sector by leveraging partnerships that will support the development of MBRSCs commercial activity through the creation of innovative new space technologies," he added. More behind the cutDe-brief on 43 insurrectionists voting to acquit a guilty man, meanwhile the 7 who did vote guilty are being officially censured by their state party and some disowned by their family. Sara talks about McConnell op-ed and explains why hes the worst and why she hates him. Sunny goes in further, with McConnell claiming he voted not guilty because he didnt believe someone could be impeached after leaving office, yet hes specifically the reason the 5-day trial didnt occur before he left office (even though House impeachment vote was 7 days before inauguration).Stacy Plaskett is a delegate from US Virgin Islands but does not have voting powers in Congress. She was one of the House Impeachment Managers. She used to be GOP but switched parties in 2008. She did a fantastic job (they all did). Says they tried to speak to all 100 Senators, but not surprised at outcome. Reflects that it was the most bipartisan with 7 of same party voting to convict, and most majority 57 voting to convict. Senate R told her during trial they were doing a great job, but still wouldnt vote to convict, because they wanted to keep their seat. McConnell couldnt get 17 to vote guilty, and if he voted guilty, then hed lose Minority Leader role. R are combined MAGA QAnon or pragmatics (but all who voted to acquit are cowards).Sidebar fashion talk. Dress made by BGL. Tells story about her gal pals. Her friends put together her outfits because she doesnt normally like to dress up. Discussion about fight. She talked to defense counsel afterwards, they were channeling his client and the vitriol, she took offense, it was upsetting. She goes in about poc, misogyny, etc.Shes uncomfortable with "breakout star" phrase, because she feels she was part of a team, and her goal is to represent all the territories, talks about the history, and she talks about others from USVI.Talks about the history and narrative of the Black church and its impact on Black life in America. Talks about history of 40 acres and a mule. Tells a lot of history and influence of the Black church on politics. Talks about the twin pandemic of covid which has disproportionately impacted the Black community and the (public) rise again of white supremacy and anti Black rhetoric. Talks about safety of covid vaxx, he gets his second dose soon, offered to publicly tout his vaccination to promote safely. Explains history of Tuskegee experiment. He reached out to people, which resulted in him recording a PSA to spread the word it's safe to get vaxx. Promotes his bookStephen Burrows is an American fashion designer based in New York City. Burrows studied at Fashion Institute of Technology, then began work in the New York City's Garment Center, alternately managing his own businesses and working closely with luxury department store Henri Bendel. He is known for being one of the first African-American fashion designers to sell internationally and develop a mainstream, high-fashion clientele. His garments, known for their bright colors and "lettuce hem" curly-edges, became an integral part of the "Fun City" New York City disco-dancing scene of the 1970s. You can read more about Stephen Burrows here Source links are below each video or section By Lee Seong-hyon I once received an apology from a Chinese woman who was enrolled in an MBA course at Tsinghua University, the alma mater of Chinese President Xi Jinping. After learning that she was from Guangdong Province, I mentioned that Wang Yang, then-Guangdong's party secretary, had recently visited Korea. I also said that there would be a Korea-China summit soon. It was a gesture to build rapport with her. The response from the Chinese woman was something unexpected. "Why would our leader go to a small country (xiao guo) like Korea? I think you heard it wrong." What started as a casual conversation at a coffee shop in the College Boulevard in Beijing just ended there. Guangdong ranks first in GDP in China. In 2018, the province's GDP was already close to Korea's total GDP. The fact that the economic size of one Chinese province is similar to that of all of South Korea as a nation, warrants some soul-searching on the part of South Korea, given its symbolism in bilateral relations. At the time of establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, South Korea's economy was about equal to that of China with 1.4 billion people. South Korea was a smaller partner in size but had a much more efficient economy. Things have changed. According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Korean economic dependence on China after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 was 25.8 percent, up from 25.1 percent a year earlier. South Korea has been making efforts to diversify its export markets, after experiencing China's economic retaliation over the THAAD dispute. But its dependence on China is intensifying. South Korea, at one point, was an economic model for China. Hwang Byung-tae, South Korea's 1993-95 ambassador to China, was famous for giving lectures to senior Chinese officials about South Korea's economic transformation. Now, it's an old story. The sense of South Korea becoming less important an economic partner to China has political implications too. Economy and politics often go together in diplomacy. For instance, among the Chinese state-run research intuitions and think tanks, there is less demand for Korea-related policy papers and briefs these days. These organizations all serve their readers the Chinese political leadership. Supply and demand also applies to the policy community. It indicates there is less demand for Korea-related policies. In a positive light, it could mean there are fewer troublesome issues between South Korea and China. In a negative light, it could mean South Korea's importance to China is gradually diminishing. This could also lead to a downward adjustment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China. Xi Jinping's much-anticipated visit to South Korea didn't materialize last year and it was attributed to COVID-19. The fact of the matter is that President Moon Jae-in made that invitation first in December 2017. Over the last four years, the South Korean side repeated invitations. If Xi really wanted to visit South Korea, he missed many opportunities. If it was really because of COVID-19, Beijing and Seoul could also have at least fielded a video summit, which China often holds with other nations these days. Meanwhile, there is room to review the recent controversies in bilateral ties, including Xi Jinping's remarks on the Korean War, Chinese netizens' attacks on BTS, as well as the Chinese claim that the Korean kimchi is of Chinese origin. Some in South Korea view this as an expression of China's lack of confidence in soft power toward South Korea. However, reflecting from the 30-year trajectory of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China, the essence of this may be the deepening of the overall asymmetrical relationship, and the Chinese increasing sense of superiority, not the other way around. Seoul-Beijing relations will mark their 30th anniversary next year. While examining individual issues such as THAAD is important, it is also equally important to have a clear view of the overall direction of the bilateral relationship and how both sides perceive each other. The recent public sentiment, in addition to the political ties in Seoul and Beijing, will also carry weight as to how their future relationship fares. Lee Seong-hyon (sunnybbsfs@gmail.com), Ph.D., is director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the Sejong Institute. (Newser) Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who voted to impeach then-President Trump and warned his fellow Republicans that it's "time to choose," may be risking his career by standing up for what he believes, the New York Times reports in an extensive piece on the lawmaker. Kinzinger, who was censured by the La Salle County GOP in his home state of Illinois after voting to impeach last month, revealed to the newspaper a letter written by one of his cousins and signed by 11 members of his family calling him "a disappointment to us and to God" and accusing him of having "embarrassed the Kinzinger family name" by his breaking with Trump. Karen Otto, the cousin who penned the letter and sent copies to Republicans across Illinois, tells the Times she "wanted Adam to be shunned." Kinzinger says some of his family suffers from "brainwashing" from conservative churches. story continues below The 42-year-old Air Force veteran and Air National Guard pilot, a six-term congressman representing a district in the suburbs of Chicago, can often be seen on cable TV and podcasts urging a return of the Republican party to the days of George W. Bush. He's not a fan of the current conspiracy-theory-fueled climate, nor was he a fan of the Obama days, when Republicans opposed everything the president did without offering their own new ideas. "We just fear," he tells the Times. "Fear the Democrats. Fear the future. Fear everything. And it works for an election cycle or two. The problem is it does real damage to this democracy." But some of his constituents are upset by his stance, as are many GOP officials in his state, and while some Democrats have praised him, he certainly doesn't fit in that partyhe opposes abortion rights and the Affordable Care Act, and was endorsed by Sarah Palin when he first ran for Congress. See the Times for much more, including Trump's vulgar message to Kinzinger in 2016. (Read more Rep. Adam Kinzinger stories.) NORTHERN governors and elders in the region met Monday night to fashion out ways of deescalating ethnic tensions growing across the country following crisis in the South West, especially the Shasha crisis in Ibadan,Oyo State. The northern governors were led by their chairman and governor of Plateau State,Barr. Simon Lalong while to the elders under the aegis of Northern Elders Forum,were led by the forum's chairman,Prof. Abdullahi Ango. Speaking to reporters after the meeting that lasted for about four hours, Governor Simon Lalong explained that the meeting was at the instance of ethnic crises in the southern part of the country especially in the South West,occasioned by quite notices and Shasha crisis in Oyo State. According to him,the meeting was aimed at exploring avenues with a view to calming down frayed nerves thus de-escalating tension that could arise from the developments. Explaining the essence of the meeting with the Northern elders, Lalong said:"This is a delegation of Northern elders led by Prof. Ango Abdullahi. It is part of our engagements since we have these quit notices here and there and then the problems in the country. " He continued:"As Northern governors,we have to engage some of our leaders and to find ways of calming nerves. "Today,we just came back from Kaduna after the North West meeting with security organisations. We just had a fruitful discussion with the Northern elders this evening and part of the meeting was to find ways of calming the nerves and also assuring our northern brothers that measures are being taken. "We don't want to talk about asking people to go away but when you have issues like these,you look at the way forward, very mature way forward and that was what we discussed and then also,to address some of the issues,the problem that is expected on the side of government,both federal and state governments in the North." According to him,"The bottom line is to find a way forward-to make progress in the North end also in Nigeria." " As I'm talking to you now,after our meeting in Kaduna,our governors sent a delegation to go to Oyo and they are right now in Ibadan to assess the situation there and see the truth about what is really happening to Northerners in the South West and then bring back report,"he said. He said the meeting would be carried forward as it had not concluded its agenda. Hear him:"We are carrying the meeting forward,we have not finished. This is part of our deliberations,what we have here will be sent back to the Northern governors,what we have here is a representative of Northern governors. " So, we are going to report back to the full house,that is the northern governors for full deliberation. As you can see, tensions are everywhere. So we are trying to calm nerves and also to find progress where there are grievances here and there,we can allay the fears and also help in solving some of those grievances." Also speaking, Publicity Secretary of Northern Elders Forum,Alhaji Hakeem Baba Ahmed, explained that the forum met with the Northern governors to find out areas the two bodies can come together to find solutions to the growing tensions arising from ethnic crises in the South. He said:"We are here to meet with the Northern Governors Forum because they are our first point of call,they are our governors as northerners. Wherever we go on any issue we need to meet with them. "We came to lay down our complaint as northerners,we came to show them our support in some of the initiatives they have taken,we came to seek their assurances as we are vigilant and to be assured that they are on their toes to protect our interest as northerners and to urge them to collaborate with their colleagues to deescalate the tension and to protect every Nigerian and we are very happy about what they have told." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Ahmed added:"We urge northerners not to take the law into their hands,they should exercise restraint, maturity and responsibility." He, however warned:"We are asking Nigerians from the Southern part of the country to desist from acts that could provoke other Nigerians. "We believe that every Nigerian owe a duty to be responsible and to recognize the fact that this is one country. "We have people all over the place,the last thing we want in the North is to see any attack on anybody from outside the region and we want Northerners in other parts of the country to be treated equally." 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(PA) Boris Johnson has said he wants the current national lockdown in England to be the last. The prime minister said on Monday he hopes the countrys third coronavirus lockdown, which he announced at the beginning of January, will be the final one. However, Johnson admitted he could not offer a cast iron guarantee there will not be another lockdown. We want this lockdown to be the last. And we want progress to be cautious but also irreversible, he told a Downing Street briefing. According to the latest figures released on Monday, the UKs COVID-19 infection rate is at its lowest since October, while the government reached its target of vaccinating 15 million people across the top four priority groups by the middle of February. But while the prime minister said there are grounds for confidence that vaccinations reduce the spread of coronavirus, he added that the government is waiting for the hard facts before setting out a timetable for easing the lockdown. Read more: PM wants irreversible lockdown easing but cannot guarantee its the last Watch: PM says 'we want this lockdown to be the last' moderna expects will have delivered its first 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to the US by the end March and will deliver the next 100 million by the end of May, the firm announced Tuesday. Its second batch of doses -bringing its total delivery to 200 million - will now be available a month earlier than previously promised. The Biden administration made a deal with a third 100 million doses of Moderna's vaccine, which are slated to be delivered by the end of July. Pfizer, too, is contracted for a total of 300 million doses, and says it can deliver them by the same target date, meaning there will be enough doses to vaccinate nearly the entire US population by late summer. As of Tuesday morning, the US had given at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to more than 54.6 million Americans, or just shy of 12 percent of the population. Moderna has delivered 45.5 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to the US, the firm said Tuesday. A second 100 million doses are expected to be ready by the end of March, which should be a boon to the rollout that's seeing about 1.64 million doses given a day Late-stage production issues from Moderna contractor Catalent have delayed the release of some doses, but the firm says the issue will not affect deliveries in the long-term (file) Four-and-a-half percent of the US is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. After a painstakingly slow, chaotic start, the US rollout is finally picking up steam, but it's not without its stumbling blocks and bottlenecks. Pfizer hit delays due to supply issues before its first deliveries, but last month said it would be able to deliver its second million doses of vaccine a month early, by the end of May instead of June. Moderna ran into a production hurdle more recently, but says it won't lead to larger delays. The biotech firm said short-term delays in the final stages of production and release of filled vials at Moderna's fill and finish contractor Catalent have recently delayed the release of some doses. Moderna said these delays are expected to be resolved in the near term and not expected to impact monthly delivery targets. Just shy of 12% of the US population has had at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine and 4.5% of residents have had both doses - but some states, like Rhode Island and Alabama, lag behind More than 54.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been distributed across the US. Moderna as supplied the US with 45.5 million of its doses As of Tuesday, the company has supplied the US with 45.5 million doses of vaccine. This week alone, about 6.7 million Moderna doses were allocated in the US. Half of those are first doses and half are second doses. Just shy of 2.14 million of each first and second doses from Pfizer were allocated this week. And so far, 25.5 million doses of Moderna's vaccine have been administered, compared to about 27.3 million of Pfizer's. Another 33.2 million doses of Moderna's vaccine have been filled into vials and are in the final stages of production and quality control testing before they can be released to the US for distribution. The US which is fighting supply constraints for its large-scale efforts to vaccinate most Americans, earlier this month bought an additional 100 million vaccine doses from Moderna, taking the total ordered doses to 300 million. Moderna reiterated it was on track to deliver the first 100 million doses by the end of March and also moved forward the delivery of its third 100 million vaccine doses by two months to July end. Moderna expects to deliver an average of 30 million to 35 million doses per month for February and March, and 40 million to 50 million doses a month from April through July-end. The company said it would ship doses to the U.S. as they are produced instead of stockpiling first, potentially affecting its weekly supply numbers. Additional doses can't come soon enough. Even as vaccination eligibility expands to anyone 65 or older and some states add teachers and people with high-risk conditions including heart disease, obesity and pregnancy, to the list of who can get shots, states also complain that they are running out of doses. New York Governor Cuomo yesterday slammed the federal government for expanding eligibility recommendations without increasing the supply of vaccine. He largely blamed the previous Trump administration. The US is on track to hit President Biden's goal of more than 100 million shots administered in the first 100 days of his term, but increases to states' allotments have been slow. He promised a 16 percent increase to shipments by February 1, 2021. That increase was divided into eight percent increases over two weeks of shipments. PERTH, Western Australia, Feb. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perseus Mining Limited (Perseus or the Company) (TSX & ASX: PRU) is hosting an investor webinar and conference call to discuss its FY21 Half Year Results, which are anticipated for release around 8:30am AEDT on Wednesday February 24, 2021. Call Details Australia: Wednesday February 24, 2021 (Perth 6:00am) (Sydney/Melbourne 9:00am) Canada: Tuesday February 23, 2021 (Toronto 5:00pm) (Vancouver 2:00pm) UK: Tuesday February 23, 2021 (London 10:00pm) Register for the investor webinar at the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qkWCpILaTgm45ft5JKQrlQ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. To join the webinar via telephone, please use one of the following numbers and enter the Webinar ID: 853 7110 6015 For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location: Australia +61 8 7150 1149 or +61 3 7018 2005 Singapore +65 3165 1065 Canada +1 778 907 2071 USA +1 669 900 9128 New Zealand +64 9 884 6780 United Kingdom +44 203 901 7895 International numbers available: https://zoom.us/zoomconference . To ask a question during the webinar, please use the Raise Hand function within Zoom. For attendees joining via telephone, please enter *9 to use the Raise Hand function. When it is your turn, you will be briefly unmuted to ask your question. The conference call will feature Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Quartermaine and Chief Financial Officer Lee-Anne de Bruin. A recording of the conference call will be made available via Perseuss website at www.perseusmining.com This announcement was approved for release by Jeff Quartermaine, Managing Director and CEO. To discuss any aspect of this announcement, please contact: Media Relations: Nathan Ryan at telephone +61 4 20 582 887 or email nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au (Melbourne) Apple is known to be working on a foldable iPhone. Recent leaks and rumors have suggested that the first foldable iPhone from Apple will debut next year. A new report, published today by EqualOcean, details Apples plan for the second generation of its foldable iPhone. According to Omdia, a Canada-based investment research firm, Apple will launch a foldable iPhone in 2023. It is expected to feature an OLED display, with a screen size of 7.3-7.6 inches. The report also says that the company will add an activity pen support to the device, hinting that the foldable iPhone will feature Apple Pencil support. The report highlights: Omdia, a global communications and digital media research organization, predicts that Apple may launch a 7.3-7.6-inch foldable OLED smartphone in 2023 and add an activity pen to its foldable iPhone. A flurry of recent leaks and rumors have pointed that Apple is working on a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip style clamshell iPhone. The company has also tested a foldable version of Ceramic Shield glass for its folding iPhone. Ceramic Shield is the new technology of the glass that debuted with the iPhone 12 series. It offers up to 4 times higher shatterproof resistance than the older generation iPhones. The clamshell iPhone isnt expected until 2022, though. Taking a look at the competition, Samsung is also said to be working on the S Pen support for its third-generation of Galaxy Z Fold. The Cupertino-based giant is also said to be in talks with Samsung, due to the latters experience in folding displays. What features would you like to see on the foldable iPhone? How often do you use Apple Pencil? Do you think it will be a valuable addition to the product? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! [Via EqualOcean Even as more mass vaccination sites opened around California, serious concerns remained about supply prompting questions over whether San Francisco can meet its end-of-June target date for when all eligible and willing residents can be vaccinated. With a continued shortage of vaccine doses and the temporary closure of two mass vaccination sites in the city hitting the June target seems unlikely, said Mary Ellen Carroll, executive director of the citys Department of Emergency Management. I would say more like the end of July, Carroll told The Chronicle on Tuesday. If we had the vaccines, we could 100% do it. Even so, San Francisco opened its newest mass vaccination site on Monday in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood at 901 Rankin St. The facility, operated by the city and Sutter Health, will start with 200 shots a day. But it could give up to 1,000 shots daily with more supply, according to Dr. Rob Nordgren, area CEO for Sutter Bay Medical Foundation in the Peninsula and San Francisco regions. It is currently open by invitation only to people 65 and older, as well as health care workers. Mayor London Breed, asked while visiting the Bayview site whether an end-of-June goal was still realistic for finishing up San Francisco vaccinations, said she still hoped it was, especially with President Bidens administration trying hard to get vaccine supplies out. Were playing catch-up here in trying to get these vaccines produced, and thats a whole process, Breed said. They dont just fall out of the sky or they cant just be produced in your backyard. She said storage and distribution issues also played a role in the delays. At the end of the day, of course, thats our goal (to finish vaccinations by the end of June) and Im really proud that San Francisco on-average has been able to do over 4,000 vaccines a day, Breed said. If we can get to that 10,000 and exceed it, then its possible. Fingers crossed. The vaccines not within my control. But as soon as we have them, were going to get them out. San Francisco city officials anticipate reopening the City College mass vaccination site on Friday to administer second shots for patients who already received the first of their two-dose regimen, officials said Tuesday. Vaccinations at Moscone Center are still halted, pending additional vaccine supply. The city had announced Sunday that both locations would be temporarily closed due to insufficient doses. Some 16% of San Franciscans have received at least one shot of the two-dose coronavirus vaccination regime, city data shows. Among the 65-and-older population, however, 50% have received at least their first shot. In Oakland, the Coliseum the home of the Oakland As opened as a mass vaccination site on Tuesday. It is expected to be open seven days a week for eight weeks, until shortly after baseball season opens, though the As do not expect it to cause difficulties for fanless home games. The Coliseum site is run by the federal government, in partnership with California. With a separate supply of vaccines directly through the federal government, it may not be as likely to run out as other sites in the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom, speaking at the opening of a different federal-state mass vaccination site at Cal State Los Angeles, said that the Los Angeles location and the Coliseum site will administer 3,000 doses on Tuesday, and look to double that number by the end of the week. On Tuesday, state, local and federal agencies were stationed at the Coliseum, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cal Fire, the state Office of Emergency Services, the federal department of Health and Human Services and the U.S Forest Service. Dozens of California National Guard troops wearing military fatigues were also on hand for logistical support and traffic control. Officials acknowledged that the militaristic feel of the site might make people uncomfortable, but have vowed to not check the immigration statuses of those looking for a vaccine. Were not immigration, said Tammy Littrell, the FEMA acting administrator for the region that includes Alameda County. The Coliseum site will also provide vaccinations to mobile units that will go directly to underrepresented communities. Oakland Vice Mayor Rebecca Kaplan said the mobile units should be running by the end of the week. There will be additional sites in neighborhoods that people can go to if access to this site is uncomfortable and logistically difficult, Kaplan said. Chronicle staff writers Heather Knight, Meghan Bobrowsky and Mallory Moench contributed to this report. Aidin Vaziri and Michael Williams are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com, michael.williams@sfchronicle.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 16 : Popular comedian, film and TV personality Ramesh Pisharody is all set to officially join the Congress party in Kerala, according to top party sources. The 39-year-old Pisharody however made it clear that he is not going to contest elections, but would be actively involved in campaigning for the party. The entry of the actor in the party came about after talks between former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, said a top source. Pisharody is expected to share the stage with Chennithala in his ongoing state-wide yatra, which on Tuesday entered his home district of Alappuzha. Last week, another film personality Major Ravi had also shared the stage with Chennithala at Kochi. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. In recent weeks, U.S. coronavirus case data - long a closely watched barometer of the pandemic's severity - has sent some encouraging signals: The rate of newly recorded infections is plummeting from coast to coast and the worst surge yet is finally relenting. But scientists are split on why it is happening. Some point to the quickening pace of coronavirus vaccine administration, some say it's because of the natural seasonal ebb of respiratory viruses and others chalk it up to social distancing measures. And every explanation is appended with two significant caveats: The country is still in a bad place, continuing to notch more than 90,000 new cases every day, and recent progress could still be imperiled, either by new fast-spreading virus variants or by relaxed social distancing measures. The rolling daily average of new infections in the United States hit its all-time high of 248,200 on Jan. 12, according to data gathered and analyzed by The Washington Post. Since then, the number has dropped every day, hitting 91,000 on Sunday, its lowest level since November. A former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the idea that Americans are now seeing the effect of their good behavior - not of increased vaccinations. "I don't think the vaccine is having much of an impact at all on case rates," Tom Frieden said in an interview Sunday on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS." "It's what we're doing right: staying apart, wearing masks, not traveling, not mixing with others indoors." However, Frieden noted, the country's numbers are still higher than they were during the spring and summer virus waves, and "we're nowhere near out of the woods." "We've had three surges," Frieden said. "Whether or not we have a fourth surge is up to us, and the stakes couldn't be higher." The current CDC director, Rochelle Walensky, said in a round of TV interviews Sunday morning that behavior will be crucial to averting another spike in infections and that it is too soon for states to be rescinding mask mandates. Walensky also noted the declining numbers but said cases are still "more than two-and-a-half-fold times what we saw over the summer." "It's encouraging to see these trends coming down, but they're coming down from an extraordinarily high place," she said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Researchers at the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, publisher of a popular coronavirus model, are among those who attribute declining cases to vaccines and the virus's seasonality, which scientists have said may allow it to spread faster in colder weather. In the IHME's most recent briefing, published Friday, the authors write that cases have "declined sharply," dropping nearly 50% since early January. "Two [factors] are driving down transmission," the briefing says. "1) the continued scale-up of vaccination helped by the fraction of adults willing to accept the vaccine reaching 71 percent, and 2) declining seasonality, which will contribute to declining transmission potential from now until August." The model predicts 152,000 more covid-19 deaths by June 1, but it projects that the vaccine rollout will save 114,000 lives. In the past week, the country collectively administered 1.62 million vaccine doses per day, according to The Washington Post's analysis of state and federal data. It was the best week yet for the shots, topping President Joe Biden's goal of 1.5 million vaccinations per day. Nearly 40 million people have received at least their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, about 12% of the U.S. population. Experts have said 70% to 90% of people need to have immunity to quash the pandemic. And some leading epidemiologists have agreed with Frieden, saying not enough people are vaccinated to make such a sizable dent in the case rates. A fourth, less optimistic, explanation has also emerged: More new cases are going undetected. On Twitter, Eleanor Murray, a professor of epidemiology at Boston University's school of public health, said an increased focus on vaccine distribution and administration could be making it harder to get tested. "I worry that it's at least partly an artifact of resources being moved from testing to vaccination," Murray said of the declines. The Covid Tracking Project, which compiles and publishes data on coronavirus testing, has observed a steady recent decrease in tests, from more than 2 million per day in mid-January to about 1.6 million a month later. The project's latest update blames this dip on "a combination of reduced demand as well as reduced availability or accessibility of testing." "Demand for testing may have dropped because fewer people are sick or have been exposed to infected individuals, but also perhaps because testing is not being promoted as heavily," the authors wrote. They noted that a backlog of tests over the holidays probably produced an artificial spike of reported tests in early January, but that even when adjusted, it's still "unequivocally the wrong direction for a country that needs to understand the movements of the virus during a slow vaccine rollout and the spread of multiple new variants." Experts agree that the mutated variants of the virus pose perhaps the biggest threat to the country's recovery. One is spreading rapidly, and another, known as B.1.351, contains a mutation that may help the virus partly evade natural and vaccine-induced antibodies. Fewer than 20 cases have been reported in the United States, but a critically ill man in France underscores the variant's potentially dangerous consequences. The 58-year-old had a mild coronavirus infection in September, and the B.1.351 strain reinfected him four months later. No matter what's causing the downturn in new infections, experts have urged Americans to avoid complacency. "Masks, distancing, ventilation, avoiding gatherings, getting vaccinated when eligible. These are the tools we have to continue the long trip down the tall mountain," Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, said on Twitter. "The variants may throw us a curve ball, but if we keep driving down transmission we can get to a better place." Ulster Carpets has said its guardedly optimistic about the future despite the Covid-19 pandemic contributing to a fall in pre-tax profits from 8.2m to just under 1m. Revenue at the Portadown firm, one of Northern Irelands best-known family businesses, fell by 3% from 74.3m to 72.2m in the year to the end of March 2020. The period includes the first few months of the global Covid-19 pandemic, which even in its early stages had hit key markets for the woven carpets company, such as hotels and cruise ships. But the company told the Belfast Telegraph there were now early signs of recovery in the global hospitality sector, citing recent projects at Atlantis Resort, Dubai; The Grove, Hertfordshire; Hilton Prague and Hilton Vienna Park. It said some projects were recent wins and others had been completed over the last 12 months. Ulster Carpets has 600 staff after shedding around 70 jobs last year following the outbreak of Covid-19. It has around 300 staff in Portadown and the remainder in operations in London, Paris, Dubai and the US. The family-owned company was set up in 1938. In February last year, the company acquired Axminster Carpets Devon-based underlay business Axfelt. The accounts for group business Ulster Carpet Mills (Holdings) have now been filed at Companies House. Writing in the accounts, chairman John Wilson said the firm had been anticipating a solid year of trading as it entered the beginning of 2020, the last few months of its financial year. The global impact of Covid-19 was becoming very apparent by February, but the true size and scale was hard to envisage, and we responded rapidly and effectively and with strenuous efforts to maintain the strength of the balance sheet. He said that the retail markets in the UK and Europe had returned strongly but the contract markets are less certain in keeping with the effects of the pandemic on the hospitality sector. It is impossible to predict how things will pan out in the next six months apart from to say it is unlikely to be straightforward. The group also owns Griffith Textile Machines, wool processing and dyeing specialist Ulster Yarns, commercial manufacturer Danfloor which carries out some of its manufacturing in Denmark and interiors brand Roger Oates. Dr John Wilson, also an NHS doctor, said: The directors will continue to monitor the risk and challenges presented by Covid-19 and will seek every opportunity to reduce any exposure to the slowdown in economic activity and reduced consumer demand. He added: In summary, it looks like the Covid-19 pandemic will take some time to properly abate and so the immediate 12-18 months ahead will be potentially difficult. However, backed by strong cash reserves and an ongoing investment programme, we look to the future with guarded optimism. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) The Philippines could use more help and assistance from the United States, including additional military equipment, a senator said on Tuesday. As longtime partners and friends, I think we need, particularly on our area of support, we lack helicopters, Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said in an interview with CNN Philippines The Source. Any help from our dear ally the United States would be welcome, maybe a few more transport planes and few more helicopters, he added. Zubiri clarified that the government has the budget to augment this, but that funds may not be enough to prioritize military equipment amid the ongoing pandemic. The legislator made the comment when asked for his reaction to President Rodrigo Dutertes statement asking America to pay up if it wants to keep its Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines. Zubiri said that could have been said in a more diplomatic way, but that he understood where the President was coming from. I think in a way not defending the President in a way weve been always getting the short end of the stick when it comes to assistance from our friends in the United States, Zubiri claimed, citing that other countries such as Pakistan and Egypt have been receiving billions of dollars in aid. Philippine and US Defense Secretaries Delfin Lorenzana and Lloyd J. Austin III have earlier pledged to further strengthen cooperation between the two agencies. Among the topics discussed by the top officials during their phone meeting last week was the importance of enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines capabilities, as well as increasing interoperability between the two militaries. A student doctor has revealed the signs you are suffering from social anxiety including counting your money ten times before paying for something and being afraid to make appointments over the phone. Zachery Dereniowski, 27, is a Canadian motivational speaker and medical student at the University of Sydney; he specialises in mental health and has become well know for his TikTok videos on the subject. He has recently released a new video showing what social anxiety actually is - and how to know if you or someone you love suffers from it. Scroll down for video Zachery Dereniowski, 27, is a Canadian motivational speaker and medical student at the University of Sydney; he specialises in mental health and has become well know for his TikTok videos on the subject The student has recently released a new video showing what social anxiety actually is - and how to know if you or someone you love suffers from it He said wanting to hide your face or body when you are in public is a sign of social anxiety as is staying in bed to avoid people. Making up scenarios in your head when you feel embarrassed is a sign as well as is having a panic attack in a crowded place. He asks 'can you relate' at the end of the video - and hundreds of comments revealed people could relate to some if not all of the signs. 'I feel so good with a mask now because I can hide myself,' one person wrote on the video. 'Exactly how I feel. I want to find a new job while it lasts so I won't have to worry about 60percent of my face,' said another. 'I relate to every single one of these,' said one person. Others asked how they 'get out' of social anxiety. He said wanting to hide your face or body when you are in public is a sign of social anxiety as is staying in bed to avoid people 'I just learned to accept it, I have tried everything. I just force myself to do normal things,' one woman said. Others said they struggle with the list every day and 'don't want to relate because it is true'. 'This is 100percent. I try to explain to people but they don't understand it,' said another. Dereniowski also commented on the post. 'To whoever reads this, your life matter. No one can replace you. I'm thankful you were born. I love you so much,' he wrote. 'I relate to every single one of these,' said one person 'This is 100percent. I try to explain to people but they don't understand it,'someone said on the video The popular TikTokker has previously given advice on how to love people with anxiety. Dereniowski says it is important to avoid last-minute changes in plans which may trigger someone with anxiety - and to refrain from trying to 'fix' them. He also says it is important to reassure the person you are dating that you love them and they are enough, and share your plans with them - this helps them 'feel close to you and at ease'. In a recent Instagram post he discussed how to make suicidal loved ones feel loved In another clip, Dereniowski, who suffers from anxiety himself, explained how the condition can impact the way that people behave, affecting everything from their eating habits to their sleeping patterns. 'We're suffering from a brain imbalance, not a character disorder [and] we dont want to be a burden,' he said. 'Our sleep patterns are usually way off. Our eating patters are usually way off, too.' Dereniowski added that people with anxiety find comfort in knowing that they have friends and family who will stand by their side through thick and thin. 'Friends and family who stick by us are treasured beyond words,' he revealed. Would you like your milk in a bag? Nah, Id just assume you keep it in the bottle. The cashier rolled her eyes at me and may have even smirked behind the mask. Shed likely heard the joke more than a few times. But in this time of COVID-19, I thought it might be time for a bit of humor. Since the beginning of the pandemic, she and millions like her have been showing up for work every day risking infection. Some people have labeled folks such as she heroes. Im not so grandiose. I call them something better: workers. Workers are the folks who get the job done day in and day out with little fanfare or notice. They dont seek recognition. Theyre doers not talkers. I think about my niece, a nurse who works with COVID-19 patients at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield. She works in the intensive care unit and because she is pregnant hasnt been able to get vaccinated. And yet, she comes to work every day and runs the risk of infection to help people in need. Sadly, there are a lot of folks who want to work who cant because of the pandemic. Restaurant workers, barbers and hair stylists, hotel workers and others are among those feeling the pinch. They are still waiting to go back to their jobs. But there are others who arent so keen on showing up. For example, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has made Illinois legislators eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of most folks. There was a fear that many lawmakers wouldnt come to Springfield unless they were vaccinated first. Deciding who gets first dibs on being vaccinated is a political decision in the hands of the governor. While many Republicans are squawking about Pritzkers change in policy, Im ambivalent. We elect governors to make tough choices, like who is the first to get a potentially life-saving vaccine. The governor made the decision and now its time to move on. What does concern me though is that some lawmakers apparently were threatening not to come to Springfield until they were vaccinated. If you cant or wont do your job, its time to resign. There are plenty of folks struggling to get by who would love to be called back to work, vaccinated or not. They wonder how they will feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. I cant imagine any of them being particularly impressed by lawmakers, earning more than $70,000 for a part-time job, not wanting to show up to work. If your fear of COVID-19 is so great that you dont think you can do your job, its time to resign. Blue-collar and service industry workers dont have the luxury of not showing up and still getting paid. Why should lawmakers? I know that may sound harsh, but we are 11 months into this pandemic. Its time to make those tough personal decisions. President Joe Biden has called for returning students to their classrooms within the first 100 days of his presidency. Its an admirable and obtainable goal. Our children are being shortchanged by this this distance learning. Why? Well, they arent learning nearly as well as when they are in a classroom. Also, multiple studies have found that schools are not the major transmission points for the disease as once was thought. For example, Sacred Heart Griffin High School in Springfield has had only one child contract COVID-19 at school since the school reopened for in-person learning in August, Principal Kara Rapacz said. Mind you, there have been other students who have come down with COVID-19, but detailed contact tracing found only the one child has caught the virus at school. The safest place for children to be is in school, said Paul Vallas, who was superintendent in school districts as diverse as Chicago, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Bridgeport, Connecticut. The Archdiocese of Chicagos schools have been open for in-person learning for the entire school year without any major problems. There is no reason why public schools cant be open for in-person learning as well. Vallas, a Democrat who once unsuccessfully sought his partys nomination for Illinois governor, is critical of teacher unions for not readily embracing returning to classroom learning. Are schools 100% safe? No. But staying home is less safe for most students. Why? Many youngsters are left unattended in front of computer or phone screen because their parents must work. This leaves plenty of opportunity for children to get themselves into troubling situations. Other parents have chosen not work so they can watch their children during the day. But this often means with less income coming in, the household lacks necessities. Again, the child suffers. Lets be honest, teachers staring into a camera lens have a harder time discerning if pupils are comprehending. And options for disciplining an inattentive or disruptive student in this virtual world are limited at best. If children dont return to in-person learning, it will be something we will regret for years to come, because that is how long they will be struggling to catch up. Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse journalist and a freelance reporter. He can be reached at ScottReeder1965@gmail.com. Close on heels to the MLC elections is the prestigious bye-election to the Nagarjuna Sagar constituency. PTI Hyderabad: Dozens of candidates, including a sitting MLC each from BJP and TRS, are testing their fortune in both the upcoming graduate constituency MLC elections in Telangana. The main political parties have already declared their candidates for fighting the election but the field is also rife with independents. The BJP has nominated its sitting MLC N. Ramchander Rao to contest from the Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Mahabubnagar constituency while and BJP senior leader and state party general secretary G. Premender Reddy will test his luck from the Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam constituency. The ruling TRS party has re-nominated its sitting MLC Palla Rajeswar Reddy for the Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam constituency. The party has, however, not announced any candidate for the Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Mahabubnagar constituency till Tuesday. TRS party leaders, including ministers, MLAs and aspirants are still confused whether the party is going to contest or not in the election. Sources said that the party was likely to support Prof. Nageswar Raos candidature if it does not contest the election. The Congress party has named former Minister and senior leader G. Chinna Reddy for the Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Mahabubnagar constituency, while former MLC Ramulu Naik, who joined the Congress from TRS, has been given the ticket to contest from the Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam constituency. Interestingly, two academics, who are well known to most Telugu people, are in the fray. Prof. M. Kodandaram, who chair the employees and other JACs to agitate for a separate state, who is contesting on TJS ticket, whereas Prof. K. Nageswar Rao, who has won twice as an MLC, is a former journalist and political analyst with a clear bias towards the ruling pink party, and ic contesting as an independent. But they wont be facing each other, because while Prof. Kondandaram is contesting on the symbol of his own party, Telangana Jana Samithi, for the Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam segment, whereas Prof Nageswar Rao is contesting from the Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Mahabubnagar segment. The election has got students and former students who were part of the separate statehood agitation highly interested in watching the fate of the two professors. BJP leaders, including Union minister of state for home affairs G. Kishan Reddy, have geared up for the partys campaign for the MLC elections. The party is highly confident that it can sustain the momentum as numero uno challenger to the ruling establishment in the state, by completing a hat trick after its formidable win in Dubbaka by-poll and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections. Kishan Reddy addressed several meetings including the party internal committees meeting, and separate meetings with intellectuals, teachers and private lecturers and other delegations to give a boost to the party candidates. The Congress party launched its campaign in Nalgonda. TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy started the campaign for the Nalgonda, Khammam and Warangal constituency. The TPCC chief has taken up the election as a crucial affair because the party has to win the election to energise its cadre and to survive in Telangana as a potential rival to TRS in the next elections. It is equally important for the TRS to get back to its winning ways and stop the BJP juggernaut in the state. It has to retain its seat in Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam and trty to wrest the other from the BJP. But will it contest or is there a surprise waiting for people is a question doing the rounds in political circles. The ruling party has started its campaign in both graduate constituencies over two months ago. District ministers including Errabelli Dayakar Rao, Jagadish Reddy and others are organising regular interactions with voters as well as the party cadre. Close on heels to the MLC elections is the prestigious bye-election to the Nagarjuna Sagar constituency. The TRS is reasoning that if it can bag the MLC election in an area that has partial location coincidence, it will be able to sustain the edge for the bypoll. For this reason, district ministers, several MLAs and MLCs, are taking the campaign seriously. The left parties, the CPI and CPI-M, have jointly announced the official candidature of Jayasaradhi Reddy, a senior journalist, contesting from Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam constituency. The parties claim, despite a larger national electoral irrelevance, to have good support in the area and segment. Rani Rudrama Reddy, another veteran journalist, is also contesting from here on a Yuva Telangana party ticket. Naveen, alias Theenmar Mallanna, is also contesting from the same segment as an independent. Mallanna contested as a Congress candidate in the last graduate MLC elections but was defeated by Palla Rajeswar Reddy. G. Harshavardhan Reddy is also contesting as an independent here. He is a Congress rebel candidate and a teachers union leader. L. Ramana, Telugu Desam Telangana state president, is contesting from the Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam constituency. The party was defeated in all elections since 2014 but has decided to contest the elections to boost the morale of the few cadres it still retains. Of course, theres nothing unusual or unique to one party when it comes to presidents who disapprove of their news coverage. But presidential feuds with bearers of unwelcome news can have real consequences. Just ask Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman. He was fired from the National Security Council and forced to retire early, without protest from Republicans, after he testified truthfully about conduct that led to Trumps first impeachment. BEER-SHEVA, Israel, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have developed a novel method for instantly and accurately monitoring blood levels of the antipsychotic drug, clozapine, using a blood drop from a finger prick. The method, developed by Dr. Hadar Ben-Yoav, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, BGU, is based on an electrochemical microsensor which enables, for the first time, clozapine detection in one drop of finger-pricked whole blood samples of schizophrenia patients without using any pretreatment steps. Clozapine is considered the most effective antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia and the only antipsychotic currently approved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia but is also associated with harsh side effect. Both its efficacy and its side effects are strongly correlated with blood concentration levels, which can differ up to 20-fold between individuals prescribed identical doses, and can be greatly affected by age, gender, drug interactions and other parameters. Despite the importance of monitoring clozapine blood levels, its current monitoring scheme is burdensome and involves frequent invasive blood draws, leading to sub-optimal treatment efficacy due to the poor ability to titrate its dose for maximal therapeutic benefit while minimizing side effects. As a result, clozapine is still one of the most underutilized evidence-based treatments in the field of mental health. Dr. Ben-Yoav's team has invented a miniaturized microelectrode sensor that is able to accurately and immediately detect clozapine levels in a microliter-sample of whole blood such as obtained by a simple finger prick. A recent study carried out in collaboration with Prof. Deanna L. Kelly, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC), University of Maryland, School of Medicine, showed good correlation between clozapine blood concentrations measured by the device compared to standard laboratory blood tests in schizophrenia patients[i]. Dr. Ben-Yoav, said, "We were excited to see the promising initial results of our novel device, that can supply people with schizophrenia and their caretakers with instantaneous, accurate results of their blood clozapine levels. Clozapine plasma levels are helpful in improving response rates and minimizing unnecessary side effects. Our device can be the basis of rapid, accurate point-of-care monitoring of patients that will enable personalized medicine through close monitoring and adjustment of the dose of this important drug." "We hope that this innovative invention will help increase patient compliance and facilitate the use of clozapine for people living with schizophrenia," said Josh Peleg, CEO of BGN Technologies. "The medical research field is investing considerable efforts in simplifying and miniaturizing various blood tests, enabling patients to receive medical results immediately and at home, and the device being developed by the team of Dr. Ben-Yoav is an important contribution to this trend. Importantly, the technology underlying this novel clozapine sensor can be used as a platform for the detection of additional substances. After filing for patent protection, BGN Technologies is currently seeking a strategic partner for further developing and commercializing this device." The novel sensor can be used as a platform for detecting other redox (reducing-oxidizing) chemicals in small quantities of untreated, whole blood samples. Redox molecules are involved in multiple significant chemical reactions, such as synthesis of various substances, biochemical processes in living organisms, diagnostics and medical procedures. Redox agents can be monitored by specific electrodes, but currently available methods of detection require pretreatment of the blood sample in order to separate the desired molecules from other, interfering substances. The sensor developed by Dr. Ben-Yoav's team can detect minute quantities of various redox molecules in untreated blood samples, thus paving the way for developing miniaturized, point-of-care devices that will be able to monitor various targets. In August 2020, Dr. Ben-Yoav was one of the recipients of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation's 2020 Klerman and Freedman Prizes, recognizing exceptional clinical and basic research in mental illness. The prizes are awarded annually to honor outstanding scientists working to advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illness. Dr. Ben-Yoav received the prize for his development of "novel biosensors to detect unique diagnostic electrical fingerprints from blood samples of schizophrenia patients that can provide crucial information about their treatment management." References: [i] Shukla et al. (2020) An integrated electrochemical microsystem for real-time treatment monitoring of clozapine in microliter volume samples from schizophrenia patients. Electrochemistry Communications 120 (2020) 106850; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elecom.2020.106850 About BGN Technologies BGN Technologies is the technology transfer company of Ben-Gurion University, the third largest university in Israel. BGN Technologies brings technological innovations from the lab to the market and fosters research collaborations and entrepreneurship among researchers and students. To date, BGN Technologies has established over 100 startup companies in the fields of biotech, hi-tech, and cleantech, and has initiated leading technology hubs, incubators, and accelerators. Over the past decade, BGN Technologies has focused on creating long-term partnerships with multinational corporations such as Deutsche Telekom, Dell-EMC, PayPal, and Lockheed Martin, securing value and growth for Ben-Gurion University as well as the Negev region. For more information, visit the BGN Technologies website. Media Contact: Tsipi Haitovsky Global Media Liaison BGN Technologies Tel: +972-52-598-9892 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE BGN Technologies Police escort one of the men sentenced to death for the February 2015 murder of Avijit Roy, a secular Bangladesh-American blogger, in Dhaka, Feb. 16, 2021. Updated at 1:15 p.m. ET on 2021-02-16 A tribunal here convicted and condemned five Islamic militants to death Tuesday for the 2015 murder of Bangladeshi-American secular blogger Avijit Roy, but his wife said the verdict did not give her closure and the roots of such violence needed to be investigated. The capital sentence by an anti-terrorism tribunal was the second one it handed down in less than a week against members of an al-Qaeda-linked militant group blamed for machete-killings of secular intellectuals in the South Asian country, particularly in 2015 and 2016. In Tuesdays courtroom action, a sixth defendant got life in prison for issuing a death threat to Roy over his writings against religious extremism, and for provoking the machete-killing, which took place in Dhaka on Feb. 26, 2015. Mojibur Rahman, the tribunal judge who last Wednesday sentenced eight convicts to death for the October 2015 murder of Faisal Arefin Dipan, the publisher of Roys writings, said Roys murder was intended to discourage free speech. It was a premeditated murder. The banned outfit Ansar al-Islams members, including the accused persons, killed Avijit Roy, and branded him an atheist, Rahman said in a statement before the verdict. He was referring to the militant group linked with al-Qaeda that Bangladeshi authorities had held responsible for killing secular bloggers, writers, publishers, gay rights activists and others. Avijit Roy paid the price with his life for independent writing and freedom of expression. The motive for killing Avijit Roy was to discourage and curtail freedom of speech by disrupting public security, the judge said. These accused persons do not deserve mercy. Rahman delivered the guilty verdict and sentence in a packed court room amid tight police protection. Four of the six defendants were present. They wore bulletproof vests and helmets. They were Abu Siddique Sohel, Mozammel Hussain, Arafat Hossain, and Shafiur Rahman Farabi, public prosecutor Syed Golam Sarwar Zakir told BenarNews. Farabi, an extremist blogger, was sentenced to life in prison for sending a death threat to Roy via Facebook, but he did not participate directly in the killing, the prosecutor said. Two other convicts Akram Hossain and former major Syed Ziaul Haque, the alleged chief of Ansar al-Islam were said to be on the run. The government banned Ansar al-Islam in May 2015. Hossain took part in hacking Roy to death, while Ziaul Haque planned the murder, the prosecutor said. The court ordered the police to find and arrest the two. However in 2019, investigators told BenarNews that they were unsure whether the notorious Major Zia who was blamed for multiple terror attacks in the country was still alive. Of the men convicted on Tuesday, Ziaul Haque, Akram Hossain, Abu Siddique Sohel and Mozammel Hussain were convicted and sentenced to death on Feb. 10 as well, for killing Dipan, Roys publisher. Khairul Islam Liton, a defense counsel, said his team was aggrieved by Tuesdays verdict and would appeal against it in the High Court. The investigation officer has not been able to produce any witnesses. At the same time, the prosecution has also failed to prove that the convicted persons belonged to the banned militant outfit Ansar al-Islam, Liton told BenarNews. Liton, who was defense counsel for the convicts in Dipans case, had also said he planned to appeal that verdict. According to Bangladesh law, convicts have the right to appeal at the High Court, and then the Supreme Court. If both appeals are rejected and the president declines to pardon them, the convicts will then be executed. Verdict will not bring peace to my family Roy lived in the United States with his wife. He came to Bangladesh to attend Dhakas annual Ekushey Book Fair in February 2015, despite repeated online death threats against him. On the evening of Feb. 26, machete-wielding men attacked Roy and his wife, Rafida Ahmed Bonya, as the couple was leaving the campus of Dhaka University the venue for the literary festival. The assailants hacked Roy to death. Bonya survived the attack but was seriously injured. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Bonya said she never expected that the verdict would bring closure for her and her family. Simply prosecuting a few foot soldiers and ignoring the rise and roots of extremism does not mean justice for Avis death, nor for the deaths of the bloggers, publishers and homosexuals before and after him as part of the serial killings, Bonya said. Thats why this verdict will not bring peace to my family or theirs. Bonya claimed that Bangladeshs government and the prosecution did not contact her during the years of investigation into the attack. In six years, not one person investigating the case in Bangladesh reached out to me though I am a direct witness and victim of the attack, she said. In January, the state lawyer in the case publicly lied, saying that I did not agree to be a witness in the trial. The truth is, no one from Bangladeshs government or the prosecution has ever contacted me. Public prosecutor Zakir said the prosecution did try to contact Bonya via the mail. We sent letters to Bonyas address mentioned in the charge sheet. But she did not appear, Zakir told BenarNews. Bonya also alleged that the Bangladesh government had become more autocratic since the attack that claimed her husbands life. Freedom of speech has been restricted further, secular writers, bloggers, activists were forced to leave the country during and after 2015, a harsher Digital Security Act has been enacted, bloggers, writers, publishers have been persecuted for their writings on a regular basis, Bonya said. Bangladeshs Prime Minister is increasingly friendly with Hefazat-e-Islam, the Islamist group of madrassa teachers and students that demanded the heads of secular writers and bloggers in 2014. Bonya was referring to Bangladeshs most powerful faith-based hardline organization, which in May 2013 organized a massive rally in Dhaka demanding the introduction of Sharia law, including a blasphemy law with a proviso to execute secular bloggers and those who defame Islam. The rally followed the brutal slaying in February 2013 of secular blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider. A village fell silent today for the funeral of a five-month-old baby boy killed when a van left the A10 at Waterbeach and ploughed into his pram. Louis Thorold died at the scene and his mother, Rachel, 36, who remains in hospital, was seriously injured. The cortege drove around the village green and then through Horningsea and into Cambridge. Rachael Thorold, 36, was pushing her five-month-old son Louis in his pram along a pavement beside the A10 in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire when they were hit by a van. This photo of Ms Thorold holding her smiling son was taken just hours before the collision last month Waterbeach, a village in Cambridgeshire, fell silent today for funeral of five-month-old Louis As the hearse made its way to Cambridge, around 200 residents stood by the village green to mark the sad occasion. In an emotional post to his village Facebook group, the baby's father and Rachel's husband Chris spoke of the 'extremely hard three weeks' since the crash. Inviting Waterbeach residents to pay their respects on a local Facebook group, Louis' dad Chris wrote that: 'Rachael is asleep, but is stable and making progress each day.' He thanked the 'amazing community' for their generous support in raising more than 200,000 in Louis' memory 'for the amazing people who helped my little ones.' The thousands of pounds raised so far will be split between two charities - East Anglia Air Ambulance and Brake, a road safety charity, according to the GoFundMe page. Chris added: 'I've set up a charity in Louis' memory (which is in the process of being formally registered), but its first achievement will be to change the A10 junction where this happened so this never happens again.' The fatal incident happened at about 3.50pm on the A10, Ely Road, Waterbeach, on January 22 when a grey Mazda 2 was in collision with a white Renault Master van. The van left the road and collided with Rachel, who was walking on the pavement with her baby Louis in a pushchair. The cortege drove around the village green and then through Horningsea and into Cambridge Mourners lined the streets as the cortege passed through Waterbeach on its way to Cambridge In an emotional post to his village Facebook group, Louis's father and Rachel's husband Chris spoke of the 'extremely hard three weeks'. Pictured: villagers paying their respects The driver of the van and the driver of the Mazda suffered slight injuries. An inquest last week heard that Louis died from a traumatic head injury and was adjourned until April 26. In a tribute to his son, Thorold said: 'You were only with us for a short time, but you made us the happiest people in the world. 'I cannot describe how heartbroken we are that you are gone.' Mr Thorold, the finance director of Marshall Aerospace, added: 'Your joyful smile and laughter will never leave us.' Ms Thorold is currently on maternity leave from her role as a planning policy manager for Elmbridge Borough Council, which has its main offices in Esher, Surrey. Rachel, pictured here with husband Chris on their wedding day in 2015, remains unconscious Just weeks before the crash, Mrs Thorold, a council local plan manager, shared a picture of her son as a newborn. Alongside the Instagram post she wrote: 'Five years in the making'. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that no arrests have been made but that an investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information should call 101 or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report quoting incident 278 of January 22. South Africa: Gauteng legislature welcomes taxi violence report The Gauteng Legislature Roads and Transport Portfolio Committee has welcomed the conclusion of the Commission of Inquiry probing taxi industry related violence in the province. The Commission was appointed by Premier David Makhura in September 2019 to investigate, report, make findings and recommendations on issues plaguing the sector. These included the underlying reasons for the recurring conflict, violence, fatalities and instability within the minibus taxi-type service industry in the province. According to the committee, the report is detailed in its findings and has clear recommendations for implementation. The committee would further like to urge the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and Community Safety to swiftly implement the recommendations made in the inquiry in order to curb the continued violence and other challenges experienced in the taxi industry, the committee said in a statement. Acting committee chairperson, Petrus Mabunda, said: The success and efforts made this far - from setting up the commission of inquiry to its conclusion - now rest on the departments concern and their implementation plan. The commissions recommendations have a profound effect on behaviours and attitudes. He said the provincial Department of Roads and Transport should give itself the best possible chance of making changes on the basis of the findings of the inquiry, and it must be held to account for doing so. The committee said it will on a regular basis play a significant scrutiny and oversight role in holding the department to account on its implementation progress derived from the inquiry reports findings and recommendations. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-02-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. SUMMERVILLE A controversial rental housing development is still coming to the town, and officials and residents said they feel blindsided. American Homes 4 Rent is developing 23 rental homes between Germantown Road and Waring Street. Following complaints in 2019, Town Council members and some residents said they were assured by the developers that the site would be sold and become single-family homes. Now some are amplifying their complaints while the rental homes development continues. Everyone had felt this thing had died away," Councilman Aaron Brown said. "I feel basically the ball was dropped somewhere." Council discussions around the development have resurfaced recently just as the town is taking steps to repeal and potentially replace its Unified Development Ordinance. That 300-page plan was approved in 2019 to consolidate all of the guidelines and regulations for developing within the town's boundaries. It took $250,000 and four years of discussion to complete the document. That same year, American Homes 4 Rent's development announcement received pushback from residents. A Change.org petition was created and closed with 532 signatures. Several residents also reached out to the town's Planning Commission and council to voice their concerns over the rental homes. Some included complaints related to property values and the project's proximity to Summerville's historic district. Councilman Bill McIntosh said he originally supported the UDO because he and others assumed it would stop the Waring Street rental housing development. Though the council was informed that American Homes 4 Rent's property was approved before the UDO was implemented, McIntosh said they were later told by company employees that the plans for rental houses wouldn't continue. "And that didn't happen," he said. American Homes 4 Rent did not immediately respond to multiple Post and Courier requests for comments. Town Administrator Rebecca Vance told council members at a Feb. 4 special called meeting there was no legal way to stop the development since they can't discriminate against a piece of property because it's a rental. McIntosh said it was disappointing to find out from residents that the development of the rental properties was continuing. I think everybody on council understands you cant regulate homeownership," he said. I think were all very disappointed in the application of the UDO. Longtime resident Fred Hoose, who lives near where the project is being built, said as things stand now, it's not so much about how people feel about it. The next step has to be how the town is going to deal with the coming development. Are they ready for it, are they prepared?" he said, You can get mad all you want, but thats not the issue. Affordable housing has been an ongoing discussion in town. A proposed apartment complex at Miles Jamison Road recently had its request for annexation into town denied by council members at a Feb. 11 meeting. The reason was concerns that officials and residents raised about traffic. The issue going forward, according to Mayor Ricky Waring during the meeting, is finding places in town where apartments and rental homes can be built comfortably. With the American Homes 4 Rent development, Brown is planning to push for a full exploration of what went wrong with the disputed properties. That way, he said, they can understand how the rental property development continued without them being aware. "There's some bad information somewhere," he said. The woman in the photograph is elderly, her white, short hair blowing gently behind her as she stands among leaves, her face turned towards the sun, lips parted into a slight, peaceful smile. The interplay between light and shadow highlights the deep lines etched into her face, the blue of her eyes, and the pleats in her deep red dress. Lorna by Jody Haines. Credit:Jody Haines This stunning image speaks to me of strength, of facing challenges, of having lived a life which was not, at times, easy, says artist and photographer Julie Millowick. It is not her work. Its a photograph by her friend Jody Haines, which features in an exhibition they have jointly created for the PHOTO 2021 festival, which opens this week. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) Vice President Leni Robredo said she was thankful for the decision made by the Presidential Electoral tribunal on the poll protest by former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos -- and that it proves the truth comes out in the end. "Nagpapasalamat tayo na...halos limang taon na yung nakalipas, ngayong araw nanaig 'yung katotohanan. Naitaguyod natin 'yung tunay na pasya nung 2016 elections... Sa dulo ng lahat, katotohanan 'yung mananaig," she said at a press briefing on Tuesday. [Translation: We are thankful because after almost five years, today the truth prevailed. The decision of the 2016 elections was upheld...In the end, the truth prevailed.] She said they trusted the process and the PET magistrates, and they are happy to see the trust was affirmed. The vice president said while she has never allowed the protest to stop her from doing her job, the decision from the PET will allow her to focus on "more important work." She there was a "collective sigh of relief" in her office when they received word of the decision. But now that the issue has been settled, Robredo appealed for disagreements be set aside for the meantime so that everyone could focus on the tasks ahead. "Isantabi muna natin 'yung sama ng loob...kasi maraming umaasa sa atin... Unahin na muna 'yung pangangailangan ng mga umaasa sa atin," Robredo added. [Translation: Let us set aside the resentment because a lot of people are counting on us... Let us put their needs ahead first.] On Tuesday, the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, unanimously dismissed Marcos' electoral protest. A highly-placed source in the Supreme Court said Marcos failed to present specific acts to back his claims of poll fraud, such as the time and manner of irregularities. "Allegations were bare, laden with generic and repetitious allegations," the source said. The unanimous decision, said Robredo, would be a big factor in helping everyone move on. When asked if she was worried if attacks against her would escalate after the decision, Robredo said she doesn't think it could get any worse. "Since 2016 naman, bugbog na bugbog na tayo," she said. [Translation: We have been battered since 2016.] Robredo said her only message for Marcos is a message of thanks. "Yung sa akin mas mensahe talaga ng pasasalamat...na kahit sinubukan nilang bahiran 'yung legitimacy ng aking mandato ay nagtiwala pa rin. Para sa akin, enough na 'yun," she said. [Translation: What I have is a message of thanks...that even if they tried to soil the legitimacy of my mandate, people still believed in me. For me, that is enough.] BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Tuesday dismissed accusations of any links between the group and the killing of researcher and activist Lokman Slim. "Any incident that happens in your area then you are accused until the opposite is proven? Is this something that is practiced in the whole wide world? Where else is this logic present?" Nasrallah said in a televised speech. Activist Lokman Slim was shot and found dead in his car in south Lebanon earlier in February, marking the first killing of a high-profile activist in years. He was a critic of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. His sister has suggested he was murdered because of those views. Hezbollah has previously condemned the killing. A filmmaker and publisher, Slim had spoken out against what he called Hezbollah's intimidation tactics and attempts to monopolise Lebanese politics. Nasrallah was also critical on Tuesday about blame pointed at the group for involvement in the Aug. 4 Beirut blast that killed 200 people. "Hezbollah is guilty until proven otherwise - what kind of a rule is that? ...Beirut port - you, Hezbollah, blew up Beirut port until the truth about the explosion is revealed," he said. The judicial investigation into the blast is still under way in Lebanon with judge Fadi Sawan having charged caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab, whose cabinet quit after the blast, and three former ministers with negligence. Sawan is due to interrogate one of the three former ministers, Youssef Finianos, a Hezbollah ally sanctioned by the United States for his links to the group that Washington considers a terrorist organisation. "Our information says that the technical investigation ended and the army sent it to the judge...we asked that day the army and internal security to reveal the results of that investigation ....we are repeating our call for this and we insist on it." The explosion, one of the biggest non-nuclear blasts in history, added further strains to a country struggling with its worst crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war. It was caused by a massive quantity of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely for years. (Reporting By Laila Bassam and Maha El Dahan; Editing by Chris Reese, William Maclean) The Senates decision to acquit former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial may have been a victory for Trump, but it is a clear sign that democracy in the U.S. is in poor health. As a constitutional scholar, I believe the United States the worlds first constitutional democracy is in a state of what I call constitutional rot. In a constitutional democracy, the majoritys authority to govern is limited by the rule of law and by a set of legal rules and principles set out in the Constitution. Constitutional rot is a condition in which we appear to be formally governed by constitutional rules and the rule of law, but the reality is quite different. When rot sets in, public officials and the public routinely ignore or subvert those rules while sanctimoniously professing fidelity to them. Constitutional rot is not only a failure of constitutional law it is a failure of constitutional democracy. Appearance is not reality Among the practices and principles of a constitutional democracy are limited government and the separation of powers, majority rule through elections that are fair and free, respect for minority and individual liberties, and government based on reason and deliberation. These were famously stated in Federalist #1, an essay by Alexander Hamilton that laid out: It seems to have been reserved to the people of this country to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force. In my book, Peopling the Constitution, I asked citizens to imagine an ugly picture: A citizenry unwilling to hold its representatives or itself accountable to basic, fundamental constitutional rules and values. This could happen either because fidelity to them is outweighed by some other goal, such as security or holding on to power, or because of a base impulse such as fear. Or perhaps the people fail to hold representatives or themselves accountable because they do not know what those principles and values are or why or even if they are at risk. Election 2020 and its long aftermath, culminating in a second impeachment trial of Trump, is a clear and undeniable sign of just how rotten things are, constitutionally speaking. Trump and many of his Republican supporters inflamed an insurrection and encouraged violence directed at a coequal branch of government Congress as it discharged one of its most basic constitutional responsibilities determining the results of the presidential election. What ended on Jan. 6, 2021, as an assault on the peoples representatives began months earlier as an attack on the electoral process. Trump and his allies justified both as the work of true constitutional patriots intent on saving the republic from imaginary electoral fraud. Elections: The basics Elections that are free and fair are central to constitutional democracy. This is why elections are a good marker of constitutional rot. A constitutional democracy that cannot run elections that are free and fair, and which are acknowledged by winners and losers alike to be legitimate and conclusive, cannot call itself a democracy. Just as important: The perception of fairness and the anticipation of fairness are critical to electoral legitimacy and public confidence in both the process and the result. Unwarranted and baseless attacks on the legitimacy of electoral results do long-term, insidious damage to the very fabric of constitutional democracy. Election 2020, as assessed by professional and nonpartisan election officials, policy experts and academics, was one of the safest and most secure in American history. Consider a simple and overwhelming fact: Trump and his allies filed over 60 lawsuits trying to overturn the presidential election in federal courts and lost all but one. In many of those cases, the judges involved many of them Trump appointees wrote opinions that spoke in unusually harsh language about the frivolity of the lawsuits. And yet Trump and many of his Republican compatriots, rather than acknowledge defeat, determined instead to baselessly delegitimize the election. Republican leaders, many of whom knew that Trumps allegations were without merit, cynical and deeply corrosive of democracy, said nothing or encouraged him. That culminated in the certification vote in the House of Representatives on Jan. 6, when 121 Republican representatives voted not to accept the results from Arizona, and 138 voted not to accept the results from Pennsylvania. But that was not even the most significant evidence of constitutional rot on Jan. 6. Building on a series of lies months if not years in the making, the nations president encouraged his supporters to march on Capitol Hill, with tragic, deadly results. Is constitutional rot irreversible? The constitutional customs and rules that govern elections require public officials and citizens alike to enforce and apply them. Otherwise they are sterile formalities. In the end, a safe and healthy constitutional democracy depends upon elected public officials and an educated citizenry that values the principles and practices of constitutional democracy more than it values political power and partisan politics. This is why the Senates failure to convict Trump should be seen as a sure sign of just how deep our constitutional rot goes. [Understand key political developments, each week. Subscribe to The Conversations election newsletter.] As the nation moves on, overcoming constitutional rot, I believe, requires public officials who have the courage to speak the truth and to defend the Constitution. Thats especially the case when the threat comes from one of its own. Trumps acquittal in the Senate shows us just how uncommon public-minded officials are. The country is fortunate that many judges, and some public officials, such as Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, honored their oaths. The Senates failure to convict Trump is a constitutional failure not just in legal terms but in civic terms a failure not primarily of political institutions but of civic attitudes, as constitutional scholar George Thomas recently wrote. Overcoming rot would also rely on a foundation of constitutionally literate citizens who insist upon respect for basic constitutional values. There is no guarantee that responsible citizens will always effectively guard constitutional values, but the best remedy for rot is civic education. Citizens will not hold their representatives or themselves to constitutional principles they dont know or dont understand. As Thomas Jefferson counseled, If we think the people not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. John E. Finn, Professor Emeritus of Government, Wesleyan University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. President Joe Biden will address voters from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday night in a town hall hosted by CNN. The prime-time event marks Bidens first official trip, and town hall, since taking office less than a month ago. It also comes just a few days after former President Donald Trumps second impeachment trial acquittal and as the Biden administration and top Democrats focus on pushing through a nearly $2 trillion COVID-19 aid package. The latest stimulus plan, which includes $1,400 checks to Americans earning less than $75,000, is likely to be approved by mid-March, according to lawmakers and economic experts. Democrats on Capitol Hill are pushing the bill through the annual budget reconciliation process, which only requires a majority vote; in other words, Democrats dont need Republican support, and theyre looking to pass the bill before jobless aid expires for millions on March 14. Biden also may field questions about House Speaker Nancy Pelosis recent call for a 9/11-style commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump loyalists; a recent push for tougher legislation on guns; and efforts to ramp up vaccination and open up schools across the country. How to Stream: What time? The town hall begins at 9 p.m. EST at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. How can I watch? The town hall will air on CNN, CNN en Espanol and CNN International, and it will livestream on CNNs website. Mobile devices can use CNNs apps for iOS and Android, and viewers can also use CNNgo apps for Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku and Chromecast, according to CNN. Listeners can tune in to SiriusXM Channels 116, 454 and 795, CNN said Tuesday. Who is moderating and is there an audience? Longtime CNN anchor Anderson Cooper will moderate the event, which CNN says will feature an invitation-only, socially distanced audience to maintain safety amid the pandemic. Biden previously appeared with Cooper for a drive-in town hall in Pennsylvania in September. Related Content: A Kerry student who switched schools during the pandemic fears the Governments handling of the Leaving Cert will end up negating all her hard work. Isobel Keane (18) moved to a grinds school in the hope it will help her achieve the points she needs after an extremely frustrating experience with online learning at her old school. She has wanted to study law at Trinity College Dublin since she was a young girl, but is anxious at the thought of points for the course soaring again they increased by 30 last year after the controversial calculated grades system saw students get the highest results in history. When youre living in a rural area its hard to do online learning as the broadband wouldnt be the best and some teachers have issues with their internet you miss out on a lot of the lesson, she told the Irish Independent. Read More Im extremely lucky that my mam has supported me to go to a grinds school and made sacrifices. Since the Junior Cert Ive been aiming for 625 points and with everything that has gone on in the last year I dont know if that will be possible. Online learning has been a lot better since I switched schools but its still difficult. Like many students, Isobel has found online learning stressful. It is hard to keep motivated when you dont have a teacher there with you. Once we had a lesson where the teacher didnt realise she was on mute for 15 minutes, but she also had us on mute so we couldnt tell her that we couldnt hear her. Its definitely not the same as in-class learning. Around the time of the general election last year, when Ireland was Covid-19 free, Isobel was on a trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. She recalls speaking on the phone to her mother about who she would be voting for. Its a bit ironic looking back now, but she decided to give Norma Foley a vote as we wanted to see a Kerry woman in the Dail and thought shed do some good work. Now shes Education Minister and were in this mess for the second year in a row. It is a pity. As a student with an interest in politics, Isobel has been following the Leaving Cert developments closely. While she was initially relieved about plans for the traditional exams to go ahead, now shes not so sure. I am concerned that they are still banking on the traditional Leaving Cert going ahead as we dont know come May or June if the cases will be back up. With the new strains its hard to know and it might cause a lot of problems having hundreds of students in an exam hall. I would be going for predictive grades if offered and I would probably sit my maths exam. Im a bit worried about the possibility of going back to school. Cases are quite high. When we go back and are in school with over 600 people, it could be a disaster. Mayo student Ciara OBrien (18) shared a picture summing up her online learning experience so far a photo of her laptop with a message on the screen reading: Hold on, it looks like something went wrong. Were trying to get you back into the meeting. She regularly has to put her phone out the window during online lessons to try to get a connection through hotspot. I live in rural Mayo, theres barely any wifi as we basically live in a black spot. You spend 10 minutes trying to set up a call and sometimes you miss the class completely. The motivation is completely gone as the Government keeps putting off an announcement. Its nearly March and we still dont have a clear answer. In fifth year I wasnt too stressed as I was sure things would be sorted by the time I was actually doing my Leaving Cert, but its not. Ciara hopes to study mental health nursing at University College Dublin (UCD) and said the pandemic has really taken its toll on students. It is disappointing because every scientist said last year how Covid wasnt going to be gone, were going to have to live with it somehow. The Government should have been planning for a worst-case scenario. They didnt and now were in a much worse situation. They could have had this all planned out and had the unions on their side but the last month has been hell for a lot of students. "Its like theyre prioritising the Leaving Cert above students mental health. European automotive parts body, CLEPA, says the decision by Germany to implement border controls between itself, Austria and the Czech Republic, could cause critical delays in the supply chain. Berlin decided to trigger the checks at its external frontiers following the Czech Republic and the Federal state of Tyrol in Austria being designated as areas of coronavirus variants of concern. The German Interior Ministry said it had instructed police to enforce compliance with the rules at its borders with Austria and the Czech Republic, with those not meeting the conditions being denied entry. Calls to CLEPA in Brussels were not immediately returned, but in a statement, the supplier association said the border controls risked creating disturbances in automotive production. Europes automotive suppliers are concerned about recent announcements on border closures and intensified inspections, said CLEPA general secretary, Sigrid de Vries. These measures result in disruption at Europes internal borders and critical delays in the supply chain. The Single Market is an important achievement of the European Union. Defending its integrity is a priority, specifically with regards to the freedom of movement of goods and workers. Parts stuck at the border could disrupt our Just in Time supply chains, interrupt production and put the sectors performance and jobs at risk. EU governments must respect their commitment agreed during the January Council to keep borders open. Transport of goods should be exempt from border closures and Member States should ensure the alignment of their border control measures to support the functioning of the Single Market. If controls at the border crossings are intensified, Member States should respect their commitment to prioritise freight transport, as done successfully during the first wave through the introduction of Green Lanes with easily applicable rules. However, in a statement yesterday (16 February), Germanys Interior Minster, Horst Seehofer in agreement with the Minister-Presidents of the States of Bavaria and Saxony, noted there would be exceptions applied to workers in system-critical sectors. Thematic Reports Are you worried about the pace of innovation in your industry? GlobalData's TMT Themes 2021 Report tells you everything you need to know about disruptive tech themes and which companies are best placed to help you digitally transform your business. Find out more Protecting public health has the highest priority, said Seehofer. The high rates of infection along our borders require a rigorous response. At the same time, we are aware our border regions are interconnected in many different ways. Cross-border commuters employed in system-critical sectors should remain able to enter Germany. We are acting pragmatically wherever possible. The solution we have now found for cross-border traffic could serve as a model for fighting the pandemic in this area going forward. The Interior Ministry in Berlin was not immediately available to clarify what the system-critical elements were, but the restrictions in Germany come shortly after COVID-19 test requirements in Dover last December, resulted in initial long queues for lorry drivers looking to cross the English Channel. It is important to note COVID-test requirements for professional truck drivers could undermine corridors for goods and risk disrupting supply chains, as shown by the example of Dover in December, where long queues to test truck drivers resulted in significant disruption, while almost all truck drivers tested negative for the virus, added de Vries. Only by setting up a practical test practice that can ensure the protection of the workers while guaranteeing the supply of goods would keep the automotive supply chain working. Since launching their YouTube channel as a response to pandemic mayhem, Tami Chin Mitchell and Wayne Marshall have struck social media gold with their Meet the Mitchells brand. Tami seized the moment to bring her neglected blogging dream to life, turning her households crazy antics into wholesome weekly content. Many of their 100K and counting subscribers see the singing duo as #relationshipgoals, and they used their Valentines Day episodes as a couples therapy session, dishing out what they dubbed relation-tips on creating a lasting union. We are not therapists, we are not marriage counsellors, we are just willing to share our experiences as best as we can, thats our disclaimer, Tami said before launching into the list of burning questions their fans submitted. Heres 7 takeaways from Tami & Waynes hour-long couples therapy. 1. If ah you mi pick, ah you mi pick As with all relationships, theyve had moments in their fifteen-year journey where they felt they wouldnt make it. One user asked how they worked their way back from the edge, and Wayne cited the great responsibility he felt in maintaining the love and trust in their unit. Tami gushed about his willingness to talk things through most times, to which he answered if ah you mi pick, ah you mi pick. Sometimes, its not about the touchy, feely, huggy love all the time but it gets back around to that. Thats the base of it, theres nothing that we could never work through or sort through, they said. This practical and level headed approach he says is in light of all they now have at stake especially their three young sons Jaxen, Atlas, and Oz. 2. Take turns being your significant others support system. Sometimes youre up, sometimes youre down for a three year period, sometimes youre building the dream, life is like that, Wayne said on weathering the inevitable storms. Adding to the building metaphor, Tami said that sometimes even after the enjoyable part, the decorating and moving in, the house still needs more work. Wayne alluded to helping hands from outside in the form of therapy or sounding boards to mediate disagreements if necessary, and getting to a solution as quickly as possible. 3. Grow in the same direction as your partner. We always have a common goal in sight and we have a common way that we approach life, we have a similar we in which we like to parent, we have some key things that are aligned and that has really been a saving grace for us, Tami said. The crooners have been together since their early 20s, got married in 2009, and have joint business ventures in addition to their bustling household and itinerary. 4. What do they consider a deal-breaker? With so much riding on their fifteen-year union, the couple found it hard to pinpoint a particular issue that could make them call it quits, I wanna say that obviously if there was some kind of infidelity that would be a deal breaker, but the truth is we dont know that and we dont know that because we havent lived it, Tami quipped. As you get older you view things so differently and theres lots of people who have survived infidelity. Im not sure what would be a deal breaker. Wayne echoed the sentiment saying, Its a delicate thing but I have so much invested in this, you dont know until the situation presents itself. 5. Be intentional about your one on one time together. One of their followers asked how having children changed their marriage, and whether any struggles or difficulties occured. Children have always been in the picture for the pair, however, even while they dated, as Wayne has a son, Gio, from a previous relationship with Miss Jamaica World 2001, Regina Beavers. We were blessed to see what each other was like as parents early on and we got to test drive that car about each others interactions and instincts when dealing with kids. Children have enriched us, made us stronger, made us better communicators, has brought out sides of us that we didnt expect to Tami said. It robs us of our personal one on time, and so it makes you more intentional about the focus that you have on each other, said Wayne. 6. Learn to deal with conflict and recover quickly from arguments. Ironically, the couple has a collab called Arguing from back in 2007, and its one of the notions they insist takes a great deal of work for any couple. I used to get off and lose it and I had such a bad temper. Its true, Tami said, as Wayne laughed, adding she was once an expert at malice. They warned that explosive behaviour is a recipe for disaster. We both used to be more explosive but now we are quicker to a solution. As you grow up and get in touch with yourself and who you are and who you would like to be, those things dont work. 7. What do they each value most about their relationship? For Wayne, its the family and the unit that weve built that has spawned from our relationship, the love, the unity and the joy, while Tami stated it was their ability to love and heal with love and bring people be it Momo or the MTM family into our fold. Bonus Tip: The greatest gift weve learned in the last 5 years is the gift of allowing each other to be who each other is, and figuring out what that looks like, Tami added. Its allowing each other to find our own path and realizing were not responsible for each others happiness, we could just add to it. Realizing that our individual happiness, wellness mattered even more than when we were together. Views for the Valentines episodes are almost at 50K owing no doubt to their affectionate, devoted dynamic on and off-camera. Im really glad people are getting a chance to see how we operate. Its not without its faults or our own quarrels, squabbles, and disagreements, but we work through things and we have been for as many years as we have been together. I detach myself from hashtags like supermom and marriage goals no thanks. Hopefully, we create some guidance for people, Tami told the Gleaner last year. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Contact tracing reduces the speed of the coronavirus's spread by a maximum of five per cent and as little as two per cent, NHS Test and Trace boss Dido Harding has revealed. Baroness Harding said in a report to Parliament's science committee that the act of tracking down people who have been close to Covid-19 cases has only a 'relatively small' effect on the R rate of the virus. The R rate measures how many people each infected person passes the virus on to before they recover. It must stay below 1.0 if an outbreak is to stop growing. The letter, published today, estimates that the UK's entire test, trace and isolate system would keep the R down by between 18 and 33 per cent in a scenario similar to October 2020, when there were an average of 19,000 cases per day. It became less effective when the outbreak got bigger in November, December and January, and when the fast-spreading new variant took over, Baroness Harding admitted. She said: 'The impact of contact tracing alone reduced the R number by 2-5% (with testing and self-isolation accounting for the remaining 16-28%).' If the R rate were 0.9 the maximum value for the UK now, as estimated by SAGE on Friday a two per cent reduction would cut it to 0.882. A five per cent drop would cut it to 0.855. In a report published alongside the letter Test and Trace chiefs said it was unlikely the service would improve on this, saying: 'The impact of contact tracing is relatively small. Even with small changes or improvements to the model, it is not expected that the impact of contact tracing will change drastically. It would remain of the same order of magnitude.' The admission led critics to question whether NHS Test and Trace's eye-watering 22billion budget is good value for money. Baroness Dido Harding said in a letter to the Parliament Science and Technology Committee that contact tracing specifically may only lead to a 2-5 per cent reduction in the R rate Baroness Harding's letter said: 'Our modelling was based on the combination of testing, tracing and self-isolation in an October-like prevalence environment and compared to a scenario with only social distancing restrictions and no self-isolation. 'The model estimates that the combination of testing, tracing and self-isolation in October 2020 resulted in an R reduction of 18-33 per cent, compared to a scenario with only social distancing restrictions and no self-isolation. 'The impact of contact tracing alone reduced the R number by 2-5 per cent (with testing and self-isolation accounting for the remaining 16-28 per cent). 'An 18-33 per cent reduction corresponds to a reduction in the R number of 0.3-0.6, given the official estimate in October 2020 was around 1.2 'If NHS Test and Trace were to meet the operational targets it set in the Business Plan, and circumstances otherwise were similar to October 2020, the model estimates that transmission would reduce by 33-42 per cent. 'Here, the impact of contact tracing alone would contribute a 7-10 per cent reduction in the R number.' THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE PER DAY 'MAY BE REFUSING TO SELF-ISOLATE' Around 20,000 people every day are flouting instructions to self-isolate, the government's testing tsar admitted on February 3. Baroness Dido Harding gave the staggering estimate - and conceded it could be even higher - as she was grilled by MPs. Amid rising anxiety that the lack of compliance with the Test & Trace system could hamper efforts to control the virus, the peer said evidence suggested 20 per cent of the 100,000 cases and contacts identified every day did not fully obey the rules. Lady Harding highlighted a range of potential reasons including money worries, not having help from people to obtain food and other essentials, or just finding the isolation too oppressive. However, she defended the performance of the Test & Trace scheme despite it failing to hit targets, saying it is on track to reduce the crucial coronavirus R rate by between 0.6 and 0.8 in hospots, but can only ever be 'one element' of the response. The comments came as Lady Harding was questioned by a joint session of the Commons health and science committees. Quizzed by health committee chair Jeremy Hunt, she gave the rough figure of 20,000 a day breaching isolation, but added that her 'biggest concern' was many more people did not come forward for testing. Asked why she thinks people are not isolating when they should be, Lady Harding said one element is communication people not understanding and not being clear about what they should and should not do. She said: 'The clearer and simpler the guidance, the easier is it for people to follow it.' The Tory peer said the second element is people finding it 'practically impossible' not having enough food in the fridge, having care responsibilities, having to collect a prescription. Advertisement The benefits of the hugely expensive contact tracing system, which is part-run by contractors' call centres and part-run by local councils, have long been debated. There are concerns that the system is too slow to find the at-risk contacts and warn them they might be infectious, and that people don't follow tracers' instructions. The way the system generally works is that, once someone has tested positive for coronavirus, they are logged in a database and asked to give details of all the people they were in contact with shortly before their positive test. Those contacts are then phoned by contact tracers who tell them they are at risk and ask them to self-isolate for 10 days. But Baroness Harding herself admitted this month that as many as 20,000 people per day may be refusing to follow this advice and continuing to go out to work. Self-isolating can leave people out of pocket if they are paid by the hour or day, meaning many cannot afford to stay at home, despite NHS Test and Trace now offering a 500 payment to people on low incomes. Baroness Harding said in a meeting with the science committee earlier this month that evidence suggested 20 per cent of the 100,000 cases and contacts being identified each day at the peak of the second wave did not fully obey the rules. She highlighted a range of possible reasons including money worries, not having help to get food or other essentials, or just finding the isolation too stifling. Baroness Harding admitted in today's letter that this willingness to co-operate or lack of it might be limiting the success of the contact tracing programme. On other aspects holding it back, she wrote: 'Changes to prevalence, national restrictions and the emergence of new variants mean the real world has changed significantly compared to the "October like environment" the model simulates.' Scientists have called into question the astronomical budget that Test and Trace gets to run the service and whether the cash allocated to private firms to do contact tracing is good value for money. Professor David Spiegelhalter, a statistician at Cambridge University, said in a tweet: 'They estimate R reduction of 18-33% compared to a scenario with only social distancing restrictions and no self-isolation but nearly all due to isolation: contact tracing alone reduced the R number by only 2-5%. 'So could funds for centralised contact-tracing be better used?' Dr Kit Yates, a mathematician at the University of Bath, added: 'I can't help thinking that some of the 22 billion the figure widely quoted as having been earmarked for the operation thus far might be better spent on providing support for isolation, which is likely to have a significant impact reducing transmission.' The Governor's Office of Information Technology has selected Anthony Sean Martinez as the next executive director of the Colorado Broadband Office (CBO).Martinez replaces Anthony Neal-Graves, who now serves as Colorado's CIO. Neal-Graves started leading CBO back in 2017.Martinez comes to the role with 32 years of experience working in federal government positions. He has been a director in the U.S. Department of State, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy and an adviser to the chief operations officer for the U.S. Department of the Treasury.Martinez was also a lieutenant colonel with the Air Force. He is a combat veteran who has been stationed in Afghanistan, Iraq and North Africa.According to a press release, Martinez will coordinate with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Department of Local Affairs, Department of Regulatory Agencies and other state agencies as he leads the state's broadband efforts.In the release, Neal-Graves said the state is proud of CBO's work on the ground to "help bring reliable high-speed broadband to every community across the state.""Broadband is an enabler of economic growth for our rural communities and is a vital tool for telehealth and remote education," Neal-Graves said. "I am pleased to have someone of Antonios caliber to lead these efforts. The social media website from Parler displayed on a computer screen in Arlington, Va., on July 2, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) Parlers New Web Host: Doesnt Condone All Posts, but Supports Freedom of Speech The company that helped get Parler back up and running says it may not agree with all the posts on the platform, but it supports freedom of speech. Parler is a social media website that saw an explosion in growth last month when Twitter banned then-President Donald Trump and other conservatives. Shortly thereafter, Amazon Web Services booted Parler off its servers, alleging it was used to plan the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. Parler reemerged on Feb. 15. Parler is being hosted by SkySilk Cloud Services, which has data centers in New York and Los Angeles. SkySilk CEO Kevin Matossian said the company is aware of what happened to Parler. Let me be clear: SkySilk does not advocate nor condone hate, rather, it advocates the right to private judgment and rejects the role of being the judge, jury, and executioner, he said in a statement. Unfortunately, too many of our fellow technology providers seem to differ in their position on this subject. SkySilk truly believes and supports the freedom of speech and more specifically the rights afforded to us in the First Amendment. This is a non-negotiable issue for us. And while we may disagree with some of the sentiment found on the Parler platform, we cannot allow First Amendment rights to be hampered or restricted by anyone or any organization. Amazon in its rationale for removing Parler accused the company of not having strong enough moderation practices. That line of reasoning was also forwarded by Apple and Google when the technology giants booted Parlers application from their app stores. Former Parler CEO John Matze told The Epoch Times last month that he believed the platform was being held to a different standard than Twitter and Facebook, which were also allegedly used to plan the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. Matze also said Parler was working on strengthening its moderation practices. Matossian, the SkySilk CEO, said Parler is taking the necessary steps to better monitor its platform and applauds the release of new Community Guidelines. SkySilk will support Parler in their efforts to be a nonpartisan Public Square as we are convinced this is the only appropriate course of action, he added. Parlers interim CEO, Mark Meckler, told The Epoch Times on Monday that the platform is now on robust, sustainable, totally independent technology from Big Tech, or the compendium of corporations such as Amazon and Google. Getting it up and running this quickly with the total tech wipeout that we had, I think this is absolutely miraculous. And well get stronger day by day, he added. Parler has billed itself as the platform for free speech and that vision remains, Meckler said, even after Matze was fired last month. Parlers Executive Committee is searching for a permanent CEO. Warming Centers Helping During Frigid Weather By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - With bitter cold temperatures for the next couple of days and nothing forecast above 32 degrees until Saturday, multiple options are available for those who need a warm place to stay.The city of Paducah shared contact information on their Facebook page recommending people get help from Community Kitchen. Since the organization can't let people in their building due to the pandemic, they are arranging lodging for people in local hotels. They can be reached at 270-349-9194. Due to the high expense, donations to Community Kitchen are also welcomed.Heartland Church in Paducah is offering help, too. Anyone who needs a warm place to stay and food, with room to social distance, can call Richard at 270-994-2611.Bryant Hileman with Project Pomona shared information on Facebook Monday evening, saying he has received permission to use the Paducah Convention Center as a warming center beginning at 10 am Tuesday. Anyone who comes must get their temperature checked before entering. Masks must be worn, and will be provided to those who don't have one. He is also recruiting volunteers to help operate the warming center. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. By Praveen Menon and Colin Packham WELLINGTON/SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday accused Australia of abdicating its responsibilities by "unilaterally" cancelling the citizenship of a woman detained in Turkey and accused of having links to the Islamic State. Turkish authorities on Monday said they had caught three New Zealanders, two children and a 26-year-old woman alleged to be a member of Islamic State, trying to enter Turkey illegally from Syria. The woman had held New Zealand and Australian citizenships, but the Australian government cancelled her citizenship, Ardern told reporters in Wellington. The 40-year-old leader said Australia had "abdicated its responsibilities" by unilaterally cancelling the citizenship, forcing New Zealand to shoulder the responsibility for the woman, who has not lived in New Zealand since she was 6. "New Zealand, frankly, is tired of having Australia exporting its problems," Ardern said. "If the shoe were on the other foot we would take responsibility, that would be the right thing to do and I ask Australia to do the same." Australian Prime Minister Morrison in a news conference in Canberra said: "My job is Australia's interests. That's my job. And it's my job as the Australian Prime Minister to put Australia's national security interests first. I think all Australians would agree with that." He said he was scheduled to speak with Ardern today but added that legislation passed in parliament automatically cancels the citizenship of a dual citizen accused of being engaged in terrorist activities. The woman's case has been known to Australian and New Zealand authorities for some time. Ardern said that after Australia stripped her of her citizenship, she told Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison that the decision was wrong. "I never believed the right response was to simply have a race to revoke people's citizenships ... they did not act in good faith," she said. Ardern said her government has an obligation to its citizens regardless of the circumstances or offences committed, and that decisions would be driven by the fact that two small children "who did not make the choice of being born in a war zone" were involved. (Editing by Kim Coghill and Gerry Doyle) SOUTH HADLEY For Joan Grenier, owner of the Odyssey Bookshop across from Mount Holyoke College, 2020 was a year of constant reinvention and gratitude. With business interrupted by the coronovirus pandemic, Grenier said she was faced with the possibility of closing. The crisis prompted her to set up a GoFundMe online fundraiser seeking help from longtime customers and supporters of independent booksellers. Grenier said she was overwhelmed when donors came forward with $70,000 to help the bookstore stay open and make payments on bills totaling nearly $150,000. Im very grateful to everyone, she said, adding that Mount Holyoke alums and folks from all over the country were among the contributors. The store has also received some government stimulus funds to help weather the COVID-19 crisis. Since March 2020, when the state ordered nonessential businesses to temporarily shut down, Grenier and other independent booksellers in Western Massachusetts including Broadside Bookshop in Northampton and Olive Tree Books-n-Voices in Springfield have all been reinventing themselves. 01/10/2020-South Hadley-Joan Grenier of The Odyssey Bookshop at the Village Commons. (Dave Roback/ Special to The Republican) Grenier said her store, founded in 1963 by her father Romeo Grenier, has survived tough times before. In the 1980s it suffered two major fires. It was rebuild with the help of Mount Holyoke College, community members and staff. But the pandemic was a new and unimaginable threat. We began to rethink how we operate, Grenier said. That has meant curbside pickups, increased online sales, limited hours and new budget items such as personal protective equipment, plexiglass dividers, sanitizing wipes and virtual events, she said. Zelona Zee Johnson, owner of Olive Tree Books-n-Voices, opened her store at 97 Hancock St. in Springfields Mason Square neighborhood 15 years ago as a haven for book lovers looking for a place to stay awhile and read, meet other community members and get recommendations. 1/19/2021 -Springfield- Zelmon "Zee" Johnson is the owner of Olive Tree Books-n-Voices, a community bookstore located on Hancock Street. (Don Treeger / The Republican) The shop has always been a place for social networking, Johnson said. We encourage people to bring their laptops and come in and hang out. It has been difficult, however, to replicate that sense of community during the pandemic. For those who do drop in, there are COVID-19 rules. Customers must wear a mask, use hand sanitizer and socially distance. Because she is a passionate proponent of face-to-face contact with customers, Johnson said she never thought she would sell online. But that has changed with the pandemic. She is working to enhance the stores online presence, and continues to reach out to customers and community partners and schools. Olive Tree, named after Johnsons daughter Olivia, is one of a handful of Black-owned bookstores in the state. It offers African American history and fiction, inspiration and self-help books and childrens literature, as well as bestsellers showcased in several rooms. Nancy Felton, an owner of Broadside Bookshop in Northampton, talks with bookseller Ted Clements. (Don Treeger / The Republican) Broadside Bookshop, a fixture on Northamptons Main Street since 1974, is another independent bookstore that has weathered the pandemic with grit and gratitude. Nancy Felton, one of the shops owners, said Broadside took a hit when nonessential businesses were closed in March. Now, with the help of customers, the store is beginning to recover by finding new ways to market its service-oriented business. The community has been incredibly supportive, Felton said. Customers have been buying gift certificates to help the store. People were coming in and buying stacks and stacks of books even before the holiday season, she said. If there is any silver lining to a year when people were confined to their homes, it is that there is new appreciation for books and the joy of reading. With concerts and movie theaters largely unavailable, more people have been looking for activities to do at home. Print sales in 2020 were up almost 8% over 2019, according to industry research from NPD BookScan. Felton, Johnson and Grenier are cautiously optimistic about the future of their businesses now that COVID- 19 vaccines are becoming available. Independent bookstores have faced challenges before including the rise of superstore chains and the emergence Amazon.com, according to the American Booksellers Association. But before the onset of the pandemic, independent booksellers had been enjoying a decade-long a resurgence. Association membership, once more than 5,000, was down to 1,401 in 2009 during the height of the Great Recession and was expected to keep declining as e-books began to catch on. But after a shakeup in the industry including the closing of the Borders chain and a reorganization of Barnes & Noble the association saw a rise in membership to 1,887 in 2019, with some sellers opening additional outlets. When the pandemic hit, the association projected it could wipe out all the gains the industry experienced since 2009. A summer survey found 20% of members could go out of business. Meanwhile, the number of new independent stores opening dropped sharply, with 30 in 2020 compared to 104 in 2019. Even New York Citys Strand Book Store experienced a blow to its bottom line when the virus began its relentless spread, reducing foot traffic into the store. With revenue dropping 70%, the family-owned independent bookseller put out a call for help. Customers responded, setting a single-day record of 10,000 online orders before its website crashed. Independent bookstores carry other items including greeting cards, journals, calendars, book bags and bookmarks and many other items. The Odyssey, for example, has an agreement with Mount Holyoke to sell school merchandise and apparel, which provides the shop with another source of income. Grenier said the Odyssey hosts about 125 events a year, which has been a significant revenue stream for the shop. For now, those events from authors book signings and childrens programs are online, she said. But its nothing like the magic of meeting an author and other book lovers who attend the events, she said. As retail life returns to a new post-pandemic normal, local bookstore owners are eager to see their patrons in person again. When that happens, Johnson said, I cant wait to give them all great big hugs. 1/19/2021 -Springfield- Zelmon "Zee" Johnson is the owner of Olive Tree Books-n-Voices, a community bookstore located on Hancock Street. (Don Treeger / The Republican) Related Content: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. An Iranian flag is pictured near a missile during a military drill, with the participation of Irans Air Defense units, Iran Oct.19, 2020. WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS Iran Says It Will End Snap IAEA Inspections If Nuclear Deal Terms Not Met DUBAIIran said on Feb. 15 that it will block snap inspections by the U.N. nuclear watchdog from next week if other parties to the 2015 nuclear deal dont uphold their obligations, a challenge to U.S. President Joe Bidens hope of reviving the accord. If others do not fulfill their obligations by Feb. 21, the government is obliged to suspend the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol, Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said. It does not mean ending all inspections by the U.N. nuclear watchdog. All these steps are reversible if the other party changes its path and honors its obligations, he said, alluding to the United States. Irans envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency wrote on Twitter on Feb. 15 that Tehran has informed the U.N. watchdog about its plan next week to end sweeping inspection powers given to the agency under the nuclear pact. Under legislation enacted by hardline Iranian lawmakers in 2019, the government is obliged on Feb. 21 to limit IAEA inspections to declared nuclear sites only, revoking its short-notice access to any location seen as relevant for information-gathering, if other parties did not fully comply with the deal. The Biden administration aims to return the United States to the deal, which his predecessor Donald Trump abandoned in 2018. Under the deal, Iran agreed to curbs on its uranium enrichment program in return for the lifting of sanctions. After Trump quit and reimposed sanctions, Iran began violating some of the deals limits on sensitive uranium enrichment. Washington and Tehran now disagree over how best to restore the accord, with both sides demanding the other side act first to return to compliance. Despite Irans public hard line that Washington must take the first step, however, several Iranian officials told Reuters last week that the mounting economic pain of U.S. sanctions may push Tehran to show flexibility on terms for restoring the nuclear deal. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said last week that Doha was in consultations to help salvage the deal, and Iranian state media said he would meet Irans president and foreign minister in Tehran on Feb. 15. We welcome efforts by friendly countries like Qatar. There have been consultations between Tehran and Doha at various levels, Khatibzadeh said. Iran has long denied striving to develop nuclear weapons through uranium enrichment, though its intelligence minister said last week that persistent Western pressure could push Tehran to fight back like a cornered cat and seek nuclear weapons. But Khatibzadeh rejected this, citing a religious decree issued in the early 2000s by the Islamic Republics top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, banning the pursuit of nuclear arms. By Parisa Hafezi INDIANAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dickinson Fleet Services (Dickinson or DFS) announces the acquisition of Diesel Minnesota (DMI) of St. Paul, Minn., serving to expand the geographic reach of DFS. This investment bolsters the geographic reach of Dickinson's nationwide fleet services, including shop service, scheduled on-site maintenance and emergency mobile service. Under DFS leadership, DMI will expand its maintenance services in the greater Minneapolis market and the state of Minnesota. This new acquisition will allow Dickinson to better service its customers and will provide an enhanced service experience to the long-standing customers of DMI through even greater flexibility and extended maintenance capabilities across the country. "We are very excited to welcome Diesel Minnesota into the Dickinson family," said Ted Coltrain, executive officer at DFS. "DMI has built a strong reputation in the Minneapolis area for providing high-quality, customer-focused repair services in its local Minneapolis community. This strong reputation will allow us to better serve our existing customers in the region and allow us to better service DMI customers across the nation." "The integration of DMI into Dickinson is a great opportunity for all involved," added Mike Dickinson, executive officer at DFS. "We're looking forward to continuing our growth with the customers, suppliers, and employees DMI has cultivated over the past 15 years in the St. Paul and Minneapolis area." "Becoming a part of Dickinson will allow us to create greater stability for our employees and better support our long-standing relationships with customers in our area," said Darcy Anderson and Robert Anderson, co-owners of Diesel Minnesota. "We're proud to have developed the relationships we have with our employees, customers and partners over the last 15 years, and we know that these relationships will remain strong and grow deeper as a direct result of this acquisition." Diesel Minnesota marks Dickinson's eleventh acquisition since 2017. Under the ownership of Cox Automotive, DFS continues to pursue additional acquisition targets across North America. About Dickinson Fleet Services Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Dickinson Fleet Services (DFS) has grown to become one of the largest independent fleet maintenance providers in the country. DFS is the leading provider of on-site mobile maintenance and repair services nationwide, offering mobile on-site maintenance and repair services for light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and trailers through its fleet of more than 700 mobile trucks. DFS also services fleets with its network of 18 maintenance facilities each offering select services from accident repair, paint, refurbishment, and dedicated technician services, combined with an in-house CARES CALL center providing 24/7 maintenance scheduling and emergency repair assistance. Dickinson Fleet Services is a Cox Automotive brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. www.dickinsonfleet.com About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global company's more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, VinSolutions, vAuto and Xtime, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of nearly $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com SOURCE Dickinson Fleet Services Related Links http://www.dickinsonfleet.com/ LONDON A newspaper invaded the Duchess of Sussexs privacy by publishing personal letter to her estranged father, a British judge ruled Thursday, in a major victory for the royal in her campaign against what she sees as media intrusion. The former American actress Meghan Markle, 39, sued publisher Associated Newspapers for invasion of privacy and copyright infringement over five February 2019 articles in the Mail on Sunday and on the MailOnline website that published large portions of a letter she wrote to her father after her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. High Court judge Mark Warby ruled that the publisher had misused the duchesss private information. He said the duchess had a reasonable expectation that the contents of the letter would remain private. The Mail articles interfered with that reasonable expectation. Meghan said she was grateful to the court for holding Associated Newspapers to account for their illegal and dehumanizing practices. She said that with this comprehensive win on both privacy and copyright, we have all won. Associated Newspapers said it was very surprised by todays summary judgment and disappointed at being denied the chance to have all the evidence heard and tested in open court at a full trial. We are carefully considering the judgments contents and will decide in due course whether to lodge an appeal, said the publishing company, which had strongly contested Meghans claim. A trial in the case, scheduled for the fall, would have been one of the most high-profile civil legal showdowns in London for years. But at hearings last month, lawyers for the duchess asked for a summary judgment to settle the case without a trial. In granting the request, the judge said the publishers disclosures of large chunks of Meghans private letter to her father, Thomas Markle, were manifestly excessive and hence unlawful. There is no prospect that a different judgment would be reached after a trial, he said. Meghans lawyers said the deeply personal five-page letter was intended to be read by her father alone. Her attorney, Justin Rushbrooke, argued in January that the publisher had no real prospect of winning the case. For these outlets, its a game, Meghan said in her statement after the ruling. For me and so many others, its real life, real relationships, and very real sadness. The damage they have done and continue to do runs deep. But the defense argued Meghan wrote the letter as part of a media strategy to rebut a negative view conveyed by her father in indiscreet media appearances, and with help from the communications team in the royal couples Kensington Palace office. Thursdays ruling means Meghan has won her case on privacy and copyright infringement grounds, but the judge said a limited trial should be held to decide who owns the copyright to the letter. The defense argues that Jason Knauf, Harry and Meghans former communications director, was the letters co-author and so one of the copyright-holders. The judge said that argument cannot be described as convincing, and seems improbable, but should still be decided at a trial. Meghan, a former star of the American TV legal drama `Suits, married Harry, a grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle in May 2018. Their son, Archie, was born the following year. In early 2020, Meghan and Harry announced they were quitting royal duties and moving to North America, citing what they said were the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. They recently bought a house in Santa Barbara, California. Mark Stephens, a media lawyer with the firm Howard Kennedy in London, cautioned that the legal saga might be far from over. The Mail on Sunday almost have to take it to appeal because the state of privacy laws (are) in a mess in this country, and they need a definitive statement, he said. So (Meghan) may not be allowed to walk off the pitch. She may have to go through an appeal yet. So this is just round one. Danica Kirka in London contributed to this story. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Privacy YES Bank share was trading marginally lower in Tuesday's session on BSE and NSE. The stock of the private lender opened at its previous close of Rs 16.25 and touched the day's high of Rs 16.35. Later, the stock erased gains and traded 1.23% lower at an intraday low of Rs 16.35. The stock has declined 2.12% in three sessions. YES Bank stock trades higher than 100-day moving averages but lower than 5, 20, 50 and 200-day moving averages. The share has fallen 3% in one week, 8.5% in a month. Year-to-date, the stock is down 9%. Market capitalisation of the lender rose to Rs 40,463.67 crore. The stock has touched a 52-week high of Rs 87.95 and a 52-week low of Rs 5.55. Share of the private lender has fallen 58% in one year. Last week, lender's CEO Prashant Kumar stated that he expects the bank's asset reconstruction company (ARC) business to operationalise within 6 six months and revealed that many foreign firms are keen to invest in the bank's ARC business. "There has been a lot of interest from foreign investors for our ARC business. We are likely to put in the initial capital of 10 billion rupees while the foreign investor will put in nearly 25 billion rupees," Prashant Kumar, CEO of Yes Bank, told Reuters in an interview last Tuesday. Meanwhile, Brickwork Ratings (BWR) withdrew the ratings of Tier I Subordinated Perpetual Bonds (Basel II) of the lender. Brickwork had given a long-term rating at BWR BB+ with a stable outlook on instruments worth Rs 90 crore. In terms of brokerage views, Emkay Research gave a 'Sell' rating to the stock and set a target price of Rs 11 for the share, given sub-par return ratios and unfavourable risk-reward with higher valuations. "We believe that the transfer of NPAs to a separate ARC (somewhat similar to IDBI in 2003) probably means window dressing standalone bank B/sheet,but we need to see the extent of hair-cuts, structure of ARC and recovery record in the ARC, which is not inspiring in case of IDBI SASF," Emkay Research said in its report. Similarly, ICICI Securities said in a recent note that YES Bank's December-quarter earnings have aggravated fears of its asset quality issues and gave a "hold" rating on the stock with a revised price target of Rs 16. "The portfolio vulnerability becomes visible from, a spike in standstill non-performing loans or NPLs (from 1.5% to 5%), SMA-2 pool (from 2.4% to 4%), SMA-1 (from 1.6% to 7.3), and additional restructuring outside of this pool at 3.2% over and above the labelled non-performing assets at 22%," it added. Brokerage house Geojit, as well as BNP Paribas, have a sell rating for the stock and reduced its TP. Nirmal Bang also continues to maintain a negative outlook on the bank and values the stock at Rs 13, based on 1.0x FY23E ABV. The lender was placed under a moratorium by the central bank last year, after which consortium of lenders led by State Bank of India stepped in to infuse money into the bank and bail it out from deteriorating financial health to address systemic risk concerns. This chemical stock gave 300% returns in 11 months RailTel IPO opens today: Price band, lot size, issue size & other details Stocks in news: Jet Airways, Titan, Future Retail, AstraZeneca Pharma, Indian Bank, TCS Share Market Live: Sensex rises 250 points, Nifty at 15,300; SBI, M&M, Maruti top gainers Mumbai : Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday criticised Prime minister Narendra Modi, saying that the latter is making friends with world leaders, but the nation has failed to get international support on the issue of Pakistan and China. Slamming BJP for giving maximum time to internal politics and elections, Thackeray said it would be an injustice to the nation if the senior ally shifts its focus from the core issues. In the second part of his interview to Sena mouthpiece Saamana, Thackeray said, What has happened which caused a severe unrest in Kashmir and has made the dragon (China) our enemy? Are we lacking somewhere? The PM roams around the world and has made many friends. Then, why is it that nobody is openly supporting us against these enemies? He said, The BJP might be considering the Shiv Sena as its number one enemy. That is why may be, Pakistan and China have been ignored? If they feel the Sena is a bigger enemy than these two nations, it is their misfortune, not mine. There has been nearly a month-long border standoff between India and China in the Sikkim sector, which is seen as part of Chinese coercive tactics to change the status quo. India has taken a strong stand against such a Chinese move. According to Thackeray, Chinas strength cannot be ignored and India needs to make efforts to match it. Also Read: Shiv Sena questions incidents related to cow vigilantes, suspects Pakistans hand in it If the ruling party remains stuck in elections and internal politics, it will be an injustice to the nation... You can win elections anytime, you have even won them. But, a war is a war and there is China on the opposite side, he said. On one hand, they (the BJP) have been able to get back Kashmir from Pakistan and on the other hand, China is trying to expand, Thackeray said. The environment in the country isnt good now, the Shiv Sena chief said, referring to the issue of gau rakshaks and instances of them resorting to violence. On how many fronts will you be able to fight at the same time? he asked. Asked on his interaction with Modi during the NDA meet held before the presidential polls, Thackeray said the prime minister welcomed him with a lot of affection. The PM requested him to sit with him to eat and affectionately asked about the wellbeing of his family members. Modi even spoke to him in Marathi, the Sena leader said. Also Read: Where cow vigilantes have disappeared after terror attack on Amarnath Yatris, says Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 16) The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority denied the special economic zone in Zambales is being turned into an US military base as claimed by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte during his public address Monday night. In a statement released on Tuesday, SBMA Administrator Wilma Eisma maintained visits by US military ships to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone only last for a few days, and are allowed under the Visiting Forces Agreement. "The port visits by these foreign military vessels last for only a few days, enough for disembarkation and re-embarkation of troops and assets in case of military exercises under the VFA, or simply for ship re-supply and onshore visit by the crew in other cases. These visits have not in any way converted Subic Bay Freeport into a military base," Eisma said. The VFA allows US military vessels to dock in Subic Bay, a former American naval base. Eisma also emphasized the agency is committed into becoming a "self-sustaining industrial, commercial, financial and investment center" by attracting local and foreign investments that will provide employment opportunities to Filipinos. "The SBMA will continue with its economic mandate and defer to competent authorities in the matter of foreign policy and national security," she added. Duterte on Monday said Subic Bay is slowly being turned into an American base, without giving further details. The President has also asked the US to "pay" if it wants to keep the VFA, as the superpower owes the Philippines. He denied his remark connotes extortion, saying it is his constitutional power to implement the Philippines' foreign policy. The VFA took effect in 1999, eight years after the Philippine Senate rejected the extended stay of American troops in Subic and Clark Air Base. Moroccan market contracts 12% in January ICR Newsroom By 16 February 2021 Cement deliveries in Morocco by members of the countrys cement association, APC, saw a 12.3 per cent drop in January 2021, according to data published by the Ministry of Urbanism and Housing. Dispatches by Asment Temara, Ciments de lAtlas, Ciments du Maroc and LafargeHolcim Maroc declined from 1,182,198t to 1,037,005t in the first month of 2021. Published under Norfolk charity comforts the dying in Ethiopia Norfolk charity comforts the dying in Ethiopia Ethiopia has one hospice for a population of 112 million. Half of its funding comes from a charity led by Sue Mumford, a nurse who lives in north Norfolk. My doctor husband and I are really privileged to have found a passion, said Sue, and fortunate that we can do this together. And we are in good enough health to cope with the rigours of travelling in Ethiopia. Sue is a Community Specialist Palliative Care Nurse. She helps people cope with the end of life, by controlling pain and symptoms, and offering psychological and spiritual support. Dying is a really distressing time for patients and their families, she said. Her husband Jamie is a GP at Aylsham with a special interest in palliative care, so they make an ideal team. Sue is part of the extended Gurney family, the distinguished Norfolk banking family. One of her childhood friends was her cousin Pippa, now Lady Pippa Dannatt, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, who is a keen supporter of the work of Hospice Ethiopia. Sue traces the beginnings of her mission to meeting Dame Cicely Saunders during her training at Barts in London. Following a year nursing in Switzerland she returned to England where she cared for patients with lung cancer on a respiratory ward at Papworth Hospital, and started asking herself how to provide the best care for them. It was at this time that she met Jamie, at that time a glaciologist. They decided to move together to Oxford, where he retrained in medicine. Their first opportunity to see medical care beyond the abundance of the United Kingdom came when Jamie chose to do his elective in India. It was a real eye-opener, said Sue. Only three of the patients in the hospital where we were working had pain killers. After her husband settled down as a GP in Aylsham, she volunteered at Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich, which provides end-of-life care to patients with life-limiting illness. However, staff soon spotted that she was trained, and persuaded her to do the return-to-nursing course. She subsequently gained a Degree in Nursing at the University of East Anglia. Part of her course enabled her to become a nurse prescriber which proved invaluable in her later work. Meanwhile Dr Katie Carpenter from Priscilla Bacon Lodge was developing a twinning arrangement with Hospice Ethiopia, which had been founded in 2003 by a nurse called Tsigereda. The idea was that the two hospices would share staff and expertise. It soon became apparent, however, that what was most needed were funds (as they receive virtually no funding from within Ethiopia) and as the nurses had been well trained in palliative care at Hospice Africa Uganda in Kampala. In 2012 Sue was part of a group which went out to Ethiopia to visit the twin, and she started to recognise the enormous need. Poor people in Ethiopia get free admission to hospital, she said, but treatment costs money. So it is beyond them. Hospice Ethiopia provides care for people in their own homes. It gives out medicines, catheter bags, stoma bags and dressings (donated by foreign healthcare professionals) free of charge. After giving a means test, it may also provide food and other essential items for patients, who sadly are often abandoned by their partners. One memorable patient Sue met was a woman who had breast cancer, and who was being cared for by her teenage daughters after her husband had left her. She visited the patient every couple of weeks, got the pain under control and made sure there was food in the house. Towards the end of her stay in Ethiopia, the woman, who previously had refused to be photographed, asked if she could have her picture taken. In some ways palliative care is harder in Ethiopia, said Sue. Often there is no point in sending people to hospital because none of the treatments such as radiotherapy will be available or will cost too much. But in some ways, it is easier. In the UK, people might use their final weeks trying six or seven treatments, none of which is particularly effective. Sometimes its best not to have a myriad of options, but just to have the time to sort out ones affairs and enjoy precious time with friends and family. In both countries the essential mission is the same: maximising the quality of life, calming the situation down, finding some areas of pleasure, and coming to terms with what is happening. The team at Hospice Ethiopia UK pay all their own travel and hotel costs, and a local business covers the administrative costs. So all money donated goes to the hospice in Ethiopia. The main need is staff salaries. There are also dedicated funds for training nurses, and for providing food for patients who cannot afford it. 15 will feed a patient for a month. If you would like to support the work of Hospice Ethiopia UK, there is more information available on their website hospiceethiopia.org.uk Pictured above are Jamie and Sue Mumford with a patient and, below, Sue with two of the nurses Eldred Willey, 16/02/2021 Victoria's five-day coronavirus lockdown will end at 11.59pm on Wednesday - but some restrictions, including mandatory face masks and restricted social gatherings, will remain. The announcement that Victorians will be freed from tough lockdown came as the state recorded no new locally-acquired coronavirus infections on Wednesday. Victorians were locked down under brutal Stage Four restrictions on Friday as health officials sought to slow the spread of a Covid cluster stemming from the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel at Melbourne Airport. The stay-at-home order, only allowing people to leave home for essential work, shopping, care and exercise, will now be repealed along with the 5km travel rule. Face masks will still be mandatory indoor and outdoors if social distancing cannot be followed, and Victorians will only be allowed to have five guests in their houses. Shops, bars, pubs and restaurants can also reopen on Thursday and 20 people can gather outside. Premier Daniel Andrews said he was able to lift the 'short, sharp circuit breaker' lockdown thanks to the low infection numbers - but some rules must stay. Victoria's five-day coronavirus lockdown will end at 11.59pm on Wednesday - but some restrictions will remain (pictured, a picnic in a Melbourne park pre-lockdown) The five-day lockdown meant spectators were banned from watching the Australian Open (pictured on February 16) - leaving stands empty. New capacity limits will be confirmed in the coming hours Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured on Wednesday) said he was able to lift the 'short, sharp circuit breaker' thanks to the hard work of Victorians in containing the virus '[The lockdown was] exactly what we said we needed, that's exactly what we said would work,' he said. 'I am very proud of every single Victorian for the work they have done.' Schools will reopen on Thursday after shutting down for three days, while visits to hospitals and care facilities will be limited to one household with a per day as restrictions ease. Retail, hospitality and religious gatherings will be able to resume with the same density limits that were in place before the lockdown. There are no limits on numbers for funerals and weddings but the gatherings must follow the venue's density limits indoors and outdoors. Sport and recreation will also be able to begin again with density quotas in place. Mr Andrews was also grilled about whether spectators would be allowed to return to the Australian Open from Thursday. The five-day lockdown meant crowds were prohibited from attending the matches. Mr Andrews said the capacity at the Open would be reduced again and the number of attendees allowed at the tennis and other major large events would be confirmed in the coming hours. 'It is not a simple process, we go through quite an exhaustive process to make sure that those events are viable and can happen but are safe,' he said. NEW RULES FOR VICTORIA FROM WEDNESDAY AT 11.59PM Victoria's five day 'circuit breaker' lockdown finished at 11:59pm on Wednesday, here are the new rules: - Masks still mandatory indoors and outdoors if you can't socially distance - Only five people allowed round to homes until Friday February 26 - Maximum 20 people at outdoor gatherings - 5km rule scrapped - meaning Victorians can travel all over the state - No limits on funeral numbers and weddings can resume with capacity limits - Schools can reopen - Retail and hospitality - including pubs and restaurants - can also reopen, but with one person per four square metres Advertisement Health workers assist quarantining guests as they leave the Holiday Inn on February 16 (pictured) after a cluster there reached 19 people - putting the state into lockdown Face masks will still be required in indoor and outdoor settings if social distancing cannot be followed. Pictured: People are seen exercising at St Kilda Beach in Melbourne on Wednesday Almost 40,000 test results were received in the 24 hours to midnight on Tuesday and there are 25 active cases across the state. Health authorities have also warned there are still 'nine days to go' as the virus will likely continue to circulate after leaking from hotel quarantine. Senior government ministers met on Tuesday night to discuss the easing of restrictions, which were introduced following an outbreak of the UK strain at Melbourne Airport's Holiday Inn where returned travellers were being quarantined. The outbreak at the Holiday Inn sits at 19 cases. The starting point of the cluster can be traced back to a family of three who had returned from overseas and tested positive for Covid. The entire state of Victoria was plunged into a snap five day lockdown on February 12 in response to an outbreak at Melbourne Airport's Holiday Inn which has since grown to 19 cases (crowds at the Australian Open were banned following the announcement) Pictured: Cafes and retail shops are closed in Melbourne's Bourke St as police patrol the area during the five-day lockdown A returned traveller in the family was allegedly using a nebuliser to treat his chronic asthma and said he was given permission by health authorities to use the medical device. It is believed the nebuliser allowed coronavirus-carrying particles to become airborne and infect a food and beverage worker, a security officer and a resident who has since left hotel quarantine. A food and beverage worker from the Holiday Inn who tested negative on February 7, but tested positive three days later, is believed to be the source of another cluster close-by. The worker's partner and a family member also tested positive and all attended a function at Sydney Road in Coburg on February 6, which has resulted in more cases. The Melbourne Airport Holiday Inn (pictured) Covid-19 cluster has grown to 19 cases Victoria has recorded 20,640 cases and 820 deaths since the start of the pandemic. The state endured one of the world's longest lockdowns last year after an outbreak in hotel quarantine sparked a horror second wave that killed more than 800 people, the vast majority of the national death toll. Brisbane and Perth recently underwent similar snap lockdowns in response to cases of variant strains leaking from hotel quarantine. In both instances the outbreak was quickly contained. Trying to solve mistakes of previous governments: PM Modi slams Congress India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Feb 16: In a recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the NDA government is "trying to rectify mistakes of previous governments" which unfortunately did not honour deserving warriors and freedom fighters. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial and development work of Chittaura Lake, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said that India's history is not just what was written by those who enslaved this country and those with a slave mentality. While India was making PPE kits for world, some were busy making 'toolkit' against Indians: BJP Accusing previous governments of not honouring deserving leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and BR Ambedkar, he said, "It is unfortunate that deserving leaders were not given the place of pride they deserved." "The injustice and manipulation done to those who created history, by those who wrote history is being corrected by today's India," PM Modi added. What is toolkit, how is that linked to farmers' protest? According to reports, the projects, which include construction of a 4.20-metre high statue of the warrior king Suheldev, will also focus on the development of various tourist amenities including a cafeteria, guest house and a children's park. He also lauded the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government in tackling the coronavirus pandemic and leading the state on the path of development. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Madhya Pradesh: Bus falls off a bridge into a canal, atleast 32 dead| Oneindia News King Suheldev is an icon of the Rajbhar community. He had defeated and killed the Ghaznavid general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud in a battle on the banks of the Chittora lake in Bahraich in 1033. After coming to power, the Narendra Modi government has taken concerted steps to popularise Suheldev. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the prime minister had released a postal stamp in the memory of Suheldev and flagged off a superfast train 'Suheldev Express' that runs tri-weekly between Ghazipur in Purvanchal (UP) and Anand Vihar in Delhi. DUBLIN, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "European Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) Market, Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The European UPS market was worth $2,200.0 million in 2019. The market is in its maturity stage. The market is expected to grow at a slow pace for the next two years. Growth rates are expected to further accelerate after 2022. The modular UPS segment is expected to grow nearly twice as fast as the traditional UPS systems segment. The UK and Germany are the two biggest countries for UPS revenues in Europe; together, they accounted for 38.0% of the total market in 2019. These are also expected to be the two fastest-growing countries in Europe. The European UPS industry has a highly competitive landscape where one of the key challenges for a UPS manufacturer is to differentiate itself from its competitors. It is important for a manufacturer to keep up with new technologies and industry trends and come up with UPS solutions that cater to the growing needs of businesses. The power demand has been on a constant rise in the recent past and is a major area of concern for all end-user applications, especially those which have critical loads, such as data centres. Energy saving is one of the key challenges for the end-users of UPS systems. In the data centre segment, in particular, the main focus is on improving the power usage effectiveness (PUE), while being flexible enough to cope with constantly evolving needs in the face of rising energy bills, environmental constraints, and the increase in power density. The other challenge is the need to address the scalability and flexibility issues among the end-users. It has become essential for manufacturers to come up with UPS products that will allow end-users to scale as and when they grow their business. Given the high demand for modular UPS systems and intense competition, it is quite important for UPS manufacturers to innovate in this space and come up with advanced modular concepts that allow further flexibility and modularity. Right-sizing backup power has for long been an unmet need for end-users. Businesses face the challenge of anticipating their growth over time, which eventually leads them to face issues with the backup power requirement. There is a trend where end-users tend to deploy a UPS system configured for a larger power range to accommodate future growth. There are two key challenges associated with this issue. The first one is they end up paying for the additional power they will not use initially. The second issue arises when they do not grow their business as anticipated. Modular UPS systems address these challenges effectively with their inherent flexibility and scalability, that is, modules can be added or made redundant according to requirement. The modular rack mounting configuration offers customers the advantage of swapping a faulty module with a new one without interruption to the working process of the whole UPS. Table of Contents Executive Summary Key Findings Market Engineering Measurements Market Overview Market Definitions Key Questions this Study will Answer Market Segmentation by End User Market Segmentation by Country Market Segmentation by Power Range Drivers and Restraints - Total European UPS Market Market Drivers Drivers Explained Market Restraints Restraints Explained Forecasts and Trends - Total European UPS Market Market Engineering Measurements Forecast Assumptions Revenue Forecast Revenue Forecast Discussion Percent Revenue Forecast by Country Revenue Forecast by Country Revenue Forecast Discussion by Country Percent Revenue Forecast by End User Revenue Forecast by End User Attractiveness by End User Revenue Forecast Discussion by End User Percent Revenue Forecast by Power Range Revenue Forecast by Power Range Attractiveness by Power Range Revenue Forecast Discussion by Power Range Market Share and Competitive Analysis - Total European UPS Market Market Share Market Share Analysis Growth Opportunities and Companies to Action Growth Opportunity 1 - Edge Computing Growth Opportunity 2 - Lithium-ion Powered UPS Growth Opportunity 3 - Modular UPS Systems Strategic Imperatives for Success and Growth UK Analysis Revenue Forecast Percent Revenue Forecast by End User Revenue Forecast by End User Revenue Forecast Discussion Germany Analysis France Analysis Italy Analysis Spain Analysis Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Analysis Rest of Europe (ROE) Analysis Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cycf6j Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-16 23:10:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRUSSELS, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Belgium's national crisis center on Tuesday warned people not to purchase COVID-19 vaccines "off the streets, in stores or online" because their effectiveness and safety hasn't been approved by the authorities. "The only safe and effective vaccines are free and are given in vaccination centers, hospitals, or nursing and care homes," Sabine Stordeur, project manager of the vaccination task force, told a press conference. Her comments came as the vaccination campaign in Belgium is gaining momentum, with Brussels launching one of the largest vaccination centers in Belgium on Tuesday. To date, more than 370,000 people have received their first dose of the vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna, and more than 200,000 have been fully vaccinated, Stordeur said. Belgium plans to vaccinate 70 percent of its population before life starts returning to normal. A communication and awareness campaign on the importance of vaccination has been carried out for several weeks across the country. All epidemiological indicators of COVID-19 are on the decline. Public health institute Sciensano reported Tuesday that from Feb. 6 to Feb. 12, an average of 1,809 new cases per day had been registered. This represents a 20-percent decrease compared to the previous week. In the week of Feb. 9-15, an average of 120.7 new admissions per day was reported by Sciensano, a decrease of roughly 3 percent. "This decrease comes from nursing and care homes, which is probably due to the impact of the vaccinations," said Vyes Van Laethem, inter-federal spokesperson for the fight against the coronavirus, on Tuesday. Belgium has so far recorded a total of 739,488 coronavirus cases and 21,702 deaths since the start of the epidemic. As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in many countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines. Meanwhile, 242 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 Feb. 9. Enditem A SkyUp Airlines plane with Ukrainian tourists, who had not been able to depart from Zanzibar since February 13, has landed at Boryspil International Airport, according to the airport's flight information system. Flight PQ1972 from Zanzibar arrived at the airport at 09:42. On February 13, about 180 Ukrainian tourists were stranded in Zanzibar due to a plane malfunction. Ukrainian diplomats were working with the tour operator to resolve the issue of their return home. On February 15, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii said that the necessary permission had been received from the Turkish side to bring Ukrainian tourists back home from Zanzibar and that the flight would be performed via Antalya. SkyUp Airlines reported that the plane departed with all passengers and luggage at 23:59 Kyiv time on February 15. op Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. A detailed analysis report of the Global Telecom Cable Market has been covered in the report coupled with a thorough description of each company profile with information on the H.Q, future capabilities, key mergers & acquisitions, financial outline, partnerships and new product launches and developments. The comprehensive value chain analysis of the market will assist in attaining better product differentiation, along with detailed understanding of the core competency of each activityinvolved. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report aptly measures the potential value of the market providing business strategists with the latest growth opportunities. The report classifies the market into different segments based on application, product type and installation type. These segments are studied in detail incorporating the market estimates and forecasts at regional and country level. The segment analysis is useful in understanding the growth areas and probable opportunities of the market. Final Report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry. Browse the complete Global Telecom Cable Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2027 @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/3845-telecom-cable-market-report The report also covers the complete competitive landscape of the Global Telecom Cable market with company profiles of key players such as: Nexans S.A. General Cable Prysmian group Sumitomo Electric Furukawa Electric LEONI Fujikura Hitachi Cable LS Cable CommScope Belden Inc. Hengtong Optic-electric Co., Ltd. A detailed description of each has been included, with information in terms of H.Q, future capacities, key mergers & acquisitions, financial overview, partnerships, collaborations, new product launches, new product developments and other latest industrial developments. SEGMENTATIONS IN THE REPORT: By Application Telecommunication CATV Data Center Computer Network Others By Product Type External Telecom Cable Internal Telecom & Data Cable Fiber Optic Cable By Installation Type Sea Based Other By Geography: North America (NA) US, Canada & Rest of North America Europe (EU) UK, Germany, France & Rest of Europe Asia Pacific (APAC) China, Japan, India & Rest of APAC Latin America (LA) Brazil & Rest of Latin America Middle East &Africa (MEA) Middle East and Africa Download Free Sample Report of Global Telecom Cable Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-3845 The Global Telecom Cable Market has been exhibited in detail in the following chapters Chapter 1 Telecom Cable Market Preface Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Telecom Cable Industry Analysis Chapter 4 Telecom Cable Market Value Chain Analysis Chapter 5 Telecom Cable Market Analysis By Application Chapter 6 Telecom Cable Market Analysis By Product Type Chapter 7 Telecom Cable Market Analysis By Installation Type Chapter 8 Telecom Cable Market Analysis By Geography Chapter 9 Competitive Landscape Of Telecom Cable Companies Chapter 10 Company Profiles Of Telecom Cable Industry Purchase the complete Global Telecom Cable Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-3845 Other Reports by DecisionDatabases.com: Global Direct Attach Cable Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2027 Global Automotive Battery Cable Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2027 Global HVDC Cables Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2027 About-Us: DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed. For more details: DecisionDatabases.com E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com Phone: +91 9028057900 Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ News Source https://www.industrynewsengine.com/2020/11/18/telecom-cable-market-2020-global-industry-research-report-till-2027/ Air Caraibes and French bee, part of Groupe Dubreuil, have announced the launch of a new pilot of ICC AOKpass, the blockchain based digital health certificate supported by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and global industry leaders in health and certification services, International SOS and SGS Group. Using the app, which is purpose-built to be interoperable with all other systems, travellers on specified routes will be able to verify their COVID-19 test results with the airlines without breaching the privacy of their personal health data. The pilots will include Paris airport (Orly) departures to the French Overseas Territories (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, La Reunion and Tahiti) for Air Caraibes and French bee. It will be rolled out to passengers from the beginning of March. Muriel Assouline, Managing Director at French bee, and Tamara Primakoff, DGA, for Air Caraibes, said, "Passengers are looking for a smooth return to travel, where they can be as close to the turn-up and fly experience that they had prior to the pandemic and in a safest way possible. We are highly committed to achieving this and piloting ICC AOKpass will help us to enable this process for passengers, with a view to further roll-out on successful completion. The pilot alone will benefit the passengers who have previously been regular flyers on these popular routes each week." Bill Dolny, CEO of MedAire, the International SOS company specialising in health and security services for the aviation industry, continued, "The return to air travel needs to be sustainable, providing passengers, airlines and airports with assurity of health and safety based in an agreed verification process of COVID testing. We have been actively supporting Airports and Airlines around the world in restarting travel in a safe and secure way since the start of the COVID outbreak. We are pleased to have this opportunity to support Air Caraibes and French bee in supporting its passengers." Under current regulations, travellers arriving in French Overseas Territories, are required to take a test for COVID-19 (PCR) 72hrs prior to departure. Under the pilot, passengers are able to store their PCR test results digitally on their mobile devices for later verification at the airport. The ICC AOKpass management system completes this verification using a global, incorruptible blockchain-based network ensuring all test results are genuine, valid, and in line with government regulations. John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary General, added, "While vaccines are a welcome measure, they are by no means a silver bullet solution to ending the pandemic. The ICC AOKPass testing and contact tracing solution, from a trusted provider, is working to advance the global recovery, by creating an environment of confidence for people to travel, while also continuing to protect lives and livelihoods. This is an efficient alternative to the perpetual cycle of border closures and long quarantine periods that we are currently enduring." ICC AOK Pass has processed hundreds of health passes for airlines and airports since September 2020. It is currently being piloted across the world, including a successful large-scale pilot on Etihad flights from Paris to Abu Dhabi and Pakistan to Abu Dhabi. Also, nearly 130 airports in 18 countries are ready to deploy ICC AOKpass pilots with airlines. This includes ADP Group, TAV and Aeroporti di Roma. ENDS View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216005767/en/ Contacts: Suzanne Withers Group Head of PR, International SOS t +44 (0)20 8762 8494 m +44 (0)7825 425 500 Email: suzanne.withers@internationalsos.com Mohammed Mosaed is an award-winning Iranian journalist. He famously tweeted during the November 2019 protests in Iran, Knock knock! Hello Free World! I used 42 different proxy to write this! Millions of Iranians do not have internet. Can you hear us?" The tweet required not only significant technical skill but also nerves of steel. Mosaed was arrested in November 2019 and kept for 16 days at the notorious Evin prison, which is run by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. When Mosaed criticized the Iranian governments handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was arrested and interrogated again in February 2020. He was released but his social media accounts remained suspended. In August, he was charged with colluding with foreign powers against Irans national security and spreading propaganda against the state. He was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison and banned from practicing his profession and using mass communication devices for two years. He managed to get himself smuggled into the eastern Turkish province of Van and the Turkish authorities allowed him to stay in the country after his plight garnered widespread local and international support. A senior government official told Al-Monitor, Unless people are involved in criminal or terrorist activity, we do not deport them to countries where their lives are in danger. In this case, it looks like he is fine in Turkey. In April 2020, Mosaed topped the One Free Press Coalitions 10 most urgent cases list. As of February 2021, he still is at the top of that list even in Turkey. Behnam ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, told Al-Monitor, If reports of Turkey's decision not to deport Mosaed are officially confirmed, it would be a win for those seeking justice for Iranian journalists and dissidents. Yet the move does not spell the end of the saga, as Mosaeds future and legal status in Turkey remain unclear. Taleblu added, While no two refugee stories are the same, there does seem to be a set playbook for Turkish officials when it comes to Iranian refugees. This entails either permitting residency or transit, turning a blind eye toward harassment, kidnapping and assassination, or active detention and deportation by authorities back to Iran. Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the foundation's Turkey program, told Al-Monitor, Although Ankara and Tehran have repeatedly managed to find common ground to join forces against their respective Kurdish insurgents over the years, there appears to be some asymmetry when it comes to the treatment of asylum seekers. Iranian dissidents who reside in Turkey as they wait to secure refugee status in a third country feel the long arm of the Islamic Republics informants and assassins, who have carried out numerous targeted killings and kidnappings on Turkish soil. Turkey has traditionally been a safe haven for Iranian dissidents. One of the most famous Iranian seeking refuge in Turkey was Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who spent nearly a year in the country starting in 1964. Over the last decade, Turkey has ironically become a popular host state to those who escape the wrath of the Islamic Republic as well as an attractive spot for Iranian investors. Vahid Yucesoy, a PhD candidate in political science at the University of Montreal, told Al-Monitor, Especially since 2016, when the relations between Tehran and Ankara experienced a sort of renaissance, we started seeing a lax attitude by Turkish authorities toward Iranian dissidents. Yucesoy was referring to the recent mysterious murders of Iranians in Turkey. Saeed Karimi, the CEO of Persian Language GEM TV, was shot dead in Istanbul April 2017 and Arsalan Rezaei, a staunch critic of Islam and the Iranian regime, was assassinated in December 2020. In 2019, Masoud Molavi Vardanjani was shot dead in the streets of Istanbul. The government arrested scores of individuals suspected of links to Vardanjani's murder. On Feb. 11, pro-government news outlets reported that Iranian diplomat Mohammed Reza Naserzade was involved in the murder of Vardanjani. Iranian officials promptly denied the news. In October 2020, Habib Chaab, the leader of the Swedish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz, was abducted from Istanbul by Iranian agents. Although some cases of targeted Iranians are well documented, it is not possible to know the exact number of Iranian dissidents who were deported or went missing in Turkey. Savash Porgham, an Iranian journalist and academic living in Istanbul, told Al-Monitor that a variety of factors seem to determine the fate of Iranian dissidents in Turkey. Ankara seems to engage in cost-benefit calculations to decide whether to deport or protect a political dissident. Porgham said, At the end of the day we also see a class issue. For example, a wealthy rapper may not be deported while an ordinary dissident may. Both countries consider other factors rather than the legal procedure. The fact that Iran and Turkey have a reciprocal visa-free travel system that allows visitors to stay up to 90 days in the country also means intelligence agents and state employees can travel without diplomatic passports. For a variety of reasons Turkey is one of the countries where Iranian intelligence operations are carried out with ease, Porgham observed. Will anyone in Turkey's bureaucracy be investigated over missing or murdered Iranians? If not, does that mean the Iranian government receives political support in Turkey? A 2021 report by Freedom House revealed that Ankara tops the charts in renditions. Since 2016, Turkey has reached into dozens of countries, demanding hundreds of individuals to be handed over without due process. Some of these activities could be accurately described as kidnappings of those Ankara considers enemies. In many cases, these operations are reported in the national news as successful captures by Turkeys intelligence agency. While Ankara boasts of its successful rendition operations abroad, its own borders remain extremely porous, its security personnel vulnerable to corruption and its territory a playground for foreign intelligence services. Turkeys Islamist movement had long complained that Western powers were doing as they pleased in the country. Now the shift is undeniable: With high profile murders by Saudis and Iranians, we can see who is roaming freely in Turkey. Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lauded the leaders, volunteers and candidates of the party who had resolutely faced the hooliganism perpetrated by the Congress goons with the help of the government machinery and stood firm for political change in Punjab. In a statement issued from the party headquarters, AAP state president and MP Bhagwant Mann said that standing firm in the face of violent incidents by the Congress goons showed the determination of AAP volunteers to pursue their dream of creating a new Punjab. Bhagwant Mann He said that on the day of municipal bodies elections on February 14, the booths were captured by the Congressmen with the connivance of the government machinery. He said that violent incidents took place in Patti, Samana, Rajpura, Bhikhiwind, Jalalabad and Dhuri. Mann said that during this time, the Congress goons backed by the police badly assaulted the AAP volunteers and in Patti, a party worker was also shot at. Despite this, AAP volunteers continued to face the Congress-backed hooliganism. He said that the Akali Dal and the BJP also had to face the hooliganism of the Congress. Fearing the hooliganism perpetrated by the Congressmen in capturing the booths, the Akali Dal workers fled and the BJP did not even allow its workers to sit at the booths. But the brave volunteers of the Aam Aadmi Party confronted the Congressmen. The only reason why AAP volunteers were fighting in such a violent environment was to save Punjab from being looted by SAD, BJP and Congress, he added. Mann further said that to fulfill the dream of cleansing the political filth created by these traditional parties in Punjab, a third change has to be made and with these clear intentions, the AAP volunteers stood firm. He said that when the bullying by the Congressmen came to light, the first to protest was the volunteers of the AAP. Bhagwant Mann As soon as the news of booth capturing was received in Samana, a large number of AAP volunteers started protesting in front of the booth. When the booths were captured in Rajpura, the AAP volunteers immediately brought the matter to the notice of the media after which the matter was resolved, said Mann. He said that while the AAP workers were protesting against the Congress goons in Patti, the latter opened fire, injuring an AAP volunteer and severely assaulting another worker and keeping him in police custody. Mann said that these elections had shown that the AAP volunteers stood firm with the truth. The AAP volunteers stand against the injustice and deserve change. It is because of the bravery of the AAP workers that the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was afraid and was trying to tarnish the image of the AAP, he added. He said that the maneuvers being used by Captain Amarinder had no effect on the AAP. We will always fight and we will always stand up for the truth, said Mann. A new coronavirus variant that shares mutations with the South African variety has been detected in the UK, experts say. The variant, known as B1525, has been linked to 33 infections in Britain, and has spread to a total of 11 countries worldwide including Denmark, the US, France and Australia. Genome sequencing has shown that it was first identified in the UK in mid-December but can also be traced to Nigeria, where 12 cases have been recorded. The new variant, which is being investigated by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, carries the same E484K mutation present within the worrying South African and Brazilian variants. This particular mutation changes the shape of the virus spike protein which is responsible for gaining entry to human cells in a way that makes it less recognisable to the bodys immune system and more resistant to the current generation of vaccines. However, the latest studies and research indicate that while the vaccines may be less effective against these new variants in minimising transmission and mild disease, they continue to offer protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death. The variant carries a further mutation (Q677H) on its spike protein though scientists have insisted it remains unclear how this will affect the ability of the virus to bind to human cells. This new variant also shares some similarities with the Kent variant, which is thought to be more transmissible and deadly than the previously dominant version of the virus. Denmark has identified the most cases of the new variant (35), followed by the UK and then the US (10). It has also been detected in Jordan, Belgium, Ghana and Spain. None of these countries are on Britains red list, which requires people travelling from or through these nations to quarantine upon arrival in the UK. Having established one of the most extensive genetic surveillance networks in the world, the UK has identified a number of coronavirus variants since the beginning of the pandemic. This includes the Kent variant and other variations of this which have acquired the E484K mutation. A total of 147 confirmed cases of the South African variant have also been detected throughout the UK. But with scientists sequencing up to 10 per cent of all positive infections, its highly likely there are many more cases caused by the different variants that have not yet been picked up. In response to the new and emerging variants, the government has deploying surge testing and additional sequencing to targeted areas to trace and contain any widespread outbreaks. Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, told The Independent the growing presence of the E484K mutation in different populations across the world meant the virus is very likely to be adapting to our immune response. Dr Susan Hopkins, of Public Health England, has said the UK was looking at whether those who had already taken a Covid-19 vaccine would need a fresh shot to cover the risk posed by the new mutations. "It is unlikely that people would have to start [the vaccine treatment] again, it is much more likely that it would be a booster shot a bit like the annual flu vaccine," she said earlier this month. Vaccine manufactures have also started tweaking their candidates to accommodate the new genetic changes emerging within Sars-CoV-2 - the virus responsible for Covid-19. Earlier this month, AstraZeneca said that a modified version of the Oxford vaccine one capable of neutralising the South African variant could be ready by autumn. WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's ruling nationalists on Tuesday said they would rewrite a proposal that would tax media advertising after criticism from media firms, the opposition and its own coalition partner. Last week, several private TV and radio stations and web portals in Poland took themselves off air in protest against the tax, which they said would threaten the industry's independence and its diversity of views. Critics say Poland is following the example of central European ally Hungary in trying to increase control over the media. Much of Poland's independent media is funded through advertising or subscription. The government says the tax is needed to help raise funds for healthcare and culture, both hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to target internet giants overseas making advertising revenue in the country. A Ministry of Finance spokeswoman told state news agency PAP that businesses could submit their opinions until the end of the day. "We will after these consultations draft a new bill that acknowledges these concerns and then we will present it for the next steps in the (legislative) process," government spokesman Piotr Muller told a news conference. On Tuesday, a number of Poland's main opposition groupings came together to sign a declaration decrying the tax, saying: "There's no democracy without freedom of speech." The ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party's junior coalition partner, the centrist Accord, has also said it could not support the current draft of the tax, in part due to the effect it would have on businesses. A spokesman said it would consult with media and businesses affected before seeking a compromise with its coalition partners. The other coalition partner, the right-wing United Poland, has said it supports the general direction of the proposals but will comment on it fully in the coming days. A spokesman and a senior member of PiS did not respond to a request for comment on the opposition declaration. Muller said businesses had told the government they were worried about setting a fair taxation threshold. Previously, government officials said the tax would be set at between 2% and 15% of advertising income, depending on the size of the firm. (Reporting by Joanna Plucinska and Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Alison Williams) Petrofac, Repsol Sinopec Resources UK and TechnipFMC have announced the formation of an innovative industry alliance which seeks to maximise the recovery of oil and gas from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The partnership will work together to offer the owners of oil and gas discoveries near Repsol Sinopecs existing North Sea infrastructure hubs an integrated, technically robust and commercially flexible solution to meet their near to mid-term development objectives. Under the terms of the partnership, Petrofac will provide all services associated with topsides engineering and operations support, whilst TechnipFMC will deploy its iFEED front-end engineering and design solution and its integrated subsea business model, iEPCI. Repsol Sinopec will provide access to its facilities under the industry-led infrastructure code of practice. Together, the group offers decades of subsea and topsides engineering, project management and operating expertise to create an all-encompassing offering, from the well head to export route. Nick Shorten, Managing Director of Petrofac's Engineering and Production Services, West business said: With more than three billion barrels locked in marginal fields across the UKCS, small pools represent a big opportunity. Industry level collaborations such as this, will drive the standardisation required to reduce the time and cost of tie-back developments. Petrofac is thrilled to combine the asset knowledge gained as Repsol Sinopecs operations and maintenance partner, with our engineering and project management expertise in support of this exciting collaboration. Jose Luis Munoz, CEO Repsol Sinopec said: As an industry we must get better at recognising the benefits of utilising existing North Sea infrastructure to maximise the economic recovery of the basin, minimise carbon emissions and transition to a lower carbon economy. This industry collaboration brings together three well respected, experienced companies that have the resources, drive and ambition to support the continued success of the industry for many years to come. Jonathan Landes, President Subsea, TechnipFMC, said: We are delighted to play a part in helping to maximise recovery of oil and gas from the UK Continental Shelf. Leveraging our integrated subsea business models, iFEED and iEPCI, we are ideally placed to support and optimize future development opportunities from early concept to first production and beyond while minimising the carbon footprint. With a shared commitment to excellence in Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards, we look forward to working with Repsol Sinopec to deliver a culture of efficiency, standardisation and sharing of best practice as we adopt this unique and important alliance in the UK. TradeArabia News Service PHOENIX, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) ("Item 9 Labs" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated cannabis operator that produces premium products, today reported operating and financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company's first quarter for fiscal year 2021 ("Q1 FY2021"). Key Financial Highlights for Q1 FY2021 (compared with Q1 FY2020) Revenue increased 98% to $3.0 million Gross profit increased 195% to $1.4 million Gross margin increased 15% to 47% Operating loss decreased 70% to $0.4 million Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue declined from 110% to 59% Positive Adjusted EBITDA of $0.4 million increased by $1.1 million from a loss of $0.7 million Key Business Highlights for Q1 FY2021 Finalized merger agreement with ONE Cannabis Group ("OCG Inc."), to add unique franchising capabilities and significantly enhance the Company's retail distribution network, in December 2020 ; expected to close in early 2021 ; expected to close in early 2021 Received approval for 45-acre marijuana cultivation site expansion in Coolidge, Arizona in November 2020 in Arizona's Proposition 207 Adult-Use Cannabis Initiative successfully passed in November 2020 Management Commentary "We are extremely pleased with our strong first-quarter performance, as we continued to grow revenues and improve margins and profitability," commented Item 9 Labs Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bowden. "Our results exceeded our internal projections, with sequential quarter-over-quarter revenue growth rate of 21% and positive adjusted EBITDA of $0.4 million." With the successful passage of Proposition 207 for adult use in Arizona, it is expected that the state's total legal marijuana market will near $1.5 billion in the next three years. "The high penetration of our award-winning products in existing Arizona dispensaries, coupled with operational expansion, puts us in strong position to capture additional market share," said Bowden, adding that the first phase of cultivation site expansion will increase the Company's operational footprint by more than 300% and create 60 jobs in the next 12 months. He continued, "Our expansion plans and streamlined production process have us well-prepared for the year ahead." "Outside of Arizona development, we look forward to closing our pending merger with ONE Cannabis Group and their cannabis franchise Unity Rd.," said Bowden. "The business combination is expected to increase our branded product footprint via national distribution through the Unity Rd. dispensary franchise platform. It will also add a predictable recurring revenue stream through franchise royalty fees." Item 9 Labs' 45-acre marijuana cultivation site expansion was approved by Coolidge, Arizona officials in November 2020. Local city council supports the Company's master site expansion plan that will create 650,000+ square feet of marijuana operations. Known for its award-winning, premium cannabis products, Item 9 Labs is projected to expand its operations space by more than 3,000% and create more than 200 jobs by the conclusion of the development. Currently, the Company has two 10,000-square-foot facilities on its 50-acre site. The site will see expansion on 45 of its acres to include six additional buildings, 12 greenhouses and six greenhouse support buildings (head houses). Seven of the buildings will be for indoor cultivation and one will be for expansion of the Company's lab and support space for finished product. In addition to the above uses, the Company is currently awaiting state approval for five acres of on-site outdoor cultivation. Upon breaking ground, ongoing construction will take place over three years in six phases, with the initial phase beginning in early 2021. Phase one includes the construction of two 26,000-square-foot greenhouses, one head house and two 10,000-square-foot buildings one for indoor cultivation and one for the lab and packaging. This phase adds 72,000 square feet of operations space. Construction on phase two is anticipated to begin in summer 2021. The Company finalized its merger agreement with ONE Cannabis Group (OCG Inc.) in December 2020 and expects to close the merger in early 2021; the Definitive 14C Proxy was filed on February 3, 2021. Based in Colorado, ONE Cannabis Group is the parent company of dispensary franchise Unity Rd. The cannabis franchise pioneer helps entrepreneurial and existing operators enter and navigate the complex cannabis industry with ease by offering its franchise partners the training, resources, and ongoing support needed to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary. Currently, Unity Rd. has agreements signed for the development of more than two dozen franchisee owned and operated shops across multiple states. Financial Results for Q1 FY2021, Ended December 31, 2020: Revenue: For the three months ended December 31, 2020 , revenue was $3.0 million , an increase of $1.5 million , or 98%, compared with $1.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019 . This increase was primarily due to increased production outputs, supported by operational improvements, as product demand grew. For the three months ended , revenue was , an increase of , or 98%, compared with for the three months ended . This increase was primarily due to increased production outputs, supported by operational improvements, as product demand grew. Gross Profit: For the three months ended December 31, 2020 , gross profit was $1.4 million , an increase of $0.9 million , or 195%, compared with $0.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019 . The resulting gross margin was 47%, compared with 32% for the same quarter last year. The increase in gross profit was due to the ramp-up in production and continued improvement in the operating capacity of the Company's cultivation and processing facilities. With the Company's continued production expansion and focus on operational efficiencies and cost reduction, management expects gross profit to continue to grow going forward. Management believes costs of revenues will increase at a lower rate than revenues in future periods, which is expected to lead to higher profit margins than historical figures illustrate. Through bulk purchasing, production efficiencies, and investments in equipment, management believes that the Company will continue to improve gross profit margins. Total Operating Expenses: For the three months ended December 31, 2020 , total operating expenses were $1.8 million , an increase of $0.1 million , or 7%, compared with $1.7 million for the same quarter last year. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased from 110% to 59% for the quarters compared. Management believes this ratio will decrease going forward as the expectation is that revenues will continue to grow at a higher rate than operating expenses. Of note, $0.7 million of the Company's operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2020 were non-cash expenses, including depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation. Operating Loss: For the three months ended December 31, 2020 , operating loss was $0.4 million , a decrease of $0.8 million , or 70%, compared with operating loss of $1.2 million for the same quarter last year. For the three months ended , operating loss was , a decrease of , or 70%, compared with operating loss of for the same quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA: After adding back non-cash operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest and stock-based compensation, Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was positive $0.4 million , as compared with a loss of $0.7 million for the same quarter last year. After adding back non-cash operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest and stock-based compensation, Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended was positive , as compared with a loss of for the same quarter last year. Net Loss: For the three months ended December 31, 2020 , net loss was $1.1 million , a decrease of $0.9 million , or 46%, compared with $2.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019 . Loss per share for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $0.02 per share, compared with loss per share of $0.03 per share for the same quarter last year. The Company filed its Form 10-Q on February 16, 2021. Click here to view. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement the Company's financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, Item 9 Labs provides Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of its performance. To provide investors with additional insight and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the information used by management in its financial and decision-making surrounding pro forma operations, Item 9 Labs supplements its consolidated financial statements presented on a basis consistent with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, with Adjusted EBITDA as a non-GAAP financial measure of earnings. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA plus stock-based compensation and change in fair value of derivative liabilities. Item 9 Labs management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure to evaluate the profitability and efficiency of the business model. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the strength of the underlying operations of the business. These adjustments, and the non-GAAP financial measures that are derived from them, provide supplemental information to analyze its operations between periods and over time. Item 9 Labs finds this especially useful when reviewing pro forma results of operations, which include large non-cash amortizations of intangible assets from acquisitions and stock-based compensation. Investors should consider its non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. About Item 9 Labs Corp. Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. With substantial insider investment, the Company brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and production innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector and capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered in Arizona, the Company has 650,000+ square feet of operations space under development on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.com. Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, especially in a foreign country, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, proposed transactions that are not legally binding obligations of the company and the ability to manage and continue growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include the introduction of new technology, market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Media Contact: Item 9 Labs Jayne Levy, Director of Communications Email: [email protected] Investor Contact: Item 9 Labs +1-800-403-1140 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Item 9 Labs Corp. Related Links https://item9labs.com LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2021 / Bluberi (or "the Company") today announced the appointment of industry veterans Steve Kohon as Vice President of Sales, Western Region, and Mesa Whitehurst, Vice President of Sales, Eastern Region. The appointments further strengthen the Company's sales and leadership teams as they prepare to enter new markets and introduce new slot products in 2021. Together, Kohon and Whitehurst bring over 30 years of sales, marketing, and product management experience to the Company. Bluberi plans to leverage that knowledge as they develop new products and strive to grow and become the easiest company to do business with. Kohon joins the Company after spending over ten years at Konami Gaming, Inc., in various sales and product-related roles, ending his tenure with the company as Senior Director of Sales, Western Region. Whitehurst comes most recently from Konami Gaming, as well, where he served in several sales roles including Senior Account Executive and Director of National Accounts. "We are so happy to welcome Steve and Mesa to Bluberi. We are excited for the experience they bring to the team," said Casey Whalen, Bluberi's Chief Commercial Officer. "We will leverage Steve's history in both Sales and Product Management to introduce fresh products to new and existing customers alike. Mesa is passionate about sales and marketing and has vast and varied experience in both of those fields, both in and outside the gaming industry. Together, the two form a powerhouse team that will propel the Company forward as they work cooperatively throughout the organization." Kohon will join the Company at their office in Las Vegas, where he resides with his wife and two young children, and spends his free time streaming his favorite video games online. Whitehurst will join remotely from his home state of Florida, where he has lived for 15 years with his wife and two children. Mesa likes to spend his free time boating with the family. Backed by more than 25 years of industry experience, Bluberi is an established and reliable company with an expansive vision to deliver the highest quality casino gaming experience to players and operators across the globe. We strive to provide industry-leading customer service by being the easiest company to do business with, and are proud to be an agile supplier, able to respond to customer feedback quickly as we grow to become a best-in-class gaming partner. To learn more, visit bluberi.com. Media Contact: Name: Lesley Hodges Email: Lesley.hodges@bluberi.com Phone: 702-290-5951 SOURCE: Bluberi Gaming View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/629563/Bluberi-Strengthens-Sales-Leadership-with-New-Additions